Although he can tell by the way Hythlodaeus grows lax against him and how his breathing comes slow and even that his friend has fallen asleep, he continues to hum for another minute until he's absolutely certain. Another kiss is pressed fondly to the top of Hythlodaeus' head. Then he gently eases them down on to the pillows and pulls the quilt over their shoulders.

Hades sits back and breathes out quietly. For a little while, he gazes at his lover with unfettered fondness. It would be nice to lie down and forget about thoughts of vengeance...

But when he blinks, he sees Hythlodaeus bruised, bloodied, cowering in fear of abandonment. He recalls how tightly the other man had clung to him, not out of love but out of panic.

I'm keeping him safe, he tells himself as he rises to his feet once more. Stealing silently out of the room, he fetches his cloak from its hook and wraps himself in its shadow once more.

"I'm doing this for him," he mutters to himself in the chilly late night air. "If I mix some sleeping potion into his tea before bed..." He's careful to close the shop door without disturbing the bell. Then he hurries off, hoping that his target is still where he last heard them being.