Chapter Text
Hades dragged himself out of his apartment with clear exasperation; it was his day of peace, or should have been had Hythlodaeus not decided otherwise. He cursed both his friend and his own inability to come up with an excuse quickly enough. He hadn't given a reason for their excursion either, of course, keen as Hythlodaeus was to make his escape before he could refuse.
"-ades!"
He paused, he could have sworn he heard...but from above? He looked up, filled with a sense of knowing dread, only to catch sight of Persephone leaping down from atop one of the cities grand walls, landing in front of him. Of course it was her.
"Found you!" She announced in a playful tone as she stood, Hythlodaeus quickly appearing after her as he jogged around the corner with a wave. "It's about time you arrived!"
He cringed—highly aware of the nearby onlookers watching them in shock—and made a mental note to ready some excuses for these occasions in future.
"When I'm here at least, could you try to refrain from your eccentricities?" He sighed whilst quietly taking her arm she had triumphantly presented for inspection. Surprisingly, she had at least followed his orders and waited for it to heal.
"Why, that would dull her company don't you think?" Hythlodaeus laughed, "Besides, it's far more exciting this way!"
"Oh because that is just what she needs, encouragement."
Hythlodaeus ignored his remark, instead raising a finger in announcement. "Well, as we're all assembled now; I'm sure you are wondering why I asked you here, so without further ado!" He paused theatrically as his smile grew, "I'll be treating you both to the long overdue winnings of our bet!"
Hades let out a long sigh as he slumped, remembering his ordeal. The winnings, pastries, was it? Persephone cheered at Hythlodaeus' proclamation, the pair practically skipping as he trailed slowly behind them.
They eventually arrived at a small building in the cultural district; green leaves growing over the outer façade as a queue flowed out of the door. The trio stared as silence fell between them at the sight.
"Well...it's quite busy."
Hades watched as Hythlodaeus placed his hand to his chin in thought before a grin crept upon his face. That was never a good sign. "Well, I am perfectly content to wait here and buy them. You two, could you go ahead and secure us a space at the Gardens of Halmarut?"
"Both of us? I can-" Hades started, but Hythlodaeus quickly interrupted. "Oh, I insist. Find a nice quiet spot won't you?"
Persephone nodded as she gave Hades' sleeve a small tug. "Well, shall we get going then?"
The Gardens of Halmarut were a showcase for all of the fungal and plant life recently created for the star, flowers covering most of the area as a sweet aroma wafted through the air. The pair close enough to brush against each others cloaks as they walked on small, winding paths between the flora searching the grounds.
"I had heard there was a specimen named Apricus that smells of sunshine; created in dedication to their love."
"Much like most other flower concepts then." Hades added, "How original."
Persephone tried to stifle her smile at his remark, "Creativity aside, I am quite partial to flowers. Do you not like them?"
"I can't say I find them as interesting as you seem to."
Persephone hummed, "Well, what exactly do you like Hades...besides sleeping anyway."
"Besides sleeping? That is a difficult question." He teased, knowing her curiosity wasn't to be left unsated. She groaned, "There must be something. Creation magicks? Rhetoric? ...husbandry?"
"Besides my apparent penchant for minding you and your antics..." Persephone feigned offense at the remark as he continued, "...theatre, the arts I suppose."
"Theatre? I suppose I shouldn't be surprised, considering your inclination to dramatic sighs."
As if on cue, Hades let out a deep sigh as she came to a stop yet again. She could feel his eyes on her as she softly brought the flower to her face and hummed in contentment. She quickly moved from one plant to the next, admiring each for a few moments.
"Hades, come and smell this one." She gestured to the large bush in front of her covered in tiny pink flowers, before burying her face in it once again.
"Another one?" He groaned.
"This is the last one, I promise!"
He relented, reluctantly leaning down as their shoulders touched to bring his face besides hers. She had a small smile as she leaned in to smell the flowers and he felt his eyes drifting downwards, towards the curves of her full lips. Maybe it the warm glow of her soul that made him feel hot, that pulled him towards her. He watched as she slowly turned to him, her lips parting as she realised the proximity of their faces. He felt himself drifting towards her, his eyes darting from her mask to her lips.
"Hades?"
He bolted upright as he snapped out of his trance, abruptly stepping away to put distance between them.
"...We're getting distracted."
Persephone's shoulders sagged as she gave a small nod of agreement.
"Let's go."
"We've already searched everywhere though. There must be somewhere." She took her hand to her chin in contemplation as she glanced at him. "Perhaps we're just too slow..."
"Whatever you are thinking, I don't like it."
She hummed to herself, "Perhaps if I..."
"Don't you dare."
Persephone quickly grabbed his hand—despite his protestations—as she began running, stalking from one seating area to the next. He was unable to hide the slight flush creeping onto his cheeks as he looked down to their intertwined fingers. He didn't hate the feeling of her hand in his, her dainty fingers surprisingly soft as they wrapped around his own. The dragging, however, was more unwelcome.
"Over there!" She suddenly yanked his arm as she dashed towards the small table, quickly claiming her seat next to the water as she dragged him behind her. The table boasted screens on each side, aquatic flowers floating delicately on the surface of the small pond as a gentle breeze passed them. She heaved a sigh of relief as Hades sat down beside her, willing the colour to fade from his face.
"Well, Hyth will be pleased! This spot is perfect."
He gave a sound of acknowledgement as he leaned on his other palm, Persephone fidgeting in her seat in anticipation of their friends arrival.
"I suppose you have no intention of freeing me."
Persephone looked at him quizzically and he lifted their joined hands up to her face, "More plans of dragging me around, perhaps?"
"Ah!" She released his hand from hers, "Well, it was an emergency."
He smirked, "A seating emergency? If I were less generous, I might say it was an excuse."
She gave him a small grin in return, "Hmm perhaps it was. I guess we'll never know."
She laughed as his face fell to shock at her response, giving her a nudge with his elbow in retaliation.
"Oh, don't be like that. Besides, look at this!" She summoned a rapier to her hand as he sighed in disbelief. "What do you think?"
"You know, suddenly conjuring weapons is not good table manners." He stared at the sleek blade; it was a huge improvement to her previous one, at least.
"It's a sword. Could be worse I suppose. Now put it away."
"It's not a just a sword, it's a magick sword." She protested, holding it up to him. "I tried to model it after the one you made me, it's far sturdier now."
"Now this wasn't exactly the outcome I imagined when I sent you two off." Hythlodaeus spoke as he quietly walked to join them at the table. He gently laid down a small package as he sat down, beginning to remove his hood.
Hades balked at him, "What are you doing? We're in public!"
Hythlodaeus smiled innocently as he took off his mask, freeing his soft lavender hair from his clothing as the neatly tied plait fell to one side. "Well, I'd quite like to see your enjoyment for myself, expensive as they were. Besides it's quite private here."
Hades crossed his arms defiantly as Hythlodaeus laughed at him. "Oh please, won't you favour us with your handsome face?"
"Oh please, most benevolent Hades." Persephone quickly added.
Hades groaned before resigning himself to his fate. He pulled down the heavy hood and removed his mask, his white hair framing his face with a slight wave. He looked away from the pair, unable to hide the slight annoyance from his face.
"Satisfied?"
Persephone nodded before peering at him thoughtfully, "Hmm, I do see what you mean about his sleeping face being far more peaceful now." His scowl only deepened at her teasing as he sat unmoving in his protest. "Such a shame for such a handsome face, you must make an effort to smile more often."
Hythlodaeus, now carefully laying out the cakes on plates in front of him hummed, "I tell him the same thing frequently. Oh, but you will also grace us with your face won't you Persephone?"
"Hm? Oh, I have no objections."
Hades stiffened, even though he was sulking he couldn't help but glance over at her. Just what did she look like exactly? With such an unpredictable and boisterous personality, she couldn't be...shouldn't be...
Her hair spilled out from the hood, falling around her face as she pulled the cloth back. He couldn't stop himself from staring—forgetting he no longer had anything to hide where his golden eyes were looking—as she delicately removed her mask, placing it on the table beside her. She slowly raised her gaze to meet his, and his breath caught. Her eyes were gentle and bright with long eyelashes, her smile rounding her cheeks. He felt the flush he had willed away before quickly returning, along with the bizarre feeling in his chest.
Hythlodaeus couldn't help but grin. "Hades, you of all people should know it's rude to stare." He quipped after a few moments.
Hades quickly averted his gaze, resuming his sulking as he swiped his cake from in front of Hythlodaeus. "Don't be ridiculous, I would do no such thing." He said dismissively, before taking a bite.
"Oh, well my apologies." Hythlodaeus tried to hold back a laugh, amused by such uncharacteristic behaviour. "So, what is your opinion Hades?"
He paused, distracted, watching Persephone as she started to cut her pastry, a gentle smile gracing her face.
"...I suppose she-"
He snapped out of whatever trance she had him in as the words left his mouth, quickly turning to Hythlodaeus, "What kind of question is that?!"
Hythlodaeus laughed, feigning ignorance. "Oh, is that what is on your mind? I was enquiring after your opinion on the cake, not our friend." Hades flinched.
"Well?"
"It wasn't worth getting hit in the face for, if that's what you're asking." He deadpanned, giving an irritated look to the offender next to him.
Persephone stared up at the sky, oblivious to their conversation, as she watched some birds dart around overhead. Did she always watch the skies from behind her mask, he wondered.
Hythlodaeus followed Hades eyes to the woman beside him, "Hm, is something wrong Persephone?"
"Ah, no." She quickly snapped her gaze back to them before staring down at her plate, beginning to poke her pastry with a fork. "I was just thinking back to the other day. Azem must do such things all the time."
"You seem to admire Azem quite a lot." Hythlodaeus mused.
She nodded, "Of course...she is strong, kind and travels the world helping all that she meets. I hope I can live just as she has." Her eyes lit up, her usual spirit returning as she looked to the sky once again. "Imagine the things she has seen, the adventures she's had, the mysteries she has solved." She paused before she continued with a now determined expression. "I plan to do the same, I shall not return to the star until I have travelled every yalm."
Hades leaned his hand on his palm, despondent as he watched the two happily talk about their future plans. His mind wandered back to the events of the previous week, a grimace forming on his face.
"Oh!" Persephone abruptly stood from her seat, "I almost forgot, I promised to help an old friend later today!" She gave an apologetic smile, scrambling to grab her things as she placed her mask back on her face, "I must go quickly! Ah, thank you for the treat Hythlodaeus!"
She waved at the two at the table as she jogged down the path, until she was eventually out of sight.
Hythlodaeus sighed, "Well, it's been quite a while since it was just us."
"Quite unfortunate, that."
"Now, now. You two get on well, that is plain to see."
"Define well."
"Come, I know you Hades. It's clear you care for her; besides it was quite obvious where your attention was without your mask, not to mention your seeming inability to say no to her."
Hades sat in quiet defiance as he continued speaking.
"You can't hide it from me, much as you may deny it." Hythlodaeus leaned forwards, placing his chin on his hands. "The question is if you will talk about it."
"No." He replied instantly.
"Well, at least you admit there is something to talk about." He prodded, Hades heaving a heavy sigh in response as Hythlodaeus continued. "Currently though, if I were to hazard a guess you are most troubled by her want to leave Amaurot in the future."
Hades finally yielded, responding flatly. "She is liable to reckless behaviour, you saw what happened last time. She was lucky, if the injury had been worse or I hadn't been there..."
Hythlodaeus smiled at his admission, "Oh, so you are worried about what could happen to her without you there to help her?"
"That's not-"
"That's exactly what you're saying." He teased, "Besides, I saw your concern for her with my own eyes. Quite the stern healer though, you certainly wouldn't win any prizes for bedside manner."
Hades hung his head with a sigh, "As long as she doesn't get herself killed, I'm quite content with my 'manner'."
Hythlodaeus gave a small laugh, "Oh, I did perchance see something interesting I meant to ask you about." Hades raised his eyebrow at him across the table as Hythlodaeus leaned forwards towards him.
"You were quite close and—if my eyes didn't deceive me—even holding hands. I have to say, that was more than I anticipated. Though she was pointing a weapon at you afterwards..."
Hades groaned as he put his head in his hands. "How long were you hanging around exactly?"
Hythlodaeus grinned, "Oh, long enough to be surprised you didn't notice at least. Though she has been quite good at holding your attention since you first met."