https://on.soundcloud.com/qiMlshZyrNhwnofTzu

That was yours, right? Sungmin didn't know that he wasn't the only one listening to Mikhail's cutting words. After all, Sungmin never really tapped into his powers much. The sense that hemomancers usually have, the detection range, all that fancy stuff. He was so boring! He was so wrapped in his bloody advocacy that he never used the very thing he was advocating for. Forget that. Sometimes he doesn't even remember that he has a son.

A son who heard chilling words from a stranger's mouth. 'That was yours'...was Hades right to doubt himself all this time? Was Sungmin truly not his biological father? The latter's apathy was beginning to make sense slowly. Of course he didn't have to worry if some mutt was heir to his family name. As long as he had an heir, that's all that mattered.

But not to Hades. Hades was long past wanting his dad's attention. It was clear he wouldn't get it. But would it hurt him to treat Hades like a son for one minute? Be interested in his boring little life for 5 seconds?

There was only one person in his life that understood him deeply. Erin was surprised at how often he'd pay her visits. It wasn't easy travelling to Gibbi Point from San My, but she didn't know how he really got there. She didn't know that all it took was a wish and he could be right there in her backyard, no planes needed. But she didn't need to know that part... Not yet...

Erin: God, he didn't even think his son would be listening? Hades: He doesn't think, Erin. That's the problem. Erin: And here I thought my family was fucked up. At least they saw me in my sister's shadow. Hades: Heh, well I guess we're even on that side, huh. My parents see me as an heir machine, yours just saw you as a twin shadow.

Erin: Yeah, it's bad either way. By the way, Eris changed her mind. She wants to raise her kid. Hades: Does she now? Do you...do you trust her? Erin: This is gonna sound fucking crazy but...I do. You should have seen her face when I reamed her. Like reality just slapped her in the face like a palm branch. I trust her. And believe it or not, opens up my plans! Hades: Ahaha, yeah. Forgot taking care of a kid would eat up a lotta time. It's good anyway. Kid shouldn't live the way we have. Erin: Yeah...

The couple fell into silence, with only their synced breathing breaking it. Erin took a moment to look at Hades' face. He would often hide it behind a smirk, but right now, she saw he looked...broken. Confused. Sad. She found it hard to put one word to it. Then she looked closer. The piercings he had; god, he must have had those young. Multiple ear studs weren't easy to take care of! He had soft and pronounced features; how's that possible? And that tattoo on his face? Face tattoos weren't easy at all. Just what had he been through?

Hades could sense her feelings. He could feel her guilt. She always wanted to have his back, but she felt that she could do more for him. Be more for him. She knew their shared families weren't the best in the world, but she wasn't sure how to ease his pain. Anyone in her position would say get some action, but that really wouldn't work right now. Neither of them wanted to rush their first time, and using that to sooth their pain would be the worst way to open that door.

Hades: Don't blame yourself. Erin: Hm? Hades: There's nothing you can do about this. Erin: I know, I just...you always look so cheerful, so to see you with a frown hurts a pinch. Hades: That's why I came here, huh? Erin: Heheh, yeah I guess.

They might not have been ready for the next step, but their current place could provide the comfort they needed. Or part of it.