[He's about to grouse about the hand running through his hair, but then Hythlodaeus has to say that. While not verbatim of what he said to Dirk, it sure is close enough. It gives him obvious pause, and his mouth pulls into a thin, flat line.
Why does everything have to be so complicated all the time? Well, he knows why, but that small somewhat petulant part of him that never quite died over the span of eons still questions with reckless futility.
He doesn't look at Hythlodaeus, nor push his hand away.]
...Very well. If that is your wish.
[Which feels loaded, because for all he knows it isn't what Hythlodaeus wishes at all, but what Hades himself does....because he created him. Whatever he was feeling at the time, whatever thought or emotion was at play, Hythlodaeus was formed around it.
[It's more a hum than anything else as he takes another sip of his coffee. This whole thing with Hythlodaeus is far from settled, but this is all it can be at the moment. Besides, he has the mess with Dirk to attend to as well.
He has to figure out a way to fix that mess, get them back together. Ordinarily, he'd allow someone uninterested in being with him go, he is not one to force these things, however...
However Dirk is different, and he knows that Dirk does not truly long for solitude, knows that if he were to respect what Dirk says, he would not be respecting Dirk's actual wishes.
It's just hard to make a case for it when Dirk's reasons for pushing him away are entirely justified...
As he thinks about this, he's left staring at nothing in particular, his gaze distant and not entirely focused, but there's certainly that solemn grief to his features that are all too telling of what's on his mind.]
[Honestly, he doesn't know what to think of this. Hadn't he just spent a handful of minutes prior telling Hythlodaeus how fake he was, how he's not his Hythlodaeus? How cruel he'd been just moments ago, and here he was offering his help, playfully bumping their noses together. His mind a little too preoccupied to truly take in the proximity as what he should.
...Could he simply be unable to resist helping him because of the circumstance of his creation? Or, is this more along the lines of the friend he's a mock of? It's not uncharacteristic of Hythlodaeus, yet he cannot help but wonder.
Wonder, and feel guilty when he knows he shouldn't. Still, he does not draw away from the closeness of Hythlodaeus, enjoying the comfort it brings, and ignoring what suspicion he otherwise should have at his intentions.]
I suppose so... I have not given up hope for him yet, and I am far from finished.
[The kiss shocks him to reality, and there's an intense yet short war within himself over it. On one hand, the affection is certainly a balm to his aching soul, a comfort he's needed without fully realizing it. On the other, they are talking about him winning Dirk back after losing him for his infidelity with Hythlodaeus. Hythlodaeus, who is not actually the one he lost, but a fake he made and then was tricked by.
The war was over how to react, but the nuzzling against him sends both warmth through him and inspires goosebumps, and he's left frozen in place at the moment.
When he goes to speak, he realizes he was holding his breath.]
...Yes, but if I act too slowly he think me uncaring--yet too quickly, and I would worry he'd feel more obligation than true desire for me.
[He can feel the heat in his face as he looks down at Hythlodaeus' batting eyelashes. Inwardly cursing himself for still being susceptible to the fraudulent charms of this simulacrum...
Bringing a hand up, he presses it to Hythlodaeus' face to push him away—though the gesture isn't especially forceful or unkind, merely a means to afford him a little more personal space so he can think, not to mention quiet that heart of his down.]
Yes, yes. I am certain you'd love to assist me in every way imaginable. Though I do not think making you more of a villain than you have already prove yourself to be will help aught at all.
[That's right, he was breeding Dirk's Pokémon for him...well that's convenient. Certainly a conversation starter, at the very least. Drawing his hand back from Hythlodaeus, he reaches over for one of the wafers.]
In any case, you should be mindful when you speak with him, and try not to make matters worse. He is...quite fragile right now. I would not wish for his hurts to be remade.
Blue? Well, I can quite imagine the beauty it holds. Fair certain he will be fond of it. How can you tell that there might yet be another? Do the eggs not all look the same?
[After he asks, he allows himself to indulge in that wafer as well as the coffee to wash it down with.]
So, is your plan to present him with these shiny horses and more horse art? He is not a dog, you know, you cannot just over-saturate him with one single interest of his and expect him to be satisfied.
I am indeed, yes. But do you not think it would be rather suspect for you to be privy to them all when he has not shared them with you himself? Do you not think he would grow suspicious and find it more manipulative, than genuine?
[He shrugs.]
But, for what may be obvious by his unique manner of dress, and how such aesthetics seem to nod towards the more traditional clothing of this world—he is a fan of the culture that is adjacent to this one from his world. Hingan is its name in our world, Japanese is its name in his, and Johtonian here.
Mayhap you can find some inspiration with a little bit of research.
[At the question, he pauses and considers. Everything is made exceedingly more difficult with Hythlodaeus' state of existing being updated as it is, but at the same time...who else has the context or the personal familiarity with Hades' than a shade he created himself?
He sighs.]
As you know, two nights ago Dirk and I went to the theater. All went well—incredibly well. The performance itself was wonderful, Dirk's company could not have been more enjoyable. I—
[He pauses a moment, almost as if the next word is caught in his throat. Frowning, he glances to Hythlodaeus, his brows worrying a crease between them.]
His dedication to me, his stalwart loyalty, his...everything truly inspired reflection within me, and so I reflected to my sole act of infidelity—our act of infidelity. [His gaze falls back to the coffee in his hands.] My guilt over such an act had become far too great to bear, and so I felt it only right to come clean with him. Though, I admittedly knew how terribly it would go, and horribly it went. Foolishly, I had hoped...
[He closes his eyes, his face twisting with regret, and then he shakes his head with a defeated, and sorrowful sigh.]
...Nevermind. He has broken off our relationship—the romantic aspects of it, and for that I cannot fault him. Though the man I thought I betrayed at the time is not the man I have grown to—grown quite fond of—it does not lessen his hurts.
Yet, I cannot allow him to isolate himself so, and I know well that when it comes to circles of close friends, he has even less than I, and is just as disinclined to bring such burdens upon them.
[That earns Hythlodaeus a scowl. How dare you call him out on his feelings when he was clearly trying to avoid naming them!]
Must you frame it so predatory? Truly, not everyone practices your style of pursuit.
[Though, he's only getting this huffy about it because...well, he does plant to wear him down after a fashion. He knows it's what's necessary, and if he weren't so confident that this is indeed what Dirk likely wants in his heart of hearts, nor that this is what Dirk truly needs, he'd leave him be altogether.]
And I said naught about being in love. I'd like to believe myself past such folly.
And yet, it is tried and true. And I am your mentor...
[ There’s that scowl he knows and loves. ]
Your wording betrays you, my dear Angel of Truth. We waste air merely pretending it isn’t so. You have access to his rooms. What will be your first plan of attack?
[He waves him on, sourly taking a drink of his coffee to punctuate the dismissal.]
If you are implying I might ambush him in his personal chambers with some underhanded tactic, I will not. I wish to win him back, not rob him of his dignity.
[He retorts flatly. Still finding the familiar way in which they talk about memories of Hythlodaeus' strange, but now isn't the time to think too hard on that.]
But less that my confidence in you is worn, and more...well.
[Glancing at Hythlodaeus for a moment, he then flicks his gaze away from him, as if almost embarrassed.]
You see...when it comes to messy departures, I would say that one has little competition for the throne...in more ways than one.
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Why does everything have to be so complicated all the time? Well, he knows why, but that small somewhat petulant part of him that never quite died over the span of eons still questions with reckless futility.
He doesn't look at Hythlodaeus, nor push his hand away.]
...Very well. If that is your wish.
[Which feels loaded, because for all he knows it isn't what Hythlodaeus wishes at all, but what Hades himself does....because he created him. Whatever he was feeling at the time, whatever thought or emotion was at play, Hythlodaeus was formed around it.
What a terrible thing he has done.]
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It is.
[ He drinks a bit more to wet his mouth before attempting to eat any more of his cookie. ]
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[It's more a hum than anything else as he takes another sip of his coffee. This whole thing with Hythlodaeus is far from settled, but this is all it can be at the moment. Besides, he has the mess with Dirk to attend to as well.
He has to figure out a way to fix that mess, get them back together. Ordinarily, he'd allow someone uninterested in being with him go, he is not one to force these things, however...
However Dirk is different, and he knows that Dirk does not truly long for solitude, knows that if he were to respect what Dirk says, he would not be respecting Dirk's actual wishes.
It's just hard to make a case for it when Dirk's reasons for pushing him away are entirely justified...
As he thinks about this, he's left staring at nothing in particular, his gaze distant and not entirely focused, but there's certainly that solemn grief to his features that are all too telling of what's on his mind.]
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...What of Dirk?
[ It was one of the pieces that he didn’t have enough data to accurately guess very far. ]
I trust that he isn’t faring well.
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He is not faring well, no. How could he, when what spurred his decision was the knowledge of my foolish infidelity.
[He pulls his gaze away, looking into the depths of his coffee.]
It would be cruel to expect him to be. He has every right to be cross with me, yet...
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We shall find a way through it, together. Surely he cannot resist you forever.
[ He spreads his fingers and rubs the short cropped hair at the back of his head. ]
It seems to me that you must seduce him anew. Yet this time you are armed with far more knowledge than before.
[ He bumps his nose against Hades’ playfully. ]
Let us make a plan.
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...Could he simply be unable to resist helping him because of the circumstance of his creation? Or, is this more along the lines of the friend he's a mock of? It's not uncharacteristic of Hythlodaeus, yet he cannot help but wonder.
Wonder, and feel guilty when he knows he shouldn't. Still, he does not draw away from the closeness of Hythlodaeus, enjoying the comfort it brings, and ignoring what suspicion he otherwise should have at his intentions.]
I suppose so... I have not given up hope for him yet, and I am far from finished.
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[ He presses his lips to Hades’ but briefly before nuzzling against him again like an over-affectionate horse. ]
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The war was over how to react, but the nuzzling against him sends both warmth through him and inspires goosebumps, and he's left frozen in place at the moment.
When he goes to speak, he realizes he was holding his breath.]
...Yes, but if I act too slowly he think me uncaring--yet too quickly, and I would worry he'd feel more obligation than true desire for me.
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[ Hades would at least need not ask himself if he was always so nefarious. He should know well that answer is yes, absolutely. ]
And if you might need a villain in your cause...
[ He peers up and bats his lashes. ]
You know where to find me.
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Bringing a hand up, he presses it to Hythlodaeus' face to push him away—though the gesture isn't especially forceful or unkind, merely a means to afford him a little more personal space so he can think, not to mention quiet that heart of his down.]
Yes, yes. I am certain you'd love to assist me in every way imaginable. Though I do not think making you more of a villain than you have already prove yourself to be will help aught at all.
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I suppose so. It will probably be simpler to just begin endearing him to me again. Though that is a task better done remotely— as sensitive as he is.
[ He sits up straight as his lips curl. ]
He will have to come back here sooner or later. I have his precious Acorn.
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[That's right, he was breeding Dirk's Pokémon for him...well that's convenient. Certainly a conversation starter, at the very least. Drawing his hand back from Hythlodaeus, he reaches over for one of the wafers.]
In any case, you should be mindful when you speak with him, and try not to make matters worse. He is...quite fragile right now. I would not wish for his hurts to be remade.
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[ He drinks his coffee in earnest now, as it has cooled. ]
I will do what has worked previously. I intend not to speak at all.
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[After he asks, he allows himself to indulge in that wafer as well as the coffee to wash it down with.]
So, is your plan to present him with these shiny horses and more horse art? He is not a dog, you know, you cannot just over-saturate him with one single interest of his and expect him to be satisfied.
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[ He folds his hands and considers this. ]
Well... what of his other interests? You should be well aware of them all by now, I’d think.
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I am indeed, yes. But do you not think it would be rather suspect for you to be privy to them all when he has not shared them with you himself? Do you not think he would grow suspicious and find it more manipulative, than genuine?
[He shrugs.]
But, for what may be obvious by his unique manner of dress, and how such aesthetics seem to nod towards the more traditional clothing of this world—he is a fan of the culture that is adjacent to this one from his world. Hingan is its name in our world, Japanese is its name in his, and Johtonian here.
Mayhap you can find some inspiration with a little bit of research.
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[ he had no doubt that he could find something suitable in little time. ]
... So, do you care to talk about any other aspect of this event? It can’t have been easy for you.
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He sighs.]
As you know, two nights ago Dirk and I went to the theater. All went well—incredibly well. The performance itself was wonderful, Dirk's company could not have been more enjoyable. I—
[He pauses a moment, almost as if the next word is caught in his throat. Frowning, he glances to Hythlodaeus, his brows worrying a crease between them.]
His dedication to me, his stalwart loyalty, his...everything truly inspired reflection within me, and so I reflected to my sole act of infidelity—our act of infidelity. [His gaze falls back to the coffee in his hands.] My guilt over such an act had become far too great to bear, and so I felt it only right to come clean with him. Though, I admittedly knew how terribly it would go, and horribly it went. Foolishly, I had hoped...
[He closes his eyes, his face twisting with regret, and then he shakes his head with a defeated, and sorrowful sigh.]
...Nevermind. He has broken off our relationship—the romantic aspects of it, and for that I cannot fault him. Though the man I thought I betrayed at the time is not the man I have grown to—grown quite fond of—it does not lessen his hurts.
Yet, I cannot allow him to isolate himself so, and I know well that when it comes to circles of close friends, he has even less than I, and is just as disinclined to bring such burdens upon them.
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So you’ve fallen in love with him, and now you plan to circle like a vulture until he’s grown weak enough to allow you to carry him away.
Tell me you have some plan to further your ends.
[ He sets aside his empty cup, raising a hand to place against his cheek. ]
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Must you frame it so predatory? Truly, not everyone practices your style of pursuit.
[Though, he's only getting this huffy about it because...well, he does plant to wear him down after a fashion. He knows it's what's necessary, and if he weren't so confident that this is indeed what Dirk likely wants in his heart of hearts, nor that this is what Dirk truly needs, he'd leave him be altogether.]
And I said naught about being in love. I'd like to believe myself past such folly.
[Like to, but is not claiming to actually be so.]
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[ There’s that scowl he knows and loves. ]
Your wording betrays you, my dear Angel of Truth. We waste air merely pretending it isn’t so. You have access to his rooms. What will be your first plan of attack?
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[He waves him on, sourly taking a drink of his coffee to punctuate the dismissal.]
If you are implying I might ambush him in his personal chambers with some underhanded tactic, I will not. I wish to win him back, not rob him of his dignity.
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[He raises his eyebrows and turns his head slightly.]
Nay, nay I mean no such thing. It is merely a turn of phrase. Have I really worn your confidence in me so?
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[He retorts flatly. Still finding the familiar way in which they talk about memories of Hythlodaeus' strange, but now isn't the time to think too hard on that.]
But less that my confidence in you is worn, and more...well.
[Glancing at Hythlodaeus for a moment, he then flicks his gaze away from him, as if almost embarrassed.]
You see...when it comes to messy departures, I would say that one has little competition for the throne...in more ways than one.
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