𝒪𝓃 𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝑅𝓊𝓃 || HERMES X READER || SHORT STORY
+{~CHAPTER FIVE~}+
<PREVIOUS>
Your eyes wearily blinked open, followed by a sharp burst of pain. "Agh, fuck." You muttered, trying to sit up. You felt a hand gently push you back down.
"Don't you dare."
You looked up, seeing someone looming over you. Apollo your mind rung, though you were offered no other context. His violet eyes glowed in the candlelight, and you could spot a thin ring of gold within, shining through. "Where..?" You uttered, gaze flickering around the small room. It appeared to be a clinic, though it was a bit more.. cozy than you were used to when it came to those. Less industrial.
"You're on Olympus." He paused, sighing. "I suppose I better tell Hermes you're awake."
"Why the fuck am I on Olympus?" You asked, blinking.
He turned towards the door, shrugging. "You were shot a few days ago. Hermes freaked out, messed with some cops, broke a lot of rules while doing so, and brought you here." He explained, reaching for the doorknob. "I'm going to go fetch him." He sighed.
He disappeared, leaving you alone. "That explains some things." You muttered. Looking down, you saw your torso covered in bandages, flinching as another burst of pain hit you. "Shit." You groaned. You could barely move, the pain was so heavy. Sunlight spilled through a slim opening between the curtains, a faint reminder of the outside world. Candles flickered dimly, the shadows of their flames dancing on the walls. You found it difficult to focus on anything, mind constantly being drawn back to the sharp pain in your torso. No matter what you did, it was a constant presence, buried deep within. You knew it would take a long time of healing to finally dislodge.
You felt your mind trying to slip into unconsciousness, wishing for nothing more to escape, but you fought it. You'd stay awake. You wished to see Hermes, after all. You struggled against the dark sludge of sleep threatening to drown you, trying to avoid falling into its dark waves. You tried focusing on how your body felt, despite how much you hurt. It helped, though it was painful.
The door swung open, breaking through your drowsiness. "Y/N?" Hermes stood in the doorway, face alight with concern. His voice was quiet, as tentative as a leaf falling to the ground. For some reason, you felt your heart beat faster at the sight of him. It surely couldn't be fear, no, but you weren't sure exactly what else it could be.
"Hey Hermes." You croaked. At the sound of your voice, it was as if a switch had been flipped in him. He hurried to your side, frantic.
"You're awake!" He exclaimed. "I- I don't even know what to say! I was afraid you wouldn't pull through and.."
"I'm not dying over a box of fucking twinkies." You let out a light, shaky laugh.
His eyes went wide with guilt. "I am so sorry, darling- it's my fault this happened, isn't it? If I hadn't made you go in that 7/11 or split up you wouldn't have-"
"Shush." You muttered, raising your finger to his lips. You allowed your hand to fall back to your side, a small echoing thud on the mattress. You were surprised by the look on his face, the worry, the care. You hadn't thought he cared much. He leaned down, tucking a strand of hair behind your ear and placing a tentative kiss on your forehead. It was.. oddly tender. He was oddly tender. Your heart gave another flutter, to your slight confusion.
"I'm just glad you seem to be alright." Hermes sighed.
"'Alright' isn't the word I'd use, personally."
You turned your gaze, seeing Apollo standing in the corner, an unreadable expression on his face. "Me neither." You muttered.
"She may still die. We can't be certain." He added, and you thought you may have seen a flash of pity in his otherwise guarded eyes.
"You do not sugarcoat things, do you?" You spoke, raising a brow. Your voice dragged, tired and shaking. "I'll be fine. Again, not letting myself die over.. twinkies." You shuddered, mustering what little strength you had to speak, trying not to portray your weakness. Apollo didn't seem to buy it though, shooting you a glance.
"Right. Besides, you can't die! We have so much catching up to do!"
"She needs more rest, little hawk." The elder brother interjected, his tone soft.
"What? But she's been resting for days! She just woke up!" Hermes protested, eyes wide.
"He's probably right." You admitted with a sigh. "I can barely talk."
"You.. Oh, fine." He relented, letting out a deep breath. He turned away, shooting you a look of longing before facing the door. You felt desperation seize your throat. For whatever reason that may be, you didn't want him to leave you. Darkness clouded the edges of your gaze. You didn't feel ready for sleep yet, but it most certainly was ready for you.
His brother hesitated for a moment, mouth open as if about to speak. "...You may stay this time." He sighed, giving a slight roll of the eye.
"Thank you, Apollo." Hermes responded. He returned back to your bedside quickly, gently grabbing your hand. He pressed it to his lips, the feeling quite soft, before returning it to your side. He didn't let go, instead letting his fingers interlock with yours.
"Rest well, my love."
***
Two weeks had passed. At first, you'd drift in and out of consciousness, waking up every few days. Apollo told you he had been keeping you sleep for longer to let you heal. Hermes would come by occasionally, leaving you trinkets and snacks to wake up to if you were still asleep, and if you weren't, he'd sit down by you on the bed and chat about his day and how things were going in the mortal world and do anything he could to keep you company. It was.. nice, really. Recently, though, you had found yourself being awake longer and longer, the pain fading into something more tolerable. You had begun getting out of bed, stretching your legs. Apollo had begun leaving your side more and more, trusting you to be fine on your own.
This was one of those times. You took a few steps, pacing around the room. Your legs had grown weak from lack of use, and you were trying to get them back in shape. Your torso still burst with pain, but you had grown somewhat used to it. The curtains had been opened fully, allowing the sun to fully spill into the room, spreading its warmth.
Suddenly, the door swung wide open, Hermes striding in. "Greetings, darling!" He exclaimed, a wide grin on his face. You jumped, startled.
"Hi." You responded flatly.
"Guess what?" He started excitedly, too impatient to wait for a response. "Apollo said you can finally leave the clinic! Well, he also said I have to bring you back later, but still!" His wings fluttered with energy, his golden eyes shining.
"He did?" You uttered. You felt some of his excitement spread to you. You hadn't had fresh air in forever.
"Come on!" He exclaimed, grabbing your arm. "I have somewhere to show you!"
~~~~~~~~~
You slowly sat down, careful not to upset your wound. "It's beautiful." You breathed, looking up at the wisteria trees around you. Different trinkets hung from string on the branches, colorful pieces of broken glass catching the sunlight. A clear pool sat in the center, lily pads floating atop. Crocuses sprung up around, their vivid petals breathtaking.
"It's one of my sacred groves. I come here for privacy, calmness, all that junk. Only those I invite can enter." He explained, shrugging.
"And you invited me?" You teased, grinning.
"Of course, darling~! I've taken quite a liking to you, you know." He grinned, practically beaming.
You gave a small laugh. "No shit. I'm on Olympus instead of wherever the fuck the afterlife is." You chuckled. "Not to mention the fact you've asked me to kiss you twice." You added with a raise of the eyebrow.
"And you've obliged both times, my dear." He reminded you. He cupped the side of your face, fingers brushing softly against your cheek. "Speaking of, do you mind if I..?" He asked, voice dropping softly. You shook your head slightly. He broke the distance, letting his lips fall against yours.
It was gentle, different from the others somehow. It felt more intimate, more of an intentional, indulgent action. Heat rose to your cheeks, hot as flames. Your heart beat heavily as he moved his other hand to hold your face.
When the two of you finally broke apart, he was quiet. He didn't move his hands, letting his forehead lean against yours. A small giggle escaped his mouth. You could hear the wings on his head fluttering giddily. His touch was warm, sparks alighting beneath your skin that you had never felt before. You knew he was beautiful before but... You don't think you had found him so gorgeous until now. His golden eyes shone, tan skin practically glowing. What was happening to you? What even was this? Neither of you had ever put a label on whatever the fuck this was supposed to be. You enjoyed his affection, yes, but it was rather confusing. He gasped excitedly after a moment. "Wait... Are you flustered?" He asked, raising a brow.
"...Whatever." You muttered.
"You are~!" He exclaimed, beaming.
"How am I supposed to not be?!" You protested, defensive, pulling away from him.
He laughed. "Looks like someone's not as unshakable as I thought~!"
"Shut up." You grumbled. Your heart must have been beating like a drum. You wouldn't be surprised if he could hear it.
"If I didn't know any better, I'd say you like me~!" He teased.
"...Am I hallucinating?! Did we not just fucking kiss?!" You asked, blinking. You thought his cheeks grew a bit more pinkish at your words, but if so it was quite subtle. "Do you think I just let anyone do that?!"
He laughed. "You've got a fair point there. I'm flattered, really." He spoke, reaching out to cup your face one more. You didn't resist. "You're quite beautiful, you know..." His voice had become more gentle, eyes soft as they drank you in, affectionate. You tilted your head, slightly surprised.
"Oh. Uhm- thank you." You replied, blinking. "You're pretty as well." Something within you stirred at his gaze, something you didn't quite recognize. It was warm and fluttering, oddly pleasant. "Very pretty." You added.
He gave a small chuckle. "Thank you, dear." He responded. "There's something else about you, I can't quite put my finger on it... But you're well- alluring. I can't quite stay away, even if for whatever reason I wanted to." He gently stroked the side of your face with his thumb, touch soft. "Whatever it is, I've missed being with you. I'm more glad than I could put to words that you're getting better, and that you're alive, and..." He trailed off. You hesitated, unsure what you could even say to that. "You don't have to respond. Just know if you ever need anything.. Tell me. I'll come running."
There was a long moment of silence between you two. You were shocked at how genuine his words felt. "..Wow. Uhm- thank you." You finally spoke.
"Of course." He breathed. "Sorry, was that a lot
You hesitated for a moment. "When I'm healed, what are we going to do? I doubt Apollo will have me stay any longer than I have to." You asked, voice tentative, afraid to ruin the moment.
"..I was thinking, only if you were ok with it, of course, I could help you settle somewhere in Greece! Perhaps somewhere like Lesbos, it's quite pleasant there." He suggested, tilting his head. "Of course, if there's somewhere specific you'd rather be, I'd gladly take you there. As long as it's far, far away from the U.S." He added, letting his hand slip away. You felt relief that he wasn't sending you back
"Lesbos sounds nice." You responded with a shrug. "as long as you visit, I don't really care where I end up though." You found yourself a bit embarrassed at the.. sappiness, of your words. But they were honest, and that mattered more.
He let out small laugh. "I'm not even sure if Zeus himself could stop me from visiting you, darling. That is, if he even cared to try. He knows I'd probably go on strike if he did." He remarked, the corner of his lips tugging up in a small smile. "Not that I exactly have as much work to do than I used to, but I'd like to think I'm still very important." He added, shrugging.
"And yet, you still have the time to go on the run with a random mortal for almost an entire week." You pointed out, raising a brow.
"Oh shush." He muttered. "I left plenty during the nights, you just happen to be a rather deep sleeper! Not to mention I perform my duties much faster when there's something I'd rather be doing." He explained with a shrug.
"...I can sleep through that?" You blinked.
He giggled. "Well, admittedly I've done a bit... of interference. You actually woke up the first time, though I'm assuming you don't remember." He spoke with a shrug. "...I had to leave three times that night." He added, shuddering.
"Interference?" You asked, a brow raised.
"Oh you know, just a bit of divine stuff. Apollo's always been much better at it though." He explained. "All I can really do with it is soothe you when it seems you are about to wake up. Really, it's a matter of luck that it has worked each time."
You tilted your head. "Huh. How many times have you been called away?" You questioned.
"Five." He sighed. "Apparently when I hold my lover in my arms I am no longer busy enough for them to leave me alone. And yet when I interrupt them-"
"Lover?" You cut in, brows furrowed. He went quiet for a moment, as if his voice had dried in his throat, mouth hanging slightly agape. A pinkish hue rose in his cheeks, his eyes widened. Is that really how he viewed you? You couldn't help feel a bit shocked.
He cleared his throat as he regained his composure. "I mean... would that word be inaccurate, really?" He answered tentatively. You felt your heart flutter to your annoyance. You thought of the feeling of his lips on your own, his toned, rich olive skin turned soft as he held you, his golden eyes gentle when they fixed on you. The thought of his affection tempted you, a song drawing you near. You couldn't deny anymore that you wanted him.
You blinked. "...I guess not." You muttered, looking away. He grabbed ahold of your chin, turning your head back towards him. His wings gave a small twitch, a smile on his face. You allowed yourself to stare at his face, the myriad of freckles decorating it, each one of them some how perfectly placed, scattered with the utmost care. He was gorgeous. "Quit looking at me like that." You grumbled, not a fan of the infatuation that was coursing through you.
He tilted his head. "Like what?" He asked, seemingly pretending to be utterly clueless.
"Never mind." You sighed. He let out a small huff in response, but didn't press you further. You looked up at the vibrant purple petals above you for a moment, trying to focus on them instead.
He inched closer to you, his skin now brushing against yours. Still, you didn't look back at him. He seemed to find this mildly offensive, to your amusement. At this point, you'd might as well make a game out of it. He leaned in further, letting his lips graze against your neck, causing you to stiffen. You felt sparks beneath your skin where he had touched, jolts of electricity running through your body. Your stomach flipped, eyes widened. You felt yourself grow hot, struggling for words. "Hermes." You uttered, blinking.
"Hm?" He answered innocently, and you met his gaze. He flashed you a triumphant grin, dazzlingly bright. He lowered his head once more, pressing another kiss to your neck, this time more firm. Your breath hitched in your throat, and for a moment you must have forgotten how to breathe at all. Your mouth hung slightly agape, lips parted, but no words escaped "Something to say, love?" His breath was hot against your skin as he spoke, tone teasing.
"I-" You started, no idea what you could even respond with. His eyes were alit with amusement, and something else you couldn't quite put a name to. Finally, you managed to scrounge up enough confidence to come up with a quip. "Somehow I don't think Apollo would approve of such improper behavior with a patient." You pointed out, raising a brow.
He laughed. "Probably not. Do either of us really care though?" He asked, quirking up a brow. He wrapped his arms around you, careful not to get too close to your wound, pulling you closer to him.
"Guess not." You shrugged. He had a mischievous grin on his face, and he leaned in. His gaze flickered down to your lips.
"Do you mind if I..?" He asked.
You shook your head. "No, It's fi-"
Suddenly, his lips rushed against your own, interrupting. Your eyes widened for a second before you closed them, startled. He leaned forwards, causing you to tilt back. It felt like a gust of wind coursed through you, sweeping you off your feet. He didn't separate, instead letting his tongue slide within, tasting oddly sweet, like cinnamon. You accepted it, a warm, thick molten feeling slowly traveling down your throat and pooling in your stomach like honey. You wrapped your arms around his neck, skin fever hot. He placed his hand on your back, stabilizing you as he leaned further.
Damn, you were lucky.
***
Months had passed from that moment. Apollo had long released you from his care, and Hermes had helped you settle into a beautiful little cabin on Lesbos. It was more than you could ever have hoped for. Every moment was peaceful, and it was difficult to have worries when the beach was only a short walk away. Hermes would visit often, bringing flowers and stories and different exotic snacks he had picked up from his travels. The two of you had grown much closer, finding joy in each other's embraces. When he wasn't there, you'd spend your time reading, learning crafts, meeting the locals and joining on community activities. You had picked up the guitar recently, practicing your singing as well. You were a bit rusty, but he had insisted on hearing your voice, and seemingly found himself enchanted. For the first time in your life, you were at peace. You were happy.
You sighed, shifting slightly. The early dawn light spilled through the slightly opened window, the curtains swaying in the gentle, salty breeze. You spared a glance at your lover resting beside you, your limbs a tangle of warmth and ease. You watched as his bare, toned chest rose and fall faintly with fondness. Your gaze traced the curve of his jaw, entranced by his beauty. Every part of him was perfect, glowing in his radiant divinity.
His eyes slowly fluttered open, golden irises fixed on you. "Morning, dearest~" He murmured, his voice as soft as the wind. He looked at you with warm, blooming affection.
"Morning, pretty boy." You muttered. He ran his hand through your hair, grinning. He pulled you closer, his uncovered skin was soft pressed against your own. Since the.. well, incident, he had always been careful not to agitate your bullet wound, which had now healed into a more subtle scar. Though, it did still hurt if pressed on hard enough. You rested your head on his warm chest, noticing the bite mark on his shoulder with faint satisfaction. You're sure your skin was much more blemished than his, however. "What do you want for breakfast?" You asked, voice dragging drowsily.
"Mm.., I was thinking I'd make you something today." He responded. "Hestia showed me her chocolate chip pancake recipe yesterday. You'll love them, darling."
"Sounds good." You responded with a small shrug. "I'm assuming you'll be out of here after breakfast again?"
Hermes grinned, the wings on his head twitching slightly. "Actually, I recently realized I never quite cashed that favor of yours!" He remarked, mischievous. "Up for another little adventure?"
You sighed. "Oh, great." You muttered sarcastically, though your tone was light hearted. "I don't know. I think I'm passed my politician slaughtering days." You spoke, yawning. "Besides, pretty much the entire American presidential succession line sucks ass." You pointed out, lifting your head to face him.
"But wouldn't it be fun to cause a little chaos~? After all, the frenzy of two assassinations without a person in custody should last until the next election. He's got a speech he's doing today, it's the perfect opportunity!" He quipped back.
"Mmm.., can't someone else do it? If I get shot again I'll be pissed.. Probably'll die too..." You murmured. The memory of the dark alleyway haunted you, the sudden pain, the fear.. You shuddered.
He flinched slightly at your words, frowning as his gaze flickered down to the scar decorating your torso. "I assure you, dear, I'll be more careful this time. We won't spend any more time down there than necessary, alright?" He responded, grip tightening.
"...Fine. But you better have a damn good plan." You responded, allowing your head to fall back down onto him.
He let out a light chuckle at your words. "I'll think of something over breakfast." He shrugged. You scowled at him in response. "I'm kidding, I'm kidding! No need to glare daggers at me, darling! We can discuss it over food, alright?" He grinned. He traced circles on your back with his thumb, the sensation oddly tingly.
"Whatever." You grumbled. He pressed a kiss to your head, soft and affectionate. You sighed, letting your tenseness melt atop him. Out of anything that could have happened after the assassination, falling in love with a god was probably the thing you expected least to happen. But now that it had, you couldn't feel an ounce of regret. For once, it felt like someone actually cared. He made you feel seen, wanted. You couldn't ask for anything more. He had clawed his way into your heart, now firmly imbedded within. You had never felt this way before, but now that you did you were determined to hold onto the feeling. "How long you figure we can stay like this?" You murmured, voice quiet.
"Forever?" He answered. You laughed, voice warm.
"You and I both know thats not happening." You replied. You had to admit however, that the prospect seemed tempting. He sighed dramatically. "We should probably get up to have breakfast soon." You pointed out reluctantly.
"Probably." He muttered. "Doesn't mean we have to, darling."
You gave a slight, playful eye roll at his words. "If we wanna kill Vance at that speech, we have to get up at some point."
"Orrr, perhaps we could kill some other politician! Like that Mitch McConnell guy."
You laughed. "Oh please, he's bound to die on his own any second now. He'll probably be dead before we even show up."
"Fine..." He muttered. "Ten more minutes?" He asked.
"Ten more minutes." You agreed. You nestled yourself even closer to him, his warmth seeping into you. You noticed the markings on your skin from when we 'marked you' with his symbol thing were faintly glowing, a soft buzz. You exhaled a small breath. "...I love you." You murmured softly.
You could hear his wings fluttering excitedly in response, to your amusement. He placed another tender kiss to your head, lips soft.
"I love you too, darling."
Author's Note: holyyyy shittttt ITS DONE?!??!?!? anywayyssss surprise!!! its all fluff!!! ive never actualllllyyyyyy finished a fic before. Ever. At least one that wasn't a oneshot.
my thought process while writing some of this was "omg these freakign FREAKS!!1!1!11""
here's the playlist I listened to while writing this
this was a fairly slow writing process like I only got like a few hundred words out per day after the first like thousand and two hundred.
if I had a nickel for every time ive written a make out scene id have two nickels which isn't a lot but considering im a romance author its weird its only happened twice.
I low-key might write a bonus chapter with hermes reaction to when y/n eventually one day dies. (peacefully, but he's still distraught). y/n canonically goes to Elysium like all great monster slayers do.
anyways. I leave you all with these parting messages.
Be gay. Do crime. Punch your local nazi. Kill evil politicians. Remember no matter how hopeless things seem, we can still change our own future. There is always hope for us, no matter how much they try to suppress us.
~Published 07/09/26~
<PREVIOUS>
