chiseler | Day Two, post-trial;

Camp has a supply. We can't take too much of it since we're still half-human and it'd be too hard on us, but it helps a lot. [He doesn't seem bothered by Adam's dismissal either.] I don't know why it's weird to ask.

[But he nods, head feeling strangely heavy even though he should be feeling a little better.] My shirt was pretty trashed anyway. You think the bar'll really have ice? [That is to say that yes, he'll come with.]

You're going to have to explain a lot more of your life to me if I'm supposed to pretend we're from the same place. [ He decides not to respond to Luke's argument, not wanting to linger on the topic. ] How much have you told other people? Do they know you're half-god?

[ He looks Luke over for a moment, making sure he can walk, before nodding and turning around to lead him out of the bathroom. ] People like ice in their drinks, don't they? The bar will give you whatever you want, so it must at least give drinks with ice.

Not necessarily true. The earth has billions of people and only a handful of them know about demigods. You could easily know about earth without knowing about everything the Mist hides. You are from a normal earth aren't you? [He pauses then in talking as they head out of the bathroom to go down to the lounge.]

I haven't told many. I don't even know if I've told anybody I'm really a half-blood. Very few people know that I have personal experience with the gods and stuff, but I keep the rest pretty quiet. I already told you what happened when I told people before. [They didn't get it.

But to the lounge they go…] Maybe there's ice? I haven't exactly had time to go to bars or anything where I'm from but that probably makes sense. [He shifts the shirt to press a colder place of the fabric on his nose.] Next time I'll get somebody else to listen to one of Elizabeth's ideas.

I definitely feel like it's normal now. [ After meeting all these weird people. ] But we're supposed to be drawn to each other. I have to be familiar with the things you say.

[ Because Luke isn't exactly subtle. He's a little surprised to hear he hasn't told many people. ] Am I just special? [ There's a small joking smile on his lips but Luke still looks awful so it fades quickly. They have to go downstairs so Adam keeps an eye on Luke to make sure he's not shaky or anything. He wonders if he would be put on trial if he accidentally killed Luke with this. ]

You probably shouldn't listen to most people's ideas. At this point, not even your own. [ A look from Luke's nose to his stomach. ] How about you listen to my ideas? Since I'm supposed to be keeping you safe.

…you could always bend the truth a little and say you can see through the Mist. Some mortals are capable of doing that. It'd explain why you were drawn to me because you could see things other people couldn't. Like monsters and stuff. That's sort of like being able to use the leylines for magic isn't it?

[He knows Adam's joking, but he still considers that for a quiet moment as they head down the stairs. If Adam notices Luke's grip on the railing tightens a little while he's hit with a dizzy spell he's grateful he's too polite to say so. But he still consider that.] I haven't really decided what you are yet. Does that count?

[He follows Adam's eyes, huffing to himself when he notices what he's implying.] I shouldn't listen to most people's ideas but I should listen to yours…why? Parrish, you and I are supposed to be guarding each other but that doesn't mean I trust your ideas to all be great.

In a way. After the sacrifice, I can hear and see things that other people can't. But—what do the mortals do, then? If they can see monsters and all that? I'd like to have a job. [ He does notice the bit of trouble Luke has but there's really no way to help him right now. Luke doesn't seem to be the type to appreciate that anyway, so why bother? ]

... What does that mean? [ No, really. That's vague and weird and... Adam might feel similar. He's sort of just decided Luke is a business partner now. Does there have to be anything beyond that? ]

It was my idea to guard each other in the first place, which you already said was a good one. And since I value your life currently, I'm not going to have an idea that puts you in harm's way. But whatever, if you want to keep on getting hurt, I'm not going to stop you. [ He frowns over at him and waits for him to go inside the lounge before going off to the bar. When he tries to order something with ice... nope.

He looks back at Luke apologetically. ]

Some of them don't do anything at all. But some try to take on jobs like being the Oracle. [Given the fact he looks bothered by that, that may or may not be up for discussion.] There hasn't been a new oracle for years though. Not successfully, anyway. But that doesn't mean you wouldn't be able to see that like...a baseball bat is actually a sword, or that cute little puppy is actually a magical glowing goat. Stuff like that.

Anyway it means I haven't decided yet. Suppose I should get into the habit of calling you my "boyfriend" if this is gonna work.

[He doesn't argue for a moment when Adam leads them into the lounge and he eases himself into a seat to wait, propping his elbows on his knees to hold his head up. He waits for Adam to check on the ice situation and when it turns out there's no ice at all, Luke frowns heavily. No ice, no painkillers, no...anything. He doesn't get up from his seat and nods instead.] ...it's okay. I'll live. [Probably. But he gestures for Adam to come closer instead.]

The Oracle? [ He's not really sure if he's asking or just being incredulous. Probably more the latter since it's somewhat self-explanatory but it's still just weird. ] That's... sure, I guess I can go off that.

[ He thinks about more question to ask but suddenly he pauses in turning around to face Luke. There are a few moments where he looks off at a wall because... no one's ever call him their boyfriend before. He remembers how amazing it felt when Blue said she was his girlfriend—even if, he supposes, it was meant to be disparaging. Then he looks over at Luke curiously. Obviously it's fake, but is it weird if it still feels nice?

... Probably. He says nothing as he walks over to Luke, sitting down next to him. He feels bad that he can't do anything for him. ] Is there... anything I can do? At least whatever they do to us at 11 will make you fall asleep, but until then?

[He might be surprised when Luke actually laughs at Adam's surprise, even if it's a quiet laugh. He's keeping his head in his hands so he can't really see what Adam's doing or what he looks like for the moment.] Yeah, the Oracle. Like the Oracle of Delphi. Which by the way you should probably know that name. Most mortals see Delphi Strawberry Service instead of Camp. The Mist is powerful enough to hide it and make the area look like huge strawberry fields. Magically grown and picked by demigods.

[Adam pauses for a little too long because Luke looks up, peering at him from under his hands and noticing that he seems to be spacing out. Of course, then there's the curious look and he gives one right back, tilting his head.]

What was that for? [He scoots a little to allow Adam room to sit next to him and he's silent for another moment.] I don't know. Is it supposed to really hurt around my eyes after it's realigned?

I know that. Does she still give out prophecies? [ Of course he knows about the oracle. The strawberries not so much. ] That's an interesting cover, but alright. Would I have met you while you were picking strawberries?

[ But now he's going to examine Luke's face. It looks pretty awful but maybe not as awful as it could have been. ] What was what for? And you might bruise under your eyes... I don't know why it'd hurt around them, though. Where else does it hurt?

Yes. She's like this weird shriveled-up old lady who lives in the attic of the Big House but she still gives out prophecies when needed. [A short smile.] No. You probably would have met me when I was out in the city chaperoning a field trip or something. Or...where exactly are you from? State-wise. I bet I've been there.

[He can feel his face aching and maybe that's a sign he should stop talking, but he doesn't.] You sort of froze up when I called you my boyfriend. You can't really do that in public, you know? Looks suspicious. [But Adam's asking questions and Luke's too tired to be too much of an asshole at the moment.] My entire head kinda hurts like around my eyes and the top of my head. It started a little while ago, I don't know what happened.

[ What the fuck. Luke comes from such a complicated place. ] Okay... what's the Big House? Don't remember that from mythology. [ He thinks about Luke chaperoning kids around the city... it's not really an image he would have expected from him. ] From Virginia. Kinda far from where you're at. We can pretend I managed a trip up to the big city.

[ Let him pretend he's been to New York. When Luke calls him out, he frowns and tenses. ] It... was just a surprise, alright? I've never heard that from a guy before. [ Or anyone. But he's not going to admit that. Anyway, he's still examining Luke's face closely like it's a mystery he has to solve. ] Sinuses? But being punched in the face usually clears those out pretty well. Maybe you have blood stuck in there.

Because it's not from mythology, it's the main office building at Camp. [Adam's curiosity and confusion is sort of funny to him instead of frustrating like it might have been when he was a kid. Maybe it's just because Adam's aware this isn't a great gig. Who knows? Still, he seems to smile faintly at that answer.] It's not that far. That's where I was for a little while before Camp. But sure, we can pretend you and I met in a cafe in Manhattan and you watched me take down a minotaur or something. Whatever. Make it up, it'll probably sound true.

[The nonchalance of it might be surprising, if only because Luke's aware of the bigger agenda at hand. Still, he lifts an eyebrow.] Is it really that different to hear it from a guy instead of a girl? [He's being a hypocrite but who cares.] Good thing I didn't say it in public.

[He's taking a deep breath though to try and ward off another dizzy wave. Feel free to stare at him, Adam, he can't do much about that right now.] I have no idea how to tell if there's blood stuck in my sinuses, but that sounds pretty gross. [Still. He tries to sniff and it doesn't do much, a congested sort of noise with little effect. Ow?] It'll probably clear tomorrow. [He finally turns to face him head-on, giving him a curious look.] We only have a couple of hours 'til curfew. [So…what are you doing? It's a question he's not asking out loud, but he wants to see what Adam does.]

You keep the Oracle of Delphi in a summer camp building. Alright. [ ALRIGHT. He doesn't want to ask too many questions in fear that Luke might start to get annoyed. It's better to let these things reveal themselves if he needs to know. Still, the idea of their fake meeting makes him chuckle quietly. ] How romantic. What were you doing in Virginia before?

[ He goes quiet, though, really thinking about the question. He isn't sure how he feels about guys, but he doesn't think it's particularly weird. Different, maybe. ] Sure it is. Maybe not where you're from, but in some places... [ He knows that's not really what Luke is asking. ] I don't know. Aren't you going to have to say it in public at some point, though? [ Is that a problem? He's not sure.

Still, he gives a mildly disgusted look at the sound Luke makes when he tries to sniff. Not really sympathetic anymore, sorry. ] ... Do you want me to stay with you until then?

[He doesn't respond about the Oracle because that's a very long story. On the other hand, he snickers to himself at the notion that he and Adam could ever really have anything remotely romantic. That's the beauty of being able to make things up. As it stands though, he figures it's important Adam knows this part, at least.] It just happened to be where I needed to go. I...was following a goat. It's not weird, I promise. It lead me to a house, I...[He seems to pause, struggling for a moment like he can't quite pinpoint the details.] It's another long story. Maybe I'll tell you another time, but I had things to do. [He looks at his hands.] I ran away when I was nine, so it's not like traveling was new to me back then.

[He makes a face then.] I haven't met any guys with boyfriends if that's what you're getting at. But maybe? Probably? I don't know, maybe the people here won't need to verbally hear it if we just act it out. Actions speak louder than words or whatever, right?

[Though he does have to wonder if Adam can keep it together. He doesn't care about his sympathy, caring more about how much his head hurts.] ...nah. We're not in public anymore, Parrish. You can do whatever you want on your free time.

[ Following a goat. He frowns deeply but listens, not sure what to think about a goat and a house. He doesn't push because the next bit of information surprises him. ] You ran away... [ It's said quietly, like he's just repeating the information to himself. He's curious but he doesn't want to ask because, well, it might not be a good answer. In fact, it's definitely not a good answer if a nine year old had to run away. He seems troubled. ] But you started going to camp when you were fourteen. What happened in the mean time? You stayed at the house?

[ This line of conversation about boyfriends has become awkward to him so he seems to hold back some commentary. At some point, he has to ask: ] You think it's easier to act it out than just say it? [ He looks over at Luke and thinks for a long moment before he settles back in his seat and closes his eyes. Looks like he's going to stay. ] Okay.

No. I didn't know about Hal's house until the goat led me there. What do you mean what happened in the meantime? I lived on the streets and made shelters as I went because I didn't know where else to go. When I was fourteen a satyr found me and Annabeth and led us to Camp. That's it.

[It's a weird conversation, especially when he's finding it hard to recall why, precisely, he followed the goat in the first place. The conversation about faux-dating almost seems easier.] I think it's a lot easier to act out, yeah. Saying it doesn't do much since you can say anything. I could look at you right now and say I'm really into you and not even mean it, but it'd still be out there. Consider that. [But when Adam settles Luke does the same and mirrors his stance.] ...we should come up with a plan for tomorrow.

[ That answer is what he was worried about. He had tried running away when he was younger and he wonders if that could have been his life, but without a camp to belong to. He knows, ultimately, he made the right choice in staying but sometimes he still wishes he could run away. He stares at the ground, seemingly thinking very hard and probably not even at the idea of a satyr. ] Annabeth...? [ He can connect, at least, the story of a little girl feeling unwanted to the scenario with Luke. Maybe he also felt unwanted. ] The girl who threw a hammer at you?

[ He's not entirely sure which conversation is more difficult at the moment. He really shouldn't have let it get this far. ] Do you think there's gonna be another corpse tomorrow? [ He rubs at his eyes. He's so tired. ] Or do you mean starting to act out our plan? ... As long as we both approve of everything beforehand, it shouldn't be too strange.

[A sigh.] Yeah. She threw a hammer at me because she thought I was another monster coming after her and that was her only defense. She was seven at the time. That's what happens to demigods. They get hunted down if they're not at Camp or something because our parents don't bother helping us out.

[It's bullshit. The whole thing's bullshit, so he decides it's easier to talk about dead bodies.] I really hope not. It's been two days and we already have two dead people. I don't want to think about if this is going to continue. I was kinda talking about our plan. [He cracks open an eye slowly.] ...so maybe we should...I dunno. Have breakfast together in the mornings and then talk strategy to make sure we're on the same page before the day really gets started. We can't really get approval from each other in the middle of conversations with other people.

[ Only seven. And she was alone? It's disturbing. Surely as gods they all know where their kids are, what they're doing... And they let them stay on their own. ] They'd rather just let you die. So gods are about just as good as humans at parenting. I guess that's comforting to know. [ He probably sounds bitter. Why is it so hard for people to take care of their kids? To love them?

At the same time, that's all he's ever seen around him. Loving parents. No one who seemed to understand what it was like to be without that. Luke is the first person he's met like that. ] Breakfast. Alright. We can plan out what our public acts will be for that day. And... we can always have signals. I'd like some warning before you, I don't know, go in for a kiss or something.

Something like that. Some demigods maybe lucked out by having a good mortal parent, I don't know. But the gods rarely talk to us, if at all. Supposedly they still care about us, but I don't buy it.

[At least they can agree on that. Parents suck. His hand comes up to rub at the areas under his eyes.] Planning out public acts, yes. Signals...no. Still too obvious. What kind of warning are you hoping for, exactly? I don't think real couples warn each other when they're about to kiss each other.

They wouldn't let that happen if they cared. [ 'That' is a lot of things. Running away, getting attacked by monsters, whatever else. It's strange, though. Adam thinks it's his fault that his parents can't love him, but then... ] Sometimes parents don't want their kids. It's not impossible.

[ He frowns, though. He guesses he should be prepared for whatever they have to do to convince people. ] I don't mean anything obvious. Something like... [ He reaches over and smooths his hand down Luke's back. ] And then you go in for a kiss. That's not weird.

[A pause.] You're damn right they wouldn't. [It's mumbled, but it's there. He agrees that if they cared he wouldn't be left scrambling trying to figure out a future he doesn't understand. But it doesn't matter. As soon as he leaves this place...well. They'll see.

He tenses up a little under Adam's hand but he doesn't pull away, opening both eyes now as he looks at him. That's definitely a sign he can remember and it's not so obvious. Instead of responding though, he moves to wrap his hand around Adam's forearm, fingers touching the inside of his wrist as he leans in...

...and stops just in front of his face.] That's not weird at all. [It's pretty weird and he knows it.] But sure, we'll work on it. Who knows? Maybe we won't even need to say anything or do anything at all and people will be too distracted with other stuff. But I feel a little better having a plan anyway.

[ Adam's thoughts all melt away when Luke grabs his arm and begins to lean in. Alright. If Luke wants to practice with a hurt nose, they might as well so it's not awkward if they ever have to do it in public. Because he feels intensely awkward... probably because Luke stops and then Adam is left paused, looking at his lips.

He rolls his eyes and pulls his arm away from him, standing up. ] I prefer having a plan too. I don't want people thinking we're staff members just because we're around each other. [ He sighs and turns to look at the bar. ] I'm gonna see what kind of drinks they have here.

You can just relax until curfew. I'll take you back upstairs.

[There's the tiniest hint of a smirk when Adam pauses and then moves away. He's proven his point. That's all he had to do. He doesn't bother getting up but he closes his eyes again.]

We can both agree on that. [And he tilts his head back to try and alleviate the pressure in his face.] That sounds like a good plan to me...let me know if you see anything good, yeah? [And he falls quiet after that. Thanks Adam. You're a good fake boyfriend.]

Day Two, post-trial;

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