Chapter Text
Melinöe never dreamt.
In shadows between reality and the domain of Hypnos, the place of her escape, dreams always seem to evade her, until foretold by fates. Her regeneration usually passed in calm and peace. Not this time. She didn't know what foul curse hit her this time, but while her body was regaining its strength, her mind was trapped in countless repetitions of her lost battles. She felt cornered, desperate and - they were the scariest feelings for her - tired and weak. As she finally woke up, her limbs were trembling. "Calm down", - she tried to tell herself - "Chronos can't break your spirit in reality, so he fled to the dream world. He can't do any real harm, he-" Her own rapid exhale interrupted her thoughts. The dam of long-repressed fear and weakness broken down, and there is no way of stopping tears from falling. The only action Melinöe found strength to do is to cling to her pet frog Frinos, finding a sort of comfort in caressing his smooth skin.
Dora never saw Melinöe like that. Crying out loud, or even demonstrating any emotion so blatantly, to be completely honest. This feeling of… despair is strangely familiar with her, as she tries to recall any means to help Mel… but her memory is still very feeble. Dora almost feels panic took over herself, until a thought flashes through her mind. Even if she has no idea how to help, she knows someone who hopefully can.
With all the speed her shade form allows her to move, she rushes to the garden, where Icarus just landed to rest.
-Hey, winged guy. Follow me, quick. And quiet.
She rushes back to the tent, and Icarus hastily follows
-Dora? W-what's with the rush?
-Melinoe needs help, now!
-Her Grace? We should call Headmistress, then, and-
-Keep it on a hush-hush, bird boy. Your help. You'll see in a moment.
In a moment, Dora and... terribly confused Icarus arrive at the tent. And no matter how quiet shade's steps are, Melinöe's trained senses catch the rustling of Icarus' equipment, turning back with expression of terror
-...Icarus? Why are you here? You shouldn't-
New feeling adds up to already boiling brew of emotions, this one is more familiar to her. Shame. She seeks pity in Icarus' expression... but finds none. Faster than she can react, Icarus pulls her into a hug. Yes, his shade form is feeble, and his touch feels no harder than a breeze, but his wings do the trick, enveloping Melinöe and Frinos, hiding them from the outside world. Icarus thinks, that she needs warmth of a real human hug right now, and this thought fills him with familiar anxiety. But little does he know - Melinöe don't have much to compare. She finds herself relaxing in this... strange form of embrace. Her emotions calm down, the world around slows, as she feels weak, almost weightless touch threading through her locks. A few minutes pass in this calm silence, when not even Frinos dare to move. Princess of the Underworld speaks first.
-... I am sorry, Icarus. You shouldn't have to see me... in this state
This sounds cheesy even in his head... But Icarus mumble it out anyway
-There is nothing I wish for more than being with you in moments like this.
-No need to sweet-talk me. I don’t need pity,
-I am not... Melinöe, you know there is nothing that would make me feel... repulsive of you. I can take it.
A few more moments pass in silence. Melinoe slowly gets out of the hug, letting Frinos hop away freely.
-Although, I wish you would never see me like this... I am thankful that you happened by. I promise, such incidents would not happen in the future
-Meli, please, It is alright. I am very happy to be here for you. Would it be inappropriate if I ask what happened?
-I've had... a nightmare. - Melinöe flinches - But that's alright. I won't let it go to my head.
-Are you sure? I know Time wouldn't wait, but it is alright to take a break and gather your bearings.
-I don't need that.
Next sentence takes a lot of work for Icarus to pronounce. He shouldn't be selfish, he knows. But it is for her own good too... he doesn't want to think about her mission
-...What if I... want you to stay a bit more?
-...What?
-Y-you heard me. - Newfound hubris washed off quickly, but there is no backing out now - I... h-have no intention to interrupt your mission, Your Grace, but...I would be very grateful, if you... give yourself a few minutes to rest. And.... if you give me pleasure of accompanying you.
Icarus taking initiative? That is certainly new for Melinöe, but not unpleasant. She doesn't want to seem like this nightmare affected her that much... but there is no harm in a little delay, is it? She’d done this before, so...
-There is no need to speak so formally, Icarus. If I think so, I can spare some time before I'll start the night. What about a soak in the springs?
-T-that will do nicely!
As Icarus eagerly follows Melinöe out of the tent, he feels a tug on his back, and a teasing voice of a certain ubiquitous shade.
-Lovebird.