[ and nico was content to merely rest in vex's embrace, nuzzle into the crook of the mesmer's neck and release a slow sigh as his arms wound around vex's neck and shoulders. this was certainly not about sex or arousal. it was about comforting a loved one and nico was more than willing to oblige. ]

You don't know that, Vex. I... I've seen Tartarus' true form. It's not something I would wish on my worst enemies.

[ nico was glad for the embrace at that moment; glad that vex would not be able to see the haunted look that came into his obsidian-dark eyes. ]

The things you did to survive... All of that is in the past. The judges of the Underworld do not decide based on one portion of a person's life alone. You still have plenty of time to make up for the things you have done.

[ leaning back a fraction, nico brought their foreheads together. there was still a bit of a fractured look in his eyes, but there was also a glint of determination. when he spoke again, it was with the kind of determination that comes from one who has walked through the horrors of the worst hells and lived through it without losing everything. ]

I know you can make your life one worthy of the Fields of Elysium.