Part 5
The next day or so had been spent in bliss. Bucky had doted over you in ways you imagined the gods had been doted over themselves. He had initially brought you plates of food, food that tasted beyond delicious. He had given you a room and privacy, of course, wanting to respect any and all boundaries you had. But that first night alone in your room you had found it difficult to sleep.
The bed itself was plush with blankets and pillows, gold trim and deep red coloring the cloth. The room was open with wide windows exposing the outdoors. There was no glass nor any cloth keeping the world out. The storm clouds had dissipated since nightfall and it had left you with a view of the sky beyond imagination. Stars decorated the black backdrop and you had stared calmly out the window. But it wasn’t enough. You weren’t tired.
And he felt it, of course.
Sitting now in the windowsill, a place designed to be rested in, Bucky strolled up to you with a smile on his face, “I wondered if you’d sleep. Olympus has a sort of strange pull to it. Most mortals typically still rest, though it appears you aren’t like most,” he smiled and reached out, his hand gently brushing your cheek.
You smiled warmly, waiting for him to take a seat by you, “When did you realize how you felt about me? I mean, before all of this happened, what was it that made you realize you loved me?” Honestly, you’d been curious. Of all the mortals in the world it seemed strange that he should find you. So many did worship Ares and so many were women just as devoted. And those who were often were so much stronger than you. Sure, you had trained, but many had bested you.
Taking a seat by you he made sure to be close enough to be touching, running his fingertips up and down your exposed calf, adoring the soft skin. He appeared to be thinking, turning to look at the stars as well, “For a long time I found you endearing, truly. When you were young you’d trip over your own two feet to get to the temple before the rest,” he chuckled, remembering watching you tumble, grimace, and get back up and continue to run.
You felt yourself turn red, “You really did see everything. Oh, gods…” You laughed, shaking your head and pushing back your hair.
Ares smirked, “I remember when you were about eighteen, bathing in one of the springs alone during the summer. I remember you singing a war song, probably not even aware you were calling to me, but I remember it. Your hair was down, soaked, and you heard a noise come from the forest. I could feel your heartbeat quicken, your eyes widen and your body tense. You froze but made no effort to conceal yourself. I remember it because when you took a step towards the noise, you had uttered my name.
For a moment I had considered you were hoping I might protect you, and I had considered it, but I realized quickly when the fawn stepped out and your heart sunk, you had been praying for me.” His eyes, those beautiful grey eyes that called of battle and fighting, locked onto yours warmly. It was enough to make you shiver.
You remembered that moment vividly. There had been stories of women greeted by the gods of the Pantheon and you had wondered what it was like. As you had been exploring yourself, your own desires beginning to arise, you had found yourself drawn to Ares. He was a god, and he of course could never want a simple mortal like you, but you had wanted him. You had hoped that perhaps he had been waiting to step out and take you, make you his.
Ares rough, warm hand gripped gently to your leg, “It was then I realized how I felt. It was more than a physical desire for you, Y/N. It was a need. I felt all of those pieces of you and your devotion. I found myself spending more and more time watching you alone, and honestly neglecting some of my duties. You’re just… do you understand how absolutely beautiful you are, Y/N? Not just physically, but all of you. Your compassion, your drive, your humor, your body…” Bucky’s hand began to drift further up the gauzy white dress.
There was suddenly a hunger building inside of you that you hadn’t recognized before. Of course, Ares was a beautiful man, a god. He had the sculpture and physique that had made you wonder why mortals had even been an option. And that he found you… beautiful? Ideal? All of you? He had his pick of mortals, demigods, and immortals and yet here you were.
His words grew quieter, “Is it OK that I touch you?” His eyes were pleading but he was respectful. So many gods took what they wanted; that wasn’t him.
Shivers ran through your body and for a moment you felt your skin might be electric. You felt your voice, tiny and quiet, breathe out the words, “It’s more than OK.”
Bucky drew closer as you spoke, his hands pushing up the gauzy fabric of your dress and against your warm skin. It was heaven as he leaned in and once more pressed his soft lips against yours. Your eyes closed and you wrapped your arms quickly around his neck, falling into the kiss.
It took mere moments for his tongue to press forward, gaining entrance to your mouth and finding your own tongue. He was desperate and he was ravenous as he used one of his hands already against your skin to lift you with ease off of the windowsill. You might have gasped had you not been melting into him, feeling him carry you and gently drop you against the bedding.
He paused once you bounced slightly, looking down at you as he stood. Your chest rose and fell sharply, watching as his eyes danced over your body with a need he didn’t know a god could have. He was savoring all of you as he removed the top part of his robe, letting the red fall to the floor.
This time you did gasp as you watched his perfect form lit by the soft glow around you in the room, unsure it was even really happening right now. But he was smiling as he looked down, beginning to carefully lower himself over your smaller frame, “You are the most beautiful creature I’ve ever laid eyes on,” his words were hushed as his lips were brushing over yours with his words. You felt them soak into your body and take it in. Was this magic? Was this simple chemistry?
Now it was you searching out his lips, pressing hard and hungrily as you drew him back him, hands reaching around and gripping to his back. You could feel the metal, warm now as the two of you had been pressed together, his skin even warmer. He tasted delicious, better than anything or anyone you might have tasted before. He was intoxicating. He was necessary. You needed him.
His lips left yours and quickly he began to press slow, warm kisses along your jaw and down your neck, his tongue dancing out to taste your skin. His hands worked the fabric of your dress as he began to pull down one of the straps, his lips leaving your skin for but a moment, whispering breathily into your ear, “Stay with me, Y/N…” He was begging, pleading in a moment of weakness for you to remain. And you didn’t consider it, only that you wanted all of him, in every aspect. You wanted him physically, emotionally, and spiritually. He had all of you without even trying.
You smiled, biting your lip as he pressed hot kisses once more against your bare shoulder, “Yes, Ares…” You supposed calling him Bucky was more friendly, but Ares was how you were showing him that you were his. Entirely. He was your god.
A hot growl formed deep in his chest as you understood what the title did to him in this kind of situation, a sharper tug from his other hand tearing the strap of your dress on the other side, hardly caring about torn fabric. He needed you, “Take the dress off.”
It wasn’t a command, though it was firmly stating, his words filled with longing as he began to undo the bottom of his own clothing, the wrap almost immediately falling to the side of the bed. You fidgeted only slightly, the dress easily sliding downwards and off, Bucky gripping at your exposed skin once it was. His metal fingers dug warmly into your thigh, clearly trying to force himself to keep his body contained. But you could feel him, throbbing and hard, pressed against you.
Your own desire would be clear as his other hand reached up and ran his fingers through your hair, gripping just hard enough to force your head to the side, exposing your neck. He was quick to return his lips to your skin and drink you in, lips and tongue exploring your soft neck, a few nips as well, eliciting short gasps from you.
You felt your legs begin to spread apart, the wetness almost too much to bear without him inside of you, gripping hard to his back, feeling every muscle, every scar, every bump and divot. You could feel him readying himself, getting closer to finally-
“Hey, Y/N, I was looking for Ares but I- Oh GODS! Oh my- Ok, no, nope, I did not need to see that ever in my life!” The man who had burst through the door, unassuming and uncaring, was Sam from before. Eros. He was already covering his eyes as he moved for the door, bumping into the wall as he tried hard to find where he’d come in.
Bucky almost fell off of you, a shriek of shock, surprise, and honestly agitation popping out as Bucky grabbed his clothes and covered himself enough, “Sam! Do you even know what knocking is?! Besides, isn’t this what you do?!”
Sam still had a horrified look on his face as he found the door, running out, “Don’t mean I wanna see your naked ass! I’m waiting outside, get your damn clothes on. Both of you!”
Once Sam had left, Bucky sauntered to the door, closing both of the large, dark oak doors, once more allowing for privacy. He looked beyond frustrated, though was more disappointed his moment with you had been ruined, “Are you OK, Y/N?”
He gently made his way back to the bed where you lay naked, a bit shocked. You nodded your head as he reached out to brush hair from your face, “I’m fine. Just… disappointed I suppose. Can’t say I’ve ever been so excited for much else in my life.” You grinned, watching as Bucky’s own face turned to a grin. Already the two of you appeared so connected, and it was nice. It was reassuring to know you had someone. And not just anyone, but Ares. The God of War. A god of the Pantheon. A hero.
You rose to put on your clothing, making Bucky smile more than just a little as you slid on the elegant, gauzy, flowing red dress. It was a crimson color with golden rope to tie it together, a dress that somehow showed off your curves and yet managed to give you an ethereal look. Bucky had a similar top and bottom wrap for himself, though with gold buckles and clasps rather than ties. His was one of a warrior, going so far as to put on a metal breastplate.
Opening the doors Bucky, held your hand warmly, finding Eros pacing on the steps, Hermes close behind, “I told him not to waltz right in. Eros seemed to think nothing would be happening. Stupidest god of love I’ve ever met.”
Sam tossed Pietro a look of annoyance, scowling somewhat before turning back to the two of you, “Y/N, Buck, we need to get moving to Aphrodite. Things have changed.”
A look of concern crossed Bucky’s features and he shook his head, “What do you mean, things have changed? What does that even mean?”
Pietro looked to you, though Sam kept his eyes on Bucky. He contemplated being a smartass for the next part, though decided against it, “Something happened with Poseidon and Zeus on Earth. Steve decided to go back after talking to Y/N, which he was supposed to do anyway,” his eyes kept firm on Bucky, making sure he didn’t become unreasonable, “and while he was there a fight broke out. Steve is fine, he’s staying on Earth to help with the mortals, but it’s escalated. We need to see Aphrodite.”
There was a sinking feeling deep in your gut, though you couldn’t place why. Steve had said he would be going to keep an eye on your father and mother, but what if he hadn’t? But what if he had been in an entirely different part of the country? What if it wasn’t even near your family?
Your eyes looked at Ares, gripping to his hand and arm now, terrified, “We have to speak with her. If Aphrodite is willing to hear us, I must speak with her.”
Sam inhaled sharply, nodding his head to the side, “Aphrodite is on good terms with Athena and Zeus, so she’ll know more. But she’s not gonna talk to you, Y/N. She’s gonna talk to him.” Sam motioned to Bucky who was staring at the ground. He knew that it was going to have to be this way. You’d be at risk, being near Aphrodite without a formal introduction, but she was one of the only ones on the Pantheon willing to hear both sides. She was mostly to herself, which was why Zeus had preferred speaking with her. And her influence. She had once had such sway over Bucky. He had hoped it might remain. He had hoped for more, to be sure.
Looking over at you, Bucky turned to face you, “We’ll all go. I’ll head in first and Hermes and Eros will keep watch over you. When it’s safe, you’ll know. Aphrodite has a flair for the dramatic sometimes,” he smiled, leaning down to press his lips gently on your head.
It was hard not to be afraid, even as the sun was beginning to rise in the distance, the world before you dark still but moving towards light. You had faith in the man holding to you, and faith in the gods that had been so focused on helping you further. Hermes was of the Pantheon, and Eros of course was not a member so much as a sub-member, given his ‘boss.’
But you were not afraid, at least not for yourself. You needed answers and it was time to begin to approach the Pantheon in full. Now it was time to greet Aphrodite.