Welcome to Athens, [HEPHAESTUS]! It looks like they [DO NOT] remember their past life as a God. It is said that [HE] has [DETERMINATION] but is also [STUBBORN]. Apparently they look like [MATTHEW DADDARIO] and theyâre [MALE].
THE BASICS
Full Name: Hephaestus, Henry Colton
Nicknames: H, Colton, Heph
Gender: cismale
Pronouns: he/him
Age: immortal, 30
Height: 6âČ3âł
Hair colour: brown
Eye colour: brown
Distinguishing Features: large jagged scare on left leg
Memories: fake
THE BIO
Hephaestus believes he is Henry Colton. He believes he was born in New York, USA to two loving and devoted parents. He believes they moved to Greece when he was five, since his mother is Greek and his grandmother fell ill, so they moved to help care for her and ended up staying.
Henry was good at school, especially when it came to practical subjects, or hands on lessons. Excelling in things like wood shop and metalworking. Straight after graduating he enrolled in the hellenic army as an equipment specialist.
During his last deployment, a piece of equipment he was working on exploded and tore open his left leg, bruised his ribs and gave him a concussion. They managed to save his leg, however he now has a quite large, jagged scar that runs up his calve. He has also been left with a limp and was honorably discharged.
After leaving the military he opened his own garage so he could continue to work with engines. He also creates jewelry and furniture in his spare time. And restores antique pieces for cash on the side. Feeling a draw to historical pieces and a calling for crafting.
THE EXTRAS
Henry has never come across a machine or item he hasnt been able to fix
He tends to be standoffish and a little cold at first
His army buddies gave him the nickname Hepheastus or Heph after his accident
He occasionally gets a sense of deja vu when in museums or around fires, but thinks nothing of it.
her steps felt heavy, the air even heavier, and yet her head almost felt detached from her body, dragged along by a string, floating by the weight of everything. she had another bad dream, and it was one of those dreams where she wasnât sure whether it was a premonition or just a bad dream.
she wandered aimlessly for a while, or at least it felt aimless, yet her eyes fell on a person that felt⊠familiar.
her dream.
she stopped suddenly, and she had to weigh her choices. and after a few moments of thinking, she stepped forward, stopping the other.
âhi! you donât know me! or maybe you do,â she started, hurriedly. âbut thatâs not important. whatâs important is that you shouldnât enter the building. not now, at least. itâs⊠itâs dangerous.â
Henry had the day off and no plans so he found himself wandering around town. He was in his own world as he had his AirPods in and walked the streets. Going from store to store as he listened to the music loudly, he was looking at his phone to change the song the familiar words starting to play.
Can you feel me on the outside, waiting?
Can you feel me on the outside, waiting?
Can you feel the weight taking me away?
Can you see me on the inside fading?
Inside fading
He put the phone back in his pocket as he locked up only to be met by a person talking to him hurriedly. He pulled the AirPods out to listen. He was confused by her words but he quickly nodded. âOh, okay. Did something happen? Should we call someone?â
âI would want to make sure that you want it. More than anything else. Tease you to the point where you need it.â He smirked slightly, his voice slightly deeper than normal as his hand started trailing back down his abdomen again. He watched making sure she was still keeping up with him.
He was feeling much bolder and more confident than usual. Perhaps the situation and how easily she was following his instructions was helping. But he found himself speaking again. âYou know I picture this when Iâm alone? How smooth your skin would feel. How the goosebumps would stick out. How sweet youd taste.â His hand stopped at his waist band and he played with the hem. âI like to imagine what I could do to make you moan my name.â
  âhi! so glad you made it i have been waiting forever.â daphne wrapped her arms around them, whispering when her face was hidden from her previous company. âiâll buy you whatever you want if you go with it.â leaning away her hands still on them before stepping to the side, arms looping theirs. she gave a fake frown to the elderly couple, âiâm really sorry, i am sure you have just the most lovely grandchild but afraid my lover is here.â a slight âtskâ noise made from her before pulling her victim away. âand i am so sorry to you, you were the first person who didnât read creepy or totally closed off and i donât think i could take one more picture from them.â
Henry wasnât exactly a âhuggerâ or someone who often sought out physical contact. So walking into a building and having someone hug him was rather startling in all honesty. He froze and as he asked, âwhatâre you talking about?â He realised what was going on and swiftly and easily covered his mistake with a, âIâm on time. Youâre the one who decided to show up early.â Henry forced a chuckle before looking behind her and giving a small polite nod to the elderly couple.
He allowed himself to be pulled away but then stepped away from her grasp once they were outside again. Thinking heâd have to find somewhere else to go eat his dinner. âThat desperate to not meet their grandson?â He teased slightly to try and show he was wasnât upset. âItâs okay, I guess Iâm flattered?â
âJust a theory. You seem a little too comfortable to think me of a stranger.â Perhaps it was just her more deviant ways to get into the good graces of others, but her manipulation was far from over. âI know you can.â She matched his energy, hoping to put out the same manner, lifting a brow to see him smiling. âIâm sure itâs not the worst thing thatâs ever happened to, being confused for a great guy. Iâm sure youâre a stand out just as well.â
It did seem odd to him too how easily the two were conversing. But he didnât think too much of it. He froze slightly before he smirked at being so openly complimented. âWell now I think youâre just being nice. Too nice.â He chuckled slightly before trying to get the attention off of himself, âbesides, you seem like a pretty great person yourself so Iâll take your word on that. Takes one to know one and all that.â
He watched her curiously as he walked from his living room into his bedroom. His didnât have a stand or anything for his phone but he managed to prop it up against his alarm clock as he sat down down on the bed so more of himself was visible. Henry was okay with words if he had time to think about them or write them down. But in situations like this he felt much more comfortable with actions then words.
He licked his lips before he pulled his tshirt off, revealing his muscular, toned upper body. He lifted one hand up as he made eye contact again. âLet me show you instead of telling you. Use your hand, but pretend itâs mine.â He stared her down as he placed his hand just above his waist band on his lower abdomen, then slowly started trailing it up. He traced up and over his abs before grabbing at one of his pecs. Squeezing before teasing around the nipple. âIâd start like this. Try to make sure, every nerve catches on fire.â
Rarely anything could escape Aaronâs sharp gaze and his steel-colored eyes narrowed when they glanced down to Henryâs leg - when one spends less time talking, one tended to observe more. Aaron noticed the limp and he didnât even try to hide his disapproval. But he said nothing; the look heâd given the other man should suffice.
He stepped forward with a sharp whistle and Lupita was immediately up, barely needing a leash to follow at Aaronâs leg. It was a clear cue to everyone present to get a move on. Aaron wasted no time, even during something as relaxing as a dog walk.Â
âFive days of rest at least. More, if there is swelling.â He practically ordered, as stern as a superior or an older brother. His tone left little room for argument and he didnât even question whether it was his place to tell Henry what to do or not.Â
One of the things that Henry liked about Aaron was how simple and to the point he was. But one thing Henry was done doing in life was taking orders from someone else. He kept his face neutral as he nodded. He knew Aaron was like him, good at reading people. âOf course. After today I will rest.â If his training had helped him with anything it was when you control his emotions.
He kept walking forward, not letting his expression slip, step only faltering slightly with his limp. âThatâs enough of me though. What have you been up to?â
âFantastic,â Artemis said, taking the business card, âIâll give you a call.â She would need to check her own schedule. The mechanic work she would need rather soon, but the other would take a bit of creative scheduling. Sheâd figure it out.Â
He nodded and offered a small smile, âsounds good. I look forward to be in touch again.â He answered rather professionally. He glanced at his watch before he sighed, âIâm sorry I need to get going though, it was nice meeting you. Thanks again for the food.â He held the coffee up in a cheers motion before making his exit.
âMaybe we have. You donât seem like you know meâŠbut maybe it was in another life.â Her grin grew slightly, knowing that this probably wasnât wise, to be playing this close with who he was, and yet, it felt advantageous at the very least. âMaybe a little exposed, butâŠnothing that you canât handle, Iâm sure.â Perhaps she had been taking one too many lessons from Aphrodite in the ways of flirting with the line of comfort. âYouâre not a jerkâŠandâŠyeah. He was a man of honor and resilience, much like you seem to be.â
âMaybeâ he commented, with a slight quirk to the corner of his lips. He wasnât one to believe in other lifeâs or soul mates or anything. But it was easier to go with it then to argue with a stranger. âYouâre right, I can handle this.â He finally broke into a proper smile, it wasnât a common thing for him to do but it was a nice smile when he showed it. âWell he sounds like a good guy, Iâm okay with that confusion.â
He pause for a moment as his jaw went slack. âMaybe too chivalrous to tell you about the thoughts. But not to have them.â He admitted. His eyes hungrily took in the sight before him as he tightened his grip on his phone, knuckles turning a little white as he tried not to drop it. He nodded slightly before he cleared his throat, âyes I think about that.â He wasnât blind, he could see how ridiculously attractive she was. Combined with the way she seemed to genuinely care what he had to say. The thing holding him back before was that he didnât want something to start just because of money.
But Henry wasnât an idiot and he wasnât going to waste this opportunity. He quite obviously checked her out again before he said, âI also think about the kind of noises you would make with my tongue and mouth on you. How I could make your back arch.â He looked up and locked eyes with her, taking a breath before admitting. âWhen Iâm alone, and I want to touch myself. I always picture in fucking you.â
âGood morning.â Aaron greeted, seeing Henry walk over, his german shepherd on the leash. Lupita was at Aaronâs side, casually resting at his feet, the large wolf-dog hybrid panting in the heat. It was barely 8 am and she already struggled, her thick grey fur not helping.
 âI suggest the park today. She needs shade.â Aaron said, sure that he would find no objections. A bakery was also on their way too, where they could pick up coffee and breakfast if they decided so. âHow is your leg today?â He asked, Henry having pushed himself close to his limit the other day during their workout at the gym. Aaron told him to take it easy, but he still admired Henryâs devotion. It was hard work to overcome an injury like that.
Walking up to the other man he offered a simple nod as a greeting, Felix obediently by his his side. âThe park sounds good, one of Felixs favourites anyway.â He had tried to hide the fact his limp was a little worse today, the effects of the gym combined with his injury. He had been warned not to over do it, but he reached new highs and bests yesterdayâs and didnât want to let that slip away. âItâs fine, a little sore but if you arenât sore after the gym, did you even go?â He tried to make a joke to deflect the seriousness of it. He appreciated the other man helping him to get better and stronger again.
     âSo you got a side hustle too?â she continued to smile at him, listening as he talked about the types of things he made, drawing her feet off the ground and crossing them over so she was cross legged with them beneath her thighs. âWell I love it, and Iâm glad I was able to inspire you to make something you actually enjoyed,â Aphrodite noted, finally getting the candle inside lit and smiling as she closed the door. Keeping it sat in her lap as the light from the flame flickered against her exposed midsection.
     One of her brows rose with amusement, âyou considered it? Iâm not sure I believe that.â Tea knew it usually took kind of some effort to entice him, to get him to want to spend money, for starters, but sometimes even the less revealing free things she would send to convince him to do more could be challenging. It was endearing in some ways, because she enjoyed that he just liked messaging with her, but frustrating in others because talking to him made her want to send them. âI feel special, I promise,â she assured him finally moving to set the candle holder aside. âIâll keep it by my bed and itâll make me think of you,â Tea added with a slow sweet tone, fingers toying with the red strap over her collarbone hoping he got the implication.
.
âYes, I have a side hustle.â He smiled and nodded, it was something he loved doing and it brought in some extra cash which he wasnât going to complain about. Henry may not send her explicit things, or ask for them, but it didnât mean he hadnât thought of them. In great detail. He was shy, and while he knew thatâs what she did he had grown to really quite like her, he couldnât stand the thought of her only doing things because he was paying her. But sometimes the red lace things she had on her website almost made him crack.
He subconsciously licked his lips and let out a breath he didnât realise heâd been holding. âWell good. Because you are special.â He raised his brows as the meaning of those last words sunk in. âWell, maybe then youâll be thinking about me, as much as I do of you.â He knew that could sound pitying but he was hoping his tone showed his true meaning. That he had been thinking of her in that way. It was his way of being bold without being too bold. Starting to test boundaries a little bit. His eyes lingered on the straps she played with before making eye contact and smirking.
While her forte was vengeance, she had her moments of enacting those feelings of anger and fortifying them with reflection and perhaps even some reframing. Nemesis didnât see any other emotions so clearly, so to play into these was all she knew. âFamily is the hardest to talk to about that sort of shit. Itâs understandable.â Humans were particularly weak-willed, so this made the most sense to her. âYouâre welcome. You seem like just the type of guy who needed to hear that. You knowâŠhard-working, butâŠperhaps dulling his own flame in order to protect or defend. Youâve got to own your fire.â
âHave we met before?â He asked before letting out a small chuckle and shaking his head. âYouâre reading me like a book, Iâm not sure how I feel about that.â He showed a small smile to show he wasnât all that upset, however he was getting a little uncomfortable with all the attention on him right now. âSo this person you thought I was, is he a good guy at least? I donât want to be walking around looking like some jerk you know?â
Artemis nodded, âI do. And teaching it is itâs own joy. The moment a little girl finally gets it, itâs magic.â Although she hated to admit preference, there was something hauntingly familiar about teaching young women archery. She gave him a smile, not reading arrogance or vanity, but rather confidence in his skill. âPerfect, I can schedule a proper appointment if you have a website or a business number,â she replied.Â
He nodded and gave a small smile as she talked, Henry was good at watching and noticing things, and as she spoke it was quite clear the passion she held for the subject. âWell the students are lucky to have you.â He paused before he alley out a small, âah!â As he pulled out his wallet, easily pulling out a business card and handing it over, the card had information on his garage but also his side projects as well as contact details. âMy schedules rather clear at the moment, so Iâm sure Iâll be able to make any time that would suit you.â
Hades couldnât stop the grin that spread across his features.  âYes, somewhat.â Had Hephaestusâ memories still been in tact, he wasnât sure he would receive the same excitement; not many of the Gods would willingly help him. âI want a sword made of Obsidian.â He said in a matter of fact tone. âItâs very important to me. Do you think you could handle it?â
.
âObsidian? Whatâre you an Elder Scrolls fan?â He teased slightly for a moment before laughing. âYes, I can handle that. Itâs an easy enough material to work with. Problem is, Iâll have to order the materials in. Depending on the quality and quantity youâre after it might be a bit pricy.â He paused thinking of a numbers and alternatives, âunless you wanted a blend or a synthetic obsidian. All up to you, and how long you want to wait, budget and what not.â He offered the points to the other man as he crossed his arms across his chest, invested in the potential project, âdo you have any specifications with the weapon?â Of all the things he made he had to admit, intricate weapons were one of his favourites.
     âNot really,â she said simply of other people sending more interesting gifts. Most gifts were the same, not that she minded, they were things on lists she had so why would they be anything different or shocking. It certainly wasnât anything she held against them but it was terribly generous of Henry, as heâd introduced himself, to offer her something different.
    âOh, that makes sense,â she smiled, opening it up and lighting the candle inside. She saw him, eyes drifting as she lit the candle. Still, she didnât call him on it, just let a soft sort of small pull onto her lips. âI really like it, Henry. Do you make things like this often?â she asked, unsure if that was too personally invasive for what he paid her for. Some people liked their real lives very far from her and others preferred the opposite.
Henry saw her smiling and thought it was for the candle holder heâd made her, a soft smile tugged at the corner of his own mouth as he started to talk. âSometimes, I like doing metal work. Jewellery, watches, machinery, depends what needs fixing really. I do it for money on the side sometimes.â He wasnât sure why he kept talking but maybe he wanted her to know that while he may make things often, it wasnât often just because he wanted to like this. âThis was my most enjoyable piece in a little while though. I guess wanting to make it for you and not just because I was asked to helped on that front.â He chuckled slightly.
âI thought about something on your list, but I donât know. I just wanted you to have something special.â He swallowed as he adjusted his grip on his phone. âI think youâre worth that.â