Work Text:
Tears of Wine and Snow of Fire
It was supposed to be a quick congratulations on his one hundredth successful escape attempt. As well as a congratulations on his twentieth successful escape attempt in a row. Truly, Dionysus had felt that those two things happening at once had been worth celebrating! So he peeked through his boons to watch Zagreus work his way through the chambers of the Underworld once he reached Elysium, he had no desire to see Tartarus or Asphodel
When Zagreus came out of the Temple of Styx, Dionysus quickly found a comfortable spot, hidden from all eyes, on the eternally snow filled glade to watch the fight. He had to reign his anger in though when Hades had insulted Zagreus and made his accomplishments seem far smaller than they truly were. He wished he could bring his dear cousin to Mount Olympus so he could show him a true party. As well as show him there were people in his family who actually cared about him.
He had to hold his breath sometimes when Zagreus got hurt a little too much or got too close to Hades' spear. But he did have to admit Zagreus was powerful with Malphon and could use the Twin Fists well. When Zagreus used one of his Death Defiances Dionysus almost screamed in rage but quickly calmed himself when Zagreus got back up again to keep fighting not even two seconds later. He was definitely going to need a drink after this, he and Dionysus both
When Hades finally fell in the snow for good, he let out a breath of relief, allowing Zagreus a moment by himself to collect his gems and Titan blood. Once he looked like he was about to leave, Dionysus quickly came out of his hiding spot, two wine goblets in his hands and his trademarked smile on his face
“Heya, Zag man. That was a sight to behold, I mean really! I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone take on a god so efficiently or as quickly as you before”
Zagreus spun on his flaming heel quickly when hearing another voice but calmed when seeing it was just Dioynsus and he gave his cousin his own crooked beam
“Dionysus, it is great to see you mate! But what are you doing down here? Have you been watching me this whole run?”
“No, not the whole way. I’m not as keen as Ares is to see the full shebang of Tartarus, and I’d much prefer to see Asphodel when it was back in its heyday. No, I’ve been watching you since you entered Elysium. And again, I am impressed! The main reason I’ve been watching you is so I can be the first to congratulate you!”
Zagreus raised a brow and tilted his head in puppy-like fashion. Actually, Dionysus couldn’t help but to wonder if Zagreus has seen an actual puppy, or if the only dogs he’s encountered were Cerberus. Dionysus really needed to show him more of the surface
“Congratulate me for what, exactly?”
“Well haven’t you been keeping track? This is your one hundredth successful run to the surface! And it's your twentieth successful run in a row! This is cause for celebration, my man, I tell ya! So here, a drink for the record breaking prince!”
Dionysus gave a beam as he held the goblet out but Zagreus was reluctant to take it
“Oh come on, don’t tell me you’re a stick in the mud when it comes to partying like your old man, are ya, Zag?”
“N-No, of course not! But I’ve never actually…drank alcohol before. Only bits of nectar and ambrosia from time to time but it’s never made me drunk or been like this”
Dionysus blinked and stared, waiting for Zagreus to say it was a joke and start laughing. The longer it took him to say it was a joke, the larger Dionysus’ beam got
“That is amazing to hear! That means I’m the perfect god to share your first drink with! Here, drink up and enjoy! And another one hundred and twenty perfect runs to you!”
Zagreus chuckled a bit at Dionysus' enthusiasm before taking the goblet, though he was still hesitant to drink it. He sniffed it, scrunching his nose when smelling the strong scent of alcohol but sighed wearily, as if it was all one big chore. Soon the two had drank three goblets each and though Dionysus had a godly tolerance towards the stuff, Zagreus was giggling and tipsy and beaming, it was a fresh sight to see
They sat in the snow and told stories, mostly Zagreus telling Dionysus stories of the House, his trials, his funniest deaths. It was fun, more fun than Zagreus can remember having in a long time. And even Dionysus was starting to feel a little tipsy, not from the drink, Heavens no. But from the pure joy and happiness spilling out of Zagreus smile and laughter
Zagreus suddenly stood and swayed a bit, giggling as snow sizzled under his feet before holding a hand out for Dioynsus to take. Dionysus happily let Zagreus pull him up, though he pulled Zagreus to his chest with a beam
“Dionysus, we should dance! We should dance right now, but…I only know how to waltz. Mother Nyx only taught me that”
Dionysus couldn’t help but to snort, thinking that tracked for Night Incarnate. He got into position though, taking one of Zagreus hand into his own then wrapping his free arm around Zagreus shoulders
"Then lead on, Zag man!”
They drank as they danced, the two swapping more stories, and funny jokes until the dancing turned to just swaying, the goblets stopped refilling, their eyes heavy with drunken stupor. So long as Zagreus didn’t stray far from the temple doors and this glade, he had all the time in the world. And neither seemed in a rush to part from the other's arms. Not like Zagreus was on the clock anymore, he had no more records to try and break for Hermes amusement
As they swayed, the snow totally melted under Zagreus feet, the young prince lifted his head to give Dionysus a tipsy beam
“You know, you’re my favorite”
That, for some reason, made Dionysus pause in surprise. Sure, plenty of mortals had said Dionysus was their favorite, some were even worshipers of his family and said it! But he couldn’t recall a time when one of his own family, distant or otherwise, had said he was their favorite and meant it. Even as drunk as he was, Dioynsus could certainly tell Zagreus was telling the truth. And it brought a purple tinted tear to his eye
“You’re my favorite too, Zag. In more ways than one! I could show you, if you’d like”
Zagreus gave an eager nod of his head so Dionysus bent down and kissed him. It was fiery, and tart, Zagreus tasted of wine and ash. Dionysus wanted more and more. Though he gave plenty of room for the young god to pull away. Instead he felt lithe fingers slide into his hair and pull him closer, deepening their kiss
It started out tender and warm, but much like nights full of wine and ambrosia, it soon turned sloppy and wanton. Their tongues slid together, drool dripping down chins, pants of air shared between them. When they finally pulled away they panted for air, staring at each other with love and fondness in their eyes. They also erupted into drunken giggles as they started their swaying once more
“Hey Zag, what do you think about me building a pool of Styx in my room on Olympus? I bet it would let me steal you away to Olympus whenever I wanted, for as long as I wanted!”
“I think you’ve gone mad with a crazy idea like that”
“ Gone mad? Mate, I’m the God of Madness”