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[ that is unfair and he gives him a look before he starts walking toward grace's station, pace a little too fast ]

So it doesn't bother you.

It does not. I find it flattering, honestly. Though I do believe we take different meaning.

Traditionally, it is symbol of a single partner until the end of your days, is it not?

I see it as the promises we've made given a physical form. There is love between us but I wouldn't describe it as the love that is so sought after by mortals or the hype of the Production. I wish for you to be in my life for eternity. Just as I wish the same of Lahabrea and Elidibus. Perhaps even Absinthe though he would be distraught to take it. Each of our bonds is unique, separate, but no less strong.

Or is it the physical intimacy the rings imply that bothers you?

[ He stops walking once they reach the station, looking over at the paintings and at the Amaurot one specifically as he considers Emet's words ]

It's a factor.

What else?

[He does saunter up behind him and look at the picture with him.]

You'll get to see her one day. For real. Not just in dreams and fantasies.

That is the objective, isn't it. Seeing it properly, and all it has to offer.

She really is beautiful.

[ not answering that question yet, but he heads for the stairs after, walking up instead of teleporting, this time, and heading for the Observatory ]

[For once he doesn't push. He did say he would let Five got at his own pace.

He presses his fingers lightly to the painting, nodding at his words, before following.]

It really was heartwarming --- even though I knew it was true --- that Amaurot had a place here. In your ideal illusion. You were the first here to actually care about them. Those who no longer have voices in which to speak for themselves.

And you had to take a moment and leave the room because you were so surprised by my lack of opposition. I remember that.

Unfortunate as it is that we share similar circumstances, I'm grateful we found each other and were able to understand. I don't think I would have grown however much I did in these days, if it hadn't been for you.

[ and once they are the Observatory, he'll sit down on the same spot they sat on in his dream, tugging Emet along with him ]

Of course there would have been a place for her and you in a perfect world.

Forgive me if it isn't a reaction I'm used to. Most end up like Glacies truthfully.

[He does sit with him leaning his head on his shoulder. He laughs a little.]

I would not have you wallow in despair. Upon seeing your apocalypse for the first time I truly did not want that for you even if I hardly knew you, but I would not have put forth the effort. Not until our bond had grown.

[ he smiles as he glances at Emet resting his head on his shoulder, truly content as he does, and then he looks up at the sky — and the stars above them ]

You're kinder than some would think. It took me a while to understand it was genuine and not an act put forth in attempt to manipulate me.

Not that that wasn't a factor.

You were not incorrect. It was both. I can manipulate for you and wish you the best at the same time.

[ He laughs at that ]

Well. I'm not complaining about it now.

[ There's a pause, and then finally, he adds— ]

Would you actually consider it? If I proposed to you, properly. If I decided to pursue it seriously, with all that the ring implies. Assuming I'd be able to fix my current condition while being able to retain its advantages.

I haven't really asked what your true feelings are on the matter.

[After a pause, he lifts his head and kisses Five lightly on the cheek.]

I would.

... is the short answer. But I would be honest with you.

I think both agree that being stuck in a younger body is not the ideal either of us want. A solution will need to be devised.

[He reaches up and runs a hand through Five's hair.]

Handsome as you are, I do not feel the strong physical attraction I believe you would expect. Though I do not feel it with Lahabrea either. So do not consider it unusual as I have taken physical comforts with him. But I do adore your soul, who you are, what you mean to me. It is love without a doubt.

[ the kiss and the touch are nicer than he'd like to admit, but he falls quiet at the words, thinking and considering and carefully weighing them ]

I am just now starting to be fine with physical contact, Hades, if you think I'd expect you to find me irresistible you couldn't be farther from the truth.

And I should remind you that my previous partner was Delores.

I did mention physical intimacy is one of the factor that bothers me. ... and the possibility of us never finding a solution for my condition is another.

Even taking in consideration both of us not feeling strongly on the matter, if I were to commit to this type of relationship, being unable to even consider kissing, for eternity would be ... well. Heartbreaking, I suppose.

What if we commit and it ends up being a waste of time? What if I'm not actually capable of loving in that sense?

I was never interested in romance. And I can easily assume this has been nothing but my wish to spend the rest of my days with you, to love and stay by your side, made manifest.

But when I put it that way, isn't that already an answer in itself? And since you gave me those rings, I've been thinking ... maybe I don't need to write the idea off entirely.

[ a pause, and then he adds ]

Though I should also specify I don't care for nonsense such as tying anyone down to a single partner. You have ten fingers. I would only need one.

Five Hargreeves, I'm am not dismissing your concerns, truly, but perhaps you think too big.

Our bond will grow and evolve just as we do through each experience we have. There is no need to have all the answers right now. It would be unrealistic to imagine it. The pieces will fall as they may. ...And I would not consider a lack of kissing heartbreaking, even if for eternity. Though I, we, will do everything to make you comfortable.

[He says as he brushes his fingers between his shoulderblades stroking his soul.]

Your happiness, our happiness, being able to enjoy moments together is what such a vow signifies. And while the shape of it may change over time, the core of it will always remain.

So simply cast aside the expectations, the weight of it all, and simply ask yourself.

Do you want this? And the answer can change over time.

[ soul touching is cheating, but maybe needed, because as Emet asks him to consider if he wants this, there's a sharp spike of fear and he looks just about ready to bolt and call the entire thing off.

But he doesn't, and tries to focus on Emet's presence right next to him ]

Then I should specify. I would find it heartbreaking. Precisely because the only other person I shared myself with before was Delores.

...

But I do want it.

[He scoffs with no malice.]

If we can avert the destruction of two stars, then we'll find a way. Either with your equations our our Creation.

[But then he softens immediately still just slightly brushing his soul.]

Then allow yourself this. But no matter this choice or others you make, I doubt I would ever not love you.

I don't know. Right now just pretending I never came to any realization sounds like a viable solution. And I can't imagine just how insufferable you're going to be if I really propose.

Jesus. I'm never going to hear the end of it.

Then hold onto your thoughts. You need not make a decision right in this moment.

And on this topic, as flourishing as the presentation was, I do promise to be kind to you. I do not want you to feel ashamed for caring.

[ there's a pause at that, and he considers Emet's words carefully despite his earlier attempt at lighting up the mood.

It helps that Emet has been working on his soul, that he is kind, that he hasn't doubted for a second that loves him, and always will, regardless of what he decides.

And after a moment of consideration he shifts and moves so he can sit on Emet's lap, arms going around his neck, mirroring the same position they were in back in his dream world. ]

... I need more time to think about it.

I will not propose in a dream. And I will not propose while we're in hell. But I will hold onto those rings.

So wait for me.

[He warps his arms around him probably no different than he has dozens of times in the waking world. Well, except for the soul petting.]

Of course. Patience is one of my virtues I'm told. And I did ask for something proper. If you decide this is the path you want, I have no doubts the occasion will be special and worth waiting for.

I might have a specific occasion in mind. But before then, allow me this, before I have to face reality again.

[ he's going to move his hand to his chin, guiding his face as he leans in to kiss his lips. Just like Emet's kiss in the dream, it's soft and barely there, and he breaks it shortly after ]

... My feelings aren't going to change either. I will always love you. I do believe I told you, something about your personality being impossible to resist to.

[And he is a little surprised --- in a good way --- at the kiss. He also can't help his cheeks going a bit red.]

Thank you.

[ oh he notices that. He notices and he smirks and everything about the way he looks at emet screams "serves you right take that you asshole."

that's what he gets for the PROPOSAL ]

That's a nice look on you.

[That probably only gets him to blush harder, Five, you murderer.]

Well, you are being sentimental.

[ he laughs at that, and it sounds like he's genuinely having fun. Sorry it's at your expense Emet but LOOK. ]

Wasn't that the whole point of this exercise? I get to talk about my siblings — to whom you gave a heartfelt goodbye I assume — my father, my fears and concerns for wherever this is taking us next, tell you I will always love you.

But a kiss is being sentimental? Or is it the combination of the last two, hmm? You have my attention, Hades. Let's hear it.

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