Floating Thoughts -Open-

[Deleted]

Finished with cohort practice for the day, Kate had decided to go for a swim. They had been working hard these past few weeks, so she felt like she needed a treat. She had done her daily some piano and guitar, and didn't really feel like drawing; so swimming it was. It'd be nice, especially in this hot weather. Now that she thought of it, she hadn't gone for a swim in the baths for quite a while. She tied up her hair in a ponytail, braided it, took a towel, and went to test the water. A childish grin spread across her freckled face and she dunked her entire head underneath the water before she could talk herself out of it. Besides, it was usually easier if you got your head wet first. Easier for your body to get used to the water temperature. Unless it was freezing cold. Then you'd get hypothermia. But the swimming pool wasn't cold. Instead, the water cooled her rather well. She smiled slightly and went to float on her back, staring up at the ceiling. It had nice patterns up there... the Romans were no strangers to beauty, she could give them that. Despite all the rough and tumble training and wars, a lot of beauty existed too. Pieces the forgers made, the forum, and all the historical pieces in the Senate and Principia. Maybe one day she could contribute to an art form here...  Even though she was supposed to be relaxing, her mind automatically strayed to other things she had to do. Perhaps she'd go over to New Rome again for some books, or invite Mattie and Nova to go street shopping or looking, depending on what they saw. Oh, and she should probably visit her dad... just to see how he was doing today. She gave a silent sigh and then ducked her head under the water. It was a game her family used to play: how long could you hold your breath? Kate usually won, despite not playing a wind instrument.

OOC: She lives. I promise
Kate: Gee Ellie, thanks for remembering I exist.
wow, did Edmund corrupt you
Kate: I'M NOT ALLOWED TO BE ANNOYED EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE?!?!?!
IC: 342

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Wrapped around the Son of Jupiter's lower was a plush towel, it's fluffy fibers cozy around his thighs. He was no Neptune kid, but found a quick swim to be in favor. It was one of his more minor past times, and baking definitely did get hot. Especially when you accidentally singed an entire rack of danishes. He was guilty of that, the punishment a whack on the top of his head by his mother for that one. Not a more favorable moment of his time. He was younger, and didn't even know he had powers, but he still managed to burn a plate full of tasty treats on demand. That was just perfectly good money and supplies down the toilet. That couldn't have been the most embarrassing moment that a demigod has had with their powers, right? It wasn't funny at the time, but now one of the stories he found fun to tell.

Mathias entered the bathhouse, ruffling his golden locks with his fingers. The bead of sweat that had formed from the summer heat of California cooled against his head in contrast with the temperatures of the bathhouse. Mathias folded his towel
and set it down by the side of the pool. By now he had stripped to nothing but his crimson speedo. The Danish man didn't give another thought to his actions, instead he simply jumped in, cannonball style. Nothing fancy, as swimming was not his forte, just something he did for the fun of it. He lifted himself out from the water, which came up to his shoulders. Golden hair was splayed across his face, clinging to his tanned skin with the wet water. Mathias took his hand and swiped a strand of wheat-hued locks from his line of vision, revealing his vivid azure eyes. Seeing as his hair was flat for once, it was surprisingly long and scraggly, and darker than the standard. Though he was certain about one thing, the trickle of the cold water seeping into his back felt quite nice, in contradiction to the blazing California sun.

The thing Mathias hadn't realized was that he was not alone, as he thought he was. Instead, he noticed what he saw to be a girl, one with long hair submerged underneath the water. Hopefully, she hadn't noticed his cannonball. That wasn't exactly the preferred Roman way of getting into the pools... Instead of staying above the surface, Mathias dived below as well, moving closer towards the girl, his breath held in a bubble in his mouth, his cheeks puffed out wide. He spread his mouth for a smile and wave, not realizing the heavy rush of water that surged into his mouth. His eyes widened as he jolted out of the water, turning around as to not cough in front of the girl directly. Turning back towards her direction, he shook his hair, ruffling it with his hands, returning it to its messy look. "I guess smiling is not water compatible", Mathias chuckled, crossing his arms. "Anyhow, the name's Mathias and I'm not that stupid", the Dane said, with a small wink and toothy grin.

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She stayed submerged, thoughts swirling around her head. To go to his house or to not... She dreaded going back into her family home every time she got close to it. Too many memories there, growing up. It had surprised her when her father decided to stay in the house and not move. Kate had wanted to move. Leave that house behind now that two of the occupants were to never come back... Feeling a sudden wave of sadness, the young girl tried to push the loss of her mother and twin from her mind. Instead she imagined them both floating beside her: her brother making silly faces, trying to make her laugh and choke on the water. All he wanted to do was win the game; his tactics had cost him though. Kate had ten years worth of learning how to keep a straight face. When she didn't laugh, and therefore letting precious air slip, all of her brother's air had depleted, making him lose. A sad smile flickered across her face. The game had been her father's idea. Now, he could barely bring himself to get out of the house for normal activity. Their family had been somewhat compensated for losing two members to the war, but nothing would ever make it better.

The young Roman snapped out of her reverie as the water rippled in a great disturbance. Water crashed over her, receeded, and then evened out again. By the echoing sound and the water pattern, Kate deduced a cannonball. Despite her concentration on holding her breath, she nearly laughed. Then again, they were just all children at heart. Even those older New Rome citizens. Just children that had to grow up way too fast. Especially the recent kids... the ones who had lived through two wars.  It had been quite the present for all the kids that had been admitted into the Legion that first year: her and her brother included. Just as she was beginning to run out of air, the person who had (probably) made the cannonball showed himself. She had seen him around the Legion, of course, but she didn't think they had ever properly met. From the talk around camp and all he was...a kid of Jupiter if she remembered right. He tried to do a smile and wave thing, but... it didn't exactly work out for him.

Kate surfaced a couple of seconds after he did. "You alright?" she asked, a hint of amusement in her voice. "No, I'm afraid not," she said, half holding back a laugh. "Neither is laughing, so... good thing I surfaced too. Nice to meet you, Mathias. I'm Caitlyn, but most people just call me Kate," she said, sticking out her hand. "Oh... I suppose I'll have to take your word for that," she laughed, a tease outlining her voice.

IC: 475