He swallows, heart thudding. Usually it is he trying to wrestle his friend into behaving. Seeing how easily they slip into the dominating role, Hades realises that this is perhaps the truest expression of their relationship. Hythlodaeus has ever done as he pleased, manipulating others (i.e. him) into following in his wake. In day to day matters, it is exasperating. But right now Hades would not have it any other way.

Unable to tear his eyes away from Hythlodaeus' own, he reaches towards the collar of his shirt and starts to undo the buttons. One by one, popping them out of their neat little column. A sliver of skin reveals itself to his lover's hungry gaze. Then a line. Until finally, he pulls the shirt down off his shoulders and lets it fall to the floor by their feet.

Bare yourself, Hythlodaeus had said. In more than simply literal terms. He covers the hand trailing down his neck and gently shifts it lower, pressing it against his chest.

"As if I could hide anything from your keen eyes," he breathes against his lover's lips.