[color=#b5bbc3][center][sup][h1]
[center][img]https://i.pinimg.com/originals/d3/57/a8/d357a895acfa1d949191c810b8222f9c.gif[/img][/center]
[b][center][color=black]𝖘 𝖔 𝖑 𝖎 𝖉 𝖆 𝖗 𝖎 𝖙 𝖞 [/color]
[color=#84a5aa]𝖘 𝖔 𝖑 𝖎 𝖉 𝖆 𝖗 𝖎 𝖙 𝖞[/color][/center][/b]
[/h1][/sup]
[right][sup]𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: [url=https://www.redfin.com/WA/Duvall/14829-304th-Ave-NE-98019/home/440982]Hades & Persephone's home[/url]
𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬: [color=008080]Thor[/color] [@metanoia], [color=0054a6]Hades[/color] [@sly13] & [color=a4ac92]Persephone[/color] [@Aewin]
𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬: Odin  || Heimdall[/sup][/right]▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅▅[/center]

[indent][indent]Though the God of Thunder had never met either prince or princess of the underworld, that didn’t mean he didn’t feel some aspect of pain seeing their bodies laid on the floor. The screams alone that filled the halls of the Olympic club from both Melinoe and Persephone had the penetration power that would make any great warrior cry or feel some form of grief. Thor was no exception to this. He never met them, it’s true, but he heard stories about them from Persephone, and part of him had come to know and appreciate the love that they gave her. As a father himself, though it’s been many years since Thor has laid eyes on both Magni and Modi, he couldn’t comprehend the loss this must have on the Greek’s death family.

Over the duration that she had been his pupil, Thor had grown especially close to her. Whether during their lessons or after or before, there was always one constant and that was family. She'd speak highly about her family: her husband, her kids, Melinoe, Zagreus, and Macaria. Thor had never met them personally, as he never had any reason to past the many stories he heard about them from their mother's lips and the supportive words she spoke about them. 

After the brief, yet noteworthy display of heartbreak and anguish that Persephone displayed and she was left with her husband and being guided out of the club by Hati, Thor made his exit too. There wasn’t anything he could do at this point. He wasn’t an investigator like Athena, his brother, Heimdall, or any of the other gods who might be a detective. He’d only get in the way, and of course, there was the matter of his heart hurting for Persephone.

Thor was still in a rough shape, that much was true. His wound was still healing. His shoulder hurt, but it didn’t matter to him as much. Sekhmet, before she ditched him, had done all that she could. HIs main focus was to check on his friend. So that’s what he did. 

Hopping into his truck, Thor drove across town. In the hindsight of everything that was happening, he was thankful that Persephone had occasionally invited him over to her home. Or sometimes she’d ask if her lessons could be carried out at her home. Thor didn’t mind because it still meant he was getting paid and sometimes a change of scenery was good for the soul and focus. The drive itself was long. 

Going across Seattle, using the highways and street roads, one thing Thor would never grow tired of was the environment that Persephone’s home was in. All natural forest, it reminded him vastly of the forests of Asgard. How green and majestic they were. There was nothing quite like it and the rejuvenating feeling it filled you up with.

[color=008080]“And there it is,”[/color] he noted, coming to a stop at the drive way. Still as beautiful as it was the first time he came here. Thor did have a moment of apprehension, though. It was mostly about her husband. Hades, King of the Underworld. It was, if nothing else, intimidating for Thor and he seldom was intimidated.Shaking it off, he exited his truck that sat off to the side and made the trek up and gave the door a few knocks, standing and waiting in long silence.

 [color=0054a6]“Just make sure they're here alright.  I wish it was under different circumstances but we don't have time for the normal routine.”[/color]  Hades paused for a second waiting for the confirmation from the other end of the line before ending the call and placing the phone in his pocket.  Hades turned to look at a small picture frame on the shelf just above the fireplace.  It was old by the standards of mortals he supposed but it felt like only yesterday to him.  It was one of the few occasions the whole family had gotten together for a picture.  Seeing their smiles brought back the raging anger that took all his control to keep a lid on top of.  [color=0054a6] “What I wouldn't do to see those smiles one last time.” [/color]    

Knock Knock Knock 

The sounds of knocking shook him from his thoughts as he made his way to the door.  Hades slowly opened the door revealing the norse god before him.  Hades stared intently at the man before him looking him up and down as if he was judging him before allowing him entry into their home.  Hades didn't have any strong feelings one way or another about the norse but Thor had shown his wife kindness and thus earned himself a small pass from the judgment of lord of the underworld.

Almost instantly Hades demeanor softened ever so slightly as he welcomed the Thunder god through his doors.   [color=0054a6]“Thor Odinson, welcome to our humble home.” [/color] Hades stepped aside allowing him to enter.  [color=0054a6] [i] “Please join us in the front room, Persephone will be with us shortly.”[/i]  [/color]

[color=a4ac92]“Who is that? Oh!”[/color] Like she was summoned, Persephone greeted Thor and Hades at the entrance hall, a tray in her hand with a steaming tea pot, mugs and some biscuit assortments. Persephone looked at Thor in surprise before ushering him further inside the best she could with busy hands. 

When seated in their living room, Persephone started pouring tea for Hades. [color=a4ac92]“Would you like some tea, Thor? I’ve brewed us some lavender and chamomile tea.”[/color]

When Thor took his seat, opposite of the couple, of course, because he may have been a Norse, but he wasn’t a caveman. He knew how manners worked. “Yeah, sure that sounds nice.” Thor always did like the tea that Persephone brewed up even if he wasn’t much of a tea God himself. As she poured it, he kept dividing his occasional gaze between both Persephone and Hades.[color=008080]”I didn’t mean to drop by unannounced. I imagine with…everything, the last thing you wanted was someone showing up, but I was concerned for you, Persephone. And you as well, Hades. I wanted to see how you were holding up.”[/color]

Hades allowed himself to relax ever so slightly as he took his seat beside his wife.  As the thunder god spoke Hades watched intently in between sips of his tea.  Though he had a feeling he could trust Thor it was simply in his nature to be skeptical of most everyone.   [color=0054a6]“Well I appreciate you stopping by to check on us.  Now more than ever it's important to have friends close by.”   [/color] 

Persephone gave Thor a watery smile, grateful for a friend like him. Persephone had chosen to contact Thor to join his dojo out of boredom one day, hoping to spend some hours of the day away from the world tree. Learning self defense never hurt anybody, and Persephone had hoped that she could utilize whatever she had learnt to protect her family. Unfortunately, the choice was stolen from her. [color=a4ac92]“Thank you, Thor. I appreciate your visit too, it helps to know we have support from other pantheons.”[/color] While Persephone did not want to dwell upon it, but the death of her children meant that there was a way to kill other Gods as well. Danger loomed over them all where not even ambrosia was enough to save them.

With a smile, Thor nodded, taking a small sip of the surprisingly delicious tea that Persephone had brewed for the three of them. It was true, Thorcould understand the idea of what they were literally experiencing. Since the fall, he had not heard from nor been aware of his two sons’ survival, whether Magni or Modi were alive or dead. That in itself, that he could understand and that’s what pained him the most: to see anyone suffer through that kind of pain -- real or not -- hurt his soul. 

He could see the pain in their eyes. Hades was better at hiding it, but no man, god, or primordial being could hide that level of sorrow, so Thor knew what he must do right now was to shift the tone just a little bit. [color=008080]“This tea is delicious by the way. The lavender really highlights the chamomile. And the biscuits are delicious. They’re so buttery!”[/color] Even though he wanted to help either her or Hades smile, Thor was genuine. He found the mix of the flavors of tea and the biscuits to be a great combination, despite not being the kind of God that ate anything like it on the regular. He was more of a take-out kind of God.

Hades smirked slightly at the thunder gods' antics before his face returned to his normal stoic one.  He could appreciate the efforts Thor was pouring forth to make the situation even the slightest bit more comfortable.  It was never easy for anyone to be in such a situation, nevertheless being forced to stare someone such as himself down. [color=0054a6] “Persephone has always had a way with tea brewing.”   [/color] Hades said, placing a hand on top of his wifes and looking at her lovingly. [color=0054a6] “I myself am hopeless when it comes to such skills.” [/color]   As soon as Hades finished speaking an older woman stepped into the room.

“Excuse me Mr. Blackwell but some of your [i] investors [/i]have arrived.”

[color=0054a6]“Ah yes, thank you very much Grace.”[/color]  After she left Hades turned to his wife and placed a kiss on her cheek while giving her hand one last squeeze before standing. [color=0054a6] “Well I suppose business never stops, does it?  It was a pleasure meeting you Mr. Odinson.” [/color]   After finishing his farewell Hades turned to leave the leave room where three finely dressed men had appeared and were now waiting for him.  The first man was in his late 40’s, the man beside him was clearly in his 50’s to 60’s with a full head of white hair.  The last one was a much younger man who could only be in his 20's, possibly 30’s at most.[color=0054a6]  “Right this way gentlemen.”  [/color]  Hades said as he led them down the hall and out of view.   

Persephone watched her husband disappear down the hall, a soft smile left on her face after his compliment. [color=a4ac92]“I don’t know what I would do without Hades either.”[/color] She admitted to Thor, somewhat lost in her own thoughts. [color=a4ac92]“I wouldn’t be sitting here alive, right now, if it weren’t for him.”[/color] To Persephone, her children were everything. Her [i]family[/i] was everything. [color=a4ac92]“I wish I had the chance to say the same to my Zagreus and Macaria. Tell them I love them.”[/color] Finally Persephone looked at Thor, really taking in his features carefully. 

[color=a4ac92]“Even if you’re not close, I hope you can tell your family that you love them. Never take the ones you love for granted.”[/color] Persephone had to learn that the hard way, for a second time.

Thor couldn’t help himself from glancing at the investors that passed by the hallway. His eyes counted three of them. It was difficult, even now, for Thor to shut off his naturally curious self. Be it at a friend’s house and comforting them or on the streets of Belltown as The Blue Crusader, he could never truly shut it off. In the back of his mind, he wondered what Hades did. Must be a solid job to afford a place like this fancy house. Definitely made his small studio apartment look like an ant in comparison.

He took a sip of his tea, refocusing on the real reason he was here and what, honestly, mattered the most. As she talked about Hades and her children and just about family in general, Thor couldn’t say he had the same loving relationship with his own. Heimdall was probably the only one of his family he held in any favorable light and even then, that relationship was strained at best. [color=008080]“I wish it was that easy, Persephone, I really do. My family…there’s so much to unpack there that I wouldn’t even know where to begin, you know?”[/color] He stared down into the cup in his hands, thinking about the last time he didn’t have a loathing feeling for his father. Heimdall, as less of a pain in the ass as he is in comparison, was a kissass. And Thor just couldn’t ignore that, or maybe he refused to? 

Persephone took a sip of her tea as she listened to Thor.  [color=a4ac92]“Perhaps now is the time to consider your relationships carefully, whether holding onto the past is such a good idea.”[/color] Persephone knew it was easier said than done, she had her own grudges she was fighting. Demeter came to mind, a loving mother that tore the world looking for her but Persephone never appreciated the effort in the past. Her heavy heart sank some more as she realized the pain she put her own mother through, dismissing her as an overbearing parent only so Persephone could enjoy the taste of freedom offered by Hades. [color=a4ac92]“I apologise for meddling, my thoughts are all over the place.”[/color]

Thor shook his head. [color=008080]“No need to apologize. It’s quite alright.”[/color] The truth was Persephone was absolutely right in everything she said - the God of Thunder knew that much. He might not be ready to do what she said quite yet, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t see that what she said was right. 

Between his brothers and his father, Thor had avoided them for so long. He neglected everything that Odin tried to do in terms of reaching out, refusing to even accept his olive branches. For decades, Thor tried to justify it by what happened in the past, but how long could he truly keep putting it off? How long could he justify not at least hearing Odin out? Eventually he would have to be the honorable god he always professed that he was and at least give Odin a chance to either surprise him or prove him right that he always will be swine.

[color=008080]“You know what’s hilarious? I came here to check up on you, but here you are doing that very thing for me. Maybe the student has surpassed the teacher.”[/color] He chuckled at the thought.

Persephone laughed alongside Thor, allowing the bizarreness of their situation amuse her for a little bit. [color=a4ac92]“Everybody needs someone to look out for them. I’m glad I have you to turn to. And I hope to be a good friend in return.”[/color] She paused for a moment, the quiet comfortable between the two of them. Another thought lingered in her mind, a worry that felt selfish to even consider above her grief. [color=a4ac92]“I had been looking forward to the luncheon for so long. It was the first in a while that Zagreus and Macaria decided to attend. I wanted my family in one place, so I could have broken the news to all at once.”[/color] 

[color=008080]“News?”[/color] Thor muttered. He studied her face, the way her expressions changed from content joy to something that made him think she was bothered by something.

What was once meant to be a golden opportunity for bonding and delight now tainted by darkness and blood. [color=a4ac92]“I’m with child. Hades… he doesn’t know yet. I wanted to tell them all together, to celebrate together. Now… I don’t know what to do anymore.”[/color] 

The God of Thunder stood there, still looking at Persephone, trying to process what she just confessed to him and not her husband. That alone was something worth taking a moment or two to digest. Did it speak to the level of comfort their friendship had? Perhaps, but Thor also couldn’t stop his mind from going to a place of even greater concern for her. A day that was supposed to be filled with cheer was now one they would never forget. 

[color=008080]“Persephone..”[/color] Thor spoke until he got her attention, [color=008080]“I’m so sorry. For everything.”[/color] Though he sat across from her, Thor moved to the same couch that she sat on, sitting next to his friend, and grabbed her hand, squeezing it just slightly. [color=008080]“I don’t know what you should do, but if you ever need anything, I promise as your friend and your teacher, I’ll do anything I can to help. Should you wish to tell Hades and want support, I’ll be there in the hour! I promise you’re not alone in any sense.”[/color]

It was like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders. She hadn’t meant to reveal everything to Thor, especially in such a sudden manner. His support meant the world to Persephone, a friend in her corner in a time she felt so lost and unsure. [color=a4ac92]“Thank you, Thor. I didn’t expect you to have the answers, but your assurance alone means so much to me.”[/color] She spoke sincerely, giving him a tired smile. Exhaustion was starting to set in after such a trying day - or maybe it was the double dose of calming tea she had brewed that she could blame - but she slumped forward with her elbows on her knees holding up her head. [color=a4ac92]“Thank you, really.”[/color] She repeated, unable to say much more.

[color=008080]“You never have to thank me. You’re my friend and favorite student.”[/color] Of course he wished he could do more to help her, but perhaps this was where he tagged out and let her husband, or that friendly butler take over. At the end of the day, her knowing that no matter the time of day or where he might be or what state he might be in (especially given how reckless he’s been as of late at night) that Thor would drop everything to be there for her was enough to not fret over. 

Thor stood up, offering a hand for a tired Persephone. [color=008080]“I think it’s time I take my leave. It’s a long drive back into town, but will you be okay? I can stay a bit longer if you need me to.”[/color]

Persephone lifted her head to look at Thor, shaking her head in refusal. [color=a4ac92]“I have taken more than enough of your time. Thank you again, for listening.”[/color] The thanks came out without her thinking, making Persephone offer Thor a sheepish smile. Persephone then stood up, giving Thor one last hug before seeing him to the door. With Thor’s assurance still ringing in her head, she waved her friend goodbye with renewed morale.
[/indent][/indent]
[/color]