Who: Hercules and Hebe What: Not long after they've been together, things start to shift in their pre-arranged marriage. When: Ancient times, after Herc has descended to Mt. Olympus as a new god. Where: Mt. Olympus? Warnings: Sexual reference
It seemed Hercules had done nothing but chase after monsters, riding the world of one bad creature after another for the sake of his own sins. Even his death had been quite painful, not only by charred flesh from a poisoned cloak, but from his mortal wife's doubts. His life was constantly shadowed by Hera's spite. Even now, after becoming the rightful god ordained by his father, tension festered within.
Hebe had been given to him without choice, as a consolation for all he had endured, much to Hera's distaste. A new wife, it seemed ideal enough, but Hercules knew nothing of her. Megara, his first wife had been his first love. A woman he'd settled down and had children with, grown with, and he'd destroyed that in the matter of one afternoon. His hands were still stained with their blood, the sheer devastation of it all making it difficult for the young Hercules to even think of settling down again. Then there was his second wife, when he was older, wiser, though she'd known less of him than Hebe.
Now he shared a bed with a woman he'd hardly given his heart to. He seemed distant, cold, not really sure of what to do or how to handle it. This was the afterlife he'd been given and as the world's strongest man---he wasn't settling in so comfortably. Many days he spent away from her, walking, absorbing what he could, looking for ways to care for her, though he wasn't sure he could. Her mother's dislike was evident even now, which only stressed the situation more.
Walking back into their home, Hercules offered her a warm smile. It was small, barely there, but it was a notable one. He wanted to care for her, to not make her feel like she was just a replacement. It's like a text adventure, except with midgets.
While Hebe's own life had been nothing more than being the daughter of the King and Queen of the gods as well as the very person who kept them young, it had changed drastically overnight. Though she had known in advance that she was to be given to the greatest hero who had ever walked the earth nothing could compare her for her life as it was now.
The gods were a jealous, malicious and lustful bunch, save for a few here and there who were either immune to the whims of certain gods or else simply chose a different way of life. Hebe was one of the latter, partly because she was quite naive and mostly because her mother cared and protected her, not to mention watched her like a hawk. It was something she was used to, something she had come to accept and expect in her every day life. It was one of her comforts.
Now as a wife, one who had been given away instead of having chosen her path, she felt lost. There was a certain amount of love there, because Hebe had been able to watch Hercules from afar. She had been able to learn about him and had come to understand some of his actions. He seemed simple, but nothing short of extraordinary. And she liked that. Now she just had to earn his love, even if her mother wanted it differently. She was loyal to both mother and father, nothing would ever change that. Which was why she had not fought being given off as a bride. She would help to teach Hercules whatever he wanted or needed to know, no questions asked.
When he was away her own days were spent either by her mothers side, or Aphrodite's. But it was her sister who really comforted her, even if she didn't fully understand what was going on inside Hebe's mind.
When she heard footsteps, she glanced to look at her husband. Husband. It was still a new and exciting concept. She had her very own hero, but at the same time many expectations had been squished. She offered her own smile, one that was not fake but very much welcoming. "Did you enjoy your outing?" Hebe had been there when Hercules had been driven to madness. It was a day she would not soon forget. A day she too had cried and refused to look upon her mother. Hebe was not cruel and it showed through.
Hebe was definitely not like that of her mother even if of the same make. She was shy, gentle, and soft-spoken. Quite the contrast to her brute of a husband, as it seemed customary for him to stray or become bored with her. He wasn't bored, just confused as to which way to go, and she had never shown him any distrust.
Their marriage day should have been one of happiness, there was a hope that he hadn't squashed all of her grand expectations of marriage. To him that was a sign of some care, or he'd never come home.
He nodded at her question. "Nice day," he noted as he stepped forward, nibbling on a piece of apple that lay on the table. She tried, he knew she tried to win his affections, it just hadn't been easy for him to come around.
"You?" Hercules asked making some kind of conversation as most times he spoke not a word. He stood in front of her now, wondering if he'd made her cry again.
If Hebe had gained anything from her mother it was loyalty. Despite all of the terrible things Hera had done to countless others she had a loyalty that was impenetrable. Hebe had that same loyalty. Hebe, however, was not the type to harm or ridicule. Any thoughts of such things were better left to herself out of fear that she might offend and she cared a great deal about what others thought of her. She would trust Hercules, because she had seen what he was like in his mortal life. When he had a task he finished it. He wasn't the type to half-ass anything he did and that was part of the attraction on her part.
It was good that he wasn't a mind reader, because her thoughts would have betrayed her in a heartbeat. Even if she loved him in some way, cared for him, even wanted to make sure he was taken care of as well, she could not deny that she was sad at times.
She would never lean on her mothers shoulder when it came to any troubles regarding Hercules. She simply knew better. Hera hated the man even if he was her own daughters husband now. No, it was her sister who had the pleasure of comforting Hebe. If it could be considered a pleasure...
"That's good. I was thinking of taking a walk as well." She showed no signs of tears or red eyes. In fact, she looked quite cheerful. Whether it was a facade or real only Hebe knew. She stood up and picked up a cup that had been sitting in front of her. She had once been cup bearer, only to be replaced either because of marriage or because her father preferred Ganymede. Either way, she missed it. There was a split second in which she was about to offer him the cup as though it was the very nectar she used to serve, but caught herself doing it and felt foolish. "I saw my mother," she said simply. "It's one of her more pleasant days"
She looked out the window and into the sky. It was indeed a lovely day. "Do you want to come? Or are you hungry? I can fix something."
Hebe was just a sweet girl, he had to wonder if he'd ever make her happy, if he'd ever warm up enough that she didn't have to cry over it.
"Hmm," he nodded. "A walk is good." Maybe he should spend more time with her, wandering off only proved Hera more right---and Hera was the bitch he'd had a grudge against since the death of Megara. Some things were just hard to get over.
"Your mother?" he asked though there was obvious distaste in his voice. He nodded again, taking a step forward, letting his finger slide against a strand of her hair. She always smelled like a sweet nectar, something akin to honeysuckle.
"Not hungry. You wanted to walk."
Wandering off would probably also result in mother trying to sway daughter into leaving and never returning. Not that Hebe would ever do that, but the chances of Hera doing that were great.
Hebe nodded but didn't elaborate on what happened between herself and her mother. She knew well enough the tension between Hera and Hercules. Who could possibly have gone through what he had and not hate the woman? Hebe loved her mother but she hated the things she did. Hebe was one of the fortunate few who were in Hera's favor and she intended to keep it that way. However, she didn't expect her mother and husband to suddenly get along simply because of their marriage. Hebe wasn't naive.
A little shiver ran up her spine and she could feel her cheeks betraying her as they burned slightly. Even if they were brought together by a prophet and a promise she couldn't help feeling shy when it came to affection. She had been able to watch him from a distance but that didn't mean she knew everything. He had been married twice before, and Hebe was still learning.
She nodded again and lead the way outside. There was a slight breeze that blew through her hair and she closed her eyes momentarily to breathe in the air.
He followed out beside her, letting the sun soak up against his tanned skin. It was awkward now to settle down for a third time, to try and mend back a life that he'd spend forever chasing after his own reparation. Hercules watched her then, only a second in what their life would be from now until eternity. However long that may be.
He stayed back, letting her frolic before walking slowly after. The breeze was soft, a contrast to himself who stood tall, towering over most men in the most epic of statures. Behind that strong and stoic expression however was the look of a soft and caring boy. The kind of guy that was on the run from the moment he was born defending his life. Hera had even attempted to kill him in his crib and he'd strangled the very snakes she'd unleashed on him.
Without much thought, his hand reached out for hers, lightly brushing her delicate skin as they walked through that golden brown field stretched ahead.
As goddess of youth Hebe wasn't the kind to stay cooped up inside all day long. Especially with nothing to do. So going outside was usually treated as though she were greeting an old friend. She could have been a muse in that respect. She was an open, carefree and gentle person with hardly a harsh word for anyone. So far she hadn't been the object of anyone's hate, so she couldn't completely comprehend how Hercules felt. As long as she made his life comfortable and pleasant and was a good wife she would be happy.
Whatever flowers grew near she stopped to take in their scent and touch their petals. One had begun to wither. However, instead of plucking it from its root she instead carefully held the entirely of its petals in her hands. When she let go the flower was completely restored, good as new and as though it had just blossomed. Even her sheer presence seemed to do the same. It was unfortunate she couldn't bring back the ones that had completely withered.
Unsure exactly how to take this new sign of what she expected to be affection, Hebe said nothing about it. Instead she acted as though it was an every day occurrence. The contrast between her soft skin and his rough skin was tantalizing. There was something about the feel of those fingers, the very same that had worked so hard all their mortals lives, that excited her. Perhaps it showed through because she had begun to lean against them as they walked, her free hand gracing whatever flowers and bushes she touched.
She was a bright light in this new life. Graceful and forgiving in all the ways her mother would never show him, even through what he'd done to prove himself as the strong man he was. She was trying to make him comfortable, but he'd yet to share that sentiment with her.
They may have shared the marriage bed, but he'd left so much himself out of it emotionally that she received nothing in return but the action. She may have been a goddess, but she knew little in the ways of men. He'd done this twice before, after the loss of his first wife there was a hole inside that cut him off from letting in a woman. This needed to be different.
She spoke not a word, her hand still close to his. His finger curled around that small hand, letting his twine into hers. Still a step forward no matter how small.
After a moment of walking hand in hand he paused, feet still on the open field.
Hebe knew that others wondered how on earth she could be so loyal to the very woman who had caused so much damage to so many people. The answer was simple: Hera was her mother and she loved her. That didn't mean Hebe disregarded the things her mother did, in fact they weighed heavily on her thoughts. It's why she thought so often about the things Hera had put Hercules through. She felt she was the one who needed to fix things. She would unfortunately find in later years that that was simply not possible.
She did feel empty at times. She was doing her duty as both daughter and wife, yet she was empty inside. No matter how cheerful she appeared on the outside it could never fill whatever loneliness she felt on the inside. It only made her try harder to cover up her own grief and need to make this more than just an arranged marriage.
There was once a time when Hebe never dreamed of being anyone's wife, let alone the wife of a hero. She would never have believed it if it hadn't been prophesied and then her hand promised. Without her own opinion on the matter, no less. She hadn't fought it. She hadn't denied wanting it. It was whether or not the great hero would accept it. It was how the gods were and Hebe played by their rules, little as they were.
She didn't mind the quiet. In fact, she thought it was good to be quiet from time to time. But when he stopped she said in a quiet voice, "Is something wrong?"
His hand stayed with hers, tugging her back when she bounced forward and he stood solid. He gently pulled her back towards him so he could look into her eyes and be sure of what he was about to ask her.
"Are you happy?" he said, searching for her honesty. He'd known that he'd not given her any reason to be so.
Hercules' hand left hers now, letting it drop to her side. For a moment it seemed as if he would step back. He didn't, and for the first time without feeling like he had to he cupped her face, thumbs tracing along those pinked cheeks.
It was a good thing he knew his own strength or else she might have fallen back. There was something in his face she hadn't seen before and she couldn't deny the shock. But it was his question that really shocked her.
"Sometimes," she said in a small voice. She wasn't going to elaborate on when she was and wasn't happy. That was a subject she wasn't comfortable with in the least, not even with her sister and she confided a lot in Eileithyia.
In that moment she felt a pang of nervousness in her chest, as though she expected him to walk away. And if he did she wasn't sure whether she could crumble to the ground or if she would be relieved. But she was even more surprised at what he did next. Her hands moved slowly, trailing the length of his arms until they came to rest on his hands.
There had been a time he hadn't known his strength, he'd hurt one too many out of an angry temper or just failing to see where he needed to stop. Now was different, he'd grown to learn how to control his gift.
She was so delicate under his fingers, startled in his reaction, but he didn't break from the connection. It was a move forward within this relationship, unfolding on it's own.
One suspected a man of his stature could crush such a small creature. He could. With one flick of his wrist or tightening of his hand. There was through all that a gentleness.
He kissed her softly on her left cheek, then the right, as unsure as she when he moved to her lips. There was nothing hungry about that kiss, lustful, or dangerous. Just a simple movement of soft lips to hers. His hands still cupped her face, fingers on the back of her head where it looked as if one hand alone could cover it. Noses touched lightly when he pulled away.
Even after all the hopes that he could eventually come around, Hebe was suddenly very scared about this. Scared, and yet excited. Even if it wasn't him admitting his undying love there was something in this that showed he cared. He was trying. Really trying.
Her breath caught in her throat. Her eyes closed in that moment that their lips met. The kiss was returned just as gently as it was received. It was amazing how someone so strong could be so gentle.
Even if it was something so simple and so delicate, Hebe felt that she didn't want it to end. There was a little smile on her lips and she was speechless. What does anyone say after a kiss like that?
Bright eyes opened against his thick lashes, a hand moving the hair from her face. "Shouldn't cry," he said almost in a whisper. As uncomfortable as this could be, he didn't think someone so kind should be unhappy. She like many wives to their husbands could be defiant and spiteful. If anything most would assume he liked that sort of thing.
In that instant he felt that same swell of mixed emotions as she. Where did they go from here?
Well this was certainly something new and exciting she'd be eager to tell her sister about. Her mother... not so much. Hebe wanted this to work and it seemed that whatever glimmer of hope she had was growing. She blushed and nodded once before looking away, embarrassed that he had ever noticed her crying.
Her mind was racing, trying to think of something to say. Anything would do. Well, not anything just something pleasant, maybe funny. But her mind was blank. So she glanced around for something to save her from her moment of speechlessness. Then she nodded in a random direction, "Shall we continue our walk?"
Hercules nodded with a hum in his throat at the request. Even if he hadn't yet opened up to her completely, he would protect this little goddess. Maybe it was the code of heroes to the women in their lives, but he wasn't about to break it. She was his now no matter how awkward it still appeared between them.
His hand took hold of hers again, letting the warmth of his skin keep that blush against her cheeks.
"Should do this more often," he announced though it was uncertain as to if he meant the walk or the closeness that was starting to grow.
In a matter of seconds Hebe had gone from shock, to embarrassment, to giddiness. As they continued walking, there was an uncontrollable grin on her face. Luckily for her he was so much taller than her and she could at least shield her face enough to hide it. Though she knew she could never take the place of anyone in his past life Hebe was feeling more hopeful than ever.
She nodded, "Yes, we should." Whatever he meant, she agreed on both accounts. No doubt their father would be happy about what was happening.
He felt that happiness radiate off her person, he couldn't help but smile. None of this was ever her fault, she shouldn't have to feel like she needed to wait around for him. He was rather glad to know she was, being patient with him and letting things bloom in their own time instead of making him feel disloyal because his heart and mind was always somewhere else. His last wife had thought as such, and it was her distrust that had killed him.
They walked for a while, the breeze flitting back and forth on that warm afternoon. The sun was starting to go down after a while in which he stopped again to take a seat, pulling her down with him to sit in his lap.
Prediction or not, perhaps fate hadn't been so unkind to him in the end. Perhaps it had known all along.
Even if Hebe was innocent in the matter she felt somehow as though she had inherited her mothers sins. Love her though she may, Hebe intended to right whatever wrongs her mother had done to Hercules. Even if it took thousands of years. Loyalty was something Hebe knew well. It was both bred into her as well as taught.
As they walked she became steadily calmer and less giddy, though there was a happiness there that stayed. As she settled down she leaned back against him. Her eyes closed and for several moments she simply sat comfortably against him, listening to and feeling him breathe in and out.
She could feel the steady beat of his heart and in that moment she actually felt like they were together by choice as opposed to by duty. She started to think that simply being with him like this would be enough.
Her back pressed up against him, his arms hanging loosely around hers. If more moments could pass like this, maybe he wouldn't take so long to grow comfortable with her. Every moment before had been because it seemed his duty as her husband to be there. She couldn't blame him for having his heart ripped in two, and for that he appreciated her acceptance.
The orange and yellow rays bounced off her soft hair which he pulled back from her neck, kissing her shoulder softly. What had started as something so sweet and innocent, now it seemed he just wanted a little more. A few more feathery touches and the way she was making his heart beat a little faster.
Whatever he wanted, whether by duty or choice Hebe would follow right along with him. Some might say she was nothing more than a dutiful, obedient wife scared to leave. But that wasn't the case at all. Determination and care for him kept her there. She could take a guess at why he stayed but right now she knew things were changing. She would wait until he was ready and she would not be forceful. She was hardly one to nag.
She still getting used to being a wife, so when she felt his brush her hair away and then his lips on her neck she was slightly startled. It was something she hadn't expected, just as she hadn't expected him to kiss her before. But it was something she quickly got over. Her fingers seemed to have a mind of their own as they ran gently over his arms, her own heart having suddenly decided to start beating faster.
So small.
So small was she beneath his fingers, but his touch always remained gentle. Most while intrigued would be intimidated by his stature and what he could do. Hebe was one of few that didn't see him any different in that sense, and perhaps that was part of what like he did have for her blossomed. Though she had watched him, known more of him than he did of her, there was still so little she did understand.
Even when her hands moved the length of his arms he didn't stop that delicate touch of lips to skin as they trailed up her neck. As long as she was willing, he didn't want what this to stop.
Hebe was the youngest of the gods and had grown up knowing what to say and how to say it. She had been a people-watcher, the one least likely to draw attention to herself apart from when she brought her cup for the others to drink. Having been surrounded by less than ordinary beings her whole life she took no surprise in the size of her would-be husband. Even now it seemed she was used to it. Being able to be held and almost completely consumed by a single being was rather intriguing. Perhaps over time she would come to truly understand him, just as he might understand her.
She was still new to this. To be honest, she wasn't completely comfortable with it yet but she was trying. Neither of her parents had ever given her 'the talk' and what little she did know of sex had been conversations she'd overheard when attending to Aphrodite. Even then she blushed and hid her face to hide the fact that she didn't want to hear it. It didn't really bother her now, it was just getting used to it that she had trouble with. It probably showed how timid she was. She wanted to please him and all she really needed was guidance.
But that kiss had seemed to kick her into high gear. She turned and as she did so her lips met his. Slowly and carefully she turned on the spot, trying not to break that connection.
Hercules was well aware that he was Hebe's first in many ways, not only in marriage. There was a lot to ease her into, and he was the first to admit he hadn't exactly been comfortable for her. It wasn't something he was proud of because she was so delicate, like the sweet nectar of her once divine drink.
Both hands now cupped the side of her face, fingers tangled in her hair when she turned to face him, small and sensitive kisses against those gentle lips.
For a moment they stayed like that, his arms moving to wrap around her tiny waist so that she'd sit more comfortably in his lap, legs on either side of his own. They snaked up her back, large hands brushing the soft fabric of her dress.
Her heart had begun to beat so quickly that it was practically pounding. A part of her wondered if he could feel it and how nervous she had become. But this time her nerves weren't due to whether she would do things correctly, but because there was an excitement there she hadn't yet experienced. Even now her cheeks were flushed, and not from embarrassment, the heat radiating against his hands. These were the kisses she had been longing for.
Instinctively, she pressed her body against his. That was new, too. Usually she waited for his signals as to what to do. Now it seemed Hebe's body knew exactly what it wanted and how to go about doing it.
He could feel that heartbeat, first a little flutter, then into an excited little pound. It beat so fast, his hand detangled from around her, thumb rubbing a soft motion against her cheek where it moved down the side of her neck until that hand rested against her chest above her heart. That hand that looked like it covered her entire chest cavity. He smiled at her sweetly, giving another soft kiss before it broke into a longer, deeper one.
Hercules moved her arms to sit around his broad shoulders as she pressed herself closely. There was something entirely beautiful about this moment.
There was only one thing that kept Hebe from thinking that Hercules would ever hurt her, at least not on purpose. And that was trust. It was something she hadn't gained from either of her parents, so there was no telling where it came from. Wherever it came from, Hebe was completely trusting that Hercules wouldn't break her, literally. And whatever it was that had overcome her that day, it had sunk in very deep.
His kiss was returned with such force and passion that it might as well not be Hebe at all.
It was her trust of him that brought him into her world. Fingers curled around her waist a new filled excitement in being so close to her. He hadn't opened up to someone this much since Megara, since feeling he had betrayed her. The thought that he could do somethin so horrifying to someone he loved was not an easy thing to move on from, and perhaps was why he'd kept himself so closed off.
Keeping her softly pressed to him, Hercules laid back into the soft grass. A move that gave Hebe the reigns to do what she wanted, giving her his trust.
Even if Hebe had never been a wife, even if her life had always consisted of bearing the cup of nectar (the very thing that kept the gods young) and being the daughter of Zeus and Hera she had always had trust in others. No one had ever harmed her, nor had set out to do anything to her. Perhaps it was the simple fact that she kept them all young and without her they would surely age and grow old, thus showing their vanity more clearly. But even so, Hebe trusted and that was both good and bad. In this case it seemed to be a wonderful thing. Just as he had opened up to a very small number of people Hebe had been open to probably an even smaller group. She would understand his own anxieties and desires to keep to himself if that was what he wanted. That did not mean she wouldn't at least try to help their life blossom.
Even as he leaned back Hebe didn't feel any urge to flail about. She felt comfortable and safe there in his arms. Her hair fell forward so that it surrounded their faces, but she did nothing to move it. Instead she continued that kiss. One hand freed itself from his shoulders and slowly, timidly moved slowly down his chest. She might have shown a lack of intimidation when it came to his stature but Hebe was actually very intimidated by him, even if she never said so.
She was incredibly light on top of him, like a leaf that would blow away from a strong wind. Yet, it was his heart that was pounding heavy, a feeling that he'd not felt for some time. He brushed her hair back with one of his hands, settling it behind her ear, mouth never breaking her soft kiss.
The hand that still rested around her waist slid down the small of her back, twisting in the fabric of her gown. He'd not been this gentle with her before, not where there was a desire involved. He wanted to please her, to feel those little hands on him instead of that overwhelming feeling to just get through it. She deserved that.
For the first time since they had been married Hebe felt like she could say those words she'd been hoping to say some day. But she couldn't bring herself to say them. Perhaps it was fear that it might ruin the moment. Or perhaps she was scared he wouldn't return the sentiment. She didn't expect him to, but somehow she felt like he just might. Even so, she wouldn't say them. Not yet.
It was interesting how she had so long wanted to please him and yet she herself had tried to be quick about things. Now she wanted it to go slowly. Her hand had found what it was looking and she started, shaky as her hand was.
She was smart to keep those words from him for now as they were still on shaky ground. More steady than it had been at first, but shaky nonetheless.
He stopped those taunts of his lips to hers for a second, nothing but breath to her ear as she let her hands get a little more intimate. He let those lips find her neck again as he let her do as she wished. He wasn't about to take over right now.
Needless to say this was nothing like their first time. She hadn't come out of that as well as she could have, but being a dutiful wife she had come to his bed whenever he needed relief. And it seemed he had done the same. But she was still very shy about it. Her eyes remained closed, as though by doing so she could be less shy and more open. It seemed to work. Her hands had done their job and Hebe lowered herself onto him, a tiny, delicate gasp against his ear.
His eyes rolled when her breath hit his ear, his own breath shaky as he put his hands on her hips, guiding her along. He hadn't meant to use her before, to make her feel like it was just her duty, even if it had been.
He nudged her lightly on the cheek with his nose, he wanted her to open her eyes though was having a hard time keeping his own open.