A/N: Off on another whirl-wind adventure I suppose. Hopefully I’ll tie this one up better than the last one.

Thanks so much to my wonderful beta: Robyn

It started with a bitter rivalry. But what good love story doesn’t?

Todd Bentmen didn’t know what he was getting himself into when he approached two of the most prestigious matchmakers at Harrison High and challenged them to find him a perfect mate.

He didn’t know what he was getting himself into when he told each of the said matchmakers that whoever found him love first would be the proud recipient of one hundred dollars and the reputation of a lifetime.

He didn’t know what he was getting himself into when he forced the two matchmakers to compete against each other in a violent war that both had been itching for since they’d set up their respective businesses.

And Todd Bentmen could not have possibly known what he was getting himself into when he shook hands with Pete Towning and Aphrodite Wilson the afternoon the whole world changed.

A star quarterback should not have had any trouble at all finding a girl to hang on his arm. In fact, one should have a varying selection of women to choose from. Unfortunately, this was not the case for Todd Bentmen. This was, in all likelihood, partially due to the fact that the ‘star’ quarterback was currently leading the worst team ever to have graced any football field and, partially because of Todd’s inflated sense of ego—in spite of his lack of fame. But mostly this was, in all likelihood, because Todd had already exhausted the female population of Harrison High, and none of them were willing to accompany him anywhere with the lone exception of Lydie Nader; the only girl receiver in the history of the high school’s football team.

Instead of taking these not-so-subtle hints as a sign to shape up, Todd decided that the girls were much too intimidated by his good looks and charm, and thus had a hard time approaching him—by no fault of his own, of course. This is where Pete and Aphrodite came in.

Pete Towning was the founding father of a little operation called ‘P.D.A. Inc.’ Otherwise known as Pete’s Dating Agency for Public Displays of Affection. In the beginning, he’d gotten a lot of grief for his brilliant establishment, but after sticking it out and staging some of the most fantastic dates anyone had ever been on, people began to respect his genius. And he began to bask in his glory.

With ease he paired up couple after couple—undefeated, unquestioned, and unchallenged—until Aphrodite Wilson came to town.

A name like Aphrodite shouldn’t be legal, but Miss Wilson’s parents were college professors who neither cared nor sympathized with the young girl. Throughout her life she went through many phases of denial, even refusing to acknowledge anyone who called her by her wretched title. For a while, she went by her middle name, Ruth, but that proved to be much too dull for her fiery personality and, eventually, she gave in and accepted her fate as the goddess of love.

Like her namesake, Aphrodite couldn’t help but be drawn to the fragile art of love. Upon reaching a decent age for meddling in relationships, Aphrodite scrambled to let her talents shine, and Aphrodite’s Love Agency was born. Applications from blushing girls poured in, and Aphrodite quickly realized that she was in her element. She knew she was the undisputed champion when the most masculine of men approached her for love advice. And then, just when she had reached her peak, Aphrodite’s parents decided that a change was in order and yanked themselves out of the small town scenery before plunking themselves down in a big city.

At first Aphrodite was intimidated, but soon enough she was thriving in a high school population that exceeded that of her former town. She was pairing lovers off left and right and her successes were becoming widely recognized by her peers.

It was an undeniable high, the feeling of accomplishment that came with creating deep roots between the two most unlikely of characters. Nothing could bring Aphrodite down from her inflation of pride until she met the most stubborn, pig-headed, infuriating boy ever: Pete Towning.

Apparently, by doing what she did best, Aphrodite had somehow encroached upon Pete’s territory. “Look,” He’d said, cornering her in the hall one day, “the dating thing, it’s my business. I get that you’re new and ignorant, but everybody knows that I’m the king at matchmaking.”

She’d wanted to ask him why, if he was ‘the king’, there were so many applications coming her way and not his, but she kept silent. With a hitch of his chin, Pete sauntered down the hallway, proud and mighty.

Aphrodite decided then and there that she hated Pete Towning more than she’d hated anyone in her entire life, and the only way to hate someone was to do it in style.

So of course, the next day, Pete stumbled tiredly into school and found bright pink flyers for Aphrodite’s Love Agency posted on every locker in the hallway. On his own there was a personal note from the love goddess that said, “Thanks for the inspiration, King.”

Ever since then Harrison High had been split down the middle. Of course, with the number of students attending the school, half was quite enough to keep Aphrodite and Pete busy. But the principle of the matter was that being kept busy was not being kept satisfied, and neither wanted more than to have control over all the love lives at Harrison; which is why Todd Bentmen presented such a glorious possibility.

He’d approached them on a Tuesday in the lunchroom, where Pete was performing some disgusting feat of nature involving Jell-O and a straw and Aphrodite was viciously studying for a math test she had next period.

Needless to say, neither was happy at being beckoned away from their relaxations to the broom closet. Also, needless to say, neither was thrilled at being stuck in a broom closet with the biggest oaf in history, and the fact that they were stuck with each other didn’t make matters any better.

“I want a chick.” Todd spoke gruffly, blinking his beady eyes.

Aphrodite curled her lip and Pete choked down a laugh. Both knew that supplying a decent match for Todd was almost impossible and the energy it would take just wouldn’t be worth it to them.

Todd, who apparently knew more than people gave him credit for, seemed to expect this response. “I’m willing to pay.”

“How much?” Pete asked hungrily. Aphrodite pretended to remain indifferent but she nevertheless tuned more fully into the conversation.

“One hundred.” Todd said, crossing his arms over his burly chest. Pete scoffed.

“No way, that’s nothing.” He said, turning to let himself out of the cramped space. Aphrodite was preparing to follow him until Todd shot out a heavy hand to keep the door firmly shut.

“One hundred dollars is more than either of you have got in your pockets now, am I right?” Aphrodite glanced at Pete who ignored her completely in favor of glaring at Todd. “And think of the rep’ this’ll get you.”

At this Pete perked up and Aphrodite’s fingers twitched in anticipation. It seemed neither had considered the notoriety this would bring them. Why surely, getting Todd Bentmen a mate would mean power beyond comprehension. Pete could taste it, domination. Aphrodite could feel it, supremacy.

“I’ll do it!” They both cried in unison. Pete growled and Aphrodite hissed. Todd smirked.

“You can both do it. Whoever finds me a winner first wins the glory.” Pete and Aphrodite made no move to say anything; they were still too busy staring each other down. “Did you hear me?” Todd asked, offended by the seeming lack of enthusiasm.

“Yes, we heard you.” Aphrodite snapped. “And I’m up for the challenge.” She said.

“As am I,” Pete said, mockingly. Aphrodite rolled her eyes.

“Shake on it then.” Todd said, holding out his beefy hand to Aphrodite. She lightly clasped his hand and forced down a grimace. Then Pete accepted the handshake and Todd let them out of the closet.

Aphrodite sniffed indignantly and walked down the hall towards the math test that was awaiting her. Pete watched her go with an evil grin on his lips, “Let the games begin, Goddess.” He murmured.

Todd Bentmen didn’t know what he was getting himself into when he approached two of the most prestigious matchmakers at Harrison High and challenged them to find him a perfect mate.

But bitter rivalries do make the best love stories, don’t they?