It doesn't even occur to Hermes to think about how the mortals will react, so little is their power over Olympian matters. Those that don't like the idea will learn to fall in line, because Athena is absolutely willing to smite humans dumb enough to insult her. Maybe it'll prompt some positive change as Zeus' worst excesses stop being excused.

But then Achilles takes Hermes in his arms, and it's like the first time he can relax in two months. He melts in his lover's embrace, burying his nose into his neck, breathing him in. It feels so nice to just have Achilles hold him and pet his wings like he used to before all this mess.

"I don't even know what Artemis and Dionysus look like when they fuss," he confesses. "Maybe dragging me to a party? I haven't the slightest. Unless Dionysus wants to cling like he did when he was a baby."

Maybe Hermes should have seen this coming. Early on, he was more Dionysus' father than Zeus, since he was the one who hid him from Hera and checked in on him regularly. Dionysus used to cling to his leg and ask when he'd get his wings.

"He's a little big for that. Not sure if I could walk if he holds onto my leg like he used to."