Chapter Text
He had never wanted to be a parent. Hermes was the god of travel and trade, conductor of the infernal train, all of that, but not a parent. He did not have enough interest in men to both raising one. And yet…
Orpheus was only a little more than a boy when he was entrusted to Hermes. Orphans were not uncommon in this town. It had a certain attractive energy that brought those low on life and wanting more, drawing in lost children and adults alike. Somehow they knew what -or rather, who -would be arriving come spring. One more lonely child would most certainly be taken in by the town, Hermes thought to himself. And yet… and yet he had promised the boy's mother. She had been a dancer, delighting in song and dazzling in all performing arts. He wondered, idly, if her son would pick up any of those traits.
"You're my dad?" the young Orpheus asked, startling- no, not startling him. In all of his grace, poise and gravitas, Hermes was never startled nor shaken. Gentle pulled from his thoughts would be more accurate. Or, far more precisely, gently reminded that he had been directly entrusted with the care of this child. And he had agreed to the task. Unbuttoning a single button from his jacket, he turned to look down at the boy. How small he was. Time would change that, for sure, but. So small.
"No." He intended to deliver it as an adult would when gently correcting a child. Judging by the boy's blank stare up at him, waiting for him to continue, he assumed that he had succeeded.
"No, Orpheus, you may call me Mr. Hermes. You'll be living in this town-"
"With you?", Orpheus cut in, cocking his head to the side with curiosity and excitement in his eyes. Hermes huffed a bit. Just a little. He would not get frustrated with this child. And, to the poor boy's credit, given any other situation he might be right.
Opening his mouth to begin again, a thought struck him. He had not actually considered where he would keep the child when he accepted responsibility for him. He had not considered many things. Hermes closed his mouth and placed a finger on his lips, pausing in contemplation. He felt Orpheus stop beside him. Children needed a place to sleep. Children couldn't sleep on a train, could they? Well, possibly they could. But not his train. Perhaps he would finally have to find accommodations within the town. Maybe even lessen his work hours.
With a gentle smile he slowly turned to Orpheus and gave a graceful nod. This seemed to delight the boy- his eyes were filled with more wonder than any man, woman, or child he'd seen before. Perhaps his mother's side? He positively vibrated with excitement, flapping his arms a bit before reaching up expectantly as to hold Hermes hand. At this, the smile dropped from Hermes face.
"Well, boy, we best get going. This way to town."
He did not catch the boy's expression as he turned to lead the way, but heard him following nonetheless.
Orpheus was just a boy, and Hermes, he reminded himself, need not get attached to him.
He was no parent.