Hercules and the Modern Girl

The Art of Persuasion

The Art of Persuasion

It was Friday - day six - it had been three days since the sun incident. Two more school days until Internship Week is over - classes should resume as normal by next week. Nattie didn't think Hades's cleaning punishment could be worse until she was forced to do laundry, especially fold Hades' underpants. To avoid more severe time-outs, Nattie tried her best to show up to the Underworld on time, especially the take-over-the-cosmos meeting.

One day in the laundry room, Nattie had time to think, recollecting her time with Hercules during lunch break yesterday. They talked about their different athletic training. Hercules kindly offered her an invitation to train with him at Phil's place; she accepted without thought. Hades wanted her to be friends with Hercules. She had done that but felt she could get closer to the klutz's mind by hanging out with him on the weekend. Although it would be a lie if she said that was the only reason she wanted weekends off. Unfortunately, she and Hades had yet to discuss time off in the contract. Nattie wanted to slam her head against the wash bucket for not thinking of it sooner. Tomorrow was Saturday; time was running out.

The only way to gain a day off or two was to ask the boss. What's the worst he could do? Say no?

Nattie finished the laundry and went upstairs to the throne room, where Hades was sitting superiorly on the throne as usual. He rested an elbow on the armchair, reading the scroll in boredom - underworld work, no doubt.

The imps passed her, entering the room to give their daily status reports. Nattie rolled her eyes, leaning against the doorway, yawning in dismay.

"Uh... boss," Pain began nervously.

"What?" Hades hissed at them. The imps started to shake, reluctant to speak their minds. "What? Spit it out!" Hades cried impatiently.

"Um... will -will it be... o-o-okay if we can ride the har-harpies, again?" Panic asked.

Nattie perked at the question but quickly ducked behind the doorway in time for the devil to fume bright red.

"No!" He roared, roasting the imps to a crisp. Nattie's heart went out to the demons who were screaming in pain.

"Due to the results from Operation: Apollo, I don't want you boys to go anywhere near the harpies! Comprede?"

"But wasn't it the girl's fault that-" Pain didn't finish that statement due to Hades's temper, who was ready for round two. "Y-yes, your flamefullness," Pain corrected his response.

"Ye-yeah!" Panic agreed. "We got ya!"

"Now, amscray!" Hades commanded. Pain and Panic rushed out of the room, not bothering to spare some warning to Nattie about the boss's mood. It's clear that the imps did not take a liking to her. Instead of roasting marshmallows, the girl was stuck with a broom and washcloth.

Nattie watched Hades slowly cooling back to his blue color.

"Minions," He growled under his breath, resuming his stressful work

Nattie didn't go inside right away. She took a moment to realize that the fiery temper was the worst he could do - worse than a simple no. Now was not a good time to ask him. However, the imps' presence caused stress and tension to the flame god. Maybe she could use that as an advantage.

Nattie smirked at herself at the idea. As much as she hated to do this, it was time to put on the Megara charm.

"What are you smirking at?" Nattie blinked, realizing that she was no longer hiding behind the doorway. How much time had passed by? Surprisingly, Hades's eyes remained on the scroll, and didn't look her way once.