Work Text:
Olympus was sparkling.
The torches that lined the streets glowed bright and pure. Their smoke rose up with the sweet scent of nectar and the soft melody of laughter, rising like an offering. Except there was no one above to appreciate it. They were already on top of the world.
Two young demigods swayed gently together, just a little away from the festivities. No one would have noticed them in the crowd of gods and goddesses. No one would have seen how the boy held the girl as if she was water in his hands. No one would have seen how the girl leaned into him like he was the only thing keeping her upright. No one would have noticed them at all.
Except two people were watching.
The first woman stood from a distance and narrowed her steely grey eyes. Had either demigod noticed they might have been frightened by her pointed gaze. They might have sensed the disapproval that radiated from her.
The second woman walked up beside her and sighed contently. She watched the young demigods with a deep fondness. A perfect smile broke across her perfect face.
‘You did this, Aphrodite,’ the first woman said icily.
Aphrodite waved her hand. ‘You give me too much credit, Athena. I do not create. I only encourage what is already there.’
The Muses transitioned to a new song but the demigods stayed as they were. The boy whispered something in the girl’s ear. The girl laughed. Their rhythm did not change.
‘I told him to stay away,’ Athena said. ‘Perhaps he needs a reminder.’
‘Leave them, sister,’ Aphrodite said softly, a single tear tracing down her cheek. ‘We both know it will only get darker from here.’