Chapter Text
Long ago, Hades was noted in history as the most feared God, the one that presided over the underworld. He is the oldest of 3 brothers, whom he fought and overthrew his tyrannical father Cronus, with. Hades' dark and shadowy image is seen as terrifying and all powerful, long becoming the picture of death itself. It is not uncommon for mortals to associate Hades with evil and depravity, because he is the face they see once they creep up on death's door. Many avoid praying for him, afraid of attracting any attention from his many eyes on Earth.
His sole duty of overseeing all that is non-living requires a firm and strict hand, for he is what stands between the living and the dead. Not only is he the god of the dead but he is also the god of all precious riches and jewels, being one of the most respected and feared among the Greek Gods. Unlike his siblings, he doesn't need to strike terror from the force of nature, instead, he is the one thing that no mortal can run away from.
He is death.
However, it must be said that despite his role's reputation, Hades is commonly described as more mild-mannered and sensible compared to his zealous siblings. He is not corrupt nor is he malicious, only wanting to do his duty as maintaining the balance of life throughout Earth.
There are little to no tales of any times Hades has expressed an extreme aggressive show of his strength or power.
Except for one.
"Which one realm do you desire, brother?"
Feeling the eyes of many, he hums- deep in thought as he contemplates the true weight of his decision.
He mildly smiles and with a finger, he lifts to point on the paper scroll.
"I would like the underworld." A roar of laughter erupts from his brothers.
"How befitting."
"Mark! Mark!"
The call of his name runs throughout the halls and he raises his head just in time to see a flurry of black fabric and brown hair burrowing into his barely ready arms.
Mark blinks in surprise, his shocked expression melting into an endearing smile. "Hello, my love. What pleasure can I do for you this afternoon?" Haechan was supposed to have a busy day today, announced by himself when the two of them were sharing breakfast earlier together. Although it's rare for him to visit while Mark was working, his presence is always wanted and appreciated.
Haechan pulls his face out of Mark's robes and gives him a mischievious grin. "I just received a letter from my mother."
Mark quickly blanches and he grips Haechan's shoulders in stiff fear. "What?"
"Anddd they're hosting another big gathering once again in Olympus, they've invited us," Haechan hums, picking off the imaginary dust on Mark's arm. "Something about watching certain mortals and their affinity for the dramatics and violence."
"Really?" Mark groans. "When is it?"
"Within a few days time." Haechan giggles. He shifts his position, making it so his bottom is resting on top of Mark's lap. Mark raises a questioning eyebrow but doesn't say anything else. "I didn't respond yet for you but I told them that I was going. I didn't know if you felt like attending.
His words makes Mark frown. "What do you mean? Of course I'd come."
Haechan shrugs. "I know you've been busy with work and stuff so I didn't want to be too sure. I also know you aren't too fond of the events when you have to see my mother and your brothers."
"True," Mark sniffs. "But I'd go anywhere with you, even to the gatherings with all of them annoying gods. I can't leave you to fend for yourself." He wraps his arms around Haechan's waist and pulls him close. "Especially with my family around."
Haechan laughs at Mark's scowl. "They're my family, too. I'm no stranger to dealing with them."
Haechan was much more liked by their family members than Mark ever was. He never complained about it because he could hardly care less. Besides, that should be the way anyways. No one could resist Haechan's charms and kindness, even more so now that he stands as the Queen of the Underworld. He's generous and attentive, making even the most shy and quiet of Mark's servants warm up to him in less than a month. They eagerly greet him and they even fight with him on performing some duties, since Haechan keeps on insisting with helping them with their daily tasks.
Mark has countlessly told Haechan to not bother but yet again, he finds his beloved trailing around the halls, busying himself with housekeeping tasks adding onto his diplomatic details. He hears Mark's concerned thoughts often and replies with comments along the lines of why does he have such an oversized manor and that shuts the older up pretty quickly.
Mark's astutely aware that Haechan will forever be more popular than him, something that can both be a blessing and a thorn in his side. He's happy that Haechan's presence will be appreciated no matter where he goes but that also means that it's appreciated no matter where he goes. The others never fail to remind him of that, constantly asking him where his beloved is whenever they talk one on one and when is the next time they'll be able to meet. Mark answers those questions with a bark of getting back to their duties as his subordinates but he begrudgingly tells them whenever Haechan's free to do another dinner.
Haechan is mostly the one who makes these types of plans, eager to socialise while Mark is all too happy to hole up in their home and spend the least amount of time possible with anyone else that isn't Haechan. He was more than happy to split his ruling responsiblities with Haechan, giving him the ones that was more up his alley- things that were complicated and required more careful negotiation and smooth talking. Haechan is skilled and smart enough like that which is something that should be shown off, to be able to handle more than just looking pretty by his mother's side. It's something his mother enver understood, wanting to keep Haechan locked up and doing mundane things for the rest of eternity- not knowing her son's been yearning for anything .
Much to his mother's chagrin, Haechan took his kidnapping pretty amicably- well, is it a kidnapping if Haechan helped Mark with half of the planning?
He remembers it as if it was yesterday. After decades of pining after Haechan and stealing glances at him, he takes it upon himself in placing a damn obvious hint in front of him- an extravagant display of flowers filled to the brim with secret messages and questions in their secret languages. Haechan looks at the ground with curiousity and after a mere seconds, begins to glance around.
They were currently in one of the more deserted places on Earth, an empty field by a mountain range far, far away from any human civilization. Any mortals right now would be slowly waking up from the sun currently being dragged across the sky-line right now. Haechan's black clothing makes him stand out even more against the light colors of t Mark is not ashamed to admit that he's very well knowledged on the places Haechan likes to frequent whenerver he visited the mortal realm- keeping his very keen shadows alert near him.
"Mark? Is that you?" Despite them not ever formally meeting, Haechan's voice was only apprehensive and careful, not even slightly scared or bothered that the king of the underworld is nearby. Most gods would shudder at their best and mock him at their worst, never letting him forget how much they disliked him even if he was one of the pillars of their world.
The call of his name had him freezing- half-not surprised at Haechan's deduction skills and almost scared at how quickly he caught on. He swallowed a rough laugh and revealed himself. He didn't know what kind of reaction he was anticipating but the happy realization in Haechan's eyes made his heart so much warmer.
Conversation came quickly, and although most of it was Haechan talking about how he's noticed Mark shamelessly lurking around him for the longest time- Mark was just happy that they're now talking. Being with Haechan was just easy , it was never complicated. Everything he's dreamed about, fantasized for what felt like forever was actually coming true.
Mark began courting him after their introduction, continuing to call their…situation that even if it makes Haechan whine about how old-fashioned it sounds. Much to Haechan's visible disappointment, Mark reminds him he's currently seeing one of the oldest beings in the universe right now and that he'll have a lot of eyes and targets on his back simply for being near him.
A couple of dates in the underworld and all of his favorite places later, Mark asked Haechan to be his boyfriend with the help of his pet, Jeom. Haechan smiled in elation once he saw the fields of flowers in Elysium that Mark whisked him away to, reminscient of their first official meeting. Jeom was sitting there patiently, one of his three heads popping up at the arrival of his master. There were two flower crowns on top of him, along with a small letter scribbled with Mark's messy writing.
Mark held his hand out, leading Haechan closer to the waiting Jeom and gently placing the crown made of his favorite flowers. Haechan gazed upon the letter and looked at Mark questioningly. After a nod from Mark to continue, he slowly reads the contents on the thin paper.
His jaw fell a bit and he glanced at Mark once more, rereading the letter again.
"You're..?"
Mark nodded and spread his arms out for Haechan to jump into, the both of them collapsed onto the ground in a fit of giggles and smiles. Jeom joined them, licking Haechan in excitement, not really knowing what's going on but happy that they're both smiling.
Haechan laughed, petting Jeom for a couple of moments until he paused, worry blooming onto his facial features. When Mark asked him what it was in concern, he bit his lip, whispering, "My mother.."
Haechan's mother was notorious for being extremely strict and protective with her son, not letting him out of her sight up until he was an adult. Mark knew Haechan was very against it, seeing how rebellious he was simply from just their meetings as gods and deities. Dating Mark, king of the underworld, would be news that will send that poor goddess to her grave if she was mortal now.
Mark, about to offer sending his brother to placate her fiery and unpredictable behavior, stops when Haechan's eyes brightens up, an idea at the tip of his tongue.
A few years and much needed negotiation from their family members later, Haechan's in his arms for several months out of the year (the younger's been pushing his mother on increasing the amount of time each time he comes back). One of the few reasons why it took so long for them to be properly united was because of Haechan's countless ideas of wanting to run away from his mother in true fashion. Mark had to be begged by the other gods and goddesses to convince his beloved to reach a proper resolution, for everyone and the mortals' sake- since the conflict began starting actual agricultural failures to the humans from Haechan's mother's grieving emotions and powers.
It took a while but they finally found their way to each other, forever now.
And Mark would be damned if he lets anyone else try and take Haechan away once again.
"Mark?" Haechan's voice pulls him out of his stupor and he realizes he's been moved to their bedroom. It's Mark's singular most favorite area in his palace, mostly because it's where they spend the most time together and where he can truly be free from the responsibilities of it all.
Don't get him wrong, he knows his job is extremely important and he was the one who picked it all. But sometimes, nothing beats melting into your beloved's arms and letting him brush his fingers through your hair as you listen to him rant about his day.
"Hm?" Mark responds. Haechan moves to remove his glasses for him (staring down millions of names for hours on end takes a toll on his eyes) and moving some of their pillows out of the way so laying down would be more comfortable.
'"About the gathering… Mother gave me another letter, saying she wanted to me to bring over some of the flowers I've been growing for the party," Haechan grimaces and he picks at their sheets. "Something about helping her with the arrangements and seeing if my skills have been maintained."
Markd hums attentively, letting him know he was listening. Haechan lays his head on Mark's chest and begins drawing different flowers on his skin. "Do you feel nervous about it?"
"No but I'll have to spend the next couple of days in the fields more," Haechan sighs, his tone dry with disappointment. "You know how…high my mother's standards are."
Mark frowns a bit at the news but he doesn't voice his emotions out loud. Haechan's mother is strict with his powers, wanting Haechan to be just as perfect as possible. Mark already thinks Haechan's as perfect, just the way he is but he knows how hard high expectations can weigh the younger down. He gently pats Haechan's unruly hair to comfort him.
"Just stay safe, love."
" He chose that one? Why did he choose that one?"
"Are you kidding? I didn't expect him to choose any different."
"But he's so…not scary…the rest of them are scary-looking, will he be able to do this job properly?"
A sigh. "It's not a question of whether or not he's capable. It's been a long, long time but…he has enough power that can shake the worlds."
Mark stretches his arms from his desk to call it a day, well as much of a day when your job is about as constant as the day is long, to start getting ready for the party. It's a little while right after Haechan left and he supposes he could do it himself, even if the feeling is strange to him. Before he could place his quill down, a servant comes stumbling in, looking unsure and confused.
He was rambling, half of his words being disclaimers of not being sure and Mark raises a hand for him to take a breath. The last time the news came to him this frantically was a century ago when a soul was being too difficult with the judges of the underworld, threatening to sully the gods' offerings in the mortal world.
Mark leans forward, a patient expression on his face. "Now, repeat yourself, slowly."
The ghost servant winces but slows down with fidgeting fingers for Mark to understand him. His face is paler than normal and he looks like he's bracing himself for something.
"We are hearing news of some plans of mortals who intend to kidnap the queen while he's traveling to his mother soon."
Parts of the stone desk crumbles into pieces.
"Names," Mark growls. He dusts the remnants of the desk off his hands and stands up, in such a rush it makes the ghost servant run up to catch up with him. "Tell my brother I'll be late to his event."
"Sir- before you overreact, it's not certain just yet-"
"I'm not leaving that up to fate. Give me the names, everything you know now ." Mark glowers, his fists already itching to do something, to hurt.
The ghost gulps but he nods, quickly understanding. "Two humans, named Taehwan and Pilsung. They were making plans of traveling into the underworld to find him. They were very confident they'd woo him somehow..."
Mark feels a spark of amusement at the thought of the humans thinking they could somehow worm their way into Haechan's heart.
"Has Haechan departed yet?"
"Yes. Although, it seems like the humans are preparing to come down soon, sir."
Mark huffs, a small smirk appearing on his face.
"I'll meet them myself."