Tip tap.

How should he begin? Should he introduce himself as Hades, Lord of the Underworld? No, too much of a hostile approach.

Tip tap.

Ah, what about reminding her of the museum visit? Or perhaps explaining why she is so drawn to Grecian artifacts? He could reveal that her vivid dreams aren't dreams at all; that they're memories.

Memories of a wonderful, tragic history.

Tip tap.

Would she believe him? Would she scoff and laugh? Or would she think him crazy and never want to see him again?

Hades shuddered at the thought.

"Can you stop tapping the glass? You're making me nervous."

Hades immediately took his long finger away from the cool glass of the car window. He shrugged in apology to his Grecian companion, "Sorry, just thinking."

"And this is why you shouldn't be revealing everything. You're not ready. And if you're not ready, then Lady Persephone is most definitely not ready." Thanatos replied.

"She is ready, she simply is unaware of the fact." Hades said through gritted teeth. Then he sighed, his feign of confidence waning. After Persephone's curse was lifted, he had been waiting for this day. Endless and torturing nights gripped his soul, but he pushed through the agony and pain with the simple reassurance that one day, Persephone would be his once more.

What seemed like eons and eons now appeared to be like a blink of an eye. Hades would have traded the entire cosmos for her to live again, but now the nerves of the unknown began to gnaw at him. How would she react? He could not lose her again.

If his inner turmoil wasn't enough to put Hades on edge, the flashing lights of multiple cameras certainly did not help.

Arriving to the gates of Jackson Square, Hades could see a crowd of gallant men and women in luxurious gowns. The Mardi Gras Ball was an elite event, and so only those with invitation could be worthy to enter through the gates. Hades rolled his eyes, it's as if he was on Mount Olympus all over again.

Exiting the car, Hades stood in his entirety, his all black tuxedo sitting comfortably on his muscular body. Eyeing the masses of people attempting to enter the gates, Hades held out his invitation in one crisp motion, allowing the gate-keepers to grant his and Thanatos' entrance.

"What a bash," Thanatos smirked, as he and Hades stood at the entrance looking out into the gardens where the ball was being held.

The gardens lush with greenery and flowers sprawled throughout the square, with a center hub of an iron statue. Streamers and decorative tents had been placed throughout the gardens, along with tall, white tables where many could stand and drink comfortably. Behind the statue, Hades could see a large fountain, the circumference arranged with purple, green, and gold colored flowers. A live band filled the Square with festive and joyful music, with hundreds of people dancing on a make-shift dancefloor. And to frame it all, the wonderful St. Louis Cathedral stood proudly in all its beauty.

Hades smiled at the memory of Lily taking him to the pier with those overly sweet pastries in order to marvel at the old cathedral. She had said that it was one of her most favorite places in the entire world, and now Henry could see why. In the madness of the party, the splashes of color, and vivdness of the music, throughout the gardens, the St. Louis Cathedral, with its three tall spires, was the focal point of a remarkable vision.

Fireworks in the traditional Mardi Gras colors boomed behind the cathedral, making Thanatos wince. "If those are going to keep doing that, then I might as well start drinking now."

Hades rolled his eyes, "Do please try to control yourself."

Thanatos began to give a smart mouthed reply, when he stopped, tapping Hades on the shoulder. "Boss, look," Thanatos said, the calm excitement in his voice evident, "there she is."

Looking to Thanatos' line of vision, his gaze landed to a most beautiful creature by the water fountain. Her brown hair was neatly and elaborately pinned up in a low bun, a few long wisps framing her smiling face. Her body moved with her hands as she spoke animatedly to another woman, resulting in her ivory ballgown flowing beneath her.

Persephone was breathtaking.

Hades did not know how long he stood admiring his wife, but he suddenly felt Thanatos' hand rest on his left shoulder. "She looks wonderful."

Hades could only nod his agreement. "I don't think I've ever been this nervous."

Thanatos grinned, "It's not above the King of the Underworld to be nervous, you know. Especially when it comes to Lady Persephone." Hades then felt a slight push behind him, "It'll be fine, you'll see."

Hades gave a stoic nod and began walking towards his love, but looked back over his shoulder at his companion once more. "Thank you, my old friend."

Thanatos gave his own nod in response, "Bring her home, Hades."

Needing no further encouragement, Hades began his trek towards Persephone. The closer he became, the more details he noticed of her form. The ivory gown had golden swirls throughout its entirety, and when the light hit them perfectly, the dress almost glistened. Her lips were coated in a light pink lip color, complimenting her pinkish cheeks.

He also realized that the other woman Persephone was speaking to was, in fact, Aphrodite. Her voluptuous curves were underneath a near-skin tight purple gown, with only the bottom portion flaring out. Her rouge curls were pinned to one side, exposing her long, tan neck.

In the midst of the two women laughing, Hades coolly swept in. "Pardon me, ladies. Mind if I cut in?"

Persephone turned automatically, gasping as she did so. "Henry!"

She wrapped her arms around his neck, Hades' senses skyrocketing at their proximity. With Persephone's back turned, it presented the opportunity for Aphrodite to wink at Henry whilst mouthing, "You look good."

Persephone unwrapped herself from Hades' body, and he almost frowned at the loss of contact. He quickly fixed his composure, the perfect picture of cool elegance returning. "Lily, Miss Gap. You ladies look wonderful."

Noticing Lily's slight blush, Aphrodite pushed forward, "Well thank you kindly, Mr. Mavros. But doesn't my little Lily look like a princess tonight?"

Persephone's eyes widened in response, anger and embarrassment in her gaze. Hades could only smile, "She most certainly does."

Aphrodite, to Hades' annoyance, kept going. "Isn't her dress spectacular? Her mom ordered it specially for her."

Opening his mouth to respond, Hades never got the chance, as another voice came in. "That I did, Anna."

The trio turned to Hecate's voice, noticing the imposing woman standing a few feet from them. Her dark hair was elaborately braided into a knot, and her emerald dress gave her the magical effect of a strong, determined witch.

Hades nodded, "Mrs. Propolos, you look wonderful, if I may say."

Hecate grinned in response, "Why thank you, Mr. Mavros. You clean up quite nicely yourself."

Hades chuckled, "Not as much as Lily, I assure you."

"Flattery seems to be everyone's choice of weapon this evening," Lily laughed, making the others laugh along with her.

The foursome chatted amicably for a few minutes, but through it all, Hades' eyes would glance over at Lily's honey ones. To his delight, many times he would also catch her stealing glances.

Suddenly, Hecate randomly spilled over, sending the group into a panic. Lily reached forward, offering her mother a comforting hand, while Aphrodite locked eyes with Hades. They both nodded in a silent agreement, they would have to investigate later.

"Mom, are you okay?" Lily asked worriedly, to which Hecate simply waved the young woman off.

"Yes, yes. I'm completely fine. I do feel a little dehydrated though, must be from all of the humidity. Anna, dear, will you accompany me to the beverage table?"

Understanding the tone in her voice, Aphrodite nodded. "Of course, Mrs. P. I'll even show you a drink that takes away all of that dehydration. It's called tequila."

"Are you sure?" Lily questioned, her face filled with worry. "I can easily fetch some medicine or water.."

"You silly Lily, I've got it! Go enjoy some quality time with your hunk of a man!" Aphrodite called over her shoulder, pulling along a weary Hecate.

"She really should shut up sometimes," Lily laughed nervously.

Hades chuckled, "Yes, I daresay I agree."

Hades could slap himself in the face. Why was he being like this? He was nervous, and it was evident in his composure. He couldn't keep a conversation, and he noticed Lily eyeing him strangely for it. Sitting in a comfortable silence, Hades scrambled for words but was relieved once the announcer of the band's voice boomed through the microphone.

"Ladies and gentlemen, Happy Mardi Gras!" The audience erupted into cheers and applause, "Now, we're going to slow it down a bit, which I know is unusual for us in the Big Easy. So fellas, grab yourself one of our pretty ladies here, and let's dance!"

At the sound of the beautiful instruments starting, Hades finally smiled, his suave and relaxed personality returning as he reached out his hand. "Would you like to dance with me, love?"

Lily grinned, placing her small hand in his outstretched one without hesitation, "Yes. Yes, I would."

Leading her to the makeshift dancefloor in front of the cathedral, Hades stopped them in the center of the sea of people. Placing one hand on her waist, Hades pulled her to him, grasping her hand, connecting their palms.

The slow song began, and Hades maneuvered them gracefully to the beat of the music.

You're in my arms
And all the world is gone
The music playing on for only two
So close together
And when I'm with you
So close to feeling alive

Gliding through the other couples, Hades felt complete. This is what his eternity should have been like. His wife in his arms, dancing through the ends of time together. He could not part from her any longer. Hades could only feel alive by her side.

As life goes by
Romantic dreams will start
So I'll bid mine goodbye and never knew
So close was waiting, waiting here with you
And now
Forever I know
All that I wanted, to hold you so close

Why her? Why did the Fates have to choose her? Persephone had done nothing to deserve such a cruel punishment. Twice.

But maybe the punishment wasn't hers. Maybe the punishment was his own. Hades was destined for gloom and a solitary life, and perhaps Persephone was never meant to be part of it.

Hades shook his head. No! Persephone brought happiness and light into his life, things he could have never dreamed of having. He was too eager to leave those days of despair behind him once Persephone bloomed into his life.

"I wanted to thank you for those flowers. And the poem," Lily suddenly said, her eyes gazing into his.

"You said you wanted a romantic poet, and so a romantic poet I became."

Lily smiled, "They were beautiful."

"No rose in the cosmos can compare to your beauty. Especially tonight. Lily, you are my dream come to life."

Lily rolled her eyes, but her smile never faltered. "Your charm will never fail, I see."

Hades gave a short laugh, "Is that such a bad thing? Me charming you until the end of time?"

Looking straight into his eyes, Lily shook her head, "No. In fact, I think I would like that."

And for a moment, Hades saw Persephone's twinkling, golden eyes.

So close
To reaching that famous happy ending
Almost believing
This was not pretend
Now you're beside me
And look how far we've come
So far
We are
So close

Pulling her even closer, Hades realized that his strong arm had now taken hold of her entire waist, and her arms had ensnared his own neck. Taking advantage, Hades lifted her with one, swift movement, spinning them around as he did so. Her dress flowed behind her, golden swirls blending almost seamlessly with his black tuxedo.

Placing her back on the ground, Lily laughed as he spun her. Under the lights, and with the harmonious melody, Hades was in a trance. Crashing back into his chest, Lily placed her hands back behind his neck, massaging his tender skin.

He reciprocated her movements, allowing one of his hands to the back of her neck, in an almost intimate embrace. He frowned curiously as his fingers followed along a bumpy imperfection on the back of her neck.

"What is this?"

Lily shrugged, "A scar from when I was younger. I'm not sure when I got it, but my mom says I've had it for a very long time."

Accepting her response but filing it away mentally for Hecate later, the pair returned to their dance positions. Hades never wanted it to end.

Oh how could I face the faceless day
If I should lose you now?

And it never would end. This was his chance. As Hades looked at his wife, he fell in love all over again. She had a small smile on her lips, almost secretive. Her eyes were closed, basking in the moment just as Hades was. He could not lose her again.

He would fight Kronos and his army should they ever attack. He would fight a million Fates' curses if it meant keeping Persephone permanently at his side.

Hades refused to go back into the dark past. True, he had been the Dark Man of her prophecy, but she had changed him. Her light had extinguished the dark in him. Couldn't the Fates see that? Couldn't they see that Hades could not face another day if she was lost once more?

He had to reveal their past.

We're so close
To reaching that famous happy ending
Almost believing
This was not pretend
Let's go on dreaming
Though we know we are
So close
So close
And still so far.

The music came to a beautiful end, with many of the couples applauding the band. Hades felt the dread creeping up in his throat. The day he both feared and awaited was finally here.

Persephone was to return to him.

Searching for Hecate, Hades found her and Aphrodite speaking in worried voices. Their eyes met, and Hecate's eyes were wide with fear. Hades could only swallow, What did Hecate see?

He felt a small hand on his bicep, and looked down to see Lily gazing in concern. "Henry, are you alright?"

He nodded fervently, his eyes tearing away from her and landing on the cathedral. Grabbing her hands rather forcefully and rapidly, his eyes met hers. "My Lily, can I speak to you in private?"

At her curious nod, Henry looped her small hand around his bicep as they walked undetected into the large wooden doors of the cathedral.

Walking into the beautiful entrance of the cathedral, Hades swore he could hear the booming echo of his hammering heart.

He had no idea what reaction he would receive, and at this point, he did not care. Pluto's Alignment was today, and Hades was tired of waiting.

But why was he so nervous?

"Have you ever seen anything quite like this?"

Hades turned at her small voice, her melodious words echoing in the acoustics of the marble interior of the church. He noticed that Lily was looking up at the ceiling, and in turn, Hades redirected his gaze upwards.

Painted onto the ceiling was one of the most beautiful fresco paintings Hades had ever seen. He had been to many throughout the world, and seen many masterpieces being created at its original time, but something about the fresco before him stood out.

Perhaps it was the color scheme within it. The ivory marble of the entire interior seemed to clash with the dark reds and maroons of the painting, almost like Hades himself. He was the darkness within the light, but one could not exist without the other.

He could not exist without Persephone.

"Funny thing, religion, isn't it?" He asked nervously.

"For some. For others, it's all they have." Lily replied, her eyes also taking in the artwork.

Hades turned to her then, "But if you think about it, it's all the same. We worship, they give back. It's been like that since the beginning of time."

Lily cocked her head to the side, "I suppose so."

"Take for example, the Olympians. Do you remember what I said about them?"

Lily nodded, "Yes, but I don't-"

"There was Zeus, who lived in the Heavens. And then there was Poseidon, who lived in the seas. And Hades, who lived in the Underworld."

Lily didn't reply, so Hades continued, "But here, it's the devil who lives in the Underworld. He's the bad one."

"Henry, I-"

"But what people don't know is that there's nothing evil about the Underworld. You even said so." Hades combed a nervous hand through his hair, awaiting her response.

"I said that?"

There was no recognition in her eyes.

Hades laughed in frustration, capturing her hands into his. "Yes, yes my love, you did. You even said that there was beauty in darkness."

Hades could feel Lily attempting to slowly tug her hands away, "You must have a good memory then, because I don't remember."

Sighing loudly, Hades tenderly stroked Lily's hand. "That's just it. You still don't remember."

Lily's eyebrows scrunched in confusion, "Still don't remember what?"

Hades let her hands go, placing both hands on his hips. He was becoming impatiently frustrated, and he did not know how to control it any longer.

"Life is just so unfair. I don't know why the Fates did this to us."

"The Fates?" Lily asked, confusion on her face.

"They dangled a life of happiness with you right in my face before it was taken away. But what did we do to deserve it?"

"Henry, what are you talking about? You're confusing me-"

"Don't you recognize me at all?" Hades had lost control.

"Wh-what do you mean?"

Hades grimaced internally. He knew she was frightened. He could tell from the look in her eyes.

"You don't remember me? Us? Please, Persephone-"

At the sound of her name, Lily snapped. "Persephone? Henry, what are you saying? You're scaring me."

Hades yanked his hair, pacing back and forth. "This doesn't make any sense. You're supposed to remember me. Today is Pluto's Alignment. You're supposed to remember me."

Lily began to step back carefully, "I think you've had too much to drink, Henry. I'm just going to get you some water..."

Hades leapt in front of her, frantically grasping her arm and holding her in place. She yelped in surprise, "Please let me go. I'm just going to bring you some medicine and some water."

"No, you don't understand. Listen to me," Hades paused, taking in a deep breath. It was now or never.

"I am Hades. You're Persephone."

Lily's eyes widened as she tugged away, more forcefully this time. "What game are you playing at? This isn't funny, Henry."

"This is no game. I am Hades, Lord of the Underworld. And you are my wife, Persephone. Why else would I take you to the museum and look at our artifacts?"

Lily could only stare in shock, "What are you talking about?"

"I loved you! You brought the most amazing colors to my life, when I thought I would live in darkness for the rest of eternity. And you loved me." Lily stayed silent. Hades continued, "We were so happy, Persephone. But yo-you jumped. Why did you do it? Were you not happy with me? Did you not want to return to me?"

"Henry, please. You really need med-"

She wasn't understanding. Hades was desperate. Suddenly he remembered the dreams that Aphrodite had been sending her.

"How else do you explain those dreams?" Hades asked.

Lily gasped, "How do you know about those?"

"Because you are dreaming about us. About our life together."

"No, that's impossible, I-"

"You even said that you felt as if you've known me," Hades continued, his eyes deeply searching for recognition that was not there, "about how something about us just feels like you've felt it before."

"I'll go see if I can find a doctor or-"

"No, please remember. You don't understand," Hades whispered, his large hand cradling the side of Lily's face, "I've wandered through time and space to find you."

A lone tear escaped Hades' eye, "I thought I'd never be happy again, after I lost you. Your face from that day on the bank haunted me for thousands of years. I blamed myself, and I still do." He squeezed her hand, ignoring her frightened expression, "But now I've found you. Persephone, we can be happy again."

"I'm not Persephone," Lily said quietly, tears rolling down her cheeks.

"Yes! Yes, you are," Hades exclaimed, lowering his voice when she jumped. "You just need to remember, my flower."

He could see it in her eyes that she was afraid, but he also saw a hesitant curiosity. Maybe she would believe him and listen.

Lily shook her head, finally pulling her hand free. "I need to go,"

With tears in his eyes and pain in his heart, Hades sank to his knees, watching the love of his life run away from him.

She didn't know where she was running, only that she needed to get away from him.

"I am Hades. You're Persephone."

What on earth was he talking about? He probably hit his head before arriving, or must have drank too much with Nathaniel.

But there was so much pain in his eyes, so much despair in his voice.

Could it be possible?

No! Absolutely not, there was no such things as Olympians. They were made up.

But how did he know about the dreams?

Standing by the fountain, Lily grabbed a glass of water, taking greedy gulps from the glass. She kept her eyes trained on the doors of the church, ready to bolt if Henry came out again.

"Because you are dreaming about us. About our life together."

How could she explain those dreams? They had felt so real at the time. Running through the grass, warmth of a sun that she had not experienced, the tender love she felt of a strong, dark warrior.

The fall.

Was she going crazy too? Could she honestly believe that she was some Greek goddess reincarnated or back from the dead?

Groaning, she took another sip from her water. She scanned the lively crowds for her mother or Anna, but could not find them within the vast amount of people.

"About how something about us feels like you've felt it before."

That she could not deny. Ever since that day in the auditorium, something in Lily had connected to Henry Mavros. There was something so intensely sad in his gaze, something so protective in his embrace, and something so deliciously sinful in their kisses.

And she felt that somehow, she had felt this before.

It was new, but not at the same time. An unknown but ancient feeling.

A forgotten memory.

Groaning again, Lily threw her hands onto her face. Rubbing her eyes and opening them once again, Lily's eyes fell onto the crowd, locking with a pair of familiar dark ones.

Lily recognized him as the boy from the bookshop, Marvin Helley, who had graciously given her a free tome on Greek Mythology.

Feeling polite, Lily waved at him. He, in return, smiled and waved back, but the smile did not reach his eyes.

"Need a refill?"

Lily jumped at the sudden intrusion, but smiled and sighed happily once she saw who the voice belonged to. "Mike, I'm so glad to see you. I could really use a friendly face right about now."

Looking quite the handsome prince in his golden tunic, Mike frowned. "Lils, what's wrong?"

Turning back to the crowd, Lily noticed that Marvin was gone.

"It's Henry. I think he's gone a bit loony."

Mike laughed, "Well, Lily. It is Mardi Gras! Almost everyone goes a bit loony."

Lily smiled, "You might be right. In any case, it's so nice to see you out! Are you having fun?"

Mike beamed, "Oh yes! I, uh, I guess Mr. Mavros might have felt bad for me or something because he left me a ticket to come. But I figured I needed to get out of the house. Ma would have wanted me to."

Lily nodded understandingly, "I want you to have a nice time too. Hey!" Lily exclaimed suddenly as the band began to play a lively tune, "I love this song, why don't we go dance?"

Mike blushed, "Are you sure, Lily? Won't Mr. Mavros mind?"

Lily waved him off, "Oh, don't worry. He won't mind at all in the state that he's in."

"Gee, I don't know Lily..."

Mike had no choice as Lily pulled him to the dancefloor, feeling the groove of the music in her body. Eventually, Mike also felt the rhythm, leading him to twirl Lily along the edge of the dancefloor. As she was spinning, however, she caught sight of a familiar blonde staring straight at her before ducking into the alley right next to the cathedral. Immediately, she stopped.

Lily felt as if the world had stopped spinning.

"Claire," Lily murmured.

Frantically grabbing Mike and shaking his arm, she tried to yell over the music, "Did you see that?"

"See what?" Mike replied.

"It was Claire! I just saw her go into the alley! Mike, I have to go after her," Lily explained, yanking on Mike's arm.

He was way stronger than she thought.

"Maybe I spun ya too hard," Mike winced.

"What? No! I saw her, I have to go talk to her!" Lily yelled, attempting to follow her friend.

"Whoa, Lily," Mike began, holding her back. "We can't just go to the alley, it could be dangerous!"

"Mike, this is Claire. I have to go after her." Lily begged.

"But-"

"She wants me to. She knows that I saw her."

Mike gave a slow nod, "Fine. But five minutes tops okay? I hate that alley, it gives me the heebie jeebies."

Laughing at his shiver of fear, Lily pulled him along, "Don't worry, Mike. You've got me."

With the music of the ball blaring, the pair managed to escape the party unnoticed as they made their way to the alley. Unlike the festive Mardi Gras ball, the alley was dark and cold, sending Lily and Mike into high alert.

"I don't like this," Mike whispered, falling in step behind Lily.

"I saw her come this way. She has to be here," Lily replied, calling out Claire's name repeatedly.

"Wait," Mike jumped, getting closer to Lily, "do you hear that?"

Tuning into the silence around her to adjust her ears, Lily could hear the faint sound of sobbing. "Claire," Lily finally said, running further into the dark alley with Mike on her heels.

Reaching the dead center, Lily began calling out once more. "Claire? Claire are you in here? It's me, Lily."

The faint sobs were now in close proximity, and Lily was trying her hardest to pinpoint the source. Mike tapped her on the shoulder, pointing to a large dumpster, "Check behind there."

Lily nodded, slowly making her way towards the dumpster. The sobs became even louder, and once she reached the other side, Lily sighed in relief as she found her blonde friend huddled in a ball, sobs wracking her body.

Lily got down on her knees, not caring about the state of her dress, and pulled her friend in a warm embrace, she was way too thin and fragile. "Claire, it's alright! Oh, Claire, I've got you, it's okay."

She turned to look at Mike, who was sheepishly smiling behind her. "I'll go get some help,"

Turning her attention back to Claire, Lily couldn't help the tears of joy that escaped. Lily felt a twinge of guilt for her disappearance. If she had maybe gone with Claire to the tent, then maybe this would have never happened.

"Oh, Lily," Claire sobbed, "I'm sorry, I'm so, so sorry."

"Shh, Claire, it's going to be okay. You don't need to apologize, you're safe now." Lily consoled her, her hand rubbing her friend's back.

"Oh Lily! I'm so sorry! I didn't want to!"

Lily leaned back to look at her friend, confused. "Claire? What do you-"

A sudden pain in her left side made Lily moan, her eyes slowly hazing out of focus as she fell against the dirty, cold alley ground.

A pair of dark, familiar eyes stared down at her, and then Lily, feeling extremely dizzy and tired, slowly closed her eyes.

bet u didn't think i would update this early did u, u fools
pls dont kill me for this chapter
lemme know what u think, or not, totally up to u, free country and all that
love u guys