Henrietta Abbot

Henry rolled her eyes at the mention of Elara; the tale was a legend at camp, used to dissuade newcomers from messing with the easy targets of Cabin 10. Henry's amusement was shown only in the twitch of her mouth-- it was a nearly imperceptible movement that she knew Tempest would notice, no problem. "Yeah, yeah, the wrath of Aphrodite... cool lecture, mom. I'll be fine. Word around camp is that Nora's rage is directed at Liam for now, and he could do with a few less mirrors as far as I'm concerned." Henry picked at her half of the muffin, chewing slowly and thoughtfully. "Gods, Tem, you're so protective! Do you looove me or something?" Henry grinned wickedly, eyes alight with fondness and amusement. For a moment, she could put all of her worries, insecurities and doubts down. She could just be herself. That's one of the things she loved most about Tempest; she brought out the best, most authentic version of her. Henry knew she was damn lucky to have befriended the most badass girl in camp! "Nothing and no-one," she agreed happily. "They try to break us, we break them." Having finished her food, Henry stretched dramatically, finally coming to a rest with her elbows resting on the table behind her. The two girls were in the perfect place to watch the chaos they just caused unfold. Some of the Iris campers had swarmed like ants around the entrance of Cabin 11, attempting to pull the Hermes kids out. Looking beyond the mayhem to the training grounds, Henry saw a figure alone, punching the air. Even from afar, she recognised that frame. Liam Santos... What a tool. Why was everything so complicated all of a sudden? "Enough about me," she grimaced, "tell me about your latest scheme. Whose lives are you ruining this week?"

Even with her mouth stretched around Liam's dick, Henry couldn't help but smile at the sound of his moans. The way he called her name made her sit up straighter, more determined than ever to bring him to climax. With her mouth so full, her quick-witted retorts came out in indistinct gags; if it weren't for her downturned eyebrows and the glimmer in her eye, Liam would never have known she was attempting to talk back. His grip on her hair guided her to the base of his length, well past the point of comfort. Tears streamed down her face as she looked up at him helplessly, intoxicated by the humiliation of being so under his control. She was so happy she could burst! "Ghhg-- ckk! ...mmmfh," the gags and moans came out unintentionally, and the muffled exclamation of "Hnnghff, Liam!" that followed escaped almost imperceptibly. His possessive growls made Henry's heart skip a beat, imagining a future where she was entirely his; this excitement was exacerbated by the aggressive way he guided her movements, testing her limits against his formidable cock. She felt like he was teaching her, training her how to take him... did that mean she would get to experience this again? That was when he released into her mouth -- the warm, salty liquid was unfamiliar on Henry's tongue. She relished his taste, her eyes rolling back a little. Before Liam could even command Henry to swallow, she poked her tongue out at him, allowing his cum to drip onto the ground in front of her; this playful show of disrespect was intensified by the dazzling eye contact she maintained throughout. Amused and delighted by the boy's unsteady stance above her, Henry wiped her mouth with her forearm. "Who's in charge now, Santos?" she challenged, giving her hair a shake to reset it after its rough treatment. "Aww, don't tell me you're too tired to fuck me! Where's all that stamina I've been teaching you?" She grinned, her eyes dancing with excitement under the stars.

Alias: CICADA Characters you are Keeping: Henrietta Abbot, Winnie Sullivan Characters you are Making Inactive: None Characters you are Retiring: None

Henry could always count on Tempest for sound advice about life at CHB; sometimes it felt like their first interaction had never ended. To this day, she was always getting camp life explained to her. Flicking pastry crumbs off her shirt, she grinned at her friend. "It was only a little cut. And hey, you should've seen the other guy -- bluest balls you've ever seen," She joked, trying to ease Tempest's mind. Henry knew all too well that the girl hated romance, true love, and all that. At the very best she was suspicious of it; somehow Henry doubted Tempest would be too keen on anything developing between her and Liam Santos. "Don't worry, Temmy. He'll go running back to that Aphrodite girl and leave me in the dust. Just gives us an excuse to fuck with the Ares cabin, right?" Henry's grin was a valiant attempt at hiding her feelings, however useless that was in the face of this child of Nemesis... She always seemed to intuit the true intentions behind people's actions. Whether that was a goddess-given gift or a mere facet of Tempest's intelligence, Henry was never quite sure. Novalie was just about the worst person to be warring withing over a boy. She had Aphrodite blood, after all. "As for Nova... I don't know. She seems nice enough," she shrugged. "I mean, she's an Aphrodite camper. What's she gonna do? Speak French at me? Braid my hair?" This was, of course, a gross underestimation of their powers, she knew. Still, the thought of being bested by a child of Aphrodite just seemed... comical. As much as Henry was realising she liked Liam, Nova could have him. Easy decision for him at the end of the day... hmm... beautiful, powerful Novalie? Or scrawny, argumentative Henrietta? As if. "I don't need stupid boys, anyway. I've got you." Henry split a muffin down the middle and offered the larger half to Tempest.

In a conditioned response to Liam's commanding tone, Henry retorted without thinking: "Shut up and make me." Almost as soon as the words were out she took him into her mouth, unable to wait for his discipline. She couldn't contain her excitement at the sight of him standing over her, fully exposed. His cock was big, not even fully erect, so that answered one of her questions. She'd never doubted it for a second - in truth, she'd seen its outline before... not that she'd paid attention, of course. Desperate to make him cry out her name, Henry slobbered over the boy's cock, making sure her eyes locked on his. Staring up at him, trying to take all of his significant length, she fought back the inevitable gag as she took him to the back of her throat. There, her eyes rolled back and she couldn't help gagging on him. "Ghhkk.. mmph..gkkhh!" Her inexperience had her unable to hold him there, so she resurfaced with a gasp. "Mmf, is this good?" she asked, holding him. For a moment she saw them from another perspective: her, naked and sprawled on the ground, giving him head like her life depended on it. She couldn't help but grin up at him. For the while it took to catch her breath, she paid special attention to his tip, teasing it with her tongue. She relished in the grunts and groans of pleasure he made, clear signals that she was in control. Henry began to speed up, taking him as far as she could and working up a rhythm that conveyed her desperation. Her desperation to bring him to climax, to have him look down at her and give her that infuriating smirk. Her saliva dripped down his shaft, making the hand she steadied herself with wet. She used that lubrication to massage his balls, looking up at him for approval once again. Her eyeliner was smudged, her eyes blurry with tears of pressure from when she tested herself on his length. Gods, he was so beautiful...

Frustrated but aroused by his condescension, Henry grinned, hiding her face from Liam. She wouldn't let him relish in that victory just yet. "If I'm a princess, what does that make you? Court jester at best," she said, amusement tugging at her voice. Nobody had told her that sex could be fun; she'd always pictured it so solemn pornographic and heavy. No talking or taunting or laughing. Well, not them. Everything about him thrilled her, his personality as much as anything else. Of course she wanted his infuriating, cocky quips involved... it wouldn't be Liam without them. For the brief moment Liam held her to his chest, Henry's heart soared. It felt as though it was beating out of her body, and she wondered if the whole camp could hear its rhythm. Their naked skin together, her ass still stinging from his hand... then she was falling, thrown to the ground like a doll. She grinned up at him, admiring his strength and agility even now. He'd always been a worthy opponent, but this was something else entirely. The feeling of him spreading her legs was almost more than she could bear. As he got to work, teasing her with his tongue, she couldn't help but let out gasps and whimpers. It was an entirely new sensation, the way his tongue traced her folds and played with her. She didn't care who heard her moans. She was his and he was her's. Dripping, she writhed against him, her mind empty to anything else but his tongue flicking against her clit until she found her first release of the night. The feeling built in her before exploding, sending a million shock waves through her body like so many shooting stars, leaving her winded and panting. "Mmmff, fuck, Santos! Oh, oh-- hhnngg!" Henry couldn't take it anymore, her patience had finally given way and she was willing to concede. Looking up at him, the most handsome man she'd ever seen, smiling like he had just bested her in combat... Her desire had begun to ache, pulsing at her core. Restrained as she was, she was completely at Liam's mercy, and she knew he could hold out longer than her. He had, after all, done this before. Not only was her arousal ruling her, so was her curiosity... how would he feel inside her? How big was he? What did he taste like? Questions she'd been asking herself for years, and she was just a few words away from the answers... "Oh, fuck it! If you don't gag me with your cock already, Im just gonna keep talking back." There was no point hiding the blush in her cheeks or the urgency in her voice; she'd already cum for him once. Of course he was going to be all cocky about it, so she was desperate to please him as he had her, too prideful to allow him to do all the work. She was inexperienced, but there were few things she hadn't done right on the first try. She wouldn't start that streak now, that's for sure. She looked up at him with big eyes full of excitement, grinning tauntingly. She was shaking from her first orgasm, hoping he wouldn't notice. "Don't be scared. Maybe if you ask nicely, I won't bite."

Writhing underneath me, begging... Liam said the words like a promise he had every intention of delivering on. Henry felt her resolve weaken slightly, her need for him growing more by the second. Still, she wanted to make this last as long as possible. She felt drunk on this moment, dizzy and vague, the only things grounding her were the sensations he delivered. His thumb on her lips, his hand around her wrist. His lips on her neck. The admission that she had turned Liam on in the past made Henry glow scarlet. She felt that she must be luminescent in the night, from how warm her face was growing. She thought of all the times they'd sparred, and she'd attributed her slickness to mere sweat... No, Liam had had Henry under his spell for far longer than either of them realised. Liam's husky groans made her eyes sparkle with pride and amusement; he wanted her just as much as she wanted him. Needed her -- not just her pussy, but her whole being. The animalistic nature of this encounter did nothing to discount the deep, gentle yearning that underscored it. She felt for a moment that love wasn't SUCH a foreign concept after all... The way he maneuvered Henry gave her goosebumps all over her body. It wasn't an unfamiliar sensation; he'd used his strength against her on countless occasions before. But this time, there was almost nothing between them. His skin pressing against her's was the best sensation she'd ever felt. She understood what all the Aphrodite fuss was about now... Liam undressed Henry forcefully, making her abandoned clothes into yet more restraints for her. He tore off her underwear with a primal strength that made Henry moan with anticipation. "Mmmhm!" Feeling her most intimate areas exposed to him, his gaze burning, she felt as though her whole life had been leading up to this moment. She raised her behind so as to give him a better view. The spank that Liam delivered made Henry cry out in both pain and pleasure, a sound that she quickly muffled in her hair. "Aaah! Hhnng... is that- is that really the best you can do?" she provoked, her arousal far eclipsing her waning pain threshold. It was clear, though, that his promise was being fulfilled already. Henry writhed underneath him, arching her back for him, facilitating her punishment gladly. "Want me to beg for your cock, Santos? Make me." She knew neither of then would submit to this desire until they had no other choice. It was a variation of their usual spars... who would cave first? who would be victorious?

Henry rolled a peach between her palms, elbows resting on her knees, wondering where to begin. It was a delicate matter for sure... Tempest was her best friend, but she was also Tempest. Was it too risky to open up about everything? Henry's heavy thoughts were interrupted by distant cries of help and anguish from the Hermes kids. Aaah. There is good in the world, after all. With her spirit raised slightly, she took a bite... and a leap of faith. "You saw what went down at the campfire, right? Well... I went to see Liam after that. To, like, comfort him or whatever." She wiped the juice from her chin with a flannel-clad forearm. "Long story short, we argued, I accidentally cut my nose," she gestured to the injury, "and I kissed his big stupid face. And no matter what he tells you, I was not crying." Henry finished by punctuating her story with a stern nod. Okay, so it wasn't every single detail. But it was most of them. Aside from her true feelings, et cetera et cetera, but who wanted to know about that shit? Yuck! "Happy now, Temmy?" Henry gave her friend a rough but good-natured nudge, grinning through her blush. Having finished the peach, she chucked the pit at a nearby Demeter kid's head (it's not mean if it's pertinent, right?) and grabbed a pastry. "And if you blackmail me, so help me Gods, I'll tell everyone about that teddy bear you sleep with." That was a joke of course -- Henry would never do that. Partly because they were so close... mostly because Tempest would make her life a living hell. Sure, she'd learned from the best, but there was no way Tempest had shared every trick in her book of revenge with her Cub. Some tricks of the trade were copyrighted.

Liam's teasing was driving Henry completely insane. He definitely knew how to get a reaction from her, both physical and verbal; as he got to work on her breasts, it was all Henry could do not to scream his name and beg for him to take her. "I have no limits, Daddy's Boy," Henry retorted, tilted her chin up to meet his gaze defiantly. One of them would have to break first, submitting to their desire before the other. She couldn't wait to find out who it would be. Especially if it was him. He took her skin between his teeth as he trailed down her body. The mixture of pain and pleasure made her eyes roll, her body succumbing completely to him. She prayed that they would bruise, so that she might be marked as his property for a few more days after this magical exchange was over. She thrilled at the thought of belonging to him like that. The contrast between his gentle touches and the sensation of his biting had Henry completely giddy, a slave to the sensations he was giving her. Her skin tingled under his fingers and jolted under his teeth. Oh, how she'd been dreaming of this! "Patience is not my strong suit, Santos," Henry whispered against his lips. She moved her body underneath him, desperate for friction that might release the tension she felt between her legs. With Liam holding her hands, she had no way to seek pleasure except by using his body. She imagined he quite liked that thought. Finding his erection, Henry whimpered at the mere sensation of it against her mound. "Fuck, you're so hard for me. Not the first time, I bet... Maybe I'll actually let you fuck me this time," She grinned, and took him into another hungry kiss. She savoured his taste and texture, the heat of his face and the intensity of his kiss. Gods, she'd never felt this way before!

Nodding solemnly at Tempest's expert tip, Henry calculated roughly how much time they had. The sticky steps potion would take about 30 seconds to develop, and they had about 2 minutes til the Hermes kids came back from training. Luckily, the solution was clear and wouldn't draw any attention from them. Tempest walked briskly but casually to her dedicated spot, ever the professional. Henry had a bit more nervous energy than her well-practiced friend, but managed to suppress it and walk quite calmly to her point, parallel to Tempest's. Ducking behind a pillar of the cabin, Henry rolled the vial between her fingers, the movement activating the solution. As soon as she heard the distant laughter of the Hermes kids, Henry made the noise the two girls had shared since the earliest days of their pranking: two short whistles in quick succession. It was a sound easily ignored or attributed to an annoyed bird or particularly tuneless satyr's pipe. But, to them, it signalled action. Henry splashed the sticky steps potion across the ground and stairs leading up to the cabin. Not daring to waste another moment there, she sprinted quietly behind the cabin, slowing to a casual walk as soon as she was a safe distance away. Trusting that Tempest had executed the plan flawlessly (she always did, of course), Henry hadn't risked looking back. Now she did, grinning at the sound of the Hermes kids swearing and struggling behind them. "We totally got their asses, Temmy!" Henry laughed, pausing to catch her breath. She offered a fist for their celebratory secret handshake, pride sparkling in her eyes. Beyond them loomed the mess hall, ready to reward their efforts with fresh fruit and bread rolls. What a perfect day! Except that now she owed Tempest all the details of her kiss with Liam...

It seemed to Henry that she'd awakened something in Liam that had been dormant for some time: his expression was hungry and dark as he looked down at her. It sent a thrill down her spine that made her body contort slightly underneath him, writhing to meet its pleasure. They had stopped short of this moment so many times -- sweaty and panting from practice, on the ground after a difficult spar, one pinned and submitting under the other. But never had it taken its course before. Previously, it always ended with a dismount, a hand for support in getting up (that Henry resolutely ignored)... finally, it was happening. Henry returned Liam's arrogant smirk with one of her own. Her eyes sparkled with defiance and excitement, intoxicated by the thought that Liam could do anything he wanted to her. His experience was evident. Every movement, breath, kiss upon Henry drove her crazier. Thank the gods for her stubborn resolve, or she knew she'd be begging for him already. "Oh, I know you can't, Santos," she quipped, suppressing the moan that threatened to betray her true feelings. His touch felt electric, his desire for her evident in a way that thrilled her to her core. He was the only thing on her mind and body. She couldn't imagine anything beyond their little bubble of lust and tension; nor did she want to. "I'm not some eager-to-please Aphrodite harlot," Henry smirked, grabbing Liam's chin. "You'll have to work for me." That was when he pinned her hands above her head in one swift, practised movement. Henry moaned, her hips bucking against him instinctively. Suddenly, he tore her bra off like an animal. His demigod strength was good for more than just battle, apparently! The freezing night air hit her small, perky breasts like a whip. Her gasp at the sensation turned into a compliant whimper, "Fuck! Oh-- mmmhh!" Why did it feel so deliciously good to have him staring down at her like that? Taking in her helpless body, as though imagining all the ways he could ruin her... Henry could hardly take it. "Don't be such a coward, Liam," she grinned cheekily, her eyes flickering below his waist. "Undress for me."

Henry laughed heartily at Tempest's theatricality; in truth, the Hermes kids had done little more than inconvenience her by stealing Atalanta. She was returned without so much as a scratch, but still! Anyone who'd been at camp longer than three days knew that she and Tempest were a duo, and their reputation was none too virtuous. Anyone that messed with them was signing up for a bit of revenge. Henry saw right through Tempest's bet: they'd been friends for so long that she'd be naive not to. Part of Tempest's curiosity about the kiss was genuine, sure. The other part? Well, that girl was always on the lookout for gossip and injustice to rectify. If Henry was anybody else, she'd be keeping that information close to her chest. But Temmy was as close to a best friend as she'd ever had -- unless Henry did something truly terrible to her, she knew she was safe. And, lucky for her, she had no such intentions! Besides, it was just a kiss, right? How much damage could it do? Eager to prove herself, Henry felt her Athena battle strategy side kick in... was this a job that required subtlety and finesse? Or distraction? Or pure stealth? The latter seemed the best bet, as technically what they were doing was definitely against camp rules. "Well, as much as I'm enjoying your grating company," Henry teased, "I think we've gotta split up. You take the left, and I'll take the right. In 3 minutes, all the Hermes kids should be finishing up combat training at the lake. We throw the vials before then and they won't be able to hit the showers for like, an hour!" she grinned mischievously. "Once we're done, run behind the cabin towards the mess hall. We can make it look like we were there the whole time." Henry concluded her plan with a wink. Don't let it be said that Tempest was a neglectful teacher -- Henry was a very competent harbinger of chaos now, too!

Anyone who’d had the pleasure of a compliment from Tempest would attest to what Henry felt in that moment: it just hits different. Trying to remain cool in the face of such an accolade, she nodded at her friend. “Hell yeah I am,” she grinned, returning Tempest’s nudge. Cub. Henry laughed brightly and loudly, picturing the two of them growing older. Would she, at 70, still be Tempest’s 'Cub'? If she was, they’d still be pulling pranks side by side, wherever they ended up. She faltered, falling a little behind her friend as an awful thought entered her brain: demigods often don’t make it to their twenties, let alone seventies. For a moment, she watched Tempest’s dark hair swing effortlessly a few steps ahead, towards the door. There weren’t many people she was scared to lose, but this girl was definitely one of them. The thought retreated into the caverns of her mind as Tempest spoke again, teasing her. “You witch! Fine, deal -- I’ll spill, but only ‘cause you’re helping me avenge Atalanta.” Yes, she’d named her guitar. So what? Laughing, Henry ran to catch up with her friend. Once safely at her side, walking towards the Hermes cabin nonchalantly, she began stretching her throwing arm: she’d learned an unfortunate lesson the hard way the first time she tried out this potion.

Thanking the gods for Tempest's keen intuition, Henry smiled at the new suggestion. Not only did it steer the mischief away from Liam, but it also offered a respite from all the drama she found herself tied up in. "Take away their only skill? Temmy, that's so mean! I'm totally in." Henry grinned, hopping down off the hammock to peer out of the window alongside her friend. From Tempest's room was a pretty good view of the Hermes cabin, looming as massive and worn-down as usual across the dry grass. "Those bastards stole my guitar last week... didn't even take the amp, so what was the point?" Henry shook her head in disgust as a few campers filed out of the cabin together. Feeling a sudden sense of relief and comfort in Tempest's presence, Henry rested her head on the girl's shoulder for a moment. It was a familiar, tender gesture, indicative of their connection. They weren't particularly affectionate people, so moments like this meant even more. Henry wouldn’t say it, but she was pretty honoured to be Tempest’s Cub. “Your chaos is my respite, y’know,” she said slowly, as though thinking aloud. “Like… you’re crazy, obviously. But you’re my crazy.” Sniffing, Henry lifted her head and leaned out of the window a little. “Alright, I'm ready. Let’s get some revenge!”

Henry shrugged, surprised that Novalie seemed irritated by her comment. To anyone else, it would've been taken as a compliment, but not Nova. That was as intriguing as it was perplexing. "Yeah, I guess so. You're also older than me and, like... chicer." It was true; Henry's grunge look was a stark contrast to the pretty, polished Novalie Abrams. Even their training gear was worlds apart. Nova wore a sports bra and yoga pants, while Henry donned an oversized Nirvana shirt and shorts. It was a miracle they had the same taste in guys, really. Henry raised her eyebrows as Nova stated she 'liked it a little rough', and couldn't resist the obvious jab that came to mind. "Rough? Yeah, we've all heard you and Liam. I'm surprised you're still walking, to be honest." While the other girl's hands lowered, Henry's stayed up. Classic Athena child: You have to anticipate attack at all times. Keep on the defence. It was clear that Novalie was uncomfortable, but Henry wasn't finished talking. She had to get to the bottom of this situation. As reluctant as she was to admit it, she had feelings for Liam Santos. Maybe she had for a while. "A thing for him? Gross, no! He's the bane of my existence." The words came out sounding defensive rather than self-assured, especially alongside the blush that crept across Henry's cheeks. "I just... you might've heard some stuff."

Henry was the very definition of conflicted. How had everything gotten so complicated over the span of just one night? She was on decent grounds with Novalie, but that would only last until Liam made his choice. A choice that would probably leave Henry out in the cold; she scowled just thinking about it. Who in their right mind would choose her over an Aphrodite camper? She was jolted out of her thoughts as Tempest spoke, though. Plastering a fabricated grin on her face, Henry nodded. "No, me neither. He's a prick -- and a terrible kisser," she said defiantly, though she couldn't meet her friend's eyes. It was a lie, but old habits die hard, and she'd been slagging Liam off for years. She would soon regret this bold statement, though, as Tempest revealed the vial of Pandemonium Potion. Henry was sure they'd used it all up last Summer! A Hermes kid had cheated them out of some alcohol and suffered for it in a big way... his siblings had to relocate tables in the mess hall just to get away from him. Good times... but now? Not so much. Things were getting more dire by the second. Hesitant to disappoint her friend, but even more so to upset Liam, Henry grimaced. "I don't know Temmy... Ares kids are thick as pig shit, but they'll trace it back to us. Pissing them off is a slippery slope." It was a delicate situation, and extremely hard to navigate. Part of her wanted to pull the prank, to get back at Liam for saying such awful things to her. One kiss wasn't enough to quell a rage like Henry's. But the Athena side of her was screaming not to let this get out of hand; battle strategies and logic and all that. Gods damn it, what a mess!

"Yeah," Henry grinned. "I'm a girl. You're a lady." To punctuate her point, Henry did a haphazard curtsy, marred only by her defensively raised fists. She caught herself just fast enough to block Novalie's punches; there was no denying it, Nova's form was good. Especially for an Aphrodite camper, which were usually limp-wristed and scrawny. Just Henry's luck, to cross the only Aphrodite girl who could throw a decent right hook. Henry countered the punches with a few of her own, focusing on form rather than strength. She'd have to pretty stupid to physically harm this girl too. Something tinged in the back of her mind. She's got looks and you don't. She's got me and you don't. The words Liam had said in the heat of an argument last night. Gods, why did they hurt so bad? They had plagued her dreams that night too. Distracted, Henry swung harder than she meant to. "Shit, sorry. I'm... distracted today." Henry didn't know if it was worse: to bring up the elephant in the room, or let it be? Curse her ADHD spontaneity, because the words came out before she realised what she was saying: "You and Santos... you're not exclusive, right? You could do way better than him, you know."

Henry was swinging haphazardly in Tempest's hammock. For years, the two friends had convened in the Nemesis cabin to talk and plan what mischief they could get into next. Now, Henry felt completely at home in that room, treating it like her own. How did Tempest feel about that? Well... Henry smiled at her, slowing her frantic rocking to sit up, perched on the side of the hammock. "You'll be proud of me Temmy. I kissed Liam the other night-- Novalie is pissed at him. Shit is gonna hit the fan soon." Likely, Tempest had already heard the news. She stayed on top of all the messy business around camp, looking for weaknesses to exploit. Her deduction skills were second only to Sage. Henry decided not to include how invested she was in the situation, knowing her friend's disapproval on matters of the heart. For years, it hadn't been a problem -- stoic Henry wouldn't let anybody in enough to develop feelings. Until now, she supposed. Gross. "Anyway..." Henry's eyes flickered away from Tempest's, trying not to betray her true feelings on the situation. Tempest was a fantastic confidant. Provided you were furious at somebody and craved revenge. In love? She was probably the last person you'd tell. The world outside the windows was still and humid. Training further away in the grounds, but altogether a sleepy day in late Summer. The perfect environment for some chaos, of which these two girls were enthusiastic harbingers. Henry rested her chin on her palm, grinning. "So, are we raising Tartarus today or what?" @ Tempest Truett

Watching with a careful eye, Henry saw a younger Aphrodite girl approach Novalie and babble about something. When Novalie's head turned to meet her gaze, Henry quickly looked away. Shit. Gods, she wished she'd just stayed in bed. Not only was she probably about to get beaten up by a gaggle of Aphrodite campers, she was absolutely humiliated. She wasn't ashamed she'd kissed someone, but Liam? Gross... she was supposed to hate his guts. Who would respect her now? Henry all but stamped her foot at Dustin's decision. This situation couldn't get any worse; not only had she kissed another girl's man, but she was answering for it in the worst way. All eyes trained on Henry and Novalie as they approached one another reluctantly. Obviously, this whole thing was on purpose: Dustin knew what he was doing. Had Liam told his brothers about what had happened? Was she just another conquest to him? Shaking her head as though that would clear those thoughts from her brain, Henry offered a guilty smile. "No, no. Er- ladies first." Henry gestured vaguely towards the girl in front of her, so much more of a woman than she was. Classically beautiful, radiant with the alluring energy that all Aphrodite campers had. Suddenly she felt pretty damn inferior. Henry raised her fists to block Novalie's impending attack. She couldn't bring herself to strike first, even after the girl's offer. That would be too messed up, even for her. "I'll go easy on you."

"Gods, Liam, you idiot..." Henry chuckled softly, endeared by his cluelessness. It was nice to have him speechless for a change. "You just win, okay? Take it, 'cause I'm never gonna say it again." She kissed him once more, their lips reconnecting like puzzle pieces uniting. She felt dizzy, her skin still salty with tears and red with blood. The moment was so surreal it felt like a dream. She could easily have been convinced it was a dream, from how weightless she felt. Eventually, she pulled away, reality crashing around her. Had she made a big mistake? It had felt right in the moment, but there were so many things complicated this... Novalie, her own pride, even Liam himself. She still couldn't tell how he felt, and she was terrified. If she'd humiliated herself, she resolved to run into the woods, beyond the barrier. Maybe she could get eaten by a hellhound or something, if the gods were feeling merciful. The new distance between them provided a clarity that Henry didn't want to confront. She blushed and shook her head, looking down. Drops of blood fell with little spattering noises onto her skirt. "Sorry, I... must've been the shock or something... Don't tell anyone." The last bit was a whispered plea, something so unlike Henry it took her by surprise. How had this happened? She'd only wanted to make sure he was okay after Ares's visit, but this? She felt stupid. Of course he didn't feel the same way.

Henry had been getting weird looks all day. Usually, she was more or less ignored -- not invisible, but certainly not the talk of the camp either. She suspected she knew what this was about, and not only because her sister Sage had dropped some not-so-subtle hints to her at breakfast. The kiss with Liam by the lake last night. Some shifty little nuisance must've seen and told everyone. Classic CHB; nobody could keep their shit to themselves. It was bad luck that she was training alongside the Aphrodite campers that day, but even worse luck was coming. Novalie, infamous for being Liam's friend-with-benefits for years, was standing right there. She looked beautiful, obviously, but Henry couldn't help suspect that the whispering that surrounded her wasn't due to that. Either Novalie knew about the kiss, or she about to find out. In hand-to-hand combat training. Gods damn it! Henry stretched her arms and shoulders, ready for things to get messy. With any luck, she'd be paired with one of the Hypnos campers... they wouldn't be picking sides in this situation. The Aphrodite campers? Novalie herself? Well, Henry would have to say her prayers.

Henry was too overwhelmed to be embarrassed or to erect her usual walls. It was becoming so clear that she couldn't keep Liam out. He saw her, and that was scarier than any monster she'd trained to fight. The tears kept spilling, faster than he could wipe them away. His hands were warm against her face, cradling her jawline with a gentleness she hadn't known he was capable of. How strange, that a child of war could be that way... something about what had just happened had changed everything. The look behind his eyes had shifted instantly from rage to concern. To care. "I'm okay," Henry managed, looking up at him. She felt as though she was seeing him for the first time. Every complexity, every thought that whirled around in him. Everything he, like her, tried so desperately to hide. That was when she did it. It was as though someone else had control of her body, like some greater power - one of the gods themselves - had decided what she needed to do. Henry cupped Liam's face in her own hands, and leaned in to kiss him. Her lips connected with his in an explosion of passion and relief. She realised with this motion what she had wanted all along, what she had been fighting for years... him. He was everything. She continued, tender but hungry, letting her hands tangle in his hair. She pulled back slightly to mutter, "Fine, Liam. You win," against his lips, looking at him, eyes shining with adoration.

He had chipped away the final piece of her facade, and it only made Henry more angry. Maybe she was insecure and guarded, and less than Novalie? Maybe she hated Liam because he saw the real her, and she couldn't face that. "The only thing I have against Novalie is her terrible taste!" She snapped, trying to keep her voice steady. As upset as she was, she couldn't let her anger be redirected to Nova. She knew nothing about her, and Henry wouldn't let the catty cliche of hating some boy's girlfriend catch up to her. She knew she was above that. But Liam's backtracking caught her off guard. She flushed as he tried to take back what he'd said about her looks. She wouldn't let him lie to her like that, just to save his own guilty conscience. "Whatever, you don't mean that. You're just like everyone else, Santos. I hate you! I-I hate..." A tear fell down her cheek and, instinctively, she brought her hand up to wipe any trace of it away. Instead, the knife she was holding caught the bridge of her nose. She gasped at the unexpected pain, dropping the blade and pressing on the wound to stem the blood. Then the tears began to fall, her resolve shaken by the injury and the overwhelm of Liam's words.

The sharp turn in the conversation's tone was reflected in the environment. Suddenly Henry was aware that the stars were burning rather than sparkling. The crude way he spoke, the personal insults, his insistence of her jealousy... she was burning with a fierce rage. So typical of an Ares kid to be like that! Well, she wasn't about to back down. "Oh yeah, 'cause I need your shrivelled little raisin dick so bad!" Henry growled, sarcasm dripping from her voice like hot tar. "You're pathetic. You can't comprehend that someone might actually see through all your bullshit to the sad little kid you are inside. You put on some fucking show, but it doesn't work on me." Henry couldn't help but draw her fingers towards the belt loop she kept her dagger tucked in. She didn't pick it up just yet, though. The comment about her appearance made Henry falter with hurt. Her eyes stung, but she refused to let it show. She drew the blade and held it at his neck. "I don't want you, Santos. I PITY you." Her shoulders were heaving with breath, heavy and laboured with the strength of her emotions. Her fondness for him was eclipsed by his cruel words, and her hurt was making her act rashly. Why was she so upset? Why did the words 'she has looks and you don't' keep ringing in her ears like an awful bell?

Henry watched, her face etched with confusion and concern as Petal reacted to her confession. Or maybe not reacted was more accurate? The girl, usually as bright and bubbly as they make them, seemed to drain of colour. Her eye-line dropped, dipping below Henry's as though she couldn't risk being seen. It was a while before Petal spoke again, and in that time Henry's mind raced through the possibilities. Children of Athena tended to rely on logic, perhaps to a fault at times. So, what were the options? Petal was afraid for her, worried that Liam was a bad influence or an unsavoury guy? She had a friend who was already involved with him? Or... shit. Henry's heart lurched as she listened to Petal continue giving her advice. Her tone had changed, suddenly less self-assured than before, singed with a hint of sadness. Henry had completely misjudged the situation, and she was furious at herself for it. Not knowing what to say, she kept her head down and weaved furiously. The flower crown that awarded her efforts was sad and misshapen, but she held it out to Petal nonetheless. "You know, I think I must be losing it. Santos is a big, dumb oaf, and Sage must have some dodgy intel. You're a good friend for advising me, Petal, but I don't think there's anything between me and him." Henry didn't want to embarrass Petal by asking if she was alright, or letting on that she'd caught the shift in her mood. She was just starting to feel a connection with this girl, and the last thing she wanted was for a stupid boy to get in the way. "Sorry for the shitty crown. Guess I need some more practice." Henry's weak smile rivalled even Petal's.