Hephaestus didn't flinch away this time, his gaze staying on her as he listened to her speak. "I didn't remember you or anyone else when I first woke up. I only remembered darkness and the feeling of loss." He reached out and smoothed a lock of hair away from her cheek. "What has changed mother? Not I. Have you? I have not forgotten the deeds of my lifetime. I regret your loneliness but I cannot allow you to treat me the same again."
He nodded. Poseidon, Zeus. His father and uncle. His uncle had been fair if not distant. Unlike Zeus who had scorned his own son and yet depended upon the weapons that came from Hephaestus' forges. "I no longer desire Aphrodite, Gabriel has shown me what the value of a faithful and loving woman is. I do not need the lies or deceit." He pulled back from her, he needed air and time to think about everything. "If I leave my contact information, could you give them to our family if they are interested in speaking to me?" He would not reach out to them again, if they wanted to talk to him then they could come to him.