Little Perceptions, A Mythology Fan Story:Chapter 2
Title: Little Perceptions, A Mythology Fan Story
Summary: Cupid knows lots of things concerning love and relationships. And he cannot be fooled.
Characters/Pairings: Main!Apollo/Artemis, Cupid/Psyche. Implied!Zeus/Hera, Aphrodite/Hephaestus, Hades/Persephone, Onesided!Hermes/Artemis, Onesided!Ares/Aphrodite
Warning: TWINCEST…and some other incest couples..(c’mon, this is GREEK MYTHOLOGY every relationship is practically incest =__=), Grammatical Errors and Tense Errors (can’t seem to get these things right >.>)
Genre: Romance, attempted Humor, and a bit of Drama
A/N: So this is the second of my little story. I was expecting that this will be the last installment for this but Apollo and Artemis AND Zeus was making me write more. It was seriously hard trying to decipher what’s in my head for the three of them…phew. Anyway here’s the continuation of Little Perceptions!
Enjoy~
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CHAPTER 2
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Olympus.
When one hears the word, the person would be wide eyed in wonder at how an amazing place that mountain is. It is where the gods live. It is the place where they have their arguments, where they rejoice, and where they just consort with each other.
Amidst all the wonders and perfections of Olympus, the gods doesn’t have anything better to do, thus them being prone to rumors out of boredom.
The famous rumors of the place usually revolve around Zeus and his never ending appetite for new women to come his way and how Hera will react to it. Some even place bets on how long the ‘secret’ relationship can last without Hera interfering it and place a curse upon the unfortunate creature who had stolen Zeus’s attention.
The rumors can go from how long Athena and Ares can be in a truce with each other to the sleeping partners of the different gods.
Now, the most recent rumor is about a certain sun god and his twin.
Nobody knows why Artemis is suddenly avoiding her twin and why Apollo seems to act like a dejected puppy all of a sudden. It seems that the sun god had lost his shine and the moon goddess refuse to talk with him or to even see him.
Cupid frowned at the development of the situation. His plan was to make them realize their spark with each other using his power, they will have numerous heart-throbbing moments, they will confess, and they can be one of the few couples here in Olympus that really does love each other. He was not expecting that a complication like this will happen and for rumors to start quickly just a week after he had struck the twin gods.
The rumors were that Artemis saw Apollo do something which had hurt her deeply; the question was what had Apollo do to have such a reaction to the strong willed goddess.
When asked, Cupid feigned ignorance to the rumors so he can gather more information about the couple. The rumors say that Apollo had been sleeping with one of the nymphs which Artemis despises. Another rumor say that it was actually Artemis’ fault for accusing Apollo of seeing one of her huntress followers. He knows that the rumors are probably not too far from the real reason, but he could only guess.
Well, the only way to know the problem is to talk to the ones involved in it.
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Cupid went to his shared bedroom with his wife and saw her sitting in front of the mirror and was fixing her hair.
“Psyche, can you do me a favor?”
Psyche turned to look at her husband after she had fixed her long light brown hair into a bun.
“What is it dear?”
Cupid felt really frustrated at himself as he stared helplessly at his wife. He doesn’t usually need to interfere with love affairs but Apollo and Artemis are different. The rumors are getting worse and the bond between the two is at stake.
“I was wondering if you can have a conversation with Artemis?” He asked
Psyche sat down on their bed and looked thoughtfully at him “You plan on helping her with her problem do you?” she asked back
Cupid sighed. He cannot hide anything from her.
“Yes, her problem is partially my fault”
“How come?”
He sat down beside her “It’s a long story Pysche”
She faced him and placed a hand on top of his “It’s alright, we have time”
Cupid nodded and proceeded on telling her what he had done between the two gods.
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Artemis is doing everything that she can to avoid Apollo at all cost. She doesn’t want to see him nor talk to him.
She’s currently on the Mortal world, sitting on one of the rocks near the pond. She ended up using hunting as her alibi to avoid her brother in which she didn’t intend to happen; but after seeing her brother always at Olympus and usually at his room, it was best to go down and avoid his path.
Her gaze was directed to the clear blue water of the lake which reminded her of her brother’s clear blue eyes. She sighed and looked up at the sky to see the sun, it was not shining that brightly for the past week and she knows the reason why.
Their argument for the past 7 days had hurt her deeply which had surprised even herself. Him saying that it was a mistake to love her had wounded her heart badly that she needed the time to heal it. Being alone helped and hunting had removed him from her thoughts. She was also grateful for the silent encouragement of Hermes. She didn’t tell him her reason why she felt so broken but he just accepted it. He had come as a friend and he usually brings a smile on her face by his kindness. But she can’t help but compare the two from time to time in which she is greatly ashamed of.
“Artemis”
She looked up and saw Hermes flying down towards her
“What is it friend?” she asked as she stood up from the rock
“Psyche had wanted me to give you a message. She said that she would like to have a little snack with you at Persephone’s garden later” He said as Artemis greeted him with a hug.
“I see, her company is always welcome” She smiled
Hermes nodded “You’re hunting again?” He asked as he eyed her dirty clothes and messy hair.
Artemis nodded and looked at her bow “It seems that I have gone a bit rusty from taking a break at hunting for long”
Hermes sighed “You don’t get rusty at hunting Artemis, you’re a huntress it’s what you do” his eyes showed that he was worried as he looked at her “You are troubled and you make hunting as an excuse”
“Don’t think about it Hermes” Artemis grinned at him “Everything is fine” she said and had patted her chest to maximize the effect.
Hermes shook his head and held her cheek “You know that you can always talk to me and tell me everything”
Artemis noticed how intense his gaze was on hers which she just avoided by looking at everything except him. “And I thank you for that Hermes” She replied courtly.
He felt the uneasiness as Artemis replied to him and he nodded slowly. He removed his hand away from her cheek and smiled; albeit sadly.
“It’s best if you head back now. Psyche was preparing snacks when she had told me her message”
“I see, thank you Hermes” She nodded at him and gave him a small smile.
Hermes gave her a fleeting but wistful look before he took off and flew away.
“I’m sorry Hermes” She whispered as she stared at her reflection. After a few moments of silence with her thoughts wondering close to her brother, she slapped herself lightly and forced a smile.
“I better freshen up” She stripped off her clothes and began wading in the cool water
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The room was dark and the atmosphere was heavy, a figure is seen sitting on the floor while he leans on the wall. He was holing a full wine glass with numerous bottles scattered around his room.
“My goodness, what are you doing to yourself Apollo?” Cupid asked as he hopped down in the room from the window.
Apollo looked at him with narrowed bloodshot eyes “What are you doing here?”
“Is it wrong to visit a friend?” He retorted
Cupid looked around warily and saw how the room was almost devoid of life. The bed was not slept on, the sheets were not crumpled and dust was setting on the usually over used table. The sun god himself looks dead. His hair was unkempt, his face looked so pale and his usually lively eyes were dull with purple bags underneath. He sighed and sat beside Apollo who was now downing his nth full glass of wine.
“Care to tell me what is wrong?”
Apollo closed his eyes and leaned his head on the wall.
“And what would you do if I tell you? Do you think you can help me?”
Cupid shrugged “Maybe I could”
Apollo scoffed “As much as I would like the help. I don’t trust the god of love trifling with my love life”
Cupid raised an eyebrow “Oh so it is about love”
Apollo raised his head to glare at him “I did not invite you to my room, or for you [to inquire what is happening to me. I think it’s best if you leave me alone”
“And leave you alone here to wallow in pity?” Cupid asked “Suit yourself. But know that you are not solving your problem with this. Pitiful”
As he was about to stand up, he was pulled back by Apollo’s hard grip on his arm
“Don’t you dare pity me Cupid” Apollo hissed as his nails dug on his skin.
Cupid did not even flinch and snatched his arm back “Then don’t act pitiful. You should know that acting like this will not solve anything.”
“But she’s avoiding me! How can I talk to her? She won’t listen” Apollo sighed and clasped his hands over his eyes.
Cupid bended down and patted his shoulders “You are aware that out of everyone here in Olympus, you know your sister best?” Apollo looked at Cupid’s eyes in wonder “So you should know how to appease her best. Besides, aren’t you known to be good with the ladies? I’m sure you can come up with a good solution to this problem”
After he gave Apollo a comforting smile, he flew out of the window before he can reply.
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“It is nice for you to invite me for snack Psyche” Artemis smiled as she sat down on the offered seat.
Psyche smiled back at her and offered her a pastry which she gladly accepted
“Thank you for coming in such a short notice Artemis”
Artemis thanked her and sipped her tea
“What do you want to talk about?” Artemis nonchalantly asked as she calmly looked at the goddess
“Well you see Artemis, I know that I shouldn’t be privy with your affairs but I have been hearing these rumors about you” Psyche started
Artemis almost groaned out loud “Is this about Apo- my twin?”
Psyche noticed the hesitance of Artemis to say Apollo’s name
“Yes” She nodded “Are you two in a fight?”
Artemis sighed and placed the tea cup down “If we were going to talk about him, I shouldn’t have come. I’m sorry Psyche but if that is the case then I should go” She stood up
“Please Artemis. I really want to help” Psyche looked at her sincerely. Artemis looked at her intently and saw Psyche’s sincere eyes. She sighed and sat back down. “What do you want to know” she asked softly
“I was just wondering why you won’t talk to him” Psyche asked kindly and was relieved that she didn’t go away.
“He- Something happened”
Psyche raised an eyebrow “Did he say something to hurt you?”
Artemis sighed. Psyche really is perceptive with these kinds of things.
“Yes, he did”
“I see”
Psyche took a calming sip of tea “Don’t you think he wants to explain himself to you?”
Artemis nodded “I’m sure he wants to”
“Then why won’t you let him?” she asked as she looked at Artemis intently
Artemis stared back at her “I will be swayed with whatever he will say”
Psyche blinked in confusion “Swayed? Do you mean he will lie to you?”
Artemis shook her head “No, I know that Apollo will never lie to me. And if ever he did, he knows he cannot get away from it.” Her voice started to soften and her eyes narrow “It’s just that I realized something when we had fought. I realized that what was happening between us was something that should not have happened. We were bonded by our birth as twins, it was wrong and it won’t work.” Then her eyes gradually grew softer and a small sad frown played at her lips “My brother is too aggressive and with my nature, I’m sure that we will not last long. Our bond will be broken. I cannot take that risk Psyche. He-Apollo is important to me.”
Psyche squeezed Artemis’s hand lightly “Don’t you think that it will be best if you talk to him and tell him what you are telling me now?”
Artemis smiled sadly at Psyche “Apollo will never understand. If I tell him he will go out of control and coax me. Besides if he knows that I am hesitating, he will be more fueled to get me and his feelings will be mixed with pride and that is the last thing that I want to happen”
Psyche nodded in understanding “But I’m sure that Apollo knows what his true feelings are Artemis. It seems to me that you are afraid.”
Before Artemis can retort back, she was silenced by Psyche’s peaceful smile
“Don’t make excuses and just love. You’ll never know how wonderful it can be”
After the soft but heavy advice, Psyche excused herself and left Artemis to her thoughts.
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For the first time in a week, the twins were both present for dinner.
Whispers and murmurs were heard as they all subtlety and some not-so-subtlety stared at the two as they ate their dinner.
On the top most part of the table was Zeus with his wife Hera. He was just casually sitting on his seat but he could feel the unusual tension in the air. He was not ignorant of the rumors going around even though he is the head of all gods. He, like all the other gods, tended to get bored and rumors are entertainment welcomed.
He usually just let the rumors come and he doesn’t bother with it but Apollo is his most favored son. He never questioned him outside of his godly duties since he seems to be responsible enough to know what he is doing. Now that he’s heard that him and Artemis are in a fight (though he doesn’t show it) he is quite worried. The two share an unbreakable bond and if they are avoiding each other like this, something grave must have happened.
He had also heard that the two are entertaining a romantic interest with each other; but that doesn’t really matter. He is not privy with the gods’ relationships, and he thinks that the twins’ bond is more important than the small romantic spark between them. And as much as he was uncharacteristically interested to know the truth whether or not the two do love each other, the most important thing is to fix their relationship again; and he knows the best solution for that.
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Apollo carefully glanced at the goddess beside him. He was reluctant to it sit beside her but remembering Cupid’s advice to him made him realize that he also cannot run-away from her like what she is doing to him now. He figured that he has to start somewhere and this is one way to start. He will coax her to listen to him and hear him out. Besides, she cannot ignore him forever.
~
“It is the lunar eclipse soon” Zeus stated and the soft whispers on the table quieted down
“Yes Zeus” Athena replied moving her honey colored eyes from glaring at Ares to her father
He lazily combed his soft blonde hair with his hand and looked at his brother “Dionysus, are the wine that you are proud of fully fermented now?” he asked
Dionysus grinned “Yes, and I’m sure that they will taste exquisite”
“Well then, let’s have a hunt to celebrate it and a feast afterwards” Zeus stated
After a moment of silence murmurs were heard throughout the table
“I am not prying but what is this celebration for Zeus?” Hera asked as she looked at her husband
He just gazed at her thoughtfully with a hidden smirk playing on his mouth “It’s for nothing”
Hera nodded and talked to Poseidon who was sitting beside her
“Zeus, don’t you think it will be more interesting if this hunting session will have a price?” Dionysus suggested as he grabbed a goblet off the table.
Zeus almost let his smirk out as his plan went smoothly “Yes it will be interesting if it is to be a competition.” He replied and scratched his chin to ‘think’
“The price would be a day with Artemis and the bottle of the most exquisite nectar” he announced.
The murmurs became louder
Artemis stood up from her place and glared at her father “What does that mean Zeus?”
All eyes were on Artemis as they quieted down to observe her.
“You’ll just be with whomever god or goddess that will win the day after” Zeus stated calmly
“Why me?”
“It is the lunar eclipse, it seems proper to have you as the price, and from what I remember the day after the lunar eclipse will be your weakest. Think of this as having a guardian to keep you away from trouble the next day”
“But I am not a prize! And I can take care of myself!” Artemis snapped back
Zeus eyes became slanted “Are you challenging me daughter?”
Artemis bristled and sat back down “No, Zeus”
“Well, that settles everything” he said and relaxed on his seat. As the murmurs on the table started again, he can’t help but think that he will have an interesting show to watch for the next few days.
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The feeling of dread can be felt as Artemis walked away from the dining hall. Her glaring and displeased eyes made everyone move away from her as she made her way out of the dining room. She felt frustrated, embarrassed, angry, and those other emotions that just shows her displeasure.
“Why would he have a hunt to celebrate the lunar eclipse? What is his reason?”
She sat down on one of the many steps to enter Zeus’s grand temple.
“Hey”
She looked up and saw Apollo looking down at her as he went down.
“…Hey”
Her gaze went to the fountain in front of Zeus’s palace. She felt a movement and found Apollo moving to sit beside her.
Apollo looked at his depressed looking sister. He missed the times when he can comfort her with just a carefree grin and an arm around her shoulders. Of course he can’t do that anymore. But he can always try.
“Ar-” His speech was stopped when Artemis suddenly stood up from her seat and quickly left
“Wait!” he exclaimed and snatched her wrist before she can take a step forward
“What do you want?” she asked in a deadpan voice without sparing a glance at him.
“I don’t plan on avoiding you any longer, nor will I also plan on letting you avoid me still”
Artemis stood still and was processing what Apollo had said when he turned her around and looked straight into her eyes “Know that I will make you hear what I have to say and I will not rest until you do. Until then” He leaned forward and planted a small kiss on her cheek “Better be prepared” he whispered and let her go, a small bright smile on his lips as he waved good-bye to her.
Artemis stood there with widened eyes and a furious red hue covering her cheeks. She doesn’t know what to feel at the moment. Either be shocked, angry, or happy were her choices but decided on just surprise. She did not expect that, nor was she expecting him to suddenly start talking to her with such a bold manner.
“Wh-What was the meaning of that!” She exclaimed and stomped her way back to her room but stopped and decided to just take a quick dip on a nearby pond on earth to cool down her cheeks before a curious god corners her and ask her why she is blushing so furiously.
-to be continued-
A/N: here is chapter 2! Sorry it took a long time, I was stuck with Apollo and Zeus…I hope chapter 3 will be a faster update though…wow who would’ve thought that this supposedly one-shot is to be a short mutli-chaptered fic. I’m surprised. Oh and expect more ApolloxArtemis interactions soon Apollo is…itching to finally show-off how much of a perfect guy he is and he has lots of plans to show that to Artemis.
Anyway Thanks for reading and please leave a review!
Summary: Cupid knows lots of things concerning love and relationships. And he cannot be fooled.
Characters/Pairings: Main!Apollo/Artemis, Cupid/Psyche. Implied!Zeus/Hera, Aphrodite/Hephaestus, Hades/Persephone, Onesided!Hermes/Artemis, Onesided!Ares/Aphrodite
Warning: TWINCEST…and some other incest couples..(c’mon, this is GREEK MYTHOLOGY every relationship is practically incest =__=), Grammatical Errors and Tense Errors (can’t seem to get these things right >.>)
Genre: Romance, attempted Humor, and a bit of Drama
A/N: So this is the second of my little story. I was expecting that this will be the last installment for this but Apollo and Artemis AND Zeus was making me write more. It was seriously hard trying to decipher what’s in my head for the three of them…phew. Anyway here’s the continuation of Little Perceptions!
Enjoy~
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CHAPTER 2
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Olympus.
When one hears the word, the person would be wide eyed in wonder at how an amazing place that mountain is. It is where the gods live. It is the place where they have their arguments, where they rejoice, and where they just consort with each other.
Amidst all the wonders and perfections of Olympus, the gods doesn’t have anything better to do, thus them being prone to rumors out of boredom.
The famous rumors of the place usually revolve around Zeus and his never ending appetite for new women to come his way and how Hera will react to it. Some even place bets on how long the ‘secret’ relationship can last without Hera interfering it and place a curse upon the unfortunate creature who had stolen Zeus’s attention.
The rumors can go from how long Athena and Ares can be in a truce with each other to the sleeping partners of the different gods.
Now, the most recent rumor is about a certain sun god and his twin.
Nobody knows why Artemis is suddenly avoiding her twin and why Apollo seems to act like a dejected puppy all of a sudden. It seems that the sun god had lost his shine and the moon goddess refuse to talk with him or to even see him.
Cupid frowned at the development of the situation. His plan was to make them realize their spark with each other using his power, they will have numerous heart-throbbing moments, they will confess, and they can be one of the few couples here in Olympus that really does love each other. He was not expecting that a complication like this will happen and for rumors to start quickly just a week after he had struck the twin gods.
The rumors were that Artemis saw Apollo do something which had hurt her deeply; the question was what had Apollo do to have such a reaction to the strong willed goddess.
When asked, Cupid feigned ignorance to the rumors so he can gather more information about the couple. The rumors say that Apollo had been sleeping with one of the nymphs which Artemis despises. Another rumor say that it was actually Artemis’ fault for accusing Apollo of seeing one of her huntress followers. He knows that the rumors are probably not too far from the real reason, but he could only guess.
Well, the only way to know the problem is to talk to the ones involved in it.
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Cupid went to his shared bedroom with his wife and saw her sitting in front of the mirror and was fixing her hair.
“Psyche, can you do me a favor?”
Psyche turned to look at her husband after she had fixed her long light brown hair into a bun.
“What is it dear?”
Cupid felt really frustrated at himself as he stared helplessly at his wife. He doesn’t usually need to interfere with love affairs but Apollo and Artemis are different. The rumors are getting worse and the bond between the two is at stake.
“I was wondering if you can have a conversation with Artemis?” He asked
Psyche sat down on their bed and looked thoughtfully at him “You plan on helping her with her problem do you?” she asked back
Cupid sighed. He cannot hide anything from her.
“Yes, her problem is partially my fault”
“How come?”
He sat down beside her “It’s a long story Pysche”
She faced him and placed a hand on top of his “It’s alright, we have time”
Cupid nodded and proceeded on telling her what he had done between the two gods.
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Artemis is doing everything that she can to avoid Apollo at all cost. She doesn’t want to see him nor talk to him.
She’s currently on the Mortal world, sitting on one of the rocks near the pond. She ended up using hunting as her alibi to avoid her brother in which she didn’t intend to happen; but after seeing her brother always at Olympus and usually at his room, it was best to go down and avoid his path.
Her gaze was directed to the clear blue water of the lake which reminded her of her brother’s clear blue eyes. She sighed and looked up at the sky to see the sun, it was not shining that brightly for the past week and she knows the reason why.
Their argument for the past 7 days had hurt her deeply which had surprised even herself. Him saying that it was a mistake to love her had wounded her heart badly that she needed the time to heal it. Being alone helped and hunting had removed him from her thoughts. She was also grateful for the silent encouragement of Hermes. She didn’t tell him her reason why she felt so broken but he just accepted it. He had come as a friend and he usually brings a smile on her face by his kindness. But she can’t help but compare the two from time to time in which she is greatly ashamed of.
“Artemis”
She looked up and saw Hermes flying down towards her
“What is it friend?” she asked as she stood up from the rock
“Psyche had wanted me to give you a message. She said that she would like to have a little snack with you at Persephone’s garden later” He said as Artemis greeted him with a hug.
“I see, her company is always welcome” She smiled
Hermes nodded “You’re hunting again?” He asked as he eyed her dirty clothes and messy hair.
Artemis nodded and looked at her bow “It seems that I have gone a bit rusty from taking a break at hunting for long”
Hermes sighed “You don’t get rusty at hunting Artemis, you’re a huntress it’s what you do” his eyes showed that he was worried as he looked at her “You are troubled and you make hunting as an excuse”
“Don’t think about it Hermes” Artemis grinned at him “Everything is fine” she said and had patted her chest to maximize the effect.
Hermes shook his head and held her cheek “You know that you can always talk to me and tell me everything”
Artemis noticed how intense his gaze was on hers which she just avoided by looking at everything except him. “And I thank you for that Hermes” She replied courtly.
He felt the uneasiness as Artemis replied to him and he nodded slowly. He removed his hand away from her cheek and smiled; albeit sadly.
“It’s best if you head back now. Psyche was preparing snacks when she had told me her message”
“I see, thank you Hermes” She nodded at him and gave him a small smile.
Hermes gave her a fleeting but wistful look before he took off and flew away.
“I’m sorry Hermes” She whispered as she stared at her reflection. After a few moments of silence with her thoughts wondering close to her brother, she slapped herself lightly and forced a smile.
“I better freshen up” She stripped off her clothes and began wading in the cool water
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The room was dark and the atmosphere was heavy, a figure is seen sitting on the floor while he leans on the wall. He was holing a full wine glass with numerous bottles scattered around his room.
“My goodness, what are you doing to yourself Apollo?” Cupid asked as he hopped down in the room from the window.
Apollo looked at him with narrowed bloodshot eyes “What are you doing here?”
“Is it wrong to visit a friend?” He retorted
Cupid looked around warily and saw how the room was almost devoid of life. The bed was not slept on, the sheets were not crumpled and dust was setting on the usually over used table. The sun god himself looks dead. His hair was unkempt, his face looked so pale and his usually lively eyes were dull with purple bags underneath. He sighed and sat beside Apollo who was now downing his nth full glass of wine.
“Care to tell me what is wrong?”
Apollo closed his eyes and leaned his head on the wall.
“And what would you do if I tell you? Do you think you can help me?”
Cupid shrugged “Maybe I could”
Apollo scoffed “As much as I would like the help. I don’t trust the god of love trifling with my love life”
Cupid raised an eyebrow “Oh so it is about love”
Apollo raised his head to glare at him “I did not invite you to my room, or for you [to inquire what is happening to me. I think it’s best if you leave me alone”
“And leave you alone here to wallow in pity?” Cupid asked “Suit yourself. But know that you are not solving your problem with this. Pitiful”
As he was about to stand up, he was pulled back by Apollo’s hard grip on his arm
“Don’t you dare pity me Cupid” Apollo hissed as his nails dug on his skin.
Cupid did not even flinch and snatched his arm back “Then don’t act pitiful. You should know that acting like this will not solve anything.”
“But she’s avoiding me! How can I talk to her? She won’t listen” Apollo sighed and clasped his hands over his eyes.
Cupid bended down and patted his shoulders “You are aware that out of everyone here in Olympus, you know your sister best?” Apollo looked at Cupid’s eyes in wonder “So you should know how to appease her best. Besides, aren’t you known to be good with the ladies? I’m sure you can come up with a good solution to this problem”
After he gave Apollo a comforting smile, he flew out of the window before he can reply.
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“It is nice for you to invite me for snack Psyche” Artemis smiled as she sat down on the offered seat.
Psyche smiled back at her and offered her a pastry which she gladly accepted
“Thank you for coming in such a short notice Artemis”
Artemis thanked her and sipped her tea
“What do you want to talk about?” Artemis nonchalantly asked as she calmly looked at the goddess
“Well you see Artemis, I know that I shouldn’t be privy with your affairs but I have been hearing these rumors about you” Psyche started
Artemis almost groaned out loud “Is this about Apo- my twin?”
Psyche noticed the hesitance of Artemis to say Apollo’s name
“Yes” She nodded “Are you two in a fight?”
Artemis sighed and placed the tea cup down “If we were going to talk about him, I shouldn’t have come. I’m sorry Psyche but if that is the case then I should go” She stood up
“Please Artemis. I really want to help” Psyche looked at her sincerely. Artemis looked at her intently and saw Psyche’s sincere eyes. She sighed and sat back down. “What do you want to know” she asked softly
“I was just wondering why you won’t talk to him” Psyche asked kindly and was relieved that she didn’t go away.
“He- Something happened”
Psyche raised an eyebrow “Did he say something to hurt you?”
Artemis sighed. Psyche really is perceptive with these kinds of things.
“Yes, he did”
“I see”
Psyche took a calming sip of tea “Don’t you think he wants to explain himself to you?”
Artemis nodded “I’m sure he wants to”
“Then why won’t you let him?” she asked as she looked at Artemis intently
Artemis stared back at her “I will be swayed with whatever he will say”
Psyche blinked in confusion “Swayed? Do you mean he will lie to you?”
Artemis shook her head “No, I know that Apollo will never lie to me. And if ever he did, he knows he cannot get away from it.” Her voice started to soften and her eyes narrow “It’s just that I realized something when we had fought. I realized that what was happening between us was something that should not have happened. We were bonded by our birth as twins, it was wrong and it won’t work.” Then her eyes gradually grew softer and a small sad frown played at her lips “My brother is too aggressive and with my nature, I’m sure that we will not last long. Our bond will be broken. I cannot take that risk Psyche. He-Apollo is important to me.”
Psyche squeezed Artemis’s hand lightly “Don’t you think that it will be best if you talk to him and tell him what you are telling me now?”
Artemis smiled sadly at Psyche “Apollo will never understand. If I tell him he will go out of control and coax me. Besides if he knows that I am hesitating, he will be more fueled to get me and his feelings will be mixed with pride and that is the last thing that I want to happen”
Psyche nodded in understanding “But I’m sure that Apollo knows what his true feelings are Artemis. It seems to me that you are afraid.”
Before Artemis can retort back, she was silenced by Psyche’s peaceful smile
“Don’t make excuses and just love. You’ll never know how wonderful it can be”
After the soft but heavy advice, Psyche excused herself and left Artemis to her thoughts.
~
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For the first time in a week, the twins were both present for dinner.
Whispers and murmurs were heard as they all subtlety and some not-so-subtlety stared at the two as they ate their dinner.
On the top most part of the table was Zeus with his wife Hera. He was just casually sitting on his seat but he could feel the unusual tension in the air. He was not ignorant of the rumors going around even though he is the head of all gods. He, like all the other gods, tended to get bored and rumors are entertainment welcomed.
He usually just let the rumors come and he doesn’t bother with it but Apollo is his most favored son. He never questioned him outside of his godly duties since he seems to be responsible enough to know what he is doing. Now that he’s heard that him and Artemis are in a fight (though he doesn’t show it) he is quite worried. The two share an unbreakable bond and if they are avoiding each other like this, something grave must have happened.
He had also heard that the two are entertaining a romantic interest with each other; but that doesn’t really matter. He is not privy with the gods’ relationships, and he thinks that the twins’ bond is more important than the small romantic spark between them. And as much as he was uncharacteristically interested to know the truth whether or not the two do love each other, the most important thing is to fix their relationship again; and he knows the best solution for that.
~
Apollo carefully glanced at the goddess beside him. He was reluctant to it sit beside her but remembering Cupid’s advice to him made him realize that he also cannot run-away from her like what she is doing to him now. He figured that he has to start somewhere and this is one way to start. He will coax her to listen to him and hear him out. Besides, she cannot ignore him forever.
~
“It is the lunar eclipse soon” Zeus stated and the soft whispers on the table quieted down
“Yes Zeus” Athena replied moving her honey colored eyes from glaring at Ares to her father
He lazily combed his soft blonde hair with his hand and looked at his brother “Dionysus, are the wine that you are proud of fully fermented now?” he asked
Dionysus grinned “Yes, and I’m sure that they will taste exquisite”
“Well then, let’s have a hunt to celebrate it and a feast afterwards” Zeus stated
After a moment of silence murmurs were heard throughout the table
“I am not prying but what is this celebration for Zeus?” Hera asked as she looked at her husband
He just gazed at her thoughtfully with a hidden smirk playing on his mouth “It’s for nothing”
Hera nodded and talked to Poseidon who was sitting beside her
“Zeus, don’t you think it will be more interesting if this hunting session will have a price?” Dionysus suggested as he grabbed a goblet off the table.
Zeus almost let his smirk out as his plan went smoothly “Yes it will be interesting if it is to be a competition.” He replied and scratched his chin to ‘think’
“The price would be a day with Artemis and the bottle of the most exquisite nectar” he announced.
The murmurs became louder
Artemis stood up from her place and glared at her father “What does that mean Zeus?”
All eyes were on Artemis as they quieted down to observe her.
“You’ll just be with whomever god or goddess that will win the day after” Zeus stated calmly
“Why me?”
“It is the lunar eclipse, it seems proper to have you as the price, and from what I remember the day after the lunar eclipse will be your weakest. Think of this as having a guardian to keep you away from trouble the next day”
“But I am not a prize! And I can take care of myself!” Artemis snapped back
Zeus eyes became slanted “Are you challenging me daughter?”
Artemis bristled and sat back down “No, Zeus”
“Well, that settles everything” he said and relaxed on his seat. As the murmurs on the table started again, he can’t help but think that he will have an interesting show to watch for the next few days.
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The feeling of dread can be felt as Artemis walked away from the dining hall. Her glaring and displeased eyes made everyone move away from her as she made her way out of the dining room. She felt frustrated, embarrassed, angry, and those other emotions that just shows her displeasure.
“Why would he have a hunt to celebrate the lunar eclipse? What is his reason?”
She sat down on one of the many steps to enter Zeus’s grand temple.
“Hey”
She looked up and saw Apollo looking down at her as he went down.
“…Hey”
Her gaze went to the fountain in front of Zeus’s palace. She felt a movement and found Apollo moving to sit beside her.
Apollo looked at his depressed looking sister. He missed the times when he can comfort her with just a carefree grin and an arm around her shoulders. Of course he can’t do that anymore. But he can always try.
“Ar-” His speech was stopped when Artemis suddenly stood up from her seat and quickly left
“Wait!” he exclaimed and snatched her wrist before she can take a step forward
“What do you want?” she asked in a deadpan voice without sparing a glance at him.
“I don’t plan on avoiding you any longer, nor will I also plan on letting you avoid me still”
Artemis stood still and was processing what Apollo had said when he turned her around and looked straight into her eyes “Know that I will make you hear what I have to say and I will not rest until you do. Until then” He leaned forward and planted a small kiss on her cheek “Better be prepared” he whispered and let her go, a small bright smile on his lips as he waved good-bye to her.
Artemis stood there with widened eyes and a furious red hue covering her cheeks. She doesn’t know what to feel at the moment. Either be shocked, angry, or happy were her choices but decided on just surprise. She did not expect that, nor was she expecting him to suddenly start talking to her with such a bold manner.
“Wh-What was the meaning of that!” She exclaimed and stomped her way back to her room but stopped and decided to just take a quick dip on a nearby pond on earth to cool down her cheeks before a curious god corners her and ask her why she is blushing so furiously.
-to be continued-
A/N: here is chapter 2! Sorry it took a long time, I was stuck with Apollo and Zeus…I hope chapter 3 will be a faster update though…wow who would’ve thought that this supposedly one-shot is to be a short mutli-chaptered fic. I’m surprised. Oh and expect more ApolloxArtemis interactions soon Apollo is…itching to finally show-off how much of a perfect guy he is and he has lots of plans to show that to Artemis.
Anyway Thanks for reading and please leave a review!