Father Knows Best (Shredder, Karai)

[Hades/Nikos Callas]

(May 31st. Morning. Open to Shredder first and later Karai.)

Hades was nervous as he approached Shredder's room. He'd been working up the nerve to talk to him. He wouldn't have hesitated to frighten some fool into making his daughter court him but that wasn't the case here. He respected both Karai and Shredder and wanted Shredder's blessing. If he did not give it then he'd prove to both of them he was. But in the end, it was up to them. Shredder could provice the blessing but Karai may not be interested. The only true way he'd know is try. He knocked on the door.

"Shredder. It's Hades. I wish to speak with you." said Hades.

Shredder

[Shredder]

Shredder was in his room reading a book. He had most if not all his armor off. Without the armor, he looked very similar to karai, as in a japanese man. The man was used to isolation and quite enjoyed it. Well, except when it came to karai. He grew very attached to her. At first he saw the youthful child as a pawn for his scheme, but as time went on he looked at karai as his own daughter. It was rare for him to care about something but karai managed to warm his heart. As such he tended to wish nothing but the best for her. Sure, he fully allowed her independence and freedom in exchange for her loyalty but he did feel concerned of the leaching men. He truly believed, as smart and capable as his daughter was, the men here were powerful enough to harm her even with a fight.

He wished for someone powerful to court her. He hoped his daughter would choose someone powerful. And intelligent. And just as protective of her as he was. He looked to the door which knocked and heard Hades. Hades was someone he did have a high respect for, but he wished to still remain statured so he deliberately wanted to appear distant as to not let Hades know his weaknesses. Hades though was the god of death and tended to use charisma. He was quite powerful. Only thing was, what could he possibly want? Shredder arose with a slight hint of curiosity. He looked the god up and down, wanting to not seem annoyed or afraid because he was neither. Yet at least.

"Come in Hades" Shredder didn't know what he wanted but it was unwise to refuse a god of death. Still, if he wanted to pick a fight, Shredder knew he could carry his own. Besides, hades wouldn't dare fight him on common ground, they were allies regardless. He smirked even seeing the god appear nervous. Whatever he wanted, it was serious. He offered a seat "Why don't you take a seat? What is it you wish to discuss?"

[Hades/Nikos Callas]

Hades smiled as Shredder opened the door and let him in. He walked in nervously trying to appear calmer than he was.

"Thank you." said Hades.

He paused and sat down as Shredder asked him what he wanted to discuss.

"I'll just come right out with it. I respect you too much to lie to you or try to manipulate you or intimidate you in any way. You're a warrior and one of the best we had. If you in my world I'd have had you in my person army years ago. But that's not what I came to talk about." said Hades.

He paused as he sighed before continuing.

"I came here for your permission to court your daughter. I've never met a woman like her and I chose to come to you first. I'm a man of traditions. If you disproved of me she'd shut me down in a heartbeat. Because I can tell how much your opinion matters to her. If I don't have your support I wouldn't be able to win her favor." said Hades.

He paused with a grin.

"I'm been working up something with Ares and Loki for immortality. To give to both of you. If I court her I want it to be for life. It wouldn't be fair for her to grow old and for me to stay the same age and I can make sure neither of you loses each other in this war either." said Hades.

He paused conjuring himself a glass of wine and downing it in a few gulps. He was nervous hoping Shredder would accept his offer.

"If the answer was no there would be no retaliation. As I said I respect you both. As much as I admire Karai and wish to court her I will not force her to be mine. Or force you to make this choice. I would hope to persuade to change your mind later but if there was no chance I would accept your decision." said Hades.

[Shredder]

Shredder was appreciative that Hades would get right down to business. Shredder despised small talk when someone wished to talk about something apparently important. And Shredder was surprised that the thing hades wanted to talk about... was his own daughter. He was pondering, his smirk dissipated into a interested look. He listened to Hades praise him, something that made him appreciate the death god's manners then talk about his desire to court Karai.

Shredder at first wanted to say no, a death god was dangerous to begin with but then he realized Hades had pretty much everything shredder wanted for his daughter. He was powerful. He was intelligent. He was charismatic, at least enough to get by. He was interested in Karai's well-being, as heard that he wished to give her immortality just so she would be protected emotionally. Also, he offered to protect karai and himself from death itself. Shredder gave a satisfied hum, listening to the god explain himself. He definitely seemed sincere, if he was this nervous.

So Shredder felt that he might as well as give him a chance. Besides, Karai was the one who could always say no anyway. And they both knew that. Still, even if he said no, karai could easily go behind his back. That is if she was interested in him, and shredder wasn't stupid to deny that she was. He saw how she looked at the god and how she spoke to him. Shredder then listened to hades reply he would not retaliate or even fight back. He would work to WIN his approval. That was something Shredder really appreciated. Most people who wished to court his daughter were arrogant enough to wish to fight for her. And karai was one of honor, and loyalty to him, so it turned her off pretty quickly. Hades was a good courter and it would be a disservice to her and shredder himself to say no.

"Your proposal is extremely interesting to me. The fact you come here to ask for my approval shows that you know my daughter quite well. She thinks highly of me and I think highly of my daughter. So hearing someone to respect her and myself is something I truly appreciate" Shredder paced and looked at the god and then nodded "I will give you my blessing. Particularly because your offer to protect myself and my daughter's lives is something too good to pass up. Also, it is rare to see someone actually have my daughter's interest in mind" He then gave a firm look to Hades "Still, as arrogant as it may seem, I wish to let you know something very important" He sneered even, wanting to show Hades that this was a opportunity that the god should not waste, it was something shredder didn't take lightly "If this is nothing more than a scheme to harm my daughter or you have ulterior motives to manipulate her, know that I will go out of my way to harm you in return. And no, I am not threatening you, I am promising you"

He then smirked, realizing that he was still being confrontational to a GOD. So he humbled himself a little "Although it is not exactly ideal to make aggressive slights toward you since you are the god of death, I frankly cannot fear death. I have encountered it too many times and have always managed to survive. So you WILL get my blessing but know that my daughter is not someone to simply throw away. She should be treated like the highest honor and I will make sure she is happy with you"

[Hades/Nikos Callas]

Hades was nervous but trying to keep his cool as Shredder spoke and he smiled as Shredder gave his blessing.

"Yes!" said Hades.

The fire on his head turned orange for a moment and then blushed as it returned to its normal blue.

"Sorry, the fire on my head changes color sometimes when I get too excited or angry. But I'm grateful for this chance. I know this is no guarantee we'll work out. Or that she'll even agree. But I wanted to talk to you first." said Hades.

He paused as Shredder's words and he chuckled.

"You see that is why I like you. You've got fire, and you would fight me to the death probably if I hurt her. And if I ever did I'd probably deserve it. But being a god there's not much you could do to me anyway. But I appreciate that you love your daughter and willing to fight for her and her honor." said Hades.

He paused for a moment and continued.

"It's quite refreshing actually. Most would be so nice to me. Afraid to get me angry or just go right for trying to kill me. But you are different. It'd be an honor to have you in my family one day. That is if it works out." said Hades.

He paused glancing at the door and back at Shredder.

"Any ideas on how to approach this? Does she have a favorite meal? Favorite flower? I want to do this right but also show I respect her. Could you help me at least with asking her out? If she comes to talk to you then you give your honest opinion. I'd rather she wants to be with me because she wants to. Not being afraid for your lives. Or tricked into this in any way." said Hades.

(ooc: And I half expect Karai to be on the other side of the door listening to half of this. xD)

Shredder, Karai

[Karai]

(OCC: Ask and you shall recieve)

Shredder couldn't help but be a tad amused of Hades' reaction. It seemed quite humble and empowering to see hades react the way he did. Normally he would find this pathetic but for a god to react this way to him meant respect and Shredder would happily take it. Shredder nodded as hades explained himself "It is no trouble. The appreciation I have for you coming to me is quite massive. Respecting me this way shows you are honest with your word and I am a man of honesty" Sure he tended to lie if it suited him but he overall tended to be honest because it was what benefited him the most.

"Perhaps it would be futile but I would rather die than live as a coward. I appreciate that you care for my daughter and are someone of sincerity. It is rare for anyone, let alone someone of your stature to be sincere. Normally people try to get to Karai for power and money. For you to only wish to be with her for her is admittedly good to see" Shredder replied, nodding in satisfaction and even giving a small smile. Hades was a great courtier but really the only person in charge was his daughter. But he had a hard time believing she would say no. He then chuckled and nodded as hades replied he respected the fact shredder threatened him rather than be fake. Shredder replied to that "Believe me. It is a fool's errand to force favor. You simply win favor by being one's self. I hired people who would respect me and know my power, not one's who would praise me to no end" Although he preferred those who feared him, he tended to hire those who had a spine or backbone. The men he hired did fear him but still was courageous enough to demand a job. It was nice to see courage.

He then was a bit surprised to be asked to help court his daughter. This was definitely new. And definitely sincere. If he had doubts beforehand, they were gone now. Karai had a actual courtier, not someone who cared about her for money or power. So he did his best to try to help "Well I see no reason not to help. I shall give you dating courtship advise. She does enjoy fish so I would recommend a nice meal with salmon and her favorite flower is violets. She probably would not appreciate a walk on the beach because she does not like the sand or salt water, so perhaps a place like a park or city skyline. But I believe those ideas can be saved. Because if you do these things immediately on the first attempt she will assume you're, well, trying too hard. I suggest I accompany you as you tell her in person. It is best to just say your feelings now then do all the romance later. The romance part of it might make her feel pressure" Although he felt a bit awkward, he now felt like helping his daughter more with her feelings. Cause he had a good feeling she felt the same way.

But before they could do anything, the door was knocked and karai's voice was heard. Shredder chuckled "Well now. It seems like fate has brought her to us"
XXXX

Karai, meanwhile was on her way to actually speak to her father. She wanted his advice on how to deal with her stress of training when she heard him talking with someone else. Not wanting to interrupt but she heard her father mention her. So out of pure curiosity, she leaned against the door to listen. She widened her eyes to hear it was hades and the conversation was about how to woo her. She blushed red as she listened to hades' words.

It'd be in an honor to have you in my family one day. That is if it works out
Any ideas on how to approach this? Does she have a favorite meal? Favorite flower? I want to do this right but also show I respect her
I'd rather she want to be with me because she wants to. Not being afraid for either of your lives

Many feelings went through her, all positive. She felt flattered that hades felt this way. Joyous to see her father approve. And relieved that he felt the same way she felt. She wanted to deny it out of respect to her duty and fear of rejection, but to see her father approve AND hades feel the same way felt like she finally could be with someone. Plus she genuinely and always enjoyed Hades' company. He was charming, intelligent, honest, well-spoken, kind and attractive. Karai felt a bit content.

She then heard her father suggest going with hades to talk. She got a bit nervous, not wanting them to know she heard the conversation. But she felt a bit stuck, so she panicked and decided to come in and play their hand. She knocked the door and replied "Father? Hades? Are you two in there?"

[Hades/Nikos Callas]

Hades smiled.

"I'm glad we came to an agreement. I hope in time we can be good friends." said Hades.

Hades nodded.

"Perhaps but with you dead, Karai would hate me and I'd never had a chance with her. So it's best we don't end up fighting." said Hades.

Hades chuckled.

"So no walks along the beach. Just a walk around the park or city. And give her salmon and violets. I could do that." said Hades.

He paused realizing she was there and he grinned seeing her.

"I guess you overheard that. We weren't exactly being quiet about it." said Hades.

He nervously walked up to her.

"I asked your father for permission to court you. He's said yes. But the choice is yours. If we try and this doesn't work out or you don't even want to try I walk out the door and we just remain allies. I will not harm either of you. I'd even make you both immortal either way so no one could harm you or separate you again." said Hades.

[Karai]

(OCC: I'mma let shredder leave then maybe, maybe come back after a few posts. I kinda wanted the two to have moments to themselves without being too weird)

"With time I can safely say we will" Shredder replied respectfully, nodding his head in approval. He then gave a amused chuckle in agreement as hades pointed out that if they fought and he was dead, karai would definitely not date him. It was indeed best to be allies. He nodded at that "That is true. You make a valid point" He then noticed his daughter. He then decided to let them both speak privately, he went off and smiled "I shall allow you two to speak to one another. In private. Do not mind me, karai" He gave her a affectionate squeeze of the shoulder, then went off to sit somewhere privately. He would talk to the both of them later in the day to see any progress.
XXXXXX

Karai couldn't help but feel nervous herself as hades approached her. It was humbling for any man to genuinely be interested in her. She was more or less too focused on being successful for her father and inherit his businesses. She was pretty much a workaholic. Yet hades seemed not too perturbed by it. And she had feelings for him also, he was genuinely the most charming man she knew. She saw her father leave and she gave him a very grateful, fond smile before turning to hades. She listened to hades carefully confess that he had feelings and would not pressure her if she did not feel the same. She blushed a bit as hades respectfully replied that he would walk out and be respectful to her regardless of her answer. Karai very gently reached for his hand and gently squeezed it and replied fondly "Hades, you're incredibly sweet. I actually was meaning to be honest with you myself" She sighed before politely responding "I have feelings for you also. I just was very unsure of how to say it. I am very glad you told me first. It gave me the courage to say my feelings also. I care for you the same way hades"

[Hades/Nikos Callas]

Hades smiled.

"I hope so." said Hades.

Hades nodded. He waved goodbye as Shredder left leaving them alone.

"Sweet? Never been called that before. But I like it." said Hades.

He smiled as she said she had feelings for me.

"I am glad to hear this. We can take this slow. Just go on dates. I want to spend time with you. Even if it's having a picnic in the forest or just eating a meal together in the house. As long as we're together I wouldn't mind where we were. Besides, I don't think the pale skin and blue flames would be welcome in most places anyway." said Hades.

[Karai]

Karai smiled a bit as hades expressed that while he never had been called 'sweet' before, he found himself like it. She then smiled more as hades was more than willing to be slow with her and take dates. She replied, with a firm fond nod "That sounds absolutely wonderful, hades. I would be delighted to go on dates with you. That is very thoughtful of you" She then blushed a bit. Finding herself at a loss of how to thank him. In a slight panic she gave him a tender kiss on the cheek. She then nervously responded "I apologize. Was that too forward?"

[Hades/Nikos Callas]

Hades smiled at her.

"Thank you Karai. You don't know how happy you've made me." said Hades.

He was surprised as she kissed him and his grin grew bigger.

"No it wasn't. I just didn't expect that." said Hades.

[Karai]

Karai smiled, pleased to see hades so thrilled. This flattered her more than anything. It also made her realize, maybe she should've been honest from the beginning. Well she was going to make no mistake to be honest from now on. She then smiled in relief as hades told her that he didn't mind the kiss, just didn't expect it. She replied, jokingly "A ninja's great advantage is the unexpected" She then got a bit bolder and kissed him on the lips before pulling back. She then blushed having a idea "Perhaps we can continue spending the morning together. If you would like we can go to the backyard and talk more"