Author: Kris Andersson Shanna_se@yahoo.se
Archive: Yes please. When it's done. It would be nice if you let me know though, so I can feel proud. :)
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: J/A C/S
Disclaimers: I don't own any of the characters from 'Xena: Warrior Princess' or 'Hercules: The Legendary Journeys'. If I did, the shows would be named 'The War God and Joxer the Mighty' and 'Love and Mischief' and be quite different…
Finally, the sequel to Complete Chaos. A bit reworked and now complete. Since Complete Chaos now is gone from ff-net, :( it and all my other stories can be found at my webb page, http://kristinas_corner.tripod.com. I don't mind a visit or two. ;)
Hugs and thank you's to my betas Christine and Carrie. I couldn't do
this without you two.
Part one
The predator slowly, slowly closed in on his prey. Pointed ears facing the direction of the footsteps. The prey came closer. Yellow eyes gleamed in the shadows. Soon, very soon. The beast prepared himself, black fur raising on his back. It was soon time to attack. Feline features showing complete attention on the prey. The prey came closer. The animal's muscles tensed. His body moved into the right position for a perfect jump. The prey was here. The cat attacked.
"Aaah!!" Zeus screamed and almost jumped out of his skin and then glared at the feline attached to his right leg. "This is starting to become an annoying habit." He stated and removed Mjau from his leg. "You need to learn how to behave, little one," he told Mjau sternly and then ruined the scolding by gently patting the cat before putting him down again.
Cupid smirked, "I see he's got you under his spell too." He said, putting butter on a piece of bread for Bliss. "Want some breakfast?"
"No thanks, I've already eaten." Zeus declined absentmindedly and sat down at the table next to Bliss. "Is Ares still asleep?"
"Yes," Cupid answered. "He and Joxer were awake late last night. But they went to bed early… Or at least it sounded that way." He smirked.
"Did Gwandpa snore?" Bliss asked.
"Eh, not exactly…" Cupid started uncomfortably and looked into his son's curious, innocent eyes. "Yes, he did," he decided with a strained smile. He was SO not ready for that talk yet.
Zeus snorted, "It seems that my great-grandchild is growing up."
"Yeah! Bliss is this big!" Bliss threw out his arms, showing his great-grandfather exactly how big he was.
"My, my, that's big. "Zeus said admiringly and tousled the boy's hair. The boy was adorable, sitting there looking recently awoken with slightly ruffled feathers and a milk mustache. Next to him at the table was the thistle, now planted in a pot, Bliss insisted was Psyche. Poor boy.
Psyche was still missing and some voices had been raised that Cupid should be officially questioned for her disappearance. It didn't help that Cupid now was involved with Strife. Many who doubted that Cupid was able to do something sinister believed that Strife might have done it for him. Emotions ran high on Olympus right now. Many believed Cupid shouldn't have custody of Bliss until he was proven innocent.
Cupid had few enemies, but his father had many. And Zeus suspected that they used the son to get to the father. That was the only explanation he could think of. Psyche had never been popular on Olympus. Quite the opposite, and now, people who ordinarily wouldn't care less where Psyche was, demanded an investigation on 'the cover up of this horrible crime'. That was a direct quote from Athena.
This whole sordid affair had to be stopped before the power balances on Olympus started to change. Right now the political climate was calmer than ever, but Zeus knew it was just the calm before the storm. Soon, someone would speak up and accuse him of favoritism for not accusing Cupid, and if he did, Ares would be furious and defensive again.
Ever since Joxer had moved in with Ares, Zeus' relationship with his dark son had improved. Something he knew he had Joxer to thank for. He liked to be close to Ares again. Ever since Ares grew up and took his position as the God of War, they had had communication problems. Not many would believe it, but of all his children, Ares was probably the one he loved the most. Unfortunately, he was never able to tell Ares that. They always seemed to misunderstand each other. And while he loved his son dearly, no one could make him more furious than Ares, somehow the boy knew exactly what buttons to push. So their relationship had always been a bit shaky. And then Hercules had been born and their relationship had gone from bad to worse. With Joxer calming down both Ares and Zeus they finally seemed to be on the right track again. But it wouldn't take much to get them back where they used to be, something this Olympian witch hunt against Cupid could easily do. Zeus wanted to avoid that.
Which was why he was here in Ares' temple to begin with. Maybe Ares and Joxer had some ideas of what could be done.
"Do you think they will sleep long?" he asked Cupid while nodding in the direction of Ares' bedchamber.
"Probably," Cupid answered with a grin. "Dad's kinda protective of Joxer right now and doesn't like to leave without," he glanced at his son, "showing Joxer his love."
"Are you staying here or are you leaving for your own temple later?"
"We're spending the day here with Strife. He just had some business to take care of first."
"I'll bet," Zeus snorted. "That boy really enjoys his work." He sighed, "I really don't have the time to wait for Ares. Can you please tell him I want to see him in my study later today. We need to discuss the possibility of a war in Pylos," he lied.
"Sure thing!" Cupid said and realized he was talking to a few lingering blue sparkles. "Hm, rude much?" he huffed and poured Bliss some more milk.
*****************
Joxer woke up with a contented smile on his lips. He looked down at his husband who seemed to be having a serious conversation with his rather large belly. "Ares, what are you doing?" he asked with laughter in his voice. Ares' beard tickled.
"I'm telling our son about all the fun things we're going to do when he finally gets out of there." Ares explained.
"Really, like what?" Joxer asked, a bit curious.
"Oh, everything I guess. Teaching him how to fight, how to hunt, how to live. Visiting the moon, Earth is so beautiful in a distance. Showing him this wonderful crystal cave I know. Taking him down to Poseidon's underwater palace, letting him play with the dolphins. Things like that." Ares said with a soft smile.
"Oh, sounds like you guys are going to have a lot of fun," Joxer said, trying to sound cheerful.
Ares raised his head and frowned, "What do you mean 'you guys'? Don't you mean *we* are going to have fun? You're coming too!"
Joxer gave him a cheerful smile, or at least a try for a cheerful smile. "I guess I still have a hard time believing that this is real." He raised his hand to Ares' face and gently caressed his cheek, "You…," he moved his hand to his big belly, stroking it lightly, "the baby…" he looked into Ares' eyes, "our love…"
Ares kissed him gently on the lips, "It's real, I promise. You'll never be lonely again. This is forever."
"I love you," Joxer said. "I don't know what I did to deserve you, but it must have been something good."
Ares frowned, "Don't talk like that, Joxer! You deserve only the best because you are the best." He smirked, "That's why you're with me. Or do you think I, Ares, God of War, would settle for second best?" he teased.
Joxer smiled, a real one this time, and his eyes shone with love, "No, you wouldn't. I guess I just need you to remind me once in a while."
"As often as you need. That's one thing I don't get tired of repeating," Ares said and kissed his love again. "I still think Strife should've continued making your father's life miserable, though."
Joxer shook his head, "No, Ares. I don't want to lower myself to his level. I understand why you asked Strife, and I love you both for doing that for me. But that's not going to change my past, and he's not worth it."
"It's not like we killed him or something," Ares pouted.
Joxer smiled and gave his lover a kiss on those pouting lips, "I'm sure that thanks to Strife, there was moments when father *wished* he was dead."
That perked Ares up a bit, "You really think so?"
"I'm sure," Joxer said, moving even closer to Ares. "Now, let's talk about happier things, I want to snuggle in peace."
"Your wish is my command," Ares said and hugged Joxer close, burrowing them both under the blankets.
****************
Several hours later, Joxer left the bedroom and encountered Cupid and Strife necking in the hallway.
"Don't stop on my account," Joxer said with a smile when they pulled apart.
"We won't," Cupid said with a grin. "But it's time to check on Bliss. He's way too quiet for my liking."
"Yeah, tha little tyke is almost as good as me when it comes to mischief," Strife said glowing with pride. "He needs to be watched so he doesn't get hurt, and I can't believe I just sounded like a responsible parent! I can kiss my rep as a bad ass goodbye now," he frowned.
"I'll make it up to you, Babe," Cupid said with a leer and kissed Strife on the nose.
Joxer laughed at their antics and asked, "Has Ares left?"
"Yes," Cupid answered. "He had to see Zeus about some stupid war in Pylos."
Strife looked puzzled and was about to say something when Joxer gasped and clutched his stomach.
"Joxer! Are you all right?" Cupid asked, grabbing Joxer's elbow, supporting him because it looked like Joxer was about to lose his balance.
"I'm fine," Joxer said with a pale smile. "The baby is very active, that's all. He likes to kick, and boy, does he kick hard!"
"Do ya want ta sit down somewhere? Can I get ya anythin'?" Strife asked concerned. Joxer was a good friend and Ares loved him so much. If something happened to Joxer, Strife wasn't sure Ares would be able to handle it. And Greece *so* didn't need an insane War God! His mother filled the House of War's insane quota quite nicely. No need for more. Thank you very much.
"No, Strife. I'm fine, but thank you for caring. Let's go and find Bliss. And speaking of young ones, who is way too quiet, have you guys seen Mjau today?"
Cupid snickered, "Not since he attacked Zeus this morning."
"Oh dear…"
When they came closer to Bliss' playroom, they heard the boy talking. Cupid put his finger to his lips, indicating that they should be quiet and they sneaked closer and closer and listened to the little love god.
Bliss sat on the floor with the thistle pot between his legs. He was pouring water on the plant from a small colorfully painted urn while cooing softly to the thistle.
"Do you want more water?" Bliss paused and crocked his head as if he was listening to someone. He started to pour again but then change his mind. "But Grandma Hera said not to give to much water. Even plants can drown, she said." He put down the urn, "Best be careful. We don't want you to become all lellow and icky. You can have some more later, Mommy," he decided. The boy smiled at the plant; "You are so beautiful! I love green," Bliss complemented the thistle. "Me just wish it was easier to hug you though. Last time Mommy hurt Bliss!" he pouted. "You're sticky and pointy and those thingies hurts! But Bliss still luv you," he assured the plant. "And Daddy gives good hugs, and Joxer too. But me always careful hugging Joxer. Joxer's going to have a baby." Bliss leaned closer and whispered, "It's in his tummy, when me touched it Bliss felt the baby move. Was Bliss in your tummy, Mommy? How did I get *out*?" Not getting a reply he sighed, "Me can't wait for Joxer's baby. We're going to be best buddies like Daddy and Stwife. I like Stwife. He's funny and knows a lot of great games. Me love him cause he makes Daddy happy and gives great cuddles."
Cupid smiled and gave his lover a hug. He could've sworn there was a tear in Strife's eye.
"I miss your cuddles, Mommy." Bliss continued. "Want me to sing for you? Stwife thought me a neat song. Wanna hear it?" he asked and started to sing a song about bottles of beer on a wall.
Joxer shook his head, "He still believes that the plant is Psyche?" he asked sadly.
"Yes," Cupid answered. "It's hard, but Hera advised to let him continue. She thinks it's his way to cope with his grief. That we should give him time to work it out on his own."
"Well, as long as it doesn't hurt him, I guess she has a point. You better make sure the plant continues to survive Bliss' care though." Joxer advised.
"We keep an eye on it," Strife said.
Bliss finally noticed the three men in the doorway. "Joxer!" he exclaimed cheerfully and moved from the floor towards the doorway.
Joxer laughed and bent down and lifted up Bliss and gave him a bear hug. Suddenly he gasped in pain, practically threw Bliss to Strife and sank to the floor, arms around his stomach, face showing his pain and agony. "Something's wrong," he whispered. "It hurts!" Joxer collapsed and lay unconscious on the floor before the gods had time to react.
"Joxer!" Bliss screamed, frightened and began to cry. "Bliss sorry! Didn't mean to hurt you!"
Cupid was on his knees next to Joxer trying to wake him up, silently screaming for both Apollo and Asclepius.
"Hush, baby," Strife hugged Bliss, trying to comfort him. "This is not because of something you did," he said gently and started to quietly rock Bliss back and forward to calm him down.
"Pwomise?" Bliss sniffled and looked at Strife with big teary, blue eyes.
"I promise;" Strife said and hugged the boy harder. As Apollo and Ace arrived he realized no one had called for Ares. He stretched out his mind and shouted, "Unc! Something's wrong with Joxer!"
At the same time, Joxer opened his eyes and screamed, "Ares!"