undercoverclover - Tumblr blog

undercoverclover · 2 years

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Posting these for everyone to read, because they need to be seen. I'm actually working on a big story so it may be a bit...

Stay with me 💛

When death embraced life pt.2. (pt. 1)

Pairing: Hades/Donghun x Persephone

Genre: Greek myth au, romance.

Word count: 4.1K

Warning: none

Summary: He was the ruler of the dead, and she was in charge of living things. He was death, and she was life, and both fell in love with each other.

My retelling of the Greek myth of Hades and Persephone for the second @acewriters event, “Greco Roman Writes”.

Persephone was nervous, but more than anything else, she was happy. Her regular visits to Enna with the nymphs, had given her the perfect excuse to be away from home and her overprotective mother, and of course, to meet Hades again. She used to stay days at Enna's plains, where the fields were evergreen and full of flowers and trees, making flower crowns, bathing in the river and sleeping on the soft grass. It was her perfect escape place.

The next day of the banquet she parted before sun rose, and once in freedom, she and the nymphs did many activities during the day, however, at nightfall, she told them to stay by the water and do as they pleased, for she would like to take a walk under the moonlight. It wasn't a strange thing that the Goddess wandered alone, and nymphs loved bathing in the river, so they agreed and stayed there quite content, singing and splashing water to each other.

She walked towards her favorite spot, a quiet clearing where white lilies grew. It was her favorite flower… the river current could be heard from there and the moon and the stars were perfectly visible in the sky. She stopped there and waited, hoping Hades would find her. Persephone started humming a song just to calm her nerves.

Then, from the shadows emerged a figure and she got scared at first, but then saw the strands of white hair, shining like silver under the moonlight, and she smiled widely. Persephone waited for him to approach, dying on the inside to run to his arms.

He didn't make her wait long, and reached her side quickly, looking down at her. She couldn't help herself and lifted an arm, her hand stopping midway to his cheek, doubting for a moment, but he took her hand and placed it in his face, gently. the Goddess' heart was about to burst when she felt his warm skin, and his long fingers on top of hers. She stepped forward and hugged him, moved by an unknown desire to feel him close, closer than the night before.

Hades was surprised at first, but returned the hug, as if it was only natural to do it with her, he, who had never allowed to be touched by others.

"I was waiting for you…" she whispered, smiling.

"Am I late?" Hades questioned softly.

"No, You're not." She shook her head, looking up at him "I was just impatient to see you again "

He smiled and Persephone swore she fell more in love with him by just seeing his smile.

"Was it too much on my part to ask you for a dance?"

"Of course not." he smiled "I loved dancing with you."

"And to ask you here? We have never met before…"

"If you hadn't been the one asking, I would never have accepted." he confessed quietly and frowning "I still can't figure out why, but I know I can't refuse anything to you."

She smiled happily and tightened her embrace, burying her face in his chest and feeling his strong hands on her back. He lifted her head with one hand under her chin, and noticed the tiny flowers and ribbons on her braided hair.

"It matches..." he said. She lifted an eyebrow and he chuckled "the ribbons in your hair; white and red, like your clothes and mine." Hades explained.

She broke the hug and looked at him; it was true, his chiton was a deep red like wine and her dress white. She laughed softly at the discovery and handed out her arms.

"There's no music, but will you dance with me again?"

He widened his smile and reached out to her, taking her hands in his, dancing to an imaginary music inside their heads.

It was their first secret meeting, but not the last. They kept seeing each other once a week, sometimes two, and always in the same spot. Every time the longing for each other grew as did their feelings as they got to know each other better. Persephone loved hearing him talk about his duties and his realm and the way he managed such an arduous task. To her, he was smart, kind, compassionate and strong. But also lonely and misunderstood. Almost everyone feared or avoided him, mostly because of how Zeus made him look.

They were all wrong.

Hades was nothing like everyone thought. He was like the moon in the dark sky; bright and beautiful, but without a companion. She wanted to be like the stars for him.

To him, Persephone was like a deep breath of fresh air. He felt alive and happy. He often realized his face hurt because he had been laughing too much, or that he longed for her warm touch and her small and random sweet words of praise. She was able to make a withered flower to be fresh and soft again, turn a dry tree green and also to make his heart beat fast and to be at ease at the same time. She didn't judge or fear him, she just… saw him as he was.

He loved her, and when she kissed him that night, he knew she loved him too.

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

"Where were you?"

Persephone jumped on her place and stopped her tracks, getting startled at the voice behind her. She had just said goodbye to Hades at their secret place, and she was walking back to the river shore, where she slept with the nymphs. She turned around and sighed, seeing Hermes approaching.

"Don't scare me like that." she told him sternly.

"You didn't answer my question." he insisted, already in front of her.

"I was walking."

"Alone?"

"What is this? An interrogation? Yes, I was walking alone, like I always do at night here in Enna."

"You've been walking for a long time lately." he replied, a strange tone in his voice.

The goddess frowned and tried to decipher the meaning behind his words and the odd shine in the messenger's eyes. He looked at her seemingly in calm, but his eyes… It was as if he wanted to start a war. She didn't like his stare. Persephone swallowed and turned around.

"I have already told you my affairs are none of your business."

Hermes stood in his spot, looking at the back of the goddess as she walked away from him. He knew where she had been earlier that night, and all the other nights she had gone to Enna. He saw her and he saw Hades with her.

And he wouldn’t stay idle knowing that information.

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Meeting Persephone in secret at the plains, became a habit to Hades, a ritual, one he enjoyed beyond anything he had ever experienced, for the more he got to know her, the more he felt in love. And he was sure that love was pure and made from his own feelings and the thread of the fates, for nothing, not even Gods' lifes, escaped their work. It was different from the love that surged because of Aphrodite's doing, and he was happier because of that.

But still, being in love with someone so opposite in role and power to him, didn't stop him to carry on his duty as King of the Underworld, and also, to fulfill his brother's request; Hades kept his word and didn't meddle with Leto's life and ordered Thanatos to not collect her soul or her children's. Hera was furious when she found out about the twins' birth, but couldn’t do much as it was Zeus' purpose to keep their new children safe, and so the Queen of Gods had to face another disappointment from her husband.

After taking care of that, the God went to Enna again and smiled, seeing Persehone was already waiting for him in the middle of the lilies, making a crown with them. She got up as soon as he approached and held her tightly against him before kissing her lips.

“Sit with me.”

He did as she asked, and the Goddess placed the flower crown in his head. He raised an eyebrow and she laughed at his unintentionaly adorable expression. The white lilies matched perfectly with his silver hair

“It looks good on you. Instead of a gold crown, you should wear this. it’s lighter.” she laughed.

But he didn’t smile. He took the crown from his head and looked down at it; he rarely ever used his crown of gold, but he thought he could use that one made of white lilies on him forever, life adorning the head of death. She saw his smile falter and caressed his cheek with her thumb.

“I wasn’t serious. You don’t have to be that sad, I won’t change your crown of gold for a flower-made one.” she joked.

“It’s not that…”

“Then, what is it? Why the face?”

“I want to use this crown, but a thought came to me” he confessed, and noticing her confusion, Hades continued “I would use it, but… my crown wouldn't have a companion. The flowers will eventually wither if I keep it…"

Persephone’s heart ached at his words, thinking he wanted someone to share a throne and end his long life of loneliness, even when he had told her he wasn’t really alone in the underworld. But the company of souls, portents and minor Gods are not the same as the company of a lover, she thought.

“I know I am no suitable match for you, and maybe this is my egoistic wish… but for a little longer, please… stay with me, stay unwed.” she pleaded, her voice coming out more scared than she intended.

“What are you saying?” Hades smiled, taking her in his arms “I am not talking about wanting to marry someone else…”

“But you said-"

"I said my crown wouldn't have a pair and the flowers would wither… because you wouldn't be there with me."

The Goddess gaped a little and widened her eyes at his words. She was certain she loved him, but she wasn't sure he loved her back in the same way. Persephone felt tears forming in her eyes, and a mix of excitement and bitterness spread in her chest; she wanted to be with him, forever in that age and all others to come. She took his hand with hers and his face with the other, gently touching his cheek while looking into his dark eyes.

"Do you love me?"

"I do." he responded immediately.

"Then, be mine and I'll be yours."

"I would have made you my Queen the instant I saw you…' he confessed, and stopped, sighing.

"But?" She asked, dropping her hand, and feeling her heart did the same.

"Your mother will never allow it."

"I am her daughter, not her servant. And I'm grown and a Goddess as well. It is my choice who I love and who I will marry."

"Are you willing to defy her then?" he questioned “she would never approve.”

“I-”

“You’re right, Hades; I will never approve it.”

The voice came from behind them, and turning around quickly, Hades and Persephone saw Demether standing a few meters away, her face frowning and her tall figure menacing. The goddess of spring stood up first and took a few steps closer to her mother, who approached too.

“So this is where you've been hiding…” she said, glaring at her daughter “and this is why your escapades to Enna had been more frequent.”

She looked at Hades, who had stood up as well, and was now behind Persephone, his face calm and emotionless, as always.

“Leave my daughter alone, Hades. She is not a toy to play with. And you-” Demether spoke to Persephone “you’re coming with me, now.”

“No.”

For the very first time in her life, Persephone defied and disobeyed her mother. Demether frowned deeply and reached out and grabbed her daughter’s arm, trying to drag her back with her, but she resisted and right at that moment, Persephone made a decision; she would stay by Hades’s side, because she couldn’t think of an endless life without him. Shaking off her mother’s grasp, she clinged back to the God.

In that very instant, the grass, and the flowers and the trees dried and withered, transforming the clear into a deserted dark area; they were slowly dying. Demether noticed and looked around, terrified at the sight.

“Take me with you. To the Underworld.” Persephone said to Hades, staring into his eyes.

“What? What are you saying Persephone?”

“You can’t go there!” yelled Demether “release him, everything is dying, it's because of him!”

“No mother, you’re wrong… I’m letting it all die.”

“What…?”

The goddess of harvest couldn’t believe her daughter, that she, the deity in charge of green and life, was killing it all on purpose.

“Persephone…” began Hades, but she stopped him, placing her finger on his lips.

“Your pegasus, call it. Let’s run away.”

He wanted to protest, to reason with her and prevent any incident that could lead to irreversible consequences… but at the same time, he wanted to run away, to have her for himself and love her for all eternity. Hades made a choice too, and smiling to her, he looked at Demether, who seemed both enraged and shocked, then he whistled and from the sky descended a black pegasus, darker than the night sky and magnificent.

“Don’t you dare!” yelled Demether, trying to stop her daughter.

Persephone mounted the winged horse and looked at her, moving her hand and making the vines grow again to block her way.

“You can’t stop me mother, and if you insist, I will continue to kill every plant, every flower and every harvest on earth until the last man perishes… it’s your decision.”

Hades mounted right behind her and took the reins of the pegasus, and before Demether could say another word, he ordered the beast to take off, disappearing into the sky in a few seconds.

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

“It may not be beautiful or pleasant, but this is my domain. You’ll be safe here, I promise.”

Persephone nodded and looked around the room; it wasn’t dark or gloomy, but filled with red and gold and blue and was warm. Hades took her hand and smiled, the Goddess smiled back, admiring his beautiful features that seemed to light up with that small curve on his lips.

“Do you regret it? Coming with me?”

“No.” she answered immediately “I would have regretted leaving with my mother and not being by your side.”

Hades widened the smile and leaned down to kiss her. It was a short but sweet kiss, but it conveyed his happiness to have her by his side. They didn’t say anything else and stayed in each others’ company that night, for they needed no words to understand the other’s mind.

Surprisingly, it took a long time, almost three months, for the Messenger of Gods to arrive at the Underworld's gates, carrying the words of both Zeus and Demether, demanding “Persephone’s release”. The Goddess raged at seeing Hermes and hearing the words from Olympus; they spoke as if she had been captured and was a prisoner. Hermes conveyed the message to the King of the Underworld, not daring to look into his eyes once, but after finishing speaking, he did look at Persephone.

“Come back to the surface, Kore. This is not your place.”

“Don’t call me that.” she snapped at him “this isn’t your place either. Leave, and tell my mother I won’t change my mind.”

“And what about the mortals?” he questioned between gritted teeth “are you going to let them all die because of your lover?”

“If anyone insists I should go back, then I have no choice but to continue this.” she said, unmoved.

“Don’t you understand? Everyone is dying!”

The King of the Underworld was more than aware of that. Not only because he witnessed Persephone’s doing that night, but because the coming of souls to his realm had dramatically increased in the last months, since Persephone’s will to wither everything, plus her absence, prevailed on the surface; she knew her actions were considered horrific, and she didn’t want to hurt anyone… but he also knew, she wouldn’t comeback willingly.

“I should have told your mother sooner who you were meeting in Enna at nightfall… then this wouldn't have happened.”

She widened her eyes, closed the gap between the messenger and her in a few steps, lifted her arm and slapped Hermes, the sound of her hit echoing in the great hall. She was furious. The winged God touched his cheek and then returned his gaze towards her, astonished at her action and force.

“You knew?! And still betrayed me?! You bastard!”

“Yes! I knew!” he replied bitterly.

“And why didn’t you talk to me first?”

“Because I love you, Kore! And I don’t want you to be someone else’s!”

Something dark awakened her at that moment. She clenched her jaw and took a step forward, making Hermes take one back, as if afraid of her. The light provided by the torches on the walls dimmed and, around her body concentrated a dark aura, as if she was destroying light with her own darkness, a darkness she didn’t know she possessed.

“You claim to love me, but you love no one but yourself, as you couldn’t accept my happiness at another’s side; at Hades’ side. Begone of my presence!”

“Persephone, calm down.” Hades called for her, standing up from his throne.

He stood behind her and placed his hand on her shoulders, feeling her relax under his touch. The darkness disappeared and the light turned intense again. She released a sigh and took her beloved’s right hand with hers, her eyes piercing Hermes' soul.

“You heard her. “ spoke Hades, calm but cold “go and deliver her message to Olympus. She is not my prisoner and she can leave whenever she wants to, but as long as she decides to stay, I will not part her from my side. Also… tell Zeus if he wants her back up there, he will have to come take her himself.”

Hades' eyes grew darker than they already were and his voice didn’t leave room for refusal. Hermes fled. Only when the messenger was gone, Hades sighed and focused on his companion, noticing she was trembling and her grip had turned rigid on top of his hand. He unclenched the fingers and pulled her close, closer than she already was.

“What are we going to do?" asked Persephone, on the brink of tears.

Hades tried to think of a solution that didn't lead to a war. He caressed Persephone's hair and held her tight against him, to let her know he wasn't going anywhere. She grabbed the edge of his tunic and hid her face in his neck, trying her best not to cry.

"I don't want to go… I don't want to leave you. They can’t force me, they can’t" She murmured on his skin, more to herself than to him.

“What about your duties?” Hades said, forcing her to meet his eyes “the harvests are dying and the cold weather has gotten worse… mortals will perish entirely if they don't have anything to eat." Hades tried to reason with her.

“I don't want them all to die, it wasn’t my intention!” she cried “but my mother wants to separate us. I won’t let her! I love you!”

“And I love you, Persephone…” the King whispered, conflicted.

The God was aware it was a painful situation for her. But he had to be reasonable, he couldn’t let all humans die and their souls fill the entire Styx river.

“But… you should return and make it right.”

“What?!” she broke apart from him, her eyes already shiny with tears “No! I don’t want to! I won’t go, they’ll never let me see you again!”

“Please, calm down.” he asked softly, taking her into his arms again “I’m not saying you should go forever, just for a little while and fix this mess.”

“But-!”

“Do you trust me?”

She nodded fervently and he smiled.

“Don’t worry, I have a plan.”

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

When Zeus himself descended to earth, he was accompanied by a distressed Demether, who wanted her daughter back. The King of Olympus demanded his brother to meet him at one of the Underworld entrances and bring Persephone with him, so they could reach an agreement.

Hades kept his word and showed up at the grotto entrance, Persephone right behind him. Demether was about to sprint forward to her, but Zeus stopped her.

“It’s been long since Persephone was abducted. Knowing the precarious situation of the world, will you still refuse to let her free?” spoke Zeus, trying to sound diplomatic.

Hades thought he sounded as idiotic as ever.

“I have already said to the messenger that she’s never been a prisoner.”

“Are you saying she came willingly? please brother, she’s young and naive, clearly she has infatuated with you, but her little caprice have come too far. Let her save the harvest and forests.”

The King of the Underworld felt his loved one's hands gripping his cloak, anger running through her veins, but she stayed silent.

“If she decides to return I will not oppose, however, if she’s forced, be aware I’ll start a war to get her back.”

“No need to be that serious, Hades!” laughed Zeus “I won’t forbid you two to meet again.”

“I have agreed to let you see her again. Only once though.” intervened Demether.

“I’m afraid that’s not enough, as I love her and I have already named her my Queen.” the white haired God confessed, grinning.

Demether was enraged and Zeus frowned, but remained calmed.

“Then, what are your conditions, brother?”

“You said you would grant me anything I wish.” reminded Hades to his brother.

Zeus pursed his lips. He indeed remembered the promise he made in exchange to keep his mistress and the twin gods safe. Demether looked at him as if she wanted to murder Zeus, more than Hades.

“This is a different matter.”

“It’s not. I demand you to fulfill your word and bless our marriage. Only then, I will convince Persephone to be on the surface and solve the famine problem.”

The ruler of Olympus huffed and his lips formed a one sided smile; Hades has always been the smartest and wittiest among their kind. To him, the worship of humans was far more valuable than being on good terms with Demether, so he sighed and nodded, ignoring the Goddess' complaints. He blessed Hades and Persephone’s marriage and promised to celebrate a great party when a date was set, after she fixed the harvest issues.

Hades turned to Persephone and she smiled. He rested his forehead on hers and both breathed deep, already feeling the bitterness of separation. Hades was certain she would return to his side, so he kissed her one last time and led her outside the cave until they were in front of the other two deities. As soon as she was outside, the arid ground was covered in thick green grass and the nearest trees’ branches filled with leaves and flowers.

“I know you care for me, mother, but I want you to understand this is my choice.”

“You don’t know what you are talking about. This isn’t love.”

“I knew you would say something like that.” Persephone smiled bitterly and extended her fisted left hand to the front “so I prepared this to make you understand: my fate is not yours, but mine.”

She opened her fist and on her palm there were six pomegranate grains. The Underworld fruit. Persephone saw her mother’s lips open and she gave a step forward, but she was faster and taking the grains to her mouth, she swallowed them and thus her soul was attached to the Underworld and her fate to Hades. Forever.

Hades smiled, knowing her plan all along, relieved on the inside to know she would at least be with him for two seasons, while she took care of the sows and harvests the other two.

“I’ll come back. Wait for me.” she asked, a sad smile on her face.

“I will always wait for you.” Hades answered, smiling back.

Hades kissed her again, always hungry for her lips, and then he bid her farewell, his heart aching to let go of her hand, just like her heart ached and her eyes teared up.

And so they parted ways, promising to return to each other’s embrace in due time. But they knew it would be only a matter of time to reunite again. He would always wait for her, and she would always return to his side.

#my best friend #my other lovely

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undercoverclover · 2 years

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When death embraced life pt.1

Pairing: Hades/Donghun x Persephone

Genre: Greek myth au, romance.

Word count: 3K

Warning: none

Summary: He was the ruler of the dead, and she was in charge of living things. He was death, and she was life, and both fell in love with each other.

My retelling of the Greek myth of Hades and Persephone for the second @acewriters event, "Greco Roman Writes".

Persephone turned around, startled, and found the messenger of Gods standing next to her terrace door. She put one hand on her chest due the initial scare and then smiled, sighing in relief to see it was her friend.

"You look beautiful."

"You look quite decent yourself today too, Hermes." she said jokingly.

The God laughed, fully aware his attire was not the best for a party at Olympus, but still acceptable enough, considering he didn't like long and heavy robes to wear. If anything, he loved gold jewelry to adorn his skin.

"Does that mean I can be your dance partner tonight?" he asked, approaching the goddess who was looking at her reflection on the polished mirror in her room.

“I would love that.” she smiled again and kept looking at her dress.

Persephone wasn’t sure if it was the right thing to wear at her first event at Olympus. The long dark green peplum had a graceful fall on the skirt, where tiny beads were attached to the vaporous fabric. A long embroidered veil covered the back of her head and shoulders, which were uncovered since the dress was sleeveless. Persephone felt weird seeing herself wearing such an elegant garment.

“Come on, I told you, you look beautiful.” Hermes insisted and grabbed her shoulders, joining the reflection on the mirror “besides, it’s just a party, what can possibly be different tonight? All parties are the same.”

And Hermes… he was good to her, but she didn’t love him the way he loved her. She knew she couldn’t marry him, not then nor in the future. She would have to wait to find a suitable partner, someone she loved, if that someone was ever meant to love her back or to be born.

“It’s my first time going to Olympus, it has to be different from the festivals here.” she chuckled "also, I don’t want to embarass my mother.”

“You can’t embarrass her even if you wanted to! you’re her everything… and mine too.” he confessed boldly.

Persephone lifted her eyebrows and blushed, turning around to face the God. Hermes was handsome, and always had something fun to say or do whenever he visited her, but…

“Hermes… you know I like you too, I just…”

“You don’t have to give me an answer right now, Persephone.” he said, smiling “I’ll wait, and when you’re ready, I will ask your mother to let me marry you.”

She frowned slightly, and was about to say something, but he didn’t give her time as he leaned down to kiss her forehead. Then he made a graceful reverence to her, showing a bright smile when he straightened, and finally turned on his heels and walked out to the terrace, taking off to the sky with his winged sandals.

She stayed in the same spot for a couple of minutes, thinking of Hermes’ words. She was a mature goddess, though still unwed and living with her mother, who had insisted she should remain at her side till the day she found a good husband. Persephone doubted her mother would ever see anyone suitable for her, even less to allow her to love anyone and eventually leave. As much as she loved Demeter, Persephone was not indifferent to her mother's excessive care… she was suffocating.

Her chamber’s door opened, revealing one of the nymphs who served her and Demeter.

“My lady, it’s time.” announced the nymph “your mother is waiting for you.”

The barely dissimulated whisper did not pass unnoticed by the God of Death. He wasn’t surprised, it was common that the other Gods said such things whenever he made an appearance in any of the festivities or gatherings made by his younger brother, who happened to be the ruler among the immortals, which meant he couldn’t refuse forever to attend. It had been almost a century since the last time he set foot on Olympus, and Zeus wasn’t going to be

Persephone sighed to relieve some tension and then smiled, walking towards the door. Only for that night she wasn’t going to worry about her mother’s restrictions, or Hermes words, or anything, no, she was going to enjoy the celebration, and tomorrow she could go back to her usual life. Nothing would change.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

“I can’t believe he’s actually here…”

"Because you're the most suited to do the job. Imagine the chaos if Poseidon was King of the Underworld instead of you." tried to reason Zeus, smiling.

so forgiving this time. So there he was, walking through the great hall, looking regal with his head of white long hair crowned in golden laurels, clad in a magnificent black chiton of edges embroidered in gold and shod in a pair of fine leather sandals.

He walked straight, lifting his chin while doing it, not sparing a glance to the others on his way to the throne. His face of perfect-shaped features and lightly tanned skin were in balance with his lean but muscular body, his dark round eyes seemed to shine and penetrate to the deepest of anyone’s soul, which was part of the reason some of the olympians feared him. But despite their fear, no one could deny Hades was beautiful and powerful.

He stopped in front of the King of the Gods and made a slight reverence, out of protocol than of loyalty, towards his younger brother and to his wife Hera.

“Brother! I see you decided to come, after all.” greeted Zeus, smiling at him from his golden throne.

“I wasn’t given a chance to refuse, if I recall correctly.” retorted Hades.

“Because I knew you wouldn’t come, haven't I insisted.”

"Yes, you were very… persuasive." Hades said, resisting the urge to roll his eyes.

Zeus laughed and stood up from his throne, giving Hades a strong pat on the back.

"Walk with me, I'm starting to get bored of the music." Zeus said, heading towards one of the terraces "How's the underworld doing?"

Hades rolled his eyes for real this time. Is he seriously asking me this? He thought while reaching one of the fountains outside.

"Same as always brother: full of deads" he responded sarcastically.

"You need to relax, that job is stressful."

"A job you happily entrusted to me." the eldest reminded him.

"True, true, how could you know of her if you spend so much time underground? Anyway, she's about to give birth to my offspring, and Hera is not happy about it."

"You flatter me…" said again with sarcasm the dark King "and in any case, I like what I do."

And it was the truth. The God of Death was quite content to carry on his duty as King of the Underworld. It was a lonely and difficult job, a job that his brother assigned him without asking, because “he was lonely and gloomy anyway, and someone had to keep the dead”... asshole.

Hades was the eldest, and hadn’t been because their mother protected the youngest, he would have been the King of the Gods by birth right, hadn't Chronos gone insane… but that was another story and kingship was something he didn’t desire either. No, Hades wasn’t like his cocky younger brother; he wanted to live in peace and keep doing his part as one of the regents of the world, because, even when humans feared him, the truth was, the King of the Underworld, was one of the most compassionate and smart deities from the Olympian kind.

He was just fine like that, away from everyone and distractions.

"Good, good. See? I knew you were the perfect King of the dead." continued Zeus.

"I don't believe you called me here just to flatter my remarkable job, am I wrong? What do you want, Zeus?"

The God of thunders smirked and approached the edge of the terrace and looked down at the earth.

"Straight to the point. As always. I like that about you brother." said Zeus, pleased "I need you to keep away the terrible death from one I love."

"You mean one of your lovers?"

"She is my beautiful Leto, have I talked to you about her?"

'I don't keep a record of your endless list of mistresses, brother." Hades rolled his eyes again.

"I wonder why…"

"I know my vengeful wife will try to kill her, and my children; that's why I'm asking you: Keep death away from her and I shall reward you greatly."

Not waiting for an answer, Zeus patted Hades' back and went back to the party hall, where the music had changed and now could be heard a merry tune. The King of the Underworld sighed and went back inside as well, deciding to have at least one cup of mead or wine and then leave so his brother wouldn't have a reason to complain.

"I don't want your rewards. I want you to leave me alone."

"You hurt me, brother." Zeus faked offense "do it for me, and I'll keep my word to you. I'll grant you whatever you want."

Hades took her hand and brought it to his lips, placing a soft kiss on her knuckles.

Inside, most of the Gods were dancing, including Zeus and Hera, who had a smile on her face. Hades pitied the Goddess sometimes… being married seemed to be a curse instead of a blessing, especially if your husband was Zeus.

"A drink, my Lord?" asked one of the cupbearers.

"Wine."

The cupbearer handed him a silver goblet filled with dark wine. Hades tasted it and he found it to be sweat and light.

Then he saw her and the world stopped.

Dancing among the crowd was one Goddess he had never seen before, lovely and beautiful at the same time, her smile could light up the sky alone and her round cheeks had a slight blush, probably from dance and drink. She was energetic and had an innocent aura around her, but also a deepness in her eyes. She was…

She was life.

Hades didn't notice he was staring at her, bewitched by her loveliness, until she crossed eyes with him, and the world stopped a second time, for she widened her eyes and gaped slightly. Even when her dance movements didn't stop, it seemed as if her mind had done so, her eyes never leaving him.

The music ended and everyone laughed and refilled their goblets with mead or wine, scattering through the large hall. Voices and laughter could be heard, but to Hades, no sound registered in his head. The Goddess was speaking to her previous dance partner, whom Hades recognized as the messenger of Olympus, and then left his side, approaching slowly to him.

She stopped right in front of him, but didn't say a word, only stared at him, a smile on her face and nothing but merriness in her eyes, as if she had found a treasure which was secret to the rest of the world. Hades didn't break eye contact, looking down at her, surprised by her boldness and… curiosity? Was that in her eyes? Didn't she know who he was? Didn't she fear him?

Another song started, this time by the Muse Euterpe, whose skill playing the flute was unrivalled. Her sister, Terpsichore, stepped in front of her and started dancing to the tune, slowly and gracefully, inspiring others to dance with her.

"Will you dance with me?" the Goddess asked, not shy at all.

Hades was surprised by her request, but recovered quickly from his shock and smiled. He gave his goblet back to one of the cupbearers and lifted his arm and she beamed, placing her hand on his, and then they both walked towards the dance floor, at the center, where no others had dared to step to join Terpsichore yet.

The other Gods made way for them, gasping and whispering as soon as they saw the couple reach the center, where the Muse smiled and retreated, so everyone could focus on them. Hades faced her and she smiled, taking his hand. The song changed its rhythm, turning into a rapid and merry song, where the movements had to be fast but precise.

The King of the Underworld had never danced with her before, but from the beginning their movements were perfectly in sync, their pace fast and sharp, but elegant. All the presents' murmurs disappeared, the music, the palace; to them, whose eyes were locked into each other's, only the presence of their partner existed. And that was enough.

There they were, dancing together for the first time, life and death, perfect for one another, though incomprehensible for the others, who kept watching the pair in silence. And they both knew, deep inside, that something had changed in them and that for some reason, existing without being together had no meaning. No words were said, but they knew it.

The music died and their senses woke up from the slumber they had got into. Hades came to a halt and so did she. They stayed there, unmoving, their fingers entwined from the last dance movement, but no desire to let go yet.

"What's your name?" he asked in a whisper.

"Persephone." She replied, smiling.

"Persephone…" Hades repeated, and smiled too.

His heart beat faster for a moment, loving the sweet but firm tone of her voice.

"Persephone!" Another voice interrupted.

Their own private bubble popped and then they were aware of the presence of others. Persephone looked at her right, finding her mother, frowning and approaching fast towards them. Demeter looked serious at her and the young Goddess let go of Hades hand, missing instantly his warmth.

"Demeter." he said, giving a small bow with his head.

"Hades." Demeter greeted back, though less politely "I appreciate the courtesy you had to dance with my daughter, though she is not the most skilled dancer." she said, rather stiffly.

"She is very skilled." Hades said, looking back at Persephone.

"I thank you again, now, if you excuse us." Demeter announced, pulling her daughter to follow her.

"It was an honor, Lord Hades." Persephone smiled.

"It was all mine."

She bowed and then walked alongside her mother. Music restarted and everyone went to the center, reluctantly at first after witnessing such a scene, but as soon as the gods started dancing, the previous event was forgotten.

Hades abandoned the dance floor and headed to the exit of the palace, deciding it was time to go back to his realm.

His carriage, drawn by two black pegasus, was waiting for him but before he mounted, heard hurried steps approaching.

"Wait! Lord Hades!"

It was Persephone.

"I see you escaped your mother's side."

"She'll survive." the goddess assured, frowning at first, but then smiling "I wondered if you…"

"If I…?"

"Would you like to meet again?"

Hades loved her blunt personality. She seemed to say whatever was on her mind to him. He thought about the proposal; he would love to see her again, in a different place, away from all the stares.

"When? Where?"

"Tomorrow night. At Enna's plains."

For the first time, he saw a shy blush appear on her cheeks and he felt his heart beat fast again.

It was Hades fault…

"I'll be there."

"Till tomorrow night then."

He let go of her hand, unaware of the emptiness she felt by just being released from his gentle touch. She stood there, seeing him get into his carriage, the pair of dark pegasus taking off a second later, flying swiftly through the sky.

Persephone smiled and looked at the sky for a moment, sighing and feeling irremediable in love. She couldn't explain it and thought it was probably a caprice of hers, but… from the moment she laid eyes on him, she thought he was the most ethereal being among immortals in her eyes. The Goddess of spring was certain, Moiras had knitted her fate together to his.

"Do you know how desperate and pathetic you just looked?"

"I thought Demeter was my mother, not you, Hermes." Persephone rolled her eyes, turning around "I have enough with her watching over my every step, for you to join the vigilance."

The Messenger of Gods was behind her, his handsome face tight in anger. The Goddess of spring started walking back to the palace, not in the mood to deal with his childish accusations, but Hermes grabbed her right arm, stopping her.

"Let go." she ordered.

"You don't know what you're getting into, Kore." he warned seriously "Hades is not to be trusted. You should not get involved with him."

"And who are you to decide that? It is my choice and my choice only, to get involved with whoever I want to."

"Your mother told you, she doesn't trust Hades either." Hermes insisted, getting impatient.

"I'm not my mother!" she exclaimed, shaking off his grip "also, I am not a child. Keep that in mind before you decide to meddle in my affairs."

"Your affairs concern me too."

"No, you're wrong there. We're friends Hermes, not lovers." Persephone stated firmly, looking into his eyes "know your place and stay there."

Without another word, she kept walking, not looking back once. Hermes froze where he was standing, his hand that was holding her arm, suddenly closing in a tight fist. He clenched his jaw and trembled, feeling furious. She had never been cold towards him, Persephone had always been nothing but good and sweet to him.

He would make the Underworld's ruler pay somehow. Yes, Hermes had to make him pay for stealing Persephone's love from him.

Leto is the mother of twin Gods Artemis and Apollo

Notes (in case you didn't know):

Enna was the region where it's said the rapture of Persephone occurred while she was picking up flowers with her nymphs.

Kore is also a name of Persephone, it means "the maiden".

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undercoverclover · 2 years

Text

Too Hot (Byeongkwan)

Title: Too Hot

Pairing: Byeongkwan x Reader

Genre: Spice

Word Count: 735 Words

Writer: Whattodowithkpop [Lio]

Summary: She proposes a game of 'Too Hot' to Byeongkwan. A game they are both confident in winning, however there can only be one victor.

*****

It was a late stormy night that looked over the city of Seoul. Everyone was settled in their homes on this dreary weekend, enjoying the company of their families.

Byeongkwan and I were ready to start our two weeks of his free schedule. He didn’t have a lot of time off, so these two weeks were very exciting for us. We planned to do everything we've always wanted to do as a couple.

For the most part we worked out together, our bodies getting plenty of exercise from the amount of time we were spending on them. We went out for runs and spent nights out enjoying the night life Korea had to offer. We met up with the other members for lunch and dinner on occasion.

We were home one night, exhausted from all our previous nights of staying out late catching up with us. We decided to stay in this night and relax, Byeongkwan teaching me some easy dance moves that weren't too strenuous. During one of our rest periods I turned to Byeongkwan with a mischievous smile.

"Do you know the game 'Too Hot'?"

He looks over to me, his eyebrows furrowed in confusion. Taking his facial expression as a 'no', I sit up, sitting directly in front of him.

"All you have to do, is not touch me." I explain to him. "And I can't touch you either."

His smile matches my mischievousness as he scoots closer to me so our knees were touching. "Just my hands can't touch you right?"

I nod in answer. He leans forward, his lips nearing mine as his smile never leaves. I place my hands on the floor, pushing my body forward to meet him halfway. Our lips meet in a slow kiss, our lips only meshing together but not moving.

He makes the first move as his lips encase mine, making me do the same. His tongue peaks out to mingle with mine, his breath coming from his nose and fanning over my face, forcing me to resist the urge to pull his head closer to me. He pulls away, licking my lips over as he does, his smile now a smirk as his lips meet my jaw. His small kisses go across my jaw, leaving a small bite under my ear as his lips travel further down. My breath hitches as Byeongkwan sucks the skin of my neck, sucking for only a second before traveling down to continue his mensurations. He reaches my collarbone, biting the skin there as his hot breath heats my skin.

I whimper when he speaks, his voice much deeper causing my brain to go fuzzy. "This game feels too easy."

"You can't undress me." I tell him, knowing he was going to try and attack my chest knowing it was a weak spot.

"Baby, you can't change the rules halfway through." He chuckles, his laugh a deep laugh as he looks up at me from where his attack on my collarbones stopped.

His voiced dropped into a low whisper. "You just said I couldn't use hands."

With the words left in the air, he grabs the button on my shirt with his teeth, maintaining eye contact as he pulls the button from the hole in the fabric, exposing more of my chest. I gasp, his intense gaze seeming to dance with fire as his breath fanned over my chest. His teeth grab the second button, unbuttoning it faster than the first before he licks from my chest back up to where he left off at my collarbones. His kisses and sucks continue down my chest until his lips meet the top of my bra line.

"Byeongkwan, please." I beg breathlessly as my breathing becomes labored.

"It's important to me..." He trails off as his lips drag across my skin from my chest to my mouth where he leaves a passionate kiss. He pulls away only enough to speak, his lips brushing mine at certain words. "That you admit you lost."

I groan in frustration, my desire to win faltering at his words. "Will you touch me?"

"As much as you want, Baby." He smirks as he pecks my lips.

I react immediately, reaching my hands for the back of his head to force his lips onto mine. Byeongkwan smirks into the kiss, reaching his hands to pull me into his lap by my thighs, effectively declaring my loss in the game.

A.C.E MASTERLIST

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undercoverclover · 2 years

Text

-Karaoke Knight-

Title: Karaoke Knight

Warnings? None

Genre: Fluffy

The first time I saw him was a few months ago. I was sitting there, listening to the first person sing like no tomorrow and unable to carry a tune. I think I lost brain cells…

Keep reading

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undercoverclover · 2 years

Note

[{𝘉𝘦𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘗𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘈𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥}] ♡✧⁽ •⌄• ⁾ 𝘖𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥, 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘣𝘰𝘹 𝘰𝘧 8 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘦 𝘪𝘵 ~~ 𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘬 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘪𝘯, 𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘯 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘵’𝘴 𝘯𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘰𝘶𝘵 ♡𝘰。.✿ฺ

🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺 I love you so much my lovely. This made my night! 💜💜

#thank you #my lovely #lio

0 notes

undercoverclover · 2 years

Text

Title: One Last Dance

Paring: Jun as Captain America x Reader as Peggy Carter

Genre: Slight Angst

Word Count: 2113

Writer: Whattodowithkpop [Lio]

Summary: What happens when Steve goes back in time to finally be with Peggy in this alternate time line?

A/N- This is part of the 'Assemble' writing project put together by @daybreakx. Go give the other fanfics in this project some reads as well, a lot of talented people participated!

*****

It had been a couple years since everything that happened in L.A with the dark matter and the rift generator. I had stayed in L.A for a year, more high profile cases that needed my help, although many speculated I stayed only for Sousa, which I enjoyed his company, but I wouldn't stay somewhere I couldn't be helpful. Sousa and I served each other's fancy for awhile, but even though Chief Sousa was a good man and protected others, he reminded me of Jun in a lot of ways and it was hard to think about all those memories so soon after losing Jun.

My heart wasn't ready to love again so soon and it would never love in the capacity that it loved Jun. When he was lost a piece of my heart was lost with him. I was too hasty trying to fill that hole that can't be refilled. Sousa and I only saw each other for a few months, deciding it was best to keep it professional. After I finished the case of Jack's attempted murder, Jack and I went back to New York, the place I belonged. New York was where I belonged and I couldn't part with it for long, so it was only a matter of time before I came back. And in my heart, I knew if Jun came back, he would look for me there, not in L.A.

Now it was September 1949. The air was crisp with a cool breeze as the bronze and gold leaves flew with the wind, the trees no longer able to hold onto their leaf extremities, letting them be taken by the breeze and watching them float further away from them. The weather was beautiful so I tidied with my door open, my screen door letting air in through the small holes and into my house, giving it a fresh smell. I dusted and put things away, taking the chance while I had a day off to get everything organized at home. I knew once I finished I could go out on the town and enjoy the night without worries of trying to stay incognito.

It didn't take long for me to finish tidying up, putting the duster away as I heave out a sigh of content, seeing how clean everything was. I walk over to my radio, turning it on to let soft melodies play as I enjoy the moment I was in. I was shocked, though, when I heard a knock on my door, making me turn around to face the who waited at the door. I was prepared for an altercation if it was needed, but I wasn't ready for what I turned around to.

There he stood, his brown hair was falling over his lashes as his Captain America suit hugged his form, however it was an upgraded version from the one in 1945. He looked healthy, his shoulder wide and his body fit like it had been that year. I felt I was hallucinating, watching him smile at me like he used to back then. My eyes filled with tears as I tried to hold them back.

"Jun?" I ask, my voice weak from the shock my body felt at seeing him.

"Hey Peggy." His voice was soft, his eyes filled with tears as he stepped into the house, walking up to me.

I froze, tensing, causing Jun to do the same. I realized the improbability of him actually being here and worried why I was seeing him in front of me. "Jun, how are you here?" I ask warily, Jun smiling with a small shake of his head.

"You were always cautious." Jun smiles, making my heart stop, truly believing it was him. "I'm sorry I couldn't make it to the Stork Club that night, although I think I saved you from a terrible dance.

I felt the tears resurface as I open my mouth to respond to him, but stumbles sounds is all that comes out. "I can't believe you're here." I get out, reaching my hand out to touch his chest, feeling how real he was.

"Have I got a stories for you, Peggy." Jun reaches his hand up, placing it over mine, pressing it further into his chest. "I've missed you so much."

"And I, you." I clear my throat, clearing any emotion from it, however it was futile as emotion bubbled back up.

"Did you save me a dance?"

I let out a watery chuckle, nodding because I didn't trust my voice. Jun smiles as he wraps his arms around me, pulling me against his chest as he begins to sway to the music. My arms wrap around his upper back, resting my head on his chest as I sway next to him.

I lost track of how many songs passed, I lost track of the sun falling in the sky, all that was left was the afterglow of the sun having set. I look up at Jun, feeling content with having him back, however a questioned lingered in my mind as I pull away just enough to talk with Jun, but still stay close as he continued to sway us.

"How are you here?"

Jun smiles, but his smile had some sadness.

"It's a long story."

Jun sits down, me following suit as I still can’t believe he’s here. As we sit he tells me everything, from him waking up in ice to moments ago when he time traveled back to this year. He told me some thing had to remain secret for time line reasons, but even with him saying that I wondered if he kept anything, all of his stories seeming confidential.

“I had to come back to you, Peggy.” Jun says, his shy demeanor having become braver since I’d last seen him.

Tears flooded back in as I looked at him, my heart swelling at having him in front of me, however it wasn’t the only reason I had tears.

“Jun.” I say his name, having missed the way it sounded. “Are you sure it’s wise to stay here? They may need Captain America again.”

“I don’t want to fight anymore.” Jun tells in honest, a sigh heaving from his chest. “I belong here. I belong with you.”

I feel tears fall over my cheeks, my next words hurting me more than I could express in words.

“You belong there.” I let out a shaky breath as I lay my hands atop of his. “They need you there.” I turn away as more tears fall, feeling slightly embarrassed at the excess emotion I project.

“Maybe I’m needed here too.” He bargains, his eyes captivating the feelings of his heart breaking.

I smile despite my sadness, trying to make it easier for him. “We know that if you were needed here you would’ve been uncovered from the ice sooner.”

Jun fell silent, his heart breaking silently in front of me, making mine follow suit.

“Jun, I love you.” My voice broke, emotions overwhelming me. “But I wouldn't feel right taking one of the future heroes to myself."

Jun knew how Peggy was. She was the strongest girl her knew and he knew how stubborn she was too. It was one of his favorite things about her, but it's what was bringing ache into his heart in this moment. He wanted to be done with the fighting. He'd saved the world so many times and all he wanted now was a chance to live his life with her, a chance he never thought he would get but here he stood.

"I don't know how much more I can take without you." He admitted, his voice small as the radio continued to play slow songs. "I'm tired, Peggy."

I looked at this super soldier, his strength unbeatable, his speed unmatched, a heart so big it was no wonder I fell for him. And here he was, defeated on my couch saying he needed me to go on. My arm went around his shoulder, hugging him closer as he sighed against me, relief being conveyed in his sigh. I thought awhile, not wanting him to leave, but not wanting the world in the future without the Captain America they needed these past few years.

"I think you should return." I admit, hearing my accent becoming thicker when I spoke softly, knowing it would be hard for Jun's resole as it fell over his ears. "What if I meet you there?"

Jun pulls back, looking at me, my smile mischievous, one I wore a lot when we fought the war together. His eyebrows burrowed in curiosity, waiting for me to continue.

"You and I know one of the sharpest minds ever to grace this earth happens to be our close friend, I'm sure he can bring time travel up a few years. You go back and I'll come to you, you can even save me a dance." I felt excitement fill me at this idea, the adventure I was sure to have by this invention.

"You do a lot of important things for the future." Jun mentions, his hopeful face falling.

"Then they will have to make a new future, whatever comes of it you and I can fix it, together." I smile, his eyes meeting mine, making me realize how much he had grown since I spoke with him last, the Jun I knew before was too shy to look at me this way, but I would be lying if I said I didn't enjoy it., seeing all his emotion in his eyes, baring it all for me to witness.

"Dancing has changed a lot." Jun's teary eyes lift with his smile, these words agreeing to my idea.

"I'll learn fast." I wink at him.

"I'll wait for you, Peggy, as long as it takes." Jun mentions as he he stands bringing me into his arms to hold me close for another dance.

"I'll be there before you even miss me." I promise, dancing with him until the sun set, the moon rising being Jun's queue to leave for the future. He waves at me in the street, his smile brighter than when when he arrived, making my heart swell. I watch him materialize into nothing, disappearing before my eyes, the only proof of his presence was the warmth he left with me that begin to fade with the autumn breeze. First thing in the morning I'd speak with Howard and begin working to meet Jun.

Jun stood in the empty lot, watching his surroundings as the sun set in the evening. The spot he found was where the old Stork Club had been, long since it had been torn down. It was surprising nothing had been built in its spot, it seemed like fate had left it open, so he and Peggy could meet here where they were supposed to all those years ago. This was Jun's second night here, waiting for Peggy to arrive in this spot asking him for that dance he saved her. He wasn't sure how time travel would worked in the past, it probably wasn't as advanced as it was when they'd used it in the present, so he knew he would have to keep waiting until Howard figured out all the data and specifications, just like his son had done.

However, two days turned into two weeks and those weeks turned into months. Jun had told Bucky about what happened and Bucky had lost hope for his friend long ago, but he never stopped Jun from going to the empty lot that used to host The Stork Club, he couldn't bring himself to tell Jun to give up because they had found each other even after all these years and neither of them thought they'd see each other again. However, it hurt Bucky to watch his friend leave every night and not return until deep into the morning hours.

On the ninth month of waiting, Jun felt the negative effects of waiting, both physically and emotionally. He wondered how long Peggy had waited for him that night and wondered if she would just tell him to leave her in his memory and continue on without her, but Jun couldn't. He would wait for her forever and that's what he was going to do even if it's the last thing he did.

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