When Cupid Falls In Love

Chapter 32: Hermes

After several episodes of Seinfeld, Spencer went to make sure Joey didn't murder Cupid. 

I wouldn't blame her if she did, we've all been there, but for the sake of him being my best friend I hoped she hadn't. Much to my relief, Spencer came back looking pleasantly surprised. "They're asleep," He whispered as he turned off the tv.

Rubbing my eyes, I nodded. "Sounds like she'll be okay," I whispered back.

Nodding in agreement he yawned. "You don't think he'll try anything funny?"

"Cupid can't tell a joke to save his life, don't worry about it." I glanced over my shoulder at the bedroom door. "If you think you'll lose sleep over it, I'll go wake him up."

"Don't. Joey can handle herself. I'm pretty sure she has the broom in there," He said as he ran a hand through his dark hair. "I need some sleep. I'll see you tomorrow," He decided and without any further conversation he left the room, leaving me alone with the tv.

Sighing, I laid down on the couch and sunk into the cushions as I turned the tv back on. It was nice to watch a movie without listening to my dad and Poseidon argue over it. Though, admittedly, I would miss the sound of them cursing each other to high heaven over the underlying themes of Dirty Dancing. I was going to miss a lot about Olympus.

The sight of the sun rising above the mountains. The freshly squeezed wine from our vineyard of rare grapes. Napping under willow trees. Listening to Apollo sing. Inhaling a fistful of ambrosia before eating it. The feel of a nymph's hand in mine as we pranced around a bonfire in celebration of nothing. Watching the constellations scramble to align in the sky. There were many memories I was saying goodbye too, but I would survive because none of them matter without Cupid by my side.

Honestly, I wasn't surprised Aphrodite banished him. It was only a matter of time until she realized she couldn't truly control him. I just didn't expect it to happen so soon, or because he liked a girl. I had no doubt she was telling my father an entirely different story, one that villainized Cupid and his playful antics. Truth was his mischievous habits were my own doing.

Since he was little, I was the main one looking after him. I taught him to fly, snuck him out to explore the human world and made him learn each God's phobia so we could play tricks on a whim. I was the leader starting out, but as time passed, he took the reins and I peacefully began to follow. Letting him boss me around was the only control he had, I could live with it.

Smiling the tiniest bit, I readjusted the pillows beneath my head. I liked being here with the twins. They made me feel at home and we had a good time together. There was something special about those two. I hoped when this was all over, we would continue being friends. I never fancied having mortal friends in the past, but there's a first time for everything.

Turning on my side, I started to drift off, but jerked awake when I caught sight of my water gun on the coffee table. My thoughts then wandered to Aunt Jen. She was beautiful and lively. Even though I was drenched after our battle, I was impressed by her skills. Few women, mortal or not, were as eccentric as me. After that meeting, I understood why Cupid was so desperate to be with Penny. My feelings were all consuming, and impossible to shake off.

I wonder what he said about me tonight?

Hopefully something good. When I caught her, I could've sworn she looked at me the same way I looked at her. Or, at least I thought she did. It'd be a shame if that moment was all in my head.

For the next hour, she clouded my every thought, until I decided I had enough. I had to go see her and find out if she was thinking about me or not for myself. The time was perfect. Everyone was asleep, Cupid didn't need me on standby, and the Gods wouldn't notice me flying in the dark. I worked best when the night concealed me.