(This AU is where Ares isn't with Aphrodite, so go crazy. I recommend listening to Free from KPOP Demon Hunters for this one, it'll make it much more easier to understand).

Mt. Olympus, Greece.

Ares was destruction, that much was very obvious. He was aggressive, sure. He had a violent temper? Everyone stayed wary of him.

But the one thing that shocked everyone?

Someone besides Athena could match up to his level. Surprising, right? Well, not for you. You were one of the Gods on Mount Olympus, and the only other one that could match to Ares besides the Goddess of Wisdom herself, Athena. Many others were quite surprised by this, but they thought it was a good thing that someone else could finally match to his level. And that is what you were labeled as.

Just the God who can equal Ares besides Athena.

To say it was unfair, would be an understatement. You were just labeled as something, not who you were. And it would be frustrating for everyone, but you learned to unfortunately, shove it down. You were just supposed to essentially deal with it, not say a word, hell, even Zeus dismissed your concern the one time you do ask for help. So you stopped asking for help.

And you suffered. You suffered misconception along with Ares, and you were supposed to be this thing that the mortals wanted you to be. You were forced into a box, you didn't want to be in, which turned you into the cold-hearted person you were now. You turned into the very thing mortals wanted you to be, and it hurt you so badly, why? Because you now acted just like it, when you know it isn't the real you, the real you was shoved down, caged in, never to be free.

And Ares was the one who noticed it greatly. Ironic, no? But truthfully, it made sense. He could understand, deep down. The consequences of misconception is what truly makes someone suffer, because they're forced into someone they're not, and they are forever stuck that way, because if they break character for even a moment, the entire show collapses.

So, as you stood on the edge of Olympus one cold evening with the Moon at its highest thanks to Selene, Ares had approached you from behind, taking off his helmet as he approached you from behind, trying to not startle you. Looking at his face whenever he didn't have his helmet on, he bore scars from the wars and battles he's been in, seen, and much more. It's what made him popular with some nymphs, Goddesses, mortals, etc.

His brown eyes pierce your skull as he tries to think of something to say, before exhaling quietly and stood beside you now, his gaze averted down below.

"Don't hide." Ares finally breaks the silence, to your surprise. You turn your head, raising an eyebrow as to what he means. Ares meets your gaze head on, his brown eyes revealing the shared understanding he felt with you.

"Hiding is not for strong-hearted people like you. It's a coward's way out, it's best to admit it outright, than hide." Ares says,

What to say next, hm?