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

Title: Secrets
Author: Hergerbabe
Fandom: Xena/Herc
Pairing: C/S, A/J maybe others, poss het
Rating: Are you kidding? NC-17 of course
Category: first times poss others
Archive: AJCSfic, RCOS, JLA, CkoS, Joxerotica
Warnings: vague n/c at a later date
Disclaimer: no, they’re not mine, like, I wish!
For Christine, my fantastic beta!

Secrets

Part 1

“ C’mon, catch me if you can!” Strife sneered.

“ You are *such* an asshole!” Cupid shouted, hefting a fireball in the direction of his cousin. Strife vanished and reappeared behind him, tugging on his wings. Cupid growled and beat his wings hard, blowing Strife backwards. “ I swear Strife, you’ve messed with my plans for the last time. I’m gonna kick your ass!” Cupid firmly removed the enticing vision of Strife’s ass from his mind and concentrated on being mad at his cousin.

Strife snorted, “ You an’ what army?!”

Cupid stalked over to him, scowling angrily, “ I think you forget who my father is.”

“ Big deal. I’m House of War, you’re House of Love, if anyone’s gonna kick ass round here, it’s me.” Strife repressed a shiver of arousal at the thought of having Cupid at his mercy.

Cupid stared at him calculatingly, “ You think so, huh?”

Strife put his hands on his hips, “ Yeah!”

“ Let’s go then.”

Strife looked startled, “ Huh?”

Cupid didn’t reply he just leapt at Strife, knocking him to the ground. Strife gripped his shoulders and rolled, using Cupid’s momentum to throw him over his head as he hit the floor. Cupid beat his wings and landed on his feet.

Strife brought his knees to his chest and threw his legs forward to leap to his feet. He quickly did a back flip, landing behind Cupid and pulled on his wings. Cupid opened his wings wide and brought them together hard against Strife.

Strife staggered backwards and Cupid leapt into the air. Strife recovered quickly and grabbed Cupid’s foot, yanking him back to the ground. Cupid connected hard with the floor, but he brought his wings in close to his body and rolled. Strife leapt on top of him, grabbing his arms and pushing them over his head.

“ Gotcha,” he snickered. Cupid’s eyes narrowed and he pushed against Strife, slowly lifting his arms up. Strife’s eyes widened, he hadn’t realised quite how strong Cupid was. Suddenly he had a vision of being at Cupid’s mercy and he hardened uncomfortably. Quickly, he tried to wriggle away, but Cupid suddenly wrapped his legs round him and he fell forward.

He froze in horror as his erection came into contact with Cupid’s hip. He saw Cupid’s eyes widen and he tried to push away.

“ Uh, Cupe, let’s jus’ stop now,” he muttered, flushing in humiliation.

“ No,” whispered Cupid. He pulled one of his arms free and touched Strife’s face. Strife flinched as he felt Cupid extend his power and search his heart.

“ You love me?” Cupid whispered, stunned. Again Strife tried to get up, but Cupid wouldn’t let him.

“ Please Cupid, jus’ let me go,” Strife felt tears sting his eyes. He knew what was coming, Cupid would either use it against him, or pity him. He didn’t know which one would be worse.

“ No,” said Cupid again. He was still stunned that his cousin, who he thought hated him, had managed to hide his true feelings from him.

“ Cupe…”

“ Shut up,” Cupid pulled him closer and thrust upwards, so Strife could feel his own erection. He saw Strife’s eyes go round in surprise and grinned.

“ Wh-what?” Strife stuttered. Cupid slipped his hand round the back of Strife’s neck and pulled him down. Just before their lips touched, he whispered, “ I love you too.”

Strife moaned as Cupid brushed his lips gently across his mouth. With a supreme effort, he pulled away and stared down at his cousin, unable to quite comprehend the emotions he could see in Cupid’s eyes, a mixture of love, lust, longing and a touch of confusion.

“ I don’t understand,” he whispered.

Cupid frowned slightly, “ What do you mean?”

“ How? I mean, when? I mean, oh I don’t know.”

“ Strife, I’ve loved you forever,” Cupid whispered.

“ But, but Psyche?”

“ You know that was one of my arrows, and you know how that turned out! Strife, even my arrows can’t override true love for long. Besides, I thought you hated me.”

Strife stared, his mouth slack with shock, “ True love?”

Cupid smiled. “ Yeah, true love,” he whispered.

“ I thought *you* hated *me*,” said Strife.

“ Why?” Cupid asked, “ I’ve never said that.”

Strife shook his head, “ I dunno. It’s jus’, we always fight, I…”

“ Strife?” Cupid interrupted him.

“ Yeah?”

“ Don’t you think we’ve wasted enough time?” Cupid thrust up again.

Strife grinned, “ Yeah.”

“ Then shut up and kiss me.” Strife complied happily and their lips met for a second time. Soft and slow quickly turned to deep and passionate as the two Gods explored each other’s mouths, learning and tasting their new lover.

Strife rolled them over, realising Cupid must be uncomfortable lying on his wings. At the same time, he revelled in the weight of the larger man pressing down on him.

Cupid started to thrust against Strife’s slim frame, rubbing his thigh against the hard length that pressed against him. Strife groaned and gripped Cupid’s hair, pulling him even closer as if he was trying to take up residence in Cupid’s mouth.

One hand untangled itself and made its way down to rest at the point where Cupid’s wings joined his body. He opened his eyes and gazed into Cupid’s, waiting for permission.

“ Please,” Cupid whispered into his mouth. Tentatively, Strife stroked the skin around the base of Cupid’s wings. Cupid gave an almost startled gasp at the tender touch, and started to rock his hips faster.

Strife wrapped his legs round him, thrusting up urgently to meet Cupid’s hips. He continued to caress Cupid’s wings, softly smoothing feathers and stroking sensitive skin, eliciting small whimpers from his lover. At last their mouths parted but only so Cupid could latch onto Strife’s neck, where he gently nibbled and sucked the soft, pale skin.

“ Cupe, not gonna last much longer,” Strife gasped. Cupid lifted his head and grinned at him. In the blink of an eye, Strife found himself naked in Cupid’s bed, with a naked Cupid lying between his legs. With a wicked grin at his cousin, Cupid licked up the length of Strife’s hard shaft and then engulfed it with his mouth.

Strife howled with pleasure, as his hips bucked upwards, straining to feel more of the warm wetness. Cupid pushed Strife’s hips down and clamped his lips firmly around his cock. He slid them up and down, his tongue lapping up the juices already leaking from the tip.

Strife was moaning continuously as he gripped Cupid’s head, urging him to move faster. Cupid lubricated his fingers with a thought and stroked one across Strife’s hole.

Strife whimpered, “ Oh Cupe, please,” he begged, pulling his knees back. Cupid carefully pushed two fingers into Strife, pumping slightly as he reached for the small nub buried inside.

Strife screamed, “ Cupe, yes, baby, oh yes!” His hips slammed upwards as he came, jetting down Cupid’s throat. Cupid swallowed, humming appreciatively. He pulled back and stared at Strife, whose body was still quivering with pleasure.

Strife sighed happily and smiled down at him. Then he rolled over and spread his legs wide. Cupid groaned and crawled forward, running his hands down the smooth planes of Strife’s back to his buttocks. He oiled his aching cock with a thought and lay down on top of his lover.

He pushed inside, in one smooth stroke, gasping at the tight heat. Strife moaned quietly and buried his head between his arms as he clutched the sheets. Cupid rested most of his weight on one elbow, clutching Strife’s shoulder with one hand, while the other took a tight grip of his hip.

He pulled back almost completely before again burying himself inside his lover with a hard thrust. Strife bit down on the pillow as Cupid pounded into him with beautiful, hard strokes.

“ Strife, baby,” Cupid panted, “ Want to hear you.” He angled himself so that he hit Strife’s pleasure spot with every thrust. Strife threw his head back and screamed with ecstasy, rubbing his newly hard cock desperately against the sheets. Cupid couldn’t last any longer and thrust deeply once more, biting down on Strife’s neck as he filled his lover.

Strife screamed again, humping against the bed as he came for a second time. Cupid felt the strong muscles in his ass clamp down around him, pulling even more seed from him. Cupid collapsed on top of his slim lover, dropping soft kisses on his shoulder.

Cupid slowly became aware that Strife was shaking.

“ Strife?” There was no answer, but his lover began to make strange, choking noises. Cupid lifted himself up, carefully pulling out of Strife, and rolled his lover over. Strife tried to hide his face, but Cupid cupped his cheek and forced him to look at him. Tears were pouring down Strife’s face and he was obviously holding back sobs.

“ Strife, oh Gods, did I hurt you?” Cupid was horrified, but Strife shook his head. “ What is it, baby?”

Strife got himself under a modicum of control, “ I love you, I love you so much, but,” his breath hitched painfully.

“ But what?” Cupid asked.

“ Ares,” Strife sobbed.

Cupid shook his head, “ I don’t understand. Baby please, you’re worrying me.”

“ Cupe, what d’you, like, think Unc’s gonna do if he finds out ‘bout us?”

Cupid’s mouth dropped open in horror, “ Oh, oh no. No baby, I’m not losing you now. I’m not losing you.” He kissed Strife desperately. Strife moaned and gripped his hair, kissing back urgently.

“ What’ll we do?” Strife whispered, when they finally broke apart. Cupid sighed and dropped his forehead onto Strife’s shoulder.

“ We carry on as normal in front of everyone and spend our private time together.”

Strife wiped the tears from his face and nodded, resting his cheek against Cupid’s hair.

“ We can’t tell anyone Strife, I mean it, not even Joxer.”

Strife pulled away in shock, “ H-how?”

Cupid nuzzled his neck and then lifted his head, smiling ruefully. “ You’re not the only sneaky one in this couple, you know.”

Strife chuckled, trailing his fingers down Cupid’s face. “ I guess not. I didn’t think *anyone* knew ‘bout Joxer!”

“ I don’t think anyone else does.”

“ But why can’t I tell him?” asked Strife.

“ Strife, he may be your son, but he’s devoted to Ares, you know that. I know he’d never say anything, but we can’t risk it baby,” Cupid looked apologetic.

Strife sighed, “ Okay.”

“ Just one thing?” Cupid started.

“ What?”

“ Explain to me how you fathered only one of triplets!”

Strife chuckled, then his face saddened, “ Joxer’s real mother was one of my priestesses, my High Priestess as a matter of fact. I found her when she was a child, she’d been orphaned when her parents died in a fire. The same fire had left her terribly scarred. I had her adopted by my temple. “ He smiled fondly, “ She was very shy at first, but slowly she came outta her shell, and she had the most wicked sense of humour and like, she pulled the best practical jokes. When she was old enough I made her a priestess and eventually High Priestess. The scarring didn’t matter to me, she was beautiful inside, and she loved me, actually loved me,” his breath hitched and Cupid rolled onto his side, pulling him into his arms.

Strife took a deep breath and carried on, “ We were lovers. She was so happy when she became pregnant. But, but she couldn’t take it, she was too weak and damaged from her childhood injuries. I, I did everything I could but she just couldn’t survive. She begged me to save the child.

I didn’t know what to do at first, but I guessed I’d have to find a surrogate. It was while I was on a job for Unc that I came across Jonas and his wife. She was at the same stage in her pregnancy, and not only that, she was expecting twins. I thought it would be totally the best way to hide my child. I implanted him in her womb when Jox passed away, and changed him just enough so he would look like his brothers. I made sure when he was named, he was named after his mother.”

Cupid brushed his lips against Strife’s temple, “ I’m so sorry Strife,” he whispered, “ I’d like to have met her.”

Strife smiled, “ You’d have loved her, she used to try to like, bully me into tellin’ you how I felt.”

“ Really?” Cupid grinned. Strife nodded. “ She didn’t mind?”

“ Nah, she wanted me to be happy.” Strife sighed, “ I am you know, even if we have to hide it.”

Cupid hugged him closer. “ Me too,” he whispered.

“ What ‘bout Bliss?”

Cupid frowned, “ What do you mean?”

“ Are we gonna tell him?” Strife asked, “ I mean if we’re gonna spend time together, he’s gonna find out sooner or later.”

Cupid dropped his head to the bed, “ I hadn’t thought of that. I don’t know, I think we’ll have to tell him.” Strife nodded. “ Later though, I’ve got to go and moan about you now.”

Strife smirked, “ You know, this could be a lotta fun!” Cupid just rolled his eyes and kissed him.

@>-->---

“ Pops?!”

Ares turned away from his map and sighed as Cupid and Strife flashed into the room, struggling against each other. He plastered a frown onto his face and put his hands on his hips, glaring at them menacingly.

“ What?” he asked shortly.

“ Ow, get off,” Strife shoved Cupid hard.

“ You started it!” Cupid exclaimed pushing him back.

“ Did not!”

“ Did too!”

“ Did not!”

“ Did!”

“ Didn’t!”

“ ENOUGH!” Ares roared. The pair jumped apart. “ What now?” Ares asked wearily. How was he supposed to get the two of them together when they just fought all the time?

“ Will you tell this asshole, to stop messing with my plans!” Cupid demanded. Strife snickered until Ares turned his glare onto him.

“ Cupid, it’s his job. Remember, God of Mischief?” Ares said. Cupid pouted.

“ Yeah,” said Strife, he stuck his tongue out at Cupid.

“ But!” Ares snapped, “ Strife, maybe you could explain to me, why you were interfering with Cupid’s job when you’re supposed to be working for me?”

Strife blanched and it was Cupid’s turn to snicker. Strife glared at him.

“ I have had enough of this, DITE!” Ares shouted. He smiled inwardly, he had a plan he just knew would work.

There was a flash of gold and pink. “ You yelled?” Aphrodite raised her eyebrows into an elegant arch.

“ I’d like to borrow Cupid for a while if you don’t mind,” Ares said.

Aphrodite frowned, “ Why?” she asked suspiciously.

“ I’ve had it up to here,” Ares waved a hand over his head, “ with Strife and Cupid bickering. I want them to work together for a while so they can, uh, understand each other better.”

Aphrodite stared at him open mouthed for a second. Then comprehension dawned and she winked at him surreptitiously. “ Well, okay, I suppose,” she agreed.

“ But Mom!”

“ But Unc!”

“ I don’t want to hear it,” said Aphrodite, before disappearing, leaving only pink rose petals floating to the ground. Cupid and Strife glared at each other.

“ Now, play nice children. Cupid, you will help out Strife when he’s doing work for me and Strife, I want you to help Cupid with his,” Ares gestured vaguely, “ work.”

“ But…”

“ Are you arguing with me?” Ares’ voice was deceptively quiet. The pair paled and shook their heads. Ares turned back to his map.

“ I hate you.” Ares straightened in shock, had he really heard the caress in Strife’s voice?

“ I hate you too.” Ares spun round and stared at them, but they were glaring at each other.

He shook his head, “ Are you still here?” Strife and Cupid quickly flashed out of the room. Ares smirked, he’d tried everything else, surely throwing them together would work? If they didn’t kill each other first!

The couple reappeared in Cupid’s temple. Strife bounced excitedly.

“ This is so totally phat, we’ll get to spend loadsa time together!” he chuckled.

Cupid sighed and sat down, “ Yeah,” he said morosely.

Strife’s expression turned instantly from happy to hurt and scared, “ Don’t, don’t you wanna spend time with me?”

Cupid leapt to his feet and pulled Strife into his arms. “ Course I do, I love you.”

“ Then, why?”

“ Strife, baby, do you have any idea how hard it’s going to be, to spend so much time with you, and not be able to touch you?” Cupid sighed. “ Even just now was hard. When you stuck your tongue out at me, I nearly jumped you!”

“ Oh,” whispered Strife, “ I guess I hadn’t thoughta that.” He lifted his head and stared at Cupid, “ You know, I didn’t mean it when I said…”

“ I know,” Cupid interrupted him, “ I heard what you were really saying.”

“ Me too,” said Strife with a sudden grin. “ You know, I like havin’ two secrets from Unc!”

Cupid chuckled, “ That’s cause you’re a sneaky shit!”

“ Oh really?” Strife raised an eyebrow at his lover. Cupid put a finger under his chin and lifted his head.

“ Really,” he whispered, bending slightly for a kiss. Strife met him halfway, groaning when their lips touched. They kissed softly, then Cupid pulled away, “ But you’re my sneaky shit.”

Strife grinned and nodded, stealing another quick kiss. Then he sighed, “ I gotta go.”

“ Why?” Cupid whispered, sliding an arm round his back and pulling him up against his erection. Strife moaned and ground his hips against Cupid for a second. Then he pulled away.

“ I have to see Joxer, he’s helping me with a job I’m doin’ for Unc,” he sighed.

Cupid patted his forehead, “ We’re supposed to be working together, remember?”

Strife grinned, “ Oh yeah!”

“ Shall we go then?”

“ Okay, but stand well back when we get there,” Strife said with a grin. He held out his hand and a sword appeared. Cupid frowned at him in confusion. Strife flashed out of the room and Cupid quickly followed him.

@>-->---

Joxer was in a clearing, if his friends had seen him, they would have assumed he was his brother, Jett. He was dressed in black leather pants and a black shirt and was slowly working his way through the stances of a martial art.

He felt a sudden displacement in the air behind him and dropped to the ground as the whistling of a sword swinging, passed over his head. He rolled and leapt to his feet, grinning at his assailant.

“ Shit, Dad. That’s a real sword!”

Strife smirked, “ Not like it’s gonna kill you!”

“ Yeah, but it’d fucking hurt, “ Joxer pouted, but his lips were twitching.

“ You moved, didn’t you?”

Joxer grinned suddenly and aimed a punch at his father. Strife skipped out of the way, swinging his sword at his son. Joxer ducked and stepped up to him, twisting into a roundhouse kick. Strife jumped, rolled and swung his leg out to try and sweep Joxer to the ground. Joxer jumped into a back flip, his feet connecting with Strife’s chin.

“ Good boy!” Strife chuckled, rubbing his chin.

“ So what’s the score?”

“ Are we still keeping score?”

“ Since I started beating you, you betcha!”

Strife chuckled, “ The freaky foursome would shit bricks if they could see you!” he said proudly. Joxer made a noise like a strangled cat, then he burst out laughing.

“ Not a visual I really needed, Dad!” he gasped.

Strife sniggered at his hysterical child and stepped forward to hug him. Joxer pulled away suddenly.

“ Cupid?”

“ Oh yeah,” Strife growled, “ I’d forgotten bout him.”

Cupid stepped into the clearing, “ Yeah, well, I’d rather not be here, so if we can just get on with it?”

Joxer watched warily as Strife stalked up to Cupid and got in his face.

“ Well I don’t want you here, but Unc says we gotta work together, so deal with it, Flyboy!” Cupid snarled at him and pushed him away.

“ Um, Dad?” Joxer said hesitantly, “ Can I speak to you for a moment?”

Strife turned to stare at him, before nodding. Joxer pulled him away from Cupid.

“ Dad, I thought no one was supposed to know about me.”

“ I know. Turns out Cupid already knew bout you. I’m jus’ lucky he hasn’t told anyone!”

“ Why are you like that with him? I thought you…?”

“ Shh!” Strife said hurriedly, “ He hates my guts, if he found out how I really feel, he’d like, use it against me.” Strife hated lying to his son, but he knew Cupid was right, they couldn’t risk it.

Joxer shook his head, “ I don’t think so. You two are like little boys pulling the hair of the girl they secretly like.”

Strife snorted, “ Yeah sure!”

“ Excuse me,” Cupid called, “ Can we please get on with this?”

Strife sighed, “ Right, remember Jox honey, I hate him, ‘kay?”

“ Okay, okay.” They walked back over to Cupid.

“ Right,” said Strife, “ Here’s the thing. Unc’s directin’ a feud at the moment. There’s a Warlord of his called Fellus who’s getting a little too big for his boots. Might be trouble in the future, so Unc had got him trying to extend his territory. He’s encroaching on another Warlord called Stachys. Unc wants Stachys to like, beat the crap outta Fellus, knock him down a peg or four,” Strife explained.

“ So, what’s the problem?” Joxer asked.

Strife grimaced, “ The problem is Xena.”

Joxer groaned, “ Not Joxer the Mighty again? I want a promotion!”

Strife grinned, “ Ah come on kid, you know you enjoy pissin’ off the harpy!”

“ Yeah, I guess,” Joxer grinned at his father. Cupid yawned loudly.

Strife growled, “ You gotta problem?”

“ Yeah, actually, I have a job too you know!”

“ Pah! Job!” Strife muttered to himself.

“ Are you done?” Cupid asked with a frown.

“ Yeah, sure.”

“ Good, cause I want to get home for some good love,” Cupid said.

Strife swallowed, knowing exactly what Cupid meant by that. “ Well go then.”

“ Uh, doofus! We’re supposed to be working together, remember?” Cupid smacked his head. Strife snarled and leapt at him. As he grabbed Cupid, they both vanished. Joxer stared at the empty space and sighed. He knew exactly how his father felt, unrequited love sucked ass!

But at least Strife stood some kind of a chance with Cupid. He definitely had the feeling that Cupid felt more towards his father than possibly either of them realised. There was certainly a disadvantage to being anonymous and playing the fool, but he wouldn’t be nearly as effective if more people knew about him.

He picked up his pack and armour and hefted it onto his back and headed for where he knew Xena and Gabrielle were. As he got closer, he changed his clothes, adjusting himself to the unbalanced armour. He rolled his shoulders, took a deep breath and the confident, strong, young son of Mischief became Joxer the Mighty, klutz extraordinaire.

Strife and Cupid appeared in Cupid’s bed, kissing hungrily. Strife pushed Cupid back and lay on top of him, rubbing his leather clad body against him. Cupid moaned and wrapped his arms and legs round Strife’s slim body, bucking his hips for greater contact.

“ Gods, Cupe,” Strife groaned, lifting his head, “ I think I almost like pretendin to hate you, it makes me so horny!” Cupid didn’t answer, he just pulled Strife’s head back down and plunged his tongue into his mouth. His other hand slipped down Strife’s back and wriggled into his pants. He grasped a firm asscheek and pulled him even closer, grinding their erections together. 

Then he slipped a finger down the crease, firmly stroking the puckered opening to Strife’s body. Strife groaned into his mouth and jerked against him. In a flash, Strife had them naked. He raised his hips and reached behind him to guide Cupid’s leaking cock into his already slick passage. He sat down hard.

“ Oh Gods, baby,” Cupid groaned. Strife started to ride him urgently, leaning forward to reclaim his lips. Cupid possessed Strife’s mouth passionately, gripping the back of his head as he thrust his hips up. He reached between them to take a tight grip of Strife’s shaft and pumped hard.

Strife moaned into his mouth, jerking hard as his come splattered against their chests. Cupid thrust into Strife’s convulsing passage, coming hard, his entire body spasming. Strife swallowed his scream with a voracious kiss. Cupid clutched Strife’s head between his hands, kissing back hungrily, before he pulled him back.

“ Fuck!” he gasped.

Strife grinned, “ Yeah, it was.”

“ You’re *so* modest,” Cupid laughed.

“ I know.”

“ I love you.”

“ I know.”

“ And?”

“ And what?” Strife grinned again as Cupid pouted at him. He dipped his head and kissed him softly, “ I love you too,” he whispered against Cupid’s lips.

@>-->---

Joxer’s armour rattled as he walked and he sang his song loudly, probably attracting the attention of every bandit in the forest. But then, that was his intention.

He became aware of a small group approaching him through the trees. But he’d already heard Xena and Gabrielle coming along the path. He grinned to himself, this was so not going to make their day!

The three groups pretty much walked into each other at the same time. Joxer fell down, just as a bandit swung at him. He managed to get to his feet and get out of the way as Xena launched into her attack, Gabrielle not far behind.

While they were distracted, he got in a couple of shots of his own, before retreating a short way away to stand with Argo. The fight was short and the bandits were effectively dispatched. The two women looked at each other and sighed, then turned to stare at Joxer.

“ Wow guys,” he enthused, “ It’s great to see you again. What a fight! I could have handled them myself of course, but thanks for the help.” Joxer smirked inwardly, he could have taken the bandits easily, even in his preposterous armour. Actually he would have quite enjoyed it.

Gabrielle snorted, her hands on her hips, “ What are you doing here Joxer? I  thought you were going to Thebes!”

Joxer looked down at her tone, “ Well, I was and then, well, I think I took a wrong turn or something.”

Xena sighed, “ Well, you might as well come with us then.”

Joxer looked up, plastering a silly grin on his face. “ Really? Oh great. I’ll take good care of you guys, you’ll see.”

Gabrielle grimaced at Xena, who shrugged minutely. Joxer walked beside them, chattering away in his usual manner, of outrageous exploits and acts of heroism. He waited a good half hour after they’d stopped even pretending to listen, before he stopped.

He watched Gabrielle sigh in relief, and grinned wickedly as he launched into song. It took a lot of self control, not to laugh as Xena and Gabrielle stiffened in annoyance. At the end of the song, he started over again. After three renditions, Gabrielle stopped and turned round, grabbing his nose.

“ Stop now!” she said through gritted teeth.

“ Ow, okay. You just had to ask,” Joxer rubbed his nose, managing to look hurt. He walked behind them silently for a while, dropping slowly back. Then he grinned again.

“ Wait up, guys!” he exclaimed, running forward to catch them up. Just as he reached them, he tripped over his feet and fell onto Gabrielle.

“ Damn it, Joxer,” Gabrielle shoved him off her and stood up, brushing off her clothes. Joxer tried to get up, but she shoved him again and he fell back. He suppressed a glare and got to his knees.

“ I’m sorry, Gabby, really. Are you okay?”

“ Fine,” Gabrielle muttered, turning away from him.

They continued in this fashion all the way to the next town. Joxer was having a ball, he enjoyed annoying Gabrielle, she could be such a bitch.

At the town, they stopped.

“ Gabrielle and I have errands to run, why don’t you get us some rooms, Joxer?” Xena suggested.

“ Yeah, I’m sure even you can manage that, “ Gabrielle muttered.

Joxer smiled brightly and nodded, “ Absolutely, no problem.” He turned and promptly fell over. Quickly he got to his feet, “ Right, I’ll see you later,” he said, holding back a grin at the twin expressions of exasperation.

He wandered away to the inn and got them a couple of rooms. He went to his straight away. With a sigh of relief, he took off his armour and flung himself onto his pallet, closing his eyes.

“ How’s it goin’?”

Joxer opened his eyes and grinned. “ Great. They are so pissed with me!”

Strife smirked, “ Good. Got an update for you though.”

Joxer frowned, “ What?”

Strife sighed, “ Jerkules and Blondie jus’ showed up.” Joxer groaned. “ But Unc an’ I can get the battle started sooner, now that Stachys’ scouts have found Fellus’ advanced party.”

“ Okay, I’ll see what I can do,” Joxer smiled.

Strife grinned wickedly, “ You know, I fuckin love my job. And having you help me out is totally the coolest!”

“ Thanks Dad,” Joxer grinned at his father.

Strife pulled a face suddenly and sighed. “ Cupid’s on my back,” he suppressed a shiver at the delicious images that conjured up. “ Supposed to be helpin’ him with some love stuff,” he shuddered.

Joxer shook his head with a sigh, “ I’ll see you soon?”

Strife nodded and hugged him, “ See ya, hon.” He walked out through the wall.

Joxer lay back on the bed with a sigh. He remembered the first time he’d met Strife and found out who his real father was.

He’d been about six years old, hiding from his father for something or other. Which was fairly normal. Strife had appeared out of nowhere. It hadn’t occurred to him to be scared, after all he’d seen Ares appear out of nowhere before at the War temple, and Ares had never scared him. He’d just been curious, which had impressed Strife.

Finding out a God was his real father, had been one of the best moments of his life. Strife had waited till he was old enough to understand before coming to find him, and he had explained how he had implanted Joxer into his mother’s womb, when his real mother had died during pregnancy. Being one of triplets, had certainly helped hide his existence from the world.

After that first meeting, Strife had visited him regularly, training him, teaching him. Grooming him as a suitable son of Mischief. And Joxer, having inherited his father’s devious nature and wicked sense of humour, had loved every minute.

Strife had been using Joxer in his schemes for years now, and it absolutely tickled him that he had something over his Uncle. But Joxer sometimes wished that at least the House of War knew about him. He could meet his grandmother, work with Ares. He sighed, a chance to talk to Ares, not as Joxer the Mighty, but as Joxer, Son of Mischief, that was a fond dream of his.

“ Joxer?” There was a knock on his door. He somersaulted off the bed, grinning despite there being no one to see, and answered it.

Gabrielle stood outside and glared at him,” Xena wants to know if you’re coming to eat?”

“ Oh yeah, great, I’ll be right down. Thanks Gabby,” Joxer enthused. She snorted at him and stalked off. Joxer stuck out his tongue at her retreating back, but restrained himself from blowing a raspberry. He decided he really couldn’t be bothered with his armour and walked down to join Xena and Gabrielle.

“ Hercules, Iolaus, hey, how are you guys?” Joxer greeted the two men, trying to sound surprised to see them.

“ Hey Joxer, how’s it going?” Iolaus smiled at him.

“ Joxer,” Hercules greeted him with a nod.

Joxer sat down to join the freaky foursome, as his dad called them. He was about to launch into his usual spiel, when Gabrielle interrupted him.

“ Shut up and eat, Joxer!”

Joxer looked down, “ Okay.” Iolaus smiled sympathetically at him, but actually it was a relief not to have to think up outrageous stories for a change, and Joxer ate in silence.

“ So, what are you guys doing here?” Xena asked.

“ Heard rumours of forces gathering hereabouts,” Hercules replied.

Xena nodded, “ Yeah, us too.”

“ I expect Ares is involved, so I’m going to stop it,” Hercules said vehemently.

“ Stop what?” Joxer sometimes wondered if Hercules actually made a connection with his brain, before he spoke. After all he didn’t actually know that anything was going on.

“ Whatever might happen,” said Hercules after a pause, he directed a frown at Joxer.

“ Oh,” Joxer nodded, “ Okay, sounds good.” Three groans resonated at his words and he hid a smirk.

@*^~

Ares paced back and forth in frustration, he just knew Xena was going to mess with his plans. A flash heralded the arrival of Strife into the room.

Ares glared at him, “ Well?”

Strife grimaced, “ Guess who just showed up in town.”

Ares groaned, “ You have got to be kidding me!”

Strife shook his head, “ Sorry Unc, but the freaky foursome just met up.”

“ Just great,” Ares sighed, “ Why don’t they understand, I have a job to do!”

Strife shrugged, “ Well, Jerkules jus’ hates you, there’s no reasonin’ with him. And Xena, she’s got the harpy yappin’ in her ear, ‘bout peace and stuff.”

Ares growled and smashed his fist into a table. Strife flinched slightly. Ares reformed the table and smashed it again.

“ Feel better?” Strife smirked.

Ares snarled at him, “ Get out and do your job!”

Strife raised an eyebrow, but transported himself out of the room before he could get into trouble.

Ares sighed, the tension flowing out of his body as he forced himself to relax. Maybe he was worrying unnecessarily. Surely even Hercules could recognise the necessity for Stachys to defend his people, wouldn’t he?

Then again, the mere fact that he was involved would be reason enough for Hercules to interfere.

“ Damn it!” Ares threw a fireball across the room.

After a strained meal, Joxer retired quickly to his room. He had no desire to remain the target of Gabrielle’s scathing glares. Considering he was supposed to be their friend, and a helpless one at that, why was she always such a cow to him?

He lay back on his pallet and banished his ‘friends’ from his mind. As always his mind wandered to more pleasant things. Well, pleasant at the time, his fantasies usually left him feeling a little depressed. But he could never resist them.

He untied his pants and pulled out his cock, stroking casually. His mind flew over various fantasies, trying to decide which one to use. What kind of lover did he want tonight? He smiled, rough.

He gripped his shaft tightly and began to pull roughly, hard and fast. In his mind, he was thrown face first onto a bed, his pants unceremoniously ripped from his body. Hands pulled his asscheeks apart and he felt a large cock push at his opening. Hard flesh plunged into him and he gasped under rough thrusts. A hand reached under him and took his cock in a punishing grip, tugging hard.

“ Ares,” he whispered as he came, his hips thrusting into the air. He wiped himself off with the blanket and sighed. Yep! Unrequited love, definitely sucked ass!

Not even his father knew how he felt about Ares, although he thought that maybe Cupid suspected something. But then he was God of Love, even if he couldn’t see what was under his own nose! Joxer sighed again, and turned over to go to sleep.

@*^~

Ares transported himself down to watch Stachys plan his campaign, changing certain details to suit him better, by influencing the Warlord’s mind. Stachys’ scouts having found the forward party, meant they were planning to march at dawn.

Ares sighed, all was going to plan so far. So far! He doubted Xena and Hercules would even bother to find out why the Warlord was heading out, they’d just try to stop him.

There was one consolation for Ares, he’d get to watch Joxer. He smiled fondly, which would have surprised even those close to him. There was just something about the man, he liked. He’d never tried to put his finger on why, but instead of thinking of him as an idiot, he appreciated the attempts to be a warrior, and the sweet prayers he got.

Not that he’d ever admit it of course.

He flashed back to his temple.

*Strife, Cupid*

“ Hey, Unc,” Strife appeared with a fidgety looking Cupid.

“ It’s almost time, have you filled Cupid in?”

“ Yeah, course. Gotta a few plans for the freaky foursome in place too,” he grinned wickedly.

“ Good, the longer they stay out of it, the better.” Ares grimaced at the thought of his brother. “ Go.”

Cupid let out a long suffering sigh before Strife grabbed him and they flashed out of the room. Ares stared at the empty space for a moment. They hadn’t killed each other yet. Maybe there was hope for at least one of his plans.

@>-->---

Cupid found himself pushed up against a wall and devoured urgently.

“ I love it when you get pushy,” Cupid gasped as Strife latched onto his neck, sucking hard. “ Ah, Gods,” he groaned, clutching the back of Strife’s head. He dragged his lover up and kissed him hard, grasping his ass to pull him closer.

“ Haven’t got long, want you now,” Strife growled, grinding his groin against Cupid. Then he dropped to his knees and tugged at Cupid’s pants, untying them to reveal Cupid’s cock. He swallowed it in one stroke.

“ Yes, ah, baby,” Cupid bucked into the warm mouth that was working his cock urgently. There was no way he could last under Strife’s expert ministrations and he thrust deeply, sending his seed jetting down Strife’s throat.

Strife swallowed, purring happily, before he was pulled up and flung against the wall. Cupid kissed him again, biting at his mouth, tasting himself, as he rubbed Strife’s hard length.

“ Please,” Strife moaned, rocking against the firm hand. Cupid dropped to his knees in his turn and ripped open Strife’s pants.

“ Ummmm,” he muttered happily, before burying his face in Strife’s groin, licking the long shaft.

“ Ah, yeah,” Strife whispered, as his cock was engulfed in wet heat. Cupid pushed his hips back and swallowed, sucking Strife’s long shaft down, working the crown of his cock with his throat muscles. He brought one hand down and gently played with Strife’s balls, rolling them between his long fingers.

“ Oh Gods, oh Gods,” Strife whimpered. His head fell back and he wailed as he came in long spurts. Cupid licked him clean and grinned up at his panting lover.

“ Hot damn, baby,” Strife gasped. He pulled Cupid back up and kissed him softly. Cupid rested his forehead against Strife’s, gazing into his eyes.

“ Love you,” he whispered.

“ Love you too.” Strife waved his hand to clean them up and dress them. Then after a final kiss, they flashed down to Fellus’ camp.

“ By Ares! This will be no challenge,” Fellus snorted. “ That fool, Stachys has no idea we’re even here!” He grinned at his lieutenants.

“ He will certainly be surprised and unprepared, when we attack at dawn,” one replied.

Strife smirked at Cupid from where they watched. “ We’ve made them think Stachys is completely oblivious,” he sniggered quietly.

Cupid grinned wickedly at his cousin. “ So they’re marching at dawn, totally unaware that Stachys will be doing the same?” Strife nodded, lips twitching with barely restrained amusement. Cupid slipped an arm round him and pulled him close as they watched Fellus detail his plans for the morning, Strife changing bits here and there, as per Ares’ orders.

Strife leaned into Cupid, sighing happily. “ I think we’re done here.”

Cupid nodded and they flashed back to his temple.

“ Time to have that chat with Bliss I think,” said Cupid. Strife nodded, but looked terrified. “ Hey, it’ll be okay, Bliss loves you, you know.”

“ He does?”

Cupid nodded and smiled. “ Yeah, he does, plus he’ll know you make me happy, and that’s important to him.”

Strife smiled almost shyly, “ You make me happy too,” he whispered.

Cupid smiled back and kissed him thoroughly. “ Come on, we’d better pretend you’re helping me with something for when Mom drops him off.”

Strife nodded and followed him wordlessly to his workroom. Not long after, there was a flash of pink light.

“ Daddy!” Bliss held out his arms to Cupid, bouncing excitedly.

Cupid grinned, “ Hello sweet pea, hi Mom.”

Aphrodite grinned at her son and passed him her grandson. “ Hi Cupie, Strife, are you boys behaving?”

Strife barely plastered the scowl onto his face in time. He grunted wordlessly and she sighed.

“ I do wish you boys would try to get along, you’d be happier.”

“ They is very happy,” Bliss muttered sleepily, snuggling into his father’s arms.

Cupid and Strife exchanged panicked glances as Aphrodite frowned at him.

“ I think he means we’re happy to see him,” said Cupid hurriedly.

Aphrodite blinked at her son, before shrugging. “ Well, I’ll see you boys later.”

“ Okay Mom,” Cupid breathed a sigh of relief as Aphrodite flashed out.

“ I didn’t Daddy,” Bliss said yawning widely.

“ Didn’t what, sweetie?” Cupid asked.

“ Didn’t mean happy t’see me, meant happy togevah,” Bliss smiled at his favourite babysitter, “ Will you be my daddy now too, Stwifey?”

Strife and Cupid exchanged amazed looks.

“ Yeah, Blissy, you okay with that?” Strife asked.

Bliss nodded and grinned, “ I got two daddies now!”

Cupid’s breath hitched and he nuzzled his face against Bliss’ neck. “We can’t tell anyone for a while though, sweetie, okay? It’s a secret,” he told his son seriously.

“ Why?”

“ Because, because we think it’ll make some people unhappy,” Cupid tried to explain.

“ Oh, ‘kay Daddy, but Gwandma and Gwandpa will be very happy,” Bliss yawned again and snuggled closer to his father, eyes drooping shut.

Cupid frowned in confusion, glancing at Strife questioningly. Strife shrugged, “Maybe he meant Heph.”

“ Maybe, but he only calls Pops, Gwandpa,” Cupid was still frowning.

“ He’s hardly gonna mean Unc, is he?” Strife raised his eyebrows.

Cupid sighed, “ I guess not. Come on, let’s put our son to bed.” Strife stared at him, open mouthed. “ What?” Cupid asked with a confused frown.

“ You said *our* son.”

Cupid looked down, “ I, I thought, I’m sorry,” he whispered.

“ Oh no Cupe, it’s not that, I just didn’t expect it. I love him, I’m honoured,” Strife whispered, pulling Cupid and his son into his arms. Bliss mumbled and shifted in his sleep. Cupid smiled happily and transported all three to Bliss’ room, where they put the little Godling to bed.

Joxer was woken abruptly, out of a very pleasant dream, involving Ares and chocolate, by a sudden pounding on his door. He sighed as he looked out of the window to see it was still dark. On his way to the door he pushed over a chair.

“ Ouch,” he called out, stifling a yawn. He opened the door, pretending to hobble slightly. “ What is it?” he asked sleepily, blinking at Xena.

“ Time to go,” she said shortly, then walked off.

“ And good morning to you too,” Joxer muttered, shutting the door again. “ Dammit!” he swore.

He had been hoping that they wouldn’t leave till after dawn. At least then the battle would be well underway and harder to interfere with. Although he wouldn’t put it past Xena and Hercules to just go wading in, taking them all on in their twisted idea of what peace was.

“ Come on, Joxer!” Gabrielle called out impatiently, knocking on his door again.

“ I’ll be right there Gabby, just having a bit of trouble with my armour,” he called back. Joxer could hear her melodramatic, long-suffering sigh through the door. He sat down on the bed for a few minutes, occasionally knocking things over to make it sound like he was doing something.

Eventually he got up and put his armour on, before heading downstairs, tripping deliberately so that he crashed noisily down to the ground floor.

“ Oh, for Hades’ sake, Joxer,” Gabrielle snapped. “ Will you quit messing around!”

Joxer looked up, trying to catch his breath from where he’d winded himself. “ I’m sorry,” he said, blinking innocently. Iolaus helped him to his feet and he smiled gratefully.

“ Let’s go,” said Hercules quietly. They went to the stables to get Argo, and were soon on their way.

Joxer pondered what would be the most effective way to delay them. If he annoyed them too much, they might just leave him behind. Then an idea struck him and he tried not to snicker out loud.

Surreptitiously, he manoeuvred round so he was walking behind Argo. As the sky turned red with the coming dawn, he tripped and fell against Argo’s haunches. Startled, Argo kicked out, catching him in the ribs and knocking him flying.

“ Shit, Joxer, are you okay?” Iolaus jogged over to him and crouched down.

Joxer groaned, it had hurt more than he’d thought it would. “ I don’t think so.” He tried to sit up and fell back down with a groan of genuine pain.

“ What were you thinking, walking behind Argo?” Gabrielle snapped.

Iolaus frowned, “ We don’t need lectures right now, we need help.” She had the grace to flush and hurried over. She examined Joxer’s chest quickly, as if she didn’t want to touch him.

“ I don’t think you’ve broken anything,” she said. Iolaus helped him to his feet.

“ I’ll be fine,” Joxer groaned. “ You guys go ahead.”

Xena pulled her aside, “ Come on Gabrielle, you know we can’t leave him on his own, not injured.” Joxer heard her whisper. He held back a grin, all was going to plan, he’d known Xena wouldn’t leave him unprotected.

Iolaus and Hercules helped him unstrap his armour carefully and pull off his undershirt. Iolaus ripped up Joxer’s spare shirt and wrapped it tightly round his ribs. Joxer interfered as much as he could, without it looking like interference as he watched the sky brighten.

Finally he was strapped up and they helped him dress again. By the time they were underway again, day had broken completely. Joxer limped slowly, having refused to ride Argo, claiming fear of horses as an excuse. Walking slowly, he could delay them even further.

By the time they approached Fellus’ camp, sounds of a battle well underway could be heard.

“ Damn,” Hercules exclaimed. “ We’re too late to stop it.”

“We’ll just have to make them see sense then,” said Xena quietly.

As Joxer had predicted, Xena and Hercules headed straight into battle with barely a backwards glance. Gabrielle and Iolaus exchanged looks, shrugged and followed them. Joxer was left with Argo as usual.

“Thanks boy,” he whispered, patting Argo gently. He looked round the field until he spotted his father standing with Ares and a very bored looking Cupid. Joxer had never had trouble seeing the Gods, even when they were invisible to everyone else, he assumed it was something he got from having Strife as a father.

He grinned at the bloodthirsty expression on his father’s face. Then he watched Ares for a while. Ares had his strong arms crossed over his chest and he watched the battle avidly, eyes flicking back and forth. Joxer was surprised Ares wasn’t fighting himself.

He saw Ares’ expression turn to fury, and realised he must have spotted the freaky four, who were currently working their way to the centre of the battle, to where the two opposing leaders were fighting.

Checking to make sure he was unobserved, Joxer quickly made his way through the battle towards them, mostly ducking and avoiding blows, but occasionally lashing out at Fellus’ men. When he reached them, he stayed in the fray to watch.

Xena had grabbed Fellus and Hercules had a hold of Stachys and they were trying to persuade them to talk. Eventually they let go of the two men who scowled at each other. Carefully, Joxer moved round, keeping one eye on Ares who looked as though he was about to explode.

He stepped forward and fell into Gabrielle, who fell forward, knocking Fellus into Stachys. And that was the end of any possible peace. The battle recommenced with a vengeance.

“ Gods dammit, Joxer!” Xena exclaimed as they fought their way clear. “What in Hades were you thinking?”

Unknowingly, they emerged from the battle right next to where the three Gods were standing.

@>-->---

Ares watched in fury, as Xena and Hercules tried to interfere. Just as he was about to flash over, he spotted Joxer just standing there, watching. Then, to his surprise, the mortal very deliberately fell into the harpy, so that she shoved Fellus into Stachys. No, he had to be imagining it.

With the battle well and truly back underway, he watched them make their way out of the fray, heading in their direction. Xena turned to Joxer.

“ Gods dammit!” she shouted, “ What in Hades were you thinking?”

Ares had a strange urge to go and protect Joxer, but shook his head, ignoring it.

Joxer’s head drooped, “ I’m sorry I just wanted to help.”

“ Oh big help, Joxer!” Gabrielle snapped. “ Now we’ll never stop them!”

Even Iolaus was a little angry, “ You were injured Joxer, you should have stayed with Argo.”

Ares frowned, then blinked in shock when he spotted Joxer wink slyly at Strife. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Strife grin, giving a small wave. So he hadn’t been dreaming it, Joxer had deliberately fallen onto Gabrielle. He didn’t know whether to be furious that Strife and Joxer had deceived him, or admiring. He decided not to mention it for now.

“ Well,” he said as the four heroes stalked off without Joxer. “ You can go now, I’m going to watch for a while.”

“ Cool, thanks Unc,” Strife grinned.

“ Don’t get too happy,” Cupid muttered,” I’ve got some work for you now.”

Strife bit his cheeks to stop himself from smiling and managed to scowl. “ Just great!” he snapped as Cupid grabbed him and they flashed away.

Ares grinned to himself they seemed to be arguing less. Then he stepped forward, grabbed Joxer and transported them both to his temple.

“ Wh-what? Ares!” Joxer exclaimed.

“ So,” said Ares, staring down at the mortal who’d managed to deceive him for so long. “ There I am thinking you were my follower, only to discover you’ve been working for Strife.”

Joxer blanched, “ Uh oh.”

“ Uh oh, indeed. I should blast you to Hades for lying to me…”

“ I never lied to you,” Joxer interrupted him. Ares raised an eyebrow and Joxer looked down, “ Sorry, my Lord,” he whispered.

“ No, I want to know how you work that one out?” Ares demanded.

Joxer looked up cautiously. “ I’ve never lied to you Ares, ever. I’ve pretended to be a terrible warrior, but I’ve never said I was. Nor have I ever asked you for anything. I work for Strife, but not for Mischief, only for War. I am dedicated to you, Strife knows that.” Joxer wasn’t sure that Ares knew he was Strife’s son and he wasn’t prepared to reveal his father’s deepest secret, in case Ares punished him.

Ares stared at him in silence for a while, and though afraid, and not a little turned on, Joxer met his gaze steadily.

“ Very well,” Ares said at last. “ I accept that. Now, I want you to do a little job for me.” Joxer looked at him questioningly. “ I want you to help me get Cupid and Strife to admit their feelings for each other.”

“ Wow,” Joxer said, “ I’ve been trying to get D-, uh, Strife to do that for ages.” He grimaced to himself, hoping Ares didn’t catch his near slip.

“ Really?” Ares was surprised. “ Just how much time do you spend with Strife?”

Joxer shrugged, “ A lot, I guess. He’s trained me since I was a kid and I’ve been working for him for a few years now.”

Ares frowned, “ How well can you fight?”

Joxer grinned, his nervousness had disappeared and he felt more relaxed, “ I can beat him sometimes, if he doesn’t use his powers anyway.”

“ I’m impressed,” Ares was starting to see Joxer in a new light. He could see the mortal was still the sweet, caring man he’d always thought he was, but he was far from helpless and he’d already lost any fear of Ares he’d had at first. “Fight me.”

Joxer looked startled, “ What, here? Now?”

Ares nodded, “ Let’s get rid of that costume though.” He waved his hand, dressing Joxer in leather pants and a silk shirt. He stared at Joxer for a moment, realising for the first time just how attractive he was. He shook himself out of his distraction.

“ Weapons?” he asked. Joxer shook his head. Ares grinned, waving his hand again to clear the floor. “ Let’s go.”

Joxer leapt into a back flip and Ares just had time to lean back to avoid his feet. He grinned again, sneaky, he liked that. Then he stepped forward, so he was right in front of Joxer as he landed.

Joxer looked slightly startled, but recovered in time to catch Ares’ fist as it flew towards him. He twisted, ducking under Ares’ outstretched arm, aiming a punch to the God’s ribs. Ares spun round, reaching out to back hand Joxer, who managed to duck.

They moved together in a deadly dance, for a while neither of them managing to land a blow. Suddenly Ares caught Joxer’s wrist and swept his legs out from under him. As he fell, Joxer managed to grab Ares’ vest and kicked out, knocking the God down.

Ares fell heavily on top of Joxer, winding him. He stared down at the panting mortal and fought the sudden urge to kiss him. He stood quickly and held out his hand to Joxer.

“ Very good,” he said, indicating the fight was over. “ You’re almost as good as Xena.” 

Joxer took it as the compliment it was and smiled, “ Thank you.”

Ares waved his hand and two armchairs appeared, he indicated Joxer should sit, and sat down opposite. Then he remembered what it was like to be mortal, and materialised a pitcher of water and a mug.

“ Thanks,” Joxer grinned. He took a deep gulp of water.

“ You hungry?” Ares asked.

“ Actually, very. Xena didn’t give us time to eat this morning.”

Ares grinned at him and materialised some bread and meat for him. “ I never thanked you for helping at the battle,” Ares settled back comfortably in his chair.

Joxer shrugged, “ It’s my job.”

“ What did you do to delay them? You arrived well after the battle had started.”

Joxer chuckled, “ I, uh, accidentally fell into Argo and he kicked me.”

“ Really? Didn’t that hurt?” Ares looked surprised.

“ Yeah it did.”

“ Are you okay?” Ares asked, wondering why he was concerned. Joxer obviously wondered too, as he frowned in surprise.

“ Just a few bruises, nothing major,” he replied.

“ Let me see,” said Ares, sliding off his chair to kneel in front of him.

Joxer caught his breath and swallowed hard, trying desperately to control his arousal at having, firstly Ares kneeling in front of him, and secondly, his God actually concerned about him.

“ Um, okay.” He put down his food and unbuttoned his shirt, then pulled off the impromptu bandages.

Ares was surprised by his own actions, wondering why in Hades he cared about some mortal’s injuries. Granted, Joxer was a mortal he was fond of, despite the uncovered deception, but still. Then his breath caught in his throat as he stared at Joxer’s slim torso. Pale skin was darkened with livid bruises and he reached out to touch them gently.

Joxer hissed when Ares touched his skin. He hoped Ares would think it was from pain, and not notice his arousal. Ares flattened his hand on Joxer’s surprisingly soft skin and healed him. Joxer felt Ares’ power rush through him, warm and tingling, and he had to fight not to touch his God.

“ Thank you,” he whispered, getting himself back under control.

“ Least I can do, that battle was important,” Ares shrugged, backing away quickly before he gave in to his desire to touch the man more. He decided not to question why he didn’t just take him, if he wanted him. He sat back in the chair watching Joxer rebutton his shirt. “ Now, about my boys.”

Iolaus looked back and realised Joxer wasn’t with them. He sighed regretfully, wishing he hadn’t snapped at the poor man. It wasn’t Joxer’s fault he was clumsy, and he always meant well.

“ Guys?” he called out. The other three stopped and looked at him. “ We appear to have lost Joxer.”

Gabrielle shrugged and went to carry on.

“ Wasn’t he right behind us?” Xena asked, frowning.

Iolaus, “ I thought he was. He was hurt though don’t forget, maybe he couldn’t keep up.”

Hercules looked back down the path,” He couldn’t have fallen that far behind. Maybe he just didn’t come with us.”

“ We were pretty harsh with him,” Iolaus felt guilty.

“ Well tough,” said Gabrielle. “ He shouldn’t have been so stupid.”

Iolaus frowned, “ Why are you always so hard on him? He can’t help it.”

Gabrielle pouted, “ He irritates me.”

“ Yeah. So? Herc irritates me sometimes, but I don’t treat him like an idiot.”

“ Hey!” exclaimed Hercules.

“ What? Oh come on, I irritate the hell out of *you* sometimes, and you know it,” Iolaus grinned at his best friend.

“ I guess,” Hercules admitted. Iolaus turned back to Gabrielle and raised an eyebrow.

“ I don’t know okay? He just pushes all my buttons.” She sighed, “ I know he can’t help it, but neither can I.”

“ I like him, but sometimes he just annoys me,” Xena admitted.

“ We should try and find him,” said Iolaus.

Xena nodded, “ You’re right, come on then, let’s go back.”

@>-->---

“ Don’t you think you were a bit obvious?”

Strife glanced up at Cupid, “ What do you mean?”

“ You and Joxer.”

“ Oh. No, not really. Unc doesn’t pay him any attention, so we can usually communicate quite well.” He shifted in Cupid’s lap, leaning up. “ Anyway, didn’t you say you had work for me?” he leered at his lover.

Cupid chuckled and bent his head to meet Strife’s lips. As he kissed, Strife moved round so he straddled Cupid. With a moan, Cupid pushed him back.

“ Actually, I really do want you to do something for me.”

“ Oh,” Strife pouted. “ What?”

“ Would you watch Bliss for me, I have to catch up with some work.” He lowered his voice, “ I’ll make it up to you later.” He rubbed his hand across Strife’s crotch.

Strife moaned and thrust his hips forward. “ You can be very persuasive,” he grinned. “ But you know I love spending time with Bliss anyway.”

Cupid smiled, “ I know, thanks love.”

Strife stood up and pulled Cupid out of the chair and up against him. “I’m still holding you to it though.” He kissed Cupid hard.

“ I’ll depend on it,” Cupid chuckled, stroking Strife’s face. “ See you later.” Cupid dropped a final kiss on Strife’s lips, then flashed out of the room. Strife sighed, adjusted his erection and wandered off to find Bliss.

@>-->---

Ares transported Joxer, who was back in his own clothes, back near the battle site which was now empty, of the living anyway. His hand lingered on Joxer’s shoulder as he felt suddenly reluctant to let the man go.

“ When will you next see Strife?” he asked.

Joxer shrugged, “ Maybe tonight, I don’t know, it depends on what Cupid’s got him doing, I guess.” Ares had explained why he’d ordered the two to work together. “ Do you think it’ll work?” he asked.

Ares nodded, “ Cupid’s very protective of his loved ones. Including me, believe it or not.” He smiled wryly.

“ I believe it,” Joxer said quietly, looking down.

Ares stared at him. Now he really, really wanted to kiss Joxer, but again he held back.

“ I’ll see you later then,” Ares quickly pulled away and vanished.

Joxer stared at the empty space and sighed. He was surprised at how well he’d got on with Ares, despite the stories his father had told him of how Ares could be when he wasn’t being God of War. Just the thoughtfulness with the food and drink, not to mention healing him.

Joxer suspected that not many were ever privy to that side of the War God. Meeting Ares properly hadn’t done anything to change his feelings towards him, except maybe to strengthen them. He shook his head, unsure if that was a good thing or not.

He was shaken out of his brooding by someone calling out his name. He looked up to see his friends heading his way and blinked in surprise.

“ There you are, we thought we’d lost you!”

Joxer stared in confusion, was he imagining things or did Gabrielle sound concerned?

“ I figured you guys wouldn’t want me around,” he said honestly.

“ We were mad at you, but that doesn’t mean we don’t want you around,” said Xena kindly.

Joxer beamed at them, genuinely touched, “ Thanks guys.”

“ Come on, let’s get some food,” said Iolaus, patting his stomach. Joxer didn’t want to try and think of an explanation as to how he’d already eaten, so he nodded.

@>-->---

Ares sat in his War Room and brooded. Did he want Joxer or not? Yes, he decided, he definitely did. So why not do something about it? He knew he’d seen at least a flicker of interest in the mortal’s eyes when he’d fallen on top of him. And Joxer was dedicated to him, it wasn’t as if he’d refuse his God. So why not just take him?

“ Argh,” he sighed in frustration. He was no good at this sort of thing, thinking about it was getting him nowhere. “ So just take him,” he muttered to himself, but again he balked at the thought.

“ Gods!” he exclaimed. He cocked his head in concentration and then transported himself into the middle of a brawl to work out his frustration, and not a small amount of sexual tension.

“ I’m comin’ to getcha!” Strife chuckled. Bliss squealed and hid behind a pillar, giggling. Strife snuck round one side and pounced, hitting the floor. “ Hey, where’d you go?”

He heard a giggle and looked up at Bliss, who was flying just above him.

“ Ooh, sneaky!” he growled playfully and leapt up, making a grab at Bliss, but the Godling dodged. Strife scampered after him. “ You’re getting too good at this flying stuff, young man!”

Bliss giggled again and flew into his arms. “ ‘S good as Daddy?” he asked.

Strife nodded, “ At the very least!” He swung Bliss round and the Godling squealed again delightedly. They turned round at a chuckle.

“ Daddy!” Bliss exclaimed happily.

“ How’re my two favourite boys?” Cupid asked, walking towards them.

“ I’m a young man, Daddy Stwife said so!” said Bliss as flew the brief distance between them.

“ Then I guess you must be. Kiss?” Bliss kissed his father noisily. Cupid grinned, then looked up at Strife. “ Kiss?” he asked again. Strife grinned, and kissed his lover equally noisily, much to Bliss’ delight.

“ You guys been having fun?” Cupid asked.

Bliss nodded, “ We been playin catch.”

“ Ooh, did Strife catch you?”

Bliss shook his head and grinned, “ Me fly too good.”

“ Ah,” Cupid smiled. “ Ready for some food?”

“ Yeah, yeah, can I have honey cakes, Daddy, can I?”

“ Magic word?”

“ Please,” Bliss fluttered his eyelashes pleadingly.

Cupid groaned, “ You’ve taught him the puppy dog look, haven’t you?” he asked Strife.

“ Weeell,” Strife tried to look guilty, but failed miserably.

“ You can have honey cakes for dessert,” Cupid gave in.

“ Yay!” Bliss bounced excitedly.

“ I saw Pops earlier,” Cupid said to Strife as they walked to the dining room.

“ Oh?”

“ Yeah, fighting in some inn brawl. Does he do that a lot?”

Strife frowned, “ Only if he’s like, really frustrated ‘bout something.”

“ I wonder what’s wrong,” Cupid sighed.

“ Can’t be the battle, Joxer totally saved that,” Strife looked proud.

“ Yeah, he did,” Cupid grinned at his lover. “ You going to see him tonight?”

“ Dunno, maybe,” Strife shrugged, “ Depends on if you want me.”

“ I always want you, baby,” Cupid flicked his eyebrows up. Bliss giggled at them as they kissed. Strife turned to look at him and winked. Bliss giggled again.

“ Eat young man,” he growled, mock-seriously. Bliss pretended to be scared and shovelled food into his mouth.

“ Slow down, slow down,” Cupid laughed. Bliss opened his mouth and let some of the half chewed food fall out. “ Manners!” Cupid exclaimed. He glared at Strife, who’d collapsed in a fit of giggles. “ You’re no help, mister!”

Bliss laughed until he got a fit of hiccups. Strife picked him up, still chuckling and patted his back gently. Cupid watched them together, tears of happiness pricking his eyes.

Strife saw him blinking rapidly. “ Aw now c’mon baby, don’t get all mooshy on us.”

“ Daddy?” Bliss looked at Cupid.

“ It’s okay sweetie, Daddy’s just very happy,” Cupid smiled. “ Now, how do you feel about spending the afternoon with Grandpa?”

“ Yay! Love Gwandpa!” Bliss bounced excitedly.

Strife raised an eyebrow at his lover, who winked at him. He grinned.

“ I think Grandpa needs a bit of Bliss,” Cupid said, more to Strife than his son. Strife nodded understandingly.

@>-->---

Ares was back in his temple, picking at some food, when his son flashed in.

“ Hey Pops!”

“ Cupid, Bliss,” Ares grinned at his grandson.

“ Can you watch Bliss this afternoon? I’ve got some things to do that Strife can actually help me with,” Cupid grimaced.

“ Sure, why not, I’m not busy,” Ares tried not to sigh. “ C’mere little one,” he held out his arms to Bliss, who flew over to him.

“ Hey Gwandpa,” Bliss hugged him.

“ What’ve you been up to, eh?” Ares asked.

“ Playin’ with D-, with Stwifey,” Bliss corrected himself quickly.

“ You got Strife babysitting?” Ares asked his son.

Cupid nodded, “ Yeah, he’s actually not too bad,” he tried to sound grudging.

“ Strife’s great with kids,” Ares said, trying as always to put across Strife’s good points.

“ M’not a kid, I’m a young man,” Bliss insisted.

Ares looked at him, “ Of course you are, what was I thinking?” Ares chuckled.

“ I’ll see you later,” said Cupid, blowing a kiss at his son.

“ Bye Daddy, have fun,” said Bliss with a conspiratorial wink.

“ Yeah,” Cupid snorted, then flashed out of the room.

Ares sighed and Bliss twisted round in his arms to stare up at his grandfather.

“ Gwandpa?” Bliss touched Ares’ face, “ Why are you sad?”

Ares raised his eyebrows, “ I’m not sad.”

Bliss nodded, “ Yes you are.”

“ It’s nothing, sweetheart, really,” Ares said quietly. “ C’mon, let’s go and find some toys.”

“ ‘Kay,” Bliss snuggled up, but he decided he was going to try and think of a way to make his grandfather happy, just like his daddy and Strife.

Ares contemplated his grandson’s words as he watched the Godling play. Was he sad? It was Bliss’ area of expertise, young as he was. But he couldn’t think why he would be sad, or rather he didn’t want to think of why he was sad.

But inexorably, he found his thoughts turning back to Joxer.

“ Oh for Hades’ sake,”  he muttered, annoyed with himself. Joxer was just some mortal. An interesting, fascinating, sexy and oh fuck! Why couldn’t he stop thinking about him? This wasn’t normal!

Wrapped up in his thoughts, he didn’t notice Bliss watching him.

Bliss chuckled to himself. His grandpa was in love and didn’t even realise it. Now he knew how to make grandpa happy.

“ Gwandpa?”

Ares shook himself out of his daze, “ Yes Bliss.”

“ Can we visit Auntie Xena?”

Ares choked, “ What?”

“ Can we visit Auntie Xena?” Bliss repeated.

“ Yes, I heard you darling, but why?” Ares asked in confusion.

“ Cos I like her.”

Ares sighed and shrugged, well why not, he’d get another chance to see Joxer and annoy Hercules.

“ Okay.”

“ Yay!” Bliss bounced and flew into his arms. Ares transported them to where Joxer and the foursome were eating a quiet lunch. All five leapt to their feet in surprise.

“ Ares,” Hercules growled, “ What do you want?”

Ares pulled a face, “ Enough with the oh so tired routine already,” he snarled. Bliss tapped his arm. “ Okay, okay. Xena, Bliss for some reason, beyond my comprehension, wants to see you.”

Xena cocked an eyebrow, then smiled at her nephew. “ Hello, Bliss.”

Bliss grinned at her and flew into her arms. “ Auntie Xena!” he kissed her cheek happily.

Ares stood with his arms crossed, glaring menacingly at Hercules, while Xena and Gabrielle sat down to play with Bliss. Iolaus watched Ares warily while Joxer just stared in confusion.

Eventually Iolaus joined Xena and Gabrielle, and Hercules and Ares got tired of glaring at each other and sat down. Hercules got drawn into Bliss’ game and Ares glanced up at Joxer giving him a small smile. Joxer smiled back.

Ares surreptitiously patted the ground next to him, and with a blink of surprise, Joxer sat down.

“ I didn’t ask you before,” Ares whispered, “ How do you keep your identity hidden from this lot? It must be hard with them ridiculing you all the time.”

Joxer shrugged, “ Practice and habit. Sometimes it annoys me, but it’s my job,” he whispered back.

“ Were they suspicious today?”

Joxer shook his head, “ They just thought I’d stayed behind.” Ares nodded.

Bliss watched them out of the corner of his eye. He grinned at how close together they sat, unconsciously leaning towards each other as they whispered. He was using his burgeoning power to keep the others occupied with the game so they didn’t disturb the two.

Joxer was surprised that Ares was paying attention to him again, especially in front of the others. He tried not to notice how close he was sitting to his God, or how Ares’ presence and the scent of leather and musk was affecting him. Every time he looked up, Ares was staring at him and he wasn’t sure whether or not to be worried.

“ So,” he started, “ Why’d you let Bliss visit Xena?”

Ares shrugged, “ How could I refuse? You haven’t seen him in ‘butter wouldn’t melt’ mode.”

Joxer chuckled, “ Good opportunity to aggravate Hercules too.”

Ares raised his eyebrows and smirked, “ Exactly.” He continued to stare at Joxer, barely even aware he was doing it as he absorbed the details of Joxer’s face and remembered the slim, toned body hidden under the ridiculous armour. Joxer shifted uncomfortably under the scrutiny and cleared his throat.

Ares suddenly realised what he was doing and managed to suppress a flush. “ So, ah, how are your ribs?” he asked feeling suddenly flustered and not used to dealing with that feeling.

Joxer frowned in vague confusion, “ Fine.”

“ Hmmm, good,” Ares was reduced to monosyllables and he didn’t like it. He stood up suddenly, almost knocking Joxer over, they’d been sitting so close. “I’ll see you,” he muttered to the startled man. Joxer nodded dumbly. “ Bliss, time to go.”

“ Aw, Gwandpa,” Bliss pouted.

“ Now,” said Ares firmly. Bliss sighed and flew into his grandfather’s arms.

“ Bye Auntie Xena, Auntie Gabby, Uncle Hercules, Uncle Iolaus,” Bliss waved enthusiastically.

“ Bye Bliss,” Xena smiled fondly at the Godling. The two Gods vanished.

“ That was a really fun game,” said Gabrielle.

“ Yeah, it was,” agreed Iolaus.

“ How’d it go again?” asked Xena. The other three frowned.

“ You know, I can’t remember,” said Iolaus in confusion.

“ Weird, must be a God thing,” said Gabrielle. The four shrugged at each other. Joxer frowned in confusion.

@>-->---

Strife stretched lazily, then wriggled round so he was lying comfortably on top of Cupid. He lifted his head and rested his chin on his lover’s chest.

“ Cupe?”

“ Hmmm?” Cupid listed his hand and began to play with Strife’s hair.

“ We can’t hide this.”

Cupid was silent for a while, then he sighed, “ I know. We’re already acting differently around each other.”

“ What are we going to do?” Strife asked.

“ I don’t know. Tell everyone together and hide behind grandma?” Cupid choked in an attempt to laugh. Strife sighed and pressed a kiss to Cupid’s chest.

“ That’s not such a bad idea,” he chuckled half-heartedly.

“ Come on baby, let’s go get Bliss and see what kind of mood Pops is in. He seemed quiet earlier.”

“ ‘Kay,” Strife leaned up and kissed his lover softly. They dressed with a thought and transported themselves to Ares’ temple, almost forgetting to let each other go.

“ Hey Pops, Blissy,” Cupid smiled. Strife slouched and tried to look pissed off.

Ares looked up from where he was reading Bliss a story. “ Hey,” he said shortly.

“ Daddy!” Bliss exclaimed happily, “ Stwifey!”

“ Hey kiddo,” Strife grinned at Bliss who winked at him.

“ Did you have fun with Grandpa?” Cupid asked, hefting his son from Ares’ arms.

“ Yeah, we went to play with Auntie Xena and Unc Hercules,” Bliss grinned.

Cupid blinked in shock, “ Xena and Hercules?” he exclaimed, frowning at his father questioningly.

Ares shrugged, “ He wanted to see Xena, don’t ask me why.”

Strife snickered, “ I bet Jerkules was pleased to see you!”

Ares snorted, “ After the usual spiel and some glaring, he played with Bliss.”

“ Really?” Cupid was astounded. “ Did you play, Pops?” Cupid grinned and caught a snicker from Strife.

Before Ares could answer, Bliss shook his head, “ Gwandpa talked with Joxer.”

Strife stopped breathing for a second and he swallowed hard.

“ Oh,” said Cupid quickly, “ Why?”

“ He was the least annoying one there,” Ares tried to sound nonchalant.

“Joxer?!” Strife squeaked.

Ares almost smirked, knowing that Strife was immensely nervous, but he just shrugged. “ He may be an idiot,” It was actually hard for him to call Joxer that, “ But he does pray to me a lot.”

“ Oh.”

There was an awkward silence until Strife stared pleadingly at Cupid. Cupid shrugged slightly and whispered something to Bliss. Ares watched in slight confusion.

“Daddy, can Stwifey come play and read me a bedtime story?” Bliss asked.

Cupid sighed exaggeratedly, “ I guess, can you manage that Strife?”

Strife looked at Ares, who nodded, “ Go, I haven’t got anything for you to do right now.”

Strife pouted, “ Well okay, but only cos Bliss asked.” He stepped over to Cupid and Bliss, and all three flashed out of the room, leaving Ares alone.

Alone. Ares sighed and stared round the room, suddenly intensely dissatisfied with his life. He sat down and tried to concentrate on starting a good war.

After a couple of hours, blowing up scrolls out of frustration and lack of inspiration, he gave up. It was no good, he just couldn’t stop thinking about Joxer. Maybe a visit… that wouldn’t hurt.

Having made his decision, he concentrated and flashed down to where Joxer was, back in his room at the inn, looking like he was about to fall asleep.

“ Ares!” Startled, Joxer sat up.

Ares frowned, “ You can see me?”

“Uh,” Joxer realised his mistake.

“How can you see me?” Ares could feel his temper rising.

“I, uh,” Joxer tried to think up an explanation frantically. “ I spend so much time with Strife, I just can.”

Ares was stunned, Joxer had just lied to him. He lost his temper.

“ You’re lying!” he shouted. “ You fucking lied to me, to your God! You swore before you’d never lied to me, am I expected to believe that now?” Ares fumed, he couldn’t quite believe how upset he was over Joxer lying to him.

Joxer flinched, “I, I’m sorry.”

“ Sorry? I’ll give you sorry! I ought to blast you to Tartarus,” Ares raised his hand, but staring into Joxer’s terrified, tear-filled eyes, he just couldn’t. He lowered his hand carefully. “ You are no longer one of mine, you no longer have my protection or my ear. You are forbidden from entering my temples.”

“ No, please,” Joxer whispered, tears streaming down his face. Ares stared at him coldly, before flashing out of the room. “ No!” Joxer cried out. He was devastated. He shouldn’t have tried to lie. Joxer flung himself onto his bed and sobbed. *Dad!*

@>-->---

Ares reappeared on the other side of Joxer’s door. He sighed and leaned back against it, Joxer’s sobs tearing at him. Why did it hurt so much?

Because for Joxer to see him, he had to have had a Godly lover, and he couldn’t bear the thought of Joxer with anyone else, let alone another God or Goddess.

@>-->---

“ Ah yeah, Strife, please,” Cupid whimpered, watching his cock appear from and disappear into Strife’s mouth. Without warning Strife’s head shot up, Cupid’s erection falling from his lips. Cupid groaned. “ Strife?”

Strife’s eyes widened fearfully. “Strife, baby, what is it?” Cupid asked suddenly concerned. He sat up and touched his lover’s face.

Strife shook his head, “ I, Jox, something’s wrong.”

“What?”

“I don’t know, I have to go to him.”

Cupid nodded and kissed him gently, “Be careful.” Strife smiled gratefully and vanished.

Strife reappeared, fully dressed, in Joxer’s room. He took one look at his son and crossed the room to take Joxer into his arms.

@>-->---

Ares felt the presence of another God. He frowned.

“ Jox, honey, what’s wrong?”

Ares started in shock. Strife? Strife was Joxer’s lover? He looked through the door to see Strife holding Joxer in his arms, stroking his hair and dropping kisses onto his forehead. Suddenly blind with fury, he didn’t wonder why Joxer would be quite so upset, and why Strife had appeared so soon after he’d left. He smashed through the door.

“Unc?!” Strife looked up in shock. Ares dragged Joxer from Strife’s arms, blasting Strife with a fireball. Strife flew back and hit the wall.

“Mine!” Ares growled, and vanished with Joxer. Strife groaned, clutching his stomach.

“What in Hades?!” Strife looked up and groaned again as Hercules, Xena, Gabrielle and Iolaus poured into the room.

“ Strife?” Xena looked round the room, “ What’s happened, where’s Joxer?”

Strife shook his head, still dazed and confused. Cupid flashed into the room.

“Oh Gods, baby!” Cupid ran his hands over his lover, then pulled him into his arms, kissing him. “What happened?”

“Cupid?!” He looked up at the other four in the room, who looked as confused as Strife.

“Do you know what happened?” They all shook their heads, all four were in shock at seeing Cupid kiss Strife. Cupid turned back to his lover. “Strife, baby, are you okay?” Strife nodded. “What happened?”

Strife blinked, “I’m not sure. Jox was crying and I was trying to find out why. Unc burst in, grabbed him and blasted me. He was furious ‘bout something.” He clutched at Cupid suddenly, “Oh Gods, Cupe, he’s got my boy!”

“What?!” Gabrielle exclaimed.

“Strife has kids?” Iolaus whispered, “Since when?”

“I have no idea!” Hercules whispered back in shock.


Joxer found himself flung onto a bed, stark naked.

“Ares?” he whimpered in confusion.

Ares growled at him and Joxer flinched at the look in his eye. Ares was in full battle lust mode, if he wasn’t careful, he might kill him. Joxer gulped as Ares’ clothes vanished and he stalked over to the bed.

He didn’t want it to be like this, but it was Ares, he couldn’t help wanting his God to possess him anyway he wanted. Ares crawled over him and turned him roughly. Joxer felt his ass parted and Ares’ cock pressed against the entrance to his body. He braced himself for pain, and was surprised to feel his ass suddenly slick with oil.

Ares pushed into him hard and Joxer hissed, clutching the bedclothes in pain and pleasure. Ares pulled out and rammed back into him. Joxer cried out, pushing back against the hard length impaling him. It was so good, so much better than he’d ever imagined it could be.

Ares pounded into him, hard and fast, and Joxer cried out again under the brutal but wonderful onslaught. Suddenly Ares’ hand slipped under him and caught his cock in a punishing grip, tugging roughly in rhythm with his thrusts.

Joxer shuddered, his back arching as he came hard. “Ares! Love you!” he screamed. Ares stopped moving, the red haze cleared from his eyes and he stared down at the ravaged body beneath him.

He felt sick. He’d raped Joxer. He’d forcefully taken the man he, he loved. Ares pulled out and turned away, clutching his knees to his chest, shaking with the force of his realisation. Of course he loved Joxer, that was why he hadn’t just taken the man before.

“Ares?” Joxer got up and stared in confusion at his trembling God. Ares groaned and his head dropped to his knees. Joxer crawled over to Ares, wincing slightly in discomfort at the tenderness inside him. Cautiously, he touched Ares’ shoulder. “What’s wrong?”

Ares was astounded. How could Joxer bear to be near him? Let alone touch him?

“Joxer, I,” he stopped, his throat hurt with suppressed tears. “I’m sorry.”

“What for?” The question was so quiet, he almost missed it. He turned his head to stare at Joxer.

“I, I forced you, I hurt you…”

“No,” Joxer interrupted him, “No you didn’t.”

“But…”

Joxer shook his head, “ I didn’t say no, I didn’t ask you to stop. Even the way you were, you used oil. And, I… I wanted you. I thought it might be my only chance to be with you.”

Ares stared, “Why?”

Joxer looked away. “Because I love you,” he whispered.

Ares sat up and clasped the back of Joxer’s neck, forcing him to look back up. “What?”

Joxer stared at him apprehensively, swallowing hard, “I love you.”

“Joxer,” Ares breathed his name. He pulled Joxer closer and kissed him. Joxer moaned and Ares wrapped his arms round him, pulling him closer. They broke apart at a sudden pounding on the door.

“Ares!” Strife burst in. He took in their nakedness and snarled. He ran across the room and gripped Ares by the throat.

“I swear, if you’ve hurt my son, I’ll kill you!”

Cupid rushed into the room and pulled Strife back, carefully prying his fingers from Ares’ throat. “Strife, don’t!”

“Dad, I’m okay.”

“Your son?!” Ares’ mouth dropped open in shock. There was a moment of silence as the four stared at each other.

Cupid wrapped his arms round Strife, “Come on baby, calm down, please.”

Strife’s chest heaved as he continued to glare at his uncle.

“Ares, can we have some clothes please,” Joxer said quietly. Ares nodded dumbly, not taking his eyes from his son and nephew, as he dressed them with a thought.

“Dad,” Joxer said calmly. Strife dragged his eyes from his uncle and stared at his son. “I appreciate the rescue, but you may have just interrupted the most important moment in my life.”

Strife frowned, “What do you mean?”

Cupid’s eyes widened suddenly, “You’re in love.”

Strife twisted round to look at his lover, “What?!”

“Baby, they’re in love,” Cupid nodded his head towards the couple on the bed.

“Unc?” Strife stared at Ares in confusion.

“I love him,” Ares said quietly. “When I saw you two together, I thought you were lovers. I, I’m sorry I blasted you Strife.”

Strife’s mouth opened and closed several times, before he spoke, “Oh… Jox?”

Joxer nodded, “I love him too. I always have.”

“Why didn’t you *tell* me?”

Joxer frowned, “Why didn’t you tell me, you and Cupid were together?”

Strife flushed and glanced fearfully at Ares. “I, uh, we didn’t want Unc to find out.”

Ares frowned, “Why?”

“We thought you’d kill him,” Cupid said quietly.

“What?” Ares was genuinely confused. “Why?”

Strife stared at him, “ Oh come on Unc, don’t you remember what you said?” Ares shook his head. “You said if I ever messed with Cupid, you’d cook me over an open fire for the rest of eternity!”

“I did?” Ares frowned, “When?”

“I can’t remember!” Strife exclaimed.

Ares suddenly started to laugh, almost hysterically, “Do you know… know why I… said that?” Strife shook his head. “Because I thought you’d do the opposite of what I told you! Do you, do you have any idea… how long… I’ve been trying to get the two of you together?!”

Cupid and Strife stared at him.

“You have?” Strife asked.

Ares nodded, then when he’d recovered somewhat, he turned to Joxer. “Why didn’t you tell me you were Strife’s son?”

“Are you angry?” Joxer asked. Ares shook his head. “Because I wasn’t sure how you’d react to Dad keeping that big a secret from you.”

Ares sighed and pulled Joxer back into his arms. “That’s why you lied?” Joxer nodded. “Don’t ever lie to me again.”

“I won’t,” Joxer promised.

“Good.” Ares cupped Joxer’s cheek and kissed him gently. Joxer wrapped his arms round Ares’ neck, kissing him back enthusiastically, until they were interrupted by a cough. Ares sighed and glanced questioningly at the other couple.

“Um, sorry. It’s just that the freaky foursome were pretty worried ‘bout Jox,” Strife said.

“Oh,” said Joxer, looking guilty.

“And they know you’re my son,” Strife looked down.

“Oh dear,” Joxer whispered nervously.

Ares clasped his hand. “Does it matter?" he asked.

Joxer nodded, “I started travelling with them just to mess with them, cos of working for Dad, well for you really. They were my friends, sort of.”

“Oh come on, they, like, treated you really badly,” said Strife angrily.

Joxer looked down, “But that’s because I played it that way.”

“No,” said Ares suddenly, “As far as they knew, you were helpless and clumsy and couldn’t help it. Zeus, even I thought that! They should have treated you better if they were real friends.”

Joxer sighed, “They certainly made my job easier sometimes. I didn’t feel guilty too often, I must admit.”

“Do you really want to see them,” Ares asked, “You don’t have to.”

Joxer looked back up, “I at least owe them an explanation.”

“Okay, but I’m coming with you,” said Ares.

“Me too,” added Strife. Joxer stared at the stubborn expressions on the faces of his father and lover, and sighed. He glanced at Cupid, who shrugged, lips twitching slightly.

“Okay, okay, let’s go,” Joxer acquiesced. Ares wrapped an arm round Joxer’s shoulders and they all transported down to Ares’ temple in the town.

“Ready?" Ares hugged Joxer, then let him go.

Joxer took a deep breath and nodded. Ares stepped back to stand behind him as the room was lit up by a flash.

“What’s going on?"

“Ares!”

“Joxer?!”

Were the reactions from Gabrielle, Hercules and Xena.

Iolaus looked at the young man in concern, “Joxer, are you okay?" he asked.

Joxer smiled, “Yes, I’m fine, thank you.” He paused, “I, uh, I guess I have a few things to explain.”

“You could put it that way!” Gabrielle snapped, stepping forward. Joxer felt his father and lover move closer to hover protectively.

“I’m sorry, but I’m Strife’s son, I was dedicated to Ares at birth by my adoptive father, what do you expect?" Joxer snapped back.

“You betrayed our trust,” said Xena quietly.

Joxer lost his temper and snorted, “Trust?! Since when did you trust me to be anything other than an object of pity or derision. You don’t exactly inspire loyalty!” he said angrily. Xena and Gabrielle took a step back in the face of his vehemence.

“It was just a job, but you two made it personal by your treatment of me, especially you, Gabrielle!”

“Joxer!” Gabrielle exclaimed.

“Now, come on Joxer, that’s hardly fair,” started Hercules.

Ares interrupted him, “Oh please, their attitude towards him always pissed me off, but I didn’t do anything because I thought they were protecting him.”

“You mean you didn’t know?" Iolaus asked in surprise.

“No, I didn’t.”

“Why would you have been concerned with his welfare then?" Xena asked. Ares shifted uncomfortably.

Joxer turned round and stared at his lover, “Yes, why?"

“Because, you were always my favourite,” Ares said quietly.

“Really?" Joxer whispered. Ares smiled and nodded. “I didn’t know.” Joxer stepped closer and touched Ares’ chest. Ares caught his hand and pulled him close.

“Always,” he whispered, before leaning down to kiss Joxer softly.

“Oh my God!!” Hercules exclaimed.

“Joxer, euw!” Gabrielle turned away, grimacing.

“What?" was all Xena could manage. Ares glared at them.

“They’re in love,” Cupid grinned.

“Wow, this really is a day for revelations,” said Iolaus, raising his eyebrow.

“For all of us,” Joxer agreed.

Ares turned back to Joxer and he reached out to gently stroke his cheek, “Would you like to go now?"

Joxer leaned into the touch and stepped closer to be enfolded in a strong embrace. “Yes.” The new couple disappeared, leaving the freaky four to stare at Cupid and Strife, half confused, half angry.

Strife glared at them, “You know, if at any time, Joxer had come to me and said, ‘These are my friends, I can’t do this anymore.’, I’d have said, okay. But guess what? He never did, maybe you should think about that.”

Strife stepped back to lean against Cupid. Cupid wrapped his arms round him and they vanished in a flash, leaving the freaky foursome to gape at the empty space, feeling somewhat like naughty children.

They reappeared in the War Temple, but Joxer and Ares were nowhere in sight.

“Where are they?" Strife asked. Cupid stared at his lover.

“Where do you think?!” Cupid exclaimed.

“Oh, oh no, I *so* do not need to think of my son like that!” Strife exclaimed suddenly.

“Or my Dad!” Cupid agreed. They shared grimaces.

“They’ve got the right idea though…” Strife said suggestively.

Cupid raised his eyebrows and leered at Strife. “Mom’s got Bliss for a few more hours.” Strife leapt on Cupid and they vanished.

the end

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Broken links or other errors can be sent to Carrie. Suggestions are also welcome.