16. Supper

Madeline learnt that she liked kisses. Quick, light ones pressed to her lips when she least expected them, longer drawn-out ones with her hands burrowed in Athan’s curls or even playful ones fluttering over her nose, cheeks and eyelids, accompanied by laughter and huffs.

Her life didn’t change too much because of dating a god. She still had to work part-time, this time in a coffee shop which was more lively than a library but also more demanding. She still had to decide what to do with her future, now that she had finished school. She still had to eat her mother’s cooking, which consisted of too many healthy fibres and too little unhealthy cheese. She still risked her life doing something as simple as taking the tube, but for all those things there was one difference now. 

She had someone at her side to do it all with.  

“This is excellent, Mrs Redfern,” Athan lied smoothly. 

Her mother laughed, clearly pleased. “Oh, dear, call me Claudia. And have some more beans.”

“Madeline tells me you have a dog,” her father cut in. “What breed?”

Three-headed cerberus, Madeline thought. 

“A mixed breed,” Athan replied calmly. “From Greece.”

“How nice, a rescue.” Her mother sighed longingly. “Do you drive, Athan?”

“I sometimes borrow my father’s ride.”

A golden chariot, Madeline silently added, drawn by four immortal, black horses. 

“Your father, what does he do?”

“Management.”

Of the underworld.

“And your mother?” her own mother asked. 

“Works in agriculture.”

“And you, young man?” Her father leant forward. “Any plans for your future?”

Athan’s eyes found Madeline’s across the bowl of mashed potatoes, and they smiled at each other. 

“I’ve already found my calling.”

Everything considered, the evening went quite well despite the interrogation. Though meeting Athan’s parents would have to wait for later. Madeline wasn’t too keen on taking a trip to the afterlife just yet. After all, there was still so much to experience and so many disasters Athan could save her from. 

Why ruin their fun?