Psst

They called him "The sun and moon's love child"

Amaterasu, goddess of sun, and tsukuyomi, god of the Moon.

Born from non-sorcerers parents and during a total eclipse, the town where he was born easily noticed the new addition in the small place. But what made the news spread like wild fire was the baby's appearance.

Born from a brown haired mother and a black haired father, the child appeared with red flaming hair. And the moment he opened his eyes everyones breathe hitched. Gray almost white eyes like milk with a crescent withe moon 🌙 underneath the pupil almost surrounding it. Eyes that seemed to glow even in darkness.

The birth of the child brought great expectations. And the most religious people ironically considered him as the chosen one. The reincarnation of their God. The one they have been expecting for years.

The child became the messiah of the town. The family became rich from all the people coming to seek guidance even from a baby or just the opportunity to see him. And the jujutsu world took notice of the event.

The elders of the jujutsu world kept an eye on the baby for the first two years but lost interest when they realized that the kid was not especial in any way. The people where the only ones that belived so.

At first everyone in the town was delighted with the child. He brought prosperity to the town, wealth and recognition. But not everyone agreed with the idea. Those who didn't like a child basically having everyone trapped around his little finger stared spreading rumors. False rumors of the devil hiding in sheep's clothes.

Little by little, people believed those rumors to be true and the town divided in two. Those who believed in the messiah and those who thought him the to be the devil.

Everything got worse when in one of his walks with his 'servant', the child of 8 years stoped with his veré hands a fast rolling cart from hitting a younger girl in the middle of the road.

Every possibility left of the kid being normal was thrown out the window and the people believing him to be the devil were enraged.

They decided to act before the child could gain any more strength.

In a normal night were the people of the town slept peacefully, the 8 year old child laid wide awake on his futon. He had a bad feeling. Like something was about to happen.

His hunch was proven right the moment his 'servant' (someone he considered a Nani and a better parental figure than either of his parents) came barging in his room with urgency only to halt on the doorway by a katana piercing through her chest from behind.

Moon eyes open wide in horror watched everything and every ditail posible. From the fear in her eyes to the katana moving in slow motion towards him ready to cut his own head off his shoulders.

He doesn't know how but the next thing he knows he's in the middle of a burning old traditional Japanese house. The flames danced fiercely around him but none burned him like they did to all those in the house with the intention to kill him.

The survival of the child scared most of the residents in the town. None of the killers survived. His parents didn't survive. The servants didn't survive. No one but him lived.

Fearing the rage of the powerful child the elders looked for a way to take the childe away from the town and free them from the anomaly.

Looking everywhere they found a contact that assured them they had a way to take the problem from their hands. Unknown to them, the contact was none other than Nanami Kento, a student from jujutsu highschool, and he had just the right thing in mind.

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

"Ugh. Why am I here, sensei?" asked a very displaced 17 year old, white haired jujutsu student with his hands behind his head. The Tokyo's school principal and his student paced with calm towards their destiny. "I'm a sorcerer not a babysitter."

Yaga sighed heavily. "It's because I consider you the best one to talk to the kid." And to concentrate in something else than getting depressed, he thought.

Not finding anything that could convince his teacher to let him go Gojo grumbled under his breath about how all of this is a waste of time.

Faster than he would have liked, Gojo found himself walking along the halls of a traditional Japanese house, a big one at that, following a non-sorcerer man.

"Has there been a change in the boy?" Asked Yaga, concentrated in the reason they traveled so far.

"None, sir." Answered the man in a clam voice. "Have you come to a veredict about what happened?" He asked.

Yaga nodded once. Since the town didn't have the resources to find an expert forensic and jujutsu technical college was kind enough to send Nanami and Shoko to investigate. "It seems that one of the servants from the Kimura family may have thought that all the members of the family were dead and blew up the kitchen, starting the fire." He said in a calm tone. "That's as accurate as we can be considering most of it was unrecognizable by the fire."

Gojo rolled his eyes behind his shades. Any decent sorcerer would be able to recognize the signs of cursed energy in that place. And considering the damage, the signature of cursed energy they are approaching and knowing the only survivor, the child's probably a second grade or semi-first grade level. But it's not like they can say.

'Hey, did you know that your good for nothing small town produced a stronge sorcerer child?'

Just like always, they have to hide to cursed world from normal people.

"He is in here." Announced the man nodding to the sliding door in front of him. "He is calm boy not really that energetic, so don't expect much. But he is a good kid."

Gojo was slightly surprised by the honesty behind the man's words. After he heard that the elders of the town wanted to get rid of the child he expected hatred from everyone towards the young sorcerer.

Yaga nodded again before turning to Gojo. "Can you keep the kid some company while I talk with Koshi-San?"

The special-grade sorcerer understood the silent message. Yaga had nothing that should be keep private from him, but the reason he dragged him all the way to the town was to talk to the kid. "Hai hai." He answered nonchalantly.

Yaga stared at him for a moment before turning to Koshi. The man understood the 'need' to look for somewhere to talk alone and guided him to another room.

Finally watching them turn around the corner Gojo, grumbling under his breath, slammed the door open. "Hey kid." Announced his presence with a loud voice.

He already expected the boy to flinch and try to stay away from him. It's already happened before. His height, loud voice and sometimes even his eyes scare people away. But he was surprised by what happened.

In the room there lay an unused futon, the child was sitting in the engawa at the other side of the room, leaving the other sliding door open for everyone entering his room to find him watching the backyard. The child didn't move a single muscle nor did he appear to have notice his presence, but Gojo already suspects that the child knew he was there even before he opened the door.

The next thing that happened left Gojo speechless and with a sense of Deja vu. The kid turned his body slightly to the side and turned his head to see the intruder.

The moment the kid reveled his eyes Gojo was brought back to his own childhood (if he could call it that), the same eyes that used to look back at him trough the mirror were looking at him from the child now in front of him. Those light grey and glowing orbs had such an intensity that Gojo feared for a moment his own cursed eyes wouldn't stop the kid from inspecting his soul.

He was like him.

And yet not.

The kid's cursed energy flowed through his body the same way blood did in his veins. But his six eyes could easily see that by the amount of energy alone the kid was already a first grade sorcerer. The only reason Gojo didn't sense it before was because he was suppressing it. He doubts the child is aware of it, or had any kind of training to learn it, and the fact he is doing it unconsciously speaks of innate talent.

"Is there something I can help you with, sir?" Asked the boy in a soft yet firm voice.

Okay, maybe the child wasn't that much like him. Gojo wasn't respectful with others at his age. (Who is he kidding? He isn't, even now as an already grown up man)

Just like with his domain expansion, Gojo processed all his thoughts in a second and made his decision right then and there. He won't let people do to this child what they did to him.

Gojo took off his shades walking towards the boy before lowering himself to the child's level and looked at him in the eyes.

Glowing blue meet slightly surprised glowing light grey.

"Actually, I'm here to help you." He said with a smile in his face. It wasn't smug nor was it fake. It was completely genuine.

"Help me?" Asked the boy rising a red eyebrow. "How?"

Gojo extended his hand prepared for a hand shake. "If you take my hand I can show you."

Completely confused now, the Kimura boy looked at the withe haired's hand then at the owner's eyes. He didn't sense any kind of hostility or deception from the older.

Maybe he was a little naive to believe the stranger in front of him, but a hunch told him to take the hand. Who knows what could happen. Maybe he'll regret it... or maybe he won't. There's only a way to find out.

The moment the read haired boy took the stranger's hand he end up sealing his fate.

Everyone will know the power of the sun goddess and moon god's child's power.

And they'll either respect him or fear him.

A rival company is trying to sue you for plagiarising their music.

I mean like ew? (¬､¬)

You debuted in the music industry one year ago and had already gathered a massive fanbase and caused a wave in the industry.

Many were hailing you as the pop star of the century. Recognised not only domestically but also worldwide.

The songs were written by you and with the collaboration of acclaimed song producers.

When all of your songs dominated the Billboard chart, you solidified your status as the youngest and most celebrated star of this era.

You know what they always say, behind every success has its own trials and tribulations, and yeah you were now experiencing that exact phenomenon — a scandalous scandal, a bad suing kind.

The rival company had been trying to produce their very own pop star using you as the manual, however, it was to no avail. Obviously.

You snorted at that. No one could compete with you, naturally.

Therefore, they had to resort to underhand tactics. Such as, wrongly accusing you of plagiarism without any ounce of evidence and trying to sue you to boot?

Huh! The audacity.

More absurdly, he annouced all that mumbo jumbo on the stupid bird app! That hellhole of an app.

It goes without saying that the news spread quickly like lighting speed! Both fans and haters became aware of it and rumors and negative comments began to circulate rapidly. They really popped off there.

What else popped off? Keyboard warriors. They came and showed the heck up. They have never typed their opinions so quickly.

Before you could defend yourself from such an outlandish claim, they had already painted you a bad reputation. You cracked a displeased smile.

It appears that your followers and supporters have left you abruptly and without any hesitation.

And they call themselves loyal fans. You pouted. People’s minds sure do sway rather quickly. That bandwagon sure has lots of passengers.

Today, a crowd gathered outside your studio to protest against what they perceive as your "sinister" conduct.

How very rude!

Prior to your debut, you had anticipated that your first scandal would involve a dating rumour with a super hot man. However, the current scandal being circulated is merely a laughable joke and not the kind you had expected.

The music you made was definitely yours last you checked. It was unquestionably from this absolutely talented brain of yours.

“Pest,” you grumbled.

Oh and what a pest he definitely is. Actually, he was more disgusting than those creepy crawlies. He had a greasy face, greasy hair and an incredibly bad breath.

You shivered. Yucky.

“That bastard!” The boss of your company slammed the table.

Your boss was a tall and well-dressed individual in his mid twenties. He was an efficient and smart, young man that had personally scouted you and propelled your career (well, that is a little too much credit to him but yeh yeh).

This company had a few B-listers if you squint... hard enough. You were his first pop star and damn, you exceeded all his expectations. Not to toot your own horn, but yes you are quite literally The Best.

After learning of the absurdity, he was absolutely furious. He was frothing in the mouth like how baristas froth them age-old milk. You found it quite funny to see his handsome face contort to such comedy.

You hid your giggle behind your hand.

He stopped and knelt down in front of you, "I understand that this situation is difficult for you right now, but I assure you that we will find a solution and overcome this obstacle together."

Even the dumbest person would know that refuting the so-called "claims" was a simple task. However, the bigger issue at hand is the individuals who have already turned their backs on you. Unfortunately, you are currently considered the most disliked public figure.

Can you believe that? Me!

To that, you grunted and took a heavy whiff of the musky meeting room.

Gain back their support?

You suddenly stood up, causing your boss to fall back onto his buttocks.

An idea crossed your little noggin. Your idea is truly exceptional, with a level of creativity that is almost unparalleled. Some people might even dare ask, "From that brain of yours?"

A true visionary of the century you would say. You snickered to your own delight.

“What’s going on?” Your boss asked in confusion.

“I know just the way to make him eat his shit!” You bellowed, lightly brushing the nonexistent dust from your Miu Miu garb.

Oh yes, eat shit he will. Bet, his shit would be the best-tasting shit he will ever consume.

-

Present day

You, the top idol, stood in front of the screen fake crying your heart out for your dear little brother.

“Do you not love me anymore?!” You dramatically placed your hand over your face, wiping away the fake tears.

Rin covered his ears at that infamous phrase coming from you.

As the situation “escalates”, even Rin’s teammates started to catch on to your act. As in, they actually fell for your poorly executed acting.

“Oi, Rin your sister is calling for you! You bastard of a little brother making her cry,” his teammates and Karasu collectively shouted at him, accusingly.

This was too much for Rin to handle, the embarrassment was too excruciating. He was so close to believing that you were not his sister. Heck, did you hear his internal thoughts? Because he could vaguely hear you crying louder. He shuddered.

To Rin, this was the equivalent of having his mom unexpectedly appear in the classroom and announcing every speck of mole on his body to everyone. Yet again, he shuddered.

You, on the other hand, were just about to tease him more when Mr Manager tapped on your shoulder.

“Your next schedule is in an hour, you need to get ready.”

Ah, talk about getting blue balled. You frowned. You were just about to have fun with Rin.

"Schedule? I thought I was done for today?" You gave him a look of disapproval, with your lips tightly pressed together.

"I-it's the meeting with the boss!" He spread his arms wide in disbelief, brows downturned and mouth gaping like a goldfish.

"That person would not mind," you turned away from the screen and shrugged your shoulders, "no big deal missing one or two meetings."

"You mean, multiple (all) meetings?"

Wow, talk about being unnecessarily observant. You rolled your eyes. If your eyes could roll to the back of your skull that will be great.

So, your boss has this thing where you have to meet him and then goes on to lecture you on your bad public image blah blah blah. A broken record. That is what he is. He needs to learn how to shut up.

"Please you need to attend the meeting or else," your manager took a deep breath, "he will be really angry at me. Since he also specifically mentioned the severity of your behaviour this time around."

"Andddd?" You nonchalantly glance over, not sure why you should care.

Your boss sure is a pain in the buttocks. You can handle yourself well without him. What about the severity of your behaviour this time around? This was not your first rodeo.

"Wait!" You yanked the collar of his shirt, "What do you mean by the severity of my behaviour this time around."

He miserably clutch onto his shirt to ensure he would not die to accidental asphyxiation.

"T-he paps!" He released himself from your grip and whispered into your ears, "They took a photo of you smooching a man! Boss was super - and I mean super duperrr - angry! Since this morning, he has been attempting to hide the entire situation from the public."

Smooch? The only thing you smooched was...

Oh!

Oh?

OH!

Ohhh?

OH!

So, someone did catch you getting first base with that German guy.

"Smooch?" Anri gasped, a little too loudly. Actually, loud enough for the entire Blue Lock facility to hear.

Smooch? The Blue Lock players repeated after Anri.

Anri clasped her mouth shut.

Erm oops. (Ŏ艸Ŏ)

Turns out, the screen was still on for everyone to witness.

"End of today's entertainment — hope everyone feels motivated by the special appearance of the wonderful idol," with a click of a button, Ego had the screen turned off to the disgruntlement of the players behind the screen and to the joy of Rin.

"W-we have to go!" Panic filled Mr Manager's voice as he tried to drag you out of the room.

"But my Rin!"

"You are welcome here anytime," Ego interjected.

"Really?" Your teal eyes lid up.

"Reward for work and work for reward. It is widely acknowledged that when individuals receive recognition for their diligent efforts, they tend to exhibit improved performance and exhibit a more optimistic outlook. As a result, it is imperative to provide incentives that are based on performance. By the way, I must take a moment to express my genuine gratitude for your presence here today, Miss."

You blinked at his response, "I don't know what you just said, but I will be back for my little brother, Go-go!"

Ego briefly reflects on his nickname and then lets a faint smile appear on his face, "Hope to see you very soon too."

"Ah, the boss is already calling me! We have to go!"

"Bye-bye, big melon woman!" You did not forget your manners, as you made your way out.

Anri shyly waved back at you.

Damn, I really want big boobs.

-

His sharp eyes met yours.

You gulped.

You felt like a deer caught in the headlight. It was just a smooch — a very normal German etiquette. No biggie. Right?

Your boss held a photograph of what you believe is the source of this man's frustration.

You took the photograph out of his hands, "I spy with my little eyes a man and an exceptionally drop-dead knockout woman engaged in - you know what? This is actually a really good photo! We could hang it-"

"For goodness sake!"

"-on the wall."

He ruffled his neatly tousled coif into a slightly messy one.

"It is just an old friend," You fidgeted with the ends of your dress.

"Friends do not eat out each other's face!" He exasperated, loosening his tie.

"I-"

"I don't think you get it. This photo shows very clearly, the nation's biggest star and the German prodigy footballer exchanging salivas! This is big big news! And it will be a scandal if people catch wind that you are going around smooching high profile people! What would people think of you? We have been through so many ups and downs together but this is your first relationship scandal. I can already imagine the looks of your fans-"

"Aren't you being a tad bit dramatic? Isn't it normal for a pretty girl like me to have relationships?"

"You are an idol!" He shouted, a little too loud that you flinched, "And what is this thing that your Manager told me? Regarding your desire for a boyfriend, please keep in mind that as an idol, you have a certain image to uphold."

You stood up and slammed the table, a little too hard — you felt your palm throb underneath. You took angry steps towards him and placed your still throbbing palm on his face ever so not gently.

He stared into your teal eyes and you saw the big gulp he took.

Taking another step closer till your head was right beneath his chin, you stared up at him and squeezed his cheeks with all your might. He groaned and grabbed your wrist.

"What is that for!" He softly clasped onto his tender, reddened cheeks. You harrumphed back at him.

"HA! Idol this idol that." You snorted, "what if he is actually my boyfriend? Have you thought of that? Plus, my fans are mature enough to understand. We've practically grown up together. Don't be delusional, old pal!"

Ah, I am really digging my grave.

"You know very well-" You eyed him sharply, his mouth clammed shut.

"Kaiser and I are super in love and so what if some paps caught us? Is it really possible for someone like me, a young and attractive woman, to remain celibate forever? I am certainly not a nun." You let your mouth run, nervously.

Wow, my grave has been dug real deeeep, very spacious if I say so myself.

To be honest, you were not even too sure what you were even saying. Your boss was being such a prick. Prickly prick. Ugh.

"When did you even meet that guy with your full schedule?" He asked, hands still on your wrist.

"Our love needs no words. Whence our eye meets, we are in love," You physically cringed at your words. Seeing the goosebumps rising from your boss's arms, you were not the only one who thought so it seems.

Great. Just great.

"Let us set this straight. So you are telling me that you are in a relationship with that football player?"

"Why do you act so surprised? C'mon, I have two fine brothers who are also football players. What can I say? I just love a man who can treat the ball right. It is all bound to be. Therefore this is no scandalous scandal you should be worried about."

He releases your hands and stuffs his hands inside the pocket of his suit, reaching for the cigarette pack. He let out a deep breath and then proceeded to light a cigarette. With a shaky breath, he exhaled the thick smoke, his head throbbing from pent-up exhaustion and frustration.

You almost felt sorry for him, almost.

"Sooner or later, the news will explode. I will have a statement prepared for the media. Get ready."

Oh jolly, will you look? My grave is the size of an Olympic pool! How spacious. Sorry, big man.

Your boss was a good man that cared for you. But sometimes it gets overbearing. Very red flag. Do you think maybe that's why he's still single? I mean, he's got a lot going for him - eligible bachelor, CEO, and let's be real, he's pretty good-looking. But there's gotta be a reason, right?

Ladies, if you need a man you can call me.

ヾ(о-ω･)ﾉ⌒★

-

Kaiser smiled to himself.

The brightness of his phone deepened his smile into one of a Cheshire cat.

On his phone was a picture of you helplessly holding onto him as he savoured your lips.

"Aren't we cute together?" He said to no one in particular as he caresses the rose tattoo on his neck.

Oh, how the world so nicely revolves around him that fate has brought you back to him.

It would be wonderful if you could be in his embrace at this moment.

He puts down the phone and closed his eyes.

Be patient. Mein göttin.

-

"You should go back to sleep," Sae's soothing voice nearly put you to sleep as you struggled to stay awake.

You heard rustlings on the other end of the call, pretty sure he was in the middle of his training.

Oops.

"I made a fool out of myself today!" You lamented, snuggling deeper into your silky covers.

"Aren't you always a fool? What did you do this time? Lo siento. Estoy hablando con mi hermana-" You could hear another feint voice conversating with him. Must be his teammates. You yawned.

"- I am sure it is nothing too serious as always. You are tired, go sleep," Sae returned to the conversation.

"It is really really bad..." you spoke softly, rubbing your face onto the silk.

"Did you kill someone?"

"My boss looked like he almost died but no," You stretched your aching body, "I think I just got myself a boyfriend, more like I just told my boss a big lie that is about to be publicised...That guy is not even my boyfriend and when he hears of this garbage - oh boy is he definitely going to have a heart attack. I am in big trouble."

"You dug your own grave," Sae said, cooly.

"I know right, the grave is swimming pool sized."

"Who is the unlucky guy?"

"Kaiser Mikel?" You attempted to recall his surname.

Sae paused for a second before he replied, "Michael. Michael Kaiser?"

"Oh, you know him?"

"I do. He is a... good player. Sister, how did you even get involve with him?" This time, Sae sounded genuinely curious very unlike his usual disinterested self.

"You see," you hugged your bolster tightly, "some bugger quote on quote took a photo of us exchanging salivas."

"Excuse me?" Sae choked, "Exchanging salivas? Mierda-" You could imagine your brother's incredulous yet icked face right now. Well, he wanted to know and you delivered. ｢(◔ω◔「)三

"You heard me right."

"I wish I did not just hear that. But Kaiser and you?" Sae did not fail to exaggerate the last part almost in a manner you did not enjoy.

"Why did that sound like you are mocking me?" You grumbled underneath your soft duvet.

"I don't think that guy will mind being your boyfriend if that helps," Sae shook his head thinking about the German prodigy.

"Really?" you exclaimed, your eyes sparkling with sleepy excitement.

“Yeah. He- Dame un momento. I have to go now. I'll send you a text message. Go to sleep now," he paused briefly, "and have a good night."

There the phone line goes. Silence.

As if Sae had actually cast a sleeping spell on you, your head sank back onto the plush pillow and you succumb to silky sheets pulling you into a dreamy languor.

A boyfriend sounds nice... right?

-

Ring. Ring. Ring.

The sound of incessant phone ringing filled your room, grumbling under the sheets, you unwillingly pick up the phone.

"Who is it?" You drawled on every word in a drowsy stupor.

"Guten morgen, mein engel!"

You ended the call.

When did you fall asleep? You were having such a nice conversation with your brother too.

As you glance towards the window, you notice that the sun has barely even risen. Feeling lethargic, you let out a groan while still in bed.

Five more minutes...

Your dark lashes fluttered shut as you inhaled the fresh scent of cedar from your sheets. You sank softly into the mattress as sleep slowly envelopes you-

Ring. Ring. Ring.

You moaned softly.

"Five more minutes..." You spoke quietly to the spirits in your room.

Ring. Ring. Ring.

"Five just five-"

Ring. RIng. RIng.

Your eyes snapped open, half awake and half annoyed.

"What is it?" Mouth still dry as you tried to sound as harsh as possible to the rude morning caller, but it came out sounding like a meek, saddened mouse.

"Is mein liebling still sleepy?" The timbre of the caller's voice sent chills down your spine.

You know this voice! You rubbed your sleepy eyes and cleared your dry throat, "Kaiser?"

"Yes, Liebling." He purred.

Your bare arms prickled, sending you chills.

You were still sleeping, right?

"Er- wwie komme ich zu Cologne (*how do i get to Cologne)?" You spouted a random German phrase you so happen to remember from your travels.

"You are very cute," he lightly chuckled.

Oh damn, maybe you were half asleep but that was a pretty nice-sounding chuckle. Still, you did not understand what he just said.

"Someone reached out to me and said you are very much in love with me and that we are in a loving relationship," he continued softly, clearly enunciating each and every word you did not understand, "I am very very flattered, Liebling."

You feigned laughter in response, not sure what you are laughing at but he was laughing too so you are safe.

"Yes, it is a joyous occasion," Kaiser laughed in tune with yours.

Seriously, what is this man saying? You thought to yourself between laughs.

☆〜（ゝ。∂）the end (for now) ☆〜（ゝ。∂）

sike! Extras!

Sae is very unimpressed by Kaiser's courting of his sister. He does not know much outside of soccer but he sure as hell knows that Kaiser's method was, to say the very least, strange. He just hopes the German fella does not hurt his sister. That would be extremely troublesome.

<thank you, darlings for your endless love of reading this! My heart is full SMOOCH SMOOCH ଘ(੭ºัᴗºั)━☆ﾟ*:.>

☽⁎⁺ CYCLE ONE — YUBIE

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

☽⁎⁺ CYCLE TWO — YICHEN

☽⁎⁺ CYCLE THREE — MUCHEN

☽⁎⁺ CYCLE FOUR — YUCHEN

☽⁎⁺ CYCLE FIVE — DAN FENG

MORE TBD !

Characters: Intro 1 | Intro 2

• Chapter 1: First Day

• Chapter 2: 2 Birds 1 Stone

• Chapter 3: Well That's Tough

• Chapter 4: Calling It Right Now

• Chapter 5: Should I Stop Them?

• Chapter 6: Inch Resting ✏️

• Chapter 7: I'm Really Desperate ✏️

• Chapter 8: Really Domestic

• Chapter 9: SAKUSA KIYOOMI

• Chapter 10: That Was Attractive ✏️

• Chapter 11: Did What I Had To Do

• Chapter 12: PICK UP YOUR PHONE

• Chapter 13: ☺🥰💘

• Chapter 14: What Historical Night?

• Chapter 15: Simple And Nice

• Chapter 16: Idiots On The TL

• Chapter 17: A Smooth Talker

• Chapter 18: Goosebumps

• Chapter 19: Like Him Like Him ✏️

• Chapter 20: Going Through A Phase ✏️

• Chapter 21: I Can See Your Posts ✏️

• Chapter 22: Oh That's Rich

• Chapter 23: That's The Plan

• Chapter 24: Oh 👀 (x2)

• Chapter 25: Keyword: yet

• Chapter 26: 10 minutes. ✏️

• Chapter 27: No 3 For 1 Special ✏️

• Chapter 28: I Got $5

• Chapter 29: Forget Dating

• Chapter 30: My Second Favorite 🥰

• Chapter 31: Sound Like A Threat

• Chapter 32: A Hundred Percent Chance

• Chapter 33: SCANDALOUS

• Chapter 34: Only One Bite? ✏️

• Chapter 35: Family Get Together

• Chapter 36: Soon

• Chapter 37: Tear That Bitch Apart

• Chapter 38: KENMA NO

• Chapter 39: Effective Immediately ✏️

• Chapter 40: Be Transparent

• Chapter 41: Spilled The Tea

• Chapter 42: Kind Of Hot

• Chapter 43: Who Else If Not Tetsu

• Chapter 44: Get Out Of Town

• Chapter 45: Where's The Nearest Toy Store? ✏️

• Chapter 46: Need A Minute

• Chapter 47: 🎶 Sugar rush-ush 🎶

• Chapter 48: Read That Right

• Chapter 49: Know That Look ✏️

Characters: Intro 1 | Intro 2

• Chapter 1: First Day

• Chapter 2: 2 Birds 1 Stone

• Chapter 3: Well That's Tough

• Chapter 4: Calling It Right Now

• Chapter 5: Should I Stop Them?

• Chapter 6: Inch Resting ✏️

• Chapter 7: I'm Really Desperate ✏️

• Chapter 8: Really Domestic

• Chapter 9: SAKUSA KIYOOMI

• Chapter 10: That Was Attractive ✏️

• Chapter 11: Did What I Had To Do

• Chapter 12: PICK UP YOUR PHONE

• Chapter 13: ☺🥰💘

• Chapter 14: What Historical Night?

• Chapter 15: Simple And Nice

• Chapter 16: Idiots On The TL

• Chapter 17: A Smooth Talker

• Chapter 18: Goosebumps

• Chapter 19: Like Him Like Him ✏️

• Chapter 20: Going Through A Phase ✏️

• Chapter 21: I Can See Your Posts ✏️

• Chapter 22: Oh That's Rich

• Chapter 23: That's The Plan

• Chapter 24: Oh 👀 (x2)

• Chapter 25: Keyword: yet

• Chapter 26: 10 minutes. ✏️

• Chapter 27: No 3 For 1 Special ✏️

• Chapter 28: I Got $5

• Chapter 29: Forget Dating

• Chapter 30: My Second Favorite 🥰

• Chapter 31: Sound Like A Threat

• Chapter 32: A Hundred Percent Chance

• Chapter 33: SCANDALOUS

• Chapter 34: Only One Bite? ✏️

• Chapter 35: Family Get Together

• Chapter 36: Soon

• Chapter 37: Tear That Bitch Apart

• Chapter 38: KENMA NO

• Chapter 39: Effective Immediately ✏️

• Chapter 40: Be Transparent

• Chapter 41: Spilled The Tea

• Chapter 42: Kind Of Hot

• Chapter 43: Who Else If Not Tetsu

• Chapter 44: Get Out Of Town

• Chapter 45: Where's The Nearest Toy Store? ✏️

• Chapter 46: Need A Minute

• Chapter 47: 🎶 Sugar rush-ush 🎶

• Chapter 48: Read That Right

• Chapter 49: Know That Look ✏️

While Zeus’ son took to himself the task of traveling to Midgard in order to make the announcement to the bride’s family, the other messengers were sent to the Heavens, to deliver the invitation to the groom’s youngest brother and his family; to the depths of the Seas, where his other brother saw his predictions about being requested in Valhalla in a few months turn into reality; and to the Underworld, where the god of Conquest received the news with enthusiasm: the growth of his family and the birth of a goddess were things that he hasn’t seen in ages. The pantheons that were in good terms with Greece were also invited, of course, and the preparations for the next great festivity inside each of them started immediately after the messengers’ departure.

Hermes and all the younger gods who worked under him haven’t had that amount of work in a long time: having a date settled for the next weeks, your wedding was now a reality, and given the unprecedented nature of the union and the fact that one of the most important gods was involved in it, there were many people to be informed and messages to be sent.

In a way that would only surprise people who knew nothing about human beings, the human girls were the first to know about the wedding, and they wasted no time in coming to congratulate you and cheer up with the perspective of a new party in Valhalla: this wasn’t something that happened every year, so they were right in considering themselves lucky. The ones with whom you had a closer friendship asked you about your feelings towards marriage and if you were nervous about the idea of leaving humanity behind, and even if you already knew what type of goddess you would be, but there wasn’t really much you could answer: since you were never married before, you still didn’t know how you were supposed to feel, and the same could be said about the ritual and the events would follow it; about being a goddess, Hades told you that your purpose would become clear to you after your transformation, but some of your current passions, interests and personality traits could influence in the process, so it was too soon to have a definitive answer in this sense.

To be honest, you were more anxious about your role as a Queen than about being given divine powers: by the studying sessions you’ve had the last months, you were aware that working as a governor was a great responsibility, and you felt anything but prepared for it. You already talked about this to Hades, who tranquilized you, stating that you would be by his side for all the time you needed; you always tried to focus on this, but sometimes your anxiety would take the best from you, and thinking about the future was the last thing you wanted.

***

The greenish stem of the narcissus grew out of the little amount of soil seconds after you poured some drops of the mixture you just created, and your eyes widened with the vision. It’s been several days since you started experimenting with flowers, but Valhalla’s technology didn’t cease to impress you: countless possibilities of creating new species that would grow before your eyes with the most exuberant colors and shapes were a dream coming true; it was the perfect type of work, according to your standards, being a fusion of observation, study, creativity and sensibility, with endless paths to explore and beauties to discover.

The first leaves appeared all over the stem and on the upper side of it, making you hold your breath. It was almost there; you were sure you had the correct amount of substances united this time, so now the petals should have the desired shade.

The first petal appeared among them, followed by the others…

And then you had a purplish, iridescent flower, just like all the others you already had around you.

You sighed, disappointed. Yes, you loved the garden you ended up creating on that corner of the Greenhouse, and you loved the flower you just planted as well, but you felt you would have loved it more if you finally got the shade you’ve been trying to create since the last month: a celestial, vibrant blue, just like the blue that overcame the skies after the twilight and preceded the black of the night during summers in your homeland. You’ve been trying many things to create a variation of the species with such color, but the farthest you got was to create a purple flower.

You went to your notebook, opened on the table, and started revising your notes.

– These are the most beautiful mistakes you’ve ever made, little one.

You startled, then smiled, closing your notes and turning to Hades, who just crossed the room’s entry and was now touching the flowers that hanged upon it. He was aware of your incessant attempts to create the blue narcissus, and has been following your work from close, so he knew you were far from the results you wanted; still, he never ceased to admire your creations, seeing them as works of art, or beautiful mistakes, as he liked to say.

He approached the table as you leaned on it, crossing your arms and leaving the newest flower at sight.

– And what about this one? – you indicated it with a look.

His response was to touch the purple petals with his fingertips the same way he used to do with your hair, admiring the variations on its surface, created by the light that entered through the transparent walls, filtered by the leaves of the trees and ivy that surrounded the place, among which many of your own flowers spread.

– It might sound as a common place – he started – But this one surpasses all the others. How did you make it?

You showed your notes to him.

– I don’t understand what’s going on – you complained, observing the flower while he looked through the text – I’ve been calculating everything so carefully, yet it seems impossible to reach the exact shade of blue I want. I need to make the green undertone more prominent, but the red one just won’t decrease, no matter how much I work on it...

Hades spent a moment in silence, alternating his gaze between the notes and the flower. He has been the one who encouraged you most in this project, not letting you give up every time an unexpected color appeared on the petals and praising the results you’ve managed to reach, even when they weren’t exactly what you wanted; as a request made by you, however, he never interfered in the process, whether using his powers or giving you the subtlest instructions.

When he finally returned you the notebook, you thought he would give you some advice, but his response was to smile while observing the narcissus with a mysterious gaze.

You were the one who restarted the conversation.

– So… what do you think?

He took a moment to reply.

– I think your progress is something impressive, even for our standards – he touched the flower one more time; and, looking at his surroundings, – You just built an entire garden of new variations of narcissus in a matter of weeks. It is just my opinion but, despite not reaching your goal, you have all the reasons to proud, my y/n.

You had this sensation that Hades found something on your notes – maybe the mistake you’ve been making or the reason, the element you were yet to add to your formula, but it was currently out of your possibilities – but instead of talking about it, he preferred to use his time to encourage you.

You sighed.

– It’s not that I don’t like what I’ve produced until now. I love all of this – you made a gesture with your hands, indicating your creations – I mean, who wouldn’t love to work on something that would be impossible in their own homeland? Still, being aware of your own limitations is tiring sometimes… even for us.

Hades turned his eyes to you in a curious manner; however, he didn’t share whatever important discovery he did at that very moment with you, suddenly changing the subject with no additional explanations.

– Will you come with me for a moment? – he offered his hand – There’s something I need you to see. Well, actually, it is a place I want to show you.

You looked all over your table and frowned.

– Right now? I’m a bit occupied…

– It won’t take too long, I promise – he assured you – You will be back to continue your experiments when you least expect. And in a lighter mood, I hope.

You surrendered, holding his hand with both of yours with a smile: maybe you really needed a break from your efforts.

– If you say so…

Hades gave one last look at the narcissus before taking you out of the Greenhouse.

– Not only this, but maybe we can even find a spot for these wonderful mistakes here.

***

Though Valhalla was a seemingly borderless place, you somehow thought you’ve already met any space where your people were allowed to step in, so when Hades said that he wanted you to meet a new place, you felt as curious as you haven’t been in a while.

However, when you noticed he was leading you to a zone you knew to be exclusive for the gods, your curiosity turned into suspicion.

You were now crossing a narrow path of white stones that led to a high building of the same shade, except for the golden decorations surrounding the columns and the frames of the windows; the building was located behind great golden gates that were opened at that moment. You didn’t take long to understand of kind of place it was.

You stopped midway, making your partner stop too.

– Wait, this is a lodge, right? – you frowned – Are you sure that I can enter it? I don’t want to cause any problems…

Hades showed no worries concerning your presence there. Letting go of your hand, he caressed the top of your head.

– You can enter as long as you have permission – he explained – There won’t be any problem as long as you stay with me.

After you crossed the gates and stopped in front of the building, he stretched his hand to the great doors, opening the way for you.

***

The place was more like an apartment than a room, for various reasons: first, it was larger than any other place you’ve visited at Valhalla; second, by the number of doors and openings on the walls visible when you entered the private sections, you supposed that there was a reasonable number of departments which use would go beyond the bed area.

The first thing you saw when you stepped into the chambers was what looked like a living room or a space dedicated to visitors. The walls, covered in a purple wallpaper with a sophisticated pattern representing flowers and almonds, were extremely high for a common room, at least the ones you were used to find in the houses of your acquaintances in Midgard; perhaps those ones were an example of what you would find at a noble residence. There were a sofa and two upholstered chairs with a shade similar to the one of the walls, and a small table was placed at the center. The decoration consisted in small statues that reminded you of the ones at the Gardens, vases and exotic flowers. The walls, by the way, were covered in oil paintings that represented episodes from the stories told by Hades, all of them made in aged gold.

You didn’t need any explanations to guess what kind of place was that.

So… he brought me here to show me the room where we will spend our honeymoon.

He closed the door behind you and stopped by your side, smiling at your silence and your widened eyes.

– If only you could see the glimmer in your eyes now, little one – he commented – I feel like I should have introduced you to this place earlier.

You felt your cheeks getting warm and smiled.

– So… This is where you’ve been hiding for all this time? – and, looking around, – It’s quite comfortable.

He laughed.

– Actually, I’ve been using a different apartment, closer to Hermes’ chambers. It made it easier to approach you, since this building here is isolated.

You were staring at the flowers while he spoke, and didn’t take long to notice they were natural. You turned to him with a mixture of diversion and suspicion.

– Still, you’ve been here before taking me with you, right? – you pointed at the flowers – Otherwise, who’s been taking care of these flowers for you?

Hades pretended to be surprised for a second before start laughing.

– Loki was right when he said it was impossible to lie to you, then – he passed an arm around your waist and caressed your face – But let me tell you that this time you’re mistaken. These plants had their structure modified in order to increase their lifespan, so that they’ve been here for quite some time, being maintained with little effort from the elves’ part.

You shrugged.

– Really?

He nodded.

– Really. Now, allow me to show you the rest.

At the back of that room, at the same direction of the entry, there was a pair of doors of the same material of the first ones. Hades took you by the hand to them, then opened them both with a push of his free palm.

***

The bedroom had each corner built in art, beauty and exuberance.

The walls were covered in a softer version of the wallpaper you found at the living room, creating the sensation that the room was larger; the ceiling, just like the one of a church, had a Classic oil painting that would spread throughout its extension, exhibiting peaceful scenes of nature and mundane life.

At the center of the place, you saw the largest bed your imagination could conceive, with big pillows and cushions, covered with rosy, satin sheets. Above the upholstered headboard, there was an enormous tapestry which borders were sewn in golden threads, but it was the image depicted in the fabric that enchanted you: a garden that reminded you of the ones prepared for humans at Valhalla, full of fruit trees and lush grass; in a clearing formed among those trees, there was a group of nymphs on barefoot, with white dresses and flower crowns on their heads, holding hands to form a circle, dancing while the winds would blow in their wild hair (one of them even lost her crown, but didn’t mind stopping the dance to get it back); at the picture’s left, in the background, there was a faun sitting on a rock, dangling his hairy legs and playing a syrinx while birds and other small animals surrounded him. Framing this tapestry, there was a pair of curtains, opened and wrapped with golden threads on each side of the bed; they were connected to a woody structure that formed a sort of canopy. In front of the bed, there was an arc of bronze following the bed’s width, and under it a heavy carpet.

At your right, there was a pair of rosy doors that would lead to a balcony, while at your left you saw a few doors that you supposed to take the visitor to bathrooms, a kitchen or other essential departments. You looked around, searching for any source of artificial light, but couldn’t find any lamps; instead you saw candle holders at each wall.

Everything was clean, well built, luxurious… and a bit outdated.

Your silence might have caused a bit of discomfort, because Hades turned to you and politely asked for a verbal response.

– So… what do you think?

You looked at him, opened your mouth and closed it again.

Heavens, how am I going to tell him that, despite being beautiful, this place looks like it’s been closed since the Middle Ages?

You didn’t want to hurt your lover’s feelings, of course, but you had to be honest. You decided to examine the territory.

– Of course I loved it, and I’m flattered that you brought me here in anticipation but... let me ask you… – you bit your lip – When was the last time you used these chambers?

Hades crossed his arms and took a moment trying to remember, and the answer he gave you was, at the same time, the type of thing you were expecting and the last thing you could imagine.

– Hm… a few years ago, in an emergency, when I, my brother Zeus, Shiva and Odin had to travel here and solve an issue involving the human Nostradamus and the Bifrost.

You stared at him for a while, not hiding your surprise. A few years ago, he was saying?

– Nostradamus? You mean, that man Nostradamus, who lived centuries ago?

– Yes.

– Well…

When he finally understood, he started to laugh, passing his arms around you.

– Of course, we can redecorate it with something… modern, little one – he kissed your cheek – We will do anything that brings comfort in this important moment.

– I apologize if it looks like I’m calling you an old man – you laughed in embarrassment – It’s just that… time runs faster for us.

He looked around, letting out a nostalgic sigh.

– I see – and, suddenly changing the subject, – So, if this is the case, hurry up, because there’s something you need to see right now.

With a cheerful smile, Hades took you by the hand through the balcony’s door before you could say anything in response.

The balcony wasn’t really large, and it was structured in delicacy and elegance: the parapet was built in white marble, with Spring concepts carved in the stone; at your right, you saw a small table and two chairs, and upon it a tiny, empty vase, while at your left there was a narrow spiral staircase leading upwards. You were taken through it by the hand, and when you finally reached the upper floor, your eyes widened.

A private garden was built there, as a smaller version of the Secret Garden, where you’ve lived the most important moments of your relationship until that day. There were statues of beautiful heroes and damsels, as well as others representing forest creatures and animals, and benches near them; there were fruit trees which height was probably modified in the Greenhouse in order to fit that space, something that worked perfectly as far as you could see; in the center of the garden, there was a fountain where the birds would bathe and drink water, and they all flied when you approached them, splashing drops at all directions and making you laugh. The floor was of reddish, rectangular blocks made of stone, and it formed a labyrinth of narrow paths that led to each corner of the garden, so that every of those beauties would be at your hands’ reach.

However, you couldn’t help noticing that there were some empty vases here and there, as well as spaces on the grass that could be used to grow new plants. You turned to Hades and questioned him about this.

– Do you remember when I said we could find a spot for your wonderful mistakes?

You opened your mouth in surprise. So this was what he had in mind?

– This soil is prepared to receive every new species created in the Greenhouse – he explained – So your flowers will never feel abandoned when we bring them here. Even after our departure to Hellheim.

You frowned, worried.

– So... they will stay here?

– The elves will take care of them, so you don’t need to worry – he smiled – Besides… who told you that you will never return to Valhalla?

– But I thought…

– Yes, travels from Hellheim to Valhalla have been rare, with important events and crisis being the exceptions. But this is while I lived alone – Hades caressed your hair – Now, with a beloved wife by my side, changes in this sense are expected.

Your cheeks warmed up. Being called like that, even when you were still human and not married, made your heart skip. You wrapped your arms around your lover and laid your head on his chest, trying to find out if the same happened to his heart as well.

– Thank you for everything – you whispered – Thank you for your love.

– No – he replied – Thank you for your love.

***

The conversation that took place when you walked down the stairs and went back at the balcony was one that you knew you should have, sooner or later; well, actually you’ve been trying to find an opportunity to have it the last days, but no appropriate moment came. Now that you were at the very place where you should become a married woman, you understood that the time you’ve been waiting for has finally come.

While you stopped at the parapet to appreciate the landscape, your deliberations didn’t go unnoticed by Hades.

– Is it just me or have you been a bit nervous since you came here? – he started; and with a playful smile, – Is there something bothering you besides the decoration?

You giggled.

– I don’t know if bothering is the best word for this, but… Yes, there’s something I’ve been wanting to discuss with you for days – you took his hands on yours – You know, I’ve already told you that I’ve been in a few relationships, but all of them were too brief, so that they didn’t develop into something more… serious, intimate.

It didn’t take long for him to understand.

– Are you telling me that you’ve never been touched?

A heat came up to your face at those words: though you had no restraints in your communication, it still had a strange impact to hear him speak straight about this.

You nodded in confirmation.

– You’re the first person with whom I’ve got this far in a relationship, so… Yes, you will be my first.

Hades brushed your hair behind your ear.

– So, not being experienced makes you afraid? But what exactly do you fear?

You sighed.

– I fear that I end up not knowing how to… behave… That I feel uncomfortable... and mess up everything... and look ridiculous... and disappoint you…

Holding your face with both hands, his response was to give you a long kiss on your forehead.

– If these are the things you fear, then let’s not allow them to happen – he replied – When the time comes and you sense them approaching, just tell me, and we will take care of them together. Sounds good for you?

– Sounds perfect – you smiled, putting your hands upon his – Thank you for understanding.

– And thank you for sharing this with me, my y/n – he sighed – Since you decided to speak about this… There’s something I’d like to share with you too.

– Really? And what is it?

That time, Hades was the one who showed hesitation in his manners.

– It’s been a while… Well, it’s been a long time since I’ve been in a relationship. Before I met you, I’ve already forgotten how it felt like – he lowered his tone – Besides, I’ve never touched a human being, so, in a certain way, it will be a first time for me too.

That revelation changed the entire way you saw him. By the stories you’ve always heard about the gods and their interactions with humans, you knew that romantic and sexual relationships between the two species – which many times resulted in the birth of beings called demigods – was a common place, so the possibility of it not being the case with the King of the Underworld was something that never occurred to you. But now that you thought of it, it made sense: he has been living in a domain to where your people would only go after dying, and rarely left it without good reasons; besides, by what he told you about his family life, it was implied that he has been so busy with the matters involving his brothers that his personal life was left aside for what might be equal to ages. Indeed, there never seemed to be room for humans in his life before – which meant that having his private life back in the company of a human girl might have sounded like an intense, even scary experience to him.

– So – you started – Does this make you nervous?

– I bit… I think.

The blush you noticed on his cheeks made you smile.

In an imitation of Hades’ gesture, you brought you hands to his face, then stood on tip toes to reach his lips with yours: that was your time to assure him.

– If this will be a first time for both of us, let’s take care of it together – you whispered – Sounds good for you?

He laughed at this: seeing you use his words against him was just too funny.

So he decided to join the game.

After returning to the party and enjoying all the things the girls prepared – and confirming what Hades said about you having a proper, great reception right when the doors were opened and the guests saw you – there was dinner at last.

Zeus was the first among the brothers to go to the table, humming an unintelligible song while rubbing his hands on each other, too concentrated on the menu to give attention to the rest of the group; Poseidon and Adamas accompanied you and their elder brother, though keeping a certain distance.

Despite the enlightening conversation at the garden, you were still hesitant about joining the gods’ table, but again you were assured by Hades.

– There’s a seat with your name in that table, little one – and, offering his hand to you, – No one can stop you from taking it.

You put delicate fingers upon his palm, your cheeks warmed up by the treatment he just gave you.

“Little one”? I think it’s too soon to start giving me these names, my Lord.

– I know, my Lord – you replied – Still, I can’t help wondering how the other gods will feel about sharing their space with me…

– Ah, we already talked about it, didn’t we? – you felt a soft grip around your hand.

– Yes, but...

You would have continued to argue if it wasn’t for Poseidon, who was walking at your right, close enough to hear the conversation.

– Are you refusing my brother’s invitation again, human?

You turned to him in a startle: that he was paying attention to what you were saying it was something you weren’t expecting.

Your reaction was nothing to him, who continued to speak as if nothing happened:

– Or are you still having a hard time recognizing the privilege you were granted with?

You swallowed: if at first you thought you would never get used to Poseidon’s presence, for something in the tone and in the glare of the god of the seas would always destabilize you and rush your reactions, now you had no doubts about it.

– I… That’s not what I meant, Poseidon-sama…

You spoke as clear as you could, but none of your words seemed to melt the ice in his eyes, so you gave up on trying. However, you weren’t alone to deal with it that time.

– Maybe she will understand what you mean if you say something like “There’s no need to worry, because you are our guest”, little brother – Hades spoke in somewhat a tired tone.

Poseidon didn’t bother himself to say anything in return, rushing to his spot on the table and leaving you behind, but even you could feel the little tension that raised between the brothers ; you decided to stay quiet and pretend that it never happened.

Hades- sama sounded so serious right now. He’s holding himself back, but I can sense his impatience.

Your thoughts were interrupted by an unworried, loud laugh near you: it was Adamas, who was hearing everything and didn’t hide his annoyance with Poseidon’s mannerism, rolling his eyes at him like a teenager.

– If you want to decline this feast, you do as you want, girl – he said to you, rushing to his own place at the table – But this food was made by the elves, you know what I mean? I would never refuse something smelling this good…

You didn’t give him a verbal reply, but smiled with yourself. Despite the recurrent lack of delicacy in his manners, the god of Conquest was an honest guy, so that slight change in his demeanor was sensed by you and received as a positive sign: now it didn’t look impossible that he might be the first to accept you in the family.

***

When you finally reached the table, Zeus was already there, on the chair at your left, enjoying the content of his plate like a child who just found out his favorite food would be served at dinner; Adamas displayed a similar behavior, but less cheerfully, and Poseidon just stood on his seat with all the elegance expected from him.

Hades pulled the chair for you to seat, then took his own spot at your right.

Not all the seats were occupied yet, but the ones that were taken had the most interesting figures on them: on the same side as yours, prominent individuals from the Greek pantheon were found, such as a muscular man with a red cloak over his shoulders who you imagined to be taller than everyone in that table and who you later found out to be Ares, god of War; not so far from him, enjoying the company of three men whose bodies seemed to be made of stone, there was the most beautiful woman you remember seeing in your life, with delicate flowers over her golden curls and a white dress that barely sustained her breasts – Aphrodite, goddess of love; besides Adamas, at Hades’ right, and Poseidon, at Zeus’ left, there were others you were yet to identify.

On the other side of the table, there seemed to be more people, but you had even less information about them. On the edge, almost at the head, there was a stern man with long, black hair and clothing as dark as it; he wore an eyepatch upon his left eye, but the uncovered one seemed to be enough for him, and it wasn’t difficult to imagine it detecting the slightest oscillations in the air; he kept his mouth shut for almost the entire time you were in his presence, but the silence around him was often broken by two ravens that rested on each of his shoulders. It wasn’t hard for you to guess: he was Odin, the head of the Nordic pantheon. Right beside him, you found a younger man, just as serious, but with a more light appearance thanks to the reddish strands of his hair, that reminded you of lit embers, and his white clothing; his eyes were of an unusual mixture of shades, with yellowish pupils and dark sclera; as if it wasn’t enough, he had golden marks on his face. You tried not to stare for too long, but it was impossible; if the man noticed it or not, you couldn’t tell. This god, judging by the position he occupied beside his leader, was none other than his son, Thor.

Alongside father and son, there were female and male deities that reminded you of the Nordic heroes such as described in the old tales, but nobler and more beautiful. However, even on their side there were empty seats, one of them right at Thor’s left. The card that indicated its owner was out of your sight, and you wondered who they should be.

The table was quiet even before you arrived, with just a few, occasional chatting between the guests who were sitting side by side, but all of the whispers ceased once they put their eyes on the little human beside the Lord of the Underworld. Even Odin’s ravens, after screams of “Human! Human!”, stopped their croaking to observe.

Everyone had their eyes turned on you, examining every inch of yourself with non-disguised curiosity, as if you were an exotic species or one of the party’s attractions. Fortunately, as Hades predicted, there was no hostility or harshness directed to you, but that didn’t make all their attention less unsettling. You glanced at him, who had a calm smile on his lips, as if proud of what he just did – bringing you back with the compliance about which his brother doubted.

However, he wasn’t the first to speak.

– So... this is the young woman about whom Hades-sama spoke? – a female, sweet voice sounded at your left; you turned to its direction and found Aphrodite with her elbow leaning upon the table, her cheek on her hand as she stared at you – She’s so pretty… specially because of these bright eyes of hers…

Ares, who was hearing everything, had a less flattering comment to make.

– Indeed, she has respectable traits for a human being – and, after giving you a scrutinizing gaze with one hand under his broad chin, – However, her general aspect is as frail as the others’. I would say that she can barely hold the cutlery in a proper way with these tiny hands of hers.

You looked at the god, at his monstrous hand dwarfing his own cutlery and plate over the table, opened your mouth, but closed it again, still not believing that this was his view on the human race.

These gods… Do they even know that I can understand what they’re saying?

You then decided that, because his thoughts and knowledge were primarily directed to the matters of war, he would never expect great things from someone like you, and that maybe hugeness and strength were things so inherent to him that he didn’t even notice that most living creatures would seem tiny in comparison to him, not only humans.

Well, the food was served by the elves to the newcomers, including yourself, soon after that, and you took the opportunity to prove Ares wrong by holding your spoon with perfect balance in order to try the soup that was just poured on your plate and which spicy smell invaded your nostrils and made your stomach growl.

However, you never managed to put the spoon on the liquid.

The spoon’s handle, a firm, silver thing, quickly moved and stretched, getting out of your reach as it grew into the flexible, scaly body of a white serpent.

All the guests held their breath as the animal escaped from your hand, turned around the hot plate and placed itself in front of you, staring at you with a pair of emerald eyes and making a low hiss while showing you its black, forked tongue.

You startled, but kept quiet, only looking at the snake.

What a strange animal, this one, you thought to yourself. It’s the perfect image of a serpent, yet it doesn’t feel like I have a serpent in front of me. What does this mean?

Hades stretched his hand to reach the serpent, but you touched his arm as to ask him to not do it.

– Please, wait, Hades-sama – you spoke, without taking your eyes off it – There’s something… odd about it.

You felt his eyes – as well as the other gods’ – on you when you said that. You glanced around and, somehow, your gaze fell on Odin’s figure, who was observing everything but showing no sign of being impressed with the situation; his ravens were croaking things in what you supposed to be an ancient language.

– Odd? – Hades asked – What are you talking about, y/n?

The serpent was now quiet, still observing you, as if waiting to see what was going to happen next.

– I don’t know how to explain. It is…

You left the sentence unfinished. Instead of trying to work with your words, you opted to do it with your hands: after keeping eye contact with the reptile for a few more seconds, you stretched your left hand toward it, in an attempt to grab it; the serpent, of course, deflected, but your right hand was waiting for it, and you closed your fist around its cold body as fast as you could.

The serpent hissed again and squirmed before turning into a huge, black moth, flying above the table, out of your reach. So, this was the reason why what you were seeing didn’t sit right: you were dealing with a deity, and one that enjoyed playing around, causing commotion and gathering everyone’s attentions.

And the said deity didn’t take long to reveal himself.

The moth changed its aspect as quickly as the serpent did, but this time the transformation didn’t result in another animal: instead, a slim, young man with green hair and extravagant clothing was seen floating above the table, close enough from you but at a safe distance from the steamy plates.

He seemed to find a comfortable position – or what could be considered comfortable while in the air – and kept staring at you with the same curiosity as his pairs, but without the slightest regard for formality or good manners, as attested by the glimmer in his lilac eyes and the grin on his large lips, a contradiction to the delicacy of his other traits. His face, you thought, must be very pretty when he was serious or relaxed.

For the second time, you glanced at Odin’s side of the table, at the empty seat beside Thor, and felt that this might this person’s seat.

A jovial, frolic individual with the ability of shapeshifting. Could it be that this man…?

He was the first to speak, with a mellifluous voice that was exactly like expected from such a figure:

– Well well, you have such fast hands! Fastand strong ones! – he commented, shaking his own hands; and, inquiring you in a cunning manner, – How did you do that, mortal?

Despite not enjoying this interaction at all, that man was still a god, and you wouldn’t dare disrespect him in his own place, among his pairs, so you put some effort in your reply:

– Well, me and my siblings used to spend our fee time at the coast, playing to catch fishes with our bare hands under the water. I just thought it would work with a serpent as well.

His response came as a cheerful laugh.

– Did you hear that, Poseidon-sama? – there was only silence from Poseidon’s side, but it didn’t seem that the young man was expecting an answer anyway, so he just continued to talk to you – After what I saw here, I have no doubts that you were good in this game. But that’s not what I’m talking about…

– No? – you frowned.

The man laid on his side in the air, leaning his cheek on his hand while studying you.

– Hm-hm – he moved his free hand’s index finger in a negative sign – I want to know how you noticed that thing about the serpent. You said there was something odd about it.

You were going to say that it was pretty easy to understand that a serpent is fake when it was a lifeless spoon just a second ago, but that might not be appreciated by someone with his temper, so you just explained how you felt.

– I’ve seen some of these animals from close before, so I know the sensation of having them in front of me. And the feeling I had while looking at the one you created didn’t match the previous experiences.

Unlike you imagined, your answer made him bored, and he didn’t hide that.

– “It didn’t match the previous experiences”? – he rolled his eyes – It’d be easier to say you found it fake, girl.

Yes, it was ironic that someone who likes to play tricks was expecting you to be honest with him, but if that was what he wanted, you had no problem doing it.

– I just didn’t want to offend you even before confirming who you are.

Something changed in his face when he heard that, softening his traits a bit, and you had the impression of seeing a slight blush on his cheeks.

– Ah, this is the first time someone shows consideration for my feelings in a long time. But, speaking of confirmations, let me properly introduce myself. I am…

– Loki. I know.

The clever smile hanging on his lips since he took the form of a man disappeared, suddenly giving space to a stunned expression. He moved his head away from his hand and sat in the air, not believing in your guess – because the man you had in front of you was, indeed, the god of Mischief.

A paper appeared on his hand (if he summoned it or took it from a pocket, you weren’t sure) and he showed his name written on it: it was his seat’s identification at the table.

– How do you know that?!

– I’m sorry, but it’s a bit... obvious, Loki-sama – you glanced around the table while you spoke – On the other side of the table, there are few empty seats, and only one close to the head the Nordic gods, Odin-sama. Since Thor-sama is already present, the remaining seat must belong to his closest relative besides his son. Speaking of this, Odin-sama was the only one who didn’t show any form of surprise when you turned into a serpent, as if he’s used to witness your powers. And, finally, to the people of Midgard, you are the most famous shapeshifter among the gods, so your name would be the first to come to my mind in any way.

Loki took a moment to formulate a response; when he did, he already had his grin back.

– You’re such an interesting person, mortal... What’s your name, again?

– Y/n.

– Hm, y/n-chan – he kept staring at you with bright eyes, as if you were a cub or something like that – No I understand why Hades-sama took a liking on you...

That was your time to feel your face heating up. You were going to think of something to respond, but before the conversation got any further, a deep, steady voice intervened – Odin, to whom you both looked at like children caught in the middle of a trick:

– Go to your seat, Loki, and let us enjoy our dinner in peace.