SA | CP 1.4 | Acceptation

+3 AP (564 words + lv1 checkpoint bonus) | For Midas

"Someone just stole something precious to you, what do you do about it?"

Midas’ hand trembled as he reached out to cup her cheek. This was real somehow, but he still couldn’t believe it as his eyes took in the young girl before him. She still had that red hair and those lively eyes, but they were different than before. She was taller and the small child body had been replaced by that of a woman, not even a young teen. Emotions made his throat feel thick, making his breaths come out in troubled huffs. His eyes watered, overcome by the sudden feel of loss all over again.

“D-daddy?” A hand reached up to lay over the hand that cupped his daughter’s cheek. Her voice was different now too. Older, but he could still hear the sound of his little girl behind it. Her hand slid back down, dropping to her side as she searched her father’s eyes questioning, worried. “My daughter,” he simply said, gently stroking some hair from her face to place it behind her ear. She glanced sideways. “Are you mad?” she asked quietly, voice saddened. Midas’ heart broke a little and he reached forward to pull her into a hug.

“Not at you, my little bird, not at you.” He meant it. She had been too small. It hadn’t been her choice.

She returned the hug, whispering against his shoulder. “Don’t be mad at mom either.” She was smart, knowing what he was thinking. Perhaps she took after him in that aspect. He decided not to reply, because he couldn’t make her such promise. His feelings were still too raw. He felt betrayed. Something precious to him had been stolen by that woman and no matter what he did, he wasn’t getting it back. He was still grieving for the child he would never see grow and it was only the beautiful young woman standing in front of him that soothed his heart a little.

“Let me look at you,” he said, releasing her and putting some distance between them. It was strange. In some way she was his little girl and yet she was someone different. It would take time to get used to their situation and each other, but at least both were willing, wanting to make it work. She smiled, eyes a little watery too as she spread out her arms and turned around to show herself. The way she twirled made Midas suspect the moves were practiced, something she did more than this once. But that was something for later. “By Alya and Cascade, you are beautiful. I’m gonna need to hire a heavy hoof for you to battle of all the suitors.” He chuckled and she smiled.

“I don’t think they’ll appreciate that,” she commented, giving him a mischievous smile. By the gods, he loved that smile. He was grateful to see she was still herself in that way. Playful, energetic with just a pinch of mischief. “Oh, but they don’t have any say in it. It’s obligated for fathers to take care of such things you see. Now let’s go grab something to eat and you can tell me what you are up to, huh?” Phoenix nodded, starting to talk animatedly about some place she knew where they had good bread and tea. Midas felt the anxiety inside himself recede a bit. Not everything was well yet, but they would make it through this. They had to.