Crown Him part 8
Pairing: god of spring!TimothΓ©e x goddess of the Underworld!OC
Warning: brief depiction of god-slaughter and war and mention of smutty times 18+ only
A/n: Well gang it's finally fucking here. The angst starts comin' and it don't stop coming now. I can also officially say this is part 8 of 10, so literally the rest of this series is gonna be mostly tragedy, as the myth goes. But with a little flavor and flair π! Lord willin' and the creek don't rise, even part 10 won't be the end for these two, so don't be too bummed out! Only 4500 words boohoo π’ Standard issue: DNI blank blogs, ageless blogs, and those who serial like fics instead of reblogging. I will block you. Every time. Also take a look at my other face claims for the pantheon & company mentioned here!
Aggravating in all forms, TimothΓ©e thought with a scrunch of his nose. His arms flexed as he readjusted his grip on the pot in his arms. The fragrant scent was inescapable, especially at his chest as it was. He rolled his eyes with a huff. Conspicuous and attention-seeking were apparently transferable traits.Β
The streets of Del were quiet and bare as TimothΓ©e marched forward, his deed in his grasp. He would have preferred some noise, some distraction. Instead, with only the crunch of loose gravel under his sandals, too many thoughts played and replayed in his head. Hermesβ words. Mentheβs words. Zeusβ relayed message. His motherβs relayed grief.Β
His jaw clenched. It wasnβt fair. Why was he the only one who cared about his happiness? He and Aidonea, that is. Stomping a little harder, a little faster, TimothΓ©e made his way into the palatial home they shared. With the reverberations of his footfall, he honed in, getting out of his own head and seeking out. Where was his wife? His emotions were clouding his ability to feel the thrum of the Underworld, the whispers of his loveβs mysteries. TimothΓ©e shook his head, trying to shake the chaos inside him straight. But he was too frustrated. Itβs fine. He didnβt have to use the powers he was still trying to develop, he just needed to think.Β
Though it was late, he was not at her side, so he knew that she had not gone to bed yet. Work-life balance was something they were still working towards which meant Aidonea was sure to be in her study still. So he made his way there.
Back pressed to the door, he shoved it open. And as his eyes fell upon the goddess therein, the tension in his shoulders, in his jaw, in his pursed lips, all relaxed. He even thought about smiling.
βPlouton.β
Her gentle smile was like a hug, warm and comforting. TimothΓ©e wanted to fall in and curl up in it like a cat sunning itself. βMy husband. What have you made? I felt a surge of your power.β
Ah. Yes, that. The reason he was here. βNot what you expect.β
He placed the large fragrant potted plant on the table.
With a curious set to her brows, Aidonea studied it. βWhat plant is this?β
βUm, I only just created it.β
βAnother new one?β
βYeahβ¦β
βWhy do you look guilty?β
He sighed. βFirst of all, I want to say that Iβm not sorry about what I did, I just feel guilty because I feel as though I should have involved you more.β
βTimothΓ©eβ¦?β
βThis is Minthe.β TimothΓ©e finally admitted. Aidonea blinked at him once. Then again.
ββ¦The nymph?β
βYes.β
βYouβ¦ turned her into a plant?β
βYes.β
Aidonea opened and closed her mouth a few times, finally setting on: βI didnβt know you could do that.β
He shrugged. βI just changed her life energy.β
ββJustβ he says,β Aidonea muttered as she rolled her eyes. βSo you mean this is reversible?β
βSheβs still alive. I could change her back whenever I wanted to.β
βWhat was her offense?β
βHarassment over jealousy.β
The face Aidonea pulled brought the guilt of leaving her out of the loop back. βJealousy?β
TimothΓ©e flicked at one of the large serrated leaves, causing the scent to spike and stick to his fingertip. He grimaced. Annoying chit. βShe has been antagonizing me about your previous relations.β
Aidoneaβs eyes narrowed at the plant and TimothΓ©e may have imagined it, but it seemed like its stalk shivered. βA fault I knew her to be capable of. I called myself sparing her feelings the first time I addressed her about you and I. She told me she had more pride than to mistreat you for our past.β Aidonea swept it to the corner of her desk without another glance. βAs she clearly lied to me and aggressed against you in blatant insubordination, I believe she can remain this way for as long as you like, my love.β
TimothΓ©e preened the tiniest bit, happy to be validated and supported in his choice. He bowed his head a bit in acknowledgment and turned to leave feeling much lighter. Then he paused at a thought, looking over his shoulder to declare, βAlso I want new sheets.β
Aidonea frowned, befuddled. Then shrugged. βSure, pick whichever color you like.β She looked back down to her work. βExcept pastels; you are blinding enough to wake up to each morning.β
TimothΓ©e made a noise of affront. βI have not lost that much of my tan, how dare you!β
βI will mistake you for a statue soon, I fear.β
βYou are the meanest wife Iβve ever had.β
Aidonea smiled briefly then let it fall, searching his face. For what, he wondered? Not remorse, surely, for he had meant it when he said earlier that he did not regret what he did. But if he was being honest with himself, he may have been a little embarrassed under the unapologetic righteousness. That it had to come to this. But the nymph had been spoiling for a fight since he arrived and delaying giving one to her had only brought them to where they are now. And with it, his satisfaction.Β
His queen regained his attention, coaxed his fallen gazeβ when had he looked to the ground?β back to her own and regarded him openly. βYou had every right to exact the punishment you saw fit of a transgression against you from who is supposed to be a loyal courtier. I trust your judgment, my king.β
The reassurance made him straighten, re-steel his resolve. Then he nodded perfunctorily. Swallowing, he let his gaze settle on the scrollwork before her. βWhat are you doing?β
βAnswering prayers.β
βIn your study? That should be more happy work, should it not?β
She breathed a humorless laugh. βWe are not invoked for the same things, my love.β
His brows drew in on themselves, only able to guess at what the contents one may pray to the sovereign of the dead and afterlife for. TimothΓ©e placed his hand over hers. βCome, Plouton. Give to those of the living who call out to you from a livelier place.β
They gather her scrolls and her charcoal styluses and he leads her to a random village square in Del. There, Aidonea sent blessings while surrounded with the calming bustle of her shades at work, going about their duties as she went about hers. TimothΓ©e organized her stacks and grouped them by content as he hummed windingly at her side.
From then on, she did so every time she went to answer mortal prayers, with and without TimothΓ©e by her side. She would simply walk the streets of Del, surveying the common goings-on and find a spot to sit with her scrolls of the risingβs requests.
β¨ππΈπ€πΈπβ¨
(They fucked on sumptuous silken, ruby red sheets that night.)
β¨ππΈπ€πΈπβ¨
It had been awhile since last she had spent time with Cerberus, so she decided to take them on a walk. Relieved from their constant duty, the dogs gleefully split apart and relaxed.
RuscΔusβs big head was on her lap as CernΕo playfully wandered the area, butting up to greet and shades and get pets. BΔryllusβs sharp green eyes were alert and watching the goings on.
CernΕo trotted up, nudging something against her hand to encourage a game of fetch. She grinned indulgently to the canine, wrapping a hand around the bone and pulling her arm back for a throw. Then paused before launching it.
βWait, Cer, whose bone is this?β
Slender arms slung around Aidoneaβs shoulders from behind as the scent of dark berries and fire nuzzled against her cheek.
βIβve tracked you down, wife divine.β
βI was not hiding from you,β she smirked.
βI did not say you were, only warning that you may not be able to any longer even if you try. I am becoming quite adept at reading the Underworld! Getting even better at separating your aura from the ambient mysteries of you that suffuse the lands.β Aidonea praised his growing skill and he preened and basked in it momentarily. His chin tilted over her shoulder as he peeked in on what she was working on. βMore prayers?β
She hummed in affirmation. The number was idly increasing and she had intended to send an envoy to uncover why. But TimothΓ©e had a way of unwittingly distracting her. Aidonea made a mental note to do so the next time she saw Thanatos. Or maybe Hermes.
βWhere have you gone?β TimothΓ©e murmured with a kiss to her temple before finally rounding her and kneeling at her side. He reached over and patted RuscΔusβs side. βSomewhere inward I cannot follow, and I donβt like that. Come back to me.β She laughed at the faux pout in his tone.
βYou are a glutton for attention.β
βYour attention,β he corrected with a teasing roll of his eyes.Β
As he did so, the corner of his vision caught a glimpse of something new in the area. A statue near the road. Well he had been commissioning new ones left and right, though he doesnβt remember an idea for this crossing in particular. Honestly, good on Daedalus for taking the initiative to add more without his express direction. TimothΓ©e moseyed over to admire the handiwork, but his pleasantly curious expression fell as he got closer. βHold on, is that me?βΒ
βNothing wrong with your eyes.βΒ
βYou knew of this? You arranged this? You got a statue made of me?β
βThe other half of this union was being woefully underrepresented and is still soundly outnumbered by your aversion to moderation.β
βWhyever would I simply want a moderate amount of depictions of you?β
He marveled at the figure for a bit, his likeness posed in serene repose. That woman was still full of surprises, it would appear. How had he got this passed him?
TimothΓ©e rounded on her, narrowing his eyes teasingly. βWhat other secrets are you keeping from me, Hidden One?β
A coy smirk adorned Aidoneaβs lips. Mischief. Sneakiness. A novel but welcome sight from her. TimothΓ©e gasped a bit theatrically, eyes widening in realization.
βThere is something else. What are you up to? What have you done?β
βI was only told this rising that it was ready.β
He waved for her to stand. βWell?? Iβm not the god of patience and delayed gratification! Lead the way!β
RuscΔus grumbled to have his comfy nap disturbed, but he eventually rolled off and let her leave, though not without a little huff of disapproval. Aidonea took her husband by the hand and they walked from the bustling streets to the far less congested grounds surrounding their temple home. A ways passed, but not so far as the path to Elysium, Aidonea showed him an archway that hadnβt been there a fortnight ago.Β
She pushed open grand stained glass doors and TimothΓ©eβs jaw dropped.
Half cave and half greenhouse, the space was encrusted with moonstone, jade, and emeralds in the walls and ceiling. The green tint to the room gave it a calm but hopeful air. And bathing under it was a sizable empty field of dirt.
βThe soil is from aboveground,β Aidonea explained and he wasted no time dropping to his knees. TimothΓ©e sank his hands splayed wide into the soil and sent his chaos out. βThanatos probably looked like an actual gravedigger.β
βI can do anything I want with this,β Timmy murmured as he analyzed the soil, diagnosing it. βOh, I can hear you,β he comforted absentmindedly, not talking to Aidonea. He heard it as clearly as a mortal's prayers, the soil beseeching aid, telling him its pains and imbalances. His brows furrowed, forlorn and empathetic as it cried out to him.
Aidonea placed her hands on his shoulders, seeing the way he reacted. βIβm sorry. I did not expect this of my gift.β
βNo!β He shook his head, grinning at her over his shoulder. βItβs okay because I can fix it. Itβs a little saltyβ a lot saltyβ a little dry. Some compost would be great, but itβs all doable, baby. Itβs good foundation, I can definitely heal it and grow anything I want from this.βΒ
Reassured, Aidonea smiled with a little relief as she gently squeezed his shoulders. βOf course you can, Kthonia.βΒ
She had intended the epithet to delight him but not thrill him as it did. βKarpophorosβ¦β she continued, her hands trailing down his arms. βObrimoβ¦β she whispered in his ear and he shivered. Chaos ran down from his shoulders, into the earth and made it ripple out with the epicenter where his hands disappeared below the soil. Asphodels sprung up only to wither in the deficient earth. βOkay, yeah, I never thought Iβd say this but, divine, you must leave me.β
β¨ππΈπ€πΈπβ¨
Megaera finished up her report of the beach of Styx and its recent overcrowding; how they were needing to reallocate resources. Why were so many dying penniless? What could possibly be the shift that was taking place?Β
Aidonea rubbed at her temple. βGive a message to Thanatos for me. Have him send a delegate to investigate this influx. Assist Tisyphone with surveying the new shades with no toll coins and get back to me as soon as you can.βΒ
The Erinye bowed. βWith haste, your majesty,β she assured and turned to leave.
βMegaera, before you go, could you please take Minthe with you? The scent is giving me a headache.β
Megaera snorted and hefted the large pot effortlessly. βNot a novel feeling in her presence. Our king certainly created with accuracy.β
Without the heavy fragrance in the air, Aidonea could focus again. Clear her mind a bit more. What hour was it? What more did she need to finish tonight? She looked at her task list and saw it to be uncommonly sparse. Sheβd really fallen out of the routine of using it as she spent more and more of her risings outside of her study. Her darling husband had done a fine job of coaxing her out of her seclusion.
Now that she thought about it, routine was something she had all but abandoned since the wedding. Easing out of the honeymoon and back into her duties had not been seamless and she could admit to herself that balancing the responsibilities to her position as queen and her position as wife leaned heavily one way one rising and the other way the next.Β
It wasnβt necessarily a change she disliked, but change certainly wasnβt her strong suit like it was TimothΓ©eβs. How long would she need to adjust? But the benefits of having him far outweighed her difficulties.Β
The tender smile that had begun to spread on Aidoneaβs face fell abruptly.
There was an unwanted visitor in her home. And from the faint crackle of electricity in the soles of her feet, sending the gentle sensation across the surface of her skin up to her fingertips, a damning feeling fell over her like a shroud. Aidonea made a quick stop by the Infernal Armory before moving through the shadows.Β
β¨ππΈπ€πΈπβ¨
TimothΓ©e stomped towards the entrance of his home again. He felt the shift in the Underworld, the way another oppressive aura had forced its way in, demanding it make space for them. The closer he got, the more he recognized the rumble under his feet to be the low, reverberating growl of Cerberus.
Could it be Hermes again, back and bolder? He told him all those risings past thatβ.
The messenger god was not the one stood at the maw of the Underworld.
Zeus frowned and settled ice blue eyes on him from where he still stood upon his chariot.
TimothΓ©e sized up the god, the cut of his jaw as he lifted it proudly to look down upon him. Nothing about him suggested this would be a pleasant visit. So TimothΓ©e abandoned hospitality immediately as Zeus did by invading their home unannounced and unwanted.
βZeus Xenios,β TimothΓ©e greeted with a mildly sarcastic tone. βWhat could bring you to our home this rising without invitation or permission asked?β
His great jaw clenched before he spoke, cutting to the chase. βYouβve been missing for months. Your mother is worried sick. Sheβs poisoned the mortalsβ fields with her bitter tears. Theyβve salted the grounds.βΒ
Breath caught in TimothΓ©eβs chest as he thought of the soil in his gifted garden, salted and malnourished. It was his own motherβs weeping whoβd done so. He never wanted her to worry. He just wanted to do what he did want. βTell her Iβm fine, that Iβve chosen to live here with Aidonea.βΒ
βHermes told her you were fine. Her tears did not stop. She wishes to see you.βΒ
βWell, I cannot just leave to assuage her!βΒ
Zeus sneered. βYou must! She is your mother and your place is with her!βΒ
βAidonea is my wife! My place is with her! Though, you may be a little foggy on that concept,β TimothΓ©e spat, his temper returning with a vengeance. βI willingly ate the fruits of this land! Knowing I would never be able to leave, knowing I never wanted to leave! This is my home now!βΒ
Zeusβs eyes flashed, as if lightning streaked in his very irises, but TimothΓ©e did not back down. Rooted like a tree, he stood tall, eyes fixed and hard as jasper on the sky king. Zeusβs voice rumbled like thunder as he spoke and stomped forward into TimothΓ©eβs space. βYou may think yourself more important because Aidonea has handed you royal status but I am still the king of the gods. You will return to your mother. You will return aboveground. You will do so because I sayβ.βΒ
βWhat you will do, is take care of how you speak in our domain, dear brother.β Aidonea hissed as she made herself known, removing her helm and slipping out of the shadows. Zeus shrunk a bit under her glower. Demeter had once mentioned that Zeus was a little fearful of his older sister, a fact sheβd overheard from Heraβs gossiping lips, readily corroborated with by Poseidon. Zeus maintained his bravado, speaking with his chest at her.Β
βThis needs to be handled, Aidonea.βΒ
βIt already is. TimothΓ©e is my husband. He has chosen to stay here. Demeter can stop her dramatics, she even knows heβs safe. Heβs not missing, heβs home. If you are the king of the gods, then tell her to get over herself and do her job.βΒ
βYou know I do not interfere with the pantheonβs allotted domains.βΒ
She raised an eyebrow. βAnd yet here you are.βΒ
βTo request that he return to his grieving mother!βΒ
βWho chooses to grieve at this point! Sheβs been told heβs well and happy and yet she throws a tantrum because she wants him back with her!βΒ
Zeus sighed, breaking from the strain of the argument. He does not often have to argue. His wife and sister being the only ones who ever do so with him. And while tuning Hera out came easy, Aidonea posed more of a threat. Moreover, her parlays would always be aimed at him instead of misdirected to another.Β
He held his hands up, placating her. βPloutonβ.βΒ
βDo not call me that! You are so full of shit! You will not placate me!βΒ
βYou see the position I am in!βΒ
βYes! In my domain! In our home! Demanding we defer to Demeter because she is becoming a thorn in your side! Disrespectful and completely lacking decorum, though neither of those are foreign to you.βΒ
He bristled, electricity sparking at his fingers.Β
Aidonea saw and goaded his ire. βOh, do call it down, Jupiter, call your lightning down! Youβll do worse damage to the mortals than that fool Demeter is blubbering all over the lands.βΒ
He visibly restrained himself, huffing out his nose like a bull enraged. βA compromise. We will meet on Olympus. You and TimothΓ©e will come, meet with Demeter and we will all reach a favorable decision going forth. You know that is the only acceptable course of action.βΒ
Aidonea said nothing, her anger darkening her entire countenance and unease rippled through Zeus as his own shadow seemed alive below him. But he didnβt dare take his eyes off of Aidonea.Β
βLeave us.β She began to walk towards TimothΓ©e, her back to Zeus.Β
He backed away towards his chariot that brought him there. βTwo days, Aidonea. Meet on Olympus by daybreak in two days.βΒ
βGo away!β She hissed in Greek, shooing him over her shoulder impatiently.
Timothée had never seen his wife so⦠angry. Unlike the fierce Titanomachy statue where her ferocity was devoted to winning a war, the sharp pinch of this being personal gave him the image of a storm given flesh. Aidonea even appeared to⦠blur around the edges; as if her body was unwittingly becoming shadow, forgetting to hold onto corporeal form.
TimothΓ©e grabbed her hand and it snapped solid under his touch. She squeezed it and TimothΓ©e pulled her close, into his arms so that he could press a kiss to her forehead. The tendrils of her hair returned to coils instead of formless wisps of darkness. The wrinkles of her frowned brow smoothed under his lips.
The rustle of packed soil and whimpering sounded as Cerberus bellied their way over to the royal couple. One large head nuzzled at TimothΓ©e as the other two did so with Aidonea.
TimothΓ©e breathed an amused sigh, turning now tired eyes down to his love. βMy place is next to you, as I told him. I am yours.β
βAnd I yours. We chose each other, a concept he surely cannot fathom.βΒ
TimothΓ©e pressed his forehead against hers. βWoe to whoever seeks to cleave me from your side, Aidonea. My love, there is no limit to the chaos I could unleash for you.βΒ
She cupped his cheek, not responding directly to his words. βCome, my king. Let us calm ourselves.β
β¨ππΈπ€πΈπβ¨
Sandwiched between the unforgiving smooth black marble of the recessed bath and Aidoneaβs comforting weight reclined on his chest, TimothΓ©e was making his way towards relief. The geothermal water piped in from an underground spring steamed with the soothing scent of minerals and salts around them. His muscles tried to relax, his mind tried to calm. But he could not when he could feel his wife thinking.Β
Aidonea had a brilliant mind, vast beyond his knowledge. She saw backwards into the past more times than most people blink in a day. Countless lives, mortal and immortal alike, she had watched begin and end. Her mind was an abacus, a machine, constantly taking input and trying to follow it βtil itβs natural end. But knowing it was their relationship she was lost pondering, he refused to let her travel her mental prediction tree.
TimothΓ©e was only certain of two more risings with her. And he wanted all of her in the present.
His hand rose from the water; the sound of it trickling from his cupped palm and falling back to its surface and along her skin broke the relative silence. He smoothed his hand down her arm, feeling the familiar softness of her that heβs traced countless times with hands and mouth alike. βDonβt think, Plouton, just feel. Just be here with me.β
Her form melted into his and he knew he had her back. She sighed as her head tilted backwards, rested on his shoulder and her eyes closed.
βTell me of your garden.β
βIβve decided to grow in there the old fashioned way. After healing the soil and a brief impatience to see sprouts, I just used enough chaos to get them to break ground. They will develop a bit more rapidly here than aboveground, but the trunks are still green.β
βWhat did you plant?β
TimothΓ©eβs smile crooked. He ducked down and murmured the answer in her ear like it was a secret. βA pomegranate grove.β
The chocolate diamonds that were her irises twinkled as they opened again, pinning him with a look. βSentimental.β
βGuilty.β He shrugged. βThat accusation the least of what I can be charged with. βDisgustingly adoringβ is what Thanatos leveled at me when I told him that I can't wait to give you the best of them when they grow. Iβll pick the fruit that bends the tree with its weight. That when we part it, the myriad seeds will sit like gathered ruby and garnet pebbles. The juice will be bright and refreshing on your tongue. And it will taste of the love I put into growing it for you, to fortify your body and keep your heart strong for me.β
βAnd at which point of that did Thanatos cut you off?β
βWouldnβt even let me get to the part about the seeds! Such dour help we keep in him.β
βEven more lucky we are to have Spring among us.β
βI suppose so.β
Aidonea turned at the trace deprecation she could here in his voice, maneuvering to straddle his lap with a sure face. βWe are fortunate to have you here, TimothΓ©e. I am fortunate to have such a partner as you. You are unparalleled.β
TimothΓ©e cupped her face, his thumb tracing her cheekbone and he watched as the water dripped down her jaw. βI never sought more for myself until I saw you in my forest. I am fixed to you, Aidonea. I cannot be removed.β His eyes lowered as his hand did, he followed its path as it brushed down over her chest. Palm pressed to the warm skin, ichor pumping rhythmically there. βMy heart is here. To leave you would be a surgery.β
βI thought we were not to speak of such things.β
He smiled. βRight, as always, my wife. Occupy my lips otherwise.β
They kissed and washed each other languidly until their skin pruned. It was the intimate reset TimothΓ©e needed to rest easy that night.
β¨ππΈπ€πΈπβ¨
It sickened her, truly. This fucked up family and the way they spilled each otherβs ichor like it was nothing. Like it was not precious.Β
And there was TimothΓ©e, laying absolute waste.Β
He dove in with no hesitation. He looked like an avenging angel; so beautiful, so wrathful, merciless in the damage he dealt. His purple chiton ichor-streaked, his eyes vibrantly green, almost drunk off his own powers. Having fun.
Those who tried to stop him were met with profound pain, left altered, his touch indelible as he embraced his chaos. Thorns spreading like gooseflesh along their skin. Their bones turning to bark as branches reached forth from their extremities. A terrible feedback loop of his anger and his powerβs instability.Β
Could he face his mother with such malevolence?Β
Could he watch Aidonea do so?Β
But then he looked over plant-morphed bodies leaking gold into the earth and saw her. His eyes softened, releasing the rage as his gaze rested on his heartβs desire. The one he was doing all of this for.
Face streaked with othersβ ichor, he smiled at her.
Aidoneaβs eyes snapped open to her meditation sanctum with a shaky gasp.


















