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Netherum perched on the edge of the couch, leg bouncing up and down as she ran her fingers through his hair.
Being back here- being back in general was.. surreal. He’d expected the sharp, panicked breath they’d taken before the reaver’s blade sliced through her would be his last.. yet here he was- taking in air even though she had no need for it.
The spirits of Elysium- as the realm of the deceased was now called- had been welcoming and helpful. He’d seen Enderian again- a happy reunion that was, full of tearful apologies and story sharing of the years and news the other had missed.
Both of the gods’ children were all grown up and them and their lovers were alive and well.. so why the hell was she so nervous?
The suspense was killing her- what was taking ‘derian so long to bring them here??- where are they??
A slimmer of a familiar voice from outside made Netherum lift his head- recognising it despite not being able to make out the words.
Tears started to fall before they even saw her- despite their desperate attempts to hold them back- focussing his eyes on the door, listening to them coming, they recognise Soul’s steps, no matter how soft and quiet they are.
The door opened and Enderian’s arm held it open as Neth got to her feet, trembling slightly.
The owner of a familiar face turned to him and they ran to each other, both failing to keep their tears back.
“Neth!“
“Soul!”
They collided, holding each other tight, sobs of relief getting louder the longer and tighter they held each other.
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Soul withdrew first, keeping one arm around Neth’s back and her other hand holding his face. He followed suit, both leaning in.
They withdrew from the kiss, pressing their foreheads together. Neth tucked a bit of hair from in front of Soul’s ear back behind it with their fingers like they always used to.
“Gods- I missed you so much my flame-“
“I- I missed you too- I thought I’d lost you forever..”
Soul struggled to keep her voice steady, sniffling and taking deep breaths, “You would’ve found a way to get me back, I know you would’ve..”
Neth chuckles, “You have too much faith in my intelligence, sweetheart.”
“I could never, love.”
Enderian cleared her throat a bit, “Neth? Someone else would like to meet you- a certain nether prince.”
Their eyes widen and he looks to Soul, who nodded encouragingly. Neth nods to Enderian, taking a deep breath.
“L- let him in, please..”
Soul held her hand and gave it a squeeze. The pink haired, golden crowned prince stepped inside, staring wide-eyed at Neth.
“H- hey Athena..” He stuttered, “I’m Netherum.. I’m your papa.”
“I know-“
Tears welled in Athena’s eyes and she ran to him, getting scooped into Neth’s arms and spun around. They laughed and tears came to Netherum’s eyes as he just held her in their arms. Their son. He was holding their son. The son she thought she’d lost so so long ago.
Neth sets Athena back on the floor, tears streaming down both their faces.
“Y- you’re all grown up..”
They nod, holding one of her hands to his face.
“You’re not so small anymore, my little nugget.”
Athena lets out a quiet sob and lets himself get pulled into another hug. Neth waves Soul over and the two huddle around their son, holding her and each other tight.
“I thought I’d never meet you- I thought you were gone fore good, I never thought this would happen..“
“Sh sh sh, its okay- its okay my little prince. Mom and Papa are here now..” Soul whispers, her own voice shaking, “We’ve got you..”
“We’ve always got you..”
Athena buried her head against Neth’s chest, holding onto them tight.
“What.. what do I call you? Is it just Papa?”
“Mama and Papa are both okay- you can call me either.”
“I love you Papa.” They sniffed, wiping tears from her face.
“I love you too little gold. I love both of you so, so much..”
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