Chapter 36: Relaxation
It had been a long week, and Ares knew that Xena deserved a night off from everything, including herself. As the sun set, casting a warm golden glow over the landscape, he caught her in the kitchen, nibbling on a piece of fruit. The way she moved, even so casually, drove him wild. As big as her belly was now, she still looked as fierce and stunning as ever, and tonight, he had plans to make her feel that way.
"How about a little escape tonight? I know you're supposed to be on bedrest so nothing too adventurous. I just want to...break the rules." Ares asked, sliding up behind her and wrapping his arms around her waist. He pressed a soft kiss to her neck, making her smirk softly.
"Break the rules, huh? You wouldn't be Ares if you didn't." Xena replied, a hint of playfulness in her voice as she leaned back into him, her body soft and warm against his.
"What's the plan, god of war?" Ares grinned, his lips brushing her ear.
"How about a movie... dinner... and some other surprises?" His hands slid to her belly, gently resting there as if holding the most precious thing in the world. And no one could tell him different. Xena smiled and turned in his arms, looking up at him with those piercing blue eyes.
"Only if I get to pick the movie," she teased, poking his chest lightly. He grinned, nodding.
"Deal. But I can't promise I'll pay attention to it." They both laughed as Ares leaned down to kiss her deeply. When they pulled apart, he gently caressed her cheek and whispered,
"Let's get you dressed. I'm taking you out."
~XA~
An hour later, they found themselves seated in a cozy little theater, tucked away from the noise of the world. The lights were dimmed, and the soft flicker of the screen filled the room. Xena had chosen some action packed film, but Ares barely registered what it was. His attention was focused solely on her.
They were alone in the theater, except for a few scattered couples further down. The air was cool, and the smell of buttery popcorn hung in the air. Xena sat comfortably in her seat with her hand casually resting on the armrest. Ares leaned over, resting his hand on her thigh, his fingers tracing gentle patterns on her skin through the fabric of her dress.
"Do you ever actually pay attention to the movie?" Xena whispered, a sly smile forming on her lips as she turned her head to look at him.
"Only when you're not in the room," he teased back, his voice low and full of mischief. His hand slid a little higher on her thigh, making her pulse quicken just slightly. Xena raised an eyebrow, knowing exactly where this was going.
"You really can't help yourself, can you?" Ares leaned in close to her, his lips brushing against her ear.
"Can you blame me?" His hand inched up again, teasing her, making her shift slightly in her seat.
"You're irresistible." Xena bit her bottom lip, trying to keep her focus on the movie, but Ares' fingers were now slipping beneath the hem of her dress. She placed her hand over his, gripping it lightly.
"We're supposed to be watching the movie," she whispered, her voice betraying the fact that she was already losing the battle. Ares laughed, his breath warm against her neck.
"I am watching something. Just not what's on the screen." Xena shot him a playful glare, though her lips were curling into a grin.
"You're trouble, you know that?"
"Always," he murmured, his fingers moving higher, making her let out a soft, involuntary gasp. He was teasing her, driving her crazy with that infuriatingly seductive touch. She shifted in her seat again, crossing her legs to trap his hand in place.
"Behave," she warned, but her voice lacked any real conviction. Ares smirked, pulling his hand away and leaning back in his seat.
"I'll behave... for now," he said with a wink, his eyes twinkling in the dim light of the theater.
The movie played on, but neither of them paid much attention. Xena could feel the heat between them building with every glance, every small touch. Ares couldn't keep his eyes off her, and she could feel his gaze lingering on her lips, her neck, the curve of her belly.
When the credits finally rolled, he stood and offered her his hand. She took it, standing with a playful sigh as she leaned into him.
"That was the longest movie you've ever sat through," she teased. Ares shrugged, grinning as he pulled her close.
"You're the only reason I made it to the end."
~XA~
Dinner was next. Ares had made sure everything was perfect—candlelit, intimate, and set up in a private room at their favorite restaurant. As they sat across from each other, the light from the candles flickered gently between them, casting a warm glow over the evening.
"You're spoiling me tonight," Xena said, her eyes sparkling as she took a sip of water.
"What's the occasion?"
"Do I need one?" Ares replied, his voice soft but filled with meaning.
"Time is running out before our baby comes. I want to make every moment count." His eyes darkened slightly as he leaned forward.
"And you deserve this. All of it." Xena felt a rush of warmth at his words. Her heart swelled with affection as she reached across the table and took his hand, her thumb gently stroking his skin.
"You know, for a god of war, you can be surprisingly sweet sometimes." He raised an eyebrow,
"Don't go spreading that around. I've got a reputation to uphold." She laughed, and the sound was music to his ears. He loved the way she made him feel—like he was more than just war, more than his past. With Xena, he was just a man in love, and he relished every second of it.
As their meal was brought out, they continued their playful banter. Ares would feed her bites of dessert, watching her eyes light up with each taste, while Xena teased him about his serious expression whenever she caught him staring at her.
"You know, you don't have to watch me eat so closely," she said with a smirk, popping a piece of cake into her mouth. Ares shrugged, unbothered by her teasing.
"I like watching you enjoy yourself. Plus..." He leaned forward, lowering his voice to a sultry whisper.
"I have plans for dessert when we get home." Xena raised an eyebrow, her pulse quickening at the promise in his tone.
"Is that so?"
"Definitely."
~XA~
By the time they got back to their home, the air between them was thick with anticipation. Ares couldn't keep his hands off her, even as they entered the house. He pressed her gently against the wall as soon as the door closed, kissing her deeply, his hands running down her sides, caressing her through her dress. Xena responded eagerly, her fingers tangling in his hair as she kissed him back with equal passion.
"You've been waiting for this all night, haven't you?" she murmured against his lips.
"Since the moment I saw you," he admitted, his voice rough with desire.
"You have no idea how much I want you right now." Xena smiled against his mouth, her hands moving to his chest as she pushed him back slightly, teasing him.
"I think I have some idea." He growled playfully, scooping her up in his arms.
"You're mine tonight."
"And every night," she replied, her arms wrapping around his neck as he carried her toward their bedroom.
When they reached the room, Ares set her down gently on the edge of the bed, standing before her with a look that made her heart race. He knelt down, his hands moving up her legs, caressing her thighs as he leaned in to kiss her belly.
"You're so beautiful," he whispered, his hands sliding higher, pushing the hem of her dress up slowly. Xena shivered under his touch, her breath catching in her throat as his hands traveled further up her body.
"Ares..." she whispered, her voice full of longing. As he helped her lie back against the pillows, his hands stayed on her the whole time.
"Relax, my love," he murmured, his voice soft and soothing.
"Tonight is all about you."
Xena relaxed on the bed, her hand resting on her belly, feeling the gentle movements of the life growing inside her. Her body ached, and exhaustion clung to her like a heavy blanket. But tonight, there was a sense of calm in the air.
Ares stood nearby, his eyes fixed on Xena with a look that held so much more than just desire. His gaze was filled with love, admiration, and the overwhelming need to make her feel at peace. He approached the bed slowly, his strong, muscular frame moving with purpose, yet there was a softness in his steps.
"How are you feeling, my queen?" Ares asked, his voice a deep, soothing rumble that sent shivers down her spine. He sat on the edge of the bed, his hand resting on her leg, rubbing gentle circles into her skin. She smiled up at him, her blue eyes reflecting both affection and a hint of playfulness.
"Tired, but happy. And very much looking forward to whatever you have planned for me tonight." He smiled, leaning in to place a soft kiss on her forehead.
"You deserve more than I could ever give, but tonight, I'm going to try my best to make you feel like the goddess you are." He slid off the bed and reached for a small bowl of oil on the table nearby, the fragrant scent of lavender and jasmine filling the room. He returned to her side, his hands warm as they gently grasped her ankles.
"Lay back, relax," he murmured, his eyes meeting hers as he began to slowly massage her feet. She let out a soft sigh as the tension in her body began to melt away under his touch. Ares' hands worked with a gentle strength, pressing into the arches of her feet, moving with care. His fingers kneaded the aching muscles, easing the soreness that had plagued her for weeks. Every movement sent ripples of comfort through her, and she found herself sinking deeper into the bed, her eyes fluttering closed.
Ares watched her, his heart swelling with love for the woman who had stood by his side through everything. He admired her strength, her fierce independence, but tonight, he wanted her to feel safe, cared for, and adored. He moved his hands up, massaging her calves, taking his time with every inch of her body. His thumbs pressed into her skin, drawing out the knots of tension that had built up from carrying their child.
"Does that feel good?" he asked, his voice low as he continued his slow, purposeful massage. She let out a soft moan of approval, her lips parting slightly as she nodded.
"It feels amazing," she whispered, her body completely giving in to the relaxation he was offering her.
Ares grinned, pleased with her reaction. He moved higher, massaging her thighs now, his fingers gliding over her skin with tenderness and strength. He could feel her body respond to his touch, the way her muscles loosened and relaxed under his hands. As he worked his way up her legs, he kept his eyes on her, watching the subtle changes in her expression as she let herself fully enjoy the moment.
His hands moved with care, sliding beneath the hem of her dress as he continued his journey upward. He could feel the heat of her body, the gentle rise and fall of her breath. When he reached her hips, he leaned forward and brushed his lips against her belly, his kisses soft and full of love.
"You're incredible, Xe," Ares whispered against her skin.
"You've given me everything, and now you're giving me our child. I don't know how I got so lucky." Xena's eyes opened, and she looked down at him, her heart swelling at his words. She reached out, her fingers grazing his hair.
"I've been lucky too, you know. I wouldn't want anyone else by my side." Ares looked up at her, his expression soft but filled with desire. He moved up her body, trailing kisses along her belly, her hips, her thighs.
Every kiss was slow while he savored every moment. His hands slid up her sides, pushing her dress higher as he kissed his way toward her breasts. Xena's breath caught in her throat as his lips found the sensitive skin just below her collarbone. The warmth of his mouth sent a shiver through her.
She arched slightly beneath him, her body responding to the intensity of his touch. Ares grinned against her skin, clearly pleased with her reaction. He kissed her shoulder, then her neck, his breath hot and teasing as he worked his way up to her ear.
"You're so beautiful," he whispered.
"I'm going to make sure you feel how special you are tonight."
Xena shivered at his words, her fingers gripping his arms as she felt his kisses growing more intense. Ares pulled back slightly, just enough to look into her eyes. His hands slid down her sides, pulling her dress up and over her head in one smooth motion, leaving her naked beneath him. He stared down at her, his eyes dark with desire but softened by love.
"You don't have to do anything tonight, my love," Ares whispered as he leaned down again, kissing her deeply.
"Just let me take care of you." His lips trailed down her body once more, but this time his movements were slower, more sensual. He kissed her breasts, his tongue teasing her as his hands caressed her sides. Xena moaned softly, her back arching as his mouth worked its way lower.
Ares moved between her legs, kissing the inside of her thighs, his touch gentle but insistent. Xena's breath quickened as he kissed his way higher, his hands gently parting her legs. His mouth hovered just above her center, teasing her, making her heart race with anticipation.
Her fingers gripped the sheets as she waited for him to continue. Ares glanced up at her, his eyes gleaming with affection and lust. He smiled, his lips brushing against her sensitive skin as he spoke.
"I love you." he murmured, his breath hot against her.
"I'll always love you."
And then, without another word, Ares kissed her center, his tongue moving like the expert he was, sending shockwaves of pleasure through her. Xena gasped, her body tensing for a moment before she let herself go, her hips rising to meet his mouth. His hands held her thighs firmly, keeping her steady as he worked her slowly, building the tension inside her with every stroke of his tongue.
Xena's moans grew louder, her hands tangling in the sheets as Ares continued to pleasure her. He took his time, never rushing, allowing her to ride the waves of pleasure at her own pace. She was completely lost in the sensation, her body responding to him in ways that only he could make happen.
Ares alternated between gentle licks and firmer strokes, his hands caressing her thighs, keeping her grounded. The pleasure built inside her, higher and higher, until she could barely contain it.
"Ares..." she moaned, her body trembling with need. "I... I can't..."
He didn't stop. He kept going, his mouth driving her closer to the edge, his hands holding her firmly in place. Xena's breath came in ragged gasps as she felt the tension inside her snap. She cried out, her body arching off the bed as the waves of pleasure crashed over her, her release flooding through her in a way that left her breathless.
Ares kissed her softly as she came down from her high, his hands stroking her gently, grounding her. He climbed up beside her, pulling her into his arms as she trembled in the aftermath.
"Thank you," Xena whispered, her voice barely a breath as she rested her head on his chest. Ares smiled, brushing a kiss across her forehead.
"You're welcome, my love," he murmured, holding her close.
"I'll always take care of you." They laid together, the quiet of the night wrapping around them like a warm blanket, the connection between them stronger than ever.