The Plan 41-50

Part 41

�Okay!� he growled. Ares turned and stalked ahead again, trying to work out why Joxer seemed so happy. Not that it was a bad thing, or anything. All he wanted was for Joxer to be happy, but it hurt. It hurt a lot.

A giggle sounded in his head and he swung round, but none of the others were laughing, they were busy arguing over the details of what they were telling Auto, who looked thoroughly confused. All except for Joxer who appeared to be talking to his stomach.

Ares frowned and sighed, continuing to walk. He really didn�t know if he had the strength to keep away from Joxer anymore. He just had this gnawingly urgent need for his husband that had grown stronger throughout the day.

He kept his eyes fixed on the path ahead, forcing himself to keep walking, even though he wasn�t even sure why he was going in this direction. It just seemed right.

@>*~

By nightfall, everyone was silent, except Joxer who was humming, and tired. They had barely stopped walking all day. When Ares finally stopped, they all heaved a sigh of relief and dropped where they stood.

Joxer smiled brightly and lit a fire.

�Shit, Joxer!� Strife exclaimed, startled, �Give a guy a little warning.�

Joxer chuckled, �Sorry, just wanted to see if I could do it.�

�What�s up with that anyway, dude?� Strife asked curiously, �How come you can do all this stuff?�

Joxer found all eyes staring in his direction, �Um, I really don�t know, things just get all hazy when I think about it.�

Ares frowned, things went hazy when he tried to think about it too. And what about in the cave? Zeus had just shrugged it off. He would never ignore that kind of power ordinarily.

He heard the giggle again and looked round quickly, but everyone was still on the ground, semi-conscious. Again except for Joxer who was smiling at him and rubbing his stomach. Ares dropped his head on his chest, suddenly feeling guilty for making Joxer walk all that way.

�Ares.�

Ares glanced up at Joxer. His husband was walking slowly over towards him, smiling softly. �I�m fine, really. Come on, you�re hungry.� Joxer took a very bemused Ares� hand and led him to the fire.

Joxer smiled, he knew his behaviour was confusing and worrying everyone, but it didn�t matter for now. Later, once he�d spoken to Ares, and hopefully been nailed to the floor, he�d explain. Well, as best he could anyway. He touched his stomach again. �Let�s feed daddy, huh?� he whispered, laughing quietly at the giggle he got in reply.

He raised a hand over the fire and produced a spitted pig, that was already mostly cooked. �Damn, that�s so much fun!� Joxer smiled delightedly at Ares, who couldn�t help smiling back, remembering how excited he�d been when he was still a kid and had finally got his power to do what *he* wanted it to do.

Then, as if nothing had happened between them, Joxer snuggled up to him and Ares was unable to stop himself from sighing happily and pulling him close. Joxer looked up and patted his cheek.

�We need to talk, but after dinner, okay?� he said quietly. Ares nodded. ��Kay everyone, get up, time for food.�

There were several groans, but the smell of the pig eventually got everyone up and sitting round the fire, ready to eat. While they ate, Auto regaled them with the tales of his latest adventures, which got him laughs from Cupid, Strife and Joxer, smiles from Xena and Iolaus and muttered comments from Hercules and Gabrielle.

Ares wasn�t listening, he was too busy just holding Joxer, breathing in his scent, and trying to work out where in Hades that giggle was coming from. He wasn�t sure of anything at that moment, and he wanted to fill his memories with Joxer in case this was the last time he held him like this.

�Don�t mope, love,� Joxer whispered. Ares sighed and held him tighter. Joxer gently rubbed his cheek against Ares� chest. �Come on, I think it�s time for us to talk.� He stood up and waited for Ares to join him. �We�re going for a walk,� he told the others.

Xena looked up, �You going to be okay, Joxer?�

Joxer smiled, �Yeah, everything�s going to be fine.�

The group watched the couple disappear into the trees.

�Is it just me, or has Joxer put on some weight?� Auto asked thoughtfully.

Part 42

�Stand there.�

�What?�

�Ares, just will you stand there? I can�t do this otherwise,� Joxer said quietly.

�Okay, sorry,� Ares let Joxer position him behind a log, wondering what his husband was doing. And again that giggle! He looked round, maybe a tree nymph was following them or something.

Joxer dropped to his knees in front of Ares, but on the other side of the log. �What are you�?� Ares eyes widened, Joxer was praying to him.

�My Lord, I guess it�s been a while again, hasn�t it? I suppose it never really occurred to me, because, well you�re always here, with me, you know? I thought maybe you couldn�t get past my powers growing, I�m sorry, that was unfair. I know you�ve forgiven me for forcing you, but I still can�t forgive myself for that, and I swear, Ares, I swear it will *never* happen again.

�I don�t know why I didn�t realise it before, I should have. Did you really think I wouldn�t need you anymore? That I wouldn�t love you anymore? Oh Arry, I need you more than I need air to breathe, I love you more than anything in this universe, except our child, I can�t live without you. Now do you understand?�

Joxer raised his head and met his husband�s eyes, surprised and slightly worried to see tears flowing freely. �Arry?�

�I�m so sorry, Joxer, I love you. You are everything.� Ares stepped over the log and dropped to his knees opposite Joxer, reaching for him. Joxer caught his hands and kissed them gently.

�I�m not finished.� Ares nodded, and Joxer continued, �Don�t ever make a decision that concerns us both without me again, okay? Please?�

�I won�t,� Ares whispered, shifting closer. Joxer smiled and let himself be pulled into Ares� arms, surrendering to a soft, tender kiss. Until a little voice whispered to him, and he pulled away.

�Stop teasing him,� Joxer said quietly.

�Huh?� Ares frowned in confusion, and annoyance. The giggle got a little louder and then Ares� eyes widened.

*Sorry, daddy.*

�What, what, what was that?� Ares stuttered.

�The other thing I had to tell you,� Joxer smiled shyly. He took Ares� hand and slipped it under his shirt, placing it palm down on his very slightly rounded belly. �Say hello to our baby.�

�I, but, oh Gods!� Ares gasped, feeling the life force of their child far stronger than it should have been. He heard another giggle. �That�s our baby? Laughing?�

Joxer nodded, biting his lip as he smiled.

�How far, I mean, how long� I,� Ares stopped, shaking his head in confusion.

�Three months,� Joxer replied, smiling wider as he was enfolded in Ares� arms.

�When?� Ares asked, pulling Joxer as close as he could.

�Just after our last argument,� Joxer whispered softly, pulling Ares� head closer, slipping his tongue out to taste soft lips.

�Why didn�t you say anything?� Ares breathed.

�Couldn�t, wanted to do this too much,� Joxer closed the tiny gap between them and pressed his lips against Ares� mouth, sliding his tongue between full lips. He sighed happily, renewing his familiarity with his husband�s warm, wet depths thoroughly.

Ares� eyelids fluttered closed and he moaned into Joxer�s mouth, happy to let him explore, taste, lick and suck. Until he heard another giggle. *Sleep, you.*

*Aw, daddy.*

*Sleep!*

*Yes, daddy.*

Joxer pulled back and grinned at him, �Come on, lover,� he reached up and trailed his hand down Ares� chest, melting away his shirt the way Ares had his pants on their first night together, �I need you.�

Ares growled and their clothes ripped apart with a burst of energy. Joxer raised his eyebrows, but didn�t get the chance to say anything before he found himself flat on his back under Ares, his mouth being passionately plundered.

Joxer moaned and wrapped his legs round Ares, shifting slightly to bring their cocks together. �Oh Gods!� he whispered against Ares� lips. The feel of Ares� cock, all silky skin and hard muscle, combined with the soft scratch of pubic hair against him, was almost overwhelming. He wrenched Ares� head back.

�Arry,� he whispered harshly.

Ares was startled by the dark desire in his husband�s eyes and he thrust smoothly against him. �What, love? Tell me what you need.�

Joxer�s head fell back, �Need *you*, damn it!�

Ares chuckled and dipped his head for another searing kiss, resisting Joxer�s hands, which were pushing him down. Eventually he gave in, but paused again at Joxer�s chest. He nibbled gently on one dusky nipple until it stood in a small peak and Joxer was gasping, moving against him frantically.

�You�re going to torture me, aren�t you?� Joxer managed to breathe.

�Not if you tell me what you need,� Ares ran his tongue around Joxer�s other nipple.

�I, oh Gods,� Joxer�s breath hitched when Ares sucked hard on the sensitive nub, �I need you to suck me.�

�Thought I was,� Ares whispered.

�Damn it, Arry!� Joxer panted, �Suck my cock now!�

Without further hesitation, Ares slid the rest of the way down Joxer�s body until he was facing his husband�s flushed, smooth cock. He dipped his head to nuzzle at the base, inhaling Joxer�s musky scent, before he let his tongue trail up the hard length.

�Gods, Arry, please!� Joxer grasped at Ares� head, trying to direct him.

Ares relented happily, wrapping his mouth around Joxer�s cock and letting it slide deep into his throat.

Joxer whimpered. He looked down, needing to see Ares, needing to see his erection slip in and out of Ares� mouth. Needing to see Ares� eyes watching him. �Oh fuck, Ares!� Joxer moaned, letting his head drop back. �I need you inside me so badly.�

Ares sucked a little longer, using a flash of power to prepare Joxer and slick up his aching cock. He crawled back up the length of Joxer�s body and pushed his husband�s legs back and apart. He stroked Joxer�s hole gently, smiling at Joxer�s blissful expression.

Pulling back a little, he lined up his cock and pushed carefully, gasping at the combination of watching his cock disappear inside Joxer and the feel of Joxer�s tight passage sucking him inside.

�Joxer,� he groaned, pushing a little harder until his entire length was encased in hot, quivering muscle. It took all his self control not to move. �What do you need?� he asked again, his voice a little strained.

Joxer almost laughed. Ares was buried balls deep inside him, and he was desperate to feel him move he wasn�t sure he could speak. He squeezed his ass and Ares shuddered. �Fuck me,� he managed to whisper hoarsely, �I need you to fuck me.�

�Oh Joxer,� Ares pulled almost all the way out and thrust back inside the grasping heat.

�Yes!� Joxer screamed. He clutched at Ares� hips, trying to encourage his lover to move faster.

Ares retained some control for a while, plunging into Joxer steadily, tipping up his hips to pound against his sweet spot. But soon, Joxer�s gasps and whimpers, the fingers clawing down his back, the muscles clenching tighter and tighter against him, were too much.

�Arry,� Joxer wailed. Ares lost all control and slammed into Joxer, pulling out quickly, to start pounding hard and fast into his lover.

Joxer groaned, he held on tight, meeting every thrust, screaming every time Ares� cock scraped over the nub inside him. His cock rubbed against Ares� hairy, sweaty stomach, and he felt himself start to shudder.

�Ares, Ares,� he panted, then his back arched and a wave of pleasure rolled through him.

Ares plunged deep into the rippling passage, feeling Joxer�s hot seed on his stomach, and he let go, reclaiming his husband, filling him with his own seed.

Ares collapsed and Joxer held him tightly, happily. �I love you.�

�I love you too, Joxer,� Ares whispered.

*Love you daddies, but you�re heavy daddy.*

�Uh, oops,� Ares shifted off Joxer, *Sorry, baby.*

Joxer chuckled, �Well, you are kind of heavy.� At Ares� pout, he hurried to continue, �Hey, I like it, but we got to look out for baby now.�

Ares smiled and leaned down to kiss Joxer�s belly. �I know, I love you both.�

Part 43

�I can�t believe we just let them go off like that,� Hercules muttered.

�Oh for Gods� sake, don�t even start,� Iolaus growled, �You saw what Joxer could do, stop trying to pretend you�re concerned for his well-being.�

�But�� Hercules protested.

�Shades of grey, Herc,� Iolaus said quietly.

�What?� Hercules frowned in confusion.

Iolaus knelt beside his lover and touched his head gently, �Sometimes things aren�t black or white, there are shades of grey. I love you Herc, but I need to take a step back for a while, okay?�

�No, not okay,� Hercules shook his head, �Iolaus, I don�t understand. How can you side with Ares like this?�

Iolaus sighed and dropped his head to his chest, �It�s not a matter of siding, Hercules, damn it! This is exactly what I mean. Think about what I said, I mean it, really think.�

Hercules watched his lover in stunned silence as Iolaus stood up and went to sit with Auto and Xena. What in Hades did Iolaus expect from him? How could he ask him to think about something when he didn�t understand what he meant?

Hercules shifted closer to Gabrielle, who looked up at him inquiringly. �What did he mean, shades of grey?�

Gabrielle frowned thoughtfully, �I have no clue. All I know is everyone�s gone mad! Trusting Ares, Cupid with Strife,� she stopped and snorted, �Joxer pregnant and with powers? I mean Gods, whatever next? Could there be anyone worse?� Pausing, Gabrielle shook her head, �Well, okay, maybe Jett.�

Hercules nodded thoughtfully.

@>*~

�So, this has been one fucking journey for you guys then?� Auto exclaimed. He�d finally managed to get the details of what had happened over the past few days straight in his head. Xena, Cupid and Strife nodded.

He chuckled, �I never would have guessed, Ares had a thing for Joxer, well damn! Hey, if that was what they�re like when they�re arguing, what are they like when they�re not?�

Xena smiled properly for the first time in a long time, or so it seemed to her. �In public, affectionate, in private?� she shook her head and chuckled, �I dread to think.�

Auto shook his head and grinned, �Damn!� He stared at the two Gods for a moment and then grinned again, �So, if you got married yesterday, how come you�re sitting here, talking to us?�

Cupid stared at him, then turned to Strife, �You know, he�s right.�

�Uh, duh?� Strife smirked. Then he squealed as he was swung over Cupid�s shoulder and carried off into the trees. �Yeehaw!� Strife yelled happily.

Xena and Auto exchanged glances and promptly started laughing.

�I still can�t believe you though,� Auto said quietly, once they�d calmed down. Xena tensed. �I mean, how did you manage? The times you must have felt so torn,� he smiled ruefully, �You�re sneakier than I thought, but you�re braver too.�

Xena blinked away sudden tears, �I, thank you,� she sighed, �I just wish Gabrielle would let me try to, that she would��

�I know,� Auto whispered.

Xena frowned, sensing more behind his words. She stared at him, meeting his eyes, seeing a sincerity there she�d never expected from the thief. �You really do, don�t you?�

�Hey, you know, where d�you think I learnt how to break hearts?� he smiled tightly.

�Auto,� Xena started.

�But hey, you get over it,� Auto cleared his throat and forced a grin. He glanced up when Iolaus joined them, happy for the distraction. He couldn�t quite believe he�d been on the verge of spilling his guts like that, even to Xena.

�Hi guys,� Iolaus said quietly, �What�s up?�

�Oh, you know, same ol� same ol�, Xena�s not buying it though,� Auto shrugged with a small smirk.

Xena met his eyes and smiled briefly, �Yeah, you think Auto would know I�ve heard it all before by now!�

Iolaus sighed, his eyes suspiciously bright.

�Iolaus? What�s wrong?� Xena frowned in concern.

�I uh, I told Hercules I was taking a step back,� Iolaus dropped his head onto his chest.

�Iolaus, why?� Xena gasped, �I thought, I mean you two only just worked out how you feel about each other.�

�I know, but everything that�s going on at the moment, it�s just brought a few things home to me. Why can�t he just try, you know?� Iolaus whispered.

�I understand,� Xena swallowed hard.

Iolaus nodded, �I know, I know.� He sighed again, �Do you think Gabrielle will forgive you?�

�I don�t know, Iolaus, she�s not saying much of anything nowadays,� Xena looked over at her ex-lover, �I wonder if it�s a good thing for her to be involved in this, you know?�

�Because of Dahak?� Iolaus asked quietly. Xena nodded. �Maybe she needs to.�

�Maybe,� Xena said quietly.

�Hey, �Laus,� Auto interjected, �I wouldn�t worry, if there�s one thing I know about Hercules, he�s a stubborn bastard. He won�t give up till he figures it out, and he�ll make it up to you. That�s the kind of guy he is.�

Iolaus blinked at the thief, realising that Auto had just pointed out one of the reasons he loved Hercules. He smiled suddenly, feeling more hopeful that his lover would come through for him. �Yeah, thanks.�

Auto nodded, but he felt slightly uncomfortable under Xena�s piercing gaze. If he didn�t watch it, she�d be weaselling out all his secrets.

@>*~

Joxer stroked Ares� hair gently, as his husband continued to chat to his stomach, and he smiled fondly. He still couldn�t quite get over the fact that their child was fully sentient, conscious and intelligent, let alone communicating with them.

Ever since the growth spurt after their argument, he�d been chatting to their baby; in fact it was the baby who�d let him know exactly what Ares had been feeling. That was the reason he�d been happy, even though they hadn�t made up then, he knew they would.

�Arry?� he whispered. Ares shifted his head and looked up at him. �I think it�s time we got back, don�t you?�

Ares pulled a face, �Yeah, I guess.� He sat up and pulled Joxer up into his arms. He�d been enjoying talking to the little one. Their child was an odd mixture of childish innocence and ancient wisdom and knowledge, he couldn�t quite fathom why or how. �What are we going to tell them?�

Joxer shrugged, �That I�m three months pregnant, I guess. I�m not sure I want them to know our baby is talking to us, do you?�

Ares frowned, �No, I don�t.�

�Come on then, lover,� Joxer stood up and looked down at Ares who was looking very amused. �What?�

�Are you going to go like that?� Ares smirked.

Joxer glanced down at himself and blushed, he was still completely naked. Ares started chuckling, then the baby joined in too.

�Yes, very funny,� Joxer sighed and shook his head. He waved a hand and dressed himself in slightly looser, more comfortable cotton pants and a cotton tunic. Then, with a smirk he pointed a finger at Ares and dressed his husband in a replica of his old armour. The baby laughed harder.

Ares spluttered and Joxer started to laugh. �Oh, oh dear Gods, you l-look terrible,� Joxer sniggered.

�This is so fucking uncomfortable!� Ares shook his head, �How in Hades did you manage to wear it for all that time?�

Joxer sobered, �I don�t know, I got used to it. I made it, you know, it was mine, something no one would steal from me.� He found himself wrapped tightly in Ares� embrace.

�I�m sorry,� Ares whispered, �I wish I could have done more. I just, I couldn�t risk anyone knowing that I cared about you.�

Joxer hugged Ares back and smiled, �I know, love, I know.� He cupped Ares� face gently and pulled him close for a soft kiss.

When Ares pulled back, he realised the armour had been replaced with his clothes, and he smiled. �Come on then, I suppose they�ll be wondering where we are.�

�Yeah,� Joxer pulled Ares� arm round his waist and they walked back to the fire.

Part 44a

�Cupie! Put me down,� Strife whined, he didn�t see why they had to go so far, he wanted to get his hands on his husband *now*.

�Soon,� Cupid chuckled, then yelped, when Strife grabbed hold of his ass and squeezed.

�Oh yeah?� Strife giggled. He managed to worm his hands down Cupid�s pants, sighing a little at the smooth, silky skin under his fingers. He wriggled his hands deeper into the small gap between leather and skin, giggling again when Cupid moaned.

Their clothes disappeared and Strife grinned, �Yeah, that�s what I�m talking about!� He leaned further down Cupid�s body and licked the crease at the top of his buttocks.

�Okay, that�s far enough,� Cupid panted, flipping Strife back over his shoulder and laying him onto the ground.

�Knew you�d be reasonable,� Strife chuckled. Cupid pounced and Strife just managed to catch him so that he wasn�t completely squashed. �Hey, watch it, recently revived dead here.�

Cupid sucked in a breath and raised himself up on his hands to stare down at his husband in horror, �Oh Gods, Strife, I�m so sorry, I��

Strife reached up and put his finger over Cupid�s lips quickly, he hadn�t meant to upset Cupid, he was so happy to be alive and loved, he didn�t want to think about how close it had been. �Shh, Cupid, I was kidding around, it�s okay.� He met Cupid�s intense, pain-filled gaze, �Aw, lover, I�m sorry, I didn�t mean anything by it. Please, Cupe, don�t get upset.�

Cupid swallowed the lump in his throat and kissed the finger pressed gently against his lips. �Baby,� he whispered, �I nearly lost you. It�s just not something I can kid about, okay?�

Strife leaned up and clasped Cupid�s face, �I�m sorry, Cupe, really. You know I kid about everything, I didn�t mean� I didn�t mean to��

Cupid sat back and pulled Strife up and into his lap, holding on tightly, burying his face in his husband�s neck. Strife stroked his hair gently. �I love you, Cupie, I love you. I�m not going anywhere, I promise.�

Cupid took a deep breath and tried to shake off the fear and pain thinking of Strife dying had caused. �You better not, or I�ll kick your ass,� he whispered against Strife�s neck.

Strife stared at him seriously, �I�d rather you fucked my ass, lover.�

�Oh Gods, Strife!� Cupid felt all his blood rush straight to his groin, shuddering with the force of how much he needed to be inside Strife, reconnect completely with his lover, his husband.

Cupid slid his hands into Strife�s hair, gripping tightly, tugging him close to possess his mouth fiercely. Strife moaned and shifted so that he was straddling Cupid�s lap. One of Cupid�s hands slid down to his ass, gripping, pulling at him.

Strife moved closer, pressing his cock against his lover�s, moaning around the tongue in his mouth at Cupid�s groan. Cupid�s fingers trailed between his asscheeks and he shuddered. Using a small burst of power, he filled his passage with oil.

Cupid slipped his finger easily into Strife�s tight ass, gasping when he felt the slickness. Strife moaned again, pulling back slightly to stare at Cupid.

�Told ya, I want you to fuck me, Cupe,� he whispered intently. Cupid nodded breathlessly. He lifted Strife up and reached between them to push his cock down. Strife moaned and tilted his hips forward until he felt the tip of Cupid�s erection pressing against his hole. Then he sat down, slowly, hissing quietly as he was filled.

Cupid groaned, dropping his forehead onto Strife�s shoulder. Strife was hot and tight and felt like home. Strife dropped his legs down, either side of his lover�s lap, bracing himself on his knees.

�Need you so much, lover,� he whispered. Cupid nodded, unable to speak. Strife pushed himself up, feeling Cupid�s cock start to slide out of him, then sat down hard.

�Gods!� Cupid exclaimed, trying to hold onto his control. The soft, tight, grasping heat of Strife�s ass was almost too much for him. He felt Strife�s cock jerk against his stomach and removed his hand from Strife�s hair to slide between them to grip the hard length tightly.

�Mmm, lover,� Strife panted. He lifted up again and tilted his hips back slightly. He dropped down, shouting reflexively when Cupid�s cock hit his sweet spot. Cupid groaned again, his hand tightening convulsively on Strife�s shaft. Strife bucked against him helplessly and he started to ride Cupid, urgently, desperately.

�Love you, love you, baby,� Cupid panted.

�Cuuuupe!� Strife groaned, his hips bucked, thrusting down and forward and he shuddered as he came into Cupid�s hand.

Cupid was surrounded by clenching heat and he gasped, holding tightly onto Strife as he claimed his husband with his seed.

�Love you. Love you. Love you.� Strife kissed him over and over, stroking his hair, his arms, his back, rocking gently against the softening cock that was sliding out of him. Cupid slid his arms round Strife�s back and held him tight.

Strife was overcome, he was crying and he didn�t want to think about why. He couldn�t stop touching Cupid, almost afraid he�d disappear. Cupid felt his panic and tried to soothe him, rocking gently, but it didn�t seem to help.

Cupid leaned back, frowning worriedly at Strife�s frightened whimper.

Part 44b

He caught his husband�s clutching hands in his, and put them on his chest, over his heart.

�Strife, Strife, shh, it�s okay, baby. I�m here.� Strife finally looked at him properly and Cupid could see the fear in his eyes. �Baby, you feel that?� he pressed Strife�s hands harder against his chest. Strife nodded, eyes wide. �Good, it beats for you, you understand? You and Bliss, you�re my life. You�re not going anywhere, I�m not going anywhere, okay?�

Strife squeezed his eyes shut for a moment and took a deep breath. �You will,� he whispered. Cupid pulled him back into a hug, frowning, murmuring quietly. He wondered what had set off such an extreme reaction in Strife. Carefully, he pulled them down to the ground and held Strife as close as he could. His husband was still shivering. Cupid stroked his hair gently.

�Baby, what�s wrong?� he whispered.

Strife wriggled deeper into Cupid�s embrace, trying to control himself. �I just, Cupie�� he shuddered, �I nearly lost you too. The first time, it was so, so bad. Hades wouldn�t let anyone visit me, he wouldn�t let me associate with anyone down there. He, he made me do� And I missed you so much. I thought, if I ever got out, I�d tell you, tell you straight away. But when I finally came back, I just, I couldn�t risk losing you altogether, I couldn�t, even if we were just friends.� Strife buried his face in Cupid�s neck.

�But I, I nearly lost you anyway. I don�t think I could have survived being down there again, not without you, not without having told you,� Strife started to cry again, he knew he was going to have to tell Cupid everything.

�Baby, it�s over now. You didn�t lose me, okay? I�m here for you, forever. Eternally bound, remember?� Cupid whispered, softly kissing Strife�s forehead, then eyelids, then cheeks and finally, he brushed his mouth over Strife�s lips. �Hades always told us you refused to see anyone, what was he doing to you?�

Strife shuddered violently, �He, he made me service the warriors.�

�What?!� Cupid pulled back slightly.

Strife clutched at him desperately, �No, don�t leave me!�

Cupid immediately pulled him close again, �Shh, it�s okay baby. Never leaving you, never, I swear.�

Strife shook his head, �You will, that wasn�t the worst.� He shook, trying to suppress the tears.

�Nothing Hades made you do will make me leave you, Strife, nothing,� Cupid tried to reassure Strife, but his husband just shook his head again.

�No, I should have told you before, I didn�t want to, I wanted to be with you. I�m so sorry, so sorry, Cupid, forgive me,� Strife finally lifted his head a little to stare into Cupid�s tear-filled eyes.

�Please, Strife, tell me, it�ll be okay,� Cupid whispered.

�One of my duties was in Tartarus,� Strife�s voice was hollow.

�Makes sense,� Cupid said quietly, when Strife didn�t continue.

�No, Cupid, you don�t understand,� Strife�s voice broke on a sob, �There are children in Tartarus.�

Cupid froze, he couldn�t mean? No, not that?! �Oh Strife, oh Gods, tell me he didn�t make you punish children. No, not you, please.�

Strife clung tightly to his husband, unwilling to let go, even though he knew he should. He knew what was coming. He�d tricked Cupid into eternal binding, without him knowing what kind of a monster he was. He just hadn�t wanted to think about it, ever, *ever*!

�I�m so sorry, so sorry. Please forgive me, forgive me, forgive me.� Strife buried his face in Cupid�s neck, his body wracked with painful sobs.

�No, Strife, it�s okay, please, love, please, it�s okay. It�s not your fault,� Cupid forced Strife to lift his head and meet his eyes, �Strife, I love you, I�m so sorry you had to go through that. I know how much kids mean to you. Baby, I�m so sorry.�

Strife stared at Cupid in confusion, �You, you don�t hate me?�

�I could never hate you. I know you Strife. You are my cousin, my best friend, my lover, my husband and my life. I know you would never hurt a child, even a dead one, unless you were forced,� Cupid kissed Strife�s forehead, �I love you, I won�t leave you.�

Strife flung himself forward, back into Cupid�s tight embrace, �Promise?�

�I promise, love, I promise,� Cupid whispered. �Why didn�t you ever tell me?�

�Never told anyone, I couldn�t,� Strife�s breath hitched, �I tried to forget it had ever happened.�

Cupid pushed Strife�s head back down onto his shoulder. He was furious and he didn�t want Strife to see, to think he might be angry with him. He wasn�t angry with Strife, he was angry with Hades. Strife may have been dead, but that was no reason to send him to his own private Tartarus. Servicing the warriors was bad enough, most of his father�s warriors feared and disliked Strife and they would have treated him horrifically.

But to make him punish children, Cupid took a deep breath. He of all people knew what children meant to Strife, you only had to see him with Bliss to know how much he loved them, worshipped them as much as they worshipped him. Cupid was about ready to rip Hades� arm off and beat him to death with it, and that was just for starters.

�Baby, why, how could he do something like that to you?� Cupid asked quietly, �You weren�t supposed to be punished.�

Strife shook his head, �I don�t know, he never told me. I begged him, I said I�d spend the rest of eternity with the warriors if only he wouldn�t make me� Oh Gods.� His voice broke again. Cupid rocked him slowly until his breath slowed a little. �He just laughed at me, Cupe. I don�t understand, I don�t know what I did that could make him hate me so much.�

�We should tell dad,� Cupid sighed, trying to soothe his distraught husband.

�No! No, please. I don�t want anyone else to know, please,� Strife begged desperately.

�Baby, Hades hurt you badly, but none of it was your fault. You know dad would never have let that happen if he�d known. He�d want to know,� Cupid tipped Strife�s head back and stared at him intently, �But he is behind me in the queue to fucking kill Hades.�

Strife�s mouth parted in shock, finally realising that Cupid really didn�t blame him or hate him, that he wanted to kill Hades for what he�d done to him. Strife had never seen Cupid look so angry, and it was all for him, in defence of him! He started to smile, blinking away the last of the tears.

�I love you, Cupie,� he whispered, leaning forward to capture the soft lips of his lover for a sweet, tender kiss.

Cupid�s eyes closed and he kissed back just as softly, holding Strife close, stroking his hair gently. When Strife lifted his head again, he smiled, �I love you, Strife.�

Part 45

Xena looked up to see Ares and Joxer approaching the fire, hand in hand. She smiled in relief, everything was okay.

Ares felt slightly uncomfortable when all eyes turned to him and Joxer. Xena and Iolaus smiled and he surprised himself by smiling back. Autolycus just smirked. Gabrielle looked away as soon as he glared at her, but Hercules just stared.

Ares sat down and pulled Joxer into his lap, then he turned his attention back to Hercules, who was still staring. He growled quietly, but couldn�t help noticing something different about the way his brother was looking at them. No disgust or anger, no sneering, just a faint frown as if he was trying to work something out.

Joxer grinned, twisting slightly to get more comfortable in Ares� lap. He looked up at his husband, who was staring at Hercules in bemusement. Reaching up, Joxer ran his thumb gently along Ares� lower lip. Ares kissed his thumb and looked down with an inquiring smile.

�Are we going to tell them?� Joxer whispered.

Ares nodded, �When Cupid and Strife get back.�

Joxer smiled and looked at Xena, �How long have the lovebirds been gone?�

�Nearly as long as you two,� she replied with an answering smile. �So�� she raised an eyebrow.

Joxer grinned, �We�re fine, we talked.� She nodded.

�Nice new threads, Jox,� Auto commented.

�More comfortable,� Joxer snickered, �The leather was getting a little tight.�

*Daddy�s getting big.*

Ares and Joxer shared a glance and started to laugh.

*No baby, you�re getting big,* Ares said quietly. He put his hand on Joxer�s stomach, rubbing gently.

Xena stared in confusion, then turned to glance at the others who looked just as bemused.

Cupid and Strife returning prevented any further questions.

@>*~

When Ares and Joxer returned, Hercules watched them, attempting objectivity. Why was Iolaus so supportive of what was happening? Surely it was just wrong?

The biggest surprise was that Ares appeared to have forgiven Joxer, something he would have bet his life on never happening. Then the fact that they stood side by side, as equals, instead of Joxer trailing behind Ares as Hercules would have expected of the War God trying to re-establish his dominance.

He watched in confusion the gentleness with which his brother pulled Joxer into his lap and held him. They seemed to communicate almost without words and Joxer�s gentle caress to Ares� lips made Hercules yearn for his own lover�s touch.

He sighed and glanced over at Iolaus who was watching him from half shuttered eyes. Hercules smiled hesitantly and was relieved when Iolaus smiled back, although his lover made no move to join him. Sighing, Hercules turned his attention back to Ares and Joxer. Their sudden laughter had him more confused, but he suddenly found himself touched by the reverent way Ares stroked Joxer�s stomach.

@>*~

Joxer looked up at the returning couple, somewhat concerned. He could feel tension and pain radiating from the two Gods. But the way Cupid was holding the uncharacteristically subdued Strife reassured him that they were okay. When they sat by the fire, Joxer could see Strife�s red, puffy eyes and his concern grew again.

Cupid gently urged Strife into his lap and held him tightly. Joxer looked up at Ares and his husband nodded, dropping his arms so that Joxer could crawl off him and over to the couple. He was fairly sure he knew what had happened and he wanted to help.

�Cupid, Strife?� he reached out slowly and stroked Strife�s hair. Strife stared at him slightly shocked, but the touch soothed him. �It�s okay,� Joxer whispered quietly, �No one will judge you.� He shot a stern glance at Gabrielle and Hercules.

Strife was startled, �You know?�

Joxer nodded, �When I healed you, I knew.�

�You never said anything,� Strife whispered.

�It wasn�t my place to,� Joxer glanced at Cupid apologetically, relieved when the Love God nodded understandingly. �It was something you had to tell him in your own time.�

�You don�t hate me?� Strife hated the pleading note in his voice, but he couldn�t help it. Cupid�s arms tightened around him and he sighed.

�Of course not, none of it was your fault,� Joxer said quietly.

Ares frowned, �What�s wrong?�

�I�ll tell you what�s wrong,� Cupid growled.

�Cupie,� Strife said quietly, twisting round to meet his husband�s eyes. The flash of anger still surprised him slightly; thrilled him too.

�Sorry,� Cupid forced himself to stop planning Hades� murder, �Sorry, baby.�

Strife smiled gently and pulled his head down for a soft kiss. Cupid cupped his face, stroking his cheek tenderly. �Love you,� Strife whispered.

�Love you, Strife,� Cupid replied. Strife took Cupid�s hand and kissed the scar on the palm.

Joxer smiled and sat back, leaning against Ares. �Arry?�

�Yes love?� Ares replied, curious and a little worried.

�Promise me you�ll try to stay calm,� Joxer whispered.

Ares frowned, �What? Why?�

�Please, just promise me,� Joxer insisted.

�Okay, I promise, but I don�t understand,� Ares said eventually.

�You will,� Joxer sighed, �Go ahead, Strife, whenever you�re ready.�

Part 46

Strife looked round the group. Joxer and Cupid looked supportive, while Ares was staring at him in concern. The others just looked confused. He sighed. �I, uh, I told Cupie about what happened when I was in Asphodel,� he started quietly.

Ares blinked, he hadn�t been expecting that. His nephew had always refused point blank to talk about it before. It had always upset him so much that he and Eris had stopped asking him about it. That was one of the reasons he�d been so furious with Hercules when he�d brought it up before.

�Cupid told me that Hades said I wouldn�t see anyone. That was I lie, Hades forbade me any visitors,� Strife continued.

�Why? That�s ridiculous, he shouldn�t have done that, he had no right to do that!� Ares frowned, annoyed suddenly with himself for not having pushed harder to see Strife, that Strife had been alone all that time.

�Part of my punishment,� Strife replied. He closed his eyes, he wasn�t sure he could do this again. Cupid nuzzled his neck gently, trying to encourage him.

�Punishment?� Ares growled, eyes darkening angrily.

�Dad, this is hard enough for him, just let him speak,� Cupid said firmly. Ares stared at him for a moment, then nodded.

Strife took a deep breath. �I had two duties,� he laughed bitterly. �At least, that�s what Hades called them. I was the primary source of �entertainment� in the Warrior Hall.�

Joxer gasped at Ares� sudden death grip on him. Ares knew exactly what that meant, even if the others looked confused.

�But that was easy compared to my other duty. But I,� Strife blinked furiously and struggled to control his breathing, �I couldn�t help it. I was dead, Hades could compel me to do whatever he wanted. I couldn�t�� he stopped and buried his face in Cupid�s neck.

Xena looked round; Joxer was crying silently, Cupid looked as though he might break or break something and Ares looked a cross between furious and confused.

She was confused too, what could be worse that what he must have gone through with the warriors? It looked like what Strife meant by entertainment had finally dawned on the others, even Gabrielle and Hercules looked shocked and horrified.

�Baby, you want me to?� Cupid whispered. Strife nodded. Cupid sighed, Strife�s hot tears were scalding his neck. �He had to work in Tartarus,� Cupid sighed again at the confused looks and he put it as simply as Strife had, �There are children in Tartarus.�

There were blank looks until Ares surged to his feet. �I�ll fucking *kill* him!� he roared.

Joxer stood up quickly and caught his arm before he could flash away, �Ares, Arry, I think Cupid�s got that covered.�

The quiet comment startled Ares and he stared at his son, shocked by the matching fury and hate he could see in Cupid�s eyes. He nodded curtly. �You need anything, you tell me,� he hissed. Cupid smiled unpleasantly and returned the nod, even as he rocked Strife.

Ares knelt down next to his son and nephew and gently drew Strife into a hug. Strife clung to him, surprised. Ares hadn�t been this gentle with him since he was a Godling.

�It�s okay, my boy, it wasn�t your fault,� Ares whispered. He pulled back and kissed Strife�s forehead, not caring in the slightest that the others were watching.

�I don�t get it,� Gabrielle said quietly. Ares shot her a glare and she quailed slightly. �Sorry, but I don�t,� she whined.

�Hades made him torture children, Gabrielle,� Joxer explained quietly.

�And he cares?� Gabrielle snorted doubtfully. Joxer stared at her and she blanched. Joxer�s eyes flashed and he looked far more terrifying than even Ares for a moment.

�Gabrielle! Even I know Strife loves children,� Hercules frowned at her. He was taken aback by the number of surprised looks he got. Iolaus got up and walked over to him slowly. Hercules watched him apprehensively, surprised and happy when his lover bent over and hugged him, dropping a kiss on his forehead. Iolaus pulled back and gave Hercules a small smile, then he walked back to Xena and Auto and sat down again.

Hercules sighed, he�d made a step in the right direction, but it wasn�t enough. He was starting to understand what Iolaus had meant though, maybe all hope wasn�t lost.

Strife managed to stop crying and he pulled out of Ares� arms, giving his uncle a tiny smile. He settled back in Cupid�s lap.

*Daddy.* Joxer touched his stomach and smiled.

*Good idea, little one.* He glanced at Ares, who grinned and nodded.

Joxer moved closer to Cupid and Strife. �Strife?� Strife turned to face him, confused by the sweet smile. Joxer reached over and took his hand, slipping it under his shirt and pressing it against his belly.

Cupid frowned, �What are you�?� Strife�s gasp of surprise stopped him. He watched in confusion as his husband moved forward, pushing Joxer to the ground and lifting his shirt. �Strife?� Cupid squeaked, looking nervously at Ares, surprised to see his father smiling. He watched his husband lie down and place his head on Joxer�s stomach.

As soon as he�d touched Joxer, a soft giggle had filled Strife�s head, making him gasp. He hadn�t realised what he doing until he was already lying on Joxer, but the young man�s hand gently stroking his hair reassured him. He didn�t pull away as he listened to the tiny life inside Joxer telling him about all the fun they were going to have. He couldn�t help laughing along with his newest cousin. The baby filled him with happiness and renewed hope.

�Oh Joxer,� he whispered, sitting up again. He leaned over and kissed Joxer�s cheek, before reaching out to yank Cupid over. �Cupie, you gotta say hello.� Cupid looked at Joxer, then his father in confusion.

�Go ahead,� Ares whispered. Tentatively, Cupid lay his head on Joxer�s stomach.

*Big brother,* a tiny voice giggled.

�Oh,� Cupid gasped. His unborn sibling chattered away and soon Cupid was laughing and smiling too. Eventually, he lifted his head and grinned at Joxer. He held out his hand and helped Joxer sit up, before hugging him. �Thank you,� he whispered, then he hugged his father.

�Thank the baby,� Ares whispered, hugging back briefly.

Cupid sat back and pulled Strife into his arms again, �Better, baby?�

Strife nodded, �A little, yeah.�

�So, you going to explain?� Xena asked, voicing the curiosity of all the others.

Joxer smiled proudly, �The baby had a growth spurt, I�m three months pregnant now.�

�Wow,� Xena looked stunned.

�Are you okay, Joxer?� Iolaus asked. It was one thing for a man to get pregnant in the first place, but to abruptly be three months pregnant would surely be a shock to the system.

�Yeah, I�m great,� Joxer smiled.

�Are you guys sure I�m not in a different dimension?� Auto laughed, shaking his head.

�No such luck,� Xena chuckled.

�Let�s get some rest,� Ares said quietly.

�I�ll take first watch, if you like,� Autolycus offered.

�Good,� Ares nodded, �Just keep your hands to yourself.�

�Hey,� Autolycus pretended to be offended. �As if I would.�

�Oh, you would,� Xena smiled at him. Autolycus smiled back.

�Yeah, I guess. But I think I can control myself,� he chuckled.

Joxer glanced at the two contemplatively and smiled to himself. He watched the group settle for the night, Xena and Iolaus lying down either side of Autolycus, Gabrielle and Hercules curled up fairly close to each other on the far side of the fire. He smiled at Cupid, who was wrapping himself round Strife and lay down to allow Ares to do the same with him.

Part 47

Gabrielle couldn�t sleep. She�d thought the events so far had been hard. The cave had been the worst, her most terrible nightmare made flesh. And all they�d done was go on about Strife. It wasn�t like he�d stayed dead after all. She�d felt bad for Cupid being so upset, even if she didn�t understand it, but still.

The whole Ares and Joxer thing was just beyond her comprehension so she�d simply given up trying to understand why and how Joxer could possibly trust Ares enough to love him.

This whole power thing was freaking her out though, and Joxer pregnant? She�d believe that when she saw it!

But nothing changed the fact that they were getting closer, closer to what she had to face. It didn�t mean she wanted to, and the fact that she was on her own just made it harder. Oh the others were all around her, but she was alone. She glanced over at Xena and sighed. Maybe it was time to talk.

@>*~

Joxer woke first, or he thought he had until he realised that Gabrielle was awake if still wrapped up in her blanket. He�d felt her brooding most of the journey, but he knew it couldn�t be easy for her. If only she would give Xena a chance to at least talk, maybe try to build up their friendship again until she felt she could trust Xena again.

He wasn�t sure that was likely though.

A hand slipping into his pants distracted him from thinking any further about Gabrielle, or anything for that matter. Ares chuckled in his ear and he squirmed as agile fingers tickled him gently.

*Daddy!* the baby grumbled.

�I think the baby�s going to be a grouchy morning person,� Ares laughed softly, nibbling at Joxer�s ear.

�Doesn�t get it from me,� Joxer mumbled, pushing his hips back hopefully against Ares� morning erection. Ares groaned against his neck, but pulled away as the others began to stir. After yesterday, having sex right in front of the others was not appropriate. Besides, unfortunately, they had to get going again, and soon.

�Sorry, love, later if there�s any justice in this world,� Ares turned Joxer over for a long, deep kiss, then they both sat up.

Cupid and Strife were the last to emerge from their blankets, and they only got up then because they were threatened with being left behind. They trailed behind the rest, munching quietly on some bread and meat Joxer had saved for them. They were very quiet, but that was understandable.

It must have been so hard for Strife to bear that terrible secret on his own for so long. Joxer had to wonder why Hades hated Strife so much. From what he�d seen from Strife, the Mischief God had no idea either.

Hopefully, with Cupid and Bliss, Strife would be able to get over it at least a little. He was going to make a great dad to Bliss, it was a shame he couldn�t have kids of his own, restore that part of his soul a little. Of course, Joxer supposed nothing was stopping Strife from having a child with a Goddess, but he just didn�t see it happening. Strife would want any child of his to be Cupid�s too.

An exasperated sigh made him pause in his thoughts. *What is it, baby?*

*Why can�t Strife and Cupid have a baby together?*

*Uh, baby, Gods just don�t get pregnant, honey.*

*Why not, you did?*

*Uh, yes, that�s true.*

*Well then.*

*But sweetie, I don�t even know how that happened,* Joxer sighed.

*But I do, daddy,* the baby chuckled.

�It�s a good idea,� Ares murmured.

�You heard?� Joxer asked.

�Yeah,� Ares smiled, �I think it might be what Strife needs. It�s worth asking them.�

�Yeah, okay, when we take a break?� Joxer wrapped an arm round Ares� waist. Ares nodded and squeezed him carefully.

@>*~

�You�re very quiet, baby,� Cupid commented. Strife sighed and nodded, easing himself closer to his lover.

�Just thinking,� Strife said quietly.

�Want to share?� Cupid asked, gently hugging Strife.

�I just, I,� he sighed and tried again, �I was thinking about Bliss.�

�You�re not worried are you? You know he loves you,� Cupid looked at Strife in concern.

�Yeah,� Strife smiled at the thought of his little cousin, stepson now. �You know he knew I was in love with you?�

�He did? Cheeky little monkey!� Cupid shook his head wonderingly.

�Yeah, told me to look after you,� Strife sighed and leaned into Cupid, �What am I going to tell him, Cupie? He�ll have to know, when he�s older, what I did.�

�What Hades did to *you*,� Cupid corrected him firmly, �Won�t stop him from loving you. You�re going to make a great dad, you know.�

Strife scrunched up his face in an effort not to start crying again and keep his eyes open at the same time. �I don�t.�

�Don�t what, baby?� Cupid stopped them and turned to face his husband.

�I don�t know that,� Strife met Cupid�s eyes with difficulty.

�Well, I do,� Cupid said quietly in a tone that brooked no arguments, �I only wish we could have one or a dozen of our own.� Strife blinked at him, lips twitching slightly. �Go on, I know there�s a smile in there somewhere,� Cupid smiled himself.

Strife shook his head and sighed, letting the smile spread across his face. �A dozen? If we ever have that many, you�d better be the one carrying them,� he chuckled.

Cupid breathed out a small sigh of relief that Strife could make a joke. �You know I would. Although, I kinda like the idea of you banged up with our kid.�

Strife�s eyes flashed with humour and lust, �Really?� He pulled Cupid close, and slipped his husband�s hand under his shirt onto his stomach. �We�ll need a lot of practice, wanna play?� Cupid groaned and moved closer, leaning forward to kiss Strife.

�Boys, you�re going to get left behind.� They jumped apart and Cupid glared at his father. Ares chuckled, �Come on, if Joxer has anything to do with it, we�ll be making a pit stop soon.�

�Good,� Strife sighed. He needed the reassurance of Cupid�s touch as well as his words. He grabbed Cupid�s hand and they followed Ares to catch up with the others.

Part 48

�Jox?�

�Hmm?� Joxer glanced at his husband distractedly.

�We�re getting close, aren�t we?� Ares asked, slightly concerned at Joxer�s introverted mood.

�Yeah, I think so. I think another break before we get too close might be in order. Just to, you know, settle everything,� Joxer said quietly.

�Yeah,� Ares nodded, his emotions a mixture of despondency and anticipation. Joxer slipped his arm round his waist and squeezed gently.

@>*~

Gabrielle watched Xena with Autolycus. The pair were talking and laughing easily and Gabrielle was annoyed. Xena shouldn�t be so cheerful, she was the one in the wrong! And Gabrielle was the one facing past demons, she was the one in need of comfort. Yes, okay, so she had rejected all of Xena�s attempts to talk, but she should have expected that. Gabrielle was the one who�d been betrayed! Anger built up inside her as they walked.

@>*~

Hercules was walking silently beside Gabrielle, mostly ignoring her as he contemplated Ares, Joxer and Iolaus, everything really. He was starting to understand what Iolaus had meant, at least he thought so.

He was never going to trust Ares; in fact, he was sure that after this was all done, Ares would go back to his usual mode of operation. But for now, Hercules had finally accepted that Ares could and did love Joxer and his family, and that he was, in this case, working for the good of Greece, even the world.

It was a strange feeling, having to sort of trust his brother. His whole life they�d fought, Ares had tried to kill him, probably still would given the chance. Hercules snorted, drawing attention from Iolaus.

Iolaus dropped back to walk with his lover, wondering if Hercules understood what he�d meant. His comment about Strife had been a good sign. What the Mischief God had been through, Iolaus sighed, he wondered how he�d survived. Probably his love for Cupid. Iolaus glanced back at the silent couple trailing behind them, the two Gods wrapped in each others� arms. He smiled at them and they smiled back.

�I think�� Hercules started. Iolaus turned his attention back to his lover expectantly. �I think,� Hercules repeated, �That I�m starting to understand what you meant.�

Iolaus raised an eyebrow, �Really?�

Hercules nodded, �Yeah. Ares really does love him. I can never really trust him though, you know that.�

Iolaus nodded and smiled, �I know, I don�t expect you to.�

Hercules glanced at him hopefully and Iolaus sighed. He loved Hercules, stepping back had been the hardest thing he�d ever done, and he couldn�t resist any longer. He slipped his arm round Hercules� shoulders and hugged him.

�I love you, Iolaus,� Hercules sighed happily.

�I love you too, Herc, I love you too,� Iolaus smiled.

@>*~

Xena and Autolycus chatted about inconsequential things, but she was intensely curious about the new side of him he�d almost revealed to her. But she guessed that if she broached the subject, he was likely to clam up.

Glancing back, she sighed at the expression on Gabrielle�s face. She looked pissed off.

�Are you two going to be okay?� Autolycus asked her, noticing her change of mood.

Xena shrugged, �I really don�t know. I don�t know if she will be able to accept all of what I am. I� I love my father, despite what he can be like, but it�s not all he is, you know? I don�t know if she�ll ever be able to see that.�

�Yeah, I know. You�ve got to admit, seeing Ares like this is somewhat of a shock,� Autolycus commented, �If I hadn�t seen him with Strife last night, I�d never have believed it.�

�I know. Most of his attitude towards Strife, Cupid, Eris and Dite in public is an act. Oh yeah, I�m not saying he�s not a temperamental, selfish bastard� just he isn�t always,� Xena smiled ruefully. �I mean, you know what he did to Eris when he was pissed with Hercules.� Autolycus nodded.

�True, although I do think being with Joxer has changed him a little,� he agreed.

Xena smiled, �Yeah, love will do that to you.�

�Yeah,� Autolycus sighed, for a second lost in the past.

�I take it love changed you,� Xena said quietly.

Auto snorted, �You could say that.�

�She really did a number on you, didn�t she?� Xena asked gently.

Autolycus grimaced, �I guess he did.�

�He?� Xena was surprised.

�Yeah, he. I� I thought we were enough for each other I guess. Damn, I would have followed him anywhere, done anything�� Autolycus trailed off. What was he doing?

�It�s okay, Auto, you don�t have to talk about it,� Xena smiled at him sympathetically.

�I know. I never have talked about it,� Autolycus shrugged helplessly, �Maybe, maybe I should.�

Xena stayed quiet, happy to listen if he wanted to continue or just offer sympathy if he didn�t.

�We talked a lot, about travelling together, all over, just ways to always be together. I didn�t expect him to give up what he was, what he did. I was happy to carry on doing my thing, while he did his, but together you know?� he glanced at Xena who nodded, �But, one day I woke up and he was gone. No explanation, no word, just gone,� Autolycus sighed. �When I found him again, he was shacked up with some woman, acted like he didn�t even know me.� He blinked away tears at the memory.

�Who?� Xena asked when Autolycus stayed silent.

He sighed again. �Jett,� he whispered.

�Oh,� Xena couldn�t quite manage anything coherent, she was so shocked.

Autolycus snorted derisively at himself. �Yeah, oh. Got my heart broken by the King of Assassins, should have seen it coming.�

�No,� Xena shook her head, �You shouldn�t. You were in love, you never see it.�

Autolycus stared at her and nodded. �Yeah, I guess you�re right. Anyway, I threw myself into what I was best at, stealing and womanising. So there you go.�

�That�s not all you are, Auto,� Xena said quietly.

Autolycus managed a smile, �Thanks.�

Part 49

�Hope we stop soon,� Strife whispered, tipping his head slightly to nuzzle Cupid�s neck.

�Me too, baby,� Cupid sighed, �I want you, before��

�Yeah,� Strife stopped and pulled his husband round for a soft kiss. Cupid kissed him back with a hint of desperation. �Shh, lover, it�s going to be okay,� Strife whispered, stroking Cupid�s cheek.

�Hope so, we have things to do,� Cupid�s voice hardened.

�Hey, don�t you even think about going after Hades on your own, you got me?!� Strife said insistently.

Cupid sighed, �Okay, but he *will* pay, baby, he�s not getting away with what he did to you.�

Strife couldn�t help smiling, he really liked this protective streak of Cupid�s. �Later, Cupe,� he cupped Cupid�s face and pulled him close for a fierce kiss. Cupid gripped the back of his head tightly and nipped at his mouth. Strife moaned and parted his lips for Cupid�s tongue, accepting it happily, sucking and licking back. He wrapped his arms round Cupid and stroked his back.

Strife pulled his head back. �Hey, Cupe, your wings are growing back!� He smiled in delight.

Cupid chuckled, �Yeah, I know. They itch like a bitch.�

Strife giggled. They took each others� hands and started to walk again, hurrying to catch up with the others.

@>*~

*Bad, close.*

*I know, honey, I feel it,* Joxer replied with a sigh.

�Time to stop?� Ares glanced at Joxer.

�Yeah, we�re close,� Joxer replied. Ares nodded.

He looked round for a suitable place to stop and then led them off the path to a clearing. The others followed in relief.

�How far?� Xena asked as she sat down next to Autolycus.

�Not far enough,� Joxer replied with a grimace. His head ached a little with the blackness that was increasing in strength as they got closer. Ares pulled him down between his legs and rubbed his head gently. Joxer sighed happily and leaned back against his husband.

�Okay, this is it, last chance to do or say what you need before battle,� Ares announced. He glanced at Cupid and Strife who were about to slip away. �Boys, before you go, Joxer and I need to talk to you.� The couple looked surprised, but walked over to join them.

@>*~

Hercules and Iolaus sat against a tree and held each other, oblivious of the others.

Gabrielle stalked over to Xena and Autolycus angrily. �Xena, I want to talk to you,� she glared at Autolycus, �In private.�

Xena stood up and nodded, feeling slightly nervous. She followed her ex-lover out of the clearing. Autolycus watched them with a small frown. He had a feeling things were not going to resolve themselves between the two women and he felt for Xena.

@>*~

�S�up, unc, Jox?� Strife asked curiously.

�Well,� Ares started, he felt a little awkward. �We wanted to ask you something, well, tell you something.� Cupid and Strife looked confused and Joxer chuckled. �Oh, you tell them,� Ares said in frustration.

Joxer nodded, �Have you two talked about kids?�

Strife raised an eyebrow, �Well yeah, but it�s pointless cos we can�t have any. And I don�t want any that aren�t Cupe�s so�� he shrugged.

�But if you could, would you?� Joxer asked.

Strife glanced at Cupid, who smiled. �Yeah,� he whispered with a shy smile of his own. Then he frowned. �But we can�t, so why bring it up?� he snapped, a little hurt.

�Strife,� Joxer leaned over and patted his arm gently. �I wouldn�t ask, but well, it *is* possible.�

Strife and Cupid exchanged a glance. �What? How?� Cupid asked.

�I don�t know for sure, but the baby seems to think that we can help you to, well, get pregnant, like me,� Joxer said quietly.

�Really?� Strife gasped.

Joxer nodded, �But it�s something we have to do now, I don�t know what will happen after this, and after the baby is born.�

�Oh,� Strife breathed out heavily. �Cupe?�

Cupid wrapped his arms round Strife. �I�d love to have a baby with you,� he whispered. �As long as you�re sure.�

Strife grinned and buried his face in Cupid�s neck. He nodded. �Always wanted a kid of my own,� he mumbled against Cupid�s skin. Cupid hugged him.

�How?� he asked Joxer.

Joxer licked his lips and let instinct take over. �Hold hands,� he said. He took Cupid�s and Strife�s entwined hands between his own and felt energy begin to flow into the couple. �Ares,� he whispered. His husband shifted behind him again and put his hands on his hips, helping to ground him and feeding him energy. There was a flash and Strife fell back against Cupid. They stared at each other.

�Damn!� Strife exclaimed. Overwhelmed with need for his husband, he leapt to his feet. �Cupie!� he said urgently. Cupid stood hurriedly and picked Strife up, carrying him out of the clearing.

Joxer leaned back against Ares with a happy sigh.

*Worked.* A happy little voice said with glee, *Nephew coming.*

*Nephew?* Ares grinned.

*Yeah daddy, they�re going to have a boy.*

*Oh good.* Joxer sighed. �It�ll be good for Strife.� Ares nodded.

�Uh, Jox?� Iolaus was staring at them, �What just happened?�

Joxer smiled, �The birds and the bees, Iolaus.�

Iolaus blinked for a second, then he laughed, �Really?!�

�What? I don�t get it,� Hercules looked round at his lover.

�They�re going to make babies,� Iolaus laughed.

�Oh,� Hercules frowned in confusion, �But Gods can�t��

�Neither can Joxer, but he is,� Ares raised an eyebrow, waiting expectantly for Hercules� reaction, his temper on a knife edge. Joxer and Iolaus held their breaths.

�Oh okay.� Hercules grinned suddenly, �Who�s going to be mom?� Iolaus snorted and Ares gaped at his brother in shock.

�Oh Gods, we didn�t ask them who would carry the child,� Joxer said suddenly aghast.

�I don�t think it matters to them, love,� Ares said reassuringly.

*Strifey, make him feel better,* the baby chuckled.

�Oh dear Gods,� Ares groaned, �A pregnant Mischief God. Maybe we were a bit hasty.�

Joxer slapped his arm, �Don�t be silly.�

Part 50

�Hey!� Ares mock growled, rolling Joxer onto the ground and pinning him down. Joxer giggled and wrapped his legs round Ares to pull him down. Ares grinned and dipped his head to claim his husband�s smiling mouth with a deep kiss.

�Uh, you guys want some privacy?� Autolycus chuckled. Ares looked up and glared at him, but the rest of the clearing was suddenly cut off as Joxer waved a hand and raised a shield around them. Ares looked back down at Joxer with a predatory grin.

�Kiss me,� Joxer whispered huskily.

�With pleasure,� Ares growled. Their mouths met almost violently and Ares plunged his tongue between soft, acquiescent lips. Joxer moaned and wrapped himself round his husband�s larger body, thrusting his hips up.

*Honey,* Joxer whispered.

*I know, sleep,* the baby chuckled.

�Mmm,� Joxer muttered into Ares� mouth. Ares laughed and lifted his head to stare down at his husband. Their eyes locked as they rocked together, and Ares gasped when their clothes disappeared and his cock slid against Joxer�s.

�I think I like you having powers,� he panted, thrusting harder against Joxer.

Joxer grinned, �Yeah?�

�Yeah, I forgot about� the clothes,� Ares breathed out. Joxer laughed, then groaned when Ares leaned down to suck at his neck. �Joxer?�

�Mmm?� Joxer slid his hands down Ares� back to grasp his ass, pulling him closer.

�I want you.�

�You�ve� got me,� Joxer panted.

�No, I mean,� Ares stopped moving suddenly and lifted his head to stare down at his husband. �I want� I want you inside me.� Joxer�s eyes widened in surprise. �I�ve never�� Ares continued, �And I want to, with you, in case,� he stopped, uncomfortably aware that he was babbling.

Joxer reached up to cup Ares� face. �Nothing�s going to happen,� he said quietly.

�I know, but I want to have this, with you, Joxer,� Ares whispered, �I�ve never trusted anyone enough, never loved anyone like I do you.�

�Oh, Arry,� Joxer breathed, overwhelmed. He pulled his husband down for a heart-stopping kiss. Then he shifted his weight and flipped them over, pushing Ares� arms back. �I love you,� he whispered.

Ares stared up at him and smiled, �Make love to me.�

Joxer gently started to rock against Ares� strong body again and he leaned down for a soft kiss. Relinquishing Ares� arms, Joxer slowly moved down his husband�s body, steadily exploring every inch of skin with fingers and mouth. Ares moaned, writhing helplessly as he gave himself completely to Joxer�s control.

Joxer softly tongued Ares� nipples into hard peaks, his hands skimming lightly down to his hips, holding him still. Ares groaned a complaint, but Joxer nipped at his ribs and he quietened. Joxer was still slightly awed at his husband�s trust in him, that he was going to be the first, and only! One to have this gift.

He shifted further down and nuzzled the rigid length of Ares� cock, before bypassing it altogether, to taste his balls. Letting go of Ares� hips, Joxer pushed his husband�s legs back and apart. He wanted to give Ares as much pleasure as his husband had given him. He let his tongue trail down, firmly licking the soft skin under Ares� heavy balls.

Ares moaned again and tilted his hips up, wanting, needing to feel Joxer�s touch. Joxer took the hint and slid his tongue over Ares� asshole, delighted at the whimper from his husband.

�Oh Gods,� Ares gasped. He hadn�t realised quite how good it felt. The cool, wet tongue of his lover pressed against the entrance to his body and Ares spread his legs wider. Joxer reached up to wrap his hand round Ares� shaft and Ares jerked at the ripple of pleasure.

As Joxer�s tongue pushed inside him, the slim fingers started to stroke his cock and he struggled to stay still, not to dislodge the welcome invader. Joxer stroked Ares� hip gently with his other hand, soothing his writhing husband.

�Gods, Joxer, more,� Ares gasped. He wanted to feel more, but the combined assault of hand and tongue already had him close to the edge. Joxer thrust his tongue deeper into Ares� body, wriggling around to loosen the tight muscle. His grip tightened on Ares� shaft as he felt the tension building in his husband�s body. Then he pulled back and sucked his fingers.

Ares didn�t have time to complain before two fingers pushed into him and his lover�s mouth replaced his hand round his cock.

�Oh fuuuck!� Ares groaned. The fingers crooked inside him, brushing over the sensitive spot as he was sucked deep into Joxer�s mouth. Pleasure tore through him and his hips jerked up and he shot his release down Joxer�s throat with a shout of completion.

As he struggled to recover, Joxer continued to lick his softening cock and another finger wriggled into his body, stretching him, brushing over his sweet spot to send aftershocks of pleasure through his body.

His hole suddenly slick with oil, Ares glanced down at Joxer, shuddering again at the dark lust in his husband�s eyes. �Joxer,� he whispered.

Joxer smiled and slid up the length of Ares� body, gently withdrawing his fingers. Their lips met in a soft kiss and Ares reached between them to grasp Joxer�s cock. Joxer sighed, he was aching with need but still a little nervous. Ares pushed Joxer�s erection down between his buttocks and against the entrance to his body.

�In me,� he whispered.

Joxer groaned and pushed slowly. He wasn�t prepared for the tight heat and he gritted his teeth, struggling for control. �Gods, Arry,� he panted.

�Please,� Ares breathed. He relaxed against the pain, groaning as it changed to a sense of completion. Joxer sank deeper inside him and Ares sighed happily. He�d never guessed it could be this good, but then he doubted it would have been with anyone else. Joxer dropped his head onto Ares� shoulder and slowly pulled back a little before pushing in deeper.

�I don�t think I can�� Joxer started.

�Do it, love, want it,� Ares whispered. He wrapped his legs round Joxer�s slim hips, moaning as the change in angle put more pressure on his pleasure spot. Sighing in relief, Joxer released his weakening control and started thrusting strongly into his husband�s body.

�You feel� so good,� he panted. Ares grunted his agreement, clutching at Joxer�s hips to urge him on, harder and faster. His cock hardened again with the friction of their sweaty stomachs and Ares thrust up urgently.

Joxer pounded against his sweet spot and Ares moaned, �Oh yes, Gods, there, yes.� He clenched his ass against Joxer�s cock and his husband whimpered.

�Gods, Arry, so good, can�t�� Joxer gasped.

�Come, come in me, want to feel it,� Ares breathed in encouragement. He could feel his own orgasm building, heat growing in his groin, but he wanted to feel Joxer�s release before he was lost in his own. Ares squeezed Joxer�s cock again. His husband jerked against him, shouting his name and he watched Joxer�s face in awe. Wet heat filled him and Joxer collapsed on top of him. Ares wrapped his arms round his husband and thrust up frantically.

�Gods,� he groaned. His second climax exploded between them and his head dropped back. Joxer shuddered, Ares� ass rippled around his still half hard shaft, milking the last of his seed from him with a last pleasurable shock. Ares� arms wrapped round him, a hand stroking his sweaty neck gently.

�Love you, Arry,� Joxer whispered.

�Love you too,� Ares sighed, rubbing his cheek against his husband�s hair. �Baby okay?� he mumbled.

�Yeah,� Joxer kissed the soft, hairy skin under his mouth. �You okay?�

Ares smiled, �Very okay.�

Joxer lifted his head and smiled back. �Don�t want to move.�

�Don�t have to,� Ares whispered, �Not yet.� Joxer sighed and lay his head on Ares� chest again.

*Can I wake up now?*

Joxer and Ares looked at each other again and started to laugh.

�Baby�s going to be a handful,� Ares chuckled.

�Mmm, takes after you,� Joxer grinned. He rubbed his face against Ares� chest, then with a reluctant sigh, pushed himself up, sliding out of Ares� body.

Ares pouted, but sat up, �Back to reality, huh?�

�Yeah, I guess, world to save and all that,� Joxer sighed.

�Dahak doesn�t stand a chance against you, love,� Ares grinned.

�Against us,� Joxer corrected him.

�Yeah,� Ares leaned over and kissed Joxer hard.

Joxer was shocked to feel his cock twitch and he pulled back. �We�ll never get back to reality if you keep that up.�

�Good,� Ares leered at him.

�Arry,� Joxer chuckled and shook his head.

�Yeah, I know,� Ares sighed and waved his hand to clean and dress them. They shared a lingering kiss before settling in each others� arms and Joxer removed the shield.