AresJoxerCupidStrife - Hergerbabe

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 Part 17 Part 18

Title: Merge
Author: Hergerbabe
Fandom: Xena
Pairing: A/J, C/S
Rating: NC-17
Category: romance, drama, strange occurrences
Archive: AJCSfic, Joxerotica, JLA, CkoS, Blackheart
Warnings: nope
Disclaimer: Xena and all that lot don’t belong to me, unfortunately
For Christine, as always, the best! And Beth for being a nag :)
Summary: Strange things are afoot, which bring about two happy endings

Merge

“Fine, go and play with your little friend,” Psyche screamed.

Cupid flinched and watched her as she fled the room. Then he sighed and glanced apologetically at Strife.

“You wanna stay?” Strife asked, shifting uncomfortably.

“Not really,” Cupid muttered, “I just don’t get her sometimes. I’m not playing, I’m working for Hades’ sake.”

“Yeah, well, she’s a woman they don’t care ‘bout details,” Strife shrugged.

Cupid walked over to him and slung a casual arm over his shoulder. “You were right you know.”

“Oh, ‘bout what?” Strife asked.

“I shouldn’t have married her. I should have waited to see if there was really  something there when the arrow’s effects wore off,” Cupid sighed. “There wasn’t.”

“Come on, Cuz, you just wanted someone to love, an’ you’ve got Bliss,” Strife smiled fondly.

“Thanks.”

“What for?” Strife asked, putting his arm round Cupid’s waist.

“For not saying ‘I told you so’”

Strife grinned, “Would I?”

Cupid chuckled and poked him. “Yes.”

Strife grinned wider, “I guess, but not to you.”

“Why?” Cupid asked curiously.

“Cos I love you man, you’re my best friend,” Strife hugged his cousin.

“I love you too, Cuz,” said Cupid, hugging him back.

“Come on,” Strife pulled away, “Let’s get some work done.”

Cupid nodded and they flashed out of the temple, neither of them seeing Psyche standing in the doorway, glaring furiously.

@>-->---

Cupid and Strife flashed into Strife’s room laughing hysterically. Strife flung himself onto the bed and Cupid lay down next to him.

“Man, I can’t believe they bought that!” Strife chuckled.

“I know, I know,” Cupid choked and tears streamed down his face. “You are a fucking genius, you know that?”

“Ah well, I try,” Strife smirked, attempting modesty. He rolled over and laid his head on Cupid’s shoulder. “You wanna stay over?”

Cupid sobered, “Yeah, I don’t want to deal with Psyche right now.” He sighed, “But I want to see Bliss.”

“S’okay, Unc’s minding him, remember? We’ll bring him in here,” said Strife.

“Really?”

Strife nodded, “Sure, haven’t seen the Blissmeister in a while.”

Cupid chuckled, “Okay, I’ll just go get him.”

Cupid flashed out of the room and Strife lay back, putting his arms under his head. He sighed, poor Cupe was in a real shitty situation, and he didn’t know how to help his cousin.

@>-->---

“Pops?”

Ares looked up, “Hi Cupid. Have you come to pick up this little terror?”

Bliss giggled at his grandfather. “Gwandpa, m’not a terror.” Ares grinned at him.

“I’m staying over with Strife tonight Dad, don’t tell Psyche please,” Cupid said quietly.

Ares frowned, “Are you two fighting again?”

Cupid nodded, “She’s objecting to my work now.”

“Oh for…” Ares stopped. “Actually, I won’t be here tonight, so you might want to let her know you’ve got Bliss,” he continued quietly.

“Is it that time already?” Cupid asked. Ares nodded. Cupid squeezed his father’s arm sympathetically and Ares smiled at him.

“Bliss, kiss goodbye please.” Bliss kissed Ares on the cheek and flew unsteadily into Cupid’s arms.

“We stayin with Stwifey?” Bliss asked.

“Uh huh, that okay with you?”

“Yeah, yeah, Stwife’s kewl,” Bliss grinned.

Cupid chuckled and ruffled his hair. “Come on then. Maybe we can persuade Strife to tell you a story.”

“Yay, story!”

“See you later Cupid, Blissy,” Ares smiled as they disappeared. It was time for his own plans and he was filled with anticipation and vague apprehension.

He flashed down to a small clearing. With a wave of his hand, he had a fire burning, a blanket laid out on the ground and a sumptuous meal laid out in front of it. He smiled in satisfaction and lay back on the blanket, outwardly calm, but inside a bundle of nerves.

He didn’t have to wait for long before he heard a crash and a muffled curse. He chuckled and shook his head, rolling onto his side, looking up expectantly. He smiled at the slim figure that stumbled into the clearing.

“Hi.”

“Ares!”

The joy in the greeting instantly calmed the butterflies in Ares’ stomach and he relaxed, sighing happily. He stood and smiled.

“Did you get away all right?” he asked.

“Yeah, they’ve stopped worrying about my occasional little disappearances. I just tell them I get lost.”

Ares laughed, “Come here.”

“Will you change my clothes first please?”

“Course,” Ares waved his hand, changing armour to leather and silk. Then unable to wait he took his lover into his arms.

“Thanks,” Joxer sighed, snuggling deep.

Ares smiled down at him and gently stroked his cheek, before slipping his hand to the back of his neck and pulling him up for a soft kiss. Joxer made a soft whimpering noise in the back of his throat and he wrapped his arms round Ares’ neck, deepening the kiss slowly.

Ares pulled away with a groan, “Gods, I’ve missed you.”

Joxer smiled and his hands slipped down to Ares’ chest. “I missed you too, so much,” he whispered.

Ares bent slightly and picked him up.

“Ares!” Joxer chuckled, but he cuddled up close to his lover as he was carried over to the blanket and gently laid down.

“Would you like something to eat, baby?” Ares asked, lying next to him.

Joxer glanced at the food and shook his head, “Later.” He raised his arm and pulled Ares down on top of him.

“Oh love,” Ares sighed, dipping his head to claim another kiss, “I was hoping you’d say that.”

Joxer’s chuckle was muffled by Ares’ lips on his. It soon turned to a groan as he opened his mouth to let Ares’ tongue explore. His own tongue joined in, sliding over his lover’s and dipping into Ares’ mouth. For a long time they shared lazy kisses, reacquainting themselves with the other’s taste.

But soon Ares pressed deeper and his hands began to roam over Joxer’s slim body. Ares removed his lips from Joxer’s mouth, only so he could taste pale, smooth skin. His tongue trailed down Joxer’s neck and he began to unbutton the silk shirt so he could get to his chest.

Joxer moaned, his hand coming up to grip Ares’ hair as his lover’s tongue flicked over his hardening nipples, before sucking on one. After sucking each one into a hard, sensitive peak, Ares continued his exploration of his lover’s skin, running his tongue over slightly protruding ribs and down the flat stomach.

He paused to taste Joxer’s navel, gently dipping his tongue into the small depression. Ares grinned as Joxer moaned and writhed beneath him. He was torn between desperate need from not having seen Joxer for so long, and wanting to take it slow, because it would be so long until the next time he saw his lover.

Ares waved his hand to remove Joxer’s clothes, before he continued, dipping his head to nuzzle Joxer’s groin, smelling the arousal.

Joxer groaned, “Please,” he whispered, “Want to feel you, touch me.”

Ares licked his lips and gently bathed Joxer’s cock with his tongue, quickly becoming intoxicated with the taste he’d been deprived of for too long.

“Oh yes love, feels so good,” Joxer moaned, his hips thrusting unconsciously. Ares smiled softly and took the tip of Joxer’s cock into his mouth lapping at the leaking juices.

“Ah, Ares, please, suck me please,” Joxer’s head fell back as his lover’s talented tongue and mouth worked his aching length faster and faster. “Need you so much,” Joxer panted, thrusting hard into his lover’s mouth.

Ares began to explore Joxer’s ass, gently pressing his fingers between the cheeks to slide over sensitive skin, gradually working his way to the small pucker of his opening. His now oiled fingers carefully slid inside the tight passage as he took Joxer’s length deep into his throat.

“Oh fuck, Ares, yes!” Joxer screamed, slamming into Ares’ mouth as his seed jetted down his lover’s throat. “Oh Gods, so good. I love you Ares, love you so much.”

Ares lifted his head and smiled up at his lover, “I love you too, Joxer.”

Carefully he continued to pump his fingers into Joxer, preparing him. Joxer reached down to draw Ares up his body, pulling his lover down on top of him.

“Come on love,” he panted, pushing against the fingers that were stretching him. “Need you.”

“What. Do. You. Want?” Ares asked, punctuating each word with a kiss.

“You, inside me, now,” Joxer breathed into his mouth. Ares rolled Joxer onto his side and spooned up behind him. He pulled Joxer’s head to rest on his shoulder and wrapped his arms tightly around his lover as he pushed the tip of his cock inside Joxer’s body. He paused, and Joxer sighed, reaching behind him to grasp Ares’ hip, encouraging him to move.

“Take me, complete me,” Joxer gasped. His cock was already hardening again, but then it had been too long since he’d had his lover inside him.

Ares began to thrust gently, burying his face in Joxer’s neck. This was what he craved most in the world, being entwined with the love of his life, embraced, engulfed, sharing everything, completed.

They rocked together in a timeless dance shared by all true lovers. Joxer shuddered as his pleasure spot was grazed with every thrust, and when Ares lowered his hand to take a light grip of his erection, he cried out.

Sensing his lover needed more, Ares increased his pace, plunging deeper and harder into Joxer, gasping breathlessly at the rippling muscles that squeezed his cock.

“Love you,” he whispered as he felt Joxer tense then jerk with his release. Joxer’s cry was enough for him, he thrust once more, filling Joxer with his hot seed.

As he held his lover tightly, kissing his neck, he felt the tears come. Joxer turned in his arms and pulled Ares’ head to his chest, gently soothing his lover. The first time it had happened, Joxer had been terrified, but now he knew that Ares simply trusted him enough to let go completely. And after the release they gained together, he would release all the tension and pain that built up while they were apart, and just cry.

“Let it go, love,” he whispered, stroking Ares’ hair, “Let it go.”

Ares’ sobs gradually eased and he wiped the tears from his face. He leaned up and kissed Joxer gently. “Thank you,” he whispered.

Joxer smiled and stroked his cheek, “I love you.”

“I love you too.” Ares sighed, “When will this be over? I hate this.”

“I know. So do I,” Joxer sat up. Ares shifted behind him and rested his chin on Joxer’s shoulder, wrapping his arms round the slim torso.

“Would you like to eat now?” he asked. Joxer nodded and sighed. “We have all night, my love,” Ares whispered.

“I know, but it’s not enough,” Joxer couldn’t hold back his own tears.

“Baby, oh please don’t cry. Oh love,” Ares sighed, letting Joxer turn slightly and crawl into his lap. He held his trembling lover, rocking gently, crooning softly. “I know it’s hard.”

“It’s more than hard Ares, it’s damned near impossible!” Joxer snapped.

“He’ll relent, eventually. We all petition him everyday, you know that. Everyone does, they all miss you,” Ares said quietly.

Joxer sighed, “I’m sorry, but it’s been thirty years already. I miss working with Cupid and Strife. I miss Mom and Dad, Hera, Eris and ‘Dite, ‘Pol, Art’, ‘Thena, everyone! I miss *you*!” He hugged Ares, “It’s not the same seeing you all occasionally when you’re working, and you have to ignore me.”

“You hurt his pride, love, he doesn’t forgive that easily,” Ares whispered.

“False pride!” Joxer snapped.

“Shh, it’s only because Mother interfered that we have any time together,” Ares said hurriedly.

Joxer sighed, “I know, I’m glad we got married when we did.”

Ares nodded, “Come on love, eat now.”

“Okay.”

Strife woke suddenly feeling distinctly strange. He turned to Cupid, but he wasn’t there.

“Cupe?”

“Yeah?”

“Oh shit.”

Strife tried to raise his hand but couldn’t, “Um Cupe, why are you speaking from my mouth?”

“I was about to ask you the same question.”

The lights came on and Strife looked down.

“Oh shit!” Two voices came from the same mouth.

*Cupe what’s going on?*

*I don’t know*

Strife started to panic, *Oh Gods, oh Gods!*

*Calm down, Strife.*

*Calm down? You want me to calm down?! I’ve got wings!*

*Strife, we’ve got wings!*

*Oh Gods*

*You’re not helping.*

*Excuse me I’m sure! I’m not used to waking up in someone else’s body!*

*You’re not in my body.*

*Huh?*

*It’s not my body.*

*Are you sure? It’s got wings.*

*I’m sure. I don’t have nipple rings.*

*Oh.* Strife managed to lift an arm to feel his, Cupid’s? chest.

*Look up.*

*Wha?*

*Look up.*

Strife looked up at the mirror over his bed. The reflection that looked down at him was of a slim but muscular, pale man with brown and gold hair, blue eyes and wings.

*Who the fuck is that?*

*I’m guessing, us?*

*Us?* Strife pushed down the covers. He still had nipple rings, but where had the washboard stomach come from? And, *Fuck. That’s not *my* cock, you’re huge!*

Cupid chuckled.

*Don’t laugh, this is fucking freaky*

*Sorry*

*How could this happen?*

*Why are you asking me?*

*I don’t know.* Strife sighed.

He glanced up again *I’m glad we got your cheekbones* He started to laugh slightly hysterically.

*Well I’m glad we got your eyes.*

Strife stopped laughing, *Really, why?*

Cupid shrugged, *I like your eyes.*

*Man, that felt weird.*

*What?*

*When you, we shrugged,* Strife repeated the movement.

*Ooh, I see what you mean.*

*What are we going to do?*

*Tell someone, I guess,* Cupid sighed.

“Daddy?”

*Uh oh!*

“Who’re you? Where’s Daddy an’ Stwifey?” Bliss climbed onto the bed. The Godling frowned suddenly and touched Cupid/Strife’s face. “Daddy? And Stwifey?”

“It’s okay sweet pea, I’m here, but Strife is too.”

Bliss continued to frown for a moment, then his face lit up, “Okay.”

*Well that was easy,* Cupid sighed in relief. He dressed them quickly before pulling his son into a big hug.

*Yeah.* Strife frowned, *Shall we go to Unc?*

*Nah, it’s his night with Joxer.*

*Oh yeah,* Strife sighed. *That totally sucks, poor Joxer.*

*I know, but I’m sure Grandpa will give in soon.*

*You reckon?*

*Yeah.*

*So who’re we gonna go to ‘bout this?*

*’Pol.*

*Oh yeah! Good plan.* Cupid chuckled again. *Oh shut up.*

*How’re we going to do this?* Cupid asked.

*What do you mean?*

*Well, in case you hadn’t noticed, I can only move our body when you’re still and vice versa, what’s transporting going to be like?*

*Hmmm, well to be on the safe side, you can do it.*

*Okay.*

“Bliss? We’re going to see Unc ‘Pol, okay?” Cupid asked his son.

“Okay Daddy, Stwifey.”

Cupid transported them to Apollo’s healing room.

“Hi ‘Pol.”

“Hey ‘Pol.”

Apollo glanced up briefly, “Cupid, Strife.”

Cupid and Strife waited expectantly. Apollo dropped his quill and looked up, blinking rapidly. His mouth dropped open, “W-Wha…?” he stuttered.

Strife snickered until Cupid mentally elbowed him. “That’s what we want to know,” said Cupid.

Apollo stood up very slowly and approached them cautiously. “Cupid? Strife?”

Cupid/Strife nodded.

“Well fu…” Apollo glanced at Bliss and stopped. “When did this happen?”

“Woke up like it,” said Cupid.

“Yeah, Cupe stayed over and this morning we got the Cupid/Strife two for the price of one combo thing.”

“Stayed over, huh?” Apollo smirked.

“Would you focus, we’re not fu…, uh sleeping together. Why does everyone think that? Cupid, why does everyone think that?”

Cupid shrugged, “I don’t know.”

“Oh man, that is so freaky, I just can’t tell you!” Apollo exclaimed.

“Whatever man, can you fix it?” Strife asked impatiently.

“Are you kidding me? I can’t begin to guess how it happened, let alone how to fix it!”

“Oh crap!” exclaimed Cupid.

*What?*

*Psyche’s gonna freak out over this.*

*Oh. Oh crap!*

*Yeah.*

*What’re we gonna do? She fuckin’ hates me!*

*She doesn’t *hate* you.*

*Cupe, believe me, she even told me, she hates my guts.*

*Shit, I didn’t know.*

*S’okay.*

*No, it’s not! Gods, she can be such a bitch.*

“Um guys? Do you mind?” Apollo interrupted them.

“Sorry ‘Pol,” said Cupid, “It’s easier for us to talk to each other that way.”

Apollo nodded understandingly, “Yeah, I guess it would be.”

“So what in Tartarus are we going to do?” Strife asked.

“We’ll have to go to the top.”

“Grandpa?” Apollo nodded. Cupid and Strife sighed. “It’s nearly petition time, he’s not going to be in a good mood,” said Cupid.

“We don’t have any other options boys,” said Apollo.

“Okay.”

They all flashed over to Zeus’ temple, dropping Bliss off with the Muses first, joining the crowd that was gathering for petitions.

Ares woke up slowly with the dawn. After talking most of the night and making love again, he and Joxer had curled up in each other’s arms and fallen asleep. Ares watched his lover sleep for a while, breath hitching lightly at the thought of soon having to say goodbye again.

They’d been married thirty-five years, a couple for over a hundred, and for the last thirty years they’d only spent four nights a year together. They only had that time because Hera had insisted that a married couple should be able to spend some time together.

When Zeus had offered to release Ares from his ‘burdensome’ marriage, it had taken Joxer, Cupid, Strife and Apollo to hold him back.

Zeus had come close to losing control that day, with Ares gunning for his blood, Hades and Hecate furious, and quite a number of Gods and Goddesses, including Hera and Poseidon, demanding leniency. Joxer was well loved on Olympus.

A gentle hand on his face, brought him out of his memories.

“Stop it,” Joxer whispered.

“Stop what?”

Joxer smiled, “Torturing yourself.”

Ares sighed, “I can’t help it.”

“Come on, love, let’s make some good memories,” Joxer pulled Ares down on top of him and kissed him. Ares moaned, he wrapped his arms round his lover and rolled them over so Joxer was on top of him.

Joxer wriggled slightly to get more comfortable causing Ares to thrust up against him with another moan into his mouth. Joxer sucked gently on his tongue as he rocked his hard cock against Ares’.

When Joxer made to lift up, Ares shook his head. “No love,” he whispered, “I want you inside me this time.”

“Oh Ares,” Joxer sighed and kissed his husband’s hand. He shifted so he lay in between Ares’ legs and bent one of them up, reaching down to caress Ares’ muscular ass. “Oil,” he whispered in between kisses.

Ares coated Joxer’s fingers and filled his ass with oil with a thought. Then he groaned as Joxer carefully worked a finger inside him.

“Oh yes love, need it, need you,” Ares panted.

Joxer pushed in another finger and reached deep for the small protrusion inside his husband. He rubbed firmly wanting to bring Ares as much pleasure as he could. Ares’ back arched and he cried out Joxer’s name. Joxer continued his exquisite torture, adding a third finger, rotating and scissoring.

“Please,” Ares begged, “Please, Joxer, need you.”

Joxer slipped his fingers out carefully and used the remaining oil to lubricate his cock. With extreme care and gentleness, he pushed into the loosened, slick hole of his lover.

Ares hissed with pleasure, wrapping his strong legs around Joxer to pull him closer. Joxer groaned as he sank deeper into the tight passage. He paused to drop soft kisses on Ares’ lips, until his husband clasped his head and captured his mouth, plunging his tongue deep inside.

Joxer finally began to move, pulling out slowly and thrusting deeply. His hands explored Ares’ chest, lightly tugging curly hair and grazing nipples as his mouth was gently tongue fucked.

Their pace increased slowly, but as hard as they tried to make it last, their need was too great, and soon Joxer was pounding into Ares and pulling hard on his leaking cock.

“Love you, oh Gods!” Ares screamed, his back arched up and he pulled Joxer deep inside him as he came in long, jerky spurts.

“Oh Ares,” Joxer buried his face in Ares’ neck, hips thrusting convulsively into his husband as he came. Ares wrapped his arms round his boneless lover gently stroking soft, brown hair. They lay wrapped up in each other, recovering their breath, each dreading what was to come.

“What in Hades?!!”

Startled, Joxer and Ares sat up. Ares shoved Joxer behind him.  “Xena,” he growled. Xena and Gabrielle stood at the edge of the clearing staring at the couple in shock.

“What are you doing? Joxer are you okay?” Xena demanded.

Joxer nodded, “Ares, love, clothes would be good.”

Ares waved his hand to dress them, but didn’t take his wary gaze from the warrior princess.

“Joxer, are you mad?!” Gabrielle exclaimed, “That’s Ares!”

Joxer smiled, “I know.” The blonde bard shook her head in disbelief.

“I guess it’s time for the truth,” Joxer glanced at his husband, who nodded.

The pair stood up, and Ares waved his hand to get rid off the fire, blankets and remainders of food.

“Ares!” a voice boomed warningly. Xena and Gabrielle jumped, but Ares sighed. He turned to his stricken husband.

“Already?” Joxer whispered, tears springing to his eyes.

Ares nodded and reached out to stroke his cheek gently. Joxer sobbed and wrapped his arms tightly round Ares. Ares picked him up, hugging him close, burying his face in Joxer’s neck.

“What’s going on?”

They ignored the question, just holding each other. Ares lifted his head and took Joxer’s mouth in a desperate kiss. It was Joxer who pulled away.

“Go,” he sobbed.

“But…”

“Go now, or I won’t be able to let you.”

Ares swallowed hard. He grabbed Joxer for one more hard kiss, then backed away. “I love you,” he whispered.

“I love you too.” Joxer watched him fade away, then dropped to his knees, sobbing desperately.

“Joxer?” Gabrielle approached him cautiously. She crouched next to him and put an arm round him. He hugged her tightly, crying onto her shoulder. She glanced up at Xena in confusion. Xena frowned and shrugged. Eventually Joxer calmed down and pulled back wiping his eyes and nose.

“Joxer, what is going on, what in Hades were you doing with Ares?” Xena asked. Joxer sniffed and looked up at her. The heartbreak and loneliness in his red-rimmed eyes, tore at her heart. “Joxer?” she said more softly, crouching down with him and Gabrielle.

Joxer took a deep, uneven breath, “He’s my husband.”

Gabrielle’s reflex reaction was to laugh, but she stopped as soon as she saw the hurt expression on his face.

“But, it’s not possible, is it?” she turned to Xena.

“Joxer, I’ve never heard of Ares being married, ever,” she said seriously.

Joxer smiled sadly, “Anyone who still knows, is forbidden to speak of it. My uncle did not approve of our relationship from the beginning and he was very angry when we married.”

“And who’s your uncle to tell Ares what to do?!” Gabrielle asked in surprise.

“Zeus,” Joxer whispered.

“What?! Who are you?” Xena gasped.

Joxer’s breath hitched slightly, “I am Joxer the Mighty, immortal fool. I *was* Joxer, God of Demons, Fairies and Strange Beings; son of Hades and Hecate. I am also always Ares’ consort.”

Xena sat down heavily.

“What? How?” Gabrielle sighed. “I don’t understand.”

“I’ll start from the beginning,” Joxer sighed. “I didn’t know many of the Gods, I lived in Asphodel with my parents. I hardly ever went up to Olympus. I was happy, if a little lonely.

Course, when Dad married ‘Sephe, I started to meet more Olympians, but to be honest I was a little wary of them. And Dad and Zeus don’t really get along.” He shrugged and sighed.

“A little over a hundred years ago, a war broke out between Elves and Gnomes, and I just wasn’t equipped to deal with that. So Dad suggested I go to Ares and ask for his help,” Joxer smiled, remembering the first time he’d properly met his husband.

****
Joxer transported himself into the public room of Ares’ temple and looked around nervously. It was empty and he sighed in relief as it gave him time to collect himself. His father may have been Hades, but Ares was an Olympian, one of the Twelve and heir to Zeus’ throne.

He took a deep breath and cleared his throat, “Um, Ares?”  There was a flash and he watched Ares appear, sprawled casually over his throne.

Ares glanced appraisingly at the vaguely familiar God currently occupying his temple. He was very attractive despite the somewhat blank look on his face. He waited expectantly.

Joxer was desperately trying to get his emotions under control. Seeing the War God at a distance was not the same as meeting him face to face. He oozed raw sexuality and power and at the same time was breathtakingly beautiful.

Ares gave up waiting, “What do you want?” he snapped impatiently.

Joxer started and blinked, “S-sorry. I, uh, I need your help.”

That caught Ares’ interest immediately, “Really?” He frowned, “What for?” he asked suspiciously. No one asked the God of War for help!

“Well, uh, a war has broken out between the Elves and Gnomes,” Joxer started.

“Oh of course, you’re Hades’ boy,” Ares frowned, “Joxer isn’t it?” Joxer nodded. “Elves and Gnomes are your domain, what do you need my help for?”

“I don’t know how to deal with war, I need to stop it,” Joxer explained.

“Why?”

“Why?” Joxer blinked at the unexpected question. Ares nodded. “B-because fairies are supposed to be at peace, balanced. If it continues, it will start to affect the elements.”

Ares looked thoughtful, “I see. Do you know what started the war?” Joxer shook his head and Ares sighed. “You really don’t know anything about war do you?” Joxer flushed and shrugged. “How are you going to stop a war, if you don’t even know what caused it?”

“I, uh, g-guess I hadn’t thought of that,” stuttered Joxer nervously.

“And don’t look so scared, I’m not going to bite you,” Ares chuckled, not that he didn’t want to, his young cousin was extremely appealing. Joxer smiled shyly and Ares felt something he rarely felt; protective of the young God. He shook his head, slightly uncomfortable with the emotion.

“I tell you what,” he said, “Since this is the first time since, well forever, that someone has actually asked for my help, I’ll come help you.”

“Really?” Joxer was shocked, “Wow, uh thanks, that’d be great.”

Ares frowned, “Why are you so surprised?”

“Well, I mean you’re Ares, an Olympian, you guys don’t exactly hang out with Asphodelians,” Joxer said quietly.

Ares thought about the last time he’d been to Asphodel and realised it had probably been before Joxer was even born.

“Do you have many friends?” Ares asked suddenly.

Joxer was surprised by the question, “Well ‘Sephe’s nice, and Thanatos can actually be pretty fun. Strife comes to say hi occasionally.”

“Is that it?” Ares felt a twinge of empathy, he wasn’t exactly overwhelmed with friends either.

Joxer shrugged, “I guess.”

Ares decided doing something was better than standing around, especially as he kept feeling things. Yes, distraction would be good.

“Well, let’s go then. Elves or Gnomes first?” said Ares gruffly.

Joxer blinked, “Um, Elves, they’re usually a bit more, uh, level headed and sensible.”

Ares nodded, “Okay, do you want them to know I’m there?”

Joxer’s brow creased in thought, “Probably not, they get overwhelmed with me as it is,” he chuckled.

Ares found that hard to imagine from what he’d seen so far of the shy, quiet God. Impulsively, he put his hands on Joxer’s shoulders, and smiled at his sudden intake of breath. “Well take us there then.”

Joxer nodded, trying not to tremble under the War God’s touch. He transported them to the Elves’ main gathering area and stared at the wholesale chaos. The usually calm and serene fairies were running around like headless chickens, most of them dressed in silver armour and carrying small crossbows or spears.

“Well fuck!” whispered Joxer, swearing out of sheer shock. Ares couldn’t quite help chuckling at the expression on Joxer’s face.

“You’d better do something cousin,” he whispered in Joxer’s ear.

Joxer barely held back a gasp as Ares’ warm breath caressed his skin. He swallowed and nodded. Waving his hand, his appearance changed. Ares stared at him in surprise. Joxer now looked like a fairy mutant. He had the spiky, green hair of the tree spirits and pointed ears of Elves. His skin was scaled like the Undines and he had the wings of a Sylph. His tongue was forked like a Salamander and he had the large, strong, spade-like hands of a Gnome.

“Wow, well, I see now why you overwhelm them!” Ares exclaimed, holding back an urge to touch his cousin.

Joxer smiled, “You should see me when I visit demons!”

Ares laughed.

Joxer grinned happily, then he waved his hand and appeared directly in front of the Elf King. He grasped the startled Elf by the shoulder and flung him backwards onto his throne.

“Quiet!” he roared. Ares watched, pleasantly surprised as every single elf stopped what they were doing and dropped to their knees.

“My, my lord,” stuttered the king.

“What is the meaning of this?” Joxer asked menacingly.

“My lord, the Gnomes. One of them raped my daughter, they refuse to hand him over for trial. We demand retribution,” the king stumbled nervously over his words.

“You demand nothing!” Joxer hissed. “You have already begun a war without coming to me first, and now you presume to make demands of me?!”

The king cowered in front of him, “B-but my lord, justice?”

Joxer frowned, “I will decide what is justice here. Bring me your daughter.”

“My lord, she has not moved or spoken since it happened…”

“Bring me your daughter, I will not repeat myself again,” Joxer interrupted.

Ares was extremely impressed with what he’d seen so far, a complete contrast with how the Asphodelian had been with him. The young God was certainly intriguing.

A pretty, young Elf maiden was brought before Joxer, and laid down. Surreptitiously, Joxer beckoned Ares over. Curious, Ares walked over and knelt opposite Joxer, on the other side of the girl’s limp body.

“She’s catatonic,” he whispered. Joxer nodded slightly and put his hand on her head. He closed his eyes and concentrated. Then he sighed and shook his head. He stood up and addressed the Elf King.

“She will recover, in time. But her memories are too confused to determine the truth in this matter.” Joxer waved his hand, “You are all confined to the Home Forest until this issue is resolved.”

“But…”

Joxer cocked his head, “I know you’re not about to argue with me.”

“No my lord, thank you my lord,” the elf king sighed.

Joxer made himself invisible again and watched the Elves get to their feet, all talking in hushed tones about what had happened.

He sighed and glanced at Ares, “I don’t suppose you got anything from her memories?” Ares shook his head. Joxer sighed again, “What next?”

“Visit the Gnomes. She was definitely raped, but we need to know their side of the story. If it was a Gnome, we’ll need to get them to give him over to the elves. She deserves justice,” Ares said quietly.

Joxer’s lips parted in a quiet sigh, he was touched by Ares’ last words.

Ares watched entranced, as the tip of Joxer’s tongue snuck out to moisten his open lips, and he had to swallow a sudden desire to kiss the young God.

Joxer cleared his throat and looked up, trying to keep the strange longing he was feeling, from his eyes. “Shall we go then?” he whispered.

Ares didn’t trust his voice and nodded, putting his hands on Joxer’s shoulders again. Joxer felt a small shiver tingle down his spine at the contact. He closed his eyes and transported them to the Gnome kingdom.

The Gnomes were in a similar state of chaos to the Elves, all of them wearing helmets and carrying axes or clubs, running back and forth with no particular purpose.

Joxer looked at them and sighed. Ares gently squeezed his shoulders and Joxer looked up, smiling in grateful surprise.

“Let’s find out what happened,” he whispered.

Joxer nodded and appeared in front of the Gnomes. Silence fell immediately and the Gnomes all bowed their heads.

“Silenus,” Joxer’s voice boomed inside the cavern.

“Me lor’,” an elderly gnome stepped forward.

“The Elves have made a very serious accusation, Silenus. What happened?”

“Me lor’, it were a mistake. Young Gromit would never do sumthin so terrible. ’E’s simple, granted, but ’e wouldn’t ‘urt a fly. ‘E found the elf girl an’ were trying to ‘elp ‘er, when thee elves found ‘im. But them elves wouldn’t listen, them’s so superior,”

“I’d like to speak to Gromit, please,” said Joxer quietly. A terrified looking young Gnome was pushed forward. He blinked up at Joxer, trembling and tearful. “Hush now child,” said Joxer quietly. He touched the young Gnome’s face and closed his eyes.

Ares watched him, seeing various pained expressions pass over his cousin’s face and his heart clenched with unexpected emotion. He gasped and took a step back, not quite sure what was happening to him.

Joxer opened his eyes and they shined with unshed tears.

“It’s all right child, you couldn’t have stopped them, I know you were scared.” He smiled at Gromit. Taking the young Gnome’s hand and holding it up, he waved his own over it and a huge lump of toffee appeared.

Gromit smiled up at his God, “Fank you lor’.”

Joxer smiled and turned back to Silenus. “I have stopped the Elves, and now you will stop. I have discovered who the culprits are and they will be brought to justice. I do not wish to hear anything further on the matter, is that understood?”

Silenus nodded, “Thanks be to you, me lor’.”

Joxer smiled and made himself invisible.

“Well?” Ares asked as Joxer walked over to him.

“Humans, warriors,” Joxer said with a small shake of his head.

“Let me see, I may know them,” said Ares impulsively. Joxer stared at him, before nodding. Ares pulled him closer and put his hands on Joxer’s face. They closed their eyes to concentrate, while Joxer shared the Gnome’s memories with him. Ares opened his eyes again and stared down at the younger God, drinking in the handsome, yet strangely innocent face.

Joxer’s lips were slightly parted and Ares leaned down, wanting to taste them. Then suddenly, he pulled back, almost horrified at the intensity of his feelings. He couldn’t remember ever wanting someone that much. Absorbed in his thoughts, he missed Joxer’s look of bitter disappointment.

“Well?”

Ares was startled out of his contemplation, “Huh?”

“Do you know them?” Joxer asked.

Ares nodded, “I’ll take you to them.”

“Thank you,” Joxer said quietly, but unsmilingly.

Ares frowned slightly, wondering at the change in Joxer. He put his hands on Joxer’s shoulders again for the transport and for a second Joxer tensed. Ares frowned again. He transported them down to a large camp and led the way to a tent.

“In there,” he said quietly. “I’d go with the demon look myself.”

Joxer smiled, unable to help himself. Then he waved his hand and transformed himself into a massive, muscular demon mutant. His skin was leathery, red and green. He had large horns, a ridged brow and massive, sharp fangs. His hands had long, deadly-looking claws.

“Wow, you’ll scare the piss out of them,” snickered Ares. “Let’s go.”

They entered the tent and Ares made himself visible. The four warriors inside the tent jumped in shock.

“My lord Ares, it is an honour,” said one.

“I’m sure it is,” Ares sneered. The men blanched at his tone. “For the rape of an innocent Elf maiden, I release you from my protection and turn you over to my cousin. I don’t believe you’ve met Joxer, God of Demons and Fairies.” He looked over to Joxer, who made himself visible.

The four warriors screamed in a very unwarriorlike manner and three tried to run. One fainted. Joxer waved his hand and froze them in place.

“The punishment should fit the crime. My judgement is death by castration.” He strode forward and proceeded to use his claws to rip the testicles from each man’s body.

“Ouch,” said Ares. He stood with Joxer and watched the men bleed to death. “Remind me never to piss you off!”

Joxer gave a surprised laugh. “Thank you Ares,” he said quietly, terribly unhappy that it was over and he wouldn’t be working with Ares anymore.

“You’re more than welcome. I have never condoned rape, this punishment will provide a pretty good warning for some time to come,” Ares replied equally quietly, suddenly subdued by the thought of going back to Olympus alone.

“I guess I’ll go and let the Elves know then,” Joxer bit his lip. He transformed himself back to his Fairy God appearance, “Don’t want to scare them,” he half-grinned.

Ares nodded, “Okay, well, if you ever need help again…”

Joxer smiled and vanished before he did something embarrassing, like cry. Ares stared at the empty space for a while, wondering how his life could have been turned upside down in such a short space of time. Then he too vanished.

Joxer reappeared in the Elven Home Forest.

“My Lord,” the Elves dropped to their knees.

Joxer surveyed the Elves quietly. “The Gnome you accused was but a frightened child who saw what happened. Do not be so quick to judge in the future. The culprits have been found and judged, they are no longer with us.”

“Thank you my lord,” said the Elven King.

Joxer nodded, “Take care of your children.” With those words, he went home to brood.

A week later, Joxer was still brooding. The short time he’d spent with Ares had changed everything for him. He couldn’t get the War God out of his head. Ares’ presence, his touch, his voice. Everything about Ares had affected him. He replayed the moment where he’d thought Ares was going to kiss him, over and over in his mind.

Maybe he’d just been imagining it, but he hadn’t imagined the breath against his mouth when Ares had leaned in. But then he was Ares, and why would Ares be interested in him?

@>-->---

During that same week, several Gods had noticed Ares acting very strangely. One minute, he was distracted, quiet, the next raging and overaggressive, even for him. The only one who had the balls to approach him, ironically, was Aphrodite. She went to see him.

“Arry?”

“What do you want?!” he snapped, glaring at her.

“Don’t snap at me, Ares!” she hissed, “Now look what you did, you made me wrinkle!”

Ares sighed and looked away, “Don’t play the ditzy blond with me, ‘Dite. I know you better than that.”

“And I know you too, bro. What’s wrong?” Aphrodite sat next to him and patted his knee. Ares glanced at her from under hooded eyes. He thought about the last week and the time he’d spent with Joxer. He was pretty sure he knew the answer, but he needed it confirmed. Gently, he took her hand and placed it on his chest.

“See for yourself,” he whispered.

Aphrodite frowned, then her eyes widened in surprise. “Oh Arry!” she exclaimed, flinging her arms joyfully round his neck. “At last. You’re in love at last!”

Ares sighed, “I thought that was it.”

“What do you mean you thought that was it?” Aphrodite asked, “Tell me who the lucky lady is!”

Ares glared at her, “And how is being loved by me lucky, ‘Dite?!” he snapped, “Huh? Tell me!”

“Ares!” Aphrodite was stunned at his tone of self-loathing, “How can you say that?”

Ares took a deep hitching breath, “Because it’s true, dammit. What can I possibly offer someone, except for corruption of innocence, fear, hatred?” His breath hitched again and he stopped. “I can’t do that to him,” he whispered.

“Him?” Aphrodite asked softly. Ares looked up at her, as close to tears as she’d ever seen him. He squeezed his eyes shut and nodded. “Do I know him?”

Ares shook his head, “I don’t think so.”

“Arry, you’re wrong,” Aphrodite took his hand in hers. “I know you, remember? You have a lot more to offer this person. Sometimes love can be a battle, you have to fight for it. Give him a chance to make that decision for himself.”

Ares smiled at her, “Thanks ‘Dite.”

“Hey, what are sisters for?” she smiled back at him.

Ares contemplated Aphrodite’s words, but he still couldn’t fathom why anyone would return his feelings, let alone someone as sweet as Joxer.

“Strife!”

“Hey, Unc, you got something for me to do?” Strife flashed into the room.

“I believe you know Joxer,” said Ares quietly.

“Uh yeah,” said Strife warily. “You don’t want me to do anythin’ to him do you? He’s a nice guy.”

“No, nothing like that. We worked on something together last week. I want you to see if he’s resolved the issue,” said Ares choosing his words carefully.

Strife sighed in relief, “Yeah, sure.”

@>-->---

Strife flashed down to Asphodel.

“Ah, Strife.”

“Great Unc Hades, how’s it hangin’?”

“Hanging?” Hades frowned in confusion.

“Yeah you know, what’s up?” Strife smirked inwardly.

Hades shook his head and sighed, “Strife, do you think you could try and cheer Joxer up? He’s been moping for a week now, really quiet, I mean even for him,” Hades sighed.

“Sure, I’m here to see him anyway.”

Hades nodded.


Strife made his way to Joxer’s room and knocked. There was silence, then he heard a sigh.

“Come in.” Joxer watched the door open and Strife enter. He managed a smile. “Hi Strife, what are you doing here?”

Strife grinned, “Well apart from to say hi, Unc sent me.”

Joxer caught his breath, “Really? Why?” he asked cautiously.

“He said you worked together and wanted to like, know if you’d sorted it out,” Strife grinned at him. “I tell you, it’s nice to see him normal, he’s been in a real funk this last week!”

Joxer stopped breathing for a second. Ares knew they’d sorted out the war, why did he have Strife coming down to ask him?

Strife watched the pale, slim figure huddled on the bed. “Jox, you okay dude?”

“Huh? Yeah, yeah I guess,” Joxer looked at Strife again. “Tell him it’s fine and I said thank you.”

“Sure. You want to do something?” Strife asked.

Joxer shook his head, “Not today, thanks Strife.”

“’Kay, well I’ll get back to Unc then. No sense in risking pissing him off.” Joxer nodded. “See ya!”

Strife wandered over to the door. Then he looked back. Joxer had curled up on the bed and his shoulders were shaking. Strife frowned, wondering what was wrong with his friend. He flashed back up to his Uncle’s temple still frowning.

“Well?” Ares’ voice startled him out of his thoughts.

“Man, that is one depressed dude,” Strife muttered.

“What?” Ares asked with a frown, why would Joxer be depressed.

“Oh, Joxer, like I mean, he’s a real quiet guy but somethin’ was up. Unc Hades said he’s been weird for like a week now,” Strife paused, not noticing Ares’ suddenly pale face. “Anyway, he said everythin’ was fine and thanks.” Strife frowned thoughtfully, “What did you two work on anyway?”

Ares glanced at his nephew, “Fairy War.”

“Oh right, they’re not good are they?”

“Apparently not.” Ares sighed, “Strife, go away.”

“Sure,” Strife grinned and flashed out of the room.

Ares sat back still feeling unsure. So Joxer had been depressed for the last week. It could be anything, was he just clutching at straws?

“Only one way to find out,” Ares muttered to himself, “Come on!” he started to feel annoyed with himself. He took a deep breath, trying to pretend the God of War didn’t feel insecure and nervy. Then he flashed down to near where he felt Joxer’s presence.

He stood outside the door and lifted his hand to knock. Hearing a sob, he hurried in without knocking and he stared at the young God huddled on his bed, tears streaming down his face.

He realised that seeing Joxer this way actually caused him physical pain, and he desperately wanted to make everything better, comfort and protect Joxer, whether the younger God loved him or not. Driven by the unfamiliar, but incredibly strong emotions, he climbed onto the bed and pulled the unseeing God into his arms.

Joxer didn’t know who was in his room, he couldn’t see through the tears, but when the stranger got on the bed and put his arms round him, he clung to him. After a couple of minutes of being quietly rocked, he suddenly recognised the leather vest he was pressed against, recognised the spicy, musky scent.

Oh Gods, it was Ares! He whimpered and quickly pulled back, desperately wiping the tears from his face.

“A-Ares!” he stuttered, “What are you doing here?”

Ares was fighting the need to pull Joxer back into his arms, but the young God had pulled away as soon as he’d realised who was holding him and he didn’t think he could cope with it twice.

“I, uh, came to see how you were. Strife said you seemed depressed,” he said quietly.

Joxer stared at Ares, why would that concern him?

“The Elves and Gnomes are okay aren’t they?” Ares asked.

“What? Oh yeah, they’re fine,” Joxer replied hurriedly. Ares was too close, he desperately wanted to reach out and touch him. Or be folded in those strong arms and held close to the broad chest. He sighed.

“So what’s wrong?” Ares watched Joxer carefully, he still didn’t really know what he was doing, but then, he’d never been in love before.

Joxer frowned and shook his head. His heart was breaking as it was, he didn’t want this torture of having Ares close, seemingly concerned about him. He turned away.

“Why do you care?” he whispered.


Ares stared at Joxer’s back. Was the young God finding it as hard to be so close without touching as he was? Hesitantly Ares reached out and clasped Joxer’s shoulder. He felt the slim body tense under his touch, but didn’t let go, he squeezed gently.

“I just, I care,” he whispered. Joxer sighed under the soft touch, but the words had him tensing again.

“Please,” Joxer whispered, “Please don’t, I don’t think I, I don’t think I could stand to…” he stopped suddenly.

“Stand to what?” Ares asked quietly, hopefully.

“Stand to have my heart broken.”

Ares barely heard him, he was so quiet, but his heart swelled with joy. “Joxer, I’ll go if you want me to. But if you tell me to go, it’ll be *my* heart that breaks,” Ares whispered.

Joxer froze, and his breath caught painfully in his lungs, “What?”

“Joxer, I,” Ares frowned. “Joxer, will you turn round please?”

Joxer turned round slowly staring half-hopefully, half-dreading at the uncertain looking War God.

“I spoke to Aphrodite earlier,” Ares paused, “ She confirmed something for me that I had suspected all week. But I wasn’t sure what to do, whether I could risk…”

Joxer couldn’t stand it any longer, and to Tartarus with the consequences! He leaned forward and quickly dropped a hesitant kiss on Ares’ lips, before pulling back nervously.

Ares stopped talking, stopped thinking, even stopped breathing for a second. Slowly he reached up and touched his still tingling mouth. Joxer had kissed him! His arm shot out and he gripped Joxer’s top, pulling the younger God forward. He caught a glimpse of apprehension in Joxer’s eyes before he claimed his mouth in a surprisingly gentle kiss.

When Joxer’s mouth opened to gasp, he slipped his tongue inside and the gasp turned into a moan. Joxer clutched at Ares, holding on as best he could against the turmoil of emotions that threatened to overwhelm him from the soul searing kiss.

He shifted closer, grasping Ares’ shoulders as the War God wrapped strong arms round him. The kiss deepened and Ares moaned as Joxer let his tongue join in and explore the older God’s mouth. When they finally pulled apart, they were both panting.

“Well,” Ares gasped, “I guess that answers that.” Joxer’s breath hitched in a small laugh. “Joxer, I, I want you to be really sure about this. I deal in hatred, death… I’m not an easy person to be with, I…”

Joxer put a finger on his lips. “Ares, I deal with demons all the time, I know all about death and hatred and terrible things. I want to be with you. I think I love you.”

Ares gently kissed the finger, then pulled Joxer’s hand away. “You think?” he half smiled.

“I love you, Ares.”

Ares closed his eyes for a second, his emotions a mixture of joy and terror, then he opened them and met the slightly apprehensive eyes of his soon to be lover. “I love you too, Joxer.” He took Joxer in his arms and hugged him tightly.


“Ares?” Joxer started hesitantly.

“What is it… love?” Ares hesitated in using the endearment, but the smile from Joxer reassured him.

“I… will you stay?” Joxer flushed, he wanted Ares but didn’t know how to approach the subject. Ares grinned at him and gently pushed him back against the bed, crawling over him.

“Try and make me leave,” he whispered, before reclaiming Joxer’s mouth for a long, slow, heated kiss.

“Oh!” Joxer gasped, and he wrapped his arms round Ares’ neck, pulling him down on top of him.

Ares groaned, “Gods, Joxer. I’m not sure I can take this slow.”

Joxer grinned at him, “Let’s take the edge off,” he whispered, reaching down to cup Ares’ groin. Ares’ eyes widened and he thrust against his lover’s palm.

Suddenly feeling very confident, Joxer pushed Ares onto his back and knelt between his legs. He untied the fastenings to Ares’ leather pants and pulled them down round his hips, freeing Ares’ straining erection.

He reached out and ran a finger up the hard length. Ares hissed, his head dropping back in pleasure. Joxer explored the soft skin, tracing veins and ridges with his fingers as Ares sighed and moaned. Then he leaned down and replaced his fingers with his tongue.

“Oh Joxer,” Ares moaned, somehow resisting the urge to grab Joxer’s head and fuck his mouth.

Once he’d explored thoroughly, Joxer at last took Ares’ shaft into his mouth, sucking lightly. He smiled as he had an idea, and his form shifted slightly. Ares watched in awe as his erection slowly disappeared into Joxer’s mouth and down his throat. Suddenly his forked tongue slithered around Ares’ cock.

Ares cried out in surprise, thrusting up into the supple throat working his shaft. Joxer swallowed continuously, grinning to himself as Ares thrust harder.

“Gods, Joxer! So good!” Ares shouted and he exploded, his seed jetting down Joxer’s throat. Joxer sighed happily and swallowed, tenderly licking until Ares’ softened shaft slipped from his mouth.

He looked up and chuckled at the dazed expression on Ares’ face. Ares blinked at his lover in shock, he’d been totally unprepared for such skilful loving.

“Was it okay?” Joxer asked.

Ares blinked again, “Okay? No, no it wasn’t okay, it was amazing!” he shook his head, “How, how did you…?”

“Salamanders have very flexible throats,” Joxer grinned.

“Fuck!” Ares’ head dropped back and he lay limply. Joxer curled up next to him waiting for him to recover. “What else can you do?” Ares asked, as his hand trailed up Joxer’s leg.

Joxer laughed, “I don’t know, I’ve never done this before.”

Ares sat up like a shot and stared down at Joxer. “You’ve got to be kidding me?” he almost stammered.

Joxer shook his head, “No, you’re my first.”

Ares rubbed his face and lay back down, “Wow. *Wow!* I’m not sure I’m going to survive,” he chuckled, rolling on top of Joxer.

“Umm,” Joxer wrapped his arms and legs around him, thrusting his aching cock against his lover.

“I think I’ve been neglecting you,” Ares teased, holding himself up, out of Joxer’s reach.

“Please, Ares, need you,” Joxer gasped. Ares smiled and dropped back down, covering Joxer’s body with his, lining up their erections as Joxer thrust urgently against him.

With a quick thought, he got rid of his clothes and began to explore his lover’s body with wandering hands. His mouth descended to devour Joxer’s soft lips, and he held on tightly to Joxer’s writhing body.

“Ares, I need, I don’t know, I need to feel you,” Joxer gasped.

Ares oiled his fingers and reached down between Joxer’s legs. “Relax, love,” he whispered. He continued to thrust against Joxer as he ran his fingers between the crease of Joxer’s ass.

“Oooh,” Joxer moaned, and spread his legs wide, inviting deeper contact. Ares smiled and kissed him, as he rubbed his fingers over Joxer’s opening. Joxer whimpered and clutched Ares’ shoulders as a slick finger slid inside him.

“You okay?” Ares whispered.

Joxer nodded, panting harshly. “More,” he gasped.

Ares gently pushed another finger inside, watching Joxer’s face carefully. Seeing no pain, he pumped slowly, rotating his fingers slightly. Joxer’s grip tightened on Ares’ shoulders as he pushed against the fingers stretching him. It was an amazing feeling. He almost couldn’t stand the intensity, yet he wanted more.

“Ares,” he growled, “Now, now please, need you now!”

Ares took just enough time to fill Joxer’s ass with oil and coat his cock, before he lined himself up with Joxer’s ass. With a care and gentleness he’d never before shown or felt, Ares pushed into his lover’s body.

Joxer gasped and tensed. Ares stopped immediately and looked down, meeting Joxer’s eyes. The love and concern that radiated from Ares reassured Joxer immediately and he relaxed.

He smiled up at his lover, “More,” he whispered. Ares sank slowly into Joxer’s tight heat, groaning as strong muscles rippled around his cock. Joxer sighed as the burning sensation eased and the fullness began to feel good.

“Oh, Ares,” he gasped, he felt truly complete, a part of Ares. Ares kissed him deeply as they started to move together, slow and sweet. Their bodies synchronous, as if they’d been lovers for years instead of hours, they urged each other on to greater heights of pleasure and love.

Finally the gentle rhythm was too much for Joxer. “I love you,” he breathed, convulsing with the force of his orgasm. Ares cried out as his cock was squeezed tightly and his seed filled Joxer with wet heat.

“Gods, Joxer,” Ares panted, as he collapsed onto his lover.

“Wow, wow!” Joxer repeated Ares’ earlier words. “Is it always like that?”

Ares chuckled against Joxer’s neck, “What, that good, or that bad?”

“Ares! That good!” Joxer exclaimed. Ares lifted his head and stared down at Joxer, serious for a moment.

“It’s never been that good, my love,” he whispered.

“I love you, Ares,” Joxer kissed his lover soundly.
****

“Oh Joxer,” Gabrielle gasped, “That’s so beautiful.”

Xena stared at her friend, then she smiled, “So what happened after that?” she asked quietly.

Joxer swallowed against the tears that were threatening again. “When it first came out that we were together, most of the pantheon were surprised. I think a lot of them thought Ares was using me, or that it was just a fling. Zeus wasn’t happy. He doesn’t hate Dad exactly, but there’s a lot of tension there. But he too thought it was going to be a short term thing.

Ares and I were together seventy years before we got married. We kept that a secret only, our closest family knew. Zeus was furious, but by the time he found out it was too late for him to do anything.” Joxer smiled sadly.

“Why wait so long?” Gabrielle asked.

Joxer sighed, “Because Ares was a big dope,” he smiled at the term which had become a joke between himself and his husband. “ I ended up asking him.”

Gabrielle laughed, “I just can’t imagine anyone calling Ares a big dope.”

Joxer chuckled, “No one else would dare, and if they did, he’d probably kill them unless it was someone like ‘Dite or Cupid, they get away with a lot, but they are very close.”

“You’d never think it to see them,” said Xena.

Joxer shrugged, “Got to keep up appearances, you know.”

“Tell me about proposing to him, please Joxer,” Gabrielle asked, intensely curious.

Joxer smiled, “Well after the first few years together, we both got over our fear that the other was going to get bored and leave, especially me. Ares is,” he sighed and smiled dreamily, “He’s going to kill me for saying this, he’s incredibly sweet and tender and loving when he’s not working. But even despite that, it took me a long time to be convinced that it was for real, forever.

I gave up waiting for him to ask me to marry him after a while though, I figured he just didn’t want it. It wasn’t till I spoke to Strife that I found out that he did, but didn’t have the nerve to ask,” Joxer chuckled and shook his head.

****
Joxer was moping. It was nearly his anniversary, seventy years with Ares. Seventy incredibly happy and amazing years, except for one thing; every year passed without a proposal. Mostly it didn’t bother him, he knew how much Ares loved him, but a this time of year, it always depressed him slightly. Not only that, he didn’t have a clue what to get Ares this year.

“Hey Unc!” Strife popped into the room with a smirk. And that was it, Joxer snapped.

“Don’t call me that, I’m not your uncle, and at this rate, I never will be!” Joxer sat down and put his head in his hands.

“Woah, Joxer, dude, I was just kidding. What’s up?” Strife asked, shocked by his friend’s reaction.

Joxer looked up at Strife, “Oh nothing. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to snap, I’m just being stupid.”

Strife sat next to his friend, “About what?”

“Ares.”

“People in love are always stupid,” Strife joked.

Joxer smiled. “I know, he said softly. “Strife, I want to marry him.”

“Really? Why don’t you ask him then? Let’s face it, he’s never gonna find the nerve to ask you!”

“What?!” Joxer was shocked.

“You mean you hadn’t realised?” Strife shook his head, ”Every year it’s the same. Unc goes through this massive trauma over whether to ask you, and he always chickens out.”

“But why?” Joxer frowned at Strife.

Strife shrugged,  “I dunno, maybe even after all this time, he doesn’t quite believe you will stay with him forever.”

“What? Is he stupid?!” Joxer exclaimed. Strife snickered, only Joxer would say something like that about Ares. Joxer sighed, “I’ll ask him then. The big dope, didn’t he realise I was waiting?”

“Why didn’t you just ask him before?” Strife asked curiously.

“I have no idea. I guess my own insecurities,” Joxer laughed at himself.

Strife smirked, “I have an idea.”

@>-->---

Ares was tired, pissed off with himself and at the same time he was looking forward to his anniversary with Joxer, despite having decided not to ask his lover to marry him, again. Which was why he was pissed off with himself.

He flashed into their private rooms, and utter darkness. “Joxer? Love?” he called softly. He felt a gentle hand run across his shoulders and warm lips pressed against his neck. Ares shivered in anticipation.

“Joxer,” he breathed. The warm, firm body of his lover pressed up against him and he sighed, wrapping his arms around him.

“Hello lover.” Joxer’s sweet breath caressed his neck and ear, and he groaned. Joxer pulled back and took his hands, leading him towards the fireplace. He gently pushed Ares down onto the rug. With a wave of his hand, the room was lit up by the fire and hundreds of candles.

Joxer was wearing Ares’ favourite outfit. Soft, tight, brown leather pants and a cream, linen shirt, tied at the front with billowing sleeves gathered at the wrists.

“Oh baby,” Ares whispered. He reached out his hand and pulled Joxer down next to him and into his arms.. “I love seeing you in these clothes, but I love taking them off you even more.”

Joxer chuckled, “That was the idea, love.”

“Good.” Ares gripped the back of his head and pulled him close for a fierce kiss. “Gods, I really missed you today,” Ares gasped, when he pulled away.

“I missed you too. Now shut up and kiss me.” Joxer smiled at the predatory look on his lover’s face and found himself pounced on.

Ares pushed Joxer back onto the rug, obeying his lover with a hard kiss. Their hands roamed over each other, occasionally meeting and clasping together as they lazily explored each other’s mouths. Joxer wrapped his arms round Ares and let his hands slide down his lover’s muscular back to tug his shirt out of his pants, so he could touch bare skin.

Ares shuddered at the hot fingers that slid over his back, and then dipped into his pants. Joxer grabbed Ares’ ass and pulled him fully down on top of him, thrusting up.

Ares groaned into his mouth and Joxer wondered if his lover would have the patience to undress him or if he would simply flash their clothes away. The way they were moving together, he figured the latter.

He was right. After a few frustrating, time-wasting efforts at pulling off Joxer’s shirt, Ares growled and removed their clothing with a thought.

“Oh,” Joxer gasped, when their cocks came into contact. He thrust up again. “Baby, please, want you,” he whispered. He pulled Ares’ head down so his mouth was next to his ear. “Hard,” he breathed.

Ares groaned, a subtle shiver coursed through his whole body. He raised himself onto his elbows and stared down at his lover. Joxer smiled up at him and lifted his head for a quick kiss before he turned over.

Ares leaned over him and licked his neck, smiling at the shudder and groan from Joxer. Then he sat back on his knees between Joxer’s legs, reaching for the oil warming by the fire. He stopped suddenly and looked back at his lover, frowning.


He looked closer, there was *writing* on his lover’s buttocks. ‘Marry me’ adorned one cheek, ‘Ya big dope’ the other.

Ares blinked, then he collapsed laughing. Joxer rolled onto his side and popped his head up with one hand, smiling at his hysterical lover. When Ares finally got himself under control, he smiled back at Joxer and reached out to stroke the graffitied ass.

“I’d be an even bigger dope if I said no,” he said softly.

Joxer sighed, “Good, that means I didn’t have to show my ass to Strife for nothing!”

Ares started to laugh again, “Strife’s seen your, no *my*, butt? I may have to kill him!” he grinned at Joxer.

“Yeah well, just so long as you remember it was his idea to write ‘ya big dope’!” Joxer chuckled.

“Really? Why?” Ares asked, pulling Joxer closer.

“Cause that’s what I called you when I found out that you chicken out of proposing to me every year,” Joxer teased.

“I do *not* chicken out!” Ares exclaimed. “I just,” he looked down, “I just didn’t want to put you in a position where you might feel obligated to say yes.”

Joxer smiled and cupped Ares’ cheek to lift his head, “You really are a big dope, you know that?”

Ares smiled ruefully, “Yeah, yeah I am.”

Joxer leaned forward and kissed him gently, “But you’re my big dope,” he whispered. “Now lover, I want you to take ‘your’ ass, hard.”

Ares growled and rolled Joxer back onto his stomach. Joxer went up on his knees and Ares could see the oil already leaking from his puckered opening. He smiled and leaned forward, plunging into Joxer’s body with one, hard stroke.

“Oh yes!” Joxer groaned. He dropped his head onto his forearms and clutched the rug tightly under the deliciously rough onslaught as his lover pounded into him.

“Gods, you feel so good,” Ares panted. He reached under them, and wrapped his hand round Joxer’s neglected cock, stroking as roughly as he was plunging into Joxer’s ass.

“Yes, baby, yes, fuck me,” Joxer moaned. He could feel his balls starting to tighten with the twin pleasures of Ares’ firm hand and hot cock driving him to oblivion. His bit down on his arm as he exploded onto Ares’ hand. He felt his ass clamp down around the shaft impaling him and Ares roared, jerking hard into him and claiming him with his hot release.

Joxer flopped down onto his belly, Ares fell with him covering the length of his lover’s slim body with his own. Ares’ lips ghosted over his neck and shoulders as he recovered his breath.

“I love you, Ares,” he whispered.

“I love you, Joxer,” Ares replied seriously.
****

Joxer left out the sex, but he remembered it as if it were yesterday. Yesterday, yesterday he’d been breathless with anticipation and happiness at seeing Ares, today he was alone again. Tears sprang to his eyes once more.

“Joxer,” Gabrielle whispered softly and she hugged him.

“I’m okay,” Joxer took a deep breath and wiped his eyes.

“What was today all about, Joxer, what happened?” Xena asked quietly.

Joxer stared at her quietly, “It’s my punishment, thirty years ago, Zeus stripped me of my Godhood and banished me to Greece, immortal and alone, except for four nights a year I’m allowed to spend with Ares. If it weren’t for Hera we wouldn’t even have that time together.”

“Oh Joxer, what did you do?” Gabrielle breathed in horrified sympathy.

“I won a bet,” Joxer smiled ruefully.

“A bet?” Xena frowned.

Joxer nodded, “Strife made a bet. It was stupid really, who could cause Zeus the most problems seducing a nereid. Typical Strife really, he wanted to cause mischief and as Ares was really busy with a war, he asked me to join in,” he sighed.

“I managed to persuade the nereid, she really liked females and she refused Zeus’ advances. Unfortunately he found out. It was just the excuse he was looking for to try and separate me and Ares,” Joxer laughed bitterly, “He even offered Ares a divorce, you can imagine Ares’ reaction. Mom and Dad were furious. So was Hera, understandably, I think that’s the only reason Zeus gave into her demand that we be allowed to spend time together, as we’re married.”

“But, but, that’s so petty!” Gabrielle exclaimed.

Joxer raised an eyebrow, “Yeah,” he said dryly.

“Will he ever let you go back?” Xena asked quietly.

Joxer shrugged, “I don’t know. I think he’s still hoping Ares will divorce me.” He sighed again, “It gets harder and harder to say goodbye,” his voice broke, “I don’t think I’m strong enough for much more.”

“Don’t give up, Joxer,” Gabrielle whispered.



Ares reappeared in his temple and began to destroy everything in sight, screaming with pain. When the entire room had been reduced to rubble, he dropped to his knees and howled. But he didn’t cry. He only cried when he was with Joxer.

Joxer. The thought of his husband being alone again, tore at his heart. He squeezed his eyes shut. Hopefully Xena and Gabrielle wouldn’t reject him when they found out the truth.

Slowly, Ares stood. He glanced round the room and put everything back in it’s place with a wave of his hand. His eyes now cold and hard, he transported himself to Zeus’ temple for the petitioning.

The hall was in chaos and he frowned, scanning the room. His eyes came to rest on a winged stranger at the centre of the uproar, who looked oddly familiar.

“QUIET!” Zeus roared. Silence fell. “Cupid, Strife come forward.” The stranger walked jerkily towards Zeus, and Ares started with the sudden realisation that this person was Cupid *and* Strife. He strode forward to stand with Apollo.

“What’s going on?” he asked his brother.

Apollo shrugged, “You got me. They woke up like it and I haven’t got a clue how or why.”

Ares frowned and turned his attention back to his father. Zeus put his hand on Cupid/Strife’s forehead and closed his eyes. Then he frowned and opened them again. He shook his head. “I’m sorry boys, I have no idea how this could have happened.”

“But we can’t stay like this!” Strife’s voice came from the merged body. Ares was about to speak, when Psyche pushed her way through the crowd. Ares’ eyes narrowed and he decided to wait and see what she would do before he spoke up.

“I cannot be expected to stay married to this abomination!” she shouted.

“Psyche!” exclaimed Cupid.

“No!” she stopped him. “It’s bad enough the amount of time you spend with him and all the rumours. I can’t stand it any more. I want a divorce!”

“Fine!” Cupid shouted back, finally snapping, “But if you think I’m giving up Bliss you’ve got another thing coming!”

“Bitch,” added Strife.

“Fine!” she screamed, “Anything to get away from HIM! I want to go home.”

“Hera,” said Zeus quietly, “Give her what she wants.”

Hera nodded, “The ties that bind Cupid and Psyche are now severed. Psyche you are stripped of your Godhood and I return you home.” With that Psyche vanished and everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

“What are we going to do?” Strife whispered. Ares decided it was time he spoke up. He stepped forward.

“I know who might be able to help.”

Zeus frowned at him, “Oh?”

“Joxer.”

“What?!” Zeus exclaimed.

“He is, was, God of Strange Beings,” Ares continued quietly.

“Please Grandpa,” Cupid said pleadingly. Zeus sighed.

“It has been thirty years,” Hera agreed quietly.

“Please brother,” begged Hades and Hecate. Many other voices joined theirs.

“Please, Zeus.”

Zeus closed his eyes, “Very well. Ares, you may go and get him.”

Ares took a deep breath and smiled at his father for the first time in decades. Quickly he transported himself down to the clearing where he’d left Joxer. He rushed across to his husband and swept him into his arms.

“Ares?! What?” Joxer managed to say, before Ares kissed him.

Ares pulled back and grinned at him, tears in his eyes. “I’m taking you home!”

“What? How?” Joxer shook his head in amazement. 

“Something’s happened to Cupid and Strife that only you can help with, well hopefully. Zeus finally relented.”

“Really?” Joxer asked breathlessly.

“Really.”

Joxer wrapped his arms tightly round his husband and kissed him.

“Joxer?”

He pulled back and looked at Xena and Gabrielle. He smiled at them, “Thanks for being so understanding and listening.”

They nodded and smiled. “We’re happy for you,” said Xena, “You too, Ares.”

Ares smiled at her, slightly bemused, “Thank you.”

“I’ll see you soon,” Joxer promised. Then they disappeared. Xena and Gabrielle exchanged a long look, then they both sighed, hoping their friend would be happy.



The couple reappeared in Zeus’ hall and Joxer was immediately engulfed in welcoming hugs.

“Let the man breathe,” said Zeus. The crowd parted and Joxer stepped forward. Zeus touched his head. “I return your Godhood and powers.”

There was a flash and Joxer stretched, smiling happily. “Thank you,” he said quietly. “Now where are Cupid and Strife?”

“See for yourself,” Cupid/Strife stepped forward.

“Wow, that’s a good look for you guys,” Joxer chuckled.

“Ha ha, very funny, Unc! Do you know what’s wrong and can you fix it?!” Strife asked.

Joxer smiled, “Yes and no.”

“What?! What does that mean?” Cupid demanded, ignoring the glare from his father as he wrapped his arms round Joxer’s thin frame.

Joxer snuggled back and sighed happily, patting Ares’ arm gently. “Yes, I know what’s wrong, and no, I can’t ‘fix’ it. Only you two can ‘fix’ it.”

“Why did it happen?” Apollo asked curiously.

Joxer grinned, “Because these two are completely clueless, that’s why!” He turned to Cupid/Strife, “Do you two still not get it?”

Cupid/Strife looked confused and shrugged.

Joxer raised his voice, “How many people here, think these two are having an affair?” Almost every God and Goddess raised their hand.

“What? Why?” exclaimed the pair.

“Because the only two people who don’t know you’re in love with each other are the two of you!” Joxer shook his head, “Your subconsciouses decided to do something about it and merged you together.”

“But, but,” Cupid and Strife said one after the other.

“Like I said, only you two can fix it. So I suggest you go and talk it out.” Cupid/Strife nodded and disappeared suddenly.

Ares and Joxer were again surrounded by their family. He hugged his mother and father tightly, was kissed to death by Eris, ‘Dite and Hera and generally welcomed back happily by everyone.

But eventually Ares’ patience wore thin, and he grabbed Joxer, pulling him into his arms.

“You can all see him in a month or so,” he growled, then transported them both straight to their private rooms, putting up a shield to ensure privacy.

“Ares, that was a little rude,” said Joxer reproachfully. Ares turned his husband round and stared at him, catching the twinkle in Joxer’s eyes.

“Tough,” he smiled at Joxer. “You’re mine, and I’ve finally got you back. They’ll just have to wait.”

“A month?” Joxer smirked.

“Oh, at least, we’ve got a whole lot of loving to catch up on,” Ares lifted Joxer into his arms.

“Sounds great,” Joxer whispered, wrapping his arms round his husband’s neck.

They kissed almost hesitantly, despite having spent the previous night together. But soon, Ares was walking them over to the bed, their mouths entwined. Lips sucking on exploring tongues. Knowing they could take their time for once, didn’t change their desperate need for each other.

“Oh love,” Ares groaned. He lay Joxer down on the bed and crawled over him, holding himself up to stare down at his husband. Joxer reached up to stroke his cheek, before sliding his hand round to the back of Ares’ neck to pull him down.

He grinned as Ares settled down on top of him and he flexed his newly returned power to remove their clothes. Ares looked momentarily startled, then gave his husband a wicked grin.

“Naked, good plan,” he whispered. Joxer thrust up, and Ares quickly shut up to claim his lover’s mouth again to gently explore. Joxer curled his legs around Ares’ and they moved together slowly, hands sliding over hot skin.

Joxer slowly began to urge Ares down the length of his body and Ares took the time to taste every inch of the lush skin of Joxer’s torso.

“Please, Ares,” Joxer begged. Ares swiped his tongue across Joxer’s navel and then looked up.

He smiled gently at his husband, “What do you want, love?”

Joxer groaned and his head dropped back, “Ares, you know. Please.”

Ares’ smile grew wider and he shifted down to between Joxer’s legs. He dropped featherlike kisses up the length of Joxer’s cock, before licking the tip gently, tasting the leaking juices with relish.

“Don’t tease, Ares, I need you,” Joxer gasped.

“Yes, love,” Ares whispered, then he took Joxer’s shaft into his mouth, tracing random patterns with his tongue. Joxer moaned and clutched Ares’ head, hips thrusting unconsciously. Ares swallowed and sucked, letting Joxer fuck his mouth.

His hands wandered across thighs, stroking gently, then he pushed Joxer’s legs further apart and slid his fingers between his lover’s asscheeks. His fingers were oiled with a thought and he stroked one across the opening to Joxer’s body. Joxer groaned and thrust up hard.

“Please Ares, inside me, please.”

Ares pushed two fingers deep inside Joxer’s body reaching for his pleasure spot. Joxer wailed and thrust up hard into Ares’ mouth, coming in jerky spurts.

Ares swallowed quickly, before crawling up Joxer’s body and plunging into him. The couple groaned at the bliss of being connected. Ares dipped his head to kiss Joxer fiercely, his tongue plundering Joxer’s warm mouth.

Joxer wrapped his legs round Ares’ hips encouraging a pounding rhythm. He thrust up to meet each stroke, clenching his ass tightly until Ares lifted his head to cry out his release.

For the first time in thirty years, he cried tears of joy rather than despair as he collapsed onto his husband. Joxer held him tightly, stroking his hair gently.

“Welcome home, Joxer,” Ares whispered, “I love you.”

“I love you too.”


Cupid/Strife reappeared in Strife’s room, they both sighed. Strife walked them over to the bed and lay down.

*This is weird,* he said quietly.

*You’re telling me.*

*Do you really love me?* Strife asked hesitantly.

*You know I do,* Cupid replied.

*Yeah, I know *that*! And you know I love you too. But that’s not what Jox meant!* Strife snapped.

Cupid sighed, *I know. I guess I just hadn’t thought about it. Maybe I just never allowed myself to think about it.*

*So think about it.*

*Strife! Why don’t you shut up and think about it too!* Cupid snapped.

*Okay, okay, yeesh!* The trouble was Strife had been thinking about it ever since Joxer had made the announcement and he already knew his friend was right, he *was* in love with Cupid, he’d just been denying it to himself for a very long time.

Cupid tried to concentrate but the background mental noise from Strife kept disturbing him. He focussed back on his cousin.

*Cupid?* Strife whispered. Cupid frowned at the strange tone in Strife’s mental tone.

*What is it?* he asked gently.

*If you don’t love me, don’t feel bad.* Strife didn’t want Cupid to feel obligated in some way to try and love him.

Cupid felt like his heart would break at the uncertain, pain filled words. He wished there was some way he could hold his cousin, reassure him… love him.

*Oh Gods!* Strife exclaimed.

*What?*

*We’re getting hard. What in Hades are you thinking about?* Strife asked, his tone turning from shock to depression.

*You,* Cupid whispered.

Strife was momentarily struck dumb. *P-pardon me?* he stuttered.

*I was thinking about you,* Cupid repeated clearly.

*But..*

*Strife, why do you find that so hard to believe?*

Strife shrugged, *I don’t know. You’re you, I’m just me.*

*Hey! Don’t sell the man I love short!* Cupid exclaimed.

*I, what?!*

*Damn, I wish I could hold you,* Cupid sighed.

*W-what?* Strife stammered.

*Strife?*

*Yeah?*

*Do you love me?* It was Cupid’s turn to sound uncertain.

*Yeah. Yes, I love you,* Strife replied quietly.

Cupid sighed happily, *Good, cause I love you too.*

Cupid/Strife looked up at the mirror and smiled. The mirror image began to shimmer, becoming brighter and brighter until they had to close their eyes. When they opened them again, pale blue met green.

Cupid rolled onto his side and pulled Strife into his arms.

“Why didn’t we realise it before?” Strife sighed, snuggling close.

Cupid held tighter, “Looking back, it was always there,” he said quietly. “But I think when I first came close to realising it, I refused to think about it.”

“Why?” Strife asked.

“Because you were so young, it wasn’t right. I must have gotten used to repressing it,” Cupid sighed.

Strife dropped his head back to look up at Cupid. “Well, I guess now we know why everyone always thought we were fucking,” he chuckled.

“Yeah. I feel oddly deprived,” Cupid grinned.

“You don’t have to,” Strife whispered, “I mean, I, if you want to…” Strife’s heart was in his mouth, still uncertain.

“I want to,” Cupid whispered. He leaned down and gently brushed his lips over Strife’s mouth. Then he pulled back and stared at Strife.

Strife whimpered and pulled him back down, pressing his lips softly against Cupid’s. Tentatively, Cupid opened his mouth and licked Strife’s lips until they opened. He dipped his tongue between them, groaning as Strife sucked gently.

Strife rolled back, pulling Cupid on top of him, as the kiss became deeper, Strife’s tongue joining in to dance with its mate.

“Oh Gods!” Cupid whispered, pulling back to stare at Strife. Strife gazed back at him, eyes dark and glazed with lust and shining with love for him.

Cupid moaned and reclaimed Strife’s lips possessively. Strife’s hands began to wander over Cupid’s body, exploring smooth skin and hard muscles. Cupid shivered when Strife began to stroke the spot where his wings joined his body and he thrust against the slim body of his lover.

Strife moaned into his mouth, one hand sliding down to grasp his ass, pulling him closer, thrusting back.

“Need you naked,” Strife whispered. Cupid nodded, and in a flash, their clothes were gone. Cupid shifted so their cocks slid together and they both gasped.

“Oh Gods, oh fuck, Cupe,” Strife panted. He thrust up urgently against Cupid. Cupid grasped the sheets either side of Strife’s head and slid frantically against his lover’s body, sweat and their leaking juices easing the friction.

As Strife dug his fingers into the base of his wings, Cupid screamed and came, his back stiffening with one last thrust. At the sound of Cupid’s release, and the feel of hot come coating his chest and belly, Strife let go, yelling his own completion with Cupid’s name.

“Fuck!” panted Cupid, “I’ve never, it’s never…”

“I know, for me either,” Strife whispered. Cupid collapsed on top of him, trying to catch his breath. “Marry me,” Strife whispered suddenly.


Cupid blinked, unsure if he’d really heard Strife properly. “W-what?”

Strife swallowed, “Nothing, never mind,” he said hurriedly.

“No.” Cupid shook his head when Strife blanched, “I mean, yes, I will marry you.”

“It’s okay… what?!”

”I want to marry you,” Cupid grinned at the shell-shocked expression on his lover’s face.

“Really?” Strife asked still hesitant.

Cupid nodded, “In fact, I want to marry you right now!” He got up and dressed them both with a wave of his hand.

“N-now?” Strife stuttered, unable to quite comprehend.

“Now. Then I want you to fuck me through the mattress.”

Strife was on his feet and standing with Cupid in a split second, “Well come on then, let’s go!”

Cupid grinned and they transported themselves back to Zeus’ temple, where Zeus was still trying to regain some sort of order.

“Cupid, Strife, it worked then?” Hera exclaimed delightedly.

“Yeah, it was rad,” said Strife with a mischievous grin.

“Grandma, can you marry us, like now, ultra speedy version?” Cupid asked.

Zeus, Hera and the accompanying pantheon looked stunned.

“Are you sure?” Zeus asked.

“Oh yeah,” Strife beamed, clutching Cupid’s hand tightly.

“Yes,” Cupid nodded vigorously.

“Okay, anyone volunteer for disturbing Ares and Joxer?” Zeus smirked at the rapidly blanching expressions.

Aphrodite sighed, “I’ll do it.” She closed her eyes, *Ares! Joxer!*

@>-->---

“Please, Joxer, do it,” Ares’ head dropped back as Joxer swallowed his cock. Then suddenly they both stopped moving.

“Fucking Tartarus!” Ares screamed in frustration. 

Joxer sighed and sat up. *This had better be damn good!* he replied to Aphrodite, while Ares continued to swear.

*Oh, you know, just Cupid and Strife getting married, like now!*

“What?!” Ares sat up.

*Get your butts over here, unless you want to miss it.*

“Well, shit!” Ares exclaimed.

“We’d better go, love,” said Joxer with a huge smile.

“Yeah, ‘course,” Ares dressed them both. He dropped a quick, hard kiss on his husband’s already kiss-swollen lips, and then held him tightly to transport them to Zeus’ temple.

Joxer smiled at Cupid and Strife, who were standing so close to each other, arms wrapped tightly around each other, they could almost have been merged again.

“You fixed it then?” he grinned.

“Yeah, thanks Jox. Now, like, can we get on with it?” Strife bounced impatiently.

Hera grinned at the couple, “Strife, do you?”

“Yeah!”

“Cupid, do you?”

“Yes!”

“Any objections?” she glared round the assembled crowd. There was silence. “Good, I didn’t think so.”

“Can we go now?” Strife ask, tightening his hold on Cupid.

Hera smiled and nodded. The new couple vanished immediately, to a burst of laughter.

“Hmm, I wonder why they’re in such a hurry?” Aphrodite laughed and winked at Ares.

Ares grinned, “They’ve got the right idea. Now, unless the fabric of the universe is unravelling, if *anyone* disturbs us again…”

“Ares, shut up and take me home,” Joxer interrupted him.

Ares glared at him until Joxer raised his eyebrows and leered at him.

“Right!” Ares grabbed hold of his husband. They were already kissing before they vanished.

Aphrodite sighed happily and went to pick up Bliss.

Hera glanced at her husband, after the hall had finally cleared, “Well, all’s well, that ends well,” she said cheerfully.

Zeus sighed, “Yes, I guess you’re right,” he conceded.

the end

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