Hi Everyone,
Okay most of you probably have no idea who I am but I'm fairly new to all the lists having just recently discovered Xena fic. I have been writing Roswell fic for almost a year though so I'm not too new at the fic world.
Thanks to certain authors, I am a major fan of Cupid/Strife and Ares/Joxer although C/S is my fav.
With that in mind I present you with my first Xena fic. Its called Whoops, and, if you like it, is the first part of a trilogy.
For my Joxer/Ares groups, this part focuses on Cupid/Strife although there is a little A/J. The next part will be mostly A/J which is why I thought you might want to read this part.
At any rate, being as this is my first Xena fic, feedback is definitely needed. My email is
agenie_13@hotmail.com. Special thanks to Shamenka and Dawn for helping. and now on to the story.
C-
Disclaimer: Not mine. I don't know who they belong to, but I know for a fact that it's not me.
Description: Strife gets the tables turned on him.
Rating: R
Author: Shadowgrl
Authors Notes: Okay, this is my first ever Xena fic. I write Roswell but I recently got sucked into the world of C/S and A/J fic so here is my first offering. Feedback would be great. My email is agenie_13@hotmail.com
Whoops
Cupid stood completely immobile.
Shock had him rooted to the ground.
He'd just entered his inner sanctum (his private sanctuary-the one he had thought so well hidden) after a long day of unrequited love. After solving pointless squabbles, and explaining why certain matches would never work out, all he wanted to do was relax. He had been so looking forward to it. The thought of his room was all that had kept the last petitioners from being dropkicked out of his receiving hall. And when he finally got rid of them and his temple was closed for the day he had bounded to his feet and taken off, desperate to reach privacy. Something that was in very high demand but low supply on Olympus.
And now he had found this. . . this defilement, this blasphemy, to his pride and joy.
It wasn't the redecoration of his sanctuary that bothered the Love God so much as the needless breech in protocol. For only a God could have done this. And only one God would have.
This room was hidden. No one knew of it. Not his mom, not his priests, no one. He was always very careful to make sure no one followed him when he went to it. If anyone found about it, the few moments of complete privacy he had there would disappear.
He'd thought he'd been smart.
Always being careful not to let anyone follow him. Well, this time he hadn't been followed. No, the intruder had actually been there before Cupid had. He had, in fact, been lounging on Cupid's bed. The bed that had been red. Now it was black. And black was not one of the Love god's colors. But it did suit the intruder.
Cupid's thoughts came to a close. He was unsure of how the god had gotten in here, but one thing he did know was that he was going to pay for the defilement of his room.
The pouting God turned to look at his tormentor. He was still lounging on the bed, waiting for a reaction, with that infernal grin on his face. Did he have no other expression? Cupid felt himself begin to harden as he remembered that there were other expressions that could be found on this young god's face. Several of them Cupid intended to put there. But before Cupid could move forward, the young god giggled maniacally and flashed out of existence.
"Strife!" Cupid howled. The only sound he heard was the faint echoes of that annoying laughter.
Cupid sat down on the black bed. He looked around the room. Now that he looked at it, it really wasn't that bad. Sure, Strife had redecorated a bit, but he had left most of Cupid's things alone. Cupid knew Strife. Better than anyone thought he did. He had, after all, wanted the younger god for a very long time now. He began to smile to himself. Cupid had never known the right way to approach Strife. Sure, he knew Strife was no virgin. He'd walked in on Ares fucking him once. It had, in fact, been one of the triggers of Cupids own fascination with the young immortal. The resignation on Strife's face as Ares pounded into him, all the while telling him he was only there to serve his needs, had hit Cupid like one of his own arrows. That had started his fascination and his secret dive into learning everything about Strife that he could, but it had been Strife himself that had turned the mild curiosity into obsession and further on into love.
Strife had not redecorated to irritate Cupid. He had done it to tell him that his secret room was no longer secret. To flaunt his knowledge of Cupid's secret. Well, Cupid had a secret Strife didn't know about it. But Cupid was going to make sure the troublesome godling did. And the best part was that Strife had set himself up for it.
A wicked smirk grew on Cupid's face. Strife was no doubt hiding from him. After all, he would expect Cupid to be angry. Well, he wasn't. He was excited. Strife may be the God of Mischief but Cupid was the God of Love. He had been creating mischief long before Strife had and he knew a thing or two about causing trouble. Strife had met his match in more ways than one and Cupid was going to make sure he knew it.
He lay back on the bed and began to plan.
_ _ _
Strife lounged on his bed. He was beginning to get a little worried. It had been a few days since his little prank on Cupid, and not only had Cupid not come after him, but Strife hadn't even seen the God of Love. Not that he'd been looking. Strife remembered the look on Cupid's face right before he'd flashed out. It had been a little wicked; a look Strife was accustomed to seeing either on his mother's face or Ares. But not on the wimpy God of Love's. Except, Cupid hadn't looked wimpy at that moment. He'd looked. . . dangerous. Strife had quickly remembered who wing-boys' father was and it had Strife more than a little concerned. Especially because Strife knew that Cupid had to be planning something.
Cupid might not look dangerous but Strife knew that he was. But he'd been bored and the idea of letting Cupid know he wasn't as stealthy as he thought he was had proven to be irresistible. Strife had actually had other plans for letting Cupid know his secret wasn't so secret but sometimes plans had to be sacrificed on the altar of boredom. He could always come up with another plan after all.
Still, Cupid was being way too quiet. And Strife was getting nervous.
But he didn't have time to reflect on it much longer because his uncle suddenly bellowed his name. And Strife knew better than to keep Ares waiting. He flashed out.
- - - -
Strife materialized in his Uncle's temple. Ares sat on his throne and he was scowling. That wasn't unusual. Ares was always scowling. What was unusual were the people that were also in the throne room. Xena, her annoying little blond sidekick, and some guy that looked like he was wearing kitchenware. Oookay. This definitely promised to be amusing.
Strife sat back and proceeded to watch as Xena yelled at Ares. Gabby (such a fitting name too) glared at Ares, silently adding her support to Xena's diatribe. While the male, he just looked like he'd rather be anywhere other than where he was. Oh yeah. This was definitely his type of fun.
At least, it would be until Unk remembered he was there.
Right on cue, Ares glanced over at Strife. "Strife", he purred. Uh-oh, Strife thought. That tone of voice only came when he was in serious trouble. Or when Unk was really pissed off. Remembering who was in the throne room with them, Strife figured Ares was pissed off. Damn, he really didn't want Ares to beat him up in front of the mortals.
Just then there was a flash of light and Aphrodite appeared, giggling madly as usual. Strife quickly glanced around. He was in no hurry to see Cupid. But it looked like Dite had come alone. Strife relaxed again. Dite's appearance had ensured that Unk's attention was no longer on him so Strife felt free to sit back and enjoy the show.
That proved to be his mistake.
As Strife began to move to one of the alcove's to get more comfortable, he felt a hand go around his throat and lift him up. His first thought, surprised and panicked as he was at the sudden air loss, was that Jercules must be around here somewhere. But then he heard a low voice whisper hello in his ear and felt wings wrap around his body. He barely had time to realize it was Cupid and swear to himself before there was another flash of light and both he and Cupid disappeared.
Strife fell to the ground with a thud as Cupid released him. He lay there for a few seconds trying to come up with a game plan. When the winged god was angry, he was never more Ares' son, and Strife knew he would need a plan to get out of this one. He knew how much Cupid valued that room; he'd watched him for months after all. Personally, Strife didn't understand what was so special about it, but then he didn't exactly have gods, goddesses, and mortals beating down his door. Privacy was real easy for Strife to get. Cupid had a bit more difficulty obtaining it and from the impassive look on his face, Strife figured he was none to happy about losing it. Mentally, the mischievous one shrugged. Cupe would just have to deal. Now, Strife casually sprawled out on the grass, time to mess with his head a little so he could make his escape.
"What's up Cupe? Got a problem you need help with? Ya' coulda' just asked ya' know. Ain't no need to go all forceful on me. Not that I minded." Strife smirked to himself as the blank look on Cupid's face shifted for a split second before returning. He catalogued that look for future reference. Part of it, Strife recognized as amusement, part of it he wasn't sure about. What was important at this point was that he'd knocked Cupe off guard. Strife remained on the ground, knowing if Cupid got pissed and decided to attack him, he would have to bend down, which would give Strife time to get away. But, just 'cause he had to stay on the ground didn't mean he couldn't be comfortable. Strife casually wiggled his body around a little before he settled into a position that was nice but also gave him leverage to move quickly if he had too.
Tartarus, Cupid thought. Does he have to wriggle like that! And that remark about not minding force. His mind filled with images of a wriggling Strife, albeit with less clothing, and manacled down to his bed. Umm, on second thought, maybe he should wriggle more. Cupid leered down at Strife. Plenty of time for that later when he's at my mercy. For now though, its time to start the game.
Strife felt his uneasiness increase. Had that? Was that a leer Cupid threw at him? Get a grip Strife. This IS Cupid. His blonde buffness would never look twice at you. And that's a good thing! Or have ya' forgotten about Unk's little rule? Strife shuddered. He remembered the rule AND the lesson that had enforced it. A sudden shifting on Cupids part had Strife refocusing his attention.
The leer, if it had even been one, had been replaced by a friendly expression. Strife thought he preferred the leer. Gods and Goddesses were not friendly to Strife, Ares, or Discord. They were afraid of them. Only Dite was not and she was only interested in Ares. He and Discord never even landed on her radar.
"It occurs to me, Strife, that I've never visited you," Cupid said, slowly.
"Visited me? Why would ya'? We ain't friends or nothing."
"No, I meant never visited you in a professional capacity. I wonder why that is."
'Professional capacity'? What in Hades was the winged one blathering about now? Strife had known it would happen sooner or later. All that love crap had gone straight to the god's brain and liquefied it. Pity ran through Strife. Poor Cupid. He's totally gone. I better get him back to Dite. Maybe she can help him out.
Cupid was irritated. Strife was just looking up at him from his position on the ground and he looked sad. He smirked as the young god rolled to his feet. His smirk fell away in shock though as Strife began to tug on his arm. "C'mon Cupe, I'll take you back home to your mom. She'll fix ya' right up I promise. Ya ain't gotta worry 'bout me neither I won't tell no one you've lost it."
Cupid knocked Strife's arm away. He glared at him and saw a look of pity on his face. "What are you talking about? I have not "lost it" as you put it."
"Course ya' have. Rambling on 'bout visiting me in a "professional capacity." Why the hell would ya' come see me? I'm the God of Mischief, Mom's the Goddess of Discord, and Ares is the God of War. Ya' ain't got no reason to be visiting us. We're evil 'member? Now stop ya' arguing. I promise I won't tell no one ya' losing' it and your mom will be able to fix ya' up."
Cupid whipped out an arrow of love from his quiver. "Oh, you are definitely overdue for a visit, Strife. Now, let's see, who can I have you fall in love with? Hmmm." Cupid pretended to ponder some choices. "Apollo, no he'd be no fun. Athena! No, she doesn't know the meaning of love either. I should pay her a visit after I'm done with you." Cupid saw Strife slowly backing away, a look of horror on his face and his eyes frozen to the arrow Cupid held so casually. That's right Strife, Cupid thought. Just a few more paces.
Strife was in a daze. Cupid was gonna stick him with an arrow. Next to Ares, Cupids arrows were the only things he feared. He'd seen the trouble those things could cause and while he was able to admire it on a professional basis there was no way he wanted to get up close and personal with one of them. He did the only thing he could do under the circumstances.
Strife ran.
He didn't get far.
Having expected that move, Cupid was on him before he had run very far. The gods tumbled over and over, Strife desperately trying to keep the arrow away from him and Cupid trying to keep his erection away from Strife. They landed with Cupid on top and continued struggling.
After a few minutes of this, Strife noticed he was the only one still moving. Glancing up he saw Cupid staring down at him with this really weird look on his face. He was also not moving. Strife quickly threw the god off him and began to back away. Realizing no one was following him, he chanced a look back to see Cupid still sitting there, just staring after him with that same look on his face.
Strife began to get concerned. If anything had happened to Cupe while they were struggling Strife knew who would bear the punishment. Warily, he started to walk back to the winged god. For his part, Cupid just sat there, never taking his eyes off Strife. Strife's worry began to increase but it wasn't till he got a few feet away from the God that it turned into full out panic.
There, sticking prominently out of Cupids left side, was an arrow.
Strife fell to the ground. Shock did not begin to cover his emotions. He couldn't take his eyes off that arrow and wasn't even aware he was cursing until he felt a strong arm go around his shoulder. Jerking up, he realized Cupid had moved and was now sitting beside him, a look of adoration on his face.
Strife looked at Cupid. Cupid looked, lovingly, at Strife.
"Oh shit," Strife yelled at the top of his lungs, sending Cupid, who had not been expecting it, flying backwards head over wings in a somersault that would have made Bliss proud.
Shaking his head as he sat up, Cupid became aware of Strife hovering over him "Ya' okay, Cupe? I mean, of course, you're not okay but I mean from the yell, I"
Cupid didn't bother answering, he just reached up and pulled Strife down into a kiss.
Strife was taken completely by surprise. The only lover he'd ever had was Ares and the God of War was not interested in either Strife's pleasure or slow and gentle. Strife had never been kissed or touched so gently in his life and he was so enthralled with the new sensations he didn't even realize Cupid had tugged him down to the ground and covered his body with his own. Cupid's tongue gently nudged against Strife's lips and he hesitantly opened his mouth, expecting Cupid to ravage. Instead, his mouth was gently broached and Cupid's tongue slid lightly over his own, coaxing it into play with his. Strange sensations flooded Strife. His eyes, for some reason, weren't focusing. There was a roaring in his ears and the only sensation he was aware of was Cupid's mouth on his, the softness of Cupid's wings under his hands, and Cupid's own hands roaming his bare chest.
Bare chest!
Sanity returned to the God of Mischief in the form of a furious God of War beating him to a pulp.
Strife sat up quickly, once again knocking the winged god down. Cupid was beginning to get used to it. Strife looked frantically around and heaved a sigh of relief when he realized his uncle was nowhere around. Of course, just 'cause he wasn't around, didn't mean Strife could go forgetting the rules. He quickly refastened his vest, amazed that Cupid had figured out how to undo it since there were no obvious zippers of buttons.
"Is something wrong, love?" Cupid asked.
Strife looked over at Cupid and groaned. There was no help for it. He would have to take Cupid back to Aphrodite. An Aphrodite who was still in Unk's temple. This was not going to be pleasant. Ares had told him he was to stay away from Cupid. He'd told him that years and years ago, when the God of War had first taken him in. It had been the only rule Ares had ever given him. Strife could do what he wanted as long as he left Cupid alone. Strife had tested the rule before by playing little games on the blonde god but he had never planned on fully disobeying. And now this happened. Strife was going to die. Or at least wish he had.
"Love-muffin," a questioning voice broke in.
Love-muffin! Oh no that would just not do at all. He had an image to maintain and he wouldn't be able to do that if Cupid went around spouting things like love-muffin. "My name is Strife. Use it!" he snapped. Ignoring the hurt look on the blonde he quickly reached out and took the arrows away from Cupid.
"First things first. Cupid, what kind of arrow did you stick yourself with?"
"A love arrow," Cupid promptly replied. "I love you, honey-bun."
Strife closed his eyes and counted to ten. Then he counted to twenty. Slowly he opened his eyes. "I know it was a love arrow, Cupid. But how long will the arrow remain in effect? A month, a year, forever? And don't call me honey-bun!"
"Does it matter how long the arrow is in effect? I'll love you forever I'm sure of it. You're so wonderful. Especially in that leather. Although I'm sure you'll look better out of it." Cupid ran his eyes up and down Strife's body, smiling to himself in amusement as the pale god flushed red.
"Yes, it matters how long. I need to know how long Unk is gonna torture me for after your little spell wears off." Strife paused. "You know, you would think you would be immune to those things. Especially after what happened to Psyche. I mean, jeez, these things should come with a warning label or something."
Strife ignored the hurt look on Cupid's face. For about ten seconds. "Look, Cupe, I don't mean to be nasty but I'm in deep trouble here. I ain't supposed to hang around ya' and now ya' gone and got stuck with one of ya' arrows and think ya' in love with me. How am I supposed to not hang around ya' when ya' think you're in love with me."
"Why can't you be with me?" Cupid was genuinely interested in this. He'd noticed he never saw the God of Mischief around anywhere but he'd thought it was just Strife's way. He didn't know Strife was actually not allowed to spend time with him.
"Long story short, Unk don't want me around you. I don't know why. I was a little too busy dodging fireballs to ask him."
"Did you avoid them all," Cupid asked softly.
Strife looked at him in surprise. "What do you care?"
Cupid just looked at him.
"Fine, no I didn't dodge them. Now please tell me what kind of arrow you used."
Cupid looked at Strife. He looked really scared. His mind flashed back to the first time he'd thought about Strife as a person and not just an annoying little whelp. He'd walked into his dad's temple, wanting to ask him about Joxer and Gabrielle. Gabrielle had just rejected Joxer again and since Joxer was one of Ares' worshippers, Cupid had thought Ares would have a small clue on what to do. He'd heard the repetitive banging sound and walked down the hallway. Where he found his dad pounding away into Strife. Strife hadn't looked to thrilled with his position either. For a moment Cupid had stood there in shock but then Ares muttered words reached his ears. They were all about how Strife was just here for him to use as a release, how he wasn't really important to anyone. Strife's face had been completely blank, no emotion whatsoever showed on it. It never changed, not even through Ares' orgasm or when he'd shoved Strife away from him and told him to leave. Strife had simply vanished from the temple, not even bothering to put his clothes back on. Cupid had quickly left, not wanting to see his dad anymore. Joxer and Gabrielle were the farthest things from his mind then.
"It was a timed arrow. It should wear out in about a few months."
Strife sighed in relief. "A few months. I can handle that. Yeah, Unk won't be mad after it wears off so things should be all right then. C'mon Cupe lets get you back to your mom."
Strife reached out for the other god's hand.
Cupid took it. "I love you Strife," he said again.
Strife just looked at him. "I know you do Cupe. And I'm more sorry than I can say."
Then they flashed out.
- - -
Strife and Cupid appeared in Ares' throne room where, it seemed, nothing had changed. Xena was still yelling, Gabby was still glaring, Joxer was still looking like he wanted a hole to open up and swallow him, and Aphrodite was still giggling. Ares' bored expression changed though as soon as he saw Strife and Cupid together.
"Strife!" he yelled.
"Unk," Strife replied quietly. "We got a problem."
"No, Strife, you have a problem. I called you ages ago and then you disappeared on me."
Ares' rage was cut off by Aphrodite's shriek. "Cupid, my baby, what happened to you?"
Before Strife could say anything Cupid answered. "I love Strife, mom. Isn't he just the yummiest?"
Strife just groaned.
Total silence. Not a single sound could be heard in Ares' throne room. Strife figured it was now or never. If he didn't get his explanation in before Ares recovered he was a dead god. Too bad the mortals were still here but if he had to choose between explaining this and getting beat up, he'd take explaining any day.
"See, it's like this. A few weeks ago, I played a trick on Cupe here. He decided to get back at me for it and pulled one of his arrows on me today. We struggled and he got hit and nowhethinkshe'sinlovewithme." Strife finished in a rush.
Total silence.
Then laughter.
Gabrielle's face was red and she was laughing so hard she would have fallen over had the guy not caught her. Strife noticed Ares didn't look to happy about that but he really didn't have too much time to think about it as a solid thump caught his attention. Glancing over, he saw Aphrodite. On the floor. Where she had collapsed. "Funny, that's the same thing I wanted to do," Strife muttered. That earned him a glare from his uncle who had leapt down to see if Dite was all right. Cupid just giggled.
Ares held Aphrodite in his arms and conjured a glass of water.
Knowing what he planned Strife quickly tried to interrupt. "Unk, I don't think that's such a great idea. Wouldn't it be better to?" Unfortunately, Ares had already started to tip the glass towards the unconscious Goddess of Love.
- - - -
After Aphrodite had dried off and Ares had repaired the giant hole on his temple wall that Aphrodite had put there, they concentrated on getting Gabrielle to stop laughing. Finally, Joxer resorted to a desperate measure. He kissed her.
That stopped the laughing but they had to wait another ten minutes while she yelled at him for kissing her.
Finally, everyone was quiet.
And no one was happy.
Except Cupid.
He bounded over to his dad. "Dad, why didn't you tell me how great Strife is? I mean, that's kind of selfish of you, don't you think? He's so amazing." Cupid proceeded to ramble on about Strife's attributes and wonders. All the time Strife tried desperately to hide behind a pillar.
Expecting the pillar to be blown away any second, Strife cautiously peeked his head out from behind it when nothing happened. He found Ares staring with a bemused expression on his face at a still bouncing and rambling Cupid. Xena, Strife noticed, had moved herself, Gabrielle, Joxer and a still irritated Aphrodite out of the way.
Strife decided to be a man about this. A God. Whatever.
He stepped out, gaining both Ares and Cupids attention. He would rather have just gotten Ares.
Cupid was making him nervous.
"Unk, Cupid says it's a timed arrow. It should wear off in a few months. Until then, well, I'm not really sure what to do. Aphrodite, is there any way you can reverse the effects?"
"Strife, I wish I could, but it's impossible. Until the arrow wears off, you're stuck with each other. Which arrow was it? Did it have a green tip on the end?"
Strife pulled out the arrow. It was long and slim. The tip was not green, it was red.
"Oh, that could be a problem. That is a timed arrow but the time is uncertain. It generally lasts a few months but there have been some that have lasted years. Don't worry though Strife, I'm sure it won't last that long. I mean, what are the odds right?"
Strife's only answer was a groan.
"Well, at the moment there is obviously nothing that can be done. Strife, the reason I called you is there is a battle going on near Corinth. A battle that isn't supposed to be happening as Xena has so kindly pointed out to me." Ares voice reeked of sarcasm. "Would you be so kind as to come with me? We need to get to the bottom of this."
Before Strife could answer Cupid piped up. "Oh, we're going to a battle. Cool."
"No, we are not going to a battle, Cupid. Ares, Xena Gabrielle, Joxer, and me are going to a battle. You are staying here."
"No, I'm not."
"Yes, you are."
"No."
"Yes."
As Strife and Cupid traded answers, heads swiveled back and forth to watch them.
Finally, Strife said, "Yes."
Cupid promptly replied "No." He was then left standing there as Strife shrugged his shoulders. "If that's the way you want it." He disappeared, the others right behind him. Cupid stood there in shock as his beloved flashed away.
After making sure they were really gone, he collapsed in laughter, joined by his mom.
After they recovered from their laughter at Strife's predicament, Aphrodite remarked that Cupid's arrow ploy wouldn't be very convincing if Cupid didn't follow Strife everywhere.
So into the middle of the battle Cupid went. And immediately regretted it as he saw what could possibly be the bloodiest and most brutal battle he'd ever seen. Now his urgency in looking for Strife had two reasons. Feeling naked without his arrows, he quickly conjured them from the floor where Strife had dropped them. Then he went looking for Strife.
Cupid finally found him and flashed to his side. Strife didn't appear to notice him at first as he was trying to stem the battle and was deep in concentration. Cupid took the time to study him. He was truly beautiful but it was this focus and determination that drew Cupid to him.
He casually pulled one of his arrows out and began to play with it. That got Strife's attention. Big time. "Cupid, why don't you put these away before you stick someone else."
"I'm not gonna stick anyone, Strife. Please let me keep it out. I feel better with it in my hand. Self-defense and all." Cupid looked pleadingly at the young god.
"No. Put it away."
"No."
Another battle of wills followed. Finally, Strife resorted to grabbing the arrow. Only Cupid refused to let go. They played tug of war with the arrow of true love. At the same time, they both decided to let the other have it. Cupid because he wanted to replace the arrow in his hands with Strife's body, and Strife because he was noticing exactly how the muscles in Cupid's chest flexed with each tug and pull. Unfortunately, with both hands letting go of the arrow, it flew off in to the air.
Strife and Cupid turned to watch it fly.
As it flew through the air, they saw Ares fighting a group of warlords, Joxer battling, clumsily, at his side.
Ffft. The arrow screamed through the air.
Thunk. The arrow hit its target.
"Joxer, my love." Ares shook off both the arrows effects and the warlords absentmindedly and pulled Joxer into his arms where he proceeded to kiss him breathless.
Strife looked at Cupid.
Cupid looked at Strife.
"Whoops," Cupid whispered.