Thalia can't believe it, he came, he actually came. He's probably going to kill her, or Percy, or both of them, but at least he came. She makes a mental note to thank the gods later at offering, hell, thank Ares later at offering, if she makes it that long.
"Shit," Percy mutters beside her, and she can't help but echo the sentiment, Ares does not look ready to play Mr. Escort to the Underworld, doesn't look ready to play at all. Well, that's not entirely true, he looks all too happy to play Mr. Pummel the Demigods to Death, yup, she thinks he just might engage in that game.
"Hello, Thalia, Jackson." His glare as he nods at Percy is icy cold, and she is somewhat happy that his nod at her was a bit warmer. He might have actually nearly smiled when he nodded at her, but, she's got her doubts.
Percy nods but says nothing, she doesn't blame him, she's the one that got them into this mess, and it'll be her job to get them out. "Ares," She nods and does her best to give a sincere smile, it feels forced, even to her, "Good to see you."
"The feeling is mutual, as always," His tone is light, but she can feel that he is less than pleased to be here, "Have you been waiting for long?"
Ah, so he does know of the quest, well, at least they are cutting strait to the chase, "A couple of days. We figured you would come sooner, you always have a way of popping in when you're not needed, but neglecting to do so when you are."
Beside her Percy coughs and she knows that she has caught him by surprise, he must think that she's crazy. "Thalia," He mutters, trying to keep his voice low enough so that it stays between the two of them, a good plan, other than the fact that Ares is a god and has amazing hearing. Still, though, good plan to begin with. "Thalia," He tries again, "You can't talk to a god that way, especially not this god."
"Percy, it's fine, Ares and I are at an understanding, nothing I say hurts him, right?" From Ares there is a nod, and she has to conceal a grin, his obsession does have its upsides. Like getting away with murder, might be one of the reasons he's obsessed with her, actually.
"I can't follow you around twenty-four-seven; I do have actual duties, believe it or not, Thalia." There is something in the way that he says her name, something that tells her just how much he cares about her, it's kind of creepy, cool, but definitely creepy. "What is it that you need, or did you just call me here to insult me?"
She has to grin, "Well, insulting you is always fun, but we need to know where the entrance to the Underworld is. We also need an escort there, you can provide all of that, I trust?"
His look is somewhat hard as he answers, and for a moment she begins to doubt whether or not he really is as dedicated to her as he seems. Beside her Percy's hand has somehow become clasped in hers, she gives it a hard squeeze. It's not lost on Ares who gives a sigh, "Why would you want to travel to the Underworld, Thalia?"
"That doesn't really matter, will you take us or not?" She doesn't want to get into all of this unless she absolutely has to; she's got a sinking feeling that she's going to have to tell him about Annabeth. Ares does not like Annabeth, at all, he really hates Percy, but he definitely does not like Annabeth.
"It matters to me, tell me why you want to go and maybe I'll take you." His voice, as well as his expression leaves no room for negotiations, she will have to tell him. Well, he would have found out eventually, she tries to reason, time to face the music.
"Annabeth." She takes a breath, and feels Percy tense beside her, she gives his hand another squeeze, "We have to get back Annabeth." He doesn't know what she's talking about, his eyebrows are lifted and his eyes stormy, she sighs. "Annabeth Chase, daughter of Athena, only my best friend, you know, for a stalker you really don't pick up a lot."
Percy is absolutely squirming beside her, she would feel bad for him if she wasn't having so much fun, to him back-talking the gods is a major no-no. To her it's just the norm, at least when it comes to Ares. "Anyway, she died," She takes a moment to check on Percy, unsure of how he will react to the D-word, he seems okay, "Since she died, she's in the Underworld, and since she's there we have to go there to get her back. Now, since we're all caught up, will you help us?" She flashes him a smile, this time it is not nearly as forced, no, she's having way too much fun to have to force a smile.
"I'm sorry about your friend, Thalia, but Hades won't give her back, you have to know that. He can't give her back, it goes against contract." He is solemn, and she is surprised to find honesty in his eyes. She has gotten good at reading him, it's kind of scary.
"He might not." She nods, and isn't surprised to find that Percy has gone still beside her, this is his deepest fear, and if it's true she doesn't know how he'll handle it. The only reason he's doing as well as he has been is because of the quest, because of what the end of this quest is supposed to mean. If he loses that hope, then what he will do next is beyond her.
"He might not, but, he did for Orpheus, and if he did once why not again? Percy and Annabeth have each done more for Olympus and the gods than Orpheus ever did, if anyone has a shot of getting on Hades good side, it's them. Even you have to see that." He has to, because he is their ride to the Underworld, and if he doesn't see it, then they are screwed, completely screwed.
"I see that you believe it, and that it's important to you." She nods, and he gives a small, wry grin, "So, yeah, I'll help you." She is surprised, shocked really to find herself with her arms thrown around him, his around her, she doesn't know how she got there. She's more surprised by how right it feels.
"Thank you."