Work Text:
The night was perfectly beautiful for Thanatos’ birthday. It had a slight cool in the air with a starry sky. The venue was pleasant, with a dim purple light accompanied by a small disco ball in the middle of the ceiling. A couple of people came. Nyx and Hypnos were there, alongside Megaera and some other friends from work. Thanatos was the last one to arrive, alongside Zagreus, who had to make a very distracted detour for some fast food fries. Despite Than’s constant reassurance that there was food at the party, Zag still wanted to eat beforehand. Oddly enough, no one was upset to see that the two of them showed up late to Than’s own party.
“I’m honestly surprised that they didn’t show up later.” Megaera commented.
Once Zagreus gets to a party, however, he ensures that he, at least, has a great time. He was quick to grab some more food and put aside an entire bottle of alcohol just for himself. He downed the first two glasses he poured, but he slowed down a bit for his third. When he was about to finish it, he got the gentle touch of Than’s fingertips on his hand.
“Try not to drink too much.” Thanatos said, “We don't want you to end up like last time.”
Zagreus didn’t understand what he meant by that. He thought that the last time he drank went well, from what he remembered, at least. Thorough, he decided to ease off of the alcohol once a warm feeling grew within his chest. He felt good and in control.
He wanted to remember that night. The toasts, the speeches, the terrible singing on the karaoke machine. But most of all, Zag didn’t want to forget how Than looked that night. The way he smiled softly upon his family and friends. The way his nose scrunched up when he disliked a drink that Hypnos made him try. Seeing Than being free from the stress of work felt almost cathartic.
But as the party died down, his smile began to fade. He went to the party right after he got off of work. Zagreus could only guess that Thanatos was tired, unless there was something else that was bothering him. When Zag saw an opportunity, he grabbed Than’s arm and pulled him aside.
“Had too much to drink?” Zag said with a smirk.
“Of course not.” Than chuckled as he stared into the crowd beside them.
Thanatos wanted something.
“So you’re ready to go home, I assume? I can drive you home if you’d like.”
“Ah…um. Sure, but there’s something else…” Than looked back at Zagreus with his shoulder tense.
“Oh? Is it bad?”
“No. It’s just…I have one more birthday wish that I’ve yet to fulfill.”
Thanatos gently grabbed Zagreus’ arms and pulled their chests close. Than leaned into the side of Zag’s head and lowered his voice. His breath brushes up against Zag’s ear.
“I want you to come home with me and stay the night, to be alone with you. We can do whatever you like. This is my birthday wish. It's all that I’m asking for.”
Zagreus stood there, stunned as Than pulled away to look at his face. Butterflies swirled inside of his stomach and his eyes seemed to be wider than his head. It was the dumbest look Than had ever seen on Zagreus.
“I know that we’ve been dating for a little while,” Thanatos turns his head. “But if you’re not up to it then that fi-”
“Yes.”
“Huh?”
“Yes, Yes! Let’s go home right now- erm- I mean…Would you like to go now?” Zagreus’ throat tightened. He almost choked on his own excitement.
Thanatos couldn’t help but smile at his goofy lover. “That would be perfect.”
They were quick to say their goodbyes as the group slowly began to prepare for their own departure. Thankfully, everyone had a way home, including those who were pretending to photosynthesize on the floor and those who were unconscious.
Zagreus rushed Thanatos to the car, giggling with a childish smile on his face.
“If you’re going to act like that during the entire ride home, then you should let me drive.” Thanatos demanded in a genuine tone. Zagreus obliged and hopped into the passenger seat. Then they drove straight to Thanatos' house, without any detours for chicken nuggets.
Than’s apartment had a sense of comfort laced deeply within its elegance. The place was so clean, Zag swore he could’ve dropped his food anywhere and still be able to eat it. Even the dirt in the potted plants felt clean.
“I might need to send a formal request to live here.” Zagreus looked like a child staring at keys.
“Sorry if it’s a little messy.”
“You call this messy?!”
“I cleaned everything last night. It may be pretty dusty here.”
“I don’t see anything. I’m honestly convinced that dust is scared of you.”
Thanatos chuckled, “Thanks, Zag.”
Than instructed his boyfriend to take off his shoes before going deeper into the apartment. Zagreus eventually grabbed them by the hand and took the lead, straight into the bedroom. He walked backward until the back of his knees were pressed against the side of the bed. He pulled Than in and wrapped his arms around his neck. The soft kiss on his lips sent shivers down Than’s spine.
“So…” Zag lowered his voice. “You never asked me to stay the night before. Is there anything…specific you would like to do?”
“...Well.” Than stared at the wall, avoiding his lover's gaze. “I know that this isn’t like me, but I have no idea. I just wanted you to be here. I want you.”
Zagreus chuckled before kissing Thanatos again. It was deeper and longer than before. They pulled each other closer. The semi-crushing weight of Zagreus’ arms made Than’s stomach stir. His hands shook a little, and his breath hitched.
“Ah-” He struggled to speak when Zag pulled away. He leaned forward, as if he was begging Zag to kiss him again.
“Feel good?” Zag held Than’s face.
“Yea.” Thanatos said in a breath. “Is it okay if I hold you in bed tonight?”
“Sure…um…let me just…” Zagrues stepped away and fumbled with his jeans. Before Than could protest, Zag ripped off his pants and jumped head first under the covers of the bed.
“Please be careful.” Than pleaded. “You may break my poor bed.”
“Oh no, I couldn’t do that. Not without you, at least.” Zag laid on his side to face his partner. He propped his head up with his hand. Painfully, Than watch Zag purr and wiggle his eyebrows. Zag will never know how Thanatos managed to keep that pouty, straight look on his face as he turned to his dresser. Zag watched as he changed into a more suitable shirt for bed, along with his trousers.
“What movie do you want to watch? Something romantic? The Notebook maybe?”
“Hm, maybe we can watch one of those movies you wanted to watch for a while.” Than finally crawled into bed and wrapped his arms around Zag’s waist. As Than laid his head on Zag’s shoulder, Zag snuck a kiss on Than’s forehead.
Zagreus was too indecisive to pick a movie to watch and they ended up watching The Notebook instead. But Thanatos truly didn’t care about what they watched, since he planned to focus on cuddling Zagreus until they had to get up tomorrow. That was all Than ever wanted from Zagreus. Time together, moments like those. He feels his stress and worries melt away when his love is around. Evidently, he wanted this to last for entirely. So, Than held onto Zag tightly, hoping that time would slow, and they could stay like that for longer. Zagreus eventually got hungry, and got out of bed in search of a snack.
They should’ve stopped for chicken nuggets.