Dikê For the longest time, Dike had thought she was alone. Then when the rumors of others like her finally reached her ears, she couldn't believe she was actually talking to who she was talking to. Agreeing to meet the boy who said he was Zelus seemed like a shaky idea, but she could defend herself and she didn't think anything would really happen at a coffee shop. When she'd gotten there, she'd ordered herself a vanilla latte and found a seat with her back to the wall where she could look at the entire room, waiting to recognize someone when they walked in.
Zelus 9 AM was really early. SO EARLY. But, that was alright. He could handle that. He'd woken up earlier some mornings to head into the office to help Arista. No. Aphrodite. Yeah, he still worked for the Goddess of Love. Why not? Like he told her, he still had to pay rent. And even his tiny little studio was a pretty penny in Manhattan. His friend had told him he could stay as long as he needed, but he felt weird living with the married couple. And he really didn't want to impose on his cousin. Well, no. His brother. Life was so weird now. He was running late, though, and he was literally running towards Sweetleaf, skidding to a stop at the door, almost barreling over and older woman and her friends. "I.. I am so sorry!" He held the door open for them, followed them in line, and insisted on paying for their order. He ordered a festive, holiday drink before looking around. Well, shit. He wasn't sure who he was looking for. And he realized maybe too late that he should've gotten a description or something. But, he did feel something pull at his stomach as he passed over a girl in the back. His head tilted to the side and he started towards her, stopping at her table. "Hi..." He was unsure.
Dikê She saw the blustering man come in and smiled when he paid for their drinks. And then she felt the tug in her guts. She'd felt it once or twice before since awakening in January, but hadn't known what it was then. Now, when he approached her, and she looked up at him, Dike saw through his mortal face to the face she'd known before. It was Zelus. Setting her drink down, she stood up and held out her hand to him. "I have to admit. I wasn't actually expecting it to be you. I thought... surely I'm still the only one. Even with Zeus claiming to be Zeus. And Charon being someone I've met in life before. But it's all true, isn't it? You're truly Zelus and I'm truly here."
Zelus His smiled widened the closer he got. Oh yes. This was Dike. He could see her. He liked that. Being able to see past the mortal face. He held his hand out and took a hold of hers. "It still takes getting used to. Being... two people." He, of course, kept his voice down. He waited for her to sit before sitting across from her, his back to the door. That didn't bother him. "Zeus is..." Zelus chuckled. "My age. Though, I wasn't aware Charon was here. But, I didn't really work closely with him in our former lives." Which was true. He was an Enforcer. He didn't spent much time with the dead. "I am Zelus, and you are very much here."
Dikê She sat and looked around the room, wondering if anyone else in there was like them. She thought he was prudent to keep his voice down and she did the same. "It's been nearly a year for me and I'm still getting used to it. It's even more wild now that I know there are more like me. It is good to see you." She'd known the Enforcer in her previous life, though they hadn't been especially close. Dike hadn't been especially close to many people other than her mother and her sisters. It was still nice to be sitting with someone who understood her. "How are you?"
Zelus Many knew the Enforcers. Especially if they lived on Olympus. They typically kept to themselves back then, doing what Zeus asked and keeping the King's throne protected. "It's very good to see you, as well. I'm sure your father is itching to see you, too. He's..... different." Zelus smiled with that. "In a good way!" Because, everyone knew about how Zeus was better. Calmer. Not rapey. Which was good. "I'm.... I'm ok. I suppose I can't really complain too much." It wouldn't do any good. "How about you? How's the mortal world treated you this life?"
Dikê "I have parents who care about me. I have a job that I picked for myself and I like. I can't complain over much, either." Because, honestly, she lived a good life. And she'd have been a little sad to know that Zelus-as-Zeth hadn't. "Zeus. Is young. It's something I think I will never get over. My age." Because she figured Stella and Zeth were probably not too far apart from one another. "I'm a private investigator. Before you ask. I take on clients that are in need of help, but not cheating wives or anything like that. I don't like those cases. What do you do?"
Zelus "My mother.. true mother.. Styx.. is here. So is my father. But, he sided with Kronos." And he didn't know what was happening between the two of them. It wasn't his business. Though, he did want his mother happy. That was all that matter. "Kratos and Nike are here, though I've not met Nike yet. Kratos is my... Zeth's.. cousin." So, that was interesting. "It's weird seeing him. But, he doesn't let that get in the way. He's still Zeus." He took a sip of his coffee, nodding as she told him about what she did. "That's pretty awesome, actually. I don't do anything that interesting." He smiled with a little shrug. "I run a YouTube channel and podcast that is... ah.. very anti-Titan." Even moreso since he'd been taken by two that he didn't know. "And, I also am the personal assistant of Arista Callas." It wasn't his place to out Dite.
Dikê "That's wonderful about Styx. And I'm sorry about your father, though from what I remember, I'm not exactly surprised." He'd been defeated by Athena in battle, but then again, Styx had obviously sided with Zeus... Dike shook her head and sipped her latte. There was so much to unpack in this world that was unfolding before her more and more every day. And Zeus being happy to see her. That was something she wasn't sure she'd ever get over. "I think I've heard your pod cast now that you say that. And I know I've seen your YouTube a time or two. That's actually how I started to realize what was going on in the world. One of my friends showed me a video and was like. You won't believe what this whacko is saying." She grinned. "Only. I did believe you."
Zelus "The world has always been complicated. Now it's just moreso, I think." He shrugged, still smiling. He leaned back a little into his chair, laughing at her friend calling him a whacko. "That's not the first time that word's been used in reference to me. I was always told that the things I said would get me in trouble. It has. Zeth's parents are hardcore Kronosian. It's why they kicked me.. him.. me.. out." But he shrugged. "Then I was taken by two people I don't know. It's when I woke up." He frowned and just shook his head. "But. I'm never going to stop until people realize just what a monster he is." He smiled at her again. "I'm glad you did. That you do."
Dikê "Oh, Zel. That's awful." She frowned and reached over, giving his hand a squeeze. "Do you want to spend Christmas dinner with my family? We just have a meal and hang out. It's not big or fancy. But if you want to, they'd be more than happy to have one more. We don't really celebrate, per se, but we do have dinner. In fact, my dad would probably like if I brought a boy home, even if it seemed random." She laughed, shaking her head. "My mom has never cared, but my dad? Well. He doesn't know. I mean my mother either. About me. I just don't really know how to explain it without sounding insane."
Zelus He smiled, resting his other hand on top of hers and shook his head. "Everything that's happened has brought me to here and brought me back to myself. And that's what's important." His eyes widened just a little when she invited him to Christmas dinner. Oh! "Really? I.. I would like that. Do I need to bring anything? I'd like that. To bring something. I'm an ok cook!" He felt the need to share that part. So that she'd know he could actually cook. "I can also play the part of a very doting boyfriend, if that's what they want?" He was a good, doting boyfriend when he had a partner, so, it wasn't hard to play that. "I can't wait to tell mine. But. I have to be able to... prove it."
Dikê Her face lit up when he took her up on her offer. For a girl who professed not to care about Christmas at all, she really didn't like the idea of someone spending a holiday alone if they didn't want to. Not that he'd have been alone. His mother was there, after all, and siblings. But... it'd just felt right to invite him to their small dinner. "You don't have to play a doting anything. You're my friend. I mean, you know, you are now. It seems like. It's only been one morning coffee, but I don't hate you. And I don't think you hate me. And I didn't hate you before. I didn't really hate anyone before. I was... happy. And Stella is happy. It's all complicated. You're right."
Zelus "I thought about doing that. You know those craigslist ones that are like, 'I'll be your ideal boyfriend. The only think I'll charge is the dinner.' but, I thought that'd be creepy. And my boss agreed with that. Then said if I wanted a girlfriend, she'd find one for me." Which he still hadn't decided on if he was going to take her up on or not. He smiled when she said they were friends and he nodded. "No. I mean yes. Friends. I never disliked you. I never disliked anyone. People just thought I did because I had to be so stoic all the time."
Dikê "You don't have to be stoic anymore. You can be whoever you want to be. I think that's the beauty of all of this. We're becoming who we always were, but in a way that maybe we were meant to be. I've been thinking about it a lot, you know? And I thought I was the only one, but maybe there was a reason for that. That there needed to be Justice back in this world. And then I thought maybe I needed to go back to Greece, but I haven't done that yet. Then I... I started to hear things. And, you know the rest. Because I told you a few minutes ago."
Zelus "I don't think I can be that stoic anymore. Zeth is happy, even when he's not." Which was so true. He couldn't help it. He'd look sad for a second before going right back to smiling. That was just how Zeth was. He couldn't help it. Not really. Sometimes he wanted to be mad and angry. He was after Poughkeepsie. But he couldn't do anything about what happened. He wasn't strong yet. But, when he was? Well, he'd do his best to deal with Kronos and his lackeys. He looked around before leaning in, "Olympus is open to us again."
Dikê Dike was smiling at Zel as he was talking about Zeth. And she could see that about him. She could feel that he was a happy person and it was making her happy in the process, which was interesting, because Dike wasn't a huge happy person. Or a sad person. I mean, she was an aspect of spring time, so in that way, she was happy? But Justice... well. Anyway. Then he told her about Olympus and her face went a little blank. "...What? The kingdom is open to us again?"
Zelus He nodded, taking a sip of his coffee. "Zeus and Hera opened the gates and we are able to go to and from via doorways." It was huge. Zelus hadn't been back yet. Of course, Zelus hadn't presented himself to the King and Queen yet, either. He felt like he failed them and just hadn't gotten the courage to face them. He would one day. One day soon, he knew. But right now? Well, he just couldn't.
Dikê "That's... amazing." She seemed awestruck at the very idea that the gates to Olympus might be open and she could see her former home. Her former apartment was there. Maybe some of her things were still there, waiting for her. Her old clothing. Not that her old clothing was really in style anymore. Or practical for her line of work. But that wasn't the point at all. "Hera is here." She shuddered a little. Hera scared her.
Zelus He nodded. "There's a warehouse that we can go to. It's a safeplace for our kind. There is a pathway there that we can use." Maybe he'd go there this weekend, after the holiday. He nodded again. "Yes. She is here and her and Zeus are together." For now at least. He also didn't know their situation either. But, so far so good? "I.. I haven't seen them yet. I need to do that." Soon.
Dikê "I'm certain Zeus would want to see you. He says he wants to see me. Which is so interesting, given that he so rarely cared about seeing me before. Which isn't to accuse him of anything, but he wasn't winning any father of the year awards." She laughed and shook her head. "But you should see them. It might help make you feel more like yourself, you know? But you don't have to worry about that yet. You just have to focus on seeing my parents tomorrow. A criminologist and a correction officer."
Zelus "I just have to get the courage to do it." He smiled, shrugging a little. "It'll happen one day. Maybe even after the holidays." Probably after the holidays. That'll be his goal, at least. "I'm very much looking forward to dinner tomorrow. It's very sweet for you to invite me." Which she didn't have to do. But, it was very appreciated. "I guess it's a good thing I have a crystal clear record, huh?" He grinned, finishing off his coffee.
Dikê "It is a good thing, because they will probably have you - Zeth - checked out." She laughed and returned to her drink, letting the coffee warm her from the inside out. She thought she wasn't supposed to get cold anymore, because she was a goddess, right? But she still did. Maybe it was just her imagination? Whatever. Lattes were good. "I mean, not tomorrow. Tomorrow is Christmas. But... if you come over again. Which assuming you don't try to burn our house down, you'll absolutely be invited to do."
Zelus Zelus laughed again, nodding. “Honestly I’d expect nothing less.” Especially in this day and age. Even if her parents weren’t in law enforcement, he’d expect to have some kind of check done on him. “I also promise to not burn down your house.” He grinned, leaning forward a little bit. “But, if my wings decide they want to appear in the middle of dinner and I break something, I can’t be held responsible for that.” Not that he thought they would. He was never getting his wings back.
Dikê She gasped a little. "That's right!" But then she remembered to keep her voice down. "You have wings. I'd love to see them." She was not winged and that made her sad in the moment. "I bet you will have no problem finding them again soon. Or getting them again. Or whatever the case may be. You said you've only been yourself for a few months. It's been almost a year for me and I'm just now getting a real sense of what I can and can't do."
Zelus He flexed his shoulders a little, smiling as he glanced back behind him before turning his attention back to her. "I do. But... they're being annoying and won't return to me. But, how about the first time they do decide to pop out, you'll be the first person I tell." That wasn't himself, of course. "Yeah, I can't... do much of anything. I had a surge when I woke up, but then was knocked unconscious and left outside an ER. Maybe it's good that I can't?" He was the god of envy, after all. There was enough of that in the world. "But, I think we'll well become more like our old selves again sooner than later."
Dikê She smiled wide for him, but then sipped her latte to hide a little bit of a blush. "I'd like that." She liked this Zelus/Zeth combination man. It'd been a while since Stella had experienced any kind of ... feelings for someone. Usually, she was too busy to think about it. Or men didn't like what she did for a living and wanted her to give it up. Which, you know, she wouldn't do for anyone. "What... Wait. I think I remember this from your show. You were kidnapped, weren't you? I'm so sorry. You've had... a really rough year."
Zelus "Here's to hoping that they don't choose your family holiday dinner to make their appearance. That.... that would be really awkward to have to explain away." He laughed, just thinking if that actually happened. "'Stella..... why did the boy you brought home grow... wings? Are those wings? What's up with that?'" He laughed again, at least until she brought that up. His smile faltered just a little and he nodded, fiddling with his empty cup. "Two Titans. I don't... know them. Or, maybe Titan supporters? I'm not fully sure." He just shook his head. "I think that it has made me a stronger person."
Dikê Once more, she found herself laying her hand over his and giving it a little squeeze. "I'm so sorry about all of that." She shook her head and held her coffee with her free hand, concentrating on the warmth in the paper cup. "And I hope your wings do appear at Christmas dinner. That would help me in explaining myself to my own parents. And it'd be easier to believe. I can't... do much that would be convincing, you know? Justice, judgements... It isn't very... literal." She sighed. Maybe she could make something float or something. But even that wouldn't go very far and they'd probably try to send her away for testing. They were very... literal and scientific people.
Zelus He shifted his hand, squeezing hers in return. "What doesn't kill us, and all that." Though, he'd never admit that he'd begged to be killed before the Zelus switch was flipped and he tried to kill whoever it was that had him tied to a chair. "That's kind of the same, you know? I'm envy and zeal and emulation and rivalry. It's hard to.... show that. Without making somebody fly into some jealous rage. And, let's be real..... that's not really a great thing."
Dikê "Zeal isn't bad. To be, well, zealous about something isn't bad." She smiled at him and then took her hand back, blushing a little bit more. She hadn't realized it'd sat there for so long. She hadn't wanted to be overly flirtatious, not that she thought she'd been, but, well, this had been more than nice. And something Dike really hadn't been expecting. Though why she'd even agreed to coffee was still a little beyond her. However, now that she was here? She was glad to be. "Don't doubt yourself or what you can do. Rivarly, even a little envy, isn't bad. People strive for things when they feel the emotions you cause."
Zelus "In today's time, though, things are.... different. Envy and rivalry more often lead to bad things than they used to." Not that people didn't die because somebody was jealous of them, or because they were a rival. But today? Now it was just as simple as pulling a trigger. And then he was evil. He smiled, releasing her hand as she pulled it away, letting his hand drop back onto the arm rest of his chair. "They.. we? They? Well, mortals.... they can't handle things like they used to. Or, at least that's my opinion."
Dikê "I think that mortals handle things just as well as they always have. Or just as poorly. They just... well, we have more media now. It isn't up to bards and story tellers and people who wandered from town to town with information. It's on social media as soon as it happens. And no one takes time to process anything. It's on social media as soon as they think of it. That's the real problem. I think. I could be wrong. There's so many problems today. But I really don't think it's how the mortals handle things." She flexed her hand a little bit when he moved his away.
Zelus He was quiet as she spoke, thinking things that she said over. Processing. "You're probably not fully wrong. But. People are so ready to make the new villain. And, maybe that does have something to do with how available everyone's lives are now." He'd had so many comments about how his kidnapping was staged. People called him so many names because they didn't want to believe that he was saying, or whatever other reasons. He glanced back to her hand before back to her face, smiling again. "Social media does make things happen much faster than they ever did, I will agree with that."
Dikê "Not always for the worse, I guess." She smiled at him. "Your career depends on social media. And it's how you're making a living. And it's how I track down a lot of my clients, honestly. They really don't know how to stay off social media. Bragging. And so on. It drives me up the wall, but also, makes my job a lot easier." She shook her head. "But we do what we have to do and we carry on. We are who we are in this world, now, because of the media in a lot of ways. I... actually don't know what I'm saying anymore." Dike laughed at herself and forced herself to take a drink.
Zelus "Oh, I am forever grateful for social media. Without it, I'd just be.... well, hell. I don't know what I'd be if I'm being honest. Probably some basement dwelling mouthbreathing hacker who thinks he's Zero Cool or part of the mysterious Anonymous, but really is just a.... basement dwelling, mouthbreathing internet troll." He smiled and shrugged again. "I bet it's the caffeine. If I have too much, I start talking like I'm part hummingbird."
Dikê Dike laughed and shook her head. "It might be the caffeine." But she also felt a little... nervous? Though she wasn't going to admit that out right to him. Lifting her cup, she finished the drink and set it aside. "Good thing its gone. I will focus on water for the rest of the day. Which is just good for you regardless. What are you doing for the rest of your day?"
Zelus "Water is overrated." He still smiled, though. Of course he drank water. Just.. not as much as he probably should. That was ok, though. He was a god, right? They didn't need stuff like water. Or that was what he was going with. He reached for his cup, forgetting for half a second that it was empty. "Oh. Um. I dunno yet? I'm normally not awake this early unless I have to be." He chuckled, shrugging. "Maybe go back to bed for a little?" Maybe he was joking or maybe he wasn't! It was hard to say.
Dikê She laughed again. "I have work to do. Or I'd..." She'd what? She turned bright red at that moment and didn't even have a cup to hide behind. "I'd take a nap, too." That sounded fine. Right? Better than offering to go back to bed with him, which was what she'd been about to say, before she'd stopped herself. "And I'd better get to it. If I want to get anything done today. People are either totally closed or closing early and I have some visits to make. It was good to meet you - see you - today. And I'll text you about tomorrow in just a little bit, okay?"
Zelus "Naps do the body so much better than water. You should always opt for a nap when you can." He grinned, completely unaware of what she was about to say. Too bad for that, too. "How much work do you have left to do?" He was just curious, you know. "And that would be great. I need to know where to go, after all." He grinned, reaching for both their empty cups.
Dikê "About half a day myself." She didn't mention what she was working on. It was a confidential thing she put in all her contracts. "Then, yes, I'll take a nap." Dike stood up and ran her hands over her pants and then stepped around the table and moved to hug him. She felt like a hug was appropriate. Holding on for just a minute, she let go and stepped back. "I'll talk to you later and see you tomorrow, okay?"
Zelus "You better. I'll know. I'm the god of naps, so, I'll know." He laughed and stood. Of course he hugged her back when she hugged him. It was nice to be hugged. Especially by a pretty girl. Though, he wasn't for sure where that thought even came from. "I'm looking forward to it, and I'll talk to you later. Don't work too hard, ok?" He picked up their cups and took them to the trash, exiting after her, hailing a cab to head home.