My Hope {Rewritten}

Third Date

"All kinds of souls from the Asphodel field have a chance of earning Elysium by helping around the Underworld?" Lou Ellen inquired.

It was Nico's fifth session teaching 'Underworld-ly Mythology,' a name coined by Will himself. Surprisingly, by its second week in session, the class had by now attracted at least forty demigods, far more than di Angelo had anticipated. Initially uncertain and nervous about assuming the role of a teacher for this class, Nico's unique status as the sole child of Hades left little room for anyone else to fill the role. Spending an extensive amount of time in the Underworld and interacting with its divine inhabitants made him a natural choice.

While forced to share insights into his father's domain with other demigods, Nico found solace in the distraction it provided from thoughts of Apollo, stolen kisses from the last couple of weeks, and the surprisingly seamless dance they had shared, as if they were lifelong partners. Not that it helped much, as Apollo's little gifts continued. Though, now instead of being gifted every day, it was a day in between. Nico's new charms were a silver torch, a black cypress, and a golden cow. Nico was sure that Apollo was waiting a week in between each date, just to make Nico squirm.

"No, not all souls can do that," Nico replied to Lou's question, deciding to delve into the intricacies of the Underworld's workings. Mostly to distract himself from thinking about Apollo, but also because he believed it essential for his students to understand the system in case, they ever encountered something or someone from the Underworld. "Only the souls that have done more good than bad are elected because even in the Asphodel fields, it's divided into good or bad. Some souls have been very virtuous and have done nothing to be condemned in their lives, yet they haven't done anything to earn Elysium. So, Father chooses who is worthy of a second chance and who isn't." The distant sound of the dinner horn interrupted the lesson. "Class ends here. Get out of my cabin and go eat," ordered di Angelo.

As the students filed out, Nico couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction in sharing his knowledge about the Underworld. It was a unique opportunity to offer a glimpse into a world often misunderstood by those above. Though, he will make sure to book the classroom in time for the next session, as he did not want to have the class in his cabin again.

"Are you not coming?" Inquired Travis and Connor simultaneously.

"I'll join later," replied Nico. Travis and Connor flashed mischievous smirks before exiting cabin thirteen.

"Thank Olympus, I thought they would never leave," Apollo's unexpected voice startled the dark-haired demigod. Nico turned around immediately, reflexively raising his sword. "Really, Angel? I'll start thinking you hate me."

"Sorry," apologized Nico, lowering the sword. "Reflex," he lamely excused himself.

"Don't worry, but we have to get going now, or we'll lose the reservation," Apollo snapped his fingers. They were suddenly standing inside a restaurant, and both were clad in suits. Apollo in a white suit with a golden dress shirt and white shoes; Nico in a black suit with a purple dress shirt and black shoes. "Reservation for two under the name of Apollo di Angelo." The demigod blushed tomato red, glaring at the God but staying silent as the waitress guided them to a secluded table next to the window. "Why that face?"

"You used my last name! Why did you reserve this table as Apollo di Angelo?!" Nico hissed in a whisper.

"Because I won't stop wooing you until I have you at my side as my consort," replied the God, unfazed by the glare from the son of Hades. Apollo reached across the table and grabbed Nico's hand. "And as Gods don't have last names, I will be taking yours," he said while caressing the back of his loved one's hand.

"You can't say stuff like that!" Pouted a blushing Nico, averting his gaze toward the window. "We don't even know anything about each other," he murmured softly and resigned. "Wait a second... that's the river Seine. We are in Paris?!"