Need A Hero

[NikiasXDemetrius]

This is it.

Nikias took a deep breath, staring at himself in the mirror. He didn't even look the way he used to, when the war had first started. When he'd first been created, he'd been thin, lanky, still growing. He'd grown significantly in the past three months. He was taller, and thanks to Hades's training regimen, he'd also beefed up quite a bit. He'd given his black hair a trim to a medium-length, and his seafoam green eyes stared back at him anxiously.

"Shit, it's creepy how much you remind me of me." A voice said from behind him. Nikias jumped, startled as he turned to see his father walking into his room.

If there was one person who could ease Nikias's anxiety, it was Hades. His brothers tended to disagree, but he simply couldn't do it. His father had been there for him every step of the way. His father had created him, protected him with everything he had. The man-- or rather god-- had literally given up his ass to protect a son he hadn't known that long.

Hades, Greek god of the Underworld, was more than Nikias's father, more than a god. He was Nikias's savior and rolemodel. He'd made a promise to himself the day the war against the Titans ended, that someday, he would become even a modicum of what his father was. He'd tried to tell his brothers this, but they'd mostly laughed at him. Despite their slow forgiveness of Hades for what he'd done to them in the past and their understanding of Hades's past, they still weren't entirely sure Hades was an appropriate role model.

After all, Hades had to be the surliest man Nikias had ever met. But also the most courageous and powerful and selfless.

Hades stood before him, taller by nearly two feet, towering at a whooping seven feet tall. He was muscular, but lean; the body of a professional swimmer or gymnast. Warm olive skin that Greeks were known for, long silky black hair that fell over one shoulder in a loose ponytail, and blue eyes that literally glowed in the dimly lit room like a pair of blue flashlight bulbs. He wore a sedate pair of black leather pants and a matching long sleeved shirt. He hardly looked prepared to face nearly half of the population of the underworld.

Ready to face them and officially announce Nikias's presence, his job, his title, and his realm of rule.

And thinking about it made Nikias's gut churn.

Hades smirked at the way Nikias paled visibly. Once upon a time, he would've thought the look meant Nikias feared him, but he knew better. Nikias was the sweet one, the innocent one, the loyal one. Nikias was never scared him. No, Nikias looked like he wanted to run into his arms and hide from the millions of people who waited outside the palace to greet him. He was mostly amused that Nikias of all people would be camera shy.

The boy had terrorized the city for nearly a month or two after the war so he could help put things back together. He'd helped rebuild houses, rebuild businesses, help hand out food at soup kitchens. Christ, the boy was a saint incarnate and Hades was almost afraid to stand in his presence too long for fear of spreading his shitty baggage to poor kid. 

But now this kid needed him.

He also loathed public functions. It was his least favorite part about being a god and a ruler of a realm. People were dying to snap photos, get interviews, demand why he wasn't doing this, why he wasn't doing that. People were always the same in the end; they wanted to know why he couldn't provide for them personally.

After all, he was a god, so he could do anything right?

Hades bit back a bitter laugh at the thought. God, demigod, president, king, or queen. Everyone had limits and no one gave two shits what they were, as long as their personal needs were met.

But he didn't tell Nikias that. He'd already corrupted the kid enough. He needed one decent and sweet son. That's not to say his other sons were decent. But they were already jaded, logical, and harsh. They were the yin to Nikias's yang. Together, they were the best group of sons he could have ever asked for and today, he was going to let the media know once and for all:

Fuck with my sons and the last thing you'll need to fucking worry about is taxes.

"Calm down," Hades said, making Nikias swallow audibly, "It could be worse. It could be a horde of angry, bloodthirsty Titans and you handled them just fine. If you can come back from your worst moments, you can do anything." Nikias pursed his lips at that to suppress a smile. He knew it was rare for Hades to get so warm and fuzzy, so he accepted the advice with a polite nod and took a deep breath, turning back to the mirror to adjust the lapels of his jacket.

His official uniform. It was the same uniform he'd worn into battle against the Titans, only this time, it'd been stitched with his symbol on the biceps. With Hades's symbol swallowing the back of the black stitched battlesuit, the biceps bared the symbol of an owl. He clenched his fists, then turned back to Hades, who cocked his head and arched a brow.

"I think I'm good," Nikias stated and when Hades smirked, Nikias forced a smile, "And if I'm not, push me off stage before I puke on reporters."

"Will do." Hades agreed, then gestured for Nikias to follow. Nikias followed him out of his bedroom, pausing to look back into the biggest room he'd ever seen. High arched ceilings with streaks of Aurora Borealis that gave the room a hazy blue/green glow, highlighting golden curtains around framed photos and landscape paintings, a large canopy bed, and cherrywood furniture.

Oh yeah, his father had been more than generous.

He scurried to keep up with Hades's long, confident strides. He's noticed that, when his back had been turned, Hades had changed his attire. He, too, wore his official god regalia. His black stitch battlesuit with a long flowing black cape, hulking boots that echoed down the halls, his hair done in a braid over his shoulder, bangs swept back from his face, and his expression hard and stoic.

He'd seen Hades do this plenty of times. He never faced the public with the relaxed sarcastic attitude he faced those closest to him. With the media, he was stone cold and stern. He'd learned not to let his guard down around them.

And so they made their way down the hall toward the stairs that would take them out onto a flat valley just a mile down from the palace in the mountains where the meeting would be held. As they walked, Hades's generals caught up with them and followed suit as well as Nikias's brothers.

Like Hades, his brothers had also taken on a stoic persona. Well, except Cerberus. He wore a cocky arrogant smirk and matching strides, his head held high. The brothers walked in time behind him, as if watching carefully in the shadows, and as they reached the stairs, made their way up, and out into the open, Nikias caught sight of all of the second-in-commands and his eyes fell on one in particular.

Very recently, as in maybe a couple days recently, his brother, Abel, had gotten his job back as ruler of Elysium and had hired a second-in-command with Hades's suggestion. Nikias's heart soared as he caught sight of said man standing in a stern military stance between Cerberus's second, Leon, and Cain's, Kat.

Abel's second-in-command was Demetrius. The guard who'd been jipped into joining the Titan battle. The man was incredibly tall, at least a good five inches taller than Nikias, with a suave mop of dark curls swept back from a handsome masculine face complete with high cheekbones and plump, kissable lips. His sunkissed skin stretched over bulging muscles... all, except his right arm, which was made of steel. It was a crude looking arm with little steel plating, exposed electrical wires, and a couple of rods strung through it, leading to steel-boned fingers.

Nikias licked his lips subconsciously at the sight until he felt someone whack him upside the head and he scowled, turning to glare at his assailant to see it was his brother, Cain, giving him a stern glare that warned him to fuck this up for them. He gave Cain a fearless glare that promised to return the favor later on, and it made the corner of Cain's lips twitch in amusement and he gave a nod, indicating he accepted his challenge.

Now having to look forward to getting his ass kicked by his brother, who was a good several millennia his senior, Nikias returned to walking with his head up as they approached the platform that would have them standing a good four feet above the rest of the audience.

And the moment that audience came into view, Nikias's stomach dropped. He swallowed as another wave of anxiety struck him so hard, it took everything he had not to turn tail and sprint for the nearest exit. There were so many people that a few were even sitting on the shoulders of others, some standing in the entrance to the arena, swarming and jumping up and down and chattering so loud that it echoed around him. His head started to throb and his mouth went dry, legs suddenly feeling weak.

"I can't do this." Nikias whispered in horror.

"You can take down two mobsters in three weeks, but you can't face reporters?" Cain mocked. Abel elbowed him, making him huff, before he turned to Nikias and smiled.

"It's all right, kid. We're here with you. We're a family and we stick together." He assured. This time, Theo was the one to made a rude noise as he folded his arms over his chest as they waited behind a black curtain to be introduced by Hades and his generals.

"That's the first time someone's ever described our family like that," He said snidely, then shrugged and looked at Nikias, "The only time you need to piss yourself in front of hundreds of people is on April Fool's Day." Nikias looked at him nervously.

"What's that?" He asked. All the brothers gave collective groans and glares, a couple of them even elbowing Theo, but it only made the red-head grin.

"It's something you don't even want to begin to understand." Malachi assured grimly.

"Trust me," Charon agreed, "When that day comes, get as far away from here as possible. I suggest maybe Africa or India." His brothers nodded in agreement, but Theo kept a proud smile on his face, excited that that day was coming sooner rather than later.

Nikias smiled then, however. His brothers were amusing, even more so when they actually agreed on something. In fact, if he was remembering correctly, this was the first thing they all agreed on. Even Theo, except Theo wore pride on his face as opposed to the misery on those of his brothers. It was enough to relax him for a moment, until he heard his name echo off the valley and silence followed for a split second before there was cheering and he was being herded by his brothers onto the platform, from behind the curtains, and out into the public eye.

He was instantly assaulted by numerous flashes of light that nearly blinded him, reporters shouting, and tons of eyes locked on him.

Thankfully, Hades was there to gesture him forward and he obeyed, once again gulping and hoping it didn't echo through the valley like it did in his head.

"Nikias," Hades spoke and instantly silence descended across the people, including the reporters, who stared at him eagerly, waiting to start taking notes while filing with their cell phone cameras, "Prince Nikias, Ninth Son of Hades, Lord of the Isles of the Blessed, ruler of justice and the innocent." A very short pause afterwards before the valley erupted in cheers and screams of joy.

"I knew they'd like you." Hades said under his breath with a confidence that Nikias couldn't feel.

"That or they're afraid you'll kill them." Nikias whispered. He could tell Hades wanted to grin at that. A cocky grin that totally agreed with his statement, but for appearance sake, he remained stoic as they stood in front of a cheering crowd, waiting for them to become silent so they could continue the ceremony.

Needing some sort of comfort, Nikias glanced out the corner of his eye toward Demetrius, and instantly noticed something off about the demigod. He stood absolutely stiff, and there was sweat sliding down his brow, his face pallor. If Nikias didn't know any better, he'd say the man was sick, or in a lot of pain. But he refused to show it on his face. He kept his jaw clenched so tight, that alone looked painful, his eyes locked on the space in front of him.

Suddenly worried for him, Nikias couldn't care less about his interviews or the millions of people standing before him, waiting for him to screw up and embarrass himself. He moved away from Hades's side, approaching Demetrius and keeping his voice low so that no one could hear him.

"Demetrius, go back stage." He commanded. Demetrius stared at him incredulously, then quickly wiped the expression of his face and returned to his poker face.

"I'm fine, Prince Nikias."

"You are not. You look like you're going to be sick."

"I said I'm fine," Demetrius ground out through clenched teeth, suddenly looking uncomfortable the amount of attention they were drawing to themselves of reporters flashing photos and people calling out with questions that Nikias swiftly ignored, "Please, just go back to what you were doing. You're going to embarrass yourself." Nikias frowned.

"I don't care. Get off the stage, Demetrius. Now." He commanded, gesturing off the stage in an obvious dismissal. Demetrius fought to glare at the young prince. His high and mighty arrogance was not what he was expecting when he'd first met the artificial. He'd been quiet, curious, fascinated by everything. He still was, but now he carried Hades's obscene arrogance and god complex.

He knew Nikias's command was rooted in kindness. He knew Nikias was just worried, but he couldn't get past that tone of voice, that cruel dismissal. He felt himself mentally transport himself back in time, to the day he'd turned sixteen and his mother could no longer stand the sight of him.

"Just go! I can't stand you anymore! You're such a needy little ingrate! I'm sick of trying to take care of you and your disfigurement! It's not my fault! I am a goddess! I am perfection! And you are the only stain in my life, so leave! Go with your wretch of a father and see if I give a shit! If I ever see you again, I will flay the flesh from your bone!"

Her cruel words had shattered his entire world. He'd fought so, so hard to make her happy. He wasn't perfect and he knew that. As if his own mother pointing out his flaws wasn't enough, he'd destroyed his father in the process. It was a bitter pill to swallow, and a horrid memory to remember now of all times when his prosthetic was causing him unbearable pain.

Worn wires sent electrical shocks shooting through his muscles and bone. He felt as if tiny explosions were pulsing all along his shoulder and right side. Just standing there for another moment and he would go crumpling to his knees.

Don't embarrass me more than you already have!

His mother's voice was like a bucket of ice cold water on his head as he stared at Nikias's firm glare and pointed finger.

I'm embarrassing them, Demetrius realized, heat warming his cheeks. Unable to stand that glare any further or the reporters hoarding to their side of the platform, he gave his prince a polite nod, a formal military salute and left the stage. He went past the curtain, ignoring the scornful glares of Hades's generals and his fellow soldiers. No medic went anywhere near him, just watched him with curled lips as he made his way to the staircase.

He went down intending to make it outside to the fresh air so he could just teleport back to his apartment in Elysium, but he didn't have the strength. He fell into a crumple halfway down the stairs, leaning his weight all on his left shoulder, seething through clenched teeth. He wanted to reach up and rip the mechanical arm embedded in his flesh, but if he did that, he'd bleed all over the place and pass out and nothing was more pathetic than waking up in his own blood.

He cursed inwardly, pushed off the wall, and struggled down the steps. He nearly tripped several times before he managed to make it to the ground floor and he moved for the nearest exit, but he didn't make it even that far.

He slumped to his knees, leaning against the wall. More little explosions went through his system, his heart pounding and sweat making his hair stick to the sides of his face. Humiliation welled up inside him as he squeezed his eyes shut.

"It'll be okay, Demi. I will never let you suffer for your mother's selfishness. If an arm is what she wishes you to have, then I shall give you this."

His father's words brought a sob into his throat, but he swallowed it down with difficulty.

His father had done everything for him. After his mother had ruthlessly tossed them from her home, his father had moved heaven, hell, and earth to find them a decent home in the mortal realm. The period of industrialism was upon them and the only real jobs in the world had been filthy factory jobs. His father worked long laborious hours, had lost three fingers, and nearly lost his leg all while trying to save up money for a prosthetic. His father had managed to afford a wooden prosthetic with iron hinges and a leather brace, but that hadn't been enough.

And they had run out of time. In the late 1790s, Demetrius's father had been sucked into a machine and shredded beyond recognition. In a flurry of rage, Demetrius had gone to the owner of the factory to bring vengeance down upon the owner, who refused to take responsibility for an old, malfunctioning machine. He'd fought tooth and nail, but in the end, they'd taken his prosthetic and destroyed it as well as his ego and tossed him out into the streets.

And no one would hire him. No one wanted a freak to work for them. He'd even tried to lie and tell them he'd lost it in a war, but still, he was spat upon and shoved into the slums where he survived on moldy cheese and bread for years before an old widow had taken pity upon him.

But even she treated him like a helpless whelp. She insisted on having a butler tail him wherever he went, and while he knew she meant well, it'd been utter humiliation. People would laugh and mock him, a couple he recalled throwing stones. After his butler had been killed trying to protect him, the widow had thrown him out and once again, he survived on the streets for another two centuries before another god had approached him.

Done with them and their wars, he'd tried to tell the god to fuck off, but he refused to listen. The god returned later with a red-headed woman at his side, who'd coaxed him into joining their cause.

"If you loathe the gods as much as you say you do, you will receive your revenge for your mother is on the opposing side. Join us and you can have your revenge, little one. Not only that, but I know someone who can make you a new arm."

Demetrius had laughed at her. The idea of a new arm disgusted him. He'd already dealt with a prosthetic that, even with his god powers, hadn't been enough to fight off the mere mortals who'd assaulted him and killed his father. However, the goddess had followed through with her promise. She'd returned to him a week later and delivered him the prosthetic he had now.

But he should've known the woman had been playing him, just as everyone else had.

The arm was failing him now, and even worse, the bitch had embedded the arm into his flesh and rigged it so that he could control it as if it were a real arm. It was connected to so many vital pieces of him, it was a miracle the arm hadn't just killed him.

But he knew better.

He couldn't die.

He was immortal. It was the curse that came with having a goddess for a mother.

Demetrius slammed his fist against the wall, breathing hard as he glared at the dent he'd created in the rock, watching bits crumble and skitter across the floor. He seethed as he struggled to his feet. He took a deep, even breaths, swallowing back the pain. And just in time too, because he could hear voices coming down the stairs and he ducked into a niche in the wall on the hallway just to the right of the staircase.

"Can you believe that," A man's voice scoffed, "Pathetic! He ran out like a little girl. And completely humiliated the young prince. He has balls doing such a thing. Nikias has done everything for that bastard."

"Agreed," A woman sneered, "I'll never understand why Prince Abel even hired that cockroach. He's probably just in it for the paycheck."

"I don't doubt that," One of the men laughed, "He probably needs it to buy tampons. Did you see that face? The last time I saw that kind of look, my wife was on her period." Multiple laughs chimed in as a group of soldiers passed by the hallway, their laughter and mockery fading down the hallway.

Demetrius felt heat burn in his cheeks and ears as he slumped back against the wall of the niche, reaching up to cover his face with his good hand before he clenched it into a fist and slammed it against the wall, breathing hard.

They're right. Stop being a fucking whiny bitch and suck it up. Your job isn't to stand around and whimper in pain. Your job is to protect the princes, protect Hades. Now go apologize to Prince Nikias and get your ass home so you can soak in a hot bath.

Taking a deep breath, swallowing the pain and wiping the sweat away from his forehead, fanning himself for a moment to clear up the heat on his face, he moved out from his niche and came to the end of the hallway, standing in a stiff military stance as more soldiers and the generals walked by. Each and every one of them avoided eye contact with him or even acknowledging his presence, as if just the mere thought of him was embarrassment enough.

Part of him just wanted to run and hide, but he owed Nikias that apology.

He spotted Nikias coming down the stairs a couple minutes later with his brothers, all of whom were chatting animatedly with their youngest brother about a job well done. Hades just walked quietly behind them, watching them with a far away look on his face that Demetrius had grown accustomed to. It was the memory of what he'd seen Hades endure that made him suck in a sharp breath and suddenly mentally kick himself.

How dare you stand there and whine when he's suffered far more than you could ever know. Your pain is a walk in the park as opposed to his, or anyone else's.

With that thought in mind, he remained stiff in stance until Nikias noticed him. He leaned to his brothers, wishing them good well, and promising his father to be home later tonight, before he came jogging up to Demetrius.

The demigod felt his heart skip a beat as the young prince ran up to him. His earlier tirade against the artificial suddenly made him feel guilty. It wasn't Nikias's fault. The pain tended to make his short temper intensify. And how could he ever stay angry at that face. Those bright, sparkling seafoam green eyes that seemed to see and absorb everything. Dark hair swept back around a handsome face with a very Greek nose, thick dark brows, and lips that seemed to have permanent tilts in the corners, almost like he was always smiling somehow. And he looked particularly delicious in his black stitch uniform.

"Are you all right?" Nikias asked him, his expression softening to concern. Demetrius blinked, then stepped back and gave Nikias a particularly low bow that made Nikias blushed.

"I apologize profusely for what I've done today. I promise it won't happen again." He said. Nikias felt his face get even warmer, if that was possible. He couldn't understand why Demetrius felt a need to apologize. In fact, if anything, he should be the one apologizing. He hadn't been to get so snippy with Demetrius, but his concern had stomped out self-preservation.

"Oh, stop that," Nikias managed, looking embarrassed as he rubbed the back of his neck, "Stand up. You don't need to do that. And besides, I should be the one apologizing." Demetrius stood up and gave him a look of adorable confusion. It made Nikias's cock twitch and he bit his  bottom lip. God, how could this ruggedly handsome sex on a stick manage to look so cute and boyish with one facial expression?

"I didn't mean to get snippy," Nikias said with a half-smile, "I was just really freaked out. I thought you were gonna be sick. Are you all right now?" Demetrius gave him a polite nod.

'"Yes, sir."

"Please don't call me sir. Just because I'm a prince doesn't mean I'm the brat you saved."

"I've never thought of you as a brat." Demetrius said defensively.

"Well, that's a relief." Nikias answered, flashing him a charming smile. Demetrius felt heat move up his neck toward his cheeks, so he cleared his throat uncomfortably and shifted on his feet, ignoring the shooting pain that went through his torso when he moved as he jostled his arm.

Nikias felt like his heart was going to pound right out of his chest. He'd been waiting for this moment the whole ceremony. No, that was a lie. He'd been waiting since the war ended to officially ask Demetrius if they could go on a real date. He'd asked all his brothers for advice, but all of them... Well, as much as he loved them, they were totally jaded and maybe just a little... really psychotic. Their advice ranged from forget about it to go to a strip club. It made him wonder how his brothers ended up with the lovers they had now. Or rather, how they ever even had any.

No, Nikias scolded himself, it's now or never. I'm a prince now. I'd gotten what advice I could from my brothers and watching those Demonic Fashion soap operas. I need to do this now while he's got his guard down. That and he was sure his confidence would never be this high again. So he took a deep breath and smiled.

"Demetrius, are you free tonight?" He asked. Demetrius blinked and looked at him quizzically. Again, with that boyish confusion. It made Nikias want to swoon, but he managed to maintain his composure as he watched Demetrius stare at him. It was taking too long to reply.

Give him a break, Nikias chided himself, I probably scared him shitless.

"Demetrious?" He couldn't resist prompting. Demetrius blinked again, then again, then looked at him, still confused.

"Yes?" He asked. Nikias smiled at the innocent question.

"Sweet. Ah, I mean, cool. Great! Great," He corrected himself, making a mental note to slam his head shut in a door for failing to have the kind of suave sexiness his brothers seemed to portray around their own lovers, "Yeah, that's great. All right, have you heard of the Terra Cotta in Styx? It's a restaurant down the main street with tinted windows and red neon signs. They have a huge variety of foods there. How about we meet there at eight?" Demetrius stared at him continuously, as if he still wasn't quite wrapping his head around the question. Was it a business meeting? Was a sympathy dinner? Was he being fired and let down easily? He had no idea. But he couldn't say no to the prince. He managed a nod and the joy on Nikias's face was almost enough to mute the pain in his shoulder.

"Fantastic! I'll see you then, and take care of yourself! Don't make me call a doctor next time." Nikias added teasingly before he hurried down the hallway, leaving Demetrius there, dumbfounded.

"Shit!" Nikias cursed, throwing yet another shirt over his head. His date with Demetrius was in two hours and he had yet to find a decent thing to wear. His once spic-and-span room was now littered with every piece of clothing he owned, a couple he'd borrowed, and whatever else had gotten in his way as he made his way through his room like an F5 tornado.

"If I were a decent father, I'd tell you to clean your damn room before you leave this palace... But I'm too lazy to. So at least let me ask, what the hell are you doing?" Hades asked from the doorway. Nikias paused in his clothing crusade to turn and see Hades leaning on the doorway, arching a brow at him. He hesitated telling his father.

He loved his father, to the core of his being, but even he knew that Hades had never taken kindly to the people his sons dated. Even more so considering all of his spawn were gay. After the horrific slideshow he'd been forced to witness during the Titan war, it'd been discovered that all of Hades children were to be born gay. It was destined. And he thought it was a load of a bullshit and Hades never once denied or agreed to the supposed curse Zeus had laid upon his children, but he wasn't sure he wanted to test Hades's limit.

"Uh, well, I kind of... Uh, what would you say if I have a date?" Nikias offered. It wasn't a lie. And it wasn't a statement either. Not really. He waited for Hades's response. The god cocked his head, gave a bored look at the ceiling, then looked at him.

"Okay, I don't even have to read your mind to know what's going on in that head of yours. You're going on a date with that Demetrius kid, aren't you?" He asked. Nikias blushed, coming to his feet and thankful he was a safe distance away from his father. Not that his father would hurt him. He just wasn't sure how his father would handle the news.

"Is... Uh, does that... I dunno, make you mad?" He asked uneasily. Hades wrinkled his nose.

"That would depend. Am I pissed it's a guy? Not really. I gave up on getting pissed over that shit years ago... okay, maybe more like months, but that's not the point. I think you're asking me if I'm mad in general, and I can give you a confident yeah, because it's only natural. Some guy's trying to make a move on my kid. At least tell me you're not planning to take it up the ass. Otherwise, I might really freak out." He added. Nikias blushed to the roots of his hair.

"Oh my god, dad, please. That's so awkward. I can't talk about that with you."

"Really? Then I'm not mad," Hades scoffed, waving his hand idly, "In fact, good for you. At least you're not like Theo running to me every couple weeks with questions like oh dad do I have to use a condom since we're born immortal or my personal favorite dad, I think I'm ripping in half slowly. Yeah, nothing warms my heart more than hearing that bullshit. Noooo, thank you." Nikias laughed at that. He didn't doubt that stuff for a second. Theo was very open about it. As were Cain and Abel. The rest of his brothers preferred to keep their lovers close and the dirty stuff to themselves. 

"Anyway," Hades said, making Nikias look up, "Forget all that shit. Try this." Hades snapped his fingers and Nikias's plain black t-shirt and jeans changed into a pair of black snug jeans, a black v-neck under a leather jacket with a standing collar that clipped shut at the throat, and black boots.

"There. Not too bad. Then again, I'm vain saying that." Hades added under his breath. Nikias smirked at Hades's reference to the fact that they shared almost all the same facial features. Except while Hades's were a bit sharper, Nikias's were just slightly softer and his eyes much more warm and inviting while Hades's couldn't say "fuck off and die" any harder.

"Good luck, kid," Hades told him, "And try not to terrorize the citizens tonight. You did well today at the ceremony, but god knows they'll find something to pick at." He was referring to his concern over Demetrius, Nikias knew. He nodded and Hades departed. Nikias took a deep breath and teleported himself over to Styx an hour later, appearing in the town square and walking from there to buy himself some time to come up with conversation topics and ways to get to know Demetrius much better.

He was both excited and nervous. He felt as if he knew plenty about Demetrius already, but he wanted to know more. He wanted to know the demigod's favorite color, food, drink, animal. From those trivial silly things to what Demetrius wanted to do in life, his goals, his accomplishments, his past, his present, his future. He was thrilled about the idea.

At least, for the first hour and a half when he realized Demetrius still hadn't shown up at the restaurant. He'd shown up early, granted, and gotten his table, but as he sat there waiting, glancing at the clock on his cell phone watch, he began to have doubts.

Maybe it was too bold of me. Maybe I shouldn't have asked him. Nikias thought miserably, resting his elbow on the table and staring at his watch impatiently. The waitress had come by at least three times to check in on him and even gave him a glass of water before he finally gave up.

It'd been over an hour and Demetrius hadn't shown up.

Heartsick, Nikias left the restaurant and stood on the street, looking around in hopes of spotting the handsome demigod, but still no sign of him. A frown began to work on his face. Surely Demetrius wouldn't just ditch him like this without saying anything. He wanted to call and ask if he was all right. After all, the demigod hadn't looked so well during the ceremony.

Nikias winced at his insensitivity. Maybe Demetrius was sicker than he thought. That made him nervous. He opened up his contacts list and dialed the only person he knew who would know Demetrius's location. After the first ring, his brother, Abel, appeared on the holographic screen coming from the watch.

"Nikias, hey, how's it goin'?" Abel asked cheerfully.

"Abel, do you have Demetrius's number? Actually, where does he live? Let's stick to that." Nikias said,  becoming more and more worried for the demigod. Abel frowned, sensing his brother's dire tone.

"He lives in the apartment building down the block. He didn't want a room in the palace. Far be it from me to give him luxury. Why? What's going on?"

"I'm not sure. I'll call you about it later."

"You better."

Nikias nodded and hung up before teleporting from Styx to Elysium where his brother worked and Demetrius lived. It was the most beautiful piece of land in the entire realm. Not too hot, not too cold, with a valley of smooth grassy hills and a brightly lit city that was overflowing with only the rich and heroic. Elysium belonged to those who'd done well in their lives, heroes, consorts of the gods, allies of said gods. In more recent years, it'd also become home to the most wealthiest of the realm, such as food importers, members of the Demonic Fashion clothing line and soap operas. 

It'd become a beautiful massive hub without any slums or dirt on the streets that were paved in gold. The buildings ranged from large to small, wide to narrow, from businesses to major corporations. Most of the inhabitants lived in mansions and palaces, none of which were as large as Abel's that sat overlooking the city in all its marble and golden glory.

However, today he wasn't seeking his brother. Today, he needed to find Demetrius. Something in his gut told him as he walked down the street toward the apartment building that seemed to house only a few very large rooms, including Demetrius's, which sat at the top in a large luxurious penthouse. After convincing the receptionist at the front desk to let him up, Nikias took the elevator up so it let out in a small open area with only one door that led to Demetrius's penthouse.

He waved his hand over the lock, breaking the spell lock on it, and he entered the apartment, looking around. He walked through a short hallway, stepping up onto a platform that led into the rest of the room and Nikias's eyes widened at the sight.

The place was absolutely stunning. It was huge and open with the living room having a wide rounded set of floor-to-ceiling windows that looked out over the sunset city. To the right was a large open kitchen with a bar and a electronic piano in one corner, to the left was a long hallway and a pair of stairs that led up to a catwalk that revealed a home theater upstairs, a dining room, another kitchen, and probably more bedrooms. Everything was designed in sterile shades of white and black, the white marble floors covered by an occasional thick black rug.

But what Nikias noted most was the lack of personal items in the penthouse. As if the place was getting ready for an open house to allow new tenants to move in. Oh sure, there was tons of furniture. Leather and microfiber sofas and arm chairs, an electric fireplace, rows of bookshelves. But those shelves and the tables and nightstands were all missing things. No photos, no houseplants or magazines or books or knick-knacks.

The place was cold and empty.

Or so he thought when he heard a scream.

Nikias shuddered at the sound that came from the darkest depths of despair. Terrified for Demetrius, he ran down the hallway, following the sound past a large bedroom before he slowed down. He could hear the sound of a shower going in the bedroom's bathroom. He walked through a large open bedroom with rumpled sheets, and froze at the sight of blood splattered all over the sheets.

His stomach dropped as he clenched a hand over his mouth for a second before moving to the bed, spotting blood that spattered from the bed all the way into the bathroom. A large bathtub big enough to fit six people sat off to the left, to the right a smashed mirror with pieces scattered across a marble counter and on the floor.

Nikias paled at the sight on the middle of the floor, laying in a pool of blood.

Demetrius's prosthetic arm. The wires sparked and hissed, spitting into the blood that sizzled. The wires were torn, the plate plates bent, and two tubes oozing blood from their jagged ends. It made Nikias cringe. The sight of them were like two little worm-like creatures with teeth all around the edges. In fact, the wires looked similar, only much longer and soaked in blood. There were even a couple small pieces of flesh sticking to the part that had gone into Demetrius's shoulder.

Horrified by the sight, Nikias looked up, following the blood trail to the shower. He move quickly to the glass shower case, grimacing at the steam that rose up around the room, making it thick and humid. The shower was huge, like a whole other room itself with shower heads shooting water out from all the walls and a large panel above also spilling water down below.

And in the middle of the shower, curled up into a fetal position, was Demetrius.

Nikias swallowed back a cry of pain at seeing Demetrius so vulnerable and tiny. He was curled up so tightly with his hand grasping his ravaged right shoulder. Blood bubbled from the wounds caused by his prosthetic and were creating a pink puddle beneath him as the water washed the blood down the drain below. His dark curly hair was stuck to his head, his eyes squeezed shut, his skin unhealthily pale.

"Shit," Nikias gasped, dropping down to his knees beside him, ignoring the cold water that stung him even through his clothes, "Demetrius? Demetrius, open your eyes. Look at me." Demetrius didn't respond, but he was still alive and awake. Just trembling violently. Nikias swallowed, pulling Demetrius's head into his lap. Demetrius growled, but didn't fight him as he lay curled up. Nikias stroked the wet hair back from his face, swallowing down the lump in his throat at the sight of Demetrius's bloody shoulder.

"Demetrius, what happened?" He managed. Demetrius didn't answer, just trembled and breathed heavily in pain. Nikias hesitated before putting his hands together, rubbing to generate not only heat, but magic. He hadn't learned much from Hades, but just enough to shut a wound like this closed.

He managed to move Demetrius's hands out of the way, placing his hands over the bare spot on Demetrius's shoulder where his arm would protrude. He sent in a flow of magic and Demetrius screamed in pain, moving to get away from him, but Nikias caught him against his chest with one arm and used his free hand to heal the damage.

Demetrius writhed in pain, gasping out loud and arching his back before he passed out. Nikias clenched his teeth and clutched Demetrius to him tightly as he finished healing the damage so it was back to its original state. Blank and smooth.

He managed to shut off all the water and grab a towel, moving to the shower and hoisting Demetrius up into his arms. He expected to have a bit of trouble considering Demetrius was much taller and more muscular than him, but he managed just fine as he carried Demetrius out of the bathroom and started to move him to the bed when he realized it was still a bloody mess.

So he placed Demetrius on a beige chaise in the corner of the room near a tea table and got to work cleaning the room. He cleaned up the blood stains and changed the sheets, then moved Demetrius to the bed and tucked him in gently. Once he was sure Demetrius was safe and sound in his bed, he stepped out and dialed Abel again.

"What's going on? You look like you've seen a ghost." Abel said nervously.

"Almost," Nikias admitted grimly, "I don't know what happened. Demetrius was supposed to meet me for dinner at eight, but he didn't show, so I came over here and found him... Just... I don't know. His prosthetic is destroyed. I don't have the power to reattach it. And from the looks of it, I don't even want to reattach it. It looked so horrible and painful, Abel." Abel grimaced.

"Nikias, I'm sorry. Listen, I'll be over there in a bit. I'll contact Hades. If anyone can help him, it's Hades." He assured. Nikias nodded and hung up before moving back into the bedroom to sit on the bed beside Demetrius, who continued to sleep on with a very light, cute snore. Nikias bit his bottom lip, then risked reaching out to wipe the damp hair from Demetrius's face.

He suddenly looked more like a little boy laying there than a badass soldier. It made Nikias's heart ache. How could this have happened? Was this what had made Demetrius so ill earlier in the day? Was it his arm? Had he torn it off, or had someone else? He couldn't imagine Demetrius having very many enemies. And what few he probably had were all in Tartarus suffering eternal torment at the hands of Zelios, also Nikias's older brother.

"I'm so sorry, Demetrius." Nikias whispered, stroking Demetrius's hair. Thankfully, the demigod was completely out and couldn't hear him, or feel the soft kiss Nikias had placed to his forehead. He stood up when he felt Hades's and Abel's presence in the penthouse. He left the room, finding them in the living room before he led them to the bedroom. Abel stayed at his side, giving him comforting glances as Hades went right to work.

Hades examined the prosthetic and brought it into the room, conjuring tools to tinker with it on the fly before he set it aside and studied Demetrius's shoulder.

"Well," Hades said after a moment, stepping back and folding his arms over his chest, "From the looks of the prosthetic, it was torn out of his arm all right, but the way it was torn out doesn't indicate someone else tore it. The metal is scraped and covered in nail marks, like he was pulling at it himself, and the angle the tubes are ripped suggest the same thing. It'd be easier if you hadn't already healed him."

"I had to." Nikias said, looking baffled by Hades's suggestion. Hades shrugged carelessly. Abel patted Nikias on the shoulder.

"You get used to it," He assured, then he looked at Hades with a frown, "So you're saying he tore it off himself?" Nikias blinked, looking at Demetrius, then at Abel, then at Hades as if he were having difficulty comprehending.

"What? How is that possible? Why would he do that?" He asked. Hades snorted, reaching out and picking up the prosthetic to show his sons.

"Are you looking at this piece of crap? It's a miracle he didn't tear it out earlier. This thing was embedded into his skeleton, his spinal cord. The wires were inserted into his veins. It's an arm, just made out of metal and cheap wires and tubing. This thing is a death trap. He's lucky he has god blood on his system; otherwise, this thing would've killed him. Whether during insertion, removal, or that horrible space in between." He explained, then tossed the thing onto the floor. Nikias winced, resisting the urge to pick it up. Abel grimaced, folding an arm over his chest and resting his other elbow on it, cupping his chin.

"Christ. Where'd he get that?"

"My bet is probably the Titans," Hades said with a curl of his lip as he glanced at Demetrius, "From what I've learned, it was the reason he joined the Titans in the first place. They gave him an arm and he gave them servitude, but he was crushing too hard on Nikias to hurt him, so he switched sides. And for an added bonus, I'm guessing the Titans knew it would break down eventually, so they'd either give him a tune-up or just rip the whole thing off and add a new one, just to keep his loyalties. Or if they even cared that much."

"Stop." Nikias managed, his heart bleeding for Demetrius. Abel gave Hades a stern look when he opened his mouth to sass his son. Hades went silent as he watched Nikias sit on the bed beside Demetrius. A sliver of irritation went through him at seeing Nikias so tender with this complete stranger.

Oh sure, they'd spent plenty of time together hiding during the war, fighting together. But it wasn't long enough, well enough, to confirm those kinds of feelings. Or maybe he just couldn't understand them, even now when he was in his own relationship with Lucifer.

His instinct was to yank Nikias off the bed and haul him home without any word on the matter. He trusted Demetrius because the demigod had saved his life, the life of his son, and he'd already paid that debt back by helping Demetrius getting a job working for Abel. Because Demetrius would be just as willing to protect Abel as he was with Nikias. So what better person for the job?

However, the small tender part of him that he reserved for only the most dire of moments refused to let him be so cruel. He knew from past mistakes that being callous with his sons, with anyone really, was a bad idea. He didn't want Nikias to turn on him. He couldn't lose this son.

But he loathed the very idea of Nikias falling in love with this demigod. No, rather, he loathed the idea of Nikias falling in love with anyone.

"Dad, can I talk to you out in the hall?" Abel asked, glancing out the corner of his eye. He could just see Hades preparing to boil over. He'd seen this plenty of time with his other brothers to know Hades was about to make a mistake. And thankfully, Hades quit the room and he followed after him.

Meanwhile, Nikias stayed by Demetrius's side, taking his calloused hand into his own. Demetrius's fingers were long tapered, heavily calloused from centuries of hard work. He traced the bones under his skin, then drew Demetrius's knuckles to his lips and placed a soft kiss to them before lacing his fingers with Demetrius's.

Hades and Abel were gone for quite a while before Abel returned.

"Where's Hades?" Nikias asked, concerned. Abel frowned.

"He's debating whether to make Demetrius a new prosthetic or not." He answered. Nikias scowled.

"How is it a debate?" He demanded. For once, he was angry that Hades hadn't jumped on the chance. If not out of the goodness of his heart, then at least for the thrill of making something. Abel gave Nikias a droll stare, his arms folding over his chest.

"Nikias, you're new to this, so I'll cut you some slack. Hades can't go around doing things for free. If he did, people would throw fits and start making more outrageous demands. He has to be careful who he helps and how. And let me be honest and say that isn't the whole thing either. Hades hates seeing people take his sons away."

"What? That's ridiculous. Demetrius isn't--"

"He is and he doesn't even realize it," Abel cut him off sternly, making Nikias frown, "Hades only has a very small circle of people that he trusts, people that he loves. And for those of us who are in that circle, Hades would do anything to make sure we're safe. And from his experience, love isn't safe. Love is a huge gamble that could end up with you severely hurt. Mentally or physically, or gods fucking forbid both. Hades is scared for you, that's it. Give him a chance and make sure you show him that by loving Demetrius, it doesn't mean you'll love him any less. It sounds childish, but that's the way things work." Without another word, Abel vanished from the room, leaving Nikias to sit there on the bed.

He didn't think it was childish. At least, not after he considered Hades and his logic. He hated that he could think from someone else's point of view. It made it very hard to stay angry at his father. He understood, but it didn't mean he liked it. He just hoped Hades would have at least enough heart to help Demetrius.

If not for Demetrius, and the fact that the demigod had saved their lives, then at least for his son.

Nikias took a deep breath, needing some time to think. But he didn't dare leave the penthouse. He didn't want Demetrius to wake up in pain. So he went to the kitchen and made a small snack with what little Demetrius had in the house. After a quick look in the fridge, Nikias confirmed that Demetrius only had half a package of lunch meat left, a couple slices of cheese, a carton of milk, and a four-pack of yogurt. A loaf of smashed bread on the counter, and a couple pieces of fruit.

Nikias returned to Demetrius's room to eat, waiting and hoping Demetrius woke up gently and not suddenly. He was most likely going to be in a bit of pain, even after the healing. He wasn't as good as Hades, not by a long shot, but at least he'd healed the damage done after tearing out the arm.

Nikias glanced over at the piece of scraped metal on the floor. It was still stained with blood, still torn from Demetrius pulling at it. He grimaced, unable to imagine the kind of pain Demetrius had experienced trying to take it off. He wanted to kill the Titans all over again for making a good man suffer. He comforted himself knowing that at least two of them were wiped from existence and the rest were suffering untold torment in the bowels of Tartarus.

"Mngh..." Nikias perked up, turning to see Demetrius waking up.

The demigod grimaced in pain, blinking his eyes open to stare at a bleary ceiling. He blinked a few more times to clear his vision. The first thing he noticed, however, was the warm scent of cinnamon and smoke. What a strange combination, he thought, until he recognized the scent as Nikias's. His eyes flickered and sure enough, Nikias was sitting on the bed at his side.

"Demetrius? Are you all right?" Nikias asked softly. Demetrius struggled to comprehend his words and what was going on. He looked around, confused. Was this a dream?

No, because a sharp pain cut through his torso and he hissed through clenched teeth, reaching up with his free hand to grab at his stump of a shoulder. Feeling nothing there, his worst fears were confirmed.

All he really remembered was coming home and taking enough pain pills to destroy a human liver, and heading to the shower when he couldn't take it anymore. The pain was driving him insane. He'd torn his arm off and stumbled into the shower to stop the bleeding, but he had passed out with the thought that he was going to call Nikias to cancel their meeting.

"Shit," Demetrius cursed, then quickly looked at Nikias, who raised an eyebrow, "Sorry. I forgot to call to cancel. I'll reimburse the money." Nikias frowned.

"What're you talking about?"

"You probably made reservations at that restaurant."

"Well, yeah, but that doesn't matter. Are you all right? You scared the crap out of me." Nikias added. Demetrius clenched his teeth.

"My apologies. I'm fine now. You don't have to stay." He replied. Nikias frowned further. Demetrius felt a pang in his chest. How could he get any more inconvenient? Christ, he was more baggage than he expected.

"I'm not going anywhere," Nikias said sternly, "I'm staying right here. Besides, we can schedule another date some other time." Now it was Demetrius's turn to frown.

"What?"

"What?" Nikias said back. Demetrius shook his head. He must have misheard. For a second, he thought he heard Nikias mention their meeting as a date, but surely he was hallucinating from the pain. He had to. Why would someone like Nikias ever give a shit about something like him? As if he wasn't broken before, now he was shattered. Someone like Nikias deserved better. Another prince, perhaps. A god even. But certainly not a broken and disowned demigod.

"I'm going to order something for us to eat," Nikias said, making Demetrius look at him curiously, "I looked around your kitchens for something, but you really don't eat much, do you? Hard to believe given how ripped you are. I'd think you were a steak and potatoes kinda guy. I was thinking of ordering from Abel's palace kitchens, but if you want, I can get something else. What do you prefer?" Demetrius stared at him. Okay... Maybe he really was dreaming. Maybe the pain was just so bad it was reaching into his dreams. Deciding to play along, Demetrius averted his eyes.

"Steak and potatoes is fine." He answered monotonously. A smile broke out across Nikias's face and Demetrius felt his heart clench in his chest. God, that smile was heavenly.

"Awesome," He declared, getting up, "I'll put the order in, you stay right there. I don't want you to do too much moving around in case I did some damage when I healed you." He gave Demetrius a nod before leaving. Demetrius watched him go, completely baffled.

Oh yeah. Definitely a dream.

A really nice dream.

He'd dreamt of Nikias a few times in the past, since they first met. He'd dreamt of Nikias kissing him, touching him, taking him out on regular dates. He even dreamt of proposing to the artificial before. However, each time, he woke up at the best part and was faced with the cold cruel reality. He was just grateful Hades couldn't see his dreams. At least, not when he wasn't in the room, probably. He had to be very cautious with Hades in the room. The god had unprecedented powers. He could easily pick up on Demetrius's feelings and lash out.

He knew well Hades's tendency to try and scare away anyone who showed romantic interest in his sons. He'd heard plenty of horror stories. So he kept those thoughts to himself.

And he hoped he didn't wake up before this nice dream was over.

"They should be here in about an hour," Nikias said, coming back into the room with a smile, "Until then, let's try and move you into the dining room." He approached the bed and Demetrius instantly shied away from his touch, making him arch a brow. Demetrius cleared his throat.

"I can do it myself." He said, stung by Nikias's attempt to help him. He hated feeling helpless. The widow had always insisted on having him helped out of bed, as if one arm wasn't enough to do that. He knew it wasn't Nikias's fault, though. And thankfully, Nikias wasn't hurt by the rejection as he stepped back and let Demetrius swing his legs over the side of the bed, getting to his feet.

Pain pulsed hotly through his shoulder and entire right side, but it wasn't crippling enough to drive him to his knees. He gave Nikias a thankful nod, making the prince beam brightly. He swallowed the lump that smile gave him in his throat and led the way out of the bedroom with Nikias at his heels the entire time.

"You don't have a lot of stuff," Nikias pointed out as they made their way down the hallway, "I know that sounds a little rude, but I was just curious. I mean, I don't have a lot of stuff, aside from brand spanking new stuff my dad insisted I get. But I haven't been around for a while, so..." Demetrius didn't know what to say to that. He may have been around much longer than Nikias, but he hadn't had time to collect his own stuff. Any personal stuff he had when he lived with his father had been taken from him, or sold in an attempt to get food.

"I never had a need for personal items." Demetrius said after a moment. Nikias cocked his head.

"Well, maybe we can change that." He offered. Demetrius didn't know what to say to that. It'd be a miracle if he wasn't fired from his new job for being an imbecile. And if he was, there was no way he'd have money to get personal items, or anything for that matter. He hoped Abel would forgive him for being an idiot.

What am I thinking? Of course I'm going to get fired. How am I supposed to protect Abel like this?

The thought made his stomach sink.

Nikias watched a cloud of depression descend over Demetrius as they entered the dining room. Even though his expression remained stoic, there was a darkness in those stunning gold eyes that told Nikias everything. Or at least, what Demetrius was feeling. It disheartened him to think that it might have been something he said. He hadn't meant to touch a nerve. He was still getting used to talking to people appropriately.

According to his brother, Charon, there were only certain things you could talk to people about. Especially if you were just getting to know each other. His brothers didn't follow the rules, which is why their lives were so difficult. Or so said Charon, and his boyfriend, Alexion.

"Well," Nikias said, hoping to lighten the mood, "We can have our date here. I want to get to know you more, Demetrius." Demetrius hesitated at that. Nikias watched a wall come down over Demetrius's face, making it even more stone cold. It stung, but he didn't let it show as they sat down at the table. The room was so sterile and cold, with a plain black rug beneath the sleek modern table and chairs, the white walls around them completely blank, save for the black crown moulding around the room, if that even counted.

"Where were you before you joined the Titans?" Nikias decided to ask, keeping it simple. The slightest frown pulled at the corners of Demetrius's lips. He wasn't sure why Nikias asked him that, or why Nikias wanted to get to know him. In his dreams, Nikias didn't really talk too much. They usually just touched or kissed. Was this just his inner-most desires coming into his dream?

"The mortal realm." Demetrius answered after a moment. Nikias cocked his head.

"Oh yeah? Where at? I've never been there." He added. Demetrius shifted uncomfortably.

"The United States."

"Were you born there?"

"No."

"Where were you born?"

"Olympus."

"Oh," Nikias said, eyes bright, "That's amazing. I haven't been to Olympus. Actually, I'm not allowed there. Hades won't let me for obvious reasons. But he mentioned that Demeter was your mother. Did she take your father to Olympus?" Demetrius gave pause at that.

According to his father, Demeter had kidnapped his father and taken him to Olympus to be her consort. When she'd gotten pregnant, she'd been overjoyed and kept his father in her temple. She showered him with gifts and riches beyond his wildest dreams, but it hadn't been enough. His father had become severely depressed. He'd been taken from his previous wife and his family. Demeter hadn't given a thought about him, just herself.

Then when he'd been born, Demeter had been horrified by his defect and punished them by sending them to the mortal realm when Demetrius was sixteen. By then, his father's family had died and his wife had remarried and had children.

It made his stomach twist in knots.

"I don't want to talk about it." Demetrius said at last. Nikias nodded in understanding.

"That's all right. It was a little nosy of me, huh? Well, at least I know a little bit more about you," He said, giving Demetrius a smile that made his heart leap, "I'd tell you about myself, but you pretty much know everything about me. And I don't think I ever thanked you enough for saving my father and I, and for taking care of me. I don't think we would have made it here without you." Demetrius felt heat creeping into his face. He wasn't used to being thanked. It sounded foreign to him.

"I... You're welcome." He said at last. Nikias smiled even more. His face hurt from smiling so much, but he couldn't stop. He loved seeing Demetrius blush. That gentle tinge of pink on his cheeks and the tips of his ears, over his nose. In fact, if he looked closely, he swore he saw a very faint dash of freckles on his face.

"You're really cute." Nikias blurted. Demetrius blushed harder.

"Excuse me?"

"Oh," Nikias blushed bright pink, "I didn't mean to say that out loud." They sat there, staring at each other uncomfortably for nearly a full minute before the door bell rang and Nikias shot up so fast, he banged his knee on the table and hissed quickly before giving Demetrius a red-faced smile.

"I'll get that. Be right back." He said, then dashed from the room, his heart pounding the whole way to the front door. He mentally kicked himself for being the lamest guy in the world. Meanwhile, Demetrius sat stiffly at the dining table, his whole body heating.

This is definitely a dream. A really weird dream. Maybe it was all those pain pills? Probably. No, definitely.

Nikias came back with a large cart covered in food. Demetrius stared at it as Nikias wheeled it in and moved everything to the table, giving Demetrius a smile.

"Eat up. It smells great." He said. Demetrius just gave a nod. The rest of their dinner was uncomfortable silence. Nikias kept trying to start conversations, but it seemed every time he tried to open his mouth to start one, Demetrius shot him down with one-worded answers.

Maybe this is a bad idea, Nikias thought miserably, he obviously doesn't want me here. It's like I'm intruding on his life. I just really really wanted to make this work. Why do I have to be such a pest? Why is it so easy for my brothers to just smoothly pick up whoever they want?

Demetrius felt guilt pierce his chest. He could tell Nikias was becoming disheartened. He could just see the poor prince wilt like a flower in front of him. He'd hurt him. He hadn't meant to. Was it his vague answers? He didn't want to talk about himself. He didn't want to get too personal. He just wanted to skip to the part of the dream where he and Nikias had sex and he woke up before he could ask Nikias to be his forever.

"Demetrius, am I bothering you by being here?" Nikias asked at last, unable to stand the silence any longer. Demetrius blinked and looked up.

"Pardon?"

"You don't seem to want me here. I mean, if I'm bothering you, please let me know. I don't want to be here if I'm not wanted." Nikias added, getting up and moving for the door. Before Demetrius could even stop to contemplate his next move, he was on his feet and moving Nikias away from the door, pushing him against the wall beside it instead.

"Don't," Demetrius said, then paused at Nikias's wide-eyed stare, "Please don't. I don't know what to do. In all my other dreams, you don't do this." Nikias frowned.

"What? You dream about me?" He asked, arching a brow. Demetrius blushed shamefully, taking his hand away and moving a full two feet back, his stomach tightening into a knot.

"I... I just... I didn't... mean to offend you. I really can't help it. I apologize." He managed. Nikias's heart bled at that apology. He wanted to cry. The sound of Demetrius's voice was utter humiliation. As if he were ashamed to have dreamt about him, like he wasn't worthy of dreaming about him.

"Why are you apologizing? That makes me happy," Nikias replied in relief, making Demetrius look at him in confusion, "This whole time I thought I was annoying you or that you hated me. It's so hard to tell because you don't show anything on your face. In fact, I thought you were trying to tell me you wanted me to leave."

"No," Demetrius said quickly, then moved back another step, clenching his fist, "I'm... not... I want you to stay, please. I just don't know what's going on. If this was another dream, we'd be doing something else, but if it's not..." If this wasn't a dream... Demetrius felt ultimate humiliation descend upon his face, his cheeks pinkening further.

"This isn't a dream, is it?" He asked. Nikias raised an eyebrow.

"No. Why? What would we be doing by now if it was a dream?" He asked. Demetrius felt like he wanted to climb into a hole and die. If Nikias wasn't in front of the door, he'd have left, and for some reason, he couldn't bring himself to teleport out of the room. He was too occupied with being an idiot that he couldn't concentrate enough on a location. So he stood there like a stupid oaf.

Meanwhile, Nikias couldn't believe what he was hearing, what he was seeing. Demetrius looked absolutely adorable. His cheeks were flushed, his dark hair curled becomingly around his face. And finally he was showing a facial expression, utter embarrassment, nervousness.

Nikias moved across the room without a second thought, coming to stand in front of Demetrius, who instantly dropped his eyes to the floor. Nikias reached up to cup Demetrius's cheek, brushing the hair back from his face. Demetrius held his breath. He couldn't believe this wasn't a dream. Nikias wouldn't come up to him like this with such a dark mischievous glint in his eye. Surely not.

"Demetrius," Nikias said, his voice low and husky, "What would we be doing if this was one of your dreams?" Demetrius clenched his teeth, fighting the urge to dip his head down and show him exactly what they'd be doing. But no amount of fighting could stop his cock from hardening. It didn't help that Nikias was so close that he could feel his body heat through their clothes.

"I'm sorry." Demetrius said, voice barely above a whisper. Nikias frowned, brushing his thumb against Demetrius's cheek.

"What're you sorry for?" He asked, moving his fingers down to Demetrius's lightly stubbled jaw, the hairs prickling and tickling his fingertips. It took everything he had not to stand on his toes and nip at that chin, those plump lips that begged to be kissed and nibbled. Demetrius swallowed and Nikias felt his body heat at the way Demetrius's Adam Apple rose and fell, his lips touching together nervously before parting.

"I didn't... I mean... for s-sullying you." Demetrius stammered. He mentally kicked himself. As if being deformed wasn't enough, now he sounded pathetic. That goddamned stutter that made him sound utterly stupid, the way he couldn't bring himself to move away. His whole body begged to be touched more. Nikias's touch was teasing his face. He wanted to tilt his head and nuzzle that soft palm against his cheek, but he didn't dare move.

Nikias frowned at his answer.

"Sullying me? You haven't done anything of the sort, Demetrius. If anything... Maybe I want to be the one to sully you." He added, hoping it sounded as seductive as he hoped for. He watched Demetrius's face twist into that adorable confusion. Completely undone by that simple expression, Nikias caved in and rose on his toes, capturing Demetrius's lips with his own. Demetrius groaned at the sweet taste of Nikias's lips against his own. Even better, as Nikias deepened the kiss, he slid his knee up between Demetrius's legs and massaged the bulge there.

Demetrius trembled, his legs becoming weak. He swore he was going to collapse to his knees, but he managed to slump against the table, resting his butt on it as Nikias slid his hands up his hips to his sides. He was blind with pleasure as Nikias stroked his bare skin, tracing every dip and curve of his muscles.

Nikias felt a thrill rush through him. No wonder people enjoyed doing this kind of thing. The pleasure felt like little bolts of electricity shooting through his veins, a needy throbbing in his groin and his heart floating around in his chest. A deep flutter in his stomach, a tightening sensation as his cock hardened further. He moved his hands back down Demetrius's side to take him by the thighs, massaging his way inwards and slowly spreading Demetrius's legs open. Another rush went through him as Demetrius moaned low in his throat. He shuddered at the sound, a deep baritone sound that vibrated his chest.

Demetrius wasn't sure what to do. A tiny voice in his head screamed for him to stop and get away before he created more problems for Nikias, but his body wouldn't listen. His body pleaded for this, his cock aching and already oozing, soaking the inside of his underwear. His muscles twitched and his nipples hardened as Nikias passed his hands over them.

"You taste even better than I imagined." Nikias murmured against his lips. Demetrius wasn't sure what to say, but his dazed expression was enough to make Nikias smile. He adored the way Demetrius's gold eyes had glazed over, his lips swollen from kissing, his eyebrows drawn up. He leaned up and nipped at Demetrius's chin, making the man arch his neck back to allow him more access.

Giddy with excitement, Nikias accepted the invitation and suckled on Demetrius's throat, trailing wet kisses down over his Adam's Apple, down over his chest until he reached a pert nipple to take in between his teeth. Demetrius hissed, arching his back, then gasped as Nikias snaked a hand down to cup him between the legs. His whole body felt as if it were on fire as Nikias massaged his throbbing bulge and nibbled on his nipple.

It was when Nikias shifted to his right side that he felt a sudden pang in his chest. He wanted to take Nikias into his arms and hold him, but his only arm was holding him up to keep him from bashing his head on the table. He swallowed.

"No," Nikias said, sensing Demetrius's hesitation, "Don't you back out on me now. It took me all day to get here. I won't let you back out." Demetrius flushed to the tips of his ears. He couldn't find the words to tell Nikias now. He just gulped. Nikias smiled at that, wrapping his arms around Demetrius's torso, flashing them from the dining room back to Demetrius's bedroom on the bed.

Demetrius instantly fell back against the pillows, sucking in a sharp breath as Nikias rose up above him between his legs, his hands gently smoothing over his knees. There was a tingle that went through his legs at that simple soft touch.

"I'm going to make it so you don't have to dream about me." Nikias told Demetrius calmly, reaching down to unzip his pants. Demetrius held his breath, watching him. He had no idea Nikias knew how to do what he was doing, but he could take a guess that Nikias's many brothers had given him a few tips.

Part of him still wanted to stop this. He didn't want Nikias to make such a mistake, but he couldn't bring himself to tell the prince no. He'd dreamt of Nikias since the war was over, still he'd actually had time to sit down and contemplate his feelings. He had still been wary of Nikias at first when they'd taken up residence in Duat for that short period of time. He'd tried to avoid him, but Nikias had clung to him like putty and wouldn't leave him alone. So many questions, so many innocent comments.

And now he knew that he felt for Nikias. He ached to have him closer. He ached to simply sit and listen to Nikias talk for hours. For god's sake, he found himself wanting to hug him and never let go. It was driving him insane, and that insanity came to a climax when Nikias had dipped down between his legs and had taken him into his mouth.

Demetrius gasped sharply, reaching back to grab the pillow under his head in his fist as Nikias's head bobbed up and down, swallowing him, then slowly sliding him back out. He tensed and arched his back, biting into his bottom lip. His whole body shuddered with pleasure as Nikias sucked on him.

"Nikias, wait." Demetrius breathed deeply. Nikias paused, but didn't take his mouth off him as he peered up at him through dark hair with an arched brow. Demetrius bit his lip at that look that seemed to scold him, but it only made him hotter.

Christ, don't tell me I'm into that kind of shit.

Demetrius swallowed again.

"I... Let me do something. Please." He tacked on, further proving to himself that maybe he really was into that kind of shit. Nikias pulled his mouth away from his cock and gave Demetrius a smile that struck him to the core. He swore he would come right then and there, but thankfully, he had some kind of restraint as Nikias nodded in understanding. Nikias rose up on his knees and flashed his clothes off his body and onto the floor. He shifted their positions so that his bottom half was raised up over Demetrius's head and his mouth back over the demigod's groin.

And Nikias was back to sucking on him. Demetrius hissed, biting into his lip before licking it and looking up at Nikias's cock dangling in his face. He had never done something like this before, and part of him was unsure of how he should even go about starting. So he tried to mimic Nikias's movements and tilted his head up, sliding a hand over Nikias's thigh and giving him goosebumps as he licked the tip of it before taking it into his mouth.

Nikias moaned around Demetrius in his mouth, a shiver rushing through him. While he'd never done this before, he'd actually seen enough of it and practiced enough of it on certain things to know what he was doing. Not to mention, once again, his brothers had given him advice. Advice that still made him grimace, but it helped nonetheless.

And yet, he found Demetrius's hesitance and timid technique to be incredibly endearing. There was an innocence and a sweetness to the way his tongue sloppily lapped at him that made him want to mess Demetrius up even more. He wanted to coat those soft swollen lips with himself, he wanted to see Demetrius blush more. He wanted to see a side of Demetrius that no one else was privy to.

He went a little further and arched his hips forward, pushing his cock further into Demetrius's mouth. Demetrius choked a little, but quickly recovered, his cheeks flushing. Nikias groaned at that. Somehow, making the older man suffer just a little bit was thrilling. Not enough to truly hurt him, but enough to make him whine and writhe a little.

He felt a sharp build up inside of him and arched his hips away from Demetrius so that he could release on his face.

Demetrius shut his eyes and gasped quietly as he felt Nikias ooze out onto his lips and face. He sucked in a sharp breath, tasting the saltiness of it on his lips and the tip of his tongue. He blinked a bit as Nikias lifted himself away and turned so that they were face to face. Nikias licked his lips, drawing his thumb through the fluid and dragging it across Demetrius's bottom lip before dipping it into his mouth.

"Sorry," Nikias said gently with a smile that he couldn't suppress, "I just really wanted to see what this looked like." Demetrius was speechless. It was a bold move on Nikias's part and he normally would've been furious. Nothing was more humiliating that wearing some other man's fluids on his face, but he couldn't find it in himself to be angry at Nikias for it. If anything, it made him harder. So he suckled on the tip of Nikias's thumb before giving it a small lick.

Nikias bit his lip, moaning at the sight of Demetrius sucking the come off his fingers and licking it off his own lips. He added a second finger to Demetrius's mouth, watching those lips very slightly stretch over them. Wanting more, he added a third and Demetrius closed his eyes, sucking on his digits, coating them in saliva.

"Gods," Nikias breathed, getting hard to the point where it was painful, "Your mouth is so soft... You're really sexy, Demetrius." Demetrius blinked his eyes open and hesitated in his sucking to look at Nikias with that genuine and adorable confusion.

"Huh?" He asked dumbly. He was still dazed from the physical that he had gotten lost in the haze, completely forgotten what they were, what he was. Nikias smiled at him and kissed his lips, using the corner of the sheets to gently wipe his face clean.

"You're beautiful. I was afraid you wouldn't let me do anything like this. And I'm still new to it, so if I hurt you, I want you to let me know. Because that's the last thing I want to do. I want to make you feel good." He explained gently. Demetrius still wore an expression of confusion and it concerned him just a bit. There was something about that look, the sudden darkness in those gold eyes, that told him Demetrius wasn't sure if he should believe him.

And he wasn't. Nikias said things to him that no one ever told him. Things like, how beautiful he was, caring about how he felt. It made him uncomfortable. He wasn't accustomed to compliments. Insults, mental beatings, snide comments. Those he could handle, but he suddenly felt extremely vulnerable here.

And even though he wanted Nikias with a passion that was so fierce, it terrified him, he was more terrified of Nikias regretting this night, more scared of being Nikias's first and that went through him like an ice cold lance in the chest.

He didn't want to be someone's regret.

And he most certainly wasn't going to be Nikias's first. Nikias deserved someone much better for a first time. Not a one night stand with a freak of nature.

"I can't." Demetrius said at last. Nikias's expression shattered and Demetrius felt even more pain cut through him.

"What?" Nikias asked for confirmation. He went through what he'd said to Demetrius in his head. What had he said that hurt his feelings? What had he done to make him change his mind? Demetrius had been a compliant and adorable kitten up until now. Now, Demetrius looked like he was going to be sick. Was he not good enough?

"I can't do this," Demetrius repeated, but there was a tremor to his voice that belied his stern frown, "It... It wouldn't be fair to you." Nikias frowned now. Fair to him? What did that have to do with anything?

"What're you talking about?" He asked. Demetrius was definitely squirming now. He looked distressed, like he wanted to be anywhere, but here. Nikias felt a flicker of anger rush through him at that.

"Fine," Nikias said, with angry finality, "Fine. Whatever. I wouldn't want to do it with someone like you anyway." Those words stung harsher than if Nikias had slapped him. Demetrius didn't move, didn't speak as Nikias climbed off the bed and snatched up his clothes angrily, flashing them on and turning to give Demetrius a dirty glare.

"Have a nice life." He snapped, then vanished from the room, leaving Demetrius to lay there.

If the situation hadn't made Demetrius soft again, it was Nikias's words.

I wouldn't want to do it with someone like you anyway.

Of course not, Demetrius told himself as he managed to push himself up on his single arm and he watched his knuckles turn white as he clenched the sheets in his fist.

No one would want to do it with someone like him.

No one.