Work Text:
Hecate yawned and, very slowly, with a quiet groan, sat up on her bed. Since Hypnos had awakened, dreams had once again become incredibly sweet and pleasant. It made her want to stay in them as long as possible, never waking up. But unfortunately, she couldn’t. The woman had far too much work to do—especially after the release of most of the House of Hades.
She needed to create a spell for Persephone’s garden, to restore the soil at least a little. Then she had to check on Zagreus—Hades had asked her to see his son because of the spell Melinoë had used. Hecate knew perfectly well that the boy was fine, but it was hard to refuse an old friend’s request. And she should speak with Melinoë as well; lately, the girl had become far too pensive and nervous.
She sighed heavily and grabbed her head with her uninjured hand. In moments like this, the Titaness envied the Olympians. Even during the war, they had far fewer concerns than she did—and afterward, they seemed to return effortlessly to festivals and idleness, as if Typhon and Chronos’ army had never existed at all.
Blinking slowly, Hecate looked around her tent. As usual, it was filled with protective amulets, runes, and spells. Some were very old, some recently added, and others already in need of renewal. Scrolls, plants, and books she herself had filled lay scattered everywhere. And most unexpectedly of all, bottles of ambrosia and nectar were strewn about—gifts Melinoë had recently begun bringing her in abundance.
Someone stirred beside her, and a sleepy Angustias emerged from beneath the blanket. She had stayed the night because part of the remnants of the Titan’s army had unexpectedly slipped into the forest, making it far too dangerous to leave. So she spent the night with the Titaness. As for why it was with Hecate rather than, say, Melinoë—that was an entirely unimportant detail.
“Why are you awake? It’s still early…”
Angustias asked, yawning and struggling to open her eyes wider.
Hecate merely smiled.
“For some, it’s early. For others, it’s a serious delay in the schedule.”
Angustias frowned and propped herself up on her elbows.
“Don’t you think getting up before there’s even a sunrise is a bit abnormal?”
The Titaness shrugged and turned her gaze back to the tent, cluttered with her student’s gifts. The witch followed her look and snorted softly.
“You’ve got so much nectar and ambrosia here. More than Olympus!”
Hecate shook her head with a smile.
“Hardly. Olympus has entire trees bearing golden fruit, so I think they still have more. Though…”
She chuckled quietly, covering her mouth with her uninjured hand.
“At this rate, I might actually surpass them.”
Angustias nodded, smiling.
“I don’t even know what’s worse for you now—Melinoë watching your every sneeze and crafting little comforts for you, or simply showering you with gifts.”
Hecate thought for a moment, then waved her bandaged left hand.
“I think the second option. At least then I don’t feel weak or sick.”
Suddenly, the witch frowned and sat up beside her.
“Your bandages have come loose—and the dressing too. Looks like you moved too much in your sleep.”
Hecate blinked and looked down at her injured arm. Indeed, the medicated bandages had loosened, revealing ugly black-and-gold scars. Apparently, still groggy from sleep—and numbed by the medicine—she hadn’t noticed.
“You should ask Arachne to make you a glove for sleeping,”
Angustias said gently.
“The remedy needs to stay on the skin all night, and if bandages won’t hold on their own, they need reinforcement.”
She carefully took hold of the bandages and began adjusting them, tightening them more securely. Ideally, they should have been replaced entirely, but unfortunately, the witch had used up the last of her supplies the night before—and since she stayed here, she hadn’t been able to get more.
“I’ll go see her today and ask,”
the Titaness replied, tilting her head as she watched Angustias’ hands. The witch nodded.
“Yes—but first, you’re getting proper rest.”
Hecate clicked her tongue and rolled her eyes.
“I’ve already slept enough. And I have a lot of work to do.”
Angustias raised her head, one eyebrow arching.
“You already worked yourself to exhaustion during the war—everything had to be done fast. Now it’s peaceful. Your tasks aren’t going anywhere.”
She stopped fixing the bandages and gently placed her hands on Hecate’s cheeks.
“You need to learn how to rest. You pushed yourself too hard in the past with training, and now you’re doing the same with work.”
Hecate closed her eyes and pressed her healthy cheek into the witch’s hand.
“That’s harder than it sounds,”
she said with a tired sigh.
Angustias smiled and leaned closer.
“Well then. Since I decided to stay at your request, why don’t I teach you how to rest? Especially when Lord Hypnos himself is helping me.”
The witch closed her eyes and gently kissed the Titaness. Hecate narrowed her eyes contentedly and returned the kiss, resting her hands on Angustias’ waist.
“Mmm… I don’t know.”
After a few minutes, she pulled away with a playful smile.
“But in that case, you’ll be helping me with my work today. And objections are not accepted.”
Angustias chuckled softly and kissed Hecate’s lips again.
“Deal.”
She tugged the Titaness back onto the bed, wrapping her arms around her neck and pulling her closer.
“And now… sleep.”
She said it with her eyes already closed.
Hecate blinked in surprise, then sighed and settled comfortably against Angustias’ chest. She lay still for a few minutes, waiting—until the witch suddenly began breathing softly.
She had fallen asleep.
After a moment’s thought, the Titaness closed her eyes as well.
Well then… she could sleep a little longer today.