A/N: Ya know, it really sucks when you find out that three years of not writing means that you start blushing at sex scenes again. Took me over a year to conquer that the first time 'round; looks like I'll have to start over again. Hopefully the, um, difficulties don't show up here.

This was another story I found sitting on my hard drive. I was actually perusing an old Hephy/Strife piece when I saw this and thought, "What the hell...?" Turns out it's a sequel to the first Hades/Strife fic I wrote, A Reasonable Demand. It was only half done and it looked interesting so I thought, "Why not? I see where it's going so let's take it there." And so it was. (Yes, it begs for a sequel and yes, I do intend to see what I can do about that. But considering my history regarding sequels....)

The outfit I'm making reference to here is the one Hades wore in "Death in Chains." You can see it here: Kiari's Erik Thomson Collection (And yes, if you look at his shoulders -- and don't pretend that's a hardship or anything ;) -- that lovely red velvet cloak is there.)

Yes, the title is deliberate. (I also just figured out that it's not original. It was used in an ep of Xena. My bad.)

Pairing(s): Ares/Strife, Hades/Strife

Warnings: NC-17 for language and m/m.

Altared States