WHO: Persephone and Hades, other people in the house? WHAT: Emerging from hiding WHEN: Wednesday evening WHERE: Hades' house! WARNINGS: None that I know of!
Persephone had been in Hades' home now for twenty-three days. And for twenty-three days, she hadn't left her bedroom. She was well taken care of, and she had everything she could want or need. But she was afraid.
Last winter, she had decided to stay with Hades, unaware of the consequences of her actions. She had become a monster, confined to the Underworld, uncaring and unloving. She had been unrecognisable even to her husband, the King of the Underworld. She was so terrified it would happen again. That, paired with the fear she always felt when she first arrived in Hades' home, kept her separated from her husband and daughters.
When she called for a meal and received a beautiful present from Hades, as well as a note inviting her to dinner, Persephone found she didn't want to refuse. Perhaps it was part fear, but mostly she was tired of living in one room like a prisoner. Being in his presence, albeit slightly separated, always calmed her in the end.
Persephone dressed in red, her new necklace around her neck, and then she timidly poked her head out of her bedroom. "Hello?" she called, wondering if anyone was about. She could send Hades word that she would join him, but she would rather simply do it in person.
He'd kept himself close to Persephone's room in case she would send word. His office was close, and it soothed his worries to keep an eye on her. He didn't like how she locked herself up, but he could only extend offers, not force her.
When he heard her voice he glanced out of the door and smiled at seeing her. His actions had at least gotten a response. He rose and stepped out of the door, far enough so she wouldn't be too intimidated by him. "My Lady." He noted she wore his gift, and he considered it a good sing, so he did not hide his smile.
"You require something?"
Persephone ducked her head, but the moment she looked away from him, she made herself look back. He was smiling and surely that was a sign he would be kind to her.
"My Lord? You...invited me to dinner?"
He could see how unsure she was and kept his distance even though he'd much rather be closer to her. When Cerberus appeared he set his fingers n the dog's head. Cerberus, too, wanted to greet the mistress but Hades knew it would be best to wait.
"I did. I thought it would be pleasant to get out of the house for a while. I hear the lights the mortals put everywhere are nice." There was little reason to have to stay in the Underworld anymore. They were both free to walk around on the realm of mortals. And he did want to show her the sights. he thought she would like them. "I see you like my gift."
Persephone's eyes flicked over to Cerberus and then back up to Hades. The dog unnerved her while at the same time, she felt deep affection for him.
"I did," she said, her fingers going unconsciously to the necklace he had given her. "Thank you." She hesitated and then she said, "I would like to go out." She missed the fresh air.
With a simple gesture he had the dog walk off to find their daughters. He was sure they would both keep him occupied and spoiled.
"A small gesture," with a smile he nodded. "As you desire. Do you have a preference?" This was always awkward at first, so he didn't mind letting her set the paces and rules. He would be happy enough just spending time with her.
Persephone still hung back from him, feeling both nervous and ridiculous. He looked pleased at her acceptance, however, and that small fact made her feel good. "I don't have a preference," she said, not wanting to demand things after hiding away from him for nearly a month. "Just something nice." Then she took a step forward.
While he wanted to bring her close he kept his hands to himself. She needed to cross the bridge, and he'd learned what doing it for her had cost him. "I have heard of a restaurant that changes its theme by the season, if you would like that. I do not go out much so my knowledge on that is limited." There would be no point in denying that. He was hardly good around people. "I can ask though, if you like."
Persephone smiled shyly. "No, that sounds lovely. Do I...am I dressed alright?"
He smiled to her, "As ever, you are gorgeous. But I would recommend a coat." He watched her for a moment before shaking his head, "it is good to have you home. I'll go have them bring around the car."
Persephone felt her cheeks colour as she watched him. Some of her fear dissipated as he called her gorgeous. She began to remember the part of her who loved him.
"I'll get a coat," she said, taking another step towards him. "I...I'm sorry I hid for so long."
He extended his hand, watching her for a moment before going to set his fingers against her cheek. "Don't be, it's quite alright. You need your time." He couldn't blame her for that, not ever. "Are you alright though?" He worried. After what had happened it was hard not to worry. He wanted to make things alright.
"I'm alright," she said softly, closing her eyes a little at his touch. It was strangely cold and yet reassuring at the same time. "I...I'm afraid but I don't want to be any more."
He let his touch linger on her cheek before withdrawing it. He didn't want to push too hard. "I will do what I can, just let me know what it is." He'd give her the world, if he could. "For now, perhaps dinner? It'd please me to just spend time with you."
Her smile was a little less hesitant then. "It would please me too, my lord. Dinner it is." And then, to show a gesture of peace, she held her hand out for him to take.
Smiling he took her hand, motioning to one of the servants to get Persephone a coat. He let his fingers curl around hers as they waited, releasing her only when the coat came.