After an escape attempt, Zagreus always bounces back. He gets up, shakes off the ache and wipes off the River Styx’ crimson water, then is back on his feet.

Today, however, as you were strolling about the halls of the House of Hades, you heard a loud splashing sound from the lobby. You were already on the way to greet your partner, expecting to see him stretching and fixing his hair. Instead, you find the prince of the Underworld laying face-down in the pool, groaning about his back.

With plenty of protests, you dragged Zagreus into his bedchambers and accompanied him on the bed.

“Don’t fuss, love, I’ll be up in a moment.” Zagreus assures you, albeit weakly, as you cradle his aching head in your lap. “Really, it’s nothing, I’ll be up and back out there in-“

A loud gong rings out and the room fills with green light. Thanatos, your other partner, appears with a deep frown. “Hypnos informed me that you were hurt when you arrived.” Thanatos spoke smoothly, hint of annoyance staining his tone. “You have my keepsake for a reason, Zag, if you asked me to aid you I could have helped.“

“I can handle dying a few times.” Zagreus groans, managing to lift his head from your lap. “Theseus always berates me for requesting aid, despite getting help himself! I wanted to prove I can defeat him on my own.” He explains with a weak laugh. “I suppose that didn’t quite work out.”

“Needing help doesn’t make you weak. Ignore Theseus, he is just a stubborn fool.” Thanatos states dryly, peeling off his gauntlet and setting it aside. “Like someone else I know.” He looks pointedly at Zagreus, taking his hand and dutifully massaging his fingers.

Zagreus huffs, but the way the other god soothed his sore hands was beyond relaxing. Swinging a sword really takes a toll after a while. A witty comeback died on his lips and he relaxed between you two, giving in to his lovers’ care.

“I apologize for leaving you to handle him alone.” Thanatos’ attention is brought to you, his expression fond and his lips twitching with the ghost of a grin.