Axel smiled. “I’d love to take you, then.” Going to the beach was the one thing he missed the most about being in camp besides not being able to see his brother and sister. At least one of those things would change permanently. However, with his new role in the legion, he wondered how he would get as much time to go outside of New Rome. “No, probably not, it’s not exactly a priority around here to go ice skating.” he pointed out. He felt bad for the girl, knowing how much she loved hockey by the way she always talked about it. Axel let the bread cutting go, seeing as Astrid was finally content with his response. He scrunched his nose right back at the other demigod. “There’s a different culture in LA, don’t hate on it until you try it.” Axel wasn’t mad, he was just giving Astrid his silly attitude. Although he did have to defend one of his favorite snacks, even if it was against Astrid.

Axel watched the girl tell her story, only half listening as he was just admiring her happiness at remembering her teammates. The boy hoped he could bring that feeling to their relationship, wherever it led. Shaking out of his thoughts, he shared a memory of his own. “That sounds like the time Brett wanted me to record a new flip he learned that he swore he could do off camera, but then once I was filming he couldn’t land it.” He laughed, “he threw a tantrum after, and he was, like, sixteen.” Axel smiled at the blonde’s confession. “I didn’t need any help for that one, I knew it would happen, anyway,” he teased.

“Yeah, me either.” Axel agreed. He chuckled as Astrid guessed that she wasn’t too petty. “I guess we’ll see in time.” He raised a brow with a smirk. Part of him actually wanted to see Astrid get a little protective over him. Not too much of course, but just enough that it was cute like it was now. There was the blush Axel liked to see on the girl. He innocence was what made it that much more fun to refer to the “things” she’d never done before. Smiling, proud that he’d gotten her to think more like him, he grinned. “Good, I was hoping you’d say that.” Axel decided not to go any further so she wouldn’t think he was pressuring her into anything. The other demigod just shook his head at Astrid’s suggestion that she would be subtle in her interrogation.

Axel liked that he and Astrid had similar senses of humor, she was able to roll with his jokes, and vice versa. Axel could really be himself around her. In a way, it reminded him of how he was with his brother. Smiling as Astrid’s jaw dropped at Harley’s entrance he agreed with the girl’s comment. “He’s really unbelievable,” admiring the equine. He thought for a moment, realizing that she’d probably never seen a pegasus before. Axel hadn’t really been around them much either until his mother paid a visit riding the black stallion. It was very unexpected to say the least. Seeing that Astrid didn’t quite know what to do in Harley’s presence, he brought her hand that he was holding up to the pegasus’s side for her to pet. “Not at all, they can’t see through the mist.” Astrid probably wouldn’t have asked the question if she knew about the mist. “The mist blinds mortals of anything that has to do with magic, the gods, or monsters. They would just see a black horse, so I’ll have him drop us off in a remote area anyway since there really aren’t many horses in LA.” He smiled, still enjoying teaching Astrid more about their world.

“Sounds like a plan to me, I just won’t know how busy I’ll be until the week of.” Axel’s smile lessened, still burdened with the thought of not being able to get outside camp as often as he was used to. “I’m always down for shopping. And getting to see you try on bikinis? Doesn’t get any better.” he finished with a laugh. That idea alone would motivate the boy to get all of his work done during the week. Axel shook his head, agreeing with the girl that they didn’t partake in many winter sports. The were in southern California, after all. “Add that to our beach day list, then.” he responded.

Grinning at Astrid’s reaction to the story, Axel thought of how many other situations the twins had been in where Brett had a much bigger reaction than necessary. He could go on for hours about them. Instead, he chuckled, “Yeah, that’s Brett for ya. Although I think he’s gotten over the tantrum stage.” At Astrid calling the other demigod a dork, Axel gave her a goofy smile, accepting the nickname, since he had ‘princess’ on her. Remembering that kids of Victoria were highly competitive, Axel finally realized what Astrid meant by how as long as someone didn’t challenger her, she’d be fine. Thinking to himself, the praetor knew he would be able to stir up drama if he wanted to with the other praetor and Astrid. But that idea was for another time.

At Astrid’s touch, Harley gave a small winey, liking the attention the girl gave him. The pegasus towered over the girl, and stepped closer to sniff her out, as most animals did when meeting someone new. Laughing at the blonde’s admiration, Axel replied, “It was really unexpected, demigods don’t usually hear from their parents too often. I guess I caught her attention.” he shrugged, not really minding not having a mother in his life. His older sister filled in that gap, and it wasn’t like he was used to having his father around much either, even when he did live at home. “Yes, that’s it.” he confirmed. “That can happen too, actually. I think the goddess Mnemosyne can control memories.” Axel was really digging deep in his mythology knowledge. "It's really just the mist though, which is controlled by the goddess Trivia. It replaces the "magical" stuff with things the human mind can comprehend." Axel explained, putting the word 'magical' in air quotes.

“We should get going!” His excitement returned, wanting the chance to show Astrid were he lived high up in the sky. Axel pushed Harley by the chest to back him up and motioned for the stallion to lower himself so he and Astrid could climb on. The pegasus was too tall for him to jump on to if he boosted Astrid up, otherwise he would probably hit the girl. Harley obeyed, and Axel got on the front of his back and motioned for Astrid to sit behind him so she could hold on.

Axel was surprised how well Astrid was already adapting to his new busy schedule. With a sigh of relief, the Praetor apologized to the other demigod. “Thanks, sorry in advance if this gets a little difficult with all the new things I’ll have to do around camp.” Axel smiled at her suggestion, happy he would have someone else in his lonely office while he was doing work. “I’d like that. I just have to work hard not to be too distracted by you.” he replied sheepishly. The demigod knew he would have long hours some days, and with Astrid’s looks and humor, he knew it might be hard to get work done. If Axel wanted company though, he would have to learn to control himself. Axel grinned, “Well I’ve never picked out girl’s clothing, but I feel like it an innate skill I’d have.” He smiled wider, “That’s gonna be the best time ever, holy shit.” Only in his dreams would he ever pick out what he liked to see a beautiful girl in, never mind Astrid. Axel raised a brow at the girl. “Boring? Never heard of it.” he joked.

“I could go on all day, honestly. The ridiculous things we’ve done…” he trailed off in thought. There were too many to count. “Oh really?” he questioned. Axel didn’t have to wait for the blonde to continue her story. He chuckled and shook his head, just picturing the girl getting heated about the dare. The boy made a metal note never to challenger her to do anything that he didn’t actually want her to do, especially for her safety. “I can totally see that happening.” he admitted. Axel decided to add his own story. “About a year ago Brett and I took a test to see if we were identical or fraternal twins, and we bet on what we thought we were. I lost, thinking we were fraternal, and we made the agreement whoever guessed wrong had to shave half an eyebrow and get their nose pierced.” he explained. “Long story short, we dare each other to do stupid shit all the time.” he paused. “I’ve since taken out the nose ring because I thought my nose was too fat for it.” he added with a laugh. Astrid did want to know more about the twins after all.

Axel shrugged. “I expected maybe a visit, definitely not an animal. Although Harley’s gonna make it easier to get around camp and New Rome.” The Praetor assumed he would be back and fourth and around camp often every day, and he wouldn’t have the time to walk everywhere. “She said she was too busy to come to me in person, so she came into my dreams and told me to check the stables in the morning. I did, and found this hunk waiting for me.” He pointed a thumb in Harley's direction. He smirked. “My mom actually mentioned you, she said you were pretty, and I’d have to agree.” he commented. To Astrid’s remark on the mist, Axel nodded in agreement.

As Astrid climbed on Harley’s back behind him, Axel felt comfort as the girl wrapped her arms around him and got close. The Praetor had never traveled on pegasus-back as far as they were about to go, and he was grateful he wouldn’t be alone. As the black stallion rose to his full height, Axel held on to his mane. Patting his neck to motion the pegasus to go, the winged-horse spread it’s wings and began to gallop down the street, gaining speed before lifting off into the air. Once they were at a smooth flying altitude, Axel answered the girl’s question, making sure to speak loud enough over the wind. “That’s up to Harley, but he’s a pretty smooth flier.” he assured the girl. The three quickly soared out of the walls of New Rome and over the woods surrounding the territory. Before long, beaches and palm trees were in sight. Had Axel not known the area like the back of his hand, the pegasus would be completely lost. The demigod had to steer him in the right direction. Pointing towards a small beach, Axel commented, “That’s where I used to live.” The place had no significance to him anymore, but it seemed appropriate to share with Astrid.

“That’s true, too.” Axel reasoned. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad. He hoped Astrid would have time to help hime with whatever work needed to be done, seeing as the job was meant for two people. Axel gave Astrid a devious grin and asked, “Oh? And what would my reward be, huh?” He really wanted to know what the blonde had in mind, as she suggested the “reward”. “I don’t think it will. Just gotta see what colors you look best in.” he commented. Clothing coordination and manipulation was one of his more “odd” powers his mother blessed with. Axel didn’t mind though, it had only made him look more attractive, anyway. The boy laughed at Astrid’s continuation of his joke.

With his teeth clenched, he drew in a sharp breath. “Yeah no, it was definitely not one of my better looks.” Thankfully Axel had been able to grow the brow back quick due to his minor feature manipulation on himself, so he didn’t have to stay embarrassed for long. He smiled at Astrid’s compliment though. “Aw, thanks, princess.” He chuckled. He quickly stepped back with a laugh in hopes of avoiding another punch from the girl.

Axel shrugged. “You’re right, but if I need to go from my quarters to the senate house, it’d be sick to roll up on Harley.” he replied. The Praetor really just wanted to get Harley out of his stables as much as he could. Although, he was sure the pegasus was smart enough to escape on his own, seeing as he was in the stables when Axel called him to he and Astrid. The enclosure was really just a formality at this point. “I think so.” Axel answered. He hadn’t really heard or seen any gods come to camp to visit their children that he knew of. “Of course she does, have you looked in the mirror recently?” the boy joked with a smile. “Although I’ve come to like you’re company too.” he added, not wanting Astrid to think he only liked her for her appearance.

Axel smiled as Astrid rested her head on his shoulder and hearing that Harley had her trust as well. The pegasus may not have been around for long, but the two became fast friends, both having silly personalities, but able to be serious in the right situations. After pointing out his old home to Astrid, he began to lower Harley closer to the ground, as they were close to the tattoo parlor. Axel scanned the area for an empty beach, hoping that the pegasus could make a smooth landing on the soft sand. There weren’t many other private areas unless they landed in the middle of a park, but it would take them too long to walk to their destination. Eventually, the boy guided the stallion down to a beach a few blocks from the tattoo parlor. They landed on the beach, Harley slowly trotting to a stop. Axel slipped off his back and held a hand up to Astrid to help her down. “Well, we’re at the beach, but we’ll have to come back another day since I made us an appointment” he looked around, it wasn’t the best of beaches in LA. “And we’ll go somewhere nicer with better waves.” he added.

Axel had forgotten about Astrid having to go to the academy, since she had just arrived, The other demigod probably wouldn’t have to go for too long, seeing g as she was already through her junior year of high school. He assumed she would be taking more classes geared towards her powers. “We’ll probably have to keep this on the DL over there, I don’t know if there are any rules about that.” he wondered with a nervous laugh. “You already got a private lesson from me in the course I teach, anyway.” he pointed out. Axel grinned at the blonde’s suggestion. He honestly didn’t thin she would say something like that. “Sounds good to me.” The boy shook his head enthusiastically, making sure he got his point across. “Nope nope nope, not at all.”

Axel just shrugged at Astrid’s thoughts. The consequences hadn’t lasted long, and only his brother had seen his embarrassing state. “Yep.” Axel confirmed curtly before laughing, buying into her mock offense. The boy was actually surprised he hadn’t received a blow to the arm yet. “I think you're a keeper, huh bud?” The demigod smiled and patted the pegasus. Axel tended to enjoy making a statement wherever he went. His smile widened as Astrid continued to blush. “I guess that’s true.” The demigod’s mother did know what she was talking about. “Of course you’re not.” he said sincerely.

Astrid dismounted and he secured her on the ground by placing his hand on her waist. Again, the two were close, and Axel looked down to the girl with a warm smile. “Hey.” He brought the girl to his side, away from Harley to guide the pegasus in the right direction home. The stallion was gone as fast as he had arrived, not wanting to be in the weird and unfamiliar area for long. Within seconds, he was all but a black speck in the sky. After Axel was done looking at the figure disappearing in the distance, he turned his attention to Astrid’s question. “A couple minute walk.” he answered, leading the girl off the beach and to the sidewalk.

The pair blended in just like anyone else on the streets. Although their outfits didn’t exactly look like they had just come from the beach, it fit in with the crowd. “I’m excited to see what you picked out for me. Where do you think I should get it?” he inquired, excited for his new art. So far, both of his thighs had tattoos all over them, only visible in shorter shorts and ripped jeans. Both his feet also had a few on each. And of course, his right forearm bared his legion tattoo, as did Astrid’s. The picture of Astrid’s design he picked out was burning a hole in his back pocket, and all he wanted to do was show her. But that would have to wait until they got to the parlor, and they were almost there.

While Axel listened to Astrid suggest when they would be able to see each other at the academy, Axel realized how ridiculous it would be for him to have to be careful about their relationship. The most others would see them do would be walk together, which they couldn’t get in trouble for. “Definitely, although I try to be in an out of the academy as soon as I can since there are things to do back at camp.” he explained. “You’re only a year younger than me, anyway. What could they possibly say?” Axel wasn’t really sure who “they” would be, seeing as he was at the top on the Roman side of things at the academy. “Yes, I get paid, thank the gods, or I wouldn’t be able to afford this date.” he smiled. Axel raised a brow. “What did you have in mind? Like a run, lift, or sparring?” he asked. The demigod enjoyed working out early in the morning as well, he was an early bird himself. “I like the way you think.” the boy commented with a grin.

Axel was completely thrown off by Astrid’s question. He had no idea the girl had that kind of humor in her, from what he knew of her lack of “experiences”. His jaw dropped, but it turned into a slow impressed smile. “Wow, uh…” for once, the son of Venus was at a loss for words, not out of awkwardness, but of awe. He rubbed the back of his head, “I don’t think I’d be a fan, no.” he laughed, shaking his head. “That was good, I’ll give you that one.” he said, commending the girl and still shaking his head. “Yeah, there’s no way I could get rid of this goon now.” he confirmed. Axel noticed that Astrid joked about her personality, and he wasn’t sure if she though he meant the compliment or not. “I’m serious, you know.” he looked down at the girl with a sincere look on his face.

The boy tightened his grip slightly on the blonde’s waist in response to her reply. “I gotchu, babe.” he assured just as they reached the sidewalk. On their walk to the tattoo parlor, they discussed the placement of Axel’s future tattoo. He thought about her suggestion for a moment before answering. “Well I’ve already got the legion tattoo on my forearm, so maybe on the outside of my opposite bicep?” the older demigod inquired. Astrid didn’t even have to ask for Axel to tell her where he was thinking she should get the tattoo he picked for her. “I was thinking yours would look good on your left forearm, actually.” he suggested, hoping the girl would like his idea, knowing she also had the legion tattoo on her right one already.

In no time, Axel was holding the door open to the tattoo parlor for Astrid, walking in behind her. The boy exchanged a greeting with his regular artist, dabbing him up and hugging like most guy friends would. He introduced Astrid as well. Once the introductions were through, Axel turned back to the girl. “Lady’s first?” the boy asked with an eyebrow raised. Ultimately it was up to Astrid, but Axel thought he would offer anyway.