Part 1: Chapter 17

Dionysus

I did not know what had happened, but things started to change all of a sudden.

Now, my vision started to change. Everything in the background – the sights of dancing, drinking and mating – still remained a foggy haze, but in the foreground, which only had Ariadne in sight, everything was as clear as day. When I look at her, it was so very clear. So very crystal clear. It was as though I had not had more than one chalice of wine to drink.

Everything about her was so colorful, vibrant and perfect; greatly contrasting from the darkness of the surroundings. I let my eyes take in the image of her long, wild, waist-length pale blonde hair that framed her beautiful and flawless face that held a pair of mesmerizing grey eyes with mossy green flecks, a cute dainty nose, and perfect rose petal lips.

Her beauty shone so much that I felt that it could beat Aphrodite's. Her beauty radiated even brighter than the golden sun in the day and the silver moon in the night. Her beauty was the only light that I could see in my eyes. It was a beacon of bright light out of the darkness that surrounded us completely.

My heart started pounding furiously. My breathing turned shallow. My head felt light; not due to the wine, but because of Ariadne.

Unconsciously, I walked closer to her, wanting so much to be near her. At the same time, she walked closer to me.

Ariadne

Everything started to change so suddenly.

All of a sudden, all I could see and think of was Dionysus in front of me. It was as though everything else just blurred into nothingness, and only he was all I could focus on. He was the only thing clear to me in my wine-hazed mind. He outshone everything else like the stars in the night sky, or a beautiful diamond centerpiece among a cluster of small jewels that were encrusted into a crown.

Ever since, I have always known the full depths of his beauty. But only at this moment could I see how truly perfect he was. The way his wild dark chestnut brown hair fell to his shoulders around his masculine and flawless face that held his enchanting dark hazel brown eyes, his perfect nose, his high cheekbones and his attractive masculine lips; all that attracted me to him like a bumblebee to a beautiful and sweet-smelling flower.

His perfection was like a dream; or something that was made out of the most beautiful of dreams. Such a sight made me want to weep from its utmost beauty, but I find that I could not weep, for I could only feel a growing affection for him from deep inside my heart.

And it was that affection that made me come close to him, just as he came close to me.

Dionysus

Both our hands reached out for each other at the same time, and our skins touched in few seconds flat. I let my fingers roam up hers, feeling the soft silkiness of her fingertips, her fingers, and her palms. But my fingers do not stop there.

They continued to trail up her forearms to her elbows, where they finally left her arms to take hold of her feminine waist. They held her gently, but with a desire to not want to let go.

My hands pulled her closer to me. Ariadne put up no resistance, and she came willingly.

Ariadne

As he pulled me closer to him, my own hands traveled up to grasp his firm shoulders. I could not tear my eyes away from his, which were locked solely on mine. His eyes seemed to have put me into a trance. I felt that it was avoiding me from turning away from him.

Not that I did not want to turn away from him in the first place.

When my fingers gripped his shoulders to give me leverage, I leaned in closer to him, just as he did to me.

Finally, at that precise moment, all barriers were broken down, and the flood of emotions and passions were finally let loose. Emotions ran high; even higher than the ecstasy that wine could provide. Everything around them was forgotten, for all they could think of was each other and their growing feelings.

At that very moment, Dionysus and Ariadne were in each other's embrace as their lips touched for the very first time.

It was then they knew that, at that exact moment, they have fallen in love with each other.

Dionysus

The feel of her lips on mine was utter bliss.

Her lips were so very soft, like the clouds in the sky, and so very sweet, even sweeter than the most sweetest of wines. As they molded gently and tenderly onto mine, I felt an awe-stricken gasp escaped from me, having cannot comprehend that I was truly kissing this beautiful creature in my arms.

Ariadne was just as willing in this first kiss between us as I was. Her hands, which had been on my shoulders to pull me closer to him, were now wrapped around my neck in a passionate hold. Her fingers intertwined with my hair, gently grabbing handfuls of my dark tresses. My own arms circled around her waist to pull her closer, where she stood flush against my front.

The sensation of holding and kissing her – touching and tasting her – sent my nerves on an end. All feelings of drunkenness and high ecstasy suddenly disappeared at her touch, and new feelings – better feelings – started to overcome me.

It was then I realized that I needed and wanted her, oh so very badly.

Ariadne

I cannot believe it.

I was kissing Dionysus.

I was kissing Dionysus.

The sensation of kissing him – a god – truly was something I have never felt before. It was so very unreal and unworldly, but in a good way. Kissing him made me feel as though I had gone to one of the Isles of the Blessed in the Elysian Fields, where I am contented to spend an eternity of afterlife in peacefulness and bliss.

Dionysus was gentle in this lovely exchange, holding me tenderly in his arms while he shaped his lips upon mine. He was neither forceful nor harsh; I could feel his lips being soft and careful against mine, as though he was only helping me to get used to feel, but also making sure that I enjoyed it.

And yes, I did enjoy it.

I enjoyed it immensely.

Through my mind that was now drunk not with wine but of Dionysus, I suddenly felt myself being carried in his arms. I realized then that my legs had now wrapped themselves around his waist, giving me leverage as he held me. We did not break out of the kiss, instead getting more into it as we both continued to beg even more for the taste of each other's lips.

I could feel him starting to walk through the maddening crowd and out of the dancing grounds. I had not realized that he had actually taken us into his sleeping tent until he pulled me off him and laid me down gently on his pillowed sleeping mats.

I gasped when I realized where we were, and what he was about to do. My mind was suddenly flashing images from a similar situation but from a time of pain and lies…

But I was suddenly torn out of the horrible memory when Dionysus kissed me once again. His lips were, again, soft and gentle on mine, tasted as sweet as ripe honey and grapes. I complied immediately and eagerly returned the kiss, wrapping my arms around his neck once again to pull him closer to me.

However, Dionysus suddenly pulled away, and I mewled in protest. I was about to pull him back to me, or maybe pull myself to him, but I was stopped short by his dark eyes that were looking directly at mine. His eyes were so full of love that I could feel my heart melting.

One of his hands came to my face, and he ran his fingers down my cheek. With a voice that sounded like beautiful music, he whispered with a soft and loving smile, "Ariadne, I truly believe that I love you."

When those last three words were spoken by him, I immediately thought that I had indeed died and gone to one of the Isles of the Blessed in the Elysian Fields. Those three honestly blissful words spoken through his beautiful voice were coated in sweetness and made out of the most beautiful and ethereal music. Everything about him seemed to be more enchanting now, and I could not help but gaze at him in amazement.

"I… I love you too, Dionysus…" I managed to answer in a gasp. Despite the shakiness of my voice, I was very certain that my words rang true.

It was true; I did love him.

I could feel him shudder at my words, and his lips descended upon mine once again, kissing me with so much love and passion that it made my heart race tenfold. My fingers once again sought purchase of his hair, gripping him to me.

Dionysus suddenly trailed down to kiss my chin, and then my neck, where he spent a long time nipping and tasting my flesh. I could hear him groan as I ran my fingers through his unruly dark hair, feeling the silky tresses against my skin.

At that moment, I realized that I wanted and needed him badly.

My fingers went from his hair to the hem of his tunic, where they traveled underneath to feel bare skin that felt both hard of toned muscle and soft of velvet skin. I trailed my fingers up and down his spine lightly, memorizing the contours, hitching his tunic up and up his back as a result. The more his tunic rose, the more of his back I could feel, and the more of his chest I could see.

Just then, I could feel one strap of my dress being pushed down slowly by a pair of soft lips that were kissing the point where my arm connected to my shoulder. As he kissed my skin insistently, Dionysus whispered, "Ariadne… I truly… desperately… wish to give myself… to you… Will you have me?... And will I have you?..."

His words suddenly sent me into a plunge of deep thoughts, and I found myself trying to contemplate a decision.

It was for certain that I did love him, and I did want him. But would it be too soon to give myself to him? I was suddenly reminded of the mistake with Theseus, and I so desperately did not want to make that same stupid mistake. I did not want to foolishly give myself without thinking of the consequences, only to have myself broken and left in anguish. Thoughts of being abandoned and forgotten suddenly plagued my heart, and I wanted to cry at the thought that I might have to suffer through those moments once again.

But suddenly, I was pulled out of my troublesome thoughts when Dionysus cupped my cheek with his masculine hand. I was suddenly aware of the fact that his face – his oh so beautiful face – was hovering above mine, his eyes gazing at me softly. As his thumb caressed my cheek, he said to me in a gentle murmur, "Sweet Ariadne… Lovely Ariadne… Beautiful Ariadne…I know that you are afraid… And it is okay… But I swear… upon my own life… that I will never do such a thing to you… I will never leave you… I will never abandon you… And I will never hurt you… I promise, and I swear…"

His words were so soothing and touching that I felt my eyes starting to turn wet with a new flow of tears, with some starting to streak down my face. Dionysus leaned in to kiss away the tears, before planting another soft kiss to my lips. I returned the gesture, kissing him back slowly, feeling his lips and mine being connected by this blissful touch.

And it was then I realized that his words rang true, and I knew that I could trust him. I knew that I could be with him, and he would be with me. I know that he would not hurt me, for he was the one who protected and cared for me when I was in a time of need and trouble. I truly believed that he would never abandon me, and that I could feel safe with him.

"I love you, Dionysus…" I told him in a voice that was barely a whisper. I had poured my entire heart on those words, to show him that I meant what I had said.

A smiled graced his lips, and Dionysus answered, "I love you, Ariadne…"

With all hesitation and qualms gone, we finally give in to each other on this beautiful night.

Dionysus

When I awoke, I saw that the inside of the tent was bright from the sunlight that shone outside. I sighed peacefully as I slowly roused from sleep, before I trailed my line of sight down to the figure sleeping soundly atop me.

With her head nestled in the crook of my neck and my arms wrapped gently around her frame, Ariadne was sprawled delicately on her front on mine. Her hands were lightly gripping my shoulders, as though to hold herself to me in her slumber. Her lips were pressed against the curve of my neck, with her warm breath fanning my skin. Her pale blonde hair was a wild fluffiness around her head, and I chuckled at the sudden thought of how it looked like the new downy fluff of a baby chick. As we both lay underneath the sheets, I could feel the warmth of her bare body radiating onto mine, and I sighed in pleasure at the blissful feel of her bare skin on my bare skin.

The thought of last night suddenly appeared in my head, and I felt a smile forming on my lips as I remembered how we had professed and acted out of our love for each other. The coupling had been one of utter bliss, with both of us being willing and so very immersed in our new passion. Throughout my long years, never before have I felt something like that, and I was glad that I finally did, with Ariadne.

Ah, Ariadne. Sweet, sweet Ariadne. How she has graced my life with her bright and lovely presence. How she has given my life more value by giving me her love. How she had stolen my heart and embraced it with her warmth.

I bowed my head down to plant a kiss to the top of her head of messy and fluffy blonde hair. But just as the sudden contact, I heard a soft sigh escaping past her lips.

I knew then that she was waking up, and continued to pepper the top of her head with more kisses.

"Wake up, lovely," I said to her in a murmur.

As if on command, Ariadne slowly lifted her head up from my chest, and I was starting to miss the feel of its weight on me. But I smiled when I saw her eyes through the curtain of her messy blonde hair that was covering the front of her beautiful face.

"Dion…" I heard her whisper with a smile on her pretty lips.

My hand moved to brush away her hair and tuck it gently behind her ear, so that I may have a clearer look on her face. Her cheeks had a rosy blush painted on them, a remnant of last night on her body.

Ariadne laid back down to rest on me, and I gladly welcomed her delicious weight with a tightening of my arms around her waist. Her fingers started slowly tracing patterns on my bicep, while my own fingers trailed all over her smooth back, relishing the feel of her soft and flawless skin.

"You stayed," I heard her say softly, her voice speculative and full of relief and gladness.

I stopped tracing her back and looked down from the ceiling of my tent at her. I knew entirely what she had meant by her statement. "Of course, I stayed," I told her. "I promised you that I will never leave you, and I want to keep my promise to you."

Silence ensued for a while, but then I heard her ask quietly, "Why? Why would you do that?"

Ah, again with the uncertainty. Not that I blamed her, for I knew that she was feeling some – if not, a lot – uncertainty when she had decided to sleep with me, even though I knew very well that she had done so out of will instead of the intoxication of wine. But I did not want her to feel uncertain with being with me. I wanted to make her feel the opposite. I wanted to have her know that there was nothing wrong with being with me, and that she was rest assured to have a better relationship with me than with that bloody bastard.

This, I swear upon my life to make it known to her.

I trailed one of my hands to cup her chin, tilting it up so that she was looking at me in the eye. Her eyes gazed into mine deeply, sending my heart on a rampage again. I had to take a deep breath to calm my rapidly-beating heart before I spoke.

"Do not assume that I would ever leave you, Ariadne," I said to her with a voice set in determination. "I am not him. I will not use you, and I will not abandon you." And then, my voice soothed into one of gentleness and love as I told her, "I want to take care of you and cherish you. I want to hold you in my arms, to make you feel safe and secured. I want you to know that you are truly the most beautiful woman in my eyes, and that anyone else would pale in comparison to the beauty that lies in your form."

Just then, I pushed her from the waist so that she would scoot up my body and have her face mere inches away from mine. She gasped under her breath at the sudden act, and I could her warm breath that was the scent of sweetness wash over my face. I sighed in pleasure, feeling myself getting high.

My mind slowly started getting intoxicated by her presence, but I was able to bring my words to completion.

"I wish to love you, Ariadne. I want to love you with all my heart. I want to share my body and soul with you. I want to make love to you, and bask you in my love. I want to be the one who gives you pleasure and happiness. I want to spend my whole life with you. This, I know, is no lie. And this is not something I am saying under the intoxication of wine. I truly am hopelessly in love with you, since the first day I saw you. Please, Ariadne. Please let me love you."

Ariadne

As I felt a new wave of tears threatening to take over me, I pressed my lips against his and kissed him with all the love and passion I had for him.

"Thank you…" I said in a shaky whisper in between kisses. "Thank you, Dion… Thank you… Thank you so much…"

My heart swelled with so much blissful emotion. I do not remember a time when I had been as happy as I was right now.

Author's Note:

Never in the history of my fanfiction author life - counting from the very beginning - have I ever written something as EXTREMELY fluffy as this chapter. NEVERTHELESS! I am proud of it :D

Well, well, well! It's about time Dionysus and Ariadne admit of their feelings for each other, and have even did the act! Dionysus is so very truthful, while Ariadne is glad that she may be in love with the right person right now. Things may just get better from here!

Tune in on Monday for the next chapter!

Muse of Fanfiction