He was annoyed at how easily it worked, and she would be pleased by it. However, he wasn't sure how to hide it. Hades realized as soon as he sat down that he had done something wrong. He was familiar with all of his sister's you are failure looks. They all raised their eyebrows at him, when he gave his first excuse. The skepticism could burn, and he didn't try to keep that up for long. He jerked a little, his eyes widened slightly, when Demeter scolded her daughter. She focused the full power of the glare on her to, so he was free to move a bit when he wasn't under her glare. She seemed to be a bit over the top and very restrictive, which was unusual when you looked at all of the other goddesses.

He was hoping that Persephone wouldn't be too much of a rebel, and that she was sort of similar to her mother. He wanted a nice loyal wife unlike someone like Hera or Aphrodite. He then became embarrassed that he was even considering trying to court someone. Persephone was young, and he wasn't sure if it was wise for him to try to win her over. He wasn't even sure if it was possible, because he was so socially inept. As soon as Demeter mentioned clothes, he knew he was dead meat. There was no way he could give a satisfactory explanation, and Demeter had mother love on her side. She could rip him a part even if he was the god of the underworld.

His eyes widened, and he tried to act normal, when Persephone came to his defense. He had broken out into a sweat, when Demeter had started interrogating him about this particular thing. He had no answers, and he was sure they would be pulled out it whether he wanted to or not. He mostly kep up his mysterious persona by being too awkward to talk. It was amazing how they could mistake it. The cynical part of him asked how that argument would possibly make a difference. He thought it was clever of her to bring up the time she had almost drowned. It would be much harder for Demeter to refute that. He was sure that Demeter wouldn't care about peer pressure, unless she realized how weak he was. It was hardly an acceptale excuse by normal standards.

She moved around to the back of his chair, and he could feel her presence. He didn't turn when a small shiver ran through him, as she ran her hands down his arms. He felt the urge to close his hands on hers. He wouldn't have felt comfortable doing it by himself much less in front of her mother. They had only seen each other twice, and he didn't feel like he could do anything more than talk to her. It would have hurt his feelings dreadfully, if she pulled away, and he didn't think they were close enough where he could do little fun tests.

She was close, and he fully expected her mother to force her to move her hands. He stiffened, because she was so close. When Persephone dared to squish his cheeks, he remained motionless. How was he hilarious? Was that a good thing or was he the laughingstock? What in the world was she doing? He didn't mind too much, but he thought it was super random and didn't make sense. He wasn't used to having someone come so close. He stared up into her face, and realized that he hadn't gotten to see her this close before.

Gently, he sighed acknowledging the fact that she was way out of his league. Like the other goddesses she was gorgeous, but she had that naturally youthful spring bloom to her face that none of the others could hope to possess. He felt a little guilty how much of an affect her face and outsides were having on his insides. They were becoming squirmy again, but for a different reason. He wanted to duck his head, but her hands held onto his cheeks. He bowed his head his eyes watering slightly a little hurt at her laughter. It sounded kind, but he wasn't used to it being a good thing.

He darted a glance to her lips trying to measure how far they were. He had never been one to go all moony over a girl, but he was doing a good job of that now. His hands gently moved up to her wrists to move them from his face, "Please don't do that," he whispered unthinkingly, "If you come too close, I might kiss you." Sometimes his thoughts got mixed up in his brain. A blush spread across his cheeks as he realized that he had said it in front of both of them. Hopefully, Demeter couldn't hear. Any progress that she might have been making as gone now. Was it shameful that he was a full grown god, and he hadn't had a kiss yet? Was Persephone too young for him?

"I'm sorry," he was becoming redder. "I had no right to think or do any of that. I...I.." he tried to formulate a better excuse. He was nervous silly, and he said what he felt instead of how things normally happened. He wanted to sink and melt away through the floor. "I'm sorry. I would never...I mean not until we knew each other...I mean," he tried to find a not awkward way to explain. He wanted to ask her not to hate him, but he was being too pitiful for him to think that he deserved to ask for forgiveness. He had removed his hands from her horrified at himself, but now she was just awkwardly holding her hands to his cheeks.

He wanted to move them, but he didn't dare. He wasn't sure how she felt that she could be herself in front of him. They didn't do a lot together, and so far they had mostly been chilling. He felt even worse, when she finished speaking. What if he made her uncomfortable, creeped out, and she didn't feel safe around him anymore. What if he had ruined everything with one careless sentence. He would definitely not try to do anything if she didn't want to, but now she was getting an idea of how he thought. "Please don't be scared of me," he whispered again, "I won't ever harm you." He darted a guilty glance towards her mother sure she would say something. He might accidentally hurt her, but he would never do something so obviously harmful or against her will.

In addition he was too awkward for them. He hoped that the goddess of spring would be similar to a more relaxed country girl, and she wouldn't have as high of a standard. Her mother kept her secluded, so she might be lonely also. She would also have different ideals, which Hades would have more of a chance of fulfilling than a normal goddess. She was also one of the few single ones left. He knew that he was very awkward, and anyone with high expectations would immediately look over him. Not many goddesses wanted to spend the extra time dealing with Hades, and he had a reputation. He wasn't exactly sure how much loyalty he needed or expected. He was sort of only looking for companionship at the moment, and he wasn't sure what he was missing out on.

All he knew was that he spent most of his time lonely. There was only so much Cereberus could do, since he was busy. He hadn't met any goddess who would be absolutely loyal. He supposed he would get used to it, if the girl he found wasn't perfectly loyal. It was deemed acceptable by the current goddesses. He certainly wouldn't force someone to stay with him, and he hoped that she would always love him even if she did get distracted from time to time. At the same time, was settling for pain bearable and worth it? It would certainly hurt Hades feelings and make him feel like trash if his wife kept on running off with anyone she came across him.

Honestly, Hades was weak. He could be convinced fairly easily, but he wasn't a person who often made active decisions and chased after someone. He might after he had gotten attached, but it was quite rare otherwise. Hades had never tried courting a woman, and he had no clue how to show polite interest without being overbearing like Zeus. Gods like Zeus were the only examples he had seen, but they disgusted him. He was afraid that he would be like his brother, and he thought that Persephone deserved better. Hades was oblivious to the small things that were going on, because he wasn’t as familiar with these two as they were with each other.

He just felt like he was in an uncomfortable position, and he didn’t know what to do. He felt like a tiny pouting baby, when he felt tears trying to fog his eyes. He was the god of the underworld, and Hades had certain standards for himself. Crying like a fragile baby was on the list of don’ts. He was glad when Demeter conveniently turned to look somewhere else. He relaxed a little, but he was still stiff with Persephone so near. He froze his eyes wide, as he received a kiss on the cheek. It halted his tears and pity party and shocked him into silence. He had to try very hard not to make a big deal about it. He wasn’t sure if he felt better, but he wasn’t about to cry anymore. At the very least he was in shock. He thought he had been in everything.

He gave a head nod sort of saying it was alright or he understood. However, instead something else came out of his mouth. A blush spread across her own face as well as his own. It was pointless to try and hide. He glanced guilty stares in Demeter’s direction. He knew that his looks would also attract attention. Even though she was moving further back, she was still so close. He was beginning to feel a little bit of regret as her warm hands left his cheeks. Had he ruined things? He heard movement and panicked. It was frozen on his face, and he knew Demeter would instantly know. He wasn’t sure why he was waiting there. He relaxed a little, when she smiled at him. It was reassuring, and even he could take that hint. The blush came back a little, when she said she wasn’t finished with him yet, he could feel an embarrassed smile sprawling across his silly face.

His eyes remained wide and confused as he considered Demeter’s features. What was her verdict? He couldn't help freezing again, as her hand touched his cheek. He was scared to move away or move towards her. He didn't want to push her away or move too fast. He let out a childish smile. It was innocent and happy, even though he was older. He gave a sigh relieved that he hadn't ruined everything yet. He reached up with one hand and gently clasped her wrist. She could pull away if she wanted to. He had to shake his silliness, when he realized that Demeter was watching. What had she thought of their interaction? His eyes widened as he tried to comprehend what was being said. "What?" he couldn't help blurting out. Their only stipulation was not going to the Underworld.

He hated that he wouldn't get to show off his home, even though he wasn't as fond of it as he should be, but it was quite gloomy down there. Why would someone like her want to visit? What had happened to her? A few minutes ago, she was chewing him out. He knew that Demeter couldn't help but threaten him. Even so he wasn't sure what that meant. Were they allowed to simply be friends or was she letting a romance bloom between them? She was even going to leave them here alone. While he had been hopeful for hanging out together, being unsupervised was very unexpected. Now he was confused by all of this freedom. Soon Demeter left, and Hades was frozen by yet another look. He looked like a deer in the headlights, which must have satisfied Demeter that she had gotten the message across.

For a few moments, he sat there in silence absorbing what had happened. "Wow," was all he could think to say, "I was not expecting that." He sighed not sure what to do. He really did need to check back into his place, and he probably hadn't done a good job of protecting the underworld while he was gone. People could slip by Cerberus, if they were determined, and the underworld needed him around. Things would be in disorder, but he was finally allowed to hang out with her, and he decided it was worth the sacrifice. The souls wouldn’t hurt anyone if they escaped, and it would make things exciting for a while. Again similar to earlier, he felt the urge to hold her close, but he was stumped again that they weren't that close. He realized he was doing something that might be quite foolish, but he was going to stay with his friend.

He gazed at her shyly and gave her a slightly flirtatious smile, without even trying, “Hmmm. What’s more alluring? The queen of spring or a bunch of souls? Hmmm, I think I should be going back to my alluring souls. They are way more exciting,” he tried to joke, but not sure if he hit the right note for it to be taken the way he meant it. “Yeah, I’m staying here. Your mother might change her mind,” he told her. He looked around for a place for her to sit by him, but he realized he didn't have a decent place for her. "So....you were wanting to talk about my apology," he nervously twisted his hands. He had been able to tell that she was joking, but he couldn't help taking things seriously. She seemed to take amusement from how awkward he was, and didn't mind having to patiently guide him through some things.

Hades spent a moment sitting there, trying to figure out Demeter's reasoning, and wondering what the invisible lines were that he wasn't allowed to cross. He had a feeling that he could accidentally tear this family apart, if Demeter hadn't allowed them to be together. Even though he wouldn't necessarily encourage it, he was sure Persephone would rebel. Hades didn't think he was worth it, but he wouldn't turn her away, if she did it all on her own. He wasn't sure why Demeter was so protective. Her daughter was a goddess, and it would be impossible to stop her at some point. Eventually, she would grow up, and she had no experience with the world.

Where would she be then? He was curious what Persephone was doing, as she stood up to walk around the house. When he realized what she was doing, he snuck a few furtive glances around. He had never considered that Demeter might be hanging around with her subterfuge. She was quite clever that way. He wasn't surprised, when she didn't react to his smile. Either she was trying to shut him down hard, which he didn't believe, since he hadn't come down on her hard, or she hadn't noticed. He wasn't sure if it was his mistake or her obliviousness. It had been subtle, because he didn't know how or was comfortable with any other way. He had never practiced.

Even though he had a whole house full of souls to practice on, they weren't the best critiques. He wasn't really sure what he thought about calling her queen, but she was pretty enough. Besides that, it sounded nice, and lovers often came up with exaggerated nicknames. He felt his pale cheeks warm unnoticeably, when he realized he had referred to himself as a lover. From the humans he had seen come to his underworld, they were always comparing their woman to queens or goddesses. She was already a goddess, so there was only one option left to him.

He forced himself to speak, "You are very beautiful, and you are the major goddess of spring. It does make you a queen of some sort. Perhaps you haven't developed the demanding and commanding queen look yet, but it may come." He wasn't sure if he had said an okay thing or something totally wrong, which would get him kicked out. He wondered if she realized that if they were together, she would become his queen. However, he knew better than to reference his kingdom or her being queen of it. It was much too soon for that.

He was glad for a nice calming drink of tea, and he began to prepare himself a drink, when the tray came close enough. He beamed at her, relieved that she wanted him to stay. This time he kept his smile perfectly innocent. Hades frowned, when she said that she would find a way to be with him whatever may come. They might be friends, but they had only visited each other twice. It was hardly far enough along for her to fight so hard for it. He wasn't sure exactly what she meant and why. "We hardly know each other. Why would you do that? I'm a bad boy," he tried to joke, "It's not good to hang around me."

He was sure his nervous stammering would totally convince her. He found that he believed her. She was stubborn and obstinate enough to do something like this, but he still didn't understand the reasoning. He took a calming sip of the hot tea. He became anxious again, when he mentioned the apology and the smile disappeared from her face. What had he done? Hades normally didn't care what the other goddesses thought about him. None of them were suitable for him, and they didn't care about him. He just stayed silent and brooding until they were out of his presence. They never bothered him or tried anything, so he didn't either. Not even friendship.

While he was almost always nervous on the insides, most of the time he found it easier to hide rather than now. He tensed like a scared trapped animal, as she brought her chair up close to his. He told himself to relax. He had wanted her near his side, and this was the only way to do it. She was doing a good job making him wither. He felt his courage shrink down a few sizes, as he waited. They both knew they were waiting for her to speak, and he realized she was toying with him. Was this a test or a game to her? He felt a bit miserable, that he had become someone's amusement, and a little hurt she found this enjoyable. It was like when she had squished his cheeks, and made him feel like entertainment.

He blanched realizing how much power she had over him already. Even though this wasn't the best foundation, he found that it hadn't stopped himself from wanting her. It was creating this feeling that she was hard to reach, and he wanted to fight through it. What if these were just protective barriers. His eyes narrowed, as he realized that she was pretending not to remember something she had said mere minutes ago. No god's short term memory could be that bad. Now that he was used to her being close, he wanted to scooch in closer, but he wasn't sure how she would feel about that.

She had created this really neat tension, but he wasn't sure how to keep it precariously balanced. He leaned in a bit eagerly, when she turned to him. "Do you always play games?" he couldn't help himself asking. He noted her blush, and was glad he wasn't the only one. She reached out and stilled his hands for a moment. Stop being nervous was easier said than done. He had been sure that she was at the very least going to kindly tell him to back off and he had overstepped and was behaving inappropriately. Even if he wasn't going to get in trouble, she might be good at interrogating and cause him to reveal stuff he wasn't ready for.

He wasn't sure he was convinced. They had only met up twice, and very briefly at that. It would be wrong of him to think like this, when they hardly knew each other. Words were easy to spit out, and he was surprised, she wasn't sending him on some quest to prove his love for her. He wasn't even sure the best way to prove it other than a long time of committment. However, he had confessed his feelings earlier so impulsively, that he was sure it was true. He blanched not really understanding her question. Of course he wanted to kiss her. Why would he not want to?

His brow furrowed, “If you mean, do I want to kiss you. Then yeah." He found that it was unfortunate that his nervous mouth ran away from him again, "I would kiss you if I thought you'd be okay with it, and if we had known each other longer, but I don't want to push too quickly. If I keep my distance from you, it makes it easier to resist," he shrugged. He began to double think. She had kissed him on the cheek first without any encouragement. Would she really mind a quick peck?

His voice became more timid again, "I think you like to play games with me. I think you like having power over me." He found that he was willing to give her some control over him. "What do you want with me?" He scooted a little closer wondering if he dared. He touched her face and then played with her hair wondering if he dared lean in for a kiss. He waited for some movement from her forward or back. "Would you like me to prove my point?" his voice became lower and raspier. Why did he keep on trying to pace himself, but he wanted to speed things up?

Besides his inexperience, flattery didn’t seem to get very far with her. She was suspicious as he was. Her walls were interesting. She could talk about stuff, and she seemed slightly light with her physical affection. Perhaps the difference was she wasn’t willing to be attached to him. She mostly joked about stuff and played games, otherwise her barriers were hard to notice. He could tell she was skeptical, and he shrugged. He didn’t have to justify or explain why he thought she was beautiful. If she needed him to, he would reassure her, but he wasn’t going to apologize for calling her beautiful unless she didn’t like that.

He was beginning to want to back track. She wasn’t super commanding and queenly, but she sure did like to push him around it seemed. Of course it was more like a natural childish peer pressure than a queenly command. He winced, when she mentioned not wanting to be a queen. He was looking for someone who would be a queen. Would she abhor it always or would she consider it, if she found a way to love him? He certainly wasn’t going to explain why he had called her a queen.

His little test had failed miserably. He hoped that if things worked out between them, she wouldn't be as against it, and she wouldn't mind the underworld. Would he ever get to be with her? Would Demeter ever let her come down? Being queen of the underworld didn’t include pleasing everyone. They were dead, so Hades often didn’t care what they thought. He generally didn't go out of his way to please them, but neither did he do the opposite. He wasn’t there to make them happy.

He was only there to keep them in line, while they were under the surface. He hoped this wasn't going too far, but it slipped out, while he was thinking about it. "I think you would make a good queen." She couldn't be any worse than he was as king. He knew that even though he appeared to be a bad boy from a distance he was far from it. Even though he wore the dark clothing that was expected of him, he followed the rules, and he never did anything adventerous. He was glad to see that he wasn’t the only one who became flustered, embarrassed and awkward.

He felt a little annoyed that Hermes was mentioned. Why? He didn't know her that well or for very long, and Hermes and her were just friends. Was it because he wanted to be friends or more than friends? He was curious who she considered the bad boy. “I’m glad that you feel that way around me. Not many people feel,” he had to chuckle for a moment, "At peace around someone. Even though I am here to watch over their dead souls," he said, actually confused and unconvinced. He wondered why Hermes didn't visit. Had he finally found a girl?

Vaguely, he tried to smile at his sadness for her that Hermes didn’t get to come see her. He wanted to ask why he wouldn't come around anymore? How had they gotten to be such close friends? However, since it was jealousy that was governing his current motive, he didn't feel right asking. He felt nervous again, when she stopped smiling, when he mentioned his observations. Obviously, that wasn't something he was supposed to talk about. He could see that she was seriously moved, "I'm..I'm..I'm so sorry," he stuttered out, "I didn't mean to hurt your feelings or offend your or whatever I did. That was thoughtless of me."

And unknowing, and accidental, he added to himself. "Oh....I'm sorry. I feel like I should have guessed that," he apologized. He realized that last remark sounded rude, "Thank you for telling me." Even though he wasn't purposefully an open book, he hadn't considered that possibility. It was something he would do to a goddess. He should have been able to guess, that she might do it on him. He cocked his head not feeling very thoughtful and quite a bit stupid.

"I'm sorry that had to happen to you," he whispered sadly. His nosiness demanded that he ask more questions. Everything else told him to move on. "I'm not playing games with you, or trying to trick you," he looked into her eyes while he said that. He believed it with all of his heart. He ducked his head a little, "But, I don't know you that well. I have no excuse for acting like this. What do I know about love? How can I love? I'm the god of the underworld, and love isn't important there."

His voice became more pained, "Nobody can love the god of the underworld." He cleared his throat awkwardly realizing he hadn't emant to make it all about himself. "I should give you space. I don't want to hurt you," he told her withholding a sigh. "I won't say anything too hasty, but I do think I at least care for you," he shrugged not sure how she would take it. How could he care for her, if he didn't know love or how to love? Something got into him, because he found himself doing slightly daring and impulsive things.

Even though he said he should stay away, he found that he had edged closer. Was he making a mistake? He let a smirk slip across his features, when she was surprised. He frowned, because he wasn't sure which point she wanted him to prove, and he had made many. "The other points will take a while to make, but I'll make my first one," he told her. Proving that he actually cared would take time. He was okay with that. He had had a feeling that he was trying to move too fast as it was.

He grinned at her, "Apparently, I am feeling a bit bold." He gently held one side of her face with his hand, and moved closer. While his eyes fluttered closed, carefully, he pressed his lips against hers. It was a soft tender kiss. He waited to see what her reaction was before he pressed a little harder before he backed off. He shrugged a little embarrassed. If any other god had kissed her, she was probably wondering why it was so pitful. "I know it wasn't the biggest demonstration," he left a lot of things unsaid such as how he wanted to show her that he loved her, how he was already beginning to forget. How there was only one person he would help. "I'm sorry. I just...I just appreciate any kindness that anyone shows me. I'm sorry for wanting to kiss you. It must seem like I don't have a very good reason. You just are one of the few people who have been kind to me. I imagine that's what love is like," he shrugs awkwardly.

He didn't particularly like Eros, and his methods, so it would have been offensive and repulsive, if she thought they were similar. He wasn't sure how innocent she was, since she had suffered at his hands first hand, but he wondered if she knew half of the things they said about Eros. He wondered why she doubted that he would call her beautiful. Complimenting someone's outer appearance wasn't hard. She should find it easier to believe, because if some man was playing with her emotions, he was probably doing it for her outer shell anyway.

Honestly, he wasn't sure what kind of queen would be. She had potential to be a good queen, but he didn't really know what she would be like in that position. Either way, he was glad to see her smile. She wouldn't totally fail, because he would be there to help her. She might not be the perfect fit, he was hoping for, but they could find out something that would work, if they both wanted to cooperate, and make things work. He was confused by the term of endearment, so he just smiled faintly.

"Thanks." It was a job that no one else wanted, and he had been determined to do as well as they could. He really wanted to question her. He had doubts too, even though he was willing to branch out. He was supicious. "Why did you call me darling? What does that mean?" he needed it spelled out for him. His eyes widened at her suggestion. To him that sounded like some sort of commitment. What did her suggestion mean? Was he reading too deeply into it? "You?....you want to go to the underworld?" he sounded hopeful and hesitant, not sure if he believed her.

"Nobody wants to go there," he had to admit, hoping she knew what she was getting herself into. Even though he might give off the vibe of being a rule breaker, he really wasn't. He wasn't sure what to think of the idea, however, he found himself willing to do whatever she wanted to do that. "I would like to take you there eventually, if you want to. I'd be willing to brave Demeter, if it's something you want." Nothing would harm her as long as he was with her. Surprisingly, there was very little down there to hurt her. He winced, as she leaned in with a smirk on his lips. He needed to get back out into the world and practice faking, bluffing, and lying again.

He didn't like being read so easily by his crush. He shifted uneasily, and tried to flash a charming smile, even though it probably came out as more nervous. He felt a slight pink color his light cheeks. "Was it that obvious?" he tried to play it off lightly. "What gave me away?" He blushed a little more, as he decided to be truthful, "Frankly, yeah. I don't understand how I can be jealous even though we've only met once or twice, and we've got nothing, but friendship." He rubbed his temples a bit embarrassed how quickly he had fallen for her.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't be like that," he apologized, even though he knew she got tired of it. He didn't want to be controlling, especially, with just her friends. They had no promises made, and it was extremely unfair. He didn't know how to explain things to her without sounding silly. He was hoping she could be that love he was so desperately missing. It was unfair to put that pressure on her. He needed to dial it back. His eyes were sad for a moment, that she had been hurt like that When he heard her tongue slip, and she mentioned Eros' name, his eyes narrowed, but his face understood even more.

The old side of him wondered how dumb she was. The vengeful side was furious, and wanted to go target that speical someone. However, Eros could attack anyone, even himself. He didn't need to turn into some sort of lust monster and hurt her. He gave a small smile, "Very well. I shall. Do you hate him?" he asked her, "Do you want something bad to happen to him?" He could cause something bad to happen, even to an immortal. He also wondered what the consequences would be, if he hurt her. What if he was the next Eros. He had no idea what he was doing. He was probably moving too quick.

Both of them could change their minds in an instant. Both of them could be hurt. He winced, as her hands came up to his cheeks again. He liked the feeling of having her close. He was surprised at her fierceness, and he felt guilty. Was him telling her that nobody could love him, because it was some manipulative mechanism of his that he was subconscious of? He supposed it was impossible to not manipulate and influence someone, but he still felt slightly guilty. He looked nervous, but he felt like he needed to get it out. "I am unloved, and I find it hard to believe that I can be, even though I keep trying. I'm the one who was stuffed away in the underworld, and I am alone."

He cocked his head surprised at her kiss. He wasn't sure if he deserved love and kindness, but he had gotten very little of both. "I haven't had anyone be unkind, but being polite out of fear is neither love nor kindness." He closed his eyes, trying to stop any tears from leaking out, "I so want love, and I feel like that is moving way too fast for us, and now I feel like I'm trying to influence you too soon, and it's not right to pressure you at all about that right now, but you somehow unlocked this really long spiel that I wanted to tell someone." His eyes opened slightly wet, but he was able to blink it back. He heard her small noise of surprise, and he almost stopped right then and there.

He knew he had done something wrong, and now she was doubling his certainess. He was sure she would pull away. He was extremely surprised when she reciprocated. It made him want to go farther. He wanted to communicate his loneliness, but he kept it brief. Their kiss hadn't been all that passionate or great. He was surprised to see her stare blankly at him, the way he had seen a few of the love god's conquests after a particularly good kiss. He imagined that if Eros had played with her, there was no telling how far they had gone. If they became closer, he would have to ask more about it later. He smiled softly in return. He reached out his hand, so he could touch her.

He wasn't sure what to take whether it be arms or hands. He felt a little happiness cling to him for a moment. He didn't want to annoy her with his apologies, but he kept on feeling like he was doing something wrong. It would be hard to stop. "You think so?" he wondered that she thought that about his feelings. Perhaps she thought that because it was a positive feeling. Her kiss on his jaw sent a tingling shockwave through him. Her words brought hope, but he still needed to ask her permission. It seemed so awkward, asking for permission to touch or show any physical intimacy, but he didn't want to overstep some unseen boundary. While he was happy to accept her kisses, something niggled in his mind. Was she right? He had seen the gods of love kiss, and it meant nothing. Why wasn't she being more cautious?

If she was going to put up barriers, this seemed to be an obvious one. He didn't want to take advatange of it, or erect another wall for her. He wanted to love her, he told himself. It was too soon, he believed. He leaned into her touch like a happy little dog. He studied her trying to figure out what she was about. He sat very still, when her lips ran light as a butterfly over his own. His heart was beating faster, and he was excited and hoping. The teasing from earlier was gone in her face, which he found to be a relief in this moment. He wasn't sure if he could handle being teased. He kissed her, when her lips met his.

She had a good deal of power over him already. He was excited to see what she would do. The hand in the hair felt particularly good. "What do you think you are doing Persephone?" his voice had a light happy teasing sound. He was genuinely curious and not about to scold her. He wanted to know exactly what she wanted. He didn't want to bring her mother into the moment, but he felt like she was a valid concern. He didn't want to be ripped a part by a zealous mother. At the same time, he didn't want to be worried about that. He beckoned for her to sit in his lap. Either he needed to stand to join her, or she could sit close to him on his lap. He began to twiddle with her hair. He was considering another kiss, when there was a loud knock at the door. He let out a silent sigh watching Persephone to see what she would do. It was disappointing to get interupted