Mason's brows shot up and he chuckled quietly. "That was uncalled for," he muttered. Lucky he was secure enough in his package to not be so insulted. When she saw it, then they could talk.
When he recovered from his shock and her coughing fit, there was a passing thought of silence but Evangeline had different ideas. “I was just lost in thought. I was wondering what the deal was between Ajax and that Hecate girl, maybe you know?”
Mason couldn't help but grimace. Imagining the two together and talking about the two was such a sickeningly popular topic. Also, the deal between the two could get confusing. "It's complicated." But why was the new girl curious and why did she think he would indulge in gossip. Did she want Ajax for herself? He'd recommend the poor soul to stay away, he wasn't worth the drama and cat fight.
As he checked his company, she raised her hands. “I’m not trying to pry or anything, but I’m Aphrodite’s daughter so happen to know a thing or two about love.” There it was. Mason took a long drag, delaying his response for as long as possible. “And I can tell, that girl doesn’t love him. She loves-“ Evangeline stopped and Mason did too meeting her eyes. “Well, someone else.”
The notion that it could be him left him speechless and motionless. It actually hindered him for a moment or two before Evangeline touched his arm. “Tell me what you really think.”
"I -" don't. Don't give this girl an inch. Mason closed his eyes and clenched his jaw to keep from the urge to tell this girl his thoughts. "I think she's doomed," he admitted and opened his eyes on the pretty blonde. "I think they're gonna stay in their toxic relationship until the end of time. She'll never give him up and neither will he. Sometimes I think I could treat her better, that she shouldn't have given herself to him. I can't have her though because I'm not going to be good for her either. And I think your love radar is way off base." Despite the uncomfortable beginning of the confession, he eased into it and found it all rather therapeutic. It was his true belief that Ajax was an ass and Andy an idiot and they were going to be on a roller-coaster with big highs and major lows. As for the princess of Aphrodite, her love radar was bullshit because Andy wouldn't have given herself to a guy if she didn't love them. And if he was loved he wouldn't feel alone.
Mason flicked his cigar away. He heard others approaching the path and wasn't really in the social mood and the shadows had made way for the sun. That left one door for escape without being a venomous prick. "Forgive me, princess." Mason wished he could be slow and steady to avoid startling her, but he wound an arm around her waist, pulled her to him and cupped her face then kissed her. Time was of the essence and a daughter of Aphrodite wouldn't mind, right? It'd just feed their ego, they'd think they're irresistible, it's just a kiss. Public affection was one of those highly uncomfortable things to witness so either she kissed back and he got all 'embarrassed and quiet' and potentially left, or she hit or shoved him away and in his shame, he walked off. Mason was more than willing for the consequences.
"It's fine." Now he was at least ready for the strength in them. It was more important Ajax kept working it out.
"We're....I don't know. Since Jenn's death, Andy naturally took her friend's side as I would with yours, so... I don't blame her for wanting to stay away from me at this point. I haven't spoken to her since I snapped at her. My pride just, you know? maybe I should try and grab her when she's not around Prince Evil. I can... I don't know... say I'm sorry? but then again... that's just words. How can I show her?" Duke was torn between listening to Ajax and looking him in the eyes and meeting his hard punches.
He didn't have much to say in the way of love advice. "You know her better than me."
They continued training before the next topic was breached. "Well... obviously I didn't want her to murder someone else because that's not who she is. She was pushed too far. I understand Mason's anger and need for revenge, I mean... I'd be the same way if it were Alex who--" Duke just nodded. Who wouldn't. "But, I love Al. I can't turn my back on her. Even if she slaughtered the entire camp, I don't think I'd be able to cut my ties with her. I know it would be my responsibility to stop her if things started to get that bad, but... what if I can't? does that make me a selfish bad person?"
Duke opened his mouth to respond. For the greater good, he liked to think Ajax would intervene but he loved his sister to the ends of earth. Luckily Alex wasn't an evil person, she just let her emotions rule her sometimes. Yet Ajax's attention had moved on. "Duke," he said. Duke followed his gaze to the darkening clouds, a sure sign Alex was in some turmoil or trouble. Duke wanted to run with Ajax but surrounding her, chiding her or comforting her would only suffocate her.
Someone dashed by then as fleet as a child of Hermes. "What the..." He was contemplating which way to go. Towards the storm or after the girl.
Duke left the grounds as the storm subsided meaning Alex had been solved. That other girl was long gone. As the problems disappeared and he wandered around camp, another appeared. Something not right anyway. Evelyn was nearly carrying Daniel across camp. Duke jogged to help out, taking his weight from the red head. "Hey, I got him. Are you two okay?"
"I feel it," he mumbled.
“I think I know what to try. We just need you comfortable,” she told him lowly.
He frowned and nodded. "Okay. You're sure?" Keith didn't want to doubt his partner in this but there had to be more to the story.
Duke joined them suddenly and took his weight off Evelyn. The son of Hephaestus didn't play around. "We're fine, thank you. There's been tougher days." Pretty quickly Duke was able to get him to his flash cabin. Actually it was like a mini mansion and Keith felt embarrassed by how immodest it was, particularly in front of his company. "I...I really don't know why I'm assigned to this one."
Duke helped Keith sit on his couch. That was the end of his services but he stuck around seemingly waiting for something. "I mean I got shot so that’s why I’m a mess,” Keith said. The explanation was embarrassing but maybe it would send him on his way.
Duke stared a while longer. "And you didn't think to defend yourself with magic?"
"Seri...The idea did occur, once or twice."
"What happened to you?"
"I just told you -"
"Last year," Duke interrupted. He side glanced to Evelyn before his eyes landed back on Keith. "Between last year and this very day anyway."
Keith sat there trying to grasp what Duke was aiming at exactly. His memory couldn't jog on demand and he already had enough problems in that department. "You know, I think we can handle things from here." His dry tone said he had overstayed his welcome. Thankfully Duke didn't protest, instead he lowered his head slightly and left the room.
Keith sighed out then looked to Evelyn with a stiff smile. Comfort could be hard to find for a while but they could spend time idling chatting or playing board games or whatever she liked.