Sehun was nervous, but he tries his best to keep a calm facade. Jiyong and Top were on either side of him while Hermes was leading the way. Jongin was following them behind together with the other demigod--who introduced himself as Baekhyun.

 

“Where is Donghae?” Sehun asks.

 

“I’d be more worried about myself if I were you.” Hermes retorts.

 

“Please, just tell me if he’s safe.” Sehun gnashes his teeth together in frustration.

 

“Don’t use that tone on a god, pretty boy.” Hermes sneers. “He’s fine. The other gods talked to him earlier and his punishment will start tomorrow.”

 

“What is his punishment?”

 

“Something lighter than yours, that’s all I know.”

 

“Actually, I don’t think either of them deserves the punishment.” Jongin comments. Hermes and his sons all look at him as if he said something offensive. “They did steal but they donated it, a lot benefitted from what they did.”

 

Hermes laughs mockingly. “What? This kid and his buddy are trying to be heroes or something?” he shoves a finger against Sehun’s forehead.

 

“Donghae is my best friend.” Sehun grits.

 

“Your reputation is as bad as it is. Jiyong and Top saw you making out with your so called best friend, how will you clear that up?” Hermes grunts.

 

“Can you stop that?” Jongin hisses. “Let him explain things properly before you start throwing off assumptions about him. You’re not even the one in charge of interrogating him.”

 

Hermes glares at him but Jongin stands his ground. The son of Ares pulls Sehun with him before striding past the god and leaving them behind.

 

“You didn’t have to do that.” Sehun murmurs.

 

“I had to, he’s pissing me off.” Jongin reasons.

 

“Shouldn’t I be the one who’s pissed?” Sehun asks.

 

“Look, I know your reasons, I know your motives and I know what you did. Hearing those assumptions about you pisses me off. I’m mad because I was once the same as those s.”

 

“You weren’t…” Sehun says.

 

“I used you.” Jongin sounded apologetic.

 

“I let you.”

 

“Jongin! I’ll deal with you later but take him to the gates now!” Hermes yells.

 

Jongin’s hold on Sehun’s arm loosens. “We’ll talk later, you have to meet your mother first.”

 

“Mother…” the word is so foreign on Sehun’s tongue.

 

Jongin brings him to a cabin first. “Jongin! You’re finally back. Successful mission as always.” a woman greets upon seeing the two of them.

 

“Sehun, this is Irene, she’s… A daughter of Aphrodite.” Jongin introduces.

 

Sehun’s widen a bit before greeting her with a bow. Irene smiles sweetly at him. “It’s nice to finally meet my famous brother. You’re really pretty.”

 

It’s weird to suddenly have siblings when the only real family he had was his father. “It’s nice to meet you.” he says.

 

“He’s going to meet Madame Aphro and the other gods so dress him appropriately.” Jongin says.

 

“Sure thing. You know where your clothes are, right? So help yourself while I assist him.” Irene tells him.

 

Jongin gently pats Sehun’s shoulder before proceeding inside the cabin. Irene guides Sehun inside one of the rooms. Inside was a whole wardrobe of outfits, Sehun couldn’t help but stare in awe.

 

“Meeting the gods always feel like a job interview, you have to look your best.” Irene says as she takes out two suits from the wardrobe. “You seem to be almost Jongin’s size.”

 

“I’m taller.”

 

“You have broader shoulders too but you’re leaner. Wow, how I’d love to dress you up very often.” she giggles.

 

“Are these clothes… Yours?” Sehun asks.

 

“Yeah, I’m a fashion designer.” Irene says. “I send some of my designs to earth sometimes.”

 

“That’s amazing.” Sehun smiles.

 

“I think this will fit you better.” Irene hands him one suit.

 

“But I’m…” Sehun lifts his wrists.

 

“Oh,” Irene unties the binds. “You and Jongin seem to be close though, he doesn’t have to do this.”

 

“He’s following protocol.”

 

“He is a son of Ares after all. There, all done. I’ll be outside, tell me once you’re done.” Irene tells him.

 

Sehun actually thinks that Jongin does not always stick to the rules. He already broke a few because of Sehun. Was Jongin really rebellious or was Sehun an exemption?

 

Sehun shrugs it off and proceeds to take his clothes off. He takes the suit and he realizes that it was just pants and a blazer. “No undershirt?” he whispers.

 

“I’m sorry if it’s uncomfortable, but that’s required to prevent weapons and such.” Irene says from outside.

 

Sehun puts it on anyways. Once he was done, he opens the door and Irene gasps when she sees him.

 

“I knew it’s a perfect fit.” she grins. “Let me fix your hair for you.” she ushers him to sit down before taking a comb.

 

Sehun was wearing a red suit, there was no undershirt so his chest was left exposed. Irene fixes his still messy hair and smiles at her work.

 

“Jeonghan and Eunwoo would he delighted to meet you.” she says. “They’re your siblings too.”

 

“Aphrodite,” Sehun says. “What is she like?”

 

“A literal goddess?” Irene grins. “She is beyond beautiful, she is a very powerful woman.”

 

“I mean, as a mother?”

 

Irene was quiet for a bit. “The gods are always busy but she’s there to talk whenever she can. She has guided me ever since I was young, my talent for designing clothing is a blessing from her.”

 

“Oh… I never… Felt her. When my dad died, I felt… Alone.”

 

Irene gently hugs him. Sehun freezes, it’s been a while since he received a warm and sincere hug. “She’ll make up for it and you have siblings now. We always look out for each other. I’ll be your sister from now on.” she tells him.

 

Sehun melts in her embrace. “Thank you.”

 

“What took you two so long?” Baekhyun, the son of Athena, asks when Irene and Sehun met up with them outside the cabin.

 

“Sorry, I had to explain some things to him.” Irene says.

 

Jiyong and Top were too. Everyone was wearing the same type of suit but with different designs and colors. Baekhyun was wearing a dark purple suit while Jiyong and Top were in dark green suits. Jongin however, was wearing the same red suit that he was.

 

“Wow, you really have good taste Jongin.” Irene grins.

 

Jongin looks at them and he freezes for a bit. Sehun stares at him too. They’re wearing matching suits. The red suit looks good with Jongin’s tan skin and despite already sleeping with the man, he never really had the chance to appreciate Jongin’s body.

 

Jongin looks like an actual god.

 

Jongin was just speechless upon seeing Sehun. Even the other demigods with him were in awe. The red suit against Sehun’s milky skin made him look even more desirable. Jongin wanted to button up Sehun’s blazer because he didn’t want anyone else seeing the other’s chest.

 

“Where are the restrainers, Irene? We have to go.” Jiyong was the first to break the silence.

 

Irene rolls her eyes. “Is it necessary?” she asks.

 

“Of course it is, we were all victims to pheromones of your kind before.” Top grunts.

 

Irene tosses the restrainers to Top, she steps aside as Top binds Sehun’s wrists once again. “Our pheromones won’t work on you unless you’re easy to tempt anyways.” Irene scoffs. “You’re simply weak.”

 

Sehun looks at her curiously. “I thought it works on anyone?”

 

“It does, but it’s most effective on weak ones.” She says smugly.

 

Jiyong was about to retort when Baekhyun steps in. “Come on now, Hermes is waiting by the gates. Let’s go.”

 

Irene catches Jongin’s stare towards Sehun and she couldn’t help but laugh. “Oh Jongin, wait till Sehun passes the gates.”

 

Jongin snaps out of it. He gestures for Sehun to walk with him before thanking Irene. “What does she mean? What happens at the gates?”

 

“Your true demigod form will show once you pass the gates.” Jongin explains.

 

“True… Demigod form?”

 

“You’ll see, princess.” Jongin grins.

 

They walk to a different path again and at the end of it were ruins. Sehun does not see a gate but he sees a person--a demigod, probably--guarding it.

 

“Yo Shownu, open the gates for us.” Jiyong says.

 

“He’s a son of Kratos, god of strength.” Jongin whispers. Sehun nods in acknowledgement, no wonder the guy looked so buff.

 

Shownu opens the gates (which were stone) with his bare hands and Sehun’s jaw nearly drops. There was a blinding light behind the stones and Baekhyun steps in first.

 

Jongin senses Sehun’s nervousness so he places a hand on the small of his back for assurance. Jiyong and Top step in as well. Jongin thanks Shownu before stepping in together with Sehun.

 

Stepping into Olympus feels like riding a very fast but short rollercoaster. When they came to, they were already in Olympus.

 

“Are you al--” Jongin’s words were stuck in his throat when he turns towards Sehun.

 

“Oh Zeus…” he hears Baekhyun gasping.

 

Sehun shakes his head. “I feel a bit dizzy.” he says.

 

“Me too.” Jongin says dumbly.

 

Aphrodite have mercy. Sehun looks so ing gorgeous.

 

They all change into their true demigod forms whenever they enter Olympus. For sons of Ares, like Jongin the only change that happens are small streaks of red on their hair and the glitter on his chest. For sons of Athena like Baekhyun, he gets a tattoo of Athena’s shield on his chest. The most drastic change happens to Aphrodite’s children because of her blessing. It’s more special because it’s different for all her children.

 

Sehun’s hair has turned silver, he had makeup on with glitters near his eyes, his cheeks were rosy and his eyes were purple.

 

“Oh wow, your hair.” Sehun gasps when he finally realizes that Jongin changed.

 

“You’re… Wow.” Jongin simply says because he’s left tongue tied.

 

It was just like before. Jongin feels his heart racing but this time, he can’t use the excuse that it’s Sehun’s power working on him because he has his restrainers on.

 

Sehun was about to respond when Hermes walks towards them. “Took you kids long enough, I already--” even the god stops and stares.

 

“Stop staring at him old man.” Baekhyun comments.

 

Hermes scoffs, he makes a gesture and a hawk suddenly appears. He points towards Sehun and the hawk flies steadily in front of him, only then did Sehun realize that the hawk was carrying a mirror. The son of Aphrodite’s mouth was agape when he sees his reflection.

 

After a few seconds, Hermes waves again and the hawk leaves. It’s part of his power to summon the messenger hawks anytime.

 

“I see that you’re speechless too huh?” Jongin chuckles.

 

“I look so different.” Sehun says.

 

“A good kind of different.” Jongin says. “You’d give your mom a run for her money.” he pats his back. “Let’s go.”

 

Olympus still looked the same to Jongin. It has been months since his last visit and that was when his father rewarded him for winning a war for him before. Going to Olympus is like taking a trip to Ancient Greece.

 

Hermes leads them to the largest building. They had to climb a grand staircase before reaching a huge hall. At the end were twelve thrones for the Olympians.

 

“You better kneel and bow when you greet them, kid.” Hermes reminds.

 

Jongin looks around, his father wasn’t on his seat. There were only five gods present. Zeus, Athena, Poseidon, Dionysus and Aphrodite, six if Hermes is included.

 

Hermes leads the way and the rest of them follow.

 

“He’s finally here.” Zeus spoke.

 

Once they got close enough, all five of the demigods kneeled and bowed.

 

“Why are your kids here Hermes? Only Baekhyun and Jongin were assigned to him, right?” Athena asks.

 

“Permission to speak, mother.” Baekhyun raises his head. The goddess of wisdom nods. “Madame Aphro made additional orders to make things quick and since Top and Jiyong were after the son of Eros, I told them to go after Sehun as well.” he explains.

 

Athena looks over to Aphrodite. “Aren’t you going to greet your son?” she asks.

 

Aphrodite stands up. She steps down her throne--graceful as ever--then stops in front of Sehun.

 

“Stand,” she orders.

 

Sehun stands up, he remained looking down. Jongin could sense his nervousness but he can’t do anything at the moment.

 

Aphrodite places a hand on Sehun’s chin, she raises his head until they were face to face. “You have your father’s eyes.” she comments. “Did you like my blessing?”

 

Sehun does not respond. “I suppose you did, look at you… You are so beautiful, it’s such a shame that you used it for bad purposes.”

 

“We’re here to talk about his punishment. Let's discuss the case first, shall we?” Zeus says.

 

“Baekhyun, remain here with him while the rest may stay at the side. Hermes, take your seat.” Poseidon says.

 

The rest of them stand up. “Shouldn’t I stay too? This mission was mine.” Jongin speaks up.

 

Aphrodite gives him a piercing stare. “Your job is done, son of Ares.”

 

“But--” the goddess’ expression darkened.

 

“Hermes, what did I tell you about assigning a son of Ares for my children?” she hisses.

 

“He’s the best one for the job.” Hermes answers.

 

The goddess simply returns to her seat so Jongin remained as well. “Baekhyun, please give us a quick briefing about his case.” Athena says.

 

Baekhyun clears his throat. “Oh Sehun has been using the name Wu Shixun for almost two years now. He is partners with Donghae, son of Eros, when it comes to conning people. He usually goes after actors or business men. He’d go undercover, seduce them then steal from them after spending a night with them. The total amount of cash and items he has stolen is approximately ten million dollars. His victims include the actor Choi Siwon, CEO Zhang Yixing, Kim Junmyeon and more. His last victim was Kim Junmyeon, I was finally able to track him so I devised this plan to capture him.”

 

“You violated the laws on Earth by stealing and faking an identity and you also violated the laws on Olympus by abusing your powers.” Zeus concludes.

 

“None of his past victims ever pressed charges against him so technically, he’s not really a wanted criminal on Earth.” Baekhyun says.

 

“They didn’t press charges because he used his charm on them. He could return to one of them and they’d easily take him back and end up falling for the same trick again.” Aphrodite explains.

 

“That’s why we assigned Jongin, we made him use pills that work against the charm but at the same time I know he’d be able to fight off the pheromones.” Hermes says.

 

“Do you think he did?” Aphrodite hisses. Jongin avoids eye contact with the goddess. “My son has his pheromones written all over him!”

 

“Calm down, he only did his mission. He had to trick Sehun and that includes playing along whenever he is getting seduced.” Athena explains.

 

“However that still does not explain why it took you so long to take him here, Jongin.” Poseidon says. “I know you well. You are always quick and precise with your missions.”

 

Jongin looks up at them. “Permission to explain.” he says. The gods nodded except Aphrodite. He looks towards Sehun first before proceeding. “There were moments where Sehun opened up to me. I found out a lot of things about him including his past and his motives. The files sent to you are incomplete and misleading.”

 

“What if it’s all part of the act to deceive you?” Dionysus speaks as he drinks a cup of wine.

 

“Of course that crossed my mind as well but… he has no reason to fake it. During my second day with him, he ended up getting drunk. He let his guard down and he told me a lot of things. I learned the rest right after I caught him, I saw the proof myself.”

 

“Explain more.” Zeus says.

 

“You should hear the explanation from Sehun himself.” Jongin says. “Please hear him out.”

 

The god of thunder quirks an eyebrow. “Very well, explain yourself then.” he looks at the son of Aphrodite.

 

Sehun simply looks at Jongin, the son of Ares smiles in assurance. “Tell them,” he whispers.

 

The young demigod purses his lips before nodding. “Okay,” he speaks.

 

So Sehun tells everything that Jongin knows right from his father getting sick up until the moment that Jongin accompanied him to the orphanage. The gods were quiet for a moment, they probably didn’t expect that story. After all, the files completely described Sehun negatively.

 

He sees compassion, understanding and realization on most of them in the hall while there are some that showed doubt.

 

“If you don’t believe me, Dobghae and I have the certificates to prove our donations.” Sehun adds. “But like I also said, I am still willing to take any punishment. We both knew that eventually, everything will come to bite us back. I was the one that gave Donghae the idea though, I did most of the work while he does the research. I will take responsibility.”

 

Jongin looks at Sehun in disbelief. He thought Sehun was going to try to convince the gods that he isn’t guilty.

 

“We already gave your friend a sentence for community service. It’s admirable how you’d own up to your mistakes.” Dionysus comments.

 

“I don’t consider those as mistakes.” Sehun says.

 

“And why not?”

 

“They weren’t for selfish reasons. But I still do know that stealing is still stealing.”

 

Dionysus puts the wine cup down and clasps his hands. “I am impressed.”

 

“Do not encourage him!” Aphrodite snaps.

 

“What punishment do you think would be best for him then?” the god asks.

 

“Send him to Hades until he reflects.”

 

Jongin feels his blood draining while Sehun simply purses his lips.

 

“He’s your son, aren’t you being too harsh?” Athena asks. “This is his first time here and you’re sending him to the Underworld?”

 

“I only want to be fair.”

 

“Fair? Sending someone to the Underworld is equivalent to an offense of murder.” Poseidon says.

 

“He had multiple offenses and he abused his powers. The son of Eros helped him as well because I can sense his pheromones on him too.” Aphrodite argues. “Not to mention that he also fooled around with a son of Ares.”

 

“Why is it such a big deal?” Sehun speaks up. “You wanted me to get caught and he did his job. Don’t take your anger out on him.”

 

“I only want the best for my children.”

 

Sehun laughs humorlessly. Jongin wanted to stop him to prevent him from getting an even more severe punishment but he can’t blame Sehun for reacting like this either.

 

Zeus massages his temples tiredly. “Are you really sure about sending him to Hades?”

 

“Let him stay in camp tonight then Hermes can send him off tomorrow and I also don’t want him near him from now on.” the goddess eyes Jongin.

 

Jongin was starting to get pissed but he knew better than to get on the goddess’ worst side. However, that does not apply to Sehun.

 

“If you want me to stay away from Jongin then you might as well tell me to stay away from all of them.” he glares at Hermes and his sons. “Jongin might have been deceiving me but he did not talk to me like I’m some ing on our first meeting.”

 

Aphrodite gasps, Athena, Hermes and Poseidon were speechless, Dionysus smirks while Zeus arches a brow with interest. Jongin feels like he’s going to get a panic attack, that is definitely something absurd for a son of Ares.

 

Aphrodite’s face turns grim. “You will learn how to properly act once your punishment begins. That’s not how a son of the goddess of love should act.”

 

“Stop talking back, you are making things worse.” Baekhyun whispers.

 

Jongin can’t bring himself to stop Sehun. The younger must be feeling a surge of emotions right now, he doesn’t want to take that away from him.

 

“What do you know about love?!” Sehun shouts. “Everything that I learned about love came from my father. He loved you so much but in the end, he’s just one of your flings. I grew up without the love of my own mother. I don’t care if you are the goddess of love, you have no right to lecture me because I NEVER felt your love, not even once.”

 

The silence that followed was deafening. Jongin dares to look at Sehun’s face, the younger looked miserable. His eyes were glassy and his fists were clenched. Aphrodite was fuming.

 

“You are not like your brothers and sisters.”

 

“I don’t take after my mother.” Sehun spat.

 

The goddess waves her hand and Sehun was suddenly on his knees. “I will not be disrespected by a mere thief. Send him off to the Underworld and do not let him come back until he’s learned his lesson.” with that, she storms out of the hall.

 

“I wish Ares was here, that would have been fun.” Dionysus snickers.

 

Zeus chuckles. “This kid has guts. If it wasn’t for your looks, I would’ve thought that you’re a son of Athena or Ares with the way you act.”

 

“Your mother is mad because her reputation is tarnished, it’s not really a big deal but that’s just her being her.” Athena shrugs.

 

“By the way, you defended Jongin from your mother earlier.” Poseidon says. “You also said something about Hermes and his sons?”

 

“I… it was a slip of tongue. I was furious.” Sehun looks down.

 

“They talked down on him because of the misleading information on the files.” Jongin speaks up, much to Sehun’s surprise.

 

“Hermes, I thought you are better than that.” Athena rolls her eyes at him. “You are their mentor, that is also against the rules.”

 

Hermes simply huffs while Jiyong and Top avert their gazes. Jongin steps forward too. “I tricked him into sleeping with me.”

 

Sehun looks up at him. “Stop it. Don’t.” he whispers.

 

“Jongin, you sound like you want to go to the Underworld with him.” Dionysus laughs.

 

“He’s too pure for that place.”

 

Sehun frowns at him.

 

“This is so entertaining.” Dionysus downs another cup of wine. Athena shushes him.

 

“We cannot change his punishment if that’s what Aphrodite wants but we will tell Hades and Persephone that it’s his first time.” Athena says.

 

“I don’t need any special treatment, I just… I just want to see Donghae before I go.” Sehun says.

 

Zeus nods. “Very well. Jongin, I suppose it’s no problem for him to be your responsibility for one more night?”

 

“No problem.”

 

“You’re dismissed. Hermes, Jiyong and Top will remain.” Zeus tells them. “Baekhyun knows where the son of Eros is.”

 

With that, the three of them leave the hall. Sehun stops by the time they were outside. “What the hell was that?! Why were you trying to get yourself involved as well?”

 

“I didn’t want you to suffer in The Underworld alone, okay? I’ve been there. It isn’t pleasant.” Jongin answers.

 

“But still! I am willing to take responsibility for the things I’ve done, you shouldn’t even be worrying. You’re job is all done.”

 

“Do you think I still care about that?!” Jongin exclaims. “I don’t give a about my mission anymore, I’m just worried for you.”

 

“You don’t have to, Jongin. You’ve done enough and I’ll be fine.” Sehun says.

 

Jongin was about to speak again but Baekhyun interferes. “Jongin, he’ll be fine.” the son of the goddess of wisdom says.

 

Jongin drops it and just follows. Sehun also doesn’t say a word up until they returned to camp. They return to Irene’s cabin first to change their clothes. Irene sensed that something was wrong so she doesn’t speak. Jongin managed to convince Baekhyun about no longer using the restrainers on Sehun too.

 

“Wait at our usual rendezvous point, I’ll fetch Donghae at his cabin.” Baekhyun says.

 

“Come,” Jongin says and Sehun follows. Jongin leads Sehun to a nearby lake, he used to meet here with Baekhyun and Chanyeol.

 

“Are you alright?” Jongin asks as they take a seat.

 

“I never expected my first meeting with my mother to be that bad.” he says. “Dad would be so disappointed.”

 

“It’s been tough, but everything you told her was the truth. It’s harsh but it’s the reality.” Jongin says.

 

“I still don’t regret anything. Am I that horrible?”

 

“No, you did well.” Jongin assures. “I’m a son of the god of war but even I would never have the guts to talk back to Madame Aphro like that. You were really cool.”

 

“Will this be my last time seeing you? Or even Donghae?” Sehun asks.

 

Jongin shakes his head. “I won’t let it happen. Madame Aphro will cool her head and eventually, everything will be fine.”

 

“When I told you that you don’t have to worry and that I’d be fine… I was lying.” Sehun says. “I’m scared, Jongin.” his voice breaks.

 

Jongin didn’t know what to say so he simply leans forward to hug Sehun. The younger bites back a sob and Jongin just feels completely sorry for the other.

 

Sehun doesn’t push him away. Perhaps he needed it. Jongin was so lost in the embrace that he didn’t even realize that there was someone approaching them.

 

He was harshly pulled away from Sehun and he was suddenly punched. Jongin staggers back. He blinks a couple of times to get his vision into focus.

 

The first thing he sees is Sehun’s shocked and tear stained face then he looks up and sees Donghae's furious gaze.