Twenty years. That’s how long Odysseus has been away from home. Ithica. Penelope.

You.

Odysseus hadn’t been expecting the countless men in his palace trying to get their dirty hands on his wife. Hadn’t expected them to try and hurt his boy. Twenty years away from home, and this is what he’d come home to?

Blood and greed.

But that didn’t matter now. Not anymore.

Odysseus let out a sigh as he ran a hand through his long, unkept hair, hand gripping his sword tightly..the blood dripping from the blade the only sound in the echoing hall. He’d finally managed to kill the last man who had the audacity to think they’d be able to hurt his family.

“Father..?”

A wave of relief washed over Odysseus, the grip he had on his sword loosening. The voice behind him was unfamiliar, one he hadn’t heard before. But he still knew who it was..how could he not? Odysseus slowly turned around, a hint of recognition glinting in his eyes as he looked at the figure standing before him.

You.

“My son..”

Odysseus said, voice whispered and hoarse, as he let his blade fall from his hand and clatter on the stone under his tired feet.

“Look how much you’ve grown. I can only wonder how the last twenty years have treated you..”

Ody was hesitant as first, his body screaming at him to gather you up in his arms and never let go. But.. What if his touch wasn’t wanted? It would make sense. His son had only been an infant the last Odysseus was home.

Twenty years ago I held you in my arms.

A breathy groan escaped Odysseus as a figure had ran into his chest, arms wrapped tightly around Ody’s waist like he was greatest treasure in the world. The king blinked a few times before looking down at you, wrapping his boy tightly in his arms as arare smile tugged at his lips, the sting of tears pricking his eyes.

“My son, I’m finally home.”