Fathers of Athena Konstantinos (Completed)

Normal

Hades’ Pov

It's been three weeks since everything was normal. 

Our new normal. The normal we’ve come to love. 

Her presence had become a part of our life. Living without it was the most painful thing I've experienced in life. 

I watched her explaining something to a couple. The black dress and that confidence suits her. She's curled her hair today. It’s her special day after all. Her work was being displayed at one of the most prestigious exhibitions in Greece. 

She might've gotten the opportunity because of Ares but seeing the vision behind each of her photography, I could say she deserved it. 

Everyone was surprised by how young she was because her skills were immaculate. My heart expanded with pride when I heard people appreciate her work. 

A few of the visitors were interested in collaborating with her in the future. I hope some of those opportunities come her way because she wants to make a name for herself on her own. 

I could only look at her from afar because she doesn't want us here. She knew we came but she ignored us the whole time so we figured it would be better if we didn't spoil her day and maintained a distance. 

She doesn't want to acknowledge our presence. She wants to pretend we don't exist in her world. 

When the couple leaves, Tristan taps her shoulder and she turns to him. He says something to her which makes her laugh before she hugs him. They look cute together. He makes her happy.  

I sigh and turn back. I wish Zephyr and I had reacted well to their relationship. None of this would’ve happened. She wouldn't have gotten so angry that she'd demand a DNA test. 

Tristan is clearly a good guy for her but something me just didn't want to see her with a boy when she's a little baby. 

She follows him to dad who hasn't stopped grinned the whole day. When they finally leave for home, we do the same. I took the wheel while Zephyr sat beside me and Ares in the back.  

None of us have been our usual selves since that day. The remaining life in us was drained after Eleni spoke to us. 

Since letting her go isn’t an option, there's only one hope left. If we do that, she might get back to us or we might lose her forever. We don't know if we're at better odds with being her father or uncle. But one thing is clear, none of us want to be the latter. 

But that's what she wants. 

A paternity test. 

                          ————

17 years ago

I watch Ares stumble on nothing but he catches himself in time. I’ve told him a thousand times to not drink so much that he loses control of himself but he just doesn't listen. 

So many times we only got in trouble because his drunk ass couldn't keep quiet and dad woke up. 

Dad thinks this lifestyle’s gonna ruin us. But we assure him we’re completely safe. We always have one rule among ourselves, one of us has to stay sober to manage the other two. 

I usually volunteer for the position. I never really developed a liking for substances, at least not as much as my brothers. 

I watch Ares grabbing another bottle of champagne before getting inside the room Zephyr left for two hours ago. I intend to follow but a deep voice calls from behind.