Chapter Text
Gentle chapped lips pressed against his head. "And I am very lucky to have him." Vesperae hummed. Their gaze focused on the little body they held. "I believe we weren't properly introduced. Who is this little one?"
"My name's Percy."
Ulysses tangled his hands in Perseus's soft white hair. "They are....our child."
Nails paused for a moment. "Ours?"
Ulysses slowly breathed in and out. Eyes firmly shut. "Yes."
Silence pressed against them. Growing heavier and heavier with each second it wasn't broken. It pressed his chest. Until gentle fingers lifted his chin. And another kiss pressed his lips.
"My love, this is the most wonderful gift you given me."
Ulysses's cheeks warmed. A warmth that settled in his heart as he watched Vesperae cradled Perseus closer. A soft lullaby hummed barely above a whisper. Perseus snuggled closer and looked up. " Are you Mister Ulysses's Vess?"
"Oh, Mister Ulysses's Vess?" Vesperae smiled widely at Ulysses. Chuckles caught just behind their teeth. "Yes. Yes I am little one."
"Oh." Perseus glanced back to Ulysses. "Do I call both of you Dad?"
Ulysses smiled. "Only if you're comfortable my boy." He ruffled their hair. "I'm alright either way."
"Though, I suppose" Vesperae interrupted. One hand rifled through their pockets. "It's high time I gived you something."
Ice blue glinted in the starlight. Purple ribbon wound tightly on a carved blue stone. Each mark etched on with evident care. Ulysses felt his heart stopped as Vesperae offered him the necklace. "Is....is that?"
Vesperae only smiled. A soft, gentle smile. "Will you allow me to put it on you?"