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An inner struggle took place as she lay there, each attempt to move felt weak at first, as if her limbs were weighed down by lead and uncontrolled by her own efforts. Nothing was worse though than when her heavy eyelids slowly fluttered open to take in the stretch of beach, burning at the strain to keep them focused. Sound filtered in around, attention brought to the cry of birds, the sound of comforting waves that lapped against her skin, and the patter of rain as it fell into the damp sand which soaked her further. A shiver ran down her spine, the grogginess and disorientation letting up to jolt her upright at the sensation of cold sinking into her form. She buried her hands into the sand, panicky glancing around her as she waited for this to be proof of another nightmare but finding none. ’Πού είμαι? Πώς έφτασα εδώ?’ (Where am I? How did I get here?), she spoke to herself.

This place was unknown but the location and her current attire or lack thereof was very remiencent of the past. The day had been sunny then, blooming with potential and possibility when she emerged from the seafoam, newly created and feeling powerful enough to take on the world and crush those who wouldn’t bend to her whims. Never with true violence mind you but Aphrodite knew a thing or two about getting even. Now though, she didn’t feel strong…in fact, her power felt so little that it felt a sliver in comparison and that was a bit terrifying. 'Τι μου συνέβη? Που είναι τα παιδιά μου? Είναι ασφαλείς? Χρειάζομαι απαντήσεις τώρα.’, (’What happened to me? Where are my children? Are they safe? I need answers, now.) were her first thoughts now that she was in a better space, finding the will to stand and starting to walk towards mortal civilization or at least what she could assume it was from the strange building and structures in the distance. The mortals would take her to Ares temple and then she would be able to meet with her family again.

Fate had more direct plans.

Ares was standing on the pier overlooking the beach. A cover kept him dry for now. The street lights were further off. It was 3 am by now. He hadn’t slept. He drew a drag from his cigarette. The embers lit up the lowest part of his face for a second before it faded again. This was the first moment of serenity he had felt in the last twenty-four hours. In the distance he saw a singular figure coming from the darkness of the beach. Ares checked his watch. 3 am. If the murders and the kidnapping hadn’t happened he would’ve tried to be with Tlaz right now. To show that he was different, and to beg forgiveness for what he had done three decades ago.

Instead he didn’t know what to do anymore. Isabel had done something, though she refused outright to tell him what. The way Hathor spoke about it didn’t bode well. Then again, he wasn’t sure if it was just Hathor trying to destroy any chance of love now. He took another drag and let out a gentle stream of smoke. The figure lacked any clothes. That earned her a raised eyebrow from the god of war but his mind quickly shifted his thoughts back to Tlaz. What his heart still wanted was facing an endless amount of challenges it would seem. Like Sisyphus, was he too working on something that could never be completed? Were they doomed?

Then Ares recognized the figure. His cig dropped to the ground. “Aphrodite?” He asked almost purely out of instinct, forgetting that they were in the mortal world. Ares didn’t wait for an answer. His eyes had never betrayed him before. He rushed towards the pier’s railing as he was taking off his coat. The cold, Seattle rain quickly drenched his shirt. With a smooth motion he jumped over the rails, landed on the sand and rolled. All the while keeping his coat off the ground and clean. The fall barely slowed him as he ran over to his first love.

He didn’t wait for her to speak as he got close. Nor did he say anything. First he swung his heavy coat around her, making sure she’d protected from the nighttime rain.

She instantly hugged the coat tighter around her frame, trying to soak up as much warmth from the lingering body heat as possible as she leaned against her first love and the father to most of her children. She thought it would take so much longer to find him but she should have known better. He always disappeared but moments like these, he would reappear which always made it that much harder. ”Μετά από τόσο καιρό και είσαι ακόμα ο ήρωάς μου όταν το χρειάζομαι περισσότερο... γεια σου Άρη.” (After all this time and you're still my hero when I need it most... hello Ares.), Aphrodite smiled weakly before speaking again, ”Λυπάμαι που έπρεπε να με δεις έτσι.” (I'm sorry you had to see me like this.)

“Μη ζητάς συγγνώμη.” (Don’t apologize). He said as he wrapped his arms around her slowly. For a moment he just hugged her in the rain. A shiver went through him. it wasn’t from the cold. As he hugged her, he felt a heavy weight fall from his shoulders.

Of course it couldn’t last. Pothos was still missing. Two of the Greek pantheon were dead. Aphrodite’s sudden appearance couldn’t be a coincidence. It had been frustration on a fruitless search so far that made him search for a quiet spot. Now he had something he could do again though. He could care for his first love. He released her from his hug but kept a hold on her shoulders. “Ελα. Πρέπει να σε βγάλουμε από αυτή τη βροχή.” (Come. We should get you out of this rain.) He took her hand and gently led her towards the pier and his parked car.

She had held him close, hugging him in return and taking a moment to be selfish and bask in the simple act of comfort though she wasn’t sure if it was more for her sake or his own. Something wasn’t right, she knew him well enough to sense it but Ares had always been stubborn and would speak when he was ready. If he needed silent support, she would offer it. He was the one person so far (other than her children of course) that she would drop anything on a dime if he simply asked even if she thought he was a complete moron sometimes. These kinds of moments were always what took her heart away but made it worse when she had to watch him go. Aphrodite held his hand tighter, leaned into him as if they were lovers on a peaceful stroll while they walked to the strangest contraption she had ever seen. It seemed that she had been gone far longer than she had first believed. ”Πες μου...πόσο καιρό πέρασε?” (Tell me...how long has it been?), she nervously asked though she tried her best to hide it, afraid to know all that she had missed.

“Δύο χιλιετίες.” (Two millenia), Ares answered. That alone would probably be a shock to her. He didn’t want to burden her with the myriad of things that had happened just since this morning. Let alone in the last few centuries. For now all he wanted was to get her somewhere comfortable and safe. He opened the passenger door for her and bid her to enter. Once inside he quickly got in and started driving. His mind was off the road though.

“Πως αισθάνεσαι?”(How are you feeling?) He asked as he zoomed through traffic. This sort of environment must be confusing to her. Still, he wanted to make sure that at the very least she was healthy. If not well, he knew at least which hospital not to visit. With his right hand he made sure to keep a hold of her hand. Just to make sure that he was still here.

”Είναι πολλά να δεχτώ, αλλά εκτός από αυτό είμαι καλά.” (It's a lot to take in, but other than that I'm fine.), Aphro answered, trying to be brave in the face of what she had learned. She had been gone for so long and the world had clearly changed more than she could have ever conceived while trapped in slumber. If she was a better goddess, she would have expressed how grateful she was that he was here, holding her hand and being her anchor of strength even though they had split ways. It meant a lot that she could still lean on him when her world was falling around her. She would never express her thanks though, not verbally anyway. Instead, she just gripped his hand like a life line because it was scary to think of the time she had lost, what she would need to learn, and also what was happening in the lives of those she loved. She knew this was selfish to ask but she couldn’t help herself, ”Θα μείνετε? Ή με πας σε ένα από τα παιδιά μας?” (Will you stay? Or are you taking me to one of our children?)

“Θα μείνω. Τουλάχιστον για λίγο.” (I will stay. At least for a little while.) His mind reached back towards Isabel with Anubis. He still had an hour and a half. Still, he would have to get his own daughter soon. Far too soon. And it had to be him. He would have to explain that later though. For a moment he looked over and smiled. This – driving with Aphrodite next to him and having the city lights wash over them again and again – felt strangely nice. Eventually, he reached the hotel parking lot though.

“Οι θνητοί ήταν απασχολημένοι τα τελευταία χρόνια.” (Mortals have been busy these last few years), he said as he led her towards the large tower hotel. Aphrodite’s beauty drew literally every gaze in the entire lobby. Her attire – or lack thereof – drew a lot of attention. Still, Ares led her towards the elevators and then to his hotel room. He led her inside and finally closed the door. “Είσαι ασφαλής εδώ.” (You are safe here), he said. “Θέλετε κάτι?” (Do you want anything?)

She felt more relaxed at his answer, knowing she would be able to get her ground before seeing her children. She loved them so, but sometimes it was a struggle to keep a handle on them. She didn’t want to be alone though when traversing the new and strange mortal realm so to have him by her side, even for a bit, was a positive that she hadn’t thought he would do. Aphrodite smiled at him in return, still thinking that this was when he looked his best. He was made for war, that serious expression and the fallen at his feet were enough to make anyone’s heart race but this….this side was what had made her come back repeatedly over their long life span but it was too much of a struggle when the hard moments hit and with him that was many even when he didn’t mean to.

”σαφώς.” (Clearly.), Aphro stated after they came to a stop, looking up at the manmade structure as she exited the vehicle. The entire city had been impressive so far, not even taking their transportation into question but she was looking forward to checking out the inside of at least one of them. As they stepped in, gazes immediately flocked to her person but this was nothing she wasn’t used to as mortals had never been able to resist and even more so in her current attire. She held her head high, strolling as if she couldn’t be bothered to meet their gaze or worry over what opinions they might have. She was a pretty face but she wasn’t dumb, Ares blended with the same dress as these mortals and while hers was less than favorable, she wouldn’t draw more attention than they had already. He continued to lead her, not putting up a fuss as he did so and was happy to be away from prying eyes and somewhere she knew was safe because Ares had said so. He had never lied about his protection of her. ”Μόνο εσύ…” (Only you…), she answered before realizing how that might sound with their past and while a fling would be fun, that wasn’t exactly what she had meant. ”Κράτα με για λίγο.” (Hold me for a while.)

Ares took a step away from Aphrodite when she asked that. “Που δεν μπορώ να σου δώσω.” (That I can’t give you), Ares said quickly. He really did want to hold her. Like he did before the fall. Out of everyone in Olympus, he really only felt safe and happy with Aphrodite. At least he did, until Hephaestus had to shatter that. And now she was here again and so close too. Still, he refused. “Η καρδιά μου είναι κάποιου άλλου.” (My heart is someone else’s.)

”Δεν ζητάω την καρδιά σου...ξέρω πώς είναι μεταξύ μας. Χρειάζομαι απλά παρηγοριά από κάποιον που εμπιστεύομαι. Σίγουρα ο νέος σας εραστής θα καταλάβει.” (I'm not asking for your heart...I know how it is between us. I just need comfort from someone I trust. Surely your new lover will understand.), she answered before reaching for that sliver of power she felt and putting it to use. Aphrodite didn’t know what she would still be able to do but if it could help her persuade him then she would selfishly use it to her advantage. She knew it wasn’t fair of her to do, not to him or his new lover but old habits die hard. She liked getting what she wanted and was stubborn enough to try until she was left with no more options.”Σε παρακαλώ Άρη, υπόσχομαι ότι δεν θα δοκιμάσω τίποτα.” (Please Ares, I promise I won't try anything.)

The scent of sandalwood and chocolate was drawing him in. His heart started to beat just a little faster. His body wanted to get closer to her. Aphrodite was still as enthralling as ever. In a strange way she was reminding him of all the things he loved about Tlaz. Aphrodite had a way to fan his flames though. Back on Olympus the goddess of love could tease him in such a way that he actually liked it. She gave him a thrill, just like a certain goddess of sin.

“Δεν μπορώ.” (I can’t), Ares said as he took a step closer and gently took her by the shoulders. “Ακόμα σε νοιάζομαι, Αφροδίτη. Αλλά ακριβώς γι' αυτό πρέπει να έχουμε όρια και να μην τα ξεπερνάμε ποτέ.” (I still care for you Aphrodite. But exactly because of that should we have boundaries and never cross them). With that said he reached over and kissed her forehead.

She took one of his hands from her shoulder, pressing it against her cheek as she nodded in defeat and tried to not feel the sting of rejection even though she knew he was right. She looked up at him, sighing as she pressed a hand to his cheek and looking up at him with a soft expression. Καταλαβαίνω...δεν μπορώ να πω ότι είμαι χαρούμενος γι' αυτό, αλλά καταλαβαίνω. (I understand...I can't say I'm happy about it, but I understand.), Aphrodite said, pausing a moment before continuing. ”Αν δεν επιτρέπεται να με παρηγορήσεις, τουλάχιστον άσε με να κάνω κάτι για να σε παρηγορήσω. Άρης, πες μου τι φταίει? Μη με κρατάς στο σκοτάδι. (If you are not allowed to comfort me, at least let me do something to comfort you. Ares, tell me what's wrong? Don't keep me in the dark.)

“Η επιστροφή σας είναι παράξενα δυσοίωνη.” (Your return is strangely inauspicious), Ares said as he gently took Aprhodite’s hand on his cheek and guided her towards the lounge area of the hotel room. “Οι θεοί εδώ δεν μπορούν να πεθάνουν. Όχι πραγματικά. Πληγές που θα σκότωναν έναν κανονικό θνητό θεραπεύονται γρήγορα πάνω μας.” (Gods here cannot die. Not really. Wounds that would kill a regular mortal heal fast on us), he continued as he bid her to sit down on the couch. “Ή έτσι νομίζαμε. Σήμερα, κοντά στο μεσημέρι, πέθαναν ο Ζαγρέας και η Μακαρία.” (Or so we thought. Today, near midday, Zagreus and Macaria died.) He made sure to keep her hand in his as he sat down as well beside her. Though his head drooped down in nothing but pure shame. How could he not? His own child was taken right from under his nose. He had failed protecting her. “Και ο Πόθος απήχθη.” (And Pothos was kidnapped.)

She hasn’t really considered what being on the mortal plane would mean for her continued existence. The knowledge that they couldn’t die was a peaceful one, giving her hope that she would be able to see the rest of her loved ones very soon but that was shattered quickly at the news of two underworld deaths. Her heart went out to them as no parent should have to lose a child but his next words were the ones that hurt. She felt panic, horror, fear, and then pure unfiltered rage. Someone had taken her child on the same day they could have been reunited. It was obvious to her that he felt shame and maybe even blame for the hideous act of another. Aphrodite steeled herself, cupping his face so he was looking at her once more. ”Αυτή η έκφραση δεν σου ταιριάζει. Άρη, δεν φταις εσύ… γιατί πώς να ξέρεις ότι κάποιος θα ήταν τόσο τολμηρός. Ωστόσο, αυτά τα συναισθήματα δεν θα βοηθήσουν το παιδί μας, γι' αυτό απωθήστε το από τις σκέψεις σας. Εστιάστε σε αυτό που μπορείτε να κάνετε τώρα. Δείξε μου αυτή την αποφασιστικότητα και την εμπιστοσύνη που ερωτεύτηκα. Βρείτε την και φέρτε την στο σπίτι, τιμωρήστε όσους τόλμησαν να αμφισβητήσουν τον Θεό του Πολέμου. (This expression does not suit you. Ares, it's not your fault… because how did you know someone would be so bold. However, these feelings will not help our child, so push them out of your thoughts. Focus on what you can do now. Show me that determination and confidence that I fell in love with. Find her and bring her home, punish those who dared to challenge the God of War.)

But it was his fault.

How could it not be? It was his duty to protect those closest to him. What else was he good for, really? The shame he felt would never go away. Aphrodite did strike the nail on its head on one point though. Whoever took Pothos, whoever was stupid enough to challenge him did not know what was coming. Maybe they thought he had become weak in these last few years. Maybe he had. That would change.

In the next hour he explained the goddess of love how the new world worked. He did keep checking his watch. After all, he still had to pick up Isabel from Anubis. After an hour - which was still not enough time - he managed to give her a phone filled with the phone number of every Greek god Ares knew of and a black credit card. There was no way the goddess of love could be contained. So Ares figured that at best he could offer her the best tools to make it in the world. After that though, he had to excuse himself.

Hades took one last look down the hall before shutting the doors to his office allowing for privacy between the 4 men. “I appreciate you all coming down here on such short notice.” Hades' tone shifted drastically from his more welcoming tone during his conversation with Thor, to a more cold and stern one. “We have a lot to discuss, but first there is a matter of importance that we have to address first.” As Hades finished his gaze landed on the youngest of the men.

“We gave him a basic run down for you sir, so he could process a bit of it on the way over.”

Hades nodded as he stepped towards the youngest man in the room “Normally I prefer to do this in better circumstances and allow for things to sink in slowly but given the current situation we don't have much choice. Regardless however you were nominated by your father to take his place and I'm sure you'll live up to every expectation, just like your dad did before you.” Hades stuck out his hand offering it to the young man as he continued. “But ultimately this is your choice to make, once you make a deal with me there is no going back.”

The young man took only a moment to process what was being said before he nodded “I'm ready to serve just like my father did.” He stated confidently before grabbing Hades hand shaking it sealing the deal.

Hades' eyes glowed red slightly as he smirked at the young man “Glad you made the right choice.” As soon as he had finished shaking his hand Hades made his way over to a large painting that depicted a beautiful countryside that hung on his office walls. Behind the painting was a fairly large safe door that once opened revealed a small stack of documents and a gold coin which he grabbed before returning everything as it was. “This is now the most important thing in your possession. You are to keep it on you at all times. It not only shows your rank but is also your free ticket.” as he spoke, Hades held up the coin so that it was easily visible. It was a small gold coin roughly the size of a 50 cent coin. What made the coin unique however was that on one side a simple skull was depicted while on the other side the image of a ferryman.

“Welcome to the club Johny, your father would be proud of you. Rest his soul.” The olderman had taken a step forward grabbing the boy by the shoulders. “You're in the big leagues now, just like me and Nero here.”

“Thanks Paulie. I've been looking forward to today.”

“Now then to the matter at hand.” Hades said from his now seated position behind his desk as the three men quickly snapped their attention to him. “As you know today was our annual little get together for the whole family along with some others like us. But things were cut short when.” Hades paused for a second doing his best to contain the swelling anger that was rising in him. “It was cut short by my son and daughter falling from the damn skylight. Dead. Fucking Dead!!” Hades yelled the last portion of his sentence as he slammed his fist into the desk denting it slightly. “I want whoever did this, and I want them alive.”

The oldest man of the three, Paulie, showed the same emotions as Hades did as he spoke “Don't you worry bout a thing boss. We’ll find the son of a bitch who thinks they can get away with it.”

“We got any leads yet?” Nero, the middle aged man added in, “I can't imagine someone wanting to hurt those two kids.”

“Well my gut feeling would be my whore of a brother and his snake of a wife. They tried once before and I won't put it past them trying again.” Hades paused for a moment to think about his statement, it was true that he still suspected his brother but something was telling him that Zeus wasn’t the cause of his problems this time. “For the time being we're going to play this by ear until we get more info. Nero put in a call to our friends at the station and see if they can help shed some light on what my niece finds out after today. Other than that, do whatever you have to find answers. I don't care how many skulls you have to crack or how much blood needs to flow so long as we find whoever did this.”
The three men nodded as they made their way for the door before Johnny was stopped by Hades once again. “And Johnny, you're a boss now. You speak with my authority and understand. Anyone questions that you put them inline. No time for fuck ups.”

Once Hades was the last one left and he was sure the three had fully left the premises he let out a breath of exhaustion he didn't know he was holding in. He let his hand hang in his hands for a few moments allowing his mind to drift off for just the slightest bit of peace until he was interrupted by the loud sound of the grandfather clock ticking away. Hades turned to stare at the clock for a minute almost in a daze as he watched the second hand rhythmically tick away with each passing second.

“Why do you haunt me so?”

Concenter

_{location: Emerald Kelpie
interactions: Cerridwen | Tlazōlteōtl @KZOMBI3
mentions: Benzaiten @Hey Im Jordan | Ares @Legion02}

---

Tlazōlteōtl wandered around the city, the rain from earlier seemingly disappearing as quickly as it came. No place in mind, not really, not anymore. Her anger dissipated with Hathor down the street. Through the throng of people that walked the streets, brushing past mortals caused her pause, just long enough for her to work her magic. Enticing others to act on their sin; someone was robbed just behind her, a throuple being broken up as one leaned up to kiss the other. A type of chaos she thrived in, though she gained no joy from it.

A heavy sigh escaped her as she continued on, until a thought crossed her mind, or rather someone. Pulling out her phone she dialed a familiar number. At least with a call she wouldn't be able to avoid her. A small smile on her lips.

On the outside, the Emerald Kelpie looked almost no different from the kind of fairy tale cabin the kids in stories were told to avoid but never did. There was a hanging wood craft sign with an emblem of a horse’s head and the words ‘Emerald Kelpie’ written in olde font - it looked like the words and logo were burned into the wood - and the front wall had small rectangular windows but, more importantly, it was made from stone with moss poking out of some of the cracks. At a glance it wouldn’t have looked that out of place in some Tolkein story. The fact that it was able to exist in the modern area only made it more unusual given that the buildings near it were far more modern in architecture. But when it came to the Emerald Kelpie, aesthetics were important, almost as important as the product sold inside.

Paisley Sinclair, the name most patrons of the Kelpie knew her by, enjoyed living and operating in a house reminiscent of the cabins she used to live in back when she was known as The White Witch, back when most mortals were lucky to live past the age of thirty. Of course back then she was known by Cerridwen, a name which, now, was used mostly by those who knew her as such. Or when they wanted to be cute.

Inside the Kelpie there was silence. Other than the music coming from what looked like a very old phonograph. With eyes closed, head slowly swaying to the music, and incense sticks burning away next to her coating the room in a gentle herbal haze that tickled the nostrils, was Cerridwen herself. The shop was closed, her new crop was growing well, everything was…perfect.

And then her phone rang.

“Though’ I pu’ y’awn silent.” Cerridwen spoke, her sing-songy Scottish trill sounding playfully annoyed by the distraction as she pressed a button on her phone. Unfortunately, the button she pushed was just the volume button on the side and her ringtone went louder. It took her three more tries to answer the phone properly and even when she did she was pretty sure she was on video or speaker or both. Why did they make these things so…complicated?“Aye? Alrigh’ mate?”

"Cerri, love~," She practically purred into the receiver, picking up on crackling music playing in the background. The top half of the White Witch's face took up the bottom of the phone screen, resulting in a crack of a smile to grace Tlazōlteōtl's features. It felt like the first one in what seemed like eons as she continued on her walk through the city, "Please tell me you're available for a late night rendezvous."

The night was relatively young and the state with which she left her strip club it was better for her to just stay out for the evening. The other gods were scattered about dealing with the deaths on their own, keeping busy. The thought of fearing for her safety was the furthest from her mind, especially after her interaction with a particular secret love child, and all she wanted to do was indulge in some expertly crafted potions and herbs and converse about anything other than Ares.

There was only one person who could make the word ‘love’ seem like it was weaved from silk. Tlazōlteōtl. Or Tlaz, or any other names spoken by people in eager whispers. At a glance, Cerridwen and Tlaz might have seemed to be the last people who would be friends, but it was often the ones who seemed like oil and water turned out to be anything but. Like many things in Cerridwen’s life, it started with herb. Cerridwen gave Tlaz some prime Kelpie kush which worked wonders and what had turned from a business deal over time became a friendship. Cerridwen had an open door policy on those she liked and Tlaz was one of them. Fortunately, Tlaz hadn’t abused that - which was as much Cerridwen admitting she enjoyed the company as anything else, though she would be hard pressed to admit such a thing outright if only because Cerridwen was not great at discussing her own feelings and thoughts.

“Well…I was gonnae sit in me chair for a good hour or so so I suppose I’m good for a rendezvous, aye. I’ll pu’ the kettle on.” The fact that Tlaz was wanting a late night rendezvous could only mean one thing: she likely had a lot on her mind that she definitely did not want to think about. Cerridwen had been there many times. The least she could do was offer her friend time and, if she knew Tlaz, something a bit more than tea to get the mind off of problems for the moment.



Walking up to the Emerald Kelpie was like stepping back in time, a place out of place. The surrounding buildings and sounds kept the Aztec grounded in the present but there was something ethereal standing on the stoop outside such an ancient ornate door. With a single knock the door came to life and swung on it’s own accord, the sign in the window having long since been flipped to showcase a closed business for the evening, allowing the two of them to converse in comfortable privacy.

It was long overdue, their friendly get-togethers. Things had been running rampant with preparing for the Festival and training the newest recruits to Illicit’s… well, illicit dealings. Tlaz could never truly trust those she brought into her fold unless they were vetted and screened, Hathor and Phobos helped a lot in those regards - especially when it came to making sure their clients didn’t step a toe over line. And yet, even though there had been so much commotion going on, Cerridwen was there. She always was. Providing comfort and an easy form to gaze upon while conversing.

She walked with a purpose through the threshold of the Kelpie, closing the door with just enough force to announce her presence, but not so much as to offend the owner and the soul of the place. It was as if an ancient being, more so than the gods themselves, dwelled within the bones of the home turned business. Every plant and creature that decided to live within the premises thrived and would do so, even if Cerridwen was shirking duties - though that would never be the case with the Celt. Too proud of the work she produces to ever allow something like responsibility to take over. The floors creaked ever so slightly beneath her feet, greenery hanging from pots in the ceiling draping down like makeshift curtains. The multitude of rugs and other linens provided comfort for weary feet on the ground and if one took the time to examine them they would have seen stories of old told in their weavings. Shelves lined the walls of the bottom floor; the business portion of the house. Glass cases filled with tins and baubles, blown glass vials and containers all for the sole purpose of effectively using the organic products of the Kelpie.

She could hear the slow rustling of someone upstairs and began to make her way to the winding spiral in the back of the shop, ascending into the cozy light of the Witch’s home. After clearing the final step she announced herself more clearly, seeing the form of Cerridwen in the kitchen past more plants, lit candles and furniture reminiscent of the Shire. A large grin took over, and Tlaz could already feel some of the tension leaving her when she stepped up into the sanctuary that was Cerridwen’s home and she sighed heavily in relief; this was exactly what she needed. “Nican nicatpolotica, and I managed to snag some authentic whiskey to pair with that tea of yours.”

While the scent of floral incense was still lingering in the air of Cerridwen’s humble abode, it was competing now with the stronger scent of something…sweet. The Emerald Kelpie, apart from being a brand and shop to purchase all manner of sensory enhancing herbal remedies and blends - now even in gummy form - was also Cerridwen’s long standing home. Though its location changed over the years, it had been standing since the days of antiquity and were it not for the scant few lamps it would seem that the only modern innovation present in the stone walls of the Kelpie was the cash register on the first floor. But even the lamps on a close enough look seemed to be kerosene and not electric. The first floor of the establishment was quite reminiscent of a gift shop in a historical village; it had clearly been retrofitted to be a dispensary and was thus a bit more ‘modern’ though that was like saying the 1800s were more modern than the 1700s.

Upstairs, though, was where Cerridwen lived and thrived. As Tlaz made her way upstairs, Cerridwen was standing in front of a masonry oven, bellows to the side, the sound of wood crackling under the embers.“Aye, luv, ga’un grab a seat, like.” Cerridwen gestured towards the chairs in what would be known as a living room to modern sorts, though rather than there being a television or the like there was a large bookshelf and her phonograph that was still playing the music, though at a considerably softer volume. There was a coffee, or tea, table that had all the signs of being hastily cleaned which was why on top of the bookshelf there were a bunch of papers and envelopes and coupons. The whistling of a kettle pierced through the soft music and Cerridwen scrambled to grab two mugs from atop a cabinet and set them, along with the teapot, onto a silver tray. She brought the tray to the table and held up a single finger towards Tlaz as she turned on her heels and went back to the oven.

“I’ve made some parlies they’ll be done’na sec. That’d be the ginger ya smell. Get somethin’ sweet in ya, course wha’ cannae be sweeter’n yew, luv?” Cerridwen pulled a small tray of sweet, brown biscuits/cookies from the oven and placed them onto a glass plate and it was with the plate of parlies that Cerridwen finally joined Tlaz in the living room, placing the cookies next to the tea tray as she settled into a chair. “Ah’m trustin’ ye’tae keep me honest. Donnae wan’ get so smashed I wind up paradin’ about in me knickers singin’ The Braes o’ Killiecrankie.”

“Well that’s no fun~,” she cooed, helping herself to one of the cookies placed on the table before them and taking a bite, making sure to not spill crumbs all over her friend’s floor. Her own chair was so comfortable she found it easy to relax into, sinking into the cushions. It had been some time since the two of them got together as such. Enjoying the other’s company over tea and drinks, kush and other potions making an appearance later in their visits. It was a place strictly to regroup her thoughts, to sort them out without being swayed one way or another. Tlaz valued Cerridwen’s opinions on practical and emotional matters, taking them to heart and trying to apply them. Sin can only be withheld for so long before it’s itching to crawl out.

A content and dreamy sigh escaped her as she enjoyed the baked goods, it wasn’t every day she got to indulge in many things of the homemade variety. “Ahuializtli… simply delicious, Cerri,” It really was, melting on her tongue as she devoured the rest of the treat in a speed that surprised even her. If she were to think about it, it had been a rather tumultuous day and there wasn’t a moment where she was able to stop and eat something - the drinks at the luncheon didn’t count, she just ended up puking them back up once the bodies dropped. Tlazōlteōtl shook her head to rid herself of the image forever burned there.

As much as it took up space in the forefront of her mind, she didn’t want to bring down the ambiance of Cerri’s home with talk of the dead. It wouldn’t benefit either of them. Not yet at least. So instead of dwelling on the negative she turned to face the woman beside her, throwing her legs over the arms of the chair, a coy smile painted on her lips, “Tell me, what’ve you been up to? It’s only been a week since last we spoke though it feels so much longer. How is the shop, Benzaiten?” A well timed wriggle of her brows at the goddess’ name and a roll of her shoulders indicated that Tlazōlteōtl was indeed not just interested in the Japanese’s well-being.

As Tlaz was enjoying the gingery goodness of Cerridwen’s baked goods - and even when there wasn’t anything special in the batch, Cerridwen was a hell of a baker - the Celtic witch was sipping her tea with a gentle touch. There was a time when she had saucers to go with the teacups but an offhand remark comparing the saucer to being ‘bougie’ had gotten Cerridwen to invest in mugs instead. Mugs were fascinating things. Mortals gave them as gifts frequently but someone who had an abundance of mugs seemed more likely to simply display them rather than use them. And there were so many different little images and designs on mugs. Some had sayings on them even! Truly the height of mortal ingenuity. She didn’t know if there was a god of cups or ceramics but if there was, they deserved all the cute little mugs they could handle.

After taking a sip, Cerridwen closed her eyes and inhaled the aroma. Passionflower tea. One of the many herbal teas she was intimately familiar with. Good for anxiety and better sleep. It was one of Cerridwen’s favorites and, incidentally, one of the goddess Freyja’s least favorites as Cerridwen learned - something about passionflower being bad for pregnancy and that valerian root tea was better for it. But she couldn’t make valerian tea, it was a bad combination with alcohol of which whiskey was.

After taking a healthy whiff of the floral tea, Cerridwen went in for another sip but promptly paused as Tlaz asked the important questions. The kind of question that, had Cerridwen had liquid in her mouth, would cause a spit take. “Benny? Why, what’ve ya heard?” Cerridwen looked around, her eyes blinking at a quickened pace, her cheeks turning a delightful pinkish hue - she would no doubt claim it was the tea’s heat that did it. Benzaiten was one of Cerridwen’s oldest and best, fondest customers. While not all of Benzaiten’s escapades with people over the years came with Kelpie branded products, enough of them had that Cerridwen was comfortable enough saying that she was as much inspiration as Benzaiten had been. But only playfully, she would never wish to take away from Benzaiten’s numerous accomplishments and adventures.

“I mean, shop’s good, aye. Bit slow, losin’ some folk coz I donnae sell vaporizers or some such, like. Too mechanical, yeah? But..abou’ Benny…I have nae seen her in an age. Comes and goes, she does. Why, she mention me did she? What she say, like? Ga’un then, tell us.”

Shrugging as if it was nothing serious Tlazōlteōtl placed her cup back down on the table before her, making sure not to leave a ring on the aged furniture, before settling back into the comfort the chair provided. “That’s just it, haven’t heard too much from her. But you know her, she’s as free of a spirit as they come and as elusive as trying to catch running water in your hands. I wouldn’t be surprised to find out she’s inspired the next age of supers; heroes and villains alike.” She had to chuckle to herself, the idea of someone years down the road expositing their life story and mentioning this wild child of a goddess, coming to them in their time of need and offering to have a smoke session going while also teaching them how to ‘properly fold origami’ just screamed Ben’s MO. How could she not?

Though, it wasn’t too difficult to see the effect the wild child had over the Celt. She wouldn’t continue to circle back to Ben if she didn’t care for her in a way that seemed more than just platonic. It would be so easy to pry, to get her to open up more about her love life, rather than Tlaz bring down the mood with issues of her own heart. Looking around the room, mindlessly fiddling with the loose threads come bare on the arm of the chair had her thinking of her next words carefully. It was easy to get lost in the conversations had here. Life and the world halted around them. It was just them content with the comfort and safety of the house around them. Their own personal haven. The environment reminiscent of times long passed, a simpler time. One without the stress and worry that tacked onto immortality in the modern world. Perhaps that’s why Cerridwen chose to use as little tech as possible, in order to keep her sanctuary as it was. A refusal of change or something more primal, real.

“Do tell me, noyollo icniuh, have you spoken these feelings to the looking glass? To her?” There was a smirk on her face that would put the Cheshire cat to shame and that knowing glint to her gaze as she sat upright, leaning in on her elbows to examine her friend closely. There was no denying that there was something going on between the two of them and distracting herself with lust and love of said friend was the medicine she needed in the moment. If not to help then to just listen.

“As far as your customers go, love, you know I’m more than willing to have it promoted in the clubs. Say the word and it’s done. Though, if you wished you could always set up shop within those fairs that take place. You would make a killing,”

Of course Cerridwen hadn’t spoken any feelings to anyone, there were no feelings. None at all. Her face going red and eyes going wide - or wider as it were - at mere mention of Benzaiten was just coincidence. Happenstance. Hell, if it weren’t for one particular get together where Cerridwen got a little too comfortable after a string of drinks and basically admitted to the patron of filth that the last time Cerridwen got intimate she pictured someone else’s face and wondered if that was bad then it was likely that Tlaz wouldn’t have even known about Cerridwen’s thoughts on one of their fellow deities. Cerridwen swore Tlaz to secrecy. The White Witch couldn’t get caught up in such…mortal affairs of adolescent longing.

Her blush remained as Tlaz smirked at the Celt’s general direction. It was almost too easy, it seemed, for Tlaz specifically to get Cerridwen reacting like this. She was squirming in her seat, not that it was uncomfortable, just that when Cerridwen was embarrassed she tended to show it with her whole body. Her seat-based squirming made the rickety sound of the chair speak for her before her words did. “Spoken? Ya cannae be serious, like. Wot’m I gonnae say t’her? She’s ou’ there inspirin’ people and I live in a wee cabin in the woods like I’s gonna gobble up children what get lost. No way I’s a chance wi’ someone like that.” Cerridwen protested as her fidgeting came to a stop just before her words did. “Could finagle up a love potion but tha’s cheatin’ it is. And a bit squicky. Moral complications used tae mean fuckall back when I blinked and a hundred years passed.”

Cerridwen calmed slightly as she sipped at her tea, the floral aroma wafting up and tickling the tip of her nose. The way her nose twitched, she was reminded of the time an older sort mentioned that she was like a character from an old television show. Of course, Cerridwen had to act like she both knew what a television was and that she watched it or at least was interested in doing so.“Oh the fairs are lovely even with the inaccuracies. The little costumes and things. Y’know I got to play a servin’ gel at one. Had a little snog with a fella beard all’a red. Didnae taste like ginger despite him sayin’ such. Beautiful times, fairs. But to yer point…I hate tae ask a favour, ya know I do, but aye if you and yours could drop the brand, I’m sure more business would come in. Not that I’m doin’ bad, like, but it never hurts tae have more, y’know? I can get ya a promotion pack thing. Couple pounds o’me stuff, or some baked goods and some cards wi’ me logo on it. I’ll owe ya somethin’ fierce, love.”

It was the words she looked forward to hearing the most. Tlazōlteōtl wasn’t the most skilled in being subtle, though she would say she had a gift for it. A joke amongst those that knew her well. There wasn’t a thing in the world she did without being flashy or showy or seeking all eyes on her; except in this case. “Something fierce, huh?” No longer did a coy smile occupy her face but one of pure mischievousness.”I’m quite positive I already know what it is I would want,” she examined her nails as if there was something interesting written across them. As if they were going to give her what it was she wanted in that moment. No, only Cerridwen could do that.

Eyes half lidded with a mirthful gleam raked over her hosts’ features, promoting her friend was nothing - she would have done so in a heartbeat regardless of receiving anything in exchange for the act. However, now that the offer is on the table, how could she not use that to her advantage?

“Why do I feel like m’words’re gonnae get me in trouble wi’you?” Cerridwen asked with only a small trace of genuine concern in her voice. Tlaz had a smile on her face, which wouldn’t be unusual given she was quite a smiler in the best of times, but this was less the smile of someone happy to see someone and more the smile of someone watching from the sidelines as a rival trips on ice and stumbles into oncoming traffic. It wasn’t as if Cerridwen feared for her life, but she knew Tlaz enough to know to expect only the unexpected. She could assume and guess as to what her friend was hinting at, but if she was wrong then it would be awkward and nothing killed conversation or anything between friends quite like awkwardness. She would know, she once made what she thought was a clever bit of entendre at the annual ceremony that wound up getting overheard in a moment of silence. Her only rebuttal was admitting rather brusquely that that was why she tended to talk to plants only.

“What is it ya wan’, then? I could guess but where’s the fun in that, aye?”

“It takes all the fun out of it~,” she grinned but it was all in fun, she was glad Cerridwen saw it as it was. And just like the cat that ate the canary Tlaz was sitting forward, all smiles and knowing gleams in eyes. “I want you to ask Ben out on a date. Make an effort to show her the truth that lies within your soul, between your bones. We can see it, noyollo icniuh, how you look at her. And when you two are together, it’s as if the sun has shined down on your patch of wooden sanctuary,” Which wasn’t a lie. It had been something that the Aztec had been trying to get her to see for ages. Both of them were too stubborn to make a first move, or extend anything further than banter and flirtations.

It was now time for action, and if Tlazōlteōtl had to bribe the White Witch into action, so be it.

“I cannae do tha’.” Cerridwen’s voice was raised in pitch and her hair was dancing across her forehead with how frantically she was swaying her head side to side. Never would she have guessed that that was Tlaz’s request; Cerridwen was assuming the favor would be something along the lines of fingers, lips, and hips but then she kicked herself mentally for thinking so little of her friend as to assume the only thing on her mind were thoughts of an intimate nature. Not to mention it would have been a waste of a favor as Cerridwen had yet to meet someone who would say no to the Aztec. “I’ve no’ been on a proper date in a hundred years. Maybe more.” She wasn’t exaggerating. Cerridwen kept to herself a lot of the time and no one would count one night stands every once in a full moon as an active dating life.

“Plus, she’d never agree tae it. Look at me house. I’m one graham cookie away from bein’ a witch that ets kids. Who’d wan’tae go on a date wi’ me? Definitely no’ someone like Benzaiten. She’s got…options. She’s…I got nothin’ tae offer her other than herbs.”

"Ah, ah, ah," her curly head bounced along with the motion of her shushing the woman before her. It was true, the house was of the green witch variety and sure if she decorated the outside of her shop with lollies and candy and the like she would be bound to gain more customers of the... younger generations. But that wasn't the point and she knew it! Shaking her head of all the nonsense the Celt was spewing, a lunge away from covering her mouth with her own hand, "Dating isn't easy. Never was; especially not for us who have been around for as long as we have. But this isn't some mortal who you must lie and shy away from. It's Ben. She has no more options than you, amor. Besides, when have you ever known her to say no to you, huh~?"

The silence that passed between them for a beat as she reached for her mug was palpable. Pairing nicely with the Passionflower tea sitting on her tongue; aptly served for the conversation at hand. "Look," she started, setting the now empty cup on the table once more, settling back into her seat, legs folded underneath her frame as she leaned forward once more, "If you need the push required to fulfill my request I am more than happy to assist." Tlaz wanted nothing more for Cerridwen than for her to find her happiness, to have someone to spend the rest of this eternity with. Selling herbs and potions to mortal's with questioning gazes, spending time in the afternoon sun sitting back with a good book and company. Ruining bed-sheets for the sake of it. The wholesome idealesqueness of it all sent shivers up her spine. "I would never do you wrong, you know that."

As much as the pep talk was appreciated it did little to alter Cerridwen’s mind on the matter; panic was writ large across her naturally expressive face as her eyes were shimmering in the corners and her lip was twitching at the sides. If she were the type of person to perspire, her forehead would be drenched in the stuff, but as it stood her brow was merely scrunched up and creases formed on her forehead. She was like that any time someone mentioned Benzaiten to her - and it was worse if Benzaiten happened to be within eyesight; at least now Cerridwen could still form words. Her thoughts on Benzaiten were not exactly a secret though the way the Celt acted she figured the only one who knew of her long standing crush was her.

“I cannae jus’ call her up and ask her round for a spo’of dinner now, can I? ‘ows I suppose’tae ask her out, like? I’s no idea where she even is. No. No, better I jus’...better it be like it is. An’ what if she says no, aye? Then it makes it awkward. And I’m plenty o’tha’ on my own” She was babbling. Rambling. Coming up with a dozen reasons not to do something. And some people wondered why she took to the herb. “It’s no’ that I don’ trust ya, I do, it’s just I don’ trust m’self.” Cerridwen took a long, shaky gulp of her tea; it wasn’t piping hot anymore which likely contributed to her finishing the cup with the gulp. As she set it on the table in front of her, her fingers were shaking, not much, just enough that it would make lines drift on paper.

“How d’you do it? Date, I mean.”

It was her turn to balk and flounder with herself, the question throwing her off any game she might have had in that moment. Her recovery time was not something to be impressed by either, as Tlaz sat there deep in thought, mouth gaping like a fish trying to breathe. "Well, it's been... awhile in the nicest terms. Haven't had a proper date in ages," she had to laugh at it, though it was a bitter, somber type of laugh. The memory of her last official "date" having been something that took place almost forty years ago stoked the glowing embers within her and soon the fire would blaze once more. She could feel it.

"When Ares... walked out on me, on us, it was difficult to properly date someone again. Little trysts and rendezvous here and there. A lot of one night stands. Don't get me wrong, sex is amazing... not all the time but beggar's can't be choosers, hmm," she threw in a wink and the coy smile she was known for, "We're in an age where dating and courting and wooing one's intended isn't so commonplace anymore. It would have done wonders for me back before the Fall, but now?" The chuckle that escaped her was laced with a dark edge, a complete 180 from just moments before, "Now I wish to have something more permanent. Steady and real. Something to hold on to until the end, I s'pose. Too romantic, huh?"

As she sat there looking across to the dark haired beauty before her, Tlazōlteōtl couldn't help but be reminded of herself and the situation between her and Ares. One seemingly chasing the other without committing to the endgame. A series of looks of longing and idle fantasies of what could be, not what is. Maybe that was more par for the course as to why she was so invested in Cerridwen's love life or lack thereof. Of course she wanted to see her friend happy and in love and experiencing the joyful feelings that she was lucky enough to have at one point. But maybe it was more selfish than that? Cerridwen was able to have her happily ever after. One of them should at the very least.

The topic of love was a difficult one in the best of times but especially given the pair of them. Cerridwen hadn’t known love in as long as she remembered; even before the Fall her love was more maternal rather than romantic and she’d known no romantic partner in all her years. One need not be in love to have children and nowhere was that more obvious than with the various other deities in her address book. How many children did the Greeks have not out of love but out of a desire so base it makes one wonder how they ever stood above mortals. And the less said about the Norse and their various trysts and offsprings regarding animal traits the better, Of course, Cerridwen couldn’t cast stones, her own pantheon wasn’t squeaky clean just because she, in comparison, was. But just because love was so complicated didn’t mean that it wasn’t worth pursuing and Cerridwen was happy that Tlaz had Ares for a time. That time may have ended and Cerridwen knew better than to try and say some faux inspirational greeting card quote - even though she found the saccharine poetry of greeting cards to be lovely reading with its sentimentality condensed into sub-limerick style. Cerridwen had submitted some poems to condolence and greeting cards but as yet they had been rejected.

“Too romantic? Never.” Cerridwen did offer some words of encouragement and signed them with a smile. “I think it’s wonderful that y’aren’ afraid tae try. I know it must be difficult in your field, havin’ all manner o’ sex and all, tae separate the two. Or maybe it’s no’. I dunnae. Point is, someone peddlin’ lust is more deservin’ o’ love than most. I don’ have many friends, like, and the ones I do have, like you, aye, well I wan’ nothin’ but your happiness. You want somethin’ real? You’ll get it. Oh gosh, I’m soundin’ like a true nonce ent I?” Cerridwen couldn’t keep herself from giggling at her comments. She tried not to dip too far into maudlin territory but the tea might have been loosening her idea of what too far was. She was, if nothing else, completely honest in her words at least. She always was, for better or worse.

“Have ye though’ abou’ datin’ outside the realm of our kind? I hear some of us have had it on wi’ some mortals for more than jus’ a bit’o fun.”

"I've had my fair share of mortals to keep me entertained and my bed warm, but none of them are..." she paused a moment to think of the right wording for what they were. What were they? Other than just placeholders. Nothing, really. They weren't overly exciting, or completely mundane. They didn't provide a sense of spark for kindling that she desired. Not to mention, they were never present long enough to make the connections matter. Sure, if she found one to spend the rest of their mortal life with she might be inclined to refuse the fruit so as to pass on to a permanent death with them. But, she just couldn't. Regardless of Ares and their issues, it was him her soul called out for. "Permanent. Being able to outlive them all... it's not worth the heartache."

Tlaz cleared her throat however, trying to get the topic off of anything that would bring the mood back down. As if her thoughts were heard by unknown forces, her phone chimed in with a message. Quickly glancing at it, not wanting to take up valuable time with Cerridwen, she scanned the message - somewhere deep within her hoping it was Ares - and her eyes twinkled with mischief. A party? This would prove very beneficial to all involved. Turning back to company present, a sultry smile wide and telling, holding up her phone for her to gaze at herself, "But like I said, one night stands, Cerri. It's where they're at."

Cerridwen couldn’t do anything other than implicitly agree via shrugged shoulder and slow sip of tea at the remark of outliving mortals. That tended to do a number on any long term relationships with them, but it had the unfortunate side effect of giving a fair number of their kind a real intimacy problem. And how could it not? Anyone who could live, in essence, forever would slowly start to lose things like morality or decency. Some of them had never had it, to be fair. But Cerridwen couldn’t exactly fault some of their peers for being…full of ennui or trying to deal with it by indulging in more hedonistic pursuits.

And on cue, Tlaz held up her phone, with talk of an Acropolis party and instinctively Cerridwen was shaking her head. Her phone didn’t buzz which, to her, suggested that she wasn’t invited. Which was fine. Cerridwen wasn’t someone you invited to parties, Cerridwen was someone you bought a lot of weed from before throwing a party because the last time Cerridwen was at a party she sat on a couch with a cup of beer and then after the sixth couple collapsed onto her in the middle of an intense makeout session, she decided to talk to the plants for a couple hours instead. At least the deviled eggs she brought were eaten. By her. After she took them home because no one ate them.

“Tlaz, sweetie, ye’d have tae drag me kickin’ an’ screamin’...”

---

𝐵𝓇𝑜𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓇𝓈 𝒶𝓉 𝒲𝒶𝓇

---

As the heady haze wore off, his hands dropped away from the Aztec goddess. Phobos felt all the control he had slipping away like water through outstretched fingers. Never, since the fall, had he been so unable to keep ahold of the fear that seeped from him. He found himself shaking with fury. A hand came up to brush his hair away from his face, he knew without looking that Mel had left. Ignoring Xōchi he turned to Eros, roughly taking ahold of the love gods arm. His fingers pressed into the skin hard enough to leave several bruises.

"Pho, come on man. We were just--" Eros laughed nervously, a free hand rubbing his tender neck. His lips were stained red and every so often a droplet of blood fell to the floor, though neither of them noticed. "It was just a joke." He couldn't help but roll his eyes, figuring that Phobos was just overreacting. What could ever be wrong with kissing? He hadn't gotten to kiss anyone for at least an hour. So unfair.

"Shut up." Phobos growled as he pulled his brother outside, ignoring the others. The door slammed shut as the god forced Eros down the expansive set of steps, pushing him away when they met soft ground. Eros stumbled back, his face falling for a moment before his mask quickly slipped back into place. It would not do to appear upset. This wasn't the first time someone had taken his work the wrong way.

"Well if you must hit me, please avoid the face." He said sullenly, wiping some blood away with the back of his hand. "Unlike you, some of us actually care about our appearance. My clients would be so upset if they saw me with a black eye..." He grimaced at the thought of having to look so unkempt, if even for a day. The pain itself did not scare him, he was used to it now and he had to self-inflict it on a near daily basis if he wanted to tap into his powers.

"I'm not going to hit you." Fear rolled his shoulders back, muscles tensing with the movement. Eros paused in a combination of confusion and relief. "...you're not?" He frowned, momentarily perplexed. Sure looked like he was getting ready to hit him...

"No." Phobos smiled predatorily, looking eerily in that moment like his sister. At times it was easy to forget that they were twins and inevitability, opposite sides of the same coin. The fear rolled off him in waves, reaching a hungry hand towards the hesitant form of love. Nowhere near as powerful as it had once been but still strong enough to affect a god. He let it run free, his body relaxing, exhaling what felt blissful to no longer keep at bay. "I was just thinking about Psyche actually..."

Eros tensed as fear spoke, his face falling at the mention of one he never let himself think of. "Don't you dare speak of her..." He muttered, eyes darkening, any last hints of humor washed away by the sound of her name. It was a line that the other deities trod carefully around, no-one truly daring to confront him about it. Well, some had tried in the first few centuries after the fall but that had never ended well.

"Why not?" Phobos neared his brother, placing a hand against his chest and shoving him back, his words cold and smooth. "She's a lovely girl. I do always wonder what she's been up to recently." He paced around the erote as he spoke, trying to ignore how much he loved this. How much he'd missed it. Nothing compared to the fears held by his fellow deities, they were so exquisitely more complex and darker than that of mortals. Most mortals, when it came down to it, simply feared death. "Being such a beauty as well..."

"Shut up Phobos." Eros snapped back, wanting but unable to turn away.

"Maybe shes found someone else to fall in love with." Phobos pulled at the thread of terror hidden deep inside his brother. Fears grip was tight once it decided to take hold and he really did not want to let go. "I bet mortals can't resist her."

Eros saw it. Like a mirage. Psyche surrounded by mortals and gods alike. Bodys entwined. Moans slipping from lips heavy with pleasure. He would've found the imagery a turn on if he wasn't also so horrified. He reached out to touch her but it was just dust in the wind, his fingers tightening over naught but air. He shook his head, eyes closing against the images that came unbidden and unwanted. "Stop it. Stop it now..." Eros tried to yell, though his voice was little more than a groan. It wouldn't stop, it would never stop. It was like a broken amphora. He could try and put it back together but it wouldn't ever fit, so what was the use in trying? There were so many pieces lost, too small to ever find.

"You should be scared dear αδελφός. Why would a human ever truly have fallen in love with such a monster?" Phobos' words dripped with venom, though they were not really his own but the love gods deepest fears spoken aloud. "It must've been the arrows. And now their magic has worn off. Well..." He shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly. "She must hate you. For taking her from her family, locking her up in your palace..."

"I didn't--" Eros stammered but fear had taken a grip on his heart and he found he could barely move, barely speak. A tear rolled down a cheek flushed with fury and panic. His hands clenched, nails digging deep enough into his flesh to draw blood but he did not notice. "You--you're wrong." He had to be wrong. He could not face it if he was right.

"Then why do you run from her?"

"You..." Eros pushed back against the paralysing hold on his body. "You don't know what you're talking about."

"There's no point hiding it Eros." Phobos purred, a small smile pulling at the corner of his lips. "I can see everything, every fear, every doubt that's swallowed you up."

The darkness that sometimes enveloped Eros appeared in the corners of his mind. He didn't want to go there again. He couldn't think about it. He wouldn't think about it. Without realising he found himself crouched on the ground, unable to hide from the numbness that had begun to creep up on him, darkening his vision. The tears had stopped and were drying cold against his skin, his fingers clutching uselessly at the dewy grass beneath him. He looked up to see Phobos staring down at him, his expression naught but a blank slate. He found himself wondering what it would like to be a mortal, faced with such a sight in the midst of a battle.

"Stay away from me. Stay away from Melinoë." Phobos muttered as he shook his head, pulling a cigarette from his pocket and lighting it quietly. Taking a deep drag, he exhaled a puff of smoke. "I won't play nice next time."