Daughters of Aphrodite (Cherry and Cleo)

She sat on her sister Cleo's bed, instead of her own. Well she could have been sitting on her own bed, but if she did that, then it wasn't likely that Cleo was pick up on the fact that she wanted to talk. Besides, Cherry had basically remade her bed about 15 times already today. Sometimes she did stuff like that when she was nervous. Despite having been here for quite a few years, she hadn't really interacted with some of her siblings as much as she would have liked to, mostly because not all of them were here year round. For her, being her year round was something that was more practical at times, since Dad was usually busy. Also, she wasn't sure she wanted to deal with regular school currently. "She'll be here" she told herself.

The door swung open and Cleopatra walked in, flanked by the two closest of her clique, Daryl and Gianna. All three of them were dressed in the latest fashion trends and glittered with jewels.

"And I told her, oh, you're the ex? Nice to meet you, I'm the upgrade," Cleopatra was saying, and her two sidekicks erupted in giggles.

"Ah-ma-zing," Gianna panted in a high-pitched voice. "I wish I had been there!"

"Oh yeah you should've seen her face, that chick didn't --" Having arrived in front of her bed, she had been ready to fling her designer bag on it but realized just in time that someone was sitting on top of her embroidered duvet. To her surprise, she saw it was Cherry, her one half-sister who never really talked. "Hello there," she said in a soft voice. "Are you alright?"

She looked up at her older half-sister, then shrugged, offering half of a smile. She also noticed the bag, and was half amused at the idea of it being thrown at her on accident. "I'm not really sure... Lately, I haven't been feeling okay... I figured maybe I could talk to you..." Her voice trailed off. The expression on her face suggested she was conflicted, as if she was unsure of herself. Perhaps another telling marker was that her clothes were mismatched, nothing really worked, which was at odds with the innate Fashion Sense of an Aphrodite child. It was like a cry for help. She looked up at Cleo, her expression now suggesting she really needed to talk. Cherry had been carrying around this burden for years now, and it's finally gotten to the point where she can no longer ignore it. Noticing Cleo's hanger-ons, she'd speak again "Of course, if you're busy, I guess I could come back later..."

"Oh no, I'm not busy," she said, glancing at her girls with a nod. They graciously smiled and twirled away on their heels, the door soon closing behind them. Cleopatra then sat down on the bed with her legs together like a mermaid and looked at her younger sister. "What is it, darling? Care to tell?"

She'd study Cleo for a moment before speaking. As always, Cleo looked flawless, as most of them did, but at the same time, Cherry felt a deep sense of connection to Cleo, something she hadn't felt before. "I... I kinda feel like I don't really belong here... I've been dealing with this since I got here, trying to hide it... I really like having siblings, but lately... I've been feeling uneasy... I've had dreams were I died and none of you came to say goodbye..." She'd sniffle a few times before continuing. "All I've ever wanted was a chance to talk to Mom... And I've never gotten it... It's given me this feeling... I guess of rejection... Though I dunno if Mom's ever spoke with you or the others, I haven't asked out of politeness... I'm grateful to be alive, but... What if I was a mistake?" Cherry's confidence was pretty much at rock bottom, which was unusual for her. Then again, she was wearing mismatched clothing which was unfashionable, so clearly this was really bothering her. "I didn't know who to come to... so I thought... maybe you..." She'd look at Cleo, her eyes suggesting she was scared

Cleopatra took Cherry's hands in her manicured own. "You're not a mistake, sweetheart. Mom loves you, even if she isn't allowed to show it too much." It was a little painful, not having any form of contact with your own mother. Cleopatra knew about that as much as anyone else here. But ever since she got claimed, she had started looking for little clues: doves, apples, roses, pomegranates, anything that was an attribute of Aphrodite's. One reason why she loved buying so much make up was simply because it made her feel closer to her mother. "Oh honey," she said as she noticed her sniffing, and handed her a sweet-smelling tissue. "We're a family here, right? Of course we sometimes fight, and of course some of us aren't as nice as others, but we still stick together. And you're just as precious as everyone else here in this cabin. Don't you ever doubt that."

This was exactly what Cherry needed: The love of her siblings, and validation that she belonged... For years, she'd been afraid of voicing her concerns, afraid that she didn't really belong. She always put up a strong facade, because she was afraid her siblings would reject her, or mercilessly mock her. But with Cleo... She felt safe. Safer than she'd felt in a long time. She'd accept the tissue, and dab her eyes, and then embrace Cleo in a hug. "Thank you... You have no idea how much that means to me..." It was possibly Cleo did know how much this meant to her, though. When she released the hug before it got awkward, she'd speak again "Um, could we... uh... Go do something? Or do you need to unpack? I could help... I mean..."

Cleopatra tapped her finger against her chin thoughtfully. "What do you like doing? Shopping, makeovers, riding...?" She had never really talked to Cherry that much and didn't know what she was into -- that's why she had Daryl in her clique. She just knew everything about everyone.
A shimmering smile spread on her face. "We could have a round of Never Have I Ever."

Shopping isn't always fun for me. As for Makeovers... Not that interesting. Riding can be fun. We could put a saddle on some of the Ares boys and make them run around while we're atop them. She'd blink when a game is mentioned, then slowly nods Yeah, that game sounds fun. Who knows what we'll learn?

Aha, so Cherry was not a run-of-the-mill Aphrodite child. "Makeovers are very fun even if you're not into the latest fashion," Cleopatra mused. "You can try out styles you've never dared before. Gothic? Luau? Classy chic? All that is at your fingertips."

Hmm, Gothic could be interesting. Perhaps some of the Ares kids would think twice if I looked scarier She'd laugh at that. I guess we could play the game and try out so new looks.... If that's okay with you?

"Sure!" Cleopatra pulled her skirt right and wrapped a hand around her neck, looking upwards. "Never have I ever... had a binge at a sushi bar," she smiled.

She blinked, as what Cleo had just shared wasn't something she'd expected to hear. She had thought she'd hear something like "Dressed up like a Slutty Cheerleader for Halloween" or "Made out with another Girl". Well, this was still early in the game, so who knew, really? Never have I... kissed a boy... Which was true. Also, somewhat embarrassing. You'd think she'd have been attracted to someone by now. Perhaps it was her fears that were just now being dealt with that had stopped her?

Cleopatra opened wide, glittering eyes. "You've never kissed a boy?" she asked, but in a low voice in case someone stood outside the window. "Did you never fancy anyone at all?" It was rare, but sometimes Aphrodite had asexual children. Cleopatra knew of only two, but they had lived quite a while ago. Maybe Cherry was one of them...?

She flushed heavily, clearly embarrassed by Cleo's shock. I... well, for one thing, I'm not even sure which way I swing... Which, to her, didn't seem to be a problem, being the Daughter of Love, why would her Mother care if she swung one way or both ways? I've spent 5 years at Camp, only going home for vacations when my Dad isn't too busy working, so I guess I could say it's because I haven't really met anyone here that I'm attracted to... Or maybe I haven't actually been paying attention... Which was also true. Sure, she'd participated in the usual events, and definitely spoke with most of her siblings, but there was always a time where she'd be off, by herself. After today, though, it was a definite that she would stop being off by herself. She almost fell whole. Her biggest regret was not voicing her worries earlier. I guess I never really thought about it

Cherry definitely wasn't a run-of-the-mill Aphrodite child. "I knew you were rather quiet, but I hadn't expected that," Cleopatra admitted with a giggle. "Honestly, I just thought you were really good at hiding it." As a daughter of Aphrodite, she could often tell by intuition when someone had a crush, sometimes even who they had a crush on -- and now that she looked at Cherry, her instinct told her she had indeed barely felt any interest to any of the demigods at camp. "What's your ideal type?" Cleopatra wondered.

You know... I don't even know She'd laugh at that I guess I've been too focused on my training in hopes of going on a quest, that I've forgotten to be interested in boys and girls. Another laugh I do know that whatever way I do swing, I do want to bring Children into the World to honor Mom. She'd smile after mentioning that. I've always felt different than most of you, since I actually like fighting Which is true, she's studied Martial Arts and MMA fighting. She'd begin rummaging around for some clothes for makeovers Hey you didn't forget we're playing a game? No reason we can't do Makeovers, talk about my type, and play it? I'm thinking a nice Grunge Look for you

"Oh dear, how would I even look in grunge?" Cleopatra mused, looking at one of the countless mirrors. A brief shimmer passed over her body and her pretty glam clothes turned into a blue tartan skirt, a black crop top and a leather jacket, completed with Doc Martens and ripped tights. Golden necklaces dangled around her neck and she had the classic round grunge sunglasses on her nose. She pulled them down a little bit, shrugging one shoulder out of the jacket.

"Hmmm..." she said, glancing around at the mirrors, then snapped her fingers. Her lipstick turned very dark, matte red, her eyeshadow a moody plum shade. She gave her chocolate curls a shake and the colour faded from them until reaching this silver ombre nuance.

Giggling, she stood up and gave a twirl. "How do I look?"

You'll have to teach me that trick, if it's even teachable. Looks like a lot of fun. She'd walk around Cleo twice, studying her attire carefully, before speaking again. You look simply amazing, Cleo. Okay, so what style do you think I should try out? And it's still your turn in the game, in case you forgot? A devilish smile, one that would've looked out of place on Cherry days ago, would be a clear sign that she's becoming more comfortable with, well, being herself. She'd always hid it well, being the Daughter of an Actor, her Father had often shared tips and tricks on how to hold your true feelings on the inside, and play a role. But now, there was clearly no reason to pretend she was someone else anymore. She knew was belonged, and for a girl, being accepted by your Mother, knowing she truly did care for you, even if she had an extremely strange way of showing it... Hmm, where's a camera when you need one?

"Never have I ever... gotten a tattoo!" Cleopatra smirked, then laughed. "Actually, that's a lie. I have." Twirling once more in front of the large mirror, she stopped and squinted at it, then went to her vanity and took a small box from it, quickly dusting the top of her eyelids with golden powder. "There, better. I'm sorry, I just love golden stuff so much," she giggled, then nodded at her own reflection, striking a few poses before turning to scan Cherry. "Now, you..." Her mismatched outfit definitely needed to be changed. "Let's see what you look like in countrywear!" She waved her bejewelled hand at her sister and the same shimmer passed over her body. She was now wearing a fitting denim dress with a wide leather belt and fringed boots, cowgirl hat and designer sunglasses on her head. "No, we should add something, something's missing," Cleopatra whispered, turning around her sister.

Finding herself dressed as a Country Girl, she'd affect the accent when she spoke Y'all come down to have a good time, right? I should lasso you before you get ahead of yourself! Giggling, she'd speak again Never have I not thought about having kids, I reckon Mother would want me to! Finding a rope, she'd tie it into a lasso, and after twirling it around a bit, she'd lasso Cleo

Cleopatra let the lasso fall around her waist and twirled in, laughing. "You definitely rock the country look!" she said, then struck a thoughtful pose and snapped her fingers twice. Golden jewels appeared on Cherry's neck and ears, her hair gathered herself into a sexy side bun held by a silky USA headband, and her face shimmered up with nude make-up. "Cowgirl glamour at its finest," Cleopatra smiled with satisfaction then took out her phone. "Selfie?"

You have got to teach me that trick with your clothes, Darlin. Let's take a selfie She'd pose with Cleo, her eyes sparkling, an expression of true happiness on her face, none of that "acting" happiness. After the selfie, she'd speak again I reckon we'd make a pretty pair of Cheerleaders, or Valley Girls

"It's more of Mist manipulation than anything else," Cleopatra explained, then waved her hand at them both, making the clothes disappear. Cherry's hair fell out of the side bun, all make-up fading from her face. Her own hair turned back to a rich coffee caramel colour, all the grungy moody clothing replaced by her usual glamorous style. "See, this is why I'd love to go to a high school in the States. We don't get all this amazing stuff like Homecoming or cheerleading in Barcelona!" Cleopatra complained with a pretty pout. "Maybe I should ask for a one year exchange program or something."

She'd be a bit embarrassed by that fact that she was still in her mismatched clothing, so she'd flush briefly. I should change into something that actually works. And it's still a neat trick, Cleo. Could come in handy. She'd move over to her bed and dig around for an outfit that worked. If Cleo came over and helped, she wouldn't really mind. It's still your turn, y'know? You should try for that, totally.