firstworldproblem | IC Inbox (Imeeji)

Even if he was a sliver of his former self, a waning one at that, he is worth more than all the lives on all the stars put together. For all he gave, for all he tried to do, he deserved better.

But even before I knew of his fate, I could not imagine it. Him alone among the broken shards. With neither of us there to guide him. To remind him.

How did it come to this?

Of course he did.

[He cups Emet's cheeks, gentle.]

As did you. You both deserved... Deserve so much. So much more. So much happiness that was never yours.

Elidibus is not the only one who gave so much, Hades. You gave just as much, watching over us.

[He hesitates, starts to say something then stops. Then starts something else.]

Regardless of how, this is where we are. Elidibus would have entirely lost himself without us, without you. Yet the loneliness of isolation could not have been borne by any of us.

And yet still you are here, in my arms. I could not be any happier, selfishly, than to have you, to keep you with me, to revel in the joy of your presence. Even with Elidibus lost. Even with our goals not yet met.

So tell me, dearest friend, through your grief and guilt, what can I do to assuage your weary heart? How do I convince you that you are not to blame for you love?

Is there anything?

[He gently pulls away only so that he can lay on him and tuck his head under his chin.]

I do not believe there is or else I would have already sought it out. At least not until I know for sure.

But your presence helps. Your concern. Your words. Who else could I be so open with?

[He kisses the top of his head and tucks his chin there.]

... None of these things would I ever withhold from you, nor even imagine doing so. For you are as my heart.

But I had believed Five had more of your trust than this. Speak to me.

He does. If it was simply him, he would have it without question.

I'm simply tired of having to explain my existence. Having to barter, to temper my words, to show worth to those who do not deserve it.

[He strokes his hair gently, soothing.]

That... is understandable. There is much and more to be weary of. And you have worked long and hard, the burdens heavy.

We will need to watch the influences of the Scions more carefully. Even if they do not act themselves, their words could spur others to move. And it is not as if their hands are clean.

But from the point I stray. I worry Five will unknowingly compromise himself. And if he does, the blame will fall to us for leading him astray.

And it is simply tiring as we collect concerns more than we shed them.

Mm. None of this can or would I deny. So rest a while with me. What is beyond our control for now cannot be changed even with our anxieties.

You have always made a delightful pillow.

And it is raw. Once the shock of it burns away, it will be better. This is hardly the most insurmountable problem in front of us.

Indeed. There is much that is raw right now. Relaxation will help. Perhaps I should rub your back and pamper you thoroughly?

No desire to be doted on yourself? This must bother you as well.

I do rather derive enjoyment from doting on you. With all the care you give myself and others it is satisfying to see you relax in turn.

I suppose if I can return the favor another time. But you did so nicely upgrade the bath.

[Running fingers through his hair.]

And I doubt you mind that I've been filling it with more than the normal fair of product.

Of course. And I have been using them, they've been nice.

[Actually his hair is probably more silky than it's been in a while! After like a week of putting actually nice product in it instead of whatever nonsense he usually tosses in his hair and calls it good.]

[Standing up and offering his hand.]

Come then.

[He will take the hand up! Letting Emet lead the way.]

[He's going to take him to the now luxurious bathroom and draw it up to temperatures exceedingly warm. While the tub fills he will go look at all the random products he has bought while shooing Lahabrea to get undressed.]

[He disrobes, placing his things in a neat pile then comes to drape on Emet's back.]

You will let me pamper you will you not?

Of course.

[Taking his hand and leading him to the tub.]

After I wash your hair.

As you wish.

[Who is he to argue with a little doting. Besides, he does enjoy it, and even if he did protest it would just alarm Emet-Selch so there's zero reasons to not be doted on and like a whole list to go along with it!

He'll step into the water.]

[He'll kneel behind him and wet his hair careful to not get any water on his face.]

I find it soothing, you know.

I know. I apologize that I am sometimes far too restless.

[He will lean back, letting his eyes close.]

I shall endeavor to relax properly. So do as you like.

Well, as long as I have your consent.

[He lathers up his hair, but really its more of a scalp massage than actual cleaning, but cleaning does happen.]

[He sighs and lets himself relax into it.]

Always. Even if you must wrangling me at times.

[He let's his thumbs press into the muscles at the side of he neck before he starts to rinse out the product begin careful and meticulous about it.

He just hums quietly as he works.]

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