One common theme is the clash of their personalities. Ares being the god of war, impulsive and violent, while Athena represents wisdom and strategy. Another theme is the idea of forbidden love, as they are often seen as being on different sides in the mythology.
Another way is to show a begrudging respect. Ares might respect Athena's intelligence in battle even though he is more impulsive. In the fanfic, there could be a scene where Ares witnesses Athena outwit an enemy with her wisdom, and he has to admit, albeit reluctantly, that she has her merits. Then, this could lead to a more complex relationship where they start to collaborate on some military matters.
A plot could revolve around a mortal who prays to both Ares and Athena simultaneously. The two gods are intrigued and descend to the mortal world. There, they find that the mortal's problem is a complex one that requires both war - like strategy and wisdom to solve. As they work together, they discover new aspects of each other and their relationship evolves.
One great 'ares x athena fanfiction' story is 'The Forbidden Bond'. It delves into their complex relationship in a unique way, exploring how their opposing natures might find common ground. Another is 'Ares and Athena: Unlikely Allies' which shows them teaming up against a greater threat, with some really interesting character interactions.
One interesting Ares and Athena fanfiction could be about their rivalry in a modern setting. For example, they could be competing in a business world, with Ares using his aggressive tactics and Athena her wisdom. Another might focus on a time when they have to team up against a common enemy from the underworld. In this story, they would have to put aside their differences and combine their powers.
You can start by looking on fanfiction websites like Archive of Our Own (AO3). It has a large collection of fan - made stories, and you can easily search for Ares and Athena fanfiction there. There are also some dedicated Greek mythology fanfiction forums where writers share their works about these two characters.
Some fanfictions focus on their character development. Athena might be shown learning about the more primal aspects of power from Ares, while Ares could gain some wisdom from Athena. It's also popular to see them in modern - day settings in fanfictions, like they are reincarnated and have to deal with the modern world while still having their inherent god - like qualities and the complex relationship that comes with it.
In Greek mythology, there is no traditional 'love story' between Athena and Ares. Athena represents wisdom, strategy, and warfare in a more civilized sense, while Ares is the god of brutal war. Athena often opposes Ares' chaotic and blood - thirsty ways. For example, in the Trojan War, they are on different sides with Athena supporting the Greeks more rationally and Ares just fueling the violence.
Ares could be portrayed as brash and impulsive. He is quick to anger and his actions are often driven by his desire for combat and victory. For example, he might rush into a situation without thinking it through, relying on his strength. Athena, on the other hand, is calm and calculating. She thinks several steps ahead, like when she plans her battle strategies. In the fanfiction, she could be the voice of reason when Ares is about to make a hasty decision.
One idea could be a story where Ares and Athena are forced to team up in a battle against a common enemy greater than any they've faced before. Their different combat styles - Ares' brute force and Athena's strategic warfare - clash at first but then start to blend in a unique way, creating a new form of fighting. This could lead to a begrudging respect for each other that slowly turns into something more complex, like an unexpected friendship or the start of a romantic tension.