(Aphrodite POV)

Ares stared straight into my eyes before he left.
"Why don't you just stay the night?"
Ares stretched out his back, "I would, but I have some things to look into."
"Don't mess with the good nature of this world." I giggled when I remembered all the problems he has caused.
Ares smirked, "Do not worry, I won't. I'll be back in 3 days to pick up the trident."
Ares walked out the door and began stretching his legs.
"Where is your carrier?"
"Poseidon smashed it before he left. That miscreant."
"The reason you were sweaty earlier is because you ran isn't it?"
"Unfortunately. Hermes wouldn't pull me up like usual, so I had to sprint."
"I see. Well, you can take the chariot if you must. I will have Hephaestus make me a new one." I pointed to the white and golden vehicle on the edge of the stairwell.
"Aye. Thanks." Ares boarded the chariot and waved goodbye. The wind that blew behind him, left the smell of topiary and expensive wine. I inhaled my favorite scent and looked at his silhouette in the distance. A sudden longing for his touch came to me as I watched him fly further away. I love him more than I thought.

"Ares will find out sooner or later." I turned around to see Hermes wearing his new golden helmet. "And so will Hephaestus."

"Don't be mad at Ares, you should only be mad at me and Zeus."
Hermes rolled his eyes. "Father always does things his way. I'm already used to it."
"Then why are you angry with Ares?"
Hermes walked down the steps then stopped in front of me. He was close enough to where I could smell his sweet breath, "...I have my own reasons..."
His sandals and helmet began to glow then he shot off into the air.
His temper is completely different. This is not normal anger, this almost feels like.....jealousy.
I shook that thought from my head then moved towards the volcano. There was no possible way that Hermes was envious of Ares. It was impossible that Hermes would ever be in love with me. He has only ever thought of me as a sister, I know I'm right?
The only thing I was truly worried about was if Hermes would tell Ares about Eros, but I prayed he didn't. For if he did, all the chaos the gods would break loose.

I walked inside the volcano covering my face with a veil. I could here the sound of metal pounding together in the distance. When I turned the corner, sparks of fire flew all around Hephaestus's body. Sweat rolled off his face onto his arms; he seemed to be working harder than usual.
"Hephaestus, Ares said he would return in 3 days for the trident."
"...Mm..." Hephaestus answered halfheartedly.
"What's wrong?"
Hephaestus shook his head and continued to slam two pieces of metal together.
I began to feel annoyed with his uncaring approach and confronted him.
"We are married right? I thought we had mutual trust?"
"No one said I didn't."
I? Did he just say I?
"Is this how you are going to be when you are angry?"
No answer...
"You won't even tell me the reason why you are mad?"
"It's nothing you can change so easily."

"I have a lot a patience Hephaestus, but I cannot stand being talked down to." I walked over to his work station and put my hand over his mallet.
"Tell me what agonizes you? If it has anything to do with me, then I will try my best to change, but you will do the same in exchange." I stood my ground like I never have before and awaited for him to answer.
Hephaestus's eyes lingered on my pale hand for a while. Soon, he took a deep breath and turned around. His mouth opened then closed while he was trying to form his words. His eyes were restless as they flickered everywhere except towards my face. Hephaestus sighed again then spoke his woes...

".... Are you in...in love with Ares?"

Fear struck my heart as Hephaestus glared into my eyes. This serious demeanor he sported had no flaws, for he already knew what was true. How was I supposed to hoax my way out of this? I have to keep looking him straight in the eyes for him to believe me, but that's easier said than done.

I shook my head, "No..."

For what felt like hours, the room was silent. I began to wonder if Hephaestus had seen through my lie and waited for me to tell the truth. Instead, he turned around and continued to work of Poseidon's trident.

(Hephaestus POV)

She was lying.

 Her eyes told me everything I needed to know. Whether they were together in the past or if it was a unrequited love, I could tell she was infatuated with him. However, I cannot mess this up. Our marriage was undoubtedly political and I wanted the other gods to think I was always true to my word so divorce was far from my thoughts. I prayed many times that we would fall in love and live a relaxing life, but why was this happening? It's no ruse that Aphrodite is the most enticing women in the whole entire world and she has probably had many lovers, but I thought this marriage would cease all of that. There's no other way....I have to believe her, even if it is a lie.

"I want to trust you, as much as you trust me so...I will believe you."
Aphrodite stood behind me for a while before speaking.
"That's how we should be."
I didn't turn around to face her, for I was afraid her eyes would lie to me once more.
"Just know I would never be disloyal to you, Hephaestus. I trust you will not either."
Promptly, she sat down on the pew and began watching me work. All of Poseidon's magical blue parts were pasted onto the golden staff and now it was time to put my magic to work and finish the triad.

"You are surprisingly quick."
"Depends on my mood."
"...Are you still angry?"
"I am untroubled." I was lying.
"...May I ask you something?"
"Mm."
"Can you forge me a bow and a few arrows?"

I stopped smoldering the rough gold and turned around.
"For what if I may ask?"
Aphrodite glanced away then back at me, "I want to try using some of your weapons."
"You know how to use a bow and arrow?"
"Yes...I've had spare time to practice when I lived on Mount Olympus."
"I have no problem making you one, but be careful." I finally looked into Aphrodite's eyes and she smiled.
"Trust me, I will."

Truthfully, even though everything seemed swell at the moment, I knew that I couldn't gloss over this matter so easily. However, I am a patient man and until Aphrodite speaks with honesty, I will wait and see how this relationship fairs.