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Megaera releases Zagreus from the ropes binding him to the bed, careful not to hurt him. Zagreus sits up and rubs his wrists with his hands, eyeing Megaera with a look of concern.
“Hey, Meg?”
Megaera's gaze flits away, to the mirror, where she can't feel Zagreus' piercing eyes on her. “Yes, Zag?”
“You were rougher that time than before. Not that I minded, I would’ve told you if I did, but, um. Is everything alright?”
“Mind your own business, Zagreus.”
She's still not looking at him, but Megaera can almost feel him flinching behind her. She feels bad for still being so cold to him, even though they’ve already been back together for a while, but she supposes old habits die hard. She just hopes Zagreus understands that it has nothing to do with him. Being vulnerable is difficult, even—or perhaps, especially—in the eyes of the people you love.
“I just… I care about you, Meg, a lot. I'd like to know if there's anything I can do to help, even if it's just lending an ear.”
Megaera turns to face Zagreus again; he looks beautiful, his hair all messy and his body full of hot pink kiss marks. She reaches out a hand and takes his. He squeezes it with no hesitation; he’s always been more physically affectionate between the two of them, but Megaera wouldn’t have it any other way, as much as she teases him about it.
“It’s just…” She sighs, trying to find her words. It’s more difficult than it should be. “Your father has assigned me a few especially difficult cases. It’s been quite a lot to deal with.”
Zagreus nods in understanding, then lets go of her hand, spreading his arms wide. “Come here.”
Megaera never could resist him, so she complies, burrowing herself into his arms. She feels safe, she feels loved. She holds onto him, like he’s her anchor, whispering her thanks, barely audible, laying her head into the crook of his shoulder. They sit like that for a while, his strong arms caressing her all over, the most comforting of gestures.
“Hey, Meg?”
“Yes, Zag?”
“I love you.”
“Shut up.” A beat, then, “I love you too.”
What's the harm in a little more pink lipstick on her pretty boy's lips?