ー carcinus roll

@▪ hades Aphrodite didn't really notice the look on Hades' face. His mind was a bit preoccupied, as it usually did when he felt happy. Hades was nice to be around, he felt comfortable. Aphrodite looked around the restaurant. It was a 24-hour sushi restaurant, which was surprising to find. Considering it was 4am, there was basically no one there and no one would be coming. The only ones that showed up was a man and who was presumably his son- perhaps they were waiting for some sports practice? Aphrodite felt a warm family love emit from them as the son grinned and his father ruffled his hair. Aphrodite smiled wider, before looking at Hades with a warm smile.

"Hades?" Aphrodite questioned though he didn't think his voice could pierce through the god's fingers. What happened? What did the god hear? Glancing around, the goddess of love saw nothing within the restaurant that could warrant such a reaction. He was getting a bit worried so he reached out and placed a hand on Hades' elbow. "Them?" Aphrodite's eyes followed Hades' finger and saw the chef's preparing a traditionally Greek take on the California roll- imitation crab and tzatziki. The restaurant wasn't rich enough to get real crab, hence the lower prices. Aphrodite smiled once he put together the pieces, shaking his head and leaning back.

"The crabs? They're fresh. So they're still alive when they crack them open." A lie, but Aphrodite liked the scared little look on the god of death's face. "I am teasing you, but there aren't any crabs in this place. They use imitiation crabs, love." He took another drink of his tea before reaching over with his chop sticks, stealing a cooked carrot from the other god's bowl. "Eh, the guy was too poetic. Maybe I misinterpretted him when we had . He said he saw me as a woman, but now I'm questioning."

@▫ aphrodite He showed another thread of disgusted looks. His brows furrowed and cheeks sunken down as he bit on his lower tier this time. Pressing his palm on the surface of his seat, he squeezes the wood lightly, eyes trailing over to the bar. And there it was, the shrill sound of the carcinus getting chopped open, boned out of its shell, being served right on a Chinaware dish. Hades gulped, plugged his ears as one after another, a carcinus is cracked open. He turned to the deity right in front of him and smiled. Painfully. It was no longer disgust. It was just that he wondered if he could eat the things that had just been screaming on their last breath. He wouldn't be able to eat them, no, not at all. "Anyways, we wouldn't be eating -" He paused before pointing at the bar. "- them, right?" The mood quickly shifted when he saw the familiar waiter bringing a tray with two bowls on it and walking straight in their direction.

"Indeed, I can see something, yes, veganism is the way," Hades smiled to that, bringing his cup of cold tea up and gestures at Aphrodite. He ended up shaking his head and grimacing. "That smile. You are teasing me, aren't you?" He showered the other with questions about the whereabouts of the radio that Aphrodite had been playing to mimic the sound of the carcinus being chopped and pulled open. "It wasn't? I have always thought that the man was a bit interested in the same . Perhaps, not that very much." He stopped and turned to look at the bowl of noodles, nodding his head. "This looks scrumptious."

@▪ hades He can't help the little laugher erupt from his chest, bringing the cup back to his lips for another drink. Hades had the aura of a romance novel's bad boy, the bad boy that seemed to be quite cold, rude, and even distant to everyone. However, he had some kindness behind him. Perhaps that is why he is so loved these days by the mortals. Aphrodite was sure that Hades was very kind, him being here for Aphrodite was the purest evidence of that. Since he was taken in by Zeus, Aphrodite wasn't very close to Hades. The King of Gods had some vendetta towards his brother, one that most of his children probably didn't understand. Aphrodite had been influenced by his father for years, so much so he began to have negative feelings for Hades. The word of Zeus was often misled and full of what had Aphrodite found out to be lies, so the goddess had very slowly opened up to the idea of Hades is not that bad. And he wasn't, at least, not as bad Zeus told him. Of course, the two of them were never close before the past few days. They didn't have much space to interact with each other, as they were part of two totally different worlds. Better late than never, no? And if thousands of years are late, Aphrodite doesn't want to know what never is.

"Hm, vegetarianism sounds good once you become hyper-aware of what's in your food." Aphrodite smiled sweetly, too sweetly, at Hades, a way to counter his look of disgust. He tilted his head to the side and closed his eyes for a little bit, listening to the sound of Hades' voice. They weren't closed for too long. Instead, he opened them. A pout came to his lips, and he leaned back. "That's not what he told me." Once the food came, the look on Aphrodite's face melted away, and he smiled at the waiter, making the man blush as he walked off. Looking at the food, Aphrodite looked up at Hades with a pleasing smile. "Does it look good?"

@▫ aphrodite "Gosh." That was the only thing that Hades replied to the other, leaning into his seat and let his eyes wandered to the restaurant bar. He didn't know what to expect other than a delicious meal, but at the same time, Aphrodite seemed like someone who would prank him in a heartbeat. Any day now — he repeated the deity's words in his head and soon, Hades found himself remembering the work back in the Underworld. There was a never restful day at home. Olympus seemed pretentious while Earth started tasting like heaven. Hades only wanted to stay, but here he was, beginning to count the numbers of days he had spent on land. It was close; he had to go back soon. A small sigh inevitably escaped past his lips before he turned back to his companion for the night. "Haha," Hades replied before he turned to eye at the threads sticking out of his sleeves. He rolled it around his finger, tugged on it and bit it off.

He ended up looking at the other with a bit of disgust; appalled at the word choices the other had decided on. "I can understand why mortals prefer plants and grasses these days and not animals. You have a way of making me not want to eat it," Hades spoke up as he reached out for his drink, sipping on it little by little. "Wasn't he biual? I didn't know much of him since I had not visited Earth when that poor man was still alive but Zeus has always been into gossips and suss." Quickly, Hades straightened his back when the waiter a while back came back to their table, bringing a tray with him. The mortal placed down two bowls in front of them, slipping a piece of paper into a small cup in the middle of the table and wished them a sumptuous dining experience.

@▪ hades He's funny, Aphrodite can give him that. It's not in the same way that people are usually amusing, because he doesn't make Aphrodite laugh. In a way, it's almost flirtatious. Aphrodite isn't throwing his head back in a guffaw, he isn't giggling behind his hand. He just chuckles in a soft sort of way that makes his cheeks hurt from smiling so much. He can't help it, not because Hades is so comedic that it makes Aphrodite's tummy hurt, he's not totally sure why. It's a nostalgic feeling, not too familiar, but just something that makes his chest hurt a bit. If Aphrodite spent more than a second thinking about it, he could probably identify it. He doesn't, though, maybe as a way to protect himself. It's a feeling Aphrodite's not fond of. He can't even trust himself.

"You might wanna upgrade the Underworld then. I'm gonna leave this place any day now— I'm headed to Venus." Aphrodite turned the conversation away from whatever they were speaking of and looked at the waitress. "Can we get the veggie and beef donburi?" The waitress smiled and asked if they wanted anything else. Aphrodite gave a quick look to Hades, just in case there was anything, and then the waitress nodded and walked away. Aphrodite didn't think about how quiet he should be about their life in this small little restaurant. They probably didn't care, nor did they want to hear what the two of them were talking about anyways. He retracted his hands from the table and placed them on his lap.

"You're a good singer, Hades." Aphrodite can't help but smile at the pink that dusted the god's cheeks after singing. His deep voice sounded good when singing, it was almost mesmerizing. Maybe he would sound the best with a guitar in the background, perhaps that was why his hands were calloused. Aphrodite had never heard that song before, but honestly, no version could live up to Hades'. "Like, really good. I wish I could sing that well. I've been alive for thousands of years, and I can't even sing on pitch, heh." Aphrodite grabbed the plastic cup off the table and drank from it once more, it was half full. "Shakespeare... I remember him. He had a weird obsession over me. Wasn't faithful for his wife, I tell you that, heh." He said with a little laugh, shaking his head.

"Carcinus in the food is the best part of this restaurant. Every bit is screaming in your mouth. It's amazing!"

@▫ aphrodite Hades wants to say that it may be half true as love is the reason why Hades roams around Earth in the first place. There is always something beautiful, humane when it comes to love. People grow dull without love and love grows flowers like empathy, care and kindness. The littlest things that love makes human do — selflessness borns from it, and Hades knows there is a little hope in all of this turn of events. But who is he to tell the goddess of love that he experiences love in places that Hades hasn’t thought he would? As the god of the dead, he has seen plenty of love — anger, lust, poison born from it too. But look at Aphrodite and tell him that there is no shred of kind love in his soul? “You would need to be here, or the world goes dark, the ground turns cold to the touch and souls become dead. I don’t have enough place to keep these people.”

“Stretching towards the sky like I don’t care — Wishing you could see me standing there.” He chuckles, ending the note in a whistle, voice gentle like a refreshing breeze. He leans back into his seat, feeling awfully embarrassed after singing a small part of the verse he loves about the song. “It’s Sunflower by Shannon Purser. Amazing singer, soulful voice.” He whispers before looking up the deity, smiling. “When I have to work around here, I sort of need to drown myself in music to sleep. And I love flowers, the sky and the sea, the ground that I walk on, the green grass — I love everything that resembles life, and any of it could not occur without a little bit of love, no?” Hades tilts his head, chuckling at the male’s words. “I was thinking of maybe a Shakespearian? All he talked and did was death, but he likes a little bit of flowery prose.”

He turns his head away, letting out a breathy sigh but a smile dawns across his lips, and he smiles at the compliment. “Thank you. I’ll work harder, hm?” Hades lets out a snort, bringing his hands to his side, holding them together. Eyes crinkle in delight at the joke. “Then, I shall, but I wouldn’t want Carnicus in my food, mm.” He teases back, eyeing the waitress that quickly comes to meet them, notepad ready in her hands.

@▪ hades Aphrodite blew a piece of hair that fell into his face, tapping his fingers idly against Hades’ hand. Though some may believe it to be otherwise, Hades was warm. He was warm when Aphrodite held his arm as they walked, but his hands were warm and calloused, a little rough. Aphrodite’s hands were smooth from the skin care he put on his face, making them pretty and soft (as if they weren’t pretty to begin with). It was a nice contrast and Aphrodite didn’t mind the textured softness of Hades’ hands. He seemed to take good care of his hands despite the roughness and callouses. He wasn’t fit to be a hand model, definitely, but he exuded a sort of masculinity through his hands. Maybe a watch model?

“Humans have always seemed to not care much about love,” Aphrodite traced Hades’ veins along his wrist, not even looking at the death god’s eyes. He entertained himself with Hades’ arms and hands. “Is it strange that even though brotherly love means nothing in Olympus, mortals seem to not believe much in it either? Some do but I don’t know... Gods are becoming more and more obsolete so... You think that only gods like you are still in business. Which is true. What do I even do all day?” Nothing. That’s the truth. Aphrodite goes out and gets used by people everywhere. Makes him wonder why he’s not rotting with his former suitors in Hades’ domain. “Would love cease to exist without me? Do I even need to be here anymore? I feel like a decoration more than anything.” He sighed, shaking his head, more than willing to turn the conversation around.

Despite the heaviness of his words prior, Aphrodite can’t help himself but smile along with Hades. For a man known for living in the darkness, his smile is quite brilliant. “That’s a song, hm? I’ve never heard of it. I don’t know much mortal music, I don’t pay enough attention to it when I’m out. I should search that one up when I’m alone. What’s it called?” Quickly, Aphrodite pulled out his phone to quickly jot down the name. “It’s interesting how someone so frequently associated with darkness and skulls, has a love and attention for flowers. I find that juxtaposition very cute. It makes you a bit, hm...” Aphrodite rapped his lips, looking into the air as he thought. “Quirky? Maybe?”

“It’s nice not being able to control everything. At least, that’s what I think. I’m not power-hungry like my father, or your father, for that matter. You work hard as it is, Hades. I’m proud of you for not succumbing to the ugly that your brothers have fallen to. You’re truly one of the best men in Olympus.” Perhaps even the best, Aphrodite added, but completely in his head.

“I’m sure trusting my sense of taste is different than trusting your cannibalistic father.” Aphrodite chortled, silently hoping he didn’t poke a landmine. “But I eat a lot around here so I know all the best places and dishes. So maybe you should trust the expert!” Aphrodite sat up defiantly, grinning like that of a superhero. “That sounds like a good idea. Let’s see if we can wave over the waiter. Excuse me!”

@▫ aphrodite Hades furrows his brows, and a disapproving glare replaces the look filled with thoughts. “You’re nothing like those innate promiscuity that these mortals had. You are the goddess of love. Love isn’t all about ual desires. It could be between brothers, but you don’t see those in the Olympus.” He replies, taking a sip of his tea and settles the cup back to the table before reaching out to hold Aphrodite’s hand once more. If the mortals were to see them, they would say that Hades has a complicated family situation. Perhaps, when they had occurred, there was no love in the mixture. Who were they to say that there was love without Aphrodite? “I still believe that your power is important. People still believe in love, affection and warmth. You’re everything that reminds others of a warm home. If you’re not here to bless them with these, I think the world would be more villainous and selfish, cold. Then, there would be no difference between Earth and the Underworld, correct?”

Look at what the Underworld did to him. He couldn’t let it do the same to Aphrodite.

“Sort of,” Hades replies, nonchalantly shrugging his shoulder and presenting the other deity with a warm smile. “I think it’s the mortal music. The lyrics are sweet, and I’m reminded of the flowers I first saw when I set my feet down here. /But I am a sunflower, a little funny, if I were a rose, maybe you’d want me/— I know, it’s silly, but I find it beautiful.” He whispers, turning to the other with a smile. “I think Earth is a beautiful place to be in. Sure, there are things that we could not control, but every little kindness, every positive word and emotion is beautiful here, hm? And I think it has something to do with you and the other gods and goddesses. You guys truly work hard. I shall work harder and take care of the people under my care.”

He stops pulling his hand away when Aphrodite reaches out, eyes looking up to the other god. And Hades smiles, letting the deity holds his hand a little longer. This should be fine. “Well, I have taught not to trust anyone, even that father of mine, goodness.” He jokes before turning to the menu once more and nods. “That should be fine, and we could get those. How about, you get the vegetable one, and I’ll get the beef one? We can share, what do you think?”

@▪ hades Aphrodite yawned, covering his mouth with his hand. It was pretty late, but Aphrodite wasn't tired? Not really. The way Hades stretched made him want to yawn. He continued to look at the other god and was, of course, engaged in this little conversation. Not many of the deities Zeus forced Aphrodite to interact with were so critical about their way of living. It was refreshing; the others seemed to take it for granted. Even if they didn't care for this lifestyle, they never thought to discuss it with Aphrodite. "You think so? I don't know why we're here. I feel like we've always had some mortal resemblance, or we did things that they do every day. Maybe we're here because we're supposed to prove certain behavioural aspects to the mortals. Maybe I'm supposed to represent some innate promiscuity within them." He cast his gaze down, flicking a speck off the table absentmindedly. "So wouldn't it make sense that we're like them? As time goes on, my powers don't matter, but then again, I'm not as important of a deity as you guys are. So, I guess, maybe it's just us that feels that way. I feel more and more like a mortal every day; the only difference being is that I can't die."

Not easily, at least, he would add.

Hades surprises Aphrodite when he touches his hand. Hades probably barely tolerates Aphrodite's touchiness, but it's so second nature to the goddess that he can't help it. So when it's Hades that reaches out and touches Aphrodite so gently, he can't help but smile sheepishly at the god of the underworld. His head rests on his other hand as he watches thoughts go through Hades' head. It's sweet, being here with Hades like this. "Are you overthinking now?" Aphrodite smiled and shook his head. "Well, you know, they're just as complex as us, emotionally. I would say intellectually too, but we've been here quite a while. Same structure, but so much more work put into it." As Hades pulls his hand away, Aphrodite reaches out once more and doesn't say anything, resting his hand atop of Hades and not acknowledging the touch.

"If my taste is exquisite already, why does it need to be evaluated?" Aphrodite chuckles before flipping the menu around and pointing to one of the dishes. The photo was of low quality, but it didn't look too dressed up. "The Teriyaki donburi bowls. I eat them all the time; usually, I get the beef one, but I've liked the vegetable one lately."

@▫ aphrodite Hades could only scrunch his nose, stretching on his seat, sitting erect on the stool; his eyes still on the other deity. “You know, us, immortals or whatever people call us, in a way, we’re here to fight the monsters. Greed, gluttony, all seven deadly sins — the monsters of the mortals. A great mortal once said that ‘He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby becomes a monster. And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss also gazes into you.’ — long story short, we’re the same as the ones we govern. We dine, get intoxicated, love, rage and fall into the depth of the things we told them not to do when /we/ do it too. We breathe the same air as them, and as centuries continue, we’re becoming similar to the mortals that bleed red.”

Slowly, he reaches for the other’s hand, tracing the veins that protrude underneath Aphrodite’s wrist. He stays quiet for a second as thoughts continue to jumble inside his mind. “Even immortals can’t escape overthinking when they spend time by themselves, huh? Sorry, let’s just start eating. I’m hungry.” He offers the male a smile before leaning back into his chair, patting Aphrodite’s hand as he pulls away.

There isn’t much to say; not everyone can understand the mind of a man just as he doesn’t see the world around him the way Aphrodite does. He flips open the menu, humming to himself as he points at a food choice. Hades keeps to himself, and it constitutes two reasons why: He is not his brothers and Hades dislikes being who he is; a god. “Show me your favourite thing to eat here, and I’ll evaluate your exquisite taste.”

@▪ hades Even though Aphrodite had a clear idea of what he was ordering, he still decided to glance over the menu that was handed to them after the waiter gave them their menus. Delicious dishes of all sorts of seafood right from the Mediterranean, or even from the Pacific, were right in front of them. How nice was it to get fish so quickly nowadays, Aphrodite didn't have to bribe Poseidon at all.

Aphrodite had always admired Hades— Well, maybe that's not entirely the truth. When Aphrodite was young, she never thought much of him. Much like the other gods, Hades seemed to be some hermit in his cave who never talked to anyone. She wasn't scared of him; she just found him creepy. As time went on and Aphrodite recycled lovers and gave birth to many children, that was when she began to admire Hades. He kept away from the Gods; she didn't know exactly why, but she wished she could stay away from them in the same way. Maybe that's why he spends most of his time in the mortal realm now, even though he's primarily a citizen of Olympus on his card. All of his packages go to his apartment in Olympus, but Aphrodite could give less of a damn than step foot in Olympus.

"There are many of us who can do those sorts of things," Aphrodite closed the menu and set it aside, drinking the water once more. "Demigods, other beings that have mastered those arts. What it comes down to, really, is what's inside of us. By that, I mean literally." Reaching out, he took Hades' hand gently and pressed his fingertip into his wrist, no pressure, soft like a feather. "If I were to cut you open, right now, you would bleed gold. Not red, like the mortals in this building. If I were to cut off your arm, your leg, any part of you, and I threw it in the ocean, you may birth someone like me that way. When that happens to a mortal, their bodies rot. We're cosmic; we're divine. As much as we may dislike it, it's the truth." He let go of the other's hand and took another swig of water, his headache fading away. "Your father is a Titan, Hades. Not a mortal."

@▫ aphrodite "Who knows," Hades replies with another curt answer, his gaze flickers down to Aphrodite arm around his before he turns away. It would be amazing and astonishing if they ever remember their age. They — the gods don't celebrate birthdays or any sort of reminders of life, in general. They create these mortals, guide them and care for them. The business model wasn't working mostly for Hades as he was constantly overworked. It did for Zeus and Poseidon and who he was to say nay? But, it amazes him more than he is one to talk and describe his feelings. It is as if there is no longer a restriction to his train of thoughts. No one will turn their head towards him and anticipate him to say something wrong. Well, it turns out, Hades now understands why Aphrodite receives so much love from others, and he smiles at the thought of it.

A chuckle leaves his tier, and he cups a side of his face, smushing his cheek along the process. "No, that's not what I meant." He replies after listening to the other's words. "But thank you for saying that." He stops and looks up to the deity. "The more similar we are to humans, I can't help but wonder that we're not supposed to be the things that they worship. The more the humans have that we have, the more I feel like we're humans too — slightly better because we can use portals and control certain attributes. It's like magic, they like to call here." He continues and before he realises it, he is staring into the cup of water. "If a human can twirl the water in this cup like Poseidon can, would it make them a god too? If a human can manage the Underworld, would it mean that they are me?"

@▪ hades aphrodite simpered, his fingers pressing gently into hades’ arm, against the sleeve of his coat. “you are quite old. i wonder though, are you older than me? or am i younger?” finding his bluntness endearing, aphrodite can’t help himself but chuckle a little and shake his head. the god was strange, much unlike many of the others aphrodite encountered with. despite how old-fashioned and traditional his outlook on something as simple as a kiss was, it was quite romantic. he believed in true love, in a sense that made it so pure and innocent. aphrodite turned his head to the other deity as they walked into the alley, pressing a gentle finger against the tip of the other’s nose and laughing. he didn’t say anything else on the topic, instead, finding it just a cute attribute to hades that he hadn’t intended on arguing with, or even explaining another side.

they sat down in the booth, given two cups of water, to which aphrodite grabbed instantly. he was oddly patched, but this thirst gave him opportunity to listen to whatever hades was saying. “hm, well,” placing the glass down on the table, aphrodite looked around the small restaurant and nodded his head. “i can see where you’re coming from. however, gender can be important to some people, especially the gods. i mean, it’s just how it is. we were born this way. shifting between es is just a power i have that i can’t control. that man over there,” pointing at a man in the corner, aphrodite took another drink. “he may see me as a female. you see me as a male. i don’t even know what my own gender is. but hades, you know that,” reaching out, aphrodite placed both of his hands on hades’ hands, warmth enveloping the cold. “if you don’t want to be a man, you don’t have to be. i’ll fight anyone who ridicules you for that.”

@▫ aphrodite "Well, if we bother about age, yes, I am very old, I think you should know that by now," Hades replies with no bite to his words, quickly getting used to being called old-fashioned and not fit to mingle with the youngsters. Zeus belongs in his spectrum too, but clearly, and his brother doesn't want to be labelled as an oldie. "I don't know. I do believe that it's important to think about the whole things? What if the girl you just kissed ends up cheating after that? Wouldn't that be a waste in terms of your lips coming in contact with hers? All the saliva and bacteria that you come in contact with, well, I'll say no thank you to that." He continues before he shakes his head at the goddess' words. "My brother believes that everything belongs to him and that he is the biggest star in the galaxy of it all. to be him because I excluded him from my ceilings." He nods at the other's words and follows Jongin into the alleyway down the street. It leads them to the sushi place, and they both enter, quickly finding a table for two. "You see, I see you as a man as of the moment. However, I have one question. Why does it matter what truly is one's gender? Especially for us deities," Hades starts, resting his arms on the surface of the table. "Wouldn't it make more sense if we're neither a man nor a woman just like you? I think that's more powerful than just being seen as either a male or a female."

@▪ hades “you’re quite old-fashioned, aren’t you hades?” aphrodite scrunches his nose playfully, looking at the god with a little laugh. “it’s normal for mortals, nowadays. kisses aren’t usually put on some sort of pedestal like that. i’m not the goddess of marriage so i don’t know much about it but — kisses can be whenever you want. if you want to wait until marriage, you can. you just have to find someone who’s willing to wait with you.” with a little poke to hades’ chest, aphrodite looks ahead and notices that they’re almost there. he voices this quietly, not letting it affect the conversation. “hmmm, what do you mean by that? zeus doesn’t have anything to do with space.” just down the street, aphrodite can see the small little sushi place tucked between a few other small restaurants. he smiles. “no, no. we’ll eat first. i’m sure you’re hungry. i can hear your tummy from hear.” he says with a little teasing lilt in his voice. “i just wonder— what do i look like to you? am i a man or a woman? my appearance changes for some of the gods but not most. i just wanted to know.”

@▫ aphrodite At the goddess' words, Hades swiftly turns his head, staring straight at the other, and he waits, pauses before he opens his mouth. "Is that normal? Kisses being a second date kind of thing?" He tilts his head, gnawing on his lips. "Is that normal between mortals or is that something that you have gotten used to because I think kisses are only applicable after weddings." He says before he shakes his head. "Lovers that promise each other the world, the kiss could happen before that, yeah. But I don't think second dates — isn't that too quick to know who to love?" He tilts his head, not noticing the caress on his elbow. "I have all of those, planets, stars and moons. It's fun not adding Zeus into the mix." He admits as soft chuckles leave his tiers. "We should eat first, I've tried sushi before, but if you like this place, it must be excellent then," Hades replies before turning to focus on the goddess. "Yeah, go ahead. Life is weird already, what more would it turn into if you throw in another."

@▪ hades “ah, don’t worry about that. kisses are a second date kind of thing.” aphrodite says with a little smile and a wink to match. aphrodite likes hades’ presence, he feels comfortable in it, actually. many of the male gods aphrodite is quite apprehensive towards— they always seem to want things from the goddess and never good things. aphrodite has found himself floating more and more towards the female goddesses, not only as friends but lovers as well. he feels comforted by them. but hades gives him a new comfort, something he hasn’t felt in a while. in a way, it’s protection, but it’s also just that aphrodite can be himself. “sticker stars? that’s very cute. very very cute. maybe i should do that with my apartment. do you have planets too? a moon?” absentmindedly, aphrodite rubs his fingers against hades’ elbow, suddenly excited by the turn of conversation. “hm, he’s a good employee then! that’s good, we should go where you want. i was the one who dragged you out here anyways.” with a tilt of the head, aphrodite chews on his lower lip. “hades, i have a question. it may be a bit weird.”

@▫ aphrodite Hades is a familiar being to nighttime, easily associated with it because everyone believes that dying is like being alone even in the crowdest of room. They are tormented not being talked to — no one wants to be a wallflower. You are a reject of society if you can't be in a conversation and that in a way is like death for many. And Hades hasn't had that many friends, that is for sure. So, if there ever was a Hades amongst the mortal, he is a social reject. It seems weird to be arm in arm with the social butterfly himself but should Hades be complaining? He turns to the other and nods. "Right, I would say no to the kisses. Hugs are fine. It's cold, anyways." He replies, eyes travelling down to their point of contact and without a word, Hades turns back to the road and continues walking. He looks up, gnawing on the inside of his cheek, and suddenly, he feels like he shouldn't have said anything. "I bought them lots... from a dollar store. They were cheap, those stars, and I stick them to the ceiling of my bedroom." He quietly replies, his voice grows quieter. "I wouldn't kill Thanatos. He works more than I do and lucky me, I know some places that you don't, hm?"

@▪ hades with a small, polite smile, aphrodite looked at his shoes. the ones hades put on his feet properly. it feels like the two of them only really met tonight— aphrodite felt like he was meeting someone totally new. but there was a sense of familiarity. the same voice that spoke during god meetings, just quieter and a bit more fond. the same eyes, same face. but there was something new. such as the arm that pulled the two of them back together, the way hades spoke like he was smiling even though he wasn’t. aphrodite turned down his nose with a slight red flush to his cheeks, probably from the cold. “i didn’t want to make you uncomfortable. i— i like hugs and kisses and all that so... i just wanted to make sure you weren’t cold. i want to respect your space.” aphrodite leaned in a little bit more, bringing both of his arms around hades’ one, hugging it to his chest with a small sigh. as they walked, aphrodite noticed hades’ eyes on him, so he looked up at the other as they spoke. the goddess was unable to keep a smile away from his lips. “it’s because of all the lights, it drowns out the stars. it’s unfortunate, really. i wish we could see both. oh really? are they real stars? i would like to see. i haven’t been to the underworld in a very long time.” aphrodite tilted his head in question when he caught hades stopping. “hah, he would be. i hope you don’t kill anyone, though, especially an employee. i’m sure thanatos isn’t... that bad. the only places i know that are open around this time are fast food restaurants, restaurants, and bars or nightclubs.”

@▫ aphrodite He noticed the halt and suddenly, there was a distant, unfamiliar awkwardness hanging in the air. Whatever that may be going on, Hades knew for sure that they were back to square one. The closeness and the friendship that they might have started in the beginning stilled like lake water. For once, Hades regretted ever choosing to halt or to react at the situation that had occurred. It wasn't needed, and perhaps, it had been that call he received, Aphrodite might felt like he was too much. He reached out for the other's arm and hooked theirs together. "Don't pull yourself away from me. It makes me look a bit awful, no? The god of the Underworld should at least be able to do this." When the topic of their conversation shifted, Hades turned to the other as they continued to walk, ignoring the mortals that passed them one by one and the empty streets. "Astria needs to come down from time to time, then. Shame that her stars couldn't accompany the people in cities. And to answer your question, yes, we do have stars. I made— special arrangements for those." He continued, stopping in his track for a second. "Thanatos could be out of a job. He deserves the rest, yes. And there is always a place that continues to operate. It's not hard to search for one."

@▪ hades at the sudden halt, aphrodite turned his head towards the other god and looked at him with a tilt of the head and a lift of the brow. what had struck him? did aphrodite say something wrong? was it because he called hades ‘love’? did he not like that? or did he not like the closeness? perhaps he wasn’t someone who liked to be touched. maybe he didn’t really like intimacy. aphrodite respected that, so, slowly, he pulled away, giving the other a small smile. he clasped his hands together in front of him and stood a step away from the other god, letting him keep his personal space, trying to not make it awkward. “hm, i see. i like the little lights. but sometimes, i miss the stars. you can’t see them in the city. but the underworld doesn’t have any stars, does it?” aphrodite gave a little chuckle and scrunched his nose. “ah, but you’re the god of the underworld, right? i’m pretty sure you can cover up a death quite nicely.” he teased, looking away from hades and staring at the cement in front of him as they walk. he looked at the other once more, when his cheek was poked. his lips pouted and his eyebrows furrow, he murmured. “i’m not playing tour guide. i just know a nice restaurant. what is this fun place? i’m not drinking them away, i’m just... hmm. where is this place? it’s quite late. is it open?”

@▫ aphrodite All movement halts except for the beating of his heart and Hades is sure that there shouldn't be anything that shocked him at this point, render him defenceless or just pure astonishment. He has seen everything, after all. But here he is, gearing his head to the deity right next to him, Aphrodite's arm around his and his eyes widen considerably. Whatever could he say? So slowly, the god tries to will away the shock and follows along, not wanting to make such a massive deal over another god's way of doing things. Aphrodite is a god known for every little touch and caress, gentle and passionate. He's lucky that the other didn't start to hug him in the middle of the streets suddenly. "I see, sounds like the Underworld but mine is less... bright," Hades comments, eyeing the skyscrapers in little distaste. "I'd rather be able to work in the dark, and I can't deal with Thanatos' immense energy, imagine a brighter office. You'll first see a god's demise in the Olympus news." He scoffs, turning to the god and instead of the usual silent that he envelops others, he pokes the other's cheek. "Maybe a sushi bar isn't the place that you need to go for the night. Don't drink your woos away, instead play them out. This tour guide performance you have is going to have to be cut short. I'll bring you to somewhere fun once we have the sushi."

@▪ hades a little smile appeared on aphrodite’s face when he saw the other deity snuggle into his coat, clearly bothered by the cold around them. was the underworld not cold and damp like the streets? aphrodite never visited. he scrunched his nose as well, moving to the side so he can wrap an arm around hades’ arm, standing right beside him, trying to keep him warm. “they are. they’re awake at all hours of the day and night. they never sleep. there’s always at least 1000 mortals awake in each city, always. right now there may just be... thousands.” looking up at the skyscrapers, aphrodite can’t help but marvel at the beauty of their lights. so pretty, so beautiful. he can’t help but stare at them. “i do like sweets. i like them a lot, actually. you don’t have to save any.” with a little nod of the head, aphrodite chuckled. “they sound delicious, though. you should get some electricity of some sort in the underworld. you don’t know what you’re missing out on, love.” as they walk, the goddess’ head gets down turned and he shrugs, pursing his lips with a little shake of the head. “no, they don’t work. not for this kind of headache, at least. i wont drink too much, don’t worry.”

@▫ aphrodite It's quite cold and very much cold, the night air that hits his skin feels similar to a glass frost. Hades couldn't help but snuggle into his coat, shaking the coldness off his clothing before he turns to the other who is accompanying him. "Mortals are still awake around this time, interesting," He sniffles, lightly scrunching his nose. "Do you know how long they stay awake? Do they all go to sleep at three in the morning? Or is it around four?" Hades tilts his head, quickly gravitating for a sense of warmth that radiates from the god. "Um, just a box of cookies? Assorted cookies — I got them from a cafe which sells these cookies and cakes. I would get them all, but unfortunately, electricity doesn't work down there." He explains slowly before tilting his head. "Do you like sweet things too? I could always save some if you come over to my place." He continues, fixing his stance pretty quickly. He stuffs his hands into the pockets of his coat, nodding before he scrunches his nose one more, expression softening. "No, don't drink again. Just have some sparkling water or get a soda, okay? What do they take when they suffer from headaches? Is there a pharmacy around here? Does it work for us?"

@▪ hades aphrodite turns on his heels and begins to walk down the rain soaked street, the air around them still being lively and awake— even though it was 2am. he walked alongside hades, keeping close to the other god for no reason except that he liked being close to him. the two gods were never really close, mostly knew each other just from passing hellos and politeness. but maybe aphrodite liked that about hades. hades was the few of the gods that kept out of the goddess’ business. hades could be a friend. a real friend. “what kind of cookies?” he asks, sounding like a curious child. aphrodite smiles a little bit and nods his head, his fingers clasping together to create some warmth in his hands. “i’m taking you to a sushi place. it’s not very far, it’s also kind of a bar. i’m still... kinda drunk from before and sobriety is giving me a headache. so we should drink some sake. or just i can, if you want. doesn’t matter.”

@▫ aphrodite That was easy, Hades thinks to himself, but it's good that the god isn't doing whatever his head is trying to tell him to do. The mind speaks into space, and Hades for once never felt the need to do a lot of things that his mind or pseudo, his heart tells him to do. That is the reason why he is here in the first place, right? To make sure that Aphrodite is not alone with his thoughts. Sure, it is a weird request coming from the other but Hades isn't doing much anyway, and he needs a little exercise. Some food would be okay too. "Hm, an hour ago? I was having some cookies with my tea. Long day, multiple documents and how about you? I guess, the last time that you consumed mortal's food or drinks are— well, let's not bother with it. Where are you bringing me, Aphrodite?"

@▪ hades there's a small tick in aphrodite's mind that makes him just want to be alone, not because he actually does want to be alone, but because he doesn't want hades to see him like this. so irrationally emotional, it doesn't suit the god before him. someone who's seen to be cold, he probably doesn't want to be around such a emotion-driven goddess such as aphroditeー but, would it hurt to be a little bit selfish? "okay." he says, simply, feeling a bit better after the smile he was given. okay. he does feel better from the fresh air around them, biting cold in this week of october. "how long has it been since you last ate?" a question aphrodite didn't want to mention himself but, was curious to know about hades. food didn't matter much to mortals but, it was still good for them.

@▫ aphrodite The god turns to the male, blinking before he shakes his head. “You already called for me — at this point, you’re trying to tell me that I might have wasted my time?” He tilts his head. Undoubtedly, the other isn’t thinking about making him go away now, right? After coming down to make sure that the male was alright — he couldn’t leave now. It would be a waste of time, and the other looks affected by it; the ripple still being in effect. “You don’t seem at all that fine, so let’s grab some food and check you into a hotel. I’ll leave after I make sure that you are a little bit better.” He explains, turning to the male and offers him a small smile. “Besides, didn’t you tell me you want to introduce me to your favourite food joint? You need to keep that promise; I am seriously in need of food.”

@▪ hades “he shouldn’t be.” which is true, in the sense that aphrodite is constantly in the mortal realm. he leaned against the side of the elevator, eyes looking over and watching at hades’ face. the man seems tired. aphrodite feels guilty for pulling him out here like this, especially since he seems keen to leave. once they step out of the elevator and into the lobby, the darkened night in front of them, aphrodite hums in response before lowering his head and then stepping towards the doors, opening them for hades. “admirable? i don’t think so.” though providing no evidence, his head remains a bit cloudy. the fresh air begins to clear his head a bit and he turns to hades with a weak small, trying his best to pass it off as genuine. “actually, i should be fine. maybe you should go home and get some rest. i’ll check into a hotel or something...”

@▫ aphrodite "He can't be the only one having fun with the mortals, no?" Hades asks, crossing his arms over his chest, and eyes still fixated on the elevator door. Maybe— It must be the caffeine, he thinks to himself, feeling his energy sizzle and evaporate into thin air. His eyelids feel a tad bit heavier, and every second he takes to blink, it slowly lulls him to close them for a little bit longer. How long has it been— the last time he has slept in his bed? A day ago? Or is it two? It has come to his notice that Aphrodite has quite the soothing voice, velvety yet there is a small tinge of tanginess to it. "That's what God should be." He replies. "A God who gives everything whenever he is asked — that's a slave, not a superior being. One should know when to take a step back. I think your qualities are admirable. Besides." He curls his hands behind his back. "I never promise them anything."