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smallraindrops-blog · 3 months

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Constellations of Us

(Part two)

Pairing: TSC!Reader X Hypnos X WMFTD!Y/N

Word count: 7.8

Warnings: Angst, post-breakup for TSC!R x Y/N, jealousy, AU, mentions of infidelity ( none that occurs between the main ship), multiple POVs, no beta.

Summary:

‘Nothing is more unintelligible than the human heart.’ - Homer, The Odyssey.

Brokenhearted and the new resident of the House of Hades, you are left to pick up the shattered pieces of yourself.

Funny enough, your hands aren’t the only ones in the pile.

Notes:

For sake of readability, TSC!Reader will be in second person aka ‘you’, Hypnos and Y/N will be in third person’s. I will also attach who POV is.

This will now be three parts. The third part will likely be super NSFW so keep that mind please. Also there should be more y/n stuff in the third part, I felt best to devote time to reader/hypnos since there was no relationship prior to this.

Thank you for waiting. I hope this part is worth the wait.

Part one

Masterlist

Sometimes you swore you still felt the sensations of tingling herbs against your fingertips, the sticky mess of honey clinging as you ground them into a paste.

Then the sound of rustling paper, the clink of an abacus and the low chatter of voice would bring you back.

It was a slow day at the House, a true rarity.

Your eyes flickered toward the ‘IN’ box, normally overflowing with papers, was almost empty. It made your fingers inch. It was like a quiet afternoon at the medical tent, something you had learned not to trust.

With a huff, you went to grab the last paper when the door slam opened. A hush fell over the room, all eyes on the frazzled Prince Zagreus. His eyes darted around then landed on you.

You sunk into your chair as if it would hide you from his sight.

”You! You are the shade that helped Hypnos a while back, right?” Zagreus hurried to you, slapping his hands on your desk as he leaned in closer. One of the ink pots tipped over, thankfully the cork remained in place.

”Um.” You corrected the inkpot as you forced yourself to sit upright. It felt like every single pair of eyes were on you right now. Why was it always you who ended up being the main gossip? You weren’t that interesting, the gods just wouldn't leave you alone.

You cleared your throat. “I am, you Highness. How may I be of service?”

”Oh thanks gods.” Zagreus beamed at you. “Come along with me.”

With that he turned on his heels, already rushing out as if expecting you to follow him. You hurried to stand, fumbling at your desk. A few of your fellow shades shot you a pitying glance.

”And bring ink and paper. You're going to need them!” Prince Zagreus called back.

It took a minute for you to get caught up with the swift prince, who thankfully took a moment to pet his beloved dog. You stood a good foot away, not convinced that Cerberus wouldn’t try to eat you for a snack.

”There you are, I was wondering if you were coming.” Zagreus shot you a charming smile, his mismatched eyes light with amusement.

“What exactly is this for, your highness?” You shifted the blank scrolls in your arm, the orange quill tucked behind your ear. Unwillingly your eyes darted to where Y/N should have been but the spot was empty of his presence.

“You will see.” Zagreus said cheerfully.

“What is this?” Hypnos appeared seemingly out of nowhere, practically on top of you. His warm cloak brushing against your shoulder. You jolted and barely caught a wayward scroll before it hit the ground.

Truly, you don’t think you would ever get used to the gods.

“Oh good. You can come too if you like, Hypnos.” Zagreus took off again as you and Hypnos shared a glance.

As you and Hypnos trailed after the prince, Hypnos leaned in. “Word of advice, my friend, don’t let the prince get you involved in his scheme. They never end well.”

”You don’t say.” You replied in a dry voice and Hypnos laughed. You couldn’t help but smile.

Odd as it was, you and Hypnos had actually become friends.

You weren’t sure of the exact timeline but since the celebration of the beloved Queen’s return, you and Hypnos have talked more and more.

Mostly paperwork, occasionally Hypnos would let you rant over horrible medical misinformation with a bemused smile and you listened to him vent about the bothersome shades he had to check in.

It was nice to talk to someone else that also struggles with social grace. You didn’t have to think about manners or the little dozen social cues you could miss.

Although you and him were careful to sidestep any conversations of Y/N.

it was hard sometimes because you did want to ask, did y/n seem happy? Was he getting enough rest? Or did nightmares still chase after him?

But you always stopped yourself in time.

Sometimes Hypnos would look at you like he knew you were going to ask.

When you realized where you were going, - the prince’s bedchambers of all places- your eyes went huge and you shot Hypnos a nervous glance. He just shrugged, his lips quirked up.

Thankfully they bypassed the messy room, and right into the training room.

You shopped abruptly causing Hypnos to bump into you. His hand reached out to pat you on the shoulder in apology, the warmth of his touch felt like a brand.

Standing in the middle of the training room was Y/N. His eyes widened in surprise, glancing between you and Hypnos before narrowing his eyes at the prince.

”No. What pea-size idea is this?” he growled sharply like Zagreus wasn’t his prince. You nearly told him not to be rude when Zagreus spoke up.

”Oh come on. Father is nagging at me for notes on training. Hypnos is too busy drooling over your muscles to take notes and I don’t know where Skelly is, let alone if he knows how to read so tada, the solution to our problem.” Zagreus gestured at you, giving y/n a very pointed look.

Hypnos made a choking noise but you didn’t look at him even though you sense the guilty glance he shot your way.

You decided to ignore the comment of Hypnos drooling over y/n. Even though there was a pang of jealousy, of your own heart wanting to lash out from old hurts but you knew better.

Y/N wasn’t yours anymore. Hypnos would hardly be the first to ogle Y/N. Besides,you couldn’t really blame him; Y/n in battle was a breathtaking sight.

“Reader already has enough on his plate, he doesn't need to do your job as well.” Y/n said, crossing his arms. He was getting that stubborn clench in his jaw, one that you were very familiar with.

You had to wrestle down the burst of fondness. It soothed a faint ache in you that Y/n would still look out for you even though you and him only spoke in stilled conversations.

You plunked the quill and waved it in the air to get their attention. “I don’t mind helping out, your Highness. But it will be just this once.” Those last words were directed at the Prince who gave Y/N a smug grin. “Afterwards, maybe I can help you by creating a form or something you can use instead.”

“Reader, you don’t have to.” Y/n told you, his voice was a little more clamer toward you. “Zagreus is just spoiled and lazy, I know you have work.”

“Hey now.” Zagreus said, bumping his shoulder into Y/N. “Don’t worry about hurting my feelings or anything.”

“Oh I never do.” Y/N snapped at the prince, his intense eyes still locked on you.

You swallowed, heat climbing up your to your ears. “I really don’t mind. Feels good to get up anyway.”

“See? You are throwing a hissy fit for nothing.” Zagreus slapped a hand on Y/N’s broad back and immediately pulled away at the icy glare Y/N shot his way.

”Fine.” Y/N grounded out. “Just this once.”

”Ooh. This is gonna be a good fight.” Hypnos spoke up for the first time. He looked like he wished had popcorn, his golden eyes bright as he looked down at you.

Hypnos flashed you an excited smile. There was something contagious about Hypnos’ smiles, you always want to return them.

”Do you want to see my favorite spot?” Hypnos circled around you twice, grabbing a few scrolls out of your arms.

“Please do.” You replied and trailed after Hypnos.

In the peaceful time before the war, you woke up to the sounds in the courtyard. Sometimes, you would peak out the window, half wake to watch Achilles and Y/N run through drills.

At first, you never lingered but once Y/n grew taller, filling out his once lanky boyish frame, and your own body shifting into something unfamiliar to you, that changed.

The way the early morning sun caught the gleam of sweat on his muscles, the quiet focus he had as he moved his graceful form had left you breathless and just a little flush.

But wasn’t it funny in a horrible sort of way how some things never did change.

Only instead of Achilles leading, it was Y/N. He took control of the training with an ease that spoke familiarity and easy confidence.

They started with warm ups, push-ups and laps and such. Y/N’s deep timbre offered firm guidance to the prince, pushing him harder and harder with each set. Your ears perked up each time he spoke.

It wasn’t fair that your own body still responded, that your own heart still wanted what it couldn’t have.

You weren’t sure exactly what information Master Hades seeked from the training notes, so you just wrote everything down. The number of reps, the time each took and the numerous complaints Zagreus made and Y/n’ snappish comeback.

“Did you ever see Y/n and his father train?” Hypnos asked, reading over your shoulders. His soft curls brushed against your cheek as he moved in closer.

You inhaled sharply at the shock of the warmth near your back, and you thought you could smell something honeylike and floral. It was a relaxing scent, coaxing one’s eyes to grow heavy.

It suited Hypnos.

You blinked at the scroll in your hand, your hand still moving in quick, mindless strokes.

“I did.” You told him after a beat. “Although I would say that Y/N is a little nicer than I remember Achilles being.”

“Really?” Hypnos glanced toward the pair on the training ground and you followed his line of sight with a nod. Y/N was correcting Zagreus on a stance before the real training started. His tone was firm, but not biting like you remembered Achilles.

Not that you could blame Achilles for it. It was done out of a desperate kind of love, of wanting his son to survive the war. Your mouth twisted in the memories.

“Hand to hand, today?” Y/N asked in a way that sounded like he already knew. You refocus on the notes, making yourself not think about the memories. That's all they were now.

Zagreus replied with a light affirmation, already grabbing a pair of himantes. Ones that were familiar and you narrowed your eyes at them.

Hypnos pulled back and you let yourself breathe. You may be friends - good friends, really- with Y/N’s lover but that doesn't mean you were smooth enough to act like being near Hypnos didn’t often cause a mixture of burning jealousy and heavy guilt.

There was something else there as well, deep in your core. You ignored it.

Instead you kept your gaze on the training ground. Y/n and Prince Zagreus stood in the center, a few paces apart. Zagreus bounced on his feet, cracking his neck with a big grin.

Y/n in comparison looked relaxed, his shoulders loose but there was a hard glint in his eyes. He watched every little twitch the prince made with a neutral expression.

“I thought I told you last time. Don’t waste your energy showing off.” Y/n snarked, shifting his feet into a stance. Zagreus paused, copying Y/N in a fluid motion. “Aw, don’t be a sourpuss. You’re just nervous because you’re going to lose this time.”

“Am I?” Y/n’s tone was mild, amused. Zagreus laughed, his grin wild as he lifted his hands up in boxer pose.

You blinked in surprise. It just occurred to you that Y/N and Zagreus might actually be friends.

“Do they always act like this?” You whispered to Hypnos. The god took a moment to respond, his amber eyes locked on the match before him, biting down on a fingernail.

“Hm? Oh this? They act like this now. It was rough going at first. Y/N wasn’t exactly the cuddly type of teacher.” Hypnos leaned into whisper, “Zagreus really, really wanted to see his mother again and Y/N kinda- really blame Zagreus for getting Achilles fired.”

Before you could say anything else, Zagreus moved first. The prince was lighting quick, nothing but a blur of red and black. Y/n blocked the hit easily and with a swift move of his other arm, knocking the prince back.

They both moved in graceful arcs around each other, ducking in to land a hit or weaving away. Your quill stopped on the paper without your permission, your eyes unable to tear away from the fight before you.

“Come on, don’t fall for the opening.” Hypnos murmured, leaning forward and you did the same, trying to keep track. Zagreus was quick and nimble but Y/N seemed to be able to precisely pinpoint where the prince’s aim was each time.

The lighthearted joker from earlier was gone, Zagreus was trying his best to push Y/N back with swift punches and kicks. But Y/N was like the mountains, imposing and steadfast against the onslaught, blocking each one away.

It was a beautiful thing to see again even if it caused your stomach to twist in a knot. Once you used to fear every fight Y/n found himself in, that it would be his last and there would be nothing you could do.

“Come on. Come on.” Hypnos urged, even though only you and him could hear it.

You forced yourself to breathe, to remember that it was merely a training exercise even though Y/N and Zagreus fought like they had the furies on their backs.

Then Y/N striked, his arm moved like a snake in the grass, too quick for you to follow. The heel of his hand landed right on Zagreus’ chin, causing him to stumble back. Y/n chased after him, hitting him again and again.

Zagreus retreated backward, panting as he tried to stay away from Y/n’s reach. They circled each other, shoulders tight with tenson.

Then it looked like Y/n took a step too far, leaving his right side open and exposed. The prince noticed immediately. Quick as he could, Zagreus dashed forward, ready to end the fight.

You gasped and nearly called out in warning when Hypnos placed a hand on your shoulder.

By the quick way Y/N met Zagreus, you realized it was a bait. Zagreus came to that realization a moment too late, Y/N’s foot silded right under Zagreus’, then his hands on the prince’s shoulders to keep Zagreus off balance and knocked him down onto his back in a single, rapid movement.

Y/n immediately grabbed Zagreus’s arms, placing them on Zagreus' chest and under his solid weight.

“Yield.” He commanded, his expression victorious as his eyes locked on Zagreus.

Zagreus kicked out and tried to wiggled out the hold to no avail. He groaned and kicked out his feet again before slumping a minute later.

”Urg. Fine! You win. Again.”

You let out a breath you didn’t realize holding. Hypnos’ hand dropped from your shoulder but the sensation of his touch lingered.

“Wowie.” Hypnos breathed, his tone dreamy, resting his chin on his palm. Once Y/N helped Zagreus back up, Hypnos went over to them, chatting excitedly. He was so close to Y/N, their shoulders almost brushing.

You bit on your cheek hard enough to bleed as the ugly feeling of jealousy rose up. You decided to look over your notes, desperately trying to choke down the bitter knot in your throat.

With flushed cheeks, you realized you stopped taking notes during the fight and hurried to summarize everything without sounding too foolish.

Once the notes were handed over the Zagreus, you hurried out of the training room, claiming you needed to get back to work. As you walked back, you tried not to think about how close Hypnos was to Y/N, the crackle of energy between them.

You definitely tried not to think of the heat of Hypnos’ palm on your shoulder, of the memory of Y/n it provoked.

Nononono- stop, don’t go. Don't do this!

Tears were running down your cheeks when you woke up. You shuddered, trying to breathe as you sat up. You sobbed, and covered your mouth with trembling hands.

The nightmares just won’t leave you alone. You curled up, your forehead against your knees as you tried to calm down.

Eventually you calmed down and you wiped the tears away. You knew the rest of the house was still at rest. But none would come for you.

So you got out of bed, your limbs heavy with exhaustion.

Might as well get a head start on the paperwork.

At some point, you had become the one everyone came to. Even the older, more seasoned workers turned to you for your thoughts.

”We could streamline this.” You told Timon, a meek man who was also somehow the headshade, “I don’t think we need three forms for this model of mudbrick especially since we had switched to the concrete model.”

Tapping the stack of papers, you explained the process of creating new forms to the shade whose eyes widened with each new word, panic on his face. “Ah- you know what, this time I will put in the request before leaving tonight. Hopefully Master Hades will see the same benefits.”

Before you made it back to your desk, you got stopped three more times, all with requests for help.

“No, you need to use the forms EYZ-203 then follow with EY- 302, I know. Easy mistake to make.”

”Yes, you will have to put in a request with the cooks for that-“

“Let’s not send that one to Master Hades- I think we might be better off using the new forms, yeah the one that we got stamped today. Yeah.”

You sighed when you reached your desk and saw the growing pile of new paperwork in the ‘IN’ box. Normally you wouldn’t mind but you were finding yourself easily derailed today.

‘No point in complaining’ you told yourself as you settled in to get work. Numerous times throughout the workday, you found yourself interrupted by your coworkers and it felt like the pile of paperwork only grew every time you glanced back.

It wasn’t until the last of your coworkers left for the day, that you were able to just breathe. With a quiet groan, you leaned back in your chair and rubbed your eyes.

With how far behind you were, you will likely be here for an hour or so - or however time worked in the depth of the underworld.

In the time you have been in here, you had somehow become the spokesperson for administration shades, considering you were one of the handful that didn’t cry at even the mere thought of Master Hades.

It was far more work than you would ever want and you never were the one to turn away from hard work.

When you heard the door creaking open, you wanted to groan again but you sat up to greet the newcomer with a smile. Only to drop it when you saw it was Y/N. He pressed a finger to his lips as he locked the door behind him.

Your brow furrowed but you kept quiet, far more curious than you had any right to be. You didn’t say a word as he came up to your desk, his body moving with that strong, easy grace of a warrior.

Heat twisted in your stomach as you met his penetrating gaze, a buzzing under your skin growing the longer you and him stared at each other. You tried your best to shove it away and fold your hands on your desk.

“I got bad news.” Y/N whispered, his eyes flickering away from you and scanned the room with a frown. Then he went to the head of the Administration's desk, carefully opening each drawer.

You trailed after him, wondering what he was trying to find. He gestured for you to get closer.

You obeyed without thinking, then cursed yourself for doing so. He leaned in, his breath hot against the shell of your ear. You shivered.

“Things have been going missing from that Wretched Broker.”

”So?” You asked, just as low. You just hoped that he didn’t notice how he affected you. “What does it have to do with us?”

“Master Hades hates thieves. If someone is bold enough to steal from the broker then how long before they try to steal from him. Or worse, from his Queen.” Y/n explained before he went to the next drawer.

You bit on your cheek as you took in his words. “Okay but why would it be someone here?”

As he went through the desk, he kept each move quick, nearly silent as he flipped through the paperworks, opened the small bags and put things away just as they were before.

It was like he was never there.

You narrowed your eyes at him, not pleased to realize that Y/N had that unique skill set under his belt. Y/n’s mouth quirked up in a half-grin when he saw the disapproving look on your face.

You hated that you wanted to kiss it away. You crossed your arms over your chest as if it would protect you from your own horrible urges.

“Maybe it was you.” You muttered sourly. Y/n chuckled at that, but shook his head.

“There are only four keys in the whole house that have access to the Broker’s goods. The Broker, Master Hades, myself and the administration’s headshade.” He said. “An oversight on Master’s part but I imagine after this whole mess, he will rectify that.”

You frowned in thought, your eyes drifting over the desks then walls. You went over to where the keys were stored away in the far corner in the back. The safe was ancient and dusty, like most things in the house were.

Y/N’s eyes felt heavy on your back but you ignored it and kneeled in front of it. You opened easily, and heard Y/N’s muttered swear when he saw it wasn’t even locked.

Normally the safe was never locked since there was an honor system in the office. In hindsight, you had to admit that maybe it wasn’t a good idea.

You grimaced when you realized there would likely be more paperwork and security measures in the future. It was also a very strong possibility that a few or all of your co-workers might be getting fired. Along with yourself.

”Master Hades assured me that it was always locked.” He grumbled, joining you on the ground. You tried not to think about how near he was to you, it would be easy to turn your head and lean in slightly to brush your lips along his cheek.

You cursed the thief and their mother for this whole mess. The key for Broker’s was there, along the Kitchen’s pantry and the Queen’s gardens. When you glanced back at Y/N, his expression was resigned.

“This is going to be a bigger headache than I thought.” He growled as he stood. He held out a hand to help you up. You took it before you could stop yourself, built into you simply from years of habit.

You wondered if that was why he reached down to help, it was the same for him.

His fingers were still rough, calloused and scarred from years of warfare and backbreaking training. There was history written on his skin, one that you could still trace blind. You knew him still, knew him bone deep even though he was no longer yours.

As if you and him both realized at the same time how it looked, how the moment was stretched out infinitely, the hands jerked apart. Without a word, y/n went back to the desk, his shoulders tight.

You bit down on your cheek, surprised by the sudden burn of hurt in your chest. You wanted to yell, to demand that he turn around and acknowledge you. You let out a shaky breath, hating yourself.

”I don’t want you telling anyone else, got it?” His voice rumbled low in the stillness. You flushed, sure he was speaking about the moment that just happened.

He glanced at you, his mouth a hard line. “About the thievery. If it gets out that we’re looking for them, they could escape before we can grab them.”

”Oh.” You nodded. “I won’t. Don’t worry about me.”

Because of course, there was nothing to say about what just happened because nothing did happen. You looked away, Hypnos’ trusting smile flashing your mind and guilt sat like a rock in your stomach.

”Good.” He said, his shoulders relaxed slightly as he closed the drawer. “If you see or hear anything, you come to me first, understand?”

“I understand.”

Dear beloved student,

I heard from my son that you had been requested to work the House as one of the administrators. Congratulations, you were always clever with numbers so I don’t doubt that you will be successful in your new role.

You know that you are always welcome to come visit us in Elysium. Achilles can only nod his head so much in false understanding when I explaine the new techniques on healing infections, before I fear his head would roll off.

Fair’s fair since I often do the same as he explains the exact difference between his fishing poles. Did you know how flexible a pole is could mean the difference between victory and defeat?

I hope you are doing well. We miss you.

Your teacher, Patroclus.

Each time you read the letter you put it back down before pacing the small dorm room was yours. It seemed like guilt was your albatross to bear.

Maybe you should just ignore it. But you knew better. Patroclus was the father you never had, he had been the one taught you how to read and write, staying up late with you in the late hours of the morning as you puzzled over vowels.

Y/N was his son but he wasn’t the thing that defined your relationship with Patroclus. He was the one who made you the man, the healer you were now. A nagging thought came to you. You wondered if they like Hypnos, if they welcomed the god with open arms.

Wincing like someone hit you, you had to admit you didn’t know how to feel about that.

You felt ugly for even thinking about it. Because you knew Hypnos didn’t have the best relationship with his own family, just from rumors and the way his smiles would fade a little when he spoke of them.

The letter remained on the desk, a silent witness to your torment.

You could just keep the letter short, like he did. Nothing wrong with that. It took you eight times before you were satisfied.

Beloved teacher,

It is a wonderful thing to hear from you again. Your unwavering faith in me always drives me to do my best. I must say I dearly miss your lectures on new healing practices as well having someone to talk to about it.

Very few people can appreciate finer details needed for amputations, many shades think they could just use a sword and be done with it. They didn't take kindly when I pointed out that might be why they died.

I will most certainly make a trip up there once the work settles down a bit. Please tell Achilles I said hello and good luck on his fishing.

Always your student, Reader.

You read over it, biting your cheek. Surely, this sounded perfectly fine. A nice, normal letter.

You read again, wondering why it felt dishonest.

Gods were to be feared, the ground they walked upon worshiped with bowed heads and eyes casted downward.

So a friendship with a god is an unusual experience. You suspected not even the most well read poets of Greek could describe it in the right details.

At least not with Hypnos.

“Oooh, the limbs can move.” Hypnos exclaimed, wiggling the small wooden doll he found. You hoped he found it and didn’t take it from a young child. You watched him for a moment, your quill still in hand before returning to your scrolls.

It was just you and a handful of shades left, the workday coming to end. Yet it seems your work never comes to an end, more and more paperwork coming to your desk everyday.

There was no need for Hypnos to be here but he had arrived all the same. He had seemed content to just sit and chatter at you so you let him.

“I don’t know what is happening with Zagreus lately, he just seems to keep walking right off cliffs every time he makes it to the surface.” Hypnos chuckles, like the death was a joke. “I keep telling him that sharp, pointy rocks and squishy bodies don’t mix well.”

You huffed out a laugh despite yourself. “Well you aren’t wrong.”

Hypnos beamed at you, “And that is why you are one of my favorites. If more people listened to my advice, maybe a certain god wouldn't die as often.”

A few of your lingering coworkers shot Hypnos an annoyed glance and you frowned at them, feeling a little protective over this strange god playing with a child’s doll.

You just returned to your work however, ready to be done for the day. By the time you were on the last paperwork, everyone else had left. Everyone but Hypnos.

With an exhausted sigh, you sighed it off and stood up with a groan. You rolled your shoulders, cursing yourself for slouching so much.

”all done?” Hypnos asked hopefully, blinking those heavy eyes at your nod, he tossed the doll up into the air and almost didn’t catch it in time.

Hypnos frowned at it, tapping his chin before he pressed the doll between his hands, as if to crush it. There was a faint shimmer of gold and he opened his hands with a smile.

The doll hung in the air for a minute before it began to spin and twist in a dance. Arms and legs moving with grace, each spin of it’s form left a fading amber gleam behind.

”I just adore how children dream.” Hypnos told you, and with a flick of his hand, sent the doll on its way.

“Where is it going?” You asked, wishing that you bottle a little bit of that power to study it. The kinds of healing properties those powers could have… but there were the ethical considerations of such things…

”I dunno.” Hypnos said cheerfully and you laughed as you began cleaning up.

Hypnos glanced at the closed door for a long moment then leaned into you, his nose bumping against yours.

”You know, right?” Hypnos demanded, the kaleidoscope of his gold irises made you dizzy. His soft curls brushed against your forehead and you felt a rising flush on your nape, up to your ears.

“Ah- what?” You blinked but it didn’t help with the dizziness. You swallowed, not liking how this was making you feel. Because- because-

“About the case of sticky hands? The thief? I assume Y/N told you?” Hypnos rambled on, leaning back a bit. But you were still off-balance by the whole thing and the heat had now creeped up to your cheeks.

”Oh. Yes. He did.” You coughed to clear your throat.

“I bet that it was one of the cooks.” Hypnos muttered, tapping his fingers together in thought. Then he straightened up, his eyes widened as he snapped his fingers. “Oh!”

You immediately knew he was up to no good.

“You know what, reader? You and me and the lounge.” Hypnos beamed at you. “And the first drink will be my treat. Oh and maybe they have those fried cheese sticks.”

You shook your head, about to come up with an excuse when your stomach began to growl. You slapped a hand over it. “Sorry. I am not actually hungry-“

”Nope, now I am making it an order. I swear you and y/n are so bad at taking care of yourself.” Hypnos gestured at your desk, “Hurry up now, those cheese sticks are calling my name.”

You obeyed. You didn’t know why you did but you did anyway.

The lounge was almost-full, with some glancing over at you and Hypnos as he told you to them a table but it was too busy for anyone to really care about them. You luckily found one just emptied out and claimed it.

This was a mistake. And you knew it. You really should just tell Hypnos ‘thanks but no thanks’ even if you and he were friends.

“Here you go, I got your favorite!” Hypnos placed your drink down, along with a basket of cheese sticks and cherry tomatoes and his own drink.

it all looked good. Really, really good.

You decided not to ask how Hypnos knew your favorite and muttered a ‘thanks’ before taking a deep drink. Hypnos did the same then immediately began working his way through the snacks, giving a look until you began eating as well.

It was delicious.

“Okay, so I gotta know.” Hypnos leaned in with a smile, his voice quiet. “Out of these cooks, who do you think is most likely to be the thief?”

You glanced over the busy kitchen, watching them for a long moment. You didn’t see how Hypnos’ eyes darted between the cooks only to return to you, lingering.

when you saw one of the cooks sneak a bite of cheese, you pointed at them. “That one.” You whispered to Hypnos, who nodded enthusiastically.

“I've seen them do that before.” Hypnos whispered back. “Drink up, it will be your turn to go there. Report back.”

You bit back a laugh and did as you were told.

The one quick drink became a fun little game of you and Hypnos getting more drinks and snacks, coming up with wilder and wilder theories.

”This whole thing is a heist.” Hypnos told you a little too loudly, and you shushed him, pressing a finger against your lips. Hypnos slapped his hands over his mouth as you scanned the room.

When no one gave you or Hypnos even a single look, you waved for him to continue. Much quieter, he did.

“A heist. I bet they are building up to steal something from Master Hades.” Hypnos rushed. “Like- like-”

“His favorite quill.” You gasped and Hypnos nodded, “Yes! And maybe his stuffed teddy bear?”

The idea of your terrifying boss sleeping with a little teddy made you break down in giggles. Hypnos joined in a moment later.

Once the laughter died down, You leaned back as Hypnos yawned. Loudly.

You covered your mouth as you copied his yawn.

“I kinda wish Y/N was here with us right now.” Hypnos sighed, resting his cheek on his palm.

Maybe it was the exhaustion, the giddy laughter but your lips moved before you could stop yourself.

“How is he?” You asked then you winced. “I mean-“

”Is he happy, you mean?” Hypnos repiled, his tone quiet. His heavy eyes suddenly alert. You sat up, painfully aware of the shift in the atmosphere. You wished you could take those words back but you knew you couldn't.

Besides, you knew you would ask eventually. Might as well get the pain over with.

Hypno stirred his cup, his gaze still on you but you had to look away. “I think he is content. Or maybe I am just telling myself that.”

“What do you mean?” You asked, fingers curling against the table.

“He still thinks about you.” Hypnos admitted, taking a careful sip of his drink. Your body froze, the words ringing in your ears.

With a calm you didn’t truly feel, you met Hypnos’ eyes. It still caused a nervous flutter in your stomach. There was an ancient feeling to Hypnos, like stones left to ruin, the passage of time revealed by his golden irises.

It was no wonder that Y/N had fallen for Hypnos. The god was beautiful, otherworldly in a way a farm boy - that you never could be.

“I. I don’t-” You paused, a hand curled against the smooth wood of the table. You didn’t know what to say. What could you say?

“You know, I asked about you.” Hypnos took another sip, a loose curl brushing against his cheek as he smiled. “Before you came to the house, I mean. And afterwards, of course!”

Somehow you were able to find enough coordination to bring your wine to your lips. Unlike Hypnos, you didn’t sip it gracefully rather you gulped as much as you could in a single go.

“Why are you telling me this?” You gestured to the shade at the bar with two fingers up. You needed a lot more alcohol. There might not be enough wine in all of the underworld to have this conversation.

Because at some point, you had come to think of Hypnos as an… friend even though he was the one to kiss Y/N, get to hold him and make him laugh. It used to be you but over time, you accepted the hurt because you knew Hypnos truly cared for Y/N.

And that had almost been enough for your broken heart. Because as long as Y/N was loved, cared for, you could tend to your broken pieces.

“Because he was right about you. The jerk.” Hypnos chuckled then he did something you weren’t expecting. His hands grabbed both yours and enveloped them between his.

You stared down in muted surprise at how warm his touch was. It was just how Y/N’s used to be.

The contrast was obvious. Hypnos’ fingers were slender, his wrists finely-boned, the veins dark and healthy under his skin. They looked like the hands of an aristocratic, someone that never knew hard labor.

While there were tiny scars on yours, the nails were short and blunt. Nearly all of your fingers were calloused from your hard work.

Hypnos ran his thumb along yours, his expression thoughtful. Goosebumps appeared on your skin, a soft heat pooling in your stomach. You ignored it. Or tried to.

”I think he is happy.” You rushed to say. Hypnos blinked at you. You gave him an honest smile. It hurts but not as much as you thought. Because Hypnos was warm, he was funny and he was what Y/N needed.

“Because this last hour or whatever is the most fun I had in forever. Just being around you brings a smile to my face” You told him and you heard the gratitude in your voice. Hopefully so did he. “And I have seen the way he smiled at you, I know you make him very, very happy.”

Hypnos ducked his head, his sleep mask almost falling forward. His cheeks darkened and you realized he was blushing. You thought before he was just beautiful in the ways gods simply were but this moment, that shy blush on his cheeks were purely Hypnos.

He was so lovely like this.

You made yourself look away, not sure what this was. Hypnos let out a quiet laugh, a finger pressing against your pulse. You took a shaky breath.

“The mighty hands of a healer. I know these hands spared many from my brother and sisters, including our Y/N.” He whispered as yours and his eyes met once more. There was a beat, a moment of heated intensity that you didn’t realize was possible with someone who wasn’t y/n.

It almost didn’t register that he didn’t say ‘my y/n’. That Hypnos had said ‘ours’.

Ours…

“He was right.” Hypnos repeated. So low, that you knew only you heard him.

You swallowed. “About what?”

“About you. You are the smartest person I have ever met. You are also the most naive man I have ever met. Which is saying a lot considering I have met plenty of morals.” Hypnos gave your hands a squeeze.

“Oh.” You said, your heart twisting into itself. It felt like new cracks had formed, just as the old ones were filled. “Well, you tell him I said he is still the most stubborn man I ever knew. Still know.”

Hypnos blinked, his amber eyes big as an owl. Then he tossed his head back in a delighted laugh. You couldn’t tear your eyes away.

You knew that you shouldn’t like Hypnos. Maybe at first, you didn’t. Yet your heart ached with sheer fondness. You liked that you made Hypnos lose himself in laughter and you liked how good his hands felt against yours.

It was the same way you felt when you got a real smile from Y/N, at how the sunlight would hit his hair, the way his mouth felt against yours.

You froze.

Oh.

Oh no.

(Y/N’s pov)

When he gets his hands on that thief, Hades would be the least of their problems. Y/N growled as he made his way back toward Hypnos’ chambers, his expression stormy.

Why now? And why only nectar?

Y/n paused in front of the door, debating if he should go back, to scan the areas one more time for missing clues. And maybe make sure a certain someone wasn’t staying late at work.

He immediately dismissed that idea. That road led only to dangerous things. Something that he wasn't willing to risk, no matter how much he wanted to check on you. To make sure you were alright.

But no. Y/n knew that wasn’t his privilege to do so, not anymore. He won’t do that to you or to Hypnos.

So he pushed the temptation out of his mind firmly.

Y/n quietly opened the door and closed it behind him, making sure the locks were in place before he let out a sigh.

He was looking forward to taking his armor off and pulling a sleepy Hypnos into his arms. The thought of waking him up just enough to get soft kisses and quiet sighs was better than ambrosia.

But when he turned around, he realized there was someone on the chaise, mostly under a blanket, too large to be Hypnos.

He immediately tightened his hand on the spear, then Hypnos poked his head up from behind the chaise. Hypnos blinked at him in sleepy surprise, his smile grew.

“Oh, you finally came home.” Hypnos yawned, beckoning him closer. Y/n obeyed, not sure what was going on. When he got close enough, he saw the locks of hair and knew it was you.

Of course it was, he would know that hair anywhere. You were sound asleep, enough that Y/N knew it would take a lot to wake you up. He saw the dark fans of your lashes pressed against your cheeks.

It was such a familiar sight that it felt like a punch to the guts. It was vulnerable moments like these that allowed Y/N to really see you, all soft and warm

“We were trying to help your investigation.” Hypnos whispered from his nest on the floor, pillows and blankets. He looked just as lovely, the dying light in the hearth made his eyes honey gold.

”Help, huh?” You muttered, the fondness in your tone softening the words. You moved around the chaise, brushing a hand on top of his head, giving the mask a playful tug.

Hypnos batted at your hand, resting his full weight against y/n’s leg, not bothering to get up to greet y/n. Not that y/n minded.

“I forget how easily morals fall asleep when around me for too long. Especially when intoxicated.” Hypnos confessed, pressing a kiss against Y/n’s skin, “I didn’t feel right leaving him there. And I don’t remember where his room was so…”

so Hypnos brought Reader here.

There was a strange sensation in Y/N’s guts, the same one that he had when he saw them hugging in the hallway. Like something was right about this. Something good. It was just… different.

And Y/N didn’t know what to do with it.

Or rather, he had a good idea but he knew better. He was lucky enough to loved twice and to be loved twice. How many souls could say that?

”He got lucky. I was able to push him onto the chaise. He woke up just enough to walk to it and he passed right out.” Hypnos said, bringing Y/N’s attention back on him. However Hypnos was staring at reader with a gentle frown.

“Love?” Y/n asked with a matching frown.

“He has not been getting any sleep.” Hypnos admitted. “You know my rules, I tried to give people privacy with this stuff or at least, act like I don’t know. Y/n, I think this is the first time he actually slept since coming here.”

Y/n closed his eyes. Becasue fuck. What was he supposed to do with that information? Reader wasn’t his anymore. He couldn’t make you go to sleep again at your will.

…Could he?

He glanced down at reader, his fingers twitching the urge to brush the stray lock of hair out your face. Your lips were parted, your breathing slow and even. Y/n’s heart ached.

Hypnos gave another kiss then laid down on the piles of pillows and blankets he made. “ I don’t think we should wake him up.”

”No.” y/n agreed quietly. He took the armchair, with both you and hypnos in his sight. Hypnos gave another loud yawn and stretched out onto his blankets.

“Want a blanket?” He mumbled, his sleepy voice adorable. Y/n shook his head with a gentle smile.

“No, go to sleep.” Y/n ordered, trying to remove his armor quietly as he could. Hypnos sat back up, and floated over helping him. Once that was done, Hypnos and y/n shared a quick, chaste kiss.

”Good night.” Hypnos whispered and you did the same, with one last kiss. “Can we talk tomorrow? After you know.”

“Why not now?” Y/n asked.

“I want it to just be us here for this talk.” Hypnos said, not meeting his eyes. Y/n cupped his chin, making Hypnos meet his eyes. “Is there something worrying you?”

Hypnos shook his head with a smile. “No.”

Y/n wanted to push, curious but he knew from the expression on Hypnos’ face he wasn’t go get far so all he did was murmured an agreement before kissing Hypnos once more

It didn’t take long for Hypnos to fall asleep. His limbs sprawled out as his breathing changed and y/n admired the sight of Hypnos’ delicate beauty.

Then Y/N’s eyes flickered toward you, the line of his mouth thoughtful. while you didn’t carry the starlit beauty of Hypnos, you had something wholly yours. It still made Y/N’s heart overflow with love to see it.

It wasn’t something he liked to admit, but he never did quite learn how to stop it. And now…

it wasn't that he never loved you, or it was lesser.

There was you. There was Hypnos. Two halves of himself.

It was that simple. And it was that complicated.

Y/n sat back in his chair- furious with himself and he rubbed his eyes with a sigh. He didn’t get much rest, keeping a watchful eye over both.

#wake me from this dreaming #Thy Starry Crown

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