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The quill pen flipped back and forth in his anxious hand, its feathery tufts a blur. He frowned at his plain, untouched list. Just names and ink spots. No doodles. He was too nervous to draw.
The tiny box in his pocket didn't weigh much, but Hypnos felt it. Draped on his leg, tugging down on his clothes... Heavy with promise, so aggressively there, he may as well have snatched up a Daedalus Anvil.
He tried to draw. The pen slipped in his shaky fingers. He swore softly to himself.
"Um... Hey?"
"Gah!" He startled, dropped his things, almost fell off his blanket. "Um... Yes, welcome!" He flashed a big, phony smile, crouching to grab his fallen list. "Can I help you?"
"I think it's time for me to go in?" A waiting shade shrugged. "I'm first in line, and there's lots of people behind me..."
Sure enough, a crowd had formed in the great hall. Shades packed like sardines, squirming frustratedly.
"Oh, sorry." He gathered his things, moving back into an upright position. "You go on in. Welcome to the House of Hades!"
He kept ushering shades, half paying attention. He still felt that tiny, weighty box in his pocket.
Where is Zagreus?
They'd been together for ages. Hypnos had greeted him since Escape One, entertained him with dumb/helpful tips. Gratefully accepted the first gift of nectar, almost screamed with joy when he got the ambrosia...
Then came the hugs, each time he returned. Hypnos looked forward to those. Big, face-to-chest hugs, rough and tender. Sopping wet, reeking of Styx... and more than he'd ever dared hope for.
Hugs bloomed into kisses, and drinks in the lounge. Strolls in the garden. "Dinner" at the Tartarus overlook in Zag's courtyard. They didn't need to eat, but still set up a table and chairs.
Once, Hypnos had waited at the entrance to Elysium, with a picnic blanket and two nectar bottles. Zagreus got a kick out of that. He still recalled lying together, entwined near the Lethe. That whispered "Hypnos, I love you..." He felt warm, just thinking those words.
Later on he'd found the ring in a shop display, and had the Realization: He absolutely could not see a future without Zagreus.
He'd practically thrown his coins at the shopkeep. Went home with a box in his pocket and a heart full of hope.
Now, he couldn't wait to get married, impatiently squirming like a kid on the eve of their birthday! He dreamed of vows. Of Zag standing at an altar, wearing white and an adoring smile... Zag sliding rings onto his finger, with such care and gentleness the sleep god would almost start crying...
And of course, there was life after the wedding. Zag deserved a break from the House, and he'd had a blast fixing up the lounge. Hypnos imagined him wielding a paint-roller. Gleefully delving through a furniture store. This time working on their new home. Hypnos would help, floating up with his roller to paint where Zag couldn't reach. Working side by side, with playful jabs and words of encouragement.
He pictured them sharing a living room. Squeezing into a chair made for one person, just to get close. Perhaps he'd lend meaning to a bland, stuffy title. Fold his arms round that small-but-strong body and whisper, "My prince."
...All good ideas. First, Hypnos would ask the guy. His ringbox wasn't just for show.
But what if Zagreus didn't want a husband? What if the thought scared him off? Would he escape and just stay gone?! Would he feel awkward with Hypnos for the rest of eternity?!
Deep breaths! Yes, deep breaths are good when you're scared. Hypnos took a few, fiddling with the hem of his blanket.
"Hey, Hypnos."
He squeaked with shock and dropped his list again, scrambling and stuttering. "Z-z-zag! Hi!"
Zag had a sour look on his face, and the slouch of a browbeaten worker. Jaw clenched like he was holding in a scream or a string of curses.
"Bad run?"
"You have no idea." And he opened his arms for their usual hug. Hypnos pulled him in, his mind guessing at worst-case scenarios. A proposal might help Zag feel loved and secure. It would certainly put him on the spot, force him to ponder a big, scary life choice...
I'll ask when he's in a better mood.
The prince breathed a shuddering sigh and settled in against his partner. The sleep god held him and stroked his hair. That sensitive spot between his laurels and the nape of his neck. The way he liked.
Hey, what if Zag thinks I'm only impressed when he's winning? He needs to know I adore him, spike-trap steps and all! I should ask him right-
"That helps a lot, Hypnos." He felt a light kiss on his cheek. "...Cheers. I'll see you soon." And away he dashed.
A groan of frustration burbled up Hypnos' throat. He almost tore his list, Self-control, Hypnos... and settled for anxiously tapping his quill. Adjusting his mask. Raking his hands through his hair, ripping tangles. Playing with his belt, and the folds of his skirts, feeling the all-important Ringbox bump at his thigh.
"Just ask him," Thanatos snapped with a roll of his eyes. "The so-called 'right time' never shows up on its own, and you don't do well with procrastination."
"I know. I'm just... scared."
"The longer you wait, the worse that gets. You're not a coward, Hypnos."
Than spoke his mind. Meant everything he said. Still, the sleep god felt rather cowardly. Who am I kidding? He'll come to his senses and dump me like a common boon.
"Hey, Hypnos!"
"Eek!" He jumped about a foot in the air, arms flailing. "I'm up! Welcome back!"
"You seem on-edge." Zagreus looked up at him, a worried crease between his brows. "In fact, you've been acting strange for days or nights."
"I'm fine!" Hypnos blurted. "Ay-OK. Nothing unusual going on here. You though, you died of-" He glanced between his empty hands, found his list by his feet. "...Whoops."
"Whatever it is, you can tell me."
"That's, um..." He crouched, going after his list. "That's nice."
"Is my old man being rude to you?"
"No, work is great." He stretched on all fours, retrieving his quill. "Turns out, he likes my illustrated edges."
"I heard. Congratulations, by the way. I saw you got featured on the wall." He paused, thinking. "Another fight with Than?"
"No, nothing is wrong!" Hypnos sat up, facing him. "In fact, my life's just about perfect..." He trailed off. Wait a sec. Here I am on my knees... "Actually, there is one thing."
"I'm all ears."
"Ok. Alright. Wow, I'm actually saying it. ...Zag," he breathed fondly, still kneeling. "...Zagreus. ...Zag." Nervous sweat pooled in his hands. "Slayer of hydras, stepper of spike-traps..." Now he was full-on frantic babbling! "Prince of the Underworld and my heart, all-around swell guy..."
"Yes, most of that's accurate." The man in question stayed put. With an amused, patient smile. "Were you just waiting here to recite my many nicknames, or-"
"MARRY ME!"
There was a collective gasp as heads swiveled in unison.
Hypnos dug the ring out of his clothes. Held out his tiny box, like a pleading beggar. "Be my husband?"
The prince's eyes went wide. His red-ribboned hands floated up, hiding his face. Trembling.
"I know I'm... not perfect," the sleep god admitted, shoulders slumping. "But I love you. I'll tell you again and again, if you want me-"
"Yes."
"...Wait, what?"
"YES!" Zag threw out his arms, with the biggest, brightest grin. "Yes Hypnos, I will marry you!"
"Wow..." Hypnos gaped, absorbing this knowledge. "Oh, wow. I..."
"Oh, gods!" Zag dashed to the left. "This is fantastic!" He dashed to the right. "The best thing that could've..."
Hypnos took in the beauty as his love chattered eagerly, dashing around. Shining with happiness. So that's what they mean by a "beaming smile."
"...and you proposed!" Zag exclaimed between uncontrolled joy-dashes. "No one approaches me. I don't know if I drive them off somehow but I've always had to speak up first I can't believe this is happening!"
He gave a cry of surprise as Zagreus swept him off his feet. His list went flying in a rustle of parchment, and they kissed with reckless abandon.
"Hypnos..." His smile faded. "You're sure you want me? I... I'm such a mess, and I come with a ridiculous father-in-law."
"Aw, Zag..." Hypnos clung to his neck, nuzzling close. "I'd go through an army of Hades to get to you. As for your other concerns... What's not to love?!"
"Blood and darkness I'm a lucky man." His voice shook. It sounded like Zagreus was crying a little. "Put that ring on me."
"OK. ...You know how this works, don't you?"
The prince fidgeted in place. Gods, he looked happy.
Hypnos laid in his arms, matched his expectant stare. "To give you a ring," he explained, "I must first have access to your hands."
"...I knew that." His ears flushed Aphrodite-pink. "I... I'm a bit overwhelmed. You actually..." He squeezed Hypnos in a tight hug, then placed him on his feet.
The sleep god knelt and gave Zagreus the ring. Kissed the back of his hand, with dramatic flair. The line of waiting shades clapped.
"Damn..." Zag whispered. Admired his ring-finger, wiped at his eyes. "I never thought someone would love..."
"I do," Hypnos replied, floating up for another hug. Felt the prince in his arms. Warm, shaky, and certainly there. They held each other closer.
This time instead of running to escape, Zagreus stayed by his partner, standing in front of the orange chaise-lounge. Hypnos got out a blank sheet of parchment, his pen a blur as he scribbled out a new list.
Things we'll Need for the Wedding