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@mpapollo
Even if the flinch had been subtle, he still took it as a small victory on his part; just a little bit of triumph over this grandly talented and bright (literally) god. To think, even after all this time, he still managed to startle Apollo. Adorable.
With his attention returning to the flyer itself, he studied it for a bit longer, his expression feigning innocence as the younger deity took to glaring at him. Oh dear, surely that ire was not directed at the king of dreams!
Oh? So Apollo was full of good calls? His nose scrunched a bit as he gave Apollo a doubting squint, a quiet click of his tongue. "Eeeehhhhh...some are debatable--" Like teaming up with Poseidon to overthrow Zeus, or flaying Marsays alive for losing a musical competition against him, or...you know...the whole...Daphne incident..."--but your calls in music are usually quite exquisite," he concluded with a cheeky grin of his own, slapping his hand against Apollo's palm and grasping it firmly.
"Aaaahhhh, yes, he was practically glowing when he told me you had met. A bit star struck, really," he said of his son, not at all fazed by being called an 'old man'. "And what about you? Any kids on the island? I mean, I couldn't help but notice there's a whole hospital named after Asclepius..."
Morpheus, even after all these years, had done such a service to his family. Had any other god startled Apollo, he would have reacted to it harshly, and likely held a grudge. But instead, it felt more like a teasing uncle had once again pulled a prank. Enough to warrant the slightest annoyance, a whiny complaint. Yet, the sun god would not descend to anything else.
"The past... Is the past...." The god grimaced at the mere thought of some of those many sad, heartbreaking, and now, in hindsight, some hilarious fails of his past. However, the Apollo of the 'now' believed he did a rather good job 98% of the time. "Music is my expertise, and the island does benefit from that." He proudly retorts. Morpheus had plenty of amazing shows in his future, many that he hoped he would bring his son to.
Chuckling the god, Apollo's thoughts flickered momentarily to the meeting with Leto. "I did quite like your son. You did quite the job. To understand his heritage and to treat our status with respect, there are not many demigods like him on this island." He praises without hesitation. Apollo did quite favor such a demigod like him. "No children on the island. A great name for a hospital, but Asclepius had no hand in it's fruition. I'm such one of the other deities may have gave honor to him when making it. That, I do appreciate it, and I have raised millions for it during my time as councilmember to make sure it carries out his name."
"I hope you're not calling me old~" They teased with a wrinkle of their nose, quite content to let Apollo draw them close. He was so free with gestures of affection, Inari could get used to it. If only it came from the gorgeous sun god of course. Even just the simple touch of his fingers in her hair was more forward than any of their fellow kami back home. Plus it helped tremendously that Apollo never tried to tell Inari how to behave.
"I do believe I am younger than you, even though you are one of the younger Olympians, darling." She teased some more, a hand on his chest as she pressed a soft kiss on his cheek. "And I am honored, quite so." There was hint of sincerity in that fox smile as they laced their hands with his. "I was half expecting to beat off your admirers with a stick." She gives a soft laugh. "I must be early then, since I can have you for myself for a few hours."
Inari leads the way, not back to their office, but down a few more offices towards a room that was seldom used as a meeting room. Frankly, Inari used it as a nap room, since the few shelves and windows, often sunned it perfectly. The deity since then had managed to place a couch and rug and pillows. All of which now were arranged into a quaint little picnic. Fox fire softly lit the place---the light bulbs in the room had long since stopped working. The fox fires were enough to illuminate the room.
"I hope you don't mind," There was a sheepish tone in their voice as Inari led Apollo into the room. "I don't think you would appreciate a picnic outside, the weather outside is still nippy for furless people." Inari was more chatty, clearly unused to such displays. Tugging his hand gently, Inari leads him to the picnic blanket, cushions strewn about with the basket at the corner. Kicking off their shoes, they step into the blanket, releasing Apollo's hand to reach for the basket.
"Sit, relax for a bit, sweetheart. Work can wait a while," Inari blabbered as they start preparing the picnic. "Don't worry, I cooked nothing." They give a soft embarrassed laugh. Sandwiches, pastries, and various other picnic food was served before Inari produced a bottle of champagne.
"I won't tell if you won't," Inari winked as they brought out plastic cups and handed him the bottle. "Happy Valentine's Day!"
He watched them with amusement. Apollo and them had a quite interesting relationship. Had they been someone else, he would not have been so forward. However, Inari was the most forward of the two, and so, he did not even concern himself with whether or not he was not in decorum, not did he doubt that they did themselves either.
"At this point, between us, age is just a number. But if the shoe did fit, you do at least wear them well." He teases playfully. Well, just between gods at least. What did a thousand or more years mean when you both have been around for eons? "You can have a mile long list of admirers, but they can be quite shy when it comes to trying to make a play. Plus, it's hard to ask such a handsome god out."
Apollo followed the goddess to the set up room. He was surprised by the effort that she had placed into the whole set up. Apollo did quite appreciate it. He had been trying to determine how to enjoy his lunch break, and she had decided that for him with no effort on his part. It was quite the gesture.
Kicking off his shoes, much like the goddess, he moved to a comfortable looking pile of cushions, and he had no problem making himself at home. His eyes wandered around the decorated office space. "It's nice. You did a great job. I'm surprised you would put all this effort in for little o' me." He spoke, though the god knew he was worth it. Regardless, he could see the effort that Inari did, and she deserved compliments for it. "How lovely."
Looking over at her, Apollo waved his hand. "Effort is still done regardless. I will enjoy anything, especially with a nice glass of champagne." Taking the bottle from the goddess, he smiled, popping open the alcoholic drink. Smiling, he poured both of their cups to the brim with the bubbly beverage. Nothing wrong with a little liquor on company time, not that they were getting paid either.
"Happy Valentine's Day, Inari."
Leto did consider how fortunate he was to have a loving and supportive godly father when he knew there were so many--not just within his own pantheon, but across the pantheons in general--who did not have that luxury. He did smile, albeit a bit timidly, when THE Apollo voiced some praise in his direction. Apollo himself thought Leto could do some good here? Being complimented by the god made him feel like perhaps he really was in the right place.
"Yeah, thanks...me, too," he quietly said of his connection with his father. He was doubly blessed, he thought, to have not just one, but TWO fathers in his life; both man and god he thought to be fantastic role models. He debated for a long moment; would it be inappropriate of him to ask if this deity if he had children, too? Specifically, children on the island? but then, Leto also thought back to when normal mortals attempted small talk with him, a man in his thirties, and asked if he was married or had children and how incredibly awkward that felt for him...so...he thought to refrain from asking such a personal question this time around. If Apollo had kids and wanted him to know about them, then he would tell Leto, surely. The last thing he wanted to do was offend someone of whom his father was so incredibly fond.
Besides, he already noticed how there had been a slight flicker of melancholy on the otherwise sunny countenance of this brilliant god; perhaps his questions had already sparked a less than pleasant memory; maybe Leto had been too forward? He could back off a bit, but still, he was thankful that Apollo would humor him with an answer at all; he was very much aware that no gods on this island were at all obligated to respond to any of his inquiries. They were gods after all.
Nevertheless, it was good that he did not have to worry for snakes guarding this beautiful garden. His kind gaze wandered about the flowers; it truly was a lovely space. He nodded slowly, empathetic toward the divine twin's nostalgia for home. "Yeah..." he said, sympathizing with the fact that many demigods didn't have--nor would they ever have--the opportunity to experience Delphi as it was or even had the chance to see Greece at all; and it had changed so much even throughout his own life. "I consider myself very fortunate to have had the opportunities and the resources to visit frequently. And that my father has shown me many...many times how things once were. This..." he paused, again surveying the flowers. "This is nice."
A tender smile traced his lips then. "Thank you for making a space like this," he added sincerely.
Apollo did quite notice how Leto's appreciated to be complimented by him. Partly, he found this quite understanding as who he was, but it did help make the god a bit more fond of him. Leto did quite stroke his ego in the right ways. Even without the help that came with Morpheus being his father, Leto seemed to shine without any consideration of who his godly parent was. In the god's eyes, this was a demigod's biggest feat that Leto had succeed.
"Hopefully, you being here will bring that lovely, troublesome god to the island. I have quite missed him." The god spoke with a playful tone. "I have been so immersed in the mortal world that I have quite ignored everyone but mother and Artemis." He mused. Apollo did not quite care to see most of the gods in his pantheon, but there were some whom he did think he failed to keep up with like he should have.
Glancing over to the demigod, he smiled. "A beautiful use of your powers. Our time was filled with both bad and good. Mistakes that can never be undone, but changes that were necessary for mankind to be what it is today. I think there will always be a love for that era that everyone in our pantheon could never forget. However, we have all lived on and made our impact still, just through divine and often selfish intervention." The god failed too late to make some of the changes he should have, especially as it had came with his awful tendency of finding love and having that love leave him painfully and often fatally. However, from that time in history, the god had his hand in both medical and musical advancements, through both some of those ill-fated loves and just pure interest.
"You are welcome." He states, rather nonchalantly. "Do as you can to prevent this place from being a secret. I have blessed these grounds. So, you might find it a source for musical inspiration or a few other benefits."
Closed starter for the golden twin @mpapollo
Of all the island sanctuaries in the world of mythos, they had to reunite on this one. An all too familiar figure graced his visage; a literally brilliant and creative god caught his attention, and putting up flyers no less. When Leto had informed his father of their meeting, Morpheus had been thrilled that his child had met the child of his dear friend--parents often did that, didn't they? Gush over their children meeting and getting along?
A silent smile graced his features as he snuck up behind the sun god. He may not have been noticed at first--and perhaps that was intentional, to blend in wearing a double-breasted long coat in midnight blue, subtle hints of gold and silver threads granting an ethereal celestial sky quality to the fabric. He peered over Apollo's shoulder as the other god was busy putting up a fresh flyer for a--ooo, what is this? Auditions for a Spring Concert? Beethoven?
"Ooooohhhhh~" he purred in that low, haunting baritone, scarcely above a whisper but unmistakable. "Creatures of Prometheus. Good call~"
So far, with the building of the PAC, the island had been granted the pleasure of a variety of great plays, performances, and ballets. The musically inclined god with his absolute love for the arts had to grace the island with a chance to absorb such talent, especially as he had such a fondness for some of the works written by long lost friends. So, when it came time for Spring, he had his orchestra determine long before he had the group in his place.
To prepare, Apollo had placed one of the final flyers on his way out of the PAC, having prevented his assistant from having to make the trek as he was already on his way out. The focus did not allow the god to truly place the sneaking god. However, when Morpheus did speak, it was the briefest flinch of his muscles to show the slight startle.
Shooting the man a glare, his features immediately switched to recognition and warmth as he truly captured who it was that had done so. Though he had heard Morpheus was on the island, he did not expect them to meet like this. "I'm full of good calls." The god cheekily grins as he turns to address the other, holding out his hand. "When I met your son, I had a feeling you were not far behind, old man."
destiny tells me | inari + apollo
Valentine's day and all things in between with @mpapollo
Inari leaned back against their haunches as they surveyed their handiwork. It was a spur of inspiration, when Inari found out that a fellow council member's term was almost up. For any other person, they might not have made such an effort--except for maybe her kits. But for others? This was quite the performance.
With a critical eye, Inari fluffed up the two or three cushions that were set around the wooden palette and soft rug they had acquired for this purpose. Hopefully this wasn't too much...a right balance of thoughtfulness but not so serious gesture.
Inari sauntered over the male's office, leaning heavily against the door jamb as they knocked. "Hello darling~" She greeted with a smile that seemed to whisper secrets and other things. "Will you be my Valentine and let me take you to lunch?" The smile settled into something warmer as they surveyed the sun god.
Apollo had a few loose ends to tie up before the end of his term. There was nothing wrong with a few last minute projects to get put into place that he thought the island needed, though he hated he could not keep his eye on them as well. But, the god himself had a lot on his plate with the PAC, and the lessened workload could mean either a lot more music or work determined somewhere else.
At the knock at the door, the god moved to open the door. Looking down to see the troublesome goddess at his door, his brows quirked upward, and he watched them before chuckling. Apollo could use a break. An affectionate hand grazed their hair as he examined their features. As always, he suspected they were up to something.
"Aren't we a bit too old for Valentines?" He mused with mirth. He guess it did not quite bother him either, especially if it got him a lunch. "You are honored to be my Valentine." He teased as a hand slipped between her and the door jamb to pull her from the frame to him. "Lead the way."
New Years Truce
@mpyanluo
Despite some Yanluo's and his rather complicated past, Apollo would never dare to step on the other's culture or the beauty of their celebrations. So, when he heard the deplorable god's tea shop had stepped up to be a part of the lunar new year celebrations, Apollo felt he had a responsibility to pay his respects. A show of support for the Chinese pantheon and not necessarily the god himself, even if he came bearing gifts.
Upon the god's rules for their tea shop, Apollo had obliged to wear his traditional attire of his pantheon. In tradition of the new year, he opted for a white chiton with a red chlamys. Fastening his cap with a gold sun, the god had decorated his oiled arms with gold bands of laurel. Apollo knew he looked good, and despite the still frozen landscape, the sun god did not hold a shiver as he had entered the shop and was seated at the tea shop.
Having spotted the god out the corner of his eyes, he had only sat long enough to place an order before he came to the counter where Yanluo seemed to have a break in writing. Clicking his tongue, Apollo tried to grab the god's attention before speaking in Mandarin. "Every new year needs a blessing. A gift in exchange for yours." He spoke. And Apollo pulled from out a small box that contained his pantheon's prized ambrosia that he likened in the shape of multiple, smaller Nian Gao.
Apollo, while stoking a lot of anger from the other gods, faired well with most demigods. So, Taavi's words did not surprise him, nor were they incorrect. "It's no problem, kid." He reassures them. While Apollo would preferred to hold the demigods at a distance, he lately seemed to be stepping up as a mentor for many of them. He never questioned it though. He did not have his hands quite as full lately as he had in the past.
He nodded his head. "I am still obviously the better twin, but Artemis is a worthy goddess to desire to meet. She is probably somewhere out in the woods with her group. I have not called on her lately." He explains simply. Apollo as well missed his sister dearly, but in many ways, he knew that he was being greedy to keep her on the island. Artemis needed open woods to explore. "Athena is a warrior and good at weapons, but don't forget that I am the god of archery, not her. And, I am more handsome. Hard to be better than me."
Looking over, he nodded his head. "When multiple people give you advice, it is most wise to take it to heart." He said warmly. Stubbornness was a trait that Apollo did appreciate when used properly. He just wasn't sure it was used properly in Taavi's instance. "There is no need to thank me." Patting his shoulder, he motioned his head. "It's cold out there. Why don't you get home before it is too late? I'll make sure the cast enjoys your treat."
Taavi couldn't tell much about the other gods. But Apollo had been nice to him since their first meeting so he had no reason not to see him as anything else than a friend. A mentor was good definition, someone who could help him to progress with the skills he already had.
The baker wasn't going to comment on that but he still smiled. "I'm sure she's happy and it's probably what you want for her, like I want for my brother to be happy." Even if that meant being away from each other. The Mayan let the other affirmations slide, there was no way to win against Apollo's ego.
Oh it wasn't and even Taavi was aware of it ! He was just so afraid to disappoint people that he couldn't stop himself until everything was perfect. He was going to make some efforts though. "Alright, I go home and I promise to rest !" The young man grabbed his things, moving towards the door. "Have fun tonight !" he exclaimed. And with a last wave, he was gone.
| thread end |
Taavi had not always been like that. Before Mount Phoenix, he was a very shy person, always afraid to get close to others, keeping his problems to himself. But Dao first and then Prince and all the people he had met since his arrival had helped him to open up, to feel more at ease with others and himself. "You are so nice, I truly appreciate it."
The baker couldn't imagine what it could feel like to not have a twin sister around. Luna had only been his stepsister and he missed her everyday. But yes, his thoughts had been on Athena as he had heard about her presence on the island. "I wish I could meet your sister Artemis" he commented, a bit of sadness in his eyes. "But isn't Athena a warrior too ? She should be good with weapons, no ?"
Of course, he wasn't really surprised by the other's words. Who didn't know about the gods' ego ?
"It's what Dao and Prince keep telling me !" Taavi exclaimed, giggling. But I can't help it, I just love cooking and baking. He knew there was no real threat behind Apollo's words so he just kept smiling when his cheeks were patted. "I will try to remember. And thank you, really."
Apollo, while stoking a lot of anger from the other gods, faired well with most demigods. So, Taavi's words did not surprise him, nor were they incorrect. "It's no problem, kid." He reassures them. While Apollo would preferred to hold the demigods at a distance, he lately seemed to be stepping up as a mentor for many of them. He never questioned it though. He did not have his hands quite as full lately as he had in the past.
He nodded his head. "I am still obviously the better twin, but Artemis is a worthy goddess to desire to meet. She is probably somewhere out in the woods with her group. I have not called on her lately." He explains simply. Apollo as well missed his sister dearly, but in many ways, he knew that he was being greedy to keep her on the island. Artemis needed open woods to explore. "Athena is a warrior and good at weapons, but don't forget that I am the god of archery, not her. And, I am more handsome. Hard to be better than me."
Looking over, he nodded his head. "When multiple people give you advice, it is most wise to take it to heart." He said warmly. Stubbornness was a trait that Apollo did appreciate when used properly. He just wasn't sure it was used properly in Taavi's instance. "There is no need to thank me." Patting his shoulder, he motioned his head. "It's cold out there. Why don't you get home before it is too late? I'll make sure the cast enjoys your treat."
Yet think, a day will come, when fate's decree And angry gods shall wreak this wrong on thee; Phoebus and Paris shall avenge my fate, And stretch thee here before the Scaean gate.
Taavi laughed at the gesture, his head lolling. Apollo was right, he knew what he was talking about. The young baker would love to visit a museum with him, to receive the artistic education he still lacked. "Thank you !" he exclaimed, beaming at the compliments. "I'm glad you like what I'm doing." Like anyone else, he liked to have his talent recognized.
There was more chuckling and giggling and the Mayan turned his bright, happy face towards the other. Apollo's ego was huge but he didn't mind, he truly was trying to see beyond that and the god had been only nice to him so far. Zero reason to complain, would befriend again. "I know ! But..." Taavi nudged the god a bit, smirking. "Not even your sister ?"
The baker just grinned, unable to erase the happiness he was feeling in that moment. And as usual, it started raining. He leant just a bit in the touch when Apollo ruffled his hair. "That sounds like a nice idea ! I'll prepare snacks."
Apollo looked over at the demigod. Taavi was a full of joy and excitement ever since they first met. The beauty of youth, Apollo had always reasoned. Eons of life sure could weather a god, much as it had Apollo. However, the god offered him a smile. "Of course. It would be wrong of me not to."
A scoff left their lips though at the other's comment. He had multiple sisters, mainly due to his father's inability to stick to his wife. But, he had a feeling her had meant Athena as she was sure Taavi had overheard that the she had been on the island. "Artemis is nearly on my level, but of course, she is my twin." The god speaks confidently. "If you mean Athena, she is smart, but she does not stand a candle to me in many regards. Still, she is better than the other gods on the island. That is a definite."
When the demigod offered snacks, the god merely shook his head. "You seem to have a passion for adding work onto your plate." His words were playful despite them being truth in there. "I'm a god, you know. Let me handle some of the heavy lifting. I'll give you a time, and you just show up. If you go against my wishes, you will be in trouble." And, the god gentle pat his cheeks, again reassuring the demigod of the lack of seriousness in his threat.
Leto with her children, Artemis and Apollo 🌜☀️
Lee Min-hyuk (Huta) from BTOB
Oh. Taavi had never thought of things this way. That was quite an interesting point. "I like that" the baker commented. "I also like that you consider what I do as art. It means a lot to me." He looked at the god, as smile as bright as the sun on his face. "I always try to do my best, especially for others."
Again, that forced smile Taavi had noticed before. As always, he chose not to comment but, for some reasons, it made him a bit sad to see the other this way. Sometimes he wondered if he had done something to upset Apollo though he was always so kind with him. The young Mayan only wanted his friends to be happy.
The mood lifted though and Taavi chuckled at the god's words, happy to see his request accepted. "I swear I didn't ! But if you truly want, I could bake something just for you." He winked before closing the cake's box again. It needed to stay fresh until the evening.
"Thank you !" the Mayan grinned, pushing a strand behind his ear. "Let me know when you'll have time, ok ?"
Apollo watched the demigod speak. A light chuckle in his throat at the other. The god reached up to lightly poke the male's temple, gently but strong enough to push his head back slightly. "If there is anyone that understands art, it is me. Baking requires both beauty and good taste. Those do not always blend together. I would never discredit you."
Looking at the excitement in the other, he nodded. Hands slipped into his pockets. He inwardly winced at the wink though he hid it from his features, another faint memory threatening to cross his mind. Time around Taavi was dangerous for his heart, not that it was their fault. "I am just messing with you. And even if it was true, I could not hold it against you. There are no gods on this island on my level."
With a smile, he reached forward, affectionately and purposely messing up the hair the other had just corrected. "I have a feeling it is going to be rather snowy soon. Once the snow melts, we can go practice in the mountains."
Broken Doors
@mpxpythia
Apollo saw from the post that his oracle had finally returned, and he was quick to make his way to his temple. He had known she was on the way back for the last few weeks, and he had been impatiently waiting for her return. Apollo had been rather lonely without his beloved oracle the last few months. He was never fond of their distance, having kept himself busy between his council member duties and helping out the artists at the PAC.
When he opened the door to the temple, the attendants did not even glance his way nor dare stop him as he moved past them and entered the temple halls. They had expected him once Pythia finally returned to her station. He had always took great lengths to bother her in the past. With the urgency in his pace, Apollo was not one that could be stopped.
Finally entering the main temple room, the god stopped himself at the door frame. The wide, cheeky grin pulled on his lips at the sight of her. But, he stopped himself from moving forward, no matter how much he wanted to pull her into the tightest of hugs. Instead, leaning on the door frame, the god spoke. "A thief and heartless. However could I have chosen such a naughty oracle?"
Huta
Taavi didn't mind his creations to be destroyed. On the contrary, it was proof that people appreciated his gifts and he was always happy to know they enjoyed them. That cake had taken hours to make and even if it was gone in ten minutes, he had no regrets spending so much time on it. Especially not when it was for friends and acquaintances.
And people who worked hard like Apollo and the other actors had done for the play deserved some nice and sweet rewards. They deserved to celebrate.
They stood side by side and they looked at the cake, Taavi smiling proudly at the very nice decorations he had been able to make in less than a day. "I can imagine" he answered, turning to look at the god. "I know Keonhee and he looked very tired lately. But I think he was happy too."
The baker blushed at the compliments and looked away to hide the soft pink dust on his cheeks. "Thank you ! I'm glad that you like it." He shifted on his feet, some hesitation in his small body.
"Do you think we could do some archery together again sometimes ?" he asked, his voice just a whisper.
Apollo's hands rested lightly on his hips. Eyes still forward onto the cake. "Art takes a healthy dose of pain for it to be truly beautiful. If your work doesn't make you a bit tired, you have not truly invested yourself." He reasoned to the other demigod. Even as the god of music, he still put himself through that same unnecessary pain. It was what gave music life, and it was what kept him in touch and creative.
Glancing down the demigod, he hid the start of a frown, once again forcing a smile. "Of course." The other's blush even reminded him of his lost lover after many nights alone in the woods. His heart wrenched for his loss, though he didn't dare try and push those feelings to the surface so that he harm the other demigod. In secret, he would agonize.
His brows raised in surprise at their question, tilting his head toward them. As much as he did not want to for the sake of his broken heart, he would not deny a demigod a chance to learn from himself. "Did you bake this cake to bribe me?" The god jests, turning to look at him. "Yes. We can practice together in the future."