Page 23 of The Trickster's Heart

“Probably,” Hermes smirked, slowly detangling himself from Hercules’s lap, “but I agree with Hecate. I also want to see Aeëtes…”

Hercules growled and delivered a sharp slap to Hermes’s ass.

“Watch it.”

Hermes’s eyes were full of mischief as he readjusted his chiton. “Come on, pet, let’s get you greased up,” he cooed, now teasing and playful. “If you win, maybe Hecate will let you keep a bottle of oil.”

Hermes winked and sauntered out after Hecate, trying to forget the things that Hercules had said in the throes of passion—and how his heart was now cracked wide open.

10

Hercules took a deep breath and tried to sober up before following Hermes outside. He hadn’t realized how tipsy he was when Hecate and Aeëtes left, but he’d seen Hermes in the kitchen alone and was consumed by the sight of the god.

He was, however, now convinced that Aeëtes was going to beat him easily in a brawl. It hardly mattered; if it made Hermes smile, he would do it.

I should be a lot more concerned about what I’d do to keep Hermes smiling.

Hercules’s thoughts were overly analytical as he moved through Hecate’s house out towards the courtyard. As he emerged, he was greeted with the beautiful low light of an Underworld sunset and an utterly chaotic, delightful scene before him.

Hecate had delivered on her promise and was flicking her fingers in the air while a chalk circle drew itself in front of her. The faux arena was set up just outside her courtyard, hopefully to not damage any more of her poor homestead.

Although, if anyone has the ability to magically restore her house while barely lifting a finger, it’s Hecate.

Aeëtes was standing near her, stretching to one side. He’d stripped down to a loin cloth and was liberally slicked down with oil. Hercules chuckled under his breath as he saw Hermes practically fighting to keep his eyes off Aeëtes. A warm, affectionate feeling started to build in Hercules’s chest, and he tried to distract himself from it by calling out to the group.

“Are you sure you want to do this, old man?” Hercules grinned, rolling his shoulders. Aeëtes perked his head up and laughed loudly, tightening the leather cord holding his hair back.

“If you want a rematch when you get your godhood, I’ll allow it. We can’t let your pride go on wounded forever.” Hercules scoffed and rolled his eyes.

“Hermes,” Hecate purred, her eyes firmly fixed on her consort, “do you want to get Hercules ready or shall I?”

Hermes’s eyes narrowed, and Hercules swore he almost bristled like an angry cat.

Fuck.

Hermes didn’t say anything in response but primly grabbed a lekythoi and sauntered over to Hercules.

“All right, pet,” Hermes cooed, “do you want to do the honors or shall I?”

Hercules couldn’t help but notice there was a softer tone to Hermes’s voice; it wasn’t as teasing or impish as he was used to. It was almost warm and affectionate. Hercules held his hands out, winking at Hermes as he did so.

“I think it’s only fair I put myself in your hands.” His voice dropped to a whisper. “I have just had you in mine.” Hercules delighted in the soft blush that appeared on Hermes’s cheeks.

He was right; the teasing, impish side of Hermes was still there, but Hercules’s comments had started to pull something else out of the god.

“Strip down then,” Hermes commanded, taking one step back.

As Hercules pulled at the knot on this chiton, Hermes poured some of the oil from the small jar into his hands, rubbing them together. Hercules quickly retied his tunic in a manner to match Aeëtes, making a small tutting noise in Hermes’s direction.

“Are you warming that up for me?” Hercules smiled wide. “You should be careful, Trickster, or I’m going to think you’ve got a soft spot for me.”

Hermes’s blush deepened. “Hush,” he admonished.

Hercules felt Hermes’s hands shaking slightly as they came up to his shoulders. He moved slowly, methodically, ensuring that Hercules was completely covered. Hercules’s breath hitched as his body attempted to rally at the warm sensation that followed Hermes’s hands. Hercules noted with satisfaction that Hermes’s eyes were blown out when he stepped backward.

“Are you okay?” Hercules grinned knowingly, dropping a quick kiss on Hermes’s forehead as he stepped past.

“Hercules!” Hermes half-whispered, half-hissed in admonishment, but his nearly permanent blush betrayed him.

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