Work Text:
“Who’s a good boy? You are! Yes you are Cerberus, you are the bestest boy, aren’t you?” Zagreus ruffled the red fur of Cerberus’ most affectionate head, grinning at his beloved pet. There was the sound of bells and a flash of light, and Zagreus’ smile only grew wider. He turned to find his partner approaching and couldn’t help the affection in his voice as he greeted him. “Hi, Than.”
Thanatos stopped a few steps before him. His arms were crossed and he looked as imposing as ever.
“Zagreus. Slacking off I see.” Thanatos nodded towards where Zagreus’ hand was still petting Cerberus.
“Aw~” Zagreus pouted. “You won’t go telling my father now, will you?”
Thanatos hummed.
“It has been quiet lately without you around to cause a ruckus…”
Moments later, Thanatos broke into a grin as bright as Zagreus’ own.
Zagreus beckoned his partner closer and they shared an embrace.
“I’ve missed you,” Zagreus said, before kissing him.
“Things got busy.” Thanatos didn’t sound particularly happy about it. “And clearly Cerberus here has been occupying all of your attention.”
Cerberus whined at the words. All three of his heads appeared forlorn, which was more than what Zagreus could get out of the other two.
“Oh I’m sorry,” Thanatos cooed. “You deserve all the attention.” He went over to pet Cerberus as well, paying attention to the two heads that usually did not allow Zagreus to touch them. “Hi, boy. I guess it’s been a while since I’ve seen you too, huh?”
“Guess this means you’ll have to visit more often,” Zagreus said. He didn’t care for subtlety—he didn’t need it. “Maybe even slack off every now and then to make time.”
This, Thanatos found less amusing. He gave Zagreus a look he’d seen directed at Hypnos many times before.
“Unlike some of us, I find my work fulfilling. It’s important to get things done, when they need to be done.”
“Hey, who says I don’t? You might recall that I greatly surpassed you the last time we met out there. What was it again? Eighteen to—”
Zagreus was cut off by Thanatos’ lips on his own. He kissed his partner back, then giggled when Thanatos didn’t seem to want to stop.
“Than,” he said, putting his hand over Thanatos’ mouth, “Cerberus is still here.”
Thanatos looked behind them, as if just remembering the large dog’s presence. To his credit, Cerberus did not appear the least bit interested in the two of them now that he wasn’t being doted on. Thanatos turned to Zagreus. Zagreus stared back at him.
“To my rooms then?” Zagreus suggested.
“To your rooms,” Thanatos agreed, before teleporting them away.