[For Hades' part, he's laying on his back, arm resting across his forehead with his eyes closed. His other hand resting on his stomach. It's all very dramatic, fitting for how he feels, that sick twist in his chest and stomach. Guilt like this he hasn't really felt before...then again, he's never quite been in this position before, either.
Hythlodaeus and himself have always had a more...open relationship, so things like this were never a problem. Hades is not one wont to betray those he cares about--those who are true people--and that really just cements that, doesn't it? He cares about Dirk.
Not just theoretically, not just in the sense that this is all some made up thing, that he's playing some character, and Dirk is the hapless fool falling for his devilish charm.
He told him his name. And it felt good. He was about to betray him, and it hurt. He doesn't know what to do with this information. This is not how this was supposed to be.
Hythlodaeus' hand on him wrests him from his thoughts, though he does not move immediately. The only sign is how his mouth flattens into a deeper frown, before he removes the arm shielding him so he can sit up. He does not look at Hythlodaeus, guilt is clear upon his features--guilt for Hythlodaeus and guilt for what he was about to let himself do to Dirk.]
...We have two topics we must needs address: my name and your blithe disregard for my wishes surrounding it, and our relationship. Which would you desire to go first?
[God, is he a fucking facilitator at the Hall of Rhetoric? He may as well be, with how flat and business-like his tone is.]
One flows into the other as I see it. But let us start with our relationship. Last I understood you were seeing no one, then no one who might come between us. We have each learned important pieces of information in this time, so now it is time to face it properly.
[Hythlodaeus takes up his teacup and it looks comically small in his hand. He sips and looks down at Hades. ]
I have no qualms about your budding love of this other man because you deserve to have whatever it is he gives you. I had the privilege of your time and love for centuries, so I will wait for you again if I must. I will not withdraw my love and support even while you pursue this emotionally unstable boy.
You told him your name, did you not? He had wanted it very badly.
[For the time, he lets Hythlodaeus speak. His feelings are still in a state of unrest, and he figures maybe some tea will help him sort the words in his head before he says them. He's with Hythlodaeus so far, up until he says that bit about Dirk (and maybe he feels odd thinking about Dirk in the context of love), BUT calling him an emotionally unstable boy?
...It's true. Comparatively, but he doesn't have to say it. That earns Hythlodaeus a scowl.]
A boy he may be, and it is true he is uncertain of his emotions--hides them behind a steely resolve--but you need not be unkind in your observations. He is young, as you have pointed out, though I know not how many summers he has experienced, his existence is far more complex than that.
You do not give him the credit that is due, and if you wish to continue this discussion, I would suggest that you do.
[He takes another sip of tea, hoping Hades will take a bit of cookie before long. With a generous dusting of powdered sugar, it forces the one eating it to chew carefully and swallow to avoid choking. ]
It is not a judgement upon him, but it is truth. You empathize with him, and I can see why. Hardly am I taking respect duly owed to him, but he is now the one who holds sway over your heart lest I decide to take it back.
[Hades waves that off with a roll of his eyes. Clearly Dirk was messing with Hythlodaeus, and he missed the joke due to Dirk's stonefaced delivery.
However... That comment about taking back the sway of his heart riles him. Mainly because there's truth to it, but it certainly feels as though his agency is merely something granted by Hythlodaeus, like any of this is happening because Hythlodaeus is kind enough to allow it. Not because Hades or Dirk want it.]
I do empathize with him, yes. This much I am aware, but as you should know, my empathy for others is no rare or strange trait. In fact, if I recall correct, it is a quality of mine you admire. So, little do I need you to inform me of my heart's course, I am well aware of its trajectory.
[It's all basically snapped at him, that more business-like tone gone.]
However, he and I have more to this budding relationship than mere fancy. And while I have considered the notion you presented to me ere you announced your betrayal of my trust, I plan not to stray from my path. He is a crucial part of it--though, I admittedly planned not for these developments, but they will little serve as a problem for the completion of my duty.
I must return, and if I must continue to pursue this relationship to do so, then I will. As I said, I will not abandon our people.
[The implied second half of that is even if I must abandon you. His grim expression certainly sells it, but he does indeed take one of the cookies, taking a modest bite from it.]
He said it was the truest number. I would think such an experienced individual with regards to time would have an excellent account.
[ In spite of the fact that Dirk had clarified that he was not an expert on time. It seemed to be splitting hairs from his point of view all considering.]
I will remain here to pick you up if you falter. That is my duty to you, the very expression of my love. I know you can stay the course, but there are times when you empathize too much with others.
[ He bites his cheek. He finds it convenient that this chosen course is also the one fullest with romantic affairs. Nevermind. ]
If I were your coworker, would you tolerate my assistance?
[Hades just gives him a flat look at the bit about Dirk's claim that it's the truest number, but ignores it otherwise. He really does not care for these games, and it's besides the point. However, with the rest of what Hythlodaeus' says, he feels his jaw tighten as he chews that bit of the cookie, and his throat likewise feels too tight to swallow it. Maybe too dry too, damn cookie.
Quickly, he washes it down with some of the tea, his gaze flicking away from Hythlodaeus as he feels his brow furrow.]
I am more than capable of keeping my empathy in check. I have done so for eons since your passing.
[Like that should comfort him, when Hades is so clearly worn and damaged from it all...]
But come now. [He finally looks at Hythlodaeus.] You cannot be serious...
You have offered me no true reassurances, you realize? You are clearly so changed from those days I know so well. You likely don’t even realize, the change has been ever so slow. Regardless, what purpose have I to be cautious? I am already dead, my previous purpose laid to rest with whatever may remain of me.
Could the discomforts here truly measure up to the torments I have already faced?
[ Hythlodaeus eats a cookie whole, swallowing it easily in a casual power move.]
Have you any true objections now? We work towards my second death and the resurrection of our people, so let us be about it.
[That...leaves him silent. Between Hythlodaeus taking no reassurance at his capabilities of handling his own empathy, and him calling out the fact that they are both working towards his demise. Pointing out that he's changed. Of course he has, he's had to, there was no other way. After everything he's been through...
His eyes drop to his tea, his mouth flattening to a hard line. If Hythlodaeus was vying to make him feel guilty, well...mission accomplished. What does he say to that? What can he say to that?]
Is your faith in me so low? Are you resentful of what my toils have made of me?
[His throat is tight again, but he presses on, his voice strained.]
And what of your scheme? Are you about to abandon it to lend your aid to mine? Is that truly what you want?
Your reluctance to allow others to carry your burden has reached an impasse. You, who are inside it, cannot see its bounds nor its destruction. No man can do it all, not alone, not like this. Not even the great and honorable Emet-Selch can do it alone. You have Dirk, you protest, yet nay, you chose to hold him at arms' length as long as you could.
All of that besides, I do not resent what your toils have made of you, merely your toils. I will ever stand at your side, but I do beseech you to reconsider your course.
[His gaze holds steady and his eyes narrow.]
You abandoned my scheme ere you heard it, and your scheme has the potential to destroy mine. What would you have me do? You should be grateful to have me lending my aid to you in spite of my hesitance.
[Call out post for Emet-Selch, it seems. Too bad he can't appreciate that reference, not that he would in light of all of this. Of the earnest worry of Hythlodaeus' words, of the admitted resentment towards his work. The onerous path he has been forced to walk down for ages. No time to recover, no time to heal, ever marching forward with a bleeding back as the whip cracks against him again and again and again. Movements so practiced, so rehearsed, he barely has to think of it anymore.
Like a puppet on a string, he dances to the bid of his people's cries, to the hopes and dreams robbed of them far too early. The life they were denied, his master's call to revive Him, to resurrect his people. Their everything upon his shoulders, and he cannot afford to catch his breath, let alone to allow the pain to subside. For their fates would suffer, and so it is his duty to bear that suffering.
And Hythlodaeus would resent such. Would resent what he has to suffer, what he has suffered. What he will continue to suffer. His is a twisted tragedy, but that is merely the price he'll pay for them all.]
...You would rather work towards your own destruction, than be a burden to me? How unlike you, Hythlodaeus.
[It's not meant to be a mean spirited jab, more a comment than anything else. A realization, in a sense, that the changes in him must be great, if Hythlodaeus does not wish to burden him further. That...Hythlodaeus would seek his own end, so that Emet-Selch can carry out his duty without unnecessary weight to his already hefty burden.
He doesn't know whether to laugh or cry at how absurdly cruel this has all become. So he does neither. His expression a strange sorrowful simper.]
...I would have you do as you wish--it is all you have ever done. And, if I am to be comforted by, or grateful for, aught at all in this world--in this existence--it would be consistency. Something familiar in a life where I have all but been bereft of any.
So, if that means for you to carry out your scheme, so do it. If this means aught else, well...then carry it out. I do not know if I could live with myself knowing that I have changed the ever sturdy and immutable Hythlodaeus.
[He can live with a lot of things he's done, but marring Hythlodaeus in such a way, disturbing the sanctity of his memory, of his very person...feels like the most egregious sin of all.]
Then I will be as I ever am. I do what I think is best, as I always will. You can rely upon that.
[He gives him a little shrug, as odd punctuation.]
I have said my piece on the matter.
[He blinks slowly at Emet-Selch, like a post-tussle cat trying to reassure the other.]
For the matter of your name, I have likewise decided what will be best for you. You may not like it, but I accepted whatever punishment you deemed was necessary for my behavior. But as any proper scientist, I crave the knowledge of the results of my actions.
[There's a pause as Hades eyes him, that shift from the more serious way they were speaking to...this, well. He knows that Hythlodaeus is an odd man, charitable as it is to call him only that, but he knows he has more depth to his feelings and empathy than one might believe. However, it's a struggle to get there at times, but it also means the man can bounce back rather easily, from even the worst of situations. Often times leaving Hades in the dust as he's trying to scoop up the shambles that are his emotions.
Even now, there's a lot of emotional unrest within him, feeling a little like they haven't quite finished that topic, nor quite sorted it in any way that leaves him emotionally satisfied. But, he supposes, this is what he requested, isn't it? As Hythlodaeus goes on, however, the surprised and almost curiously somber look he's been regarding Hythlodaeus with shifts to something a touch more serious.
So too does his tone shift, becoming lower.]
While you may do and think as you ever will, do not continue under the misapprehension it will be without its consequences. This is still no matter to be frivolous over, and I appreciate not such flippancy. You have not had to miss our home as I have—you have not had to miss me as I have missed you. Nor have you felt as though your name is hardly yours any longer. A painful reminder of everything I have lost—myself included.
You are still being punished, and so, if you accept as it as you claim you do, then part of that punishment is the denial of sating your curiosity. All you will ever know about it is what you already do: your actions have resulted in my fury, and it is far from ended.
[As far as Hythlodaeus concerned, no news is good news. He knows for an absolute fact that if he had brought ruin to their relationship, his schemes, that he would have been made well aware.]
[And there was no discernible difference in the narrative, so...]
Very well. I shall accept my consequences. Even if this be this the first of many, I shall accept it with grace. Or indignation. Whatever you prefer.
[For a long beat he stares at him. Doesn't blink. Doesn't say anything. Keeps his eyes locked, until he reaches over, grabs a handful of those cookies, and just smashes them into Hythlodaeus' mouth.]
Aye—that you should cease your own.
[He still feels...a lot of things, but he knows when it's pointless to pursue anything. Once Hythlodaeus has eased into his more jovial and joking ways, it's better to wait for the right time to delve into anything severe. That aside, he'd like a break from the torment of his own emotions that twist around in his chest like an unrelenting tempest.]
And there is no grace about you, nor is there any indignation. You are ever Hythlodaeus, and naught else befits describing you. What I prefer has hardly, if ever, been your true concern. Do not pretend that it is now.
[To prevent certain death at this juncture, Hythlodaeus does not speak immediately, but he does wet down the cookies with slightly too-hot tea. He chews the mushy mass, swallowing difficultly with a cough before he comes back up for air, then a laugh.]
Well, we've had our supper, so let us have our dessert now... Unless you would prefer I stepped back a bit. Are you hungry? I've halfway prepared some eggplant moussaka.
[Really, he could have struggled and choked a little harder on those cookies, but he supposes that was satisfying enough. He sips his tea, making Hythlodaeus wait for the answer. Almost acting as if he did not hear him.
[He's less indignant about the kiss itself, than he is at the heat it inspires in his face. Such a sweet and gentle gesture of affection after that difficult and tiresome conversation...it does make his heart stir.
With warmth, and with guilt.
But, with Hythlodaeus bolting to the kitchen, the soft plat plat of his feet against the floorboards and the coughs of Hades' cookie punishment very distinctly being heard, Hades decides to stay put. Letting his stirring emotions settle, ere following the other. Also, he wants to finish his tea, because unlike his giant pain in the ass friend, the cup is adequately sized for him.
Fortunately, as Steven and Hythlodaeus made us all learn, these walls are thin, and thus, he does not need to raise his voice much to be heard:]
Why would I do that? So you could test how far you can press his patience? I cannot say I am much allured by the idea of inviting Dirk over for your mere singular entertainment.
Do you really think it would be so terrible for him? I think he would enjoy himself. You should ask him. Besides, do you know if he has anyone to cook for him?
[Oh how quickly it all turns to concern. Well. For his partial benefit. ]
Has he cooked for you?
[ Meanwhile, Hythlodaeus had wiped his own slate clean for the moment. All this that he had little control for. No, no, he needed more time to turn it around in his head before he approached it again. ]
Your lack of self-awareness is only rivaled by how insufferable you are, you do realize this, yes? Dreadful combination, really.
[However, that question is...well.]
But to answer your query: nay. To both. Wh—do not tell me you are attempting to judge his worthiness as my lover based on such arbitrary domestic skills.
[At that statement, he enters the kitchen. Having finished his tea, and working the outer layers of his outfit off. Walking into the room in little more than his dark brown tights—it's awful warm to wear all those clothes, alright? Though, he suspects this might be a mistake.
Maybe it's a test of sorts, to see how much Hythlodaeus will truly respect his wishes. Always a test, with him.]
Almost as dreadful as your attempt to try my willpower.
[Hythlodaeus looks him over with his keen gaze before reaching back and pulling his robe up and off, revealing short pair of boxers underneath— before draping the absolute monstrous amount of yardage over Emet-Selch. ]
Can I not simply ask a question to its own end? I would see you well-fed if I can help it. Generally well taken care of, really...
[That is about all he gets out before that mass of fabric gets draped over him. Honestly, how long has it been since he's worn an Amaurotine robe—let alone Hythlodaeus'? A while, and if the sight of the nearly nude Hythlodaeus wasn't enough to warm him, the fact he is wearing his robe certainly does.]
I had taken my attire off as I did because it is much too warm. [He grouches as he quickly pulls the robe up and over his head, leaving his hair a frazzled mess in the endeavor, before pushing it back at Hythlodaeus.]
However, a question is nary simple with you. There is always something else more to it. Do not act coy with me. I was able to take care of myself ere your arrival, do not patronize me.
[He laughs, his own hair a static mess as well. The cutiefly gang nestles into his hair with the coast clear, immediately absorbing some of that static and fluffing up as well. ]
Is that why you went out in the heat in such unreasonable attire? You could wear shorts... or perhaps a short style robe.
Once again, I was not given the opportunity to see much of it with mine own eyes, but you certainly weren’t enjoying home cooked meals.
[He murmurs to the rotom in the oven before praising it. He snags the prepared food from the fridge and gets to work as he thinks. ]
It may be so that there is always another motive behind my questions, but are you not the very same? To do otherwise is merely inefficient.
[He pays no mind to the Cutieflies, though they are decidedly well-named.]
I was traveling. I wished to be properly presentable, not that you would have any idea about that. Nevertheless, I had not the time to cook my own meals, this I will confess, but the prepared meals they offer here are not...terrible.
[Honestly, a lot of the food quality here is better than most of the food you'd find readily available in much of Eorzea or whatnot. Perhaps not so with the Imperial Palace of Garlemald, but still. Either way, he waves Hythlodaeus off and takes a seat at the table.]
Anyroad... Yes, yes. We much favor the same conversational stratagem. This is why I know a question is nary one. Truth be told, I do not know how much practice he truly has with aught domestic. His living quarters are...well, not filthy by any means, but rather chaotic.
[As he talks, there's the distinct sound of paw pads tapping their way down the stairs, and soon enough there peeks in the Nickit that Hades had caught during that weird weekend. Upon seeing his trainer, he slinks on over, and hops into his lap. Not that Hades minds, seeing as he does not skip a beat in petting the creature.]
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Hythlodaeus and himself have always had a more...open relationship, so things like this were never a problem. Hades is not one wont to betray those he cares about--those who are true people--and that really just cements that, doesn't it? He cares about Dirk.
Not just theoretically, not just in the sense that this is all some made up thing, that he's playing some character, and Dirk is the hapless fool falling for his devilish charm.
He told him his name. And it felt good. He was about to betray him, and it hurt. He doesn't know what to do with this information. This is not how this was supposed to be.
Hythlodaeus' hand on him wrests him from his thoughts, though he does not move immediately. The only sign is how his mouth flattens into a deeper frown, before he removes the arm shielding him so he can sit up. He does not look at Hythlodaeus, guilt is clear upon his features--guilt for Hythlodaeus and guilt for what he was about to let himself do to Dirk.]
...We have two topics we must needs address: my name and your blithe disregard for my wishes surrounding it, and our relationship. Which would you desire to go first?
[God, is he a fucking facilitator at the Hall of Rhetoric? He may as well be, with how flat and business-like his tone is.]
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[Hythlodaeus takes up his teacup and it looks comically small in his hand. He sips and looks down at Hades. ]
I have no qualms about your budding love of this other man because you deserve to have whatever it is he gives you. I had the privilege of your time and love for centuries, so I will wait for you again if I must. I will not withdraw my love and support even while you pursue this emotionally unstable boy.
You told him your name, did you not? He had wanted it very badly.
no subject
...It's true. Comparatively, but he doesn't have to say it. That earns Hythlodaeus a scowl.]
A boy he may be, and it is true he is uncertain of his emotions--hides them behind a steely resolve--but you need not be unkind in your observations. He is young, as you have pointed out, though I know not how many summers he has experienced, his existence is far more complex than that.
You do not give him the credit that is due, and if you wish to continue this discussion, I would suggest that you do.
[He'll answer the name thing in a moment.]
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[He takes another sip of tea, hoping Hades will take a bit of cookie before long. With a generous dusting of powdered sugar, it forces the one eating it to chew carefully and swallow to avoid choking. ]
It is not a judgement upon him, but it is truth. You empathize with him, and I can see why. Hardly am I taking respect duly owed to him, but he is now the one who holds sway over your heart lest I decide to take it back.
I need you to see that much.
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[Hades waves that off with a roll of his eyes. Clearly Dirk was messing with Hythlodaeus, and he missed the joke due to Dirk's stonefaced delivery.
However... That comment about taking back the sway of his heart riles him. Mainly because there's truth to it, but it certainly feels as though his agency is merely something granted by Hythlodaeus, like any of this is happening because Hythlodaeus is kind enough to allow it. Not because Hades or Dirk want it.]
I do empathize with him, yes. This much I am aware, but as you should know, my empathy for others is no rare or strange trait. In fact, if I recall correct, it is a quality of mine you admire. So, little do I need you to inform me of my heart's course, I am well aware of its trajectory.
[It's all basically snapped at him, that more business-like tone gone.]
However, he and I have more to this budding relationship than mere fancy. And while I have considered the notion you presented to me ere you announced your betrayal of my trust, I plan not to stray from my path. He is a crucial part of it--though, I admittedly planned not for these developments, but they will little serve as a problem for the completion of my duty.
I must return, and if I must continue to pursue this relationship to do so, then I will. As I said, I will not abandon our people.
[The implied second half of that is even if I must abandon you. His grim expression certainly sells it, but he does indeed take one of the cookies, taking a modest bite from it.]
no subject
[ In spite of the fact that Dirk had clarified that he was not an expert on time. It seemed to be splitting hairs from his point of view all considering.]
I will remain here to pick you up if you falter. That is my duty to you, the very expression of my love. I know you can stay the course, but there are times when you empathize too much with others.
[ He bites his cheek. He finds it convenient that this chosen course is also the one fullest with romantic affairs. Nevermind. ]
If I were your coworker, would you tolerate my assistance?
no subject
Quickly, he washes it down with some of the tea, his gaze flicking away from Hythlodaeus as he feels his brow furrow.]
I am more than capable of keeping my empathy in check. I have done so for eons since your passing.
[Like that should comfort him, when Hades is so clearly worn and damaged from it all...]
But come now. [He finally looks at Hythlodaeus.] You cannot be serious...
no subject
Could the discomforts here truly measure up to the torments I have already faced?
[ Hythlodaeus eats a cookie whole, swallowing it easily in a casual power move.]
Have you any true objections now? We work towards my second death and the resurrection of our people, so let us be about it.
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His eyes drop to his tea, his mouth flattening to a hard line. If Hythlodaeus was vying to make him feel guilty, well...mission accomplished. What does he say to that? What can he say to that?]
Is your faith in me so low? Are you resentful of what my toils have made of me?
[His throat is tight again, but he presses on, his voice strained.]
And what of your scheme? Are you about to abandon it to lend your aid to mine? Is that truly what you want?
no subject
All of that besides, I do not resent what your toils have made of you, merely your toils. I will ever stand at your side, but I do beseech you to reconsider your course.
[His gaze holds steady and his eyes narrow.]
You abandoned my scheme ere you heard it, and your scheme has the potential to destroy mine. What would you have me do? You should be grateful to have me lending my aid to you in spite of my hesitance.
no subject
Like a puppet on a string, he dances to the bid of his people's cries, to the hopes and dreams robbed of them far too early. The life they were denied, his master's call to revive Him, to resurrect his people. Their everything upon his shoulders, and he cannot afford to catch his breath, let alone to allow the pain to subside. For their fates would suffer, and so it is his duty to bear that suffering.
And Hythlodaeus would resent such. Would resent what he has to suffer, what he has suffered. What he will continue to suffer. His is a twisted tragedy, but that is merely the price he'll pay for them all.]
...You would rather work towards your own destruction, than be a burden to me? How unlike you, Hythlodaeus.
[It's not meant to be a mean spirited jab, more a comment than anything else. A realization, in a sense, that the changes in him must be great, if Hythlodaeus does not wish to burden him further. That...Hythlodaeus would seek his own end, so that Emet-Selch can carry out his duty without unnecessary weight to his already hefty burden.
He doesn't know whether to laugh or cry at how absurdly cruel this has all become. So he does neither. His expression a strange sorrowful simper.]
...I would have you do as you wish--it is all you have ever done. And, if I am to be comforted by, or grateful for, aught at all in this world--in this existence--it would be consistency. Something familiar in a life where I have all but been bereft of any.
So, if that means for you to carry out your scheme, so do it. If this means aught else, well...then carry it out. I do not know if I could live with myself knowing that I have changed the ever sturdy and immutable Hythlodaeus.
[He can live with a lot of things he's done, but marring Hythlodaeus in such a way, disturbing the sanctity of his memory, of his very person...feels like the most egregious sin of all.]
no subject
[He gives him a little shrug, as odd punctuation.]
I have said my piece on the matter.
[He blinks slowly at Emet-Selch, like a post-tussle cat trying to reassure the other.]
For the matter of your name, I have likewise decided what will be best for you. You may not like it, but I accepted whatever punishment you deemed was necessary for my behavior. But as any proper scientist, I crave the knowledge of the results of my actions.
no subject
Even now, there's a lot of emotional unrest within him, feeling a little like they haven't quite finished that topic, nor quite sorted it in any way that leaves him emotionally satisfied. But, he supposes, this is what he requested, isn't it? As Hythlodaeus goes on, however, the surprised and almost curiously somber look he's been regarding Hythlodaeus with shifts to something a touch more serious.
So too does his tone shift, becoming lower.]
While you may do and think as you ever will, do not continue under the misapprehension it will be without its consequences. This is still no matter to be frivolous over, and I appreciate not such flippancy. You have not had to miss our home as I have—you have not had to miss me as I have missed you. Nor have you felt as though your name is hardly yours any longer. A painful reminder of everything I have lost—myself included.
You are still being punished, and so, if you accept as it as you claim you do, then part of that punishment is the denial of sating your curiosity. All you will ever know about it is what you already do: your actions have resulted in my fury, and it is far from ended.
no subject
[And there was no discernible difference in the narrative, so...]
Very well. I shall accept my consequences. Even if this be this the first of many, I shall accept it with grace. Or indignation. Whatever you prefer.
[He gives him a shining smile]
Closing statements, sir?
no subject
Aye—that you should cease your own.
[He still feels...a lot of things, but he knows when it's pointless to pursue anything. Once Hythlodaeus has eased into his more jovial and joking ways, it's better to wait for the right time to delve into anything severe. That aside, he'd like a break from the torment of his own emotions that twist around in his chest like an unrelenting tempest.]
And there is no grace about you, nor is there any indignation. You are ever Hythlodaeus, and naught else befits describing you. What I prefer has hardly, if ever, been your true concern. Do not pretend that it is now.
no subject
Well, we've had our supper, so let us have our dessert now... Unless you would prefer I stepped back a bit. Are you hungry? I've halfway prepared some eggplant moussaka.
no subject
Then, without looking at him, he shrugs.]
I could eat.
no subject
[He leans forward, placing a peck on his forehead quick as he can, retreating to the kitchen before any retaliation can be made.]
[He coughs a little as he ducks under the door frame, ghosts of cookies past haunting his throat.]
But in all seriousness, when are you going to have Dirk over for dinner and debate?
no subject
With warmth, and with guilt.
But, with Hythlodaeus bolting to the kitchen, the soft plat plat of his feet against the floorboards and the coughs of Hades' cookie punishment very distinctly being heard, Hades decides to stay put. Letting his stirring emotions settle, ere following the other. Also, he wants to finish his tea, because unlike his giant
pain in the assfriend, the cup is adequately sized for him.Fortunately, as Steven and Hythlodaeus made us all learn, these walls are thin, and thus, he does not need to raise his voice much to be heard:]
Why would I do that? So you could test how far you can press his patience? I cannot say I am much allured by the idea of inviting Dirk over for your mere singular entertainment.
no subject
[Oh how quickly it all turns to concern. Well. For his partial benefit. ]
Has he cooked for you?
[ Meanwhile, Hythlodaeus had wiped his own slate clean for the moment. All this that he had little control for. No, no, he needed more time to turn it around in his head before he approached it again. ]
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[However, that question is...well.]
But to answer your query: nay. To both. Wh—do not tell me you are attempting to judge his worthiness as my lover based on such arbitrary domestic skills.
[At that statement, he enters the kitchen. Having finished his tea, and working the outer layers of his outfit off. Walking into the room in little more than his dark brown tights—it's awful warm to wear all those clothes, alright? Though, he suspects this might be a mistake.
Maybe it's a test of sorts, to see how much Hythlodaeus will truly respect his wishes. Always a test, with him.]
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[Hythlodaeus looks him over with his keen gaze before reaching back and pulling his robe up and off, revealing short pair of boxers underneath— before draping the absolute monstrous amount of yardage over Emet-Selch. ]
Can I not simply ask a question to its own end? I would see you well-fed if I can help it. Generally well taken care of, really...
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[That is about all he gets out before that mass of fabric gets draped over him. Honestly, how long has it been since he's worn an Amaurotine robe—let alone Hythlodaeus'? A while, and if the sight of the nearly nude Hythlodaeus wasn't enough to warm him, the fact he is wearing his robe certainly does.]
I had taken my attire off as I did because it is much too warm. [He grouches as he quickly pulls the robe up and over his head, leaving his hair a frazzled mess in the endeavor, before pushing it back at Hythlodaeus.]
However, a question is nary simple with you. There is always something else more to it. Do not act coy with me. I was able to take care of myself ere your arrival, do not patronize me.
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Is that why you went out in the heat in such unreasonable attire? You could wear shorts... or perhaps a short style robe.
Once again, I was not given the opportunity to see much of it with mine own eyes, but you certainly weren’t enjoying home cooked meals.
[He murmurs to the rotom in the oven before praising it. He snags the prepared food from the fridge and gets to work as he thinks. ]
It may be so that there is always another motive behind my questions, but are you not the very same? To do otherwise is merely inefficient.
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I was traveling. I wished to be properly presentable, not that you would have any idea about that. Nevertheless, I had not the time to cook my own meals, this I will confess, but the prepared meals they offer here are not...terrible.
[Honestly, a lot of the food quality here is better than most of the food you'd find readily available in much of Eorzea or whatnot. Perhaps not so with the Imperial Palace of Garlemald, but still. Either way, he waves Hythlodaeus off and takes a seat at the table.]
Anyroad... Yes, yes. We much favor the same conversational stratagem. This is why I know a question is nary one. Truth be told, I do not know how much practice he truly has with aught domestic. His living quarters are...well, not filthy by any means, but rather chaotic.
[As he talks, there's the distinct sound of paw pads tapping their way down the stairs, and soon enough there peeks in the Nickit that Hades had caught during that weird weekend. Upon seeing his trainer, he slinks on over, and hops into his lap. Not that Hades minds, seeing as he does not skip a beat in petting the creature.]
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