A special early update... Enjoy! Xx

'We were 'friends'- in a strange way...'

Stirred and Viridian-filled

Hades stood with his back to me; his long, lean finger tapping at his sharp chin as he examined the letter in his hand.

A short messenger stood a few feet from him, his head bowed in respect. Upon hearing my footsteps echoing through the large, dark dome, the messenger glanced up. The young man's relaxed face tightened into a fearful grimace as he quickly averted his eyes back to the ground.

I glared at him as I strutted towards my master.

I was in a particularly nasty mood.

"Hades."

The older god turned his head at the sound of my firm voice.

"Ah... There you are." He pushed the letter into the messengers face, nearly knocking the lad off his feet in the process. The boy grumbled softly and left- taking Hades' lack of a reply to the message as a clear dismissal.

"What is it now? I was just busy sending off a crew of mercenaries to their end."

"Yes, well, sorry to keep you from your fun, but I wanted to have a word with you."

"I wouldn't call 'landmines' fun, but alright. What is it?"

I think Hades forgets that I'm not as wicked as he always assumes I am.
I may be the god of death, but that did not necessarily mean I enjoyed every minute of it; or every death for that matter.

Even the colour red becomes boring.

Don't get me wrong- I loved my work. I have to; I am Death after all, but a nice break once in a while wouldn't be too bad either.

A 'thank you' would be a pleasant change too. It would take a rather long and alcohol-infused night to remember all the shit I've had to do for the throne. Both Hades and Zeus have had their share of my expertise in driving certain situations towards their desired outcome- to put it tactfully. Once again, it seemed Hades required an ear...

I was planning on finishing up early so I could get back to the palace. Now I know what you're thinking- it's because I wanted to see a particular blonde, blue-eyed witch-to-be. And you'd be absolutely right.

Being away from her like this felt... uncomfortable.

"Come, let us sit."

I raised a brow. Odd. We never sat down when discussing delicate subjects. Perhaps I was mistaken. Even more odd...

Steadily, I followed Hades to the long dining table and pulled out a chair next to him. He sat down at the head of the table and picked up a golden pitcher. He indicated to a glass close to me; "Wine?"

"No, thank you. I might just start killing the wrong people..."

The last time I drank on duty I accidently helped Vlad Tepes acquire his infamous nickname 'Vlad the Impaler'.
Not a particularly good day for the people of Romania.

A small smile etched itself onto Hades' lips, but faded as quickly as it appeared.

He poured himself half a glass. I tapped my foot impatiently against the hard stone flooring.

"Aurora..."

My head snapped up at the sound of her name.

"How is her training coming along?" Hades asked with a strange look. He seemed hesitant. 

I breathed out slowly; for some reason I was holding my breath in; "Good, she's performing very well."

Hades nodded and sipped at his dark wine. I tried not to let the nervousness show on my face. Would he want Zeus to meet her? Would he want Ares to? Apollo? Dionysus?

Good gods... There were so many of them. So many eager, perverted gods.

Like me...

"Zeus contacted me."

My heart stilled.

Oh. I had hoped this conversation would wait, but apparently the universe had other plans. 

"He wants to host a banquet in her honour, to welcome her."

I could feel the blood drain from my face, but I tried hard to grin and look normal.

"I think it's a bit early for that, don't you? She is but merely a child still and she has a lot to learn before-"

"It's organised, Thanatos. The feast will be in a week's time."

It suddenly felt like all the air was being sucked out from my lungs. I opened my mouth to argue, to plead, to bargain, but nothing came out. I sat there staring at the dark eyes before me.

Why was it so cold in here?

Had it always been this freezing?

Of course if Zeus instructed it, it would be done. Although, the sick feeling in the pit of my stomach grew as I realized what Aurora was in for. That is, if I didn't step in and assist her in directing her situation to the desire outcome- as I've grown accustomed to do. 

"Of course." My voice sounded strange- desolate and hollow.

Hades nodded and lifted his glass to his lips. I watched in silent agony as he took a sip, savouring the taste.

We were all lions; and soon it was Aurora's turn to be thrown into the pit.

I needed a plan.

Fast.

My mind raced at a thousand kilometers an hour as I stormed into the palace gates; my feet moving in a singular, purposeful direction.

Aurora.

We needed a plan.

I marched though the courtyard, ignoring all the giggling girls and the petite footsteps running after me. Their desperate, longing whines urging me on faster towards the wide, marble stairs. They weren't usually so pestering, but ever since my absence, I could sense an air of worry that hung in the air. 

As I reached the first step something, or someone, blocked the way.

I hissed at the Auburn-haired girl as she glared at me from under her lashes.

"Move."

"No."

"Delilah, I said move."

I glared at her as she stood a step above me on the staircase. I was in no mood for this. 

"Come with me to my room..."

She attempted to grab my wrist, but I smacked her hand away. Delilah, shocked by my rage, took a step back- the hurt clear on her face. I manoeuvred past her, my cape flapping in the wind.

"That's the first time you've touched me in months!"

I ignored her angry cry and continued to climb the steps two at a time.

Aurora had better be in her room or I might just set a servant on fire out of frustration.

Finally, I reached the top floor. I stormed towards her doors and ripped it open. It slammed shut behind me as I rounded the corner and walked into her spacious chamber- the echoing bang following me.

There she was- in the pool, her hair wet and her eyes wide by my sudden entrance. Alexus sat at the edge of the pool, her palms filled with water.

"Just in time... Alexus was showing me how to bend water-"

"Out."

Aurora's face twisted into confusion at my harsh tone. Alexus merely glared at me as I gave her a deadly look, my patience for good manners done. I pointed to the door; my other hand balled into a fist by my side.

Alexus stood up from the floor and patted down her flowing dress. She shot Aurora a worried look and walked past me without so much as a word. Alexus has known me for a very long time and she knew when to keep silent and follow my orders.

It would only be to her benefit to leave quietly.

Aurora crossed her arms over her chest and glared daggers at me.

We both heard the door click shut.

"What the hell was that? How dare you come into my room and tell my friend to leave-"

"This is my chamber, and my palace. I will do as I please."

Aurora was fuming; "You are such an asshole! Gods, you're infuriating! What do you want? I'm busy."

"Get out." I said as I grabbed a towel from the rack next to the pool and shook it open. "We need to talk."

She only glowered, but after some consideration, she sighed and gave in. She unfolded her arms and walked to the nearby steps. I watched as Aurora climbed out of the pool, water dripping from her body.

My thoughts screeched to a halt.

Her bikini was black and tight.

My eyes ran over her sun-kissed body. Her breasts were dripping with cold droplets and her long, muscled legs caused my jaw to clench up.

My throat dried and I could feel myself stiffen. My eyes instantly fell into slits as she walked towards me, her glare focused on the towel I was extending in my hand. I watched her move; my red eyes like a hungry predator's. She failed to notice.

Aurora grabbed the towel with one hand, but as she pulled at it, I pulled back harder. She stumbled forward; a small, surprised yelp escaping her mouth. I caught her in my arms- her wet body tightly pressing against mine.

I mentally cussed as I realised that I was wearing my gloves- I wanted to feel her, but there was no time to stop myself and remove them first. She'd somehow became the primary priority in everything I did lately...

Quickly I dove down to her lips and attacked them with my own.

At first she tried to push me away, but after realising that it was fairly useless, she gave in and wrapped her arms around my neck as she relinquished control.

I backed her up against the wall; gripping her tight ass with my large hand and pulling her hips towards my growing need.

Aurora moaned as my hips bucked against hers.

My talk with Hades was long forgotten. I couldn't really remember why I was furious in the first place...

With my one hand playing with her plump rear, my other hand moved towards her breasts to cup them in my palm. I pressed her higher against the wall and nestled myself in between her spread legs.

She kissed me harder, her tongue dancing with my own. I groaned as the heat between her legs spread through my body. With one swift movement, I picked her up in my arms and raced her through the alcove where her bed stood; the fire for her to great to bear.

I dropped her onto the silky sheets and impatiently tried to remove my gloves from my eager hands while I hovered over her. Aurora chuckled as I cussed and threw the leather gloves across the room. I leaned down to plant my lips against hers, but she evaded my attack and rolled out from underneath me.

"Aurora!"

Gods. What a tease...

How much of this could I handle? How long before I just took her, and to hell with the consequences?

She stood next to the bed, leaning over the side, her cleavage in full view. "You wanted to talk, right?"

Her playful smile sent waves of desire through my body. I lunged for her, but she dodged my hands just in time. She giggled and ran towards the entrance of the alcove.

There was no way in hell I'd let her leave.

I quickly swiped off my cloak and flicked it towards the entrance. Aurora stopped running as a large, black shape appeared in front of her. She chuckled and took a step back, thinking it was me. Sadly for her, she realised too late that it wasn't.

She bumped into my hard chest and as she turned around with wide eyes, I grabbed her by the waist and hoisted her up. I threw her onto the bed and with one hand I clasped her hands over her head to prevent her from moving.

"What do you plan on doing to me?" She asked- her voice soft and husky.

I leaned in and bit down onto her neck; savouring the cold drops of water mixed with her natural scent. "First, I want you to undress me."

I didn't want these clothes to obstruct my skin from touching hers; not while she was wearing so very little to begin with.

Aurora chuckled; "That's going to be a bit difficult, don't you think?"

She glanced up to where I held her hands in my tight grip. I smirked down at her.

"I'll let you go, but then just know that if you try and run away again I'll just have my way with you wherever I catch you."

She rolled her eyes and leaned into my face. I resisted the urge to lick my lips.

"You're so merciless."

I leaned in until our noses were touching and my breath fanned onto her angelic face.

"Oh, if I was merciless I would already have had you in every way I've always wanted..."

A gear clicked in my head.

Have her...

Virgin.

Aurora was a virgin, yes...

Yes!

That was the solution!

I suddenly pulled up, my eyes wide with concentration.

If I plan this correctly, I could keep her from all of them for a very long time.

I just need to perfect it; lie and cheat my way around the truth. And I'm particularly brilliant at that, even if I do say so myself...

Aurora gazed up at me with a confused expression. I stared down at her with dire desperation.

Shit.

If this was going to work at all, I can't make her mine either... Well, not intimately.

Dammit!

"Thanatos? Are you okay?"

"No." I ran a hand through my hair and sat up. Aurora followed my lead, a look of disappointment appearing on her beautiful face. I pained to erase it, but her safety was more important than either of our desires at the moment.

Or so I kept telling myself as my eyes kept drifting towards her breasts and the shape of her hips.

Strategy, Thanatos! Don't think with your want.

"Did I do something wrong?" Her voice was soft and child-like; I could see the pain in her eyes at my sudden rejection. I quickly leaned in and pressed my needy mouth against hers; her lips nearly driving me over the edge. I could feel my hunger grow as I pushed onto her.

Stop.

Stop right now.

I growled and pulled back.

"I'm sorry, but we have to talk about something before I screw things up again. You know me- reckless."

It was good to say that- 'you know me'.
She did know me.
We were 'friends'- in a strange way.

"No, not necessarily reckless. Passionate, yes. Definitely."

My heart sped up as she scooted closer to me and nuzzled her face in the crook of my neck. I shivered in delight at her words. A few weeks ago she would never have complimented me.
And now here we were...

I wrapped an arm around her body and pulled her closer to me. She encircled her arms around my waist and kissed my neck tenderly. An overwhelming and unfamiliar emotion shot through me and took me by complete surprise.

I planted a series of passion-filled kisses on the crown of her head.

"What is it, Thanatos?"

Gods, the way she said my name...

"Hades summoned me. Zeus is throwing a banquet in your honour."

"Oh, yes! That is horrible news." I rolled my eyes as she grinned into my neck.

"The other gods will be there, and they'll all be focused on you."

Aurora leaned back to look up at me. She raised her eyebrow; "You were angry because of the possibility that the other gods might try and flirt with me?"

"It's not that simple, Aurora. They're gods- for four thousand years we've existed with the attitude that everything and everyone belongs to us and if we want something, we take it."

"Hmm... That does sound like you."

"I'm being serious. I hate to say it, but you were extremely lucky Hades didn't allow me to have my way with you in the beginning when we first met."

Aurora gulped as I looked down at her with my sombre, intense gaze.

"I would have. I wanted you, but Hades' orders prevented me from taking what any god feels he deserves."

Aurora looked down. I could feel the heat rise in her cheeks and her heartbeat sped up.

"What about now?" She asked softly. I sighed in frustration.

"My... thoughts about you have changed. I don't want to just 'take' you..." I lifted her chin with my finger and moved my hand to the back of her neck; massaging it gently.

"I want more than that."

Aurora's breathing hitched.

I kissed her deeply- making sure she understood that I wasn't lying for her or my benefit.

I pulled back slightly, but she pecked my lips, bringing me in for another deep, knee-numbing kiss. The same bizarre emotion surged through me.

"So you don't want me to go to the banquet?"

"Unfortunately, that's not up to either of us."

"Do you really think they would just 'take' me like that?"

I pushed a stray lock of hair behind her ear and rubbed her cheek with my thumb, savouring the soft feel of her skin.

"Yes, most definitely. You're a new goddess. They're probably already thinking about it. I don't know how much you know about the gods, but Zeus isn't characteristically known to keep it in his pants. Ares has a tendency to take what he wants and Apollo's known for chasing after anything he's set his eyes on. And don't even get me started on Dionysus. Even I have to keep my distance from him..."

"Aren't you like them as well?" Aurora asked with a crafty smile. I laughed and pulled her closer; "Oh, I'm much more charming and better at getting what I want."

Aurora laughed; the sound music to my ears. "Regrettably, I can vouch for that."

"So you admit that you're mine?"

"Pshh..." Aurora pulled back slightly, but I leaned in to recover the distance. "Not even slightly. But I'd rather have you try and grope me every ten seconds than any of them."

I chuckled and casually moved my hand up to her breast. I caressed it gently, but not for long as Aurora pulled my hand away.

"You did say try and grope you."

"Yes, well, you try far too much." We smiled at one another; the air was hot and thick with sexual tension.

She cleared her throat and dropped her eyes. "So you have a plan, I assume? Knowing you, you wouldn't exactly stop in the middle of a situation where you have the upper hand."

I smiled and placed a kiss on her forehead. The alcove was dark, and lit with candles. If only my plan wasn't as perfect for our little problem I would gladly go back to grinding her into the mattress.

"I like how you know me, angel." I winked. "Alright, so listen to this. We all know you're the first case we have of a mortal ascension to god-ship, so no one really knows what to expect from you or your transition."

"Right..." Aurora nodded as I leaned back onto my palms.

"And you are a virgin, right?"

Aurora blushed and nodded her head. I would give just about anything to be the reason for her to shake her head in disagreement.

"Perfect. So all we need to do is start a rumour before the banquet that in order for you to ascend to goddess-ship you need to remain a virgin and undefiled."

Aurora furrowed her brows and sat up straighter. "Would the gods even listen to that?"

"Oh, definitely. I'll even let Conrad in on the secret so he can make a fake claim to Zeus. Besides, Zeus is so focused on getting you ascended that he'll listen and adhere to anything that would make it possible- and if Zeus is on board, the other gods have no choice but to follow suit."

Aurora smiled and nodded; her eyes full of calculation.

"Well, when you put it like that... This is brilliant! And no one except the three of us need to know."

"Exactly. And this means we can still have fun." I leaned into her and wiggled my eyebrows suggestively. Aurora laughed and pushed me back.

"If one of these girl finds us in a compromising position, or even Alexus, they'll tell the whole world."

"They probably already think we've done it."

"Not Alexus. She probably thinks we're throwing vases at each other in loud voices."

I chuckled and grabbed her bare leg; "Well, if that's what you're into..."

"Thanatos, I'm serious. If this is going to work, we need to keep our distance."

I promptly pushed her back down onto the bed and pressed myself onto her with most of my weight, careful not to suffocate her - just yet.

"I don't think I'd be able to..."

Aurora ran her fingers through my hair. I closed my eyes at the sensual feeling.

"It's either that or I'm going to get raped."

I bit my lip to stop the explosion of anger erupting through my body.

"I will never let that happen. Ever."

"I know, I trust you."

I tenderly kissed her mouth, hoping that the feeling would reassure me to the fact that she was mine and mine alone to touch. But even that was uncertain. She wan't mine.

"Alright, I'll keep my distance, but it won't be easy."

Aurora smiled up at me, her angelic face full of new hope and something else... Admiration? "You tell Conrad about our plan and I'll start a rumour here to dismiss any claims that we've slept together."

"No, a rumour here won't do. There are too many already." I smiled knowingly; "We need to put on a show."

Aurora grinned mischievously.

"What do you have in mind?"

'In cahoots' is the best relationship status ;)

Vlad the Impaler (or Vlad Tepes/ Vlad III) was a Romanian prince in the 1400's, but I'm sure most of you better know him as the source of inspiration to Bram Stoker's famous 'Dracula'.

Or in this case- I'm guessing Thanatos was Bram Stoker's real source of inspiration for the Transylvanian Count....

Thank you for all the birthday wishes!

Picture above- Hades