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Make War not Love: Born Sons	By : Jigsaw Category: 1 through F > 300 Views: 4939 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own The 300, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 1-Make War not Love
- 1
!!!!!Ive been having some trouble getting this all to upload right, so if you notice anything PLEASE leave it in a review! Thank you !!!!!

Listening to: El Laberinto del Fauno/300 soundtrack.

Watching: 300

Mood: Excited

Firstly, for those of you that had a hard time following it in the movie and or book- THIS is Stelios: http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a112/17E/300HBOFirstLook3.jpg and http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a112/17E/fassy300poster.jpg

ahh what a man... pronounced like it looks "Stehleeohs" anyway--

This is Astinos: http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a112/17E/uvs070420-001.jpg and http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a112/17E/uvs070420-003.jpg

adorable >w< pronounced not as it looks but like this: 'As TEN(not TEEN) Oh ss'

This is based off the events in 300. the Graphic Novel and the Motion Picture. NOT History. I�m aware history was different in ways, so don�t get all over me about it XD
This gets a little bit lime-y with hetero-sex, btw. So like, don�t freak out or anything.

between... is a really weird word... o.o and I�m really all kinds of tired.

My outline says that this story will have five chapters... but its possible to go one more or one less. And some chapters might be shorter than others... but that�s normal.

If there is a number in parenthesis, i.e. (1)(2), next to a word, it means I�ve written a definition or a note about whatever it is down at the bottom after the A/N =)

WARNING: I�m aware that some of this stuff might not have been possible. I�m aware some things might not fit with the time period BUT Thus is the awesomeness of FAN FICTION. WHOO. oh, and before anymore people say this: I am 100% aware that the movie suggests the Spartans were against the homosexual practices of the Athenians and whoever else. This was Frank Millers vision, not truth as I am also 100% aware, as many people who commented were NOT, that in actual history the Spartans, male and female, were trained for loyalty by taking on a same-sex lover. It was part of Agoge, which is explained at the bottom of the chapter for those who don�t know what it is. But I have kept to the book and movie by making homosexuality frowned upon even tho it really wasnt. KTHNX

If that didn�t apply to you, pay it no heed and enjoy the story. ;D

1: BORN SONS

Stelios' foot shifted in the sand, he moved fluidly and evaded the blow, moved to the rear of his opponent and struck him on the shoulder. Lightly.

"My son, you're doing quite well. You really need to work on balance, and not making yourself open for counter-attacks."

The small boy nodded, he had a few more years before agoge(1), Stelios would be only a tiny bit broken-hearted to see him go.

Patting the boys head, he looked over to his wife. Gorgeous, she was, with hair as dark as the night and eyes the colour of jade. Stelios mimicked her smile as the boy ran playfully over to her. He looked just like her, the only traits received from his father hung from his head and between his legs. Dark golden hair would one day frame those jade eyes, that feminine face. Stelios hoped he would grow out of it by manhood, but it wasn�t likely. He knew of another who hadn�t grown out of his mothers features...and he made sure never to let him forget it. Someone he had grown to know as his best friend, despite him being several years younger. He spent a lot of time with the boys father, so naturally he was around his kids.

---------------------------------

"Astinos, you look like a fairy! What on earth are you doing in women�s dress?! Take it off!" The Captain had his son by the arm fervently trying to remove the clothes that adorned him.

"Father! We're putting on a play! We're short of girls so I volunteered. I don�t mind! Why should you?"

"You should mind! No son of mine is wearing women�s clothes for any reason!" He gave the garments one last tug and they came off.

Stelios, who had been watching the whole amusing ordeal from a near-by merchant stand, felt a jolt run through his body. Excitement, from anticipating the hard time he could give Astinos for this... or so he thought.

"Well Captain, sir, if you ask me, what with the way he�s been fighting, you might as well let him put the dress back on." He smirked as he stood in front of the cloth-less boy.

"Stelios be kind!" He laughed. He knew the two were good friends, and that they joked with each other constantly. He could only hope they formed a good a friendship as he and the king had. If so, he would never have to fully worry about his boy in battle.

"Oh, that was being kind sir! I could get a lot more nasty."

"The only reason you wish to see me in a dress," Astinos cut in, "is because you find me desirable." He smirked evilly and crossed his arms.

Stelios was momentarily stunned with thoughts. But he shook them away quickly.

"Well, it is true that you�re more womanly than any of the ladies in Sparta, but you lack the...anatomy to be desirable. Sorry to disappoint you." Astinos nodded, almost knowingly. His eyes never left Stelios', his grin never wavered, it was unnerving. Stelios was the first to look away, his heart racing but he showed no signs.

"As I thought..." Astinos mumbled to himself, loud enough for Stelios to catch, but none other. He turned his back to him, and Stelios found himself moving over every muscle with his eyes. They were developing nicely, despite all the ridicule he could tell Astinos was working hard. He stopped at his lower back, forcing his eyes to move back up to his head where he met Astinos' laughing smirk again.

"Now if you'll excuse me Stelios, I need to go find some more clothes."

"Sometimes I worry about that boy..." Captain shook his head as his son walked away from them.

"Yeah...me too..." Stelios agreed, perhaps with just a little to much nervousness.

------------------------------------

Astinos had training for the rest of the day, so Stelios had nothing to bother. With a heavy sigh he headed home, his wife greeting him with a smile.

"Out bothering that young man again weren�t you?"

"Perhaps, what does it matter?"

"It doesn�t, I was simply inquiring about your day."

"Well the day is hardly over, perhaps you have an idea to pass the time."

"I�m sorry dear, but I don�t think I�m in the mood for what you're thinking." Stelios laughed at this.

"Well, I was thinking more along the lines of a walk in the fields," he laughed again, "And that goes to show who�s got the purer mind!"

"Oh hush, maybe if you didn�t say things in that tone I wouldn�t think that way."

"Ah, of course, its my fault." he pulled the woman to him in a tight embrace. She was warm, soft, she smelled like oils. And yet... he felt nothing. He ran a hand through her soft curls, still nothing. No jolt, no desire, no want or need. Nothing. He pulled away.

"Where�s the boy?" He asked, recovering.

"Off playing with other children, he'll be fine. Lets just you and I walk." Stelios nodded and, taking his wife�s arm, walked towards the golden fields.

He tried to love her, he really did. But he couldn�t make himself. They had been friends since birth, grew up together. When he returned, a Spartan, only she had congratulated him. They had married, but only because it was the way. If Stelios had grown in, god-forbid, any other place he doubted he would've married her. But he knew he needed heirs to carry on his name, he knew he needed to marry. And she had seemed like the perfect choice. He regretted it now, not giving her a chance to find someone who could return her feelings. She was, and would always remain to him, just a friend. Of course, she wasn�t aware of that, no one was. To everyone else, he seemed like the perfect husband. These were the thoughts that crossed his mind as they walked.

"Stelios, you seem troubled."

"Not troubled Mi'lady... just thoughtful."

"Well, good. I'd hate for something to be bothering you..."

They walked in silence a few more paces. Stelios ran his free hand over the tall wheat stalks carefully deciding what to say next. Fortunately he didn�t have to think long, for it was she who broke the silence.

"Stelios, there�s no graceful way to say this, so Ill just tell you right out. You�re going to be a father. Again."

Stelios turned, wide-eyed to his wife. His face a twist of confusion, happiness and surprise. She laughed aloud and threw her arms around him, blissfully happy to be carrying the child of the man she loved. Stelios returned her embrace, lifting her from the ground and swinging her gently in a circle. Happy, for completely different reasons.

****************

Astinos thrusted hard with his sword, spun around and threw his spear at the target. It sailed through the air, landing directly in the center of the X on the dummy. He yelled in triumph.

"Good show son, another month and your form will be flawless. Another few after that, and you may even surpass me in combat skills." A member of the army was helping Astinos train hard.

"Better than you? No, never better. Equal perhaps, but never better."

"I don�t know boy, I wasn�t that good at your age! You're almost as good as I am now."

"Yes well, I suppose its thanks to my spectacular teacher."

"You have a long way to go, my boy." His father, cut in.

"Father... yes I have much work to do to become as good as you..."

"A lot more than much if you want to fight in the army alongside me." He dismissed the trainer and began walking, beckoning his son to follow. Astinos looked a little longingly at his dad, captain of the Spartan army. He longed to give him a hug, he longed to say 'I love you' but that would not do for a Spartan. There was no room for selfness in Sparta. There were only two things in all of Sparta Astinos wanted most. And praise from his father was one of them.

Astinos pushed the ebony hair from his face. He wanted to tie it back, much like Stelios, but there wasn�t enough yet and he looked awful with short hair. So he pushed it behind his ears as best he could, where it would stay until he could pull it back. Astinos gathered all the weapons he had been training with placing them back in their rightful places. He brushed the sand from his body and walked up next to his father.

"I think I will go sit in the river, if you don�t mind father. Relax my muscles for a little while."

"But the river is so far, Astinos. Why not have a worker draw you a bath? There are more than enough women willing." a smirk.

"The river and a bath are hardly comparable, sir. The river is moving, constant, full of life. A bath is just... dead drawn water, still, emotionless. No, I much prefer the river, even if the walk is long." Astinos had no interest in the women, but couldn�t tell his father that.

"Well, if you insist son. Why not ask your brothers to go wit..." He stopped at the sight of Astinos' glare, "Alright alright!" He laughed. "Don�t take your brothers, I suppose it wouldn�t be relaxing then would it?"

"Not at all. Let mother take them some day, She�s dying to get out of the house anyway..."

"Ha, you are correct. She was arguing with me about it only last night..." mumbling, he threw his arm around Astinos' shoulder.

"I need to tell you something son! The King has asked me to accompany him somewhere he will not tell me yet! He says it will take two weeks at the least and a month at the most! Of course, with our king you know those are subject to change... But we leave tomorrow. I wanted to tell you last so that you wouldn�t slack in your training..."

"Well, about that father... Should I continue on my own? Isn�t he going as well?" he asked motioning to his teacher.

"Yes... a handful of us are going with the king so you wont have a trainer while I�m away...I was thinking you could ask a friend to spar with you. Of course, if none will do it then yes, continue on your own. Either way, I expect to see great improvement upon my return." He grinned and began walking, hands behind his back.

"Well I suppose I could ask Theron to over see my training..."

"Theron? But he isn�t a soldier! No, my suggestion would be Stelios. That man knows what he's doing."

"Ha! Stelios father? He wouldn�t help me! He'd only joke around. He rarely takes things seriously."
The captain paused and turned to face Astinos.

"Son, I have been in many battles with him. Since he was a boy no older than you. Younger I think we were... A better soldier there is none. On the battlefield, where it is important, he is serious. He is, in every way possible, a true Spartan. He wont retreat, he wont surrender. He fights every battle as if he would die if he could not kill, as if each battle were his last, taking care to protect those on his left and any others he comes across." A pause, the Captain lost in memory. "He fears nothing. On the battlefield, he is a madman... but a madman that keeps his wits." he began walking again. "If you ask him, he will help you."

Astinos listened carefully to his father, he had never thought about what kind of man Stelios became in the midst of battle. He only knew him from the time they spent together in Sparta. Astinos hadn't fought yet, his training wasn�t complete. He sighed, thinking that asking Stelios wouldn�t be such a bad idea... he would like to see the soldier side of him.

"Speak of the devil..." His father murmured. Astinos looked away from the ground to see Stelios running full speed through the streets. He caught his eye, and Stelios ran into him to slow himself.

"Stelios! Is something wrong?" He asked, gripping his shoulders.

"Calm down boy, catch your breath."

"yes... captain. Its just, I have... good news." He took deep breaths and returned to normal.

"Well spit it out boy!"

"I�m going to be a father!" Astinos looked quizzically at the man.

"Ah... yes. I mean again."
Astinos face lit up with a grin. And he noticed Stelios get happier too.

"Congratulations my friend!!"

"Yes! May it be a strong boy!"

"Or, father," Astinos corrected, "May it be a beautiful girl. There are two sexes still."

"I stand corrected! Haha, Have you told the King yet Stelios? He will be happy to hear it."

"Not yet sir, but I shall go and tell him straight away."

"Well, I�m going to talk with him now as well, Ill accompany you." Astinos noticed Stelios hesitate.

"Actually, if you're going anyway would you mind telling him for me? I... have others I wish to inform."

"Absolutely friend! You spread your fortune elsewhere! And Ill come by later to give congratulations to the lady."

"Good good! See you then Captain!"

The captain smiled at Stelios and Astinos then began the long walk towards the kings living quarters. Astinos looked over at Stelios, a wide grin on his face.

"I'm so excited, you're going to be a dad again!" Astinos' happiness for his friend was genuine, it's how he knew loved Stelios. While most people had a selfish love, Astinos loved Stelios so much that it mattered not who he was with, as long as he was happy. Astinos was only ever sad when Stelios was, or when they were kept apart to long. He had grown up with this man, they had played together, Astinos had trained fiercely so that he could survive the wild and return to him, it was when he returned to find that Stelios hadn�t, that he felt the ache of heartbreak. And it was the joy the filled his senses upon Stelios' late, but triumphant, return that had told him it was love. He loved him so much, sometimes it hurt. He would never let him know it, and least of all his father. He knew how he felt about the boy loving athenians, and could only imagine Stelios thinking the same way. So he kept them to himself, enjoying being only a spectator. Even when it hurt, he was happy.

"So am I, friend. But I fear its for all the wrong reasons." This intrigued Astinos.

"Continue..."

"Do you think we can go somewhere more... private?"

"Actually I was just going to go up to the river, would you like to go with me?"

"Yes, that would be wonderful. I really need somebody to talk to..."

-----------------------

Astinos made no hesitation taking off his clothes and sinking into the luke warm water of the river. The climb up to it had taken more out of him than normal and he was happy to feel the relaxing water swirl around him. He noticed that Stelios slowly, and nervously, removed his garments before wading in after him. Once he was seated, he relaxed into the water as well.

"Oh now this was a good idea, Astinos. I thought the water would be cold." Astinos kept his eyes on the golden haired man as he answered.

"I know, Apalla brought me up here a while ago, I�ve been hooked ever since." Apalla was a young female friend of his, a growing beauty and his current number one choice should he have to marry soon.

"Well I�m sure you and Apalla found much more entertaining things to do up here." Stelios leaned back and stared at the azure sky.

"I suppose..." In Stelios' eyes, it would�ve been more entertaining, but to Astinos, he preferred to sit with, look at, talk with, or even simply think about, the man he loved.

"But what about what you wanted to talk about? You never finished."

"Ah yes. I had forgotten. You have that effect on me, not that I mind. You tend to take my mind of more pressing or confusing matters." Stelios lowered his head to look at Astinos, but even so his gaze was somewhere far away.

"The child... My wife is a good wife... you know that. But love her? I cannot. Nothing more than a friend. I feel horrible because I can see in her eyes that she loves me most."

"Love is not something a Spartan is taught..." Astinos said, almost regrettably.

"No it is not taught... Sparta is only for the hard and strong. But its something that is learned, whether we wish to or not. Not even our king could escape its lessons. Look at him when he looks at Gorgo, even your father, you can tell he loves your mother and each one of you. Even the hardest and strongest fall helplessly into the pit called love." He spoke slowly, carefully thinking of each word before forming them into sentences.

"Verily Stelios... you say a mouthful." Astinos was stunned. He had never expected Stelios, of all people, to speak so wisely. Astinos had never thought of love as a lesson, Astinos had never thought about anyone else�s love at all. He only knew his own and that it had always been there, he couldn�t recall it developing, it was just there.

"So in saying that, I am one of those that has yet to see love, learn love. I�m in no hurry or anything... but that is my problem."

"You don�t love your wife, is the problem."

"yes, precisely."

"Well Stelios, it is to late to tell her now..."

"Oh I have no intention of telling her. I have no intention of telling ANYONE. You�re the first and last to hear this. So tell no one or Ill throw you down the well." Stelios decided that the mood needed to be lightened. Here he was, a gorgeous day out, having a relaxing soak in the sun and water with the boy he considered his best friend. He used his threat to pounce on the smaller man, pushing his head violently underwater.

Astinos sucked in water, he knew Stelios had no idea how strong he had become, that he was underestimating him greatly. He twisted his body underwater, thrusting his arm upward to grab hold of Stelios' neck. He let him come up for air, moving his attention to the hand choking his neck. Astinos grabbed Stelios' arm, twisting it until his body bent. He held his arm behind him as Stelios struggled, laughing crazily. Stelios stilled for a moment, coiling up energy inside him like a cat readying to make a kill. Astinos didn�t let his guard down, but when Stelios finally moved, the sheer force of his determination broke any holds Astinos could have done. Stelios turned quickly, facing the other man. An insane grin stretched across his features, and before Astinos could think, he was behind him. Astinos marveled at Stelios speed, and this was in water. It must be godly on land, he thought. And it was his hesitation in thinking this, that Stelios moved behind him pulling both his arms back painfully.

"I think we have a winner..." he said with a smirk, "And if you think not, then go on. Try to break free." He laughed as Astinos writhed, trying to break his hold.

"All that training and you're still better than me." He pouted slightly.

"Of course I am, I did this training years ago! Ill always be years ahead of you in combat skills, friend." He chuckled and let him loose.

"No, I swear that I will become your equal in time."

"Ha! Oh do you now. Well I should like to see that!"

"You wont see it, you will only know it has happened when your back is on the ground and my sword is at your throat."

"Confident I see, well I do hope so. It would be nice to have someone to spar with again..."

a horn sounded from the direction of town, both men looked towards it. Cries erupted when the horn ended.

"HAWOO HAWOO" The people of sparta yelled. Stelios and Astinos jabbed their fists into the air and echoed the cries.

"King Leonidas must be departing... but father said they wouldn�t be leaving until morning."

"Perchance its urgent? Or something came up and they must leave now. Who knows." Stelios shrugged with a smile.

"Ha maybe... speaking of their departure, I have a favour to ask you." Stelios leaned forward, intrigued.

"I wanted to know..." Astinos continued, "If while my father is away, if you would... help me with my training." He looked away, a light blush covering his nose.

"Me? ME?! You want ME, the man who you will one day surpass in combat skills, to help you do to it? You�re walking in circles!"

"Don�t get smart, I need someone to help and you're the obvious choice."

"You�ve never seen me fight though."

"Father told me about you. I really want to see you fight..."

"One day you will, perhaps you�ll be my equal by then." Stelios smiled at Astinos and nodded, "I will help you train. After all, what are best friends for."

Astinos' face lit up and Stelios felt his heart quicken. He glanced away and instead focused on the coursing water.

Astinos sensed his uncomfort. Sighing inwardly he stood, climbing from the relaxing currents back onto the land.

"Thank you Stelios. I need to have improved greatly before my father returns. I hope your up to the challenge." He smirked.

"I�m up for anything you can dish out." He retorted also climbing out to re-dress. Astinos took a moment to think about all the possibilities of that sentence, before cursing himself for thinking so like a voyeur. They stayed in the water for a while longer, watching the sun as it begin to melt its slow death into the horizon.

"We should head back now, I suppose. And you can begin my training tomorrow?"

"Absolutely Astinos'. I shall spend tonight with my family, and tomorrow Ill meet you by the council gates." Both dressed and began the long walk back towards their home. They walked in relative silence all the way back. But Stelios turned in all seriousness to Astinos once they reached the spartan gates.

"I shall see you tomorrow. And be ready too, because I shall not go easy on you. You will taste my blade and shield tomorrow Astinos... I figure the best training is like that of the agoge. Face real challengers, taste real pain, feel real fear. Be ready Astinos." He grinned a madman�s grin, a grin full of bloodlust and insanity. A grin that said whatever pain you may cause him, he could return a thousand fold. For once, Astinos took a step back from his best friend. He stared nervously into those crazed eyes.

"Yes, be afraid Astinos. For tomorrow... we become enemies." without another glance he turned and took the path that would lead him home. Astinos was left to breathe, not knowing he had held his breath, and to wonder if his fathers advice really was good or not.

--------------------

Stelios returned to his wife sleeping by the window. Her long lean body stretched lazily on the duvet(2). Smiling softly at her he ran his hand through her dark hair. She looked pale in the twilight, the darkness of her hair only made her look more so. He took his lips to her cheeks, moving them lightly across her collarbone and neck. She giggled sleepily and brought his face to hers.

"Darling," she started.

"I know, you're not in the mood." he chuckled, "but that doesn�t mean I cant kiss you." he felt a little guilty, after what he had just told Astinos, but he couldn�t let her know and he might as well act like a husband.

"Actually, I don�t think Id mind right now." She smiled and folded her arms around his neck.

Stelios smiled back and lifted her, carrying her to their room and depositing her gently on bed. He removed her dress for her, his own clothes coming off more quickly. He went through the motions, the kissing, the touching, the feel of tongue on skin. They went through the act, the positions. Stelios kept his eyes closed, mostly, in ecstasy, but it was when he opened them during one of his favourite positions(3) that he became stunned. He stared, wide-eyed at who was supposed to be his wife, but the summer heat must be playing tricks because it was not his wife he was looking at. In her place, dark short hair fell barely past broad shoulders. A muscle defined chest gave way to a rigid stomach and what was most certainly not female parts. Stelios gaped in shock as he watched himself disappear, not into his wife, but into Astinos. What confused him most, was the jolt of passion he felt when he saw him. It invigorated him, made him thrust harder, and when this Astinos peaked, Stelios did as well.

He opened his eyes as the after effects wore off, and they opened to his wife once again. He lay in bed hours after that, listening to her breathe and thinking. That wasn�t the first time he had felt such passion towards Astinos, and it seemed to be happening more often. Just seeing his naked body that morning in town had sent a feeling he had never known through him. Were he wiser to the ways of love, he would've called this feeling desire... but, ignorant to the sensation, he had no idea what it was or why he was feeling it, but it didn�t seem bad. He liked it, actually. Tossing onto his side he forced himself not to think of it anymore, he let his thoughts wander to more pleasant and less confusing thoughts. He thought of battle as he drifted into unconsciousness, and dreamed of painting the golden wheat fields red with enemy blood.

-------------

He could feel the eyes on him as he made his way down Spartas streets. He could see the council gates at the end of the road and he grinned, flipping his crimson cape behind him. He repositioned his shield and strode down the dusty lane. He knew the people would wonder why he was in the army's colour, it had mainly spiked the curiosity of children. There was a large group following him some feet back, waiting to see what he intended to do with his weapons. As he got closer, he could see that Astinos was waiting on the stairs. The boy looked up with an eyebrow raised as he stopped in front of him.

"Crimson Stelios? Isn�t that a bit much. I�m sure we could've sparred without the army drab." He stood and brushed himself off.

"Yes, but if you bleed it wont stain on this red. And I do not intend to 'spar', you�re going to learn technique and combat skills from being immersed into battle. I will come at you with every intent to kill, if you allow my blade to strike you, you will bleed. Nothing about this will be staged. If I get you in a way that would result in your death, the lesson is over. So how well and long you train for is up to you."

"And if I get you in a way that would mean death? What happens then?"

Stelios chuckled in disbelief and began walking to the training grounds.

"It could happen! You could make a mistake or maybe I could just be to good for you." Stelios' shield slammed bone-breakingly hard into him. He fell to the ground, seriously hurting, the wind knocked from his lungs. He coughed and blinked water from his eyes as he glared up at Stelios.

"First lesson. Arrogance will lead to your downfall. Do not assume you are better than anyone. Every enemy has the potential to beat you, therefore assume they are all better than yourself, that they can kill you." He looked down at him in all seriousness, "And now, I�ve become your enemy. So rise to your feet and lets see what you've got."

"Alright, can I recover from that a little bit first?" he asked, standing slowly.

SLAM the shield hit him again, and down he went again.

"No. Do you honestly think your enemy would fall back to give you time to recover?! Who in all Greece has been teaching you up until now boy?! There is more to fighting than form. Battle is not just swinging a sword and protecting yourself, it is a mindset. War can get psychological, they can attack in many many ways that your sword will not help you with. Form is good, yes. But useless if you�re not ready for anything other than brute strength." He stared hard down into Astinos pain-watered eyes. He knew it would take a while to get him to understand, he knew that he would have to be very very harsh to get him to do so, but he was ready for it. A memory from the odd happenings the night before flashed through his mind, but he easily pushed it aside with the task at hand. He sighed and shook his head, disappointed that Astinos was not as far along as he had hoped.

"No Mercy, Astinos.... remember?" He walked a little ways away, shifted his shield, unsheathed his sword and waited for Astinos to get up.

---------------------

Astinos couldn�t believe how powerful a blow Stelios could make with just his shield. And he could tell that he hadn�t even used all his strength. Astinos was very worried about this, he had a sword, but he hadn�t brought his shield. Finally on his feet he stared at Stelios, trying to think of how to approach him without getting battered with his shield again... or worse. He hunched over, slowly circling the man. Stelios moved with him in a counter-circle. He was going to lunge, that had been decided, but he was trying to think of all the possible moves that Stelios could make to evade and so he had to think of counter-attacks to all of them. He could feel the eyes of the kids and other spartans that had come to watch, it made him uncomfortable. He wanted to do well, he didn�t want these people to think the captains eldest son was a failure.

After almost a complete circle, Astinos shot forward. His sword out and to his surprise, Stelios didn�t try to dodge. Astinos stopped short, pulling his sword back before it contacted the other mans arm. He watched as Stelios looked from the sword, inches from his arm, back up to Astinos' face. Astinos saw disappointment, and it hurt his heart. He had done something wrong, he wasn�t sure what but there had been something. There was no warning at all when the back of Stelios' hand met Astinos' cheek. The force of the blow sent him to the side, the sharp pain stung his face and he tasted the tang of blood.

"You MUST think of me as your enemy Astinos! You MUST try to hurt me, with everything you�ve got. Don�t worry, any damage you do to me will be easily repaired." Astinos watched from the ground as Stelios walked to the stairs that led to the training area. He spoke with a few of the people who had gathered to watch and they ran off. When they returned they carried spears.

[[oh no...]] Astinos thought to himself. Stelios carried the spears back to him and dropped them by his side.

"To make it fair, Ill set aside my shield. You may use it if you wish, but I will refrain. Now take a spear, and your sword, and the shield if you wish, stand up and FIGHT." He said it rather angrily, and this boosted Astinos' own anger and frustration. He grabbed his spear and sword and stood. He raced after Stelios, his form almost flawless, he lunged at Stelios back. Stelios caught the spear with ease, jerking it out of his hand. Batting the flat of his sword away, he brought the handle of Astinos' spear across its users face. The kid was going to hurt horribly tomorrow.

"Don�t let other emotions get to you. Anger... frustration as you have now. Sadness... nothing. You must keep your mind focused on the battle at hand, on all the enemies around you that could strike at any moment, if its one on one like this you�ll want to keep your mind clear to calculate all the possible moves your opponent could make. Think of your time in agoge and lets try again."

Astinos wiped the blood from his lip and stood. He let his mind drift to memories he liked a lot better forgotten. The agoge had not been kind to him, but he had returned.

Astinos refocused his eyes on his target, the pain from being hit numbed, the coppery taste of blood invigorated him. His mind wrapped around every possible move and counter, and Astinos pounced.

++++++++

Stelios was surprised, he had known the memories of his training would heighten his senses and willpower but the change in Astinos was phenominal. His eyes became cold and sneering, he was fast and quick, his form still flawless. Stelios had to actually pay attention to dodge and block, he didnt have to put his mindset completly in battlemode, but it was close.

A few moments into the spar and Stelios felt the first sting of a direct hit. Astinos had gotten past his defense and landed a hard right hook. Stelios stumbled but didnt fall, that stumble was all it took. Astinos had rolled away and fallen into the phalanx(4) stance, it steadied him, gave him the balance he needed to push energy from the ground, up through his foot and leg. The energy would move through his body up into his shoulder, where it coiled as Astinos pulled his arm back, spear in hand. Stelios saw it all in slow motion as he stumbled, a few seconds but that was all it took. He saw the energy push Astinos' arm out swirling with the mans strength and rocketing out through his weapon. Then it was done. Time rushed to catch up to reality, Stelios' stumble finished as he regained his composure, and the side of Astinos' spear bit into his forearm. It sliced him deep and continued on, sticking far into the ground. Stelios stared at the spear and knew that this would be the boys best aspect. His mind had actually went into the still/fast(5) of battlemode.

Stelios ran at Astinos, no mercy. They battled endlessly for hours, the peoples of sparta captivated by their sheer stamina. Stelios could tell that Astinos was getting better just by fighting with a real soldier who had actually seen battle. He was satisfied with the days progression and it was late, so he lifted his spear and launched it, running the way he knew Astinos would roll to avoid it. He did as predicted and Stelios slammed his foot down on the others chest, putting his sword at his throat.

"Game over, friend." He grinned.

Astinos coughed from the sudden force on his abdomen then relaxed in defeat.

"Ah! I should've known thats why you chose to throw the spear. I was having a good time fighting with you."

"And I you, but I think we did good for the day. Lets get some rest tonight, tomorrow we continue." He grinned and helped Astinos up.

"Sounds good to me, I await the day I defeat you." he said a little excitedly. Stelios scoffed.

"You'll never defeat me! Ill always be a few years more experienced than you." He laughed as he said it, but the truth was he wasnt so sure. Astinos had amazing potential and could, very easily, surpass Stelios someday.

----____----_____----_____----____----_____--- =D special!!

They repeated the ritual the next morning, and the day after that. And each day Astinos improved. Stelios could tell the dark haired boy was proud of the outcome, and although he tried to hide it, Stelios was proud of him too. The skills he learned with Stelios, combined with his already over practiced and nearly perfect form, made for an amazing soldier. Stelios had had to look at Astinos as an actual enemy more than a few times, and that was impressive. Stelios liked the fighting, he trained his son for two days then Astinos for five(6), to let Astinos rest while he himself didnt. He thought that Astinos probably trained alone those two days though, because he was always a little tougher when they met after the break.

The training went on for a while, about three weeks past a month. When Stelios arrived a little late tot he training ground he could tell right away that something was bothering Astinos. He sat his shield down on the stairs and kneeled beside his friend.

"I can already tell youre pre-occupied. So skip the denial and tell me whats wrong."

Astinos looked up at him with worried eyes, softened a little at his friends concern.

"Its only... my father said he would return in two weeks... a month at most. On the new moon it will have been two months since his departure. Im worried... Leonidas would not have been so wrong about the length of a mission if something hadnt gone as planned..."

Stelios nodded slowly.

"Im not going to lie and cushion the truth. You are right about our king, something must have happened to be keeping them so. But you do not have to assume that it was something bad, although it most likely is..." He placed his hand on Astinos' shoulder, squeezing gently, comfoting, reassuring. Astinos laid his own hand over Stelios' in thanks.

"I just hope he comes back soon... mothers been worried as well." he sighed heavily as he stood, picking up the spear he had laid by his side.

"Astinos... we could take the day off. Your improvment through all of this is amazing, so I think it would be alright to skip just one day." Stelios could tell he wanted to, but he also knew that he would never admit it. He wanted to be a good solider, and a good soldier would never take a day off from training. So Stelios sacrificed his own pride for the others sake.

"Well, nevermind Im not giving you a choice. Im taking the day off, so you can train alone or show me how to get back up to that relaxing river we went to before." he grinned, feeling genuinely happy at seeing Astinos' shy thankful smile.

Astinos laid his weapon back down and stetched.

"Well, I wouldnt mind that river again. It'll feel nice on my sore muscles."

"Oh quit whining you child and get moving! I wanna have all day to waste lounging around in the water." he chuckled pushing Astinos impatiently.

"Alright! You dont have to shove." He laughed as he stumbled a little from the pushing, "Race you there!" He yelled behind him as he took off.

"No fair! I dont remember the way!!" Stelios ran at full speed behind him, catching up quickly.

*********

He pulled the spear head from the body, reinserting it once more to be sure of the mans death. He listened to the cries of the rest of the near dead men and scanned the bodies for a live one close by but he seemed to have gotten them all.

They had taken the small force out rather easily, they had been outnumbered but had still destroyed them all without a single casualty or wound. He smiled at their victory and turned to the others.

"Soldiers!" The king roared, "Gather quickly! We must decide what action to take."

His warriors came to his call immediatly. The king smiled happily at the lot.

"Look at you men. All of you smeared with dirt and blood. Its a wonderful sight to see."

"Yes sir, and it reassures us that one day you will lead us to glory."

Leonidas nodded at the man and walked into the center of the circle they had formed.

"Well men! That wasn't a very big fight, but it was an invitation for war either way. An invition that we will, without a doubt, accept immediatly!" cries of 'HAWOO' echoed over the blood stained field.

"We will return to Sparta! Tell the city what has happened, get a few more soldiers and come back. Theres no need to consult the Ephors since they attacked us without reason, and while we are home I will send word here to warn them of our actions. Then they will be expecting us." His grin was vicious.

"Any idea on how many we will be fighting?"

"Not a clue, captain."
"Well thats alright, we will slaughter them anyway."

"Of course we will." He raised his voice to his men again, "So let us go back home! I fear many will be worried as we've been gone far longer than we said we would." shouts of 'HAWOO' told the king that these men would follow him no matter what his decision, that he and sparta were their masters.

**********

It had been three days since the last visit to the river and Stelios and Astinos had just finished that days training. It was well into the evening, the sun was just about finished painting the sky. Astinos was getting much to hard to defeat, so it was taking Stelios a lot longer to end their lessons. Stelios walked with Astinos back towards their homes.

"So when your father returns... youll go back to your original instructor?"

"Im assuming... Father didnt say exactly. He only said he wanted to 'see great improvement' when he returned."

Stelios laughed, "Well your father will faint at the improvement you've made! I have no doubt you could spar with him and hold you own."

"You really think so?!" Astinos stopped their pace and stared wide eyed and grinning up at Stelios. He chuckled and smiled softly at the boy.

"Yes I really think so." Stelios was startled when Astinos leaped at him, throwing his arms around his neck and pulling him into a hug. Stelios was a little more surprised when he wrapped his own arms around Astinos' back. The boy fit perfectly into his arms, being a little shorter than himself Astinos' head cradled perfectly into his neck, and Stelios' arms folded just right around Astinos' back.

Stelios let his hands move slowly over the muscles in the boys back before squeezing him gently in the warmest embrace Stelios had ever experienced. All this happened in, and lasted, only a few seconds. Then they both realised they were two men holding each other in the streets of Sparta.

Astinos had never wanted it to end. It had been such a loving hug, one you expect a man to save only for his wife or something. He decided quickly that it wouldnt be good to walk in silence so he spoke as soon as they parted.

"Thank you Stelios, your training me means alot... and my father will be happy too." Stelios looked a little nervous but answered steadily.

"Its my pleasure Astinos, combines my two favourite things: Fighting and Teaching. Im glad you decided to ask me."

They continued with idle chatter which Stelios participated in, but he was thinking of nothing but that hug. It had given him a wonderful elated feeling, made him happy to be alive, happy to be there, happy to be with Astinos, happy about everything but even scarier than that, in the few seconds of the hug Stelios didnt want to fight or die, he had felt the want to stay there with Astinos. It had made his stomach jump happily too. Stelios had no idea what to make of this feeling, there was only one emotion he had ever heard of making people feel that way... but that couldnt be right. He couldnt be in love with Astinos. It just wasnt plausible.

They had reached Astinos' house, his mother had come out for greetings and small talk but Stelios became confused when he saw his wife and son in their house. His brow furrowed at the sight, and Astinos' mother must have noticed because she touched his shoulder.

"Stelios, Ive already invited your lovely wife over for dinner, you should stay as well! It can be thanks for toughening up my boy here." She laughed, playfully hitting Astinos.

"Yeah! Stay for dinner Stelios! You've never been to my house before have you?"

"No... but I accept your invitation if youre sure it isnt to much trouble. And I would like to see your house..." He muttered the last bit peeking in through the entrenceway.

"No trouble at all Stelios! My husband always talks highly of you, it was only a matter of time before I knew Id see you here! Ive got to get back to dinner, but you make yourself at home." She hurried off in the direction he figured was the kitchen.(7)

Stelios' watched his wife make her way towards him.

"Darling! I thought youd be out much much later! You said Astinos was getting hard to defeat." She laughed. Stelios felt a little awkward when she took his face in her hands and kissed him, but this was his wife and he act like it. He returned her kiss, sliding his arms around her back and immediatly but subconsiously comparing her to Astinos. He could feel the small swell of her stomach where his child grew, so he focused instead on that. He broke the kiss, smiling at her with his eyes. Stelios rubbed the small lump he called a child.

"Its getting bigger! And its really low, I bet its going to be another boy!" He exclaimed.

"I agree," she replied, "Its because youre such a man Stelios." She laughed and patted his chest.

"You go take a look around, this house is amazing! Im going to go see if I can help with dinner." And she was gone, leaving Astinos and Stelios alone again.

"Astinos! Youre the man of the house while your father is out! Show me around." He smirked.

"Oh... I didnt think you would be interested in my house..."

"My house is about the size of two rooms in this one... of course Im interested."

"Well... okay..." Astinos had been a little nervous before, but with that new knowledge it made it worse. He didnt wanna show Stelios around a house so much bigger than his... it seemed arrogant to him. But if it was what Stelios wanted... he really did look interested. He kept leaning trying to look through doorways and peeking around corners, so Astinos gave in.

"Alright. Follow me."

Stelios was amazed. He keep thinking that if the captains house was this nice, the kings must be astounding. The ceilings were high, the rooms huge! There was a balcony overlooking alot of Sparta with lounging duvets(2) and big posh pillows to lay on. The doorways had fabric hanging that the breeze would catch, it was gorgeous, the whole house was.

"Thats really about it besides the kitchen... but you'll see that when we eat."

"Well what about your room?" Stelios had said it before he thought about it, but once it was out of his mouth he wasnt entirely sure he wanted to be alone with Astinos in his room.

"Uhh.." Astinos was caught a little offguard, "Yeah... my rooms uhm.. up here."

They walked through another large doorway that led outside. This one took you to a small walking bridge that was there so as not to on the flowers below. The dwelling on the other side was lined with columns and Stelios could see more hanging fabrics and an extremely large bed.

"Thats my parents. Ive often asked why they need such a sizeable bed... they never answer."

"Perhaps they roll around in it alot," Stelios smirked, "or maybe they both take up an obnoxious amount of space when they sleep and thats to accomodate."

"Perhaps... Eitherway it doesnt matter because this is my room. Excuse the mess, I was looking for things last night and had a hard time finding them..."

Stelios walked stright in and glanced around. There was a hole in the floor to his left, and juding by the bottles sitting around it, Stelios guessed it was his bathtub. He walked a little further in the room and laughed.

"What?" Astinos asked skeptically.

"Nothing bad! Its just that that is the oddest bed Ive ever seen!" He pointed as he spoke. Astinos' bed was sort of like his bath. A sunken hole in the ground. Except this hole had been filled with soft pillows and a rounded mattress.

"It isnt odd! Its brilliant! This used to be a bathhouse so we all have these holes in our rooms. I decided to turn mine into a bed."

"Well, I guess that is pretty clever. Can I lay in it?"

"...sure..." Astinos had a goofy smile on his face and he knew it. Oh how long he had dreamt of Stelios being in his bed, it was much to good an oppertunity to pass up so as soon as Stelios had pounced into the sunken mass of pillows, Astinos cautiously went over to join him.

"Wow... this is rather nice. I like being lower than the floor! And if anyone were to try and attack at night or something they wouldnt see you... and theyd most likely trip into it."

"Yes and then theyd be on top of you and you could kill them quickly!"

"Exactly!" They laughed for a moment as Astinos jumped down into his own bed. As soon as he had gotten comfortable and closed his eyes in rest... twack! A pillow smashed into his face. He glared at the blonde man before lifting it and throwing it back.

"You know what this means dont you?"

"Pillow war?"

Stelios just laughed and began gathering as many pillows as he could, Astinos wasted no time in doing the same. Within seconds pillows were flying everywhere. The two men had resorted to boy-like behavior and were jumping around the circular bed trying to catch each other.(8) Astinos was having a hard time staying standing and kept falling over.

"You know this could be good training! Teach you to walk on uneven ground, say as if it were covered with corpses." he chuckled and little, then flung a pillow directly into Astinos' face, who promptly fell over.

"Well if I cant stand," he said standing, "Then neither can you!" He lunged at Stelios, grabbing him and carrying him down with him. Stelios immediatly felt the same feeling he had from their hug earlier. It was stronger and twisted his stomach so much it hurt. He looked down at the top of Astinos head, the boy had collapsed onto his chest and was shaking with laughter. He brought his hand up to stroke the dark hair and the moment immediatly turned serious. Astinos' laughter subsided and he lifted his head to look into Stelios' eyes. They stayed like that, their gazes locked, for a moment before Astinos slowly moved forward. His mind was completly blank, he wasnt concerned with the consequences of his actions, but he felt as if he would die if he couldnt kiss this man. He inched closer slowly, his eyes never leaving Stelios', but right before he got just close enough to to do it his mind decided to think. What if Stelios no longer wanted to speak to him or see him after this, that would break his heart. He couldnt bare to be shunned by the only person he loved. So he stopped and just stared deeper into those crystal blue eyes.

Stelios' mind was reeling. Here he was with this feeling and Astinos was getting dangerously close to his face. He wasnt quite sure what Astinos' motive was, but if he were to guess, he'd say it was almost like he wanted to kiss him. But that was impossible... right? Astinos got closer. Stelios waged battle in his head, he didnt know what to do, it was he who had changed the mood of this whole thing. Stelios stared back into the dark pools of Astinos' eyes. He saw youth there, and another emotion he couldnt make out. It seemed a little sad but at the same time immensly happy. It was when Astinos stopped moving closer that the war in Stelios' head ended. The winning side told him to kiss the boy, if anything he could play it off as an accident but he had to know if the emotion he was experiencing was really love, and what better way to find out than with a kiss?

Stelios moved forward to meet Astinos, their lips met, lightly...briefly. Their eyes finally broke apart, Astinos wondering if he had acidentally moved to close or if Stelios had really just kissed him. Stelios was shaking from it. The kiss has empowered the emotion, just that light half-second kiss had given his love such a boost. He knew now that it was in fact love, there was nothing else it could be. He didnt hate it, he wanted more of it. They turned back to look at each other, a little shyly, neither knowing how the other would react.

They spoke each others names in unison, chuckled and their eyes met again. Both leaned in this time, slowly. First their foreheads touched, then their noses, their heads tilted... but their lips never had a second chance. Cries of their name echoed though the room and they flew apart as fast as they could. They climbed out of the bed and walked a little nervous, a little shaken to the sound of the voice.

Stelios' wife sighed.

"There you two are! Astinos, your fathers just returned! And Stelios, dear, He says he went looking for you and has something to tell you. So go see what it is! That and dinners almost ready."

They thanked her and made their way silently back to the kitchen where he was waiting.

The Captain turned at the sound of the two entering and smiled big.

"Ah son! I cant wait for you to show me what you've learned so far!"

"I think you'll be impressed father."

"Im impressed that you think Ill be impressed! Must be some improvement. But I shall make my own judgement later when we spar." The tone of his voice implied that Astinos would fall easily, Stelios knew otherwise.

"As for you boy!" The Captains attention turned to Stelios, "On our recent outing we had a little problem, but we took care of them easily and seeing as they attacked us first, we must retaliate." Stelios grinned as did the Captain, Astinos' face fell.

"You mean...?"

"Indeed I do. We walk the war path tomorrow, so ready youself tonight."

----------------------------------

A/N: OHMYGOD. I�m sorry for all the dialogue D= but it couldn�t be helped in this first chapter!! sorry sorry sorry >< I mean, yeah its good but there�s SO MUCH OF IT. bothered me, I�m sure it bothers you.

Id also like to say sorry for switching views so much >< Sometimes its from Astinos' POV sometimes Stelios' sometimes both and sometimes it 3rd person... >>;;

Id like to thank myself for being such a horrible beta, Id also like to thank Frank Miller for making this story possible, Id like to thank Zach Snyder for making the SteliosxAstinos pairing so unbelievably EASY and OBVIOUS, and mostly Id like to thank my speech to text software for doing all the typing for me whilst I sat and talked everything out to it without you this wouldn�t be possible. hahaha I�m so lame ^^

I just wanted to say, that I wrote this story SO INSANELY. Like, I would write a scene and then go backwards from it instead of forwards... example, I wrote the King and Captain 'breaking of the peace agreement' before I wrote Stelios and Astinos training... and in my head the training was always supposed to come first, cause the king part was close to them returning and declaring war which, obviously, is the end of chapter 1. And I wrote the river part before I wrote the 'you�re a father...again' part. I dunno... it was crazy weird but I got it all together right so I�m good. ^^;;

REVIEW PLEASE!!

++++++++

notes:

(1)Agoge = the spartan training where the boys are taken from their mothers and fathers for years and put through rigorous training before being thrown into the wild and forced to fend for themselves against the elements. They return a Spartan, or not at all. for more: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agoge

(2) a duvet is a long... couch like bed thing. look it up

(3)His favourite position is when she�s on top O.O

(4) the Phalanx is what Leonidas was talking to Ephialtes about on the cliff. They fight as a single impreneatrable unit, using their shields and strength the push the enemy back far enough to use their spears and swords, then they fall back into it, when the break from the full phalanx they used their shields to protect the man to their left thigh to neck. It required A LOT of teamwork and is pretty much just a formation of battle. if youd like to read more then here! : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phalanx_formation

(5) I wrote this scene thinking of the way the movie was filmed. All the slow motion that was then sped up to catch up just to be slowed down again. When I watched the movie, I thought that the slow/fast way they did it, would probably be how anyone in war would percieve things. When they fight, theyre aware of everything around them, which is why it slows down, and once they know whats around they move and everything rushes back to normal before speeding up as they go in for the kill.

So when Stelios, or any soldier really..., goes into this 'battlemode' he sees everything in "still/fast" and thats what I meant by it. I think I wrote it pretty well but thats just my writer ego >>;;

(6) I dont believe they had a calendar back in those times... ^^;; so I dont know if they had 'weekends' er whatever. I doubt it, so I did it like that sorry >< altho I did have the Captain say weeks and a month... but that doesnt mean they have weekends

(7) No idea if they had kitchens back then or not... they probably cooked outside on open fires but... whatever they have a kitchen deal with it XD

(8) I think the Spartans would be very childish whenever they got a chance, because they never actually get to be children. From infant to age 7 they get to be children, but only when theyre not being trained by their parents. At 7 they go into the harsh training of Agoge, and they stay in that training into adulthood. So I think they act the proper way when they need to, but alone with a best friend that understands you? I think they would break and indulge in childish behavior. yup.
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Make War not Love: Born Sons