CHAPTER XIV

Authors Note: I am sorry for the wait. Life got in the way.

WARNING: MATURE

'Is something on your mind, Ares?' Aphrodite said.

Her wide, vacuous eyes watched him carefully above the lip of her teacup. She sipped slowly, awaiting his response.

Ares' attention was drawn to the rose garden in which Aphrodite's servants danced, their tinkling laughs escaping in the light breeze. They moved like air, like nothing touched them, like something enormous had not just happened. He glanced at Aphrodite and smiled briefly, lifting his full teacup. He shook his head absently.

'Nothing,' he said, his voice far away.

Aphrodite placed her teacup down on the little white garden table and regarded Ares carefully. Ares, fully aware of her gaze, placed his teacup down and placed his hands on his lap. Leaning back nonchalantly, he threaded his fingers together and smiled shallowly.

'And yourself? Is there something on your mind?'

'Should there be?' Aphrodite raised an eyebrow.

'You did call me here,' Ares shrugged.

'Does there need to be a reason for me inviting you here apart from me just wanting to see you?' Aphrodite smiled tenderly. Ares' fingers twitched before he propped his elbow up on his armrest and rested his head in his hand. 'Tell me everything,' he instructed her, bidding her to recite every story and event that had taken place in his absence. This was an old ritual of theirs. Ares would arrive at Aphrodite's palace and she would lay out tea, wine, sweets and fruits for him. As he would eat, she would tell him dreary anecdotes, make fleeting comments and fill up time with long-winded tales she knew Ares wasn't very interested in. Then, when that was done, and the sun started to make its graceful decent into the earth, the two would retire to Aphrodite's private quarters.

Aphrodite launched into her first story and it escaped Ares' ears almost as rapidly as it had entered. Ares' eyes were fixed on her face, but his mind wandered far beyond her.

In between her tales of flopped potions and gold-spun cloaks, images flashed across his eyes. White skin pulled over vertebrae. Crimson scars caressed by timid fingers. Silk and cotton pulled and tugged at, torn by eager finger nails.

Soft skin. Watery eyes. Bruised fingers threaded through wild, dark hair.

'Ares,' Aphrodite called out, and Ares blinked, his brows twitching. A soft, understanding smile spread across her face. She stood up, her white dress flapping in the quiet wind.

'Come,' she said, extended her hands to him over the table.

It seemed that Ares' legs had been stolen from beneath him. He didn't remember or understand how he stood up without his own accord, how he crossed the light garden, his fingers threaded between Aphrodite's. He didn't remember or understand how his feet made a light tapping sound on the bright marble, or how he and Aphrodite ascended the staircase to her private quarters. All he remembered was being pushed down onto her bed, swimming in a sea of rose, satin sheets.

Aphrodite straddled him, her light weight pushing down on his pelvis. Her white dress landed on his palms like dew, and her slender fingers slid up his chest to the collar of his shirt. Her black eyes inspected his defined cheeks, his sea of dark red hair, his pupils sinking into his irises.

Carefully she unbuttoned his shirt, her golden locks falling on his collar bone which she brushed with the tips on her fingers. Exposing his chest, she lowered her head, doing with him whatever she wanted. Ares lay on the bed, his arms sprawled out on either side of him. He watched the ceiling as he felt Aphrodite's tongue explore the soft, rippling creases of the scars on his skin and her velvety hair brushed his chin with every thrust forward.

How unsatisfactory. This was all so familiar to Ares. Her roaming fingers, the smell of her hair - all so familiar.

Ares' closed his eyes, remembering the texture of Athena's trembling skin under his fingertips.

Athena's hair hung on the surface of the water like dark clouds. She scooped up a hand full of water and tipped it over her knee where a bright blue bruise was forming. She lightly let her fingers pass over it before dropping them into the water once more.

She had just returned from a forest in the North of Olympus where she was employed to resolve a feud between a group of nymphs and a group of goblins who claimed to both have rights to the land. Arriving just between the time of rowdiness and mud slinging, she managed to resolve the situation before the violence got out of hand. Fortunately, she walked away unscathed for the most part, but was unable to avoid the clumps of mud that came flying from either side. Athena had promised Artemis she would visit that afternoon, and now arriving at Artemis', she was offered a warm bath before proceeding to the garden for lunch.

Athena submerged herself into the clear water entirely and tried to clear her mind. Since that night, thousands of thoughts clouded her mind with every passing moment, and finding the appropriate reaction for each thought was virtually impossible.

The water was so warm and comforting. Like warm skin. Deep breathing. Fingers between fingers.

The following morning of that night, the sun laid it's peaceful rays on Athena's cheek, waking her gently. Her eyes fluttered open and inspected the room wearily. Everything was as it was left. In the tangle of sheets, she found herself against something warm - wrapped in something warmer than what the thin sheets could provide.

Ares' arm was wrapped around her waist firmly, and his chest pressed against her back, rising and falling rhythmically. His face was nestled in her hair and neck, and his breath warmed her shoulder with each exhale.

Athena suddenly aware of her situation - suddenly aware of everything - shifted with panic pooling in her belly. She tried to move again, gently so as to not wake Ares, but her movements were only met with a semi-conscious Ares' muscles tensing. His grip around her waist tightened and Athena suddenly felt his thigh slide in between hers'. Ares cleared his throat absently, disrupting the rhythmic breathing that had been comforting Athena's spine.

Athena gripped Ares' forearm and tugged at it, scrambling forward. Ares' arm slowly pulled away and Athena sat up in an awkward position.

She was bare, entirely. Her body had been exposed to him. Explored by him. The panic in the pit of her belly bubbled up.

'Athena,' she heard behind her, before turning to him. Ares sat up, propped up on one arm. His voice was husky and yet smooth like velvet.

They stared at each other for a moment. Athena, realising she was entirely exposed, sat facing towards him and pulled a sheet protectively - pointlessly - over her body. The realisation of the futility of the gesture reflected in her eyes. She slowly lowered the sheet, still feeling an inherent need to cover herself entirely.

Ares watched her carefully before catching her arm and drawing her towards him. Athena stumbled forward and he caught her waist with his free arm. He pulled her into him, tossing her arms around his neck, and caught her lips hungrily. With a hand full of Athena's thigh, he pulled her on top of him and kissed her fervently between grunts.

Athena resisted - or at least tried - battling whether to fight Ares or herself. She pressed her hand against his chest and pushed away with the little strength she could muster up in her arms. It was like trying to fight the satisfaction in one's belly once fed after days of starvation. It made no sense wanting to fight something that felt so good.

'Ares,' Athena said between unsteady pants, 'I…don't…I can't…' a small moan escaped Athena's lips as Ares thrust forward.

'Nnh,' he grunted and put his lips to Athena's ear, 'can't what?'

'I can't…ha…I can't…fight you l-like this,' Athena's nails dug into the back of Ares' neck, a few strands of hair coiling around her fingers. Ares breathed, his heart racing. He caught Athena's waist firmly.

'Then,' he whispered before bucking his hips, 'don't,'

Athena gripped Ares' neck and buried her face in the side of his. Ares listened to her high-pitched moans and squeals, holding her steadily and plunging deep inside her. Rocking forward, Athena caught his hair, whimpering 'no' over and over in his ear.

Rays of sunlight hit every surface of the room. Dust specs danced in the golden light, and everything reflected a preternatural glow in the room; from the dullest bucket handle, to the most polished, abandoned silver goblet. The sunshine after the flood. Suddenly everything shimmered like new dew had been strewn across the room.

Athena and Ares breathed, their breaths somehow in and out of sync at the same time. Athena rested her forehead on Ares' and closed her eyes, panting. Ares watched her, his hot breaths on her face. He raised a hand and touched her cheek. His finger tips brushed her jaw lightly, before moving to her lips. His thumb parted her lips as it passed over them. He lowered his hand to her neck, feeling a swallow roll down her throat, then down to her collar bones where he explored the small mountains on the landscape of her soft skin.

'You're ashamed, aren't you?' Ares watched his fingers, now slowly making their way down to her chest, and ribs, exploring every ridge between her bones. His fingers absently explored the curve of her breast before lightly getting caught in her navel. They moved downwards.

Athena opened her eyes and caught his hand. She raised it to her lips and timidly kissed his fingers as they moved to brush her lips.

'I've never felt so wanted,' she said, grasping the skin of fingers between her teeth tenderly.

'Athena!' Artemis called and Athena's head shot up out of the water.

'Is everything alright? I've been calling you.'

'I…yes,' Athena wiped her face, 'I'm fine. I'm almost done,'

'Good. Demeter has come to visit and she has some fresh fruit from the harvest, so hurry up won't you? Or else I'll eat all of your share!' Artemis called playfully.

'Yes, I'll be out soon.' Athena pushed back her hair, drops of water cascading down he cheeks. Gripping the edges of the bathtub, Athena paused for a moment before pushing her self out of the now tepid water.

After drying off, Athena pulled on a dress Artemis lent her. For a moment, she felt quite bad. It seemed that every time she visited someone's palace, circumstances forced her to borrow that god's or goddess' clothes and most of the time, they were left in a condition that wasn't worth being returned in.

Athena made sure to secure the dress delicately, and bunching up the sides, made her way out of the room and down the hallway.

Outside the air was warm and breezy, and the sun hung in the sky like a large golden disk. Athena shielded her eyes as she descended the stairs leading to the garden.

A beautifully woven carpet had been lain out on the grass and across it, bowls and plates of treats were spread out. Artemis lay near a bowl full of dark, shimmering, grapes, picking off two at a time and stuffing them into her mouth while laughing uproariously at Demeter's stories.

Some nymphs sat nearby, making flower crowns and giggling amongst themselves. Noticing Athena, one hopped up, bowed at her and donned her head with a laurel wreath. Athena smiled, thanking her and moved over to the picnic Artemis had set up.

'So anyway I begun - oh! Athena!' Demeter let out a hearty laugh and beckoned Athena towards her. Athena knelt down and Demeter pulled her into a tight squeeze, twisting from side to side. Athena smiled, pain distorting her expression as Demeter squeezed her even tighter and planted several wet kisses on her cheek.

'When was the last time we spent time together my dear!' Demeter laughed again, releasing Athena. Demeter's expression faded from one of elation to one of concern.

'Look at you,' she said furrowing her brows, 'you're so,' she pinched Athena's sides, 'lean and muscular. Have you been eating right? It would do you some good to put a little bit of meet on those bones,' Demeter ran her stubby fingers over her own full figure briefly.

'Here,' she said grabbing several dishes: one of assorted meats and fish, a bowl of fresh, warm bread and a bowl full of a selection of ripe, sweet fruits glistening with dew.

'Eat-eat-eat! You know I think that's the problem with us here in Olympus, we all get so focused on our work sometimes that we totally forget that we should spend an equal amount of time eating. For a very long time I was like you, which was bizarre really because I spent all this time harvesting produce but I hardly ever had the time to enjoy it whilst I was sending it off to different palaces. So one day I just decided to take a break for a snack and I ended up ploughing my way through a whole grove of oranges! Ha! Would you believe it? I've always believed in a balanced diet you see, meats, vegetables, fruits, starches, it's what keeps women like us radiant and fertile. But otherwise,' Demeter looked at Athena and smiled, 'how are you?

Athena stared at Demeter, overwhelmed. She laid down the bowls in her arms and cleared her throat.

'Good thank you. How are you?'

'Oh I'm excellent,' Demeter clapped her hands together, the bangles on her wrists clanging about, 'you know I've just been in the best mood ever since my Persephone came home—'

'Oh yes, how is she?' Athena said taking a bite into a strawberry. The skin was soft and sweet.

'She is perfectly fine and thank goodness! You see, she's also been a bit boney since being in the underworld, that Hades must starve her day in and day out because she always arrives looking like a corpse. So I'm just fattening her up now but she's chariot riding or whatever it is Hermes does at his temple - she really enjoys her freedom. Speaking of freedom—"

Demeter launched into another story totally unrelated to freedom. Athena watched Demeter speak animatedly as Artemis chuckled at her. Athena smiled.

This was nice. Lately, moments like this were rare when she could spend time with her friends and chat about things that didn't matter; where she could listen to to stories that had nothing to do with her destiny or her work and just enjoy them for what they were.

The afternoon passed slowly and the sun slid across the azure sky slowly, making sure to bask the garden its warm glow. Demeter's excitability slowed ever slightly and she sat lounging near a bowl of peaches, munching on one nonchalantly. Artemis laid on her back, her arms spread out beside her, letting her dusty skin darken in the suns light. A nymph with several flower crowns around her head, crawled over to Artemis and rested her head on the goddess' belly. The air was lazy.

Athena, dipping into an olive bowl, hadn't noticed Demeter's gaze on her.

'There's something different about you Athena,' Demeter said, taking another bite into her peach ruminatively.

'Hm?' Athena perked, 'What do you mean?'

Demeter watched her for a moment before propping herself up on one elbow. She then sat up entirely and leaned towards Athena.

'There's something new about you…something radiant…' Demeter scrutinised Athena with an intensity that made Athena feel uncomfortable.

'Hm?' Artemis sat up and the nymph sat up with her.

'I don't understand,' Athena said hesitantly, inching away. Demeter's eyes dropped to Athena's stomach. Almost involuntarily, she pressed her palm against it.

Demeter gasped.

'Athena,' she rubbed her belly gently, 'there is so much in you…there is so much life in you.'

Athena pushed away Demeter's hand immediately and doubled back. She gripped her belly protectively. A flood of panic washed over her and she could feel her underarms becoming damp. She swallowed hard, suddenly the night flashed through her mind: every inch of skin, every kiss, every careless movement made.

'Am I pregnant?' she asked, blurting out the words before she could stop herself. Demeter jerked back her head in puzzlement.

'Pregnant? What? I didn't say you were pregnant. How could you be when you haven't—' the colour in Demeter's ruddy cheeks drained suddenly. She raised her hand to her mouth, her eyes growing wide. Artemis glanced between Athena and Demeter questioningly, then suddenly, it dawned on her.

'Athena…' Demeter said very slowly.

'What?' Athena snapped, backing away protectively. She immediately shook her head.

'Did you…' Demeter continued from behind her squat fingers.

'No…no,' Athena looked between their stunned expressions, 'no…it's not…I'

The colour in Demeter's face returned as vibrant as ever. With scarlet cheeks she drew a long, rattling gasp. With her breath still deep in her robust chest, she looked at Artemis, who looked at her, cheeks equally as ruddy.

Together they released a squeal that sent every winged animal in the forest soaring into the refuge of the soundless sky.

'You did not!' Yelled Demeter jumping up. She hopped up and down on the spot, avoid Athena's swipes at her dress.

'I cannot believe it!' Artemis shot up with her hands in the air, releasing another squeal that received an unkind glare from a nearby centaur who promptly disappeared into the forest after swishing his tail indignantly.

'Shh…shh! Hey!' Athena hissed, noticing the curious expressions of the nymphs nearby. She caught Demeter's dress but was sent, back first, onto the carpet by Artemis who bounced on her. Pinned underneath Artemis' weight, Athena couldn't escape the torrent of giggles emitting from Artemis' chest. Demeter dropped beside the two, breathless.

'Did you really?' Artemis asked with a huge smile, her nose barely touching Athena's.

'With who?' Demeter asked. Noting how Athena wouldn't be able to speak with Artemis on her chest, she grabbed Artemis' arm and pulled her up. After shushing Artemis, Demeter turned to Athena with wide, hazel eyes.

'Well? Who was it with? When? Tell us everything!'

Athena sat up slowly, her head spinning. Now she had done it. She had accidentally let slip something she did not want a single soul to know to two of the loudest souls in Olympus. After panting heavily, Athena caught Demeter and Artemis' wrists.

'You two have to promise, promise you won't tell anyone,' she said in a dangerously low voice, she turned to Artemis, 'not Apollo or the nymphs,' she turned to Demeter, 'not Persephone, not anyone.'

'Of course!' Artemis said in a huff, still straddled on Athena's lap, she folded her arms.

'We would never!' Demeter raised her hand honestly, 'Even I have had some less than respectable incidents where I depended on the trust of others to keep in the clear. I'll admit, it was in my darker days at a Dionysian party, they may have been several satyrs involved—'

Demeter caught Athena and Artemis glaring at her. She sighed.

'The point is: women's honour. I swear we will not tell a soul!'

'Fine,' Athena drew a large breath, 'Ares and I—'

'I knew it, I knew it! I knew that night something was going to happen! Was it that night? That night at Apollo's?' Artemis bounced up and down.

Athena hushed her.

'Yes…I…I don't know what happened,' Athena averted her eyes, guilt welling in them, 'we just…'

'Well?' Artemis stared at her.

'Well what?'

'What did it feel like?

'—Artemis! Behave! But was he any good?'

'—Did he say anything afterwards?'

'—Did he say anything in between?'

'—Did it hurt?'

'—Was it big?'

'—Demeter!'

Athena covered her face and shook her head and the three women giggled together.

'Don't be shy, tell us the details!' Artemis said trying to pull Athena's hands away from her face.

'Or are the details too good to share?' Demeter grinned, tickling Athena's sides.

Athena fell on her back, laughing behind her fingers as the two goddesses sprung up and danced around the picnic, wildly, until the sun started it's slow decent into the horizon.