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Chapter Five
There was a quiet rap at the door of Joxer and Ares' bedroom. Both of the gods sat up, Joxer rubbing his eyes, and Ares dragging a hand through his hair. Ares, voice still thick with sleep, called, "It better be important."
The door opened a crack, and a bright blonde head poked through the gap. "Am I going to have to dodge fireballs?"
"Bliss?" A smile spread automatically across Joxer's face. Bliss had been one of Joxer's first friends on Olympus, and he was at least partially responsible for his relationship with Ares. If the then child hadn't given him ambrosia, unwittingly making him a god, it was doubtful that Zeus would have agreed to their marriage as easily as he had. But Joxer's smile faded a little as he realized how early it was. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing, worrywart. Can I come in?"
"Might as well," sighed Ares. "I have to go pee again, anyway. I'll be right back." He flipped off the sheet, and was wearing a pair of loose cotton pants instead of his usual leather when he stood up. Bliss raised an eyebrow at the sight, and Ares pointed. "Not a word."
"Me?"
"You. A lot of your father and sister have rubbed off on you."
Joxer made a sympathetic face at his husband as he left. Once Ares was gone, he said, "If he thinks it's bad now..."
"Yeah." Bliss came over and sat on the edge of the bed. "I can remember when Strife was carrying Impetua. I wish I had a dinar for every time he had to suddenly leave the room."
"So, if there's nothing wrong, why are you here so early?" He cocked his head. "Let me rephrase that--why are you here--in our room instead of Accord's room-- this early?"
"It's about Accord. Don't you think he's been pushing himself awful hard lately?"
Joxer snagged Ares' pillow and stuffed it behind his back, so he could sit up more comfortably. "As a matter of fact, I do. I was thinking about mentioning it to Ares. I don't think that he's realized just how much time Cord is devoting to his studies. If he's noticed, he's probably pleased that Cord is being so conscientious."
"Being responsible is cool," said Bliss. "But we don't want him to burn out before he even reaches his majority."
Joxer repressed a smile. When he looked at Bliss, he could still see the slightly chubby cherub, bending down to gravely press a kiss to baby Accord's head. "That's a very mature observation. I'm glad that you're concerned enough to bring this to our attention, but is that the only reason you came over?"
"Heck, no! I wouldn't just drop something like this on you if I didn't want to do something to help. Imp had a good idea. She suggested that we sort of grab Accord and take him to the beach for the day."
Ares was coming back into the bedroom. "What's that?"
"The kids want to take Accord to the beach for some time off," said Joxer.
Ares frowned. "He's supposed to be working with Apollo this month, isn't he?"
Joxer gave his husband a look. "You KNOW he is. You made a special trip over there before his first day to show Apollo your sword, and talk about the sanctity of the innocence of youth, remember?"
Ares shrugged, totally unapologetic. "We don't want him slacking off on his responsibilities."
Joxer apparently channeled the spirit of Dite for a moment. He put his hands on his hips and said, "Slacking? Ares, when was the last time the kid took a day off?"
"Once a week he..."
"No. On his day off, he studies. I have to poke him into taking his scrolls out into the garden so he'll get some fresh air and sunshine. Think for a minute. What happened two weeks ago when we went to our cottage for a break? He stayed home."
Ares looked a little guilty. At the time, all he'd been thinking was that it was a chance for some private time with Joxer before his pregnancy got too far along. "I figured he was enjoying himself, having the run of the temple. I thought he'd probably have Bliss and Imp over every chance he got, and..." Bliss was shaking his head. "No?"
"I asked, but he said he had to memorize about a dozen scrolls," Bliss informed him.
"And last week," Joxer continued, "when Gabrielle invited him to attend that poetry festival."
Ares winced, then said, "You know, that surprised me. She wasn't even scheduled to give a reading. Usually she avoids the House of War like the plague."
"It's because she genuinely likes Accord. Let's face it--he's about the only person with Olympic an Olympic connection who doesn't flinch whenever they see her. Anyway, Accord LIKES poetry. He should have jumped at the chance to go, but he didn't. He thanked her, but he was having a quiz on anatomy the next day, and he wanted to study. Ares, I'm getting worried. I don't want our son to be totally wrapped up in his godhood." He laid a hand on Ares' arm, and his voice was gentle. "That's not good for anyone."
Ares covered Joxer's hand with his own, not speaking for a moment. He was recalling his own life before Joxer came to Olympus. He'd almost allowed his own godhood to take over. If he'd gone on as he had been, soon there would have been no more Ares--only War--and that would have been very, very dangerous. But Joxer had been able to take his mind away from his destiny, had gotten him to once again enjoy the simple pleasures of life, to have a life outside his position. He imagined his son consumed by his divinity, thought about Accord becoming cold and hard, ruthlessly ruled by nothing but logic, without the warmth of compassion. It was a scary proposition, both as a father, and as a god. "You're right. The boy needs some down time."
Bliss' smile was blinding. "Great! I knew you two would understand."
"I hope Apollo does." Ares' voice was a little grim. "I'd rather not have to 'reason' with him about this."
"Imp's on the job."
FLASHBACK
Apollo's Study the Day Before
Apollo frowned at Imp, who was slouched comfortably in the chair before his desk. Hiss was crawling among the scrolls on the desk, and Priss was sniffing around a potted palm in the corner. "Look, I don't see how I can in good conscience give him the entire day off." He didn't like Imp's small, secret smile. "Zeus has decreed that..." Her eyes seemed to glow. "What are you doing?"
The door to the study opened, and Calliope peeked in. "Pol, what's taking you so long? You promised me that we'd spend some *ahem* quality time together this afternoon."
A voice behind her said, "Fat chance, sister. He promised me..."
"All right!" Apollo hissed. "Take him all day, take him all week--just don't turn my home into a war zone."
Imp's smile became sweet. The voice said, "Wait, I just remembered that I promised to work on the next Winter Solstice play. He's all yours, sis."
Calliope smiled at Apollo, and cooed, "Take your time, sugar. Just don't forget me." She twiddled her fingers at Impetua. "Hi, Imp. Tell that hunky brother of yours hello for me."
"Will do." Imp bounced up out of her chair. She grabbed Hiss by his tail, draping him over the back of her neck. While he arranged himself in necklace mode, she called, "Priss! Come on, Fuzzball." Priss trotted over to her, daintily shaking grains of dirt off her paws. Imp picked her up and settled her on one shoulder, then went around the desk. Before Apollo could dodge, she gave him a big hug, and a kiss on the cheek. "Thanks, Unc." She rubbed her face in his blonde hair. He made weak swatting motions at her (which she ignored), but he was smiling reluctantly. "Yer really not such an ass--ya just don't like to show it." She kissed him again, and disappeared.
It was just as well that she left then, because Apollo really didn't like to have people see him blush. After a moment he frowned, then sniffed. His nose wrinkled. What on earth was that smell?
Back to the present
Ares lifted his eyes briefly. "Well, that's taken care of, then."
"I just hope you can get Accord to agree," said Joxer. "He's pretty serious about his studies, and he's a sweet kid, but he has a streak of stubbornness. It's well hidden, but about a mile wide."
Ares grunted. "Tell me about it. I could have saved myself a lot of frustration if I'd just realized that early on in my attempts to get him to cut his hair. Do you think I should strongly suggest that he go with you?"
Bliss stood, stretching his wings briefly. "Don't worry about it."
"But if he doesn't agree..."
Bliss grinned. "Who said he's going to be given a choice?" *Flash* He disappeared, leaving behind a brief rain of gold and silver sparks.
Joxer shook his head. "Yeah, he's your bloodline, all right."
Ares looked smug. "That's for damn sure."
Accord walked over to Apollo's temple. As he walked, he studied a parchment of notes, muttering to himself. "I wanna know why the heck that most of the muscles have Latin names? I'm never gonna remember the proper names of all the bones..."
*Yowl!*
Accord yowled almost as loud as the cat whose foot he'd just stepped on. Luckily he had excellent reflexes, and he leaped back just in time to evade the slashing claws of a very pissed off Siamese.
"Lucy Lui, stop that!" said a sharp female voice. Scribe, Goddess of Erotica and Cats came hurrying down the corridor and scooped up the fuzzed up cat. It hissed and swore in felinese, but it kept its claws sheathed. This was, after all, her goddess. Scribe petted the cat, saying, "Show me the foot." Lucy lifted a paw. Scribe examined it, flexing the toes while the cat muttered. "Bruised, but not broken, so stop cussing at him. You know Accord would never do that on purpose. Apologize."
The cat looked at Accord and mewed. Accord said, "No, I'm sorry, Lucy. I wasn't paying attention to where I was going."
Scribe rubbed between the cat's ears. "Can you walk?" *Mew* "Okay, but if it keeps hurting, let me know, and I'll get one of Apollo's priests to fix you up." She set the cat down. "Limp on in and visit with Clueless and her new babies. Maybe you can look after them for a few minutes and give her time for a food and sandbox break." She put the cat down, and it walked off down the corridor, disappearing into another door. Scribe watched her leave, and caught sight of something on the floor nearby. She casually shifted, stepping on it as she looked at Accord. "She didn't snag you, did she, kiddo?"
"I rhink maybe there's a rip in my pants leg, but she didn't hit skin," said Accord. "I'm sorry. I should remember that I need to watch where I'm stepping around here."
"The adult cats can pretty much look out for themselves, but a kitten might get smooshed. We try to keep them corralled in certain rooms, but..." She shrugged, throwing up her hands. "Say, you've been around here a lot lately. Not that I'm not happy to see you, but shouldn't you be out doing teenage boy stuff? Trying to sneak wine? Taking joy rides in Apollo's chariot? Sneaking looks in the Muses' room? Chatting up teenage goddesses?"
Accord blushed. "I'm not going to drink much--it tends to sort of unbalance things, including judgement."
"Heey, you're a perceptive young dude. Lots of so-called grownups never figure that out."
"And I did the joy ride thing. I got a sunburn, fell off the back, broke my shin, and got grounded for a month."
Scribe chuckled. "And you're giving up that easily?"
"Well, I might have tried it again, but Joxer gave me that 'I'm not mad, I'm just worried and hurt' thing."
Scribe nodded. "Works a lot better than screaming and swatting, if you aren't a bit of an asshole. But what about the Muses' and the goddesses?" She studied him. "You're what--fifteen now? Shouldn't the hormones be kicking in?"
Accord blushed even brighter. "You're kinda direct, Scribe."
She grinned. "I'm the Goddess of Erotica, hon. I can do subtle or blunt. Eh, I shouldn't have asked." The smile widened. "I haven't noticed your power signature around my store of het stories, but the slash ones have been getting a workout."
Accord's mouth dropped open, and he approached beet status in complexion. "How do you...?"
"I'm getting pretty good at figuring out this divinity thing, even if I wasn't born to it, and since every author is interested in who reads their work, I've concentrated on being able to identify when someone's been handling one of my scrolls, and who they are." She shrugged. "I'm not really good with mortals. They have to get really *ahem* 'involved' in a story to leave a trace. But enough of this small talk crap." She pointed at the paper he was carrying. "That is not a smutty story: I can tell."
"Anatomy notes. I have a quiz today.
" Her smile became sly. "Oh, thaaat's right. I'm glad we ran into each other. Apollo told me to tell you he's going to be a little late, and he wants you to wait for him," she pointed at a side room, "in there."
"Oh. Okay. I hope he isn't too long. I'd sort of like to get a little time off later in the afternoon. I haven't visited with Bliss and Imp for a long time, and I don't want them to think that I'm ignoring them." He went into the indicated room.
Scribe watched him go. When he was out of sight, she moved her foot, bent down, and picked up a single white feather. Twiriling it between her fingers, she murmured, "I think I'll see about getting hold of some beads. If I collect a few more of these, I could make some necklaces as gifts and rewards for my priests and writers. I think any follower of the Goddess of Erotica would be thrilled to have a token made with material that came from a member of the House of Love."
She thought about what was about to happen to Accord, snickered, and decided to go visit the kittens for a few minutes. Seeing a baby anything usually recharged her spiritual batteries, and Ares wasn't due for ages.
It was a typical Olympic waiting room--in other words, it looked like something that only the very well-to-do on earth could afford. Accord headed for a small love seat, prepared to continue his studying. As his rear end hit the cushions...
*Flash* *Flash*
Accord squawked, squeezing his eyes shut against the cloud of green, silver, and gold sparks that suddenly enveloped him. Before he opened them, he felt four arms go around him, taking him in a snug double embrace. When he opened his eyes, Bliss was sitting on one side of him, and Impetua was sitting on the other, each holding him very firmly. "Are you guys trying to give me a heart attack, or something?"
"Well, this would be the place for it," said Impetua nonchallantly. "Oh, by the way--surprise!"
"You've been acting like a hermit lately," said Bliss. "So we decided if the mountain wouldn't come to us, etcetera, etcetera."
"Yeah, I'm glad to see you two goofs, even if you did scare the breath out of me, and would have probably set my hair on fire if I was mortal," said Accord. "But I don't have time to visit. Apollo will be here any minute now, and I'm still shaky on the muscles of the torso..."
"Like these?" Bliss glanced down, and Accord's eyes were drawn to his abdomen. Bliss was wearing a plain cotton kilt today, and his belly above the waistband was washboard flat, with faint lines delienating the seperate muscles. As Accord watched, he flexed, and they rippled.
Accord swallowed, and tried to keep his voice casual. "Yeah. Those are called abs, but I don't have the exact..."
Impetua snatched his notes away, wadded them into a ball, tossed the ball into the air, and turned it into a green dragonfly before it could fall. As the dragonfly buzzed out the door, she said, "Cuz, you have been spending way too much time grinding your nose into scrolls--and not the fun kind about pretty people makin each other real happy."
"Look, Imp," said Accord, trying to sound reasonable, "I'm trying to learn everything Zeus wants me to as soon as possible. That means study. Now, if you'll bring back my notes..."
"Nah."
"Cord..." Accord shivered as he felt Bliss' breath against his cheek. He turned to look at him, and found himself captured by his friend's eyes. He knew that both Bliss and Cupid had what Scribe called 'cat eyes', meaning that they looked occasionally. But unlike the usual cat's eyes, it wasn't because of light, or the color they were near at the time. No--with them it was because of their emotional state, and the color didn't just look different, it was different. Right now Accord wouldn't have been able for the life of him to say exactly what color Bliss' eyes were. There was a lot of gold in there, and he thought he saw some green, too. The green usually meant he was contemplating some form of mischief, but he wasn't sure about the gold. He realized that Bliss was still speaking. "...and just like Iolaus says, 'All work and no play is dull as Tartarus, and makes you dull, too.' You want to stay sharp, don't you, Cord? I mean, that's pretty important to your godhood. You don't want to, like, burn out?"
That was such a reasonable question that Accord couldn't disagree. "Of course not."
"I was hoping you'd say that. It wouldn't have made any difference if you hadn't, but still, I'm glad you agree."
Accord looked quickly between Imp and Bliss. They were both grinning. He was once again forcefully reminded that they were both Strife's kids. Impetua crooned, "Yooou deeeserve a breeeak today..." She giggled. "I dunno where Daddy Strife got that one, but he says it's all over the place in the future, an' it seems appropriate here."
"What are you...?"
"There's this thing that the future Brittanics have," said Bliss, "Called a Magical Mystery Tour."
Accord got an idea of what was about to happen. "Wait! I have a lot to do today. You can't just..."
"Haven't you learned yet that telling anyone related to Strife," said Impetua, "that they can't do something is a challenge that can't be denied?"
"But I..."
Whatever protest he was about to make was lost in the double *Flash*. An instant later the room was empty, except for some colorful sparks, and a few white and green-gray feathers.
