'We made the perfect team...'

Denim, Deities and Departures

"Aurora said you wanted to see me?"

My brother was sitting on a big, rose-coloured pillow in the empty garden, the breeze humming through the trees. It was so strange to find this place so empty. The girls were all gone, but I didn't feel hollow.

No, instead I felt complete- finally.

"Just give me a second..." He mumbled with his eyes closed.

I pursed my lips and checked my watch. Aurora would be done with her last class in a few minutes and then it would be time to get her back home. I was eager to see her in her natural habitat again.

I tried not to smile, I made her sound like a rare animal.

Speaking of animal- Hypnos and Alexus had agreed to keep an eye on Trimorphe for the time being. If these two estranged lovers could actually work well together was another issue entirely, but right now, it was not my problem. Aurora trusted them to set their differences aside, and I trusted Aurora. Her instincts were enough.

I watched as Hypnos reeled himself back from his astral plane and opened his eyes with ease. He looked tired.

"You alright?" I asked with concern, my brotherly side on full alert.

I'd always felt like the big brother in the relationship even though mother never wanted to tell us who is indeed the eldest. It didn't matter though; I took on the role with no difficulty on my part. I was naturally more inclined to leading than him, but Hypnos was the best right-hand-man anyone could ask for. He too was driven, focused and clever.

We made the perfect team.

Well, up until I met Aurora...

"I'm fine... Lend a hand?" He extended his hand and I quickly grabbed it in mine and hoisted him up off the pillow.

Hypnos dusted himself off and ran a hand through his messy blond locks. I eyed him with worry; "Are you sure? I think you need to take a few days off."

Hypnos shot me an annoyed look, but I watched as all the resolve left his body; "Yeah, I will, relax. You worry too much about me sometimes."

"You do the same... Even more." I chuckled. It felt good to have him back in my life. I felt like nothing had changed in the past twenty years; except it had...

I was a better man now- or at least trying to be, and Hypnos seemed... stronger. More confident in his ways.

He sighed and leaned his back against the terrace's pillar; "Isn't it strange; having the palace so empty? No noise..."

"It is, I admit, but I like it actually." I bit my lip and sat down on the large, dark dining table we used for outside parties. Hypnos joined me.

"Never mind me, you look exhausted." He was snickering as I rolled my eyes; "Fun night?"

"You can't even begin to image how fun..."

Hypnos made a face; "I think I'll pass on the details for this one; Aurora isn't one of your many conquests, or at least... I hope not."

I gave him a questioning look; not sure if I was ready to delve into my innermost thoughts on the beautiful mortal who's managed to wiggle herself into my head- and perhaps more. Hypnos raised a brow; "Is she?"

"No..." I said quietly. She definitely wasn't anywhere near just a once-off thing. I cared for her- deeply. It scared me and I could tell Hypnos saw it too.

"Don't hurt her, Thanatos. She cares for you."

I stared at the ground; "And I care for her, but..."

Hypnos waited for my words, but they got caught in my throat. I usually wasn't the one in this position; I wasn't sure of how to communicate my thoughts. Hypnos was always the one asking my advice on his love life and lovers, not the other way around.

"But...?"

"But I... I shouldn't."

Hypnos furrowed his brows. "What do you mean?"

I scoffed; "I've never cared for someone like this and for good reason; I'm death. It's not like I'm allowed to get attached."

"By whose orders? Your own?"

My chest stilled. Hypnos shook his head and spoke up with a soft voice; "Thanatos, why do you keep pushing yourself away from love?"

"I can't love."

"Have you ever tried?"

The words died on my tongue- 'no'.

Hypnos tried again; "You need to stop setting these absurd rules for yourself- you're not a machine. Frankly, I've never met anyone with as much emotional capacity as you, but you just fill it with the wrong kinds of emotions."

I rolled my eyes; "Gods, you sound like a woman."

Hypnos chuckled; "I'll take that as a compliment."

I changed the subject, eager to refocus the attention on something other than my inability to open up or the fact that I was definitely a product of my cold upbringing; "So what did you want to talk to me about?"

The seriousness returned to my brother's face in an instant; "The Furies. Aurora killed all three of them- or well, two at least. The other one you killed."

"And?"

"And news will spread that they're dead and the mythical world already thinks she killed the first one, so the natural conclusion is that she must've killed the other two as well."

"You're worried for her safety." I said with concern.

"No, not hers. I trust she can handle herself; and you're always within a few feet from her. Her family and her friend's safety however..." He trailed off, his sunset eyes deep in thought, "Is that force field strong enough to keep anything out? Both of us can go through it?"

"That's because when the archmages created it, they linked my blood to the field, and you are part of my blood."

Hypnos raised a brow; "So are a lot of gods."

"You're my twin, Hypnos. You're the loophole here. No other god from our family can push through it. Why? Do you have a suspect in mind?"

Hypnos shook his head; "No, I was just making sure. You never know who could be behind all of this."

I nodded my head; "Well, I don't think the last two Furies came after her on the orders of the killer- I have a feeling they came on their own. Vengeful creatures..."

"I thought that too, but how did they track her down so quickly?"

"They must've been hanging around the Academy, waiting to strike. Her scent most probably tipped them off."

Hypnos was silent as he thought. I sighed and stood up from the table. My limbs felt numb from last night. I'd forgotten just how draining mirage-creation really was, especially for so long.

What's convenient about being a god is that after a few minutes after creation, our mirages could start to think for themselves in a manner that you would as well. For witches and mages it was impossible, and for the time being Aurora wouldn't be able to do it either, until she ascended.

The only problem with this effective trick is that when your mirage starts to move on its own accord, it's normally hard to keep it reined in. Last night I had some trouble sharing Aurora- even with myself.

"Aurora can drop the shield right?"

I nodded; "But she won't, it's too dangerous." Or rather- she better not.

My brother's voice grew snarky; "What on earth are you wearing?" He pulled at the leather jacket and I shot him a glare; "It's what the mortals wear."

"Well, you look ridiculous."

I ignored the urge to push him off the table and instead ran a hand over my bare hands. It was strange not putting on my gloves in the mornings. My dark jeans looked washed and fit well around my muscled legs- not too tight to look bizarre. A perfect fit.

The light grey shirt showed off the contours of my muscled chest and my dark brown belt hugged at my hips. I'd decided to exchange my usual black boots for something more modern and stylish. The dark brown boots were laced up and I felt more human than I ever have before- I can't say it was a pleasant feeling.

I'd been dressed in mortal clothes before, but this time I felt self-conscious about them. Would her parents like me?

Would they try to keep her away from me? I knew I could just hypnotise them and easily change their minds, but I didn't want to. I wanted to make an impression on them.

What is wrong with you, man? Get a grip!

Hypnos stood up from the table and stretched his arms; "Well, you should probably get going. Send my love to Aurora. I'm going to go drink my body weight in bourbon and sleep until my head feels like it isn't submerged under water anymore."

I chuckled and leaned in to give my twin a quick hug; "Get some rest, you idiot. You're not helping anyone walking around half-dazed."

"Your encouragement warms my heart..."

I grinned and tapped him once more on the shoulder as I passed. Hypnos spoke up quickly, his teasing achingly familiar and comforting; "Oh, and Thanatos- do try and impress the in-laws."

"Ready?" Aurora asked, her face beaming with a bright and excited smile.

I swallowed softly, but my voice and expression was one of pure confidence; "Always."

I watched as Aurora shaped a portal in the air- her movements graceful and elegant, unlike mine when I ripped open my portals. Soon a large, dark blue portal hung in the air and speckled white and silver stars shone in the distance of the deep abyss.

My eyes found the beautiful aquamarine pendant I'd gotten her as a gift; she wore it almost every day. I felt immense pride knowing she loved it so much; it also eased my mind, knowing deep down she knew who she really belonged to.

I felt her grab my hand in hers and eagerly step forwards.

"Hold on there, Atalanta..." I pulled her back; "Forgetting something?" I signalled to her bags.

"Oh! Oops..." She was adorable. I shooed her hand away and picked up her large bag and mine in one hand. She eyed me with appreciation and picked up her small rucksack and threw it over her shoulder.

"Thanks." Aurora stepped forwards, but stopped; "Wait, who's Atalanta?"

"Sorry, force of habit when someone rushes. She was a heroine in the ancient times; known for being faster than any man."

"See, I don't need class when I have a walking Greek-encyclopaedia next to me."

I chuckled and winked down at her; "My words of wisdom don't come for free, you know..."

Aurora rolled her eyes and tucked her arms around my waist as we stepped to the opening; "Oh, I know."

We were sent flying- her portal equally as fast and thrilling as mine. We sky-rocketed through space and as we neared the exit, I grabbed onto her tighter and prepared my feet for the impact.

We landed with a thud, the bags nearly knocking me aside. Aurora was smiling like a loon. "My portals are pretty damn amazing, if I do say so myself!"

I laughed at her excitement- it was good to see her so happy. Lately, she looked tired and home-sick. I hope this time with her family and friends, and me, would do her well.

She deserved to be treated like a queen.

"So, we're here." I said with a steady breath. Why was I so nervous?

Aurora didn't seem to notice as she rushed to the front door. It was early in the morning in Caneyville and she'd convinced her parents that she would fly in from Italy late last night to see them first thing in the morning. They'd wanted to fetch her at the airport, but with some simple mind-control, I had them believe she was being dropped off by a taxi.

Of course, as parents they didn't like the thought of not being able to see her straight away, but it's not like I could conjure up an entire airport to trick them. I had my limits.

Aurora rang the doorbell, tapping her foot as she waited impatiently. I moved up next to her and tried to smile normally. I think by now my face only knew three kinds of smiles- my signature smirk, my menacing grin and the besotted, sheepish smile I kept finding on my face whenever I looked at Aurora.

None of those would work very well in this situation.

The door opened with a swing.

"Oh, my baby!" I didn't have the chance to react as Aurora's mother, Denise, came barging out with her arms wide open. Aurora swung her arms around her mother and they hugged as I watched on awkwardly.

"Oh, baby! How was the flight? Did they serve good food? How are the studies going?" Her mother looked up suddenly- her eyes coming to land on mine.

Before we'd left, I'd changed my eye colour to something more... natural. Aurora didn't want me to- which left my ego soaring- but how on earth would I explain red eyes to her parents? I did fiddle with their minds once before when I was a cat, but Aurora didn't like me doing that anymore.

So now my eyes were a light, copper brown- golden in the sunlight.

Her mother's blue eyes widened; "And this must be your friend you were telling us about..." She smiled gently and held open her arms for me. I momentarily forgot how to function.

Did she want me to hug her?

Uhh...hugs. Right. I can do... that.

I quickly leaned in and pressed her tightly, making sure not to squash her. Denise smiled with a blush and Aurora eyed her mother with a questioning grin, not sure of what to make of the slightly odd feel in the air.

I smiled my best 'I'm just a normal young university student who hasn't tried to sleep with your only daughter'- smile.

"Good morning, Mrs. Venerelli, my name is-" Fuck, my name is what? Think! "Thane."

Thane? Alright, it'll have to do...

From the corner of my eye I saw Aurora press down a snicker. Aurora's mother smiled widely and shot her daughter an impressed look; "Pleasure to meet you, Thane. And please, call me Denise! Mrs. Venerelli is so formal."

I smiled politely; "Of course, Denise. Thank you so much for letting me visit your daughter for the holidays."

"Well, when Aurora mentioned she was bringing home a friend from class I didn't expect to see Adonis."

Aurora cringed at the mention of the most beautiful man in Greek mythology. I just grinned and pretended to be flattered. Adonis might be 'pretty'; if you liked men who looked more feminine than Aphrodite herself.

"You're going to make me blush, Denise." Aurora's mother giggled at my charm.

Aurora looked between the two of us with annoyance. I shot her a sly look. Her mother definitely liked me. Aurora cleared her throat, causing her mother to rip her dazed eyes from my face and back to her only child. "Sorry honey- how was the flight? Come in, come in!"

Aurora smiled smoothly; "It was long, but fine. It's so good to be home!"

"Awh! We missed you, honey! I even started lunch already- slow-cooked lamb roast!"

I didn't pretend to not find the smell that wafted though the house extremely inviting. My stomach growled and it wasn't even close to lunch time.

"Oh, my favourite!" Aurora was bursting with joy as she held her mother's side.

I dropped our bags in the foyer and looked around. This place certainly looked very different during the day time. The last time I was here- it was at night; trying to catch Aurora.

How times have changed.

"Where's dad?" Aurora asked as she came to stand next to me while I admired a family photo of the three of them. It was old; Aurora still had pigtails and a young face full of child-like innocence. I smiled absentmindedly and traced a finger over the glass.

I wonder what she was like as a child? Like me; diligent yet mischievous? Or more like she was now; disciplined and mature? Did she not get lonely in this big house all by herself...?

"He quickly went to town to grab some groceries. I'll call him quickly to hurry up. You two make yourself at home. Aurora, show Thane around will you?"

As her mother left to the kitchen I heard Aurora mutter next to me; "You probably know this house better than I do."

I chuckled; "I did have some time to study it..."

"Do you remember when you were a cat and tried to tear up my bedding?"

I turned to her and smirked; "All I can remember from that night was how good you looked in that bubble bath."

"I knew it! I knew you were spying on me!" I laughed loudly as Aurora crossed her arms over her chest and glared up at me.

She looked stunning; her blonde hair hanging down her back in soft waves and her tight jeans showing me the clear curve of her plump rear. I wondered if she'd start letting me buy her lingerie...

"So Thane..." Aurora spoke my fake name with a sly tone; "Why are you trying to seduce my mother?"

I grinned and took a step towards her; "Oh, I wasn't even trying..."

She snickered; "You're so full of yourself, you know that?"

"I'd rather you be full of me..."

Aurora smacked my hand away as I tried to grab her ass. She giggled and took a step back; "We're friends, remember that? Friends don't touch each other inappropriately..."

I bit my lip; "That's going to be a tad hard for me; what about friends with benefits?"

Aurora shook her head, but her smile stayed put. I chuckled evilly and grabbed her waist to pull her closer, but she tried to push me off. Suddenly, her mother's heels clicked against the tiled floor.

Aurora shot away from me like I was on fire.

Her mother rounded the corner; "There we go! He's on his way now."

"You have a beautiful house, Denise." I said as I shot the older woman a dazzling smile. Her breath caught in her throat.

"Thank you, son. It's been in my husband's family for generations." I tried to ignore the knot that formed as she said 'son'.

"Well, you have exceptional taste in decorating."

Aurora rolled her eyes, but her mother was lapping up my charm with giddiness. "Oh, Thane!" Aurora pulled a face at her mother's giggling; "Aurora, what a dashing friend you have."

"Hmm... dashing." Aurora said dryly and grabbed my wrist. I let her lead me up the stairs as she shouted over her shoulder; "I'm going to show him his room."

"Alright, honey! Let me know if you need anything, Thane!"

"Thank you, Denise!" I yelled back as Aurora continued to drag me up the steps with haste. She was clearly irritated.

Aurora walked past her closed bedroom door, and I had the urge to peer inside and to see if it still looked the same as the last time I'd seen it.

All white.

Aurora stopped in front of the door next to hers and opened it. The room was decorated with dark greys and sea blues. I was just happy that it wasn't as white as hers; I'd permanently have a headache.

"Here. This is your room."

I looked around at the cosy, yet stylish room. It wasn't nearly as big as my chamber back at home, but it had a king-sized bed, some couches and a large closet. On the other side I saw a glass door leading out onto a balcony.

I wonder if this balcony connected to hers?

I'd have to find out later tonight.

"It's... so mortal-like."

Aurora eyed me with a raise brow; "I know you're trying to impress her, but my dad's not going to fall for it."

"Oh, I know, that's why I have another tactic in mind for him."

Aurora's forehead creased in concern. I took a few steps towards her and wrapped my arms over her shoulders; "I'll just dazzle him with my jurisprudence. We're both supposed to be studying law after all- and he is a well-known lawyer."

Aurora smiled slyly and bit her lip; "I don't know the first thing about law, other than what my father taught me. How am I going to pull off studying law to a lawyer? And how on earth do you know anything about mortal law?"

"Angel, I've been alive for millennia. Believe it or not, but I know a thing or two..." I leaned in and covered her tantalising lips with mine; "I'll help you out, but then I need you to do something for me."

Aurora sighed playfully, her smile growing; "What now?"

I grinned widely; "Drop the 'Mens Murum' spell."

Aurora scoffed and tilted her head; "Why on earth would I do that?"

"So we can send telepathic messages to each other during this long holiday. It'll make lying a lot easier. Trust me."

Aurora inhaled a deep breath and fixed me with her steady gaze as she contemplated my words. I stared down at her with a smirk.

"Fine." Finally she agreed and I felt my smirk grow into a beaming smile.

At last! I would finally be able to hear her thoughts again!

And I can hear all her dirty- Oh... wait.

Aurora now knew the dynamics of mind control and mind-transportation. She would be able to hear my thoughts too.

Oh, fuck.

*Pic- 'Thane'

Who's excited to see 'Thane' in the mortal world? Let me tell you, it's going to be a lot of fun to read... ;3

So a few readers asked me where my inspiration for this series (not the characters) came from, and the answer is quite simple- Class of the titans!

This kids show was (ahem... is) my favourite thing to watch when I was young! I kind of still rewatch it on YouTube some days ;D

Since a young age I've loved Greek myth, but this series really taught me everything I needed to know from a young age already.

And last year I was fortunate enough to take an actual university course in Greek mythology and culture studies. But this show will always be my real backbone! So kudos to the creators and their awesome ideas!

(No, I never read Percy Jackson- never found it compelling.) And I know Class of the titans is a kids show too, but I always wanted my book on Greek myth to be as realistically close to the myths as possible, which obviously would make them very mature.

So that's my little story done- on to the next chapter...