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
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
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.