I'd just like to say that I appreciate all of your reviews very much. They've really helped me to decide in which direction I want take this chapter in. Simply because I don't take your suggestions, don't think you haven't helped. Sometimes giving me something to completely reject is very helpful to my process. Think about it. It's much easier to argue against something than for something. That's why people who argue for causes are much more respected. PLEASE REVIEW!!! Much love, Cat.

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He stumbled against an urn and caught her as she fell with him.

"Where are we?" she asked dazedly as she pushed herself up on his chest.

He lifted his head and looked around. "I think we're at your house. I was trying for my room, but I must have gotten distracted," he teased, running his fingertips lightly along her forearm.

"Imagine that," Athena countered huskily, bending to kiss him again. She was no timid virgin or wilting daisy. Her kisses were those of a seductress.

He groaned as she enchanted him then playfully retreated, to kiss the corner of his mouth, his jaw, before he grabbed her and rolled over so he could trap her between his arms and take back control of the kiss.

"Ahem," said a crisp, feminine voice.

Athena started to look up but her attention was diverted by Ares who began to feather kisses down the length of her neck. Gaia, that felt incredible. Her toes curled as pleasure shimmered through her.

"Ahem," said the voice louder.

This time Athena pushed Ares off of her and sat up. "Artemis," she said cordially.

"Athena," responded Artemis dryly. "I see you might not need that ball of fluff after all."

Ares looked at her puzzled.

"It's nothing. Personal joke. You wouldn't understand," explained Athena. "So I'll see you tomorrow, then?"

He appeared as though he was about to argue but restrained himself. "Yes, I think that would be best." He gallantly bent over her hand and kissed it gently. "Until tomorrow, Athena," he murmured, tugging on her hand so she tumbled into his arms and then kissing her soundly.

Once he had closed the door behind him, Artemis laughed. "Now, that was a surprise."

"To be honest, I'm not really sure how it happened," said Athena touching her lips distractedly as though trying to absorb the remnants of the kiss or assure herself it had actually occurred.

"That can't be good," said Artemis, dragging her over to the couch. "Sit," she ordered. "Now, tell me everything. Don't leave out a single detail."

Athena couldn't seem to stop smiling. "He was so sweet. And his voice...you should have heard it. If I hadn't known better, I would have sworn he had been blessed by Euterpe."

"Are you sure it wasn't Erato that he was blessed by?" she asked archly.

Athena was too preoccupied with her success to notice. "He finally held me in his arms. It was everything I hoped it would be. He...," she sighed happily.

"Don't worry, I can just imagine," remarked Artemis.

"I'm so anxious to see him tomorrow. I wonder what he'll..."

"He won't be doing anything," Artemis interrupted.

"What?" asked Athena bemused.

"Neither will you," Artemis continued.

"But, I finally..."

Artemis held up a hand. "No, you haven't," she reminded her sternly. "Right now you're just another of his possible conquests. If you do not wish to suffer the same fate as they, you must show him you are different."

"But..."

"Enough buts, Athena." Artemis sighed at her friend's expression. "I want what is best for you. Since you seem so set on having Ares, at least try to prevent yourself from making it something you'll regret. If not for yourself, for me?" she pleaded.

"Alright, I'll take your advice. I just hope he doesn't think that I've grown uninterested."

Artemis smirked. "After that display, I hardly think uninterested would be the first word to come to mind. No, I think it's time for Ares to start doing some of the work."