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"Ah," he says vaguely, thinking back rapidly to that night in the hot spring. "Is that so...?"

It would certainly explain the unexpected arousal. All he had been doing was enjoying the heat of the bath before Rhea'li entered. Shadows, though? Really?

He draws up his knees and hugs them to his chest. He can tell the miqo'te is grinning at him. Mischief is written all over their face.

"Are you only offering because of Azem?"

Rhea'li gives the question some thought. Were they back in Etheirys, he probably would not make the same offer. But here, where people have far more sexual freedoms and do not do easily conflate sex with love, he finds himself relaxing some of the rules he would normally abide by.

It helps that he is simply no one important here.

Rhea'li hums. "I simply think you ought to make the most of opportunities that present themselves."

It is, mayhaps, not a satisfactory answer for Hades.

"Of course, if you're not interested I won't be insulted. I'm quite content to rest in good company, knowing I will be safe."

He looks away, lips pressing into a mulish line. It feels like a betrayal - even though he imagines Azem doesn't care who Hades chooses to share a bed with (Azem themselves is certainly happy to sleep around). It's one thing to go looking for comfort in the arms of another, but what would it look like for him to seek comfort in a shard of his former friend?

Rhea'li wants to be seen as his own person. Hades isn't sure whether he can separate the two just yet.

"If I ever did-- lie with you," he bites out, "I would want it to be because you cared for me. Not because I'm another warm body to spend the night with."

Rhea'li rolls over onto his front and pillows his head on his arms, tilting it so he can peer up at Hades, even though Hades is pointedly not looking at him.

"I asked to bond with you." Despite their past conflict. "Is that not sign enough that I care?"

Why would he not care for Hades, the one who reached beyond the grave to help him, the one who put Hades in it?

"I don't know. I gave up trying to understand how you think long ago."

As Azem. As the Warrior of Light. He had been content with being a begrudging friend, ally, and protector. He's afraid now to disturb that delicate balance.

"I..." He bites off the sentence before it can eventuate. Although dinner has gone a way to ease the pain of Azem's departure, he feels guilty for even considering the idea of lying together with Rhea'li. Like he's using the miqo'te as a source of comfort in lieu of the one he truly wants.

"If you understand that I can't give myself wholly to you at the moment," he forces out. "Not yet. 'Tis still too raw."

"I understand," Rhea'li murmurs without judgement, for both their hearts are already dedicated to their respective friends and not each other.

And one way or another, his life will be merely a drop in the vast river of Hades' lifetime. Rhea'li's connection will never be like that of the Ancients'.

And he is alright with that.

His tail flicks once before Rhea'li burrows himself deeper into the bedroll, shifting the fabric so he carves a little nook with his body. It's very comfortable.

"Know the offer is open even after this ordeal." Clearly Azem hasn't been keeping him busy enough if the hot spring shadows were afoot. Rhea'li's smile is small but sincere. "Now, shall we retire for the night?"

He nods stiffly, and with it Hades finally relents and shuffles underneath the covers beside Rhea'li. It IS warm and comfortable, if he does say so himself. But of course it is - he made it after all.

Having someone he trusts by his side does more for his nerves than he realises. He exhales softly, tossing a quick (and hopefully unnoticed) glance towards the miqo'te before pulling up the blanket to his chin and closing his eyes.

"Goodnight..."

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