[hr][color=FF0927][sup][h1]
[center][img]https://i.pinimg.com/originals/e3/81/c0/e381c0b3db51748878ac60f0583ec287.gif[/img][/center]
[b][center][color=#5C5C5C] 𝖜 𝖎 𝖘 𝖙 𝖋 𝖚 𝖑[/color]
[color=#e96b7e]𝖜 𝖎 𝖘 𝖙 𝖋 𝖚 𝖑[/color][/center][/b]
[/h1][/sup][/color]
[color=gray][right][sub]location: Acropolis
interactions: [color=#9E1B31]Phobos[/color][@Danvers] | [color=#e9d66b]Melinoë[/color]
mentions: [color=#a4ac92]Persephone[/color][@Aewin] | [color=#0054a6]Hades[/color][@sly13] | [color=#FF69B4]Aphrodite[/color][@Akayaofthemoon]
 | [color=#ed1c24]Ares[/color][@Legion02]
[/sub][/right][/color][hr]
[color=#9d9d9c]

The walk to her new room seemed to pass her by in the blink of an eye, company present was welcomed and though she didn't want to break down in front of anyone - especially the son of war - Melinoë didn't want to be alone. 

Instead she paced the room under the guise of inspecting it, when in truth her eyes were glazed over and nothing was being received. Just running her gaze across the room, again and again until she bumped into the hard frame of Fear himself. A small, [color=#e9d66b]"Ow,"[/color] escaped her as her vision finally focused on his side profile, rubbing her face. [color=#e9d66b]"Sorry,"[/color] it came out somewhere between a grumble and sincere. This was a strange interaction for her, for the both of them she was sure. Normally the two were at each other's throats, goading the other into some stupid game of who was better, even shooting teasing remarks to tip them over the edge. But this silence, the [i]pity[/i] that seemed to roll off of him and the others in waves drove her madness.

Grabbing her shoulders firmly, although not enough to hurt her, Phobos steered the goddess towards her new bed. [color=#9E1B31]"Sit down."[/color] His words were calm but left no room for anything but obedience. He lingered perhaps a moment too long, not wanting to stop the even minute form of contact between them. [color=#9E1B31]"...please."[/color] Phobos finally added with a soft sigh escaping his lips as he took a seat himself. 

It was impossibly awkward. Fear had no experience in comforting those suffering with loss, least of all such cruel deaths, and he was sure the last persons shoulder Mel would want to lean on was his. Yet he found himself unable to leave her side. Steady blue eyes slowly cast over to her petite form, before focusing on her face. She looked so...lost. So unlike the goddess who had never backed away from him, who had never been afraid to tell him the multitude of things he had done wrong. 

Perhaps he should try distract her, if only for a moment. He would even prefer if she were to get mad and scream at him, anything but this heavy, oppressive silence. [color=#9E1B31]"Do you remember when we were children? When you would visit Mount Olympus?"[/color] He asked quietly, eyes flitting away from her face.

She could only hum in response. How could she forget? Visiting Mount Olympus was a treat they got to indulge in every now and then. When her mother would be off completing her duties as per the agreement with Demeter and Hades too busy with his own duties, it was like a summer camp for the Death children. The thought alone made tears well up in the corners of her eyes before she moved to wipe them away.

[color=#e9d66b]"You were so scrawny then,"[/color] she teased weakly, remembering meeting him for the first time. Officially, that is. She knew of him and his siblings, the domains they held power over. Never once seeing it in action but the stories told made her hold a sort of admiration for the god. Melinoë would never admit it out loud to him, for fear it be used against her in relentless teasing. 

Nudging his arm, which she noticed had grown since her fond memories of their childhood, to gain his attention and looking at him from the corner of her eye. When had they sat so close to one another? The heat from his body was comforting and she didn't want him to get up. She tried to think of something to get him to stay, just a little longer. [color=#e9d66b]"What do you remember most from back then? A favorite memory I guess?"[/color]

Phobos frowned in thought. It had been a long time since he had considered his days atop Mount Olympus. It had been his home but more often than not he and his twin sister had been brought to battle, for even as children their father would not allow them to shy away from the brutality of war. His earliest memories were consequently of bloodshed and corpses. [color=#9E1B31]"For starters, I wasn't scrawny."[/color] He shook his head, though he couldn't stop the corners of his lips tugging up into a small smile. [color=#9E1B31]"And I seem to recall being told to look after a certain someone. I think I tried to run away from you on several occasions that day..."[/color]

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Phobos glared at his mother, arms crossed sullenly across his chest. [color=#5C5C5C]"But I don't want to play with [i]her[/i]. She's annoying and boring. She's never even seen [i]one[/i] battle."[/color] For the past twenty minutes he had been arguing with the goddess of love, upset that Eros was apparently practicing his archery and Deimos too unreliable to keep an eye on one of the death dorks. Unfortunately, Aphrodite was not one to be argued with and eventually he was forced to back down. He watched as she walked away, blowing him a kiss as she went. Phobos did not catch it, unlike his older brother. 

The young god stared down at his sandaled feet for a few moments before slowly stomping over to where Melinoë waited at the edge of the temple. [color=#5C5C5C]"You can follow me but if you get lost then that's your problem..."[/color] He muttered before shooting her his best 'you're stupid' look, walking away as he adopted a pace far quicker than necessary.

Little Melinoë, with hair of russet that bounced as she bounded after the son of war, had to pull at the skirt of her peplos in order not to trip as she caught up to his long strides. Even though he wasn't but a year or two older than she, his legs were significantly longer and every one stride for him meant she had to add two more. [color=#e96b7e] Where are we going today, Pho? Are we setting off on an adventure?"[/color] She tugged lightly at the sleeve of his tunic. Even then the nickname was set in place, her cheeks red from the unnatural heat she didn't get to experience in the Underworld.

It was a treat to be able to follow and spend time with him. He was the closest to a friend she had, outside her siblings. Even if he didn't want her around. Melinoë was young but she wasn't unintelligent. She could see the body language, read it as if it were plain as text, could sense the ire ebbing from him when he spoke to his mother - when they were forced to spend time with one another. At first she didn't want anything to do with him either, after learning of his reluctance to play with her. Lately however, she sees it as an opportunity to grate on him. Tease him and get under his skin. If the plan goes well then she is left to wander alone; something she was all told familiar and comfortable with.

Today would be no different, she smirked to herself.

Taking them down a maze of narrow streets, the young child of war walked with a confidence that only came from having done so hundreds of times before. He ducked and swerved past servants carrying bundles of grain, amphorae of wine and fine swathes of cloth. They backed away from him as quickly as if he were cursed, the uncontrolled fear radiating off him dense and palpable. He occasionally scowled at their cowardice but otherwise ignored them completely. 

After a while in this manner, the path suddenly opened up in front of them, the hustle and bustle even more pronounced in this region of the mountain top. Crouching behind a large ionic pillar, Phobos finally turned to face Melinoë. [color=#5C5C5C]"We're going down there."[/color] He pointed towards the towering gates of Mount Olympus, passage through which would lead to either the mortal realm or the underworld. Idly chewing on his bottom lip, his eyes narrowed as he tried to think. He wasn't [i]technically[/i] allowed down unless there was a battle going on but he figured no-one would miss them if they disappeared for a few hours. The only problem was, there was no way he would be able to use his grandfather's personal portal without the old man's permission. But maybe there was another way…

[color=#5C5C5C]"You can make people go mad right?"[/color] His blue eyes fixed on Mel, gaze intense as he waited for an answer. 

Melinoë stared ahead but gave a small nod in response. Attention solely focused on the magnificent gate before them. It was different seeing it up close like this. Normally her and her family arrived via her father's chariot. 

[color=#5C5C5C]"Do it on him."[/color] He indicated towards a tall figure who was guarding a smaller, but much more elaborate, section of the gate. [color=#5C5C5C]"It'll be fun."[/color] Phobos grinned. Though he was only using her to get his way, he did also genuinely believe it would be fun. For them at least.

The young goddess nodded once more. Being able to showcase her powers was something she took pride in, though her mother oftentimes warned her never to do things out of such a sin. It was her domain, and she was [i]good[/i] at it. [color=#e96b7e]"I'm going to have to get closer,"[/color] she uttered under her breath, as if the guard were to hear them from their hiding spot. She didn't wait for a response before she was skirting around the pillar and climbing down the rocks towards the man standing tall and proud.

[color=#e96b7e]"Excuse me, I t-think I'm lost…"[/color] a waiver to her voice made the theatrics of it all that much more believable. He was stoic in his position but his flickered down to her frame, and she saw the flicker of his eyes darting around to see if there was anyone to claim this child. When he found no one, he sighed heavily and bent down on one knee, placing a hand lightly atop her shoulder. [color=white]"There, there little one—"[/color] his words cut short, a soft light glowing around the corner of Melinoë's eyes would have informed others of her powers at work. 

A dash of madness spread through the grown male, easily falling to his knees and holding his head in both hands. It was then that the daughter of the dead beckoned Phobos to join her as she raced past the guard in the dirt.

Fear eyed the man as he skirted past. He was just about able to hear the strange mutterings that escaped his lips and though it was disturbing, he could not help but be impressed. To him it was more intriguing than being able to throw lightning bolts or communicate with animals. It was dark, like his own domain, and strangely…familiar. Not that he would [i]ever[/i] tell her any of this.

Following behind the goddess, the two quickly reached the portal, not wanting to give other servants time to spot the man's strange behaviour. He had no idea where the portal would take them but that was all part of the allure. [color=#5C5C5C]"Boys first."[/color] He stuck his tongue out at her before hopping through. It was instantaneous, the transition, and one that most gods didn't think twice about. 

She just rolled her eyes, a determined look on her face as she jumped after him.

Pausing as he quickly found himself in the mortal realm, Phobos brushed off his tunic before turning to look at the meadow around them, pollen stirred up by the breeze smelling all too sweet. It was strange to be surrounded by so much life and he found himself frowning at the unfamiliar sight. Luckily he could also see the great city of Corinth in walking distance, which would provide far more opportunities for escape than a [i]field[/i]. Carts and lone travellers wandered down the dirt road by the meadow, blowing up dust in the dry midday heat, none of them paying much attention to the lone children. 

[color=#5C5C5C]"Bet you can't keep up."[/color] He taunted his not friend, offering a sly smile before suddenly taking off through the tall mountain lilies.

It was their first unofficial game with one another. A bet of who could win at a foot race. With his long legs there was no doubt he would win. At least that's what she believed he thought. But she was lighter, smaller, quick on her feet and Melinoë ran as fast as she could. The gentle breeze blowing by, whipping the fabric of her dress around her legs, hair billowing behind her. It was one of the first times she had felt [i]free[/i]. Uncaged.

The walls of the city were long since past, stalls on either side of her, erect and filled with baubles and trinkets. Crowded streets of merchants and customers alike all shouting at her to watch where she was going and to slow down. Melinoë couldn't help but throw her head back and laugh, continuing towards the center of the market. So caught up in the moment, young madness completely forgot where it was she was going and when she stopped to turn and look she couldn't find Phobos anywhere. The midday bustle of the city was in full swing and a large number of people were milling about. It would be near impossible to find him.

A sort of panic rose within her. [color=#e96b7e][i][sub]'It's what you wanted… to be alone,'[/sub][/i][/color] the little voice inside her purred. [i]Not anymore[/i], she spit back. They were having fun, at least she thought they were. [color=#e96b7e][i][sub]'He never wanted to play with you. He's glad you're lost…'[/sub][/i][/color] the voice fired back and as she stood there utterly alone, her name nowhere to be heard she believed it. Melinoë fought back tears and rubbed furiously at her face, sitting in the shade of a trinket stall.

The owner of the stall looked down at Melinoë, an unsettling smile decorating his already ugly features. The market was not a safe place for any sort of children and many mortals were simply too stupid to see when a deity was staring them in the face. Or too full of hubris to care. 

[color=white]"What's a pretty young girl like you doi-"[/color]

Before he could finish his sentence the merchant was abruptly pushed from the side, trinkets clattering to the ground as he stumbled into his stall, wood creaking under his excessive weight. Phobos stood in place, glaring at him, the strength of the god surprising given his apparently scrawny form. The man righted himself, having managed not to fall, but was stopped in his tracks when he tried to open his mouth to speak once more.

[color=#5C5C5C]"You're ugly. And stupid. And I didn't say you could talk."[/color] Irritation flashed across his face for a moment but Phobos abruptly covered this up with a mask of indifference. [color=#5C5C5C]"Now go away."[/color] He growled, trying and sort of managing to direct the waves of fear that seeped from him in the merchant's direction. The man lingered for a few seconds but eventually backed away, his face paling as the god continued to stare him down. 
 
[color=#5C5C5C]"Are you such a sore loser that you-"[/color] Phobos began as he approached Mels sitting form, his words falling away when he saw that she was crying. He looked around as if his mother would suddenly appear to help but she did not. Realising he couldn't just leave her like this, despite his earlier objections, he crouched down in front of her, forearms resting atop his legs. A curl of dark brown hair fell atop his forehead as he moved and he attempted to blow it away in a huff of annoyance. 

[color=#5C5C5C]"You didn't actually think I was going to leave did you?"[/color]

Looking up through tearfilled lashes she leapt into him, throwing her arms around him, tightening her hold on him. Muttering a soft, [color=#e96b7e]Don't leave me,"[/color] and staining his tunic with silent tears.

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Melinoë looked at him from her spot to his left, an incredulous look on her face, a melodic laugh falling from her lips as she leaned into his side once more, [color=#e9d66b]"That's definitely not how I remember that day. You absolutely couldn't stand to have to play with me."[/color] The memories of them fading in and out of her mind, how they spent an absorbent amount of time with one another while they were growing up. How it wasn't nearly as distant… or as close as they were now. It was such a different time then. The only worries to cross their minds were if they were going to somehow be caught and chastised for torturing mortals and gods alike.

Phobos rolled his eyes, letting out a low laugh of his own. [color=#9E1B31]You're right, there was definitely more crying and proclamations of how thankful you were."[/color] He nudged her playfully with his shoulder, a hand moving to absentmindedly move a piece of hair that had strayed from its place behind her ear. It was hard not to, when it had so rudely been hiding her face from him. 

Realising what he was doing, he quickly pulled away, edging a few inches across the bed. [color=#9E1B31]"And I didn't appreciate being forced to do [i]anything[/i] back then. Though you did turn out to be slightly less annoying than I first assumed..."[/color] Phobos admitted what was more accurately only a half truth. In fact, it hadn't taken long before he'd begun to anticipate her company...even look forwards to it.

Mel didn’t take notice of [i]why[/i] he moved, only that he did and she rectified that by only scooting closer, [color=#e9d66b]"Pfft, you enjoyed the hugging and praise too much to remember it correctly,"[/color] she joked, the woes of earlier slowly dissipating but never truly leaving. [color=#e9d66b]"I'll even confess that I actually enjoyed spending time on Olympus with you. Even if you did try to ditch me every chance you could."[/color] The look in her eyes was challenging but playful and she smiled at him then, pulling the stray hair back behind her ear in order to get a good look at him. A slight blush dusting her cheeks at the memory she was soon to bring up. 

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Years had passed and once again the daughter of Hades found herself waltzing around the grounds outside of the main agora of Corinth; a place amongst the mortal realm that quickly became [i]theirs[/i]. It was a droll day so far, Phobos having been away with his sister, serving in another battle with Ares. Her own siblings, Zeus knows where. 

So, she walked around the grounds, taking in the sights of those bustling around, smelling the flowers in bloom thanks to her mother’s love, perusing the stalls and the items sold there. A group of young men, swaddled in the finest of cloth, necks and wrists adorned with jewelry that would make even the most successful merchant in Corinth seethe with envy, spotted her and made their way to where she stood. 

The looks upon their faces screamed out to her that they meant no good, but she stood her ground and ran her tongue over her teeth, ignoring their presence and keeping her attention on the baskets of fruit before her. They liked the sounds of their own voices, that much was evident by the way they refused to leave her side for the next few stops. Melinoë only rolled her eyes and continued on her way. Not a soul stopping to intervene. 
[color=white]We’re talking to you, [abbr=bitch]Skýla[/abbr].”[/color]
[center][color=white]Don’t you know who we are…”[/color][/center]
[right][color=white]”Clearly not, we should show her…”[/color][/right] 

They proceeded to grab her arm and drag her away from the main street, back between two buildings, shielded from the eyes of those passing by. The one who held her was the first to receive madness; taking root in his soul and dragging him to the ground as if he were being pulled there by an unseen force. His cries and screams didn’t deter the others as they set upon her, yanking her this way and that. [color=#e96b7e][i]“Phobos,”[/i][/color] his name fell from her lips in a whisper though she knew he would hear.

Her purr was like a siren call. It pulled fear from his place on the battlefield, whether he was willing or not, taking him to her side. It would've been more surprising for the god if it had not happened before and his jaw clenched in annoyance as he stood there, covered from head to toe in deep red blood. He let go of the sword he had been holding - though it wasn't his and he couldn't exactly recall whom he had gotten it from - letting it clatter noisily to the ground. 

[color=#5C5C5C]"What's going on here?"[/color] Yawning, Phobos stretched his arms lethargically above his head, his muscles aching and weary. The battle had been long and full of fury, particularly because Deimos had been ignoring their father and making [i]everyone[/i] utterly petrified by dread. It was admittedly amusing to see the battlefield in chaos as men attempted to flee, only to be driven into their enemies arms. 

His eyes lazily moved from the men to Mel, who looked far less panicked than one would expect for her situation. He stopped himself from admiring her full form, determined to maintain his indignation. Phobos hadn't bothered to dampen down his fear when he'd abruptly been transported here and it washed over the men like a powerful wave, their bodies freezing as panic and terror overcame them. 

[color=#5C5C5C]"Nice to see you again Melinoë. Did you really need to drag me into your little game?"[/color]

Her eyes lit up as soon as her gaze landed on the towering frame before her. Covered in blood and smelling like iron fresh from the forge of Hephaestus himself. With her head cocked to the side and eyes half lidded she shrugged, even in her position. Melinoë would have loved nothing more than to just stare at him for all eternity, if it meant he looked at her like that always. 

[color=#e96b7e]"Just thought you would enjoy a break from duties~ besides, these toys came to me."[/color] the words flowed from her lips like water in a spring. Easy and without tremor. Though the same could not be said of the remaining men between the divine. It didn't take long, between the two of them, to easily dispatch fear and madness into the hearts and minds of the mortals, them running away terrified of what they felt and saw. The feeling Melinoë got from watching him work was electrifying, something she didn't often get the chance to do. Phobos was like an idol to her, though she would never say so out loud. 

She dusted her chiffon off and made her way to stand by his side, watching them flee. [color=#e96b7e]"Since you're free from [i]work[/i] I figured we could enjoy the rest of the day."[/color] She was coy with her words and actions, tugging at one of the belts around his waist, attempting to pull him with her. A smile on her lips told him he wouldn't be sorry if he agreed.

Phobos let himself be pulled along, his lips twitching as they pulled into a smirk. 
[color=#5C5C5C]"Fine but I need to wash first. I don't think the local mortals will appreciate me wandering around in such a state."[/color] He indicated to himself as he spoke. [color=#5C5C5C]"I think there's a bath house not far from here..."[/color] He considered out loud as they returned to the main thoroughfare, ignoring the strange looks he was attracting. 

[color=#5C5C5C]"You do realize you might get yourself hurt one of these times."[/color] The god added as he surreptitiously grabbed an apple from a nearby market stall, his disapproval evident in his tone of voice. Biting into the fresh fruit, he stared down at her, one eyebrow raised.

She nodded along, aimlessly wandering the streets looking for the bathhouse he mentioned, only looking back at him to smile brightly, [color=#e96b7e]"How could I when I have you to come to my aid?"[/color] A true comment that slipped through with coy intentions. 

The structure stood on the cornered crossroads, patrons filing in and out, pampered and cleaned and smelling of lilac and lavender. It was men's only and instead of getting caught in another scuffle with the locals Melinoë resigned herself to stand outside after having shoved Phobos towards the doors. [color=#e96b7e]"Get yourself clean, sir, your stench is sure to attract even the most foul of creatures,"[/color] It was an easy joke, one that accompanied the smile she gave him. The light of the sun casting a ring around him and she remembered how lucky she was to have him so close to her. The dusting of rose on her cheeks was enough to avert her gaze and push on his frame once more, anything to keep him from spotting it and teasing her for it.

[color=#5C5C5C]"Ah, that explains why you are by my side then."[/color] He called back with a smile before allowing himself to be drawn into the bath house. Phobos had barely entered when he was pull]d off to a private bathing room, the women who ran the place tutting under their breath and muttering about how he would pollute the communal waters. He sighed, preferring to be left alone but knowing that this was not going to happen. As he had grown older his fear seemed to inspire attention and servitude, and his protests had never helped. They made quick work of cleaning him up and by the time Phobos left the bath house there was not a spot of dirt marring his body and he had been reluctantly anointed in oil to soften his skin.

Strolling over to Melinoë, who he saw was attracting more attention than he figured she even realized, the son of war pushed his wet curls away from his face as he stopped beside her. [color=#5C5C5C]"Well that was awful."[/color] He muttered moodily, keen to get away before they decided to pounce on him once more. [color=#5C5C5C]"Please tell me you have something entertaining planned?"[/color]

As soon as she spotted the brute of a man she ran up to him, waving frantically, effectively dismissing the overlooked attention she had received. Melinoë took notice of the oil coating his skin, giving him a nice gleam in the midday sun; how his hair was pushed back with dark curls falling out of formation to frame his face. [color=#e96b7e]"Have you ever known me to be organized?"[/color] She held a hand to his lips, [color=#e96b7e]"Wait, don't answer that."[/color]

Dragging him once more, out of the city and into the field on the outskirts provided them with a lot more privacy as they began to make their trek back to Mount Olympus. It was a quick journey, one that they had made many times before and it was something they were almost used to at this point. Phobos more so than she. Upon reaching the fields of Elysium, with flowers in bloom and tall grass billowing in the winds brought on by the Gods she finally rounded on him. Their conversation had dwindled somewhat as she thought of how to ask for his assistance.

[color=#e96b7e]“I want you to teach me to fight.”[/color] The seriousness in her face betrayed only in the wavering way her words fell from her lips. It was something she had been meaning to ask help on for quite some time now. Who better than Fear? Her mother would have thought it to be useless, she didn’t do anything dangerous that would require her to learn such a trait. Though, with the instances like earlier it was only fitting. Phobos' words rang through her head on repeat, [color=#e96b7e][i][sub]‘What if he wasn’t there to rescue? To save…’[/sub][/i][/color] It wasn’t something she was willing to dwell on. Mel was willing to beg him if the need arose, but she knew that stroking his ego would bode much fairer results.

Melinoë huffed with the exhaustion that came from following Fear's instructions to the letter, with only a few minor stops at teasing the other. It only resulted in harsher critics. He had pinned her to soft grass below them, the blades tickling her exposed skin, the cool greenery felt heavenly against her heated back. Raising a knee, on the inside of his thigh she was able to see something other than seriousness flash across his face, which opened him up to be flipped over and experience the ground for himself. A smug smirk fixated on her features as she straddled his waist. Leaning into his chest she crossed her arms and stared down at him, [color=#e96b7e]"I do believe that I have surpassed the master, hmm?"[/color]

The god of fear rolled his eyes from his position on the ground, the gentle breeze a relief after their exertions. [color=#5C5C5C]"I wouldn't exactly say that."[/color] He responded pointedly, unwilling to admit that her progress had been impressive, and that he maybe wasn't all that unhappy with the position she had put herself in. It was unusual that they were ever this alone and he felt in no rush to end it.

[color=#5C5C5C]"But I do remember telling you never to leave yourself exposed."[/color] He added calmly. Before she could respond a large hand had shot up, skilled fingers wrapping around her neck, though not in a manner that would actually hurt her. [color=#5C5C5C]"I could've maimed you in several different ways by now. Shall I list them?"[/color] Phobos raised an eyebrow, making no move to alter their position. He still ached from the long hours on the battlefield but at this point, such feelings were almost a constant companion. 

Surprise was replaced almost instantly with a feeling she wasn't quite sure of. A pleasant sensation, one she thoroughly enjoyed, coupled with the pressure his hand provided and the warmth it left in its wake. Licking her lips she leaned back, refusing to break eye contact as she did, a smirk dancing across her features - even if it was a bit crooked, [color=#e96b7e]"Please do~ and while you are at it, keep the pressure."[/color]

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[color=#9E1B31]"I was right you know."[/color]  Phobos reiterated the centuries old point. Being on the defensive was often viewed as a negative but he had learnt that it drastically reduced one's chances of getting hurt. [color=#9E1B31]"You were a quick learner though, most don't follow instructions so well."[/color] He conceded, smiling at her softly. [color=#9E1B31]"It was...unfortunate that we didn't get more opportunities to practice."[/color] This time he didn't lean away from her touch, instead appreciating the closeness that they so rarely shared these days. It was so little, that feeling where their shoulders, hips, thighs met, but it was enough for a god who knew not to expect more. 

[color=#9E1B31]"Anyway, you were still a total brat for calling me away from the battlefield like that. My father nearly sent the Erinyes after me."[/color] He shook his head at the ridiculous thought. Demanding perfection had always been Ares' way and it had only made Phobos more willing to deter away from the path set for him...Mel being one such [i]distraction[/i].

[color=#e9d66b][i]Was[/i]?"[/color] She teased, pressing closer into his side. The presence of his warmth, of him, the memories they shared of one another; those spoken, and those they agreed never to speak of again. Melinoë missed being so close and open and honest with him, it was comforting having him there and not someone else. A playful roll of her eyes had her laughing at the Erinyes comment, [color=#e9d66b]"I'm sure he's been called away from battle for fun and love before–."[/color]

It was a slip of the tongue. A product of being too comfortable, as they were then. The warmth surrounding her was softening her, making her lose all sense of lines and whether they should be crossed or not. The loss of her siblings was clouding her judgment - that's what it was. Otherwise she would never admit to feelings she herself wasn't entirely sure of. Couldn't place a name to them; rather speak the name aloud for fear of rejection. Her eyes wide as she sat there, body now tense with whether or not he heard and how his response would be.

The smile on the Greeks' face slipped away at her comment. [color=#9E1B31]"Love? I…don't know about that."[/color] He replied hastily. Phobos wasn't able to say whether he was speaking of himself or his father but her words struck at a chord within him that he was not ready, or able, to entertain. [color=#9E1B31]"I mean, we were barely even friends right?"[/color] He shook his head as if the motion would shift away the uncomfortable truth that dared to breach the walls he so carefully maintained. 

It wasn't the response she had hoped for but Melinoë couldn't say she was surprised. So why did it hurt? [color=#e9d66b]"Yeah, right. Of course,"[/color] she cleared her throat, throwing out a scoff and shrug of her shoulders. In what she thought was a slowed movement, she slipped from the edge of the bed and made her way to en suite, throwing a quick and short, [color=#e9d66b]"I'm going to wash up,"[/color] over her shoulder. As if she needed to explain herself.

Once the door shut behind her, she pressed the palms of her hand against her face, rubbing the tears from her face before they had a chance to fall. This day had gone from one horrible experience to the next. The Fates enjoyed tormenting her from wherever they dwelled and it pissed her off. Those feelings of anger and hurt swelling back up. The trip down memory lane was great, but it was time to move on he clearly had. So why weren't the tears stopping? It wasn't the first time she had cried over Phobos and it wouldn't be the last.

[color=#9E1B31]"Fuck..."[/color] His jaw clenched as she shut the door, leaving him alone. Why had he said any of that? He wasn't even sure. Standing up, Phobos strode quietly over to en suite. Reaching towards the door handle, he considered going in. She wouldn't want it though. [I]One of these days she's going to hate you forever[/i]. The thought was jarring to him, for a moment stealing him of his breath. Was it--no... He was simply exhausted, it had been a long, draining day. One that he was very much ready to put behind him. 

He would leave. It was for the best. 

[/color]