The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm glow over Hephaestus’s workshop by the beach. The god of fire and metalwork was putting the finishing touches on a intricate trident commission for Poseidon when the lord of the sea himself strode in, his blue attire a stark contrast against his dark tan skin.
Hephaestus looked up from his work and greeted his old friend with a smirk. “Ah, Poseidon, right on time. I have something for you.” He reached for a thick envelope lying on the workbench and handed it to the sea god. “It’s from Medusa.”
Poseidon rolled his eyes at the mention of his ex-lover’s name, his expression a mix of annoyance and amusement. “Burn it without even opening it,” he said, waving a dismissive hand.
Hephaestus chuckled, his dark brown eyes gleaming with mischief. “Oh, come on. Where’s your sense of adventure? You don’t know what it could be.”
Before Poseidon could protest, Hephaestus ripped open the envelope, his eyes scanning the contents. His smirk grew wider as he read the letter aloud, “Notice of child support from Medusa. You are the father of twins—a boy and a girl.”
Poseidon’s eyes widened in shock, and he snatched the letter from Hephaestus’s hands, scanning the contents. “Three thousand dollars a month?!” he bellowed, his frustration evident. “This is all your fault, Hephaestus! You’re the one who got me into this mess!”
Hephaestus threw his head back and laughed. “Me? I was merely the messenger. You were the one who pursued Medusa, not the other way around.”
Poseidon scowled, trying to make light of the situation. “Well, I hope the twins have inherited their mother’s snake hair then.”
Hephaestus roared with laughter. “Oh, no. They have their father’s piercing blue eyes instead. Black hair and green eyes, just like Medusa.”
Poseidon’s expression softened as he continued to read the letter. When he finished, he looked up at Hephaestus, a glint of amusement in his eyes. “Well, it seems I’ll have to take them on a fishing trip then.”
Hephaestus clapped Poseidon on the back, still chuckling. “Excellent idea! I’ll help you find a suitable gift for the twins.”
The two gods shared a hearty laugh, the weight of the unexpected news already fading away. As they discussed potential gifts and fishing plans, the workshop was filled with the warmth of their friendship and the promise of new beginnings.
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