Sorry!

Honestly thought I had these set up to auto publish -_-'

You guys ready for a slew of new chapters?

Don't hate us O.O

Lots of Love,

Dark

He takes the stairs two at a time.

He needed to get this kid medicine. Needed to get his fever down. Needed to make sure he was okay.

Needed it like he needed to breathe.

He wasn't losing another kid.

Wasn't failing another baby.

He knew it was selfish but-

He couldn't.

He skids when he reaches the sitting-room he'd become so comfortable with, grabbing one of the blankets off the back of a chair.

He gently places the boy down before he strips out of his hoodie and yanks off the top layer of shirts, before he plops to his knees in front of the boy, stripping him of the sweat covered clothes as well.

His eyes carefully scan Daniel for any hidden wounds. He can't help his whoosh of relief when all he finds is some scrapes and bruises.

He dips his hand in his bag before he pulls out the ointment and all but massages the boy with it.

His lips twitch into a smile at the scrunch of the boy's nose at the pungent scent.

After, he pulls one of the shirts over him and wraps him in the blanket.

There.

He picks the boy back up before he plops on the couch.

He needed real medicine.

I can see if the Lord of Death has any left.

He frowns.

True. He just-

He looks up when he hears a throat being cleared, and quickly has to fight the urge to laugh.

Hades was standing in front of him in something similar to his robes, but this was long sleeved and striped and came with a matching weird hat.

And even weirder, thin fabric shoes.

He must have been sleeping. You know, it's kind of-

No! No, don't you dare make me laugh.

The last thing he needed was for her to call the damned god cute.

"When I said you were welcomed to crash, I never imagined it would-" Hades narrows his eyes as he walks around the couch and sits in the recliner, "You have a thing on you."

He snorts. "Oh, you noticed that, huh?"

Hades sits back as he gestures to Daniel curled up in his lap, "Hard not to when it's clinging to you like you saved its-" He stops dead as his eyes narrow. "Where did you find that?"

"Mim's."

"Gross."

"I thought so."

"What's wrong with it, besides the smell."

"What smell?"

"It smells like breathing sick," he sits a little closer and takes a measured whiff, "and stomach acid."

He frowns as he looks down, running his hand through the boy's hair. "He was in that cave for fuck only knows how long, most mortals would be sick."

Assuming they could make it as long as the boy in his lap.

"Not to mention, he got a face full of smoke bombs during our visit." Hades adds as he stands up.

His eyes widen. Fuck. He grimaces, he hadn't even thought about that.

"P-" Hades' eyes drop to the sleeping kid before he groans and drops his voice, "Pain, Panic. Sitting room."

His brow raises, that was…

Cute.

He snorts. Not the word I would use.

Hades quickly rushes out of view, but he hears him frantically whisper, "Shut up, it's sleeping. Don't talk."

Oh.

What? He can't help but ask when her giggle resounds in his ears.

He isn't trying to wake him up to be polite.

Then why the-

I think he's afraid of children.

No fucking way. He turns to the door curiously.

"Go get one of the boxes of crap my dear brother keeps shoving at me."

"Yes-"

"I said, don't talk. Just go. And don't talk when you get back, either."

He tilts his head to the side, huh.

He really thought he was going to have to make a deal.

It is weird, isn't it?

He frowns as he looks down at the boy on his lap. Think he has what we need?

We won't know 'til they come back.

He hears muffled footsteps as Hades paces and grumbles behind him. "Woulda been faster if I just went and got the shit myself."

"Like you could find it."

Hades snorts, "Do you want medicine for the kid?" He quips back in a tight voice.

"Right," He looks away. "Fair."

"We-"

"What did I-" Hades takes a deep breath as he snatches the box from the two imps, "Be quiet. Go pick apples for the Kitten."

Who knew Senior had an indoor voice? He frowns.

Deez. He bites his lip as he looks between Daniel and his bag. Surely the others had seen to her. He knew she was in rough shape. Like really fucking rough. But, she'd always been a fighter. And with the family at her back, there was like, no way-

There isn't. They wouldn't let her.

True. He frowns.

But if she hadn't healed while I carried her- And with even Senior being afraid to touch that dagger- I don't know. I don't think she's ever felt pain for a sustained period of time. What if it's-

You can't think like that. If they could bring us back, they will do the same for her. She'll be alright. They won't stand for anything less.

"Here," Hades sets the box beside him on the couch before he sits in the chair, "There's gotta be something in there for the thing."

"Thanks," He adjusts Daniel on his lap before he starts rummaging.

Look for the red and white bottle.

Right.

"Maybe I should have the imps take some of these to the cove huh?" Hades awkwardly rubs his head.

"Will definitely earn you points." He says absently as he continues searching the box.

That one.

He nods as he picks up the box.

"Eh, stupid, you guys keeping using your points for that crap anyways." Hades rolls his eyes, "medicine, ugh. How's that supposed to entertain me?"

He blinks as he looks up at Senior.

Don't.

Don't what? Question where he suddenly got a conscious?

T, he's being nice. Let it go.

"Uma'd appreciate it."

Good T.

"Ok then, I'll um, I'll have the imps go through the storage areas and get the useful shit to the Momma Squid."

He looks up, "That'd be pretty awesome of you."

"You might have to help carry some of the shit, there's a lot."

"Happily." He looks up, genuinely appreciative. "But, um, think they can make a trip tonight?"

"I mean, they're thrilled to be ordered to pick apples," Hades drums his fingers on the arm of his chair, "I don't see why they wouldn't."

"Cool, cause like D needs her necklaces back. Like, yesterday."

Hades turns to him with a frown, "I mean, you don't have to lay it on thick, I'll get the imps to take the necklaces back.

He rolls his eyes as he pulls them from his bag, "one of them keeps the shit ya'll lived at bay, an' I think she's gonna have enough ta focus on."

Hades jumps to his feet, "Pa-" he grimaces as Daniel fidgets before he snatches the necklaces, "shit, shit-" He leaves the room still chanting.

Holy shit. He blinks. I think you're right.

That's why I said it, now do you mind-

She sighs as she takes out the bottle and unscrews the cap to fill the plastic shot glass and measures it out.

"Shhh," she coos softly as she slowly adjusts Daniel, tilting his head back, so she can tip the liquid down his throat.

Sighing in relief when he finishes swallowing.

"You know, you're pretty good with that," Hades startles her as he slides back in the room, "at least when it's sleeping."

She frowns, "T used to help Beam take care of the younger urchins. Also, it's name is Daniel, and he-" she pauses as she glances at the sleeve Daniel had bitten through. "Actually never mind. Thank you. For helping. I know you didn't have to. With this, or with Deez. But, I really appreciate you caring. It means a great deal to us. Me."

Hades blinks as he rounds the couch, "when did you switch?" He asks as he plops down.

"I could feel his anxiety about having to dose Daniel, so I figured it would be best if I did it. If you'd prefer his company, however, I have no problem retr-"

"No no no." Hades waves his hands, "you're good. Just makes more sense to me that it's you taking care of it-" he freezes, mouth open as his eyes shift around the room, "Daniel."

"Thank you," her lips twitch, "T's actually pretty great with kids, it's the getting them to take medicine part he hates." she smiles, "he caves at tears."

"Kids are a lot of work," Hades rolls his eyes, "at least you're both good with them." He snorts darkly as he turns away, "I however, am not. Figured that out with my first nephew." His face pinches.

"That's a shame," Faustina watches Daniel, "no one will ever make you feel as needed as a child. Or rely on you more heavily. Depend on and look up to you. Appreciate and love you more. At least once you've earned their trust. It's a very fulfilling relationship, though-" She sweeps her eyes over him, "I could see where some might think them parasitic for those same reasons."

"Huh." Hades rubs his head again, "guess I missed the memo on that one." He sighs, "You know, at one point I think she did look up to me, but boy did I mess that up."

She studies the god for a moment, "every child craves the love of their parents, even at the cost of themselves. If her love is what you wish, it's there. Not as easily as you could have earned it when she was a babe, but still. If that's an avenue you wish to pursue, it isn't yet dead to you. It will just take a lot of work and effort."

Hades sighs as he leans back in the seat.

"But, she's worth it." She continues as she runs her hand through Daniel's limp hair, "there's not a soul on this Earth that shines brighter than her, and who on this Isle doesn't need some light?"

Hades watches her before he sighs again, "you're not wrong. Guess she gets that from her mother, maybe."

She tilts her head, "you know," she pauses.

Did she dare?

"you're not a villain." She points out evenly.

"No, just a shortsighted, impatient, selfish idiot." He shakes his head, "with asshole tendencies."

Her lip twitches, "so is T, and he's still loved."

Hades glares at her, "are you kidding me? T? That kid is the opposite of selfish," he waves a hand dismissively, "everything else is spot on, though."

"I suppose that's what one would define as selfish," she shrugs as she leans into the couch.

He snorts, "selfish people don't make the kind of deals he makes. Trust me," he presses his hands to his chest, "I know. I've made billions."

"Well, I can't argue you on that point, but perhaps I can shift your view on the other-"

"Kiddo, Arachne," Hades chuckles, "you're awesome, and yes, you are teaching me a few things I may have forgotten over the years, but trust me." He holds both hands out, palm up, "the difference between selfish in the moment and selfish at the core is not something I need to learn."

She tilts her head, "you have met more mortals than I can even conceive. My apologies if I was overstepping."

"Nah, I like it," Hades shrugs, "most of the time anyway, just didn't seem like something you needed to waste your wisdom on."

"Wisdom is never wasted, but there's no sense in trying to impart something on such a traversed topic for you." She offers with a small smile. "And truly thank you, I don't know what we would have done today without you."

"You know, despite how I may have seemed indifferent in the past, I don't want my daughter to die." Hades clicks his tongue before he looks away, "and, ya know, not just because I need another cuff removed."

She smiles, "and one day you'll have the-"

Courage.

"Confidence to tell her that, without it being taken horribly wrong due to your lack of being able to convey anything of depth without being a complete ass ."

Hades frowns thoughtfully as he bounces a finger in midair, his lips moving as if he were repeating what she'd said, "thank you?"

She nods, "you know, for a selfish asshole with temper problems, you were quite selfless today."

"It was a struggle," Hades admits slowly.

"The first step is always the hardest."

"Between you and me," Hades leans closer to her, "that was, I dunno, scary doesn't sound right, but I can't remember the last time I felt that." His eyes narrow before he continues in an even softer whisper, "she looked so small, and fragile."

She watches the god carefully, "worried?"

Doing her best to control her features.

He could be so adorably clueless sometimes for an eternal being.

"Yeah, worried." He sighs, "and still probably scared. It was a little like the time I was eaten." His brow furrows, "not the same, though."

She frowns.

Should she tell him?

Explain that what he was actually worried about was his daughter and if she'd survive? Or would that be pushing him too far too fast?

He was already being incredibly generous, and it usually took hours of poking and prodding for him to become this open.

Clearly it was weighing on him.

Hades shakes his head, "So anyway," he points to Daniel, "does he mean you're not going back to the family?"

Her eyes sweep over the boy as she bites her lip. "Infections and illnesses spread rampantly among unhealthy mortals, and most of our people are still pretty weak from the suffering they have endured…"

"Yeah, boy, don't I know it." Hades whistles before his eyes drop to Daniel. "I've seen enough plagues to know that," he continues quickly, "you wouldn't believe the influxes we'd get in the Underworld-" He purses his lips as he looks her over, "you know what, another time."

"I appreciate your understanding in the matter." She sighs. "It would be heartbreaking for a plague to spread through our ranks after everything we've done to keep them safe."

Hades watches her as his fingers lightly drum against the armrest.

He looked like he had something more he wanted to talk about.

Or say.

But before she can press, he grips the chair and pushes himself up, "yeah. I hear ya." He looks around the room as he rubs his head, "you got enough pillows and blankets and whatever else you need?"

She nods with a smile, "thank you." She covers her yawn.

Hades nods as he stands there, fidgeting with his hands, "Cool. Cool cool cool."

"You've been so kind to me and our new friend," She smiles as she looks down at Daniel, "I really do appreciate your generosity, but I don't think I've got much of a choice but to sleep soon."

"Yeah, of course." Hades nods before he frowns, "just don't like, go around spreading that rumor. I've got a reputation as a badass to protect."

"Of course, you forbid anyone find out you actually have a heart in that stone chest of yours."

"Exactly." He crosses his arms over his chest. "Good, exactly. Cool."

She shakes her head, "but if I could be so bold and ask you for one more favor-" she smiles, "I was hoping to check on the others, but I left our bag on-"

"I got it," Hades jumps forward, so quickly he blurs, grabbing the bag from the floor before he holds it out at the perfect height for her to go through it without disrupting Daniel.

"Thank you." She smiles as she pilfers the correct book.

She'd been waiting for him to ask, but-

It would be rude to keep him waiting until morning.

Cruel even.

Especially after everything he'd done for them today-

For her, even if she wouldn't believe it.

She opens the book and quickly searches for news.

A sigh of relief whooshes past her lips.

Thank god, one of them had actually written.

Thank you Yensid!

"They were able to patch her up, she's stable and resting now. Though she is not healing." She offers him the book, "would you like to see?"

"No," Hades exhales slowly before he nods once, "night."

"Goodnight." She yawns as she places down the notebook and curls protectively around Daniel.

She feels the Rush wear off as she settles, waiting for sleep to claim her.

She was almost asleep when the temple shakes.

She smiles.

He'd waited.

Several weeks ago that tantrum would have been thrown at or in front of others, she wouldn't call it perfect, but it was definitely progress.

Progress she never would have expected from the god.

Her lips twitch as her eyes slowly close.

Crap.

She sits up slowly, she'd appreciated Yensid's update of the situation, no doubt they'd appreciate theirs.

She swallows her groan as she forces herself to get up and retrieve the book.

At the very least, she could explain that they would be back in a few days-

She looks down at Daniel in concern as she chews her lip.

They didn't need anything else to worry about. And if something happened, if he took a turn…

They didn't need to know.

-if only to keep Hades distracted.

The fuck did I just read?

Did Sr actually just show a fuck?

About his daughter?

Has he really come that far in a few months?

Or do you think he'd still forsake her at the first chance of freedom?

Regardless, this was a pretty damned cute scene.

One that got to explore SR, T, and Faustina's dynamics a bit. And, yeah, I know there's several of those, but to me anyways, this one is the most telling…

Any thoughts on why Sr. suffers Faustina's presence so easily?

Why T and her suffer his?

Can you blame Tina for leaving Daniel out of her explanation to the fam?

Are you worried for Deez and the boy?

Iwannaknow so fucking bad!

Much love and shit

-Twisted