A/A fic - Lingering
By Melskim
Disclaimer: I don't own them, just playing with them.
Written: 11/24/09
Dedications, This is for my XOC pals Jill and Aster.
Athena had ethered from Amphipolis to her palace in mount Olympus, she was carrying a dead Ilanius. Dead because of the twilight. Dead because she was mortal. She was over her body when I found her, her soft cries startled me, I've never seen her cried before and I was jealous, so much grief over a mortal.
Athena sensed me behind and turned, her eyes red from the tears, part of my heart broke at the sight, but proud as I am, I didn't let her see I was broken for her too.
Her eyes fixed on mines, but her glance elsewhere, far away from me. I felt fury and hurt burning me, inside, out. And I had to said it, had to hurt her, even more than she was already hurting.
"So, Xena killed you precious pet?" I asked bitter. It wasn't a question, more a statement of something I already knew. I was mocking her, such a bitch I am.
She didn't answer, but her eyes turned into rage, and I had to keep molesting her, she had left my side for that insignificant mortal, she had to pay.
"Umm" I pondered. "I told you, she was mortal… they eventually die". I regret it the moment it left my lips.
She was openly crying by then. She looked to her lover and then back at me, cold and defeated. "Just leave me alone, Artemis". She choked out. Maybe more hurt by my words, than for the events of the day. She turned her back on me and placed Ilanius in a crystal coffin, conjured by her powers. And, she stayed there staring at the dead mortal flesh.
I did not leave, just stood without moving on the frame of her door. Waiting. For what? I don't know. But, the hours past and I couldn't move, my legs didn't help either, my only thought was for her, the only reason I remained looking at her back.
The night had fallen and I noticed she was tired, of crying, of the day, of her loss, of eternity… Her tears already dry in her cheeks. My sister, my soul; sat there, with her head straight, as the proud goddess she was. A faint smile crept on my lips. I remember that was one of the reason I love her. That was the reason I lingered immobile.
I walked up to her, taking a deep breath, hugging myself from the possible rejection and just slipped my arms around her, hugging her as hard as I could, as gentle as possible imaging. She tensed and turned her head to see me. I smiled, a warm smile and held my breath once more… surprisingly, she looked into my eyes and relaxed.
She was crying again. "Shhh.". I kissed her hair tenderly. "Everything it's going to be okay". I whispered, resting my chin in the nape of her neck. She signed and hugged me back. "You are not alone in this one, love".
My brother has already brought us day light and she is still sleeping by my side. I'd missed her so much. I sign happily, taking the golden sheets up, covering her form from the dawn chill, placing a light kiss in her bare shoulder, closing my eyes and moving even more near her body.