Title: Uh-oh (sequel to
Whoops)
Author: Shadowgrl
Fandom: Xena
Pairing: Cupid/Strife, Ares/Joxer
Rating: R
Category: romance
Archive: my site, RCOS, JLA, Joxerotica, and AJCS
Warnings: slash fic
Feedback would be adored. Email is agenie_13@hotmail.com
Uh-oh
"Whoops!" Cupid whispered.
"Whoops!" Strife repeated in a strangled voice. He looked at Cupid in disbelief but didn't have time to say anything else as a lovestruck Ares swooped a bewildered (and slightly out of breath) Joxer into his arms and blinked them both away.
Which left Strife and Discord to deal with the battle, not to mention Xena and Gabrielle. Strife looked around and took inventory.
One repentant winged god who seemed to be unable to control his arrows and was, at the moment, looking adorably out of his element.
One pissed off mother who was glaring at the afore-mentioned winged god like she wanted to pull each and every feather out of his wings.
One daughter of Ares fighting her way towards him.
One annoying, blonde bard trailing behind said daughter.
Two armies battling for dominance on a grassy field outside Corinth.
One winged god who was looking absolutely fuckable- wait- had that one already.
Strife looked around and did the only thing he could do. "Athena!" he roared.
//////
Cupid watched in awe as Strife went into action. Here was a side of Strife he'd never gotten to see. Strife had taken total control of the situation and was rapidly proving why he was Ares' second-in-command.
When Athena had appeared, Strife had immediately put her to work creating a shield around the battle so it wouldn't spread. Outside that shield he created an area filled with tents. Strife snapped his fingers and Gabrielle was suddenly standing in one of those tents. She looked around her in confusion, then glared angrily at Strife. He snapped his fingers again and the tents were filled with wounded soldiers. Gabrielle immediately jumped into action, but not before casting one more indignant glare towards Strife, which he seemed not to notice. Strife then turned to Discord and Xena. He sent them off in opposite directions with orders to stop the fighting without adding any more wounded to Gabrielle's tents. They nodded and set off. Strife then turned and looked steadily at Cupid.
Cupid winced.
"I suppose you want me to go home?" Cupid asked in a small voice.
Strife looked at him. Cupid looked incredibly despondent. Strife sighed. None of this was Cupid's fault. If he had just let Cupid hit him with the arrow none of this would have happened. Cupid didn't deserve to be in love with someone like him. Especially not after what happened with Psyche.
But nothing could keep Strife down for long, and with the battle dying down, he was able to see the humor in the situation. He smiled slightly at Cupid. "Are you kidding?" he asked Cupid jokingly. "I'm afraid to let you out of my sight. You're coming with me and you're staying with me until we can get this mess fixed." And with that he latched onto Cupid's arm and blinked them both to Ares' temple on Olympus.
/////
Joxer was very confused. One minute he had been battling with Ares, the next he was in Ares arms; a place he didn't altogether mind being in. And had he mentioned he was having all the breath sucked out of him in what was probably the most intense kiss of his life? 'Cause that's what had happened. And now he was in Ares bedchamber trying to fend off a very amorous God who was apparently trying to seduce him. Not that Joxer wanted to say no. Never that. He adored Ares and would have been more than happy to jump into bed with him. Or lay over an altar for him. Or on a grassy filed. Or pretty much anywhere Ares wanted him to be. In fact, he and Ares would probably be having a great time right now if it weren't for one little, tiny problem.
Cupid's arrow.
More specifically, the arrow that had struck Ares.
Joxer hadn't gotten too great a look at it, he'd been busy attempting to fight off soldiers and then getting kissed by his God. But he had seen enough. It was an arrow. It had come from Cupid. Therefore, Ares really didn't want him. He just thought he did. Joxer wanted to cry and would have, except he had to start contorting his body in strange ways to get away from Ares who was now stalking him, thinking it was all some great game. Joxer didn't quite know how to break the news to him that it wasn't.
Joxer mentally, and not too calmly, called out for Strife. He received an answer which comforted him a little as Strife replied he was on his way. Joxer kept a close eye on Ares who was moving closer and closer with an innocent look on his face.
Joxer was not fooled by it at all.
He really hoped Strife got here soon.
He really hoped Strife left Cupid somewhere else. To be teased like this was very cruel of Cupid. First Gabrielle, now Ares. Joxer knew he had lofty ideal lovers but was that any reason to tease him by giving him their love and then taking it away from him. It had happened with Gabrielle and now it was happening with Ares. The Love deities must really hate him.
Joxer managed to get out of the bedroom and immediately set off down the hall. He had no idea where he was going and ruefully thought it didn't really matter. Just because he had gotten away from the huge bed didn't mean he had gotten away from Ares. It really wasn't fair. The one thing in the world he wanted was practically given to him on a platter and he couldn't take advantage of it. He couldn't let Ares throw him to the bed and fuck him through the mattress. Why? Because he had morals.
Well, that and he wanted to live.
Aphrodite had told him once that the arrows worked on Gods and Goddesses but not for long. Only a few weeks at the most because the Gods own inherent powers helped to throw off the power of the arrows. So Ares would be back to normal soon. And Joxer was well aware that normal for Ares involved thinking of ways to seduce Xena back into the fold, not ways to seduce him. So, while it would be wonderful to allow Ares to make love to him, Joxer had a feeling he would regret the action as soon as Ares returned to normal.
Having a conscience could be a real pain sometimes.
Luckily, or not, depending on how you looked at it, Joxer had always been one to roll with the punches. So, while incredibly hurt and disappointed over this latest game of "how to screw Joxer's life up more" that the Fates seemed to love to play with him, he was also able to keep his perspective. So while he ran around Ares temple trying to figure out a way to break the news to Ares that he was under a spell, he also gave silent thanks that he was at least able to get one kiss from his God and love before he died.
Lost in his musing, Joxer was not surprised to find that he had gotten totally turned around and was now lost. It was just his luck, after all. After wandering around for a while, he finally gave up. He would just have to hope he could explain things to Ares before getting so horny that he lost his train of thought.
"Ares," Joxer called. "I think I'm lost."
There was a flash of light and Ares appeared in front of him. Smirking. As usual. "You are indeed lost," Ares agreed with him. "The bedroom is this way," and before Joxer could say anything Ares had transported them both right back to the bedroom. Joxer sighed.
"Ares, before we do anything I need to tell you something."
Ares looked at him. "After you tell me can we fuck?"
"You're not going to want to."
"I wouldn't be too sure of that," Ares drawled with a leer as his eyes raked over Joxer's body. Joxer suddenly realized he had lost his armor somewhere along the flash to the bedroom. He was still clothed but only barely and he wasn't very comfortable with the way Ares was looking at him. Partly because he'd never seen anyone look at him like that and partly because it was really turning him on and it was very difficult for him to hide his erection when he had barely any clothes on. Joxer flushed as Ares' eyes honed in on said erection and he growled low in his throat. "No, I wouldn't be too sure of that at all, Joxer."
Joxer decided to quit while he was slightly ahead and quickly launched into an explanation about how he had seen the arrow hit Ares and how Ares really wasn't in love with him. Ares listened patiently. After Joxer was done, he looked at Ares expectantly, thinking he would be sent back to Xena and Gabrielle immediately while Ares tried to get rid of the spell. Instead, Ares looked at him calmly and said, "Wanna go to bed now?"
Joxer gaped.
Oookay this was unexpected. He frowned to himself and went over his mental checklist.
Persuade God to listen to his explanation.
Check.
Explain situation to God.
Check.
Leave God to find Cupid and get out of this mess.
Not exactly happening as planned.
"Excuse me but you were listening when I told you this was all a fake spell put on you by that arrow, weren't you?" Joxer asked.
"Yeah, I heard. Enough talk. Time for bed. You look. . . tired," Ares murmured and Joxer suddenly found himself in Ares' arms being carried towards the bed. Astonishment kept him immobile for a few seconds but then he began to struggle. Ares casually tossed him down on the bed and Joxer bounced a few times before coming to a stop. He shook his head to clear out the dizziness and opened his eyes as a heavy weight descended on him. Said heavy weight turned out to be Ares who was looking down at him with an amused look on his face. "Spell or no, you can't deny that you want me Joxer. And as your God I am entitled to your body whenever I want it. And I want it now. Which means you have to give it to me as my worshipper. You haven't decided to leave my service and worship someone else have you?" This last question was asked in a teasing sort of way but Joxer could see the very real question underneath it. He could also see the storm brewing if he said yes. Which he would never do of course. Frantically Joxer shook his head no. "Then I don't see the problem," Ares said and lowered his mouth to Joxer's before Joxer could point out the problem. Really, the mortal had a nice voice but he tended to use it entirely too often Ares thought. There were better things to be doing.
///////
Strife and Cupid flashed into Ares temple and found the throne room empty. Strife immediately set off towards Ares bedroom, dragging a reluctant Cupid behind. Cupid also knew what Ares was probably doing at this time and he had no desire to have his wings blasted off by an upset, horny War God who had just been interrupted in his seduction of his "one true love." Unfortunately for Cupid, Strife's sense of fear was very undeveloped and he strode towards Ares bedroom with an almost nonchalant air about him. He was even humming a little tune.
They reached the bedroom but before they could open the door, it opened for them and a half-naked, and very panicked Joxer ran out. He almost crashed into Strife but managed to avoid him at the last instant. Then, seeing Cupid, Joxer ducked behind him, using Cupid's wings to shield him. Not altogether pleased with that position, since it would put him in the line of fire of the War God who was even now storming through the door, Cupid tried to shake Joxer off him. Joxer was having none of it though and rather rudely, Cupid thought, informed him that it was all his stupid arrow's fault anyway so he could just stand there and take it like God.
Which didn't amuse Cupid in the slightest.
It did, however, cause both Strife and Ares to smirk.
"Well, since we're all here now, why don't we all just talk about this," Strife said.
"I'd rather you left so Joxer and I can get acquainted," Ares scowled.
"I'm sure you would Unc' but I think we need to straighten this mess out."
"Look, Joxer already explained about the arrow. It doesn't matter. He's still mine. My worshipper and soon to be my lover. As soon as the two of you leave." Ares glared pointedly at Cupid and Strife. Cupid looked pleadingly at Strife; he really wanted to leave. Once again though, Strife proved to be immune to his cousin's pout and puppy-dog eyes. I'm gonna have to work on that, Cupid thought.
Strife just rolled his eyes at his uncle. "Okay so Joxer explained it. What do you plan to do about it?"
Ares looked at Strife in shock. Strife couldn't possibly be that dense about it could he? He glanced at Cupid, noting the way his son's eyes were roaming over Strife's body, lingering on certain places. He also noticed the way Strife was completely oblivious towards it. Ares mentally shook his head. Strife didn't have that much experience and Ares ruefully acknowledged he hadn't exactly helped Strife in that department. Could Strife really be that clueless? Any other God would have had Cupid naked and begging ten minutes after the arrow hit him but not Strife. No, Strife continued about his job and then had the nerve to try and come and take HIS mortal away from him. That was just wrong. Strife should be happily occupied in his bedroom now. Ares realized he had failed his nephew in teaching him the ways of sex. But, he glanced again at Cupid, still eyeing Strife and licking his lips, maybe Cupid could take over for him.
Ares smiled. "Cupid, can I talk to you for a moment. We should probably talk about this arrow. It will make Joxer feel better, won't it Jox?"
Joxer nodded rapidly. Yes, it certainly would make him feel better. It would take Ares' mind off of him that was for sure. And maybe he and Strife could come up with a plan on how to keep their amorous spellbound loves away from the bedroom. Strife may have missed it, although Joxer wasn't sure how he could have, but he had seen the way Cupid was looking at Strife. Strife just hadn't been alone with Cupid yet, that was all. He had a feeling Strife was gonna be in for a surprise once he was. And they did say strength in numbers. If Strife was resisting a pouting Cupid, maybe Joxer could resist a growling Ares.
So as Ares dragged Cupid away, Joxer leaned in towards Strife. Both sides began to plan. The only question was, which side would win the siege.
/////
"Will ya' quit tugging at me Joxer? You're gonna pull my arm out of my socket." Strife was not pleased. This little mortal was hauling him across the hall into one of Ares' living rooms with a desperate look on his face. And he couldn't even blast the guy cause Unc' was gooey over him at the moment. Strife knew it was the arrow but he still couldn't see anything that caused this mortal to be worthy of Ares attention. He was weak.
And then Strife got yet another shock as Joxer whipped him around and growled at him.
"Look, I don't care if you're a God or not. In case you hadn't noticed we have some serious problems here. Now, as soon as you leave this temple, Cupid is gonna be trying to get you into bed faster than you can say "love potion." And, yes, I know you don't believe me but that's your mistake. The only reason someone isn't rescuing you from Cupid is the two of you haven't been alone yet. Now we need to come up with a plan because I don't think I can keep saying no to Ares. I've wanted him for a long time now and this is like a dream come true even if it is cause of a spell. So stop whining and sit down. We need to figure something out before those two figure out how to seduce us."
Strife gaped at Joxer. Oookay, so maybe he got it a little now. The mortal had balls of steel. And then what Joxer had said sank in. Strife started to laugh. "Look, Unc' may wanna fuck you but its different with Cupe. He's just in love with me, you know, the whole pure love thing, he don't wanna sleep with me. And as soon as I get this fixed everything will be back to normal."
Joxer sighed. "Okay Strife. Look, I've had a lot of experience with guys." Joxer patiently ignored Strife's snort of disbelief. "Trust me when I say Cupid wants you."
Strife looked curiously at Joxer. He didn't know if the mortal was quite sane. Cupid wanting him, Strife, God of Mischief. In an alternate Pantheon maybe. But not here. Here he was nothing. Just Ares' second-in-command. Not very strong, not many worshippers older then 10. And, Strife stole a glance at Cupid, not very high on the looks scale. He sighed to himself. This dumb arrow messed everything up. Now Strife knew what it was like to have someone care deeply for him. Before he hadn't really so he'd been happy. But Cupid had been so great through this. It had been a new experience for Strife and he knew he wouldn't be satisfied with Ares' occasional pats on the head anymore. It had been ruined. Now he'd be looking for more and being who he was, he would be doomed to disappointment. After all, no one wanted the God of Mischief. He was too much trouble. He'd heard it all before. He stole another glance at Cupid who was now laughing at something Ares had said. His cousin was so beautiful. And he had personality too. That was important Strife knew. He had a good sense of humor, a bit too much conscience for Strife's taste but that could be dealt with. Strife shook his head. There would be no dealing because there was no relationship here. Just an arrow, a spell, and a seriously annoying mortal who was making him think about wants and needs Strife had long since pushed to the back of his mind.
"Back off mortal," Strife snarled. "You don't know anything. Look, Ares ain't gonna make you do nothing you don't wanna do. He ain't into rape okay. So just cool off and leave me alone." Strife flashed out of his uncle's temple. He wanted to be alone.
Joxer stood there in shock. For about thirty seconds. That's how long it took for Cupid to notice Strife's absence and blame Joxer for it. The next thing he knew, Cupid's hand was around his throat and he was dangling off the ground while a snarling Love God demanded to know where his love-muffin had gone.
Love-muffin? Joxer thought. And then air became an issue and he could no longer think properly. Luckily, Ares was there as well and he casually pried Cupid's hand from Joxer's throat. Pulling the mortal into his arms, Ares soothed him and kissed the bruises away, ignoring his glaring son. Joxer was only to happy to remain in Ares sheltering arms, knowing if he left them, he'd be right back where he'd started.
/ / / /
Cupid paced angrily, sneaking glares in at Joxer the whole time.
Joxer was still firmly ensconced in Ares arms and didn't look like he was going to leave them any time soon. He kept sneaking little glances at Cupid and then burrowing deeper into Ares arms. A situation that Ares seemed quite thrilled with if the growing smile was anything to go by.
Cupid momentarily considered the thought that if he stopped glaring at Joxer, Joxer just might tell him why Strife had left so suddenly. It seemed rational. But then Cupid remembered that although he hadn't heard what they had been saying, Strife had yelled at Joxer before he left. So it stood to reason that Joxer had upset Strife. Which would just not do.
Cupid added more heat to his glares at Joxer.
Finally, Joxer seemed to realize his proximity to Ares and struggled out of his lap. Cupid was on him immediately.
"What did you do? What did you say? If you hurt him I'll rip your spine out and make you watch while I jump rope with it."
A stunned Joxer decided not to a) ask how a mortal like him could hurt a God and b) ask if it was possible to rip someone's spine out of their body and play childish games with it. He decided he would live with not knowing the answers.
"I didn't say anything mean to him. I just asked him to help me with something." Joxer decided it would be a good idea to not tell Ares he had asked Strife to help him come up with a way to keep him out of Ares bed. Joxer figured Ares wouldn't like that.
"So, why'd he leave me then?" Cupid was calming down. He could tell Joxer was telling the truth. Strife was okay, or, as okay as a volatile God like Strife got at least.
Joxer decided to get back at Strife then. Strife had scared him and had done nasty things to him, Xena, and Gabrielle lots of times. And this whole arrow thing was partly his fault. Besides Ares had been just like an overgrown kitten a few minutes before and Joxer was certain he could handle that. Let Strife see just exactly what Joxer meant by Cupid wanting him and he would be back in a flash to help Joxer come up with a plan. "Well, he said he couldn't be around you anymore." Joxer waited for the despondent look to cross Cupid's face. When it had and Joxer was satisfied with the depression radiating off the God of Love, he clarified. "At least, not without giving into the temptation of being with you. He said it just wouldn't be right to take advantage of you like that."
It took a great deal for Joxer to hold in his laughter at the incredulous look slowly spreading across Cupid's face. It was followed by a look of happiness and then plain old lust reared its head. "Dad, Jox, I'm sure you two will excuse me. I have to go find my honey-bear." And with that, Cupid flashed out.
Honey-bear? Joxer thought. I'm gonna have to ask Strife about that. He then turned around to look at his Ares-kitten. Only to find that his kitten was gone and that he had been replaced by a prowling, hungry-looking, leather-clad, God who was looking at him like he hadn't eaten in months. Joxer gulped. Perhaps he should have thought this through a bit more.
/ / / /
Cupid honed in on Strife's location and discovered he was actually at his own temple. That was a surprise. Cupid had thought Strife would go to one of his thinking spots or his own temple. But, hey, if he wanted to hang out in Cupid's temple that was fine with him. He flashed in.
And discovered a sleeping Strife curled up in the middle of the big pile of cushions Cupid had lying around.
Cupid proceeded to melt. All curled up in a little ball, Strife looked absolutely adorable. Deciding not to wake him, Cupid settled down next to Strife and watched him. It didn't look like Strife was having a pleasant sleep though. He was muttering under his breath and tossing his head from side to side violently. That made Cupid nervous enough but when Strife's whole body began to thrash around Cupid began to panic. He rapidly scooted closer to his beloved. Not sure of what the reaction would be, Cupid carefully rested his hand on Strife's head. It took a few seconds but Strife began to calm down. Encouraged, Cupid stroked his hand through Strife's hair a couple of times. Strife quieted down immediately.
With a smile, Cupid allowed his hand to flow through Strife's hair down to his neck where he let it lay. He began to think. Strife had often been referred to as catlike on Olympus and it was generally not meant in a complimentary way. But looking at his sleeping cousin, Cupid could definitely see where the comparison came in.
All long, lean strength and covered in black, with his astonishingly pale blue eyes, Strife resembled a giant, black panther. His restless energy, the need to always be on the go combined with his natural prowling walk spoke of a quiet danger as well. Cupid had never not seen the resemblance. But it was now, when he was alone with his cousin, that the comparison struck home. Not entirely trusting, wary of affection yet wanting it at the same time, Cupid was determined to tell Strife in any way he needed that Strife was loved and wanted. And there was no time like the present to start.
With that in mind, Cupid began to run his hand from the nape of Strife's neck down to the small of his back in a caress. At first there was no response but then Strife seemed to become aware of the slight pressure. Once again he murmured in his sleep but this time his body began to arch towards Cupid's touch, inviting more pressure. Cupid gave it to him. Again and again his hand stroked downwards and each time, Strife's back would arch and a sleepy murmur would be heard.
Cupid was really enjoying himself but the repetitive motion soon began to make him sleepy. His eyes kept closing more and more until he finally gave in. He draped his hand over Strife's hip and lay down. Snuggling in, Cupid pressed his front to his cousin's back and buried his face in the hollow between Strife's neck and scalp. Inhaling deeply, Cupid relaxed. Surrounded by Strife's scent, feeling Strife's body against him, Cupid sighed in contentment. Slowly, his eyes drifted shut.
They slept.
/ / / /
When Strife woke up he wasn't sure where he was. It was dark outside so it was obviously night. He could feel another body pressed up against his and it sent panic running through him. Strife had never slept with anybody before. He always left after sex, he never stayed. But he apparently had this time.
Calming down, Strife began to take stock of his situation. There was something soft over him. He carefully reached up and began to follow it with his fingers hoping it would tell him something. His hand met warm skin. A wing. The only winged God Strife knew was Cupid. But why would Cupid be in his bed. Pondering, Strife remembered the events of the previous day. He also remembered he was in Cupid's temple, not his.
Strife carefully began to extricate himself from Cupid's embrace. It took him a while but he was finally free. He used his powers to make the lights shine softly so he could see where he was going. Looking down on his winged cousin who was still sound asleep, Strife felt shame run though him. What had he done? Sure, mischief was his job and he was good at it but this was going to far even for him. He was surprised Dite hadn't blasted him. But there was nothing he could do about it except take as good care of Cupid as he could until the spell wore off. And, comfortable as the cushions were, they were no match for a real bed.
Strife bent down and gathered Cupid up in his arms. It was awkward, especially with the wings, but he was able to manage it without waking Cupid up. He silently crept down he hall, bypassing Cupid's bedroom. He headed for Cupid's real bedroom, the one that had started this whole mess.
Opening the door, he was shocked to find that Cupid hadn't changed a thing from Strife's little prank on him. Everything was exactly the way Strife had left it. Shaking his head in confusion, Strife crossed the floor and used his powers again to pull back the covers. He gently settled Cupid down and covered him up. After making sure he was completely covered, Strife flexed his powers again and removed Cupid's clothes. He folded them and placed them neatly on a chair next to the bed.
Sighing softly, he looked wistfully at his slumbering cousin and the bed. It looked so nice and comfortable. And Cupid had felt so good, so right, wrapped around him earlier. But Strife resolutely turned away. It would be wrong to take advantage of Cupid like this. He looked back at Cupid once more. Still, it had been so nice.
Strife sighed again and disappeared back to his own cold, lonely temple. This was where he belonged.
/ / / /
Ares woke up suddenly. He was receiving a very strange prayer from Gabrielle. Idly, he wondered what had happened after he and Joxer left the battle yesterday. Well, it seemed Gabrielle was still alive, mores the pity. He knew Xena was all right as he had a tie in to her. Ares shrugged, gathered a sleeping, and regrettably still fully clothed Joxer, closer to him and gave Gabrielle's prayer his full attention. If nothing else, he could use her prayer to piss Apollo off that one of his best Bards was praying to the God of War. But he didn't expect what he heard.
Gabrielle wasn't exactly sure what she was doing. She had never prayed to Ares before. Actually, she had rarely prayed to any Gods, not even her patrons Apollo and Artemis. She went off on a tangent wondering how Apollo and Artemis had decided to share her, but quickly remembered what she was doing when Xena murmured in her sleep and rolled over. Gabrielle didn't want Xena to know she was praying to Ares.
"Ares, I'm not really sure if I'm doing this right. I've never really prayed to a God before. Umm, hope you're not busy right now. Okay, well, I guess the reason I'm praying to you is Joxer. I know I haven't always been nice to him and that I've hurt him a lot actually. I guess I just don't have much patience. I'm trying to work on that, to become better. Well, I guess you don't really care about my goals and stuff.
Anyway, I know I'm not the nicest person to Joxer. But I do care about him. I just can't show it because then he might start to think I like him more than a friend. We've supposedly gotten that all straightened out and I don't want him to backslide into loving me again. I don't think I'm the right person for him.
And that's the thing. See you have him now and I'm afraid of what you're doing to him. I'm sure Joxer has already told you about the arrow Cupid shot you with so you know the love you feel isn't real. But see you haven't sent Joxer back yet so I'm really worried. This isn't his fault; he was just trying to help and was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Please don't be upset with him. Despite all that's happened, Joxer still worships you. You're his God and he needs that, needs you. I don't understand it but I guess it's not really my business.
So that's why I'm praying to you. Because you're his God and he needs you to protect him. Protect him from you and from himself. Because he loves you and he'd do anything for you. He'll try and convince you that you don't care about him at first but if you persist he'll eventually give you what you want. And then when the spell wears off, he'll be devastated. Because you'll be angry with him. He'll have lost his God and I don't know if he can take that.
So, please, Ares, be gentle with him. Please give him back to us intact. I may not understand Joxer but I do know that the world would be much darker without him in it. And a Joxer without his God would not be the Joxer I care about.
So, I guess that's all I wanted to say. I hope you were listening. Umm, I guess I'll see you the next time you come to hassle Xena. Bye."
Gabrielle ended her prayer. She had a feeling she hadn't been as formal as she was supposed to be but she felt she'd done a pretty good job since it was her first prayer. And she felt a little less worried now. Joxer always said that Ares always listened to his prayers. He may not respond but he always listened. Gabrielle just hoped he read between the lines.
Ares blinked in astonishment. Well, that was certainly unexpected. He'd always considered Gabrielle to be selfish and uncaring about anyone who wasn't his daughter. It was rather nice to be shown that she did care about Joxer. All the other Gods and Goddesses assumed she only tolerated him. Ares smirked. Gabrielle had directed her prayer to him but since she was unused to praying she had left it open to the others as well by thinking about them. Ares wondered what Apollo and Artemis thought of the little Amazon bard praying to him. He snickered, cuddled Joxer closer, and went back to sleep.
/ / / /
Strife was pacing around his temple worriedly when Eris flashed in. She watched her son for a few moments before announcing her presence. Strife looked worried. That was new. He was always sort of happy-go-lucky, nothing ever really intimidated Strife. At least, not for too long. He was muttering under his breath and waving his hands around wildly. Eris would be the first to admit she wasn't a great mom. She hid her feelings about Strife so deep that even she almost forgot about them at times. But as she watched the completely uncharacteristic behavior of her son, she began to be concerned. This was not like Strife. Eris decided to leave Strife alone. She wanted to know why Cupid had been at the battle yesterday and what was going on with that mortal Ares had taken home but she decided to go seek another source for her answers. And since she remembered the arrow quite well, Eris knew exactly where she would go. She flashed out and reappeared in Aphrodite's temple.
/ / /
Cupid woke and stretched. He then realized that he was alone and that he was in his private chamber. Strife must have woken up and carried him to bed. Cupid marveled for a moment at the hidden strength his cousin had. Cupid was no lightweight; especially with his wings. But if Strife had put him here, and he must have as he was the only other one who knew about this chamber, then where had he gone? Cupid got up and began to search his temple.
He checked the baths first. He remembered how much Strife liked to play in the water.
No Strife.
He didn't think Strife would be in the gardens, they were a little too bright for him, but Cupid checked them anyway.
Again, no Strife.
Methodically, Cupid searched every room in his temple. He couldn't find Strife anywhere. Which meant Strife had left him last night. Did that mean he had been dumped? Cupid frowned. No, he decided. It didn't mean anything. Strife was probably feeling guilty. Not to mention shy. He'd probably gone back to his temple to try and solve the problem. Cupid smiled. His mom had been uncertain about this plan when he had asked for her help, but Cupid had assured her that Strife would take excellent care of him. And so far, he knew Strife was. If he hadn't known it for himself the fact that his mom hadn't flashed in and reamed Strife would have told him. Aphrodite approved of the way Strife was handling the situation.
Cupid considered telling Strife the truth. But he hadn't had enough time with Strife yet. Strife hadn't yet admitted that he loved Cupid. As the God of Love, Cupid knew Strife loved him. Unfortunately, love was an alien emotion for Strife and he didn't realize what the emotion was. It had been Aphrodite who had pointed that out to Cupid when he had complained to her that he wished Strife would just make a move so Cupid could say no and get on with his life. That had caused Cupid to think. He had realized Strife didn't know he cared about Cupid. Strife just chalked the emotions up to amusement at his cousin's antics and moved on. He would never make a move because he didn't know how. Cupid had been horrified by that. He smiled, remembering the rampage he had gone on in his mother's temple. Screaming and yelling about how he couldn't believe Strife didn't know, didn't understand. And Aphrodite had listened. It was then that Cupid began following Strife, watching him. It was then that he began to fall in love with Strife.
And Cupid knew Strife still didn't understand.
Cupid was reluctant to use lust to plead his case. But it looked like he would have too. Tenderness hadn't worked neither had clinging and pouting. Cupid was going to have to be bolder. Strife wouldn't notice anything unless it was shoved in his face. So Cupid decided to shove. He just hoped Strife didn't pass out from the shock.
When Cupid pinpointed Strife's power signature he flashed in. He was mildly surprised to see he was in Ares temple. But he was even more surprised when he saw Strife and Joxer talking and heard what they were saying.
"Look, I think you're wrong bout Cupid. But I figured it was wrong to leave ya' here all alone with Unc' so here I am."
Joxer blinked. "Um thanks. But you're the one who's wrong about Cupid. He does want you. He does care about you."
"I know he cares, its cause of the stupid arrow. And, even if he did wanna screw, that's the arrow too." Strife scowled. "Why'd this have ta' happen. I was doin' just fine without all these stupid mushy feelings. I'd almost forgotten I wanted to be cared for. Now it's all ruined." Strife looked at Joxer. "Ya' say one word about that to anyone and you're dead, got it."
Joxer nodded. He got it. Maybe more than Strife did. "Look, what are you gonna do about Cupid? I know you want him."
Strife blinked. "So what if I do? It ain't gonna happen."
"Cupid can be pretty persuasive I've heard."
Strife shrugged his shoulders. He didn't know what he was gonna do but there was no reason to tell Joxer that. "Well, if he wants to fuck who am I to say no," Strife grinned.
"Liar," Joxer blinked rapidly. He couldn't believe that had come out of his mouth. Evidently, neither could Strife. Joxer quickly explained. "You may be the God of Mischief and I'm just a pitiful mortal but even I can tell you have morals. They may be slightly twisted but I'm willing to bet you wouldn't take advantage of Cupid like this. Another God would and that's why you won't. Cause you're not like the other Gods. You're different. And besides, you like Cupid. You don't wanna hurt him."
Strife contemplated this for a minute. He analyzed his motives for not nailing Cupid as soon as he realized what had happened. He thought about the strange feelings that went through him when he thought about his cousin, and the stranger feelings that happened when he saw Cupid. He thought about the gentle way he treated Cupid, how he had wanted to protect him from everyone even Strife himself. Two things suddenly crystalized in Strife's mind. And with typical Strife abandon he exploded. "Fuck! When in Tartarus did I get a conscience? And why in Hades name am I in love with someone who will never love me back?"
Strife's head dropped to his hands, he was the picture of dejection. Joxer sat there helplessly. He didn't know what to say. "It gets better," he finally murmured. "I mean, it always sucks that they don't feel the same but at least you have friendship. And you're on the same level. God to God I mean. That's more than I have so stop looking so upset. I'm the pathetic one around here, remember?" Joxer teased Strife trying to lighten the mood.
Strife looked up. "We're both screwed. You're in love with Ares and don't bother trying to deny it. I'm in love with Cupid. Neither of us has a chance except for now but we can't take advantage of them because it would be wrong. We're idiots. We oughta' just hook up ourselves. Two pathetic peas in a pod."
Joxer giggled and Strife smirked. But before either of them could say anything, there were twin roars from behind them. Whipping around, they saw a furious winged God of Love who looked anything but loveable and an equally angry God of War who looked like he was about to decapitate someone.
"There will be no hooking up with each other," Ares bellowed.
"Strife, I think its time we got things straightened out," Cupid said in a steely tone of voice.
Strife gulped. Joxer winced.
Joxer looked at Ares. Strife looked at Cupid. As one they turned to look at each other.
"Uh-oh," Joxer muttered.