Chapter end, tell me what you think in the reviews.
This was a joy to write.
Months passed and soon the Summer Solstice came, Mason readied himself for a powerful ritual to honor the undeserving gods. Or at least his beloved Ganymede, one of the only gods he actually cared for... and maybe Selene while he had the chance. She did deserve the aid for getting him access to the massive library of Agnes, even if passively. He was sure that the goddess in question would have allowed it anyway, so he could offer her praise one way or another.
Happily in his garden, which held over a dozen new wards and enchantments for better growing, he placed out a set of cupcakes, some lemonade and a few other bits and bobs. Some more enchanted spell bags, some burn paste, and healing potions.
Kneelings, he offered his hands in supplication.
"Ganymede and Selene, to you two I offer this spread. Made my by hand, food and protection. My gifts to you, knowing all you do is never appreciated enough."
The soft hands of Ganymede lifted him from his kneeling position. Looking at Ganymede, his face etched with beauty and power, Mason was stunned as he felt a welling of emotion. Before he could stop his impulsive thought, he leaned up and kissed Ganymede's cheek ever so slightly. The god froze, before a beaming smile crossed his face his hand gently moving toward his face.
"You kissed me? Why?"
Mason frowned, then beamed. "You watch out for me, care for me... you are honest and kind. I am not head over heels, but I think I am starting to love you."
The god burst into tears, silver energy oozing from his body. "No one has ever, ever said that. Not even... my master." He held his body close, tired and filled with despair. "I love you too, but we cannot... my Master will never allow it."
Mason grabbed his hand. "Then we will find a way, you deserve better, Ganymede... I always thought that, and I will fight for you. We are the same age now, both sixteen. Our lives have been unkind but we can make it better." Mason pulled him close, but before he could say much he noticed a silver light dancing above them. He felt it melding with his wards, wards he could feel at all times. He knew it was Selene's essence, and he knew what she was doing. "She is making it so that we can talk here, masking out conversation."
Ganymede smiled, a beautiful expression tinged with unending sadness. "Zeus will kill us if he finds out."
"Then he won't find out... we both deserve better, Ganymede."
"When did it start, your love for me?"
"I started to love you months ago, but when you first showed Leo kindness... I knew that I wanted you. It was soft then but it is growing."
Ganymede leaned in then, kissing his mouth fully. The would stay there for a few minutes, kissing and holding each other before Selene's essence started to wane. "We have to be quiet about this, less the wrong God hear of this. Hera knows I care for you, she has made threats."
Mason hissed eyes darkening. "Then we will have to be more careful... carry my protection spells, and keep your sword skills sharp. Didn't we promise to spar?" And he summoned his blade.
Ganyemde grinned. "Yes, yes we did."
And together they started to fight and flirt, subtle and soft, for hours and hours, both finally happening to be in a state of genuine peace for the first time in so freaking long.
Chapter end, tell me what you think in the reviews.
This was a joy to write.
Love, your Ninja Overlord,
Mika.