once there was the sun

corinth brooks | 22 | son of apollo

[sunray-corey]

What a rush.

The adrenaline rattling Corinth’s nerves was only heightened by ambrosia. The crowd was loud and anxious as the riders returned to the casino floor, knocking shoulders and clapping backs almost aimlessly. He was a bit damp from the light sprinkle of rain that fell from the dark spot-lit sky, and could tell his red hair had been blown back after diving and rushing atop the pegasus. Earning coin honestly came secondary to such a once in a lifetime experience, but perhaps this wouldn’t be his last.

Cor looked to fellow competitors and observers alike, wearing a grin that shed a good year from his already youthful face. Happy, and high, “That was the best experience of my life.” The crowd was in a small frenzy, considering the race ended in a nail biter tie. “You should try next round.”

[scaledmedic]

He laughed. Corey had him figured out in the end, and all it took was a comment on his past life. “You could say that. Part of me wants to relax, but the other wants to make it meaningful. Be helpful,” he waved, sighing listlessly. Julian nudged the boy’s arm gently and grinned, “but enough on that. I’m sure you’d rather not hear about my past vacations.”

Julian looked over to the tables and bar, likewise the entrance that had more citizens wandering over, “I agree; the night’s just started here. We can discuss details later, if you want? I’d hate to take away your night arguing semantics of board games,” he returned his gaze to grin at Corey.

[sunray-corey]

“That sounds rough, man.” Corinth gently nodded while wrapping his mind around what exactly Julian went through whenever a calm moment presented itself. “Well, maybe not now, but sometime?” It cost him nothing to lend an ear. After all, Julian had sat through an entire list of insecurities that bubbled up in Corey just days ago. “Maybe I can help you figure out that taking time for yourself can be helpful. If we’re focused on the big picture.”

“Are you serious about entering the pegasus race? Like... I’m in regardless, but it’d be so cool to share the experience with you.” Sharing a house wasn’t his main reason for wanting Julian with him either. “I’ll probably join the guys in that bottoms up game too. ‘takes me back to so many trashy high school parties.”

[sunray-corey]

undyingvik‌:

“perished,” viktor replied just as easily. he chuckled, amused by corey’s excitement over something so simple as horse racing. he wasn’t a fan of it, personally, but he’d already met a couple of demigods pumped over the event. “because you are good friend, i give you my luck, free of interest,” he said with an oath-binding pat of his own chest. he pressed a “blessing” kiss to the tip of his own fingers, then gently papped it on corey’s cheek for comedic effect. “maybe get few more of those and then you might win, cолнышко.” viktor teased. the russian man turned to the game like it was a television left on, then to corey again. “what is there to be sad about yet?” he asked rhetorically. so far, he’d been enjoying the vacation of his life, surrounded by so many attractive men and women. it was a fever dream he hoped he’d never wake up from. “especially now?”

Cor’s cheek went taut as he playfully braced for the smack. That sting was nice and only revved him up for what would come next. “I... I don’t know. ‘guess it’s just fear” He realized then that was something he hadn’t felt in quite some time, and he knew that like hate was tied with love so was fear with care. Honestly, Corinth was afraid, because he cared and didn’t want to lose those who cared for him right back in this new wild world. “of the unknown. That’s always stumped me.” After that thought, Cor glanced around and grew embarrassed once more about the conversation they’d fallen into among serious competitors. “Uh... maybe I should leave you to the game. ‘don’t wanna sidetrack you.”

[sunray-corey]

sonofserenity‌:

“Hrm?” Kiran looked to the person speaking. A very welcomed face honestly. Corey was one of the first friendly people Kiran had the honor of meeting. That was back before the lunar demigod was still completely human. Now he was reunited with the son of Apollo post drinking down the acceptance of his destiny. The night had drawn out the silver light in Kiran’s eyes through which he looked up at Cory. His lips smacked together lightly as he shook his head in self pity. 

“Hey there, Sunshine.” he greeted before looking back out towards the grounds. “I’m alright….I just not a fan of losing. Well I guess no one is. It just sucks floppy faun dick. I should stick to just the slots.”

The night air that wafted past the open doorway was actually quite comforting. It didn’t take long for the casino to feel quite stuffy, but Cor had a feeling the ambrosia also played a part in this gentle sensation. Though it was cold, he didn’t notice the chill only the gentle caress. As he breathed fresh air into his lungs, Corey felt even more at ease once Kiran decided to speak. Seeming open and willing toward him. The nickname was new, but cute. Cor couldn’t stop himself from taking it as a sort of invitation or validation. That they were at the very least friends now.

After hearing Kiran out, Corey took a seat beside him. The faun comment made him laugh. Staring out at the darkness, he almost felt like he was back home just kicking it with a bud. “Well, if you hadn’t tried you never would have known. Even though it sucks.” Gambling really was all about taking risks, at least Kiran had the courage to meet them halfway. Unlike himself. “Maybe let your wallet cool off for a bit. We’ve got a long night ahead to enjoy everything. ‘you want a drink? The... ambrosia isn’t potent like before, I promise.”

[sunray-corey]

undyingvik‌:

“maybe,” viktor grinned, his thumb rubbing corey’s hipbone lightly over his shirt. “you will miss me?” it was said in jest, of course, made plain by the way viktor didn’t press too hard, and backed off to focus on the table’s proceedings every now and then. the son of poseidon leaned back, making sure to divide his attention between the game and the redhead beside him. though, to be honest, it wasn’t difficult paying attention to a face like that. “competitive. i like it,” viktor chuckled as he plucked some fruits off a complimentary charcuterie board. he munched on a grape that tasted tart against his ambrosia-coated tongue. “if you win big with my luck, what do i get?” he teased.

“What sort of question is that?” The musician huffed before chuckling too. Though it came across as a joke, Corinth hoped Viktor knew that his presence was appreciated around camp. At least it was for him. “You’re totally cool. I’d be bummed if you went away.” Actually, the very thought made Cor’s heart sink slightly the more he considered how he might feel. “Perish the thought.” It was his fault for bringing it up to begin with, but whatever. “Yeah... I’m not competitive usually, but racing pegasi? It’s on.” Another laugh escaped him as Vik did exactly as Cor hoped--gave him courage through a positive, mighty, spirit. Even musicians needed inspiration every now and then. “Hm... I don’t know, what would you like?” Embarrassed, it was actually difficult to think of a perk to give Viktor in return should he win the race. A song? A portion of the winnings? Those seemed too obvious and even worthless in the grand scheme. “You always seem... happy with everything.” Cor smiled, as it was a trait he quite enjoyed.

[sunray-corey]

scaledmedic‌:

Betting wasn’t exactly his thing, suffice to say. He rather let others delve into the odds, place their hopes on a whole bunch of luck. Julian preferred science and the knowledge of whether something’s possible or not. Perhaps the control appealed to him, but it made his job so much easier like that. Never was it predictable, however.

Just manageable. 

He did like the mountains, but the city was his home. He missed the towering skyscrapers and crowded streets, neon lights at night and what art unfolded in city plazas. “I can understand it. I’m a city dweller, but I do like the fresh air and peace the camp offers. It just isn’t as busy as my past life,” he explained in a passive sigh. Not that it was a bad thing. Still, it’s nice to know he wasn’t the only healer at the casino, or the only one not active in the gambling ring, “Same, but I wouldn’t mind having something else, next time. Maybe we could start up a game night at camp? At least make an effort for it,” he chuckled.

Corinth smirked and cocked his left brow while turning his gaze toward Julian. “‘you’re the kind of doctor who has a hard time enjoying his vacation time then? Get all ansy?” He chuckled, happy to find some mortal quirk, one might call it a flaw, in Julian’s perfectly agreeable front. “I have a feeling it’ll get busy soon enough.”

On that thought, Cor took a sip of his drink ans stared toward the happy, while also frustrated, group of demigods. Perhaps this leisurely time is something they should really savor. “If not the whole camp, we could at least start one up in our house.” Cor encouraged, willing to become more of a board game fan for Julian. “Whoever wants to join can visit.”

[sunray-corey]

godkillerkeaton‌:

keaton wasn’t really talking to anyone in particular. he was more talking to himself out loud. however, having the other’s assistance in his little mini-journey would be more than worth it. four eyes searching were better than two, after all. “sweet, bro. this place is only so big. it has to be here somewhere.” it was just down to simple logic to him. “we should probably check upstairs first and work our way down.”

“Sound’s like a plan.” This little venture would at least kill part of the hour. Corey was feeling anxious about the pegasus race so could use the distraction. “‘name’s Corey, by the way. Are you thinking of participating in any games they’re offering?” He’d been quite indifferent toward the typical gambling games, but fair bets that took some physical skill over wit would be his ideal any day. Plus, the race would be downright thrilling and memorable.

[sunray-corey]

undyingvik‌:

no matter if a casino was his natural habitat, viktor was terrible at gambling. he bet too much too hastily, always relying on luck rather than strategy to win him something. he didn’t play to win, fortunately. he just enjoyed the atmosphere of it all, and getting belligerently drunk while he was at it. as corey joined him, he was in the middle of a barking laugh, spitting fond(?) expletives in russian at the confused satyrs at the table. his free arm rested around corey’s waist as the redhead joined him. “almost out of money,” he chuckled, waving over some attendants to fetch the son of apollo a drink. “you are enjoying the night, yes?” 

“Oh.” Corinth gave a sympathetic squint after hearing things weren’t going ideally, but Viktor seemed to be having a fun regardless. Making new friends, enemies, sort of sitting in the lap of luxury. “You seem at home here--will you be leaving us when the casino does?” He joked before eyeing the waitress and accepting the generously filled chalice. The mixed drinks were going down alright, Corinth wasn’t entirely certain how his body would take pure ambrosia though. So much of it too. “It was a slowish start--but I put my name in for the pegasus race, so... maybe I need some of your luck more than you need mine. Jules, Bash and I are taking it pretty seriously. Wanna win for our house if not our own bragging rights.” Encouraged by Viktor’s familiar vibe that was becoming quite secure too Cor by now, he decided ‘fuck it’ and started to enjoy the cup of ambrosia.

[ofcourageousblood-deactivated20]

“if i were a stripper pole, where would i be…..?” he wondered aloud. he’d heard rumblings and murmurings of some kind of stripper pole around this place and he, for one, was interested to see what that area looked like if it was even real. would there be mythical girls there? mythical boys? he had no freaking idea. all he knew was that he was on the hunt and he had an ambrosia-chocolate milkshake kind of combination going on in his hand. now that his body was actually used to the stuff, the concoction was pretty much the best thing he had ever tasted.

[sunray-corey]

Corey was doing his own exploring as well when he heard the question slip. Glancing over his shoulder, Cor considered a clue that might tip them off to such a location, “I’d say; a shady corner with purple lighting?” Anything was possible, and he pictured nymphs of all things in place of mortal women. “‘down to help you out. Anything but cards.”

[necroheir]

there was no doubt that this was a scene the ex-mafioso was used to. however strange, viktor felt right at home among the beautiful women, flowing booze, and the promise of riches that the casino advertised. after living a nomadic life for a few days, this new scene of glitz and glamor was welcomed. he sat there in a plush seat, participating in a game of olympus hold em with some of the common folk. the game had its ups and downs, but it was all in merry fun. as a nymph to his right refilled his chalice with ambrosia, he knocked it back and set it on the green felt of the dealing table to be refilled again. when he spotted another demigod, he waved him over. “come, sit and join me,” he grinned. good, he needed some arm candy for the night.

[sunray-corey]

Until running into Calder for a drink, Cor had been preoccupying himself with what remained in the casino that wasn’t cards and chips. He was a betting man, just hadn’t a figure growing up who taught him the methods of mastering card games. As he planned to pass by the group which thinned down by the minute, he noticed Vik’s oversized form welcome him over. Well, perhaps he wouldn’t participate (though he hated to disappoint the foreigner) but he could at least give his support. “Are you sweeping ‘em, Vikky?” Corey playfully replied upon approaching the man.

It was easy enough to tell who was gaining the advantage just by admiring the stacks before each player.

[chevaliermariposa-deactivated20]

He’d never been the type to gamble but he was so mesmerized by the energy lit within him at the sight of the Tychaeon. He figured, ‘why the hell not?” Throw in some of what little coins he hand. A round with the guys. Maybe just MAYBE he could even double what he had or possibly tripple. “Alright! I’m into this! Let’s do it!” He exclaimed with a wide grin as he took his seat to the table with his fellow demis.

*JUMP CUT A LITTLE BIT LATER*

He pushed away from the table, nonchalantly walking away from the funds he’d lost. The frustrating thing was there was no one to blame but himself. He knew the risk and how shotty gambling could be. But it was still…stank. The Lunar Son swayed in his step, staring blank ahead as he finally leaned against the door frame of the entrance/exit. Sliding from his feet into a seated position. Frustrations yelled out toward the night sky.

[sunray-corey]

One after another, the player’s came to fold and disperse from the gambling table. Corey sat beside Julian at the bar, chatting and observing the stakes rising. Though he’d shared a gentle conversation with the son of the moon, Corinth actually had hopes that the other wouldn’t fall out quite so early. Silently cheering him on from the damp counter. That’s why, when Kiran did more than simply remove himself from the table, but the casino entirely the son of Apollo couldn’t stop himself from following. To at least make sure the other was alright or... would be. 

“Hey.” He called out as to not sneak up on Kiran. Corey remained standing in the opening where the man sat. “That bad, huh?”

[sunray-corey]

moonbvws‌:

as soon as corey swallows the liquid down, calder is following right behind. he throws it back, head tilted to make it just a little bit easier to swallow in case it reminds him of doing shots of 151 when there was nothing good left to drink. this, however, is different. there’s no scowling face of disgust, no burning that makes him feel like he’s going to throw it up. there’s just heat, a warmth that spreads throughout his entire being. 

“damn. i guess the first time is just meant to spook us.” he holds the empty glass up, twisting it between his fingers. “how do you like here, cor?” calder asks, an honest question. “still can’t believe we’re…half-gods.” he laughs a bit, a soft chuckle, breathless. 

To have Calder surface from the experience feeling the same only made his own experience more certain. It was a good experiment and Cor wasn’t yet regretting taking part. Spook was putting that first nights experience quite lightly though. “It’s lacking a number of perks...” He admitted, certain that Cal like any other millennial would know what he meant by that. “but this place isn’t the worst. I kind of... need this space to think, you know? All this...” After setting down the shot glass on a nearby table, his hand rises to gesture around them. “is distraction.”

Perhaps Calder would see their circumstance entirely different, but he wore a smile that conveyed contentment. “Right? ... What do you make of that so far? Artemis... Pali... does it all speak too you?”

[scaledmedic]

Who expected a Casino to crop up out of nowhere? He knew the camp was magical, equipped with flying horses and creatures from all walks of mythos life. But, a casino? Run by two goddesses (or was it goddess? Technically separated into two forms but share the title all the same) heightened the experience. He wandered into the casino without too much of a fuss. While boys bolted past for the gambling, Julian lingered by the bar instead. 

As he waited for a drink, he looked over with a chuckle, “Sure is a refreshing change of scenery, hm? Do you think with all this modernity that we might relapse after the casino leaves?”

[sunray-corey]

It seemed appropriate that two members of House Voithos would be on standby. Corinth hoped that his lack of participation wouldn’t leave the others to assume he was a coward. As that wouldn’t be an all too accurate representation of his character. Had that card table been a fighters ring instead, Corey would probably be first in line. Happy regardless of loss or reward. Of course, now it seemed the match up of fists alone wouldn’t be as fair or accurate as it was back home.

“Refreshing, yeah.” Corinth agreed, finding it easier to step aside with Julian as company. At least between the two of them, they wouldn’t be alone in situations like this. He shook his head, “I don’t think so, but... I’m also a born and bred Coloradoan. Mountains and forests make me feel more at home. The camp... it’s a nice escape.

In the case of boredom though... yeah, I hope we get more of this rolling through here.”

[sunray-corey]

wisdomispwr‌:

“i see you’re not afraid of heights, either,” he grinned, greeting the other, who he recognized - or at least he thought he did. “i see you also didn’t catch hypothermia, calder.” he chuckled, shaking his head, looking out over the quickly busing floor of the grand casino. “it’s a good thing, too, right? you could missed out on all this?” he was leaned up against the railing, but his arms limply hung over the edge, with his weight on his elbows.

Corinth’s brows furrowed slightly. Had he heard that right or was this the ambrosia playing tricks on him again? When the name Calder was mentioned, Cor had to stop himself from rolling his eyes. How grateful he was that they hadn’t grown up too close to each other. Cor could picture himself getting pretty sick of being mismatched all the time. In this case, it was completely forgivable, “I--” ... How the hell should he start this? Corey bowed his head slightly to snort, before answering, “My twin. Cal, he’s--my brother.” He explained in as few words as possible. “What d’ya mean by ‘hypothermia’? Is he alright??” Like a best friend, he was naturally concerned.

[thecrownedking]

calder holds onto one of the sparkling, ambrosia created drinks from the bar inside. his index finger taps against the glass idly as he listens to the plethora of sounds. he’s a bit intimidated to drink the ambrosia, but if they’re still serving it, it can’t be as bad as the first time. he picks up another drink and walks over toward one of the demigods inside, holding it out for them. “i’ll admit, i’m a bit chicken shit to try ambrosia so soon.” he holds up his own glass. “do the shot with me?”

open starter.

[sunray-corey]

Corinth turned to face the familiar voice, relieved to see Calder in the flesh before him. Like a reflection or loyal shadow. He offered a breathy chuckle in exchange for the drink before shaking his head, “Well, I’m glad we at least have that in common.” An easy joke to make, but in all honesty Corinth was equally hesitant to trust the pink elixir a second time. It had unearthed a hidden side of him the morning after, brought every wound to the surface, and made him feel quite sick while getting familiar with their campground.

It almost seemed destined that the musician would once more take a risk with his dancing brother. Truly, not so different than the rest. Their shot glasses clinked together before Corey knocked his own back. Confident that Calder would follow suit as he never knew the other to be two faced. Honest, like himself. The ambrosia didn’t burn at all like mortal liquor. It did warm him up in the same way though.

“Hm.” He licked his lips and observed the empty shot glass curiously, “That was actually really good.”

[sunray-corey]

To see something so modern in this setting was almost jarring rather than refreshing. Corinth supposed just enough time had past for him to get almost entirely used to this camp-style living. The chance at earning an extra coin didn’t draw him to enter. He’d been a betting man under different circumstances, none involving cards. The lights and familiar music, however, drew him much like a moth to flame.

Once inside, Corey was practically transported. Especially after a couple rounds of the ambrosia laced drinks. How’d he get suckered into giving ambrosia another chance?

At least, the now more enjoyable effects of the drink calmed his nerves. Corinth decided to explore the upper floors in hopes of getting a really good view of camp from a higher view point.

[kjapaland]