[It isn't something he replies to, but it's enough to make him think as he quickly gets ready. Much like Hypnos he doesn't tend to dress in a way that highlights his status and the garb he arrived in has been neatly packed away, and when he steps outside he's dressed fairly casually (for him) yet still smartly, in dark trousers and a light grey shirt left open at the collar.
It's warm out there, after all.
He looks at his twin for a few long, silent moments. Thanatos shifts in place, then he reaches out and lightly clasps Hypnos' upper arm. Just for a second.]
Come on.
[Even in the short amounts of time they've been able to spent together over the years, they've never done something like this. Still... Thanatos is confident that his brother will enjoy himself.]
[ He shifts, standing upright as Thanatos clasps at his arm. The action is gentle, but Hypnos can't recall the last time he's stood upright next to his brother. It's always felt -- weird? He's much preferred looking up to his brother. But he's comfortable and happy. More than he has been ever before. So he'll allow himself a small bit of confidence in his posture. ]
Well, I look comfortable because I am. It's weird dressing like this, you know?
[ An amused glance. ]
But humans got a few things right - and that's comfortable clothing. I'd never say it's better than what I have from home, but it at least compares.
[In a way, Thanatos has never mentally acknowledged that Hypnos towers over him in height. He's the older one, and it only stands to reason that his twin would look up to him in spite of that.]
Mm. [Outside of his usual garb he's found a style of clothing that is comfortable for him, but he's still getting used to the idea of buttons.]
As long as you can fall asleep in it, hm?
[Normally, there would be a barb attached to that kind of statement. When he says it now though it's with only a certain kind of fondness.]
Of course. What good is something if it's uncomfortable to sleep in.
[ He answers almost immediately. He doesn't sense that it's a jab at him, so he answers it earnestly. He is happy, to be honest. When he's walking with Thanatos, he puts in a sincere effort to not let his gaze seem like he's looking down at his brother. ]
[Thanatos doesn't address the first statement, because of course Hypnos would say something like that. It would be very easy to mistake the most important thing in his twin's existence as being sleep, but Thanatos knows very well that that isn't the case.]
I do have something planned. [He says then, glancing up at his twin.] We're going to get something to eat.
[ It's still sometimes weird to be able to see the top of his brother's head, but the fact that he's comfortable standing upright next to his twin is a delight. ]
Something to eat? [ He'd be happy just standing in the sun with his brother, but to actually do something together. Thanatos might catch a happy sigh. ] I like the sound of that a lot, Thanatos.
[ No brother, just - his name. But it's intentional, because it's still quite affectionate sounding from him. He might look just a small bit brighter at the invitation. ]
[It's... nice. It's nice to be able to spend time with Hypnos without having to rush off back to work, and without being irritated with his twin for being asleep on the job yet again.
Hypnos had never made a secret of wanting to be around him, though his suggestions with regards to how they might achieve it had always fallen flat as far as Thanatos was concerned, but he had never thought there would come a time when it would actually be possible.
He looks up again, noting mentally how his twin isn't slouching. Not missing how happy he looks. Thanatos smiles very slightly.]
[ Hypnos feeling comfortable and confident around his brother is a new thing. Like he doesn't have to slouch and hide and shrink himself down so that he can better hide behind someone else.
It's a weirdly nice change. He tilts his head towards his twin when he speaks.
Is that a smile that he sees? Just a hint of one, a spark of one? Hypnos, being who he is, assumes that the smile has nothing to do with him and is about Zagreus. Which seems only natural to him. Zagreus had that impact on people around him. ]
[Bad joke, Hypnos! Thanatos scowls up at his twin briefly, but there's no real venom in it.]
No. [Again, a little softer, and he closes his eyes for a moment. It's still very... very new, and strange, and he still hasn't fully resolved how he feels about the entire thing, but it's definitely happening.]
We talked, a few nights ago. And he-- well, he kissed me. And I kissed him. And I suppose we're... together, now.
[ He nudges Thanatos' arm almost playfully. He's happy for his brother. Legitimately and honestly. He's happy. And Zagreus is happy. And that's the very least he could ask for for them. ]
I think Dusa might owe me money now.
[ It's almost a mutter when he says that. ]
I'm happy for you though, Thanatos. And Zagreus, too. It couldn't have happened to people I like more!
[Such a typical response. Why is he not surprised that Hypnos would have that kind of wager with Dusa of all people. He looks discomforted by that particular revelation, though it's not that difficult to make Thanatos uncomfortable.]
I won't say I know what I'm doing with regards to any of it, but Zagreus seems content.
[That is, he seems content to wait for whatever pace Thanatos wants to set, which is terrible since Death Incarnate has absolutely no clue of how to have that kind of relationship with someone.]
Best news, is even if you have no idea, you have forever to figure it out.
[ There's a touch of amusement because he's the last person to give advice in a situation like this. He is, genuinely, happy for Thanatos and Zagreus, therefore he doesn't want to offer a piece of advice on a subject he has zero knowledge for. ]
So don't worry so hard, brother! You'll figure it out.
[ He's sure of it. Thanatos is clever enough. He knows Zagreus well, too. ]
[Thanatos huffs out a sharp sigh. He doesn't doubt how Zagreus feels nor how he himself feels but things are certainly different here than they would ever be in the House. He doesn't have his job here - nothing to keep him away. Zagreus can have far more of his time.
He doesn't know if it would ever work should they be released from Avalon and he's been trying quite hard not to think about it.
Thankfully, any further delving into the subject is interrupted by their arrival at the place Thanatos was taking his brother to. It's a restaurant, and the woman on the door seems to recognise the stern death god as the two of them walk in.]
If you like it, probably. How many times have you been here?
[ He seems to gather that Thanatos is recognized, so he keeps the question simple when he asks. For every doubt Thanatos may have, Hypnos is confident in the two of them because it's them.
Well, it's Zagreus.
Zagreus is someone Hypnos trusts almost as much as he trusts Thanatos. Which is to say that it's quite a lot since there's no person that exists he trusts or cares about as much as Thanatos. That's what it means to be a twin to Hypnos.
So he's hopeful for his brother, he has to be. Because he wants nothing more than for his brother, above all, to be happy. ]
[More than once. He's tall enough and unusual enough in both appearance and stature that he tends to be recognised only the second time he visits a place, though. It's not something he's found that he enjoys - this whole... being perceived.
They're shown to a table and seated, and a pitcher of water with two glasses are placed down not more than a minute later. Thanatos pours them both a glassful out and then sits back, letting out a soft breath.]
There isn't a menu, as such. You can choose what you want.
[Along the wall is a long line of options, and set behind that is a visible kitchen area where several people are working. In a cabinet at the far end is a display of colourful desserts.]
[ Hypnos glances between his brother and the others here in the restaurant. He's surprised that his brother's only answer is 'enough'. So Hypnos can conclude it's probably been, at least, a few times. His e yes shift, settling in to look at the line of options, and dessert, then back at his brother. ]
I've never seen anything like it, Thanatos!
[ Which, presumably, Thanatos would know. He doesn't exactly leave his place often. ]
I don't really go out to eat so -- you know. This is pretty neat.
[ And he takes a sip of the water, taking it all in. ]
[He can't help the faint smile as Hypnos enthuses over the place. It's good to be able to show his brother something new, and... yes, he has been here a few times. Enough to be recognised when he walks in, though he isn't easy to miss to begin with.]
It's my treat, so you can go up and get something whenever you're ready.
[Spending time with Hypnos has become strangely normal to him already. It stirs up memories of when they used to be together all the time.]
[ He stands, though he returns to slouching without a second thought. Maybe it's because he's in a room with a bunch of mortal people. Maybe it's because it's not just him and Thanatos. He doesn't really think about it. He decides to go for -- well, some steamed vegetables and what looks like a wrap, perhaps? He noticed there was chicken and some other things inside. He's not a picky eater by any stretch, so he'll try anything. He's decided he won't gun right for the desserts, but he will. After he eats what he's picked out. ]
[Hypnos might not think about it, but Thanatos notices. He sees his twin slouching over, taking several inches off his height, and while it's not the first time he's wondered why Hypnos does that (surely it can't be comfortable) it is the first time he has observed the behaviour and considered that it might mean his brother isn't entirely at ease.
Once Hypnos comes back, he goes up and quickly gets some food for himself. Thanatos has already decided against eating meat, having found it... distasteful after some consideration, and he returns with several different vegetarian options.
Then, he looks at his brother for a few moments.]
Hypnos. [He toys with the fork next to his plate.] How have you been doing?
[ Hmm - he hums almost playfully as he takes a bite of food approvingly and considers his answer. Or at least looks like he's considering his answer. He doesn't have anything going on. ]
Status quo, I guess. Practicing magic. Getting better at it, but I don't do a lot else. I sometimes work in places counting things.
[ Inventory -- really. That's what they call it at least. He just sees it as a relaxing job that he can sleep on as long as he finishes in a set amount of time. He takes a bite of one of the roasted vegetables, sampling it before he eats the entire thing. ]
Do you have any other surprises in store for me today? I find out you go to restaurants like this?
[Thanatos isn't... great at conversation, but Hypnos knows this. He either says a great deal all at once or nothing at all, and he's terrible at small talk.
He takes another bite of the food, swallows, then straightens slightly in his seat. Sometimes Thanatos just needs a bit of silence to get his thoughts together, and no one really knows that better than his twin brother.]
The first time I came here, it was with someone who wanted to enter but was having difficulty finding someone to accompany them. I found I... liked it here.
[As rare as it is for Thanatos to express a preference for anything, that admission comes out a little stilted.]
I wanted to share it with you. There's something else, too... but you'll find out when we go there.
[ Hypnos doesn't seem to mind that Thanatos doesn't talk much. He's well accustomed to silence from his brother, but this doesn't feel uncomfortable to him. It may have, when he was at home. But he thinks he understands Thanatos better now than he ever has before. ]
...Something else? You are really full of surprises, big brother.
[ He took a few bites of food, quietly eating, but he decided after a few moments he'd add. ]
I like this for you, though. I'm pretty proud of you.
[He doesn't know how to feel about that. Thanatos has never felt like he needed that kind of approval. Not from their mother, not from Hypnos, not from anybody, but... he has to admit... it's not unpleasant to hear.
But he clearly isn't sure of how to react. He frowns down at his plate and then shakes his head.]
[He huffs out a sharp breath through his nose and sinks down a little bit in his seat. It's only half an inch or so, but it's no doubt more than enough for Hypnos to notice.
ugh stop noticing him.]
Mmh.
[Thanatos is definitely not used to hearing these kinds of things from his twin. It's... strange.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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It's warm out there, after all.
He looks at his twin for a few long, silent moments. Thanatos shifts in place, then he reaches out and lightly clasps Hypnos' upper arm. Just for a second.]
Come on.
[Even in the short amounts of time they've been able to spent together over the years, they've never done something like this. Still... Thanatos is confident that his brother will enjoy himself.]
You look comfortable.
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Well, I look comfortable because I am. It's weird dressing like this, you know?
[ An amused glance. ]
But humans got a few things right - and that's comfortable clothing. I'd never say it's better than what I have from home, but it at least compares.
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Mm. [Outside of his usual garb he's found a style of clothing that is comfortable for him, but he's still getting used to the idea of buttons.]
As long as you can fall asleep in it, hm?
[Normally, there would be a barb attached to that kind of statement. When he says it now though it's with only a certain kind of fondness.]
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[ He answers almost immediately. He doesn't sense that it's a jab at him, so he answers it earnestly. He is happy, to be honest. When he's walking with Thanatos, he puts in a sincere effort to not let his gaze seem like he's looking down at his brother. ]
Did you have something planned today, brother?
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[Thanatos doesn't address the first statement, because of course Hypnos would say something like that. It would be very easy to mistake the most important thing in his twin's existence as being sleep, but Thanatos knows very well that that isn't the case.]
I do have something planned. [He says then, glancing up at his twin.] We're going to get something to eat.
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Something to eat? [ He'd be happy just standing in the sun with his brother, but to actually do something together. Thanatos might catch a happy sigh. ] I like the sound of that a lot, Thanatos.
[ No brother, just - his name. But it's intentional, because it's still quite affectionate sounding from him. He might look just a small bit brighter at the invitation. ]
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[It's... nice. It's nice to be able to spend time with Hypnos without having to rush off back to work, and without being irritated with his twin for being asleep on the job yet again.
Hypnos had never made a secret of wanting to be around him, though his suggestions with regards to how they might achieve it had always fallen flat as far as Thanatos was concerned, but he had never thought there would come a time when it would actually be possible.
He looks up again, noting mentally how his twin isn't slouching. Not missing how happy he looks. Thanatos smiles very slightly.]
And I wanted to talk to you. About Zagreus.
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It's a weirdly nice change. He tilts his head towards his twin when he speaks.
Is that a smile that he sees? Just a hint of one, a spark of one? Hypnos, being who he is, assumes that the smile has nothing to do with him and is about Zagreus. Which seems only natural to him. Zagreus had that impact on people around him. ]
What's wrong with him? Is he dying again?
[ Sorry, Than. ]
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[Bad joke, Hypnos! Thanatos scowls up at his twin briefly, but there's no real venom in it.]
No. [Again, a little softer, and he closes his eyes for a moment. It's still very... very new, and strange, and he still hasn't fully resolved how he feels about the entire thing, but it's definitely happening.]
We talked, a few nights ago. And he-- well, he kissed me. And I kissed him. And I suppose we're... together, now.
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[ He nudges Thanatos' arm almost playfully. He's happy for his brother. Legitimately and honestly. He's happy. And Zagreus is happy. And that's the very least he could ask for for them. ]
I think Dusa might owe me money now.
[ It's almost a mutter when he says that. ]
I'm happy for you though, Thanatos. And Zagreus, too. It couldn't have happened to people I like more!
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[Such a typical response. Why is he not surprised that Hypnos would have that kind of wager with Dusa of all people. He looks discomforted by that particular revelation, though it's not that difficult to make Thanatos uncomfortable.]
I won't say I know what I'm doing with regards to any of it, but Zagreus seems content.
[That is, he seems content to wait for whatever pace Thanatos wants to set, which is terrible since Death Incarnate has absolutely no clue of how to have that kind of relationship with someone.]
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[ There's a touch of amusement because he's the last person to give advice in a situation like this. He is, genuinely, happy for Thanatos and Zagreus, therefore he doesn't want to offer a piece of advice on a subject he has zero knowledge for. ]
So don't worry so hard, brother! You'll figure it out.
[ He's sure of it. Thanatos is clever enough. He knows Zagreus well, too. ]
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He doesn't know if it would ever work should they be released from Avalon and he's been trying quite hard not to think about it.
Thankfully, any further delving into the subject is interrupted by their arrival at the place Thanatos was taking his brother to. It's a restaurant, and the woman on the door seems to recognise the stern death god as the two of them walk in.]
I think you'll like it here.
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[ He seems to gather that Thanatos is recognized, so he keeps the question simple when he asks. For every doubt Thanatos may have, Hypnos is confident in the two of them because it's them.
Well, it's Zagreus.
Zagreus is someone Hypnos trusts almost as much as he trusts Thanatos. Which is to say that it's quite a lot since there's no person that exists he trusts or cares about as much as Thanatos. That's what it means to be a twin to Hypnos.
So he's hopeful for his brother, he has to be. Because he wants nothing more than for his brother, above all, to be happy. ]
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[More than once. He's tall enough and unusual enough in both appearance and stature that he tends to be recognised only the second time he visits a place, though. It's not something he's found that he enjoys - this whole... being perceived.
They're shown to a table and seated, and a pitcher of water with two glasses are placed down not more than a minute later. Thanatos pours them both a glassful out and then sits back, letting out a soft breath.]
There isn't a menu, as such. You can choose what you want.
[Along the wall is a long line of options, and set behind that is a visible kitchen area where several people are working. In a cabinet at the far end is a display of colourful desserts.]
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I've never seen anything like it, Thanatos!
[ Which, presumably, Thanatos would know. He doesn't exactly leave his place often. ]
I don't really go out to eat so -- you know. This is pretty neat.
[ And he takes a sip of the water, taking it all in. ]
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It's my treat, so you can go up and get something whenever you're ready.
[Spending time with Hypnos has become strangely normal to him already. It stirs up memories of when they used to be together all the time.]
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Thanks, Thanatos!
[ He stands, though he returns to slouching without a second thought. Maybe it's because he's in a room with a bunch of mortal people. Maybe it's because it's not just him and Thanatos. He doesn't really think about it. He decides to go for -- well, some steamed vegetables and what looks like a wrap, perhaps? He noticed there was chicken and some other things inside. He's not a picky eater by any stretch, so he'll try anything. He's decided he won't gun right for the desserts, but he will. After he eats what he's picked out. ]
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Once Hypnos comes back, he goes up and quickly gets some food for himself. Thanatos has already decided against eating meat, having found it... distasteful after some consideration, and he returns with several different vegetarian options.
Then, he looks at his brother for a few moments.]
Hypnos. [He toys with the fork next to his plate.] How have you been doing?
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[ Hmm - he hums almost playfully as he takes a bite of food approvingly and considers his answer. Or at least looks like he's considering his answer. He doesn't have anything going on. ]
Status quo, I guess. Practicing magic. Getting better at it, but I don't do a lot else. I sometimes work in places counting things.
[ Inventory -- really. That's what they call it at least. He just sees it as a relaxing job that he can sleep on as long as he finishes in a set amount of time. He takes a bite of one of the roasted vegetables, sampling it before he eats the entire thing. ]
Do you have any other surprises in store for me today? I find out you go to restaurants like this?
[ Okay, now he's teasing. ]
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[Thanatos isn't... great at conversation, but Hypnos knows this. He either says a great deal all at once or nothing at all, and he's terrible at small talk.
He takes another bite of the food, swallows, then straightens slightly in his seat. Sometimes Thanatos just needs a bit of silence to get his thoughts together, and no one really knows that better than his twin brother.]
The first time I came here, it was with someone who wanted to enter but was having difficulty finding someone to accompany them. I found I... liked it here.
[As rare as it is for Thanatos to express a preference for anything, that admission comes out a little stilted.]
I wanted to share it with you. There's something else, too... but you'll find out when we go there.
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...Something else? You are really full of surprises, big brother.
[ He took a few bites of food, quietly eating, but he decided after a few moments he'd add. ]
I like this for you, though. I'm pretty proud of you.
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[He doesn't know how to feel about that. Thanatos has never felt like he needed that kind of approval. Not from their mother, not from Hypnos, not from anybody, but... he has to admit... it's not unpleasant to hear.
But he clearly isn't sure of how to react. He frowns down at his plate and then shakes his head.]
I--... Thank you. I think.
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He chuckles. ]
Yes, proud of you. You're engaging with people. I know that it wasn't always easy for you, at least not like it was for me.
[ Hypnos will talk to and engage with nearly everyone he meets. But...Thanatos doesn't do that. ]
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ugh stop noticing him.]Mmh.
[Thanatos is definitely not used to hearing these kinds of things from his twin. It's... strange.]
It's been interesting.
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wanna wind this up?
yessssss