Even in his drunken stupor he could sense that the boy wasn't entirely comfortable here, talking to him. Which was fine, he supposed - he only had himself to blame for things turning out like this between them. He'd made a lot of promises when he was younger, but the bloodhound inside didn't want him to be a better person.
"I'm happy to see you again," he said, and he didn't have to force the words out, or force the sentiment, or force the smile.
"And you can come here, even if you're in trouble. I know I can't make up for the past, but if you'll still have me, I'll be here."
Because Ares knew for all the world that it was unfair and he was incredibly selfish, but even though he closed the door on his father, he didn't want his boys to close the door on him.