#Odysseus needs a hug

[gothamite-rambler]

Athena: Odysseus are you okay?

Odysseus rested his head on the table, exhausted, partially dehydrated, and blushing. He let out a loud yawn as the two gods invited themselves into his kitchen for a visit.

Odysseus: Penelope and I have been... Reclaiming the missed twenty years together and although I've been wanting this day since trying to return... I am out of energy.

Athena: I'm kind of confused what could you two be doing that is leaving you this drained?

Hermes (exasperated): Athena... they're Hades and Persophone when she returns from her required mom vacations.

Athena (blushing): Oh... Oh! Odysseus you poor human soul!

Odysseus: I'm not complaining, it's just she keeps asking for it and I can't say no to her. Not that I would. I... Love her so much... And how gentle she can be. Usually she's rough, but I don't want to wake our sweet son. You know?

Hermes: Yeah... I remember a summer with so many nymphs... Oh and my kid was sweet to spend time with.

Odysseus: Is it odd I enjoy when she gets on top of me and takes charge?

Hermes: My word, you're going to get a long so well with Hera.

Athena blushed pointing at the sky to stop her father from eavesdropping further.

Athena: I feel like a woman dying of thirst watching another man drown.

Hermes (eating toast): You're a maiden, dear.

Athena: A goddess gets bored and half of the demigods are my siblings.

Odysseus: When has that stopped... Any of you?

Hermes: That's my grandson.

[haley-harrison]

the girlies when overthinking the implications of Love in Paradise

and Ody's traumas in general

[platinumink]

Headcanon Vol.2: Odysseus had unruly hair in his youth but grew out of it but Telemachus now has to deal with it and Ody helps his son and it all ends in a beautiful hurt/comfort moment

Not as good as my other headcanons for this fandom but I really do think about situations where Telemachus is just struggling to tidy his hair which is just going crazy all of the time and is about to give up when Odysseus strolls into the bathing area and notices his sons struggles.

Not wanting to embarrass him any further after the whole clothes stealing shenanigans, he simply nods in hello and does his thing with cleaning himself. When he's done, he notices that Telemachus is still not any closer to figuring out his hair so he comes over and mentions how he also had impossible-to-deal-with hair and age and growing it out (the added weight) helped with it's upkeep but he did have some tricks he learned to aid the issue.

So he tells his son about it who becomes completely enraptured in the story, not wanting to miss a single word his dad tells him. Telemachus asks for tips and Ody asks if it would be okay to show him and his son agrees.

Ody spends the next hour ir so explaining hair care for curly hair to his son, going over herb tinctures and oils he can use to make his hair submit to his will without damaging it as well as special brushes and movements that help with detangling and finally braids that help with the right curl forming overnight. It becomes a whole thing with them and even though Telemachus gets the hang of it very quickly, he keeps on asking his dad to do it for him and Ody is bever going to decline because quality time with his dearly missed son is everything to him.

So during their hair care moments, they talk about each others days, what they were going to do the day after and eventually, Ody feels confortable enough to confide in his son as well about his Odyssey (hehe) and they things he went through and had to do and Telemachus is then there for him, reassuring him and comforting him as well.

Eventually Telemachus does his dads hair as well so they can spend even more time together.

Penelope does know about this because of course Ody had to tell her all about how much he loves his son and how much he enjoys their new father son bonding moments, but one day, when she enters the bathing area earlier than usual, she sees the two of them and observes their little time together. She does not intervene because while she also loves her son deeply, she will allow her husband to have this time for himself to catch up on all of the lost time.

I also imagine their time together always ends with them touching foreheads (because I am a sucker for those between parents and their kids), hugging and Ody kissing his sons hair. They then always leave the baths together before Telemachus artives at his room first where they hug again and wish each other a restful night and then Ody leaves fir his own room and lies down beside his wife, talks with her just as long about their days and then they fall asleep in each others arms thoigh Odys head is 100% on Penelopes chest to hear her heartbeat because he has still trauma from Calypsos bullshit and needs it to convince himself that he is home.

He then sleeps, thinking about his family.

And now i've brough myself to tears yet again. 😭🩵

Also if anyone wants to write or draw something with this, you of course have my full permission. Just tag me please, I want to say thank you and admire your work 😭🙏🏻🩵

[amazingmsme]

Like Salt in the Wound

AN: first fic of 2025, woohoo! Starting off strong with some angst/comfort & I honestly wouldn’t want it any other way! Odysseus really needs a hug, but I guess he’ll just have to get wrecked instead, lmao. Telemachus & Athena’s friendship means everything to me! I had an absolute blast with this one, & I hope you do too!

Odysseus had only been home just shy of a year, but even a few months spent with his beloved family repaired more of his soul than he ever imagined. There were nights where he slept peacefully; the nightmares fading away as his wife cradled him in her arms. He was less jumpy, more at ease. He no longer drew his sword when he heard a loud clatter or bang, instead merely gripping the hilt until he was sure there was no threat.

The past still haunted him, but he had learned to cope as best as he could.

He had changed, yes, but he was still Odysseus, and the man Penelope fell in love with all those years ago continued to shine through in little ways.

It was in the way he held her with such tenderness, the way he cupped her cheek and kissed her. How he laughed at his own terrible jokes. The way he blushed and shied away when she said something suggestive. How he hung on their son's every word, showering him with love and affection to make up for lost time.

He might've done terrible things to return to them, but he was not nearly the monster he saw himself as. There was still the smallest unspoken softness about him, but it slowly grew larger every day.

He shoved his insecurities down, only allowing Penelope to see him so weak. But there was one secret he kept from even her.

The first time he saw Telemachus, dawned with spear and helmet, wearing Athena's cloak, he felt a wave of panic wash over him. He couldn't let his mentor do to his son what she had done to him. He refused.

But then, Athena apologized. She actually admitted to leading him astray, and offered the chance to rebuild a better, more peaceful word. That this time, things would be different. She promised to train Telemachus with empathy, to not shut him out like she had done to Odysseus all those years before.

The idea terrified him. He saw so much of himself in Telemachus, and knew first hand how easy it would be to strip away his vibrancy and innocence. He had been hesitant to allow her to continue training him, but he caved the moment his son asked.

It felt... strange, watching the two of them interact. Watching his Telemachus spar with Athena stirred old memories that brought a bittersweet smile to his face. Oh, what could have been.

Telemachus had told him that Athena once called him her friend, on the day they first met. She didn't say his name, but he now knows she was referring to his father. Odysseus just wished she would've admitted that back then.

They both acted differently in each other's company; unlike they ever were with him.

Telemachus adored Athena. He looked forward to her visits, lighting up the moment she entered a room before running off for his next lesson. He was never so eager when Odysseus trained with him, questioning his methods and suggesting what Athena would do. He tried not to let it get under his skin, but he'd be lying if he said it didn't sting a little.

Athena might as well be a completely different person with Telemachus. She was patient and understanding, gently correcting him when he made a mistake. Odysseus seemed to remember her harsh tone and judging words when he was to screw up. It felt hypocritical, and it left a sour taste in his mouth.

He felt horrible for harboring such thoughts, and yet, he couldn't help it. He was jealous. Athena already knew Telemachus before he ever had the chance to truly meet him. She taught the boy how to fight; something he had been looking forward to doing himself. He still had much to learn, but he would rather listen to a Goddess than his own father.

Odysseus could never fault him for doing so. After all, he had been the same way at that age.

He remembered how great it felt to have her favor. To earn her praise after a battle well fought. She used compliments sparingly and went heavy handed on the criticism, so you would know when she really meant it. She would try to hold in her laughter when he would tell jokes, but he was able to catch her off guard on more than one occasion.

Even if the friendship had been one sided at the time, it had felt real to him.

So you can imagine how much it hurt to see Athena and Telemachus get along so well.

She didn't push him as hard as she did Odysseus, making sure to respect the young prince's boundaries. With the King of Ithaca, she sparred with him as her equal, as if he had the strength and speed of a God, and ridiculed him when she bested him in combat, pointing out everything he did wrong. But with Telemachus, she held herself back, only increasing the difficulty once she knew he could handle it. Her criticism was constructive and soft, and it made Odysseus roll his eyes. That wasn't the Athena he knew.

She didn't brush him off or keep him at arms length either; she welcomed the friendship with open arms. She called Telemachus her friend, to his face. And without a drop of condescension! She gave him plenty of breaks to go goof off, sometimes even joining in on the fun. Odysseus had only been allowed three breaks at most. 

It was fine. He was happy for them. Well, mostly for Telemachus. As long as he was happy, that's all that matters.

They were deep in the woods, close to where Odysseus killed the boar all those years ago. Oh how Telemachus loved that story. He loved all his stories, really. Odysseus feared that he would never quite live up to the legend Telemachus saw him as.

He was currently training him on his sword work,  blocking every strike Telemachus made. He swung down towards his father's shoulder with the blunt practice sword, only for Odysseus to parry the blade and spin around behind him. 

Telemachus whirled around just in time to block the sword with his shield, tucking and rolling across the ground. He popped back up, slashing across the back of his father's legs. Odysseus played along and fell to the ground, crawling as if he were severely wounded.

"Great job, you've disarmed your opponent and hold the advantage. But I could get up if I try, so I'm still a capable threat. What will you do?" Odysseus talked him through it, waiting for his son's next move.

"I..." Telemachus started, thinking of his options before committing, "I go straight for the heart," he said, raising his sword high above his head before stabbing down. He softened the blow just before poking Odysseus in the chest.

The King of Ithaca arched his back, screaming and writhing in mock pain. Telemachus couldn't help but chuckle and roll his eyes at the dramatics, but his amusement was obvious.

A slow clap sounded from behind, and Telemachus turned to see Athena watching from the trees. Her scar was healing well and she sported a proud smirk, "Well done, little wolf."

Telemachus smiled wide, running over to greet her. "Athena!" He threw his arms around her in a tight hug, one that she reciprocated.

"I see you're keeping him busy," she addressed Odysseus with a fond smile of her own.

"Are you kidding? He practically begged me until I agreed to spar with him," he teased. He stood up, brushing himself off, taking a step closer.

"Father!" Telemachus whined, a blush spreading across his cheeks. Athena chuckled and shook her head.

"Well then, how about I take him off your hands for a bit?" she asked, cocking her head.

"Be my guest," he invited, taking a seat on a fallen log.

"Alright Telemachus, let's give him a show."

"Alright!" he cheered, pumping a fist in the air. He snatched his discarded sword from the ground, taking a fighting stance.

Odysseus watched the training session with a gentle smile that felt more forced than he cared to admit. It was as though he were looking into his own past through rose tinted lenses.

They moved around each other with such practiced ease, as if it were a well rehearsed dance. Telemachus grinned from ear to ear, dimples on full display. He never smiled like that when it was Odysseus teaching him. Instead, he wore a tense, focused expression, broken only by the occasional smile before determination settled back once more. They bantered back and forth, goading and teasing each other as weapons clashed.

"Ha, is that the best you got?" Telemachus taunted as he parried another strike. Athena smirked, arching a brow before swiping her spear behind his legs and knocking him off his feet.

"Nope."

He sprung back up, a mischievous gleam in his eyes. "Bring it on then!"

Athena charged at him, only for Telemachus to sidestep her at the last second. He spun around, kicking the back of her knees to buckle her legs. She yelped and stumbled forward, leaning against a tree for support.

She stood up, studying the tree thoughtfully. Odysseus watched on skeptically, unsure where she was going with this.

"Is this a dogwood tree?" she asked, running a hand up the trunk.

Odysseus scooted closer to the edge of the log. No, she wouldn't!

"Uh, I don't know. Why?"

"I'm pretty sure it is," she mused, barely holding back a smirk.

"Really? How can you tell?" Telemachus asked, stepping closer to get a better look at the tree.

Athena looked down at him, allowing her smile to make its presence known. "By its bark."

She fucking did!

It took Telemachus a moment to get the joke, but once he did, he threw his head back in laughter. "Oho man, that's a good one!"

"Hey, that was my joke!" Odysseus spoke up, because what the hell gives? He told that joke to Telemachus a month ago and all he got in return was a fake chuckle! And further more, he could barely remember Athena ever laughing at his jokes, but suddenly, they were funny enough to steal?

Telemachus looked at his dad and shrugged. "Sorry, I guess she's just funnier than you!" he teased.

Okay, ouch. Odysseus clenched his jaw, ducking his head to hide the twitch of a frown tugging at his lips.

"I suppose she is," he agreed, trying to play along. He looked back up, an empty smile back in place as they resumed sparring.

"Flattery won't get you very far," Athena rolled her eyes, but joined in on the playful taunting. "That goes for both of you," she cast a quick glance towards Odysseus, faltering when she could've sworn she saw a look of sadness on her old friend's face. But it was gone just as fast as it appeared. She decided to let it go for now, but made a note in the back of her mind to check in on him later.

"I don't know, it's gotten me pretty far in the past," Telemachus bragged, showing off with some sword twirling that Odysseus had taught him.

"Okay, take it down a notch," she teased, but her words only embolden him. He tossed the sword in the air, catching it with his other hand.

"Make me!" he taunted. Athena grabbed her spear and shoved the blunt end against his chest, effectively knocking him off balance. He fell on his back, playfully glaring up at her from the dirt. "That was mean."

"You were being cocky."

"Yeah, and?" he asked, arching a brow. Athena shot Odysseus a look when he barked out a laugh, but a smile played at the edge of her mouth.

"The last thing he needs is more encouragement."

Odysseus merely shrugged, sporting a smug grin that put her mind at ease.

Then again, he'd always been a great actor.

Odysseus couldn't help but to feel like a third wheel. They clearly enjoyed each other's company more than his own, so why not just... slip away?

He scooted off to the side, sitting on the edge of the log. Neither one seemed to notice, so he casually stood to his feet, giving his back a stretch. He silently slipped into the shadows of the trees as the continued training.

He didn't go too far, but far enough to feel alone. He leaned against a tree, rubbing a hand over his tired face. He was surprised when his palm came back wet. When had he started crying? He quickly wiped away his tears, sniffling softly. By the Gods, he needed to get ahold of himself.

He closed his eyes, taking a few deep, yet shaky breaths. He could still hear the faint echoes of their taunting jeers in the distance, and sighed. He supposed he'd better head back before they noticed he was gone. He took his time on the way back, staring at the ground and dragging his feet.

Meanwhile, Telemachus and Athena continued to spar, although she had noticed the moment he left. She had known something was off, but she didn't know it was that bad. She tried to keep Telemachus busy so he wouldn't notice his father's absence.

She was lost in thought when a foot suddenly connected with her face and she was sent tumbling to the ground.

"Whoa! Dad, did you see that?" Telemachus cheered and jumped in the air, turning around for his father's approval. "Dad?" He looked around, but saw no trace of him. Panic began to creep inside his chest. He ran into the woods, shouting, "Dad? Where are you?"

"Telemachus, wait!" Athena called after him, but the kid was fast and he was in a mission. She ran after him, calling out for Odysseus as well.

As soon as he heard them call out, he ran towards them, yelling, "Over here!"

He came into view, and Telemachus ran into him with a bone crushing hug.

"Where were you?" 

Odysseus wheezed as the air was knocked out of him, wrapping his arms around his son. "Can't a man take a leak in private?" he joked. Telemachus chuckled, shoving at his chest.

"Just tell us next time! I roundhouse kicked Athena in the face and you didn't even see it!"

"Really? That's amazing! I'm so sorry I missed it," he apologized, pressing a kiss to his forehead. "You'll just have to catch her by surprise and do it again, eh?"

"I doubt that'll happen," Athena piped up, crossing her arms.

"I wouldn't underestimate him," Odysseus praised, slinging an arm around his shoulder as they walked back to the clearing.

"Yeah Athena, don't underestimate me!" Telemachus taunted, sticking his tongue out at her from behind his father's back. She scoffed, eyes widening in shock.

"That's it, you're in time out when we get back!" she scolded.

"WHAT? You can't do that!" he yelled, a blush quickly spreading across his face as his father's laughter filled the air.

"Shehehe put you in time out!" he giggled, patting his son's back comfortingly.

"Don't laugh," he whined, but the smile on his face told him he didn't really mind. After all, he had barely heard him laugh since he returned.

"On the contrary, laugh it up Odysseus," Athena said, but something about her tone made the hairs on the back of his neck stand up. "When we get back, it's your turn."

"I don't know," he trailed off, hesitant to accept.

"You gotta! I never get to see you fight!" Telemachus begged, and he caved.

"Well if you insist. But go easy on me, I'm not as young and spry as I used to be," he said, and now it was Athena's turn to laugh. She threw her head back as she cackled, loud and hearty. She wiped a tear from her eye, glancing over to see matching quizzical expressions.

"Wait, you're serious? After what you did to Poseidon? Absolutely not," she deadpanned.

"You fought Poseidon?" Telemachus practically screamed in his ear, making him flinch away.

"You mean you haven't told him? If you ask me, that should've been the first story you shared," Athena mused.

"Come on, you gotta tell me what happened!" he hopped in place and shook his father by the shoulders until he relented with a chuckle.

"Well, it's kinda a long story. One you'll hear at dinner so your mother can enjoy it too," he deflected.

"Boooo!" Telemachus whined, giving him a thumbs down. "You can tell it twice!"

"He just wouldn't let me go home! So I stabbed him until he called off his storm," he huffed out, telling an abridged version to satisfy his son.

"With his own trident," she added. Telemachus stared at his father in awe.

"Whoa," he said breathlessly. Odysseus rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly.

"What can I say? I had limited options," he shrugged, ducking his head down.

"Why so bashful all of a sudden?" Athena asked, cocking her head as she looked down at him. Odysseus gawked, face turning red.

"What? I am not!"

"If you say so," she conceded. "Now, what's do you say you and I have a go, just like old times?" she asked, shooting Telemachus a wink out of the other's sight. He arched a brow quizzically, unsure of what plan she had brewing up. But whatever it was, he wanted in on it.

"You're on."

Athena lulled him into a false sense of security, sparring bantering back and forth before she struck. She dodged his attack, managing to disarm him as she spun around, locking one arm beneath his and held the back of his neck as she held his own sword to his throat with the other.

"Alright, you win," he held his hands up in, surrender, furrowing his brows when she didn't move. "Um... did I... do something wrong?" he questioned, not daring to move an inch.

"Not at all. I just noticed you seemed a little down today."

"Athena," he warned, tensing with a gasp as she squeezed the back of his neck. Telemachus watched on curiously.

"Do you remember my lessons on morale?" she asked, ignoring the threat.

Odysseus was squirming now, tugging at her arms, but she held firm.

"Come on 'Thena, not here," he whined, voice dropped to nearly a whisper. The nickname melted her heart, and made her feel only a little guilty for what she was about to do.

"You mean not in front of the kid?" she taunted, waiting until he opened his mouth to speak before scribbling at the nape of his neck.

Odysseus yelped and flailed around in her hold, scrunching his neck for protection.

"Hey stop! What are you doing to him?" Telemachus protested as he saw his father struggle in Athena's hold. From where he sat, it looked as though she was about to snap his neck. She flashed him a sly, knowing smile.

"Yeah Odysseus, what am I doing?" she asked in such a playful tone, even Telemachus hadn't heard.

"Huh?" he cocked his head, confusion knitting his brows together.

Odysseus clamped his mouth shut, but a wobbly smile tugged at the corners of his lips. She tossed the practice weapon aside, scratching just behind his ears with both hands. He snorted and tossed his head around, grimacing as he tried to contain the giggles building up inside his chest.

"Come on, you're usually so talkative," Athena prompted, reaching around to flutter under his chin. He threw himself back to try and get away, but only succeeded in leaning against Athena's chest for support, feet frantically pushing against the ground as he fought to escape.

Telemachus watched on with a growing smile as he realized what was happening.

"Wait, father, are you ticklish?" he asked, not bothering to hide his excitement.

"No!" Odysseus choked out, yelping when Athena reached down to tweak his hip.

"Ignore him, he loves to lie. But you didn't think you got your sensitivity from your mother, did you?" she asked, somehow finding a way to tease both of them at once. Telemachus looked away, cheeks dusted a light pink.

"Well, yeah, kinda," he admitted, unable to take his eyes off the pair. Athena rolled her eyes fondly, easily evading the frantic hands slapping at her wrists.

"You share more similarities with your father than you might think," she said, shooting him another wink. Odysseus shoved at her arms as they wrapped around his waist, shrieking when she picked him up off the ground.

"No! Put me dohohown! Stohohop!" he broke down into deep chuckles that were quickly melting into hysterical giggles. Telemachus had only ever heard his father laugh like that when he told terrible jokes, but he had always kind of assumed he was playing it up for his behalf. He didn't know he actually giggled like that! It was a funny, infectious laugh that seemed adorably out of place.

"Careful what you ask for," Athena smirked before dropping him to the ground, quickly pinning his arms above his head. He desperately pulled at his arms, surprisingly strong despite being mortal. "You sure are struggling a lot. I think I might need some help," Athena raised her voice, making the hint as unsubtle as possible. Telemachus was by their side in a heartbeat, sporting a mischievous smirk.

Odysseus could only grin wider as he shook his head. "Son, wait! She's ticklish too, wouldn't you rather go after a God?" he tried to bargain by deflecting the attention onto Athena, who scoffed in disbelief.

"Excuse me?" She drilled her thumbs in the center of his exposed pits for even suggesting such a thing. Telemachus ignored his father's screams for mercy, tapping his chin as he considered the offer.

"Sounds tempting, but you're the one pinned down," he reasoned with a shrug, planting himself on his kicking legs. Athena held up a hand for an approving fist bump.

"Wise choice."

He grinned as he knocked their knuckles together, adding a few extra slaps and bumps. Athena's hand just hovered there awkwardly, not copying any of the steps he taught her. He shrugged, "Eh, still needs some work."

Telemachus wasted no more time and latched onto his knees, squeezing around the bone. Odysseus snorted and tried to kick his trapped legs, barely able to move them an inch. He couldn't help but laugh along at his reactions, noting, "Wow, mom was right! You do have a funny laugh!"

His words sparked a blush to spread across his cheeks as he cried out in protest, "Shehehe sahaid whahahat?" Logically, Odysseus knew Penelope talked about him while he was away, or at least, he hoped she would. But she really talked about him, not just the legends he left behind. She humanized him...

Maybe a little too much, but still.

"No no, she said it in a good way!" Telemachus assured, spidering over his knees with blunt nails. Odysseus wheezed, drumming his legs against the ground to cope with the ticklish jolts shooting through his nerves.

"I agree Odysseus, your laughter is quite endearing. It's such a shame we don't hear it more often," Athena chimed in. He whined through his giggles, unable to pull his arms down from where she had them pinned. She traced maddening circles against his exposed hollows, making him squeal and arch his back. But no matter how hard he tried, he remained trapped between his son and his friend.

Granted, he might not be trying all that hard. What? He hadn't laughed like this in years, so sue him. And Telemachus seemed to be having fun, so why stop him?

He shook his head in denial, blushing profusely at her words. "Nohoho ihihit's nohoHOHOHOT!"  Loud cackles abruptly gave way to a hysterical shriek as Athena began scratching the spot just behind his ears with long, sharp nails. A stream of giggles and snorts spilled past his lips, nose scrunching adorably.

"I don't know, you sound pretty cute right about now," she drawled, leaning over him to "inspect" his face. Odysseus giggled and tried to look away, failing to protect his now exposed ear with his shoulder.

"'Thehehenaha!" he whined, sounding all too giddy to actually mean anything by it.

"Yep, you look cute too-"

"Ohoho just shut up!"

Athena mock gasped, and Telemachus covered his mouth in shock.

"Uh oh," he teased in a sing song tone, poking all around his stomach. He twitched with each touch, pulling on his arms desperately each time he felt that nagging finger wiggle into the slight pudge of his belly.

"Oh you're gonna regret that," Athena growled playfully. She turned his head to the side, keeping him pinned with one hand. She took a loud, exaggerated breath just so he would know what was coming.

His eyes widened in giddy fear and his thrashing grew stronger once he connected the dots. Empty protests fell past his lips, "No, no wahahait! I'm sohorry, I'm sorryyyy! Plehease dooooon't!" He was already giggling, and his smile only grew wider.

Telemachus couldn't help but laugh along and tease, "She hasn't even touched you yet!"

"Bullshit! You both HAHAHAHAVE! Ohohokahay, oKAHAY! I GEHEHET IHIHIT!" he squealed as Athena leaned in to blow a loud, obnoxious raspberry on the side of his neck. She grabbed his hair and moved his head so she could get the other side.

Not wanting to be left out, Telemachus clawed at his father's stomach, encouraged by his hysterical laughter. Odysseus jolted in place, unable to curl in on himself for protection. The only thing he could do was kick frantically and laugh his heart out.

Which, unfortunately for him, caught his son's attention.

"Great idea, dad! Can't forget about the feet!" he taunted, wrestling his legs down to untie his sandals.

"Nohoho, plehehease! Ihi don't deserve thihihis!" he pleaded, hiding his face behind a pinned arm. Athena snorted in amusement and pulled away to stare down at her friend.

"Actually, if anyone deserves a good laugh, it would be you," she said, her tone softer, yet still teasing.

"Hehehey!" he whined at the remark, his blush now reaching the tips of his ears.

"Yeah, laughing at your own jokes doesn't really count," Telemachus added, raking blunt nails down his arches.

"HEHEHEY!" Odysseus shrieked indignantly at the comment. He tried to keep his feet planted on the ground, but all it took was a quick scribble against the backs of his knees to get him kicking again. "Ihihit counts!" he insisted through deep, rumbly chuckles.

Both Athena and Telemachus rolled their eyes. Telemachus decided to take it a step further and shrugged, unable to hide his smirk.

"Does it though?" he asked skeptically. Before Odysseus could answer, he scratched just beneath his toes. Odysseus cackled wildly, thrashing around as best he could, bucking hard enough to throw Telemachus off.

Athena took that as her cue to back off as well, releasing his arms from where they were pinned. He either didn't have the strength to pull them down, or he just didn't care at this point.

Odysseus let out a giggly groan, throwing his head back against the ground. "You two ahare thehehe worst!" he spoke through residual giggles, but didn't mean a word of what he said.

"Yeah, but I learned from the best!" Telemachus quipped, reaching out to pinch his side one last time. Odysseus jerked away, finally yanking his arms down as he barked out a laugh.

Odysseus scoffed in amusement, a wide smile still plastered on his face. He doubted it would be going anywhere for a long time.

He shook his head fondly, gently shoving at his son's shoulder. "You're a real piece of work. Both of you," he added, shooting Athena a playful glare.

Athena decided not to say anything... to him. She just smirked and addressed Telemachus, as if Odysseus wasn't even there. "Notice how he said just about everything except stop," she noted smugly, and Telemachus muffled his giggles behind his hands.

Odysseus gasped, his fading blush quickly returning. "Well- I- you two looked like you were having fun," he justified with a huff, crossing his arms as he looked away.

"Like you weren't!" Telemachus goaded, throwing his arms around him in a bear hug, rocking side to side.

He couldn't help but give in to the smile tugging at his lips. "It was coerced." Telemachus laughed and shoved him away.

"Oh whatever!"

"Regardless," Athena piped up, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder, "It's... refreshing, hearing you laugh again." Odysseus placed a hand atop her own, leaning into the touch.

"Yeah well, you better not make it a habit. There's easier ways to make me laugh, you know," he sassed.

"Ah, but this is the most entertaining," she shot back.

He turned to Telemachus, pointing with his thumb at Athena over his shoulder. "See what I mean? Piece of work."

"Careful, or I'll go for round two," she warned.

"Maybe tomorrow. After all, I believe I'm overdue for some revenge."

"Is that so?" she cocked her head, and Odysseus nodded smugly.

"Yup."

"Well then, you'll have to earn it," she teased, standing up and offering him a hand.

"And you better watch your back, because the tickle monster strikes when you least expect it," he threatened, pointing at Telemachus.

He giggled nervously and took a step back, a pale blush dusting his cheeks. "I'll uh, keep my guard up."

The response made Odysseus throw his head back with a hearty chuckle. He threw an arm around his shoulders, pulling him closer and ruffling his hair.

"Just relax. You won't even see it coming."

"That's not as comforting as you think it is," he deadpanned.

"It wasn't meant to be," Odysseus quipped, and Athena had to stifle a snicker at the comment. "But I believe it's about time we head back for dinner."

Telemachus whined, even though he knew his father was right.

"We'll pick up where we left off tomorrow," she promised.

"Or you could join us," Odysseus invited after a moment's hesitation. The offer took her off guard, but she softened nonetheless.

"Really? I wouldn't want to intrude…"

"Come on, 'Thena! It'll be fun!" Telemachus encouraged, tugging on her arm.

"Yeah, and you'll get to hear the story about how I stabbed your uncle until he cried."

"In that case, how could I resist?"

The three walked back to the palace, chatting all the way. It may very well be true that Athena and Telemachus were closer than they had ever been, but that doesn't mean the friendship wasn't still there. And Telemachus thought the world of him, that much was made clear.

Now that he thought about it, he didn't know why he had been so worried in the first place. He was home, he was loved, and that's all that matters.

[blueberrymuffin674]

Imagine this (Warning: ANGST)

What if after the men died in thunder bringer they were able to track down his journey and watch what happens to Odysseus after they died. Not only would they gain sympathy for their captain that caused their death but also see his time on Ogygia (I think that's the name) IT WOULD BE HEARTBREAKING for them to see their captain suffer to the point of attempted suicide. (Imagine how guilty they would feel for stabbing him in Mutiny now) They would find a way to break in at (Love in paradise) and help him contact Athena (As if Calypso cast a spell making him unable to reach Athena in the earlier several years) which would be why Odysseus heard voices. And why Athena realized Odysseus needed her help. (Imagine if they also broke into her consciousness or were around her to hint at her to look at Odysseus's journey) Basically their presence, and helping guiding the Musical from Mutiny and onward.

[pennysucks]

GUYS POLITES ISN'T IN THE UNDERWORLD, HE'S IN MY SCHOOL BOOK! 1? 1! 1? 1? 1? 1? ? 1? 1.1 TELL ODY

Lost the opportunity to write "this book is amazing when you greet it with open arms" I'M SO SORRY

[sleep-deprived-menace]

Odysseus has had so much hurt no I want the comfort part of the hurt/comfort. Somebody give him a hug he desperately needs one.

[librarifan]

Aaah the Ithaca saga consumed me, and I couldn't get over how much I loved that this Penelope was *angry*, fierce, her waiting was never passive, how real and human Penelope was, so different from the ghosts of her presented by Zeus and the sirens. Aaah this musical has my heart.

Summary:

Penelope would not take his suffering. She would meet it, and it would know her own, and they would clutch it in their fists, two ends of a frayed rope that they could untwine and wind together again, stronger than before.

[leynaeithnea]

“Just break it.” – he uttered coarsely in the momentary silence. – “I can’t stand. I wouldn’t be able even if you gave me more time. And even if I could, and I was lying about it, you don’t need an excuse.”

He was forced to stop and take a sharp breath against the vertigo and the headache. He pushed himself to lift his eye, despite the headache, to meet Ektor’s. He took another strained breath and spoke. “You won and I lost.” – he gestured vaguely about himself. – “This is your prize. I’m yours to break. Just… stop playing around and get it over with.”

Fanart of @holy-mother-of-whumpers 's "Odysseus in Chains"

[misspines]

Calypso giving her all in her musical number

Odysseus at his most emotionally stable since leaving Troy

[toxic-potions-productions]

I'm a big adult. I'm a brave baby. I can do this

*That one part of "The underworld" where Ody's mom comes to him*

UGLY TEARS

[gothamite-rambler]

Penelope: What kind of things did you do?

Odysseus proceeds to lay out all he did without lying and asks an important: Would you love me again, I'm not the man you knew?

Penelope: Did you... Did you sleep with specific women? I'm kind of cool if you did, just be honest.

Odysseus: I got trapped on an island with this crazy woman and she wouldn't let me leave. My moves weren't my own, she was a goddess and basically female Zeus! I was scared everyday and almost killed myself numerous times because she wouldn't let me leave. I just wanted to get back to you.

Penelope (thinking): Oh my Gods he's being completely honest with me. I actually have the best man for this time period.

Odysseus: Oh and it's going to be some time and talks with... Gods before we can go back into the waters. I stabbed Poseidon a lot of times because the mother fucker wouldn't let me go home.

Penelope: You stabbed a God... to get back to me?

Odysseus: Yes, but I understand if my dark path isn't what you want to ever see again.

After bed moving scene...

Penelope: Twenty years ain't nothing, we still young. Want to go out on a first date?

Odysseus (tears flowing): Yes... I would like that very much.

Meanwhile in Olympus...

Aphrodite (sobbing): I'm not crying, you are!

Ares (eating popcorn): I kind of am, not going to lie. Athena promised a blood bath, but not feels.

Athena (petting her owl): Yeah... he's a good friend. I'm talking to father about making his family Gods in a few days.

Ares: I can't wait to see Poseidon cry at that.

[haley-harrison]

Epic the musical memes - Part 4

[platinumink]

Post Ithaca Saga/Reunion: Odys TLC adventure

Penelope barely got him to change out of his bloody rags and take a quick rinse before he crashed hard with exhaustion…

I mean… You are telling me after about 20 years at war/trying to get home while every bad thing that can happen, happens due to Murphys law, witnessing countless deaths, losing onesself, having to put up with Calypsos desire, hopelessness, finding out that 108 men decided to unalive his son and to sa his beloved wife, unaliving said suitors in response, reuniting with his son, his wife and his friend Athena, Odysseus is just fine and okay to get on with his life? Nah.

Also please be nice about my art, I have never really used digital art software with layers before and for a first true attempt, I think it turned out pretty neat. :D

As always: You can gladly use my art but please credit me as the artist. :D

[perpetualdaydreamerr]

Upon the Eternal Shore: An EPIC the Musical Fanfiction (Chapter 1)

Snippets of the 7 years Odysseus spent with Calypso.

---

CONTENT WARNING: heavily implied r*pe, non-con, victim-blaming, emotional abuse, PTSD, descriptions of violence. Please consider before reading.

---

Day 21

-

He swore he could feel her gaze even when she was feigning being asleep.

He wasn't sure why she did it. Whether it was some attempt to appear more mortal, or if it was just a guise to allow her to observe him alone. Regardless, he couldn't let his muscles relax, even when the eyes of the goddess were closed.

He stepped away from the bed. Shame burned like a torch in his chest. All that he had done haunted him, lingered on his body and mind like a virus he couldn't cleanse himself of. If he allowed himself to think too much about it, it would bring panic induced nausea that would take hours to dissolve. He'd found the best method for dealing with it was distracting himself. Propelling himself into the word of fantasy and memory, becoming intoxicated by the thoughts of what once was and what might be.

It had been 13 years since he'd left Ithaca. 13 years since he'd last touched the white sand shores that wrapped around his homeland like a silk garment. If he closed his eyes, he could still feel the coast underneath his feet. His home was only a memory away. He tried to conjure up every detail he could possibly remember- the fig trees, the powdery smell of irises when one passed through the gardens of the palace, the pillowy bread sold in the streets of town-

It had only been 11 years since he left home. Somehow, time had warped before his very eyes. Though Calypso had made every day feel like an eternity, it had only really been a few of weeks.

An eternity.

Every day was the same. He was permitted to explore the impossibly lush island. It was covered in various fauna and flora, with a bizarre distinction. Nothing was in the least bit dangerous. The roses were stripped of their thorns, the stems left soft. None of the animals that lived ever muttered a growl or displayed their fangs. Even the wolves he encountered were either friendly or demure. It was all impossibly delicate.

She would follow him, of course. She never did leave. Sometimes, she'd linger further behind him, and he would try to convince himself he was alone. It never quite worked. He knew the lingering eyes of the goddess never left him.

He would hunt in the evenings. The animals were no challenge, and in some ways it felt cruel to slay creatures that didn't even try to run. He'd skin them and cook them over a homemade fire. That was usually when Calypso would begin to try and converse with him more extensively- when she could no longer repress her desire for conversation. Sometimes he entertained her, though that was rare. He'd merely tolerate the company and eat.

As the day drew closer to nightfall, the revulsion would begin to set in. His hands would begin to tremble as the clock ticked on. The anticipation was the worst part of it all. The sun would set, and she would lead him back to the white marble prison. His legs would move against his will, as if he were little more than a doll being manipulated around by a child. Together they'd go- Calypso whispering songs of praise and adoration as they drew closer, closer. Once inside, the door to the bedroom would melt away, as if never there in the first place. Her spell eliminated even the faintest hope of escape. Only a singular window sat on the opposite wall. He'd tried to break it with every conceivable item. His fists. His head. Nothing had ever dented it.

Today, and yesterday, and tomorrow were all the same.

Tonight he wouldn't try and break the window. He merely rose, and standing before it, tried to imagine Ithaca on the other side of the sea. Today, Penelope and Telemachus were taking a stroll along the beach. His raven-haired wife was discussing the politics of the local islands, trying to impart on their son the knowledge of statecraft that would ensure a prosperous future for their kingdom. Telemachus was keen to listen, already striving to be the best possible king.

Every time Odysseus envisioned his son, details changed. In some versions, he had the same ink-colored hair as Penelope, but Odysseus’ height and stature. In others, his face resembled his father’s, but he had the lean form of Penelope.

Penelope. She looked all the same. Older. Some silver strands dotted her head. She wore her hair a bit differently- high on her head, like his mother used to. But all the same, she still looked like his bride. He closed his eyes, allowing himself to envision her. He recalled her laugh. The way her hands moved on the loom, graceful as a dove.

Calypso's hands were graceful, too. Horribly so.

He felt his throat dry. Newer memories took the place of the old, and his eyes began to burn. He couldn't stop it. They consumed him like an avalanche, wicked, and vicious, and-

“I hate you. I hate you,” he whispered, feeling his lip twitch. He turned back towards her, his eyes grazing over her face, trying to identify signs of motion. She was just pretending to sleep. She was listening to him. He knew it. “I hate you, Calypso.”

She didn't move. In all of her stubbornness, she didn't budge.

He let out an aggravated breath, turning back towards the window. Hatred had been enough for the sirens, but he was becoming increasingly convinced it wouldn’t work here. That would be too easy. The gods could never make anything easy.

His eyes fixated on the waves. A hint of motion in them caught his gaze. He squinted, trying to make out what it was, before the air left his lungs.

It was a soldier, drowning. His blonde hair looked white in the bright moonlight. It was Leandros, a young soldier under his command. His face was contorted with panic as he fought desperately against the crashing tides.

“Captain, help me!” he cried, his arms rupturing through the water as he tried to overcome it.

Odysseus bashed his fist against the window, trying to break through it. He would rush to the coast and dive in- he'd save the young soldier. “Leandros!” he bellowed hoarsely, trying again to rupture the glass. “Wait, Leandros!”

A wave larger than the rest appeared from the depths of the horizon. It rushed forward, as merciless as a hydra, dark as night-

“Leandros!”

The wave toppled over, devouring the screaming soldier in a vicious gulp. As quickly as he'd appeared, he was gone, swallowed by the sea.

Odysseus screamed. A dry, helpless scream that rang in his ears. There wasn't anything he could do. They were all dead, all ravaged by the sea, or Zeus, or the club of the Cyclops-

“...My love?” came the slithering voice of a serpent. It cut through his thoughts, made him freeze.

Odysseus trembled. He forced his gaze away from the window. He looked back at her.

Calypso. Eyes open, staring at him.

“What's happened, dear? You're pale as snow,” she murmured. Her dark eyes traced him as she slinked out of bed.

“He's… dead,” Odysseus whispered, his voice trembling as he did. He gripped his hair with both fists. “They're all dead.”

“...But you and I are alive, darling. That's all that truly matters,” she ushered, her strides long and intentional. She put a hand to his shoulder, a poisonous look of concern on his face. “You don't have to allow the past to imprison you, my love.”

He looked back at her. He was now terribly dizzy. He needed to eat. He needed to sleep.

“You're safe here,” she continued, caressing his upper arm. “Perfectly safe.”

“I… I don't feel well,” he whispered in response. He searched the goddess's eyes for an answer. Some relief. “...Help me?”

She considered him for a second, eyes inquisitive. She stepped closer to him, allowing her side to graze his’. “Allow me to comfort you,” came her voice, gentle and persuasive as a siren. Her hand grasped onto his perizoma, colder than the most ruthless of waves.

Dread coursed through his body like a venom. He opened his mouth to respond to her, before he felt his tongue grow heavy as lead. He couldn't speak, couldn't object, and he couldn't determine if it was because of his own fear or yet another spell. Either way, he was entirely helpless to stop her.

---

Link to other chapters

[norasgalaxy]

What’s this? A normal one shot and not a series? More likely than you think.