It fills Hythlodaeus's heart with such warmth to contemplate a future like that - not only saving their world, but finding a place for Hades in it as well, a way for him to belong and be happy once more. It's enough to make tears rise to his eyes again, but accompanied by a smile this time as he tips his head into that caress.

"Of course, Agesandros. You would always have me to return to. And... while I look after your younger self, mayhap you could wrangle Azem. Though with your newfound freedom of character I do wonder whether you would keep them in check or simply help them be even more efficient in bending the rules for their adventures."

Just imagine: poor young Hades on one side and the likely unholy combination of his much older self, Hythlodaeus and Azem on the other.