#✧⋄⋆⋅𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 [ oliver & atticus ]

[athenianwit]

continued from here

Although Oliver was still going to be living in the Athena cabin, it felt odd to know that his cabin wouldn’t be next door. The Athena and Demeter cabins were neighbors and the garden from outside Oliver’s garden had started to overgrow into his lawn, some plant life even starting to grow along the wall that faced the Demeter cabin. That wasn’t the case in this time line, he was a child of Persephone whose cabin was further down the line. Visiting the cabin and watching Ollie working on his garden, Atticus realized Oliver seemed to be spaced out when he didn’t answer his question about what he wanted to do for dinner. 

Grabbing his boyfriend, Oliver stole a kiss to get his attention. “It’s alright, love” Atticus said with a smile, hand resting on that muscular and firm chest of his. “I was just asking what you wanted to do about dinner. Maybe the dining hall or the Scry even, or maybe the two of us could cook dinner for the boys.” No matter what world they fell into, Atticus and Oliver were caretakers for the men they loved. “Are you alright, Ollie? You seem… distracted.”

@springs-heir

[springs-heir]

✧⋄⋆⋅ 𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐒𝐄𝐃 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐄𝐑: atticus welby // @athenianwit 𝐋𝐎𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍: athena cabin, day after cowboy quest

The visit to the Denali Ranch had been filled with firsts. It had been Olivers first time visiting a ranch. The first time he'd done rodeo tricks. The first time he'd ridden a horse... The first time he'd ridden a centaur. Oh gods he'd actually done that hadn't he. Thinking back on it he was still sore, but Hemingway had been so sweet to him. So maybe he split from the party and well the trip home had been a little awkward. But upon getting home he'd found himself walking into the cabin with Atticus. Both of them still wearing their clothes from yesterday. The tension in the air was palpable as they walked into the cabin together and moved to the sofa to sit down.

Sitting next to Atticus it was almost comical how Oliver refused to meet his eyes. Something had clearly happened to both of them by their appearances alone. Along with the fact that neither had slept in the bed. Oliver didn't really want to be the one to bring up the rather strange subject. But something in him was dying to know, what had happened to Atticus and was he okay? Did something happen with those Denali cowboys, and well what did he learn when he went with Romeo? Sitting there he finally felt his patience snap and finally he spoke. "So... Last night um... You didn't come home? Did something happen?"

[athenianwit]

closed for @child-of-demeter

location the dionysus cabin

event toga party

maybe the alcohol wasn't as scary as atticus thought, he was already starting to feel all warm and happy all over. for once, it didn't feel like his brain was working a thousand miles a minute and he could simply just live in the moment. plus he wasn't worried about saying the right thing or coming off a certain way, simply just saying whatever was on his mind. he'd been interacting with most of the camp tonight, grabbing another glass of wine when he found oliver in one of the many hallways of the house. "ollie," he said with an excited grin, wrapping his arms around the other for a hug. "i just want you to know, fuck, you're so beautiful. if you weren't the son of demeter i would have believed you were the reincarnation of heracles himself." his lips cursing into a drunk smile as he rested one hand against the others muscular chest and his free hand cupping the others face. "what was i going to tell you?" he pondered, before it came back. "OH! you mean so much to me, i don't know if i tell you this but i don't think i would have survived here this long if you didn't come into my cabin that night." it felt like he had to tell the other everything on his mind right now. "i wish i could be more like you, you know that? you aren't afraid to live your life and take on whatever the world throws at you."

[athenianwit]

@child-of-demeter asked ❛ do you mind if i sleep here tonight? ❜

although atticus had been weary to open up to anyone in town, there were a handful of demigods who seemed to crack his armor. one of those was a gorgeous blonde who could have been one of the olympians himself. he may not have anything in common with atticus but he knew his herbs and that was helping atticus create a variety of remedies of things he once never thought he'd need to worry about. 

❛ do you mind if i sleep here tonight? ❜

atticus was thrown off when he answered the door and saw the son of demeter standing there, in the same rags he'd been wearing when they all arrived and looking exhausted. "um," the doctor cleared his throat for a second, looking for the right words to say. "yeah, sure i guess" he moved out of the way to let oliver inside. fortunately, the cabins were much bigger on the inside and atticus didn't have to share his space with any half siblings or roommates. "are you okay?" he asked as he returned to the soft blue arm chair he'd been sitting in just a moment ago and resuming the knitting he'd been doing since returning from dinner. 

"did you forget to bring more clothes?" the demigod made a gesture to the rags that were drenched in dried blood, he couldn't tell if it had been a tunic or some kind of dress.

[springs-heir]

[ GRAB ]

His head had been lost in the clouds, or rather in the garden. Thoughts riddled with worry as he kept thinking about the fact that this was not their world anymore. That his mother was now his grandmother. That his sister was now his mother. That he possibly stole another persons place. It felt strange to think about these things, about the fact he might not deserve to be here. The thoughts were haunting him, whispering quietly in the back of his mind and keeping him paralyzed. That is of course until he felt a pair of soft hands pulling his face up. As his vision focused he saw Atticus in front of him. How long had he been there? Had he been talking to him? The embarrassment of possibly ignoring his boyfriend had him blushing bright red. "Sorry Atti, didya say somethin?"

[athenianwit]

@child-of-demeter asked “  you make me feel safe.  ” + [ shower ] for our muses to bathe together prompt starters for quiet muses

oliver greenwood was probably the most heartfelt and sincere person oliver had ever met, he was the sweetest person at the camp and he seemed to instantly melt away the ice that surrounded atticus' heart when they first met. now the two were living together in his cabin, spending most nights together in the same bed and doing things for one another. atticus was the one who hand made an entire wardrobe for the blonde, while he grew the herbs atticus needed for his remedies. when the ambrosia nightmares would return, they soothed one another until those dreams were idyllic once again. 

"you make me feel safe."

hearing those words come from oliver really tugged at his heartstrings, he was glad to be the person oliver could rely on and ease that burden the other seemed to carry everywhere he went. "i'll always be your home, as long as i'm alive." the son of athena said as the water hit the two of them, they were pressed against one another in the shower. he didn't know where this was coming from but he didn't mind it. a hand pressed against one of those massive pecs that atticus still couldn't believe was real, the warmth of oliver's skin against his own was waking him up. 

[springs-heir]

✧⋄⋆⋅ 𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐒𝐄𝐃 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐄𝐑: atticus welby // @athenianwit 𝐋𝐎𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍: athena's cabin (1 week after ambrosia)

Dreams were not something Oliver enjoyed. Well... That was a lie. He enjoyed dreams. He enjoyed sweet visions that helped him sleep with ease. What he didn't like were the nightmares. Since drinking the ambrosia his slumber had been filled with them. Some nights he had been able to fight them off. Others... Others he had failed miserably. One such night he had awoken to the entire Demeter cabin in a withered state. He'd rushed to fix the plants, bringing them back to life and whispering apologies for hurting them. After that he couldn't sleep alone.

Thank the Gods for Atticus. He was Oliver's day one, the person at camp that he'd been clinging to for support. The demigod had been the first to reach out to Oliver, to help cleans his wounds and welcomed him without questions. And when Oliver asked to spend the night he'd welcomed him with open arms. It was the first night in a week that he'd been able to sleep soundly. Nothing good lasts forever though. The nightmares started coming back.

They came back far worse than before. What had been mere flashes of terror before were now full scenes that he was being forced to relive. Time and time again he was forced to see those horrible sights. He'd been growing tired, exhausted, but still he couldn't sleep. Tossing in his sleep he whimpers, tears staining his cheeks as he clutches onto the sheets. Breathing turning rapid as his voice begins to call out. "No... No Spencer no... Stop!" Another gasp, as the vision shifts to his brother in law Albert. His burned form clawing at Oliver, nails dragging against his arms leaving him bloody and raw. Pulling a scream from him that burst into the waking world as well. "NO! NO GET OFF! GET THE FUCK OFF OF ME! STOP IT! STOP! NOOO!"

[springs-heir]

✧⋄⋆⋅ 𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐒𝐄𝐃 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐄𝐑: atticus welby & remy warren // @athenianwit @victorywithremy 𝐋𝐎𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍: training grounds

Walking into the arena he eyes Remy from across the pitch. Beside him walks Atticus, who stays close by his side as they move to their starting positions. The idea for a two versus one match had been Olivers, and with Atticus' help he was able to persuade the son of victory into a fight that may not have been equally balanced. Still this was not a battle he could relax in. Time and time again he had challenged the son of Nike, and time and time again he had lost. Victory had always been on the other man's side, so perhaps to win he would need wisdom. The wisdom of his new best friend, a person who had been beside him in two quests now. With Atticus there he knew that they might stand a chance. "We can do this Atticus, we just gotta stick to the plan right?" He gives a nervous smile before nodding towards their shared enemy in this fight. They'd discussed ideas the night before, Oliver had listened to several strategies that the child of tacticians had thought of. Some were a little more brazened than others, but one stood out to him. He'd been eager to try it out, and so as they wait for the starting siren to blare he takes his stance. He knows what his job will be when the time comes.

"Let's do this."

[ posting order due to initiative -> @athenianwit then @child-of-demeter then @victorywithremy and then back to the top. ]

[springs-heir]

Just like that Atticus' had worked his magic. Pulling Oliver's thoughts away from the darkness that seemed to be looming over the child of Persephone. Instead his mind now began to sift through a list of ingredients he'd need. Already hard at work now on the new task in his mind, excited to get food ready for his boys, for his family. While it might not be much he was excited whenever he could perform these acts of service, as it was a chance to show them all how much he cared for them, how much he loved them. "Just had a feelin," he laughs happily as the other man's hand wraps around his waist and starts pulling him towards the Athena cabin. Though at the mention of a surprise, once again the man's puppy like demeanor took hold as his thoughts shifted to what the could be. "You ain't gonna tell me till we get there are you? Oh come on Atti! What is it?"

Oliver had the sweetest soul at camp, like his mother he had been lured into the darkest caves and faced traumas one couldn’t possibly imagine…and just like Persephone, that flame in his heart never faltered. He adapted, became stronger, and learned to bloom even in the worst kinda of situations. Atticus felt blessed by the gods to have Oliver in his life. “You will, I already know it.”

Just like Atticus, Oliver needed to keep himself busy in order to have those anxious thoughts pushed to the back of his mind. When the son of Athena was dealing with heartache, he threw himself into his work for days at a time without any kind of break. He was aware that wasn’t the best way to handle your emotions but it was the way he knew how, so he’d never fault Oliver for doing the same thing. “Let’s get back to the cabin and get started then,” Atticus wrapped his arm around the others thin waist to guide Atticus out of the gardens and back to their home. “Oh, I’ve been craving a beignet. How did you know?” Growing up in England, Atticus had a rather… limited food variety he had tried until he came to camp and met Oliver and Gabe. "Oh, I have something for you when we get back to the cabin." Some of the demigods had lost the articles of clothing Atticus had made for them when they walked through into a new timeline, so he had to make up for all that.

[athenianwit]

Oliver had the sweetest soul at camp, like his mother he had been lured into the darkest caves and faced traumas one couldn’t possibly imagine…and just like Persephone, that flame in his heart never faltered. He adapted, became stronger, and learned to bloom even in the worst kinda of situations. Atticus felt blessed by the gods to have Oliver in his life. “You will, I already know it.”

Just like Atticus, Oliver needed to keep himself busy in order to have those anxious thoughts pushed to the back of his mind. When the son of Athena was dealing with heartache, he threw himself into his work for days at a time without any kind of break. He was aware that wasn’t the best way to handle your emotions but it was the way he knew how, so he’d never fault Oliver for doing the same thing. “Let’s get back to the cabin and get started then,” Atticus wrapped his arm around the others thin waist to guide Atticus out of the gardens and back to their home. “Oh, I’ve been craving a beignet. How did you know?” Growing up in England, Atticus had a rather… limited food variety he had tried until he came to camp and met Oliver and Gabe. "Oh, I have something for you when we get back to the cabin." Some of the demigods had lost the articles of clothing Atticus had made for them when they walked through into a new timeline, so he had to make up for all that.

"Sometimes you're just too wise ya know that Atti? Thank you though... Ah hope ah can blossom real nice for her. Ah wanna make her proud." He smiles shyly, a soft frown hinting beneath for just a second. The fear of disappointing his mother would never be gone fully. But with Atticus here, and with the others from the Athena cabin it helped ease the burden just a bit.

"Well we gotta get em all dressed up then. Some fresh lettuce and maters. Ah wonder if we can get any fresh shrimp to fry up for 'em. Fresh is always best. Might need to send Remy out to pick em up. In the mean time we can start workin on the batter, maybe the sauces too." In a matter of moments Oliver is quickly rattling off a to do list. Mind focusing on the next task at hand, ready to forget his own troubles for now. It always was easier to leave things in the past, or keep them locked away until they are ready to burst down your door. It just made things easier, made it manageable. "That reminds me, next week ah gotta make some beignets for ma boys. It's been too long since ah made y'all some sweets."

[springs-heir]

"Sometimes you're just too wise ya know that Atti? Thank you though... Ah hope ah can blossom real nice for her. Ah wanna make her proud." He smiles shyly, a soft frown hinting beneath for just a second. The fear of disappointing his mother would never be gone fully. But with Atticus here, and with the others from the Athena cabin it helped ease the burden just a bit.

"Well we gotta get em all dressed up then. Some fresh lettuce and maters. Ah wonder if we can get any fresh shrimp to fry up for 'em. Fresh is always best. Might need to send Remy out to pick em up. In the mean time we can start workin on the batter, maybe the sauces too." In a matter of moments Oliver is quickly rattling off a to do list. Mind focusing on the next task at hand, ready to forget his own troubles for now. It always was easier to leave things in the past, or keep them locked away until they are ready to burst down your door. It just made things easier, made it manageable. "That reminds me, next week ah gotta make some beignets for ma boys. It's been too long since ah made y'all some sweets."

One of the many gifts Atticus got from his mother was his keen vision, those grey eyes could percieve just about anything— everything from possible chess pieces on a battlefield to the world around him and what he could learn from it to those in his life who hid behind deception and charisma. That smile reminded Atticus of the first night he arrived at camp, Oliver was hiding all that pain behind it but Atticus knew him well enough now to push through it. When Oliver was desperate for some kind of help or comfort, Atticus would be there to pick up those broken pieces and rebuild the son of Persephone. 

"And that only makes you stronger," he cupped the blondes face for a moment, there was no logical explanation for the chaos they had endured but he hoped there could be some comfort in knowing this would only build them to be better. "Spring is coming soon, Oliver. Like your mother, you will blossom exquisitely." They stood in silence for a moment or two before Oliver seemed to compose himself once more. "That sounds splendid, Ollie. I know the boys will love it." 

[athenianwit]

One of the many gifts Atticus got from his mother was his keen vision, those grey eyes could percieve just about anything— everything from possible chess pieces on a battlefield to the world around him and what he could learn from it to those in his life who hid behind deception and charisma. That smile reminded Atticus of the first night he arrived at camp, Oliver was hiding all that pain behind it but Atticus knew him well enough now to push through it. When Oliver was desperate for some kind of help or comfort, Atticus would be there to pick up those broken pieces and rebuild the son of Persephone. 

"And that only makes you stronger," he cupped the blondes face for a moment, there was no logical explanation for the chaos they had endured but he hoped there could be some comfort in knowing this would only build them to be better. "Spring is coming soon, Oliver. Like your mother, you will blossom exquisitely." They stood in silence for a moment or two before Oliver seemed to compose himself once more. "That sounds splendid, Ollie. I know the boys will love it." 

Feeling those grey eyes on him is like having a spotlight shone down from above. Something about it is far more intense than just feeling seen. It felt as though he'd been shoved onto a stage, nowhere to hide, nowhere to cower. It was raw, and powerful, and terrifying. But it was something that he needed. To be fully scrutinized, but without judgement or mockery. Atticus would never laugh at him, would never hurt him. Atticus had been Oliver's home, had been the one he'd seen as family first. The comfort of his words cradling him now he nods slowly.

"Seems like the seasons keep changin' on me Cher."

Voice quiet as he takes in Atticus' message, this is all just something they needed to get used to. "No use cryin o'er spilt milk right? Sides... We got too much to do to be gettin' caught up like that. Now bout dinner? Ahm thinkin some po-boys."

[springs-heir]

Feeling those grey eyes on him is like having a spotlight shone down from above. Something about it is far more intense than just feeling seen. It felt as though he'd been shoved onto a stage, nowhere to hide, nowhere to cower. It was raw, and powerful, and terrifying. But it was something that he needed. To be fully scrutinized, but without judgement or mockery. Atticus would never laugh at him, would never hurt him. Atticus had been Oliver's home, had been the one he'd seen as family first. The comfort of his words cradling him now he nods slowly.

"Seems like the seasons keep changin' on me Cher."

Voice quiet as he takes in Atticus' message, this is all just something they needed to get used to. "No use cryin o'er spilt milk right? Sides... We got too much to do to be gettin' caught up like that. Now bout dinner? Ahm thinkin some po-boys."

There were so many small differences in this timeline that Atticus was still piecing together, he had a healthy relationship with his father who as far as he could tell... was the exact kind of father Atticus had always wanted. Seeing messages from the man was hard, he knew it wasn't right to hold Nathaniel to the same standards he held for his own version of the same man... but trauma didn't simply just disappear with the world they once knew. It would take time. This worlds Atticus seemed a bit more brazen, unafraid to jump into battle and take a hit like a proper tank... and then stitching himself up afterwards. The last thing he wanted to do was compare himself with... himself, but it was hard to not wonder if he was a lesser version of that Atticus Welby. An Atticus who was well adjusted, who was open with not just himself but the world around him, and who didn't let anxiety consume him for well over thirty years of his life.

The child of Athena studied Oliver for a moment, there wasn't much that those grey eyes couldn't see and the son of Persephone couldn't hide anything from him. This wasn't the first time that Oliver tried to hide his fears and insecurities behind a smile, it was reminiscent of the ones Oliver hid behind when it involved his sister, now mother, or the hours he spent surviving right before accepting the call. "It's an adjustment, you'll adapt like Lantanas surive the seasons." Atticus gave him another reassuring kiss. "Got anything in mind?"

[athenianwit]

Atticus would have probably never disclosed that information if he didn't see that Oliver was really struggling right now. There was solace in knowing you weren't alone and although every ambrosia hallucination seemed to be different, it was clear that it had been terrible for every godling that showed up tonight. It felt like it'd been stained to the front of his mind, still remembering everything so vividly. The way the ambrosia burned and he desperately clawed at his neck when he lost his voice, the way it felt to be cut open... That wasn't something you simply forgot. "Yeah, I mean.. I'll survive." he didn't expect Oliver to rush to comfort him, perhaps that was a trait he took after his mother. "Yes. Not always but it comes..." Atticus looked down to feel his chest again. "Sometimes when I really think about it, its a dull pain... and I've had nightmares and that's when it feels like I'm back there, under the scaple." The dull pain was back, he winced a little but tried not to show it. 

The bedroom was covered in books everywhere, piles that seemed to never end and a desk right in front of the window where he could possibly do some sketches. The godlings brain was starting to itch at some designs to fortify the camp from whatever might end up coming. "I wonder if malls will take drachma." he mused as Ollie went through his closet, luckily he found a few things that might help. Trying to look away as the other godling stripped down, he wanted to give him some respect though it was hard to keep his eyes off that muscular and broad physique. How did someone like Oliver even exist? The tee shirt was tight, but it defined those pecs even more... and those biceps. He may have nearly fainted when he saw those muscular thighs, remaining composed. "Of course," he said with a smile. "If you tell me some of your favorite colors or types of clothes I can get working on it." Eying the other, Atticus already had an idea of what his measurements might be but should probably be safe.

The way Atticus spoke of his ambrosia trip brought a concern out of Oliver. A need to protect, a need to ensure that the other was okay. Perhaps it was a way to forget his own trauma, to push it away and pretend like it never existed. Because if someone else was in pain then he could work on helping them. Work on seeing that they were taken care of. "Atticus oh my gods... Are you okay?" He moves over to the demigod, hand reaching out. Gently cupping the others face he peers into Atticus' eyes with a motherly concern. Thumb gently stroking the man's face before realizing that they had only really just met. Hand awkwardly pulling away he tries to smile, "S-sorry. Do you... I mean I hope you don't mind me asking, but do you still feel the pain?" He didn't need fixing, he would be fine... Yes... He would be fine.

"Really?" As Atticus lead him upstairs he followed easily. Moving through the Athena cabin was interesting as it was so very different from his own. Everything about it was new, not even the floor plans seemed to match. Stepping into the others room he looks around curiously. Taking in the sights and trying to guess what the other might have brought with him versus what was already here. He hadn't been able to bring much of his own. "I mean if it helps you calm down then who am I to deny that. I really could use a change of clothes. I hope that we can maybe make a trip back at some point. Maybe I could go to a mall or something and buy some more clothes." Stepping to the others closet he begins to shift through. Finding a pair of shorts that looked rather stretchy and a tshirt that seemed like it might be the biggest in the batch. Without concern for Atticus he begins to strip, though the rags had barely been covering him anyways. Once free of the bloodied rag he began to step into the others clothes. The shorts and shirt thankfully fit, though both were very tight on him, sculpting to his bodies muscles. "T-these will do nicely... I um... I really do appreciate this Atticus. I promise I'll find a way to pay you back someway."

[springs-heir]

The way Atticus spoke of his ambrosia trip brought a concern out of Oliver. A need to protect, a need to ensure that the other was okay. Perhaps it was a way to forget his own trauma, to push it away and pretend like it never existed. Because if someone else was in pain then he could work on helping them. Work on seeing that they were taken care of. "Atticus oh my gods... Are you okay?" He moves over to the demigod, hand reaching out. Gently cupping the others face he peers into Atticus' eyes with a motherly concern. Thumb gently stroking the man's face before realizing that they had only really just met. Hand awkwardly pulling away he tries to smile, "S-sorry. Do you... I mean I hope you don't mind me asking, but do you still feel the pain?" He didn't need fixing, he would be fine... Yes... He would be fine.

"Really?" As Atticus lead him upstairs he followed easily. Moving through the Athena cabin was interesting as it was so very different from his own. Everything about it was new, not even the floor plans seemed to match. Stepping into the others room he looks around curiously. Taking in the sights and trying to guess what the other might have brought with him versus what was already here. He hadn't been able to bring much of his own. "I mean if it helps you calm down then who am I to deny that. I really could use a change of clothes. I hope that we can maybe make a trip back at some point. Maybe I could go to a mall or something and buy some more clothes." Stepping to the others closet he begins to shift through. Finding a pair of shorts that looked rather stretchy and a tshirt that seemed like it might be the biggest in the batch. Without concern for Atticus he begins to strip, though the rags had barely been covering him anyways. Once free of the bloodied rag he began to step into the others clothes. The shorts and shirt thankfully fit, though both were very tight on him, sculpting to his bodies muscles. "T-these will do nicely... I um... I really do appreciate this Atticus. I promise I'll find a way to pay you back someway."

the ambrosia had messed with atticus' head, forcing him to relive the worst moments of his life and... experience pain he could have never imagined. seeing the godling who showed up drench in blood, atticus could only begin to imagine what oliver must have experienced and how bad the ambrosia must have been for him. studying his body language and the way he spoke, atticus could almost read the terror that was on the blonde's face. he waited a moment, contemplating how to broach the conversation. "during my... hallucination, i felt like i was my chest was being cut open over and over again." he put the needles down so his dominant hand could trace over where he'd felt the pain. "i can almost feel the scar... until i remember nothing is there." he traces along where he felt the pain.

studying the others body, atticus may have been able to appreciate it more if he wasn't in those mangled rags that were now an ugly brown since the blood had long dried since they arrived to the camp. born into a life of oppulence, atticus had to make his own way in the world so he couldn't help but sympathize with the blonde who looked like he was on the brink of a nervous break down. "no, i don't mind at all. it's sort of my hobby, helps calm me down." he said, getting up to guide the taller of the two upstairs to his bedroom where his closet was. "feel free to pick what you want. can't promise it won't be a little snug on you but i can't have you running around naked until i finish making you something, can i?" he gave a faint smile.

"and no, i don't want any kind of payment. i just want to help you, i swear." 

[athenianwit]

There were so many small differences in this timeline that Atticus was still piecing together, he had a healthy relationship with his father who as far as he could tell... was the exact kind of father Atticus had always wanted. Seeing messages from the man was hard, he knew it wasn't right to hold Nathaniel to the same standards he held for his own version of the same man... but trauma didn't simply just disappear with the world they once knew. It would take time. This worlds Atticus seemed a bit more brazen, unafraid to jump into battle and take a hit like a proper tank... and then stitching himself up afterwards. The last thing he wanted to do was compare himself with... himself, but it was hard to not wonder if he was a lesser version of that Atticus Welby. An Atticus who was well adjusted, who was open with not just himself but the world around him, and who didn't let anxiety consume him for well over thirty years of his life.

The child of Athena studied Oliver for a moment, there wasn't much that those grey eyes couldn't see and the son of Persephone couldn't hide anything from him. This wasn't the first time that Oliver tried to hide his fears and insecurities behind a smile, it was reminiscent of the ones Oliver hid behind when it involved his sister, now mother, or the hours he spent surviving right before accepting the call. "It's an adjustment, you'll adapt like Lantanas surive the seasons." Atticus gave him another reassuring kiss. "Got anything in mind?"

Hands gently cradling his cheeks, a soft sweet peck pulling him back to reality. He gives a soft smile, mind refocusing on his boyfriend as he stared up into those beautiful stormy grey eyes. "Oh... Oh is it that time already?" His eyes drift towards the setting sun, an odd feeling growing in his gut. Lately the time of day had become an important aspect of his powers. With the sun rising his flowers bloomed brighter, his thorns sharper... Then as the Sun set, the buds took on a darker more sinister power. His abilities shifting to deal in the necrotic shroud of death. "Fine Sugar, just fine... Just been thinking lots lately. Feels like everything ah knew got turned upside down. Ah mean look at this garden? It's a lot different than what ah had before. Still lovely, still beautiful, just different." He smiles weekly, not wanting Atticus to see his fears, to see the insecurities that linger beneath the surface. But at the end of the day he knows that Atticus will see right through him. "Now 'bout making our boys some dinner? Bet we can cook up something real good!"