The Parenthood Drabbles

Resemblance

Resemblance

In the style of Nico di Angelo and Hades

When Nico rose to his feet in the throne room he got up and shot Persephone a disgusted look instead of bowing to her as well. Persephone clucked her tongue.

"A dandelion?" Hades asked looking at her.

Persephone turned her head without a single line on her face changing. Hades sighed.

People -mortals, demigods and gods alike, he knew it- always wondered why he was one of the gods less known for infidelity if he was so powerful and present in society. This was why. Because cheating and having kids just stirred up too much trouble. You'd think Zeus would have figured it out too.

On this one particular fight however, Hades was siding with his son. It wasn't even Nico's fault, really- the tame hellhound pups had startled him and he'd drawn his sword. And he hadn't done anything wrong from where Hades stood: he'd never say it out loud, but he was actually happy (and impressed) with Nico since he hated Persephone's stupid little pets and slaying them was no easy feat.

"Persephone, you can't turn Nico into a dandelion." Hades repeated.

"I was grounding him."

"You didn't have to do it with roots," Hades said. "If he's being sassy with you, let me handle it."

Persephone didn't say a word.

"Please?"

She sighed and nodded before disappearing back to her gardens, without a doubt.

Nico kept his dark eyes on her as if to burn a hole through her throne.

•

Maria took his hand graciously as he escorted her away from the office where she worked as secretary to the Italian ambassador to the United States; two hours later than the usual plan had dictated thanks to piles of paperwork associated with an upcoming visit to Washington.

"Miss di Angelo, another thing-"

Maria spun around, her curls bouncing off her shoulders. She shot her boss a look to burn down his will to exist.

He swallowed.

"Have an excellent night," he said courteously. "Good day, sir."

Hades had nodded and walked out of the embassy with Maria at his arm, biting on his lips to try and suppress a smile.

"Well behaved women barely make history," Maria said. "I don't need manners. Don't give me that look, you."

"I'm not giving you a look. You're just funny."

"I'm glad to hear it. Thrilled, in fact."

"You should really get promoted," he said. "I mean, you could probably stop the trouble in Europe in a matter of seconds. 'Germany, say what?' 'No, no England what the hell are you even thinking?'"

"I'd tell you to go share that sentiment with my boss but we're wasting daylight, love." Maria said with a smile. "Let's go."

•

He smiled for the split smile before he recognised the glare.

"Stand up straight," Hades told Nico. It came out snappy. "And try to polish up your manners."

"Yes sir."