Hey I'm back and On Brand as ever, especially for a Zeus shows up in place of the pizza guy prompt from @irkenclemcuttie
Modern Day Dad au but set sometime after Greece, and DBPG has an actual office now. Because they're a business.
Atreus is stalled when he opens the door expecting pizza but encountering the old man stood before him.
She’s quick to pop by when called, but she looks at the man in confusion when she notices him.
“Did anyone—order a Santa?”
Atreus tries to keep his voice low and angles himself to speak as privately as he can without shutting the man out.
They aren’t too sure what to make of the old man who arrived to their office in his Santa-esque coat and beard.
“Am I forgetting something?”
Atreus asks because his memory isn’t the most reliable thing at the moment, and he isn’t sure when he last updated his calendar. There’s no notifications on his phone about a meeting or delivery.
Atreus, ever the gracious host.
“It seems today was my lucky day. I’ve been stopping by for several days trying to catch you.”
“Oh, sorry. The crew’s been making accommodations by filming and working elsewhere for the time being.”
“And yet you’ve come today.”
“Some things can only be done here at the office.”
“Atreus, there’s the pizza. Here, I’ll get it.”
“Thanks, Trucy. So, are you or someone you know a fan of the show?”
“I’ve been aware of your show for a while now. My daughter watches almost religiously. She was one of the many who wished you good health.”
“Tell her thank you. I appreciate it. I can’t help but notice your accent.”
“You would notice a Greek accent anywhere. From your father’s side correct?”
“Where might he be tonight? Inside with the rest of your crew?”
“No, he’s still at his day job.”
Trucy shoots Atreus a look that lets him know she should be expecting Magni and/or Aloy in a moment.
And he can’t help but be grateful despite not liking it. Something. . .
Something about this old man makes him too uncomfortable.
“Might I ask how you’re doing since you left Greece?”
“Sorry. That’s personal.”
Nevermind the fact that Atreus is beyond sick of people digging for facts beyond what he already hands out freely. No one needs to know Aloy found him having another breakdown in his kitchen last night.
He’s tired as hell and struggling, but he really did need to get out of his house.
“I understand. It’s about time I should be going. I shouldn’t keep you from your work too long.”
“Thank you. Have a good night.”
Atreus watches him leave their little office, waiting to see the door shut knowing it'd lock since it’s past their admin hours.
“Yeah. None of you expected a Santa, right?”
Magni and Aloy are just as confused as he and Trucy were.
But what confuses them more is Kratos fumbling his keycard as he rushes inside.
“Well, I’m tired but feeling better than yesterday.”
Atreus knows that isn’t the answer his dad is looking for, but it seems to calm him down.
They watch Kratos struggle with his words, grief and—anger crossing his face.
“Do not let that man inside again.”
It’s an order if they ever heard one.
Aloy's the one that asks.
“We have to know Kratos.”
“Nothing good ever comes from associating with him.”
It’s less his words but the absentminded brush of fingers against tattoo covered burn scars that make them understand.
“What’s his name? I’ll add him to the banned list.”
It’s silent as Atreus pulls out his phone, already pulling up his agenda for tomorrow.
He almost drops his phone, but one look at his dad has him holding tight and smiling as he types.
New Ban – Zeus Theodoros, indefinitely
