Chapter Text
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A young looking, lavender nymph appeared on the TV. She wore a short, glittery dress that complimented her curly, dolled up hair. “ Tonight, we’ll be talking about the event of the year: Zeus’ Panathenaia! Everybody who’s anybody will be there.”
A photo of Zeus and Hera, presumably taken by paparazzi, came up. “While Zeus says he’s done all the planning, Hera’s influence is hard to ignore! Maybe this time they’ll leave with each other, instead of other people! "
While she continued, a woman walked into her living room. Her apartment was small, yet stylish. Sleek shiny surfaces paired with dark, hard wooden floors. But piles of shoes and coats dirted it up.
She wrapped herself in a towel, making her way towards the TV. Her hand scoured over the coffee table, covered in empty take out boxes and cigarette cartons.
A few photos of various Olympians appeared. “We know most of the regulars, but the biggest question of all is with the moody King of the Underworld!”
A photo of Hades popped up, more professional looking than the others.
Her hand flinched as it hovered over the remote.
“Will he bring anyone? A new girl on his arm? It’d be the perfect opportunity! Ever since his breakup, it’s all anyone’s been talking about. He deserves it! Besides, that Minty girl was a huge harpy-”
She shut it off.
“Gods, that shit is annoying.” She tossed the remote on her black, leather couch. “Don’t they have better things to do?” Minthe strode back to her bedroom, away from the messy living room.
3 months.
It’d been 3 months since she walked out of his life. Away from gossiping gods, paparazzi watching her every move. Away from his family, barely hiding their disdain for her.
Well, she didn’t do much walking. He did.
And although Minthe hated him now, she hated him leaving even more.
Minthe took off her towel. As she put on a black slip dress and underwear, her mind unfortunately wandered to the party. She wondered, if they were still together, what would’ve happened?
She slipped into her bed, layered with black sheets. He’d probably twist her arm to go, despite knowing how uncomfortable it made her. She’d string him along, until he finally pacified her with an expensive gift.
And, to make things “difficult,” still wouldn’t go.
Minthe wasn’t proud of it. Or herself. But their relationship was never sunshine and roses. It was messed up. They were messed up.
If Hades ever thought they could be stable, then he was dumber than she realized.
As Minthe drifted off to sleep, she knew one thing. Hades would come alone, and leave alone. He was still stuck in his depressed, workaholic phase. If his demeanor in the office was an indicator.
Besides, he couldn’t forget her that easily. He wouldn’t.
He can’t.
~~~
Minthe groaned as her alarm woke her up. She fumbled blindly for her phone. “Mmmgh off off of--”
She turned it on. The first thing that caught her eye was the time: 11:26 am. Not early enough to keep sleeping.
The second thing was a headline from Underworld Media:“Mysterious Pink Woman Seen Walking Out Of Hades’ Mansion!”
Minthe shot up from her bed, gripping her phone. “What?”
Against her judgment, she opened the notification:
“Local paparazzi stalking the Panathenaia believed Hades left alone. But recent updates say otherwise! A young, pink woman was seen walking from Hades’ house around 8/9 this morning. Is this a fling, or something more? Will we see her again? Stay tuned for future updates!”
Anger quickly rose inside her. “What the f-”
~~~
“Yeah…they definitely fucked.”
Minthe stomped around her apartment, dawning a black robe. Her phone stayed tight in her grasp. “Well obviously they did, Thetis! Everyone can see that!”
“And poor little thing went out the front door. That’s the first place paparazzi look.” Thetis sucked her teeth over the phone. “This’ll be awful for-”
“Um, hello?! She’s ruining my day!” Minthe shouted. “I can’t believe he’s rebounding. It’s only been-”
“3 months since you broke up,” Thanatos interrupted. “We know , Minthe.”
“And with some random girl? She’s probably a nymph who got her ears done! He has a real thing fo-”
“Look, why are you stressing about this?” He stifled a yawn. “It’s probably a one time thing. And it’s not like you guys are getting back together. Why bother?”
Minthe went quiet. He was right.
The likelihood of it happening was zero. She made it very clear the last time Hades apologized. Or tried to, anyway. She knew it’d be a mistake.
But this felt worse. The thought of him starting over with a new girl crushed her. Though their relationship was flawed, Minthe felt she was special to him. Someone worthy of expensive gifts and fancy dinners. A person who had value.
Instead, she was another girl to dump money on. Completely disposable.
Minthe grabbed a pack of cigarettes from her kitchen table. She sat on her couch, placing her phone down. “Look, were either of you there last night?”
“Nah, I looked after Hebe all night.”
“And I was working late, so no.”
Minthe sighed, grabbing her black and gold lighter. “Seriously? Someone’s gotta know what her deal is.” She grabbed a cigarette and lit it between her lips.
“Gods, her phone must be blowing up right now.”
Minthe took it in, blowing out smoke. “Thetis, please. She’s probably blabbering on and on about how big her crush is.”
~~~
“I’m telling you, nothing happened.”
“Walking out of a major God’s house isn’t nothing! It’s alot of things!”
Persephone sunk into the white, plush couch as Artemis towered over her. In one hand, she held the newest post from Olympus GOS in front of her. With Persephone’s face on the screen. It was blurred, but recognizable enough. Hestia was seated in a nearby matching chair.
Before Persephone left the Mortal Realm, away from Demeter’s watchful eye, she made a few promises. Heavily encouraged by her mother, but still. Stay out of trouble, stay in the TGOEM, and stay with Artemis 24/7.
And somehow, she managed to break them all in record time.
She crossed her arms, frowning slightly. “So you don’t believe me?”
“It’s not that Persephone,” Hestia chimed in. “We both believe you, but-”
“Everyone else is taking the worst conclusion.” She clicked off her phone and started to pace. “You just got accepted into TGOEM. Do you know how bad this’ll look?”
“Well-”
“Our whole thing is “Setting a good example for goddesses,” and “Keeping up Olympian's image.” Now no one will take us seriously!”
“I-”
“And you’re lucky Hestia talked your mom down. You know this would make her freak! Kore, what were you thinking?”
Persephone sunk deeper, gripping the couch cushions.
It wasn’t fair.
All she did was go to a party and have a few drinks. She didn’t want to wake up in a random person’s house. Or be on thousands of tabloids and gossip sites.
Hestia stood up. “Artemis, I’m sure Persephone didn’t mean to-”
“That doesn’t matter! Kore made a commitment, and she needs to keep it.”
Her mother made it for her. It was the only way she’d let Persephone leave.
She didn’t ask for it.
Something grew deep inside her, threatening to emerge.
“Like when you promised,” Persephone stood up, staring down Artemis. “You wouldn’t leave me alone at the Panathenaia?”
“What?” Hestia looked back at Artemis, who froze.
“Oh, so you didn’t mention that?”
“I thought you were right behind me! I spent the rest of the night looking for you, but you were too busy doing-”
“Doing what, Artemis?” Persephone snapped. It grew further, almost reaching the surface.
“GIRLS!”
They both looked back at Hestia. Her deep, furrowed eyebrows and motherly glare sent them silent.
She sighed, touching her forehead. “Artemis, Persephone doesn’t know how Olympus runs. It’s important she gets guidance from us. With no judgment. And Persephone, I know you’re a very kind girl. But not everyone will use that kindness for good. Be careful.”
“More importantly, you two need to be there for each other. You don’t realize how many girls get lost in Olympus. Or hurt. Understand?”
They nodded.
Hestia gave a small smile. “Good. Now I have other matters to attend to. But if you need me, don’t be afraid to call!” She picked up her bag and made her way to the door. “Remember, we have our first official meeting tomorrow. Bye!”
As she shut the door, Artemis and Persephone sat down on the couch. They stayed quiet.
Persephone had barely noticed it but, after a moment, realized how close that was.
Her mother told her to keep an eye on it. Making sure it stayed down and never came up. She thought moving somewhere new would make it go away.
But now, the best she could do was suppress it and stay nice.
“...I’m sorry I threw you under the bus with Hestia.” She looked over to Artemis.
“I’m sorry I left you at the Panathenaia alone. It was really irresponsible of me.” She glanced back. “Are we cool?”
“Of course we are!” Persephone wrapped her into a tight hug. “Roomies shouldn’t stay mad at each other!”
“That’s great!” She said, losing her breath. “Are you always this strong?”
“Oh no, I’m not crushing you aren’t I?” She released her, letting Artemis take a couple breaths. “Guess I don’t know my strength! It’s good for gardening, but bad for people.”
“Before I forget,” Artemis stood up. “Hold on one sec!” She rushed upstairs. After a few minutes, she returned with a golden box tied with a shimmery bow.
“It’s a gift from Hera.” She placed it in Persephone’s lap. “She wanted to give it at the party but… y’know. Anyway, she’d kill me if you didn’t have it.”
“Oooo, it looks so pretty.” She untied the bow and opened the box. With both hands, she pulled out a white fur coat. It was small, almost reaching her midriff, and decorated with bright diamond buttons.
Persephone gave a tight, closed smile. She glanced at Artemis, who shrugged sheepishly.
“This looks nice and….expensive. But it’s really not me.” She examined it closer. “Is it at least faux fur?”
“Oh no, that’s definitely real.”
She immediately dropped it.
“But speaking of clothes, you wanna go shopping today?” Artemis closed up the box. “I’m not into it, but you seriously need to update your wardrobe.”
“I’d love to! I'm sick of chitons and peplos.” She looked off wistfully and smiled. “Finally, I’ll dress like I actually belong! And in something I’ll be comfortable in.”
“…I’m sorry for giving you that dress last night.”
“You’re forgiven~”
~~~
The sun shone brightly as they walked into Olympus’ agora. Crowds of immortal beings populated it, loitering near stores and seating areas. They entered the nearest clothing store.
Persephone’s eyes glimmered as they walked around. Hundreds, no, thousands of options laid at her feet. Her mother picked most of her outfits, but now? She could truly express herself.
Her eyes landed on a nearby mannequin: It wore a white, sleeveless turtleneck with a keyhole at the chest. Paired with a white/pink plaid skirt, fastened with golden buttons. The final touch were white flats with pink tips.
“Oh my gosh Artemis,” she dashed to the outfit. “Isn’t this so cute?”
Artemis stopped, looking it over. She scrunched up her nose. “I mean, objectively? Yes. It does fit your…vibe.”
“I should wear this at my internship! I don’t know where Olympus U will place me, but this’ll make a great impression!”
Artemis walked over and touched the skirt. “I think the skirt and flats will work, but you should pick a different top.”
“What? Why?” Persephone frowned.
“Well, they’ll most likely put you in an office. I heard it’s where most students go. And offices have a professional look or dress code. And that’s…” She scrunched her nose again. “Not professional.”
“But…the window isn’t that big.” She grabbed the top off a rack, closer to her size. She held it against her. “Maybe no one will notice?”
Artemis raised an eyebrow.
“... Ok fine.” Persephone pouted, grabbing the skirt and flats off a nearby stand. “I’ll grab another top. But I’m still getting this one!”
“That’s fine. You need alot of stuff in general. Just make sure to get the basics-”
Ring Ring! Ring Ring!
Artemis stopped, grabbing the items out of Persephone’s arms. She looked through her burlap shoulder bag, embroidered with flowers. Her eyes widened as Persephone pulled out a light pink flip phone.
“Hello, this is Kore!”
“Hello Persephone! You sound well and good.”
O-Oh, hi Hera!” She looked over to Artemis. “Did Artemis give you my number?”
Artemis shook her head as Hera answered. “Oh no, I got that from your mother.”
“Ah! Ok!” Her face strained into a smile.
“I wanted to call in and check on you. You’ve certainly made an impression on everyone!”
“I swear, it’s not like that at all.” She shook her head, as if Hera could see it. “We slept in separate beds and everything!”
“It’s fine, Persephone! As long as you’re safe, that’s all that matters. Now, did you like my gift?”
She smiled tighter. “ I loved it!”
“Great! Well, I’ll leave you be. But you must come over to help with our garden. It’s been such a mess since I fired our landscaper.”
“Of course! Let me know when!”
“I’ll keep in touch. Having fun getting started at university!”
Hera hung up. Persephone sighed as she closed her phone. “Well, she’s not mad at me. That’s good, right?”
“It’s something.” Artemis eyed the flip phone. “Persephone, why don’t you have a newer phone?”
“My mom said this was newer. And it looked too cute to say no!” She tilted her head. “What does yours look like?”
Artemis pulled out her phone from her back pocket. A slim, modern phone glinted under the store’s lights. “This is what most beings use nowadays. I haven’t seen that in like, a long time.”
“Oh…” She put her phone back in her bag.
“But hey, a phone’s a phone. And it does fit-”
Ping!
Artemis opened her phone. After a second, she rolled her eyes. “Ugh.”
“What? What is it?” Persephone leaned over.
“It’s just my stupid brother and Hermes bugging me. They wanna hang out in a few da-”
“Hermes? No WAY!” She grabbed Artemis’ arm, shaking her slightly. “ I haven’t seen him in forever! Say yes say yes say-”
“Fine! I’ll figure something out later.” She put her phone back. “Now, you’ll need more than one outfit, so if you want to stay focused-”
As the two continued shopping, Persephone’s excitement for tomorrow grew. She’d start her first day at university, and get assigned her internship! A place to make new friends, try new things.
A place to fully express herself, without anyone holding her back.
She could finally be Persephone. On her own terms.