5 comments/ 14279 views/ 6 favorites Eros Gets the Job Done By: Angellica1612 Eros heaved a deep sigh, and entered his mother's temple. He must be truly, hopelessly bored to come here on his own, he thought. "Eros!" He turned, and saw his mother coming across the garden. She wore a long, sheer gown of sparkling white, with gold rope crossing her breasts and around her neck. Her dark hair hung loose over her shoulders. "Hello, Mother." "I didn't expect to see you today," she said, coming to a stop before him, and giving him a cynical once over. He shrugged. "If you're busy..." "Not at the moment," she said, searching his eyes now, curiosity alive in her own. "Why are you here?" Eros looked out over the garden. "Bored, I guess. Psyche is busy." "Bored?" Aphrodite let out a quick laugh. "Today?" Eros scowled. Okay, so today was February 14th, down in the human world. Obviously, he knew that. He could feel all the hopes and prayers for his blessing coming from the humans, was in fact working hard not to feel them. Aphrodite laughed again. "Calling in sick?" Her tone was heavy with sarcasm. "No," Eros barked, then took a deep breath. Why did he come here? Why put himself through this all the time? Especially today. "Then what's the problem? Don't you feel them?" "Of course I do! All the blasted time, I feel them!" Eros began to pace. "Eros, what is the matter with you?" Aphrodite put her hands on her hips as she stared at her handsome son. He was beautiful, with long, thick blond hair, bright green eyes, and a body to die for. Just looking at him made her tingle. She felt no shame in her desire for him. "I don't know. I'm just...tired of it, tired of them. So few of them are even able to feel real love. I spend so much time trying to match them up, making sure I'm there at the right moment. Half the time, they don't show up! Or they defy me, refuse to give in to what they feel. Or their lousy human laws forbid them to be together, so all I've accomplished is to make them more miserable. It's frustrating!" Aphrodite sighed. "Eros, dealing with humans is always difficult. They are so very fickle. But you have a job to do, especially today. Surely today you'll find plenty ready to fall in love." "I suppose so," Eros said, pinching his nose between his fingers. "So, stop feeling sorry for yourself and go do it." Eros frowned at her, annoyed. She was right. It should be easier today than most days, so why was he still here? He sighed. "You're right. I should go." "I'm usually right, dear." Eros laughed now. "Of course you are, Mother." She smiled, and leaned close to kiss his cheek. "Have fun with it, my son." Eros sobered. She rarely showed so much affection towards him. He knew why she kept her distance most of the time. He wasn't shamed by her attraction, just not interested in encouraging it. But right now, she was just his mother. "Aphrodite!" A booming male voice sounded from inside her temple. She glanced over her shoulder and yelled "Just a minute!", then looked back at Eros. "Do I know him?" he asked. She smirked. "No, dear, you don't. Let's keep it that way. He was fun, but soon he's going home." Eros shook his head. He was more uncomfortable meeting his mother's many lovers than having her look at him with desire. "I'm going. See you later." "Bye," she said, turning to walk into the temple. Eros transported himself to earth. His human form was even more lovely to humans than his god form was to the gods. Because of this, he wore a cloak to shield his beauty. It didn't make him invisible, just uninteresting to those who looked at him. He sighed, feeling the tug of human desire. His sack appeared at his side. It contained his bow and arrows, and other things he would need. He set out, letting his senses guide him. The first town he visited was a small town in what the Americans called The United States, nestled in amongst tall mountains. He saw her first, a petite, young teacher, leading her class of third graders towards the museum. In another moment, he knew where he needed to be, and found himself inside the museum. The young man was straightening a stack of museum guide books on the reception counter. He looked nervous, and gasped when he spotted Eros. "Oh! I didn't realize anyone was here yet!" He glanced at the heavy double doors. "I usually hear people come in." "Sorry," Eros said smoothly. "Lovely museum you've got here." "Thank you," the man said. He stepped forward and held out a hand, trying not to stare at Eros. "Andrew Mason, curator. Call me Andy." "Pleased to meet you, Andy," Eros said. "I'm Eric Olympius." "What an unusual name," Andy said. "Here, take a brochure, and let me know if you have any questions." "Thanks." The doors opened, and children's chatter and laughter erupted into the quiet space. "There's my tour group. Enjoy your visit, Eric." Andy turned away and hurried over to the group. Eros saw the pretty teacher smile shyly at Andy, and knew this was right. He slotted two arrows, and fired, watching as they arced through the air, piercing the man and woman as they stood chatting. The woman was facing him, and he saw the little ripple that moved through her as the arrow went in and disintegrated. She lost track of what she was saying, and stood there just staring up into Andy's eyes. Andy was equally still, focused on her. Eros smiled. One down. He left, knowing Andy might later wonder about him, but right now Eros was the last thing on his mind. His second couple went just as well, as did the third and fourth. He was really beginning to enjoy it again, when he settled on a busy street in New York City. He sensed his candidate was near, but there were so many people crowding the sidewalk, he was distracted. They all walked so fast, so focused on their own thoughts, or rather, their cell phones, that they were virtually unaware of the hundreds that moved around them. Most had cell phones, many had briefcases. They strode with determination, most not intending to be rude, but few bothering with apologies when they bumped shoulders. And then he spotted her. She was just like all the others. She wore a suit of dark blue, her thin skirt ending just above the knees. Sleek black high-heeled pumps showed off her well-shaped legs. She carried a brief case, and didn't meet anyone's eyes as she moved through the throng. Her face was set in a scowl. Eros sighed. She was the one, he could feel it, but she'd be difficult. He looked around, wondering where her intended was. Somewhere close. She was just passing a restaurant with tables lining the sidewalk behind an iron railing. Seated at one of them was a man who was staring at her as she approached. He wore khakis, scuffed brown loafers, and a sweatshirt that read "Artists, do it in color." Eros just shook his head. The guy was handsome, with thick wavy brown hair and blue eyes, and he was well built under his baggy clothes. But honestly, he was the exact opposite of the well groomed, professional woman. "Olivia!" he called out. She swiveled her head, startled,and saw him. And frowned. Great, Eros thought. But then he brightened. At least he was no longer bored! "Oh, hi, Rob." "Can you join me for a cup of coffee?" She'd already started to shake her head when Eros' arrow hit her. She paused, looking at Rob as if he'd done something. "What was that?" Rob looked mystified. "What? I asked if you'd like have coffee with me." "No, I mean..."she trailed off, looking around, then shrugged, and looked at her watch. "I could use a cup, I guess." Her tone sounded grudging, but Rob smiled, a huge smile of pure pleasure. "Great!" He rose, pulling out a chair for her. "Thanks." She sat, then put her briefcase down by her feet. Rob literally hopped back to his chair, and held up his hand to signal the waitress. "I haven't seen you for a while." "Yeah, I've been really busy. Big case, you know." "I've been following it in the paper," Rob said. Eros knew immediately he'd done more than that. He'd gone there, sitting in the back of the courtroom, never letting her see him. "Think you'll get a conviction?" "Yes. He's guilty. Let's just hope the jurors see that." "I'm pulling for you," Rob said. He couldn't take his eyes off her. Eros looked at her too, curious. She was pretty enough, but seemed so...proper, so uptight. What was the big attraction for Rob? He shrugged. Well, he'd only need one arrow for him. But the woman, Olivia, was already looking at her watch. Eros shot her again. She flinched. What the hell? Eros frowned at his bow. Humans rarely felt the arrow at all, much less enough to flinch. He looked back to see if it had any effect on her. "Thanks," she said, and her voice sounded a trifle warmer. She leaned over the table, resting on her elbows, and gave Rob a small smile. The joy was literally filling the air around Rob. All Eros felt from Olivia was a wall. Just then the waitress arrived, and Olivia ordered her coffee. Black of course, no sugar, no cream. "So, how much longer will the trial take?" Rob asked,leaning forward too to get closer to her. "Hard to tell, but probably another week or so. Maybe less. The defense doesn't have very many witnesses to put on." "So they start their case tomorrow?" She nodded. "I heard some of your questioning. You were good." She looked surprised. "You did?" He grinned sheepishly. "Yeah, I had to deliver some paperwork to the planning commission yesterday, for my condo renovations, and since I was in the area I decided to stop in." "I didn't see you." "I was in the back row, and I wasn't there very long." "Well, thanks, I appreciate you vote of approval." "I always approve of you, Olivia," he said. Olivia looked uncomfortable. Just then the waitress returned with her coffee, and Olivia was obviously relieved. "Thank you," she murmured to waitress. "So, how is the condo coming along?" she asked brightly, firmly changing the subject. Eros cursed the waitress. He'd been ready with an arrow. Timing could be important. He waited now, listening. "Great! The floors are almost down, except for the kitchen area. That's the area I changed, so I had to submit new plans. I expanded it a bit, added a nook with floor to ceiling windows." "Sounds lovely," Olivia said, and checked her watch again. "You should come see it, after the trial." "Maybe I will," she said, but Eros knew she didn't mean it. He was getting a better sense of her now. She was scared. Scared of letting down her wall, scared of her attraction to Rob. He smiled, and let the arrow go. She set down her cup. "I will," she said, and Rob smiled broadly. "Good. I could take you to dinner, then to the see the condo." Eros groaned. That was sure to make her run screaming. Quickly, he fired again. "Um," Olivia began, setting down her cup. "Rob...I don't know. We've tried the dating thing before." "We were kids, Olivia. We went away to college and grew up." "We grew apart," she corrected. Rob sighed. "I was young, Liv, sowing my oats. It didn't mean I stopped caring about you." "We've been through all this before, Rob. It doesn't matter. You moved on first, and I accepted it. I moved on too." She finally looked up at him. "I didn't move on. You know I didn't. I still love you." "No, you don't. You barely know me now. I'm not the same." Rob looked at her for moment. "No, you're not. You're harder. You put up walls." She scowled. "I do not. I'm just careful." "Did I do that to you?" "Stop it, Rob." She looked at her watch. "I've got to go." Rob reached out for her, but she stood and stepped out of his reach. "Good luck with the condo." She was gone. Rob's shoulders slumped, and Eros sighed heavily. This was going to be a tough one. He clothed himself in jeans and a light sweater, and moved along the sidewalk. "Is this seat taken?" he asked. Rob looked up, startled, then shook his head. "No, have a seat." "Thanks." Eros seated himself. "That was a nice looking woman who just left." "Yes, she is." "You sound...upset. Did you have a fight? Is she your wife or girlfriend?" Rob shook his head again. "Used to be my girlfriend, way back in high school. Now..." he trailed off, shrugging. "Ouch. What happened? Coffee, sugar, no cream," he told the waitress who had just arrived. She smiled at him, that smile that said she was thinking about ripping his clothes off right there. He mentally pushed her away. "Is this still on the same bill?" she asked, her voice breathy and excited. "Just put it all on one bill," Eros said. "Oh, hey, no, you don't have to do that." Rob protested. "No problem, don't worry about it. So what happened between you two?" Rob noticed the looks passing women were giving his table partner. Eros was ignoring them. "Um, the usual, I guess. We went off to different colleges, and I started dating, just for fun and to have something to do, I guess But I ended up getting involved with someone. Olivia never forgave me." "I see. Maybe that's because she still cares." "I don't know. Sometimes I think...but she won't go out with me. This was the longest conversation we've had in years, and it was only a few minutes." "So, what are you going to do about it?" "I don't know. How do I make her fall in love with me again if she won't go out with me?. I've asked, many times." Eros gave it some thought. It was time for more devious tactics. He could only shoot so many arrows in her before it did some damage, and he'd already shot her several times. He shook his head. "Just keep asking," he advised as he got to his feet. He materialized some money in his pocket and pulled it out, tucking a $20 under his cup. "Good luck, buddy," "Thanks, and thanks for paying the tab. You really didn't need to do that." "No problem. There's plenty more where that came from." Smiling at his own joke, he waved and walked away. He found Olivia in her office. She sat at her big desk, covered with files and law books, almost dwarfing her computer. She had a pencil tucked into the bun at the base of her neck, and she was frowning at the screen as she typed. She stopped, then pressed her intercom button. "Shelly, can you come in here please?" "Be right there," came the tinny sounding reply. Eros made himself comfortable, floating just below the ceiling. The secretary came in, a pretty little redhead. Eros sensed that she was already deeply in love and not in need of his services. "What can I do for you?" she asked as she came in the room. "This brief on the Thompson case needs to be completely reworked. We're probably going to be here late tonight." "But, Olivia, I can't stay late tonight!" Olivia looked up, obviously taken aback by the secretary's words. "Why not?" she demanded, irritation ringing in her voice. "It's Valentine's Day! I have a date with Jesse." Olivia gave an irritated sigh. "Oh, for God's sake," she said. "It's a stupid holiday created by Hallmark and florists." "I don't care. Jesse always takes me out to a really good restaurant, and gives me a nice gift, and makes it really romantic." Shelly smiled dreamily. "Fine. I'll do it myself." Olivia turned back to her screen. Shelly bit her lip, but she turned without another word and left the office. Good for you, Eros thought, Eros spent the rest of the afternoon working on a plan. By six, he was ready. He concentrated, forcing his thought waves at Olivia as she labored over the brief. Fifteen minutes later, she gave a low growl of frustration and sat back. "I can't concentrate," she said out loud. "What the hell is wrong with me?" Sighing, she looked at her watch. "Maybe I need food," she muttered, and rose, picking up her purse. Eros followed her as she left the building and paused on the sidewalk. He smiled when she turned left. He'd discovered that her favorite takeout was a little Italian place two blocks from her office. And right next door to it was a Hallmark store. Olivia walked briskly. There were a lot less people on the sidewalks now. The business district dried up after 6 p.m. Just before she reached DiVallo's, she paused to look at the lavish display in the Hallmark store's window. Frilly red and pink hearts, crystal goblets filled with simulated champagne, boxes of candy, teddy bears and jewelery held court amidst ribbons and glitter and lights. Several cards were placed amongst the other goodies. A small sign said, "Valentine's Day isn't just for romantic love. Send a card to a friend or relative!" Olivia found herself wondering what the cards for friends and relatives would say. She thought of her mother, living alone now that her father was gone. Maybe she'd buy her a card, take it to her on her way home. She stepped into the shop, and the bells on the door jingled merrily. "Hello," a young woman called from the register, and smiled. "Hi," Olivia said. "I'm looking for a card for my mother." "Valentine's Day, or something else?" "Valentine's, I guess." Olivia said, wondering even as she did why she'd said that. She'd actually meant to get her a funny card, or something sweet about mothers. "Right this way," the girl said, and headed for an aisle. Olivia followed. "We have quite a good selection, here, and over here. Let me know if you need anything else." Olivia began selecting cards to read. It was surprisingly quiet in the store. She'd seen the top of a man's head down at the end of the next aisle, at least she assumed it was a man. The hair was short and wavy, and the person was tall. The hair actually reminded her of Rob. She pushed that thought away and concentrated on the cards. The door tinkled again, and Olivia glanced up. A middle-aged woman entered, followed by a young man in a black hoodie, which was pulled up over his head. His hands were in his pockets, and he drew one out as he turned to close the door. Olivia went back to reading cards. A minute later, she heard a startled cry and glanced up, but she couldn't see anyone. Then she heard a crash, and another cry. She stiffened, and took a hesitant step towards the front. At the end of the aisle, the young clerk and the newly arrived woman stumbled around the corner and into the aisle. Behind them was the man in the hoodie. He had one hand on the woman's shoulder, his other behind the clerk's back. Both women looked terrified. The girl had tears streaming down her cheeks. Olivia gasped and stumbled back a step. "Don't move!" the man shouted at her. "You there, in the other aisle. Get over here, hands up. I've got a gun." Olivia stood still, trembling, still holding a card. She heard the other customer coming up the aisle behind her. "Olivia?" Olivia jumped at the sound of her name, whispered by the man behind her. She turned her head, and saw Rob. Relief out of all proportion flooded her. Just his being here made her feel better. "Take it easy," Rob said, stopping beside Olivia, his hands raised beside his shoulders. She didn't know if he was talking to her or the gunman, but she nodded. "Turn around, both of you and stand still." They complied. A moment later, the trio was right behind them. "All right. You ladies, hand me your purses. You, man, give me your wallet and cell phone." After he'd collected them, he told them to walk slowly to the back of the store. He forced them all to enter the storeroom. It was small, and windowless. He told them to sit down and stay quiet, and they'd all be fine. The door closed, and they all heard the lock click. Olivia turned towards Rob, and he pulled her into his arms, hugging her close. "Oh, my God, I'm so glad I was here," "Me too," she answered shakily. The older woman was comforting the clerk. Rob looked over at them. "Are you okay?" Eros Gets the Job Done They both nodded. The clerk glanced at the door and whispered, "I tripped the alarm." "Good, the police will be here soon," Rob said, mainly to comfort her. Actually, they were probably in more danger if the police showed up before the man got what he wanted. This could become a hostage situation. "Is there a back exit?" "Yes, but it's not in here. It's at the end of the hall." "Well, I'm sure he'll just clean out the register and leave. The police will be along to let us out soon." Rob looked around. There was no furniture in here, other than the shelves. But there were several large boxes piled against one wall. He went over to them and picked one up. They were full, and solid. He took two of them down and told the ladies to have a seat. He and Olivia sat down on those still against the wall. There was a muffled thud against the wall. "He's in the office," the clerk whispered. "We just have to be quiet, as he asked, and we'll be fine." Rob assured the clerk when she began to cry again. But a few moments later, there was another loud crash, and they heard a siren, followed by tires screeching. The gunman cursed, and ran down the hall. The four hostages all sat stiffly, listening, hearts pounding. Rob put his arm around Olivia and pulled her close. She didn't pull away. The gunman yelled something, then pounded past again, heading back up front. They heard him shouting. "Don't come any closer! Anyone comes any closer, I kill a hostage! Got that?" Rob gave Olivia a squeeze and then stood. He explained what he was going to do, and the women were eager to help. The aisles were narrow, just wide enough for the boxes to fit. The two women went to the far end of the last aisle, and Rob stacked the boxes three high in front of them, boxing them in. Then he sent Olivia to the end of the next aisle. He set down one box, then stacked two in front of it. He used the shelves to climb up an over, then lifted the third box to the top of the stack. The gunman would be able to get to them, but he'd have to work at it. They were at least some protection from stray bullets, if it came to that, and would at least slow him down a little if he came for them. Rob sat down next to Olivia and pulled her close. She cuddled against him, grateful to have him here. "I'm scared," she whispered. "I know. But it'll be okay. I won't let anything happen to you, I promise." His arms tightened around her, and she smelled his still familiar scent. It felt so right to be in his arms again, even in this bizarre circumstance. Eros was having fun! Okay, so he felt bad about scaring them, especially the two innocents, but this was still the best Valentine's Day he'd had in a while. Outside the store, flashing blue and red lights filled the street. The phone began to ring. "Hello?" he asked. "This is Detective Roger Wentz. Who am I speaking to?" "My name is Eric." Eros spoke with a tremor in his voice. "Go away! Leave me alone!" "Please, Eric, stay calm. No reason to get upset. We're here to help you." Eros snorted. "Yeah? You going to come help me load the safe into my car?" The detective chuckled, as if they were old buddies sharing a joke. "No, son, can't do that. But I can help you get out of this in one piece, and without harming any hostages," "I'll kill them if you come any closer!" Eros screamed into the phone, thoroughly enjoying himself. "No, no, we won't, I promise. No worries. We're just keeping bystanders from bothering you. So, the safe, that's what you want?" "Yeah, the safe. I already cleaned out the register." "Safe's are tough, Eric. You got experience cracking safes?" "None of your business," Eros said crossly, even as he grinned. "Well, I'm just trying help you figure this thing out. See, we can't just wait while you work on it and then let you walk away. You know that. So, let's negotiate." "Negotiate? How?" Eros made his voice sound suspicious. "As a sign of good faith, you release some hostages. How many do you have in there?" "Four. Three women and a man." "So, release the three women. You'll still have a hostage, and I'll know you're a reasonable man." Eros pretended to think. "No, not all of them. No way." "It'll be a lot easier to keep control with less hostages," the detective cajoled. "They're under control!" Eros shouted. "Okay, okay. How about two of the women? Can you do that for me? Show of good faith?" Eros hesitated again, then said, "All right. Two of the women. You keep everyone way back from the doors, you hear?" "I hear you, Eric. Are you sending them out now?" "In a minute. Call me back when you see them approaching the door. I've got to untie them," he lied, to gain time. "Okay, Eric, I'll do that. Now stay calm, and take it easy with them, okay? The fairer sex, they get scared real easy. We don't want any accidents." Eric hung up without another word, then headed for the storeroom. He unlocked the door, then stared around the space in shock. The hostages were nowhere in sight. He stepped farther into the room, and spotted the wall of boxes at the back of the third aisle. "What the hell did you do that for?" he growled. He heard the faint gasps from the last row. "Stray bullets," Rob said. "We were worried about stray bullets." "Oh," Eros said, and grinned. "Okay. Well, I've agreed to release two hostages. The clerk and the older lady. Where are you?" "They're both in the last aisle," Rob said. He was glad they would be released, but..."Why don't you send out all the women? You'll still have me." Olivia shot him a horrified look, while Eros said. "Shut up! I make the decisions! Just the two. Is the other one with you?" "Yes," Rob answered, sounding deflated. "Good. Just sit tight." Eros moved into the last aisle and climbed up to pull down the top box. "Don't try anything funny, he yelled to Rob. "I won't." Eros got the first box down. It was very heavy, and he wondered how Rob had managed to get them stacked like that. When he pulled the second away, he could see the two women, huddled together on the floor. They regarded him with terror. "Get up." Out in the store, the phone rang. "Hurry up." The women struggled up, and he motioned for them to move out of the aisle. Then he said loudly, "Hey, mister. I need you to climb out of there. Leave the woman." "No!" Rob yelled, his tone hard and firm. "I'm not leaving her." "Just for a minute. I need you to walk the women to the door and relock it after they go out. Then you can come back in here with her. You can even keep you little barricade in place." He heard Rob and Olivia whispering to each other, and then Rob said, "Okay, I'm coming out." A moment later, they were out in the hall. Eros stopped them beside the ringing phone, then picked it up. "Okay, we're ready. The male hostage is going to walk the women to the door and lock it behind them. I'll have a gun on him. If anyone approaches the door, I'll shoot him. Got it?" "Got it, Eric, that's fine. We're not going to do anything." "All right, here they come." Eros hung up, and motioned for them to proceed "No funny stuff," he told Rob. Rob shook his head, and followed the women. A minute later the bells jingled. Eros didn't need to watch. He knew Rob wouldn't leave. He'd never leave Olivia alone with a crazed gunman. The door closed, and Rob came back. Eros escorted him back to the storeroom and locked him in, then went to answer the phone. "So, I did what you asked. What you going to do for me?" Eros asked, glad of all the TV he'd watched over the years. It had seemed fun but useless at the time, but now he knew how to sound like a jacked up, nervous robber. "I appreciate it, Eric, I really do. Both women are fine. That shows me that you don't really want to hurt anyone." "I don't, but I will if I have to," Eric growled. "I know. I understand that, I do, Eric. So, now we need to figure out how to end this thing." "I'm not going to jail," Eros told him firmly. "And I want to talk to my mother. Why can't I dial out?" "Well, gosh, I don't know. Maybe you have to hit nine or something. But I can get your mom on the phone for you. What's her name and number?" "Oh no, I'm not telling you that. I'll try it now. Bye." Eros giggled silently to himself, then checked on the pair in the storeroom. "I've lived in New York for ten years, and I've never even been pick-pocketed," Olivia was saying. "Me either." Rob was sitting with his arm around her, her head resting on his shoulder as they spoke quietly, "Mom will freak when she hears about this," Olivia said around a small laugh. Rob smiled. "Mine too." "I came in to get her a card." "A Valentine's Day card? I thought you didn't believe in Valentine's Day?" "I don't. I mean, it's stupid, you know? It's just an excuse to sell cards and flowers and drum up business for restaurants. But since Dad died last year, I suddenly thought she might get a kick out of it if I showed up with one, out of the blue." "That's a nice thought," Rob said. "You're still the same sweet girl inside." Olivia looked up at him with a frown. "No, Rob, I'm really not." He smiled at her, and she shook her head before placing it back on his shoulder. "I've changed a lot." Eros left, smiling. The phone was ringing again. He took a deep breath, then picked it up. "You bastards!" he screamed. "Let me make my call!" "Calm down, Eric, please, just calm down. What's the problem?" "You know what the problem is! I can't make a call! You've got the line blocked!" "No, Eric, I don't, I promise. I don't know why you can't make a call. But let me check on it, okay? Just stay calm, and I'll get back to you." Eros hung up, satisfied, then went back to his work in progress. "So, why won't you go out with me?" Rob asked. "Why should I? It didn't work the last time, what makes you think it would work now?" "Because I still love you." Olivia huffed in frustration. "No you don't, Rob. Maybe you love the memory of me, and that's very sweet. Maybe you're in love with the idea of me. But I'm not the same girl. I'm a grown woman." "So I noticed. And may I say it looks terrific on you?" "Rob," she groaned, pulling away to face him. "Well, it does. You're more beautiful now than you were back then." "Okay," she said, shaking her head. "I appreciate the compliment, Rob. But this isn't going to happen." "Why?" Olivia pulled her knees up to her chest, crossed her arms around them, and lowered her forehead. "It's just not. I'm not interested in a relationship, with you or anyone else." Rob was silent for a moment. "Did someone else hurt you too?" he finally asked in a soft voice. Olivia shook her head. The truth was, she'd never really gotten serious enough about anyone since Rob to get her heart broken again. His use of the word 'too' said that he knew he'd hurt her. The pain wanted to come out, so she forced the wall back up. "I'm just focused on my career, Rob. That's what's important to me now." "There's more to life than work." She shrugged as best she could, and didn't answer. Eros almost shot her again, but held himself in check. He'd let Rob work on her for a while. He popped back out for another go around with the cops. An hour later, Eros was screaming into the phone again. He demanded that the police move the barricades further back, and that they get his mom there, but he wouldn't tell the detective his last name or his mother's name or number. "She lives in Jersey. You figure it out!" He slammed the phone down, and hurried to the storeroom. Time to shake things up. There was silence when he entered. "How you two doing back there?" he called. "We're fine." Rob answered for both of them. "Good. These cops are dicking me around, we could be here a while. You just sit tight and don't give me any trouble, you'll be okay. You try any hero stuff, and I might decide to sample the woman's assets. Know what I mean? She's real pretty." He heard Olivia whimper. "You touch her, and I'll kill you." Rob's voice was pure ice. Eros chuckled, making it as nasty as possible. "Well, just don't try any funny stuff, buddy." He slammed the door, and checked on the police. They'd moved the barricades back a few feet, and the phone was ringing. Eros strung them along another hour. "You've had time to call every Betty in Jersey by now! he screamed. "What is taking so long?" "Easy now, Eric. So, you're mother's name is Betty?" "That's for me to know and you to find out," Eros said, and nearly laughed out loud. He clamped a hand over his mouth. "Tell me her last name, and I'll have her here in no time, Eric." Eric let the silence linger, then said, "I'm hungry." "Okay, we can get you some food. Tell you what. You tell me your mother's name, and I'll get some food to you." "From DiVallo's," Eric said. "Now, Eric, you have to understand, we've had to clear out DiVallo's. They're closed until we resolve this thing." "I want a DiVallo's meatball sub! I don't get it, you get nothing from me!" Eros grinned, imagining Detective Wentz holding the phone away from his ear. Or maybe he was wearing headphones. Ouch! "Okay, Eric, I'll do my best. How about the hostages, you want food for them too?" "Yeah, fine, whatever you want to send. And three cokes. And some tira misu." The detective paused, then asked slowly, "Tira misu?" "Yeah, it's dessert, you jackwipe." Eric slammed the phone down before he laughed out loud. He covered his mouth so Rob and Olivia wouldn't hear him. He checked on them. They were sitting quietly, not talking, but she was back beside him, his arm around her. He left them alone. They brought the food. He had them set it by the door, and sent Rob to retrieve it. The phone rang a minute later. Eros finished locking the door behind Rob, and hurried to answer it. "Hey, thanks for the food, man," he said around a big bite. "My pleasure, Eric. So, now you owe me your mother's last name." Eros swallowed, then said, "Well....okay. It's Smith." There was a silence, then the detective said, "Now, Eric, this is not a time for jokes." "I'm not joking," Eros said, making his tone sound irritated. "Her last name is Smith." "Okay. Is that your last name too, then?" Eros grinned. "Not necessarily." "I see." The detective waited. "She's remarried," Eros finally admitted. "But you can find her if you try hard enough. Keep me posted." The click of the phone was very satisfying. Betty Smith in Jersey. That should keep them busy for a little while. He finished the sandwich. He didn't actually need to eat human food, but he sure enjoyed it. He took a long swig of coke, then headed for the storeroom. "How are you lovebirds doing in your little nest?" he asked. "We're fine," Rob said, same as last time. "Good, good. We all need to keep our strength up, in case this gets ugly." Silence. Eros smiled, and left the room, popping back in silently to spy on them. Olivia shuddered, and turned her face into Rob's chest. "He's all over the place, so angry, then almost laughing. I think he's scariest when he sounds normal, in contrast." Rob kissed her hair, shocking himself a little. She was letting him hold her, but she'd invited no further intimacies. It had just happened, a natural action. He waited, but she didn't protest. "He's on edge," he finally said. "People under stress act crazy." "I know." She was silent for a moment, then said softly. "We could die here." "We're not going to die," Rob told her firmly, holding her tighter. "You don't know that," she insisted. Rob remained silent, his eyes anguished. Eros felt a little pang of remorse. "Rob?" "Yes?" "If we hadn't gone to separate colleges..." Rob waited, but she didn't finish the sentence. "Yes?" "Well, do you think... would we have made it?" He took a deep breath. "Yes." She looked up at him. "You sound so sure." "I am. I love you, Olivia. I've never stopped. I was just...misguided for a while. Hell, we started dating at sixteen. I was surrounded by all these pretty girls, and you were so far away. My friends egged me on, and...no, that's not fair. It wasn't their fault. It was mine." He stopped and met her eyes, so full of pain now. "I'm so sorry, Liv. I never meant to hurt you." She sighed. "I know. I understand. We were very young, and we'd never dated anyone else, either of us. I wasn't really surprised, just...well, it doesn't matter. The point is, I understand, and I don't blame you." Rob blinked back unexpected tears. "Give me another chance, Olivia. Give us a chance." She looked at him, not answering for a long time. Eros heard the phone ringing and scowled at it, but he wasn't leaving now. "I don't know, Rob," she finally said. "We live such different lives now. We're different people." "No, we're just older, with more experiences to share, and more stories to tell. But we're plenty young enough to have a long, full life together. We belong together, Olivia, I've always known that." She looked down, and her fingers plucked nervously at her skirt. "I'm afraid," she whispered. "If it doesn't work, I won't survive it again." "Oh, honey," Rob said, pulling her tightly against him and kissing her hair. "I promise, it will work. I love you, and I think you still love me. You do, don't you?" It sounded more like a statement than a question. Another long silence, and then she finally pulled back to look up at him. Tears blurred her eyes "Yes," she whispered. Rob smiled, in joy and relief, and then he kissed her. Soft at first, and then when she relaxed into him, he deepened the kiss. After several minutes, they broke apart enough to catch their breath, and to look into each others eyes. "Olivia, I can't promise I'll never hurt your feelings or make you mad. I probably will. I'm a guy, you know." She smiled. "But I can promise you that I will never leave you, and I will never stop loving you." "You'd better not. This time I won't give up so easily." "There won't be a this time, not for leaving. Only our time, together." Olivia smiled again, then her eyes took on a mischievous glint. "I want six kids." Rob stared at her, then burst out laughing. "You minx." He pulled her back in for another kiss. This time, their hands got involved, roaming and relearning long remembered territory. When Rob tugged her blouse out of her skirt, Eros left, satisfied that no further arrows would be needed. Now to end this thing. He thought for a while, then sighed. Well, he'd known all along this might have to be the way. He picked up the ringing phone. "Hey, where's my mother? She here yet?" "Eric, we're working on it, but there are a lot of Betty Smiths in Jersey. Also a lot of Elizabeths, with lots of spelling variations. It would help a lot if you'd give us her address or phone number." "I already told you, she moved and I don't know them by heart. But tell you what, forget my mother, She probably wouldn't come anyway. She doesn't really like me much." "I'm sure that's not true, Eric. If she knows you're in a bad spot..." "No, I said forget her. What I want now is a car. A fast car." "Eric, we can't just let you walk out of there." "Sure you can. Call me back when you get me a car." Eros materialized a flash bang grenade in his hand. He didn't get much chance to play with ordnance. He whistled as he headed for the rear door. The alley behind the building was narrow, but there were two large metal garbage bins directly behind the door. He went out, invisible, to see if the swat team was still in place. There were two swat members behind the garbage bins. The sharpshooter on the roof further down wouldn't be affected by the grenade, so Eros had to distract him. Eros Gets the Job Done The sniper lay still, his eyes focused on the rear door of the shop. Suddenly, a pigeon swooped down and pecked at his head as it flew by. He jerked in surprise, but did not remove his eyes from the door. But a moment later, a whole flock of pigeons descended on him, wings flapping wildly. Thirty beaks poked at various points on his body, and one pooped directly over his face. It ran down into his eye, and he screamed and leaped to his feet, letting the rifle fall to the roof as he waved his arms at the birds. Eros tossed the grenade,and poofed. No need to actually run down the alley. No sense maybe getting caught, or shot. He checked in on Rob and Olivia. They were sitting frozen, arms around each other, her blouse loose, with one of Rob's hands covering a breast underneath it. They were staring at the door, eyes wide with fear. "Was that the gun?" Olivia whispered. "I don't think so," Rob said, frowning. "Maybe." They waited, but there was complete silence in the store. Then they heard the phone ringing. When it quit, they heard the front door bells jingle, and booted feet ran inside. Olivia stood and hastily tucked her blouse back in, then smoothed her hair. Rob smiled. There was no way to disguise her red, well-kissed lips, and the bulge in his pants wasn't going away anytime soon. She looked up at him, and froze for a moment. Then she giggled. "I can't believe we did that," she whispered. "What were we thinking?" "I know what I was thinking," Rob whispered back, a lewd grin on his face. She giggled, and resumed smoothing her hair. Moments later, the police had found them, and escorted them outside. They sat in the back of an ambulance, drinking bad coffee, while the police processed the scene. Apparently, the man had gotten away. Detective Wentz came over and introduced himself. "I realize you don't know much about how he got out, since you were locked in another room. But did he tell you anything? His last name, or any other identifying information?" They both thought, then shook their heads. "He didn't talk to us much," Rob said. The detective nodded, looking down at his notes. "So, were you there together? The other hostages said at first they didn't think so, but then that it seemed you knew each other." "We used to date, in high school," Rob explained. "I had no idea Rob was in that store when I went in," Olivia said. "Hummph. Well, coincidences do happen." "Know what;s weird though? I could swear he's the same man who sat with me earlier today, after Olivia left, drinking coffee in front of The Cafe Royale. He even picked up the tab. What are the odds that the three of us would all arrive in the same spot independently, later the same day?" The detective's eyes lit up, and he asked lots of questions. In the end though, none of it really helped identify the perpetrator. He was suspicious, and told them not to leave town before letting them go home. Eros helped couples up until midnight, then decided to call it a day. He arrived back at Olympus, and decided to go tell his mother about his day. "Mother?" he called as he landed lightly on her stone patio. She was nowhere in sight. He moved between the columns, into the hall. A door opened and closed somewhere, and then she was there. She wore a silky teal green dressing gown that shimmered like a pearl, and she was barefoot. Her hair was sexily mussed. Her lips looked like Olivia's had, puffy and soft. Eros cursed his luck. She had a man in there. "Hello, son, what brings you back so soon?" She materialized a wine glass in her hand, and took a long drink. "Nothing important. You look...busy, I'll go." She laughed, a throaty, sexy laugh. "You could join us," she invited. Eros backed away. "Gee, thanks for the invite, Mother," he said, stressing the word, "but I'll pass." She giggled, and shrugged. "Your loss. You don't even know who my playmate is." "And I don't want to know. Psyche will be waiting for me. Have fun." He disappeared, while she was still laughing. "Psyche?" Eros called as he strode across the paving stone outside his own temple. "Where are you?" "I'm here, my love," she answered, stepping out to meet him. He swooped her into his arms and kissed her soundly, then smiled down at her. "What a day I've had!" "I thought you'd never get home. Tell me in bed," she said, and laughed as she raced ahead of him for the bedroom.