Chapter Text
At the end of summer, where the flowers were no longer needed and when autumn was arriving, He had approached her from the shadows asking: "Will you come with me to the Underworld for the time being?" And He had offered up his hand. "We can escape together like we always used to."
She sighed, an exaggerated eye roll but a fond smile as she took his hand. She watched how his fingers curled around hers instinctively, holding hands as they've always had for many eons.
"Y'know," she peered up. "Being asked yearly to come to the Underworld with you will cause suspicions with the other Gods." She lightly pinched his cheek, lightly giggling as his eyebrows furrowed and a pout settled on his face.
"They should really mind their own business..."
"Privacy among Gods is practically nonexistent."
"It's not like I'm forcing you!"
"You're not, but you're also the God of the Dead Lord Hades," she chuckled, seeing his face scrunch up in disdain at his title. "What? Displeased with your own name?"
"It's too formal. Especially for this day and era. Times are changing and so are our names," He grumbled before looking at her with bright eyes and an excited look. "I've heard you've renamed yourself?"
She wanted to laugh, seeing such a feared God look at her with such innocence. She doesn't, but she'll keep it in the back of her head for the future.
"I have, it's Rosa."
"Rosa..." He said her name slowly like he was tasting fine ambrosia; like her name is to be treated with as much worship and praise. "Rosa... it suits you. You've once told me about roses; not only do they symbolize love and purity, but they are resilient flowers." Then he smiled, warmer than the summer sun. "They truly resemble you."
Rosa hadn't realized the breath she was holding in, nor had she realized when a yellow tulip bloomed nearby their feet. She cleared her throat, "A-Anyways, I might have to decline your offer this year." Truly, she didn't want to. But until she had a valid reason to keep going to the Underworld, the other Gods would rather her stay above and in Olympus.
"I see..." He said, rather dejected. Rosa was about to console him until she saw something cross his mind. There was a debate in his eyes, contemplating until he finally spoke his mind:
"Be my wife."
Time froze and she was trapped under his coral gaze, determined, her hands held close to his chest. "Be my wife," he repeated. "That way there will be no more questions and excuses for why you disappear for six months. Be my queen, and rule the Underworld with me."
Rosa was speechless. A bold proposal for something so trivial.
But the more she mulled over the idea, the more appealing it sounded. She wasn't opposed to it.
His cheeks got rosier by the second, confidence soon slipping and looking more unsure by the passing second. "Y-You don't have to accept of course." He stuttered. "A marriage bind would be the only acceptable way for your visits and—"
"I accept." Despite her own nerves, her voice came out strong and clear.
He blinked. "Y-You... accept...?" He took a step forward, a hint of hope and excitement shined in his eyes.
"Yes, I accept." This time, she laughed at his owlish expression, cupping his cheek and smiling. "I'll be your queen during the cold months. Now, can I get my soon-to-be husband's new name?"
His eyes lit up, sparkled in hues of red. They're beautiful and Rosa found herself lost.
From the corner of her eyes, a striped tulip bloomed as well, right next to the yellow one prior. Beautiful eyes and sunshine smile, suiting flowers for the god before her.
Luke, he whispered to her, his new name. And she too said it with the utmost care, admiring.