This is a story request from Peetato1989. It was a request for a Hermes x Percy story. I've actually always wanted to try writing one of that pairing so here we are.

***Note*** the only thing in this story that won't be cannon is that Percabeth never happened. Why? Because if you have read any of my other stories you'll know that I feel obligated to write realistic break ups between the two and this is only going to be a short story.

Hope you enjoy! :-)

Disclaimer- I do not own Percy Jackson and the Olympians or the Heroes of Olympus series. (One can dream though) All rights go to the proper parties.

ΩΩΩ

Percy POV

I always thought that my life was highly unusual. I mean, how many people can say that they are the children of an Olympian god? Even fewer can say that they've helped save the world twice before they even graduated from high school.

One day you're helping to defeat the giants and Gaia, the next your mom tells you it's time to go back to school shopping. I was currently sprawled out on my bed while my best friend, Annabeth, sat in my computer chair.

"She's just worried about you Percy. You only just got home. We were all pretty freaked when you were abducted. Hera..."

I groaned and covered my face with a pillow. "Can't anyone let me forget that? It was one time! Just because one god kidnaps you doesn't mean that it's going to happen again. I mean, you were captured on the orders of a Titan, that doesn't mean that every one of them is going to do it."

Now don't get me wrong, I love my mom. She is the best person in the entire world. Yet ever since I came home from Greece, she seems extra protective. Like she is worried some god is going to kidnap me... again.

The daughter of Athena shook her head in amusement. "I don't even get what you're so upset about. So your mom wants to take you shopping to get your school supplies. What's wrong with that? You'll get to spend a whole day with her. We both know that you love spending time with Sally."

"Ya but I'm seventeen! I'm more then capable of buying paper and pens without my mom. How many other people our age still go shopping with their parents?"

Annabeth gave me a look that I couldn't decipher. "Percy, do you know how many people from camp would walk across hot coals to have what you have? To have a mom that loves you and would do anything for you?" I bite my lip in guilt. I hadn't really thought about that. "Besides, did it ever occur to you that maybe the reason she wants to go with you is that this will probably be the last year that she can? You're graduating this year. If we do what we've been talking about and move to New Rome next fall, she won't be able to."

I frowned and glanced at her from under my pillow shield. "I guess I never thought about it that way."

"She is probably just sad that her baby boy is growing up."

I sighed and I sat up. I guess it wasn't that big of deal. Besides, I did love spending time with my mom. "I suppose you're right.

Wisdoms daughter laughed. "Why do you sound surprised?"

My response was to introduce my pillow to her face.

ΩΩΩ

It was actually a ton of fun. My mom and I made a whole day of it. Since Paul was at the school getting his office ready for the start of term, it was just the two of us. We did the school shopping first thing in the morning to get it out of the way before she took us to the aquarium that I had always loved as a kid.

The downside to any place with an abundance of sea life was the fact that all of the fish were clamoring for my attention. I felt a little bad for everyone else who was there. When I introduced my mom to the three dolphins, I couldn't help but laugh at their responses.

"This is your mother, child of Poseidon? She must be a wonderful lady indeed to have attracted the attention of our lord."

"Only one of great character could have given birth to a hero such as yourself."

"I must concur with my brethren my lord. I am sure that she must be considered a great beauty among your people... even if she does have such a small nose."

We ended up having to leave before the dolphin show started. They were ignoring their trainers and only focusing on showing off for us.

The best part of the day though was when we made a stop at a candy store on the way home. We both left with a big bag of different types of blue candy. I couldn't remember the last time that I had spent such a wonderful day with my mom. By the time we got home, my mom insisted that I head to bed since I had to be up for my first day of school tomorrow and we both knew that I wasn't a morning person.

All in all, it was a pretty amazing way to end a stressful but exciting summer vacation.

ΩΩΩ

School was surprisingly pleasant.

I hadn't realized just how much I had missed it. Don't get me wrong, there were tons of things that I hadn't missed. Like having to struggle with my dyslexia read the small print in my textbooks, trying to sit still for hours on end while my math teacher went on and on about something to do with triangles... Honestly, they are three sided. How much else are you really going to need to know in the real world? And of course the ever present, over whelming, press of bodies while trying to make your way to your locker to get your books for your next class.

Yet I really didn't seem to mind it. After spending more than half a year wandering around fighting monsters while I didn't even know who I was, trying to stop the two camps from killing each other, fighting my way through Tartarus, helping to stop the end of the world... let's just say, school was a surprisingly nice break. I couldn't help but think how nice it was to deal with normal mortal problems for a while and not have to worry about Greek gods and mythical monsters.

That was, at least, until my last class of the day...

ΩΩΩ

I had been getting a weird feeling of anxiety for the last half of the day. It wasn't the feeling I got just before a monster attacked me but still a strange feeling, like something was about to happen. I decided to simply brush it off.

The feeling was getting more pronounced as I changed into my gym clothes and headed out to join my classmates. I found myself looking over my shoulder repeatedly as we waited for our teacher. My classmates were beginning to give me strange looks but I didn't care. Something was about to happen and I wouldn't be able to relax until it did.

When the instructor walked through the door my heart stopped.

I saw a flash of blue eyes and short sandy blond hair. I stiffened and my hand instantly went to my pocket where my trusty pen riptide was. I heard the teacher chuckle at my actions and I froze.

That was not the laugh I had been expecting. Upon closer inspection, I realized that he didn't have a scar on his cheek. What's more was that his eyes, though mischievous, held more of a playful hint then the demented look I had come to expect from Luke. He may have born a shocking resemblance to my first crush, but it was not him. However he did look strangely familiar...

Once he met my gaze, I felt a jolt of recognition and my jaw dropped. He simply winked at me before turning his attention to the rest of the class.

"Hello. My name is Hermes and I am the new gym instructor this semester."

It took me a few moments to remember to close my mouth. My jaw snapped shut and I looked around in embarrassment only to find that I wasn't the only one who was staring slack-jawed at our teacher. Most of the girls in the class and at least a few boys were also doing it, though I was fairly certain that it was for a different reason.

I could easily see why so many were staring though. He looked to be in his late twenties. He had outdoorsy good looks, a slight tan, and eyes so blue they made the sky jealous. Not to mention the way that his t-shirt hugged his surprisingly muscular chest. Let's just say there was a reason for the expression, 'body of a Greek god'...

Hermes seemed to be extremely pleased by the class's reaction to him. He met my gaze once again and raised an eyebrow. I couldn't help but laugh.

My laughter seemed to shake my fellow students out of their daze. One of the girls who had literally been drooling over him stepped forward with her hand raised. Hermes motioned for her to speak and she bit her lip in what was obviously supposed to be an enticing manner. It was all I could do not to laugh. Judging by the way his eyes crinkled, Hermes felt the same.

"You said your name is Hermes? Like that messenger guy from Roman mythology?" Her attempt to look smart failed with her confusion of myths.

"Actually, the Roman's called the god of messengers Mercury. The Greeks were the ones who called him Hermes." I hadn't even realized that I had spoken my thoughts until the class turned to look at me. I coughed slightly and looked away from their gazes.

The god of messengers look highly amused. "Percy is correct but yes, exactly like the Greek god of messengers. Anyway, that's enough about me. Why don't we start with 20 minutes of laps?"

Everyone groaned but they started to run anyway. After everyone else left I went over to the god of thieves.

"Why are you here?"

Hermes raised one brow, "Really? Is that anyway to talk to a god?"

I blushed, "Sorry. I just meant, what are you doing? Is everything okay?" A thought hit me and I grimaced, "PLEASE tell me there is not another prophecy."

The god of travellers just laughed, "No, fresh out of prophecies sorry. Besides, what makes you think I'm here for you? Couldn't I just be living a lifelong dream of being a high school gym teacher?" I gave him a disbelieving look and he rolled his eyes. "Okay, so no one dreams of being a high school gym teacher. Either way, I still didn't say I was here for you."

I felt my eyebrows pull together. "So if you didn't come here to get my help, then why are you here?"

He laughed once more, "Careful of that ego Percy. No one likes a narcissist." I opened my mouth to argue before he rolled his eyes, "Just go run already."

I was still a little wary about him being there but I nodded and turned around to start running. It was only after class had ended that I realized he never did answer my question.

ΩΩΩ

I have to admit, of all the strange things I've done, having my gym class taught by a Greek god was still near the top of that list. It had been almost a two months but I still had no idea as to why he was there. Every time I would try to ask him he would smoothly change the conversation. The worst part was, I never even realized until after one of us had walked away.

Eventually I just quit asking. Since he was my teacher, we didn't really get to talk all that much but when we did have a chance to speak, it was strangely enjoyable. He was funny and always had amusing anecdotes to tell about all of the gods.

The best gym class though was definitely Halloween. He showed up to class wearing a toga and carrying his caduceus. I wouldn't have thought that any guy would look good in a dress but I had to admit, he made it work.

I blushed and looked away. From the corner of my eye I could almost swear that I saw him smile.

"So for this class we will be doing something different. Since it is Halloween, I thought that we could do something fun, therefore..." He reached behind his back and pulled out a wooden sword wrapped in foam. I could have sworn that it hadn't been there before but since he was a god, I didn't bother thinking on it too much. "We're going to learn how to sword fight."

The excitement in the room was palpable. After all, who doesn't like swords?

He showed everyone a few basic moves and then had us practice them. I have to admit, my excitement for the idea faded. I had forgotten that no one else in my class would have had five years of extensive sword training.

Hermes came to stand next to me, "What's up Percy? I thought that this would be something that you would enjoy. I was under the impression that you loved sword training at camp."

I bit my lip in guilt. It almost sounded like he had planned this lesson for me. I shook my head to dispel the thought. There was no reason he would do that.

"I do like it. I just forgot that everyone else here is a beginner."

His eyes widened in understanding before he frowned, "Humm. I didn't think of that." He tapped his chin for a moment before he smiled. "I know; why don't you and I spar together? There are an odd number of people in this class anyway."

I was more than a little surprised at the offer. I had never heard of a god willing to fight with a demigod just for fun. Then again I had never heard of one teaching gym either...

I flashed him a grin, "Sure, that sounds great."

The only other god I had ever fought was Ares. True my technique had gotten a lot better, but I also still relied heavily on my powers too. I didn't dare unleash them in a sparring match, let alone the middle of a mortal class. Plus side, at least Hermes couldn't use his godly powers either.

I managed to hold my own but only barely. Our fight was fast paced and brutal. True we were only using the same practice swords as everyone else, but we both treated it as we would a real fight. I was more exhausted and happy then I remembered being in a very long time.

Our fight lasted until he got a phone call a few minutes before class ended. We both paused when Martha spoke.

Lord Hermes, we have Zeus on the line for you... Oh and hello again Percy.

I smiled and gave a wave as the god of messengers frowned. "Tell him I will call him back."

I don't know if that's such a good idea. Remember what happened last time? He made sure that the council meeting went on for 37 hours straight. It took you months to catch up.

"Yes I remember George." The god of thieves frowned and turned to look at me. "I have to take this."

I nodded. It sucked that class was cut short. I liked spending time with him. He had always been one of my favorite gods. "No worries, I will see you next class."

He gave me a smile before he went to dismiss the rest of the students early.

It's not polite to ignore us.

I shook my head to dispel my thoughts and turned back to Martha and George. "Sorry. I didn't mean to. I was distracted."

We could tell.

Be nice George.

I smiled, "So how are you guys doing? It's been a while."

We are well thank you. Your correct, I believe the last time we saw you was when you rescued us from that horrible giant.

Humm... yes it was. I remember there being a lot of tasty rats that day. Do you happen to have any now?

"Sorry, I don't have any rats on me."

That's a shame. They're delicious.

Now George, if you keep asking for rats he's going to think that's all you want from him.

I laughed and shook my head in amusement. "That's alright. I will bring you guys some next time." I was surprised that I had not seen George and Martha since Hermes had been teaching. His phone was usually ringing off the hook. I still couldn't even fathom how he found the time to teach my gym class every day. I felt my eyes widen as something occurred to me. If I couldn't get answers from the god, maybe I could get them from someone else. "Hey, do you guys know why Hermes is teaching a gym class? I can't figure it out."

I heard Martha's hissing laughter. It's rather obvious Percy.

"What is?"

You really don't know? Hermes...

"You're free to head home Percy."

I glanced back at Hermes. He looked livid but his anger didn't seem to be directed at me.

I think you made the boss angry George...

"I'm sorry, I..." I wasn't sure where I was going with my apology but it didn't matter as it was cut off.

"It's okay Percy. Now if you'll excuse me..."

Good-bye Percy.

I waved farewell and he gave me a quick smile as he turned away.

As the door closed behind him I heard George say,

We were only trying to help...

ΩΩΩ

It had been a week since Halloween and I had yet to see Hermes again. Gym just wasn't as fun with a substitute.

I was over at Annabeth's house. Her dad had recently gotten a job in New York. Both of us were incredibly excited when her family moved from here from San Francisco. No one liked their best friend living clear across the country. Plus it was so much easier to go to her for advice when we didn't have to worry about having enough drachmas...

"I just wish I had thought to ask a little bit sooner. He was just about to tell me!"

The daughter of Athena rolled her eyes and laughed. "It really is obvious sea-weed brain."

I sat up from my spot on her bed. "Why does everyone keep saying that?"

"Because it is?"

"Then why don't you tell me?"

"Just think Percy, you can figure it out."

I pouted. "Please Annabeth?"

Wisdoms daughter frowned at me. "You really don't know?" I shook my head and she sighed. She looked like she was just about to give in to the 'baby seal face' when her dad came in.

She immediately seized the opportunity to turn her back to me, "Hey dad."

So close...

"Hey honey. I just came to see if you needed anything."

I did my best not to roll my eyes. Any time I came over he made sure to stop in to ask us about 7 times.

"No, were good thanks."

He nodded. "Okay, just making sure."

When he left he made sure to leave the door wide open.

I shook my head. "He does know I'm gay right?"

Annabeth sighed. "Ya, but he doesn't believe it. I made the mistake of telling him you though Calypso was beautiful and now he's positive that you're just pretending."

I scoffed, "That's stupid. Just because I don't like girls in that way, doesn't mean I can't think they're pretty. You can think someone is attractive without being attracted to them."

She laughed, "I know. He's just worried about me. That's all."

I smiled at her. I knew how much their relationship meant to her. Her father had been so distant for so long that it was nice to know that they got along again.

She glanced at the door once more before she turned back to me. She looked at me for a few moments before she shook her head. "I'm not going to tell you Percy. You either figure it out or get Hermes to tell you."

I groaned. "You're mean."

"I know."