Protocol was broken. While the wedding party traditionally stood to greet their guests, Joxer was seated in a comfortable chair, with his feet up. Asclepius hadn't needed to say anything--Ares' stern look had kept even the most hide-bound of the guests from raising an eyebrow or making the quietest murmur. People offering congratulations had to make a detour around Joxer's footstool before they could go on to shake hands with Strife (and there were more than a few who wished they dared pass up that part of the ritual--the Mischief God was loving the buzz of mischief potential in the air, as evidenced by his cheerful leer).

Hestia had outdone herself with the buffet. Royal cooks had been offering themselves on her altar ever since the wedding had been announced, in hopes of getting a chance to check out some of the divine recipes. Not having her powers they could never replicate anything, but if they could approximate a single divine dish, they'd assure their own reputations, and the comfort of themselves and their descendants for a couple of generations.

Demeter and Gaia had provided the most luscious fruits and vegetables ever to exist. Artemis had provided the plumpest, most flavorful game; Poseidon had contributed the bounty of the sea in the form of succulent oysters (and yes, there was a lot of elbowing and snickering over whether or not the bridegrooms were going to sample these) and shrimp.

He also provided a magnificent pike, which Hestia had stuffed and cooked whole. Joxer had admired it with a weak smile, praised and thanked the glowing goddess, then quietly stepped into a side chamber and thrown up. Ares was concerned, since they'd thought that Joxer's nausea had finally abated. Joxer assured him that it was just that he wasn't up to food that looked back at him. Ares had a word with Strife, who giggled, then disappeared. A moment later there was a commotion in the main room. They exited to find people wondering how one of Artemis' hounds had managed to sneak in and make off with the head of the centerpiece pike.

It was fairly decorous for an Olympic celebration. There was no open nudity till it was three-fourths over. There was only one fight, and that was more of a good-natured sparring match than anything else--no real heat to it, no weapons involved. Actually, since it was between Zephir and Eos, it was pretty amusing. Eos kicked his butt. That annoyed Demeter, since she figured he'd be piqued, and send more dry, warm winds, promoting droughts. Aeolas promised her that he'd get a second butt whipping if he tried it.

Gabrielle had been intending to stick to fruit juice, so she could gather information for future poems, but somehow she was slipped cherry brandy. She ended up doing a strip tease on one of the tables. Strife was seen using a scrying mirror to catch the performance, muttering happily about blackmail potential. Xena was booed when she tossed her friend over her shoulder and carried her away to sleep it off--before she managed to get her top off. Most of the Gods had been ready to cover their eyes, lest the Gorgon effect strike, but there were a few who still hadn't become acquainted with the bard, and they felt a bit deprived. However, since Xena kept her free hand on her chakram, none of them felt much like protesting.

The Muses and the Graces collaborated on a narrative dance in honor of the happy couple. Ares and Joxer sat together on a small love seat and watched it unfold. Joxer watched, round eyed as they began to act out the fateful adventure with the hydra. He whispered to Ares, "So that's why they wanted to borrow my old armor. Wow, Terpsichore is really graceful, to be able to dance in that stuff."

"I'm just kind of glad that Xena is gone. I don't think she'd care for how they're portraying her bard." He chuckled. "And do you see the horrified look on Hercules' face? I was surprised that the Muse portraying him was wearing long sleeves, but now I realized they had to do that so they could have the padding to represent his muscles."

The three Graces portrayed the hydra--each operating one of the heads. Jayce had helped them make the costume, and the three heads were quite ferocious. Each one was animated, so that the Graces could make the eyes open and close, and the jaws snap. As the dancers 'killed' each head, the Grace's let the heads flop limply. The dance featured the most feminine portrayal of Ares that was ever likely to exist, but even the fake beard couldn't make the Muse portraying him look macho. She did a very believable tumble from a small balcony, landing right before the hydra.

The Muse portraying Joxer charged the fake beast, just as the head was lunging toward the stunned pseudo-Ares. Somehow the actual sword thrust seemed much more controlled than it had been the first time around. There were gasps, and genuine cries of distress as 'Joxer' was injured, stage blood flowing copiously, and there were cheers when the sword speared up through the hydra's skull.

The Muses did a very credible job of portraying Ares' impatience with the 'heros' as he prepared to take the now limp 'Joxer' to help. It was perhaps better that Gabrielle was already passed out somewhere, as she didn't come off too favorably. There was laughter as the Muse portraying Apollo paused in 'his' ministrations to preen, and was roundly cursed by 'Ares'. The scene ended with 'Ares' hovering over the unconscious 'Joxer', a thoughtful look on 'his' face as 'his' hand settled gently on 'Joxer's' brow. The applause at the finish was long and sincere. Jayce was once again boo-hooing, and Jett was giving his youngest brother an interested look. He'd always loved Joxer, in his own way, but now there was a tiny hint of respect in his gaze.

Ares stood, bowing to the assembled players, and said, "That was more accurate than it had any right to be, and beautifully performed." His hand settled on Joxer's shoulder. "You showed some of the facets of what made me choose Joxer as my mate," he smiled almost reluctantly, "and you didn't make me look as bad as you could have." He bowed. "We thank you." He pulled Joxer to his feet, wrapping his arm around the other man's waist, "Now it's time for us to take our leave, but please continue to celebrate." He glanced down at a blushing Joxer. "We're going to."

*Flash*

Joxer looked around. Ares had been close-mouthed about where they were going to honeymoon, and curiosity had been eating him up. Being a God, it could be anywhere. He'd heard that some gods favored the Elysian Fields, but he found the idea of celebrating the beginning of a new life together in the Underworld just a little... wrong. But with his new divine senses, he could tell that they were still on Earth.

They were standing at the top of a hill, a small, warm breeze ruffling their hair. Joxer looked around. There was a green valley before them, dotted with silver-blue ponds and the darker green of trees. It was a beautiful, peaceful place. "It's beautiful, Ares. Where are we?"

Instead of speaking, Ares turned him around. There was a small cottage on the hilltop behind them. It looked snug and comfortable, with a well filled woodpile beside the door, and a fine well nearby. There was a riot of colorful wildflowers growing along the sides, and Joxer could hear the coo of doves nesting in the eaves. It was an appealing picture, and there was something naggingly familiar about it.

Now Ares shook his shoulder gently, and pointed down. Joxer looked, and noticed that they were standing on a patch of bare, packed earth. Ares slowly swept his arm out, and Joxer followed the gesture. The patch they were standing on was part of a path. It meandered down the hill, into the valley, and disappeared into a stand of trees. Farther back, Joxer could see wisps of smoke rising--the sign of a village.

Suddenly he gasped, and his eyes flew to Ares' face. "It... it's my place!" Ares nodded. "But how... I made it up--didn't I?"

"Not entirely, Joxer. Somehow you knew that this place existed. You just seemed so sure of it that I had to believe, too, and I spent every moment I could spare looking for it. I can't tell you how I felt when I found it." He smiled. "I had to move the cottage farther up, and I'll admit that I refurbished it a bit, but nothing else."

They were quiet for a moment, as Joxer gazed around in wonder. Ares indicated the sky, which was deepening into dusk. The western sky was ablaze with orange and red, with dark purple above. "It's sunset instead of sunrise."

Joxer embraced him, leaning up to kiss Ares softly. "That's perfect. Sunset doesn't have to be an ending. It can be a beginning, too."

They entered the cottage, and it was as perfect on the inside as the outside. The furniture was the type usually found in simple homes--plain and sturdy. The walls were clean, whitewashed to give the room some brightness. There was a fireplace, with a hearty fire blazing on the hearth. "I couldn't tell from your painting," said Ares, "but I gave us a separate room for sleeping."

"It's perfect." Joxer put his arms around Ares and kissed him deeply. "It couldn't be any less, because you made it for me--because you love me. It's the best gift I've ever had."

Ares' embrace tightened as the kiss deepened. There was nothing urgent about it. They had a long life together stretching before them, and the formal bond gave them a peace that many could never experience. Tongues met, caressing as well as their hands caressed. After a long moment, Ares moved his head back a little, and Joxer didn't try to press the kiss, because he knew that it wasn't a rejection--merely a pause. Ares leaned his forehead against Joxer's and whispered, "I want to give you another gift, if you'll accept it."

"You don't really need to ask."

"But I will. Joxer, will you make love to me?"

Joxer's smile was radiant. As he slipped his hand over the swell of his belly, he said, "I have evidence here that I will."

Ares shook his head. "That's not what I meant."

"Well, sure. Any way you... want..." He trailed off, looking into Ares' serious eyes. "You... you mean... you want me to... to..."

Ares nodded. "If you want to."

"I... are you sure?"

"Joxer, I want this marriage to be a true partnership. Sure, we'd never be able to convince people that it wasn't an 'I'm in charge' situation, but I want... I need for you to know that I don't want to own you, like chattel. There is no wife in this marriage. Besides..." Ares lowered his voice. "If you ever tell anyone, as much as I love you, I'll sic Strife on you. But I'm curious, and I want to--if you want me that way."

Joxer leaned back a little, giving him a fond, wry smile. "I may be a little slow on the uptake sometimes, but I'm not stupid, or crazy." Joxer grinned, and glanced toward the fireplace. A large pile of sumptuous furs and pillows appeared before it. Joxer glanced up at Ares and said, "Unless you'd prefer the bed?"

In reply, Ares began to strip off his wedding finery, carelessly letting the clothes fall where they might. Joxer followed suit, but Ares finished before he did, pushed his hands down to his side, and finished the job. When they were both naked they embraced again, hands seeking and stroking. After a few moments Ares sank slowly to his kness, his lips never leaving Joxer's skin, moving down his torso. He paused to press his face against the shallow mound of his husband's growing belly, winding his arms around Joxer's waist. Joxer rested his hands in Ares' hair, long fingers combing through the dark strands. "I love you so much," Ares whispered against his skin. "Both of you." Then he moved lower.

Joxer inhaled deeply as he felt the touch of Ares' tongue. He closed his eyes and sank into the sensations--heat and moistness, soft sounds, the musky scent of arousal. Soon he was hard, completely engorged with desire, and Ares took him into his mouth. He bobbed, sucking firmly, while one large hand held one of Joxer's buttocks, keeping him in place, while the other cupped his lover's testicles, massaging them gently.

Finally Joxer said hoarsely. "Stop now. If you don't, the second part of the wedding night probably won't happen till tomorrow."

Ares leaned back from his task, and Joxer felt a further spark when he saw his lover's eyes. The pupils were so dilated with desire that his eyes looked black, and the heat he saw there only strengthened Joxer's own feelings. Then Joxer saw that Ares, too, was erect, his hardened cock standing out proudly, drizzling clear pre-come. *I didn't even touch him,* Joxer thought, feeling a little awed, and humbled at the same time.

Ares moved over to the furs, settling himself comfortably, then held out his arms toward Joxer. Joxer started toward him, then hesitated. "Joxer? What is it, love?"

"It's just that I don't want to hurt you."

"Do you remember how it was our first time together?" Joxer smiled slowly, and Ares answered the smile.

"Yeah, but you knew what you were doing. Boy, did you know what you were doing. And I'm gonna be a... uh... first time driver."

Ares' eyebrows climbed. "But Meg's girls..."

"Oh, well, yeah--girls."

Ares chuckled. "The principle isn't all that different, you know." He kissed Joxer gently between phrases. "Patience. Gentleness, at least at first. The main difference is that I can't provide the necessary lubrication naturally, but... Come here." Joxer went to stand beside him. Ares held out his hand, and a small vial appeared in his palm. He handed it to Joxer. "That's easily taken care of." He rolled on his belly, hugging a cushion under his chin, and spreading his legs. "Go on, Joxer." He glanced back over his shoulder, his voice dry, and said, "If it helps, you can imagine I'm one of Meg's girls."

Joxer barked with laughter. "Don't make me drop the vial--I might break it. Oops, forgot. God here, can make more. That's really handy, and I'm babbling again."

Ares voice was warm. "If it ever reaches the point where I can't make you babble, Joxer, I will know it's time for a second honeymoon."

Joxer knelt behind Ares, between his spread legs, and opened the vial, coating his fingers with sweet smelling oil. He reached down and spent a minute lovingly massaging Ares' ass, then spread his cheeks a little, and wiped a generous amount around the pucker of his back entrance.

Ares was very quiet, staring into the middle distance, concentrating on the feel of Joxer's hands. Joxer rubbed up and down the crease, kneading as he passed over and around his asshole. Ares could feel it as the taut muscles relaxed, and whatever tiny misgivings he might have still had faded as Joxer worked patiently to prepare him. Ares knew that in his deepest self, Joxer was a nurturer, and a caregiver. It wasn't in his nature to be careless of someone else's well-being, or happiness.

When the first finger breached him, there was no discomfort, only a curious stretching sense. It was rather like standing up after sitting for a long time--actually pleasant. The friction caused when Joxer pumped his finger in and out was unfamiliar, but pleasurable. He smiled to himself when Joxer leaned over and kissed his back, hand still moving, and whispered, "Another?"

"Yes. It feels good." He grunted slightly as a second finger was pressed in alongside the first. Joxer hesitated, starting to speak, and Ares said firmly, "It still feels good. Go on."

Joxer continued, gradually moving his fingers apart to aid in the loosening. "Ares, you know that thing you do, when you do this?"

"The little spot. Yes?"

"Do you think I could...?"

"I'm sure you could, if you'd try, and I wish you would."

"Okay, here goes. Look, tell me if it gets uncomfortable."

*Yeah--right.* He felt Joxer's fingers curve, then rotate, feeling. After a few questioning probes, there was a jolt of heat and pleasure, and Ares grunted. "There--right there."

"Here?" Joxer rubbed, and Ares squirmed, moaning. "Oo, yeah! Kinda hard to mistake." He rubbed again, and Ares made a low, growling sound that shot a bolt of pure lust up Joxer's spine.

"Pull out," Ares said shortly.

"Sure." Joxer was a little disappointed, because he'd been enjoying it, and he was pretty sure that Ares had, too.

But then Ares moved up onto his hands and knees, legs braced wide, and said, "Now, Joxer."

"You're sure you're ready?"

"It's like it was with you before--if I get any more ready, we'll be continuing this later."

Joxer used the last of the oil to slick his eager cock, then moved up behind Ares, putting one hand on his husband's hip, and using the other to part his buttocks. He shifted closer, pressing the flushed head of his cock to the glistening, slightly loosened hole, then began to press forward. He moved very slowly, alert to any sign of discomfort from Ares.

Ares bit his lip as he felt the hot thickness push up inside him, spreading apart his never-before-breached walls. It did hurt a little--a dull ache, but the sense of intimacy and love made that negligible. He began to feel a little breathless as Joxer continued, but at last he felt Joxer's loins press against his backside, and knew that he'd taken it all. *And that's a relief, because he's hung like a bull, and I think if he was any bigger, or any less gentle, this might not have been a complete success.*

Joxer leaned down till his chest rested on Ares' back, and reached under and around. Finding Ares' cock, he began stroking him slowly, pleasuring him while Ares adjusted to his new state. When he could feel that once again Ares was fully aroused, Joxer moved his hips slightly, sliding out, then in, by just a couple of inches. Ares groaned softly, and it was impossible to mistake it for anything but approval.

Joxer began to fuck in a slow, even rhythm, gradually increasing the depth of his strokes. When Ares jerked and shuddered, Joxer knew that he'd managed to pass over the special spot, and he was careful to try to angle his thrusts to do it again, and again. He held onto his control with an iron grip, but then Ares began to respond rather than just react.

Joxer found his lover pushing back to meet him, doing it harder and faster. Finally he heard Ares growl, "I'm the God of War, Joxer, and I do nothing half-way! If I'm giving myself to you, then take me!" And he squeezed.

The control evaporated. This was different than it had been with any of the women he'd been with. He'd always been careful not to hurt them, and he would try not to cause pain now, but he knew that Ares would not only accept strong lovemaking, he'd revel in it.

He let go. The joining was hot, hard, and intense. The only sounds in the room were the crackle of logs, harsh breathing, and the sound of flesh on flesh. Finally Joxer shuddered, and Ares gave a triumphant cry as he felt the hot gush of his husband's essence fill him. They rolled over onto their sides, and Joxer reached around again, finding Ares' hardness and quickly stroking him to completion.

They lay joined for a moment, breathing slowing to normal. After a moment, Joxer said, "Uh-oh."

Ares turned his head enough to look at him. "What do you mean 'uh-oh'? That was fantastic."

"Will you say that if you end up with a tummy about six months from now?"

"Why should...? Oh." Ares carefully pulled off Joxer's softening flesh, then turned in his arms and held him. "I was going to tell you, but somehow it just got lost in the shuffle. I spoke to Ace before the reception. He... uh... gave me a little something."

Joxer smiled. "No baby?"

Ares stroked Joxer's belly. "Just this one--till later, anyway. And speaking of which, how is the little one? We got pretty vigorous there at the end."

"Oh, he's... *yelp!*"

Ares sat bold upright. "What is it?"

"Calm down, calm down. It was just our kid getting me back for jostling him. Just a particularly firm kick, is all."

"You're sure it isn't...?"

"It isn't," Joxer said firmly. "Though I think maybe it might be a good idea to postpone a repeat of this till after he makes his debut. No use in stirring him up more than necesary."

Ares settled back down. "I can live with that, I suppose." They cuddled. After a moment, Ares said, "Um... Joxer? Tell me--when you were a kid, how were you at sharing your toys?"

"Well, there weren't actually many..." He thought of the golden 'toy' back at the Halls of War, and grinned, settling down. "Actually, as long as I'm allowed to play, too, I have no problem with sharing toys."