CHAPTER 139: OVERDUE APOLOGY

The night was heavy, colder than before. Maybe it was the way Ymir stood in the doorway, silent, pale eyes rimmed red. The silence pressed in like ice.

Hermes’ chest twisted, seeing that glimmer of vulnerability in him... something he had never expected to see.

For a long time, Ymir said nothing. His lips moved once, twice, then finally sound scraped out.

"...I’m sorry. I know apology was long overdue but... I’m really sorry."

The words landed with more weight than any blade Hermes had ever felt.

Ymir stepped forward, trembling. "I’ve done terrible things. To you, Hermes... and to Magni. I thought it was a strength to be cold. I thought cruelty was just how I was born, and that made it right. But it wasn’t. It never was."

His fists clenched at his sides.

"I told myself you were just like the others. That you only stayed by me because you wanted something. Power, recognition, safety. That deep down you despised me... like my family did. Like everyone did."

He looked deeply ashamed. "That’s why I lashed out. That’s why I broke you. Hurt you. Tortured you. Because if I destroyed you first, then at least I wouldn’t have to wait for the betrayal."

Hermes’ throat tightened. His instinct screamed to interrupt, to tell him it wasn’t true, but Ymir’s words poured out faster than his own voice could form.

"But deep down, I knew..." Ymir whispered.

His voice cracked as he did his best to continue. "I knew you weren’t like them. You wanted to save people. To be loved. To be a real hero. Just like I did. Just like that boy who used to scream at the farm animals, begging them to stay, begging them not to run away..."

His chest heaved. "And instead of recognizing that, I... I destroyed it. Again and again. I made you bleed, Hermes. I made you suffer. I tried to make you hate me so I wouldn’t have to feel how much I wanted you to stay."

His knees buckled, and he sank to the floor, fists pounding against his chest. A raw, hollow sound ripped out of him, half-scream, half-sob.

"I’m sorry! I’m sorry, damn it! No excuse. No past, no curse, no ’heart of ice’... none of it justifies what I did to you. I don’t deserve your forgiveness. But I need to say it. I need you to know I take the blame. All of it."

Hermes knelt down instinctively, heart hammering in his ears. He reached out, hesitating for a fraction of a second, before resting a trembling hand on Ymir’s shoulder.

"...I forgive you." Hermes said, voice hoarse.

The words came out broken, but true.

"Because I wanted to believe there was more to you. And because if I carry the hatred forever, then I’ll never stop bleeding. It’s the same with... him. I realized it now. If I just let resentment lead my life... No. I won’t let Eirwyn have that victory."

Ymir’s breath hitched. His forehead pressed against Hermes’ chest, his tears hot against the fabric.

For a moment, Hermes thought he might collapse with him right there, sink into the weight of it all.

Behind them, Magni stood, quiet as a stone. When Hermes glanced at him,

Magni only shook his head softly. "He doesn’t need my forgiveness. He was only himself. That coldness... that cruelty... it is not separate from him. It is him."

Hermes frowned, but Magni smiled faintly. "But he is also less cruel now. That is what matters. You asked why?"

His golden eyes softened. "Perhaps it was your lava tears, Hermes. They burned against his chest and scarred him. A symbol of your empathy that seared him deeper than any wound. And he will never be the same."

Ymir’s fists trembled harder at that. He struck his chest again, harder, as though trying to break through his own ribs. Hermes caught his wrists this time.

"Stop." Hermes whispered. "You don’t have to hurt yourself anymore."

And then Magni crouched beside them, wrapping his large arms around both. For once, Hermes didn’t resist. He let himself be pulled into that strange warmth, the three of them tangled in a silence that felt more healing than any words could.

The ice in Ymir cracked.

He sobbed, loud and ugly, but he didn’t try to hide it. He let them hear it all.

They stayed like that for a long time.

Finally, Ymir’s sobs weakened. He wiped his face against Hermes’ sleeve, then sniffled hard, his voice rough.

"...Hey, Magni."

Magni hummed.

"Those... weird Void mating rituals you mentioned before." Ymir muttered, face red even through the tear stains. "Were they... real? Or did you just make that shit up?"

Magni chuckled, golden eyes glittering. "Oh, every word. Eating a partner’s toenail, braiding hair strands to weave their souls together, the blood-sharing. They are old, old traditions. I have no reason to lie."

Hermes blinked, horrified. "Wait... you were serious about the toenails?"

Magni grinned, showing his sharp teeth. "Deadly serious."

Ymir grimaced, looking down. His lips pressed tight, face scrunching as though he’d tasted something sour. "...Well. You’re not getting one of mine."

Magni tilted his head, amused.

"And my hair’s too short for braids." Ymir continued quickly, almost defensive. "So that’s out too."

He crossed his arms, still sniffling between words.

A heavy silence followed. Then, softer, Ymir added:

"...But... I guess I could let you have a kiss."

Hermes blinked so hard he thought his eyes might fall out.

Ymir’s face was beet red, his gaze stubbornly glued to the floor. "Just one. Don’t get any weird ideas. Consider it... repayment. For everything. For staying. For not giving up on me. For... being there when no one else was."

Magni’s grin faltered. His usual teasing melted into something gentler, steadier.

His hand rose, but he didn’t touch Ymir yet. "Just one, then. If that is what you want."

Ymir gave the smallest nod.

Hermes turned his face away, his chest twisting again. Not with jealousy. He was happy for them. But something heavier....

Maybe it’s because he realized how easy everything was resolved between these two just with communication.

So... He and Aphrodite...

But that would have to be settled later. Hermes stayed, because walking away would have been more awkward.

And when Magni finally leaned in and pressed the faintest kiss to Ymir’s lips, the air shifted. Not hot, not cold, but something in between. Like the fragile peace of snow melting on lava rock.

Hermes felt warmth spreading in his own chest watching them.