as stars to a sky: the heartbeat of stars [ffxiv; hades/hythlodaeus; gen]

[sodomhipped]

Title: as stars to a sky: the heartbeat of stars [or read on ao3]

Fandom: Final Fantasy XIV

Pairing: Hades/Hythlodaeus

Rating: Teen

Warning: None

Tags: Pre-Canon, Canon Compliant, Pre-Sundering, Non-Chronological, Bureau of the architect, Established Relationship, Worldbuilding, Ceremonies and Rituals, amaurotine masks, the third seat of the convocation, Kissing, Holding Hands, Getting Together, Dating, Seat of Emet-Selch

Author’s Note: “as stars to a sky” is a series of nonchronological and loosely related stories about Etheirys before the Sundering. The primary focus will be on Hythlodaeus and Hades. Each chapter is meant to be read as a separate, complete story.

I owe the series title to cosmodynes.

And, as usual, thanks to my partner for editing this and making it far better than it otherwise would have been.

Summary:

Vignettes about the Ancients and their world. Some serious—and some less so.

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Author’s Note: Nearly two years later, I’m reappearing to drop this little thing…

Summary:

“If you keep insisting to the professors that you’re incompetent,” Hades says, “they will begin to believe you.”

『Or, Hythlodaeus tells Hades a secret.』

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“If you keep insisting to the professors that you’re incompetent,” Hades says, “they will begin to believe you.”

Hythlodaeus laughs, taking his hand. They are out late and the night is chilly with the turning of the season, so his fingers are icy against Hades’ skin. Hythlodaeus tugs him to the rooftop, where they sometimes sit together to watch the night sky.

The last time they did this, Hythlodaeus had kissed him for the first time. Hades thinks now about how he had not quite managed to return the kiss, his shocked mouth slack under Hythlodaeus’, and he wonders if he will have a second chance tonight to perform better.

“They may think what they like,” Hythlodaeus answers. “It does not bother me.”

“Perhaps it should.”

But Hades is distracted by the way Hythlodaeus looks in the moonlight. His expression is hidden beneath his mask, but the dim light highlights the wry twist of his mouth. There is a long stretch of pale skin that follows the curve of his neck to where the tip of his clavicle peeks out from his robes.

Hades realizes that Hythlodaeus has said something only because Hythlodaeus gives him an amused look.

“Sorry?”

“I asked if you are worried that others will think less of you for associating with me.”

“Nothing of the sort,” Hades huffs. “Everyone knows you would be top of the class if you applied yourself more. As it is, you’re close enough.”

“Bested by you and a few others.”

Hades doesn’t acknowledge the remark. Instead, he looks up at the sky. From the edge of his vision, he notices that Hythlodaeus does, too. They are still holding hands, although Hythlodaeus’ is no longer so cold.

“Have you noticed that the stars, too, have a heartbeat?” Hythlodaeus asks.

Hades looks to Hythlodaeus. “How do you mean?”

“It is nigh indiscernible, but if you watch carefully, each star’s aether pulses,” Hythlodaeus says. He is enthralled by whatever he sees, still gazing up into the sky rather than at Hades. “Can you see it?”

Hades has never noticed this phenomenon himself. He looks again to the sky, straining to see the stars as Hythlodaeus does. For him, they are bright but dead, no throbbing life to hint at the aether they hold.

Hythlodaeus continues, “Sometimes, it almost seems as if they beat in time. I’ve always liked that thought, even from my early years.”

Hythlodaeus must know that Hades cannot discern aether at quite this level. Perhaps he knew before he asked the question. But Hades does not feel as if Hythlodaeus is trying to make him feel inferior; instead, he feels as if Hythlodaeus made a gift of this fact as one might offer a secret. Hades isn’t certain what to make of it, but it pleases him to think that there are likely few people who Hythlodaeus speaks to with such trust.

“A chorus of stars,” Hades agrees. After a moment, he adds, “I’m sure.”

Hythlodaeus rewards him with a warm and knowing squeeze of his hand.