Falling into the afterlife

Tea...tease?

As Aeliana's senses adjusted to her surroundings, she glanced up at Hades, her brows furrowed in confusion. "You... you gave me tea, didn't you?" she asked, a hint of playfulness in her tone.

Hades raised an eyebrow, a smirk creeping onto his lips. "Ah, yes. The infamous tea that caused you to pass out. I must say, it was quite potent."

Her cheeks flushed slightly, and she playfully swatted his arm. "It wasn't your fault! I just—" She paused, a smile forming as she shook her head. "I must have been more tired than I realized."

"Or perhaps you were just overwhelmed by my remarkable charm," he teased, leaning closer. "It can be quite intoxicating."

Aeliana laughed softly, her heart warming at the banter. "Intoxicating or not, it certainly knocked me out cold. I had the strangest dream. I thought I saw shadows and fire, and you—" She hesitated, the remnants of her dream flickering in her mind.

"What about me?" Hades prompted, intrigued.

"I don't know... it was all a blur. But you looked so powerful, and there was this... anger?" Her brow furrowed slightly, but she quickly brushed it off. "Maybe it was just the tea messing with my head."

Hades chuckled, relieved by her light-hearted demeanor. "Well, I assure you, I'm not always a brooding figure of darkness. I have my moments of charm, especially when surrounded by a lovely woman."

"Lovely, huh?" Aeliana shot back, crossing her arms playfully. "Is that how you win over your clients? By serving them tea and then knocking them out?"

"Only the ones I find particularly intriguing," he replied, his eyes glinting with mischief. "Besides, I didn't hear any complaints from you before you passed out."

She laughed again, the sound echoing through the room, and Hades felt a flicker of warmth in his chest. In this moment, the weight of the past seemed to lift, and he realized that even without the memories of their trials, Aeliana's spirit shone brightly.

"Just you wait," she said with a grin, "I'll have my revenge for this little tea incident. You won't see it coming."

"Oh, I'm counting on it," Hades replied, a playful glint in his eyes. "But I promise, next time, I'll brew something less potent. Just for you."

The days that followed Aeliana's awakening were filled with a warmth that enveloped her like a gentle embrace. Each morning, she would rise to find Hades—now known as Aidoneus—already busy in the fields, his dark hair tousled and his shirt clinging to his form as he worked. The sight made her heart flutter, and she couldn't help but tease him about his newfound "farmer" status.

"Is this how you charm all the villagers?" she called out one morning, a grin spreading across her face as she approached him. "With your impressive skills in tilling the earth?"

Hades turned, his brow arching in amusement. "I've been known to cultivate a certain allure, even in the fields. But I must admit, I prefer my charming moments to take place under more... refined circumstances."

"Refined, huh?" she replied, a playful sparkle in her eyes. "So, what you're saying is I should serve you tea while you're wearing your best farmer's outfit?"

"Precisely," he said with a laugh, leaning against a nearby fence. "But be careful with the tea. You wouldn't want to knock me out again."

As the days passed, their teasing turned into a delightful rhythm. In the afternoons, they would share stories as they worked together, Hades showing her how to plant and harvest while she regaled him with tales of the village and its eccentric inhabitants.

One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, Aeliana attempted to impress him with her newfound gardening skills. "Watch this!" she declared, attempting to demonstrate her technique with a hoe.

With one swift movement, she stumbled, sending a small cloud of dirt flying into the air. Hades burst into laughter, clutching his sides. "That's quite the technique you have there!"

Aeliana looked at him, feigning annoyance. "Well, at least I'm trying! Not everyone can be a master farmer like you."

"True," he admitted, wiping tears of laughter from his eyes. "But I think you'd make a fine gardener if you keep at it. Just perhaps, a little less... enthusiastic."

"Enthusiasm is key!" she shot back, crossing her arms dramatically. "Without it, what's the point?"

Their banter filled the air, weaving a tapestry of laughter and joy that brought them closer together. Each evening, they would sit on the porch of her modest home, sharing supper, teasing, and planning the next day's endeavors. Hades found himself savoring every moment, his heart swelling with affection he had never anticipated.

With each shared laugh and playful jab, the shadows of their past began to fade, replaced by a burgeoning bond that felt destined and true. In the glow of their laughter, Hades realized that this simple life with Aeliana was more fulfilling than he had ever imagined.