Reversal [by TheSuperSass]

Chapter 15

No amount of mental preparation or self reflection could have prepared Hades for the next half year. For someone who had accustomed themselves to thousands of years ruling alone, she found it surprisingly difficult to go back to it, even after only having him with her for a few weeks. She realized she shouldn't have been so surprised. When they first met, it made her anxious to spread visits out by only a week. Now she had to somehow endure months without him. She didn't dare try to visit him above, not wanting to give Demeter any leverage against her, and she convinced herself couldn't sneak away from Demeter's watch either.

The pain of missing him only gradually dulled over a long period of time. While she was certainly not alone in the Underworld, surrounded by the chthonic deities that always resided there, it was simply not the same. She was grateful that both Zeus and Poseidon visited her often, coming more times in six months than they had in a lifetime. Trying to help ease the loneliness, they had once made the mistake of suggesting she find someone else to "keep her company" - surely, Persephone would understand. Her quick and vehement refusal of the suggestion made it clear they should never suggest it again. Persephone was the only man she wanted in her life, even if it doomed her to a half life.

Besides her sisters, one of the few things she could look forward to were deliveries from Hermes. She visited as often as she normally did as part of her role delivering souls, but every week she brought flowers from Persephone. Hades had initially worried she might have ruined the trust built between them by feeding him the seeds, but the flowers were a huge part in putting her mind to rest. Every week in return, she sent back a jeweled pin that mimicked one of the flowers he had sent the week before. Hermes always came with new flowers before the old ones died, and it comforted her to have a little piece of him, just a sliver of his power on Earth that, by design, she would never see in action

He would occasionally send messages with Hermes too, but they began to make her increasingly uncomfortable to have to deliver them. After awkwardly delivering "I think of you at night when I'm alone" aloud to Hades, Hermes insisted any messages had to be written down going forward. Hades sympathized with Hermes; she must often have to deliver news people did not want to hear to them. She had a rare, intimate look into what Hades imagined was a very talked about relationship, but Hades trusted her discrepancy. Firstly because Hermes seemed to have some affection still towards Persephone, and secondly because Hades did not doubt her own ability to terrify her if she needed to.

The week of Persephone's return to the Underworld, Hades could hardly focus her thoughts for even a few moments. Zeus had recommended Hermes deliver Persephone, but Hades refused. She didn't trust Demeter and wanted to ensure his safe return herself. Zeus reluctantly agreed, knowing it was a recipe for drama to allow Demeter and Hades in the same place at such a sensitive time. Zeus assured her sister she would take no part in the exchange.

Hades hummed with nerves in the long journey out of darkness to the world above. Her life before him was one of steady contentment, but now she rocked between much higher highs and much lower lows. It was a shock to her system, and she willed herself to be still despite it.

She wore the heavy onyx crown, her long raven hair falling down beyond her shoulders to her waist. The last time she had seen him, he'd said the ruby rings dotting her fingers reminded him of poppies, so she wore those again today. The flickering red set in gold matched her golden ear cuffs and subtle necklace - a tiny golden narcissus on a delicate golden chain. Before departing, she found herself fidgeting with her appearance, wondering if he would prefer the dark lining and soft shadowing around her eyes or if liked better the natural glow of the river nymphs who frequented his region.

She scoffed at the comparison. Nothing about her would look natural above - not her dark crimson eyes and jet black hair in high contrast to her fair skin, not her monochromatic queen's attire, not her intricate collection of jewels. Internally she laughed at herself; before, she would have dismissed the thought of someone changing their appearance to appeal to a man. Perhaps Aphrodite had been right about love making her a hypocrite. She had taken so much from Persephone, she was willing to do anything to make him happy.

Though the fitted bodice of her gray dress made her skin feel a bit overexposed in the harsh sunlight, the black cape on her shoulders made her feel more herself. She brought the flaming sceptre too, in case Demeter tried anything. Or rather, to keep her from trying anything. She could feel his presence not fair away as she stepped through the tall grass, her nerves an ever tightening coil of anticipation and tension.

When she finally laid eyes on him, it was like being struck all over again. Her memory had not done him justice, and she felt guilty for trying to put him out of her mind all those months. On Earth, in his element, he was absolutely stunning. His hair shone like a fiery halo, his skin was darkened from months in the sun, and his eyes looked all the lighter in contrast, mirroring the pale, clear sky.

She met those blue, trusting eyes from across the field and froze. A brilliant smile of recognition illuminated Persephone's face. She did not think he could possibly be more excited to see her than she was him, but before she knew it he was sprinting towards her. Persephone shouting her name as he approached her shook her from her paralysis just seconds before he easily lifted her in his arms and spun her around, pulling a startled gasp from her lips. He gently set her down, and she kept her arms around his neck to get her bearings. Hades didn't know if it was being lifted off her feet and spun or the overwhelming joy she felt to be reunited with him, but she found herself overwhelmed and off balance.

"I missed you," was all should could manage, and it was a gross understatement.

Without saying anything he took her face in his hands with a warm smile and kissed her. She appreciated that he didn't hesitate with her body anymore, because she was finding herself usually dry for words and was happy to follow his lead. When he pulled away, he looked like he was about to bounce with anticipation.

"I learned something new while you were gone," he announced. She gave an indulgent smile, ready to spend the next six months listening to whatever he wanted to tell her.

"And what is that?"

"That I love you too," he said simply.

Hades' smiled faded and her mouth fell open in a sharp exhale. She stared at him with wide eyes, hardly believing her own ears, until her eyes stung with moisture and the world blurred.

"Wait, I'm sorry!" he insisted quickly, putting his hands on her shoulder, panicking. "I'm sorry, please don't cry!"

Hades laughed at his reaction, stray tears spilling over. He quickly swept them away with his thumb, looking hesitantly relieved. She took his hand firmly in hers and led him forward.

"Let's go home."

But there was one more obstacle they had to pass before they could go, and that obstacle looked like she was barely keeping it together. Persephone jogged up to his mother and let her crush him with a hug, eyes squeezed shut in her last few minutes of denial. Hades turned away to give them privacy, but as Persephone reapproached her, she made eye contact with Demeter.

The harvest goddess had her jaw clenched, her hands in tight fists at her sides in an attempt to stop her limbs from shaking. She kept a stoic face, but her eyes gave her away. Demeter gave Hades a stony look, but it was hiding pain that Hades herself had known all too well. She couldn't bring herself to be upset at Demeter, because in six months, she would be her. And for the next six months, Demeter would be living her last six months. Until the end of time, one's pain would be the other's joy, one's loss the other's gain.

Hades gave Demeter a brief nod; one of unspoken understanding, respect, and recognition of the cycle of happiness and sorrow that would tie them to each other forever. As Hades took her husband's hand and led him to their chariot, life came back to the Underworld while the sun set on Demeter.