Hades and Persephone

Chapter 7 The Balcony

The first word I hear from the God of the Underworld comes when I turn around to face my back: "Persephone," Hades stated while staring into my eyes. "Hades," I reply. He is 6'4" tall, considerably taller than I am. Of course he is.., has a pointed nose, and has a strongly masculine scent of musk, amber, and a touch of oakmoss. I look away from him. Afterward, he said, "Why are you here while you should be in there? They'll come looking for you."
"I suppose I should ask you the same question," I replied. Then he walked over to the balcony rail, saying, "Gods and Goddesses know that when I go to Olympus, this is where I spend my time."
"I just wanted some fresh air away from... everyone." As I stated. Why am I so confident I can tell him this on a first meeting.  "Is this because of the maidenhood thing?" he asked as he stood back from the waterfall.
I look at him, puzzled as to how he knows about it; I guess he overheard the conversation earlier.
"I shouldn't tell you this, but the fact that you mention it, Yes, it's because of that." then I feel upset for realizing about it.
Artemis gets goosebumps just thinking about this God, but I don't; when I look at him, he appears calm and confident. Hades sips his wine once more.

"You are the one who should decide for yourself, not everyone else, because at the end of the day, you are the only one who will face the consequences of who you choose to be. If that makes you happy, go for it; if you know it won't, don't force yourself to be in a situation you don't want to be in. Because you will be trapped there permanently." Hades stated.

My eyes filled with tears as I heard what he said. I can't help myself, I can't control myself, and I'm embarrassed the why look in front of this God. I was shocked when he handed me a black handkerchief; I hesitated to take it because I'm nervous, and I'm still embarrassed by this emotion. My heartbeat increases as he wipes the tears from my face.
What it is...that makes me feel ... this way?
"I used to see a bunch of mortals weeping in front of me, but when it comes to a goddess, you in particular, I'm not at ease; if you keep crying, you'll look like a withered flower." Hades say while he wipes my tears, but he appears uncomfortable and nervous as well. I smiled hearing that I will look like a withered flower. "Seriously, a withered flower?" I ask He then faces the waterfall once more. He didn't say anything, but I thanked him, saying, "Thank you, I feel a little better." He just nodd his head.

After a while, I hear Artemis say, "Purse, oh gods and goddesses! I looked everywhere for you." Then she walks towards me, wide eyes fixed on Hades, who is still on his back, facing the waterfall. Artemis made a gesture as if she was wondering why I was with Hades. To put her at ease, I tell her, "I'm fine, Artemis, don't worry. Aprhodite told me, She will inform you that I am here; in fact, she recommended this location." After saying that, Hades approached both of us from a distance of 2 meters, confused by what I had said. Artemis greets him and simply tells him that we will be leaving immediately.
As Artemis takes my hand in hers and we begin walking away, I turn to face Hades and whisper, "Thank you, Glad to meet you," while smiling. He simply nods again, but this time his face is brighter.

We've arrived at the gathering. Again.
Artemis was still staring at me as if she had something to say. "He did nothing, Artemis, as I told you, I'm fine, I'm good, and you don't have to worry." She takes a deep breath and begins speaking, "Kore, I was worried, and I'm afraid if Demeter finds out, we'll both be busted. And I don't want that to happen. I speculated something bad happened and then discovered you with HADES!?? How do you expect me to react?"
I apologize to her and make some excuse for why I went there; I did not mention that I was exhausted because of the tribe. And, thank the Gods, Hermes approached us, and the subject changed. We eat together as a trio of friends.
"Hi! goddess of spring, It was nice seeing you here in Olympus, I was inspired playing my lyre while looking at your lovely face," Apollo says. He beams as brightly as his laurel crown, hair, and lyre. Then Artemis appears beside him, saying, "Stop messing around with Kore, or you will experience a solar eclipse tomorrow."
"Why are you like this to your big brother?" Apollo answered "Because of all gods, I know you BETTER." Artemis stated.
Hermes laughed, and I started laughing as well, as both of them teased each other.
While I'm having a great time with them, I'm still wondering where Hades is. I hadn't seen him since we stepped off the balcony. Is he now with Zeus and Poseidon? Or did he go back to the Underworld?

Why am I thinking about him now?