Blooming Emotions

~Δεκαεπτά

The pounding in my head made me want to down every ibuprofen in my house. Even the sunlight behind my eyelids hurt. What did I do last night? Did I drink too much wine or something? I remember walking home from work—

I jolted upright—much to my head's protesting. Where am I? Did Cameron kidnap me? To my relief, I recognized the familiar interior of my bedroom.

"Magnolia?" a voice asked.

I whipped my head to the side and tackled the man in bed with me, the pain in my head forgotten. The comforting smell of Hades engulfed me. "I'm so, so happy to see you," I said, my voice muffled by his chest.

"Me, as well," Hades responded.

God, I didn't realize how much I missed his voice...

"How are you doing?" he asked, petting my hair. One of his hands settled on my lower back. "That vile man didn't touch you, did he?"

I raised my head. "He didn't touch me—thanks to you. Should I have gone to a doctor for my injuries?"

"No. Your god-like healing should take care of any concerns."

"Good. Dying while you're here isn't on my schedule."

I leaned forward and connected our lips. Oh, how badly I have craved this! His familiar taste exploded on my tongue, and I wanted to weep with happiness. His hand on my back slid under my shirt—not going very far, but it was enough. I couldn't help but let a moan slip through.

Hades laughed behind my lips and pulled back—much to my disapproval. "As much as I would love to spend this time with you—wrapped up in the sheets—I would like to know what happened in that alley. I saw the flowers and the notes on the counter."

"That man, Cameron, has been sending me flowers for the past few days. He finally asked me to dinner last night. I said that I am married, and he stormed out. As I was locking up, Cameron grabbed me, and, and... you know the rest."

Hades traced my cheek. I closed my eyes as the goosebumps raced through me. "Well, it's a good thing that I came when I did."

"How-how did you know to come?"

His voice dropped to a whisper, "I told you that I would watch over you."

"Should we go to the police?"

"That's entirely up to you. But I have to warn you—there will have to be a few holes in your story. You won't be able to explain what I did or how I knew to come when I did."

I paused. "What did you do?"

"I cursed that Cameron man you speak of to have some spirits haunt him. I sent any ghost that was raped and killed to haunt him as a... reminder."

I laughed. "Son of a bitch got what he deserved."

But I knew Hades was right. How do I explain that my god of a husband knew to show up? And this town isn't the nicest when it comes to rape victims. When I was about ten, there was a rape trial, and the people harassed the victim so severely that she killed herself. It was an awful thing.

"Thank you for saving me."

"Of course. Whenever there's a damsel-in-distress—I am there."

"Hey—don't call me a damsel-in-distress."

For a few minutes, we laid there, merely existing. Hades traced swirls and loops on my back, and I lost myself in his touch. I enjoyed the steady rhythm of his breathing and the rise and fall of his chest. I am so glad that I have today off of work.

"How long until you have to return?" I whispered, breaking the tranquil silence. I half-hoped that he wouldn't answer me.

"I'm not sure," Hades whispered back, "but probably in the morning."