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There was a rhythm to Hypnos' snores. A long breath in, all snorting and decadent, followed by a long shooooo exhale. "Sawing logs," Thanatos called it, but it wasn't that loud. Zag found peace in the sound's regularity. Steadiness. It meant Hypnos felt comfortable dropping his guard. Not stealing shuteye at work, or fighting to keep his eyes open. Actively crawling into bed, inviting Zag in with him to rest side by side.
Now was no time to dash through a wall, or to scare him awake! Now was the time for soft forehead kisses, and blankets tucked up around chins. He felt Hypnos' face in his hair. Arms clutching his ribs. Tight and protective, but nowhere near crushing. Gentle breaths caressed his scalp, warm and light. Though Zagreus faced away, it felt like they'd never been closer. In this moment, he was completely loved and secure...
And stuck. Trapped. Held firmly in place. Because apparently when Hypnos dozes off, he's strong as Asterius.
Well, not like I had any plans, he thought with a twitch of his pinned bicep. To think I tore through the Pact of Punishment and fought my way past Father, just to be restrained in my own room. He relaxed into his partner's chest, feeling joyously safe and lazy. Oh, the horror.
He bent his elbow, running his hand up his love's bare arm. They'd doffed their adornments, gone to bed wearing soft, simple nightclothes. Hypnos' idea. Zag had stripped off his pauldron and both his shin guards. Left them in a heap near the door, laurels tossed crookedly on a metal skull.
As he glanced around, he spied trace after trace of their life together. A gauzy, red blanket-cloak draped on the back of a chair. A new eyemask left on a shelf near his bed. They were lying on Hypnos-approved throw pillows. Carefully fluffed, and blessed by the sleep god to ward against bad dreams.
And the Mirror of Night, once an austere slab of darkness, now speckled with taped-on pages. Hard to see from this distance, but he recalled every word. Cheeky reminders to dodge attacks, mixed with sweet notes and encouraging messages. Words like "You got this," and "You're so cool," plus the long letter Hypnos had written to confess his feelings. This had a special spot, right at eye-level. Zag loved looking at the Mirror of Night, and not just to try new builds.
...Wait, the mirror, my escapes! I should probably...
He started to thrash. Pushed out with his shoulders and fought to break free! ...Gently of course, so as not to wake Hypnos.
But Hypnos was fearsomely strong! Zagreus was fearsomely cozy! Oh well. Gave it the old college try.
Getting unstuck would take a miracle. Maybe if Daedalus brought the Jaws of Life, or Father tried prying him out with Gigaros. Zag was going nowhere, held for the foreseeable future.
"You know," Hypnos murmured, "you could just dash out."
"Hm... Nope. Can't."
"I won't be offended."
Zag leaned in close. Deeper into this tender embrace, never to come back out.
"...Did you forget how to dash?" the sleep god asked helplessly. "That move where you dodge a blow, or jump through a wall?"
"Back to sleep, Hypnos."
"...Oh." He laughed slightly as it hit him. "So you like it when... In that case, you're in my clutches!" He squeezed tighter, barely restricted Zag's breathing. "All mine. No escape from a Hypnos hug!"
"My one weakness."
"You know, you just made my day or night. I love this. I love holding you and keeping you safe!" Hypnos tensed, backpedaling. "Not that I don't think you're tough, you can bring down the Minotaur. I... I don't think I'm saying it well. I just love you."
He contentedly closed his eyes. "Love you too."
"...I got you, Zag. I'm not letting go." He pulled the blankets up around them, tucking them in. "...Should I make you sleep?"
"I'm good. Just enjoying the moment."
"Well..." He turned his head, stifling a yawn. "I can hardly keep my eyes open..."
"Sweet dreams."
He couldn't see Hypnos' expression, but he felt that face nuzzling into his hair. Heard a long, blissful sigh followed by a snore. That familiar rhythm, safe and inviting. Zag breathed in time with his partner, and let his head sink into a Hypnos-approved throw pillow. Closer than ever, with no pressing plans to get up for.