Athens was alive with festivities. The victory of the Greeks was held in the air with all the charisma a party will bring.
The Gods attended and watched the great performances of mortals and Nymphs below them in the Pantheon. All except Ares, whose bitter defeat had only strengthened the contempt he held for his sister.
Athena, however, had predicted his absence beforehand and already thought it best he did not arrive in Athens Aphrodite's carriage.
Aphrodite had been one of the first deities to arrive, accompanied by her children (who remained obediently at their mother's side at all times till she sent them to bed, deciding they were "too young for the night's gaiety.")
Eros remained with Aphrodite as he was of age to do as he pleased yet knew of nothing but being faithful to his mother and so remained as her companion throughout the night. Both wandered throughout the rooms keeping close watch for any sign of their targets that evening.
Demeter was one of the last to arrive but still greeted and introduced her daughter to all those who approached., trying to keep her by her side at all times and easing the conversation away from topics she thought too "mature" for Kore.
Persephone, who had never been to a festival before, was – to the surprise of her mother – very calm and confident with all who conversed with the young Goddess. Many were taken in by her charm; her sweet laughter that required no effort, her sparkling eyes that shone with curiosity with each conversation she had. Her presence was truly the uplift of many spirits.
Last of all to arrive, late at night, was Hades. The evening's cool air graced his skin like a knife as he stepped out of his golden chariot into the darkness. The light of many lanterns and candles led him to the centre of the celebrations.
Due to his aloof behaviour, Hades was not expected to arrive although he was invited by Athena herself. The Helm had been returned almost immediately after news rang out of Athena's glory. But tonight, Hades had no motive but obsession – for he was sure he was going mad. His state of limerence was now dragged out through days and nights with such a bitter sweet affect on him that he needed to visit Athens in hopes of seeing the young Goddess.
Simultaneously, Hades wanted so desperately to meet Persephone, the curious Spring Goddess, but he did not want her reaction. The tiny female would surely be afraid of the much older God who swooped into the festivities like a crow; hiding in the corner but acknowledged by all as the one-not-to-approach.
There was once a time when Hades did not behave this way, although many Gods never bothered with him then, Hades would still talk with his brothers and sisters. Namely, Poseidon, Hera and Hestia; the others did not bother to befriend the Underworld and remained civil.
For now, he needed to adjust to the new area.
Being locked up in the Underworld for centuries, he found comfort in solitude. The hoards of people laughing, shouting to one another, dancing felt like a blurry memory to Hades as if he had wandered into the back of his mind somehow and was visiting his younger years, before the Underworld.
His presence was felt like a heavy weight on the surrounding Nymphs and Gods, his dark cloak differentiating him from the gaiety. But still his eyes darted around the room.
Part of him was hoping.
Part of him was dreading.
Both sides of him were colliding and agreeing all at once, causing a mixture of anxiety and nausea to shake his senses.
A few corridors across, Aphrodite had been flustered since dark fell on Athens. She wanted so desperately to put her powers to the test. Another part of her wanted to annoy Hera further. She was well-aware of how Persephone's situation could jeopardise Hera's role as the Goddess of Marriage and Family.
Aphrodite felt that this was true revenge for Hera's neglect toward her and Ares. Especially since she'd blessed the marriage of her and Hephaestus.
This and the Trojan war, she told herself, is enough.
Eros was only too aware of his mother's fidgety disposition. She snapped at the servers, other Gods and Athena herself; Athena no doubt passed this off as frustration for Ares defeat and moved on to greet other guests.
After all, Aphrodite, Apollo and Artemis had all been on the Trojans side yet still attended; in hopes of communicating an agreement of civil relations.
Evidently, Ares had no intention to patch the wound of their relationship.
Before Hades appearance, though, Persephone had managed to charm many guests and was now part of a small circle of people she was supposedly entertaining.
Her youthful countenance earned their attention but her charming self led them to stay.
Hermes was beaming at his young friend, whom he stood beside, his eyes always on hers or at his feet. His height matched Persephone's, yet the others were all taller than both of them.
Apollo stood on Persephone's others side, winking at her every time he caught her eye. Poor Persephone was taken aback every time. Her face flushed with heat and she would shuffle closer to Hermes. Hermes, in her eyes, was (once again) her dear friend. With all the attention he was paying; she was sure of it.
Apollo, however, had once again gotten her flustered and confused; blushing every time he whispered in her ear, which was flirty yet still good-natured (she had been whispered worse before). Apollo was not going to cross the line... especially when her mother was a few feet away and seemed to be watching her daughter closely.
Damn imprudence, Apollo couldn't help but snort.
When Demeter dragged Persephone away from the group (much to the dismay of all) two of the mortals had walked past Aphrodite and Eros, whispering "charming, absolutely charming."
This worried Aphrodite, who was usually so calm and collected in so public a place, tugged on Eros's wing and told him in a low voice, "keep your eye on her," before wandering off in search for the Lord of the Underworld.
Eros turned his attention back to the young Goddess, being guided into a conversation with Athena and Demeter.
Athena remained in her sensible appearance but the youths charms were not lost on a stone Goddess like Athena.
Meanwhile, Aphrodite was searching for the secret guest (and most crucial).
Aphrodite finally gave up, thinking he would not appear. He wasn't expected to by any guest in Athens and Aphrodite decided to drink wine, leaning back on a pillar, staring at the entrance to the pantheon for she felt a sense of bitter hope that her plan would not fail. Every sip of her goblet filled her with more despair that her plan had already failed before it had begun.
Persephone found herself getting hot and bothered by the amount of people around her and finally escaped onto the balcony. Her mother was far too engrossed in conversation by her sisters. She'd rarely visited them and so there had been a lot of catching up to do. Persephone had seen this as a way to excuse herself carefully and duck out the door.
The beach was only a little way off away from the festivals. She could see the sea from where she stood – leaning against the wooden posts of the balcony. Lanterns floated above the sea, there dim glow held no power over the moon for it cast a glimmer of the dark ocean.
Sighing, Persephone (for once) felt relaxed in the ephemeral solitude.
Her hair dangled in the air when the night time breeze caught it and held it with a delicate touch before placing it behind her. The moon shone above her and she enjoyed the glow of it on the waves ahead of her. The shine twinkled on it's surface; the elegance held her gaze for so long she hardly heard anyone enter behind her.
She gasped when she heard someone cough behind her. She whipped round (her back pressed against the support) as her eyes took in Apollo standing in front of her, a lop-sided grin painted on his tanned face.
"Didn't mean to scare you," he raised his hands as if in defence. Persephone was still a little shocked but annoyance took over. She rolled her eyes and turned away from him; trying to move as far away from Apollo as possible. This was her time alone before her mother found her again. She didn't want him ruining it.
"May I say," Apollo began, following Persephone closely to the other side of the balcony, "you look ravishing in that," he waved at her outfit. Persephone wore a white dress that respected all her modesty (but like most her clothes could not hide the curvaceous figure of the young girl).
"Thanks," she grumbled, looking away as he neared her more. She felt her face flush but he knew he couldn't see due to the darkness. The candlelight cast a dim glow on both there faces, just enough for her to see his smug grin and floppy blonde hair.
"Though, the other morning's outfit was beautiful too" he grinned.
Persephone though, didn't understand and she opened her mouth to ask when he silenced her by pressing a finger to her lips; much to her disgust.
"Running home from the forest definitely rewarded a remarkable look," he smirked.
Persephone gasped.
Of course, she thought, God of the Sun... Returning from war.
As she stood there speechless, Apollo took advantage He caught her lips roughly with his own, his hands firmly on her waist, forcing her to stay still.
Apollo's tongue dove into her own keenly, while she cringed at his taste. He felt slimy and tangy... she felt sick to the pit of her stomach. His tongue was rough and grazed along hers which made her yelp with shock, though she was sure it could have been mistaken for a moan in Apollo's ears.
She wanted to move, but her body was sandwiched between the wooden posts (which now felt like knives in her back) and Apollo, whose warm body was not comforting at all. His body heat was like fire burning her skin as she tried to free herself form his vice-like grip on her hips.
Desperately, Persephone screamed hard into the kiss, hoping it would urge him to stop or if it were loud enough to signal for help.
Finally, before Persephone thought he would show no respect or mercy, he pulled away.
Persephone felt breathless, Apollo's stood above her his breathing returning to normal. The candlelight was just bright enough for Persephone to see guilt in his eyes. He smiled gently as if about to apologise but bit back his words.
"Why did you-" Persephone tried to ask but she already knew his lust for her; she had guessed from the moment Aphrodite taught her about love and lust. She understood all of Apollo's actions from that day on.
Before Persephone could say anything further; to explain or simply to reject him, "I'll see you later," was whispered in her ear, then Apollo crept back into the party leaving Persephone shell-shocked and alone to her thoughts.
That was her first kiss. The very first.
And he'd stolen it.
Sorry I didn't update in so long but I have now finished my exams and can anxiously await the results as I write more! Hope you enjoyed this chapter, please review and tell me what you think!