Warnings/Notes: As titled, the Reader gets overwhelmed by all of the student commotion happening around them. Protective Hades and implied terrifying other students. Gender neutral insert reader! (I really should be tagging my fanfics with that). Implied that the Reader is a type of fairy more like Maleficent. Kinda hurt-comfort.
Summary: The Reader gets overwhelmed by suddenly dancing students, but before the Reader could react unpleasantly, Hades intervenes.
The bright and sunny day reflected into the courtyard within the grounds of Merlin Academy. Students eased by as they left their classes. Everything was as usual. Until it wasn't.
Previously unseen by you, emotions were heightened. A point so strong that the ones involved broke out into song.
It tended to happen from time to time. You were no stranger to it. But unlike the other students gathering around in synchronization, you felt no pull toward it. The rhythm was good, but still nothing.
However, as the number of students increased and their movements quickened, you stared unmoving. They drew closer to you. The voices thrummed in your ears unpleasantly. Loud and unrelenting. Their movements appeared to have no pause.
A warmth crept over your skin. A heaviness. The sounds echoing in your ears held no distinct words. No clarity, just noise. Through your eyes a thin filter/veil of blue/green flickered over your vision as you sputtered for a precise breath.
But amongst the chaos closing in, one figure moved forward, breaking through the line of constant motion. Hades. His head was inclined downward, as he prowled through with purpose. Paying no mind to anyone who accidentally brushed against his jacket as he passed by.
It was then that you had noticed your breathing had since picked up. Before or after catching sight of Hades, you were not sure.
When he was only two steps in front of you, he tilted his head ever so slightly. "You're letting them set you off, little fairy."
You felt a change. A lightness returning at the sound of his voice and his sudden closeness. As if he was blocking the unease. Or even, burning it away.
Light caught on the metal detailing of his attire. Even as he remained still, he was somehow breaking through to you. "Breathe. Find calm and return to yourself...or scare them off for the rest of their days."
Taking a conscious breath, you closed your eyes. You reached for that calmness that you so craved. The fire within felt to heavy to hold, to unleash. It was neither the time or place to react in such a manner. Perhaps it was best for no one to know just how great a fairy's power can truly be.
The next instance you opened your eyes, the courtyard was empty. To either side of Hades, you looked. Peculiar. Though, when you peered up to the young God in front of you, pieces were fitting together.
"Hades," you inquired of him. "What happened?" Considering that his vertically blue hair was aflame, you could only guess.
The corner of his mouth curved upward. "Nothing, really," he shrugged, dark brows raised casually.
Fairly certain with the answer, you decided to ask him anyway. "Did I do something to scare everyone off?"
"No," he said with a pout of his lips. "But...I don't think you'll have to worry about crowds for a while."
You sighed at the thought of what may have occurred and rubbed your temples. That calmness you had reached was beginning to morph into something else entirely. "Please tell me you didn't."
"Didn't what?" He countered, a smile playing at his lips.
Stepping around him, you got a better look at your surroundings. Parts of the stone pathway were scorched. Newly. Surely that was not caused by him simply glaring at the other students.
Off in the far corner, the rest of Ulianna's crew stood, almost huddled together. With over ten of them collectively and in a small space, it was quite the sight. A cautious curiosity.
"Hades," you implored, turning your back on them. "What if someone goes to Merlin about this?"
A confident smile shone on his face. "No. I don't think they will."
Your face scrunched in confusion. "Why?" You asked slowly.
"It's simple, really. People are afraid of fire."
With a raise of his eyebrows, you were locked into his gaze. Light misty eyes seared into your own. There was a mischievous sparkle in them that you could not tear away from.
"See you around, firefly," he smirked.
In a blink, you caught your breath in time for him to step around you. His head inclined, watching you as he did.
You paid no mind to the excited chatter in the courtyard behind you. Their energetic amusement was for whatever they had witnessed Hades do when you were not focused on him. Or focused on anything other than calming yourself.
You sighed. So much for remaining calm with the way he had looked at you. But what he did, you would never forget. Not so much the act itself, but rather the reason behind it. Why would he want to protect your inner world? Much less actually act upon it.
