Bitter Sweet

A big thanks to Kerensa for beta-ing for me! :) )


“Quit crowdin me.” Strife muttered edgily. Joxer watched as he shoved yet another person backwards and he had to hold back his laughter at Hercules’ incredulous expression. People normally lined up for the hero’s help not pushed him away and considering he didn’t often give his help to the Godly members of his family he seemed to have expected an all out welcome. Much as Ares and Cupid both were surprised and more then a little pleased (hidden of course) that the hero was actually trying to help Strife, if Strife didn’t want to be crowded he wouldn’t be crowded.

Joxer offered Hercules an almost apologetic look, almost but not quite. He wasn’t sure, after Gabrielle’s little outburst, that Strife would be entirely safe around Hercules. Tartarus he wasn’t even sure he was. Luckily Hercules hadn’t seemed to have clicked that Joxer actually was pregnant, despite Xena picking up on it straight away. Much as Joxer respected the hero’s abilities, brains weren’t his strong point.

He kept far enough away from Strife so as not to be crowding him, but close enough to lend silent support to the God. He watched and silently winced in sympathy as Strife gripped Cupid’s hands.

“The pains are strongah now.” Strife worried his lip slightly “But it’s not ta bad.”

Joxer watched the anxious glances between Ares and Cupid and winced as Ares began shouting mentally for Acelepious, he was slightly relieved to see a slight smile forming on Strife’s lips as he listened to the threats and curses. Joxer felt the severely annoyed God’s entrance before he actually appeared in a swirl of green.

Acelepious opened his mouth to retort with something extremely scathing when he was distracted by the now-laughing mischief God groaning and bending double. In an instant he was at Strife’s side, settling for merely shooting Ares a very dirty look. Much to his own amusement, Joxer could see a slightly apologetic look forming on Ares’ face, hastily changed when he realised the four mortals were present.

Cupid was hanging over Strife’s shoulder, almost vibrating with anticipation and nervousness, poor Iolaus looked extremely uncomfortable wedged back into the sofa and Strife had gone a whiter shade of his normal pale. Joxer had to give Acelepious credit, not only was he refusing to acknowledge both Ares and Cupid, who had inched closer and were now almost on top of him, he also ignored the demanding voice of Hercules, pressing for answers and the shrill whine of Gabrielle moaning to Xena. Joxer was very impressed with Xena, not only had she figured out his pregnancy before anyone of the others but she was actually shooting her unrepentant lover annoyed glances.

Joxer watched as Acelepious slowly moved his hands up and down Strife’s belly, he felt more then a little sorry for the God. Acelepious was obviously exhausted after delivering three babies in a day and he was having to now check over Strife, something he obviously didn’t mind but Joxer knew he was probably wishing for Hera’s help. Something Ares had already warned Acelepious about not having, the tension in the room was bad enough.

He started out of his musings as Acelepious finally took his hands from Strife’s bump, “I don’t think he’s ready to some out just yet, maybe a few more days. Your body is just preparing itself Strife, like we talked about?” He said, relieved. “You’d better rest up in bed until then, here would be best.” He advised Cupid who’d been about to pick his lover up.

Joxer frowned slightly, glad that Cupid asked the question “Why can’t I take him home? I’ll stay with him all the time, he’ll be alright. Don’t you think I can look after him as well?” he asked a touch of jealousy in his voice.

Ares stiffened slightly as if moving to defend his son and Joxer laid a hand on his arm, not restraining him but just touching. It was enough to relax Ares and give Acelepious time to answer.

“It’s not a question of looking after him Cupid, I don’t want Strife moved too far. So you can’t carry him and I don’t think it’s a good idea to start transporting him around, if he gets hit by another power surge midway, anything could happen.” Acelepious gently reminded him. “It won’t be more then a few days and then you’ll be able to take them both home.” He turned to Strife, hearing a slight noise from him. “Sorry to talk over your head Strife, but I think Cupid was about to get a little territorial on me.”

Joxer smiled slightly at the flush that stood out on Cupid’s cheeks. “So I’m going to have company?” he grinned again tightening his grip on his lover’s arm slightly as he saw hurt flickering in his eyes. “Ares is really busy with….everything.” he amended not wanting to go into detail.

Ares nodded as he realised what Joxer meant, whilst Ares was working to protect everyone Joxer would feel less lonely with Strife for company. Ares himself would feel more secure knowing someone, albeit a bedridden someone, was with his lover. He turned slightly, feeling the surprise coming from his daughter as the twin demands of both Hercules and Gabrielle were stepped up a pace, as they both tried to move forward and confront Joxer.

“You’re staying here Joxer, have you any idea how twisted Ares is?” Hercules at least sounded genuinely concerned for him and then there was Gabrielle.

“Ares and Strife as company? What are you doing Joxer? Letting yourself be coerced and manipulated by these …people!”

Hercules was stopped in his path by Xena’s right boot twisting around his which sent the demigod to the floor, which unfortunately, well timed and funny as it was, let Gabrielle slip through. Iolaus moved quickly to intercept her as Ares also moved forward. Mentally Joxer asked them both to stop, giving himself a mental pat on the back as he managed it. Ares agreed reluctantly, as long as he could be close enough to stop her trying anything again and Iolaus agreed because he was spooked to hear a voice in his head, especially Joxer’s.

Joxer rolled his eyes as he turned to face her, Gabrielle could be a lovely person, but only if you were on her side. If you went against her or did something she didn’t approve of, you were in for it.

He crossed his hands over his belly, unconsciously protecting the life within, he felt the baby stir slightly as Gabrielle got within touching distance, Iolaus and Ares ready to grab her. There was a loud pop, a flash of turquoise and Gabrielle shot backwards, once again propelled away from Joxer and on top of Hercules. Joxer tried not to laugh as she stood up on shaky legs and moved to try again. Another flash and she was back on the floor. He shot Ares an innocent look even as Strife smirked in the corner, catching the mischief vibes. Despite Gabrielle being his friend once, he wasn’t going to tell her to keep her distance for her own good.

He turned back to Strife ignoring the warm flush that ran through him yet again as a flash of turquoise lit up the room behind him and a slightly muted moan came from Gabrielle. He could see his lover wavering between keeping an eye on Gabrielle and looking out for his nephew.

Acelepious had been standing there with a perplexed look. He was still obviously confused and a little worried as to what was going on but he obviously assumed Ares was stopping Gabrielle.

“What’s going on? Ares what are you doing? We need to move Strife.” His voice suggested ‘and we’re playing around here for what?’

Ares was starting to get wound up from the accusations his half brother was throwing at him and couldn’t even muster a smile as Xena tripped Hercules again as he got up. Cupid was looking worriedly from Joxer to his lover and Strife was looking worriedly at Joxer, who in turn was watching Strife. Iolaus hesitantly stepped forward and sensing the mounting tension quickly explained that Cupid had brought them for their protection something some of the others, meaning not him and obviously now not Xena, were angry about, that Gabrielle had lost her temper upon seeing someone she’d been worried about, the staff incident and the weird blue light that kept beating her back..

Joxer slowly watched Acelepious’ face change from confused, to attentive and then to pure fury before becoming expressionless. Joxer had only ever seen that face once, when he was visiting Eris and one of Ares’ warlords had barged in and been rude and obnoxious reducing her to tears, something she later blamed on hormones.

With a wave of his hand the offending duo disappeared and before Xena or Iolaus could protest he moved forward to scan Joxer’s stomach, mentally calling on Hera’s help. Joxer saw them both bite their tongues, though Xena did seem relieved. He watched her shift her focus to his stomach and Ace’s ministrations. He knew without truly knowing that she wouldn’t attack him or be unkind to him. Thinking back on it, Xena had never been unkind to him, she’d been tense and short and a little impatient but it was who she was and he was accepted that, and she seemed to be accepting him. At least that’s what the thoughtful smile that formed on her lips seemed to say.

He shifted his attention briefly to Iolaus who was looking from Acelepious to Joxer to Acelepious’ hands and then to Joxer’s stomach. Joxer grinned slightly as the blond man opened his mouth but no sound came out. He looked stunned, completely floored, the stunned expression grew to knew depths as Ares put his arms around Joxer hugging him from behind.

Ares scowled at both Xena and Iolaus as if they dared pulled Joxer away and looked mildly let down as his daughter merely raised an eyebrow and nodded, a thoughtful expression that suggested ‘lets talk’ on her face.

Acelepious stood up, looking relieved “Joxer’s fine, the baby’s fine.” He said in confirmation as Hera flashed into the room.

Joxer was slightly worried to see Hera there and it grew a little more when he saw the Acelepious whisper something to her. At first she looked royally pissed off and started angrily suggesting ways to punish Gabrielle, forgetting about Hercules even being on Olympus in her anger. A not so subtle mental reminder jolted her into what she was actually there for and she ran her hands over the bulge of Joxer’s belly, frowned and ran her hands over Joxer’s body.

Joxer stayed absolutely still whilst she carefully swept her hands over him, feeling a slight shiver as he did, it wasn’t unpleasant just disconcerting. He could vaguely hear Acelepious explaining to Xena and Iolaus where he had sent Gabrielle and Hercules. Neither seemed too upset about the their friends being locked up tight in an empty temple, even if it was devoid of anything for either to break.

As Hera continued her scan, Iolaus and Strife struck up a conversation; the blond man was still not completely over his shock. But Xena had cornered Cupid to talk too, so Strife, feeling slightly sorry for the man, started to explain in a low voice about the newest turn of godly events. Strife left out why and how and just concentrated on the godly couples and the babies they were having.

Joxer was glad to see the two warming up to each other as Iolaus hesitantly interjected questions. He could sympathise with the man, especially as he was unknowingly, because nothing had been announced, one of Joxer’s followers. Iolaus was innocent in love. Ladies man or not and not a virgin by far, most of his life he’d never been able to have the ones he fell in love with, and despite numerous affairs he’d never found someone to reciprocate it. He’d spent the last few years mooning over Hercules, until a few weeks ago he’d come to the sad conclusion that nothing would ever happen.

That’s why he was glad to see him getting on with Strife. It meant he’d broken out of Hercules worship and was starting to think for himself again. From Hercules’ tales and some none too happy encounters, he’d labelled Strife according to Hercules’ ideas. Admittedly Iolaus had been caught in Strife’s crossfire when tormenting Hercules and both his mother and Ares plot involving the demi-god. If it hadn’t been for Aphrodite and Cupid keeping him actually liking the Gods he would have turned his back on them too.

Now Iolaus was listening, really listening to Strife, asking him about the baby and Cupid, which made Strife blush deeply and coming to a new understanding of the God; just as Strife was coming to a new understanding of Iolaus.

The mischief god still wasn’t a hundred percent in the ‘Iolaus fanclub’ but he was slowly getting to know and like the man and knowing about his unrequited love, planning some more ‘Hercules torment’.


Xena had cornered her brother. Not in an unfriendly militant manner but in the ‘that’s my friend and that’s our father’ and they are having a baby?' Please explain’ kind of way.

“Fine, absolutely fine and just as you thought.” Hera spoke softly glancing at Acelepious “I’ll have to talk about this with Zeus, I think he needs to consult the fates again, they’ve been in seclusion long enough.”

“And that is exactly as he thought.” Ares interjected, his arms still wrapped around Joxer’s, his body was shaking slightly with suppressed anger at being left out of it all. Joxer pressed back against him feeling his lover ease slightly and looked at Hera, who looked at Acelepious, who looked at Hera again who seemed loathe to answer. The conversation had stilled rapidly at Strife’s end of the room, as he and Cupid picked up on the worry and fear from Joxer and Ares. Both Xena and Iolaus felt the tension too and kept silent.

Seeing her son’s suppressed fury and his lover’s anxiety Hera sighed. With a thought she conjured up a set of sofa’s and motioned everyone to sit down, she checked with Ares about the sanity of keeping Xena and Iolaus in the room when they couldn’t understand and may or may not inform Hercules, but Ares merely glared and used his godly powers to seat both Iolaus and Xena.

Taking that as answer, Hera waited as Ares and Joxer hurriedly seated themselves next to Cupid and Strife. Joxer felt his lover’s arms encircle him once more and he relaxed slightly as Ares laid his hand protectively on his belly.

Hera didn’t keep them waiting for long, annoyance and silent promises of a world of bad if she didn’t get a move on, were coming from all directions and contrary to popular belief she wasn’t a masochist. “The baby’s fine, perfectly healthy in every way.” She glanced at Acelepious who took a seat next to Iolaus “There's nothing to worry about, Acelepious was just a little concerned over a few things.” She conjured herself a chair and sat down.

“She’s not growing as fast as the other babies but that’s not dangerous or detrimental to either of you.” She smiled at Joxer who managed a smile back. He was still on edge waiting for the ‘but’.

“She’s not growing as slow as a normal baby either but if she keeps the speed of her growth steady we’re are looking at at least four more months, maybe even five.“ She held up her hand, sensing Strife’s unasked question. “I know Strife and the Goddesses have experience growth spurts and by all means I could be wrong, but from what Acelepious and I can tell, your child,” she looked at Joxer and Ares intently and Joxer felt his lover stiffen.

“Your child” she continued “Isn’t siphoning off the power and energy when she’s hit with it, that’s why her growth isn’t as advanced.” She glanced at Acelepious again “We were going to keep a more steady eye on it,” she admitted. “But we didn’t have enough time. When the bursts hit, half of the goddesses stomachs doubled in size, Aphrodite, Athena and Persphone have even given birth, well ahead of their predicted times. More boys,” she smiled slightly “Athena’s son is Myron,” her smile became a smirk. “Hades and Persphone were going to call their boy Gregorio but for some reason Demeter wasn’t happy with it. They’ve settle on Xanthos for now, and she’s becoming a very doting grandmother.”

She sighed “I’m going to have a word with Zeus; he can go and see the fates because I’m sure there’s more to this then either of us can actually see.” Joxer was digging his (admittedly short) nails into Ares hand waiting for the rest of it.

Hera didn’t disappoint “I wasn’t sure I would be able to sense it this time or even make any sense of it but once the baby used her own Godly powers it allowed me to sense what she was Goddess of.” She took a breath and looked around.

Joxer felt his lover’s frown before he heard it in his voice “I didn’t think unborn godlings could use their powers like this, like our daughter has.” Joxer leant back against Ares revelling silently in the words ‘our daughter’ as Ares continued “I know they have the bracelets but I thought that was to stop them influencing, changing destinations mid transport and messing with their Godly powers. I’ve never heard of a Godling actually protecting their parent from within the womb. Cupid used to bring Aphrodite to me or Heph when she was feeling depressed because she linked to us, but nothing like this.”

Hera nodded “I know this is unprecedented,” she admitted “But then this is something we’ve never dealt with before. The children are Godly but they carry their own symbol set. Each child has a dual one. Your daughter, Strife’s son, your other son…” Joxer saw Xena’s eyes widen at this and momentarily flick to Joxer, checking that he was alright with it. Joxer smiled slightly and snuggled back against Ares, appeasing her.

Hera continued “You daughter is the only one to do this so far. I don’t know how she is doing it but it’s linked to her Godhood.”

Joxer leant forward slightly and he felt Ares still against him “What’s her Godhood?” he asked softly.

Hera smiled slightly “Slightly strange; from what I can tell she shares one godhood with her brother Alexi, Aphrodite’s son,” she added in a murmur for both Xena and Iolaus’ benefit before continuing “Alexi is the God of Passion but he shares with Leonie, the symbol of hope, making them jointly the God and Goddess of Hope.”

Joxer heard Ares breath exhale slightly as he hugged Joxer a little tighter, Joxer didn’t need to look at his lover to know he was barely holding onto his pride. His son was the God of Passion and Hope and his daughter was Goddess of Hope and…”And what?” he asked flushing slightly as Hera looked at him.

She smiled slightly “Imagination. She’s the Goddess of Hope and Imagination,.”

Joxer was stunned and Ares wasn’t too far away. The words didn’t mean much too Xena or Iolaus but even Strife and Cupid looked taken aback. Holding the Godhood of Imagination meant his daughter literally had the Halls of Imagination. She was protector of, user of and Goddess of. “That’s why she took me there, the first time, remember Ares?” He turned to his lover slowly “She took us there both times.”

Hera nodded “She’s a part of the Halls of Imagination and she’s the only one they will respond too.”

Ares eyes flicked back to his mother “When I was training at being God of War, I used to redirect power back into my sword, is that what she’s doing with the halls? Is that how they were active whilst we were there?”

Acelepious, who had remained silent throughout nodded “Unlike the others she didn’t have to absorb all the power from the bursts, she didn’t have to grow as they have. She’s been managing the power into the halls and taking it back in bits when she needed it, when Gabrielle attacked her for instance.”

Ares sat back, looking Joxer up and down. Joxer stilled slightly waiting for him to say anything. Then Ares pulled him against him for a soul-shattering kiss. Joxer closed his eyes, returning the kiss with enthusiasm as they both explored each others mouths.

*cough*

The two broke apart, Joxer blushing deeply as Ares pulled him back against him and their gaze swivelled around to Hera. “That’s one smart and powerful daughter we have there,” Ares’ proud voice murmured in his ear. “And if she’s anything more like you,” he nipped Joxer’s ear, “She’ll be more perfect then she already is.”

Joxer grinned still blushing deeply. Both Cupid and Strife look pleased for them but there was no surprise at their display there. Xena and Iolaus however…..Xena was appraising them silently but she gave Joxer a small smile and a nod.

“We have a lot to talk about,” she murmured unsure where her loyalties would lie. She was happy they’d found each other and about the baby but at the end of it all, Ares was still War, something she had no intention of fighting for and something she wasn’t sure she should trust.

Joxer nodded hearing Ares reply for him “We all need to.” he corrected as his daughter nodded.

Iolaus looked….Joxer studied him, somewhere between shocked and lustful. He grinned, already starting to look at people even if it was Ares and him. He’d have to talk to Cupid about starting up Iolaus’ love life again, he seemed to be getting over Hercules faster then Joxer had thought he would.

Hera coughed again and sighed at the men in front of her. She stood up gracefully. “You may want to fill these children in..” she indicated Xena and Iolaus who looked put out. “And the other two, although, Gaea forbid, anyone else should hear this, Hercules may prove easier to convince then that bard. Now I must see Zeus about the fates and you…” she gestured to Acelepious who was looking more tired then ever. “Should go home to Eris, she’ll sort you out.” With a wave she flashed him out and then flashed towards her husband in search of answers.

Cupid stood up and slowly helped the heavily pregnant Strife up. Both Ares and Joxer could see how tired the god had become. “Take down the wall between your rooms here Cupid,” Ares advised. “And try to get some rest.” He looked at Strife. “If you need anything just yell.”

Strife nodded slightly half buried against his boyfriend who was flapping his wings slightly to keep them balanced. Cupid nodded and shot Ares a grin before slowly supporting his burdened boyfriend.

Ares waited till they had left the wall and entered their room, as he felt his grandson arrive he turned back to Xena and Iolaus. Joxer cuddled up to his side, tired from the days activities.

As Joxer snoozed, cuddled up against him Ares took a deep breath, he’d explain to Hercules and Gabrielle later. He began with “It all started with a message from the fates…..”