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The Winter Solstice has always been one of Zoë's favorite times. After Artemis gets back from meeting up with the rest of the Olympian gods, they get to spend the rest of the evening by themselves, without the gods or the hunters, the latter staying at Camp Half-blood despite numerous protests.

It's not that Zoë doesn't love them, she does. It's always just a mental break for Zoë. One can only stress over the safety of fifteen girls and a goddess all day, every day before it begins to wear someone down.

These nights usually consist of Zoë and Artemis bunkering down in front of a fireplace in Artemis' cabin in Mt. Olympus talking, Zoë watching Artemis' mouth any time she took a drink from her wine glass. It usually starts with a recap of what happened at the Solstice then transitions into plans for the hunters and then memories of the past.

Tonight was no different. Artemis and Zoë both faced the fireplace with Artemis lying on her side, feet crossed and Zoë sitting crisscrossed and leaning back on the palms of her hands listening to Artemis speak.

Nothing exciting had happened at the meeting. The only thing that might have caused any problems was that Hermes had stolen some of Apollo's cows – again – and Apollo rightfully wanted them back. Hermes had played dumb for a while but Artemis and a few others had jumped in about how childish it was, Hermes eventually relented and told Apollo where his cattle were located.

"Sometimes I wish it were just you and me," Artemis said, drunk on wine. "I love my girls but, Hades, they can be exhausting."

Zoë looked at the fire, allowed a chuckle, and then spoke.

"You don't mean that, my lady."

"No, but I do enjoy my time here with you."

"If all thee did was spend time with me I would end up like Hera."

"Never," Artemis barked, placing her wine glass a few feet away. She slid closer to Zoë, forcing her to straighten out her legs. She sat in the taller girl's lap and wrapped her hands around her neck.

"I may have a temper like my father," Artemis began, playing with the baby hairs on the back of Zoë's neck, "but I would never treat you as poorly as he treats Hera."

Zoë raised an eyebrow at her.

"I, for one, wouldn't leave such a beautiful lady without attention," she purred.

Zoë, who was still leaning back on her hands, quickly became flustered. Artemis moved her lips to Zoë's, kissing her hard. She nibbled on Zoë's ear for a moment before moving down Zoë's neck, hearing her breath become more labored.

The fire crackled behind them.

"I wouldn't treat you like Zeus does Hera," Artemis whispered. "I'll prove it to you."