Thanks, Aphrodite!

Heart to Heart talks

Aphrodite's PoV

I sat on my throne in my palace. I felt bad about Percabeth falling into Tartarus, I really did, but there were just too many reasons it was somewhat necessary. First, they had to seal the doors of death, and it was near impossible to do from only one side. Second, it provides a nice bonding time for Athena and Poseidon, and an even stronger bond to form between Percy and Annabeth. Lastly, it was just sooo sweet how Percy was willing to fall into hell for Annabeth. I wasn't overly worried about them either, they were the strongest demigods I had ever met, which was also why their love was so strong.

"Lady Aphrodite, Code 623, high priority ship with huge advancements." A handmaiden told me as she bowed.

"Thank you," I said in a sing song voice, "dismissed."

She left the room.

I flicked my hand toward a wall. A huge screen appeared, and on it, was Pothena. They were on the suntanning chairs, and most disappointingly, both of them were fully clothed. Athena was currently speaking.

"-sorry that Percy had to fall too, I know this is hard on you, and he could be on the surface world right now, and, instead he's with my daughter."

"Hey, hey." Poseidon tentatively took Athena's hand in his, and she didn't even flinch! 'Yes!' I silently cheered, doing a happy lap dance in my head. "It's not your fault, and not Annabeth's either. Percy is loyal and kind, he made his choice, and I have full confidence in him. They're strong, they will make it out." He said, his voice thick with emotion.

"I know. I know. I'm just worried because- because they might not make it all the way up... there are so many things that could go wrong." Athena fretted.

Poseidon used his free hand to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. "I know that too. It's best not to dwell on that too long, as it is nowhere close to our own territories, and not even close to Hades- hell, if he couldn't help Percy and Annabeth, I seriously doubt that we can."

"When did you start being the smart one?" Athena said, smiling slightly through her tear stained cheeks. Poseidon didn't look much better himself.

"I have no idea. But listen- since we are having such a- er, nice moment, I thought it would be a good time to ask you why you hated me so much."

I groaned in my seat. Poseidon is so unbelievably blunt and sometimes so unromantic. Athena didn't seem to mind though.

"Well, you didn't really like me after I beat you at Athens, did you?"

"I didn't hate you though, just a bit upset because my pride was attacked." Poseidon admitted.

"How about the time you dishonored me by screwing Medusa in my temple?"

"To be completely honest, I still have no idea how that happened." At Athena's glare, he continued, "Just let me talk. Anyway, one second she gave me some ambrosia- still don't know how she got that, by the way, and when I ate it, I felt kind of tingly? Then we were in the temple and her chiton was half off, and you were there, and she turned into a- you know."

Athena seemed to have reached the same conclusion I had. "A love potion, maybe combined with a lust potion." she whispered.

"I can't believe I'm about to say this, but, what happened there wasn't exactly your fault. I mean, you were being stupid, but..."

So that's where the love and lust potion went. I had only ever made one of each, and they were both really potent. If it were fed to a mortal, they would be in love forever. With Poseidon, it had only taken a bit of Athena's magic to shake off the daze.

When I created them out of boredom, I had no idea that word would spread like wildfire. I realized the potential harm it could do, and even for me, that was a bit much. However, when I buried it deep, deep underground, I assumed the rumors would die down. I had no idea it had been unearthed and used. Schist.

I turned off the screen just in time to see Poseidon smile down at Athena, and Athena smiling back. My job was done. If things run their course, they would be together in about maybe a week at most. Well, that had been informative. Now to check on Percabeth.

Word Count: 734