The Darkest Love Maleficent X Hades

6 Confusion

Hades POV's

We are so close to each other in this moment that I can feel her every breath, the uneven rhythm of her heartbeat echoing in the silence between us. It sends shivers down my spine, a sensation so strong I can hardly ignore it. Maybe the others weren't wrong after all. Only the gods know what's keeping me from closing the gap and kissing her right now. Slowly, I wrap my arm around her shoulders, and the fact that my jacket is already draped over her makes everything feel even more intense, unsettling me further.

We're just inches apart. Our breaths merge in the cold, forming a soft white cloud between us, like something alive in the crisp air. I look deeply into her eyes, feeling an almost desperate need to close the distance between us. My gaze traces her features, memorizing every detail—her flushed cheeks, the softness of her lips, everything about her that I crave more than I want to admit.

I could stay here like this, so close, so connected, for hours. The way she's near me, wrapped in my jacket, her warmth so tangible, makes me feel like nothing else exists outside this moment. The pull between us is undeniable.

*CRACK*

A loud noise interrupts the moment, shattering the fragile tension between us. It sounds like someone's getting closer. Instinctively, we pull apart, and I can see the panic rising in Mal's eyes. Her expression shifts, and she stutters, trying to mask her unease.

"Oh... um... well... I really hope you and Hook can... can sort things out," she says, her voice shaky, barely holding onto composure as she stands up. Her movements are hurried, almost clumsy as she tries to retreat. "Um... bye, see you later, Hades," she mumbles, offering me a brief, warm smile before turning and disappearing into the dense trees around us.

I watch her leave, my chest tightening with each step she takes. The farther she goes, the heavier my heart feels. The moment was perfect—she is perfect. But now, as the silence falls over the forest once more, it feels like everything has crumbled. I stand there, frozen, as a wave of emotions hits me like a flood. Maybe I was rushing things... maybe what the others have been saying all along is true. But I still can't figure it out completely. What if she doesn't feel the same way? What if I'm reading too much into it?

I shake my head at myself, frustration building inside me. What if? As if I even need to ask. It's obvious she doesn't care if I'm here or not. Hook is the one who has her attention, not me. She's never shown any sign that she feels anything beyond friendship—if that.

Without thinking, I grab a rock from the ground and hurl it into the pond, watching the water ripple violently as it splashes.

"FUCK IT!" I scream, my voice echoing through the forest. I don't know if I'm angry because of what happened earlier with Hook or because our moment—our perfect moment—was ruined. But I do know one thing: I'm not ready to face anyone right now. I'm more confused than ever, torn between feelings I'm not even sure how to process.

The forest falls silent once again, and I'm left alone with my thoughts.

Maleficent POV's

I run through the halls of the dorms, my feet moving faster than my thoughts can catch up. I'm not even sure why I'm running, but something about the moment has me desperate to escape, to find some space to think. I don't stop until I'm safely inside my room, slamming the door behind me and locking it. I lean against it, finally letting out a deep breath, my chest heaving as I try to regain some composure. My head's spinning with everything that's just happened.

"Nice jacket," Uliana says from across the room, her voice nonchalant.

"Thanks," I mutter, not thinking much of her comment at first. Then it hits me—I'm still wearing his jacket. The realization sends a rush of heat to my face, and I fumble for words.