#he's so husbandly i just don't know how to explain it

[underworldbar]

March bursts into Hades' office without any warning. They're not worried, not after what Persephone had told them, but that doesn't mean that they can't have a little fun with her husband before they warn him that there was a chance of someone other than themselves seeing Persephone's bruises and coming to the wrong conclusions.

Hades looks up from his papers; "March!" he exclaims softly, "It's good to see you. Is -"

"You hurt Persephone."

Hades stops immediately, face going white, eyes wide. "I'm sorry?" he asks, and March can see that he's already trying to think of a way to explain this.

"Saw the bruises. You. Hurt. Persephone." They're trying so hard to keep a straight face, to make Hades squirm for a little, but they know it's only a matter of time before they break.

"Now calm down, March. I didn't hurt her, we just - I get a little overzealous in a certain... husbandly role. She - I - we've found things that we enjoy since we've been married, but it's all completely consensual and I'm not hurting her in any way -"

"Bruises, Hades," March interrupts, fighting the grin that teases the corners of their mouth, "you left bruises."

Hades takes a deep breath, lets out a sigh, runs his hands through his hair; "I don't mean to hurt her," he says, and March wonders if they've gone too far, "my wife likes to know that I'm in control. She likes to feel protected and taken care of, and that applies to... our marital bed as well. Persephone... I don't know how much she's told you? How much she shares? But I want you to know that I love her and I'm not hurting her on purpose. Sometimes we just get carried away and... oh Lord, I don't know how to -"

March can't help it. They let out an involuntary snort of laughter (and wouldn't Persephone have something to say about such an unladylike display) and their grin splits their face.

"You already knew."

March nods; "I already knew. And it's okay. But... I'm not the only one who sees your wife undressed. She has maids, Hades. Maids who might not have her... confidence. Don't want people talking about you two. About her. She means the world to me, Hades. The last thing I want to hear is -"

"- that she's being beaten by her husband," Hades finishes, pausing to light a cigarette. He takes a deep drag, and continues, "That makes sense. I will... endeavour to be more careful with my wife in future." Another pause, and then, "Thank you, March. Your... friendship and dedication to Persephone means a lot. I'm glad she's got you looking out for her."

March's grin softens to a smile; "I love her. Her and you both. And you know how there are... aspects of high society that she still embraces. The staff talking about fingertip bruises on her hips... that won't do, sir. That won't do at all."

They turn towards the door, aiming to leave, but can't resist one final tease. "Hades?" they say, "I'm glad the herbs are working."

They close the office door to block out the sound of Hades choking on his cigarette.