The energy was different around the Aspida household. Snow made an effort to always climb to the floor level and spend most hours within shot of the sunlight. Summer was actually delightful in Norway, which clearly lingered on the cool side, but this time was rarely spent remarking on the weather. Wearing a plain tee and knee length shorts, his usual sleep wear on warm nights, the blond set about making himself a cup of coffee. Mind wandering in a number of directions. Predominantly; who he planned to spend today with. Reflecting on last nights victory of sorts.
His hazel eyes flicked to the side when his peripherals caught the form of one of his housemates. “Keaton.” A light smile skirted across his lips. “’you’re up early. I guess Dane is the only one choosing to sleep in. He’s earned it...”
Once the crew returned to the resort to pack up, Corey abandoned the task and took advantage of some alone time. He had his pick of canopy beach lounges, and spent his time staring out at the ocean while smoking a joint to help settle his nerves. What happened back in the water room honestly scared Corinth, but he supposed that it was only a matter of time before his mind simply couldn’t bear it any longer. Alone for the first time in awhile, genuinely, he allowed himself to cry. Reflecting on days past, when he was different, but also shared the same struggles. Kona, Hawaii, and Jackson before Hephaestus’ trial.
The ocean here was so similar... he wanted to be tucked away in the arms of Jack’s darkness and voice. Forget the rest... and find himself there. The feeling of surviving a truly successful trial would have to be enough for this moment. “I’m alive...” He whispered. “That much closer...”
—— “THIS isn’t exactly what I meant by sparring.” keaton could feel the heat brewing in-between them. their first meeting began with aggression and ended in tenderness and here they were again, in a different format. keaton’s back was against the wall of corey’s cabin, the other man’s hands perusing his body. it had been a while since he had felt the lips of another person’s and this was happening quicker than he had anticipated. “—-are you sure you want to do this ? was my chicken really that good ? “
It had been a while for Corinth as well, for more personal reasons, but idle handed lust held no weight to what he had lost. And such lust was not denied while love took over either. Corey wasn’t in a hurry to end up in this position--and especially in no rush to leave or finish it either. Keaton was an undeniably gorgeous man, and Cor could sense the warmth of his heart which seemed to be fueled by flame. Light. Just like his own. Apollo’s son admired every curve and flex of Keaton’s body and his mouth drank each feverish breath that escaped the newcomer. The taste of dill was still fresh on Keaton’s smooth lips and tongue. Sweetened by the hand squeezed orange juice they’d shared over the meal.
“I’m sure.” Corinth lightly breathed in return, eyelids opening so his dark eyes could express his honesty. At this point, he’d beg Keaton to stay. To distract him. Physically. He gasped and chuckled, “Oh yeah... I’d never say no to your cooking, but... that was clearly just a starter.” Corinth muted Keaton again with a warm, firm, kiss while his left hand wandered down to fondle the gorgeous man’s erection.
“I wondered why you weren’t there when the others arrived...” The words Eris and blood had been among the survivors chatter. Corinth knew that every trial, quest, was beyond their imaginations, but this one seemed different. If Eris played any part, there would undoubtedly be an intricately designed nightmare involved.
All of the guys who’d volunteered were rather fresh off of the boat too. Keaton among them. Corinth was worried as it seemed the playful man who’d left for this mission hadn’t returned. Though the son of Apollo wouldn’t blame him. He just wanted to know... The hotel room door shut behind him and Cor stepped further into the room. “If you need to be alone, I’ll understand, but... I’m here. To help or... to say nothing, too.”
It was mid morning when the harmless knock landed on Keaton’s cabin door. Corey abandoned his freshly baked blueberry muffin to answer, only to find no one on the other side. A small envelope caught his eye as it sat abandoned across the dark wooden floor panels. He plucked it up and looked it over as the door shut behind him. Once the closure was torn open, Cor revealed the pamphlet inside and reached out for his hot cup of coffee. “Hm.” The short sound escaped him, bright and intrigued. “Jasper’s throwing a Valentine’s day party. That’s sweet.” Apollo’s son did adore parties.
Keaton:
—— Keaton steps in from the living room once he hears the knocks, joining behind Corey to observe as he opens the letter. “A party?” Keaton, on the other hand, didn’t really care for parties. He was shy. “Nah.”
Corey:
“Nah?” Corey smiled, slightly mocking the cadence of Keaton’s reaction. The invitation was tossed atop the table and he settled against the stool to enjoy his coffee and muffin properly. “Your bran flakes are showing again, snuggy. ‘just saying…”(edited)
Keaton:
“It’s not really my scene. Especially not…leather and lace?” Keaton looks at the letter with concern. “I don’t play dress up. Not my style.” He sighed. “Besides…I’d rather spend the day with you.”
Corey
“Ok… fair.” He snickered while working down the first bite of blueberry muffin. Topped with butter, of course. “To play devil’s advocate, the invitation does say 'dress up optional’.” Keaton’s comfort mattered to Corey. Under such reasonable circumstances, he wouldn’t dare pressure him. It was a holiday after all. The after thought of Keaton’s argument wasn’t missed, though Cor felt surprised by it initially. Right… it was 'Valentine’s Day’. It seemed… natural for this sort of suggestion to pop up between them. With what slipped out during the love affair. A smile spread across Corey’s lips once again, but this one was mildly sheepish. Honored. Even frazzled. “Um… yeah. Let’s do our own thing…” Saying this, it didn’t feel like enough. He angled the stool to face Keaton better, snatching a peck to his jaw line. “… Be my Valentine?”
Keaton:
—- Keaton felt like a stick in the mud for killing the party idea so quickly but he was being honest with his feelings about it. “if you really want I guess we could swing by for lil bit. nothing too crazy though.” he compromised, even though he knew he didn’t want to go at all. even if a part of him was curious. “I’ll take you up on that. Valentine.” He beamed. This felt like a next step in their relationship. One that he was enjoying the ride of.
Corey:
Corinth gave a half shrug in the direction of the torn envelope while sipping his coffee, “We’ll see. The ambrosia scene isn’t my thing either, honestly, and it’s all the others drink.” He preferred regular liquor. Ambrosia clouded his control far too much and couldn’t lead to anything good. “'might be a complete mess by the first hour.” Cor liked music, dancing, cutting loose, not impromptu orgy circles with any dude off the block. Keaton’s answer was relieving. Corey was so ecstatic to find him just as happy to simply spend the time with him. “'glad to know you’re not tired of me yet. … I’ll make sure you don’t regret picking me. 'plan something really special for you.” A sudden rush of ideas swirled through his head. A month ago, Cor wouldn’t believe he’d be asking this infamous question to another demigod let alone be wanted in return.
Keaton:
——- keaton didn’t know what he could come up with with only days until the holiday, but he would figure something out. after all, it had been a long time since he had a valentine on the day of love and hearts. this time especially he wanted it to be special. “tired of you? nah. that can’t be possible.UWU TIME SKIP
Corey:
The week flew by faster than Corinth expected–he truly believed it was on account of what he had to look forward too. More than another day with Keaton. Something special, or… at least Corey hoped he hadn’t over-planned for the Valentine’s Day date?? Besides that concern, there were no other familiar fears turning over and over in Cor’s mind. When it came to Keaton, he knew simply showing up and being himself would satisfy him. The musician only hoped the homemaker knew that he felt the same way about him too. Corey dressed nicer than usual, but not fancy. His shirt was buttoned rather than a tee, sleeves short. The pants were dark and new, hugging to his form just right. A pair of leather ankle boots completed the look–as well as a thoughtful brushing too his typically bed head hair. With a thick bouquet of sunflowers raised in his brand new garden clutched behind him, Corey knocked on Keaton’s door with his spare hand. Eager to see him.
Keaton:
—— keaton has spent the entire last few days making heart shaped foods and decorating his cabin with romantic things. he wasn’t dressed especially nice. he was just wearing a grey and form fitting long sleeved turtleneck with some brown pants and as of now he was barefoot. when he heard the knock on the door he scrambled through his cabin to go to his room and retrieve the giant teddy bear he had gotten for Corey the day prior. He looked in his bathroom mirror to check his teeth and his face before opening the door slowly to show that he had the bear. “whats up, sunshine?” keaton waves the bears arm and spoke in a deeper voice as if the teddy bear was greeting the other man.
Corey
The aroma wafting from the cabin was definitely reminiscent of sugar cookie dough. There seemed to always be something cooking on Keaton’s end. Somehow, the son of Hestia made such tasks seem effortless and fun–so Corinth never had to worry his lover would overwork. The door soon swung open and Corey was greeted by the biggest stuffed animal he’d ever seen. Considering the fantastical world they now inhabited, he had to take a second to be sure this wasn’t actually an enchanted plush. The fur covering it ear to toe shimmered like velvety satin, it’s face rather classic. All-in-all, lovable! Corinth laughed too himself and regained composure, "Mister Bear–fancy seeing you here, is the man of the house around?” Corey revealed his small armful of bundled sunflowers. At least they had both gone the cliche route. “I have a gift for him, and these sunflowers.”
Keaton:
——- Keaton found this romance pretty easy, even though he knew that it was in the honeymoon stages. He tried not to overthink it and just hoped that it always felt this easy, even if there were some road bumps along the way. Being with Corey made him happy in a way that he didn’t know that he could or even wanted to be. He had girlfriends and boyfriends in the past but it always felt so superficial. What Keaton had with Corey felt like it went to the bone. “I dunno” He continued in the bear’s “voice”. “Lemme go look for him.” Keaton holds the bear down far enough to expose his face to a Corey “Found him.” Keaton sets the bear to the side and gestures towards it and puts his hands on his hips. “That’s for you. Voice not included.”
Corey:
The smiling face revealed on the other side of that adorable plushie was almost blinding. Corey’s own grin shined right back, genuine and amused by the sweet little performance. Funny how, even with such short time spent apart, all Cor wanted in that instant was to be in Keaton’s arms again. They stood face to face at the doorway though and that joke stirred another bright laugh out of Apollo’s son. “Aw, really?” Corey feigned disappointment and finally stepped forward, slightly extending the flowers between their bodies, “Not even on special occasions?” Before Keaton would have any chance tor respond, Cor’s smile faded momentarily and he tugged the other by the waist into a confident kiss drunk with longing and admiration. “Hey.” He whispered on a short breath afterward.
Keaton:
—— keaton looks at the flowers and back at Corey with adoration as he takes them. He didn’t know how special being brought flowers was until now. It was a very affectionate feeling that made him feel wanted and warm inside. He couldn’t contain his glowing blush and found himself in a kiss of passion with Corey before long. They could never keep their hands off of each other for more than five minutes. “Hey…” Keaton whispered before pulling away and grabbing the man’s hand and slowly pulling him inside, the red heart decorations on display. “Close the door, Sunshine.”
Corey:
He drew his own bottom lip in afterward, dimples showing as his smile peaked through at the same time. Wonder filled his dark brown eyes for what had started and what could be in store. He knew the sunflowers were gorgeous, but when paired beside Keaton it truly was a complete picture. Their hands touched and Keaton held his, pulling him past the doorframe back into what should be Keaton’s own world but it really felt like theirs now. The door fell shut, bright red markers caught Corey’s attention. Hearts abound. “If Valentine’s Day was a decoration contest, you’d put Daith to shame.” He joked. This took so much effort, Cor was touched by Keaton investing such care into one single day. “… You look incredible, by the way.”
Keaton:
“I’ll have to get something to put these in. Nobody has ever gotten me flowers before.” Keaton said earnestly, clearly grateful for the gesture as he looked at the flowers once again. “I’m no son of Aphrodite but I can whip up some decorations.” While he was no son of love, he was the son of the home. Which probably contributed to his natural affinity for decoration and room design. “Me. Psh. Nah. You’re the one that looks good. I’m just dressed like I always do. Nothing special.”
Corey:
Corey was astonished that no one had gotten Keaton such a traditional gift before, but pleased to be the first none the less. Practicing tact, he kept these thoughts to himself. “You shouldn’t have to worry about this bunch for awhile. Jasper helped me grow them from parts of Demeter’s garden.” He explained, just to make things easier for the homemaker who seemed to think of everything. “You’ll have to teach me some tricks–my place could use a seasonal flair.” Reaching up, Cor tapped one of the paper hearts to make it spin before bending down to scoop up Mister Bear who was nearly too big and frumpy to take very far. His chin settled atop the bears head while he listened, “You’re always special. With the delicious smell, I expected to see you covered in flour–but you’re just too on top of your game, sexy.”
Keaton:
“I like your place the way it is.” Keaton replies. “I mean, it’s so natural y’know? And it’s where we first…” Keaton looks away with a tad of a blush. “Yeah.” He sets the flowers down in a pitcher he feels with water and turns back to face the other man. “Flour? On my favorite turtleneck? Hell nah.” Keaton speaks with a smile throughout, hard to contain when in the presence of his lover. “Besides, only the best when it comes to you.” He walks up and wraps his arms around Corey, nuzzling his nose into the son of Apollo’s neck.
Corey:
That once dreamy smile swiftly morphed into a knowing grin while Keaton dropped the subject. Foxy and cocky at the same time as both arms hugged around the large bears oversized head. Honestly, he was flattered to know someone liked his cabin and coming from Keaton that counted for a lot. “Well, now that I’ve learned how you are at your absolute worst I’ll take you any way I can have you.” Dashing the playful flirting and inside jokes aside, Cor moved his arms to hold Keaton in return, pressing his brow securely against the other’s short hair. Instinctively, the musician ran a hand up and down Keaton’s back. He felt at peace in this warm silence, at home and it wasn’t only the Hestia’s birthright that stirred such a nostalgic sensation in him.
Keaton:
—— even with the giant bear between them, he still felt as if they were as close as possible. “you can have me any way you want, sunshine.” keaton coos, continuing to nuzzle the other demigod. “show me the gift you mentioned, babe.” he said, pulling away from Corey.
Corey:
His gaze softened as Keaton opened himself up too him. Any anxiety or tension melted from Corinth’s strong shoulders as they remained together. A silly, loving threesome with the clumsy bear still present. But, Cor wouldn’t want it different. When Keaton gave him space, he reached into his pocket and presented the small token. “I thought it was a nice… mix of our paths.” The golden laurels of Apollo and a fiery ruby to symbolize Hestia’s unwavering hearth.
https://bit.ly/2SKkj5Q
Keaton:
—- Keaton was speechless when he saw the ring. This was such a romantic gesture that he wasn’t sure what to say. “I—-Damn.” Keaton takes the ring out of the box slowly and places it on his ring finger, admiring it carefully. “Cor….”
Corey:
Cor stood still with a smile after presenting the ring. This token was meant to be special, a symbol of their bond. After a second of watching, there was uncertainty of whether he’d taken it too far. Then, Keaton was removing it and slipping the glimmering ring on his finger. Effortlessly which came as a relief too Corey. “Don’t overthink it…” He muttered while leaning forward to kiss Keaton’s right temple affectionately. “I’m just so grateful… this seemed perfect. You deserve nice things.” The last sentence was followed with another sweet grin. His gaze flicked down toward the hand wearing the ring now. It looked radiant as he’d pictured it. “It’s ok…?”
Keaton:
—- “but….I have to ask, Sunshine.” Keaton suddenly felt the anxiety returning to him. While he was grateful for the gift, he wasn’t sure what it symbolized between them. They had gotten this close and Keaton wanted it to go further. Even if he hadn’t explicitly said it before now. The ring on his finger had suddenly made the weight of this limbo period suddenly unbearable. “What are we?”
Corey:
Cor’s eyes and expression transitioned to something more pensive. The fear… wasn’t present. The dread that haunted him weeks turned months after Jackson was stripped from his side, then Henri’s sudden murder. Though it had all come crashing during last trial, somehow… that break had opened his eyes. To the fact that things weren’t ok, but there were certain people, so few, willing to work through this situation with him. For him. Keaton, like an angel, did and said all things Cor desperately wanted. Needed. For that, and these days that followed their return filled with unapologetic intimacy and freedom, it was difficult to wall up his usual defenses. Excuses. The ones he threw in Ari’s face not so long ago, but remedied with honesty now. Denied, in spite of his recovery, because… “I… don’t know.” He finally replied, throat suddenly dry. “… but we can ask those questions… you can ask me til… we figure that out.” What makes sense–no. “… What makes us happy and… better.”(edited)
Keaton:
——- Keaton’s face struggled to hide the dissatisfaction he felt from such a vague answer. but he quickly covered it up, as he was trying his best to be understanding. For Keaton, he didn’t have to figure it out. At least he didn’t think he did. When someone made you feel this way, you were supposed to be with them right? Still, Keaton didn’t want to force Corey if he wasn’t ready or give him an ultimatum. He didn’t want the other man to feel anything outside of comfortable around him so he wouldn’t disturb that by being pushy. “I mean….you make me happy.” Keaton brought their foreheads together once again. “I really want to be with you. Like for real. Any way you wanna do it. I just….I want us to be together.” He said, taking Corey’s cheek in his palm. “It’s aight if you need to think it over, I don’t wanna rush you or nothin. I just can’t go on any longer without you knowing that.”
Corey:
His gaze lowered as the energy turned. A familiar drop and yet everything done up to this point just seemed so right. He couldn’t regret pushing in his own way too. Inclined to dream of more with someone who understood so naturally. Who was patient. Who would… be there. Taking a step forward, Corey returned the contact, amazed by what Keaton said afterward. There was a thought, a hope, that the son of Hestia could want him too, but this… it was so much more than Corinth had imagined. The assurance in Keaton’s voice moved him more than anything else, not that he was desperate for their relationship to be official but that it could be the natural order. How could he not have known this… was what Keaton wanted? Truly. “No I… I completely understand.” He replied, still in awe of what was said about them. “I didn’t think I’d ever feel like myself again. Find someone who could… listen or touch me, the way you have. … I want you, Keaton. I really do…” “'just… I’ve lost people before… and I cannot lose you.” He shook his head upon saying this. The thought that plagued him, ruled him, for some time now. “I’m afraid… it’ll happen again.”
Keaton:
——— “it’s a risk….I know that. Being in this place and being who we are. It’s dangerous and it scares the shit out of me. But I also know how I feel about you, Cor. And that gives me the courage. I think…if I die…I won’t get to see Corey’s face again. Or call him Sunshine or wake up with him next to me anymore. I won’t get to make him muffins for breakfast when he gets up or run my fingers through his hair when he’s falling asleep. If I die I won’t get to hear him play on his guitar or watch him in that garden of his. If I die I won’t get to hold his hand or hear him saying my name ever again or see his smile at me. And that’s enough for me to live. I’m not gonna leave cause…why would I go anywhere when you’re already right here?”
Corey:
His brows furrowed with touching emotion as Keaton spoke. Resounding, almost haunting words. How every second spent together had left an impression. Keaton saw him, happiest and even afraid, and he… accepted, wanted it, might even loved all these sides. Corey felt a sting in his eyes. The notion of being Keaton’s one thought… his motivation to keep going, to be his hope. He was in disbelief that he could be that for someone again, yet this was evident. He quivered as the tears rolled down his cheeks as Keaton finished, each memory, feeling, reflected in his own minds eye, and then… “Keaton…” Cor whispered, beside himself, but still… profoundly moved by what was meant. Touching Keaton’s face, he kissed him again, this time drawn and laced with a tender longing. Gratitude. Once he pulled away, he felt his heart slightly racing and Cor just… didn’t want to let go. “Then… stay… and be mine.” He shivered while saying between quiet tears. “Bring me home every night. Day. Help me dream again through your eyes. Keep me. Let me be… better than I ever was before, for you. For all of this. Make it to the end with me…” He asked, hand soothing across the nape of Keaton’s neck. “make forever worth all of this with me. I’ll be your light and hope… and you’ll be mine.”
Keaton:
—— keaton smiles, tears almost breaching his eyes as well. it was easy for him to be this vulnerable and earnest with Corey. He didn’t want to keep any secrets from him or not tell him anything. Keaton wanted everything he felt always on the table, he wanted to be in Corey’s heart forever. He wanted to be the one that Corey loved, and returned to after a long day. In his heart was where Corey was making his home. Fitting for the demigod of homes, he supposed. “I am yours. You are mine. Speaking it into existence….right here and now.” He whispered, wiping away Corey’s tears with his thumbs. “I am your home. And you are mine. Deal?”
Corey:
Corinth ducked his chin slightly as they came to face each other once more, but Keaton cupped his face. Made him brave again. The sun child nudged back against those palms, nuzzling a cheek closer to one. He wouldn’t lose him… he wouldn’t… but Corey still feared the cost of such tragedy befalling one last time would be the loss of himself. Either to destroy or to leave Mount Olympus, forever. Keaton reminded Corey that this cruel stagnant place didn’t have to be his home. The center of his heart and spirit. Keaton was. Living, breathing and true. Corinth came close to hug him once more while nodding. “Yes… yes, deal, baby…” fingers curled across the other’s neck with peaceful joy. “I’ll go anywhere you go, Keaton. We’re in this together…” After a moment, Corey finally gathered himself enough to take a half step back. Wiping the damp from his own cheeks, breathing and giving an apologetic chuckle. “Shit… I’m sorry.” He knew an apology was unrequired. That Keaton understood—or at least had put the effort and attention into trying to. For this, Corey… He reached forward to take hold of the hand wearing that glistening band. “… I love you.”
It was cheezy to make a big deal out of this holiday, but Corinth found himself genuinely being swept away. Wishing that this day wouldn’t end. Only, he was for once grateful to see his father’s glorious sun sink down to rest. The night was welcome, all of those stars, his final gift wouldn’t leave such a strong impression without it.
The camp’s gazebo was decked out, simply, the ceiling’s edges and corners decorated with layers of string lights. Corey had tucked his guitar in a corner just to be prepared, but his record player sat at the ready atop a table along with sweet fruits, chocolates, and the routine champagne in an ice bucket. Not too much, just enough, in his mind. Cor held Keaton’s hand as they approached and entered, the slightest bit nervous to know if his beginner level decorating would leave the homemaker wanting. “Here’s the ‘surprise’. What d’ya think, snuggy?”
