A/N: I don't own anything but OCs. And the creative license to give background characters some personality because they don't get seen often enough if at all.
Sorry for the long wait. ADHD and work means I jump around projects and take forever to complete any of them.
AmethystDragon14: Yeah Auradon's pretty much at the mercy of Celia's snark. The Isle's one Auradon related rule of 'Conceal, Don't feel' doesn't help that she's fresh off the Isle and hasn't unlearned anything yet.
Ginnyrules27: Melody knows better than most that keeping secrets when they might be important, isn't always the right thing to do!
Read, Review, & Enjoy!
In a fit of coughs, Hadie burst up from the water for air.
"You're supposed to tread the water, not drink it." Melody lightly teased her cousin as she moved quickly to his side. He coughed a few more times as she whacked him between the shoulder blades harshly a few times.
"Really? I hadn't figured." He spat the chlorine out in disgust.
"Come on, let's sit up on the ledge again," offered Melody. With years of practice, she gracefully pulled herself out of the water and onto the ledge. Hadie clumsily followed suit, splashing water everywhere as he flailed.
They weren't even in the deep end, the water only a few feet high. Either godling could've easily stood up, but the point was to practice. An impromptu practice, considering Hadie had originally only intended to come for help and more information regarding their mutual friend. At least, that was the plan until he fibbed to his big brothers as to why he was meeting up with Melody so late at the school's indoor pool. He knew he'd likely get roped into swim lessons sooner or later by his cousins, but did he really have to volunteer himself so soon?
The godling sighed as he rolled his head back, resting back upon his elbows against the cold tile.
"No need to rush, since this isn't what you're here for," said Melody. "You'll have plenty of time over the summer."
"True," sighed Hadie.
"Right…so, you want to know about Alexandria," Melody began carefully. "Just so you know, I wasn't there. I've overheard bits and pieces from the older girls visiting Elle, but they go mum if they know I'm around. Alexandria herself has barely spoken a word to anyone that isn't her family…"
"And from what I've gathered, it's not like Chad is saying much either."
"No," sighed Melody.
"It's okay if you don't know much though, I'm not digging for that kind of information." His voice was serious and firm. "I just want to know what I can do to help cheer Alexandria up a bit. It's not even been a day, and it already feels so weird to not see a single smile or hear a laugh from her."
Melody stared at Hadie from the corner of her eyes. It was easy to tell her cousin had a kind heart despite his years on the Isle. She was sure that was in part due to the love and overprotectiveness of his older sister and the rest of the Isle bound family. The immediate bond the three youngest of the cousins had formed was proof of that, with each of their little fears diminished from the moment they were put in a group together.
Now her question was whether this was how loyal he was with all of his friends and kin, or if she should start tallying days until he learned what the difference between familial and romantic love were.
"Good." She said firmly after a moment. "Not that I doubted you, but the girls and I protect each other, y'know?"
"Even though you've got all the guys around and the Overprotective Sibling Brigade?"
"It's a checks and balances kind of thing," Melody chuckled. "The boys can be idiots, and we all gotta remind the big kids that they were our age once too."
"I feel that," huffed Hadie.
"Anyways…I know enough. Ashaki was still there, even if Aziz tried to prevent her from seeing much. He probably would've succeeded if Emir had gotten there on time."
"Dizzy told me a very short summary. Dunno where she learned, seeing as she was bunkering at Evie's, but she did visit Alexandria over the break, so maybe she was told something." Hadie shrugged. "I'm confused by what she said at dinner, though. She's not staying the summer at Charmington anymore?"
"She will if Queen Ella says things have relaxed enough, but until then, yup. She stays at Evie's." nodded Melody. "Queen Ella doesn't want Dizzy to feel sidelined when it's meant to have been a family reunion sort of thing. Hence the delay."
"That makes sense," Hadie nodded as well. "But does that mean no visitors at all or can we still try to request hangouts?"
"Huh?" Melody started. "I mean…I guess. I didn't really think about that. We all kind of agreed to just let them be based on what our parents said to give them some space."
"Yeah, well, that's sort of what happened with Mal, and that didn't turn out too hot," Hadie grimaced. "I'll ask Alexandria later if I can visit them. Otherwise, I guess it's official channels ahead, and have my mom contact her mom."
"Don't smother her either though," Melody pointed out. "You're right. As her friends, maybe too much space isn't the answer, but that doesn't mean we need to be up in her business all the time."
"Fair."
Skrtch skrtch.
Tick.
Only the minute click of the clock and the scratching of pencils and erasers jarred the silence of the room. Every students' breath felt held, their nervousness easily felt in the air.
Sksh Sksh Skrtch Skrtch.
Tick.
With a quiet release of breath, Hadie carefully returned his pencil to its case, snapping the lid shut with as little sound as he could in hope to not disturb his fellow test takers. He had one more tomorrow, and then his first official school year would be done. He hoped he didn't do too badly. Homework was one thing; he could double check and reference with others. Tests…he struggled not to rush, but he'd get bored having to sit it all at once or start making mistakes. Evan and others joked that he could fail every test and still pass, seeing as these were just a max ten percent of the grade, but that didn't mean Hadie didn't want to do well. He'd be damned if he didn't let his parents' efforts go to waste.
Tick.
'Let me out!' Hadie whined his head. 'Mr Delay doesn't let us doodle on tests like the others do, and I'm getting borrrred!'
Tick.
Neal glanced at Hadie after Mr. Delay passed. It wouldn't do for it to seem like he was looking at the other kid's test. He couldn't help but be concerned as he felt the desks near the godling begin to shake as the blue-haired boy literally vibrated with impatience. Somehow, even though Hadie was resisting the urge to bounce his leg, the whole rest of his body continued to shake.
Across the way, Neal met Evan's gaze, the other boy also tense at the energy radiating from their friend.
Tick.
"That's five minutes till the end!" Mr. Delay called out, ending the silence. "For those of you who have finished, either recheck your work or set it in the finished box! If it's your final exam for the day…I suppose you're free to go."
In less than a blink, Neal stared as Hadie seemed to disappear and reappear in his seat, paper gone from his desk. A second later, he was gone again, backpack slung over his shoulder.
Neal met Evan's eyes again. He could tell they were on the same wavelength.
'Bruh.'
Seeing the near empty halls, Hadie pursed his lips in disappointment.
'Guess I'll drop my bag off at my dorm…I think Alexandria finished her exams for the day already, so I should try to find her to talk to now.'
"Don't run, don't run, running's not allowed," Hadie hissed to himself as he sped walked as fast as he felt he could get away with through the densely crowded halls.
"Whyyyyyyyyy," he whined, as if the inability to break a rule nonexistent in his years on the Isle brought him real pain.
Happily, when he finally reached the dormitory, he found his room door wide open, Harry and Jay relaxing inside. No locks to hassle with.
"Hi, Hadie!" The older boys greeted.
"Bye!" Hadie shouted at them, chucking his bag into the room aimlessly and pivoting to head back the way he came in the hopes to find his query.
"Ow!" Came an annoyed cry.
"Oi, not again! Hadie get back here!"
'Oops,' Hadie giggled to himself as he sped faster to the turn of the hall as the squeak of Harry's shoes echoed on the marble. 'Bag must've hit him instead of the bed I was aiming for. But how was I supposed to know he was getting up to come closer! Pirate of his abilities would totally be able to dodge that.'
Knowing his brother would be hot on his heels if he wasn't already out of sight, Hadie detoured down another corridor. With a leap of faith he grabbed onto a banister pole, and jumped into the tiny stairwell usually reserved for the janitor to avoid foot traffic.
Locking his body and feet in close, he rotated down the pole to a landing a couple floors down. The echo of Harry's pursuit faded away.
He knew she wouldn't be in her dorm. Alexandria seemed to spend more and more time outside of the rooms, often found to be with her brother or sisters.
The most likely of places for all three of the sisters to be at, was the ballroom where the dance club took practices.
Nope.
He swept through the study hall areas.
Nada.
Through the blooming gardens, the one with the most fountains that he knew Chad liked to tease Alexandria with light splashes. Where the eldest Charming would get completely soaked in revenge and laugh it off instead of worrying about his appearance when they thought no one else was watching.
Zilch.
The rubber of his black sneakers squeaked in protest against the waxed marble floors. Even the few mutuals he'd ran into seemed to have no clue as to the whereabouts of the Charming family.
He was about to give up the hunt when he finally found Alexandria. She didn't notice him approach, staring as intently as she was at her cellphone.
"Alex!" He called out. Giving up on the restraint he'd had for the last near half an hour of searching, he broke his walk into a run.
"Er—Alexandria," he said courteously as he came to a halt before her.
"Oh, hi, Hadie."
'It's only like twenty feet anyways, and no one else is in the hall to catch me.'
"A-are you going somewhere?" Hadie asked, noticing the suitcase next to her.
"Yes," she said quietly. "We've all had early end of year exams, so mom planned for us to return once done."
"You wouldn't happen to have some time to talk before you go, would you?" Hadie asked hopefully.
"I'm sorry Hadie," Alexandria gave him an apologetic look. "We're supposed to be loading up the car now. This is the last of my luggage.."
"Oh," he said disappointedly. "Uh, safe travels?"
"Thanks," she smiled slightly.
"Come on, Alex, the limo's waiting!" Kitty popped back around the corner.
"Coming!" Alexandria called back. "Guess I'll see you around, Hads."
"Wait, Alex!" Hadie said again, as he lightly grabbed her by the hand before she could sprint off. If he didn't get his foot in the door soon, he had no clue when the next chance he'd get to see his friend again.
"Yes, Hadie?" her voice clipped. A small shiver ran up his spine as their eyes met. Gone was the excited mischief of bright sky blue. Instead, he noticed the flash of annoyance before her eyes faded to replicate a sad, cloud filled day.
"Would…would it be alright if I came to visit later this week?" he awkwardly asked, unable to hold the gaze long. "I have some family stuff, but I could have my mom contact your mom…?"
"I…guess? If you want," she shrugged. "I don't have plans anyways."
"Aren't we supposed to meet up with the others sometime this summer?" Hadie asked worriedly.
"If I feel up for it," mumbled the blonde.
"Alex!"
"I should get going. Guess I'll see you later, Hadie."
"Right." the godling let go, not wanting to keep her any longer despite feeling like the issue should be pressed. He stared at his own hand in surprise, not realizing he'd still been holding onto her hand.
He sighed, finally waving belatedly as her back was already facing him, rounding the corner to the outside.
"Bye…"
Despite the forlorn mood that had taken over him the evening before after his lackluster talk with Alexandria, Hadie kept focus on the positive things.
Like school being out for the summer. Basking in sunshine. Having fun instead of worrying about being harassed on the Isle.
Getting to stay with his mom over an 'away' season for the first time ever.
"I don't remember having so much stuff." Hadie grunted as he hefted his near bursting backpack onto his and Harry's bed. Jay and Harry stood nearby, equally frustrated as they tried to force their stuff into the few bags they had.
The three boys glared at their mountain of belongings.
"Even after returning the school supplied stuff like the fat laptops, we've got too much stuff," groaned Harry.
"You barely even used your laptop, Harry," smirked Jay.
"That you know of," Harry stuck out his tongue. "How'd you think I get so much more stuff? I bought it."
"Ah, so that's where Hadie picked that up."
"Huh?" Hadie whipped his head to look at his eldest brother.
"Blowin' razzes and the like."
"Oh, yeah, probably," Hadie shrugged. "Better that than letting mom hear all the swears I've learned."
"What swears?" came a clipped voice.
"Mostly classics, like fu—"
The trio immediately froze. Straightening up, with painted smiles they slowly turned.
"Mom, hi!"
"Mornin', Lady Steph!"
"Boys." Persephone crossed her arms. "What was that I heard?"
"Definitely not Hadie learning things he shouldn't, nor about to say naughty words!" Harry saluted.
"...You three are so lucky we're in a time crunch," Persephone sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose.
"Three? I had nothing to do with it!" protested Jay.
"I doubt you ever attempted to put a stop to it," said Persephone, wryly. "Now, are you all packed?"
"Uhhhh—" Harry stalled.
"We underestimated how much stuff we've gained over the last nine months, sorry," Jay gave an awkward grin. "Granted some of it was gifted from our friends when we needed more clothes, we should've remembered to give them back—"
"Somehow, I doubt your friends had intended to temporarily lend them, but you can ask that later," smiled Persephone. "This should do in the interim."
One snap of her fingers later, a couple more bags appeared. Within the same moment, the last of the boys' piles neatly packed themselves away.
"And no need to apologize. In my opinion, you could do with more clothes and the like, you're just used to having minimalist wardrobes from limited Isle resources."
Jay and Harry looked at each other in surprise.
"Yeah…I suppose you're right," nodded Jay.
"I usually am," she smugly replied. "Now let's go grab the girls. They had the sensibility to ask for additional suitcases, but to be fair, with Evie as a roommate, they were bound to pick up far, far, more outfits than you three combined."
"Thanks again for teleporting us to our summer stays, Lady Steph," Jay began as the group gathered their things to follow to the girls' dorm. "I hope we aren't inconveniencing you at all."
"You know there's no such thing when it comes to family," she said to them. "And for the millionth time, neither of you have to use my title."
"Only the millionth time?" smiled Hadie.
"Hush you," Jay reached over and pulled Hadie into a side lock.
"Yeah! We just payin' the proper respects your mom deserves!" Harry protested.
"And I expect you'll do the same, at the homes that are taking you in for the summer?" Persephone interjected.
"Of course!" Both young men spoke indignantly.
"As if I wouldn't pay back the kindness Emir has shown me all year!" Jay grinned, thoughts already beginning to fill with the fun he knew the youngest son of Aladdin had plotted up for the break.
"Not sure I'd like to find out what it takes to be excommunicated as a pirate should I ever get on the wrong side of the blade of King Elizabeth," snorted Harry. He didn't look nearly as excited as Jay.
"I'm curious," supplied Hadie.
"Yeah, well, you can be the one to piss 'er off then," teased Harry.
"Boys," warned Persephone.
"Making trouble for mom already?" said Mal as the group approached her open dorm room.
Evie had already left. The castle she'd managed to pay down on was mostly ready to move in as of a week ago, allowing her to slowly begin moving things over between exams. Even the extra third bed and desk, to the normally doubles room, had already been replaced by a couch and settee. Uma only celebrated a little.
"Can't make trouble, when the trouble already exists!" Hadie proudly stated.
"Isn't that one of Harry's sayings?" smirked Uma, looking at her aunt.
"It would explain so much if it is," deadpanned the Goddess. "Are we good to go?"
"Ben took my stuff," shrugged Mal, a single backpack slung over her shoulder. "This is all I have, but I can teleport to my room at his place if I'm missing something."
"Opal did the same for me," nodded Uma.
"So, we're the only ones that have to lug all these bags?" whined Harry.
"Aren't you always saying you're the big and strong one?" Uma said amusedly.
"Yeah, we got this!" Jay cheered, flexing his muscles slightly.
"I'm a mean, lean, sword precision machine," grumbled Harry. "Not a muscle meathead like you 'n' Gil."
"I wouldn't be captain of a team if I was an average musclehead," argued Jay.
"Now, now, gentlemen, you're both pretty," sighed a bored Hadie. "Can we go now, please?"
"Let's," laughed Persephone.
A short while later saw Harry left awkwardly standing at a port where a receiving party that included his sisters was waiting for him. A similar, but more joyous, scene was waiting for Jay when Persephone teleported again to drop him off at the palace in Agrabah.
Finally, despite being capable of teleportation herself, the dwindling group saw Uma off to Mama Odie's.
"Ooh, that's a close one," gasped Persephone as they appeared. Vines crawled at their feet, keeping the large body of water that surrounded them at bay. Across from the tiny little island they'd landed upon, a giant, twisting tree stood in the water. Its roots weaved up and down, creating a bridge to the house nestled at the top of the giant branches.
"You're on your own for this one Uma," Mal recoiled, stepping as far away as she could from the water's edges that surrounded her.
"No sweat, Mal. See you guys later," Uma said, giving everyone a quick hug. She stepped out onto the water, waves beginning to swirl at her feet as she began to cross them towards the tree.
"Damn, that's cool," Hadie said gleefully, his smile turning sheepish at his mother's glare for his choice of words.
"Shall we?" Persephone then smiled. At the nods in return, she gently grasped each of her children close to her, hugging their shoulders. The smell of earth permeated the air, overpowering the smell of the water and mossy trees. Flower petals and leaves whipped around them as a wind manifested itself as their mother glowed. Within seconds, the worrying waters faded away into a bright light, the same color as Persephone's aura, and the familiar pull of teleportation traveled up their spines.
Stepping apart, Mal and Hadie looked around.
The forest was thick with pine and fir. Still, rays of light poured through the needle canopy and illuminated the root-knotted ground. A path lay before them, noticeable only if one knew where to look.
With a flick of her hand, the ferns and crawling ivy parted. The path was now perfectly clear, showing the well-trod upon way from the Goddess' years of visiting.
Quietly, the children followed their mother, taking care not to trip upon the uneven ground.
The walk was short. Within a few minutes, they reached a small clearing. In a neat little area, the brush and trees were thicker than ever; the path the only way in or out. Even the canopy was darker. Only a few beams poked through, illuminating the makeshift space. A stump of a tree sat prettily to one side of the entryway, covered in forget-me-nots and nettle.
"Just in case you need to find the way yourselves," smiled their mother. "You'll get used to precise teleporting with practice."
Hadie sighed. He still hadn't performed the magic successfully yet, and probably wouldn't for a while.
The beautiful greenery was nothing compared to the object their mother beckoned them toward.
Fatter than any of the other trees they'd seen so far, towered an imposing oak. Nestled within its roots and deeply embedded into the tree, sat the Auradon side of their mother's portal.
Stray beams illuminated the glass. Shining brightly along the ornate, metal frame, and casting a dusty, golden gleam, they reminded the siblings of the fairy dust they'd seen in their school books.
An excited smile appeared on Persephone's face. With a barely audible squeak of glee, Hadie and Mal couldn't help but smile as their mother raced forward.
Her aura brightened with a brief flare as she reached out to touch the runes upon the gilded frame.
"Hades?"
Immediately, the surface of the mirror warped into waves. Lights danced across as the colors swirled into focus.
"Persephone!" The fond voice of Hades came through first. Slowly, the God came into view. His hand pressed against the glass; Persephone moved hers to meet his.
"It's good to see you again," he sighed.
"I'll be by in person soon," replied Persephone. "The Solstice is next week."
"I look forward to it."
"Ahem."
"Ah, is that the impatient cough of one of our sunspots I hear?"
"Schools out!" cheered Hadie, rushing up to his mother's side. His smile widened at the sight of his father. The god looked far better than Hadie remembered after not having seen each other in months.
"You're looking well, dad! I miss you."
"I miss you too, kiddo; both of you." Hades amended as Mal entered view. "And with better access to food, I definitely feel myself filling out again. Not that I was ever like my brothers, mind you, but I wasn't as lithe as I've gotten to be on the Isle."
"Gotta say, it's definitely weird being on this side for once," said Mal.
"Tell me about it," agreed Hadie.
"I'd rather you both get to telling me about your plans for the summer," smirked Hades. "You both have doctor appointments coming up as well, don't you?"
"In a couple of weeks, so mom can be there," nodded Mal.
"Here's to hoping Asclepius gives you a clean bill of health so I can see you soon, Hadie," the God said to his son sadly.
"Hopefully," grumbled Hadie.
"As for plans," said Mal, "it's mostly helping out Ben, hanging out with friends."
"Gonna travel at all, outside of just where your friends are? There's a lot of world to see now."
"I haven't decided yet. It'll depend on how busy things get," shrugged Mal. "Things still haven't really settled down with Freddy breaking out, so my focus is on learning about the kingdom I'm supposed to run eventually."
Hades huffed at the reminder that his daughter was getting married.
"I wanna travel!"
"Mmmm, I'm leaving that one up to your mother."
"Mooom!"
"Maybe, Hadie," chuckled Persephone.
"Can I visit Alexandria this summer?" Hadie asked instead.
"Who the who now?"
"Dad, I told you about Hadie's friends," laughed Mal.
"Aha! So, you were reporting on me!" accused Hadie.
"Hadie what did I tell you about pointing?" Persephone pressed down on her son's hand.
"It's not like I was the one not talking to mom and dad," groused Hadie. "I told you about my friends! It's not my fault dad pretends to not remember Ashaki or Alex just because they're friends, who happen to be girls, that I'm not related to."
"No dating!"
"That's not what I'm asking!"
"Enough, both of you," groaned Persephone. "And Hadie, you didn't tell us about all your friends at first. And Mal, while I know you mean well, your brother's old enough that you can give him space to go things at his own time rather than report every little thing to us anymore."
"Yes, mom," pouted both her children.
"Which friends would those be?" Hades asked suspiciously.
"Dad knows I'm friends with Macaria," Mal said shaking her head. "I don't think he's gonna blow a lid that you're besties with her little brother."
"Ah. Considering Jer-" Hades paused at Persephone's expression. "Ahem, Hercules, is nigh a saint, I'm sure he's a good friend."
"And to answer your question Hadie, I can reach out to Queen Ella about visiting. If you don't want to stay at my mother's while I wrap up Spring."
"I don't mind Grandmother much anymore," shrugged Hadie. "But ever since Freddy attacked Chad, Alex hasn't been the same, and I just want to be there for her."
"That's very nice of you, Hadie," Persephone smiled, shooting Hades a glare as she heard him grumble.
"Demeter's been alright then?" grouched Hades, changing the subject.
"She is now," Hadie shrugged again.
"I wouldn't know, still haven't seen her," spoke Mal.
"I'd appreciate it if you did, sooner than later," said Persephone. "Do you really want to have it in front of all the other Gods when you and Uma have to go in July?"
"...Way to drive a hard bargain, mom," grumbled Mal.
"You're going to have to at some point," laughed her brother.
"How about in a hundred years," whined Mal.
"Mal, I know we haven't painted an appealing picture for you, but I'd really appreciate it if you could at least be cordial and meet her," Persephone frowned.
"But you guys said not to trust her!" protested Mal.
"Malinda."
Mal looked in surprise at her father. She'd expected defense from her mom, but was Hades really about to defend the goddess that had made his marriage so difficult?
"Demeter, while we have our differences, still deserves our respect," he said quietly. "You don't have to like it. You don't have to do one-on-one or answer her every time she wants to see you. Only ever on your terms. Except for this first time with your mom. And maybe your brother will distract her since they've already met."
Apparently so.
"I'm always ready to distract with chaos!" cheered Hadie.
"Of course you are," Mal said proudly.
"Would you mind next week?" Persephone asked softly. "My wrap up day. That way it's pretty much in and out."
"Yeah, alright," Mal shrugged, sighing. "No promises on keeping my mouth shut if she says something I don't like though."
"I don't think you've got to worry there, Mali," grinned Hadie, recalling his earlier meetings with Demeter only to watch their mom take her mom to task.
"Besides," Persephone began, a thoughtful expression taking over her frown. "I might know a way to add some extra distractions for her."
"Really?" Mal said skeptically.
"Really."
The next week seemed to come sooner than expected.
Queen Ella and Persephone had spoken, as promised. Unfortunately, neither of the families' schedules lined up yet, so Hadie found his potential playdates postponed to another few days waiting. At least a date had been set, and he could stay for a couple of nights.
He wasn't sure how he felt about staying overnight, but as awkward as it seemed, no one felt it was much of a problem. All that mattered to Persephone and Mal was that it kept him from being trapped alone in the apartment while the last dregs of Spring were under way.
Mal ended up giving in to their mom's normally Hades' reserved puppy dog eyes. To be fair, the God usually let his wife get whatever she wanted as money was immaterial, but convincing their fellow stubborn family members to do anything they even slightly didn't want to was a task of Atlean proportions. Hades refused to use the evolved word of Herculean.
It seemed Ben's own puppy eyes had caused a weak point to form in Mal, and the moment her own mother pulled out a rarely seen card, Mal's stubborn walls budged just enough to say yes.
"I can't believe I'm doing this," lamented Mal.
"I can't believe you're doing this," grinned Hadie.
"I think the best idea would be to keep any association with my mother outside," explained Persephone after they appeared in her grove. Mal looked around in mild curiosity.
"Yeah, Mal, don't need you burning the house down," teased Hadie.
"What, and miss me going dragon and setting the fields on fire?" Mal said dryly.
"No," their mother chuckled. "The fields are enchanted. We wouldn't be known in the business for being able to harvest during any season if things even as simple as random weather affected mother's perfect crops."
"Was that a touch of sarcasm at the end there, mom?" smirked Mal. The children followed their mother out of the grove and into the open expanse that was Demeter's farm.
"Me? Sarcasm? Never, Mal," said Persephone.
"At least it doesn't have any of the stuffiness of Olympus," Mal acquiesced as she looked around. She wouldn't admit it out loud, but she was mildly curious. The farm wasn't the only supplier Auradon had, but as future Queen, it was still good to know about the place that was essentially the backup in case a drought or famine occurred across the mortal ran businesses.
"Gods, no!" scoffed Persephone. "If there's one thing you would agree upon with my mother, it is the absolute waste of opulence Olympus likes to posture. She far prefers getting her hands dirty."
"She is pretty formal though, mind," supplied Hadie. "No offense mom, but I think grandmother might be more traditional than Olympus, just without the parties and gold!"
"Joy," deadpanned Mal.
"Just think of dad!" Hadie laughed. "One second he says, "Go forth and sow chaos!" and the next he's "Not in my cave, ya don't! Get your shoes off my sofa!", or "Oi, stiff, shut your trap and bow before I make ya!""
Mal giggled at her little brother's poor facsimile of their father as they approached the neat looking home of Demeter.
"Go ahead and wait on the patio, you two," Persephone rolled her eyes. "I'll let my mother know we're here."
Hadie plopped down onto the porch swing. He patted at the cushion for Mal to take the seat next to him.
"She's mostly learned not to talk about dad, y'know," said Hadie. Mal silently sat next to him.
"Don't you think that's frustrating though?" said Mal, pensively. "He's a huge part of our life. It feels wrong to pretend he doesn't exist just to placate her."
"You're right. Which is why I bring him up sometimes," Hadie grinned cheekily. "And since Demeter doesn't want to push us further away, she zips lip and is pretty much forced to listen."
"Ah, I've taught you well," smiled Mal, touseling her brother's hair.
"Oi!" Hadie protested, smacking her hand away. "How many times do I have to say no touchy!"
"Touchy touch!" Mal teased, poking Hadie at his ticklish sides.
"Noooo!"
"Well ain't you two just having a bundle of fun."
The pair tensed with a newfound alertness. They quickly spotted a woman a few yards away from the porch. The swirl of light around her feet told them she had just teleported in. A Goddess, then. The nymphs couldn't teleport, and they always had some sort of pigment of bright colors to their skin or hair. She didn't even have flowers, vines or moss growing out of her either.
The feather in her hair gave her away though.
"Howdy there!" The brunette grinned at Hadie and Mal as she approached the porch.
"Aunt Leith!" The duo cried excitedly. Mal lightly shoved her brother to the side as they raced back down the porch steps to greet their mom's older sister.
"How have you been?" said Mal. "I'm glad to see you again, when it's not under unfortunate circumstances."
"It's good to see you both as well," smiled Eileithyia. "Honestly I'm never up to anything exciting outside of work, so no need to ask after me."
"It's the nice thing to ask though, Leith."
Persephone returned from whatever she'd been doing inside and made her own way down the steps.
"Hello, baby sis," smirked Eileithyia. The sisters shared a brief hug. "Think I could get away with stealing your kids for a day at the amusement park during their break?"
"Really?" sighed Persephone. "You know how I feel about…"
"Watch from the ground then," Eileithyia shrugged. "Gotta play up the cool Aunt, don't I?"
"You're their only actual Aunt, I'm pretty sure," Persephone pointed out.
"And she's pretty cool," Mal shrugged. "You think I could get a feather braided into my hair?"
"If you want," said Persephone. "But good luck with trying to get Evie to match it all the time with her designs."
"Oh right," pouted Mal. She perked up shortly after. "Maybe just on occasion then. I've got another 'Learning to be Royal' meetup. Might be fun for then."
"I can show you how I do mine later," offered Eileithyia.
"Yes, please!"
"Is this your way of corrupting my daughter?" asked Persephone.
"Sure, why not?" replied her sister.
"Is everyone just milling about outside?" Rang out Demeter's voice. "Honestly! Had me worried why the house was so quiet all of a sudden."
"I'll run interference," Eileithyia winked, whispering to the little family.
"Thanks, Leith," laughed Persephone.
"What's so funny?" asked Demeter as she approached. "Eileithyia? I don't recall you saying you were coming."
She looked between her daughters expectantly.
"Oh, it's nothing mother," said Eileithyia innocently. She intertwined an arm with Demeter's. "I just wanted to visit! It's been so long since I had time to spend with you and Steph, but getting to enjoy time with my niece and nephew is a most welcome surprise!"
An awkward silence settled upon the group as Demeter and Mal met for the first time.
"Uh, hi," Mal tried.
Hadie snorted. It might be a long day.
"Mother, Mal. Mal, Mother." Eileithyia introduced nonchalantly.
"Eileithyia!" Both Demeter and Persephone gasped.
"I'm the eldest child, I get to do the intro, and I don't feel like putting up with the stuffy stuff today," she shrugged. "Now come along, you've got Spring to wrap up, Steph!"
"Y'know, I've said it before, and I'll say it again," Mal whispered to Hadie as he snickered about 'stuffy stuff'. They watched as their aunt pulled her mother and sister away towards the fields, giving Mal some breathing room.
"Aunt Leith is cool."
