Happy people bustled about Glenberry's streets in the snow. Couples and families all smiling to each other as they passed. Despite the Christmas cheer in the air, there was still one green-haired grinch marching along while sulking. Venus was not a fan of the cold. She hated the icy slush that clung to her boots and made the ends of her pants wet, even with the chuckling man walking alongside her trying his best to cheer her up.

"Don't pout. You did ask Ju to make it snow, there's no one else to blame."

She huffed as she sped up, trying in vain to pull ahead of him. There weren't many who had the honour of being allowed to stand next to the goddess of love, even among the pantheon, but Pluto was a special exception. Thin as a whip and as pale as the wintery landscape around them, with hair and eyes of purest black. He almost looked like a monochrome photo in his usual suit, especially next to Venus with her bright red jacket and golden finery. Not many would understand the connection the two shared from seeing them together.

"I know the real reason you're sulking anyway."

She decided to humour him. The foolish man, thinking he could possibly know her thoughts.

"Go on then."

"You're just jealous the monkeys aren't celebrating you today."

He hit the nail on the head.

"I'm not jealous!" Venus surprised herself with the snap. "But the stupid creatures should remember who really deserves the worship. Not some fat gift goblin with a habit of home invasion, and certainly not the hobo on the cross."

He slipped an arm around her waist, pulling her in close. He let her finish her rant as they walked in sync, drawing a few gazes towards the complaining beauty.

"Hey, it's not too bad. You still have Valentine's Day."

"Please! It's not even me they're praising."

"It's a lot better than anything I get at least."

She had to agree with him there. Humans had plenty of celebrations for their dead, but not many for the guy who managed them, not anymore at least. She sighed as she leant against him, her frustration almost gone. While she enjoyed the fear and admiration that came with godhood, it was nice to drop the haughty attitude for a little while. He didn't expect her to be the perfect example of all things beautiful, hell, neither of them really kept up their titles when they were together. She could be a normal, albeit gorgeous and powerful, woman for a day. They'd be back to work tomorrow though. The humans were always either fucking or dying.

The sounds of the city faded slightly as they made their way into the industrial district, closing in on their destination. Unease started to rise in Venus's chest. She would've preferred to be almost anywhere but the streets of the sleepy human town. She could've probably even have stood a few hours of Mars's winter feast. Without the constant work of a deity her mind was free to focus on her own life.

"I still don't know if this is a good idea."

He stopped suddenly, spinning her in front of him and grasping her shoulders. Anyone else caught in those deep, dark eyes would crumble with fear, but they still gave Venus the same butterflies as they had millennia ago.

"Thea. You love Kyu, right?"

"Yeah."

"And you adore Belle as well?"

"Yeah."

"Then stop trying to get out of this. Kyu invited us, so she obviously wants us in her life."

She knew he was making sense, but after dodging Kyu for over three centuries, it would take more than a few months for them to connect. She pushed herself closer to him, finding some comfort in his embrace.

"It's just…. I don't feel ready for all this."

"All what?"

"You know. Being called Granny. It still feels weird."

He rubbed her back softly as he kissed her neck, whispering quiet comfort in her ear.

"I do know. If it helps, I'm in the same boat. But this is what we wanted." He held her out at arms length, shaking a bit of cheer back into her. "So, let's give it our best for today. We can play happy families for her, can't we?"

It was always strange how the supposed gloomy lord of the underworld could cheer her up. He seemed to know exactly what she needed to hear, even if she didn't. She took his arm again, a slight smile playing on her lips. Part of her was still nervous, but she was actually looking forward to seeing the bubblegum pink pixie and holding the squirming baby again. She sent a few golden sparks down her legs, cleaning her trousers and warming her toes. Planting a quick kiss on her lover's cheek that brought a barely noticeable blush to his face, she set off with a surprising spring in her step. Today at least, she could go along with her love fairy's idea of a happy human family.

She may have put it off for a long time, but she felt she could add another title to her growing list.

Venus, goddess of love and beauty, deity of sex and fertility, and now, mom.