Theodore Thatcher

Theo listened attentively to Asher's story, realizing that there was a lot more to her than just being a wealthy heiress. He could hear the sadness in her voice as she talked about her father's death and the weight of responsibility she carried in managing her family's business. As she spoke, he couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for her strength and resilience. "It sounds like you've had a lot of pressure on your shoulders," he said sympathetically, reaching out to place a comforting hand on her shoulder. "But it's impressive that you've been able to handle it all and even expand the business. I can see why your dad had faith in you." He paused, considering his next words carefully. "I think it's important to do what we believe is right, but it's also okay to question why we do what we do. If you ever feel like you're just doing something out of duty and not because it truly makes you happy, it's okay to reevaluate and make changes." Theo knew from experience that sometimes it was hard to break away from expectations and obligations, but he also knew that living a life that felt true to oneself was worth the effort. He was beginning to feel a connection to Asher that went beyond their shared experiences in the alleyway. He couldn't quite put his finger on it, but there was something about her that drew him in. "You know," he said, a hint of a smile playing at the corner of his mouth, "I think we make a pretty good team. If broken appliances ever rise up against humanity I think we can take them on” he teased. As he withdrew his hand, Theo couldn't help but wonder if Asher had felt the same spark that he had. He knew it was too soon to tell, but he couldn't help feeling hopeful. For now, he was content to continue swinging his bat alongside her, enjoying the thrill of breaking things and the company of this fascinating, complex woman.

Theo felt himself relax a bit more as he took another swing at the blender, shattering what remained. He walked over to the corner to grab another broken appliance, he found that blenders seldom lasted more than two hits. It seemed Theo was past any danger of Asher reporting him to the authorities, though he still owed her a favor, what that might end up being was a total mystery to him. As they took turns swinging their bats he found himself feeling satisfied with the way events had unfolded as they had. Sure he had missed out on a lot of stolen loot, but hanging out with Asher was proving to be a fun time, now that he had gotten past the rough exterior she could put up. He assumed that was a needed tool to survive in the cut throat business world, but it was nice to experience this other side of her too. “A natural at kicking back and having fun!” he teased back. “Oh, I simply know the shop owner" he answered her question before continuing. "The business we passed by when we entered the alleyway, it’s a butcher’s shop. The last family I stayed with in the fostercare system, right before Camp, we came often. The family was shit, but the butcher was always kind. Anyways growing up, when I wasn’t at camp during Summer I’d try and return to the city. The butcher would let me stay in the spare room in exchange for running errands and deliveries. Fast forward to the present, he still allows me to hang around so long as I don’t cause too much trouble. He’s out of town this week so technically I’m supposed to be keeping an eye on the shop, but that party was going on tonight and I couldn’t resist dropping in.” Theo paused to replace a smashed appliance. “So what about you? I don’t really know your story. How did you wind up an heiress to a vast fortune? Do you enjoy being in the business world?” Theo's curiosity was peaking now that Asher was offering to open up more. “Personally I think I would find it suffocating,” he admitted.

Theo was thrilled that Asher had seemed willing to leave the party unceremoniously. He knew some of those types had to make such a grand show of their exit, but his theory about her was correct, she didn’t appear to be bothered by those sorts of things. He had been a tad bit apprehensive when she followed him into the opening. The area certainly was not filthy, he’d done his best to keep it clean, but it wasn’t exactly the type of location someone of her financial status would probably hangout in. Theo was counting on her curiosity at experiencing something new to keep her, despite the area’s appearance. “Charming huh? Careful now, you flatter me too much, it'll all just go straight to my head. I feed my own ego well enough” he teased playfully. She seemed eager to take the goggles and bat from him and he had barely just finished explaining the process to her before she took her first swing at the television set. Hearing the giggles that came out of the girl was all the proof Theo needed that she was enjoying herself. In fact as she continued swinging, laughing in between hits, Theo felt this was the most relaxed he’d seen Asher this whole evening. “Yes that’s it!” he encouraged. “Show that TV who’s boss! Don’t worry about any noise, I do this sort of thing here all the time. It’s just more noise in an already loud city. No one should be complaining.” As he said this he grabbed his own bat and walked over to the blender, with a single vertical slice he shattered the casing. “Glad to see you’re a natural at this.” In the corner of the room lay several more appliances and other fun breakable objects just waiting to be selected.

Aislynn's lips were as intoxicating as any mead, and as Theo deepened the kiss he felt the urges of lustful desire begin to take over. Conscious purposeful thought slowly replaced with hazy need and longing. The longer he kissed her the more reality seemed to melt away until the only two beings to exist were themselves and the only moment in time was the passion they were sharing. Theo had made love to many Aphrodite campers, but as he continued to make out with this Dionysus girl he felt different somehow. This girl, through her partentage represented life unabated and that spirit radiated off of her like energy, enveloping the two of them. Theo briefly remembered once reading something about the parties her father held in Ancient Greece and how the guests succumbed to a type of madness, debasing themselves in the most wild of inebriating orgies. He wasn’t about to ponder this any further though, as curiosity quickly gave way to craving; he needed Aislynn in that moment. The hand that cupped the back of her head tightened, and with a fist full of dirty blonde hair he pulled his hand down interrupting the kiss and forcing her head upwards exposing her slender neck to him. Theo couldn’t help but begin to plant kisses down it, starting from just behind her ear. Each kiss slowly turning into more of a nip until he reached the base of her neck having left a trail of marks. Pulling back just enough to look her in the eyes, seeking a final confirmation before they both fully lost themselves.

Theo rolled back his head and laughed lightheartedly at Asher’s response to his question. “I’m beginning to like you, even if I think you can be a little rough ‘round the edges. Point taken! I much prefer my charming face the way it is, no need for you to re’range it now. Option one it is!” Throwing off the dress jacket that marked him as a part of the waitstaff he discarded it on the couch. “Follow me” he said, offering his arm to Asher in a gentlemanly fashion. Leading his fellow camper out of the stuffy event venue and into the inviting New Orleans fresh air as they walked down the street. “Ahhhh, much better” Theo sighed, tossing one of the watches he’d stolen into the cup of a homeless man begging on the street. It took him a few turns and one double-back but Theo eventually led them through an alleyway back to an area behind several brick buildings. Already set up on a long wooden table was an old TV, a blender and an espresso machine all of which looked used, their better days long behind them. Behind that set several crates of discarded appliances and machines. “Here, put these on'' Theo said as he threw a pair of safety goggles at Asher, “Just in case.” Putting on a pair himself he went over and picked up a baseball bat that had been leaning against the table. “I had planned on coming here after the heist to blow off some steam and get out all of the pent up excitement. Hadn’t planned on bringing a guest but I can share.” He held out the bat for her to take, “Ladies first! Pick a target and let loose” he smirked. “Money can’t buy therapy as enjoyable as this.”

Whatever it was that had made Theo feel depressed earlier that day became a distant memory as soon as Evelyn’s lithe fingers found their way around his cock. He had already been a half mast from just the sight of her naked body, but now that she was touching him his member grew hard from the encouraging fingers. “Mmmm that you have chere, that you have.” His mind raced with the thoughts of everything he wanted to do to her, but for now he’d practice restraint and see just what she could do when prompted to. He knew her kind could get very creative when it came to the art of lovemaking. As if on cue, Evelyn turned around, presenting him with a close up view of her gorgeous backside. Her round ass enveloped his cock and began to grind on him, a lesser man would have surely folded from the intense sensations. Luckily for both of them, they were demigods and in their prime. Evelyn certainly seemed unable to keep her hands off of him as they continued to run over and touch nearly every inch of his exposed skin. “Like what you feel?” he teased as her fingers grazed over his formed pecs. When she pulled him close to her naked body he made a move of his own, closing in the distance his lips met hers. His arms wrapped around her body pulling her tight against himself as he deepened the kiss. It was incredible how pillowy soft her lips were, full and needy with desire; desire that Theo was more than happy to oblige her with.

“Oooooooo decisions decisions decisions” Theo mused, pretending that he was actually debating what was already an obvious choice in his mind. Aislynn had made the first move and Theo was more than willing to continue down that path. Laughing he continued, “Well I’ve already had the drink, I wouldn’t mind having you now.” As he spoke he slipped his thumb underneath her shirt, circling over Aislynn's bare skin. “You’ve endured my therapeutic rants long enough, we can follow up that conversation another time. I think we’ve both earned a fun distraction, wouldn’t you say?” Gripping her hip firmly he gently pulled her close to him as he stood up from the porch, his eyes looking down at her intensely now. They were just mere inches apart as Theo snaked his free hand up the nape of her neck resting on the back of her head, his fingers running through her silky hair. Closing the remaining gap between them Theo kissed her softly. The moment that their lips were connected, his body felt as though it was on fire, overpowering the colder outdoor air. Her soft lips tasted like the mead they’d just shared, that and a taste that Theo could only describe as feral and uninhibited; he had a feeling Aislynn was going to be an encounter he wouldn’t soon forget.

“You are a woman of few words aren't you Asher?” Theo teased as once again he had tried in vain to gauge Asher’s mood as she processed everything he had just said. “Though, I suppose in your line of work, keeping your cards held close to your chest is a smart strategy.” Theo had never had the kind of long-term attention span required to lead or plan any sort of business venture beyond a scheme or prank. He’d always seemed to have a half dozen unfinished ideas that sounded good in the moment but ones he quickly grew bored of. However he always respected the tenacity needed. “A wall, weight, barrier, the metaphor doesn’t really matter. Point is, if you don’t find some ways to let go of it all once in a while then I imagine you’re going to grow up feeling drained. Sure, sure, responsibility is good and all, but so is having fun. And sometimes the best fun comes from being irresponsible. Now, you’re in luck because I happen to be an expert in irresponsible fun. When it comes to blowing off steam I find there are two effective activities. If you'd like, I can take you to either. One option involves a baseball bat and several broken appliances. It’s a lot of fun and you’ll work up a sweat. The other option is also a lot of fun and works up a sweat but it requires a lot less clothes if you catch my drift” he winked playfully. “Which would you prefer?”

Theo watched her after he finished speaking, he could tell Asher was processing what he had just spoken, but as for what effect it might have had was hidden behind her straight faced features. He made a mental note to stay away from any poker games he ever saw her at. Now that the threat of being kicked out seemed like it had been extinguished he had a chance to study Asher, she was a rather attractive looking brunette. She seemed less upset now and Theo was still surprised at how much personal information he had poured out about himself. For some reason though he felt like he could trust her with it. Her next question pulled him out of his own thoughts, “Well I guess I never looked at it as suffering from depression, more like I’m always racing depression. If I can keep myself busy I can stay ahead of it, if I slow down…well it’s pretty fast too. I manage well enough though, guess my dad’s gifts came in handy” he chuckled. “Well it’s good you enjoy what you do I suppose, but in order to be good at it it seems like you’ve had to build up quite an impenetrable wall. You’re a very stoic woman and I’m sure that allows you to dominate the business world but I imagine if you don’t find some ways to blow off some steam it’ll be quite a crushing weight to carry around. Maybe that’s where some of my ‘particular skills’ can help?” He flashed her a grin, as he moved a loose strand of her hair out of her face. Asher still had him backed against the wall and there was not much space between the two demigods.

“You ask a lot of questions I’ve never thought to come up with answers to” he crooked an eyebrow in amusement, pausing to consider his next words. “I’d grown up in the foster care system and well, my foster parents cared more about the paycheck they collected from the system than in making sure I got an education with prospects. All that to say, any jobs I could or would be offered were boring and never really lasted. And besides, people work jobs for money, I don’t really care about that. For me, pilfering isn’t about making money, it’s about the feeling of excitement, the adrenaline that courses through you when executing a plan, the unpredictable feeling of danger when the unexpected happens. Such as bumping into you” he winked playfully. “You never know what will happen next, it’s a high I can constantly chase and it keeps me busy. It’s when things slow down that the depression tries to creep back in, but I find if I can always be chasing something, a heist or a pretty face, then I can outrun it.” Theo paused again, a look passing briefly over his face. “You know, I don’t think I’ve ever really mentioned any of that to anyone before….” he tailed off as he allowed Asher to answer the questions he asked. “Maybe that’s the problem? Maybe you need to make some time, don’t let this corporate world snuff out all your joy. Not everything in life needs to have purpose and a reason behind it. Like, right now, what’s one thing you want to do that has no purpose behind it other than you can just do it? Break your rules for just a moment” he encountered her.

How had he been at camp this long without having any meaningful interactions with this girl Theo thought. She was a total mystery that he was now quickly trying to piece together in their brief encounter. He made a mental note to categorize his fellow campers better when he got back to camp. If he ever got in a situation like this again he’d rather know who he was up against. In Asher’s case this seemed like a woman who knew what she wanted in life and knew how to get it. He gathered there had been many businessmen who learned this the hard way in underestimating her. He might not be a businessman himself, but he had underestimated Asher, and now he owed her..a favor? “Hmmmm, a favor huh? I do have several skills, many of which I’m sure you could find a use for should you require them” he flashed her a grin. “Deal!” sticking his hand out, he figured these business types liked to shake on these kinds of things. Her next question made him pause, not even his other half-siblings had ever bothered to ask him that. “Well” he started, finding his words “I have sold a few, just enough to make ends meet. The rest? I don’t even know where most of them end up to be honest. Scattered around my room or snatched up by one of my siblings. The Hermes cabin is an interesting scene, nothing ever stays in one place for long” he laughed. “So, if I may ask. What are you doing here? You run a business, can't you get someone to attend this for you? I’m having fun working, but I can’t stand these people for more than a few minutes. I can’t imagine it’s that pleasant keeping their company. What do you do for fun or to unwind?” he was curious what her answer would be.

This job had seemed like a good idea at the time, easy pickings from snubby people while he could get a good laugh in as he stole sampled whatever caught his eye. The last several minutes had gone downhill quickly as he scrambled to figure his way out of this mess. He’d never encountered a woman quite as serious and direct as this one and he realized she wasn’t the type of person to be intimidated. Once again only realizing his mistake after the fact. He had pulled her into this empty room to question her yet he couldn’t shake the feeling that he was the one under interrogation. Taking in a breath, his mind scrambled to figure out how he should address the situation. Finally he just laughed a little, not at Asher, but just at the futility of the situation as a whole. He started to wonder if this night would indeed end with him being roughly escorted out of here and straight to jail; Mr. D would NOT be pleased about that. “Look” he started, cautiously as he actually tried to pick his words carefully this time. “I think we may have got off on the wrong foot here. Now, I don’t have any actual intentions of ruining anyones reputation. And I’ll most certainly be double checking the guest list next time I go to work. You seem to be immune to these” he gestured towards the trinkets in his pocket “so what can I offer or do for you in order to be on my way?”

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Theo didn’t necessarily expect his pep talk to flip a switch, it certainly hadn’t when he'd been told it himself all those years ago, but it was a start. At least someone in Aislynn's life had told her she had value, that she was free to amount to something if she so chose to. In some ways though that’s a harder pill to swallow. Sometimes it’s easier to live belly up in the mud than to try and get up on your own feet. So Theo wasn’t too worried when Aislynn brushed him off and pretended not to care, he saw the spark and was content enough that he’d planned a seed. “Hey, hey” Theo said softly, he could tell there was a lot of anger still there, and with an emptying bottle there was nowhere to drown the rising emotions now. “I’m sure you’re doing just fine on your own….but…should there ever be a day where…I don’t know..you’re not doin’ so fine all by yourself? Just know dere’s another troublemaker out dere who will share a bottle with ya. He might be an ole’ softy but he cares in his own way” He leaned back, stretching out his back and with his hands cracked his neck to one side. Yep, he’d certainly feel that punch in the morning, for now though the bottle had dulled the pain. Watching her as she moved around, he could feel the strong effects of the alcohol settling in. He remembered something about her kind not feeling the full effects of drinking but couldn’t remember if that was actually true or not. He could tell the poor girl had had to confront a lot about herself this evening and was reaching her limit. Looks like she was seeking a distraction and if Theo was honest, after the volleyball game he could probably use one too. When she asked her last question he just chuckled “Why not both? I think I can handle it” he smirked, curious where this was about to go.

Theo liked to believe that trouble just seemed to follow him wherever he went, in reality it more often than not came down to a lack of planning. For Theo, the high came from the act of stealing, not the careful detailed oriented planning that was required for any successful heist. Important details like; would anyone he knew also be attending this event? Like any wild-child, when things started to inevitably go south he usually made up a plan on the fly; they rarely ended well. Such as how his current predicament was going. Theo didn’t stop to think that a random abduction might not be appreciated, nor how simply stating ‘don’t freak out’ might have the opposite effect. Asher’s annoyed expression and overall demeanor was quickly cluing him into that. Well, if she was going to identify him and threaten to have him kicked out at least he stood a better chance of explaining his case here than out there amongst the crowd. The smart thing now would be to plead his case, unfortunately Theo had more looks than smarts. He was also annoyed now too that his fun had been ruined. “What do I want?? I want to be able to have my fun in peace without having to worry about being recognized! Aren’t there a dozen other parrites a rich girl like you could be at? Why’d ya have to go and pick mine?” He spoke as if somehow he belonged here and she didn’t. As if he expected Asher to somehow know he’d be here. He didn’t know her very well, but he was about to get a crash course that this was not a girl you played chicken with. When she threatened to have him removed, his tone quickly changed tune. “Now now, there’s no need for that! I mean, it seemed like a good idea at the time? Do you really want to have this conversation out there in front of all those people? What if someone there recognized me and saw the two of us together hmmm? That certainly wouldn’t help your reputation as a business woman. I mean, I’m really doing you a favor here if you think about it right?” Theo knew better than to believe that, but was hoping he might be able to charm his way out of this mess; he could be very charming when he needed to be. “OK ok ok, you got me backed in a corner here. What do you want in order to keep this a secret? I’ll do anything here. Maybe you want one of these huh?” he offered, showing her the inside of his coat pocket stuffed with watches and other jewelry. He wasn’t sure what she liked, but rich people always seemed to want this kind of stuff, otherwise why would they all be wearing it for him to steal in the first place?

@ Aislynn O'Neil From one wild child to another xoxo

@ Asher Harrington You may have botched my job in New Orleans but thanks for making up for it

@ Andralyn O'Dell Stop trying to steal my shit! (love you though )

@ Evelyn Scott Thanks for another year of mind blowing experiences chere

“All our parents left us a little cracked in da head no?” Theo laughed at Aislynn's admission. He guessed that just because she had better access to her father, it didn’t make life any more noticeable easier. In fact, she probably had it harder, a walking, talking constant reminder of why so much of her life had gone in a less desirable direction. At least Theo never had to see his father if he didn’t want to, and he certainly didn’t want to. He was starting to get the sense that while many other campers might have partied with Aislynn (Theo couldn’t blame them, the girl was a bombshell) few if any had ever bothered to get to know her. It seemed like even the simple couple of questions he’d asked her threw her by surprise. Well, he supposed it was just a little fun to see her squirm a bit under his questioning, but he also cared; the alcohol helped with that too. “Ahhhh, da loner who helps out other loners to feel less alone. I know da type. I imagine that it gets draining when no one reciprocates.” Theo in no way thought of himself as a therapist but he sensed a kinship with this girl. Maybe she was worth spending time to get to know, I mean, looks wise she certainly was, but in a rare moment of character Theo looked beyond just physical appearance. Sitting down next to her, he carefully placed his arm around her, checking to make sure she didn’t flinch from the touch. "Good! It’s a good ting!” He laughed when she finished sharing. “If no one expects you to amount to nothin’ den dere’s no pressure, no expectations, no limits to how far you can go…except the ones you chain yourself to.” He said, emphasizing his point by tapping his finger on her sternum. “So stop seeing it as a weakness, a chain, and see it for what it is; freedom. To be whoever you want to be, whenever you want to be, with whoever you want to be with. At least…that’s what I tell myself. Its worked well enough so far” taking another sip, sad to see the bottle was nearing the end, but enjoying the effects it was causing him.

Theo’s past had been instrumental in shaping him into the teenager he was today. Going from home to home, never really finding acceptance, it had turned him off on meaningful relationships. People were transactions, he gave something to them and got something back in return. He had also developed a keen sense of ‘street smarts’ learning to read people. So he could guess what it was Evelyn wanted at this moment. Not just sex, no she wanted something wild, no strings attached, a distraction from whatever she was currently running away from, to explore her growing sexuality. Well, if it was exploration she wanted, his body would happily serve as a map of untold pleasures for her to find. “Ohhh I haven’t had any complaints so far, no” he chuckled. While she began to observe the cavern he began to observe her body, eyes slowly taking their time. Other girls might be turned off at being stared at like so, but Theo knew she didn’t mind, her body was a work of art meant to be admired. He delighted in his decision to show her this exclusive area that up until now he’d kept to himself. Her shock and unadulterated excitement at this excursion made Theo genuinely happy. The cavern would provide many opportunities for more adult activities, either in the pool, the rocky steps leading into it or the dry space outside the water; it was a playground of endless possibilities. As Evelyn approached him in the pool Theo grew excited, the water obscured their lower halves but didn’t mean they couldn't explore those areas with their hands which seemed to be Evelyn's intentions. When she whispered into his ear it sent shivers like lightning down his naked body. Ohhhh so she wanted to be a part of his secret did she? Bold of her to assume she could just walk in through the front door and co-opt it with him. But this gave Theo an idea, she had been pretty eager so far, maybe she would be willing to earn her membership to Theo’s private cavern. “How bout we make a bet hm?” he whispered back, his hands doing some exploring of their own as he spoke, sliding down the sides of her body until they rested on her hips. “You’re an Aphrodite right? So if you can use your gifts and make me feel pleasure so divine, dat I can’t help but shout out your name…then maybe I can share my cavern with you…make it a regular ting. What do you say chere?” he asked, the cockiest smirk spreading over his face.

Theo chuckled to himself as he fantasied just how a goddess like Aphridite would go around ‘thanking’ someone. He had bedded many demigods and mortals, but the real deal might be just too much even for himself. It didn’t seem like many of their parents turned out the happiest after their…liaisons with the divine. “Awwww, I’m touched at your concern for lil ole’ me” he said, snatching the bottle back for another sip, coughing a bit as he handed it back. “You do make a strong strong brew. A natural gift from your father I presum’. Dey say he was at the game ya know? Must’v been after I was already carried off.” “So why ar’ you really here chere?” It genuinely puzzled Theo to get this unannounced surprise visit from Aislynn. He knew he wasn’t particularly popular here at camp, sure many campers loved to sleep with him, and he openly obliged them, but beyond that he was mostly left alone. Life had taught him that if a stranger came by with gifts there were always strings attached. And yet, he wasn’t picking up that sense from Aislynn. She either was very good at hiding it, or….she actually did care. Theo wasn’t sure which of those options scared him more. It wasn’t necessarily that he disliked people getting close, he just didn’t have a lot of positive experiences of it working out. One of many reasons why he was known to skip out of town every now and then. As they traded sips, and barbs, at each other Theo began to feel himself relaxing more around her. Maybe it was the mead (the mead most definitely played a part) but he started to feel a connection to another kindred soul who might also be misunderstood like him. Well, one way to find out, he supposed. "What’s your story?” he asked. “I don’t tink I really know dat much about you. Other dan the stories I hear. You’ve got quite de reputation as a troublemaker but…I’m sure dere’s more to you dan just dat?”

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