[He exhales slowly, the breath rolling slowly through his chest as it squeezes tightly, watching Hythlodaeus avert his gaze. That, he must confess, is about what he had expected. His partner has never in his memory been unable to meet his gaze, but this disconnect, however brief, feels well-deserved.

No, Hythlodaeus would never have condoned such actions— he has always known that full well. In a way, it's comforting to hear him say so. He is precisely the man Hades remembers, right down to love and affection persisting through disapproval.]

I love you.

[Truly, Hades is more fortunate than he ever could have hoped for, ever could have expected. He catches Hythlodaeus' lips easily as second time, parting his own as he deepens the kiss into something a touch more demanding. Even as his lover's hands move to cup his face, his own slides upwards along the curve of his back from where it had come to rest against his hip, fingers curling against the back of his neck and nails gently biting into flesh, some small part of him fearful that should he let go, this will suddenly cease to be.

It is, in so many ways, too good to be true.]

I will endeavor to be worthy of such love. I do not expect forgiveness from any of those I have wronged— but this chance, I will not squander.