Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Percy really shouldn’t have been surprised when Aphrodite came to his apartment in New Rome. He’d dealt with many gods in his lifetime, and he had a literal god as his boyfriend. But he was still wary about how this meeting was going to go.

“You’re not here to give me a quest, right?” Percy asked.

Aphrodite shook her head, looking sullen. “I’m here to talk, Perseus. Would you mind listening? Apollo tells me you’re a good listener.”

Percy’s eyes widened. Well, this was new. He smiled softly, being the kind-hearted soul that he was, not being able to turn away a person (or a god, in this case) in need. He made space, opening his door a bit wider, to let Aphrodite in.

“Thank you,” Aphrodite smiled, looking a bit better. “I shall repay you for your debt.”

“No matter,” Percy waved her away, heading to the kitchen. “You can sit on the couch. Now, what’s up?” He was referring to the blue couch in the room after the kitchen. His apartment was mediocre, with the entrance and a doorway to the left leading to the kitchen. If you follow along the little hallway at the entrance, you reach the hall. At the back of the hall were the clear doors to the small backyard, where a little garden with fruits and vegetables like lemons, oranges, tomatoes, carrots, and onions. There were hyacinths (per Apollo’s request) and roses. To the left of the hall, another hallway started and four doors were shown. One was storage space, one was for the heating system, one for the bathroom, and the last was for a bedroom. The bedroom had a closet, and one window looking out to multiple shops, and that was it.

Aphrodite looked at him weirdly, for just a second, before sighing. “I suppose I should start, shouldn’t I?”

Percy tilted his head. “If you’re not ready to speak, I’m willing to wait. Jasmine tea?” He offered.

Aphrodite got that weird look back on her face, still lasting for a second before disappearing. “Yes, please.”

Percy, who was poking his head outside of the kitchen, disappeared back into the kitchen.

Aphrodite heard a few clashes and bangs, but it was mostly peaceful. After a few minutes, she heard a few footsteps, before a teapot was placed on the coffee table in front of her, along with two teacups. The clear liquid (with a greenish tint to it) was poured into the two teacups, and Percy sat on a chair opposite to the couch and coffee table.

He slurped on the tea, patiently waiting for Aphrodite to speak.

Aphrodite tried to remember the last time anyone had been this kind to her. She couldn’t. “I-I think my daughter hates me,” she admitted. “Piper. And Ares cheated on me, even after we agreed to try not to cheat on each other for at least a year. And Hephaestus… it’s too late to make up with him now.”

“Let’s start with one issue at a time. Can you tell me more about your situation with your daughter?” Percy questioned.

“That’s just it,” Aphrodite looked close to tears. “I don’t know the problem. I tried to talk to her, after the second Giant War - you made a big impact on us, so everyone talked to their children - and when I tried to speak to her, well, she completely ignored me!” She took the teacup set out for her, and drowned it in one big gulp.

“More tea?” Percy said. When Aphrodite shook her head, he continued speaking. “She wants you to get to know her on a personal level,” Percy paused, remembering something. “Actually, she wants you to get to know all of your children on a personal level. She thinks it’s unfair that she’s your favorite child, when you haven’t even gotten to know the others. She thinks that gods should stop having favorite children, and I agree, but that’s not important right now. What is important is the fact that she hates how you behave as if you’ve known them forever, when you barely know them at all.”

“Oh,” Aphrodite said in a small voice. Percy had never heard a god speak in such a small way before. They always held an air of confidence. Aphrodite nodded, a determined look on her face. “I don’t think I can change the fact that I have a favorite child,” she admitted, “It’s a feeling. I can’t change that. Well, technically, I can, but I want my natural feelings to stay. I can’t lie to myself, or change the way I feel, because the truth is that those feelings would be fake. I can, however, get to know my daughter, and my other children better. And that’s what I’ll do. Thank you, Perseus. I think I shall take my leave. I know what to do with Ares and Hephaestus now too.”

“Of course,” Percy said. “Come back anytime!” He called, realizing he might regret those words later, but for now Aphrodite was someone in need, and if she needed a listening ear again, Percy would not refuse. And he wanted to make that clear.

A few hours later, Apollo arrived at his apartment.

“Hey,” Percy greeted him easily, as Apollo headed into the kitchen where Percy was cooking.

Apollo hugged him from behind, resting his head on top of Percy’s. “What are you making?”

“Mac and cheese,” Percy replied.

“For dinner?” Apollo said disapprovingly.

“Hey, yesterday we had egg rice,” Percy said, “I consider that pretty healthy. So today we can have something unhealthy!”

Apollo smiled at his adorable pout, placing a chaste kiss on his lips.

“Fine,” Apollo relented.

Percy grinned. “Aphrodite came by my place today,” he mentioned offhandedly.

“What?!” Apollo said in shock. And a bit of anger. “What was she doing here?!”

“She wanted someone to listen to her and help her,” Percy replied quickly. “Like a therapist. Apparently you told her I was a good listener?”

“What did she want to talk about?” Apollo inquired.

“I can’t say that! It’s personal to her,” Percy glared.

“Please,” Apollo whined, “Think of all the blackmail!”

“This isn’t something you should use for blackmail,” Percy gave him his death stare (he’d upgraded it, so now it was merged with his wolf stare), which made Apollo shiver. “Some problems are actually serious for her, and she has feelings, you know?”

“Her? Feelings?” Apollo snorted. “Does she think about something other than sex?”

“Yes,” Percy said firmly. “So I am keeping her issues quiet.”

Apollo sighed. “I trust you,” he said, “I hope you know what you’re doing by encouraging this.”

“I do. Now, want some mac and cheese?”

Aphrodite started coming weekly, just to rant about her problems, and her life. It was a change for Percy, to see a god so open around him (a god other than Apollo). Percy wasn’t a therapist, but he sure felt like one. Not that he minded.

“You should be rewarded for this,” Aphrodite laughed a laughter filled with tears after telling him how Ares was ignoring her, and she had made no progress with her children. “I’m sorry. I’ve been taking up your time, and not giving you anything in return. That’s probably why you were doing this anyway.”

“No,” Percy said. “I’m helping you because I want to. Not because I am looking for a reward.”

Aphrodite stared. How could anyone be so kind?

“Now for your problems…”

After Aphrodite, other gods started coming too. Percy did notice Apollo getting jealous, but he didn’t mind it much. He loved helping, even after everything the gods had put him through.

“Hermes,” Percy said gently, “Luke doesn’t hate you. He told me. W-when he died.” He closed his eyes, remembering how he died.

Hermes looked at him hopefully. “He didn’t?”

“He joined Kronos because he resented you. I am not going to lie about that,” Percy said matter-of-factly. “But in the end, he saw that you did care. The best way to honor Luke’s death is by visiting and getting to know your current children. And claiming them as soon as possible.”

“Thank you, Perseus,” Hermes straightened his suit, “I shall take your words and visit my children. Now that we have an opportunity to visit our children, I still think we’re simply in too much shock. As you know, the ancient laws have stood for centuries. To see it gone is hard to process. Not that we aren’t grateful. Many gods wish to thank you for making this happen, Perseus.”

“Percy,” Percy automatically corrected, “And you’re welcome.”

Yeah, it's becoming a full-time job. Juggling therapy with the gods (not to mention other demigods (who figured it out when they kept on seeing gods’ enter his apartment in New Rome and asked for help too) nymphs, and satyrs (roman and greek)), university, and his real job at a nearby café was a pain in the ass. But seeing the relieved faces of the gods once he was done helping, knowing he helped, made him feel better about himself. Though he was still struggling with PTSD, depression, and anxiety, he was doing better now. Apollo helped too.

But when Zeus and Hera came knocking at his door, he was ready to quit being the gods’ therapist (not to mention he hadn’t told his friends about this yet). But Hera looked so sad, and very annoyed.

Percy doesn’t let them in yet, instead looking at them questioningly.

Hera cleared her throat. “We’ve been told that you’ve been a helpful source for gods, major and minor, nymphs, satyrs, and demigods alike.”

Percy nodded. “Right.”

“A-and,” Hera gulped, forcing herself to get the words out. “Zeus, dear, would you mind telling him?”

Zeus glared. “Yes, dear, I would mind. What I wouldn’t mind is not asking at all. You were the one who dragged us into this in the first place.”

“Because we need it!” Hera snapped, she turned to Percy. “See what I have to deal with everyday?!”

Deciding to pity the pair, Percy nodded. “I see. As long as you swear on the River Styx that you don't smite me for anything offending I say, I’ll help you.”

They said their oaths, Zeus a bit more reluctantly, but a glare from Hera made him say it quickly.

“Come in,” Percy said, “I’ll be right back with tea.”

Chapter Text

While the tea was warming, Percy managed to warn Apollo about the guests. Of course, Zeus and Hera knew they were dating, but Apollo still needed to know about the guests and to not disturb them.

Hera cleared her throat.

Percy looked at her questioningly as he set the tea down. It was always jasmine tea. Percy found it comforting.

“We’ve said our oaths,” she said, “How do we know you aren’t going to reveal what you hear?”

“I swear on the Styx that I’ll tell no one about this conversation,” Percy said in response.

“Good,” Hera said. “Zeus, would you like to speak first?”

Zeus grumbled, but agreed. “Hera, here, thinks that I’ve cheated on her. But I haven’t for at least a month! And I haven’t sired any children for years now.”

“A month?” Hera raised an eyebrow.

“Well -”

“Okay,” Percy interrupted. “If you both have so many problems with each other, why don’t you just divorce?”

Hera looked horrified, and Zeus’s eyes widened.

“Well I guess I -” Hera began.

“No,” Zeus’s voice echoed through the house.

Percy smiled. Now they were getting somewhere. “Do you mind telling each other what you feel about divorcing?” He started, “Especially why not?”

Zeus and Hera looked at each other, awkwardly.

“Maybe not yet,” Percy said. “How about you give each other space for a week? To cool off, a bit. I assume you wouldn’t have come to me if you didn’t have a big fight.”

Hera simply nodded, while, surprisingly, Zeus gave a verbal thanks.

“We’ll come here at the same time next week,” Hera said, glancing at Zeus briefly to see if that was fine. He nodded, and they flash off.

Percy sighed. They had left earlier than expected, but if they were having a fight, they’d have to cool down first. Usually, when he tried to solve matters in a relationship, he would be able to solve it (even if they had a huge fight, and hadn’t calmed down yet) because he knew how far he could go with them, and what needed to be said so that they’d understand each other’s points. Plus, one of them had already explained all the details beforehand (like with Aphrodite and Ares - she had decided to bring Ares at one point, but after explaining the situation to Percy, so he had an idea of what to talk about).

But that wasn’t the case for Hera and Zeus. He knew what Hera was annoyed about, and the basics of the problems. He didn’t know the more complicated stuff, like why they wouldn’t divorce if they had so many problems with each other. Plus, he didn’t know the points that would irk them, and make them break their vow of not smiting him (Zeus, at least, has broken multiple oaths. So there’s not much stopping him if Percy overstepped). Hera and Zeus weren’t especially fond of him. He had to be careful.

“Hello,” Percy smiled at all the little kids surrounding him.

He always visited camp every weekend. An agreement made between his friends resulted in them meeting every Sunday at Camp Half-blood. He always came on Saturdays, however, to catch up with all of the demigods, his mom, Paul, and Estelle.

So he looked towards all the children surrounding him and smiled as one jumped into his arms. A daughter of Nemesis, he recalled, her name was Julia. She giggled, as all the children stared in jealousy. But soon the little kids forgot about it, begging him to play with them.

“Hide and seek!” They cheered, and Percy's heart melted, so he agreed to play with them.

Some older campers joined in too, and soon giggles filled the camp, and children ran all over the place as they searched for hiding spots.

The next day the thirteen of them - Grover, Annabeth, Jason, Piper, Leo, Frank, Hazel, Nico, Reyna, Will, Calypso, Thalia, and of course Percy, meet up.

They head to McDonald’s, because why not, and multiple conversations ensue. Percy’s currently talking to Annabeth and Grover, as they catch up on whatever they’ve been doing for the past week.

Grover’s been supporting this new environmentally-friendly company, and has been leading multiple protests too.

Annabeth shared how she finally got a job, her dream job of being an architect, which both Grover and Percy congratulated her on.

When it was finally Percy’s turn to speak about his week, he winced. These were his childhood friends after all, and they could tell when he was lying. They were very cautious with gods and wouldn’t approve of Percy’s new job, especially since they already knew about how stressed he was before them. Dating Apollo was still a stretch for them. But they’re going to find out eventually, so he knew it was better to tell them earlier.

“It started when Aphrodite visited my apartment,” Percy blurted out.

Grover and Annabeth’s eyes widened, and Percy realized how misleading that sentence could be.

“Not like that!” Percy was quick to amend, “She wanted feedback. Like a therapist. And after that it escalated and other gods visited me for advice - and a few nymphs and satyrs too.”

“They couldn’t leave you alone after two wars?” Annabeth asked bitterly. “Now they bother you everyday?”

“It’s not their fault,” Percy told them. “It’s not like I stopped them from doing so.”

They acted resigned, instead of angry like Percy expected.

“Exactly!” Grover looked at him. “Why didn’t you? Why can’t you refuse for once?”

“The gods are dangerous,” Annabeth added, “They’ve been here for eons. Seen and done things we can’t even begin to comprehend. Please, Percy, tell them you can’t help them. You don’t know what you’re getting yourself into. Dating Apollo is already a risk - and you know what has happened to Apollo’s previous lovers.”

“You guys are taking this too seriously. What’s the worst that could happen?” Percy frowned, confused. “I’m just helping them!” He knew the dangers that could come with Hera and Zeus, but it's not like he didn't have a plan to deal with them.

Annabeth and Grover shook their heads as they looked down silently, as if they were mourning him.

They’re silent for the rest of the day.

When Percy reached his apartment, he felt the presence of a deity, and he was instantly on guard until he saw his father, who stood at the entrance of his kitchen.

“Your friend is right, you know,” he spoke. “What you’re doing is dangerous. Getting yourself involved with gods is never good.”

“Not you too,” Percy groaned.

Poseidon managed a small smile. “If you don’t trust your friend’s words, at least trust mine. I am a god, after all. Gods tend to be possessive. They like to keep the people they care for to themselves. You’ve managed to earn quite a reputation on Olympus. If you play your cards right, however, you can get away unscathed.”

“I don’t understand,” Percy said.

“What I’m saying, Percy, is that you need to break up with Apollo - and stop helping us. We’ve lived for eons, you have not. If the gods were to change they would have long ago. Don’t you think people tried? We changed for a few years, sure, but that’s never been a lot of time for us. Usually when people did try, they aimed for one god only - and when that person died, the god’s emotions were disastrous. When Hyacinthus died Apollo was a mess, and the sun’s light didn’t fill the sky for a whole month before Artemis had to take up Apollo’s duties and raise the sun, until Apollo recovered. This time, however, you’re reaching all of us. And if you die, I don’t think I’ll be able to hold back their grief. They know that, they know they might destroy the world if you die. Some are already planning on turning you immortal, forcefully, as they know you wouldn’t do so willingly. I’m telling you to break their hearts and cut off whatever connections you’re forming with them right now - for your safety, and the mortals’ safety. Either that, or you turn immortal.”

“What?” Percy whispered, in shock as all this new information flooded his mind. “But -”

“I don’t care about the solutions you’ll try to come up with,” Poseidon said, grief in his eyes, “I do know that you’ll be unhappy if you are immortal, and I can’t have that. The only reason I won’t be in anguish at your death, is because you would be happy. So, please, if you want a future you like - I’m telling you to stop whatever you’re doing at this point.”

Chapter Text

A day later, Percy finds himself in front of his parents’ house. He hadn’t visited them in a while, and they always found a way to make him feel better. Estelle was there too, and that was always a bonus.

“Hey Paul,” Percy smiled, when his stepfather opened the door.

Paul gave him a fond but exasperated look. “Finally.”

“Yeah, sorry about not visiting sooner,” Percy sighed sheepishly.

“Your mom is in the other room with Estelle,” Paul said. At Percy’s questioning look, he adds, “you look like you need some guidance. Plus, Sally had a feeling you were coming so she baked some blue cookies.”

Percy grinned, “I knew I could count on you guys.”

As soon as he spotted his mom leaving her room, he immediately relaxed. His mom had this calming presence, and he needed that right then.

“Percy!” his mom rushed up to him, the joy in her eyes evident. She squeezed him as she hugged him. “How are you?”

“Stressed,” he admitted, knowing there was no way he could hide that. “I’m in a bit of a situation. I’ll explain in a bit. How’s Estelle?”

“Sleeping at the moment,” Sally guided him to the dining table. “Why don’t you explain the ‘situation’ you’re in, as I get the cookies out of the oven?”

So he did. He explained how Annabeth and Grover’s insistence wasn’t as far off as he thought, and how Poseidon confirmed his friends’ worries.

Sally mulled this over as she set the cookies on the kitchen counter to cool. “Do you want to turn into a god?”

“Not if I never get to see you or other people I love again,” Percy said. “And Hades has made it pretty clear he isn’t going to let me.”

“If you know what you want,” Sally said, “why are you letting others decide for you? You’ve declined the offer to become a god before, fought two wars, and ended the Ancient Laws. I’m certain you’ll find a way to show the gods what you want for your future.”

“I want to help them,” Percy said. “But I’m not sure if I’m willing to give up my mortality for it. But based on Poseidon - Dad’s - warnings I don’t think the gods are willing to accept that.”

“The gods care about you, yes,” Sally said. “But are you the only mortal they care about?”

“No,” Percy said. “They have their children.”

“There’s your answer,” Sally smiled.

“What?”

“Why are you so insistent on helping them? Is it because you enjoy it?”

“Yes. It also makes it better for future generations of demigods,” Percy answered. “And knowing I helped make a better world for the future generations means a lot.”

“Those future generations are in the demigod camps. Filled with demigods that the gods do care about,” Sally explained. “You are a trusted figure for the gods. But they are too. If the gods won’t listen to their own children, then who will? You ended the Ancient Laws. Now those children have a chance to show their parents how to truly behave. It’s not just you. It’s them too.”

“But -”

“Show some trust in those children. You told me about Aphrodite’s situation. Isn’t she trying?”

And Percy finally got what his mom meant.

When Zeus and Hera appeared at his doorway again, he was prepared.

“Hello,” he said. But he didn’t let them in.

Hera waved impatiently at the door. “Are you going to let us in?”

“No,” Percy stated.

“Excuse me?” Zeus roared.

“I realized that the gods can’t always depend on me. Your children are there to guide you too. I think you should place more trust in them.”

“We don’t always depend on you,” Hera scoffed.

“It hasn’t been that long since the war,” Percy continued. “And as much as I love helping people, I need a break too. I haven’t been willing to give up, no matter how many people around me warned me. And when I heard that you might force me to become a god, I was conflicted. My mom helped me realize that there are other people right now who can help you too. It’s not just my job anymore. If you need help, you should talk it out amongst yourselves (like adults) and those who have been wanting your attention from the very start - your children. If you have been trying to improve, I suggest you start there. And spread the word to the other gods too.”

Hera opened her mouth, but Zeus cut her off. “Fine. We shall seek help from our children.”

Percy smiled internally. Zeus always cared for his children - he just needed some encouragement to talk to them, and since the Ancient Laws ended, he did try. And though Jason and Thalia were still untrusting, that meant a lot to them. And Zeus, while not having that many brain cells, could tell that too. So he knew that his children were a trustworthy source.

Maybe Percy should start listening to his mom more.

Of course, a dryad overheard the conversation being said.

Soon news spread across Olympus of Percy’s mini speech to Zeus and Hera. While most gods’ respected the sentiment, with promises to consult their children, some scorned him, accusing him of abandoning his duty to care for the gods’ needs (like Ares). Point is, no god would bother him to help them anymore.

Annabeth burst into his apartment, Grover following close behind.

“I am so proud of you Percy,” Annabeth grinned.

“This is the start of your retirement,” Grover nodded, “it’s overdue.”

Percy laughed. “Yeah, I guess so. It feels weird.”

“Not surprised. You’ve been doing this since you were twelve,” Annabeth stated. “I am shocked that the gods listened so easily.”

“I’m not,” Percy replied. When Annabeth and Grover motioned for him to continue, he spoke, “the gods always depended on the heroes. The Ancient Laws forbidding them from talking to their own children. They’ve forgotten that their children cared for them too, no matter how much resentment they held. They still want to meet their parents, and earn their pride. Through the centuries they forgot they could go to their children for help too. When they realized that, they figured they didn’t need to depend on me much anymore. Or well, basically, I was not as useful anymore. Most of my help came from the fact that the gods didn’t have anyone else to teach them - even though their children were right there.”

“Really?” Grover said.

“What?”

“That’s what we’ve been trying to tell you all along!”

“Well, you weren’t that clear about it!” Percy pouted childishly.

They spent the rest of the night in Percy’s apartment, talking like they did when they were younger.

First day of retirement went pretty well, in Percy’s opinion.