Fall From Grace

Chapter Thirty One

Chapter Thirty One

Dio leaves the flyer with me, and I've been staring at it for an hour now, reading every line and inspecting every inch. Maybe if I look hard enough I'll be able to find some sort of clue as to what the cult is planning.

"Agapiménos, don't you have a test to study for?" Hades puts his hands on my shoulder from behind.

"This is more important."

The flyer gives nothing away.

All it has are details for this New Year's party. It starts December 30th and ends January 2nd. The flyer says to bring food and sleeping bags, the Greek Orgs are hosting. They are trying to bring in every person that they can.

"Staring at that paper will not help." He yanks the paper from my grasps. "Your education is important. Study."

"Fine," I sigh, "But will you stay?"

"As long as you need."

Satisfied with that answer, I get my school things out so I can start. But before I do, I ask, "When all this is over, will you still talk to me?"

"What do you mean?" Hades folds the paper and slips it into his pocket.

"You are only on earth so often because of this cult. When we expose the cult, and get rid of it, does that mean you'll stay in the Underworld?"

"If I answer this question, that I doubt will be your last, will you study?"

I close my laptop again and say, "Yes."

I can't help my curiosity, but I also can't help my heart. Most of the time I have spent with Hades has been tainted with bad, but I like who I am around him. If he is just going to disappear from my life, I need to protect myself, protect my heart, I need to know...

Hades slides his hands in his hands in his pockets, hair partially falling over his eyes. But he doesn't answer.

I get up from my spot and stand up to face him "Hades?"

He doesn't meet my eye, which worries me.

I know what I want him to say, that he'll stay for me. But I cannot will him to do so.

"I cannot leave my duties untended to." Hades says, making my heart sink and my eyes fall, "But..."

His "but" makes me lift my gaze to meet his. "But?" I repeat softly.

"But," He lifts my chin to stop me from anxiously looking away. "I would obviously return to earth to see you."

"Asshole," I smack his arm. "You had me all worried."

"I know." He chuckles. "You look so cute when your brow is all furrowed in with worry."

'I'm glad my anxiety about losing you is humorous." I pout.

"Go." Hades kisses me. "Study, I'll go get us some food and what to do."

"Okay," I pad over to my bed. "Dick."

He really had me worried there.

Once and awhile, I look up to the door to see if he's come back with a smile. Studying is still distracted with thoughts of Hades. Although he has yet to define what we are, at least something good has come from all this, I know we have feelings for each other.

More than feelings.

"I brought Henrietta's take away." Hades come back two hours later. "Studying going well?"