Title:  An Ares Christmas

Author:  Angelee

Fandom:  X-files/Hercules

Pairing:  Mulder/Ares

Rating:  R (preslash)

Summary:

Note:  This is what happens when you watch Hercules while thinking about X-files.

Beta:  By my sister Anna. All final errors are mine.

 

An Ares Christmas

 

Ares sat on his throne idly playing with a fireball.  Throwing it from one hand to the other.  Life of a god wasn't all it was cracked up to be.  Especially now.  All but a forgotten, only the most popular gods and goddess being followed and worshipped.  A couple of nut jobs in Midland, Texas didn't do Ares heart good.

 

Mischief and Strife tired of Ares continual bad mood went off to see what kind of trouble they could cause.  So Ares sat on his throne bored, bored, bored.  And maybe a little bit lonely. 

 

"This sucks,” he told himself.  "Been around for fucking ever and there's absolutely nothing to do.  Well, I for one am tired of doing nothing.  I'm going out and do things,  play with humans and well live a little."  With that he winked out.  The fire ball he'd been playing with bouncing once on the floor before disappearing.

 

Ares winked in.  "Hmm, this looks interesting."  He looked around.  "But where are the horses humans use to get around from one village to another?  Strange buildings these.  I really need to get out more."

 

Curious he looked around the strange village he'd winked into. Cobblestones were replaced by a smooth surface.  On either side were these strangest boxlike creatures.  He inspected one with interest.  They didn't seem dangerous.  Just then one came down the street.  "Ah, so this is how humans get around now. No more horses.  I wonder what they eat?  I really need to get out more."

 

Suddenly bright flashing lights caught his attention.  "Ah, this looks interesting.  Something I recognize."  The bright light having caught his attention were flashing. *Chloe’s Pub*  Pub he knew.  He'd happen across a drinking establishment.  Good, he could use a drink.  Maybe more than one.

 

There were tables scattered all over the darkly lit room.  In the corner was a tree with brightly blinking thingees in them.  The walls were decorated with sparkling ropes of some kind and there were pictures of a really fat man in a red and white outfit.  He'd popped in on some kind of human holiday.  He really needed to get out more.

 

Ares went to the counter were someone seemed to be serving refreshments.  A man turned to look at him curiously.  Ares, God of War-ignored him as was his right.  After all he was-well... the God of War.

 

"Nice pants."

 

Ares frowned down at his leather pants before looking at the man who had spoken out of turn.  "Nice nose."

 

"Ouch.  There's no need to get personal."

 

"You insulted my pants.  That's personal."

 

"No I didn't."

 

"Yes, you did."

 

The man sighed resignedly.  "Okay, have it your way."  Smiling.  "Tell you what- to make up for the insult to your pants I'll buy you a beer."

 

"Alright.  Buy me many if you like."

 

They didn’t speak again until a mug was laid in front of Ares.

 

"Hmm, this is good."  Ares said after taking a healthy swallow.  It really was better than ale, that was for sure.  And a hell of a lot better than mead. 

 

"Good.  What brings you to a dump like this on Christmas Eve?"

 

Ares licked the foam from around the mug.  Not noticing the motion was avidly followed by hazel eyes.  "Bored,” he replied.

 

"Work getting to you?"

 

"Yeah, work."

 

What do you do?"

 

Ares finished the rest of the beer in two swallows.  "Hmm, this is really good.  Another, please?"  Mulder motioned to the bartender.  "I start wars, rape, plunder and pillage.  You know the usual."

 

The man chuckled.  "You kinda sound like Ares, God of War."

 

"Yeah huh?"

 

"Well, since we’re such good drinking buddies I might as well introduce myself.  I'm Fox Mulder."  Saying that he looked at Ares expectantly.  The God's only response was to lick the foam off his finger.  Noticing the look Mulder was giving him.  "What?"

 

"I told you my name,” Mulder explained patiently.

 

"Yeah, so?"

 

"You're not going to comment?"

 

"About what?"

 

"My name."

 

Ares frowned at him.  "Hmm, no.  Should I?"

 

Mulder smiled at him.  "Well, usually my name gets some comments.  Mostly not very nice."

 

"Ah."

 

"So what's your name?  Here have some peanuts."

 

"Thank you. I wouldn't say no to another beer,” Ares told Mulder hopefully. The beer was really good.  The peanuts too.  He really needed to get out more.

 

"Better take it easy or we're going to have to carry you out of here,” Mulder replied, motioning to the bartender again.  "Hey?"

 

Ares turned to Mulder. "What?"

 

"I told you my name."

 

"And?"

 

"Well, you're suppose to tell me yours."

 

Ares smiled at him before throwing a handful of peanuts into his mouth.  "You can call me Ares."

 

"As in the god thing?"

 

"Ah, yes."

 

"O...okay.  So Ares, starting wars, raping and pillaging must not bring in much money.  How do you pay your bills"

 

"Live off of Daddy."

 

"Zeus?"

 

Ares smiled brilliantly at Mulder, hearing the indrawn breath, but not really making much of it as he was enjoying his beverage and the peanuts.  "Know your Gods do you?"

 

"Some."

 

"So Fox Mulder, what do you do to pay your bills?"

 

"I'm a agent with the FBI."  Mulder replied wondering if Ares was ever going to show interest in him.  Which would be really nice.

 

 "What's an FBI agent?"

 

"You don't get out much, do you?" 

 

"It's been a millennium or two."

 

"Oh, ok,” Mulder replied, giving him a quizzical look. “Well anyway, I work on the X-files investigating UFO, aliens, things that are not the norm."

 

"Ah. Gods, too?"

 

"No. You’re the first God it's been my privilege to come across,” Mulder told him with a small smile.

 

 "Then I must be an experience for you."

 

"I'd say.  So what do you say we blow this popcorn stand and get us something to eat?"

 

Ares looked at Mulder puzzled.  "I suppose I could if you really want. But you're going to have to tell me what this popcorn stand looks like.  Before I blow it up."

 

Mulder laughed as he threw some paper on the counter.  Ares supposed it was currency to pay for the drinks.

 

"Ares, my man-you're making my Christmas Eve not quite so dull,” he told the God as he led them out of the bar.  A companionable hand on Ares broad leather-clad back.

 

***

 

"Hmm, this is good.  What did you say it was again?"

 

"It's a hamburger and those there are French fries,” Mulder told Ares before stealing a fry.

 

“Hey?"  Ares said in annoyance.  "Those are mine get your own."

 

Mulder only smiled at him, happily as he chewed on his stolen fry.

 

"Ares, what are you doing later?"  Mulder asked quietly.  Hazel eyes watching the handsome face across from him.

 

Ares looked up after dipping a fry in something Mulder had called ketchup as he'd seen Mulder do.  "Don't know why?"

 

Mulder ran a finger over the edge of his coffee cup.  "I was wondering if you wanted to come back to my place later,” he said shyly.

 

"Why would I want to do that?"

 

"Ares, please."

 

The God of War dipped another fry in the tasty red stuff.  It never made it to his mouth as he finally understood what Mulder wanted.

 

"You want to sleep with me?"

 

"Ah, well...yes.  Sleep would eventually be a part of it."

 

Ares tossed the fry onto the plate.  Leaning back he contemplated Mulder with an arrogant smile.

 

"Well, of course you'd want to sleep with me.  I am Ares, God of War. Everyone wants to sleep with me."

 

Mulder rolled his eyes.  "Yeah, okay.  Well do you or don't you?"

 

Ares crossed his arms on his handsomely displayed chest.  "Do you know I've had beautiful virginal maidens toss themselves at me in the hopes of losing there virginity to the God of War?  And I mean beautiful, beautiful women,” he told Mulder conversationally.  "And you want to know if I'll sleep with ‘you’?"

 

"Hmm. yeah.  I'm not exactly chopped liver,” Mulder replied, offended.

 

"You're no Hercules either."

 

Hazel eyes stared at Ares in shock.  "You've slept with your half brother?  Now that's just gross."

 

"I didn't sleep with Hercules.  I hate Hercules,” Ares told him with a scowl.  “Sort off.”

 

"Well, then why are you comparing me to him?"

 

"Just to let you know if I do decide to bed you you're getting a real prize."

 

Mulder rolled his eyes again.  "Oh, brother."

 

"No, really."

 

"Yeah, okay."

 

"Well, I am."

 

"Yeah, right.  In plain English that means you suck in bed."

 

Ares furrowed his brows in annoyance.  Most humans would cower at the look.  Mulder who'd faced demons a hell of a lot uglier than Ares continued to stare calmly at him.

 

"I do not."

 

"Uh-huh,” Mulder replied, completely unconvinced.

 

"No, really.  The ladies love me."

 

"Okay, keep telling yourself that until you’re convinced."  Mulder told him patronizingly.  Even going as far as patting Ares well-muscled arm.

 

"Oh, you suck."

 

"Oh, fine phrase for Ares, God of War."  Mulder moved closer.  "But true nevertheless.  I have been known to on occasion,” he whispered conspiratorially.

 

Ares eyed this very interesting human.  Humans were a skeptical lot.  Refusing to believe the truth until more or less hit in the face by it.  Yet Mulder sat across from him, hazel eyes dancing merrily as he looked at him.  This human believed him.  Believed in him.

 

"Do you truly believe me to be Ares, God of War?"

 

"Yes?"

 

"Simply because I say it is so?"

 

"Yes?"

 

Why?"

 

Mulder smiled at him.  "I believe."

 

"You believe?"

 

"Yes, that the truth is out there and I happen to believe you are truth."

 

"You are one insane human."

 

Mulder's smiled deepened.  "Yes, I have been told that.  I've also been told I'm spooky."

 

Ares eyes Mulder.  "You don't need proof?"

 

"No."

 

"Most humans would?"

 

"I'm not most humans."

 

Ares chuckled softly.  "No, you most certainly are not.  So tell me Fox Mulder-this is a human time of celebration?"

 

"Yes.  It's Christmas Eve."

 

"And yet you are alone.  Do you not have family to celebrate with?"

 

The hazel eyes turned sad.  "My mom, but she hates me.  There's my partner Scully, she’s spending time with her family."

 

“And you couldn’t join her?"

 

"It's a time for family and I wouldn't fit in."

 

"Ah, so instead you spend this Christmas Eve trying to pick up strange Gods?"

 

Mulder gave him an impish grin.  "Oh, yeah. Is it working?"

 

Ares eyed Mulder appreciatively.  "Yes, it might.  I have nothing to do on this Christmas Eve.  I may let you take me home.  Unless you want to go to mine?"

 

Ares had the pleasure of watching Mulder's hazel eyes light up brighter than the brightest star on a clear night.

 

"You would?"  The human asked hopefully. “Really?”

 

Ares nodded.  "Yes, if you wish it."

 

"Oh I wish.  I really wish."

 

"Aren't you afraid that once I have you in my domain I will have my wicked way with you?"

 

“That's what I'm hoping for,” Mulder told him, smiling broadly.

 

Ares returned the smile.  "Oh, you are bad, my human.  Very bad.  And what if I like you so much I decide not to return you?"

 

Mulder shrugged.  "There's nothing here for me anymore.  No one that really cares about me.  Except for Scully and even she's started a new life."

 

"You'd give up everything you know for the unknown?"

 

"Yes, Ares,” Mulder told him quietly.

 

"For me?"

 

"Yes, Ares."

 

"I'm not a nice God, Fox."

 

Mulder met Ares eyes.  "I know."

 

"And you still want to go with me."

 

Yes."

 

"Loneliness has become a disease for both of us has it not, Fox?"

 

"Yes, Ares."

 

"What makes you think that I will be the cure for you?  And you for me?"

 

"A gut feeling and besides you're beautiful."

 

"I am male, Fox.  Males are not considered beautiful,” Ares told the agent, yet secretly pleased.

 

"Yeah, well-that doesn't change the fact that you’re beautiful.  All hard muscle, dark eyes and leather.  Not to mention a mouth made for..."  Mulder brought himself up short, turning a bright red at what he'd been about to say.

 

Ares gave him a seductive look.  “Finish what you were about to say, Fox."

 

Mulder’s blush darkened.  "I'd better not.  You might zap me."

 

"I won't zap you.  Tell me what my mouth was made for?"  Ares ran his tongue over his lips sensually.  Playing his human for all he was worth.

 

"Ares, don't.  Not unless you wanna get jumped here and now."

 

"Jumped by mal-intent?"

 

"Depends on your definition of mal-intent."

 

"Novel idea.  Go ahead, jump me." 

 

Mulder shook his head.  "Can't.  There are people here."

 

Ares stared out into what Mulder had called an all-night dinner.  Seeing only two other humans.  A bored waitress and the cook.  "I can make them vanish."  Waving a careless hand. 

 

Mulder's eyes widened in alarm.  "No.  No, don't do that.  Let's get out of here.  Let's go to my place instead or take me to yours."

 

Ares readily agreed.  As they walked, deciding to go to Mulder’s for now.  "So Fox-tell me about this Christmas everyone is celebrating?"

 

Fox explained the traditions of Christmas.  Ares listened with wide-eyed interest.  Even the part of exchanging gifts.

 

Mulder lead Ares into his apartment.  The God looked around.  "Your place of residence is darker than mine."

 

Mulder smiles at him.  "Yes, I guess it is.  I don't really spend much time here anyway."

 

"You have no pine tree with twinkling lights."

 

"It's like I said before, I don't really spend much time here."

 

"Well, then what is your Christmas wish?"

 

Ares watched his human's eyes darken.  "I quit wishing for stuff along time ago,” Mulder replied sadly. "It died along with my hopes and my wishes.  Taking my heart with it.”

 

"What is your truest wish, Fox?"  Ares insisted, pulling his human's unresisting body into a tight hug.  “I can make it happen.”

 

Mulder sighed softly, returning the hug.  "What does everyone wish for?  Someone to love during a long cold night, someone to call my own,” he said, burying his head into Ares warm neck.  The God smelled good.  Of rich musk and leather.  He heard Ares chuckle. 

 

“I am a God of War, Fox.  For that you need Aphrodite."

 

"Can you bring back someone I lost long ago?  Someone I didn’t realize I wanted until it was to late.  I never realized that the hate I thought I was feeling held a deeper, truer meaning.  When I figured it out it was too late.  Way, way too late and now it’s gone and so is he.  Can you give me back everything I’ve lost?  Everything I never knew I wanted, until it was to late,” Mulder asked, hazel eyes filling with tears.  “Can you give me a second chance for love?”

 

Ares cupped his face in gentle hands.  Really gentle hands for a God that thrived on death and war.

 

"That I can do,” Ares told him.  Kissing him in promise.

 

Suddenly the room was filled with light.  Once it reached a manageable level Mulder turned startled eyes toward Ares.  Who was smirking happily at him.

 

"For me?"

 

"For you, Fox."

 

"How'd you know?  I never said who it was."

 

"I am a God.  I know everything?"

 

"Can I play with it now?"

 

"By all means it's your plaything.  Just play nice.  Don't break it."

 

Mulder pulled out of Ares arms.  "Hello, Alex,” he said walking slowly toward the stunned man.

 

"F...Fox?"

 

"The one and only."

 

"What am I doing here?"

 

Fox smiled at him.  "You're my Christmas gift." Alex Krychek looked over at the other man quietly watching. "Ares, God of War."  He said as way of explanation.

 

"Ah.  Am I in for some pain?"

 

Fox reached out a hand, ignoring the flinch.  "No, No pain.  I think we'd had enough of that,” he replied running a finger over a thin, drawn cheek.  "Don't you?"

 

Alex sighed softly, closing his eyes at the very gentle touch.  Something he'd come to not expect from Fox.  "Oh-yeah."

 

"Alex?" Green eyes opened to stare at him a bit stunned.  "Feel like something new?  Feel like going someplace where we can start over?"

 

"W…What?"

 

"Someplace we can be together?  Without all the problems we’ve had before?  With someone beautiful to play with?  Who wants to play with us?"

 

"Y...yes, alright."

 

Ares had quietly come up to them. "He believes without question, as well."

 

Mulder nodded.  "Yeah, but he got lost for awhile.  Right, Alex?"

 

Alex nodded.  "Y...yeah."

 

Ares smiled at him brilliantly.  "Wanna play with Ares-God of War?"  he asked rubbing his hands together in anticipation.  This was going to be fun.  Maybe not as much fun as starting a war, or pillaging a couple of villages, but looked to be fun nevertheless.     

 

Alex looked at Mulder, who returned the look, his full of hope.  "Yes, I think so,” he replied smiling.  “I think I would like that a lot.”

 

Ares nodded.  “Good.  Ready, Fox?”

 

Mulder nodded.  "Oh, yeah."

 

"Good."  With that all three winked out, leaving an empty room where the only sound was that of the aquarium pump.  After another moment the aquarium winked out as well.  Leaving behind an eerily quiet room.