The more Lily stared at Henry, the more she realized how utterly impossible it seemed for her to believe that Mike Guerr could distract her from him.

Everything in the atmosphere had changed once Henry arrived. Earlier, the warm tones of friendship surrounded her as she enjoyed the day with Mike, but now, the dark mystery of a Southern, autumn night teased Lily as Henry stood before her, his dark and mischievous smirk on that annoyingly handsome face of his.

Even the feelings within Lily had changed. With Mike, she felt carefree and at ease, smiling at whatever the day had to offer her. Now, Lily could feel the excitement and danger rush through her veins, the radical pitter-patter of her heart naturally responding to the man before her.

But, Lily was no love-sick fool. It wasn't as if her previous problems with Henry would magically disappear as soon as he arrived. She was still angry at how he had simply left her that morning, followed by weeks of no communication, even after he had shown such romantic interest. Lifting her chin up, and pulling her pumpkin closer to her, Lily would give Henry a taste of his own medicine. "I'd prefer to sit, thank you."

Henry raised an eyebrow, then motioned to the space next to her. "Mind if I join, then?"

"I'd prefer to sit alone, thank you."

"My, what a grouch you are tonight." Henry winced.

Lily gasped in offense, her amber eyes glaring at the chuckling Henry. "How dare you!"

Henry then motioned to the dancefloor, "Perhaps a dance might lighten up the mood."

Lily scoffed, "As if I would dance with the likes of you."

"Ouch, that one may have actually hurt my feelings, Lily."

"Well good then," Lily huffed, "I'm surprised you even have any."

Ignoring her previous requests, Henry silently sat next to her on the bench, and Lily could feel the intensity of his stare. Although he kept a respectable distance between them, Lily could feel the magnetic pull of their bodies, almost as if the Universe were pulling them together somehow.

"It's rude to stare, you know." Lily finally said, breaking their short silence.

"Oh, I'm not staring," Henry grinned, "I'm simply admiring."

Lily let out a dry laugh, "Well, how about you go admire the bottom of the Mississippi River?"

Henry simply laughed, only fueling Lily's annoyance. Was he really acting as if nothing had happened? Did he somehow forget how he had carried her? Slept next to her? How he had unconsciously pulled her to him during the middle of the night?

"I'm going to guess your anger comes from the unfortunate mess in your hands, from perhaps, losing a game or a bet?"

Lily followed his stare to Mike's pumpkin in her lap, and sat up straight, eager to defend her friend. "I'll have you know that my very good friend Mike made this for me."

Henry's eyes seemed to harden for a brief moment. "Mike?"

Lily rolled her eyes, "Are you deaf? Yes, Mike. He carved a pumpkin for me."

"Isn't it a bit too late for pumpkins? It is November, after all."

"And? It's just for fun." Lily replied.

"And you had fun with this Mike?" Henry asked, slowly sliding closer to her.

"Of course I did." Lily smiled. Of course she had fun with Mike, but seeing Henry's eyes harden with jealousy was amusing Lily to no end.

"More fun than spending the night at my house?" Henry asked, his icy eyes smoldering.

Lily's eyes widened, the smile falling off of her face. So obviously he did remember.

Lily looked straight at the dancefloor, refusing to look at the man next to her who seemed to become dangerously too close. "Well, Mike at least has the decency to talk to me after today."

As soon as she said it, Lily regretted it. The last thing she wanted to do was to bring up their last meeting and expose how much his behavior had hurt her. She certainly was no silly girl, thinking of her love day in and out, but lately Henry had been in her mind more than usual, and her damaged feelings led to her questioning his genuine feelings. He charmed her endlessly, proclaimed the ultimate affection for her, but his recent behavior contradicted all of his pretty promises and charms. And frankly, Lily had grown tired of her feuding feelings and her obsessive behavior.

"Oh, my lovely Lily," Henry sighed, and Lily felt her left hand become trapped in Henry's larger one, but still she refused to look him in the eye. "I don't even know where to begin to apologize."

Lily said nothing, her strained eyes still focused on the dancers before her.

"Lily," Henry began again, his voice soft. "I'm sorry. Truly. I could sit here and say that I had loads of work, but we both know that's absolute rubbish so I'll just be honest with you." After a beat, Henry softly continued, "I'm afraid of how much I lo-like you."

Hearing his confession, Lily's eyes finally turned to Henry's. Those blue eyes she so much adored stared back at her with such genuine care and truth, that Lily could almost fall back from the force of it. "Afraid?"

Henry nodded, tightening his grip on her hand. "I just like you so much, and I'm afraid to ruin it."

Lily frowned, "I think I understand." So this is how he hides his disinterest.

Henry chuckled, despite the serious tone of the conversation, "No, I don't think you do. I was afraid before, but I'm not anymore. I like you, Lily. I really do."

Lily sighed, "I want to believe you, Henry, I really do. But I feel as if we have this weird pattern between us. You'll say such nice things to me, make me feel so happy, and then you back away. I don't want to do that anymore."

"Lily, please, believe me." Henry implored, tilting her chin to him, "The only thing I care about is you. It's always been you. I'm done-how did you say it? Backing away."

Lily doubted that it had always been her, but something in Henry's pleading and his soft gaze had Lily convinced that it was true. His eyes held so much emotions in them, but Lily could see Henry's true self. He genuinely cared for her, and he seemed so determined; almost too determined.

And as much as she wanted to give the Englishman a hard, American slap to the face and leave him and his annoying charms, Lily found that she couldn't. That same pull she felt whenever Henry was around simply forbid it, and even her own instincts were pushing her towards him. The idea of them ever meeting before was completely ludicrous, but Lily couldn't ignore the feeling that she had known him, and moreover, that she liked being around him. Henry made her, in a strange way, feel complete.

With a small smile on her face, she pulled her hand out of his grasp. "I have to think about it."

Henry matched her smile with one of his own, his eyes bright and cheery. "How about you think it over some carnival games? I can win any prize you would like."

Lily stood, scoffing playfully. "I hate to disappoint, but I can win my own prizes, thank you very much."

Raising his arms and standing to his full height, Henry laughed. "I apologize, Miss We-Can-Do-It,"

Offering his arm, Lily took it almost automatically, the rush of familiarity from their banter and closeness filling Lily's mind.

He wasn't jealous.

He was just determined to make Lily smile and laugh more than that idiot mortal, Mike.

But he wasn't jealous.

The blasted pumpkin she carried around was a hit to Hades' pride each time he looked at it. How could she have accepted something so hideous, so easily? Of course, Persephone always saw the beauty in everything, but did it have to be his pumpkin? What happened to her other two bothersome friends? Why did they even carve pumpkins? It was November!

Ignoring his (not) jealous feelings, Hades reveled in Persephone's company, enjoying each and every one of her smiles and laughs. Each carnival game they played, a friendly and flirty competition seemed to erupt from it, showcasing Persephone's strength and determination. At times he won, picking the most ostentatious prize the booths had to offer, and other times, she would win, picking the cuter, smaller stuffed animals. After their last game that had concluded in a victory from Hades and a larger-than-life teddy bear, the pair walked along the footed path of the park, their numerous prizes carried in their arms.

Making their way to the bench they had sat in earlier, Hades couldn't help but worry that Lily would end their friendship. He had hurt her feelings by leaving her that morning and stopping all communication, but how could Hades tell her the truth without sounding like a lunatic? He thought he was saving her life by not being with her, but after Thanatos' inspiring 'pep-talk', Hades took action. The mortals didn't believe in them anymore. How could the Fates have any power? Their energy came from the fear and obedience of the mortals, but if they didn't believe in them, then what power could Atropos have over Persephone's life?

Of course, Lily Propolos didn't see it that way. She saw Henry Mavros as a playboy billionaire, leaving Lily to her own means after she spent the night in his arms. They hadn't done anything but lay in each other's arms, but the symbolic meaning of the 'bed' in this century was a certain topic of taboo. It obviously meant a great deal to Lily that he had left so simply and didn't communicate with her until today. He had royally messed up.

And if Lily ended their friendship, it would tear Hades apart. This whole façade he had created, the business, the businessman, the transferring to Louisiana, it had all been for her. Too many centuries had gone by without her, and he refused to face any more alone. He needed her.

But did she need him?

Uncharacteristically nervous, Hades opened his mouth to speak, when Lily's sweet voice cut through. "Do you want to dance?"

Blinking back his surprise, Hades smiled. "Oh, so now she wants to dance with me? Whatever happened to never dancing with the likes of me?"

Lily blushed, but a smirk appeared on her face. "I could find someone else to dance with, you know."

Rapidly taking her hand in response, Hades led her to the make-shift dancefloor, a slow, jazzy song beginning to play.

Someday he'll come along

The man I love

And he'll be big and strong

The man I love

Spinning her expertly into his embrace, Hades led the pair into a slow, soft dance underneath the light-covered oaks. Many other couples surrounded them, but to Hades, only he and she existed.

I'll understand

And in a little while

He'll take my hand

And though it seems absurd

I know we both won't say a word

Clearing his throat, Hades broke their comfortable silence. "Did you dance with Mike?"

Lily softly chuckled, mimicking his words he had used after the Charity Ball, "My dear Henry, green is most definitely not your color."

Hades laughed, but his question remained. Did this Mike dance with her? Did he lead her in some kind of romantic dance to the rhythm of a romantic ballad? Did he dare to place his hand on the curve of her back? Thinking about the possibilities made Hades red with anger, his glare becoming more apparent. Lily had noticed, as she began to lightly soothe his shoulder.

She smiled, her eyes glowing under the lighted canopy. "I didn't dance with Mike. He's just a friend."

Hades nodded, but he would have to send Thanatos after the boy to make sure. He then swept her easily on the dancefloor, their eyes locked. "I'm not jealous."

Lily laughed, "No, of course not."

Maybe I shall meet him Sunday

Maybe Monday

Maybe not

Still I'm sure to meet him one day

"Henry," Lily began, her voice only loud enough for Hades to hear, "I can't explain it, but I feel that I've met you before."

He grinned down at her, "Perhaps we have."

He'll build a little home

Just meant for two

From which I'll never roam

And so all else above

I'm waiting for the man I love

Lily continued, "There's just something about you, it's so familiar to me."

Hades pulled her closer, and he could smell her intoxicating, sweet perfume. Hecate's words were true; the part of Lily that kept Persephone was not as dormant as they had thought. Although the alignment fell in early February, it seemed that Persephone was prematurely becoming more aware of her past.

Placing his lips at her ear, he pulled her even tighter to him. "Does this mean you forgive me?"

She pulled back to face him, her eyes playfully glaring. "I don't know why I should. You're insufferable."

And so all else above

I'm waiting for the man I love.

The music grew to a crescendo, resulting in Hades elegantly spinning Lily to a grand finish. As the singer took her bows, the couples on the dancefloor applauded loudly, then continued to dance as a more lively tune played.

Leading her away from the swingers, Hades sat them down on their claimed bench, their prizes from earlier cluttered all over.

Lily sighed, "I should probably get home. It is a school night, after all."

Hades cursed inwardly. He didn't want the night to end! "Can I at least walk you to your auto?"

Lily flushed, "I was going to walk."

Hades' eyes widened. "Walk? Lily, I can't let you walk alone at this hour. Lucky for you, my auto is waiting right at the park entrance."

Lily gave a sigh of relief, "That's great to hear. I didn't want to walk all by myself and-"

"Ah," Henry interrupted, "I can only give you a lift if you forgive me first."

"Are you serious? But I've already forgiven you!"

"I need to hear you say it. I need to hear, 'Oh, Henry. I've been such a silly, little fool. Please, do me the greatest honor in accepting my forgiveness.'"

Lily's eyes narrowed, "You're a goof if you think I'd say that."

Henry laughed, "That was simply an example. You may take any form of that as you wish, go on."

Lily let out a breath, meeting his gaze with the most tender look Hades had ever seen. She took his large hand into her two little ones, and her soft voice pleaded, "Please, Henry. I forgive you, with all of my heart."

Hades smirked. The little devil! She had such a hold over him, and he honestly believed that she knew. "Alright, no need to beg. Come on, let's get all your toys."

Lily gleefully jumped up, carrying as many toys as she could, alongside Hades who carried the life-size teddy in one arm, and carrying other larger prizes in the other. They made their way to Hades' town car at the entrance of Louis Armstrong Park, carefully placing all of Lily's prizes in the trunk.

As he held open the door for Lily, she glided in to her seat, stopping as Hades caught her hand and placed a gallant kiss on her wrist.

The smile on her face mirrored his own, and Hades could hardly contain his glee and happiness as he slid in after her, leaving the park to fade behind them.

"You definitely cheated at the ring toss, so I want a rematch."

Henry pretended to look offended, "Me? Cheat at such an insignificant game? Why, Lily, I'm appalled you would even think it."

Lily laughed, her head peering over the mountain of stuffed toys in her arms in order to not trip and fall. "That's exactly what a cheater would say."

Henry shrugged, easily carrying the heavier plushes. "It's not my fault you haven't got good aim. But nevertheless, I accept your silly rematch request."

As they climbed the few steps to her front door, Lily threw all of her prizes onto the nearest rocking chair. "Are you sure you don't want any?"

Henry shook his head, "Certainly not. I have an image, you know."

Lily rolled her eyes, grabbing a small puppy plush. The coat of fur was all black, and his amber eyes sparkled in the light of the moon. "Here, take this one. It reminds me of you."

Henry grabbed the small toy, an emotion that Lily couldn't describe passing his features as he eyed it. "Thank you."

Their eyes locked once again, and Lily could feel herself moving closer. Something about being with Henry, under the moonlight, in secrecy, it seemed so achingly familiar.

Their moment was suddenly interrupted as the front door opened rather harshly, a stoic Haley Propolos filling the doorframe.

"Mom! I just got back from the Festival. Hen-Mr. Mavros was nice enough to drive me home." Lily explained.

Her mother took one look at the pair, then at the various toys littering her porch. "Cherry! Come and help Lily take these to her room."

Cherry's quick footsteps echoed across the marble floor as she ran, and she hurriedly took the larger plushes near Henry back through the front door, a cautious Lily following. She kissed her mother on the cheek in greeting, turning back shyly to face Henry, a small smile on his face.

"Thank you, for everything. Good night."

"Good night, Lily." He called, his deep voice entering the house.

Slowly, Lily climbed up the staircase to her room, tossing her prizes onto her bed as Cherry placed them onto her shelves. Throwing herself onto the bed, Lily sighed happily.

"My, miss, so many prizes! You're one lucky gal indeed."

Lily sat up, waving the young woman off, "Leave them, Cherry. It's pretty late, you should get some rest."

"Very well, miss." Cherry replied, smiling as she exited her room.

Just as Lily got up to undress, Haley Propolos walked in, taking a seat next to all the stuffed animals on the bed. "Did you have fun today, Lily?"

Lily frowned. Her mother's tone was almost too calm. "Mother, I promise you, Henry is a really nice guy and-"

"I'll be the judge of that, then. I've invited him to our Thanksgiving dinner." Haley interrupted.

Lily's eyes widened, "You what?"

Haley simply nodded, "I've invited Mr. Mavros to our Thanksgiving dinner. And he accepted, so he'll be joining us."

Lily was shocked to say the least. Her mother had always been very strict when it came to relationships, so to have her seemingly accept and welcome Henry Mavros was a bit of a surprise. Lily certainly wasn't complaining though, if anything, she seemed more at ease that her mother deemed Henry worthy of spending time with.

"The Jamesons will also be joining us, so I expect you to be on your best behavior." Haley continued.

Lily couldn't defeat the blush that crept onto her cheeks at the mention of the Jamesons, a reminder of how jealous she had become seeing Mrs. Hannah Jameson dancing with Henry at the charity ball.

Haley then stood up, placing a kiss on the top of Lily's head, bidding her goodnight. After her mother had left and her house was quiet and still, Lily lay in her bed, replaying the entire day. She truly did have fun with Mike at the Festival, and enjoyed meeting his kind mother greatly. Mike brought out the fun and carefree side of her, but once Henry arrived, everything changed. Henry made her feel powerful, strong, on top of the world. He was intoxicating.

Drifting off to sleep that night, Lily dreamt of icy eyes and dancing under light-covered oaks.

hi hello, thanks for reading, i'm actually on time so hold ur applause

so Louis Armstrong Park is an actual park in NOLA, don't own it, so don't sue me i'm poor

the song is 'The Man I Love' by Helen Forrest, you may recognize it from the vampire diaries, also don't own the song so dont sue

ps; the other song from the ball is called 'Prisoner of Love' by Perry Como, they're both pretty nice so i recommend listening to them so you can knd of visualize what p and h dance to

thanks for rev/foll/favs, u guys r so amazing ily so much

love u bye