Hades POV

How long was this speech going to take? Hades wondered. Poseidon was drunkenly thanking everyone for coming and hoping they stay drunk and merry.

Drunk? Merry? I do neither of these things, at least not around other people. Hades thought as guests gorged themselves on food. They would then throw the scraps on the ground when finished, as was custom.

Hades wanted to go to sleep already. He was tired of forcing himself to talk to drunken gods so he didn't look rude. But he did care for Poseidon, and he wanted him to have a pleasant party. Besides, Poseidon was his favorite brother. Zeus was a bit of a turd to Hades, and he didn't focus on his work enough. At least Poseidon understood the definition of hard work. Hades liked that.

Hades walked up to Poseidon. "Hades! You came! And here I though you didn't like me."

"I'll always favor you over Zeus, brother. You may be a drunken horn-dog, but you aren't a complete ass."

"Good to know how you feel about me Hades!" Zeus walked over to give him a hug. which Hades shrugged off. He almost threw up at the stench of Zeus' sour wine breath. "How- how have you been *hiccup* Hades?" Zeus asked as he peered into his goblet to see if there was any wine left.

"I'm fine Zeus. But I think I'll be heading to bed now. Goodnight Poseidon."

"Hades! Stay for a bit longer! My spring flower and her mother will be arriving soon." Zeus said through another goblet of wine.

"What spring flower?" But Zeus was already gone, sucked in by the crowd of gods and nymphs.

Hades sighed and walked over to a plate of pomegranates. He cracked one in half and put some seeds into his mouth. They were ripe and popped when you bit down. But they were nothing compared to the pomegranates in his garden. Each seed was like a while goblet of wine, intoxicating. It only took four to make you drunk. Six was what Hades usually ate so he didn't have to drink wine. Just when he was about to go to sleep for the night, a young woman walked in. She was was tall and graceful, with olive skin, hazel eyes, and long wavy locks of amber hair. She wore sandals and a long white chiton. For some reason, she reminded him of a blossoming spring flower.

He was instantly infatuated with her.

He had to talk to her. Of corse the only problem was, he didn't know who she was. Hades had to find out what her name was.

Who should I ask? Aphrodite? No, she would go blabbing the moment I walked away. Maybe even before that. Poseidon? No, he would tell Amphitrite and she would gossip too all of her friends. Soon the whole world would know. Zeus is a no. Hermes is trustworthy, but I don't know where he is. Then Demeter caught his eye. She had always been nice to him. She wouldn't tell anyone or judge him. Demeter is the perfect person to ask.

Hades walked over to Demeter, but just as he was about to ask, the woman he was going to inquire about ran up and clung to Demeter. "Mother! Ares said something to me and pulled on my dress!"

Hades watched as a fire started in Demeter's eyes. "Ares! What did you do to my Persephone!?" Then all hell broke loose between the two.

"Poor bastard." Hades mumbled to himself. He walked over to the young woman now known to him as Persephone.

Persephone. What a beautiful name. How long has she been around? I haven't been up in a few decades do it's possible that she looks her actual age. Now that I think about it, I do recall Hermes saying something about Demeter having a baby twenty or so years ago. Not that I cared much, I was too busy with all of the souls from the famine. What a beauty she is. I wish sh- is she looking at me?! It's hard to be sure with all of these people. No, she's giving me the "look of doom" that almost every god and goddess gives me. Shit. Well, you just have to play it smooth Hades. Just play it smooth.

"Hey!" Shit! Real smooth dumbass. Your voice just cracked. You're 2,237 years old and your voice just cracked.

Persephone POV

"Hey babe. Where's your mother?" It took Persephone a moment to realize that Ares was talking to her.

Persephone shifted uncomfortably, "Um, she's around. Why?"

"Cuz I'm alone since Hephaestus took Aphrodite to their chambers. You look pretty good, and I bet you're a virgin too. Want me to change that?"

Persephone was shocked and disgusted, she had never been so humiliated. "No thanks. I think I'll get going now."

But just as she was turning to go, Ares grabbed her dress. "Where do you think you're going babe? Let's have a good time."

Persephone was terrified. Trying to think of a way out, she remembered that Aphrodite got jealous when Ares was with any other woman. Pretending like Aphrodite was across to room, Persephone said, "Aphrodite, please don't be mad, it's not what you think! It was all Ares!"

Trying to save himself, Ares let go of Persephone's dress and apologized to the imaginary Aphrodite. Only realizing that he had been tricked when he turned around. But by then, Persephone was gone, and back in the safety of her mother's arms.

After Demeter went to deal with Ares, Persephone stood in one spot, not wanting any other male gods to mess with her. Of course it just meant that one was bound to. When Persephone looked up, she saw a god that she had only heard horrible stories about walking towards her. Hades, Lord of the Underworld was almost to where she was. Dread filled Persephone. What's he going to do to me? Whatever it is, I'm sure it's much worse than anything Ares had planned. Is the how my immortal life will be? Either trapped at home with an overprotective mother, or being approached by the most vile male gods?

Hades looked uncomfortable, but he finally said, "Hey!"

Persephone burst out laughing. This is that Lord of the Underworld?

Hades slouched and sighed as he turned to go. "Hey! Wait!" Persephone shouted over the many partiers.

Persephone watched as he walked away. Feeling guilty for embaressing him further, she chased after Hades. When she caught up, Persephone tapped his shoulder. "Excuse me, Lord Hades? I'm sorry for laughing. That was rude. I was embarrassed myself a few minutes ago, so I should have been more sensitive towards your feelings. If you still want to talk to me, I'd be obliged."

Hades POV

Hearing that was enough to made him ecstatic. Hades turned and said, "Hello Ms. Persephone, I'm Hades, Lord of the Underworld. It's nice to meet you."

After that, they talked the night away. As Hades feelings turned from infatuation to love, he knew he and Persephone belonged together.