Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

High over central Olympus, the moon cast a heavenly glow over the Divine Realm's tallest mountain. Moonlight peeked through the windows and illuminated all that it touched. No night could be more perfect for the Divine Banquet. Luckily, Aphrodite's dress complimented the night. 

She wore a dazzling white gown that frayed down like a midnight wave. Nearly white curls poured down her back, adorned with navy jewels. The centerpiece was a pearl crown with a deep sapphire placed at the epicenter of her forehead. Her red lips spread apart in a smile, for she felt as bright as the moon itself. 

Unfortunately, no one could see her. She had to stand by her mate in the hallway. Ares hadn't moved from his spot for the past ten Mortal minutes. "Darling," Aphrodite called, this being the third time. "We can't stay outside the banquet all night."

Ares only swallowed. Aphrodite sighed. The entire time she helped him get ready, he was a mess of nerves. Even now, she noticed him shivering in his pressed navy uniform. With pulled-back hair, his badges of honor were on full display on his jacket, as were the Soul Scars that circled his right eye. His crown stood high on his head, golden and proud. His ruby cape would billow behind him if he were to move. And yet, he couldn't walk an inch.

"I don't want to go," Ares stated for the third time. Aphrodite couldn't rip his gaze from the ballroom doors if she tried. "Dite, can't we just send the money to the charity and go home?"

"No, we can't," She reminded him gently. "All Olympians must be present. That means us, too. You can save face for some Mortal hours, right?"

Aphrodite tilted her head up to witness his reaction. Her heart quickened against her chest as she watched his lips pull back into a snarl and heard the low growl leave his throat. "Not while he's there," Ares said, clipped. But, for the first time, his eyes pulled away from the doors to gaze down at Aphrodite. "But... it won't take long. Right, Dite?"

She smiled, cupping his cheek. No matter how many times she touched his Soul Scars, she was always amazed at how soft they felt. "Of course," She reassured him, leaning into his body. His hands were automatic, wrapping around her waist. Aphrodite had to take a second to regain her composure under his tense, unwavering gaze. Ares didn't give her that time, pressing his lips against hers. 

Aphrodite had to tame her hands, keeping them on her mate's back rather than digging them into his hair. Ares did the same, his own hands stiff on the small of her back. Even his kisses were stilled, their session lasting no more than a few Mortal seconds. They separated slowly, smoothing out the few wrinkles they made in their clothes. "A few Mortal hours," Aphrodite reminded him, holding her arm out. "That's all."

After a breath of hesitation, Ares locked arms with her, and the two walked down the hall to the dreaded double doors. She felt him shaking in her hold, and she rubbed his arm in small circles. Aphrodite's smile broke through when he glanced down at her. 

The guards bowed and opened the doors. "Presenting the Rebel Prince and his Consort of Love!" 

Rebel Prince?  Aphrodite knew better than to stop walking, but the nickname caught her off guard nonetheless. She kept the topic in mind as the crowds pinned their eyes on the arriving couple. Ares's eyes darted around, and Aphrodite had to hold her weight to keep him from stepping back. "Focus on me," She quickly whispered and took a deep breath. She began to emanate a thin, cool mist from her body. Ares latched onto it immediately, pressing his weight close against her side. He exhaled and nodded once. 

They continued, with Aphrodite stopping to gather compliments on her dress. She even spun for some, grinning the entire time her gown shone underneath the moonlight. Not once did her mist falter. Ares was much stiffer, replying with one-word sentences and greetings. Aphrodite was worried he'd insult the guests, but they responded with cheers and laughs, just as they did with Aphrodite.

She made no note of their responses, except for Ares's retreating at the mention of his title. Aphrodite knew better than to ask now, but after the third mention of the Rebel Prince, she excused them and pulled him away. "Ares?" She called when they were isolated. 

His breathing was quick, and she could tell his vision was far from focused. She had to grab both of his cheeks and pull his face down to make him look at her. "Ares, you're doing wonderfully," Aphrodite said, pressing her cool forehead against his sweaty one. "I know it's hard, but-"

He cut her off, his voice wavering with his shaky breath. "No... I hate being called the Rebel Prince. I hate it, Dite! Don't call me that, please..."

Aphrodite hugged him and rubbed his back. He pressed into her coolness, burying his face into her neck. "I won't, I swear on Styx's waters," She promised, kissing a small part of his hair. "Would you like to talk about it later at home?"

She knew he'd hesitate and halted for his response. "Yeah," He mumbled. "You need to know where it comes from."

"I'll wait for you."

"I know. Thank you."

"Of course, my little piggy." Her nickname for him made his giggle squeeze out, rising to his dominating height again. "Are you ready to continue partying?" Ares nodded, and after Aphrodite adjusted his crown, they continued arm in arm back to the center of the party "A piece of advice, my love," Aphrodite added. "It wouldn't kill you to say a few more words to your guests."

"It wouldn't kill you to lay off the theatrics," Ares snapped back. Aphrodite gasped, glaring at the playful smirk that tugged on his lips. "Twirling? Come on, Dite."

Aphrodite let out a playful huff. "Don't you think your Consort of Love should put on a show for all of the Divine Realm?"

"I think I deserve a show after all of this." 

"You do. And you will get one if we survive this banquet with no qualms. You're doing well, so all you have to do is keep focusing on my mist. You will be-"

"Lady Aphrodite!" A powerful and heavy voice boomed. Ares and Aphrodite flinched, knowing who the voice belonged. The King of the Gods approached the couple with pride, his head high and his crown nearly identical to Ares's. Aphrodite had to admit that his golden and cream suit displayed his grandness to near perfection. "As always, you look stunning. Did you have an easy trip?"

Aphrodite hesitated, keeping most of her attention on the man beside her. A deep rumble constantly left Ares's throat. She heard sizzling but couldn't pinpoint where the source was. "Yes..." She breathed, showing a strained smile. "I always enjoy traveling to your kingdom's grand center."

"And it is always a delight to have you, my Lady." He took her hand and raised it, pressing it against his lips in a kiss. " I hope you enjoy your night here. Maybe before the night grows old, I can share a dance with you?"

Aphrodite nearly turned her nose up at the offer. Ever since she rose from the sea, the King would vie for her body or any semblance of her attention. Time and time again, Aphrodite had to remind him that she was far from interested and that he had a wife. Neither seemed to matter to him, making Aphrodite's mist begin to prickle into frost. 

She didn't expect Ares to speak up. "You won't touch her, Zeus," He seethed and stepped forward. Aphrodite held him to make sure he didn't get too close. While she could stop him from lighting his father on fire, she couldn't stop Ares's mouth. "I'll kill you if you do." 

Crowds near them heard his threat, gasping and giving themselves distance. Aphrodite only rolled her eyes at their fear. Ske expected Zeus to ignore him, going back to his tirade. His eyes traveled up to his son's gaze, and the staredown commenced. 

No one moved. Aphrodite felt prickles in her elbow and realized lightning was beginning to flare. A gasp left her as she stared into Zeus's eyes, striking and void. There was not an ounce of emotion, empty and endless. She had never taken too much consideration into his features, other than the fact that he had a striking similarity to Ares. Aphrodite backed up into her mate, pressing against him, doing anything to get Zeus to blink.

The trick worked. Zeus looked down at Aphrodite, smiling as if he wasn't like an undead demon. "It seems as though you still need your escort," He said with a chuckle. Both Olympians wrinkled their noses at his words. "Very well, I'll let you enjoy your night with it. But, don't leave before you say goodbye, yes?"

"I'll try my best to remember, Your Majesty," Aphrodite bowed to him as he walked off, his cape trailing behind him like a golden storm. Only then did she exhale. Ares was still rumbling, and she had to tug him twice to get his attention. "Ares, he's gone."

"I won't let him near you, Dite," He told her, tracking his father's every move like a predator watching another enemy. "I'll kill him before he gets the chance."

"I know you will." She rubbed his shoulder. "But there won't be any need. You trust me, don't you?" 

"Always." He breathed. "Always, Dite." 

"Good. Then you'll trust I'll shank your father if he dares to lay a hand on my dress, let alone my body. It's too fine for his grimy fingers."

Ares raised his hand, flipping it over to view his Soul Scars on the back. They snaked across his entire body, including his palms. She noticed his grimace from her peripheral and took his hands in hers. Aphrodite dotted small kisses on any Scar she saw. "Don't worry, Ares. Your hands will never be like his." 

For the first time that night, his smile grew. Ares hugged her again, whispering, "Thank you, Dite. Thank you..." 

"Never forget how much good there is in you, my snake."

"I won't. Not tonight, anyway."

"That is more than enough," She listened to his breathing slow down for a Mortal second. After a final deep breath, Ares kissed her forehead and pressed into the crowd without her touch. She made no move to stop him, letting him lead the way to the cakes. "Are you hungry?" She asked him.

"Yeah, a little." At the table, he grabbed a small plate with some lemon squares. "They have your favorite, Dite!" His canines gleamed in his smile.

"And yours too!" She held up some fudge brownies. Aphrodite picked one up, and Ares bent down to take a large bite. His hum let her know they were just gooey enough. "Does my escort enjoy his snack?" He choked for a second before lightly pushing her. Aphrodite burst into a fit of giggles that only grew harder when she nearly dropped her brownies. "You need to take smaller bites, you pig!"

Ares licked his lips and cleared his throat. His glare gave Aphrodite a shiver that traveled from her hair to her toes. "Oh?" He asked with a raised brow. He got close enough for Aphrodite to kiss him before he murmured, "You weren't telling me that the Mortal night before."

The shorter goddess let out a little  eep  and felt warmth in her cheeks despite her constant mist. "Oh, you wild dog..." She mumbled, looking anywhere but his eyes. While Zeus's eyes held no emotion, Ares's directly accessed his soul. All of his wants and needs were on display for Aphrodite, and it only made her want to look away more. Ares sucked his teeth and cupped her cheek, gently pushing her gaze back to him. "Can't you tame yourself for five Mortal minutes?"

"You and I both know you don't want me to," He grinned, his biting laugh causing Aphrodite's heart to pound against her chest. Aphrodite had a perception of easiness across the Divine Realm. Most believed they could throw mindless compliments at her to access her body. Ares knew better than that, rolling his voice and letting his aura do the work. Aphrodite could only resist him for so long, as his arsenal grew with his experience. "But, as your  escort , I can't do a damn thing, can I?"

Aphrodite rolled her tongue in her mouth. "You boar..."

"Guilty~" 

They stayed in that position, Aphrodite locking herself into Ares's second staredown of the night. She gasped, realizing his eyes weren't as hazy as his normal aroused state. A smirk curled on her rosy lips before she kissed his cheek free of stray crumbs. "Nice try, but we are not leaving yet. I know your games, Ares."

"Dite!" He whined, his sexy act dropping immediately. "It's been forever... don't you think it's time to go?"

"We haven't even been here for thirty Mortal minutes, and you've only greeted four people."

"That's more than last time." 

"I know, but you can hold on a little longer, yes?"

He huffed and rolled his eyes to the ceiling. Aphrodite had to cover her mouth to stifle her giggle. "Fine," He mumbled, taking the rest of the brownie he had eaten earlier. "But I'll get my show for this."

"I already told you you will, love," Aphrodite clicked her tongue and tucked a dark curl behind his ear. She took that opportunity to float up, her lips right beside his ear. "You will get my grandest show, and I will leave gasping for breath in our bed for a Mortal week. Does that satisfy you, my dragon?" 

Ares hesitated, his honey cheeks flushing with red. Aphrodite could only giggle as she landed back on her feet. She knew she affected him more than everyone at the banquet combined. Aphrodite didn't need her magic, a potion, or anything. Ares loved her for her, and Aphrodite knew there was no one else who could-

"Ares?" Aphrotied flinched at the voice. The couple turned around to see a woman smaller than Aphrodite. Her dress was cream and pronounced her dainty figure. The crown she wore rivaled Ares's in splendor and beauty. 

"Mama!" Ares exclaimed, immediately tackling the Queen of the Gods in a tight hug. She wasn't ready for it, gasping when he squeezed her. "Hi, Mama!" 

Aphrodite made no moves to get closer. Her lips soured for the first time that night at the sight of the Queen. Like her son, she had access to Hera's emotions through her eyes. They were dull, seeping with discomfort. Aphrodite found no love, but it was better than the King's void.

Hera stiffened in her son's hold, trying to create distance with her hands. The sight made Aphrodite's toes curl in her sandals. "Let go, Ares," She mumbled, and Ares finally set her free. "I didn't think you were coming," Hera turned her gaze to Aphrodite with furrowed eyebrows. "Did she escort you here?" 

"What?" Ares asked with a laugh. "No, Mama, Dite is my date! She's so pretty tonight, like you!" 

Hera forced a smile. "Yes, the dress is nice for something off theme."  Oh, there was a theme?  "It's a nice effort, Aphrodite."

Aphrodite's eye twitched. Ares glanced at her for a second, and Aphrodite had to remind herself that he was acutely aware of anger. "Thank you." She said with a clenched smile. "I'm truly honored to be here, Your Majesty."

"Yes, I bet you are," Hera murmured before she looked up at her son, "Ares, could you let me have a word with your... date? Alone?"

Ares glanced at his mate again, his excitement morphing back into tension. "Why?" He asked, the light in his voice dimming. Aphrodite grimaced. "Dite didn't do anything wrong, Mama."

"No, but I'd like to have a word with her. Look, there's your brother! Spend some time with him and make sure he doesn't pickpocket any of the guests."

"Go on, give Hermes my greetings, Ares," Aphrotied assured him with a touch of his arm. "I'll meet with you again soon." Ares hesitated to move away from his mother, looking back with almost every step he took away from the pair. Neither woman took their eyes off him until he made it to a distant table with his younger brother. 

Aphrodite sighed and pulled her attention back to the Queen. Hera's glare was in full fury now, with her lips pulled down in an unnatural frown. "What are you doing with my son?" Hera hissed. 

Though she was smaller, the Queen had an uncanny resemblance to a predator, much like her son. Her gaze locked onto Aphrodite's every move, prepared to react to the slightest threat. Aphrodite swallowed and puffed out her chest. Beads of sweat formed near her brow, but she didn't dare to wipe them. "Tonight, we will have a romantic outing at the banquet you prepared," The taller goddess replied with a light tone. "Tomorrow? Only Khaos knows, my Queen."

"He will have no relations with a whore like you," Hera snapped back, a golden strand of hair falling from her bun. Aphrodite noticed it had the same curl pattern Ares did. 

Aphrodite couldn't help but scoff. "You say that as if he isn't a whore himself," She countered, examining her nail. "I am not the only one who enjoys others outside of our relationship. So, if you're going to criticize my behavior, you should hold the same energy for your son."

"Ares would never," Hera said, reeling back in disgust. Aphrodite put her hand on her hip, resisting the urge to roll her eyes. "He's already turning into his father-"

"His father?!" Aphrodite exclaimed with a whisper. "With all due respect, you don't know your son."

"And you do? That's rich, coming from someone who's just met him-"

"I've lived with him for timelines.  Lived , my Queen. Not survived." 

"What are you trying to say?" Hera accused. "That I'm a bad mother?"

"No," Aphrodite exhaled. "You've raised a strong and beautiful man. I hope I can bare one like him, Khaos willing." For a second, Hera faltered. Her eyes darted around Aphrodite, looking for her lie. Aphrodite's frown only grew. "But, you don't trust him." 

"I don't trust you-"

"If you have the gall to compare him to your husband, then you don't trust him," Aphrodite told her. "Ares is will never be anything like his father. Just because we sleep with others does  not  mean his heart betrays me. He loves me, and I hold no doubts about it." 

For the first time, Hera was silent. Her demeanor shifted, growing reserved. "You'll ruin him with those thoughts." She retorted, her voice low and drenched with bitterness.

Aphrodite held in a gasp. Her lip quivered in fury before she took a step toward the Queen. "You say that as if you already haven't." She bit back, tears welling in her eyes. Hera flinched, but Aphrodite was too angry to care. Her memory swarmed of Ares casually retelling his childhood. More than once, he would tell Aphrodite that his Mama didn't like him. Nobody liked him. He was Bane, Bloodshed, Destruction... nothing more. The thoughts made her taste bile. "He hated himself when we first met. He still does. All his life, pain surrounded him. You play a hand in that, Your Majesty. Do not fault me for providing him something he's longed for his entire existence. Something you refused to offer."

"How dare you accuse me of not caring for my son!" Hera seethed, more curls falling from her bun. Through Aphrodite's tears, she saw Hera's beginning to brim at the surface. 

"I didn't say you don't care for him," Aphrodite could only smile, knowing it was hopeless. "I said you don't love him. And you don't."

Aphrodite waited, knowing Hera would hesitate. The Queen's eyes widened as she clutched her necklace. "I..." Hera couldn't get her words out. "I do-"

"Does he know that? When was the last time you told him? The last time you've shown him?"

"I... don't need to prove anything to you, you whore!" Hera pressed a prosecuting finger into Aphrodite's chest. Aphrodite didn't respond. "All you want to do is keep him away from me. You won't. He'll always love me, and he'll always stand by my side before yours. He doesn't love you! You are just a quick fix for him, nothing more."

"When was the last time you told him you loved him, Your Majesty?" Aphrodite repeated. 

Hera's breathing quickened, her eyes finally leaving Aphrodite. They were still quick, darting across the floor and searching for an answer. "He..." Her response was quiet. "He was seventeen..." A single tear rushed down her cheek. 

Aphrodite bristled with anger. She took a deep breath and blinked back her tears. "How old is he now, Hera?" 

"It hasn't been that long!" The Queen defended. "He's only twenty in Divine years-"

"Twenty-five," Aphrodite corrected. "He's twenty-five. Twenty-six in a few timelines. How many times have you told him? Can you count it on your hand?"

"You don't understand! How could you know what it means to be the mother of a beast?!"

Aphrodite stepped back, wiping her eyes free of tears. She prayed to Khaos that she still had clean makeup before grabbing a platter of chocolate cake. "Is there anything else you wish to ask me tonight, my Queen?" She asked, breathless. 

Hera didn't respond, glaring venomous daggers toward Aphrodite instead. She knew the Queen's heart now. Hera was out of options, out of threats. "I hate you," Hera spat her final words.

"I know," Aphrodite told her, closing her eyes. She inhaled slowly, searching for the signature scent of applewood and pine. Once she pinpointed the source, she opened her eyes with a smile. "Maybe someday you'll tolerate me for Ares's sake. Because you and I both know I won't be going anywhere... Have an easy night, my Queen." 

"I'll see about that," The threat penetrated Aphrodite's mind as she walked away, cakes in hand. Not once did she dare to look back, for what would be the purpose? Aphrodite said everything she wanted to say, and she had no intentions of furthering a fruitless conversation. 

She tracked the scent of her mate down, weaving through crowds of dancers and laughers. Not once did she stop to twirl or chat, even when people called her name. Towards the back of the ballroom, she found Ares sitting at a table, but not with Hermes. A small girl giggled at his hand gestures, and a man sat beside him. 

Aphrodite had never seen these people before, but Ares casually laughed when the man cracked a joke. His crown lay in the center of the table, and Aphrodite realized his mass of curls were out. She approached them quietly, not wanting to disrupt Ares's peace. For the first time that night, Aphrodite knew he felt safe.  Who are these people?

"My Lady?" The man spoke up, noticing her first. Aphrodite flinched. "I'm sorry, were we too loud?" She couldn't help but stare at him, utterly fascinated. With a stocky build, his cream suit poorly masked his muscle. The chair he sat in had wheels, and Aphrodite had never seen a god wear glasses like Mortals. His skin was dark, and his eyes were nearly identical to Ares... if one wasn't a little lazy.

"Dite?" Ares called, ripping her attention away from the strange man. "Are you okay? How did talking with Mama go?"

The girl and the man both gasped. "She talked to Mother alone?!" The small girl exclaimed.  

"Ares, is she your sister?" Aphrodite asked, pointing at the child. Her similarities we much clearer, looking like a small Ares. Her dress was identical to the Queen's, except for having a space for her golden wings. Her ears were long like an elf's, and she had a full set of sharp teeth.  A Daimona!  "Oh, she's beautiful!"

"Yeah, Tiny Girl is my real sister," Ares answered, smirking with pride. "Tiny Girl has always been a pretty girl, hasn't she, Phee?" 

"Yes," The man answered. To Aphrodite, he said, "I'm Hephaestus, of Blacksmiths and Innovation. Hebe is our youngest sister. Ares meant to say we're his biological siblings."

"So you're Hera's children?" Aphrodite wasn't aware the Queen had a daughter. The King never made mention of Hephaestus, either. Ares would babble for Mortal days about his Phee and Tiny Girl. Aphrodite was happy to see them for the first time.

"Yes, My Lady," Hephaestus said, pushing his glasses up. "And you must be Aphrodite."

"She's prettier than you told me, Ares," Hebe giggled. Ares blushed and tried to hide his face in his arms. "He's been gushing about you, Lady Aphrodite."

"Has he?" Aphrodite raised an eyebrow and sat next to Ares. Idly, she stuffed a hand in his hair, playing with it as he sulked. "What did he say?"

"He wouldn't stop talking about the fudge brownies you got for him and promptly refused to share," Hephaestus said with a playful eye roll. "He was always a chocolate addict, so it's nice to know he has someone to give in to his cravings."

Aphrodite snorted when Ares groaned. "I see, so someone's been a greedy little piggy?" She asked, scratching his hair. 

The nickname made Hebe burst into a fit of lithe giggles. Even Hephaestus snickered, covering his mouth. Ares sat up, glaring at his lover with a pout. "They didn't need to know you call me that, Dite," He grumbled. 

"Hebe and I will pretend we didn't hear a thing, okay?" Ares didn't look convinced, but Hephaestus continued anyway. "Did our mother say anything to you? I couldn't pinpoint your thoughts because of your emotions."

"Oh?" Aphrodite didn't expect him to be a telepath. Having psychic powers was quite a rarity, and few gods were so open with talking about it. Despite the nasty rumors, Aphrodite didn't feel threatened by Hephaestus. "It was nothing I didn't expect," She answered honestly. "I congratulated her for her efforts on the banquet, and we talked about Ares."

"What did Mama say about me?" Ares asked, leaning in close with excitement. His smile gleamed, and Aphrodite's heart sank to the pit of her stomach. Even without saying anything, she knew her partner would destroy the entire Divine Realm if his mother told him to. She had no idea if Hera held the same energy for him. "...Dite?"

How could you understand what it means to be the mother of a beast?

"She said she loved you," Aphrodite couldn't bring herself to speak her truth. "She's very proud of you and hopes you succeed in all of your endeavors."

She knew Ares would buy it, and his crushing hug let her know he did. He buried himself into her and hugged her tight. Aphrodite ran a hand through his hair, feeling damp in the crook of her neck. Hera's threat plagued her, but Aphrodite focused on the applewood and pine. 

Across from her, Hephaestus and Hebe stared. Their expressions were blank, and their strained gazes made Aphrodite's stomach turn. They knew their mother would never utter such a thing. Aphrodite thought she should come clean, but Hebe's smile and Hephaestus's nod were enough reassurance. 

Ares pulled back, wiping his eyes with the back of his hand. "I needed to hear that, Dite," He told her as he turned. Hebe moved behind him and played with his hair without a word. "I knew you'd be good for Mama! Maybe you can talk to her again?"

Everyone stiffened. "Give it some time, Ares. We don't want to overwhelm your mother tonight." Aphrodite told him, rubbing his arm.

Ares pouted but nodded. "No, I want Mama to be happy! It can wait if it means she's less stressed."

"That's the spirit," Hebe agreed. "Mother needs to stay eased... There! Your hair is together again, Ares."

"Thanks, Tiny Girl," Ares grabbed her with his arm and pulled Hebe into a rough hug. She already looked small, and being engulfed by his size didn't help. Aphrodite couldn't stop her giggles when Hebe squealed into his chest. Ares didn't relent, attacking his little sister with a barrage of kisses. 

Mesmerized, Aphrodite couldn't look away. The banquet around them blotted out in the background, leaving Ares alone. Warmth emanated from him, engulfing everything he touched, everything he surrounded. Aphrodite swallowed, absorbing as much of his light as she could. She longed to reach out to cradle him, but her body refused to operate.

Why can't you see it...  She thought to herself as her lip quivered. Aphrodite's soul pained for him, clawing its way up to the surface. Her eyes began to sting, and she sniffed.

Ares, ever aware, looked up immediately. "Dite?" He called as Hebe slid out of his lap. He grabbed Aphrodite's hands, squeezing them. His pressure didn't pull Aphrodite out of her teary trance. "Dite, what's wrong?" 

He was up closer now, his wide cow eyes full of worry. Aphrodite blinked back tears, coming back to her senses. Hebe stared, and Hephaestus looked away.  He heard everything. 

"I'm fine, love," Aphrodite nervously laughed, patting Ares's chest. "You don't need to worry."

"But you're crying." Ares challenged, shaking. "Did I do something wrong?" Tears welled in his eyes. "I'm sorry, Dite... I tried to be good today..."

"You were, you are!" Her hand zoomed up to catch his tears. "Ares, nothing happened, I promise. Sometimes... when I look at you, I get overwhelmed. Seeing you comfortable and at ease fills me with happiness no one else can even begin to achieve. You will never give me unpleasant tears, so don't worry about the nonexistent."

Ares waited, his pout returning. Aphrodite expected him to bawl and make a scene, as he often did when he got emotional. Instead, he pressed his forehead against hers and took a deep breath. Aphrodite gasped as his warmth returned, embracing her like a blanket of protection. 

His eyes flared open, teeming with fresh excitement. "Let's dance," He suggested, pulling Aphrodite up from their seats.  

"Are you sure, Ares?" Aphrodite asked, surprised by his offer. All night, he shied behind her. Now he wanted to dance? "I didn't think you wanted to-"

She couldn't finish her sentence as Ares dragged her off into the crowd. Aphrodite awkwardly waved behind her to Ares's abandoned siblings. Hebe waved in return, her sharp smile on full display. Hephaestus stayed more stoic, but his eyes were just as full and warm as his brother's. 

"You made me realize something," He said, not letting go as they weaved through the crowd. It was hard for Aphrodite to keep up with his incredible strides, but she managed just in time for them to make it to the ballroom floor. Several couples were there already, swaying with their partners to the beat. Ares slowed, turning and taking both of Aphrodite's hands. 

"About what, Love?" She asked, already stepping to the beat after him. 

"About happiness," Ares playfully pulled her on, revealing them to the crowds of dancers. Their distance collapsed as the Moon rose to its peak above. The new light brought an ethereal glow to Ares's features, and before she could stop herself, her hands were on his back. 

"What about it, love?" She asked, losing more of her breath the more she gazed up at Ares. 

He didn't reply right away, opting to sway with her to the music. His hands made their way down her back, fluttering where her skin was exposed. A daunting smirk poked through his features when she shivered in his hold. "You make me happy, Dite," He mumbled, his voice raw and bare. "And... you help me to be happy on my own. I can't explain it... I just know I want you in my life, forever."

"Of course," Aphrodite's answer was automatic. "I will always stand by your side, Ares. Leaving you would be..." She trailed and squeezed her eyes shut. The Queen's words rattled her heart, making Aphrodite want to curl up and hide.

Ares's think hand buried itself in her hair, lifting her head. His eyes were hard, burning. Aphrodite didn't dare look away. "Don't worry about the nonexistent," He told her, his smirk turning into a dumb, wily grin. "You aren't leaving your escort's side."

"You pig," Aphrodite teased back, playfully slapping his broad chest when he dipped her. His laugh pressed through the crowd, their energies rising. Some dancers stopped and stared, and others whispered snide remarks about the Rebel Prince and his whore. Aphrodite held her breath to brace herself for any responses, but none came. Her ears only rang to his pounding laughter. 

Ares turned her around suddenly, pressing his chest against her back as his arms protected her. Another twirl and she saw Ares again. They stepped together, their number getting more excited. 

The banquet began to shimmer and fade into the background, Ares becoming her sole focus. His hair bounced with every move, stray curls breaking free from his ponytail. Aphrodite's chest tightened with every thrilling heartbeat. "You're beautiful," She whispered, leaning up when he dipped her. 

She squeaked when he suddenly kissed her. Aphrodite didn't resist; onlookers damned. Deep within her soul, the goddess knew her attraction to him made little sense. Everyone shunned him away as a monster. He towered over the entire pantheon and struck fear into the hearts of many beyond the Divine Realm. Even after Mortal centuries, Aphrodite could never pinpoint what exactly kept her at his side. 

Aphrodite threw her wonder to the wind and dug her hands in his hair, pressing her lips into his. She didn't care, she refused to. Ares filled her heart in a unique, dangerous way. Aphrodite would never deny that he was a predator within and how it took little effort for him to unleash. She couldn't fear him, not when he gazed into her eyes, pouring with want and care. 

So she returned his energy in their bond, leaning against his chest. Her heart rippled with waves of calmness after every kiss, despite being watched by the entire Divine Realm.  Let them watch,  Aphrodite thought. No words, no slander, no action could separate her from Ares's soul. And she knew, without a doubt, that he felt the same.

Ares grew hungrier and lifted her, his lips not leaving her once. He pressed across her neck, her cheeks, her nose. Everyone could see them now. Everyone... including The Queen.

From behind Ares's broad shoulder, Aphrodite noticed her icy glare. She burned as a nymph whispered to her. Aphrodite couldn't pinpoint her husband, a worsening sign. Their eyes locked, Aphrodite not daring to look away or blink. More than anything, Aphrodite wanted her to know she loved Ares more than she feard his mother.  You will not rule me. 

"Dite," Ares mumbled, his eyes open and alert. His passion still flared, but it morphed into a barely recognized ferocity. Aphrodite only kept her gaze steady. "Are you angry? Why?"

"Why?" Aphrodite repeated before she stroked his cheek. She kept herself from looking at his mother. "No reason. I only get upset when others can't see you the way I do."

Ares nodded, his grin not leaving. "I feel the same," He agreed. "I wanted to kill everyone for calling you a whore."

"Did you?" Aphrodite asked, surprise void from her voice. 

"Yeah, but I didn't... Ichor stains bad, and you have a nice dress on."

"I appreciate the consideration, Ares. And I'm proud you held yourself."

"You helped. You always help..." His voice trailed into a murmur, returning to his kissing attack. Aphrodite refused to acknowledge Hera again, focusing on the one who mattered most. 

"You help me, too," Aphrodite assured, resulting in a happy rumble from the depths of Ares's chest. In the distance, she heard a voice sound, asking for the donations. "The charities are up now. Are you ready to donate so we can leave?"

"No," Ares replied, finally setting Aphrodite back down. Her eyebrows rose in shock. "I'm having fun, and I like this song. Can we donate after we dance some more?"

He held his hand out, and Aphrodite stared at it for a second. Despite the countless black marks covering his palm, his hand looked inviting. He could crush her if he chose, or at least try to. Aphrodite knew better, her little piggy would never dare to harm her. His Soul Scars were proof that he was a crazed god of War, ut Aphrodite couldn't imagine him without him. He wouldn't be perfect because he wouldn't be Ares. And, more than all the Realms combined, she cherished her War.

She gripped his hand firmly, startling him with her icy surprise. Her feral grin escaped as she said, "With pleasure, my little piggy." 

After ignoring another sharp stare from the Queen, Aphrodite twirled and shimmied with her mate well into the night.