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Da-dum.
The drum beats.
Death approaches.
“Hey, Than.”
“Zagreus.”
Zagreus lets Varatha fall to the ground and stretches his limbs, trying to seem casual.
Cool, like the weather out here.
“I, uh- I was wondering when- if- you’d show up,” he says.
Thanatos takes care of Lord Hades, quick and methodical as ever, and then turns to look at him.
“Were you… Do you always- nevermind. I’m surprised to see you haven’t tired yourself out of being helpful… yet.”
“Hey, have some faith in me! I quite like having a job to keep me busy.”
There’s a pause.
“I’m glad.”
Zagreus feels him start to slip away and tries, “There’s a fishing spot over there… Stay with me, for a bit?”
Thanatos looks around, as if anything could sneak up on them here and now. Olympus can’t see them, Elysium and its inhabitants are far, far behind, and the only potential witness has already been sent on his merry way along the Styx.
If anything, Thanatos deserves a short little break from his endless work hours. Mortal souls can wait a couple minutes, Zagreus figures.
“I suppose I’d have to come back for you anyway. Might as well wait for your body to do… what it’s supposed to.”
Good enough.
“A second fishing rod would be nice,” Zagreus muses after casting the hook. “Not to brag, but I’ve collected my fair share of diamonds and could easily afford- oh, caught something!”
“I think you’re getting ahead of yourself. I’m merely here for convenience,” Thanatos says, leaning forward to get a better look.
“Ah, it’s just another trout.”
Than hums. “You know… It kinda looks like you.”
Zagreus gasps. “Take that back! It does not! Why would you say that?!”
“It’s the eyes.”
Zagreus holds up the fish and stares in its empty eyes. They look like… there’s nothing behind them.
“Well, if I’m a trout, then you’re definitely a bass. Sad and slippery.”
“Careful with what you say. They’re still worth a bottle of that contraband you like so much.”
“And you don’t?”
Than huffs and turns around, but Zagreus doesn’t miss the little quirk of his lips.
Got him.
(Achille’s Codex classifies the bass as a rare, valuable, and highly resourceful commodity. Zagreus really hopes Than doesn’t know that much.)
They stand side by side until the first rays of sunshine appear. Well, Zagreus stands on half-frozen feet, Than just floats.
Zagreus sighs. It won’t be long now.
He turns towards Than, finding him already looking at him.
“Zag?”
“Yeah?”
“Remember, this stays-”
“-between us, I know. I can keep a- ugh, secret.”
“You really can’t, but- oh. It’s happening already.”
Zagreus’s knees hit the ground. The snow is just as cold and comforting as Than’s hand between his shoulders.
The new job might be nice, but it’s these moments that make everything worth it.
“See… you… at… home-”
“I’ll see you there, Zag.”
As the sun rises over the horizon, Zagreus lets the darkness envelop him once again.