more modern au stuff

[littlesprout]

After the collapse, Thanatos had said he would take better care of his own health - and Zagreus had decided that he was going to hold the other man to his word. He pesters him until he agrees to take some of his long overdue vacation time, reserves a cabin tucked into a nearby mountain retreat for them to spend an extended weekend together.

Foresight, however, isn't always Zagreus's strong suit. He doesn't think about how likely inclement weather is at this time of year, and it isn't until he's grabbing his bag of clothes and leading Thanatos to the door as fat, heavy snowflakes fall around him that he realizes that they may be trapped there for a bit.

"Hopefully there's firewood," he says, choosing to remain optimistic. "Come on, it's freezing."

Comments

[littlesprout]

"I sleep better when you're around," Zagreus admits softly, his voice gentle and fond. "You really feel safe with me?"

[controlsthedie]

"Safe enough to let you take me to a cabin in the woods when the weather is cold enough to freeze me solid." Thanatos leans in to place his forehead against Zagreus's. Part of him is surprised at how easily they've fallen into this calm peace with each other. Where did it come from for each of them? An overworked busybody and a man who never sit still. How did they learn to stop?

"I do hope that when we decide to actually sleep, we make it to a bed first. With lots of blankets." It is starting to snow outside, and they don't realize how much snow will fall.

[littlesprout]

"Are you tired now?" It's gentle concern; he's been a little over- invested in Thanatos's sleep patterns since the day he has collapsed. He reaches up to gently catch the back of his head, threading his fingers through Than's hair as he leans up to kiss him softly on the mouth. "We were traveling for a while."

[controlsthedie]

"Mmm, I can stay up a bit longer, especially if you keep doing that." He returns the kiss just as softly. "Wouldn't want to leave you all alone in a cabin while I sleep. You'll get bored."

Although, the fingers through his hair is soothing. Thanatos could easily be swayed in either direction.

[littlesprout]

"I could keep myself busy," Zagreus promises with another little kiss. Obviously he'd prefer Thanatos awake; he loves every second he gets with the other man, but he's not greedy. They'll have lots of time together this weekend. One more kiss, lingering this time. "Rest, love."

[controlsthedie]

"All right. If you insist."

Thanatos pulls away with a sigh, fingers trailing down Zagreus's arms, hands, fingertips, until all connection is lost. He walks to the room and looks back once before entering. Zagreus will hear a suitcase opening and the soft creaking of the bed as Thanatos settles into it.

(Spoilers, Thanatos will end up tossing and turning for a half-hour because he can't fall sleep.)

[littlesprout]

And Zagreus really does try to keep himself busy. He paces a bit, cracks open a book, plays a game on his phone, and lasts maybe 25 minutes. Doing nothing with Than was way better than doing something alone.

To his credit, he's very sneaky when he slips into the dark bedroom and beneath the sheets, just assuming Thanatos is asleep.

[controlsthedie]

Thanatos is busy staring at the wall, wondering if he's going to be spending the entire trip with goddamn insomnia. He is almost about to leave and go back to the cabin's main area. Clearly, this isn't working, and he might as well do something instead of wallowing in frustration.

Then a weight shift the mattress. Maybe Thanatos can stay in it a bit longer. He turns over and snuggles his way into Zagreus's warmth.

[littlesprout]

"Sorry," he mumbles softly, shifting onto his side to drape an arm around Thanatos, to pull him in. "Did I wake you up?"

[controlsthedie]

Did Zagreus hear Thanatos complaining? Thanatos didn't hear any complaining. "Couldn't sleep."

But he will gladly let Zagreus pull him close.

[littlesprout]

"Too warm? Too cold?" He'll fix it, whatever it is.

[controlsthedie]

Thanatos is silent for a moment. He could easily say it was too cold because that's usually the case. However, Thanatos doesn't think piling up another blanket would have solved his problem.

"... too empty?"

[littlesprout]

"-- Than." That's not the answer he's expecting, and it's apparent by the way he sounds just a little startled. His arms tighten around his partner, and he presses his face to the hair at the side of Thanatos's head to stifle a surprised chuckle. "Tell me next time."

[controlsthedie]

"I thought just being in the same place with you would be enough," he huffs, embarrassed. "I guess being able to sleep better requires closer proximity...."

Only Thanatos could make needing to cuddle to help sleep sound like a science experiment.

[littlesprout]

"I'll keep that in mind," he murmurs, giving him a gentle squeeze. "I want you to be well rested, Than."

[controlsthedie]

"But I can't keep dragging you to bed every night."

Said with a tone similar to a child trying to explain to his parent that he doesn't need a bedtime. Even if it's the opposite sentiment.

"It's not fair to you."

[littlesprout]

"Mm." Zagreus shifts, getting comfortable but never quite loosening his hold on Thanatos. "How is it unfair to me? Explain it."

[controlsthedie]

"What if you want to stay up to watch something, or what if you leave town?" With Zagreus reunited with his mother, he's not leaving as often, but that doesn't mean he won't in the future. "I can't keep you from that just because I have trouble sleeping."