I wait for Hale. I refuse the dinner that is set out for me. I pace, mess with my hair, I read. Hours pass. It is dark out, and Hale is still not home.

Home? When did I start referring to the underworld as home?

Seeing that Hale had yet to return to the h-word, I finally accept the meal being pushed upon me. "Alright, alright!" I bellow. "Fine, you can feed me! But make it quick. And hot. And damnit, I told you I hate tomatoes."

Only a few minutes later, a fully furnished table is before me. Pot roast, broiled potatoes and gravy, romaine salad, and wild rice all sit before me. When I finish I stand from the table. "That's better." I say, satisfied. "I'll take dessert in an hour. Maybe some wine."

It seemed that the phone method of ordering had only worked when Hemera was here. Lately I've just had to announce my desires out loud for them to be granted. It felt a little weird at first. However, I soon got used to the convenient way of ordering and no longer felt crazy giving my demands to the room at large.

I return to my balcony. After spending an hour watching the stars, I sigh and leave. Without Hale here, the activity feels pointless. He would show me his favorites and tell me the stories behind them. Living in a urban area, I didn't often see the stars. For Hale to reveal the wonders of the sky to me was a treat. It made me miss him.

Plopping down into an overstuffed arm chair I realize what, exactly, my emotions were. I miss him. Miss . As in regret his absence. As in, wish he was here right now. You know, that kind of miss.

This attachment is unexpected. It keeps surprising me. When did I begin missing him?

As dark as the sky is, it must be late. So late that when Hale returns he probably will think that I'm asleep and will just go straight to his room without saying goodnight. In a split second I decide to wait for him in his room. If I can find the way. The palace is practically a labyrinth. Sometimes, I think the only way I manage to navigate through this place is because the halls keep changing to guide me. Yes, that's me—the direction-challenged teen goddess! Thank the Gods I wasn't goddess of the crossroads. That would have been an epic fail, I would have no sensible followers, that's for sure. The Cult of Kari. There's a nice ring to it, but still.

I leave my apartments to wander the stone hall ways lit by torches, aimlessly looking for Hale-like doors. I had always believed the room I first woke in was Hale's , but he set me straight on that. He has his own personal chambers that are much like mine. He said he found it rather conveniently, the only room not in entire ruins.

I've never seen it. But it's not like Hale forbid me from it. Not exactly. There's just never been a reason to go looking for it before.

"Okay," I say aloud. "Where is Hales room?"

Nothing. No magical blinking arrow light, no sudden change in the walls, a door doesn't appear in the stone.

I scowl and try again. "I'm not going to vandalize it or anything. Seriously. All I'm going to do is wait up for him, I swear. Please, just show me the way."

A few seconds pass and nothing. The urge to stomp my foot creeps up, but I squash it and fling myself in the opposite direction, back the hallway I came from. As I walk away I hear a subtle rumbling, followed by a creeeeak and one final POP.

Hesitantly, I turn around. The hall, which had previously been a dead end with a single arched window, had been severely altered. A spiral staircase has replaced the window, set into the wall.

"Oh. Wow." I rub my neck nervously. " Thanks."

I climb the stairs with a fair mix of fear and anticipation. Hale's rooms had to reveal something significant about him. As close as we've become lately, I've only gotten a rough idea of the person he was before he assumed his reincarnated identity. If we're supposed to be together for eternity then I feel like I ought to understand him a bit better.

The winding stars lead to a large, round, dark chamber only lit by five ceiling-to-floor windows that a pale crescent shines through softly. My hand falls on the banister that walls the stairs from the room and almost instantly all the lights flicker to life. A combination of candles and an oil-lit chandelier create a yellow-y glow about the room. I blink, allowing my eyes to adjust to the new lighting.

Hale's rooms surprise me. It was in the shape of a circle, or perhaps an oval. There were multiple doors, leading to other rooms. None of the door matched, either. Like, every one was different in some way—color, material, handles, etc. The walls are drywall except for the side with windows and the wall directly opposite from me, which is of the grey stone the entire palace is built of. The drywall ways are painted a dusky, stormy slate blue that reminds me of Hale's eyes when he is discontented. On the stone side there is an enormous marble mantle-and-fireplace. On top of the mantle a classical portrait rests. I blink. It's an unusual sort of thing for a guy to have in his room. Especially considering it's subjects.

Beside the portrait a smaller, unframed canvas stands. This is an abstract done in subtle grays and creams. Angled away from the fireplace is a desk of solid ebony. Parchment and common copy paper are scatted about. I raise my eyebrows at some of his unconventional paper weights. A bleached animal skull, a twisted lump of iron, a Venus sculpture. A tarnished candelabra acts as a lamp.

More paintings and shelves of books line the walls. Some of the books are falling apart at the spine. Some are shiny and new, I swear probably only recently brought. The pictures are of various styles—Rocco, Abstract, Impressionist, Cubist, Romanticism.

A long leather couch is across the room facing the windows. I walk over to it, running my hands along the smooth black leather. A dark blue throw has been tossed across one seat. I pull it up, wrap it around my shoulder, and sit. You can see the stars and the moon, from here. Lifting my fingers I trace constellations across the cold glass. Suddenly I smile, an idea coming to mind. Pulling up my power, I fade the lights and call forth a string of gold shimmering light I use to connect the stars, like a connect-the-dots on glass. The threads glow, making ancient pictures. I smile. There are perks to having this power. Still, the idea scares me. But I am learning to appreciate it.

I do not know how long Hale has been gone. But as late as it is… I'm so sleepy…This couch is rather comfy considering it's made of leather.

XXXXXXXXXXXX

"I understand you have Demeter's daughter."

"If by have you mean 'are entertaining her as a guest', then yes, I 'have' Karianna." Seeing my brother's bemused look, I sigh. "Kore."

"Ah." Zeus waves his hand, and part of the marble floor rises to create a strict stone chair. I sit, never removing my gaze. A snap of his large, tan fingers and my brother is holding a plump cigar. "Would you…?" he gestures to his human drug.

"No, thank you."

He shrugs as if to say "suit yourself". After lighting the cigar, he sits back to watch me. "Did she come of her own free will?"

"No."

Zeus's brow furrows.

"But she stays of her own will." I add. Not that our lives are any of your business.

"You have given her the option of leaving?"

I tighten my jaw. "Of course. Once she understood our connection, she chose to stay."

He puffs out a ring of gray smoke. It drifts away, expands, and disappears into the perfumed air. I watch the smoke, holding my breath. Zeus doesn't notice. "Wine." He says suddenly. A shade appears from the servants' doorway on the left side of the hall. "Two goblets."

The featureless creature nods its head, then leaves.

"So, my brother. How fares the Underworld?"

"It fares well. The citizens are content-" I ignore his rolling eyes. "- and our production has never been higher. With human's requiring minerals and metals for their new technologies, I would say I am getting more business than any other god." I say delicately.

"But surely you're not getting nearly as many followers as say, Aphrodite?"

I stiffen. "Perhaps not. But nevertheless, things are going well."

The shade enters with our beverages. I take mine from the tray silently. Zeus thanks the creature, which bows out. I sip the wine, savoring the ripe flavor.

"You know, when you first returned, many weren't sure if you would be able to handle the duties of your realm." My brother says casually.

"So I have come to understand."

"Some talked of removing you from your throne. Temporarily. You appeared so very…mortal, Hades."

I say nothing.

"This is a fragile situation." Zeus rubs his eyes. "Demeter, I am afraid, will not stand to be separated from her daughter. Kidnapping…did you not learn from the last time?"

I hiss. "She has never allowed Kari's any freedoms. What you call 'kidnapping' is what we both consider an escape."

"For who?"

"Kari wants to stay. She loves her life in the Underworld. "

"Has she told you that?"

"I…Karianna is a headstrong girl, careful with her emotions."

"Just as careful as you are with yours?" Zeus asks. "The girl does not belong in your realm. She is a thing of light. The Underworld is not for her."

"You cannot take her from me again!" I snarl, standing. "The fact that we have returned to each other, that she has returned to me, proves that she belongs with me! With me! I have worked far too hard to have the likes of you take her."

"Hades," My brother's expression is stricken. "You must—"

"I love her."

The words reverberate throughout the room. Zeus stares openly.

"I am not bluffing." I say in a low voice. "And I am not letting anything or anyone stand between us this time."

He opens his mouth, then pauses. "I can see that. This time…" He hesitates. "This time it is between you and Demeter. No one else."

"Do you swear it?"

"I do."

"Then we are settled. May I not return for many years."

"Agreed." Zeus says dryly.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

When I return, it is far later than I had anticipated. I did not return to Kari's room to tell her of my success, so I went straight to my apartment. The rooms were across the palace from Kari's. While I feared for her safety, I believed distance would be most welcome to her, at least in the beginning. Besides, I was confident that if I was needed, I could easily appear in her presence within seconds.

I enter my rooms quietly, and drop my cloak onto the nearest chair. Rubbing my eyes, I walk to my desk, ready to go through a few of the papers and inquires I've avoided over the last week. But before I start, my eyes turn to the portrait that dominates the mantle.

The pair of people that reside in the picture are quite remarkable. Contrasting of light and dark, a bulkier Hades with a lithe and eager Persephone clasp each other's hands and stare into each other's eye with a passion that the artist captured brilliantly. The background is dark. There are rocks and vines and dark flowers. Persephone almost emits light, a glow is cast about everything near her.

Reaching for one roll of parchment, I pause. The only light is from the fire, flickering. The candles and other lights, which usually spring to life, have not lit themselves. I frown. Is the room trying to tell me to go to bed? I turn around to look up at the chandelier and something catches my eye.

Engraved on my windows are golden lines. They make pictures. Constellations.

I believe I know who has invaded my apartments.

Creeping around the couch, Kari comes into view. Her mouth is open, soft snores coming out at a smooth rhythm. My blue velvet throw is around her, but one hand is out, over her chest. I am torn between waking her or leaving her. If she sleeps on the couch, she will probably wake up very sore.

Why is she here? I mean, I do not mind that she snuck into my private rooms while I was away. I welcome her want to look into my private living. Yet, I must wonder- why did she come?

Hoping to gain some answer, I lift her. Kari makes some unspecific noises of protest. I let out a low chuckle and reposition her onto my lap. Peeking open one eye, she groans. "Leave me alone…it's too late."

"Excuse me, but you are the one who is occupying my chambers."

"Hale," She says, a little breathlessly.

"The one and only."

"Well, you're late. " Kari mumbled. "I wanted to say goodnight."

I nuzzle her gently, inhaling her clean, warm scent. "How about good morning?"

"Aww, is it morning already?" She pulls the throw up higher, covering both of us.

"Yes, it is. Do you like my room?"

"Uh-huh. I'm glad I decided to crash in it. Do you like my pictures?"

I am confused. "Crash? But you did not break anything."

Kari laughs, snorting in a very unladylike manner. "It means sleeping or living in somebody else's place."

"Oh."

"It's okay." She says sympathetically. "I know all these…slang terms must be confusing."

"I shall learn a few. "

"How did it go? You were gone for ages." Kari yawns.

I pull her closer. "Do you want to see?"

She sits up quickly. "Yeah, yeah I do."

I pull upon my magic and hold open my hand. Concentrating hard, close my eyes. A few moments later, I open them to see a misty orb. Kari hums. "Will you teach me to that?"

"In time." I blow on the orb, whispering to the mist. A picture surfaces. I hold the orb up to Kari's face. Her eyes grow wide as she watches the show unfold before her.

"That's…Zeus. Isn't he my..." She can't seem to get the word out.

"Your father?" I say gently.

"Yeah. He looks a lot like my high school principal."

"I suppose that would be because he is your high school principal."

"What? My mom did my principal?"

"I believe you were conceived prior to her employment there." I say, trying to be helpful. "Keep watching."

XXXXXXXXXX

I finish Hale's odd little home video. Talk about family problems.

"Did you really say that?"

Hale raises one raven brow. "Say what?"

I swallow. At this point I've moved off of him to sit on the other end of the couch, taking the throw with me. My knees are shaking, so I pull them up to my chin. Tilting my head, I watch him. I am now fully awake. He has my complete attention.

"That you love me?"

Hale smiles. With a motion of one finger, the orb floats away and evaporates like smoke. "Of course I did. I have loved you since before you were born. Again, I mean. The second time."

"You just…said it."

"Yes."

"Just like that. Just said it."

He laughs, loud and joyfully. When he laughs, I sometimes imagine that he hasn't laughed like that in a very, very long time. His laugh sounds out of practice, uneven. He almost hesitates when he starts, as if unsure of the humor.

"Yes, Kari, I just said it. To your father, no less."

I lean forward. "You said it. You meant it?"

"Kari." Hale strokes my face, moving closer to me. "I love you. I love you. I really, truly, honestly—"

"Will you say it backwards?" I ask abruptly.

Hale pauses to stare at me. I blush. "They did it in The Princess Bride." I mumble.

"You love I." Hale says. Then: "Do you?"

"Do I…?"

"Love me?" He whispers.

"Oh. Oh. " I can feel my eyes go wide. "Hale..."

Hale freezes. His hand doesn't move from my face, but it stills.

"Hale," I say again, biting my lip. "l don't know if I can say that yet. I'm not really sure."

He nods, looking into the window. "I understand." Hale says slowly. The voice I love so much has gone hoarse. The eyes are light, though, and thoughtful. They are the colour of light smoke, the smoke of a blown out candle. When the shinning spheres turned to me they were clear of sadness.

"You don't have to say it. I do not want you to say it until you mean it." He took my hand, rubbing the skin in a circular pattern. "I am pleased, however that you are gladdened by my affection for you." He ducks his head.

"I am glad you're glad."

The quiet god kisses my hand. "I'm glad that you are glad that am I pleased."

"Ha. I'm glad that you are glad that I'm glad that you're pleased that I am glad."

"What?"

"I didn't get it either."

He draws my hand up to his face, then places his own palm on my cheek. "It is very late. You should be asleep."

"May I sleep in tomorrow, Father?"

"Only if you promise to make breakfast."

"Is there even a kitchen in this place?"

Hale considers. "I think there might be one."

"You think?"

Hale smiles easily. "I'm not much of a cook, Karianna. Now, to bed!"

"Alright." I stand. Hale stands with me, leaning in. Surprisingly forward, he puts his hands on my hips.

"You could stay here. In my bed." Seeing my expression he frowns. "We would just be sleeping. "

"Promise?" I whisper.

"Yes."

And together we drift into the Hale's room, mixing our conversation with kisses, like the smoke of two candles mingling together into the night.

Chapter 10! Whoooo! I am on a roll! A Roll!

Kinda.

Okay, for WTVC fans we'll hopefully have another chapter up next week! Then another Red Sky post. I'm hoping to take a break for a while kids—my DeviantART is listed as Lit, but I have yet to post any Lit up. Photos yes. Lit, no.

If you want to check out my DA account, it's under Morbid DramaQueen10. All I have so far is photos, but once I have the chance I'm posting some original writing.

Please review! Please?

Btw, if anyone can guess the recurring theme throughout this chapter, I'll dedicated the next chapter to you. You'll just have to remind me.