This was bad. This was terribly, terribly bad. Pythagoras stared at the strong, determined warrior standing next to Atlantis' hero and swallowed. Jason and Heptarian entering the Pankration against each other. It couldn't get any worse. After Jason finished the sacred vow and turned to leave, Pythagoras went to follow him, but was stopped by a gentle yet firm hand on his shoulder.

"I wish to speak with you." Heptarian murmured.

"Why?"

"It will not take long."

Holding back a sigh, Pythagoras allowed Heptarian to guide him to where he wanted them to go. He felt a warm, calloused hand wrap around his own and frowned down at it. Just what was Heptarian doing?

Heptarian looked over the pale, curious face of the prince. He knew he had to get in favour with him and was trying to think of the best way to do it. He stared at the blonde's hand which he'd not yet released and realised he would have to do this the only way he knew how. Bringing the hand to his lips, he kissed it, feeling as though Pythagoras' eyes were piercing his skull.
He was right. The prince was staring at him as his mouth spilled kisses onto the soft, pale skin. He could feel himself going cold, though it was warm. He felt utterly, completely terrified. What was Heptarian doing?

Heptarian felt the blonde's temperature lessening and he took him into his arms. He felt Pythagoras shivering and was surprised. How was he cold? It was a warm day, even for Atlantis.

"I don't understand. You have never shown affection for a man."

"I didn't realize for a long while. Too long."

Pythagoras was quiet. He didn't know what in Poseidon's name he was going to do. Break Heptarian's heart and be with the one he felt he truly belonged, or break Jason's heart to keep a good friend happy?

"You did what?" Hercules was staring at Jason, horror-struck. He'd come home from the tavern, only for Ariadne to tell him that Jason had entered the Pankration.

"I have to. It's the only way I can get him."

"People die in the Pankration, Jason!"

"They don't just die," Hercules voiced. "They get bits lopped off them and then they die."

"I have to!" Jason retorted, feeling angrier by the minute. "I have feelings for Pythagoras and if I have to fight for him, I will!"

"You're crazy." Ariadne told him, despairing. "I can't believe you did this. You're honestly willing to die to get him?"

"I don't intend to die." Jason got up from his chair and moved to the front door.

"Where are you going?" Hercules asked.

"To the Oracle. I want to see if she can help."

The woman looked up at him from her golden bowl and smiled widely. "Jason. It's good to see you."

"I have entered the Pankration." Jason explained. "I want to know if I will survive it."

"You wish for the prince."

"I do. I can't explain it..."

"Shh. You don't need to explain yourself to me." She placed her fingers into the sparkling, dark waters and gazed intently into their depths. "I see struggling and pain. The competition will not be won by you."

"How will I get him if it is not by the Pankration?"

"It is not clear. However, I see a man. He loves the prince, yet... he will hurt him. I don't understand..."

"What does this man look like?"

"I cannot see." The Oracle was frowning, slicing through the liquid with her pointed, tattooed fingers.

"Will I die in the Pankration?"

"No. You will survive it."

"Who will win?"

"Very, very unclear." The Oracle muttered. "I see nothing." She leaned back from the bowl and sighed heavily. "Forgive me."

"You've helped. Thank you."

Later that evening, a visitor came. Korinna, from the palace. She looked around and spotted Jason. "The prince wants you." she explained. "Come with me."

And, for the third time, Jason was inside the palace, only now he was being guided around places he'd never been , he as pushed into a hidden passage and Korinna whispered instructions to keep walking forward. It was eerie, the only light coming from a glow of silvery moonlight at the end of the tunnel.

"Why did you enter the Pankration?" a quiet, familiar voice questioned once he'd reached the end.

"I had to."

"Why?"

Turning, Jason faced the blonde, feeling tense as he saw the unshed tears in those blue eyes. "Because, even though you and I are strangers, there is something...something about you. I don't want you to be with anyone else."

"But, you're special. Why do you want me?"

"Because you're special too. I don't understand it, but I...I think...I think I'm falling for you."

Pythagoras didn't know what to say. He looked at the hero, tried to get words out, but couldn't. Apparently his silence spoke volumes to Jason, for the dark-haired man moved towards him and cupped his face in one of those strong yet tender hands. Brown eyes, deeper than the ocean surrounding them gazed into the depths of sapphire blue ones and moments went by. Nothing else mattered. They were with each other and everything was perfect and quiet. Without meaning to, Pythagoras leaned forward and brushed his lips against Jason's. The brunette jumped in surprise and the blonde stepped back, looking worried.

"I'm sorry, I..."

Jason put a finger to his mouth, silencing him. Then, slowly and cautiously, he framed Pythagoras' face with his hands and pressed his mouth to his.

I don't mean to be a nag, but I'd appreciate a review, telling me if things need improving or whether there were good parts, you know, that sort of thing. Hope it was enjoyed!