Peace in the Sea (Adam)

[Xayn Collins]

So it didn’t take too much convincing to go down to the water. Xayn felt at peace in the water and so much more calm. It also helped that he had a friend going with him. Xayn was glad that Adam was joining him for a swim. Yes he wasn’t completely cheered up because you just can’t flip a switch and go from depressed to cheerful but he wasn’t as emo and down as he was. Xayn pulled at the back of his pale blue faded tee shirt and pulled it off over his head as he and Adam headed down to the beach towards the ocean. Xayn was already wearing a pair of black board shorts since he nearly always walked around in a some form of swim wear and a pair of sandals unless he was in the arena or the forge then he wore shoes since places like that were dangerous to have exposed feet.

Xayn glanced behind him at Adam who had been following him and nodded as he made his way towards the sea. The waves crashed against the shore but not violently. Xayn could feel the ocean calling out to him as if it were like a mother beckoning her son home. Xayn slipped his sandals off on the sand far enough away from the shore line so they wouldn’t be pulled in by the tides and made his way towards the water. He sighed softly as the water started to gather around him as he walked further into it the water quickly going up to his waist high. He turned around to Adam and said “You coming?”

[Adam Argent-Faust]

Adam trailed the son of the sea god all the way to the beach. It was odd though because the entire way, Adam couldn't shake the thoughts he was having about Xayn. The guy was...a tough nut to get out of his shell, not to mention a pretty nice guy once you did. It was endearing and he couldn't help but feel drawn to him for some reason.

Even then while they walked, all Adam could think about was that Xayn needed someone to be there for him and how much he felt compelled to be that someone. It wasn't an uncommon feeling for Adam but this felt different somehow and it was perplexing.

The dark haired godling couldn't help but grin slightly as he watched Xayn undress and step into the waves. He really did look like he belonged there. The guy was back in his element and the thought that he might be a tad more relaxed made Adam happier. But he had gotten too wrapped up in his thoughts and he could feel the color rising in his cheeks as Xayn called back to him. Without hesitation, Adam padded across the sands until his feet were splashing in the water and then it was up to his knees and slogging forward became a little difficult.

The night air and cool waters felt spectacular against Adam's skin as he allowed his legs to bend and floated over to Xayn.

"Sorry, I was....distracted is all. How're you doing now?" he asked, having never been this alone with a Poseidon kid in their natural habitat. He wondered if it felt like what he felt under the light of the full moon.

[Xayn Collins]

The moment Xayn hit the water and after a few seconds he immediately started feeling better and more at ease and relaxed. “It’s okay.” Xayn said as he sighed contently. “And better. Much better. Thank for asking. The sea always seems to have a calming effect on me.” Xayn said. A faint smile crept across his face. “Thanks for joining me. Let me know when you’ve had enough of the water cause personally I could spend forever here and easily lose track of time” he said.

Xayn tilted his head backwards dousing his hair in the salty ocean water. All worries and feelings of moodiness that Xayn had previously had seemed to be lifted from Xayn and Adam could probably tell. He lifted his hair out of the water and turned to look back at Adam. It was fairly dark with only the stars and moon as their only source of light now but his eyes had adapted to the low light. “So…um…” Xayn said not exactly sure what to say next. He was so close to the Hecate boy and they were pretty much alone and yet neither one of them were the most talkative people who interacted socially a lot, but it didn’t seem to matter. This was nice. “This is nice…” he said. “I mean I always love to swim in the ocean but it’s nice to have a companion around as well” Xayn said.

[Adam Argent-Faust]

Adam couldn't help but grin at Xayn's words. Something about the guy made him feel...nervous and awkward, both things he rarely felt anymore. The guy undermined his confidence and yet it was enjoyable.

"You have a point. I normally wind up doing this sort of thing alone cuz of my schedule," he said floating back and forth in the tide.

It had been a long while since the last time he spent time just relaxing in the waves and it really was good to be with someone else, and the fact that Xayn was more relaxed just made him feel better. Adam wasn't sure if the guy was back to normal yet though, after all his least favorite subject had just come up again. He needed a few more distractions.

"So you can breathe underwater and swim like a fish?" he asked dunking his head beneath the waves for a moment before bringing his head back up and shaking off the water.

[Xayn Collins]

Xayn nodded as Adam said he usually ended up swimming alone. “Do you always follow your schedule?” Xayn asked curiously as he drifted near the child of Hecate. Xayn wasn’t completely back to normal yet but he was getting there. The water had a healing effect on him and having Adam there with him also seemed to be helping.

“Yeah, I can luckily I haven’t developed gills yet though” he said with a slight smile. “The water has always been like my second home for me but even I can’t stay underwater forever. I have to come up for air sometime but I can stay under for longer then normal people and others can.” Xayn said. “So you’ve lived here at camp for a long time haven’t you?” Xayn said. “What’s your favorite part about living here” he asked. Xayn liked Adam and wanted to know more about the boy who made him fell strange being so close to.

[Adam Argent-Faust]

"Yeah I suppose I do and I don't with the schedule. It helps keep everything a little more organized and gets stuff done but with the chaos that is Camp Halfblood nothing ever really stays the same. I suppose I mostly just try to do the same stuff every day or every other. It's more like slipping in important things." he said with a flash of his pearly white teeth.

He was starting to get used to the water but the feeling of nervousness he felt fluttering in his stomach wouldn't subside. He was starting to wonder if he was sick or if the child of Poseidon had some sort of ability that he was being affected by. Like some sort of grandeur that made people want to pick their words carefully like standing in front of a king. But that would be obscene wouldn't it?

Even as Xayn spoke to him and asked him a few questions Adam felt like something was tense between the two of them but he couldn't put a finger on it but he really wanted to because it was like they were both holding something back. Even so he couldn't take his eyes off of Xayn and it was had not to smile looking at him. He really was 'cute' as the Aphrodite girls liked to say. A lot.

"Oh yeah I've been here over half of my life now at this point. I got here when I was 8. I walked across the order all a mess. Beat up, my arm was broken but they took me in and fixed me up and I fit right in after a while. It was funny because everyone was so sure I was a child of Athena for the first few weeks before I got claimed, but that was before the world found out about us. But I think the best part to me about this place is the people and the opportunity. There are so many different people and because of who and what we are, we stand on the precipice of history and direct its path. It's tough not being out there with everyone else anymore but with all the different people around here, it's hard to notice. Does that make any sense?"

[Xayn Collins]

Xayn smiled as Adam flashed him a smile showing off his perfectly white teeth. Something about this boy made Xayn’s stomach flip, but in a good way and when Adam smiled that amazing smile, Xayn couldn’t help but smile back.

“I know what you mean though. I usually spend most of my time isolating myself and in the water. I know I really shouldn’t. I know I should spend more time training and learning other stuff not just doing the things I’m comfortable with.” Xayn said. “Sometimes…sometimes you have to get out of your comfort zone or you’ll never know what is out there. Like. If I hadn’t decided to be more social and attempt to interact with people again, I would have never, met you. Well I guess I would have eventually but I mean. We probably wouldn’t be here together right now…you know” he said

As Xayn stared at Adam, treading water, he tried to pay attention to what the Hecate boy was saying. Xayn nodded although he didn’t understand some of the words that Adam had said. “Yeah I guess. You might be right though. It’s like we’ve got our own little community here. Like we don’t need to be out there with the rest of the world. At times though it’s hard not to miss the things our there, we’re so close to the rest of civilization and yet we can’t interact. ” He said.

Xayn leaned back and started to float on his back and looked up at the stars above before sideways glancing at Adam and smiling slightly. It was quiet now with just the two of them, the crickets in the distance chirping and the waves crashing against the shore softly. “It’s funny how I’ve never really noticed before how nice it is here, we’re just far enough away from the city so the light pollution doesn’t hinder our view of the stars at night but yet if you look hard enough you can still see the lights of New York.” Xayn said. “When I first came here. That first night in the Hermes cabin I couldn’t sleep so I headed down to the beach dodging the harpies and making sure I wasn’t caught. It was the first time in a long time I had seen the stars so clearly at night. But they were different not at all how I remembered them. You know southern hemisphere and all but they made me think of the better times, you know. I don’t know why I’m telling you this….I’ve never told anyone…well except that one pegusus but that doesn’t really count.” Xayn said.

Xayn turned back over again. “I don’t know what it is about you Adam but you make me feel like I’ve never felt before but its’ a good feeling you know?” he said with a half smile.

[Adam Argent-Faust]

"I wish you didn't feel so isolated around here but then again, the water really suits you but you're absolutely correct. Experience is the best teacher they say and no matter what happens, there's always something interesting if you look for it and keep a positive mindset. Boundless optimism I like to say. But that aside, I'm really glad we met," he said hoping the night was too dark to reveal the color in his cheeks.

The butterflies in his stomach slowly settled down as the moments went on. He could feel himself relaxing and the tension in the air settled out as well. Being alone in the ocean with this guy made him feel comfortable as the sound of a gentle tide pervaded the air. It wasn't exactly a feeling of safety more like a sense of utter calmness like things were right.

His mind was wandering as they floated there until he turned his head to look back at Xayn and saw the other boy looking at him and Adam couldn't help but smile and turn his head away, having been caught looking. He wasn't even sure why he didn't want to get caught with his eyes on the son of Poseidon, he just didn't. There wasn't anything wrong about it but something just made him nervous to have his gaze noticed.

His ears still burning with color, he listened carefully to what Xayn was saying.

"Mmm hmm. Most of the other campers don't notice until someone mentions it to them. There are so many stars up there now and so many constellations to remember but the secrets of the universe all lie up there, written for the whole world to see and it's such a beautiful tapestry I can't help but look at it every chance I get. I wish everyone saw it the way you do. They say the sky is the limit and it really isn't, it's just the next step up. It should inspire hope in everyone when they see it.... Sorry, I didn't mean to get all philosophical" he said trailing off.

Hearing about how tough it was for Xayn, made Adam want to reach out and hug the boy just so he would know that he wasn't alone anymore and that someone else in the world cared. He wanted to take all the bad things that had happened to him in his life and put them on his own shoulders just so he wouldn't have to bear them anymore. But he just couldn't bring himself to do it and he didn't know why.

"Yeah. I think I know exactly what you mean. You make me feel...like I'm floating but it's ok because I'm caught in a current flowing in the right direction. It sounds all poetic I know but...It's the truth." he said looking Xayn in the eye, his ears still red with blood pumping through them as he powerlessly returned the careful smile.

[Xayn Collins]

“It’s partly my fault really. I’m the one who isolates myself but it’s not like I always do it on purpose it just happens.” Xayn said but couldn’t help but smile as Adam said that the water suited him and his cheeks turned slightly red. “Well I am a child of the sea it would be strange if the water didn’t suit me” he said with a laugh. “It’s not easy to stay optimistic all the time you know…” Xayn said.

“No it’s not that there are so many constellations to remember it’s that the ones we see here aren’t the ones that I was used to seeing back in Australia. See I saw the southern hemisphere stars not the Northern ones. It’s alright I don’t mind you getting philosophical, not really.” Xayn said. “Well I think we’re going to get pretty pruny and we might want to get out before the naieds decide to bother us and get frisky you know. Come on” Xayn said as he started to swim for shore.

Stepping up onto the shore the sand stuck to the soles of his feet as he walked over to a hollowed out tree trunk that made a good place to sit that sat on the beach and he patted the spot next to him. When Adam had said that he felt the same way as Xayn did it made him smile.

[Adam Argent-Faust]

"You still get wrinkly from water? I would've thought osmosis didn't happen to you. Good to know we aren't that different. Those cheeky oceanids sure do like to pick the oddest times to come by though, you're right," Adam replied as he began slogging through the water after Xayn, picking his steps carefully across the wet sands, his feet sinking into the muck against his will.

It was dark to most people but Adam didn't have the issues associated with darkness. He could see perfectly fine in the darkness and he was somewhat glad for it as he watched the other boy make his way to the hollowed log. He'd never say aloud but, Xayn was definitely nice to look at, front or back. Of course there was a lot more to it than that. It being the reason he enjoyed spending time with the guy.

"Oh of course. I've never gotten to visit the southern hemisphere. Ever wish you could go back there? Just like on a vacation or something? Although, I guess the DCA's clutches and propaganda don't reach so far as the Land Down Under. It might just be easier to live there," he said as he settled in next to Xayn, trying for some awful reason not to be touching him even though Adam knew that in his mind, he wanted little more than to feel his skin on Xayn's right then.

[Xayn Collins]

“Well…uh..no I don’t really get wrinkly…but I was just thinking about you…” Xayn muttered under his breath in response to Adam’s question. Adam was right about the oceanids though, they were always bugging him when he was out in the ocean by himself. He doubt that they’d leave him alone even with Adam there, honestly he thought they might get jealous.

As Xayn sat on the hollowed log with Adam next to him, a bead of water ran down his arm but he paid it no mind he’d dry off soon. He always seemed to get dry after getting out of the water sooner then other people normally would.

Xayn looked out over the ocean and off into the distance and sighed. “I do. But I know things wouldn’t be the same and it wouldn’t be easy to live there. You never know, the DCA might be on a global scale now. The world knows about demigods, it’s something that can’t be taken back. It’s not just limited to the states as much as we wish it were. If that were true then we could just leave the country and be fine. But it’s not true. The idea of the DCA has reached other countries as well; they’re probably following their example. For now, the only safe place is here, where the DCA really can’t reach.” Xayn said.

He said all this without looking over at Adam and when he was done speaking he finally looked over and attempted a smile. “But maybe one day, one day things will be better and then…Then, I’ll take you to Australia with me myself. We can hitch a ride on a hippocampus, and I’ll show you my home town. It would be fun.” Says with a hopeful smile.

[Adam Argent-Faust]

"Well I appreciate you thinking about me. I'm usually pretty responsible though to be honest," he said back, a slight smirk on his lips as he looked at Xayn in the moonlight. He really was rather good looking, Adam thought, though the idea made him blush.

A slight shiver ran through the child of magic's body as the water on his skin started to evaporate into the night air. Perhaps they should have thought about bringing a towel down to the beachfront. Usually the idea would've crossed Adam's mind since swimming and towels went hand in hand but it seemed the frivolous nature of a nighttime swim with Xayn had left his thoughts elsewhere.

"You don't mind if I cast a spell d-do you?" he asked through slightly chattering teeth. He was trying to suppress the shivering if only so Xayn wouldn't worry about him, he didn't want that weighing on the son of Poseidon's mind while they sat there enjoying themselves.

Adam nodded, agreeing when the subject of a Global DCA epidemic.

"It's true poisonous thinking can easily spread among the masses. Mortals do have a tendency to have a group mentality about these sorts of things. It takes them quite a bit of time to see the error of their ways. I mean look at the Civil Rights movement from the 1960's or that whole global warming debacle or the uh...Gay marriage thing from several years back. Eventually they'll see the moral issue with what they're doing and condemn the notion, but we have to wait for that to happen and fight for it just like everyone else did," he replied.

"But I really would like to go on a trip with you sometime, once this is all over. I always have wanted to see other continents and I've heard of these cookies called Timtams from Australia. Seeing the place you came from would be an excellent bonus," came the answer with the by now, trademark smile on Adam's face.

[Xayn Collins]

As Xayn saw Adam shiver slightly, Xayn felt slightly bad that they hadn’t brought towels down. He wasn’t exactly cold yet though. Xayn shook his head. “No I don’t mind. What kind of of spell did you have in mind?” Xayn asked curiously. He could have suggested that they scoot closer together to say warm but thought it might be a little awkward and the last thing Xayn wanted to do was push Adam away.

“Well, hopefully they will. I mean it’s hard enough being a demigod without having to worry about what the rest of the world thinks about you. I just hope that they come around and realize that we’re just people like everyone else sooner rather then later. But I fear that might not happen for a while, though hopefully in our lifetime it will. Just think, if the whole DCA epidemic doesn’t disappear eventually demigods will become extinct. I mean sure we can mate with each other and keep the somewhat demigod bloodline alive that way but eventually we’ll be no more then humans again if you really think about it.” Xayn said.

“Think about the ancient Greeks though, modern day Greeks may or may not be somehow distantly related to ancient demigods but yet they hunt us but not them because their not different. It’s just sad you know.” Xayn said with a sigh.

He perked up a little as Adam talked about going on that trip with him one day. “TimTams are amazing, and I would love to share them with you.” Xayn said looked over at Adam and smiling blushing slightly at seeing Adam smile. Xayn was beginning to love that smile of Adam’s but was so glad that it was dark so that Adam couldn’t see his cheeks turning colors in the night against his fair skin.

[glow=red,2,300]clue[/glow]

At last they lay,
A peaceful rest,
A Heroes end,
The last great quest.