The worst part is that Hades knows selfishness had likely been the furthest thought from Hythlodaeus' mind when he volunteered as a sacrifice for Zodiark. If it hadn't been, he would have fought harder to change his friend's mind. But guilt had stilled his tongue - how could he demand that comfort for himself whilst letting the rest of their people offer themselves?
"If I thought it would change your mind," he mumbles, "I would tell you now. But I cannot. So let me enjoy the time I have with you for this moment. I'll never experience it again."
Hades is still reluctant to reveal what happened; it's only further proof of how much it affected him. Hythlodaeus raises a hand to gently pat his friend's hair; it seems that all he can do for now is just be there.
It feels like he stands there quietly crying against Hythlodaeus for a long time. He commits everything he can to memory: his friend's scent, the warmth of their embrace, their quiet voice. All of it is a stark rebuke against the shade which had found itself wandering his recreated Amaurot. That insubstantial thing could only capture a memory of the man holding him now, and it had been woeful.
Eventually, he starts to calm. He spends a little more time composing himself before pulling back, trying to wipe his face as subtly as he can (not very subtly at all) with his sleeve.
Oh no, Hades... Hythlodaeus hurriedly pats his pockets - fortunately, the corsair crew still saw fit to furnish its members with handkerchiefs. He fishes it out and holds it out to his friend.
"You've naught to apologize for. But I think it would be a good idea if I stayed here for a while, hmm? Even if I do earn enough coin to change lodgings."
Once the more serious moment passes, Hythlodaeus tries to inject a bit of levity into the conversation. After all, he knows that getting huffy with him is one of the constants for Hades.
He reluctantly accepts the handkerchief and uses it in lieu of his sleeve.
"I'm sure you would stay here no matter how much I nag at you to leave," he grumbles as he cleans his face. "The bed is mine, I'm telling you now. If you give me a day, I can find a bedroll for you."
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"If I thought it would change your mind," he mumbles, "I would tell you now. But I cannot. So let me enjoy the time I have with you for this moment. I'll never experience it again."
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"Alright. I'm here, Hades. I'm here."
He can hold his friend for as long as he needs.
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Eventually, he starts to calm. He spends a little more time composing himself before pulling back, trying to wipe his face as subtly as he can (not very subtly at all) with his sleeve.
"I'm sorry for that unseemly display..."
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"You've naught to apologize for. But I think it would be a good idea if I stayed here for a while, hmm? Even if I do earn enough coin to change lodgings."
Once the more serious moment passes, Hythlodaeus tries to inject a bit of levity into the conversation. After all, he knows that getting huffy with him is one of the constants for Hades.
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"I'm sure you would stay here no matter how much I nag at you to leave," he grumbles as he cleans his face. "The bed is mine, I'm telling you now. If you give me a day, I can find a bedroll for you."
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"You would have me sleep on the floor? When I have but recently arrived?"
Woe! Despair! Such cruelty!
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"You should have your own accommodations for this moon! What, you're expecting to move in on the very first day?"