You Knew What You Were Getting Into

Title: You Knew What You Were Getting Into
Author: Scribe
Disclaimer: I did not create and do not own the recognizable media characters. I do not recieve, will not seek, and will not accept any profit from this. I state clearly that this story in no way reflects the real life of the actors who portrayed the characters.
Rating: Adult
Warning: Male pregnancy. If it squicks you, don't read.

You Knew What You Were Getting Into, 1/?
by Scribe

Chapter One
Longings Stir

Ares drifted up from sleep gradually. This was a luxury he'd seldom allowed himself in his life BJ (Before Joxer). When he was younger he'd spent a lot of his time in the physical realm of Earth, before he'd become convinced that he didn't have to micromanage--oversee every tiny squirmish. And when you slept on the front lines of a war--God or no--you'd damn sure better sleep with one eye open, and be able to be awake and alert in a flash.

Now he usually slept in the security of his own home, and he slept with someone he knew would give up his own life to protect him. He knew this literally. Joxer had almost died protecting him from an enraged hydra, had gone into the situation head up, eyes wide open, and silly helmet tilted half over his face. He hadn't thought much before he charged the scaly beast about to take a hefty bite out of his god, but if he had... Joxer wasn't stupid, as he'd often been accused of being. (A bit self-delusional, perhaps, but that could be endearing). If he HAD thought--most warriors would have stepped quietly away, hoping that when Athena took over as Goddess of War she wouldn't hold grudges.

It wasn't just the sense of physical security that made it easy to make a slow climb to consciousness--there was the emotional security, too. Along with Joxer's loyalty had come love--love for the man, as well as the god. Love that reminded Ares that he was more than just War, much more. He was a friend, a man, a son, a brother, a lover, and a father.

As this thought occured to him a small smile formed on his lips. Yes, he'd always known he was a father. Cupid, Xena, Deimos, Phobos, and by extension Strife--they were all his children. He hadn't been able to be as large a part of their upbringing as he'd have liked, but then there was Accord.

Accord was the first child he'd raised in a day-to-day, intimate, hands on manner. The child was a part of himself, a part of the man he loved. If it ever came down to a choice between who he would save--Joxer, or Accord... Ares just hoped that it never came down to that. Even with all his skills and divine powers he might find himself paralyzed by the need to choose. And if he lose either of them... Well, the only reason he'd survive something like that would be for the sake of the one who survived. If he lost both, he wouldn't have to wait for the coming of the twilight.

These things swam at the back of his mind, but he didn't really consider them. He was warm, comfortable, and peaceful. He'd been none of these things often enough to appreciate the state when he had it. He opened his eyes, his gazing going to the side, seeking his mate. He loved to watch Joxer sleep. Even the occasional drool or snore only made Ares love him more.

He didn't get the chance this time, though. Joxer was awake, lying on his side, arm bent, head propped in hand as he watched Ares. Ares grunted, rubbing his eyes. "How long?"

Joxer knew what he meant. "Oh, just a couple of minutes. I never get long enough. I think you have some sort of extra sense that lets you know when someone's watching you."

"Everyone has it, Joxer. You've felt the back of your neck prickle before. I just pay attention to mine."

Joxer lay back down, but moved over till he was pressed against Ares. Ares took the hint, putting his arm around Joxer and pulling him into a close embrace. "That was a nice smile you had on your face. What were you thinking about?"

"Lots of things. Mostly about how happy I am." He squeezed his husband. "And how much of that is because of you and Accord."

"That's nice to know."

They were quiet for a moment, then Ares said, "And I was thinking that it would be nice if I missed a few lazy mornings and peaceful nights." Joxer raised his head far enough to give Ares a puzzled look. "You remember how it was right after Accord was born?"

"Do I? There were times when I thought that I'd somehow managed to piss off Hypnos. I also remember the long nookie dry spell."

Ares made a face. "There's that, but there were trade-offs, weren't there?"

"Sure. I can think of one big one." He smiled. "I think he's about reached six feet tall now. We made a great kid together, Ares."

"We sure did." Ares was silent for a moment. "Want to try for another one?"

Joxer didn't exactly jerk in surprise, but his head did lift abruptly. "You're kidding." No response. "You're not kidding."

"And you don't like the idea." Ares' voice was level, but there was a faint tinge of pain.

"No, I didn't say that. I'm just... surprised. What brought this on?"

"Nothing in particular. As fond as the House of Intellect is of cause and effect, there isn't always a clear cut, single defining point." Ares turned on his side to face Joxer. "I missed out on so much of the childhood of most of my kids. I've found that even though there's a lot of stress and inconvenience involved--I like it."

"It has it's moments," Joxer agreed.

"So, what do you think? And I mean that--think. Don't just say what you think I want to hear."

"Oh, don't worry about that, Ar." Joxer gave him a grin. "I quit that very early in our marriage. Give me a minute." He rolled on his back, staring up at the ceiling. Ares didn't push him--he just went over his own thoughts, making absolutely sure that he WAS sure. Finally Joxer said, "You know, I've been thinking the same thing for some time now. I just didn't really realize it till you said it out loud. I WOULD like another child." He grinned again. "Before I get too old to enjoy them."

Ares rolled his eyes. They were Gods--that wasn't going to happen, but it was just like Joxer to tease about his formerly mortal state. "I'm glad. How do you think Accord would take it?"

"Personally? I think he'll be all for the idea. He squabbles with Impetua, but that's just natural for teenagers."

"You know, I think he envies Bliss a little for Impetua. Have you noticed how much time he spends over there?"

Joxer cut a glance at him. "Yes. Of course there could be a lot of different reasons for that, but I suppose that wanting to be around a pseudo-sibling is one of them."

Ares nodded. "I just want to be sure that his nose wouldn't be put out of joint by having another baby around."

"'Another'?" Joxer gave the word an ironic twist.

"Tartarus, Joxer--you know what I mean."

"Sure. It's just hard to get across to kids that no matter how big they get, how old they are, or how many kids of their own they have, they'll always be your baby. Anyway, I think that Accord would welcome a brother or sister. He likes kids. He'd have strangled Impetua a long time ago if he didn't."

They were quiet for a little while longer, then Joxer said. "Yeah, I'd like to have another kid. I always thought I'd have a pretty big family some day. Of course I figured that my wife would be doing the carrying and birthing." He rubbed his flat stomach. "Having one yourself is almost enough to make you believe in small families, but at least one more would be wonderful. I just had a check up with Ascelepius, and he said I'm in tip-top shape. We've already taken the conception potion this month, so I'll have at least a month to start bulking up on ambrosia. By the time I get pregnant, I'll be ready for it."

Ares rolled over half on top of Joxer. "What makes you think that you're going to be the one carrying the baby?"

Joxer stared at Ares, then chuckled. "Good one, Ar." Ares kissed him. "You're not laughing. In fact, you're not smiling."

"Yes, I am."

"No, that's not a smile--it's a smirk. You ARE serious."

"Yes."

"Yes. Yes, he says. Just like that. Like it's that simple."

"I never said it was simple, Joxer, but the decision was easy."

"Ares, you've never..."

"And neither had you, till Accord happened. We know it can be done."

"We know -I- can do it. We know -Strife- and -Hercules- can do it. But that's just three--there hasn't been a huge spate of knocked-up gods, and you know for sure that "there are some who court the possibility. Not all of them are likely to be as careful about taking precautions as we are. Since we already have evidence that I can get pregnant, why DON'T I have the baby?"

"Do you really want to?"

"I wouldn't mind. I just want to know why you're considering it when you've got a perfectly good incubator... Ow." Ares had pinched him. "Don't cut myself down--got it."

"Joxer, as much as I love you, pound for pound, you have to admit that I have a purely physical advantage." Joxer nodded. "And I know that Ace believes that you made a full recovery from Accord's rather abrupt entry into the world." He reached down and skimmed a finger along the thin, faded white scar on Joxer's abdomen. "But you scared the crap out of me, Jox. I don't want to risk you again. If we decide to go for a third child, then we'll talk about you playing mommy again. But this time I'm going to carry."

"I noticed that you've gone from 'if' to 'when'."

"Okay, back to if--if you agree." Joxer studied him. "Joxer, don't make me consider substituting sugar water for my contraceptive potion."

Joxer frowned, then smiled. "You wouldn't do that to me--trick me."

"Not now, I wouldn't. But I hear that people with baby hunger will do some desperate things."

Joxer bit his lip. "We don't have to decide right now. Ares, why don't we skip the next dose and... see what happens?"

"Compromise--I'LL skip the dosage." He tweaked Joxer's chin. "We don't do it where I'd get pregnant as much as the other way around. If it happens, then it's supposed to happen."

"Sounds good." Joxer snuggled against him.

After a minute Ares said, "Of course, if it DOESN'T happen I may have to go have a little chat with the Fates..."