#ticklish!eurylochus

[amazingmsme]

Appetite for Trouble

AN: day 12 is finally here!!! My favorite fic I’ve written so far, which is blatantly obvious by the fact it clocks in over 9k. The mischief prompt was literally perfect for my boy Asterios, I couldn’t pass it up! This is one hefty boi, so grab some snacks & settle on in!

Now with a sequel here!

Being a demigod, things had always been...different for Asterios. Growing up, trouble nipped at his heels wherever he went. People treated him harshly or with a short temper, while his own emotions remained unchecked. A peaceful dinner would soon become a screaming match once he sat at the table.

As he got older, Asterios learned of his heritage and the unwanted powers that came with it. He had always felt stronger when people fought in his presence, and despite how great it felt, he utterly despised it. It did nothing but tie him to his birth mother, and offer a legitimate reason for others to keep their distance. As he grew from a boy to a man, he managed to bend his powers to his benefit. A playful argument, some mischievous roughhousing, nothing too serious, but with just enough discourse to provide a decent energy surge. It wasn't easy, but he managed shift the crew's frustrated tension into a more lighthearted chaos on more than one occasion.

It all started one long, boring afternoon.

Most of them were gathered on the deck, lounging about while others idly performed their tasks. Polites was rambling about something that Asterios couldn't hear from across the deck.

Instead, he planted the seed of mischief inside Elpenor's mind: it would be really fun to tickle Polites right now. He won't even see it coming.

Asterios noticed when the idea took root in his mind. The way he sat up straight, eyes darting to look Polites up and down, as if sizing him up.

Polites felt the gaze boring into him from behind and turned around, cocking his head. "Hey, what's with the look?" he asked innocently.

"Nothin' I'm just bored. So anyway, on a scale of one to ten, how ticklish do you think you are?" Elpenor asked out of the blue. Polites froze, sputtering out an answer.

"Wha- I- uh- I can't say,"Polites said scooting away from his friend, a blush already spreading across his cheeks.

"Guess we should find out then."

"No, we shouldn't!"

"Why, you afraid you're gonna be a ten?"

"Yes- I MEAN NO! Elpenor, wait!"

But there was no time for waiting. He dug his fingers into his sides, causing Polites to flinch away with a giggly squeal. He fell off the barrel he'd been sitting on, and Elpenor pounced.

"Yep, I think you're just a lil nervous to find out how ticklish you really are, but that's okay! You're in good hands!"

"I'm ihihin fucking evil hands, lehehet mehe goooo!"

Elpenor faked a gasp at the obscenity. "Language! Where did you learn to talk like that?"

"From me," Odysseus said, walking up from behind. Everyone froze; a flock of startled sheep. The captain had a relaxed stride and a smirk on his face, so the tension eased slightly.

Asterios saw a golden opportunity and took it.

I should join him. It's been ages since I've made Polites scream for mercy.

Odysseus reeled back at the thought, blinking in surprise as he tried to casually look around. Was it just him, or did the voice sound like...

Asterios stood his ground when the Captain looked his way, squinting. Everyone around him was tuned in, looking away would be more suspicious, would it not? By the Gods, he hoped he was playing his cards right.

Odysseus looked away with a smirk. "So, you want a hand?"

"Odysseus, come on!" Polites whined at the betrayal.

"I'd love one!" Elpenor chirped happily, wrestling their victim's arms above his head as Odysseus sat across his waist.

~~~

Asterios waited a few days before he struck again.

Another bout of boredom stretched across the ship, ensnaring the entirety of the crew in its jaws. That just couldn't stand.

Asterios spotted Leander and Plutarch engaged in a sparring match, grappling each other in the middle of the deck. There was a rope loosely marking the boundaries of their wrestling ring.

Leander circled him like a shark, sporting a sly grin. Plutarch smiled back briefly before falling into a deep concentration.

Suddenly, he lunged forth, slamming into the larger man with all his weight. Leander slid back a few feet as he fought to regain control. He had height on him, but Plutarch had made it clear that they were pretty evenly matched in strength.

He dodged to the side, panting for breath before he was wrestled to the ground, pinned with his face against the wood, one arm behind him.

"Do you yield?" he asked playfully, stretching his arm back. Leander grimaced, but shook his head.

"Never!"

They made this almost too easy.

I bet if I tickle him, he'll change his mind.

Plutarch almost gasped at the intrusive thought, a pale blush dusting his cheeks. Until now, he'd made it a point to avoid their mischievous antics, but it would seem they've started to rub off on him. His hand hovered above the back of his ribs, hesitant.

C'mon, he can't even fight back. What's the worst that'll happen? So against his better judgment, Plutarch poked a curious finger between his ribs.

Leander jumped so hard, he nearly knocked him off his perch. Plutarch arched a brow and repeated the motion. He was rewarded with a rumbly chuckle and flinch to the side.

He tried to stand up, but Plutarch panicked and shoved his hands under his arms, scribbling haphazardly, but hey, that seemed to be working just fine. Leander flopped onto the deck, hiding his face in the crook of his arm while deep belly laughs escaped him.

Asterios couldn't help but smirk as he watched the pair tussle on the ground. Good, they need this. A little bit of mischief never killed anyone.

He winced as a shrill squeal filled the air, looking over to see that Plutarch had managed to pin his arms above his head, raking blunt nails over his exposed hollows. Asterios let a sly chuckle slip out, shaking his head fondly as he stood and vanished into the crowd. As far as he was concerned, his work here was done.

~~~

Asterios knew he had to wait to strike again, less anyone catch on. It was a close call the first time with Odysseus, but he supposed he didn't know. If he did, he was sure he'd have been keelhauled. It was just a coincidence. One that had him paranoid, and he mentally marked Odysseus off the list as a future pawn in this little game of his.

Over a week had passed by, the crew growing restless once more, and he was not immune to the monotony of sea life.

He was walking down the hall when he paused, noticing Perimedes walk into one of the side rooms for a physical checkup. Oh this was too good to resist.

As soon as the door shut, he turned down the hall and stood outside the door, listening. He crouched down, watching through the keyhole for any sort of cue to work off of. Sage, one of their resident medics, had Perimedes laid on his back on a wooden exam table. Sage felt around his neck and shoulders, and even from his limited vantage point, he could see the way Perimedes tensed at the touch.

Is he ticklish? Asterios planted the idea in his mind like a sprouting seed. Sage blinked in surprise and looked his patient up and down. He shook his head, continuing the physical. He moved his hands down to his stomach and gently kneaded towards the center of his belly outwards, right above the hip bones.

Perimedes grunted and twitched away, shooting a glare at the medic. "Watch it."

"Sorry, didn't know you were tickli-"

"I'm not," he cut him off defensively. Sage paused and tilted his head curiously. 

He's too cocky for his own good.

"I'm sorry, of course not. How silly of me," he apologized curtly before resuming the probing touch, this time intentionally trying to tickle.

"Hehey w-whahat do you thihink you're doing?"

"I'm just proceeding with the exam. I thought you said you weren't ticklish?"

Asterios stood up with a proud smirk, dusting off his hands.

"I'm not!"

"Then why're you laughing so much? You coming down with a case of the giggles?"

"Thehehe what?"

"Oh dear, I'm afraid you are. And there's only one treatment."

"No- no Sage, gehet awahay from me!"

Asterios turned back down the main hall, heading towards the upper deck as the sound of panicked laughter grew louder even as he walked away.

~~~

It was… nice seeing the others smile and laugh, knowing he had a hand in it. It’s not that he didn’t want to personally put his friends in their place, he just… didn’t know how. His tough, grim persona did well at hiding the fact that he was nothing more than some shy, awkward, guy. But it also helped him go unnoticed.

He leaned against the wall, watching Elpenor and Aridolis from afar. He wasn’t sure what they were talking about, so he tried to go about his plan in a subtle way.

Whatever Aridolis had said apparently sent him on a tangent. Asterios smirked at his chance.

I bet I know what’ll make him shut up.

Elpenor didn’t notice the smirk that spread across Ari’s face until it was too late.

“Nohoho wahahait! W-what dihid I ever dohoho to you?”

~~~

Asterios didn't notice at first, but he always felt great after these random bouts of mischief. He was bolder, stronger, lighter on his feet. He began doing hard, intense labor that was usually reserved for people like Eurylochus or Leander. He even beat both of them in an arm wrestling match, back to back.

Needless to say, the outwardly cocky demeanor from the usually quiet and stoic man was a noticeable enough change for his crew mates to comment on.

"So glad to see you finally come out of your shell! I knew you just needed some time," Polites chirped, winking at him as he walked up beside him and bumped their shoulders together. Asterios ducked his head and smiled, something dangerous lurking beneath it.

"You know what? I think I really am," he purred, almost on the verge of a growl. Polites eyed him warily, scooting away ever so slight. Because even the friendliest amongst them knew exactly what he was.

"Well, I'm glad to hear it! We're all brothers now, it's about damn time we started acting like it," he said, a hint of amusement lacing his voice. Asterios crossed his arms, leaning back against the railing as he looked at Polites with a softer grin.

"Seems like some of them already are."

Polites chuckled and shook his head. "They're all a piece of work, I tell you. But... it's nice to hear laughter on the ship again. Good to know they can still have fun."

Asterios felt his smile falter at the indirect compliment, a faint blush creeping across his cheeks.

"So how 'bout you?"

Asterios practically jumped out of his skin. "Huh?"

"I don't think I've ever heard you laugh, all this time."

He rolled his eyes exaggeratedly, "Oh come on, that's not true! I laugh, I just don't laugh often," he clarified. "I'm not a giggly little bitch like some people," he added, looking him up and down. Polites scoffed loudly, jaw hitting the floor.

"Wha- are you talking about me?"

"And a few others," he couldn't hold back a sly chuckle. "There. See? I can laugh."

"Yeah, at my expense," Polites accused playfully. Asterios merely shrugged smugly.

"Yeah, and?"

Polites stared at him long and hard, fingers twitching by his sides before he shook his head.

"No, not today. I'll get you when you least expect it," Polites ultimately decided and started walking away.

The smirk fell from his lips, shoulders dropping as the color drained from his face.

"Wait- what do you mean? Polites, what do you mean?" he called out after him. He turned around to face Asterios, walking backwards and wiggling his fingers. Since when did Polites of all people get scary? Then he thought for a moment about who he grew up with and smacked himself in the head. Of course.

Speak of the devil, Polites bumped into him, and he smiled, slinging an arm around his shoulder. Asterios felt a chill run up his spine. He could see Polites say something that made Odysseus chuckle and glance his way.

He was fucked. Scratch that, he was beyond fucked. Asterios turned bright red and abruptly made his way below deck, shoulder checking Leander on his way.

~~~

Needless to say, he was nervous, but the more time passed, the more he relaxed.�� Polites was easy going, he let him off with a warning this time; and he knew that his little guard dog Ody wouldn't attack without orders. He heaved a sigh of relief: he was safe.

For now.

He laid low for well over a month, but of course the mischief didn't stop. Arguments needed settling, pranks were pulled and required revenge, people were plain old bored.

Julien was lounging on the stairs to the upper deck, legs stretched out before him. His head was tilted back and eyes closed, seemingly enjoying the warm sunshine. Elpenor and Perimedes sat on either side of him, staggered on the lower steps.

He was one of the few other demigods aboard the ship, so Asterios would say they got along just fine. It was nice to know he wasn't the only one with divinity in their blood, making itself known through different ways. They both had wings; Asterios with his neatly tucked behind his ears, and Julian with a pair at his ankles. The crew was more than curious about the extra appendages, which was why Asterios almost always kept his hidden. Unfortunately for Julien, they remained in plain view. And right now, were well within reach.

"So can you fly with them?" Elpenor asked, eyeing them as his hand inched closer on the step. Perimedes smirked, carefully watching his movements and mirroring them.

"Not really, but I can hover and glide when I really need to," he answered.

"Oh, so they're just for show?"

Julien let out a slightly annoyed huff. "Sure, I guess."

"So why are they red like that?" Perimedes asked, causing him to tense up immediately upon hearing the question.

"I'd rather not talk about it."

Elpenor shot his friend a look, stomping on his foot to signal that was the wrong thing to say. Perimedes hissed in pain and shot him a look back.

"Well I think it looks great on you," Elpenor chirped, running his fingers through the downy feathers. Julien gasped and shot upright, tucking his knees to his chest while his wings pressed themselves flush against his skin for protection.

"Oh? What's this?"

Asterios never stuck around for long, regardless if he was the cause or not. As soon as laughter filled the air, he was looking for a way out. Don't get him wrong, he loved feeding off the unhinged chaos, but something about it all brought on a hot burning embarrassment and something else he couldn't quite describe.

Fear? Hell no, no way in all of Tartarus was he afraid of fucking child's play such as tickling. Maybe it was more of a fear of rejection? That he wasn't good enough to join their games, so he excludes himself before anyone else could.

Sound logic, but not quite.

Or perhaps it was uncertainty. He had no idea if he was ticklish or not, and he wasn't too keen on finding out. Yes, the others looked like they were having fun, but he had to remind himself that it's all forced and most saw it as a form of punishment and torture. So he wasn't about to let anyone turn him into a giggly little bitch, per his own words. 

He was frozen where he sat, his heart racing as he watched the pair team up against the other demigod. His wings began to tingle and he bit back a whine, shaking his head and pressing them deeper into the mass of curls. He could only imagine how awful that felt, and he did feel somewhat sorry for him. Not sorry enough to go help, mind you, but sorry nonetheless.

Julien kicked his legs out, barking out a laugh when Elpenor scribbled the base of the wing as he tried to climb backwards up the stairs. Asterios felt a shiver run down his spine and a blush spread across his cheeks. Perimedes grabbed his other leg in a headlock and he stood up abruptly, stretching to try and come off as casual before heading to the opposite side of the deck.

"Asterios! Come to help?" Elpenor called out enticingly, countered by the frantic screech of protest from Julien, "No don't!"

Asterios stood still when called, sparing a glance at the trio and wishing he hadn't, embarrassment swirling in his gut. He had to resist the urge to hide behind his wings, knowing he'd never live it down. He played it as cool as he possibly could, snorting in amusement.

"You fuckin' wish." He quickly went on his way, eager to get away from the scene.

"Wait! Hehehelp mehehe!"

Asterios knew better than to look back. If he saw the desperate face that matched the voice, he'd cave and go back to save him. The martyr, who would be thrown to the wolves in his place. No fucking thank you.

"Sorry, but someone's gotta get the work done around here. You have fun though! Maybe try fighting back or something," he called, without so much as a second glance.

Odysseus watched the exchange from where he stood at the wheel, humming thoughtfully. He made note of it for later, the pieces finally falling into place.

~~~

If only he'd known Odysseus was onto him. If only he knew, he would've never gone after him. He should've known better after that first time, when Odysseus shut him down with a piercing glare that bore into his soul. The captain was smart, much smarter than Asterios ever was, and more calculating.

It was a mistake to assume he'd be just as clueless as the rest of them.

It might've also been a mistake to use Eurylochus as a pawn, but he was curious! He just wanted to see if the first mate had a playful bone in his body, to see that stoic demeanor crack when Odysseus inevitably turned the tables.

He was standing underneath the main sail, struggling to reach a dangling rope. Eurylochus watched on with a poorly concealed smirk.

"Need a hand, Captain?"

"No thanks, I'm good," he dismissed the offer, still straining to grab the frayed ends. Eurylochus let out a low chuckle, shaking his head fondly.

"Whatever you say."

Asterios saw the way he smirked, watching the captain from the corner of his eye. It was too tempting not to pass up.

It would be so easy to tickle him right now, he left himself wide open.

He watched the way Eurylochus stiffened, seemingly studying Odysseus and weighing his options.

What the hell, he could use a good laugh.

Making sure he was still distracted, Eurylochus reached up and scribbled against his stretched ribs. He slammed his arms down with a borderline shriek, whipping around to glare at Eurylochus. There was a fire in his eyes and a danger to his smile. Eurylochus balked, unsure why he thought that was a good idea. He knew he wouldn't get away with a stunt like that, and he'd never do that in front of the crew because Odysseus would fucking kill him.

"Did you really just do that?" he asked, a smirk already playing at his lips.

"I'm sorry Sir, I-I don't know what came over me-"

"I do," Odysseus bragged.

Eurylochus arched a brow, standing a little straighter in confusion. "What?"

Suddenly, Odysseus grabbed him by the forearm and tugged him close enough to whisper in his ear, "I'll tell you later. Right now, just play along and laugh. Easy enough?"

"E-excuse me?"

"Sorry, but I have to make an example out of you." In one swift motion, he yanked his arm above his head, spinning them around to pin him against the mast. He adjusted his grip to the other hand before drilling his thumbs in the center of his hollows. Eurylochus threw his head back, lost to bouts of deep, rumbling laughter.

So obviously, he was more than reluctant when the captain called him into his quarters.

Eurylochus knocked on the door hesitantly before testing the knob. It was unlocked, and he stepped inside.

"Captain?"

"Oh good, you're here. Sit down," he gestured to an empty chair as he finished writing something at his desk.

Eurylochus did as he was told. "So, what did you want to speak about? I hope this wasn't a trap," he teased lightly. Odysseus chuckled, shaking his head.

"I can see why you'd think that. But no, unlike some people on this ship, I'm man enough to face a challenge head on."

Eurylochus reeled back, blinking in shock. "Sir?"

"The men have been more rowdy than usual, wouldn't you agree?" Odysseus continued as though he hadn't spoken. Eurylochus inhaled sharply through his nose and exhaled a deep, heavy sigh.

"That's one word for it," he mused.

"And why do you think that is?" Odysseus asked as he crossed his arms over his chest, not quite sitting on his desk, but leaning heavily.

"We've been away from home for years, and we haven't docked in months. Men grow bored," he reasoned. The captain shook his head.

"Men, or man?"

Eurylochus closed his eyes, letting out a tired, "What?"

"I think someone's been pulling a few strings..." This seemed to grab his first mate's attention.

"What?" he repeated, more serious and less exasperated this time. "What are you getting at?" he asked cautiously.

"Just think about it. We have demigods amongst our ranks; we don't even know everything they're capable of."

"You don't think maybe they're just having fun? We're in a war, Odysseus, let them laugh while they can."

"And were you "just having fun" when you pulled your little stunt?" he questioned smugly, cocking his head expectantly as Eurylochus snapped his mouth shut. "Or did an enticing little voice in your head make the suggestion?"

He gasped, staring at Odysseus in shock. "How did you-"

"I'm an observant guy," he said, cutting him off.

"So... who do you think is responsible?"

"Asterios, there's no doubt in my mind."

"The quiet one?" Eurylochus arched a brow. "Why?"

"He's the son of Eris."

"And that makes him guilty?"

Odysseus huffed and rolled his eyes. "No, everything else does. That just explains how he's able to do it."

Eurylochus leaned back in the chair, "Everything else?"

"You ever notice how he never sticks around to watch? But he's got this sly, smug look the whole time. And after a particularly hectic day, he gets stronger. Remember when he beat you at arm wrestling?"

"Don't remind me."

"I think he gets stronger afterwards. It would explain why he's suddenly so helpful around the ship."

"You've given this a lot of thought, haven't you?"

"I know I'm right about this."

"You better be, because you'll make an ass out of yourself if you're wrong."

"When have I ever been wrong?" Eurylochus opened his mouth to speak, but Odysseus cut him off, "Don't answer that."

The first mate mulled it over in his mind. ""Why are you so sure that anyone is behind this?"

"Because I know you well enough to know you'd never try and get me in front of the whole crew. You're smarter than that."

"Thank you?"

"But it felt irresistible, didn't it? The need to cause chaos? I felt it too, when I got Polites a while back."

"Which time?" he teased. Odysseus narrowed his eyes.

"With Elpenor."

"Yeah, which time?" he repeated tauntingly. Odysseys laughed and shoved his shoulder playfully.

"Oh shut up! Maybe it's not always his fault, but it's more often than you'd think."

Eurylochus sighed. "So? What are you gonna do about it?" A sinister grin slowly spread across the captain's face.

"Alright, so here's what I'm thinking..."

~~~

It was a day like any other, and Asterios had no reason to feel on edge. He sat with Leander and Plutarch, idly carving hunks of wood and brushing the shavings underneath the railing when the pile grew too high.

He was trying to carve a figurine of Cetus. Growing up, he had always been enamored with the sea monster constellation, and when his true parentage came to light, it made sense. Eris explained to him that the creatures in the sky were her pets, and Cetus had always been one of her favorites. She even said that when she would check in on him, Cetus would be watching from over her shoulder.

A fairytale to tell her child. If she wanted to fill his head with stories, she should've done so a long time ago. Yet, he found comfort in the presumed lie, and he didn't know what else to carve. Maybe if they really did watch him, this would make them happy.

Was he fucking carving this to impress his mother? He shook the thought out of his head.

He didn't pay much attention when the captain walked up from below deck. That is, until he called his name.

"Asterios, a word?"

He didn't sound... angry, but there was a dangerous edge hiding beneath his words. Asterios held his breath, not daring to move an inch.

"Yes?"

"Relax, I just want to talk."

That was never a good sign, and Leander and Plutarch were already exchanging curious glances. Fuck.

"Come, walk with me," Odysseus invited with a deceptively warm smile. Asterios didn't answer for a long moment before he caved.

"Yes Sir. No one touch my fucking carving," he threatened as he stood, brushing himself off. He followed the captain, trying to ignore the looks he received. He still saw the way Elpenor mouthed the words "you're in trouble," and he looked away, feeling heat rise to his cheeks.

Gods, did he have to take him all the way to the front of the ship? Yes they were "alone," but everyone could see him inevitably get chewed out and overhear every word.

"May I ask what this is about? Have I done anything wrong, Sir?"

"Oh I think you know exactly what this is about."

Shit. Asterios began to panic, but outwardly played dump.

"What are you talking about?"

"I don't know, you tell me."

This felt like a game, and he didn't like his odds of winning.

"Tell you what?" he asked hesitantly.

"I'm mostly just curious in how you did it. I can get the why, I just can't understand the how."

Asterios furrowed his brows, tilting his head in confusion. "Captain? Are you feeling okay?" He asked, playing up his concern for his wellbeing. Odysseus glared at him as he spoke.

"I'm fine-"

"Okay, because for a minute there, you were talking like you drank sea water or something- ow!" Asterios rubbed the back of his head where Odysseus smacked him.

"Now, you ready to listen?" he asked, waiting for him to nod. "Good. Because I'm not mad, I just want you to own up to it, okay?"

Asterios's heart pounded in his chest, but he remained still. "There's nothing to own up to," he lied. Odysseus sighed, shaking his head.

"You sure you don't just wanna do things the easy way? I'm serious about not being mad, I honestly thought it was kinda funny."

Asterios whipped his head over to look at him.

"Thought what was funny?" Asterios held firm to the act. He already came this far, backing down now would be a death sentence.

"Okay, don't say I didn't warn you." Odysseus cupped his hands around his mouth, taking a deep breath to shout across the deck.

"Wait!" Asterios cried, unsure of what he was about to say and took his last chance to explain. Odysseus lowered his arms with a proud grin. "Just- let me explain."

"Oh, please do."

Asterios looked around for any chance at escape, but both Eurylochus and Polites stood nearby on either side of the railing, clearly ready to grab him if he tried to run. Polites noticed him staring and he flashed a bright smile, waving at him with wiggling fingers. Asterios glared at him, cheeks dusted pink and jaw clenched tightly.

He flinched when Odysseus snapped his fingers in front of his face to get his attention. "Hey, your captain's speaking to you."

"Yes Sir?"

"I said I'm waiting."

Oh, what an asshole.

Asterios glared at him as he spoke, "Well, as you know, I'm a son of Eris-"

"Mhm," Odysseus hummed and nodded along, leaning against the railing casually. Asterios fought back a sneer.

"Since I was a child, I noticed people tend to fight in my presence. I've learned to control it somewhat, so that the crew wouldn't be at each other's throats," he explained, not quite looking Odysseus in the eye.

"Oh, so you're doing this for our benefit." Something about his tone set Asterios off, and he took a step back.

Odysseus was having fun toying with him. The look on his face alone was priceless; eyes wide and mouth hung open in shock, and he could see the feathers of his wings bristling beneath his hair.

"Yes?"

Odysseus grinned so wide, it nearly split his face in two. "In that case, let's go tell the crew what you so kindly did for them."

"What- no! You can't! Just fuckin' wait!"

Asterios physically felt the color drain from his face, the panic beginning to set in. Fuck, why was he telling everyone? Why couldn't he just chew him out in private, why did it have to be this public hanging of character? He would've preferred if Odysseys just drug him below deck and beat the shit out of him for daring to step out of line. That way, he could at least lick his wounds in private. Was he going to have to fight the captain in front of everyone? His mind was a whirlwind, and he couldn't keep up.

His frantic protests were ignored as the captain called his crew, "Hey everyone, Asterios has something he'd like to say."

"Shut up, no I don't!" Asterios hissed.

"That's no way to speak to the captain," Eurylochus warned, but he didn't have his usual stone cold expression, and his tone was lighthearted, almost teasing. Asterios didn't know if that made it worse or not.

Oh Gods, everyone was looking at him now, and his only chance at escape would be to throw himself overboard. He bit his tongue and stood there, completely still. Incomprehensible whispers murmured through the crowd as he just stood there, balking like a dead fish. If Odysseus wanted to humiliate him, he'd done it. But he knew this was nothing compared to whatever was to come.

"Asterios? You okay?" Leander asked, stepping closer to check on his friend. Odysseus held up a hand to stop him from getting any closer.

"Oh he's fine, just a bit shy. Aren't you bud?" he asked, slinging an arm around his shoulders. Asterios visibly stiffened and flinched away.

"Don't make me do this," he whispered, barely audible. Odysseus chuckled lowly directly in his ear, "Too late to back out now."

"Well can he get on with it? I got shit to do," Perimedes spoke up from the crowd.

"Oh I think you'll wanna hear this. But seeing as our friend is a little tongue tied, I guess I'll help explain."

Asterios felt like he was going to die. He certainly wanted to. Maybe if he wished hard enough, he could just fade from existence. His lips were pressed in a thin line and wide eyes stared at the floorboards on the deck to avoid meeting anyone’s gaze. His cheeks were steadily growing a bright pink, and his breath came slow and deep as he fought to remain calm.

Odysseus must've sensed his growing panic and was quick to try and put him at ease. A moot effort, seeing as he got him so worked up.

He squeezed his shoulder and shook him gently to loosen him up, a hearty chuckle slipping out. "Relax, will you?" he teased, enjoying stretching this out. "You're not in trouble."

"It sure seems like I am, Sir."

"What? Noooo, that wasn't my intention at all!" he feigned innocence, smirking when Asterios rolled his eyes.

"Trouble? What did he do now?" Elpenor snorted in amusement.

"What didn't he do?" he mused aloud, launching into his speech. "I'm sure you've all noticed a lot more pranks, tickle fights, and general mischief. Just this time last week, an actual food fight broke out in the mess hall. And you all have this little puppet master to thank for it," he proudly exclaimed, reaching up to ruffle his hair teasingly.

Asterios could only stand there and watch it happen. His face was burning, and he's positive he's never felt more mortified. He could hear confused voices murmur among the crowd, but his ears were ringing, and he couldn't fucking move, could barely breathe. It was like he wasn't even in control of his body.

He caught a sympathetic look from Leander, silently mouthing the words, "help me," but Leander only gave a subtle shake of the head from where he stood. He caught a glimpse of Perimedes and Elpenor peaking out from behind Polites, and all three of them looked ready to pounce.

"So wasn't there something you wanted to say to everyone?" Odysseus prompted, snapping him out of his daze.

"I'm sorry," he mumbled, eyes darting up to look at the crowd before adverting his gaze.

"No, that's not it!"

Asterios furrowed his brows, "What? I-I thought-"

"You were going to say you're welcome," he corrected ever so helpfully.

Asterios could only stand there as Odysseus shook him by the shoulders once more, trying to get him to just relax, as if he wasn’t actively digging his grave. He remained tense, and the movement was awkward and jerky. He continued to look down at his feet, scared of what he'd see if he looked out at the small crowd gathered on the deck. Harsh glares with hateful sneers, knowing looks accompanied by a teasing smirk; he didn't know which would be worse.

He chanced a glance up and realized that the second option was much worse.

"So why don't you tell him how thankful you all are."

He tried to protest, to question what he meant, but suddenly the arm around his shoulders wrapped around his throat like a vice and slammed him backwards, onto the deck. He fought against him with everything he had.

"Fuckin'- let me go! I said I'm sorry!" he yelled frantically, flailing about to keep his limbs free. His panic grew when he saw Polites skip over and pin down his legs. Okay, maybe he didn't actually skip, but he might as well have, the smug bastard.

"Relax will you? We're just gonna give you a taste of your own medicine. You can handle a little tickling, can't you?"

"Nah, he looks like a screamer," Elpenor teased, walking up with Perimedes. Asterios blushed an ungodly shade of red because Elpenor of all people did not just fucking say that about him.

"Said the screamer!" he lamely shot back, wiggling his arms free from under the captain's knees where he was pinning him before continuing to fight for his freedom.

"Think I'll like you way better when you can't talk. Eurylochus? Mind making yourself useful and get his arms?" Perimedes asked, making a show of cracking his knuckles. He swore as Eurylochus wrestled his arms above his head, glaring daggers at the first mate.

He jumped when he felt someone sit down beside him, sighing in relief when it was only Leander.

"Leander, thank the Gods! You gotta help me, they're gonna kill me!" The smirk he got in return made his heart sink.

"On the contrary, I think a little laughter and fun will do you some good!"

"You asshole, you think this is fun?" he growled. He got a much more enthusiastic agreement than he expected, prompting his blush to spread. He closed his eyes, muttering, "Zeus, just kill me now."

"Oh don't be so dramatic," Odysseus rolled his eyes and poked his belly, earning a harsh twitch and a yelp. "Just tell us where you're ticklish, and this can all be over a lot sooner."

Asterios felt panic course through him, and he bristled. "I don't know!" he rushed out before he could think better of it.

Odysseus studied him with an amused look before the smile dropped, ever so slightly. "Holy shit, you're serious aren't you?"

Asterios stared at him wordlessly, mouth gaping open though no sound escaped.

"Aaaw, now we just have to tickle him!"

"Shut the FUCK up Polites, I swear I'll- mph!" Asterios clamped his mouth shut in the middle of his sentence as Polites began softly tracing his arches.

"I'm sorry, you were saying?" he asked innocently, scratching blunt nails against delicate skin. He squeaked and tried to jerk his feet away,

But they remained trapped. His chest shook as he fought to contain his mirth.

A shy giggle slipped out when Leander began poking between his ribs. He jerked away with each touch, squealing when he suddenly pressed into an awaiting hand in his other side. He looked over to see Plutarch smirking down at him.

"You're both trahahaitors! Hehehey wahait!" he cried out when they each attacked his ribs with a flurry of pokes. A sudden electric sensation at his knees had him kicking the deck and snorting. Whoever the hell had gotten ahold of his knees was a fucking deadman-

"Ha! I knew you'd snort if I did that!" Perimedes bragged, and of course it just had to be him. He swears he's gonna rip out his fucking tongue-

"I'm sorry, you're gonna what?" he growled, resting his hands atop his knees threateningly, making him flinch.

Asterios froze, closing his eyes because he couldn't bring himself to look at any of these assholes. "Please tell me I at least said that out loud?" The rest of the crew watched on in confusion,  glancing between the two.

Perimedes shook his head, sporting a downright sinister grin. "No, I'm afraid you didn't." And then he started squeezing his knees relentlessly, sending him into a fit of snorting cackles and shrieks. He continued to berate him, "So that's how you fuckin' do it? Get inside our heads with our own thoughts? Wonder what else we'll hear when we really get you going."

Asterios screamed when he scratched the backs of his knees, nearly kicking Polites off from where he sat on his ankles.

"Wait, let me ask something," he could hear Elpenor's voice, too close for comfort, and opened his eyes to see him sitting beside Eurylochus with a smile of his own. The horrible feeling at his knees stopped and he caught his breath in between shaky residual giggles.

"So was the wet blanket prank even my idea?" Elpenor asked, leaning in a little closer. A sly, proud smirk tugged at his lips as he remembered that one. Elpenor had gathered everyone's bedding in a barrel filled with sea water and snuck the wet sheets back into everyone's rooms, making their bed with unpleasantly damp covers.

His prolonged silence and sheepish grin told him everything he needed to know.

"I was proud of that one, you bastard!" he growled, digging into his exposed pits without mercy. He barked out a loud, wheezing laugh and felt his face burn hot with embarrassment at the sound. He tugged on his arms, but he was thoroughly trapped. He wanted to die, he sure felt like he was, and he needed to escape- or hide at the very least. It was pure reflex, to snap his wings tight over his face to conceal his blushing cheeks and tearful eyes.

As he expected, there was an uproar of teasing and laughter from his tormentors and their audience.

"Aaaaww, that was so cute!"

"He can't run, but I guess he can hide!"

"What's the matter? Is someone a little embarrassed?"

Oh, so they wanted to just straight up humiliate him to death. Decimate the carefully crafted persona he'd built for himself, and leave what was left of his dignity and sanity in shreds across the deck. He'd never be able to show his face again! He certainly wouldn't be leaving his room anytime soon, and if they thought he was gonna be nice to them after this-

Elpenor grabbed one wing and gently pried it back, chuckling at the downright terrified, flustered look on his face. "Why d'you look so scared? Just relaaaax, we're all having fun," he cooed tauntingly.

Asterios scoffed, "No, you're having fun!" He'd fucking kill him for even insinuating-

"I don't know, you sound pretty happy to me," Leander spoke up with that dopey ass grin he always wore. Okay, so he'd kill both of them.

"Thanks, didn't fuckin' ahahask," he growled, breaking off in breathless snickers as Leander pinched each rib.

"That wasn't very nice," he teased, laughing along with his friend's torment, wiggling a finger between the bone. Asterios snorted and jerked away, right into Plutarch's waiting hands on his other side. And the dance repeated.

Polites noticed Aridolis lingering closer ever so slowly and smiled, waving him over. “Wanna give me a hand?” he offered, focusing all of his efforts on one foot to make room for him.

Ari immediately perked up at the offer, sitting on the ground facing him. All the while, Asterios continued to thrash and yell out threats.

“NO! Ari Ihihi swear toho thehehe Gods, i-if you lahahay aha hand on mehehe I’ll kihihill you ihin your sleep!” he growled through shrill giggles. He heard a few of them chuckling at him, and he wanted to die. If he were being honest, Tartarus would be better than this.

“Mmm, I don’t think so,” Ari hummed as he joined the fray, raking sharp claws up and down his sole. Asterios was once again thrown into hysterics.

Elpenor still hadn't let go of his wing, and it twitched, trying to tuck itself against his head for safety. The movement didn't go unnoticed, and he smirked as he rubbed the soft feathers between his fingers. Asterios let out a shrill shriek, and the wing immediately snapped back, nestling under the hair behind his ear. He couldn't help but giggle at him.

"Aw, are you winking at me?" Elpenor asked and shot him a wink in return. Asterios turned a darker shade of pink and let out an annoyed huff, tucking the other wing away angrily. "Oh come on, you're no fun," he teased, grabbing one wing and prying it open.

Asterios shook his head, giggly pleas falling from his lips. "Dohohon't you dare! Elpenor, please!"  He tried to scrunch his neck and lean away, flap his wings, anything to get away.

"Oh these are a really bad spot, aren't they?" he taunted, wiggling his fingers closer. Asterios flinched away with a nervous giggle.

"They must be, if they got him acting like that," Odysseus added.

"I'm sure they are. Remember how bad Julien screamed? Let's make this asshole scream even louder," Perimedes cracked his knuckles as he spoke, and Asterios slammed his head against the deck in defeat.

"Can you at least have the decency to kill me in silence?" he growled, hiding half his face with his free wing, unable to look at them for another second.

"How can you still be so damn grumpy?" Polites asked, scribbling beneath his toes and earning a deafening shriek. Amputation sounded pretty fuckin' good right about now.

Polites gasped, letting out a laugh of his own. "Oh you are SO dramatic! You should hear him Ody, he's worse than you!"

"Oh I heard it that time," Odysseus taunted with a playful edge to his voice. He leaned in closer to whisper, "What's the matter? Thoughts going haywire? Can't keep a grip on your powers? That's too bad."

Asterios could only squeal and giggle hysterically as Elpenor pinched and rubbed the wing between his fingers. He snorted and arched his back when he scratched at the base, feathers ruffled and twitching with every touch.

"SOHOHOMEONE FUCKING HEHEHELP!" he demanded through a screaming laugh. Julien stepped forward with an amused grin, squatting down to better look Asterios in the eye.

"Sorry, but what makes you think you deserve it? I mean, maybe if you would've helped me back when I needed it..."

The irony was not lost on him. This was some kind of cruel, poetic justice for not helping his fellow demigod from a fate clearly worse than death. He should've saved him, if only to have someone on his side when the time came. But he was so arrogant, so sure that it could never happen to him...

"Shihit, I'm sohohorry, ohokahay? I-I should've hehelped when I hahahad thehe chance!" he pleaded.

"Yeah, you should've. But you have fun though! Maybe try fighting back or something," Julien repeated his words to him, rubbing salt in the wound. But in this case, it felt more like sugar; sickeningly sweet and sticking to his skin in an unbearable manner. The tickling also left him more dazed and jittery than any sugar rush ever could.

Asterios shook his head, begging him not to do this before he grabbed his other wing. He squealed loudly when they both attacked the base of the wings with quick scratches and soft squeezes. He snorted loudly, unable to even shake his head as they held his wings in place.

Surely, anything would be better than this  strange, unusual torture, this public humiliation. This downright defamation of character. Lesson learned. He'll swear off his powers if he makes it out of this alive.

Even in his frantic state, he tried to hold these thoughts close. But Odysseus had quietly been studying him, and the words found purchase in his mind. Did he really think they were doing this just to humiliate him? That they weren't  his brothers, dragging him into a game he himself started? That they would only care about revenge, and not the absolutely adorable sounds he was making, or the lopsided grin on his face? He'd have to make sure to set the record straight. In private though, he knew better than to call him out... again.

Meanwhile Elpenor and Julien sent him into a fit of hysterical giggles with the attention given to his wings. He snorted in between shrill snickers, blushing profusely and shaking his head. He heard Elpenor gasp and felt a poke to his cheek.

"By the Gods, you have dimples? Why didn't you tell us? You look so cuuuuuute!"

"Whahat? Nohoho I don't!" Asterios cried out in confusion between bouts of laughter. It's a good thing he couldn't fucking think, because otherwise he'd be downright spiraling after that comment. But even in his delirious state, he knew it was nothing more than playful teasing. Elpenor doesn't actually think he's cute, he's just trying to get a rise out of him. Don't listen to him.

"Uh, yeah you do."

"Poor thing, didn't even know he had dimples," Odysseus added mockingly, also deciding to poke his cheek.

Polites twisted around and leaned back to look, "Aw, I wanna see!"

"Just shut uhuhup! P-plehehease! Hehehelp mehehe!" he desperately cried out for anyone to take pity on him. He thought maybe he had a change when he locked eyes with Sage, but the medic merely shrugged and offered a sheepish, not very sympathetic, grin.

In all the time they've been away from home, it had been a rare sight to see Asterios so much as smile. It was even more rare to hear a genuine laugh from the demigod, so they were going to take advantage of the sight while they could.

But they were rather mean in their attack, and Asterios quite literally couldn't even remember the last time he'd been tickled, so he finally bid his dignity farewell and threw in the towel.

"Ohohokay- OKAHAY! Please, you wihihin! Ihihi'm sorry! IHI'M SOHOHORRY! OHO FUHUCK YOU, STOHOHOP!" His giggly begging turned to screaming pleas for mercy when Elpenor decided to blow a raspberry at the base of his wing right as he decided to talk. Odysseus held a hand up, signaling them all to stop.

They let him go and he immediately curled into a giggly ball, tucking his arms and legs as close to him as he could. His wings were plastered to his blushing face, a bright smile just barely peaking out from under them. Residual giggles escaped as he slowly caught his breath, interrupted by the occasional hiccup.

"I ha- hic- hate all of you," he panted. Perimedes couldn't help but let out a condescending chuckle when he hiccuped.

"Now I think that was more than fair given the circumstances," Odysseus reasoned. Asterios lifted a wing to glare at him with one eye.

"That assault was a- hic- anything but fair!" Elpenor was unable to hold back his own laughter that time. Asterios silently cursed himself and tried to steady his breathing.

"Neither is using us as your little chaos puppets."

Asterios couldn't help but smirk, a sly chuckle slipping out. "Chaos puppets. I like that." The smile dropped from his face as he continued, "But uh, you guys won't have to worry about that anymore. Think I learned my lesson."

"Yeah, next time you wanna start a tickle fight, man up and do it yourself," Perimedes taunted, prompting Asterios to growl and kick at him, stronger than he really intended. But it's Perimedes, so he didn't feel too bad about it. Especially after that.

Asterios huffed, feeling his cheeks heat up ever so slightly. "I didn't want to start anything, that was the whole point of using you guys," he deadpanned, fighting the lingering smile on his face to glare at him.

"And how did that work out?" Polites asked smugly, propping his chin on Odysseus's shoulder from behind. Asterios blinked in surprise, not expecting him of all people to continue ragging on him. He grinned wider, flashing all his teeth, "Told you I'd get you."

"Yeah, and you look real proud too, smug bastard." His comment made them chuckle, and he found himself unable to stop smiling. But everyone was staring at him, smiling and whispering, and he still felt like he wanted to crawl under a rock and die.

Leander reached out to help him stand, but Asterios shoved him away. "Don't fuckin' touch me, asshole."

"Oh come on, don't be like that," he whined. Asterios sneered at him and stormed off to his room, ignoring the smirks, quiet snickers and teasing remarks tossed his way.

Yeah, he wasn't gonna leave his quarters for a week.

He shut the door, flopping face first onto the thin mattress. That had been horrible, unlike anything he'd ever been forced to endure. The worst part of it all was the embarrassment. At least the feeling stopped once they did, but the shame lingered thick and heavy. The sounds he made... No one would take him seriously ever again.

He tried to sleep, but found it surprisingly difficult. In fact, he felt wide awake, jittery, energized. It felt just like when he would stir up trouble on the ship, only... stronger.

Oh fuck them to Hades and back. He did not just get a power trip from... from that! He still wasn't completely sure how his powers worked, but he refused to believe it. He had to draw a line somewhere.

A sharp knock at the door startled him out of his thoughts.

Just great. Who the hell could that be, and didn't they know how to take a fucking hint?

"Get lost."

"It's me."

Asterios turned on his heels, eyes wide and staring at the door.

That motherfucker-

He marched to the door, swinging it open. He glared down at the captain, arms crossed, "Didn't you get enough?"

"I came to check up on you. You okay?" he asked, at least sounding genuine. Asterios snorted and leaned against the doorframe, subtly blocking him from entering.

"Yeah, no thanks to you assholes."

"You've had it coming for a long time, and you know it," he teased lightly. Asterios arched a brow, clearly unamused. Odysseus looked him up and down with a fond smirk. "So can I come in?"

Asterios barked out a loud, condescending laugh, "No."

"I brought a peace offering," he added, holding up a cup of wine. Asterios glared at him for a moment before accepting the cup, stepping aside to let him in.

Once the door was shut, the captain turned to face him, "Seriously though, I wanted to make sure you're okay. I know some of the guys can get a little carried away."

"Don't act like you're not one of them," Asterios shot back, sitting on the edge of his bed. Odysseus chuckled and shook his head.

"Yeah, I'll admit, I can go a little overboard," he chuckled, and Asterios rolled his eyes. "But you're not like, actually mad at us, are you?"

"What? No," Asterios was quick to answer. "No, it's not that." He was definitely feeling some type of way after that, but he didn't think it was anger. He was used to furry and rage, but this was something else entirely. It didn't feel great, but it wasn't entirely unpleasant either. Not that he'd tell him. It was confusing, treading these unfamiliar waters of, dare he say, friendship.

Odysseus softened, seeming to recognize his struggle. "It can be a little overwhelming, can't it?"

"That's an understatement."

"Heh, yeah. But, you'll get used to it," he said with a wink. Asterios froze.

"No I won't."

"Eh, you will. You're fair game now."

"I am not!" he half growled, half whined.

"What? I'm just being honest. Running away from tickle fights won't work forever."

Asterios stared at him, stuttering for an excuse, "Wha- I- no I don't!"

"Yeah, you just magically disappear when one breaks out, isn't that convenient?"

"If I knew it was just gonna be more of this, I would've just taken the wine and slammed the door in your face."

"So you don't deny it?" he goaded, tongue poking out between his teeth in a cheeky grin.

"It's embarrassing, what the hell do you want from me?" he snapped.

"Hey, I get it. But I'm just saying, you're not as subtle as you think. And, I don't know, maybe Perimedes had a point."

"Excuse me?" Asterios gripped the cup so hard, his knuckles turned white and he was staring at Odysseus like a trapped wolf: angry, scared and cornered.

Odysseus knew he had to tread carefully. He took a deep breath, bracing himself. "Sorry if this seems blunt, but were you just too shy to include yourself? That's why you made us do it, isn't it?" He knew from the look on the demigod's face that he was right.

"I'd shut the fuck up if I were you."

"I'm right though, aren't I?" he asked, cocking his head to the side curiously.

Asterios glared at him as he spoke, chest heaving with every nervous breath he took. He took a step forward, trying to appear threatening. "If you tell anyone-"

"I won't."

Asterios seemed to relax. "Good. Thank you." He adverted his gaze and took a sip of wine to busy himself.

"Don't mention it." He gave his shoulder a pat as he left, not commenting on the way Asterios flinched at the touch. He paused at the doorway, looking over his shoulder. "Oh, and Asterios?"

"Yeah?"

"You're our brother now. We care about you. And sometimes, that looks a lot like bullying."

Asterios broke out in a timid grin. "Yeah, I think I'm figuring that out."

Odysseus gave a nod before letting himself out.

Asterios fell back on the bed, sighing deeply. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad after all...

He'd always been a little bit dramatic.

[amazingmsme]

Chin Up, Brother

AN: My first epic fic & I couldn’t be happier! These boys deserve to goof off & have fun, they’re so damn silly at their core. All Polites wants to do is cheer up their captain & he pays the ultimate price. Odysseus is such a teasy bastard, I can’t get over it

Polites can't stand seeing a sour face, especially when concerning his friends. Some days are better than others, with most of the crew in high spirits, but as time drags on, it gets harder and harder to make his friends smile.

Ever since returning from their successful ambush attack, Odysseus hadn't been himself. There was a vacancy behind his eyes; something tense in his stride. Polites couldn't stand seeing him like this.

Of course, he knew that their captain needed time to process... well, everything. But he was practically a walking zombie, going through the motions of life as his mind lingered elsewhere. If he were being honest, Polites missed the old Odysseus: the one who constantly teased and joked with his men, who checked in when he noticed they were upset. But being a captain, there was an invisible line the others didn't dare cross, which meant that his own needs went ignored.

"I don't know Eurylochus, he just seems so sad," he lamented, staring at their friend from afar. He felt a gentle hand rest on his shoulder.

"We all are. He just... has more on his plate than the rest of us," he tried to reason. Polites looked up at him with wide, soft brown eyes.

"Well then, maybe we should help him eat it!" he declared. Eurylochus scoffed and furrowed his brows in confusion, lips tugging upwards into an amused grin.

"Come again?"

Polites rolled his eyes and giggled, shoving his shoulder playfully. "Shut up, you know what I'm trying to say."

Eurylochus threw an arm around his shoulders, guiding him away from their sullen captain. "Just give him some time Polites. He'll be back to himself in no time," he reassured. Polites looked over his shoulder with a frown, dipping out from under his arm and stood blocking his path. Eurylochus looked shocked, but more than that, he looked impressed.

"But we're his friends! We should at least try to cheer him up!" he insisted. Eurylochus heaved a sigh.

"Polites, you need to remember he's our captain first, and our friend second. Let him have his space."

"I think he's had enough space!" he argued, causing his friend to roll his eyes. "You know he'd do the same for us," he said, his tone softer.

"It's his job-"

"Well then, it's our job as his friends to return the favor!" he said, returning to his chipper self. Eurylochus spared a glance at their captain manning the wheel, Polites following his gaze.

Odysseus had been watching them from where he stood, wondering what they were talking about. He tensed when he noticed them looking his way, tightening his grip on the steering wheel. Polites smiled at him and waved. Odysseus didn't wave back.

Eurylochus sighed, knowing he had a point. "What did you have in mind?"

Polites hummed in thought, tapping his chin as he searched his brain for ideas. A bright smile stretched across his face as he turned to face him. "He's ticklish, right?" he asked, mischief beginning to overshadow his innocence.

Eurylochus immediately shook his head, eyes flying wide open. "No!"

Polites smirked and arched a brow. "Um, I'm pretty sure everyone's ticklish somewhere," he said, as if it were obvious. Eurylochus shook his head once more, grabbing him by the shoulder.

"I mean no, he'll kill you for even trying," he tried to warn, but Polites literally laughed him off.

"You know, you really need to learn to relax. Heh, maybe I should tickle you," he teased, reaching out to poke his side. Eurylochus jerked away with a yelp, grabbing onto his wrist after the fact. "Oh? Did I strike a nerve?" he taunted, poking him with his free hand. He choked back a laugh as he caught his other hand, staring him down with a warning look.

"Polites... don't. I'm trying to save you."

He snorted in amusement, dropping his hands to the side. Eurylochus let him go. "Save me from what? Our big, scary captain?" he joked, snickering at the mere thought. Odysseus wouldn't hurt a hair on his head! What was Eurylochus so worried about? He really needed to learn how to relax.

"Fine. It'll be your funeral."

"Oh lighten up Eurylochus!" he said as he headed towards the stairs, pausing to turn and point at him. "Or you'll be next," he winked before breaking off into giggles and rushing up the steps.

He watched him leave, fondly shaking his head. "Yeah, wouldn't count on it," he mumbled to himself, deciding he might as well get a good seat for the show that was surely about to start.

Polites skipped up the last few steps, walking with a bounce in his step that wasn't necessarily out of character, but it did catch Odysseus's attention.

"Hey Captain! How's she handling?" he asked, walking up from behind and clapping a hand on his shoulder. Odysseus studied him from the corner of his eye, growing skeptical.

"Um, fine.”

"Good, good," he nodded, trying to buy himself some time. "Looks like clear skies ahead," he continued with the idle small talk.

Odysseus sighed and turned to look at him, the deep circles under his eyes prominent. "What do you want, Polites?" he asked. He sounded annoyed and tired. Polites frowned. He hesitated before resting a hand on his shoulder, but even the soft touch seemed to startle him. He'd have to tread carefully.

"I want to know how you're holding up," he said earnestly. Odysseus shied away from his gaze, turning back to the open ocean that lay ahead.

"I'm fine," he said, his clenched jaw making his words sound harsh. His tone made Polites flinch back, holding his hands up in a placating motion. Odysseus regretted it almost instantly.

"Is that all you know how to say? Fine?" he asked, a playful, sheepish grin toying at the corner of his mouth. Odysseus felt himself fighting off a smile of his own at his friend's antics.

"Oh I could say a lot more. I'm just sparing you," he snarked.

"You don't have to. I'm always here if you need to talk," he insisted.

"Okay Polites," he huffed, bending his knees slightly and leaning back on the first word to emphasize his point, and yeah, Polites didn't appreciate the level of sass. Any hesitation he had about what he was about to do, Odysseus squashed it with that remark.

Eurylochus had made his way to the upper deck and sat down, untangling a mass of rope and knots to appear at least somewhat busy. His eyes were glued to the pair, wondering just how this would play out.

"Sounds like someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed," he teased, crossing his arms. He noticed the way Odysseus bit back a smile.

"Careful. Did you forget who you're talking to?" he asked pointedly, arching a brow. Polites was practically beaming.

"Not at all, Captain," he spoke in his usual friendly manner, but with an uncharacteristic amount of sarcasm towards the end. Odysseus scoffed, mouth hanging open at the sheer audacity.

Polites glanced at Eurylochus and shot him a wink before gasping loudly, pointing in front of Odysseus and off to the side. "Wow, a pod of whales!"

Some men on the lower deck must've heard him, because a few rushed over to the rail to catch a glimpse. And just as he predicted, Odysseus turned to look. Now or never.

"Ticka ticka ticka ticka ticka!" he cried, scribbling his fingers over his sides and tweaking his ribs.  Odysseus honest to the Gods shrieked before a few deep belly laughs escaped. He tucked his arms close and doubled over, jerking the wheel to a hard right before letting go, and causing everyone to stumble and slide across the deck.

"Polites!" he scolded as said man was lost to a fit of bright, bubbly laughter. Odysseus scrambled to grab the wheel and right the ship, blushing profusely while simultaneously glaring daggers at his supposed "friend." Meanwhile the men below were yelling their own complaints, talking over each other and grumbling.

Polites wiped away a tear of mirth, patting him on the back before pulling him into a one armed hug. And okay, he couldn't help but shove his hand under his arm and poke his belly with the other. Odysseus snorted and tensed up, deep, rumbly giggles slipping past his clenched teeth before Polites finally relented.

"Ah, it's good to hear you laugh again Captain. No hard feelings," he said, going as far as to ruffle his hair before turning to leave.

"And just where do you think you're going?" The dark, even tone made Polites stop dead in his tracks.

A cold chill ran down his spine and he turned to face him. He caught sight of a smug, not very sympathetic Eurylochus. To make matters worse, he returned his wink from earlier.

"U-um, back to work?" he said weakly. Odysseus shook his head and let out a downright sinister chuckle. Before this moment, he didn't even know a laugh could be scary.

"After that? I don't think so." He took a step forward, and Polites took three steps back.

"I-I was just trying to cheer you up!" he pleaded, eyes wide.

"Really? Wow, I never would've guessed that," he mocked, letting his voice start to take on a teasing edge. "But how about I repay the favor?" he asked, voice dropping lower as he let the smirk he'd been holding back overtake his features.

"No thanks!" he was quick to say, foot already on the first step down.

"No, really. I insist."

Polites opened his mouth, but he was at a loss for words.

"Eurylochus?"

Said man perked up at the sound of his name, and he suddenly felt nervous hearing it thrown out amidst the altercation. "Yes sir?"

"Take the wheel."

He smirked to himself and nodded dutifully as he stood.

"Yes sir."

Polites wasted no time, rushing down the stairs as fast as he could. Unfortunately, mistakes were made and he ended up in a crumbled heap at the bottom. Odysseus peered down from the railing that overlooked the deck. "You okay down there?"

Polites gave a weak thumbs up.

The sound of fast, heavy footsteps above him kicked him into high gear and he scrambled to his feet. Odysseus took the stairs two at a time, vaulting over the rail and jumping on the deck once he was close enough. Polites was weaving through the thin crowd, desperately trying to make it to the crows nest. Maybe if he climbed up there, he could just stay there until Odysseus forgot all about it.

And then his face hit the deck for a second time.

He immediately began pleading his case as Odysseus rolled him onto his back. "I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I'm so sorry, it'll never happen again!" He thrashed and squirmed trying to escape, but Odysseus had him thoroughly trapped. "Please, I'm sorry! Don't kill me!"

Odysseus threw his head back with a hearty laugh. "Oh Polites, you're so funny. A little tickling never killed anyone," he taunted, leaning in with a feral grin. Polites squeezed his eyes shut, biting his lip to dam the giggles that were already making an appearance.

"N-not yet!" he whined, drawing another low chuckle from the captain.

"Oh, you plan on being the first?" he taunted, tongue peaking out between his teeth as he grinned down at him. Then, as if to rub it in further, he laughed at his own joke and began cracking his knuckles. Polites giggled nervously, legs scrambling for purchase on the deck as he tried to get away.

"Nohoho! Let me gohoho! I'm sohohorry!"

"Laughing already? Maybe you should've thought this through," he said, mock sympathy dripping from his voice.

"Odysseus, plehehease! Dohon't!" Polites tried to plead his case one last time. The captain smirked, cocking his head at his friend.

"Don't what, Polites?" he asked, feigning cluelessness. Or was he going for innocence? It was kind of hard to tell.

Now, Odysseus was known for being sly and tricky. From his place at the wheel, Eurylochus saw the trap for what it was. Polites on the other hand, wasn't in a place to scrutinize his friend's intent. He answered almost immediately, "Tickle me!"

In all honesty, Odysseus wasn't sure he'd fall for it or not. He couldn't be happier.

Polites yelped and flinched when Odysseus fell forward in a fit of laughter, resting his forehead on Polites's chest. His shoulders shook with the force of his laughter before he sat up straight. Polites opened his mouth to speak, but froze when he saw the downright predatory look Odysseus was giving him.

"Polites, Polites, Polites..." he shook his head and patted his cheek each time he addressed him. Said man whined, twisting his head away from the patronizing hand.

"W-why're you saying it like that?" he asked nervously. Odysseus stared at him in awe.

"You don't even realize what you just said, do you?" Realization washed over Polites, his eyes going wide. Odysseus's smirk only grew as he watched it dawn on his friend.

"No wait, that's not what I meant! I was answering your question!"

"You really ought to use your words more carefully," he warned before digging in. He latched onto his hips, drilling circles with his thumbs. Polites immediately burst into loud, bubbly laughter as he slapped at his hands.

"Y-you trihihicked mehehe!" he cried, as if that fact would make him stop.

"Yeah, and it was easy. Seriously, you walked right into that one buddy," he taunted, slipping his hands under his shirt to scribble over his bare stomach. Polites snorted, trying to roll on his side. His laughter grew deeper and more full as one of his worst spots was targeted.

"NOHOHO! Cahahaptain, not there! Not thehehehere! Plehease!" he begged, thrashing as much as he could, though mostly he was fighting to curl into the tightest ball possible to protect his sensitive tummy. Odysseus slowed his movements, drumming his fingers impatiently to keep him giggling, broken up by the occasional hiccup.

"Alright tough guy, then where?"

Polites managed to grab his hands by interlocking their fingers and shoved them back as he caught his breath. "W-whahat?"

"You said not there... so, where should I tickle instead?" he asked, the happiest, smuggest grin gracing his lips. Oh Polites hated him right now.

"Nowhere!"

"Sorry, I'm afraid I can't accept that answer."

"Why ahare you being soho mean?" he whined, trying to work his way free. Odysseus decided to let him think he had a chance.

"You made me almost capsize the ship!" Okay, maybe that was an over exaggeration, but he could have made them capsize. And that would've been a tough one to explain to the rest of the fleet.

Polites rolled his eyes, mumbling under his breath, "You're the one who jerked the wheel..." Apparently he didn't mutter quiet enough.

Odysseus scoffed, mouth hanging open. "Excuse me?" Polites froze, mouth snapping shut. "Care to repeat that?" He shook his head frantically. "No, say it again. I don't think I heard you correctly," he said, slipping out of his grip with ease and poking all over his stomach.

"Plehehease! This ihisn't fahair!" he giggled, propping himself up weakly on his elbows, trying to crawl out from where he was pinned.

"No, what's not fair is tickling me in front of everyone, while I'm busy doing a very important task, no less" he insisted, trying to come off as stern, but he was smiling far too wide.

"It wahas just five seconds, Captain," Polites chuckled, arching a brow playfully. He just didn't know when to quit, did he?

"Oh yeah? Then I guess you deserve five minutes."

"WHAT?"

"Yeah, you can handle it. Five minutes is nothing," Odysseus shrugged casually, but the look in his eyes was that of a pure feral mischief.

Polites looked at him in utter shock. "No, five minutes is five minutes!"

"Always so eloquent," he taunted, wiggling a finger between his ribs. Polites barked out a laugh, twisting away. Of course, he only jerked into the other hand, delivering a nibbling pinch to his lower ribs. "Now shut up and laugh."

"That's contradictoRYYYYY!" Polites broke off into a shriek that melted into shrill giggles.

"You never answered my question by the way," he teased, playing his ribs like a piano. Polites snorted, both hands flying up to cover his face, but the red hue tinging his cheeks was visible in between his fingers.

"Ohoho bite mehehe!" he snarked, throwing his head back in wild laughter. The sound was full and bright, drawing out a good handful of soldiers to enjoy the rare bout of mischief on display.

"Well if you insist..." he smirked down at him as he began slowly rolling up his shirt. Polites shook his head, hands fighting to tug his shirt back down.

"NO! O-Odysseus, don't you dare!" he threatened weakly before he was shoved back down to the deck.

"Why? What're you gonna do about it?" he asked, tilting his head to the side like a curious puppy, or perhaps, more like a hungry wolf.

"I'll... Never talk to you again!" Even Polites knew that was a lie, and Odysseus didn't mind calling him out on it.

"Ha! You couldn't even last a day," he proclaimed, making Polites huff with a pout. "Oh don't give me that look, you know it's true," Odysseus rolled his eyes, reaching down to claw his stomach.

Polites gave up on holding his shirt down in favor of fending off the attacking hands. Odysseus took his chance and tugged the shirt up, pausing as an idea came to him, and he pulled the shirt over his friend's head with an evil little snicker.

"HEHEY!" he yelled as his vision was replaced with white fabric. Odysseus shrugged, despite knowing he couldn't really see him.

"What? It was getting in the way," he said as he lowered his head towards his bare stomach.

"It was NOHOHOT! BY THEHE GOHOHODS, STOHOHOP!" Polites shrieked through hysterics, completely taken off guard now that he couldn't see what Odysseus was doing.

He paused, sitting up to push his hair away from his face. "What? You said to bite you," he reminded cheekily.

"You're thehe worst!" Polites whined, reaching up to yank the shirt off of his head, only for Odysseus to playfully smack him away.

"Well that's not very nice! I never would've thought you of all people would forget your manners," he teased before diving back in to nibble his sides, sending him into another bout of hysterics. Odysseus shook his head and growled into the skin, making loud fake chewing sounds. Polites was almost grateful for his shirt hiding his face; at least then no one could see how much he was blushing.

In fact, he couldn't remember a time he felt more embarrassed. Maybe if he thought hard about it he could, but there was no chance of that happening any time soon. Odysseus had a perfect knack for doing or saying the most flustering thing at any given moment, and it seemed like he was intent on putting him through the wringer.

Polites was pulled from his thoughts when a shriek ripped itself from his throat as a raspberry was blown in the middle of his belly.

"Nonono Cahahaptahain DOHOHON'T!" he squealed before breaking off in shrill laughter, peppered with snorts. His legs scrambled and kicked the deck from where he was pinned, hands flying about uselessly. Odysseus popped back up to let him catch his breath.

"You're way more ticklish than me! I can't believe you honestly thought you could get away with that," he taunted, letting his fingers crawl up his sides towards his ribs. He leaned in to growl in his ear, "Just how did that work out for you?" He reached up to tug his shirt back down. What good was tickling him if he couldn't see the smile plastered on his adorable face?

"Hohohorrible! Ca-Cahahaptain plehehease! Let me gohoho I'm sohohohorryyyy!" Polites begged through helpless giggles that Odysseus chuckled along with.

"See, you say that, but you don't sound all that sorry," he teased, barely biting back his smirk.

"Ihihi aham!" he insisted. Odysseus studied him with a sly grin.

"Alright then... prove it," he ordered. Polites furrowed his brows as he sucked in air between bouts of giggles. He stared up at the captain skeptically.

"... How?" he questioned, arching a brow. His glasses were askew in the opposite direction, making for a rather funny expression. Odysseus snorted, reaching out to fix his glasses for him. "Oh, thank you," he muttered, adjusting them slightly, sitting them in a more comfortable position than Odysseus had.

"It's easy, really, all you gotta do is keepyourarmsup," he finished his sentence in a jumbled rush, masking it with a fake cough. But Polites heard him loud and clear, clutching his arms to his chest.

"Nohoho wahay, are you crahazy?" he asked incredulously.

"No, I'm the captain," he answered smugly. Polites stared at him, rather unamused by the joke it would seem. Odysseus couldn't have that, so he latched onto his knees.

"SHIT SHIT SHIHIHIT! Nohohot thehehere!" Polites fell back on the deck, overwhelmed by another fit of laughter. Odysseus relentlessly squeezed his kneecaps, no matter where they tried to kick to escape his grasp. Polites snorted, hiding his face behind his hands. He had no choice but to comply. "Ohohokahay I'll dohoho ihit!"

Odysseus pulled his hands away with a smirk. "There, that wasn't so hard, was it?" he asked innocently. Polites threw his head back with a giggly whine. He flinched with a sharp yelp when Odysseus tapped his elbows.

"C'mon, put 'em up," he prompted, making the task practically impossible by wiggling his fingers threateningly.

A small group of spectators stood off to the side, seemingly enjoying the show. Elpenor couldn’t help but throw in his two cents, cupping his hands around his mouth, "Remember, we need him alive, Sir!"

Odysseus let out a hearty laugh, patting his victim on the chest. "He's still breathing!"

"Barely!" Polites squeaked out, drawing out more laughter from their audience. His pink cheeks turned a shade darker.

"Pft, and you say I'm dramatic. This'll be the last thing, I swear," Odysseus said, hiding crossed fingers behind his back. Polites looked at him skeptically before sighing in defeat.

"Promise?"

"Yeah, sure."

"Promise?" he repeated himself, trying to sound more stern. Odysseus rolled his eyes.

"Yes, fine, I promise," he lied.

Polites took a deep breath and squeezed his eyes shut. He raised his arms up about halfway before he froze, shaking his head as nervous giggles spilled out. Odysseus shrugged.

"Eh, good enough for me," he declared before digging his hands in the free space under his arms. Polites squealed and his arms came crashing down immediately. Odysseus couldn't help but laugh along as Polites snorted through his laughter. His mouth hung open in a wide smile, dimples shining on his rosy cheeks.

After a few seconds he let up on his friend, but he didn't yet release him. Polites looked up at him, squirming more the longer he remained trapped.

"H-hey, aren't you gonna let me up?"

Odysseus offered a not so sympathetic look. "About that... I was crossing my fingers." Polites gasped at the betrayal.

"But you promised!"

"And this'll be the last last thing. Promise for real this time," Odysseus said, holding his hand out to shake. Polites looked at his hand, then up to meet his gaze as he scoffed.

"I dohon't trust you!"

"You trust me with your life," Odysseus taunted in a matter of fact tone, sly smirk playing at his lips. Polites bit the inside of his cheek to try and hide his amusement.

"That's different," Polites reasoned.

"Mmm, is it though?" he asked, cocking his head. Polites glared up at him, but the blush and smile combo he sported lessened the blow. Odysseus took the chance to scoop up one of his hands, giving it a firm shake to seal the deal before Polites wretched free from his grasp with a half amused huff.

"There, now you have my word."

"A lotta good that's worth," Polites sassed, crossing his arms. Odysseus stared at him in shock.

"Oh I'm sorry, do you want me to keep going?" he growled in a low, threatening tone, reaching down to squeeze his hips unexpectedly. Polites screeched and arched his back, hands flying down to protect himself.

"NOHOHO I'M SOHOHORRY PLEHEHEASE!"

Odysseus pulled back with a proud grin, "Yeah, that's what I thought. And just for that..." he trailed off, adjusting their position slightly to make sure Polites was securely pinned.

He giggled nervously, body already tensing up. "Ohohodysseus, plehease! Just let me gohoho!" he whined.

"After that remark? I don't think so."

Odysseus grabbed his head, gently holding it to the side, and Polites knew what was coming.

"Nohoho, please not thahahat! Cahahaptain, please, I'm sorrYYYYY!" his begging fell on deaf ears, morphing into a squeal as Odysseus bent down to blow a raspberry on the sweet spot just below his ear. Bubbly giggles filled the salty sea air as Polites fought for his life, flopping around on the deck in desperate search for any leverage he could use for escape. Odysseus took a deep breath, gently turning his head so he could get the other side.

Another giggly scream burst free from his lungs, hands shoving weakly at his shoulders. Polites wasn't sure how he could have so much air in his lungs, the gods had to be playing some cruel joke on him. And then, just like that it was over. Odysseus rolled off of him, leaving him to cope with a residual laughing fit, furiously rubbing away the lingering feelings on his neck.

Odysseus drummed a quick beat on Polites's chest, chuckling when he was playfully smacked away.

"You're an asshole," Polites said, not even bothering to try and hide the wide grin overtaking his features. “And you need to shave.” Odysseus chuckled, scratching his stubble nonchalantly.

"Sorry bud, I had to make an example outta you," he shrugged with a cheeky click of his tongue. He stood up and brushed himself off, offering a hand to Polites. He hesitantly accepted it, allowing himself to be pulled to his feet. His legs felt just a tad shaky, but he quickly steadied himself. The embarrassment, however, was much harder to hide.

Odysseus tried to reach up to ruffle his hair, but Polites quickly danced out of reach with a giggle. "Stahay away from me!" he yelled, pointing an accusing finger at him.

Odysseus just stood there, a smug, shit eating grin on his face as he watch Polites go running back to Eurylochus.

A soft hoot to his left startled him, and he turned to see an owl perched nearby, watching him with its head tilted at a perfect 90° angle.

Now it was his turn to blush it seemed, as the owl hooted again, twisting its head all the way around. It stared up at him with large, curious eyes.

"Oh shut up, I was teaching him a lesson."

But Athena knew better.

[amazingmsme]

Something Lost, Something Gained

AN: This fic was so much fun to write y’all have no idea! Just a lil birthday treat for myself because I’m in desperate need for more epic fics. Starts out kinda sad, but definitely doesn’t stay that way! I love these silly men so so so much!

Today's date crept up far sooner than Odysseus could've imagined, and when he made the realization, it hit him like a ton of bricks.

Today was Telemachus's 10th birthday. 10 long, arduous years spent away from his family. 10 long years Penelope had to raise their son alone. 10 long years without a father...

Odysseus slammed his fork on the table, making everyone jump and all conversation cease as the captain shoved his plate away, "I'm not hungry. Feel free to help yourself."

Polites watched, dumbfounded as Odysseus stormed away for seemingly no reason. When he turned back, Elpenor had already claimed Odysseus's plate as his own.

Polites stood to follow, hesitating as he looked at the table. He shoved his plate over to Eurylochus. "Watch my plate, I'll be right back." As he walked away, Elpenor already made a grab at his plate just for show. Eurylochus created a protective wall around both plates with his arms, hunched over and shoving Elpenor away with every attempt.

Polites followed him to the upper deck. He was stood at the front railing of the ship, staring at the horizon.

"So... wanna tell me what all that was about?" he asked, trying to keep his tone light.

"Not really."

"Well that's okay, you don't ha-"

"It's Telemachus's birthday," Odysseus suddenly spoke, cutting him off. Polites blinked in surprise at the unexpected confession.

"Oh."

"Yeah. Oh."

"You know, you're allowed to be upset about missing out," Polites said, resting a gentle hand on his shoulder. Odysseus heaved a heavy sigh.

"But it's not just this one. I've missed all of them," he spoke through clenched teeth, and he gripped the railing so hard his knuckles turned white. Polites lowered his hand to rest atop Odysseus's.

"Not by choice though. And he knows that," Polites insisted as his friend looked at him with sad, tired eyes.

"Does it make a difference if he's never even seen my face?" he asked, voice barely above a whisper.

"I think it does..."

"Yeah, well... I don't." He pushed away from the railing, starting to walk away when Polites called out to him.

"Odysseus, wait!"

Said man stopped in his tracks, slowly turning to face his friend. When Polites didn't speak, Odysseus gave a confused shrug, tossing his hands in the air as he waited for an answer. He finally found the words he'd been searching for.

"Telemachus knows you love him."

A painful sob lodged itself in Odysseus's throat, large enough to choke him. "How?"

"You don't think Penelope told him every day? That she didn't make sure that he knows you didn't have a choice?" Polites asked, desperate to get through to him.

His shoulders sag, "I do, but-"

"But what?"

"I don't wanna get my hopes up."

"Odysseus, please-"

"I've missed his entire life, Polites. A kid doesn't just forget that sort of thing. It hurts." Odysseus took a shaky, shuddering breath. "And I wouldn't blame him if he hates me for it."

Polites felt his heart break just a little hearing the words leave his friend's lips. "You can't say that!"

"Why not? He has every reason to resent me!" he exclaimed, holding his arms out to the side dramatically to make his point.

"Only if you give him one!" Polites argued, and for once in his life, Odysseus shut up. "But I know you won't. Because you're a good person Odysseus," he insisted, even as he snorted and looked away. "You're a good captain, and an even greater friend," he started, smiling when he saw the hint of a blush grace his friend's cheeks, so he continued. "I wouldn't really know, but I assume you're a good husband," he took the opportunity to tease, relishing in the way Odysseus chuckled and shoved his shoulder. "So I know you're going to be an amazing father," he finished off by gripping his friend by the arm, pulling him close to press their foreheads together. "I just know it."

They stayed like that for a few seconds before Odysseus pulled away, patting him on the shoulder. "Thank you."

"You're welcome."

"Now go finish your food before someone else does."

Polites chuckled at his attempt at a joke, relieved to see the hint of a smile on his face, however small it may be.

"Whatever you say Captain."

~~~

The rest of the day went on as usual with everyone carrying out their daily tasks. Most of the crew seemingly forgot about Odysseus's earlier outburst, much to his relief. But he still made a point to avoid as many people as possible. He couldn't trust himself not to snap.

Eurylochus had been watching the captain from afar, having sensed something was wrong, but not wanting to pry. So he kept his distance, observing every sigh, every downtrodden glance. He knew it wasn't really in his place to ask.

So he went to the only person who would.

"So... what's eating him?" he asked, sidling up next to Polites and nodding in the direction of their captain. He followed his gaze and sighed.

"I don't really know if I should say. But, it's just you, I don't think he'd be too upset," he said, biting his lower lip in thought. He leaned in, motioning for Eurylochus to do the same.

"Today is his son's birthday, and it's really getting to him."

"I see," Eurylochus nodded in understanding. "That would be hard on anyone."

"Yeah, but he seemed really torn up about it," Polites said, tracing the wood grain beneath his fingers. "I just wish there was a way to cheer him up."

Eurylochus watched him from the corner of his eye. "Maybe there is."

~~~

They waited until after dinner to execute their plan, noticing the way Odysseus skipped that meal as well. They went about the ship, gathering the needed supplies for their surprise. When Odysseus would get close to catching them, they'd take turns causing a distraction. Finally, they were ready.

"Odysseus, can you come here for a second? I need to show you something," Polites said casually so as not to stir suspicion.

"Of course. Everything alright? I feel like I've barely seen you today," he noted. Polites felt his heart race in his chest, hoping Odysseus hadn't caught on.

"Yup, everything's fine! Just been busy, that's all," he said, guiding him below deck, stopping in front of a familiar door.

Odysseus arched a brow, barely holding back a smirk.

"You brought me to my room?" he asked skeptically, though clearly amused to some degree.

"Just go inside!"

"What? You telling me I need to go to bed or something?" he teased, but opened the door nonetheless.

He was greeted by scraps of rope tied in fancy knots hanging from the ceiling, a wine barrel, and... Eurylochus with a plate of food?

"Um... what's all this?" he asked, looking between the two with a bewildered smirk.

"A party!" Polites exclaimed. "What's it look like?"

"Not like any party I've ever seen," he taunted, finally stepping inside, closing the door behind him.

"We had to work with what we have," Eurylochus explained, lips tugging into a smile as he held out the plate of food. "Here, thought you might be hungry."

"Thanks," he accepted the food and sat on the edge of his bed, facing his friends. "You know, you didn't have to do this."

"Obviously! We did it because we care about you!" Polites chirped, taking a seat next to his friend while Eurylochus sat on the floor, leaning back against the desk.

"And we don't like seeing you upset," Eurylochus added. "So we thought you could use some cheering up," he said truthfully.

"I guess a little fun wouldn't hurt," he admitted. Polites snorted, nudging their shoulders together.

"Well don't sound so happy about it!" he teased, poking fun at his reluctant response. He chuckled and shoved him away as he took a bite of jerky.

"Oh I won't, believe me," he shot back, but he was already starting to loosen up.

He really started letting go after a few glasses of wine. Needless to say, they were getting rather loud and rambunctious as the night wore on. They passed around a cup, dipping it straight from the barrel. They laughed and shared stories, the sounds of their merriment faintly echoing down the hall, grabbing the attention of a certain passerby.

"Having a party without me?" Elpenor asked from the doorway before inviting himself in.

"Not at all! Just a... private little engagement," Polites slurred before breaking off into giggles as he bumped into Elpenor when sat amongst them.

"Well, care for one more?"

Odysseus shrugged, handing him the cup. "Sure, I don't see why not. The more the merrier, right?" He was met with a drunken chorus of agreement.

"Couldn't agree more," Elpenor said before downing the cup's contents, starting to play catch up. Before he knew it, he was just as drunk as the rest of them.

"So, you feeling any better?" Polites asked during a lull in conversation.

"You know what? I am, actually," Odysseus admitted freely, a wide smile stretched across his face. Polites and Eurylochus shared a proud look, clasping their hands together in a moment of mutual celebration and gratitude.

"And here I was, wondering what the hell you two were planning," Elpenor shook his head with a chuckle. "You could've asked me for help!" he whined, stretching out to nudge Eurylochus's leg with his foot.

"That would've been counterintuitive, we were trying to keep it a surprise," he taunted, smirking at the scoff that left his lips.

"You guys really didn't have to do this," Odysseus said in a slightly softer voice, head angled down towards the floor so he didn't have to look at anyone directly. "Thank you."

"You're welcome!" Polites exclaimed before tackling him in a hug. Elpenor piled on top, dragging Eurylochus in after him because it just wouldn't feel right leaving him out.

"By the Gods, you're crushing me!" Odysseus wheezed out through drunken chuckles.

"What's that? Crush you more?" Eurylochus asked, pressing more of his body weight against the dogpile. He was met with a slew of groans and a shrieky, "Don't you dare!"

"Okay, okay," he relented, starting to crawl off of them, Elpenor following suit.

Polites started to sit up, resting a hand on Odysseus to push himself up. His hand slipped and shoved itself under his arm and Odysseus immediately barked out a laugh, pressing his arm to his side, "Noho don't!"

Polites sat up, hold his hands out as a sign of surrender. "Sorry, it was a genuine accident."

"Yeah, that's what you always say," Odysseus accused, and a curious Elpenor popped over Polites's shoulder.

"What's an accident?" he asked, looking between the two.

"My hand slipped and I guess it tickled," Polites answered casually, as if this wasn't the best news Elpenor had ever heard.

"Oh, you guess," Odysseus couldn't help but mock under his breath, but Elpenor talked right over him.

"You mean he's ticklish and you didn't fucking tell me?" he exclaimed, voice cracking slightly in his drunken state. He reached out and shoved Polites as "punishment" for keeping such valuable information from him. He was already reaching out for him, and Odysseus tucked his knees to his chest just in time before he could latch on.

"Elpenor, no," he warned, but there was a wide, nervous smile stretched across his face. He held his arms in front of himself protectively, quick to smack away the approaching hand.

"Elpenor yes!" he exclaimed, giggling at the way Odysseus crawled away from him.

"Seriously! I'm too drunk to try an' fight you off," he slurred, kicking a leg out to keep him at bay.

"That sounds like a perfect opportunity to me," he chirped, not deterred in the slightest. Odysseus tried to scramble to his feet to make a run for it, but as soon as he stood on his knees, Eurylochus gently shoved him back down.

"Traitor, the hell's that for?"

"Thought maybe we could cheer you up," he shrugged, not even bothering to hide his smirk.

"But you already did!" he tried to justify, but his pleas fell on def ears.

"Maybe we just want you to be extra happy!" Polites teased, slinging an arm around his shoulder, ruffling his hair as he did so.

Odyssues brushed him off. "You started this..." he accused, though he didn't sound mad.

"Technically Elpenor did," Polites corrected.

"Yeah, don't give him credit!" he mock scolded, reaching out to poke his stomach. He flinched away with a slight giggle, a hand reaching down to shove him away while the other hid his wine-flushed face and bright smile. Encouraged, Elpenor poked him again, and again in rapid succession until Odysseus fell on his side in a fit of bubbly, drunken giggles.

"I can't believe I've been afraid to get revenge all this time! You have a lot to answer for!" he teased, scribbling from his sides to his stomach. He looked at the other two and scoffed, "What are you waiting for? An invitation?"

"No no no dohohohon't lihihisten to hihihim!" Odysseus pleaded, but the smile on his face was too encouraging for his friends to listen.

"We're just gonna make sure that good mood is here to stay," Polites reasoned, shooting him a playful wink.

"It will! I promise!"

Eurylochus chuckled as he ruffled his hair, even using him to lean against, "For some reason, I seriously doubt that."

"You too, Eurylochus?" Odysseus huffed and pulled away, causing him to stumble slightly.

"Hey!"

"Hey yourself! Three against one is so unfair!" he whined in hopes of masking his giddy excitement.

"You're so right, three against one is pretty unfair, isn't it?" Elpenor asked with mock sympathy. Odysseus eyed him skeptically leaning as far from him as possible.

"Um... why are you agreeing with me?"

Elpenor placed a condescending hand on his shoulder as he shook his head slowly, "Oh Odysseus, you're not too drunk to remember all the times you three ganged up on me, are you?"

Memomories came flooding back in a fuzzy haze; ones of Elpenor pinned to the ground, screaming for mercy through shrill hysterics. A sly, proud grin found its way to the captain's lips.

"Yeah, but you make for such an easy target," he taunted. Elpenor's jaw dropped in shock at the sheer audacity before he lurched forward, latching onto his sides with scribbling fingers. He was way too drunk to have any hope of holding back his laughter as bright, carefree cackles fell past his lips. He was apologizing profusely the very moment he touched him.

"You know, if you wanted me to just start, all you had to do was ask," Elpenor spoke smugly. Odysseus shook his head, slapping away exploring hands.

"Nah, he just likes to dig his own grave. Right Captain?" Eurylochus asked, scratching the nape of his neck. Odysseus snapped his head back with choked back snickers, his nose scrunched adorably.

"Ihihi dohoho nohohot!" he cried, somehow even his mirth sounds indignant as he complained weakly.

"Come on Odysseus, you know you kinda do," Polites teased, squeezing his knee and drawing out a snort.

"Wait wait, do that again!" Elpenor demanded. Polites grinned as he repeated the motion, and another giggly snort escaped their friend.

"Oh, you didn't know he did that?"

"No," Elpenor practically purred, cocking his head to look at the giggly mess their captain had become. "I didn't. And you were giving me a hard time," he taunted, scratching behind his other knee. Odysseus kicked his legs frantically, burying his face in his hands to hide from the giddy embarrassment.

"A-ahahat least mine's ahaha normal spohohot!" he snapped through his hysterics.

"Hey, don't bully him, you fucking hypocrite!" Polites mock scolded, managing to trap his foot in a headlock. The obvious move would be to go for the sole of the foot, but his fingers stopped just short, tracing slow circles around his ankle. Odysseus tugged on his trapped leg with renewed strength, helpless snickers tumbling out. Though no matter which way he thrashed, their hands remained glued to his skin.

Elpenor made note of where Polites was tickling and arched a brow, glancing at Odysseus with a look that was half skeptical, half severely amused. "Ankles? Really?"

"S-shuhuhut UHUHUP!" he cried, screeching when he drilled his thumbs in his hips in retaliation.

"I wouldn't be so bossy if I were you."

"You know what? I agree!" Polites exclaimed, grabbing ahold of his other leg to give his left ankle the same treatment.

"You ahahasshole!" he yelped as blunt nails traced thin skin stretched over bone. Polites let out an exaggerated gasp at his words.

"Excuse me?" he asked, and by the playfully indignant tone in his voice, Odysseus knew he was in trouble. "I throw my best friend a party to cheer him up, and I'm an asshole?" Polites growled, squeezing up his calves.

Odysseus arched his back with a surprised squeal, kicking and thrashing as much as he could, but he remained pinned. Maybe if he weren't so drunk, he would've stood half a chance.

"Wow," Eurylochus tutted, shaking his head, but it was downed out by Elpenor's sarcastic little quip, "Some crimes can never be forgiven."

Both Elpenor and Odysseus giggled at the joke while Polites shared a fondly annoyed look with Eurylochus.

"Aren't they just a piece of work?" Polites asked, hands resting on his hips to give Odysseus a break.

"Little bit," Eurylochus agreed with a warm smile, chuckling at the tandem cry of "Hey!" that their words sparked. He returned to the task at hand, lightly pinching up and down Odysseus's ribs, making him yelp and twist side to side.

"Nohoho dohon't!" he giggled, tugging on his trapped arms.

"Give me a good reason why I shouldn't," he bargained, not even bothering to hide his smirk.

"Oho come ohohohon!" Odysseus whined, tossing his head back in frustration. "It tickles, that's why!" he snapped, but the flush to his cheeks and wide grin took away any bite his words would've had.

"Do not let him off that easy!" Elpenor exclaimed, delivering a barrage of pokes and scribbles to his belly. Odysseus buried his face in the crook of his arm, desperate to hide the deep chuckles and snorts that escaped their usual prison.

Eurylochus raised a brow at Elpenor's adamant insistence. "And why not, exactly?"

"He's so mean to me!" he exclaimed, borderline whining.

"You deserve ihihit most of thehe time!" Odysseus spoke up through choked back giggles.

"More like only half!" Elpenor corrected, kneading his sides to effectively make him shut up. If he could talk, they weren't doing their job right. In his opinion, anyway. His hands traveled down, relentlessly squeezing his hips before moving on to his thighs.

Odysseus snorted and threw his head back as carefree belly laughs escaped his lungs. His feet drummed against the floor and he bucked for any kind of leverage.

“Nohot there, NOHOHOT THERE! Elpenor stohoHOHOP!” Odysseus shrieked as he squeezed just above his knees. He relented and decided to trace the backs of his knees, which might as well be just as bad.

“So, are you having fuuuun?” Polites asked, leaning in with a teasing grin as his fingers slipped inside his sandals, tickling the trapped soles. Odysseus kicked and cackled in response.

“Whahahat?” he cried out, cheeks flushing almost as dark as the wine they drank.

“He definitely sounds like he’s having fun,” Elpenor chimed in.

“But you’re not still sad anymore, right? Did we tickle it out of you yet?” Polites continued to tease, scratching his arch with blunt nails.

“Ohoho fuck you, yehehes, okahahay? I’m hahahappy you sahadistic assholes!” he yelled through his laughter, and they finally showed mercy. He curled in a protective ball as residual giggles stumbled out.

“That’s all we ever wanted,” Polites chirped, doing a poor job hiding how smug he felt as he threw his arms around his friend in a bear hug, nuzzling into his neck. Odysseus giggled and scrunched his neck, shoving him away by the face.

“Speak for yourself! That little shit wanted nothing but revenge,” he pointed an accusatory finger at an admittedly very guilty Elpenor.

“Yeah, and I still got a lot to make up for,” he promised, smirk firmly in place.

“Seriously though. Did you like your party?” Polites asked, worrying his bottom lip between his teeth.

“I really did,” Odysseus nodded, a softer smile finding his face. He glanced up, looking at his three friends. “You didn’t have to do all that.”

“What can we say? That’s what friends are for,” Polites shrugged and returned his warm smile.

“Just- yeah. Thanks.”

“Anytime.”

“Yeah, seriously, anytime,” Elpenor butted in, skittering a few fingers across his belly. Odysseus jerked away with a surprised shriek as he grappled with the hands.

He managed to snatch one up and scribble over his palms, sending him into a panicky giggle fit as a string of apologies fell past his lips. Odysseus let him go, snickering to himself when he heard Elpenor mutter under his breath, rubbing at his hand.

“Well, it’s pretty late. Guess we should all turn in for the night,” Eurylochus spoke up when he saw Odysseus yawn, which sparked a chain reaction. Only now did it set in how bone tired they truly were.

They stumbled to their feet, beginning the drunken bumbling walk to their respective rooms. Polites lingered in the doorway, watching Odysseus with fond look in his eyes that was mirrored back at him.

“I really meant it. Thank you. For… everything,” he admitted, ducking his head as that creeping blush returned. “I uh. I needed that.”

Polites grinned wider and shrugged. “I know.”

“Yeah yeah,” he waved him off, before the realization set in. “Wait, what?”

“G’night see ya tomorrow byeeeee!” Polites rushed out his words before rushing out the door. Odysseus rolled his eyes, knowing he’d get back at them tomorrow. Which was technically today. Damn was he tired after that…

But there was one last thing he needed to do. He didn’t know if it would work, if he’d even hear him, or even agree to this favor. Still, he knelt in the center of his room, a few pieces of paper and a toy wooden horse spread out before him. He pressed his hands together, taking a deep breath. He closed his eyes and prayed.

“Hermes, if you can hear me… All I ask is for you to deliver this to my family. I haven’t seen them in what feels like forever, and today is my son’s birthday. And, well… I just thought it would be nice for him to have a gift from his father.”

He heaved a sigh and stood, making his way to his bed. He collapsed face down, falling asleep almost immediately.

Sometime in the middle of the night, a cloaked figure snuck into his room. An answer to a prayer.

Hermes nearly tripped over some of the fallen decorations, but he swiftly managed to avoid them. It didn’t take him long to find what he was looking for. He folded the letters and picked up the hand carved toy. He studied it for a moment, running his hands over the smooth wood.

“You did good. Think he’ll really love it,” Hermes praised aloud, though he knew Odysseus couldn’t really hear him. He dropped the items in his satchel, walking over to the unconscious man. He squatted down so he could be more level with him. His snores were loud and deep, indicating a peaceful slumber after such an ordeal.

“You have some good friends, I hope you know,” he mused, glancing at his sleeping form, noticing the gentle smile that still lingered. He chuckled and shook his head, “Oh who am I kidding, of course you know.”

He stood up, slinging his satchel over his shoulder. “Well, I guess I won’t keep your son waiting.” And with that, he left, dashing into the night.

When Odysseus awoke, he immediately noticed the offerings he’d laid out were gone. He smiled to himself, sitting up in bed as he sent out a silent prayer in thanks.

And in a palace across the seas, Telemachus woke up to a new toy sitting on his bedside table, along with a written letter from his father.

[amazingmsme]

Keeping Secrets

AN: More epic fluff! This time with Elpenor & Ody! Think it’s safe to say that we’re all in dire need for some cute goofy shenanigans after thunder saga, & I already had an idea for this. If anyone has any Eurylochus prompts please send em my way, cause he’s next!

“Ow!”

Elpenor yanked his hand away from the oar, inspecting his palm while the men around him continued rowing in unison.

"You okay?" Polites asked, turning around in his seat to check on the younger man.

"Yeah, it's just a splinter," he shrugged it off, picking at the skin around it in the hopes of working it from his palm. But his nails were short, and the splinter was deep, and it proved to be too difficult a task. He went back to rowing, ignoring the nagging pain in his hand.

That was a week ago.

Now, the skin around the splinter was red and puffy, and far too tender for him to do intense labor with that hand. He avoided rowing, as if the very act would kill him, opting for quite literally any other job.

He was slowly peeling carrots, the work tedious, yet easy on his hand. The cool carrot actually felt good against his inflamed palm. But he missed the camaraderie that came with the more difficult jobs, and people were starting to get suspicious.

Eurylochus marched through the kitchen doors, arms folded across his expansive chest as he stared down at him.

"Uh, d-did I do something wrong?" he asked, sitting up straight as the second in command walked in.

"Not exactly."

When Eurylochus didn't elaborate, Elpenor filled the silence. "So... why are you looking at me like that?"

"Why are you nursing your right hand?" he countered, catching Elpenor off guard.

He sputtered in shock as he answered, "Wha- I- no I'm not!"

"Oh, so you normally peel with your left hand?" he asked, arching a brow quizzically. Elpenor glared at him before he sighed in defeat. His shoulders sagged as he looked away.

"No... Hey! Let go!" Elpenor was wrenched to his feet when Eurylochus snatched him by the wrist, inspecting his injured hand.

"Mhm, you let it get infected," Eurylochus confirmed upon inspection. He snatched his hand back and clutched it close to his chest.

"I didn't let it do anything! I just couldn't get it out!" he snapped defensively.

"Well did you ask anyone for help?" Eurylochus asked in an even tone. Elpenor continued to glare.

"No..."

"Then you didn't try very hard," he reasoned, holding up a hand to silence Elpenor when he opened his mouth to argue. "It's alright. Just follow me." He walked to the door, holding it open for both of them.

"So where are we going?" he asked as he trailed behind.

"Odysseus has some tweezers. He should be able to get that splinter out no problem," he answered. Elpenor froze in place.

"The captain doesn't really need to know about this," he rushed out. Eurylochus turned to look at him, smirking when he took in his fearful expression.

"He already knows."

"Wha-"

"Polites told us."

Elpenor scoffed and crossed his arms, rolling his eyes as he spoke. "Of course he did."

"Hey, you should be grateful. Would you rather loose your hand because of a little splinter?" Eurylochus teased.

"Oh please, I wouldn't loose my hand-"

"No, because we're taking care of it right now," Eurylochus said matter of factly. Elpenor silently mocked him from behind, stopping immediately when he turned to check if he was coming. He begrudgingly trailed behind, complaining the whole way.

"Elpenor, relax. He just wants to talk to you and patch you up. It's not the end of the world."

"But this is stupid, can't I just take the tweezers and do it myself?" he tried to reason. Eurylochus shook his head, his expression shifting towards amusement when he saw his hesitation and worry.

"His bark is worse than his bite, I assure you."

"Hey, I'm not afraid of him!"

"You're sure acting like it," Eurylochus countered.

"He's gonna chew me out, I know that," Elpenor grumbled. He flinched when he felt a hand on his shoulder.

"Like I said. His bark's worse than his bite."

Elpenor heaved a dramatic sigh before following the rest of the way. Eurylochus ruffled his hair as he wished him luck, and he swatted him away before knocking.

The door opened and the captain welcomed him with a warm smile.

"Hey there. Come on in, have a seat," he greeted, pulling a chair away from his desk as he rifled through his things. Elpenor hesitantly walked in, taking in his surrounding as he sat down. The captain's room was messy yet organized, with eclectic decor and trinkets lining the walls and shelves.

Odysseus returned with a small pair of forceps, sitting on the edge of his bed in front of Elpenor. He noticed him staring at a large set of jaws hanging across the room and grinned.

"Polites and I reeled it in off the coast back home," he explained. Elpenor perked up.

"Really?"

"Yup. It was one hell of a fight too," Odysseus reminisced. "What about you? Do you enjoy fishing?" he asked conversationally. Elpenor thought for a moment before nodding.

"Yeah, I guess I like it," he agreed.

"Well it'll be a lot harder if you only have one hand," he chastised, though he kept his tone light enough. Elpenor looked at the floor, his head hung in shame.

"Yeah, well, it didn't come to that, so..." Elpenor trailed off, still refusing to meet the captain's gaze. Odysseus took notice and placed his hands on his hips.

"Oh come on, I was just teasing!" When Elpenor didn't crack a smile, he rolled his eyes and smacked him on the knee. "Lighten up!"

Elpenor chanced a glance at him, brows furrowed in confusion. "Aren't you gonna... I don't know, yell at me?"

"I can get my point across without yelling," he said, holding out his hand expectantly. Elpenor hesitated before placing his hand in his, palm up. "But you really shouldn't let any injury go unchecked, especially on a ship. You've scrubbed the deck, you know how filthy these things are," he chuckled at his own joke. Elpenor didn't find it nearly as amusing.

"I mean, even the smallest cut could get infected, and if you let it go long enough, next thing you know, you lost your hand. Or foot. Or whatever," he scolded, pointing an accusatory finger in Elpenor's face.

"Okay, I get it. I'll get help next time," Elpenor snapped.

"Hey, I'm your captain, don't you dare speak to me like that," Odysseus barked as soon as his tone shifted. Elpenor shrunk back.

"Yes sir. Sorry."

Odysseus sighed. "I care about the well being of every man on this ship. Okay? So whether you get stabbed, or you get a splinter, or anything in between, you fucking let someone know. Understood?" Elpenor nodded.

"Understood?"

Elpenor nodded more vigorously. "Yes sir."

Odysseus perked up, a cheery smile replacing the stern look. "Good! Now let's get you taken care of." He pressed his thumb against the inflamed skin, making Elpenor wince slightly.

"Sorry, it's kinda tender," he apologized.

"It's alright," Odysseus said, tongue poking out the side of his mouth as he concentrated. He massaged around the area, trying to work the splinter back to the surface. "Wouldn't hurt if you'd just done this to begin with-"

"Okay!"

Odysseus gave him a pointed look and he shut up. "That's what I thought." Despite his words and outward demeanor, Odysseus was actually hoping for a little bit of that classic defiance that everyone had come to associate with the youngest among their ranks. To see him so quiet and obedient felt... wrong.

Was Elpenor afraid of him?

Gods, he hoped not. He didn't want his men to fear him, he just wanted their respect. And Odysseus was wise enough to know the difference.

"Relax, this isn't gonna hurt."

Elpenor scoffed, "I know that."

"Really? 'Cause you're kinda acting like I'm gonna bite your hand off," he teased.

"Lots of talk about me losing my hand today," Elpenor quipped. "You and Eurylochus planning something?"

Odysseus couldn't help but bark out a laugh and shake his head. "Just concerned for you, is all."

Elpenor narrowed his eyes skeptically. "Uh huh." He watched as Odysseus worked the splinter closer to the surface before grabbing the tweezers.

"Alright, I think I can get it now." He pinched the tweezers twice just for show before he got to work pulling the splinter out. Elpenor watched as he slowly tugged the invasive piece of wood free from his palm. It was longer than he expected, and had been nestled right near his thumb, preventing adequate mobility. The relief he felt when it was finally pulled free was immense.

"See? That wasn't so bad," Odysseus said once he finished. Elpenor nodded in agreement, glancing up at him in thanks.

"No sir. Uh, thank you." Elpenor made to stand, but Odysseus yanked him right back down.

"We're not quite done yet. Sit," he demanded, despite already forcing him to do so.

"Oh, uh, okay," Elpenor said nervously, watching every movement he made.

Odysseus walked over to a bucket in the corner and carried it back, sloshing precariously along the way.

"Hold out your hand," Odysseus ordered, and he listened. He held the bucket up and poured a generous amount of saltwater over the inflamed skin. He offered a towel to dry off before rummaging around his room once more. He returned with a golden jar and some loose bandages. Elpenor studied his movements with curiosity.

"So what's all this for?" he questioned.

"Well," Odysseus began as he unscrewed the jar and dipped his finger inside. "The saltwater was to clean the wound-"

"I wouldn't exactly call it a wound-"

"Shh, the captain's talking," he playfully shushed him, but Elpenor's mouth snapped shut regardless. "And the honey and bandages are to make sure it heals," he explained as he dabbed the honey onto his palm.

He was practically stiff as a board. Odysseus wasn't even sure he was breathing.

"You okay there?"

Elpenor snapped himself out of it and nodded. "Yup! Never better!"

"Uh huh," Odysseus said skeptically. He continued to spread the honey across his palm, this time watching Elpenor's reactions carefully. Strangely enough, he seemed to react more than when he actually removed the splinter. His shoulders were tense, lips pressed in a thin line as he avoided the captain's gaze. Odysseus traced the long crease of his hand, and his arm instinctively pulled back, fingers twitching with the urge to form a fist.

"Is there something you're not telling me?"

To Elpenor, the question came out of nowhere. He looked up in a panic, locking eyes with Odysseus. "What?"

"I know this doesn't hurt half as much as you're acting like it does. So what gives? You got another splinter you're not telling me about?" His questions were sensible and valid, and Elpenor hated just how genuine he sounded.

"No!"

"Then what is it?"

"It's nothing!"

Odysseus didn't believe him. He squinted, looking Elpenor up and down. He leaned forward, on the cusp of invading his personal space. "Then act like it's nothing." He then continued to apply the honey in a thin, sticky layer.

And Elpenor flinched once more, biting his bottom lip.

Odysseus let out a small noise in frustration, letting go of his hand and fixing him with a look. "What's really going on?" he demanded.

"Noth-"

Odysseus held up a hand to silence him. "Don't lie to me." Elpenor went quiet, fixing him with a glare of his own.

"I'm not lying! It really is nothing."

"Yeah, because flinching at every touch is normal," Odysseus countered.

Elpenor hung his head, refusing to look at the captain for what seemed like the millionth time. "It's stupid," he mumbled, a faint blush spreading across his cheeks, not quite visible to Odysseus.

"Try me." When Elpenor didn't quite get the hint, he continued. "Oh come on, it can't be that bad," he encouraged. When that still didn't work, he added, "Tell me, or you'll be swabbing the deck for a week." That got his attention.

"Oh come on!" he whined. Odysseus grinned.

"I can make it two," he playfully threatened.

Elpenor wrenched his hand free from his gasp as he threw his arms up in the air out of frustration. "Zeus, you're insufferable! It just tickled a little, okay? Happy?" he snapped.

Odysseus tried to keep it together, he really did. But his smile stretched wider across his face, showing off all his teeth, and a chuckle slipped out that he tried to mask as a cough.

"Don't laugh at me!"

"Sorry, sorry. I just- wasn't expecting that," he admitted, looking Elpenor up and down. "You could've just told me, I would've been more careful."

He scoffed and crossed his arms. "Yeah right."

Odysseus cocked his head, eyebrows shooting up quizzically. "Oh? You don't trust me?" he challenged.

"Not with that information, no," he admitted, keeping a suitable distance between them.  Odysseus tossed his head back with a hearty laugh.

"Well at least you're honest. Let's get you bandaged up." He smirked when Elpenor didn't move. "I promise I won't do anything," he said, hiding crossed fingers behind his back.

He hesitantly sat back down, allowing Odysseus to wrap his hand. A long silence stretched between them before Odysseus spoke. "So palms, huh?"

Elpenor groaned and hid his face in his free hand. "Please stop talking."

"No no, I think it's cute," he teased, making sure the bandage was tight enough, but not too tight before tying it in a knot.

"I'm never gonna live this down, am I?" he mumbled.

"Not likely," Odysseus said smugly, not even bothering to hide his proud smirk. Elpenor groaned in embarrassment.

"Oh don't be like that. There are worse things." He patted his knee to signal that he was done, and Elpenor heaved a sigh of relief. When he made to stand, Odysseus stopped him.

"Where do you think you're going?"

Elpenor felt his stomach drop. "Uh, b-back to work?"

"In a minute, I gotta check the other one."

Elpenor clutched his hands to his chest, staring at him in bewilderment. "Why?"

"Gotta make sure that one's not hurt. Can't really take your word for it now, can we?" he teased.

"It's fine!" he squeaked out.

"Relax, it'll only take a second," he assured, snatching his other wrist. He yanked him down so he was sitting beside him on the bed, wasting no time before getting to work.

"Captain! What're you doING?" Elpenor's protest turned squeaky towards the end before clamping his mouth shut. Odysseus scribbled against his palm, smiling innocently

"Checking for splinters," he said, feigning innocence. Elpenor shook his head, stomping his feet a little, anything to keep from laughing. "What else would I be doing?" Odysseus asked, as if he didn't already know.

"You're t-tickling mehehe!" Elpenor cried out before bubbly giggles took over his voice.

"Really? Wow, I would've never guessed," he mused nonchalantly, tracing the lines on Elpenor's palm.

"Liahahar! You fucking knew!" he accused, so Odysseus decided to scratch blunt nails along his inner wrist. He snorted and tugged on his trapped arm, but the captain's grip held firm.

"I didn't know they'd be this bad. But hey, I'm not complaining," he taunted, chuckling when Elpenor whined through his giggles and tried shoving him away with his wrapped hand.

"Ihihi ahahaham!" Elpenor argued, trying to sound angry, but the giggles severely diminished the effect. Odysseus scoffed and waved him off.

"No you're not, you're laugh," he justified, flashing him a cheeky grin. He began tracing circles on the center of his palm, and Elpenor squealed, tugging on his arm with all his might. Odysseus barely bit back a smirk, letting him go so that he flew back into the mass pillows on the bed.

Odysseus didn't bother to hide his laughter when Elpenor hit the pillows and only laughed harder when he glared up at him.

"What kind of captain are you?" he asked incredulously, sitting up among the mountain of pillows.

"A really fun one," he bragged. Elpenor rolled his eyes and crossed his arms.

"You're crazy..."

"Thank you," Odysseus said mock sincerely, placing a hand over his heart.

"That wasn't a compliment!"

"It is to me."

"Whatever," Elpenor scoffed and waved him off. His cheeks were sporting a bright blush, brows furrowed, nostrils flared: oh, so he got angry when he was embarrassed. This just kept getting better and better.

He waited until Elpenor was almost standing to strike. He lunged forward, grabbing him in a headlock from behind and yanking him back down.

"NO! MOTHERFUCKER, LET ME GOOO!" he screamed, thrashing in his hold as much as he could.

"Hey! Don't talk to your captain like that!" Odysseus scolded, wasting no time before clawing at his belly.

"THEN AHAHACT LIHIKE ONE!" Elpenor squealed through his growing hysterics, prying his arm away, only for it to latch onto his hip and squeeze.  Odysseus gasped in mock offense, drilling his thumb against the bone.

"You undermining my authority?" he challenged in a threatening tone.

"N-nohoho! Please, thihihis ihis torture!" Elpenor shrieked when he felt that wretched hand scribble across his stomach up to his ribs.

Odysseus snorted in amusement. "Yeah- tickle torture!" As he spoke, he sped up his movements, digging in ever so slightly. Elpenor cackled and thrashed even more.

"You're nohohot funny!"

"Actually, I'm hilarious!" Odysseus insisted. "Oh, I got a good one for you! How many tickles does it take to make a kraken laugh?" Somehow, Elpenor managed to let out an annoyed groan through a fit of giggles. "Ten tickles!"

"Thehehey only hahave eight legs!" he argued. Odysseus glared down at him and shoved his hands under his arms, making his scream with laughter.

"You smartass! I know they only have eight tentacles, it's called a play on words!"

"Stihihill not funny!"

"Oh now you're asking for it," he growled as he scribbled down his ribs to his sides to his hips.

"Ihihi ahaham NOHOHOT!" Elpenor shrieked when he felt hands relentlessly squeeze his hips.

"That's exactly what someone who's asking for it would say," Odysseus taunted with a shit eating grin. "But since I'm feeling nice, I'll offer you a deal: promise to actually tell someone if you're hurt, and- are you even listening?" he asked, drilling circles against the bones with his thumbs. Elpenor bucked and snorted, nodding in agreement.

"Yehehes, just gehehet ohohon with it!" he cried out through his laughter. Odysseus chuckled along and continued.

"Okay bossy. But if you promise to be more careful and look after yourself, I'll let you go," he bargained. Elpenor leapt at the opportunity for mercy.

"Yehehes, fine! Whatehehever you wahant, just stop!"

True to his word, Odysseus pulled away, allowing him to catch his breath. He chanced a glance towards the captain, instant regret taking hold as he saw him leaning against the headboard, arms folded across his chest smugly, and he was sporting the biggest shit eating grin Elpenor had ever seen. He turned away with a huff, mumbling under his breath as he stood.

Odysseus watched him go, snickering quietly behind his hand. He shut up as soon as Elpenor whipped around, trying to catch him in the act. But there he sat, the picture of feigned innocence.

Elpenor scoffed, still reeling from the strange interaction with their superior.

"You're a fucking monster," he spat, but the insult held no heat. In fact, it only made Odysseus smile wider.

"Yeah, a tickle monster," he chimed in, not even bothering to hide his amusement. Elpenor blushed, eyes wide and mouth agape as he struggled to find a smart retort. Odysseus cocked his head. He glared at him.

"Shut up." He grabbed the doorknob, flinching when he heard Odysseus's voice speak up.

"You're dismissed," came the smug call, and Elpenor could just kill him.

"I was already leaving," he sassed back, opening the door and leaving. He slammed the door behind him, cutting off deep, rumbling chuckles. He turned down the hall, nearly running into Eurylochus.

"Wha- Eurylochus! Uh, h-how long have you, uh, been standing there?" he studdered, not quite meeting his gaze. Eirylochus smirked.

"Just wanted to make sure you'd made it out alive," he teased.

"Yeah, whatever," he brushed him off, getting all but two steps before it dawned on him, and he spun on his heels to face him. "Wait- YOU FUCKING KNEW?!"

Eurylochus couldn't help but break out in a large, playful grin. He shrugged sheepishly.

"Asshole!" he shoved at his chest, as unmoving as a wall. "Why didn't you warn me?"

"And ruin the surprise?"

Elpenor let out a high pitched, indignant sound that made Eurylochus bark out a laugh. He threw an arm around his sounders and guided him down the hall.

Elpenor was still reeling from what had just happened. At the beginning of the day, he had a nagging splinter in his hand, and by the end, the splinter was gone, and in its place was a completely new perception of the man he called captain.

Maybe he wasn't so bad...

And then Polites bounded up to him, eyes shining and smile bright. "I didn't know you were ticklish!"

Or not.

[amazingmsme]

Oh no I accidentally wrote a whole lil drabble 😭 The Ler! Hermes brainrot is real man

Omg they're talking about which Gods scare them the most and Polites says a typical answer like the big 3, and Odysseus teases him about how he's shocked it isn't Hermes cause he's so ticklish. Polites gets flustered and enacts some fake bravado to hide it like

“Why would I be scared of a lame God like that? I'm not that ticklish-”

Eurylochus raises his eyebrows and chuckles like “Yeah, okay buddy. Whatever you say.”

Polites gets a lil defensive and pouty.

“I'm not!! Hermes doesn't scare me, okay? Zeus is way scarier-”

Famous last words lol. Hermes catches wind of the interaction, perhaps on a typical check in of Odysseus or in search of Athena and decides to have some fun. He lingers on the edge of Polites’ periphery, making him question if he's seeing what he thinks he's seeing and he eventually goes to Odysseus to confirm and maybe ask him to go away so he doesn't have to. Odysseus just winces sympathetically and laughs at him, a hand on his shoulder as his eyes twinkle mischievously.

“Ahh, that's Hermes alright. But you should be fine, right? You said you weren't scared of him. Good luck~”

Polites is left gaping after him at the betrayal and Hermes decides now is the time so he just poofs into existence and smiles innocently at him, waving Odysseus’ way who's watching with amusement.

“So; I heard you're not scared of me? Awfully bold for a Human with your…”

He trails off as his eyes scan him up and down and a smirk quirks his lips, already making Polites want to giggle.

“sensitivities. Though perhaps it's not too surprising, you do seem to gain quite a bit of enjoyment out of the whole arrangement, don't you?”

He laughs at the blush and frantic shh'ing that earns him as Eurylochus and Odysseus snicker and whispher amongst each other from afar.

“Oh trust me, my friend, they're already well aware. Why do you think they bully you so? Perhaps that's why you saw fit to provoke me as well, hm?”

Polities shakes his head as he backs away, a shaky smile already on his face.

“No, no! Of course not, your Grace, your Highness- I-I just-”

“Hermes is fine. They weren't exaggerating; you truly are downright endearing. I'll let you in a little secret, since I'm feeling charitable. You know, I don't even have to lay a hand on you to tickle you?”

He winks, and with a wave of his hand, Polities squeals and jumps away from what feels like a poke at his ribs, quickly followed by another and another until he's dancing in place trying to dodge the phantom tickles. Poor Polites is a flustered, jumbled mess.

“Point proven, point proven!! Please!”

Hermes hums in mock thought; smirking.

“Mm, Mm, much better! But enlighten me. Who's the scariest God again~?”

Politics feels a feather at his neck, and shrieks briefly as something squeezes his hips.

“Yhohohohou, you, Hermes!”

Hermes giggles and with another wave of his hand, the sensations stop, leaving him to crumple to the floor. Hermes leaves him with a water skin and a knowing, dare I say, fond smile and a ruffle of his hair.

“Good boy; do try to keep that in mind, yes? Ta-ta~!”

He disappears as quickly as he came and Odysseus and Eurylochus help him up, trying to hold back laughter of their own.

Eurylochus discreetly gives Odysseus his winnings for not holding out against Hermes behind his back. Then they both tease him.

“...See? Even the Gods think you're cute. Now you really can't deny it.”

“Looks like you were cursed after all~”

Polities just covers his face and groans, pouting, knowing they're never gonna let him live this down.

“Leave me alone…”

Ahhh I totally flustered myself writing this send help 😳

YOU FLUSTERED ME TOO OMG THAT WAS SO GOOOOOD! I can totally see them playing a silly game like that & finding any excuse to tease Polites, it’s just so fitting!

& the way he’s so defensive about it, going as far as to call him lame & downplaying his own sensitivity. But I like to imagine the Gods have a radar whenever someone mentions them & Hermes is curious & peeks in just to see Polites basically shit talking him & he can’t let that fly!

He’s so smug & teasy kxsjkzbdjd poor Polites can’t even defend himself! This is seriously amazing, I’m gonna reread it immediately!

[amazingmsme]

because we all need some wholesomeness, have a headcanon i’ve been thinking of all day: polites is a chronic over-apologizer, he always feels the need to say he’s sorry for things that aren’t his fault and aren’t a big deal. and while it’s kinda funny and endearing the crew will sometimes get fed up and tickle him until he stops apologizing so much (i’m still on my lee!polites arc if you couldn’t tell. i can’t help it after ghosty boy chapter two) - 🌙

So sorry for hoarding this bestie, I’m finally sharing it with the world! Polites would SO be an over-apologizer & at first it’s just really endearing & kinda funny, but after a while it just makes them sad that he feels the need to take responsibility for every minor inconvenience

I could totally see Eurylochus telling him he doesn’t need to apologize for every little thing & if he does it again, he’ll tickle him & he meant it as a joke & honestly didn’t expect to have to follow through. But Polites goes “I’m sorry, I’ll stop” & he just sighs & cracks his knuckles. & Odysseus is off to the side like “why didn’t I think of that?”

Polites will start to apologize for something then catches himself & stops mid sentence 😂

& I hope ghosty boy chapter 3 could help scratch that itch! & we’ll get a mini chapter for tickletober day 28: spooked where Ody discovers that ghosts are indeed ticklish & decides to have some fun with his friend! I’m really excited for that one!

[amazingmsme]

YOU GET ME

That mother fucker should be one of the most ticklish people on the ship. Why?? Because the juxtaposition makes me giggle. I want Eurylochus to be in a mood and Ody to poke at his side and he just turns into a giggly mess.

-😈

I know right?! It’s basically a requirement for the quiet stoic one to be unbearably ticklish! He’s probably tied with Odysseus, but his worst spots are in places you don’t expect so people just assume Ody’s worse (plus that man is dramatic af when tickled & Eurylochus fights tooth & nail to keep his composure)

But it’s so fucking funny when he tries to make fun of Ody & Polites for being so ticklish because bitch you’re just as bad!

I have a prompt similar to this that I’m about to start so that y’all can have something in between now & the 1st. Ngl it’s killing me to wait to post these fics, especially the one with Asterios & the crew, & we get to see a bit of lee!eurylochus in that, so it’s gonna be a real treat! Stay tuned for day 12!

[amazingmsme]

I am also here to add to the EPIC: The Musical agenda!! Thank you fluff-void because you made my writing brain go brr <3 -Sheridan

Polites and Odysseus start a damn tickle war, once Odysseus’s ticklishness gets out.

It’s really cute; Polites is jumpy and giggly for however long Odysseus feels like dragging out his anticipation, which can be a while depending on how mean he’s feeling. 

He plays it completely straight too, despite the smirk tugging at the edges of his lips. 

“Why so jumpy, brother? I was merely letting you know it’s my watch!” 

“Ah, I didn’t mean to startle you, there was simply a loose thread I didn’t want to risk you getting caught on.”

He’s so smug, ugh. 

The master of playful condescension and sarcasm as he lers. 

“Oh; this tickles? I had no idea!”  

“Being as ticklish as this? You must be an anomaly even the Gods can’t figure out. Heh; that or they cursed you. Wonder what you did in a past life~? Maybe you were just too cute for your own good. I’m willing to believe it- just listen to those adorable giggles and hiccups of yours!”

No strategy a lee of his thinks up will work 9 times out of 10. He’ll typically either know the person well enough, wait them out, or get a read on their strategy and then nip it in the bud. 

Eurylochus let slip a bad spot of his only he remembered and started to hide, only appearing for his scheduled shifts, burying himself in his work. and dodging Odysseus at meal times only to get cornered in his room by an already waiting Odysseus who just grinned at him with a glint in his eyes. 

“You know, I don’t think I quite remember your worst spots nearly as well as you do mine; shall we rediscover them together?”

“Captain, we can talk about this!”

Eurylochus tries to plead his case, already feeling a grin spreading across his lips but Odysseus merely cracks his neck and starts to move towards him. 

“Oh I think you’ve already done quite enough talking for your own good, don't you?”

Eurylochus is lost to laughter after that. 

He’s the one that gets most embarrassed when tickled in public, or in front of his men. His laughter is loud, and hard to contain when he finally cracks. 

Odysseus truthfully isn’t much better embarrassment wise inwardly but his ler side tends to keep the men more in line, along with being Captain so no-one’s the wiser. 

Eurylochus is there to make sure no-one goes too far, and intervene or turn the tables for those that deserve it. cough Odysseus cough

Odysseus gets so flustered if a God shows up while he’s being wrecked. Good Lord.

He can typically hold onto some remnant of his Captain persona otherwise but he crumbles if Athena or Hermes show up, especially if either teases him, or makes a sarcastic comment or dry quip like he tends to do when he’s the ler, or Gods forbid they help? It’s all over for him.

I’M EATING THIS RIGHT THE FUCK UP YOU HAVE NO IDEA! They’re so fucking cute & silly, they deserve to just have some fun & chill out. This got a lil long ‘cause I’m “normal” about them

Odysseus & Polites just go back & forth getting each other, & it all started when Polites just wanted to sneak up & startle him while he was having a conversation. But he surprised him by squeezing his sides & Odysseus was like “oh, you wanna start this?” & he’s so innocent like “start what?” & that’s the last thing he’s able to say

He’s Odysseus favorite to wreck because he’s just so cute & he makes it too easy. Odysseus loves fucking with him & pretending he’s not, it’s literally his favorite game

Shxjsvxuu his flimsy excuses are so funny cause like, yeah he COULD be telling the truth, but look at that smirk! Look at his eyes sparkling! That’s pure mischief baby! & the way he’s just so smugly casual is almost like a dare to be called out on it. & Polites tried to, once

“I know that’s not what you’re really doing!” & Odysseus cocks his head like “oh? So you’re calling me a liar?” & Eurylochus is looking at him from over the captain’s shoulder like don’t do it, but Polites keeps on truckin’. “No, that’s not what I’m saying” “then what are you saying?” & he’s using that teasy mocking tone & Polites is trying not to giggle & is like “you’re just trying to mess with me” & he grins & shrugs like “well now that you put the idea in my head” & Polites tries to be like “but the idea was already in your head!” But he’s wrestled to the ground before he can finish that sentence

I fucking love your examples of some of his teases cause they’re so spot on! He’s so smug & mean about it, he’s literally such a bullyyyy. He LOVES rubbing it in their face how ticklish they are or how much they’re laughing. Literally the best worst

Poor poor Eurylochus knew he fucked up the moment he said it. It just slipped out, Polites was finally getting some well deserved revenge, & in front of a small audience of some very amused soldiers. But he could see Odysseus was trying to get the upper hand, so he casually says “you should try his hips, they make him scream louder than the gods” & then freezes because he knows the target he just put on his back. & as if to confirm it, it the midst of the struggle Odysseus catches his eye & mouths “you’re dead” soooo yeah it’s time for his disappearing act

Some of the soldiers that bore witness catch on when they see that he’s not hanging around their captain & think it’s hilarious. They’ll sneak up behind him & go “boo” pretending to be Odysseus & it gives him a heart attack every damn time! Polites definitely notices his absence by their captain’s side & hunts him down to tease him about it. It backfires, but it was worth it in the moment. After like a week of hiding & strategic avoidance, he goes to his room to grab something. He walks in & the door slams shut behind him & Odysseus is standing there with his hand on the door, smug as ever. Just like “you’re a tough man to track down, you know that?”

He just starts backing up wondering if he could fit through the porthole window, slowly & carefully trying to plead his case. But Odysseus’s smile never falters & he’s just so ready to make him shut the hell up & laugh

Eurylochus has prided himself on his ability to always keep a cool head in most situations, so he gets really flustered any time he loses his composure. & nothing makes you lose your composure more than being tickled

He’s definitely really shy about it & his top priority is trying to hide his face or muffle his laughter. Odysseus loves to point out how he’d rather hide than fight back (that backfires because now he IS fighting back & Odysseus wasn’t prepared for that)

Odysseus talks such a big game for someone who can’t take what he dishes out. He blushes so much as soon as someone starts teasing him. He gets so cute & shy if he thinks he’s about to get wrecked & he goes over every escape option in his head

Ksbskandkf he would absolutely die on the fucking spot if a god personally bore witness to him in such a vulnerable, embarrassing position. Athena once showed up in the middle of Eurylochus & Polites wrecking him & she just quietly waits for them to finish. He’s soooo flustered & pissy that she just stood there & did nothing “I mean, the least you could’ve done was leave” & she’s smirking like “I need to talk to you. And you deserved to be humbled” but he’s still grumpy & embarrassed about it

[amazingmsme]

Trying to plan for tickletober, & my list is lookin’ real sparse. I’m mostly looking for prompts for the following fandoms:

Epic (even tho I already have a few planned)

Hatchetfield

Critical Role

Blood of Zeus

My Adventures with Superman

Slay the Princess

Villainous

Dungeon Meshi

The Amazing Digital Circus

The Magnus Archives

D&D: Honor Among Thieves

Game of Thrones (EARLY SEASONS, NO SPOILERS)

House of the Dragon

Deadpool & Wolverine

& some obscure ones that would really make my day

Wolf 359

Sinbad Legend of the Seven Seas

Night Film

The Last Days of Jack Sparks

Stoked

Prompt list under the cut

1. Anticipation- Fjord & Jester (critical role)

2. Chase- Heron, Hermes, & Apollo (blood of Zeus)

3. Prank- Elpenor & Polites (epic)

4. Hide & Seek- Pomni & Gummigoo (tadc)

5. Boo!- Bill & Ted ft. Paul (tgwdlm)

6. Cuddles- Steph & Pete (npmd)

7. Fidget- Hera & Eiffel (wolf 359)

8. Nuzzles-

9. Wake up- Eiffel & Minkowski

10. Spidering-

11. Hug- Ruth & Richie (npmd)

12. Mischief- Asterios, Elpenor, Odysseus, Polites & Eurylochus (epic)

13. Win-

14. Lose-

15. “Are you ticklish?”- Mark & Karen (Hatchetfield)

16. Cackle- Tinky & Ted (Hatchetfield)

17. Raspberries- Pomni & Jax (tadc)

18. Tickle fight- lords in black (Hatchetfield)

19. Secret-

20. Tease- Narrator, voice of the hero, & voice of the cold (slay the princess)

21. Costume-

22. Role reversal-

23. Sweet-

24. Joke-

25. New discovery- mermaid!odysseus & Penelope (epic au)

26. Ticklish kiss- Lois & Clark (maws)

27. Non-human parts- Asterios & Elpenor (epic)

28. Spooked- ghost!polites & Odysseus (epic au)

29. Magic-

30. Trick-or-Treat-

31. Aftercare-

[amazingmsme]

Yooo good food good food!!

May I add to this God tickle agenda? These are a lot of my own headcanons since I'm working on a Ler! Hermes fic that I'm about 2k into because Dangerous wouldn't leave my head for a straight week and the animatics made me see Ler potential 🫣

The main ones are that the Gods can gain energy from Human emotions suited to their paths- hence why Athena and Odysseus clicked so well given his cleverness and strategic mind. Hermes prefers those who are easily flustered and prone to fun emotions like embarrassment and enjoyment. The Gods can also give some of their energy to their disciples in exchange to heal/comfort them, but a Human may pick up some of their core traits into their personality for a while (like a disciple of Hermes being more daring, for example); a symbiotic relationship.

The other is his Godly power is just being able to use his mischievous essence to make people/Gods feel sensations. So anything from scaring someone by making them feel like a bug is crawling on them, they're being watched or anything like that, to being tickled, however he feels like or whatever is most effective. Still brainstorming a name for it 😅

Hope that makes sense; it's much better explained in the fic I promise-

Anyway! ❤️

Hermes is an absolute MENACE

He's constantly starting tickle fights with the others and is the one who knows the others spots.

If someone annoys him enough; he'll get them in their dreams but if someone actually pisses him off- he'll embarrass them at a God meeting, dinner, in front of a Human disciple of theirs etc. He'll do so regularly till he feels like they've learned their lesson and play dumb if anyone above him comes to him about it.

Every God has their own way of keeping their disciples in line and Hermes just immediately will tickle his disciples if they do something that'll come back to bite him- since he's responsible for them.

The other Gods tend to let things build up- but Hermes thinks that's a surefire way to disaster. He of course makes note of how many times his Human is causing trouble, and his tickle punishments may get meaner the more they build up but it's super rare to see him actually mad.

The big Gods he's too scared to mess with but he'd be lying if he said he wasn't working his way up to getting Hades one day. He just wants to know!

As for who he messes with as far as the other Gods?

Athena and Apollo probably get it a lot. I think with Athena he'd love to see her put-together persona crack- much like how Odysseus and Polites are with Eurylochus. They'll be sparring the usual way, and Hermes will flick his fingers if she gets too cocky about beating him, or just because it's funny. He tends to let up pretty quickly though. He doesn't want to make her too mad and end up getting wrecked himself. She kind of scares him deep down; not that he'd ever admit as much.

Apollo though? He gets no such mercy. He adores messing with his half-brother at every opportunity and he's cripplingly ticklish, unfortunately for him. Hermes always jokes about his laughter and squeals being his best piece yet, and how he should share it with others.

I feel like he'd tickle Calypso too, when he stops by if she seems lonely. He imagines she must be touch-starved and tries to make her feel at least a little better.

Circe is fun to mess with- though I think eventually she grows wise and may start trying to look at ways to get him back or numb her own ticklishness.

Hermes is actually quite ticklish himself; but you'll have to catch him first and good luck with that given how quick he is. He only lets others have the opportunity if he feels it’s earned by truly upsetting someone. Every now and then he actually quite enjoys a good old-fashioned tickle fight or other tickle game like tickle hide and seek; typically with Apollo or his disciples!

THIS IS AMAZING OMGGGG I CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF IT! Hermes is literally so ler coded &

I got carried away with this, but you brought up such good points!

I’ve gotta stop looking at the actors because every time I just fall head over heels in love wtf they’re all SO HOT! Thank you so much for this, there’s a huge lack of love for Hermes & he is such a mischievous lil shit, & he’s just so FUN! I can’t wait for your fic.

You’d think by how giggly he is he’d be more lee, but this man lives for drama & causing trouble. & yeah he laughs all the time but have you fucking heard it? That’s a shitty, up to no good kinda laugh, that’s a laugh you don’t trust, sorry not sorry

But I’m fucking OBSESSED with the thought of him going around bothering the other gods for sport, & he gets sooo cocky about it, going from spot to spot before flying out of reach. Sometimes he’s a little too full of himself & ends up getting caught & they teach him a lesson he won’t soon forget (he just doesn’t care about the consequences, he’ll make sure to be faster next time)

He loves to mess with Athena because to him she’s good practice for when he’s ready to go bother the big 3. But she’s also just soooo fun to piss off. & I had no idea Apollo was his half brother, that makes everything so much more fun for him! & he uses it as an excuse to hang out with him, like he just wants some bro time & next thing Apollo knows is he’s laughing his ass off

Ok but back to Athena, she probably said some bitchy snide remark at the last god meetup & it embarrassed him & hurt his feewings so he decides to embarrass her in front of her pet human. So he just kinda secretly hangs out until she decides to show up again, whether to train him or talk strategy, & all of a sudden she’s all confused like “can I help you?” & Odysseus turns around thinking someone walked into his cabin but lo & behold it’s fucking Hermes floating in his room! & suddenly he’s feeling very uncomfy thinking there’s about to be some god fight in his room that he’s in the middle of & he’s like “uh I feel like I should go” inching closer to the door but Hermes blocks his way with a chuckle like “& miss all the fun? No, I want you to see this” & so he’s just standing there like 🧍‍♂️& Athena demands to know what it’s about

& Hermes is like “I’m SO GLAD you asked! Remember what you said about me?” & it’s honestly pretty insignificant to her so no, she really doesn’t & that just pisses him off so he doesn’t wait around to knock her down a few pegs. & all the while he’s casually talking with Odysseus & commenting on all her worst spots. Meanwhile Odysseus is barely able to hide his amused grin behind his hand but he can barely even speak because he keeps thinking what the hell is happening right now?

After he’s had his fun he helps her up & she slugs him in the arm & yeah, rightfully so. But he turns to her & goes “I hope we’ve learned to hold our tongue the next time we think about insulting someone” & now that I’m thinking about it, it probably wasn’t even that bad. Something like “you gotta wonder how he ties his sandals” in reference to the ankle wings & he was looking for any excuse to do this. & as fast as he appeared he’s gone & neither of them really know what to say. But Odysseus smirks & goes “so that was… something” & she’s like don’t

& of course he’s like “uh you’re never gonna believe what just happened” but Polites cuts him off like “oh we know” & he’s like “you know?” Because wtf how? Apparently when a goddess laughs it’s loud enough to be heard across the ship & Eurylochus just thought Odysseus was getting Polites, but then he walks right by him & makes him do a double take because if that’s not Polites, then who the hell is that? No one else on the ship really sounds like that so he went down to see just what the hell their captain was doing & he opened the door & immediately closed it. Looked through the keyhole to make sure he wasn’t hallucinating & immediately went looking for Polites

Ok but when Odysseus brought it up Eurylochus is like oh yeah why were you just standing there watching??? & he’s like “Hermes wouldn’t let me leave, he said something about wanting me to watch? I don’t know, it was some revenge thing” & Polites giggles because how else are you supposed to react & goes “the gods are weird”

“Funny, we say the same about you” & Hermes is floating behind them & they all scream & he’s fucking gone again. Literally just did that to jump scare them

But I’m circling back to what you said about how he’d visit someone in their dreams & proceed to wreck their shit. Because omg that is so damn funny & downright mean to do, like that’s the most flustering thing ever! Cause then they’re left thinking they’re own subconscious came up with that & wondering why it came up with that & basically send them into a downward spiral

But one day while he was crossing over the ship on his way to deliver a message, he caught sight of Eurylochus & Polites tickling their captain & he stuck around for the show before continuing on his merry way, tucking that information in his back pocket to use for a rainy day

He’s impatient tho so he only waits a few days before he decides to pay him a visit. Odysseus rarely gets good enough sleep to dream, so the fact he is dreaming is already a lil sus. But that’s what it is, it’s just a dream, right? Maybe he’s lost in a forest, or walking through the clouds in his dream but either way he’s lost & disoriented until he stumbles in Hermes who has fun toying with him, making him more lost until the real fun begins. & Hermes pulls some magic shit so Odysseus can’t wake up until he’s done with him, but once he leaves Odysseus jolts awake with a laugh. He’s in a cold sweat & he was literally blushing in his sleep, his heart is racing & his mind is still trying to catch up with itself. He tries to go back to sleep, but he can’t stop thinking about it & he’s only able to get to that fitful half asleep half awake state

The next day he’s all flustered & jumpy & his friends definitely pick up on it but don’t want to pry. Polites asks if he’s ok tho & he says he’s fine, it was just a weird dream, & now they’re a little curious. He tries to describe it in the vaguest of terms “Hermes showed up & made me get lost in a cloud maze” ok but why’re you so weird about it? Like it’s so obvious he’s omitting stuff & then a voice from above laughs & goes “too embarrassed to tell them what really happened, are we?” & it dawns on him that it actually was Hermes in his dream & now he’s even more embarrassed. But yeah, Hermes goes ahead & tells all about how he tickled Odysseus to pieces & how he couldn’t do anything about it & how cute & helpless their captain is. I’m telling you, Hermes may not be the most powerful, & yes he’s one of the more friendly gods, but he is literally the woooooorst

Sneasler rant voice: that’s not like, a thing that gods do. Circe didn’t tickle me. Poseidon didn’t fuckin’ tickle me. But this bitch, this B-I-T-C-H tickled meeee

Idk what it is about him, but Hermes reminds me a lot of Michael Distortion from tma & therefore he’s a bit of a bully & uses magic to his advantage to fuck with mortals for his own amusement & that’s 100% my type

Ok I’m done for now

[amazingmsme]

So I’m still trying to work on their backstories, but I think I got the main important bits that I can build off of later

Sorry that these aren’t as even as I’d like, but Asterios’s backstory came much easier than Leander’s. I still gotta come up with his home life & such, but for the most part, I like where he’s at!

Our big lovable himbo, Leander. About as tall as Eurylochus, but even beefier. He’s got the personality of an orange cat: dumb, crazy & happy. BRT you thought I was gonna say golden retriever, huh? But yeah, he’s also a golden retriever jcvskahd

He’s got strong Laios vibes, just sayin’

Would’ve absolutely eaten the lotus, are you kidding me? Even if he knew. Just a nibble! Just to see what it tastes like…

He’s honestly a jack of all trades & dabbles in a bit of everything, but he excels at sword fighting & spear throwing

Sees training as a type of game & goes all out on his opponents, then doesn’t understand why no one wants to spar

A disciple of Apollo, he really appreciates the arts & has a really nice, deep singing voice, but he’s surprisingly shy when it comes to singing in front of others

Loves the sun & likes to lay on the deck enjoying its warmth. He’s kind of a slacker tbh but he makes up for it when he does help because he’s so strong

So he falls in love with one of the nymphs on Circe’s island, & in the original show he ends up staying to be with her. But for my fic, he stays with the crew to go back home & is so lovesick, he gets on everyone’s nerves

But in the original version, he’s one of the few (maybe only?) crew that actually lives because of his choice to stay

They fall in love after he turns human again & jokingly says “man, I’ll miss being a pig. Well, it was fun while it lasted, right guys?” & everyone’s yelling at him & giving him shit for it & this one nymph thinks that’s just so funny

He doesn’t even know how funny he is, he just be sayin’ shit. & it’s one of the things that made her fall for him

Their love came on quick & strong. Think summer romance, opening of Grease, that kinda stuff. They’re so lovey dovey, & it’s all genuine!

Just a big ol’ teddy bear. A ticklish softie. You wouldn’t expect him to be so ticklish because of how big & strong he is, but just a few pokes can make him crumble

Has a very fun & goofy personality & never fails to make people laugh! Even if he has to tickle it outta them lol

Sometimes when his hair is up, his ponytail will brush his neck & he’ll giggle & whip his head around expecting someone to be there, but nope. He realizes what happened & looks around to make sure no one saw & if they did he gets all flustered & makes up some excuse to leave

You better hope he’s not in a playful mood if you go after him because he will turn it into a tickle fight, & he’s pretty competitive lol

He’ll help out if someone is trying to get someone else by catching them & holding them down. Likewise, if you want to wreck him, you better have someone to hold him down

He’s such a silly ler, & raspberries are one of his favorite tactics but the dude cannot take what he dishes out

His worst spots are his armpits, belly, thighs & feet, but he’ll be a giggling mess no matter where you try

So his backstory popped tf off ok it got away from me

He’s the son of Eris, goddess of discord & strife, hence the ear wings (a lot of her children had wing imagery & he can hide them by folding them & tucking them under the hair behind his ears)

He was unplanned & Eris cast him down to earth because she at least knew she’d be a bad mother for a half mortal. She may not want anything to do with him, but she does want to check up & see how he’s doing

His adopted parents found him washed on the shore of a riverbed, in a broken basket. He was there long enough that he’d fallen asleep, but he was still clutching a gold chain necklace in his tiny fist (his real mother’s necklace, & the only clue he had to go off of)

He was a terrible troublemaker growing up, & his parents had to actively teach him to be kind & thoughtful because of how he’d treat others & instigate fights. But his mischief leveled out to normal levels, & he was actually a pretty decent child all things considered

But just being around him can change your mood, where you’re more annoyed & prone to start fights, but he’s learned to control this

Grew up not knowing he was adopted, just knowing & feeling he was extremely different. He had few friends growing up, because his general aura is off putting & intimidating. So he just grew up thinking he was somehow wrong, & everyone hated him

His parents tried to tell him multiple times, but couldn’t bring themselves to confess. Especially his mom, as if telling him he’s adopted would somehow make him less hers, & make him feel isolated more than he already was. They also didn’t want to tell him until they knew who’s child he was, but they had no clue

They found out close to his 13th birthday, after finding a mural of Eris wearing the necklace that he showed up with

He didn’t take the news well & basically blamed himself for every misfortune their family faced. & then the spiraling of why didn’t his mom want him? Is it just because he’s human or was it something else? Do these parents even want him, or was he just a burden thrust into their arms? they adore him, but they know no matter what they do, he will always have that doubt in the back of his mind

Eris finally showed herself when he was 16, crying in her temple & cursing her name for forcing him to live like this. It went about as you’d expect (skirting all the blame, playing the victim, & saying how much better he is without her & how he should instead thank her for the way things turned out)

Eris at least had the decency to warn him about the upcoming war, & even proudly took responsibility. Basically just called up her estranged son to bitch & spill some tea & then peaced tf out. So after that he felt like he had no choice but to join the war

He feels incredibly guilty about the war because of what he knows. Like it’s his fault somehow. Once he gets close enough to Leander, I feel like he’d confess these emotions on a sleepless night

His feelings of being an outcast only grow once they’re shipped off to war, because at first he doesn’t feel like he can relate to anyone. Or that anyone even wants him around, he can feel people staring. But then this big dumb jock comes bumbling over, introducing himself & asking if he’s “excited to see the world!” & Asterios has to laugh because no way is this guy serious. But he was, & they’ve been best friends ever since. Every moody bitch gotta have a ray of sunshine bff!

They’re actually roommates lmao. But a few other guys also share the room

He channels all his rage into his training & fighting, so he’s really skilled at what he does. & he inherited divine strength, so even tho he may not look it, he could totally beat everyone in an arm wrestling match

This sad boy needs to lighten tf uuuup he’s always sulking or brooding

Either Leander or Polites were trying to cheer him up, & when nothing else worked they gave a curious squeeze to his sides & he kiiiinda freaked out (he kinda knew he was ticklish, but he’d completely forgotten because it’s been so long & it’s basically like getting tickled for the first time

Afterwards he lowkey can’t stop thinking about it because he’s never had the chance to cut loose & play with someone his own age like that. & it felt stupid & silly, but he can’t ignore the fact that it actually did make him feel better he refuses to admit it tho

HE’S GOT DIMPLES!!! You can’t tell in the pic cause of his stubble, but trust me, they’re there. But the crew didn’t even know for the longest time because he rarely ever smiles wide enough for them to show up

Tries to act like it’s childish & beneath him, meanwhile he’s internally trying to keep his cool so he can fly under the radar in it’s happening near him

If a tickle fight breaks out, he’s suddenly nowhere to be found. The whole thing flusters him, & the idea of him getting drug in is too exciting & scary to think about. Until someone eventually drags his ass into the fray

He inherited some of his mother’s powers & he will absolutely use them to his advantage when he sees fit. His powers are: super strength, super speed, telekineses, umbrakineses (shadow manipulation), & chaos/discord manipulation (control emotions & situations to instigate fights)

He managed to get a better grip on his powers & people aren’t constantly on edge around him, but when things on the ship get boring, he’ll spice things up with a little bit of his chaos manipulation. But he basically gives a random crew member a ler mood, & directs them toward a specific target

He got away with it for a while

His ear wings are his worst spot & he hates it so much, he’s already extremely self conscious & embarrassed of them, so the fact that they’re so sensitive feels like a cruel twist of fate. Everyone else absolutely loves that fact

His other worst spots are his knees, ribs, shoulders, & hips. Lanky boy has gotta be ticklish in all the boney places, it’s the law

[amazingmsme]

(Elpenor Anon)

you know what, Elpenor tickle headcanons

Odysseus and most of the crew figured out Elpenor’s hips were ticklish when Odysseus was trying to adjust Elpenor’s form so he can shoot an arrow properly. Odysseus kept grabbing Elpenor’s hips so he can adjust his form, only for Elpenor to lose concentration and miss. It ended with Odysseus squeezing a cackling and giggling Elpenor’s hips.

if you tickle underneath Elpenor’s knee and either squeeze his knee or do the egg cracking thing, he will kick. HARD. he accidentally kicked Polites in the face and he felt so bad, he let him tickle him as an apology.

Sometimes when Elpenor is distracted, the crew asks him to hold something. Since he’s distracted, he absentmindedly puts out his hand so they can put on his hand. Only for them to grab his wrist and give his palm a quick scribble, make him let out either a squeak, snort, or snicker. He always falls for it.

when Elpenor reaches up for things, sometimes there’s a crew member that taser his ribs and makes him almost drop whatever he was reaching for.

Whenever he’s pushing someone’s face to stop them giving him a raspberry, they don’t even need to anything to get him to lower his arms again, because their facial hair is rubbing against his palms, tickling him. So it wouldn’t be long before he stops pushing at their face.

YES YES YES to all of this!!! He is sooooo cute I love him maybe a lil too much lol

1. One of my favorite tropes is someone accidentally finding out they’re ticklish. & I feel like everyone found out by accident because he’s just that sensitive. He’s just giggling & flinching away every time Odysseus barely touches him

2. Oh the knees are one of his worst spots! & the egg crack/spidering thing literally kills him, he’ll be screaming & begging for mercy & squeezing makes him cackle & snort so bad

3. KXHSKSBDKDDN I’M SO OBSESSED WITH THIS I NEED A FIC NOOOOOW!!!! He’s always so oblivious even tho it happens all the time! Like even tho it happens a lot, it’s still not often enough to expect it every time someone asks him to, so it’s literally like playing Russian roulette

4. Remember when tasering your friends was all the rage?! Yeah these men are perpetually 14 years old. Their favorite victim is Elpenor cause he’s always reaching for stuff & he makes such cute & funny noises, they can’t resist

5. YXLASHLDHC STOOOOOP THIS IS SO FUCKINH CUTE I CAN’T!!!!! Like it’s just pure instinct to shove them away, & when they’re blowing raspberries he’s frantically shoving at their face & begging for mercy & then immediately yanks his hand back cause the stubble is just too tickly. But now they got a new target to focus on lol. But Odysseus, Eurylochus & even Polites all have some facial hair & they love when he seals his own fate like that

[amazingmsme]

HELLO I SEE YOUR ASK AND I AM SO SO FLATTERED BUT IT MIGHT TAKE ME A WHILE TO ANSWER WHILE I COOK I HOPE YOU DONT MIND

anyway you are SO correct he has such big lee energy. and since he’s so happy-go-lucky and optimistic he probably takes it upon himself to lift the spirits of the rest of the crew (especially odysseus) and sometimes that includes a bit of roughhousing, but the moment you make any move to tickle him he immediately crumbles and everyone thinks it’s so funny. and he’s definitely the type to fall for tickle hug traps like that, or someone could just come up to him like “hey can you hold your arms out for me real quick” and polites just goes “okay :)” and does it and immediately regrets it when they shove their hands under his arms - fluffvoid

Omg you just KNOW he goes around poking & squeezing people’s sides in passing being all “it’s a beautiful day, what’s not to smile about?” “You’d look better with a smile!” & just happy, innocent things like that to try & keep spirits up. But he’s like the most ticklish guy on the ship & now he’s planted that idea in his friends’ heads. He’s always so shocked when they turn the tables & it honestly really makes him happy because maybe he’s getting through to them! But then the teasing starts & he stops functioning & has to focus on curling up & hiding

He just loves playing around with them because he knows literally everyone doesn’t want to be there so he might as well bring a bit of sunshine to brighten up their day! Even if that means being at their mercy until he’s wheezing. He’s definitely noticed the way they’re all happier after they wreck him. Yes it’s embarrassing as all hell, but hey, if it makes them happy! He brought it up with Eurylochus after yet another surprise attack from Odysseus & he keeps seeing everyone smiling when they look at him. & he feels like Eurylochus is the only one who won’t tease the shit out of him (he still teases him, but he’s nicer than the others) & he just kinda chuckles & shakes his head like “i guess your laugh is infectious. It’s a… happy sound, in a not so happy place” & yeah Polites is blushing like crazy but his words make him so proud it’s literally adorable!

& no matter how many times it happens, he falls for every trick & trap they set up. Like with the arm thing he’s like “okay sure! Is this some sort of gaAAAAME WAIT NOHOHO”

[amazingmsme]

(elpenor anon)

One time when Elpenor was slightly tipsy from wine, he accidentally spills where he’s the most ticklish, which caused him to be poked on those spots the next day. He was so confused and flustered by this development.

I AM SO NORMAL ABOUT THIS SIDE CHARACTER I PROMMY I am lying

This is the cutest shit ever I’m so giddy over this! Like he’s drunk off his ass at this point & is getting rowdy with everyone else & someone grabs his knee while they’re talking & he lowkey freaks out & is like “you gotta be careful, that’s like, my most ticklish spot” & they’re all like 👀 & Polites slides right next to him grinning from ear to ear & is like “oh yeah? Where else is bad?” & Elpenor proceeds to give them a detailed & slurred list of his worst spots. & the best part? He legit doesn’t remember any of it so the next day he’s like what the FUCK is up with everyone & more importantly how do they know? It would be so funny & mean if they just let him go crazy wondering, but either Eurylochus or Polites go up to him like “you don’t remember anything you said last night, do you?” & he turns bright red as he realizes he outed himself

[amazingmsme]

Also also

Eurylochus’s worse spots are his arms and his sides. He snorts when you tickle the back of his neck. Do you see my vision.

-😈

YOU’RE SO FUCKING RIGHT!!! Ticklish arms are so underrated, & his are literally so fucking ticklish it’s not even funny! His biceps are the worst, he can’t stand when someone squeezes his arm to feel his muscles because he’s fighting off laughter the whole time! & his thighs are just as bad! & his calves are also surprisingly sensitive & it’s always such a shock cause he forgets he’s even ticklish there

& he’s sooo cute when his neck is tickled cause it’s one of the few places that make his laugh go high pitched & giggly & he’s a snorter in general, but that spot just really gets him going

So yes, I do see your vision

[amazingmsme]

polites is happy to help eurylochus with this endeavor but he still makes him promise to protect him from odysseus’ wrath later, cause he just knows his best friend will be out for blood for this

polites keeps odysseus distracted while eurylochus sneaks up behind him and squeezes his sides, startling a yelp and a laugh out of him before he can even think to stifle it, and he whips around to face him with this hilarious deer in the headlights look because oh shit his secret’s out oh fuck. he opens his mouth to say something, but can only let out another surprised laugh as polites suddenly tasers his ribs, and odysseus once again whips around to face polites again and it doesn’t take long for him to connect the dots and realize what’s about to happen, but before he can try to make an escape eurylochus shoves his hands under his arms but doesn’t move away this time until odysseus has crumbled to the ground with laughter.

and as the two of them proceed to wreck his shit he catches a glimpse of an owl perched somewhere on the ship watching them from afar, and he immediately knows that it means athena is definitely watching all of this and he just gets even more embarrassed. - fluffvoid

Omg they make the best tag team, Odysseus won’t know what hit him! But yeah, Polites makes sure to get protection insurance before he agrees kzvskshd

He’s trying SO HARD to ignore Eurylochus sneaking up from behind because he doesn’t want to smile or give themselves away before he can strike. Luckily Odysseus doesn’t suspect a think & the next thing he knows is he’s giggling! & his face is literally priceless, Eurylochus can’t help but comment on it like “what’s wrong sir? You look like you’ve seen a ghost” & he’s about to answer, but that’s when Polites strikes. & he’s stuck in the middle & it’s dawning on him & he kinda accepts his fate, but tries to make a run for it anyway. But it’s 2 against 1 so he doesn’t stand much of a chance

I got a lil carried away with an idea about Odysseus & Athena ft. The Boys so I’ll spare your dashboard here

But I am so obsessed with the idea of Athena just happening to be hanging around when Odysseus gets his ass absolutely handed to him. She thinks it’s so funny because he’s pissed her off more than a few times because 1. he’s stubborn & 2. he’s sassy, so she’ll gladly take a front row seat to watch him be humbled. & it’s like the first thing she brings up the next time she officially visits him & he gets so snarky & defensive about it. He’d probably say something like “it’s a stupid human thing so drop it” & she scoffs like “it’s not exclusive only to you” & that catches his attention & he’s grinning like a shark & asks “wait are the Gods ticklish?” & she just heaves this massive sigh because she knows he won’t drop this. So she’s like “yes, but I wouldn’t try anything if I were you. I think I have a good grasp of where your worst spots are” & he’s like “OKAY I won’t I was just curious!” & then he’s silent for like 10 seconds before he asks “even Zeus?” & she realizes the mistake she made as Odysseus keeps listing off different gods like “but surely not HADES” & she’s like “I’m sorry if this shatters your concept of reality, but yeah” & later he’s just pacing in his captain’s quarters desperately trying to convince Eurylochus & Polites that no, Athena really DID tell him all that! You have to believe him! & Eurylochus is just like “I think you should get some sleep” & he looks at Polites like “you believe me right?” & Polites smiles sheepishly & goes “I believe you think that’s what she meant😊”

He’s so determined to make them believe him he literally prays to Athena or whatever he needs to do to summon her pretending like it’s important. She shows up ready to talk business but he’s like “ok wait right there” & FUCKING DIPS OUT ON HER! She’s like um wtf ok I’ll just be here snooping through your shit but whatever. But he comes back with the two of them in tow & they both practically shit themselves right there because Odysseus didn’t warn them he just said he was gonna “prove it”

So he’s like “can you tell them I’m right?” & she’s so amused by these mortals she’ll play along & she’s just smirking like “okay… right about what?” & he’s like “didn’t you tell me that the gods are ticklish too, just like humans?” & her eye kinda twitches & she’s like “seriously? That’s what you dragged me down here for? Fine! Yes, are you happy?” & Polites & Eurylochus are standing there like shocked pikachu & Odysseus is grinning ear to ear like “very!” & she’s definitely giving him one hell of a lecture later