AresJoxerCupidStrife - Scribe

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10 Part 11 Part 12 Part 13 Part 14 Part 15 Part 16


Title: Childhood Sweethearts, 1/?
Author: Scribe
Fandom: X:WP
Pairing: preslash at beginning, eventually Bliss/Accord
Rating: FRC
Summary: Bliss has known Accord from before he was born, and their
bond is only growing stronger. The Fates are just worried that
things might move too quickly.
Archive: WWOMB
Feedback: poet77665@catlover.com
Status: WIP
Sequel/Series: Love and Mischief Series
Disclaimer: I did not create the recognized media characters here, I
don't own them. I derive no profit from this effort. I mean nothing
but respect for the creators, owners, and the actors and actresses
who portray them.
Websites: http://www.angelfire.com/grrl/scribescribbles and
http://www.angelfire.com/grrl/foxluver
Warnings:
Notes: Accord is the God of Mediation, son of Ares and Joxer. This
makes him Bliss' uncle (or half uncle, if you want to be technical)
even though he is five years younger than Bliss.

Childhood Sweetheart, 1/?
By Scribe

The Fates did not sleep, they COULD not--they dared not. Were their
labors to cease for any substantial length of time, then life itself
would stall. Babies would stay in limbo in their mothers' wombs,
unable to enter the world. The aged and the mortally wounded, or
ill, would linger in pain and mounting despair. Most of them, and
the loved ones watching them suffer, would soon reach the point of
praying for the mercy of Thanatos, and swift passage to Lord Hades'
realm. Mortal man would find himself without purpose or drive in his
life, with no sense of necessity to do what had to be done.

The Fates did not sleep, but there were quiet times in their cave.
There were times when the work went in a slow rhythm, the motions
performed so many times that the body could almost carry on alone,
while the mind rested, smoothing itself into a state that was not
sleep, but was not quite waking.

This was one of those times. The hum of the spinning wheel was
quiet, like the drone of a bumblebee, dallying over a patch of
clover. The clacking of the loom was slow, almost lazy, and the
clicks of the shears severing a thread were few, and far between.

Then the sound of the loom stopped completely for several minutes.
Without looking up from her work, Clotho said, "Sister, if you pause
much longer, the threads I spin will bunch and tangle. Do you need
me to slow down for awhile?"

"Hm?" Lachesis' voice was distracted. "Well, yes--slow down a
little. You're spinning some of them so close together that I can
hardly keep them from twining together before their appointed spot."

Atropos snipped a gray thread, and an old man passed away peacefully
beside his sleeping wife. She eyed the old woman's thread, knowing
that she'd be cutting it soon, as well. She also knew that the woman
would welcome her trip to Lord Hades' realm, and the chance to be
with her husband again. "What does it matter if some come together
sooner, rather than later? They all come to me--eventually." She
snipped another thread, and a dog turned on the man beating him,
ripping open a vein in his leg.

Lachesis cast a reproving frown at her sister. "It matters to them.
Things must happen in their own time. Unripe fruit brings a
bellyache instead of sweet repletion, and a seed planted too early
will wither and die instead of bringing forth something new and
beautiful."

Clotho tutted gently, but she was smiling. "Lachesis is working with
young lovers again."

"With those who will eventually be lovers," Lachesis corrected, "if
things go properly."

"And who is so important that you're fretting to the point of
breaking your rhythm?" asked Lachesis. She usually worked near her
sister, not liking to wait too long to bring a life to its end, once
they end had been decreed. Now she leaned down, studying the section
of the tapestry that held Lachesis' interest.

Instead of speaking, Lachesis carefully teased two threads to a more
clearly lighted section of material. One of them was a bright, sunny
yellow. Just seeing it made the normally dour Atropos smile. "Ah,
Bliss. He's growing into a fine, sturdy young man. Yes, he's
approaching the time when he'll begin to take lovers. Perhaps
earlier than some, but," she shrugged, "considering his heritage...
And the other is?" Lachesis silently indicated the other thread.

Atropos examined the deep maroon, and her smile softened a
bit. "Accord." The young God of Mediation was much like his birth
father--Joxer. He had a talent for bringing out the sweetness in
almost any woman's nature. "Hm. They ARE close, aren't they?" She
ran her finger along the two, never finding a gap of much more than a
hair's breadth between them.

"And look," Lachesis ran her hand over the tapestry, finding a spot
that marked the past. "Here. This is Accord's birth. My, my--I had
to do some fancy weaving that day. But see? The two are close
BEFORE this point. Sister, this relationship started even before
Accord entered this world."

"Soul mates," said Clotho softly.

"Most likely," Atropos agreed. "Though we've seen this before in
life long enemies, as well."

"No," said Lachesis firmly. "Not these two."

Atropos gave her a sympathetic, but pragmatic look. "You know that
we don't really have the say in this. You've tried it before."

"Yes," said Lachesis sadly. Hercules' first family had died, despite
her attempts to change the pattern that she saw forming beneath her
hands.

Clotho paused in her spinning, and said, "But I doubt there's any
cause for mourning here, sister. After all these many years there
are still a few surprises left to us, but not many. Look at them.
Touch them." She lifted the two threads, gazing at them. "I can
sense nothing but love here--love on many levels." She released the
threads. "Just do your job. Sometimes we need not force things.
Sometimes we need only let things run to their destined end."

Lachesis nodded, cheered once again. "I just need to be sure that
they don't consummate their love before they're ready."

Atropos sniffed, going back to her work. "Two young men--one the son
of Ares, and the other the offspring of Passion? Good luck, sister."




Title: Childhood Sweethearts, 2/?
Author: Scribe
Fandom: Xena
Pairing: Implied Cupid/Strife, Ares/Joxer
Rating: FRT (One word)
Summary: Accord is starting to test his limits, and it's scaring the crap out of his parents.
Archive: Yes
Feedback: poet77665@catlover.com
Status: WIP
Sequel/Series: Love and Mischief Series
Disclaimer: I did not create the characters here, I don't own them. I derive no profit from this effort. I mean nothing but respect for the creators, owners, and the actors and actresses who portray them.
Websites: http://www.angelfire.com/grrl/scribescribbles and http://www.angelfire.com/grrl/foxluver
Warnings:
Notes: This story begins before the events in Visiting Relatives: Uncle Accord. In that story, Accord was sixteen, and Bliss was twenty-one. At the beginning of this story, Accord is fourteen, and Bliss is nineteen, Impetua is thirteen, and Polly is twelve.

Childhood Sweethearts, 2/?
By Scribe

Accord strolled along, lifting his face to feel the warmth beaming down from above. He loved the sun, and he had to be so careful. If he was in the direct sunlight only a few minutes longer than the time limit his parents had set, he ended up pink and uncomfortable. It wasn't fare. His father, Joxer, was almost as pale as he was, and Strife was a LOT whiter than he was, but neither of them had to worry so much about sunburn. Maybe he could talk to Uncle Apollo about some sort of ointment to prevent it.

He sighed. Probably not. Things between Dad Ares and Apollo weren't all that mellow. Oh, there wasn't out-and-out hostility, but Accord knew that Ares watched Apollo CLOSELY whenever he was around Joxer. Joxer and Ares wouldn't talk about it, but Accord knew exactly where to go in a case like that. Strife was more than happy to inform him. "No biggie, kiddo. It's just that when ya dad first came ta Olympus, Bright Boy was takin care of him. He got an eye-ful... Ya DO know that Joxie is hung like..."

"I try not to thing about things like that, Strife," Accord had interrupted.

Strife had shrugged cheerfully. "Anyways, it was nothin but stare, wink, wink, nudge, nudge, but Ares ain't eveh been good about sharin."

"Like certain other members of the House of War?" Strife had just grinned.

As he walked, Accord felt his center of gravity tilting a little, the surface under his left food narrowing by a hair. He automatically corrected himself, his walk never slowing. A brisk breeze blew across his path, causing the dark strands of his hair that had escaped his braid to whip across his face. He raked them out of his eyes, and decided that now was the time to end his walk.

He hopped to the side, landing on the roof of the temple. The moment his feet hit the solid surface, a voice below roared, "About fucking time!"

He winced, then went and peered over the waist high wall he'd been walking along, fingers curved easily over the narrow surface. "Hi, Dad."

Ares glared up at his son. "The only reason I didn't yell the minute I saw you is that I was worried you'd be startled, and fall the wrong way, and break your fool neck. You KNOW how long that takes to heal. Get down off the roof--NOW."

Calming angry people to the point where they could see reason might be part of his godhood, but Accord knew better than to hesitate or try to explain why his father shouldn't be upset that his son had been walking on a narrow wall, over fifty feet in the air. He went to the square hole in the center of the roof, and climbed down the ladder that was propped against the rim. Once he was on the floor inside, he unhooked the ladder and laid it against the hall's wall, then tugged on the rope hanging before him till the trap at the top shut.

For a moment he considered going to his room, or even just disappearing for a little while, but he knew that far from cooling down, that would just make Ares angrier. He started down to the family room, hoping that Joxer, his birth father would be there. Maybe if he was, Ares wouldn't be quite so tempted to lace into his errant son. Joxer being the God of Peace didn't really figure into it. Joxer didn't use his godhood on his loved ones, not except to avert imminent physical danger (and that was occasionally an issue, given the tangled family politics on Olympus). Still, Joxer's mere presence often had a soothing effect on Ares.

Joxer was sitting at the table peering at a stack of small, stiff parchments sitting before him. He was turning them over, studying each one. Accord came up behind him, looping an arm around his neck. Joxer turned his head and smiled back at him, reaching up to pat his arm before he went back to his studying. "What are those?"

"They're called 'cards'. Strife brought them back from the Halls of Time. He claims that they're going to be even bigger in gambling than dice."

"What do you do with them?"

"I'm not sure. I think you have to collect certain sets. See? Some of them have people on them. Here's a king, with his crown."

"Which king?"

"I don't know. Any king, I guess."

Accord went and sat in a chair beside him. Propping his elbows on the table, he put his chin in his hands. "What are the spots on them?"

"Well, the red ones are hearts and diamonds, and the black ones are, uh, spades and clubs."

Accord picked up one of each of the black suits. "Really? That doesn't look like a very good spade. They usually have rounded, or squared off edges, don't they? And I GUESS they have three headed clubs, but it doesn't seem very efficient." He looked at it closer, then grinned. "It looks a little like the paw print Scribe's cats leave when they walk across her fresh scrolls and get ink on their feet. Boy, does she cuss."

"Speaking of cursing, I heard a shout from outside a minute ago. What have you done now to upset your father?"

Accord rolled his eyes. "Nothing."

"Cord."

Accord sighed. That single syllable was so patient. *Why do I even try? I know I can't keep anything from him.* "Not much. I was just taking a walk."

"Uh-huh. Hasn't Ares told you not to walk on top of the garden wall?"

"I DIDN'T."

Joxer stopped scrambling the cards, and looked at his son. His eyes narrowed. "Where?"

"You know, this isn't fair. Imp can get away with murder because she can pull the wool over Cupid's eyes, and sometimes even Strife."

"That's because subterfuge is part of her nature. Jealousy has a lot to do with machinations and secrecy. But honesty is part of YOUR nature, and you just can't really lie--not about anything important."

Walking on the roof edge is important?" Accord clapped his hand over his mouth when he realized that he'd just told on himself.

"THE ROOF?! No wonder Ares was yelling." Accord quickly used his best tactic. He made his eyes large and pleading. "Don't try that with me, young man. I'M the one you learned it from."

Ares stalked into the room. "Do you know what our son has done now?"

"Yes. He just confessed. It was by accident, but I suppose it counts."

Ares came over to where Accord was sitting, and stood over him, glaring down. "How many times have I told you not to do that?"

"Actually," said Accord, "you haven't." He started ticking off on his fingers. "You've told me not to walk on the garden wall, not to walk along the drop off to earth, and not to walk on the railing of the barge when Charon takes me over to visit Hades, but you've never told me not to walk along the roof rim, so I..."

"YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN!" Ares took a deep breath, and his voice was calmer when he next spoke. "Accord, granted that there isn't much that can kill a god, but we CAN be hurt, even damaged. Think about Hephastus. Would you want to end up crippled?" His voice lowered even more, and he gestured toward Joxer. "Would you want to do that to your father, or me?"

Accord looked down at the floor, chastened. "I'm sorry, Dad. I just wasn't thinking about that."

Joxer reached over and gently patted his shoulder. "You're young--you wouldn't. But you're getting older now, Accord. Your father and I will never cease to protect you, but you're going to have to at least START taking some responsibility for yourself. You know that you have to be punished for this." Accord nodded, resigned.

"Grounded for one month," said Ares.

"Daaad."

"Don't whine at me. It would have taken that long for you to heal up if you'd fallen."

"I think that's a little harsh," said Joxer.

"Yeah, harsh," Accord agreed. "How about one week?"

Ares stared at him, arms crossed, fingers tapping on his arms. "How about one day?"

Accord brightened. "Yeah, that sounds fair. I'll stay home..."

"Tonight. It begins now."

Accord's expression fell. "But Dad! I'm supposed to sleep over at Bliss's place tonight! Aphrodite is having Imp and Poly over for a slumber party, and we're gonna crash, and drive them crazy. We've been planning this for a week."

"Too bad. You wouldn't have been able to go if you'd fallen off the roof, would you?"

Accord looked at Joxer, but Joxer said, "Nope. It's fair, and you agreed to it. If you miss something you were really looking forward to, maybe you'll think twice next time."

"This is bogus!"

Ares blinked. "What?"

"I learned it from Strife."

"Why am I not surprised?"

"It means that it's unfair."

Ares shrugged. "Son, whatever gave you the idea that life was fair?"

"Can't I take the week instead?"

"Only," said Joxer, "if as well as remaining in your room, you have no visitors."

Accord gave him a wounded look. Finally he said, "Can I at least go tell Bliss why I can't stay over tonight?" Joxer looked at Ares, who nodded. "Thanks." Accord walked toward the door.

"Don't hang around," Ares warned. "Go there, tell him, and come back." Accord left without replying. "I think I'm being snubbed, and am I wrong, or was that 'thanks' sarcastic?"

"You weren't wrong. But he's a teenager, Ares. He wouldn't be normal if he wasn't a LITTLE difficult. We've had it easy so far."

Ares took the chair that Accord had vacated. "I know. I raised Strife, remember? Gods, I didn't think either of us would survive his puberty." He silently watched as Joxer arranged the cards into overlapping piles. "What are you doing?"

"Trying to figure out how to play with these things. I couldn't keep track of what Strife said they do with them in the future. You know how fast he can talk when he gets going."

Ares looked at Joxer (who had been known to babble on occasion) fondly. "Yeah."

"Anyway, he was talking about straights, and I've laid them as straight as I can, but I don't see the point in it." He pulled a goblet over to him, turned it upside down, and laid one card carefully on top of it.

"What's that?"

"That's a straight," Joxer pointed at the portrait card balanced on the glass, "with king high." Joxer very carefully propped four cards together, making a hollow square. He was concentrating so hard that his tongue poked out between his teeth. "Strife said something about a full house. Well, that looks like a house, but I don't know what it's supposed to be full of."

"Maybe the same thing Strife is full of?"

"But what's he full... Oh!"

Joxer threw the rest of the cards at Ares, who laughed. "You just keep walking into them, Jox." As Joxer began to gather the cards up, Ares said, "Accord has been spending a lot of time over at Cupid's temple."

"M-hm." Joxer started stacking the cards neatly.

"And he seemed really disappointed that he couldn't go torment Impetua tonight. Cupid complains all the time about how hard it is to get rid of the male 'I like her, so I'll make her miserable' mind set. Do you suppose that Accord has a crush on Impetua?" Ares was staring thoughtfully at the ceiling. He didn't notice the wry look that his husband threw him. "Not that I have anything against Impetua--hell, she's my grandchild. It's just that a romance between her and Accord might be a little awkward, don't you think?"

"Perhaps not as awkward as some," said Joxer quietly.

"So you don't think I need to worry about it?"

"No," said Joxer, honestly. "That's one thing I'm pretty sure you don't have to worry about."




Title: Childhood Sweethearts, 3/?
Author: Scribe
Fandom: Xena
Pairing: Implied Cupid/Strife, Ares/Joxer
Rating: FRT
Summary: Strife has a talk with Bliss, and Accord comes by to
explain why he can't spend the night.
Archive: Yes
Feedback: poet77665@c...
Status: WIP
Sequel/Series: Love and Mischief Series
Disclaimer: I did not create the recognizable characters here, I
don't own them. I derive no profit from this effort. I mean
nothing but respect for the creators, owners, and the actors and
actresses who portray them. Original characters (Accord, Impetua,
Polly) are copyrighted.
Websites: http://www.angelfire.com/grrl/scribescribbles and
http://www.angelfire.com/grrl/foxluver
Warnings: Feelings are starting to stir in Bliss for Accord, and
Accord is underage, but nothing's going to happen for awhile.
Notes:

Childhood Sweethearts, 3/?
By Scribe

Bliss's wings flapped occasionally as he strode down the hall.
Usually they remained folded quietly against his back, but sometimes
when he was excited, or agitated, they seemed to have a mind of
their own. He came to a small room in the depths of the temple that
few people realized existed. It wasn't that it was HIDDEN, it was
just that it was obscure, and it never would have occurred to most
people that it even existed. It was Strife's study.

As Ares's second in command, Strife needed to be well versed in
strategies, tactics, and the history of war. The small room was
crammed with scrolls, maps, and diagrams about everything having to
do with war--among other things. The study had long been one of
Bliss's favorite places. He never knew what he was going to find
there, since Strife was always bringing things back from the Halls
of Time.

Bliss knocked. It wasn't so much that Strife demanded privacy, it
was just that you never knew what was going to be going on in the
room, or how startled Strife might be by a sudden entrance. A
startled God of Mischief could be a dangerous thing. Bliss had come
bursting in once when he was twelve, and lost feathers to a tossed
dagger. It was a good thing that he'd dodged. The worst part about
it was how upset Strife had been that he'd almost hurt his adopted
son, so Bliss was careful from then on to announce his arrival.

He heard Strife call from inside, "Yo, c'mon in."

Bliss opened the door. "Did you get the stuff?"

Strife was sitting behind his desk, booted feet up on it. "Fine,
thanks," he drawled. "Bones achin a little bit. I think maybe I'm
comin down with rheumatism."

Bliss grinned, and went to perch on the edge of the desk. "Hey,
Strife. How are you? How was your day?"

"Just anothah day in Elysium, kiddo, an' yah, I got yer supplies."
He sat up, feet thumping down, and reached under the desk. He
picked up a box and set it on the desk. "One 'Let's Fuck With tha
Girlies' kit." He tapped a glass jar. "Two daddy long-leg spidahs--
harmless, but pretty much guaranteed ta make adolescent females have
screamin fits. Three whoopie bladdahs, ta be strategically
concealed. Will produce pootin sounds when sat on. But I gotta
tell ya, Bliss, that one's only gonna embarrass Polly. Ya know damn
good an' well that yer sistah will think it's funny. Lessee...
noise makahs that reproduce tha sound of harpies. Candles that look
just like tha kind that 'Dite uses, but smell like a burnin manure
pile. Facial masque that looks like 'Dite's special, but will leave
tha skin a nice shade of chartreuse fah a coupla days. An' last,
but not least--cherry bombs. Should ya be captured, I will disavow
any knowledge of yer mission. Dite still hasn't forgiven me fah
dressin all her statues in horn rims, midi-skirts an' Birkinstocks."

"Thanks! You're the best."

"Yah, I am. Bliss, while I'm thrilled that yer willin ta drive
people crazy, I gotta admit that I though you'da outgrown crashin
girls' slumber parties--at least ones that were given by actual
girls insteada women."

"Well, it started when Imp had Hiss slither up Accord's pants leg.
Cord almost hurt himself before he realized it wasn't a strange
snake, but was just Imp's familiar. Everything would have been cool
if she'd just apologized--you know how easy going Cord is. But no,
she had to be obnoxious about it. Cord and I started trying to
figure out how to get her back, and this is what we came up with."

"M-hm." Strife was studying him. "So, where's Cord gonna sleep?
Imp's room, or wunna tha guest rooms?"

Bliss was holding the glass jar, turning it around so he could watch
the spiders scramble over each other. "Well, we're going to be
talking to all hours, so I figured he'd sleep in my room, like
usual. Since I got my big bed, we won't have to camp out on the
floor."

There was a small frame on Strife's desk. Four shiny metal balls
were hanging in it, just kissing each other. Strife lifted one of
the end balls and let it drop. It smacked into the others, and the
ball on the far side immediately swung out. Then it dropped back
and smacked the middle balls. The ball Strife had dropped swung out
again, and the cycle began to repeat. "I love this shit. Tha last
time Joxer was here, I almost got him hypnotized, watchin it. Ya
plannin on sharin tha bed?"

The question was asked casually, and Bliss, preoccupied with the
bouncing balls, answered it absently. "Sure. What's the use of
having a big bed if you can't have your friend share it every now
and then?"

"Uh-huh. How old is Accord now?"

Bliss frowned. Why was Strife asking him that? Strife kept better
track of all the kids on Olympus than most of their parents
did. "Fourteen."

"Kind of a young fourteen, dontcha think?" Strife picked up
something that looked like a set of human teeth, still set in the
gums. This item had given Bliss a turn, the first time he'd seen
them. He thought that Bia must have gotten loose. The God of
Violent Insanity tended to leave bits of himself lying about, and it
wouldn't have been at all out of character for him to rip his own
jaw off, then forget to take it with him. After a good laugh at how
green Bliss had turned, Strife had shown him the metal key set in
the side of the object. Now Strife wound the key, set the teeth
down, and watched as they shimmied along the desk, clacking together
briskly, as if prepared to eat a hole through whatever got in front
of them.

"I suppose so." Bliss reached down and caught the teeth before they
could chatter their way over the edge of the desk. He poked his
finger between them for a moment, letting them nibble, then set them
down, facing in the other direction, to begin another
trek. "Grandma says that he's a bit of a late bloomer. He's still
kind of kiddish. I mean, his voice hasn't really dropped yet, and
his skin is still as smooth as..." He smiled. "As smooth as Imp's
bottom used to be."

"Probably still is. Don't look superior, Birdy. You don't hafta
break out tha razor but once in a blue moon yerself. I think he's
takin aftah his Daddy Joxer insteada Ares. Jox is pretty damn
smooth all ovah himself. Yer noddin. Ya noticed that, huh?"

Bliss blushed a little. "Well, I AM old enough to attend the orgies
now. Maybe Ares doesn't chase Joxer around naked as much as Dad
does you, but it happens. How did we get onto the subject of
Accord's amount of body hair?"

"We was discussin relative maturity."

"We were?"

"Maybe I'm bein too subtle. Awright, I think ya need ta reconsidah
sharin a bed with Accord."

Bliss blinked. "Why?"

"Because he's both too young, an' too old fah it."

"Now you're sounding like the Fates."

"He's too old because physical proximity might inspire certain
natural biological responses, an' he's too young 'cause he ain't old
enough yet ta know what ta do, or not do, with those responses."

"Could you be a little more obscure?"

Strife sighed. "What would ya do if he got a boner?" Bliss's mouth
dropped open. He turned beet red. He spluttered, and made two
attempts to speak, with no success. "I rest my case."

"But... but... but... STRIFE! He's my UNCLE!"

"An' Cupe's my cousin. An' yer Mom an' Dad are at least half-
siblings. An' are you gonna try ta tell me that some of yer own
uncles an' maybe aunties haven't at least leered in yer direction?"

"Well, there's Hecate, but I figured that was a witch thing. And
Apollo, but I thought that was just because he considers himself Sex
on Legs, and it's his divine duty to spread it around as much as
possible."

"That, too."

"Strife, Cord is just a kid. I wouldn't mess with him."

"Ya wouldn't intend ta, but lemme tell ya, kiddo--things look a lot
different undah tha sheets. Look, I ain't sayin that somethin
between you two would be wrong. Fuck no. I'm just saying that yer
young, Accord's even youngah, an' I know what hormones can do ta
horny adolescent males." He grinned. "Oh, tha mischief buzzes I've
gotten from just that. Probably nothin would happen, Bliss, but in
cases like this, it's bettah ta keep temptation at arm's length.
So, like, mebbe you can swap tha big bed back fah yer smaller one
whenevah Cord spends tha night?"

Bliss stared at him, then slowly said, "I just realized that I don't
want to do that, so I suppose that means that I should."

"I ain't sayin ya hafta, but I think that would be wise."

There was a knock at the door, and they heard Accord call, "Bliss,
you in there?"

Strife watched his son turn red. He bit his tongue, trying not to
giggle, but didn't succeed. Strife whispered, "I you was holdin a
goblet of wine, it'd be mulled by now." He lifted his
voice. "C'mon in, Cord."

Accord came into the room. He was dressed in his usual loose black
pants, flowing white shirt, and open maroon vest. His hair, heavy
black waves, reached his shoulders now. He was barefooted, and
Bliss was suddenly aware of how finely shaped his feet were. Accord
flowed across the room and threw himself into the vacant chair in
front of the desk.

He slouched so that his hair fell forward half hiding his face. His
pale features and large, dark eyes were barely visible through the
curtain. In centuries to come that one look (Tortured Romantic)
would have had countless men and women swooning at his feet. *Oh,
yah,* thought Strife, observing how Bliss was watching him. *I
think separate beds are a good idea for the time being.* "What's
wrong, kid? World endin? Twilight of tha Gods approachin?"

"I can't spend the night tonight."

"Ah--end of tha world."

"Why not?" asked Bliss. "I thought you had permission."

"I DID! And now Ares says I can't. It's so unfair."

"What happened?"

Accord's eyes shifted. "Nothing."

"Uh-huh," said Strife. "Look, Ares is a bad ass, but Joxer
balances 'im out, so it was probably a little more than nothin."

"I just went for a walk." He paused. "On the roof." Strife raised
his eyebrows. "Okay, on the wall around the roof."

"Accord!" Bliss exclaimed. "Not again!"

"Well, YOU do it."

*He's poutin,* thought Strife. "An' he looks adorable, an' Bliss
may not know it, but his tongue is hangin out about a foot.*

"Yeah," said Bliss, "and I have WINGS, doofus. Look, I want you to
promise me that from now on you won't do something like that unless
I'm with you."

Accord's bottom lip poked out. If Strife was any judge, Bliss was
having a hard time not thinking about nibbling on it. "You're not
my father--neither one of them," he said petulantly.

"No, but I'm your friend, and I don't want you to risk getting hurt
any more than they do. C'mon, Cord. You know that we're not just
being mean."

Accord slumped a little more. "I know. But it just feels so RIGHT,
Bliss. I... I dunno. I feel more like myself when I walk high."
He sighed. "But I won't do it again without an escort. Not till
I'm officially of age, anyway. But seventeen is a long way off."

"Hang in there, kiddo," said Strife. "Seventeen is just a target
age. Everyone knows that people mature at different rates. Act
like a grown up, an' maybe they'll cut ya some slack. Yer dads can
petition for ya ta have tha ceremony as young as fifteen. They did
it fah Ares, but then he's a special case."

"Say," said Bliss. "Is this the only punishment? I would have
thought that they'd hit you with something tougher."

"I was given a choice. It was give up spending tonight, or spend a
week in my room, with no visitors. I figured it would be better to
miss one day with you than not be able to see you at all for a
week. Well," Accord stood up. "I gotta go. They're not exactly
timing me, but my butt will be in a crack if I hang around too long."

Accord quickly gave Strife a hug around the neck, then did the same
for Bliss. The young God of Mediation was naturally physically
affectionate. Considering that he'd been born of Joxer (who was one
of the all time great snugglers), it wasn't surprising. "I'll see
you tomorrow, okay?"

"Okay." Bliss's voice had dropped when he was fourteen, and he'd
been very proud of it. He hadn't squeaked in years, but now his
voice seemed to have risen an octave with that one word. Accord
left, and Bliss sat in stunned silence for a moment. Finally he
said, "He's fourteen."

"Yup. As long as ya keep that in mind, ya should be okay."

"Strife, he's FOURTEEN."

"Yah. But he won't be forevah."







Title: Childhood Sweethearts, 4/?
Author: Scribe
Fandom: Xena
Pairing: None yet
Rating: FRM
Summary: The boys are both talking to family members.
Archive: Mailing lists, WWOMB, Beyond Canon, others ask
Feedback: poet77665@catlover.com
Status: WIP
Sequel/Series:
Disclaimer: I did not create the recognizable characters here, I don't own

them. I derive no profit from this effort. I mean nothing but respect for

the creators, owners, and the actors and actresses who portray them.
Websites: http://www.angelfire.com/grrl/scribescribbles and

http://www.angelfire.com/grrl/foxluver
Warnings:
Notes: Yes, a weeny bit short this time, but I'm lucky to have it. The

Muses are being real bitches this month, and they can't blame it on the

heat, because the central air has been working just fine.

Childhood Sweethearts, 4/?
by Scribe

Aphrodite was filing her nails--a job that many women did absently, but one

that she usually gave her full attention to. She critically examined the

nail on her right pointer finger, decided that the pointy look was fine for

Hecate, but that she preferred something that was less obviously intended to

aid in scratching out eyes. She began to round down the tip a little.

"Bliss, sweetie, I want to thank you for not crashing the slumber party last

night. The girls were hyped on ice cream, and any invasion by less than

mature males would have had them doing harpy impressions."

Bliss, who was flopped on a nearby sofa, face down, grunted. "Well, it just

wouldn't have been much fun without Accord."

Dite blew nail dust off her nail, examined it again, and decided it was

properly shaped. She took up a small bar covered in suede, and began to put

a shine on her nails. "I haven't seen him for a couple of months. He's

fourteen, right?"

"M-hm."

"Fourteen... I guess it's about time I talked to your Dad about setting him

up with his first real crush."

Bliss sat up abruptly. "Grandma!"

Aphrodite winced. "Bliss, I love being your grandma, but you don't have to

rub the age thing in. What's the problem?"

"I thought that you tried to keep a 'hands off' policy on relatives."

"Sweetie, he's not really my relative, much as I love him."

"And don't you usually let the divinities take care of their own love

lives?"

Aphrodite lowered her buffer, looking at him in surprise. Then her eyes

narrowed in speculation. *Oh, yeah. Darn, I'm getting absentminded these

days. He's due for some teasing for that grandma crack, though.* She

started buffing again, and said casually, "Oh, it doesn't have to be

anything SERIOUS--just a nice bout of puppy love." She slid her eyes

sideways at him. "Then he wouldn't be following you around all the time.

Wouldn't you like some more time to yourself?"

"No. Yes. I mean, I have enough private time. If you're worried about

that, take Imp off our hands more often. I've lost count of the times she's

come waltzing into the bathing chamber when I'm wearing nothing but soap and

feathers."

Aphrodite giggled. "She's my bloodline, all right." She studied her nails.

"Maybe I should start him out with a mortal, or a demigod. A full god

might still be a little too rich for his blood."

"Who?"

*Oo, that tone was as hard and sharp as Ares sword.* "I don't know. Any

suggestions?" Bliss didn't reply, but his wings gave a flap so hard that

several snowy feathers shook loose. One of them floated toward Aphrodite,

and she blew it away with a ladylike puff of air. "Chill, sweetie. I'm

just messing with you."

"GRANDMA!"

She pointed at him. "That's what got you the bout of teasing, kid." She

softened. "Look, hon, I'm sorry. I honestly wasn't thinking when I made

the suggestion. I know how you feel about Accord."

Bliss slumped, then flopped on his face on the couch again. "How can you?

-I- don't even know how I feel."

Aphrodite sighed fondly, leaning over to stroke his hair. "Ah, teenagers.

I can't remember being a teenager myself--you know, that whole born

fully-grown thing--but the teen years are when my influence REALLY gets

started." She dropped a kiss on his head. "You'll figure it out."

He rolled his head to look at her. "And you won't mix in?"

She held up her hand, palm outwards. "I promise."

He squinted at her. "And you won't try to get Dad to do anything?"

She sat back, pressing a hand to her ample bosom. "I'm shocked!"

"Shocked that I know you well enough to know that you'd weasel around the

exact wording of the agreement?"

"Pooh! You're an awful spoilsport for one so young. Okay, I promise not to

ask Cupid to meddle in this affair. Satisfied?"

He jumped up and kissed her on the cheek. "There's a load off my mind,

anyway. I'll know that whatever there is isn't the result of an arrow or a

potion."

He left. Aphrodite watched him go, then went back to buffing her nails.

*It might not be an arrow or potion, but it's darn sure going to be

chemistry, hon.* She giggled softly. *And I may have promised not to act

directly, or ask Cupid to act, but I didn't say anything about anybody

else...*

~*~*~*~*~*~

Accord knocked at the door to his fathers' bedchamber, calling, "Can I come

in?" He'd been trained at an early age not to come bursting into this

particular room unannounced. Cupid had occasionally wondered out loud how

Ares and Joxer had managed that, as it had taken him forever to drill the

concept into Bliss' head, and they STILL hadn't managed it with Impetua.

"That depends." It was Joxer's voice. "Are you over pouting?"

Accord thumped his forehead gently against the door, but he was smiling.

"Yeah, I'm over it."

"Come on in, then.

Accord entered, and looked around. Joxer was sitting on the edge of the

bed, pulling on his boots. "Where's Dad?"

"Gone with the dawn. He's pulling surprise inspections today. I'd say

there's going to be an epidemic of soiled underwear, if it wasn't for the

fact that I know most of the troops don't WEAR underwear." Accord gave him

a hug. "Oof. Well, good morning to you, too. What was that for?"

Accord shrugged, but said sheepishly, "I was sort of a brat yesterday, and I

never really apologized for scaring you and Dad. I'm sorry."

"I'm glad that you realize that it wasn't so much the disobeying as it was

the putting yourself in danger."

Accord smiled slightly. "Well, I'm House of War--that IS going to happen

occasionally. Even you put yourself in risky situations occasionally."

"That's different, Cord, and you know it. With me it's in the course of

doing my job, not as a way to pass time."

"Yeah, I know." Accord was silent for a moment, then said, "Pop, when am I

going to be old enough to take up my duties?"

Joxer sat back a little, eyeing him. "That's a quick change of subject. I

don't know. Most gods with complicated duties... And don't you dare tell

Aether or Susserose I said that. I'm sure that wrangling warm breezes and

putting the sound of the ocean in seashells is more complicated than it

seems, but you know what I mean. Anyway, the more complicated the job, like

the greater number of OTHER peoples' jobs it will impact--the older the the

god or goddess is when they are allowed to take full control of their

godhood."

"What about MY godhood?"

"Mediation? Accord, you DO have some idea of how complicated that is, even

just among mortals? You'll be lucky if you're given control before you have

a beard at least as good as your Dad's."

"But I'm not growing whiskers yet. Ace says that it MIGHT change, but he

was pretty sure I'd end up one of the smoothest people on Olympus, outside

of Aphrodite and the Muses."

"Then you see what I mean."

Accord flopped back on the bed. "Poop!"

Joxer grinned at the combination of teenage drama and verbal restraint. He

lay back beside Accord. "What's up? Why the sudden desire for

responsibility? You've never been bad about avoiding your duties, but

you've never exactly embraced them with zeal, and searched for ways to do

more."

"I'm just tired of being a kid," Accord grumbled.

"Aw, Cord..." Joxer reached out and tucked a wave of black hair back behind

his son's ear. "I wish you wouldn't be in such a hurry to grow up. This is

a very short period of your life, and being a god, there's going to come a

day when this time is a long, long time gone."

Accord turned on his side, and rested his head on Joxer's shoulder, while

his father hugged him. This was one thing that Accord knew enough to be

grateful for--neither of his parents were hesitant to show their love. That

could be rare on Olympus. "You're not fooling me. You just don't want to

give up having a kid around." He was quiet for a moment, then said slyly,

"Why don't you and Dad have another baby?" Joxer let go and sat up

abruptly. "I'm just teasing, Pop. No need to get the whinges."

"No, that's not it." Joxer looked down at Accord, and his lips quirked.

"Actually, we've been discussing that very subject."

Now Accord popped up into a sitting position, eyes suddenly huge. "You're

kidding!"

Joxer shook his head. "I'm not. We've just about decided to go for it.

Now we're arguing about who should carry it."

"Get Aphrodite to talk to Dad about it. Everyone knows you're one of her

soft spots, so if anyone can convince Dad that you shouldn't have to go

through pregnancy again..."

"You're on the wrong track, Cord," said Joxer softly. "Ares insists that

he's not going to let me risk myself again. HE wants to carry the baby."

Accord did a wonderful impression of a landed flounder, at least from the

neck up. He didn't do the thrashing bit, but he had the staring and gasping

DOWN. "Yep, that's pretty much the reaction we figure we'd get from most of

the rest of the world."

Finally Accord croaked, "Dad? Puh-puh-PREGNANT?"

"Not yet. We're both still taking the contraceptive potion. There's going

to be absolutely no miscalculations this time around." He touched Accord's

cheek gently. "No child has ever been as welcome as you, Cord, but let's

face it--you were a bit of a surprise."

"I know, but that's not what I meant. What I MEANT was--the God of

War--pregnant. Oh, geez, Pop--do you think the world would survive? I

mean, imagine what would happen just if one of his warlords--you KNOW how

they are--made some stupid joke about wide, child bearing hips."

Joxer pursed his lips. "I'd just have to hope that if one of us wasn't

there, Demeter had scheduled that area for a famine, because I believe we're

DEFINITELY talking scorched earth time."

"Look, if you two DO decide to go through with it--and I think it would be a

GREAT idea, by the way... Impetua can be a snot, but I can tell that Bliss

loves her a lot. If you DO decide to do it, then you both will be able to

use some more help, right? I think I could take a lot off your hands, if

I'm allowed to start actually performing duties instead of just accepting

tribute, listening to prayers, and making official appearances."

Joxer cocked his head thoughtfully. "Accord, are you using your powers on

me right now?"

"Huh? No! Geez, Dad, I wouldn't do that without telling you."

"I didn't think so, and I OUGHT to be able to tell if you are, but sometimes

when you're young, the manifestation of your godhood isn't entirely in your

control. I'm not accusing you of being devious, Cord (though your cousin

Strife would be proud of that). It's just that you're making WAY more sense

than I think you should. If one of us is pregnant, another significant

player in the House of War WOULD be a big help. Now, is that the only

reason you want to push your official maturity date up--you're tired of

being a kid?"

Accord shrugged. "Maybe not tired of BEING a kid, but I'm sure tired of

being TREATED like one."

"Mm. Well, if that's the case, you might consider ACTING more grown up--say

avoiding raids on girls' slumber parties?"

Accord made a face. "Ah, well--life is sacrifice."

Joxer rubbed his hair, and laughed when Accord frowned and quickly moved to

smooth it. "Accord--God of Irony. When are you going to cut your hair?"

"That's Dad's question, and you really don't care."

"No, I don't, but you might consider starting to do something to keep it out

of your face, if you don't want to start getting a lot of sheepdog or

Veronica Lake jokes from Strife."

"Who's Veronica Lake?"

"I'm not sure. I would have thought a water sprite, but Strife mentioned

her after he'd been to the Halls of Time. Apollo had been experimenting

with letting his hair grow, and trying different styles."

Accord looked thoughtful. "I think I remember that. He had one wave

falling over an eye. Didn't he sort of go hermit for about four or five

months right after that, then show up again with a really short cut, sort of

like what Caesar has now?"

"Yes. That was the time that Strife had discovered something from the

future called 'Nair'. Apollo toasted Strife's buns for him good when he

figured out what had happened, and Cupid didn't even protest. He said that

he liked a good joke as much as anyone, but it WAS a little extreme."

"Bet that didn't stop him from laughing his butt off."

"He told me it felt like a Titan had given him a bear hug--no breath, and

sore ribs." They sat quietly for a moment, then Joxer said, "Accord, if we

DO have another baby, are Strife and Cupid going to have to worry about Imp

bouncing off walls?"

"Huh? Oh, I don't think so. Maybe a LITTLE. I mean, you guys will be

paying a lot of attention to the baby at first, but she's probably old

enough now to realize it won't mean..."

"That isn't what I meant."

"Then what?" Joxer gave him a level look. Accord blinked. "Me?"

"It's a valid question. I mean, you've been the only baby here all your

life, and..."

"Pop! Gimme some credit, okay?" He kicked his feet, staring down at them.

"I dunno. Maybe if he ends up, like, the God of Courage, or the God of

Intensely Macho Arms Fighting."

"Because you think that would get more of your Dad's attention?" Accord

shrugged again, but didn't look at Joxer. "Cord." Joxer hugged him.

"I know he loves me, but... Well, he was able to train the crud out of

Strife, and Deimos, and Phobos, and Zeus had to go and decide that I was

only to be given the most basic sort of training in arms, and so much MORE

from the other houses."

"It's to help you be more balanced. You'll need that in your..."

"I know, I know, and I can see why. It doesn't mean I'm really happy about

it. It's got to be easier for the kids that are just trained in the arts of

their own houses. They must be so sure of who and what they are."

"You think that, do you? Well, that tells me that you still have a little

way to go before you're ready to take up your full duties. Because, son,"

he hugged Accord again, "teenagers are pretty much the same on that count,

no matter WHERE or HOW they're raised."





Title: Childhood Sweethearts, 5/?
Author: Scribe
Fandom: Xena
Pairing: None this section
Rating: FRM
Summary: Bliss and Imp decide that Accord has been working too hard.
Archive: Yes
Feedback: poet77665@catlover.com
Status: WIP
Sequel/Series: Part of the Love and Mischief Series
Disclaimer: I did not create the characters here, I don't own them. I derive no profit from this effort. I mean nothing but respect for the creators,

owners, and the actors and actresses who portray them. Original characters (Impetua, Accord) are copyrighted.
Websites: http://www.angelfire.com/grrl/scribescribbles and http://www.angelfire.com/grrl/foxluver
Warnings:
Notes: Christine mentioned a longing to see a relationship between adult Bliss and Accord, and a pregnant Ares. I remembered that I planned on

having both of those in this story. Looks like the Fates are conspiring with my Muses to get me writing a little, to take my mind off my miseries. :)
Notes: Zeus has decreed that as God of Mediation, Accord receive only minimal warrior training, and also receive training from each House in the

aspects of their specialty. Thus he's now learning basic health care from Apollo. Bliss is now twenty, Accord is fifteen, and Imp is fourteen. Some

of y'all may want more details on how Ares got pregnant, and what happened up till this point. To quote my bad ass hard-boiled detective from The

Case of the Sabotaged Santa, "But that's another story."--Brad As
More notes: Pronunciation of Frankenstein courtesy of Mel Brooks. :)

Childhood Sweethearts, 5/?
By Scribe

Growing

Not Quite a Year Later

"Apollo?"

Apollo looked up from the notes he was making on a scroll. "Yes, Accord? Have you finished practicing those bandaging techniques?"

Accord dropped into the chair opposite his desk, first flipping his braid over his shoulder, so that it wouldn't be trapped behind him. "Yeah. I left two

of your priests looking like Egyptian mummies. If you don't want to check my work, I'll tell them they can unwind before I go."

"I don't think I need to inspect them. I'm sure they would have given you any direction you needed. That's all for today, then, but tomorrow I'm

going to quiz you on the various herbs and potions used to reduce fever and prevent infection."

"Gotcha."

Apollo went back to his notes, but after a moment, he realized that Accord hadn't left yet. He put down his quill and gave his attention to the boy

once again. "Well?"

"I was just wondering... D'you think it would be possible for me to assist with some of the pregnant women? Not necessarily with birth--I know they

don't want spare men hanging around then."

Apollo folded his hands. "Accord, we don't have any pregnant goddesses right now, and most pregnant mortal women don't want men involved at

ALL. The healthy ones are tended to by Hera and Hestia--Asclepius and I only deal with the ones who are at risk--and they usually have to be

ordered by a goddess to let us tend them."

Accord fidgeted. "I could, like, dress up as a woman. I'm still not growing whiskers, and if I unwind this," he flipped his braid, "maybe put a couple of

ornamental pins in it, I could probably pass, as long as they didn't, like, grope me, or something."

"You've been hanging around Strife a LOT, haven't you?" Accord grinned. "Look, I agree that since your specialty is mediation, you're going to NEED

to know how to deal with pregnant women, but this sort of thing will probably require diplomatic wrangling to get Hera to agree, and I just don't

have the time right now."

"Do we HAVE to get Hera's permission?"

"Do you want to deal with it if someone goes screaming to her?"

Accord made a face. "I see your point."

"Just be patient. She's bound to be in a good mood sometime within the next few years, and we'll see what we can do then. Is that all?"

"Yeah, I guess." Accord stood up and headed for the door. "See ya tomorrow." He went out into the hall, and thought, *I see your point. Doesn't

mean I'm going to let it stand in my way, though. I'm as patient as the next person, but Dad's pregnant NOW.*

~*~*~*~*~

Ares was in the mirror room--the one that was lined with mirrors, and contained nothing but a bed. Well, a bed and a small chest that held a

selection of 'toys'. He was currently standing, facing into one corner. In that position, he could see himself from every angle, and he was examining

himself with the same razor sharp gaze that had caused thousands of normally confident warriors to quake in their sandals.

He was dressed in nothing but his pants and boots, and he was critically examining his waistline. His eyes narrowed, but it didn't change the view.

There was a definite, shallow curve of flesh pushing against the waistband. The waistband was no longer snug--it was approaching TIGHT. He laid

his palm flat against his abdomen and pressed. The bulge flattened easily, and he nodded, tightening the muscles. He moved his hand... and the

curve appeared again.

Ares sighed. He'd been doing this for fifteen minutes, and it was always the same. That curve wasn't going anywhere. He got his vest off the bed

and put it on, studying the effect. He shifted his shoulders, pulling the edges a little closer together. That left a gap of only a couple of inches

around the waist. He tried to decide if this made the belly overhang any less noticeable, or if it drew attention to it.

"I thought Dite was the one who spent all her time in front of the mirror."

Ares glanced up quickly. Over his reflection's shoulder, he could see Joxer leaning in the doorway. He sighed. "If you can sneak up on me when I

have a fucking mirror, I must be losing it."

Joxer came up behind Ares and wrapped his arms around him. His hands came to rest on the tiny bulge. "It's not gonna go away." He squeezed

softly. "That's baby, not fat."

Ares sighed again. "I know. It's just... I never DID go through a chubby stage. I've seen one or two scrying mirrors of myself as a toddler, and I

didn't even have that watermelon belly thing most babies have. This is..." his hands came to rest over Joxer's, "weird."

Joxer nodded. "I was the same way, except I was scrawny instead of lean. It IS a bit of a shock to look down and not be able to see your feet."

Ares pinched the back of his hand, but gently. His voice acerbic, he said, "I haven't reached that stage yet, thank you."

"You're only in your fourth month. Give it time."

"I'm so looking forward to it."

"Waddle, waddle, waddle."

Ares bit back a chuckle, gripping Joxer's wrists, and pulling him more tightly against his back. Joxer obliged by nibbling on Ares' neck, and hunching

against his ass. "That's what got me into this situation," Ares murmured, pushing back at him.

"Hey," said Joxer, "I offered, but you were so determined..."

"I'm messing with you, doofus."

"Oh. I knew that."

Ares returned to studying his reflection, and shook his head. "I don't mind the belly so much, but I'm REALLY not looking forward to growing boobs."

"It helps if you wear a binder--not too snug, mind you, but the support is worth it."

"And what about breast feeding? It was okay for you--you're naturally smooth. Me--the poor kid is going to get hair in his mouth every time he

wants a snack."

"You COULD shave."

"WHAT?!"

"Just a suggestion. Strife says that bodybuilders in the future do it."

"What's a body builder? Sounds like someone who digs up graves for spare parts to create their idea of a perfect man."

"I think that's called a Frahnkonshteen. The guys I'm talking about deliberately do exercises and lift heavy things over and over and over again to

build up certain muscles."

Ares grunted. "Sounds pretty damn pointless to me."

"I guess people have a lot of spare time in the future. Anyway, according to Strife, these guys don't want body hair, because that doesn't give

people the best view of their bodies, so they remove it."

"Let me get this straight--just to show off their muscles, they let someone run a razor all over their body? Are they all somehow related to Strife?"

"Not all of them use shaving. Strife said some of them use wax. They spread molten wax on the area they want clean, let it cool, then peel..."

"The skin off. I'm familiar with torture techniques. That's not one I prefer, though I think that Eris is rather fond of it."

"No, it just removes the hair. Well, if it's done right. I suppose if you get someone who doesn't know what they're doing..." Joxer shook himself

briefly. "Strife says that women routinely have it done to, uh, neaten up their... you know... private hair." Ares stared disbelievingly at his

husband's reflection. "I'm not making this up."

"I'd like to be around if someone ever suggested that to an Amazon."

"Anyway, you don't have to worry about that right now. It's a long way in the future." Joxer slid his hands up Ares' torso, scratching lightly in the

dark hair decorating his chest. "And I'd be kinda curious to see what you look like smooth. I think it would be sexy." Ares quirked an eyebrow. "Of

course I think you're sexy even when you're grumpy, hung over, and have second day beer breath that'd knock a harpy out of midair."

"Yeah, you're prejudiced like that." Ares once again rubbed his belly. "Kid, I just hope that you don't take after the Titan side of the family."

~*~*~*~*~*~

"Accord has a bum deal," Bliss declared.

"Sure," Impetua agreed. She was dangling a piece of string for Priss to play with. The little white-and-black cat was stalking it carefully, green

eyes narrowed and just the very tip of her tail vibrating with excitement.

Bliss gave her a wry look. Impetua was usually willing to agree that just about anyone had a raw deal. Of course, being jealousy, she could easily

point out the rough spots of ANYONE'S situation, all the better to have them brooding about what they didn't have that someone else did. Still, he

didn't think she'd been paying attention to what he'd been saying, so he decided to call her on it. "Okay, Smartypants. WHY does he have a bum

deal?"

Imp twitched the string out of Priss' reach just as the cat was stretching a paw toward it. "Instead of just havin to learn the general history, an'

math, an' readin stuff, plus the finer points of his godhood, like most of us, Zeusy is makin him learn from just about anyone on Olympus who has a

teacherly bone in their body, an' a lot of them who'd rather cut their throat than teach someone anythin. That about it?"

"Yeah, that's it. How do you do that? How do you act oblivious, but catch everything?"

"It's m' job, bro." She dropped the string on top of Priss' head, and watched at the cat began to wrestle with it. "How can I make people pissed

over missin some little thing if I don't know what they're missin?" Bliss was sprawled on a sofa, while Imp had been sitting cross-legged on the floor

before him. Now she leaned back on her elbows, stretching out her legs so that she could prod Priss with her toes. This got the cat to attack her

foot, but Imp didn't care. She always sported two or three scratches on her feet from such play. Impetua rolled her head and gazed up at him

through a few curly strands of green-brown hair. Her voice was sly. "Ya know, you bitch about Accord's troubles more'n you bitch about yer own."

"You have such an elegant turn of phrase."

She stuck her tongue out at him. "I come by it honestly." Priss had stopped attacking her foot, and was walking up her leg. "Hey, poot, I'm talkin

here. Go find somethin else to amuse yerself." Priss sat, glared at her, and meowed. "All right." She tapped her necklace on the head. "Hiss, Priss

wants ta play."

The jade necklace rippled, jaws unclamping from its tail. The tongue flickered, and it slithered down--right down Impetua's cleavage. She giggled as

the ripple of fabric marked the reptile's progress. Bliss said, "Imp, you need to make Hiss take a route down your arm, or something. Someone's

gonna have a heart attack when they see that..."

"Probably Demeter, the ol' tight ass."

"And then Uncle Apollo and Ace are gonna be mad at you," Bliss continued.

Hiss emerged from beneath the hem of Imp's dress, crawling along her thigh. She giggled as it wiggled quickly over to Priss and did a miniature boa

constrictor impression, climbing up one of the cat's leg to wrap himself around her body. Priss watched him get situated, then started howling and

growling in mock fury. In a second they were rolling and thrashing about on the floor. After another couple of seconds Hiss disengaged and raced

across the floor, with Priss in hot pursuit. Anyone unfamiliar with the household would have expected someone to get killed shortly, but this was a

long familiar play routine. The two had been playmates and partners in crime from the moment they'd come to live with Impetua. They raced out

into the hall, and a few moments Bliss and Imp heard a crash, and a high-pitched shriek. Imp giggled. "Ya'd think that by now the temple priests

would be used to 'em. Ya know, bro, ya don't hafta worry so much about Accord. He's really into the whole learnin schtick." She frowned. "He

studies more'n he has to. If it was anyone else, I'd say they were kissin up."

Bliss nodded. "He IS pushing himself. I heard Ace talking about how Cord was when he was learning therapeutic massage. He said that he'd only

assigned an hour of practice, but that Accord worked on one of the temple volunteers till the guy had practically melted into a puddle of happy goo."

Imp rolled her eyes. "I dunno how that could be helpful to Accord."

Bliss' eyes unfocused slightly. "Oh, I don't know."

Impetua studied him, a sly smile spreading slowly across her face. Then it softened. One of her greatest joys in life was tormenting her big brother

(Strife said that's what siblings were for), but she knew that this wasn't a frivolous thing for Bliss. "Ya know what I think? I think someone needs ta

make him take a little time off for himself. How about we sort of hijack him for a day at the beach? I can go talk to Apollo. I bet he'll give

permission for Accord to skip a day if I ask nice."

"If you hint that the Muses might suddenly be at each others' throats because he doesn't show exactly equal attention to each one?"

She smirked. "Somethin like that, but it works."

Bliss smiled at her. "Want to invite Polly, too?"

"Heck yeah! She's so funny when she gets sand in her bathin suit."

"She probably wouldn't, if you didn't stuff handfuls down the back. Okay, you talk to Apollo, and I'll go see Hestia about fixing us up with a good

lunch. We'll go to that nice beach that Poseidon's people like so much. That way all the dads won't have to worry about anybody drowning."

"Why should they worry?"

"Because I'm going to TELL them what we're doing."

She rolled her eyes. "You're going to ask PERMISSION." Her voice was mildly scornful.

"You bet I am. You, Cord, and Polly are still considered kids, and I'm the only adult, so that makes ME responsible, and I'm gonna BE

that--responsible, I mean."

"Old man."

Bliss cupped a hand behind his ear and made his voice high pitched and cracked. "Eh? What say?"

Imp laughed, then raised her voice, "HISS! Get yer scaly butt back in here. We gotta book." The snake came slithering back into the room. As it

approached, Imp put her hand down on the floor. Without pause the snake slithered up her arm looped himself around her neck, git his own tail, and

became a necklace again. Priss had followed and watched this. Now she meowed loudly. "Apollo," said Imp. Priss meowed again. "No, I can't

swing by Joxer's place so you can visit Mjau." Priss hissed. "Behave, an' I'll see about bringin him along tomorrow when we go to the beach. Ya can

lure him out into th' dunes an' get buck wild." Priss, who had been bushing up, stopped fluffing, and purred. "I love ya, ya slut. If the dads didn't

make me give ya the 'no kitties' potion, you would've populated the world by now, wouldn't ya? Wanna come?" Priss climbed into her lap. Imp

stood up, cradling the cat in her arms. "An' just remember, if ya need ta use the potty--Apollo has a lot of potted plants sittin around." She

disappeared in a spray of green sparks.

Bliss shook his head. "If we got a salary, Daddy Strife would have to put that girl on the payroll."



Title: Childhood Sweethearts, 6/?
Author: Scribe
Fandom: Xena
Pairing: None this section
Rating: FRM
Summary: Bliss and Imp 'kidnap' Accord for a day at the beach.
Archive: Yes
Feedback: poet77665@catlover.com
Status: WIP
Sequel/Series: Part of the Love and Mischief Series
Disclaimer: I did not create the characters here, I don't own them. I derive no profit from this effort. I mean nothing but respect for the creators, owners, and the actors and actresses who portray them. Original characters (Impetua, Accord) are copyrighted.
Websites: http://www.angelfire.com/grrl/scribescribbles and http://www.angelfire.com/grrl/foxluver
Warnings:
Notes: Some readers (well, ONE, anyway) on adultfanfiction.net, have scolded me for putting myself in some of my stories. I hereby stick my tongue out at them. I don't do it in all of them, and anyway, these are fanfictions--I am not contractually obligated to do anything I don't want to. I do my best to keep the spelling, grammar, punctuation, and format good enough to keep your eyes from bleeding, and I try to entertain (and occasionally pass on a nugget of information). That's it. I don't feel obligated to do the 'thou shalt have no Mary Sues' bit, and I never have. Those of you who have issues with that--deal with it. :)

Childhood Sweethearts, 6/?
by Scribe

There was a quiet rap at the door of Joxer and Ares' bedroom. Both of the gods sat up, Joxer rubbing his eyes, and Ares dragging a hand through his hair. Ares, voice still thick with sleep, called, "It better be important."

The door opened a crack, and a bright blonde head poked through the gap. "Am I going to have to dodge fireballs?"

"Bliss?" A smile spread automatically across Joxer's face. Bliss had been one of Joxer's first friends on Olympus, and he was at least partially responsible for his relationship with Ares. If the then child hadn't given him ambrosia, unwittingly making him a god, it was doubtful that Zeus would have agreed to their marriage as easily as he had. But Joxer's smile faded a little as he realized how early it was. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing, worrywart. Can I come in?"

"Might as well," sighed Ares. "I have to go pee again, anyway. I'll be right back." He flipped off the sheet, and was wearing a pair of loose cotton pants instead of his usual leather when he stood up. Bliss raised an eyebrow at the sight, and Ares pointed. "Not a word."

"Me?"

"You. A lot of your father and sister have rubbed off on you."

Joxer made a sympathetic face at his husband as he left. Once Ares was gone, he said, "If he thinks it's bad now..."

"Yeah." Bliss came over and sat on the edge of the bed. "I can remember when Strife was carrying Impetua. I wish I had a dinar for every time he had to suddenly leave the room."

"So, if there's nothing wrong, why are you here so early?" He cocked his head. "Let me rephrase that--why are you here--in OUR room instead of ACCORD'S room-- this early?"

"It's about Accord. Don't you think he's been pushing himself awful hard lately?"

Joxer snagged Ares' pillow and stuffed it behind his back, so he could sit up more comfortably. "As a matter of fact, I do. I was thinking about mentioning it to Ares. I don't think that he's realized just how much time Cord is devoting to his studies. If he's noticed, he's probably pleased that Cord is being so conscientious."

"Being responsible is cool," said Bliss. "But we don't want him to burn out before he even reaches his majority."

Joxer repressed a smile. When he looked at Bliss, he could still see the slightly chubby cherub, bending down to gravely press a kiss to baby Accord's head. "That's a very mature observation. I'm glad that you're concerned enough to bring this to our attention, but is that the only reason you came over?"

"Heck, no! I wouldn't just drop something like this on you if I didn't want to do something to help. Imp had a good idea. She suggested that we sort of grab Accord and take him to the beach for the day."

Ares was coming back into the bedroom. "What's that?"

"The kids want to take Accord to the beach for some time off," said Joxer.

Ares frowned. "He's supposed to be working with Apollo this month, isn't he?"

Joxer gave his husband a look. "You KNOW he is. You made a special trip over there before his first day to show Apollo your sword, and talk about the sanctity of the innocence of youth, remember?"

Ares shrugged, totally unapologetic. "We don't want him slacking off on his responsibilities."

Joxer apparently channeled the spirit of Dite for a moment. He put his hands on his hips and said, "Slacking? Ares, when was the last time the kid took a day off?"

"Once a week he..."

"No. On his day off, he studies. I have to poke him into taking his scrolls out into the garden so he'll get some fresh air and sunshine. Think for a minute. What happened two weeks ago when we went to our cottage for a break? He stayed home."

Ares looked a little guilty. At the time, all he'd been thinking was that it was a chance for some private time with Joxer before his pregnancy got too far along. "I figured he was enjoying himself, having the run of the temple. I thought he'd probably have Bliss and Imp over every chance he got, and..." Bliss was shaking his head. "No?"

"I asked, but he said he had to memorize about a dozen scrolls," Bliss informed him.

"And last week," Joxer continued, "when Gabrielle invited him to attend that poetry festival."

Ares winced, then said, "You know, that surprised me. She wasn't even scheduled to give a reading. Usually she avoids the House of War like the plague."

"It's because she genuinely likes Accord. Let's face it--he's about the only person with Olympic an Olympic connection who doesn't flinch whenever they see her. Anyway, Accord LIKES poetry. He should have jumped at the chance to go, but he didn't. He thanked her, but he was having a quiz on anatomy the next day, and he wanted to study. Ares, I'm getting worried. I don't want our son to be totally wrapped up in his godhood." He laid a hand on Ares' arm, and his voice was gentle. "That's not good for anyone."

Ares covered Joxer's hand with his own, not speaking for a moment. He was recalling his own life before Joxer came to Olympus. He'd almost allowed his own godhood to take over. If he'd gone on as he had been, soon there would have been no more Ares--only War--and that would have been very, very dangerous. But Joxer had been able to take his mind away from his destiny, had gotten him to once again enjoy the simple pleasures of life, to have a life outside his position. He imagined his son consumed by his divinity, thought about Accord becoming cold and hard, ruthlessly ruled by nothing but logic, without the warmth of compassion. It was a scary proposition, both as a father, and as a god. "You're right. The boy needs some down time."

Bliss' smile was blinding. "Great! I knew you two would understand."

"I hope Apollo does." Ares' voice was a little grim. "I'd rather not have to 'reason' with him about this."

"Imp's on the job."

~*~*~*~*~*~
FLASHBACK

Apollo's Study the Day Before

Apollo frowned at Imp, who was slouched comfortably in the chair before his desk. Hiss was crawling among the scrolls on the desk, and Priss was sniffing around a potted palm in the corner. "Look, I don't see how I can in good conscience give him the entire day off." He didn't like Imp's small, secret smile. "Zeus has decreed that..." Her eyes seemed to glow. "What are you doing?"

The door to the study opened, and Calliope peeked in. "Pol, what's taking you so long? You PROMISED me that we'd spend some *ahem* quality time together this afternoon."

A voice behind her said, "Fat chance, sister. He promised ME..."

"All right!" Apollo hissed. "Take him all day, take him all WEEK--just don't turn my home into a war zone."

Imp's smile became sweet. The voice said, "Wait, I just remembered that I promised to work on the next Winter Solstice play. He's all yours, sis."

Calliope smiled at Apollo, and cooed, "Take your time, sugar. Just don't forget me." She twiddled her fingers at Impetua. "Hi, Imp. Tell that hunky brother of yours hello for me."

"Will do." Imp bounced up out of her chair. She grabbed Hiss by his tail, draping him over the back of her neck. While he arranged himself in necklace mode, she called, "Priss! Come on, Fuzzball." Priss trotted over to her, daintily shaking grains of dirt off her paws. Imp picked her up and settled her on one shoulder, then went around the desk. Before Apollo could dodge, she gave him a big hug, and a kiss on the cheek. "Thanks, Unc." She rubbed her face in his blonde hair. He made weak swatting motions at her (which she ignored), but he was smiling reluctantly. "Yer really not such an ass--ya just don't like to show it." She kissed him again, and disappeared.

It was just as well that she left then, because Apollo really didn't like to have people see him blush. After a moment he frowned, then sniffed. His nose wrinkled. What on earth was that smell?

~*~*~*~*~*~

Back to the present

Ares lifted his eyes briefly. "Well, that's taken care of, then."

"I just hope you can get Accord to agree," said Joxer. "He's pretty serious about his studies, and he's a sweet kid, but he has a streak of stubbornness. It's well hidden, but about a mile wide."

Ares grunted. "Tell me about it. I could have saved myself a lot of frustration if I'd just realized that early on in my attempts to get him to cut his hair. Do you think I should STRONGLY suggest that he go with you?"

Bliss stood, stretching his wings briefly. "Don't worry about it."

"But if he doesn't agree..."

Bliss grinned. "Who said he's going to be given a choice?" *FLASH* He disappeared, leaving behind a brief rain of gold and silver sparks.

Joxer shook his head. "Yeah, he's your bloodline, all right."

Ares looked smug. "That's for damn sure."

~*~*~*~*~

Accord walked over to Apollo's temple. As he walked, he studied a parchment of notes, muttering to himself. "I wanna know why the heck that most of the muscles have LATIN names? I'm never gonna remember the proper names of all the bones..."

*YOWL!*

Accord yowled almost as loud as the cat whose foot he'd just stepped on. Luckily he had excellent reflexes, and he leaped back just in time to evade the slashing claws of a very pissed off Siamese.

"Lucy Lui, stop that!" said a sharp female voice. Scribe, Goddess of Erotica and Cats came hurrying down the corridor and scooped up the fuzzed up cat. It hissed and swore in felinese, but it kept its claws sheathed. This was, after all, her goddess. Scribe petted the cat, saying, "Show me the foot." Lucy lifted a paw. Scribe examined it, flexing the toes while the cat muttered. "Bruised, but not broken, so stop cussing at him. You know Accord would never do that on purpose. Apologize."

The cat looked at Accord and mewed. Accord said, "No, I'm sorry, Lucy. I wasn't paying attention to where I was going."

Scribe rubbed between the cat's ears. "Can you walk?" *Mew* "Okay, but if it keeps hurting, let me know, and I'll get one of Apollo's priests to fix you up." She set the cat down. "Limp on in and visit with Clueless and her new babies. Maybe you can look after them for a few minutes and give her time for a food and sandbox break." She put the cat down, and it walked off down the corridor, disappearing into another door. Scribe watched her leave, and caught sight of something on the floor nearby. She casually shifted, stepping on it as she looked at Accord. "She didn't snag you, did she, kiddo?"

"I rhink maybe there's a rip in my pants leg, but she didn't hit skin," said Accord. "I'm sorry. I should remember that I need to whatch where I'm stepping around here."

"The adult cats can pretty much look out for themselves, but a kitten might get smooshed. We try to keep them corralled in certain rooms, but..." She shrugged, throwing up her hands. "Say, you've been around here a lot lately. Not that I'm not happy to see you, but shouldn't you be out doing teenage boy stuff? Trying to sneak wine? Taking joy rides in Apollo's chariot? Sneaking looks in the Muses' room? Chatting up teenage goddesses?"

Accord blushed. "I'm not going to drink much--it tends to sort of unbalance things, including judgement."

"Heey, you're a perceptive young dude. Lots of so-called grownups never figure that out."

"And I did the joy ride thing. I got a sunburn, fell off the back, broke my shin, and got grounded for a month."

Scribe chuckled. "And you're giving up that easily?"

"Well, I MIGHT have tried it again, but Joxer gave me that 'I'm not mad, I'm just worried and hurt' thing."

Scribe nodded. "Works a lot better than screaming and swatting, if you aren't a bit of an asshole. But what about the Muses' and the goddesses." She studied him. "You're what--fifteen now? Shouldn't the hormones be kicking in?"

Accord blushed even brighter. "You're kinda direct, Scribe."

She grinned. "I'm the Goddess of Erotica, hon. I can do subtle OR blunt. Eh, I shouldn't have asked." The smile widened. "I haven't noticed your power signature around my store of het stories, but the slash ones have been getting a workout."

Accord's mouth dropped open, and he approached beet status in complexion. "How do you...?"

"I'm getting pretty good at figuring out this divinity thing, even if I wasn't born to it, and since every author is interested in who reads their work, I've concentrated on being able to identify when someone's been handling one of my scrolls, and who they are." She shrugged. "I'm not really good with mortals. They have to get REALLY *ahem* 'involved' in a story to leave a trace. But enough of this small talk crap." She pointed at the paper he was carrying. "That is NOT a smutty story, I can tell."

"Anatomy notes. I have a quiz today."

Her smile became sly. "Oh, thaaat's right. I'm glad we ran into each other. Apollo told me to tell you he's going to be a little late, and he wants you to wait for him," she pointed at a side room, "in there."

"Oh. Okay. I hope he isn't too long. I'd sort of like to get a LITTLE time off later in the afternoon. I haven't visited with Bliss and Imp for a long time, and I don't want them to think that I'm ignoring them." He went into the indicated room.

Scribe watched him go. When he was out of sight, she moved her foot, bent down, and picked up a single white feather. Twiriling it between her fingers, she murmured, "I think I'll see about getting hold of some beads. If I collect a few more of these, I could make some necklaces as gifts and rewards for my priests and writers. I think any follower of the Goddess of Erotica would be thrilled to have a token made with material that came from a member of the House of Love."

She thought about what was about to happen to Accord, snickered, and decided to go visit the kittens for a few minutes. Seeing a baby anything usually recharged her spiritual batteries, and Ares wasn't due for ages.

~*~*~*~

It was a typical Olympic waiting room--in other words, it looked like something that only the VERY well-to-do on earth could afford. Accord headed for a small love seat, prepared to continue his studying. As his rear end hit the cushions...

*FLASH* *FLASH*

Accord squawked, squeezing his eyes shut against the cloud of green, silver, and gold sparks that suddenly enveloped him. Before he opened them, he felt four arms go around him, taking him in a snug double embrace. When he opened his eyes, Bliss was sitting on one side of him, and Impetua was sitting on the other, each holding him very firmly. "Are you guys trying to give me a heart attack, or something?"

"Well, this would be the place for it," said Impetua nonchallantly. "Oh, by the way--SURPRISE!"

"You've been acting like a hermit lately," said Bliss. "So we decided if the mountain wouldn't come to us, etcetera, etcetera."

"Yeah, I'm glad to see you two goofs, even if you DID scare the breath out of me, and would have probably set my hair on fire if I was mortal," said Accord. "But I don't have time to visit. Apollo will be here any minute now, and I'm still shaky on the muscles of the torso..."

"Like these?" Bliss glanced down, and Accord's eyes were drawn to his abdomen. Bliss was wearing a plain cotton kilt today, and his belly above the waistband was washboard flat, with faint lines delienating the seperate muscles. As Accord watched, he flexed, and they rippled.

Accord swallowed, and tried to keep his voice casual. "Yeah. Those are called abs, but I don't have the exact..."

Impetua snatched his notes away, wadded them into a ball, tossed the ball into the air, and turned it into a green dragonfly before it could fall. As the dragonfly buzzed out the door, she said, "Cuz, you have been spending WAY too much time grinding your nose into scrolls--and not the fun kind about pretty people makin each other REAL happy."

"Look, Imp," said Accord, trying to sound reasonable, "I'm trying to learn everything Zeus wants me to as soon as possible. That means study. Now, if you'll bring back my notes..."

"Nah."

"Cord..." Accord shivered as he felt Bliss' breath against his cheek. He turned to look at him, and found himself captured by his friend's eyes. He knew that both Bliss and Cupid had what Scribe called 'cat eyes', meaning that they looked occasionally. But unlike the usual cat's eyes, it wasn't because of light, or the color they were near at the time. No--with them it was because of their emotional state, and the color didn't just LOOK different, it WAS different. Right now Accord wouldn't have been able for the life of him to say exactly what color Bliss' eyes were. There was a lot of gold in there, and he thought he saw some green, too. The green usually meant he was contemplating some form of mischief, but he wasn't sure about the gold. He realized that Bliss was still speaking. "...and just like Iolaus says, 'All work and no play is dull as Tartarus, and makes YOU dull, too.' You want to stay sharp, don't you, Cord? I mean, that's pretty important to your godhood. You don't want to, like, burn out?"

That was such a reasonable question that Accord couldn't disagree. "Of course not."

"I was hoping you'd say that. It wouldn't have made any difference if you hadn't, but still, I'm glad you agree."

Accord looked quickly between Imp and Bliss. They were both grinning. He was once again forcefully reminded that they were both Strife's kids. Impetua crooned, "Yooou deeeserve a breeeak today..." She giggled. "I dunno where Daddy Strife got that one, but he says it's all over the place in the future, an' it seems appropriate here."

"What are you...?"

"There's this thing that the future Brittanics have," said Bliss, "Called a Magical Mystery Tour."

Accord got an idea of what was about to happen. "Wait! I have a lot to do today. You can't just..."

"Haven't you learned yet that telling anyone related to Strife," said Impetua, "that they CAN'T do something is a challenge that can't be denied?"

"But I..."

Whatever protest he was about to make was lost in the double *FLASH*. An instant later the room was empty, except for some colorful sparks, and a few white and green-gray feathers.



Title: Childhood Sweethearts, 7/?
Author: Scribe
Fandom: Xena
Pairing: None
Status: WIP
Series/Sequel: Part of the Love and Mischief Universe
Summary: Bliss and Imp have 'kidnapped' Accord for a day at the beach, and Bliss' interest becomes a bit more obvious.
Archive: Yes
Feedback: Yes. On list, or to poet77665@catlover.com
Disclaimer: I did not create and do not own any readily recognizable media characters. I have no agreement, legal or otherwise, with the creators or owners. This is purely for entertainment--I have not made, do not seek, and will not accept any profit for it. This story is in no way meant to reflect on the lives or life styles of the actors/actresses who originally portrayed the characters. I have nothing but fond affection and respect for them, for giving me so much entertainment, and no disrespect is meant by anything herein.
Rating: Teen
Warnings:
Notes: Eirini--Joxer's official divine name. The feeding incident Accord and Bliss refer to takes place in Seeking Balance, the story of how Ares and Joxer got together, and got Accord. It, and previous sections of this story can be found under my Scribe pen name at http://www.AresJoxerCupidStrife.com
Personal Websites: http://www.scribescribbles.com and http://www.angelfire.com/grrl/foxluver (which can be reached through the previous site).

Childhood Sweethearts, 7/?
by Scribe

Chapter Seven

*!FLASH!*

Three divinities appearing at once could cause quite a show. Anyone from the future would have thought someone had gotten over-enthusiastic with sparklers and Roman candles.

Bliss and Impetua, with Accord still held tightly between them, appeared on the beach. Impetua said, "Bro, I need ta go get Polly. Can you keep Unc here from runnin back?"

Bliss snorted. "You don't usually enjoy insulting me quite so blatantly."

Imp quickly pinched Accord's nose. "Don't try ta run off, or I'll make sure that yer first three or four romances look like soap operas." She disappeared.

Bliss looked down at Accord. "She'll be a few minutes. You know what it's like getting Polly away from Hercules."

Accord nodded. "He's getting better. Now it's just like pulling a cork out of a bottle, not pulling a tooth." He paused. "You can let go. I won't try to flash back home."

"If you insist." Bliss let go, and in the same motion dropped into a sitting position. A fluffy blanket appeared under him before his butt could hit the sand. Bliss patted the ground beside him. "Have a seat. I'm not going to try to talk to you while you're standing up--I'll get a crick in my neck." As Accord settled lightly beside him, He said "Dude you are gonna be TALL when you get your full growth. You get it from both sides."

Accord nodded. "Yeah. I felt kinda puny till I realized it was because I was comparing myself to my dads, and not everyone else."

"Puny you're not." Bliss frowned. "But..." He waved, and suddenly there was a silken canopy over the blanket, throwing them into shade.

Accord flushed. "I am NOT delicate!"

"No, man, but your skin is." Bliss shrugged. "Don't spaz over it--it's not like it's a flaw, or anything. You know how pale Strife is, and he's one of the coolest people around."

Accord had crossed his legs and propped his elbows on them. Now he settled his chin in his hands. "I just wish it was because I WANTED it, not because I don't have any choice." He slid a dark-eyed glance sideways at Bliss. "So, are you going to hold me for ransom, to make the kidnapping worthwhile?"

"Just getting to spend some time with you when your mind isn't on the next study session will be enough of a reward. Cord, you're in dire danger of turning into a boring fart. You know what Strife says--all work and no play means you're a tight ass moron."

Accord snickered. "I wish you hadn't told me that. I just know that the next time I'm in the middle of one of Athena's lectures, I'm going to remember it, and she'll want an explanation of why I'm laughing." Accord looked around, and Bliss could actually see him relaxing. The pucker that had so often creased his forehead the last few months smoothed out. His shoulders settled a little, so that they weren't held so rigidly. "I haven't been here before."

"We usually go to a different beach." Bliss pointed out to where several large rocks were visible above the surface of the sea, the waves just lapping around their rims. "See those? This is one of the merfolk's favorite basking places. There's no, like, feud going on between them or either of our houses, but you know that some of them are kinda prejudiced against what they call 'split tails'--and that includes gods."

"Then why are we here?"

"Fuck 'em if they're going to be snotty. No one has officially declared this place off limits, and it's got the cleanest, finest sand, and gentlest slope to the ocean bottom of any beach I know of." Bliss sat up straighter. "There's one of 'em now."

Accord looked in time to see a pretty woman with long, blonde hair pulling herself up onto one of the rocks. Instead of legs, her (rather impressive) torso was followed by a great, shining, finny tail. She scooted to a more secure position on the rock, glancing around. When she spotted them, she frowned. Bliss flapped his wings pointedly, and her expression cleared. She'd recognized that they weren't mere mortals. She gave them a wave, reached into a small pouch that hung on a strand of tough seaweed around her neck, and pulled out a comb that looked as if it was carved out of a seashell. She began to comb out her long hair, making sure that it fell on either side in the front, covering her bare breasts.

"Is it just me," said Bliss, "or do the merfolk tend to favor long hair?"

"Some wear it longer than others, but I've never seen one whose hair was actually SHORT--like yours. I think it has something to do with the way it sort of waves around underwater. Is this going to be a picnic, or are we going to just sit here..." Another of Poseidon's subjects had hoisted himself up to sit beside the mermaid. This one looked like a rather brawny man from the waist up, his red-brown hair hanging down below his jawline. "Or are we just going to admire the scenery?"

Bliss poked him. "Imp is supposed to be bringing Polly by way of Hestia's."

"Oh." If Hestia was going to provide the food, no one was going home hungry. Accord flapped the edges of his vest, saying, "You know, I keep forgetting how extreme the weather can be off Olympus, or maybe it's just that marble halls are naturally cool."

"If you're hot, it's your own fault, doofus. You're way over dressed for a day at the beach. Take off some of the rags." Accord pulled off his vest, then paused. "Oh, wow, you're nearly naked."

"Stop being sarcastic."

"With Strife as my father?"

"All right, smarty. What do YOU think I should take off?"

"Are you wearing underwear?"

"Personal much? Are you?"

"I asked first."

"Yeah, well, I don't have to wait for an answer. Your legs are crossed, and that kilt ain't all that long." Bliss quickly tugged his hem down another inch. "Not much good, Mister Natural. Yes, I'm wearing underwear. Joxer doesn't push me about many things, but that's one of 'em. 'What if you get hurt, and a healer has to take care of you, and you have no underwear on?' You know what Ares says?"

"Probably something like 'What difference would it make? If the healer knows what's good for him, he won't be paying attention to anything but helping my son.'"

Accord snickered. "Something like that--maybe a little more graphic."

"If you're wearing underwear, I'd say take off everything but that." Accord shifted his shoulders. "What?"

"Bliss, Polly and Imp are gonna be here any minute now."

"So? It isn't as if we haven't all seen each other naked at one time or another."

"Yeah, but we were kids then. I mean, Imp is growing BOOBS."

"And she's proud of 'em, too. You know, she didn't want 'em when she was a kid. She kept trying to find a way to avoid having them when she grew up."

"What did Auntie Dite think about that?"

"We tried to keep it from her, but I think she had to spend at least one afternoon lying in a dark room, with a cloth on her forehead. It isn't like you'll be nude, dude."

"Well... Maybe it would be all right." He stood up and started stripping out of his clothes.

Bliss quickly curved one of his wings around and began straightening the feathers at the tip, thinking, *I will not stare. I will not drool. I will not get hard. Okay, I may not ENTIRELY have control over that last one. If I DO start to get hard, I will immediately go into the water and try to find a cold spot.* Accord was speaking, and Bliss forced himself to focus on his friend's words--maybe that would distract him from thinking about his body.

"You don't think Hestia will send us any fish paste sandwiches, do you?" Accord was folding his pants as he spoke.

Bliss found himself thinking that the pants would look better in a pile, like they'd been dropped somewhere hastily--somewhere like his bedroom floor. "The merfolk won't be offended. They eat the fish, too."

"Not that, dummy." Accord made a face as he arranged his clothes in a pile. "It's the texture. I can't see why she wants to grind up perfectly good fish. And I hope she sends some of her date-nut cookies. I love them. They're chewy without being gummy."

"And practical, too." Accord cocked one dark eyebrow at him. "Keeps you regular."

"Regular at what?"

"You've been hanging around Apollo and Ace, and you don't know what," Bliss gave the next word particular emphasis, "REGULAR means?"

Accord snorted with laughter, then said, "I haven't ever had to worry about that. Dad Joxer still likes to cook, and prune whip is one of his specialities."

Bliss made a face. "And you eat it?"

"It's not so bad, and besides, how could I refuse to eat something HE gave me?"

"I did, at least once."

Accord sat beside him. "Yeah, that's one of the old family stories. Thank you for being a brat. I wouldn't be here if you weren't."

"That would be sad."

Both boys fell silent for a moment. Then, simultaneously, they both looked away and cleared their throats, then spoke at the same time. Bliss said, "I wonder what's taking Imp..." Accord said, "I don't care if I get..." They stopped, then said, again at the same time, "You go first."

Both disolved in laughter, and Accord said, "You're oldest--you go first."

"I was just wondering what's taking Imp so long?"

"She's got Polly with her, right? And she's stopping at Hestia's, and Hestia ALWAYS has goodies sitting around, right? And Polly is WHOSE daughter?"

Bliss rolled his eyes. "Iolaus'. Right. We'll be lucky if there's anything in the basket except crumbs. What were you going to say? You started off with 'I don't care if I get'. Are you thinking about your birthday, or the next winter solstice?"

"Neither, though I guess my birthday would be closest to the truth. I'm always thinking about my next birthday these days. I'll be sixteen."

"I know." *Oh, boy, do I know. I've found myself thinking about putting up a calendar and crossing off the days. I might have done it if I wasn't so sure someone would find it.*

"I was gonna say I don't care if I DO get sunburn. I'm going in swimming before we leave today."

Bliss shrugged. "Sure. Not much point in coming to the beach if you don't swim. We could get sand in our food without leaving Olympus. You just need to practise moderation." Accord giggled. "What now?"

"Well, have you got any idea how that sounds? Someone who's bloodlines and major influences are War, Love, Passion, and Mischief counciling moderation?"

Bliss thought of it for a second, then laughed. "Oh, man! I'm glad Strife didn't hear me say that. He'd have laughed himself into a fit."

There was a shower of green and silver sparks nearby, and Imp and Polly appeared. Imp had a firm hold on Polly's arm. The younger girl was holding a large basket of woven reeds, and she was in the process of stuffing something that looked like a cookie into her mouth. Her cheeks were already as plump as any chipmunks. Accord shot Bliss a 'told you so' look. He called, "POLYTIMOS! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?" He'd managed to drop his voice into a deeper register, and he sounded surprisingly like Hercules.

Polly stopped in mid-chew. She sprayed crumbs as she said, "Ahwha jus' tathtin', Dathy..." She saw Accord leaning against Bliss, laughing. After swallowing, she said, "That's rotten, and you don't sound like my Daddy at all!"

"Sure. That's why ya almost swallered yer tongue," said Imp cheerfully. "Lay off th' desserts, Pol. You're gonna be so big I can't transport ya if ya keep stuffin yer face like that." Imp turned her head slightly and said, "Priss, giddown. Yer puttin holes in me." The little black and white cat crawled out on her shoulder, coming from behind a curtain of green-brown hair, then jumped down to the sand.

"Imp, no wonder you always look like someone has been beating you with a bramble bush," said Bliss.

"Well, it was that, or let her ride in th' basket. I dunno about you, but much as I love her, I'd rather not have cat-butt that close to my food."

The two girls came over to the blanket and sat down. Imp plopped, then sprawled. Polly settled as daintily as Aphrodite WISHED her grandchild would, then placed the basket in the center of the little group. "Hello," she said quietly to Bliss and Accord. "Daddy Hercules and Daddy Iolaus send their regards."

"I bet Hercules told you to say that," said Bliss.

"Daddy Iolaus said to ask you how they were hanging." She frowned. "How WHAT are hanging?"

Imp was snorting with giggles, and Bliss was covering a smile, but Accord said solemnly, "Just tell him 'free and comfortable'." Polly obviously didn't understand, but she nodded. "But just tell Iolaus, huh?"

"Okay." Polly's eyes went back to the basket. "Maybe we should eat now." She looked around at them quickly. "I mean, I know I had breakfast, but I thought maybe you guys..."

"I'm about to starve," said Bliss genially. "And we ought to eat now if we want to swim before we go. Even gods shouldn't go swimming right after they eat."

Imp nodded vigorously as she dug into the basket, coming up with a wedge of cheese in one hand and a chicken leg in the other. "Drownin is a bitch an' a half."

"Imp!" said Bliss.

"Well, it IS! 'Specially in salt water. It stings something feirce. When it happened to me, my sinuses weren't right for days." Impetua pulled a corked jug out of the basket, saying, "Hestia spelled this so it'll pour whatever you want." She took out four mugs. "Except anything that'll make us loopy, so no ale or wine. Tough stuff, Bliss. I'm gonna have peach nectar."

Bliss had broken a chunk of bread off a loaf, and was placing a slice of roast meat on it. "Like that bothers me, and it taught you not to sass a water sprite unless you're out of reach, didn't it?"

Conversation slowed down as the young people began the serious task of demolishing the contents of the basket. Priss, who had been prowling around, sniffing and pawing at the sand, came over and... She didn't really beg, she DEMANDED, from each of them. Soon she was so full that her belly could be seen rounding out, even under her fur. She curled up beside Impetua and fell asleep, purring in spurts that sounded remarkably like snores. This time Polly remembered to swallow her mouthful before she spoke. "Imp, aren't you going to let Hiss down to play?"

Imp shook her head. "The sand is too hot for 'im. He'd burn his belly if he crawls all over, but..." She unlooped the serpent necklace from around her neck. It immediately turned into a real snake, winding around her arm. She held it close to her face, and it's tongue flickered out, brushing her nose. "I love ya too, Scaley. Keep Priss company, hey?" She laid the snake down. It slithered over and curved around Priss, its head coming to rest under the cat's chin. Not waking up, Priss hooked a paw over Hiss, pulling him into a hug.

Polly was peering into the basket. "Isn't there any more spice cake left?"

"Don't you remember eating the last slice?" said Accord.

"I thought maybe some might have gotten under the napkin, but I guess not."

"You mean to tell me we ate all that?" said Bliss, sounding drowsy.

Accord peered into the basket. "A couple of grapes escaped, but they're kind of squashed. Want them?"

"I'll resist." Bliss yawned. "I think we ought to take a nap."

"I don't gotta," said Imp promptly. "You can't make me if I don't wanna."

"I didn't say HAD to, brat--I said OUGHT to. It's been a long time since I could order you to do anything unless the Dads left me officially in charge."

"You mean she EVER did what you told her to?" asked Accord.

Bliss shrugged. "Sometimes. Mostly to humor me, I think. Anyway, I'M taking a nap." He stretched out on his belly, rustling his wings till they were folded comfortably.

Accord's eyelids were drooping, and he said, "I used to hate having to take a nap, but if I don't HAVE to--it DOES seem like a good idea." He settled down beside Bliss, closing his eyes. "You girls do what you like." He slitted one eye open, giving Imp a pointed look. "And it better not involve anything like sand in my britches, or a bucket of cold water."

Imp stuck out her tongue. "Spoilsport." But Accord's breathing was already slowing. "That's okay. Polly, you and me can... Polly?" Polytimous was laying on her side, hands folded under one plump cheek, fast asleep. "Well, darn it! Now what? I'm not sleepy." She yawned. "I'm not." Bliss shifted onto his side, turning toward Accord, eyes never opening. She yawned again. "But I guess I can keep you guys company for a little while." She laid down. Soon all four of the young people were sound asleep.

~*~*~*~*~

A Little Later, Out on the rocks

Another two mermaids had joined the couple. The women all sported long hair, and they were combing it, or combing it for each other, as their fins flapped lazily. One latecomer said, "You're sure those are all gods? I mean, the two with wings are pretty obvious, but what about the other two?"

The first mermaid who had arrived said, "The winged ones are Bliss, God of Joy, and his sister, Impetua--Goddess of Jealousy and Envy. The little blonde girl isn't a goddess, but she DOES have some divine blood. She's Hercules' daughter."

"What about the dark haired cutie?"

"Yes," drawled the merman. "What ABOUT him? That's Accord, God of Mediation. I saw him once when Ares was doing a sort of take-your-son-to-work thing, and he came around to discuss a sea battle with Lord Posiedon." The merman cocked his head. "He's grown since then--a lot."

The women exchanged looks, and one said, "That's you all over, Andreas." She spoke to the others. "He likes long, dark hair. Doesn't make any difference what sex it's attached to--he's equal opportunity lustful."

"But I'm picky, dear lady. They have to be attractive, too." His eyes turned back toward shore. "And that one certainly is." He sat up straighter. Accord had stood up, and was rubbing his eyes. The boy glanced down at his still sleeping companions, then looked longingly at the water. Andreas immediately smiled at him, giving him a wave. The boy blinked, then tentatively returned the wave.

"You wouldn't actually TRY anything, would you? Not knowing who his father is?" said the blonde mermaid, disbelief clear in her voice.

"Oh, nothing DRASTIC--but something that pretty NEEDS to be admired. He's coming in."

Accord was slowly wading into the surf. Andreas slid off the rock into the the water. As he swam toward shore, the mermaid he'd been speaking to shook her head. "If he tries anything with that kid Areas will scale him, filet him, and feed him to Greagus, then let Cerberus have the bones."

"Eirini might keep Ares calm enough so that he'll just kill him quickly," said another, watchng their companion swim toward the boy.

~*~*~*~*~

Accord was enjoying the water. It was just cool enough to be refreshing. Standing chest deep in the water he untied the leather cord that bound his braid, winding it around his wrist so he wouldn't lose it. Then he shook his head, loosening the braid. He'd learned a long time ago that if he was going to get his hair wet, it tended to tangle more if he kept it braided. Somehow the hairs just didn't seem to want to let go of each other. Once his hair was free, sweeping down past his shoulders, he squatted, dunking his head quickly. When he stood up again, hair plastered over his face, he found himself looking into a pair of eyes that were almost as green as Imp's.

Startled, he stumbled backward, losing his footing. He'd have gotten another ducking, but strong hands grabbed him under the arms, holding him up. "Careful, there," said an amused voice. "I'm not that scarey, am I?"

"No! Uh... I was startled. I didn't hear you... I mean..."

"I swam as quietly as I could."

"Um..."

"Yes, I'm teasing you." He made sure Accord was firmly on his feet, then let go. "I'm Andreas."

"Hi. I'm..."

"I know. You haven't taken up your duties yet, have you?"

Accord flushed slightly, a light pink appearing high on his cheeks. "Not yet. Is it that obvious?"

Andreas shrugged. "It's just that active gods usually find places even more deserted than this when they want some down time. So, are you going to swim, or just paddle around here in the shallows?" Accord flushed more deeply. *Oo, that looks nice. Just a little nudge...* "CAN you swim?"

"Of course I can swim!"

"I thought you might want to come out to the rock and give the girls a thrill, but if you're not sure you can make it that far, I can swim along with you, and if you get tired..."

Without another word, Accord started swimming toward the rock. Andreas bit back a chuckle and followed. He did so underwater, so he'd have a good look at that pale, slender body. The boy was wearing only a think pair of linen drawers, and the water make them billow enticingly--but not enough. *That's all right. They'll cling when he gets out of the water.* When they were about two-thirds of the way to the rocks, Andreas broke water near Accord. "Doing all right?"

Accord stopped to tread water. He was a little breahless as he said, "I... I'm fine. It's farther than it looks." He started swimming again. They reached the rocks, and Accord grabbed hold. He was panting now. He tried to heave himself up onto the rock, but didn't quite have the strength.

The mermaid on the rock he'd approached began to reach down to help him, but Andreas, behind the boy, gave her a glare, shaking his head, and she withdrew her hand. Andreas swam up behind Accord. "Need a little help?"

"No. Just..." Accord strained upward a few inches, then dropped back. "I really HAVE been spending too much time studying and not getting enough exercise. Yeah, if you wouldn't mind..."

"I wouldn't mind at all." Andreas put his hands on either side of Accord's waist. "Ready, set, and UP!" He boosted the boy up, but not quite far enough to make it to the surface of the rock. "Just a sec..." His hands slid around, and he planted them firmly against the boy's buttocks, then pushed. He wiped the grin off his face as Accord finished scrambling up into a sitting position, then quickly crawled up to sit beside him. "I think you're going to need to rest before you go back, unless you'd like me to tow you?"

"I just... I just need to catch my breath." He noticed the mermaid sharing the rock, and nodded at her politely. "Hi. I'm Accord."

"I know. And since Andreas doesn't feel the need to make introductions, I'm Aquilla." She noticed his glance flick down to where her hair barely screened her breasts, and thought, *So, gods aren't much different than any other kind of man.* But instead of staring, he quickly looked up at her face. *Okay, maybe I'm wrong. How long has it been since a guy was last interested in my face before my tits? Nice kid.* Her eyes narrowed as she noted the way Andreas was stroking the boy with his eyes. *Andreas'll eat him alive. Oh, well, maybe it'll be a life experience for the kid, and I'd kind of LIKE to see that horn-dogfish get a little something dished out by Ares.*

Andreas reached over and touched the dark leather thong tied around Accord's wrist. "What's this--friendship bracelet?"

"That's just my hair tie," said Accord absently. Even though he wasn't as sheltered as most kids on Earth and some kids on Olympus, he still didn't connect the suggestive tone with the fact that some owners who didn't want to brand or collar their slaves put them in leather cuffs. Accord started trying to rake his fingers through his hair, wincing as he encountered snarls. "It's going to be a real booger getting it untangled."

"I can see that." Andreas reached over and lifted a thick hank of black hair, rubbing it through his fingers. "That can't be comfortable." Accord grimaced. "I can help you with that, if you like. I'm sure Aquilla will loan me her comb." *And then she'll shift ass out of here, if she has any sense.*

"Thanks, but I'm gonna have to swim back, and it'll just get wet again."

"No need for that. I've already offered to tow you. All you have to do is put your arms around my neck, and I'll pull you along, with your head above water. Aquilla, lend me your comb, would you?" He gave her a hard look as he held out his hand.

She handed the shell comb over, saying, "Careful, Andreas."

"Don't worry--I have a lot of practise at this." As Aquilla slipped off the rock, disappearing beneath the waves, Andreas once again lifted a handful of Accord's hair and began to carefully work the comb through it. Accord hadn't actually given Andreas permission to comb his hair, but he hardly saw how he could protest such a friendly gesture. He still hadn't quite learned that there was such a thing as being too polite. "Of course, on the way back you might get tickled a little by my fins. Do you like being tickled?"

Accord wasn't sure how to answer that, so he looked for an excuse. A faint noise gave him his reason to dodge a reply. "Are there any wild dogs around here?"

Andreas blinked at the sudden change in subject. "Not that I know of, but then, I don't get on land for more than five or ten minutes at a time. Why?"

"I'm worried about my friends on shore, because I hear something growling, and..."

~*~*~*~*~*~

Bliss woke up lying on his side. He remembered their position when they'd lain down, and he expected a good, close look at Accord when he opened his eyes. Back, front, side--he didn't care, but the stretch of blanket beside him was empty. He sat up, looking around drowsily. There were Imp and Polly, tangled into a heap as they usually ended up when they slept together. Hiss was coiled comfortably near the girls, and Priss was a short distance away, digging busily in the sand. Bliss looked away quickly when she started to squat. That's what directed his gaze out to sea. He'd have been looking there next anyway, to see if Accord had gone in for a swim. He saw Accord all right.

His friend was sitting on one of the basking rocks, and Bliss' first thought was, *He shouldn't have swum out there without someone with him. It's too far to be safe.* His second thought was, *What the FUCK is that fishman doing touching him?!*

Imp sat bolt upright, throwing Polly to the side. Polly squawked in protest, but Imp paid no mind. Her wings unfurled to their full span and flapped briskly. Her eyes were bright, and a huge grin split her face.

Then the merman reached out and caressed (well, that was how BLISS saw it, anyway) Accord's hair, saying something to him. Bliss could see the bemused look on Accord's face. *It's not his fault. He can't help being gorgeous. However, that piscean putz and sure as Tartarus resist PUTTING HIS HANDS ON HIM!* He wasn't aware of the low, grating sound he was making.

Bliss launched himself into the air. He'd never flown so quickly--not even that time that Ares had talked some harpies into helping him learn defensive flying maneuvers.

~*~*~*~*~*~

There was the rush of wings, and Bliss dropped lightly onto to the rock. "Accord," his voice was very calm. "Who's your new friend?" Accord had lived with Ares, so he should have known that when anyone who carried the blood of the God of War got THAT quiet--look out.

Andreas got it immediately, and he while he'd have loved to fondle the sweet little morsel a bit longer, he wasn't about to dispute a full god for the chance. "Sorry, kid, but you're going to have to make your way to shore on your own. I just remembered some urgent business." He dived into the water.

Accord, wincing, gestured after him. "That was Andreas, and I think he took some of my hair with him."

"Didn't I tell you not to go swimming alone?"

"No, you didn't. And I wasn't alone. Andreas swam out here with me, so I was safe."

Bliss' expression and tone was blank. "Uh-huh."

"I'm still a little tired. Can you fly me back to shore?"

"You've had enough sun." Bliss raised his voice. "IMP!"

"YO!" The young goddess' voice almost vibrated.

"Get Polly back to her parents in a little while. I'm taking Accord home." He grabbed Accord, hauling him to his feet, and flashed out before the boy could comment or protest.

The second he was gone, Imp screamed, "WHEEEEEE!" and lifted off with one huge flap. Polytimos watched, wide-eyed, as her friend proceeded to do aerial acrobatics. Imp flew loop-the-loops, did barrel rolls, and buzzed so low over the basking rocks that the remaining mermaids dived shrieking into the sea.

It went on for a good five minutes, and when she finally landed near Polly, she started skipping back and forth, still unable to stop moving. Polly said, "What was that all about?"

"Energy burst! Whoa, I haven't felt anythin like that since... since... I was at Demeter's place th' last time Hades came to bring Persephone down for her yearly visit, an' it was almost as strong as this was, but not the same type, ya know?"

"No."

Imp snorted. "I keep forgettin you're a baby."

"Am not! Is it like it was the time that barbarian pinched Daddy Iolaus on the behind, and Daddy Hercules put the barbarian head first in a slop barrel."

"Yeah, like that."

"Okay." Polly looked out at the now bare rocks. "I guess ALL of those mermaids must be in love with the merman if they ALL got so jealous that you..."

Imp giggled. "You're sooooo young."




Title: Childhood Sweethearts, 8/?
Author: Scribe
Fandom: Xena
Pairing: None
Status: WIP
Series/Sequel: Part of the Love and Mischief Universe
Summary: Bliss is aware of the attraction, Accord isn't... quite.
Archive: Yes
Feedback: Yes. On list, or to poet77665@catlover.com
Disclaimer: I did not create and do not own any readily recognizable media characters. I have no agreement, legal or otherwise, with the creators or owners. This is purely for entertainment--I have not made, do not seek, and will not accept any profit for it. This story is in no way meant to reflect on the lives or life styles of the actors/actresses who originally portrayed the characters. I have nothing but fond affection and respect for them, for giving me so much entertainment, and no disrespect is meant by anything herein. The original characters (Impetua and Accord) are copyrighted.
Rating: Teen
Warnings:
Notes: Previous sections of this story can be found under my Scribe pen name at http://www.AresJoxerCupidStrife.com 'Get' is a very old term for offspring, not offensive, like the Brit slang 'git'.
Personal Websites: http://www.scribescribbles.com and http://www.angelfire.com/grrl/foxluver (which can be reached through the previous site).

Childhood Sweethearts, 8/?
by Scribe

*Flash* *crack*

The second sound was displaced air, something like (though on a smaller scale) what subsequent generations would call a 'sonic boom'. Bliss was holding Accord firmly when he appeared in Cupid's temple, but Accord squirmed in his grasp. Not wanting to sound annoyed, but not being able to help it, Bliss said, "What's wrong with you?"

"Lemme go!"

"Settle down. There's no need to be angry about..."

Accord twisted free and turned away, bending over. Just in time. *blerg*

Bliss winced. "Oh, yuck."

"Thank you." Accord stood, holding his belly. "If I was doing it on purpose, you'd be wearing it right now, Birdbrain."

"No need to be insulting."

"I call you that all the time."

"Yeah, but not in that tone of voice."

"Oh, great--now you're channeling your grandad. Ares swears he can hear me roll my eyes in a sarcastic manner. I threw up because we transported too fast. Don't look so surprised--it isn't like my Dad Joxer hasn't done it a lot."

Bliss felt a little ashamed of himself, but he said, "You haven't done that since you were a little kid."

"You haven't watched me transport with a full stomach since I was a little kid."

"You're right. Sorry, Cord." Bliss multitasked. He simultaneously made the mess disappear, materialized a goblet of fresh water on a nearby table, and created a cool, damp cloth. "Hold still." He wiped Accord's face gently, or tried to.

Accord took the cloth away from him. "I can do that. I'm not a baby, you know."

"I know that, but don't your dads like to take care of you when you're sick?"

"Yeah," Accord finished wiping his face, and made the cloth disappear. He took the goblet. "But they're my dads."

Bliss shrugged. "Other people care about you, too."

Accord blinked. "Oh." He took a sip of water and swished it in his mouth, getting rid of the sour taste. Then he tilted his head back and spat it out, making as neat a stream as a fountain. He made the water disappear in mid-air, not a drop touching the floor.

Bliss found himself grinning. "That's cool. You gotta show that to Strife."

Accord smiled back. "Bet he does it at the next state banquet." He seemed to realize that he was supposed to be angry, and folded his arms, lowering dark brows. "Dude, what got into you? Why did you just snatch me out of there like that? I haven't been moved that fast since that time I was visiting Hades, and one of the condemned tried to sneak out of Tartarus. Cerberus chased him down right in front of me. Persephone was playing with me, and..." He whistled. "She grabbed me and transported me so fast that we must've arrived where we were going before we left where we were." Bliss reflected that sometimes it was really easy to tell that Accord was related to Joxer.

Bliss studied him. "Didn't you realize that...?"

One of the priests peeked into the room. "Lord Bliss, your father said you'd be gone most of the day. Do you need anything?"

"No, Caracus. I'll let you know if I do, thanks." The man nodded, and left. "Let's go in my room, so we don't have to worry about anyone butting in." He led Accord to his room.

As Bliss shut the door, Accord looked around. "You redecorated."

"Hm? Oh, yeah. I found some paintings I'd done in a corner when I was little, so I gave it a new paint job. Like the color?"

"Nice. Green can either make you queasy, or look cool. I like this shade but what I meant was the new bed. When did you finally decide to move up to a double?"

Bliss tried not to wince. Since he'd had that talk with Strife, he had always exchanged his large bed for a small one before inviting Accord into his room, but he hadn't been planning on bringing him here today. "Not too long ago. You, uh, don't think it crowds the room? Maybe I ought to change it back."

"Don't." Accord flopped on the bed, sprawling comfortably.

*Ohshithe'sonmybed. He's only wearing his drawers, and he's ON MY BED! I am so dead.* He felt a tingle south of his waistband. *But apparently not in the place where it would be practical.*

"I got one a couple of years ago. I'd think you'd need one more than me, what with the wings. Anyway, next time I visit, one of us, meaning me, won't have to sleep on the floor."

"Heck, Accord," said Bliss, trying to keep a shake out of his voice at the thoughts that suggestion stirred, "You never had to sleep on the floor. We have plenty of spare rooms--you can have one all to yourself."

Accord, surprised, sat up, propping himself on his elbows. "But the whole point of having a sleep over is sleeping in the same room so we can talk and stuff."

*I'm not worried about the talking--it's the 'and stuff' I have to avoid. "I just think we'd both sleep better that way." Accord was looking more and more disappointed, and Bliss thought that he'd have to give him some sort of solid reason for his suggestion. "After all, kiddo, you snore as bad as Joxer does and..."

High color flared in Accord's cheeks, and he bolted up off the bed. "Well, if I'm so annoying to have around, you don't have to worry about that any more!"

"No, wait. I didn't mean..." *FLASH* Accord was gone in a flurry of maroon and silver sparks. "...to hurt your feelings..." Bliss' voice trailed off. "Ah, crap. Looks like he was right to call me Birdbrain." He sat dejectedly on the edge of the bed.

A few moments later Strife came in. "Hey, kid. Tha priest said ya were back. What gives? I thought ya were gonna be gone mosta tha day."

"We were. Something came up."

Strife came and sat beside him. "What? I know nothin happened ta wunna tha kids, or we'd be havin this conversation at Ace's."

"Nothing like that. It's just..." He sighed. "I screwed things up with Accord."

Strife squinted at him. "Whaddid ya do?"

Bliss gave him a sour look. "I didn't grab him, or anything. I just acted stupid and jealous."

"Jealous? Correct me if I'm wrong, but ya were only with Imp an' Polly."

"It wasn't them. We went to that beach near Posiedon's basking rocks, and..." Bliss related the incident to Strife. He didn't realize it, but as he talked about Andreas touching Accord, his voice dropped in pitch, and his eyes shaded more toward green. "...and he hauled tail out of there, fast. I just grabbed Accord and brought him back here. I just couldn't stand the thought of him being anywhere near that skunk. And then Accord got sick because we went too fast, and he wasn't ready for it, and we came in here, and he noticed the bed."

"Uh-oh."

"Yeah. He was all happy because he figured now we could share it when he had a sleep-over, and he wouldn't have to sleep on the floor."

"Tell me ya didn't suggest that he sleep in anothah room?"

Bliss looked sheepish. "I said it was because he snored."

"Shit!" Strife stood up and started pacing. "Aw, geez, kid! How could ya be that dense?"

"Well..."

"I mean, yer dad is tha God of Fallin in Love. Yer descended from Dite--tha girliest girly around. Ya should know BETTAH when it comes ta relationships. Tartarus, even I wouldn'ta said somethin like that unless I was deliberately tryin ta piss someone off." He grinned. "Or playin with yer fathah, but ya haven't reached that stage with Accord."

"Yet."

Strife stopped pacing at that single syllable, and stared at Bliss. Finally he said slowly, "So ya made up yer mind about that, huh?" Bliss nodded. "Yer gonna hafta wait awhile yet."

"I know." Bliss sighed. "He's not quite sixteen. It's going to be over a year before I can do anything without being a shit." He put his head in his hands. "But since he was acting like he never wanted to see me again..."

Strife rolled his eyes, then sat beside Bliss again, putting an arm around his shoulders and giving him a small shake. "C'mon, Bliss. I think with Accord it's mostly just tha normal teenage drama comin out. Tha only thing on earth as prickly as a teenage girl is a teenage boy."

Bliss tilted his head to peer up at his stepfather. "Was I like that?"

"Oh, nah."

"Is that true?"

Strife grinned. "Nah. Ya were a typical brat teen, better'n most, though. Don'tcha remember? It ain't been that long passed."

"I remember that I thought no one was taking me seriously, and no one understood how things were for me."

"Like I said--typical. Ain't evah been a teenager ta walk tha earth..." He giggled, "Or Olympus, who's gone through adolescence without thinkin' that tha whole world misunderstands 'em."

"So, you think he'll speak to me again?"

Strife snorted. "He's Joxer's get. He ain't gonna be able ta stop himself from speakin any more than he's gonna be able ta hold a grudge."

"He's also Ares' get."

"There is that," Strife agreed. "Mebbe ya should wait a day or two before tryin ta make up."

Bliss rubbed his face. "Man. I didn't even let him go get his clothes. I don't know what got into me."

"Sure ya do. Don't try ta give me that clueless act."

"I guess, but I sort of felt obligated to be shocked with myself."

"I'll bet Imp just about came unglued."

"She was holding it together pretty good before I left."

"Yah?" Strife sounded disappointed. "Well, I bet she cut loose as soon as ya were outah there. It woulda been worse than me seein Gabrielle standin nexta a manure pile while Joxer was goin toward her--with a strap on his sandel comin loose, and a nice, slippery patch waitin for him right nexta her." Strife stood up. "I gotta go. I wanna cut mosta tha way through tha belly strap onna certain warlord's saddle, so that when I make his horse rear while he's reviewin his troops, he'll slide off on his ass." Strife hesitated. "Look, if he doesn't come around, an' ya can't work up the nerve to go aftah 'im, lemme know. I'll suggest that he needs ta go around with me fah awhile next, an' we can kinda 'accidentally' bump inta ya."

"Thanks, Strife." He stood up and hugged the Mischief God.

"Eh, don't get mushy on me." He hugged back. "An whatevah ya do, don't tell Cupe I offahed, huh? I'm glad I hadda work with him once--it got us tagethah a lot faster'n it mighta been othawise--but I ain't in a hurry ta do it again." He grinned wickedly. "Bustin things up is a lot easier, an' a lot more fun."

~*~

*Flash*

Joxer looked up from the goblet of wine he'd just poured as his son appeared in the temple's main sitting room. Accord was dressed in nothing but a pair of damp underwear and his own wild hair. "Cord? What's wrong?"

"Bliss is a snotty, bossy, mean, chowderhead!"

"Oh-kay. And why are you only wearing your drawers?"

Accord looked down at himself. "Poop! I forgot all about that." He was suddenly dressed in his usual dark clothes, with his hair in its usual braid. "Bliss dragged me away from the picnic, and he didn't even let me get dressed."

"That doesn't sound like Bliss. Was something happening? Did some warlords, or harpies, or something show up?"

"Just some of the merfolk, and they weren't hostile at all. In fact, they were real friendly."

"Uh-huh. HOW friendly?"

"Well, one of them wanted to comb my hair--that's pretty friendly."

"Yeah, unless the hairdresser is a slave, or you're paying them to do it. I'm gonna make a guess here. I bet that Bliss pitched his hissy after he saw this merman combing your hair."

"Yeah, he just... How did you know it was a merman?"

"Lucky guess." *Because Bliss knows that you're still too young for most of the female population to see you as serious nooky material, but that you're just the right age to inflame certain less ethical males.*

"He said it was because I'd had enough sun. All he had to do was say something about it, and I would have gone back to the beach and gotten under the canopy. He didn't have to just snatch me away like that."

"Is that all that's got you upset? That covers the bossy, but I don't think I'd call it snotty, or mean."

Accord dropped gracefully to sit cross-legged on the floor. "That came after we left the beach. We went back to Cupid's temple. He's redecorated his room, even got a grown up bed. I was all excited, 'cause I thought great--next time I sleep over we can lay side by side and talk all night, and we'll be close enough to see each other." Accord's face darkened. "But he doesn't want to do that. He wants me to sleep off in a whole different room, because he says I snore." Accord looked at Joxer appealingly. "I don't, do I?"

Joxer cleared his throat. he wasn't about to touch that question--not with Accord already upset. "I'm sure he was just worried about your comfort."

"But I'd be comfortable in that bed. It had plenty of room for both of us."

Joxer rubbed his forehead. *That's it. I'm going to have to say SOMETHING. Please, Fates, don't let me traumatize him.* "Cord? Why do two adults usually share a bed?"

Accord thought for a moment. "Well, if they're at a crowded inn, or there are a lot of relatives staying over..."

"When was the last time anyone on Olympus didn't have enough sleeping space for visitors? What OTHER reason?"

"It they're going to..." Accord stopped abruptly. This time the color in his cheeks wasn't from anger. "Oh. I see." Joxer felt relief that it was going to be that easy. Accord got up and went toward the door. Just before he stepped out, voice wistful, Accord said, "I guess he WILL want to be having other people sleep over so he can, um..." His voice died away, and he left.

Joxer shook his head. "So like his father."




Title: Childhood Sweethearts, 9/?
Author: Scribe
Fandom: X:WP
Pairing: None this section
Status: WIP
Series/Sequel: Love and Mischief Series
Summary: Bliss finally admits his feelings to Accord.
Archive: Yes
Feedback: Yes. On list, or to poet77665@catlover.com
Disclaimer: I did not create and do not own any readily recognizable media
characters. I have no agreement, legal or otherwise, with the creators or
owners. This is purely for entertainment--I have not made, do not seek, and
will not accept any profit for it. This story is in no way meant to reflect on
the lives or life styles of the actors/actresses who originally portrayed the
characters. I have nothing but fond affection and respect for them, for giving
me so much entertainment, and no disrespect is meant by anything herein.
Rating: Mature
Warnings:
Notes:
Personal Websites: http://www.scribescribbles.com and
http://www.angelfire.com/grrl/foxluver (which can be reached through the
previous site).

Childhood Sweethearts, 9/?
by Scribe

Chapter Nine
Nebulous

Cupid watched Bliss pacing up and down. During his childhood his son had been
capable of bursts of near manic activity, but he'd mellowed a bit as he matured.
Though he could still have instances of hyperactivity, he was generally
laid-back, and this sort of nervous restlessness just wasn't like him. "Son,
you're going to wear a rut in the marble."

Bliss stopped. "Sorry, Dad. I just don't know what's wrong with me lately."

Cupid had had a talk with Strife and knew what was bothering Bliss. "Sure you
do," he said calmly. "How long has it been since you spoke to Accord?"

"He was going into Demeter's place day before yesterday, and I said hi. He sort
of waved, but he was studying a scroll while he walked." Bliss frowned. "He's
going to hurt himself, doing that. Maybe I should get Joxer to have a talk with
him."

"Maybe you should have a talk with him yourself." Bliss didn't reply.
"C'mon--how long has it been since you REALLY saw him, not just in passing?"

Bliss sighed, and dropped down to sit beside his father. "Almost a month."

"Don't you WANT to see him?" Bliss gave him a look. Normally Cupid would have
classified it as a 'duh' look, but there was real pain in it now. "Bliss, you
can't keep avoiding him."

"-I'm- not avoiding -him-." Bliss started to work his fingers nervously along
the hem of his kilt. "Not on purpose."

"Maybe not, but you're not going out of your way to make up with him, either."

"I don't see why I should have to. I mean, it wasn't a big thing. Okay, so I
hinted that he snored. -I- snore. Imp snores. Strife snores. You snore..."

"Hey."

"Well, you do. I've seen Strife leaning over you, holding one of your molted
feathers in front of your mouth, watching it flutter, and almost exploding with
trying not to laugh."

Cupid's eyes narrowed. "That explains the times I've woken up with feathers in
my mouth. It wasn't just the snoring accusation, Bliss--you have to know that.
Accord thought you didn't WANT him around, so he's giving you what he thought
you wanted. He's made himself scarce. People do that when they're hurt, to
avoid being hurt again." He thought a moment. "Either that or they hang around
you looking reproachful, and trying to make you feel guilty. That's Mom's
style. Hurt her feelings, and she'll either smack you, or give you a look that
makes you feel like you just kicked a puppy... the runt of the litter... who has
a limp."

"I just honestly didn't think it would upset him that much," said Bliss
helplessly.

"It wasn't just the snoring, or suggesting separate rooms."

"Well, what WAS it?"

"Can't you guess?" Cupid rolled his eyes. "As much as you've seen your little
sister operate. Bliss, you were jealous. If it showed outwardly, you'd have
been as green as Imp's eyes. You admit that you raced over to the basking rock,
scared the merman off, then snatched Cord away as if he was a village virgin in
danger of being ravaged by a warlord."

"I did not!" He paused. "Okay, maybe I did. But he didn't realize it, Dad.
He didn't even know what that skanky piece of flotsam was up to, so he couldn't
have known why I acted the way I did."

"He didn't know CONSCIOUSLY. Bliss, Accord is growing up. He's still pretty
innocent--at least by Olympic standards--but he isn't stupid, and he's becoming
more aware of the big picture, especially in the last year or so. He may not
have thought, 'Wow, Bliss is acting all territorial. He must think I'm hot
stuff', but deep down he knew that you were in the grip of some sort of intense,
violent emotion, and it had something to do with him. If he didn't realize that
the merman had amorous intentions, it isn't likely that he'd be able to
interpret what was basically you beating your chest and yelling, 'MINE!'"

Bliss stared at him. "You've been taking 'in your face' lessons from Strife,
haven't you?"

Cupid shrugged. "Sometimes direct is best." Bliss put a hand to his forehead.
"Okay, subtle is effective, too, but you have to WORK at it. Look, baby
boy--Accord got a heaping helping of stubborn from our mutual dad, and he got
some from Joxer, too. No, don't cut your eyes at me on that. Joxer can be
hard-headed and persistant. Just remember all the years when he followed Xena
and Gabrielle around before they accepted him..." Cupid muttered, "in the
fucking half-hearted way that they did..." then spoke normally again, "He just
would--not--take--a--hint. Not because he was THAT imperseptive, but because he
didn't WANT to. It paid off for him in the long run. If he hadn't been hanging
around Xena and Gabrielle, it's possible that Ares never would have gotten to
know him and THAT," he pointed at Bliss, "would have given new meaning to the
term 'Greek tragedy'."

Bliss hung his head. "But what if I say the wrong thing? I can't just come out
and say, 'Accord, I've been drooling over you for over a year now, and I think
I've been in love with you since before you got out of diapers. Wanna go
steady?'"

Cupid laughed. "Believe it or not, there are times when a line like that will
work--but you're right in this case. You don't have to tell him that you're in
love with him--you just have to apologize, and tell him that you DO love him.
Loving someone and being IN love with them are similar, but different--you know
that, right?"

"Duh. House of Love, here, Dad."

Cupid crossed his arms. "Example?"

Bliss rolled his eyes. "Back to the schoolroom. Okay, Grandma Dite loves Ares,
but she's IN LOVE with Grandpa Heph. Do I get an A?"

"An A plus. Now, what are you going to do about your situation, because having
Joy moping around is a serious downer."

Bliss stood up. "I guess I'm gonna go talk to Accord, if I can pin him down
with the way he's been flitting around Olympus during his studies."

Bliss sparkled out of his room, and Cupid murmured, "Oh, I think you'll be able
to do that."

~*~

Accord was on his way out to the garden, carrying a trowel, a rake, and a full
watering can. There was one thing to be said for being turned over to Demeter
for education--he'd been spending a lot more time out-of-doors. It was spring,
one of her busiest seasons, and Persephone was home, so Demeter didn't feel like
spending a lot of time cooped up, teaching Accord. She'd ordered him to learn
by doing. He was to raise a crop of various vegetables and herbs WITHOUT using
godly power. "OR help from your father," she'd said firmly.

"I dunno, Auntie Dem," he'd said. "I may have to set guards to keep Daddy Jox
away from the plot. You know how he is about growing things."

"Perhaps if I threaten to extend your learning period he'll restrain himself."

It had worked. Joxer didn't want to be the cause of Accord's enforced study
being lengthened, so he hadn't interfered. That didn't mean that he didn't
fairly twitch to get down and work the soil beside his son.

As he approached, his eyes roamed over the bare patch of dark, turned earth.
Logically he knew that it was still too soon to see any results--he'd only
planted the garden a couple of weeks ago. That didn't stop him from looking
though. After all, since when had reality had that tight a grasp on anything
that happened on Olympus.

A bush near the plot rustled, and he paused, peering at it closely. Mjau had
already been ejected from the garden more than once, Accord telling him firmly
that he didn't NEED any more natural fertilizer--the kind he got from Apollo's
stable worked just fine. It wasn't Mjau, though. The creature that hopped out
of the bushes was a fat brown rabbit. It sat up on plump haunches and studied
the garden, bright eyes zeroing in on the row that was going to contain carrots.
"Hey!" called Accord. The rabbit looked at him, nose twitching. "You get away
from there, you sneak. They haven't even started to grow, and if they disappear
when they DO grow, I'll know who did it." The rabbit flicked its ears
negligently. "Oh, yeah? Well, I'll tell Scribe on you." The rabbit hunched
down, laying its ears back flat, then turned and hopped off quickly. "Darn plot
bunnies," Accord grumbled, setting his load down beside the garden. "I know she
feeds them. I dunno--maybe they get tired of smut ideas and Pop Tarts."

Accord examined the garden, deciding what to do first. Finally he squatted down
and began pulling up a few random plants, muttering, "Why is it that the plants
haven't broken ground yet, but the weeds are flourishing?" The weeding didn't
take long. Then he took the trowel and began to carefully loosen the soil.
This took careful attention--too far from the seeds, and it did no good--too
close, and it could damage them.

It was a warm day, and he managed to work up a small sweat with his efforts.
He'd been careless in braiding his hair this morning. Joxer and Ares were off
for a couple of days, working to regulate a situation that seemed prepared to go
from a local feud to a full blown war, and with no one else coming around, it
hardly seemed worth the trouble. A few dark wisps had worked themselves loose
from the braid and were plastering themselves against his damp cheeks and
forehead at every opportunity. He kept raking them away impatiently, leaving
dirt streaks on his face.

He felt someone come to the temple--felt it in the faint buzz of energy that
seemed to run over his body, and he paused, concentrating. He was working on
identifying the other gods and goddesses by their power signatures. Ares had
told him that it was more of a talent than a skill--that some people couldn't do
it at all, and a few could tell you exactly who had been where when. Most of
the gods and goddesses fell somewhere in between. Accord wanted to be on the
upper end of the scale, so he practiced whenever he could. All he could tell
this time was that the visitor was probably either from the House of Intellect,
or the House of Love--the energy had that clean, bright feel he had come to
associate with them.

He was a little surprised when Bliss came out of the temple and approached. He
hadn't seen Bliss--REALLY seen him--for close to a month. The other day they'd
sort of passed in the streets. Accord had hoped that Bliss might follow him
into Demeter's temple and talk to him, but he supposed he couldn't really blame
him for not doing so. Demeter was still a little chilly to anyone associated
with the house of love. She blamed them for allowing her daughter to fall in
love with Hades. If Persephone had hated the God of the Underworld, or even
felt nothing but indifference, Demeter thought she could have persuaded
Persephone to fight Zeus' decree. She just couldn't accept that Persephone was
HAPPY with Hades.

Bliss was wearing a white linen kilt today, and the strong sunlight glinted
brightly on his blond curls. Accord felt his throat tighten as he looked at
him. It wasn't surprising that Bliss hadn't been over before--he probably had a
lot of people vieing for his time. After all, Joxer had as much as told him
that Bliss was old enough now to start having sleep overs with people who were
more than just friends.

Bliss didn't speak at first. He came over and squatted by the garden, watching
Accord as he worked. Finally he said, "Hestia, or Demeter?"

Accord didn't pause in spading the earth. "Demeter. Hestia is going to teach
me to bake good bread and, I think, knit."

"Well, you'll never be stuck for Solstice presents." There was a moment of
silence, and it wasn't the comfortable quiet they'd always enjoyed before.
Finally Bliss said, "How long have you been in the sun?"

Accord stabbed the trowel into the soil almost violently, then stood up
abruptly. "There you go again! 'You don't have enough sense to come in out of
the sun!'"

Bliss blinked up at him. "It isn't like that, Accord."

"Oh, sure it is. No hello, no how are you, no I missed you, just..."

"I DID miss you."

Accord seemed to deflate. "You did?"

"That's why I'm here. I figured one of us needed to act like an adult, and..."

"Oh, so NOW I'm childish! Well, you can just..."

Bliss stood up abruptly and grabbed Accord's arms. "You're a BRAT! I'm trying
to tell you that I'm SORRY, you nit!"

Accord went still, looking up at him through a tangle of black hair. "You are?"
Bliss nodded. "Then I am, too." He embraced Bliss, pressing his face against
the older boy's bare shoulder.

Bliss froze, closing his eyes. Accord was as tall as he was now, though not as
broad, and his slender body was firm from training with Ares. Soft strands of
hair floated on a breeze, brushing Bliss' face. He felt enveloped by Accord's
scent--a faint musk from the younger man's recent labors, and Accord's breath
against his bare skin was warm and damp. Bliss took hold of Accord's arms again
and carefully set him away.

Confused, Accord looked at Bliss' face. "But... I thought we made up. Aren't
we still friends?"

"We have to talk. Let's sit in the shade, okay?" They made their way over to
where a willow grew close beside the garden's pond, and settled at its base.
Accord could sense that Bliss was serious, and anytime that Joy personified was
grave, one had best pay attention. Bliss cleared his throat. "This whole
fiasco started out on the basking rock. I... kinda got a little crazy."

"You WERE a little unreasonable. If I didn't know better, I'd think you scared
Andreas."

"Oh, make no mistake--I DID scare him. I MEANT to scare him."

Accord blinked, mouth dropping open a little. This sort of thing he would have
expected from anyone associated with the House of War, but Bliss. "Why?"

*Time to be direct.* Bliss took a deep breath, then looked Accord square in the
face. "Because he was TOUCHING you."

"So what did that have to do with...? Oh." Accord's cheeks flushed. "You mean
he was... Yeah, I guess. So you were protecting me. Um, thanks."

"You don't understand--not fully. He was touching you, and I didn't want him
to. The thought of anyone but ME touching you makes me see red." *There. If
he doesn't understand THAT, he's REALLY too young.*

Now Accord was gaping, but there was a slowly dawning awareness in his eyes.
His voice was very small as he said, "Bliss?"

Bliss looked down at the grass. "I didn't want it to come out like that. I was
sort of hoping that you'd just notice it on your own. But, well--you haven't,
so I figured I'd better say something before you grew a crush on someone else,
and it was too late." There was another moment of silence, and Bliss stole a
look at Accord, dreading what he might see.

It wasn't too bad. There wasn't any of the negative emotions--no anger, hate,
or disgust. Thank the Fates, there wasn't any amusement or derision, either.
That would have really hurt. No, the main emotions seemed to be shyness and
confusion, mixed with a bit of 'what the fuck?'--but not the BAD sort. Bliss
even started to feel a little hopeful, because there was also just the tiniest
bit of pleased pride. After a moment, Accord said, "Really?" Bliss nodded.
"Wow."

"Yeah."

More silence. Accord ventured. "You're..."

"Older than you--I know. But you're growing up--fast. And I can wait, Accord."

"I don't know what to say."

"You don't have to say anything right now. I'm not asking for anthing from you
but time, and what we already have--friendship. I just want a chance for
something to develop naturally--and it WILL be natural. I've had a talk with
Dad and Grandma, and they've promised not to meddle, so you can be sure that if
you suddenly find me devastatingly attractive it won't be because of a potion or
an arrow in the butt." Accord smiled faintly at that. "So can we do that? I'm
not asking you to get joined, or make a committment, or even go steady. I just
want you to know how I feel, so you can decide how YOU feel. Think about it,
okay?"

"Okay."

"Okay?"

Accord rolled his eyes. "Okay. You're being reduntantly redundant."

"Back to brathood." Bliss stood up, heaving a deep sigh. "That wasn't as hard
as I expected it to be. I was expecting it to be along the lines of facing down
a Titan."

"But it was more like fighting a Cretian bull?"

Bliss leaned down and passed his hand gently over Accord's hair. "No--fighting
myself." He disappeared in a burst of sparkles and flower petals.

Accord plucked a rose petal out of his hair. "He loves me." He plucked out
another. "He loves me not." He pulled a third out of his hair. "He loves me."
He stared at the petal a long time, then said, softly, "That's what he meant,
isn't it?"




Title: Childhood Sweethearts, 10/?
Author: Scribe
Fandom: Xena
Pairing: None, but it's on the way. :)
Status: WIP
Series/Sequel: In the Love and Mischief Series
Summary: Accord now knows beyond a doubt that Bliss is interested in more than friendship. Being a teenager, he still isn't sure how he feels about

that.
Archive: Yes
Feedback: Yes. On list, or to poet77665@catlover.com
Disclaimer: I did not create and do not own any readily recognizable media characters. I have no agreement, legal or otherwise, with the creators or

owners. This is purely for entertainment--I have not made, do not seek, and will not accept any profit for it. This story is in no way meant to

reflect on the lives or life styles of the actors/actresses who originally portrayed the characters. I have nothing but fond affection and respect for

them, for giving me so much entertainment, and no disrespect is meant by anything herein.
Rating: Adult
Warnings:
Notes:
Personal Websites: http://www.scribescribbles.com and http://www.angelfire.com/grrl/foxluver (which can be reached through the previous site).

Childhood Sweethearts, 10/?
by Scribe

*Okay,* Joxer thought. *This avoidance has gone on long enough. Accord is making himself AND Bliss miserable. Something has to be said.

Hopefully I'll figure out what that is before I find him.*

Joxer looked first in Accord's room, then in the library where he'd spent so much time studying lately. Next he tried the little kitchen Ares had set up

for him, just in case he'd decided to start boning up for Hestia's tutoring. Finally, dreading it, he checked on the roof, climbing out to look around.

That was when he spotted Accord, sitting safely under the willow by the pond.

Feeling relieved, Joxer climbed back down and went out. As he came nearer, he noticed that Accord was picking rose petals out of his hair,

murmuring to himself. *Rose petals? That means someone from the House of Love must've visited. I wonder if it was Dite, Cupid, or Bliss?* As he

got closer, he saw Accord reach down and pluck a white feather off the ground. *Cupid or Bliss, then.* "Hi, son."

Accord looked up at him blankly for a moment. "Have I got any more rose petals in my hair?"

"Um... no."

"Good--I think."

*Okay, if he's THAT bemused, it was probably Bliss.* Joxer sat cross-legged next to his son, noticing that they were almost the same height now.

*He's growing up so fast.* "Nice feather. From anyone we know?"

"Bliss." Accord twirled the feather in his fingers, watching it closely. "He was here a little while ago."

"How is he?"

"Wonderful," said Accord absently. Then he blushed, and said quickly, "And so's everyone over at the House of Love. Imp's driving everyone crazy,

but that's part of what she does."

"M-hm. What did you two talk about?"

"Oh, just... stuff."

*Damn. I was hoping that Bliss would have said something by now.*

"Dad? Can I ask you something?"

"Sure."

"It's kind of personal."

"That hasn't stopped you before. If it's TOO personal, I'll just choke and turn red, like usual."

"When did you first know that Dad was in love with you?"

Joxer didn't choke, but he DID turn red. "Way to ask the easy questions, son. Why not ask me something simple, like the meaning of life? You've

always just accepted the fact that your Dad and I love each other. What brought this on?"

Accord's eyes shifted. "I'm just curious. How did you know he loved you? How did you know YOU loved HIM? How..."

"Slow down, you're doing a Hermes impression. Let me think about this for a minute." He thought. Accord continued to play with the feather,

before finally tucking it in his braid. "Cord, I can't really tell you when I realized that I loved your father. Sometimes it seems like I ALWAYS loved

him, for as far back as I can remember. Oh, it wasn't always the same sort of love. When I was a kid it was hero worship, when I got older it was

awe, and when I was older yet it... Well, I guess I have to admit it moved into sort of puppy love, and... um..." Joxer was turning even redder.

"I... kinda had the hots for him." He cut a glance at Accord. Accord nodded, as if this was the most natural thing in the world. Of COURSE Joxer

had lusted after Ares. Accord knew (objectively, of course) that in many circles Ares was considered sex on legs--even more than Cupid, with some

people. "But when I came here to Olympus and started to really spend time with him, and get to know him, I realized that it was love, not worship.

It was a gradual process."

Accord nodded. "Okay. Now, when did you realize that Dad loved YOU?"

Joxer smiled. "That's a little easier. The moment I was sure stands out very clearly." His hand smoothed over the grass. "Actually, it happened

right here. I had only been a god for a day or two, and Ares was helping me start to understand and use my powers, and..." He stopped, looking at

Accord. Accord lifted an eyebrow. "Right--you're old enough. We were getting ready to have sex, but I had to unbutton my own shirt by mind

power. I was ready to give up, and he asked if I didn't want him to make love to me." Joxer's smile widened. "He said 'make love'. You know your

Dad, Cord--his manner of speaking."

Accord nodded, smiling faintly himself. "I KNOW that Dad will call a spade a fucking shovel, even if he IS more careful around me."

"I had to work with him on that. I didn't want your first words to be something that would singe ears, because the way things go you'd have chosen

to say them while someone like Demeter or Hercules was visiting. Anyway, when he said that, I knew he meant it. It took him a little while longer to

actually use the sentence 'I love you', but he got around to it." Joxer bumped Accord with his shoulder. "And here's the result. Now,

seriously--what brought this on? I know lots of kids pull the 'how did you get together' bit with their parents..." he paused. "Okay, not so many

godlings do, since there's always the stories passed around by the bards about how the lives of the major gods. And they SHOULD, because there's

this thing called 'poetic license', and... But I digress."

Accord nodded agreeably. "Often." Like his father Ares, he found Joxer's occasional bouts of babble to be sometimes faintly irritating, but usually

endearing.

"What I meant was you asked those questions in a serious manner--not like it was just idle curiosity."

Accord stood up, brushing flower petals off his shirt and pants. "I guess I'm just ready to start thinking about the more serious things in life. I'll see

you later, Dad. I'm gonna go... uh..."

"If you want to be alone for a little while, just say so. I know that teenagers need some privacy."

"It's not that. I'm going to--wash my hair. I think I may have gotten pollen in it. You know that Mjau likes to make a bed in my hair when he sleeps

with me, and I don't want him to start sneezing--not when he has his claws that close to my head." He left.

*And that was one of the most creatively lame excuses I've ever heard of.* Joxer settled back against the tree, folding his hands over his belly. *I

think I may end up in the fairly unique position of having my grandson also be my son-in-law.* He smiled. *Somehow I think that I won't have quite

as hard a time dealing with it as Ares will.*

~*~

Accord DID go to the bathing chamber to wash his hair. He knew he wouldn't be any good at studying, so it was as good an activity as any. He

stripped and waded into the bathing pool. He'd given up trying to wash his hair in a basin--it was just too long to manage alone unless he wanted to

get thoroughly drenched. If he was going to get soaked, he might as well have a bath, too.

When he was chest deep, he took his braid apart and gave himself a quick ducking. Then he went back to the side of the pool, locating the dishes

of various soaps, oils, and bath salts that were kept on a low table within easy reach. He started to reach for his usual soap, then hesitated. He'd

always used the plain, unscented variety. *I wonder what sort of scent Bliss likes?* His hand hovered. There was cinnamon, and vanilla scented.

*No, not those. I remember Strife talking about how sometimes Cupid smells like sugar cookies. I don't think I want to remind Bliss of his father.

Those flower scented ones Dite sent Joxer are kind of girly, at least unless you give the world NO doubt about your manhood. Like, Ares could pull

them off, but me? Not till I fill out a little.* He finally settled on sandalwood.

He liked washing his hair: he could do it automatically while he thought of other things--and he had things to think about. *I always heard that

teenagers were supposed to be broody, but I don't remember Bliss going through that, and I don't know if Imp is capable of it.* He finished, and

ducked himself again, swishing his head vigorously underwater to remove the lather. He came up spluttering, then did it again, just to be sure. He'd

found out the hard way that you didn't want soap residue in your hair. *Who'd ever think that something so clean could make you feel so grungy?*

When his hair whipped around easily, floating like seaweed in a brisk current, he decided it was enough. He was a little short of breath when he

stood up. As he'd heard many times, he couldn't die from drowning, but that didn't mean that he could hold his breath forever, and a lungful of

water was damn uncomfortable. He'd have to snort it back up, and the methods that Ace and Apollo used to accomplish that didn't bear thinking

about. That one time in the garden pond when he was four had left a lasting impression on him. *Though probably,* he thought, reaching for a

handful of soap to begin bathing, *it was mostly seeing how much it hurt the Dads to watch me suffer. Not that I didn't get my behind tanned once

they were sure I'd recovered.* He might have escaped the physical punishment if he hadn't been caught wading again a week after the incident.

Even the gentle tempered Joxer agreed with Ares that maybe an object lesson was needed to 'drive home' a little caution in their risk-taking son.

He started to bathe, rubbing the soap into a slick lather over his arms and torso. *They both think I'm so reckless. I suppose I AM a little

impetuous when it comes to the stuff like walking in high places, or trying to steal a ride on Apollo's lead chariot horse. Ow. But if that's the case,

why am I feeling sorta paralyzed since Bliss told me he liked me?*

Accord rinsed, then sat on the steps in the shallow end to wash his legs. *What kind of like is it? We've ALWAYS liked each other. I know why I

like HIM--he's one of the coolest people in creation, and he's always had time for me. A lot of people wouldn't have bothered with me till I got

grown up enough to... I dunno--hold a coherant conversation. But Dad Joxer says that Bliss used to talk to me even when I was still inside him. I

can't remember a time when Bliss wasn't there...* He'd had his left foot propped on his right knee, working soap between his toes, and he froze

suddenly at the thought of the possibility of Bliss NOT being around. It was possible. Sometimes a god was sent away to another pantheon for a

sort of apprenticeship--especially if there wasn't an established elder god with a divinity close to the younger one to guide them. Accord knew that

Dad Ares had gone to Egypt as a youth because there just wasn't anyone around to teach him the art of war in Greece. Bliss was Joy. Would Cupid

and Aphrodite's godhoods be considered close enough to qualify to train him?

Accord forced himself to relax. *He's past the needing to be instructed phase,* he told himself. *He's been operating independently for a couple of

years now.* He froze again as another thought struck him. *What if I'M sent away?* The thought of being far from home, surrounded by

strangers (no matter how kind and well meaning) was frightening. Then he relaxed again. *No, I don't think I have to worry about that. After all, I

need diplomacy and judgement in my godhood, and I have plenty of people available to teach me that, including my own parents. If I need the finer

points of weighing different sides of an issue, I can always talk with Hades. He has to be good at that to judge the souls of the departed. Why am

I worrying about this? I've always known how things operate, and it never bothered me before.*

Accord started rinsing his leg off. *Because before I didn't know that Bliss felt more for me than just uncular feelings.* He frowned. *That doesn't

sound right. Nephewish? I think the Muses might smack me for that one. I guess I'll say 'familial' and leave it there. But what DOES he feel? What

did he really say? He said that the thought of anyone else touching me made him see red.*

Accord looked down at himself curiously. *Me?* He looked closer, trying to see himself objectively. He was a lot like Joxer physically--built long,

but slender where his father was lean. Same smooth, pale skin. Same lack of body hair. Accord knew that these things could be seen as

attractive. *After all, you can say the same thing about Strife, and Passion himself is nutty about Strife. But Strife is cool, too. I mean--hello?

Leather and peircings. I'm kinda bland when you think of it that way. But Bliss must like SOMETHING about me to have said that.*

Accord noticed that he was half hard. That wasn't anything unusual--not when he was alone in the bathing pool, anyway. Joxer had painted over

the orgy mosaics when Accord was old enough to start using the bathing pool, but last year he'd decided that his son was old enough to not be

corrupted. That was right after he'd found out that he'd discovered Accord having a 'private moment' when he walked into his room to tell him that

supper was ready. It was a toss-up as to who had blushed the hardest.

He looked down consideringly. It had been awhile. Lately all he'd done when he went to bed was fall asleep, nearly exhausted by his round of

studying and lessons. He reached over and dipped up a little more of the soap, then scooted up another step, so that the water only came a little

way up his legs. His buttocks were wet, but his crotch was mostly above the water. He reached down and smeared the soap over his cock, biting

his lip at the sudden pleasure. He hadn't even gotten himself coated with lather before he was hardening even further, swelling into a true erection.

When he'd masturbated before, Accord hadn't really fantasized about anything in particular. He'd just concentrated on the physical sensations he

could cause himself. He'd heard others talking about fantasies, and had assumed that he'd come up with some of his own, sooner or later--but it

hadn't happened yet. *I wonder. What if... Suppose...*

He closed his eyes and imagined Bliss sitting on the step beside him. He imagined his friend slipping an arm around his shoulder, pulling him a little

closer. Bliss' skin would be warm--not just from the heated water, but from his own living warmth. Accord could remember feeling that at other

times in the past, when they'd hugged, or Bliss had lifted him in his arms for short flights. He'd felt it, but never really thought about it. Now he did.

His hand moved more firmly. Sitting like that, naked, would he feel the brush of Bliss' feathers on his bare skin? He wasn't aware of it, but his

nipples tightened into hard buds at the thought.

*Sitting. Just sitting and talking. And suppose he put his hand on my knee, maybe to make a point about something, or get my attention.* His

hand moved more quickly. *And then it started to slide up--slide up the inside of my thigh. Slide up till it touched me--* he squeezed *here.*

Accord cried out in surprise as he climaxed. He hadn't been expecting it so soon. Usually he'd have a nice, leisurely session of playing with himself

before he reached release. He looked down in bewilderment, seeing a slight milkiness in the water over his groin as his seed was dispearsed by the

water.

He leaned back against the last couple of steps, feeling a little stunned, and thought, *He said he doesn't want anyone else to touch me. Does that

mean he wants to touch me... like this?*

Accord closed his eyes, drawing in a deep, shuddering breath as he considered this possibility. "Wow," he whispered. *But what if that's all he

wants? He also said he wasn't asking me to, like, get joined, or anything permanent. Does that mean he doesn't WANT that?* Accord tried to think

for another moment, but finally got out of the pool, dried off, and began to dress. He figured there wasn't any point in pondering it any longer,

because all he could think right now was...

*Do -I- want that?*





Title: Childhood Sweethearts, 11/?
Author: Scribe
Fandom: Xena
Pairing: None, but it's on the way. :)
Status: WIP
Series/Sequel: In the Love and Mischief Series
Summary: Ares and Joxer plan and throw a sixteenth birthday party for Accord.
Archive: Yes
Feedback: Yes. On list, or to poet77665@catlover.com
Disclaimer: I did not create and do not own any readily recognizable media characters. I have no agreement, legal or otherwise, with the creators or

owners. This is purely for entertainment--I have not made, do not seek, and will not accept any profit for it. This story is in no way meant to

reflect on the lives or life styles of the actors/actresses who originally portrayed the characters. I have nothing but fond affection and respect for

them, for giving me so much entertainment, and no disrespect is meant by anything herein.
Rating: Adult
Warnings: I haven't noticed anyone lately having much of a problem with Mary Sues, but my Xena Mary Sue, shockingly enough also called Scribe

*g*, and Goddess of Erotica and Cats, is mentioned relatively extensively. In an affectionate, if not awestruck, manner. *polishes nails on shirt and

contemplate's own lack of vanity* *rolls eyes*
Notes: I think I'm going to use a previous stand-alone story from my short Visiting Relatives series for the next chapter--Uncle Accord. But I'm going

into it and changing a few things to reflect what I've written in this series, too. For instance, when Bliss comes to visit Accord, Ares will no longer

be COMPLETELY oblivious to the attraction. I was going to do the party in this section, but I got carried away with writing the lead up. It'll work

out better this way. I can give it more attention.
Personal Websites: http://www.scribescribbles.com and http://www.angelfire.com/grrl/foxluver (which can be reached through the previous site).

Childhood Sweethearts, 11/?
by Scribe

Chapter Eleven

A month later

"I think we should do something a little special for Accord's natal day," said Joxer.

Ares glanced up from where he'd been nuzzling just along Joxer's rib cage. "Should I be insulted that you're thinking about our son's birthday while

I'm trying to make love to you? Remember, it's already starting to get a little awkward."

Joxer grinned down at him, rubbing his hand vigorously through his husband's hair. "That's just YOU doing ME. I'm going to be able to do you just

fine practically up to when the pains hit you."

Ares sat up. "Way to kill a mood, Jox. Go on, tell me about the other joys I have to look forward to. I don't think you've told me NEARLY enough

about morning sickness, and now that I've started upchucking every time I wake up, it can be a conversation instead of a monologue."

"Sorry." But Joxer was grinning.

Ares shrugged, pulling himself farther up in the bed so he could recline comfortably on the pillows. "Why are you thinking about this now? His natal

day isn't for another month yet. It's not even quite March yet."

"I know, but I thought that we could do it kind of early, and really take him by surprise."

"You know that surprising someone from the House of War can be a risky proposition, but--yeah. I think it would be nice to make a little fuss over

him, even though it isn't as if we HAVEN'T before."

"I know."

Many of the gods hardly bothered to celebrate things like birthdays and earthly holidays. They'd lived so long that there just wasn't much left that

seemed like a special occasion. But as Joxer had explained it to Ares on Accord's first birthday, "Accord hasn't lived long enough to get bored with a

big to-do, and I hope he never reaches that stage. Besides, it's as much fun for us as it is for him--maybe more, since he's so young he doesn't

really know what's going on."

"But you're right. Sixteen is a special milestone, and it ought to be celebrated properly. At the rate he's going, I wouldn't be at all surprised if Zeus

invested him fully in his duties before he turns seventeen." Ares looked a little smug. "Our bloodline tends to mature early. Cupid was doing his job

without supervision at nineteen, and Bliss took up his before he was eighteen. Of course their domain is in the House of Love, so it doesn't have the

same sort of complexities that the House of War... Stop rolling your eyes. I didn't say it was LESS complex--just complex in a different way."

"I'm glad you said that. I didn't want to risk Dite or Strife getting wind of it and trying to prove you wrong. It doesn't have to be anything big,

really. Maybe just a few more guests, not just the immediate family. And we can have it somewhere other than one of our places. How about the

Acropolis?"

"Hm. Athena considers that her stomping ground. I mean, she didn't just have a temple erected there, she had TWO erected, to different versions

of herself--Parthenos and Polias. The gods aren't the most humble people in the world, but she's taking it to extremes. She's worse than Apollo, in

her own way."

"I mentioned it because it's pretty nice, with several good temples to choose from, and you know that the city would be thrilled. They see it as a

huge honor whenever even one of us visits, and if they have a GROUP of deities they'll probably worship themselves into fits." He frowned. "That

doesn't sound right. 'Worship themselves into fits'. They aren't worshipping THEMSELVES--they're worshipping US, but they might DO it till they had

fits, and..."

"Babble, babble, babble." Joxer swatted him. "But I love it." He kissed Joxer. "I love YOU, and not just because you gave me such a terrific kid."

"Good. I'd hate to think that all I was to you was a breeder. That's pretty much how my father feel about my mother, and he doesn't think much of

her, even when she gave him three of us at one crack. Of course two were me and Jayce, but you'd have thought that Jett would be enough to

compensate for a whole lot of disappointment in the testosterone department, and..."

Ares shut him up by kissing him breathless. "Speaking of that old bastard, how IS your father lately? I know you just got a scroll from Jett, and

hasn't he been staying back at your old home?"

"Yeah. As usual, he needed to hide out from someone wanting to hang him, or cut his throat, or something painful and permanent like that. He

went home for a safe base of operations till he can kill them first." Joxer related this without a sign of disapproval or surprise. When your brother is

the King of Assassins, you'd better learn to take such things in stride. "Dad's almost recovered from that fall down the stairs, but somehow or other

ants got into the pan they gave him to use when he had to... you know. Jett says that the swelling is pretty grotesque. It's sort of freakish,

because those kind of ants aren't native to our home region. They must've had to march a loooong way."

*Or perhaps traveled there in a jar. I WONDERED what was in that container that Strife was giggling over last week. The one he kept shaking.

Fates alone know how pissed off those insects were by the time he deposited them.* "The Acropolis sounds like a good idea. If Athena gets

stubborn, I'll threaten to have Aphrodite and Cupid to get her elite warriors to develope huge crushes on each other. There'll be so much humping

going on in the ranks that she won't be able to organize a good disaster, much less an effective battle. She might not be too much of a problem if I

ask to have it at Nike's temple instead of one of hers. I know Nike won't mind--she loves a good party."

"Well, duh. The Goddess of Victory SHOULD know how to celebrate."

"So, who do we invite? You know that there are some who won't want to come--damn snobs..." Joxer wasn't QUITE universally loved on Olympus.

Some of them resented the fact that he'd been elevated to godhood when they had favorite followers who'd been denied that honor. It never

occured to them that the incident hadn't been deliberately executed by anyone. Once Joxer ate the golden apple, then the ambrosia, it was a done

deal. "But they'll be insulted if we don't at least ask," Ares concluded.

Joxer considered. "Well, it would be only right to invite the rest of the fourteen." It HAD been 'the twelve', until Joxer was elevated to godhood,

and Zeus decided that he needed another senior god to keep the number from being thirteen--something about it being bad luck. Strife had been

elevated at the same time as Joxer to avoid that. "I know for sure some of them won't come, or if they do, it'll just be a short visit."

Ares nodded. "If Persephone comes with Hades, Demeter probably will give it a pass. She hates seeing them happy together. It's like rubbing salt

in a scrape. And I don't think Athena will, unless it's to remind us that we're on her turf. Posiedon won't stay long if he comes." The sea god

wasn't in danger if he stayed dry too long, like his merfolk, but he'd been undersea so long that he got distinctly uncomfortable if he wasn't damp.

"Well, let's see who we know for sure. Dite, Heph, Cupid, Strife, Imp, and Bliss, of course..."

"Dite would come even if it wasn't Accord, because she loves to party, and Imp will come for the same reason. Heph will come because Dite will,

and Strife wouldn't miss a party, either--too much potential mischief. He usually doesn't even need wine to catch a buzz at our family gatherings.

Cupid will of course want to celebrate with his baby brother, but I'm not sure about Bliss."

Joxer blinked at him. "Why ever not?"

"Oh, it isn't that I think Bliss would try to snub Accord. No, I'm really glad that they seem to have made up whatever snit they were having a couple

of months ago. It's just that, well--Bliss might think that it's still a kid's party, and you know how some people who haven't been adults for very

long are about things like that. We'll invite him, of course, but I'm not sure he'll come."

"I am."

Ares thought for a moment, then nodded. "I guess you're right. Those two have been best buddies since Accord learned to crawl enough to follow

Bliss around."

"Since before that. I'm not entirely convinced that Bliss DIDN'T actually talk to Accord while I was carrying him. And you know that he always

seemed to be able to understand him better than even we could."

"That's not surprising. Cupid says he was the same way with Impetua. If he wasn't God of Joy, he could probably be God of Languages."

Joxer smiled. "I once said sort of the same thing to him. You know what he said? He said, 'Maybe God of Nonsense. That would be close to my

actual godhood, and still make use of Daddy Strife's influence.' Then he sang that little nursery rhyme." Joxer sang. When he wasn't singing his

interminable 'Joxer the Mighty' song, he actually had a very pleasant voice. "A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men."

Ares smiled. "You know, if you'd told me about fifteen years ago that Strife would be a good influence on my grandson, I'd have figured you needed

someone to keep an eye on you, like Mania. But he has. Joy SHOULD be a little goofy sometimes. Let's see--Hestia will want to come, and even if

we don't ask her to cater, you know she'll show up with 'a little something'."

Joxer nodded. Hestia's 'a little something' was other people's feast. "I tell you what I'd like to do, though. We're going to invite Scribe..." He

looked at Ares. It wasn't a question.

"Of course we are. Make her miss a child's birthday? Do I LOOK stupid?"

"Anyway, I was thinking. Let's ask her and Strife to make a trip to the Halls of Time and bring back the sort of stuff that's popular in the future.

The adults might be stuffy and not like new taste experiences, but you know that most of the young ones LIVE for that sort of thing."

"Yeah. I can still remember how Accord was after he had that Easter chocolate overload when he was little. Hopefully what she supplies won't

have QUITE that extreme an effect. But I think it's a good idea. It's always at least interesting to see what Strife and Scribe come up with when

they get together. I know at least ONE thing she'll supply."

They looked at each other, then spoke in stereo. "Pop Tarts." "Pop Tarts."

"Sometimes I wonder," said Ares. "What the store clerks in her own time think when she asks Strife to pick some up? He doesn't always remember

to change his clothing to fit in."

"Scribe says that she told him to buy only somewhere called the Castro District in San Fransisco. She said he wouldn't raise too many eyebrows

there if he came in wearing nothing but the safety pins."

Ares chuckled. "Did you read her version of how she came here, and we got together? Boy, it burned Gabrielle's butt. When she complained to

Scribe, Scribe said something about just consider it the ancient Greek version of a supermarket tabloid--exagerrated, sure, but didn't it make a good

story? And that there were a lot more people in Greece who knew who Gabby was after it came out than before." He laughed more strongly. "Of

course she couldn't vouch for their OPINIONS..."

"Let's ask Apollo. He probably won't come, since he'll consider it a 'kids' party, but if we DON'T ask him, he's liable to leave my garden in shade for

the next few months."

"If we have to ask him, we have to ask the Muses. That's all right, though. We should have plenty of girls around."

Joxer looked at Ares. *I know the answer, but I'm going to ask anyway. Maybe if he thinks about it, he'll get a clue.* "Why is that?"

"Oh, come on, Joxer. You're going to have to face facts--Accord isn't a little boy anymore. He's going to start getting interested in girls pretty

soon, so we need to provide him with opportunities to interact, so he won't feel so awkward."

"Did you ever feel awkward?"

Joxer had expected a quick denial, but Ares said, "Yeah, a little. I mean, with the sort of... Look, I don't want to put down camp followers, because

they're damn important in keeping an army from just running over the edge in frustration. But they're not the best people in the world to start out

with. Yeah, they have a lot of experience with all sorts of men, but in the back of your mind you think, 'I wonder if she's comparing me'. And you

feel like you ought to measure up to the ones who have gone before, and what young man needs that sort of pressure when he's just starting to get

involved in sex? Accord comes around the camps a lot, getting the feel for his business, and I don't want him to see nothing but the camp tarts.

They spoil him rotten, anyway, and it would be just natural for him to gravitate to them. Of course I want him to make his own choices, but there's

no harm in steering him toward the sort of people he'll have more in common with, is there?"

"Not at all. And I want you to remember that--that you think it would be good for him to be with someone who has a similar background." *Because

I think that you'll NEED to keep that in mind pretty soon.* "So we'll invite all the members of the House of Love, most of the House of Intellect... I

know Eris doesn't do parties much, but she'll want to come." Joxer smiled. "Accord is starting to appreciate her fashion sense a little. He's actually

worn the last vest she gave him, but he's outgrown every pair of leather pants she's given him before he even had a chance to wear them in." Joxer

started counting off on his fingers. "Cupid, Strife, Bliss, Imp, Dite, Heph, Scribe, Jett, Jayce, Eris... I know that Hercules still irritates you, but we

need to invite Polly, because Accord really likes her, and Imp will just go get her anyway if we don't, so... Darn, I'm out of fingers. Now -I- need to

look at my toes." Ares crawled on top of him. "Or I could leave this alone for awhile and just have sex."

"Sounds like a plan."

It wasn't planned, of course. It was pretty fucking spontaneous, or pretty spontaneous fucking, however you want to express it. It was vigorous,

sweaty, loving, and a little hilarious. Well, Ares WOULD insist on using his beard in creative ways. When it was over Joxer was weak from laughter

as well as good sex. Ares was laying on his back, and he made a grumbling sound. "What?"

"I just realized that I can't lay down and see my toes now."

"Try putting your hands behind your head." Ares did. "Well?"

Ares smiled. "There they are."

"I learned all sorts of things when I was pregnant. One of them is that you miss your feet when you can't see them." He reached over and stroked

the small, shallow curve of Ares belly. "Another thing is that a good belly rub can do wonders for you."

Ares hooked an arm around Joxer's neck and pulled him closer. "Hell, I didn't have to get pregnant to figure that out. I've watched Mjau when you

rub his belly. I'd be jealous if he wasn't a different species." He thought. "Actually, when I consider the sexual histories of some of my relatives,

the only reason I'm not jealous is that I know you love me more than him, and I know he's not gay. Him getting Priss knocked up, and constantly

hanging around Scribe's cats is proof enough of that."

"I dunno," said Joxer. "Maybe he just hasn't met the right tom."

Ares snorted. "You've been listening to Scribe expound about how everyone deep down is at least a LITTLE bit bi."

"Well..."

"She never tries for cuddles with the Muses. As far as I can tell, at least if I had to swear to it, the only person she's slept with since coming to

Olympus is Jett. Which is probably a good idea. I don't think Jett would be stupid enough to try anything with her, but she might find herself losing

lovers on a regular basis if she decided to step out on him."

"That's a very plausible scenario. I'll talk to Strife and Scribe tomorrow. Their schedules may not be as rigid as some people's, but they still have to

plan for time for an excursion like the one I'm thinking of."

~*~*~*~*~

A week later, Joxer made sure that Accord was soaking in the bathing pool, trying to get rid of the smell he'd acquired while spreading manure on his

garden. Then he went over to the Temple of Intellect to meet with Scribe and Strife. They had decided to store the goodies in Scribe's little

cottage, because they all figured that Accord would be less likely to stumble on them there.

On his way, he ran into Bliss. "Hey, Joxer. How goes it?"

"Fine, as usual. I'm on my way to check out the supplies that your Dad and Scribe collected for Accord's party. It's just two days away, and she

said if I thought of anything in particular I wanted that they didn't have, I had to speak now, or make do."

"Can I come?"

"Sure, I don't see why not. Just remember that the cats are fascinated by anything that rustles, and particularly birds, so I wouldn't twitch my

wings over there unless you want to find yourself wearing a few of them."

"I understand. Priss went through that stage. I had bald patches, and she was coughing feathers."

They didn't even have to get inside the temple to know that this was where the Goddess of Cats lived. There were three of them sunning

themselves on the front steps. They never moved, except for the lazy twitching of tails or an occasional lick of the paw, but their eyes followed

them alertly. "Personally," said Bliss, "I think they have telepathy, and they're telling the ones inside that we're coming."

"I wouldn't be too surprised. Jett has been trying to sell Scribe on the idea of training them to be security or war animals." Bliss gave him a 'look'.

"Think about it. They're so fast and agile that they're damn near impossible to catch unless they LET you. And if you DO catch them, it's a good

idea to be wearing chain mail if you don't want to lose a good bit of blood. Dogs may be bigger, but cats have FIVE sets of weapons instead of just

one, and when they're really scared or pissed they can just CLIMB you. You have to admit, a guy wearing a screeching, clawing, biting cat on his

head wouldn't be thinking about much but getting it off."

"Come to think of it, you're right. Ounce for ounce, I'd rather have Cerberus mad at me than a really upset cat. What did Scribe say about the

idea?"

"She said, 'Drop it, Deadly.'"

They had reached the little hut that occupied an enclosed garden at the Temple of Intellect. Joxer looked around, and said, "I need to get Scribe to

have another talk with Mjau about not molesting Accord's plants. I think he eats more vegetables than we do, just to be perverse."

He knocked, and a voice inside called, "Velcommen, bienvenu, welcome, c'mon in." When Joxer came in, Scribe and Strife were sitting at a table,

regarding a large collection of bags that were made out of filmy, shiny material. Joxer said, "I believed you the first time, Scribe."

She grinned at them. "You were just in time for me to channel the spirit of Madelaine Kahn. Hi, Blissy. Come give dirty old Auntie Scribe a kiss."

Bliss obligingly gave her a smacking kiss--on the forehead. "Damn. Jox, how's the Incredible Swelling Spouse doing?"

He can't see his toes when he lies flat," said Joxer.

"Shit happens." Strife giggled. "You whispered that in the ear of the man who invented that bumper sticker, didn't you? Okay, let's go over what

we have here, so you can tell me if you need anything else." They started unloading bags. "It's a bit of a hassle making a shopping trip back home.

Since I don't want to pull the old 'this is a glamour--that isn't really money, it's a cow chip' bit, I have to take some gold or silver to a jewelers or

pawn shop and get cash for it first. If I go to the places where they don't ask questions about what I'm doing with antique coins in pure precious

metal, I get screwed on the exchange. Maybe I SHOULD give them spelled cow patties." She shrugged. "Anyway, it's great being a deity and going

shopping. I can finally buy all the totally useless junk food I want. So I did. Let's see--chips first. I got Cheetos, Fritos, Tostitos, Lays Ruffles in

an assortment of flavors, Funyuns, and Pringles. I think it's going to drive Hestia nuts, trying to figure out how they got every single chip exactly

the same."

She dug farther. "If I'd had more time, I'd have gotten the fixings and made some home made Texas Trash. Instead I got a few bags of assorted

Chex Mix. Man, you know they're PROUD of that cereal."

"Beg pardon?" Joxer was trying to figure out a bag. To the best of his knowledge, he'd never seen one that was sealed that tight without being

sewn shut.

"The price. It isn't even pre-sweetened."

"Which brings us tah my suggestion," said Strife. He unloaded a number of boxes of brightly colored stiff paper. "Cereal."

Bliss made a face. "Cereal?"

"That's right," said Scribe. "You only know porridge, or cracked wheat, or natural crap like that. No, sweetie--presweetened COLD cereal--one of

the best snacks around. I ate more of it dry when I was a kid than I did with milk. I had to agree with Strife on this one. What did you get? Oh,

Cap'n Crunch. GOOD choice. Trix... Lucky Charms and Count Chocula! Joy! Candy marshmallows to go with the sugar lumps. Say, remind me to

stay close to the walls if Imp gets into this. The last time she had a sugar rush, she misjudged her altitude, and wiped me out. She got the worst

of it, cause I'm so much bigger, but it was darn uncomfortable." She rubbed her nose. "I think this ended up pug instead of just turned up. Then

we have..." She pulled out a much smaller box..."

"Let me guess," said Joxer.

"You get three guesses, and the first two don't count," said Scribe cheerfully. "My addiction. I got at least one box of each flavor. You should

have seen the looks we got from the clerk. I think I have enough here to make a small preschool hyperactive. And if I don't, there's this." She

pulled out a package that looked rather like a thin brick.

"What is it?" asked Bliss, curiously. "That looks like cookies on the front."

"This," Scribe's tone was almost reverent, "is ready-to-bake cookie dough. I also have brownie dough."

"And you're going to bake them for the party."

"Hell no--they're to eat raw."

"Raw?"

"Trust me. I also got Fiddle-Faddle, honey roasted peanuts, and for dipping the chips, French onion, ranch, queso, salsa, and bean dip."

"No fruit?" said Joxer. Strife and Scribe stared at him. "I might as well ask it now--you know that Demeter will, if she comes."

"As a matter of fact..." Scribe pulled out several pints of beautiful strawberries, and a bag of fresh cherries.

Strife peered at them. "Yer not reformin on me, are ya, Toots? Since when do ya pass up junk fah fresh fruit."

"When I make a fondu out of this." She slapped a slab of rocky road down on the counter. "I got marshmallows to go with that, too. Heph is just

about finished with the pot and skewers."

"I have to ask this," said Joxer. "Is there going to be anything resembling actual food? Just in case Hercules asks."

Now Scribe pulled out several jars. "Perfect nutritious-but-not-so-nutritious-they-hate-it-on-general-priniciples food--peanut butter and jelly

sandwiches."

"Are they going to have a choice?"

"Sure--regular, or chunky. I'm sticking with grape jelly, though. It's traditional, and I'm feeling nostalgic. I also got an assortment of sodas for

them as wants to try them. Another great thing about being a goddess--I can make ice whenever I want it--I never have to worry about the tray

not being frozen."

"Why would you want to freeze a tray?" asked Bliss.

"Loooong story." Scribe had opened a tiny box, and was popping luridly colored pellets into her mouth.

"What on earth are you eating?" asked Joxer.

"These? Oh, they're great. You can't get them all the time, but since Valentine's Day was a few weeks ago, they had them on sale at clearance

prices, so I cleared them out. They're conversational hearts. Here."

She handed Joxer a bright yellow candy. Bliss leaned over to get a better look at it, and smiled. "HELLO CUTIE?"

"Lots of good sayings. We have HOT STUFF, FOREVER, BE MINE... Things like that. I think there has to be a company somewhere that'll print up

personalized ones, but I haven't run across it, and I shudder to think of how many you'd have to order to justify the price. That's about it, and

whatever Hestia brings. I didn't have time to order a cake, and she'd be in a serious snit if I did, anyway."

"This looks... interesting," said Joxer. He looked at Bliss. "Do you think he'll like it?"

Bliss started to say yes, but instead said, "Why are you asking me?" Joxer looked at Scribe and Strife. They looked at each other, then they all

looked at Bliss. "WHAT?"

Scribe pinched his cheek. "No one is likely to know Accord better than you." Bliss looked accusingly at Strife, who shook his head. "No, he didn't

tell me. None of us have 'oblivious' anywhere in our name, kid." Bliss sat down and laid his face down on the table. "Not that I'm criticizing, but

shouldn't you be about ready to grow out of that teenage angst bit?"

"I knew that Strife and Dad knew, but heck, I just admitted it to Accord, and HE didn't know."

"Ares' blood runs strong," said Scribe. "And Ares may be able to see the consequences of a single battle years into the future, but when it comes to

romance his perception occasionally stops at the end of his nose. So you're in love. Wonderful."

He looked up at her. "You really think so?"

She put a hand on her hip. "Bliss, you DO know what I do, right? I'm all for sweet young people getting together--and if it's two sweet, young, hot

guys--HEY! Bonus time."

"You don't think he's too young?"

"Well, he IS young--no way around that. But in my time, people started out having sex pretty young. I'll admit that a lot of them did it a lot

younger than they SHOULD have. But the thing is that NOW people on an average have a shorter lifespan than then. That means less time, so I

don't see any problem with responsible people getting romantic at the same ages as they do in my time. It probably evens out. Anyway," she gave

Joxer a cheeky grin. "You're not my kid. I'd say since you were both guys at least you didn't have to worry about anyone getting pregnant, but..."

Strife was still chasing the shrieking, laughing Scribe around the room when Jett burst in, dagger drawn. When he saw that it was Strife, he

resheathed it. "I wish you'd warn me when you're having Strife over for a visit. That way I wouldn't come running when you scream like that unless

I hear 'help' somewhere in the noise. Hi, bro."

"Jett, what are you doing back so early?" said Joxer. "I thought you were back with Dad."

"He was bugging me to assisinate a rival warlord. Cheapskate didn't want to pay me, even when I offered him a family discount. Besides, I happen

to know that Ares has plans for that guy somewhere down the line." He perked up when he saw the bags. "Hey, you went future shopping." His

eyes quickly scanned the table's contents, and he frowned. "You didn't get any chocolate syrup?"

"I didn't think you were going to be back for at least another week," said Scribe.

"Well, you still might have had a though for the next time I came over. Excuse me. I need to go sharpen something." He left.

Scribe sighed. "Oh, hell. Now he's going to pout. I think that's the end of the visit, guys. I need to go put him in a better mood. I never should

have introduced him to chocolate syrup."

As they left, Bliss said, "What do you put chocoate syrup on? Fruit?"

"Nooo. How to explain this delicately? Um... Let's just say that the last time I gave him a can I found out that if you don't bathe and wash your

hair quickly, chocolate syrup can have the consistency of glue..."





Title: Childhood Sweethearts, 12/?
Author: Scribe
Fandom: Xena
Pairing: Almost, not quite
Status: WIP
Series/Sequel: Part of the Love and Mischief Series
Summary: Ares gets a clue.
Archive: Yes
Feedback: Yes. On list, or to poet77665@catlover.com
Disclaimer: I did not create and do not own any readily recognizable media characters. I have no agreement, legal or otherwise, with the creators or

owners. This is purely for entertainment--I have not made, do not seek, and will not accept any profit for it. This story is in no way meant to

reflect on the lives or life styles of the actors/actresses who originally portrayed the characters. I have nothing but fond affection and respect for

them, for giving me so much entertainment, and no disrespect is meant by anything herein.
Rating: Teen, to be safe
Warnings:
Notes: All Revved Up from Bat Out of Hell by You Know Who. Sofia is a Greek word for wisdom.
Personal Websites: http://www.scribescribbles.com and http://www.angelfire.com/grrl/foxluver (which can be reached through the previous site).

Childhood Sweethearts, 12/?
by Scribe

Chapter Twelve

Accord was beginning to wonder if part of becoming an adult was having to give up the fuss that goes along with birthdays. He'd never had to

wheedle for a celebration, and he wasn't about to start now. No, that would be the little kid thing to do, and he wasn't a little kid any more. *I've

been insisting on that for a couple of years, so I can't very well go 'oops, I meant I'm grown up in every way except for birthdays and gift giving

holidays'.*

Still, even when they were embroiled in something big and complicated, his dads had never let his birthday pass without some sort of celebration,

and sixteen was a pretty important milestone. *I need to stop worrying about this. After all, there's almost a week left, and even if they DON'T do

anything, I'm okay with that--I guess. I would've thought that at least Bliss would have mentioned something about it. It Imp. I'd've thought that

she'd be ready to start with the 'old fart' jokes. Well, I'd better get over to Hestia's place. I was kinda surprised when Demeter agreed to let me

start working with Hes before my time with her was officially up. Either she really likes me, or she's trying to get rid of me because she wants me

out of her hair. Either way, if I DON'T get a cake for my birthday, I'll have a chance to grab some goodies while I'm working with Hes.*

Most gods and goddesses simply magicked up whatever they wanted to eat, so Hestia's temple was one of the few places on Olympus (outside of

the quarters for the gods' human priests) where you could find a full sized kitchen. Joxer was one of the few who actually enjoyed cooking. Ares

said he'd gotten a lot better at it over the years, probably because he wasn't working under the pressure of needing it to be palatable because that

was all there was to eat. Since no one had to go hungry if he messed up, he'd felt free to practise and experiment. Hestia liked Joxer a lot. And

Strife had caught the baking bug while he was pregnant with Impetua, and it had never really gone away.

The scent of good things cooking reached Accord long before he went up the steps of the temple. It was always like that. Walking past Hestia's

temple almost assured that you were going to be looking for a snack when you got wherever you were going, because your nose was going to wake

up your stomach. A lot of people just gave up and turned in. There was always something good sitting there, begging to be eaten. And unless

she'd made something specifically for someone, Hestia wouldn't be smacking your hand if you reached for it. In fact, she'd feel mildly insulted if you

left WITHOUT eating something. Strife said that he loved her. She had no idea how much mischief that 'feed them if you love them' philosophy was

going to cause down the line. He'd cackled, saying that he didn't need to worry about The Twilight because the energy it would generate just from

infomercials for exercise equipment and fad diets would probably raise him from the dead.

Accord followed his nose down the corridor, coming at last into a warm, large, fragrant room. He looked around, wondering how many stoves and

ovens Hestia actually had. The number seemed to fluxuate--something to do with her divinity. There was a small metal box on one counter, and he

recognized it as a gift Scribe had brought back from the future. "It's called a toaster-oven," she'd said. "Of course, it won't work here unless we

can figure out how to spell it..." She'd flipped the long, pronged black tail dangling from the thing. "No electricity, except that generated by certain

people..." Jett had been moving up behind her, reaching down to pinch her bottom. She had turned, whipping out a small water skin and neatly

spraying him in the face. Putting it away, she'd said, "Works for cats AND boyfriends. As I was saying, it can't work, but I figured you'd be

interested in the concept. I loved mine to death."

Accord noticed several plates of roasted meats on one of the tables, along with fresh loaves of bread and rolls. There was also an interesting

looking box. "Hes?" he called.

"Just a second, Cord. I'll be right with you."

"Take your time." He picked up one of the rolls and started munching. It was flaky, tender, slightly sweet, and still warm--terrific by itself, but it

could be even better. He went to a shelf ladened with jars of preserves and jellies, and began to try to decide what he wanted. He'd narrowed it

down to either plain honey or strawberry jam, and was just getting another roll when Hestia bustled in, carrying a covered basket.

"Accord!" Her tone was unusually sharp, and Accord swallowed his current bite more quickly than he'd intended. He started coughing, and she

tucked the basket under one arm, using her free one to thump him on the back. "I'm sorry, but you're going to have to leave those alone. They're

promissed for a special occasion. That's why you're here today--you're going to learn a little something about catering."

Accord reluctantly gave up the idea of eating anything else, at least for the time being. Maybe there'd be some left overs from whatever occasion

they were catering. He glanced at the table. "We're never going to be able to carry all of this with just the two of us."

"We won't need to. I can just mentally transport most of it. There are just a couple of things that I want to be transferred by hand." She waved

her free hand, and most of the table's contents disappeared, leaving just the box. "You take that box. Now, don't drop it, and don't try to open it."

"Why?" Accord carefully lifted the box, making sure he had a secure grip. "Is there something animate in here? Did you do one of those nursery

rhyme pies, with birds in the crust?"

"I know that's become fashionable among the bored rich, but the very idea of using live animals in a dish. Revolting."

"Then let me advise you never to let Scribe tell you about the exotic gourmet meal she saw once on a video."

"Did they swallow live worms? I understand that was pretty popular on some sort of mass entertainment thing they had in her time. Something

about survival. Anyway, that's nothing so odd--most children eat a bug or a worm at some time in their lives."

"Not those. See, they have these monkeys strapped in these little chairs, and they shave their heads, then take a bone saw and..." Hestia's eyes

were getting large. "And I better leave it right there, since I warned you about it. Where are we going?"

Hestia came over and took a firm grip on his arms. "I'll drive--you just hang on tight to that box. Now, is that roll you ate going to give you a

problem?"

"What do you--?" Accord blushed. "I haven't upchucked when I transported for months now. Um, weeks, anyway. And if I know it's coming, it

isn't really a problem."

"Good. Now, ready, steady--here we go."

*Flash*

They were stanging in what looked like an open arena, the outside rimmed with stately columns of gleaming marble. In the center there were several

tables laden with food (he looked more closely) some of which he couldn't immediately identify, and surrounding them was an assortment of

comfortable lounges, chairs, and low tables. There were tubs of ice holding an assortment of bottles that were probably wine and ale, and some

jugs of what looked like fruit juice. He was pretty sure that this place didn't normally have a ton of flowering potted trees and bushes creating

shadowy alcoves around its rim, so that meant that someone had decorated their butts off. A few muscicians were on a small dais, tuning their

instruments, and they paused just long enough to offer the two arriving deities a respectful greeting. In short, it looked like there was everything

one needed for a party--except guests. "Where is everyone?"

"They'll be here shortly. A good caterer has to show up a little ahead of time to set things up. Put that box on this table."

Accord settled it carefully. "Am I going to stay long enough to see what this is?"

"Absolutely." She lifted the lid, and Accord bent over for a better look. Then he stood up abruptly, just as...

*FLASH!* "HAPPY NATAL DAY, ACCORD!"

He looked up to find himself surrounded by a couple of dozen of his family and friends, all dressed in their party clothes, and grinning like mad. "You

GUYS!"

Strife pounced on him, hugging him as he cackled. "Oh, we gotcha! We gotcha GOOD, didn't we?"

"You sure did," he admitted, hugging him back. " was thinking that everyone had forgotten."

"You were?" Ares looked a little odd out of his leathers, but even dressed in black silk and well along in his third trimester, he managed to look pretty

damn macho.

"Okay, so I wasn't REALLY." He smiled sunnily. "I was having a moment of 'I'm a teenager, so the world doesn't understand'."

"You're entitled." Joxer took his turn hugging his son. "Did we really surprise you, or are you just humoring us?"

"It's a good thing I'm completely potty trained, and hadn't drunk a lot of water before I went to Hestia's. Speaking of which..." He shook a finger at

the smiling, motherly goddess. "I never would have suspected you of being so devious."

"Strife gave me lessons," she said calmly. She kissed him on the cheek. "And I had incentive to make an effort. You've been working so hard,

dear." She tapped the box. "Do you like it?" Accord leaned over to peek inside again. The cake was huge, the size of a small wagon wheel, and it

smelled deliciously of cinnamon and cloves. "I know that you like spice cake, and I used plenty of almond essence in the frosting."

"It's terrific." Written in flowing script across the top was his name, and below it was a careful rendition of a set of scales, picked out in almond

slivers. The pans of the scales were holding candied rose petals and violets.

Hestia whispered, "Mention those to Dite." Accord saw the Love Goddess to the side, eagerly watching his reaction to his cake. "They were her

idea."

"Right," he whispered back. He raised his voice. "That's so cool! Hey, don't everyone snarf the candied violets. I have dibs on most of those. I

like 'em, and my brath will smell really good for the rest of the day." Dite beamed proudly.

Imp bounced over to him, dragging Polly along, with Hercules and Iolaus coming right behind them. "Happy natal day, Cord. How's it feel ta be

approachin decrepitude?"

"Okay, things are normal," said Accord, accepting embraces from the girls. Polytimous stood on her tip-toes and kissed him on the cheek, then

blushed furiously and hurried over to stand between her fathers, shaking her blonde curls so that they'd hide her face.

When he saw this interchange, Ares elbowed Joxer significantly. "See?" he said quietly. "She's already got a crush on him. Of course she's too

young for him--now, anyway. Since he isn't going to age after a few years, that wouldn't be much of an issue." He shook his head slightly. "But

the idea of having Herc as an in-law..."

"I don't think you have to worry about that," said Joxer, watching as Bliss approached Accord.

Bliss made his way to the guest of honor, working his way through the other divinities who were pressing forward to offere their good wishes. When

he got right before Accord he stopped. "I'd say happy natal day, but that's kind of being over done. So I'll just say," he offered his hand.

"Welcome to adulthood."

Accord shook his hand, but said, "It isn't official. It won't be official till I'm seventeen, unless there's a special decree. You know how hard those

are to come by."

The party got started. Polly didn't manage to eat everything, but she made a valiant effort. Hiss had to be evicted from a bowl of salad, and only

Imp would eat any of it after that--that was IF she'd ever been inclined to eat salad. Priss and Mjau showed remarkable willingness toward team

effort by making off with an entire roast pheasant. Scribe came up to Accord, grabbed his face, and laid a hard kiss in the middle of his forehead.

Then she held up a mirror. He had a bright scarlet kissy mark, and he noticed that her lips were as red as a Bacchae's who'd just gotten through

with a good meal. "Now you have officially been wenched."

Accord almost went cross-eyed trying to peer up at the mark. "What IS that?"

"Lipstick--future cosmetics. I hit the Better Living Through Goth website last time I was back home. I knew I was going to find some use for the

assortment I got, and now I have. Party favors! Hecate?" The Goddess of Witches came over, and Scribe tossed her two small metal tubes, then

pointed to her own lips. "I got you Licorice and Dried Blood."

"Ooo! Let me have the mirror," said Hecate excitedly. "Can this stuff be smudged around the eyes, too?"

"You're a goddess, hon--you can pretty much do as you like. Eris, I thought you'd like my color. Demeter, I got some Plum Gone for you, and

Dite--Brain Pan."

Dite wrinkled her nose. "Ew."

"It's pink."

"Gimme!"

Accord accumulated a pile of presents. There was clothing, scrolls and paintings from the Muses, a decorative dagger from Strife and Cupid, a jade

pendant from Imp (who swore that it was just a plain necklace--no minor curses attatched). Accord examined his loot happily, then glanced at Bliss

questioningly. He didn't have to say anything--Bliss said, "Mine is sort of connected to the one Zeus and Hera are giving you, so I'll wait for that."

Zeus and Hera had moved to the muscician's dais. "And I think you're about to get that one. He has an 'I have a pronouncement' look about him."

The babble of conversation died down as Zeus drew himself up regally, gathering his robes about him. "Attention, please. Friends and family, we

have gathered today to celebrate a very special occasion--the natal day of someone dear to us all: Accord, God of Mediation." Zeus gave Accord a

smile that was more than just official. "I can remember when you arrived, young man..."

"So can I," said Ares, his tone conveying a wealth of memories, not all of them entirely pleasant.

"So can I," said Joxer. "Ouch." But he was smiling.

"If I can be allowed to continue?" said Zeus, but he didn't sound nearly as testy as he usually did when an official pronouncement was interrupted.

"So, what do you give a god? There isn't much that they can't just get for themselves." The other gods and goddesses were nodding in agreement.

And the mortals thought THEY had a hard time coming up with unusual and appropriate gifts. "Accord, I was going to commission a statue of the

person of your choice, but it was brought home to me..." he glanced at Hera. She had her arms crossed, fingers tapping on her elbows, and she

raised an eyebrow at him. "...forcefully that there was something that would be much more appropriate. He cleared his throat, and suddenly

everyone's attention snapped to him. His tone was grave instead of pompous. He held out his hand, saying, "Come here, Accord."

Accord suddenly felt nervous, but he went up on the dais, beside his grandfather. Zeus took his hand. "My boy, you're still young, but you've

matured remarkably in the last couple of years. I laid some heavy requirements on you, and you've met them without complaint. I've had nothing

but good reporst from all your instructors." This surprised Accord a little. He thought for sure that Athena would have reported him for that time

that he'd fallen asleep over the stack of battle plans he'd been trying to memorize. "Normally I wouldn't have even considered this till you were

seventeen."

Accord swallowed hard, eyes going wide. *Oh, Tartarus! Is this what I THINK it is?* Everyone else had the same idea, because an excited murmur

ran through the guests.

Zeus was continuing. "But I know that you'll have plenty of assistance if you need advice, and you've proven yourself to be very responsible. I

think it's time." He put his hands on Accord's shoulders. "Accord, God of Mediation, are you ready to assume your duties?"

*I don't believe this. I've been wanting this for so long, but I didn't expect... I don't know if I'm going to be able to speak. I'm going to just stand

here as dumb as a rock, and he's going to decide I'm not ready, and the Fates will run out of thread before he offers it again.* "I am." *Oh. I

guess I CAN still talk.*

"Close your eyes, and picture your chosen robes of state."

This he knew. He supposed that every deity must have planned their official robes as soon as they knew what they were. Accord had gone through

stages. The earlier ones had included a lot of clashing colors, but they'd sobered as he matured. *And up to a couple of years ago I wanted a

kilt--like Bliss,* he thought. *Because he looks so cool in them. And sexy. I just realized that. Oh, wow. I'm realizing that I think my nephew is

hot in front of my family, while I'm being invested with my godhood. I bet mortals never have to deal with anything like this.* He closed his eyes

and pictured the outfit he'd finally settled on.

"Are you ready?"

He thought about borrowing one of Strife's future sayings--'I was born ready.' Instead he exercised the maturity Zeus had attributed to him, closing

his eyes and saying, "I am."

As the guests watched, a maroon shimmer flowed from Zeus' hands, creeping over Accord's body. His plain, dark clothing melted and flowed. In a

moment he was dressed in rich, black linen pants tucked into high, oxblood boots, a a loose white shirt with flowing sleeves gathered at the wrist,

and a matching maroon open vest and cape. His belt matched his boots, and the silver buckle was embossed with a set of scales. Zeus examined

him, then smiled. "Nice choice. You can open your eyes now, Accord. You can't get any more godly than you already are." When Accord opened

his eyes, Zeus turned him to face the crowd. "I introduce to you Olympus' newest full god: Accord." Then his tone returned to normal, and he

tugged on Accord's braid. "Good luck, Cord."

"Thank you, sir. You're not going to regret this," said Accord earnestly.

"I know. Now, go enjoy the rest of your party."

Accord stepped down, and once again he was surrounded by friends and relations, this time bent on congratulating him. Finally Ares started pulling

people out of the knot that surrounded him. "Okay, okay--he knows that you think he's a fine fellow, and you think that he's going to be the most

kick-butt god to come along in this, or the next century. Now let him BREATHE."

When some of the displaced well-wishers started to mutter, Joxer said, "Cut him some slack. He's being mellow. You should be around him when the

hormones really kick in."

The crowd around Accord still hadn't thinned out much. Bliss was standing near him, and he said, "I'd like to give you your present, but I need to do

it somewhere a little less crowded."

Accord felt an unaccountable thrill. "I think that Scribe and Strife are about to distract everyone." He tilted his head to direct Bliss' attention. "I

just saw them shooing the muscicians off the stage."

"What's that little box Scribe has? And what's that thing she just stuck in it?" Loud... Well, he supposed it was music, suddenly filled the arena.

He could recognize drums and horns, but that was about it. A strong male voice (and neither Bliss nor Accord could see anyone actually singing)

boomed out, "I was nothin' but a lonely boy lookin' for somethin' new..."

Scribe saw them looking, and cupped her hands to her mouth, shouting over the music. "Eight tracks. I brought batteries for the player--enough to

last a looong time."

The music was continuing. "...and you were nothin' but a lonely girl, but you were somethin', somethin' like a dream come true. I was the varsity

captain and the head of the pack, and when I played my guitar I made ya turn in your tracks..."

Most of the gods and goddesses looked bemused, but some of them (especially the younger ones, or the more wildly inclined, like Hecate) were

beginning to bounce a little in place. Strife grabbed Scribe, and they started dancing together. Or as Demeter put it later, 'having sex together,

standing up and about a half-foot apart.' They were singing along with the music. "Every Saturday night I felt the fever grow: do ya know what it's

like? All revved up with no place to go..." Scribe threw her head back, and her arms wide open, yelling, "I'm here to tell the world that Meatloaf is

an absolute bloody GENIUS!"

Hestia looked confused. "Meatloaf? With, or without tomato sauce?"

"Okay," said Bliss. "I think everyone is sufficiently distracted. C'mon." He led Accord toward one of the walkways that opened off the arena.

As they walked into the shadows, Accord felt his heartbeat speeding up. *Okay, he asked me to come here: somewhere private... and dark. What's

he want to give me, and am I going to be ready for it, and not look like a total fool?*

They stopped in front of what looked like a small closet. "It's in here."

As Bliss turned to open the door, Accord closed his eyes briefly. *Crud, I got hold of the wrong end of the stick. It IS just a present. I guess this

proves pretty conclusively that I AM interested in him, though.*

Bliss had bent down, and now he stood up, turning around and holding what looked like a cloth shaped dome. "Here you go, Cord. Happy natal day."

"Um, thanks." Accord held the thing, pushing the cloth down.

"Hoo-HOOOOO!"

He almost dropped it, but managed to catch himself. It was a cage. Blinking out at him from between the bars was a great grey owl, his round,

golden eyes almost glowing in the dimness. "Oh, my gosh!"

"Do you like him?"

Accord grinned. "He is so COOL! I always wanted my own pet."

"Well, I'm afraid you still haven't got one. He's your familiar, sort of like Priss and Hiss are for Imp. I didn't really need to keep him in the cage, but

he sort of indicated that he wouldn't mind, since it would make it more traditional. The 'hoo-hooo' that scared the crap out of you was HIS idea."

Accord reached one fingertip through the bars, gently stroking the creamy feathers on the bird's breast. It opened its beak silently, but Accord

could tell that it was in pleasure, not threat. "What's his name?"

"I don't know."

"You didn't give him one, so I could name him?"

"No, I didn't ask. He's sentient, Accord. He'll let you know what his name is, if you ask nicely, and pay attention."

"Really?" Accord put his eyes on level with the bird's. "Hi. I'm Accord. I'm gonna be your... Uh... Well, I hope we're gonna be friends. What's your

name?" The bird regarded him, then leaned forward a little on its perch, gazing into his face. Accord closed his eyes, concentrating.

"Well? What's his name."

Accord smiled, standing up. "HIS name is Sofia."

"Oh." Bliss bent down, looking into the cage gravely. "Sorry about that, Miss."

Both he and Accord were chuckling as he stood up. Accord impulsively hooked an arm around Bliss' neck, dragging him down and kissing him quickly.

A little shocked with himself, he let go and stepped back, whispering, "Thank you."

"You're welcome." Bliss took his arms, pulled him close and kissed him--lingeringly. Accord let his head tilt back, and Bliss leaned in, keeping their

mouths pressed together. His hands moved down to Accord's waist, and then his arms slipped around the younger boy, pulling him into a tight

embrace.

Accord's eyes drifted shut as he felt the warm, tingling, totally RIGHT feeling wash over him, and the main thought running through his mind (besides

'oh, wow') was, *Why the Tartarus was I worried about this?*

~*~*~*~

A Couple of Minutes Earlier

"Where's Accord?" Ares was looking around. "The guest of honor shouldn't sneak off. He should stay here and have his ears bleed with the rest of

us."

"Oh, come one," said Joxer. "I know damn good and well you're going to use that 'on a hot summer night would you offer your throat to the wolf

with the red roses' on me somewhere down the line."

"Probably not until I've given birth. Where is he?"

Joxer, who was working on a second piece of cake (Hestia really COULD bake) pointed with his fork. "Bliss is giving him his present. I don't know

what it is exactly, but I got a glimpse of the package when he went to store it, and it was making noises."

"Ah, crap," said Ares. "I was hoping that he wouldn't get an animal till he was ready to move into his own place in a couple of decades. I'd better

go check it out."

As he started toward the walkway, Joxer waved, trying to catch his attention. "Uh, Ar? I'm not sure that's a good idea."

Ares called back over his shoulder. "It's his natal day: I'm not going to try to make him give it up. I just want to know what I should expect."

As Ares came to a dead halt, staring into the darkend mouth of the hallway, Joxer muttered, "I think maybe you ARE getting an idea of what to

expect."




Title: Childhood Sweethearts, 13/?
Author: Scribe
Fandom: Xena
Pairing: Almost, not quite
Status: WIP
Series/Sequel: Part of the Love and Mischief Series
Summary: Someone finally has 'that talk' with Ares.
Archive: Yes
Feedback: Yes. On list, or to poet77665@catlover.com
Disclaimer: I did not create and do not own any readily recognizable media characters. I have no agreement, legal or otherwise, with the creators or owners. This is purely for entertainment--I have not made, do not seek, and will not accept any profit for it. This story is in no way meant to reflect on the lives or life styles of the actors/actresses who originally portrayed the characters. I have nothing but fond affection and respect for them, for giving me so much entertainment, and no disrespect is meant by anything herein.
Rating: Teen, to be safe
Warnings:
Notes: The timings of the sections here sort of overlap each other. Bear with me--I couldn't stand to not show what was happining with everyone.
Personal Websites: http://www.scribescribbles.com and http://www.angelfire.com/grrl/foxluver (which can be reached through the previous site).

Childhood Sweethearts, 13/?
by Scribe

Chapter Thirteen

Joxer apprehensively watched his husband, waiting for his reaction to whatever it was he was seeing in that dim hallway. Joxer had some idea of what that scene was--he just didn't know what level of intensity it was going to reach.

Still staring, Ares backed up, then turned and walked back to Joxer, his steps as slow and careful as those of a man who THINKS he might be drunk, but isn't sure, and doesn't want to be busted if he is. When he got back to Joxer he just stood silently, looking into the middle distance. Joxer had the impression that he could have decorated Ares' face with the last of his birthday cake and still not gotten much of a reaction. Finally he decided that HE wasn't going to broach the subject, but he ought to make some sort of conversation before someone came up to speak to his husband and Ares just blurted something out. "So, was it an animal?"

Ares blinked. "An owl," he said faintly.

"Oh. Hey, that's a pretty appropriate familiar for Accord, since he's going to have to exercise wisdom and judgement. I was feeling kind of disappointed about that oak tree over in the corner of the garden that was dying, but now we can put it to good use. It won't take any effort at all to hollow out a good nest space. Of course we'll have to make sure that the owl knows that Mjau isn't a meal, but..."

"Joxer?"

*Here it comes.* "Yes?"

Ares cleared his throat. "Now, I want you to remain calm, and don't make a scene. But Joxer, I just saw something..."

"Oh, Tartarus. TELL me you didn't peep on Bliss and Accord having sex."

"WHAT?"

"Well, you stood there for a good, long look."

"I mean what made you even consider that... It WASN'T, but it damn sure could LEAD to it. Maybe I should..." He made a move toward the hallway.

Joxer grabbed his arm, hissing, "Don't--you--dare! Do you want to embarrass them both to death? Damn, Ar, where's your sense?"

"But Jox..."

"Lower your voice. Athena just looked over here, and she has ears like... like... Tartarus. I can't think of anything reknowned for it's hearing. Lots of stuff for sight, and some for smell, but nothing for hearing. Okay, she has ears like someone with really, REALLY keen hearing, and you don't want her knowing any more family secrets than are necessary."

Joxer was right, and Ares lowered his voice. "Joxer, they were KISSING!"

"Kissing what?"

"You know--KISSING?"

"On the lips?"

"I'd hardly be upset if it was on the cheek or forehead."

"Well, damn--the way you're taking on I thought you caught them kissing somewhere a LOT more interesting, if you catch my drift."

"JOXER!"

"Stop it! Now Demeter is looking over here. Damn, Ares. You're being more of a drama queen than Jayce ever THOUGHT about being."

"I don't understand your attitude."

"And I don't understand yours, but this is hardly the place to discuss it, and... Cerberus poop--here comes trouble."

Demeter, a smile too sugary to be genuine plastered on her face came up, watching them with shrewd eyes. "Something wrong, boys? Hestia accidentally drop a nutmeg in the cake?"

"Why would you think that?" asked Joxer.

"Because Ares looks like he just swallowed one whole."

Ares opened his mouth, but Joxer broke in. (Joxer was sure that Ares wouldn't want to give Demeter any possible ammunition. She'd never admit it, but she blamed herself a little for the situation with Hades and Persephone. She thought, deep down, that if she'd just watched her daughter better... Demeter seemed to be dedicated to proving that every other god and goddess on Olympus wasn't THAT great a parent, either) "He's just a little disgruntled because of the gift Bliss gave Accord. It's an owl--you know, a familiar?"

Demeter made a face. "No wonder you look ticked off."

"I do not," Ares protested immediately. Joxer raised an eyebrow. "Well, I'm NOT. I'm... surprised." He looked back at the hallway. "Bordering on stunned. Flabbergasted might not even be too far off the mark."

Demeter gave him a puzzled look. "Well, they're a nuisance with the hooting, and the dropping pellets filled with nasty hair and bones business, but they're not THAT bad. Just don't let it fly around inside. If you take my advice..."

"My, Sephie is looking glowing today," said Joxer brightly. "Hades just conjured up a nice chaize lounge for her and he's insisting she sit down." Joxer looked thoughtful. "No, she COULDN'T be... We'd know if she was..."

"Excuse me." Demeter, eyes narrowed, stalked toward her daughter and (unwanted) son-in-law.

Ares said, "Joxer, you're the God of Peace, and you did THAT?"

"Hades and Persephone can handle her--they have a lot of experience. And I had to get rid of her before you blurted out something that would make our son want to run and hide."

Ares eyed him. "Why don't you seem surprised?"

Joxer rolled his eyes. "Now is not the time and place."

"Well, where and when?"

"You're not going to let this go, are you?" Ares glared at him. "Thought not. Okay: back home, in about two or three minutes. We just need to say good-bye." He looked past Ares, waving, and Ares turned around to see Bliss and Accord emerging from the hall. "Cord," Joxer called. "We have to go now."

Accord looked a little flushed, a little dazed, but very happy. "So soon?"

"Not you, Cord--us, your Dad and I. You stay as long as you like. I'm pretty sure that your official studies are over now." He gave Zeus a firm look, and Zeus correctly interpretted it as 'cross me here and you have NO domestic peace of ANY kind in the foreseeable future.' Zeus nodded. "I'll try and have a cozy hollow tree set up for your owl by the time you get home. If not, it's welcome in your room only, till we learn how it's going to deal with Mjau."

"Gotcha."

Joxer hooked his arm through Ares'. He was smiling at his son, but he whispered out of the corner of his mouth through clenched teeth. "Tell our son happy natal day and good-bye, or I'll crawl all over you when we get home, and NOT in the good way."

Ares cleared his throat. "Happy natal day again, son. Good-bye and... be careful."

"I will."

*Flash*

Accord gave Bliss a look that spoke volumes. "Parents."

Strife was on the dais, trying to teach Cupid some sort of 'done in unison' dance with Scribe. She was chanting, "One, two, three, DO THE HUSTLE!"

Bliss nodded. "Yep."

~*~*~*~*

Right Around the Time That Ares Went Back to Joxer...

Accord wanted like crazy to put his arms around Bliss, too, but that would involve either dropping Sofia's cage on their feet, or letting go long enough to put it down safely. He didn't really want to do either. He'd just managed to move the cage out of the way when Bliss hugged him, so that it wasn't trapped between their bodies, but his grip was getting a little precarious.

He stopped worrying about that when he felt Bliss' tongue dabbing at his lips. His eyes flew open in surprise. He knew that people did this sort of thing, of course. Last year Imp had offered to teach him how to do it, and he'd turned her down with as polite a 'ew, that's gross' as he could. She'd informed him archly that he was more of a baby than she was, and if Polly didn't mind learning how to smooch with her, what made him so squeamish?

Somehow this didn't make him feel squeamish at all. *Okay, do I just open my mouth and see what he does, or should I... How WIDE should I open my mouth? I wonder what he tastes like? I bet I could find out if I...*

Bliss let him go and stepped away, blushing and mumbling. "Um, sorry if I went too fast."

"Huh?"

"I mean, after all, that was sort of our first kiss, and I should have realized that you wouldn't be ready for the deep kind. You..."

Accord sort of lunged at him, again getting a sort of semi-wrestling lock on his neck, and pressed an open mouthed, moist, and only slightly awkward kiss to his mouth. The Accord stepped back, saying, "I was surprised, okay?"

"Okay." It was a little stunned. "We... We'd better go back out, before someone comes looking for us."

"Okay. I guess you're right, and have you noticed that sometimes we have a little echo thing going?"

"I noticed." They started walking toward the opening.

"It doesn't bug you?"

"No, I kinda like it."

"Good, because I don't do it on purpose."

"I know. That's what makes it cute."

Accord snorted. "Cute."

Bliss tugged at his braid as they stepped out into the sun. "Don't knock cute. I was cute up till my voice dropped, and I'm still accused of it on a regular basis."

Accord grinned at him. "Yeah, I can see that."

Bliss looked around and said, "Why does your Dad Ares look so funny?"

"Probably because the baby just moved."

"Cord," Joxer called, "We have to go now..."

~*~*~*~

Back At the Temple of War

*Flash* *whack*

"OW!" Ares rubbed the back of his head. "What was that for?"

"'Be careful.' ARES!"

"What? It was a perfectly reasonable farewell. How many times have I told him to be careful when we said good-bye?"

"Yeah, but this time you didn't mean that he shouldn't drink from a horse trough or take a stroll along the edge of a roof."

"He didn't know that."

"Then what good did it do to say it?" Ares sat down and put his head in his hands. Seeing how confused his husband looked, Joxer relented and sat beside him, putting an arm around his shoulders. "Ar, there's nothing to get excited about."

"But Joxer, they were KISSING."

"So you said."

"My son and my grandson were kissing, and not that 'you're my relative so I have to' way. That doesn't bother you?"

Joxer thought about it. "It MIGHT have, if there was a greater age difference, or if Accord wasn't so close to being grown up. Or if it hadn't been coming on for so long."

Ares stared at him. "What the Tartarus is THAT supposed to mean?"

Joxer sighed. "Oh, Ar..." He hugged his husband. "I love you, and you're the greatest military tactician in history, and a pretty fine judge of character in most cases, but when it comes to romance--" Joxer gently tapped a knuckle against Ares' forehead. "Thick as a brick."

"I am not."

"How long did it take you to realize that you were in love with me?"

Ares opened his mouth, then closed it. "I love Bliss," he said. "But I was sort of counting on grandchildren, and..." His eyes opened wide as Joxer started to stand up, face darkening. He grabbed Joxer's arm. "I didn't mean that! The mouth was in gear before the brain was warmed up. I'm sorry, Jox." His hand crept down to rest over his own slightly mounded belly. "I'm still not used to the concept, okay? Not even after you and Strife. I expect that giving birth will drive home the reality, though, and I don't know WHY it took me so long to realize how I felt about you." He shrugged. "So sometimes I'm an ass."

Joxer relented, and sat back down again. "Don't feel too bad about not having snapped . I didn't know it right away either. Dite knew before either of us, and the Muses, and Bliss, and I think Cupid. It was the same way with Bliss and Accord."

"Am I the LAST person to be told EVERYTHING?"

"Oh, come on. Look, you can't be all that shocked, or you'd have tossed a major league hissy fit back there at the Acropolis. If you think back you'll probably realize that you've sort of known in the back of your mind--you just didn't want to face it because... Well, it IS a little more complicated than most relationships Accord could have gotten into. Think, Ar. Who have either of them spent more time with than each other? They've grown up together, been best friends since... Since I was carrying him. You know we used to joke about Bliss talking to him when he was still in my belly? I think that might not have been as far-fetched as we thought."

Ares said slowly, "It's a crush." But his voice lifted a touch at the end of the sentance, making it a question.

"It's possible, but I don't think so. Accord went through the whole hero-worship bit when he was younger."

"Maybe they'll outgrow it."

Joxer's eyes narrowed. "Are you sure you want that?" Ares looked down. "Who would Accord be safer with than Bliss? Who would be better for Bliss than Accord? Give me examples." Ares sighed. "Ar, I know that it's going to be hard, but you're going to have to just take a step back and let what happens--happen. You've seen for yourself how much pain can be caused when a parent tries to dictate their child's love life. If you need a reminder, just remember how I got rid of Demeter." Ares winced. "Exactly." He hugged Ares again. "We raised Accord to be a responsible and fairly sensible young man. And he IS that--a young man. VERY young, but he's not a little boy any more, and he has to start making his own choices. If he chooses Bliss... I think everyone involved could do a whole lot worse."

They were silent for a moment, then Ares said, "I was sort of looking forward to having 'The Talk' with him."

Joxer smiled. "After all the time he's spent hanging around the House of Love? Any you know darn good and well that if he asked either of us anything but the most basic biologically functional questions we'd have dropped through the floor."

"No I wouldn't." *pause* "I'd have said I didn't have time, go ask your father, and left the room."

Joxer rolled his eyes. "Figures." They were quiet for a while longer, and Ares chuckled. "What?"

"I was just thinking... I bet the Fates have been sweating rings under the arms of their togas, trying to decide whether or not they should spill the beans about this situation..."



Title: Childhood Sweethearts 14/?
Author: Scribe
Fandom: Xena
Pairing: None yet
Status: WIP
Series/Sequel: Part of the Love and Mischief Universe
Summary: Accord and Bliss discuss things--sort of
Archive: Yes
Feedback: Yes. On list, or to poet77665@catlover.com
Disclaimer: I did not create and do not own any readily recognizable media characters. I have no agreement, legal or otherwise, with the creators or owners. This is purely for entertainment--I have not made, do not seek, and will not accept any profit for it. This story is in no way meant to reflect on the lives or life styles of the actors/actresses who originally portrayed the characters. I have nothing but fond affection and respect for them, for giving me so much entertainment, and no disrespect is meant by anything herein.
Rating:
Warnings: .
Notes: Whim is the redheaded, freckle-be speckled God of Sudden Impulses from Unexpected--the one who precipitated Hercules getting knocked up. This chapter is a reworking of another story offered earlier--Visiting Relatives: Uncle Accord.
Personal Websites: http://www.scribescribbles.com and http://www.angelfire.com/grrl/foxluver (which can be reached through the previous site).

Childhood Sweethearts, 14/?
by Scribe

Accord was busy for awhile, taking up his new duties. It seemed like every mortal who had a petty squabble wanted the personal attention of the newest full-fledged god on Olympus. He wasn't well enough established yet for his own earthly temples, but Joxer had set aside a couple of nice rooms in his home temple in Corinth. Accord had chosen maroon draperies, alter cloths, and robes for his priests, the floors were athracite, and the walls were darkly veined rose marble. Ares approved of the black and maroon, and Aphrodite gave Accord a huge smooch for decorating with anything pink. Accord politely turned down the pink roses she offered, but accepted burgundy and white ones to decorate his altar. His uncle Jayce (who was appearing in a revival of 'Whoops! or Who Was That So Called Lady I Saw You With Last Night?') dropped by and voiced his approval. "But then chu have to have hefashion sense, sweetie." He touched his own chest. "Hafter all, chur related to me."

It was a good thing that Accord had made his niche comfortable, because he was spending a lot of time there. He was there where the sun rose, ready to greet the worshipers who had already lined up outside the temple. (They would have come in, but Ares's priests dropped by to tell them that this was the Temple of Peace, and by damn they were going to HAVE peace, if they had to get violent to obtain it). He hardly took breaks for meals, and he didn't leave until long after the streets were dark. In fact if it hadn't been for the fact that Ares' priests were also shooing the lingerers away with comments such as, "You're going to be negotiating with Cerberus to stay off your behind if you don't give that kid some breathing space."

When Joxer found out and confronted Ares, Ares had said, "Look, he's trying to over do it. He's not going to listen if either of us, or ANY adult god, tells him to slow down or he'll burn out. He's young--he does't think that's possible. I'm just making sure that he has a little slack until he learns not to micro-manage."

Joxer had sighed. "I can't really say anything to you. I went over yesterday, and when I saw the mob crowded outside his audience room I laid a peace that passeth all understanding on them--for a few hours. But we've got to stop. If he ever finds out that we aren't letting him handle this alone, he'll be so hurt."

"He needs to take some time off. Why doesn't he go visit with Bliss?"

Joxer smiled. "You've come around quickly."

Ares shrugged, a little uncomfortably. "Well, it's like you said--I can't think of anyone either of them would be better off with. That sounds so lame, though. It sounds like I think they're settling, and I really don't think that. That kiss I saw looked pretty sincere from where I stood, but if it IS the real thing, why haven't they been together since then? Unless they're sneaking around (and I think we could probably tell if they were--Accord would blush hotter than a house on fire) they haven't spent any time together alone."

"They're not rushing--which I think shows remarkable restraint when you consider that Accord is right at the age when his hormones are doing the 'happy horny dance'."

"I bet Bliss could get him to take some time off."

"Ares, don't you..."

"I'm not going to ASK him to." *pause* "Not directly, anyway. But if I just ask him over for supper, and then suggest he spend the night..."

"And you accuse Aphrodite of being a chronic matchmaker. Leave them alone. They'll find their own way, at their own speed. Remember, Accord is sort of a late bloomer. Even if he's settled on someone, he's likely to take a little time working up to, er, intimacy. Any way, if Accord is away from him too long, I have a feeling that Bliss is perfectly capable of making the first move himself."

Not Quite a Month After the Natal Day

Bliss flashed into the Halls of War, sending gold and silver sparks to the upper corners of the room in a starburst effect. Joxer looked up from the scroll he was reading. "You're getting good with that."

"I hope so, as much time as I've spent practicing it. Whatcha doing?" He strode over and dropped down to sit beside Joxer on the sofa, tossing an arm casually around his neck. Bliss was one of the few males in creation who could do this without worrying about how Ares would react.

"What else? Reading petitions. I felt a little selfish, asking my followers to submit anything involving more than ten people in writing, but Ares pointed out that it was the only way to tell the really SERIOUS pleas from the ones that were just whining. I mean, I have one here..." he shuffled through the pile on the low table before him, "from a girl in Thebes who believes that the entire population of town has declared war on her--because she was only chosen a handmaiden and not the Queen of the last Festival of Apollo."

"Want me to zap her for you?"

Joxer smiled at him. "Thanks, but she's going to have to learn to deal with disappointment without the personal attention of the God of Joy." Bliss held up his thumb and forefinger an inch apart. "No, not even a little, unless you normally would in your course of duty. We don't want to spoil them." He shook his head. "If I didn't know that Ares is alive and kicking, I'd think I just channeled his spirit."

Bliss poked him in the side. "They say that old married couples grow more alike." He slouched back, then gazed around the room. Voice casual, he said, "Where is everybody?"

Joxer smiled. "He's out in the garden."

Bliss turned wide blue eyes on him. "Grandpa Reese?"

Joxer rolled his eyes, but didn't call him on his transparent ruse. "Ares is trying to drill some strategy into the head of a particularly dimwitted warlord. I just hope he doesn't do it literally. He can always replace the warlord, but he knows I hate it when he comes home with icky stuff on his clothes. I meant Accord."

"Oh." Bliss stood up (again casually) and stretched. There was a lot of him to stretch. He'd inherited most of his father's physical traits--thus he was big, buff, blonde, and gorgeous.

Most blond hair got darker with age, but Bliss had flaunted the trend, his hair paling to flaxen. At the age of twelve he'd allowed Imp to give him a haircut. Aphrodite had almost fainted at the sight of the butchered hairdo, and had swiftly tried to even it up, cutting it even shorter. The result had been a cap of soft, springy curls, and he'd liked it so much that he'd kept it that way, never letting it grow out more than a couple of inches. Some wags on Olympus had dubbed Accord and Bliss 'The Long and the Short of It'.

"I think I'll go chew the fat with him for awhile," said Bliss negligently.

"Uh-huh." Joxer watched him amble out, then turned back to his scroll with a smile, murmuring, "Right. And maybe there'll be some nibbling, too?"

The garden was a relic of the long ago age when Aphrodite had been staying with Ares during her pregnancy with Cupid. When she'd returned to her own temple she'd taken the baby, since Zeus had decreed that Cupid belonged to the House of Love, and Ares had allowed it to fall into neglect. Then Joxer had saved Ares life, being gravely wounded in the process, and Ares had brought him home to recuperate. Ares needed healing himself--of a different sort--and so Joxer stayed.

Some on Olympus had cast a jaundice eye on the marriage, but others had known from the beginning that it was meant to be--and Bliss was one of those. Given his godhood he could tell when people were happy, no matter what front they put up, and he know that Ares was happy when he was with Joxer.

Joxer was a natural nurturer, and he soon had the abandoned garden blooming again. It was said that there were only two gardens that could compete with it--Gaia's, and Hera's--and no one would be dumb enough to try to compare them point-for-point. As he walked down the hall to the exit, Bliss reflected that he had spent some of his happiest hours playing here with Impetua--and Accord.

He stepped out into the warmth and fragrance of the garden, eyes darting alertly in search. He spotted his best friend stretched out in a particularly sunny patch near the back wall, and went to him, moving silently. As he neared, he slowed, studying the scene before him.

A stranger coming upon this scene might have been startled, because Accord lay so still that you had to look closely to see that he was still breathing. He was lying on his stomach, arms folded before him, head turned so that one cheek rested on his forearms. Bliss paused a few feet away, admiring him.

Accord had gotten height from both his fathers--he was the same height as Bliss now, which meant that he'd probably end up the taller of the two. But instead of being lanky, like Joxer, or big, like Ares, Accord was slim, but fit. Bliss could recall one time when Accord had bloodied the nose of another godling who'd called him 'willowy'.

No one was entirely sure where Accord's hair color had come from. Both his parents had dark hair, but Accord's was as black, shiny, and soft as seal fur. It was considerably longer, though. Accord had confounded Ares by stubbornly refusing to have his haircut--pretty much from the time he had learned that HE could say 'no' just as easily as his parents could. The last time they'd measured it was longer than Bliss' arm--fingers outstretched. That meant that the wavy mass usually swirled around the base of his shoulder blades, but reached almost to the base of his spine when it was wet.

Right now the hair was in one long, thick braid--and Accord, eyes closed, was chewing on the end of it. He smiled, eyes still closed, and mumbled around the tress, "Hi, Bliss."

"I know you didn't open your eyes, so how did you know it was me?" Bliss dropped down to sit, cross-legged, in front of him.

"I always know when it's you."

Bliss reached down and tugged the braid so that the damp end was pulled away. "Stop that. You remember how miserable Mjau was when he got hairballs." He stroked the length of the braid, feeling the silky texture of the careful weaving. "And how long have you been laying in the direct sunlight?"

Accord opened his eyes, only to roll them. His eyes were as dark as his hair. "You're not my mother, Bliss. Come to think of it, technically I don't HAVE a mother. I guess you could say I have a maternally INCLINED parent, but Joxer couldn't qualify as a mother because he's never given me the 'if So-and-So jumped off the edge of Olympus would YOU have to jump, too' lecture, and I think that's required for..."

"There's no question that you're related to Joxer SOMEHOW," said Bliss wryly. "And you're not going to distract me with babble. How long?"

"Did you realize that with you sitting there, I can see right up your kilt?"

Accord's voice was light and teasing, but Bliss blushed, as he said, "Like we never skinny dipped together."

"What does the sundial say?"

Bliss glanced at the alabaster sundial that had been a tenth anniversary gift to Ares and Joxer from Aphrodite. "Quarter after eleven."

Accord rolled over on his back and sat up. "About fifteen minutes, and you're right. Time for me to get into the shade." They both got up and went to sit side-by-side beneath a massive oak tree. Bliss heard a sleepy, inquiring, "Hoooo?" from up among the branches, and peered up.

There was an oval hollow in the thick trun, about ten feet from the base of the tree. Sofia, Accord's owl, was blinking out at him. Bliss waved. "Just me, Sophie. Go back to sleep." Sofia hooted softly again, and withdrew back into the dark recesses of her nest. "I see she hasn't completely adjusted to staying awake during the day."

"She says she'll never be a morning person, but she's willing to force herself for my sake. I didn't know it was possible for animals to give you guilt."

"How could you possibly live with a cat and not know that?"

Accord continued the earlier conversation. "You know, my complexion is a royal pain in the ass sometimes. I sure do wish I could tan like you and your Dad." Accord seemed to have only two shades--creamy white, or strawberry pink. He could go from one to the other in only a few minutes, if he wasn't careful.

"I think you look cool," Bliss said firmly.

"Really? I don't look--I dunno, washed out?"

"No. I mean, you aren't as pale as a Bacchae." He elbowed Accord. "And at least you don't get freckles, like Whim."

Accord chuckled. "He's got so many that it ALMOST looks like a tan." Accord leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, and his chin in his hands. "So, whassup?"

"Oh, nothing in particular. Just dropped by to shoot the breeze, see how you were doing." He paused. "I haven't seen much of you lately."

Accord nodded. "No one but my priests and follers have. I finally had to say 'enough is enough, people. Some of this stuff you have to work out between yourselves.' It was so weird. It was like I was channeling the spirit of a middle-aged grandmother." Bliss laughed, which was what Accord had been shooting for. "How are things in the House of Love?"

"Imp got a tattoo."

Accord grinned. "Coolness! I knew she would, sooner or later. I'm thinking about getting one, too, but I'll probably wait till I'm about eighteen. Might as well spare Daddy Jox's heart."

Bliss planted his palms flat behind him, slouching back. "What are you going to get?"

"Something to do with my godhood. I'm thinking about a little set of scales..." he touched his bare chest, "right over the heart."

Bliss nodded. "Good one. I'd like a tattoo, but I have no idea what to get. I haven't figured out anything that would be appropriate for my divinity. I mean, blue birds and rainbows are just too damn wimpy."

"Maybe a dog?"

"A dog? Where did you come up with that off-the-wall suggestion?"

"Don't look at me--I got it from your own dad. Strife came back from the future once saying something about 'happiness is a warm puppy'. Made sense, in a senseless kind of way."

"I'll probably just have to go for geometric. I can't even use symbols like glyphs or runes, since it would be kind of rude for a Greek god to mark himself with a foreign symbol, dontcha think?"

"Just a bit. I think even Strife might draw the line at that. I have an idea, maybe a ring of stars..." he touched a fingertip to Bliss' bicep, "here."

Bliss became very quiet and still, looking down at where the pale finger rested against the tan skin of his arm. After a moment he glanced up, and saw that a blush was coloring Accord's cheeks. Accord dropped his hand, and Bliss immediately missed the touch. Accord leaned forward, hunching over, and started playing with his braid.

Silence lay over the garden, thick and warm, but not exactly uneasy. After a moment Accord, not looking away from the tip of his braid, said, "Bliss?"

"Yeah?"

"You remember when you kissed me on my natal day?"

Bliss' voice was quiet. "I'm never going to forget that. I also remember that YOU kissed ME, too."

Accord was quiet for a little longer. Just when Bliss was beginning to formulate what he would say, Accord said, "Something's gonna happen between us, isn't it?"

Bliss bit his lip. There was no mistaking what Accord meant. Reluctant to admit any possible obstacle, but knowing that he had to acknowledge that there could be rough spots ahead if they wanted to be together, he said slowly, "You're kind of young still, Cord."

"I know. I didn't mean right now. I didn't even mean soon. But--eventually." Now he looked at Bliss. His dark gaze was shy, but open, and you could see a lot of Joxer in his expression. "Right?"

Bliss nodded. "I think so," he said softly. He nodded again, and there was conviction in his voice. "Yeah--if you want it." Accord's answering smile was blinding, and Bliss felt a tiny bit of coldness, an apprehensive chill that he hadn't even been aware of, melt away in the warmth. "Just not now."

"I know." Accord's tone was cheerful. "I'm not ready yet. But I WILL be." He bumped Bliss with his shoulder, and wiggled his eyebrows. "I know where Scribe keeps her slash stash." Bliss collapsed with laughter. Accord hopped to his feet. "C'mon, Old Man. One of the priests made a tipsy trifle last night, and he uses LOTS of wine." Bliss stood and they walked in, side-by-side, moving so close that their arms brushed.

In the cave of the Fates, Lachesis smiled as two shining threads were woven just a little closer...



Title: Childhood Sweethearts 15/?
Author: Scribe
Fandom: Xena
Pairing:
Status: WIP
Series/Sequel: Part of the Love and Mischief Universe
Summary: Accord still wants to check out what pregnancy and/or childbirth is
like, and Strife has a plan to help him.
Archive: Yes
Feedback: Yes. On list, or to poet77665@catlover.com
Disclaimer: I did not create and do not own any readily recognizable media
characters. I have no agreement, legal or otherwise, with the creators or
owners. This is purely for entertainment--I have not made, do not seek, and
will not accept any profit for it. This story is in no way meant to reflect on
the lives or life styles of the actors/actresses who originally portrayed the
characters. I have nothing but fond affection and respect for them, for giving
me so much entertainment, and no disrespect is meant by anything herein.
Rating:
Warnings:
Notes: This is a month after the last chapter, so Ares is in his eighth month
now. **See Cupid's Little Helper. Doran--a gift, Anysia--complete, Aristed--son
of a great man, Arketos--ample, enough, sufficient. Telikos--eventual, final,
terminal, ultimate. Sense a trend in how Damara named her kids? ~Quote from
Angie Baby, by Helen Reddy.
Personal Websites: http://www.scribescribbles.com and
http://www.angelfire.com/grrl/foxluver (which can be reached through the
previous site).

Childhood Sweethearts, 15/?
by Scribe

Accord appeared in the hall outside Strife's study and looked around quickly.
He wanted to see Bliss, of COURSE he wanted to see Bliss. But if he saw Bliss
now, given the empty hallway, they'd end up necking, and he didn't have time to
give that the sort of attention it deserved. Just thinking about it gave him a
goofy smile, and he resembled Joxer a lot more than Ares in that moment.

Satisfied that there was no one about, he laid his hand against the door and
concentrated. He wanted to see if he could tell whether or not Strife was
inside without having to resort to knocking. Accord concentrated, reaching out
with his mind--and more. He felt it--the dark blue static electric buzz that
he'd come to associate with the Mischief god. Logically enough, had a sort of
purple tickly aura. Accord supposed that was because she was the result of
Passion (scarlet) and Mischief (blue).

Accord had asked Hecate why Imp didn't have a green aura. After Hecate got
through thoroughly questioning him (she seemed pleased when he told her that her
power signature was black and shot through with red, she said that maybe Imp
hadn't grown her own power signature yet, and was still showing the blending of
the energy she'd been born of. Accord didn't find out till later that it was
unusual for anyone to be able to identify energy traces with color. Sure, the
gods did the whole light show bit when they transported--flashes or sparkles,
depending on their personal taste, but for lingering traces, most divinities
could only sense the simple existance of the power, and maybe they got a hint of
who it came from.

Accord knocked, but his eagerness wouldn't let him wait in polite silence.
"Strife?" he called. "Please don't put me on hold..." He wasn't ENTIRELY sure
of what this meant. Strife said that it was going to cause a lot of mischief
energy in the future, and Accord had remarked that he was pretty sure that
holding the wrong person the wrong way could cause a LOT of mischief, especially
if the wrong persona SAW you. When Strife got over his giggle fit he'd asked
how Joxer was, anyway? "This is important. I need your advice."

The door opened quickly, and Strife peered out. His expression wasn't exactly
slack with shock, but it was surprised. "Advice from me? Who do ya wanna fuck
with?"

"Um, no one in particular."

"Crap."

"But what I'm thinking of has a high mischief potential."

"Well, say no more! Step inta my parlah." He opened the door wider, stepping
aside to let Accord pass. "Can I assume that this is somethin ya don't want
everyone an' his cousin knowin about."

"You betcha."

"Yer a great kid." He closed the door and pointed at it. There was a flash of
sparks around the knob, and when Accord looked again, the keyhole had fused
shut. Strife shrugged. "Sure, it won't keep out any of tha divinities who
REALLY want in, but it'll keep out tha ones who aren't serious enough ta make
tha effort." He gestured into the room. "Have a seat."

Accord turned to look for a seat, and stopped abruptly. "What the Tartarus is
THAT?"

"Cool, ain't it? It's called a beanbag chair. I think it's fulla lentils."

"It looks like a Titan's kick-sack, except I don't think they had quite that
many colors." The chair's pattern was reminiscent of oil sheen on bright water.
"I think I'm going to have to close my eyes pretty soon."

"If ya sit in it, ya don't hafta look at it. G'wan. It's real comfortable."
Accord started to sit. He slid off, butt thumping on the floor. Strife
cackled. "Oops. Comfortable if ya can stay onnit. Try sittin a little closer
ta tha edge." When Accord started to protest, Strife said, "I know, it sounds
counter prahductive, but trust me. You'll be able ta plant yer feet an' brace.
Oh, an try ta poke yer butt inta it as deep as possible."

It took another two tries (during which Strife almost hurt himself), but Accord
finally got himself situated so that he felt reasonably safe. Strife got behind
his desk and said, "So, is this consultation gonna be on a personal or
professional level?"

"If I'd come to you a couple of months ago I could have claimed it was
professional, but now that I'm no longer in training--it's personal. You don't
have to help me if you don't want to."

"Honesty can be a bitch sometimes, can't it? If it ain't anythin dangerous..."
He snorted. "Speaking of honesty. If it ain't dangerous fah A SELECT GROUP OF
PEOPLE, I'll be happy ta do it fah ya. Spill."

"Well, you know that my Dad is pregnant..."

"Ares, right?"

"Duh. He's only out to here." Accord made a curving gesture before his own
belly.

"I know, I know. I was just imaginin what it would be like if Jox an' Ares were
knocked up at tha same time." He giggled. "I think some people would HOPE fah
tha Twilight."

"Anyway, I got the idea while I was studying with Apollo. I want to look in on
some pregnant women, hopefully observe a birth, so I'll have more of an idea of
what he's going through."

Strife stared at him. "Ain't askin much, are ya?"

"I know it might be a little difficult..."

"A little he says. Tha only people I can think of who might consider it are
goddesses, an' none of 'em are preggers, or summa my more bonkers followers, an'
I'm assumin ya want a picture of what a normal pregnancy is like. Not much
normal about them."

"I guess. But I really feel like I need this, Strife, and I think I've come up
with a way around the mortals' objections to having a male present."

"Ya?"

"What if there WASN'T a male present... as far as they knew?"

Strife blinked slowly, then put his elbow on the table and rested his chin in
his palm. "Ya fascinate me. Tell me more."

"Well, I've heard about where you got the idea for Impetua's name..."**

Strife smiled slowly. "Only if I can come, too. I only know one mortal woman
who's about ta pop out a kid right now. Lil bit of a salty tongue on her, but
she's a nice enough broad. Name's Damara, an' I have kind of a soft spot fah
her. She's sorta kinda responsible fah me an' Cupe gettin tagetha. Oh, it
woulda happened eventually. Cupe's finally made me see that. But I know it
woulda taken a lot longer if I hadn't fucked up her weddin an' gotten myself in
shit with Zeus an' Hera. Anyways, her an' Anieli are a testament ta tha fact
that rough beginnins can turn inta a good marriage. This will be their..." He
squinted. "Fifth? Sixth?"

"Whoa."

"Ya. She has a pretty easy time of it as givin birth goes, but I don't know why
she still hasn't handed Anieli his nuts when he tried ta get amourous aftah
wunna tha births. Okay, this is how we're gonna work it--wunna my worshipers is
her midwife." Accord blinked, and Strife said, "They aren't ALL nuts--just a
fair sized percentage. Anyway, she'll be able ta get two *cough* apprentice
midwives in on tha delivery." He rolled his eyes upward, considering. "Which
should be any day now. If I remembah correctly, she's actually PAST due by a
couple days." He snickered. "I been gettin lil burst of energy from her
general direction, because it's impossible NOT to tick off a woman in that
state. Let's settle on our disguises now, so we can get into 'em quickly when
tha time comes." Strife waved his hand, and he was dressed in a dress made of
plain blue cloth. He looked down, and said, "Damn. I know that a midwife
should dress inna manner ta fit tha dignity of her profession, but this is too
much. I don't wanna look dumpy, but I guess I shouldn't attract attention ta
myself. Waddaya think?"

"Something's missing."

"I don't think I should wear make-up--not when I'm supposed ta be on serious
business."

"I didn't mean that. I meant..." Accord cupped his hands over his chest,
"something's missing."

"Crap! How could I fahget tha most important thing." He snapped his fingers,
and suddenly the bodice of the dress was swelling softly instead of draping
flat. He thrust out his chest. "Maybe I gotta dress conservative, but I can
put a melons in tha sack insteada oranges."

"Did you... um..."

"Nah, they ain't real. I had enougha that with Imp." He adjusted his chest,
and it squeaked. "Inflated pig's bladdahs. Now you."

"Okay." Accord thought. "Geez, I dunno what to wear..."

"Tha boy is gettin in touch with his feminine side already."

"I'm serious. I sure as Tartarus can't pull off one of Dite's outfits. If I
dress like Eris I'll scare the poor lady out of her wits. Hecate's cool, but
sometimes she looks like she's coming back from spending some time with Ares'
camp followers. And Athena and Artemis... The whole point is to look like a
girl, and they're both kind of... Don't get me wrong--they're pretty, but..."

"Butch. Yer right. I hate ta say this, Cord. Be brave." He patted the boy on
the shoulder. "I think yer gonna hafta think Demeter." Accord stared at him.
"Don't look at me like that. Would it be better if I said Hestia?"

Accord sighed heavily. "Not really that much difference in the wardrobe." Then
he brightened. "Hey, I have an idea." He closed his eyes and concentrated. A
shimmer washed over him. When it passed he was dressed in a simple dress of
bright green--one that would be appropriate for any modest village virgin--one
who didn't too much mind the boys looking, as long as they didn't touch.

Strife nodded, smiling. "Persephone, right?"

"She was wearing one just like this last time I visited Uncle Hades." Accord
looked down at his ensemble, pleased--then realized that he COULD look
down--straight to his toes, with no visible interruption. "I need to have
boobs, don't I?"

"Well, unless ya want ta be an object of pity."

"You do it--I can't." Strife pointed, and Accord's dress-front was suddenly
filled. "Zeus, Strife--not that much! More Amazon, less Titan." Strife
shrugged, and the size of the bumps decreased by at least half. "Lose some more
of it. Let's face it--with my build big boobs would be out of place."

"In this century, kid. Lotsa women are gonna get, um, enhanced in tha future."

"They're going to stuff pig bladders down their shirt? Seems a little extreme
to me."

"If ya think THAT'S extreme, I'm not EVEN gonna tell ya what they actually do.
Okay, I hadda get a wig, but you..." He tilted his head, studying the boy
critically. "Ya COULD get away with tha braid, I guess, but ya look more
androgenous than girly with it. Ya need ta either cover yer head, or take it
down."

"I'm not letting my hair down around a bunch of strange mortals." Accord
attached a hood to the back of the dress, and pulled it up. "There. I know
that a lot of the really, really conservative women don't uncover their hair in
public, so we'll just say I have strict parents. I sort of do."

"That's it, kid--rationalize. Ya can make tha best fibs that way. Okay, fix
this outfit firmly in yer mind. Yer gonna need ta be able ta recreate it at a
moment's notice." He rubbed his hands together. "I'll get word ta my girl on
Earth right away, so you be ready. Oh, an' it wouldn't hurt ta have a good
excuse on tap fah why ya suddenly have ta drop whatevah yer doin an' rush off.
My favorite is sayin that a vat of molasses broke an' it dripped through a
ceilin inta a meetin of tha Grecians Against Sweets." He smirked. "GAS gives
me a lot ta work with."

~*~

It didn't come to that. Two nights later Accord was awakened by a hand covering
his mouth. Strife barely managed to catch his wrist as Accord was aiming the
dagger he kept under his pillow (a gift from Strife himself) at Strife's throat.
"Glad ta see ya been payin attention," Strife whispered, "But it's just me.
Rise an' shine, Cord. Time ta go see wunna tha facts of life, up close an'
personal."

When Strife removed his hand, Accord sat up and slid the knife back into it's
sheath. "Damara's in labor?"

"Fah about two hours now. We gotta hurry. Tha last one she had was here so
quick she didn't even have time to really get a good roll on cussin ol' Anieli."
Accord rolled out of bed, and was in his dress before his feet hit the floor.
"You been practicin."

"And I nearly got caught a couple of times. Ares gives me enough funny looks
lately without my being caught in drag."

"It's just tha hormones, kid."

"Maybe. But he was staring at me real funny last week, and I didn't realize
till later that I had a hickey on my neck."

Strife grinned. "I knew Bliss was gonna have a hard time being completely
discrete. Joy isn't meant ta be secretive."

Accord pulled his hood up to hide his hair. "I know. That's why I think it's
about time we..." He noticed Strife's curious look, and said, "I have GOT to
stop thinking out loud."

"Not on my account ya don't. You okay ta follow me, or do I need ta hold yer
hand."

"Strife!"

Strife rolled his eyes. "Oo, insult. Remembah, Accord, it ain't as easy ta
track from Olympus down ta Earth."

"You're right." Accord took hold of Strife's dress. "Ready."

"Awright, but don't get startled an' jerk it offa me when we land." Strife
patted his wig. "I don't do free shows except for Cupie."

*Flash*

They appeared in the most well-kept alleyway that Accord had ever seen. Strife
noticed him noticing and said, "Yah. I'm surprised that Damara don't clean tha
garbage before she chucks it out. Tha entrance front door is around that way."

They went up the alley and emerged onto a street. There was a trio of men
standing in front of the door that Strife indicated. Two of them might not be
dedicated to Dionysius, or actually worship him, but they obviously appreciated
his work. They were trying to press a jug of wine on the third man, who was
shaking his head. "Ah, c'mon, Ani," one of them slurred. "We're celebratin'
yer latest sprog--why shouldn't you?"

"You won't have to deal with the mother right after the baby gets here," said
Anieli.

The second man, one who made Cerberus' backside look downright handsome,
snorted. "Your whipped."

"I'll thank you not to talk that way about my wife, and the mother of my
children."

The first one, who at least looked more like Cerberus' front, snickered.
"What--both of 'em?"

Anieli's voice was quiet, but there was a hard glint in his eyes. "You have
five seconds to apologize for that remark. One..."

"Geez, I'm sorry," the guy sputtered. "Can't you take a joke?"

"Sure I can, but that wasn't a joke."

"I'm drunk."

"And that isn't any excuse, but it's a good enough reason why I don't take every
chance I have to get drunk. Damara's a good wife. She doesn't say anything if
I lift a tankard or two, or even three, as long as I don't embarrass her or the
children, and as long as it doesn't interfer with my responsibilities. I happen
to think that's a damn reasonable trade-off." He glanced up and saw Strife and
Accord. "Now, excuse me. I think these are the assistants Tanith is
expecting."

He started for them, and Strife whispered out of the corner of his mouth,
"Remember--don't scratch yer balls, cause yer not supposed ta have any."

Accord was smothering a laugh when Anieli got to them, and the mortal smiled at
him kindly. "Hello, ladies. My, you're very young to be going into such a
serious profession."

Accord made his voice light and breathy. "My mother, and her mother, and HER
mother were midwifes."

"And now you're going into the family business."

"Yes. That way I can give Mom a discount when she has more of us."

Anieli blinked, while Strife made a choking sound. "Ignore her," he finally
said. "All girls that age are kinda dizzy. Actually, I'm brinin her along ta
show her what can happen if she lets tha boys get too frisky."

"It could work. One of the neighbor girls came over to help when Damara
delivered our first one, and two weeks later she ran off to join the Amazons.
Come along."

He led them into a modest, well kept house. There were four children of varying
ages in the front room. The eldest, a boy of about sixteen was bouncing the
youngest, a toddler of indeterminate sex, on his knees. He glanced up as his
father brought the visitors in, then looked back at the little one, then looked
up again quickly, eyes locking on Accord. Anieli said, "Doran, get the others
to bed."

"Dad, you told me I could stay up till the baby came. I don't have to go school
tomorrow."

"All right, but please..." There was a shriek from somewhere nearby, and Anieli
winced. The baby didn't seem to notice, but the two middle children-a boy and a
girl who looked so much alike that they had to be twins--started to cry. "You
can see this is upsetting them. Put them to bed and bring them some of those
honey cookies the neighbor sent over, then read them a story. That should send
them to sleep, or at least settle them down."

"Okay." He stood, slinging the child up on his hip, and started for a door that
probably led into the kitchen. He stopped, though, when he was abreast of
Strife and Accord. Smiling at Accord, he said, "Hi. I'm Doran."

Accord blinked at him, not realizing how huge that made his eyes look. "I
know."

"Aren't you going to tell me your name?"

"Accord..."

"Ee-ahn," said Strife swiftly. "Accordian." Accord gave him an elbow in the
ribs. Strife had brought back from the future the music of a man called Weird
Al Yankovic, so Accord knew what an accordian was. "Uh. Accordia."

"Oh. You must've been born right around the same time as the God of Mediation.
I hear a lot of kids were named after him. It's a pretty name. Almost as
pretty as your eyes."

Before Accord could say anything (if he'd been able to think of anything to say)
Anieli said, "Doran, stop flirting with her--she's here on serious business. Go
get Arketos to bed." Doran left, giving Accord a lingering smile. "I'm sorry
about that. You know how they are when they're just about ready to start
shaving, but he's a good boy."

"She undahstands all about what it's like fah an adolescent guy," said Strife.
"Oh. Watch yer elbows, Accordia."

Anieli was too preoccupied by what was going on in the next room to pay much
attention to the byplay. "He means no harm, and I'm sure that a pretty girl
like you must be used to the boys acting a little foolish around you."

"Oh, sure," said Strife glibbly. "She gets that all tha time. Interestin names
ya gave yer kids."

"Damara's idea, mostly. She's already told me that this one is going to be
called Telikos, whether it's a boy or a girl. I hope for the child's sake it's
a boy."

"Othawise we might have a boy named Sue sorta situation."

"What?"

"Nevah mind." There was another scream. "Hadn't we bettah get in there before
tha main event is ovah?"

"This way."

He led them down a short hallway to what was probably the master bedroom, but it
was still crowded to the point of discomfort when they all squeezed in. Most of
the room was taken up by a double bed, occupied by one heavily pregnant, but
about to NOT be, woman. When she saw Anieli she swore lustily, then groaned as
another contraction hit her. Anieli deftly slipped past the middle aged woman
who was busy pouring something from a bottle into a basin of water. He sat in a
chair beside the bed and calmly gave the woman his hand. She latched on to it
and squeezed till Accord was pretty sure that he was going to hear bones crack.
When she stopped shuddering the man said, "How are you, Dammy?"

The woman's voice was a lot stronger and a HELL of a lot calmer than Accord
expected. "Not so bad, Ani. Did those sots go home?"

"I don't know if they went home... Come to think of it, they probably didn't,
but at least they aren't here anymore."

"I know you're their friends, but I can't help but be glad that they haven't
married. I wince thinking about their bloodlines continuing." Her eyes went to
the two 'women' standing in the doorway. "Oh, Zeus. I could have sold
tickets."

"Now, Dammy, we talked about this. You agreed that we need to encourage young
women to go into the midwife profession, and..."

"I didn't say I wanted them to leave." She smiled tiredly at Strife and Accord.
"Sorry I'm not more hospitable, girls. I have things on my mind right now."

Tanith, the midwife had been staring raptly at Strife. Now she came to him,
murmuring, "My lord." Bending down, she lifted the hem of Strife's skirt and
kissed it.

Strife quickly jerked it down so that no one would see that he was wearing high
boots. Then he patted the woman on the shoulder and said, "I love ya, too."
When Tanith turned back to her preparations, he looked over to find Anieli and
Damera watching him curiously. He whistled, and circled a finger at his temple.
They exchanged looks of understanding. Strife whispered to Accord, "It's so
nice ta be insane--no one asks ya to explain."~

"Brace yourself, Ani--I think this is going to be a big one." *SHRIEK!*

"Um, Impetua? She just dug divots in his hand with her nails," said Accord.

"Yah. He sat on her left side last delivery, he's on tha right side now. I
guess he's tryin ta even tha scars out."

For the next couple of hours Accord watched Damara alternately scream, swear,
apologize, and exchange endearments with her husband. He came to the conclusion
that having kids was a lot of trouble and pain, but that it must be worth it.
In the lulls between contractions, the love between Anieli and Damara almost
glowed.

Finally Damara gave a deep, whining moan. Through gritted teeth she said, "I
swear, Ani, if you want another one we're getting more of that damn potion they
gave us and YOU'RE carrying it."

"Ah, now it begins!" said Tanith, moving up to kneel on the bed between Damara's
wide-spread feet.

"What do you mean 'start'?" said Accord incredulously.

"I need someone to hook their arms under each of her knees and help her bend her
legs, so that she can push more easily."

"Gotcha." Strife moved up on Damara's left side, saying, "Hike tha skirt."
Damara gave her a wary look. "C'mon, Toots. Ya don't want tha lil darlin ta
get tangled, do ya? Besides, we're all girls here. Well, except him, an' if he
WAS a girl, we wouldn't be here."

Damara looked at Anieli and whispered, "And I thought Tanith was cracked." She
looked at Strife and said more loudly, "You're right. Thank you for thinking of
that."

"Don't mention it. Let's get uncomfortable." Anieli on one side and Strife on
the other hooked arms under Damara's knees and pulled up and back. Tanith
knee-walked close to the other woman, and Accord moved in, too, looking over the
midwife's shoulder. Almost immediately he looked at the ceiling, then at the
floor, then at the small, rather nice painting of Hera on the wall--anywhere but
between the now grunting woman's straining legs.

There was another burst of swearing, the a low, breathless whine that rose into
a wail, then cut off abruptly. The room was silent except for harsh breathing,
and Accord closed his eyes in sudden fear for the mortals. They seemed like
decent folk. Surely Atropos wouldn't cut their child's thread almost before it
could be woven into the tapestry?

Then there was a brisk smack, and the indignant cry of a very upset infant.
Accord's eyes popped open. A red, wet, squirming baby was lying on Damara's
suddlenly flat stomach, the midwife gently wiping it with a towel. "It's a
pretty little boy," she said placidly, "and what a set of lungs he has."

Anieli bent to kiss Damara, and Accord felt a twinge when he saw tears streaking
down toward his smile. "And mother is fine. Thank the gods." He reached down,
one big hand cupping carefully over the baby's back. It's crying quieted almost
immediately, and he crooned, "Hello, little Telikos."

"Ani," Damara's voice was tired, but pleased. "I've been thinking. Would you
mind very much if we didn't name him Telikos?"

"What do you want to name him, dearest?"

Tanith had wrapped the baby in a clean cloth, and now she handed him to Damara,
settling the baby where it would spend most of the first year of his
life--against his mother's breast. "I don't know," said Damara, lightly
touching a fingertip to the baby's mouth, and smiling as he smacked his lips,
already trying to nurse. "How about ?"

Tanith got off the bed, and came over to Accord. "Dear, I need you to go into
the kitchen. There are several clean cloths hung before the fire--I boiled them
before you arrived. They should be dry by now. Fetch them, please."

"Sure. I... You caught him, didn't you? I mean when he came out, you were
there, and you made sure he didn't fall, or..."

"Yes," she said quietly. "The cloths, please. I want to get her cleaned up
quickly. There's a much better chance that she won't take ill if I do."

Her comment was like a dash of cold water in Accord's face. Mortal women
sometimes died in child birth. They sometimes died right after the baby was
born, and sometimes the child died with them. Accord felt his throat trying to
close up. How horrible. He'd never heard of that happening to any god, but the
mortals lived with that possibility, and still they had children. They had to
be braver than he'd thought. "Yes ma'am. Right away."

He hurried out into the hall, then on into the front room. He'd been right--the
other door did lead into the kitchen. He stepped into the dim, warm room, and
hesitated. Doran was sitting at the table, a plate of cookies and a mug of milk
before him. When he saw Accord he stood up quickly. "Don't get up on my
account," said Accord.

"But a gentleman always stands when a lady enters a room."

"Oh. Uh... thank you." He spotted a drying rack, draped with snowy cloths, in
front of the hearth. "I've come for those."

Accord started for the rack, but Doran stepped in front of him. "Please, allow
me." He began to pick up the cloths, folding them quickly. "How is Mother? Is
she all right?"

"Oh, she's fine," Accord assured him.

"Good. I was worried. You look rather pale, and I thought you might be
distressed."

"No, I always look like this. You have a little brother."

He laughed. "Anysia is going to pout. That makes four boys and only one
girl--she feels out numbered. Hold out your hands." Accord did, and Doran laid
the folded cloths in them. Cord started to turn away, but Doran gripped his
arms, saying, "Do you have to go right now?"

"I... They're waiting for these."

"Then I suppose you must. Before you go, has anyone ever told you that your
skin is as soft, white, and glowing as a moonbeam?" Accord gaped at him. That
probably wasn't the best idea, because when Doran leaned down and kissed him,
Accord got a sudden mouthful of wet, warm, active tongue.

Accord froze, not knowing what to do. Doran took after his father, and was a
big, handsome boy. Even though he hadn't asked permission, his touch was
gentle. He was a very nice boy who was very attractive--for someone else. All
Accord could think was, *Zeus, don't let Bliss find out about this! He'll kill
the guy.*

When Doran let Accord go he whispered, "I hope I didn't frighten you, but I had
to do that. I couldn't help myself."

Accord felt a wild urge to roll his eyes and say 'Excuses, excuses', but there
was honest admiration shining in the boy's eyes, and he couldn't. "I... I have
to go now."

"You're blushing." Doran let Accord go, his hands sliding lingeringly down his
arms, and said, "Roses in the moonlight." Accord hurried out of the kitchen.
He stopped in the hallway for a moment, leaning against the wall. He put his
head back and stared up at the ceiling, then took the cloths into the bedroom.

A short time later Accord, Strife, and Tanith exited the little house. Strife
and Accord both carried a silver dinar. Anieli had insisted that they take
them. Being gods the money was of no practical use to them, and they knew that
the little family could probably use every dinar it had. When Accord had tried
to refuse he'd gotten a sharp pinch from Strife and a mental reprimand along the
lines of, *Don't insult him, you dope.*

Strife bounced his coin in his palm, then handed it to Tanith. She tried to
refuse. "Oh, no, lord. I've had my pay."

He gave her a stern look. "Yer not gonna disobey a direct order from yer god,
are ya?" She took the money meekly and scurried away before Accord could try to
press his own coin on her. Strife shrugged. "She'll probably use it ta buy an
offerin fah me, but I tried. What are ya gonna do with yours?"

"Hera has a box in her temples for a collection to help widows and orphans.
I'll drop it in, the next time I'm there."

"Good choice. So, didya learn anythin tonight?"

"Sure did." Accord was quiet for a moment, then said, "Two things. One--I'm
kinda glad I don't have boobs. They can get in the way."

"An' two?"

"Two, I'm not gay."

Strife's eyebrows rose. "Excuse me. Did I, or did I not, catch you an' Bliss
swapping spit recently."

"Well, yeah--but I'm not gay. Gay means that you like men instead of women.
That's not how it is with me."

"It isn't?"

"No. I'm in love," Accord smiled, "with someone who just happens to be another
guy."



Title: Childhood Sweethearts 16/16
Author: Scribe
Fandom: Xena
Pairing: Bliss/Accord
Status: Finished
Series/Sequel: Part of the Love and Mischief Universe
Summary: It's time to get off the fence.
Archive: Yes
Feedback: Yes. On list, or to poet77665@catlover.com
Disclaimer: I did not create and do not own any readily recognizable media characters. I have no agreement, legal or otherwise, with the creators or owners. This is purely for entertainment--I have not made, do not seek, and will not accept any profit for it. This story is in no way meant to reflect on the lives or life styles of the actors/actresses who originally portrayed the characters. I have nothing but fond affection and respect for them, for giving me so much entertainment, and no disrespect is meant by anything herein.
Rating:
Warnings:
Notes: Okay, don't anyone jump on me for finishing this without having them have full blown, invasive sex. The title of this story is CHILDHOOD Sweethearts, right? And yes, this means that I'm going to need to write a sequel. :)
Personal Websites: http://www.scribescribbles.com and http://www.angelfire.com/grrl/foxluver (which can be reached through the previous site).

Childhood Sweethearts, 16/16
by Scribe

The Next Day

"Ares, I love you, but if you bring ONE MORE crate of unripe grapes into this house I SWEAR that I'm going to let Ace lock you up in a Hephastean iron CAGE!" Ares scowled, but Joxer scowled right back. "You know damn good and well your digestion can't handle it. You have to use the chamber pot enough because our kid is sitting on your bladder without adding THAT kind of problem."

"They taste sour. I like them."

"You think I don't know about the sour cravings? Eat more pickles, or grab a lemon. At least that won't give you the runs, and you'll get some vitamins."

"What are vitamins?"

"I dunno, but Ace swears by them." Accord came into the front room dragging a comb through his long hair. "Come here and let me do that for you," said Joxer.

"Thanks, Dad." Accord came over and sat on a low stool in front of Joxer's chair. As Joxer began to work the teeth of the comb carefully through his son's hair, Accord said, "Will you braid it for me? I can manage it, but it usually ends up sort of lopsided, and I want to look good today."

"If that's the case, then maybe you should have gotten some more sleep last night," said Ares. "You look like you've been chased around Olympus." Accord looked up sharply. "Don't bother to deny it--that's a guilty look if I ever saw one. Besides, I had to get up last night for the usual reason--damn, the chamber pots are getting a workout--and you weren't in your bed. You weren't anywhere in the building, either. Son, I've come to terms with you and Bliss being interested in each other, but sneaking out..."

Joxer knew enough about his son to quickly jerk the comb out of his hair, so Accord managed to avoid being scalped when he jumped to his feet. "You CHECKED UP on me? I can't believe..."

Ares face reddened a little. "I just wanted to be sure you were all right." One hand stole down unconsciously to touch the swell of his belly. "I know I haven't done that for years, but for some reason..."

"Dad, I'm an ADULT now."

Ares had the good grace not to roll his eyes, but he said stubbornly, "An adult living under MY roof. And if you want to see Bliss, you should be out in the open about it. It isn't in your nature to sneak around and..."

Accord, proving that he might be officially a man, but was still in touch with his inner child, stomped his foot. "I DIDN'T! Well, I DID--sorta. I sneaked, but it was in a good cause."

"I have a hard time believing that Bliss would try to be secretive about being with you, so you..."

"I didn't go to see Bliss."

Ares blinked, obviously not expecting that. He examined Accord closely, but his son had never lied right to his face. Avoided telling the complete truth, yes--but not lied. "Then what did you do?"

Accord sighed, then said, "If I tell you, you have to PROMISE that you won't tell anyone else. There are certain people who might just find it in their hearts to fireball me."

Joxer knew it wasn't good for either Accord or his pregnant husband to be so agitated, so he exercised his discretion as the God of Peace and sent a wave of calm through the room. He said quietly, "Cord, don't over react. I can't think of anything you'd do that would get that kind of reaction from anyone we know."

Ares was feeling a little ashamed of having confronted Accord about what he believed was a personal choice. "Cord, you can't be worried about how Cupid and Strife will react. I know that both of them would be happy..."

"Daaaaad." Accord heard the slight whine in his own voice and stopped, taking a long breath. His voice was deliberately low when he said, "Listen to me--I did NOT sneak out to see Bliss. It was something entirely different. It was about you."

"Me? I don't understand."

"Okay, I'm not being very clear." Accord had been pacing briskly, and when he did that he tended to toss his hair. Now it was hanging over his face like a curtain. He raked it back. "Rats. This mess is a pain in the butt sometimes."

"You could..."

"I'm not cutting it. Bliss likes it, and don't give me that 'a-ha' look. It's a pain, but I like it, too. Daddy Jox, will you go ahead and braid it?"

"Sure, but sit down again. I can't work with a moving target." Accord sat down and Joxer once again began to comb his hair. "Okay, you say this is about Ares? What concerning him could get you out of the temple in the middle of the night?"

Accord fidgetted, but held his head still. "I've been kinda worried about you, Pop," he said to Ares.

That surprised Ares. "But why? I've been perfectly all right. Well, aside from the nausea, swelling ankles, mood swings, back pain, lack of sleep, weird food cravings... You know what I mean--typical pregnancy stuff."

"Dad Jox was fine, too--right up till it was time to have me," said Accord quietly. "But you were afraid he was going to die. So was everyone else."

Ares began to pace angrily. "Damn it. I thought we'd all agreed that they weren't to worry you with stories about that time."

"They didn't say much--but it was the WAY they said it. It was so obvious that they were dancing around things. So I snuck into the Halls of Time and watched a few mirrors. You remember that time when I was about eight, when you found me up in the tree in the garden, crying? You thought it was because I'd gone too high and was afraid to come down."

"But you'd been watching what happened when you were born." Joxer had been dividing Accord's hair into three thick hanks. Now he paused and hugged his son around the neck. "Everything worked out okay."

"I know, but it might not have, you know? Before that I never thought much about having babies. People just did it. Then I thought, 'Hey, people can die from that.' And then YOU got pregnant, Pops." Accord turned wide eyes on Ares, eyes that asked for understanding. "And I got scared."

Ares tense posture relaxed, his expression becoming concerned rather than irritated. "Oh, Cord. Son, nothing is going to happen to me. I have Ace AND Apollo watching me like hawks. Your other father is riding my butt like... What was it Strife used to accuse Cupid of being when he was carrying Impetua?"

"A pregnancy Nazi," said Joxer. "And yes, I am. It's natural for you to be worried, Cord. I wish you'd talked to us, though, and I still can't see what this has to do with you sneaking..." Accord started to stiffen up. "With you going AWOL in the middle of the night."

"I wanted to see what having a baby was like--not hear about it second hand, but SEE it. To do that I had to go to Earth. You remember those two mortals that Strife got in trouble messing with--Anieli and Damara?"

"Yes, I remember," said Ares. "What a mess. They're still alive?"

"And thriving. Boy, are they thriving. They had their fifth child last night."

Both of his parents stared at him, Joxer leaning around to peer into Accord's face. "You didn't."

"She screamed like a harpy and swore like Strife when he stubs his toe. Boy, and I thought that Hera didn't chose any priestesses who weren't prissy and ladylike."

Ares shook his head. "Brave boy. I got out of the birthing room when Cupid was born with a lump on my head. Dite threw a lamp at me. But how on Earth did you get them to agree to let you observe."

"Um..."

"You went down there invisible? Have you finally gotten the hang of that?"

"Almost, but I didn't do that. I got Strife to help me."

"How--?" Ares broke off. "Oh, no. Tell me you didn't... Cord, did this involve you dressing up like Jayce is known to?"

"Of course not. That would have been WAY too flashy. I had to look demure." Ares sat down, putting his head in his hands. "Don't worry--it's not something I intend to make a habit of."

Joxer had begun to weave Accord's hair into a tight, neat braid. "You were taking a risk, Cord. Sure, there's not really anything they could have done to you, but it could have really been a mess if they'd penetrated your disguise."

"I think someone almost did. If Doran had put his hands somewhere other than on my arms when he kissed me..." Ares shot to his feet. "Dad--CHILL! He didn't, like, try to molest me, or anything. He thought I was a girl, and he was just being a guy. A pretty smooth one, too, actually. He gave me a line about my skin being as soft and white as moonbeams."

Joxer whistled. "Women love stuff like that. He's going to do well."

"How old is this guy?" growled Ares.

"You can take the murder out of your eyes," said Accord. "He's younger than I am. Remember, Anieli and Damara weren't married till just before I was born. Honest, it was pretty innocent. I think that if I'd kissed him back it would have startled the Tartarus out of him. But you can't tell anyone about this, understand? You know how Cupid gets if anyone tries to mess with Strife?" Joxer and Ares exchanged looks. "Exactly, and Bliss has probably inherited that tendency. If I thought there was any harm in the guy I might tell Bliss myself, but I'd rather not wish either death or the saddest life in the history of the world on him. And you can't let word of what I did get back to Hera, or anyone who might tell her."

"You're right there. You've been a bit of a pet to most of the gods and goddesses," said Joxer, "but stepping on toes when it comes to something that's an intrinsic part of someone's divinities..."

"Intrinsic?" said Ares.

"Occasionally I actually listen to Apollo. The point is," Joxer had gotten to the bottom of the braid. Now he tied it carefully with a leather thong. He started to tie it in a bow, then took another look at Accord and made a simple knot instead. "He's right. This is something that shouldn't leave the temple. We don't need to worry about Strife--keeping secrets is part of what he does. But Cord? I think you ought to tell Bliss about the kiss sometime soon. It'll be worse if he stumbles on the fact by himself."

"Rats. I think you're right, but I'm not looking forward to it," said Accord glumly. Then he brightened a little. "Though I MIGHT be able to put him in a mood good enough so that the reaction won't be quite so strong." He reached back and pulled his braid over his shoulder, examining it, then stood up and gave Joxer a kiss. "Thanks, Dad." He hugged him. "For everything. I know there are ways to stop being pregnant if you don't want to be. I'm glad you decided that you wanted me."

Joxer returned the hug, saying softly. "There was never any internal debate, Accord. I wanted you from the moment I knew you were there--maybe before."

"I did, too," said Ares.

Accord went over and hugged him, pressing his face against Ares' shoulder. "I wasn't going to ask--I already knew that." He stepped back. "Can I ask a favor from you guys? Can I have the garden to myself this afternoon?"

"Sure," said Joxer.

Ares nodded. "Just lay a ward over it in case anyone decides to just drop by without having the courtesy to come through the front door."

"Thanks. I'll see you guys later." He left the room.

Joxer went and stood behind Ares, embracing him, rubbing the War God's belly. "Three guesses as to where he's going, and the first two don't count."

Ares grunted. "Sorry, but that would be so easy that there would be no sport in it."

~*~

Bliss was working at Aprhodite's potion brewing station. When he'd taken up his duties, he'd learned that it was a lot easier to spell something and use it rather than trying to instigate every instance of joy as it were by hand. It was why Cupid worked with arrows. With that method a little energy went a long way. Bliss had figured out his own methods. He had concocted a variety of dusts that would induce various types of joy. Right now he was working on one of his stronger varieties, so he was working with a cloth tied over his nose and mouth. He was draped in a sort of poncho, and wearing gloves to avoid skin contact. It wasn't that the dust would be harmful to him, but they could work on him, too, and if he got a dose of 'prideful triumph'... He used that mostly for major sports competitions, or on parents watching their children perform some major accomplishment (like walking) for the first time. If he got hit with a dose of that he'd be pretty useless for anything but strutting around for awhile, and he could end up with everyone thinking that he was vain, because what did he have to inspire intense pride?

*There's Accord,* he thought, carefully filling a tiny sack with the pale blue dust, then tying it shut. *But that's still more or less a secret. Tartarus--an OPEN secret. I think almost everyone on Olympus knows by now that we're sweet on each other, but we've never actually discussed it with each other. Not since that kind of half-discussion in his garden.* Bliss started to rub his eyes, and stopped just in time. *Crud. I think we need to talk again. I love what we're doing, and I'd never try to push him, but every time we make out I end up so hard I could pound nails. Then I either have to pretend it isn't there till it goes away, or go somewhere private and take care of it. I don't care what everyone says: that can't be healthy, if for no other reason than the strain on my heart.*

One of the house priests came to the door. "Lord Bliss, you have a visitor."

"Mm? I'm kind of busy here..."

"It's Lord Accord."

Bliss sat up abruptly, almost spilling the dust that he'd worked so hard on. "Tell him I'll be right there. Get him a drink, or snacks, or something." Smiling knowingly, the priest left. "Geez, does everyone on Olympus know?" He quickly and carefully put the dust in a specially designed metal box. It was lined with treated cloth, and when shut it was practically air-tight. He locked it for good measure, and put it away on the shelf that had been designated for his use. He paused for a moment to admire the shelf. That was one way that he'd known he was being taken seriously as an adult. Each member of the House that was active as a full divinity had a shelf for the tools, ingredients, and creations that they used in their duties.

One shelf held the tools and feathers that Cupid used to fletch his arrows, another the various ingredients Dite used to concoct her love potions, and another held Strife's stuff. That could REALLY be hazardous. Once one of the supports had cracked while Bliss was playing underneath it, and the contents had gotten dropped on his head. Oh, he hadn't been hurt by any of the falling objects, but he'd spent the next week in absolute misery: scratching, sneezing, belching, pooting, and peeing lavender.

His room was near the distilling room, and he stopped into it for a moment. He flashed on a fresh kilt and ran a comb quickly through his short yellow curls. He took a quick sniff at his armpits, then magiked up a basin of warm water and some herbal scented soap, giving himself a fast sponge bath. Then he had to change his kilt again. By that time he was muttering swears, thinking that Accord was going to be wondering what happened to him--HOPING that Accord was feeling a little impatient to see him. As he went down the hall toward the salon where most visitors were sent he thought, *Oh, I've got it BAD. I just wish I could be sure he felt the same way. Sure, we've been smooching up a storm, but it never goes much farther than that, and I WANT it to--bad.* He forced himself to slow from a lope to a stroll just before he entered the room.

His heart started thumping as he saw the slim figure sitting on the couch. Accord was hunched over, elbows on knees, chewing on the end of his braid. *He does that when he's nervous, he's bored, or he's thinking real hard. I wonder which it is this time? I wonder which I'd rather have it be?* "Hey."

Accord looked up at him, dropping the braid so he could smile. "Hey."

Bliss went over, bent down, and kissed Accord lightly, then sat beside him. "What's up? Is this business, or a social visit..." He wiggled his eyebrows in a move he'd learned from Strife, "or a SOCIAL visit?"

Accord slapped his shoulder, but said, "Do you have anything that you have to do this afternoon? Say no."

"No," said Bliss obligingly.

"Good. I want you to come somewhere with me for a little while." He stood up, reaching down to gently tug on Bliss' curls. "C'mon, slow poke."

"Okay, impatient." He stood up. "Where are we going?"

"Don't worry about it." Accord reached over and took hold of the waistband of Bliss' kilt. Bliss looked down at Accord's pale fingers curled around the soft linen, against the tan of his skin, then looked up at Accord questioningly. "I'll drive this time. Ready?"

*Flash*

Bliss looked around, then looked at Accord questioningly. "What's so urgent that we needed to come to your garden?"

"Not yet. Come over and sit with me." He led Bliss over to the smoothest, shadiest patch of grass, an area right under Sofia's oak tree. When Bliss peered up through the branches, trying to see into her hollow, Accord said, "I put her in my room for the day. I know she's discreet, but, well... She IS sentient, and I get embarrassed enough when Mjau comes in to watch me get dressed." He gestured and a soft blanket was spread on the ground, then he dropped down to lounge on it.

Bliss sat beside him, looking around. "You're keeping up the garden you started when you were studying with Demeter."

"Me and Joxer together. I was right--the second the ban on my getting assistance was lifted he was up to his wrists in the dirt." He cleared his throat. "I suppose you're wondering why I asked you here today. Why are you smiling?"

"Because you remind me of Strife when you say that."

"I want you to make a concentrated effort to NOT associate me with Strife right now."

"Why?"

"Because it might raise some issues, since he's your dad."

"You're not making sense."

"Well, stop asking me questions!" He took a breath. "Sorry. I'm a little nervous."

"I noticed."

"Bliss..."

"Sorry. Go on, I'm listening."

Accord related what he'd done the night before with Strife. Bliss chuckled through the entire tale--till Accord came to the final part in the kitchen. Then he got very quiet, his eyes darkening. "Bliss? It didn't mean anything. HE didn't mean anything. He thought I was a girl. Actually, if I WAS a girl, and I didn't know you personally, I might have found it really flattering. You're not going to, like, swoop down on him, or make sure that he has a crappy life, are you?"

Bliss' voice was tightly controlled. "Are you sure that it didn't bother you?" He sounded like he was both hoping for and dreading the possible answer.

"No, it didn't really bother me--except for thinking about how it might bother you."

Bliss' expression softened. "Good." He looked down, picking at a thread on the carpet, and said casually, "So, how did you like it? That's the only time anyone else has ever kissed you, right?"

"He wasn't really kissing me. He was kissing a girl named Accordia." Accord frowned. "It wasn't repulsive, but it was just..." He shrugged.

"Good."

Accord flushed, then said quickly, "I need to ask you a question. The way we've been with each other the last couple of months... I need to know. Do you just think I'm hot, is it because you like me better than anyone else who's around lately, is it because you feel comfortable with me, is it because you think it'll be easier for me if my first love affair is with someone I feel safe with, is..."

"WHOA!" Accord's voice faded away. Bliss said quietly and clearly, "-A- question? Accord--I love you. That's why I've been seeing you."

Accord's smile was brilliant. "I'm so glad you said that." He lunged, knocking Bliss flat on his back.

Bliss' head thumped on the ground with moderate force. "Oof!"

"Aw, geez! I'm sorry." Accord had been half-lying on Bliss, and now he scrambled off him. "I didn't want to knock your brains out, Bliss. I just..."

Bliss reached out and grabbed Accord's shirt, jerking him back down. "Where do you think you're going?"

Smiling, Accord settled his torso at a slant across Bliss', and kissed him. The first kiss was almost chaste, but then Accord licked at Bliss' mouth. The God of Joy's lips parted in a smile, then he returned the favor, and in a moment they had settled down to a leisurely oral exploration of each other.

As they kissed, Bliss groped and found Accord's braid. He took hold and began to use the very tip to tickle Accord's throat. Accord started to sit up, and when Bliss would have clung to him he said, "Let me go for a minute. I promise you'll like it."

Curious now, Bliss did as Accord asked. Accord took hold of his braid and examined the tip, then turned his gaze on Bliss. Bliss shifted. That look was hot and gleeful--sort of like the look Daddy Strife gave Cupid before he did something that would get him flung over Cupid's shoulder and carried to the nearest bedroom. Accord leaned down and began to brush the tip of his braid along the rim of Bliss' ribcage. "Oh, no. You're not going to..."

"You try to stop me and I WILL stop."

Bliss settled back, waiting to see where this was going. He wasn't as ticklish as Strife or Cupid, but he was still susceptible. Accord used the tip of his braid to outline the well defined muscles that showed about Bliss' waistband, then he drew it up the center of the older boy's chest. Bliss was starting to feel aroused. He'd always found Accord's hair attractive, and since they'd started going together he'd indulged himself by spending a good bit of time playing with it and stroking it, but this... This was edging over from fooling around into foreplay. His voice a little hoarse, he said, "Accord, do you know what you're doing?"

Accord slanted dark eyes up at him, then lightly brushed the hair across first one of Bliss' nipples, then the other. As Bliss shivered he said, "I don't know. Do I?"

"Oh, Tartarus, YES! Can I have some more of that?" Accord trailed the soft, tickling touch back down Bliss' body, circling around the shallow dip of his naval. Bliss closed his eyes, concentrating on the sensations. When the maddeningly pleasurable touch stopped, he didn't open his eyes, but growled, "Accord, do something."

He was hoping for another kiss, and he got it--sort of. He felt a soft, moist touch on his straining right nipple, and his eyes flew open with a gasp. Accord's dark head was bent over him, and by craning his neck Bliss could just see the pink flicker of his tongue as he licked Bliss again. *I think we've just reached a new plateau,* he thought, dazed. Accord nibbled at his firmed flesh gently. *Screw plateau, he's heading for Mount Olympus.*

Bliss found that he'd put his hands on Accord's head, cradling him close. Accord moved father down, nipping lightly, letting his teeth barely scrape the tanned skin of Bliss' belly. Bliss felt Accord's hands on his legs, just above his knees. He'd closed his eyes again, but there was no way he could have mistaken those hands--long fingered, smooth, and warm. They slowly started to slide up under his kilt, and he squirmed in anxious anticipation. Their petting had by unspoken agreement been limited to body parts that could safely be uncovered in mixed company. Did Accord plan on going farther? *IhopeIhopeIhope...*

Accord's hands continued to move slowly, and they slid around to caress the inside of Bliss' thighs. Bliss immediately spread his legs, giving the other boy more room, and silently inviting him to do whatever he wished. The hands kept moving, and Bliss closed his eyes again. *He's going to do it. Isn't he? Tartarus, PLEASE let him really touch me this time. I'm going to have to go roll in snow if he doesn't...*

Bliss' breath hitched as a warm hand cupped over his genitals, pressing his awakening erection down lightly, and Accord rubbed. "Oh, shit," Bliss muttered.

"It's all right, isn't it?" There was a hint of doubt in Accord's voice.

"Cord, there are times when 'oh, shit' is bad, but believe me--this is NOT one of those times."

"That's good." He gave a soft squeeze. "Because I don't want to stop."

"Thank the Fates."

"I'm not really sure of what to do, Bliss. Is it all right if I just sort of wing it?"

"I really wish you would. Accord, anything--ANYTHING--you want to do right now is more than fine with me, just PLEASE keep doing it." The hand was removed. "Cord!"

"Gimme a second." Now Bliss felt his kilt being pushed up till it was rucked up around his waist, exposing his lower body. Bliss shivered as a warm breeze blew over his bare skin. Then he shivered again as he heard the soft sounds that told him that Accord was unlacing his breeches.

When he felt Accord's hands on his shoulders he spread his legs in invitation, and groaned as Accord settled into the space, lowering himself till he was lying prone on Bliss' body and their cocks were pressed side by side between their bodies. He found that he was panting.

Accord kissed him again and again: cheeks, lips, eyes, throat, ear. He whispered, "Is this all right?" as his hips moved and he rubbed his erection against Bliss'.

Bliss clutched at Accord's back. "Cord," he moaned, "don't ask stupid questions." Accord laughed, and Bliss could feel it rippling through his body. It made him even more aroused. Bliss was feeling a little stunned by Accord's sudden show of amorous aggression. HE'D usually taken the lead in their cuddling sessions, but he was perfectly happy with this new turn of events. In fact it was sexy as Tartarus. He wasn't expecting full on intercourse this time, but he knew that whatever happened this was going to be a defining moment--something to measure the rest of his life against.

Accord was having a hard time restraining himself. There was just so much of Bliss there, and it was all so fucking LUSCIOUS! He was tempted to just BITE him--so he did... gently. He started nipping Bliss as he rubbed against him, laying soft pinches of teeth on Bliss' throat and shoulders. Bliss liked it, if you could judge from the way he moaned and started humping up to meet him. Accord liked that a LOT. He'd started to get hard while he was sitting in the salon at Cupid's temple, from the moment that Bliss had kissed him hello.

He'd intended to move a lot more slowly--ask Bliss if he wanted to go a little farther than they had before, maybe discuss WHAT they'd do. Actually the methodical part of his nature had been at work, and he'd been unconsciously considering a time-table for their activities. Something along the lines of 'hand job now, dry humping next week, blow job a week after that..." Then Bliss had said he loved him, and it all flew out the window. In his deepest part, Accord had KNOWN that Bliss loved him, but he'd needed it to be said outloud. The declaration had triggered a burst of joy that neither realized had automatically energized Bliss. In any case, Accord threw out any plans and just acted on instinct.

It worked out well. When his hands slid up under Bliss' kilt he found him already beginning to harden, and he just went from there. Now he was lying between Bliss' legs, humping against him in an abandoned manner that... Well, the very idea of doing anything like that before he knew how he felt about Bliss would have embarrassed him. Now it seemed not only natural, but right.

Bliss was quickly going out of his mind. He felt the urge to roll them over till Accord was beneath him, taking charge of the encounter. But the urge wasn't too difficult to resist. He wasn't about to balk Accord in anything right now. This was the first of what he prayed would be many, many firsts. There would be time enough later to experiment with various roles, positions, techniques... Right now he was just going to enjoy. He reached around and grabbed Accord's ass, squeezing and pulling him even harder against his body.

Then Accord jerked hard, and Bliss felt the warm gush bathing his belly. He looked up into Accord's face, and saw the beginning of doubt and apology in his eyes. He quickly hooked one arm around Cord's neck and pulled him down into a hard kiss. The other hand went between their bodies, gave Accord one loving squeeze, and then he finished himself off with a couple of hard strokes. When Accord felt Bliss' release, he relaxed, a pleased smile gracing his lips.

Now Bliss did roll them over, putting Accord beneath him. But he didn't continue the activity. He just held Accord, lying on top of him while their breathing slowed toward normal. Finally Bliss put his palms on either side of Accord's flushed face, kissed him, and said, "Stud." That sent Accord into a fit of giggles, and Bliss smiled, enjoying the feel of Accord's body hitching with laughter. Finally Bliss said, "What brought that on? I mean, I know we've been moving toward it for a long time, but why now? Why here?"

"I could pull a Strife and say 'why not?'" Bliss pinched his hip. "Ouch. But I won't. Why here? This place is kind of important to me--I guess to US. This is where you first told me that you were interest in me THIS way. And remember when we almost got drunk on that tipsy trifle?" Bliss smiled. "Yeah. Right before that, this is where I was finally, absolutely sure that this was going to happen some day. Why now?" Accord pushed at Bliss lightly, and the God of Joy obligingly rolled off him. Then Accord snuggled up to him, till he was lying comfortably against Bliss' side, head resting on his shoulder as he was embraced with one arm. "I finally realized that I'm not really gay--" Bliss started to say something, and Accord said, "Stop. I already had that discussion with my dads. I'm not gay--I'm in love with you."

He waited for Bliss' reaction. He was a little surprised that he felt so calm. He really wasn't worried about Bliss' response. He wasn't disappointed.

Bliss kissed him softly, and said, "It's 'us', then?"

Accord cuddled closer to him, pushing his head up under Bliss' chin. "Yeah. I like how that sounds. Us."

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