Oh Gee! You Guys Look Really Fun! (Porter/Private)

Anything I could have said would only have fueled Kaiser's fire. As badly as I wanted to spit a snarky remark his way, I simply shot him a glare, but dropped my icy stare as I noticed the corners of his thin-lipped mouth twitch in a battle against a smug smile. Gods, what was he? A Kindergartner? 
I turned my attention away from the tall punk, and towards Dean as I helped Finn into a dining room chair.
"Ignore him, Dean. That's Kaiser, he's a dumbass," I introduced.
"I thought he was a loser," Finn joked as she lowered herself onto the seat, leaning back in her chair and folding her arms across her chest.
"He's both," I confirmed simply.
Dean said nothing, but shot a short nod towards Kaiser as he crossed over the living room and into the dining room to lean against one of his counters.
"I'm glad you came, Quinny," Finn said, regarding me with her usual lazy-eyed expression.
"I'm sure you are," I answered, a smirk tugging at the corner of my mouth. Finn raised her eyebrows, but continued talking.
"I've been meaning to talk to you about a proposition," she mused, grabbing my attention easily. I paused for a moment, before taking a seat in a chair across from Finn at the dining room table.
"Shit, Quintyn, I thought this was going to be a quick visit," Kaiser muttered. I rolled my eyes at him, unzipping the black leather bag clipped around my waist and thigh to pull out his book.
"Here," I said, as I handed him the paperback novel. "Quintyn's doing business." Kaiser looked at me with his usual annoyed stare, but didn't seem too beat up about the fact that he now had his book back. I turned my attention back to Finn, who grinned as she  watched the interaction between the two of us. 
"Keep talking," I urged her shortly, leaning back in my chair and listening attentively. I didn't know what I expected this proposition to be, but knowing Finn it was probably something worth listening to.
"Y'know Quin, I've been feeling pretty disconnected from camp lately. What, with being all cooped up in this middle-of-no-where cabin, only visited by my friends on the rare occasion they decide to grace me with their presence..." She looked at me as her words lingered in the air around us.
"Is this a guilt trip?" I asked, eyes narrowing suspiciously. Sure, I could have visited Finn more, but I knew she had no lack of visitors coming through her doors, with Roxy taking time out of every single day to "check up on her", and Luke and Fletch being the kind of guys they were... Of course, they were on a quest now, so I could see how her visiting hours may have been cut short.
"No, of course not," Finn assured, in a genuine tone that made me relax. "But, it has given me a lot of time to think."
"Oh, shit. Didn't think you had it in you," I joked. Finn ignored my sarcastic remark.
"I came up with this idea I've been meaning to pitch to you. What do you think of a Demigod Facebook?"
I blinked, taking a moment before I responded. 
"Explain..."
"It's pretty much exactly like Facebook, but made for demigods. They can post statuses, they can interact and chat to each other, all that fun shit," she went on. I pursed my lips as I waited for her to finish.
"A couple things... What about the little detail that says technology attracts monsters?" I asked.
"Hence why it's a demigod Facebook," Finn answered simply. "We need to figure out a way to develop a software that won't attract monsters to it, which is where you come in." 
"Finn, just because I'm Athena's kid doesn't mean I know how to work software, or any of that." To be honest, I was kind of worthless with it.
"Please, I know that," Finn answered, raising a hand to indicate I should listen.
"I need your help to find someone who does, like a child of Hephaestus who's especially good at working technology. You've got a bunch of connections around camp, right?" 
I nodded slowly. I did, in fact, already have an idea in mind of who to go to in the Hephaestus cabin for something like that.
"Alright, fine. But why create a Demigod Facebook when we have Iris messaging?"
"Because Iris messaging is so complicated," Finn said, her tone feigning exhaustion. "You've gotta' get a rainbow going, donate one of your drachma's... It's only a one on one thing... We could do so much better." I had to agree.
"So, what's in it for me?" I asked, the most important question, in my mind. a grin slid across Finn's lips, as if she'd been waiting for me to ask. She knew me so well.
"A cut of the proceeds."
"How big of a cut are we talking?" I asked. The number was all that mattered in this situation.
"That's for you to figure out," Finn answered. I looked at her with eyebrows knit in a questioning matter.
"I'm gonna need someone to go around and find out just how interested campers would be in this. Depending on how much support we could get, we can figure out how to split the proceeds."
I took a deep breath in, lips pursed in thought as I mulled over Finn's idea. She watched me with her coal black eyes, sitting across from me with legs spread open, arms folded over her chest, and the same lazy expression on her face. She didn't seem too worried about a rejection, not that I had any reason to reject her. 
"Sure," I finally answered. "Why not. I'll ask around camp and get back to you." 
"Great," Finn answered, leaning forward and holding out a gloved hand to shake. "Partner." I met her in the middle, joining our hands in a clasp, shaking on it. 

Finn leaned back in her chair, a satisfied expression resting across her face. 
I stood from my seat, turning away from Finn to regard Dean, who leaned against his counter, eyes cast toward a lighter he flicked to generate a hypnotizing flame. 
"Pleasure doing business with you, Finn." The Australian girl remained seated, but granted me a nod in my direction. 
"Dean, I have something I wanted to ask you." The dark haired boy perked up at his name, tearing his attention from the flame in his hands I knew he'd been lost in. That kid had some serious obsession with fire. 
"Yeah?" Dean flipped the lid of the Zippo back over and stuffed it in his pocket, pushing himself off of the counter to step forward towards me. 
"Kaiser and I are going out into the city today," I explained. 
"Oh," Dean answered. His tone a mix of surprise and curiosity. I could hear something else circulating within it, but I couldn't put my finger on it. I resisted in asking about it, knowing I probably wouldn't get a straight answer from Dean anyway. It seemed I was always decoding this boy. He was very introspective... Kind of like Kaiser. Gods, what great company I kept.  
"I was wondering if you'd give us a ride in the Strawberry truck. Your run is pretty soon, right?" Deans light-eyed gaze swept from me, to Kaiser, and back to me before he answered. I couldn't help but watch him with an analytical eye. He seemed slightly uncomfortable in the way he carried himself, hair a curtain over his eyes, as if in attempt to protect them from revealing to much. The soft red flush prickling along his face from before hadn't completely gone. It was stark against his pale complexion and dark under-eye circles. At least, it was from the distance I was standing. I found myself wishing I could get inside his head, see what he was thinking. Sometimes it felt as if I couldn't fully read him, and it was frustrating to say the least.  
"Yeah, I, uh- was waiting for them to fill it. They should be done around now," he answered. 
"So you'll do it then?" I asked, a grin spreading across my face, snapping from my train of thought. Dean couldn't seem to help letting a small crooked smirk grace his lips before he answered. 
"Yeah, no worries, I gotcha' Quin." 

Flint stood back and watched us haul crates into the truck. His black-eyed gaze following the tall punk he'd never seen before.
"So who's the Michale Graves look-alike trying to rip me of my kingship?" The Satyr asked as he stepped forward, gripping a crate full of strawberries and bringing them to the trunk of the car.
I passed Flint on my way to pick up another crate, shaking my head as I did.
"I swear you and Finn are the same person," I muttered, although loud enough for everyone around me to hear. Flint threw his head back in a chuckle.
"How honoured I am to be compared to the absolute Goddess that is Finn Thatcher," he said, tone unsatirically prideful. I cocked an eyebrow, looking over my shoulder as I picked up the crate and scoffed. I could see why Finn and Flint were really good friends. They'd known each other before, but the two had grown closer after both having been moved to Deans cabin for their protection. Now it seemed as if they were virtually inseparable.
As I loaded my crate into the truck, Dean, Kaiser, and Flint collected the last of them from the ground.
"So are you going to tell me or what?" Flint persisted. I leaned against the open door of the van and glanced at Kaiser, whose face carried a flat expression, as usual, before I turned my attention to Flint.
"That's Kaiser," I introduced half-assedly. Kaiser gave a short nod towards Flint as he loaded his crate into the back of the van. He moved aside to allow room for Dean, who was next in line with his crate.
"Kaiser?" Flint said, eyebrows cocked curiously and head tilted to the side, an incredulous smirk plastered along his lips. "What kinda' name's Kaiser? Kaiser what?" I couldn't help but snort. Kaiser just rolled his eyes and stuck his hands in his pockets.
"It's German," he said curtly as if Flint were the most uncultured swine he'd ever met.
"That's not his first name. He won't tell anybody his first name... His sister is pretty damn good at keeping the secret too. Kaiser is his last name." I burned with curiosity when I thought about Kaiser's first name. How bad could it possibly be that even Shiloh wouldn't tell me?
"Hohohoo..." Flint snickered as he loaded the last cart into the van. Dean closed the back doors as the Satyr stepped aside. "How mysterious." Flint looked at Kaiser, eyes the colour of coal dancing with mischief and curiosity. I couldn't help but feel that Kaiser got that look of curiosity from a lot of people. It was silent for a moment, as Kaiser tried to ignore the existence of all three of us and pretend as if he wasn't actually here.
"Flint, Finn needs you back at the cabin," Dean said, before turning his attention back to me. "You ready to get going, Quin?"
"Where are you two off to? Sneaking out of camp? Does Mr. D know what you two are up to?" Flint asked nosily, a mocking tone of disapproval in his voice. I knew he didn't give a shit who was in and out of camp. I especially knew he didn't give a shit about what Mr. D thought.
"I'm going to get a tattoo," I answered. "Kaiser's taking me to get one as a birthday present."
"Aw, sweet!" Flint exclaimed, excitement lighting up his elfish features. "What's the design?"
"You'll have to see it when I get back," I answered with a grin. I hadn't shown anybody the design I wanted. I had barely even talked about getting a tattoo. I wanted it to be a surprise.
"Aw, man... I'm itching to get some new ink," Flint said dreamily. "I wish Mr. D would assign me a demigod run already." Ironically, the Satyr was the most tattooed person I knew at camp. I had a feeling he was the most tattooed person at camp in general. He took a lot of pride in that. I'd seen his impressive tattoo collection before, and it was definitely a masterpiece in every aspect. Cunningly thought out designs and master artistry permanently etched into his fair skin. I was so excited to have that.
"Well," Flint started with a breathy sigh and a stretch of his back. "Finn needs a little Flint action, and who am I to reject an offer like that?"
"Gross," I muttered.
Flint simply grinned at me wolfishly. "Happy birthday, Quintyn I'll see you around. Hopefully you too, Stretch." The Satyr left with a wave over his shoulder, dashing off at a quick jog through the forest, dark brown goat legs carrying him easily through debris.
"Alright," I said, stepping forward to make my way around the van. "I call shotgun."

Dean fired up the engine after the three of us had piled into the delivery van. He put the car into drive and pulled forward. The sound of wheels rolling over a rocky dirt path could barely be heard over the sound of classic rock playing from the radio.
"I didn't know it was your birthday," Dean said to break the silence that had filled the truck.
"I don't usually tell a lot of people," I answered with a smirk.
Kaiser scoffed from the back seat. "Why'd it have to me my problem then?" He complained.
"'Cause your dads rich," I answered shortly. Dean looked confused at the comment.
"I'm using his dads money to pay for this tattoo... It's a long story," I explained poorly. Dean nodded with his dark eyebrows knit together.
"Well, uh... Happy birthday," he said. "I would have gotten you something had I known." He looked at me for a moment, just long enough for me to notice something stirring on his facial features, but not long enough for me to read it. I was never really able to get a read on Dean. He was a lot like Kaiser. There was a lot that went on in his mind, but very little facial expression to read them.
"Did you pick up the pack of smokes I payed you for last week?" I asked, keeping my gaze fixed on the profile of his face as he looked towards the road. I usually payed Dean some money to pick me up cigarettes. He got out more, therefore, he had an easier time getting a hold of such luxuries. Dean nodded towards the glove compartment in front of me. I popped it open and found a box of Lucky Strike's sitting neatly at the front. I took the box and flipped it open to inspect them, a satisfied grin on my face.
"This can count as your birthday present to me," I told him. a small, crooked grin passed along the older boys mouth.
"You payed me for those," he pointed out.
"Well then give me back my money," I suggested as if it were the obvious solution, which, it was. Dean ran his top teeth along his bottom lip, corners of his mouth turned upward as he chuckled lightly.
"Deal," he said. I began to pull one of the cigarettes out of the package before Dean interrupted me.
"Can't smoke them in here, Quin," he said, an empathetic ring in his tone. "I tried it once and Mr. D had my ass for the next two weeks. Took the car keys and everything. Had that dude with all the eyes take my run into the city and didn't pay me for it."
"Gods, don't smoke that shit around me either," Kaiser chimed in from the back. I rolled my eyes. and turned in my seat to look at him. His expression disgusted, mismatched eyes staring at me as if I were crazy. I grinned at him.
"Don't be a square, Kaiser. When we get to the city I'll let you have a drag."

The white delivery van slows to a stop in front of a loud looking car dealership. The familiar building brings an intoxicating wave of nostalgia over me, and I can't conceal my genuine smile. Expensive looking cars sit out in the front parking lot, high prices painted on their windshields grasping the attention of passersby with their bright neon pink hue.
"Damn..." Dean mutters, his light eyes cast towards the enticing vehicles. "Think your dad would donate me a cooler looking ride?"
I scoff, turning to look out my window again. "Out of the kindness of his heart? I highly doubt it... You did kinda introduce his beloved daughter to smoking."
I can hear the nervousness in Deans shakey reply. "He doesn't... Uh... Know that... does he?" Dean has listened to many of  the stories I've told of my father. He's right to be a little afraid of him. 
"I haven't mentioned you to him yet, Bud. Don't worry about it." I shoot the taller boy a grin. He looks as if he doesn't know if this information is a good or bad thing. My gaze turns quickly to Kaiser, who sits in a slouched position, long arms crossed over his chest. 
"I also haven't told him about my little habit yet, and I trust he won't be hearing about it from anyone other than myself," I say, meeting his heterochromic glance with a hard stare. I'm not worried about my father knowing about my smoking. After all, he indulges the same habits in certain situations, but I can't help the feeling he wouldn't enjoy being told by anyone other than myself, especially if it was an obnoxious punk kid he'd only just met. Kaiser seems to understand, as he sighs deeply and rolls his eyes at me. 
"I don't even want to meet the guy," he mutters. "Let alone talk to him about smoking." 
"Charming," I reply, but I find myself relieved as a small grin forms on my lips. 
I turn forward and undo the seatbelt that confines me to the uncomfortably lumpy Strawberry Service truck seat.
"Thanks for the ride, Dean," I say as I open the door.
"Anything for y- Um. Yeah, no. You're welcome. Anytime. No worries. I'll see you back at camp. Can't wait to see the tattoo." He stumbles over his words. His reply has halted me momentarily. I pretend I've only heard the second part as my feet find the ground, and nod to him after closing the truck door behind me. I feel I should say something, but for once I feel lost for words. 
"This is what hell must be like," Kaiser mutters under his breath. His tone drips with disdain as he exits the truck after me. "I need a smoke break." Kaiser smoothly takes the pack of Lucky Strikes that I still grip in my hands, despite my yelp of protest. I think I need it more than he does. His stride is fast, aided by long legs he speed walks to the building that neighbors my fathers and ducks behind the corner. 
The engine of the delivery truck purrs to life as Dean puts it into drive, pulling back onto the road. I wave at him over my shoulder as I march after Kaiser muttering curses in Russian and English under my breath. 

I find the tall punk leaning against a dingy looking brick wall. Pack of Luckies in one hand, in the other a cigarette he's pulled from it. I reach into my bag, hand grasping the box of matches I keep on me to use as a light. 
"Having a good smoke break? It's a bit easier if you actually light it," I chide as I flick the match across the brick wall and grant it life. I hold the open flame to the end of the cigarette, the paper and contents within becoming charred as the familiar ashy scent fills the air around us. 
"Mm. Thanks," he grumbles shortly as he stares at the cigarette in his hand. The thought dawns on me that I should take a picture of this, as Kaiser looks as if he's come out of a punk aesthetic blog on Tumblr, leaning against a brick wall with mohawk standing at attention and leather jacket cast around his torso, smoke curling around his angular face. I doubt he will actually allow me to capture him like this, but I turn my back to him anyway, trying to discreetly pull my polaroid camera from it's case hanging from my shoulder.
"What are you doing?" He asks.
As if to answer him, I turn with the camera poised and ready at my eye. I waste no time pressing the button that takes the picture.  
"Aw, fuck off!" He exclaims, throwing the hand that holds the box of Luckies up to hide his face, but it's too late, I don't know if the picture will be blurry or not, but it was worth a shot. I wait until the camera spits out the piece of film before putting the equipment away.
"Now we wait to see just how photogenic that crooked nose of yours is," I say, as I reach for the cigarette Kaiser holds between his index and middle finger, the one he hasn't yet dragged off of. He moves his hand and drops the perfectly good cigarette on the floor, crushing it under his black boot. 
"oops," he says flatly.
"Dude what the hell!?" I exclaim. He looks far too satisfied with himself. "That was such a waste," I say with narrowed eyes.
"You'll get over it," he replies cooley.

I hold the glass door of my fathers dealership open for Kaiser, who walks through with his hands stuffed in his pockets and shoulders hunched over under his chunky leather jacket. 
The dealership is busy today. People mill around inspecting cars and talking to my dads employees. A man argues with his wife about the price of a van as their three children climb around the seats. One sits in the drivers seat making obnoxious honking noises with his mouth as he slams a small hand on the steering wheel. 
"Well if it isn't Quintyn Avilov come to grace us with her presence," a voice calls through the clearing. I whip my head around to the source of the sound to see Joey, an old man, who has to be at least in his early seventies now, beaming at me from across the room. A smile finds its way across my face. 
"Dad still has you working here, Joey?" I say as I approach the fragile looking man. He's worked here ever since I can remember. Whenever my father had brought me to work, Joey had been the one to take care of me. He was like the grandfather I never knew. 
"Please, if it weren't for me this place would be run into the ground," Joey replies, winking his milky blue eye at me good naturedly. 
"Don't let him hear you say that. Speaking of, do you know where he is?" 
"He's with some customers I think," Joey replies, scanning the area and craning his neck until his eyes find their target and he points it to me with a gnarled looking callused finger. "Just over there." 
"Thanks, Joe," I reply. 
Kaiser and I make our way over to my father. I stop him for a moment, figuring I owe him a warning. 
"Are you ready?" I ask. 
"I don't want to be here," he answers flatly. 
"I should warn you," I begin. Kaiser looks at me with one of the most unimpressed faces I've ever seen him use. "Be on your best behaviour. He can be a little intimidating." Kaiser snorts a response as we continue walking. 
As we approach, my father takes notice of us. It takes him a moment to realize who he's looking at, it seems, but his dark brown eyes dance with an excited light as he rests his gaze on me. I smile back at him and wave. It takes everything I've got to be cool and not run to him like I would when I was six. My father wastes no time in excusing himself from the sale, much to the customers disdain. He introduces them to one of his employees. A short, brunette woman about forty whom I know as Janet. 

"Quintyn!" My father exclaims, his deep voice booming with pride and joy. He's closed the distance between us in mere moments, and wraps me in his arms for a hug. His beard rubs against my cheek, causing an itching sensation I realize that I've missed terribly. 
"Hey dad," I murmur into his shoulder.
"I didn't expect to see you here today!" He breaks from the hug to rest his hands on my shoulders and look at me. "Happy birthday, my Russian Doll. Eighteen! It's hard to believe it's been so many years." His gaze suddenly flits from me to Kaiser. His hands drop from my shoulders, eyes stormy with curiosity. "Who's this?" He asks in polite tone, though I can tell he's sizing up the tall boy who's come with me. 
"This is Kaiser," I introduce, My words melting into a strong Russian accent under the influence of my father. I leave out his nicknames, such as Loser or Dumbass this time. "He's a friend of mine." My father bows his head and holds out his hand. I can't help but clench my jaw as I look at Kaiser, wondering how he'll react. He surprises me by taking my fathers hand and shaking it, returning my fathers short bow with a nod of his own. I find I can breathe again. 
"A tight grip makes a worthy comrade," Dad notes, amusement showing as the crowsfeet at the corners of his eyes lengthen. "Although it might do some good to relax a little...Shall we go somewhere more private?" My father asks. Kaiser is showing all signs of being uncomfortable, and my father is realizing every single one. 
"Sure," I answer. "Lead the way." 
My father takes us to his office at the back of the dealership. He locks the door behind us so that we won't be suddenly interrupted. 
"What is the occasion you're in Brooklyn?" Dad asks as he sits in his office chair, back straight, as he has an image to uphold in the company of a stranger. 
"I'm celebrating," I answer with a sly grin. 
"Oh?" I hand him a folded piece of paper. He opens it, scanning it intently before a broad smile forms on his lips. He knows exactly what it is, as I have wanted to get this tattoo for many years now. 
"It's beautiful," he answers, handing back the piece of paper. I smile contently. It's nice to have my dads approval. He turns to Kaiser, who's been very quiet this whole interaction. 
"I haven't heard much about you, Kaiser. Why has Quintyn chosen you to tag along?" He asks lightheartedly, though I know he wants to spark a conversation. It's the easiest way to read a person. 
"He's got the money," I answer with a sly grin, so Kaiser doesn't have to. I know his answer will be along the lines of "she made me," or "I'm here against my will please help she's got a gun." Drama queen.
My answer  intrigues my father, as I knew it would. 
"U nego yest' den'gi?" He asks. He has money?
"yego otets delayet. Mnogo etogo," I anwer. His father does. A lot of it. 
Dad is thoughtful for a moment, before he looks at the two of us and replies, 
"Zhenit'sya , chto mal'chik." Marry that boy. 
A prickling sensation rises to my cheeks before I can put on my poker face. It's no use, anyway. My father would know. It's so hard to keep a poker face around him, but I manage to pull myself together quickly. I hadn't expected him to answer like that. A wry grin pulls itself across his lips as his gaze sweeps between Kaiser and me. 


 

Papa stands behind his desk, his playful gaze flits between Kaiser and I as we sit in his office chairs, not daring to glance at the other. The idea of what my father suggests is enough to make me want to jump off a bridge. By the look of his wicked grin, he's loving this. He doesn't even try to mask his satisfaction in bringing embarrassment upon his daughter, and his daughter's new friend. Is this my punishment for staying away for so long? Gods, I'll come to the city every week if it saves me from Papa's attempts at matchmaking.
It feels like the silence has lasted forever, but I know it hasn't even been a minute before my father saunters around his desk with a breathy sigh. 
"Although," he muses as he sits on the Mahogany surface in front of Kaiser and I. "It is a special day, is it not? My Russian Doll turns eighteen... And here I am with nothing wrapped." He looks at me with a sad expression, as if he's disappointed in himself, but my father has a greatly developed memory, and a love for celebrating milestones in one's life. A sly grin threatens his lips as he notes the smirk that I allow to cross mine. 
"Is your memory already failing you, Papa? You used to be so good at remembering these sorts of things." 
"Ah, ye of little faith! You wound me with your doubt, lyubov moya." He grips a hand to his chest dramatically. "Perhaps my gift to you this year was simply too big to wrap, hm?" 
"I'll believe it when I see it, pozhiloy chelovek," I counter. Another bassy laugh escapes his mouth as he stands, and it turns my smirk into a beaming smile. I feel suddenly comforted, no longer on edge under my fathers scrutiny. He shakes his head as he replies. 
"Didn't anybody teach you to respect your elders?" 

Papa crosses the room, tossing the keys around his fingers once more before he smoothly unlocks the door and holds it open for Kaiser and I. With the tension between us somewhat at ease for now, I find I can look at Kaiser again. His hands are once again stuffed into the pockets of his black cargo pants as he exits the room, but he seems relieved to both have my fathers attention turned away from him, and to be out of the office. Somehow, I feel as if my pride has considerably dissipated due to Kaiser having witnessed my father mortify me so easily.  I let out a long, quiet breath as I stand and follow him, straightening the distressed jean vest that layers my black zip-up hoodie as if to put myself back together again. I pass my father, and he gives me a short wink before resting his hand on my shoulder. 
Papa leads us along the hallway and back out into the showing room, where everything is as we left it. Rich, white nuclear families gazing at expensive cars they'll buy for the bragging rights. Nothing but sheep wandering ever so closely to the jaws of a wolf.
Papa takes the lead and brings us to the giant glass doors of the building. We step outside, greeted by the chilly spring air. I'm starting to wonder what he has up his sleeve now, as we are brought to the parking lot where he keeps the cars ready for the taking.
He turns to me briefly. "I'll just be a moment," he says, as he walks off and around the corner of the dealership. Kaiser and I are left alone, so I take a moment to lighten our situation. 
"You were shitting your pants," I say, a large smirk sliding across my mouth.
He leans over me as he replies cooley. "'Scuse me, Princess. I've never seen you choke up like that before. In front of your own father? Kind of a disappointment, really."
I cock an eyebrow upward, my smirk disappearing slightly as I set my jaw. Kaiser looks at me with his eyebrows raised, his mouth is a thin-lipped line. 
"Ah, piss off," I answer as the sound of a car coming closer fills the air between us. Kaiser straightens and looks away, blowing air out of his nose in his own form of amusement. 

The vehicle rolls into view. I'm shocked and slightly confused to see the Impala that had been trashed on my last quest, with my father in the driver seat. The car is just as it looked when I'd taken it from the Hephaestus cabin. They had done their best to straighten out the dents and repaint, but the car definitely looks as if it's been through the hell fury brought on by maniac Satyrs. I find that I like it's imperfect presentation. On top of the roof sits a big white bow. Papa cuts the engine and steps out, opening his arms wide in presentation.
"Happy birthday," he says, a wide grin adorns his face.
"Wait." I step forward wearing an incredulous expression. "Are you... Giving me the Impala again?"
"It's all yours," he answers smoothly. "Like I said, it's no longer fit for me to drive, but I think it makes a fitting birthday gift, don't you?" He walks over to me, placing his hand on my shoulder once more.
"Oh my Gods," I mutter. I have no other words, as I can't believe he'd trust me enough to actually give me a car after I trashed it the last time I took it out. My father pulls me into a side hug and kisses the top of my head.
"All I ask is that you take care of it, Doll," he murmurs.
"Of course!" I reply. There's an excitement that spreads through my chest now. The shock dwindling as I stare at the black car parked in front of me. I turn and pull my father into a real hug.
"Thank you, Papa," I mutter.  
"You're very welcome," he replies. He wears a happy smile on his face. His dark eyes twinkle. 
"I only had Joey install a newer stereo," he explains. "The rest of it is the work of your friends back at camp." 
"Are you saying you're going to let me look like an idiot on the road?" I question, although my tone is playful and sarcastic. I couldn't, personally, care less about what parts make up the car I'm driving. I freaking love this car. 
"That's exactly what I'm saying," Papa replies with another mischievous wink. He steps forward and opens the drivers seat door for me. I hurry to climb in, wrapping my fists around the retro looking wheel and adjusting the tan leather seat. 
"Have fun today," Papa says as he closes the drivers seat car and slips his hands casually into his pockets. I lean my head out of the open drivers seat window to look up at him. 
"Definitely." My father steps aside with a satisfied expression on his face, and I turn my head to Kaiser, who, as usual, hasn't said a word. He looks the car over as if he doesn't completely recognize it. I realize he has only ever seen it looking like a beaten mess. 
"Get in, Loser!" I call to him. "Driver get's radio privileges." Kaiser and I have the same musical taste, so I don't think he'll have much of a problem with my rule, but then again, it's a rule. He'll probably find something to complain about.
Kaiser makes his way towards the passenger seat, but he's stopped by my fathers arm across his chest. I can't help but tense, as I notice Kaiser does as well.
"Keep her out of trouble, will you Kaiser?" Papa says with a lighthearted smirk, forcing eye contact with the punk that stands at the same height he does.  " And remember... Always say yes to an Avilov." His arm lingers across Kaiser's chest  for a moment, as does his eye contact before his falls back into the pockets of his pants. He lets a light chuckle fill the air as he steps away to let Kaiser pass. Obviously satisfied to mess with him one last time before we leave.  

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lyubov moya - My Love 
pozhiloy chelovek -Old Man

(I got these from the internet so if anyone actually knows Russian and wants to tell me the correct translation u should totally PM me and I'll love ou forever.) 

[coughs as I change the setting to a cute little breakfast dive instead of a Five Guys after a conversation I had with Porter]



I can't believe the first Olympian I meet in person is freaking Aphrodite. Not my own mother, no. Of course not. It had to be Aphro-fucking-dite.

I'd heard the voice call out as Kaiser and I had placed our orders with our unusually happy waitress.

Seriously. "You guys look really fun"? What does that even mean?

I had figured the comment had been directed towards another patron. Really, that was the only thing that made sense to me. Who goes around calling random strangers cute, right? Especially random strangers that looked like Kaiser and I. Fun.

Well, Aphrodite... apparently.

Where Kaiser seemed to think ignoring the situation would make it go away, I had never been failed by the signature glare I'd coined early in my life. Upon hearing the voice so close to us, I raised my eyes to meet the sound, preparing a silent and effective threat, only to be met with the surprise of a womanly figure shifting shape.

Once he'd taken notice, Kaiser asked a question that didn't need to be answered.



"I'm Aphrodite. But please, call me mom."



The booth is silent as the Goddess gracefully takes a seat across from Kaiser and I. She wears a happy smile plastered along lips painted a bright pink. Her eyes are bright as she stares at us ahead of her, manicured fingers curled over each other as she clasps her hands in front of her. Kaiser is silent, and somehow it feels different from his usual sullenness. I don't have to look at him to know what he's feeling. I know enough about Kaiser's opinions of his parents, his hatred and contempt towards them, to realize that he's seething... Or close to it.

I plead silently that he won't make me do all of the talking to his mother, but what feels like an eternity passes, and neither he, nor Aphrodite has said anything else. I relent, grudgingly, vowing to send a nasty right hook into his shoulder later.

"Aphrodite," I say, pushing away the negativity I feel from my voice. The tone that I allow past my lips is that of a curious confusion. Like the kind of tone you would use to greet an acquaintance you can't fully remember. The Goddess flits her gaze to me, granting me a pleasant smile.

"Quintyn Avilov, yes?" She asks rhetorically. We both know that she knows exactly who I am. "Athena's daughter. My, you are a lovely girl. Athena did a good job thinking you up!" I force a muttered laugh through tightly closed lips to humour the Goddess. If there's one thing I know about the Gods, it's that they have no problem making the lives of Demigods a living nightmare. It's best to be civil in your interactions with them. Another thing I know about the Gods, is that they very rarely ever visit their children without an ulterior motive.

"What brings you down to the city?" I question. "To, uh... Our company." I say it as charmingly as I possibly can to hide my disdain. Although what I'd really like to say is what the fuck do you want?

"I've come to visit my son, of course!" Aphrodite cuts her glance to Kaiser. His arm, still in close proximity to mine, tightens considerably at the word 'son'. I notice that he carries his stress in his arms, as I glance down at his hands placed in his lap. They're balled into tight fists, knuckles stark white as bone presses against thin flesh. I note that he shares this in common with me. The feeling of tension buzzing along with the blood in my arms is a very familiar sensation.

Suddenly I'm afraid that he's going to do something stupid.

Suddenly I'm hoping he'll let me do all of the talking.

"I've come to share some motherly advice with him," Aphrodite continues. There's a knowing tone in her voice. Her smile is wry as she watches me with a seemingly predatory gaze.

No. I will not be intimidated by the Goddess of Love.

A high pitched hum escapes Kaiser's throat. His prominent adam's apple rises momentarily to accommodate the incline. His lips are pressed tightly together. All colour seems to have drained from them due to the pressure. His heterochromic eyes are widened in a disbelieving way, before he speaks. 
"Oh yeah? You've come to give me advice? I've got some advice for you, Lady." His words are coated in venom, eyes narrowing as he speaks. "Leave. Me. Alone."  Aphrodite waves a hand in front of her dismissively and tuts at Kaiser. 
"Don't be rude, my dear," she chides. I can feel the anger that is seething from him as if it were heat from a hot stove.  "Is that any way to talk to your mother?" 
"You've got to be kidding me," Kaiser snarls. His lips have curled up into a smile that strikes a discomfort in me. I realize I have never seen Kaiser smile this wide in all of my time of knowing him. It's an incredulous smile, sharp and hooked. Predatory and hungry for blood. I find myself thinking that I never want him to look at me like that. Ever. I'm all about pissing Kaiser off, but there's something about this expression that actually scares me, though I'll never admit it to him. Aphrodite simply sighs, gazing dramatically towards a napkin that sits neatly in front of her. She adjusts the spoon, knife and fork that sits atop of the flimsy paper.  
"I suppose this would have been a better meeting had I chosen a moment you were with your sister," Aphrodite muses. It's as if his mother has lit a forest fire inside of him. Kaiser's face falls. His expression is deadly. 
"Don't you dare go near Shiloh, Lady," he growls. His posture changes as he leans forward.
Or what, Kaiser? She's a freaking Goddess. What're you gonna do?
I keep my mouth shut, knowing that challenging him will set him off. 
Although I find his threat incredibly stupid, I feel respect for Kaiser as he grows defensive and protective of his only family. I would do anything for my father, and I know the Kaiser twins feel the same about each other. They are both my best friends at camp, and the amount they care for each other is astounding. From many nightly conversations with Shiloh, I've been told about everything they've been through together. They truly, for the longest time, only had each other.  
"I personally think your sister and I would get along grandly," Aphrodite retorts curtly. "She's really coming to terms with being one of my children. I am so very proud of her." 
Kaiser is about to spit back a reply, but the bright eyed waitress from earlier approaches our table with the matching dishes Kaiser and I have ordered.
"Oh!" She exclaims as she notices Aphrodite. "I wasn't aware you had another guest in your party. Can I get you anything?" Before the Goddess can respond, Kaiser answers quickly. His glaring gaze doesn't leave his mother sitting across from him.
"No. She was just leaving."
Aphrodite lets a light giggle escape her. It makes my skin crawl with aggravation.  
"Don't be silly. We've only just begun our visit!" To the waitress she says, "I'll have a water, thank you." The waitress asks if she's sure there won't be anything else. Aphrodite assures her, starting a conversation about watching her figure. The waitress compliments her weight.  I take the moment to grab Kaiser's arm and jerk his attention towards me. 
His eyes find mine, and they are wild with rage. I fix him with a hard stare I know he'll be able to read. 
Don't do anything stupid. Do you even know what she could do to your life if you piss her off? 
Kaiser huffs in response, the set of his jaw and his cocked eyebrow asks me: Do you think I care? 
I harden my gaze and shake my head slowly. 
Keep your cool. 
Kaiser's eyes go wide, his head shakes rapidly. I can tell he's close to blowing up, desperate to release the tension that's growing inside of him. 
"Oh, Goodness. You two are already reading each others minds!" Across from us, Aphrodite is staring with her bottom lip pouted obnoxiously, and her eyes close to tearing up. Her hands are clasped together, brought to the side of her face. "I must admit, Kaiser... I was hoping that you'd find a girl who would... Ah... Break you of your more... Disagreeable traits." Aphrodite looks at me up and down. There's a distaste that dances in her colour-changing eyes. She focuses her attention back on her son, leaving me to grit my teeth. "Your sister has found herself such a nice boy." 
"My sister finds herself a lot of nice boys," Kaiser grunts. His stare is cold and hard as he holds Aphrodite's gaze. The Goddess lets a crooked smile tug at her lips. 
"Yes, well, I do believe this one will be different," she muses. 
"You don't know anything about Shiloh," Kaiser spits. "Don't pretend you know anything about my sister or me." 
Aphrodite ignores the comment as she continues. "Listen to me, Kaiser," she says. Her eyes soften as she looks at him. "I know I have not been around in your life... Maybe it would have been better for you to have a present motherly figure...But I have something very important to tell you now...You need to let love in." 

"Let love in."

I don't complain as Kaiser forcefully pushes against my shoulder. I don't even complain as I'm almost pushed to the floor. Instead I accept his silent command to get out of his way, quickly removing myself from the booth to allow him his escape. I know as well as he does that he needs to get out of this situation. I'm actually relieved to watch him storm towards the door. 
My relief, of course, only lasts for so long. I watch as Kaiser stops walking, seemingly frozen in his long stride, facing the door with intent written across his features. For a moment I think the temptation of hitting his mother is too much to subside, but he doesn't make a move to turn around. 
Aphrodite jumps from her seat, calling to Kaiser in a desperate tone. 
"Stop, Berty!"
Berty?
Holy shit? 
...
Holy shit. 
Berty. 
Kaiser's scream amplifies over the Elvis Presley music that plays from the Jukebox in the corner of the diner. It draws the attention of many startled patrons. Too many eyes cast towards the tall punk boy as he stands frozen on his way out the door. The new information that I've been given swims in the forefront of my brain. I focus on getting Kaiser out of here instead. His first name had always been a mystery, always been something I wanted to know, but not like this. This is bullshit.  
"Please, Aphrodite. It's best that he gets some air. For all of us." I force calm into my voice, despite the fact that begging forces bile into my throat. Especially begging to Aphro-freaking-dite the love Goddess. She appraises me with a sad expression. Pink lips pouted and eyes pleading.
"But I was gonna give him this beautiful mirror."
She waves her hands, and soon she's holding a delicately decorated pocket mirror. The gold etchings of doves are detailed meticulously, an affect that makes it look as if it's a piece of ancient art. 
Kaiser's going to smash it. 
"I can hold onto it for now, I'll keep it safe for him, I promise."
This can't be any normal pocket mirror. Nine times out of ten, when your Godly parent wants to give you something that looks irrelevant, it turns out to be pretty powerful. I'd like to learn about what this thing does before I let Kaiser break it into millions of pieces. 
Kaiser is released from his hold. I breath a sigh of satisfaction as I watch him push open the diner doors and barrel out of the building. 
I fumble for my car keys, bringing them from my jean vest pocket and clicking the unlock button twice. My heart beats slower in my chest now with the confidence that my car will be saved from Kaiser's wrath.

Curious patrons go back to eating their meals, muttering amongst themselves over the commotion they had just witnessed. I'm not given much time to relax, though, as the realization that I now stand alone with Kaiser's mother snakes through my nerves. Her voice brings my attention back to her, a cold dread weaving it's way through every organ in my chest.
"Tell him... That when he needs it most, to look into the mirror and think of his friends." Aphrodite holds the pocket mirror in her delicate looking hands. I glide my teeth along my lower lip to hide the grin that furiously threatens to cross my mouth. I regard Aphrodite with raised eyebrows. The mental image of Kaiser looking into that mirror and "thinking of his friends" is enough to send my body convulsing with fits of laughter.  I force myself, once again, to act polite as I reach for the mirror. 
"I'll be sure to," I say, with an infinitesimal nod shot Aphrodite's way. As my hand makes contact with the cold metal, the Goddess cups her other hand over mine, a purposeful expression dancing in her ever-changing eyes. I stiffen under both her physical contact and her stare.
"It's very touching how much you care for him, Ms. Avilov." Aphrodite's gaze softens. Her lips are pulled into a touched smile.
"Uh. Aha. Yeah, well. He's a good friend to have. I care about my friends," I reply. Once again, I am appraised with a knowing smile. I wish she'd stop looking at me as if she knows more about me than I do. She's the one reading too excitedly into something that isn't even there. 
"So, what is it that this mirror does, exactly?" I ask, desperate to change the situation. I pull my hand out from Aphrodite's grip, pocket mirror in my grasp. I flip it open to look at myself in it curiously. Nothing about it seems special, as my usual reflection stares back at me. 
Aphrodite scoffs playfully. "Spoiler alert! It's all part of the surprise! Just tell him to use it when he needs it in battle." I should have known she wouldn't give me a straight answer. 

Aphrodite takes a sip of her untouched water before she sighs heavily. 
"Well, I really must be going. I am expected back in Olympus for a date with Ares." 
That's great, I don't give a shit. 
"Enjoy," I reply amiably. Aphrodite smiles sweetly my way, before she disappears all together. In a split second, I'm standing alone as if that were always the case. I slump down into the booth, releasing a large breath from my lungs. It does nothing to release the tension that vibrates through the veins in my arms. The waitress that had previously been serving Kaiser and I approaches with a confused expression on her face. 
"Was there a problem with your food?" She asks. 
"Hm? Oh, no. Something... Came up. I guess we'll take these to go. I'll need the credit machine." 
It doesn't take long before the waitress, Dotty, as it states on her name tag, returns with my requests. I slide Anton Kaiser's credit card into the machine, tipping Dotty 50% because why the hell not? She thanks me for my service and wishes me a good day as I leave the booth carrying two large take-out boxes filled with eggs and various breakfast meats.

Kaiser, as expected, is not waiting for me in the car. I open the passenger side door with a sigh and dump our take out boxes on the tan leather seat. I notice Kaiser's scimitar gone from the place he'd left it. It doesn't come as a surprise to me. A part of me knew he'd be going to look for a fight. I just hope he hasn't gone too far. From the back seat I take a hold of my Xiphos sword, Trickster, before setting off to find Kaiser. 
It doesn't take long to find him. I hear him as I round the corner of the diner.
I find him in the back alley behind the diner, mid-combat with a tall, ugly looking cyclops. The giant creatures usually look intimidating due to their height, but Kaiser is nearly as tall as the monster he faces. It seems to be a pretty even opponent for him. 
Although I would have loved to release the tension I feel in my body with a good old fashion fight, I don't dare intrude on Kaiser's stress relief. Instead, I dig in my back pocket for my pack of Lucky Strikes and matches. I pull a cigarette from the box and hold it between my lips as I strike my match on the brick wall closest to me. I light the end of the cigarette and it flares to life, smoke exploding from the end of it. I wave the match in the air to diffuse it, tossing it near a garbage bag that sits on the floor near a dumpster. I take a long breath inward, letting the ashy taste of cigarette smoke fill my mouth and force relaxation into my limbs as it mists into my chest. 
Yes
I've been craving this for so long. leaning against the brick wall,  I blow the smoke from my mouth, watching it curl in the light spring air. The sound of Kaiser grunting in pain draws my attention once more the the fight. The Cyclops seems to have gotten a good right hook in where Kaiser hadn't had time to evade it. The tall punk is driven with anger, hatred and adrenaline, though, and it doesn't take him long to regain his composure. With a snarl that seems permanently etched onto his features, Kaiser lunges forward with his right hand. His fist makes contact with the right cheek of the creature. It earns him a roar of pain and frustration.
"Stupid mortal!" Kaiser's mouth is set into a grin now. The Cyclops has taken too much time to retaliate, and Kaiser takes advantage of the mistake. He wraps a bony, pale hand around the side of the creatures head. Using the strength in his lanky arms, which, impressively, hold more muscles than I had originally given him credit for, Kaiser forces the giants head into the brick wall. It would have been enough to knock any human being out, but instead it just dizzy's the Cyclops further.

I find myself unable to look away from Kaiser as he channels all of his negative energy into this meaningless brawl. There's something about the way he fights, with such enthusiasm and care, as if he feels alive, that warrants my admiration. He forces the monsters head against the wall one more time, before he throws him to the ground, sending a vicious kick to it's gut with his large Doc Martin boots. 
You're staring, Quin. 
I look away quickly and drag from my cigarette again, letting the smoke fill my mouth and lungs, warm my body, clear my mind, before I blow it out in a sharp, downward breath. It's sadistic, really, the way he seems to have so much fun in letting out his anger, but I can't seem to help being impressed. Too many people I know are soft when it comes to violence. He's the first person I've met who doesn't let morals get in his way, and there's something there that earns my respect. Luckily he's too preoccupied with messing up this poor, unfortunate monster to notice that my gaze rests on him. Gods, I'm not about to let him have that over me.