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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
- 8
- 9
- 10
I really, really hope you guys are still with me.

Strife in my Life
Chapter 9: The Ungrounding and a Date

Strife felt a hand on his shoulder and startled awake. He reached for his daggers forgetting they'd been taken from him. In his fright he overturned the couch he'd been sleeping on and rolled into the floor.

Cuped stood watching this display feeling a mix of dissapoint and sadness as Strife jumped up, looked around and realized he was safe. The young god blushed prettily and Cupid felt an ache in his heart. To kiss that cheek. To hold him like he had when he was in shock the previous day. Willing, not just because he was too scared to think straight.

"Its ok Strife. Dad told me to bring you to his temple for breakfast," Cupid assured him.

"Daddy!" Bliss's voice echoed through Aphrodite's temple. With a wave of Cupid's hand the couch was righted and the blanket Strife had been using was folded neatly and thrown over the arm. Bliss's naked feet padded against the smooth marble as he ran in and seeing Strife first he plowed into his legs and gave him a hug. Strife took a long slow breath and a look of calm washed over him. He bent down and picked up his little cousin.

"Strife!" Bliss hugged his neck and gave him a sloppy smack on the cheek. Strife looked truly peacful.

He returned the kiss with his own, "Mornin munchkin!" Strife walked around the couch and pulled Bliss off him gently and held him out to Cupid. Bliss's hands shot out and he latched onto his daddy's neck. He started playing with one of his father's feathers.

Cupid giggled and squeezed his son peppering his face with kisses, "Good morning baby."

Strife watched with a deep felt longing. He wanted that. Pure love of a parent and child. He'd never expirenced it from his mother and he would never expirence what Cupid had. Cupid looked handsome with his adorable son. Strife couldn't help appraising his cousin. Would it hurt to give in to this need? Would it be fair to Cupid? Would it be fair to him? The short answer was no. Cupid didn't deserve it, and Strife didn't want anybody to touch him for pleasure, to use him again. He could almost see himself loving Cupid and giving himself to him but Strife was dirty and used. He'd never told anyone, not even his mother. Oh he knew she knew. She had that guilty look in her eyes when they were forced to aknowlege each other. She had never been a good mom but she had never meant to give that mortal the opportunity to hurt him, not that way.

Strife shuddered and came back to himself feeling Bliss leaning from his father and touch his cheek. Strife felt Bliss's god powers trying to make him happy. He smiled a false smile at the child hoping to placate him but Bliss had this look. The small godling had the most mature serious expression on his face.

'Please let us help you. We love you Strife. Me and my daddy love you so much,' The voice echoing in his head was a reflection of what the young boy would one day be. Strife felt a real smile tugging at his lips. Bliss was going to be a great god when he came into his own.

"Alright you too," Cupid said. He was clueless of the exchange between the two godlings. He adjusted Bliss and stepped closer to Strife, "Let's go see Pops." Cupid gently took Strife's bicep in his hand and flashed them all to Are's dining hall. The entire house of War was in attendance that morning. A few of the unattached male's were looking rather hungry that morning but their attention wasn't on the banquet before them. Ares cleared his throat and indicated three empty seats to his right.

"Have a seat boys and tuck in. We have a long day ahead of us," Ares smiled. It didn't escape anybody's attention that Strife's favored chair was right next to Ares. His chair that looked like a smaller version of strife's throne in his own temple. Black laquer wood with a crimson cushion and his spider emblem decorating the back. Ares had a special chair for all his chilren that was made to reflect their godhoods. It was truly a mis-matched ensamble. Cupid's chair was gold and white with two crossing arrows on the back. The back was low enough on his chair so that his wings comfortably hung over it. Bliss had a high chair similar to his fathers only smaller and taller so the boy could sit with the adults.

Bliss pushed off his father and squeeled, "Granpa!" He flew striaght over the table and pelted the god of war in the gut with his full weight. Ares made an undignified 'oof' noise.

"Well good morning," Ares gave a strained welcome when Bliss's heel made sharp contact with a very sensitive part of his body.

Strife got a burst of energy from his cousin's over energetic and painful greeting and started giggling. He bounced over to his chair and lounged throwing a leg over one of the arms and grabbing for a golden apple. He bit into the crunchy sweet magical food.

Cupid made his way to his chair stiffly as he looked at his siblings and other members of War. He barred his teeth at them as they watched Strife eating with too much interest. Strife glanced at his mother and then ducked his head as she sneered.

"So how ya doin cuz?" Deimos's eyes were glued to Strife's mouth as he chewed and they traced his slender throat as he swallowed the bite of apple. The god of fear licked his lips as he thought of ways he would love to use that mouth. Strife was too busy avoiding his mother's gaze to notice his cousin's lecherous expression.

Deimos knew people thought he was a bit crazy when they saw how he looked at Strife. They could be twins, well except for his blond hair. He took that from his mom, but Strife and he had minor differences in looks. He had always admired his younger cousin's body. If it weren't for dear old dad protecting him, Deimos would have already had that hot little body under him in a big bed. Chained and bloody and frightened. Oh how he would have savored his Cuz's terror.

Now things were different, not that he wasn't still turned on by sweet little Strify. No, now was even better, he could start his own lineage. Strife and he would bear lots of little spawn to wreak havoc on the world. The fear god grinned and kept watching his poor unsuspecting cousin.

Phobos was looking between his twin and his cousin. He felt pity for Strife. He knew his brother's appetites, he shared in them most of the time, but they rarely turned their sights on any Olympians. Mortals were toys and tools for pleasure but Strife was family (As messed up as theirs was). He didn't think that the young man deserved an eternity of misery at his brother's hands but he wasn't brave enough to say anything. Physical pain he could stand but the mental anguish his brother could inflict was even more than he could bare. He kept his silence and turned his attention to his food.

None of the events at the table escaped Ares' notice. The immortal servant touching Strife as he leaned in to pour the god's ambrosia wine. Strife shuddering. Deimos licking his lips and watching Strife. Enyalios didn't take his eyes off Strife the entire meal. He accidentally stabbed himself trying to spear some meat on his knife. Cupid looking jealously at anyone who looked funny at Strife. Strife was barely eating and hadn't touched his wine. His hands were visibly shaking. Ares was waiting for the eventual tantrum that was about to hit.

Strife tried to stop his hand shaking but the last straw was when that immortal slave had stroked his hand over his shoulder and brushed his nose over Strife's cheek as he poured his wine. He would have retaliated if he had his powers unblocked or even access to one of his blades. Ares had noticed the servant's inappropriate behavior but decided he could wait until after breakfast to deal with the man.

Bliss had been cuddled in Ares arms as they ate breakfast, his high chair left abandoned. Ares was feeding him a honey cake. The godling suddenly launched himself toward his cousin and hugged Strife. Strife was unhappy; he needed hugs and he needed Bliss's happy energy. Strife's shaking settled as Bliss did his thing. He kissed Strife on the cheek and settled in his lap.

Strife looked down and smirked, "Yah little boogah. Yah just stopped ah spectaculah fit. Ah don' suppose Ah can at least throw some food around? Theres a few people that at least deserve ta have wine thrown in theah faces."

Bliss shook his head and cuddled him, "Silly Strife, food's for eatin' not throwin," Bliss smiled and giggled.

"From what Ah understand yah wah once an expert food throwah," Strife tickled Bliss' tummy and the little boy giggled.

Bliss smiled and shook his head he reached behind him snagging a couple grapes. He stuffed one in is mouth and the pushed the other to Strife's lips. Strife took the food and chewed it. Strife's tension was gone and everybody at least pretended to turn their attention to their food.

Nobody noticed how rigid Cupid was he held his chalice to his lips when the immortal was 'serving' Strife his wine. Cupid dented the golden cup in his grip and spilled wine on himself. He was going to make that man suffer for his impertenance.

After breakfast the gods and goddesses of the house of agression began to flash out to do their daily duties, or take care of any odd jobs they had previously been assigned. Cupid, Strife, Bliss and Ares were left as the immortals cleaned up. It took energy to clean the godly way. Besides, why have servants if they didn't do anything?

"Cupid take Bliss out to the gardens will you? I don't want him to see what I'm about to do," Ares spoke in a calm voice but his son could feel the anger eminating from his father in waves.

"Granpa mad?" Bliss looked to his father then over to his Grandpa, "It ok, Granpa's happy too!"

Hearing his son's statement Cupid grabbed Bliss from Strife and flashed out of the room. If Ares was this angry yet happy then someone was about to get brutally beaten. He had an idea who it was too.

"Tha garden sounds like tha place ta be," Strife started to turn, "Ah'll just go see what tha little tyke is up ta."

Ares took two quick steps and put his hand on his nephew's shoulder. He shook his head. Strife visibly cringed. He had no idea what he had done to anger his uncle, but he knew his lesson was going to be a painful one based on the grin on his face.

"You stay Strife. I want there to be a whitness, and who better than the injured party," Ares led him back to his seat. Strife wracked his brain for whom had hurt him. No one since Adonis the day before. This was a fresh rage boiling under the god's surface. Ares vanished all the other chairs and tables. He needed the room to work.

Ares called over a serving girl. He whispered in her ear and she ran off. Nearly a minute later, The male servant that had bothered Strife came in. His eyes lingered on the god seated just off from the center of the room. Ares sure as shit didn't miss it. This man was going to suffer, and he was immortal so he would survive what the god dished out.

The man looked at his lord and bowed. By this time the god of war was not only angry, and blood thristy, he was also very impatient. The servant made to rise and was about to ask what his lord needed when he was belted across the face. Strife cringed a little. He was glad he wasn't on the receiving end this time.

"Olus is your name, Am I right?" Ares growled. The man wimpered and held his face. His mouth and nose were bleeding. Ares hadn't put but a whisper of power behind that blow. The man cowered and looked over at Strife as if to beg for help. Ares slapped his face the other direction.

"Don't you dare look at him. He is above you in every way and you dared to molest him right in front of a room full of gods!" Strife blushed at his uncle's statement. Noone had ever taken up for him like this before, not even Ares.

Ares produced a short blade made of jagged metal it would cut flesh but it would be painful and messy. Olus was immortal so the disembowling hadn't killed him but it sure as Tartrus hurt. He screamed until he was hoarse. Strife watched his uncle punish this man on his behalf and couldn't help a thrill of bloodlust rise within him. His eyes dilated and his hands flexed. He wished he could have his blades so he could have carried out the torture. In the end he just settled for the satisifaction of seeing the fear of him in the man's eyes. He'd not respected or feared Strife or he would never have dared intiate physical contact.

"Once you've pulled yourself together Olus...You will be taking your things from the servant quartrers and moving to the stables with the other beasts," Ares snarled and looked at his bloody knife. He took it and burried it in the man's exposed guts. Olus rasped out a few screams before he finally passed out. Ares was panting and grinning wildly as he wiped the servant's blood from his face.

"Yah musta needed that Unc," Strife said in an awed voice. Ares blinked and looked at his young nephew. He finally sagged. He kept thinking of what would have happened the previous day if Cupid had not interupted Adonis, or if he kept Strife helpless with that damn bracelet. Olus might have eventually caught Strife alone and attacked him. Ares willed the blood on him away and went over to Strife, who was still seated. His beautiful eyes danced and his face was flushed with excitment, Ares wondered if he shouldn't just take his nephew as his husband. They would surely make strong children to add to War's numbers.

He reached for Strife and the godling flinched and recoiled from him...That was why. Strife couldn't bare anybody's touch except for children and...and his son. Strife amazingly had been getting more comfortable with Cupid over the last few months. Cupid was good for Strife and maybe Strife would be good for Cupid.

"Sorry Unc," Strife covered for his fright with a manic grin, "Ya do good work! Makes me proud ta be onna yahs!" He did look proud and he admired his uncle, but Ares only saw the look of a child toward his father, or the closest he would ever get to a father. Ares was a ruthless god, but he appriciated family and valued it greatly. He couldn't take the one stable familial relationship Strife had and replace it with a sexual one. Then Strife got thoughtful look and glanced at the suffering immortal, "Think yah gonna need ta get Ace involved. He can't pull 'mself together." His eyes flicked away and the memory of that man invading his personal space overlayed with the gore made him shiver.

Strife heard a quiet clink and felt the warm metal slide from his wrist. He looked at his uncle, "You don't need your power blocked now that everything is settled, but you will have to put up with having a tracer on you. You're behind on your work and you will be expected to entertain suitors. Zeus ordered it so neither of us can weasel out of it. I think Hera also expects great-grandchildren."

Strife groaned dramatically, but Ares did detect true distress behind it. He wished there was another way but it was this or eventually an all out war. Then Strife would have no say in who he ended up with or how he would be treated in the coupling. Gods were not against forced marriages or forced sex. Just look at Aphrodite or the many many mortal women Zeus either tricked into sex or just out and out raped. In fact he was surprised Zeus hadn't gone after Strife. Don't get him wrong he thanked the fates profusely for that miracle, but he suspected fear of Hera's wrath may have had something to do with it.

"Ace," Ares said rather quietly but he was heard.

"How can I..." Ace flashed in then saw the immortal on the floor laying in a pile of guts and blood, "Dear Zeus! What have you done to this man?"

"He touched Strife inappropriately," Ares said, still looking at his nephew. He missed the anger and concern wash over Asclepius' face as he looked from the immortal to Strife.

"Strife insisted he get treatment. I was planning on making him heal naturally," Ares said.

"I'm not sure if that is possible without the small intestine," Ace was squatting next to the bloody mess and picked up a peice of the man's internal organs. It fell apart like minced meat, "I can get him to regrow them but it will take time and he will need to be on bed rest until then...It will be a very painful process."

"He'll be sleeping in the stables from now on," Ares commented.

"That's hardly sanitary," Ace retorted, but he didn't look like he was going to argue hard. He kept looking back at Strife. The younger god looked shaken. He wondered if they shouldn't just put the immortal out of his misery. Zeus could remove his imortality. Ace thought seriously. He didn't know what the man did but leaving him alive meant Strife might have to be confronted with him again. Ace was broken out of his thoughts by Strife.

"Yah did say he went ta tha stables aftah he was bettah Unc," Strife reminded him. Both other gods were surprised that Strife was taking up for the man that had insulted him, "Maybe ya could take 'im ovah ta yah place until then?" Strife looked at Ace. He smiled but there was pleading in his eyes. He might want the man healed but he also wanted him gone from his presence.

"That's no problem for me...While I am here though...Strife I was wondering if you would do me the honor of sharing a meal today?" Ace willed away the blood and gore from his person before he approached the young god. He smiled gently trying to be reassuring.

Strife wanted to refuse but he looked at his uncle who was frowning at him, "Sha." His blush grew and it was hard to miss on his pale cheeks.

"You realize there has to be a chaperone and your father does not count," Ares warned, "I'll be keeping an eye on you so if you would like to take your meal here we can accomidate you."

Ace looked only slightly dissapointed but then he nodded in understanding. With Strife's special circumstances who could blame Ares for being over-protective, "I would be honored to have dinner here. I look forward to any time I am allowed to spend with you." Ace wanted to reach for Strife's hand in a geture of affection but he knew how welcome physical contact was. It was something he hoped to work on with the atractive godling. He felt a sense of protectiveness toward Strife. It was why he wanted to court the young man. He was of the same mind as Cupid. He would never coerce Strife into sleeping with him, and he couldn't abide the young entity being someone's broodmare.

Auto sat up suddenly and looked around in fear. Joxer was missing. The sun was high over head warming his skin but he felt a chill none the less. Then he heard wretching. The theif got up and followed the sound. Joxer was emptying his stomach once again. When Auto placed his hand on the other's back and started rubbing he felt the trembling in his lover's form.

"You scared me babe," Auto uttered, "When I woke up alone. Please wake me up when you leave next time."

Joxer turned a hurmorless eye on him. He gagged and turned to spit bile out of his mouth. Auto turned back to their camp and grabbed the water skin. When he came back Joxer wasn't hunched over but he was visibly shaking. Auto handed over the water skin. Joxer rinsed his mouth and took a long slow draw from the skin. He then patted his hips. He had started keeping mint in his pockets. It seemed to sooth his stomach and it took care of the nasty taste of vomit. Joxer chewed the dry leaves slowly.

Taking a calming breath he turned to his husband, "I didn't mean to scare you but I can't exactly help being sick in the mornings." He was grouchy and now they needed to start moving. If he knew Xena, she and Gabby would be heading toward them by that morning. They were already a day and a half overdue. He thrust the water skin at Auto and groaned, "We need to pack up and get on the road before they pass us by."

"Who?" Auto asid in a curious voice.

Joxer looked at him like he was an idiot (hormones). He blew out an exasperated sighed, "Our friends! Were late and Xena doesn't like sitting around doing nothing...It makes her grouchy."

"Ok babe," Auto spoke quietly. He really didn't want his husband to blow up on him or start crying so he let him grump. He threw his arm around Joxer and hugged him. He hugged back and started sniffing.

"I'm sorry," He whimpered, "I didn't mean to snap at you Auto."

"Its alright baby," Auto squeezed his shoulder and turned to kiss his cheek, "You're exhausted and sick. You didn't hurt me."

"I love you Auto," He was sniveling and his shoulders shook. Auto resisted the urge to roll his eyes and kept his voice soft, "I don't know how you put up with me. I'm ugly and clumsy, and-and-and faaaattttt!"

Auto stopped and turned Joxer holding him by his shoulders, "What gave you that idea? You are beautiful, you're sexy, and that stomach of yours turns me on so much. You are not fat. That's our child inside you. If anyone says different they'll have to answer to me!" He kissed Joxer and hugged him his hands slid up and down Joxer's slender back. His slightly curved stomach pressed into Auto's flat stomach and he hummed. Feeling Joxer's pregnant belly made his cock stir, "You make me so horny Joxer."

The theif pulled Joxer into a passionate mint flavored kiss. He explored his lover's mouth. Smirking as he pulled back he had Joxer's mint leaf stuck to his tongue. He took it in his mouth and chewed it moaning. Joxer giggled quietly and brought his hand up to rub the tears from his cheeks. He leaned back in and pecked Auto's lips. Then he turned back to camp. His ass wiggling enticingly.

"That maybe so love but we do need to break camp," Joxer teased.

Auto groaned and adjusted his pants, "Damn mood swings."

Xena and Gabrielle had been on the road since dawn. The warrior princess was eager to get to her friends. Joxer was only going to be more and more vulnerable as they went and before long traveling would become less convienent and more dangerous. Xena's idea was that the pregnant man would go to a safe place and board. Meg's place came to mind. Joxer was well liked there. The girls fawned over him; and Meg, while not the sharpest arrow in the quiver, was reliable and could be trusted with Joxer's secret. In Joxer's condition it would take more than a month to get there, and that was assuming the best conditions. Xena wanted him settled before winter. It was mid-summer, so they had some time but it was best to be cautious.

Around noon a thankful sight met them. Joxer leaning on Auto as the two walked at a leasurly pace. Joxer recognized them first and waved enthusiastically. Auto waved too. Xena could see Auto's uneven gait even from that distance. He was limping for some reason. She felt a small thrill of worry stab her chest and she urged Argo on.

"Hey guys!" Joxer yelled and smiled, "Its good to see you!" His eyes got dewy and he rubbed them.

"What happened to you Auto?" Xena asked.

"I kicked him," Joxer admitted smiling brightly.

Gabrielle caught up in time to hear the confession and see the lack of remorse she frowned, "That's aweful Joxer why did you kick Autolycus?"

"He groped my butt. Scared me, so I kicked him," Joxer shrugged, "We made up."

"Yeah," Auto admitted sourly. It was his fault really he was watching Joxer picking up his bedroll and he pinched his butt. Joxer was startled. Then he cried, then he was ok. Auto felt Joxer's arm slide around his waist and he let his lover kiss him, "Joxer kicks really hard. We might just have him kick our oponents to death next time theres a battle." Joxer snorted and started chuckling. Auto joined in. Xena and Gabrielle watched them in mild amusement.

"Well we need to head to the next village and meet back up with Hercules and Iolaus," Xena stated and turned. The group followed her example.

Asclepius was nervous as he returned. Once he had settled the immortal in a bed and started the process to mend and regrow his internal organs. He left them and who was still passed out. His priests were ordered to only do enough to ensure he healed. He could have a sleep draft once his stomach started to close up.

Ace flashed into the main hall of Ares temple. The god was sitting in his throne and Strife was standing to his left side. Strife was wearing a black silk tunic and matching pants. He blushed and fumbled with the shimmery fabric of his sleeve.

"Hey Ace," He greeted.

Asclepius smiled shyly and blushed himself, "Good afternoon Strife, you look amazing." Ace was wearing something slightly reminicent of his father's typical golden attire. Though his leathers were more of a gold tan and he wore a white shirt under his vest.

"Weah gonna 'ave lunch in tha garden," Strife smiled and turned, "Follah me."

"Thank you," Ace smiled and followed the younger god. He felt his pulse go up when Strife's backside wiggled as he walked. He didn't know weather the younger god was doing it intentially to tease him or if it was an unconscious movement, but it certainly had him interested. He wasn't just here to protect Strife. The younger god really was atractive to him, and his dealings with him in the past showed Ace that he was more than just his godhood. Yes he was born for trouble but his love for children ran deeper than even his mischievous nature. Asclepius respected that and even found it sexy. He smiled at Strife as he turned to the exterior door to the garden and waited.

"Ah hope ya like wasn't expectin' some fancy to do," Strife blushed, "Its just ah picnic undah tha trees." Strife scratched his head and giggled nervously.

"Oh that sounds wonderful though," He turned to look out in the garden and felt dissapointment as he Saw Cupid fussing over Bliss sitting on their picnic blanket. Ace looked at Cupid and Cupid stared right back. He felt a challenge was being made but Cupid was being unfair having his little godling there. Well he should have specified that he wanted some time alone with Strife, well as alone as one could get with the god of war breathing down your neck. He looked over his shoulder and there was Ares smirking at him.

"Shall we?" The big bad war god said.

Ace nodded, "Oh after you of course." He stood aside and Ares shrugged and sauntered over to the large blanket and sat next to his son. Bliss crawled into his lap giggling.

"Gwan 'n have ah seat Ace," Strife said he was blushing but ther was a hint of teasing in his voice. Ace didn't miss the small smirk on the other god's face.

'He must be getting such a kick out of this awkward senario,' Ace thought glumly. Then he bucked up and smiled. He would make the best of this. At least he would get to sit beside Strife.

As if reading his mind Strife went over and plunked down between father and son. The other gods scooted over slightly to acomidate him, and Bliss squeeled and jumped into his lap. Ace atmitted defeat and sat across from Strife.

It did not escape Ace's attention that only female servants were in attendance. They brought the meal out and poured them wine. Then they left quietly. Ace also finally noticed Strife was missing his hephaestian bracelet. He was glad of it; after hearing about an immortal having the gall to touch Strife the way he had, Ace was worried Strife wouldn't be able to protect himself. Ace had been tempted not to heal the man inspite of his promise...And if a mere immortal dared touch Strife what would a full god do? Strife didn't need his powers anymore limited than they already were.

The meal was a quiet one but everyone enjoyed it espically Bliss who crawled from lap to lap, even sitting with Ace for a few minutes. He loved being with so many adults. Everybody doted on him. Cupid watched his son and wished he could give him some siblings. A child shouldn't grow up alone. He at least had a few gods his own age when he was that young.

Everybody ate their fill and had a good time. Ace couldn't complain about his company, but he did feel the heat of Cupid's glare whenever he directly adressed Strife. When it was time to go Cupid picked up his son who had tired himself out and was sleeping in Strife's lap. Ares grabbed his son's elbow and tugged him away. He was pleased at how well the god had taken their intrusion. Next time he would find a way to distract his son, If Strife agreed to a second time with Ace.

"Thanks fah commin," Strife said with a blush, "An' sorry bout the peanut gallery. I..."

"Oh no it was fine. Maybe we could do this again? If you want to come to my temple. You and Uncle Ares, if it makes you more comfortable," Ace blushed and on an impulse he took Strife's hand, noting he only flinched a little. He kissed it quickly. It was a gesture he had picked up from observing future entertainment. It was meant to be romantic but he just felt awkward. He let Strife's hand go looking up to see that his cheeks went bright pink. Ace's tan skin was a deeper pink when he blushed also.

"I guess thah sounds fine," Strife mumble and retreated to his room.
Ace felt a bit dissapointed he flashed to his father's temple. He sighed as he dropped into one of his father's over stuffed chairs.

"How'd the date go with that miscreant?" Apollo flashed in next to him.

Ace growled, "Don't speak about him like that! ...And it went as well as could be expected I suppose."

"I can imagine," Apollo shuddered, "I don't know what you see in that boy. Pasty as a bacchae and about as well mannered."

"How's your little mortal," Ace shot back with a snarl. He knew he shouldn't. Phidias was a sensitive subject. Apollo had barely admitted his feelings even after giving into physical atraction.

"He's currently working in my temple at Pireas," Apollo frowned, "There's a run of fevers in the children of that village, as you are well aware. I hate having him so close to Athens while Ares is working there."

Ace felt bad for his jab. It took a lot for Apollo to admit he was worried about a mere mortal. He hadn't been this involved with a mortal since that woman...Ariadne. That had ended badly thanks to Hercules' interference, altough he knew his father wasn't treating the woman right. Still it had left him reluctant to show affection of any kind to a mortal since.

"I'm sure he's doing fine...If you like I can go lend a hand. I don't have a temple there, but I can still help," The younger god offered.

"Do what you like," Apollo dismissed him. His eyes shined gratefully even if his face was impassive. He was afraid to show open favoritism to one mortal lest he call attention to that mortal. They met secretly, only his son knew of Phidias. He would keep him in his private chambers and not allow the servants or muses in when he had the sexy olive skinned man in his bed.

"Well I'm going to check in over there. If I can help stem the infection I'll bring him home with me. If you want him,"

"Whatever," The sun god looked away and pretended to be bored.

Ace heard, 'Yes please!' in his affected boredom.

Asclepius looked at his father. He paused in thought then spoke again, "You know he should have dedicated himself to me. He is an excellent healer." Apollo sent him the most withering glare he could muster. Ace only chuckled, "He's an excelent healer, but he is absloutly devoted to you."
He smiled at his dad as he flashed out.
TBC
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Strife in my Life