Hades' Consort
Summary: Hades has had his eye on a specific demigod since he walked into his kingdom the first time. Now he's given the push he needs to finally pursue a certain son of Poseidon. (One shot)
Pairing: Percy/Hades
Words: 7,418
All rights belong to Rick Riordan.
This is my first time writing romance of any kind and a kiss scene. Let me know what you think.
Hades stood at the balcony off his bedroom surveying his kingdom. It was a lot to manage. His Kingdom was forever growing and never shrinking and every decade brought new challenges, but he was proud of what he had created.
"You're pouting."
"I am not pouting. I am the King of the Underworld, Lord of the Dead, and the God of Wealth. I do not pout."
Hades didn't need to look to know his wife was rolling his eyes at him. He felt her come up beside him. They both simply enjoyed the view of their kingdom from the balcony before Persephone spoke again, "What has you so melancholy my love? Is it because spring approaches and I will be returning to Olympus?"
Hades couldn't help but sigh at the reminder. It was definitely one of the things bothering him. Even after millennia together he could not help the sorrow that came when his wife's time in his domain came to an end. The months were always quieter and more lonely when his wife wasn't around. It was why he sought out mortal lovers to begin with. Demeter was possessive of her time with her daughter and rarely let Hades visit her when she was away. It was Persephone herself who gave him permission to take mortal lovers when she was away knowing how lonely her husband got during their time apart. Hades was shocked and appalled at first when she suggested it. Refusing to dishonor his beloved wife like his brothers. It was due to Persephone's constant pleas that their deal was struck. When Persephone was home in the Underworld they never took other lovers to bed and lived as husband as wife. When winter thawed and they were apart each was allowed to take mortal lovers as well as have children (both rulers of the underworld often longed for more children). If one of them wished to have an affair with a fellow immortal they had to seek agreement from the other (as well as see if their spouse wished to join them). The deal had worked for them for centuries allowing the couple to take lovers without causing jealousy in the other, fill the loneliness when they were apart, and fulfill the desire for more children as it became harder for Hades and Persephone to conceive more immortal children with age.
Their deal had been unconventional, but it worked amazingly for the couple. Out of all the Olympians theirs was arguably the strongest marriage. Even Poseidon and Amphitrite had come to them a few centuries ago for help in crafting a similar deal for their marriage.
"Or is it your pining for a certain young, green eyed, sea prince that is troubling you?"
Hades' trip down memory lane was brought to a screeching halt as he turned to stare at his wife, "What in Tartarus are you speaking about woman?"
"My love, are you still in denial? It is clear as day that you desire the demigod for yourself."
"I do not. He is a nuisance, stubborn, loudmouthed, and has no respect for my authority."
"And I wasn't when we first came together," Persephone challenged. Hades huffed and turned away not wanting to concede she was right. Despite eternal gossip Hades did not just kidnap Persephone on a whim. He had fallen for the young goddess after seeing her at gatherings on Mount Olympus. As was the custom he approached her father, Zeus, for permission to marry her. It was Zeus who told him he could take her to the Underworld as his wife and Queen. How was he supposed to know Zeus had no intention of telling her mother, Demeter? Persephone had not been happy with the sudden arranged marriage and since she couldn't go after her father for her first few months in the Underworld she took her anger out on Hades. It wasn't until after her anger at her father waned that she gave him a chance and quickly fell for the god of the dead. When Hermes came to tell them Zeus hadn't told Demeter of the marriage and that she was threatening to destroy the world if her daughter wasn't returned, the couple immediately prepared Persephone to return to the mortal world. Yes, Hades did give his new bride the pomegranate seeds to bind her to the Underworld fearing his brother would go back on his word if Demeter threatened him enough. It was Persephone's decision however, to eat them. He never forced her.
Yes, Perseus Jackson reminded him of his Persephone from the moment he first entered his domain. His stubbornness and determination, love and loyalty for his mother and friends, not to mention his attitude and smart mouth comments. Hades tried to distance himself from the youth over the years, but he just kept popping up. In his realm, on Olympus, in his dreams. The god could not seem to shake his desire for the young demigod.
"I don't understand why you are fighting your desire, my love," Persephone continued to prod him, "Why don't you go after him? You didn't hesitate with any of your mortal lovers. You didn't hesitate with me."
"And what happened? Your mother nearly destroyed the world when we married. Do you think Poseidon will be any better if I bed his beloved son? Besides, the boy is too tempting. I fear I would want him for more than a short affair?" Hades whispered the last part quietly, having never given voice to his greatest fear. He knew once he had the demigod he would never want to let him go. He refused to break his and Persephone's ancient agreement on not taking permanent lovers.
He had forgotten how much Persephone liked to throw him off balance.
"So why not take him as a permanent consort?"
"What," Hades stared at his wife once again, "We agreed to only have short affairs with others and to not take any consorts."
Persephone rolled her eyes once again, "Husband, I admire your respect for me and our marriage, but our deal is not set in stone. We both have the right to ask the other for changes and adjustments. If you wish to take Percy Jackson as your male consort I have no issue with that. If he had been a woman I might have objected, but as long as I am your only permanent wife and female companion I do not mind. You wouldn't be the first. Zeus has Ganymede and Poseidon had Neritus as their male consorts in addition to their wives. As long as the boy respects our relationship I have no objections. In fact I am telling you to go and make him yours if only so you will stop pouting."
"I told you already woman I do not pout."
His wife just rolled her eyes at him again before turning back to the view off their balcony leaving Hades to his thoughts. He really shouldn't have been surprised she was okay with the idea of him taking a male consort. And she was right, both his brothers had wives and consorts. Hera had been angry at Zeus as she always was. Amphitrite had been more like Persephone, not caring about the males her husband took to bed.. He hadn't thought to ask Persephone for fear of disrespecting her, but now…
"You would truly not mind if I took a male consort."
"Truly, my love I would not. If anything I hope that he may be able to help keep you company when I have to leave the Underworld. I also enjoy Percy Jackson very much and think we would be great friends. And despite your grumblings he does respect you my love. Despite her death he tried to protect your daughter, despite their disagreements he has watched over and protected your son, and it was thanks to him that your children and you have gained more respect in the last few years. You may have gotten off on the wrong foot with him, but you did the same with me. If it helps you feel better we can add to our agreement that each of us is allowed to take a consort of the same sex that way our marriage is still on equal footing," she turned to take her husband's face in her hands, "Give it a chance and I know he will see you as I do. A strong, powerful, and terrifying god, yes. But also a being of such love, respect, and devotion."
Persephone leaned forward to kiss her husband trying to convey her love and acceptance for the god. The two lovers held each other in their arms just swaying for a moment as Hades thought on all his wife had said, "If it is truly okay with you my flower, then I agree we may each be allowed to take a consort if we wish and I chose Perseus Jackson as mine."
"There's the man I love. I thought I had lost you for a moment there," Persephone couldn't help but tease.
"Hush woman."
Persephone laughed, "Come my love. I still have packing to do before I return to my mother in a week. We can strategize while you help me. You will need a plan not only for wooing your sea prince, but also on how you are going to tell his father."
Fear flooded the god as he realized he would soon need to go to Poseidon to ask permission to make Perseus his consort. He allowed his wife to drag him along as he wondered if his brother was going to take the news any better than Demeter had.
Persephone had left for Olympus a week after their talk. Now Hades stood at the entrance of his brother's palace to ask him for permission to take his son as his own. If Hades was a mortal he would have been praying. As he waited for his meeting with his brother he was greeted by his sister in law, Amphitrite.
"Hades, what brings you here? It has been decades since you visited our realm."
"An oversight my lady, but as you know the Underworld keeps me busy. Things have gotten better since Daedalus joined my realm. He is making up for his years of running from me by helping to build expansions to the underworld and better roads for the dead." Hades kissed his Amphitrite on the check as he greeted her. " I am actually here for a meeting with my brother. I have something I need to talk to him about."
"Is something wrong?"
"Nothing is wrong," Hades assured her, "It… well it is more of a personal matter."
Amphitrite eyed him suspiciously, "Hades what is going on."
Hades took a deep breath and straightened up trying to convey the image of a confident and powerful being, "If you must know Persephone and I have agreed to let the other take a consort if they chose and I am here to ask permission to take Perseus Jackson as mine."
Amphitrite was silent for a moment, obviously processing what her brother in law just said. "Well Hades, thank you for letting me know. I wish you luck in your meeting with Poseidon."
"Thank you."
"Now if you'll excuse me I see I need to now take a spontaneous trip to Olympus and away from my husband's realm. Good day."
"Amphitrite!"
The goddess turned, staring daggers at the lord of the dead, "What do you expect me to do after you make a pronouncement like that."
"Maybe offer your support."
"Do I look like I have a death wish?"
"Mother? Uncle? Is everything alright?" The gods turned to see Triton in the doorway wearily approaching them.
Amphitrite addressed her son, "Everything is fine Triton. Hades was telling me how he is here to meet with your father to ask his blessing to take Perseus Jackson, his only beloved demigod child, as his consort. I am about to head to Olympus on a spontaneous visit."
Triton's eyes widened, "That is an excellent idea mother. Do you mind if I join you?"
"Oh come on." Hades cried.
Amphitrite could only glare at her brother in law, "You don't expect us to wait around for Poseidon's impending wrath do you? You realize you are about to go in there and ask him to give you his only living mortal son, his first in decades after his last mortal children died in WWII, the child he obsesses over and causes a tidal wave or earthquake every time the boy so much as stubs his toe. Are you really ready to go to war with him for the boy?"
This time Hades was able to look into the sea goddesses eyes with unwavering certainty. "Yes I am. I have desired the boy for years, but only held back out of respect for my wife. Now that I have her blessing there is nothing to stop me. I know from Aphrodite's gossip he is as attracted to men as he is to women. The boy and the daughter of Athena broke up not long after the Giant War. He has no current mortal lover and so is free for me to take as mine. I was ready to let the world burn when Demeter threatened to withhold Persephone from me. I will do the same for him."
Amphitrite did not flinch away from Hades. Her eyes searched for something. After what felt like eternity she finally sighed and looked away, "I can see you will not be swayed from this course."
"I will not."
"I hold respect for both you and Persephone. You both helped me and Poseidon mend the issues in our relationship. Many think I was angry at Poseidon for sleeping with another woman. I wasn't. We now have a similar agreement to you and Persephone. I was angry at him for breaking his oath without thinking of the effect it would have on the boy and his mother. I feared the worst would happen and my husband's heart would shatter as it always does when he loses one of his demigod children. He loves them fiercely and is overprotective. He wishes he could do more but is bound by ancient rules. I often distance myself from his mortal children not out of jealousy but because I don't want to get attached and thus feel the same heartbreak he does. One of us has to be strong for the other."
The queen of the seas looked at the king of the dead, " I see the same devotion and determination in your eyes as I did when you came to ask Poseidon for advice on how to ask Zeus for his daughter's hand. He will not let go of his son without a fight. If it were any other Olympian I would stand with him on this. But you have always been respectful and protective of your lovers and of all the gods, you are the only one who I know will treat the boy right."
Hades was taken aback by her words, "Thank you Amphitrite. I…I cannot tell you how much that means to me."
"However, that does not mean I am staying here while you confront Poseidon. Come Triton"
"Amphitrite!"
"Good Luck" the goddess called over her shoulder as she herded her son out of the room. No doubt the two of them would be on Olympus within the next minute.
Hades was annoyed at the goddess, but in all honesty he could not blame her. He was not looking forward to his talk with Poseidon either. He didn't have time to dwell on the inevitable fight that was to come as shortly after an attendant entered the room to tell him his brother was ready.
"Brother, it has been too long," Poseidon shouted jovially as he rose from his throne to embrace his brother. Despite their quarrels over the centuries the two had always been closer to each other than either had been to Zeus. Being imprisoned together in your father's stomach for years has that effect.
"How are you doing? Persephone just returned to Mount Olympus. I know you're always down after she leaves. Will Demeter let you visit at all?" Poseidon asked.
"No, she is always possessive for the first few months. We will see each other again at the Summer Solstice meeting. After that Demeter might be persuaded to let me have a short visit maybe once or twice before my wife returns home."
"I am sorry brother. I don't know how you do it. I would grow mad if I was kept from Amphitrite. Tell you what, a new market has just opened in Atlantis. Let us go and explore. It has been decades since you last visited the city."
Hades appreciated his brother's attempts at making him feel better, but knew he had to get to the point of the matter, "Actually brother, I came to ask you something. Like you have Neritus as your male consort, Persephone and I have agreed to let each other take a consort as long as they are not of the opposite sex."
"Well, I guess it's not surprising. You and Persephone have always had an open marriage," Poseidon said, "So, do you need tips on finding and courting a male consort."
"Actually brother, I already have someone in mind. That's why I wanted to speak to you," Hades took a deep breath, "Poseidon, I came to seek your blessing and permission to take your son, Perseus Jackson, as my consort."
Silence echoed in the throne room as Hades waited for his brother's response. Hades would later deny it but he was sweating as he waited for his brother's response. He was more nervous than he had been when he asked Zeus's blessing to take Persephone as his bride.
"You wish to take my son Percy, my only demigod child, as your consort."
"Yes, I do."
"I just want to make sure I heard right before I took action."
"Poseidon-Omph," Hades didn't have a chance to respond. In the blink of an eye he was pinned against the nearest column with his brother's trident at his throat. Gone was the jovial brother who would drink and joke with him. Before him now stood the Earth shaker, the creator of storms, and the being who drowned sailors at sea.
The tips of the trident started to dig into Hades' throat and he felt his golden blood begin to drip down staining his clothing. "What makes you think I will let you have my son? My only mortal child? Do you honestly think I will happily stand aside as Zeus did with his daughter and let you drag him down to the Underworld."
"Brother," Hades started, but was interrupted by the sea god, "Do not call me that!"
"Poseidon. I don't mean any disrespect to you or your son. I knew I was risking your wrath and maybe even the end of our relationship coming here, but I am willing to risk it. For too long I have ignored how I feel about your son, and I just can't anymore. It is not my intention to make him a prisoner. He will be treated with the same respect and honors as Persephone is. He will be royalty in the Underworld and on Olympus and I will spend eternity making sure he has everything his heart desires and never feels unloved or unworthy. Please Poseidon, after Persephone you may be the one being who knows me the best. Do you honestly think my intentions are nefarious here?" Hades pleaded. It was a few moments before he felt the pressure from the trident at his throat ease some.
"He's just a boy." Poseidon's voice broke a little.
"In your eyes yes. But brother, he is now nineteen, and everything he has been through has caused him to grow up far before his time. He has led demigods, both Roman and Greek into battle and made it out the other side. He has lost and had to bury many of his friends along the way. He holds respect for the gods and our realms, but still isn't afraid to stand up to us. Tartarus, he has even fought and negotiated with the gods themselves and not only kept his life, but improved the lives of demigods and retained the blessings and friendships of several gods. He is perhaps the greatest demigod of the modern era, but still carries himself with such grace and humility. He doesn't let it go to his head. I have watched him over the years. He always goes out of his way to protect his friends and spend time with the younger demigods at camp. He is devoted to his mortal family. He is compassionate to creatures big and small and even the shunned such as the hellhound he looks after. Too often he has been dealt a raw deal by the fates and not only does he survive, he thrives. Honestly, the boy is more god than mortal sometimes. But he's never lost that mortal sense of needing to help others and make things better."
Poseidon's jaw had dropped during Hades' speech. He stared at his brother for a long time till, finally, he lifted his trident freeing Hades.
"You really do care for him," Poseidon's voice filled with surprise.
"Yes," Hades said, "For years I tried to convince myself I didn't. I tried telling myself his smart mouth was annoying but couldn't help the amusement I felt at his comments. I tried rolling my eyes every time he pulled some dangerous stunt but I just want to either curse him for being reckless or lock him in my palace where I know he's safe." Hades took a breath, "I ignored everything not wanting to disrespect you or my wife. Persephone saw right through me though and made me face my feelings. Things may not work out, but I will never forgive myself if I don't at least try."
Poseidon remained silent and Hades tried his final plea, "I know it's not what you had in mind for him, but if he becomes my consort he'll be immortal. You won't have to worry about losing him someday. You can be together for eternity. I promise I would never keep him from you. Gods, I let Demeter keep my wife for half the year every year. Percy would be free to visit you and you are welcome in the Underworld anytime. He would never be in danger again Poseidon. I would protect him"
Poseidon sat on his throne looking his age. He kept his head down, not looking at his brother for what seemed an eternity til he finally raised his head, "There will be conditions."
"Name them."
"First, you will keep your word. My son will not be a prisoner. He will be free to come and go from your realm and you will not attempt to keep us apart."
Hades nodded. He knew better than to even try to keep Poseidon from his son. Not that he would ever want to.
"Second, you allow him the same freedoms and deal you have with Persephone. If you are able to take other lovers then he shall have the choice as well."
Hades nodded. He didn't like to think about Percy with other lovers at the moment as he hadn't even had a chance to be with him, but he would not hold Percy to any standard of chastity. Like Persephone, as long as Percy came back to him at the end of the day he did not care what other temporary affairs he had. It was really a stupid thing to expect out of beings that lived as long and were as impulsive as the gods.
"Third, it must be Percy's choice. As you said he has already been through too much at his age. I am not Zeus and will not give him away without his say. Percy must choose to become your consort. If he refuses you are not to bother him ever again."
Hades expected that and nodded again.
"Fourth, you will not just take him to the Underworld like you did with Persephone. You will court him properly in the mortal world. If I hear of you taking him below before he agrees to be your consort I will take back my blessing."
Hades huffed. That would make things harder. Percy was too much like Persephone when she was young. Always getting into trouble. It would be easier to keep him safe in the Underworld where he couldn't run away and others couldn't fill his head with doubts and lies. He agreed however, knowing Poseidon would not relent and not wanting to create another Demeter situation.
"Fine. Then you have my permission to court Percy."
"Thank you brother," Hades said sincerely.
"Don't thank me yet," some of Poseidon's jovialness returning as a smirk worked itself onto his face, "If you think I was difficult you haven't seen anything yet. Perseus will have you running in circles before this is done."
Hades huffed, crossing his arms not wanting to admit Poseidon was probably right.
"Now brother, I suddenly feel like having some target practice with my trident to freshen up my skills. You know, just in case they are needed. You should come and observe. I may be in need of a sparring partner at some point." Poseidon turned and left the throne room letting the threat in his words hang in the air. Hades reluctantly followed his brother wondering if it was too late to just drag Percy down to the Underworld.
Percy Jackson had been having a weird few weeks. He had been staying at Camp Half-Blood the last few months. Chiron had asked him to help with training the newer demigods. Plus he also felt a little out of place at home. He loved his mom and Paul, not to mention his infant sister, but he often felt out of place and underfoot there. They kept in touch though and it seems like his mom and Paul had had an unusual amount of luck lately.
First his mom sells her new book for a great deal, getting much more than she hoped. Then Paul gets a raise and a big donation to his school to upgrade their facilities. Next, his sister miraculously got a scholarship offer to a great preschool that usually had a long waiting list. Then mom played the lottery last week for fun and won a great sum allowing her and Paul to be able to take the honeymoon they never got to have.
Not only that but weird things have been happening to Percy. He kept finding items lying around. Not everyday items like a random shoe or a broken shield. First had been a new set of armor that appeared in his cabin one day. He called Tyson figuring it was a gift from his brother only to learn he had nothing to do with it. None of the Hephaestus kids at camp knew anything either. From then on every few days he would enter his cabin to find some jewelry like a bracelet or ring or a new helmet, shield, knife, or any other kind of weapon. It wasn't just him. Percy walked into the Pegasus stables one day to find Blackjack decked out in new silver reigns and then Mrs. O'Leary found a new collar and dog bowl set decorated in precious stones.
Percy was going crazy trying to figure out where all these items kept coming from. Today he walked into his cabin to find another set of bracelets. These ones were gold with what looked like emeralds. He grabbed them and marched off to the Big House knowing Annabeth and Grover were there to get some help figuring this out.
He stepped onto the wrap around porch to find both his best friends and Nico playing a game of cards while Mr. D was napping on one of the porch swings.
It was Grover who spotted him and noted the jewelry in his hand. "Again?" he asked.
"Third time this week." Percy said with a huff and dropped into a chair. Annabeth didn't comment and just dealt him into their game.
"What?" Nico asked, looking confused. Nico had been visiting his father in the Underworld and spending some time in New Rome with his sister. He hadn't been around the past few weeks and was out of the loop on Percy's new mystery.
"Someone's been leaving seaweed brain gifts. Jewelry, weapons, and armor. They even gave presents to Blackjack and Mrs. O'Leary. And Sally and Paul have been hit with quite the stroke of luck lately," Annabeth explained. She had been the one Percy had been mainly bugging with his theories and speculations.
Percy and Annabeth had a mutual break up after the Giants War. They were still best friends, but felt obligated to stay together after all that happened. Soon they both realized that their heart just wasn't in the relationship anymore. Annabeth had started college in New Rome and Percy decided to stay in New York to support his Mom and Paul with the new baby and help Chiron around camp. Annabeth had even started dating Reyna shortly after moving to New Rome. She had come back to Camp Half-Blood to visit now that she was on summer break.
"Who's giving you presents?" Nico asked.
"That's the thing I don't know." Percy sighed and looked over his cards. "I've talked to everyone we know and it seems no one has a clue. I'm starting to think one of the gods has something to do with it."
"Why would one of the gods be sending you presents? Do you think they're messing with you?" Grover asked.
"I don't know. It seems like a lot of trouble to go through if that's the case. Who sends someone a jewel encrusted dagger as a prank," Percy turned to Annabeth, "What game are we playing anyway?"
Annabeth leaned over to look at Percy's cards, "Doesn't matter you're gonna lose anyway." Percy placed his cards down with a pout.
"Someone's been sending you gifts?" The three demigods and satyr turned to see Chiron joining them.
"Yeah," Percy answered, "Real expensive ones with precious metals and jewels. Only one of them probably cost more than Paul's car."
Chiron's face paled as he took in Percy's words and made to sit down at the table (as much as his horse half would allow).
"Chiron, what's going on?" Annabeth asked, worry creeping into her voice.
Mr. D chose that moment to wake up from his nap. "Whhhatts happppennnning," he slurred.
"Percy has been receiving numerous gifts the past few weeks. All of them include precious metals or jewels." Mr. D stared blankly at Chiron before some sort of understanding filled his face. The god then fell out off the swing laughing harder than any of the demigods had seen before.
"Really Mr. D. I don't think that's helping things." Chiron chided him.
"It's just, of all the mortals, Peter Johnson," Mr. D was once again overcome with laughter. He slowly got up making his way into the Big House, "I have to call Hermes and Apollo. Ohh, this is hysterical."
They all started after the god of wine as he left. Percy turned nervously to Chiron, not sure if he wanted to know why the god was laughing, "Chiron…what's going on?"
Chiron sighed before turning to the young hero, "Percy, how do I put this? I have seen this happen one other time. One of the goddesses received various gifts each made of metal and jewels," Chiron sighed, seeming reluctant to finish his sentence, "A few weeks after she started receiving these gifts Persephone was taken to the Underworld and married to Hades."
It took a moment for Percy to process what Chiron was saying. When the lightbulb finally turned on in his brain he jumped up, knocking his chair back, "You mean, Hades is, your saying-"
"Yes, it seems Hades may be courting you," Chiron confirmed.
Grover, Annabeth, and Nico dropped their cards in shock, their game forgotten. "It's true!" Nico gasped.
"You knew!" Percy immediately turned on him.
"Not specifically," Nico was quick to defend himself, "I overheard some things on my last visit to the Underworld. Dad and Persephone had always had an open marriage and I heard they agreed to let the other take a consort if they wished. Some of the ghosts were gossiping saying that dad had already set his eyes on someone. I didn't know it was you."
Percy just stood there in disbelief. What was happening? Hades was courting him? "Why?" he asked Nico.
"I don't know. I tried asking dad about it, but he always changed the subject," the demigod said, "Obviously if he's courting you it means he wants to make you his eternal consort."
Percy finally sat back down dumbstruck. He couldn't comprehend what was happening. It was all making too much sense though. Hades decided to seek a consort and he and his family start receiving gifts of wealth and precious stones. They all sat there until Grover broke the silence.
"You know, you could do worse."
"What?" Percy snapped.
"Obviously if you're against it I support you all the way, but of all the gods, Hades is probably the best option," Grover said, "He is by far the one least likely to force, hurt, or disrespect you. I know he treats Persephone like a queen and it's true about them having an open marriage. Persephone won't try to plot against you unlike some of the wives of other gods. And Hades is one of the most powerful of the gods with his own domain he rules over."
Percy just stared at Grover until Annabeth gave her input as well, "Grover makes some good points. Hades has the best track record when it comes to his lovers. You could probably negotiate with him to work out an arrangement you're both okay with. Plus we both know he's your type."
"But he's my uncle," Percy tried protesting.
"Ancient rules, the godly side of your DNA only counts as far as who your parent is," Chiron jumped in, "If it did count beyond that then all you campers would be dating your cousins, nieces, nephews, uncles, and aunts."
Percy finally turned to the last person at the table, "Nico?"
The son of Hades scratched his head, "Look Percy, I'm not gonna lie and say the idea is awkward for me. However, I know my dad. He wouldn't go to all this trouble if he wasn't serious. Gods, I wouldn't be surprised if he already went to your dad for permission."
"He did," Percy turned to see Mr. D had rejoined them, "It seems Uncle Hades already went to Uncle Poseidon to seek his blessing. The rumor mill on Olympus has it that Uncle Poseidon blew up at Uncle Hades and almost killed him before he could finish pleading his case. Uncle Poseidon gave his blessing with several conditions. I heard he also used Uncle Hades for target practice for a while."
Percy looked around at everyone, "You guys really think I should just go along with this?"
"Seaweed brain," Annabeth sighed, "We're just saying it's not the end of the world. In fact it could end up being a good thing. You don't have to make a decision now. Talk to your dad and see what happened. If Hades is truly courting you then let him. Make him work for it and see if you feel a connection. You can always say no."
The others nodded along with Annabeth. All except Mr. D who went back to napping on his porch swing. Percy digested Annabeth's words. He couldn't help but stare at the bracelets he had found this morning still laying on the table, "I'll think about it," he finally said. The others smiled knowing that was all they would get for now. Percy grabbed the cards and began shuffling a new deck, "Now seriously, what game are we playing?"
It was a few days after the talk at the Big House that Percy finally had enough courage to call his dad. At first Percy let out all his frustration that his father didn't warn him what was going on. Poseidon let Percy get it all out before explaining that due to ancient rules and traditions he couldn't give Percy much heads up and that the demigod had needed to figure it out himself. He did assure Percy that he had set several conditions in his favor. Hades would not be allowed to just take him off to the Underworld and Percy had the right to refuse without fearing any sort of backlash from Hades. Poseidon also confessed that he was sorry he didn't talk to Percy first, but he couldn't help but hope that Percy may become immortal as a result of everything and that he wouldn't have to lose him to a mortal death. Poseidon also promised that he would be keeping an eye on things and if Hades stepped out of line he would feed him to the kraken.
After that Percy called his mom to let her know what was happening. At first Sally had been shocked and worried, but even she had to admit though that Hades was probably the safest option among the gods. Having had an affair with Percy's father she could understand how attractive the gods were. Besides Hades had been kind enough to not only send Percy gifts, but also his animal companions and his family showing he understood how important they were to him. She ended up giving him the same advice as Annabeth: see where it goes and remember you can always say no. She also told him no matter what his decision that she would always love him.
So Percy did exactly that. He kept accepting the gifts left for him and went about life as normally as he could. Although he kept wondering if the god in question was ever going to show himself. He got his answer one afternoon as he took Mrs. O'Leary on a walk in the woods. She was having fun playing tug of war with a tree branch when Percy spotted a familiar figure out of the corner of his eyes. He turned to see the god that had been invading his thoughts for days.
Hades was dressed in a traditional black toga with his dark hair framing his face, "Perseus," he greeted.
"Hades," Percy responded.
The two lapsed into silence for a while until Percy spoke up, "I know you have been sending me gifts."
"I have," Hades said.
Silence enveloped them again. Percy fidgeted, not sure what he was supposed to do, "I appreciate them, but you don't have to send so many. It's not that I don't like them, but I'm kind of running out of space in my cabin."
"Is there something else you would prefer?"
Percy huffed and stomped his foot in frustration, "Look, we both know I know you're trying to court me or something. I just ...before this goes further I need to know why. Why me? You could have anyone, why me?"
Hades walked closer until he and Percy stood toe to toe. He observed the young demigod before speaking, "Do you know how I first met Persephone," Percy shook his head, "It was a gathering on Mount Olympus. A party for the anniversary of the Titan's defeat. Zeus ordered everyone to attend. I didn't much care for parties, most of the gods avoided me even back then. I went though and was walking through the gardens when I bumped into someone. I expected the goddess to cower and apologize before scurrying away, but no. Persephone looked me straight in the eye and told me to watch where I was going before brushing past me to join some dryads who were dancing."
Hades chuckled, "I guess I've always been attracted to beings who weren't put off by who I was. When you walked into the Underworld at age twelve and stood before me, I expected a sniveling, cowardly child. Instead you lectured me on not starting a war and how to better rule my kingdom. Telling me to give Charon a raise and to play more with Cerberus."
Percy couldn't help blushing at the memory. "I knew then that you were going to be trouble," Hades continued, "I tried ignoring and pushing you away but you just kept popping up. I watched amazed every time you overcame some new challenge. Not necessarily because you survived, not that I wasn't grateful for that, but because no matter what you faced you never let it change you. You never let it harden your heart or stop you from helping others. You are an amazing warrior, the greatest of a generation. You're also fearless, never hesitating to put even the Olympians in their place when needed. You take care of everyone around you from your fellow campers, to your animal companions, to your family. I have seen millions of souls over the eons Perseus, and I promise you I have never seen a mortal soul as amazing and beautiful as yours."
Percy couldn't stop his jaw from dropping at Hades' words. This kind of thing just doesn't happen to him. Yet here was one of the most powerful gods declaring their devotion to him, "I'm still unsure about immortality. I don't know if I can bear losing my family and friends."
"I know," Hades said, "But you won't, not truly. As my consort you would be a prince of the Underworld. You can see any of your family and friends after they enter my realm. Gods, I'll even create a new section of the Underworld for them to live in and you can visit and spend time with them whenever you want. I know it won't be the same, but they would always be there for you. You would also be free to come and go from the Underworld as you please. You can visit and spend time with your father in his realm. The ancient rules would no longer apply and you can finally have a real relationship. I wouldn't even force you to stay faithful. Both me and Persephone take mortal lovers. If you ever desired you would be free to do the same, even have demigod children of your own if you wanted. I vow to you, if you became my consort you would never want for anything. All I ask in return is to be able to bask in the beauty of your soul."
Percy took everything in. He was feeling slightly overwhelmed. The god was promising him everything. Even to be with his friends and family after they died. It was surely too good to be true. Stuff like this never happens.
Or maybe, the Fates were finally making up for everything else.
"I want to spend time together before I make a decision. Dates. I don't need anymore gifts, but I want to see if we fit together. If we are compatible," Percy said.
"Whatever you want, it's yours," Hades said without hesitating.
"Good," Percy responded. He wasn't sure what to do next and ended up sticking out his hand to shake on their deal.
Hades smiled, "I have a different idea to seal our agreement if you're willing."
"What did you have in mind?"
Hades' hands moved to ensnare Percy's waist. He pulled the demigod close and touched their foreheads together. Percy's breathing picked up and he could feel his heart trying to break out of his chest. Hades slowly lowered his head giving Percy time to protest if he wanted. He didn't though and let the god touch their lips together. Hades lips were softer than he expected. The kiss started out slow before Hades raised one of his hands to bury itself in Percy's hair. The god's tongue peaked out to lick the demigod's lips asking for entrance. Percy opened his mouth and was immediately drowned in pleasure and sensation.
The two spent several minutes just holding each other and kissing. Percy could only formulate one though as his mouth was devoured by the King of the Underworld: Wow, I could get used to this.
Thanks for reading. Let me know what you think.