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Zagreus’ name should not have been on this list.
In truth, he did not want to audition for the role of Romeo in his school’s rendition of the famous play, not initially at least. Why he marched over to the West Hall and into Achilles’ classroom during his planning period, ranted to him that he did not want varsity sports to occupy his entire year, and agreed to join the play, Zagreus did not know. But he enjoyed acting, enjoyed the vigorous effort and practice required to bring printed lines on a thin sheet of paper to life; hell, he was good too, even though he could hardly direct his attention to anything for longer than a second.
No, that was not the problem.
Thanatos was casted, too, the line confirming it below Zagreus’. And she was going to play Juliet Capulet.
Of course she was. Thanatos worked so hard for the role, and she deserved it— much more than Zagreus. But it’s Thanatos, who’s his childhood friend; Thanatos, who’s his crush; Thanatos, who had already rejected half the school; Thanatos, who Zagreus now has to kiss and fawn over, which shouldn’t be all too difficult, but still.
Thanatos, who’s scanning the casting call, face blank and eyes the color of honeycombs absent of any interest. Zagreus needs to peel his eyes off of ZAGREUS STYX………. ROMEO MONTAGUE and THANATOS CKTHONIA………. JULIET CAPULET, so he stares at Thanatos’ snug-fitting black corset top instead, and suddenly the bright red Nike shirt he’s wearing itches at his skin. Dear gods, he is going to look so stupid standing next to Thanatos.
Thanatos hums, turns to him, and says, “Well done, Zag.” Her boots click loudly as she walks away without another word, and Zagreus bites the inside of his cheek so hard he could’ve drawn blood.
Well done? If Thanatos looks at him like that— fucking eyelashes and all— then he’s unquestionably going to fumble the balcony scene. Oh gods, the balcony scene, the kiss, Ares is going to murder him.
“You too,” he calls out after her, weakly.
Zagreus weighs his options. It’s too late to back out now. Perhaps if he skips enough rehearsals, they’ll recast him with, say, Megaera. That’d be good, right?
He sighs, presses the pad of his thumb against his bottom lip. No, Thanatos would slice his head off if he didn’t show up.
There’s only one thing left to do: get as much help as possible.
Zagreus finds Ares in the gymnasium, slightly bent over a water fountain and ravenously gulping down its contents. He tries listening to the sound of feet striking the ground and the echo of basketballs bouncing to calm his nerves.
He hasn’t spoken to his cousin in some time, save for brief conversations in which Ares tends to go… astray. And he’s not sure how to lead this one. What is there to say? I’m going to kiss your ex-girlfriend, and I need your help to do so, because I actually have a crush on her.
Zagreus rocks on his heels, considers turning on them. “Uh, Ares?”
Ares spins around, some water escaping his lips. He smiles, relaxed and easy. “Oh, Zag, what’s up?”
Zagreus chews on his lips. It’s now or never, he thinks to himself. I need all the help I can get.
“I’m going to kiss your ex-girlfriend,” he blurts out; thankfully, he shuts himself up before he completely fucks this up.
Ares’ smile falls; he positively stares at Zagreus. “That’s, I mean, if you’re asking for my permission,” he says very slowly—
“No!” cuts in Zagreus. “I— listen, we both auditioned for Romeo and Juliet, and she’s Romeo, and I’m Juliet— no, wait, I’m Romeo, and she’s Juliet, and I’m just worried.” He gestures wildly with his hands. “You know what happens between them, us. And it’s Thanatos, and you know what, I’m not worried; I’m fucking terrified. That I’m gonna mess it up. And you two have kissed and done way more than that, so I figured you can help me out here?”
Ares’ gaze is unreadable, intense as it is, and Zagreus feels the sliver of hope crumbling inside him.
“Zagreus,” Ares begins with an abrupt laugh, “relax.”
“I am very relaxed,” snaps Zagreus.
Ares crosses his arms, flexing his muscles, sheen with sweat. “I mean, what can I say? She’s a good kisser.”
“That doesn’t help!” says Zagreus, exasperated.
“Shit, then I don’t know what to say.” Ares kind of shrugs. His lips crack into a grin, white locs tumbling as he steps forward and pats Zagreus on the shoulder. “Thanatos is— you know, I think you said enough about her. More than I could. It’s a play, right? Well, you’ll have practice.”
“I know, I know! It’s just…” Zagreus breaks off with a sigh, pinching his nose. He continues, softer, “I… I like her, Ares. So much.” He should feel scared— Ares used to throw men around like ragdolls if they even looked at Thanatos the wrong way.
Ares smiles, genuine, and ruffles Zagreus’ hair. “Listen kid,” he says, even though they’re the same age, “I’m the last person on earth to tell you not to mess up, because I did, and look, my feelings for Thana still linger. But you’re smart. And if you managed to get Romeo in the first place, then you can pull off the stupid balcony scene or whatever.”
Relief washes over Zagreus, like cold water to heated skin. His cousin was right. Of course he can play Romeo, and nothing would go wrong, and he’s not scared at all. “Thank you, Ares. Really, thank you.”
“It’s nothing.” Ares lifts his hand off, striding off, but not without turning back and saying, “You got this!”
Huh.
At least he didn’t murder Zagreus.
Zagreus attends the rehearsal, in the auditorium where everything reverberates and you can feel the eyes of everybody despite the empty seats, and he is still terrified, but it’s okay.
Thanatos is draped in a long black skirt and a matching top, hair the color of moonlight cascading down her back, and gods above help him, but she really is beautiful.
Zagreus stutters on some lines, forgets another few, but it’s okay. Thanatos smiles at him, warm and reassuring, eyes touching him softly, hands smooth and icy when she rests them on his shoulders or face.
Hours pass by in the blink of an eye. Their lips did not brush and Zagreus did not pour out any real confessions that would’ve braided with the script.
The sun dips beneath the horizon. Zagreus shoves his papers into his school-bag, downs a bottle of water, and he is panting—relieved and still feeling scared— so loudly that he doesn’t hear Thanatos say, “Hey.”
Zagreus whirls around to find Thanatos towering over him. “Than!” he says, louder than intended. She raises a brow.
“You did good,” says Thanatos, molten eyes looking down at him, and it leaves Zagreus trying to catch his breath. “Really, you did.”
“Aye, and you too,” he returns, grinning.
She offers him the ghost of a smile. She shifts her weight on her feet, staring at her black boots. “If you want to go over lines, or scenes”— and Thanatos lifts her eyes then, knowing— “then you’re always welcome over. Or, if your father will allow—“
“Of course!” Zagreus interjects. He stops, clears his throat. “I mean, yeah, we can go over lines.”
“Great.” Thanatos’ hands flap on her sides, falling limp. “Well, uh, have a good night, then?”
“Yeah. You too.”
Thanatos’ lips curl into a small smile, and she struts off, pulling on the strap of her bag and yelling out after Dionysus to leave her damn guitar alone.
Zagreus sighs, exhausted.
Blasted school plays.