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kumeko · 2 months

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A/N: For the Unbounded zine! I’m glad I don’t have to choose between “UST with ex” and “angsty bf” and can just have both.

…

Megaera couldn’t stop Zagreus.

Not that it stopped her from trying. As he stepped into her arena once more, bruised and bloodied from his relentless journey through the underworld, she gripped her whip tightly and stepped into the center of the room. Despite herself, she had to admit there was something appealing about his bedraggled state, his torn clothes revealing just enough skin to entice.

“Zagreus,” she greeted firmly, pushing her feelings aside. Megaera was a professional in all the ways that mattered. There was a reason Lord Hades entrusted her with this position.

“Oh, it’s you again.” Oblivious, Zagreus waved tiredly. His tunic shifted, revealing tanned skin and lean muscles, old scars and bloody bruises. The fight to her stadium must have been brutal, he looked more exhausted than normal. “Hiya, Meg.”

She should reprimand him for the nickname. It was utterly improper at work. Yet, pity or something like it stayed her tongue. Instead, she merely raised a brow and gestured at him. “Were the monsters that strong or are you just that weak?”

“Ouch. I see you haven’t lost your thorns.” Zagreus sighed, rolling back his shoulders. A particularly tantalizing string of bruises on his collarbone disappeared under his tunic as he stretched. It reminded her of another, steamier night when her teeth had left her mark. “Have you considered how tiring it is to get here?”

“You weren’t this beat-up last time.” Immediately, she clamped her jaw shut. She hadn’t meant to let that slip. Though it was true. It had only been weeks since he’d first made it to her post, but he had improved steadily throughout that time. Last time, he had barely a scratch when he’d knocked on her door.

“Keep talking like that and I’ll think you care.” Zagreus chuckled as he leaned against a pillar on the right side of the room. His legs wobbled and he slid down. “Say, Meg, can I have a moment to catch my breath? You wouldn’t want to beat a tired man, right? I doubt it’ll be any fun.”

She shouldn’t agree. Megaera took care of her work properly, keeping work and personal matters separate. Unlike her sisters, she always knew exactly where she was, who she was facing, and what she had to do.

“It wouldn’t be sporting. New weapon?” she asked, quietly sitting down next to him. Their shoulders bumped but she didn’t pull away. Maybe she was getting soft and sentimental with age. She’d have to beat it out later.

He closed his eyes, too tired to be surprised. It wouldn’t take much to send him back to the House of Hades, even a gentle tap would be enough. “Mmm. I can’t quite get the hang of it.”

“That’s surprising. Your only good trait is how fast you learn.” Megaera watched him from the corner of her eyes. She had known this profile for eons. One of these days, he’d actually make it to the top, and then what? Would he return? Would Lord Hades allow him to?

One of these days, he’d breeze through everything and the spot next to her would be empty.

“All thorns today, huh?” Zagreus chuckled. His shoulders relaxed and he was utterly unguarded. He shouldn’t trust her so much. “Did something happen?”

You. But that wasn’t a professional answer and this wasn’t a personal space. Megaera had never been one to talk about her feelings either way. She only knew how to dodge and pivot around such questions. “What’ll you do after you find your mother?”

“That…” Zagreus opened his eyes now, his voice faltering. He bit his lip as he considered her words. “I don’t know. I haven’t thought that far ahead. I mean, I can’t even make it past my father yet.”

“Lord Hades is very strong,” Megaera agreed. There was a reason he was the ruler down here, a reason why the gods on Olympus didn’t dare even cross the threshold into this domain. Yet, even then, she was certain that Zagreus would beat him. Even if it was just once.

“Annoyingly so. I think he just likes beating me up.” Zagreus huffed, irritated. He crossed his arms and scowled like a petulant child. “He almost smiled last time.”

“Smiled?” Megaera couldn’t imagine it. Maybe back when Persephone had resided down here, though her memories of that time had faded long ago.

“I know.” Zagreus sighed and ran a hand through his hair, mussing it up further. “Well, I’ve kept you waiting long enough, haven’t I?” He glanced at her, eyes crinkling slightly. “I don’t suppose you’d go easy on me, just this once?”

“Never,” she replied immediately.

“No hesitation. Thought so.” Zagreus laughed, though he didn’t sound put out. Slowly, he rose to his feet. “Then the hard way it is.”

It was impetuous. Megaera was many things, but she would never have called herself impulsive. Yet, before she could think about it, she abruptly grabbed his hand and yanked him back to the ground. His back hit the dirt and his head narrowly missed the pillar. There was probably a new bruise on him, one that would fade again once he died and returned to the house.

Zagreus groaned, rubbing his head. “What’s with the cheapshot?” he complained, wincing. When she didn’t answer, he turned his head and studied her. “Meg?”

Her nickname. One day, he’d disappear though those doors and she wouldn’t hear it again. One of these days, he might just not return.

Megaera was not a sentimental fool—that was Thanatos’s job—but she climbed on top of Zagreus, her fingers already shoving his tunic away. Not that there was much to move at this point, his clothing was like scraps barely held together. When he opened his mouth, she glared and barked, “Don’t ask.”

“Don’t ask—” Zagreus flinched as her cold fingers brushed his collarbone, as she slowly lowered her head, her long hair draping over his chest. Her breath warmed his skin and he shuddered. “Wait, what—here?”

“I said don’t.” For once, she wished he was like he used to be, back when he had been an idiotic, callous godling who’d just shut up when she told him to. She wouldn’t have missed that Zagreus. She kissed his neck, her teeth grazing his skin.

Mine, she didn’t say.

Stop, she didn’t beg.

The hickey was dark. If by the time he found his mother, if he was still searching for a reason to come back, she hoped he’d see it and remember just who was left behind.

-x-

Thanatos couldn’t make Zagreus stay.

He wasn’t enough. He had never been enough. Thanatos had known this for centuries now. They had been brothers once, were lovers now, and yet none of these bonds were strong enough to convince Zagreus to stay. None of these bonds were better than that with a mother Zagreus had never met.

Instead, here he was in Elysium once more, making his way to the surface as relentlessly as Zeus or Apollo chased women. For once, Zagreus looked in good shape, with minimal injuries. The monsters weren’t doing their jobs properly. Maybe this time he’d finally make it to the surface.

A dull ache spread at the thought, but Thanatos was used to that feeling. He glanced around the open area. For once, paradise was empty, filled only with shallow pools of healing water and benches to rest on. Nothing that required Thanatos’s special skills, nothing that he had to help with.

He should leave.

“Than!” Zagreus called out, his voice anchoring Thanatos as firmly as a hand. “Fancy bumping into you here.”

It irritated him just how much of a hold Zagreus had on him. Even the godling’s voice was like a chain, keeping Thanatos tethered. Megaera had always been better at keeping a distance. With a sigh, he turned around and faced his partner. “Zag.”

Zagreus wiped the sweat from his brow. He smirked cockily, his arrogance always appearing in the worst ways. It was unfortunately extremely appealing. “Came to help again?”

Part of him wanted to shatter the sheer confidence that lay in that question, in the way that Zagreus smiled at him, in the way his lover’s hands were already brushing his skin. But he was weak, he had always been weak to Zagreus, and the best he could muster was a cold, “Obviously not.”

Not buying it, Zagreus laughed and patted him on the back. “Sure, whatever you say mate. Still, I suppose we got lucky this time. There’s nothing here.”

“With how you’ve handled your weapons lately, I suppose you’ll need the break,” Thanatos scoffed, though he didn’t shrug away Zagreus’s hand. It burned him as deeply as a brand.

“First Meg, now you,” Zagreus grumbled, crossing his arms as he glared at Thanatos. His expression was more playful than frustrated. “Admit it, you both just like talking down to me.”

“Talking down?” Thanatos rolled his eyes. He couldn’t stop himself from continuing their little charade. “We are merely pointing out reality.”

“Right. Sure. I’m the one who has to fight my way up, unlike you two. And I’m barely even injured this time.” Zagreus gestured at his body, as thought that proved anything. Thanatos knew of the healing aid Zagreus received during his journey.

“Then I won’t have to carry your body down?” Thanatos asked lightly, faking nonchalance.

“It’s not like I plan to die.” Zagreus snorted. He bumped his shoulder against Thanatos’s and smirked. “Better you than Charon, though. His grip is always so cold.”

He wasn’t sure if he should be pleased or annoyed. “I could do without the extra work.”

“Again, it’s not like I want to die.” Zagreus sighed. Scratching his head, he scanned their surroundings. “Well, at least you don’t have to worry about that happening here. It’s been a while since I found a healing fountain.” He smirked. “Since there’s nothing to fight—”

Thanatos could read between the lines. He pulled his hood over his head. “I’ll leave.”

“What?” Zagreus lunged for his hand, stopping him in his tracks. Panicked, he blurted, “That’s not what I meant. I just thought we could take a breather here. Together.”

An odd, ticklish feeling coiled in his chest. Thanatos looked away. “Some of us have jobs, Zag.”

“You can still take a break. Charon can handle the load, and so can Her—” Zagreus paled and cut himself off. Scratching his cheek, he weakly chuckled. “I mean, you have Charon. You can take shifts or something.”

Thanatos studied him. That was definitely not what he was about to say. He wasn’t sure if he wanted to push it. They had enough falling apart between them without exposing yet another secret. “We don’t have the exact same job.”

“Close enough.” Tugging his hand lightly, Zagreus guided him to a bench. “Come on. Just a few minutes.”

He should say no. As it was, he was backlogged, the expanding mortal world filled with more and more lost souls he had to ferry to Hades’ domain. Yet Zagreus’s hand was warm in his, his grip firm, his eyes beguiling.

Despite himself, he let his lover pull him onto the seat.

Despite himself, he stayed, their hands clasped, their feet skimming the fountain water. The cuts on Zagreus healed and his bruises faded. Thanatos smiled softly. That was better—he hated finding Zagreus injured.

Forcing a neutral expression, he gestured at Zagreus’s singed tunic. It was easy to tell what he’d gone through just by the burns and cuts in his clothing. “Lava again?”

“Asphodel is hot,” Zagreus defended himself. His shoulders hunched as he sulked. He trailed a toe through the water. “Sometimes it splashes. There should be guardrails down there.”

“Not everyone is as clumsy as you,” Thanatos chided, allowing himself to relax just a little. There was no one to witness this. There was nothing to fight. It had been too long since it had been just the two of them. He smirked, feeling slightly playful. “I’ve never had to pull anyone out of lava before.”

“That was one time and that was an accident.” Zagreus’s shoulder bump was less affectionate this time.

“That’s still one more time than anyone else.” Thanatos shook his head. “How’s the Hydra?”

Zagreus grimaced. “The usual. It’s not that bad, though the heads are a little too much. Still, I’d rather fight a dozen Hydras than have to deal with Theseus again. He’s so smug. And annoying. A smug and annoying bastard.”

Thanatos couldn’t resist the easy jab. “I could say that about someone else.”

Idly, Zagreus played with Thanatos’s hand. His fingers traced nonsensical patterns on his palm. “I’m not that bad. There are levels. He breaks the scale.”

“No…I suppose you are better than him.” They were falling into old patterns, old banter. It felt familiar. It felt safe. It felt like they were back in Nyx’s quarters, curled up together in bed. Thanatos had always felt most comfortable next to Zagreus, and however much their relationship had changed, that hadn’t.

“Oh, a rare compliment.” Zagreus’s touch grew more sensual and he smirked as Thanatos shuddered. He leaned closer, their eyes meeting. “And look, it didn’t kill you to give it.”

Thanatos couldn’t look away. “It could have killed you to get it.”

“Mmm, well, then you would just have to carry me home.” Zagreus merely leaned even closer, his breath ghosting Thanatos’s lips. His other hand cupped Thanatos’ cheek. “I was just thinking I wanted more alone time with you.”

Liar. If he really wanted that, he’d just stay put.

If he really felt that, he wouldn’t try to leave.

But Thanatos didn’t argue, didn’t do anything but close his eyes. Trapped in Zagreus’s embrace, he could only lean into his lover’s hand as they kissed. He couldn’t make Zagreus stay and he couldn’t leave with him. Wanting anything more than this moment was greedy, and that desire would only lead to heartbreak in the future.

In this moment, in this present, there was only this kiss, this touch, and Thanatos didn’t have the strength to leave.

-x-

Zagreus was afraid he would never want to leave.

It was easy to say otherwise. Especially in front of his father, with his deriding taunts and angry threats. Especially in front of Nyx, with her gentle guidance and constant worry. Whether it was hate or love, Zagreus knew how to put on a brave front. There was no reason to turn back.

It was much harder to say that lying in bed, entangled in Megaera and Thanatos. They surrounded him, their warmth enveloping him as they slept. There was an arm on his waist, another around his shoulders, and their legs were tangled like the Gordian knot. Someone’s breath tickled his shoulder. Hair brushed his ear. His hand was on something soft.

Like a butterfly under the glass, his lovers pinned him in place.

For all that he rebelled against his father, Zagreus didn’t mind the Underworld. He even liked it.

Which was a problem. Cocooned between his lovers’ bodies, Zagreus didn’t want to get off the bed. He didn’t want to go to the surface, he didn’t want to find his mother, he didn’t really want to do anything but lie here while Thanatos and Megaera clung to him. And for the two most standoffish people he’d ever met, they’d been clinging to him more and more these days, in the oddest of ways. Their kisses tasted of desperation, their voices trembled with untold regret, and an unknown fear burned bright in their eyes.

No, not unknown. He had the same fear when he looked in the mirror. Perhaps that was the worst part—there was nothing he could do or say to ease their worries. He couldn’t promise he’d return, he couldn’t swear to stop, and those were the only things that would reassure the pair.

Everything had changed the moment he learned the truth. And everything would change again when he found his mother. For better, for worse, only the Fates knew, but change it would. Even their feelings could change, though he didn’t like to think of that.

Zagreus huffed, blowing a stray bang away from his eyes. Megaera stirred slightly—she’d always been a light sleeper—before nestling into his arms once more. Thanatos snored softly, his expression entirely unguarded for once. For a moment, everything was peaceful.

He tightened his grip on them, burrowing deeper into their embrace. For a moment, he would pretend that it was before, that Nyx was still his mother, that he didn’t have a purpose, that he was just the clumsy son who couldn’t handle his father’s affairs.

That he didn’t have a reason to leave, and two more to stay.

Just for tonight, he would pretend that he only belonged here, to them.

#thanmegzag #hades game #zagreus #megaera #thanatos #hades #fanfic #five billion years late to the fandom with a starbucks

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