Chapter Text
Luke sat criss-crossed on the floor, arms over his chest and a pout on his face. Around him sat a handful of other revived demigods, all looking confused as the woman responsible for their new start on life looked to be having a panic episode. He watches as two of the revived demigods try to comfort her, small hands patting her back as high pitched voices prattle on unintelligibly.
Now, normally, he might be with them in trying to comfort her, if it weren't for two simple facts. One, Hades was definitely gonna be hella pissed. No two ways about it, as soon as he had her location she was gonna be as dead as they were. And two, he was kind of mad at her himself. Not for bringing him back from the dead of course, no, for whatever she managed to fuck up so badly that they were all reduced to toddlers.
So, no, he didn't feel much like comforting her. He was trying hard enough just to control his own emotions so he didn't end up throwing a temper tantrum and worsening their situation. The fact that he wanted to do just that was not helping.
He wasn't sure how much time had passed with him glaring at everything before the gods finally, finally, arrived, but when they did they were quick to enter the building. They looked ready to throw down, until they saw the scene before them. A, presumably daughter of hecate, he was guessing. Based on her abilities it wasn't a long shot. Anyways, a likely daughter of Hecate, in the midst of a mental breakdown, surrounded by revived toddler versions of demigods that they used to know.
He saw Hades take a deep breath, as though trying to cool his anger. It didn't look to be working to well. Accidental necromancer, whoever you are, you are so toast. At least, she would have been if a little girl hadn't toddled away from her to tug on his pant legs.
He watched as Hades looked down at her, his eyes widening as she smiled. "Daddy!" She cheered, reaching her arms up. He watched, completely bemused, as Hades scooped her up into his arms and hugged her. He sent the still panicking necromancer a glare.
"Next time you interfere with the dead you'll be joining them, understand?" She was quick to nod. And, that seemed to be that. At least for Hades, because he left with the little girl right after.
"Oh great, so what do we do with these snot nosed brats?" Luke looked over to Dionysus at the sound of his way too familiar voice. After his question a short argument started about whether or not we should be taken to camp. Luke groaned, feeling more frustrated. He already spent too many years of his life at camp, he definitely didn't want to go back. Especially since he was sure some people would still be mad at him.
The temptation to throw a fit was getter harder to resist as the adults got louder, and some of the other toddlers started sniffling at their volume. Then, things got worse. He hadn't noticed Hecate herself was here, though it made sense with what was done. Her voice cut through the bickering as she said "that may not be the best idea," he saw Mr. D smirk like he just won the disagreement, but Hecate just continued.
"There is more that has been done then just revival and de-aging," she said. Luke couldn't believe what he was hearing. There was more? How much worse could she have fucked up? Wasn't being turned back into a three year old enough?
"They're stuck as they are now, eternally toddlers until something is done to restart their aging."
"Hold on a sec." He heard Ares speak up. "You telling us these punks are immortal?" Athena rolled her eyes at him as Hecate nodded.
Luke heard Mr. D start to say something, but he no longer cared about what the adults were saying. All his control went right out the window. Being accidentally revived was one thing, that was fine. Being aged down to a toddler was another, much more annoying thing. And now they're saying he's stuck that way? Oh no. That was not okay.
The temper tantrum started with the loudest, angriest scream any toddler could ever let out. The other toddlers followed with tears and screams of their own. He distantly heard mr. D mutter something like "great, now they're crying," as someone scooped him up.
He heard his name as the person held him close and tried to shush him. Some of the other gods and goddesses tried to help comfort other kids, if only to shut them up. He's pretty sure the shitty necromancer was doing her best to calm things too, but he didn't care. He was too busy hitting the chest he was being help against. He was pretty sure, without opening his eyes, that he knew who's arms he was in.
Hermes looked down at his frustrated little boy, narrowly avoiding a fist to the face. He couldn't believe his eyes. His boy was back, and this time nothing would keep him from him. He was no longer mortal, no laws or rules stood in his way. This time he could do things right.
With that in mind he teleported home, bringing Luke with him of course. He sighed once away from the rest of the crying and screaming, now able to focus on his favorite little boy. Looking down at the frustrated toddler in his arms he could see angry tears starting to make paths down his red cheeks. Even seeing him so upset Hermes couldn't help but smile.
He took a seat on his couch, Luke now in his lap so he could pet his hair. Luke tried to hold onto his anger. God damn it he tried. This was the man that abandoned him and his mom, the man that never helped him. He was never there when he needed him.
If he were bigger he'd have shoved him away. He'd have called him every name in the book. Maybe he'd have even hit him, he's not counting the admittedly pathetic toddler punches.
But, he wasn't big, not anymore. He was three, and so little and upset. And, he'd never admit it, but the hair pets felt nice. He hated that it was actually working to calm him down, but his energy was draining. It was tiring being mad.
He ended up sniffling with his face in his dad's chest, his fist clenching his shirt weakly. Hermes smiled down at him.
"There now, feeling better?"
Luke looked up, teary eyes giving a weak glare as a pout reappeared on his face. Mumbling "hai uo" and internally cursing his limited toddler speech. Hermes tilted his head, not seeming to understand.
"Hi you?" He smiled "well, hi to you too," Luke groaned. This was going to be a long eternity. Hermes just looked confusedly at his little boy, reminding himself that toddlers can be odd sometimes, while Luke just repeated in his head what he'd already said. I hate you.
They stayed like that for a little while, Luke pouting against his dad's shirt as Hermes pets his hair calmly. They stayed like that so long Luke was even starting to drop the pout. That is, until Hermes picked him up again and started carrying him somewhere. Luke figured he was already done with this and planning where to send him to get rid of him. He was mildly surprised to find himself in a bathroom.
He tilted his head up at Hermes as he was set down near the bath. Hermes smiled cheerfully at him. "How long's it been since you had a bubble bath?" He asks. While Luke may have originally died at 22 years old, he was currently just a 3 year old who's toddler brain had latched onto one word.
"Bubbles?" He couldn't help the wide eyed look. Bubbles sounded fun. When was the last time he had fun? Definitely far too long. Hermes seemed to like that reaction as he turned on the water in the tub, testing the temperature and filling it up.
Luke watched as he added a generous amount of liquid soap into the water, dipping his hand in and moving it all around to make the bubbles appear. Soon enough the tub was filled with warm water and bubbles, and Hermes was turning the water off before turning back to look at Luke. Luke was too busy splashing his hand in the water to notice anything. He would have stayed blissfully unaware too, if Hermes hadn't grabbed him again, pulling him over.
"Alright, time to get out of these old things." Luke hadn't realized before, but he'd been wearing the same shirt he died in, minus the blood stains thankfully. Still gross though. That along with the underwear he'd worn were all that covered him. And before he knew it the shirt was pulled over his head and tossed into a trash can.
He blushed in embarrassment, not able to believe he'd just let that happened. He felt his dad's hands on the underwear and tried to tug them away.
"Huh?" Hermes looked at him, seeing the blush and seemingly putting it together. "Sorry bud, you can't wear these in a bath. The water would get all gross really quick." He tries to reason, but Luke just pouts and stares down at the floor.
Hermes smiles, letting go of the underwear. "How about this: I'll turn around while you get those off and get in the water. I won't be able to see anything through the bubbles. How's that?" Luke seemed to think about it before nodding, figuring it was the best option for preserving his dignity.
Hermes smiled, getting up. He took a few steps back before turning around. Luke watched him for a moment, making sure he wouldn't go back on their little deal before realizing how stupid that was. His dad may not be the best, but he's definitely not a creep. With that decided he turns back back to his dad as well before quickly tugging the undies down and hurrying into the water.
Hermes smiles at the sound of the water splashing and moving, telling him Luke's in. He waits to give him time to get comfy and as hidden under the bubbles as he wants before turning back around. He walks back over, picking up the old undies before tossing them in the trash with the shirt. If he never sees that shirt again it'll still be too soon.
Turning his attention back to look he sets himself up by the tub. Luke watches him as he pulls out a cup and washcloth. "How about we wash your hair first?”
Normally, Luke would have cringed and yelled. He'd been an adult completely capable of taking care of himself. But, he wasn't an adult anymore. He also couldn't deny, at least to himself, that it had been comforting having his hair petted earlier, so having it washed would probably be super comforting. Plus, if he'd been there the first time around when Luke was little he'd have probably done that, so in a way he's owed this.
He's owed years of love and attention and care, why shouldn't he accept now that it's being offered? He can still hate the man and get what's owed to him, right? Right. With that decided he nods, turning to face the wall when motioned to.
He lets himself relax as water is poured over his hair, feeling the hand on his forehead shielding his eyes by not letting any water past. He lets his mind wander, absentmindedly drawing in the water and imagining what the pictures would look like if he could see them. Imagining fish swimming away as he draws them, and letting a giggle escape at the mental image. He barely notices at first as fingers card through his hair, scrubbing in the shampoo.
"Well that's a good sound, what's got you making it? I don't think I've found any tickle spots yet." He can hear that smile in his father's teasing tone. He knows if he ever does find a tickle spot then he's gonna get tickled mercilessly on a regular basis.
"'Mag'ing fishies," he giggles. Hermes laughs, already moving on to rinsing his hair. "Oh, what are these fishies doing?" He asks, and Luke answers. They keep talking like this, about silly little things that Lukes toddler brain thinks up. Luke lets Hermes clean almost all of him, only coming back to his senses to insist he can clean himself 'down there' which Hermes laughs at, letting him as he goes to get a towel.
They're careful as Luke gets out, Luke wanting to keep some privacy and Hermes wanting to respect him. They manage to get him dry, well, mostly Hermes does. Luke is annoyed by the less then average control he has. He used to be a sword fighter and now he can barely dry himself. He would complain, wrapped in a nice soft towel and being carried who knows where, but his verbal skills are just as lacking, maybe moreso.
Soon enough he finds himself laid down on the softest bed he's ever been on. He doesn't know if he wants to melt into it or jump on it. He settles on the former, still being undressed under the towel. Hermes brushes a hand through his wet hair before excusing himself to find something Luke can wear for the night.
He comes back with the smallest shirt Hermes owns and a pair of jogging shorts that have a string tie, allowing them to tighten it as much as they need. They get the shirt on him first and it pools around him. Hermes chuckles. Luke could drop the towel completely and the shirt would cover everything. Even so, Hermes still backs up and turns around, letting Luke get the shorts on himself.
"'Ee," Hermes turns, confused by the sound until he sees Luke pulling the strings, trying to tighten the pants on his own. Chuckling, he walks over, taking the strings and tightening them enough for them to stay on before tying them.
"There, I'd say you're just about ready for bed." Luke looks up, yawning. He doesn't know what could be left, but he doesn't get to ask. Hermes just picks him up and puts him back in the bed, this time under the covers. "I'll be right back," Luke watches him leave, having trouble keeping his eyes open.
If it were any other god Luke probably would have fallen asleep before they got back. Good thing it was his dad though, he really was right back, with a plate of ham sandwiches, a bag of chips, of some sodas. "Not the healthiest dinner, but it's your first night home. We don't have to worry about that just yet." He climbs into bed as he talks, setting the plate between them.
"We'll figure it all out as you get settled. Still got to get you your own bed and clothes too." He hands Luke a soda and turns on the tv. Luke takes a drink before grabbing a sandwich, watching Hermes scroll through channels leisurely before settling on one.
"This is a good one," he says, grabbing the other sandwich. They sit like that, watching tv and munching. Hermes talks through most of the movie, at least what Luke can remember of it. Talking about all the things they'll need to get, to the things they'll be able to do, to whatever was happening in the movie.
Luke smiles, a genuine smile. This is what he wanted all those years. He can't put his finger on what it is, but this is it. This is what he was missing, what he was owed. He was definitely looking forward to more of whatever this feeling was.
It didn't take long before he fell asleep with that thought on his mind, and fingers running through his hair, making that new feeling grow.
Beep beep beep!
Luke groaned as he heard someone's alarm going off. Who the heck needed to be up this early? Didn't he always make sure he and his siblings were up on time? Whoever it was needed to shut it off and learn some consideration for the rest of their cabin mates. He'd have to figure out who it was later, for now he needed more shut eye.
He moved to bury his face into his pillow as the alarm finally stoped. Only for his pillow to chuckle. "Piwows dow huckle" he mumbled as he lightly smacked at his pillow to quiet it. It didn't work. It went from chuckling to bursting out in laughter. Luke groaned again.
"Sorry bud," his pillow spoke before pulling him up into a snuggle hug.
"Ou na a piwow?" He asked, blinking open his eyes to figure out what was going on. In front of him, or rather, under him, was his laughing father. Current events finally caught up with him, reminding him why he was with his father, and more importantly why he was so small. He pouted.
"Hai ou," he mumbled, though not really feeling the toddler rage right now. He knows he wouldn't be understood anyways, so it didn't really matter what he said. Besides, he reminded himself, he could still hate him and enjoy getting whatever he was owed. Which, he decided, was currently more sleep. With that decided he pressed his face back into his father chest and started to get comfy again. Hermes smiled, running circles in his back.
"Awes, still tired, huh?" Luke nodded, groaning as he felt Hermes move into a sitting position while still holding him. "Sorry, we kind of have to get up. Either that or we skip breakfast. But I'd rather not do that now that I've got you. Wouldn't want you getting frustrated from hunger, now would we?"
Luke looked up, meeting his eyes with a glare and a pout. "Guess I'm picking my poison," he chuckled as he stood up, carrying Luke to the kitchen. "So, what would you like for breakfast? We have pancakes, waffles, eggs and toast. You name it." He opened a cupboard as he spoke, showing Luke boxes with words he couldn't read but pictures he could see depicting the pancakes and waffles his father was offering, along with other foods.
He looked around the open cupboard, trying to decide what looked the yummiest when he spotted a thing of oreo cookies. His eyes lit up and he immediately reached out towards the delicious treat.
"Cookies!" He squealed out, reaching octaves that only toddlers and dog whistles can reach. Toddler brain activated.
"I guess I shouldn't have said you name it." Hermes chuckled, moving Luke farther away from the cookies, not that it was necessary since he couldn't reach it anyways. That also didn't stop Luke from reaching for it, or repeating his current favorite word over and over again.
"Okay, okay, how about this. You can have a cookie," he was cut off by a squeal, "okay, yeah, but, you have to eat real food first." At that Luke pouts, shaking his head and pointing to the cookies again.
"No! Cookies!" He shouts, still trying to reach them.
"Uh-uh, no. That's not how this works. Breakfast first, then you get to have a cookie." Hermes says, closing the cupboard, cookies still inside.
"NO!" Luke screams, loosely aware that his toddler brain has taken complete control, but not really caring. If Hermes wants to be a dad he can deal with all the temper tantrums that come with it. And denying him the cookie he wanted, even though he offered it for later, is definitely reason enough for a temper tantrum. At least, according to toddler logic which his toddler brain uses.
"Luke!" Hermes calls, startled as Luke tries to throw himself out of his arms to get closer to the cupboard. It's surprisingly difficult to carry him away and put him down in a chair. He then has to hold his wrist to prevent him from jumping out of the chair to likely climb the counter. All the while Luke is still screaming "No!" And "cookies!"
Hermes sighs, shaking his head. "Luke," he raises his voice just enough to try and get his attention, but not enough to be considered yelling. Luke however doesn't stop yelling, causing Hermes to have to talk over him.
"Luke, if you don't stop this you won't get any cookies at all." He says sternly. Finally, Luke stops yelling, looking at him with wide eyes. Hermes sighs in relief, releasing Luke's wrist and opening his mouth to ask if Luke might want to have chocolate chip waffles when he hears a sniffle.
Hermes looks Luke in the eyes to see tears just before the dam breaks, temper tantrum reaching full swing as yelling get replaced with wailing. "Oh no," slips past his lips as he watches Luke break down in sobs.
"Luke, hey, it's okay. It's just a cookie. Don't cry." He tries to calm Luke down, but to no avail. Thinking back to the night before he pulls Luke back into his arms.
"No! Le go! Hai ou!" He screams, struggling against him. Hermes loosens his grip for a moment at that, but tightens his grip just in time to keep Luke from running off. He holds him close to his chest as small fist pound against him. It's not hard enough to hurt.
Eventually, despite his best efforts to keep the temper tantrum going, Luke can't keep it up forever. As soon as he stops struggling he feels a familiar hand running through his hair, calming him further, just like last night.
After his tears have dried he hears a sigh, looking up to meet Hermes saddened face. Luke tilts his head, almost tiredly. He didn't think one temper tantrum, not counting the one last night, would be enough to wear his dad out.
"So, I take it you haven't been saying hi you, huh?" Luke doesn't know how to answer that. Why would he be saying hi you in the first place? It's stupid. But, some part of him doesn't want Hermes to know what he's been saying.
Despite the years he spent begging this man to save him only for him to never come, the pain and abandonment, everything, Luke doesn't nod. He doesn't shake his head no either. He just stares at his father, watching him sigh as he moved back to the cupboard that help the treasured cookies he'd stupidly been crying over. He blames his toddler brain for the new feeling in his gut as Hermes pulls out two cookies and hands them to him.
"Sorry, it looks like that's gonna have to be your breakfast. We kind of ran out of time." He forces another smile. Luke doesn't like it, looking down in shame even as he takes a bite of the cookie, feeling fingers run through his hair.
After their less then enjoyable breakfast their day was, as far as Luke could tell, uneventful. He's not totally sure though. Stupid toddler brain wouldn't let him forget what a brat he was. It almost made him want to break down all over again and he hated it.
His dad didn't even seem upset anymore. Maybe more focused and determined in whatever he was trying to do, but he didn't seem upset. At least he sure sounded cheery singing in the kitchen as he made dinner. Luke was currently in a newly bought play pen which he would have definitely thrown a tantrum about if he'd been feeling up to it. He's pretty sure his dad knows that too.
At least he has toys, if he wanted to play. He just isn't interested in them right now, even if his toddler brain likes the stuffed animals. That's the overly emotional side that's upset at hurting his dad's feelings, so of course he's not playing. Of course his stupid toddler brain is gonna be attached to his dad, even when he shouldn't be.
He doesn't even know why he cares. His dad was the one that abandoned him, so what if he's here now? He was never there before, so what if he's good at calming him down and seems like he's keeping him now? He can't really care.
He didn't care before, when he really was just a little kid. And that was before all the mistakes that he himself made. Before he betrayed everyone and - he shook his head. He could feel the breakdown and needed to shove it down.
Pouting, he looked around until he saw the big yellow bird toy his dad got him. Yes, that big yellow bird. He'd tried pushing it out of the cart, but his dad didn't take the hint. Maybe it could be good for something at least, so he toddled over to it and without a second thought punched it.
After a short pause he did it again, and again, letting out his frustration on the toy. He didn't notice when tears started trailing down his face or when his breathing got heavier. He just kept hitting it until he was scooped out of the playpen and pulled into his dad's chest.
"Hey now, what's this about?" Hermes asked, concern lacing his otherwise light hearted tone as he ran his fingers through his little boys hair. He was thankful when he realized he wasn't getting hit, taking that as a good sign. He didn't know what to think of the silent sniffles though.
Luke didn't really know what to do at this point. He hadn't meant to get so worked up. He knew he couldn't do anything to push his dad away without feeling worse about it. Besides, like the last two times, the hair petting was helping.
Hermes made to stop petting, intending on wiping away the tears, when a little hand reached out and grabbed him.