First Day (01)

My eyes widen in surprise when I see Bentley there behind me.

"Bent!" I welcome him with a hug. "I, yes, that’d be great. Um. My mother and grandmother are here and we have some family stuff to deal with, but I think I have some time." I kind of glance over toward mom to see if she’s still caught up in conversation with Dionysus or if she’s even aware of Bentley’s arrival.

I laugh at Bentley's awe over this party as we start dancing out on the floor. "Right? I could used to this though, seriously. The idea of going back to school tomorrow is already killing me." I glance around the room quickly, realizing something. "Oh, did you ever hear back from Luna? I bet she's here."

I huff a short laugh and reach up to touch my hair. "I've. Had a fun time already," I answer, blushing a little myself. "A little Weirdo Club action. Oh, hey, speaking of the Weirdo Club, what do you think about getting it officially sanctioned? Like so we could meet during free hours at school and get a club budget and stuff? Obviously we wouldn't tell them the real reason for the club, but I bet we could get Calliope to be the faculty sponsor, so we could kind of do our own thing."

You hear a hearty laugh nearby and look over to see Heracles dancing with a few Oceanids and Muses, They surround him and remind you of daisies greeting the sun, with adoration and expectation. For his part, Heracles enjoys their company and the music. He meets your eyes and gives you a wink.

I reach my hands up to his shoulders when he moves closer, welcoming him into my space as we dance together. "Iao," I answer with a sneaky smile. "So far." It's only after I've answered that I realize I forgot about Kastor completely. Maybe because that hook up didn't quite...hit the spot like I wanted. Ugh, whatever.

My eyes catch on Heracles, and they scan his body before returning to his face. I didn't know he would be here and seeing him makes my skin flush a little. I give him a cheeky grin, wishing for a moment that my family wasn't here so I could just do whatever - and whoever - I wanted all night without having to worry. I lick my lips and pull my gaze back to Bentley.

"Help with getting the club set up at school would be great. Do you think they'll approve the name? Maybe it's too self-critical for them."

Bentley talks about a purpose for the group, and it makes me wonder what exactly Grandmother expects the purpose to be. I don't think I can put "supernatural army" on a form for Leavenworth High.

I let it go when Bent moves back to the hook up topic. I steal another glance over at Heracles, then back to Bent. "Well. Maybe. But if nothing else, Knox and I plan to end the night together, so there's bound to be that much at least. But what about you? Got your eyes on anybody here?"

I almost ask if he thinks Ida will remember him, but then I remember how Eudora forgot him even though she's an Oceanid, so I don't push it.

"She's cute," I tell him. But then another thought crosses my mind and my nose wrinkles a little. "The only problem with my guy," I say, putting emphasis on the last two words as I use the phrase Bentley did to describe Heracles. "Is that my mom's hooked up with him in the past. And she's here tonight. That's weird, right? Like...I can't actually do that. ...Right?"

I consider his point for a second. "Really? Are you sure?" My gaze drifts over to Heracles again. "I mean...I don't think they've hooked up recently or anything, so...maybe." I look back at Bentley. "We could at least go say hi. Again."

The god of strength smiles as you approach and gestures for a few Oceanids to part so you can come closer.

What do you do?

The way Heracles makes space for me makes me stand a little straighter. The Oceanids parting as I approach him has me feeling like I could command a room the same way my mother and grandmother do someday.

"Heracles," I greet him, returning his smile and opening my arms for a hug. "I didn't expect you to be here."

He's exuberant greeting makes me laugh, even if it's cut a little short by how hard he squeezes. It's a good feeling.

"The bee's knees?" I echo, beaming. "Sounds like someone's been hanging out with Persy."