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Hades was a powerful man.
Powerful, but lonely.
He wasn't the social type and was never close with the others. He always attended events, but everyone was distant. No one would risk angering the Ruler of The Underworld.
He told himself he liked it that way. That meant no one would pester him for petty favors and superficial gifts. But even he knew that was a lie. He craved connection. Love.
But he knew that would never happen. Not for him.
At least that's what he thought. Until he met her.
Persephone.
He didn't expect it. Nobody did.
But, on a warm spring evening, as he strolled through the park, he couldn't help but hear the chatter. Not uncommon for the parks on Olympus to be filled with gossiping Nymphs. Something was different this time, however. The nymphs were huddled around someone. A god.
Hades could immediately tell from the aura of power. It was new and clearly hasn't reached its full potential. Odd. Zeus normally assigned new gods their duties as soon as they are of age.
He caught a nymph walking his way.
¨Excuse me. I wasn't aware a new god had been born?"
The nymph was slightly startled. ¨Oh, she's only new to Olympus! Demeter raised her on Earth until now. She's finally allowed up here as long as we supervise and look out for her."
¨A god raised on Earth? Why?"
¨Her father is Zeus." She said it like it explained everything. And it did. Hades knew Zeus had wronged many, he wasn't surprised by Demeter´s distance from Olympus.
He nodded in understanding.
That's when he finally saw her. The crowd of nymphs parted to reveal the most gorgeous person Hades had ever seen. She was elegant and graceful, with flowers sprouting all around her. He could feel his face flush and his heart drum.
The nymph must have noticed because she cleared her throat and stood taller. ¨Don't get any ideas. She is forbidden from interacting with any of the men on Olympus. It is our duty to keep Persephone safe." With that, she marched back to the group.
Persephone.
The name ran circles through Hades´ head. It would continue through his walk to his car. And the drive home. And as he lay in bed.
He couldn´t stop thinking about her.
But something else kept itself in the front of his thoughts.
¨She is forbidden from interacting with any of the men on Olympus."
He was absolutely smitten.
But he could never be with her.
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Hades was heartbroken and it showed.
Everyone on Olympus, gods, titans, and nymphs alike, could all see the shift in mood.
Some days he would neglect his duties and lay in bed all day. Some days he would overwork himself to the point of exhaustion. Thanatos had to stop him from working for longer than he could handle.
After a very tiring week, Thanatos decided it was time to stop messing around.
It was another depressive evening and Hades lay in bed. He thought about Persephone. Her smile. Her eyes. He started to drift off into sleep.
Fwoomp!
The blankets were ripped off in a hurried motion.
Hades jumped up, not expecting to see his assistant walking towards his closet.
¨What the fuck, Thanatos," He growled.
¨Good evening, sir."
¨What is this about?"
Thanatos was searching through suits as Hades sat up in bed.
¨There is a party this evening and you are going to attend. I've already brought the car up to the front and verified your attendance. All you need to do is get ready."
¨I´m not going to a stupid party." He tried to pull the blanket over his head again, but Thanatos snatched them away.
¨I understand that you are upset, but you have been neglecting your health and your duties. If anything is going to break you out of this melancholy mood, it's a good-fashioned party. Now get in the shower, comb your damn hair and get in the car!"
Hades was taken aback by the sternness in his voice but did as told. He took a shower, put on a nice suit, and drove to the party.
He immediately regretted it as soon as he got there.
It was loud and crowded and dark. But it was too late now, he had been noticed.
¨Hades, my man! Where the Hell have you been? Ha! Just a little Underworld humor, you get it!" The obnoxious man gave a hard pat to Hades´ shoulder.
¨Evening Zeus. How´s Hera?"
¨Eh, you know how she can be. She's probably around here somewhere. Anyway, how have you been? We haven't seen you in a while."
¨I´ve been dealing with things."
¨What kind of things?"
He didn´t want to deal with Zeus´ nosiness so he absentmindedly scanned the room. It wasn't long before someone caught his eye. It was her.
Persephone.
Zeus followed his gaze. ¨Oh. Lady trouble?"
Hades started to walk away but Zeus followed.
¨What? Too scared to talk to her or something?"
Hades sighed. ¨Her mother has forbidden all men from interacting with her."
Zeus snorted out a laugh. ¨Why would someone do that?"
¨You should know."
¨What do you mean?"
Hades turned back to Zeus with a deadpan expression. He desperately wanted out of this conversation. ¨She's Demeter´s daughter."
Realization hit Zeus´ face. ¨Oh."
¨Exactly. So can we please not-¨
Zeus cut him off. ¨I can help!"
Hades stepped back in surprise. ¨What?"
¨I can help! She's my kid too so I give you, my blessing! There! Problem fixed!"
Hades had to stop himself from calling Zeus a number of rude names. ¨You do realize that fixes nothing at all. Even if she did want to talk to me with your 'blessing,' she's guarded by Demeter´s nymphs. All instructed to keep her away from men."
Zeus stood there, thinking for a while. Hades was just about to walk away when he grabbed his arm.
¨I have a plan," he declared, grinning.
¨No.¨
¨What?"
¨Your plans are never good."
¨This one is! I promise you! You'll like it!"
¨No. I´m doing anything you say."
¨Ok, you don't even have to do anything! Just be at the park tomorrow at 1-ish."
Hades walked away. He wanted to talk to her. So much. But teaming up with Zeus? That was just stupid. Still, he found himself thinking about it on the drive home.
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¨This is stupid," Hades muttered to himself. He was at the park. He didn't know why he was there. He didn´t want anything to do with the stupid plan. But he did want to see her again. Persephone and her nymphs were in their normal spot, talking.
He didn't have to wait long before Zeus showed up. He tensed. He wouldn't let him do anything stupid.
But all he did was start talking. The nymphs were hesitant at first. Not letting him even see Persephone. But after a while, they were all captivated. Probably some dumb, exaggerated story he has told a million times over. They weren't paying attention to her, and she was already bored with whatever story Zeus was telling.
That's when a row of gorgeous flowers and plants sprouted up. Starting small, they grew quickly, clearly trying to lead her somewhere. Hesitant at first, curiosity won over and she followed.
Hades was confused. What was going on? What was Zeus planning?
That's when he noticed that the trail of flowers ended directly below his feet. He stood there, staring down at his feet, for so long that he didn't notice the figure right in front of him.
¨Hello?"
The voice shook him out of his thoughts. He looked back to the person in front of him. It was her. He felt a blush creeping up his face.
She started to look confused. He realized he´d been silent for too long.
¨Um… Hello."
¨Are these your flowers?" She pointed at the trail.
He chuckled. ¨Not really."
¨That's too bad. They´re quite beautiful."
¨They are, aren't they? Reminds me of my greenhouse a bit."
Persephone´s face lit up. ¨You have a greenhouse?"
Hades smiled. She was beautiful, especially when she was excited. ¨Yes, technically. Thanatos is the caretaker. It's his pride and joy. I often visit it when I need some fresh air."
A confused look came across her face. ¨Thanatos? Does that make you…. Hades?"
Hades cursed at himself in his head. There it was. She was going to run screaming. Stupid job. Stupid Underworld. Stupid Hades. Stupi-
¨I´ve always been curious about the Underworld."
¨What?"
No one ever asked about the Underworld, besides if Hades could promise them a spot in Elysium or what tortures were most cruel in the Fields of Punishments.
¨On Earth, humans would tell stories about it, but they can exaggerate quite a bit. Since I'm a goddess, I'll never see it. So, I´ve always been curious."
¨Um, well I can take you there if you'd like?"
¨Hm, I don´t know. Mother told me not to trust the men up here."
¨Yeah, I heard. It's up to you. My car is just around the corner."
She stared at Hades for a moment, as if studying him. After what felt like an eternity, she smiled.
¨Lead the way, Mr. Hades."
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The drive was short, but it felt like hours.
The two talked the whole time.
She told him about her life with mortals and Earth. She talked about how she would comfort mortals in their last moments and how she would use her divine abilities to bring peace and justice to the towns she visited.
He told her about Olympus and the Underworld. Stories of some of the well-known people who died and entertaining things that can happen down there.
Hades never wanted it to end.
They drove through the Gates of the Underworld and down the winding road to Hades´ mansion. Persephone looked around in awe the entire time. Hades smiled to himself. He loved seeing her so happy and excited, especially about his home.
She practically jumped out of the car when he parked in front of the mansion.
¨You seem excited," He chuckled as he got out of the car.
¨It's so beautiful! It's like a dark cave!"
¨Most people think it's creepy."
He started making his way into the mansion as Persephone walked beside him.
¨It because they're scared of death."
Hades raised an eyebrow. ¨And you´re not?"
¨I´ve seen death. I´ve been around it more times than I could count. It's something gods will likely never experience. This is as close as we can get." She waved a hand to the dark walls of the hallway.
Hades nodded as he led her through the twisting halls and rooms. They walked in mutual silence, Persephone still looking around until they found themselves in the greenhouse.
Persephone gasped. ¨It's beautiful…¨
Hades smiled. ¨I knew you'd like it. The only truly living thing in the Underworld."
Persephone walked around the large building, bursting with plants of all kinds. There were vibrant flowers and dark leaves. Everything was different but felt so right together.
¨Ahem."
The sudden voice startled both of them.
¨Hades, you know I appreciate your visits, but it is easier on my heart if you warn me beforehand."
Hades chuckled. ¨You will never forgive me for that broken pot will you, Thanatos."
¨Never."
¨Persephone, this is Tha-¨
¨Thanatos!" She ran to the god and wrapped her arms around him.
Thanatos smiled and hugged her back. ¨Lady Persephone. It is always a pleasure to see you."
Hades stood there, confused, as the two separated. ¨You two know each other?"
Persephone blushed. ¨Oh I forgot to mention... Like I told you, I used to comfort mortals in their last moments. So, I would often meet Thanatos retrieving their souls. He was one of the only gods mother would let me talk to."
¨Demeter was always really protective over her. I´m glad you finally get to have a little more freedom."
¨Me too. And I'm glad I got the chance to see you again!"
Hades chuckled. ¨Well since you two are already well acquainted, would you like a tour of the greenhouse?"
Persephone beamed and looked at Thanatos.
He smiled and started walking.
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After a detailed tour of the greenhouse, Thanatos left Persephone and Hades to themselves. They talked and laughed and joked for hours. Time flew by for the two.
It wasn´t until Persephone checked her phone that the fun ended.
"Crap."
¨What's wrong?"
Persephone got up, still staring at her phone. ¨It's getting late, I should head back…¨
¨Oh. Yeah, my bad. Let's get you home."
They walked through the mansion in silence, both avoiding eye contact with the other.
They reached the front of the house and Hades opened the passenger door.
Persephone stood in the doorway.
¨What's wrong? Don´t you need to get home soon?"
She stood there, silent, for what felt like a year. She looked at the ground as she quietly spoke, ¨I don't want to go…¨
¨You... You don´t?"
¨No! This place is so beautiful and amazing, and Thanatos is here and you´re here!" She blushed as she said the last part. ¨I don't want to leave. Not yet."
Hades smiled. He was blushing and he could hear his heart thrumming through his chest. ¨Well maybe... Maybe you could stay here for a few days? It'd be a learning experience and I have plenty of rooms for you to stay in.¨
¨I´d... I´d like that a lot."
They both stood there for a while before heading back into the mansion.
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Persephone had planned to stay for a few days.
But days turned into weeks and neither she nor Hades gave any sign of wanting her to leave.
She would help in the greenhouse and Hades would teach her more about the Underworld. Every minute they spent together; they grew closer. They spent their evenings walking together. Sometimes talking, sometimes in total silence.
Everything was perfect.
Until Hermes came knocking at their door.
Hades wasn't surprised at first. Hermes was the messenger for the gods. He delivered the important messages so he would often come to the Underworld to fill Hades in on the happenings of Olympus or tell him when the next big meeting was.
But Hermes wasn't his usual, jovial self. He was fidgety and serious.
¨I´m gonna be real with ya, Hades, I don´t bring good news." Hermes had situated himself on the couch opposite Hades.
¨What's going on? The last time you were this serious was the Titan Wars," Hades joked, trying to ease the tension.
Hermes sighed. "Demeter´s pissed. She knows Persephone is here and she knows that it was Zeus who distracted her nymphs."
Hades tensed. He hadn't thought about what Demeter would think of Persephone´s stay. Of course, she´d disapprove. Who would want their child living in the land of the dead?
Noticing Hades´ silence, Hermes continued. ¨Zeus tried to calm her down but she went ballistic. She’s not letting anything grow on earth. It’s an eternal winter down there. So many humans are dying. She said we will only let up when Persephone returns to Earth.”
“What…”
The voice came from the doorway. They turned to see Persephone, on the verge of tears.
“Perse…”
“Humans are dying because of me?”
“No, this is not your fault. We’ll work this out, I’ll talk to Demeter.”
Persephone shook her head. “No, she won’t let up until I go back with her. I’ll have to stay on Earth.”
“You just got here. You can’t go yet…”
She sniffled, trying to hold back tears. “I don’t have a choice. I can’t let anyone else get hurt because of me.”
Hermes finally spoke up. “I was instructed to bring you to her. I am very sorry, I know this isn’t ideal.”
“It’s ok. You’re just doing your job.”
“I’ll wait in the car. Let you two say goodbye.” Hermes walked out with a sympathetic look to the two.
There was a long silence.
“I’ll miss you.” Persephone was the first to speak.
“I’ll miss you too. These past couple of weeks have been amazing.”
“They have. I love it here. I wish I didn’t have to leave.”
Hades stood there for a moment, before running to the greenhouse. He looked around, hurriedly. Then he found it. A bright pink orchid in an obsidian pot with electric blue trim. He grabbed it and ran back to Persephone. She was heading to the door.
“Persephone wait!” He ran to her, steading the plant. “I want to give you something.”
She turned around to face him, clearly crying.
Hades couldn’t bring himself to say anything else. He felt that if he spoke, he’d start crying too. So he handed Persephone the orchid.
She gasped and held it gingerly. “I can keep this?”
“Something to remember the Underworld. And me.”
She smiled, still crying. But this was different. These tears weren’t as sad. They were hopeful.
“Thank you, so so much. I’ll plant it somewhere special.”
He nodded and before he could second guess himself, he kissed her on the cheek.
She blushed and stood there in surprise.
“All of the Underworld will miss your colorful personality and shining smile.”
Before he could turn back to the house, she pulled him in and kissed him deeply.
He was in complete shock. It was like electricity through his entire body. He quickly shook out of his stupor and kissed her back, pulling her close.
When they finally pulled away, Hades could feel how hard his heart was pounding.
“Goodbye, Hades.” She whispered as she walked to Hermes’ car.
He got out before she made it even halfway. “I can’t do this! My hopeless romantic side can’t separate you two! You’re meant to be together.”
Persephone and Hades stood there, shocked.
“I’ll work something out, don’t worry about it. I’ve always been good at lying,” He winked and drove off.
Persephone turned and ran back to Hades. They were both smiling as she threw her arms around him. He picked her up and spun her around. She laughed and kissed him.
They were together.
Everything was perfect.
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The next few days were bliss.
Hades and Persephone spent them together endlessly, talking and learning from each other. Nothing could ruin their happiness. Not even Hermes’ next visit.
“So, I can stay?” Persephone was perched on the armrest of the couch.
“Well, kinda. See I told Demeter some story about you eating a third of pomegranate and since you consumed something from the Underworld, you were tethered to Underworld.”
“So, she can stay?”
“That’s where the downside comes in. Demeter’s smart. She said that since you only ate a third of it, you’d only have to stay down here for a third of the year. You still have to go back up.”
“Dammit.” Persephone cursed.
“But you do get to come back for a third of the year. It’s not much but it’s all I can do for you.”
“Thank you, Hermes. You’ve been more than helpful.”
Hermes got up and started to walk to the door. “Oh! One more thing before I head out.” He turned back to Persephone.
He cleared his throat and stood taller. “Goddess Persephone. As you are now a part of the Underworld, a kingdom governed by Hades, land of the Dead, you have been assigned a divine duty. By decree of Lord Zeus, King of the gods, you are hereby known as Persephone, Lady of the Underworld, goddess of Punishment. It is your duty to conceive punishments for the souls of the Damned.” He relaxed and smiled politely. “Have a nice day!”
And with that, he was gone.
Hades turned to Persephone, shocked. She had the same expression.
“Well,” She smiled. “Now I have a job!”