*Flash*

Strife appeared, lying on his side next to Ares, head propped in his hand. "No, ya couldn't."

"Strife, what the fuck...?"

"Dite knows how yer mind works, Unc, an' she laid responsibility fah keepin ya away from Joxer square on my narrow shouldahs."

"Shit." Ares sat up and rubbed his hair angrily, then got up and started pacing.

Strife stayed comfortable, watching his progress. After a moment he said, "It's just 'bout eight hours since ya last saw him. Do ya really miss him that much?" Strife had been expecting to be ignored, or perhaps have to field a few cutting remarks concerning the God of War being involved enough to actually be affected by someone's absence--except in how it related to the efficiency of his work. But Ares just gave him a dark look, then grunted in an assenting tone. "Is it..." His voice trailed off.

"What?"

"Ya really wanna marry him, dontcha?"

"Of course I do, nitwit. I wouldn't be doing it if I didn't."

"It's just kinda hard ta understand." Ares gave him a 'go on' look. "Well, if needin someone that much is gonna make ya this, um, uncomfortable... I mean, there's gonna be times ya can't be tagetha. Now, wipe that thundacloud outta yer eyes, Unc--ya know it's true. There are times ya don't get back up here fah days on end, an' it's a good thing ya can't starve ta death, cause ya don't even really have time ta eat. An' God of Peace looks like it's gonna be a busy gig, if only fah tha reason that he's sorta yer opposite numbah, so there's gonna be times when he won't be around..."

"Thank you so much for reminding me of that."

"Yer welcome. Ya didn't hafta marry him. Hera mighta squawked some, but I think Zeus woulda supported ya, hopin ta use that position in future negotiations. An' Joxer--Joxer would do whatevah ya wanted--anyone can see that. So--why?"

Ares stared at him. He hadn't often been asked to explain himself in his life, and when he had, it had usually been a simple matter of pointing out strategies, advantages, and disadvantages. People just didn't ask him about his emotions--his feelings. At last he said, "Because the times together are worth the times apart."

Strife frowned, then said slowly, "Ya know, strange as it seems, I think I can undahstand that."

"What am I supposed to do till the ceremony?"

"Well, first off, we gotta get ya dressed an' slicked up--get that outta tha way."

Ares waved his hand, and he was dressed. "Next?"

Strife was shaking his head. "Oh, no, no, no, no, no. Ya don't get off that easy."

"What do you mean?"

Strife pointed. "Unc, yer in yer standard issue formal attire. As much as ya think of Joxer, isn't he worth somethin a little bettah?"

"What do you suggest?"

"Lemme summon my consultants." He snapped his fingers. Jett and Jayce appeared in the room.

Jayce was in a short, silky scarlet robe, and his face was slathered with something that was pale green and smelled of cucumbers. Jett was perhaps more interesting, since he wasn't wearing anything but a yawn. Jett finished the yawn, rubbing a hand through his hair and said, "You mind? I feel a draft."

Strife giggled. "Nice view." Jett gave him a wolfish grin in return.

Jayce pulled his robe tighter. "Hyou might warn a person, your Naughtiness. Eef hyou are providing valet service, Hi hwould like to request something in scarlet and gold, hand please use cold water to wash off my masque--it tightens the pores."

In a flash both of the brothers were scrubbed, dressed, and groomed. Jett regarded his all black, mostly leather ensemble, then nodded. "Cool. Is it time already? Do I have time for coffee? I get irritable if I don't have my coffee, and that really isn't a good idea." A steaming mug appeared in his hands. "Thanks." He sipped.

"Don't mention it," said Strife. "Tha bloodshed should be kept fah tha reception. If we have it at tha ceremony, it'll take attention away from tha happy couple. All right, Jayce," Strife pointed at Ares, "Magic time."

Jayce squealed and clapped his hands, while Ares' eye widened. "Oh, no fucking way!"

"Him or 'Dite, Unc. At least Jayce knows tha difference between dramatic an' flamboyant. Ya go with 'Dite, I can almost promise ya crushed velvet. Jayce, baby, concentrate on what ya want, an' I'll make it so."

"Oh!" Jayce pressed a hand to his chest. "Thees will almos' be like having unlimited power! Let's see..." He closed his eyes and looked intent.

Strife squinted, snapped his fingers, then burst out laughing. Ares looked down at himself, then closed his eyes in near pain. "I'll snatch Joxer's ass, and we'll elope first."

Strife had to lean on Jett for support. Jett didn't laugh, but then, you have to really be able to control yourself when you're an assassin. He commented, "You look like Apollo in that gold lame get-up."

Jayce waved his hands. "Lighten up, your Snarliness. That was yust a test run. Ready, Strife?"

Strife twiddled his fingers. "I was born ready." Jayce concentrated, Strife snapped his fingers. Jett still didn't laugh, but it was a good thing he was tough, because he did snort coffee. "I'll have ya know," said Strife, "that striped pants are actually gonna be tha thing at classy weddins in tha future."

"I can believe that, but pink and red?"

Jayce smacked his shoulder. "That's salmon and scarlet, you heathen. But yudging from the expression on Ares' face, perhaps you're right. Next option."

Cupid was walking over to his mother's temple, leading Bliss. The little boy was grumbling loudly about the periwinkle colored shift he'd been given to wear. "Son, Grandma picked it out for you, so you know darn good and well you're stuck with it."

A burst of rather colorful language, oddly mixed with opinions about various fashion touches, was heard floating from Ares' temple. It was accompanied by a mad giggle that couldn't belong to anyone but Strife. *Great,* thought Cupid. *Trust him to be driving Dad crazy on his wedding day.* Bliss looked up, then used several of the more choice expressions. Cupid picked him up, ordering, "Hands over ears!" Bliss obeyed, and Cupid hurried on. But as he went, he heard deeper, hearty laughter join Strife's. He felt a wash of surprise, because he recognized that laughter. He didn't hear it often, but his father had a wonderful laugh. Had Strife somehow coaxed that laughter from Ares, when Cupid knew that his father had to be tense, tightly strung? He went on his way, thinking that there was more to Strife than most people realized.

In Ares' temple, Jayce was saying, "Hokay, so royal purple is out, because Zeus might throw a hissy." He snorted. "And they say women are bad if two show up at a party dressed alike. Hwell, as much as they say that black at a wedding is a no-no--"

"That's gonna go, too," Strife assured him. "Well, not fah brides--unless they're rock stars?"

Jayce blinked. "Famous statues will get married?"

"It's a future thang--ya wouldn't understand."

"As I was saying, I theenk that's the route we'll have to go, so..." He closed his eyes. Strife snapped. Jayce looked. "Oh, hyes!"

Ares looked down at himself. He was in black, but it was silk so fine that it almost shimmered, and there were onyx-and-pearl studs, along with a matching brooch. He blinked. "I like it." He sounded surprised.

"Hove course you do," he said complacently. "The pearls will keep you from looking like Hades, not that he isn't one fine hunk of Underworld ruler."

"Not bad," agreed Jett. "I'll have to remember that if I need something to blend in at court functions for the upscale jobs."

"Great, can I go get Joxer now?" said Ares.

"Unc, don't make me call tha reinforcements ta sit on ya."

Ares cocked an eyebrow. "Strife, I'm almost to the point where a combination of Cerberus and the Titans wouldn't slow me down."

Strife grinned. "Yer goin in tha wrong direction. Give me grief, an' you'll find yerself facin down Demeter, Hestia, Persephone, an' Hera, an' ya KNOW how pissed a woman can get if she thinks a weddin is in danger of bein disrupted."

Ares scowled. "You don't fight fair, Strife." His lips quirked in an almost smile. "You've learned well."

"I'm sorry, Dite." Joxer sat down on a love seat--for about three seconds. Then he was up and pacing again. He paused in front of the full-length mirror, examining himself. "Do I look...?"

"Honey," said Aphrodite, "you're almost six months pregnant. It's going to show a little unless you wear a tent."

He sighed. "Well, I'm not too worried about that, since everyone already knows I'm expecting. But do I look fat?"

She hugged him. "No, dear. You're not going to look fat, unless things change radically. You're going to look like you've stuffed a pillow under your tunic, and that's going to be it. From behind, I doubt you'll look pregnant at all."

"I guess that's good, considering my sexual preference."

Joxer realized what he'd just said. His eyes bugged, and red swept up his cheeks, but Dite just laughed. "I love you, Joxer! You and Ares are already one of my favorite couples, and I think it's just going to get better." She hugged him again, whispering, "You make him happy, Joxer. Thank you for that. I do love him, but Hephastus has my heart--I can't help that. I've so wished that Ares would find someone who'd see what I see in him." Eyes bright, she touched his cheek. "And maybe you two will serve as a good example to certain other people."

"You mean Cupid and Strife?"

She stepped back quickly, looking almost stunned, then giggled. "Oh, why am I acting surprised. You've been spending a lot of time with Strife, haven't you?" He nodded. "I'm having to fight myself not to step into that."

"Resist, please. It's there already." He frowned. "It's just that they both seem to be trying so hard to ignore it."

"It isn't easy for either one of them. Strife..." she sighed. "He hasn't had much by way of acceptance in his life, and I'm afraid I haven't done as much as I could. And after what Cupid went through with Psyche..." her voice trailed off, and now the glint in her eyes wasn't from any gentle emotion. "By the way, she's going to have one of the most spectacularly disastrous love lives in history. His heart is so raw. It's going to take a real leap of faith for him to give his heart to someone else, but oh, Joxer--he needs to. It's his nature to love and be love, and he's just marking time now. He'll never be..." she wrung her hands, searching for words. "He just won't be what he's meant to be without the right person, and I think that Strife is the one. I just have the feeling." She giggled. "It's my job--as a goddess, and as a mom."

Cupid led Bliss into the room. "Mom, don't be alarmed if Bliss's vocabulary is a little spicier the next few days. I don't know what they were up to at Dad's temple, but he was swearing fit to singe Cerberus." Cupid smiled at Joxer. "Hey, Jox--don't look alarmed. That was just for a minute. Then he was laughing like he was going to bust." Cupid shook his head. "I could hear Strife having one of his patented giggle fits, too. I'm glad I got Dad to make him best man. I'm sure I couldn't have gotten him into such a good mood." Joxer and Aphrodite were smiling at each other. "What?" asked Cupid.

"You'll know soon enough," said Dite serenely. "Bliss, baby, come give Grandma a hug!"

Bliss trotted over and hugged her. "Hi, G'anma. I hates my clos'."

"Oh, nice greeting."

Cupid shrugged. "You can't blame him, Mom. It's only a half step from lavender, and Jayce aside, most men don't really go for pastels."

Joxer said, "Couldn't you deepen the color a little bit to a nice purple?"

"Zeus might not like that. It's pretty much supposed to be reserved for royalty--namely him."

"Surely he wouldn't object to one of his littlest great-grandchildren wearing it?"

Dite giggled. "Well, we'll find out. This is going to be a happy occasion, and if Joy himself isn't happy..."

She waved her hand, and the shift became a deep, rich purple. Bliss examined it, then squealed happily. "Grapes!" He trotted over and hugged Joxer fiercely. "I wuv you, Joxie. Youse gonna be my favorite nuncle."

"Not uncle, son," corrected Cupid. "Um... grandfather, I think."

"He just be my Joxie," said Bliss firmly. "Wanna talk to the baby."

Joxer sat down, and the little boy climbed up on the sofa with him, and laid his head in the man's lap, pressing his ear to the swell of belly. Joxer stroked his curls, while Cupid and Aphrodite came closer, smiling indulgently. Bliss was whispering. "Hey, baby. You daddies is gettin mawwied t'day. We gonna have a big party! What?" Bliss looked up at Joxer. "The baby says you got to eat lots at the party 'cause he's hungry."

"Is he?" Joxer looked at Cupid and Dite. "Is he?"

They understood that he was asking if Bliss actually could communicate with the baby. Cupid shrugged. "Your guess is as good as ours. This is something new."

Bliss looked up at Joxer. "The baby wants honey cakes an' ice cream. They gonna have ice cream, right? If they don't, they gotta get them for the baby."

Cupid covered laughter with a cough, and Aphrodite said, "I think that's a pretty fair indication. I'm sure we can have ice cream for the baby, hon. And I'm also pretty sure that the baby will want you to eat some, to keep him company."

Bliss nodded solemnly. "That's a good idea. Daddy, you think Stwife will eat wif me an' the baby?"

"Junk food?" said Cupid, amused. "He'll be there. You stay here with Grandma, son. I have to go pick up a few guests."

He flashed out, and Joxer said, "I hope nobody faints this time."

"But Iolaus--Joxer?"

Iolaus sighed. "Oh, shut up."

"What did you settle on?" asked Xena.

"Well, what can you get for someone who can make everything for themselves? I talked to the priests at the temple, and they said that Joxer is really into gardening now..."

Xena looked thoughtful. "You know, I remember once we'd camped near a thick patch of wildflowers. I noticed him pulling grass and weeds, and he said that he was thinning it out, so they'd have enough space and light, otherwise they'd choke themselves out. I thought he was... just being Joxer." She scratched her chin. "I'm beginning to think I just dismissed a lot of things that might have been pretty significant."

"Anyway," Iolaus continued. "There's a merchant who deals in exotic plants, and I managed to get some rare seeds and bulbs from Chin--only the Emperor is supposed to have them."

"Those must be expensive," said Gabrielle. "How did you afford to pay for them? I know you haven't been exactly flush lately."

Iolaus grinned. "There are other ways of paying for things."

Hercules seemed more alert. "Iolaus, you didn't... with a merchant?"

Iolaus smiled slyly. "He has a wife. Don't sulk. I put your name on it, too. Xena, how about you?"

"Well, Joxer likes to cook, and I'm pretty sure he won't give it up entirely for creating food, and I figure that since they're both gods, Joxer won't be able to kill him with his cooking. I got him a nice roasting rack--great for fish."

"How about Ares?" asked Hercules.

She shrugged. "I think Dad will eat whatever Joxer cooks, even if it comes close to choking him. But I'm throwing in deluxe hand-tied flies, so he can catch the fish himself. I think he'll like the idea of providing food for Joxer."

"Makes sense," said Iolaus. He paused. "Gabby?"

She examined her nails, and sighed. "I'll give them the gift of my talent. I'll write their story."

"Oh, how original!" said Iolaus brightly. "And I'm sure it's going to be far superior to the other thousand or so that will be written by every other bard and historian in Greece."

There was a flash, and Cupid appeared. "Hi, everybody." He looked at them carefully. "Um, you guys did know that the wedding is today, right?"

"Sure," said Hercules.

"I was just thinking that maybe... Why don't I just help you all freshen up before we go?" Before anyone could say anything, there was another flash, and all four of the heroes were dressed in new, clean, fashionable, and expensive clothes.

Hercules, as usual, was irritated. "We don't need..."

"Shut up, Herk." Iolaus was happily examining his new, cream-colored outfit. "I look good in this shade."

"Gabrielle, surely you won't put up with this?"

Gabrielle was admiring her new sky blue silk gown. "I'm a woman, Hercules. It takes a lot to get me outraged enough to refuse a good ensemble."

Xena fingered her dark blue skirt, then shrugged. "I can put up with it for a few hours."

"Quit griping, Herk," Iolaus advised. "Save them. Next time you visit your brother's court you won't stick out like a sore thumb."

"Good," said Cupid briskly. "We'll just go straight to the audience chamber. Joxer has requested that you four have places in the front, along with his brothers."

"I know his mother is dead, but what about his father?" asked Gabrielle.

"Ares will kill him if he ever sees him," said Cupid bluntly. "That is, if Strife doesn't do it first."

"But his own blood," protested Gabrielle.

*Flash*

Strife appeared. "There's blood, then there's blood, toots," said Strife. "Just the fact that the asshole managed ta squirt his seed somewhere it took root doesn't make 'im a dad. Ask me--I know a little bit 'bout how much a person owes fah neglected paternal duties." He glanced at the others. "Ya ready? They're gatherin, an' it won't be long before they get tha ball rollin. If they hafta wait much longah, either Joxie or Ares are gonna explode."

"Ready," said Cupid. "You take two, and I'll take two."

"Fine." Strife quickly wrapped his arms around Xena and Iolaus. He grinned. "See ya topside, cuz."

*Flash* Strife and his two companions were gone.

Cupid looked at Hercules and Gabrielle glumly. "Gee, thanks, Strife."

"Hey!" said Gabrielle indignantly.

"The only other time I took you anywhere, I lost a handful of feathers," he said bluntly. "Don't do that again." He wrapped an arm around Gabrielle, then lifted his other arm for Hercules. Hercules glowered, and Cupid sighed. "Uncle Hercules, come on! You don't want to get Granddad pissed, do you?" Hercules reluctantly allowed himself to be snugged up against Cupid's side. "Thank you. Zeus has been in such a good mood since he learned about the baby, I'd hate to irritate him." He smiled slyly. "You know, every time there's a new baby, Zeus gets a new favorite--for awhile. He scarcely has time for anything else--or anyone." He almost chuckled at the disconcerted look on Hercules' face.

Cupid appeared near the front of the crowd and released his two passengers. They went to stand with Jett, Jayce, Xena, and Iolaus. Gabrielle started talking to Jayce about the possibility of him starring in a play she was thinking of writing (as the brother of a god, his participation would guaranty a rousing success). Jayce said frostily, "Hi know hit ees nearly eempossible to resist, Gabby--but try. Thees ees my brother's wedding day--hardly the time to discuss this."

"But Jayce," she wheedled, "it'll be... uh... Joxer's story! Who better to play him?" Jayce looked thoughtful. "I'll write it, produce it, and direct it--design the scenery and the costumes..."

"Hexcuse me?"

"You can design the costumes, but other than that, all you'd have to do is emote as only you can."

Jett poked Jayce. "Why don't I just cut your balls off now and tuck them in her pocket? It'll be the same results, just quicker and less painful."

"Will you people please show a little dignity?" hissed Iolaus. "I swear, I can't take you anywhere."

There were two flashes--one gold and one silver, and Zeus and Hera appeared at the front of the room. The crowd quieted immediately. Zeus intoned. "Welcome, divinities and honored mortals. We have gathered together today for a rare and joyous occasion." Hera cleared her throat. "Which I will now turn over to my beloved wife--Hera, among other things, Goddess of Marriage."

He stepped back, and Hera stepped forward. She surveyed the crowd. "As my husband said, this is a joyous occasion, but one which is solemn as well. We have gathered to witness the joining of two souls in the most intimate and sacred of bonds. There are many types of joining. There is the casual joining of companionship, a simple sharing of mild caring. There is the intense bonding of passion, that by nature is ephemeral. There is the deeper, warmer joining of true friendship, which can be so strong that it deepens into love. There is the abiding love that grows so strong that the two involved can scarcely imagine living without each other. And then there is the rare, wonderful bonding that can only be described as the meeting and melding of two souls." She smiled gently, eyes moving over the crowd. "It isn't a myth, children, but it is rare--very rare. We are privileged to witness the formalization of one such bond today. I call Ares, God of War, and his second--Strife, God of Mischief."

A door in the wall to the right opened, and Ares and Strife came forth. They walked to stand before Hera, bowing their heads in respect. "Strife, has Ares come to this ceremony of his own free will, without reservations?"

There was the sound of indrawn breath as almost everyone in the crowd waited for Strife to do something crazy. The Mischief God said quietly, "My Lord Ares stands before you willingly, with no reservations, and no shadow on this grave decision. I do so attest." He stepped aside.

Hera turned her eyes to Ares. "Ares--I know what is in your heart. You have confessed it freely, but I ask you now to speak it once again, so that it may be known by all."

Ares straightened his shoulders, and spoke firmly. "I have loved in my life. That love produced children, who I would die for. But though that love was sweet, I did not find the other part of myself. I have now." He smiled slightly. "And I have found it in a most unusual person. It has taken me by surprise. Though my godhood would make me a master tactician, I never saw this coming, but I wouldn't have evaded it if I could. He is my heart, my soul, my life, and my love."

"Call him, my son."

Ares faced the crowd, and raised his voice. "I call Eirini, God of Peace." His smile softened. "Joxer, the Mighty. Come take your rightful place at my side, my love."

He waved his hand, and the crowd parted. The large double doors at the back of the room opened. There was a chorus of coos as Bliss came down the aisle. He had a silver basket in his arms, and as he walked he scattered handfuls of white rose petals before him. Next came Aphrodite (in pink, of course)--and Joxer. He was wearing an ensemble that resembled his formal dress, but in pure white, and he was crowned with a wreath of laurel leaves and baby's breath. Their arms were linked, and they walked down the aisle at a slow, stately pace.

Joxer's four friends watched as they approached, and though the details of their thoughts differed, they all had one thing in common. All of them thought that they had expected for Joxer to be so nervous he'd be near collapse. Instead, Joxer was smiling slightly, his eyes fixed on Ares, and his expression showing nothing but joy, and serenity. At the front, Dite kissed Joxer on the cheek, then did the same for Ares, and went to stand with Cupid, Strife, and Bliss.

Hera looked at Joxer. "Eirini, God of Peace. Why are you here?"

Joxer's voice was calm and clear. "I come to claim the promise made to me by Ares, God of War. He has already given me more joy and love than I ever hoped to have, and I ask no more than that. But he has done me the honor of offering to take me as his mate, before all the world. He has promised to cherish and protect, and provide for both myself, and the child we have created together. I have humbly accepted, and will do all in my power to ensure that he never regrets his decision."

"Have you proof of this promise?"

Joxer silently opened his shirt, exposing Ares' mark. "I bear his sign, but..." he laid a hand over his heart. "The deeper mark is here--invisible to the eye, but more real than the other. I have worn this mark upon my heart for much longer than I have bourn the other mark on my flesh."

Hera nodded. "It is more than sufficient. Ares..."

"My lady, may I speak?"

Hera looked at Ares in surprise. It wasn't proper to interrupt her while she was performing a ceremony, but then--this was an unusual circumstance. She inclined her head. "If you feel it is important."

"I do." Ares faced Joxer. "Joxer, before we were pledged, I gave you my sign. I marked you as one of my own. But your aren't one of my own, Joxer. You are not one of many. I feel the need to make this clear." Ares opened his shirt, baring his chest. He looked into Joxer's eyes. "Please, if you want me, give me your mark."

A gasp went up through the crowd. The assembly knew that a god only did this with mortals. Joxer had received his mark when he was mortal, as a sign of protection, and it was more or less seen as a mark of possession. It was unheard of for a god to accept another god's mark, and for Ares to actually seek it... There could be no doubt of his sincerity now.

Joxer was smiling at him tenderly, his eyes moist. "With all my heart." He reached out and laid his hand on Ares' chest. He closed his eyes, and flexed his new power. If he had been experienced at this, it might not have been a visible effort. As it was, a pale glow surrounded him, shining more brightly around his hand. The only sign Ares made of discomfort was a slight tightening of his jaw. But when Joxer dropped his hand, there was a pale symbol visible against Ares' tanned skin. It was very simple, but elegant--two shallow arcs, joined--a stylized bird.

Ares took Joxer's hand and kissed his palm. "Thank you."

They both turned again to Hera. A golden cord appeared in one hand and a silver dagger in the other. "Show me your left hands, children." They each held out their hand. She made a shallow cut in each man's palm. Strife stepped forward, and she handed the dagger to him. "You will save this dagger, as a reminder that you must stay together, supporting each other through pain as well as joy. Clasp hands." They clasped their left hands, entwining their fingers. Their blood mingled, dripping down their forearms. Hera took the golden cord and bound them tightly together, lashing them together down to the elbow. "My children, you have already formed a bond of blood, mingling the deepest parts of yourself in the child you have created together." She smiled. "For once, this part of the ceremony is more symbolic than actual, but traditions must be observed. Ares, Joxer--observe each other, and once again commit yourselves in your hearts." She stepped back, raising her hands. "All here, bear witness to this joining. Be still, as these two join for all eternity."

The room was silent. All eyes were on the pair at the front, but Ares and Joxer were aware only of each other. A full minute passed. Hera again stepped forward and quickly unbound the wrists, handing the cord to Strife. "This cord symbolizes all that binds you together--keep it in memory of this. Hold out your hands." They did. She passed her hand over theirs. The flow of blood stopped as the wounds sealed. She materialized a basin of water, and gently sponged the mingled blood from their skin. "All things that kept you apart are washed away." The basin of pinkish water disappeared. "Face you peers." They turned to face the others, still holding hands. "Gods and goddesses, mortals and demi-gods, and all creatures under the heavens--I present to you Ares, God of War, and Eirini, God of Peace--honorable spouses for now, and all eternity. May the Fates deal kindly with this union. It is done."

There was an immediate uproar of cheers. Ares leaned over and kissed Joxer. Joxer gently stroked Ares' cheek, tweaking his beard, then buried his face against his new husband's neck as the good wishes rose even louder. Bliss was dancing and hopping in gleeful excitement. After one particularly vigorous hop, he failed to return to the ground. Strife caught his foot before he could get out of reach, hauling the little boy down into his arms.

Xena was busy clapping and whistling, but she heard something incongruous. Someone was crying. She looked around, and Jayce was boo-hooing lustily into a gauzy handkerchief. "Jayce," said Xena. "What gives? I thought you were happy for Joxer."

He swatted her with the soggy handkerchief. "Hi am, you seely thing. But our mama couldn't attend..." he sobbed, "and somebody has to cry at a wedding."