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I see.

[ There's no telling what will happen once Azem finally returns home. There's no telling if they'll succeed, but they plan to do everything they can to change their future. ]

Well, perhaps if that never comes to pass we can find some way to travese the stars. [ They look up at the sky with a grin as they reach a hand up and close it into a fist, as if grasping the sky itself.

They lower their hand and smile up at Hades. ] It's all unknown, the future and what lies beyond our Star. I wish to experience it all. [ They give his hand a squeeze as if to silently say they want him to be there with them. ]

[ He smiles wryly. He wonders, without the advances of Allag, whether their people are capable of creating the equivalent of magitek. After all, with such bountiful aether at their fingertips, why should they invent something for those without? Or even for people simply lacking, like Hythlodaeus... ]

If anyone can manage it, 'twould be you... One who desires to travel the world and all the known universe. Just promise me you will take myself and Hythlodaeus with you when you go. Someone has to keep you out of trouble on your adventures.

[ Perhaps it would take time, but that's something they would hopefully have plenty of. ]

Of course! [ They smile brightly at him. ] I wouldn't dream of such an adventure without the two of you by my side.

[ He squeezes their hand back tightly. Azem has no idea how much hearing that means to him - although he is sure his other self will not appreciate the bother. Really, that's the greatest tragedy isn't it? That this lesson will be lost. ]

I love you, [ he whispers. ] You and Hythlodaeus both. I missed you dearly.

[ Perhaps by the time they can traverse the star, that other Hades will appreciate such adventures and spending time with them. If Azem has learned anything from all of this, is that they need to be more forward with their feelings toward Hades when they return home.

Azem moves to kiss him before pausing. It's a little silly to do that here when they could in the waking world. ]

I love you, too. I may disagree with your choices, but that doesn't change my feelings. [ They smile up at him. ] We're all here together, now, we will need to make the best of it.

[ Hades closes the distance anyway. For the brief moment their lips touch, it seems the world around them pulses with warmth. And then... ]

I'm sorry, Dionysos...

[ He chokes on the words, all his pent-up grief and fear and anxiety spilling over as tears. He suddenly wraps Azem in a tight hug. ]

Everything I did was for naught in the end. I don't deserve my seat, this title...!

[ Azem's arms tighten around him, holding him close. They remain quiet as they carefully disentangle their mind from his so they can comfort him in the waking world.

They shift, pulling him close, one hand moving in a soothing motion along his back. ]

You did what you thought was right. We all did. [ They say softly before pressing a kiss to the side of his head. ] Perhaps it's time we both gave up our titles, they have no place here as is.

[ The vista fades and he returns to the present with a shuddering breath. A merging of souls changes one in small ways, whether they wish it or not. He turns his face to Azem's shoulder and tries to find comfort there, feeling all his regrets twisting and seething in his chest. ]

...Are you sure?

[ He knows their titles aren't much more than an acknowledgement that they possess the greatest skill or knowledge on their respective fields. One doesn't need a title to perform the requisite duties. ]

[ They bring a hand up so they can run their fingers through is hair. ]

Yes. [ They draw back enough to smile at him. ] I think after so long it might be good to let go.

[ He stares at them, feeling all his love for Dionysos surging up and pushing aside his misgivings. ]

I have done many terrible things... But if you would still have me then I would walk with you until our journeys end.

[ Their hand moves to cup his face. ]

I know, my love. You need not carry the burden alone, anymore, both Hythlodaeus and myself are here now.

[ Their face heats a little as they lean and press their forehead against his. ]

I would love that, Hades.

[ He can feel his cheeks and the tips of his ears growing warm. His eyes close and he reaches up to cover their hand. ]

...Thank you.

[ He would never take them for granted again. ]

[ They remain like that for a few moments before drawing back and giving him a lopsided smile. ]

I suppose that means we need to find a bigger place so all three of us can be closer.

[ He sighs quietly. ]

Money... Bah. I could shape a home with a snap of my fingers were we not here.

[ The thought of having to work to afford a proper home does not enthuse him. ]

[ Azem chuckles. ]

The need for currency is a hindrance, but I think we can manage.

[ They already regularly take odd jobs. Sometimes they're happy to take goods in exchange for their work, but sometimes they're given money. ]

[ GRUMBLE ]

I don't want to work.

[ iyada ]

Edited 2023-05-19 03:58 (UTC)

[ They can't help but laugh as the gently put his head against his. ]

I'm sure we can find something you'll enjoy.

Mm.

[ He closes his eyes and leans against Azem in turn. Such worries are for another day. It has been an emotional few hours and he finds that all he wants to do is sleep. ]

[ Azem shifts so they can both be comfortable where they're sitting, happy to just let him rest. Who knows, maybe they'll drift off to a nap as well. ]

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