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.
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.
[ 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.
[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.
[ 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.
[How could this happen to such a pure and innocent man?! But he grumbles out.]
It was actually a request for them to take care of you if you must know.
[And then he sighs in that fake way of his.]
I am not like you, Five. When I look at you and what you mean to achieve I truly do see a hero as loathe as I am to use that word. The path you walk has not been without sacrifices, taken by you and your enemies, but in the end the solution will serve all.
Contrast that with my methods. The Calamities. The loss of life as malformed as it is. How even an aspect of aether is now tainted to be be considered evil through our tireless work. That we can't even find a path of lesser bloodshed. And that is not even considering the Tempering, concerns that my thoughts are not my own.
Unconditional love, like the on you are proposing, is hard to grasp from anyone save Lahabrea, especially when all is laid bare.
[ He did not expect a sincere answer from his teasing, and it shows. But the answer has him concerned, and there's a pause as he takes it all in, listen to every word and carefully weighs it. Eventually he brings a hand to the back of Emet's neck, and rests his forehead against him, closing his eyes.
He can't touch his soul the way Emet does, but maybe if he focuses on his own feelings, of how much he loves and cares for him, he'll be able to pick up on it in a way that his words can't convey ]
You are exactly like me. You just said it yourself. In the end the solution will serve all. That's your objective as well, isn't it.
Taking life is still taking life regardless of whether it was one person or billions of them. If I get a pass, then so do you. If I am a hero, then so are you. It's that simple.
As for finding a path of lesser bloodshed ... that's exactly why we're working on a different solution now, aren't we? Regardless of Noah and Thancred's cooperation. You might not have discarded Zodiark as an option, but calamities are no longer the only option available to you, and you're looking for a different path.
Is that really what you're worried about? That I will change my mind, decide you're a monster and leave you alone?
Not a monster, but perhaps something to be tinkered with until fixed especially concerning the Tempering. But you have taken it with such grace it is a little baffling, a little unbelievable. How thoughtful you are with such a heavy topic.
However, do not think I actually believe you would do such a feat. Time and time again you have proven otherwise much to my surprise. But the concern still lingers, illogical, but that's what fears are, are they not? And it has been plaguing my mind considering recent events. How we are viewed as villains.
[He smiles at him though. It is hard to say if he can actually feel the adoration from his soul or he simply just knows.]
And it seems only fair that if I dig into you for providing truth to your thoughts that I would be held to the same standard. That is how much I respect, love, and care for you. A right you have more than earned.
Well ... I won't say that I'm not grateful for it. This does feel more honest than you simply going along with my wishes.
[ he pulls back, but only so he can reach for Emet's hand and bring it to his lips ]
I won't say your fears are entirely baseless. Tempering is concerning, and I was the one who originally told you I would want to find a way to get rid of it.
But I will keep my word, and I will not do anything without your knowledge and consent. Whatever we do about it we choose together — you, Lahabrea and I.
My primary concern is saving both of our worlds. The rest is simply a variable in that the equation.
[ He laughs again, and the more Hades blushes the more adorable he looks and the more it serves to convince him that hey, he really does want this, and maybe it's not such a bad idea. Maybe he can have it and he really is overthinking things. ]
You know I could make it so much worse if I wanted. If I knew you were so easy to embarrass I would have started trying sooner.
[ and he's going to take a page from his book, bringing a hand to his head and brushing his hair ]
By the way. I didn't forget you called me handsome. And you said you love my soul.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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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.
Re: Day 273 Night
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.
Re: Day 273 Night
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.
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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.
Re: Day 273 Night
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.
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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.
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Jesus. I'm never going to hear the end of it.
Re: Day 273 Night
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.
Re: Day 273 Night
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.
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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.
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[ 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.
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Thank you.
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that's what he gets for the PROPOSAL ]
That's a nice look on you.
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Well, you are being sentimental.
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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.
Re: Day 273 Night
It was actually a request for them to take care of you if you must know.
[And then he sighs in that fake way of his.]
I am not like you, Five. When I look at you and what you mean to achieve I truly do see a hero as loathe as I am to use that word. The path you walk has not been without sacrifices, taken by you and your enemies, but in the end the solution will serve all.
Contrast that with my methods. The Calamities. The loss of life as malformed as it is. How even an aspect of aether is now tainted to be be considered evil through our tireless work. That we can't even find a path of lesser bloodshed. And that is not even considering the Tempering, concerns that my thoughts are not my own.
Unconditional love, like the on you are proposing, is hard to grasp from anyone save Lahabrea, especially when all is laid bare.
Re: Day 273 Night
He can't touch his soul the way Emet does, but maybe if he focuses on his own feelings, of how much he loves and cares for him, he'll be able to pick up on it in a way that his words can't convey ]
You are exactly like me. You just said it yourself. In the end the solution will serve all. That's your objective as well, isn't it.
Taking life is still taking life regardless of whether it was one person or billions of them. If I get a pass, then so do you. If I am a hero, then so are you. It's that simple.
As for finding a path of lesser bloodshed ... that's exactly why we're working on a different solution now, aren't we? Regardless of Noah and Thancred's cooperation. You might not have discarded Zodiark as an option, but calamities are no longer the only option available to you, and you're looking for a different path.
Is that really what you're worried about? That I will change my mind, decide you're a monster and leave you alone?
Re: Day 273 Night
However, do not think I actually believe you would do such a feat. Time and time again you have proven otherwise much to my surprise. But the concern still lingers, illogical, but that's what fears are, are they not? And it has been plaguing my mind considering recent events. How we are viewed as villains.
[He smiles at him though. It is hard to say if he can actually feel the adoration from his soul or he simply just knows.]
And it seems only fair that if I dig into you for providing truth to your thoughts that I would be held to the same standard. That is how much I respect, love, and care for you. A right you have more than earned.
Re: Day 273 Night
[ he pulls back, but only so he can reach for Emet's hand and bring it to his lips ]
I won't say your fears are entirely baseless. Tempering is concerning, and I was the one who originally told you I would want to find a way to get rid of it.
But I will keep my word, and I will not do anything without your knowledge and consent. Whatever we do about it we choose together — you, Lahabrea and I.
My primary concern is saving both of our worlds. The rest is simply a variable in that the equation.
Re: Day 273 Night
I know. I know you will. Ever do I trust you. Never will I doubt that you have our best interests in mind rather. A head clearer than our own.
[GOSH FIVE He is going to blush again real hard at the hand kissing.]
.... But I am going to concede your win this time. You can stop now.
Re: Day 273 Night
[ because he's keeping his hold on that hand and kissing it again, before he leans in to kiss his cheek ]
You look adorable right now.
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No, he actually likes to be bullied and if possible the blush spreads to the top of his ears.]
You've made your point.
Re: Day 273 Night
You know I could make it so much worse if I wanted. If I knew you were so easy to embarrass I would have started trying sooner.
[ and he's going to take a page from his book, bringing a hand to his head and brushing his hair ]
By the way. I didn't forget you called me handsome. And you said you love my soul.
Re: Day 273 Night
[Well, this was nice while it lasted. Time to bury Five in a ditch. He's officially become too powerful.]
Why would I not love your sou---- that's not the point!
[Says the man leaning into the hair petting.]
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