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smallraindrops-blog · 27 days

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Wake Me From This Dreaming

(part sixteen)

Word count: 6.3k

Warnings: graphic descriptions of dead bodies, implied violence, nightmares, some light horror, trauma, no beta

Notes: hi! Thank you to everyone for the love in support, I am not 100 percent sure on how many parts are left, but we are in the endgame now.

Also I posted a short you might want to read before this.

The masterlist

Please heed the warnings.

The smell of wood filled your lungs every time you breathed. Huddled in the quiet dark with your fellow warriors, you couldn’t shake the feeling that this wooden horse was a grave.

Odysseus sat across from you, his head bow as Agamemnon whispered something to him. His brother, and Helen’s husband, Menelaus had been quiet since they got inside. There was a hardness in his expression, the gray of his eyes were smothered ashes.

A few souls away from you, Pyrrhus was just as silent. In the darkness, you could see his flaming red locks. There would be a reckoning coming after what could be the final battle. If you or Pyrrhus lived long enough to see the sunrise that is.

Odd how the horse sounded like a ship, the creaking seemed louder than any sound you could make, like a kelpie hissing in your ears. A memory, hazy and faded, returned.

You as a boy, on your hands and knees as you moved your toy horse. Adjusting the legs to make it looked like it was running. Pa smiled as he watched you play. A scroll lying forgotten in his hands.

It seemed like a sick joke. Give the enemy what was essentially a giant toy with a surprise on the inside.

There were so many things that could go wrong. What if the Tojans knew and set the horse aflamed, burning all of them alive? What if- what if- you closed your eyes. If there was one thing you learned in the brutal ten years, there was no place for self-doubt during a battle.

Do or die.

‘The pain of death is but another obstacle.’

’And fear is for the weak’

It was something you and your father repeated together quietly before battle. It was a prayer of some sort. A father telling his son to not fear what could come for them both. it had been Achilles’ own way to comfort you, to say that he loved you.

Your mouth twisted in bitterness, your father had died twice. Once when Pa took his last breath, then once again when he was killed by Paris. The man who started all this.

“I know.” Odysseus whispered. Your eyes snapped toward him. It was hard to see his face in the darkness but you felt the sharpness of his gaze rested on you. “The killer of your father- his brother still lives. You will get your justice.”

“Yes.” You stated quietly. Odysseus was wrong. He didn’t know.

Was there even a point in killing that fool? In any of this? It wouldn’t bring back your Father or more importantly, Pa. Hector was the true murderer of Achilles as far as you were concerned.

Hector was dead. Father was dead. Pa was dead.

it was just you left now.

One of the spies silded out of the mouth, Peros. It was too dark to see his brown eyes but you knew what his expression must be. Grim determination.

Ten long years.

Peros gave a thumbs up before returning to his spot. Just as he did, you heard the sounds of the door of Tory beginning to open. You and everyone else stayed quiet as a shade when the horse began to creak as it was pulled inside the doomed city.

Hell awaited them all.

Once, during the early days of house guard, Hypnos had floated down to poked your cheek with a single finger. Repeatedly.

You scowled, batting the finger away as you realized that the god wasn’t going to accept your attempt to ignore him. For his part, Hypnos didn’t look offended, watching you with a wide grin.

“Can I help you?” You flashed a fake, toothy smile. It usually could scare people off. Hypnos blinked those sleepy, golden eyes and tilted his head like a curious puppy. You hated that it was actually a little adorable.

“When you are training Zagreus, I noticed that you tend to go for his legs or ankles. But not with me. Why?” Hypnos pointed at his own feet, currently hidden by his long chiton.

“I mean, don’t get me wrong. I am very happy you decided not to break my bones.“ Hypnos said quickly, as if wanting to make sure you knew that. “Please don’t start.”

You debated if it would be worth your time to respond. At the hopeful glance Hypnos gave you, you knew he wouldn’t let it go.

“You’ve seen how quick His Highness moves, right? For him, it is both his strength and his weakness. I doubt very many people could land a hit when he is running and it is clear he relies on it.” You grumbled, thinking over the last few training sessions. “Stop him from moving and he is a sitting duck. It's the easy way to win against him.”

”Ah.” Hypnos tapped his cheek thoughtfully. “And me?”

“What about you?”

Hypnos gave you an unimpressed look, “You don’t attack me like Zagreus. I was wondering why.”

You shifted on your feet. The reasons you didn’t go hard on Hypnos was mainly because it was clear the god wasn’t a fighter. Zagreus could take a hit, you weren’t sure about Hypnos.

Besides, it was highly unlikely Hypnos would need to know how to fight like a warrior.

“Maybe I don’t want to hurt your feelings.” You told him. Hypnos’ mouth dropped open in surprise then he broke into genuine laughter. You shoved down the surge of pride at making him laugh.

”Now I know that isn’t the reason.” Hypnos sighed after his laughter died down. “I guess if you won’t tell me, you got your reasons.”

”If I had to fight you...” you paused, letting the suspect build for a moment. Hypnos leaned in closer with a grin, playing along. “I would go for a surprise attack. Take you down quick and clean.”

“Why a surprise attack?” Hypnos blinked.

”You said it to Zagrues once during training. Just one snap of your fingers and it’s nap time for everyone.” You said. “Not to mention, you can vanish in a second.”

“Huh.” Hypnos mulled over your words, circling in the air lazily. “You make me sound like I could be a problem.”

”You already are.” You said under your breath, hating that your words sounded a little too fond and caught Hypnos’ ankle when he tried to kick at you. His limb felt delicate under your grasp, like fine pottery that could crack if mishandled. His skin was softer than you expected.

His golden eyes caught yours, wide in shock. His cheeks went redder the longer you and him stared at each other. A knot formed your throat, heat clawing up the back of your neck.

Letting him go after a few moments later, you cleared your throat. Thankfully no one else was around to see you acting like a fool.

“I think I can hear Master Hades calling me.” Hypnos squeaked.

The house was dead silent, not even the sounds of quill marking paper reached your ears. You didn’t point that out.

“Of course.” You replied as he vanished.

A nearby candle flickered as if laughing at you

Slender fingers trailed over the worn leather of the himantes, the paleness of his skin were stark against the dark leather. It felt intimate, like it was his fingers caressing your skin.

Before you might have made yourself look away but not anymore. The privacy of Hypnos’ bedchambers allowed you the luxury to just look at him, to study the ways his short curls fell around his face. The gentle bow of his lips, the fans of his white eyelashes.

You devoured the sight of the beautiful god before you, never wanting to forget this.

Hypnos’ expression was thoughtful as he glanced up at you, “I thought you gave Zagreus these.”

“He got my backup pair, these were the ones I used all the time.” You informed him, taking the himantes back. The leather had been made from a strong ox, giften by your parents for your birthday.

These, along the nectar Hypnos had gifted you, were along your most prized possessions. You had fought and died with these on. Hypnos gave a quiet hum, his eyes lingering on the leather as he settled on the floor, his back supported by a mountain of soft pillows.

You lifted an eyebrow, grinning slightly. “Wanna try them on?”

His cheeks darken but he gave an enthusiastic nod. He quickly removed his jewelry along his arms, exposing new flesh. The gold clacked quietly as it fell to the floor.

Hypnos offered his wrists, like a sacrifice. The bones looked fragile, the veins prominent under his skin. His hands remained steady despite the vulnerability revealed by his flesh.

You swallowed, a simmering heat low in your stomach. Ridiculous, how much just seeing that affected you.

With a gentleness that you didn’t know you were capable of, that only revealed itself for Hypnos, your fingers cupped around his right hand, your rough fingers brushing against his soft palm.

His breath hitched.

“Whenever putting this on, always loop around the thumb and start the wrap behind the hand.” You explained quietly as you worked the himantes around Hypnos’ elegant wrist, caressing his warm skin as you moved downward.

“Three times around the wrist.” You whispered, very aware of the nervous flutter of Hypnos’ pulse. “Then the same for the hand and knuckles.”

Then you placed his wrapped hand down and began on the other one. Once you were done, you took a moment to admire your work. A deep feeling of possessive satisfaction surged in your chest at the sight of your himantes wrapped around Hypnos’s hands.

Hypnos flexed his fingers curiously, then wiggled them with a laugh. “This feels so weird. But also like maybe I could take on a whole army.”

You chuckled, leaning back on your hands. “Try making a fist.”

He obeyed, at first it was incorrect with his thumb tucked in. At the click of your tongue, he corrected it.

“Remember. Always inside-“

“Or end up with a broken thumb.” Hypnos finished with an amused eye roll, punching the air. It was one of the many things you had regularly reminded him of.

Hypnos glanced at you, a glint of mischief bright in his eyes. A slight devilish curl to his smile. You narrowed your eyes at him in a silent dare.

At his first swing, you blocked his fist with a forearm, smirking at his annoyed gasp. He tried again, and this time you caught his wrist in an easy hold. Hypnos tried to pull away to no avail and he tried to land another hit with his free hand, you caught his other wrist as well.

You lifted an eyebrow, your amusement growing at his scowl.

“Jerk.” Hypnos hissed as he tried to wiggle out your grasp but you heard the hidden laughter in his tone. “You should be nicer to me, shade.”

At that, you used the momentum of his struggling body to bring him down next to you, his back landing on the pile of pillows. In a smooth motion, you silded over, pinning his wrists down.

Hypnos felt so soft under you, the sensation of the himantes warmed by his body heat made your head rush with hunger. He felt like he was yours and yours alone.

His breathing turned shaky as his amber eyes met yours. You became greedy at the mere sight of him like this, of his pink tongue running along his lips. He breathed out your name like it was a prayer.

You leaned down, your mouth a hairbreadth away from his. “I think I've been perfectly nice.”

His snarky reply was lost as you claimed his mouth. You sunk into the kiss, coaxing him to part his lips, to give in like you had to the softness of his form. He did, unfurling like a flower with a quiet, pleased moan.

Later, with Hypnos’ warm body against yours, you carefully unwrapped his wrists, your fingers smoothing the marks left in his skin until he was whole once more.

(Current)

Spring had arrived and Queen Persephone had returned to the world of warm sunlight and sweet blooming flowers. She had left the underworld with a gentle promise and deep jade eyes that shined with unshed tears.

Which meant everyone else was dealing with Master Hades’ black mood. Right now, the unfortunate victim was Hypnos.

“What do you mean your overdue paperwork is missing?” His voice boomed over Hypnos’ wordy explanation, the depth of his anger rattling the house. A nearby candle rocked from the vibrations and not for the first time, you were tempted to give it a small nudge and let it set the place ablaze.

The thought of all Master Hades’ precious paperwork burned into a crisp was almost enough to bring a smile to your face.

Hypnos blinked up at Hades, his hands clasped in front of him. He looked tiny, his feet on the ground. “It means it is missing and I don't know where it is. You know, like the dictionary definition of ‘missing’ is-”

“Enough! I do not have time for your foolishness. Go get another copy and. Don’t. Lose. It. Again.”

“Aye, aye captain!” Hypnos flashed Hades a cheerful grin with a two finger salute. Hades murmured something under his breath, his fingers rapping his desk as Hypnos walked off.

When Hypnos got close enough, you caught his attention with a short wave. You made a gesture toward the candle, lifting an eyebrow in a silent question.

Hypnos smothered his laugh with his hand over his mouth and shook his head, his curls bouncing sweetly. The sight of his delight was more than enough to make you smile.

You watched him all the way until he passed the administration’s doors, his cloak fluttering behind him. Only then, you let out a deep sigh.

With spring’s arrival, it meant that it had been at least half a year since... Everything that happened. Hypnos was still not able to call upon his powers fully, even the slightest effort seemed to drain the energy out of him.

His last attempt at floating had caused him to pass out almost immediately. You had gotten very good at catching him before he hit the ground, his chest rising and falling as he tried to catch his breath-

You didn’t know it was possible to drown in smoke and dirt as screams echoed, fire devouring everything it’s path like a mindless beast. Ares’s nails digging into your neck as Achilles wailed, carrying Patroclus’ body in despair among the bloodied streets.

The wheels of the wooden horse were bloodied, its mouth looked like a twisted, horrible smile as people ran around it.

Golden eyes met yours, once bright turned dull, Hypnos’ beautiful face ruined as Pyrrhus reached down-

You shook your head roughly, ignoring the glance some of the close by shades sent your way. Busy bodies, the whole lot of them.

It wasn’t new. You had dealt with this even before Hypnos. Memories twisted into nightmares that creeped in and pulled you away from reality. It was likely just prolonged stress that had brought the foul things back in greater force.

You let out a sigh.

This would pass as it always did.

There was a ritual at bedtime.

You weren’t sure when it started exactly but it was one you began to look forward to. After settling in the pools of soft blankets, pillows tucked behind their head, Hypnos trails his fingers along your chest, sometimes down your stomach then slowly back up.

Hypnos always felt unbelievably soft and warm against your body. You were addicted to how he felt, always finding a place for your hands to touch him. Sometimes you would let your hands roam, pressing gentle kisses against his neck, whispering devotions into the flesh you worship.

But one thing always remains the same.

Hypnos will fall asleep first, you made sure of that.

Sleep didn’t come easily for the god anymore. Another thing stolen away from your beloved. You made sure to lock the anger away, it didn’t belong in the quiet, sacred place for just you and Hypnos.

Later, you will fight the rage out with Zagreus but not now, not here.

His brow furrowed, and you shifted to smooth away the tension, brushing gentle fingers along his forehead. You thought it worked for a moment only for his eyes to open slowly.

Golden irises met yours, with an unexpected sharpness to them. When you cupped his cheek, he sighed and nuzzled into your palm.

”I wonder what my domain looks like now.” Hypnos confessed in the quiet dark, with only you and the canopy of stars to hear. “Do you think it works just fine without me? I haven’t seen it in forever.”

You heard the unspoken questions.

What if nobody needs me even for sleep? For dreams? Am I really that useless?

You shook your head, “Pure chaos. When everything goes back to normal, you will have tons of paperwork to get caught up on.”

Hypnos gave a little huff, “No paperwork in the dream realm.”

“Sounds nice, we should move there.” You said with a cheeky grin, trying to get a laugh out of him. You didn’t but Hypnos smiled at you. His fingers brushed against your lips and you kissed his fingertips.

“I thought I was supposed to be the goofy one.” Hypnos teased.

You smiled against his fingers. “Learned from the best.”

That got a small laugh from Hypnos and he shifted, tucking himself back against your chest. You sighed happily, kissing his forehead, rubbing his back in long, smoothing stokes.

Eventually, Hypnos’ face went slack, his breathing even and deep. You didn’t fall asleep, not yet. You lingered, watching his face until sleep won.

Blood dipped from the wooden horse’ mouth, limbs dangling between its twisted lips.

Its eyes gleamed with unholy glee at the feast before it.

You stared. There shouldn’t be eyes- there shouldn’t be eyes- blood red irises rolled down to you as the monster realized you there.

Then in a flash, its mouth opened toward you, the mouth fleshy pink with white fangs bloodied with those of the innocent, of the damned. You couldn’t move- run run run!

You woke with a jolt, sweat coated your body as you realized where you were. Stars gleamed overhead. Hypnos was barely awake, watching you with concern twisting the delicate lines of his face.

His hand was on your shoulder, lingering there from his efforts to wake you up.

”You were screaming.” Hypnos whispered, staring down at you. You flinched at his expression, sitting up before you placed a hand on Hypnos’. You gave his slender fingers a gentle squeeze as you tried to normalize your breathing.

”Just a bad dream, love.” You reassured him. Not that it seemed to work. Hypnos bit on his bottom lip, his eyes shiny with unshed tears.

“Hypnos?”

”I hate this.” Hypnos’ voice cracked and his eyes slammed closed. “I know this isn’t about me but I hate that I can't help you.”

You immediately wrapped your arms around him, hauling his body into your lap. You kissed his brow over and over as Hypnos took deep breaths.

“I used to keep the nightmares away. I was actually a little useful.” Hypnos confessed. “I just wanted you to get some good rest and- I missed being useful. I miss my powers, y/n.”

”I know, my love.” You murmured against his skin, hating that he was hurting and there was nothing you could do. Hypnos already went through so much, this was just kicking the god while he was down.

“What will happen if I don’t ever get it back?” Hypnos whispered, staring down at his hands. “It should have come back by now, surely.”

You cupped his chin, moving his face toward yours. He tried to resist at first however your hold was unrelenting and Hypnos met your eyes. His lips quivered but he didn’t try to look away.

”You are Hypnos, god of sleep and dreams.” You gave him a smile. “You are far better than anyone I know. Gentle and clever and just a little bit silly.”

Then you let your expression turn serious. “I know your godhood will return, I have nothing but complete faith in you.”

Hypnos swallowed and gave a watery smile. It broke your damn heart. “I- okay. Okay, if you believe in me, then what choice do I have then to believe you?”

“Exactly.” You whispered.

He let out a shuddering breath and tucked himself against your body, hiding his face in the hollow of your neck. You held the god in your arms and silently cursed Pyrrhus for what he had done.

But most of all, you cursed yourself for failing the one person you loved the most.

“Let me try again.” Hypnos murmured before taking a deep breath. His eyes closed as he tried to bring the quill toward his outstretched hand.

Thanatos watched, a faint furrow of concern on his brow. The first few attempts at training had been rough, until everyone had realized Hypnos would have to start with baby steps.

Zagreus rocked on his heels, quiet as Thanatos and Hypnos trained. You frowned when you realized he had glanced toward you once more, his expression hopeful. Crossing your arms, you lifted an annoyed eyebrow at him.

”Staring at them isn’t going to help Hypnos. Let’s do some training for ourselves. Maybe even with real weapons this time.” Zagreus whispered.

You opened your mouth, ready to dismiss Zagreus when Hypnos made a sound of frustration. He yanked the quill and bent it before tossing it at Thanatos’ feet.

He glared at the quill as if it personally slapped his mother. “I don’t understand! It had been centuries! Millennium and countless eras! I can feel every second!”

”It hadn’t been that long, Hypnos.” Thanatos snapped, annoyance clear in his eyes. He picked up the ruined quill, letting it burn away in a green burst of flames. “I swear you are so dramatic.”

”Says the guy who just burnt a quill.” Hypnos copied Thanatos, hamming it up a bit. “Ooooh, look at me and my dumb green flame.”

Thanatos took a breath, “This is coming from you, who just broke it a childish fit!”

Hypnos scoffed, “At least I am open with my emotions, Thanatos. Unlike someone I could name.”

”Don’t start that again-“

Zagreus kicked at the floor, sighing like it was your fault. “There they go off again.”

“You always do this, Hypnos-“

”I do not-“

You and Zagreus just stood there in silence. You suspected he felt just as useless as you did. The loud argument continued, to the point that Skelly covered his nonexistent ears. You could feel both his and Zagreus’ eyes on you, waiting for you to step in between the brothers.

Why did it have to be you?

“Blah, blah blah. That all you can say, it doesn’t help bring my power back-“

”Maybe if you listened-“

”I am! You need to listen to me when I say it is not there anymore.”

it was without a doubt that you supported Hypnos in everything but there was only so many times you could listen to him and his brother yell at each other. With a disgruntled glare toward Zagreus, you went to the twins.

Hypnos kept a smile during the fight but you saw the tightnesses in the corners of it, the way his cheeks reddened from frustration. Thanatos looked more calm but the hard line of his jaw gave away his anger.

“Let’s take a break.” You ordered, placing a smoothing hand on Hypnos’ back. It was then you realized that Hypnos was trembling, it was so silght you barely saw it but you could feel it.

There was a moment of harsh silence, the brothers glaring at each other down then Hypnos broke it and he glanced up at you. You ran your hand up and down in quiet comfort.

Hypnos let out a breath, his body relaxing under your touch. “Yeah, let's do that.”

Thanatos shook his head, “Sir Y/N, can I have a word with you?” He shot a hard look toward Hypnos, who gave him a surprise blink. “Privately?”

You didn’t move. Or agree. You simply glanced down at Hypnos, waiting for his permission. Hypnos couldn’t hide the hurt, not from you then he gave a shrug. At that, you murmured an agreement to Thanatos.

Green overtook your vision and you became lighter than air, then force slammed into you, causing you nearly fall backward. You caught your footing at the last moment, bracing a hand on a nearby wall.

You studied the room, trying to get your bearings. It took a moment before you realized you were in Zagreus’ chambers. You grimace in disgust when you realized you had a foot stuck in a dirty pile of clothes and promptly kicked it away.

All that just to take you to Zagreus’ room, and Thanatos had the nerves to call Hypnos dramatic. You just hoped the dirty laundry was the worst of it.

”Really?” You said dryly. You shot him an unimpressed glance, leaning against the wall with your arms crossed. “Next time, give me a warning.”

“You can’t keep babying him.” Thanatos snapped. The god shook his head, his white hair falling in front of his face. He blew it out of his face with a scowl. It reminded you so much of Hypnos that you had to bite back a smile.

“Pushing him isn’t helping him either.” You shot back. “It isn’t like he isn’t trying. You and I both know he has been trying every single day.”

You knew some bitterness slipped into your tone, you couldn’t help it. After you were the one who saw how much the lack of powers had affected Hypnos, you were the one who comforted him after every training lesson with Thanatos. The one caught Hypnos before he hit the ground.

It wasn’t a burden to do so, you would catch him every single time. But Hypnos wouldn’t - didn’t - want his twin to see the tears and you weren’t going to betray him by telling Thanatos. You just hated that his and Thanatos’ relationship wasn’t a problem you could fix by swinging a few fists around.

So you used your words the best you could.

You continued, “He had been working on this stuff outside of the training, this isn’t him being ‘lazy’.” You made a point of doing finger quotes around the word ‘lazy’. “Your frustration with this whole thing, with him, isn't helping. I can promise you Hypnos feels ten times worse.”

Thanatos pitched his brow and after a beat, he grounded out. “I know that.”

You waited for him to gather his words together.

“Something is wrong but I don't know how to fix it. No one does.” Thanatos blew out a breath. “It should have come back by now.”

It looked like it had killed Thanatos to say it, to admit that this was beyond his powers, beyond everyone else. Nyx had reached out to the olympic gods, not even the healing powers of Apollo could help.

Hypnos hasn't admitted it, not outright but it was eating away at him. Often you found him sitting alone and staring in the hearth, his eyes shadowed.

“I don't know what to do.” Thanatos repeated. “It is becoming hopeless at this rate.”

At that, you sighed. “I don’t know either. We need to support him and saying that it is hopeless isn’t going to help.”

Thanatos parted his mouth to say something else however before he could, Hypnos stepped into the room. He glanced between you and Thanatos but didn’t meet your eyes.

”I need to go back to work.” He murmured before walking past, his head ducked low. You reached out but he jerked away and picked up his pace. The silence left behind was a heavy one.

You hissed out a soft curse, rubbing the back of your neck in frustration. Thanatos’ shoulders slumped, guilt clear in his eyes. “I will talk to him.”

”Don’t.” You warned. “It will just start another argument. Let's just give him some breathing room. I will talk to him after work.”

You glanced toward the entrance, worry and fear were like sharp rocks deep in your stomach.

Rolling waves crashed against the beach, white foam caught between your childlike feet. The closer you got, the foam turned pink with spilled blood from the first battle. Your tiny steps in the sand grew into the size of a man, blood spattered over your hands.

Men bobbed in the water, as birds swooped in and others disappeared among the waves, never to be seen by their loved ones again.

A corpse was slowly being pulled in, the legs already being eaten by fishes and a seagull pecked at the back of the split-open skull.

You were going to be sick.

When you were able to lift your head again, you felt a hand on your shoulder. When you looked up, it was Pa. Only not.

Skin grayed, his mouth bloody and the hole in his chest and stomach let his insides spill out. Faint animalistic screams reach your ears, loud wails of pain drown out the sound of the waves.

Pa was trying to say something-

A hand grabbed yours, and you whirled to stare down at what you thought was a corpse. Ares began to laugh as he pulled you among the piles of bodies-

“I’m here. Shhhh. Hey, dearest, breath. I’m ordering you to breathe.”

You gasped. Blinked.

It took you a moment to realize where you were. You were standing in front of the hearth, the flames danced, sowing its light in the chambers. A pair of hands were cupping your face, Hypnos’ face twisted in confusion and worry.

When your eyes landed on him, he smiled but there was a nervousness to it. Like he wasn’t sure if he should.

You let out a breath and covered Hypnos’ hands with your own, running your thumbs along his fingers in an effort to smooth yourself. Your eyes closed in quiet relief.

Just your mind playing cruel tricks on you. Nothing more.

“Seems like it was a bad one.” Hypnos whispered.

You simply nodded, you weren’t going to scare Hypnos by telling what false visions haunted you.

”It’s been a while since you had a rough one.” Hypnos prodded. Your eyes snapped open, Hypnos was staring at you with narrowed eyes.

”It’s fine, my love.” You tried to reassure him but it was clear by his expression he wasn’t buying it.

You tried again. “Hypnos-“

”I can tell.” He kept his voice low, stepping closer to you. “You usually don’t get this shaken up. Have they been getting worse?”

You hesitated then when you saw a flash of hurt in those lovely golden eyes, you broke.

”Somewhat.” You admitted, shame burying deep inside your chest. You pulled him into a hug, your arms wrapped his slender waist and his hands settled on your shoulders. “But this is nothing new, love. I’ve been dealing with these since before we met.”

Hypnos’ forehead dropped to your chest, he didn’t say a single word. You cupped the back of his curls, dropping a comforting kiss against the top of his head. Together, you and him stood there, soaking in the heat of the hearth for however long.

Then Hypnos pulled away, and took your hands in his. You waited, squeezing his fingers in silent reassurance.

“I am going to ask you to do something for me.” Hypnos whispered.

“Anything.” You promised immediately.

At that, Hypnos’ lips curled up in a smile. “Careful. You are not going to like what I am about to ask of you.”

”Just ask me, love.” You told him. There was a warning bell going off in your mind but you ignored it.

”I want you to take me to see Pyrrhus.”

You stared down at him. It took your brain a full three seconds to comprehend his words.

“No.” You said dumbly.

“No.” You repeated. Your voice was dipping with ice and you shook your head as you took a sharp breath. You stepped away, anger boiling in your chest like lava. The idea of Pyrrhus being even in the same room as Hypnos was enough to make your head rush dizzily with sheer rage.

“Abso-fucking-lately not!” You snarled and began to pace the length of the chamber, like a caged lion. Your hands flexed and uncurled only to return into fists, your nails digging into your palms. “Are you mad!? Hypnos- I- No, I am not letting you go near that animal!”

You knew you needed to calm down, to listen but the memory of Hypnos’ bruised face, of golden blood spilled on the floor of Tartarus, of Pyrrhus looming over Hypnos, mocked you.

Hypnos sat down on the chaise, his legs crossed as he watched you. His chin resting on his hand as if bored.

“You are handling this better than I expected.” Hypnos commented mildly. Like one would for the weather. His complete calm and disregard for your sanity and his safety made you whirled around to face him.

”This isn’t a joke, Hypnos!” You roared, hands becoming claws.

“I know.” It was so quiet, so firm that it gave you pause. His expression was calm and sure in a way that you haven’t seen in a long time. You forced your breathing to slow and rubbed your forehead as your shoulder slumped a little bit.

Once you were sure that you were the one in control and not your rage, although simmered low in your guts like a monster lurking close, you went to him.

Kneeling in front of him, you took his hands. Looking into those golden eyes, all you could ask was, “Why?”

“I need answers. And it is clear I am noting going to get it just by sitting around.” Hypnos said. “I’mâ€¦ sick of being like this. I can’t remember what could had cause this.”

“And you think Pyrrhus can be trusted to speak the truth?” You replied quietly. Hypnos’ mouth twisted, the first sign of doubt.

“I don’t know. I just know sitting and waiting for my powers to return to me isn’t working for me.” Hypnos waved off your reply before you could say it. “I know, we tried other stuff. I just know I need to do this.”

You said nothing for a long moment, staring down at Hypnos’ slender fingers between yours. It was always something you admired about him, the delicate artwork that was his hands.

“Do you remember that talk we had once? About how you would fight me?” Hypnos whispered. “You would try to take me down in a surprise attack before I knew what hit me?”

You winced. In hidesight, you wouldn’t had told Hypnos that. Or at least softened it a bit.

Hypnos continued, “All I can feel is that something is deeply wrong. There is a sense of dread lingering over me. Like before he attacked me.”

“I-“ your mouth snapped close. There was real desperation in Hypnos’ tone and you knew no words would comfort him.

“Please.” Hypnos begged softly.

You wanted to say ‘no’, to keep him safe in the house and away from that creature that caused all of this. Butâ€¦ it wasn’t your place to do so, if this was Hypnos needed to do, then so be it.

You nodded, you were his most devoted worshiper, whatever he wished of you, it was already his.

”When do you want to go?” You asked.

Relief bloomed on his face before his jaw tightened in determination.

”Now.”

Somewhere far away from the gloom of the underworld, a queen stood in her garden along with her mother, their faces were twin masks of pain and sorrow.

The world should be a riot of blooming life. Trees lush and green with the sound of baby birds, olive grooves should be flushed with food, apple trees filling the air with sweet flowers and colorful wildflowers should be dancing in the wind, their sweet faces tilled to the sun.

There was nothing.

Somewhere close to bright blue waters of the coast, a golden prince of the sun frowned at the entrance at one of his temples. Where was the music, he wondered with his hands on his hips.

The sound of lyres should be drifting into the newly spring air. The clean smell of freshly ground medicinal herbs was missing as well.

Peeved, Apollo went inside, ready to have a word with his head priestess.

Only when he found his followers, he gasped in horror, recoiling away from them. They stared back with blank, sunken eyes, as if they didn’t recognize their god.

Like a creeping, strange vine, it spread to the depth of the forests of lady Artemis, and she watched as her animals stumble and birds fall from the sky, exhaustion causing their form to shake apart.

The god of wine only stared in muted disbelief as he walked through his grapevines, brown and dead from the lack of care. Just as many of his worshippers were, their bodies scattered and the others stared back with dull, sunken eyes.

Thanatos lingered in the doorway of a family home, his grip tightened on his scythe.

He knew he needed to find Hypnos and he vanished from the living realm. He would not admit that fear lingered deep in his stomach. Because if they couldn’t fix this...

Farmers collapsed in the fields, poets lost their words in puddles of ink and confusion. Babies screamed as their mother weeped in exhaustion and confusion. Ships rocked among the ocean waves, quiet as a grave.

It didn’t matter.

From the poorest beggar to the most powerful king, all of them searched for the relief of oblivion.

The world was wide awake.

#wake me from this dreaming #hypnos x male!reader

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