#i text anyone in the way they text me and go. i made n1 worst decision in the world

[inkats]

i might kill myself

[raphpanda21]

Ain’t running from myself no more I’m ready to face it all part II

Hecate eyes widened n just slightly hearing this admission.

Hecate: You are still going to school? I don’t want to discourage you but there will probably be a horde of paparazzi lying in wait for you. Perhaps I should arrange some security for you.

Persephone: No need to worry Hecate I already have some but I appreciate the concern. I am hoping this all will just blow over quickly. I can’t for the life of me figure out why they are so fixated on me. No one cared about me before.

Persephone smiled at the cashier handing over the money for her lunch missing the look of disbelief Hecate gave her. How was Persephone so naive not to realize that a goddess of her caliber and beauty coming onto the scene would automatically cause waves.Add to that mix a wealthy unattached god like Hades and you had a veritable gold mine for the press.

Hecate swiped her card to pay for her lunch before taking the lead Persephone falling into step beside her as they headed to a table near the windows.

Hecate: You are no longer ensconced in your Mother’s Manor and you have grown into a fine young lady. As the daughter of one of the traitors you will automatically peak some interest and you need to be careful that those who try and grow closer to you are doing so for the right reason.

Persephone frowned at the this last word of advice as she settled into a chair at their chosen table. Was there anyone she suspected of being close to her for the wrong reasons? Other than Apollo no one particularly came to mind. None of her coworkers or classmates had seemed to be taking advantage of her so she relaxed but made a mental note to be more on guard. Hecate had always been a good guide and friend so she saw no reason to question her advice now.

Persephone: Dully noted. Not to be rude but I really am so very tired of talking about the press and drama. I am sure it will die down eventually it did before.

Hecate chewed on her Gyro in silence. Persephone had no idea the steps Hades and herself had taken to end the rumor mill the last time. It was much easier then. One wolf at the door was easily dispatched but a pack was another mater. She did not foresee things calming down for awhile. Not unless another scandal took the spotlight at least. Still curiosity was getting the better of her and she had to have at least one question answered.

Hecate: Alright I will lay off the topic if you answer just one question. What exactly is the relationship between you and Thanatos?

Persephone titled her head to the side confused by the question. Was she asking because of the tabloid maybe?

Persephone: Thanatos has been a great support for me since I came here to the underworld. He actually rescued me from a pretty horrid accident one of my first days here and since then we have grown a friendship. It is hardly as torrid as the tabloid covers would attempt to make it out.

Hecate sipped from her drink nodding her head in understanding before dropping the real bomb of a question.

Hecate: And the pregnancy test they showed a picture of?

Persephone’s face went through several shades of colors the gyro slipping from her grasp to its plate with wet thud.

Persephone: What are you talking about?

Hecate pulls out her cell quickly loading the bookmarked tabloid article and scrolling down to the pictures that had been inside the publication before handing it to Persephone.

Eyes quickly scanning the article a tangled web of tistles begins to weave its way through her hair making a prickly crown a physical representation of the hatred growing inside of her. Sliding the phone back to Hecate she stands lifting her tray with her.

Persephone: I didn’t want to talk about this trash anymore. I had not seen anything more than the covers and I would have preferred to have left it at that. I hope we can talk about more pleasant things the next time we meet. I need to go else I will be late for school.

Hecate moved to stand but Persephone was quick and dumped tray and all in the nearest trash and exited the cafeteria. Feeling eyes on her she turns to see Thanatos and Hermes eyeing her worth suspicion. She had pushed to much but Persephone’s reaction had been hardly comforting. Was it more than a doctored photo? Surely not! She would be cutting off certain parts of some underworld gods if it was real that was for sure! Taking out her phone she sent a quick text to Hades.

Hecate Text: She left lunch sooner than planned. You better hurry to the elevators if you plan to speak with her before she leaves.

Hades was standing out front smoking a cigarette to calm his nerves when the text came through.

Hades: Shit!

Dropping his cigarette he quickly ground it out with his heel before making his way back inside. Looking towards the elevators he sees the faintest tease of pink through the milling masses that the lunch hour brought . Weaving his way through the crowd he just makes it to the bank of elevators to see her stepping into one heading down the doors quickly closing.

Hades: Kore!

Persephone jumped startled to hear her name being near shouted and turning around she just gets a glimpse of someone as the doors closed. That was very odd? Who was that ? Could it have been Hades? What could he want to make such a scene? Perhaps she would text him after her classes. Thinking that thought her eyes widened and she pulled her phone quickly from her purse checking her messages with a groan as she discovered she had failed to answer his last text. Uggggh, she was the worst! She sucked at modern communication. Letters were so much easier why didn’t people just write here?!

The elevator dinged coming to a stop at the parking garage level and she absently walked out her mood instantly lifting as she saw her bodyguards waiting for her.

She was nearly to the car when the sound of a door slamming open echoed loudly in the garage. Turning to see what the commotion could be she was shocked to see a disheveled and winded Hades approaching her.

Hades: Blessed Tartarus I was worried I wouldn’t catch up.

Persephone tilted her head to the side in curiosity at his words.

Persephone: I apologize for missing your texts I just noticed I had not replied but that was hardly a reason for you to take the stairs at a marathon pace.

Hades let out laugh between his labored breathing finally coming to stop before her doing his best to catch his breathe

Hades: That was nothing special. I wanted to speak with you before you left and make sure you were okay.

Persephone frowned slightly a sight Hades immediately took the wrong way. Concerned he reached out lightly grasping her shoulder an attempt at platonic comfort on his part.

Hades: Kore is everything not okay. Talk to me.

Suddenly a dark shadow of a figure unnoticed by Hades prior loamed over him

Bellyhand N1: begging your pardon sir but I would ask that you keep your hands off the lady. Is this bloke giving you trouble Miss?

Hades looked up to see a very large cyclops in a tailored simple back suit. His first thought was how odd but gradually his brain processed what the cyclops had said and he was gobsmacked.

Hades: Bloke? Trouble? I am the King here if anything she is more safe with me than anyone.

The Bellyband turned his head locking eyes with the driver who had stepped out of the drivers seat and was lingering by the car. It seemed a silent conversation was had between the two cyclops before he turned his attention back to Hades.

Bellyhand N1: We don’t hold much favor in Kings when protecting ladies. Oft times seems the Kingly type believe they can do whatever they like. Now begging your pardon milord I was asking the lady and I will hear her answer.

Persephone turned gently laying her hand on number ones arm.

Persephone: It is alright he is not a threat to me.

Bellyhand N1: If you are sure.

The Bellyhand eyed Hades once more but took a few steps back to allow them some privacy.

Persephone turned her attention back to Hades taking a deep breathe.

Persephone: Apologies, they take my safety very seriously. Hera has been very kind in making arrangements for me. I am fine and honestly just exhausted with people asking me about it. I just want things to go back to normal.

Hades mind was spinning with all the information. So the cyclops were from Hera? He didn’t know Hera had cyclops in her employment.

Hades: I am sorry. It seems like ever since that first night we meet things have spiraled downwards for you. I just wanted to apologize and remind you should you ever need my help I am only a few knocks away.

Persephone felt like a jerk hearing Hades apologize. He was no more guilty than herself. It wasn’t his fault that he was a king after all. Still glancing at her watch she realized she didn’t have the time to smooth things over if she wanted to make it to class on time.

Persephone: You have nothing to apologize for. I am just a little tired from everything and I let my emotions get the better of me. I appreciate your offer and I still have your card with me in my purse. I promise should I ever need you I won’t hesitate.

Hades: That is all I can ask. You better get going we can talk more later. I think your guards won’t be happy if I make you late.

Persephone giggles at the joke that probably was more true than not.

Persephone: It isn’t them you should fear. I get very cross when people make me late for my studies.

Hades eyes widen in surprise but seeing the teasing look in her eyes he quickly relaxed realizing she was playing with him.

Hades:I will make sure to avoid that in the future. I wish you a most studious afternoon then.

Persephone laugher shaking her head at him

Persephone: Thank you, enjoy the rest of your workday.

Moving towards the car the Bellyhand moved ahead opening the car door for her before getting in the passenger front seat the driver having settled back in and the vehicle departing shortly after.

Hades waved them off his smile fading to a frown as the car disappeared. Well that hasn’t gone as well as he hoped but perhaps it had not been a complete disaster either. Turning around he went back to the elevator to wait. Unknown to him his adventures had not gone unnoticed. Minthe had been suspicious when Hades claimed he was going outside for a smoke. He normally smoked in his office so the sudden change raised her suspicions. Accessing the security cameras she had been watching his going ons and was none to pleased to see his interaction with Persephone. He was like a dog with a bone when it came to Persephone. Well no matter. If she had to bury her so be it. Hades was hers and she had no plans to share his attentions.

Persephone and the Bellyhands has made short work of the trip to school. They pulled into an underground parking garage to avoid any possible swarm of reporters that might be lurking near the location of her classes. Sunday had been a long day of walking and exploring the practically empty campus grounds. From their efforts though the Bellyhands had established the most secure routes and even had backup routes if necessary. Making their way up the elevator of the building they had parked beneath they exited at the floor that had a bridge connecting it to the actual building her first class was in. The trick was avoiding being outside as much as possible. The press was free to mill around the public grounds of the campus but they were forbidden from stepping foot in the actual buildings.

The day went by very uneventfully but Persephone noticed the increased number of stares and whispers around her. It seemed that everyone had seen the new tabloid. Finally her last class came to a close and she gathered up her belongings before stepping out into the hall were Number 1 was waiting for her.

Bellyhand N1: Done for the day Miss?

Persephone: Almost I just need to go to the ladies room first.

When he moved to follow her she stopped turning to face him hands firmly placed on her hips as she craned her neck back to look him in the eye.

Persephone: You are not following me into the ladies room. Just wait here it is only right around the corner and I won’t be long. The press aren’t allowed inside the building so I will be fine.

Number 1 frowned deeply at the suggestion tempted to push back but seeing the determined gleam in her eyes he thought better of it.

Bellyhand N1: I don’t think this is wise but you are the boss. If you aren’t back in 5 mins I will be looking though.

Persephone smiled dropping her hands from her hips proud that she had gotten her way with the giant before her.

Persephone: Not a problem. Be back before you know it!

In no time she had made her way down the hall and around the corner to the bathrooms by the stairs. Going inside she quickly answered natures call and had just made her way out of the bathroom when her blood ran cold hearing an all to familiar voice call out to her.

Apollo: There you are Persie! I was hoping I would find you here!

She didn’t want to turn around. Could she bolt and pretend she hadn’t heard him? No he was too close and he was too athletic. If he wanted to catch her he easily could. Better to just face the enemy head on. Turning around Apollo was just reaching the top of the stairs hopping up the last two steps with what she assumed he saw as a boyish charm but in her eyes just made me look like an awkward giraffe. As he came closer she noticed he was sporting a nice shiner that had been poorly covered by some sort of concealer. Putting on a mask of indifference she stood up straight and tall not wanting to seem any smaller then she actually was in front of him.

Persephone: Did Artemis tell you I would be here again?

Apollo seemed to blanch at the coldness of her tone but he quickly recovered rubbing the back of his head sheepishly.

Apollo: No I actually saw your schedule on the counter and saved a picture of it to my phone.

Persephone’s eyes widened at this confession. What was wrong with him? It was honestly starting to creep her out. He just didn’t seem to want to take no for an answer. Looking around them she thankfully found their surroundings empty. Still not wanting to risk being overhead she whispered to him angrily.

Persephone: Why? I told you we have nothing to talk about. What happened before will not be repeated. The sooner you accept that and move on the better for both of us.

Apollo was livid. What was wrong with this country bumpkin. He was so out of her league the field couldn’t even be seen and she was tossing him aside. What a load of garbage. He would not be embarrassed by a broad like her.

Apollo: I think you ought to reconsider. You do not want to fuck me over Persie.

At his crass use of language Persephone was done. She refused to stand their and listen to him any longer. She turned to leave but he was quicker grabbing her left arm suddenly and slamming her against the wall pinning her to the wall with his body his other hand easily capturing the free hand she raised to strike him in a strong grasp.

Persephone: Let me go Apollo you are hurting me!

Apollo: I can hurt you in more ways then you can imagine Persie so you better start listening. We wouldn’t want to mess up that pretty face of yours.

Persephone’s eyes widen in fear much to Apollo’s delight. There was that magic switch right there. He would soon have her under his control. Just as suddenly as the fear appeared though it disappeared and a look of smug righteousness took its place as suddenly a dark shadow fell over the both of them.

Bellyhand N1: Oy creep hands of the Miss!

Persephone: You better listen or else he will be upping your makeup costs to cover those shiners.

Apollo sneered at her looking back to see who was brave enough to interfere and was shocked to only see a chest where he expected to see a face. Looking up with growing worry he finally cranes his neck back enough to the see the massive face of a cyclops glaring down at him. Who the hell was this guy.

Bellyhand N1: I asked nice like but maybe your ears don’t work so well.

Watching the cyclops crack the knuckles of his fists which were the size of Apollo’s head was a very intimidating experience. In a flash he released her, quickly removing himself from a reachable distance.

Apollo: This conversation isn’t over Persie. Thugs or no thugs I make the rules.

Number 1 took a long striding step towards Apollo growling deeply and Apollo wisely made a hasty retreat sending one last glare at Persie before he disappeared from sight.

Turning his attention back to Persephone the Bellyhand frowned seeing the ring of bruises forming on her arms.

Bellyhand N1: We won’t be making these sort of mistake again Miss. Even if you hate it, creeps like that are crafty.

Persephone: Yes, unfortunately it seems you are right. Can we please not say anything to Hera though ?

Bellyhand N1: Don’t seem right to me not to say anything but just this once I can keep your secret. If his lot shows up again though ...

Persephone nodded her head laying a hand on his massive arm.

Persephone: Lets not worry about the if and whats now. I just want to go home.

Bellyhand N1: As you wish.