{Phone Call To Aphrodite}

[speakswithdead.insanejournal.com]

Apollo has told me that he believes something is wrong. If there is, I'd like to help if I can.

Comments

[venusingucci.insanejournal.com]

[she sighs]

Oh, such a chatterbox he is. I just... I suppose there are just some... uncertainties that have been stressing me out. I'm hoping to have them resolved by next week.

[metemmods.insanejournal.com]

This was too good to not take advantage of. The monitor of Hades' computer suddenly pops up an email that opens itself to reveal the following image.

[speakswithdead.insanejournal.com]

...someone just sent me a photo

I know you're not one to put on excessive weight.

Talk to me, Dite. Please.

[venusingucci.insanejournal.com]

A photo? Excessive weight? Hades, I'm not sure what you're getting at. What is it you're seeing?

[speakswithdead.insanejournal.com]

A photo, I cannot tell if it's doctored..but you look pregnant.

[venusingucci.insanejournal.com]

[for a moment or two, just shocked silence]

[the facepalm is effectively audible]

Is that what Apollo told you? That I'm pregnant?

[speakswithdead.insanejournal.com]

No, he has no idea what's been wrong, hence why he contacted me. I'm only saying how the photo looks.

..is it true? You know I'll help you if I can, no matter the father. You're a dear friend and I want to help.

[venusingucci.insanejournal.com]

[a long sigh]

...maybe. I don't know for sure if I am or not. The tests were inconclusive. I have an appointment next week. Odin's going with me. If I am, he's the father.

[speakswithdead.insanejournal.com]

Is there anything I can do?

[venusingucci.insanejournal.com]

I don't know, sweetheart. I don't know. I don't know what this is going to mean if we have a mixed-pantheon child.

I want to keep it, if I am. Part of me has always wanted to be a mother.

[speakswithdead.insanejournal.com]

It means you're going to be a mother.

I'm happy for you, truly. I'll be there for you and the child if you should ever need me.

[venusingucci.insanejournal.com]

The cart is a bit before the horse, darling. I'm still not entirely sure I am pregnant. I'll know by the end of next week.

[speakswithdead.insanejournal.com]

You know me, Dite, I always prepare for the most impactful result first.

[venusingucci.insanejournal.com]

Of course you do.

Though... if things are to continue as originally planned... If I am pregnant, this will be your stepchild. I think Odin would be pleased with that.

[speakswithdead.insanejournal.com]

It'd be an honor if that were the case. I admit I have missed being a father myself...

[venusingucci.insanejournal.com]

Hades... I have to ask... Do you still want things to continue as we planned them? For me to become your queen and we raise a family together?

[speakswithdead.insanejournal.com]

...I am conflicted Aphrodite. I care for you deeply..but I love Persephone, as much as I ever did. I made you a promise and I'll keep it. Regardless of that, you are dear to me, I hope you know that.

[venusingucci.insanejournal.com]

I had a feeling you'd say that.

[slight pause]

There may be a way around it.

[speakswithdead.insanejournal.com]

I never meant to hurt you..please believe that.

Really? What idea do you have?

[venusingucci.insanejournal.com]

Sweetness, the day I come first in any man's heart is the day the sun rises in the west.

In any case... All the plans have been set up on the idea of me becoming Queen Consort. But, truthfully, I'm closer to creation than anyone else in our pantheon. Ouranos, the first king, was my father. Make me Queen Regnant, and this entire silly farce can be over. No need for you and Poseidon to fight over the throne. No need for a wedding no one wants.

Of course, if you don't like the idea, we can continue as if nothing has changed. You've promised me my freedom. I couldn't hold you to anything I wouldn't hold myself to. Still, no sense in all three of us being miserable if we don't have to be.

[speakswithdead.insanejournal.com]

Dite...

That's..that's brilliant!

Is this something you'd want?

[venusingucci.insanejournal.com]

I've never really wanted power for its own sake, but I think this will provide the most satisfactory solution for everyone. We're spared the fighting, since you don't particularly want the throne to go to either you or your brothers. I finally get the admiration and respect that people have forgotten I should have since I first set foot on Olympus, and I think I've demonstrated I'm capable of being in charge of things. It spares us from a loveless marriage, and you can run off to your little flower maiden...

However. Timing on this will be crucial. Poseidon must not know until it is time for the throne to be taken. You and I both know he would never allow me to make an open bid against him. He wants the power and has no intention of sharing it. We'll have to be a bit underhanded about this, I'll admit, and pull something of a last-minute bait-and-switch. But, if you can help win the throne for me, I believe the rewards will be worthwhile.

[speakswithdead.insanejournal.com]

For what it's worth..I believe we could have been happy. And my offer of friendship is by no means retracted. I respect and care for you deeply.

I agree, and I'm willing to play my part.

[venusingucci.insanejournal.com]

I'm sure that ywe would make a splendid pair and even a lovely family. Probably a better marriage than any I've ever had. [her voice takes on an oddly brittle quality] But, it's her you want, not me. I understand that, so let me spare you both the anguish.

[breath to compose herself]

Anyway. I will be glad to have your hand in this with me.