C&C is more than welcome

<Part 1>
 

   Blood. So much blood. Joxer waded through the field where the battle was done and spent. He tried to aid the wounded, but there were so many. Tears corsed over his now sun tanned face as he closed the eyes of a young man who had died for what his father believed was right. //So many lives.//

    It was night before all of the injurred where treated and still Joxer stayed awake, digging graves for the fallen, and checking up on those who were too hurt to leave that blood sooked place. His heart went out to each of them. This war had been fought by the sons of the people who started it. Not one of those children should have had to take the field among the seasoned warriors.

    Those thoughts would seem completely foreign to anyone Joxer traveled with. He played the fool with practiced ease. That God awful armor he'd only just been able to get rid of helped emmensly. //I am going to get even with Strife for 'that' trick!//  But he was getting tired of Gabriel and Xena. He was tired of being ridiculed by them all during their travels. He didn't 'want' them to know he could fight, because then he would have to. And he couldn't stand the thought of spilling the blood of children like this. He loved his God, but it was time to stop fooling himself. He could fight, he was at least Xena's equal, that wasn't what he prayed for.

    He had prayed for Ares to make him a warrior and make him a great fighter. Not to teach him to fight, but to show him how not to care when he spilled the blood of a stranger. His prayors were unanswered and now he was greatful. //I don't think I could like myself if I didn't care. So tonight, after I've taken care of these warriors, I'll go to Ares temple and take back my wishes, . . .  and tell him goodbye.//

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

     Ares watched the mortal fool who traveled with Xena. The man was burying the dead from his most recent war. There was no way he could have known them all. That meant he was just doing it. //Why does he do such things. It makes no sense. 'He' makes no sense.//

    Once all the dead were buried the mortal stood straight and stretched. His rippling muscles caught Ares unaware. He had the build of a swimmer. His body reminded the God of one of Posioden's water imps. And it was taned as well, not at all as pastey as he normally looked. //What is going on? The fool shouldn't have that build, or that skin tone. But it is him.//

     He watched the man slip his shirt back on and walk to the makeshift shelters he had place the injurred in. //How did I miss this?!//

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

     "How are you feeling now?"

    The young man tried to be brave but tears ran over his face as Joxer helped him to sit up. "I am sorry Ares. I tried to be a warrior." He sobbed.

    Joxer's eyes shot wide open, "Ares?! Me?!"

    "Who else would take care of fallen warriors."

    "I'm sorry, I'm not Ares." Joxer laughed nervously, "He'd probably be insulted that you mistook me for him."

    "You aren't Ares?"

    He shook his head, "I'm sorry, Ares hates me. I'm just a blood innocent with a big mouth."

    "And a big heart."

    "No. Anyone one have stopped, who could just leave people to die?"

    "You'd. . . damn that hurts!. . . you'd be surprised."

    Joxer smoothed the boy's hair and shook his head, "Rest ok. When you wake up you'll be well."

    The boy nodded and closed his eyes and Joxer said a soft prayor and stood to dig another grave.

    "You lied to him."

    The mortal jumped and almost fell into the open grave, "Ares!"

    "Why."

    "Huh?"

    "Why did you lie to him?"

    "I didn't."

    "You said he would live."

    "No I said he would be well. He knew what I meant. These kids 'know' the consequence of war. They know it more than the warlords on their horses in the indestructable armor, or the kings who send them to fight, or even you." He turned away and lifted the dead boy, settling him into the ground.

    Ares' eyes flamed, "How dare you say I don't understand war?! I AM war, mortal!"

    Joxer spun around and glarred at him, nose to nose with the God he had prayed to for so long. "Do you wake up every morning cold and wet and hungry?! Do you wonder every minuet if it's your last?! Have you seen your family slaughtered by your enemies because they were 'yours'?! You might be a God Ares, but you do NOT know war!"

    Before the God could answer Joxer patted the last of the dirt onto the grave and took up his pack.

    "Come back here! I'm not through with you!"

    "Yeah you are." The mortal smiled and turned to look at him once more. "I'm not a warrior. I can't kill without guilt. I can't ride my charger into battle when kids half my age are on foot wearing scraps. Find another dog to lick you boots Ares. I'm finished."

    Ares roared in anger but Joxer didn't flinch. The God took a deep breath and faced him, "Why aren't you afraid of me anymore? What did I do to make you think I won't kill you?" His voice was a growl.

    Joxer smiled saddly, "Who says I don't 'want' you to kill me?" Then he turned away with a whispered goodbye.

    Ares starred after him, he couldn't believe the mortal had finally done it. Joxer had prayed to him since he was a child! And finally, fifteen years later, the man had walked away. //Well fine.// He thought, //At least I won't have to listen to his hopless wishes anymore!// He shimmered into existence in his temple on Olympus and flopped down onto his bed. //Right! No more Joxer! I'll finally have some peace!//

    'Ares?'

    "Damn it!"  He listened to Joxer's prayor angrily. //I thought he said he was leaving.//

    'I just wanted to appologise, I don't know if you're listening since you aren't 'my' god anymore, but I have to say I'm sorry. I was tired and sad and angry and I took it out on you. I know you probably don't even remember what I said, I'm just 'that foolish mortal' right? But I wanted to say sorry anyway. That's it. . . I guess I'll be going now. I probably wont see you around.'

    Ares cursed and blinked into the temple, "Stop!"

    "You 'were' listening!"

    "You can't leave."

    "I'm not a warrior."

    "Then be something else. My followers do not 'leave'."

    "I don't follow you any more." He shrugged, "It's something I need to do."

    Ares swallowed his protest and nodded, he understood, but he would miss the mortal. //What am I saying?! I won't 'miss' him! It's Joxer!//

    Still, the closeing of the temple door sounded too final to his ears. He sat staring at it for hours before he finally left. //Mortal fool.// but his thoughts were less angry than sad.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

    The next week found Joxer staying in a small city, camped on the outskirts since he couldn't afford a room. He leaned against a tree and strumed the ragged lute he carried with him. That and his helmet were all he had from before, he'd sold the armor for scrap and used the money to buy some normal clothing.

    //So where do I go from here.// He lost himself in his musings, //I've never 'not' had a God before, I always prayed. I guess I just have to find a new one.// A began mentally sorting through all of the Gods and Godesses he knew and their form of worship. A frown came to his lips as he readied his pack to leave again. "None of them would want me."

    "Joxer?"

    He turned and pasted a smile onto his face, "Hi."

    Gabriel looked at his outfit and then at Xena, "Possessed again?"

    She shrugged.

    "Wha. . . oh! I sold my armor."

    Xena looked shocked but Gabriel just snorted, "'Bout time!"

    "I also told Ares I couldn't worship him anymore."

    That made the warrior princess grin, "You got smarter."

    "Well then I guess you won't be traveling with us anymore." Gabby grabbed Xena and whispered loudly, "Come on! Whenever he rides with us he get into all kinds of trouble!"

    "Did someone say trouble?" Stife materialized beside the abandoned man and giggle insanely. "Honey I'm hooooooome!" He looked Joxer over and grinned, "It's an improvement."

    Joxer smiled and hugged the God, "I'm glad you're ok!"

    "Well Uncles Hades didn't appreciate my fun so he kicked me out."

    The mortal starred incredulously, "You got kicked out of Hades?"

    "Yeah neat huh? So how goes mortal life? You still 'Joxer the mighty'?"

    The other man grinned as they walked through the woods together, "Nah, I'm just plain ol' Joxer."

    "Are you all better then? The armor did the trick?"

    "Yeah, but we have to have a serious talk about your fashion sence." Joxer smiled, "It did work though. I'm back and I'm me and my mind is working naturally again. Thanks for what you did."

    "No biggie, I mean, you're my bro right? Can't have you hurting."

    "Still, you could have just left me like mom did."

    "Hey! You're my favorite sib! I couldn't leave you at the mercy of mortals! 'sides, it wasn't your fault mom dropped you. You looked pretty funny rolling down mount Olympus though!" Strife giggled.

    "Sure, real funny. Cracking my head open and causeing brain damage is always a great way to start a mortal life."

    "But it's all better now right? You're back to normal now."

    "All better." Joxer assured him with a tight hug, "Thanks to you and that horrible armor! Thank the Gods 'that's over!"

    Strife slapped him on the back and hung off of his shoulder playfully, "Glad to hear in bro, I was starting to think you actually 'liked' acting like an idiot!"

    "Well there were a couple perks."

    "Oh?"

    "It drove Xena and Gabby nuts!"

    "Not to mention Unc! He used to scream every time you started singing that song of yours!"

    "Yeah!" Joxer and Strife grinned and both took a deep breath then started to belt out the words together.

                          " Joxer the Mighty,
                      He roams through the countryside;
                      He never needs a place to hide.
                         With his half brother Strife,
                      Been in trouble all his life!
                     Righting wrongs and singing songs,
                         Being mighty all day long,
                     He's Joxer...he's Joxer the Mighty!
                     Ohhhh..... He's Joxer the Mighty,

    A flash of sparks announce another God's presence, "If I hear that song one more ti. . . Strife?"

    The God of mischief giggled and waved, "Hi Unc."

    "What are you doing?"

    "Um. . . singing?"

    "Singing."

    "Yeah, you know, 'We're the best friends mighty! Blood valour and Victory! We. . ."

    "If you don't shut up I'll show you blood."

    Strife knew not to push it.

    "What are you doing traveling with Joxer?"

    "Oh that's right! You know him don't you! Well Joxer here is my bestest buddy and I was just keeping him company!"

    "Let him go!"

    Joxer looked up at Xena and groaned. "Xena. . ."

    "I don't know what you two have planed but Joxer isn't going to be part of it!"

    "Xena. . ."

    "Give him back Ares."

    "Gabby. . ."

    Ares smirked as Joxer sank to sit on the ground and cover his face. "You're heros are here."

    "Tell me when you've killed them ok?"

    Ares, Xena, and Gabriel looked shocked, Strife just burst into laughter.

    "Joxer!"

    "Well I was trying to tell you I don't need to be rescued!"

    "Jett." Xena growled.

    Strife was rolling on the ground laughing and Joxer glarred at him, "I am NOT Jett!" Finally tired of the God's laughter Joxer flopped down onto his chest and knocked the wind out of him.

    Ares watched the happenings with thinly veiled amusement.  Xena and Gabriel with horror.

    Joxer wrestled around the ground with the God of mischeif, each trying to keep the other under him. Finally Strife got the mortal in a head lock, "Gotcha Bro!"

    "BRO?!"

    Both of them looked up in shock, they'd forgotten they had an audience. "Strife!"

    "Hey I didn't mean to tell!"

    Ares lifted them both off the ground by their collars, "What is going on."

    "Um. . . well. . . It's kinda funny actually, heheheh."

    Joxer tried to slip into his shirt, "Shit."

    "You've got that right."

    "Joxer?"

    He peeked out at Gabby and Xena and smiled nervously, "Did I ah. . . forget to mention that um. . . discordsmymom?"

    Xena looked at him carfully, "Did you just say that Discord is your mother?"

    "Um. . . yeah?"

    Ares had dropped them both and stared at Joxer in disbelief.

    "Um. . . surprise?"

    Strife looked from one shell shocked party to the other the grabbed Joxers hand, "We'll be going now bye!" They dissapeared in a flash of sparks and Ares quickly followed. Xena and Gabbriel looked at eachother for a minuet before asking, "Did you just. . .?

    "Uh huh."

    "And he's. . ."

    "Yep."

    "I think we're going to need help."

    "Yeah."

<Part 2>
 

    Ares flashed into being almost on top of his nephew and Xena's fool. "You are both going to explain this. NOW."

    Strife giggled and blinked out but before Joxer could follow, Ares had hold of him again. "Um. . . I didn't. . . that is. . ."

    "How long."

    "Huh?"

    Ares glarred at his most loyal worshiper, "How long have you known what you are."

    "I. . . you see. . . Strife stole the metal from Hep to make that. . . armor. . ." He almost choaked on the word, "It was to heal me from what happened and. . ."

    "Hold it." Ares growled. He touched Joxer's forehead and watched a fast forward view of what had happened since his birth as a God.

    "Woah!" Joxer shook his head, eyes wide, "That was nuts!"

    "So you're the God of mayhem. Half brother to Strife, God of Mischeif."

    Joxer nodded but didn't meet Ares eyes, "I'm sorry I didn't tell you, I couldn't! And then Xena and Gabby. . . and I couldn't focus my thoughts and I was so confused. . . I'm sorry." He stood carefully, "I understand you don't need me, who ever heard of a God praying to a God? I. . . I'm going to go find Strife now. . ."

    "You don't want to do that."

    "Huh?"

    "He's with Cupid at the moment."

    "Wha. . . oh!" He blushed, "Well. . . I guess I'll just camp out for tonight. I don't really want to go home or anything."

    "You'll stay here."

    He looked up, waiting for the punchline.

    "I allow Strife to stay with me, his brother is no different."

    "I couldn't. . ."

    "You can and you will. How you act and are treated reflects on the house of war!"

    Joxer shivered and nodded, "Yes Ares."

    The war God made an inarticulate noise and blinked them into a large, sterile room. "This is your chamber." Then he was gone.

    Joxer sat on the black sheeted bed and let his tears fall. How did he get himself into these messes?!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

    Cupid smiled at his lover, long, slim fingers playing over his cheeks softly, "I heard your brother is home again."

    Strife snuggled up to his lover with a giggle, "Yeah."

    "Where is he?"

    "Left him with Unc."

    The winged God was silent a moment then murmured, "Ares will be angry about not being told. He was falling for the mortal Joxer."

    Strife sat up with a grin, "You're kidding!"

    His lover smiled, "He was drawn to his kindness and innocence."

    Strife giggled, "Innocent mayhem! I have to tell Jox that one!"

    "Well for a God he really is innocent. He's never killed or fucked, not a man at least. He's always seeing the good in people and ignoring the bad."

    "I see what you mean. You think he has a chance? With Unc?"

    Cupid smiled, "My arrows don't work on Gods, but I'm sure I can whip up something, persuasive."

    Strife hugged his lover gleefully, "I love it when you get that evil smirk!"

    "Oh? You only love me for my smirk?"

    "Well there is that tiny other thing. . ."

    "Tiny?!!" They both laughed as Cupid pounced and began showing his lover just how 'large' the 'other' thing really was.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

    Ares was woken by a scream from the chamber next to his. He bolted out of bed and blinked into the room he had given Joxer, to find the young God screaming and twisting in his sleep. "Joxer!" Ares held him until he stopped struggling, "Open your eyes Joxer, you're in my home, you're safe."

    "Ares?"

    "Yes. I'm here. Now what were you so frightened of?"

    "The dream." His eyes were wide and glossy as he remembered, "She abandoned me. Xena and Gabriel don't trust me anymore, Strife is my only friend in the world and he already died once. I . . . I can't. . ." He sobs were catching in his throat as he tried to force the words out.

    "Shh. You arn't alone now. You're home and surrounded by people who care."

    "No one cares."

    "Not true. Strife cares greatly for you, Cupid will love you because Strife does, Aphrodite thinks you're cute. . . and I'm here too."

    Wide, hope filled eyes raised to the Gods, "You?"

    He stood and straightened his clothes nervously. "I. . . You'll start your lessons tomorrow."

    "Lessons?"

    "Fighting."

    Joxer smiled, "I know how to fight Ares, it was all an act."

    The God's eyes narrowed, "Were your prayors an act too?"

    "No!" He shook his head sharply, "I. . . I wasn't praying for skill, I was praying for the ability to take a life. I can't stand hurting anyone."

    Ares sat down again, but across from Joxer this time. "You'll be of little use to me if you can't kill. . . Strife already fills both of your jobs."

    Joxer blanched, "Please, don't send me away."

    "Send you away?!" Ares closed his eyes as if in pain, "Joxer you are so naive it amazes me at times. I'm not sending you anywhere. I'm going to see if hades will combine our houses."

    "What?"

    "I saw you with those soldiers as they died. They needed a God to comfort their last moments. I think you would be a perfect God of Fallen Warriors."

    Joxer's eyes widened, "That's a powerful job! So many pray when they die and warriors die every day! Are you sure you want to give me that much power?"

    "Just the fact that you asked that tells me you're perfect for the job."

    Joxer sprung at Ares and wrapped his arms around the startled God, "Thank you! I'll get to work tomorrow! Tonight! I'll do a good job! I swear!"

    Ares allowed his customary scowl to soften, "Sleep tonight, we will both go see Hades tomorrow." Giving into temptation, he kissed the smiling man softly and forced himself to pull back after only that brief touching of lips. "Sleep."

    "G'night Ares." He whispered.

    Ares smiled, "Good night Joxer."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

    "Xena, Joxer can't be a God." Iolus smiled, "He's. . . Joxer!"

    "Believe me Iolus his real name is Mayhem and he's Discord's son."

    Hercules shook his head, "I can't picture it. Joxer's to. . ."

    Gabriel rolled her eyes, "Clumsy? Stupid? Ridiculous?"

    "Selfless." He finished with a glare.

    "So what is he the God of?" the blond Hunter asked. Iolus was the only one who was taking this well. He didn't see how a title could change the kind young um. . . warrior, that he knew.

    "And what do you want us to do about it?" Hercules shrugged.

    "Find out why he followed us! What information has he given the Gods to use against us!" Gabriel's ranting was fastly becoming annoying.

    Xena frowned at her companion, "Find out if he's alright." She answered. "The Gods are hard to please, and if he was abandoned by them once, how are they accepting him back. We know Strife is happy and Ares was completely unaware, but what about Zeus and . . ."

    "Hera."

    She nodded.

    Hercules looked toward the towering mountain of the Gods, "Well then, to Olympus."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

    Ares watched Joxer working through the battlefield as he pushed the war along. The young God of Fallen Warriors was blinking in and out, pulling the injurred to safety and caring for them as best he could. Since the scrolls had been sent to all of the temples, more and more people were praying to him and each prayor made him stronger, but instead of hording his power for selfish reasons Ares watched daily as the Godling gave it all back tending the wounded and answering the prayors of the needy.

    Joxer had been back in Olympus for a week and Ares noticed that even with his newly revived grace and knowlege, he was still the same idealistic young man he had been as a mortal. Each day the older God found himself feeling more for his Godling. As his feelings bloomed and grew, so did his worries.

    As the God of Fallen Warriors, Joxer saw the consequences of war. He knew the results of the battles Ares drew his energy from. Could the young God ever think of Ares in an intimate manner, knowing all he did?

    A flash of golden light announced Joxer's arrival at his side, "War's pretty much over." He smiled, "Wanna go fishing?!"

    Ares didn't know how to respond to that. . . ridiculous question.

    "Hey! Isn't not ridiculous!"

    "I have to remind myself that you can read minds."

    "It's more fun if you don't." Joxer smiled, "Come on! I'll show you how to fish without a net!"

    Ares made a big show of thinking it over and Joxer smiled, he knew the older God would say yes in the end. He always did. "Alright."

    Before they to blink out though, a flash caught Joxer's eye, "Um. . . we'll have to save that thought."

    Ares turned with a broad smile that could make mortal and God alike tremble, "Xena!"

    "Ares." She nodded, "We came to talk to Joxer."

    "Hey guys." Joxer smiled and almost bounced over to them, so full of life and excitment. "Iolus! Hercules! What are you doing here?"

    "Xena wanted to make sure you were doing ok." Iolus smiled. "You're really a God huh?"

    "Yeah but don't let it get around, It'd kill my image!"

    "So why the dumb act?" Gabriel insisted.

    Joxer gave her a pitying look, "No act. I was hurt. Strife made up that armor I wore to mend me and make me whole again."

    Iolus snickered, "that was some armor!"

    Joxer grinned and the two began to talk about everything that had happened since they last saw eachother. Xena and Hercules smiled at them fondly then turned to Ares, "This had better not be one of your tricks."

    "I assure you."

    "So what is he the God of?" Gabriel snorted, "Fools?"

    "Gabriel!" Xena repremanded her harshly.

    "Wait! You're the God of Fallen Warriors! Aren't you!" Iolus smiled and tug at Hercules' arm, "Remember? We passed that site where they were building a new temple, and they said it was for the newest olympian."

    "I have a temple?!" Joxer grinned and blinked out only to return a second later, "Ares you gotta see this!"

    Ares must have show something in his eyes because Xena gasped, "What?"

    "You love him!"

    Ares frowned, "Don't be silly."

    She shook her head, "I've seen that look before! Ares, don't hurt him, please."

    "Begging Xena?"

    "He isn't like the other Gods. If you get involved with him, for him at least it'll be forever."

    Ares closed his eyes, "I know that."

    "So don't hurt him." She searched his eyes carefully, "He's been hurt to much, I've hurt him more than I want to admit, but he's got a gentle heart. He deserves more than a quick possessing."

    "I know." Ares closed his eyes.

    Another blink and Joxer grabbed Ares arm this time, breaking the solomn mood. "Come ON! It's so cool!"

    "Cool?" Hercules chuckled, "You're even talking like a God."

    Joxer just grinned, "Hey if you guys ever need anything just, you know, send a little prayor." He hugged each of them, "I'll come."

    "Take care."

    Hercules nodded and took his hand, "Be well."

    "Hey, If you're Strifes brother, then Herc is your uncle! Isn't he?" Iolus grinned and Joxer snickered.

    "See ya 'round unc!"

    Hercules didn't know which of them to glare at.

   Xena watched Ares dissapear with the younger God, Joxer was wriggling in excitment and the look on Ares face. . .

    "Why did we even bother?" Gabriel grouched, "It's just Joxer."

    Xena didn't answer that. She loved Gabriel dearly, but some times, especially concerning Joxer, the amazon could be a real bitch.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

    Joxer blinked from one place to another in the temple, laughing and ooh/ahh- ing over each new discovery. "I didn't think I'd have my own temple, Strife doesn't have one, I thought only major Gods had temples!"

    Ares smiled, "To the mortals you are a 'major' God. You help them and they love you for it. Just like the children love Strife."

    Joxer giggled a joyfull replication of his brother's insane cackle and danced around the humans present hugging each one, "Thank you! This is soooo cool! Ooh! Look! Ares! Come see the garden!"

    Ares nodded to the priests Joxer had hugged, "He is very satisfied." He tried not to laugh, "You've made him very happy."

    The priests smiled, "He has made many people happy. This is such a small way of saying our thanks."

    "Mayhem would have been satisfied with a hug."

    The priests nodded and the head priest spoke softly, "We are aware of that, which is why we offer him more. He never expects anything of us."

    "Ares!"

    The God of war nodded and blinked to Joxer's side.

    "Look at the view! You can see all of Corinth from here!"

    "You are easily pleased."

    "Easy?! Do you know how much work must have gone into this?! I've gotta do something nice for them."

    Ares did laugh then, "Joxer you do something nice for them every day! That's why they built you this temple."

    "Yeah but. . ."

    "You work harder than any of the other Gods on Olympus. Take a break. Relax for a while."

    "But I love helping people! It's no trouble at all!"

    Ares couldn't help but smile, "I've noticed. Aphrodite is giving a party in your honor tonight. We should get back and get ready."

    Joxer froze, "I can't go."

    "She's worked very hard on this."

    "I. . . Ares, I don't know how to dance."

    "Is that all? Here, take my hand, put this hand on my hip. Now just move your feet in small steps, one two three; two two three; three two three; see how simple?"

    "I. . ." Joxer looked up at Ares fondly, "Uhuh."

    Ares smiled and kept dancing softly leading Joxer through the garden. Cupid and Strife watched from the temple roof.

    "Good first step." Strife giggled.

    "Well I knew Jox couldn't dance, it was nothing to ask mom to hold a dance party in his honor."

    "And of course the only two Gods he knows close enough to ask help from are me and Ares. . ."

    "And you were of course, conveniently indisposed."

    "Mhmm."

    "Gods I love this job!"

    Strife snickered and pulled Cupid in for a kiss before they blinked out.

    Ares and Joxer continued to dance.

<Part 3>
 

    Joxer stood before Strife and Cupid looking very annoyed, very nervous, and sexy as Hell. Ares wouldn't know what hit him when the two demi-gods were through. Cupid himself was impressed! He had always known that there was a beauty to this man but now. . .

    "Strife, I feel stupid."

    "You look fine."

    "The pants are too tight."

    "That's the point."

    "The shirt is almost not even there!"

    Cupid sighed, "Joxer."

    He waited, figiting slightly because of his nervousness.

    "You look very nice."

    Joxer crossed his arms and frowned, "I don't feel nice."

   "You can't change now bro! Your party is starting."

    "But. . ."

    "Believe me. You'll be a smash!" Strife blinked them out before Joxer could reply and they flashed into existence in the middle of the temple of Aphrodite, now full of music, food and Gods waiting to see their newest kin.

    "Shit!"

    Strife giggled, "Oh now THAT is a greeting!"

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

    Ares was begining to think that leaving Joxer with his brother and that one's lover had been a huge mistake when a flash at the center of the room caught everyones attention. Ares spun around and froze. //Is that Joxer?!//

    "Shit!"

    The God of War grinned.  //That's Joxer.//

    No matter how uncomfortable the boy seemed he looked. . . well he looked delicous! His firm legs were encased in tight, black leather trousers that barely covered his lower anatomy since they rest so low on his hips. his feet wore boots much like Ares' and his upper arms were clasped in silver bands. Only when he moved did Ares realize he also wore a shirt. One so thin and transparent it made it look like he was surrounded by a slight breaze only.

    "Ares!" The newest God broke the spell he had unwittingly woven and ran to hide behind the larger God of War, "Tell Strife to let me change! please! I feel exposed in this!"

    "You look exposed in that."

    "What?!"

    "I said 'How did he get you to wear that.'"

    Joxer blinked, trapped in the God's eyes. "Oh."

    "You look very nice."

    "Oh."

    "Dance with me?"

    "Hm?"

    He led the dazed man onto the dance floor and held him close. "You were wrong."

    "About what?" Joxer breathed, drinking in Ares' warmth like a man dying of thirst.

    "You are a natural dancer."

    "thank you?"

    "Yes Joxer that was a complement." Ares fought to keep his face straight. It made the other God's nervous to see him smile or laugh.

    "Why are you being so kind?" Joxer finally asked him.

    Ares 'did' smile then, "I'm trying to seduce you, is it working?"

    "You didn't need to seduce you know. I'm already yours."

    "Joxer. . ."

    "I know it wouldn't be forever, I know if you ever did chose a bond partner you wouldn't choose me, but just for tonight. . . Can we pretend you love me?"

    Ares couldn't answer that with anything but a kiss. Burying his face after in Joxer's hair to hide and wipe away the tears in his eyes before any of the other Gods saw. "Yes Joxer." He breathed, "We can pretend."

    He sighed and melted into his God's arms lovingly, "Thank you."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

    The party passed in a blur and Ares waited only as long as they had to, for appearance sake, before he blinked them back to his bedroom. "Joxer." He breathed into the other God's lips.

    "Ares." The younger God almost sobbed, "Please, I need. . ."

    "I know. Shhh."

    Joxer allowed Ares to lower him to the soft black sheets of his bed and surged up against him when his lips danced over the nearly insubstantial shirt. "Aa!"

    "Slowly little one. We have all night."

    "All night?!"

    The God above him smiled, "Of course We will play more than once in that time."

    "Oh."

    "You have never done this before have you." It wasn't a question.

    Joxer blushed, "I was saving myself. . . for you."

    That earned him a smile, "Well now I'm here."

    "And you're noisy." The God of Fallen Warriors grinned, "Do you always talk this much durring sex? Man Herc spent all that time trying to get you to talk and all he had to do was. . ."

    "Joxer."

    "Hm?"

    "Shut up."

    "Make me." He grinned, a grin worthy of Mayhem.

    Warm lips covered his erection and Joxer yelped and burried his hands in Ares' hair, "G. . . good answer!"

    Ares smiled around his sex and lapped his way up it's length then up to Joxer's mouth. They nibbled at eachothers lips, teasing and tasteing before finally locking their mouths to one another's and fully tasting the moist heat they made together. The kiss was hot! They pressed their bodies until they were almost one, tight, thrusting their erections together and exploring eachother's faces, hair and body with their hands. Ares hair formed a curtain, cutting them from the real world and leaving only he and his lover.

    Since Gods don't have to breath, the kiss went on forever. They came still locked at the mouth and even in the after glow of their union they refused to part. It was a kiss like only two halves of the same whole could share. A languid and love filled gesture.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

    Gods, like mortals, can misinterpret love, but still Ares was surprised to wake up alone. "Joxer?"

    When no one answered he stood and strode down the hall to Joxer's chambers. No one. He racked his brain to think of what could have made the younger God leave. Then it came to him! 'Can we pretend you love me. . .?' 'Yes, we can pretend.' //Is that what he thought?! That it was all pretence?!// "I have to find him."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

    Joxer sat in the garden of his temple on Earth. He closed his eyes and let the peace wash away his saddness. He had never thought Ares would agree to the game, and when he had. . . //I didn't have the strength of will to say no. I love him too much.//

    The boy God hadn't known it could feel like that! So hot and sharp and pure, like his whole body was melting over and into Ares' and the world was made up of only them. Just them and their lips and their hot flesh becoming more than they were. //But it was all just a game. How will I face him in the light of day?! I still want him! Gods I messed up!//

    He walked into the temple, deserted so early in the day. The oil lamps lit with a thought and he sat on the lovely cusioned seat of the beautifully carved thrown. Invisible to all but other Gods until he wished otherwise.

    //Maybe he was drunk. Maybe he'll kill me. That would work.//

    "Joxer?"

    He looked up at his brother and the worried look Strife gave him made him break into tears.

    The God of Mischeif hug his brother even shocked as the tears made him, and rocked him slightly, "Shh Shh, tell me what's wrong? Did Ares hurt you? If he hurt you I'll. . ."

    "N. . . No." Joxer burried his face in Strife's shirt and shivered with his sobs, "I hurt m. . . myself. I knew. . . I knew it was just a game but I. . ."

    Strife got a tick in the corner of his jaw and frowned, holding his brother tight and resting his chin on Joxer's hair. "Tell me everything."

<Part 4>
 

    "And it was*sob*  so *sob* perfect." Joxer tried to speak between sobs and failed horribly. "I LOVE him! *sob* I thought *sniffle* I thought I could live with *sob* with being by him." He held on to his brother tightly and shook with his tears. "I can't. I can't do this! *sob* *sniffle* It felt too right. And now *sob* he pro *sob* probably hates me!"

    "Joxer." Strife patted the distraught God's back. "Joxer. Listen to me ok? Ares isn't a peach, but he isn't a bastard either. If he slept with you he feels something. He knows you don't do one nighters."

    "But that's *sob* that's what we had."

    "It's what you thought you had. Could you have been wrong?"

    "He *sniffle* he said it *sob* was all pretend."

    Strife clutched his brother tight enough to kill a mortal and blinked them to Cupid's temple. "Cupid!"

    The winged blond ran into view, "Strife! What's wrong? Joxer? Oh my God what happened?!"

    "Take care of him for me."

    "Strife, where are you going?"

    "To kill Ares."

    "NO!" Joxer grabbed his brother around the waist, "Please don't hurt him!"

    "He crushed your heart like clay!"

    "I wanted him to! I love him! He can kill me and if it makes him happy I'll be happy too."

    "Joxer. . ."

    "Please Strife."

    "I'm not going to forgive him."

    "I didn't ask you to."

    Cupid hugged Joxer softly, "I know how bad it feels when love goes wrong. You have a place here as long as you want. I know Bliss will love you."

    "I'd like that."

    "Good." Cupid took Joxer and Strife both by the hand, "And you're staying here too Mischief. I don't want you forgetting your promise while Ares is asleep."

    "Joxer are you sure this is what you want?"

    "I can't have what I want. Can I."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

    As the week passed things got progressivly worst. Joxer just didn't care anymore. He was wasting away in front of their eyes and only the sheer number of prayors he recieved kept him alive.

    Strife watched over his brother helplessly. "How could Ares DO this?! I thought you said he loved him!"

    Cupid frowned, "I was so sure. . ."

    "That's it!"

    "Where are you going?! You can't kill him. You promised."

    "I'm not going to kill him. I'm going to get Xena and Hercules to kill him."

    "Strife. . ."

    "Look at Joxer Eros. He's almost gone! I can't help him. No one can, except Ares, who took this time to conveniently vanish. They'll find him. They'll make sure he knows Joxer's heart isn't for his abuse."

    "You're really serious about this."

    "He's my brother. Of course I'm serious!"

    "You're a good big brother Strife."

    "No I'm not. I'm the one who started all of this." He closed his eyes, "Mischeif shouldn't play matchmaker. I should have known better."

    "Your heart was in the right place."

    "Ares is gonna pay."

    "I know. I'm just not sure that he should."

    "What?!"

    "Why did he leave?"

    "To hide!"

    "Maybe he isn't hiding, maybe he's looking for Joxer."

    "To hurt him more? I think he's done enough!"

    "Maybe Joxer misunderstood." He pressed, "He has a hard time believing that he's loveable."

    "You think?"

    "You should find Ares. Tell him where Joxer is. You might be surprised at his reaction."

    "If he hurts Joxer again I'll kill him. Promise or not."

    "I know. But I don't think he will."

    "You're an optomist."

    "One of us has to be. Now get going. Bring Ares back so we can fix this and get back to more pleasurable pass times."

    "I knew there was a reason I love you." Strife grinned, "Ya know, besides your foot long cock."

    "Strife!" Cupid blushed and the God of mischeif vanished.

    "Good luck lover."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

    Ares had turned the whole of Greece upside down looking for Joxer and still the newest God was missing! He cursed himself over and over for a fool! How could he have been so stupid?! Joxer was new to all of this! Of course he wouldn't know that Ares hadn't ever taken another God as lover unless he cared for them! He should have said something. Should have awakened before Joxer! Should have done something differently because now his lover was gone and Ares was running out of places to look for him.

    The God of war was at the end of his patience! He had everyone looking for the lost god and no one could find him! //Maybe he didn't run to Earth. Maybe he stayed on Olympus!// Ares blinked back to the home of the Gods and began searching there. The first place he went was the temple of Aphrodite. She was one of the few gods Joxer knew and was comfortable with. When Joxer wasn't there, he went to Cupids Temple, and almost ran into Strife as he blinked into view. "Strife!"

    "You ASS HOLE!"

    Ares jumped back and stared. "What is wrong with you?!"

    "You're what's wrong! I admit I'm not serious about much. I enjoy tearing peoples lives apart. But Damn you he's my brother! I never thought you would. . ."

    "You know where Joxer is?!" Ares grabbed Strife's shirt and pulled him off the ground, "Tell me where he is!"

    "Why? So you can hurt him again? He's already cried himself sick! He hasn't eaten since the party last week! I can't believe you! He's a good man! He's better than all of us! And you broke him like an old vase! Shit Ares I trusted you with him!"

    "Strife I didn't mean. . . it's a misunderstanding! Where is he? I need to tell him. . ."

    "Do you love him?"

    "What?!"

    "Do you love him?!" Strife growled, "I wont let you play with him!"

    Ares lowered his eyes. A huge gesture for the powerful God. "I could. I could love him very easily."

    "If you hurt him again I'll kill you."

    "I never meant to hurt him."

    Strife searched the elder God's eyes for a moment and then finally nodded, "Ok. Come on. He's inside."

    Ares walked into the candle lit room quietly. The figure on the bed was still and breathing deeply in slumber. Joxer looked like death warmed over. He felt a twang of guilt and sorrow in his chest. //I did this to him.// Ares squeazed his eyes closed and tried to block out the pain.

    "Ares?"

    He knelt beside the bed and smiled, "Yes Joxer, it's me."

    "I'm sorry I haven't been working. It's just a little cold or something, I'll go out tomorrow."

    "The only cold thing around here is my heart. And the only thing that's wrong with you is starvation. I'm not worth it you know."

    "I. . ."

    "You left the morning after."

    Joxer lowered his head so that his hair hid his eyes, "I didn't want to put you through the awkward 'after talk'. I know it was just a one time thing."

    "Do you?"

    "You said it was pretend. I respect your wishes. You are my God."

    "Joxer. I am not your God. You are a god yourself! And you are the best Olympus has seen in a long time. You treat yourself like you're inferior. Don't you think you could be loved?"

    "Not by someone as wonderful as you."

    Ares groaned and sank to sit beside his fellow god. "I am not wonderful. You've seen the evils of war. Of me."

    "You don't start them. You regulate them, and it isn't your evil to bare. It's humanities."

    "Why do you insist on seeing the best in me?"

    Joxer shrugged, "Because I love you."

    "And because of that you don't expect anything of me. Nothing at all."

    "Never!" He sat up quickly and Ares had to steady him to keep him from falling.

    Ares held the shaking god and smoothed his hair comfortingly. "And what if I told you that I could love you back?"

    The young god went still and slowly raised his eyes to Ares, "You. . . "

    "I. . ."

    "Don't joke about this Ares." Joxer begged.

    "I wouldn't."

    "You could love me?!"

    "You 'are' very loveable."

    Joxer didn't look at all convinced. "Did you drink anything Cupid or Strife gave you?"

    "Do I look that stupid?"

    Joxer blushed and shook his head, "It's just that I never thought you. . ."

    Ares sighed and took Joxer's hand softly, "Joxer. Would it help to know that I have thought about doing what we did for the past year?"

    "But I wasn't. . ."

    "You were you. Human, but still you." Ares admitted, "I've watched you more this past year than ever, you intrigue me. You are horribly naive and innocent, and you have such a kind heart, I never could say what you were doing trying to be a warrior. You are much too kind for killing."

    "Are you mocking me?"

    "No."

    "How can I know?"

    "How can I prove it?"

    Joxer stared carefully at the God before him. He had never but in his most secret dreams considered this situation. And now. . . "It seems to good to be truth."

    "We are Gods Joxer. Goodness is what we make it to be."

    "And you want me?"

    "Very much."

    Joxer melted into the older god's arms and held on tightly, unwilling to let go. "I'm sorry I ran away."

  Ares kissed the unrully hair and closed his eyes, "I'm sorry I gave you a reason to."

    Strife and Cupid watched from the doorway with matching grins. They had nudged their friends into taking the first step, and now they were well on their way to a happily ever after.
 
 
 

~End?~