"Much, thank you." Zagreus is very quickly picking up on the appeal, even if he is not picking up with the rhythm all that well. It could be worse though; he's careful not to step on any toes, at least. That would definitely kill the mood.
Over the blaring music, Matt probably can't hear-- but can likely feel-- the deep breath he takes in, then slowly lets out. The way he shivers a little when they move a certain way. Being this close with another person, and touching... the prince is a bit touch-starved, as it were. Not a whole lot of hugging going on in the Underworld. Surely he's received some affection from Than, and Meg in her own way, but not nearly as much as he'd like.
As one song fades out, and the next one starts, Zagreus leans in, his lips up against Matt's ear-- because it's loud, of course! and no other reason-- to ask, "So then, what comes next?"
Matt is a lot more attuned to bodies than to anything else. In a way, this is his ideal first conversation. So he notices the shivers, the heavy breath, and--he could ask about it, but that feels somehow sort of creepy? The best thing he can think to do is to breathe with Zagreus, matching his inhales and exhales with an ease he can't seem to summon for matching the music.
Normally, Matt breathes like this to cast a spell. It's easy, almost automatic, to fall into soft focus, the way he would to channel magic. The world narrows to Zagreus' chest as he breathes, his face close to Matt's, the gentle sea-shifts of his weight. It feels very natural when his lips brush Matt's ear. Inevitable. (His turn to shiver.)
"Next ..."
A small smile.
"Well. We can keep dancing. Unless you want to stop?"
"No, not at all. I was only wondering," and he pauses here to slide his hands down farther, not groping precisely (he would never), but suggestively none the less. "We dance for a while, we have our fun, then... do we simply go our separate ways, or find somewhere a little more private?"
Feelings are hard, but flirting is even harder, especially when he's trying to make a good impression. This guy seems fun! Definitely the kind of person Zagreus wants to keep around, and he hasn't any gifts to hand out, so he's left with only his witty charm, or what he thinks is charm.
Matt definitely finds him charming. Or at least, he finds him warm. He can't help melting a little into Zagreus' touch as it shifts.
"Well, the way people do it where I'm from ... we definitely could go our separate ways," he allows. "We could try to find someplace that sells fried food. Or."
His voice drops, coming as close to a secret-telling tone as he can get in all this noise. His arm is, by now, draped lazily around Zagreus' shoulder; his fingers brush the hair at the nape of his neck.
"It's perfectly acceptable to move to somewhere private."
"Mmm, fried food is tempting, but I'll have to pass just this one time. I think I've found something tastier?"
His inflection belies the confidence he's trying to exude, but if he can't be completely confident, he can at least be sincere. Lady Aphrodite would be proud of him... he hopes. Gods, he can only hope. Not so sure she'd be as proud of him practically melting at something simple as having the back of his neck touched; probably more amused. But that's where it stands.
"...one more song then. My place, or just the nearest uninhabited nook?"
Matt leans back abruptly to look Zagreus in the face. Rather than looking scandalized, affronted, or otherwise ugh, he looks like he might be about to laugh--just for a moment, before his expression softens.
"Let's find out."
Some kisses are less things Matt does and more things he fails to stop. This feels like one of the latter, pure magnetism drawing their faces closes enough for Matt to brush Zagreus' lips with his own.
Up to Zag how long it lasts, but when they break off Matt says:
Oh. Oh no. That is... extremely nice. It feels so natural for Zagreus to lean into the kiss, and he probably lingers there a little longer than he realizes. It's warm, and comfortable; his grip on Matt's hip tightens, like he might just up and disappear the next moment.
When they pull away, he's disappointed for a split second, but then remembers that yes, he does in fact have his own place.
"Over in the Emerald District, yes." And he's pretty sure Than and Meg aren't there at the moment. "It's not much, but it's private. And it has a door."
It's lovely. Warm and reassuring as a homecoming. Matt doesn't find home in any one person, or even couple of people, but this--the prayer passed lips to lips, the open door to the cosmos--that's as home as he's ever been. He answers that tightening hold on his hip with a squeeze to the back of Zagreus' neck; his lips part gently.
Even he's a little surprised to be not kissing him. But he takes it in stride, grinning.
"That all sounds," a bit breathless, "great." Pause. "So ... one more dance, and then your place?"
It would be inaccurate to call it dancing, though. It's mostly rhythmic grinding, which doesn't really have that much of a learning curve, and exploring with his hands in ways that are just barely acceptable in public. His palms find their way to the small of Matt's back, and to his hips, and sides, just feeling all the subtle curves underneath his clothes. Idly wondering what it would feel like under them.
He's trying to not seem desperate; he doesn't feel desperate, just eager, and he's not much for waiting. But it's not for nothing; it does wonders to really get him in the mood. Sometimes? Slowing down is actually good.
As the song fades out, the next one starts up almost immediately, its beat pulsing from the onset. The people around them seem to into it, but Zagreus is pulling backwards towards the edge of the dancefloor.
Look, probably dancing is great once you've gotten the hang of it, but Matt adores some good rhythmic grinding. Their chests and stomachs flush, the roll and sway of their hips sending little thrills up his spine when they meet in an especially nice way, Zagreus' hands moving over his body. Matt's fingers sketch arcing paths, one through Zagreus' hair and one tracing the curve of his hip, as he keeps breathing with him.
Matt looks a bit dazed when Zagreus pulls back, but he follows along, flashing him a quick, crooked smile.
"I think if we don't, I'm gonna jump you right here."
In other words: Yes, do let's away.
Luckily, if there's one place in Sumarlok it's socially acceptable to wander around with half an erection, the Ruby Underground is probably it. All Matt can think about is kissing, but he worries if he kisses Zagreus again, he'll forget to stop until morning--so he restrains himself somewhat to little touches: the small of his back, his shoulder blade, the nape of his neck. When they actually reach the Emerald District, it feels like a minor miracle.
Zagreus has yet to fully grasp the concept of teleportation here, so it's a good old fashion brisk walk for them back to the Emerald District, as he soaks in the affection. By about the halfway point, he's struggling to focus on getting home... nope, this won't do. Time to step up the pace... Lord Hermes, guide him and keep his footing stable. With little ceremony or warning, he scoops Matt up, cradling him securely in both arms; it's easier for him to dash this way though having to hope his new companion can keep up.
"Hold on-- I've got you, don't worry," is all he offers, only after he's realized that he didn't actually... say anything.
Once he arrives at the building, it's only up three flights of stairs-- he is still cautious of the elevator, and anyway, it's much slower-- before they arrive at his door, and he sets Matt down gently, so that he can pull out his keycard and get the door open.
"Sorry, I just... thought it would be quicker."
Inside, the studio apartment is only barely lived in, the primary signs of life being the unmade bed and the clothes strewn about. The kitchenette against the far wall looks mostly unused. In one corner is a mannequin, where he's hung up his clothing from home, almost as if on display; the multitude of skulls, both on the pauldron and the belt, certainly make it look more like a decoration than something someone actually wore.
[ He starts trying to close the apps, but it takes him a while, too, to get to the user setup. ]
Unless you want to go by something else, an epithet maybe, or a nickname. Or even make something up. I don't think anyone would really have a way to know, unless you told them, and even in that case, I don't think it makes a difference, if that's what you want to be called.
[ This coming from the man who wrote in "just Zagreus is fine", when it asked for his username, which has... been his username ever since. He may not be all that qualified for this lesson, but he is damn well going to try. ]
[Well, none that were pleasant, anyway. That and they probably wouldn't translate very well, but w h o o p s.]
...Morga will do. Tell it that.
[Is that a good idea? Probably. At least there'll be an option to change it later but that won't be any better. Then, as an afterthought and almost reluctantly;]</sub.
Please.
[ Unless she protests, that's precisely what he'll type in, hunting and pecking like a 70-year-old grandpa, not that he knows that. He has no idea why the letters aren't in any sort of order, but he muddles through it well enough. ]
Alright, there we go. Now, you can you use it to send messages to people. Like... here!
[ He pulls up the messaging app, options a message to himself, and shows her the option for speech-to-text. ]
Try that. Say whatever you like to say, then press the word 'send' at the bottom. Give it a try!
[ An unbelieving statement, not that he thinks Than would lie about something like that, but... well, it's nice, anyway.
Zagreus smiles a little as he pulls off his jacket, tossing it unceremoniously onto a small table in the entrance hall. What was once hidden under the hem is visible now: where he has Fidi and Pierced Butterfly both clipped to the waistband of him pants. He's all but forgotten that he had them with him, and his mind is already fixated on more important things to pay them any mind.
He doesn't like thinking too much about what might happen if he dies here; he doesn't let it show, though. ]
It's certainly not at all what I imagined it would be like. And not like all those times I made it to my mother's cottage. Except for the cold, that much is the same.
[ He steps further in, to a room that hasn't had that much of a chance to get messy, and yet still manages to be mildly disorganized. Coincidentally, the small studio apartment both isn't that much bigger than his room at the house, and is laid out some what similarly: the unmade bed to one side, and to the other, where the Mirror of Night might be, a small kitchenette that looks largely disused.
He leans against the wall, and lets Thanatos do as he will, while he tries to figure out how to answer that question fully. It's hard; he's started realizing things that he never could have, even on the surface back home. ]
I'm glad you're here, Than. I mean... not here here, I know you'd rather be home. But here. With me.
[Thanatos huffs and bristles unhappily at those words. Of course he was thinking of Zagreus. He's always thinking about him. Coming to his side whenever he has a moment to spare.
And yet... somehow he's not surprised that the Prince of the Underworld would think otherwise.
He hovers around a bit more. Thanatos thinks this place is rather messy though it really isn't anywhere near the state Zag's room at home is so... He turns back around at the other's words, keeping himself as hidden as possible in the shadows of his cowl.
Zagreus is glad he's here...? And the emotions that come with that confession are difficult to parse at best. He's not sure what he should be feeling about this situation much less adding Zag into the mix. The God of Death broods silently for a few long moments before his eyes drift back to his friend and... the butterfly pinned to his clothing.
He gave that to Zag and he's been wearing it... Perhaps all this time?
Thanatos reaches up to tug further on his cowl to hide any unwanted color that may dust his skin.]
Well. [He starts in a tone that comes out much more powerful than he intended.] I can't say I'm happy to be here. But I... I just... Well. I just think it's good that I'm here with you. I can look out for you and such. And perhaps if our disappearances are noticed I can explain this all to your father.
[Lord Hades is more than likely to believe him over his own son, sadly enough. Granted, the story of all this will all sound like a very tall tale even from him.
Now... if Thanatos were to speak a bit more honestly and wear his heart on his sleeve much like his friend does he could say that he's simply glad to be with him and not have to suffer all this alone. He simply wouldn't know how and would more than like just float around the city trying to make sense of it all. Trying to do his job and being unable to. To not have to be in what is a rather frightful situation all alone is honestly relieving. And to be frank, he is glad to see Zag too. How could he be anything but?
The God of Death is, of course, unable to speak such things aloud.]
Well... Anyway... You said you had things to tell me.
[ He forgot he said that. He did in fact say that. And he kind of regrets it now that they're actually here and he has to... figure out how to word this. He hasn't had to explain it to anyone so far yet, since most everyone else had experienced the same things he had. ]
The good news is, these gems that showed up on all our bodies when we got here aren't harmful and actually give us a sort of magic.
The middling news is, in order to use that magic, we need to be... close with each other. Not just you and I, specifically, just. All of us, those of us who are outsiders to this place. Emotional intimacy is the key, as I understand it.
The bad news is, we also sometimes turn into beasts. Uncontrollably. But to return to the middling news, the same intimacy seems to help alleviate some of the symptoms.
...are you following along with all of this?
[ It was a bit of an info dump, and he was unsure if it was better to lay it all out, or potentially let Than find out some of it on accident. He's opted for the former, but wonders if it was maybe too much at once. ]
[This all sounds incredibly horrific and Than expresses that with a deep and upset frown. The box that holds his food crunches a little bit in his grasp, the claws on his gauntlet scratch at the box.]
You... You turn into a monster here? [But now that Zag mentions it... he did arrive when the city was like a war zone. The scrams and roars that echoed throughout. And how it reminded him of Troy in a way... Just the panic of innocent lives as the city burned.] That... Even in stories nearly as old as some Gods, mortals turning into beasts is a great and terrible fear. For it to happen and be inflicted upon Gods is... unthinkable.[Gods not purposely turning themselves into dumb things excluded, of course. Here's looking to you, Lord Zeus.] It must have been terrible and I'm sorry you had to go through it...
He will, of course, not tell Zag any of that. But there is one curious thing...]
I don't think I have one of those gems... I have heard word of them but I don't appear to have it.
[Has he looked everywhere? Well, no. But he, personally, feels like he'd know if there was a big rock suddenly on him somewhere. He hasn't actually taken off any of his armor or adornments since arriving here. Constantly on the move and trying to make sense of the world around him. So his gem could very well exist, say hidden underneath a gauntlet, and one just wouldn't know it. But no, Than's conclusion is that he doesn't have one. And not having one means he's above the terrible afflictions happening here. And that is the thought process he will hang onto until proven otherwise.]
For the best, of course... The cure for dealing with what's happening to you all... I think it's beyond me.
[Emotional intimacy... He simply isn't capable of such things. It's far too much to ask of him.]
Oh, don't worry, it wasn't so bad. A good hug or two later and I was just fine. But Than... beyond you, really? If that's how you feel, then it must be true, but I... well, I'm sure we'll figure something.
[ What Zagreus really wants to ask is what that means for them. Was Than still mad? But still, he must be capable in some capacity. Even if things were... weird, between them, he wouldn't continually take time off work to help Zagreus slay a few dozen wretches if he wasn't capable of caring, would he? Or maybe he felt like it was an obligation to Lord Hades, to keep his wayward son safe...
It just seems impossible for any being, mortal or god, to be completely incapable of feeling closeness. It might be hard, but... Zagreus knows persistence in the face of that which seems impossible. Even if it's not between the two of them, he will make sure Thanatos gets the manna he needs. ]
You must have a gem, I'm pretty sure we all must, it has something to do with why we're here. I could help you look for it, if you like... you know, in case it's on your back or someplace like that. It might be a bit harder to see.
Emotions are just difficult for me, Zagreus. [Thanatos looks away as he speaks. More irritated at himself than the young God before him.] I sometimes miss not feeling anything at all. Like I used to. But things are not that simple anymore...
[This is complicated and vague, not to mention embarrassing, and he doesn't want to talk about it anymore. But the thought of having to be emotionally vulnerable with people he doesn't know is genuinely panic educing. To do it with Zagreus, someone he's known for so very long, is also not ideal. He doesn't know where they stand. He wants to. He does but... As it has already been said. These sorts of things are simply beyond him and they have been made all the more complicated by this unfortunate situation.]
I just... If I don't have a gem then I don't have to worry. [He hovers away from the other at the offer to help him look.] I... That isn't necessary. But... I am overdue for a bath. I've been roaming around this city for days trying to make sense of it all. Between whatever happened a few nights ago with all the screaming and destruction and then being handed a pile of foul slop... I need to wash it all off. I will do a better inspection then.
[He does very much want to get some of this armor off. It's a familiar heavy comfort but at the moment it just feels like a burden on his person due to the fatigue of all that has happened thus far. So he sets his small box of food upon the nearest surface and begins to unclasp the great wing pauldron.]
Actually... [He's not looking at the other but he can already picture the crestfallen expression at the rejection and doesn't actually want to witness it. So perhaps there is something Zag can do.] If you don't mind unclasping the gorget from behind. It's harder to take off with the gauntlet on. And then... you can check my neck... I guess.
[ So does that mean... he does feel something? Blood and darkness why does this have to be so damn difficult? But he counts his blessings. Than is still standing there, and hasn't just poofed himself away yet, so that's a win. Usually he's gone by now... in fact, this might be the longest singular interaction they've had in quite a while. It's nice, for all the missteps he feels like he keeps making.
And Zagreus is distracted when asked for help. ]
Oh... sure. [ He wasn't even really expecting Than to accept the offer, so he's a little surprised. He steps closer, takes one look, and decides there's just one problem. ] Don't suppose you could come down here? I promise, the floor won't hurt you.
[An impossible ask, yes, he is aware. And so he heeds the Zagreus instead, lowering himself to the ground and then lower still, carefully perching himself ion the nearest armrest that would make his neck easier to reach as he does have the slightest height advantage on the other.
While he waits for Zag to do as he asked he returns to his own task, removing the golden armor from his shoulder and that alone feels like quite the load off. He sets the piece carefully to the side on the cushions and begins unclasping his gauntlet next. His fingers pause after a moment, Than's thoughts buzzing too loudly to allow for anything else. He takes the quickest glance at the younger God before going back to stare at the armor on his arm.]
The butterfly I gave you... It made it here too? [And you're wearing it, Zag.] It's probably not of any use here. I can't imagine it'll make you stronger outside of the Underworld...
It did, and if it's had any effect, I certainly haven't noticed. But I rather like it, anyway.
[ Because you gave it to me, he adds mentally, as he works to unclasp the gorget. He grabs both sides as they start to slide apart and carefully lifts them over Thanatos' head, setting them aside on the cushions next to the other discarded armor.
...right, he said he'd help check for the gem, too. Leaning in closer, he pushes the cowl out of the way to get a better view. And unable to help himself, he gently places his fingers along Than's spine, running his hand from the base of his skull to just above his shoulder blades.
You know.
Just to be thorough. ]
Nothing there, it seems.
[ He has momentarily forgotten to take his hand back. ]
[You don't need to use your hands to see a gem, Zagreus. And he should tell the other not to touch. But he doesn't. He stares hard at his gauntlet trying not to let a shiver overcome him. And focusing hard on what was said instead.
The butterfly made it by chance. And Zag likes it.
Well... good. That's good.
Thanatos shakes his head some, forcing himself to focus on the present and undoes the last clasp of his gauntlet.]
I did tell you... I don't have one--
[He yanks the metal off at long last, revealing a deep purple gem right on the back of his hand.]
Blood and Darkness...
[He curses under his breath. If Zag says: "I told you so," he's teleporting to... Well. He's teleporting. Even if it's just to the other side of the room.]
About that... I wish I could tell you the answer is yes. But it's not.
[ And it's only recently gotten a lot more complicated. Not only reuniting with his mother, but reuniting her with his father had given him a lot of perspective. ]
My mother clearly sees something in him I don't, and I'm inclined to believe she's right. But I never got along with him, not until very recently. We're on better terms than we used to be, but that's not saying much. But maybe he had his reasons... I don't know, it's a lot, and I'm sure you have enough family drama of your own, without me adding mine to the mix.
In any case, you seem a lot more pleasant than he is. Again... not a very high bar, but all the same.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
for Matt (semicharmed)
"Much, thank you." Zagreus is very quickly picking up on the appeal, even if he is not picking up with the rhythm all that well. It could be worse though; he's careful not to step on any toes, at least. That would definitely kill the mood.
Over the blaring music, Matt probably can't hear-- but can likely feel-- the deep breath he takes in, then slowly lets out. The way he shivers a little when they move a certain way. Being this close with another person, and touching... the prince is a bit touch-starved, as it were. Not a whole lot of hugging going on in the Underworld. Surely he's received some affection from Than, and Meg in her own way, but not nearly as much as he'd like.
As one song fades out, and the next one starts, Zagreus leans in, his lips up against Matt's ear-- because it's loud, of course! and no other reason-- to ask, "So then, what comes next?"
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Normally, Matt breathes like this to cast a spell. It's easy, almost automatic, to fall into soft focus, the way he would to channel magic. The world narrows to Zagreus' chest as he breathes, his face close to Matt's, the gentle sea-shifts of his weight. It feels very natural when his lips brush Matt's ear. Inevitable. (His turn to shiver.)
"Next ..."
A small smile.
"Well. We can keep dancing. Unless you want to stop?"
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Feelings are hard, but flirting is even harder, especially when he's trying to make a good impression. This guy seems fun! Definitely the kind of person Zagreus wants to keep around, and he hasn't any gifts to hand out, so he's left with only his witty charm, or what he thinks is charm.
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"Well, the way people do it where I'm from ... we definitely could go our separate ways," he allows. "We could try to find someplace that sells fried food. Or."
His voice drops, coming as close to a secret-telling tone as he can get in all this noise. His arm is, by now, draped lazily around Zagreus' shoulder; his fingers brush the hair at the nape of his neck.
"It's perfectly acceptable to move to somewhere private."
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His inflection belies the confidence he's trying to exude, but if he can't be completely confident, he can at least be sincere. Lady Aphrodite would be proud of him... he hopes. Gods, he can only hope. Not so sure she'd be as proud of him practically melting at something simple as having the back of his neck touched; probably more amused. But that's where it stands.
"...one more song then. My place, or just the nearest uninhabited nook?"
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"Let's find out."
Some kisses are less things Matt does and more things he fails to stop. This feels like one of the latter, pure magnetism drawing their faces closes enough for Matt to brush Zagreus' lips with his own.
Up to Zag how long it lasts, but when they break off Matt says:
"Wait, you have your own place?"
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When they pull away, he's disappointed for a split second, but then remembers that yes, he does in fact have his own place.
"Over in the Emerald District, yes." And he's pretty sure Than and Meg aren't there at the moment. "It's not much, but it's private. And it has a door."
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Even he's a little surprised to be not kissing him. But he takes it in stride, grinning.
"That all sounds," a bit breathless, "great." Pause. "So ... one more dance, and then your place?"
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It would be inaccurate to call it dancing, though. It's mostly rhythmic grinding, which doesn't really have that much of a learning curve, and exploring with his hands in ways that are just barely acceptable in public. His palms find their way to the small of Matt's back, and to his hips, and sides, just feeling all the subtle curves underneath his clothes. Idly wondering what it would feel like under them.
He's trying to not seem desperate; he doesn't feel desperate, just eager, and he's not much for waiting. But it's not for nothing; it does wonders to really get him in the mood. Sometimes? Slowing down is actually good.
As the song fades out, the next one starts up almost immediately, its beat pulsing from the onset. The people around them seem to into it, but Zagreus is pulling backwards towards the edge of the dancefloor.
"That was one more dance. Shall we away, then?"
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Matt looks a bit dazed when Zagreus pulls back, but he follows along, flashing him a quick, crooked smile.
"I think if we don't, I'm gonna jump you right here."
In other words: Yes, do let's away.
Luckily, if there's one place in Sumarlok it's socially acceptable to wander around with half an erection, the Ruby Underground is probably it. All Matt can think about is kissing, but he worries if he kisses Zagreus again, he'll forget to stop until morning--so he restrains himself somewhat to little touches: the small of his back, his shoulder blade, the nape of his neck. When they actually reach the Emerald District, it feels like a minor miracle.
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"Hold on-- I've got you, don't worry," is all he offers, only after he's realized that he didn't actually... say anything.
Once he arrives at the building, it's only up three flights of stairs-- he is still cautious of the elevator, and anyway, it's much slower-- before they arrive at his door, and he sets Matt down gently, so that he can pull out his keycard and get the door open.
"Sorry, I just... thought it would be quicker."
Inside, the studio apartment is only barely lived in, the primary signs of life being the unmade bed and the clothes strewn about. The kitchenette against the far wall looks mostly unused. In one corner is a mannequin, where he's hung up his clothing from home, almost as if on display; the multitude of skulls, both on the pauldron and the belt, certainly make it look more like a decoration than something someone actually wore.
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for Morga (jaegerbomb)
Oh, it's just so other people know who you are.
[ He starts trying to close the apps, but it takes him a while, too, to get to the user setup. ]
Unless you want to go by something else, an epithet maybe, or a nickname. Or even make something up. I don't think anyone would really have a way to know, unless you told them, and even in that case, I don't think it makes a difference, if that's what you want to be called.
[ This coming from the man who wrote in "just Zagreus is fine", when it asked for his username, which has... been his username ever since. He may not be all that qualified for this lesson, but he is damn well going to try. ]
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[Well, none that were pleasant, anyway. That and they probably wouldn't translate very well, but w h o o p s.]
...Morga will do. Tell it that.
[Is that a good idea? Probably. At least there'll be an option to change it later but that won't be any better. Then, as an afterthought and almost reluctantly;]</sub. Please.
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[ Unless she protests, that's precisely what he'll type in, hunting and pecking like a 70-year-old grandpa, not that he knows that. He has no idea why the letters aren't in any sort of order, but he muddles through it well enough. ]
Alright, there we go. Now, you can you use it to send messages to people. Like... here!
[ He pulls up the messaging app, options a message to himself, and shows her the option for speech-to-text. ]
Try that. Say whatever you like to say, then press the word 'send' at the bottom. Give it a try!
for Than (deathhascome)
You thought about me.
[ An unbelieving statement, not that he thinks Than would lie about something like that, but... well, it's nice, anyway.
Zagreus smiles a little as he pulls off his jacket, tossing it unceremoniously onto a small table in the entrance hall. What was once hidden under the hem is visible now: where he has Fidi and Pierced Butterfly both clipped to the waistband of him pants. He's all but forgotten that he had them with him, and his mind is already fixated on more important things to pay them any mind.
He doesn't like thinking too much about what might happen if he dies here; he doesn't let it show, though. ]
It's certainly not at all what I imagined it would be like. And not like all those times I made it to my mother's cottage. Except for the cold, that much is the same.
[ He steps further in, to a room that hasn't had that much of a chance to get messy, and yet still manages to be mildly disorganized. Coincidentally, the small studio apartment both isn't that much bigger than his room at the house, and is laid out some what similarly: the unmade bed to one side, and to the other, where the Mirror of Night might be, a small kitchenette that looks largely disused.
He leans against the wall, and lets Thanatos do as he will, while he tries to figure out how to answer that question fully. It's hard; he's started realizing things that he never could have, even on the surface back home. ]
I'm glad you're here, Than. I mean... not here here, I know you'd rather be home. But here. With me.
Re: for Than (deathhascome)
[Thanatos huffs and bristles unhappily at those words. Of course he was thinking of Zagreus. He's always thinking about him. Coming to his side whenever he has a moment to spare.
And yet... somehow he's not surprised that the Prince of the Underworld would think otherwise.
He hovers around a bit more. Thanatos thinks this place is rather messy though it really isn't anywhere near the state Zag's room at home is so... He turns back around at the other's words, keeping himself as hidden as possible in the shadows of his cowl.
Zagreus is glad he's here...? And the emotions that come with that confession are difficult to parse at best. He's not sure what he should be feeling about this situation much less adding Zag into the mix. The God of Death broods silently for a few long moments before his eyes drift back to his friend and... the butterfly pinned to his clothing.
He gave that to Zag and he's been wearing it... Perhaps all this time?
Thanatos reaches up to tug further on his cowl to hide any unwanted color that may dust his skin.]
Well. [He starts in a tone that comes out much more powerful than he intended.] I can't say I'm happy to be here. But I... I just... Well. I just think it's good that I'm here with you. I can look out for you and such. And perhaps if our disappearances are noticed I can explain this all to your father.
[Lord Hades is more than likely to believe him over his own son, sadly enough. Granted, the story of all this will all sound like a very tall tale even from him.
Now... if Thanatos were to speak a bit more honestly and wear his heart on his sleeve much like his friend does he could say that he's simply glad to be with him and not have to suffer all this alone. He simply wouldn't know how and would more than like just float around the city trying to make sense of it all. Trying to do his job and being unable to. To not have to be in what is a rather frightful situation all alone is honestly relieving. And to be frank, he is glad to see Zag too. How could he be anything but?
The God of Death is, of course, unable to speak such things aloud.]
Well... Anyway... You said you had things to tell me.
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[ He forgot he said that. He did in fact say that. And he kind of regrets it now that they're actually here and he has to... figure out how to word this. He hasn't had to explain it to anyone so far yet, since most everyone else had experienced the same things he had. ]
The good news is, these gems that showed up on all our bodies when we got here aren't harmful and actually give us a sort of magic.
The middling news is, in order to use that magic, we need to be... close with each other. Not just you and I, specifically, just. All of us, those of us who are outsiders to this place. Emotional intimacy is the key, as I understand it.
The bad news is, we also sometimes turn into beasts. Uncontrollably. But to return to the middling news, the same intimacy seems to help alleviate some of the symptoms.
...are you following along with all of this?
[ It was a bit of an info dump, and he was unsure if it was better to lay it all out, or potentially let Than find out some of it on accident. He's opted for the former, but wonders if it was maybe too much at once. ]
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You... You turn into a monster here? [But now that Zag mentions it... he did arrive when the city was like a war zone. The scrams and roars that echoed throughout. And how it reminded him of Troy in a way... Just the panic of innocent lives as the city burned.] That... Even in stories nearly as old as some Gods, mortals turning into beasts is a great and terrible fear. For it to happen and be inflicted upon Gods is... unthinkable.[Gods not purposely turning themselves into dumb things excluded, of course. Here's looking to you, Lord Zeus.] It must have been terrible and I'm sorry you had to go through it...
He will, of course, not tell Zag any of that. But there is one curious thing...]
I don't think I have one of those gems... I have heard word of them but I don't appear to have it.
[Has he looked everywhere? Well, no. But he, personally, feels like he'd know if there was a big rock suddenly on him somewhere. He hasn't actually taken off any of his armor or adornments since arriving here. Constantly on the move and trying to make sense of the world around him. So his gem could very well exist, say hidden underneath a gauntlet, and one just wouldn't know it. But no, Than's conclusion is that he doesn't have one. And not having one means he's above the terrible afflictions happening here. And that is the thought process he will hang onto until proven otherwise.]
For the best, of course... The cure for dealing with what's happening to you all... I think it's beyond me.
[Emotional intimacy... He simply isn't capable of such things. It's far too much to ask of him.]
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[ What Zagreus really wants to ask is what that means for them. Was Than still mad? But still, he must be capable in some capacity. Even if things were... weird, between them, he wouldn't continually take time off work to help Zagreus slay a few dozen wretches if he wasn't capable of caring, would he? Or maybe he felt like it was an obligation to Lord Hades, to keep his wayward son safe...
It just seems impossible for any being, mortal or god, to be completely incapable of feeling closeness. It might be hard, but... Zagreus knows persistence in the face of that which seems impossible. Even if it's not between the two of them, he will make sure Thanatos gets the manna he needs. ]
You must have a gem, I'm pretty sure we all must, it has something to do with why we're here. I could help you look for it, if you like... you know, in case it's on your back or someplace like that. It might be a bit harder to see.
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[This is complicated and vague, not to mention embarrassing, and he doesn't want to talk about it anymore. But the thought of having to be emotionally vulnerable with people he doesn't know is genuinely panic educing. To do it with Zagreus, someone he's known for so very long, is also not ideal. He doesn't know where they stand. He wants to. He does but... As it has already been said. These sorts of things are simply beyond him and they have been made all the more complicated by this unfortunate situation.]
I just... If I don't have a gem then I don't have to worry. [He hovers away from the other at the offer to help him look.] I... That isn't necessary. But... I am overdue for a bath. I've been roaming around this city for days trying to make sense of it all. Between whatever happened a few nights ago with all the screaming and destruction and then being handed a pile of foul slop... I need to wash it all off. I will do a better inspection then.
[He does very much want to get some of this armor off. It's a familiar heavy comfort but at the moment it just feels like a burden on his person due to the fatigue of all that has happened thus far. So he sets his small box of food upon the nearest surface and begins to unclasp the great wing pauldron.]
Actually... [He's not looking at the other but he can already picture the crestfallen expression at the rejection and doesn't actually want to witness it. So perhaps there is something Zag can do.] If you don't mind unclasping the gorget from behind. It's harder to take off with the gauntlet on. And then... you can check my neck... I guess.
[If it'll make the other happy...]
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And Zagreus is distracted when asked for help. ]
Oh... sure. [ He wasn't even really expecting Than to accept the offer, so he's a little surprised. He steps closer, takes one look, and decides there's just one problem. ] Don't suppose you could come down here? I promise, the floor won't hurt you.
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Maybe you should learn to come up here for once.
[An impossible ask, yes, he is aware. And so he heeds the Zagreus instead, lowering himself to the ground and then lower still, carefully perching himself ion the nearest armrest that would make his neck easier to reach as he does have the slightest height advantage on the other.
While he waits for Zag to do as he asked he returns to his own task, removing the golden armor from his shoulder and that alone feels like quite the load off. He sets the piece carefully to the side on the cushions and begins unclasping his gauntlet next. His fingers pause after a moment, Than's thoughts buzzing too loudly to allow for anything else. He takes the quickest glance at the younger God before going back to stare at the armor on his arm.]
The butterfly I gave you... It made it here too? [And you're wearing it, Zag.] It's probably not of any use here. I can't imagine it'll make you stronger outside of the Underworld...
[So why wear it...?]
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[ Because you gave it to me, he adds mentally, as he works to unclasp the gorget. He grabs both sides as they start to slide apart and carefully lifts them over Thanatos' head, setting them aside on the cushions next to the other discarded armor.
...right, he said he'd help check for the gem, too. Leaning in closer, he pushes the cowl out of the way to get a better view. And unable to help himself, he gently places his fingers along Than's spine, running his hand from the base of his skull to just above his shoulder blades.
You know.
Just to be thorough. ]
Nothing there, it seems.
[ He has momentarily forgotten to take his hand back. ]
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The butterfly made it by chance. And Zag likes it.
Well... good. That's good.
Thanatos shakes his head some, forcing himself to focus on the present and undoes the last clasp of his gauntlet.]
I did tell you... I don't have one--
[He yanks the metal off at long last, revealing a deep purple gem right on the back of his hand.]
Blood and Darkness...
[He curses under his breath. If Zag says: "I told you so," he's teleporting to... Well. He's teleporting. Even if it's just to the other side of the room.]
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for Hades (underworldceo)
About that... I wish I could tell you the answer is yes. But it's not.
[ And it's only recently gotten a lot more complicated. Not only reuniting with his mother, but reuniting her with his father had given him a lot of perspective. ]
My mother clearly sees something in him I don't, and I'm inclined to believe she's right. But I never got along with him, not until very recently. We're on better terms than we used to be, but that's not saying much. But maybe he had his reasons... I don't know, it's a lot, and I'm sure you have enough family drama of your own, without me adding mine to the mix.
In any case, you seem a lot more pleasant than he is. Again... not a very high bar, but all the same.