Okay people, I just want to say I am sorry first before I start on chapter 6. I know I haven't updated in a long time, but I just didn't have the time or inspiration needed. So sorry for that.
I hope to update more often, but I can't promise anything since I never know when I have both time and inspiration. And I also have other stories I need to update, so that will leave less time for this story as well.
I don't own Percy Jackson & the Olympians nor do I own Greek mythology although I do own ( or at least like to think so) my own insane imagination. Enjoy!
Third person- At Hades' palace
Hades followed Persephone into the room, hardly hearing any of her enthusiastic rambling, and looked around him. His thoughts were spinning wildly and he had couldn't concentrate on anything Persephone was saying as he looked for a way to escape.
He felt trapped, trapped between two women and his own conflicted feelings. He couldn't help but feel guilty as he saw all the work Persephone had done, so they could have a romantic night together, while he had been talking to another woman.
And to make matters worse, he knew he couldn't relax or enjoy this evening until he had warned Medini he had some things to deal with. His feelings and thoughts were wild and he felt torn between the two women he adored so much. He tried to focus on the one that was with him this nigh; his wife.
He had a stunning wife whom he loved very much and would love spending time with- seeing as they didn't have much time together.
He really did enjoy every second of their time together and he was touched she had arranged a silent, romantic night for the two of them, far away from all their responsibilities and duties that usually seperated them. It didn't happen often that they had an evening to themselves and he did feel grateful they had now, even if the timing was rather unfortunate.
He had the rising suspicion that Aphrodite had come up with the plan of a quiet night for husband and wife, for the timing really had been horrible. It just couldn't be coincidence that at the very moment he had admitted to Medini that he had feelings for her, his wife suddenly appeared and forced him to stop talking to Medini without a chance to warn her.
Aphrodite had also been smiling at him in a way that told him she knew he was talking to another woman and probably also knew what he had been saying. She probably had planned something similiar to this from the beginning. To send his wife to him at the very moment he was sharing news like this with Medini. Both he and his wife were victims of Aphrodite's plans. But especially his wife.
She had no idea her husband was starting to get feelings for another woman and that Aphrodite had been the one to start it all. She fully believed her husband was infartuated with her as always and that they would share a romantic night together before she had to leave again.
Hades knew his Persephone didn't suspect she had a very worthy opponent. She probably thought he had been lonely and aching for her the past days as always, instead of talking to another woman.
He really felt guilty that he was spending so much time talking to another woman and that Medini was in his thoughts all the time- even when he finally could spend time with his wife-, but he couldn't help it.
He just loved talking with her, just loved hearing about her interests that were so similiar to his. She really was an extraordinary woman.
Hades tried to put his frantic mind to rest while he looked around. It wouldn't do to be caught looking nervous. Persephone would surely suspect something if she noticed he was nervous. He had to act calm, but happy.
He forced himself to look into Persephone's sparkling eyes that seemed to be filled with more life than normally. She obviously was looking very much forward to a romantic night.
" ... so that is how I managed to arrange all of this. Do you like it?".
"No".
Hades took her hand, bringing it to his mouth for a electrifying kiss, when she looked thoroughly disappointed. Her eyes were no longer filled with color and life, but dim like they had been when he had just brought her here, all those centuries ago.
She refused to look into his eyes, so he brought his hand beneath her chin and lifted her head so she had to look into his eyes. She did so with slight hesitation, like she was afraid what she would see.
" The word like would not adequately describe my appreciation for this Persephone. Love comes closer, although that is also inadequate when it comes to have the wonderful chance to spend time with the most stunning woman in existence".
Hades tried to push away all thoughts of Medini, her intelligence, humour, attractive mix of shyness and royal ellegance and focus on the also very appealing woman in front of him that was blushing slightly. He had always loved it when she blushed, when he made her blush.
Persephone gave him a shy, but stunning smile and a playful punch. Her eyes were once again filled with mirth and life, just like he wanted them to be.
" Stop saying things like that Hades, do you really believe I am naive enough to actually fall for that? That I am an inexperient, giddy adolescent that will melt when you smile at me and say some cliché lines?".
" No, I believe you are a wonderful woman that happens to love her husband".
" Really? I beg to differ, I can't remember ever having said I loved you" Persephone teased, her eyes alive and sparkling with mirth even in the gloomy place the Underworld was. They always sparkled, but at their brightest when she was out in the open, enjoying the sun.
Hades arched one of his eyebrows, giving her a stern look. They always played these little games when they were together and both enjoyed playing them.
" Well really ? Do you suffer from amnesia, my love? Because I vividly remember you exclaiming and showing me your love".
" My love for what, darling? Are you refering to my love for flowers?".
" Your love for flowers is great, but I believe your love for me is even greater".
" I hate to burst your bubble dear, but I do not love you more than my flowers".
" Now why on earth would you prefer spending time with flowers than with your fetching husband?".
" I am convinced I have never called you fetching, dear. My my, we really have to get you a doctor, you seem to have hallucinations. First you think I told you I loved you and then you think I called you fetching?".
" I am not hallucinating, but maybe we have to see a psychiatrist. You seem to suffer from insanity. Insanity no doubt gotten from your mother, seeing how horribly contagious insanity is and how insane your mother is..".
" Hades! Cease offending my mother this insant, she isn't insane, she is just a tad eccentric!".
" Darling, your mother is obsessed with cereal, to name one of her 'eccentricities', and everyone who is like her, isn't just eccentric but insane my beau-".
" Hades! I can't believe you! I have arranged a romantic evening for us, to get away from all the stress and burdens you are forced to carry, and all you can do is talk about how you think my mother is insane!".
" Persephone, hear me-".
" Really Hades, I know my mom is difficult, but at least try to understand her! She is lonely and- ".
" You said it yourself! You said that your mother drove you crazy!".
"Well, I have never said she was insane!".
" I thought that you never said it, because it is painfully clear she is".
" HADES!" Persephone yelled at him, her hands clenched into fists, her eyes practically glowing with fury and her body trembling with repressed anger. She always hated it when he said something bad about her mother, even if she admitted her mother was indeed very annoying.
She had the crazy idea she was allowed to say anything about her mother, but Hades wasn't allowed to say anything bad about her. Which was why they often argued about her mother. She rarely reacted this strongly though, which was why he was slightly concerned.
She took a deep breath before relaxing slightly and facing the startled and concerned man in front of her. Her voice was colder than Hades had believed possible when she spoke and he wouldn't have surprised if her glare had A; made him drop dead ( even if that was impossible) B; turn to stone ( Medusa was a nice, kind old lady compared to her at this moment) or C; had caused him to run away screaming for his mother ( his dignity, years of experience and the fact he wasn't easily scared kept him from doing so. That and the fact that his mother probably wouldn't react well if he really did that)
" If you really can't even attempt to be polite towards my mother, then you can attempt to have a nice, romantic evening with yourself mister I-am-so-perfect".
Hades was unpleasantly surprised when Persephone- her eyes now filled with a different emotion and fire than before- pulled her hand from his, pushed him away and walked away with fast, long strides that told him she was angry like she hadn't been in quite some time.
He just stood frozen for a moment, watching his wife walk away. He could still feel her angry glare, that had made his skin tingle faintly when her aura of power had turned into a very offensive one, and realised he had gone too far. She had always been sensitive when it came to her mother and he knew she hated it when people insulted her mother, especially when it was him who did it.
She had always wanted them to get along better, claiming that would make everything so much easier and that they actually would get along if they just tried.
Like that is ever going to happen. I would never enjoy spending time with Demeter or listening to her inane speeches about cultivation. Still, Persephone doesn't need to suffer from the rivalry between me and Demeter.
Hades started to follow Persephone- who had already disappeared from his view but he knew where she was heading- when a thought struck him. Persephone was angry, so she would avoid him until he apologized. She wouldn't be close and thus couldn't see him sending a message and inquire with whom he was texting. This was the perfect opportunity to warn Medini!
He only hesitated for the shortest amount of time before deciding he could better allow Persephone to cool off before apologizing anyway. She would be a lot easier to talk with when she wasn't still very angry with him.
Looking around him to assure himself Persephone was nowhere to be found, Hades got his phone from his pocket and quickly started to type a message, only to stop when he saw she had send him a few messages.
I don't believe I am all that, but I am flattered that a man like you would think so. I don't really believe I keep anything hidden, although it is sometimes necessary. My family isn't always kind and you have to be careful with what you say. Sometimes it is better to pretend that you are someone you are not than show them who you really are.
Hades felt himself get a little angry when he read that. Were her family members really so gullible that they couldn't appreciate this wonderful woman? Were they daft, were they really so oblivious they couldn't see how amazing and special she was?
Hades had known her for a short amount of time and he couldn't remember the last time he had enjoyed himself this much with a woman. Even talking to Persephone didn't give him this much happiness, no matter how much in love he was. But Medini did, just by replying to his messages.
If you actually have to hide the great person you are because your family doesn't appreciate you , then your family members are a bunch of idiots. I fail to comprehend how they couldn't appreciate a woman like you, they must be completely daft! If I were blessed enough to see you every day, I would bestow all the gifts and compliments on you you so richly deserve. I would treat you as the godess under gods and goddesses - which with I mean that even us gods and goddesses should worship you- that you are. Honestly Medini, there is nothing I wouldn't do for you.
Hades send the message, his earlier agrument with Persephone already drifting from his mind. He couldn't focus on Persephone now that he had heard this. He couldn't focus on his wife that was angry at him about something fairly insignificant while the woman he had been thinking about the entire time was treated poorly.
He just wanted to comfort Medini, to be there for her and show her he was different from her family. That he did appreciate her.
He waited patiently for her reply, knowing she probably didn't know how to respond to that. She might not even beloieve him, seeing as he hadn't proven anything to her and had never really shown he cared for her in the days they had talked.
Hades was thinking about ways he could show Medini that he did care for her when his phone made the sound that meant Medini had reacted.
If you could see me right now, you would see my entire face is red. I haven't blushed like this in years, but then again, I haven't had a man say such sweet things to me in years. The question is, do you mean them? I mean I really like you Amadeo, but I don't know you that well and if there is one thing I have learned, it is that you shouldn't just trust people. You often end up hurt if you do.
Hades closed his eyes for a moment, imagining her with her cheeks red and her eyes turned shyly towards the ground. One of the things he found so appealing, was her slight shyness and self-doubt when it came to some things.
She was assured of her intelligence, of her abilities when it came to plants and other things, but he had noticed various times that she wasn't so sure when it came to her appearance and men.
She could be insecure, never believing him if he complimented her or at least doubting his compliments. He wished he could change that. Not her slight shyness- he rather liked that-, but the constant doubt he read in between her replies to his compliments. He wanted her to believe she was beautiful and worthy. Because she just was, more than any woman he had ever known. Perhaps even more than Persephone.
I like the idea of being able to make you blush, I have to admit. I reckon you look even more beautiful with a slight blush gracing your cheeks..
And how can you not have? I would have thought every man would crave to be in your company and compliment you, I know I do. But I can understand that you have trouble believing this. How can I prove to you that I am sincere, that I really appreciate the woman you are?
You don't know the woman I am.
I do, more than your family does at least or they would shower you with their love and awe. Would you care to show me everything else that makes you the woman you are?
... what are you talking about?
I am talking about the thoughts and feelings you undoubtly keep hidden from your family. What did you think I was talking about?
Oh.. I don't know, why would you want to know that?
I see you are ignoring my question of what you were though I was talking about, how very suspisious...
And I want to know because I want to get to really know you. I mean we already know quite a lot about each other, about what we like to do, our favorite things, our dislikes... but we don't really know each other.
I don't know all your reasons for liking something, I don't know what has happened in your life, I don't know how your smile.. I know some things, but I want to know all the little and big pieces of the puzzle that is you.
You are teasing me, aren't you? For some reason, I can just imagine you with a smirk on your face and those dark eyes sparkling. How horrible to tease me like this:P
Do you really want to know all these things about me? Why?
You are sure you aren't the goddess of prophecy or at least looking at me? I am indeed smirking, although I have no idea if my eyes sparkle. I didn't even know eyes could sparkle... :)
And let I answer that question with a question; do you want to know all the little things about me?
I am convinced I am neither the goddess of prophecy nor am I looking at you, sadly. I imagine your eyes can sparkle,and make you look even more handsome.
I do actually. I just have a curious nature, I suppose.
I am willing to tell you all the little things about me, but just a warning; curiosity killed the cat. Don't be disappointed when you don't like me anymore when you know these things.
Why would I suddenly dislike you if I knew more about you? Up until now, I only started to like you more and more when I got to know more of you. I can't imagine ever disliking you.
Most people dislike me. I know I have flaws and that might cause you to dislike me.
Excellence is about fighting and pursuing something diligently, with a strict and determined approach to doing it right. It's okay if there are flaws in the process - it makes it more interesting. Your flaws make you interesting. Although I believe you are the first god ever to admit he has any flaws.
It wasn't easy to admit, but I am aware of the fact that I am not flawless. No matter how much we gods want to deny it, none of us is flawless. And the quote is from Charlie Trotter.
It is. You must think me a gullible person, to only quote others and not myself. Maybe that is my flaw.
You also quote yourself and that are the quotes that really catch my attention, you are not gullible. And even if you only quoted other people, you could never be gullible.
You made me blush AGAIN ! But really, what is your flaw?
My flaw is being unable to resist beautiful women called Medini.
The infernal blush is still insisting on staying... and you have never seen me.
I have seen your picture and - although it no doubt pales in comparism to seeing you in real- have admired your beauty. You really are beautiful Medini.
Thank you. I appreciate you saying that.
What, no comment on my appearance? I really remember you calling me very handsome..
I am attempting to aid you. Your flaw could be hubris and a comment like that could lead to incurable arrogance that would eventually led to death.
My flaw isn't hubris, I am not that arrogant.
How do you know? Maybe you admit you have flaws, but have you also actually thought about what they are?
In fact, miss quick-witted, I have done exactly that.
Aah, so your flaw is coming up with bad nicknames...
No, my flaw is not feeling offended by your insult to my nicknaming abilities..Y
our flaw obviously is thinking you have any nicknaming abilities.
No, my flaw is liking people who don't see good nicknaming abilities.
Who is this person that you like? I can't possible be me, because I always recognize good nicknaming abilities. It is a talent really.
Ah well, I -
" Persephone really ought to envy Charon".
Hades turned around, his eyes wide and feeling so startled that he almost dropped his phone, when a sultry voice suddenly could be heard. He had been so immersed in his conversation with Medini that he hadn't noticed someone walking towards him.
He cursed under his breath when he saw who it was before remembering himself and quickly changing his expression in an aloof one. He didn't want her to know she had started him.
" Aphrodite. To what do I owe the pleasure of your company?" the sarcasm in his voice was clear and he glared slightly at her, displeased with both her and himself. Since when did Aphrodite startle him?
She didn't seem taken back or offended by his attitude and took a step closer, smiling sweetly at him in a way that made him very suspicious. Why was she smiling like that?
" Well Hades, I couldn't help but notice your wife is nowhere to be seen" she purred, taking another step towards him and smiling secuctively. She looked a lot like the proverbial cat that ate the canary, except the canary was about to get eaten.
Hades took a step back, not liking where this was going. She obviously had some sort of plan that he would become the victim of.
Aphrodite's Pov
I had to do everything I could to keep myself from getting an insane giggling fit when I saw the look on Hades' face. While men normally looked at me with awe, lust, admiration and want/need, Hades looked at me like I was his mother and had just caught him with his hand in the cookie jar.
The mix of surprise, suspision, guilt and embarressment was quite funny, especially since he normally didn't show any feelings. I would have felt sorry for him weren't it that it is so much fun to tease him. That, and I would never get a opportunity like this again. A opportunity where he actually felt threatened by me.
He swallowed nervously and I couldn't help but notice his eyes went to the door for a second like that was his only help. He managed to control himself and took his usual blank expression, but he kept glancing at the door.
" That is easy enough to see. What do you want to clearify with that offhand remark Aphrodite?".
" Well nothing except that I find it odd that she has prepared a romantic night for you and her and that I find you alone, texting with one of your- I paused on purpose to make him sweat a little before smirking and finishing my sentence- employees".
He actually looked surprised I had said employees and not something else. He had no doubt expected me to say mistresses or lady-friends or something, but I didn't want to make it that obvious. It would be much more fun if he started worrying if I knew.
Besides, nothing had happened between the two yet. They had only talked. The two obviously had the hots for each other, so I couldn't understand why they wanted to talk while they could enjoy themselves in much more.. well satisfying ways.
Seriously, why would you want to talk about boring things like flowers or chess or whatever they talked about? It was much more fun to communicate in.. other ways.
" I had to tell Charon something urgent, not that it is any of your business".
" Still, you have to admit that I am right and that it is odd that your wife isn't here. And you seemed a lot more interested in what Charon had to say than wherever your wife might be. Do you have any explanation for that?".
" It was just urgent and now I am off to find my wife. Kindly refrain from interfering with my life".
Before I could say anything more, Hades had already pushed me aside and started walking faster than I had ever seen him do. I couldn't see his face, but I didn't doubt he looked angry, annoyed and slightly nervous.
I hadn't missed how he had become uncomfortable when I had asked him about the messages and looked at his phone. He clearly suspected I knew he was talking with a woman. He didn't know however who he was talking to and that I did know that.
I couldn't wait to see the look on his face when he realised he had fallen in love with his mother-in-law and the person he claimed to hate.
He wasn't in love yet, but he already really liked her and I knew that they only had to spend some time together - not just talking via phone- to make them realize how perfect they are together. And how much in denial they have been.
Really, the reason Demeter was so mad when Hades kidnapped Persephone - apart from some dude taking away her 'little girl'- was that it wasn't her he had fallen in love with. She had always secretly liked him, I knew. She just didn't dare to do anything and had convinced herself she hated him when he had taken away Persephone.
And didn't Hades realize he only liked Persephone, because she was like her mother? He had secretly- so secretly he hadn't even admitted it to himself- liked Demeter at first as well, but he hadn't expected she would ever be interested because he had the reputation to be.. well.. difficult. Let's call it difficult instead of cruel, mean, aloof, sadistic...
Really, people say a lot of horrible things about him, no wonder he is so gloomy and depressed. Even I might become emo if people kept dissing me like that. But then again, everyone likes me and why wouldn't they? I am a very likable person.
Anyway, I looked at Hades ( who was back to his gloomy self now I had interrupted his happy hour with Demeter) and decided I needed to have a talk with Persephone. She would have to stay away from her mother and Hades for at least a day, so Hades and Demeter could meet, could forgive each other for all the things that had happened ( like that time when Demeter had tried to bury Hades alive in a mountain made of cereal, after attempting to cut him into little pieces with his own sword- she really needs anger managment) and could become a couple. That couldn't be too hard, could it?
I glanced one more time at Hades - who was sending Demeter another message, no doubt telling her he had some things to deal with- and giggled when he promptly walked into the door and glared at it.
Really, what did he expect? That the could just walk through a wall? Last time I checked, he was an immortal god and not a ghost.
Rolling my eyes at Hades, I turned and walked toward Persephone's chambers. She would return there after Hades had talked with her, I knew.
Okay, so that was chapter 6 of this me! I really hope you liked it and I hope I will manage to update more often. No promises though:)
I really hope I didn't go too fast, I sometimes feel like Hades and Demeter are developing feelings too soon, but they have already been talking for a week or more and they were already in love, just denying and repressing their feelings. So it makes sense they really like each other already, right? Probably. I think.