Chapter Text
The start of the semester always excited Zeus because it heralded an onslaught of fresh faces to the university. By the end of each year, he'd been with all the women from each class that he could and, for the renowned player, life got boring. However, with all the potential partners - ahem, incoming freshman - he was revived and the cycle started anew.
It's because of this obsession with relationships that made Zeus seem like the odd brother out. Indeed, neither of his brothers seemed to care much for hedonistic pleasures, instead busying themselves with other trivial things. Poseidon would sooner marry the sea than any human, too preoccupied in swim team and too busy with practice to date. Meanwhile, Hades, the most quiet of the trio, just showed no interest nor romantic inclination whatsoever. He seemed more fascinated in his biology labs, particularly those involving dissection, than anything.
Zeus sighed. Maybe his hobby was not exactly conventional, or appropriate, as the prudish would say, but he was not the weird one. Compared to his brothers' vices, his almost seemed normal.
Fortunately, it seemed like things were finally taking a turn. It took several semesters, but it looks like someone had finally caught Hades' eye. Zeus couldn't fault him for it; Persephone really was quite beautiful. She had that cute, innocent look about her that made you want to coo and coddle her like she was something to be protected. Although she wasn't what he preferred most (because, let's be honest, every girl is his type), he would definitely have approached her - had it not been for Hades, for once in his life, taking interest in a girl.
Because he was tired of being ostracized, Zeus decided to refrain from seducing the junior transfer. However, that was quickly turning out to be a big mistake.
"What did you just say? I don't think I heard that correctly."
"I want to marry her."
Zeus looked at Hades incredulously. "WHAT?!"
Hades' eyes hardened at the unhelpful response. "I said I want to marry Persephone. I don't know when yet, but, rest assured, I will."
Zeus got off the couch. It was time for an intervention. "Listen, Hades, I know you're new to this whole romance thing, so I'm going to pretend I didn't hear that."
"I don't think it matters whether I've done this before or not. I know she's the one for me." Hades frowned.
Zeus almost facepalmed, but tamed the reaction. "Yes, it does matter. First rule of relationships: NEVER commit."
"That's literally the opposite of what a relationship stands for."
"Well, seeing as you've never been with a woman before, let me enlighten you. They're all minxes. Sooner or later, she's going to want something from you and then you'll have no way out. You thought you were happy and then BOOM! She's trapped you."
"And why would I trust the advice of someone who can't hold on to another person for more than a month?"
"Hey! Hera and I- well, anyway. That doesn't matter. I'm telling you what does matter right now is that it's. a. bad. idea." Zeus emphasized his take on Hades', frankly, ludicrous plan, by banging his fist on the table after every word.
The brothers glared at each other, neither willing to end the standoff until the door creaked open and another figure introduced himself into the room. You could cut the tension with a knife, but before Poseidon could escape back outside, the two turned to him.
"Poseidon! Tell him that marrying Persephone is a waste of his time!" Zeus exclaimed, pointing to Hades.
"You don't get to decide what I do with who I care about." Hades snarked.
Through it all, Poseidon rubbed his temple. He had a headache, caused by skipping lunch yet again (he can't be blamed; the water simply called to him all the time and who was he to refuse), and these two idiots were not helping it subside in the least. Instead of responding, he made his way to his room.
"Poseidon-"
"SHUT UP!" His temper flared as it was wont to do - he had never possessed much patience to begin with - as he turned to Zeus irritably. "Leave me out of this. I don't care about romance, or relationships, or girls. I couldn't care less about what Hades does, it's his life. So stop bothering me and be quiet, I have a headache!" He slammed the door shut.
Hades smirked and raised an eyebrow at his brother. It was a wordless taunt if Zeus ever saw one.
He narrowed his eyes. "This isn't over."
👑
A door creaked open, followed by soft footsteps.
"Is he gone?"
"For right now. He said he was going to find Hera, but who knows. As long as he doesn't bring anyone home tonight, I don't care what he does." Hades lay on his back on the couch, staring blankly at the ceiling, a cigarette between his lips.
Poseidon frowned. As an athlete, he wanted to say something about Hades' unfortunate habit, but he knew his brother already understood the consequences and would continue to do it anyway so he kept his mouth shut. He didn't feel like having another argument tonight, especially since his headache hadn't fully dissipated yet.
"So, you and Persephone?" He sat on the other couch next to his brother's, "How long has that been going on?"
Hades sent him a withering stare. "You really don't pay attention to anything that's not about water, do you?"
"I don't really have a reason to. Also, you didn't answer my question."
"Hmm..." Hades closed his eyes, "A few weeks, maybe?"
Poseidon quirked an eyebrow. "That's not a very long time."
"No, it's not."
"And you're sure about forever with her?"
"I'm sure."
Silence reigned while both gathered their thoughts. Feeling someone staring, Hades opened his eyes again to Poseidon's slightly concerned gaze.
"Don't give me that look. I'm serious."
Poseidon put his hands up in placation. "I didn't say anything. I meant what I said: do what you want to do. Just make sure you don't regret it."
"Wow, look at you. I never imagined the hotheaded one could ever be the voice of reason." Hades smirked and crossed his arms. "I didn't think you had it in you."
"I mean..." Poseidon shrugged. "What do I know about love?"