Michael
*"The palace of Sol (the Sun) [Helios] rose high aloft on soaring columns, bright with flashing gold and flaming bronze; the pediments were clothed with sheen of ivory; the double doors dazzled with silver—and the artistry was nobler still."*

Home to Helios & others.
Victorina
It was rare to see Plutus with so little gold adorning his body, but he liked to stand out even when there weren't many people around to appreciate him for all of his worth. In a palace made entirely of gold, truly standing out was a tall order, so rather than dress in something that would make him blend into the walls, he chose a more subtle route - one that wouldn't diminish his character. A white tunic with a dark gray floral pattern etched by hand around the collar, the shoulders, the sides. Fitted black pants with a similar but more subtle pattern in muted gold down the right leg. Black heeled boots with gold tips. A touch of gold jewelry was a must in every outfit he wore - there were no less than three gold rings on each hand, and a gold coin pendant around his neck. 

He strutted into the Sol Palace as if he owned it himself, stopping in the foyer to rest his hand on his hip and look around. A servant greeted him properly with a bow, and queried about what he needed. 

"Tell the God of the Sun that his favorite person is here. I'll be waiting in the throne room." 

He said nothing more as he sauntered off through the familiar corridors, heels clacking against the hard floors and echoing in the silence. He didn't bother looking around for familiar faces, not caring for anyone else than the man he was there to see. Servants remained quiet and mostly unseen, and if any of the family were around, they didn't make themselves known to him.

The doors to the throne room were opened for him as if he was the returning king, and he smirked at the sight of the familiar seat across the room. Plutus had seen much of the palace erected under his watchful gaze, helping his old friend with any issues and giving his opinion whether it was asked for or not. There was hardly anything in that palace that he didn't know about, but the throne was of particular interest to him. 

He walked up the steps in front of the throne before sinking down into the chair with an embellishing sigh. He propped his legs over one arm and leaned his back slightly over the opposite, eyes closing as he enjoyed the moment to himself in such a glamorous room. 

Helios could take his sweet time. Plutus was comfortable.
Timothy
The servant made haste to inform Helios of the God's arrival and found him seated in his library, a room that would almost rival the library at Athena's university. Rows upon rows of books encased in deep oak wooden cases made a nice contrast to the warmer gold tones of the room that were dimmed to give a more cozy feel. He heard the door open but didn't glance up from his book until they spoke, "My Lord, I was told to tell you that your favorite person has arrived." That had made his gold irises leave the pages to look at the attendant as he closed the book. He was ready to ask where Circe was, only for them to follow it up with some clarification. "It's Plutus."

There's a certain excitement a father felt when their children visited, especially with his daughter whom he adored, so his excitement dimmed when he was told otherwise. Nevertheless, it was still a presence he enjoyed. He rose from his chair and set the book down on the table before fixing his robes. "Very well." He didn't need to ask where he would find Plutus, after all, there was only one place the man would find himself in. Walking down the pristine halls of the palace, he made his way to the throne room that was situated at the end of one of the halls, its entrance being two large doors that had the sun's rays carved on both sides, with rubies and emeralds outlining the outside. The doors alone would have been enough to buy him all of Rome once upon a time. 
_ _

Entering with a low creak, Helios filled the room with warmth as his presence became known. His eyes fixed on the throne ahead, seeing the God of Wealth casually sitting upon his seat as if it were made for him. Funnily enough, he made it work for him in his favor, once again proving that extravagance and regality suited Plutus as much as it suited the Sun. Most Gods would have found it offensive to have another in their place, but Helios found it amusing as much as he found it endearing. He *Knew* Plutus and that's what made it all the more acceptable for him. 

There were no attendants in the room with them, most off doing their duties or simply hidden away until either of the Gods needed them. "Plutus, I wasn't expecting a visit from you today." Around him was a bright aureole that slowly dimmed as he got closer to his friend. The God had aged as the years passed, his once youthful features now adorning wrinkles along his eyes while his black hair had streaks of grey. He had grown out his beard and kept it neatly trimmed, which suited him handsomely, though it gave him a more stern look than when he was without it. He wore traditional tan and gold robes, the outline a sand color engraved in small crystals that caught the light as he walked to the throne. It complimented his sun-kissed skin. Above his head was his crown of 12 rays that shimmered as if you were looking at the sun itself.

Reaching the top of the stairs, Helios stood, asking, "What is the occasion? Have you and your mother fought again?"
Victorina
A playful smile gently teased Plutus's lips as he sat comfortably on the throne, eyes closed and head relaxing against the back of the chair. He nearly nodded off while he waited for the Sun God to appear, but the moment he heard the creak of the large doors and felt warmth take over the room, he knew who had entered. Still, he pretended not to notice, refusing to react to the presence that approached the steps of the throne with a leisure gait. 

"Then I imagine you were pleasantly surprised when you found out I was here," He said, eyelids finally parting slowly to reveal two golden eyes staring up at his old friend. "You're welcome." His presence was always a blessing, after all, and he refused to believe otherwise. 

He made no rush to explain himself, which he regretted for once because it prompted Helios to ask questions - one of which immediately made him scoff and throws his head back with a dramatic flair of annoyance. 

"Dearest Helios, why would you even bring her up? I was having such a good day." He would have liked to never think about her again, but people loved to prick him with mentions of her as if he cared what she did in her daily life. He knew Helios's question was innocent, but it was still a quick way to earn an eyeroll from the god of wealth. "Do I *Need* A reason to want to see the one man who can literally brighten up my day? Make my gold glint in the light?"

His lips twitched as he finally stood up from the throne and faced Helios. "I brought you a gift." Plutus wasn't known for his generosity, but people he considered friends were almost always an exception. "I'd usually send a servant, but I couldn't resist seeing you in person. I know you see *Me* All the time." 

He snapped his finger which echoed across the large room, and moments later, one of the servants came rushing in with a beautifully wrapped package. Plutus grabbed it and dismissed the serveant with a toss of a gold coin and a wave of his hand to shoo them away. 

Inside the package was a beautiful gold cloak fit for no one less than a god. An image of the sun was etched into the back, surrounded by a pattern of its rays fanning out like wings. 

"I'm sure you'll like it." He offered the gift with a smirk.
Timothy
It was almost humorous how different yet similar the two Gods were. Their love for extravagance, luxury, and discontent with others' actions drew them together, but their temperaments differed greatly. Helios' conservatism was akin to water while Plutus'' easygoing nature was oil, yet they still managed to be content in each other's presence. With an amused expression, the Sun welcomed his friend's visit, stating, "It's always a pleasant surprise whenever you come unannounced, my friend. My home is as much yours."  

 Sol Palace, Helios' sanctuary, was not open to all as most gods and goddesses were too chaotic for his liking. However, the God of Wealth was an exception. His lips quirked slightly as he recalled their last meeting, "I am only guessing. The last time you visited, you went through most of the wine and said something along the lines of, *"The next time I see her, I am going to give her a piece of my mind..."* And other things I would rather avoid repeating." Was this his way of teasing the younger? Though Plutus' comment after made a huff of laughter push through his nose.   

When a present was mentioned, Helios's attention turned to the attendant who brought out a wrapped package. After receiving the gift, Plutus was rewarded with a gold coin, though Helios couldn't fathom what the attendants did with them, as they rarely left the palace, let alone got paid. Opening the present, Helios inspected the cloak. 
_ _

When it came to gifts, Helios had so much that it was difficult to find something he didn't already possess. However, the rise of his thick brows and his observant gaze as he looked at the pattern of the cloak, watching it catch the light beautifully as he moved it made the God hum in approval before his gaze returned to him, "You've always had a good eye, but you've outdone yourself this time, Plutus." Praise from the stoic man was a high compliment, especially when he was more critical with his comments, especially these days. 

He placed it on his shoulders, tying it at the front. How convenient was it for him to be wearing their traditional garb? Let alone in tones that suited the cloak? It suited him, making him look more regal than he already usually did which was impressive. "Well?" He shot him an expectant look.
Victorina
The way Helios welcomed him with such a pleasant countenance was almost unheard of to the god of wealth. Many gods dreaded his presence - a fact that he was not ashamed of - and would sooner wish him gone than allow him into their very own home. Onto their very own throne. But the Sun was bright in Plutus's attendance, and the warm greeting he received was always a blessing. 

"And what a beautiful home it is." He should know. He helped Helios decorate it. 

"I don't think I recall the visit you speak of," He said, though it was an obvious lie. The devious smile that twitched on his lips gave away the game. "You should remind me. Word for word." The thought of Helios repeating things that he spouted off in an angry anti-Demeter rant amused him. He hardly ever heard the old man cuss or lose his composure. 

Golden eyes never left Helios's face as the Sun God inspected the gift. Like Plutus, it was hard to get a read on his tone or expressions; one might think they were related with how little emotion they showed the wake of things they liked. But Plutus thought he might have figured out Helios's tell. The man tended to raise his eyebrows when gifted with a pleasant surprise.

Then again, that might have just been a normal reaction.

Once he received approval, Plutus's smirk turned into a wider smile, though it was a brief, fleeting thing that showed some teeth before he went right back to the devious smirk. Nothing good lasts forever, after all.

"Of course I did," He said. "I have impeccable taste." He crossed his arms over his chest, but pinched his chin between his thumb and pointer finger in an act of contemplation as he watched Helios wrap himself in the cloak. 

Gold always complimented Helios's regal frame. He looked like royalty among the gods and Plutus might have bowed to him were he to take the actual throne of Olympus. 

"I don't think you need me to tell you how much it suits you," He said, slowly circling around the god to get a glimpse of the whole ensemble. "How do *You* Feel in it?"
Timothy
Helios gave him a deadpan look as if saying there was no reality where he would ever repeat the words said that day. "I'm sure you can use your imagination to fill in the blanks, Plutus. You have quite an active mind." He said. 

His expressions may have been subtle, but they said much more than they let on. He was always someone who was much better with his words and expressive through means, though there were small tellings even beyond that. The room could grow warm, akin to a crackling fire on a cold day or it could grow hot, like an August summer in the Sahara depending on his emotions. In this case, it was similar to the first, showing he was pleased. 

He figured if somehow, *Someway*, Andros found himself amongst his possessions, he would have his eyes drawn to the cape. He would have to keep it safe from him and that new *Girlfriend* Of his who seemed to find herself around his home more than he would have liked. "Indeed you do. You're one of the few that I could relate to in terms of taste." Grandiosity was Plutus' forte but given the palace itself, Helios shared that with him. However, he wasn't one to boast in public, not when everything else spoke for itself... Unless it happened to be the rare occasion that someone would dare to attempt to undermine him. 
_ _

How did he feel? He sat on the thought for a moment before answering, "As if I am back in my prime." Back when he was young, less wise but more outward with his confidence to where it bordered arrogance. When he was held on a pedestal, the one that the mortals admired, worshiped, and thanked before Apollo proceeded to capture their hearts. When he was a *King*, in his own way, amongst the mortals. "It reminds me of what I used to wear on my chariot when I first settled into my role." There was once a time when the Sun was his father, or at least what it used to be until Helios was born and became the embodiment of what his father wanted to be. 

His hand smoothed over the fabric thoughtfully as he recalled those times. Before he knew the feeling of anger and how it was like to feel replaced, where there was no competition and he simply was all there was when it came to providing the life source that was the Sun. Back when times were simple.

"I am sure Zeus would have it snatched at the sight of it." He said as he drew himself out of his thought. "It's befitting envy. Though, now I must find something of the same value for you." The value that was so much more than just the monetary means, not when the God already had all that money could offer. "For now, some ambrosia will have to do until then. I've asked Hebe for her best." He proceeded to take the cloak off, carefully setting it in the box before waving his hand. The same attendant would come out and he would tell them to bring it to his chambers before looking at Plutus. "I would suggest we drink here but there is only one seat. I'm sure the chair of my study will make a good enough substitute for the throne."
Victorina
One of the many reasons Plutus enjoyed Helios's company was how agreeable the Sun God could be, even in circumstances where others wouldn't be. His own arrogance and snobbishness turned most people away - which was usually intentional - but Helios was different. He embraced Plutus's less positive qualities and went so far as to support him. 

So the moment Helios agreed that he had really good taste, Plutus beamed with pride. "You're feeling rather complimentary today," He teased with a smirk. "But it's easy to relate when you have just as good of taste as me." So many compliments and it wasn't even lunch time, but Plutus was generous with his words when it was someone he respected and admired. 

Studying how his friend looked in the cloak, Plutus nodded his agreement to the simple statement. Helios certainly looked as regal, but Plutus would argue that Helios never left his prime. He was older and wiser, sure, but he was just as strong and respectable. Just as deserving of wearing something fit for a king among gods.

"Maybe you should bring that style back," Plutus said. "I always thought it suited you."

The idea of Zeus snatching the cloak from Helios made Plutus roll his eyes. "And what would he do with it?" He asked. "It wouldn't look good on him." He paused, thinking about the possibility a little more. Did he have the cloak made a little too beautiful? Would the God of the Sky truly take something so obviously meant for the Sun God? "Well. If he did, I would have another more beautiful one made for you. Simple as that." 

Another smile made an appearance on Plutus's lips at the announcement of a gift in return. He couldn't deny loving gifts, of course, as he was just as happy to receive something - if not more so - than give things away. And he knew Helios to be just as good at picking out the perfect gifts.

"Uh, I thought you would never offer," He said with a dramatic groan, rolling his eyes back. "I'll have a large glass of the finest ambrosia you can give me." He pat Helios on the shoulder as they stepped down from the throne together, casually making their way toward the study. Plutus knew where it was, as he had been in and out of Helios's home more times than he could count. 

"You should just convert all of your chairs into thrones - then they would all be worthy of our asses." His lips twitched into a smirk as he entered the study ahead of Helios and took up a seat in one of the nice chairs. While it wasn't a throne, Helios was right about it being a good enough substitute. "Tell me, old friend, what have you been up to on this fine day?"
Timothy
He shot him a look, "I could say nothing instead." Helios gave credit where credit was due, it was one of his more likeable traits but his honest personality also came to bring him into sticky situations. However, in this case, he didn't mind stroking the God of Wealth's ego with his present. The sight of him wearing the cloak would have been portrait-worthy, though no amount of paints and a skilled hand could ever capture the very essence of regality that Helios exuded at this moment. 

"According to my champion, it's an outdated style." Andros, who was once just a mere mortal who impressed him, had become much more than just a champion to the god as time passed. He reminded him of his son, Phaethon, a boy who also lacked confidence in himself when he was alive. It was due to this lack of confidence and need to prove himself that led to his demise and in some way, Andros felt like a second chance to the God, not that Helios would ever admit that nor even acknowledge such a thought. As he took off the cloak, he handed it off. "Though it is beyond me how cloaks ever managed to not be within the boundaries of style." 

As unpredictable as the King of the Gods was, Helios doubted he would take the cloak. There was the slightest glint that came to the Sun's gaze, "Gold was never his color. It always suited us much better." He nodded his head to have him follow as they left the throne room, his dramatic groan making Helios give him a side glance. "A large glass it is." Plutus always did love the finest things in excess so this was unsurprising to Helios. He could always commission Hebe for more. 
_ _

The study was different than the rest of the palace with its dark oak accents along the ceiling, shelves, and his large desk that faced the large wooden doors. Heavy curtains of velvet hung in front of the windows, left open to give a view of the River Okeanos and the green meadows that the nymphs often spent time around. The light that came in was moderate compared to the near-blinding brightness the rest of his home had. The shelves lined opposite walls from floor to ceiling, filled with old and new books, scrolls, and other ornaments and objects he had collected over the years. His desk had intricate carvings of the sun and other celestial beings along its sides and front, the top left smooth with a book left open further up front and below it, an old tablet. Upon closer look, it had ancient inscriptions that would have made it hard for most Gods to decipher, though most hadn't ever laid eyes upon it. 

A sitting area of two heavy armchairs accented in gold sat in front of a large stoned fireplace, above it a portrait of himself in his younger years from a young Italian painter. Helios made his way to a cabinet with glass doors. Its shelves were full of decanters, old bottles that were kept in good shape, and an aged gold carafe and two glasses. "If I had thrones everywhere I sat, then the allure of having one would fade. Some things are meant to be kept special, don't you agree?" He brought himself down to sit in one of the chairs as he continued. "And between you and I, my back prefers the ones in my study these days." Even the Gods could grow old even if they were ageless and Helios was older than most. Ambrosia was poured into both of the glasses, a liquid that looked amber yet ethereal - the true drink of the Gods. He held one out to Plutus, a heavy sigh leaving his lips at his question.
_ _

"I have been watching Athena." He brought his glass to his lips to take a sip of the drink, sweet against his tongue. Usually, Zeus used him as a way to keep an eye on the other Gods and to report anything that seemed off. However, in this case, Athena had brought cause for curiosity within the stoic immortal. "She's been gathering several Gods to her side, to protect the mortals from the conflict. Even demigods have joined her in her cause." They had avoided talks of the war outside of idle mentions, but now, it was clear the situation was getting more complicated and worse. He looked to Plutus, "I have been thinking of meeting her." If he wanted to meet her, it only meant that he was thinking of betraying Zeus. "I can't help but agree with her sentiment of the mortals not needing to suffer from the God's feud."
Victorina
"No, don't hold back. I'll take every compliment you want to give me." Plutus's lips twitched as he held back a wider a grin. Any compliment from the sun god was considered high praise which was a feat in itself since Plutus was usually one to give himself the highest praise imaginable. 

His mood was nearly shot when Helios brought up his Champion. The thought of sharing his powers with a demigod made him scoff, turn his nose up, and roll his eyes. He couldn't help but thank himself that he never took on the burden of a champion. What good would it have done to give someone such valuable power? To allow them to run rampant with it? The mere idea of it had him scrunching up his nose in disgust. 

"You need a new champion. Yours doesn't have any taste," He said, settling into the comfortable chair and hiking his legs up over the arm. "If cloaks ever go out of style, just take my divinity away." An empty threat, but one he said with his whole chest. 

"I suppose this is a decent enough substitute for the throne . . . I still prefer the throne, though, backs be damned." He smiled and accepted the glass, swirling the drink around a few times as his friend joined him in the next seat. He took a sip before leaning his head against the back of the chair and taking a deep, soothing breath. It was *Such* Hard work being the god of wealth, but he was determined to relax and enjoy the company of one of his oldest friends. 

But then Helios had to bring up a topic that Plutus would have liked better to avoid.

Sighing at the mention of Athena and what she was up to, Plutus sipped his drink and averted his eyes. Discussing war and politics was not something he enjoyed doing, but the conversations were becoming more frequent among the gods. People were choosing sides and it was clear he wasn't going to be able to ignore it himself. As much as he tried to, he couldn't overlook the moment Helios talked about meeting with Athena. 

Golden eyes snapped toward the sun god at his declaration. "Meeting her? About what?" He knew what, but he was in disbelief. "You can't be thinking of joining her cause, Helios. Zeus will . . ." He trailed off, not wanting to think about what could happen to his friend if Zeus got angry enough. "Besides. The conflict will be over and done with in no time. You might as well pick the winning side." It was obvious which one Plutus had chosen, but his chest ached at the thought of his friend being on another. "Don't worry so much about the mortals. They don't deserve your sympathy."
Timothy
Pride was a trait they both shared and praise fed into both of their egos. Helios was simply more conservative about it compared to his friend. The smallest twitch of his own lip could be seen before his expression went back to it's normal non-expressive state. 

A new champion. He couldn't see anyone being a better fit than Andros. He was not arrogant yet he was cunning and intelligent. He used his skills when it was needed, yet at other times, he was so introverted and to himself that it made the God wonder why he would be so reclusive despite his talents. His likeliness to Phaethon made him seek a part of him within Andros, admittedly, yet he wanted him to shine on his own. He was simply there for guidance. Yet, he knew he couldn't remain this way for long, not with the war at hand. 

"They'll never go out of style. Not when they suit us too well." He echoed in agreement. If the God of Wealth and the Sun still wore cloaks, there was no doubt they'd never go out of style — not that they were the pinnacle of fashion but their flair was undeniable. 

As they both settled into their seats and their drinks, the heavier topic came to hand with Helios' introduction and sharing of his thoughts. He expected some backlash from Plutus, but it still didn't make him pleased. The situation was complicated and he couldn't fault the God for wanting him to keep on the "Winning" Side, but what was there to win? Time and time again, a Gods' war proved to be nothing but disastrous to not only the Gods and their realms, but humanity even more devastated by their conflicts. He had always felt for the mortals, but ever since marrying Yujin, he had begun to understand them better than before. 
_ _

He had always been an observer, akin to someone in the crowd watching a play. Never interacting with the actors or even their story, but trying to grasp a sense of understanding from a distance. As the Sun, his role had always been to provide and in this case, it was no different. Whether it was the Sun and its abundance or his personal protection, he knew which side he had to choose — even if it was a tough choice. 

"I have seen enough of what this war has caused, Plutus. If we as the Gods are feeling it's effects, imagine what they are experiencing. I have seen their encampments, I have witnessed their grief and pain, I have heard their cries of despair. Poseidon and Zeus don't care for them, they see them as dispensable - a necessary loss in war, but I can't see it the same way, not anymore." Despite the drink in his hand, he found it difficult to finish the sweet nectar off. He shook his head in disagreement at Plutus' comment on their timely wars, "This feels different." There was a grim turn to his voice. Helios had witnessed countless wars, both before and after the young God's time. "I'm afraid we haven't seen anything yet. We're just at the beginning." 

The wrinkles between his brows deepened as he pulled them together, "We have a duty to protect them, Plutus. They deserve more than our sympathy. Not all of the mortals are as terrible as you deem them to be. Many are kind and compassionate and do not deserve what is coming to them. If I am to aid Zeus in this war, I wouldn't be able to face myself." He knew the repercussions that would happen if he betrayed Zeus. He saw it first hand at what happened to his Titan brothers and sisters, his father and mother, his *Family*. "This feels like the right thing to do. I only wish for you to understand where I stand, not for you to agree."
Victorina
There was not a god in Olympus, the Sea, or the Underworld who could have competed against the eyeroll that Plutus gave. If he didn't have such pristine posture, he would have added to it by hunkering down in his seat to pout while sipping from his glass. Instead, he only did the latter, and tilted it back to finish off in a few generous gulps. He sighed as he leaned his head against the chair and looked over his now empty glass, contemplating, before reaching over to snag the bottle and pour another serving for himself. 

"What's the difference between this war and all the others?" He asked, though didn't expect an actual answer. 

It was another war for Plutus to involve himself in as little as possible. Another war that he threw money at, but otherwise didn't lift a finger. As he did with most things where violence was involved, he stayed out of it, opting to sit back and observe rather than get his hands dirty. A war between mortals meant less to him than a pebble in his shoe. A war between gods meant just slightly more than that, but how it affected humanity was the least of his worries. 

He breathed out a deep sigh and his head tapped against the back of his chair. "Helios, Helios, Helios . . . Let Zeus and Poseidon duke it out however they please. It'll be over before you know it and the mortals will repopulate and rebuild and we'll do it all again in another century or two."

As Helios continued to defend humanity, Plutus began to feel a headache forming. He closed his eyes and pressed the cool glass of ambrosia to his forehead as if that would prevent it from getting worse, as if it wasn't his friend's words causing the pressure to build up. The last thing he wanted was for Helios to make enemies in powerful places.

"*We* Have no such duty, Helios," He said, his tone harsher than he meant it to be. His jaw clenched as he realized how his friend had forced his hand in this argument, and there was no taking back the opinion he so brazenly shared. "*You* Watch over them day in and day out, so you of all gods should know that they are not worth your light. They only love you for what you give them. Take it away and watch how fast they stop caring." 

He finished off his second glass before slamming it down on the table between them and standing up. 

"I appreciate the drinks, dear friend. Enjoy your cloak." He started for the door, but stopped right before exiting. "I hope you choose the right side."
Timothy
"When was the last time the two kings have gone to war with each other? Not without using the mortals or champions as their warriors, not without the intervention of humanities wars, but at each other?" To think that this was just another war was foolish, for they had never in their lifetime seen Zeus and Poseidon heading the two dominant sides of the war. Whether Plutus responded or not, didn't matter to Helios because the answer was already obvious. 

War always came with monetary gain and the God of Wealth, it was only natural for him to place his bets with the side most likely to win and if it weren't for Helios' growing empathy toward mortals, he would have continued to side with Zeus himself. He was a loyal man, after all, and as controversial of a leader Zeus was, he continued to rule over the heavens and the earth kept order. Helios was one to stray from the chaos of war, having consistently played the part of observer but now, he felt it wrong to simply sit back and watch, only to intervene if necessary. This felt necessary. 

His thumb turned the sigil ring on his finger as the room became tense with their conversation. "Maybe I am tired of seeing their suffering due to our conflicts. Is it that difficult for you to understand? There was once a time that even you felt sympathy towards humanity." *Our* Was used loosely but soon enough, most of the Gods would find themselves involved in the war somehow. He watched as his friend became more frustrated with his view and he didn't expect Plutus to agree, but to at least understand. When he saw nothing of the sort, he felt the frustration rise within himself, especially when the harsher tone was directed toward him. 
_ _

"You benefit off of humanity and so do I. We have always had that duty, it is you who have turned your back on yours, Plutus." He returned firmly, keeping his calm toward the man despite the room's temperature growing warm. "That is what you don't understand. It is because I see them day in and day out that I know that they are worth my light, and more. You only see humanity for their conniving, thieving, and selfish ways but they are so much more than that. They create, and they love, and they deserve to have their own light shine and not have it crushed by our hand." 

The glass slamming brought on a momentary ring of silence between the two. Helios' gaze moved up to Plutus, watching him walk toward the door. There weren't many moments that the God found himself wavering, but seeing the anger from the immortal, a man he saw akin to a son, had his own frustration simmering down to feeling conflicted instead. "Find it in your heart to try and understand where mine is, Plutus. I will choose the right side." He promised. However, which side was right had their once shared road diverge into two paths. 

As the door shut, a long sigh left him, his hand coming up to pinch the bridge of his nose. He should have known better than to expect Plutus to empathize with humanity, especially with how it was humanity that had taken advantage of the god and left him scorned to begin with. Even Helios empathized, humanity having turned away from him and favoring Apollo, yet, his anger and discontentment had melted away with the years. He couldn't help but want to look out for them, even if it left him in a minor predicament with his friend. 
_ _

The Sun found himself seated in his chair for a while longer in thought while having the company of his ambrosia and Plutus' words echoing through his head. He hoped he was making the right choice.