Page 20 of The Trickster's Heart

“Fuck, I hate that look,” Hermes shifted his weight from one foot to the other, “Fine. He’s very big, pretty, and everything in my head gets quiet when he’s around. I can’t explain it. I didn’t even know that was possible. Happy?” Hermes bit his lip, wringing his hands together. “In the short time I’ve known him, I could just be Hermes. He doesn’t think I’m a joke…and I didn’t know I was missing that.”

Hecate’s demeanor softened. “Oh… honey.”

“I know,” Hermes snapped, “and you can’t say a word. This is the last task he needs to complete, and I’m not going to get in the way.”

“What if he—”

“No, Hecate.” Hermes’s voice resonated in the small space. “I know you mean well, but please, don’t.” Hecate didn’t reply as they sipped their wine in silence before she slid her hand into Hermes’s, giving it a squeeze.

“If he’s the object of your affections, he’d be a lucky man.”

“Ha,” Hermes rolled his eyes, “don’t be cruel.”

“I’m not an Olympian. I’m honest, not cruel. Don’t mistake the two.”

Hermes buried his head in his hands, his voice sounding despondent. “I can’t think about it right now. Every time I look at him, I feel like I lose a piece of myself.”

“Did you ever think you’re finding yourself?” Hecate argued, her voice gentle. “There’s more to you than orgies and illusions, Hermes.”

Hermes looked away to keep Hecate from seeing the tears in his eyes. It was too much for him to even fathom, especially when he was convinced his time with Hercules was limited. Hecate didn’t push him any further and patted him softly on the back in encouragement.

“Oh my,” Hecate grinned and elbowed Hermes in the ribs, “don’t look now, but Aeëtes and Hercules seem to be arm wrestling.”

9

Hermes picked his head up and let out a strangled groan. Aeëtes and Hercules were now sitting on opposite sides of the kitchen table, sporting wide grins and locked in an arm wrestle. Neither of the men seemed to be making any headway, holding on with white-knuckle grips as sweat broke out on their brows.

“Oh my gods, they’re trying to kill me,” Hermes whined as he fidgeted.

“Ssh, don’t disturb them,” Hecate hushed him, conjuring a bowl of dried figs and popping one into her mouth. “Be quiet and thank the fates.” Hermes laughed and acquiesced, watching the scene unfold before them with nearly reverent awe.

For a couple minutes, it seemed like Aeëtes and Hercules were at a draw, struggling to gain any momentum. Hermes couldn’t keep his eyes off Hercules, who was making obscene grunting and groaning noises that went straight to Hermes’s cock.

“Aeëtes?” Hecate removed the magical sound barrier from the kitchen, her voice sweet as sin as she called out to her lover.

“Yes?” Aeëtes perked up and released Hercules’s hand, his attention immediately pivoting to her. Hermes couldn’t help but feel a tightening sensation in his chest when he saw with fresh eyes how Aeëtes looked at Hecate.

“Hecate!” Hermes hissed, playfully whacking her shoulder. “Don’t disrupt them!” Hecate turned to him with a skeptical look on her face.

“Trust me,” she winked and turned to Aeëtes, “I think a tie breaker is in order, don’t you?”

“Excellent idea,” Hercules chimed in, standing up from the kitchen table. “What do you say, demigod?” He puffed his chest out slightly, and his hands went to his hips. Aeëtes stood and clapped Hercules on the shoulder.

“Come on, young man. If you like to tussle with the gods, I’ll give you a fair match.”

“I doubt it,” Hercules snarled playfully before they dropped into a boxing stance.

“No, no, no,” Hecate interrupted and pointed towards the door. “Do it outside. Outside. My poor kitchen.”

“Please shut the fuck up,” Hermes hissed at the goddess, poking his head out from behind Hecate. “Let this happen.” The pair were staring at Hercules and Aeëtes like children conspiring for more sweets.

“Be quiet,” Hecate snapped at Hermes without any heat. “I told you to trust me.” Hermes whined in response but didn’t say anything. Hecate grabbed two small lekythoi. “Take these and go outside.” Aeëtes grabbed the jars from her and kissed Hecate on the cheek, looking at her with a smile reserved strictly for the goddess.

“Good luck.” Hecate winked before following Aeëtes outside and leaving Hermes and Hercules alone.

Hercules sauntered towards Hermes. Hermes realized from Hercules’s gait the wine had gone to his head. There was a potent look in Hercules’s eyes that caused the temperature in the kitchen to skyrocket.

“Are you sure this is a good idea?” Hermes warned, chewing on his lip. “Aeëtes is technically a demigod.”

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