Ares

Chapter 13 || Don't. Don't say you changed. You know that ain't true.

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Dedicated to diorunicorn for being the best friend anyone could ever have.

{Thank you so much my Christian Grey for being there for me, you're like that little voice in my head always telling me to be calm. Honestly, you're the little piece of heaven. I love you so much and I'm thankful for everything you've done for me, I know I've asked more of you than I should and I wish one day I'll be able to repay you. But anyway, I just love you so much. Oh, and my dear mad hatter, care for any tea? ♥
P.S; Not to spoil the ending for you, but it'll be you and me 5ever. Laters, baby.}

"You made it so easy, easy to let you walk away, Turn away, nothing to say just black and white, no shades of grey."

– Black & White, Liam Horne.

Ares's car sat in the street, a parking ticket already under the wiper. He had been in such a hurry, plugging the meter had been the last thing on his mind. Silence enveloped him as he set the pastry box on the seat next to him and tried collecting his thoughts.

He pulled the folded notice from an inside coat pocket and studied the signature at the bottom. Rage pumped through his veins and he swore out loud, hitting the steering wheel with a closed fist. He dug his cell from his jeans and pulled up Aphrodite's number as traffic sped past. He glanced to the seat next to him, gazing through the pastry box's clear plastic top where a rainbow of frosting swirled about inside. His chest rose as he took a deep breath and hit the call button. Aphrodite's phone began to ring, signalling his arteries to pump faster.

She answered with a sultry voice on the second ring. "Hey you."

Her excited tone sent a cold shiver running down his spine. "How'd it go at the doctor's?"

"It went good. Helen went with me and then we stopped at Bennies' for lunch, which my stomach is protesting, but other than that everything is fine."

"That's great news," he said, fighting to control his ire. "So how did Zeus react when you told him I had to be in court?"

She exhaled a long breath. "One thing you have to understand about father is he always thinks the sky is falling, but once he found out Helen was taking me he was fine."

Ares snorted into the phone as a UPS truck loudly motored past. "Listen, I just wanted to apologise and, if you're not busy, I'd like to swing by with some cupcakes for you and the family."

Aphrodite paused. "That is so sweet, Ares, but you don't have to do that."

His eyes narrowed. "It'd be my pleasure."

"Well, I'd love to see you."

"Sounds good." His checked his watch and hesitated before speaking again. "Zeus home from work yet?" He couldn't tell if her delayed response was making him hot or the fact that the windows were up.

"He just got home a little while ago," she said slowly. "Why?"

"Just want to apologise and...say hello."

And odd laugh slithered from her lips. "Well, I'm sure he'll appreciate the gesture."

"I bet he will," Ares mumbled crossly.

"What's that?"

"I said, where do you live?"

***

Aphrodite's house was a two story Colonial with white pillars flanking the arched front door. Brightly coloured flowers bordered the winding front walkway, separating it from a meticulously trimmed yard. Despite the lack of rain over the last few weeks, the grass was plush and green and Ares could only imagine what their water bill looked like. With heavy legs, Ares stepped up onto the spacious front porch and looked back at his car parked in the street. He adjusted his jacket and reached for the doorbell, imagining an impressive response but hearing nothing when he pushed it.