firstworldproblem | IC Inbox - Snakes on Serpentine Horizon

[This evening there are rose petals scattered on your bed, and leading out the window. They glow faintly with Hythlodaeus's magic, a trail leading down and out into the forest, you could follow it with your eyes closed.]

[He absolutely wears one of those long white nightshirts to bed. Unflattering in all aspects.

Also, Mochi would probably have a heart attack if he saw the petals and they weren't for him. But it is cute and he uses a little magic to 'reform' them into proper roses that he can put on his nightstand.

He doesn't bother to change before heading out into the woods and following that trail.]

[The unflattering nightshirt is a charm point. Truly. At least to Hythlodaeus.

The clearing they lead to is lit by dozens of little floating jars holding fireflies. It's not a great light source but they probably have good night vision. And it's pretty. Somewhere in the shadows a violin and cello sit, enchanted and ready. All simple magic even a mortal could do.

Hythlodaeus stands in the clearing and proffers a bow when Emet arrives, holding one hand out.]

Hello beautiful. May I have a dance?

[He just sighs taking his wrist instead of his hand, but he gives Hythlodeaus the lead.]

And to what do I owe the pleasure?

[Really he was just intending to pull Emet in and put his hands on his waist anyway. This works too!]

No occasion, or perhaps just because I am overwhelmed with your loveliness.

[It's a slow dance, just so he can keep Emet close and enjoy his proximity.]

And here I am without my makeup.

[He leans in to kiss his cheek.]

The atmosphere is stunning as to be expected by your brilliance. But more than that, here you are in front of me brighter than any other soul.

You do dress up nicely, but I rather like this look on you.

[He smiles for the kiss, just, genuinely happy, and spins them around once before returning the gentle dancing.]

And such flattery, but how can I not feel the same? Whatever setting I make will never compare to you to begin with.

If you are lonely, Hythlodaeus, all you ever need to do is ask.

[He steps in so he can put his arms around his shoulders.]

You still worry, do you not? About what you've become. About fitting in here. Back at home. How you will always be an outsider looking in.

I want to assure you that is not the case.

Can I not simply want to lure you out with petals and music for a dance now and then? It is truly no deeper than that. Much as I appreciate the faith that there's more on my mind than you.

[He smiles and brushes Emet's hair back.]

I have plenty of worries Hades, but right now, how can I not just--wish to be in the moment, every moment you are with me?

Is that your way of asking me to stop brooding?

Haha, you could. Or you could relate to me all your brooding thoughts, either will make me happy enough, if you're so worried.

[He cups his face, thumbs tracing over cheeks before he kisses him.]

And ruin the moment?

Let's make this a delightful memory to look back to.

No moment with you is ever ruined. You know I love to hear your heart as much as soothe it.

[He takes his wrist though, pulling him close by the waist.]

It is already a delightful memory. But I shall dance with you all night if you desire.

You're waking up emotions I have long since dulled in order to make the time pass quicker.

[He kisses him again. On the nose this time, then the check before the corner of his mouth.]

The lead is yours as ever it always was. Even if you did not command it in public.

[And he does follow his lead in the dance, matching him step for step even at their close proximity.]

[He grins, certainly leading the dance, but he will at times steal a kiss in return. The cheek, Emet's lips, or his forehead.]

I hope you do forgive me the cruelty then, I cannot have you here before me and help myself from romancing you.

[He keeps the steps simple, because really the main point is just to have Emet in his arms and enjoying his company, getting to hold him, look at him closely, act for a moment like a romantic little night is normal.]

It's a terrible failing of mine, but I blame you entirely for being irresistible.

I would be more upset if you did not try to romance me.

[He keeps up the little touches as well. A reassurance that he is actually here. And he'll even take a moment to undo his braid so that his hair can fall down his neck and back.]

Besides, I can already hear the Hades you know griping about taking care of you properly. Of course, I would while he is unable. Undoubtedly, the same would go for the Hythlodeaus from my star.

Ha! I can imagine you being adorably mournful without my attention, but I don't think I could ever ignore you long enough to see it. Luckily for you.

[Small kisses, the brush of his thumb over Emet's wrist and hip, at the small of his back, against his skin or aether or both. Reassurance to both of them. He even tilts his head to help, shaking it to loosen his hair and let it fall around his shoulders when the braid is undone.]

If I did not bother you incessantly I cannot imagine what my counterpart of your star would say. Nothing nice, I'm certain. But if you imagine the Hades of my star would scold, you should definitely listen! Who would know best, after all?

It's very fortunate neither of us plans to disappoint them!

Do you think I would play hard to get even now? Anything you desire, I would give it to you. Even my own team though they would be distraught to hear it.

[He leans their foreheads together and mingles their aether just on the edge. A constant reminder.]

No. We will not.

But I find it hard to believe you will simply be content with dances and kisses.

[He closes his eyes a moment, feeling that, and opens his own soul, not just the lightest touch, but merging the edges.]

I am never content with aught less than all of you. You know me well.

Still, I really had planned to be gently romantic, but I feel you are egging me on.

When have I ever done anything in half measures?

[He takes parts of him and gives parts of himself so that it is really hard to tell who is leading and who is following in the dance. And truth be told, he doesn't care. This exactly how he prefers it.]

[This is perfect. A little of himself a little of Hades, where the line blurs so they're hardly one or the other, just them.]

All or nothing as always? You've already invited me to indulge.

You have been denied for far too long. Of course I would.

[With a snap of his fingers he changes the color of the lights to a hazy mist of the colors of their souls. It acts as a barrier, simply a visual one, between them and the outside world.

A little space to call their own even it is only for a short while.]

If only I could ask that you could stay with me for all time.

[He makes a small noise, and there's no disguising the longing, sharp and painful.]

I am unsure I could say no if you asked me to.

[He wraps his arms around Emet and kisses him, deeply, palm cradling the back of his neck.]

[He kisses him back.]

And never would I dream of it. You have your duty, and I will not keep you from that. But until then, I am ever at your disposal.

And if I asked you to stay with me?

Day 107

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