#hyth that's rude

[asleepinawell]

birb friend for the little guy

[hythlodaeus-mynewoldfriend]

First impression of each other? Was it love at first sight? Your choice, whoever has the best answer!

Ahh! Thank you! I answered for well five of them……I got carried away…..But the main three are first so! Thank you for asking! We got two ancient ships below so depending how much you want to avoid spoilers of any kind please keep that in mind though there isn't anything that is spoilery.

Demos and Yugiri

Demos was quite taken with the fact that this woman traveled so far from her home in a place she was not familiar with and with people that needed refuge, he admired her for the bravery and courage. He especially did, and reminded her as such, when she mentioned how it was in the middle of battle that she and the others got out, and on the days where she felt guilty and like she could have done more. She found Demos to be so quiet and humble, and she liked how attentive he was to things when there were some people that were better suited for work outside of Mor Dhona, finding them a place within the Shroud mostly.

It wasn’t love at first sight for either of them and feelings didn’t really start to develop until HW and she’d go to check up on him since he was less likely to give any indication on how he was holding up.

Hythlodaeus and Anthea

Thea was honestly very smitten with the man and found him to be very muse/inspiration inducing (which was a scary thing since their creations had a habit of going wrong) but they found him to be very open and patient and just soft. Hyth had an idea of who Anthea was based on records before ever meeting them in person, from the records he came to a conclusion that they had a passion and must have garnered quite a few people in their circle considering how many times they were cited on other creations, but he couldn’t understand how the ratio of archived ideas to actual creations that moved past the idea stage was so skewed to being more ideas. When bumping into them in person he absolutely took notice of their soul and felt a kind of ease when seeing it.

I wouldn’t say it was a love at first sight for either of them, more of a “I want this person to stay because their presence makes me feel some extra alive”. Not complete or whole and Anthea would argue and say he did make them feel alive again but really they did that all their own he just held a hand out.

Siberite and Thancred

Oh boy these two had such vastly different first impressions of the other. To start Thancred always knew she was a high born Lady and while there was some optimism for her being capable, it was quickly squashed as he watched Sib fail over and over again. He brought up such concerns when Minfilia said that they just needed to find her and then bring her into the fold, a letter was to be sent to her mother stating that she’s alive and well but refused to go with them and ran off. Frankly he truly just was so off put by her presentation of herself (truly just like think of Elle Woods and it’s the same thing) that he just didn’t look past it even after she was able to prove herself fighting that voidsent. He just was worried they would be having to slow down their efforts because she needed to be taken care of. Sib on the other hand found him rude, uncouth, and handsome and that wasn’t fair. He was too sarcastic for her liking, gave unsolicited advice in saying she needed a better defense strategy than just “hit it until it dies” and she felt looked down upon for not fitting the mold of just what an adventurer should look like. She just also found it rude that he looked like he was about ready to leave her lying in the dirt after she passed out.

It wasn’t love at first sight for either of them. At most it was lust at first sight. They both found the other attractive but there were some bad first impressions to get past. It took a bit of time for both to start coming around to the idea of there being more between them.

Constantinos and Elidibus

Conner’s first impression of this man was someone that easy enough to talk to that he ended up accidentally ranting about Emet-Selch and working for him because it was just one of those days you know? The white robes didn’t really sink in until he had finished and felt bad because he was only supposed to be delivering some paperwork…..he also handed them off to the wrong person so frankly he was just glad to see that this man didn’t look at him with negative emotions or confusion, just simply thoughtful and attentive in hearing what Conner had to say. He was taken in by his eyes though and it was all over for him. Elidibus for his part found him interesting as Conner approached him as if he was just someone like himself and not as Elidibus, though understandable seeing as he was still new to the role. He noted that many of the complaints he had in regards to Emet weren’t based in malice as if he was a bad person but someone that was working close to someone that was similar in personality, showing that while he could get emotional it wasn’t irrational and clearly not often to come out as it did. He also apologized and humbled himself with mannerisms that made him laugh a little. And it cultivated into an attraction to Conner.

It wasn’t love at first sight and there was an avoidance between the two to start, mostly Conner because my god that was so cringe and embarrassing. While feelings on Elidibus’ end were kept at a distance including the attraction to Conner.

Carly and Zenos

These two met while a training session was happening and he was tasked with having to pick a small group of people to act as a sort of guard and those to run legions for him. She piqued his interest in how despite being good enough to have a higher military ranking she never took one on, opting to instead keep to the ground and training on her own terms, she also wasn't letting many others get past her and still going strong despite being at it for the last 5hrs. Of course he had to put this woman to the test and she impressed him despite her being beaten, she just kept coming at him and would have had Stasia not called it. Carly frankly was curious as to why one of the potential princes took an interest in her (though also why wouldn't he take an interest?) but she's got a thing for tall men and he called for a fight between them. While she was upset that she "lost", she was entranced by the spark in his eyes that came out while they were at each other's throats. She did work hard after that to win him over and become his right had until the end of her days.

This one I would more consider a love at first sight kind of deal. It was a spark or attraction that was reciprocated and the words "I love you" were never uttered between them in their time together. They just both kind of knew they were meant to be when they really got to see one another in that fight.

[akirakirxaa]

60 & 87 for Hythazemet :)

60. Who will punch someone out if they are rude to their partner?

Persephone will absolutely and without reservation beat the shit out of anyone who dares be mean to Hyth or Hades. She has no respect for social niceties and will not tolerate telling someone off when she could get her point across a lot faster.

I like to think that if it were particularly rude Hades may break his composure, but it'd have to be pretty bad. Hyth is too nice, I can't imagine him punching anyone.

87. Do one of them sleep talk? If so, what do they say?

I think it'd be Hyth that's the sleep talker, and it's either completely weird in the way that dreams sometimes just don't make sense or incredibly sweet if he's dreaming of his partners. :3 If Persephone gets home late at night she'll try not to wake him just so she can listen.

I imagine Hades sleeps like the dead but it takes him a while to actually get to sleep, and Persephone is a light sleeper on the road but sleeps like a rock when she's safe at home. So no talking from them either way.

[owlespresso]

adorable. ascian hythlodaeus.

warnings: implied future dubcon, ascian hyth being weird and creepy, no actual spice

The acrid taste of aether permeates the air, atmosphere heavy with it, levin sticking to your body like a second skin. Time feels slow and syrupy here, in this dark space he unceremoniously shoved you into, whisking you from the boughs of Rak’tika with blase alacrity. The low thrum of the verdant canopies disappeared in an instant, warmth of the sunlight stolen as you passed through the portal, the rotating rims of it humming with stagnant aether.

You curse quietly to yourself as your eyes adjust to the dark, hand positioned backward and fingers furled in preparation to unsheathe your weapon. The Ascian who introduced himself to you and your wayward party as “Hythlodaeus” hasn’t seemed actively interested in eliminating you for the threat you pose—but the possibility inevitably lingered, hung over the both of you throughout every interaction. 

You’d thought his lackadaisical personality at odds with the rest of his dour cohorts. Perhaps that shadowed side of him, stowed away for the sake of attempting to gain your comrades’ cooperation and approval, has finally surfaced. Surely, by now, he’s realized that building a rapport with the Scions is an impossible feat, even for someone as winsome as he. 

The space you’ve been so rudely crowded into is dimly-lit and bathed in black. The walls, the ceiling, the floor, all the color of fresh pitch. A golden chain crawls from the center of the ceiling, attached to a gaudy mess of a chandelier. Lines of glimmering metal criss cross and connect to each other haphazardly and with no apparent logic or coordination—like a child’s drawing forged to life. Some of the long candles stick out at obtrusive angles, and despite being lit, the wax doesn’t drip or melt. Another peculiarity you’re not too determined to investigate.

A quaint tea set sits upon a polished wooden table—and is that a bed, over in the westernmost corner? It’s a massive, circular behemoth of a thing with a gauzy canopy, intricate lace sewn into the bottoms of the curtains. The more you look, the more you realize the room is a puzzling farrago of miscellaneous items and furniture pieces.

All you want to do is to find an exit.

“Already trying to leave, are you?” your captor’s soft voice floats out as a sigh, nearly chastising. Your gaze snaps to one of the walls, barely catching the bright purple of the portal as it shimmers out of existence, leaving naught but Hythlodaeus behind. He’s clearly disappointed, lips furrowed and eyebrows dipped in exaggerated bemusement. The gravity of the situation has already sunk in, a mixture of anticipation and fear prying at your racing heart. You scowl as you regard him, palm sweaty against the hilt of your still-sheathed weapon. “And already fixing for a fight. What a rude guest. I’m beginning to understand what about you has Emet-Selch is so vexed.”

The silvered metal affixed to his dark robes glints underneath the chandelier light as he approaches, an eased swagger to his step. He feels completely at ease here, his shoulders loose and his expression idle. His eyelids dip, thick purple strands fluttering against his cheeks.

“What do you want?” you bite out, fingers curling tight around your blade’s sheath. The threat hangs in the air, but Hythlodaeus is entirely unconcerned, blinking at you as though he’s taken aback by your aggression. 

“Why the sudden hostility? You were so eager to speak with me hardly a week ago.” Hythlodaeus posits with a fond smile, resting a hand on the back of one of the dining chairs. He leans his weight partially against the table, length of his body long and lax, like a contented cat. He’s completely dismissed you as a threat, you realize, and it stings more than it should. The sharp disregard of your strength galvanizes you past whatever anxieties prevented you from retorting indignantly. 

“If you wanted to talk, you could have simply approached me instead of shoving me through a portal to an unfamiliar location,” you accuse him coldly. “Without consent! Without asking first! Of course I would be upset!” Surely, he’s spent enough time living beside people to know that much, right? He must be mocking her. He must find it funny to see her fume and bluster and struggle.

“An unfamiliar location?” he echoes, as though that’s the crux of the issue. He lifts a finger to his cheek, careful to mind the claw. “Yes, I admit that this is all a tad haphazardly thrown together. Your sudden, ah, visit, wasn’t planned prior. I simply spotted you fumbling amongst the weeds and decided to help you. It’s much more comfortable here, isn’t it? The Great Wood is so stuffy and humid, and not to mention all those buzzing, bothersome insects…”

“I mean—yeah, it’s cooler here but I was also in the middle of something!” you snap. “And like I said you didn’t even ask permission.” Hythlodaeus juts a hip out and crosses his arms, cross posture reminiscent of a parent preparing to deny their child a sweet. The implication of the pose makes the back of your neck go hot in a mixture of agitation and humiliation, the taste of his disrespect unmistakably bitter. It shouldn’t be. You shouldn’t long for acknowledgement or approval from such a flagitious criminal. But in this moment, you do, and the pain of that realization only soars your frustration higher.

“In the grand scheme of things, your permission hardly matters to an ancient such as I,” he explains loftily, sounding more like Emet-Selch than he ever has.

Your cheeks burn hot, your free hand balling into a fist as you storm in his direction. Your lips curl into snarl, your cloak billowing behind you as you cross the mess of the room. Your blade swings from its sheath, warm light catching off its steel length. 

“None of that, please,” Hythlodaeus says. He lifts his hand, pointer and middle fingers pressed up to his thumb as he snaps. The noise ricochets through the room as if it were a wide cavern, sheer volume causing you to cringe. Your sword vanishes in a plume of smoke, your fingers curled around chilled air and nothing more. “I think that was a reasonable request. Now we can finally talk like adults.”

It all happens too suddenly—your most reliable method of defense, stolen away in the face of this monumental foe. You’re spared naught a moment before your body is pulled across the breadth of the room. Your hands come up, instinctively grasping onto the first thing you can reach in an effort to steady yourself. When your fingers find the lush, silken material of his robes, you freeze.

The black material obscures your vision, line of sight suddenly replete with him. The drastic difference in height is painfully apparent as he looms over you, an arm resting over your shoulder. The other flattening on the small of your back. He surrounds you in a construct of his own creation, distinct taste of his aether churning restlessly in the air. 

He lowers himself, bending down whilst a hand seizes the back of your hair and pulls. You barely stifle your pained gasp, lips slightly parted as you’re forced to stare into the face of the beast.

“Ah, there you are,” he croons, sounding utterly delighted. “In truth, I can also see what has Emet-Selch so enamored with you,” he confesses, “Please, though, don’t tell him I said that.”

“I won’t tell him if you get your damn hands off of me,” you hiss. He sighs, shoulders slumping as the breath leaves him.

“And here I thought the two of us were getting along so well,” Hythlodaeus coos, unbothered as you try and push him away. You squirm and writhe and huff a train of panicked curses, but something holds you from behind, presses you tight up against him. Each effort is fruitless, feeble in the face of his ancient strength. His pupils swallow up his irises, press that precious purple into thin circles. The warmth that radiates from his towering form is enveloping and unexpected. Why would a creature of such abject darkness be anything but pallid and cold? Yet his complexion is healthy, eyelashes thick as his lids droop. “Hush now, with all of that.” He murmurs.

The tip of his taloned finger gently drags up the center of your throat, barely teasing the skin. A pointed reminder, a warning.

“It’s adorable that you believe your consent matters.” He praises mawkishly, in the velvety dark of the room. His thumb finds purchase on your bottom lip. The light in his eyes dims, promises and threats untold churning within those lavender depths. “Put up as much of a fight as you would like, starlight. But a word of caution—you’ll be needing that energy later.”

[zahra-hydris]

WELL since I finished Elpis part and have more knowledge about those characters I would like to hear more about Apollo, Hades and Hythlodaeus if you don't mind! Like how they first met with each other? What would they like to do during their free time and what is their love language types?

omggggg ty for this opportunity to blab about my azem and her boyfriends 💕

apollo does not originally come from amaurot. she was born in a smaller city elsewhere in etheirys and only moved to the capital after meeting and aiding venat during her travels as azem. venat basically sponsors her for her formal education, and it's here that she meets (first) hythlodaeus and (later) hades.

hythlodaeus is intrigued by the new person and strikes up conversation. the two become fast friends, connecting over their shared mischievous spirit and boundless kindness. apollo, who is - like her later sundered shard, one miss mathilda - argumentative, quick-tempered, and opinionated, first meets hades when she publicly (and extremely rudely) argues with him.

the two initially do not like each other, which hyth is deeply amused by as he considers them strikingly similar in many ways (both witty and sarcastic, both insanely clever and talented, both with a deep and unending love for their world and the people in it, and both with an infuriating tendency to hide their actual feelings). he endeavours to bring his two favourite people together and succeeds perhaps a little too well. the three become practically inseparable afterwards.

after apollo becomes azem, she's away from the city a lot. when she returns, she tends to do so without warning to surprise her boys (which hyth loves and hades pretends he hates). they subsequently spend a lot of that time in bed, but if she doesn't have to run off again, they also like to attend the theater, wander around the city, eat fancy food, sit and lie about in public parks to chat, and essentially just become people of leisure, a little break from their otherwise extremely busy and productive lives.

as for love languages, I see hyth's as words of affirmation (constantly telling hades and apollo how wonderful, talented, and important they are), hades' as acts of service (answering apollo's call for aid every single time), and apollo's as physical touch (she's the one constantly draped over hyth and hades or linking arms with them, holding their hands, etc etc).

[tellusbane]

im gonna cry azem made hyth upset but he’s too??? stupid to understand that he did so. it’s like one of the many things that separates him with meteor.

meteor in all his silent and stoic ways, feels actual empathy to others and easily recognizes their plight to which my azem fails in a lot of ways. when it comes to socialization, it’s so difficult with him because azem can come off rude and dismissive, if not inconsiderate but even if made aware plenty, he chooses to do nothing to change that and doesn’t really let it affect him hence his... less than stellar reputation among his peers.

not to mention the way he display how he cares for other people is just strictly unconventional even for an amaurotine. he rarely gets upset about things so when other people are he’s just ??? just dont get upset, 4head. but in spite of this being his behavior, when it comes to his duty to the star he becomes a different person altogether and he doesn’t even know it. i feel like an azem in elpis would’ve contributed to hermes’ suffering, but traveler azem would’ve helped.

[chocobotism]

amorzem word salading paaaart 2: besties edition

getting to the Interesting history now, uhh the exact timeline is still fuzzy and not 100% set in stone and gonna be chock full of headcanon tomfoolery but i've got the gist of it mostly down... i think

Eventually Amias reaches the age of young adulthood and begins living independently from their parents (which was a whole teary ordeal) and attending some sort of ancient community college.

This is where they meet and befriend Hythlodaeus! He actually wasn't in attendance there (he went somewhere much nicer with a Certain Someone) but the two of them just vibed in their chance encounter and bam! new friend :)

They keep in touch and eventually Hyth introduces them to Hades and it does not go as intended! Basically Hades was able to clock Amias' autistic ass through the masking and he was kind of rude about it... Their relationship is a little rocky for a bit but through Hyth's efforts they reach the Courteous Acquaintanceship status.

And then Hyth gets them to hook up.

Without getting into detail, Hades comes out of it considering Amias a bit of a freak, but the joke is ultimately on him because they're in his mind rent free now! Amias meanwhile doesn't dwell on the experience much.

Time passes, Hyth and Hades (now Emet-Selch) have lives as functioning members of society with important jobs. Amias is... well would you consider an apprenticeship with the current Azem employment? They're unemployed.

Amorzem word salading eek part 1 of ???

Born to a pair of... eccentric individuals. Eccentric by ancient standards anyways. A very lovey dovey couple that tend to forego typical social norms to say the least.

Named Amias because they were like "OHHH WE LOVE THIS BABY!!! WE LOVE OUR BABY THE WORLD WILL KNOW THIS BABY IS LOVED!!! 🥰😍💓💗💘💞💓💗💕"

Little Amias themself inherits some eccentricities and is little strange (read: autistic) but they know they are loved so it's ok :)

That said they do have a particular... proclivity towards transforming. Either completely or small aspects of themself. It gives them a euphoric feeling.

Their parents only encourage this, saying that they should always do whatever makes them happiest in life. Amias takes this to heart.

They did not warn them about the way wider ancient society viewed transformation through so uhm well let's just say there's an incident that irrevocably changes Amias' perception of themself.

In short, Amias leaves that incident feeling ashamed of their enjoyment of transformations. Their parents try their damnedest to console them but the damage is already done. Amias comes to the understanding that they are a deviant and must hide their true self and desires from wider society.

(this leads to a chicken and egg situation later on when that interest in transformation becomes... more than just an interest. To say the least...)

As they grow up, this line of thinking is further reinforced by how ancient society operates. Though they already learned to hide away the worst of their deviancy, other things (read: autistic behaviors) were beginning to be scrutinized too. Eventually, they learn to mask (haha funny ancient joke!!) effectively enough to pass for a Normal Average Ancient who is just Occasionally prone to Eccentricities.

[kunstpause-archive]

Read on Ao3

Day 7: Speculate

small continuation from day 5 and 6

“Working late again?”

A tiny spark of excitement runs through you as you hear the familiar voice coming from your doorway. You hadn’t seen Hades again for the past two days. Then again, the last two evenings you had actually taken is advice to heart and gone home at a regular hour. Not today, though. Today you are swamped with work.

“I think my boss hates me!” 

“Pardon me?” he asks, and as you look up, you are greeted by an utterly confused look.

“Well, maybe he doesn’t hate me,” you admit. 

You haven’t even met the man in charge yet. At least not personally. Busy as he seemed to be, all your communication had been via the internal emails and memos.

“But maybe he just has it in for me,” you claim with a skeptical look at your to-do list.

“Why would you think that?” Hades murmurs, and with a sigh, you shake your head.

“Well, the task lists are all over the place, there is absolutely no system behind what is due when, and I don’t think his way of referencing past projects is in any way compatible with the actual filing system the company seems to employ,” you explain what has you so busy on this evening.

“So you’re saying he’s really bad at organizing?” he asks with a raised brow.

“That would be the very polite way to say it, yes,” you chuckle as you tear your eyes away from your laptop. “But don’t tell anyone I said that,” you hurry to add, as you realize that complaining about your boss in a company you’re new in might not be the wisest thing to do.

At your suddenly worried look, Hades lets out a soft laugh.

“Don’t worry, my dear,” he says with a small wink. “Your secret is safe with me.”

It’s only now you see he carries a tray with two cups with him, and your eyes widen as he takes one and hands it to you.

“I saw the light on my way down and thought you could use a coffee if you’re still up here and working,” he explains. “And the coffee cart outside is far better than anything you can get in here, I promise!”

“Thank you, that is very kind of you,” you murmur as you take the steaming cup. It smells absolutely fantastic, and for a moment, you close your eyes, savoring the scent. “You know, I actually took your advice the last few days,” you add when you open your eyes again.

“Oh, that’s why I didn’t see you around,” Hades comments with a smile, and though it sounds like an aside note, it makes you perk up.

“You were looking for me?”

The thought sends a small spark of giddiness through you as you try not to look too eager at your question.

“Keeping an eye out for a fellow late-worker,” Hades says with a casual shrug, but there is this way his eyes linger on your face for a moment that nearly makes your stomach flutter. Hastily, you take a sip from your drink to keep yourself from thinking too much about it. It tastes indeed much better than any office coffee you have had.

“Damn, this is good coffee,” you say with a smile at him before you wonder, “So, do you actually ever leave this palace?”

Hades snorts before he gives you a slightly indignant look.

“I do; I just went to the coffee cart,” he points out. “It’s outside!”

At his completely dry tone, you can’t help but laugh.

“No, I mean really,” you try again, looking at him expectantly. “Nobody’s trying to drag you away from work, ever?”

For a moment, you worry you sound like you are prying into his personal life, but luckily he doesn’t seem to take it that way at all. Instead, he simply smiles and shakes his head.

“You know I have a friend upstairs who regularly tries,” Hades says with a grave nod. “He sends me pictures of everyday things and explains them in detail to me like I’m some kind of hermit.”

He rolls his eyes, but his tone is fond and not at all put out.

“Really?” you grin at the amusing thought, and with a nod, Hades puts his own coffee aside for a moment to reach for his phone. He adjusts his glasses as he scrolls through his messages until he seems to find what he is looking for.

“Listen, just today, he sent me a picture of a duck and wrote: Hades, this is a duck, it’s a local species of waterfowl one can observe when going outside and to the park for longer than two minutes. Sincerely, Hyth.”

You can’t help but start laughing as he reads with a slightly changed voice, probably imitating said friend as he relays the message.

“I think he’s trying to tell you something…” you point out with raised eyebrows, and Hades gives you a grave nod, looking almost utterly serious, except for the spark of delight in his eyes.

“I know, but what might it be?”

His again utterly dry tone makes you chuckle again, and this time, before you can think any better of it, you ask what’s really on your mind.

“I’m guessing you live alone then?”

You think you did a thoroughly fine job of sounding casual, but from the way he pauses briefly, it doesn’t seem like all that. A slow smile spreads over his face.

“Are you asking if I’m single?”

You count yourself lucky that you are not drinking your coffee at the moment, for at the blatant way he looks at you at his words, you would have certainly spluttered and made a fool of yourself.

“I am not,” you claim hastily, but the slight flush in your cheeks is something he most likely notices if the way his eyes still sparkle at you is any indication. Something in you just gives up the pretense, and you smile at him. “Are you, though?”

“I have not had that many opportunities to meet new people lately,” he says with a slight shrug, and you try hard not to read into his eyes what you would like to see in them.

“No shit,” you reply with a laugh. “How would you if you never leave work?”

“Actually, I got a message about that too,” he says, and then he is back to scrolling through his phone.

A moment later, he takes a step closer and holds it out for you to see. On his screen is a message from said ‘Hyth.’ It’s a picture of a crowded street, and underneath it says:

Hey, Hades! These are other people. They can be found outside and in nearly almost any location that isn’t your office! And no, looking out the window into the park doesn’t count!

You chuckle again at reading the message. It seems that your first impression of this man being a complete workaholic has been absolutely spot on.

“Wow,” you murmur when something else catches your interest. “Wait, you have an office facing the park?”

When he nods, you let out an impressed whistle. 

“Lucky bastard!”

“Well…” he starts, but what he is trying to say, you don’t find out, as something else is on your mind, and the words are out before you let him finish.

“Oh, you work higher up, don’t you?” you ask, and for a moment, he gives you a slightly thrown look before he scratches the back of his neck.

“Uhm, yes, you could say that,” he answers, and a broad smile appears on your face.

“Brilliant,” you exclaim, only for him to frown, and immediately you try to tone down your exuberance. You certainly don’t want to give off the impression like you want to… No!

“Wait, that sounded awful,” you murmur. “I’m not… I wasn’t trying…” For a moment, you splutter, looking for the right words before you shake your head once to clear it.

“Here’s the thing,” you start again, sounding much more leveled. “I have some ideas on how to make some of this more efficient, streamline it a bit, you know?” Broadly, you gesture on the open task lists sitting on your laptop. “It would certainly also make the process easier for my boss. Less effort for everyone means everyone wins, right?” You look from your plans back to where Hades regards you with a curious look now, and you wince slightly. 

“But I feel kind of awkward just writing an email going, ‘hey, let’s change everything you do because it’s bullshit!’ - I’m the new girl, after all,” you point out before giving him a winning smile. “Do you think you could hook me up with someone there that I can talk this through and not come across as rude?”

His earlier frown is completely gone as he regards you with a thoughtful look.

“Bullshit, huh?” he asks, picking up your phrase. “It is that bad?”

Maybe you should have phrased this nicer. You don’t even know if he is perhaps on excellent terms within your boss, but to your relief, he doesn’t look put out at all, just… thoughtful. And slightly amused?

“Well, I could sugarcoat it,” you murmur, but Hades shakes his head with a small laugh.

“You could give your ideas to me, and I could slide them into a conversation perhaps,” he suggests, before he assures you, “I’ll make sure you get all the credit, of course.”

“Really?” You perk up; this seems like a wonderfully straightforward yet easy solution. “That would be such a great help, thank you!”

“If you turn them into something on paper I can have at hand to reference, that would be great,” he suggests. “I’m afraid if you email things to me, they might get lost in my day-to-day schedule.”

At his almost apologetic look at that, you have to chuckle again.

“Oh, so you are also organisationally challenged then?” you tease. “Or you really don’t want to give me your email…”

At that, his eyes spark again as he puts his phone away at picks his coffee back up.

“Or, perhaps, I want a perfectly valid excuse to show up tomorrow night at your office again, my dear,” he says smoothly and with an accompanying look that has you actually taking in a sharper breath.

“I guess it will remain a mystery,” you reply after a long moment before you add with a smile, “I’ll have something to show you tomorrow then?”

“Same time tomorrow then,” Hades agrees before he wishes you a good night and leaves you to your own devices.

It’s about work, you fiercely remind yourself, and yet everything about the way the two of you had talked feels like it is definitely more than that. It doesn’t even bother you that same time tomorrow means you’d have to stay late again. 

[ffxiv-ariavitali]

i hope you don't mind an AU being used repetitively for other characters. i'd like see an CEO/Barista AU with Emet-Selch/Gender Neutral WOL where both are childhood friends and initial assumed one-sided pining for WOL's end only for a happy ending to them as it's actually mutual for both side?

oh, don’t be sorry! it’s a good trope, after all, and a re-imagining of AUs for different characters is always fun! i hope you like it! ^_^

(not really but kinda sorta Shadowbringer spoilers below the cut just in case)

AO3 ver.

❅ ❅ ❅

Genius. Suave. Pioneer of architectural design. Also the CEO of one of the largest and fastest growing coffee shop chains across the realm. 

All these things make up the man known as Emet-Selch and he took pride in his work. Some would say that talent of his level is almost prodigious and he would concur, agreeing rather easily if not for the sake of not having to expend further energy arguing with simpletons that didn’t know true skill if it hit them in the face.

It is in this reason then that makes you hesitate so much.

You have known the man since you two were just beginning to toddle. The bond between the two of you was nigh unbreakable in the eyes of others, but the truth couldn’t be any more simple. Rather, the only reason Emet has allowed your presence and company thus far was because you had made it such a habit of inserting yourself into his affairs for so long that he has long given up attempting to dissuade you from continuing to do so. In a way, it was a blessing because you have had the fortune of calling the man your best friend.

Though, his achievements are not without consequence. You hear the elders whispering behind your back in comparison. ‘How successful Emet-Selch has become while they on the other hand...’ and ‘They should be happy that Emet-Selch is providing them with a job in these troubled times!’ are among some of the less painful commentary spoken when they thought you blissfully ignorant. 

Of course, you would have your doubts; your friend was on another level and it was only through his kindness that allowed you to remain employed. Truly, as much as you admired him, adored him and grew ever fond of him, he would never return your sentiments.

You admit your feelings to your mutual friend, Hyth (Hythlodeus, but he prefers not the formality), over a cup of coffee during your break and he gazes upon you with an amused expression. 

“Whatever makes you think that he would not return your feelings, my friend?” he asks.

You feel your cheeks flaring up, the skin burning as if a burning flame was brought dangerously close.

“Because he’s too good for someone like me!” you exclaim in kind, the admission nurturing the despondence growing within your chest. “He’s way too talented, way too brilliant, way too...too...too much a feast for the eyes compared to how I am!”

“And what makes you say that?” another voice interjects.

You and Hyth turn your heads to source for the voice and your heart almost drops when amber eyes met your own. Emet was standing in front of you, arms crossed, and you were so engrossed in your passions that you hadn’t noticed your boss approach you.

When you attempt to give him an excuse, he scowls and takes you by the arm to drag you from your seat to the back room. In the midst of your panic, Emet is calling out to Hyth to watch the store in the meanwhile and you peer over your shoulder in time to see your mutual friend waving the two of you away with a teasing, impish smile.

In moments, you were alone in the break room in the back and you were wringing your hands in front of the man. He heaved a sigh and stared hard at you once more.

“Well?” he spoke then.

You incline your head. “’Well’ what?”

Emet kisses his teeth and brushes locks of his hair along his head. You noticed that he appeared to be troubled by his inner thoughts himself, his tell being the way that he often fiddles with his fingers in makeshift snap motions without releasing the actual sound. You didn’t know what reason would give cause for him to be so nervous despite his on-edge expression until he speaks again.

“The only reason why I have done any of this was because of you.”

The confession has your eyes widening, the shock stunning you to silence as he continued.

“The one that pushed me to be better than I was has always been you. The one that had stood by my side with every struggle has always been you. With every project and every design, I had it in mind to whether or not you would be proud of the feat were I to accomplish it. So hearing you berate yourself like that is so...so...frustrating.”

When you could not yet speak coherent words, Emet heaved a heavy and helpless sigh as he leaned in towards you to rest his weary head on your shoulder.

“Look what you’ve made of me,” he chided, a biting tone that was more bark than anything. “A mess. A mess and yet I feel no different than from the first.”

After a moment, he pulls away and his face was inches from yours. So close that you can feel his breath and even felt the ghost of a heart beating against your skin. He was leaning in closer. Closer. Closer.

“Are you lovebirds done yet?!” Hyth’s voice rang against the walls when he peeked into the room.

The both of you jumped in place, cheeks flushed and Emet quickly began chasing Hyth out in embarrassment. You remained still, hands pressed against your cheeks, and you smile. Despite being rudely interrupted, as was his wont, you did get something out of it.

You thank the heavens for this blessing.

[hythlodaeus-mynewoldfriend]

🌈is there a fic that you worked *really fucking hard on* that no one would ever know? maybe a scene/theme you struggled with?

So I don't have a lot published for her and there's quite a few drafts in my drive but I always feel I work the hardest whenever I bring Stasia into the mix of just about anything. She's tougher to write for me in a lot of contexts because she's villainous. She was never meant to be what one would associate as a good guy or good person, and that's a bit harder of a perspective (to gain a little insight you can check out this piece here).

While there is an aspect of difficulty for her original universe/fandom its much easier to kind of write for than anything I've done with ffxiv. A main reason being that her opinion on characters are so different than how I view them. She tends to go very 2-D with characters like Zenos or Emet-Selch stripping them of some of the nuances I know to be there, but for her its just that change in being true to her character and making sure I'm not adding more to her view than feels right. Its fun once I'm in a groove and am writing her because she's a fun challenge but it can be a lot to have to stop and think from her eyes, since part of her charm is burying any and all emotions despite the fact they are felt and do influence her to a degree, its a balancing act with her.

Or even funny in that she has a hatred of characters I love and I feel so bad for writing these interactions with her. Mostly in drafts its been her interactions with Hyth because that man is the bane of her existence and the root of all her current problems. I always feel bad but if I want to stay true to her character I have to suck it up and write her being so mean and rude to him (she calls him a little bitch at one point, she is about ready to toss him off the side during that scene in Ktisis, threatens him, yells at him that he needs to stop with the whole "I'm so useless" act because Emet-Selch doesn't associate with those that are, etc. if she had a chance she'd hold a knife to his throat she hates him that much). But yeah she's a toughie because she just has such a different way of viewing things than I do.

[elizabethrobertajones]

I have done this only with femroe and a viera lad but I have to say they were really nice to my viera, it was another NPC entirely that was judgy about his ears a few minutes later. I was actually looking forward to Emet-Selch negging Galvin, since I find him an extremely neggable WoL, and was DEVASTATED that he and Hyth had nothing rude to say. So upset that I re-watched this cutscene on Frog, only for it to be exactly as rude as I remembered, with Hyth doing laugh emotes at her that he literally DID NOT DO for Galvin >:(

I literally had only intended to level Galvin up to Elpis to get negged and ragequit on the MSQ for him immediately after.

Like what the fuck, he's COMPLIMENTING Galvin, not LAUGHING AT HIM? Fuck you, you're now my mortal enemy XD

Scuse you, you got a problem with tall ladies? Coward