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Strife in my Life	By : AmberDDawn Category: S through Z > Xena Views: 2142 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I don't own "Xena: Warrior princess", or "Hercules: The Legendary Journey" They were produced by Renissance Pictures I am not making money for this fiction.

Chapter List
- 3
- 4
- 5
I really, really hope you guys are still with me. This chapter starts out light and goes dark and angsty toward the end.

Strife in my Life
Chapter 4: The Vacation is Over.

Cupid was shooting at one of the dummies, now you could call them pin cushions, beside the barracks. Strife and Sosilus were sitting in the soft grass eating dates and watching the love god. Cupid was not jealous of the lieutenant, he was not. They were speaking in soft tones. Every once in a while Strife would get that impish smile and say something. Sosilus would either blush, or laugh raucously. Cupid's feathers ruffled. The mortals couldn't see it and Strife was too focused on embarrassing/entertaining his friend to notice how agitated his godly friend was.

'I am not jealous, I am not jealous, I am NOT!' He chanted in his head. He pulled the bow back to hard and fast and the string snapped and whipped him across the face. Well he had Strife's attention now. He and Sosilus came over. Strife looked very concerned.

"Ya awright Cupe?" Strife reached a hand toward his face. There was a long red stripe going up the side of his face. It ran just right of his orbital bones, "Zeus! Ya almost got ya eye Cupes." Strife tentatively reached up. He laid his hand on the injury. Cupid hissed making Strife jump but still pressed his hand against it and sent energies into it. He didn't erase the evidence but he did take the pain. It had actually hurt quite a lot. Strife gave him a watery smile, whispering, "That bettah Cupes?"

"Much, thank you," Cupid reached up and took Strife's hand cupping it and nuzzling his palm, "Much, much better." He wasn't talking about his face anymore.

Sosilus watched the intimate scene for about half a minute before he realized he was intruding. He cleared his throat and blushed when it registered that they had forgotten he was there, "I um I'll go get you some salve for that welt."

Cupid looked confused but Strife mumbled to him, "Ah left tha mark. Can't have em thinkin Ah'm a miracle healah or sommin. A'd nevah get peace heah." Cupid nodded.

He kissed Strife's hand, "You are a miracle healer though. I didn't know you could do that."

Strife awkwardly pulled his hand back. He looked wistful, "Ah...ah...taught myself...Oh Ah can't do anythin’ near what Ace, or 'Pollo can...I just theahs sometimes ya gotta know this stuff..." Strife looked far away. He seemed to be somewhere else even though he was standing right there. Cupid slowly slipped his hands around his cousin's waist and pulled him close. Strife fit so perfectly against his chest. He didn't fight it he was pliable, but Cupid could feel the other god's heart beating like a little humming bird was trying to force its way out of his chest. Cupid rubbed small circles in Strife's back. Strife almost forgot himself and allowed the attention then he snapped out of whatever trance he had been in. He pushed away looking alarmed. He'd gotten too comfortable. Cupid didn't need to keep touching him. Strife pulled back and patted Cupid’s shoulder awkwardly.

“Ya good Cuz, right?” Strife smiled again, but it was false. Cupid fought not to wince looking into Strife’s pained eyes. He smiled too and it didn’t quite make it to his eyes either. He stepped back giving space. He had to remember not to move too fast.

Sosilus was back holding a small jar. He brought it over to the two gods incognito. “Here, You can apply that to the mark and it’ll help it heal faster and it sooths the pain some too.”

He dropped it in Cupid’s hand and backed up. He was very aware how jealous Cupe was over Erin. There was something there that neither he nor anyone else could come between. He didn’t want to give the wrong idea to the statuesque blond man. He and Strife were just friends. Eos would probably kill Erin if he thought different or Cupe if he hurt him.

“I…ah…I’m going to go see what the Captain is up to,” He was blushing. Cupid felt a tingle from the man whenever he spoke of his lover. He smiled at the short man and nodded, “Give him our regards. I think we’re going to turn in for the night. Think so Erin?”

“Yah, sha,” Strife mumbled.

He allowed Cupid to lead him off the field, forgetting the broken bow and the arrows. Cupid took Strife’s hand gently and led him to the tavern.

Auto and Joxer sat in a small crowd watching some entertainers. Joxer sighed, rubbing his belly. It was starting to get noticeable, but what was really worrying him was the performer just left of center stage. From all appearances the actor looked like a slender young woman, with a long flowing white dress and a veil. Under the veil a familiar face peeked out coquettishly at a man wearing a leather kilt much like Cupids. He was also wearing a Helmet and a breast plate over his broad chest, and a sword. He grabbed the maiden ripped the veil off revealing Joxer’s brother, caked in makeup. The one dressed as a solider pulled Jayce to his chest and kissed him hard. There were hoots and hollers from the audience. The soldier’s hands were all over his brother and Jayce pushed off him and slapped him, “Hiero you fiend! You know I am to wed the prince!” Jayce whimpered and backed away.

“I care not for that spoiled boy. I want you, and I’ll have you, Airlia! …Or no man shall!” He stalked forward. The lights went low and there was a piercing scream. Joxer jumped a bit and Auto pulled him closer petting his back.

The lights came back up and Jayce lay on the floor of the stage. His white dress was covered with bright red silk scarves representing blood. Three skinny boys dressed as maidens in grey silks knelt crying over Airlia’s body.

“Dear sister, please!” One boy warbled piteously. Looking up at the audience, “Someone help! Help our beautiful sister!” He was fairly good, but Joxer was watching his brother nervously. Jayce was so still and looked pale as death.

The curtain fell for a minute the sounds of scenery being moved. The orator was speaking, “Fair Airlia, so beautiful and pure. Virginal and unspoiled in life we give you to the gods.”

The curtains were drawn up and Jayce was laid on a raised platform. Groups of actors were walking past crying and laying flowers on the white clad maiden. A regal looking man approached the platform holding a bouquet of white flowers. He gently leaned down and kissed Jayce on the cheek and then the forehead, “My beloved,” He moaned and lay on Jayce’s stuffed bosom weeping. He pushed back, “You will rest in Elysia, Wait for me there my love. I shall join you once I take my revenge.” The man turned and marched off stage.

The curtains fell again more movement behind. The orator spoke again, “And the prince hunted the country side looking for the evil Hiero.”

The curtain lifted. The soldier and Prince stood facing one another, “Answer for your crimes fiend!” The prince demanded and drew his sword, “You took my love from me and you will pay!”

“She was never yours, you pompous fool!” The solider cackled, “I felt her charms before I took her life. She is mine for eternity.”

“No! You lie!” The prince launched himself at the solider. They fought across the stage. The swordsmanship looked fancy but Joxer and Auto shared a look. Both those men paled when compared to Xena. The fighting went on for a full minute before the solider managed a hit. The prince stumbled back. A red silk scarf rolled from his chest pocket. The prince looked lost. In the back of the stage barely lit Jayce was kneeling on a platform, “Do not give up my prince. I am waiting for you. Remember your promise to me. Avenge me my love.” The prince got a second wind. He fought the solider back and finally managed to run him through. The solider stumbled off the stage holding his stomach with vibrant red silk flowing from his hands. The prince stumbled and fell dead center stage. The curtain fell again, and then it rose revealing the he prince and his lover in their tomb. Joxer sniffed and rubbed at his eyes.

“That was so sad,” He whispered to his husband.

Auto leaned over and kissed Joxer’s neck, “Its ok baby.”

The audience erupted into cheers. Joxer sniffed but joined in. Auto stood and tugged Joxer up. They were going to try and catch Jayce before he had a chance to leave. Joxer was feeling a bit ill but he was the one that insisted they come see his brother when they learned his troop was going to be less than a day’s travel from their group. Auto had insisted that they would be fine on their own and he was really enjoying having his lover all to himself for a while. Well until they meet up with Jayce, but Auto could live with that…Unless there turned out to be incestuous tendencies then he might kill the flamboyant man. He would not tolerate anyone touching Joxer like that…nobody.

Joxer was tugging his husband against the flow of the crowd toward the stage. Some of the actors were cleaning up one looked up and smiled then looked confused, “How did you get over there Jayce, and who’s the hunk?”

“Oh,” Joxer blushed, “No, no, I’m Joxer…Jayce’s brother.”

The young man was still looking at Auto then he looked back at Joxer and raked his eyes over him, “Oh, little Joxer. I hear about you from Jayce all the time. I’m Ablerus by the way,” He winked.

“You were one of Airlia’s sisters right? You were really good,” Joxer smiled, “I cried like a baby.”

“Awe thank you sweetie,” Ablerus dusted his hands and slipped off the stage, “Why don’t you two come back behind stage.” The young man reached to take Joxer’s hand but Auto snatched his lover close and growled, “Jealous type. Sexy,” The actor was unphased and if Joxer wasn’t mistaken the boy was purring. He turned wiggling his butt, looking over his shoulder, he said, “Follow me.” He winked at Auto. Auto frowned. Joxer pulled him along following the young man. He didn’t even once glance at the younger man’s butt. Auto felt a bit better when Joxer pulled his hand up and kissed his palm.

Behind the scenes it was a lot more hectic then Auto expected, but Joxer had been behind the stage with Jayce before. They were following Ablerus trying to avoid the men and boys packing up scenery and costumes. A high pitched scream stopped them, “Baby Brother!”

Joxer was tackled and hoisted away from Auto by his near identicle, except for the curly coifed hair and the more slender hips, brother. Jayce jumped around and squeezed his brother, “Oh my Joxer, you are getting chubby!” He tapped Joxer’s belly, “I’m going to have to put you on a diet young man.” Joxer grimaced as he was patted. Auto broke out in a low growl.

“Who let the dog back here,” The man turned to Auto and started to say something to him. He stopped and looked Auto up and down and hummed in appreciation, “Joxer is this yours?” He chucked Joxer on the shoulder gently.

“I didn’t know you liked men,” Jayce grinned, “But you were such a shy thing when we were kids…If I’d have realized I would have pushed some of my admirers your way.” He looked back at his brother, “But you did just fine for yourself. Oooo!” He shivered and looked Auto over again.

“Is he into twins?” Jayce continued.

“Not a chance!” Joxer was growling this time.

“Oh you know I’m teasing you, besides, Praxie would get angry,” Jayce giggled, and waved someone over. Still dressed as the solider the actor came over and put his arms around Jayce. He looked at Joxer smiling. His eyes roamed over Joxer slowly, and Joxer for once noticed and he felt like the man had ripped his clothes off. He edged closer to Auto who pulled Joxer back until his chest was pressing into Joxer’s back.

“Praxis,” Jayce introduced, “This is my little brother Joxer, and his…Lover?”

“Husband,” Joxer offered, “Autolycus.”

“The Autolycus…the king of thieves? We do a play about you!” Praxis said impressed, “I play you, robbing the rich and giving to poor orphans.” Praxis nibbled on Jayce’s ear and whispered something that must have been naughty because the other man squealed and slapped him on the shoulder.

“Behave Praxie!” Jayce admonished him. Then he turned to the other couple, “What say we go get some dinner after Praxis and I are changed?” Joxer nodded. Jayce reached over and pinched his cheek. Praxis’ hands slid down Jayce’s back and grabbed hold of his both his cheeks, “Oh Praxie!” He wiggled his ass then turned to a closed off changing area. His tight little backside twitched as he sauntered behind a changing screen.

“Are we going to tell him?” Auto whispered to Joxer.

“If we can get him alone I’d like that. I want the little one to have his uncles in his life,” Joxer rubbed his slight bump.

“You’re planning to tell Jett?” Auto swallowed. He had run across Joxer’s eldest brother. He could imagine the assassin taking vital body parts off him, and that was without knowing he had knocked his baby brother up.

“If we can find him before the baby comes,” Joxer turned in Auto’s arms, “I won’t let him hurt you.” Joxer kissed him and Auto melted against his lover.

Jayce and Praxis were back with them in no time. Jayce took Joxer’s arm and led him ahead. The brothers caught up while the other men followed. Praxis walked next to Auto. He was slightly shorter than Auto but bulkier. He ate up the vision of two hot bodies walking together, “Those brothers, fine bodies, no?”

Auto nodded but didn’t open his mouth he didn’t like Praxis, who unabashedly undressed both brothers with his eyes. In front of his own lover he openly ogled Joxer. They strolled from the small theater toward the marketplace.

“The tavern has the sweetest wine I have ever tasted, it goes so well with the roast meat,” Jayce attempted to entice his brother. Joxer was finally past his fish and greens faze.

He nodded, “A little sweet wine might be ok. Do they have venison? I’m dying for a rare steak.”

“I’m sure they do Sweetie,” Jayce said indulgently.

Joxer leaned in and whispered to his brother, “After dinner I want to have a private chat with you.”

“Of course Sweet,” Jayce half hugged Joxer’s shoulder. Auto bit back a growl. Jayce was Joxer’s brother. His hands stayed wisely above the waist and…Jayce was Joxer’s brother! He had no reason to be ready to rip the other man’s arm off and beat him with it, but he couldn’t help it. He wanted his Joxer!

Cupid lay on his side looking at his cousin seriously. Strife was facing away from him snoring lightly. He traced the elegant curve of his cousin’s spine with his eyes. His back was bare and oh so tempting. Just to feel that silky skin pressed against his bare chest would be a dream come true. Strife snorted and rolled onto his back. Cupid cracked a smile and had to fight off a laugh. Strife was adorable when he slept. Zeus he was in love.

Stride’s eyes shot open and he stared at the ceiling. Cupid opened his mouth to say something but clapped it shut when the other god bolted upright. Strife flashed his clothes on, not his mortal clothes but his normal get up, and disappeared in a shower of dark sparkles. Cupid knew something was up, because his younger cousin liked to add a lot more flare to his entrances and exits unless something was wrong. Cupid still had the tracer on him so he willed himself dressed and followed.

By the time he got there it was too late to stop anything. Strife was standing over a mortal violently and repeatedly stabbing him. The man was gulping for air and twitching with one arm flailing. There was a dead woman in the corner and a crying child. Cupid moved between his cousin and the child. Strife was wearing the man’s blood like a suit, growling and stabbing. The man stopped fighting and his arms fell. Strife reached down. Cupid noticed the man was naked. Strife slowly and deliberately started to castrate the man, “Can’t neveah hurt a child again you bastahd not even in Tartarus.”

Strife turned not looking at Cupid, looking through him. He looked blank, but he willed the blood away. He got down on his knees and held his arms out. The child limped around Cupid. The other god wanted to stop him but something told him that would be even more dangerous than letting his cousin (who just brutally killed a man) hold the boy. The child went to him and threw himself at the god crying.

“S’ok little one,” Strife hugged the boy who was bawling into his chest and hiccupping. Cupid noticed for the first time just how bruised and fragile the little boy looked. His mother was lying with her robe open and her naked body exposed. She looked dirty and diseased.

“She was on hah own raisin’ im,” Strife didn’t look up from the boy and he talked in soft soothing tones, “Since Biton’s fathah run off. She did what she had tah, tah provide fah hah baby. She was ah harlot,” Strife was covering the child’s ears but it was obvious the child had had little sheltering from his mother’s profession. Strife hugged the child and the bruises began to fade and both he and the child slackened. Strife wasn’t built to transfer that much healing energy into another being. Suddenly Ares, Asclepius, and Psyche, of all goddesses, appeared. Strife’s arms slackened and he started falling back the child had fainted and fell with the god. Cupid tried to reach for him but Ares stopped him.

“Psyche, take the child, wipe his memories,” Ace ordered. He settled behind Strife putting his hands at the god’s temples, just as Strife started to convulse.

Ares was restraining his son. Cupid was fighting hard. He flapped his wings bashing them against the wall. It hurt, but he didn’t care.

“What’s wrong with Strife, how did you find us so fast?” Cupid demanded angrily watching the older god working on their cousin as Strife’s body shook violently. Psyche was holding the boy who looked like he was sleeping. She looked at Cupid a bit disapprovingly as he kept pushing against his father and smashing his wings into the wall. Feathers were flying everywhere and one of his wings was flopping uselessly. In his urgency to get to Strife he had broken his wing.

“Strife does this…sometimes. There’s a tracer that alerts us when he has an episode,” Asclepius explained. He had Strife settled down, “He’s stable enough to be transported. Do you have the child handled Psyche?”

“Yes his memories of abuse are locked away. He won’t remember any of the bad things. Should I take him to the orphanage in Athens?”

“Does he have any family?” Asclepius asked.

Psyche shook her head, “I don’t think his mother’s family will take him…He’s never met them…”

“Then yes…the children in Athens are well taken care of,” Ace decided.

“Bring Strife to my temple,” Ares ordered. Cupid opened his mouth to protest and Ares gave him a deadly glare.

Cupid frowned hard, “I’m coming with you…Now would you let me go Dad?”

“Depends,” Ares felt him pushing still, “Can you control yourself?”

“Yes,” Cupid took a deep cleansing breath, “I give you my word.”

Ares let go, “I’m holding you to that Son.” Ares turned and went to his nephew. He bent down and took the godling in his arms gently. Cupid clenched his fists but he managed not to blast his father. Ace, Ares, Cupid and Strife appeared in Ares temple. Ares lay Strife on his bed and covered the young god in with silk sheets and a warm blanket. He then took a silver bracelet and snapped it around Strife’s wrist.

“What is that?” Cupid hissed. He didn’t trust Ares.

“It’s hephaestian, it’s just there to keep him confined to my temple, unless he is escorted elsewhere,” Ares explained, “And only those with my express permission can take him from here.”

Cupid glared at his father but then thought up a chair and sat next to Strife’s bed. Someone touched his wings. He bit back a howl of pain. Then he felt the burning tingle of Asclepius’ healing energies. His wings were made whole. He flapped them a few times to test them out, “Thank you Ace.”

“You’re welcome Cupid,” Asclepius moved to next to Strife and brushed his hair out of his eyes and sent more energy into him. He didn’t want to overload the fragile god. It would take a few days for him to recover. Ace rubbed his thumb over Strife’s cheek it was rare to be able to get this close to the jittery godling without a dagger being brandished at you. Strife was so sweet looking when he slept. It didn’t hurt that he had a very attractive slender physique. Still Asclepius was professional.

Psyche flashed in and looked to Asclepius, “Do we have to do this?”

“I’m afraid so, the suppressor gets weakened each time he does this,” Cupid didn’t have a clue what was going on but he didn’t like the sound of it.

“What suppressor?” He asked. He looked at the bracelet then at his ex-wife and the god of healing.

Asclepius looked to Ares as if to question him. Ares noded, “Cupid won’t repeat any of this…if he knows what’s good for him.” Cupid felt a shiver go up his spine as Ares spoke.

“You won’t tell anyone,” Ace looked to Cupid now, “For Strife’s sake, and you won’t say anything to him?”

Cupid shook his head, but he looked very concerned, “What’s wrong with him?”

“Strife has episodes,” Ace looked pained when he spoke, “When he was younger something traumatic happened to him. He can’t handle some aspects of his godhood, as you saw when a child prays to him for help he sometimes goes into a sort of trance. Because of the suppressor we can track him when it happens but sometimes I it takes a while, one time he slaughtered a group of slavers that were selling children. There were twenty-six…Or was it twenty-seven…”

“It was forty-three,” Ares supplied and there was a hint of pride in his voice when he said it.

“He was in the process of healing the children when he collapsed and had a seizure,” Ace continued. He ran his hand down Strife’s arm and turned to look at the other gods, “Psyche…It’s time to do your part.”

She nodded but looked a little ill, “I’ve already told you about my misgivings regarding tampering with the mind in this way. But for Cupid’s benefit I will reiterate my opinion. We are not helping Strife. I could go into his mind while he is awake and consenting, if we remove the suppressor. If we can deal with the problems rather than covering them up he would be happier and healthier. We could come up with a better solution for his episodes.” Psyche looked to Cupid for support. Cupid agreed but he couldn’t open his mouth fast enough.

“We tried that before you were even born Psyche,” Ace patiently explained, “Strife did not take it well. He damaged himself so badly he nearly slipped into oblivion.” Psyche frowned and bit her lip. She leaned over Strife placing her hands on either side of his head. It was her sixth time doing this and he had had it done by Apollo originally. Apollo wasn’t as specialized to the mind as Psyche so he used more power than had been necessary. Psyche felt that they had actually damaged Strife’s developing mind; but, as a lesser goddess, there was nothing she could do about the past and she didn’t have the right to override Ares’ and Apollo’s decisions. Her face was a mask of concentration. Strife twitched and frowned. He started shaking and moaning, but he didn’t move. Cupid wanted to knock her away from him. She was hurting Strife. Ares laid a hand on his son’s shoulder and pushed him down in his chair. Cupid looked at his father. Ares shook his head, “It’s almost over.”

Psyche pulled away looking slightly paler and very tired. Ace produced a chair and guided her to sit. She thanked him and collapsed, “It takes a lot out of me to suppress someone’s personality. I don’t like doing it.” She gave Cupid a helpless look. Cupid clenched his fists. This all seemed very wrong.

“Is he going to be alright now?” Cupid begged.

“He’s going to be a bit weak for a few days but he’ll be awake by tomorrow. This time wasn’t so bad,” Ace explained. He stood and offered Psyche a hand, “I’ll take you home so you can rest.”

“Thank you Asclepius,” She smiled at him, “Goodnight Ares, Cupid…Take care of Strife. She leaned in and brushed some of his curly hair aside, “He’s been through so much pain. I’ve barely touched the surface of it, there’s a lot going on in there.” She pressed her finger to his temple and the worried expression melted away, “I hope that helps I’ve given him a nice memory to replace tonight.”

“What memory did you give him?” Cupid asked.

“You’ll have to talk to Strife about that but he’ll just think he dreamed it anyway,” She said cryptically. Ace took her arm and they flashed out. Cupid sensed something going on there and he had to wonder. They would make a fine match. Ace’s temperament would sooth her, and she was a beautiful goddess. He didn’t feel anything that strong, between them but with a little push…He shook his head, mumbling, “Forget about work, focus on Strife.”

Ares was watching his son. He didn’t know whether to be concerned for his Nephew or Cupid. Cupid was a lot to handle but Strife could give him a run for his dinars in every conceivable way, and he was only at half his powers. If they ever figured a way for him to handle his full godhood he would be a force to be reckoned with.

“Can you explain what just happened?” Cupid turned to his dad. Ares frowned and looked at his son.

“How much do you care for Strife? For Erin? Strife hasn’t been able to be Erin since he was a toddler, something happened to him. His mother won’t admit to it, she either let something happen or she harmed him herself. She isn’t capable of feeling remorse, but she does recognize there are consequences to her actions.”

“Why don’t you go to the halls of time?” Cupid asked, “If we know what happened we could fix it!”

Ares shushed him and pulled him out of Strife’s rooms. He went to his war room and took a chair. Cupid followed suit. Ares tented his fingers and pressed them to his lips, “This, none of it can leave this room. Do you swear on the fates?”

Cupid nodded, “I swear.”

Ares sighed, “I’m afraid of what I might do if I go in there and look. If I see what happened to him. If my sister harmed him in some way…I would kill her. I would find the most painful way to destroy her and then I would erase her from existence. Then I would be banished and killed and who would be here to protect Strife then? If the other gods realize that he’s only operating at half capacity and that he’s been responsible for more than ten thousand mortal’s deaths since he was old enough to transport. That’s ten thousand by him alone, in one hundred and five years.”

“They all deserved what they got but that is a bad precedent. War…well that’s one thing. I’m supposed to be out there directing and involving myself in the killing. Strife…he’s undirected…once he starts there’s no stopping him until every adult is dead. He tortures and mutilates them especially their genitals, violently. Strife can’t stop until he feels the children are out of danger. He would never harm a child though. He’s never hurt a child, but we have to wipe their memories of Strife; prevent a repeat performance and also to help the children deal with suddenly being in a new home or an orphanage.”

“He doesn’t remember any of it?” Cupid asks.

“No,” Ares sighs, “He has no idea he’s personally killed so many people outside of wars.”

“Why is he being suppressed if he only attacks people who deserve it?” Cupid complained. Whatever they had done was hurting Strife and gods treat mortals like toys; killing even that many, while impressive and disturbing; shouldn’t cause concern for the gods.

“It’s not about that. Strife…if we don’t suppress these events it happens more often, and when Strife was a child he couldn’t go to the child praying to him, he would live their abuse, then he would turn to hurting himself to deal with the emotional trauma,” Ares tone was low and measured. He looked into his son’s eyes and saw fear there. He nodded, “You heard Ace. We did try to remove the suppressor once. Strife hurt himself very badly. It was my fault I was supposed to watch him but I had an emergency on a battlefield near Sparta. I left him with my priests. He was twenty-nine. He looked like an adult but still very much a child in his mind. He carved himself up with his daggers.” Ares looked ill, “When I found him he was cut to ribbons, down to the bones he had removed his scalp. When he couldn’t reach his back he took a sword to himself. He was lying with it embedded in his ribs; in a pool of his own blood…I killed three of my priests that day. Apollo and Ace worked on Strife for weeks to repair the damage. It wasn’t the first time they had to repair his body either. You see we are trying to protect Strife from himself. I’m not going to tell you anymore. Strife doesn’t remember and I would like to keep it that way.”

Cupid had a lot to think about. He nodded to his father and let out a shaky breath, “I’m staying here for a while…Bliss can come visit. Strife and he get along great. It might cheer him up since we can’t go back to the Colyros.”

“That’s fine son,” Ares stood. He looked at Cupid, “I don’t want to see him hurt son. If you intend to do right by him that’s fine but I will not tolerate anyone hurting him, not even you.”

“No problem here Pops. I want what’s best for Strife. I really care about him,” Cupid admitted to his father. Ares nodded.

Joxer was supporting a very drunk Auto and Jayce was tittering on about this and that. Auto was groping Joxer very aggressively. Joxer sighed. He’d have to put his husband to bed before he could talk to his brother. How did he get so drunk on that wine? Joxer had only has a very watered down goblet, it had been sweet and refreshing, but Auto and Praxis had both taken theirs undiluted. Praxis was well somewhat more sober than Auto. Auto squeezed his butt too hard and Joxer winced in pain. He punched Auto in the shoulder, “Stop it Autolycus.”

“Oh he’s using your full name,” Praxis teased in a sing-song voice, “You’re in trouble.”

“Joxer dear why don’t you go put him to bed. We can talk in the morning,” Jayce gave him a sympathetic look, “I’m sorry I should have warned him, Praxie here can drink a camel under the table.”

“What’s a camel?” Joxer asked.

“It’s this big beast that lives in the desert with humps on its back!” Auto stopped walking to explain he made a curving motion with his hands. Then he reached for Joxer’s butt, “Kinda like these sexy humps!” He grabbed the cheeks and gave a hearty squeeze. He giggled and slumped forward onto Joxer. He did not like being compared to a big beast. Joxer elbowed Auto hard and pushed him off.

“Oh baby, M sorry! I didn’t mean it,” Auto was inching toward those butt cheeks again.

Joxer swatted Auto’s hands away. He saw that they were at the inn. He smiled at his brother, “I’ll see you in the morning, or maybe the afternoon.” Auto slumped against him muttering something sounded suspiciously like, “Hail to the king baby.” Then he giggled and burped. Joxer turned a bit green and shoved him off again.

“Good night Joxer dear, Goodnight Auto,” Jayce bid.

“See you around hot stuff,” Praxis winked at Joxer who blushed and backed up. He wished his Husband weren’t sloshed. He didn’t trust his brother’s Lover one bit.

Joxer led his slobbering drunken husband up the stairs to their room. He managed to open the door while fending off his horny mate. Once Auto hit the bed however he was snoring loudly. Joxer sighed and pulled the man’s boots off. He was rather relieved. Auto was being too rough with him and he was pretty sure he was going to have hand shaped bruises on his ass in the morning.

“Night Auto,” Joxer whispered. He covered them with the fur throw that was on the foot of the bed and snuggled in next to his husband. Auto smiled and threw his arm over Joxer dragging him over until he was practically on top of him.

“Love you baby,” Auto slurred and nuzzled his cheek.

“I love you too,” Joxer buried his face into his lover’s chest and drifted off.

TBC
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Strife in my Life