This Is Stella's Reality

October 2, 2015

"Try not to embarrass yourselves in front of the king and queen," Loki sighed, fixing Bucky's cloak and straightening his shirt collar.

Steve laughed as he stared at himself in the mirror. "All black," he mused, "I don't think I've ever worn all black. How do I look?"

"Idiotic," Loki replied simply. "At least put your cufflinks on first."

"I think you both look very nice," I interjected, helping Steve with the cuffs of his shirt. The links were solid gold and gilded with snakes and roses. Symbols of my parents.

Bucky sighed as he walked into the bathroom and fixed his hair. "Are you sure, doll? Pretty sure my ma would slap me for showing up to a dinner looking like this."

"Dude," Sam said as he walked behind him, "you look hot. Chill out."

"It's going to go great," Nat said sincerely. She pressed a kiss to my cheek and grinned. "You'll all be fine and have a good time, and we can't wait to hear all about it."

Steve looked over at her and gave a small smile. "Thanks, Nat," he mumbled, pressing a kiss to her hair. "Hope we have good stories to tell later."

I laughed nonchalantly, but inside, anxiety was shaking every bone in my body. I had tried to teach them as much as I could. Were they ready? I didn't know. But I knew they would try their best.

My father would find their eagerness to please humorous. My mother would find it charming. My husbands were demigods by nature now, not by nurture. I knew they would be forgiven for slight infractions, but it still mortified me.

They had no idea what to expect. Their only experience in the Underworld had been from Steve's death. And now, here we were, gods invited to dinner.

Time was running out quickly. It would be sundown soon, and dinner would be served before long. I took one last look at them. Bucky with his sweeping locks of hair and trimmed beard. An all black suit with the House of Hades cloak. Steve in the same outfit with his neat blonde hair and beard. They looked the part at least.

I sighed, inspecting myself. A floor length dress, slit on the left leg with heels and a cloak for myself. The tiara I had been given rested nearly amongst my mess of wavy hair.

It was time.

We bid everyone farewell. My hands trembled as we made our way to the front door and I placed my palm upon the metal knob. It swung open, revealing my father's castle in all it's dark glory. Floating candles illuminated the corridors as we made our way towards the dining hall.

"This is where you grew up?" Bucky asked quietly. His voice reverberated off the brick walls, echoing in our ears. "Seems a little gloomy."

I laughed softly. "Home sweet home," I breathed.

Steve cleared his throat and gently grabbed my hand. "Is it too late to cancel?"

"Might be," Bucky huffed as I stopped walking. The door to the dining hall was before us. Massive and dark oak with black iron gilding and impressive craftsmanship. Daedalus' work. A masterpiece.

"Relax," I breathed, reaching to rest my hands in the crooks of their elbows. "Father can feel your fear."

My magic pushed the doors open.

And there they sat.

Hades and Persephone sat beside each other at the ever-evolving dining table. Now, it was dark oak and perfectly sat five people. Candles were lit. Plates were placed. Chairs moved themselves. And my parents smiled at the sight of us.