Olympian After Hours

[Theodore Thatcher]

Theo's fingers drummed a rhythm on the weathered wood of Arsen's cabin door. There was a buzz in the air tonight, a whisper about a new exclusive nightclub—one supposedly under the proprietorship of a minor deity, and if anyone knew where it was or how to get in, it'd be Arsen. Or at the very least, he's be the perfect companion to go looking for it with. Theo's pulse tapped an eager dance beneath his skin at the thought. This was just the sort of adventure he craved, a chance to test his mettle and maybe even stick it to the gods a bit. The feeling wasn't unfamiliar, a tightrope walk between anticipation and the cool shadow of past rejections that always clung to him. "Hey, Arsen!" he called out as he knocked again. "You ever heard about the Olympian Club?" He leaned against the door frame, casual, trying to mirror the nonchalance he figured someone like Arsen would respect. "I've got a feeling it's our kind of scene. Fancy checking it out? Bet it can't be too hard to find!" As the first steps of the journey hung in the balance, Theo felt the coil of his own story tightening, ready to spring into the unknown.

 

@ Arsen Harrington

[Arsen Harrington]

Arsen was the kind of guy that liked to keep an air of mystery around him. No one really knew what he was up to half the time and it was true that nobody really bothered to ask him. He liked it that way. That meant that no one was truly in his business and he was free to come and go and do whatever he wanted without being bothered. That being said though, there were always exceptions. But tonight was not one of them and Arsen was doing what he did on a regular basis in the privacy of his room at camp. He was starting to grow bored of camp and he was due to go back to the city at any moment. But he was avoiding Celeste and he wasn't sure that being back in the city didn't mean running into her more than he wanted.

Oh Celeste. He kept thinking about her and her little hold on him and it made him wonder if the reason he kept going back to her was simply because he liked her or there was something else lingering there. She was going to be the death of him though. That much was certain. As he was lost in mid thought, he heard his name being called out and he looked up, wondering who was calling and why. It wasn't like most people sought him out with frequency so he got up, walked over to the main entrance for Cabin 20 and was surprised to see Theo at the entrance.

Arsen knew about Theo and how he managed to get involved with his sister. She had spared him the details but Arsen had been able to put two and two together. "Why do you ask?" Arsen said, intrigued and without bothering to greet him. "It is not hard to find, but I am curious as to why, you haven't found it on your own?" You had to be invited, of course and Arsen, naturally, had been. So it came to his surprise that Theo, being who he was, was reaching out to him for help, rather than using those thievery fingers of his to find the answers.  

[Theodore Thatcher]

Theo's gaze held steady, a hint of a smirk playing at the edge of his lips at Arsen's retort. "Let's just say I prefer a more... refined approach this time," he said, the tone of his voice threaded with a light challenge. It wasn't entirely true; he simply hadn't found the right leads yet, but he wasn't about to let that on. "Besides, it's not what you know, it's who you know," Theo continued, tapping a forefinger to his temple, "and I figured you're the 'who' in this scenario." He let his smirk grow just a fraction, hoping to pique Arsen's interest with the semblance of camaraderie in mischief. The air between them was a canvas of unspoken truths, and Theo was content to paint only what served his purpose.

Stepping back from the doorway, Theo gestured expansively, as if he was already including Arsen in the escapade. "Think about it, you and I, tearing up this so-called Olympian Club. It's got a nice ring to it, doesn't it?" Theo needed a night out in the city after all the drama that had been happening in his life lately, the good and the bad. There was a part of him, a sliver of uncertainty that whispered doubts, but he quashed it quickly. This was no time for hesitation; it was a moment to dive headlong into the thrill of the unknown. That was exactly what he needed right now! Theo's heart thrummed with a mix of adrenaline and the primal beat of the night's possibilities. "And who knows, we might just make it a night that even the gods will envy," he added, his invitation hanging in the night like a challenge, waiting for Arsen to snatch it up and weave his own strand into the tale.

[Arsen Harrington]

It was a well known fact that Arsen was easy to manipulate, especially if one was willing to sweet talk him and kiss his ass. There was nothing he liked more than when people praised him and established the fact that he was a man of importance. Anyone could get far with him simply by stroking his ego. So when Theo said all the right words, it was only natural that Arsen would be appeased. He was the who in this situation, that was for sure. As one of the oldest campers, he was looked up to as a man of wordly knowledge. Theo had peaked his interest but as easy as it was to manipulate Arsen, he was not stupid and he was curious as to what was in store for Theo. It was also true that Theo, was the type of person to have a hidden agenda. His sister had told him so the first time they met, so as interested in the situation as Arsen was, he wanted to know what the angle was. "Okay, let's say I am interested. What is in it for me?"

[Theodore Thatcher]

Theo’s eyes narrowed slightly at Arsen's question, but his smirk remained in place. “What’s in it for you?” he repeated, his voice tinged with a playful edge. He leaned in closer, as if sharing a secret. “First off, the bragging rights of being the one who introduced Theo to the legendary Olympian Club,” he began, his tone light but confident. Inside, he was analyzing every angle, trying to gauge what Arsen valued most. Money? Excitement? Influence? Theo knew well the dance of give-and-take, the subtle art of offering just enough to entice but not so much to seem desperate.

Pulling back, he crossed his arms, giving a nonchalant shrug. “And let's not forget the adventure of it. A night away from the monotony of camp, experiencing something few demigods ever get to.” Theo watched Arsen's face carefully for any flicker of interest. “Plus, I reckon you’re the type who enjoys a bit of unpredictability, am I right?” he added, allowing his own desire for a break from the routine, for a dash of excitement, to seep into his words. This was more than just a night out; it was a chance to escape, if only for a few hours, the constant reminders of his own complicated heritage and the expectations that came with it. Theo needed this – the thrill, the freedom, the feeling of stepping into a world where he could rewrite his own narrative, even if it was just for one night.

[Arsen Harrington]

Arsen chuckled. He looked at Theo with obvious intrigue and amusement. He had to hand it to him. He didn't back out easily but Arsen was a man on experience and he knew that the only reason that Theo had gone to him was because he could give him what he wanted. Arsen could cash in on that later. He was never in a rush to get what he wanted. He preferred waiting until the moment was opportune. Besides, Arsen could do with going out for more than a few hours. He was starting to get a little stir crazy in the stability of camp. "Alright. Let's go forward with this but know that later on, if there is anything I need, I won't hesitate to go to you." He smirked that trademark smirk that had made him popular with the female demographic. "But before we go, do you even know anything about this place? How did you even hear about it?"

[Theodore Thatcher]

Theo's eyes glittered with triumph as Arsen acquiesced, yet he maintained a composed facade. "You've got yourself a deal, Arsen," he said, his voice steady but the undercurrent of excitement palpable. He knew the unspoken rule of such agreements; favors were currency in their world, and he was prepared to pay up when the time came. "As for the Olympian Club," he continued, leaning back against the doorframe, "rumors travel fast when they're about something this exclusive. Overheard a couple of Apollo kids talking about it. They couldn't stop gushing about the place – said it's like nothing else they've ever seen." Theo's words were carefully chosen, a blend of truth and embellishment designed to entice.

He pushed off from the doorframe, his movements fluid, a street-smart grace that came from years of adapting to different situations. "I don't have all the details, but that's part of the fun, right? Discovering the unknown." His grin was infectious, a challenge and an invitation all at once. He could feel the night stretching out before them, full of potential and unknowns. This was the kind of opportunity he relished – a chance to step out of the shadows of his past, to be more than just a Hermes kid with a knack for trouble.

"In any case, I reckon we'll figure it out as we go. We're demigods after all – if we can't handle a little mystery, who can?" His question, rhetorical in nature, was laced with a confidence that bordered on recklessness, a trait that often found him toeing the line between danger and excitement. But tonight, it felt right. Tonight, they weren't just any campers – they were adventurers on the brink of an unforgettable escapade!

[Arsen Harrington]

Arsen chuckled. This was a very amusing situation if he said so himself. Not how he thought he would be spending his afternoon but hey, wasn't that how life was supposed to go. Arsen didn't say much as he closed the door to Cabin 20 behind him. He simply extended his arm so Theo would follow him. Truth was Arsen had been to the Olympian Club before. How could he not, given who he was? He knew its secrets and knew that it was often members who sought out prospective members rather than the other way around. He was breaking a million rules, but surely no one expected him so actually follow them. 

"Oh you would be surprised," Arsen said. "Everyone invited is a demi-god so you have to prove there is something else that you can bring to the table. Whether it be money, favors, power, doesn't matter. What do you bring to the table, Theo?"

[Theodore Thatcher]

The question lingered in the air, and Theo felt a sudden weight of scrutiny. He walked alongside Arsen, his steps measured, his mind racing. "What do I bring to the table?" he echoed, a sly grin tugging at his lips. His mind sifted through his arsenal of skills and traits, looking for the right answer. "Well, I'm not exactly rolling in drachmas," he began, his tone light, "but I've got a knack for getting in and out of places unnoticed." His words were imbued with a hint of pride, a nod to his heritage. He glanced sidelong at Arsen, gauging his reaction.

"And let's not forget, I can be quite the charmer when I need to be," he added, a playful glint in his eye. He knew the value of charisma in their world, the ability to weave words and influence people. It was a skill that had served him well in the past, one that he was confident could open doors for them tonight. As they walked, Theo felt the excitement building, a tangible energy that thrummed through his veins. This was more than just a night out; it was a game, a test of wit and ability. He relished the challenge, the opportunity to prove himself, to step out of the shadow of being just another troublemaker at camp.

The prospect of the Olympian Club loomed ahead, a beacon of unknown adventures. Theo's heart raced with anticipation, each beat a drumroll to the night's possibilities. This was his element, the thrill of the unknown, the dance on the edge of danger. Tonight, he wasn't just Theodore Thatcher, the foster kid, the thief, the Hermes son. Tonight, he was an adventurer, a contender, a demigod stepping into a world larger than himself. And that, he knew, was worth every risk.

[Arsen Harrington]

Arsen grinned but he didn't say anything at first. He thought about what Theo had said, about his way of sneaking in and out of places and he had to admit that that trait was in fact true. He knew it was easy for the blond to go unnoticed and that was something he always wanted to use to his advantage. He was certain that the club would too but one didn't simply come up with a skill to offer and then get invited in. If that was the case, any demigod would join and then the exclusivity would vanish. So Arsen thought of a way to get Theo in. He took them the way to the club, going out into the world before them. Arsen was used to sneaking out of camp whenever he pleased. His magic was useful in that regard and when they arrived on a deserted town square, somewhere in New England, Arsen turned to Theo.

"So you say you can sneak in and out of places, right? Well, get us in. We are close. It is somewhere in this town but I won't simply give you the keys and a warm welcome. You need to earn it."

[Theodore Thatcher]

Theo's eyes narrowed slightly, a spark of challenge igniting within him. He surveyed the town square, his mind already racing through possibilities and strategies. "Earn it, huh?" he replied with a grin, the thrill of the challenge pulsing through him. He felt alive in these moments, the moments where his skills could shine, where he could prove his worth beyond the labels that often defined him.

He stepped forward, his eyes scanning the area, looking for telltale signs of the hidden club. His instincts, honed from years of navigating and surviving on the streets, kicked in. He looked for the unusual, the out of place, the secrets that lay just beneath the surface. "Alright, watch and learn," Theo said, more to himself than Arsen, his voice a low murmur. He moved with a practiced stealth, blending into the shadows, his every step calculated and precise. This wasn't just about finding the club; it was about proving to Arsen, to himself, and to the world that he was more than what they saw.

Suddenly his eyes caught a subtle discrepancy on a seemingly mundane wall – a pattern that didn't quite belong. A grin flickered across his face. He approached, his fingers tracing over the surface, feeling for the telltale signs of hidden mechanisms. A slight push here, a gentle nudge there, and suddenly, a soft click resonated in the quiet of the night. The wall slid open, revealing a concealed entrance, dimly lit and inviting. Theo's heart surged with triumph. "Found it," he whispered, a victorious smile spreading across his face. He turned to Arsen, his eyes alight with the thrill of success.

[Arsen Harrington]

Arsen grinned as Theo took on the challenge. It was straightforward what he needed to do but Arsen also knew that there was more than meets the eye. It was easy to find the inviting door but to get to it, to go through it was a different matter entirely. "Not so fast," Arsen said. "You can't just go through it. You have to offer it something. Everyone has something they desire deeply and every time you walk though this door, you have to be willing to sacrifice it." It was a different thing for everyone and that was what made it interesting. When Arsen had first joined, one simply had to solve a riddle or prove themselves with their skills as a demigod, but he had made it interesting. He was a child of Hecate after all, and he had enchanted the door to only accept that which you never wanted to lose. It worked well so far and it prevented people from joining simply because it looked fun. "So, what are you willing to sacrifice?"

[Theodore Thatcher]

Theo hesitated, Arsen's challenge weighing on him. His eyes darted from the dimly lit entrance back to Arsen, searching for some hint or clue. A tangible sacrifice – something real, something concrete that he held dear. His hand instinctively went to his pocket, touching the small, worn coin he always kept there. It wasn't valuable in terms of money, but to Theo, it meant a lot. "This," Theo said, drawing the coin from his pocket and holding it up. The metal glinted faintly in the sparse light. "It's the first thing I ever 'acquired' on my own. A reminder of where I started." His voice was steady, but underneath lay a current of reluctance. The coin was more than just metal; it was a piece of his past, a token of his journey and his struggles.

He took a deep breath, the air feeling heavier than before. "It's part of who I am. But if that's what it takes..." Theo's words trailed off as he stepped forward, extending his hand to place the coin at the entrance, a symbol of his willingness to sacrifice something deeply personal for a chance to delve into the unknown of the Olympian Club. As he let go of the coin, a sense of loss twinged in his heart, but it was quickly overshadowed by a surge of curiosity and anticipation. What lay beyond the door was a mystery, a new chapter waiting to be written, and Theo Thatcher was not one to shy away from the unknown. He looked at Arsen, a mix of resolve and eagerness in his eyes, ready to step through the doorway and face whatever challenges or wonders awaited them inside.

[Arsen Harrington]

Arsen watched as Theo took out a small, worn and utterly worthless coin. He raised his eyebrows with intrigued, wondering what it was about this thing that was so valuable to the blond. He listened as Theo narrated that it was a part of who he was, but Arsen didn't have the sufficient sympathy to tell Theo that it was not necessary and he could keep his precious trinket. Everyone had to go through this and honestly, it was more often than not that in real life, one had to sacrifice things that they held dear for the opportunity to explore the unknown. Besides, it was just a trinket. "Don't fret. It's not like you gave up a kidney," he said.

Once Theo had placed the thing on the door, it took a few seconds to open. There were no glowing lights or spectacle from the door to announce that this was a pivotal moment. The door simply creaked open to reveal nothing but darkness. "Go on, I'm right behind you." Arsen extended his arm for Theo to go ahead and go first. He had to, after all. He had been the one to show his sacrifice and as this was his first time, he needed to do so.

[Theodore Thatcher]

Theo hesitated for a brief moment at the threshold, the darkness beyond the door seemingly impenetrable. Swallowing the lump in his throat, he stepped forward, his heart pounding in his chest with a mix of apprehension and excitement. As he crossed the boundary, the darkness enveloped him momentarily before giving way to the club’s interior. The Olympian Club was unlike anything Theo had ever seen. It was an ethereal blend of modern luxury and ancient Greek aesthetics. The walls glowed with a soft, golden light that seemed to emanate from within the stone itself, casting a warm, inviting glow over the entire space. Marble columns stood tall, interspersed with lush greenery that hung from the ceiling, creating an illusion of a Grecian garden. The air was filled with a mix of scents - the rich aroma of ambrosia, the earthy fragrance of the plants, and the subtle hint of the sea. The atmosphere was buzzing with energy, yet there was an underlying current of tranquility.

Theo's eyes widened as he took in the scene before him. Around the room, demigods mingled, their laughter and conversations melding into a symphony of life and enjoyment. In one corner, a group gathered around a table, their eyes fixed on a game of strategy that seemed to involve both skill and magic. Elsewhere, a bard strummed a lyre, the melodies weaving through the air with a mesmerizing grace. Theo felt a sense of awe wash over him; this was a place of stories, of legends, a place where the mundane met the mystical. He realized, in that moment, that stepping through that door had not just been about proving himself or seeking adventure. It was about discovering a world where he could belong, where his heritage was a source of pride, not just a mark of difference. Here, in the Olympian Club, Theo Thatcher wasn't just another demigod; he was part of something much greater. Nudging Arsen he pointed to the nearby bar. "Let's hit that up first, I bet they must have some amazing drinks here right??"

[Arsen Harrington]

It didn't escape his notice that Theo seemed to be completely amazed by what he saw. He couldn't blame him. After all, Arsen had been so himself when he had first walked into the club. Though he would never admit it to anyone and he was also responsible for making the club that much more exclusive and intriguing. He glanced over the crowd to see some familiar faces and nodded in their direction. He always felt like quite the celebrity around but he kept such sentiments hidden under his usual air of coolness. "Well, that is putting it mildly. There is no bartender. You only have to get closer to the bar and it will make a drink perfect for you. Courtesy of Cabin 20. Might as well put those spells into good use. You want to try?"

[Theodore Thatcher]

Theo's gaze followed Arsen's nod, taking in the array of familiar and unfamiliar faces, the mingling of divine bloodlines under one roof. His attention, however, snapped back at the mention of the bar. "No bartender?" he echoed, an eyebrow arching in intrigue. The idea of a drink tailored perfectly to him by magic alone was a novelty he couldn't resist. "Definitely want to try that," he responded, a spark of curiosity lighting up his eyes. 

As they approached the bar, Theo observed the sleek, polished surface, wondering what concoction it would produce for him. The thought of a drink reflecting his true essence, or perhaps his current mood, was both exciting and slightly unnerving. He stood at the bar, watching with fascination as a glass appeared, followed by a swirl of liquid that seemed to dance and shimmer into existence. The color, a deep blue with streaks of silver, reminded him of the night sky. He picked up the glass, the cool surface sending a chill through his fingertips. Bringing it to his lips, he took a cautious sip, the flavors exploding on his tongue – a mix of something bold and adventurous with a hint of underlying complexity. It was like tasting a part of himself, a reminder of who he was and the journey that brought him here.

Theo turned to Arsen, a wide grin spreading across his face. "This is incredible," he said, holding up his glass. "Who knew a drink could feel so... personal?" For a moment, he felt a surge of gratitude for this night, for the unexpected turn of events that brought him to this place of wonder. The Olympian Club was more than just a hidden gem; it was a celebration of their heritage, a place where the lines between the ordinary and the divine blurred into a beautiful mosaic. He raised his glass to Arsen in a silent toast, a gesture of thanks for the adventure, for the opportunity to explore a part of the world where he truly felt at home.

[Arsen Harrington]

Arsen followed Theo towards the bar and watched him with great intrigue as he got himself his drink. This was one of his favorite things to witness. He enjoyed watching the new people get a drink that fitted them so effortlessly. It never tasted the same to everyone. He looked at the deep blue mixing with the silver and he couldn't help but chuckle. A child of Hermes definitely fitted those color palettes. "What does it taste like?" He asked. As he leaned against the bar and turned to look at it, a glass materialized itself in front of him. He waited as mixture of deep purple with silver sparkles filled the glass from the bottom. "You see, even if I taste it, it wouldn't taste the same to me or even right for that matter. Everyone here is different so the drinks are catered to them personally. If someone else drinks it, it will always feel out of place." He took a sip of his drink and sighed in perfect contentment. He wanted something subtle today. He wasn't up for a long night of partying but rather a much more casual encounter. "So, how did you find out about this place?"

[Theodore Thatcher]

Theo's eyes sparkled with amusement as he watched Arsen's drink materialize. "Tastes like a blend of adventure and a bit of mystery, with a dash of something unpredictable," he replied, savoring another sip. "It's like it knows what I'm about." He watched Arsen's reaction to his own drink, fascinated by the concept of a personalized experience. "I can see why you like this place. It's got a certain charm that's hard to find anywhere else."

Leaning on the bar, Theo turned towards Arsen, his expression shifting to one of contemplation. "I heard about it in bits and pieces, whispers around camp. You know how it is, stories get around, especially the intriguing ones." He swirled the liquid in his glass, watching the silver streaks dance. "But I never really knew if it was real or just another campfire tale until tonight. I figured if anyone knew about it, it'd be you." Theo's voice held a note of respect, acknowledging Arsen's reputation and connections. He took another sip, letting the unique flavors wash over his tongue. This night had turned into more than just a break from the ordinary; it was a glimpse into a world where his heritage was not just acknowledged, but celebrated. It was a world where he could be more than just a son of Hermes, a world where he felt like he truly belonged. He raised his glass slightly towards Arsen, a silent nod to the new experiences and the mysteries that awaited them in the Olympian Club.

[Arsen Harrington]

Arsen could get into the history of the Olympian Club but why bore Theo with the details of the place. Besides, the history was written all over the place. He could find out for himself and go exploring all the hidden in and outs of the club. He simply nodded as he took another sip of his drink. It wasn't ideal that other people whispered about the existence of the club or the amount of speculation that it provided. But at the same time, he couldn't help but feel proud of it because it had been him that had made it what it was now. "I've been coming here since I was fifteen. Somehow it always felt like the place I belonged the most outside of camp." And that was saying a lot, knowing that he always made it seemed like he fit in anywhere with ease. "It's safe too so we never have to worry about being in danger though I cannot take credit for being the one that came up with a unique protection system."

[Theodore Thatcher]

Amid the rhythm and pulse of the Olympian Club, Theo's eyes caught the sway of dancers on the floor, their movements a mesmerizing blend of grace and allure. With a mischievous glint in his eye, he nudged Arsen, his usual restraint giving way to the night's vibrant energy. "Let's mix things up," Theo suggested, his voice laced with the thrill of spontaneity. With a confident stride, he led the way, each step closer to the dance floor amplifying the electric buzz in his veins. The music, a hypnotic fusion of ancient melodies and modern beats, seemed to resonate with his adventurous spirit. Approaching the group of attractive ladies, Theo's charm surfaced naturally, his smile engaging, his demeanor relaxed yet attentive. The dance floor became a stage for playful exchanges and fluid movements, where Theo, usually the master of calculated risks and hidden motives, found himself immersed in the pure joy of the moment.

[Arsen Harrington]

Arsen looked at Theo and wasn't surprised by the look on his face. He was already enamored with the alluring aura of his surroundings and seemed to be falling for its charms pretty quickly. The club could be all encapsulating and it was known that people could spend days on end without leaving and he couldn't blame them. After all, this was a place that provided them with a sanctuary. They could bee themselves and let go of any inhibitions. He smirked and followed Theo towards the crowd of girls dancing. He placed his empty glass on a passing tray and simply watched. 

 

(END)