Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It was another night of restless sleep. This had been going on for months at this point, and Percy was tired of it. In between bouts of sleep, Percy is awoken by small voices.

Protect us / please make sure we arrive safely / we’ve passed the equator, praise to you.

It’s never-ending, and Percy has no idea why it's happening. Maybe the Fates are playing some joke on him, or maybe he’s just finally going insane. He wouldn’t be surprised at this point. Despite the lack of sleep, tiredness isn’t really something he feels anymore. Maybe once every couple of weeks, the exhaustion will strike, and he’ll get a couple of good hours in, but the abhorrent lack of sleep doesn’t affect him the way it should. Percy can’t help but feel grateful, because a lack of sleep means a lack of dreams. After years of demigod dreams, it feels great to no longer be plagued by them. Now if only he could get rid of these damn voices.

He forces himself out of bed, noting that it’s just past five, and sighs. Well, he might as well do something. After quickly getting dressed, he heads out of his apartment. He knows exactly where he’s going.

The Tiber is beautiful at this time of morning, with the sun just rising over the horizon. He sits there in peaceful silence, just watching Apollo’s chariot slowly make its way up across the sky. The light gets brighter, and Percy just knows that Apollo is next to him. “Can I help you?” He probably should be more respectful, but when has he ever cared?

“Well, good morning to you too!” Apollo sounds far too cheery for this time in the morning, but Percy supposes that being a morning person is just part of being the god of the sun. Percy still doesn’t look over when Apollo sits down next to him. “What are you doing up so early? You’re normally not one to sit and watch the sunrise,” Apollo quickly adds, “not that I’m complaining.” Percy finally turns to look at the god next to him and is momentarily stunned.

Obviously, Apollo is a god, and therefore looks ‘godly’, but Percy had never seen just how godly he looked before. He was wearing a gold chiton that did wonders for his skin tone, and his hair, gods, his hair. It was left down and looked so soft Percy almost wanted to touch it. A beautiful laurel wreath adorned him. Percy had never seen him wear that before. If he concentrated enough he could make out the soft glow surrounding him, soft golden light reaching out and brushing him.

What struck him the most was that Apollo looked different. He didn’t look too dissimilar to how he normally appeared, but his features seemed softer, younger, even. Percy knew that the gods could change their appearance however they liked, but Apollo almost always appeared the same, at least to him. He recalled that both he and his sister tended to appear younger, but Apollo normally appeared in his late 20s, probably to seem like he could be old enough to have fathered his kids, though it’s not like it mattered. But now, now Apollo seemed almost a decade younger, almost Percy’s age. Perhaps this was intentional? Percy had to convince himself of this, though the god had never bothered to look younger before, at least around the demigods.

“Darling, I'm flattered that you’re staring, but I do believe I asked a question.” Darling. Oh, gods. Apollo was here to kill him with flirting. Percy flushed slightly and looked down at his lap.

“Couldn’t sleep. Thought I’d do something, and ended up here, watching you.” The last bit left his mouth before he could filter. Fuck, he should’ve just said the sunrise; why would he say he was watching Apollo. Fuck. Fuck. Apollo laughed softly, getting slightly louder when Percy blushed even darker.

“I’m honored, truly. How come you couldn’t sleep?” Apollo pressed closer to Percy. Percy shrugged again, he didn’t really want to tell Apollo about the fact that sleep seemed like less of a need these days, let alone the voices that woke him up when he could sleep. That was a one-way trip to finding out that Percy was truly going insane, and he honestly didn’t want that confirmed.

Apollo apparently took his shrug as an answer for now and moved on. “Did you hear about what Hermes did the other day? I thought Dad was about to throw a fit.” Percy sat back and listened to the story, content with letting Apollo speak. Turns out, Hermes had pulled a prank on Zeus, and he did not take it well.

Percy did note that while he was listening to Apollo, the voices seemed to quiet down.

They talked for a bit longer, and the sun was about a quarter up into the sky before Percy asked, “How are you here, aren’t you raising the sun?”
“Perseus, we can be in more than one place. It would be almost impossible to get everything done otherwise. Part of me is here, with you, and the rest of my consciousness is raising the sun.” Percy was definitely not thinking about how good his name sounded on the god’s lips. “I will admit that most of me is here, with you.” Percy was convinced that Apollo wanted to kill him. He was absolutely not going to be thinking about that comment all week.
“ Perseus, this was great, and I would love to do this again sometime, but I think you have class starting in ten minutes.” Shit. He hadn’t even realized. Apollo was standing again and offered his hand to Percy to help him up. He took it and totally didn’t feel a spark.

Apollo did not let go of his hand, squeezing it, and shooting Percy a blinding smile. “I’d love to speak with you more. Just call for me, and I’ll be there.” And then Apollo was gone.

Percy walked to class in a daze.

When he got home, Neptune was sitting on his bed. “Perseus, finally.” Percy set his bag down and looked at Neptune quizzically. Two gods in one day. He supposed he should be used to it by now.

“Yes?” He almost called him dad, but the whole Roman thing confused him.

“Poseidon wanted to check in on you, but seeing as he can not come to the Roman camp, he asked me to come.” Oh, of course. His father had become almost unbearable in the recent months. It seems Percy has scared him to Hades and back and he’s convinced that the boy will drop dead at any moment. He almost wishes he wasn’t the favorite child. Almost.

“Well, I’m doing okay. Just focusing on school, you know?” His Roman dad shuffled over to make space for Percy on the bed.

“He also wanted me to pass on a message.” Percy nodded. “He wants you to visit Atlantis.” Percy flinched. That would not end well. Neptune gave him a knowing look.

“Is he crazy?” He felt Neptune’s hand on his shoulder.

“Likely, however, he does want you to properly meet your stepmother and siblings.”

“Yeah, well, they hate me, so I’m going to have to pass.” Neptune raised an eyebrow.

“They do not hate you, Perseus. You simply met at a bad time.”

“I’m pretty sure Triton hates me.” Percy could not believe that Neptune wasn’t believing him.

“I do not believe he does. He simply does not know you. I do not believe you understand that you have adored yourself to almost every god you have met.” Percy knew that Neptune did not know him, he could think of several gods that felt the exact opposite of adoration towards him. “That is not true.” Is what he ends up saying.

“Son,” Neptune begins, turning towards him and smiling softly. “You have only known us in war. Times are peaceful now, and everyone is less tense. You’ll find that many of us do not despise you. The war affected all.” Percy sighed, he would not win that fight.

“Tell him that I want to speak to him about it. I’m returning to New York in a week for the solstice.” Neptune nodded. “I will pass that on.” He stands and gives Percy one more look that Percy cannot place. “Get some rest, son.” In an instant, Neptune is gone.

He does manage to fall asleep, and his dream is anything but peaceful.

Chapter Text

The sky is dark, a storm boiling in the distance. Percy takes a moment to feel his surroundings. He’s not in his bed in New Rome; he’s in the ocean. The Atlantic if he had to guess. Percy has never had a dream feel this real before; this must be a dream after all. He looks out past the vast water swirling around him, moving erratically in the storm moving closer. Then, he sees it. 

A ship. It looks to be a smaller ship, probably a family going on an adventure. He sees them before he hears them. 

Please Lord/ God of sea travels, please help us/ God please.

They’re headed towards the storm, and the currents are too strong to turn away. If he does not stop this, they’ll capsize and surely drown. Percy cannot even dwell on the fact he knows now, that he is hearing prayers. His father's prayers. Who else could they be for? 

He doesn’t have time to think and immediately acts.  He takes a deep breath, letting his body go lax. He’s caused storms before, and he knows how to end them. But he isn’t causing this storm. He cannot stop it. He debates sending a prayer to Kym, but he’d rather not worry his family with his newfound powers. Less drama for him, that way. No, he has to save this family himself. 

He feels for the water, letting his power pool in his gut. He has to pull the current away from the storm, allowing the boat to escape. He focuses hard on the direction of the current, and slowly the current the ship sits on breaks free, circling the boat around and away from the storm. Percy breathes a sigh of relief. He’s not sure why – this is just a dream. He moves closer to the ship, and he sees the family inside. A mom, a dad, and two children, both in their mid-teens. They definitely looked scared but relieved that they had been saved. One of the very same voices from before, the father, drops to his knees on the deck. “ Thank you, God, you have saved us.” Percy cannot ignore the power that flows through him at the reverence. The family cannot see him; he is walking among them now. They are discussing what to do now. The mother holds her silently sobbing daughter as Percy watches, “Should we continue heading towards Spain? Is it worth it at this point?” The father shakes his head, “We have a plan. Going back to New York will just make everything harder.” 

The storm is massive, and directly in their path to Spain. He shakes his head worriedly, they cannot continue like this. It will be their demise. Percy decides to push the boundaries of how much control he has. He knows they cannot see him, but maybe they can hear him. 

“Do not continue now. You will not survive. Go back to New York until the storm passes, then you will have safe travels.” The family makes no indication he was heard, but the father nods to himself. 

“Right, you’re right Emma. We’ll head back to New York and wait out the storm.” ‘What the fuck is this dream?’ is all Percy can think. 

He stays with the still-shaken family and guides their ship back to New York, careful of the waves – they’re still scared. As the father docks their ship, Percy feels his form weaken. Before he’s gone, he hears the father mutter, “Thank the Gods” A Pagan. He’s waking up, but he thinks since this is a dream and has no consequences, and he’s literally playing god – he mutters out a blessing for the family – they will never be unsafe traveling the seas. 

Then he wakes. He shakes off the experience as a weird mix of a demigod dream and a lucid one. He’s only got a week of school left before he can head back to New York. And he’s got midterms to finish. 

What Percy doesn’t notice is that hours later, a small blog post made by an adventurous sea-faring mother goes viral and is picked up by the local news. – “How A God Saved Us From Near Certain Death.”

The second he got back to New York, his father was hounding him. Percy wasn’t going to complain. “My son,” Poseidon whispered as he engulfed Percy in a hug. “I have missed you.” Leaning back to smile down at his child, smiling wider at the pink covering his cheeks. “I missed you too,” Percy mumbled into his father’s chest. He knew that he was lucky to have this with his father. After an entire childhood not knowing him, Percy would take anything he could get. Eventually, he had to pull away. Poseidon still smiled fondly – softer than any god should be able to smile. “Have you given thought to the proposition I gave Neptune for you?” Right. Atlantis. Percy huffed, “Your family hates me.” Poseidon sighed. “I suppose I should have expected you’d think that.” 

Percy looks up at his father. He notices the same glow Apollo carried – just a bluey-golden mix. “It’s true. Besides, demigods don’t get along with their step-parents. Mortal or immortal. I just got lucky with Paul.” You did not get lucky with Gabe, his mind supplied. Percy fought down the shiver that accompanied a single thought of him. 

Poseidon’s hand found Percy’s cheek. “Look at me, son.” Percy obliges. “Hera and Persephone are not my wife. She does not hate you. We do not have the same expectations for each other that Hera would for Zeus or Persephone for Hades.” He lovingly stroked his son's cheek, full of constant fear that his child, his favorite child, would die, and Poseidon would never see him again. The thought of seeing Percy’s beautiful green eyes lifeless and glossy would haunt him until the day he fades. 

Oh, how he will mourn his son. Consequently, the world would mourn with him. 

He watches Percy’s eyes as he processes the words. He almost offers immortality again, but he knows better by now. Percy will accept when he is ready, only if he is ready. He might never want this, and certainly shows no sign of wanting godhood, although the sea god, for the life of him, cannot begin to understand why. “Your stepmother has been asking to meet you.” He ends up saying. Percy nods. Agreeable today, that’s lovely. 

“What about Triton? He totally hates me.” 

“He does not hate you, my pearl.” 

“He does! Explain, like, everything about a couple of years ago!” Poseidon sighed, “Your brother did not handle the war well, no one did. He does not hate you, he simply does not know you. He can be… standoffish at first, but I do believe he would adore you if you gave him the chance to, little pearl.”

Percy takes a deep breath. Is he really about to agree to this? He supposes it can’t hurt to get to know his family. If it goes awry, he can just force Poseidon to take him to the surface right? He makes his decision fairly easily. 

“Fine, take me to Atlantis.” 

Poseidon beams and smiles a little too mischievously, and Percy, all at once, regrets his decision, and fears for his life. Poseidon pauses, noticing the pullback his son gave. 

“I am just excited to finally teach you about your culture, pearl. Hold on tight.” Before Percy can even reply, they are flashed away in a current. 

“Welcome, son, to Atlantis.” They had appeared just outside the palace gates. Percy had an inkling that had some to do with allowing Percy to see a bit of the city, and more to do with allowing his subjects to gaze upon the Hero of Olympus. Percy rolls his eyes in his head. He gets over it quickly as he turns around and the bustling streets of the city reveal to him. He looks at everything. A market in the distance with a mer selling what looks like eggs. Percy was not sure. A shopping district. He turns to the palace, and his jaw drops. 

“It’s magnificent, isn’t it?” All Percy could do is nod. If anyone asked, it wasn’t him, but Atlantis was more beautiful than Olympus, by far. Maybe he was just reasonably biased though. The guards at the gates are sharks, Percy notes, and they bow to his father as they pass. Percy lets his father guide him through the neverending corridors. He tries to map it in his head, but it’s no use. 

Finally, they reach a large double door. “Come now, little pearl.” The door is opened and a gigantic study is behind them. Annabeth would be in heaven here, Percy thinks, taking in the vast number of books and scrolls. “This is the family study.” Poseidon murmurs. Percy nods but stops short. Amphitrite is sitting in the corner, reading a scroll. Percy wonders if he should run for it. She looks up at them, eyes wide as she takes in Percy. This is the first time she has seen him since the war. He looks much older, which Amphitrite supposes he is, and much healthier. She couldn't help but notice how small his frame was back then. She had deigned herself to believe it was simply the war, and she is happy she was correct, although he was still a little too small for her liking. She would most definitely be feeding him before he’s left.

She stands to head towards the boy, “Perseus, it is lovely to finally see you again, outside of, well, the circumstances of our first meeting.” 

Percy’s eyes are trained on the ground, “Percy,” he mumbles. His stepmother makes a hum of question. “I prefer Percy, my lady.” He hopes she doesn’t smite him for that. But she does not. She nods, taking that information and storing it away. 

“Very well, Percy. Welcome. Do you need anything? Are you hungry? I suppose we could have an early lunch.” 

“You don’t have to go through all that trouble, Lady Amphitrite.” He does not want to impose. Especially not here. The queen of the seas’ eyes soften, and she gently takes ahold of Percy’s shoulders, tail swaying under her, keeping her at Percy’s level. 

“Nonsense, child. It’s no trouble at all! You are our guest and above all our family. I need to get more meat on those bones of yours,” She begins to swim away to let the chefs know to prepare a meal. “What are they feeding you at that camp of yours?” Percy’s been left frozen. Family. She had called him family. His father is looking fondly at the door his wife just left. He shakes his head to collect himself. 

“I have no idea how you do it, little pearl.” Percy cocks his head at that, and Poseidon has the urge to name him a baby seal. “Do what, Dad?” 

“Endear yourself to every god you meet.” 

Percy scoffs. That’s almost what Neptune had told him, so he decided to repeat what he had told the Roman. “That’s ridiculous. I know of several gods who hate me. Zeus, for one.”

Poseidon can only watch his son fondly, “If only you knew, son.” 

The day was nice. Amphitrite had berated Percy with questions over lunch – wanting to know everything about the demigod, and surprisingly, Percy didn’t mind. It was nice to have someone so interested in them. Triton was normally pretty busy, so he was not there. His father had informed him of this regretfully. It was the best-case scenario for now, he did not want to deal with his too-serious heir of a brother. No matter what Poseidon said earlier, Percy would only believe certain gods did more than just not kill him when he saw it. 

Percy was sitting in the grand study with his new sea family when Triton walked in. The god didn’t even notice him at first, just swam straight to Poseidon, speaking in a very hushed voice. “Percy,” Poseidon cut in. Triton finally saw him, jaw tightening when his eyes fell on the demigod amongst them. “I need to speak privately with your brother,” Percy chose to ignore the small scoff that fell from Triton’s lips. “If you would like to take a walk, find one of the guards in the main corridor.” Percy knew this was not a request, it was a command. So he nodded and headed out, letting the door shut, not entirely, behind him. I waited for a second, debating his options. He was about to do just as his father had said when he heard Triton’s voice,

“There’s a story running in the mortal world, I heard it from the East River. Apparently, some deity saved them from capsizing in Kym’s storm in the Atlantic.” Percy stopped in his tracks. His father hummed, urging Triton to continue. “They claimed they had prayed, and their prayers were answered. I did not receive any prayers, nor did Kym.” 

“Nor did I.” His father muttered. Percy’s breath caught in his throat. That was his dream. No, no. This had to be a coincidence. Or, somehow, someway, he was tapping into some other pantheon. It wouldn’t be the first time something weird like that happened. The Atlantic was almost strictly his father’s territory though, and for another pantheon to intervene would almost certainly be war. There was only one other explanation, one that Percy did not want to think of as being within any realm of possibility: that dream wasn’t a dream. Percy had answered a prayer. And if he answered a prayer… that meant… 

No. Percy hadn’t wanted this. There was no way. He slowly backed away from the door, not wanting to be caught, and walked into the main corridor, mind racing. 

“Lord Perseus?” It was one of the guards. His voice, and the title he had given shaking Percy out of his state. 

“Uh, my dad wanted me to wait out here so he could speak with Triton?” He didn’t mean for it to come out as a question, but the guard simply nodded. 

Percy sat on the edge of the fountain in the center of the area and shook his head to rid himself of the thoughts. He was not ascending. He refused. The fates wouldn’t be so cruel, right? Right? There had to be some other explanation. He wasn’t left alone long enough to think of some other possibility because his father came walking out looking for him. 

“Perseus, I apologize. Would you like to return to the surface?” Percy did not trust his voice, lest he spill the secret he now held, so he nodded. Poseidon took his son into his arms, and whispered, “I will see you soon, my pearl.”

He was dropped off at New York Harbor. 

Percy didn’t really know where to go from here. He couldn’t go to his mother, not yet. He’d tell her everything, and that wasn’t really what he needed right now. He couldn’t go to camp, Dionysus would be of no help. He would probably confirm Percy’s insanity. So he stayed at the harbor, watching the waves, wondering why he was given this accursed life. 

“I can tell you’re troubled.” Apollo. Percy wasn’t sure whether this would help, or make everything worse. 

“It’s nothing. I’m fine.” Apollo sat down next to him, golden sandaled feet hanging off the dock. “Now darling, I know that you know that I know that’s not true.” Percy almost laughed at the absurdity of that statement. He didn’t know what to say. He forgot Apollo was the god of truth, for fucks sake, he couldn’t catch a break. 

The one thing he could say about Apollo was he was content with sitting with someone until they were ready to talk; his patience seemed to have no limit. At least with things like this. Percy wasn’t really sure how long they sat in silence, it could have been 5 minutes or an hour, but eventually, Percy pushed the words out. “Do you think I should have accepted immortality, Apollo?”

Apollo gasped the smallest bit, eyes wide. Percy wondered for a second what finally possessed him to say it, a question he had been pondering since it happened. Apollo took a moment to either compose himself, think of a response, or both, before clearing his throat. “ Well, Perseus, I can’t say I know why you declined in the first place,” he was choosing his words carefully, Percy could tell. Apollo could say he was the biggest idiot in the world, for all he cared, he just wanted an answer. “But, I will say that you would make for an incredibly powerful god.” 

“I don’t want to be just powerful though, I want to help people, and it never seems like you guys ever help anyone.” Apollo laughed softly at this, and Percy turned to glare at him. Their eyes met, Apollo’s blue eyes flashed gold for a split second when they locked eyes. “ Percy,” Apollo grabbed his hand, noting that Percy did not protest, “ you have not seen us out of war, things have settled, you will see what we are like when we have no external threats.” Why did everyone keep saying that? Percy shrugged all the same, “At the time, I wanted Elysium with Annabeth, but that’s not my plan anymore.” 

“Are you afraid of living forever?” Apollo asked out of nowhere. Percy was shocked at the question and took a moment to consider it. Was he? “No,” he decided. “I’m scared of hurting people.” 

“You’re scared of the power?” Percy nodded. Apollo hummed, “It is true that if you were to ascend, you would be unstable for a bit, but you would stay on Olympus for that portion, just until you settled.” Percy nodded. “As for wanting to help people, you would help way more people throughout millennia as a god, than as a demigod, however long you’re here.” That was something Annabeth had never let Percy consider before when they discussed immortality. Apollo was right. However. “I don’t want to forget what it’s like to be human, to live. I don’t want to become an egotistical asshole who creates a bunch of kids, and never interacts with them.” He adds, “No offense.” 

“None taken.” Apollo laughs and squeezes his hand. Takes a deep breath before saying, “You would still remember what it’s like to be human. Dionysus does. I’m sure Heracles does, despite… everything about him.” Percy snorts. “I happened to be born with a mortal heart, despite being born immortal. I can promise you won’t forget.” 

“You’re telling me Mr. D feels emotions?” Apollo smiles. “Yes, he just hides them. It’s easier that way, dealing with demigods…” Apollo trails off, but Percy understands. Mr.D has to watch these kids grow up, watch them get sent off on quests he knows they won’t return from. 

“I understand.” That is all he says. 

“And about the demigods thing. It’s Zeus’ law that says we can’t interact with them, not that most of us actually follow it anyway. If you were on the council, you’d probably be able to convince him to overturn it.” Percy thought about that. He could do more from the inside, and make sure everyone behaves forever as a god, when he cannot as a demigod. 

“There’s so much to being a god that’s hard to explain unless you are one, Percy. If you’re questioning your decision, it’s not too late, but I understand it’s not a quick thing.” He locks eyes with Percy. “So many of us would be delighted to have you join us, plus you’d make your father’s millenia.” He stands up, taking Percy with him. “I have to go hand over to Artemis,” Percy hadn’t even realized the sun was almost set. “But I'm taking you to camp. You need to speak to Dionysus, he’ll be able to help.” Apollo smiles at him so fondly that Percy can only nod in agreeance. 

Percy is flashed to camp, as promised, inside his cabin. He can’t help but think that maybe an eternity looking at Apollo’s face would be worth it. 

Chapter Text

As Percy heads towards the Big House, he can tell that campers are watching him. Their gazes are confused but filled with reverence all the same. They wonder why Percy is here, how he got there in the first place. Most know better than to ask. Percy has always walked too closely with the gods. The older campers know Percy as their friend, if not, their warrior. Their protector. The demigod who saved them all, saved Olympus. The younger campers whisper amongst themselves. That’s Percy, they say. The stories say he walked through Tartarus and survived. He’s fought giants, and titans, and gods. The younger kids, not quite old enough to understand the true meaning of their actions, worship him as a hero. They liken his stories to the Great Achilles, the Brave Perseus, or even the Well-Praised Orpheus; for Percy fell into the depths beyond the Underworld to save the one he loved. Percy has walked beside gods, fought beside gods. In a child’s mind, what truly separates Percy from the gods? 

The children even pray to him for safety, on occasions. 

Some part of Percy is aware of this. Though right now, he has one mission. Find the God of Revelry. Of Insanity. Of Theatre. Of Wine. The god is in the Big House, sipping a diet coke. He does not seem surprised when Percy walks in.  Percy, however, is surprised. The god he faces is no longer the chubby, middle aged man he’s come to know as Dionysus, no, he is now faced with a young god. One with perfect unblemished skin, golden tan, high cheekbones, shoulder-length wavy hair– blond, surprisingly enough. The god’s eyes stare into Perseus’ soul. Irises a deep purple, and, if Percy stares long enough, he can see visions of insanity dancing from within. He looks away. 

The god smirks. “Perseus, sit down.” He gestures to the couch across from him. Percy decides to not mention the sudden change in appearance, nor the fact that his name was correct. He decides not to think about it at all. He sits down. Dionysus, however, stands up, heading into the kitchen. Percy wipes his hands on his jeans, suddenly nervous. 

Dionysus comes back with a small plate of ambrosia, and a cup of nectar. He sits it in front of Percy, and sits down, leaning back in his chair. One blond eyebrow raised, “Well, go on. Eat.” The god commands. 

He carefully takes a small square of ambrosia, breaking off a small piece and eats it, chewing slowly. The immortal across from him does not seem satisfied. Percy decides to take a small sip of the nectar. 

The nectar, he startlingly realizes, no longer tastes of cookies, but of fine honey and wine, and maybe a hint of sweet grapes. He considers that this must be Dionysus’ personal stores of divine food. Perhaps the god’s presence is affecting the taste? 

Finally, the twice-born speaks. “You do realize what is happening, don’t you?” 

“I was just hoping you would tell me I’m finally going insane.” The god chuckles at this admission, before closing his eyes, expression grim. 

“You are not going insane.” And then, “Eat more.” 

“I don’t want to burn up.” Percy says. 

Another small laugh, “Please, you will do no such thing.” Violet eyes, filled with concern. “You look half dead, Perseus. You have not been eating or sleeping lately.” Dionysus says this as fact. 

Perhaps Percy is dying. He continues to push back the most probable answer in his head. “I haven’t felt the need to.” He admits. 

“You’re ascending.” The god says sorrowfully. “You will soon be joining a small club. I am the only other member.” 

Percy closes his eyes. There it was. The confirmation. He cannot run from the truth any longer. “There is no stopping it, is there?” He asks, a miniscule slice of hope filling him. 

The god considers his question, ultimately shaking his head. “The fates have obviously decided for you.” Percy nods. “You seem rather accepting of this?” 

Curious eyes fall on Percy as he shrugs. “There’s no stopping it. I’ve learned to stop worrying about things I have no control over.” 

“Still, you were quite adamant about refusing immortality years ago.” 

“I refused because I was refused to leave Annabeth behind.” Percy said simply. Wincing, as he knows the question is coming.

“As, yes, Annabell.” Dionysus hums. “Tell me, why did you two break it off? Aphrodite was so sure you two would work out.” 

Percy fights the tears that threaten. “I don’t think we would have anyway. Especially not after-”He takes a sharp breath. “-after Tartarus.” He could go on, but the darkness Tartarus left within him is creeping forward, and Percy is desperate to push it away. It recedes when the wine god speaks. 

“Yes, yes, shared trauma can often push people apart, as much as it can push people together.” Percy is now reminded that Dionysus holds the domain of mental health, and therapy. He nods, for if anything, he and Annabeth are proof.

“So, I’m ascending.” Percy steers the subject back. “How long do I have?” 

Dionysus sits forward, humming. “I cannot be sure. What symptoms do you have? Besides the lack of sleep and mortal food.” 

Percy tells him about the dream– prayer– he had the other night. Dionysus looks intrigued. 

“Interesting.” he remarks. “I never had the chance to answer prayers before I ascended.” He takes a small sip of his diet coke. “You’ve got a few months left at least, kid.” 

A breath of relief escapes. At least Percy has some time to come to terms with his decision, and visit his mortal family beforehand. “What are my options, now?” 

“Well,” the god sighs, crushing the empty can. “You can either ascend naturally, or we can take you to Olympus and we can trigger the ascension.” 

Percy blanches, “If we go to Olympus who's to say that my darling uncle won’t immediately smite me?” 

The god laughs. “You forget my father is the one who offered you immortality in the first place, Perseus. If he truly did not want you a God, he wouldn’t have offered. Besides, he does not hate you, as you so think.” 

Yeah, whatever you say, Percy thinks, unconvinced. “Is ascending naturally painful?” 

Dionysus grimaces, “Both ways are painful. Your mortality is burning away.” Yeah, that sure sounds painful, Percy agrees. “ However, ascending naturally could be dangerous.” 

Now Percy’s interest is piqued. “How so?” He unconsciously takes another sip of nectar. 

“When you ascend, you might not be able to control your form. You could ascend in a mortal shell, you could break through it. If you broke through it, your divine essence would cook anyone in a few mile radius alive.” Percy winces. That’s certainly not ideal. Dionysus looks upon Percy with fond eyes. “You have a bit before you need to make a decision. Whatever it is, we will certainly all help you. Well, most of us.” Percy chuckles before standing up, deciding to take his leave. It’s almost dinnertime. 

“Thank you, Dionysus.” Percy says before turning towards the door.

“Kiddo.” Dionysus calls. Percy turns. “Whatever decision you make, don’t be a stranger.” He adds, “The kids love you here.” Percy nods, smiling. 

“Will do.” He leaves giggling to himself. He knew that somewhere deep down Dionysus was a softie for these kids.

–

Percy wishes he could say that talking with Dionysus helped. It did, in some way, but he was left even more conflicted. His ascension was confirmed, but at what cost? Now he just has to accept that he will be a god in a couple of months, and there’s nothing anyone can do about it. His father will be ecstatic at least. Apollo probably as well. 

That leads him into the issue of Apollo. Not quite an issue, per se, but he’s been… Well, he and Percy have gotten closer since Annabeth broke up with him. It started with Percy attempting to avoid the persistent god, but Percy remembers that conversation with Thalia all those years ago. He’s hot, okay? He’s not exactly bad company, either. Percy has come to tolerate, if not, enjoy the sun god’s constant presence in his life. 

He does not have feelings for Apollo. Or, he constantly tells himself that. The truth is, Percy trusts Apollo more than he trusts any god, even his own father. He’s one of the only Olympians who have actually begun trying to be an actual parent to their kids. Percy can’t help but adore that fact, okay? He’ll go so far to say that he and Apollo are friends, but he does not love him. And even if he did, there’s no way Apollo feels the same, so it’s not like it matters, right?

Even so, it’s this implicit trust in Apollo that leads him out to the beach, passing by the pavilion to say a quick hello to his friends, ignoring Will and Nico’s concerned glances as he leaves after he tells the couple that he’s not hungry, and that, “Yes, I’m okay.” 

The sun is just beginning to set, the blue of the sky slowly melting into oranges and pinks, and even a hint of purple, Percy steels himself and prays. 

“Apollo?” 

He does not expect him to show up right away, so Percy jumps a bit when he hears “Perseus.” 

“Apollo.” he breathes. “I talked to Dionysus.” 

Once again, the god appears before him, bright, beautiful, and young. Like the ancient god that he is, not the more modern form he takes. “You seem more troubled than before.” The god comments. 

Percy sighs, “I’m ascending.” 

Apollo looks shocked momentarily, but quickly composes himself. “I’m assuming this had to do with you asking my opinion earlier?” The god’s hand finds Percy’s back, rubbing soothing circles, and Percy almost melts.  

“I had my suspicions,” Percy whispers, “but Dionysus confirmed it.” The sun god sucks in a breath, nodding to himself. 

“You seem calmer than I would have assumed for someone who vehemently denied it once before.” Percy can’t help the snort that comes from him. Apollo pulls away slightly, face questioning. 

“Dionysus said the same thing.” Percy says, his smile soft. “There’s no changing it,” Percy shrugs. “There’s no reason not to just accept it, at this point.” 

Apollo’s eyes are warm, and he smiles brightly down at the demi-god who is anything but wrapped in his arms. “I know your father will be overjoyed. I, as well, cannot say I am not relieved that you will no longer die.” Apollo’s eyes grow impossibly brighter. “I have grown quite fond of you. It would be a shame if I had to hand you over to Uncle Hades.” Apollo tries teasing, his tone turning grimly serious in the middle of it. It would be a shame, indeed, to watch this impossibly beautiful, and powerful demi-god leave the mortal realm. In the back of Apollo’s consciousness, a thought screams: I cannot watch another love die. 

“Can you take me to my mom?” Percy asks suddenly. Apollo smiles, nodding. 

“Hold on tight.” Percy’s arms snake around the god’s waist. Apollo fights back to urge to keep him there, and flashes away.

–

They flash in outside Sally’s apartment. Percy steps away from Apollo, and something deep inside him aches at the loss. Apollo just smiles fondly. “Call me when you’re ready to go.” Patting the soon to be godling on the back, and leaving him to spend time with his mortal mother.

Percy takes a moment to gather himself, and knocks on the door. 

The door opens. “Percy?” 

“Mom.” He croaks, falling into her arms. Unable to stop the tears from flowing. His mother’s arms wrap around him and they stumble backwards into the apartment. Percy is too busy crying into his mother to notice Paul retreat into the bedroom, deciding he’ll hear whatever he needs to know from his wife later on. Sally maneuvers them onto the couch when Percy finally pulls away. 

His mom brushes the hair from his face as he whispers, “I’m sorry.” 

Sally says, “Whatever are you sorry for, my love?” 

Percy bites back another sob, “I’m ascending, mom.” 

Sally pulls back away from him at that, not out of shock, Percy soon realizes, as she laughs. He glares at her, though it’s half-hearted. “I thought you were going to tell me there was another war you had to fight, or that you were forced into a quest, or that you were dying.” 

“I’m becoming a god, mom.” Percy almost whines. Sally takes a deep breath and resumes running her hands through her son’s hair as he lays on her shoulder. 

“You know, Percy,” She begins. “I always knew you would be something more. More than me. I knew from the moment you were born, you’d be something great.” 

“I’m becoming a god.” He mumbles again. Obviously his mother isn’t getting it. 

“You cannot tell me that isn’t a great feat.” Sally knows she’s right in this. Afterall, she did something Thetis never could: birth a son so great, that he has no other option besides immortality. “Were you expecting me to be mad?” She asks. 

Percy sniffles, “I don’t know.” he says, defeated. “I’m never going to die. But you, and Estelle, and Paul are.” 

“You better not die before me, Percy.” She says in the hard tone only a mother could have. “I’m supposed to die before you, no matter what.” Percy barks a small laugh. “Is this not something you want?” 

“I don’t know.” Percy says, fighting the tears back again. “I already refused it once, but I don’t know. I don’t have a choice either way.” 

“I think it’s a good thing.” Sally says simply. Percy looks up, bewildered. “You have the opportunity to do some good. More good than you could ever do as a demi-god.” 

“I don’t want to become like them.” He whispers, horrified even at the thought of a millenia from now, being so cold, and uncaring of mortals. Only caring about your own interests. That’s not what he wants. He does see his mother’s point though. He could do much more. He could make sure the god’s take care of their kids, for eternity, instead of just for his mortal life, however short. 

“I don’t think you ever could.” Sally says. “That’s not who you are. And you never will be.” She says it as if it’s final. Percy almost feels like it is. 

He nods, taking a deep breath. “I’m going to drop out of college.” Sally, for her credit, is not surprised by this sudden announcement, as if she felt it coming. “Dionysus thinks I only have a few months left, and it’s not like I ever felt like I belonged there anyways.” She nods her agreement. “I’m going to stay at camp, with my friends, and take care of the littles.” 

“Does your father know, Percy?” Percy grimaces a bit. 

“Uh, he might suspect?” He’s given a hard look. 

“I-” he sighs. “I might have had a ‘dream’,” he mimics air quotes, “that was actually a prayer? I don’t know. I helped some family on a ship in a storm. He knows about that, but I don’t know if he suspects it was me.” He finishes sheepishly rubbing the back of his neck.

His mom hums. “You shouldn’t keep it from him, Percy. He deserves to know.” Percy sighs. 

“I know.” Sally nods, standing up to hug her son again. 

–

Another hour and Percy takes his leave, allowing his mom to go to bed. He steps outside of the apartment still bright red from the parting comment his mom left him with: “Don’t think I don’t know that Apollo is the one who brought you here.” She gives him another knowing look. “You definitely are my son.” She smirks. 

Shaking his head, he calls Apollo back. He shows immediately. “Feel better?” The god asks. 

Percy nods. “Take me back to camp.” Apollo does. 

They appear outside of Cabin Three. It’s late enough that everyone is supposed to be in their cabins, so nobody notices the god and godling. Percy thanks Apollo for being his taxi, and if Apollo flushes gold, it’s not noticeable in the dark. 

“Any time, Perseus. I’d do whatever you ask of me.” Apollo curses himself. Where did that come from? It’s Percy’s turn to blush. “I’ll see you tomorrow?” 

“You’ll be here tomorrow?” The sun god nods. 

“I usually try to come every Sunday to visit, but the Solstice is on Sunday, so I’m coming tomorrow.” Percy forgot about the Solstice. Fuck. 

He does, however, try to push the adoration down at the fact that Apollo actually has a routine to see his kids. He could have just seen them on the Solstice, but he’s coming a few days beforehand. Gods, the thought of Apollo being a dedicated father should not be as hot as it is. “I-i’ll see you tomorrow then.” He stutters. Apollo flashes him a smile and disappears in a flash of golden light. Even though it’s December, he feels residual warmth from the god. 

He heads into his cabin, ready to fall into bed for another night of restless, or no sleep. He stops short at the small supply of ambrosia and nectar on his bedside table. A small note from Dionysus explains that he’ll no longer look or feel dead on his feet if he consumes a small amount a day. Specifically about a square of ambrosia and a cup of nectar. With a warning that he is still, in fact, mortal, and too much of either will absolutely trigger his ascension. 

He doesn’t want that. So, he takes a small gulp of nectar, and about a half a square of ambrosia, mindful of the amount he had earlier. The divine food does help to settle him. For the first time in weeks, he actually falls asleep.

Chapter Text

The kids haven’t left Percy alone all day. He expected as much – he knows the kids absolutely adore him, but he has not had a moment to himself all day. It started with several younger campers charging at him the moment he walked into the pavilion for breakfast. 

“Percy!” Amber, a daughter of Hermes, calls out. She’s insanely fast for an eleven year old. “You’re back!” Percy struggles to stay on his feet at the speed she ran into him for a hug, laughing slightly, arms automatically wrapping around her protectively. 

“I did say I would be back, didn’t I?” He feels several hands on him all at once, and has to fight back the panic that starts to bubble. They’re kids, he reassures himself. They’re not going to hurt you. 

“You didn’t say when.” A voice pops up from behind him. It’s James, one of Apollo’s youngest at camp at only 7 years old. Percy almost melts. He absolutely has a soft spot for the little ray of sunshine. The other campers back up allowing Percy to pick the boy up. Percy is only vaguely aware of the stress melting off his body in waves at the weight of the child’s head on his shoulder. Percy holds him closer. 

“I’m here for the solstice,” Percy hums, rubbing James’ back. “But, I think I’ll be staying here for quite some time.” Kids cheer all around him, and immediately start talking all at once, saying how Percy “just has to see how much better I’ve gotten at archery”, or “I’ve been making you crafts while you’ve been gone!” He tries to keep up with the little voices, but soon he’s joined by two others. 

“Let Percy breathe, please.” Will says, obviously a command. The kids all smile sheepishly, and run off to their breakfasts once more. Percy sends him a thankful grin that Will returns. Will tries to get James down from Percy’s arms, the kid whining softly and tightening his arms around him but Percy reassures the healer with a soft, “He’s okay.” 

“What’s this about you staying here?” Nico makes his presence known. Will nods, wondering the same. “You’re not going back to New Rome?” 

Percy sighs, shifting James to his other hip. “It’s complicated, but yeah.” He shrugs. “I’ve decided to drop out.” Nico bites his lip in contemplation. 

“Does it have to do with-” Nico stops himself. Percy knows what he’s asking. 

“Kinda?” Confused looks from both boys. He amends, “Annabeth is only part of it.” 

“Then what-” Will cuts him off before he can finish. 

“You’re not going on a quest, right?” Will asks slowly, praying to all the Gods above that the answer is no. “I saw you were with my dad last night.” 

Percy cannot fight the blush that comes. “N-no.” He stammers, ignoring the suspicious looks from the couple. “I’m not going on a quest. Apollo was just helping me with something. I went to go see my mom.” He admits. 

The two boys nod, but Will still asks, “Still, I’ve heard you’ve been hanging out with him quite a bit.” The golden haired boy crosses his arms, smirking at the way Percy gets redder than before. 

“I-” Percy feels like a deer caught in headlights. “He- He’s been there.” Percy shrugs. “I-it’s not like we’re… like…” He trails off before he says something he shouldn’t. 

Will lightly claps his shoulder that doesn’t have a little head on it, and smiles not unkindly. “We could have a worse step-mom.” Nico promptly bursts out laughing, and Percy feels like he might implode.

“Come on, Perce,” Nico manages through his laughter. “We all know that these kids all see you as camp mom already.” He then leans down in full laughter once more. 

“I- I don’t like Apollo like that!” Percy tries to defend. James chooses this moment to lift his head up slightly to look at him with small, sad eyes. 

“You don’t like dad?” Cue more laughter from his fucking cousin. He’ll get Nico back for this, he swears. Will can’t help but laugh softly as Percy tries to find an answer, the blood rushing down into his neck as well. 

“I-” the godling sighs. “I do like your dad, Jamie.” Percy murmurs softly. Nico gets louder and louder and Percy fights the urge to kill him. Will raises an eyebrow. “We’re friends.” 

Jamie’s eyebrows scrunch up in thought. “I think you should marry dad.” The boy concludes, laying his head back down, hiding in the crook of his neck.

Will is trying to stop himself from laughing, Nico is on the ground, and Percy gulps. If anyone, he would know that there are certainly worse fates than marrying the sun god. 

“Like I said,” Will laughs, bright and sound, “We could have a worse step mom.” 

—

The sun is low in the sky. The grass and flowers are tickling his skin, along with the soft gentle evening breeze. He’s been waiting for a while. He doesn’t mind though. Apollo is a god. He has things to do. His wait is abruptly over when a soft voice sounds throughout the open field, startling him a bit. 

“Why,” the god breathes out. “Aren’t you a sight to behold?” The prince sits up at the sound. Even after all this time, he’s still awe-struck at the pure divinity that the sun god exudes. He feels his face heat up, and he looks down, hands softly playing with a dandelion. 

“Says you.” He mumbles, still abashed by the attention he receives from the god. He feels Apollo sit beside him, feels his hand confidently pluck the dandelion from the ground and situate it behind his left ear. He can’t help but smile at the action. 

“Hyacinthus,” the god sings. “You must know how beautiful you truly are?” Tanned fingers meet Hyacinthus’ cheek, forcing the young prince to look at him. Hyacinthus gives him a small smile, and Apollo leans in, presses his lips against the corner of his mouth. The sun god laughs as Hyacinthus chases his lips. Pouting until he gets a real kiss, which Apollo happily obliges. 

They don’t talk much after that. But they don’t need to. They’re both quite content to sit silently in each other's presence watching the sunset Apollo has painted for his beloved. The prince rests his head in the god’s lap, absentmindedly playing with a tassel of gold on the pure white chiton the god is adorning, while the god in question runs his hand through his dark hair. 

It’s a peaceful, perfect moment. Hyacinthus never wants to leave it. He wants to stay, just like this, forever. He knows he cannot. Despite himself, he knows how this ends.

Suddenly, Apollo looks up with a sad expression. “You must go, my love.” 

“What?” Hyacinthus asks. 

“You must go back now, Perseus.” The god smiles sadly. “I will see you again.” 

“-Percy?” He hears Will’s concerned voice as he’s snapped out of the vision. He tries to remember where he is. New York, yes, New York is a good place to start. He’s at Camp Half-Blood, he figures out quickly. In the kitchen? He almost mourns Greece. Sparta – how did he know that was Sparta? – was beautiful, and he finds himself wanting to go back. He remembers. He was baking cookies with the kids. He sat down while waiting for the actual baking. That is how Will found him, after Zac, one of Hecate’s, went to get him after Percy went catatonic in his chair. Only moving to gently place his fingertips on the corner of his mouth. 

“Huh?” 

“You went unresponsive?” Will kneels in front of him. “What happened?” All at once, Percy realized what happened. That wasn’t a demigod dream. He wasn’t even asleep. That was a memory. That was real. Percy shakes his head. 

“I’m fine. It’s- I can’t tell you about it.” He stands up quickly muttering, “Shit, the cookies!” 

Will grabs him, and forces him back down as Percy catches sight of the baked, and thankfully not burnt, cookies on the counter cooling. “I took them out. It’s okay, Perce. You should chill out.” He repeats, “What was that?” 

“I just zoned out.” Percy lies. Technically not a lie, because he did. He just also wasn’t here at the same time. Will doesn’t quite buy it, but thankfully drops it. He shoves a square of ambrosia into Percy’s hand, and Percy freezes. How could Will have possibly found him out?

“Just to be on the safe side.” Will says, urging him to eat it. Percy lets out a breath and eats the square. Craving so much more than just the square. As he chews, he realizes that the ambrosia Dionysus had given him was different from this. He recalls a past conversation, mentioning that ambrosia for demigods was processed differently. The stuff that Mr. D gave him was the real stuff. 

It tastes so much better than this , Percy gripes in his head, dutifully finishing his square so Will would leave him alone. 

Seeing the ambrosia perk him up again, Will nods, backing off. “Dad’s here, by the way. Thought you’d want to know.” Percy rolls his eyes at the subsequent wink Will gives as he walks off. Bitch, Percy thinks. 

–

Percy decides not to head outside immediately. He instead goes into the bathroom and splashes some cold water on himself, relishing the energy it gives him. Then, he notices. There’s a freckle he doesn’t remember having before. It’s small, but it definitely wasn’t there before. Right on the corner of his mouth. Right where Apollo had kissed him. Hyacinthus, Percy corrects. His brain shoots back, Why do you think you’re seeing Hyacinthus’ memories? The defiant side of Percy’s brain stalls for a moment, before defending, Weirder things have happened to me.

Inside, he thinks he does know why that happened. Just like with his ascension, he will not mention it to anyone until he can get confirmation. Uncle Hades, forgive me, he thinks. I may have to come see you. 

He does know Apollo, though, and his annoying son. Will definitely told his dad about what just happened, and where Percy is, and if he doesn’t make an appearance soon, Apollo will track him down. 

He sighs and prepares himself to face the sun. 

—

He finds Apollo at the Archery fields. Kayla sees him first and calls out, “Mom’s here!” He stops shortly. Will is once again laughing, and Kayla isn’t far off herself. He dares a glimpse at Apollo, who is looking at him with so much fondness, and so much love that he could drown in it. Percy forces himself to look away, choosing to gripe at Kayla. “Really?” He groans. “I can handle the littles, but you too?” Kayla giggles brightly. 

“Oh, come on! You act like our mom.” She suddenly aims her bow and makes a perfect shot, handing the bow off to another one of her siblings. Beaming when Apollo praises her. 

“I do not!” Percy says indignantly. 

“Please,” Kayla scoffs. “You’re the only one at this camp that any of us will listen to.” She moves to help one of her brothers aim. He hits a decent shot. 

Elijah immediately turns to Percy. “Percy! Dad! Look!” Kayla gives him a knowing look. Percy flushes, but goes to praise the demigod. 

“We saw, Eli, that was great!” Apollo smiles brightly, leaning down to give his son a high-five. Apollo takes the bow and turns to Percy, smile now teasing. “You wanna try?” 

Percy ignores the laughs, and soft sounds of pure terror coming from some of the kids who know of Percy’s talent, or lack thereof. “No thank you.” He pushes the bow away. “Not unless you want someone impaled.” Apollo blanches a bit, but ultimately scoffs. 

“You cannot be that bad.” 

“He is!” Half of the kids around the archery field chime in for him. Percy inhales sharply. 

“See.” Is all he says. Apollo looks around at all his kids. Most of which are staring at him, waiting to bolt the moment Percy takes the bow. Percy does not, and Apollo lowers his arm, breathing out in disbelief. He hands the bow to another one of his kids, moving towards Percy. The area comes alive with activity again once the imminent danger of Percy with a bow does not come to pass. 

“Take a walk with me?” The god asks. He moves to follow. 

“Don’t do anything we wouldn’t do!” Austin calls after them, and Percy rubs his hands down his face. Austin looks quite pleased with himself, and Kayla is giving him a fist bump. Tiredly, he looks over to Will. Will isn’t any help when he shrugs, eyes teasing, but also terrifyingly knowing. “You know how I feel. We could have a worse stepmom.” He smiles evilly. 

Everything stops once more. All around, kids are yelling at once. 

“Percy is our stepmom?” 

“He’s not even a mom.” One kid says confused. 

“He is such a mom.” Another chimes in. 

“Wait, so is Percy dating our dad?” Percy wants to disappear. 

Apollo is flushed a pretty gold– that Percy definitely isn’t staring at– but he commands, “Back to your archery, kiddos.” He grumbles about ‘kids these days’ as he turns. Percy hesitantly follows him away towards the beach. 

As they walk, Percy thinks about how this version of Apollo, the one he’s only begun to see after his ascension became apparent, is the same as what he saw in Hyacinthus’ memory. He pushes those thoughts away immediately. He does not want to let Apollo know what he believes is happening until he knows for sure. If he tells him now, and he’s wrong, that’s just unnecessarily cruel. Percy cannot be cruel to Apollo. Never. 

“Sorry about them.” Apollo says quietly as they approach the sea. 

Percy shrugs, “I’m used to it by now.”

Apollo looks up at him suddenly, “Do they really call you mom?” Percy can’t help the laugh that spills. 

“They’ve started to, yeah.” Percy says. “I don’t mind it honestly. I guess I do act like their mom sometimes, but gods know that someone needs to be a familiar figure to them here.” He’s staring out at the currents, and misses Apollo watching him with so much love in his expression. He’s so focused on the sea in the silence that he’s totally not expecting what the god says next. 

“I could make you a real mom, if you’d like.” Apollo chuckles at the horror on Percy’s face. 

“What the fuck, Apollo?” Percy laughs, startled. “You can’t just say that!” He knows that he must be so red. 

Apollo lifts his hands up in surrender. “You once said that one of the only things I was good at was making babies – not true, by the way, – so I offered you what I’m good at.” Apollo shrugs. They stare at each other for a moment before bursting into laughter. 

“Hey, no babies before the third date.” Percy jokes, and Apollo laughs again, brushing a lock of hair behind Percy’s ear. Percy is suddenly reminded of the gentle way Apollo had placed that dandelion onto Hyacinthus, and is almost sad there’s no flowers nearby. 

“Let me take you on a date then.” Percy doesn’t freeze in shock like he expected he probably should. He’s suspected this is a long time coming. Percy’s teenage crush on Apollo has followed him into adulthood, and the god just being around after his breakup, being so kind to him, and giving him a friend made Percy fall in love with him a little more every time. 

It’s also not like it’s a secret that Apollo is interested in Percy. Will, and now most if not all of Apollo’s kids know. He’s sure Hermes knows, and Aphrodite as well. His father might, but Percy really doesn’t want to think about that too hard, lest he summon him. He almost shudders at the thought of his father finding him and Apollo this close. 

Apollo is still waiting for an answer, so Percy nods, pushing down the pure joy that threatens to spill from him. “I’m free tomorrow night.” He whispers as Apollo is so close. Tomorrow. The sun god beams, leaning in to press a kiss on his lower cheek, dangerously close to that new freckle Percy refuses to dwell on. He feels the blood rush up immediately, and Apollo grins down at him. 

“I’ll see you tomorrow, beautiful.” He pulls away, leaving Percy breathing slightly heavier. “I promised that I’d put the kids to bed tonight, so I better go.” He flashes Percy another dazzling smile. “Goodbye, Perseus.” 

Percy has never thought his name sounded more perfect.

Chapter Text

Hyacinthus ran through his drills one last time before setting his spear down. Wiping the sweat that had gathered above his brow, he looked out over the courtyard of the palace. The wind had picked up suddenly, and he recognized it as coming from the west. 

“Zephyros.” the prince whispered to the wind. 

“I’m surprised you knew it was me.” The west wind was behind him. With him he carried a basket of just ripened figs. He accepted the fruit handed to him. Hyacinthus wasn’t stupid, he knew better than to deny a gift from a god. He savored the sweet taste of the fruit, wiping at the juices dripping down his chin. The god looked on in appreciation. The wind worked around him, blowing his long white chiton majestically. 

“Winds coming from the west.” Hyacinthus responded, shrugging softly. “Who else could it be?” 

The wind god smirked, “Who else, indeed.” 

Hyacinthus watched as the god set the basket of fruit down, and wrapped the Prince of Magnesia in a soft, purple chlamys. One fit for a prince, Hyacinthus thought absently – the edges embroidered in gold. “A gift,” Zephyros explained as he stepped back to admire the man once more. “To keep you warm in my winds. It’s still spring, and it can still get quite cold.” 

The prince spoke of his gratitude, flushing, not at the wind’s attention, but at the thought of Apollo. His sun god could keep him warm. Regardless of that thought, Hyacinthus was truly thankful for a gift from a god. How could he not be? 

As if the god could read his mind, Zephyros frowned. “I know you have gained the attention of that accursed sun god, Phoebus.” 

Hyacinthus drew back in offence on behalf of said sun god. The courtyard seemed to get hotter, as if Apollo was watching from his chariot – a warning. 

“Forgive me, lord, but I quite like the Lord Apollon.” 

Zephyros sneered, “He ruins all he touches.” He grabs Hyacinthus by the shoulders, “I would cherish you. I could never destroy you.” The sun gets hotter, still. 

Startled, Hyacinthus backs away from the god’s embrace. Apollo would never treat him like this, he thinks, trying not to panic at the possessive nature of this deity. And, he defends to himself, Apollo does cherish him. He thinks of Daphne for the briefest moment, but shoves that thought away. His lord explained that his pursuit of the naiad was due to an arrow that the spiteful Eros had shot. Besides, Apollo had honored her after her ‘death.’ By making the laurel sacred.

He was given images of a discus, and of a beautiful purple flower sprouted from red, and he gasped softly. 

Upon seeing the prince’s adverse reaction, Zephyros’ anger dispelled immediately. “I only wish for you to think about your options.” Then he was gone. 

Later that evening, Apollo appeared to Hyacinthus in the same courtyard. He had not left since that afternoon. 

Taking the prince into his arms, “Beloved, I am so sorry.” Feeling the way his love fell into his arms, holding back tears from the fear of the situation, he felt his anger spike towards the wind. “Hush, now. I am here.” He whispered, trying to calm both himself and the boy in his arms. Hyacinthus may be a man, but he was young. For all Apollo was born a god, he could understand how having the attention of the divine could be stressful on a mortal. “I will inform your mother.” He mutters, already dreading the conversation with Clio. “She will be most displeased, as am I.” 

At the mention of his mother, Hyacinthus clutched onto Apollo’s chiton harder. “Mother-” He chokes out. 

“She will be displeased,” Apollo winces when Hyacinthus lets out a small sob. “Not with you, beloved, with the west wind. ” Hyacinthus nods. He’s reminded of the images he was shown. The miniscule amount of power he had over prophecy scared him. Apollo helped when he could, as the lord of prophecy.  He couldn’t bring himself to tell Apollo what he saw. He could only burrow himself further into the god’s shoulder, fight the tears already spilling. 

“I will not let him hurt you. I swear it.” The god whispered to him later that night in bed. The purple chlamys on the floor, close enough to the hearth where a stray spark could set it ablaze, along with the rest of their clothes. Hyacinthus was asleep before he could ask him to swear it on the Styx. 

Percy came out of the memory in the early morning hours, almost as if he had slept. On his nightstand, there was a dandelion on his desk next to a note.

‘ Found a freshly bloomed dandelion outside of your cabin. Thought you might like it. 

Meet me at the beach at 7pm. 

-A’

Blinking back the tears in his eyes, still threatening to fall from the memory, he picked up the dandelion with a heavy heart. He needed to speak to Hades, but in his heart, he already knew. His soul knew.  

–

Percy is distressed. He cannot figure out what to wear tonight. Apollo never mentioned what they were doing, and Percy didn’t want to overdress or underdress. He goes through the small amount of clothes he had left at camp, and sighs. He ends up choosing a purple turtleneck that the Aphrodite cabin had gotten him a while ago after deciding that Percy needed a fashion makeover and the only pair of dress pants he owns, actually. He prays that it’s good enough. It’s nearing 7pm at this point and before he walks out the door he heavily debates putting the dandelion Apollo had left him behind his ear, stopping himself before he actually does it. That would be too far, he decides. He heads out of his cabin, the rest of the camp already at dinner, and by the grace of the gods – literally, as he had prayed to Hermes before he left asking to not get caught, he didn’t wanna answer questions just yet– goes by the pavilion unnoticed and out towards the shore. 

Apollo is waiting for him. He breathes a sigh of relief when he notices Apollo is dressed similarly to him. A muted yellow sweater with a navy blazer overtop, and similar dress pants. He ducks his head as he notices Apollo very obviously checking him out as he walks down. 

“Perseus,” Apollo smiles, taking the godling into his arms.

“Hi,” Percy whispers against Apollo’s chest. Apollo reluctantly pulls away. 

“You look nice.” He mumbles playing with the hem of Percy’s turtleneck, relishing in the nice pink that spreads into Percy’s cheeks as his fingers caress his neck ever so gently. 

“So do you.” Percy says back quietly. They stand in each other’s presence for a moment before Percy finally asks. “So what are we doing?” 

Apollo hums. “I have a couple ideas you can choose from.” He says brushing Percy’s hair out of his face. Percy hums his approval, to the idea and the touch both. “I could take you to a restaurant here,” A hand finds its way around Percy’s waist. “Or,” Apollo whispers. “I could take you to Greece.” 

The decision comes easier than it should. 

“Take me to Greece.” He breathes. 

Apollo holds him tighter, flashing a fond smile. “Gladly.” 

– 

It was strange going from sunset to the middle of the night. It was about 2AM in Greece. Percy stepped from Apollo’s embrace to take in his surroundings. They were right by the shore, and even in the low light of their landscape, the sea seemed to glitter and glisten. It called to him. He turned to his left and saw a brilliant marble structure, almost boxed in shape. It had to be an entryway of some kind. Other small pieces of concrete or marble, Percy couldn’t tell from the distance and light, littered the area around the structure. Annabeth would love this place. He quickly pushes the thought of his ex away. 

Apollo is standing silently, watching as the demigod looks around, obviously deep in thought. Percy asks, “What is this place? Where are we?” He decides to add. This wasn’t mainland Greece, he decided. Then his mind reeled with how he just knew that. He was only in Greece once before, and they didn’t have time to sightsee, or even to take in their surroundings at all. 

“We’re in Naxos.” Apollo murmurs. An island. “This is the ruin of one of my temples.” Apollo had to bite back the sneer at the word ruin. Even a millenia couldn’t lessen the hurt of the Theoi’s fall back in worship and popularity. 

Percy walks towards the massive structure, what he now recognizes as the entrance to what would have been the temple. He’s now thankful it’s the middle of the night, and there are no people around. This is an intimate moment, he decides. He’s in the ancient lands. His heritage is all around him. He doesn’t want to deal with tourists while he comes to terms with what it means to be here. 

It feels like he belongs here. Belongs more than at camp, or even in New York, his home. Now that he’s not here running for his life, he finds himself never wanting to leave. The only thing that startles him out of his brooding is Apollo continuing. “ It was never finished.” He makes his way over to where Percy ended up, right in front of the gate. He lays a hand on the marble, feels the leftover worship imbued in the stone. “ At some point in the 6th century the construction stopped, and instead a church was built over the ruins.” He fails to stop the bitterness from slipping into his tone. 

Apollo watches as Percy’s face scrunches slightly in anger. Holding back a coo at the way his nose wrinkles at that fact. The demigod was utterly adorable, even if he’d stab you if you said it. Percy takes a breath as if to say something, but pauses, deflating slightly. Apollo cocks his head in question. Percy shakes his head slightly, turning to look at the god. His sea glass eyes are actually glassy with tears when he finally speaks. “It’s just so unfair.” He stomps away to one of the pieces of marble on the other side of the gate. Apollo goes to follow him, and goes to say that it’s just the way it is when Percy continues. “Churches get to thrive but all the temples were destroyed. Even without worship in the temples, they are still part of history!” Percy sniffs, throwing his hands up in frustration. “Even if you no longer believe, why would you be alright with the destruction of your ancestor’s history?” He sighs, falling into silence although there’s so much more he could say. He’s known the temples were destroyed, and it’s just never sat right with him. Being here, however, gave him an idea. 

“I wish I knew the answer, Perseus.” Apollo says softly while sitting down next to him. Percy falls against the sun god, laying his head on his shoulder. Apollo’s arm snakes around Percy to pull him closer. “We have no control in who people believe in, nor how much.” Percy shrugged, he guessed that was probably true. “We get by, though. Through the worship of our children-” Apollo adds after giving Percy a fond smile at the snort he gave. “- and there are plenty of mortals who still worship us as well.” He rubs small circles into the boy’s back, honestly surprised that this would upset him so. “We’re okay, Perseus, I swear it.” Percy nods, but never responds, eyes far away. Lost in thought. “What are you thinking so loudly about?” 

Percy lets out a small laugh. “I think we need to build temples at camp.” He decides to sneak a glance at the god. His eyes are wide at the suggestion, features falling into a mix of fondness, surprise, hesitant excitement, and love. “It’s only right. If New Rome can have temples, why can’t we?” 

Apollo decides not to comment further besides, “If anyone can do it, Perce, it would be you.” He’s feeling too many emotions to say anything else. He’s reminded so hauntingly of Hyacinthus. Though he lived in the golden age of their worship, he would have said the exact same thing if he was in Perseus’ position. He thought passionately of preserving history, even if you don’t agree with it, or like it; a trait he inherited from his mother no doubt. The sun god takes a shaking breath to calm himself and stands up, offering his hand to Percy’s to follow. 

Percy follows, and slowly they make their way away from the ruined temple, Percy’s heart becoming lighter and lighter the further they get. “I thought about getting something to eat here in Naxos, but I have a better idea, now. Come.” Apollo opens his arms, allowing Percy to clutch onto him once again. He wants to get Percy away from the temple. Obviously the idea of their lost worship upsets him greatly, and Apollo can’t have that. The idea is curious, though. As they flash away, Apollo can’t help but wonder what Percy’s domains will be, once he finishes ascending. 

–

They end up on a lively street in Mykonos, bustling with activity for the time of night. Apollo explains that Mykonos is a party island as they walk to a small restaurant that overlooks the shore. The sun god doesn’t need to eat, although he can, and Percy, ascending as he was, rarely needs mortal food anymore, so they share a salad instead of ordering meals. Apollo orders him some mocktail that he swears is good, while the god drinks wine. They make light conversation for a while, reminiscent of their previous months. Talking about anything and everything, Percy’s life happenings, Olympian drama - the works. 

Percy gets curious and eventually reaches over to steal a sip of Apollo’s red wine, nose wrinkling at the bitterness. Apollo carefully yanks his glass back. “I thought you didn’t drink.” He comments before taking his own sip, savoring the taste. 

“It’s mostly beer I can’t stand.” Percy shrugs, coughing slightly. “Gods, that is awful.” Apollo snorts. 

“I can get you a sweeter wine to try, if you’d like?” Percy weighs his options. What the hell? He thinks, We’re in Greece. He nods, and Apollo calls over the waiter. 

“I know you haven’t seen much, but what are you thinking of Greece thus far?” 

Percy considers his words carefully. “It’s nice when I’m not running for my life.” He jokes. Apollo chuckles, but obviously looks uncomfortable with the thought of Percy’s first time in the ancient lands. Percy had told him a few months after they’d started talking. 

“I’m sure.” Apollo comments dryly. The waiter comes back with a white wine for Percy, and pours him a glass. Percy takes a sip and it’s much better. He nods at Apollo’s waiting stare. 

“It feels weird being here.” He says. 

Apollo looks up in confusion. “How so?” 

Percy takes another small sip, taking a breath. “It’s-” He cuts himself off. “It’s hard to put into words. It’s like, this is where I’m meant to be. It’s foreign, but entirely too familiar.” Apollo nods sympathetically. 

“That makes sense, I suppose.” Apollo starts slowly. “You are more Greek than most demi-gods, you know?” Yes, Perseus was entirely too Greek, and it drove Apollo crazy. Perseus would have been a perfect prince of old. He deserved to be dotted on, and adored. 

Percy’s cheeks that are already starting to turn pink from the wine get even pinker at the comment. “I suppose you would know that,” He says boldly. “Aren’t you the most Greek of the gods?” 

“I am.” Apollo laughs, he can’t help himself. “It’s like we’re made for each other.” He snorts at Percy’s hands coming up to cover his face. He glares at the sun god through his fingers. 

“Drink your wine.” The godling grumbles. Apollo snickers, lifting his glass. Percy meets him in the middle of their table as a cheers. They go back to Olympian gossip as they finish their wine. 

–

Apollo can’t really get drunk on mortal wine without nectar, but Percy can. And Percy definitely is drunk when they flash back onto the porch of Cabin Three. He’s giggling still about some tourist they had seen making a scene in the street as they flashed away, and Apollo has to hold him steady. He probably shouldn’t have let Percy drink almost a whole bottle. 

“You should get to bed, beloved.” 

Percy makes a strange face at the name, as if remembering something. He eventually nods, about to stumble in through the door. He stops before, turning around and back into Apollo’s waiting arms. He giggles and leans up, kissing the god on the mouth. “Thanks for the date, ‘Pollo.” He looks down at their feet, before surging back up for another kiss. “Thanks for the dandelion, as well.” He slurs. “I thought about wearing it. Maybe next time you could bring me a hyacinth though.” He trails off, and his expression sobers a bit. “And-” Apollo’s mind is already reeling at the mention of his former love’s flower, and almost falls backwards in shock, hope, and fear at Percy’s next words. “I am sorry for how it ended. But, I’m here now.” Percy lets out another giggle, kissing the god’s cheek, and finally pulling always towards the door. “But, I promise I won’t leave you this time.” Percy stumbles inside, and closes the door behind him, leaving Apollo frozen on the porch of Cabin Three staring at the door Percy just disappeared behind.