In Control (HIATUS)

Ch 29: Baby Steps

Amilia pov:

It's been tense to say the least, the past month has put me slightly on edge. Azrael was home but she wasn't her regular self and no one could blame her for it. We wanted her to get adjusted to everyone who's in the house more so we pulled the kids from school for a month.

We staged it to make it seem like they were going on vacation when in reality they were staying home and helping her get adjusted to them again. The others got to see and greet her but she didn't seem to do too well with it. She tried killing Damien when she saw him.

He was so happy to see her he almost let it happen had it not been for Artemis and Axe pulling her off him. Now when they come around she does a little better. Usually she'll ask them questions about something and when they answer she calms down. She does it to everyone now.

She also put herself on a schedule. She'll wake up, eat breakfast, work out for 3 hours, clean up, disappear for 3 hours, come home, mingle with everyone and then eat dinner and go to bed. It was a strange schedule but it worked for her. Anything to keep her home and happy would be fine by me.

The boys made it apparent to work out with her every time she did. She was more relaxed around the kids as time went on. They told and showed her everything they were taught while she was gone, even Ryker's new love for Archery. She'd also played with Athena and Hades when they asked.

Arthur seemed to stick by her side as much as he could. I could tell he was scared of losing her again with the way he barely left her side. She didn't seem to mind, so long as he answered her questions.

Artemis stayed around the house more, she didn't live here but she stayed more so Azrael could get used to her again. Hades didn't seem to mind, not that it mattered anyway. Athena and her were practically glued together, they had sleepovers so often that Hades practically lived here now.

I usually went to work and had Artemis keep an eye on Azy while I'm gone. When I came back I'd hang out with everyone if I didn't have more work to handle. Dinner was either made by me, Artemis, and now Azrael, she insisted she help out more.

I was happy she was growing accustomed again but it sucked for me. She wasn't the same with me as she was with the others. She seemed kinder and more accepting to be closer to them than me. She avoided me as best as she could or tried to keep a distance between us when it was just us. It hurt my feelings but I understood.

Turning off the shower I stepped out and wrapped myself in a towel. Using another to dry my hair off, I exit the bathroom and enter my room. When I opened the door I saw Azrael sitting on the bed with a book in hand. Looking up made her eyes go wide and a blush cover her face.

"Sorry I didn't know you were in here." I stopped drying my hair and waited for her to answer why she was here.

"My bad, I came to ask you for a favor but you look busy so-"

"No! I mean, no it's fine. I'll help you. What is it?" I quickly accepted whatever it is she needed, anything to be close with her again.

"Could you cut my hair? I don't trust barbers right now… plus you've been doing it for years." She chuckled weakly and kept her eyes away from me.

"Gladly. Do you want it like before?" I moved closer to her and she backed up, her eyes looking up.

"Maybe you could get dressed first?" She cleared her throat. I laugh a little and move away to go change.