firstworldproblem | IC Inbox - Snakes on Serpentine Horizon

[He leans his cheek on Emet's shoulder, fingers stroking through his soul. Not yet taking a piece, just, appreciating the feel of him. Petting.]

So impatient.

[Surprisingly, even to Hythlodaeus, there's hesitation. No lack of desire to claim Emet's soul, but when it comes to taking a piece, he can't quite seem to muster up the ability.]

[He wraps his fingers around Hythlodaeus' own hand.]

Would you rather have it given?

No, that's not...

[He takes a breath and continues petting Emet's soul carefully. The desire to take it is certainly there, and puzzlement at his own hesitation.]

I suppose even the smallest piece missing is something I don't wish to see.

Hythlodaeus.

[He sits in midair and wraps his arms around him.]

I could give you a trinket of my magic instead though I suppose you already have my memories.

I won't say no. But I still want your soul, all of it. I suppose that's a touch unreasonable. But perhaps it is a puzzle to work out.

For now, why not take a piece of mine? I will ponder over how best to keep a piece of you.

[Without traumatizing myself.]

[Power flows from him easily wrapping around both of them and blocking out the light.]

Do I need to remind you again how vast and endless my abilities are. A small piece is but a fraction.

[How is he to react except by blushing a little, pink dusting his cheeks. Has he ever been able to watch Emet show off a little without thinking it the most beautiful thing? Especially with a man so stingy with his aether, it's impossible not to find the display especially flattering and sweet.

He has to kiss this man's nose cheekily or he might burst with emotions.]

How easily you upstage my preparations with an even more beautiful display.

I would argue the most beautiful display is sitting in my lap right now.

[He puts a hand on his chest quietly asking for invitation as he kisses him on the cheek in return.]

[He puts a hand over Emet's and presses, smiling a little.]

Have I ever indicated you don't have permission for anything at all?

No, but you like when I do.

[He curls his fingers around his core, his soul, digging in. And with a careful but sharp tug --- he wants it to sting as he believes Hythlodeaus will like that better --- he pulls out a part of his soul, glimmering and gleaming.]

[He hisses through his teeth, but the way his fingers curl into Hades don't seem to be objecting the sting.

Honestly if there's a soul that can be eager to be a fragment in Hades's fingers it has to be Hythlodaeus's. Certainly the tiny piece Hades holds is more than delighted to glow and glitter in his hand, absolutely clinging to him instead of yearning to return to Hythlodaeus.

If Hythlodaeus had any shame he might be embarrassed about that but he doesn't so.]

I like when you do anything though.

There is a scale of liking, you know.

[He kisses the top of his head as he wraps the pieces of Hythlodaeus' soul in a crystal. Lavender. Just like the color of his eyes. That and it goes well with his own dark purple crystal.]

And that is a lie is is not. You don't like everything.

[Okay but aside from pointing out his denial about restoring Azem and Emet in his world what doesn't he like.]

Hm, then nearly everything? Anything you'd ask permission for.

[He slips his fingers into Emet's soul, caressing it, fingertips trailing against his core.]

You can hold it. I assure you it will not break despite your fears otherwise.

[It's what he's very afraid of thanks! But he keeps touching it lightly.]

Impatient?

Simple really.

I'm aware of my limits. Had you white auracite in your hands perhaps my words would change, but you do not.

What a terrible joke.

[He wraps his fingers around Emet's core and leans his head on his shoulder, eyes half closing as his thumb strokes his innermost soul like he might stroke Emet's inner wrist. Gentle and rhythmic.]

I saw it, you know. Your soul shattering. Even I would hesitate after that.

[He makes a pleased hum as he wraps his arms around him bringing the darkness around them closer to cocoon them.]

And that did happen. No soft words or kind phrases can change that.

But in this instance, I am not him. But do not worry. I will not push you further. I will provide it to you when the moment is right.

[He laughs softly.]

Really, I'm not one to hesitate usually am I?

I will be the last person to tell you how fast your scars should mend.

Of course you are patient with me. But it is not as if there's a certainty either of us will be here in the morning.

[His fingers dig in, still gentle, for the moment.]

How silly would it be to have that to regret as well?

[He kisses his forehead.]

I did give you my memories. You will not be without reminders.

Mm.

[He curls his fingers around a piece of Emet's core, ever so gentle.]

Reminders aren't enough.

[He doesn't yank or rip or anything, but with precision he's carving out that piece, letting it sting in turn as he tugs his hand from Emet's soul to cradle that piece of soul.

His breathing may be a little fast but--okay it wasn't so bad. Emet's still whole, his aether surrounding them so thoroughly one could not mistake him for anything but.]

[He does drape it like a blanket. His aether. So there can be no confusion. No doubt. Fingers tip into gold edged claws as he tilts his chin up.]

There we are. And with no worse for wear.

[It does hurt. To have a piece of his soul removed. But he hardly flinches.]

Isn't that so, Hythlodaeus?

[He takes a deep breath and cradles that spark of soul to his chest, meeting Emet's eyes.

Normally he'd have something to say. He's rarely ever at a loss for words. But if he says anything, or tries, he'll just cry, he's sure of that.

Some things are better expressed other ways anyway.

He slides the hand not cradling a piece of Emet's soul into small hairs at the back of his neck and pulls him in, kissing his lips gently, but firmly. Keeping him close for a long time, just lingering where he can feel his breath.]

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