Slowly but surely, Hades relaxes under the attention. His eyelids eventually flutter open again. He still doesn't understand why Hythlodaeus would continue to want to see him after what he has just done. Isn't he so far removed from the Hades his friend once knew as to now be a stranger?

He doesn't deserve such friendship. He doesn't deserve such love.

The thought brings heat back to his eyes and a tear slips down his cheek, over Hythlodaeus' hand. His stomach complains quietly but he's grown used to ignoring it by now.

"Has anyone...given you trouble? For living with me?"

Knowing how quickly mortals are wont to lambaste the spouses of criminals, he's horrified at himself for not asking sooner.