Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It was an unusually cold June morning when the Olympian council voted on Percy Jackson's fate. He was too powerful to stay mortal. Killing him was an easy solution, or so though some of the Gods. Others vouched for his ascension, he was worthy even after rejecting it twice. The rest just watched the chaos unfold. 

Percy wasn’t allowed to vote nor his opinion was heard. He had made it clear the last few years for the Gods to bother hearing it again. He wasn’t even aware of the council meeting until his father called him to visit Olympus. 

He should’ve realised something was wrong as soon as he entered his father's temple and he was ridiculously calm waiting for him. “This morning, the Olympian council reunited and we discussed your fate”

“My fate? What is that supposed to mean?” 

“After the end of the wars a few years ago your power has only continued to grow. The council decided you possess too much power and it needs to be stopped. To that, you can either suffer from a premature death or ascend as a God, as it was offered you before.” Poseidon began his explanation calmly, every word was slowly angering his young son and he knew he would eventually burst. 

“Did you call me here to tell me the gods are planning my death? Well thanks for the heads up, I won’t forget the drachma to enter the underworld” Percy hissed sarcastically, even before his father announced the result, he already knew, the council agreed on his ascension. His father was too calm for it to be anything else. 

“Zeus, Ares, Hera and Athena thought that was the best option too.” Percy scoffed, he wasn’t surprised they wanted to kill him as soon as possible “However they were in minority against me, Artemis and Apollo, Aphrodite, Demeter and Hermes. I know this isn’t the outcome you hoped but I couldn’t let them kill you, Percy.” His voice was growing more desperate with each word, the last thing the gods needed was his wrath especially now with his newly acquired godly powers. “Would you really rather die than become a god? 

Percy just stared at his father unsure, he was too mad to think what he wanted, the only thought on his mind was how to stop whatever was going on so he could go back to his old life. 

“I’m not sure”

“I couldn’t let them kill you Percy. One day, you’ll understand” 

Percy certainly wasn’t understanding now, the waves he was unintentionally forming around him were the living proof of it. They both know that there wasn’t anything they could do now, but that didn’t stop Percy’s lash out. 

His father did try to make him feel better, with a formal reception and coronation into his new…family? They didn’t feel like one, most of his half-siblings only sidelong glanced at him with a scoff and Amphitrite was noticeably avoiding him at all times. 

When he left his room to find out his dad’s party plans he admits he acted a bit dramatically, but the whole party was a bit too much, so who could blame him? 

Firstly, the guest list was huge, everybody and their mother was invited, from gods to nature spirits to demigods. He didn’t even know half of the list, gods, probably not even a quarter. But that wasn’t that bad right? He just needed to convince his father to uninvite most of them, it was his party after all. 

Then, he saw them on a stage, and he recognized them immediately. The nine muses were practising a very dramatic scene which should represent the last big war who he took part in. Just great, exactly what he needed, more attention to himself. 

The last part was his final straw. 

A cake.  

Not a normal cake, though. 

A fucking blue 10 layer cake. 

Perfect.

Fortunately Riptide was always with him. The cake did need some slicing, riptide wasn’t the cleanest cutter which led to the entire destruction of the cake. Having control over water and leaving on it also meant that any opportunity for him to lash out was 100% stronger and powerful. The muses don’t mind many things, but watching the cake being destroyed was a good indicator they could be the next victims, and just like that, they had a very important event to attend in the next 2 to 72 hours. 

With no cake and no entertainment, and his livid son, Poseidon saw no other solution other than postpone the celebration much to his dismay and to Percy’s amusement. 

Postponing the coronation also meant his godly siblings could continue to try to convince their father that it was a bad idea. Percy’s heroic acts had not won over their hearts as it had the rest of Olympus, for them he was still the bastard's favourite child, he wasn’t a god or an equal, just a kid with a hero complex. They normally didn’t pay much attention to their half-blood sibling, demigod or monster, but a room in the palace and crowning him Prince of Atlantis was a bit too much for the ungrateful kid. 

Amphitrite, on the other hand, had mixed feelings about the new prince, of course she didn’t enjoy acknowledging her husband's infidelity and its…consequences but on the other side Percy was not more than a kid who didn’t choose to be born. She felt bad for him, how could she not? He had already fought in two wars and he wasn’t even 21, and now when everything was finally supposed to be “normal” the council decided to decide his life. He understood her husband’s decision,it was possible to see his adoration for the young boy from afar. She had to admit to herself that she hasn’t been the best host and she saw the poor treatment the boy was receiving from his siblings. There was no excuse for her to ignore him though. 

The knock on his door catches Percy by surprise, who was bothering him now? Did he need to scare off anyone else? 

“It’s me Percy,” Amphitrite? What did she want? “Can I come in? I just wanna talk” 

He didn’t want her to come in, why couldn’t everyone just leave him alone? 

“Fine, door’s unlocked.” He replied dryly. 

Amphitrite takes his acceptance as a good sign and softly opens the door, gently carrying a tray of blue cookies she places in front of him “A little fish told me these were your favourite, I thought you would like some.” 

He looks up at him in surprise, his step-mother had barely said a few words to him since his birth and now she was offering him cookies? “Did dad ask you to come? I don’t wanna talk to any of you.” 

She almost flinched when she looked at him, his eyes had heavy bags under them and his eyes looked cloudy like his body was a second away from giving up. “Your father has no idea I’m here, he’s busy right now solving some kingdom issues. I think we need to talk.” 

“Talk? Talk about what?” He knew he shouldn’t be this rude, she hadn’t done anything wrong (yet) but he had never met a god who wanted to just “talk”, they always need something. 

“I came in peace, just thought you might wanna hear a bit of friendly advice.” She tries to smile reassuringly, probably failing to do so.

Percy doesn’t immediately respond, just looks her up and down searching for any type of unhonesty behind her words. When he found none he just sat down on his bed listening to her talk. 

“I understand where your anger is coming from. I really do. Having this type of decision being chosen for you it’s a massive invasion of your life and you have every right to be frustrated.” She began softly. 

“I know that, I don’t need you to explain my own emotions.” Percy cutted her sharply. 

“Let me finish.” She shot back in the same determined tone “The council thought you were too powerful and, as you have made it clear in the past, you didn’t want immortality they saw you as a threat. By making you a god, they now see you as an equal. Don’t let their decision ruin your life. Embrace godhood and prove to them they made the right decision.” 

“I can’t even look at my friends. It’s been almost two weeks and I haven’t even gained courage to face them.” Percy admits defeatedly “Maybe they made the wrong decision.” 

Amphitrite smiles reassuringly and squeezes his shoulder “It’s hard to look at a person knowing you’ll watch them die someday, and it will be hard for a long time, especially your fellow demigods. However, you cannot just avoid them forever, not seeing them will only make it harder. Live the rest of their life with them instead of avoiding it. Why don’t you try visiting them tomorrow?”

Percy finally smiles, probably his first in days “You’re right. Thanks.” 

“I’m glad to help.”

The next day, as he promised Amphitrite, he visited camp. 

It was awkward. 

All of the other campers didn’t look at him like another camper, not that he was sure they ever did, now he was just another god who would probably ignore them. Percy couldn’t blame them, he once also looked at other gods like that. They probably didn’t even know the whole story, they didn’t know it wasn’t his choice and they didn’t know he never wanted that. 

His closest friends tried to seem happy for him, unsuccessfully, but the others just looked at him unsure of how to behave. Some even kneel down when they see them, it was more awkward when some campers called him Lord. They all avoided his eyes, flinched when he got near and avoided even dropping the ball near him. 

Either way, he was determined to act normal around everyone. He helped some Apollo campers train archery (just picking up some arrows, he was still not trusted around bows and arrows together), helped Demeter kids pick up strawberries and, helped younger campers start their treatment. 

By the end of the day, Percy was exhausted but feeling way better than the other last days. He sat down with Grover, Annabeth, Piper and most of his friends by the bonfire. If he closed his eyes he could pretend everything was normal again. They were talking and laughing just like any other day. He knew that, as soon as his friends were starting to go back to their cabins he was going to face one of the worst conversations of his life. 

He needed to break up with Annabeth. 

He tried to calm himself down as he watched Piper get up to go back to her cabin, finally letting them both alone. It would be a romantic moment, the fire was crackling, the moon was illuminating the camp in a soft silver light and the world seemed to have shutten up. He could just hope the silence wouldn’t be broken by violent screams. 

Annabeth wasn’t even looking him in the eyes, she had already guessed what was about to happen. 

“I’m really sorry Annie. I didn’t want this to end this way but you and I know this won’t work out.” 

“Do we? You won’t even try to fight for us? We’ve been through 2 wars together and you wanna end it all because of godhood?” She asked, trying to keep a steady voice, this is exactly what he was trying to avoid, her misery. 

“This is the best for both of us and you know it. It won’t work out. You need to let go of me and find someone else, the quicker you do the better.” 

“You know nothing about what I need!” Her voice was getting louder by the second “Just because you’re a god now doesn’t mean that you know everything! You’re being selfish and only thinking about your suffering! What about my suffering?” 

“Selfish? I’m trying to do this early to ease up your feelings! I’ll have to suffer it for all eternity and I’m giving you the choice to move on early! I’m only thinking about you.” 

“You’re not giving me a choice, you decided everything for yourself! I was ready to fight for us, fight for you!” Annabeth’s eyes were starting to overflow with water as she tried to not stutter her words, this was even harder than Percy imagined.

“Please Annabeth, trying to understand what I'm saying.” 

“No! You are the one that needs to understand.” 

“Us fighting won’t get us nowhere. We’re breaking up, that’s my final decision.” Annabeth wasn’t sure what triggered her to finally give up, the final tone in his voice or her tiredness of fighting. But she didn’t stick around to find out, she just stormed out to her cabin.

Percy didn’t know what to say or do, so he just sat down staring at the calming bonfire, the ambient was ruined rapidly. It was worse than he could ever think about. 

“Bad breakup?” Asked a teasing voice in the distance. 

Of fucking course

Chapter Text

“Bad breakup?” Asked a teasing voice in the distance. 

Percy didn’t even need to look up, his aura was everywhere, sunflowers always pointed at him and the ground he touched had a subtle sunlight. 

His presence was everywhere.

“What do you want Apollo? He asked bitterly. The last thing he needed was a mocking Sun God. 

“The muses weren’t wrong, you truly went full rogue” The bitterness in Percy’s voice wasn’t pushing him back, only pulling him closer.
Maybe a bit too close. 

“Godhood does make you look more powerful” He says distractedly playing with a curl of his hair “and much wiser. The Athena girl didn’t seem very understanding.” 

“Don’t you have your own kids to bother?” Percy quickly snaps, pushing his hand away “Plus, I don’t need your advice on how to live my life.”

“‘Course you don't, little prince.” The conversation was visibling humuring Apollo, whose smile was so big it looked uncomfortable. “Answering your question, I’ve already visited my kids. I’m a good father you know?” 

“Sure you are” It was the millionth time in their conversation Percy had rolled his eyes. He didn’t mind the teasing tone that followed Apollo but it had been a day too long to ignore the God “Why are you bothering me?” 

“Are you always this aggressive or did I catch you on a bad day?” Apollo continued to ignore his bad mood opting for teasing him relentlessly “It does make you look hotter though, the whole I hate the whole world thing. That of course when you’re not threatening the poor muses.” 

“Has anyone ever told you how bad you are at giving advice?” 

“Enlighten me, Percy, I could hear you talking all day long” 

Was he flirting with him? 

Why was he flirting with him? 

“I need to go, I don’t want my father or Amphitrite to worry about me.” 

“Go then, if you must, I’ll be thinking about you until our next encounter” He ends with a wink and vanishes in a gold mist, leaving Percy standing alone staring at the extinguished bonfire wandering about the unusual encounter. 

Percy quietly enters the palace, hoping no one was near to bother him and nagging him about his day. 

He wasn’t so lucky. 

Triton was right in front of the door grinning like a kid on Christmas. “Hello little prince, how was your day?” It didn’t sound as nice when his brother called him little prince, it sounded almost endearing when Apollo called him that but in his brother’s voice it only sounded ridiculous. “Lots of sunlight hopefully” 

Sunlight? Could Triton know about him meeting Apollo? Were rumours underwater that fast? 

“Fuck off” He brushes past him and starts walking to his room. 

“Someone is waiting for you. I haven’t seen her in months, but of course for you she doesn’t mind visiting.”

“Who?” 

“Hello Perseus” A voice from afar called. 

It was a woman he had never seen. It was hard not to recognise her though , she was in a lot of paintings around the palace. 

Rhode

“I was hoping to catch you alone so we could talk” She says with a small but assertive smile.

“I’m not in the mood to talk. Try another day” He answers dryly “Triton seems like he wants to talk though.” He adds with a mocking grin.

Triton’s cheeks rose a bit at his mention and swam away angrily as Percy chuckled. Rhode between the two of them with a small smile enjoying the brother’s banter. As soon as Triton enters his room she turns back to Percy with a forced smile. 

“I wasn’t suggesting it, little brother. We will talk, whether you want it or not. Now, do you want to talk here in the middle of everyone or are you going to invite me into your room?” 

Percy stands there, furiously staring at his sister but eventually opens the door and invites her into his room. He wasn’t back for even 10 minutes and he was already wishing he had stayed in camp. Not here, with his bossy sister and jealous brother and over protective faster. 

“What do you want to talk about?” He asks harshly and impatiently, he couldn’t wait to finally be alone. 

“You’re a God now Percy, your little anger outbursts aren’t cute anymore. You need to behave a bit more maturely, you’re a Sea God now, not an angry teenager. Do you need etiquette with your training?” 

“Training? What training?” 

“Did you really think you would just ascend to Godhood and then mop all day long?” Rhode asks tartly. 

“Yeah? Isn’t that what you do all day?” The sarcasm leaves his mouth before he can even stop himself. 

Rhode sighs and takes one of his blue cookies “I’m starting to believe you’re a truly lost case.” 

“Good, the sooner you realize that the better” Percy adds and lays unceremoniously in his bed. “Now, do you need anything else or can I finally have peace?” 

“I’ll be back.” Rhode finally gives up and starts to leave his room “Oh and Perseus? You have Gold sparkles in your shirt. Next time you secretly meet up with Apollo maybe you should be more careful” Percy’s cheeks immediately burned an almost unnatural tone of red.
Fortunately, Rhode had already left. 

16 days, 3 hours, 29 minutes, 2 seconds…3 seconds…4 seconds… 

A fish just swam near my window

There’s only a cookie left

2+2=4

Godhood is boring 

Percy sighed and got up, nothing seemed able to entertain him. No one ever talks about how royalty is actually really dull. Everyone was always busy, trying to pull him with them most of the time, or nagging him about his attitude, fashion and, personality. Trying to avoid them was harder than you might think in the giant palace, his family was everywhere. He was also surrounded by water, he hasn’t seen the sun or a non-aquatic person in days. Day by day Percy thought that he was going to get insane. 

He missed his old life, New York, Camp, his mother.

Gods.

His mother. 

She wasn’t ready to face her, to look in her eyes knowingly he was probably going to see her die in a blink of an eye. It was harder than anyone else, she was always there for him, she was his biggest supporter, the best mum he could ask for. 

That’s when he decided he needed something to distract himself from his mother. He would  worry about that another day. When he felt ready to face her. Now, he just needed something to distract him. 

Luckily, he was his father’s favourite son (More like unlucky) so he was constantly giving him gifts to try to cheer him up. One of those could distract him right? 

An hour later, too much wrapping paper, a lot of frustration and, almost giving up, he finally found something that would certainly distract him. 

Surfing.

In a box under most presents were 3 beautiful surf boards, about 5 wetsuits and a kit of wax. Just what he needed. In another gift it included a cartoonish fish towel, sunglasses and a bottle of sunscreen. 

Was that a sign from the universe?

Now, he just needed a place to surf, it couldn’t be that hard to ask someone where the best place was, he was surrounded by sea habitants. Who would give him the best advice though? Who wouldn’t try to push his boundaries and ask too many questions? 

His father would nag him to talk about his problems and try to go with him, Triton would tease him relentlessly about him needing his help, Rhode would probably try to convince him to train with her or worse, to have etiquette classes. 

Amphitrite wouldn’t ask too many questions would she? Their last encounter was relevantly nice, and she seemed genuinely sincere. It didn't hurt to try. 

“Amphitrite?” Percy knocks on his step-mother's office/living room/tea room (it was basically where she was when wasn’t solving royal issues) “Can I talk to you?”

“Sure Percy, come on in. Would you like some tea?” 

“Maybe other day,” Drinking tea was maybe a bit too intimate “I was just bored and wanted to surf. Do you know any good place to?” 

His question seemed to surprise Amphitrite, who was probably waiting for a “What time is dinner” type of question. “I know one or two, I can show you if you’d like. 

Chapter Text

It would be more poetic if he said looking at his mother’s door would bring memories from his childhood. Unfortunately, this was their fourth apartment in 10 years. That wasn’t necessarily bad, Percy was glad his mother had been able to climb upwards and find a much better apartment but it was a bit ruining the poem he could write if he knew how to rhyme. 

He had memories of this apartment too, mainly good ones, no abusive step-fathers nor nearby monsters. Instead, he had long nights studying, playing video games through the night, eating his mother cooking. Everything used to be so calm, maybe that was his first warning. 

He was going to miss those times. 

After a few minutes of just staring at the door gaining the courage to knock, Percy finally knocks softly on the door hoping no one was home. 

He wasn’t that lucky. 

Tyche must choose him at birth to mess with him, hopefully she’s having a good laugh. 

“Percy! I didn’t know you were coming home.” Sally immediately embraces Percy, whose guilt was eating him alive, how could he not visit his mother for almost 3 weeks? 

Why did he worry about her and not give her any news? 

How could he be so selfish? 

How-

“Percy? Are you ok?” 

His mother’s voice seemed far away. 

Everything seemed far away.

He couldn’t breathe.

He couldn’t look at her.

This was all his fault.

”Percy!” That was the last thing he heard before his eyes betrayed him and closed. 

When Percy finally opened his eyes the first thing he noticed was that his mother had changed their couch to a much softer one. The second thing he did was curse his father for looking at his mother a bit funnily once and bringing her all of the pain and stress from having him as her son. A mother could never get used to her kid disappearing for weeks to life threatening situations, no matter how hard she tries. The third though was much shittier, Has anyone even told her about the vote? 

He sure hoped so. 

“Percy?” Sally called out a few moments later “Are you awake honey?” 

“Yeah…Hey mum” He tried to say in a soft way, still not 100% recovered.

“What happened?” She asked, passing her fingers through his hair. Her little boy was getting older and older but for her he would always be the little boy who loved blue food and the beach.  Oh, how she missed that innocent boy. Life was too unfair to him, he was barely an adult but had gone through more than most elders. 

“I have to tell you something. Something happened a few weeks ago at Olympus.” 

“The council decision? Your father came here the other day to talk to me about it.”

“He did?” Percy asked surprised, he thought his father didn’t even think about talking to his mother “I didn’t think he would.” 

His mother looked at him with a fond smile “I know you’ll have a grudge against your father forever, but he’s still the same man I fell in love with so many years ago. He cares about you as much as I care about you.”

Her sweet words were received with a scoff and a roll of eyes “I know mum.” 

“I’m gonna make us some tea alright? Tell me everything that has happened while you were underwater.” 

8:00pm was Hades’ hour in Atlantis

Or Family bonding time as his father called it

Or his father making them pretend they all like each other 

Percy was determined to not let it ruin his mood, talking to his mother always calmed him down. Not even Triton could tease him enough to do it. 

As it was expected, he ate up those thoughts immediately. 

This time, however, it wasn’t Triton who ruined it, not that he wasn’t trying to, his father just took the reward right away. 

All his brain’s alarms went off as soon as he got into the room. Not only did his father smile a bit tightly at him, but Triton was smirking and Amphitrite was giving him an encouraging smile. 

“Brother, we were just waiting for you. We have great news.” Triton broke the silence, his grin not flinching for even a second. “Sit, we have loads to talk about.” 

“Triton, be nicer to your brother. How was the conversation with your mother dear?” Amphitrite quickly scolded his brother. 

Percy 1- Triton 0

“Trit as much as I would love to hear all about Percy’s afternoon,” His father quickly interrupted. “we really should discuss the event. Small talk will have to wait.”

“Event? What bullshit do you wanna do now?” 

“Your coronation. It needs to happen, whether you like it or not, this is important to solidify your spot as a God and to present you as Prince of Atlantis. And I don’t want to hear a peep about it.” His father firmly explained, his tone leaving no tone to deny him. 

“It will be like a debutant party, we’re presenting you to the world.” His mother's scolding apparently only lasted a few seconds, the deeper Percy’s grimace grew, the wider Triton’s grin grew. 

“We’ll take care of all the event details, but me and your father think it’s best you have some,” Amphitrite hesitated “lessons.” 

“Lessons? What type of lessons?” This event was beginning to sound more ridiculous by the second. 

“Dance, etiquette, a bit more about our history.”  

“What are the lessons called? Shape Percy to society norm 101?”

“They should,” Triton, the little shit, was having the time of his life “it’s basically it. You need to be on your best behaviour little brother, everyone is coming. Rhode and Helius, Kym, all the Olympians. Apollo is performing with the muses, obviously, he normally is too busy to cater events, but you are an exception, aren’t you?” The last bit ended with a wink. Hopefully his parents didn’t notice his suggestive tone. 

He was going to kill him. 

“No time for this. We need to keep you up with the details we’ve decided until now.” The sibling banter was interrupted by a very stern father. 

Percy would love to say that preparing himself physically and emotionally for the event went smoothly. Since he fell asleep on one of his lessons, stepped on all his instructors fingers and almost scarred off the muses again, it really didn’t feel right putting it in that category. 

When he wasn’t trying to pretend to listen to the old mareman who, failing to do so, was teaching him about good behavior he was busy with fabrics wrapping around him, measuring tapes, Triton trying to secretly photograph him and a very hysterical friend of Amphitrite. 

His father then made him try to memorise every single guest. 

Yes, all the 200. 

Yes, he tried to say he would never do that.

Yes, his father threatened him to make him plan the whole thing.

Yes, Percy was mad.

Apart from all the wrong things from his end, the event planning was going as smoothly as a pearl's surface. The invitations were sent, the muses already were practising their set, and his suit was being tailored. 

Mortals weren’t invited though, so his initial plan of hiding with his friends in a corner was quickly demolished. His mother, who unfortunately fell into the mortal category was having the time of her life listening to his complaints about the coronation taking place in a few days.

He felt like a princess in distress.  

Chapter Text

After a week of tailoring, boring classes and learning about too many Gods, the party was ruined for Percy before it even started. He was staring at the mirror feeling a bit different, he had never seen himself in such a formal way. His hair normally messy was unnaturally neat, his clothes suited him perfectly, the blue chosen for his suit matched his eyes. He looked like an uncrowned prince. Speaking of crowns, his father had left about 10 minutes ago promising to be back with it. 

He drifted from his thoughts with a “Woah”. He didn’t need to look back, he recognised immediately the sudden warmth in the room. 

“Apollo? What are you doing here?” Percy finally looks at the God. And Gods he looked good. His honey hair was an organised mess, his suit was a perfect shade of sunshine yellow which matched his gorgeous gold eyes. He tried his best, unsuccessfully, not to blush. 

“Me and the muses were finishing our final practice and your dad asked me to give you this” He says as he reveals Percy’s crown which was hidden behind his back. “I was sure you would look beautiful but…no words could describe your beauty.” 

Fuck, if Percy was blushing before he looked redder than a tomato now. And when Apollo a bit shyly placed the crown on his hair, the redness spread to all his body. He noticed something else, Apollo was taller than usual. Was it to intentionally be 3 inches taller than him? Was it a coincidence? How did he know what height usually has? 

“I should head back to practice” Apollo declared, not breaking eye contact. “Don’t forget to save me a dance later, okay?” 

Percy just mumbled an answer and watched him leave.

Percy took a deep breath and opened the door facing the entire room of guests, he immediately recognized most. He had to force a smile, everyone was looking at him. He hated being the centre of attention. His family was waiting for him to join them on the top of the giant staircase that connected the room area with the main salon. He quickly joined them, looking down avoiding everyone’s eyes. 

Poseidon, Amphitrite, Triton and him walked down the stairs slowly like they had practiced. As they reached the middle of the stairs a calm ballad started playing and followed by it an angelic voice started to sing. In that moment he understood why he was called God of Music. 

Apollo sang with such emotion it would stop and start wars, would make anyone fall in love immediately and would even make Ares start to cry. And he was looking straight into his eyes and smiling, Percy couldn’t help smiling back. It was getting harder and harder to ignore the twist in his stomach. 

He decided to instead focus on the rest of the party. It was a bit weird all the attention he was receiving, especially because no one was planning his death. Except for Ares. 

Fortunately his focus soon shifted to an engaging conversation with Tyche, who reassured him with a laugh that she definitely didn’t curse him. He hadn’t seen Apollo since he left the stage with a wink in his direction. What Percy and Tyche didn’t know was that a very angry Prophecy God was staring at them. His glare was so intense it was a miracle that they weren’t in flames by now. 

One second he was talking with Tyche the next a slow ballad started and Eros pulled him to a dance. The Love God looked happy he snatched Percy from her and was the first to take him to a dance. Hopefully Psyche wasn't watching. It was a nice dance, Eros knew how to dance and how to flirt, that was certain. 

“If I knew you danced this well, I would’ve visited sooner.” He whispered seductively in Percy’s ear. 

“Don’t you have a wife?” Percy asked teasingly. “I’ll tell her I was kidnapped if she sees us together” He added. 

“Shhh baby. Don’t ruin the mood” The flirty banter continued. It wasn't a serious flirt, but it was enough to distract Percy from his nervousness. 

For a good 10 seconds. Then he saw it. From the corner of his eyes he noticed that Apollo was dancing with other men. 

“Adonis” Eros whispered. “You probably have heard of him as my mother's lover but he and Apollo have some story too.” He explained “Don’t get jealous, baby, he’s nothing compared to you.” The Love God assured him before finishing his dance. 

The rest of the night passed in a blur of dances, small conversation and, surprisingly, a lot of fun times. The only thing Percy noticed was the absence of his favourite   Sun God who had disappeared after his dance with Adonis. It was too good to be true. 

The little prince was well-worn by the time he got to his room door. There he learned something new. His sisters loved to show up unannounced on his door. His half-sister was looking down at him as he walked closer to her.

Kymopoleia wore a long deep blue dress, her face was unkind and violent. She was the opposite of Rhode. Rhode looked dangerous and powerful but masked it with a wave of sadness, Kymopoleia on the other side was powerful and intense and didn’t feel the need to hide it. 

“Hello Brother” Her voice was icy and showed no sign of joy. “I was hoping you would show up”

“Unless I had accepted Eros' invitation to visit his bed, why wouldn’t I show up to my own room?” He asked mockingly. She didn’t laugh. He didn’t expect her to. 

“Our sister mentioned your little talk a few days ago” She continued ignoring him “You don’t wish to have us as allies?” 

“I don’t plan to need allies or to assert my dominance” He explained “I’m not interested in starting fights” 

“Foolish boy! Every god has fights and wars sometime in their life. Flirting with Sun and Love Gods won’t take you anywhere in life” She exclaimed. 

“If that’s what you wish to talk, forget it” He insisted “Nor you or Rhode will change my mind” 

“You’re so powerful, join us” She reasoned. “With you, me, Rhode and Triton we can become the most powerful of the minor Gods.” 

“And then what? What’s next? Rule Olympus” He asked indifferently “Let’s not start another war, sis. We’re better than that.” 

“You’re not who I thought you were” She concludes disappointed “Maybe the Gods were wrong.” 

Before he could defend himself she disappeared in a strong wave. He stood there watching the spot she was standing. Was she right? Should the Sea Gods unite and thrive?

He finally entered his room, his shoulders were down like the weight of the world was on them. All he wanted now was to lay on his bed and sleep for days straight. Although he didn’t mind what really happened. 

As soon as he opened the door he saw him, he was carelessly laying on his bed looking around Percy’s room inspecting it. His light aura was lighter and he looked relaxed. He smiled softly when he saw him come in. “Hey Percy” 

“Apollo, what are you doing here?” He asked slightly confused. 

“Such a foolish reason I’m afraid” Apollo stated “I just wanted to see you” 

Percy couldn’t help but smile. “I looked for you. You asked for a dance.” 

“I did, didn’t I? I was afraid I was moving too quickly” He revealed “I didn’t want to overwhelm you” 

Percy sat next to him on the bed “I could use a friend. But I’m not sure if I can keep our relationship friendly”

Apollo looked at him, a bit of hope lightened his eyes “I can be both, if you wish me to.” He looked deep into Percy’s eyes “We can start slowly.”

Percy didn’t answer, just got up and held his hand. “I promised you a dance” He had never seen Apollo smile so brightly. He took his hand and they started slowly to dance at the sound of their own heart beats. 

Chapter Text

What do you think about when you think about the God Apollo? 

Light?

Sun?

Music?

Maybe a little darker? Plague? Prophecy? 

But tonight? Tonight Apollo is the definition of Happiness. 

And it was that state of contentment that made his twin sister suspicious. Apollo was happy a lot of times but euphoric? Artemis knew his brother well enough to know something was going on, she could only hope it wouldn't give him another heartbreak.

Artemis wasn’t one for just questioning, if she wanted to know what was going on with Apollo she was going to find out. No matter what.  

“Apollo?” She entered her brother's temple. “Are you here?”

Apollo was standing near the big window, observing Mount Olympus.

Before he could even question his contentment she smelled it. Saltwater and algae. Sea god. Her suspicions were right, unfortunately. 

“I know what you’re going to say. You know him, he’s special. He isn’t like the others.” He cuts her before she can start lecturing him. 

”I just don’t want to see you hurt. Is that too much to ask?” She asks, her voice raw but controlled. “I’m your twin, remember. I can read right through you.”

“We just danced, you know? He didn’t really flirt with me or anything.” His voice flinched. He didn’t want to admit he was scared as well, she noticed. “What if I’m just…imaging everything? What if there’s nothing there?” 

Artemis couldn’t listen anymore, her posture once controlled flattered, she hugged him. She hadn’t hugged him so tightly in a while. 

“You’re right, he’s not like Daphne or Cassandra. He isn’t one to run from his problems or to hurt you.” Her voice is low and reassuring. “Either way I still get scared, you know?”

“I know, I know. And I’ve learned my lesson, no more discus throwing” He joked

Apollo finds Percy chilling on the beach. Next time he decides to paint he needs to paint that moment. 

It’s Perfect. The raven-haired boy is laying down, shirtless, in a blue towel with adorable fishes. His hair is slightly damp and his hands are carefully drawing patterns on the sand. The sun, his own domain loves him, is lighting him in such a way he looks angelic. 

He belongs there, near the sea, the sun shining on him. There’s just something missing, Apollo. 

He walks closer to him, blocking his sunlight. “Hey, little prince”

“Apollo? What are you doing here?” He asks startled, he didn’t see the older god walking close to him. 

“You’re enjoying my domain. I think I have the right to barge in” With a flick of his hand a yellow towel filled with cartoon-like suns was laid next to his. 

“It’s a bit hard not to, it’s not like I can avoid it.” He pointed out

“You live in the ocean, if you wanted to avoid it you would just stay there.” He pointed back.

“I hate it when you’re right”

“I’m the God of truth and logic” He lies in his own towel as he playfully nudges him.

They stay like that for a few minutes just enjoying the sun, the sound of water and each other's company. 

“What would you call your painting?” He asks suddenly 

Percy looks at him, his eyes narrowing “My what?”

“You’re too pretty not to be painted”

Percy audibly choked and his face was painted by a beautiful rose colour. Before Apollo could comment any further a sudden wave crashed into him “Hey!” It was worth it just to hear the way the other boy laughed. 

His laugh was interrupted by Apollo’s hug. “We’re even now. Now we’re both wet”

“Not fair!” 

“Fair!” 

They both burst into laughter after that, it was such a gentle moment. Just both of them enjoying each other's company. 

“How’s immorality treating you?” Apollo is the first to talk again. They’re back at their towels just a bit closer now. The Sun God's long hair is touching his arm and the Sea God leg is brushing against his. 

“It’s different. I’m not as angry anymore, which is good I guess” He confesses “I’m just not sure if I’m ready to lose everyone I know”

“You’ll never be ready. But the pain will ease with time.” The truth God looked at his hands, pondering about holding them, squeezing them, comforting them. Not yet, he told himself”

“You’re a good friend Apollo. Thanks for being here” 

“Anytime”

Chapter Text

Percy woke up with cold water splashing in his face. Before he could even open his eyes and process what was going on he heard the voices. 

“Maybe I should hit him da with water again. I never had to wake up anyone before”

“I don’t think that’s the way to go Triton”

“I can try too”

“He’s going to wake up terrified If you wake him up, Kym”                   

“What do you know about waking up people, Rhode?”

Great. His siblings.

The young prince took a deep breath and finally decided to face his wonderful siblings. 

Triton was standing in front of him smirking at his drenched state. He was the one who looked the most like Percy, the biggest difference between them came from his mother, Amphitrite. Not only his looks but their personalities were also similar, as their father liked to point out. Both reckless, impulsive and destructive. 

Not very far from him was his oldest sister Rhode. He knew less about her, she never attacked him directly or threatened him and the myths about her didn’t go further than her marriage to Helios. She was easier to describe too, calm and mysterious. Easier to like too.

Kymopoleia was behind them rolling her eyes. It was clear she wasn’t very fond of him but respected him nonetheless. She was powerful. Feared. Not even her parents could contain her. You could call her the black sheep of the family. 

Percy wished he had told them to fuck off and go back to sleep. Instead he grunted and closed his eyes again. 

Maybe Morpheus would bless him with a great dream. One with beaches and sunsets. Most importantly with zero siblings.

The world wasn’t so kind to him.

“Your training begins today.” Rhode explained as she got him up. “No excuses”

“I told you, I don’t want your help.” He remembered

“We chose to ignore you.” 

Training was harder than he thought. He quickly realised why Immortals don’t train a lot. His siblings knew a lot about his power and how to handle them. By the end of it he felt like he fought a dozen armies. Since he didn’t have any half-brothers in camp he never trained with anyone that has the same powers as him. 

“You see, it wasn’t that bad” Triton remarks and he follows him to the palace. Kym and Rhode were on their way to their house. 

“I can barely walk! How can you say that?”

Triton just laughed amused and walked away. “Dad wants to talk to you”

“Dad? Why?” He tried to ask but Triton was too far away to hear.

He hasn’t talked much with his father since he got there, he was always busy. Percy was relieved though, all their conversations after the council had been hostile. He didn’t forgive his father for not trying harder to change the council’s decision.

Poseidon walked in all his glory. He looked different when he was in Sea King mode. His hair was long and as dark as the deep ocean, on top of his head laid a big crown. It looked magical, running water made its shape and all interlinked in crystals in the centre. The crystals were as green as his eyes whose colour was a bright shade of algae green. Eyes he shared with Percy. 

He hated how godly he looked.

He hated how he looked up to him. Not to his father but to the powerful god standing in front of him.

He remembered what his father once told him. “You’re my favourite son”. 

Was he still his favourite son? 

“Percy, I’ve been meaning to talk to you.” 

“About?” He asked suspiciously. Last time his father wanted to talk to him, he threw a party in his honour. 

“Your godly side. I’ve heard you went training with your siblings today. Have you got any clue what godly powers you have?” He guides both of them to a big living room, seeking a more quiet place to chat.

“How am I supposed to know?” 

“You’ll feel a connection to what your power is connected to. You’re obviously connected to Demi-gods, and if you wish you can become their protector. Your training will help you find that connection. Very soon you’ll learn and control your powers.”

He hasn't even stopped to consider his godly power, he was too distracted with his new world. 

“It takes a while to find your power, don’t be embarrassed about taking a while. It took me about 300 years to discover all my powers.” His father continued reassuringly. He looked distant, if he hadn’t spent the day with his sibling he would think he was his father's only kid. “Maybe talking to someone else about it will help you. Apollo took almost a eon to discover everything about his power” Percy hoped his father didn’t see the rose effect the name had on him “Hermes took a while too” 

With that final note Poseidon got up and left him alone with his thoughts. 

Chapter Text

After the talk with his father the first step Percy made on his discoveries was hide in his room most of the day for a couple of days. Maybe procrastination was his true passion. 

Asking Apollo for help was out of the question, he wasn’t sure what was going on between them but he wasn’t sure if he wanted to find out. Percy did consider talking to Hermes, but his relationship with the God has been weird since the end of the War. Spending 6 years bad-mouthing the Gods finally hit him back as Percy realised there was no God he felt comfortable sharing his problems with. 

Normally that wouldn’t be an issue to him, he wasn’t sorry for his actions nor did he regret them, but this was a godly issue, his half-blood friends wouldn’t be much help. Percy didn’t want to think about Camp though, the more he thought about it, the more he realised Camp wasn’t really his house anymore. He wasn’t a half-blood anymore. 

He missed the simple life of camp: wake up, train, eat, sleep. When he didn’t need to worry about flirting gods or revealing godly powers. 

His sibling did try to help him feel a bit more integrated, which helped a bit, and the party didn’t end up being as bad as he had thought it was going to be. Percy didn’t want to admit it but he was starting to get used to his new life and was actually enjoying it. Being a god did have its advantages. 

Percy finally decided that his best bet was to blow off some steam by surfing a bit. Surfing has been the only thing capable of relaxing him recently. Is where he feels at ease, and is able to forget about all the problems surrounding him. 

The young boy was mid one of the giant waves when he saw him. He was standing by the beach, smiling at him like he is worth a thousand jewels, his golden eyes fixed on the wave he was trying to conquer. Percy didn’t need to look to know who it was, he could feel his eyes burning him like a delicious sunburn. 

It wasn’t the first time Apollo watched him surf and it wouldn’t be the last. He wasn’t sure if the sun god was already there or if had just arrived. It didn’t matter, that was their routine, Percy surfed and Apollo watched him. At this point, Percy would be disappointed if he hadn’t shown up. Normally they didn’t talk. 

Today was not a normal day though. 

Today Percy stopped surfing and went up to him. Apollo probably thought he was there to confront him and asked why he was watching him and was about to leave. 

“Apollo! Wait!” 

The sun god stopped in his tracks, for five agonising seconds he pondered pretending not to hear the prince and continuing to run away. In the end, Apollo turned around again. 

Percy had never seen him like that, raw and nervous, he was usually so confident and flirty. He was biting his lip and looking down, like a child who had been caught. He probably thinks I’m mad at him, he realised, he doesn’t know about our silent deal. 

“Dad said I should talk to you”

“Poseidon? Why?” Apollo asked, confused. He thought Percy was mad at him for being a stalker. 

“Dad says I need to start discovering my godly powers and you took some time to discover yours, so maybe you had some tips. I don’t really care to be honest.” He explained trying not to laugh at his expression. 

“Why are you talking to me then?”

“Do I need a reason? Maybe I just wanted to talk to you” Percy wasn’t sure of where his sudden confidence came from. He sounded like a dork. 

Wherever his confidence came from he was glad it did, the smirk he received in return was enough to make it up for it. The small flirt was enough to bring back Apollo’s flirty personality. 

“I'm flattered little prince, I didn’t know you enjoyed my company so much. I heard you’re a little gods hater” 

Percy ignored him and conjured both their towels, one with cartoon fishes and the other with cartoon suns with sunglasses. Percy’s hair was still wet from surfing and, for Apollo’s happiness, was still only wearing his swim shorts. 

“You’re so obsessed with me, you even remember the towel I use.” 

“Don’t make me regret talking to you” That was the cue for Apollo to shut up and lay beside him, just like a few days ago. 

In a second most of Apollo’s clothes were gone leaving him only with swim shorts, which Percy was trying not to glance at. 

“Don’t worry about your powers. It takes time, you don’t need to rush it”

“I’m trying not to, but it isn’t as easy as it sounds”

“I know” 

They weren’t talking about powers anymore.

Neither of them knew who started it or when it happened but one second they were staring at each other but in the next they were kissing. It wasn’t hard or demanding, it was as soft as a feather. Both of them were unsure, they just knew it was right. 

The next second Percy was back at his room.

Fuck

Chapter Text

Apollo wanted to hit something. 

He wasn’t usually a very aggressive god. 

Except maybe when he killed Pytho, or Tytios or the Niobides or…okay maybe he was a bit aggressive. 

But he hasn't killed or threatened anyone for at least a century or so, that counts to something right? 

It doesn’t matter, he can only think of how many things he wanted to destroy as he, ridiculously, stands up looking at the spot Percy was just at.

Was that intentional? 

Did he vanish by accident? 

Was the kiss that bad?

Percy didn’t know fully the extent of his power, the obvious answer was that the burst of emotions (good ones, hopefully) made him accidentally teleport somewhere. 

It took him a few seconds to calm down, he hoped the boy was back soon so they could laugh about it. 

Right? 

Unfortunately, for Apollo, Percy didn’t even consider that the god was still waiting by the beach and went to Olympus so he could explain himself. He did indeed find a head full of blonde curls, only it didn’t belong to a Sun God but to an architect demigod. 

“Annabeth!” He calls a bit unsure of her reaction, their last conversation still fresh in his mind. She looks different though, more mature, her hair a bit shorter and her skin tanner. 

Her reaction is positive, as Percy hoped it was, she smiled when she saw him and walked to him. “Percy, I didn’t expect to see you today. You look different”                                               

It was at that moment it hit him. In his mind, he hasn’t seen her for almost two weeks, in reality, they haven’t seen each other in 4 months. He almost forgot how time works for Gods. 

“We’re fine right?” He asks tentatively, the last thing he wanted was for them to stay mad at each other. 

“I overreacted a bit when we broke up. You were right, I wasn’t thinking clearly.” 

Percy finally released his breath which he didn’t even realise was holding, his friendship with Annabeth meant a lot to him and he was glad it didn’t end. He knew it was inevitable to not be as close to his friends as before but that didn’t mean he wanted to spend the rest of their life mad at them. 

“I’m really glad to hear that” 

Before they can finish their conversation, they’re (rudely) interrupted by an annoyed Athena, who is calling Annabeth to discuss her newly architect plan. 

“We’ll talk later okay? Don’t be a stranger” 

And just like that, Annabeth was gone again.

As soon as Percy entered the palace he knew something was wrong. 

The first red flag? His brother was at the entrance waiting for him with the smuggest smug ever made. 

“You have a visitor.” 

“A visitor?” Percy looked at his brother suspiciously, even though they were on better terms their relationship consisted mainly on teasing each other relentlessly. 

“In your room. I wouldn’t go there now, dad got there faster.”

Percy must have looked completely baffled since his expression only seemed to amuse Triton “I wasn’t sure if you would ever adjust to godhood, but after seeing Apollo come in here looking for you” 

“Apollo came here?” 

“Oh he’s still here, dad just wanted to give him a little…talk” Triton winked like the talk was an intern joke between them. “I’m sure you’ll be able to talk with your boyfriend in no time.”

“He’s not my boyfriend!” The blush covering his cheeks wasn’t helping him convince his brother of it “He’s just a friend” 

“You might wanna tell dad that then”

The moon was high up in the sky when Apollo and Poseidon left his room. Percy had been practising what he was gonna tell Apollo. First of all, he needed to apologize, not only did he leave him at the beach without another word, now his father was giving him a big speech about…he didn’t want to think about it. 

Then the kiss, what was he thinking? That was the problem, he wasn’t. He definitely knew better than to kiss a God, especially the only one who gave him advice and helped him through Godhood. 

Apollo didn’t look mad at him, that was a great start, he smiled as soon as he saw Percy and walked in his direction. 

“Hey little prince” He was greeted with a wide smirk 

“I need to talk to you” Percy glanced around, of course everyone was looking at them “alone” He stated firmly ignoring his brother's teasing look. 

The sun God just nodded and followed the young prince through the castle. He was calmer than you would expect, Percy certainly expected for him to be at least a bit annoyed at him. Apparently kissing him, leaving him alone and having a talk with his father wasn’t enough to push him away. Although, remembering the stories about his love life, that wouldn’t be the strangest event on it. 

“I’m sorry you needed to pass through all that.” 

“Please, I saw it more as a fun afternoon with uncle P” Apollo quickly brushed it off, not bothered.

“Please don’t call him that,” The last thing he needed was a reminder of their family's weird relation, Apollo just laughed as they walked to his room. 

“Don’t close the door, your father was very clear on the ground rules” Apollo teased as they walked in his room and was immediately hit by a pillow. “What did you wanna talk about?” 

“I wanted to apologize. For everything. I shouldn’t have kissed you at the beach, and then just disappeared and then my father…I don’t know why he did that.” He was probably talking too fast, and mumbling. He never felt this nervous before, even when he dated Annabeth everything was always going smoothly, he never had to worry about messing up, but with Apollo? He was a god, with almost 3000 years, and an enormous dating history. 

“Percy…it’s fine…I kissed you too and waited for you to come back and…if everything happens how i want it to happen then that talk would happen eventually” Apollo hugged him and reassured him while he whispered in his ear in a soft voice. 

He was good at this, reassuring, with just a few words Percy was already feeling warmer inside and was slowly forgetting all about his early nervousness. 

Chapter Text

School has been slowly eating me alive but I finally decided to sit down and rewrite chapter 3. 

Thank you for all the hits and kudos

I love you all

Hope you like it