Title: Surprise Author: Hergerbabe Fandom: Xena Pairing: Ares/Joxer, Cupid/Strife, Eris/Auto, other m/m discussed Rating: R Category: angst, romance Archive: AJCS, Druid Series/Sequel: Part of the Life Sucks Series, set after Life Sucks and Coming Out Disclaimer: Nope they�re still not mine, which totally sucks! Dedicated to Kevin Smith Surprise Joxer hummed happily to himself as he pushed the cart round the fresh produce section. He stopped suddenly and looked over to his left. Strawberries! Oh, he had to get strawberries. Joxer�s face lit up in a mischievous grin as he remembered the last time he and Ares had had strawberries. Plus he knew how much Cupid and Strife had, uh, enjoyed them. Chuckling, he picked up a large pack and checked them, taking an appreciative sniff. �Gonna have to get whipped cream now,� he muttered with a chuckle. He continued to hum as he moved slowly around the store, picking up the basics as well as a few treats, various things that he knew members of his and his boyfriend�s extended family would appreciate. He felt a bit silly doing this. It was his birthday, but he hadn�t told anyone, he wanted to make it a surprise for them, a thank you of sorts for accepting him into their lives. He hadn�t even told Ares, although he suspected his lover had already dug up that information from somewhere. But Joxer was pretty sure Ares hadn�t arranged anything like a party for him, rightly knowing that Joxer wouldn�t like that. No, Joxer wouldn�t like to have a party sprung on him at all, but it wasn�t stopping him from arranging his own. Joxer chuckled again and headed for the bakery. �Hmm, chocolate or vanilla sponge,� Joxer pondered, �Or maybe a tart.� He sighed, the selection of cakes was huge. �Ares likes chocolate.� A voice whispered in his ear. Joxer stiffened and straightened up. �Yes, th-thank you, I know,� he said coldly, wincing at his stammer. He picked up a large double chocolate cake that he�d pretty much decided on anyway. �I was c-considering the rest of our family�s p-preferences too.� Moving away from the bakery, Joxer had to grit his teeth when Apollo followed him. �Family?� Apollo laughed, �You really think you are included in that family?! A little weirdo like you! I don�t know what you think you�ve got going with Ares, but it won�t last,� Apollo smirked, �He needs a real man, like me.� The last words were practically purred. �Really?� Joxer said quietly. He somehow managed to keep a quiver out of his voice. His heart was pounding and his chest hurt from controlling his breathing. While he knew Apollo was taunting him and nothing he was saying was true, it still niggled at his confidence. He cleared his throat, suddenly angry with the arrogant man who�d hurt his lover. �Which is why he l-laid you out when you t-tried to kiss him?� Apollo�s face tightened unattractively in anger. �Not before I felt how much he wanted me,� he spat. Joxer�s eyes widened, �G-get away from me, before *I* h-hit you.� Only years of hiding his distress from his father was keeping him under control now. Apollo laughed again, �While I�d like to see you try, I have people to see.� He sauntered off leaving Joxer seething and feeling nauseous behind him. His happy mood now completely shattered, Joxer moved quickly round the store to finish off the shopping and get out of there. Talk about bad timing! He�d known for a while that he and Ares were going to have to have a proper talk about Apollo one day, but he�d been reluctant to broach the subject. Now he�d been confronted by the situation face to face, Joxer knew that he couldn�t get past it completely until they did. �Why today?� he groaned as he sat in the car, staring out of the window. The passenger door opened and he jumped. �Hey bud!� �Strife! You scared me, man,� Joxer shook his head at his friend. Strife snickered, �That was the plan, dude. So Jox, whatcha doin�, huh?� Joxer blinked innocently, �Just shopping.� �Yuh huh, and since when did that take you over an hour?� Strife raised an eyebrow. Joxer sighed, �It was supposed to be a surprise.� �Hmmm, and you really thought *I* wouldn�t notice you acting funny?� Strife shook his head disbelievingly. �So anyway, what was the surprise?� �I thought I�d turn video night into a bit of a party, to say thanks you know? It�s kinda my birthday, but I wanted to do something for you guys,� Joxer explained. �Aw, dude!� Strife stared at him, �You didn�t have to do anything like that. Ya should have told us! Me an� Cupe ain�t gotcha nothin�.� �Strife, you have no idea what you, Cupe, Auto and Ris have given me,� Joxer�s mouth lifted in a half smile. Strife shook his head again and chuckled, �And Res?� Joxer smiled, �That goes without saying. You�ve got Cupe, you know.� �Yeah I do,� Strife sighed happily, �If I could marry him, I would, ya know, especially after his folks�� he trailed off. �Yeah, that sucks. But he�s got you, and us too,� Joxer patted Strife�s shoulder. �Yeah,� Strife grinned at him, �You gonna give me a lift home? When you�re done moping. You okay by the way?� Joxer shrugged, �Kinda yeah, we�ll see later.� Strife blinked but kept quiet. @>*~ Joxer accepted Strife�s offer of help thankfully, there were a lot more bags than he�d realised. �Watch that one, or we�ll have squashed cake,� he warned Strife. Strife�s eyes lit up, �Cake? What kind of cake?� Joxer laughed, �Chocolate, of course.� �Aw, dude, you are the best!� Strife bounced happily into the kitchen with the groceries. Joxer carried on laughing as he followed his friend into the house. �So, now you know, you going to help me out?� Joxer asked. �Sure, what do ya need doing?� Strife asked. Joxer snickered, �Well, I reckon you�d be good at blowing up balloons.� �Hey!� Strife tried to look offended, �Are you referring to Res� comment about hot air last night?� Joxer just snickered louder. Strife made a rude noise, �Well, Cupe has nothing but good things to say about my blowing skills!� Strife looked at Joxer and Joxer looked back at Strife, and they both collapsed laughing. When they�d recovered somewhat, or could at least look at each other without collapsing again, they started sorting out the food. �I take it this is a party of six, like usual?� Strife asked. �Yeah, but remind me to save some cake, Res is taking me to see Jett tomorrow,� Joxer said earnestly. Strife nodded. �Hey, how come you�re not with Cupe? I made sure you guys would all be out this morning.� �Aha, but that was my cunning plan, to find out what you were up to, you see,� Strife laughed. Joxer stiffened briefly, wondering if his friend had seen Apollo. But then there was no real reason not to say anything if he had. Unless of course Strife was hoping *he* hadn�t seen Apollo and didn�t want to upset him by saying anything. He forced himself to relax and laugh, he�d seen the way Strife had reacted to Apollo, he hated the guy. Joxer felt silly worrying. �Hey, what about Jace? Any news yet?� Strife asked with a grin. �Yeah,� Joxer sighed in satisfaction, �He�s been transferred and he�s going to be reassessed. I just hope all that time in an institution hasn�t *made* him mad.� Strife nodded, �Naw, if he�s anything like you, he�ll be cool.� Joxer blushed, �Thanks, Strife.� Strife winked at him and Joxer chuckled. �How you managed to convince Res to go somewhere without you, I�ll never know,� Strife commented in between balloons. Joxer smiled shyly, �He�s getting over the over protective streak just a little, especially now school�s finished. Besides, he did need to get his bike fixed, hasn�t been the same since�� Joxer trailed off and closed his eyes, the horror he�d felt when he�d found out his father had run Ares off the road still tangible. The thought of losing Ares, unbearable. �Hey, Jox, come on, it�s okay,� Strife hurried over and wrapped his arms round Joxer. Joxer clung on tightly, willing his tears away. It was ridiculous to still be so affected by what his father had put them through, he was gone now and he was never coming back. All that was over. Maybe seeing Apollo had affected him more than he thought. �What�s going on?� Joxer didn�t need to look up to know who it was, and he felt himself transferred from Strife�s arms to his lover�s. Ares hugged him tightly. �Love?� Joxer looked up at the concern in Ares� voice. �I�m okay Res, really, just bad memories,� he whispered. Ares leaned down to kiss him gently, �You want to talk about it?� �Not these ones, no,� Joxer answered quietly. He saw the look of confusion on Ares� face and sighed, �Later, Res, okay?� Ares chewed his lip, then nodded. �What are you up to then?� Ares asked, looking at the room. �Jox�s birthday party,� Strife explained. �Oh, I didn�t think you�d want a party, babe, that�s why I didn�t�� Joxer placed a finger on Ares� lips and smiled, �And you thought right, but this is more for all you guys than me, just a thank you.� Ares looked bemused, �Why, love? Not that I don�t appreciate it.� �For being here for me, being my friends, for all this,� Joxer indicated the room, then he leaned forward and looked up at Ares, �And for you loving me,� he whispered. Ares smiled and closed the gap for another kiss. Joxer kissed back briefly, then he pulled away and dropped his head onto Ares� chest with a sigh. �Jox?� Joxer lifted his head and gave Ares a weak smile, �I�m okay Ares, really.� Ares shook his head, �No, no you�re not okay, love. What�s wrong, please?� Joxer just shook his head again and buried his face in Ares� neck. �Uh, guys, look, I can do this, why don�t you go and talk?� Strife suggested. Joxer nodded against Ares� neck and Ares smiled gratefully at Strife. He picked up his lover and carried him to their room. @>*~ Joxer let Ares lie him on the bed and waited for his lover to spoon up behind him. He snuggled back with a sigh. �Joxer, you�re starting to worry me,� Ares whispered. �Sorry, it�s just� I was putting this off, maybe I shouldn�t have, but then today�� he stopped and sighed again. �You�re not making much sense, love, putting what off?� Ares asked, his tone one of complete worry. �I saw Apollo at the store,� Joxer whispered, tensing in anticipation of Ares� response. �Shit!� Ares sat up and rolled him onto his back, �What did he do, are you okay?� �Shh, Res, he didn�t do anything. He tried to upset me,� Joxer was interrupted abruptly. �What did he say?! I�ll kill him, the bastard,� Ares growled. �Res!� Joxer snapped. Ares blinked at him and raised his eyebrows. �This is part of the problem. We never talked about him, not really. Why do you react *so* badly whenever he�s mentioned?� Joxer watched in concern as the colour drained from his lover�s face and Ares looked away. �Please, Ares, I need to know so I can get past this, so *we* can get past this. So I don�t have a moment of doubt when he says you wanted him before you hit him at the cinema that time,� Joxer said quietly. Ares looked at him sharply, �How can you doubt�?� Joxer shrugged, �Because I don�t know enough about your past with him.� �Oh God, Jox, I don�t know, I don�t think�� Joxer blinked in shock then hurriedly wrapped his boyfriend in his arms. Ares was close to tears and that scared him, he�d never seen his lover look so distressed. �God, Res, what happened with him? What did he do to you?� Ares lay back on the bed and closed his eyes. He waited for Joxer to cuddle up next to him, and wrapped an arm round his slim lover, needing to anchor himself. �I was sixteen, cocky, a bit full of myself. But nervous, really nervous. I hadn�t been comfortable with being gay for very long, but Ris and Strife had helped with that. Apollo was my first real crush; but he was so much older, had his pick of guys. I didn�t think I stood a chance, you know?� Joxer nodded, �Yeah, I know.� Ares smiled softly and kissed Joxer�s temple. �When he started showing an interest, I was thrilled. And determined. Determined that I wouldn�t do anything to mess it up. I thought, I thought the first time would be amazing, special, like it was with us, but�� Ares stopped. �Res?� Joxer lifted his head to stare down at his boyfriend in concern. The haunted pain in Ares� eyes hurt him. �We don�t have to�� �No, I do,� Ares interrupted him quietly. �Joxer, I don�t want him to think he can manipulate you like he tried today. He�s a bastard. I don�t know why he thinks he stands any kind of a chance, maybe he just wants to hurt me more.� �Why?� Joxer frowned in confusion. �Because he�s a bastard,� Ares repeated. �Joxer, he used me. Every time we were together he hurt me, physically, mentally. He hurt me badly and he didn�t care.� Joxer buried his face in Ares� neck so he couldn�t see his face, he wasn�t sure he could let Ares continue if he had to see the hurt in his lover�s eyes. �He used my insecurities, my need to have someone, to make me think I was doing everything wrong, that I was the problem and he was the one having to make allowances and being hurt.� �Jesus, Ares,� Joxer squeezed his eyes shut against the tears that threatened and held Ares tighter. �Strife got suspicious, it was when he and Cupid were just starting out. I couldn�t understand their relationship at all. They were so caring and tender with each other, right from the start. We walked in on them having sex. It was so different from what I�d experienced, so beautiful, I knew something was wrong. Strife confronted me, forced me to tell him what was going on. �He made me realise that things really were wrong, that I shouldn�t be getting hurt like that.� Ares shifted round, pulling Joxer closer. Joxer clung to him tightly, crying silently. �It was when we confronted Apollo that I found out I�d been nothing more than a casual fuck. He had a regular lover, probably others on the side too,� Ares sighed again. �It took me a long time to really get over that. Not that he�d broken my heart, just being able to trust someone, to want to be with someone again. I knew I wanted what Cupid and Strife have. I didn�t think that could ever happen, until�� Joxer lifted his head again and Ares reached up to gently wipe away the tears trickling down his cheeks. �It�s okay, Joxer,� Ares whispered, �I got my happy ending. You�re my happy ending.� Joxer smiled tremulously, �Oh, Res, I�m so sorry.� Ares pulled him down for a soft kiss. �It�s okay, Joxer,� he repeated. �Is that why you were so careful with me?� Joxer asked quietly. Ares nodded, �I knew how easy it is to be manipulated into things you�re not ready for. I couldn�t risk hurting you.� �You could never have done that, Ares,� Joxer said firmly. He snuggled back down into Ares� arms. �You know that every moment we�ve had together have been the best of my life. I love you.� Joxer felt the sigh and slight trembling of his lover and looked up again, �I mean it, Ares.� Ares finally smiled at him, �I know. I love you too.� Joxer nodded and leaned up to kiss him. They held each other quietly, Joxer�s mind racing. He was devastated that Ares had had such a terrible experience and very glad Strife had been there for his lover. But he was also a little relieved that Apollo had no hold over his lover. There was no shadow hanging over his heart anymore and he felt truly happy and complete. �So, we�re okay?� Ares asked suddenly. �Of course we are, Res,� Joxer replied, �I�m just sorry my own insecurity made me bring this all up.� �No, it was important to you, to us both,� Ares said quietly, �He�s gone now, completely. It�s just you and me.� �Always.� Joxer pulled out of Ares� arms and sat up. He twisted round and smiled down at his lover. Ares sat up and caressed his cheek gently, pulling him forward for a deep, possessive kiss. �Always,� he whispered against Joxer�s lips. �You ready to go back and help, Strife?� Joxer asked quietly. He didn�t really want to. He wanted to stay in their room, just the two of them, but the party was his idea. �In a minute, I have something for you.� Ares leaned over him and over the edge of the bed. He pulled out a small package and held it out to Joxer. �Happy birthday, love.� Joxer smiled, �Thank you.� �Open it,� Ares said quietly, nervously. Joxer ripped off the packaging and opened the box. �Oh, Ares,� he gasped, pulling out the slender, silver chain and small locket. �I wanted, I wanted to show you how much I love you,� Ares smiled tentatively. �You do, every day,� Joxer whispered. He fingered the locket carefully, and opened it. Inside were two tiny photos. One of him with Ares, kissing. A picture that Strife had taken at a picnic they�d been on after school had finished. The other photo was a copy of the picture of Joxer with his brothers. Joxer felt tears on his face again and Ares pulled him into his arms. �Is it all right?� Ares whispered. Joxer could feel the tension in his lover�s body and nodded. �It�s beautiful, perfect. How did you� when?� he asked. Ares rarely left his side and he wondered how he could have found the time. �I got Auto to help me out,� Ares replied with a small smile. Joxer smiled back, �Thank you, Ares.� Ares took the locket from him and carefully fastened it round his neck. �Sweet seventeen,� he whispered, brushing back Joxer�s hair. Joxer laughed. �At last. I won�t feel quite so out of place at college now.� Ares grinned and shook his head, �If anyone�s going to be feeling out of place at college, love, it�ll be me.� Joxer raised his eyebrows and pulled a face at his lover. �Ares, we�ve talked about this. Please don�t put yourself down all the time.� Ares looked away, but Joxer caught his chin and made him meet his eyes. �Res, I don�t care what school said, your SATs and I say different, you got that?� Ares gave him a tiny smile and nodded, �I wouldn�t have got in without you though, love. But I�m glad I did, you wouldn�t want your older lover hanging around mooching off you.� Joxer snorted, his lips twitching, �Older? Give me a break, Res, you hardly qualify.� Ares pouted and Joxer couldn�t resist leaning forward for another kiss. �Anyway, if anyone mooches, it�s me. You guys are the moneyed folks in this town.� Ares made a rude noise, �Oh, because you are *so* broke.� �Well, I don�t pay rent here,� Joxer said with a slight twinkle in his eyes. Ares laughed, �You pay in kind, love.� �Are you calling me a rent-boy?!� Joxer exclaimed in mock horror. �Maybe,� Ares chuckled, �I only accept the best though.� �Oh well, that�s okay then,� Joxer snickered and shook his head. �Come on then, I�m in more of a party mood now.� Ares pouted again. �Come on, Ares, I got cake.� Ares� eyes lit up, �Chocolate?� �Of course.� Joxer stood up and held out his hand. Ares took it with a grin and followed him back to the lounge. Neither of them were particularly surprised to find Strife lying on top of Cupid on the couch, the pair kissing voraciously. �Can we save the fucking for the film at least?� Ares asked with a snort of laughter. �Aw, but,� Strife looked up and grinned, �Yeah sure.� He looked at them seriously, �Everything okay?� Joxer smiled at the note of concern in his friend�s voice. He was still getting used to people other than his brothers caring about him. �Yes, everything�s fine now.� �Cool,� Strife nodded and Cupid grinned at them. Cupid peered at Joxer, �Hey, nice, is that from Res?� He pointed at the locket. Joxer grinned and nodded, �Yeah, isn�t it beautiful?� Joxer opened it and showed them the pictures. �Aw, I love that photo, I�m very proud of it,� Strife chuckled. �Not as good as the one Res took of you guys,� Joxer laughed. Cupid flushed and pouted, �There was no need for that one! Not that I don�t keep it close to my heart at all times.� Strife snickered. �Hey, it�s not your cock that got photographed!� Ares laughed and shook his head, �Honestly, you two! You know if you could keep it in your pants for two minutes, you wouldn�t get into these situations.� �And where�s the fun in that?� Strife snorted with a mischievous grin. The front door slammed and they could hear Eris giggling. The door opened and Eris and Auto piled into the room. �Oh, hey!� Eris grinned, �Hey, what�s going on here?� She looked round the room in surprise. �Jox�s birthday treat,� Strife smiled up at her. �Oh, Joxer, you should have said!� Eris exclaimed. Joxer smiled and shook his head, �It�s not a big deal, but I wanted to surprise you guys.� Eris looked confused, �Why? It�s *your* birthday.� �Yeah, so it�s my choice what we do,� Joxer grinned. Auto chuckled, �Did you like your present? I wondered what it was for.� �Yeah, it�s fantastic, thanks for helping Res get it for me,� Joxer nodded happily. �So that�s why you were sneaking around!� Eris exclaimed, �I was a little worried you know, you could have told me.� She pouted first at Auto and then at Ares. �I promised Res I wouldn�t say anything,� Auto shrugged. �Aw c�mon, sugar, you weren�t really worried were you?� Eris held herself away from her boyfriend and continued to pout. Auto slid his arms round her waist and nuzzled her neck, �Baby, come on, you know I love you.� Eris� mouth lifted in a half smile and she nodded. �Go on, kiss and make up,� Ares chuckled, hugging Joxer close. Joxer laughed and Strife and Cupid started to snicker. Eris glared at them then kissed Auto hard. Auto moaned and clutched the back of her head, bending her backwards slightly. Strife and Cupid broke out into a round of applause, whooping and laughing. Auto straightened and broke the kiss with a grin. Eris licked her lips and cleared her throat. �Yes, well, you�re forgiven,� Eris sighed. �So, Jox, what film did ya get out?� Strife asked, leaning against Cupid. Cupid wrapped an arm round his lover and he looked up questioningly at Joxer as well. �Friday the 13th part 6,� Joxer tried to suppress the giggles that tried to consume him at the multiple groans. �Oh, come on, it�s hilarious.� �True,� Ares sighed and sat down, tugging Joxer into his lap, �And you like Tommy.� �I do not!� Joxer protested with a laugh. �Right which is why you keep getting �Return of the Living Dead� out too!� Ares blinked and tried to look hurt. �Give me a break, Res, I don�t like blonds. No offence, Cupid,� Joxer grinned. Cupid snorted, �None taken, dude.� �Well, happy birthday, Joxer,� Eris said quietly, taking her place on Auto�s lap. �Yeah, happy birthday,� Strife and Cupid repeated. Joxer smiled and settled back against Ares. As the film started, he glanced over his family and sighed happily. the end

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