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You had been coming to this temple every day since you were around ten, your parents never let you since they had become bible thumpers somehow even though you lived in the heart of Greece. But the story of Hermes intrigued you more than any of those bible stories ever did. You came here at night to leave offerings and pray quietly since you knew that there was a good chance you would be caught if you weren’t quiet.
You weren’t expecting your most recent prayer to be met with the sound of a man landing on the ground behind you. That was certainly new. You could hear the faint fluttering of wings before you turned around. He looked relatively normal if it wasn’t for the light golden glow that outlined his body.
“H-hermes?”you muttered.
The god that stood before you laughed softly, a giggle that almost sounded like a dolphin. “Of course you would know. How long have you been here tonight?”
“Since it got dark out.”
“The sun’s about to rise. Perhaps you should get some sleep.”
“You came down here to remind me about self care?”
Hermes laughed again, removing his helmet and setting it on a nearby altar. “No, I was simply just curious what a boy like you is doing out here so late.”
“Worship. That’s what your temple is for, isn’t it?”
Hermes stepped closer with a soft smile resting on his lips. You tilted your chin to look up at him. He cupped your cheek in his hand.
“I simply worry about my mortal worshippers. Though you seem to come the most often as of late.”he said.
“Must be maddening.”
“Not when it’s my most dedicated one. You seem to be able to take care of yourself.”
“Yeah, being an outcast will teach you that much.”
Hermes’ smile widened slightly and he pressed a gentle kiss to your forehead. You closed your eyes, feeling as though you had been blessed by the gods even with such a simple action.
“I should get back, I’ll probably get struck down or something for what I just did. But, you shouldn’t worry about that, darling. I’ll see you again same time tomorrow, I assume.”he whispered.
“Wait-”
“Yes?”
“Why me?”
“I find you intriguing.”
You smiled at that, brighter than you had before. Hermes ran his thumb along your cheekbone before turning to leave.