3.
:: complicated ::

Chill out!
What are you yelling for?
Lay back
It's all been done before
And if you could only let it be
You would see
I like you the way you are
But you've become somebody else, like everyone else
Watching your back
Like you can't relax
Why do you have to go and make things so complicated?

/ Avril Lavigne – Complicated

It was dark again. But somehow Diana knew the darkness did not signal night. Instead, it was merely the setting for the monumental events to come.

Ares was too close again. His aura enveloped her like a thunderstorm swelling and forming, anticipation building to a climax so powerful it would shake her to her very foundations. He wasn't touching her, but he didn't have to touch her to affect her; his very presence did that. She could always sense when he was near. She could feel him without having to see him, knew he was staring at her, his eyesight not troubled by the darkness.

"Ares, why are you doing this to me?" she murmured, trying to collect her thoughts. Something was wrong with this picture. It was too hard to resist him. It shouldn't be this hard. Diana knew the temptation was strong, but her will had always been stronger. It wasn't normal for her to be in this situation.

"Don't be naïve, my sweet." The whisper emerged from the darkness, soft and smoky. His voice, deep and lyrical, wrapped around her like music, soothing her conflicted soul. Diana fought not to be enchanted, but every word he said was irresistible. As irresistible as he was.

"This isn't happening," she murmured, the realization fighting its way against reality from deep in her subconscious. She couldn't allow Ares' spell to overtake her fully. To do so would leave her with regrets she could never reconcile. "This cannot be happening."

"Maybe not," was his soft reply. "But don't you wish it was?"

Diana trembled. Why was he doing this to her? "Ares…" the protest welled up in her throat, pressing against her vocal cords, but at his hand circling her waist she lost it. Ares' chuckle reverberated against her spine, his breath hot and arousing against her ear.

"Just give in, my sweet gypsy," he murmured. "It's only a dream. No guilt. No regrets. And I'll never tell. Not if you don't want me to."

Yes, but I'll always know, her mind protested. We'll both always know. And I'll still have to face you in the morning.

"Would that be so bad?" He was reading her thoughts again. Ares had no concept of privacy.

Or personal space…

Diana was doing her best to keep her distance from him, but that was difficult the way he wrapped his body around hers. His arms were strong and she could feel the tension of his muscles around her waist. His lips weren't stagnant either, drifting across her collarbone, centering on her sensitive neck. Diana couldn't help shivering from the sensation.

"Ares…" she whispered again, but this time it was more plea than protest. Her head fell back against her will, granting him more access. Ares responded with another string of kisses down her jaw. Each kiss was drugging, sweet; flaying apart what little remained of Diana's willpower.

"Don't fight me anymore," he urged, his voice rough as his kisses were tender. Diana conceded simply because she no longer felt she could fight. His spell was too intense and he seemed to break down her defenses right where they were most vulnerable. She never realized he knew her so well. But Ares always was cunning when it came to getting what he wanted.

And he wanted her.

That was never more evident as it was now, revealed in the urgent way he was kissing her, in each of his daring caresses. Diana found herself melting helplessly against him, unable to deny how much she craved his touch. Ares intensified his sensual assault, driving her crazy with each sweep of his skilled fingers.

It was a dream. It had to be a dream. But all Diana could think was that she desperately hoped never to awaken.

The feelings were so strong, near exploding and the room seemed to be getting hotter. Or maybe it was her own temperature on the rise, Diana thought. She felt so hot and shaky, her emotions impossible to control. Ares seemed to sense the change in the mood and in response, his kisses grew hotter, more fevered. Diana had no time to reflect where her clothes had gone to --besides, with Ares, there were multiple explanations available-- before Ares' large hands met with bare flesh, exploring with a freedom that was as shocking as it was sinfully nice.

Of their own volition, her arms stretched out and circled his neck. Her head lolled back, trying to clear a path for her gasps of pleasure to escape. She gripped him tightly as she pressed against his hard body, urging for something she couldn't understand, but instinctively sought. She could sense Ares' smile as he stroked her slowly, building a fiery sweet tension that she knew he'd satisfy. She wasn't sure what she needed, she was only sure that he would give it to her.

Suddenly she was on her back and he was on top of her, his weight crushing her, but Diana didn't mind. It only felt right that he should be there. Her legs parted of their own accord, welcoming him, embracing him closer. And as he positioned himself, a hard bulge pressed against her, a thrilling precursor to the moment yet to come.

"Say yes Diana," he murmured huskily, seconds away from claiming her.

"No!" Diana gasped defiantly, unable to accept Ares' terms, even as much as she needed this.

"Very well. So long as we both know you mean yes."

NO!

Diana sat up in bed, breasts heaving, clutching her sheets to her chest. Gods damn him. DAMN him to Tartartus itself!

There was no doubt left. He had to be doing this deliberately. It was no coincidence, these dreams that Diana was having. Ares was trying to make a point. Or rather, he was trying to give her his point by showing her what she was missing. And Diana had got the point. Well, perhaps not that point, but his not-so-subtle message was coming through loud and clear. And she was indeed --very-- aware of what she was missing.

Infernal War God and his twisted, sexual fantasies! I have to find a way to make him BACK OFF!

She found him lounging in his throne room, almost as if he'd been waiting for her. This made the third time she met him there in so many days. And for the third time, Diana was exceptionally unhappy about it.

"ARES!" she began, stomping in violently. She gave no pretense of submission this time as she marched right up to his throne and glowered. "You had no right to do this! No RIGHT, do you hear me?"

"I hear. But I fail to see what's caused such enmity in you regarding me." He smiled briefly and without humor. "That is, what caused it this time?"

"Oh you know exactly why I am furious! I'm not going to put up with your tricks Ares. So stop playing me for a fool. It's obvious you know something about—" she paused, desperately wishing she could jump time about three seconds and skip this part of the conversation, but talking about her disclosure to Calipso was inevitable now, "—about private conversations which you shouldn't. I don't know exactly what you do know or think you know or overheard, but I refuse to let you keep manipulating me through my dreams. Back off Ares! Or you won't like the consequences!" She poked a finger into his chest for emphasis and his muscle-rippled skin didn't deflect even the tiniest bit, doing nothing to improve her temper.

To her surprise Ares didn't react to the threat. Instead of stirring his anger, he seemed more laconic than ever. Brow quirked, he tilted his head to the side and studied her. His lips curled up, revealing flashes of dimpled cheeks in a tantalizing peekaboo.

"Took you long enough to figure it out," he said, sounding amused. "Really Diana, I expected you to catch on much earlier than this."

Surprise struck Diana speechless and her finger fluttered down to her side. There was a pause before she spoke again. When she did, she sounded winded. "You—you planned this? You wanted me to figure out that you were manipulating me with information that you stole from me to begin with?"

Ares grinned broadly. "Now-now, shall we skip the dramatics? It sounds to me like the lady doth protest too much. You are prevaricating that you don't like my nightly presents, when I know for a fact you do! Incidentally, have I mentioned that I love the little squeals you make when you get excited?"

Diana blushed crimson from the tip of her toes on up. "Why you son of a Bacchae—"

Ares wagged a finger. "Now don't say something you'll regret. You and I both know it's true. We are also both alone in this room. Together. So why pretend? Is it worth all that to salvage your pride?"

Diana grew cold. "What's your point, Ares?"

"I'd be happy to show you."

"Listen to me Ares and listen good! Never! Never-ever-EVER! Not in a million years—"

"I can wait."

"—Not if you were the last man—god, whatever, on earth—"

"Don't get too cocky. The way dear old Dad is running things; that very well may be the case."

"—Not even if I was on my deathbed with six months left to live—"

"Did I mention that the lady doth protest too much?"

"The 'lady doth' kill someone if someone doesn't keep his big mouth shut! Don't you get it Ares? I'm just not interested! Alright—" Diana held up a restraining hand to prevent another interruption, "—I might be interested. I'm only human and I have to admit, being with you might be—nice." Her hand flew up again. "Ok-OK! More than nice. But I'm not going to act on that. And you know that Ares. So please, just drop it?"

"I can't do that."

"For Zeus sake! Why not? I need you to give me a reason Ares."

Anger seemed to come upon Ares suddenly and he leapt to his feet. "Why not? Why NOT? Diana, you know damn good and well why not!"

He grabbed her shoulders, noting in the back of his subconscious he'd been doing that a lot lately, but by Zeus there was something about Diana that made him just want to shake her! Either that or kiss her senseless, which was actually the better option. He leaned in to follow intent with action, thinking this would be his new remedy to deal whenever Diana frustrated him. It seemed to work more effectively than stable duty—and Diana smelled better afterwards. In fact, she smelled incredible. A wafting mixture of spice, honeysuckle and wild rose engulfed her, giving her a mysterious, not quite touchable aroma that was as unbridled as she was. Ares didn't know how she attained it, and was a little worried that maybe he didn't want to, being certain aspects of the Rom were exclusive only to them and with good reason. But the scent was definitely arousing him, playing hell with his libido as he caught drifts of it from her slender neck, her shoulders, her shining river of black hair. He slid his fingers into that sleek torrent now, unable to resist fondling those beautiful ebony strands. Her hair was magnificent, just like she was. Everything about her was magnificent. Including the way she kissed. He deepened it further, forcing his tongue inside. Yes. He definitely needed to do this more often. Like every time she frustrated him.

And luckily, Diana frustrates me all the time—

Diana in the meantime was trying to keep ahold of her senses. It was bad enough that her defenses had slipped enough to allow this, but try as she might, she couldn't seem to get her back up when she was around Ares anymore. Where was her black rage? That killer instinct she always had that dropped countless warriors in their tracks and hospitalized several others? Where did it magically disappear to whenever Ares got all seductive on her? She was Diana. She was unbreakable. Her knees shouldn't be melting like jelly; she so shouldn't be kissing him back and as for that hot, swirling sensation down, down in her—well just down, it was a bad, bad thing! Why was she letting him get away with this?

I don't know. I wish I did.

It was impossible that she should allow this. If she let him take one liberty with her, it wouldn't stop here. He'd kiss her again, and again, and then again after that until finally one day she stopped saying no. He'd already kissed her twice in past few days --not counting the ones in her dreams-- that was more than he'd done in almost a year. It wasn't going to stop here, not unless she put her foot down and told him once and for all that this was over.

But it wasn't over. It was just beginning. What scared Diana the most was that she couldn't tell him to stop! She didn't want this to stop. She wanted it to happen. She really, really wanted it to happen! If only she knew why she wanted it to happen. It couldn't be because she still loved him—could it?

Could it?

She was surprised when Ares pulled away, somehow not expecting it. He was too aggressive to resist pressing the advantage, but lately he hadn't been like that with her. Aggressive yes, but not pressing his advantage even when it was clear he had it. Instead, he'd been patient and tender. As if he was waiting for something and didn't want to destroy the opportunity before it came. Diana looked up into his dark eyes and tried hard not to think about yanking his head down and kissing him again.

"That's why Diana!" His voice was rough and his eyes intense as he stared back at her. Diana shivered in response. She had to find the willpower to resist him. Her whisper was faint as a breeze in the summertime.

"Ares, please."

"Don't fight me anymore, sweetness. You know what's happening here. With us." He reached out and stroked her cheek, his eyes soft. Diana swallowed harder. Why was he doing this to her when she couldn't fight back?

"Ares, please. I can't do this with you. It's not right."

Ares leaned in, letting the electric heat flow between them. "This isn't right?"

"No."

Ares leaned back and crossed his arms over his chest. That sensual golden light was back in his eyes and it danced in the onyx depths like a wild, primal flame. "Then why does it feel right to me? We should be together Diana. It will be amazing between us."

He paused, leaving space for the gravity of his next statement to take its full impact. "And—you said you loved me."

Diana froze and for a long moment, she did absolutely nothing. Her heart felt like it stopped in midbeat. Not so much as a muscle shifted in her expression, but her eyes turned to green ice, dark and fathomless.

"That was a long—time ago," she said, speaking slowly, measuring every word. "I did say that, yes. But—things were different then. That was before I knew you."

"And do you know me?" Ares leaned closer, emphasizing the words. He closed in on Diana, like the unstoppable hunter stalking the trembling prey. "Do you really know me, Diana?"

"Damn you Ares!" Diana said hoarsely, her emotion starting to break through. "Why the hell do you have to make things so complicated?"

"Why do you continue pull away?"

"Because you always have to push and push me until you destroy everything. Why don't you just leave me alone?"

He didn't answer that question either. But when he did speak, his response was frightening quiet.

"Do you still love me, Diana?"

Diana lifted her tremulous gaze until it locked with his, her own brimming with unshed tears. She didn't reply. She didn't have to.

When Ares kissed her this time, it was with infinite tenderness and this time he didn't pull away. He didn't have to. The kiss lasted on and on, slow and curling within her like tendrils of flame, heating her on fire. At first it was soft and exploratory, just tasting each other in a melding of souls as well as bodies. But it began to escalate; Ares' mouth growing more demanding and Diana's passion rising to the occasion. Sparks ricocheted and arched between them. Ares drew her closer and Diana went willingly; not aware of what was happening then, not really caring. All that seemed to matter now was getting as close to Ares as she possibly could and reveling in feelings she thought were long dead, but had now sprung to vibrant life again.

His kisses were hot and wild, deep and thorough and Diana lost sense of time or place as she kept surrendering her will to his. Before she realized it, they were in his chambers and Ares was occupied in getting her leather bodice unlaced while his attention was equally diverted elsewhere. Diana might have thought to do something about it, were Ares not still kissing her and thus diverting her attention quite effectively. She might not have even noticed what he was doing, but his fingers kept brushing against her teasingly, causing her nipples to harden with anticipation.

This is so much better than a dream.

It was real, solid -- and so was he. Diana couldn't resist the temptation he presented and her hands weren't idle, sliding under his vest to caress and define the firm muscles there, sampling warm, velvety skin. His answering groan was all the inducement she needed and she moved downwards, chronicling every inch of his magnificent body. When she reached his leather pants, she hesitated. True, boldness was her defining characteristic, but she wasn't sure even she was that bold.

Ares was not so inhibited. His hands were firm and ambitious, swiftly disrobing her and taking full advantage of her bared flesh. His seduction was subtle, coaxing, but no less passionate and Diana felt herself melting into his arms, losing the battle more and more with each delicious second that passed. If she could just think clearly for one minute, maybe she could get a handle on what was happening to her. But Ares was diabolically methodical in his intentions and he seemed to know just what to do to make her mind grow fuzzy as her body overloaded with responsiveness.

That's why it surprised Diana when Ares stopped abruptly and released her, stepping back. She just stared at him, befuddled. What's wrong? Why was he stopping now?

Don't stop. Please don't stop.

"I want to look at you," Ares responded softly. His dark eyes roved over her naked body unhindered and by the sensual way they glowed it was clear that he liked what he saw. "By the gods, Diana -- how dare you hide all this from me? My stubborn, stubborn gypsy! You are so unspeakably beautiful."

Diana felt a rush of warmth flood through her and she smiled shyly. She knew she should feel embarrassed, but something about his hot eyes on her pleased her too much for her to focus on her exposure. "Thank you," she murmured, staring back at him. Some bit of devilry inside her wouldn't let it end there and she backed up slowly, giving him a better view. She posed on the edge of the bed and shot him a coy look. "Do you want me Ares?" she asked provocatively, already knowing the answer.

Ares' eyes lit with wicked mischief as well as lust. "You know I do, you vicious tease," he growled back. Diana's laughter rang out, loud and bell-like.

"Well then get your leather-clad ass over here and take me Ares -- if you can," she taunted with a smirk. Ares arched a black brow.

"Oh you know I can gypsy. And I will," he purred and before Diana could blink, he dissolved and reappeared right in front of her, not giving her a chance to move. He leaned down swiftly, but Diana's reflexes were whip-fast. She giggled and rolled out of the way, not allowing him to kiss her.

"Missed," she crowed happily, but the victory was short-lived as Ares chuckled and flipped in midair, ending up covering her body in a move that shouldn't be possible under the laws of physics. He slammed a muscled arm down on either side, trapping her squirming body in the middle and took her lips so quickly she couldn't even gasp. His kiss was fiery, demanding and unpredictable and Diana fell into it, forgetting about their game.

"You are mine gypsy," Ares growled, letting up on the kiss that left Diana gasping for air. Her response was to grab him by the amulet dangling from his oh so sexy neck, yank his oh so sexy body down and start kissing his oh so sexy lips again!

Ares chuckled and before Diana could anticipate his next move; his fingers roved down her silken stomach and reached the apex of her legs. Heat was already swirling down there and he seemed to know it, brushing her lightly at first as his movements slowly became more purposeful. Diana gasped at the unexpected sensations, amazed by how quickly the feelings seemed to build, as if all the sensitivity in her body was coalescing in that one particular spot. She pressed hips closer to his questing fingers, not sure what she was looking for, but knowing whatever it was he had it.

Ares pressed deeper and his rubbing grew urgent, more frenzied. A second finger joined the first and Diana undulated mindlessly, searching for something to relieve the throbbing deep inside her. Without warning her entire world exploded and Diana cried out in ecstasy as she dissolved into white hot fragments and drifted down a long, amazing glide from the heavens back to earth.

Dear Gods, am I still alive? That was -- was -- wow!

"Very much alive sweetheart," Ares replied and she could hear the amusement in his voice. She was convinced he was telling the truth, partly because she could hear her own breathing and partly because she was sure Ares wouldn't have followed her into the afterlife. Though God knows -- if it were even half as good for him as it was for her, maybe he would've. Diana found herself wondering if it was so fantastic because he was a god -- or if it was just him that made it so damn good.

And why do I have the suspicious feeling that it's him.

"I assure you it was just as good for me Diana," Ares whispered, his breath warm against her ear, "I loved watching you reach your pinnacle. And it's going to get even better than that, I promise you."

That was all it took to turn her on again -- a surprise considering she could barely move after the earthshaking experience she just had. Her breath grew labored and she clasped her arms around him, expecting smooth skin underneath her fingers, but to her surprise she felt cool, satiny, studded–

--leather?

"Ares!" she shrieked, furious. How dare he still be dressed, especially after he—well, she—they—after what just happened! She grabs two fistfuls of his vest and yanked at the fabric. "What the HELL is this?"

Ares only laughed, dismissing her anger.

"Oh sorry sweetheart. Where is my head? I must've been distracted by this breathtaking gypsy beneath me," he purred and with a flick of his wrist, he was as naked as Diana, revealing too much bronzed skin at once for Diana to take in. "Better?" he asked with a knowing smirk.

Diana gasped, staring like she'd never seen him before. And indeed she hadn't –seen so much of him before. He was too irresistible; his flesh sculpted steel, velvety warm and golden as Apollo's surfboard. His chest was bedrock hard, thickly muscled and swathed with dark, satiny hairs. His waist was lean, his hips flaring only minimally and descending to the long, solid duo limbs below. As for what lie between, it was -- well -- impressive didn't even begin to cover it. Diana had to force herself not to stare. His masculine beauty held her captivated and she groaned, pulling him down again.

"You know it is, you smug bastard," she snapped and cut off his laughter with her mouth, kissing him fiercely. Ares acquiesced to her kiss, but didn't lose sight of his own objective. His full, luscious lips parted hers to deepen the kiss as his caresses continued to enthrall her, making her shaky all over. Electric sensation spread quickly, pooling in the center of her being and this time Diana knew what she was looking for. She began pressing against Ares urgently, seeking sweet relief from the rising tension.

Ares lowered his head to take one breast into his mouth, suckling at it, the prickly hairs of his goatee brushing against her sensitized skin. Diana gasped ecstatically, too breathless to protest. How in Tartarus did he manage to stir up so much delicious sensation so fast? The pleasure was intense and fantastically sweet and Ares seemed to know exactly what to do to prolong each incredible second, making it better than mere physical connectivity. Diana moaned and whimpered in unifying tandem. She didn't think she could hold out much longer.

"Please Ares – oh please," she begged softly, trying to clasp him against her. His hard waist was grinding against her, tantalizing her, invoking so much need but not gratifying enough. She needed him inside her, driving into her. She needed -- she needed . . .

"What?" Ares asked, grinning up at her recklessly. He looked so incredibly sexy posed over her body, dark and wild like a pirate about to ravish her. Diana tried to glare, but was way past the point of artifice now. Damn him, he was going to make her say it!

"I need you, Ares," she whispered. She moaned again and clutched him desperately. "Please?"

Ares locked eyes with her, flames leaping in his obsidian stare. "Say yes Diana," he growled rough and gritty, daring her to defy him. He posed the very tip of him at her entrance, silky hot and throbbing. He teased her wickedly, but wouldn't satisfy, making it impossible for her to think. Diana's lips stubbornly formed around the word no, but her vocal cords knew better and took the command straight from her libido.

"Yes!"

"You belong to me Diana. You are mine! Sayit!"

"Ares. . ."

"Say it, Diana!"

"Yes," the words erupted from her throat. "Yes gods-dammit, Ares – TAKE ME!"

Ares grinned triumphantly and obviated her frantic need as he slammed into her. Diana met him with a feral sound and propelled her hips up to meet him. He pounded into her relentlessly, passionately crushing her willpower and branding her with every single plunge. He reached down and grasped her thigh firmly, wrapping it around his waist as he drove into her and Diana gasped, feeling him sink even deeper inside, filling her so deeply she wondered if she'd split in two. She felt herself soaring, climbing, flying up on a plain so high it was over the rainbow and then screamed as she hit her peak and broke into a thousand swirling lights, sparks flying madly before her vision. With a final primal thrust, Ares spilled into her and growled his own release, triggering another burst of mind-blowing pleasure for Diana. She grasped his neck so tight she feared she'd suffocate him. Fortunately, he didn't need the air.

"Oh God," she whispered, not sure what else to say. She felt the urge to say thank you, but how did one thank a god for giving her an experience that sinfully delightful? It was a miracle she could think solid thoughts at all. She felt like her mind had melted into a quagmire of vibrating nerve endings and there was nothing left up there to think with.

"You're welcome," Ares replied smugly, a wicked gleam revealing he knew exactly what was running through her mind and was savoring the knowledge. He ran a hand up her lithe leg and purred, "That's my gypsy girl! Didn't I once tell you that sometimes the destination is the reward? Now you see what I meant."

"You should've told me it'd be like this, Boss. I'd have gotten here much sooner if you had."

"But I did, my stubborn gypsy. I told you many times how good we'd be together. You just weren't ready to listen yet."

"Well, I'm listening now," Diana purred, leaning up to press a kiss against his deeply tanned neck, drifting the soft hollow in his throat. "Tell me more about this 'how good we are together'."

Ares growled, his pulse throbbing hard and fast where her lips landed. "Impudent woman! I'm going to show you exactly what I mean -- right now!" He flipped her over and moved against her, stiff and ready.

Diana's eyes widened happily. "You mean we can do that more than once?

Ares broke into a wide grin. His laughter rang out, clarion and defiant. "Oh my sweet, sweet gypsy! We are gonna have some fun tonight!"