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“You…have something for me?” Zagreus raised an eyebrow, tilting his head ever so slightly. “Did you steal it?” That earned him a punch from the ascended demigod standing in front of him. Zagreus narrowly missed being stabbed as well. He couldn’t help the smile on his face nor the happy laughter.
Luke Castellan glowered at Zagreus, sheathing his sword and crossing his arms over his chest. “You know what? I take it back. You’re not getting my gift.” He turned heel and started to walk away. “Hey—” Zagreus grabbed his wrist and pulled him back against his chest. Blue eyes widened. “What are you—”
“I’m sorry,” Zagreus smiled apologetically. “Come on, show me.” He lifted Luke’s chin to look at him. “Please?” Zagreus was not above using puppy eyes on his partner. He wasn’t above using puppy eyes on anyone.
Luke fondly rolled his eyes, sighing in exasperation. “Oh fine,” he grumbled. He pulled out a small scorpion plush from his bag. “I got this made, and I wanted to give it to you since you gave me your chthonic companion.” He flushed red in embarrassment as Zagreus took the plushie, fawning over it. “But if you don’t like it, you don’t have to–”
“I love it,” Zagreus cut off Luke’s rambles. “It’s perfect. Thank you.” Luke’s heart fluttered every time Zagreus smiled at him. The happiness and kindness that smile radiated broke through each and every one of Luke’s defenses. Zagreus could stab him while smiling at him, and Luke would let him.
Luke huffed and looked away to hide his flaming cheeks. “Fine, good. I’m glad you like it.” He couldn’t hide his small, soft smile. He still got flustered whenever Zagreus showed him any kind of love. He just wasn’t used to it. He should be, but he isn’t.
Zagreus grinned brightly and hugged Luke again. “How are you holding up with the whole…ascending to godhood?” His smile dimmed slightly as concern filled his eyes. He knew Luke hated the gods, and Fate was cruel to make Luke the thing he hated, becoming a god of betrayal no less.
“I’m fine,” Luke scoffed, eyes dark. “Don’t worry about me.” He wasn’t okay, but he would be one day. “I’m handling it.”
“For a child of Hermes, you are a horrible liar,” Zagreus mused. He took Luke’s hand, intertwining their fingers. “Come on. I think we should go on a run.” Luke allowed Zagreus to drag him out of the house and into Tartarus. It had been a while since Luke went on a run with Zagreus. He would be lying if he said he wasn’t excited.
“Have fun, lovebirds. I won’t be going easy on you,” Meg hummed as the duo passed the lounge. She raised her glass and downed the wine. Her whip hung dangerously from her hip, a cruel smirk on her lips.
“Thanks, Meg!” Zagreus smiled and Luke rolled his eyes.
Thus, he and Luke jumped down into Tartarus to fight their way to the surface. As usual, they breezed their way through the darkest depths of the Underworld before progressing through the fiery fields of Asphodel. They fell into a comfortable pace, working hand in hand to get to the overworld. Their last challenge was getting through Elysium and the Arena.
Luke always hated the arena and everything it stood for. He hated Theseus’s arrogance and pride. He hated the cheers from the shades. He hated watching Zagreus fighting Theseus and Asterius, sometimes dying and being sent back to the house. In general, he hated when Zagreus died. Logically, he knew Zagerus couldn’t truly die, but he felt the pain of dying. And Luke wanted to take that away.
He took a deep breath and gripped Stygius tightly.
Stepping into the arena always gave Luke a rush. Yes, he hated being watched as a spectacle, but he had to admit, he enjoyed the actual fighting. Fighting alongside his partner was always good. His nerves buzzed beneath his skin. This would be his first fight as a god. After his ascension, Luke stopped going on runs so he could get used to the divine transition.
Luke was a man of contradictions. He hated the arena yet he loved it just the same. He glanced over at Zagreus. “Ready?” he asked, brandishing his sword. He could almost feel the adrenaline beginning to rise as he anticipated the battle.
“Ready as I’ll ever be,” Zagreus grinned, stepping into the arena to face Theseus and Asterius. Luke followed suit and frowned at the other two. Luke tuned out Theseus and his hubris. His speeches always bored the son of Hermes. He could only listen to so much hubris before he got angry.
“Oh, shut up,” Luke grumbled. “Get on with the fight already!”
“You dare interrupt me, you fiend?” Theseus snapped angrily.
“Sure am,” Luke grinned cheekily.
Zagreus picked Luke up before he could do anything else and prematurely start the fight. “Let the warrior speak,” he murmured to Luke. “He likes the sound of his own voice.” Theseus got even more offended and Luke flipped him off with a cheeky grin.
“Enough,” Asterius, the ever voice of reason, spoke up. “Let us fight with honor instead of childish petulance.”
“Yes, let's,” Zagreus nodded, putting Luke down.
Thus the fighting began. However, before Zagreus or Luke could lunge, Theseus suddenly turned to strike Asterius.
“What is this?” he yelled out in terror. His body moved on its own and attacked the Minotaur. “Brother, it’s not me doing this. I can’t,” he ducked as Asterius was forced to fight back in self-defense.
“What…” Zagreus’ eyes widened and he glanced at Luke.
Luke was shaking. No. This wasn’t supposed to happen. Why was this happening? The shades in the stands cried in outrage as the seemingly betrayal happening between Theseus and Asterius, but Luke knew better. It was his fault. It was always his fault. He still couldn’t control his powers. He staggered back, dropping his sword.
“Hey, hey, it’s alright,” Zagreus grabbed Luke’s wrist. “Calm down. Breathe.” Luke looked at his partner. Zagreus smiled. “Good, just breathe. This isn’t your fault. This is just a mistake. Everyone makes them, even gods.” He pulled Luke into a hug. “You’ll get the hang of it.”
To save some dignity, Zagreus brought Luke to the corner of the arena. While Theseus and Asterius fought, Zagreus was making sure Luke was okay. He gently cupped Luke’s face in his hands. “Don’t look at them. Look at me,” he murmured, and Luke’s eyes turned to him.
Luke’s eyes widened as their lips met, and he relaxed. “I’m fine,” he promised, holding onto Zagreus. “Thank you.” They kissed again, full of passion and love. The chaos around them melted away as they got lost in each other. Everything was going to be okay, but Luke wasn’t alone anymore. He had a partner who loved him unconditionally.
Meanwhile, Luke’s unstable control over Theseus and Asterius finally shattered. The two allies were ready to get their revenge on the audacious blond. But when they looked over, Theseus went beet red and Asterius coughed.
“I think we should postpone this battle,” Asterius mumbled.
The red shade up in the stands dropped its popcorn. Eyes widened and he started laughing. This was not the weirdest thing he had seen, and he was happy that his son finally found peace and someone that loved him. He would have liked to see a fight, but this was just as entertaining.
“Have you no respect or shame!?” Theseus shouted, throwing his spear at the couple.