A/N: Hey guys! So... not too much to say today, other than HAPPY OPERATING ROOM NURSE DAY (NOV. 14)!

Oh, and one more thing: in response to a review I recently got, I don't have an updating schedule. :) I just write and update whenever I find time to. Recently my schedule has been a bit more crazy, so that's why the updates have gotten less frequent. And, if you guys are looking for some more great stories about the gods, I recommend reading anything written by Muse of Fanfiction... All her stories are great.

And now, without further ado, I hope you enjoy this new chapter!

Peace out,

~silentwolf111

HEPHAESTUS'S POV

I chuckled to myself as I watched her silently. The little wretch, thinking she could go behind my back and just do as she pleased? Well, she really should have known better; after all, I have my ways.

I zoomed the camera in on her face, allowing for a clear picture of the scene that was taking place in the room below me. And she thought I'd never find out…

I pressed record, then waited quietly as my camera worked its magic. After a while, I stopped recording, and sat back in my chair.

I've got you now...

I smiled to myself. When this footage goes on Hephaestus TV tonight, gods above, it will be priceless. They will be extremely embarrassed yet again, and I will remain victorious, as always. Of course, they will want to murder me afterwards, but hey, I'm used to dealing with angry people. Growing up an unwanted cripple has taught me a thing or two about how to deal with society.

But, never mind that. Right now, I have more important business to deal with.

I stood up and went downstairs, stopping outside their door. I listened for a little while, then quietly picked the lock on the door and strolled in.

I was met with the sight of them, right in the middle of a huge smooch-fest.

"Oh, hello," I said, casually leaning against the side of the doorway. "Fancy seeing you two here."

They immediately stopped and, eyes widened with surprise, turned to look at me.

"Oh, great," Ares groaned. "Not you again."

"H-Hephy, darling!" Aphrodite stammered. "What are you doing down here?"

"Why do you care?" I questioned. "I mean, you're obviously more concerned with your dear boyfriend over here."

"I am not!" she immediately blurt out, blushing madly.

I raised an eyebrow at her.

"Hey," Ares said, wrapping an arm around Aphrodite. "Lay off my girlfriend, ugly. Can't you see we were in the middle of something?"

"As a matter of fact, tough guy, I know," I said. "I didn't want to miss all the fun, so I've been watching all along."

I pointed to the camera that I'd hidden in the shadows, causing Ares to groan.

"Okay, fine," he said. "You've been watching us. So what? We don't care. Now, run along and leave us alone."

"Hmm…" I said. "Nah. I think I'll stay for a while."

I turned to Aphrodite, who was clutching Ares's arm tightly.

"You know, you really should treat your husband with more respect," I said.

Before Aphrodite could answer, Ares cut in.

"Now why would she do that when all you've ever done is embarrass her?"

"I did that for her own good!" I snapped.

"Yeah, right," Ares scoffed. "You don't even love her."

"I do too! In fact, I love her way more than you do."

"What!" Ares said, eyes starting to blaze. "Nonsense! I love her much more than you ever will!"

"Okay, I see how it is, tough guy," I said, leaning in closer. "You want to go there?"

"Oh, yes," he said, standing his ground. "I want to go there."

"Um, guys?" Aphrodite cut in. "No need to fight over me or anything! Please, just calm do-"

"You stay out of this," I shot at her.

I turned to Ares.

"Fine then," I said. "How about this? Let's meet up later today. Me and you. We'll have a little competition, to see who loves Aphrodite more. Deal?"

I extended my hand.

Without a moment's hesitation, Ares shook it.

"Deal."

LATER…

"Ladies and gentlemen," Hermes's voice boomed. "Gods and goddesses of all ages… Welcome to the first annual 'Love Games'!"

The crowds at Olympus Stadium erupted in cheers, clapping and stomping wildly.

"I'll be your host," Hermes continued. "And now let's go meet the contestants, shall we?"

He flew over to where Ares was standing.

"In this corner, we have the tough, brutal god of war himself: ARES!"

Ares smiled and flexed his muscles, causing the crowd to cheer even louder.

Hermes then flew over to me.

"And in this corner, we have the crafty god of the forges: HEPHAESTUS!"

The cheering died down quite significantly, and Hermes gave me a reassuring look.

"Okay then," he said. "And now, here's the lady behind this entire thing; give it up for the ever-so-breathtaking goddess of love: APHRODITE!"

Aphrodite rose from a platform in the center of the stadium, and the crowd went wild once again. She flashed a dazzling smile and waved to the audience, causing half the gods to faint.

"Isn't she beautiful?" Hermes asked the crowd, which immediately roared with appreciation. "And now, let's explain the rules of the Love Games. Here's how it works: Both of our contestants will have to partake in a few tasks, each one designed specifically to test their love for Aphrodite! Whoever wins the most tasks wins the Love Games, and will have proved themselves worthy of the beautiful goddess of love! So, Ares, Hephaestus, are you ready?"

I shot a confident look at Ares, who laughed and cracked his knuckles.

"Bring it," he said.

"All right then," Hermes said. "Let the Love Games begin! Here's your first task: You both must serenade your love. Whoever does it best wins the task! Good luck to you both!"

A gong sounded to start the task, but I didn't move. Serenade her? Oh, dear gods… I can't sing for the life of me! How on Olympus was I supposed to serenade my wife?

Ares, looking a bit terrified, slowly made his way up to Aphrodite. He took a deep breath, then started to sing.

"BABY, BABY, BABY OHHHHHH-"

I instantly slapped my hands over my ears, as did much of the crowd when they heard that dreadful noise. He calls that singing? Ugh, I think my ears have been scarred for life…

I looked at Aphrodite, expecting to see a grimace on her face. But, to my horror, she had a much different reaction.

"Oh, darling!" she cooed with glee, smiling widely. "I just LOVE Justin Bieber! How did you know?"

"Well," Hermes said, a bit of hesitation in his voice. "I guess that settles that. Ares wins the first task!"

Ares grinned and shot me a sly look, as if to say, Beat that.

"And now for your next task," Hermes continued. "Both of you must now give Aphrodite a present of your choice! Whichever one she likes best wins!"

The gong sounded, but this time I didn't hesitate one bit; after all, making things is my specialty.

I instantly whipped out my toolbelt and started pulling out supplies at random, quickly forming the shape of a delicate necklace. I hobbled over to where Aphrodite was standing and presented the necklace to her.

Please like it, please like it…

"Oh, Hephy…" she said with awe. "It's gorgeous! Thank you!"

"And you all know what that means," Hermes said. "Hephaestus wins the task!"

I smiled proudly and walked over to where Ares was. He obviously hadn't had a clue what to give Aphrodite, judging from the look of shock on his face.

"H-How did you-?" he said.

"I told you," I replied. "I happen to know a lot about her interests. Looks like you have some tough competition, Ares."

And so the Love Games went on and on, Ares and I completing one task after another until finally, the last task was completed.

"And the winner is…" Hermes said.

The crowd anxiously leaned forward, the entire stadium silent as we waited to hear the name that was about to be announced.

Hermes opened the envelope, but his expression quickly turned to one of surprise.

"Why…it looks like it's a tie," Hermes announced. "Well then, Aphrodite… I guess you're just going to have to choose the winner."

All eyes were instantly on Aphrodite, who seemed taken aback by the pressure that was suddenly put on her.

"Um," she stammered. "Give me a second."

After a little while, she took a breath.

"I have made my decision," she said.

I exchanged looks with Ares. This was it…

Aphrodite closed her eyes.

"I choose…"