"You have reached Solus zos Galvus. I fear I am unavailable at the moment, but should your query be of an urgent nature, pray leave a message. I shall endeavor to return it anon."
[It takes Hythlodaeus a moment to even process that Hades has approached him. He snaps back into reality with a little flutter of his eyelashes. His voice is softer and spacier than usual.]
Hades, you're home...
[He starts feeling worry with the worry on Hades' face. He looks down at his arm, then back at Hades.]
Oh? Oh, right... Tyler hit me pretty hard this morning. I think... I think I smoked just a bit too much.
[Hades' face contorts with distress at what Hythlodaeus says, let alone how...out of it he clearly is. He is wont to get high, but this is...something else. To keep himself busy, he gently ushers Hythlodaeus to a chair to take a seat, looking him over for a second, before he works on picking up where Hythlodaeus clearly left off in his preparations for dinner. Though only after removing his gloves and washing his hands.
His mind is racing at the thought of Tyler hitting Hythlodaeus. Hard enough that he needs a brace for it. His anger is climbing, and he can hear his heart pounding in his ears, but he's trying to keep a cool head. He cannot just jump to conclusions, he knows this. He needs to full of it, or as much as he can from Hythlodaeus.
Looking over at Hythlodaeus with piteous concern worrying his brow, he slowly begins.]
Why did Tyler hit you this morning? What happened? What could have happened that Tyler would leave you in such a regrettable state? Why were you with Tyler at all?
[As he talks, he can feel his tone welling with anger, he even starts to talk faster towards the end of it. Almost snapping the questions. He pauses, takes a breath, lets it out, and then focuses on the food prep, waiting for Hythlodaeus to explain. At this point, he's finishing this for Hythlodaeus' sake. Who knows when the man last ate...]
[Feeling tired and docile, Hythlodaeus allows himself to be sat down. It takes a moment for him to process all the questions Hades throws at him.]
I... I contacted Tyler earlier this week wishing to gain a bit of information from him about Steven's... condition. Steven had mentioned that Team Rocket is an outlet, and that posed a host of concerns for me.
[He seems to get distracted by his Cutieflies for a moment before he comes back into it.]
But he told me that we shouldn't speak of it in text... He wanted to meet soon after, but I had bread in the oven.
I... [He scrunches his nose as he tries to recall the conversation in its entirety.] He told me that he did not want to know where I lived. I thought that perhaps he would be more comfortable with his friend there... So I invited him to sign practice.
[As Hythlodaeus continues, Hades feels his anxiety rise. He does not like this, he does not like this at all. He cannot even continue what he's doing when Hythlodaeus spaces out. Turning his attention completely to him. When he starts to talk again, he leaves the food prep where it is, and approaches Hythlodaeus, gently bringing a hand to his cheek to cup it as he stares down at him with worry.]
Hythlodaeus... You trusting fool.
[It's almost comical their size difference here. Because while Hythlodaeus' is sitting, and Hades is standing, they're almost the same height still. Bringing a second forward to cup the other cheek, he continues to gaze down at him—but then he slides his hands back and around to pull him against his chest. Holding him there to both comfort him and himself.]
Forgive me. Continue, I would know what transpired in full.
[He raises his uninjured arm to embrace Hades around the middle.]
I thought I was being wise enough, having asked him to leave his little bird at home, as dangerous as it is. So... Instead he brought a creature that looks... like a funny little man with yellow fur.
Steven and Tyler began to argue, and the creature hypnotized me. It... it didn't get very far, truthfully. I was aware of it when it was trying to look through my mind. It seemed stricken.
The creature had been interrupted before it could do anything. Tyler... I cannot quite recall. But he spilled his tea all over his arm and burned himself. I retrieved some ice for him and asked him to give me his arm. He... It happened so quickly, I didn't quite see what his hands did. But he sent my gesturing arm into the table.
It could have been much worse, I think. There were still ceramic cups on the table. Tyler was locked into his anger, so I left.
[He nestles against Hades as he finally lets out a breath. That required exactly as much concentration as he had access to.]
I went to a center once I realized I could not move my hand. They gave me some painkillers, but I think they're broken. They certainly didn't work, no matter how many I took.
[This was a lot. As Hythlodaeus explains, his mind shoots off twenty questions for each point. More worry, more stress, more anxious knots twisting in his stomach. His chest tightening like a vice, and likewise does his hold on Hythlodaeus. Not enough to smother him into his tiddies bosom, but it would still be a struggle to get free.
So many times does he want to cut in, stop Hythlodaeus where he's at and ask more questions, or yell his indignation at such happenings. But he doesn't. He's silent and still. His anger twists painfully in his chest the more he thinks over the fact that Tyler was messing with Hythlodaeus' mind, with his memories... That he would trespass like that, that he would dare to trifle with aught so personal. The rest helps nothing, but it is far more understandable, as annoying as it is to be objective in this situation.
Yet his mind keeps going back to it the hypnotism, rehashing the words, swirling them around in his head like debris in a whirlwind. And to think that Steven would—wait.
What?
Hades looks down at Hythlodaeus, pulling back enough to look at him. His anger is still there, but his surprise holds it at bay to ask one simple, horrifying question:]
...How many did you take, Hythlodaeus?
[That. That would explain a lot about his behavior, and the icy grip of dread grasps his chest so tightly, that it stops the raging tempest within. His blood turning to ice as he dreads the answer Hythlodaeus might not even be able to give.]
[It's hardly comforting words, but even he can't say for sure how this will turn out for Hythlodaeus. The only comfort is that whatever he's done, he will not die, but... He feels regret immediately for not having more comforting words, and so he squeezes him to his chest once more. Without thinking, he kisses the top of his head, before nestling his nose into his hair.
He just needs a moment to think. To still the thoughts in his head, and to provide Hythlodaeus with some measure of comfort. Anything at all. He doesn't want Hythlodaeus to speak more on the matter than he has to, he has well enough to work with already. Well enough to fuel the raging inferno that seems fit to pick up the more he thinks about the events. Yet, the clear upset and...fear, as it seems to be, in Hythlodaeus pulls at him.
He feels helpless. Utterly helpless.
Softly, he breathes the words out against Hythlodaeus' hair as he speaks.]
How are you feeling? Is your stomach upset? Dizzy? Nauseous? Though, I am certain your tea might not be helping you detect such symptoms accurately. The smell of you would suggest you likely smoked as well.
[It hurts to hear Hythlodaeus talk like this. Hurts to see him like this. That mortals would bring him so low, that they would leave him in such a state. If not comforting Hythlodaeus and staying with him to monitor his state was more important, he would most certainly track down Tyler immediately.
But he won't. He shouldn't. He has to stay rational about this. Even if his heart is roaring for retribution.]
He's afraid.
[Hades says plainly. Darkly.]
Nothing but a wretched, filthy coward. Like the rest of them. Scared animals, knowing little and less what to do with themselves. Lashing out at aught they can, thinking it will help them, protect them, when truly all they do is usher in their laughably early demise.
They are nothing but vermin. Vile. Disgusting. Horrible. You have the right of it. Waste not your time on their ilk. They are not worthy of your kindness, your generosity.
[ He looks up owlishly at Hades before pulling him in close again to press his face against his titties. He missed his body from before but... this was a nice comfort, especially in his dazed state. ]
That is just it, Hades. They’re just scared animals. Perhaps there is nothing I can do for him, but he’s likewise undeserving of your scorn.
[Oh how his heart weeps over Hythlodaeus. How he holds him tightly, securely to him. How he wishes he could just end these problems here and now, allow them to spend what time they have together in peace.]
While this is true, the animal must needs be made aware that snapping its jaws at aught that comes near—friend and foe alike—will ensure little more than its own doom. It knows little but pain, and will cause naught but it. Like that phoenix, from so long ago...
[He pauses a moment, bringing a hand up to brush at Hythlodaeus' hair, soft and gentle in its ministrations.]
[ He pulls away slightly as all of this just grasps at his heart. He looks up at him, his gaze soft though his expression is flat. At times like these he doesn’t feel the need to emote for the benefit of others. He knows Hades understands, which is why he catches his hand and brings it to his lips. ]
Finish dinner for us, my love.
[He presses a kiss to his knuckles before rubbing a circle in his palm with his thumb. ]
As much as it pains me to admit thus, I would bask in your affection once we retire to bed and I’ve regained my senses. Sadly, I’ve lost my own reigns for the moment and find resisting myself more difficult by the moment.
[Well, if there is anything that could make him regret playing the part of a monogamous, it's this. The way that Hythlodaeus lets his mask slip, that flat expression, the way he calls him my love, capturing his hand and kissing his knuckles...the gentle circle rubbed into his palm.
There's a splitting pain in his chest, like a man had just cracked his rib cage open with the strong swing of an axe, but through that pain is unmitigated warmth and affection. And it takes every fiber of his being to not betray his promise to Dirk. He wants for nothing more than to comfort Hythlodaeus in this time. To drown him in adoring affection, to kiss and touch him as they used to—but he cannot.
After a drawn out and painfully silent moment, he withdraws. Turning his back to Hythlodaeus so that he might return to the task of dinner. His chest burning and aching in a fit of emotional turmoil.]
Right. Yes.
[His voice is strained as his answer is nearly bitten off with the speed in which he says it. Stepping away is like dragging the weight of a ball and chain, but he must do it. For Dirk's sake. And so, he does, setting about to finish the dinner prep.]
Have you eaten at all today?
[What a hollowly casual question, he hates how awkward it sounds. Like he's some inexperienced actor playing a role far outside his wheelhouse.]
[It is simpler, much simpler, to move into this role. To allow this separation rather than test and hurt. His head swims. He would likewise like to indulge himself. He pushes down the bubbling resentment towards nearly everything and allows himself to play his part alongside Hades.]
Yes, early this morning, as I usually do.
[Technically true that he had eaten then, though that had been more than twelve hours ago. He goes to rub his eyes, interrupted by the sling and the little jolt of pain.]
[Simpler. That's a way to put it. Either way, Hades returns to the task of—oh. Fried eggplant? Is that what he was doing. It takes him just a moment to really take in what he was even doing, everything was autopilot, and finally he's starting to feel like he's in the here and now. Very well, he sets about getting that ready, with the eggplant properly sliced, and the oil getting readied on the stove.
He glances over at Hythlodaeus, his expression withered and sympathetic.]
You should always eat something ere you take such medication. And, 'tis not that their medication does not work, but merely that it is much less instantaneous. It takes time. Though, I know you are not one wont to tolerate suffering.
[He scoots the chair back to rest his arm on the table and his head upon his arm. Even for as sleepy as he naturally looks, he looks truly tired.]
The pain is irritating, but I can focus through it with a little concentration. The weakness in my hand is another issue entirely. That is the intolerable part. They told me it would be like this for a few more weeks.
[Whether that's the truth of the matter or not he's not certain, but it would make some sort of sense. Otherwise, it merely meant that the people were a lower priority. That, or the creatures were more susceptible to such things in general. Whatever the case may be, it did not truly matter.]
Yes, mortal bodies are frail and inefficient. This is much as to why it took me a while to heal my own hurts when Steven decided to act the savage he is.
[Maybe he shouldn't be talking so poorly of a man who saved Hythlodaeus, but he's. Just mad. Still.]
I will take care of you. Do not overdo aught at all, or you will either find permanent damage in the wrist, or will be made to wait far longer. If you need assistance, do not hesitate to call upon me, understand?
[A mistake. He knows it's a mistake, but his heart will not listen.]
[A necessary mistake perhaps. Hythlodaeus is stubborn, and would certainly injure himself worse otherwise.]
...I shall heed your warning then. I cannot imagine tolerating such a hindrance.
[He can see himself spending entirely too much time making Tyler's life worse in return, which he certainly does not desire.]
[Oh how tormenting, to have to resist Hades when he speaks like that. He allows himself to imagine what he might do to him were he not in such a pitiful state to placate himself. He zones out, staring at Hades like this, chin in palm.]
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Hades, you're home...
[He starts feeling worry with the worry on Hades' face. He looks down at his arm, then back at Hades.]
Oh? Oh, right... Tyler hit me pretty hard this morning. I think... I think I smoked just a bit too much.
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His mind is racing at the thought of Tyler hitting Hythlodaeus. Hard enough that he needs a brace for it. His anger is climbing, and he can hear his heart pounding in his ears, but he's trying to keep a cool head. He cannot just jump to conclusions, he knows this. He needs to full of it, or as much as he can from Hythlodaeus.
Looking over at Hythlodaeus with piteous concern worrying his brow, he slowly begins.]
Why did Tyler hit you this morning? What happened? What could have happened that Tyler would leave you in such a regrettable state? Why were you with Tyler at all?
[As he talks, he can feel his tone welling with anger, he even starts to talk faster towards the end of it. Almost snapping the questions. He pauses, takes a breath, lets it out, and then focuses on the food prep, waiting for Hythlodaeus to explain. At this point, he's finishing this for Hythlodaeus' sake. Who knows when the man last ate...]
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I... I contacted Tyler earlier this week wishing to gain a bit of information from him about Steven's... condition. Steven had mentioned that Team Rocket is an outlet, and that posed a host of concerns for me.
[He seems to get distracted by his Cutieflies for a moment before he comes back into it.]
But he told me that we shouldn't speak of it in text... He wanted to meet soon after, but I had bread in the oven.
I... [He scrunches his nose as he tries to recall the conversation in its entirety.] He told me that he did not want to know where I lived. I thought that perhaps he would be more comfortable with his friend there... So I invited him to sign practice.
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Hythlodaeus... You trusting fool.
[It's almost comical their size difference here. Because while Hythlodaeus' is sitting, and Hades is standing, they're almost the same height still. Bringing a second forward to cup the other cheek, he continues to gaze down at him—but then he slides his hands back and around to pull him against his chest. Holding him there to both comfort him and himself.]
Forgive me. Continue, I would know what transpired in full.
no subject
I thought I was being wise enough, having asked him to leave his little bird at home, as dangerous as it is. So... Instead he brought a creature that looks... like a funny little man with yellow fur.
Steven and Tyler began to argue, and the creature hypnotized me. It... it didn't get very far, truthfully. I was aware of it when it was trying to look through my mind. It seemed stricken.
The creature had been interrupted before it could do anything. Tyler... I cannot quite recall. But he spilled his tea all over his arm and burned himself. I retrieved some ice for him and asked him to give me his arm. He... It happened so quickly, I didn't quite see what his hands did. But he sent my gesturing arm into the table.
It could have been much worse, I think. There were still ceramic cups on the table. Tyler was locked into his anger, so I left.
[He nestles against Hades as he finally lets out a breath. That required exactly as much concentration as he had access to.]
I went to a center once I realized I could not move my hand. They gave me some painkillers, but I think they're broken. They certainly didn't work, no matter how many I took.
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tiddiesbosom, but it would still be a struggle to get free.So many times does he want to cut in, stop Hythlodaeus where he's at and ask more questions, or yell his indignation at such happenings. But he doesn't. He's silent and still. His anger twists painfully in his chest the more he thinks over the fact that Tyler was messing with Hythlodaeus' mind, with his memories... That he would trespass like that, that he would dare to trifle with aught so personal. The rest helps nothing, but it is far more understandable, as annoying as it is to be objective in this situation.
Yet his mind keeps going back to it the hypnotism, rehashing the words, swirling them around in his head like debris in a whirlwind. And to think that Steven would—wait.
What?
Hades looks down at Hythlodaeus, pulling back enough to look at him. His anger is still there, but his surprise holds it at bay to ask one simple, horrifying question:]
...How many did you take, Hythlodaeus?
[That. That would explain a lot about his behavior, and the icy grip of dread grasps his chest so tightly, that it stops the raging tempest within. His blood turning to ice as he dreads the answer Hythlodaeus might not even be able to give.]
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[ So then he smoked it, of course. ]
...Am I going to be alright?
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[It's hardly comforting words, but even he can't say for sure how this will turn out for Hythlodaeus. The only comfort is that whatever he's done, he will not die, but... He feels regret immediately for not having more comforting words, and so he squeezes him to his chest once more. Without thinking, he kisses the top of his head, before nestling his nose into his hair.
He just needs a moment to think. To still the thoughts in his head, and to provide Hythlodaeus with some measure of comfort. Anything at all. He doesn't want Hythlodaeus to speak more on the matter than he has to, he has well enough to work with already. Well enough to fuel the raging inferno that seems fit to pick up the more he thinks about the events. Yet, the clear upset and...fear, as it seems to be, in Hythlodaeus pulls at him.
He feels helpless. Utterly helpless.
Softly, he breathes the words out against Hythlodaeus' hair as he speaks.]
How are you feeling? Is your stomach upset? Dizzy? Nauseous? Though, I am certain your tea might not be helping you detect such symptoms accurately. The smell of you would suggest you likely smoked as well.
[He sighs, soft and dismayed.]
Whatever am I to do with you...
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[ He melts a little into his arms, soaking up the affection after such a frustrating day. He’d been able to accomplish near nothing in his state.]
I... I’m sorry, Hades. I truly meant to lessen your woes and worries. For all the others speak of violence, I never seem to expect it.
I thought I might be able to get through to Tyler, but he seems incapable of listening... He’s always so sure that he knows what I’m up to.
As much as it pains me to give up, perhaps I should maintain my distance and place my efforts elsewhere.
no subject
But he won't. He shouldn't. He has to stay rational about this. Even if his heart is roaring for retribution.]
He's afraid.
[Hades says plainly. Darkly.]
Nothing but a wretched, filthy coward. Like the rest of them. Scared animals, knowing little and less what to do with themselves. Lashing out at aught they can, thinking it will help them, protect them, when truly all they do is usher in their laughably early demise.
They are nothing but vermin. Vile. Disgusting. Horrible. You have the right of it. Waste not your time on their ilk. They are not worthy of your kindness, your generosity.
no subject
That is just it, Hades. They’re just scared animals. Perhaps there is nothing I can do for him, but he’s likewise undeserving of your scorn.
It is my own fault that I got bit.
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While this is true, the animal must needs be made aware that snapping its jaws at aught that comes near—friend and foe alike—will ensure little more than its own doom. It knows little but pain, and will cause naught but it. Like that phoenix, from so long ago...
[He pauses a moment, bringing a hand up to brush at Hythlodaeus' hair, soft and gentle in its ministrations.]
Mayhap you cannot. But I, however...
no subject
Finish dinner for us, my love.
[He presses a kiss to his knuckles before rubbing a circle in his palm with his thumb. ]
As much as it pains me to admit thus, I would bask in your affection once we retire to bed and I’ve regained my senses. Sadly, I’ve lost my own reigns for the moment and find resisting myself more difficult by the moment.
no subject
There's a splitting pain in his chest, like a man had just cracked his rib cage open with the strong swing of an axe, but through that pain is unmitigated warmth and affection. And it takes every fiber of his being to not betray his promise to Dirk. He wants for nothing more than to comfort Hythlodaeus in this time. To drown him in adoring affection, to kiss and touch him as they used to—but he cannot.
After a drawn out and painfully silent moment, he withdraws. Turning his back to Hythlodaeus so that he might return to the task of dinner. His chest burning and aching in a fit of emotional turmoil.]
Right. Yes.
[His voice is strained as his answer is nearly bitten off with the speed in which he says it. Stepping away is like dragging the weight of a ball and chain, but he must do it. For Dirk's sake. And so, he does, setting about to finish the dinner prep.]
Have you eaten at all today?
[What a hollowly casual question, he hates how awkward it sounds. Like he's some inexperienced actor playing a role far outside his wheelhouse.]
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Yes, early this morning, as I usually do.
[Technically true that he had eaten then, though that had been more than twelve hours ago. He goes to rub his eyes, interrupted by the sling and the little jolt of pain.]
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He glances over at Hythlodaeus, his expression withered and sympathetic.]
You should always eat something ere you take such medication. And, 'tis not that their medication does not work, but merely that it is much less instantaneous. It takes time. Though, I know you are not one wont to tolerate suffering.
no subject
[He scoots the chair back to rest his arm on the table and his head upon his arm. Even for as sleepy as he naturally looks, he looks truly tired.]
The pain is irritating, but I can focus through it with a little concentration. The weakness in my hand is another issue entirely. That is the intolerable part. They told me it would be like this for a few more weeks.
no subject
[Whether that's the truth of the matter or not he's not certain, but it would make some sort of sense. Otherwise, it merely meant that the people were a lower priority. That, or the creatures were more susceptible to such things in general. Whatever the case may be, it did not truly matter.]
Yes, mortal bodies are frail and inefficient. This is much as to why it took me a while to heal my own hurts when Steven decided to act the savage he is.
[Maybe he shouldn't be talking so poorly of a man who saved Hythlodaeus, but he's. Just mad. Still.]
I will take care of you. Do not overdo aught at all, or you will either find permanent damage in the wrist, or will be made to wait far longer. If you need assistance, do not hesitate to call upon me, understand?
[A mistake. He knows it's a mistake, but his heart will not listen.]
no subject
...I shall heed your warning then. I cannot imagine tolerating such a hindrance.
[He can see himself spending entirely too much time making Tyler's life worse in return, which he certainly does not desire.]
[Oh how tormenting, to have to resist Hades when he speaks like that. He allows himself to imagine what he might do to him were he not in such a pitiful state to placate himself. He zones out, staring at Hades like this, chin in palm.]