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Chapter Text

It was 7 am, the sun was already up and so was I, ready for yet another day full of chores in my little farm down the beach of Skopelos. Even though I always ended up physically drained at the end of the day I wouldn't have it any other way, this was my safe space, my home.

At least it has been so since the past thousands of years, and the people around here have also become my family. I've seen so many generations been born, grow up and then, inevitably, pass away, though it hurts every time I can't help but grow fond of these people, the humans have always awakened some sort of... compassion? Generosity? I didn't know exactly, but they've always fascinated me. I think it's the way they live, how they're so passionate about who and what they love, how they try to live their lives to the fullest because they know that someday they'll have to live. I guess it's a feeling that I´ll never truly understand since being immortal time never feels like it's running fast.

I was cleaning out one of my rooms, one which I particularly don't come in regularly, mostly because I always end up feeling nostalgic looking at all the artifacts that I've been collecting over the centuries, but the dust was becoming unbearable and I had been ignoring it for some time now, so I finally decided that today was the day I was cleaning it for good.

I was already done with half of it, even though it was taking me almost the entire morning, but I couldn't just abandon it now, I had to finish it today. Everything was going well until I came across a trunk full of memories, but there was one thing that struck me the most. Wrapped in a very old handkerchief, that would fall into pieces at any second now, there was a very old leather bracelet with a line on the center, which was pale pink. It almost feels like it was yesterday...

5000 B.C Mesopotamia

It had been barely 15 hours since we first met on the Domo, we had a mission in common, to protect the humans from the Deviants and also help them to make this planet a better place, but with limitations of course and to wait for instructions from Arishem once we were done killing the Deviants.

I remember being curious about what was waiting for us once we were done, but I didn't give it much importance, since we would probably have to wait way longer than I was expecting, so I decided to not give it much thought.

As we were waiting to land on Earth we introduced ourselves to each other, but it was mostly small talk, nothing special, but I was eager to get to know my teammates, we were going to work with each other for Arishem knows how long, so of course, it´s better to start gaining each other's trust.

I was watching each of my teammates, kind of analyzing how they looked and acted, even though I couldn't make an impression on them until I got to know them, but it was a good start. Each one of them had something unique, I mean, it´s normal, we're all Eternals, we have to have something unique, but it's almost like you could kind of predict how their personalities would be. For example, Ajak and Sersi seemed calm and down-to-earth, but also like they have everything together, perfect qualities for leadership in the case of Ajak, but I felt like Sersi could also take on the role if Ajak wasn't here. Phastos seemed like someone more secretive, he liked his job, that wasn't too hard to tell, he had been hyperfixating on inventing since we got on the Domo even though it was too early to start inventions for the humans.

-Phastos I´m not saying it's not a good invention, but it's way too early for a... water mill? That´s what you called it right? We have to help them sure, but they have to evolve by themselves. Maybe wait a couple of centuries more, okay?- Ajak said with an encouraging smile, but even if Phastos ended up agreeing with her, I swore I could hear him scoff under his breath.

Then there was Gilgamesh and Thena, both were really good fighters, but Gil was far more relaxed than Thena, she looked really tense the entire trip, like waiting to be attacked at any moment. Kingo was talkative, like Sprite, but he was far more extroverted and she could be sarcastic and she didn't care about it, her wild hair was kind of a clue and it seemed like they were getting along with Ikaris, he looked like... a try-hard, I don't know why, he seemed kind, but there was just something about him that I couldn't wrap my finger around.

The only one that I was getting along with on the trip was Makkari, she was super curious about what we would find there, she was nice and kind and we shared the curiosity factor, so this was going on a great start.

But then, I noticed him.

He didn't talk for the whole trip, aside from introducing himself, I only knew his name.

Druig.

I didn't know why, but I just couldn't decipher him and it was frustrating. I was usually good at reading people, but he just seemed like an unbreakable wall, aside from seeming quiet and reserved, I couldn't guess anything else. I figured that it was just me being impatient, that once I got to know him my curiosity would dwell down.

I didn't know back then, but I was damn wrong.

Chapter Text

When we arrived on Earth we had to immediately intervene, a Deviant attacked a man and we weren't fast enough to save him, but at least we could protect those who were nearby.

Makkari made sure to evacuate as many people as she could and while Ikaris was busy trying to kill a Deviant that was up in the sky, we were trying to kill another one down here. Kingo and Gil were beating it up or at least trying to because the damn thing wouldn't stay still. So, as soon as I got down to the scene, I used my cosmic energy to create a Hurricane around the Deviant and, once it got confused, I nodded to Thena to give her permission to attack, so I quickly got rid of the Hurricane and Thena took advantage and sliced it open.

Once the humans understood that we meant no harm they gave us their infinite gratitude for our help and some years later, around 20 I think, the boy who we got to save that day gifted us those bracelets, each had the signature color of our suits on it and we never took them off ever since, well... At least we didn't until we split up centuries ago.

I remember that that was the first day I had my first feud with Druig, we didn´t talk to each other all those years before that day and it was just because he refused to accept a gift.

-Oh come on Drug, he's trying to be nice, even though it was years ago he kept it in mind and he's showing gratitude now, what's so bad about it?- I truly didn't understand what was wrong with him.

-We're not gods for people to give gifts, besides, he´ll probably die in less than 30 years from now, gifts only cause you to grow attached to people- he said with the coldest stone stare that I've ever seen anyone come up with. - Humans are ephemeral, they'll end up dying anyway, you shouldn't get so attached for your good.

-Well... Yes it's true, we're not gods, but he was just trying to be grateful, besides, how do you even know what's good for me?. -I ended up getting super irritated, but Ajak told him to leave me alone before this discussion escalated even more.

He did have a point with that, even though I wouldn't admit it, because I ended up loving this world much more than I thought I would. There were just so many things to explore, to see, and the humans seemed just so genuine... I just couldn't help but love these people.

Present time

I was looking at the bracelet with a smile, it brought back memories from when everything was far more simple, when everyone cooperated to help each other advance, nowadays it was very hard to find communities like that, where everyone would help each other instead of competing against one another.

That's one of the reasons why I moved here in the first place, I wasn't exactly living in the city center, my farm was situated on the outskirts of town, where more elderly people were living and, most of them, worked on their farms or fishing, it was its little community and I've been part of it for two hundred years now, maybe, I lost count by now.

I was still smiling until I remembered a certain person who I swore I would never think about again.

Druig

Even the simple gesture of thinking that name left a sour taste in my mouth.

-Fuck- I muttered under my breath and I immediately put that bracelet back where it was. Maybe cleaning this room was a bad idea after all.

I decided that I would deal with another day, I didn't want to be moody for the rest of the day, so I got up and got out of the house to start doing my chores of the day, those apples weren't going to pick themselves after all.

My 'farm' mainly consists of vegetables and fruits, I loved animals but they weren't my thing, besides with my powers I could make the plants grow easily, so I didn't have to worry about watering them. I don't like to admit it, but my mind is always all around the place, so even though I like to appear put together, my appearance and clothes were not deceiving to my brain and personality.

Today was apple picking day, my job to this community was to provide those who need it with all kinds of fruits and vegetables and I didn't let them pay me for it, only a small amount of money that the grandmothers would usually give me and well, what can I say, you cannot tell a greek old lady, no, so I would just give in.

I've seen a lot of generations grow up around here, of course when I first moved here and the years kept going they began to feel suspicious, but they never dared to say anything since I helped them. It was kind of like an unspoken pact, they would never question me and where I came from if I kept contributing to the community.

I was ready with my basket full of apples and I began to walk around, giving them to the neighbors who would need them and I eventually ended up in Sophia's house. Sophia was a woman in her 70s and she dedicated her entire life to knitting and helping her husband fishing, even though he already retired she's never stopped knitting, she's always been a hard-working woman and I couldn't help but grow fond of her.

I didn't even have the opportunity to knock on her door when she was already opening it up for me, she always does this, she knows my schedule like she knows her weaving patterns, which she could do without even looking at the fabrics.

-Venus! What are you doing!? Every single time I tell you that you shouldn't be carrying such heavy baskets and you never listen to me!- she exclaimed in greek while practically forcing me to come inside and drop the basket of apples at her table.

-Wow, are you scolding me now Sophia? Do I have to remind you who changed your diapers?- I asked while laughing, I mean, it's true. I did change her diapers, I've been like a nanny for the kids around here since forever and I ended up raising her.

-You're pulling up with that excuse again, aren't you?- She said jokingly, directing a smile towards me.

-I always will- I said laughing. -So, anyway, here's your pack of apples for today, I gotta get going now, I don't want the neighbors to get grumpy. - I said leaving her apples in her fruit bowl.

-Venus, I've been meaning to talk to you, could you stay for like 5 minutes?- She said while sitting on the sofa and indicating me to sit next to her.

-I guess I can, if it's actually 5 minutes and not your type of '5 minutes' which always end up being like 40 minutes- I said while sitting down laughingly, but my expression immediately changed once I saw her face, she looked serious with a mixture of nervousness, this didn't look well.

-Well, I know I probably shouldn't ask, but my curiosity after all these years has finally beaten me to it and I believe you trust me enough to tell me the truth...- She said while taking a deep breath, oh crap, this didn't look well for me. -What I've been meaning to ask you is... who... well, what are you?... I think you already know my reasons to ask you this. -She asked me while looking at me, expecting an answer.

I mean, of course, it was obvious the reason why aside from my pretty much obvious immortality I could make plants grow in seconds. I knew that at one point I would have to start answering questions, but I didn't expect it to be like this, questioned by my best friend so suddenly.

-Well...- I sighed. - Where do I even start? I... - I was trying to figure out what to say until suddenly the ground started violently shaking.

What the hell?

Chapter Text

Somehow the ground started inexplicably shaking and I jumped from the sofa while helping Sophia to stand.

-We have to get out out of here! Quick! - I tried my best to help her while also being as quick as possible, but I'm talking about a woman in her 70s who's been working her entire life, so it wasn't really easy.

As we were trying to get out of the house, some of the furniture started to fall over and just as we were walking down the corridor a cabinet fell almost crushing us until I used my powers and I stopped it from falling with the help of some vines that I grew from the ground, this was one of the advantages of living in a place full of vegetation.

As soon as we got out of the house I helped Sophia to catch her breath and then the earthquake finally stopped.

-Arishem finally... Soph, are you alright?- I said as I bent down to look for a reaction from her.

-Yes yes... I just need to relax, god, I've never been so scared before, this is the most adrenaline rush I've ever had in my entire life -She said as she finally straighten up. -It was kind of exciting though, not going to lie. -She exclaimed laughingly.

-Have I ever told you how weird you are? You're the only person ever to find an earthquake exciting. -I said as I let out a soft laugh.

-You still love me though. -She smiled.

-Of course, I do-

I spent the last two hours helping Sophia with her furniture, putting back up what had fallen, and cleaning the whole place up. The neighbors had to wait for a while for their apples but hopefully, they'd understand.

Just when I was walking out the door to retake my chores of the morning, Sophia suddenly spoke.

-You know you'll have to answer my question sooner or later, right? You can't avoid me you know- She said while leaning on the door frame.

-Well, it's not like I was going to try to anyway- I smiled at her as I said goodbye. Of course, I was going to tell her at some point, I knew I could trust her, she knew how to keep a secret, but I figured today wasn't the day to have that talk, especially considering that I didn't want my neighbors to kill me for not giving them the fruits they had previously paid for.

I spent the rest of my day going around the community like I was used to, except for the fact that I also spent it apologizing for arriving late, which they understood, some of them didn't even expect me to show up at all, so it was a nice surprise to see that they gave me more tips than usual.

After my busy morning, I went back home, I ate some leftover pesto pasta that I had in the fridge and started baking some Moussaka. Since I started lib¡ving in the same place for two centuries I had to try new hobbies once in while, otherwise, I would be bored to death, so these last couple of months I had been trying new recipes from all around the world, so this time I asked Soph for her Moussaka recipe and I promised her to give her a piece once I was done. I needed her opinion on it anyway, hopefully, it'll be good enough, but there's no way I'm going to do it better than her, her Moussaka was just something else.

Meanwhile, I had some music one and the song 'Slipping through my fingers' by ABBA started playing and I sang along to it. I loved this song, but it also made me homesick, it made me miss the rest of the Eternals, the rest of my family.

-Sometimes I wish that I could freeze the picture...- I remembered how warm Ajak's hugs were, she was like a mother to all of us, she always knew what to say to make us feel better, I missed her, and Sersi, Sprite, Kingo... -... and save it from the funny tricks of time... -Gilgamesh, Thena, Ikaris, Makkari... -... slipping through my fingers...- … Druig.

I had to stop what I was doing to take a deep breath, it's been a long day, maybe I just need to stop fucking up the Moussaka, Soph would kill me if I gave her this to try. I abandoned the Moussaka, at least for now, and I sat down by the beach with a book in my hands, Pride and Prejudice, I knew it was a classic but I never read it, even though I always had lots of time in my hands.

After being halfway through the book I realized that this was, in fact, a mistake. The book was good, don't get me wrong, but my emotions were all over the place thinking about a certain you-know-who and this book wasn't helping.

-Arishem... Why did I have to be such a hopeless romantic and a fucking idiot at the same time? What have I ever done to you? -I said to myself, while abruptly closing the book, getting up, and entering the house once again.

It was already 9 pm, a little early still to go to sleep, but I figured that it would be best for me to do that. I put on my sleeping gown and went to bed, for some people, it's uncomfortable to sleep like that but I liked it, besides the weather was starting to warm up, so it gave me the perfect amount of chillness. After like an hour of trying to find the perfect posture I finally fell asleep.

Athens, 1.200 B.C

We had been living in Athens for a couple of years now, the architecture and art were at their epitome and I loved everything about it. I've always have had some sort of passion for art, just seeing how humans would pour their souls, their feelings, all over their work was fascinating, it was also a way to immortalize them, it's the proof that they were here and they lived to their fullest.

I spent most of the time learning from them, I even took classes from Alexandros of Antioch, he was a nice man. But I didn't only learn about art, I was also interested in medicine and, even though it was kinda gross, I would attend surgeries or even childbirth, even though a significant amount of patients would end up passing away, which was normal, sadly, because medicine wasn't well developed in that time.

One day we were just walking around the center, a couple of days before a couple of deviants attacked the city, so we were more alert and tense than usual in contrast to the Greeks, who were just walking around like a normal day.

-This isn't fair, how come Thena and Ikaris get to be in your stories and I don't? When is it going to be my turn? -I heard Kingo complain to Sprite. Yesterday at night Sprite got creative again and invented a new myth starring Ikaris, Icarus; the man who flew too close to the sun, I guessed that this hurt Kingo's ego. -I'm your best friend, how dare you do this to me? -He said while posing dramatically as he usually is.

-Once you inspire me and your life starts to get less boring, maybe I'll think about inventing a myth about you. -She said without missing a single second. Everyone just started laughing and Ikaris and Thena mocked him a little bit.

-Guess you're not worthy of your little majesty's stories. -Druig said with a mocking smile, he enjoyed getting on people's nerves, specially Kingo's, since he gets easily mad.

-Oh shut up, you aren't even in any myth either. -He practically spat out, practically already losing his cool. He's nice and funny, but also really predictable.

-Oh, where's your sense of humor Kingo?. -He said with a smirk. -I'm just teasing you big boy, but who knows, I might get a myth before you.

-Yeah right, because you're soo popular. -Kingo said sarcastically.

-' Specially with the women'. -Makkari signed. -'That's a lot of clientele and money, just think about it, it could maybe be like the crowd from yesterday but twice as big'.

-Nah, Druig can't be more popular than Ikaris, he doesn't even talk that much with the citizens. -Kingo said while defending Ikaris's popularity, as he would always do, look, I got along with him, but sometimes he would just suck so much ass for Ikaris.

-Well, sometimes that's not necessary. -I said adding to the conversation. -Sometimes women prefer the quieter guys, the mysterious ones, that just adds to the attractiveness.

-Hold on, did you just admit that I'm attractive? -Druig said, kind of mocking me, while leaning forward, expecting a reaction from.

Arishem, I should've just kept my mouth shut.

-Wait, no I..-Seems like the gods had heard me because suddenly Ajak came towards us, she seemed agitated.

-Ajak is something wrong? Have any Deviants appeared? -asked Gilgamesh.

-No, no, it's not that... -she said trying to catch her breath once she arrived next to us. -A woman is in labor, but there aren't any doctors or midwives available because they left for a medical convention early this morning.

-What!? Why didn't any of them stay? -exclaimed Sersi.

-Apparently, she wasn't due within two weeks. -explained Ajak. -So I was thinking... Venus. -She said while turning to look at me. -You've watched them doing these procedures...

-If this is what I think you're implying, no, Ajak I'm nowhere near a midwife! -I exclaimed panicked. -What if something goes wrong? It'd all be my fault!.

-Well, it's more likely for something bad to happen if no one helps this young woman. -said Ajak while trying to convince me. -Please Venus, I know I'm asking a lot from you, but please, don't do it for me, do it for her.

I stayed there in silence for a solid minute and I sighed.

-Alright, I'll do it, bring me to her. -I said while walking rapidly towards Ajak.

After a couple of minutes of practically running we got to the woman's house, her husband was waiting outside and he looked nervous. The rest of the Eternals also came, I didn't think it was necessary, but they decided to come along to see how things were going to work out. Eventually, I told them to wait outside, while I stayed inside along with a couple of women, who seemed to be relatives of the young woman and I just started to tell them what I needed and to bring them to me as soon as possible.

Well, let's get this baby out.

After around 5 hours, I finally came outside holding the baby in my arms. I had just cleaned him and myself to get rid of the blood, but my arms were still stained, I know, it was gross, I would just take a shower afterward.

When I came outside everyone got up from the floor and I walked towards the young man.

-It's a boy, a little healthy boy. -I said in greek as I gave him his son.

-Thank you... Thank you so much! -He thanked me with a big smile, which I returned and he walked inside to see his wife with the baby in his arms.

Then, the rest of the Eternals came up to me to congratulate me, even though I was feeling kinda overwhelmed by the whole situation, I was exhausted. Well, the only one who stayed back was Druig, which came up to me only when the little crowd dispersed.

-Good job. -He only said that while keeping his distance, with his usual serious look, but I could tell that he was being genuine, so I accepted his compliment with a slight smile.

That same night we gathered in the center of the polis to watch another one of Sprite's storytelling events. She became popular around Athens for her myths, everyone loved them, they became a symbol of the greek culture and the people eventually started a religion based on her stories, so these gatherings became a sort of religious event.

After everyone settled down, mostly sitting wherever they could, she started her storytelling, while I and the rest of the Eternals were staying a little far off the whole scene.

-Good night citizens. -She started, talking in greek. -I'm happy to see you once again to hear about the magnificent stories I have about your mighty gods and goddesses. But today, I'm here to introduce someone new.

-Well, it looks like my time to shine is finally here. -Kingo said while straightening up. We collectively shared a small laugh, just to quickly shut up to hear more about what Sprite had to say.

-It all started when Gaia teamed up with Kronos to defeat her husband, also Krono's father, to give an end to his reign. You remember this part of the story from the last time right? -She stopped to question the audience, which they all either nodded or said yes as a response. -Great, good to know that you pay attention. Anyways, they finally agreed to attack him on his most vulnerable position; and that was when he came down to earth to mate with Gaia. Once this happened, Kronos took advantage and... castrated his father and threw his testicles at the sea. -She stopped to say that with a smile in response to the grunts of pain coming from most of the male audience. -Yes, I know, really painful. Anyways, the drops of blood that landed on the Earth created many offspring, which were Furys and ash-tree nymphs. But the testicles thrown previously to the water also created one more offspring, the last of Uranus power combined with the seafoam created what would be... -She paused, creating a little bit of suspense in the air.- … Aphrodite, goddess of love, beauty, war... and fertility. -She said while giving a quick look in my direction.

Wait, no, there's no way...

-Oh yeah, you're shining Kingo. -Druig said mocking Kingo while laughing loudly, which triggered a loud laugh amongst the group.

Your time will eventually come, my friend, but it's Venus's time to shine right now. -Ikaris said to Kingo, while, unsuccessfully, comforting his friend.

-Well, goddess of beauty and love, that sure is a compliment. -Sersi said while looking at me with a warm smile.

-Well, I take more pride by being a goddess of war along with Thena, but that's also really nice from Sprite. -I said, trying to be modest, while Thena gave me a welcoming smile.

I'm not going to lie, it felt really good to be depicted like that, but I wasn't going to let it get to my head. Besides, I knew I was attractive, but I didn't expect to be a goddess-level attractive, so it was still quite a surprise.

And that's how I became the goddess of love, beauty, and war.

Chapter Text

Aphrodite became quite a popular character, the public really loved her and even though I knew it was supposed to be me, I felt somehow disconnected from her, it may be obvious since she's a literal character from a myth, but it was the way the people started idolizing her that made it feel weird. It came to a point that they didn't even remember that she was supposed to be a goddess of war, it was like the men couldn't understand how a woman could be the most beautiful being in the world and also be able to handle wars. So eventually that part of the story ended up lost in history.

Not only that but the greeks started to invent their own myths too, they didn't want to only listen but they also wanted to partake in the creation of their gods' stories, to a point in which Sprite's events became forgotten, which was really a shame, she enjoyed creating those myths and have the public listen to them, we could all tell that she was a little disappointed and sad for a while, but she also understood that the humans needed to progress on their own.

With the start of this new sudden wave of inspiration, they started to write an insane amount of myths and how did that exactly affect Aphrodite? Well, not well if I could say so. She was depicted as a cheater, making her married to Hephaestus, God of carpenters, craftsmen, and more, and cheat on him with Ares, God of war. It was kind of awkward, since Hephaestus was based on Phastos, of course, but to be fair they didn't know that I was supposed to be Aphrodite, Sprite did well by selling them a different name, she knew that I wouldn't like to be in the spotlight. She did make it obvious with Phastos, only to piss him off a bit and to force him to be a little more talkative with the humans. In the case of Thena and Ikaris, she didn't really care that much and he, well, he didn't mind the spotlight.

The whole me-cheating-on-Phastos thing became an inside joke around the group, especially around the sassy group of the Eternals (aka, Sprite, Gilgamesh, and Kingo) and so far I didn't really mind it, sometimes it was kinda funny, but this one specific person started to become a real pain in the ass and, of course, I'm talking about Druig. He sometimes would take it a little too far, but the funny thing is that he would only do it to piss ME off, he never really joked about it around the others.

The worst thing is, he knew that I knew that he was purposely trying to piss me off, not any other person, me.

And he was enjoying it like a motherfucker.

146 B.C, Greece

Rome officially conquered Rome this year, which is just a fancy way to say that there was a huge war that resulted in thousands of lives lost to the bloodthirst of the Man, the need of gaining power and territory was already palpable in humanity, but this was only another drop to the glass of water, which was just waiting to spill at any given moment. I didn't know about the others, but at least I was aware that this could happen any day.

I remember that we were hiding away from the war that was happening down in the city in the mountain of Lykavittos, just looking down at the scene, all the bloodshed that was happening right before our eyes without being able to do anything was starting to get into some of our nerves, except for Ajak and Ikaris, who just watched with a blank expression.

-It's time for us to go, there's nothing more that we can do for them. -said Ajak without a clear tone in her sentence, starting to turn around to go somewhere else.

-Are you sure that we can't help them? At least a little bit? -I said anxiously, knowing damn well that there were a lot of people who wouldn't make it to the next sunrise.

-I've explained it countless times Venus, we can't interfere in wars that aren't ours, or else they won't be able to evolve and grow from their mistakes. -she explained while giving me a stern look.

-I understand but, does it have to cost so many lives? Couldn't we help save at least some of them?

-I understand what you mean, but that wouldn't be fair for the others who don't get to live anyhow, would it?

-Yes but... she's right Ajak. -said Sersi, interfering in the conversation. -There are a lot of, I'm sorry, "insignificant" lives down there who are going to die for the sake of evolution, do they really need to die, even though they won't make it to be important at this point in History?.

-I get what you mean, but even though they aren't an important point at this time it doesn't mean their deaths aren't significant, they are the reason why this is tragic, the suffering of the humans is the key to their evolution, to learn from their mistakes.

-Do they really? -said Druig, with a clear upset face. -Do they learn from their mistakes? Because I'm starting to think that they don't. -I didn't really get along with him, especially since this last couple of years, but I couldn't help but feel sympathy for him, after all, we were agreeing on this subject.

-Okay, no, we are not having this conversation now, the soldiers are going to get here sometime soon, we need to leave, right now. -said Ajak with a stern look on her face, but I could tell that, deep down, she didn't want to leave the citizens alone either, but she probably felt troubled due to Arishem's orders.

-Well, when else are we going to have this conversation? How long are you going to avoid this issue Ajak? -I said, while slowly going up to her, we were distanced for a good amount of meters, we all were, it's like we were afraid that we were going to start getting physical, even though we all know that it isn't a possibility.

Right?

-Venus! -I heard Sprite shouting when I suddenly felt a sharp pain in my shoulder, which caused me to bend down while holding my injury with my other hand, that was when I realized, an arrow was piercing my shoulder.

I wasn't really paying attention to what was happening in my surroundings, but the moment I decided to look up at the scene I realized that the roman soldiers had finally reached our hiding spot, someone must've snitched to us, because we didn't think that they would actually reach the mountain that fast. The rest of the Eternals were too busy fighting the soldiers at that moment, of course, it was easy, the only issue was the fact that there were lots of them everywhere and they just kept coming up.

Just as I was going to try to get up, I was pushed down by someone, causing me to scream in pain due to the sudden contact with the ground that my injury had, that and the fact the arrow was also pushed, causing my shoulder to bleed more.

The soldier that was above me held his sword close to my face.

-We are going to kill all of you! -I could hear him scream, in Latin of course, and just as he was about to strike me, he stopped while looking at me with a different look on his face. What a couple of seconds ago was a face full of rage and madness, suddenly became a face of... astonishment? -You... you have to be a goddess, you must be a goddess!

-Venus! -I heard a male voice screaming and, suddenly, the soldier that was on top of me flopped to the side. There standing was Druig, standing with a rock in his hand, he must have hit the soldier in the head with it, could explain why he fainted. -Are you alright?.

-Well... -I moved my head to look at my, very obvious, bloody shoulder. -I don't know, I feel quite wonderful actually. -I said, with a sarcastic tone.

-Yeah, I can see that, c'mon, let's go, -He said while brutely holding my other arm, helping me to stand up in a jump, which made me stand up way too close to his body, at least too close for my liking.

-Hey, slow there Tiger. -I said jokingly.

-Oh please, like I would ever try to flirt with you. -He said with a "disgusted" tone.

-You don't know how many people would kill to be in your position. -I said proudly, like, yes, I know that I should be humble, but I knew my worth damn well enough to say that.

-Excuse me? You should be the one grateful to be standing so close to me, is the goddess of love starting to let her position get to her head? -I simply snorted.

-Oh really? As if anyone would fall on their knees for you.

-Maybe not anyone, but I know for a fact that you'll be the one on her knees asking for more contact soon. -He said, with his signature accent that could melt anyone in sight.

I didn't really want to admit it, but that sentence alone made my knees shake a bit and my throat was dry, out of astonishment, of course, not because of anything else...

I've never heard him talk to me like that, he would usually approach me just to make fun of me, but I've never heard him talk like that, not even with Makkari and I knew for a fact that he liked to jokingly flirt with her, but the comments were never this... spicy? If that's the word I'm looking for.

-Hey lovebirds! C'mon! We gotta go! -I heard Sprite yell to us, which made us immediately separate with an embarrassed look on our faces.

We immediately took off from Greece to our next destination without even talking about what had happened between us back there, we didn't even talk to each other during our travel.

Sometime later I found out, thanks to a traveler, that, apparently, the Romans practically copied the greek religion and, not only that, but they replaced Aphrodite's name with Venus.

That really confused me, I wonder how they knew what my real name was...

Chapter Text

After what happened in Greece Druig and I rarely ever spoke again, only for necessary circumstances of course, but that was pretty much it. Which I think only left me even more confused, like, at first we never really talked, then he started mocking me, then he said that back then in Athens and suddenly we just stopped talking, well, more like he started ignoring me. To be honest, it's not like I was running to talk with him, but anytime I had to forcefully talk with him he would just keep our conversation as short as possible and walk away from me, which I didn't know what that was about, after all, he is who created this awkwardness between us.

Anyway, everything remained the same between us, until Babylon, that's when things started to get weird...

275 B.C, Babylon

-On your left!- I yelled at Kingo while I was running to fight a Deviant, making fun of the fact that I was a better runner than him. Of course, I couldn't compare myself to Makkari, but I would take any chance to annoy Kingo.

After that, I immediately went up to the Deviant and I attacked it by making a Vine grow from the ground, one big enough to tackle it down. I could use any of the elements to attack, but plants were usually my favorite to use, especially because we were surrounded by fertile grounds. The only con to my powers was the fact that I could only use the elements if they were close enough, so, for example, I wouldn't be able to use water if I wasn't near a water source, funnily enough, Fire was the only exception to this rule, but I barely ever used it because it was way more destructive and I could lose control of it far easier.

-You're so annoying! You don't have to rub it on my face every time we have to fight! -Kingo yelled at me due to the long distance between us while he was using his cosmic energy to shoot at the Deviant.

-I know. -I said while I made sure to hold the Deviant down, allowing Thena to slice it open easily. -But it's way more fun.

Ikaris finally came down from the sky after defeating the other Deviant he was fighting with.

-I hate to agree, but it is fun to mock you once in a while. -he said while walking toward us. Kingo merely sighed dramatically, 'stunned' due to his best friend's confession.

Now, I loved making fun of Kingo, in a loving way of course, but the heat of the sun was already making me feel dizzy, it wasn't even Summer yet, but it was getting closer and it was pretty noticeable.

-Okay, so that's it for today, I'll give you mercy for now Kingo, but I need to go inside before I turn into a liquid state. -I said while stretching my arms a little, besides, Ajak probably was waiting for us to go tell her about what just happened with the Deviants.

-Yes please, it's way too hot right now, I'm dying for a shower. -said Gilgamesh, who straight-up started walking towards the gates.

-Just please don't run out of hot water again, you can leave your little concerts for later, but if I have to shower with cold water again I'll feed you to the Deviants myself. -said Thena, walking rapidly past us in her usual serious, but joking, tone. Because she was joking, right?

The rest of us just burst out laughing at Gil's embarrassed face as we entered the gates of Babylon. It seems that all of us had noticed except those two, but there was something definitely going on between them and, I'm not going to lie, I kinda dig it, I think they would be very cute together.

We entered the Domo alongside Ajak, which probably just had a meeting with Arishem, and we talked with her about the fight that just happened, which ended up with her congratulating us on our job, well, she said it while looking at Ikaris, so I don't know how to feel about that. It's not that I don't like him it's just that... something feels off, he's a great fighter, don't get me wrong, but he was always trying so hard to do anything better than everyone else, but he always played the modesty card. It also doesn't help the fact that Ajak has favoritism for him. She never admits it, and never would, but it's these little things that make it kinda obvious, also the fact that he's considered the strongest and the leader, aside from Ajak of course, while, to be honest, I think that Thena has the same capabilities to be in that position.

We arrived at the main room of the Domo, where we found Phastos who, apparently, was still working on his new project.

-Phastos, did you go to the party last night like I told you to?- Ajak said as soon as we entered the room.

-The party... yeah, it was...

-He worked all night. -Druig admitted while laughing at Phastos.

-Get a life. -I sighed while looking apologetically at Phastos. I knew that he needed to get out more, but I also understood that he loved his work more than anything. Druig just rolled his eyes in response. Like always, keeping our communication to a minimum necessary.

-Besides, where is Sersi?- Ajak asked while deciding to ignore what just happened. In the corner of my eye, I could see a distracted Ikaris turn his attention towards Ajak's question. I had been noticing lately a pattern, whenever Sersi was mentioned or whenever she talked during meetings his attention always turned towards her, there's probably something going on.

-Late, as usual. -said Sprite.

After that I just proceeded to zone out of the conversation, looking at a corner, without giving much attention to what was happening around me. That was when suddenly I felt something hit my head.

-Ouch! -I looked down to see what was thrown at me and there, lying on the floor, was an apple. I look around just to see Druig laughing his ass off. -What is your problem!?

-Oh, damn, you really didn't see it coming? You were zoning off so hard. -He said while holding his stomach in laughter, this grown-ass man really acts like a 5-year-old sometimes huh. 

While most of the Eternals that were there looked annoyed at Druig, either because of that stupid joke or because he had interrupted their conversation, I could see that Sprite was laughing along too, maybe even harder than him.

-So it's funny to you too huh? I expected you to be more mature than this thousand-year-old baby who can't even grow a beard. -I said in disbelief while looking at Sprite.

-Oh no... it's not that. -she said while trying to calm herself down. -You don't know what you just did, do you? -She looked at Druig expecting any kind of reaction, to which he just stared at her confused. -You just proposed to her!

-Wait, what? -He let out while looking... stunned? Or was he confused?

That's when it clicked to me and I burst out laughing. Back in Greece men started throwing apples at women to propose to them, of course, I knew of this habit, what kind of goddess of love would I be if I didn't know? It seems like it finally clicked on him.

-As if I ever would! Besides, we're not even in Greece! -He let out while rapidly leaving the room, probably completely embarrassed.

We finally stopped laughing when Ajak started talking.

-Well, now that this Circus is over, go take a shower and get ready everyone, there's another party tonight, and Phastos, I'll be personally making sure that you attend. -she said while looking at him with a smile.

Chapter Text

Night finally came and I made my way to the party, I didn't really get fancy or anything, I just wore my usual Eternal uniform and I braided my hair, which was a good arm workout considering how many little braids I had in my hair, it almost made me give up, but I ended up finishing the job.

Sprite was projecting illusions while telling stories, nothing new, just the usual, but it was always mesmerizing how good the illusions looked, so I just stood by, leaning on a column while watching the show. By the end of it, everyone was cheering and some people got up to drink or eat something, but the majority just wanted to drink anything that had alcohol in it.

I decided to go for a drink too while watching the scene, I usually liked going to these parties, but lately, I've been feeling kind of weird, like someone was watching me, it was probably just me being paranoid, but something in me told me to be careful and wary.

Aside from drinking, I liked to look around the humans, seeing their amused faces towards any type of our powers made me laugh, not in a making-fun-of-them way, but it made me kind of jealous, being able to be surprised over anything new was a feeling that I couldn't afford considering the fact that I've been alive for thousands of years, but who knows, maybe humanity will be able to surprise me.

Suddenly I heard lots of yelling and I turned my head towards the noise, it was a group of, what I assume, drunk men fighting. Well, this did surprise actually, but not for a good reason. I liked to see the good in the humans, but some of them were really questionable, sometimes I would catch myself questioning if it's really a good idea to let them evolve that much without control.

I was just immersed in my thoughts when I felt something, more like someone, grabbing me by my waist. I turned around shaken, it was another drunk man which couldn't even let a proper sentence out of his mouth.

-What do you think you're doing!? -I exclaimed agitated, I was trying to play it cool, because we're not supposed to be violent with the humans, but it was very obvious that I wasn't having any of it.

-Venus! -I heard a male voice from afar yelling at me, while also being able to see from the corner of my eye that two persons were coming toward me. Just then, the man, who looked like he was trying to say something but just couldn't articulate any words, not like I needed any explanations because by the way he was looking at me I could tell what he was trying to do, looked like he was going to get closer to me and by instinct I just punched him straight in the face, making him pass out on the floor.

Makkari put her hand on my shoulder with a worried look on her face.

-"I knew you were going to be okay dealing with this man, but I was still worried, are you okay?" -she signed.

-Yes don't worry, I'm completely fine, I'm just a little shaken, that's all.

-Well, it's normal, he caught you off guard. -said Druig, I just rolled my eyes thinking that he was messing with me, but he was looking at me with a serious stare.

-Well, that's it, it wasn't that serious after all...

In the corner of my eye, I could see a young woman coming toward us.

-I'm sorry to interrupt lady Venus, but lady Ajak requests your presence inside the Domo.

Fuck.

I swallowed a little, I was just praying that she was looking for me for any other reason other than the fact that I had just punched a human, but of course, that wasn't going to be the case.

-We'll go with you. -said Druig just before he started walking towards the Domo, without even waiting for us. Was he coming because he wanted to see the show? I don't know, but it was definitely going to be the show of the century, that's for sure.

Makkari just looked at me with an encouraging smile as she started walking, she was a really positive person and I loved her for it, but nothing was going to get me to be positive about this, I'm so screwed.

We finally entered the Domo and we reached Ajak, which was waiting for us, well, was waiting for me, with her arms crossed. There was an awkward silence until I decided to speak.

-Ajak I...

-I don't want to hear any apologies or explanations coming from you, just... Arishem, what were you thinking!?

-I was just defending myself!

-From a human? Venus, he's just a human! what the hell could he even do to you!? You didn't need to punch him!

-Their actions need consequences! Stop acting like you don't see how these men treat the women when we're not around!

I could sense it, anytime I would leave a group of women alone without any of the Eternals around they were either anxious or scared, of course I wasn't talking about all women, but the men were definitely getting out of control, they were getting greedier and more jealous of each other each day and now they felt the need to feel more powerful than the women. And no, this wasn't anything new, it's always been like this since I don't know how many hundreds of years ago.

-They need to learn from their own mistakes to evolve, we can't intervene and you know that well enough already.

-But at what cost?

-Ajak, you know she's right. -intervened Druig. -How many people have to suffer in order for them to evolve? Wouldn't it be easier for us to just...

-Enough! -yelled Ajak and I couldn't help but flinch a little, I had never seen her act this way. -This is part of Arishem's plan and we need to comply with his orders, this is for the greater good, Arishem wouldn't make us do this without a good reason, or are you questioning his plans for this planet?

We just stayed there silent, of course I believed in Arishem's plan, but this... This was so hard to do, to just stay there silent without doing anything to help.

-That's what I thought... I hope this situation doesn't happen again, I would want to let you go, but I need to put a sanction on you because of your actions. Venus, I'm sorry, but you're not going into the battlefield until further notice.

I was going to complain, but I just decided to keep my mouth shut. She knew I loved going into battle and... Well, I guess I deserved that sanction, maybe I was just overreacting...

Or at least that's what I was trying to make myself believe.

-You are dismissed.

Chapter Text

It had been a week since the incident passed and half an hour ago some Deviants were sighted getting closer to the walls of Babylon, so the rest of my comrades who were fighters went out to find and kill them. Not me, of course, I was still sanctioned and bored to death with nothing to do, I wasn't even given a task, I dare to say that Ajak did it on purpose because she knew I was already rotting with boredom, but not being able to do anything more was killing me.

I wandered around the city with no purpose until I grew tired and decided to sit outside while leaning against a tree while reading a book, besides this would help me to be more fluent in the language, I could only understand it more than speaking it so I was hoping that this would be a good enough distraction. After around 20 minutes of trying to focus on the book I gave up and threw it on my side frustrated.

-What has that book done to you? -I heard a male voice say startling me. I turned around to see Druig standing in front of me.

-It's a me problem more than anything... What are you doing here?

-I guess I'm just as bored as you are and came out here, but looks like someone already took my hiding spot. -as he said that I turned around while looking at all the trees surrounding us.

-Well it's not like there aren't any other trees around where you could sit...

-Oh yeah I know, but arguing with you is at least entertaining and it's better to pass the time. -I sighed, this man I swear to Arishem... -So, are you moving?

-Will you shut up if I do?

-Um... Probably.

I just decided to stop complaining and I sat by another tree, I held my book and tried to read it again while ignoring Druig's presence, but the silence didn't last very long.

-What are you reading?

-Didn't you say you were going to shut up?

-I didn't confirm nor deny, I only said it could be possible.

Fair enough.

-So... What are you reading?

-... I have no idea. -I proceeded to throw the book, again, to my side. -Why are you being so talkative today Druig? What's gotten into you? Are you having a heat stroke?

-Well, I was thinking about what happened the other day and... Look, I know we don't really get along, but I agree with you on what happened.

-I think this is the first time in centuries that we're agreeing on something, this is historical. -I commented sarcastically, he looked a little bit annoyed and I sighed. -Okay, I admit that it feels better knowing that you and Makkari agree with me.

-Alright, I can settle with that I guess. -he said while still standing up next to me.

-Weren't you going to sit down?

-Oh no, I just wanted to annoy you earlier, but I can sit down if you want me to. -I snorted, it hadn't been 5 minutes since we had started talking but he was already annoying me.

-Do I really want to though? It's weird that you want to spend your time around me, are you planning something?

-No, for the first time in my life I'm not, is that so hard to believe? -I was going to answer but he stopped me right away. -Wait no, never mind, don't respond to that.

I couldn't help but chuckle a little, it was nice to have a normal conversation with Druig without him making fun of me, it was rare, but it was nice.

When I looked back at him, I saw that he was smiling. That's weird, at least for me, never in the thousands of years we've been on Earth have I ever seen him smiling while talking to me. I couldn't help but stare, I wouldn't admit it to him, but he was... handsome, especially when he didn't act like an ass like he usually does. He had blue eyes, but not the standard blue like usual, those light blue eyes reminded me of the sky on a calm evening in which you just want to sit down on the porch and read a book, a really comforting thought which I didn't know where it came from, I guess I've never seen him on that perspective before. 

But at the same time, when he was mad or arguing, which I've seen a lot, his eyes looked like a storming sea, the kind that makes you afraid because it feels like you're sinking like you're drowning with no escape. But at the same time, am I afraid of going down? Or am I afraid that I will like it? That I'll become addicted to that feeling.

I suppose that I had been staring for too long because he suddenly asked me;

-Is my face that distracting? -he asked while letting out a chuckle. -Never thought I would catch you admiring my beauty.

-I wasn't "admiring your beauty", you moron. -I said scoffing. -It's just... I never realized your eyes were blue.

-You're going to need to have a little chat with Phastos, you need something for that terrible eyesight, it's either that or you're just plain stupid. -There he is, the Druig we all know and lo- hate, we hate.

-I mean that I never realized that it was that shade of blue you idiot, I was just making an observation.

-Well, I'll allow you to keep looking in my eyes to continue that statement. -He said while sitting right next to me.

He was so close that I could feel his breath caress my cheek, I didn't know where this was coming from, this whole situation was just plain weird, but did I mind it? I wasn't really sure, but if this would allow me to keep looking into his eyes then I didn't mind it.

-So? Do you have any more observations miss Venus? -he said with a cheeky smile, god, he annoyed me so much, but at the same time I... kind of liked it.

I didn't realize that he would be one to have a flirty personality, well, aside from what happened in Greece of course. But this was different, he was trying to annoy me, sure, but at that moment we were fighting, right now it felt more playful than anything.

Before I could even dare to say anything, Makkari appeared and I instinctively moved away from Druig, to which he reacted with a confused frown. Why is acting all confused? Did he really expect me to stay in that position while Makkari was here?