In the world below, Hades was restless. Persephone's absence was everywhere, the massive empty spaces filling her kingdom and her mind. She knew it was not permanent, it couldn't be. But how long until he must return? For how long? She knew the rules of the universe, but not how they were enforced. Could they tell in the world above that he was different? She willed herself to remain patient, but after only three days, patience failed.
After several days of uneasy quiet between them, Demeter made the uncharacteristic move of inviting guests to their field. It was under the pretense of celebrating his return, but in reality she hoped being around others could pull the old Persephone back out even if she couldn't. She was even willing to ignore the fact that Hermes and Apollo were some of the first to visit, an enthusiasm that might have annoyed her in times past. She didn't mind that the constant rotation of gods and goddesses descending from Mount Olympus only humbled themselves enough to come to Earth to see for themselves the newest topic of gossip; the flower boy stolen by the Underworld queen. She hardly cared what they thought since she didn't have to live among them, and the only piece of news she cared about was that he was back.
However after a few too many guests, Demeter grew exhausted hosting the gods she normally ignored for good reason. When Persephone seemed to be coming out of his shell, she left him to entertain their company. Some time later she returned, hearing an unfamiliar voice conversing with her son. Though the longer she listened, the more it did seem familiar. But it couldn't be...
She turned to see Persephone was standing in front of the dark Queen of the Underworld herself, admiring the ornate jewels that hung from her neck, resting on her chest. He ran his fingers across them carefully, his fingertips slightly brushing against her skin.
Hades took his chin with her hand, firmly tilted it upward for him to look her in the eye, and leaned in to press her lips hard against his. Demeter nearly lurched forward at the predatory touch, but stopped when she saw how her son responded. Persephone smiled as without hesitation he leaned in to kiss her back, taking her by the waist tightly into his arms. She brushed his messy hair to the side, stroking the side of his neck.
Demeter had spent a lifetime of hiding her son away from promiscuous Olympian women. Until now, the biggest issue she ever had to face was shooing away admiring nymphs who had become infatuated by Persephone's charm and kindness. But Hades was no harmless, lovesick girl gossiping in the shadows. She had taken to him and had no hesitation in claiming him.
The way he held her, the eagerness in which he kissed her, how they knew each other's touch: it was clear this was not their first tryst. She had known him, all of him, intimately, and well. Demeter stood frozen in panic before rage melted her inaction, and before she knew it she was rushing towards them.
"How dare you show your face here!" she called across to them.
Persephone jerked away, startled by the malice in his mother's voice. Hades sighed but squared her shoulders to face the grain goddess barreling towards them. She knew this was coming and there was no avoiding it.
"Demeter, I--"
"Not one word from you!" she demanded, pointing an accusatory finger at Hades. Normally Demeter would be as intimidated by the dark queen as anyone else, but weeks of suffering acute loss emboldened her with fury. Persephone gave Hades a small, apologetic smile before approaching Demeter.
"Mother, please," he began, gentling his voice in hopes to placate her. She grabbed at his wrist, pulling him away and putting herself between the two. Hades' complete lack of reaction unsettled Demeter.
Their world above was soft with grain, flowers, and the wide open sky. Even Olympians shone with gold and jewels. Hades stood in stark contrast, looking misplaced here. Her narrow frame towered over Demeter, a body was sharp, hard angles. Like trapped animal, Demeter lashed out.