Three Magic Words

It was funny the way the sun shone red through the back of one's eyelids. Everything was red these days to Athena. The color shone in a way it never had before, and it was all because of one man. Since she'd started dating Apollo her old revulsion of the color had faded away, replaced with a love for it fueled by her love for the man who represented it, or perhaps he was represented by it? Athena couldn't decide as she sat, her eye's closed and head tilted back as if it would help her soak up just a little more of the warm summer light.

"Hey, Tiger," the words were followed by a kiss to her forehead and Athena's eyes opened to see a grinning Apollo leaning over her, "We're you daydreaming about me?" he asked.

She frowned, "As if, you took so long I'd almost fallen asleep from boredom."

He shrugged, "I can't help it if the kid in front of me couldn't decide on a flavor. Scoot," Athena obliged his request, moving over from the middle of the bench, to a side, making room for him.

"And?" Athena prompted.

He sat and handed her a popsicle, "One Orange Creamsicle just like you ordered."

Athena took it and pulled the plastic off in one swift motion before taking a bite from the top, "Mmmm, yummy."

Apollo shook his head, "I'll never understand your love for those. Now chocolate? That's classic," he winked before starting in on his own fudgesicle.

"If it's so classic, that means you don't mind my taking a bite, to sample the competition?" Athena said, and before Apollo could argue she pulled the ice cream towards her and took a bite.

"Hey!" Apollo said, but there was a smile in his argument.

"Next time get me two."

"You'll get a stomach ache."

"Pfft, impossible."

They went on like that, picking on one another while stealing bites of each other's ice cream for a while and it felt good, comfortable even. Athena hadn't felt this comfortable with someone in a long time. She'd been too busy working to save Simon to take much time out for boyfriends, besides most guys were turned off when they learned she could hear their hearts.

But not Apollo, he had his own special gift. His sharp eyesight, paired with the bracelet he claimed he was still figuring out, made him almost as good as she was at reading people. Athena loved Apollo. There was no doubt in her mind about it. Neither was there any doubt in her mind of Apollo's feelings for her. So why did this moment feel off all of a sudden?

"What's wrong?" Apollo's word's pulled her back to him.

"Nothing, I just got lost in thought for a moment," she said jumping to her feet, "Come on, let's head into the station. I want to say hi to mom before we leave."

When not being used to move or build rockets the wide lawn at the Cosmos Space Center was used as picnic and stargazing grounds and had become a regular haunt for the two lawyers.

It hadn't surprised either of them when their aimless walks kept taking them to the center, no matter who led. They each had strong ties there and at last made a pact to visit together almost weekly. It was easier for both of them to be there together.

"Ok." He said. They tossed their used popsicle sticks in one of the trash bins and headed in. Athena's hand found Apollo's as soon as they stepped through the door and he gave her a reassuring squeeze. It was never easy for Athena to visit, but it got better, especially with Apollo by her side. She knew the same was true for him.

This time as they wandered the halls and played with Ponco Athena didn't feel that gradual ease she usually did, she didn't let go of Apollo's hand either. By the time they made it to the museum she was on the verge of tears. She held them back, not because she didn't want Apollo to see, she was sure he already knew, but because the museum was busy and she hated crying in front of other people.

"Want to go home?" Apollo asked as they stood together looking at the Hat-1 Mission memorabilia. Athena shook her head.

Apollo turned to her, squeezing her hand, "Tell me what's wrong, let me help?" it was a question, he didn't want to push her too far, but Athena could hear the worry and love in that question.

She'd always been able to hear the love in Apollo's heart. It had a tone to it that Athena loved hearing, and every word he said held it in an undercurrent, making her always eager to hear him speak. She knew he knew her feelings as well. In every action, movement, and twitch she knew he could tell. It wasn't his bracelet telling him, but his own knowledge of her. With all that love between them, why hadn't either told the other in plain words?

Had they grown so comfortable in the knowledge of the unsaid that the words didn't need saying? Or was she just being silly?

"Athena?"

"Sorry, I- I don't know what's wrong with me today," it was a lame excuse, but also the truth. He frowned and looked her over, a hand brushing her cheek where a stray tear had managed to escape her careful guard.

"Come on, Tiger. You can tell me."

"Do you love me?" She wanted to take back the words the moment they left her mouth. They were silly, childish, a betrayal.

Apollo's face softened, "You know I do."

"Then say them. Please, Apollo, you never have"

"I haven't?" he frowned then, "I haven't, but neither have you."

Athena knew he hadn't meant the words to sting the way they did, but knowing that didn't help ease the hurt. Apollo noticed it immediately and reached out for her.

"Athena, I didn't, I- Ugh, I'm not very good with this. I'm much better at the loud comforting stuff," He looked so lost Athena couldn't help but smile.

"I'm sorry," he said at last, "I was so happy that we could communicate on a different level. I took your hearing for granted, and I'm sorry."

He shifted on his feet and tucked both hands into his pockets, he looked up at her and Athena couldn't read his eyes, her racing heart made her wish she could, wish she could read his mind and find out what those next words would be, she didn't have long to wait.

"I love you, Athena Cykes, in fact I adore you. When I look at you, it's better than looking at the stars in the sky, you light up my life in a way no one else does. I don't know if I could live without you," while he spoke he was fumbling with something in his hands, and then in what she was sure was supposed to be a smooth motion, he went down on one knee, almost falling once, before holding a box out to her, "I've been trying to tell you all this for a while, and I've been looking for a good place but-"

Shaky hands lifted the lid, "Will you make me the happiest guy in the world and marry me, so I can tell you how much I love you every day?"

Athena's eyes locked on the ring in the box, and she felt like a goldfish with her eyes bugging out and her mouth dropped open.

"It's red."

He blushed, "It's a ruby. I like red, plus there's diamonds around it."

"It's perfect."

"Is that a yes?"

"Of course it is you dummy now put it on my finger so I can kiss you."