Hades' Second Chance

Chapter 5

I had never woken up feeling so happy in my entire life. I felt complete, happy, and comfortable. Not even Persephone had made me feel so good. Not to mention I woke up to my phone ringing, and it was a call for him.

For once being awoken by my phone wasn't torture.

I picked up the phone and hit talk. "Hello?"

"Morning Handsome." Apollo's smooth voice came through the other end of the line.

"Good morning. How are you?" I said politely, stretching across the sheets, warmed by the sun streaming through the window.

"I'm fantastic, but I'd be better if you were here."

I laughed softly, laying back into my pillows. "Do you want to meet up at the beach? You know, where we first met?"

"Like two months ago? I can't believe that's all its been. I feel like I've known you my whole life."

"I know. So, does noon work for you?" I asked, yawning.

"How about a picnic lunch then?" He suggested.

I grinned. "A picnic lunch sounds amazing. I'll see you then."

"Alright. See you then." He hung up.

I slid out of bed and stretched, my shirt riding up, showing my midriff.

I walk into the bathroom, and turn on the shower (cold) and step in. I lean against the wall and stare at the shower curtain, absentmindedly shampooing my hair, and thinking about the last two months.

I remember hating the beach, and just wanting to get back home when we arrived. If Hestia hadn't given Apollo my number, we might not have met, let alone fallen in love. So, despite it all, I guess I had Poseidon to thank for this mess, considering that he was the one who dragged me to the beach, instead of letting me stay home and mope.

I stepped out of the shower, shaved, and pulled some comfortable clothing on; an old band shirt, a pair of faded jeans, and a pair of white converse. I was just shrugging my beat-up vintage jacket on when my phone ring. I was expecting Hestia, or Apollo again, or even Poseidon, but to my surprise it was Persephone.

My heart in my throat, I picked up the phone.

"Hello?" I tried not to sound like a broken dog toy.

"Hades? Is that you?" her voice was sweet and soft.

"Of course. You did call my phone, after all. What do you need?" I asked.

"Well... I was wondering if you were free this afternoon." She asked, sounding somewhat nervous.

"Depends. Why?" I asked, a little suspicous.

"Well, I was wondering if you wanted to try this thing again. Like, a romantic relationship thing."

I felt my heart go from my throat, to my feet. I felt guilty. Awful.

"See, the thing is... I kinda already have a date today."

"Oh. I understand." She sounded sad, hearbroken.

"I-It's fine. Sorry."

"Don't be! I didn't know you were in a relationship! Are they a good person?" She asked, and I could tell she was trying to sound upbeat.

"Ya, he's a great guy." I coughed awkwardly.

"Well, I'd love to meet him." she said.

"I, well, I have a date with him today." I told her, feeling really guilty, even though I didn't really have a reason to.

"Oh, I couldn't possibly intrude on that! Perhaps we should set up another day?" she suggested.

"That sounds fine." I told her, shuffling my foot awkwardly on the carpet.

"Alright, well I'll talk to you later." She said.

"Alright. Goodbye."

"Bye." Beep. She hung up the phone. I sighed and turned mine off, running my hands through my hair.

I cussed, and sat on my bed, putting my head in my hands. I didn't feel anything for her anymore, but I had always thought that her love for me was dead. Apparently I was wrong. I glanced at the clock. It was eleven, an hour till noon. I sighed. It would take me at least a half an hour to get to the beach. I grabbed my book-bag and my keys and left.

I pulled up to the beach at about a quarter till noon. I got out and headed to the area of the beach that had grass, and saw a figure with bright blond hair waving at me. I grinned and waved back.

Apollo had a checkered blanket, a wooden basket, and two plates set up. "I got here a little early, hope that's alright."

"It's perfect." I kissed him on the cheek and sat next to him on the blanket, taking his hand in mine.

His cheeks were tinged red, but he seemed happy. He grabbed two cans of soda from the basket, and handed one to me. I popped it open and took a long drink. Apollo sipped his, and rested his head on my shoulder.

We chatted and ate, watching the people on the beach. We laughed, and generally just enjoyed each others company. Everything was perfect. For the first time, I felt myself not only happy just being together, but I could feel myself being in love. I felt a comfortable work that seemed to come from the bottom of my very soul.

It was great, until...

"Hades, is that you?!" a loud and boisterous voice yelled across the beach, drawing lots of attention, including Apollo's, and my own.

My younger brother, Poseidon, pushed his way to where we were sitting. "What a surprise! I thought you hated the beach!"

"I used to, but I'm kinda in the middle of-"

Poseidon interrupted me. "Isn't this that guy who kept giving you the eye at the beach last time you were here?"

I buried my head in my hands, absolutely mortified, but Apollo just laughed.

"I would be that guy. I also happen to be dating him." Apollo told him, grinning.

"I told you you could a find a bae!" Poseidon grinned.

"Never use that word again." I groaned, and Apollo chuckled.

"What's your name?" Poseidon turned to Apollo, still beaming.

"Apollo. What's yours?" He asked politely.

"Poseidon! Hades is my older brother." He said, as if that needed explanation.

"Great. Now I think Amy is waiting for you." I sighed, massaging my temples.

"Huh? Oh, right!" He turned and ran up the beach, where his girlfriend was waiting.

I turned back to Apollo, who was smiling at me.

"If that was just one member of your family, I can't wait to meet the rest of them." He told me.

"Shut up and kiss me." I muttered.

Apollo laughed, and pressed his lips against mine.