[On the eve of her nineteenth birthday, Serenity does what she always does - she casts her eyes to Venus with all the innocence she can muster and begs her to take her to Earth. Not for Endymion, this time - though undoubtedly there will be a stop - but because there is news across the Moon's court, that Persephone has returned to her cousins pantheon. In Hades. Tongues are wagging all around, and soon she will be named heir apparent to her mothers own Kingdom, and she should know her distant family, shouldn't she?
She should make the effort to bring them together. Somehow, someway.
So they go to Greece, when the Moon's light is at its brightest, and she tiptoes her way to where the land meets the river Styx; where Charon waits, gloomy as usual in his blackened robes and skeletal face. If he is surprised by her, it's hard to say, but he lets her board, and then they wait, curiously, until she sees a figure run - stumble, and then crawl towards herself at the boat. ]
Ah - [she says, looking at Zagreus with her hands on the edge of the boat, peering over. ] I should have brought coins, or food!
[It's not every time that he feels his feet singe. This time, he thanks the gods for the fortunate location of Charon's boat, even if every muscle around his bones screams when he lifts himself up and staggers onto the boat's deck.
The moment he does, he takes a deep breath, lung-rattling, reviving. The same you hear from those who edged on suffocating.] That's, that's quite alright.
[He says, as he allows his weight to drop unceremoniously onto the bench at the bow, leaning back to gather his bearings, breath, energy. He takes a couple of long deep breaths as Charon digs his oar onto the river's waters and they begin their journey.] Ah, thank the Styx.
[Finally lifting his head, he does face the girl at last.] Sorry but who might you be?
Serenity, [she says, with only minimal awkwardness. Ordinarily she would curtesy, be more polite than she is right now. It's the excitement, perhaps. If Venus were here, she might remember herself a bit more. ]
I wasn't expecting company! Might I know your name too? [Now no one can scold her. She even sits as proper as one can, with her hands pressed together on her lap and the skirts of her dress folded very carefully from her feet. Truth be told she would rather have been hanging over the edge, looking to see if lost souls really do swim in the Styx. ]
Could say the same, myself. [The name does not ring a bell, and Zagreus believes it's not a matter of him being utterly exhausted or the wide plethora of names that the Hellenic mythology seems to hold. Looking at her attire, she does look like she's wearing something out of Olympus - the color palette, and all.] My name is Zagreus. I suppose you're here because you've heard about my mother.
[ Who is Zagreus from LA Fitness? The icon behind the hashtag trending by the same name? The meathead gym bro with a pretty smile and an equally pretty sense of aesthetic? She adds a new row in her spreadsheet onto her phone, nails tapping every so often, just for him. 'Gymdude', she affectionately labels right beside the cell with his name. Who is the mystery man Ellen wants on her show?
Lottie has come to find out, and it's completely by coincidence! Honest!
She's dressed gym appropriate, ambiguous enough to where no one's really sure if it's just to flex her own athleisure wear (Lottieβ’ brand leggings and matching sports bra are today's pieces of choice, a jacket placed precariously on top to make it friendly for the public) or if she actually came to work out. Which is good! It's perfect. Lottie almost looks like she belongs when she lingers by the desk, taking curious little glances to the mirror opposite and around the gym. She isn't the only one here β it's packed. Zagreus' accidental fame has drawn a crowd, one she's actually had to fight with just to make this appointment.
She may have had an in, but that didn't mean she skipped waiting in line. What's worse is, he's well into a week of his infamy, of his follower count rising to levels near her own, and it's as stressful as it is aggravating. Every day she's watched those numbers and his engagement sky rocket, seen more and more of his content pop up in her for you page because the algorithmβ’ and it's driving her crazy.
Probably just as crazy as she feels right now, remembering she's about to see the real thing in a few moments. She wonders if he's just as hot in person as he is online, honestly, which is both a fun and horrifying thought.
..Speaking of β don't mind Lottie going back to checking out her makeup, her lipstick because she's brought her fancy little coffee drink with her, in that big ol' mirror. Don't mind her being so focused on whether she looks nice for him that she doesn't notice him approaching behind her for her consultation, either! ]
He hadn't really expected or wanted his newfound fame. Theseus had his own fame, of course, a world-renowned MMA fighter with a booming voice and knack for the purple prose version of trash talk in weight sessions. It had all started when he lacked a sparring partner the one time he was livestreaming on his socials. Zagreus had happened to come over to the blonde's gym of choice to drop something off to a friend of his who worked there, being invited to warm up and do something different that wasn't machines, weights, or the treadmill, for a change.
When he had been invited to join the fighter in the ropes, he had obviously jumped on the honor, a little starstruck.
Never did he know that his own classes a few years back would prove in handy.
He had thought it would be just a joke, some funny moment that would have been forgotten into the neverending void of the internet. That Theseus would milk it for as long as possible, even if he did lose, to create some more drama, some more motivational talks about how he would always take everything as a lesson. He had hoped, at least, that the views and the engagement would drive some more people towards his own trainer, Achilles, who was always in need of young blood in his school.
Zagreus hadn't expected to be approached by another personal trainer in his gym about his follower count. He had turned off the notifications for his social media accounts a long time ago, and he had a season of back-to-back post-New Year sessions where people were much more dedicated in the first couple of months. He had barely any time to scroll through anything.
'Dude, you're like, everywhere' the yoga instructor, blew on a loose curl as he wiggled his phone at him, only to find that the algorithm had somehow picked a video he had posted a couple of months back about working out outside. A lot of his other posts had picked up, apparentlyβa picture of his dog, another where he's smiling and doing a handstand near the tower of Piza, and a picture where he's congratulating the lady that cleans the gym on her birthday, featuring him giving her the biggest heartfelt hug to her very timid delight. Something in the caption about how finding friends is like finding hidden treasures apparently drew people in, he had told him.
Still, everything was very new and very inconsequential. Except, perhaps, a lot more people suddenly wanted to be trained by him, which he had to cherry-pick, not only because he couldn't handle the schedule, but a lot of what they were searching for was not what Zagreus really specialized on.
So when Lottie Person, a very famous influencer, showed up with an application and he had reviewed her needs, he was actually pleasantly surprised. Wanting to get fit for the sake of health and work on mobility, more than just tone for pictures? That's exactly his thing.
So he steps behind her and tries to lean into her line of sight - or at least, her reflection's.] Hello there, Lottie Person? I'm Zagreus. It's great to meet you.
[ He steps into her reflection and she almost doesn't catch him, too distracted with curling a stray piece of hair on the top of her head. But then he talks, and she freezes β is hit with that same realization that the person she's seen on her screen is alive and breathing like she is and it's strange. Terrible? Because when she finally reminds herself to turn around and make eye contact, she sees that.. Dear god.
He really does look like that. ]
Yes! That's me. [ He doesn't touch up his face at all.. He's so pretty? What the hell? ] I'm sorry, I didn't even hear you coming.
[ She switches her drink to the other hand to offer him a handshake (not before patting her palm down at her thigh in a tizzy, because condensation!!). She doesn't typically do this β handshakes and hugs are strictly for meet and greets! β but she also typically doesn't go to the gym, either. Typically doesn't get consultations, and as casual as this feels with the way they're both dressed, this is still 'business'. Right? Right! ]
It is so great to meet you, too, Zagreus. Thanks for seeing me.
[ She smiles something bright and dazzling his way. ]
I've heard a ton of good things about you, so I'm pretty excited.
A pleasure. [She's beautiful, all straight teeth, not a hair nor stitch out of place, and her stretched hand is manicured, polished, and surprisingly delicate. Zagreus takes it, his own smile in place, though not as bright, but definitely earnest. He's used to the glam of this location β Media divinity and internet celebrities, passing and resident alike, the precision of how one's eyebrows are drawn, even the way some personal trainers work their bodies to the inch. Lottie had been in his social media feeds every now and then, her bright green hair definitely standing out from everyone else's, but he hadn't paid much attention to the content itself. He only ever used social media to keep in touch with his friends.
At the mention of hearing things about him, though, he's a little intrigued.] Oh, did you? What about? [He brings her to a corner of the great entryway, pulls up a chair for her.] Here, please, take a seat. I see you already have your coffee, but would you like anything else? Maybe some water?
[ 'A pleasure', he says. The smile on her lips edge wider, feeling a small splurge of pride hit her at the successful interaction. She can't believe she was even worried about this β talking to people is easy, even if their voices are exceedingly (stupidly) pleasant to listen to, hair so stylishly messy that she has to wonder if he even had to try to look this cute. Even if he looks effortlessly great in gym clothes (god, even his shoes are nice), of all things, and wow is she jealous?! ]
Good things! Promise. I know a guy who knows a guy who was trained by you, [ Because Ashley would never submit himself to a trainer!! But he's connected enough in the gym circuit to clue her in on these details, ] said you 'changed his perspective on burpees'?
[ It's said casually, a touch of playful speckled in. Because it's a little absurd, a little intriguing. Especially to someone who doesn't ever work out, just eats enough to keep her figure contained, counts calories rather than reps. She follows after him all the while, stopping when he does as he tends to a chair and sets it out for her. It's a beat after he says please (wow, are his manners great, she could learn a thing or two?) that she nods, sits with a posture that's just pretty enough to be conscious, slouched enough to be casual. ]
Thanks! And, no thanks. [ Although after she says this she is hit with #regret β would she have looked like a better client if she did get it?! ] I was actually worried about whether the coffee was okay to bring, so I'm glad it worked out.
[He immediately recognizes the saying, and he laughs. He immediately covers his mouth with his hand, eyes crinkled in mirth.] Oh. Apologies, it's just that I understand who your reference was now. That's [his eyebrows arch, albeit not in a bad way,] somewhat unexpected, but not the bad kind of surprise, I assure you.
[He sits across from Lottie, then, letting the clipboard rest on the coffee table between them, his elbow resting on his knee as he looks over the form.] It says here you were looking to work on your mobility, not just your tone. [He taps with his pen on the already filled-out part.] Would you care to explain that to me? Did you find any difficulties moving, or have you suffered any injuries?
[ Good! Good, she was ready to back out and immediately say 'nevermind' if he said it was a bad kind of surprise. She lets her lips spread into a soft smile, the only thing she can really give when she's simply relieved he understood what the heck she was saying. But then he's straight to business, leaning over just enough to allow her to relax into her seat.
A finger goes to tap at her cheek, ]
Um.. Mostly the first one? I've never been injured before. [ ..Now she's wondering if she should be injured by now. ] My back hurts all the time and my shoulders are stiff.. I get fatigued super easy. Like I'm lethargic? Stuff like that? I'm slow sometimes..
[ A pause, where she takes a moment to wonder if she's even explaining all this right, before hopping back in with: ]
Like, I eat healthy but I don't feel healthy? Does that make sense?
Of course, that does make sense. [He nods, quickly following what she's saying. It's only natural for people to feel satisfied with what most consider healthy eating and doing healthy things whilst not feeling lively at all.] Most diets and workout programs don't have your aspects in mind. Every person is different, right? Some programs are great for trimming certain aspects of your body but don't have the goal of making you functional, like carrying a heavy bag. Does that resonate with what your concerns are?
[He notes some things on the clipboard; his handwriting geometric and very easy to understand. Things like 'functional training' and 'calisthenics' are quickly noted down, and he seems to find this acceptable. He says the rest somewhat off-handedly.] Also, I can refer a dietitian I trust if you ever wish to approach that aspect of eating healthier according to your needs, like allergies and such. But first, how do you usually spend your days? Sitting in front of a computer, standing up?
[ Wow.. Maybe there is a reason why this guy is so popular online (outside of the whole, you know, good looking thing). He seems like he really knows his stuff? And knows how to talk to people?? She feels mildly comforted by the way he assures her, so much that she doesn't bristle as much at the mention of a dietitian.
His other question, though.. ]
I do both of those things..?
[ It's said a little distractedly, as she's trying to peek over at what he's writing β even though she doesn't have to try and be sneaky about it. ]
I, um, mainly do my work on a computer so I sit in front of my laptop a lot. Sometimes on my bed, or at a coffee shop? Standing just depends on whether I have plans that day..
[Noticing how she's curious about what he's writing, he also doesn't mind sharing, so he does tilt his notebook a bit so she can read it, like someone trying to help out a classmate copy an answer in an exam. Zagreus simply has things like 'bodyweight training,' 'mobility,' 'shoulder and posture rehab and training,' and adding 'lower back and core strength.'
He hums an affirmative and nods.] I ask because it's good to keep in mind your lifestyle. For instance, since you sit down a lot, the back of your quadsβ[he lifts a knee enough to point below his thigh] this right here, they tend to get really tight, and it bleeds into other back and hip problems. How would you describe your flexibility? Can you touch the floor with your legs straight?
[He does stop himself for a second, his eyes losing a little bit of the seemingly ever-present crinkle at the corners, replaced by actual concern.] Er, if you find these questions too personal, feel free also to let me know. There are NDA forms in this Gym that we can sign, even if you weren't a public figure. Wouldn't want you to be concerned about privacy issues.
[ She's trying so hard to be subtle that she hardly even clues in to the fact Zagreus was the one who moved the notebook β predictably, she only sees the fact that she can read now. Lottie, at least, has the decency to look a little sheepish when she looks back up at him, taking advantage of his transparency by scooting closer so she can finish reading.
He asks her if she can touch the floor (after that very distracting display of his leg, it's kind of unfair how fit he is because he isn't doing anything but he is still flexing???) and, truthfully, Lottie is a second away from actually testing the theory out herself before she notices the minute shift in his expression. And then β she blinks at him, expression edging on a soft sort of surprised (her brows lifting up gently, doe eyes that much more exposed to him, the way her lips part). She's weirdly.. Touched?
Her mouth clamps shut, a hand going up to fiddle at a piece of hair framing her face. ]
Oh, I mean β I didn't think they were personal.. You're just doing your job, you know??
[ (She actually knows nothing about what his job entails to any degree other than: make sure her body isn't wacky.. But she believes the hype around Zagreus, even if he is Too Powerful Socially for it!) ]
I'm okay!! For now.. I can sign it later or something if I'm feeling like, weirdly worried about my need for [ Give her a moment to squint down at the paper, to allow herself a silly sort of smile because she is trying to make a joke, ] 'posture rehab'.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
au-ish
She should make the effort to bring them together. Somehow, someway.
So they go to Greece, when the Moon's light is at its brightest, and she tiptoes her way to where the land meets the river Styx; where Charon waits, gloomy as usual in his blackened robes and skeletal face. If he is surprised by her, it's hard to say, but he lets her board, and then they wait, curiously, until she sees a figure run - stumble, and then crawl towards herself at the boat. ]
Ah - [she says, looking at Zagreus with her hands on the edge of the boat, peering over. ] I should have brought coins, or food!
no subject
The moment he does, he takes a deep breath, lung-rattling, reviving. The same you hear from those who edged on suffocating.] That's, that's quite alright.
[He says, as he allows his weight to drop unceremoniously onto the bench at the bow, leaning back to gather his bearings, breath, energy. He takes a couple of long deep breaths as Charon digs his oar onto the river's waters and they begin their journey.] Ah, thank the Styx.
[Finally lifting his head, he does face the girl at last.] Sorry but who might you be?
no subject
I wasn't expecting company! Might I know your name too? [Now no one can scold her. She even sits as proper as one can, with her hands pressed together on her lap and the skirts of her dress folded very carefully from her feet. Truth be told she would rather have been hanging over the edge, looking to see if lost souls really do swim in the Styx. ]
no subject
LA AU
ππ»
Lottie has come to find out, and it's completely by coincidence! Honest!
Truthfully, Lottie's health is in shambles and she needs someone to get her ass in gear and work. And honestly, Meg's horny ass fiancΓ© was the one to give her the rec when Meg (Meg...) mentioned it offhand. 'Anything for my girls!' she said, after sliding the contact information into her DMs. It just so happens her interests (sizing up the competition, and getting fit for the #hotgirlsummer) have converged today, by some miracle of fate.
She's dressed gym appropriate, ambiguous enough to where no one's really sure if it's just to flex her own athleisure wear (Lottieβ’ brand leggings and matching sports bra are today's pieces of choice, a jacket placed precariously on top to make it friendly for the public) or if she actually came to work out. Which is good! It's perfect. Lottie almost looks like she belongs when she lingers by the desk, taking curious little glances to the mirror opposite and around the gym. She isn't the only one here β it's packed. Zagreus' accidental fame has drawn a crowd, one she's actually had to fight with just to make this appointment.
She may have had an in, but that didn't mean she skipped waiting in line. What's worse is, he's well into a week of his infamy, of his follower count rising to levels near her own, and it's as stressful as it is aggravating. Every day she's watched those numbers and his engagement sky rocket, seen more and more of his content pop up in her for you page because the algorithmβ’ and it's driving her crazy.
Probably just as crazy as she feels right now, remembering she's about to see the real thing in a few moments. She wonders if he's just as hot in person as he is online, honestly, which is both a fun and horrifying thought.
..Speaking of β don't mind Lottie going back to checking out her makeup, her lipstick because she's brought her fancy little coffee drink with her, in that big ol' mirror. Don't mind her being so focused on whether she looks nice for him that she doesn't notice him approaching behind her for her consultation, either! ]
no subject
He hadn't really expected or wanted his newfound fame. Theseus had his own fame, of course, a world-renowned MMA fighter with a booming voice and knack for the purple prose version of trash talk in weight sessions. It had all started when he lacked a sparring partner the one time he was livestreaming on his socials. Zagreus had happened to come over to the blonde's gym of choice to drop something off to a friend of his who worked there, being invited to warm up and do something different that wasn't machines, weights, or the treadmill, for a change.
When he had been invited to join the fighter in the ropes, he had obviously jumped on the honor, a little starstruck.
Never did he know that his own classes a few years back would prove in handy.
He had thought it would be just a joke, some funny moment that would have been forgotten into the neverending void of the internet. That Theseus would milk it for as long as possible, even if he did lose, to create some more drama, some more motivational talks about how he would always take everything as a lesson. He had hoped, at least, that the views and the engagement would drive some more people towards his own trainer, Achilles, who was always in need of young blood in his school.
Zagreus hadn't expected to be approached by another personal trainer in his gym about his follower count. He had turned off the notifications for his social media accounts a long time ago, and he had a season of back-to-back post-New Year sessions where people were much more dedicated in the first couple of months. He had barely any time to scroll through anything.
'Dude, you're like, everywhere' the yoga instructor, blew on a loose curl as he wiggled his phone at him, only to find that the algorithm had somehow picked a video he had posted a couple of months back about working out outside. A lot of his other posts had picked up, apparentlyβa picture of his dog, another where he's smiling and doing a handstand near the tower of Piza, and a picture where he's congratulating the lady that cleans the gym on her birthday, featuring him giving her the biggest heartfelt hug to her very timid delight. Something in the caption about how finding friends is like finding hidden treasures apparently drew people in, he had told him.
Still, everything was very new and very inconsequential. Except, perhaps, a lot more people suddenly wanted to be trained by him, which he had to cherry-pick, not only because he couldn't handle the schedule, but a lot of what they were searching for was not what Zagreus really specialized on.
So when Lottie Person, a very famous influencer, showed up with an application and he had reviewed her needs, he was actually pleasantly surprised. Wanting to get fit for the sake of health and work on mobility, more than just tone for pictures? That's exactly his thing.
So he steps behind her and tries to lean into her line of sight - or at least, her reflection's.] Hello there, Lottie Person? I'm Zagreus. It's great to meet you.
no subject
He really does look like that. ]
Yes! That's me. [ He doesn't touch up his face at all.. He's so pretty? What the hell? ] I'm sorry, I didn't even hear you coming.
[ She switches her drink to the other hand to offer him a handshake (not before patting her palm down at her thigh in a tizzy, because condensation!!). She doesn't typically do this β handshakes and hugs are strictly for meet and greets! β but she also typically doesn't go to the gym, either. Typically doesn't get consultations, and as casual as this feels with the way they're both dressed, this is still 'business'. Right? Right! ]
It is so great to meet you, too, Zagreus. Thanks for seeing me.
[ She smiles something bright and dazzling his way. ]
I've heard a ton of good things about you, so I'm pretty excited.
no subject
At the mention of hearing things about him, though, he's a little intrigued.] Oh, did you? What about? [He brings her to a corner of the great entryway, pulls up a chair for her.] Here, please, take a seat. I see you already have your coffee, but would you like anything else? Maybe some water?
no subject
Good things! Promise. I know a guy who knows a guy who was trained by you, [ Because Ashley would never submit himself to a trainer!! But he's connected enough in the gym circuit to clue her in on these details, ] said you 'changed his perspective on burpees'?
[ It's said casually, a touch of playful speckled in. Because it's a little absurd, a little intriguing. Especially to someone who doesn't ever work out, just eats enough to keep her figure contained, counts calories rather than reps. She follows after him all the while, stopping when he does as he tends to a chair and sets it out for her. It's a beat after he says please (wow, are his manners great, she could learn a thing or two?) that she nods, sits with a posture that's just pretty enough to be conscious, slouched enough to be casual. ]
Thanks! And, no thanks. [ Although after she says this she is hit with #regret β would she have looked like a better client if she did get it?! ] I was actually worried about whether the coffee was okay to bring, so I'm glad it worked out.
no subject
[He sits across from Lottie, then, letting the clipboard rest on the coffee table between them, his elbow resting on his knee as he looks over the form.] It says here you were looking to work on your mobility, not just your tone. [He taps with his pen on the already filled-out part.] Would you care to explain that to me? Did you find any difficulties moving, or have you suffered any injuries?
no subject
A finger goes to tap at her cheek, ]
Um.. Mostly the first one? I've never been injured before. [ ..Now she's wondering if she should be injured by now. ] My back hurts all the time and my shoulders are stiff.. I get fatigued super easy. Like I'm lethargic? Stuff like that? I'm slow sometimes..
[ A pause, where she takes a moment to wonder if she's even explaining all this right, before hopping back in with: ]
Like, I eat healthy but I don't feel healthy? Does that make sense?
no subject
[He notes some things on the clipboard; his handwriting geometric and very easy to understand. Things like 'functional training' and 'calisthenics' are quickly noted down, and he seems to find this acceptable. He says the rest somewhat off-handedly.] Also, I can refer a dietitian I trust if you ever wish to approach that aspect of eating healthier according to your needs, like allergies and such. But first, how do you usually spend your days? Sitting in front of a computer, standing up?
no subject
His other question, though.. ]
I do both of those things..?
[ It's said a little distractedly, as she's trying to peek over at what he's writing β even though she doesn't have to try and be sneaky about it. ]
I, um, mainly do my work on a computer so I sit in front of my laptop a lot. Sometimes on my bed, or at a coffee shop? Standing just depends on whether I have plans that day..
no subject
He hums an affirmative and nods.] I ask because it's good to keep in mind your lifestyle. For instance, since you sit down a lot, the back of your quadsβ[he lifts a knee enough to point below his thigh] this right here, they tend to get really tight, and it bleeds into other back and hip problems. How would you describe your flexibility? Can you touch the floor with your legs straight?
[He does stop himself for a second, his eyes losing a little bit of the seemingly ever-present crinkle at the corners, replaced by actual concern.] Er, if you find these questions too personal, feel free also to let me know. There are NDA forms in this Gym that we can sign, even if you weren't a public figure. Wouldn't want you to be concerned about privacy issues.
no subject
He asks her if she can touch the floor (after that very distracting display of his leg, it's kind of unfair how fit he is because he isn't doing anything but he is still flexing???) and, truthfully, Lottie is a second away from actually testing the theory out herself before she notices the minute shift in his expression. And then β she blinks at him, expression edging on a soft sort of surprised (her brows lifting up gently, doe eyes that much more exposed to him, the way her lips part). She's weirdly.. Touched?
Her mouth clamps shut, a hand going up to fiddle at a piece of hair framing her face. ]
Oh, I mean β I didn't think they were personal.. You're just doing your job, you know??
[ (She actually knows nothing about what his job entails to any degree other than: make sure her body isn't wacky.. But she believes the hype around Zagreus, even if he is Too Powerful Socially for it!) ]
I'm okay!! For now.. I can sign it later or something if I'm feeling like, weirdly worried about my need for [ Give her a moment to squint down at the paper, to allow herself a silly sort of smile because she is trying to make a joke, ] 'posture rehab'.