Hades' Second Chance

Chapter 9

It had been so long since I'd had one of those dreams, that it caught me by surprise. I woke in a cold sweat, by bangs falling into my eyes and momentarily cloaking my world in black.

I turned to look at my lover, Apollo. We'd moved into an apartment after we'd both graduated from college, which was about a year ago. I leaned back into the pillows, watching his chest rise and fall. I thought about seeing him staring at me on the beach, abashed at being caught.

I remembered our first date, a simple conversation at a cafe, over coffee. I remembered the concert, and his beautiful voice. I remembered that first kiss, where he threw himself into my arms. I remembered our second date at the cafe, and the night that followed.

I remembered that morning, and I remembered all the morning afterward. I remembered our graduation, a crazy and fast celebration. There was alcohol, congratulations, and a long, sleepless night.

It had been a rush, but a perfect one. A year had passed, almost a year and a half since I'd met Apollo, and life had been close to perfect. We had the occasional fight, but got along well. We were comfortable and happy.

And when I woke up, about a week ago, I knew exactly where I wanted this relationship to go. I bought a simple, polished silver band, and two of platinum. And now I was feeling more nervous than ever.

I wrapped my arms around Apollo's waist and pulled him close, nuzzling into the crook of his neck. He muttered sleepily, and rested his hand on top of mine, and tangled our legs. I tried to make my breathing even, but I must have failed, because Apollo rolled over to look at me, and he seemed concerned.

"Are you alright?" He asked, resting a hand on the side of my face.

I nodded, taking a few deep breaths. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just... I'm fine."

He nodded and wrapped his arms tight around my neck.
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I parked in front of the restaurant. We were both dressed nice. The restaurant was nice, and open, overlooking the beach where we met. It was five stars, and you had to make your reservations about a month ahead of time.

I opened the passenger side door and Apollo stepped out, rolling his eyes. He took my hand, and we walked into the restaurant. I stopped at the counter, and the waiter looked up.

"Yes?" He asked, his voice nasally.

"Reservations for Olympia?" I asked.

He sorted through the computer, and sighed. "Right this way."

We followed him to a table out on the deck. We had a beautiful view of the sunset on the ocean. We took up the menus and looked for something to order. I got a pasta dish, and Apollo ordered steak and lobster.

We drank wine and chatted, our hands interlocked on the table, and I traced circles onto the back of his hand.

"I can't believe you got reservations here." Apollo said, smiling at me.

"Neither can I." I laughed, squeezing his hand.

Our food came, and we are still chatting. We ate, happy to be in each other's company. We finished, and I almost passed out when I saw the bill. We managed to pay together, and went for a walk on the beach.

The sun had set, and the moon and stars had risen over the smooth and glassy water, the tide washing slowly onto the shore. I had an arm wrapped around Apollo's waist, and he rested his head on my shoulder. I kissed his forehead, and we stood, watching the water and the moon floating over the pacific.

"I love you so much, Hades." Apollo murmured, his blond hair looking silver in the moonlight.

I smiled. "I love you too."

I took a deep breath, and untangled myself from him. Apollo gave me an odd look, but I turned and took both his hands in my own.

"Apollo..." I took a deep breath, "when I first met you, I couldn't breathe. I was entranced. You were... easy to talk to, I felt comfortable, and really, truly happy. I'd... never felt that way. And as time went on, I fell deeper and deeper in love. And now? I've never believed in soulmates, but I might, now that I've met you. If they're real, you are most definitely my soulmate."

Apollo blinked at me. "I... don't know what to say. Hades, that was super sweet."

I held up my hand. "I'm not done. I guess... if you're my soulmate, then I want to spend the rest of my life with you."

I took a deep breath, and got down onto one knee in the sand. "Apollo Phoebus, I have never loved a man or woman as much as I love you. Will you... will you marry me?" I pulled out the velvet box that held the silver band and opened it.

Apollo's eyes welled up with tears. He nodded, and I slid the ring into his finger. He helped me to my feet and pulled me tight into his arms. I held him close, and felt tears spill down my own face.

"I love you." Apollo whispered, over and over. I didn't say anything, just held him close.

After a few minutes, we separated and Apollo kissed me. It was long and sweet, and I could barely breath.

I stepped away from him. There were still tears of joy in his eyes, and he took both my hands in his own.

"I'm so happy..." He whispered.

I nodded. I felt like my heart was going to burst from joy and love.

I pushed his blond hair out of his face and kissed his forehead, then pressed his to mine.

"I love you." Apollo whispered again.

"I love you too."