I should complain more often

(Athena's POV)

I smiled to myself as I came back from Ithaca. I had just settled the disagreement between Odysseus and the Suitors' families and Ithaca was once more at peace. Odysseus was at home again, the Suitors had been punished: I had succeeded and won the umpteenth argument against Poseidon, which made me smile even more.

In the Assembly Hall the gods were all waiting for me, including said Poseidon, who wore a most disgruntled expression for the occasion.

"So what happened, my daughter?" Zeus exclaimed after I had taken her seat.

"Ithaca is now at peace" I answered with a smug smile before telling the whole story to the Assembly. It had taken quite literally years to have Poseidon change his mind and finally let the man be.

"Well, I think this puts an end to this matter." Zeus eventually declared.

"Yes, Father. Odysseus is the most deserving of men – he's wise, intelligent and respectful towards the gods. I can foresee that he'll be remembered among maknind as well as among gods" I said with a smile, because this was actually Apollo's field of expertise. But from Apollo's bemused expression I could say I had been right.

"Very well, we can stop here." Zeus announced, and the gods went to their feet, chatting and joking before going back to their businesses.

Only Hermes was didn't move. He stood next to his seat, his dark blue cloak bent over his arm, his face almost expressionless, and I could tell that something was bothering him.

I smiled at him taking his hand: "Shall we go?"

"Yes." He answered with a forced smile. I decided to ignore it for the moment; despite his extroverted behavior, Hermes was somewhat reserved and didn't like to be pushed.

(Hermes' POV)

She was more beautiful than ever, that white dress dancing around her gorgeous body. And so intelligent and strong. I should've imagined that she would've grown tired of him one day or the other but it still hurt. She had spent so much time with Odysseus and her eyes were still shining with happiness, what else could that mean?

She started talking about him – about how he had defended his house, how he had disguised himself upon his arrival, ammiration clear in her voice. I listened absentmindedly, ruffling my hair.

She stopped talking and I turned towards her to see that she was giving me "The Look", which means a piercing gaze and eyes that never close, as if she was an owl.

"What's up, Hermes?" she asked softly.

"Nothing." I immediately answered. But I should've known better; she would never let me be.

"You are lying to me. But I won't kill you for this – I'm not Apollo" she added with a laugh. What a gorgeous laugh.

I laughed with her hoping that she would've just dropped the subject; how silly of me.

"Now, Hermes, spit it out."

"It's just that… uhm… you've spent a lot of time in Ithaca lately and…" I couldn't find the right words.

"Are you jealous?" she asked bluntly, making my heart jump. Sometimes she is scary.

"No, I'm just… worried."

"That I may choose Odysseus over you? Why would I do such a thing?" she asked.

"Because… uhm" I replied, not knowing how to make my point.

"I love you, you idiot!" she interrupted me "Odysseus is a fine and brilliant man, but how could anyone compare with you?" she looked at me intently, cupping my face with her hands. I blushed; after so much time I'm not quite used to her compliments.

"What do you possibly see in me, Athena?" I asked quietly "I'm short, skinny, pale, I have those damn freckles everywhere and my stupid hair…"

"You are cute!" she interrupted again, encircling my waist.

"I'm not. And moreover, I make very bad jokes and I'm shy…"

You are funny!" she corrected me. "Especially when you're angry!" she added with a laugh.

Turning my head towards her I noticed that she was quite close to me. A small smile played on her lips as if she was about to laugh again, her sapphire eyes shining. Her violet scent filled my nostrils and her hand caressed my hip meaningfully.

"Let me prove you just how lovely you are." she said with a low voice that made her words quite easy to interpret.

And the next moment I was engulfed in her embrace, her lips pressed against mine, her hand ruffling my stupid curls. And she shown me she was not done with just that.

Wow. If this is what I get, I think I should complain more often.