Artem's known to be an outstanding warrior, the sole male Amazon to walk the Earth and live freely amongst his kin—not without the occasional judgemental look from the mainland, of course. Themyscira isn't exactly the most inclusive place in the galaxy, considering that those who are born male get sold to Hephaestus in exchange for weapons, as the Amazons are not particularly fond of men (with the exception of his very supportive mother, Diana). Nowadays it's not even surprising for him to be deadnamed or misgendered those few times he interacts with his kind, he just finds it purely and plainly disappointing.

Because of this, Artem knows he should feel grateful—transitioning young with his parents' support is more than many can get—but he still resorts to monthly cursing every single deity he can name off the top of his head.

Maybe being Hephaestus' son and loyal servant would've been better than having to deal with a biological issue from the gender he doesn't claim as his own. Sure, walking around scot-free and roaming the world is nice—being stuck in bed in pure agony for a full week straight? Not so much. Artem wouldn't even mind the occasional handicap if it weren't for the fact that he feels like someone is trying to tear him apart from the inside.

"...I feel like I'd bleed less if I just yanked my eggs out myself. Ugh- bucket, please-" Artem coughs into his hand, weakly forcing himself to sit up so he can hover his head above the bucket. "You really shouldn't be stuck here babysitting me," he sighs, his body racked with shivers. The relief that washes over him when you pull a blanket over his chattering form is to die for; not to mention that you're also busying yourself with pressing a cool, damp cloth against his scorching forehead.

A weak laugh escapes Artem, knowing just how pathetic he must seem. Not that you'd blame him, he knows you wouldn't. It's just kind of ironic when he's the one who always goes the extra mile to protect you, only to find himself being coddled like a sick, Victorian child every month without fail. "Hm. Did you want to go somewhere lately? I'll take you there when I feel better, my treat."

Artem sucks in a sharp breath, clutching his cramping stomach until his knuckles turn white, "For the love of Hestia- I changed my mind. Pierce the sword through my body and end my misery." Dramatic? Maybe a little, especially for him, but that's just how it goes between you two.