Olympus College

Picnic

"Leaving so soon?" Hypnos chuckles from behind the couch as I force myself to stand up from my dangerously comfy seat and stretch. I've been here for a couple hours, the two of us happily day-drinking on the weekend.

"Yeah, I've got something planned."

"Ah, Eros taking you out on another cheesy date?"

I pause, confused. "I'm sorry, what?"

Hypnos widens their eyes and waves their hands in front of them in fear. "Ah! Sorry, my brain stopped working." They chuckle anxiously. "I can't believe I forgot about the infamous breakup when your  marred face is right in front of me."

I sigh and fold my arms before reaching for my jacket. "Yeah, yeah. I was worried I hadn't told you for a split second. My face is gorgeous, by the way."

Hypnos shrugs. "Not my type, but go off I guess. Anyway, since it's obviously not Eros where are you going?"

I wince and smile awkwardly.

"Oh my god. It is Eros?!"

I shriek in disgust. "Hell no! It's Apollo!"

Hypnos sighs in relief, closing their eyes and reclining on a cushioned chair. "Ah, yes of course. Pretty boy is finally taking you on a date now that Eros doesn't have his paws on you, hm?"

I blush awkwardly and try to play it off with a shrug. "I guess."

Hypnos extends a hand and gestures for me to leave. "Get a move on, then. Your presence is annoying me and I'm going to take a nap."

I scoff and mumble once I've made my way to the front door. "You're the one who invited me."

"You're still here?" Hypnos groans and reclines further.

I close the door loudly behind me and I swear I can hear Hypnos's instantaneous snores through the door.

Sighing, I walk across campus to my own dorm, ignoring the various groups of students and peers mingling across campus.

I unlock my dorm room door using a dismembered paper clip due to having lost the original key a couple of weeks ago. No matter, a paper clip or key works about equally well for me.

Walking into my room, I drop my jacket on the floor and walk to the bathroom sink. I splash water on my face and grimace at my image in the mirror.

I'm not against battle wounds, but this bruise is just pathetic. I touch it slightly and wince. Yep, definitely not healed yet. I brush my teeth and ruffle my hair in order, not caring nearly enough to style it meticulously. It's a casual date, anyhow.

I look down at my current clothes. My pants are crumpled and my shirt is stained with some wine Hypnos spilled on me earlier. Yep, I've definitely got to change.

Pulling on clothes that make me look somewhat presentable, I collapse on my bed and stare up at the ceiling. I wonder what we're going to do, I think. I've still probably got a few minutes before Apollo comes, anyhow. Letting myself sink into the blankets, I close my eyes and relax.

...

"Hermes?" I hear a gentle voice from beside me, and the bed slightly sinks down as the person rests their weight on it. I mumble sleepily and nestle back into the pillow. I hear a soft sigh and a warm hand rests on my shoulder, shaking me slightly. After a small mumble of protest, the voice goes silent and the hand retreats from my shoulder.

I frown in realization of the intruder, grumble, and grab the hand, shoving the person against the bed frame and preventing them from leaving. I sit up slightly, rubbing my eyes before opening them. I look at the god before me.