III

o0o0o0o

Her mother normally liked her to wear lighter or brighter colors, but Persephone had managed to amass a few darker-colored items in her wardrobe, including a dark green tunic with small golden flowers woven along the hems.

Though Mom was more focused on wealth that grew from the earth instead of wealth that was mined from it, Persephone had a few golden pieces of jewelry in her collection, mostly gifts from wealthy worshipers who had sought to curry her favor along her mother's. She did not have the chance to wear them often, and with the darker clothing and jewelry, she felt less like the Goddess of Spring, and more like… well, she wasn't sure. Just someone that her mother had never envisioned.

"Persephone, how do you expect me to go out on a date with you if you're just going to knock me out with how amazing you look?" she heard Hades say as he came out of the ether.

"You charmer," she giggled. "Do I really look that nice? I wove this myself," she said, gesturing to her tunic.

"Athena would be jealous of your weaving skills," Hades said as he circled her, giving her an approving once-over. She'd pinned her hair back with several golden pins, letting the rest flow loosely along her shoulders and back. "Although that's just window dressing – albeit very nice window dressing – when it comes to you. And to think that you did this for me."

For me. And what about you? She took a closer look at Hades and saw more of what she'd barely noticed before since he'd surprised her. He'd also dressed for the occasion, swathed in black and deep indigo, a gold wristband peeking out from under the sleeve of his long-sleeved tunic. He looked like a king, even without a crown. He looked handsome. And yes, he looked hot – flames on his head or not.

"Look who's talking!" she shot back, and he grinned at that. "You know how to pull off a classy Goth look."

"You're worth being classy for," he replied with a pleased grin before he held out his arm to her. "Shall we?"

She took his arm and let him pull her into the ether before they reappeared in what looked like the ruins of a palace, the overgrown vegetation giving the place a serene charm. Some people might have thought this a weird idea for a first date – or any date – but Hades had things set up with a table and two chairs, several lamps giving the open space a peaceful ambiance under the light of a quarter moon. The table was laden with various tasty foods that could be found on Earth, but Persephone was more interested in her surroundings.

"So, where are we?" she asked as she approached a collapsed wall, looking beyond it to see what looked like a mountain range, with a scattering of stunted trees and grass amongst rock crags.

"This palace belonged to a long-dead king of an extinct kingdom. As you can see, it's not too hospitable here, so this place doesn't get any visitors. Which makes it the perfect place for me if I need some fresh air. It's just about as backwater as you can get on the real estate market, but at least there's no noisy neighbors to deal with."

"I like it," Persephone said approvingly. There wasn't much in the way of green here, but this place had a stark beauty that she could not deny. And it looked like Hades had done little to alter the natural beauty that time had wrought upon this abandoned place. Some people might find it spooky, but it was beautiful. "Thank you for bringing me here."

"You're the first person I brought here," he admitted. She felt her heart melting at this admission and reached to take his hand, squeezing it.

"I'm honored. You know, this date is going pretty great so far, and it's just barely started," she said warmly. He laughed at that. Even though he could be goofy or smarmy at moments, she was seeing a more sensitive side to him that she wondered if anyone else was ever aware existed.

"You're worth it, babe."

There was that warmth she felt around Hades – had in fact felt since she first talked to him – and it was only increasing the more she was around him. There was no denying the physical attraction, but she also found his efforts to please her… well, pleasing. She kept her grip on his hand and looked up at him, the moonlight bathing his skin in its pale, gentle light. The visual was making her feel unexpectedly light-headed.

"Are you all right?" he asked, and she blinked as she focused on him. She blushed and looked down.

"This will probably sound like I'm a high school-aged girl, but seeing you dressed like that, with the soft light on you… well, it made my heart flutter." She fanned herself with her free hand for emphasis. "I mean, not that I didn't think you looked good before, but tonight, you are at the top of your game. Eleven out of ten and all that."

She could see him straighten his back and puff his chest at this generous but heartfelt stroke to his ego before he gently slid his hand out of her grip, looking down at her, gliding to her side. She stood where she was, looking up at him sweetly.

"I know the gentlemanly thing to do is save the kiss for the end of the date but… babe, you look so damn irresistible. And knowing you made yourself look like this for me…" He circled her, moving behind her before placing his hands on her shoulders. "You light a fire in me," he said, his mouth mere inches from her ear. He slid in front of her, looking down at her.

"You know what the gentlemanly thing to do is? Asking the lady what she wants," Persephone said, biting back a smirk. He inclined his head in a surprisingly graceful bow and held out his hand to her in a benevolent gesture.

"And what does the lady Persephone want?" he asked suavely.

"Perhaps I don't want to wait for a kiss, either." Her heart was pounding as he looked down at her with a faint, dreamy smile for a moment before he leaned down. She lifted her chin and reached to cup his face as she felt his breath on her cheek.

She started to pucker her lips before she felt his lips. Instinctively, she gently captured his lower lip between her teeth as she deepened the kiss, feeling him give a surprised but pleased groan against her mouth. His hands slid around to her back and she pressed her lips against him several times, puckering her lips sweetly as she took in the scent and taste of him. He was a mixture of earth – not the warm earth to be found on the surface, but deep within the planet, ancient rivers and veins of metal and precious substances cutting through it – and smoke with a hint of sulfur in it.

She caught a whiff of mint on his breath and smiled to herself. So he'd taken the time to freshen his breath before coming to see her? Men and gods might boast of grand deeds, but it was little touches like this that she found more endearing – and telling – of people than nearly anything else.

Resolutely she pulled back before things could get too intense, though damn if she wasn't tempted to let things simply run their natural course. But she was old and observant enough to see what could become of relationships. Mortals provided plenty of drama for the gods to observe, especially if divine mischief was the cause. No, the gods weren't supposed to mess around with mortals, but they did it anyway. She'd seen it happen with the nymphs that surrounded her. Some would fall in love with mortal men or the other way around. Occasionally a nymph would catch the notice of a god or a monster. Sometimes things worked out and… sometimes they didn't.

Hades's blue flames were now tinged with shades of red and gold. He kept her in his embrace, but he lifted his head, allowing the kiss to be broken.

"I didn't think I would be getting dessert before dinner," Hades quipped as he looked down at her with a satisfied smirk.

"Mom always told me, dinner before dessert. But I'm not a kid anymore, so…" She shrugged. "And there's something to be said about doing your own thing."

"Ah, a woman after my own heart." He led her over to the table, pulling out a chair for her before taking his seat. "I forgot to ask about your food preferences so I had a little of everything delivered," he said as he gestured to the lavish spread. Fruits and vegetables, flatbread and pita chips, hummus and baklava, stuffed olives and cheeses, and even gyro burgers.

She picked up one of the burgers and bit into it, savoring the taste of grilled lamb and beef. Her mother was what could be called a health-food nut, so what was a simple treat for a mortal was essentially forbidden fruit for a goddess.

Oh, the irony. She let out a short hum of delight as she took another bite, and Hades regarded her with a bemused glance before he took several olives and popped them in his mouth one by one.

"I wasn't even sure if I should toss in some burgers, I didn't know if the Goddess of Spring would turn up her nose at that," Hades said lightly.

"I know my mother means well, but she's one of these crunchy granola moms. Nothing goes on her table that she didn't grow herself or wasn't grown in one of her sacred groves, you get the idea. Healthy eating's good for you and I know that, but this…" She hummed in enjoyment as she took another bite of the burger.

"Life's better if you allow yourself to enjoy a bit of vice now and then."

"Like your drinks," she pointed out. He laughed quietly.

"Zeus can go on about duty and service and all that, but virtue is a cold comfort." he waved his hand, and one of his vodka martinis appeared. There were several olives in it, and he offered it to her.

"A burger and booze… not exactly what I'd call the breakfast of champions but it's not something I'll scoff at." She sat back and took several sips before plucking out one of the olives. "This is the most memorable dinner I've had in a long time. And I mean that as a compliment. I haven't enjoyed someone's company this much in a good while." She took another sip, relaxing as she looked across the table at her companion who had a drink of his own as well.

It wasn't the first date she had ever been on. It was the first date in which her mother had had no involvement, however. And though Hades might be unorthodox in some things, he'd been doing pretty well so far. He'd taken her to a pleasing location, provided ample victuals like a good host, and was providing her with stimulating conversation.

"I might say that misery loves company, but I'm pretty content right now," Hades said with a small smile as he looked at her, propping his chin up on one hand. She finished her gyro, licking her fingers. Some music had started playing, and she almost didn't notice because she'd been busy enjoying the food and Hades's company. She smiled back at him.

"I'm pretty happy, too," she replied. "Being here with you, I mean."

"Now you're making me blush," Hades said with a sheepish chuckle.

"Hey, what's good for the goose is good for the gander…"

They chuckled at that and ate some more before he rose to his feet. "Perhaps milady would like to take a moonlit stroll with me?"

"Nothing would please me more," she replied as she rose to her feet. The music wafted after them as they made their way out of the structure, the crags and peaks of the mountains sharply illuminated under the moonlight. Persephone was so lost in her thoughts and Hades's presence that she stumbled over a rock, but Hades caught her, and a more than pleasant jolt passed through her as she felt him hug her close. She wrapped her arms around his neck as he picked her up, and they stared at one another for several long moments before he gathered enough wits to speak.

"You all right?" he asked. She nodded. As a goddess, she wouldn't twist her ankle, but it didn't mean a god couldn't be clumsy! How embarrassing to trip in front of Hades, on her first date with him! Why did she have to be such a dork?

"You know, I could just keep carrying you like this. That way, you can just relax and enjoy our walk, hmm?" He wiggled his eyebrows, and she rolled her eyes but chuckled warmly at that.

"You just want an excuse to hold me."

"Well…" Hades drawled as he looked down at her. "Can you blame me?"

"Come to think of it… not really." She leaned her head against his chest… this did feel nice. His bulk was solid and strong, and she was reassured by his presence and embrace. Eventually, he set her down carefully, and she let out a small sigh as she straightened her hair before looking back at him. She didn't want this to end. It was such a wonderful and relaxing night and she felt like she could be herself. She hoped Hades felt that same comfort around her.

He led her over to a stone bench that had managed to survive the passage of time just enough to remain functional. The music was playing again, albeit in a slower and more romantic tone.

"Where's that music coming from?" she asked.

"Just a couple of my servants," he replied as he sat down.

"I thought that minions couldn't leave the Underworld?"

"Most of them, no. But as God of the Underworld, I do have a few messengers that can come to the surface. So…" He waved his hand through the air in a musical flourish. "I wanted to provide atmosphere for our date."

"You did." She sat next to him.

"Have you been enjoying yourself so far?" he asked. She smiled and nodded.

"That's good to know. I really wanted to make this nice for you, but wasn't sure about getting fireworks or some gladiators or something like that. I didn't wanna overdo it, you know? But then I was wondering if maybe as a goddess you wanted something flashy-"

She touched his arm. "You did great. Seriously. I really couldn't ask for anything more. I know I don't always agree with my mother, but she has said that the simplest pleasures in life are the best. And that's what you did. You provided good food and music and found a great location. Please, just carry on as you are." She flashed him a smile and batted her eyes.

o0o0o0o

He'd been more than ready to impress her and had a few things set up, ready to bring them out on cue. And this daughter of one of the most powerful gods in the Greek pantheon was happy with a burger and a moonlit stroll.

Part of him wanted to wow her just so he could see the look on her face if she saw the fireworks, flying horses, a rock band, and all that. But there was something about the quiet contentment on her face that touched him more profoundly. Damn.

He looked down at the hand resting on his arm. He reached with his free hand, placing it on top of hers. She smiled at him. He smiled back. He could not help but imagine how it would be to have this sweetness to come home to after a long shift at his duties.

"You know I'm head over heels for you, Persephone. I just want you to be happy and comfortable."

She smiled gently at that. "And I suppose there's no ulterior motive for that?" she asked lightly. He swallowed thickly, wondering just what sort of answer to choose. Light and flirty, or should he be bolder, given his steady success thus far? Before he could reply, she continued.

"I mean, you're not the first god – or man – to express desire to me. But with these others, I'm like, meh. But with you…" Her voice trailed off. The flames on his head and shoulders took on a more golden tone now.

"Babe, the feeling's mutual, believe me. And I promise, I'll make you feel good."

"I believe you."

Liftoff, we have liftoff. The gold in the flames contrasted beautifully with the blue. Hades was barely aware of the hands pressing against his chest. "Yes…?" he asked with a low purr.

"But I don't want to rush things."

Abort mission, abort mission. However, that was easier said than done. Hades swallowed and took a deep breath, most of the gold disappearing, but the rich hue remained at the edge of his blue flames. Part of him wanted to say, screw that, let's sweep her off her feet and drop her on her back, and it seemed to take an almost herculean effort for reason to wrestle desire into submission.

"Is something the matter?" he asked in a calm tone, though a slight purr of desire bled into his words. She looked down for a couple of moments before shaking her head.

"I don't know. I mean, I like you. And I find you sexy." Hades had to stop himself from preening at that statement, and she continued, "But that's a pretty big step to take with anyone."

"… You know what, it is," Hades conceded. Aw, crap. Was this what it meant to truly care for someone? He remembered what happened with Leuce. But this was different. For all his aloofness, his machismo, his smarminess, and douchiness, Hades was still a lonely creature who desired for someone to love him. Cupid's magic had soured him on the idea of tenderness or true passion for centuries. Persephone's warmth and ease around him was starting to make him see that perhaps, just perhaps, he had a chance at true love.

So he knew that if she wanted more time, he should give it to her. After all, after all the respect and kindness she'd given him, didn't she deserve that?

It didn't stop him from being horny as fuck, though. "Babe, you know how badly I want you, right? I just want you to know that you can trust me to treat you well." he leaned in, running a finger along her jaw.

She nodded. "It's just so overwhelming."

"Preaching to the choir here, honey." His finger moved down her neck and along her shoulder, feeling her shiver pleasurably. He could see her inner struggle in the way she nibbled her lip, keeping her eyes downcast, but she did not pull away as his fingers slid down her arm and the back of her hand. She was such a little minx, even though she wasn't trying to be. And that made her even more attractive.

She drew her hand away, pressing it to her heart. He remained where he was, waiting.

It sounded like she was choking on the words, but she managed to make out a "I need to go home," in a soft voice.

He wanted her. And she wanted him. So why shouldn't he just snatch her up and take her with him? Perhaps if she was no longer in her mother's sphere, she might let go of these inhibitions. He'd make good on his word about pleasing her and he'd absolutely spoil the fuck out of her. It'd be a pleasing distraction to his kingly duties.

It would be the first real myth there was about him. The Abduction of Persephone. Or if you wanted to make it really juicy, The Rape of Persephone. Yeah, that wouldn't cast him in a very good light, would it? But then, he was a rogue, and when had the opinions of mortals ever mattered to him? No matter what god they worshiped, they all died in the end and went to his kingdom.

But he'd had plenty of nasty things said about him already. Not that some of them were entirely true. He could be an asshole sometimes. Granted, much of it was in response to the way he was treated by his family, but he didn't want anyone thinking so lowly of him, especially for something he didn't, and never would, do.

"All right, babe." He pulled back a bit as he looked down at her, and shyly, she turned her gaze to him. He offered her what he hoped was a reassuring smile before he rose to his feet. He offered his hand and was relieved when she took it.

"I had a wonderful time, Hades. And I look forward to our next date."

"So I didn't scare you off?" he asked, pushing down his desire with some dry humor.

"No, no. Not at all." She shook her head, her golden hair swishing prettily.

"Can I have a kiss before you go?" he ventured. She smiled and beckoned with a come hither gesture of her finger, and he leaned down, feeling her cup his face before pressing her lips to his. He pressed down a bit as he placed his hands on her shoulders, wanting to give her something to remember – and look forward to.

His desire still burned, but at an abated level as he watched her back away from him. She gave him a little wave, and he waved back with a small smile before she disappeared into the ether.

He let out a quiet groan before sliding over to the bench and lying down on it, staring up at the sky as the music wound down to a stop.

"Are you all right?" Pain asked as the pair of demons emerged, seeing Hades lying there on the bench like a mortal who'd had too much to drink.

"Just peachy," the God of the Dead replied with a pleased rumble.

Hades did not see Pain and Panic look at one another with wide, hopeful smiles.