How Did It Begin?

It all begun when Aphrodite met Heracles at the Olympus, in a moment when he was visiting his father and siblings.

- oh, Heracles. How long it has been since we met.
- ah, hello, Aphrodite. How are you?
- all well. I'm surprised to see you here and not with your human pair, since you've been always with him.
- hahaha I just wanted to come and train with Ares. - he says, blushing a little. - but he'll come here later, só we can hang out at my bedroom.
- you're really in love with this killer, aren't you?
- EX-killer! Jack promised me he'll never kill anybody again. And I trust him.

Aphrodite sighs. Heracles, this tall, muscled, handsome, just and kind hero is the man of dreams of every goddess and mortal woman… And he only has eyes for his own murderer, the man who tricked and killed him in the Ragnarok. How it developed só fast, is still a mystery to everyone.

- well, I don't know what you saw in him, but… Since you love him só much, I wish you to be happy.
- thanks, Aphrodite. I hope someday you all can see him the same way I do, and find that he's much more than the things he did in his past.

With this, the semigod leaves, and the goddess is left behind. Aphrodite is not known for being malicious and for doing pranks, as Loki or Hermes. But seeing how great is Heracles' passion for the ex-ripper, an evil idea passa through her mind. "Since you love him só much, dear hero, só I'll give you a gift that will leave you stuck with him forever" she thinks to herself, laughing.

Later, as Heracles has said, Jack was at the halls of Olympus to meet his lover. While looking for him, he's approached by the goddess of love.

- Jack, the ripper. What a lovely surprise. - she says, with a false smile.

Jack answers her with a chivalrous gesture, taking off his hat and bowing.

- miss Aphrodite. Forgive me for correcting you, but I don't answer by this nickname anymore. Since I made a promise to my dear god, I answer only as Jack Smith.
- oh yes, forgive me. Heracles mentioned that. I apologize. I believe in your intentions of redemption, and that's why I would like to offer you a courtesy. Would you accept to drink tea with me? - Aphrodite knows that, as a gentleman, Jack would never refuse such offering.
- how gentle of you, milady. I accept your offer, thank you very much.

Aphrodite guides him through the Olympus' gardens, to a table with a tea set and some pastries, cupcakes and pies.

- make yourself comfortable, Jack.
- thank you very much, milady.

The goddess serves him a cup of tea. Jack notices that the tea is red.

- hibiscus, I suppose?
- it's my favorite. - says the goddess, with a gentle smile. - do you want another flavor?
- oh no, thank you. I appreciate all the flavors.
- good. So, Jack… - she serves herself too. - it seems your relationship with Heracles is going very well. Tell me, what do you really feel for him?

Jack thinks for some seconds. It's difficult to put in words how Heracles is important to him and how much he loves him.

- my dear god gave me a chance and believes in me, even if everybody around us hates me and want to separate us. He's kind, just, has a good heart… And his color. Oh, his color is só beautiful. It's the most beautiful color that I ever seen.
- own, how cute. He also speaks of you with so much passion… You do make a beautiful couple.
- thank you, milady. - he says, blushing. To know that his loved one speaks well of him to others makes his heart warm.
- can I ask you one thing?
- of course. Please, do.
- would you like to have a family with Heracles?

As he hears this question, Jack almost chokes on his tea.

- p-pardon?
- oh, Jack, sweetie, you understood me. - she laughs. - marriage. Children. Family.

The ex-killer's hands shake slightly.

- miss Aphrodite, forgive me, but everything is too recent yet. So you can have an idea, it was just recently that papa Adam and mama Eve gave their permission to Herc to date me. - he laughs (of nervousness). - When, and if the time comes, we'll think about it more carefully. For now, we're satisfied to enjoy each other's company.

At this time, Heracles arrives.

- hey, found you! - he says, laughing, going straight to kiss Jack. - I was looking for you.
- oh, forgive me, my darling, but I couldn't refuse miss Aphrodite's invitation to drink some tea. - he smiles.
- I imagined. Can I join you?
- actually, I have to leave now. - says Aphrodite, standing up. - I promised Hephestus that we would enjoy some time together. I'll leave the lovey doveys alone. - she winks at them.

She leaves the couple, looking behind and seeing the two lovers hugging and kissing. "It won't take much longer to take effect" she thinks, with a malicious smile.