So, when I'm in a bit of a funk, I like to go back and read old reviews. I love you guys, I really do. I don't think I would have continually writing and gradually, very slowly improved over time, without your encouragement. I also made the mistake of actually rereading some of those old stories which was just horrifying. Why did I ever think that was good? Oh, internalized misogyny… not to mention the run-on sentences! Even though I found the experience highly embarrassing, I'd never delete those stories (unless, someone I was dating stumbled across them or something equally horrifying) because I know that you enjoyed them and that just makes me love you all the more for sticking with me through the bad times. Not that we're completely out of the woods yet. Anyway, I wanted to channel all these warm and fuzzy feelings into a story. I hope you like what I managed to come up with. I'm looking to write more one-shots so if you have any suggestions, feel free to PM me or leave options in reviews. As always, PLEASE REVIEW!
Much love, Cat
xxxxx
"Good night, darling." Hephaestus' lips brushed against the downy soft skin of her forehead as he murmured the words into her hair. She smelled fresh and feminine like soap and roses with an underlying musk, some special baby essence that reminded him of bread right out of the oven. He continued to coo to his daughter as Aphrodite came into the room, toweling off her arms and chest.
"Very clever," she said quietly to the baby. "Act sweet and innocent when your father is around." But her voice held no venom and she was soon taking the child from Hephaestus' arms and rocking her gently as she carried her to bed. With a last round of endearments and promises and cuddles, the new parents finally tore themselves away and headed to their own chamber, leaving the child to the care of her nurse.
As Hephaestus and Aphrodite walked down the corridor side by side, his hand repeatedly brushed against hers. Somehow her hand slipped into his and their fingers entwined. As she continued to slide her fingers back and forth through his he caressed the back of her hand with his thumb.
By the time they reached their room, Hephaestus could feel that familiar warmth coiling through his belly. The urgency he had once felt with her had deepened into something much richer, sweeter. That initial urgency had been born of desperation. A mute and clawing desperation that could not voice the things it wanted most, longing and grasping but afraid to reach out and take. Now… Now he knew happiness. And love. And he was more than content to spend every night leisurely devoting himself to the study of his wife, mapping each glorious curve of her body, learning how she best liked to be touched and held and tasted. He suspected that his mysteries had been much easier to master but if that were the case, she had never let on.
Tonight, as she undressed him before drawing him towards the bed, she still gloried in the uncovering of his muscular form as though all his secrets hadn't already been laid bare before her. She still reveled in the feel of him, her hands covetously stroking his satiny skin as though she didn't already possess him body and spirit.
"Aphrodite," he breathed, his voice like smoke as his eyes slid shut and he gave himself over to the pleasure she so effortlessly coaxed from him.
xxxxx
This is a continuous story that doesn't need to be broken up into chapters but I thought I'd stop here for those who might want to read the bit in the beginning with their daughter and the romantic sentimentality and sign off before things get too steamy. Which they will ;)
As always, PLEASE REVIEW!
Much love, Cat