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The House of Lord Hades is miraculously almost quiet, the uncomfortable silence being broken only by the low whispers of the gossipy shades, talking about the hot topic: Lord Hades and his son, Zagreus, Prince of the Underworld discussed.
And Zagreus did not understand why it was a hot topic, if any conversation between him and his dad ended in clenched fists, screams and harsh words.
Normally it wouldn't affect him that much, he never let his father get in his way. He wouldn't lose another escape attempt just because Hades called him stupid, useless, shame of the family and other bunch of words he doesn't recall with certainty.
The things is, Zagreus is fucking tired.
Not only mentally, but physically; because, really, getting almost close to escape again, then die for a rat in the Temple of Styx is kinda – really – frustrating.
Together with the hot discussion with his beloved father, it made his head ache in discomfort, and he wanted nothing more but to lie in his bed and forget about everything and everyone around him, at least for some hours.
He left the hall with a dash, his father's head already down, more focused on his work than anything. Zagreus entered his bed chambers with a heavy sight, closing the big curtain behind him, an unusual act. He dashes again, standing right beside his bed, letting his body fall in the fluffy cushion, his face sinking in the pillow, he ignores the little sting of pain that runs through his nose after it hits the soft.
Honestly, the feeling of tiredness is strange to Zagreus too. He is never tired. Rarely sleeping and just doing when someone asks him to take a break – by asking, it means pursue him or beg him.
Zag groans muffled by the pillow, not wanting to leave, but not wanting to sleep.
And Zagreus not wanting to leave is at least worrying.
Some time passes, minutes, maybe hours. He can’t know. But the air seems to grow heavier and a sound of a gongo can be heard, together with the green lights that Zagreus can't see but he knows they're there.
– Guh-dong. – Zag repeats, barely audible.
– Zagreus? – He hears Thanatos’ deep voice behind him, and unconsciously feels his muscles relax a little.
Thank the Gods.
He can feel Than approaching the bed, listening to a silent thug when Thanatos’ feet touch the floor, sensing him close.
– May I ask, – he starts – what happened?
Oh, no.
Zagreus really does not like talking about his failed relationship with his dad. And he hated looking fragile, especially for Thanatos.
Yes, he knows he doesn't need to, Than would never have a negative reaction to his state, he knows it. It's not about not believing in Than, because Gods, he believes his body and soul in Than’s hands; He would let Thanatos lead him by the hand through the darkness of Tartarus without even thinking twice.
Even knowing all of it, his heart still stings in pain by the question.
– It's nothing, just some irrelevant things, no need to worry. – He hopes his voice hasn't cracked.
A beat of silence and then Than’s voice can be heard again.
– Zag, your head is sinked into the pillow, you are lying in bed. – He puts more strength to the last words, wanting to point out how absurd it was.
Zagreus lets another heavy sight leave his mouth as he moves his head to the side, making his right cheek lay in the pillow, looking up to the figure standing on the side of his bed.
The golden eyes shine against the midst illumination of the chambers. His scythe is hovering some feet away from him and he is looking back at Zagreus, confusion clear in his face, but waiting patiently until Zag wants to speak.
Zagreus cleans his throat.
– Just my dad again, you know. – These words are enough for making Thanatos understand, nodding slowly and approaching to sit on the bed, close to Zagreus.
– Did that make you tired? – Zag nods, relieved that he doesn't need to talk more about it.
Thanatos did a sound of understanding, placing his hand in Zag's arm, rubbing it calmly.
– Do you want to talk about it? – Thanatos asked, just for sure.
Zag denied, murmuring a “no” before closing his eyes briefly and opening again, now staring at the mirror Nyx gave him.
Thanatos slowly laid down to press a light kiss to Zagreus temple, passing his hand through his hair in a gentle caressing, trying to arrange the messing strands.
– How much time do you have? – Zag asked, closing his eyes again, feeling Than’s hand in his scalp, enjoying the moment.
– As much time as you need me. – Thanatos answered in a gentle whisper, shifting the caress of his hair to his face, caressing his cheek and jaw.
Zag opened his eyes and looked to Thanatos, finding that he was already looking at him with a soft look full of genuine fondness and love.
They got close at the same moment, pressing their lips together in a slight kiss, Thanatos still caressing his cheek.
Than’s cold lips against his hot lips bring him a peace his nothing more but grateful of feeling, and when they separated and those gold eyes looked at him again, he swore Aphrodite put something in his boons.
His boyfriend kissed him on the forehead before moving away, walking to the other side of the bed and lying in there. Zagreus holded him like he was going to disappear, hands tangled together, the caressing in Zag’s hair came back, legs tangled like they were one.
– Rest, my love. – And like that, Zagreus closes his eyes and sleeps.
Even if just for a few hours.