#Apollo: you two are eternal virgins!!!!

[genericpuff]

ok i know it's a webtoon you can read online for free but Rachel/Inklore really did just spoil every twist and plot beat within the plot summary of volume 8 huh

this is literally the next volume they just announced and it's going to be releasing after LO goes behind daily pass and yet they're not even trying to keep things even somewhat interesting for the trad pub market that they're trying to expand through, jesus christ lmao this is yet another lesson in "what not to do" courtesy of LO 💀

your plot summary is supposed to be a HOOK. NOT A WHOLE ASS SYNOPSIS THAT GIVES AWAY EVERY TWIST AND PLOT BEAT. By comparison, LO's Volume 8 "summary" isn't a plot summary, it's a goddamned Cliff's Notes 😭 like ... this feels like they accidentally included the extended pitch notes in the summary, like is there seriously not a single person at Random House going "um, isn't this a little too much?"

I'm not even joking when I say you can deadass just read this summary and understand the gist of the S2 finale. The actual episodes do not contain anything else of substance beyond this summary. All the 'twists' are given away, and anything else that might be 'interesting' is literally dropped or forgotten about by the end of S2 anyways so it winds up not mattering (cough Eris cough)

Literally the first two paragraphs would have sufficed, with the additional removal of the Apollo lineage reveal because again, THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE A TWIST. IT'S A DUMB TWIST, BUT IT'S STILL WRITTEN AS A TWIST LMAO everything in that third paragraph and beyond is WAY TOO MUCH and it's not even making any efforts in its prose to pull you in with enticing set-up, it's just clinically saying "this happens and then this happens and then this happens".

Compare it to the Volume 1 description, it's like night and day:

"Persephone, young goddess of spring, is new to Olympus. Her mother, Demeter, has raised her in the mortal realm, but after Persephone promises to train as a sacred virgin, she’s allowed to live in the fast-moving, glamorous world of the gods. When her roommate, Artemis, takes her to a party, her entire life changes: she ends up meeting Hades and feels an immediate spark with the charming yet misunderstood ruler of the Underworld. Now Persephone must navigate the confusing politics and relationships that rule Olympus, while also figuring out her own place—and her own power."

Short, sweet, to the point, gives us enough setup to understand what we're going into but not enough details to spoil the whole frigging thing, and it ends perfectly with a hook that gets you interested in both Persephone and Hades as characters.

Y'know what, Inklore, here's a freebie on me, for Volume 8:

"Court is in session, the witnesses have spoken, and now it's Persephone's turn to take the stand. Torn between her loyalty to her mother, Demeter, and her blooming love for Hades, Persephone reveals to all her true motives for the Underworld - but shocking revelations are brought to light by the scheming Apollo that may determine Zeus' verdict and Persephone's fate once and for all.

Meanwhile, deep within Tartarus, a long-forgotten threat from Hades' past has re-awakened, and has set his sights on Persephone as his new wellspring of power...

Will Persephone and Hades finally find their peace? Or will fate tear them apart for eternity? Find out in this visually stunning and climactic conclusion to Lore Olympus' second season."

[gotstabbedbyapen]

Soo I was wondering if you had any hcs on the sibs reaction to the whole Artemis and Orion situation? I’m like obsessed with your hcs of the Olympians I love when people make them family

Thanks for enjoying my silly HCs of the Olympians! It's really fun doing them :3

Now on with the ask!

I imagine Orion as that one cousin nobody likes. He prides himself on being a powerful son of Poseidon and doesn't know his place. That will become his downfall.

Poseidon doesn't think Orion's arrogance a big deal, so he makes the younger Olympians get along withhis son. For some reason, Orion seemed to be infatuated with Artemis.

Artemis isn't naive of Orion's nature, she knows about Orion's attack on the daughter of his previous host (King Oinopion and his daughter Merope).

Because of this, Artemis immediately puts Orion on the blacklist and keeps him the hell away from her female companions.

We all know how Apollo is protective of his twin. Mess with Artemis and you will be greeted with an arrow in the ass. So when Orion came along, all the red flags were set up in his brain.

Persephone and Athena are highly alerted of Orion too, maybe even more protective than Apollo because they were both previously victim and almost victim of assault. No way in hell they will let their sister get in danger.

So when Orion tails behind Artemis during her hunts, either Apollo, Persephone, or Athena immediately follows along. They never let these two alone together.

When Orion almost attacked Opis, one of the virgin huntress, Artemis fatally shot him as retribution, but didn't outright kill him because of pressure from Poseidon.

After setting a the divine relevant of a restriction order on Orion, Artemis left him with a warning, "I've killed a giant before for kidnapping my mother. Don't think I will let you crawl away alive if you pull that shit again with my friends."

Ares pats Artemis on the back and says he would have killed Orion right away if he were Artemis.

Orion was mad and humiliated from Artemis' punishment, which is why he swore to become the greatest hunter ever seen and to outrank Artemis as revenge.

Orion wasn't killed by Artemis or Apollo eventually. It was Gaia who sent a scorpion to sting him after he proclaimed to kill all living animals on Earth.

When Orion died, the siblings (mostly Apollo and Persephone) suggested an eternal punishment for him. They turned him into a constellation and created the Scorpio constellation to forever chase him across the sky.

To this day, the siblings will spend time laying in an open field together and watch the chase of Orion and the scorpion.

[0lympian-c0uncil]

Athena: I know we are eternal virgins but I would fuck you if you asked

Artemis: What?

Apollo: What!!

Ares, *in the background, eating chips*: she said she would fuck you if you asked

[aphroditelovesu]

I was rereading the Greek god profiles and noticed this "A group of hunters who, like her, took a vow of chastity. But after meeting you, maybe she'll reconsider.. or not." I'm not sure if your accepting requests but if you are/when you are accepting them can you elaborate on that with a concept please?

So I think this is a concept (?) but if not, when the requests are opened again (I swear it won't take long, just need the right organization lol) feel free to ask as a form of hc or imagine! For now, I'll answer it as a concept, of what it would be more or less, I hope it's ok, anon :)

As we all know Artemis is one of the virgin goddesses along with Athena and Hestia and she took a vow never to marry and remain a virgin for all eternity and as far as we know from Greek Mythology she remained chaste just like the another two. But in my greek myth worshiper's view, and in the yandere version, of course, I believe that if Artemis is obsessively and in love with the yandere way of loving romantically, she might reconsider her vows.

Why?

I believe it's because she's a hypocrite, in a way. She is always judging Aphrodite and her brother for the sheer amount of lovers and debauchery and she considers herself better than them. In fact, Artemis considers himself better than most Olympian gods. She judges Aphrodite and Apollo but there are versions that she did have lovers and, from less popular and credible sources, that she and her hunters were involved with each other. Whether this is true or not, I can neither confirm nor deny.

However, let's say she doesn't reconsider her vows and continues to remain ''chaste'', that doesn't mean she won't have a romantic or sexual relationship with you. I see her and Athena engaging yes in romantic and even sexual activities with their obsession, but not sex itself, Hestia being the only exception to this. She won't admit it, but she's terribly attracted to you but she's a virgin goddess and can't sleep with you, at least not like that. But well, foreplay isn't really considered sex, right?

Artemis will remain a virgin, but not innocent. She's probably touched on her obsession more times than she wants to admit, but she has pride and no offense is overlooked and anyone who questions her integrity will be punished. Maybe it's best to let her believe in this fantasy she's created.

In short, Artemis will remain a virgin but not pure. She will touch her S/O sexually but she will never sleep with them, in fact. For her, this is her way of fulfilling her desires and continuing with her vows.

~ Lady L

[souliuus]

The Hestia/Athena relationship

Something that really bugs me out in LO is the relationship Rachel gave to Hestia and Athena.

Hestia and Athena are official members of TGOEM, with Hestia even being the founder and leader of the group, later in the series we find out that these two are actually dating.

Artemis finds out and this makes her mad, she even asks if she is the one who actually takes being an eternal maiden seriously. Hestia claims that the relationship happened suddenly and they didn't know how to tell anyone.

As I stated before, they are part of TGOEM, meaning they must be virgin goddesses to be part of it.

Hestia and Athena could've easily just stayed as girlfriends without having sex. It defeats the whole point of their characters.

This is ace erasure and the ship doesn't make sense. Zeus and Apollo are examples of male gods who had male lovers and we don't see any reference of their male lovers in the comic. Rachel just HAD, she NEEDED to pick the ones that are supposed to be virgins.

Hestia has always been my favorite deity in greek mythology (followed by Apollo). It just makes me disappointed on her portrayal in LO.

Oh and another thing, if you are going to make a LGBTQ+ ship, don't antagonize them or make them hypocrites just for your MC to end up being "better" anyways. This isn't just for LO, I'm just tired of seeing it in media.

[astaroth1357]

Demigod MC Series: Hestia

This is another eternally virgin goddess, so we're doing another pseudo-demigod by adoption (like we did with Athena).

Demigod MC: Intro, Aphrodite, Hermes, Hades, Dionysus, Demeter, Athena, Hades Pt. 2, Poseidon, Ares, Hestia

Hestia is the goddess of the Hearth, Home, Architecture, Domesticity, Family, and the State. She's high up there (firstborn of Rhea and Cronus), but several factors have led to her falling into the background when compared to the other (flashier) Olympians. She swore to never marry, rejecting proposals from both Poseidon and Apollo, and is something of an antithesis to Aphrodite.

Lucifer

Honestly? He thought they were exactly what they were after. A weak human with no experience in the magical world what-so-ever.

Well… He was half-right.

On the surface, this is a pretty weak human. They don't have super flashy powers or a divine birth from the gods… but they do have a very protective adoptive mother.

The brothers had just settled in for their first dinner with the new human when the goddess herself strolled into their dining room, asked who was in charge, then dragged Lucifer away by the ear!

She's not even his mother, yet he felt the intense urge to apologize and put himself in his own room… Oh, the humiliation… at least she did the same to Diavolo…

The Prince was only able to calm her down by promising absolutely NO harm would come to her child… on their heads...

By the time the goddess finally let him go, Lucifer was about ready to shackle the MC to his wrist so nothing could touch them but he settled on keeping them with him like an assistant of sorts. They were in charge of helping him with the paperwork so he could keep an eye on them. 

What he didn’t expect was for them to be so… good at it? They could keep his offices clean, they managed his daily schedule, fixed up the House, and still have time to bring him tea and sweets every night!

They could even reign in his brothers somehow… They weren't strong or intimidating, but one or two mildly unhappy words out of them and everybody would be on their best behavior.

Was everyone positive they're only human...?

As much as he hated to admit, he may have a slight deep case of falling for the housekeeper… He would make a move, but well…

He has Beel to contend with first.

Mammon

Okay so, watching Lucifer get dragged out by the ear just like Raphael used to do to him was hilarious!!! The whole room got a good laugh! 🤣

Until Hestia glared at them and suddenly they all felt like they'd disappointed someone important….

And all that fuss over some dumb human??

So what if they made amazing food?

So what if they could clean the entire mansion in a day?

So what if they were the walking equivalent to a warm cup of cocoa on a winter's day??

So what if they were just the kindest, sweetest thing in this godforsaken hellscape and he would throw himself in front of a bus to keep them safe-

-Wait, when did that happen?!?

Seriously, Mammon's attachment to the MC came out of NOWHERE to him. One day, he was threatening to eat their soul and the next he's freaking out when they stub their toe!

He swears they have to have some kind of magic about them! A charm, or a spell, or… their lovable smile and warm, loving hugs...! 😊

Damnit!! They're too cute!! He needs them to go away but also never leave, thanks. 😒

In all seriousness, though their kind nature puts Mammon's tsundere self at a bit of a disadvantage, his protective instincts shoot through the roof whenever they're involved.

Naturally, that means his day is spent running them away from hungry lesser demons or shielding them from Beel and Lucifer's tug-of-war matches… He's a busy guy these days. 😖

Leviathan 

They're so… so… MOE!!!

That was his immediate thought when Mammon brought them home. He was expecting a defenseless human, but not one that could have stepped out of one of his slice-of-life manga!

To be honest, his instant thought was try and find a place to sit them on his shelves with the rest of the adorable characters he loves… 😅

And that was before they even opened their mouth! Five words into their introduction and he was ready to get their face on a t-shirt!!

Honestly, combine their natural cuteness with their household skills and they made for perfect waifu/husbando material… 

Not helped by the fact they found one of his maid/butler outfits while doing the laundry one day. Not only did they ask if they could wear it, they actually non-ironically liked it and started wearing it around the House!!

Oh he got cornered by Beel, Lucifer, and Mammon separately that day because they thought he was using them for fetish fuel… But it was their idea, he swears!!

I mean… He didn't discourage them or anything either but still…

If Beel hadn't claimed them on Day One, Levi might have eventually thrown his hat in the ring too... Oh well… he can pine from a distance… What else is new? 😔

Satan

He has a video of Hestia dragging Lucifer out of the dining room on his phone and it's one of his most treasured possessions now. 😌

He is perhaps the only person in the House who was not at all impressed with their little human.

So they could cook? So could he. So they can clean? That's not impressive. They could manage a household? Big deal, he's more or less been in charge of the same thing for centuries!

As far as he saw it, there was nothing the MC could do that he couldn't do as proficiently or even better. There was nothing remarkable about this human at all!

… except for one thing.

That maid/butler outfit of Levi's? The one they like to wear around?

It has cat accessories…

Either they don't notice or they don't mind it but they essentially walk around the House cleaning things with little kitty ears attached to their head and a bell on their collar…

Dammit… Why did Levi even buy that?!?

Satan ended up getting in trouble for enchanting their outfit to give them REAL ears and a tail "accidentally..." Lucifer strung him up by his toes, Beel gave him a black-eye, and Mammon still calls him a "perverted cat freak" but it was worth it, he says, worth it!!

Asmodeus 

Oh Beel…

Asmo saw Beel's feelings for the MC coming from a mile away. He didn't even need to confirm it with a sniff check, he had them scented by the end of their first night!

Lucifer, on the other hand, now that was a surprise... 😏

Ask him a century ago if Lucifer would ever consider a human lover, godly mother or no, and he'd have laughed! Yet here he is, giving gifts and sneaking whiffs of their adorable new housemate!

Of course, that's causing some commotion because they're pitted against each other, but Asmo finds it kind of cute honestly. 

Beel and Lucifer aren't fighting, not for real. The whole house knows Lucifer would win in a real brawl, but neither of them actually want to hurt the other… They're far too close for that.

So Beel tosses Lucifer around with kid gloves and Lucifer holds back considerably against Beel. It's pretty much just two brothers who love each other squabbling over the same toy… 🤭

Honestly, Lucifer might have bowed out by now and just let Beel have them but now his pride's on the line… thus an endless tussle between family and the sweet MC is in the middle, clueless to it all!

Tragic, is it not? But it certainly makes things more entertaining around here! (Good thing too since Beel beat him to the punch… If it's a fight against those two, he'll have to keep any of his own affairs with the MC under the radar... 😏)

Beelzebub 

He has claimed this one. Full stop.

For a bit of perspective: when Barbatos needs cooking tips, he calls Hestia. Hestia, the Divine Master of All Things Cooking. Hestia, the goddess who raised this MC… 

Needless to say if they have any magic at all, it's in the kitchen.

If food is the way to Beel's heart, this MC has claimed his heart, soul, and probably all of his vital organs. Their food is astounding!! Always perfect every time and so good it brings him to tears!

It started the night of that first dinner, prepared by MC. He was too busy scarfing down the table to even notice a goddess showed up and then he proposed to the MC with their own pig roast by meal's end!

They said no to marriage, but an instant pact agreement suited him just fine.

Beel didn't waste a single moment before he started treating them like a potential mate, territorial aggression and all, but there was a bit of a catch… He kept the MC totally oblivious to it.

Surprisingly, Beel's can turn the "They're MINE" part of his brain on and off pretty well. He's nothing but sweet and cuddly to the MC when they're around and even with his brothers!... as long as they don't try anything.

The moment he caught whiff that Lucifer might be pursuing them too, it was on. Suddenly the two brothers who almost never fight were in competition against each other! But of course, both have an unspoken rule to never do so in front of MC.

And now poor MC believes it's common for demons to "play wrestle" like puppies and hugs are traditionally supposed to be so hard they could snap spines… 

And it doesn’t look like they'll be backing down any time soon… Oh dear...

Belphegor 

You know what? For once, everything goes exactly to plan for Belphie!

No really, this MC has no hidden powers, no magic horses, not even Demon Nip. They are a helpless, trusting little human who just wants to help their big teddy bear get his twin back!

So, you know how it goes. The charm, the lies, the treachery and all of that. He even gets to kill them!! Oh, happy days!! 😁

Come to think of it, they did smell an awful lot like Beel… But who cares, as long as Lucifer suffers right?? And this whole "living together in harmony" crap fails, right?!

Wrong. 

Beel went ballistic. Lucifer did too, but Beel was what really hurt…

Belphie can safely say that in all of his life, Beel has never physically attacked him. Not once, or at least, not with intent to kill… 

But when the sixthborn's fist went crashing through the wall right by his ear that day, he knew his brother's first instinct was to aim for his head… and his second was to miss, as he still loved him, but only by just a little.

What the hell did he just do??

Thank their father for Barbatos and all the funky time stuff he can do because bringing the MC "back" snapped his angry brothers right out of it. 

Things should have been smoothed over at that point but as everyone was finally settling down for tea, Hestia made another appearance in the House… this time carrying a butcher's knife!

Time fix or no, Diavolo had promised her no harm would come to MC and at least one continuity of them DIED… so punishment was now on Lucifer and the Demon Prince himself!

Belphie, in a rare case of guilt and an expression of brotherly love, offered to take their place since it WAS kind of all his fault. His gesture softened the Goddess of Family juuust enough to lighten his sentence from execution to hard labor.

And thus, the MC had their own housekeeping assistant for a whole year, complete with bitter reluctance and a matching maid outfit! Cat-theme and all!!

He's sending nightmares to anybody who laughs… guaranteed. 😒

[inc0rrectmyths]

GIVE ME ARTEMIS X ATHENA X ARES X APOLLO HEADCANNONS!!!!!!!

or else <3

This is going to be big :D

Artemis and Apollo:

The twins from a very young age felt really connected to each other and as they both grew they both realized that their feelings for each other were more than the love of a sister and brother. Apollo confessed to Artemis under a full moon. And she teared up and pulled her brother in a hug. Fully forgetting that she had an oath of never being involved in love.

Ares and Athena:

They both hated each other at young age. They considered each other as rivals. But as they grew they started understanding each other. Understanding each other's pain and struggle. Understanding that war can't be fought without strength and wisdom and they both are meant to be together. And thus, they started being with each other always, leading to them falling in love. Athena made the first move and kissed Ares, her oath not being able to stop her.

Ares and Apollo:

They both once had a liking on the same mortal girl. And she denied to be with both of them. Both of them heartbroken decided to forgive each other and support each other. And that's how they both became close and eventually got together. And Apollo made a song in which he confessed his love for Ares, he sang it in front of him, kneeling down.

Artemis and Athena:

Since they were teenagers, they both liked spending time together. They both were tomboys and liked adventures, training, mountain climbing etc. And also they both felt very connected since they both had oaths of being eternal virgins. They were very oblivious of their feelings for each other. One night, Artemis called Athena in her forest camps, they spent the whole night together and before going to sleep, Artemis softly whispered I love you to Athena who jumped over her and kissed her.

Apollo and Athena:

They both were the bookworms of the gang. They liked spending time together in libraries, bookstores and they even went to library dates. They have a huge bookshelf where they both keep their favorite books. They both share it and it's a private thing between them both. They both also like singing, playing instruments and composing songs together. And as time passed, they kept coming more closer and closer until one day Apollo gifted Athena a book and inside the book was a small piece of paper which said "Be mine :)".

Ares and Artemis:

Their mutual love for violence and gore made them both team up together. They both always liked protecting their siblings and being the warriors of the gang. Always ready to spar and always serious and mighty but can also be the most soft and caring. They both share an interest on knifes and liked discussing about them. They both also liked dancing to the songs made by Apollo and Athena. On a camp, Ares asked Artemis to dance with him under the moon. And after a while, the sky and the stars witnessed the two immortals join their lips in a gentle kiss.

Zeus was absolutely furious and angry that his two most favorite daughters dared to break their oaths cuz they were in love with their own brothers. But he knew that four of them had the strongest bond and it's impossible to seperate them. So he eventually accepted them.

Hera who was overly protective of the sons didn't liked the fact that Ares and Apollo got partners like Artemis and Athena who were not at all "lady like" but being the goddess of family, she noticed how deeply four of them loved each other. So she blessed them with all the happiness.

Artemis absolutely loves when three of them surprise her and visit her camps. They spend all day running around the forest and playing with the animals. And when four of them get tired, they curl up together in the comfy treehouse, cuddling together and eventually falling asleep.

Apollo loves taking the other three to his musicals. Him and Athena start singing in their heavenly voice while Ares and Artemis join the dancers and show their graceful moves. And after the party is over, four of them join Apollo in his master bedroom, eating snacks, chatting and laughing and also a lot of kissing and hugging.

Ares loves when three of them come to him for help with a new weapon. He loves how clueless and cute they look while being confused. He also finds pleasure in showing his weapon collection and personal armory. And whenever three of them compliment him, he blushes a lot.

Athena likes gifting books to the three and also loves when three of them gift books to her. And on Sundays, three of them gather around Athena as she reads aloud her new novel to them. She also makes plans for the dates and helps the other three with any kind of problems. She also weaves scarfs and gloves for her three lovers.

[little-witchys-garden]

The story of Daphne and Apollo

the Greek god of music, poetry, art, the sun, and a great warrior, mocked the god of love, Eros, for his use of bow and arrow, as Apollo is also patron of archery.

“What are you doing with powerful weapons, boy?” He said.

"That equipment of yours is fitting of our shoulders, which are able to give certain wounds to wild animals, and to enemies, I who recently killed the swollen Python, who was pressing down so many acres with his disease-bearing belly, with countless arrows! You will be content to provoke some loves by your fire, not to lay claim to my honors.”

Eros took that insult very personally then prepared two arrows: one of gold and one of lead. He shot Apollo with the gold arrow, instilling in the god a passionate love for the poor and non-consenting river nymph Daphne.

He shot Daphne with the lead arrow, instilling in her a hatred for Apollo. Having taken after Apollo’s sister, Artemis, Daphne had spurned her many potential lovers, preferring instead woodland sports and exploring the forest.

Due to her identity as an “aemula Phoebes” (female rival or emulator of Artemis),

She had not the need for any man in anyway.

she had dedicated herself to perpetual virginity. Her father, the river god Peneus, demanded that she get married and give him grandchildren. She, however, begged and fought with her father to let her remain unmarried; he eventually complied seeing as such a life would never truly bring his daughter happiness.

Apollo continually followed her, begging her to stay, but the nymph continued to reject him. They were evenly matched in the race until Eros intervened, helping Apollo catch up to Daphne. Seeing that Apollo was bound to reach her, she called upon her father,

"Help me, father! Peneus! Open the earth to enclose me, or change my form, hide me from the man which has brought me into this danger! Let me be free of men from this moment forward!"

And with that, Peneus answered her plea.

She turned into a laurel tree.

In spite of Daphne's terror and fervent insistence that he leaves her alone, Apollo vowed to honor her forever: “Always my hair will have you, my lyres will have you, my quivers will have you, laurel tree. You will be present for the Latin leaders when a happy voice will sing a triumph and the Capitoline Hill will see long processions.”

Apollo also used his powers of eternal youth and immortality to render Daphne evergreen

"You also, wear always the perpetual honors of your foliage!"

For this reason, the leaves of the Bay laurel tree do not decay.

{ I always felt so very sad for Daphne but at least now no man may harm her again }

[noonachronicles]

Everlong - Epilogue

Kwon Jiyong/ G Dragon X Reader

Word count: 21k

Warnings: 85,900% Domesticity. Now with Real Smut™ (x3). Sprinkling of pregnancy kink. Language. Unrealistic expectations of love and relationships. Seriously unrealistic. Honestly, maybe a little unhealthy even. Excessive fluff. The only angst comes from left over self-esteem issues caused by that B word.

Genre: Hades/Jiyong. Greek God AU. Fantasy.

A/N: For consistency’s sake, I made the decision to refer to Ji/Hades as just Hades the whole time, but y’all know Hades is Ji and Ji is Hades and hopefully it’s nbd. I just wanted to say I actually feel pretty fortunate I got to go back to Everlong. It’s definitely one of my favorite worlds and I could probably write about them forever. My wish with this is that everyone who has been waiting for it enjoys it and doesn’t think it’s a totally cheesy snoozefest. >.< 

Spoiler Alert: I feel like a lot of people, myself included, wanted to see Hades get his happy ending. That’s definitely what they’ve been given here.Things people seemed to want out of an Epilogue included Ji!Hades as a dad. Ji!Hades with the love he deserves. Persephone being a brat. And FINALLY the non-dream smut everyone has been waiting for. So, it’s all there. I hope I didn’t miss anything!

Hades didn’t waste a single moment. There was absolutely nothing more he wanted than to spend his entire existence with you. Almost immediately after you had agreed to stay with him in the underworld he asked you to marry him. Your answer left your lips before he could even finish the question. You had said yes without an ounce of hesitation and knowing that you meant it when you said forever gave Hades a greater joy than he’d ever known. He had actually been ready to ask you that very first night, but he was forced to wait an entire weekend due to your unquenchable thirst for him. Though truthfully, he had absolutely no complaints.

The wedding had been held on Mount Olympus, as was tradition for all of the major deities. You’d only visited the location once prior to your wedding day. The trip had just been for you to see it. Since it seemed whether or not you liked it you didn’t have much of a say and there wasn’t really anywhere else you wanted to have it anyway. Luckily you did like it. Luckily you loved it. You thought it was beautiful, absolutely heavenly.

That first visit was when you met some of Hades family for the first time as well. The look of absolute fear on his face as his family introduced themselves would always be one of your favorite memories of him, he was so precious. He didn’t care if they liked you. He loved you and nothing they said would change it. He had been worried you wouldn’t like them. That you would hate them so much that you’d call off the wedding, unable to fathom being in a family with his siblings.

Fortunately Hera, Hestia, and you became quick friends. The two of them had dragged you away for hours to discuss wedding details. Apollo and Athena thought you were very clever and told Hades you were one of the funniest people they’d had the pleasure of knowing. Dionysus, Zeus, and Ares all tried to seduce you, which came as a surprise to absolutely no one. You loved his family and it only made him love you more. He told you he thought it was because of you that they seemed to like him more than usual, even making him promise that he would come around more even after the wedding and telling him how much they had missed him. It had been clear to you that they had always loved him and it was his own self-consciousness that distanced him from them.

Though he had already made you one of the immortal, Hades' family had declared that they did not accept it as true godhood. They advised the pair of you that your wedding would have to be done in the tradition of their followers, sacrifices and all. As a compensation Zeus promised that once the wedding was completed he would officially grant you godhood. Knowing that his siblings were giving him a hard time, as siblings do, you found the requirement to be quite amusing and you laughed along with them. Annoyed, Hades found it torturous and unnecessary. Despite either of your feelings it meant that, as was tradition, your wedding lasted three days.

Since you didn’t have any female friends or relatives you spent the night of proaulia with Hades sisters and female family members, as well as your grandmother who had been given a reprieve from death for the wedding. It was especially funny as a part of the traditions you were meant to give offerings to several of the goddesses at your gathering. Instead of the typical offerings you made them all personalized desserts and allowed Athena to do your hair as you gossiped about what Hades had been like before he met you.

The second day was the gamos. The day started with a sacrifice and receiving blessings from the gods, your new family. You’d been washed under a waterfall of the purest water you’d ever seen in your life. Then, together, you and Hades made an offering to his family for your future. After that was a massive feast that included the entire Greek pantheon. That part was the hardest for you. Not only being overwhelmed by the sheer number of guests but because the men and women sat separate from one another and all you wanted to do was hold Hades hand. However, as promised, at the feast Zeus offered you a plate of ambrosia and a goblet overflowing with nectar. As a part of his toast he had the court cheers to you, a true goddess and the new Queen of the Underworld.

Once the feast was over there was still to be the anakalupteria or the removal of your veil. You thought it was a little silly considering the tradition was in reference to virginity, but you went along with it regardless. With you still veiled, the procession started. You and Hades, in a perfectly hand crafted chariot, which took you through the streets of Olympus. Zeus filled the night sky with lightning bolts until it looked like fireworks and the pantheon's cheers sounded like thunder all the way from the feast in the great hall until you were home. Comfortably alone in your home Hades removed your veil and then he removed everything else you wore as well.  

The next day came epaulia, when the pantheon came to your home in the underworld and presented the two of you with their gifts. Since the place so rarely saw guests and they’d all taken the time to come you wanted to make the event more of a reception. There was more feasting, drinking, and dancing in excess. All six gardens were flooded with life and joy from your guests as they celebrated with the two of you under the sparkling night.

That night Hades stood, drink in hand, and looked over his property with joy in his heart. Seeing his home filled with the laughter and happiness of his friends and family was something he’d wanted for a long time. He was so grateful for you, knowing that without you it would never have been possible.

When he wasn’t beside you he watched you diligently to make sure you were enjoying yourself, still worried that you might find his family in any way distasteful. Though he wasn’t sure he wouldn’t have stared regardless with the way your dress flowed behind you as you moved and the silks and chiffons draped around your body so perfectly. He thought you looked, appropriately, like a goddess. Your smile was so bright and warm that everyone you spoke to was glowing with happiness. He was certain he had never loved anything or anyone more than you.

His mood dampened only slightly when he felt the cold chill that surrounded his ex wife, and the strong scent of daffodil and roses that always lingered around her. A smell that now made him want to openly gag. He didn’t even have to look to know she’d found her way to him. Her gaze burned into his back and he could feel the tension gather in his shoulders from just her presence.

“Hades…” she greeted him, not unkindly.

For a moment neither of them expected him to respond, but he offered her a jagged, “What?”

“The house looks nice.” Persephone said, stepping beside him. “Feels like ages since I’ve seen it. Or you.”

“Should have been longer.” He muttered.

“You look very handsome and you seem... happy.”

He kept his eyes on you, a calming vision. “I seem happy because I am happy.”

“I saw you kept my statue.”

“Just waiting for it's replacement.”

“Hmmm.” She sighed and leaned closer.

Hades cleared his throat, “Why are you here, Seph?”

“I told you, it’s been ages. I wanted to see how you were doing. Make sure you were truly as happy as they’ve been saying on Olympus.”

“I am. I finally found the greatest love I’ve ever known.” He eased at the thought of you, “And I made her my wife. How could I not be happy?”

“The greatest love you’ve ever known. You’re sure?” She asked, “You don’t really believe that for a second time do you?”

Hades said nothing, he only scoffed at her attempt. He wasn’t going to let her ruin this day for him the way she had ruined so many others.

“Anyway, she’s okay.” Persephone continued with a shrug, “Seems nice enough, a little dim witted if you ask me.”

“Good thing I didn’t ask you.”

She ignored the bite in his tone. “You see you have to be a little dim witted to voluntarily spend eternity in the underworld. Even you were coerced here by your brothers.”

“Seriously, what are you doing here?” He asked, still refusing to look at her. “What will it take for you to leave?”

“I love a good wedding.” She said simply. “Plus after all of our history together, I thought we were friends.”

“We were never friends, Seph. Don’t bullshit me.”

Persephone hummed thoughtfully, and chose to ignore him once more. “I guess she’s cute at least. For a faux goddess anyway. I was going to say homely originally but I suppose she does have a nice smile.”

“There is nothing and no one more beautiful in this or any other universe than my bride.” Hades said with a small smile.

He could tell you were searching for him and he watched as a glow washed over you when you’d finally found him. By just the look on your face he could tell the story of the conversation you were having with Narcissus was going to be amazing later.

It was then that he finally looked over at Persephone, “And no, I never once said that about you.”

“When did you become so hurtful?” She asked softly, getting no response in return. Then after a pause she asked, “What will you do if she wants children?”

“It’s my hope that she does.”

“Why would you hope for that? Aren’t you infertile?” She quipped, “I always assumed that you were since we never had children together.”

“It couldn’t have been that you were never around. That we hardly ever had sex and when we did you weren’t very good.” He rolled his eyes. “How true to character, Persephone. Never taking responsibility, always placing the blame on someone else.”

“I’m just afraid it won’t last.” Persephone said harshly, furious that he’d found the audacity to speak to her that way.

As she watched you enjoying yourself with her family, in the home that she built. She came to the quick conclusion that all of this was your fault. She wasn’t sure exactly what you’d done to Hades but she didn’t like it at all. Determination grew inside of her. She would just have to prove to herself and the both of you that she still reigned superior. She didn’t want him to be happy with her, absolutely not, but she couldn’t have him anything but miserable without her.  

“Someone from topside?” she went on, “She doesn’t understand what she’s gotten herself into. But that’s how you like your wives, isn’t it? Clueless. Helpless.”

“You knew what it meant to marry me.”

“How could I have? I was a child when we met.”

He scoffed in disbelief of what she was saying. “You’ve never been a child, Seph. You were always a bitch. Very much born your father's daughter.”

“Even if I did, does she actually know what it means to marry you?” She asked, ignoring his comment, “Truly, does she know? Being trapped forever in the underworld with you.”

“She knows.”

She shook her head and gave a small tsk, “How could she? Pathos said the two of you haven't even been together a full year. Poor girl doesn’t know what eternity means. She’ll never make it, Hades. She will absolutely lose her mind and she will leave you like everyone else does. Down here, all alone. What’s worse is that not only have you imprisoned her in the underworld, you’ve trapped her in immortality. Everyone knows what you did. Giving someone immortality without their consent? Like she's just a play thing for you. A toy. Surely if she doesn’t try to escape you, you’ll just get bored of her. And then what?”

“You should leave.” Hades gulped.

He didn’t believe the words she was saying, at least he didn’t want to. However he knew and now Persephone knew that she’d successfully planted the seed of doubt she’d been trying for in the garden of his mind.

She just grinned over at him, feeling pleased with the doubt written on his face. “The party has just begun.”

He could feel the heat rising on his neck. He wanted to yell, throw her out, to cause a scene. Then, as if you knew he needed you, you were at his side. Slipping your arms around his waist and landing a sweet kiss on his lips.

“Hi.” You smiled brightly at him and he brightly back at you.

“Hi.” He said softly, kissing you again.

“Are you having fun?”

He settled his hands on your hips. “Infinitely more now that I have you here.”

You melted into him as he kissed your lips and then your cheek and down your neck. His hands inched up the curve of your back, sending a shiver of delight through your body. With a smirk you looked over at Persephone who seemed deeply disturbed by the public display of affection.

“I don’t think we’ve met.” You said, throwing your hand out to her, “Who are you again?”

Knowing that you knew exactly who she was Hades laughed against your neck.

“Persephone.” She hissed her name like venom and you pulled your hand back so you wouldn’t get bit.

“Oh, right, the ex-wife!” You said enthusiastically as you looked over at her. “Glad you could make it. I can’t say I know where you got your invitation but, all's well that ends well I suppose.”

“Right and you must be the prisoner.” She glared back at you.

“I thought people said you were trying to make ‘The Topsider’ a thing.” You said curiously, “Rule of thumb, nicknames don’t stick if you don’t stick with them.”

Hades looked at you with complete and utter adoration. He’d been trying so far in your relationship to keep you away from her. He should have always known you could handle Persephone. Especially with how you always handled him. His arms tightened around your waist.

“And what do you call me?” she asked.

“Oh, I think being you is enough of an insult. Why call you anything else?” You asked innocently.

Hades choked trying to hold back a laugh. With no surprise to any of you, Persephone did not find you as amusing.

“How are you enjoying my home?” She asked cooly, “Do you spend much time in my gardens?”

“No,” You smiled sweetly, “because actually, nothing here is yours. This is my home and these are my gardens. Especially when you consider how much work I put into cleaning up the mess you left.”

Your husband said nothing, he knew he didn’t have to. Instead he raised an amused eyebrow   while he slid the strap of your dress to the side and pressed his lips against the soft skin of your shoulder as the both of you waited for Persphones response.

“And what is that supposed to mean?” She spat.

“I’m sure the house looked lovely when you had originally designed it, but everything you’d done was so...tacky and outdated.” You grinned, pleased by the red that bloomed at her throat, “Hades and I had to redo almost the entire palace. Of course it’s not all done,  there’s so much, but we do have an eternity to finish. I’m not worried. ”

“You decorated together?” She scoffed and you laughed.

“Well it is his home as well. Perhaps where you’re confused is the part where Hades and I have respect for one another. We share a partnership. Not…” you gestured loosely to Persephone as if she were something distasteful, “whatever that was.”

“And my gardens?” She asked, “You’re suggesting they weren’t up to par?”

“Oh, Sephy,” she shot daggers at Hades, knowing it had to have been him that told you how much she hated being called Sephy. “I’m not suggesting anything. I’m telling you. The gardens were a disaster. Nothing made any sense. Aesthetically…  it was horrifying. Some spots were overrun, others left bare. No worries now though, I’ve fixed everything. Well, we had to, for the wedding.”

This time Persphone laughed, “Are you really saying you put together a better garden than me? Do you realize who I am? I’m the fucking goddess of vegetation and flowers. You, a nobody...an absolute nothing, did a better job than I had?”

You raised your hand to your chest in surprise and feigned a gasp, “Is that what you’re the goddess of? It’s funny, I had just always assumed they had gods and goddesses rule over things they had at least some sort of understanding of. I never would have guessed that for you. Absolutely...never.”

Persephone let out a hysterical gasp as if you’d broken her. She looked manic but like she was trying desperately to keep it together. “I could just kill you. I really could. You're so-you’re so-funny. No one should be as funny as you are. I absolutely wish you were dead.”

With an obviously fake laugh you placed a hand on her shoulder and she pulled back like you were made of fire, “Lucky for me I’m immortal.”

Never having seen Persephone so angry before Hades wrapped his arms around you more protectively. “Seph, I apologize for my wife. She’s so… what was it you said? Sharp witted?”

“I said dim.”

Hades laughed, “Well I think we all know she’s not that.”

“In all honesty, it was such a joy getting to meet you finally, Persephone.” You oozed sarcasm, “But you don’t mind if I steal him from you, right? I mean…steal him again.”

“You can’t steal trash from someone if they had already thrown it away.” She sneered.

“That is your, and I can not emphasize this enough, absolute loss.” You smiled once more. “You should go have a drink or twelve. We knew Dionysus would be here so of course the booze is endless.”

“Sure.” You basked in the anger radiating off of her. “Enjoy your eternity long sentence in the underworld.”

“Interesting.” You grinned, “Before you started continuously mentioning it, I never imagined myself as someone with a prisoner kink, but with Hades as my warden I could really consider it. What do you think, my love? Cuff me up later?”

“Anything for my Queen.” He leaned forward and pressed a kiss against your lips. It was meant to be sweet, gentle. Neither of you were prepared for the moan that would escape your mouth.

Forgetting Persephone completely you eyed Hades, “Do you think it would make us bad hosts if we disappeared?”

“No, of course not.” He looked around and then back at you, “Most of them are too drunk to remember what the party is for anyway. Could be a wedding. Could be a birthday. Could be a Tuesday.”

“Good,” You leaned forward and pulled his lip between your teeth. When you pulled back your eyes were dark with lust and it twisted a knot in his stomach. “Take me somewhere we’ll never be found. Now.”

Without so much as a goodbye to Persephone the two of you took off like teenagers, in a fit of giggles and hormones, to find somewhere you could be alone.

A thousand years had passed since that night, literal lifetimes, but for Hades it still felt like it had happened yesterday. It was one of his favorite memories. He always thought about it fondly, especially when he was missing you like he did now.

It wasn’t often you weren’t by his side but when you weren’t it was near agonizing. The seed Persephone had planted still grew like a weed in his mind. All he could think about was you being somewhere falling in love with being away from him. He could picture you realizing how much you longed for true independence. He imagined you would run away into the night without another word. Despite how long you’d stayed so far the fear never lessened. It was almost as if the more time passed the more he worried. You were a bomb ticking away, and the longer this went on the more likely you were to go off and leave. He knew you’d call him dramatic if you knew his feelings about it. He also knew that when you finally made that decision to leave it would devastate him and he’d likely collapse into himself like a dying star.  

He eyed the empty throne beside his, your throne. It had been almost two full days this time since he’d seen you. His leg shook anxiously and he tried to hold onto the way you looked on your wedding night to calm his nerves.

“Hades, Sir.” the sound of Phobos’ voice brought him back to the throne room, however reluctantly. “Perhaps we should begin.”

“What have I said about starting without her?”

Phobos looked over at his brother, Deimos, who only shrugged and sighed, “We don’t, Sir. We do not start without her.”

“Good, glad you agree. We’ll wait.” He said clearly moody. “She will be here soon enough.”

“I’m not saying she’s not coming. I’m just saying…” he said cautiously, “It couldn’t hurt to get through a couple without her.”

Hades looked at Phobos with eyes so sharp and so heated the latter god thought he’d died, been burned alive. If looks could kill.

“Oh, is that what you’re saying? Just go on? Move forward without her? As if it were possible.”

“No.” He gulped, “It was a joke. I was just joking.”

“Well, believe me when I say I thought it was funny.” Hades said deadpan. He leaned back in his throne with a huff and a childlike pout. He continued to tap his fingers on the armrest.

It was only a few more minutes before the sound of the door at the front of the hall bursting open and slamming against the wall cut through the air of the silent room. After a long sigh of relief Hades chuckled lightly at the sound and the following echo of your shoes speeding through the giant hall.

“Sorry! Sorry. Sorry. Sorry. Sorry!” You called hurriedly as you made your way to the platform completely out of breath. “I’m late. I'm so sorry.”

“The Queen is never late, she is always right on time.” Hades eyes sparkled like universes as you came into view, pushing through the waiting souls.

“Ugh,” looking at Deimos’ smirking face you rolled your eyes at how absolutely cheesy your husband was. “Phobos, I know you worry. I’m sorry I’m late.”

“Ma’am, please, there’s no need to apologize.” He assured you.

“We’ve talked about ‘ma’am, did you forget?”

Phobos leaned in slightly, and said very quietly, “Sir prefers that we remain professional with you in front of the souls, y/n. You know that.”

“Yes well, Sir,” you said, eyeing your husband, “would be okay with the pronoun choices because his sounds distinguished and dominant. Ma’am makes me sound like an old woman that you’re trying to placate. So let’s just figure out something else, okay? I did give you an alternative option...”

“Of course, sorry ma-” he stopped himself and you tried not to laugh as his cheeks burned red, “My apologies...Your Eminence. Regardless, no need for you to ever be sorry to me.”

Still trying to hold back the laugh from him calling you Your Eminence, which you knew he hated, you lifted the basket that was at your side and swung it in front of him. “So, no need for these freshly baked apology muffins then?”

“Well...I mean, you’ve already made them. I’d hate to be rude.” He shrugged.

“I knew you would hate that.” You winked as he took the basket and held up a finger before digging under the cloth on top, “I just need...this one. Thank you.”

You took your one muffin and hurried up the platform and sunk down into your throne with an exhausted sigh. Leaning over the armrest you offered the treat to Hades.

“A muffin for my muffin?”

He blushed as he took it from you. “Pear?”

“Always.” You said looking him over and then you scowled. “Not wearing your crown? Again.”

“I don’t like to wear it when you’re not here.” He said quietly as he unwrapped his treat, “It makes me feel silly.”

“Mmhmm.” You hummed through pursed lips and then decided to let it go. “Did you miss me?”

“Every second you were gone.”

Sinking down into your seat you let out a light laugh. “Liar. I bet you didn’t even think about me once.”

Opening your notebook, the one that matched Hades, you started to read up on the souls that awaited judgement. You were sure that he’d already memorized every last one in this room while you were running late. With a slight pout on his lips Hades didn’t move his eyes from you, not even for a second. Finally realizing that he hadn’t started judgements you looked up from your book to find him staring.

“What?”

“I hope you know that’s not true, y/n.” He sounded hurt. “You’re all I think about.”

“I know four girls that would be very disappointed to hear that.” You grinned.

“Tell me.” He said seriously, “Tell me you know it’s not true.”

Smiling in full you held out your hand to him and he laced his fingers with yours. Giving his hand a gentle squeeze you said, “I know you think about me. You’re all I think about too.”

Finally happy Hades pulled your hand to his lips to kiss your knuckles and then turned to Phobos with a smile. “We can begin.”

-

You had taken quite nicely to your role as Queen of the Underworld. Along with your responsibility of judging souls side by side with Hades you had also been tasked with providing for the gods and creatures that lived and worked in the underworld. You made sure that they were happy and comfortable in their positions and had everything they needed. You counseled those in need and resolved conflicts between those who quarreled. You were constantly planning for festivals and celebrations. Even other gods came to visit more and more often when before they never had. The people of the underworld loved you dearly, and were grateful for all that you did for them. More than anything they appreciated the effect you had on Hades himself. His disposition was much more cheerful. He was much more cheerful and far more understanding.

You didn’t really think you were doing anything special, you just felt like you were helping out where help was needed. You didn’t find any of it at all difficult. Everything you did was for Hades, both the man and your home. In return for all that you did Hades gave you everything you asked for. He did everything you wanted. He agreed with everything you said. You found that pretty unnecessary. You didn’t need that from him and constantly had to make sure he knew that. He assured you every time that he did it all because he wanted to.

The only thing you ever truly asked from him was for your grandmother to be moved from the Forest of Asphodel to the Towers of Elysium. That was usually the only other place you would be found if you weren’t at Hades side. You always spent at least one full day with her a week, sometimes staying the night, but you saw her everyday. She took great joy in taking care of your children so you brought them to her each and every morning. She was a wonderful teacher who brought them to new places, and taught them new lessons with every visit. Her favorite joke, which she told you every time you thanked her for watching them was that they kept her young.

“Looks like it’ll rain tonight.” You said thoughtfully eyeing the grey clouds overhead. “Something warm would be nice for dinner. Will you make your spaghetti sauce? You know Things One and Two always love to help you.”

“I think that’s a great idea.” Hades agreed quietly, as the two of you made your way down the road that took you home. “How’s grandmother?”

“Lovely as always. We made muffins, obviously. I think we were outside of London, that little cottage she loves.” You shrugged.

“You stayed longer than usual. Is everything okay?”

You laughed, knowing what his real concern was. You reached your hand out for his. “We drank too much wine and got caught up in a marathon of true crime shows.”

Gripping your hand tightly he stopped you in the middle of the road. With his one hand he pulled you close to his chest and with the free hand he gently brushed your cheek with his fingertips. “Oh.”

“Oh?” You smirked, lifting your arm up around his shoulder. “You really did miss me, didn't you?”

“I told you I did”. He pouted. “I can’t sleep when you’re not around.”

“Me neither. Why do you think I drank so much wine?”  You kissed his rounded cheek and with a chuckle you pushed him along. “Come on then, you must be exhausted.”

“Thank you for recognizing that.” He said jokingly, “It was very hard watching the girls on very little sleep.”

“Speaking of, grandma can’t watch the kids next week.”

“That’s a first. Is anything wrong?”

You shook your head, “She’s just ‘renovating’ her paradise. She wants to spend the holidays somewhere tropical.”

“That’ll be nice for her.” He tightened his grip around your waist as you walked. “You know what? We should take the week off! Spend it together, us and the girls.”

“Phobos will have a heart attack.”

“We can just work extra hard this week to make sure everything is cleared out.” He shrugged, “It’ll be fine. I’ve left it in worse conditions. Not sure you remember how much time I had to spend away while courting you.”

“I remember,” you admitted fondly, “I helped you clean up that mess.”

Most of the rest of the walk was done in comfortable silence. You spent the time reminiscing about the time he spent with you in the bakery, and when he brought you here for the first time. Before you even knew he was who he was. Then it had you thinking about how quickly the walk to and from the pavilion was from home. You thought about when you first came, how it took days to get around, and grinned to yourself.

“Something on your mind?”

“I just realized how it really takes no time at all to get anywhere in the underworld.” you said thoughtfully as the palace made its way into view. “We can visit everywhere in a single afternoon but it took us days to get around.”  

“And?”

“Just made me think about when you first brought me here...about how you really took your time with me.” you laughed as you made your way through the open iron gates to the garden.

Typically the gardens and the underworld in general were sun drenched. However, with the grey rain clouds filling the skies they looked gloomy and almost unwelcoming.

Hades chuckled, “Don’t I usually take my time with you?”

“Cheeky.”

A light rain finally started as the two of you made your way down the, now very familiar, cobblestone path. Water droplets fell from dark green leaves and on to the ground at your feet. It smelled lovely, you’d thought, like fresh soil and clean air. Sunny days were beautiful but rainy days were better. Cozier.

As the entrance of your home grew closer something in you felt hesitant to go inside. Moving through the courtyard you paused in front of the statue Hades’ had made of the two of you. Not the erotic one he’d told he’d have made long ago. It was a more appropriate one, a sweet embrace, foreheads pressed together intimately. It was your favorite and had been since the day it arrived. Hades moved just past you but you stopped him.

“Wait.” You said grabbing his wrist.

“You okay?”

“Yeah...I just.” You pulled him into you with a small smile before wrapping your arms around his shoulders and pulling him close. “I just want another minute alone with you.”

“Oh.” Taken by surprise he wrapped his arms around your waist while you tucked your face into his neck. “Okay, of course.”

“You smell so nice.” You murmured.

“Thank you.” He blushed, “You smell nice too.”

The two of you stayed like that for some time despite the rain falling down on you, soaking through your clothes. He really loved the little moments you had alone. Of course he loved having a big family, it was what he’d always wanted but he would have also been happy with a thousand more years just the two of you too. And he still worried all the time that a big family wasn’t what you wanted and that it would be a big part of the reason you’d eventually you’d ask him if you could leave.

“You know what I miss?” You asked quietly.

And there it was, he thought. You were going to say you missed being alone or missed the freedom of being literally anywhere else. You were going to ask if he wouldn’t mind if you took a week or two away just to rejuvenate. Instead of being rejuvenated you were going to realize how much you loved the lack of constant responsibility. The beginning of the end, finally had come.

“Hades...” you grabbed his chin, turning his face to yours, “Do you know what I miss?”

“A quiet home?” He asked as his shoulders sank.

“What?” You laughed and shook your head. “No. I was going to say… I miss having sex all over the place.”

“What?!” He nearly choked.

“When we first got together you couldn’t keep your hands off me. I’m pretty sure we fucked everywhere. All over this place. Whenever you wanted, wherever you wanted. Then all of a sudden a thousand years pass by and it feels like maybe you’re bored with me.” You pouted.

Hades leaned out of your embrace and placed the back of his hand to your forehead. “Do you feel okay? Do you have some horrible fever that’s melted your brain?”

“I’m serious, Hades.” You said. “Are we just a boring old married couple now? Do I not excite you anymore?”

“You’re out of your mind, love.” He assured you. “I think about having you everyday. I want you all the time. The only reason I don’t have you when I want anymore is because I can only imagine how traumatic it would be for one of our poor children to catch us disrobed on the staircase.”

“You promise you still want me?”

“What did we vow?” He answered with a question of his own.

Finally a smile met your lips, “Forever and everlong.”

“And that’s what I meant. I still want you more than anything. More and more everyday. More than the air in my lungs.” He promised, “Cross my heart.”

“Dramatic. As always.” You sighed, satisfied, and turned out of his arms to head inside finally. “But I believe you.”

“Not so fast.” He said keeping your hand in his. He brought you over to one of the low brick walls and leaned against it. “Come here.”

“What do you want?” You grinned as his hands gripped your hips, pulling you closer until his leg was between yours.

“Use me” he said with a deviant glint in his eyes, “That’s what I want.”

“What, right here?” You laughed, “In the rain?”

“We’re all alone and we don’t even have to take our clothes off.” He smirked, “You know how to do it, baby.”

“Okay…” embarrassed and giggly, you agreed. As you pulled the skirt of your dress around your hips, you stepped forward and sunk down onto his thigh.

“I love you.” He murmured against your neck. His hands slipped over your ass and squeezed as you started to roll your hips, “You’re so fucking beautiful.”

“Stop.” A gasp escaped you as you felt the tingle of friction that you were searching for. You nuzzled into his neck breathing in the scent of him, spiced chocolate. “Mm, you always feel so good. Just what I need.”

The fingers from one of his hands dug into your hip while his other hand eased upwards and cupped your breast. His thumb brushed your nipple through the rain wet fabric before squeezing you roughly in his palm. The sounds of your moans and whimpers collected in his ear. You dragged his jacket from his shoulder and tugged his button down to the side. Finally bare, your teeth pinched at the skin on his collarbone. Heat was blooming all over your skin as you moved even faster. When the raindrops hit you, you’d swear you could hear them sizzle.

“You know those sweet little noises you make drive me crazy.” He groaned beneath you.

“I know.” Your gasps for air grew louder and more frequent as your thrusting became a frantic search for friction. “Everything you do drives me crazy.”

“Slow down, love.” He said gripping your hips, forcing them into a slow, agonizing grind. “Yeah, like that. I want to savor it.”

Your head fell back, your mouth opened, taking in the cool rain. Hades took the opportunity to latch his mouth to your neck. He bit gently against your skin and you knew he was enjoying this just as much as you were.

“Do you like that?” You asked and he growled against your skin. “Does it feel good for you too?”

“Yes. I love you so much.” He said burying his face between your breasts. “I need you to cum for me.”

“Help me.” You begged, “Please. I need you.”

In an instant his fingers were slipping under the skirt of your dress. Your arms wrapped around his shoulders tightly as you rode his thigh. His fingers massaged your clit and you nearly screamed out with pleasure but kept it in just in case. Instead you bit down on his shoulder as your thighs clenched around his leg. In no time he had you gushing onto his hand and leg, soaking through his pants.

“Oh fuck!” You gasped, shaking from your high, “I’m so sorry. I didn’t know that was gonna happen.”

He just laughed as he lifted his fingers to your lips for you to lick clean, when you were done you kissed his fingertips. “I clearly haven’t been taking care of you like I should.”

“Don’t say that!” You cupped his face in your hands and gave him a true kiss, “I just...that was hot. I couldn’t help myself.”

“It was, right?” He said enthusiastically, “Boring old married couple, my ass.”

“What ass?” You teased.

He huffed out a half laugh at the joke, holding you in place on his lap. After the chuckles faded he watched your face curiously, quietly.

Then he asked, “Have I pleased you, my love. Do I make you happy?”

“Of course.” Your brow furrowed, “Happier than I could have ever imagined.”

“Then why are your eyes so sad?”

Leaning your down you pressed your forehead into his. He sat still and expectant. Finally you sighed in defeat and moved your head so that it was rested on his shoulder, your arms wrapping tightly around his body.

“I think there might be something wrong with me.”

“Why?” He asked, you could hear his heart race with panic, “What's happening? What can I do?”

“Sometimes, I just miss you.” You whispered against his ear.

“Beautiful…” He shook with laughter beneath you. “We spend every day together.”

“I know,” you held him tighter, “I think you broke me.”

“How?” He asked, gently running his fingers over your back.

“If we’re not this close, we’re not close enough.”

He hummed thoughtfully. It probably would have sounded crazy to anyone else but he knew exactly what you meant. He often found himself feeling the same way. It wasn’t as if when you weren’t clinging to him like a koala he was unable to function. It was just that when you weren’t holding one another there was a hint of a feeling of discontent. It felt like leaving the house and worrying you’d forgotten to turn the oven off. Something wasn’t right about it, something was always missing when you weren’t in his arms.

He knew the feeling was incessantly there for the both of you but what was curious to him was that it wasn’t like you to be so obvious about it. Not as much as he usually was anyway. He’d found that you didn’t really allow yourself to be bothered by much at all, so it was rare to find you upset or needy. There were just a few times he could think of when you’d complained about needing more of him. He laughed lightly as he thought about it and pulled you in close. After a moment of consideration his mouth dropped open and he laughed harder.

“Oh...shit.”

“What?” You asked, shifting your head so you could get a good look at him.

“You might be pregnant.” He smiled, cheeks growing bulbous and his pink gums and white teeth on full display.

You pulled out of his embrace, “No! No I’m not!”

“I really think you might be. You always get clingy when you're pregnant.”

“I AM NOT CLINGY!” You argued, pulling away so that you weren’t literally clinging to him.

“You don’t want another child?” He asked watching the slight drop in your shoulders.

You sighed deeply, feeling guilty about not being thrilled at the idea. Standing up from his lap you walked across the cobblestone from where he sat to the wall opposite and then back. He watched as you did it several times before finally sitting across from him.

“We’ve been together too long.” You muttered folding your hands together in your lap.

He raised an amused eyebrow, “Because I know everything about you and can read you like a book?”

“What if you’re right? What if I didn't want any more children?” he could tell you were nervous, “Wouldn’t you absolutely hate me?”

“You’ve given me four daughters and each one is just as beautiful and intelligent as her mother.” Still he frowned over at you, “I could never hate you. I do strongly dislike that you didn’t think you could talk to me about this, since it’s clearly been bothering you.”

“I love you. I love our children.” Your lips trembled, “I love our family. I love this life. I do.”

“I know.”

“Sometimes,” you gulped, “sometimes I wish it was just us again.”

He nodded unsure of how to respond. “I guess I worried about that.”

“I’m so selfish and so greedy. I’m so sorry.” Your hands flew to your face as you let out a sob, “You think I’m a horrible mother. You think I’m like her.”

“No!” He denied, knowing who you were talking about. “Not at all! Y/n, you are so far from being anything like her. Not even close to the same.”

“It’s not hard for you.” You sniffled, “You thrive as a father. You were meant for parenthood, some days I feel like I don’t know what I’m doing.”

“You’re wrong.” He said standing up and moving over to you, “I struggle. All the time. It’s easier for me because when I’m having a hard time I get to look at them and I see you. Amara has your smile and your wit, Iris and Ivy have your hair and your capacity for caring, and Lily has your eyes and they even light up over the smallest things just like yours. Maybe you think I don’t miss you as much as you miss me, but it’s only because I’m surrounded by pieces of you. You think it’s easy for me but it’s only because they remind me of you, and loving you is like breathing for me.”

“You still think I’m like Persephone.” You said in a whisper as he wiped your tears with his hand. “You think I want to leave you. I know you do, I see it on your face all the time. It’s like you're just waiting for me to turn my back on you. I hate it so much.”

“Yes. I worry, but even if you did leave, I could never think you’re like her.” Hades wrapped his arms around you again, “There is nothing in this universe that I fear, nothing at all, except losing you. I wouldn’t come back from that.”

“Well stop worrying, okay?” You asked, cupping his face. “I'm obviously addicted to you, Hades. Honestly, it would be concerning if I chose to care. I can’t get enough of you. You give me all of you and still I ask for more. I’m not going anywhere without you, ever.”

“Come inside with me.” He stood up and waited for you to join him so he could wrap an arm around your waist. “I’d like to put on some dry clothes. Spend some time with our children, have a nice dinner all together, and put them to bed. Then afterwards I’d like to make love to my wife until sunrise.”

You snorted as you made your way up the path to the doors, “As much as I love you, you wouldn’t last past midnight.”

-

While you hadn't quite filled up every room in the house with children, you did have your girls.

Amaranth was the eldest, already a teenager. She was named for your favorite flower in the whole underworld but usually went by Amara. Like all of your girls, when she was younger Amara was a complete and utter daddy’s girl. It was understandable, you thought, if you considered that Hades never said no to any of his girls. In fairness to him, being your first child, you too had spoiled Amara. All of you got lucky that she grew up to be very level headed and not an absolute brat. You figured it had to do a lot with the time she spent with your grandmother. While you would deny having a favorite child, you knew if you had to choose, it would be her. It was especially true as she aged and became less of a daddy’s girl and closer to you. You knew that Hades didn’t like it at all but secretly you loved it.

Amara was already six when you found out you were pregnant with the twins. Their given names were Agallis and Hedera, but it became a little too convenient to call them Iris and Ivy. Or as Amara lovingly nicknamed them when they reached toddlerhood, Things One and Two. Though they were just children, ever since they were young, their energy could be overpowering. The only time you’d ever seen Hermes collapse from exhaustion was at Hades birthday celebration, after he’d been chased around the meadow for over an hour. Afterwards, still excited to play, the twins had to find someone else to run after. As well as energetic, the girls were very much their fathers shadow. Since they could crawl, if he was home, they were at his heels. They copied everything he did, ate only the things he liked to eat, repeated everything he said. It was one of the few times you were okay with not being the preferred parent because honestly just watching it happen exhausted you. You truly didn’t know how he did it, his patience knew no end.

Leirion, or Lily, was the littlest. Not even a year old yet. She was a very quiet observer and loved anything that moved. Now that she could sit up on her own you could usually get away with sitting her down on her blanket and letting her just simply look. Anytime something would move her eyes would go wide with excitement and her mouth would fall into a gigantic gummy smile that mirrored her fathers. Literally anything that moved. Clouds coasting through the sky, flowers blowing in the wind, animals and creatures of any kind, her sisters, ripples in water. It didn't matter what it was, movement fascinated her to no end. You didn’t quite understand it but you appreciated the simplicity of her interests.

Friday had come quickly, you found that actually working diligently for once made the days fly by. It had been raining all week so the twins had started to get a little stir crazy. Amara would be fine in the same room for weeks on end so long as she had a stack of books. The twins were not the same, it was hard for them not being able to spend hours on end running around outside and exploring. Trying to think of something to do with them Hades had suggested that to start your vacation off right you should have a movie night in the blanket fort, and having overheard the comment the twins agreed. It had then become mandatory.

Lily had been watching you move through the kitchen, cleaning up the mess you’d made with the twins making cookies. Looking over at her you couldn’t help but warm at the bright smile on her face. With a quick drying of your hands once the dishes were clean you plucked her out of her chair and handed her a single chocolate chip.

“Don’t tell.” You whispered, as she pinched the chocolate between her fingers and brought it to her mouth.

“Don’t tell who, what?” Hades asked as he came into the kitchen, the twins hot on his trail.

“Anyone, anything… ever.” You smirked, planting a kiss on the top of her impossibly soft hair.

“You know that very soon she’ll be talking, and then she won’t keep your secrets.” He said with a raise of his eyebrow. “Anyway, movies ready.”

“Movies ready!” Iris declared as well.

“Movies ready!” Ivy quickly followed.

“Good. Since I cleaned everything up, you guys have to carry all the snacks.” You snuggled against Lily with a smile, “Where’s Amara?”

He shrugged, “Hiding away in one of a billion rooms pretending like we don’t exist.”

“Though it’s not very specific, I know without a doubt you are correct.”

“By the way, you’ll never guess what they picked to watch first.” He said handing Ivy the tray of cookies and Iris the bowl of popcorn.

With a light laugh you looked over at his miffed expression. Had to be the twins' absolute favorite movie. “Hercules?”

“It’s so wildly inaccurate!” He complained immediately as he grabbed the tray of drinks and followed you down the hall. “Uh, to start with, Hera isn’t even his mother. In fact she hates that kid. I never wanted to kill the kid, she did. And honestly, I don’t blame her. He’s a perpetual frat boy like his father.”

“Mmhmm.” You hummed in agreement, though you knew you probably didn’t need to even acknowledge his complaints as he rambled on.

“Also...I’m not blue! And my hair isn’t made out of fire, what even is that? I have great hair, actually. And I don’t have some insane, uncontrollable temper!” You nodded, amused as he grew heated, “And I’m not a villain, it’s absurd!”

You hummed again as you reached the fort. The blanket fort was really just a room in the house that had been decorated with flowing sheets, fairy lights, and piles of pillows to look like the inside of a blanket fort. Sometimes you would make real ones with the girls, but it had been Amara’s favorite thing to do as a child. Build a fort and read for hours or drag you and her father inside to watch movies, have tea parties or take naps. Eventually you figured it would be easier to just have a blanket fort on hand at all times.

“Right?” Hades directed at you. “Babe… right?”

“Right babe?” Iris said as she put down the popcorn.

“Right babe?” Ivy repeated before putting the cookies next to the popcorn and taking one for herself.

“Right.” You grinned as you sat Lily down amongst the oversized pillows and handed her her favorite stuffed pegasus. “You’re definitely not blue.”

As your husband growled you tried not to laugh. “Y/n...”

“You’re not a villain!” Giggling, you made yourself comfortable. “Honestly, I’m pretty sure they just like the movie because of the music. I don’t think they’re looking for accuracy in the mythology.”

With his lips still pursed at you he sunk down into the cushions as well. You watched as Ivy turned off the lights, and Iris started the movie before they both hurried over and belly flopped onto their father who also happened to be their favorite cushion.

As the movie began Hades reached over the space between you and took your hand. In the brief calm you looked over at him thought maybe it wouldn’t be so bad if he was right and you were pregnant again. In fact he had you feeling that way a lot the last week. He always made you feel like you could handle anything. Everything seemed so easy as long as you were doing it together.

The movie wasn’t even halfway over before your husband was yawning, though he still had enough energy to grumble complaints about almost every scene you’d watched. Having seen it so many times at this point, his whining really was the best part of the whole experience for you. That and the thrilled shrieks Lily let loose every time Pegasus appeared on the screen and the horribly off tune singing from the twins.

“Um dad…” both of you turned to the doorway where your oldest was leaning against the frame. “There’s some lady at the door for you.”

“It’s a little late for a guest,” you looked over at Hades and he shrugged, “Are you expecting someone?”

“No.” He looked back at your daughter, “You get a name?”

Amara scrunched her nose. “I don’t know. Stephanie, maybe?”

“Stephanie…” both of you muttered under your breath before looking at each other in realization.

“Persephone?” He asked.

“Sure, whatever.” the teenager shrugged with disinterest and took off back down the hall.

Hades sighed and dug himself out of the child pile he was in. The twins whining about both the disturbance and the loss of their father as a cushion.

“I’ll be right back.”

“I’ll go with you.” You said quickly popping up to your feet with more energy than you’d had all day.

He looked over at you with a raised eyebrow. “I can handle it.”

“And I can watch you handle it.” You smiled back sweetly before picking up Lily.

“Us too.” The twins offered in unison as they clamored over the pillows on the floor.

“It’s a field trip!” You said enthusiastically, your husband laughed knowing exactly why you were going with him and it wasn’t just to watch him take care of things.

“Field trip!”

“Field trip!”

The twins shouted in tandem as they skipped down the hall ahead of the both of you. You watched them, surprised that they had chosen to copy you. Hades looked at you for a long moment, clearly amused, before snaking an arm around you. It wasn’t that you didn’t trust him. It was never about not trusting him. It was always about her. You didn’t understand why she was always coming around for no reason. Popping her head into your lives when you least expected it. You knew she was an idiot for letting him go and part of you worried that she knew it now too.

“Hi Stephanie.” Iris said as she opened the door to your unexpected guest.

“Hi Stephanie!” Ivy greeted her as well.

“Thing One...Thing Two, backup please.” Hades said, directing the two girls from the door, before looking up at your guest. “Persephone.”

“Hades.” She said and looked over at you with a bit of a scowl. “Good evening, Y/n. I didn’t expect a whole welcoming committee.”

“Field trip!” Iris shouted.

“Field trip!” Ivy followed.

“I assume you came here with a purpose?” Hades asked, still blocking the door.

“This is how you greet your guests?” She asked.

“No, this is how we greet you.” You said kindly, but the bite was prevalent.

Persephone let out a scoff, “I’m just here for some things I forgot.”

“And you’re just thinking of them now? A thousand years later?” You asked.

“You know,” she smirked “I forgot what a bitch you were.”

“Hey!” Hades threw his hand up, “Do not speak to my wife like that ever, especially not in front of our children.”

“No, love, she’s right.” You said calmly, “I am a bitch. It’s good that she recognizes that. Now please, come in. The faster you get your things the faster you can leave.”

Hades opened the door for Persephone and she stepped inside, eyeing the foyer. She didn’t say anything as she took off the cloak she’d been wearing and tossed it to your husband like he was a coat rack.

“So…you didn’t have this before” she said with a slight sneer as she gestured to the baby. “Aren’t you two done yet?”

“Leirion!” Hades plucked the baby from your arms enthusiastically, too in love with your daughter to even recognize the disgust in Persephone's tone. “Yes, my beautiful little Lily.”

“Lily…” she hummed, “That’s a little curious, isn’t it?”

“What’s curious?”

“Well if I’m keeping track properly, that makes Lerion or Lily. Agallis and Hedera or Iris and Ivy. And Amaranth.” She looked around, “Any other children I’m forgetting?”

“What’s your point, Seph?” Hades asked, adjusting Lily in his arms so that she was more comfortable.

“You named your daughters after flowers and plants.” She grinned, “Hades, darling, you’re making almost too obvious that you’re still not over me.”

“This bitch…” you muttered under your breath.

“Seph, and I can not stress this enough,” Hades sighed, “ the only person who can’t get over you is you.”

“Hades,” she pouted, lifting her fingers to his cheek. “You wound me.”

“Good.” You said with a roll of your eyes. “Can we please go get your things?”

You tried to make quick work of Persephone’s visit but you could tell she was trying to drag it out, requesting a tour of nearly every room from the foyer to her old room even though she’d seen them all before. Not to mention her old room was, of course, the furthest a room could possibly be.

The twins loved the trek through the house. They sprinted, skipped, hopped, and jumped their way down every hall. Sometimes going so far ahead they had to double back. Lily did not enjoy it as much, growing tired and cranky in her father's arms with every new corridor. You weren’t much further when Hades stopped and squeezed your hand.

“I’m going to split off here.” He said, giving Lily a kiss on her forehead. “She needs to be put to bed. Persephone, my kind and beautiful wife will escort you the rest of the way to get your things.”

“She will?” You asked with a tight lipped smile.

“And she won’t be murdering anyone in front of our daughters.” He smiled and tilted his cheek towards you.

“She won’t?” You leaned in to grant him his kiss.

“Good night, Seph. Safe travels home.” He politely offered a goodbye to a very putout looking Persephone.

For that very brief moment you found you could actually relate to your husband's ex wife. You pouted along with her as you watched his back retreat down a separate corridor. You definitely hadn’t wanted to see him leave but a smile found its way to your face at the knowledge that Hades knew you’d prefer to be alone with Persephone over him being alone with her. That’s why he hadn’t asked you to take Lily instead.

After persisting down a few more hallways you finally reached her old room, and you watched as she stopped before the door.

“Oh, anything of yours won’t be in there.” You said as she pushed the door open, “That’s just another playroom now.”

As soon as there was even an inch worth of opening the twins plowed inside. Persephone stood in the doorway of the brightly lit room, frozen and wide eyed. You grinned as she took in what had once been her room. Scattered toys all over the stained carpets, finger paintings and crayon art lining the lower halves of the walls. In the center of the room there was a marble statue with a red superhero cape, a rainbow clown wig, bright blue eyeshadow and lopsided lipstick.

Persephone’s face snapped toward yours with a glare. “Is that me?”

“Yes,” you answered simply, “The girls really love playing dress up. So we brought that old thing in here. Recently they’ve been practicing their makeup skills.”

“And my children’s statues?”

“They’re still out in the gardens.” You smiled, “With the rest of the family, where they belong. Melinoe actually stopped by last month for lunch with Hades and to meet the baby. Sounded like it had been awhile since you’d seen her. She’s doing very well, if you were curious.”

She cleared her throat roughly, “Where have my things been moved?”

“If I had to guess,” you hummed, “the junk room.”

You called the twins from the playroom and brought Persephone down a few more halls. When you opened the door to the junk room it was like looking directly into Marie Kondos worst nightmare. It was filled to the rafters with almost everything from every room that had once been decorated by Persephone and then redecorated by you. You’d tried your best to only keep the things that were priceless and irreplaceable. It turned out she’d had a penchant for both when it came to decorating. Room packed with things that weren’t meant for touching became a real issue with so many kids.

She sighed deeply, “How am I supposed to find anything in here?”

“I’d offer to help you if I thought you were actually here looking for something.” You leaned against the doorframe, “I think it’s obvious, however, that you’re only here because you’re obsessed with my husband and you're under some delusion that you might be capable of seducing him. I suppose I should let you know, it’s never going to happen. You lost your chance with Hades long ago and you’re never getting him back. Even if he didn’t want me he would still never go back to you, because he knows now what he’s worth. And he’s worth far more than anything you could ever offer him.”

Persephone looked over at you but didn’t acknowledge what you’d said. She grabbed the closest thing to her, without even a glance towards it. It had been a book of unpublished works by Emily Dickinson.

“Found it.” She said before slinking passed you out of the room.

The walk back to the foyer was much quicker and far less chatty. It was more like a warden walking a prisoner down death row than anything else. With the exception of two loud, cheerful girls singing Disney songs that they didn’t know all of the words to. When you thought about it you realized that, in and of itself, was probably a tortuous experience for Persephone as well. While she put her coat on you opened the door for her.

“Have a lovely evening, Sephy.” You said with a small wave, “Get home safe!”

“It’s Persephone.” She glared.

“I know what your name is. And you know I know what your name is.”

With a huff she turned on her heel and headed out into the stormy night. Several bolts of lightning shot through the sky, and there was a crackle of thunder that shook your home. You wondered briefly who Zeus was having it out with tonight or if perhaps your own anger had manifested into a storm.

“Bye Stephanie!”

“Bye Stephanie!”

You grinned as your girls waved goodbye as well and then herded them back into the house before shutting the door. When you turned around you saw your teenager sitting on the staircase with a giant smile on her face, one that matched her father's gummy smile. Her dog, Ligo, was awkwardly trying to fit her body on a single step and failing miserably.

“What’s so funny?” You asked.

“Nothing really,” she said, “That was pretty cool, mom. You were all ‘not my house, not my man’. You’re such a bad bitch.”

You snorted out a laugh, you knew you should reprimand her for cursing but it was too amusing. “Thanks, kid.”

“Dad’s really lucky. You love him a lot.”

“I love you a lot too.”

“Gross, don’t ruin it.” She scowled.

“Sorry,” you chuckled, “I keep forgetting you have to pretend like having people care about you is the absolute worst thing in the world.”

She rolled her eyes, “Can I ask you something?”

“Always.” You leaned against the banister, watching the twins chase each other down the hallway and then back again. Good, you thought, let them run themselves out.

“Do you think you could ask dad if I can go to a party next weekend?”

“Topside?” You asked curiously.

“No…”  You raised an eyebrow, that was curious. “It’s on Olympus.”

“I see.” Though he’d definitely gotten closer to his family in the last century, Hades still had strong feelings about Zeus and that side of the family. “What’s it for?”

“Nothing.” She shrugged, “Look, I know what he’ll say. He doesn’t want me going there, getting influenced by a bunch of ‘narcissistic douchebags’. And I get it, most of the cousins aren’t that great and I wouldn’t want to hang out with them anyway.”

“But…”

“But…” she sighed, “there’s one guy that’s been coming around. He comes from Poseidon’s side. He’s really funny, and he’s smart and he’s not like the other ones. I think dad would really like him. If he weren’t, you know, a boy that I was interested in.”

You scrunched your nose, “Isn’t it weird? He’s like your cousin.”

“Don’t be gross.” She groaned, “He’s so far down Poseidon’s family tree he doesn’t even fit on the parchment. He’s Poseidon’s sons sons sons sons sons sons son a million times over. And do you know how hard it is for people like us to go topside and find love? Immortals? Gods? For like a thousand reasons it’s the absolute worst. It’s impossible. And even if I did find someone and they didn’t run for the hills when I mention my dad was Hades, I’d have to watch them get old and die. Or worse. I’ve read all our family history, I know the lore. I know it doesn’t work out for me or for them, ever. It never works out. I think you forget that you and dad aren’t the standard, you're the exception.”

You grinned. “If you know it all, you know her name is Persephone not Stephanie. Yet you continue to call her that to her face whenever she comes around.”

Your daughter shrugged and looked down at her feet. “Yeah. So? I do not and will not treat anyone that treated dad that way with respect. They don’t deserve it.”

“I will talk to your dad.” Her eyes lit up as she looked over at you, “But! You have to ask him first.”

“He’ll say no!” She argued.

“Maybe, maybe not. Ask him. Tell him about the boy. If he says no then I will talk him into letting you go.” she looked at you confused, “He’s your dad. He just wants to be a part of your life, so let him be. Plus if something actually happens with this guy you definitely don’t want to blindside him with it later. Be honest. Trust him like you trust me. Who knows, maybe he’ll say yes.”

“Right.” She rolled her eyes.

“Take your sisters upstairs and get them ready for bed.” You said with a small smile, “I promise you’ll go to your party. Just ask your dad.”

With a huff she stood up and started up the stairs, “Thing One. Thing Two. Let’s go, you little demons.”

“Thank you.” You called after her, “I love you.”

The twins sped past her on the stairs, startling Ligo into chasing after them and they released matching shrill shrieks.

She turned her head, just barely, and as if it was the hardest thing she’d ever had to mutter in her life she said, “Love you too.”

With a sigh you made your way down the hall to the blanket fort to clean up the movie night snacks. After picking up spilled popcorn and half eaten cookies, and stacking up drink cups you stood up straight.

“She’s right.”

“Oh my god!” You gasped and jumped in surprise almost spilling your armful. When you turned around you saw Hades in the door.

“Yes, I am, aren’t I.” He grinned. “Your god.”

“Why is everyone in this house always sneaking around?” You asked with a roll of your eyes that matched perfectly with your daughters. “Who’s right and about what?”

“Amara. I’ll say no.”

You handed him the stacked cups and nudged him down the hall to the kitchen, “Why?”

“She’s too young. What’s she interested in boys for anyway?” He complained, “And not to mention, I very much enjoy when you talk me into things.”

“I could always just talk you into saying yes now if that's what you want.” You said as you reached the kitchen.

“Okay.”

Dumping the trash into the bin you looked over your shoulder at him, “Seriously?”

“Yeah. Talk me into it.” You watched as he leaned back against the counter.

“Thing is I don’t think you actually want me to talk.” He didn’t say anything, but he didn’t need to. His eyes were black and heavy lidded while you stepped towards him. “It’ll have to be quick.”

With a nod of acknowledgement he leaned forward and kissed you, his tongue dipping between your lips as you unbuttoned his pants. While he continued to kiss you, you pulled him from his pants and stroked his already half hard cock. When he groaned against your mouth you knew he was ready.

“Keep your eye on the door.” You said quietly.

Then you dropped to your knees and took him into your mouth. Hands clutching the counter top he tried to keep an eye out on the door but was finding it difficult. His chest heaved slightly as your tongue swirled around the overly sensitive skin at his tip. The taste of skin and salty precum spread over your tongue.

“Oh..fuck.” His eyes rolled back as the room filled with just the sloppy sound of his dick getting stuffed in your mouth and the soft moans you released around him.

One of his hands dropped to the back of your head, and you lifted your eyes to meet his. He could only tolerate waiting another minute before pulling you back up to your feet. After a quick kiss he moved behind you, pushing your hips into the counter. His mouth latched on between your neck and shoulder.

“Do you want me?” He asked like there was a chance you wouldn’t, but his hands had already started tugging your short shirt styled dress over your hips.

“Yes.” You begged while he tugged your leggings down to your knees, “Please, I want you so much.”

He brushed his fingers between your thighs. You could hear that his fingers were in his mouth when he groaned, “You’re so wet.”

There was a pop as he removed his fingers from his mouth and the lewd image of the action in your mind, which you’d seen so many times before, had you gulping. You had to bite down on your fist hard to keep from moaning too loud when he finally sunk himself inside of you. He was thick and filling.

“You have to…” you gasped, ���faster.”

His palm slammed against your mouth as he sped up and the moans that fell from your lips grew louder.

“Shhh.” He hushed you, “You have to be quiet for me.”

“I’m trying.” You whimpered. Pushing yourself off the counter you leaned back onto his chest, “Oh, my love.”

His forehead pressed to the side of your head as he grunted with each thrust beside your ear. “Will you cum?”

“Yes.” It came out like a whisper, but it felt louder, “Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes!”

Fist slamming down on the counter, your body tensed as your orgasm pulsed around him. For a moment he sped up. His fingers digging into your hips like knives. Then his own hips sputtered to a stop. Dropping his forehead to rest against your back he tried to catch his breath. With a satisfied sigh you slipped your arms forward until your top half was lying flat against the cool marble counter.

“That was...unexpected.” You laughed as you lazily moved your hand to the drawer to your left, pulled out a dish towel and held it behind you.

“I wasn’t sure you would do it.” Hades said as he took the towel and moved it between your thighs to wipe up the mess the two of you had made. “I should have known better. You absolute goddess.”

The both of you were quiet as you finished cleaning up yourselves and the kitchen. Quiet and happy, you moved around each other. Giggling like school kids that shared some trivial secret and sneaking quick kisses.

Once you were finally making your way up the stairs you squeezed his fingers, “Thank you.”

“What for?”

“For always giving me exactly what I want.” You blushed lightly thinking about how needy you were. About how you had just complained to him the other day about him not wanting you enough.

He laughed, “That was just as much for me as it was for you, but you’re welcome regardless.”

Before heading to bed you said your good nights to Amara and tucked in the twins who requested a spooky story since it was still storming so badly outside. While Hades took care of story time you took the chance to jump into the shower before bed. After your nightly routine was complete you found him already stretched out on his side of the bed.

“Tonight was interesting.”

“In more ways than one.” He said as he eyed the pages of the book he’d been reading.

You bit your lip as you looked over at him. “It was weird seeing Persephone. I wonder what she was really doing here.”

“Who knows?” He flipped a page over, “I didn’t understand her motives back then, I understand them even less these days.”

“She was dressed really fancy for just a visit here. She did look kind of nice.” and then under your breath you muttered, “At least her stupid perky boobs did.”

Hades only shrugged, “I don’t think she seemed any nicer than normal. She was kind of rude, actually.”

“No, I said she looked nice. Like she was pretty…” you tried to seem casual as you set down the hairbrush you’d been twisting around in your hands.

“Eh.” You watched as he finally closed his book, dropping it on the nightstand. “I don’t really see her appeal much anymore.”

Sitting down on the mattress a smile spread over your face and you turned off your lamp before slipping closer beside him. “She did seem greener than our gardens with envy.”

He lifted his arm so you could tuck into his side as you did nearly every single night since the first night you shared in the forests of Asphodel.

“I’m not sure she was the only one.” He chuckled.

“What are you suggesting?”

“You know I’ve seen Persephone more in the last century than I did almost the entire time we were married?” He asked, “I’ll be absolutely honest, I’ve loved every single time she’s popped up. Not because I enjoy seeing her, but because every single time you radiate jealousy. And I can’t pretend it doesn’t make me happy, how possessive you get.”

“I do not get possessive and jealous!” You smacked his chest and he laughed.

“Yes, you do. I don’t know why, there’s never been any need, but you do.” He grinned and pressed a kiss into the top of your head, “So go on, ask your questions.”

Even in the dark he knew you were rolling your eyes. It was only because you were annoyed that he knew you so well. That you were so predictable. You didn’t know why you had to ask, you wished you didn’t have to, but it always calmed you. It always made you feel better. So every time Persephone came around since she did the very first time when she showed up at your wedding, you asked the questions.

“Do you think she loves you?”

“I think she covets things that aren't hers.”

“Do you still have feelings for her?” You asked, “Is there any part of you, no matter how small, that wishes you were with her?”

“No.” He said simply, “And absolutely not.”

“I’m still prettier than her, right?” You asked, rubbing your hand over his chest.

He placed his free hand over yours and gave it a squeeze. “She doesn’t even come close, she never has.”

“And you love me?” You whispered.

“Endlessly.” He cupped the back of your head in his palm and leaned in to kiss your forehead.

You sighed, finally content. “Okay, let’s go to bed.”

-

When you woke up you were not surprised to find two tiny feet in your face. It was actually pretty common to find several extra bodies in your bed the morning after a bad storm. The little heart shaped mole on the heel told you it was Iris. You half remembered Hades getting up in the early morning to get Lily, which would be why she was starfished over his chest. You weren’t sure if the twins had climbed onto the bed before or after that though. Regardless, they were there now.

What did surprise you was Amara sleeping, cuddled into your side. With a smile you leaned over and gave her a gentle kiss on the top of her head. It felt like it had been a hundred years since the last time she’d let you hold her. She never came in during storms anymore. She actually reminded you of yourself a little, stubborn and independent. Never too far away, you found Ligo trying to curl up at the end of the bed like she was a little dog when she absolutely was not.

“Suns out today.” Hades yawned as he woke.

Ivy popped her sleepy head up from the other side of him. “Suns out.”

“Suns out.” Slightly delayed, Iris’ sleepy voice came from under the blanket. You gave a light tickle to the soft skin on the bottom of her feet and she tucked herself under the blanket completely with a giggle.

“We should have a picnic outside. I’m sure the dogs miss the monsters. Gods know the monsters miss the dogs.”

You nodded and turned to Amara. “Will you join us for a picnic?”

Eyes still closed she nodded and hummed in agreement. Then she pulled the blanket over her head and buried herself deeper into your side.

Breakfast was light as you prepared for a big lunch. Hades took the twins out to the garden to pick fresh fruits and vegetables and Amara stayed in the kitchen to help you prepare the food and organize everything into the baskets. You were glad the sky stayed clear, not sure what you’d do with the girls if they weren’t allowed to see the dogs for another day.

Once lunch was prepared you slipped into the restroom for a moment alone. A moment quickly became thirty minutes. Standing in front of the sink you stared down at the thin piece of plastic on the counter with its one line. You weren’t sure why you were still waiting. It was only supposed to take ten minutes. The answer was clear. Still you waited and watched, willing that second line to appear.

“Mom?” Amara’s knock on the door made you jump and you hurried to trash the test and wash your hands, “Are you okay? Everyone went outside.”

“I’m fine.” You called back. “I’m coming right now.”

With Amara by your side, each of you with a hefty picnic basket in tow, you went outside. You followed the path through the garden to a set of steps inlaid in the grassy slope that lead down to the meadow where Hades already was with the younger girls. You couldn’t stop the smile that grew on your face when you saw Cerberus stretched out on the grass, soaking up the sun, beside your husband. Just a man and his giant three headed dog.

His four boy pups, which you felt could hardly be called pups as they were all the size of small horses, were running around the meadow, chased enthusiastically by the twins. Despite their massive size you never worried about the girls with the dogs. The three headed pups had been born just after the twins and they had grown up together. The boys had always been delicate and cautious with them. It nearly broke their hearts when the pups had grown too large to come into the house and they started to roam around the underworld, learning from their father how to hunt for escaped souls and protect the gates.

Lucky for everyone Ligo was there to save the day. She was the runt of the litter, hence her name. However a runt in Cerberus’ litter was still massive. A single headed, extra fluffy, perfectly normal looking, two hundred pound leonberger. She was considered a family dog but everyone knew Amara was her true owner. The two of them were inseparable.

Reaching the blankets your husband had laid out, with no help from the twins, you put down your basket. Having followed the two of you outside, Ligo plopped down in the grass next to her father, and Amara started to put out the food. You’d have offered to help if you didn’t know your ocd daughter already knew where she wanted things to go. Instead you stepped behind Hades and wrapped your arms around him, leaning your forehead against his shoulder with a sigh.

He turned his head to look over his shoulder, “What's wrong, Beautiful?”

“Nothing.” You muttered.

With that obvious lie he turned around in your arms. Lily was secured against his chest in her baby wrap. You smiled when you saw her big bright eyes looking up at you, and pressed a kiss on the top of her baby soft head.

“What’s the matter?” He asked again, lifting your chin so you were forced to look at him.

“Nothing’s the matter.” You shrugged. “You were wrong though.”

“That seems unlikely,” he scoffed, “what am I supposedly wrong about it?”

“I checked...I’m not pregnant.”

“Oh.” He frowned and then looked at you confused, “That's a good thing isn’t it? You didn’t really want another baby.”

“No. I guess not.” You said with a small smile.

With a sad sigh he wrapped his arm around your shoulder and pulled you into his side. He buried his nose in your hair with a satisfied hum while you smoothed the hair on Lily’s head.

“We still have Lil.” He said, “Lily, remind your mother you're still a baby and that it’s okay if we don’t have another one right away.”

She only smiled up at you, babbling something incoherent. With a small laugh you held him tighter. “I love you.”

“Wait, do you mean me or Lil?” He asked with faux concern.

“I’ll never tell.” You grinned. “Let’s eat.”

“Yes.” he agreed and leaned in to give you a quick kiss.

You hummed in delight as the stubble on his face scratched your lips. “Mmm, stubble kisses are back.”

“You can expect them all week.” he laughed.

Hades called the twins over for lunch and six of you stretched out on the blankets. The pups played for a little longer before sinking down in the grass themselves for a lazy afternoon nap. You definitely didn’t get moments like this with all of you. Managing souls and the underworld kept Hades and yourself busy. The girls had daily time with grandmother followed by lessons with their tutors. It just wasn’t often you got to spend time all together like this. It made you realize just how much you were looking forward to the rest of your week off with your family.

Once the twins were fed they calmed down significantly. That only meant instead of running around they were quietly tying pink ribbons to Cerberus’ fur. The once ferocious beast had been beaten down by fatherhood until he wasn’t much more than an exhausted ball of fluff that just wanted a moment of peace and rest. Ultimately he didn’t care what the girls did as long as he got the occasional belly rub in return for his patience.

You’d been testing fruits with Lily to see what she might be ready to eat and what she liked. Raspberries were so far a success. Hades was reading his book again and when you looked over you caught Amara anxiously circling her thumbs in her lap as she eyed her oblivious father.

“Umm.” She started hesitantly and you darted your eyes back to Lily, knowing your added attention would throw her off. “Daddy?”

“Yes, Princess?” He hummed, placing his book on his lap to give her all of his attention.

You could feel the nervousness radiating off of her. She seemed even more timid with his eyes on her. “Well, you see…I was just wondering. Could I get your permission for.. can I- Would it be okay if I went this weekend to Olympus?”

“What would you need to go there for?” He asked, not unkindly, before taking a drink of wine.

“Just, uh,” she gulped, “there’s a get together I was invited to.”

“You mean a party?” He asked.

“Kind of, I guess. It’s not for anything. It’s just a hangout.”

“I didn’t realize you had friends there that you’d want to hang out with.” He said grabbing a slice of pear off of your plate.

“I don’t.” She said quickly.

Hades raised an eyebrow, “If you don’t have friends that will be there why do you want to go?”

Her mouth dropped as she realized her mistake. “Well, I don’t really have friends there, persay. There’s just one person I’m friends with. They’re going to be there. They wanted me to go too...”

“What’s her name? Do I know her?”

You bit your lip to keep from laughing. Under your breath you whispered a quick, “You’re so mean.”

He only smirked beside you, picking up more fruit off your plate.

“Uh. It’s a he. Ah-he’s a boy” she stuttered out. “My friend is a boy.”

“A boy?” Hades asked, “Zeus’ sons are worse than his daughters. You wouldn’t want to be friends with them. You’re too smart. What’s his name?”

“He’s not one of Zeus’ sons. He’s Posideons’ great great great great-“

“I’m sure he’s a great boy, tell me his name, Amara.” With that you smacked your husband on his thigh.

“Alec.”

“Alec and Amara…” he hummed thoughtfully. “That’s sort of cute.”

“Daddy, please. Just say no already so I can stop making a fool of myself.” She sighed in defeat.

“Princess. I’m hurt. Why would you assume I’d just say no?”

Amara looked at you suspiciously and then back to her father, “Are you not...saying no?”

“Some would even call it saying yes.” He grinned.

“Are you joking? Daddy, that’s not funny. Are you serious? I can go?” She nearly screamed.

He nodded, “Under two conditions.”

“Anything!”

“Ooop,” you shook your head, “I do not suggest agreeing to just anything your father wants so quickly. I’ve made that mistake.”

“One.” He ignored you, “I want to meet this Alec. Your mother and I will go with you to Olympus. We’ll meet the boy and take you home when the night is over.”

“And two?” She asked.

“I need you to watch the little ones, just one day this week.” He said simply, “I want to treat your mother to a nice day, so I need you to take care of your sisters.”

“Yes!” Amara agreed wide eyed, “I’ll do it! I agree!”

Hades shrugged, “Okay then.”

“Really? Okay?” She hopped on her knees. “I can really go?”

“Did I not just say so?”

“Thank you!” She screamed and threw herself at her father, tackling him to the ground in a hug, “Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I’m so happy! Thank you, Daddy!”

Excited by Amara’s reaction Ligo hurried over and started licking Hades face.

“Alright!” He laughed, “Alright! It’s not even a big deal. You’re acting like I don’t say yes to everything you women want already.”

-

The rest of the weekend went by quickly as nothing more than lazy mornings turning into lazy afternoons that rolled into lazy nights. It was mostly time spent letting Things One and Two run around like maniacs and forcing Amara to read her books in the presence of her family instead of reading her books hidden away. You cooked meals together in the kitchen and ate them outside in the gardens. In the evenings you took walks around the underworld with the pups, and curled up together to watch movies at night.    

With hardly any warning, on Tuesday evening Hades advised both you and Amara that the next day would be the day he was taking you away. When you asked him if you needed to bring anything he only laughed and sarcastically advised you to pack your passport. The next morning started off early. Hades had woken you up before sunrise. You threw on some jeans and one of his shirts and the two of you started your trip. It took you until you were halfway there to even wake up completely, but once you did you knew exactly where he was taking you.  

The Towers of Elysium were a blinding white in the fresh light of the sun. And you were bursting with excitement at the sight. You may have visited them nearly every day when you went to visit your grandmother, but you never got to visit for yourself much. Not at all actually, not since the first time.

“What do you think?” Hades asked as you got off the elevator on the highest floor. “Will this do for a day away.”

“I think it’s perfect.”

Standing in front of the door he looked over at you, “Go on then. Wherever you want to go.”

When you opened the door you were unsurprised to be wrapped in the smell of ocean air. It had been such a long time since you’d visited this place, but the memories of it remained clear in your mind. The living room was showered in sunlight from outside and ocean air was moving in through the drapes that covered the open sliding glass door in the living room. Moving inside you smiled as you saw the red gerberas in their vases. It was exactly as you’d left it.  

“How did I know?” Hades grinned as he stepped inside with you.

“We can roll play.” You said as you kicked off your shoes. “You can be Jiyong and I’ll be me.”

With a sigh he lifted his hand. Fingers gently sinking into your hair before roughly pulling you close. His lips sucked aggressively at yours in a kiss until you were moaning into his mouth. Then he pulled away slowly and looked at you.

“Do you love him more than me?” He asked almost sadly.

“Jiyong gave you to me.” You rubbed your thumb against his pouty cheek. “He brought me here. How can I not be grateful?”

Your eyes passed over Hades face and you realized how upset he was, though he was trying his best to hide it. You could still see the subtle downward curve of his mouth, the faint single worry line that crossed his brow. Things that you had noticed from watching him for a century.

“Are you really that upset?” Even though you knew he was, you asked because it confused you. “It was just a silly suggestion. It didn’t mean anything.”

“I just want to be enough.” He shrugged and left a casual kiss on your forehead before moving into the living room. “We’ve been together awhile, maybe now you’re realizing I’m not enough for you.”

“Not enough?” You laughed, genuinely laughed before following him to where he’d crashed down on the couch on his back. After climbing on top of him you grabbed his chin, making him face you. “Hades, you are everything. I will call you whatever you want me to.”

Accepting your feelings on the matter he smiled up at you and said simply, “Not close enough.”

Knowing what he meant you laid down on his chest so he could wrap his arms around you. You weren’t tired but you closed your eyes anyway and stayed that way. Just listening to him breathe. In the back of your head you thought of about a million other things the two of you could be doing with what would ultimately be a short day with no kids and no responsibilities. Still nothing you thought of sounded as good as this. Then you realized that nothing would ever be better because existing in his arms was paradise for you. It was exactly what you wanted. It was what you thought about all the time.

“Have you ever been really mad at me and just never told me?” You mumbled into his chest after nearly an hour of silence between the two of you and barely any movement beyond his fingertips moving gently up and down your back.

He shook his head. “Never.”

“We don’t fight, not really. Not ever.” You slid your hand up his neck, letting your fingers brush the ends of his hair. “I can’t remember if you’ve ever even yelled at me.”

“Of course I haven’t. Why should I?”

“I don’t know.” You shrugged, “You don’t think it’s weird? You don’t think we should?”

“Why would I ever want to fight with you?” He asked, confused.

“I don’t know! I thought it was supposed to be healthy for couples to fight sometimes. When was the last time we really disagreed on something? Why don’t you ever say no to me?”

“I’ve told you, because I don’t want to.” He said earnestly. “I want to do everything you ask and give you everything you want. So that’s exactly what I do.”

“Do you?” You asked, “Do you truly want to?”

“You don’t believe me?”

“I just think it’s strange. I hope you know that it’s okay if you want to say no to me.” You frowned, “Even if you worry it would upset me. I know you worry, needlessly, all the time that I’ll want to leave you like she did, but it would take a lot more than a disagreement to push me away.”

“Well that’s a little arrogant, don’t you think?” He joked, “You may be the sexiest woman I have ever known but I’m not so tied around your finger that I could never say no to you even if I wanted.”

“Oh!” You laughed, “And here I thought you were wrapped around my finger.”

“Are you wrapped around mine?” He asked quite simply.

“You wish.” You laughed. “I can say no to you. I disagree with you.”

Taking a deep breath he raised his eyebrow. “When? When’s the last time you said no to me? Or were genuinely angry with me? The last time you disagreed with something I said?”

Your forehead creased as you tried to remember and his face grew more smug with every moment that passed. You shook your head, “I don’t know. I can’t remember. Maybe I am wrapped around your finger.”

“Do you know why I don’t argue with you? Why it isn’t worth it to me to disagree with you over petty things and cause trouble between us?” He asked, “Would you feel better if you knew why I let things go so easily and do everything in my power to assure that you are happy?”

“Yes.”

”Honestly, I really just don’t want us to be upset with one another.”

“Ever?”

He nodded. “I fought with Persephone nearly everyday we were together. I fight with her now, even though we aren’t together. We were constantly bickering. I was always angry and frustrated. I was always hurting. For a time I forgot what happiness felt like. I hated it so much. I don’t ever want that with you. I want exactly what we have.”

“I hate her for the number that she did on you.” You said before leaving a kiss on his cheek.

He shook his head. “I’d relive every second of it as long as it still brought me to you.”

You blushed lightly as you remembered Amara’s words from the other night, “In that case, let’s never fight. We can always be the exception, never the standard.”

Soon after that you finally peeled yourself off of him and the two of you started your day in earnest. Hades made you watch him cook an entire feast for breakfast, only allowing you to help by pouring him a glass of chocolate milk which you promptly drank half of. After that you decided you wanted to do it all. The pair of you splashed around together out on the beach and lounged by the pool afterwards. Still full from breakfast, for lunch you packed some snacks into a backpack and then took a walk through the forest for a light picnic. When you finally made it back in the late afternoon you squished together in a hammock outside. The intent was for a nap but it ended up being an hour of kissing, which you enjoyed just as much if not more.  

Dinner was later than usual, as you were pretty reluctant to climb out of the hammock, but it was deliciously filling. Once you’d eaten you moved back outside to the patio where you curled up beside Hades and he read to you from his book. You didn’t understand the story since you’d missed the entire first half but you weren’t paying much attention to anything outside of the sound of his voice anyway. Since finding out you weren’t actually pregnant you couldn’t stop thinking about the disappointment you’d felt. You’d really thought that you didn’t want another child right away. Your hands were so full as it was and it wasn’t like you were in a rush. Still you were unable to push away the thought.  

Before you finished up outside you had a realization. You knew what it was that you really wanted. You figured out what it was you felt you were missing. After a quick shower you threw on some comfortable pajamas and moved into the bedroom. You thought to wear something sexy and enticing, but you weren’t entirely sure if he would agree and didn't want to feel too foolish. Ready for bed, you bounced as sweetly as possible across the mattress until you were finally kneeling at his side.

“My love…” he eyed you over the top of his book as you rolled your lip between your teeth. “I want another baby.”

Closing the book, he laid it gently on the nightstand and looked over at you. “I’m sorry, did you just say you wanted another baby?”

“Yes.” You nodded.

His eyes lit up like you were fireworks in the night sky. “Why?”

“I’ve given you your daughters.” You said trailing your fingernail down his chest.”Now I want a son.”

“You know that’s not how it works. We can’t just guarantee a boy because we want it.”

“Then we’ll keep going until we have one.” Your chest tightened and you whispered one last plea, opting to use your husband's name, in hopes that he’d realize the seriousness of your request “Hades, please.”

He pushed himself onto his knees in front of you, his hand lifting to your neck. Without another word he pulled you in for a kiss. Your hands flew to his cheeks and your body melted into his, the way it always did. His other hand pressed against your back to hold you and he lowered you gently onto the mattress. Waiting until the first tiny moan escaped your lips he pulled away.

Looking down at you his eyes were dark and you could feel a wave of heat crash over your skin. The look made you feel like you couldn’t possibly be any more loved or desired. When he spoke, his voice sent a shiver of pure delight through your veins.

“I will give you a son.”

Your heart was pounding in your chest as he leaned back on his heels. You watched as he pulled your pants, along with your panties, from your legs. With your bare legs propped against his shoulders he trailed his fingertips lightly over your skin from your ankles to your thighs. Your legs quivered while you watched him follow the same trail with his lips. Bending down between your thighs you felt his mouth against your sex and gasped. He tested how slick you were with his fingers and your toes were already curling at the feel.

“I don’t…” you squirmed beneath him. “I don’t think that’s how you make a baby.”

Your thighs attempted to tighten around him but he’d already propped his arm against it. He was an expert and you just happened to be his profession. Dipping his fingers into the hot wet mess of you, he looked up and caught your gaze.

“I think I’ve proven I know how to make a baby.” Keeping his eyes locked with yours he leaned forward and watched you watch him brush his tongue against your clit.

“Yeah,” you agreed breathily, “You got this.”

After a satisfied sigh you fell back onto the blankets and enjoyed the feel of his tongue swirling against your sensitive bud. Your fingers curled around the blanket at your sides, tightening with every slow, intentional pump of his hand. Your knuckles were practically white when he started to move his mouth from you.

With his fingers still curling gently inside of you he eased himself up your body. Inching your shirt up along with him, he kissed every stretch mark that adorned your hips. He praised the scar you got from giving birth to the twins with his lips as well. His free hand moved over your stomach, his fingers stretching out over where he imagined the baby would sit. Unable to help yourself you ran your fingers through his hair.

“I love every version of you.” he said before leaving another kiss on your skin, “But one of my favorite versions of you, is the one were you’re round with my babies.”

His eyes trailed up your body until they locked with yours and that act alone made the hot coils inside of you tighten.

“Oh. Oh?” you gasped as his fingertips brushed against your g spot. “I like that.”

“You like it?” He smirked and removed his hand from you long enough to maneuver himself so that he was laying beside you. “You like having my babies?”

“I do.” You nodded while he reached back between your thighs. “I really do.”

“Would you like me to fill you with them?” He seemed truly amused at your body's reaction to his touch as he rubbed circles against your clit. “Shall I give you another?”

“Yes,” you begged, “please.”

He watched the little muscles in your face as they moved and he could tell you were close. “Tell me what you want, say the words.”

“I want to have your baby.” You whimpered,” I want to have all of them.”

Your body trembled with your orgasm as he leaned in and kissed your neck, damp with sweat. “Good.”

“My god…please.” You begged.

Taking deep breaths you pushed him onto his back and crawled on top of him.

“Take this off.” You demanded flicking his shirt.

Reaching down you tugged his pants down his thighs. Already hard, his cock sprung from the underwear you tore from him as well. Tossing his shirt to the side he looked down and watched as you rubbed your soaked cunt against him until he was slick and glistening.

“Fuck.” He groaned, lifting his fist to his lips. “You’re so sexy.”

“I’m glad you still think so.” You grinned and adjusted him beneath you until you were able to ease down onto his lap. Hands on your hips he urged you to move while you tugged your shirt over your head

“Love of my life...” He grunted softly as he reached up to cup your face. “You always fit so perfectly. You were made for me.”

Gasping lightly against his ear you moved with him inside of you. In a mere whisper you said, “No, we were made for each other.”

Your arms rested on his shoulders as you rocked back and forth. Then as a treat for both of you your hips circled his lap. Hooking his arms beneath your legs he flipped you over onto your back and you let out a shriek.

“Hades!” You giggled, while he buried his face in your neck with a playful growl.

Less playfully he said, “I’m gonna fuck you full of babies.”

“Filthy mouth.”

He grinned mischievously, “So clean it with a kiss.”

Digging your fingers into his hair you pulled his mouth to yours. Your tongue brushed his as he began to move his hips. With each plunge came a heady groan from his lips which you met with a pleasured cry of your own that echoed through the room.

“Oh, Hades! I’m cumming.”

You choked out his name as his hand gripped beneath your chin. Gently, he turned your face to the side to elongate your neck. His mouth roughly sucked at your throat and along your jaw. He’d started to slam into you so hard you’d been jostled to the edge of the bed. Finally, when you weren’t sure you could handle any more, his hips stilled with his orgasm.

“Give me everything.”

He stayed buried inside of you while he brushed your hair off your face and kissed your flushed cheeks. “You are the love of each and every one of my lifetimes.”

“I bet you say that to all of your wives.” With a chuckle you pulled his face to yours for a deep kiss. When you opened your eyes afterwards Hades was pouting at you. “What?”

“I’ve only ever said that to you.” He said seriously, “I never said that to her. Not even once.”

“Oh, I was joking. It was just a joke.” you promised, “I meant...because...she’s just your ex. I’m your only wife, silly.”

“It wasn’t funny.”

Grabbing his face with both hands you pulled him down and kissed his face all over. “I’m so sorry. Hades, baby, I’m sorry. Please don’t be upset with me. Think of the baby, we’re supposed to be happy. Don’t you want a happy child?”

“I will be happy when I know that you know it has always been and will always be you.”

“I know. Of course I know.”

“Then we will have the happiest-“ he grunted as he removed himself and moved onto the bed beside you. “child we’ve had yet.”

“Promise you’re not upset.”

“I’m not upset anymore. I promise.” He yawned and tucked into your side.  

Sure that he was telling the truth you tightened your grip around his shoulders and held his exhausted body close to yours. Closing your eyes you kissed the top of his damp head and sighed in content. His hand moved gently over your stomach.

“Did it work?” He asked with a small laugh. “Are you pregnant yet?”

“Too soon to tell I think.” Your fingers ran through his hair, “I’d still like for you to do that again…and again...and again. To be sure.”

He yawned once more. “As I told you before, I have no want to deny you.”

“Do you say it like that because you don’t want to do it again?”

“Do not” He growled, landing his flat palm heavy on your bare ass with a loud smack, “question my desire for you.”

“Yes, sir.”

Burying his face in your neck, he kissed your collarbone. “Look at that, we had an argument.”

“Um, that was not...” You shook with laughter at the look on his face. “Nevermind, you’re right, my love.”

-

The next morning when you arrived home you were pleasantly surprised to see that the palace was not burnt to ashes or in complete shambles. In fact the house was completely clean which you weren’t at all expecting. No dishes in the sink in the kitchen, no toys scattered all over the stairs. Not a single wall had paint or color where it wasn’t supposed to be. Nothing had been broken and hidden in a trash can in an unused room.

You found all of the girls, Ligo included, still passed out in the blanket fort sprawled out over pillows in actual pajamas, which you hadn’t expected either. All except for Lily who was sitting quietly in the middle of a pillow barrier, wide awake. When she caught sight of you she babbled out a cheerfully nonsensical request and threw her arms up for you to pick her up. Both Hades and yourself were excited to find that your children were not only all alive but also completely uninjured. You were so proud of Amara. Everyone had been bathed before falling asleep to movies, and apparently fed properly throughout the day.

You’d been so happy with how things went that you made the girls breakfast before waking them up. And you were so grateful for the care she took in watching her sisters that you told Amara she could have the entire day to herself and that you wouldn’t force her to spend time with all of you. While she did disappear for most of the day she joined in on the evening walk and movie night all on her own. She even joined you again the next morning.

The six of you had been spending time together in the main living room. Amara sat in the big cushy loveseat with her nose tucked deep inside a book. You were laying on the floor with Lily working on getting her to crawl. Your eldest attempted to pretend that she wasn’t interested but you’d seen her several times peeking around her book with a look of hopefulness.

“Come on, Lils!” You encouraged her enthusiastically. “You can do it! Come get Peggy.”

Lily looked at her stuffed Pegasus, dancing in your hand with eyes bulging in excitement. She leaned forward from her sitting position onto her hands and knees.

“Oh you’re so close! My big girl! You can do it!”

She rocked forward a few times like she might attempt it. Then, giving up, she slid down to her belly and started her sloth slow commando crawl. Amara let out a disappointed sigh.

“That’s okay.” You sighed as well and pulled yourself to your knees. “She’s probably just waiting for you father to be here so he can see it too.”

Hades had gone, followed of course by the twins, to let Ligo inside since she’d been running around all morning. As if on cue you could hear the pitter patter of paws sprinting down the hallway. Still nearly a yard away from you Lily paused her crawl as Ligo stormed into the room in a flurry.

“Ligo!” You tried to calm her as she pounced eagerly around you, “Chill.”

You laughed as she sniffed at your sides and then hurried around you in circles before sniffing at you some more. Her tail whipped around like a propeller. She whimpered with excitement as she finally settled down at your side and rested her head on your lap. Her dark eyes looked up at you, big and wide. Her tongue flopped out of her mouth as if she were truly smiling.

“What?” You asked as you scratched between her ears. Then as if she spoke to you with just a look, you knew, and your heartbeat quickened. “What do you know, silly girl?”

“She’s acting weird today.” Hades said as he walked into the room. Ivy and Iris had wrapped scarves around his ankles and were holding on tight. Both of them were giggling profusely as he dragged them along behind him. “She didn’t even wait for her treat when I let her in. Just raced in here to you like a bat out of the underworld.”

You reached up for the treat he’d brought with him and offered it to the dog who accepted it happily. Once he placed the snack bowl on the cushion he collapsed onto the couch. The twins abandoned their scarves and climbed up on their father, or as they seemed to think, their own personal jungle gym.

“Just a house full of daddy's girls.” You mused, scratching between the dogs perked ears.

“Isn't it?” He asked happily.

“Daddy.” Iris said grabbing her ponytail and shoving it into his face, “Daddy. Daddy. Daddy. Daddy. You said!”

“I know! I know what I said.” He laughed, “Sit.”

He groaned as she slammed herself down onto his lap. You watched as he took out her hair tie and started to part her hair for braiding. Watching him with your children was one of your favorite sights. Hades was such a wonderful father. Sometimes it made you a little sad that he had to wait so long for the opportunity to be loved the way he deserved. It didn’t make sense that anyone could know him and not want to give him the universe.

Feeling your eyes on him, Hades turned to you and grinned at the look on your face. “What are you thinking about?”

“How much I love you.” A dramatic gagging noise emanated from behind Amara’s book but you ignored it, “And what a lovely morning it’s been.”

It was a simple enough statement. Anyone that might have heard it wouldn’t have expected that you meant anything by it. However Hades could tell what you’d been thinking about by the way your bottom lip rolled under your teeth. Your thighs were tense and pressed tightly together beneath you. They had been since he strolled into the room.

Since you’d made your request for another baby clear, he’d been quite determined to fulfill it. You realized pretty quickly that if you’d wanted him all you’d to do was say so, you should have always known. It had only been two days but he’d had you every chance he was given and never wasted a moment. The day before he’d found three windows of opportunity. Once during afternoon naps and twice before bed.

Just that morning before sunrise he’d woken you up to kisses between your thighs, followed by an hour of diligent love making while the room filled with sunlight. Afterwards he even let you go back to sleep while he started his day. And when you woke for a second time and went to shower he joined you there too. You only felt half guilty about the water you wasted while he had you pressed up against the wet tiles.

“Yes,” he agreed, thinking about it as well, “it has been quite nice. I suggest we have many more like it”

Looking just passed Lily, who’d made her way successfully to Peggy, your eyes wandered over to Ligo who had moved and was lying down by Amara’s feet. Her eyes were set on you. Her tail wagging wildly behind her with excitement. Thinking about her curious behavior you said offhand, “I would love that. Though we may not need to.”

Hades looked at you curiously and you just smiled back at him. “Already?”

“Maybe.” You shrugged in an attempt to hold back but the thrill was clear on your face.

“It’s time we should ask the girls what they think.” He said, finishing up Iris’ braid.

“About what?” Amara asked.

“About what?” The twins copied in unison. Ivy crawled into his lap with her sister now that he was done with her hair.

“How would you feel about a little brother?” You asked.

“A boy? With your track record?” Amara grinned at you over the top of her book.

“Hey!” You tried not to laugh and failed, “Hades your daughter is being a bit rude.”

“My daughter.” He smirked, “She gets that from you.”

“What about you little monsters?” You looked over at the twins, “Do you want a baby brother?”

“You will love him more?” Ivy asked, looking up at her father with genuine concern.

“Oh, of course not!” He promised, pulling his little girl into his chest. He grinned over at you and said, “Your mommy might.”

“Hades!” You scolded while he stifled a laugh.

Ivy looked over at you now, eyes already glossy with tears, “Mama?”

Holding back a laugh you watched as your daughter finally tore herself from her father's lap and threw herself at you with a sob. Her little arms wrapped around your neck desperately as if in an attempt to secure your love.

“Sweetie.” You soothed her with a gentle back rub, “Daddy’s joking. He’s being silly.”

Turning towards him the little girl gave her father her best stink face before sinking back into your arms.

Hades continued to laugh, ”Yeah, real daddy’s girl that one is.”

Pulling your daughter close you left a kiss on the top of her head. Leaning in close you whispered, “You’re my favorite, don’t tell.”

Her angry scowl turned into a sweet giggle.

-

As the sun rose on Saturday, it seemed the week of your vacation had come too soon and was leaving in a flash. All you had left to look forward to was the visit to Olympus with Amara. In an effort to make it a little more exciting for the both of you, Hades has made plans with Ares and Aphrodite for dinner so you had something to do while you waited.

It was nice to dress up. Of course you dressed nicely for judgements everyday, as it was professional. However it was rare you found an excuse to show off. Deep in the closet you found a short black halter dress. You knew you wanted to wear something black so that you could match whatever Hades had chosen for himself.

For judgements he always wore luxurious suits with shiny shoes. His hair would be slicked back and his face severe. At home he was more of a jeans and T-shirt kind of guy. Casual, comfortable clothes for playing with the kids. No matter what he wore, you always seemed to want to devour him whole. You’d been insatiable since the first kiss and he’d kept you that way every day since.

You’d thrown a black, velvet cloak over your shoulders and made your way out of the closet as you tried to clasp it at your neck.

“I’m ready.” You mumbled, as you finally got the clasp hook, and looked up. “Oh...fuck me.”

Your husband stood in front of the mirror adjusting the shirt that he had tucked into his jeans. He wore an incredibly amused expression as he looked at you in the reflection.

“Excuse me?” He chuckled.

“I will not excuse you, sir. Not for this.” You shook your head, “This is absolutely criminal.”

“My queen!” he turned around with a laugh, “Do I look that bad?”

Bad wasn’t the word you would have used to describe the way he looked. A bold pink shirt tucked into ripped black jeans. The top few buttons were left open giving you a tease of the smooth chest hidden underneath. His hair was styled into a pomp and the sides freshly buzzed. His face was cleanly shaved for the first time all week. You wiped at the corner of your mouth where saliva had gathered. Hades bent over, grabbing a leather jacket off the bed.

“What is this now?” you asked, “You can not expect me to let you out of the house in this. What if someone were to see you? Too scandalous.”

Slipping his arms into the jacket he just laughed at you. Once his outfit was complete he pulled you close. His fingers dragged the cloak from your shoulder so that he was free to kiss the exposed skin. He’d barely even touched you at all and you already released a light moan against his ear. Still very amused he kissed your neck and nipped at your jaw before giving you a true kiss.

When he pulled back he grinned, “When I walked into the bakery that day and caught you talking to yourself...I never could have expected you would be such a nympho.”

You raised a mischievous eyebrow, “That’s the thing though, I wasn’t. Not until I met you. My filthy addiction.”

“Calm down, little rabbit.” he gave you another kiss. “We’re about to go into public. Contain yourself.”

“Yes, sir.” you whined.

The youngest of your daughters were left under the care of Soteria as you and Hades went with Amara to Olympus. Your daughter remained completely silent for the entire trip, trembling with nerves as she imagined the worst things that might happen when her father met her love interest. Both of you tried to joke with her and lighten the mood, but it only made her look, increasingly, like she was going to throw up. When you reached Olympus the carriage you rode in took you to the pavilion where the party was to be held. Once you stopped moving Amara bolted out and ran a few yards away to a young boy.

“Oh, he is adorable.” you tried to hold back your squeal but the pair was so cute.

Hades didn’t think so. He let out a huff of air as he watched them out of the window. “I’ve changed my mind. Let’s take her home.”

You reached your hand up and cupped his cheek, “It’s too late. Remember to be nice.”

He only grunted and pulled his sunglasses from the inside pocket of his jacket. When he placed them on his nose you actually gasped.

“What?” he grinned.

“Too sexy. You’re trying to kill me.” you scoffed in disbelief, “I can’t believe this. Get out!”

Laughing as you shoved him from the carriage, he then turned to help you out. Alec was a sweet boy and very clever. He showed a kindness and respect towards you, your husband, and your daughter that you couldn’t help but appreciate. He was definitely a far better companion than any of the sons Zeus had to offer. By the time you and Hades left, to make your way to dinner, he had won you over. Hades was less impressed, but he had become tolerant of the idea.

You’d decided to walk rather than take the carriage, as the home you were headed to wasn’t too far and it was beautiful out that evening. So you left the kids to their party and traveled through the streets of Olympus hand in hand. It hadn’t really occurred to either of you that you’d be stopped by so many gods for a quick chat, that they’d be excited to see the two of you there. It hadn’t felt too horribly long since the last time, but apparently it had been decades. Both of you had been quite missed.    

“Hades? Y/n!”

Reaching another pavilion you looked up, only a little surprised to see Hera and Zeus. Hades tensed beside you but you couldn’t help yourself as you dropped his hand in order to hurry over to your friend. Hera threw her arms around you tightly and held you a blink longer than normal before leaning back, keeping you snug in her arms.

“What are you two doing here? I feel like I haven’t seen you in ages.”

“That’s what people keep saying!” you laughed.

Still keeping a distance from his brother Hades moved behind you. “We brought Amara so she could attend a party. Now we’re headed to see Ares and Aphrodite for dinner.”

Zeus awkwardly greeted his brother and you watched for a moment as they shuffled their feet trying to think of something to say to one another.

“So,” Hera beamed as you looked back to her, “it will be difficult with those two, but I’m assuming no wine for you then.”

You heartbeat quickened, “We had thought… maybe, but I wasn’t sure.”

“Well, I’m happy to let you know, you can be sure.” She pulled you in for another hug and whispered against your ear, “Would you like to know?”

With a deep, nervous, breath you looked over at Hades who was attempting an awkward talk with his brother about the proper way to cook lamb. Turning back to Hera you nodded.

“Please.”

She closed her eyes as her forehead pressed gently to yours and her hand dropped to your stomach. Her palm pressed against you, fingers spreading out over your belly. You gulped as she smiled and then let out a little laugh.

“The reign of the women of Hades is ending.” She said as she opened her eyes and finally released you from her arms. “The men are on their way.”

“You’re sure?” You asked as your eyes lit with excitement.

“Am I sure?” She scoffed, and you realized what a dumb question it was to ask her of all people. Then she laughed in full, “Blessings, my sweet sister.”

The two of you chatted for a little longer until the sun was nearly setting. Looking over once or twice you’d even caught Zeus and Hades laughing with one another. And not before too long your husband was reaching his hand out for yours.

“Y/n…” he said kindly, “We have to go or we’ll be late.”

After quick goodbyes the two of you were back on the cobblestone path to your dinner plans. The smile hadn’t dropped from your face since Hera gave you the news and you’d been thinking of a special way to let Hades know. Your skin prickled as you walked as his cool fingers moved the hair from your neck and leaned in to kiss the skin there.

“You’re always so happy when we come here. You get to see your friends.” He mentioned thoughtfully, “Do you wish we lived here instead?”

“No.” You laughed, “I like when we visit because sometimes it’s just nice to go somewhere different. But I love our home.”

“If you’re sure.”

You hummed, looking out at the clouds in their pink and orange sunset hues. “It is a beautiful view though.”

“Here…” he gestured to a small opening off the path. “We can be a little late.”

With his arms wrapped around you, you leaned into his chest and looked out at the view. For a while you watched the way the clouds changed color to reflect the sunset. It felt nice with his hands caressing your back and the warmth of him surrounding you in the brisk chill of the evening.

“I can’t wait.” You whispered.

“For what?”

You leaned back just slightly so you could look at him, “I wanted to wait. I wanted to think of something fun, some silly way to tell you, but I’m too excited. I want you to be excited with me.”

“What are you on about?” He asked, the curiosity clear on his face.

“Hera confirmed.” Your smile was starting to hurt your cheeks, “I’m pregnant.”

“Yeah?” He asked, and when you nodded in confirmation he threw his fist in the air. “Yeah!”

You laughed when he cupped your head and dipped you backwards for a kiss. Pulling you back up he released your lips with a loud pop.

“I told you I knew how to make a baby.” He absolutely beamed. “Didn’t I say?”

“Yes, you did.” you waited a moment for him to calm down. “Hades...there’s more.”

His mouth went slack as he looked at you, searching your face. “No… is it? It’s a boy?”

“It’s a boy.” He grabbed you in his arms and spun you around until you were a mass of dizziness and giggles.

“First try!” He shouted and threw his hand up for a high five.

“First try?” Still laughing you gave him a high five, and he locked his fingers with yours. “More like our fifth try.”

“You know what I mean.”

“I know what you mean.”

“Have I made you as happy as you can be?”

“Happy like you wouldn’t believe.”

Looking at you seriously he pulled you back into his embrace. His fingers moved up your neck until they fisted your hair gently. Pressing his face into your hair he inhaled your scent with a satisfied groan.

He spoke quietly against the top of your head, “Promise me one more time and I’ll never make you do it again. Tell me you’re still certain you want to spend forever together.”

With a sigh of content you looked at him and pulled his mouth to yours, “I swear. I promise. Spending the rest of all eternity with you, isn’t nearly long enough for me. You can make me tell you everyday. It will never not be true.”

Satisfied with your answer he dropped his hand down to yours and linked your fingers together before pulling you back onto the path. As the sky grew dark with night you squeezed his hand and smiled. There was never anything but a feeling of absolute serenity as you walked along the path beside him.

[itsclydebitches]

Why do you like Lore Olympus? I'm genuinely curious because I've seen a lot of harsh criticisms toward the comic, from its inaccuracies regarding its use of Greek Mythology to the plethora of harmful queer stereotypes. I tried reading it myself but honestly, if you took out all the Greek Mythology references and naming, it just seems like another "far older man courts a barely adult woman" love story with bad queer rep thrown it.

Happy to explain! Let’s tackle what’s perhaps the most complicated aspect first. 

As a former Classics major I can tell you that there is no “Greek Mythology.” Meaning, there is no singular Greek Mythology that can be referenced and consulted in any uniform way. Which is a really difficult thing to conceptualize in an age of print publications and careful record keeping. Unsure about whether Harry ever cursed Draco with such-and-such hex? Re-read the Harry Potter books to find out. Want to claim that Sherlock was horrible to Watson and frequently insulted him? We can comb through Doyle’s shorts stories and novels, tally every insult, and find out. These are canons and, as messy as the term “canonical” has become with more adaptations and transmedia storytelling, most characters have a set, fixed existence that we can return to and use as evidence. Not so with Greek Mythology. Born of oral storytelling, there are a hundred different versions of every myth, some changes more stark than others. Some of those versions were written down. Then written down again (differently). Then written down again (differently still). Then we realized they were almost all being written down by men and huh, I wonder if that has any impact on how they framed the story (spoiler: it absolutely does). And all of this doesn’t even take into account the issue of translation. Regardless of what Ovid may have put down on the page, you’re going to get a different experience depending on whether you read Melville or Gregory. There’s a reason why everyone was so excited over Emily Wilson being the first woman to translate The Odyssey into English. Her perspective and her experience as a woman by default changes the way she approaches the text. Even something as simple as a single description can have a HUGE impact depending on how it is translated. Take this excerpt from a NYT article: 

“The prefix poly,” Wilson said, laughing, “means ‘many’ or ‘multiple.’ Tropos means ‘turn.’ ‘Many’ or ‘multiple’ could suggest that he [Odysseus] is much turned, as if he is the one who has been put in the situation of having been to Troy, and back, and all around, gods and goddesses and monsters turning him off the straight course that, ideally, he’d like to be on. Or, it could be that he’s this untrustworthy kind of guy who is always going to get out of any situation by turning it to his advantage. It could be that he’s the turner.”

Is Odysseus a poor victim turned around by monsters and fate, or is he a schemer capable of turning it all to his advantage? It all depends on how it’s translated and whoever wants to make a case for Odysseus being a “good” or “bad” guy can point to this translation as evidence… or another. Or another. There are just too many versions for anyone to definitely say what these gods and others are “really” like. 

I put so much emphasis on this because the biggest criticism I’ve seen leveled against the comic is the characterization of Apollo. He would never rape Persephone! How dare you twist his character like that! Except Apollo isn’t a character that exists in a fixed canon. He belongs to an overwhelming corpus of complicated, contrary, contrasting myths… and yes, in some of those he raped. Arguably. It, again, comes down to translation and interpretation. Take this excerpt from Nancy Rabinowitz’s paper “Greek Tragedy: A Rape Culture?” 

Creusa, raped by Apollo years ago, conceived a child and abandoned him… For the purposes of this paper, I have to address the question of whether Creusa was in fact raped by the god. Hermes mixes the terminology in the prologue; he asserts that the god Apollo “yoked the daughter of Erechtheus in marriage (γάμοις)”, but he also says “by force (βίᾳ)” (10-11). Ion later (1524-25; cf. 341, 325) wonders whether Creusa was really raped, or whether she was just alleging that the god took her by violence to cover up an indiscretion of her own – a similar situation could be imagined in our own day, where false allegations may arise from young girls’ fear of confessing consensual relations to their parents. Lefkowitz argues that women tend to cooperate in their seduction by a god. While it might seem obvious that Ion is simply wrong, there is the further implication that though Apollo raped Creusa, she also desired him” (11-12). 

So if we’re looking for evidence that Smythe’s interpretation of Apollo is the “correct” one, it exists… depending on what you read and how you choose to interpret it: whether a mortal woman can ever truly give consent due to the power difference between her and a god, whether it was safe to say no, whether she might have lied to protect herself, whether it was something a part of her desired but perhaps didn’t entirely want, etc. It’s that last bit in particular—those difficult questions—that Smythe explores in her comic. Persephone wants to explore her sexuality. She wants a way out of her virgin obligations. But she’s also pressured into sex by Apollo. He doesn’t stop when she expresses discomfort. She doesn’t feel safe asserting herself and telling him to stop. It’s rape, but it’s a far more complicated situation than the rape scenario of “Evil man forces himself on woman in the back of an alleyway” and Smythe treats the tragedy with nuance and respect, even in a comic filled with so much humor. 

The people I see most upset about Lore Olympus are those who talk about the gods and their associated mortals as if they’re characters out of a book. They read one version once—or maybe two—and, as is natural in the 21st century, decided that This Is How The Story Goes. Even though every academic would be losing their mind over such definitive statements as, “Such-and-Such would never do this.” That’s simply not how records this ancient, sporadic, political, and downright messy work. So as someone with some knowledge of how Greek Mythology functions, I’m not at all put off by the comics’ “inaccuracies.” Because they’re simply not inaccuracies, just interpretations. Not liking those interpretations is fine, but that doesn’t mean Smythe was wrong for providing them. 

As for the rest, I’ll try to limit myself to bullet points: 

The age difference between Persephone and Hades is definitely A Thing and I admittedly didn’t realize that was the case when I started reading. I assumed that Persephone, like most of the cast, was hundreds/thousands of years old and just had a child-like personality. I basically realized around the time Hades did that she’s so young. That being said, the issue of age differences changes for me once you reach such insane ages. That’s why I still ship Ozqrow: Ozpin is hundreds of years older than him but at that point he’s going to be older than everyone. Always. Limiting his ships to only those who are close to Ozpin’s age means you can’t ship him at all (unless you ship him with Salem post-grimm pool and… no). It’s a similar situation with Hades. Yes, there are plenty of gods his age that he could date (and indeed he does) but he is always going to be thousands of years older than Persephone. She can literally never catch up to him, so if someone has an issue with the age gap then they have to accept that it will simply never go away. They can never be a couple in which case yeah, then the comic just isn’t your thing. 

Really, I think the bigger issue is not the gap itself but Persephone’s age, period. Again though, I appreciate that Smythe treats the situation with a great deal of respect. This isn’t a story of a much older man hunting a younger woman. It’s the story of a much older god who, like me the reader, assumed he had fallen for a slightly younger goddess… and then freaked out when he found out he was wrong. He’s called out for his ignorance. Others are incredibly protective of Persephone. They both try to stay away from one another and find themselves struggling. Which, to be frank, is an interesting dilemma to me. And it’s one I’m more interested in with gods as characters as opposed to humans. Because it feels less predatory to me. A man going after a much younger woman is threatening in part because we’re mortals who have so much to lose, including our youth. If you enter an abusive relationship that alone is horrible enough, but it also means you’ve lost all those years and all that experience to toxicity. When a god goes after a much younger goddess… they’re kind of static. They have eternity stretching out before them. Persephone potentially “losing” ten years to a relationship with Hades just isn’t the same thing as a mortal losing ten years to a relationship of their own. Gods, though they seem quite human, simply aren’t and thus for me questions of morality and what’s ethical in any given situation changes. We have a cast who, when Eros gets upset and murders a whole bunch of humans, Zeus shrugs and says they’ll just make more. Their concept of right and wrong differs from ours and it invites the reader to apply that to every situation: is it as wrong for an older god to go after a 19yo goddess as it would be for an older man to go after a 19yo woman? Many readers may decide it is—to some extent the text decides it is—but the story still possesses ambiguity and invites the reader to grapple with it. That’s compelling. 

Connected to this, I like how much agency Persephone has throughout the series. She’s very much a character who defies expectations, particularly when it comes to her sexuality. Far from being a meek, vulnerable woman who is preyed on by Hades, she is making constant, active decisions about her own romantic and sexual encounters. Even if that decision is just acknowledging how unsure she still is: does she want to remain a virgin? Does she want Apollo? Does she want Hades? Is it okay to make out with Ares? Wear this very short dress? Get drunk? Explore a city? Invite this person over? Have feelings for your boss? Persephone is grappling with a lot of questions that don’t have easy answers and the fact that the story gives her the room to do that grappling is fantastic. I’ve spoken before about my dislike of the Strong Female Character—someone who is not just physically intimidating but who also never, EVER hesitates. She knows precisely what she wants and she’s going to take it! Which is a great portrayal of one kind of woman… but I’m not that kind. I hem and haw and am anxious like Persephone. So for me it’s refreshing to see a story that paints uncertainty as strength. She’s allowed the space to be unsure and confused and is never belittled for that. 

Honestly I’m not sure what the issue with the queer rep is? Beyond the fact that Lore Olympus doesn’t seem to have any (unless I’m forgetting some. Very possible). Which, admittedly, is far from great, but if I dismissed every story due solely to a lack of queer characters I would limit a lot of my potential media. So for me, personally, that’s not a deal breaker. Taking a stab in the dark, I’ll make an assumption that people are upset about certain characterizations like Eros? Which, fair. But we also have the flip side that effeminate, flamboyant men do exist. It’s another complicated, touchy subject, but there’s a fine line between enforcing stereotypes and acknowledging that those stereotypes often do arise out of something. Some people hate the media image of the queer kid decked out in rainbows. Other people look at their own wardrobe and backpack and go, “Actually… yeah. That can be accurate.” For me stereotypes are primarily an issue given their prevalence. It’s an issue when that’s the only way queer characters are portrayed, but Lore Olympus doesn’t have that problem because, again, it’s focused on het relationships. Eros might potentially be a (non-confirmed?) queer stereotype… or he’s a battle-hardened warrior who also likes to gush about gossip while baking, the sort of complex gender portrayal that people claim to want. It depend on how you approach it. So no, Lore Olympus isn’t breaking any ground with queer rep but, as said, I do appreciate how it treats sexual assault—among other sensitive, relevant issues. It’s a trade-off. No piece of media is going to be perfect. I could say the same thing about so many great stories. The Mandalorian doesn’t have any queer rep! No, it doesn’t, but it is giving us a fantastic story about a bounty-hunter turned dad that challenges a number of Western gender assumptions so… trade-off. 

I likewise enjoy that characters call one another out on shitty, toxic behavior without completely losing who those characters are. (Again, supposedly who they are based on the lecture I gave at the start lol). Meaning, it would be kind of weird if Zeus wasn’t a womanizer. That’s what we expect of him, so changing that would likewise change one of the most fundamental aspects of what makes Zeus-Zeus in the general public’s perception of him. But we still have scenes of Hera and others calling him out on that shit, so it’s a balance between modern sensibilities and character expectations. 

The characters overall are just wonderfully complex. Persephone doesn’t seem so at first glance, but that’s partly the point: she’s nothing like what everyone assumes she is and it’s those assumptions that she’s learning to push back against. But overall Smythe has a real knack for emphasizing the human (or god) complexity. We hate Eros for helping Aphrodite punish Persephone. Then we feel bad for him because of his sob story. Then we pull back because he’s called out for being a dick and making himself look like the victim. Then we come to the realization that his side of the story was still accurate in many ways and finally end on… he’s flawed. He’s just a flawed person. He’s not a saint. He’s not the devil. He’s a guy who screwed up one moment and did something good the next. Perhaps it’s just me coming out of the nonsense that was Volume 7 of RWBY, but it’s refreshing to read a story where that complexity is emphasized and (most) flaws are forgiven while still being acknowledged. 

Overall I just find it to be a fun, entertaining story! lol. The artwork is beautiful. The humor is great. There’s a nice balance between plot and introspection. There are issues with the series, sure, but none thus far have kept me from enjoying the experience of reading it. I fully support anyone’s right to go, “Nope. Not for me.” For any reason. But I also feel like Lore Olympus is a good example of Tumblr’s recent emphasis on pure media: it must be PERFECT. Otherwise chuck it in the bin. Lore Olympus does a lot of the things that people on this site call for. Respectful depictions of assault. Emphasis on mental health. Storytelling from a woman’s perspective. Numerous types of woman characters. Being careful about who engages with sensitive material and how (each chapter that contains such issues has a trigger warning at the start, impossible to miss). Lore Olympus does a lot right… and some things wrong. Which is what we would expect of any good story. So it feels disingenuous of me—if not outright dangerous—to paint it as worse than I actually think it is. I want media to continue to improve, but I also don’t want to scare off authors from even trying because they were raked across the coals for not creating perfection. Smythe, to my mind, is definitely trying and that should be acknowledged. 

[assomoir]

the sky might be falling; but the stars look good on you

Fandom: Ikemen Vampire

Pairing: Theodorus van Gogh x MC

Summary: A peek into a day of Theo’s life [and a reminder that she had her insecurities sometimes].

Note: Written for the @ikevamp-holiday-exchange​​ ! Hello @ceet​ , I enjoyed writing this (although writing non-smut was a challenge for me), so I really hope you’d like this too :) I saw your tags, so here’s to the both of us being fools for this man.

Title taken from the music of Ólafur Arnalds’ biography.

She slept in his room more often than not these days, and Theo’s morning routine shifted to accommodate her presence.

Between the two of them, he would wake up first. It’s a hard-formed habit carried over from the years before his death; one he sustained for many reasons, but also because she looked softer in the pale gray of dawn. Lights from his chandelier fell on her sleeping form, and he propped himself up as his eyes were inexorably drawn to the way the sheets shaped themselves over her waist, the drape of hair over her breasts, the trail of hickeys blossoming along her body—

She stirred under his gaze, and blinked her eyes open with a yawn.

“Theo..?”

“Yeah.” He leaned back on the pillows, enjoying the way her languid stretches shifted the covers and exposed more skin. “Good morning.”

The patches of red scattered on her neck seemed to call for his touch, because he knew they matched the curve of his teeth – remembered how she tasted on his tongue. When he reached out to touch them, she pressed a string of open-mouthed kisses on his palm, a pleased smile forming on her lips, the echo of flame dancing in her eyes.

(There’s something about her that, when seen in these quiet, intimate twilight hours, felt like something really close to perfection. He’d seen it in the way she lowered her lashes as she bent down for a kiss, or in the way her back arched as he drove her over that maddening edge for the umpteenth time in a night.)

(It still left him breathless every time.)

“…hey,” he half-heartedly asked— no, warned her, if she really wanted to rouse him so early in the morning, when the rasp in her voice is still so clearly audible and the marks she left on his back still tingled.

(He absently looked down to find that her trimmed fingernails had grown longer, and thought about how he would know about it; for he wore the shape of them in various parts across his own body.)

“Sorry, sorry,” she chuckled, “but ten more minutes, please?”

Theo hummed in assent, suppressing his smile. Kissed the top of her head and quietly let the fire, simmering low in his stomach, burn.

Most days, they work together. This cloudy Friday was one of those days.

Their only client that noon was an elderly nobleman in his late 50s, a Marquis Theo adored due to his kind disposition and shared appreciation toward the impressionist movement. Negotiations involving two of Vincent's paintings had gone swimmingly well, and as they stepped out of the gates, just before he hailed a carriage to take them home, she grabbed his sleeve and shyly asked if they could, perhaps, go for a stroll around the city? If he would like to have a little date before going back, because she had dressed up in a dress that matched his new suit, which would be wasted if they weren’t paraded around town for a bit, especially since the weather was nice albeit a little cold, and it would do him no harm to slow down because he had always been working hard, and—

"Sure," he said, effectively cutting her off, yet the fond amusement was plain to hear even for himself.

It's going to rain, he thought, glancing up at the sky overhead. We can go tomorrow instead, on our day off. But he went along with her plans anyway, mostly because Theo had stopped trying to tell himself that he still had any semblance of self-control around her months ago.

(That, and something about her had seemed a little sad this morning. It upset him in a way he couldn’t quite understand.)

So she took him to the Louvre, where everything began – saying that despite having visited the place many times over, he still owed her a proper tour of the museum. They ventured into the Assyrian Gallery, walking among creatures of black marbles and gray stones that left them more than a little amused. In the French Gallery, Géricault's Raft of the Medusa stole her attention at once – but when he explained the event depicted behind the painting, she had this extremely sad expression on her face – such that he had to practically drag her into the next gallery, half-panicked, so she wouldn't cry. It worked, though, because the mirror-like floor and gilded ceiling in the Gallery of Apollo fascinated her. They spent the rest of their visit admiring the artworks in Salon Carré: him explaining the Wedding at Cana, Pardo Venus, Soult's Virgin, Titian's Mistress, and them snickering in front of Mona Lisa and la Belle Ferronnieré.

By the time they stepped out of the Louvre, it was already half past three in the afternoon. The chilly November air had gotten even colder; the sky considerably darker.

(But her smile got a little wider, too.)

Expecting the rain to come any time now, he took her to this quaint café-slash-bookstore tucked in the corner of the 1st arrondissement. True enough, the storm started in the middle of their late-afternoon meal – and they watched the passerby bursting into a hurried frenzy all at once. After a little less than an hour it turned into nothing more than a light drizzle, but the streets had turned muddy and her skirt must be hiked up high when crossing Place Vendôme. The rain had not dampened her mood at all, though, for she kept humming happily as they passed through the high column overlooking the square.

“I assume you're no longer sad?”

She blinked at him. Once, twice, before timidly grinned. “I wasn't sad though. Things went smoothly at work, and you’ve been very indulgent today."

"...Has it ever occurred to you that those two things are probably related?"

The tinkle of her laugh filled the air, alongside the scent of petrichor as the shower ceased to an end. Rain had always lent the city some sort of a gloomy mood, but for the first time, Theo took a deep breath and let himself bask in it.

Maybe because somehow, the amber glow of streetlights looked a bit more somber than usual, and it bathed the city in a warm luster despite the crisp atmosphere. Seine was flowing by, where from this distance, they could see the turbulent waters moving below Pont Royal. The hustle of shops lined up on the other side of the street and busy traffic rumbled the sidewalk they were walking on, giving that distinct, noisy bustle he had grown to associate with the city.

She took his arm as they continued walking along the cobblestone, and he was struck quiet by the strange thought of how at home she looked like. As if she belonged right here, in 19th century Paris, all along—

"It's just— I was thinking," she suddenly murmured, "that I've been here for almost a year. Time flew really quickly. I'm still very happy, though."

It was almost imperceptible, the way she turned her head to glance at him – like she did whenever she was unsure about asking him something – but enough for him to press an encouraging kiss on her temple. Go on, he conveyed. I'm listening.

"...I hope you're still happy too, Theo."

Ah.

The faint kaleidoscope on the river was reflected on her eyes not unlike the starlight, and when the following silence stretched for a second too long, his next words slipped out without permission.

"I can promise you, I've never been happier in all my life."

A burst of giggle escaped her. His brain, half-relieved and half-caught off-guard, scrambled for a response, and ended up blurting the first thing that came to mind.

"Don't laugh! I'm serious."

"I know, I know, but it's adorable. You indulged all my wishes because you thought I was sad?"

"...It's because you did great today. That calls for some treats, no?"

She quickly recovered and playfully smacked his shoulder, but he inwardly cringed because it actually hurt. He deserved it, though. "Again! I'm not your puppy."

"Really? But puppies are cute, I love them."

"I'm cuter."

"Well yeah, you are."

She was clearly taken aback by this, and he couldn't help but snort at her flabbergasted expression.

"Theo!"

That evening, he kissed her hard and rough, tangling his fingers in the strands of her hair. I haven’t had dinner, he teased, voice low and tempting, his breath hot on her lips. May I? She couldn’t help but moan then, a hand fisted in the fabric of his shirt, the other pushing his head to her neck. Heat consumed them as he carried her to the bed, prompting him to strip her down and let his body do the talking for the next few hours.

Later, when the high had worn down, he pulled her into his arms – freshly bathed, smelling like roses – and she grew quiet, lulled by the distant thunder and the sound of raindrops. He watched the light playing tricks on her hair, heart softer than the spun silk of her nightgown, and thought—

If I could spend eternity like this—

“Theo, sleep.”

He smirked. “Why is the dog telling me what to do?”

“Because you’re thinking too loudly,” she smiled knowingly, and his own softened. “I love you, you know that?”

Sometimes Theo forgot just how easily she unraveled him in all the ways that counted, leaving him a flustered mess wrapped around her little finger. “…Cheeky hondje. I love you too.”

If he was any lesser man, he’d probably skip all those elaborate, carefully-crafted plan about proposing and just drop on one knee right there and then; the lack of ring be damned. But since he liked to think he still had a teeny bit of restraint (however small) a peck on her forehead was deemed enough, followed by drawing the cover higher over their bodies.

She’s here, he mused before drifting off to sleep. 

For as long as they had each other, he existed only in bliss.

[sunnyborabora]

Adore you - Apollo!Jung Hoseok x Reader

You were chosen as the new priestess of Apollo. With your new duty comes the obligation of worshiping the god you are serving. But when Apollo finally comes to visit his new priestess, you are not the one worshipping anymore. 

Apollo Hoseok x human Reader

Tags: Fluff, Smut, very explicit smut, size difference, virginity kink if you squint. 

« Are you ready ? �� You didn’t answer simply nodding your head not trusting your voice. The woman in front of you was looking at you closely, inspecting your clothes, even if you didn’t know why as the all purpose of this was to look as plain as possible. She brushed the thin white veil that was still in her hands, careful not to make it dirty. « Then we should be leaving, the priests are waiting. » You wish she could have let you a moment to say goodbye as you looked around to the other women. They had been what was closer to friends since you were forced to leave home a few weeks back. But it was too late as the woman was putting the white veil on your head, hiding your face to the world. You cried on your way to Delphi. Thankful for the veil to hide your sadness to the world. The cheers of the procession, and the music was so loud you couldn’t hear anything else. All you could see was the flaming sun through your veil. The temple of Apollo was gigantic as it disturbed the horizon line standing tall on top of the mount Parnassus. The sun was so hot today and you couldn’t help but think that it was on purpose. After all it was the 7th of Bysios, the anniversary of your God Apollo’s birth. It was such a special day, the day you will take the place of the previous Pythia in the great temple. The music had become louder and louder as you were coming closer to building as you started to distinguished the tall pole that erected from the ground. The music become more and more hasty as you felt the dancers and people in the procession getting louder. « Oh God of sun, Apollo, son of the great Leto and god of all Zeus, listen our calls. » You were shaking at this point. « To honor you, great Apollo, we are offering you a bride, young and beautiful, born in our great Delphi. » Suddenly it went quiet. The veil on your head was so heavy. « From your great beauty, and pureness, reveal yourself to your master, Pythia » You took of the veil, finally showing your bare face to the procession. But you weren’t paying any attention to them as you were blinded by the sun light. Everything hit you  at once, the bees buzzing, the smell of the laurel that was everywhere. The music started back as soon as your face was reveal. They started moving apart from you, leaving you in the center of the circle. The music changed and you were feeling weird already as you started moving. Soon you felt like you didn’t control your body, like someone had taken control as you were spinning and stretch your body toward the sky as if you were looking to reach something you couldn’t. You were dancing and dancing, not feeling the pain in your feet, the heat of the sun, the burn of your lungs asking for air. Suddenly the music stopped and all energy left you as you collapsed on the ground. Everything went black. You woke up feeling a bit sick. You head was spinning a bit so you took a little longer to stand up. It was dark outside as you presumed it was nighttime already. Nobody was there as you looked through the column. Big veils were floating around your room. It was truly beautiful. You felt small and lonely, walking around the room. You knew you were going to spend most of your time alone, priests of Apollo having the least contact with you as possible as they were not supposed to covet the bride of Apollo and you were supposed to concentrate on your god only. You wandered around for a bit, stepping out into the center part of the temple that was not covered. The grass was fresh under your naked feet, and it smelled good. You walked around a bit more and find multiple beehives around and you understood. It smelled like honey. You felt better, like your energy had been restored. You still felt anxious, but who would not be at the idea of living with a god. You came back under the covered area, passing through the veil. You find on your bed a big plate of fruits and a large amphora. You came closer and saw figs, grapes and pomegranate fruits. It looked delicious. You took a fig and bite into it. You moaned at the taste. It was so good. You looked around you, suspiciously. You had the impression that someone was watching you. But there was no one. Just the dark, and the moon light illuminating the entire garden. You ate a bit more, not getting enough of the fruit. This night you slept well, your dreams full of sunshine and music. But you were stressed when you woke up. Today was the first day you will spend in the cave. And maybe, if he wanted you, your god Apollo would contact you. Your rôle was important, kings, princes, heroes and demi god were going to come and seek your help. What if Apollo didn’t want to ? What if nothing was going to happen ? But you didn’t have time to think more, as you needed to get ready. You wore a simple blue dress, wrapped around your shoulders, as a deep red veil was adorning your hair. You were guided by two priests, who were waiting for you on the other side of the temple. They didn’t talk to you, or even looked at you for long. It was going to be a lonely life, but you were ready for it and even grateful. There wasn’t much hope for a girl like you outside the religious ways. The cave was bigger than you expected. It was wet inside and the walls  were covered in thine layer of water. It was cold. There was a stone, forming like a sort of throne, at the back of the cave. The priests stopped at the entrance not penetrating the sacred space. You, on the other hand, kept walking until you reached the stone. You climbed on it, the stone strangely hot and not slippery, finally sitting on it. You felt a strange sensation in your body, shivers running down your spine. You stayed here, not moving and weirdly enough, time didn’t seem long. You had no notion of time, but finally a man walked in. You had never seen him before, and he was not a priest. He was young, maybe a few years older than you. He seemed anxious and unsure of what to do. « Come closer » He did what you told him, bowing in front of you. « Pythia, I am Pyros, of Athens. -What do you want Pyros of Athens ? -I am at the beginning of a quest, an important quest. I can’t leave for the sea, without Apollo’s omen. » You felt a weird sensation on your neck, as if someone was holding it with their hand. Your veil fall on your eyes as you sink into the darkness. You opened your eyes again and you saw, not the cave you were in a second ago but the temple where you slept last night. A man was standing in the middle of the court, tall, so tall. Taller than any men you’ve ever seen. His hair were like made of light, pure blond, with gold strand shining. You walked toward him, unsure. It was true that Apollo was the most beautiful god. So beautiful you weren’t sure you were going to survive to this meeting. Where you even worthy of this ? His eyes were liquid gold, and it became more and more intense as you came closer. He smiled at you, his lips forming an adorable heart as he smiled. You took the hand he was landing you, yours so much smaller than his. « Nice to meet you priestess -Apollo », you whispered He bowed toward you, looking at your face closely. You blushed, but too fascinated to turn your gaze away. « Are you ready my dear ? -Ready ? » He smirked and pull you toward him. You felt his body against yours before not feeling anything anymore. You were back on your stone throne, but unable to move. You felt weird, as if your body was touched in all places. It was more contact than you’ve ever had. But you were too busy listening to the voice ringing in your ears to concentrate on that. It was his voice. And it was whispering you things. You didn’t know how many minutes you stayed that way but it seemed like an eternity to you. But when you opened your eyes again, Pyros was still here. He didn’t look like he had waited too long. Your vision was blurry, and you felt incredibly tired. « Pythia ? -Yes… -Have you seen something ? » You had not seen something… But you’ve heard a lot. And maybe Pyros should not leave for his quest just yet. You repeated your god words exactly like he had pronounced them. The young men seemed to trust you as his face fall in disappointment. But he nodded nonetheless. He bowed to you and told you he will sacrifice a sheep to Apollo in thanks. You nodded, hearing someone laugh in your head. You stayed until the sunset but no other heroes came to visit you. Coming back to the sanctuary, you stepped into the non-covered part. The hair was cold, and now that the sun was down there was nothing to make you warm. « Oh you are finally back ! » You turned around fast, so fast you almost tripped on your veil. « Oh ! Be careful priestess ! Let’s not get hurt ! » He came closer to you, grabbing your arm, helping you stand up. « God Apollo… What are you doing here ? -I wanted to see you of course ! After your first vision, some can be a bit confused » You weren’t confused. You actually felt fine. « I am just a bit tired. But I am fine. -The symbiosis was perfect, I have to say ! I rarely felt something, he passed his hand against your cheek making you shiver, so intense. Oh are you cold ? » You didn’t even have the time to answer as he is swinging a coat on your shoulders. It didn’t look like any animal skin you knew but it made you feel warm right away. « Thank you master -You’re welcome » he smiled again, his eyes disappearing in the process. « So, what do you think of the sanctuary ? -What I- I think ? -Yes. -It’s great… » He frowned, his lips forming an adorable pout. « Great ? -Yes ! I love it ! -That’s the most important then ! » He walked toward the inside, passing the white veils that were separating the court. You stepped inside finding him sitting on your bed. He was biting into a piece of meat, probably a part of the meal the servant of the temple had brought you. « Come sit with me » And you did. You waited beside him but he told you to eat. And like that you spent the night with Apollo. He devoured most of your food and complained about the lack of wine but soon remembered that we weren’t in a Dionysus temple. « You know, I personnaly know Dionysus, well he is an asshole » You laugh at that even if you knew you shouldn’t. r Apollo was kind and seemed to be way more approachable than you had thought. After this night where he had waited for you to fall dead asleep before leaving, he had sent the muses to keep you company. From time to time he would come visit you and play you the lyre for hours, both of you sitting on the grass, under the sun. But even when he wasn’t physically here, you could still feel him. After Pyrus, multiple men came to you sinking answers, and every time Apollo had greeted them with an answer. And every time you could hear him in your head. Feel him in your body. To be honest you didnt’ know how to feel about this. This is how you spent the last months. One day he found you chatting with the muses in the garden between laurel and roses. You looked breathtaking. Your time here had done wonders as you had taken weight now that you were eating enough. Your skin was glowing under the sun as your fingers were running on the lyre. You had nothing to envy to the muses around you. He could only see you. Your body stretched on the grass at the view of other gods. He looked toward the sky a scowl on his face. He could almost see his father drooling all the way up on his cloud. He was even imagining the reaction of other mortals. Disgusting. Weren’t you supposed to be his, his priestess, his bride. That was it, Apollo would not allow anyone he deemed unworthy to watch you, not even the other gods. You were his most precious treasure. You noticed Apollo standing a few meters away from you, and yous imply smiled at him. How could you not when the simple view of the god was making you full of happiness. You stopped smiling when you saw his expression. Him that was always so cheerful, was not smiling. He walked toward you and the muses, and with a motion of his hand dismissed them. You were now all alone on the grass. « Lord Apollo ? Is everything okay ? -No Y/n, I am quite displeased…. » You gulped. « Did I do something wrong my lord ? » Fuck why did you have to sound and look this obedient. You were always so good. What did surprise you and even him was how quickly he grabbed your arm and snatched you up. You simply gasped as he carried you away.

« What is happening ? I’m sorry if I did something wrong ! -You didn’t do anything, fuck- » You didn’t have the time to answer as he crushed his mouth against yours. It was so hard compared to your previous kiss. The same feeling that you felt during the possession during the first ritual. « Please, my Lord... -Anything you want my dear, I’ll do everything you want. » He was so tall, holding you like this, as he never been that closed to you before. « You are the one supposed to serve me, and look at this. I’ll provoked all the Olympians if you asked me to. » You moaned as his mouth attacked your neck, pleasure bubbling inside your body. It was all new to you, you didn’t know how to feel. This pressure started to build between your legs and every centimeter of your skin was feeling sensitive. « I should have claimed you a long time ago, as soon as I saw you dancing in front of my temple. I’ve never seen a most beautiful creature. Not even Aphrodite herself can compare to you. » You blushed hard at his word knowing that you were no comparison to the goddess of beauty herself. But his word sounded so real, you almost wanted to believe him. He kissed you again, as if he couldn’t have enough of your lips . Your breathing sped up slightly as his hands made their way down your collar to the neckline of your dress. You were basically wearing nothing, as he had made clear that he preferred simple dresses, white and fluid. You were okay with this, the weather always so warm that you didn’t need any clothes any way. You whimpered as he detached himself from you. « Open your eyes my love » You nearly shrunk back at the harsh gaze his golden eyes fixed you with. He looked frustrated... You whimpered again under his gaze, blushing. « Stop doing that love, you are going to kill me » You couldn’t help yourself but moan again. « Your power, love. You can get me on my knees just y a look, you know that. » He passed his hand in your hair. « So pure » « But don’t worry love. I am going to teach you all you need to know. Do you want this love ? You want to serve me completely ? » You were so mesmerized by his hypnotizing eyes that you didn’t answer. « Answer me. -I do, I want you to teach me. Please, my lord, teach me how to make you feel good, how to please you... » He groaned, the sound deep coming from the back of his throat. With all his might he detached himself from your body, taking a step back. « Take off my tunic » You watched him puzzled. « Come on love, take my clothes off » You came closer to him slowly, almost scared of touching him. Not that you haven’t seen him almost naked before. As much as your clothes, his did not a lot to hide his body. Why would you want to hide yourself when you are literally Apollo ? You were so small standing in front of him, and it was even more shocking when you touched his torso. His skin was glowing, as if he was cover in fine gold. You were realising slowly, what was happening. How you were so close from him, his utter perfection. One of his hand came and caress along your back. You shivered at the contact but you successfully took off the pin that was holding the thin material of his tunic. He was naked in front of you. You closed your eyes feeling so embarrassed suddenly. « Look at me, my love. » And you did, because how could you not. You watched his face, how his eyes seemed to sparkle with more gold than usual, how his blond hair were messy, falling on his forehead carelessly, how his normally cheerful smile was gone. His lips were slightly parted, glistening with saliva as he was licking them. Up until now, you had never noticed the fine golden line that adorn his skin like a tattoo. You started to trace it with your index finger not even noticing what you were doing, to mesmerized with his beauty. He looked at you with so much fondness. « Go on, touch me more » he encouraged. You had no idea what to do. Your education had been about poetry and theater and music. But now you wished the muses you stayed with had touch a word to you about this. You made your hand slither down his chest, feeling his hard abs against the tip of your finger. You racked your nails a bit against the skin of his thighs, hearing him moan int the process. Getting confident you wasted no time in touching his groin startling him a little. He made a strangled sound and bucked up into your hand. You gasped as he twitched in your hand. It was so big and large in your hand, you were asking yourself so many questions. How was it gonna fit ? « Don’t worry baby, you were made for me. » he chuckled, capturing your lips in a chaste kiss. « I wasn’t hopping for you to be so daring, love. » He said « It’s the first time hm ? That you are with a man ? » You bit your lip and nodded. « Then I should guide you a little bit. » He took your hands and guide you to the couch, sitting on it as you stayed in front of him. « I want you to feel how much I want you. How much passion you fill me with » You bit your lower lip. You dropped on your knees between his thighs and you see him twitch again, a strange liquid coming out of the tip. « Seeing you on your knees like this. » He didn’t even finish his sentence. He let his hands caress your shoulders, the strap of your dress falling down your arms, exposing your breast to his view. « Have you ever seen something so beautiful » He brushed his nose against your neck, kissing your pulse point. One of his hands came to rest on the side of your head as it allowed him to blindly explore your neck. He drew you up for another kiss. He smiled against your mouth, rubbing his nose along yours in an affectionate gesture. « Come on, » he encouraged, « I'm aching beautiful » You slipped your hand back between his legs, squeezing his member. Fingers awkwardly traced his shaft a little before passing your finger on the slit. You swallowed heavily and ran the palm of your hand up and down the underside, feeling the weight of his girth in your palm. A thick drop of pre-cum leaked out of his slit and threatened to run down his head. The liquid that was escaping the tip was like tinted gold, and you felt like you wanted to taste it. You licked your lips. At this rate you were throbbing with want and need. Your already dripping wetness became slicker and uncomfortable, so much that you were sure you could felt it on your thighs. He closed his eyes and tilted his head back a little - lips half open as a moan fell from them. « Love » He growled, « Your hand looks so small wrapped around my cock! » « My lord, I don't think it’s going to fit, » you said moaning. « Eventually it will.” He moaned, grabbing your hand. « Let's take these off, hm, so I can finally see you. » He helped you get on your feet, you dress definitely fall to your feet. He drank in your figure, his eyes sliding along your curves. He grabbed your hips, his fingers digging into your soft skin. His grip his hard on you as he made you come closer to him. He kisses your tummy, his mouth not leaving your skin. « I can’t believe I am finally seeing you. All those weeks of seeing you wandering the garden, the temple. Maybe spent a little more time watching you that I should have » His hand slip between your legs and you gasped hard. « My lord ! » His fingers pressed against your most intimate part and you cried out. « You like that ? How I touch you ? -I don’t know ! I feel- » You just felt a lot of new feelings. He stopped and you wanted to tell him to keep going, but he grabbed your ass and put you down on the couch. Soft lips worshiped your stomach and hipbones with open-mouthed kisses. His tongue traced by your bellybutton, biting the skin around it, sucking, leaving marks. You moaned, interlocking your fingers his loose locks. « You have such a beautiful body » He praised sincerely, kneeling between your legs. « My priestess! That I had the pleasure to watch how much, oh I wanted you. How I knew if I didn’t claim you soon, other gods would steal you away from me. » He purred, lowering his head and nipping the soft insides of your thighs. You blushed and laid down flatly on the couch, legs spread and arms above your head. This whole thing was surreal and it took his lips on you for the first time to bring you back to reality. « Hold on love » he told you, standing up in all his glory. Your god, the one you were dedicated to, was here, ready to take you, all of you. He was glowing, radiating light. So beautiful, so godly. « We’re going to do this right » he told you, grabbing your thigh and squishing your flesh, « I won’t hurt my fragile little mortal » He smiled, his lips taking that signature heart shape and you couldn’t help but smile back. « I’ll make you feel so good » he smirked. His hand slithered up your thighs, bending toward you. You could feel his breath and it was making your skin tingle. He was spreading your thighs so much you were so exposed. Even if you knew what was coming, when he placed his mouth on you, you jolted at the sensation. His tongue was firm pocking your clit and swirling it around and it was overwhelming. « My god ! Please ! What- -Do you feel it my little mortal, do you feel good ? -Yes ! » You cried , not controlling your body anymore, your hips lifting trying to get closer to mouth. And he didn’t stop you. Quite the opposite, he hooked his arm around your thighs, pressing your pussy even closer to tongue. You were feeling something, something weird. « My lord ! Please, I feel something ! Something is- » He didn’t stop, and the tight knot in your stomach snapped. You were shaking in his arm, as you felt the pleasure completely taking over your body. « You taste so good love, better than nectar. -Please, lord, just- -No I can’t yet, you are too small for this yet, I need to prepare you » And with this he slipped one finger in. You gasped, getting on your elbows to see what he was doing. He was smirking at you, his mouth and chin covered in your slick. « I have to make you nice and ready right ? » He curled his finger inside you and you threw your head back. He slid his index finger completely inside your body easily with no pain. You moaned, moving your hips against his hand as Apollo guided his finger in and out. When he felt it was safe enough he added another causing a slight stretch. « That feels good! » « I know, » He cooed, curling his fingers and rubbing against your newly found sweet spot. He scissored you open gingerly. A finger rested against your swollen clit, circling around the sensitive bud. Apollo was a generous god, and he won’t leave you hanging more. You ignored how he did that, but the pressure inside you and his movement on your clit send you over the edge once again, this time so much more powerful. You were a mess of emotion. It was happening. He was finally going to embrace you after all this time. You tried not to question the situation too much, not thinking about the fact that he must definitely do this with every of his priestess. You didn’t have the time to think more when fingers became faster and faster, even adding a third one. You came apart so fast, stronger than before. You almost fainted from the strong feeling, your vision suddenly blurry. You thought you were going to faint from the sensation. You felt a liquid run down your thighs but you didn’t have the strength yet to look. All you could feel was his body shift. « Your so good for me, Y/n, the best » You opened your eyes slowly and saw that he was a mess. His eyes were almost black as his pupils were dilated, his hair were sticky from sweat, and he was covered in something, the same thing that had come from you. « I- I am sorry- -Don’t be. Really » Seeing how worked up it had got him you stopped. «I think you are ready now… » A shiver of pleasure ran down your spine. « I’ll force it into your thigh cunt if I have to anyway » And you weren’t doubting him. But you weren’t scared, even the idea of him forcing himself inside you was making your body tinkle. « Are you ready to be mine? » Apollo whispered into your mouth, nibbling on the side of your chin. « Yes » You agreed, raising your legs a little and keeping them on his upper thighs. You knew he was big, but feeling the tip slowly entering you was something you weren’t ready for. You gasped, crying and contracting. « Shhh, it’s okay. » He touched your cheeks, caressing your soft skin with his thumb. His lips were pressing against yours. You moaned in his mouth when you felt him completely. « You can’t even take me completely » He sniggered, looking at your small frame under his. You clench around him, slowly adjusting. He groaned his hands fisting on each side of your head. « How do you feel? » He asked, his voice tight. « Full... » Your hand glided on your belly and you moaned again when you felt the bump forming by his member. « Yes Y/n. You feel it deep in you right ? » You nodded, now eager for him to move. He seemed to understand as he started moving his hips slowly. You clutched his shoulders with your small hands, trying to stabilize yourself. « Y/n » he growled, « You look so fragile wrapped around my cock » Hands roamed his hands up and down your sides and clutched your hips. He brought your hips closer to his, and you submissively wrap your legs around his hips. You held onto his shoulders and braced yourself against his body, forehead pressed against his. His hands were clutching your flesh rocking your hips against his. « You don’t know what I am gonna do to you. -Please, Apollo ! -You are the one who is supposed to worship me. But look at me. As if I was going to leave you hanging my priestess » You shuddered at the idea. You didn’t know what was going into you, but you started moving your hips too, showing him you needed more. His member was so heavy inside you, you were stretch so good. Apollo growled and squeezed the flesh of your ass, bruising it. He ducked his head down and captured one of your nipple between his lips - sucking and tugging on it. « Lord Apollo ! Please ! » you moaned, your nails digging in his golden skin. « I know! » He gloated. « How does it feel to take your god’s cock ? -It feel so good ! » You agreed, feeling your orgasm building up for the third time. «Does it turn you on, Y/n, that every god of Olympus might watch you right now. » He purred into your ear, « Cum nice and hard on my cock, so that everyone, every god, satyr, men, spirit in this world knows that I am the one you are serving, I am the one who’s taken you for the first time and ruined your virgin pussy. » « Yes my Lord ! » you screamed. It was hitting inside you so good, you were dripping down his length, your mind was blank and you couldn’t think as the pressure in your belly snapped. You screamed, arching in his arms as he is holding you closer and closer. You squeezed him so good he had trouble moving inside you. But he didn’t stop and you rode your orgasm until you couldn’t take it anymore. « Please my lord...» You were crying from all the pleasure you were feeling. Apollo gave a breathy chuckle and planted his lips on the side of your neck lovingly. « Are you sore, little one? » He asked, « You are doing so good” « Gonna- » you moaned in response. « Of course you are. You are so good » He kissed you again this time with more passion. Your eyes closed, savoring the taste, and the feeling of having him this closed. He was pounding hard in your body. His head buried in your neck, and you could hear every of his noise. He hadn’t been quiet since the beginning but having him so close, hearing him moan and grunt your name. You were going to cum again, for what felt like the 10th time of the night but you felt him becoming sloppier in his trust too. Her orgasm twisted in her stomach and threatened to become unraveled. He was covered in sweat, eyes closed, his body shining, literally radiating light as he was cumming closer and closer to own release. « You’re glowing » He smiled at you fondly. Letting go of your ass as he put you back down on the bed. He took your hands in his and you felt a new connection. This position was so intimate, new. You liked it even better to be honest.

« I'm gonna cum, are you ready priestess » Apollo growled, « cum for me, cum again »

« I can’t ! Please » you cried, tightening yourself on his member.

« You don’t want to cum, but look your body doesn’t seem to want to let me go »

He moaned against your lips, keeping his movement as steady as he could but it was starting to get sloppy. He threw his head back, his hands clutching yours stronger. He was beautiful and for a second you couldn’t help but admire his beauty. You felt him, his member twitching inside you. Soon he was feeling you up, his seed overflowing your pussy, making of you an even bigger mess. You came at the feeling, eyes rolling at the back of your head, shuddering at the feeling. You felt him move but you couldn’t open your eyes. You were too tired. You just heard him whisper in your ear.

« Rest well pythia »

And he disappeared. You woke up in the morning alone, but the coat Apollo gave you was covering your body. The sun was high in the sky and no clouds were on sight. Apparently everything was good for the god of the Sun. You couldn’t help but smile when you saw the lyre laying beside your bed. You could recognize it anywhere. Picking it up, you looked at it carefully before clutching it in your arms. Your duty could wait a bit more.

[iincantatorum]

Eros + Aphollo & Daphne Story

Apollo, the Greek god of music, poetry, art, the sun, and a great warrior, mocked the god of love, Eros, for his use of bow and arrow, as Apollo is also patron of archery. “What are you doing with powerful weapons, naughty boy?” He said. "That equipment of yours is fitting of our shoulders, which are able to give certain wounds to wild animals, and to enemies, I who recently killed the swollen Python, who was pressing down so many acres with his disease-bearing belly, with countless arrows! You will be content to provoke some loves by your fire, not to lay claim to my honors.” This is the context behind the story.

The insulted Eros then prepared two arrows: one of gold and one of lead. He shot Apollo with the gold arrow, instilling in the god a passionate love for the river nymph Daphne. He shot Daphne with the lead arrow, instilling in her a hatred for Apollo. Having taken after Apollo’s sister, Artemis (Diana), Daphne had spurned her many potential lovers, preferring instead woodland sports and exploring the forest. Due to her identity as an “aemula Phoebes” (female rival or emulator of Artemis), she had dedicated herself to perpetual virginity. Her father, the river god Peneus, demanded that she get married and give him grandchildren. She, however, begged her father to let her remain unmarried; he eventually complied.

Apollo continually followed her, begging her to stay, but the nymph continued to reject him. They were evenly matched in the race until Eros intervened, helping Apollo catch up to Daphne. Seeing that Apollo was bound to reach her, she called upon her father, "Help me, Peneus! Open the earth to enclose me, or change my form, which has brought me into this danger! Let me be free of this man from this moment forward!" And with that, Peneus answered her plea, and “a heavy numbness seizes her limbs; her soft breasts are surrounded by a thin bark, her hair changes into foliage, her arms change into branches; her foot, just now swift, now clings to sluggish roots.” She turned into a laurel tree.

In spite of Daphne's terror and fervent insistence that he leaves her alone, Apollo vowed to honor her forever: “Always my hair will have you, my lyres will have you, my quivers will have you, laurel tree. You will be present for the Latin leaders when a happy voice will sing a triumph and the Capitoline Hill will see long processions.”

Apollo also used his powers of eternal youth and immortality to render Daphne evergreen ("you also, wear always the perpetual honors of your foliage!"). For this reason, the leaves of the Bay laurel tree do not decay.

[missbecky]

Okay, time for another long post about a cool weird thing that happened with my cards last night. I still don't know how I feel about deities, I don't know that I'll ever worship one, as that's just not me to worship. But I have felt as though there was an entity, goddess, force, something trying to reach me. Any time I've tried to glean information on who it was, I kept getting a door slammed in my face. I kept getting messages that I wasn't ready. And I was totally fine with that.

I'm unemployed right now, I'm a single mom, and I live with my disabled mother to help take care of her. With COVID-19, we don't take chances as my mom is in the high risk category. What that all means is that I've had way too much time on my hands. So I've been like a sponge, soaking up all the knowledge I can when it comes to witchcraft. Not being ready wasn't that big of a deal, because it just meant I got to do more research and keep putting off stuff I didn't really want to do.

Yesterday, I did my daily card draw, and the message was suddenly way different. Change has always been in the messages, but also the stopping in order to be ready for the changes. Yesterday morning I drew the the star, the chariot, and the hanged man reversed. I took that as a go for it.

Later that day I was prowling all the research servers, and the went to Google something about deities, and found an article/blog post someone had written about wishing people would stop using a very specific tarot spread for deity identification. Naturally, I decide to do that very spread. It was a five card spread, I wrote down what I wanted to know, and started shuffling. I shuffled for what felt like forever, and then when I laid the cards out, without thinking, I laid out 7. At first I was going to put the last two back, but decided to leave them. And the cards were all over the place. But I looked at it, and thought, "whoa, whoever this is, is not messing around.

So this is what I laid out.

Before I get into breaking down what these cards meant and how each one directly correlates to one specific deity, I want to point out where my head was at going into this.

I basically really actually got started with everything like 2 weeks ago. I'm basically still a newborn, right? Anyway, as soon as I start researching, I keep getting drawn to Deities. That's weird because I'm an agnostic and basically have no interest in higher powers. If they're there cool, if not cool. I have always believed that if there is some kind of being that could mold and shape the world, then my puny human brain can't comprehend them anyway, and it's really none of my concern. So, it's been really strange that this repeatedly keeps sticking out for me. I get the distinct impression that whatever energy is reaching out to me is female, a tie to the moon, the feeling of 3 was there, I knew it had to be associated with motherhood, and just a general overall feel of the empowerment of women. Naturally, I just kind of assumed Hecate, but that never actually felt correct to me.

So the 3 of cups being the first card just kind of reinforced the sense of 3 to me, and the whole sisterhood aspects of women empowering women. I wrote down 3, sisterhood, and good times. In the spread that was supposed to be 5 cards (and I did 7), the first card was supposed to sum up who the deity was.

I love my tarot deck for the strength card the most, I think. Strength is a mama bear. Again, this confirms my feeling of being tied to motherhood. The second card was supposed to represent the deities weakness. I wrote mama bear, power, and overly protective.

The third card was the chariot, and according to the spread this was their strength, their power. I wrote down action, strength, determination, will-power.

Then I get to the 4th card, the lovers. This is supposed to be what they rule. This one had me scratching my head. Now the author said this one will be harder to figure out, because the deities could even try to be snarky with this. I didn't even know what to do with this card, but like it made sense later. As I was going through each card individually, however, I came up with nothing, and in turn wrote nothing.

Card 5 was to be their symbol or association, and I had drawn 7 card. Anyway, I began analyzing the reversed hierophant, and the reversed 2 of cups. By that point I'm feeling personally attacked. And then the King of swords felt like a slap in the face. Words like logical, smart, level headed came up, which is honestly the person I've always prided myself on being. What was that person doing trying to contact a deity? I basically had to stop and ask myself wtf I was doing.

Like all shadow work, I decided to go browse the internet to distract myself from having to think about it too much. So I start googling triple Goddess and love, even though the lovers definitely didn't feel right, I'm like what the hell? Why not? Hecate and Diana come up, well that's not right. So I decide to take away the triple deciding I could just be way off base with the whole 3 thing. So I Google goddess of female empowerment and found a list of badass goddesses, and Artemis stuck out to me. But I'm like, no, that can't be right. This peace loving hippie couldn't possibly identify with the goddess of the hunt (which was the extent of my knowledge about Artemis). I then Google goddess of sisterhood, envisioning a woman running with a girl gang fucking shit up. What the fuck do you know, but that is Artemis.

After that Google search, I decide I clearly don't know enough about Artemis, and had recently downloaded some Greek mythology books, have never had the slightest interest in Greek mythology, but I saved them in my Google drive just in case. After finding out a bit about Artemis from Google, I turned to the digital books I had.

It was crazy how each of the cards began actually tying into the mythology of Artemis. She traveled with like a gang of nymphs, which I'm sure there was some sisterhood there. She helped her mother deliver her twin brother, and became like the patron God of childbirth. She defended babies and Young girls. She only ever wanted to belong to herself and so she requested everlasting virginity. From what I read she was very protective, straight up murdered rapists, and she was strong to a fault, which made sense why the strength card was listed as weakness. Apollo challenged her to hit a target way out in the ocean that she couldn't see, telling her she couldn't do it, she did it to prove she could and there was no better sharpshooter than her. The target was Orion, the only person she ever loved. So the reversed two of cards made sense. The reversed hierophant made sense because she was not traditional, she went against the grain. Her story is far from ordinary, even by mythological standards. She was a straight up badass that lived life on her terms and no one else's. There's nothing more rebellious than a woman with such control of her own life and destiny. And of course the chariot would be her strength identification, she was nothing but action oriented. The lovers could be interpreted several ways, but I take it as a woman who loves herself so fiercely she had no need for any other kind. But also when I think of love, I don't think of romantic love, I think of the bond i share with my daughter. She fiercely loved her brother, and maybe because she helped with his birth it connected her to him similar to that of a mother and child? That of course speculation. But the lovers card could also be a jab at her eternal virginity. And the King of swords sounded exactly like Artemis.

So I'm convinced this spread is talking about Artemis, but I can't shake the aspect of 3. Can't let that one go. Don't know why. So I'm looking through the l The Greek Myths by Robert Graves, and in it he speculated that Artemis was in fact a triad/triple Goddess!!!

Needless to say, I lost my fucking shit after reading that one. I was right in what I felt about what traits I felt the energy having, and the fucking spread related with every gd card.

Oh, and apparently Artemis chose to spend most of her time in the mountains. One of my favorite thing in all of the things is the mountains of Colorado, second only to my daughter, and I even identify as connected with earth elements the most because of my love for mountains. Makes me wonder how long Artemis has been trying to get my attention 😉

Anyway, I don't know what this all means to me personally yet. I've been ridiculously drained today, it's already 11 pm, and I only just now felt like I had enough energy and focus to write this out. So haven't had much time to sit with everything I experienced and felt last night.

However, it was very exciting! And I had to share my experience!

[yanderedbh-moved]

The DBH characters as Ancient Greek Gods and Goddesses

Consider this part one, as I plan to make a part two to this post, which represents the characters as ancient heroes and heroines if this post gets a good response. And as always, requests are open if you would like to see me expand on anything I’ve written here, hope you enjoy the read!

Connor: Poseidon

While Poseidon was fated to and is primarily known as the ruler of the sea, this is an understatement of his abilities. As there isn’t a material, Poseidon can’t master, and his power is only matched by his versatility. Similarly to how Connor was created to serve as a deviant hunter, this single purpose alone. He is capable of growing to so much more than this.

In one of his endings, his place in the DPD is uprooted by his “updated model,” effectively rendering him obsolete, and costing him his job. Even though Connor was perfectly content to remain in this position, it was through human's will, which resulted in this loss of power. One of the most well-known myths regarding Poseidon en-counts the story of him countering Athena for the right to become the patron god of Athens. The story ending with him losing this challenge, and forfeiting the city to the rightful god.

He is a fighter equally as beneficial to his allies as he is lethal to his enemies. While Poseidon may not be unique in this regard, he has a reputation for punishing mortals that fail to provide proper offerings or sacrifices when passing through his oceans. This loss of his favor leading to the painful demise of man an unfortunate sailor.

Markus: Apollo

A lover of the arts as well as his people. Apollo is well known for defending mortals, just as well as he can serve as their muse. He is the god of medicine, and it was through his blessing and guidance that mortals would go on to discover many innovations in healing. Markus, as the leader of Jericho, delivers a very similar role here for his people, as their functioning leader, as well as a symbol of exceptionalism.

Apollo would be known as a “voice for the people.” Many of the most famous prophets at this time were devoted to him. And he would, in turn, present them with glimpses into the future and the ability to act as a mediator between gods and humans. A lightning rod-Esque position where one must delve into both the divine and human.

Though primarily remembered as a positive figure, Apollo was also equally as capable of enacting great plagues and suffering upon mortals, which failed to honor him, or who acted immorally. Though only against the truly immortal would Apollo punish, or seek to harm.

Kara: Artemis

Kara is exceptional in the way she can hold her own against capable opponents (like Connor) but still is more the type to chose flight over fight in times of conflict. Kara doesn’t seek to hurt anyone; her only motive is to provide for herself, and those who depend on her. 

Artemis, if she chose, could bring down even the most fearsome and brutish of beasts. However, she chooses not to embrace senseless violence. She respects her prey, and only takes the lives of those which she needs. In this way, Kara and Artemis are very humble, and less likely to “show off” their abilities in this sense.

Even though she may not live all by herself, the two of them live out a fiercely independent lifestyle. Refusing to live their life, bowing to anyone’s wills but their own. They are very aware of what they value and how they want to go about protecting this. Artemis swearing a virginal vow, Kara freeing herself, as well as Alice from their oppressive home life.

Hank: Demeter

While we don’t exactly get a first-person view of this dynamic, before the events of the game, Hank had the reputation of the youngest police lieutenant with several notable accomplishments. (Even if this included his “larger than average” disciplinary folder.) Likewise, Demeter, among mortals, is celebrated for her guidance and blessings.

The two of them share an iconography with alcohol. While Demeter is the one who produces the grains and barley, which is eventually brewed and refined into alcohol, Hank is basically just the consumer here.

But far and away, the most apparent connection between the two of them is the way a loss of a child forever changed their lives. Unfortunately for Hank, he isn’t so lucky as to see his son again six months out of the year. As he is forced to live his life in a purgatory of winter without the warmth and light of his loved one. 

Luther: Aesculapius

The two of them share an immensely transformative life story, from creation to adulthood. While Aesculapius was born to be a regular demigod son of Apollo, his mother offered her child up to Chiron, where he transcended what he was born as and became what he was meant to be.

When Luther left his old household with Kara, he left behind the life of living under the thumb of his former master and found true freedom. A real reason to live for and people who genuinely cared about him, who he cared about in turn. As for Aesculapius with Chiron, he learned the secrets of healing and discovered abilities far beyond typical human capabilities.

(This is a bit of a stretch but hear me out) One of his most famous legends involves learning the cure for death, bringing people back from the dead, and seriously angering Hades in the process. By toppling Zlatko from his position of control over all the lost androids of his estate, he freed them from the awful torment they endured and were likewise released from their own kind of hell.

North: Hera

Literally, the queen of the gods, maybe one of the most ancient symbols of feminine power. But most importantly, not one to ever be taken lightly, or to ever just sit back on the sidelines and not interview when she sees fit.

Hera is known as the protector of women as North is equally the protector of androids. And additionally, they go about enforcing this protection by punishing either the unfaithful husbands in their lives or punishing the abusive humans who ministered their suffering.

It’s also fair to mention the fact that she is a remarkably powerful ally. To the extent that even those who were on the same side as her were afraid of her and the power of her vengeance.

Simon: Hephaestus

Hephaestus, when compared purely aesthetically to the other gods, would not give the impression of one so powerful as the others. Likewise, Simon was only created to serve a domestic purpose, yet still can stand on equal footing as the other leaders of Jericho.

Simon represents the option of neutrality or forgoing to really commit to either peace or violence. Hephaestus embodies this by having the versatility and ability to either create things of beauty or war.

Both foster some form of resentment towards those which cast them from grace. Hephaestus never truly forgiving Hera for casting him out, and Simon only wanting to avoid conflict with humans in the name of other androids’ safety and not out of genuine compassion for the humans themselves.

Josh: Eirene

She is known as the goddess of peace and is one of the few of the gods and goddesses who are viewed by humans, almost unequivocally positively. Similarly, if Markus follows Josh’s lead and works to deliver peace to humans and androids, then humans will react with nearly unanimous praise.

While not too much is known about her origin, or where she came from, what is known is what she represents, and what she stands for. Very similar to Josh, and the two of them are far better regarded for what they work for as adults, rather than what they stood for before now.

Eirene is functionally, more a metaphor than she is a character like many of the other gods. Seemingly, she was created in her legends and fables to depict the beauty and abundance which occur as a result of seeking peace with fellow men and turning from violence. The same really could be said for Josh and his overall rather small role in the game’s overall narrative.

Kamski: Zeus

A necessary evil. While Zeus is notorious, to say the least for having little to no regard for the children he has with mortals and has little care for helping to protect his godly siblings if there’s nothing in it for him. Kamski as well does about fuck all to stop the race war he all but created in his own city, but without him, there would be no androids at all.

Again share a certain level of infamy for needing more than one lover to keep their “interest.” It’s probably for the best that Kamski can just create more models of his companion to keep his interest, unfortunately for Zeus, he does not share this luxury.

Stubborn. Zeus refused to leave mortals alone until he had his way with them, very few could hope to escape once he’d taken an interest in them. Less so in Kamski, but it should be noted that he refused to relent from Connor until he acclimated to his test.

Chloe: Aphrodite

Aphrodite is so beautiful in her origin story the winds and the nymphs of the sea were said to bow to her. In the game, Chloe is described as a kind of eternal beauty, “a flower forever in bloom.”

Well Known as the partners of renowned creators, though Chloe is easily far more faithful to her partner. Even she longs for more than the life she lives, much like Aphrodite, she merely lacks the access to live out this life.

Even the typically reserved and unemotional Connor comments on her appearance when he first meets with her and sees humanity and fragility within her.

Gavin: Hermes

Known as a trickster figure, to some extent, or at the very least a most individualistic kind of god. He holds no intense loyalties to any, be they, god or mortal. Gavin refuses to work with those he doesn’t want to, even if they are essentially on the same side.

Both have a “looking out for number one” kind of way of going about life, for better or worse.

Accounting for both of their lack of loyalty (and additionally Gavin’s rather dark sense of humor), it’s very tough to say if you really can trust them for sure. But when it comes to Hermes, he’s usually reliable to protect those who live out a lifestyle like his, such as thieves or messengers.

Zlatko: Dionysus

Zlatko embodies a perversion of Dionysus’ notoriously free spirit. Namely in the way, he’s made a life for himself by taking away the free will and lives of androids. (Of course, until this backfires.)

Again, in a dark sense, the two are similar because Dionysus is depicted in arts and legend surrounded by satyrs and nymphs, other human-like creatures. Zlatko mirrors this by surrounding himself with twisted and mangled androids, which he’s twisted into creatures entirely different.

In some of Dionysus’ legends, there are recounts of beautiful, joyous parties turning dark and violent. Stories which include beautiful nymphs tricking humans into joining sick rituals only to offer their bodies and blood to Dionysus. In Kara’s story, she seeks out Zlatko, thinking his house marks a safe haven, only to discover the brutal reality of the place too late.

Ralph: Hades

Hades is the eldest of the “big three” gods, but on account of his fate was forced to become the ruler of hell. Ralph, once a promising and capable worker, lost his ability to work when his fate took a grizzly turn.

Even though neither of them are necessarily violent of their own accord per se, though their outward appearances, and dwelling places this repels humans. Resulting in their sub-par reputations.

Hades took the goddess of springtime as his wife and made her into the queen of hell. When Kara is spending the night in Ralph’s home, he has a throwaway line where he refers to himself as father, and her as mother.

Daniel: Hestia

Hestia is known as the guardian of the home front, and the protector of the hearth and Daniel is basically programmed to live out this exact purpose.

Before he fell from grace and threatened to take his entire family down with him, Daniel was actually happy to live out his life with his family and worked to keep them safe in this humble life.

Hestia never bothered to involve herself in the conflicts of the gods, and in Daniel’s final scene, when Connor tries to question him, to see if he knows how to find Jericho, he doesn’t know. Not only that, but he has basically no connection to any other androids but Connor.

Nines: Athena

The two of them represent the pinnacle of what it means to be either a god or an android. They are just as renowned for their intellect, as well as physical might, well-known by mortals and gods alike.

Athena is said to have sprung forth into being fully armored and ready for battle, in the same way, Nines came into being fully uniformed, and with his exact purpose and meaning in life figured out.

Fandom Nines is usually represented as the most capable fighter in the room, yet still, even when challenged, isn’t the type to resort to physical fighting, or would ever just scrap a brawl without just cause.

[mhevarujta]

Camilla Macaulay is such a fascinating female character

Some readers have claimed that she is a badly written female character; one-dimensional, weak, barely there and overshadowed by the male characters even though she could have been developed more as the only girl in the group.

Others see her as a wicked, deceptive woman who uses her sexuality to pull strings and to manipulate the male characters.

The unreliable manner in which the book is narrated and Richard’s obsessive and biased view of Camilla that is rooted in denial even when he glimpses the darkest parts of her does not allow the reader to have a full picture of the character.

This elusiveness makes this young woman a fictional character that cannot be ignored. Who is Camilla Macaulay? My answer always changed. I have theories that contradict each other and that constantly reshape. Each time I think I’ve settled a conclusive interpretation seems to slip away from me. So in this post I wanted to focus on how I think of Camilla today.

Camilla was raised by women with horsed and rivers; an image really reminiscent to the Amazons who were placed on the Thermodon river, riding horses and hunting. Hunting connects them to Artemis/Diana, the worship of whom the Amazons were connected. Apollo, Diana’s twin brother was named Amazonius and Charles, the only man around, is described in several occasions in a way that brings in mind the depictions of Apollo. Moreover, Bunny parallels Camilla to Diana. Artemis/Diana was the product of rape and as a newborn she helped her mother give birth to her brother. She is the goddess of hunting among other things and one of her requests from Zeus was her eternal innocence and the maintenance of her virginal status. And she is an unforgiving goddess. In fact, Tartt’s idea for Camilla’s name came from Virgil’s Aeneid. Camilla was the daughter of King Metabus who promised his daughter to Diana –to be a virgin warrior in service of the goddess- in order to save her.

Tartt’s Camilla lost her virginal status. She lost her innocence. In fact she was manipulated and abused by the only male she grew up with. What I find interesting is the way she is introduced in Julian’s lecture, by reciting a passage that is memorable to her (at which point Henry winks at her):

Thus he died, and all the life struggled out of him;

and as he died he spattered me with the dark red

and violent-driven rain of bitter-savored blood

to make me glad, as gardens stand among the showers

of God in glory at the birthtime of the buds.

 Camilla is undeniably tied to the image of Klytemnestra murdering Agamemnon. Another thing I’ve noticed is her deepest desire:

“And if beauty is terror,” said Julian, “then what is desire? We think we have many desires, but in fact we have only one. What is it?”

“To live,” said Camilla.

Unlike Bunny ‘s ‘to live forever’ Camilla’s answer can be interpreted as living in the sense of experiencing life freely and it makes sense in a way. She is a female character who has been trapped between all these male characters. She is formidable as any of them but she is being suffocated by Charles who is free to do as he pleases but does not allow her to have the life she chooses without getting out of control; who is passive-aggressive when he feels their ‘arrangement’ is threatened in any way. It is interesting how Bunny compares potentially being with Camilla to marrying Charles/a female version of him. It is a testament to how much his presence is affecting the façade that Camilla wears for the rest of the world. It’s also interesting that despite both of them growing up with women SHE is the one who’s dressed in a way that men do not relate to women.

The first lesson is also the first time that Richard glimpses the mind behind the lovely face:

I looked at Camilla, her face bright in the sun, and thought of that line from the Iliad I love so much, about Pallas Athene and the terrible eyes shining.

 And these glimpses of a sharp and darker mind allow us to make more sense of her more intimate connection to Henry. After the aforementioned wink, a really significant moment is when Henry helps her after she has cut her artery. Henry is the one who takes action to help and Camilla is concerned that she’ll bleed all over him and that she’s too heavy for him. He doesn’t mind. When Charles appears he is the one who’s asked to take the glass out, to release her from the pain, but he just can’t do it. It’s Henry who takes action yet again and he recognized her bravery. To me, the entire situation foreshadows Camilla moving on from Charles to Henry and it established the reason she got attached to him –his ability to accept her for who she is with no judgment, to carry her, to let her bleed on him and to remove what hurts her even if that hurts her in some ways- which is something that Tartt never shows us directly.

Do I believe that Camilla and Henry conspired to kill Charles? I think I do. I think Charles’ death might have even been planned for the Bacchanalia and gone wrong or that at the very least that that was when the idea of his murder really took root. Let’s see some facts: All the participants are high. Henry is the one who murdered the farmer in the frenzy of that night and yet Camilla had SO much blood on her:

“I suppose we’ll never know what really happened,” he said. “We didn’t find her until a good bit later. She was sitting quietly on the bank of a stream with her feet in the water, her robe perfectly white, and no blood anywhere except for her hair. It was dark and clotted, completely soaked. As if she’d tried to dye it red.”

This image gives me the impression of Camilla trying to reclaim her lost innocence by going back to the river, to the sight where she grew up as a child, but her head, her mind, is still tainted and cannot be cleansed.

The way Charles appears is as fascinating:

Charles had a bloody bite-mark on his arm that he had no idea how he’d got, but it wasn’t a human bite. Too big. And strange puncture marks instead of teeth. Camilla said that during part of it, she’d believed she was a deer; and that was odd, too, because the rest of us remember chasing a deer through the woods, for miles it seemed.

[…]

Really, I do not know how that happened. There was a dreadful mess. I was drenched in blood and there was even blood on my glasses. Charles tells a different story. He remembers seeing me by the body. But he says he also has a memory of struggling with something, pulling as hard as he could, and all of a sudden becoming aware that what he was pulling at was a man’s arm, with his foot braced in the armpit. Francis—well, I can’t say. Every time you talk to him, he remembers something different.”

[…]

“And that bite.”

“You’ve never seen anything like it,” said Francis. “Four inches around and the teeth marks just gouged in. Remember what Bunny said?”

Henry laughed. “Yes,” he said. “Tell him.”

“Well, there we all were, and Charles was turning to get the soap— I didn’t even know Bunny was there, I suppose he was looking in the door—when all of a sudden I heard him say, in this weird businesslike way, ‘Looks like that deer took a plug out of your arm, Charles.’ ”

It seems that Camilla tried to get her innocence back, what was stolen from her, by hurting Charles. This also throws us back to the passage of Clytemnestra killing Agamemnon to avenge what was manipulatively stolen from her (her daughter). I also love how the boys see themselves as wolves but Camilla, who was ahead of them, saw them as ‘a pack of dogs’. The way they are painted differently depending on the perspective is genius.

There is also a connection between the deer, the Meanads and the kind of living –the freedom- which Camilla seeks that has been textually established:

And what could be more terrifying and beautiful, to souls like the Greeks or our own, than to lose control completely? To throw off the chains of being for an instant, to shatter the accident of our mortal selves?

Euripides speaks of the Maenads: head thrown back, throat to the stars, ‘more like deer than human being.’ To be absolutely free! One is quite capable, of course, of working out these destructive passions in more vulgar and less efficient ways. But how glorious to release them in a single burst.

 This is even more essential if one considers that the Maenads are tied to mythological events in which they tend to kill or tear apart men and animals in a state of frenzy. Moreover, some of the epithets that were traditionally attributed to them are connected to wool-spinning; the kind of imagery that can easily be connected to the Fate Clotho who span the thread of life and who decided in some occasions when mortals or gods should be saved or should die. If this theory is correct this is quite fitting for Camilla.

 Then there is Richard’s comparison of Henry and Camilla to Pluto and Persephone:

It was shocking to hear him speak of her with such intimacy. Pluto and Persephone. I looked at his back, prim as a parson’s, tried to imagine the two of them together. 

 This is a significant choice on Tartt’s part. In the different sources Pluto and Hades are both names used for the ruler of the underworld but Hades is portrayed as violent and his abduction of Persephone is usually equated to rape, while Pluto in the Eleusinian Mysteries is seen as a loving husband to her.

 Here’s my interpretation of Henry and Camilla possibly going after Charles. I see them as two people who have accepted each other but who can’t accept their own situation. Henry feels too detached from people and from the world. Out of the characters he only loves Julian all-consumingly and Camilla in a tamer way. When it comes to Richard, I think that his interest primarily lies with the fact that he sees him as someone who could finally be experiencing the same detachment. Henry is brought into the situation because his lack of empathy would make killing Charles easier in case Camilla had cold feet. The death of the farmer is an accident during the confusion that the drugs were causing. 

But that night changed a lot. I think that after that night Camilla started regretting her decision, which eventually led her to staying with Henry in her attempt to break out of her situation in a way that wouldn’t involve getting her brother out of the way.

On the other hand Henry does not see beauty in living; this is something that he only glimpses during that night of ecstasy and which he tried to find again ever since. Henry, pristine and controlled, saw in that moment of total freedom that came with killing as the consequence of being in a state that did not allow him to be burdened by consciousness and by thinking a possible meaning in life. And this fact along with his preexisting lack of empathy made murder all the more easy for him.

Camilla’s unwillingness to go through with killing Charles –like Persephone she’s not always tied to the darkness of the underworld and of death- certainly changed her and Henry’s relationship but they still danced around it. The point of not going back was when Camilla showed that she herself was afraid of Henry. Killing had become part of Henry’s definition of living and Camilla showed that despite herself she saw that as a threat; as something to be weary and fearful of.

 Henry bit his lip. He went to the window and looked out the corner of the shade. Then he turned around. He still had the pistol. 

“Come here,” he said to Camilla.

She looked at him in horror. So did Francis and I. He beckoned to her with his gun arm. “Come here,” he said. “Quick.”

[…]

Camilla took a step away from him. Her gaze was terrified. “No, Henry,” she said, “don’t …”

To my surprise, he smiled at her. “You think I’d hurt you?” he said. “Come here.”

She went to him. He kissed her between the eyes, then whispered something—what, I’ve always wondered—in her ear.

“I’ve got a key,” the innkeeper yelled, pounding away at the door. “I’ll use it.”

The room was swimming. Idiot, I thought wildly, just try the knob. Henry kissed Camilla again. “I love you,” he said. Then he said, out loud: “Come in.”

 I think that Camilla’s reaction sealed Henry’s fate. He had lost Julian, whom he loved more than anyone else, Richard did not understand him as he had hoped and Camilla, the one person who had at least fully accepted him showed that there was a part of her that could not fully embrace who he was. Henry ‘s predicament here comes down to this: Aristotle wrote that an individual who is naturally unsocial is either a beast or a god. Henry is conflicted between wanting to be accepted by few other human beings while being in this unsocial situation that tiptoes between the beastly and divine, unchallenged, power. Camilla was the last person left who might have accepted him as such and when he realizes that these are unrecognizable he ends his life, which ends up being a catalyst for Camilla’s character who has shattered her bond with Charles, whom she cares for despite herself, by investing in the understanding they had.

At the end of the book Camilla is partly hanging on the kind of living she could have had with Henry and partly mourning everything she’s lost.

“You should see the way I live now, Richard,” she said. “My Nana’s in bad shape. It’s all I can do to take care of her, and that big house, too. I don’t have a single friend my own age. I can’t even remember the last time I read a book.”

 Camilla is back at her grandmother’s, back at the service of Diana, at a place that will always keep reminding her her irrevocably lost innocence. It’s not the situation itself that is dreadful. What makes it so is that it is a distorted version of Camilla’s childhood; one that comes with responsibility, with loss and with sacrificing ‘living’ and by extent beauty in service of others.

Finally, the tell-tale hint that Camilla’s dismay with her life is genuine and not a lie she employs to keep Richard at bay is her confession about being unable to read anymore. Being unable to be free and to live even on a spiritual level is part of her punishment.