That reminds Hythlodaeus that he, too, has a physical body, and moreover one that is separate from Hades's. It takes him a bit of effort to realize which sensations are his and which are his friend's; it's a sign that they should separate. Oh, and the tea should be ready by now - if it hasn't been so long that it's grown cold...
Somewhat reluctantly, he untangles his aether from Hades's, letting himself return to his body. Then he stretches likewise; the stools aren't the most comfortable way to sit.
"Mm... It's been a while since we've done this," he mumbles, partly as a way to remind himself to speak out loud.
He grumbles quietly at the separation but languidly sits up straight with a sigh.
"Not since we were young...I think." He rolls his shoulders, trying to work out an ache. He feels calmer. Relaxed. It had been so long that his memory of Hythlodaeus' lackadaisical nature had shifted over the centuries.
He touches the kettle - it's lukewarm. Sharing their memories and experiences took longer than it felt.
"Mmhmm. I'll let you do the honours." (Since, well, Hades invented this kettle!)
Hythlodaeus rests his elbow on the desk as he watches his friend work on the tea again, a lazy but content smile on his face.
"In my memory, the last time we did this was when we had a big argument... I had to goad you into it a little. 'Tis much easier to make our thoughts and feelings clear like this, when words may fail us."
He pretends not to notice Hythlodaeus' eyes on him. Although his friend gives off every appearance of laziness, he knows their gaze is more keen than others realise.
As he sets the kettle to boil once more, he rests his hip against the counter. "Mm. If you hadn't done that, I suspect we would have parted ways then and there."
Hades knows him well; despite his relaxed appearance Hythlodaeus does use this time to study his friend again. What changed in his body language, in the way he carries himself, in the way he moves - all these small things finally given the context of Hades's memories.
"Not for overly long, mayhap. Who else would I be able to bother if not you?" He replies cheerfully. "And with enough time after your temper cooled, I'm certain that you would start to miss me."
"But my pride would never have let me apologise first," he murmurs. "So I'm sure you would orchestrate a meeting I could not escape and we would have reconciled one way or another."
A sidelong glance. "You always knew what to say, even before we merged our aether. It was for my benefit more than yours."
"... There had been times when I wanted you to put me above your pride. I would joke about it afterwards, but a part of me wanted proof of my importance to you."
Hythlodaeus's expression grows softer as he sits up straight; a testament to his sincerity.
"But I have that proof now. So... thank you, Hades. I did have something to gain from this, too."
A lingering look is all Hades gives Hythlodaeus in return: one filled with uncommon softness. A pity it had taken catastrophic loss for him to admit the truth buried in his heart. If only he could go back in time, like the Exarch, and live out the rest of his days in those idyllic years.
The kettle whistles. He switches it off and tops up their mugs with hot water.
"It will be nothing compared to the time we could have shared, but while you are here I will treasure these days as they come."
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I'm sure with your boundless curiosity and reckless behaviour, we'll stumble upon a worthy tale eventually.
And the monkey's paw curls.There is the sense that Hades is stretching and making himself comfortable.
Are you satisfied now? We had best separate before we lose sight of who we are.
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Somewhat reluctantly, he untangles his aether from Hades's, letting himself return to his body. Then he stretches likewise; the stools aren't the most comfortable way to sit.
"Mm... It's been a while since we've done this," he mumbles, partly as a way to remind himself to speak out loud.
no subject
"Not since we were young...I think." He rolls his shoulders, trying to work out an ache. He feels calmer. Relaxed. It had been so long that his memory of Hythlodaeus' lackadaisical nature had shifted over the centuries.
"Is the tea cold? We can boil the water again."
no subject
"Mmhmm. I'll let you do the honours." (Since, well, Hades invented this kettle!)
Hythlodaeus rests his elbow on the desk as he watches his friend work on the tea again, a lazy but content smile on his face.
"In my memory, the last time we did this was when we had a big argument... I had to goad you into it a little. 'Tis much easier to make our thoughts and feelings clear like this, when words may fail us."
no subject
As he sets the kettle to boil once more, he rests his hip against the counter. "Mm. If you hadn't done that, I suspect we would have parted ways then and there."
no subject
"Not for overly long, mayhap. Who else would I be able to bother if not you?" He replies cheerfully. "And with enough time after your temper cooled, I'm certain that you would start to miss me."
no subject
A sidelong glance. "You always knew what to say, even before we merged our aether. It was for my benefit more than yours."
no subject
Hythlodaeus's expression grows softer as he sits up straight; a testament to his sincerity.
"But I have that proof now. So... thank you, Hades. I did have something to gain from this, too."
no subject
The kettle whistles. He switches it off and tops up their mugs with hot water.
"It will be nothing compared to the time we could have shared, but while you are here I will treasure these days as they come."