Written for the Capture the Flag Competition.

Round Four- Scenario: Getting a Gift from a Godly Parent

Word Count (Not Including Title and A/Ns): 531 Words

This takes place before the start of the first series, by the way. It's a couple of weeks after Luke and company enter Camp Half-blood, to be exact.

A Piece of Parchment

Dad,

I don't know whether or not you're actually taking the time of reading this letter. But if you are: Whatever it is you're trying to do, just stop it.

Now if you're surprised and/or confused, don't be. I know it's you. I know that they were your gifts. I know that you were the one who sent them. If you're going to keep up anonymity, don't stamp in big bold letters "OF THE PERSONAL DELIVERY BY HERMES EXPRESS" onto every single one of your presents next time. But that's besides by the point here.

The thing is that you should just stop sending me your handouts.

I could only guess why you even bother to try. But if you're trying to make up with me after all these years before, let me tell you, that's a lost cause. You had your chances. You could have stepped in or, at least, showed me that you actually care. But no. You didn't. Instead, you left me alone to deal with my mother and her fits by myself.

I said this once, but I guess I need to say it again so I can make things clear and get it into your head: I. DON'T. NEED. YOU.

Just because we're blood doesn't mean that were family. You weren't then, you aren't now, and you won't ever be.

I got Annabeth and Camp Half-blood. At least I know that no matter what, unlike you, they'll be there for me.

-Luke Castellan

Hermes skimmed through the piece of parchment that was found among the nightly offerings of the demigod establishment. He was, once more, taking in Luke's words. Not that they were good ones but it was probably the last time his son would ever talk (though, it was technically write) to him. Hermes was going to take what he could get.

Wow. George peered over the god's shoulder to see the paper. You should have gotten him a rat.

George! Martha scolded.

What? Everyone loves rats.

The female snake rolled her in disgust.

The deity only sighed, not really paying attention to the two reptiles' current argument.

It wasn't like he was trying to win his offspring's favor; the Olympian messenger only wanted to help Luke settle in at camp. Hermes knew it was hard for him especially with the recent loss of his friend, Thalia Grace. Sure, he still had Annabeth (whom the omnipotence thought may had a crush on his spawn) but Hermes knew his son needed more than that.

But now, after receiving the note, he got it. Hermes understood that Luke didn't want anything to do with him. The deliverer had braced himself for something like this. But... that still didn't make it hurt less.

"I just love him so much." The major god murmured.

Martha, at those words, turned to the spoken immortal. We know. If your son doesn't get that, then it's his loss.

Yeah. George nodded before pausing. Can I have a rat now?

Are you serious?! Is that all you can really think at a time like this…

They bickered once more.

But this time, Hermes smiled. "I'm glad I got you guys, at least."

A/N: Luke! Your daddy just wants you to know you got his love, man!

If it's not too much trouble, please review.