Disclaimer: I don't own any Marvel characters, nor did I create the Greek gods. A major bummer on both counts, cuz on the one hand I could be rich, on the other I'd be like...totally powerful and a goddess to boot!
Chapter 2
Rogue sighed contentedly and leaned back against the warm, firm chest behind her. Strong arms circled her waist, and she rested her hands over them as she looked out at the beautiful sunset. It was so perfect. The late fall trees, slowly losing their brightly colored leaves to the breeze, the soft, checkered cotton blanket spread out beneath her, and the arms of the man she loved wrapped around her. Life didn't get much better than this.
"This is so beautiful, Remy. Thanks fer bringin' me out here," she said as she turned her head and softly rubbed her check against his chest. She could stay here forever. She felt his lips press against her hair gently, and she sighed again.
"My pleasure, chere." He held her close and tight, sharing their warmth to fight off the November cold. And together they watched the golden sun sink below the horizon.
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Apollo stood some distance from them, beneath an oak tree. He was dressed as mortals did in this time period. The soft cotton sweater was delightful, really they should have cotton on Olympus, instead of always silks. Just for a change. The denim jeans felt restricting and cold from the Autumn breeze, but it didn't really affect him much. His body was always warm, and golden as the sun.
He watched the lovers, a slight frown on his beautiful face. The man, Remy, had his arms around her. Despite the distance, he could see her face. Turned toward him, though not seeing him. She was smiling, sighing with happiness and contentment. It was enough to make him ill, or pitying. He refused to be pitying. He meant to have Rogue, and if breaking both her and her lover's heart was the only way to do it, then so be it.
Oh but it made his heart ache to think of wounding that beautiful, strong creature. But he consoled himself with the knowledge that her pain would be brief. He would comfort her, love her into forgetting the pain and only seeing him. And if it made things easier for her, he could find some other woman for her soon to be ex-lover. He was good looking enough, in a rough, rakish sort of way. Some women went for that look. Remy wouldn't be alone for long.
Well comforted he stepped back and contented himself with watching her. He pushed aside the jealousy he felt, seeing her in another man's arms. As far as he was concerned, Rogue already belonged to him. When she was his completely, he'd give her everything she desired. Things her mortal lover could never provide. He would show her how wonderful love could be. He would give her the gift of touch. And she would worship him.
************************************************************************ Clad in a rich, scarlet teddy and matching sheer robe, Aphrodite sat on the edge of her pool and watched Apollo as he spied on her lovers. A slow smile crept across her perfect, kissable lips as she saw the jealously burn in his eyes. Good.
"You have no idea what you're up against, my dear Shining One. But we'll see, won't we? Perhaps they'll surprise you."
She tossed her ebony hair, her preferred color of late, over her shoulder, and leaned forward and gently smoothed away the image in the pool. Poor Apollo. He was destined to fail in this. Rogue and Remy's love was something she hadn't even created, so he had no magic to break. This was something far deeper than what he thought. This was True Love he was dealing with. And if Aphrodite had anything to say about it, True Love would most certainly conquer all.
