“That is a problem,” Hades said in reference to Garm. He frowned. “I'll have to get my people working on a solution, and arrange a visit when I get their results.” His tone was playful. Hades wouldn't say anything to affirm it, but the sheer amount of attention he gave to the bloody Norse hound whenever he visited Helheim said everything about his feelings towards the animal anyway.
Hades leaned over to accept her hug, and put his arms around her in return in what he hoped was not an entirely awkward fashion. He had to be especially delicate with the corpse side, to make sure he didn't cause her any unintentional harm, but overall Hades tended to be awkward with that sign of affection anyway. He wasn't used to them. Partly because he did not think they were very kingly, and partly because they just tended to make him feel uncomfortable. Hades didn't think he deserved that kind of affection. He didn't think it did good things for his psyche. It was different with Hel though. She ruled an Underworld too, and they were close. Hades trusted her with him. He trusted that hugging Hel was alright.
Hades shook his head at her teasing, but smiled. He was used to it from her. She knew he wouldn't touch either of those things with a pole. Hades did suppose he had gotten thinner though. He just didn't really pay much attention to it. Hades actually liked cooking, but preparing and eating actual meals took time, and it wasn't such an involved process that his mind couldn't go other places. Besides, then he'd have to sit at the table with the empty chairs, and Hades didn't ever really feel like doing that. He ate when the thought occurred to him, and left it at that. “I'll eat something later,” he said.
“Of course I have time,” he said, “Anything for the Norse queen. This is good news, I hope?” She looked happy. It was a good look on her.