Mortal, But At Least I'm Free

Chapter 21

After spending a couple days with Harry's family, and enjoying each other's company, it was time to make their way back to Mount Olympus to complete Harry's quest. And hopefully to work out a deal with the gods that would allow Louis and Harry to stay together.

"I was so wonderful to have you Harry, please come back soon," Anne kissed his cheek, trying not to cry. She really did feel like a mother to Harry, more than Aphrodite ever had. He had some guilt about that, but he'd keep that to himself for now.

"Thanks Anne, I'll be back. I promise. Dad," Harry couldn't believe what a difference a couple of days had made in his relationship with his father. A father he'd never known, he felt like he fit someplace for the first time in his life.

"I love you son, be safe." Robin let his wife hold him as Harry and Gemma said goodbye.

"I really think you shouldn't go back. Stay with me, stay with us Harry. Please?"

"Gemma you're not even trying to hide your tears," Harry's were burning, and his chest hurt.

"I want you to know that I'm sad you're leaving." She buried her face into his shoulder and shook in his arms silently.

"I'm going to miss you so much Gem," with his eyes tightly shut he imagined what it might have been like to grow up with his sister. To have her around to play with, to talk to. The pressure in his throat was building painfully.

"I love you Harry. You're the best little brother a girl could ever ask for, and I expect you to come back as soon as you can,"Gemma stepped back and nodded. Harry tired to smile, Louis took his hand and they left.

Walking in a heavy silence, Louis hummed softly, still holding Harry's hand and leading him through the town. It was with a somber melancholy that they waved at families and couples dancing, and musicians. Louis was worried he spent too much time watching mother's with their children, but Harry asked if he could hold someone's baby and Louis didn't worry so much after that. It was nice to see Harry with children, it felt like he'd really changed from the demigod who viewed mortals with disdain. To the man who wanted to hold small children and tell them myths in between playing peek-a-boo. Louis didn't want to leave him. Ever.

They did eventually get out of the town. They were still sad, but they were together and Harry felt a lot of peace knowing he'd be able to keep Louis with him forever.

When they were out of sight of the town Harry draped his arm over Louis' shoulders. Louis smiled and slipped his arm around Harry's waist, leaning into him.

It was then that they heard popping, bright lights, and Louis whispered "shit", and they were stopped in their tracks by a large, angry looking man with long dark hair and an even longer, darker curly beard.

"Louis."

"Hey, how's it goin'?" Louis nodded at the man but pulled Harry a little tighter to his side.

"Where's the girl?"

"Look Hades, I couldn't do it. I was gonna come talk to you about it, but I got caught up in a couple of things. It's gonna be fine."

"No."

"Hi, um, sir, Hades, hi," the god looked at Harry who was trying to draw his attention.

"Who are you?"

"Oh, um, Harry, son of Aphrodite, I'm on a quest and whatever. Uh, but I really didn't want you to take my sister so Louis and I talked about it. We're sure we can help you find someone else for the Underworld. I mean, it can't be that big a deal-"

"Is this annoying demigod that one you're bringing to me instead?" Hades turned back to Louis who'd gotten very pale.

"No. No, you can't take Harry."

"I'll take who I want Louis. You know how this works. This behavior will surely set you back from reaching mortality."

"I don't want it. I don't want it if I can't have it with Harry." A sudden understanding dawned in Hades' eyes. He looked at the way Louis clung to Harry's side and sighed.

"The gods will never let it be," Hades shook his head at them. "I suppose it will have to be discussed at Olympus. I didn't want to visit them this century."

"What do you mean? Why wouldn't the gods let us be together?" Harry piped up just as Hades was turning his back to them. The god looked back and Harry with kindness in his eyes.

"There must be a balance. Justice must be answered. But the gods will be jealous. They always are. They will do anything to keep you from having the happiness that they will never have. I'll be there to mediate. But don't anticipate success."

And he was gone. Louis' whole body caved with relief, and his knees buckled. Harry only just caught him. They knelt on the ground while Louis' breathing was erratic, his hands shook, Harry held him close, and waited.

"I don't know if I can do this Harry."

"Shhh, it's gonna be alright Lou. We'll be okay," at this point Louis was curled into Harry, completely enveloped by the larger boy. "We'll be alright, we'll be alright Lou."