'What does he see?' Hades wonders to himself as he lets his head loll to one side. Whilst the soft touches are nice in their own way, he soon finds himself craving a little more.

"Harder," he whispers back, reaching up to stroke his friend's long hair. He recalls Hythlodaeus responding positively to it earlier. Mayhap his desire for rougher treatment is balanced out by his friend's desire for a more delicate touch. He kisses the side of Hythlodaeus' cheek, continuing softly, "I prefer a firmer touch. A bit more sharpness. As if you would try to assert yourself over me."