Chapter 9

Maybe I should apologize to her. I don't want to lose someone else that I care about. I don't want Belle to see me as a monster anymore. Hades knocked on the door to Belle's room, knowing she was still upset with him and probably wouldn't open the door, but surprisingly she did.

"What do you want now, Hades? I know I've hurt you, but I swear I didn't mean to. I just wanted to make you happy. I know you think I don't understand, but I know more than you think."

"I know. With the way I've treated you, I'm sure you understand too well about being trapped, and for that I'm sorry."

"Hades, I've forgiven you for that. But I wish that you would trust me. I know you think I'll be like Meg, but the last thing I want is to become my sister. I wish that you could understand that. I won't hurt you."

"I trust you, Belle. Which is why I need to tell you the truth about me and Christmas."

"You're willing to tell me?" Belle was shocked, but she stood aside and let Hades in, glad that he was finally opening up to her.

"A long time ago, there was a beautiful woman that I was in love with, the goddess Aphrodite. She was perfect, every man's dream. And every god wanted to marry her, including me. I thought I had a better chance though. Back then, I was actually handsome, not frightening and horrifying like I am now." Belle opened her mouth to say something against that, but quickly decided against it. She wanted to hear the rest of Hades' tale.

"Anyway, I was in love with her. But it's clear now, it was only for her looks. I thought that I could convince her to marry me by telling her about the different parts of the world I'd been to and the many exotic wonders that I'd seen. But she wasn't interested in any of that. She just wanted someone to tell her everyday how beautiful she was, and she didn't care about anything or anyone else. She thought I didn't think she was important enough and turned down my proposal in a humiliating way, in front of all the gods and goddesses on Mt. Olympus." Hades looked away from Belle.

"Oh Hades. I'm so sorry. No wonder you didn't want Christmas. But I was too selfish to see how much pain this was causing you."

"Belle, you are anything but selfish. But maybe you're right. Maybe Christmas would cheer me up. Thank you, for everything."

"You mean, you're willing to celebrate it with me?"

"Yes, but we'd better hurry since we only have a few weeks."

"Thank you, Hades. Thank you so much." Belle said and wrapped her arms around him. Hades didn't know what to do at first, but soon he put his arms around her as well, glad to have Belle here and wishing he could tell her how much he loved her. But he didn't want to tell her anything until he felt that she might feel the same way.

The next few weeks flew by quickly and soon everything was done. Belle had taught Rhea how to prepare traditional Christmas dishes and Hades had gone out for the tree (finding it hadn't been as easy as he thought it would be), while Pain and Panic searched for mistletoe. Christmas Day came, and everything was perfect. Even though her family wasn't with her, Belle was still happy throughout the entire holiday. She had friends now and they all genuinely cared about her.

Rhea was like a second mother to her and she couldn't have asked for someone more caring than Hades. Even though things had gotten off to a rough start, he understood her and supported her in the dreams she held, as she did with him. She wished that Hercules could have been there to see how much Hades had changed and how much kinder he was, but chances were, he would have brushed it off anyway.

Christmas was perfect. The ballroom was decorated with beautiful garlands, and somehow Hades had managed to find a tree and bring it back without any scorch marks. He was better at controlling the flames now, just as he had promised when he had first confessed his desire to be with her. Belle had also found a new gown in her closet, golden silk with matching gloves. Hades had found an old blue suit with a gold cravat. He had felt nervous about wearing it, but Belle assured him that there was nothing to be nervous about. Even though the flames were quite a contrast, he still looked handsome.

After Christmas was over, Pain, Panic and Rhea put forth even more effort to bring Hades and Belle together and so far, everything was turning out wonderfully. If only there was more time left.