firstworldproblem | Thread Continuations

[He follows the requested motion but does push further into his fingers a bit.]

Perhaps a little. But I love you for you, Hythlodaeus. Every little part that makes up the whole. Even in my more embarrassed or shamed moments where I cannot express it properly, I will always love you.

[OH NO... Can't believe he got caught in the sappy trap instead. He can't help smiling softly at that, just a little flustered but very affectionate.]

I love you too, Hades. Taking more of my memories... It helped me remember how I truly felt. How much you meant to me. And regardless of what you've done or what you think you've become, I'll still love you.

[He looks aside for a few moments, an apologetic smile on his face.]

I'm sorry for hurting you before, Hades. Perhaps if I had remembered earlier, I wouldn't have been so rash with my judgements.

[Tilting his head to catch his gaze. To force him to look at him.]

Just because you loved me in the past doesn't mean it will be the same for the future. Hardly am I the same person I was though there are echoes. And even harder to admit is that I am unwell and the scars bared will take time to heal if they ever do.

Thus, there is no need to apologize for what is not in your control.

[He keeps his gaze, even though it feels somewhat embarrassing for reasons Hythlodaeus can't really pin down. Perhaps it's simply the emotional openness of the situation.]

No. To me you are still Hades, even if changed. You are not the same as you were back then, but neither am I. And you would stubbornly keep telling me that does not make me any less dear to you, so why should it be otherwise for me?

Because I love both of you. The man from my memories and the man before me. Different but yet similar. You can be more cross than he, but your time here has also made your more caring. Given a softness to your kindness. Not that you didn't love dearly back than, but meeting new people has broadened your horizons. Shown you more than what Amaurot, even Eithrys, could teach you on its own.

I would still say that these experiences were not particularly nurturing. But perhaps you are right... and His touch does make them more bearable. So, I don't much mind anymore.

[welcome to zodiark juice.]

But by the same logic, can I not love both the man you once were and who you are now? Sometimes it seems to me that you still fear that one day I would come to despise you.

No. I would have you sheltered if I could, but as much as I wish for it that is not the reality of it.

[He clicks his tongue.]

Would it be so truly unbearable without it?

[But then he pauses and puts him down on his feet, arms loosely around his waist.]

I have been hated for a long time. Rightfully so. Thus naturally I'm more inclined to expect people to hate me. Do you know how many shards of Azem I have fought with? Other friends and colleagues and loved ones.

While it is in part an irrational fear, is there not an amount of truth to it?

Would it be so truly unbearable to sleep on the floor instead of the bed?

[He says it jokingly, mostly, but also it's still strange to him just how reluctant everyone is about Zodiark now, geez, you'd almost think brainwashing is bad even if it's totally consensual?

But he wraps his arms around Emet's neck, listening to him attentively - he doesn't want to give the impression as though this isn't important to him. It's important to the both of them.]

... I am sorry that you had to go through that, Hades. I can't imagine how I would have withstood having to fight against those I love. But - and I want you to truly understand this, Hades - I will never hate you. I would never be able to. And if there is anything I can do to dispel your fears, I will.

Zodiark is a necessity. One that we all --- most of us--- agreed upon. But one does not need their aether altered to follow Him. To believe in Him. Even we tried not to be tempered. So, yes, it is a concern not only that you are bound, but that he is needed to survive this place.

Not that I don't trust both of you. 'Tis simply a concern.

[He pauses.]

Sometimes I hate myself. An act I never thought I would indulge in. But I am listening, but the heart does not always follow. So do give me... time. A phrase I'm sure you are tired of hearing.

Perhaps He is not needed, but He certainly makes facing these challenges easier.

[His expression grows soft at that, though. He smiles, cupping Emet's face with one hand and leaning in a little closer. Intimate!]

As much time as you need, my dear friend, now that I am no longer tripping over my own feet in a hurry to prove myself to you one way or another. But truly, if there is anything I can do to help you believe my words... you only need to say the word.

[His smile grows a little more mischievous.]

For example, I could bring you flowers every day. Write and perform songs for you. Send you lots of those little heart pictures, though I imagine the phone's constant buzzing would interrupt your naps.

Thank you.

[He kisses him softly.]

But I also desire to watch you grow as well. You can't spend all your time shoving my skeletons back in the closet, hmmm.

[He laughs, face tinging red.]

As if I didn't keep every gift and note you had written me. Squirreled and tucked away into the darkest recesses of my desk, but there they were collected.

[Well, Emet is probably in for a treat because Hythlodaeus positively lights up at that (though not literally, of course). But he does look extremely happy about it, and maybe a little smug.]

Really?~

Yes, but I had to pretend or else Azem would have flooded my office with who knows what from all corners of the star.

So would you, had you the chance.

Awww. Well, I certainly will now!

[He taps his chin with a smile.]

I've been thinking of having a room made in the style of Amaurot. I could make it one just for us.

I will just hide them all on Lahabrea's side of the room.

[He tilts his head curiously.]

Would you? It isn't too painful to remember?

Not anymore. Now it is a reminder of the fact that we'll return home one day.

Well... I'm glad someone else is nostalgic for that place. I would enjoy that.

Oh? You make it sound like Lahabrea isn't nostalgic.

It pains him to be there and Elidibus does not remember it. I usually spend my time there alone.

[Oh no... Sad old men.]

Well, we can spend our time there together, then. And I could pretend I'm taking a break from having the scores of ridiculous submissions on my desk... Unless you would like to design some?

I would like to Create with you. In dreams. It has been a dreadfully long time.

[AWWWW YOU SAPPY OLD THING]

I would love that too. Though I still feel compelled to point out the actual creating will have to fall to you.

Truly? Dreams are rather fantastical, are they not?

Pick out a few more outfits and then we can head back. But I would enjoy seeing what dress you would pick out for yourself.

Aw, does that mean I don't get to slack off and have you do all the work for me because I'm so much more incompetent?

[He's just teasing, though! And as for clothes, well. If this wasn't made for Hyth, I don't know what was. He picks out a cute dress too though! A little secretary style! And where would we be without thigh highs and shorts.]

[Alas, those links are not working for me. But he does help him purchase them along with the aforementioned outfits. And when he is done he will bow deeply and ask for his hand.]

Your lack of aether reserves have never made you incompetent. In fact, I would argue they made you all the more clever.

But wouldn't you enjoy the feeling of it being an endless font, the aether at your fingertips.

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