It's been a few weeks after the chariot flight and Poseidon and I have been spending more time together. From meals to outings we're always close to the other. Most look on curiously but some voice their opinions. At the moment, the immortals in question were Artemis and Aphrodite. I had strolled in on their debate on my way to the markets for magic artifacts and stopped to listen.

"Why don't you just accept that Pothena will happen!"

"I'm no genius, but I'm talking about two Olympians and you're defending a made up word."

"It's a ship name!"

". . . "

"It's their names put together. A couple name if you will."

"Why didn't you explain that when we started!"

"Because it's kind of obvious Arty."

This has to stop or I'll never get to the markets. "I'm right here you know! And why are you talking about me and Poseidon as a couple?" Aphrodite burst out in fit of giggling. Artemis just rolled her eyes and explained.

"Aphrodite thinks you two are secretly courting or engaged to each other." She pauses to let this soak in and I blush at the thought. I try to picture us romantically but I only saw how we acted now. Probably because I didn't know the specifics of such affairs. I had my own duties to attend to and barely any free time to spend with my best friend. Artemis looked if it was okay to continue and I nodded.

"I think you both don't understand what the emotions you feel are but they're strong. Also, even if you were engaged or courting, you would need permission from the royal pain herself."

All three of us groan in frustration. Hera hates all of Zeus illegitimate children and Aphrodite because we aren't the kind of immortals she wanted on the Counsel. She's set on making all of our immortal lives suck, which wasn't that hard to do. She always was putting our opinions on the back burner. She complains how none of us act like the "Perfect Family". She also created the engagement of Aphrodite and the god of the forge, even though she likes Ares tons more.

Aphrodite sighed and told her side. "I'm the goddess of love Artemis, I think I know it when I see. Yeah, getting approval from Hera would be a pain in the ass and impossible, but love is worth fighting for."

They both turned to me for the chosen winner. I quickly mull over their words. Artemis is right, we aren't engaged or anything like that and are feelings are strong. Aphrodite claims we're in love. The problem is, I don't know what love is. "What's love?"

Aphrodite looks shocked while Artemis shrugs and semi answers.

"It's ... well it's a um feeling. Yeah a feeling, and it's well um... that's all I got."

Aphrodite came back from the land of the stunned and gawked as she spoke. "I'm equally disappointed in both of you. Athena you're the goddess of knowledge and Artemis don't you know where babies come from before labor!" She paused and I felt a little ashamed, as did Artie. "Then again, I'm talking to a preteen goddess and someone who hasn't even been in the real world for more than three months. You see, love is the most powerful, beautiful, and cherished affection known to mortals and gods alike. You feel either butterflies, warm and tingly, or complete when with them. It drives people to amazing things and push their limits just because of the person they're in love with. If returned, you'll be the happiest person in the world. If not, you"ll be sad and depressed. That's the relationship type. The family type is natural and adds trust naturally as well."

I stood there taking in all the words. Artie looked impressed. "I think that's the longest rant you've ever had."

"It was needed. Now, did I answer your question?"

She did. I was kind of mad she didn't tell me on the first day I was here. That would have helped me out a lot more. Looking back though, I remember I never strayed too far from Poseidon's side. The feeling she described, I knew it all too well. I felt it every time I was with Poseidon or thinking about him. A realization struck me, I'm in love with Poseidon. Aphrodite smiled and Artemis looked green. Probably at the thought of mushy romance moments that haven't happened.

Please tell me you two haven't made out with him Athena!

Shut it Artie! Of course she has.

Um, no Miss Secrets I have not.

Yes!

Why not!?

Because I just figured my feelings out a minute ago!

I was right!

No, you are not.

I am too!

Are not!

Seriously, I'm going through a life changing moment and you two are fighting.

Sorry.

You're forgiven Artie. Dite?

Me too, but you know what this means right?

What?

It's time to go to the market and work my magic!

I was going there in the first place!

Can I come? I need a new quiver.

The market of the immortals is huge. Held on Mt. Olympus and open every day with any thing a god or goddess could desire. The booths were over filling with goods and entertains filled the single pathway. Columns lined the pathway and rainbows were held up by them. At the end of what Dite called the "Immortal Way", were food stands that offered anything your stomach wanted, made from ambrosa and nectar of course.

Artemis quickly led us to the weapons area and found a quiver made a silver material. I wouldn't mind if we stayed there for a few hours, but no. Aphrodite insisted we go to the dress section at the other end of the market.

Why can't we enjoy looking at deadly weapons?

You found what you were looking for Artie and my husband makes your arrows.

I actually came here to look at these artifacts. Not be a doll!

Athena, you wear the same style short white chitons all the time. Besides, we have a meeting today.

So?

Yeah, why can't we stay here and have fun.

You can Artie. I'm not forcing you to do anything. Athena you need to come.

I have other things to do.

Like what?

Helping heroes.

Seriously.

Yes.

Fine, you can look on the way.

I'll come with you two.

Really?

Why?

There's a creepy dude over there.

Fine, I wish you would do it on your own free will.

Thanks Artie.

We left the area after Artie paid. My eyes were looking for a certain object. Someone had prayed to me for guidance for when they enter the labybrith to face the Minutor. Several have tried but all in vain. I had faith in this so I decided to give him a fighting chance. As walked by the sowing area, another favorite of mine, I found an answer. I grabbed it and quickly went to purchase it. When I returned to the group, they looked at me strangely.

You're giving someone golden thread?

At least they make a fashion statement.

I ignored that and quickly teleported it to the hero with basic instructions. At least he won't get lost.

Once we reached the dress department or "The Miracle of the Way" I was given dozen of dresses to try on. I sigh and start the dress shopping process. They were in a rainbow of colors with all different kinds of materials. I didn't like have of them, claiming they were too flashy. Artie didn't like 75% of them, saying they were too showy. Dite liked all of them but said I had to decide which to buy.

After the whole thing was over, I had six new chitons that went to my knees in a variety of colors. I also was forced to buy belts and sandals thanks to Dite. Before we went to the check out line, I saw something. It was an ankle length chiton in a sea green color, same as a certain pair of eyes. It had white pearl strands that acted as belts. The neck line was a simple v-neck.

I dropped my stuff in Dite's arms and dragged Artie with me. I grabbed it and made my way to the fitting stall. I quickly slipped it on as I heard Artemis from the other side.

"Are you okay Athena? You usually don't goddess-nap me and force me to watch you try on stuff. That's Aphrodite's job."

"I'm coming out." When I did come out, her jaw hit the clouds. I looked in the mirror and mine did the same. I liked it a lot. I twirled around in it. "Do you like it?"

"It passes my standards so yes. Can we get out of here now. The meeting starts in five minutes."

I nod and we both ran up to the line to see Dite at the front. She smiled in approval and paid for the one I was wearing. She then snapped her fingers and she was in a lovely pink dress with a crown of pink roses in her hair. Artemis was wearing a silver dress and her circlet, weapons still at hand. I was still in my dress nut with a crown of gray stones and pearls.

Time to get going! Everyone link arms.

Next you'll want us to start skipping.

And act super flirty and I'm ten. I don't do flirty.

Just do it!

We sighed and did as told. The three of us teleported into the throne room with mere seconds to spare. Everyone turned to look at us and Artie and I blushed. Dite strolled with confidence to her throne and gestured we do the same. Artemis made a mad dash to her seat next to her brother who was laughing at her. I speed walked to Poseidon's throne and sat on his lap per usual. I didn't care about a throne anymore after the day we invented the chariot. Besides, we have the best seat in the throne room.

I leaned against his chest and he rapped his arms around my waist. I smile contently.

You're beautiful.

Really?

You're always beautiful.

And you're always there for me.

"Athena!"

I'm brought out of my conversation by Zeus. He looks a little ticked, but when isn't he? He was glaring at me and Poseidon tightened his hold on me. I know they don't like each other, but from what I've heard is that it tripled since I arrived. "Yes Zeus."

"Were you even listening to me Athena!"

"No, my mind was else where."

"On what?"

I heard a prayer to me from the hero I helped. He thanked me for the golden thread and helping him slay the Minotour. I felt pleased with this news. "About a mortal hero I was helping. His quest was successful."

"That's nice. What I was telling you is far more important though."

"Go on."

"There's a city without a godly patron who wants one. The mortals believe it's needed but they cannot decide on the patron."

"Why don't they vote?"

"It was a tie. The top two the mortals want are you and Poseidon."

"Brother, I think Athena should have it."

I turned my face towards Poseidon. If I believed in romantic gestures, I would be overjoyed. I don't though. I believe you have to earn something and nothing should just be given to you on a silver platter. Yes, I would like to be a patron of a city and have temples and monuments built for me and have mortals to look after. At the same time, I felt like the mortals deserved better than to have this chose made for them and all Poseidon's supporters feel insulted.

"Poseidon, as flattering as that is, it isn't fair to the citizens. Just giving it up would make it look like their city isn't worth your time."

His eyes widened in shock. I rarely got cross with him and never over the affairs of mortals. "That's not what I meant Athena. I know how much you would like to have to be a patron."

"And you know how much I don't like special treatment."

Hera, queen cow, smiled at us. Why is she...

"I propose an idea husband."

The twins and I froze. The last idea she had involved the three of us grooming her crazy birds. Not fun.

"What is it Hera?"

"Why not hold a competition. They each make a gift to present to the city. The one the mortals like best, is the one that becomes the patron."

Zeus considers this for a minute before nodding in agreement. "I approve. Tomorrow at noon, exactly one day from today, you'll both present your gifts."

I gulped. Another topic was brought up and I zoned out. Compete against Poseidon? The cow is down right evil. That doesn't mean I won't try. I still want to be a patron goddess and this might be my only chance. What's worse is the fact I already have something I'm working on and Poseidon has nothing. Knowing him, he'll probably just secretly lose on purpose. I sigh and the meeting goes on.

When it's done, everyone leaves except the two of us. We haven't moved or talked since Hera's brilliant idea. I turn my head to look at him and he looks at me. I knew being a goddess wouldn't be easy. I knew that there would always be challenges. I now know Poseidon can't always be there for me. I look away but his hand cradles my cheek and brings me back up to his eye level. I'll have to tell him about my feelings one day. Not today, and definitely not tomorrow.

AN- I know I haven't updated in a while and I'm sorry. School is a pain and my laptop is held together with duck tape at the moment, no joke. Still, thank you to all the people who have reviewed, followed, or favorited this story. I'll try to continue to update as soon as possible. Also, is there a certain myth or moment you would like in this? If so, review.