I oftentimes forget how little I have truly showcased from my AU, in strictly trying to follow the "show don't tell" principle. But sometimes, telling does need to be used.
I had begun bestowing him traits before even diagnosing Athens as autistic, seeing as they greatly fit his character: low empathy, flat affect, low emotions.
"all that the Greeks suffered at the Lacedaemonians' or our hands, at least were committed by true children of Greece"
1. Athens first spoke rather late, around the age of three, which had his father severely worried- He later had a minor speech impairment, when he was a child (as part of his autism but also a reference to Demosthenes), which he attempted to treat by himself through self-made therapy; talking to himself for hours on end, trying to correct his tongue.
In re-reading some of the dialogues between Athens and the cities they are trying to subject (Thucydides), I noticed how strong the following element is;
2. Athens cannot lie for the life of him. He need just not talk in order for a secret to not slip out of his mouth; he's not a gossip (in this case), but horrendous at lying, due to him being unable to control his tone.
…And for this reason he doesn't hesitate to tell someone he hates them right in their face
"And let no one think that we are interested in you when it's none of our business"
In his Philippics [III] Demosthenes describes Philip II of Macedon as a "disease" [9.29] and a "hailstorm" [9.33].
3. Athens has a tendency to pace a lot. A circular path is worn into the flooring of his bedroom
Over the years, Athens has come to be incredibly good at masking; appearing almost...normal.
Copying others' cues was a game of survival and one he aspired to win, therefore, he carefully noted when people would laugh, or keep silent in disapproval.
He tried limiting his fidgeting, sometimes even placing his hand under him so he wouldn't move it.
If he felt overwhelmed, he disengaged from the present social interaction with some well-made excuse.
Playing pretend every day, perpetually, rendered him exhausted, often having to isolate himself in his room to gain his powers back.
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