Hythlodaeus is blissfully unaware of Hades's internal turmoil and simply lets himself bask in the warmth and affection. This, too, is what he's always wanted, and what a strange thing it is to be granted it in another world, long after his own death and that of his friend. But right now the gloomy thoughts don't bother Hythlodaeus - he has more than enough faith now that they will triumph, save their people and preserve their world.

He smiles giddily at the confession and kisses back, hoping to put into it all the tenderness that he feels for his friend, bringing up a hand to stroke Hades's cheek with his thumb and comb through his hair with his other fingers.

"I never thought I would hear it from you like this," he murmurs once they part, a warm glow in his features. "If there was some manner of a competition for being the happiest man in the world, I believe I'd have quite a good chance at winning it."