Chapter Text
Thanatos lowered his scythe and studied the now empty chamber in the cool airs of Elysium as the last of the exalted shades were consumed by the River Styx, returned once more to the House. Across the way, Zagreus sighed before slinging the last bit of blood remaining on the Stygian Blade off with a deft flick.
The smile he gave Thanatos made his heart flutter and, like always these days, they were drawn toward each other as if magnetized. Zagreus trailed a charred set of footprints behind him while Thanatos glided through the air.
"You came. I hoped you would," Zagreus said as he leaned his blade against a rock before reaching for Thanatos's hand, tugging him close so they were pressed together front-to-front. Thanatos snorted.
"You just saw me, Zag. It hasn't even been three days in the mortal realms. Practically five minutes for us."
Zagreus arched a brow. "And you're not pleased to see me, Than?"
Thanatos traced his nose along Zagreus's and smiled. "I never said that."
"You have no idea how happy it makes me when I see you out here and we have our little competitions."
"I can tell. Both the Pierced Butterfly and Mort?" Thanatos caught the subtle gleam of his keepsake and the distinct connection between him and the mouse companion. His lips pulled into a knowing smirk as he reached for Zagreus's hips. "I get the feeling I've been on your mind."
"You're always on my mind," Zagreus said, his gaze deep and warm. He shifted and soon their lips were separated by barely anything at all. They brushed as he said, "But, admittedly, I did want to feel close to you today."
The vulnerable admission slipped into Thanatos's heart and while Zagreus's lips were well within reach, instead he sighed and closed his eyes before pressing their brows together. After so long struggling to communicate, Zagreus being clear and open with his thoughts and feelings was a balm to an ache that was still secretly healing.
"I also look forward to our meetings outside the House," he admitted. "If I didn't have my work and you didn't have yours—"
"I wonder if we'd ever leave the bed." They chuckled together and Zagreus's fingers trailed up Thanatos's shoulders. "I'm sure my father would have no problems with that."
The mere idea of Lord Hades overlooking their lack of work and professionalism to instead remain in a bedchamber for all time was so ridiculous that Thanatos couldn't help but laugh, and Zagreus wasted no time joining in. Their voices made a beautiful melody, filling the air and surpassing even the best of Orpheus's ballads.
"You're certainly tempting enough," Thanatos said. "If anyone could convince me, you could."
"I'll keep that in mind the next time Father can't help but be more like he was before Mother returned," Zagreus said. "Not that that has happened in some time. Ever since the party with the Olympians, everything's been quiet. Practically peaceful."
"It seems that way, and I have to admit that the queen has tempered him. Even Hypnos has commented on his calmer disposition, though I doubt Lord Hades would let us get away with such a thing."
"I'm not sure any of us would. At least, not for long." Zagreus chuckled. "Your work is important, and so is mine. That, and I think we like the change of pace."
"I know you certainly do, though I wouldn't complain if the mortals eased their demands once in a while so I could focus solely on you."
Zagreus's brows vanished into his hair. "You really mean that, Than?"
Thanatos smiled, charmed. He supposed he understood. All their lives Thanatos had been filled with purpose as Death Incarnate. His work was endless and necessary, and more times than they could count, their meetings and trysts only happened in snatched moments or the brief spaces between assignments. How his work affected their relationship was beginning to bother not only Zagreus but himself as well.
More and more, all Thanatos wanted was Zagreus.
"I mean it," he said with full honesty. "You're important to me, Zag. I don't want our time together to be limited to snatches of time stolen. Granted, we have eternity, but that doesn't stop me from wanting to be with you whenever I can. Especially at our leisure."
The look Zagreus gave him was surprised but also filled with a happiness Thanatos hadn't expected to see. The prince was always optimistic and understanding. Thanatos had thought he was the only one craving more time together.
He supposed he was wrong.
The kiss Zagreus drew him into was slow and rich and filled with the burn of intimacy and affection Thanatos knew could ignite into an inferno given half a chance. It wouldn't be the first time he'd stalled his work for the temptations of the prince, and despite the effect it had on his work, he also knew he'd willingly agree to whatever Zagreus wanted.
This time felt different, though. Like something existed between them, something ready to change and evolve into something so much greater, and as Zagreus pressed his hand over Thanatos's heart, shifting so close it was like nothing could ever come between them again, warmth flooded him. The other god was suddenly hotter than usual, and Thanatos gasped at the intensity that blossomed in his chest, filling him to the brim with tenderness and care. Today was different. Desire burned low like it always did when they were together.
But the love he felt for the young prince in his arms tore through everything. And he thought maybe, just maybe, today would be the day he told Zagreus about that love.
Perhaps today was also the day he'd hear the same.
Thanatos sighed and followed Zagreus as he pulled away, the strength of his feelings begging him not to let the other god go. The prince's eyes danced as they held each other's gaze, and Zagreus gently stroked Thanatos's cheek.
"I have something to tell you. Several things, actually. And don't worry, they're all good."
Thanatos's heart thudded in his chest, but he stayed cool and arched a brow even as a knowing smirk tugged at the edge of his lips. "Do you?"
The smile Zagreus gave him would have made his knees weak if he were actually standing on the ground. "Yes, but it'll have to wait until I'm done testing the Underworld securities. Later, at the House, though. Which means I'd better get going if I'm going to make it back anytime soon."
Thanatos smirked, his chest a riot of profound emotions he could barely contain. "Well, I could always help you take the easy way."
"I'm sure my father would be thrilled if I let you," Zagreus laughed before stepping away, the unwanted space effective at clearing Thanatos's head. "But you know I have to bring Theseus's ego down a notch."
"I suppose you are exceptional at it," Thanatos agreed fondly. "Though please, don't hesitate to call when it's time. You know I like to help."
"If you want, you can come with me." Zagreus picked up Stygius and walked toward the gates to the next area of Elysium. "I don't think you've ever seen a full fight in the arena, have you?"
"I'm too busy for that," Thanatos replied as he floated along. "I'd like to, though. Maybe one day I will, but unfortunately, I have work."
Zagreus snorted. "I'll be calling you in hardly any time at all."
"And I'll still be able to collect and ferry a mortal soul or two between now and then." Thanatos lifted his scythe and smiled. "But I'll be looking forward to it all the same. I know you can handle Theseus on your own, but even I have to admit there's a certain pleasure in taking him down every time you call."
"I call it leveling the odds," Zagreus said before reaching for his hand and squeezing it. "After that, I'll see you back at the House? I know you might have work come up, but… I mean it. There's something I want to tell you the next time we see each other."
The flood of warmth Thanatos felt within his chest couldn't conceive of anything else. Especially when he looked into the prince's eyes and saw love reflected back.
"Multiple somethings, if I recall." His heart pulsed, filled with light and the future. "I'll see you there."
The last thing Thanatos felt as he teleported was the soft brush of their fingertips slipping past each other as they parted ways.