.𖥔 ݁🪐 ˖ venus . 🗡 . ݁

Crime was something you had buried far deep in the core of your body, sealed and fastened shut within the cage of your ribs. It was placed somewhere near your heart to keep it beating when survival was despairing. You moved past it, but everything you made was built around it. You were a woman now, yet the crimes of a girl were always silent inside her, waiting.

The last bell rang, the children excitedly got up from their seats, all rushing to the door. You slumped down into your chair with a wary smile. You envied their joyous noise and merriment, watching the hallways fill with students. Some pushed and shoved. Others walked slowly and chatted with friends leisurely, in no rush to make it home. After the cacophony of voices and footsteps vanished, you finally made an effort to tidy up. Wiping off the chalkboard and preparing it for the next day, organizing papers that you would take home to grade, and moving the desks back to the spot they belonged to. Unlike the enthusiasm to return home expressed by your students, you were dreading the thought of it. It was quiet and stuff and lonely there. You prefered the lightness of the classroom.

Your profession as a school teacher did not come easily. There were many parts you'd rather leave forgotten. Female teachers were few and far between since education for women was difficult to find. Although, you had managed to find a man who would endorse your name to be an instructor. It was something that was perfectly yours. You adored you students and your job and you truly wanted nothing more. It was a miracle that you made it this far and you would not let anything erase this from you.

Of course, peace in your life was little and far between.

One of the senior professors filled the doorway, casting a shadow over your desk. Benedict. He called your name, his arms crossed.

"We need to have a talk. Please follow me."

You swallowed your sigh and pushed yourself up. Following him, your mind brimmed with sudden anxiety. You had been very careful about your past. You had done nothing wrong, there was nothing to be worried about. You could only hope. He led you into his office and gestured for you to take a seat. You did.

"Now, unfortunately, I have come to acknowledge certain things about you."

"Such as what, sir?" You replied warily.

"Your past, shall we say," Benedict said, hovering behind his desk. "I have no need for criminals in this establishment. You should be grateful I have let you teach here as a woman. Yet, committing these acts will not be tolerated."

"Sir, please-" you began, quickly raising from the chair. "I promise you nothing of my past has ever been a concern for the children. These crimes you halve discovered are from many, many, years ago. Certainly not relevant now."

"As I statement, Miss. I will not have criminals in this school. Of any sort." He muttered lowly.

"Sir, you do not understand," You rushed out, panick beginning to set in. You leaned over his desk. "I need this job. The children love me-"

"You will be glad to know, I will be merciful once more to you," Benedict interrupted, glancing down your body. A family prickiling uncomfortableness crept over your skin. Memories of those heated stares and wandering hands, flooded to the forefront of your mind, but you stubbornly pushed them back down. "I find much sympathy in myself for your case. Unfortunately, I will have to remove you from the building. You will be sent to Australia to teach the little convict boys there. Quite fitting I believe."

You watched as a please smile spread across his lips. Your heart had sank all the way into your stomach once he finished his verdict. Australia? You had never left the cities of Britain.

"You are to leave by the start of next week so I suggest you begin packing soon, Miss. And do remember my mercy."

Taking the hint, you swallowed your protests and left, returning to your classroom. You took it in as if it was the first time, drinking in the books and diagrams and the abundance of desks. You could only hope that the children would never hear of this. A deep sensation of melancholy washed over you as you shut the door for the last time.

You had little to pack. A teacher's salary was a little more than a few shillings. That night you dreamed of a life before this one. Of dark alleyways, and laugher, and screams.

-

Port Victory was nothing if disgusting.

The tickets given to you by Benedict for a ship happened to be quite large, but also disgusting. It was cheapest ship he could find you presumed and it was one taking convicts to the continent, not exactly pleasant, but it was transportation regardless. You felt numb most of the trip, aside from seasick that is. You daydreamed of your students. How they would react when they were told you had been transferred. Your only thought that prevented you from throwing yourself into the waves, was that you would be able to change the lives of many of the poor children in Australia.

You found a shabby room to stay in, next to a Cafe. Thankfully it was hidden from the bustle of the main streets. Allowing a more relaxed air about it, which you enjoyed. With unhurried resigned motions you unpacked your things. You had alluded the law all of your life, only to end up in a colony of convicts. It had only been a matter of time it seemed.

You decided to go get some food from the stalls and a few blankets and such before the sun went down. You had been talking idly with one of the vendors when you saw a boy. Out of the corner of your eye you noticed him steal an orange from the vendor beside you. That foul thing inside your ribs stirred in understanding. You bit your lip, thanked the vendor, and started over to the boy, but a carriage beat you to it. You yelped as you heard the sinking crunch of bone and people gasped screams around the scene.

You rushed over to the boy, your skirts piling around you as sat down on the dirt. His leg was unmistakably broken, the bone jutting out. You hurriedly unbound the scarf from your hair and attempted to stunch the bleed with it. You called for a doctor, praying it was heard over the crowd.

"Whats your name?" You murmured to try to distract the boy.

"Charlie!"

"Well, Charlie your very brave."

"Is it bad, miss?"

"You're going to live. And I if I can help it you'll keep your leg."

"Don't lie to him like that," said the man who appeared at your side. The doctor you presumed.

"Ive tried to stunch the bleeding-"

"Yeah, well, its not tight enough," He muttered. "I need something to tie.." He looked up at you and paused. You stared back at him in disbelief. Jack Dawkins. A dead man. Memories flooded your mind but you shoved them back. A boy was dying. You pulled the pin from your hair and handed it to him. "Right.."

Jack tightened fabric and continued. "Im going to need to amputate."

"Amputate?" You repeated, agast. "You're going to leave him a cripple on the streets rather than simply reconnecting the bone?"

"I would have to drill into the bone and insert a peg into it. He would die from the shock and pain."

"Then use Ether."

"The Yankee Dodge?"

"Yes."

"No. Thats unproven."

"Expect for in London, and Boston. Do you ever read the Lancet?"

"Not while I have strength, no. Anyway, because your so knowledgeable you would know that is illegal since the governor has banned it." Jack replied, firmly. "Look, M'lady, one of us is a qualified surgeon and the other has a basket of bloody bread. So, thank, you but would you mind awfully sodding off." You pulled back in shock at his aloof manner and coldness. A lady caught your arm as you stood up.

"You know the procedure?" She whispered.

"Um, yes. In theory, of course. Ive never operated." You answered in a daze. You had a decent amount of medical knowledge from your teachings. You talked to your students of biology and recent medicinal progress.

"Fagin, get me a carriage." Jack shouted.

The name alone sent you into a spiral.

"Oh. Would you like a lift?" The lady replied instead, sneaking you a smile. She gestured for you to follow as she went over to the carriage. It was then you realized she had been the one inside the carriage that had hit Charlie. Taking a breath of courage you followed her into the carriage.

-

"So instead of using ether, you're going to butcher the boy and condem him to beggery?" You pressed, eyes narrowing in fury and disbelief. The carriage rocked and Charlie's cries echoed.

"Lovely story, isn't it?" Jack murmured, focusing on the boy's leg.

"Someone has to stick up for him. If only you'd listen-"

"You're not going to take it? Are you, Doc?" Charlie questioned in desperate panic.

"I promise, I am going to save your life," Jack replied lowly, his hair falling into his eyes. It only made you realize, he was someone completely different than your memories led you to believe. His eyes landed back on your with determination. "Now, you listen to me, you upstart. I would give anything to trail that surgery. Anything. To have surgery without pain. But I'm not going to," Charlie began to protest and Jack continued, ignoring him. "Because the biggest risk to any surgeon is the addiction to feeling like God. You are gambling with death, with only your wit for ante, and that is bloody exhilarating. But the risk is not yours. There is a person beneath your hands. And the moment the cutter forgets that, and he gives into his ego, the patient is lost. A surgeon is lost."

There was a moment of only the rustle of the carry and Charlie's whimpers as you stared at one another. A heavy past clinging to the air the two of your refused to acknowledge.

"Might I suggest you find your spine?" The lady said, cutting through the silent, breaking both your gazes. "Its usually around the back."

The two of your shared a kindred smile, a brief understanding that was ruined by Jacks sudden alarm.

"The hospital is that way." He said, leaning to see out the window.

"Yes. Were not going to the hospital." The lady replied calmly. This time both you and Jack stared at her in wild confusion.

-

Turns out you had arrived at the governors house where a ball was currently being held. Which you had to figure out based on little clues from conversation around you. Your head was beginning to hurt from all the chaos that had happened in the last hour. The lady got out of the carriage, claiming to go get supplies for surgery that she had. It was definitely odd, but you were in no mood to question at the point. Although, you deeply wish she stayed instead of leaving you alone surrounded by the past you attempted to forget.

"You're not such a little lady anymore, my dear. Gonna need a new nickname when we get the gang back together." Fagin remarked, looking you over with a smile. You shook your head, but Jacks beat you to a response.

"We are not getting back together. Im not a thief anymore, Fagin. I'm a doctor and that is all I care about."

"It's gonna be awfully hard to operate with only one hand there, Dodge."

"Only one hand?" You couldn't help but ask, an ache you wished to ignore pulling in your chest.

"Oh, old Dodger's got quite the price on his head. Lost a bet at cards, he did. Twenty-six pounds by Tuesday. Or has choose a hand to take off."

"Jack.." You hissed, unsure what even you say. You wanted to search his face for an answer or sign or something, but he wouldn't look at you. He hand a hand braced against the carriage and his head hung. "Why don't you just pay it?"

"On what? Pennies and thimbles?" He question, whirling on you. He paused taking a breath, turning his attention to Fagin. "Im not a crook anymore."

"Aw, come on, Dodge, you're not bein' true to yourself. You were the best I ever trained. You used to live for this!" Fagin said, clapping his shoulder to which Jack only stared him brimming rage.

"This is who I am now."

"What are you goin' to do for a livin' without that hand, huh? You gotta think big. Its the only way out."

Jack's brow furrowed in thought, his eyes drifted to you. You gave him a subtle nod. Like him, you had built a life outside of crime and like him, it appeared back in front of your face. You tried to feel nothing about him, but you would prefer if he kept both of his hands. Something inside you didn't exactly like the idea of him loosing limbs.

"One last time." Jack said finally.

-

"He's not going to make it. We have to operate now." Jack muttered, his breath shallow from carrying Charlie inside. Fagin cleared off the nearest table next to the stairway and they laid him down. The governor's house, well, mansion, was larger and luxurious than you had ever imagined. The Lady---Belle, you'd discovered---had grown up here. The thought was entirely incomprehensible to you. Of course, there was no time to enjoy the sight or wandered. Jack prepped for the surgery and Lady Belle gained the attention of the guests while they came down the stairs. Right there was a ball.

"The entertainment has arrived! The celebrated Doctor Jack Dawkins will be trailing a surgery never preformed before on this continent. Surgery without pain. The Yankee Dodge!" Belle announced.

Jack looked over at you once he had prepped the leg. His eyes saying much more than assist with the operation, but you focused on the task at hand. Taking the bottle of ether Belle had supplied, you pressed the mask over Charlie's mouth and nose.

"Breathe." And he did. His eyes fell shut and body went limp. You pulled the mask away, glancing at Jack before setting it away. The crowd was nearly silent on the stairs. Completely enraptured in the operation. You check for a pulse and nodded to him. Jack began the surgery. You handed him the correct tools. The two of you worked in a smooth, fluid rhythm. There was an instinct that took over. Something that had been stitched inside you from long ago in an orphanage and on the streets of Britian. You wiped your hands on your skirts as he pushed the mended bone back into the leg.

"Now, we will attempt to rouse him from living death!" Belle narrated. Jack glanced at you nervously then leaned over Charlie, grabbing his shoulders and shaking.

"Charlie? Come on, Charlie boy." Jack murmured, hand moving to his face. The silence pressed on for too long. The beating of your heart filled your ears. Charlie began to look more and more like your own students, his limp body brought forth a deep wrongness.

"Don't cut me, Doc! I need me leg!" Charlie gasped, starting up and a suprised gasp left everyone in the room. As so, you watched Fagin slip a necklace off a lady in a deep red dress. Your heart raced with the old feeling of a heist. Everyone began applauding and Fagin came down the stairs to clap Jack on the shoulder, simultaneously slipping the stolen jewels into his pocket.

"My rubies! Someone has stolen my rubies!" The woman in the red dress shouted in panic. Your eyes flew to Jack but he did not look at you. A cutting pain from your abdomen washed over you. That constant ache always got worse at the wrong times. You grabbed the table for support, biting your lip to silence your cries.

"Don't leaves! Check everyone!" Shouted who you could only guess was the captain of the police or something similar. You placed a hand on your hips, breathes growing labored. Jack grabbed your waist to support you.

"Are you alright?" He murmured, his eyes holding far too much concern than you were comfortable with. You nodded, your hand slid over his vest and snuck the jewels into your hand. The guards began checking people.

"Move. She is unwell." Lady Belle spoke firmly when the gaurd started to search Jack. "I said she is unwell."

The man hesitantly stepped elsewhere. Belle came to your other side and led you and Jack up the stairs to her room. She shut the door behind you two. Your labored breaths echoed through the room.

"Do you mind?" Jack glanced at Belle, who nodded vaguely. He watched you from behind, his brows knited together. "I need to listen to your back. Take off your dress." You glanced at him over your shoulder and swallowed. You angled yourself away and began to undress. This wasn't ever the way you imagined would happened when you met Jack again. In fact, you tried not to think of it. You presumed he had died or been put into labor when he was stuck in jail all those years ago. After you found no way to free him, you closed off that whisper of hope in your mind. Yet, here you are. He is alive and you are undressing in front of him. He had been a pretty boy, and he hadn't lost that aspect, which did not help you in the slightest. You willed your cheeks not to flush. Your heart didn't need anymore complicationts.

Your fingers fumbled for the buttons at the back of your dress, Jack didn't hesitate to help. His hair brushed your cheek. Belle handed him a stethoscope from one of the tables. You had managed to strip down to your chemise and calm your breath, but it was still difficult and shaky. He settled behind you, pressing the cool metal of the device to your lower back.

"Breathe in," Jack murmured lowly, his warm breath sending bumps across your skin. "Out. Good. Again." You followed his voice, hand over your chest. Your breath finally started to level out. "Okay. I'm going to come around to the front." You could nearly see the confusion that painted his face as he heard a sound not meant to be there. You weren't ready for this conversation. You just found him again and you could tell he didn't need anymore stress.

Before he could say anything, you pulled the ruby necklace out of the folds of your dress. He paused, realizing you had been the one to take it from his pocket.

"You two are common thieves." Belle remarked, crossing her arms. The roar of heavy footsteps sounded from the hallway, no doubt guards. Jack darted for the door, grabbing your wrist to pulled you with him. Lady Belle rushed in front of you two, placing herself between the both of you and the door.

"You will make me a doctor." Belle announced firmly.

"That is ridiculous. Society would not allow it." Jack protested. You and Belle both scowled at him.

"I will give you two options. I yell guards and you both are hanged."

"Not ideal."

"Or you make me the first female surgeon." Belle smirked, absentmindedly glancing at you. "And her." Jack pursed his lips in thought, eyes finding yours. You gave him a vague nod. You couldn't deny the benefit of this crazy lady's sceme. You had always imagined you're illness would kill you, or you would figure out how to operate on yourself. Neither were optimal. Now, a door was opened. There was a chance a of life, a full one. And you would be able to help more, not just students. Undoing the damage you had done in your youth.

-

"She grew into quite the pretty lady, huh, Dodge?" Fagin said gleefully. Jack pressed his eyes shut, trying to erase the image of you undressing from his mind. Your soft skin and delicate curves. Him and Fagin were walking back to the hospital. Belle had given you a carriage ride to wherever you lived. He was tempted to follow, but decided against it. Fagin was enough from the past he was trying to forget, adding the emotions that swirled around you? He'd preferred if you stayed away.

"She's alright." He muttered.

"Don't be blind. Funny she ain't married, huh?"

Jack didn't respond. There was no need to be jealous even if a possessiveness stirred inside his chest. He didn't know you anymore. Nothing more than a whispy bit of memory. There was no sense in feeling these things.

They made it to the hospital as the moon rose over head. He had nearly forgotten he had invited a woman over, but welcomed the distraction. Surely after the rush of sex, those thoughts of you would fade away.

Of course, that was not the case. He stayed with the woman until she had fallen asleep and went outside to pace away the restless energy burning inside him. He said down on a bench, rubbing his hand over his face.

He knew what he heard earlier that night. It was not only your thrumming heartbeats, but an abdominal aneurysm. He had found you again after all these years and you could die at any moment. And there was nothing he could do about it. No patient had ever survived an operation on an abdominal aneurysm. He desperately wanted to hold you close. You had been the only thing to save him as a child. You were the only one that continued to visit him in jail after Fagin had abandoned him. You never gave up one him, but he couldn't save you. All of these skills he's learned. Changing his hands to heal rather than hurt. All to not be able to save the one person that mattered.

-

Demigods didn't tend to have long lifespans. With near-death experiences at least once a month, it's a suprise to see a demigod reach their thirties. And this is something you've come to terms with. You're aware with how much the gods enjoy tormenting you and your boyfriend that it's unlikely you'll both make it to get the senior citizen discount at Walmart.

Speaking of your lovely boyfriend, Percy Jackson, you were hoping to make it official before the next world ending disaster hit. Despite your advacity for female independence, you did adore the idea of marriage. Of having a love so deep you want to tie yourself to that person for eternity. Maybe you were overly romanticizing the tradition, but you wanted a pretty ring to show off to your friends! And planning the wedding would be so fun! You got to choose the flowers, and the lights, and the dress code, and the cake! You wanted chocolate and strawberry, buttercream frosting, three tiers, and blue sea shells! Simple really.

To say the least, it was on your mind frequently. Demigods didn't have as much time as mortals, you thought, so it couldn't be too soon to get married at 19.

You were staying at Percy's parents apartment while you attended college and he tried to get in one (University of New Rome required letters of recommendation from gods so new quest. Yay.). His mom adored you. You and Paul bonded over your shared interest in education. Camp was your only home before, so having one here with Percy's family was a huge comfort you never knew you lacked. It also made you realize what life could be like if you and Percy did move forward. You could get your own home, go out on real dates, maybe start your own family... perhaps that was a bit to far ahead. But still, the idea was nice. A comfort that demigods rarely got to experience.

You had been studying for an upcoming test with some friends at a nearby cafe when Percy burst into the shop. How he found you? No idea. He always had this crazy sixth sense about you. He also had this panicked look in his eyes he got when something terrible happened like right now. He called your name and slid into the open spot at your right. It was a cozy little shop with dark wood walls and hanging plants that drapped to the floor. Around the seating area were shelfs of donated books that you could exchange one of your own for. Sally had been the one to show you this place. She often came here to write. You understood why. It was comforting and quant.

"Hey," You said, a hint of a question in your voice. Something was up. Your friends ignored him, continuing to work amongst themselves. They were used to his common intrusions.

"Hey." Percy repeated and wrapped his arm around your shoulders, then pressed a quick kiss to your cheek. He sat there in silence for a few moments watching as you typed on your laptop. He was too quiet. Something was definitely up.

"What did you do?"

"Don't be mad at me okay? Really, baby. It's not that big of a deal. I just need your help." He rushed out and gave you those big green puppy eyes.

"What is it?" You sighed. Why is a week without any dangerous monsters so hard to find? You're not even at camp!

"I need to, uh, pet sit for Hecate. Don't give me that look. Come on! You love dogs!" Percy pleaded. He pressed another chaste kiss to your cheek again. You grumbled in annoyance but leaned into his embrace, closing your eyes. His thumb drew circles into your shoulder. He knew you were tired of fighting and the mythic world. You had been fighting longer than him. "I know, sweet girl. Just a little more then we'll both be in college. We'll be done and if any gods come to us, we'll tell them to go away."

"You owe me dinner," You whispered and shoved a finger at his chest.

Percy gave you that stupid grin and kissed you properly this time. You couldn't help but smile into it. He started to get up, but you reached for his wrist. "And something shiney."

Percy gave you a puzzled look then grinned. He took your hand and pressed his lips to the back of it.

"Of course. Ill get you a necklace." He whispered then let go and dissappeared out of the Cafe. You sighed slumping into the booth. You were hoping for a ring but a necklace will do for now, you suppose. Your eyes lingered on the door. The ring of the bell still resonated faintly in the space.

"Was that too subtle?" You asked one of your friends. They were aware of your desire to start something more serious with your boyfriend.

"Well, I understood it, but he's a guy and their dumb." One of your girlfriends answered. She gave him a sympathetic smile. "Yours is particularly quite dumb."

"He's actually quite smart just not when it comes to feelings." You said. It was something about Percy you had come to accept. It was even cute at times like when he wasn't picking up your flirtatious so you just kissed him. That look of suprise then fond realization would wash over his features. It only made you love him more, but for situations like this, it made things more difficult.

You tried to focus back on your studies, but the easy comfort you usually found with your friends was shadowed by a lingering dread. It was totally possible that Percy wouldn't want marriage. You had never heard him explicitly say his views on the tradition. He may think its a waste of money to please society or something. You weren't sure how you would recover if he said no. You loved him so much. You redirected your anxiety to your studies. You needed to past this test first, then you could worry about the rest of your life.

-

Pet sitting for a goddess was about as chaotic as you imagined, but the date after was worth it. Percy took you out to a real restaurant. Not fast food. It was fine dining with mood lighting and tables cloaked in red. Something you rarely experienced. You ordered your food and at the end of your date he proudly presented the necklace he had bought you. It was undeniably stunning. A delicate chain with a charm that held a shining aquamarine jewel.

"It was, uh, my mom's. She wanted you to have it." Percy said as he nudged the velvet box across the table to you. It glittered under the candle light. You carefully took it out the box smiling.

"Its beautiful. Your mother didn’t have to-"

"She wanted to give it to you for a while now," Percy shook his head. His eyes trailed your hands as you fastened the chain around your neck. Something filled with admiration and possession. The gem rested just below your collarbones.

Percy, surprisingly, offers to pay for the dinner. Usually the two of you just split the bill since neither of you can afford a meal like this but apparently he had been saving up. You insisted to pay for the tip anyway.

It had gotten cold outside by the time, you had left the restaurant and Percy gave you his jacket. Snow fluttered down from dark clouds and dusted the streets in a hazy of white. You bit back a smile as Percy's dark hair became speckled with the tiny white flakes. He took your hand as you walked, intertwined his fingers with yours. It was moment like these you tried to cherish the most. They were so hard to come by in demigod life.

You passed by window displays of books, and clothes, and candy, but one caught your eye. It was a jewelry store that had close earlier. Dispite the darkness in the shop, gems glittered in the window. Rubies, Emeralds, diamonds. Gold and silver. It all shimmered under the streetlights. You tugged at Percy's hand, pulled him with you over to the display. This was a perfect chance.

"I just got you a necklace, baby.." Percy pouted and stood behind you, his head rested atop yours.

"I need a ring to go with it though, don't I?" You teased, but your face warmed with embarrassment. That definitely was too forward. You focused on the intricate rings behind the glass in order to ignore the thoughts racing through your head.

"Isn't that one pretty?" You asked and pointed to a baby blue diamond ring. Percy's color. You held your hand out imagining how it would look on your finger.

"Hmm. Do you think Poseidon would lend me some money for that?" Percy grinned. You let out a dramatic annoyed sigh and elbowed him. He grunted and stumbled back.

"Or you could get a job. Stop living off of your poor mother." You said starting down the street again. Percy lingered at the display for a moment before he jogged to catch up.

"You're really into jewelry all the sudden." He muttered, partly to himself. His hand found yours again.

"Maybe I've discovered a taste for the finer things," You replied. "Maybe I just like being spoiled by my boyfriend."

"The latter, I think," Percy said and leaned down to kiss your cheek. "Don't worry, baby. I'll spoil you plenty."

You've never felt more content than in that moment. The sidewalk sparkled with freshly fall snow and crunched under your feet, the streetlamps were a glow with warm golden in light, and Percy was beside you. His arm wrapped around your shoulders as you walked. You soaked up his warmth and closed your eyes. You wanted to memorize this feeling and keep it stored for hard days. A cozy memory you could always come back to.

-

About two weeks later, you were babysitting Estelle while Paul and Sally went out for date night. Percy was layed back on the couch, his head in your lap and the baby sprawled on top of his chest. The both of them looked completely enraptured by the movie---Moana. He was so focused on the movie, in fact, that you had stopped playing with his hair and he didn't even notice. Usually, he'd whine for you not to stop.

Unlike their entertained bliss, your mind was on everything but the movie. They two looked so adorable and comfy cuddled together like that. You couldn't stop thinking about what it would be like to have a child of your own with Percy. He was already so good with Estelle. You could tell he would be a great father. Maybe a bit lenient. You couldn't imagine him being hard on your kid. He would spoil your kid and play with them all the time. You couldn't stop the little smile that crept onto your lips at the thought.

Once the movie finished, Percy carried a sleepy Estelle up to bed. You watched in the doorway as he tucked her into her princess blanket and kissed her forehead. He straightened and turned to you with a stupid teasing smile.

"What you thinking about?"

"Nothing."

"Come on.." He whispered, his arms wrapped around you and he leaned down to press an affectionate kiss behind your ear. Your arms instinctively wrapped around neck.

"Have you ever thought about us.. like starting a family?" You asked hesitantly. His answer meant everything. Your heart leaped in your chest.

"Oh? Is that what this is about? You looking at me all cute and soft and stuff?" He grinned and littered kisses along your throat electing a huff of a laugh from you. "A kid would be nice. Not a big fan of diapers though."

"That's only for a year or so." You said, fingers threaded into his hair. "You'd be a good dad."

"Ya think so?" Percy questioned and pulled back to stare at you. A blend of suprise and pride overwhelming his handsome features. "You'd be a great mom, baby."

"Mm. I'd have to actually care for the kid. You'd just play with them." You said then laughed at Percy's expression of offense.

"I'll have you know I'd be a very responsible dad. Feed em' and clothe em' and everything." He protested. His arm moved to wrap around your shoulders and guided you down the hall to his room. "I'll be a stay at home dad if you want."

"And you wouldn't let them do whatever they want?" You asked, biting back a laugh. Percy opened then door to his room like a true gentleman and gestured for you to step inside.

"No. . Well, sometimes. Gotta let the kid have fun," Percy grinned and stepped in after you. He shut and locked the door behind him. Your heart raced inside your ribcage. You couldn't stop smiling. "He's a boy, by the way. Ive decided."

"But I want a girl." You grumbled, arms crossed over your chest. Percy only grinned wider and leaned down to press a deep kiss to your lips. It was hungry and intimate and devouring like he had been waiting forever to kiss you. You smiled against his lips and he hummed, nudging you backwards to his bed.

"We'll just have to try for both then, hmm?" Percy murmured lowly. He followed you down on the bed and kissed you deeply again. He rocked back on his heels, taking a moment to admire you splayed out on his shark bed sheets.

"You know pregnancy is like the worst right?" You said and forced yourself to ignore the heat that bloomed in your core under his gaze.

"I'll make sure its the best thing then. Im spoil you the whole way." Percy repeated and leaned down again, his arms propped up and either side of your head. He kissed you again and you could've sworn you he was grinning.

-

Dispite all your attempts, there was no progress in your relationship with Percy. It was as if he didn't notice your hints at all. You loved him, but it was starting to bother you. It felt like he was intentionally ignoring all your attempts. It was like he was trying to put down the idea and it scared you to no end. So, you decide to take a more forward approach.

"I want a wedding." You declared, earning a suprised look from Percy. You were both waiting for the bus back to his mom's apartment. You were curled up on the bench, leaning into the warmth of his side. His arm was wrapped around your shoulders, his fingertips traced circles into your arm in a comforting manner. It was still freezing, but a recent rain had melted the snow away. You were staying at the apartment for the weekend like usual and Percy had insisted he would come get you even though you were fine taking the bus alone. It was cute in a way, but you had a lingering thought that it might be to make you feel better. You weren't trying to be petty, but after him ignoring all your hints, it was hard not to be bitter about it.

"You do?" Percy questioned, his dark brows furrowed as he shifted to look at you properly.

"Mhm," You hummed and kept your eyes on your lap. Your fingers twisted your necklace nervously. "I mean wouldn't it be nice? A day all for me and my love. I get to pick all the decorations and food and veneu. And the dress... I'd have to take the girls with me. Trying on wedding dresses would be the best part. Well, maybe the second best part."

Percy stared as you talked, completely enraptured. His fingers stopped their soothing movement on your arm, too focused on your words. You glanced up at him and your face flushed. The glimmer in those flowing sea green eyes told you he was imagining it too.

"What's the best part then?" He whispered, low and taut.

"When I walk down the aisle," You answered, unable to keep the smile off your lips. You could picture it so clearly. Frank would already be crying from his spot to the side as one of Percy's best men. Piper would be trying to blink her tears away. Annabeth stood proud and smiled as the music began to play while you walked down the aisle. A beautiful mix you selected from yours and Percy's favorite movie. Nerdy, but felicitous given you and him. Then, of course, there was *him*. Standing tall at the end, waiting with that look filled with love. Just like when he first asked you out, nervous but sure of his feelings.

Still ever the petty one, you told him all this, but with an elusive could-be-anyone groom. You knew perfectly well it would create doubt in his mind. Maybe it was cruel, but you've been buzzing with doubt since you started this scheme.

"Thats an expensive wedding, baby." Percy murmured once you were done. Which was true. What you pictured was rather elaborate and overflowing with finery.

"Thats the point." You huffed and elbowed his side. He grunted, but only pulled you closer and kissed your cheek.

"So... am I gonna be there?" He asked softly, his nose brushed yours.

"I hope so." You said, then pulled away teasingly as the bus arrived. Percy huffed a laugh and followed you up, his hand in yours.

During the ride home, he bombarded you with questions about your theoretical wedding. Who would you invite? What kind of cake? What kind of dress? He seemed particular interested in your answer to the last question. You could tell he was avoiding the question, 'would he be the groom?'

-

Percy really had no idea what he did wrong. You had been acting so strange all week, moody and avoidant. He shifted to sit up in his bed. Your sleeping form curled up on your side. He watched your breath rise and fall. The only time you seemed peaceful lately was in your sleep. Everything he said seemed to only make it worse. Your dream about a wedding made him so happy for the future, but when you didn't mention the groom, he knew he messed up. He didn't want to ask you about it in fear you would say that you didn't want him forever. Didn't picture him in that role as your groom.

He groaned and ran a hand through his hair. Everything felt tense now. He didn't want it to be like this.

He quietly left the bedroom, careful not to wake you and went to the kitchen. He ran his hands over his face in exasperation then opened the fridge, the bright light made him squint.

"Midnight snack?"

Percy quickly shut the fridge door and straightened, suprised to see Paul standing in the doorway. He scratched his salt and pepper hair awkwardly. He wore washed out plad pajama pants and a old college sweater.

"Uh, yeah." Percy mumbled, shoving his hands in his pockets. He watched as Paul grabbed an apple from the fruit basket and sat down at the small dining table. He patted the spot next to him.

"Tell be about it."

Percy lingered for a moment in the kitchen. Usually he would talk to his mom about his embarrassing girl issues, but it seemed like his step dad would be better for this situation. Man to man. Something he never had before. He swallowed and plopped down next to him. There was so much he wanted to say, but he didn't know how to even begin.

"You're mom said there something up with you..." Paul started and Percy immediately spilled everything. He could stop the words that flowed about you. About your future together. About how scared he was that future would be ruined by gods. Paul listened to all of it with a comforting hand placed on Percy's shoulder. Which only made Percy's heart hurt more. He finally had a real family. Not just him and his mom (which was perfect fine, but having a real father too that cared and listened to him..). He really didn't want another world ending disaster to take this away from him too. The last two where you and his mom were in eminent danger was enough for his heart.

"Well, she wants you to propose." Paul said, the apple he'd been eating now reduced to just a core in his hand. Percy could only stare, completely taken out of his thoughts. He blinked a few times then buried his face in his hands.

"Im so stupid.." He groaned. That's why you were so upset because he was stupid and you probably thought he was rejecting the idea. It all made sense now and he wanted to crawl into a hole and die.

"It happens. Your mom did the same thing and got so upset that she straight up told me she expected me to propose the next day. Trying to find a ring overnight is no joke. Best feeling, but not when your on a timer." Paul said, patting Percy back. He peered at his step-dad between his fingers.

"So I should be scared?"

"You do want to marry her right?"

"Yes." There was no doubt in Percy's made that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with you. And the future you had been trying to show him only made him more sure of that decision.

"Then start looking for a ring sometime soon," Paul said with a firm nod. "Its not easy to find the perfect one."

"Actually... I do know of the perfect one.." Percy murmured, a smile on his lips as the perfect plan came to mind.

-

You honestly had no clue what came over your boyfriend. He was a all smiles and cheer when you woke up. Which was very different from how confusion and stressed he was last night.

At breakfast he said that you would be going on a date that night to the beach. It was a little out of nowhere but you nodded and finished your pancakes. You hadn't been to the beach with him since you had started college. He told you to wear something nice then shoved the rest of his food in his mouth and left. You stared at the door as it shut then your gaze drifted to his parents. Sally looked just as baffled as you and Paul only responded with a kind knowing smile.

You spent the rest of the day doing homework in his room, but it was all mindless. You were more concerned about what to wear. You hoped he didn't mean to swim since it was, well, only the beginning of spring. Temperatures had only just started to warm up. So you didn't have to worry about that, but it seemed important given the giddy expression on his face before he left. But it was also the beach so you couldn't wear something too formal. You decided on something casual but elegant and blue. His color.

Percy arrived back at the apartment with your favorite flowers just before dinner. He kissed you passionately then the two of you got into Sally's car (she let him drive). He opened the door for you like a true gentleman which led you to believe something was definitely up. He tried to be casual during the drive to the beach but you could tell he was restless. He kept messing with his hair and checking his pockets.

When you got there the sun had begun to set, painting a beautiful picture of pinks and yellows across the sky and catching the ocean in its warm glow. While you stared, Percy laid out a towel and set his stuff down. He at brought fruit and snacks for the two of you to share, but it seemed that was for later as he grabbed your hand and tugged you over to the shore.

"Where are we going?" You asked with a smile. The breeze was cool but not freezing as you neared the water. Percy had was warm in yours.

"Just for a walk." He replied and tugged you along until you reached a spot where the sand was covered in shells creating heart shapes like stepping stones just shy of the tide. You couldn't stop the giddy feeling the rose in your chest. The steps lead to a bigger heart with a bouquet of your favorite flowers and a neatly wrapped present in the middle. You laughed as you picked them up. You weren't sure what to do with all these flowers. You turn to Percy, only to find him on one knee. In his hand was a pretty velvet box, in it was the ring you saw in the window of that jewelry store that night after your date weeks ago. You're heart dropped at the realization. The way he said your name with such reverence as he stare up at you had your heart bearing rapidly.

"You've... been my everything. You held me together in so many world ending situations, you've save me a lot more than I'd like to admit, and.. I think you might be my dream girl," Percy said, then laughed nervously which made you laugh too, tears of joy falling from your eyes. "Ah! No, don't cry! I really didn't plan this as best as I thought.. I'm so stupid for not realizing it earlier, but I want forever with you..Will you marry me?"

You screamed in what you hoped was a yes and tackled him into the sand. You kissed him deeply again and again, until he pulled away slightly in realization.

"The ring!" He scrambled to find it, thankfully only a few feet away. "May I?" He whispered gesturing for your hand. You held it out with a smile and he slide the pretty azure diamond onto your finger. He kissed you this time, grinning into your mouth.

"My fiancé." You whispered between kisses, cupping his face.

"Husband soon. Wouldn't a summer wedding me nice?" He murmured against your lips and you've never been happier in your life. You couldn't wait to tell everyone. You got a ring!

---

You had no idea this was happening. You were always someone in school everyone knew, but never really knew personally. You kept to yourself and a few friends. You were your house's female prefect. But it didn't really mean anything when you didn't have anyone to celebrate it with.

Over the years, you had been unwilling to become close with the notorious Marauders. You babysat them and helped them with their odd side quests around the castle. The tall, lanky one, in particular---Remus---had become your best friend. You shared a common love of books and writing and music and academics. At some point along the way, it had become something more for you. You would catch yourself staring at his profile when he was studying, admiring his wonderfully imperfect features. Those warm eyes of golden brown, flecks of tiny freckles, and the thin scars that gleamed like little slivers of moonlight along his face. He was the one person who actually bothered to get to know you.

You were unaware of the other boy's lingering gazes. His silver eyes that would drink up your silhouette as if you were a clear stream of water in a sandy desert. His flirtatious jokes that always held a sense of sincerity he couldn't hide.

Today was your birthday. It was your last year at hogwarts. You weren't expecting any of your classmates to remember, let alone get you anything. You were just going to relax in your bed for once. You were walking back from your shared class (which were over finally) with Sirius, who kept insisting you had left your sweater in their common room. You knew, you didn't. You never forgot anything, but he grabbed your arm and pulled you to portrait lady regardless. He was really neverous. Messing with his dark hair, adjusting his collar---he rarely ever wore the mandatory tie although today he did strangely---and squeezing your hand a little to tight. You had never seen him like this before. It reminded of those dogs that got so excited over something that they pee.

He whispered the silly password and the painting swung open to reveal all your friends holding a comically large blue cake with "Happy Birthday" and your name in a bold pretty pink. Little candy hearts, pearls, feathers and decorated the sides. It was beautiful and probably cost a hundred gallons. You yelped in suprised and squeezed Sirius beside you with a stupid grin. Everyone came to join.

You were pulled away by James who showed what they had done with the common room. Everything had been cast in your favorite color. The draps, the furniture, even the chandelier glowed in a hazy version of it. You had never felt so seen and appreciated. It almost made you want to cry at the seer heart that went into it, but you held it together for now. You wanted to cherish this wonderful party your friends had put together. It was your last year with them and you wouldn't change anything. It was perfect.

As you were laughing and trying all the difference sweets with Lily, Remus grabbed your arm gently.

"Find me at midnight, yeah? Got a present for you, love." He whispered, leaning in so you could hear him. Then he was gone---swallowed up by the crowd of dancers. Lily gave you mocking flirtatious look and pretended to swoon. You had to bite back a laugh too keep a serious face.

"Shut up! You and James are waayy worse!"

-

Everything had gone wrong.

Sirius had watched you leave him to get passed along your friends---James, Lily, Marlene, Peter, and so on. Everyone wanted to talk with the birthday girl. And not a single one had told you that this was his idea. The whole plan was supposed to be: you like the party, Sirius tells you it was his idea, you fall for him instantly, and he asks you out. Boom. Girlfriend acquired. But of course, everything goes to shit when he relies on his friends.

He was already half a bottle of firewhiskey in when you found him again. The sun had started to go down, casting everything in a golden haze. And oh, Merlin, it made you look even more gorgeous. The lighting form a sort of glowing halo around your hair and a bright shine to your lovely features. For a moment, he thought he died and was staring at the face of an angel. Maybe this was a bad idea from the start. You're too heavenly for someone as messed up as him. But, he couldn't just watch you be with someone else. Let alone his mate, Remus. You're obvious unrequited crush on the werewolf was slowly killing him inside.

"C'est bon. Tout ira bien." He muttered to himself before he gave you his signature charming grin. "Hey, darling, I was just looking for you."

"Hi, Sirius."

"Enjoying yourself, pretty?"

"Yeah. You brought the alcohol didn't you?"

"You know I can't resist." Sirius replied smoothly. He did a lot more than just smuggle the alcohol, but he didn't want to ruin your happiness just yet. He produced the flask of firewhiskey hed been drinking from his leather jacket and held it up, the viscous amber liquid swirled inside. "Fancy a toast?" You shook your head and laughed. He should've known better. An angel like you didn't let anything sinful pass through those pretty lips.

"Maybe later, doggy." You teased.

"Doggy? Come on, love. Is that how you talk to all the blokes?" Sirius replied dramatically, drawing another giggle from you.

"Bold to assume I talk to blokes, Black." You said, and he shook his head with a lazy grin.

"You'd have a following of them if you didn't hide behind those dusty books." It was true. You were more reserved and dedicated to your studies than most, but your sharp tongue was secret weapon. It shot straight into the heart, if only people stayed long enough to hear it. You grumbled and shoved at his arm playfully.

"Whatever. I wanna try those brownies Pandora brought." You beamed and set off to the table filled with various types of food that was either stolen from the kitchen or brought by guests. There was little other option than to follow you. He watched, a little concerned, as you picked up two of the chocolatey treats.

"Careful, darling. Pandora only uses the good stuff. You'll be in the clouds for the rest of the night if you eat too many." He warned. Although he was a little curious to see you high. You were always very straight laced, maybe it'd loosen you up.

"I'm just having one."

"Famous last words." He muttered, as you took a bite of the sweet in question. Then promptly you choked and had to grab a cup of punch to swallow it. You struggled a moment before you were able to speak again, your voice raspy.

"Needed more sugar, I think. Or water."

"That won't hide weed, love." Sirius barked out a laugh.

"It's-"you coughed and sipped the punch again,"its so thick."

"I can give you something thicker-" He started involuntarily.

"Pads. No." You corrected firmly and he pretended to pout.

"Whatever." He muttered then ruffled your hair playfully. "Happy Birthday, darling."

You gave him the most dazzling smile he'd ever seen and kissed his cheek. His eyes fluttered shut for just a moment as your soft lips brushed his cheek. He wanted to memorize it. He wanted to feel your lips touching every part of him like this. He was brought back to the present with your angelic laugh. His face heated with embarrassment.

"Aww. The bad boy Casanova can't handle a little kiss. Im gonna tell James!" You taunted, eyes glimmering.

"I can handle a kiss, love. I just... need something a little more passionate, yeah? A litte more heated, hm?" He regained his charming persona smoothly.

You hummed in though and your fingers found the end of his red tie, tugging him down to your level. He had to admit, it was hotter than it should've been. "I'll have to think of something.." You're voice was delicate and soft like a whisper against his skin. Godric, save him.

"Only a thought? I've got a better idea.." Sirius murmured, lining in close, his words a breath against your neck. He heard your breath hitch and grinned. "Why don't we go up to my dorm? Ill show you there."

"Is my birthday present up there?" You questioned innocently, pulling away and tilting your head.

"Precisely, darling." He nodded with a rebellious smirk. "Its right in my-" Abruptly, a hand clamped down on his shoulder, a arm was around your shoulders, then James was between the two of you. His dark curls falling into his eyes and a big dumb grin on his face.

"Having fun, lovie?"

"Yeah. Hi, again, Jamie." You answered with a polite smile.

"Spectacular. The twins just got you a gift, you gotta go see." James said. And then you were gone again having been swindle away by his basard of a best mate. James was doing this on purpose. What an absolute prick.

-

"Sirius!" You whisper shouted shaking the boy's arm. It was almost midnight and you couldn't find Remus anywhere. The party had died down to a lazy gathering. James and Lily were cuddled up on one of the velvet couches, Peter was sleeping on the steps to the dorms---he didn't make it to his bed---and the bulk of everyone had left. Sirius was collapsed on a plush lounge chair, nursing another bottle of firewhiskey. He tilted his up to look at you listlessly. His eyes were glassy from drinking, but also filled with an odd hopelessness.

"Hmm?"

"Where's Remus?"

"Dunno. Probably off snogging some chick."

"He's not like that. Come on!" You whined and pulled at his arm to force him up. He was a lot heavier than he looked. "Do you have any idea where he'd be?"

"Lemme go, you vulture." Sirius hissed, leaning away from you like your touch burned. "Why do you think I know where the basard is?"

"Don't call him that!" You said sternly and snatched away his half drunken bottle. He whined and reached for it. You turned to leave the commonroom before he could grab it.

"I can call him whatever I want!" He called back, running a hand through his messy black hair. "Its a term of endearment!" You stifled a laugh and left the common room. The halls were dark and cold. The stone floor felt like ice underneath your socks---you had taken off those stupid kitten heels a while ago. Sirius jogged to catch up with you, stumbling slightly from his drunk stupor. "Hey- wait, that shits expensive. Where are you going?"

"Library." You replied, smiling as you continued down the corridor. Sirius followed you obediently, his hands planted firmly in the pockets of his leather jacket. He stepped in front of you, hoping to get you to stop.

"Why the library? I don't wanna join your book club, angel." He grumbled. A pause. He gestured to the bottle still in your hands. "And for the record, I want that back."

"Come get it then, doggy." You teased and transformed into your animagus---a small grey owl. You unfurled your wings, catching the air and flew down the hall in a flurry of silver feathers. His precious bottle of firewhiskey was clasped securely in your sharp talons. The clicking of claws behind told you that Sirius had turned into his own furry form to chase you. He barked and jumped trying to catch you as you led him through the castle. You chirped, guiding him in a circle around the ornate fountain in the foyer before ducking into crack in the library door.

Immediately, something was off. There was something heady in the air, it was oddly warm, and loud? Someone was crying? Moaning? You vaguely heard Sirius stumble in after you. You flew through the aisles in a daze, until you were close enough to realize something intimate was going on. A girl was moaning, there was the raucous... clapping of skin against skin, and Remus---you'd recognize his voice anywhere---was saying something unintelligible to her.

You quickly fled back to the fountain in the foyer where you perched and changed into your normal human self. The bottle of alcohol set down carefully next to you. Sirius scrambled after you, turning human as he walked over to you. Now, a little more sober and back to his usual suave persona. He sat down beside you, finally snatched back his firewhiskey, taking a long swig.

"Don't look so sad, darling," Sirius said running a hand through his hair. "Moony's getting laid. I'd say this is a cause for celebration."

You couldn't stop the tears that ripped from you at his words. You buried your face in your hands as sobs heaved through your chest. How could you be so stupid? You actually believe Remus would be waiting for you. That he wanted to show you something special. What an fucking idiot. Sirius stared at you bewildered like he was watching a weeping angel, unable to look away.

"What- Why the hell are you crying? What's wrong? Is it Remus?" He stuttered, unsure of what to make of your shiney tears.

You slid from the fountain's ledge to the floor, pulling your knees up to your chest and shaking your head.

Sirius frowned at your non-answer, more confused than ever. He ran a hand over his face and set down the bottle. He followed you to the ground, kneeling in front of you. He could sense this was messy, but he couldn't watch you crying like this. Over Remus of all things. He gently placed his hands on your shoulders, guiding you to lean into him.

"Is this all over Moony?"

You nodded, slowly melting into his embrace. He smelled like alcohol and wet dog and worn leather, but for some reason---in this moment---it was the most comforting scent possible. You sniffled, tears still running down your cheeks. He shifted resting his head against yours.

"Gonna tell me why, angel? Or just cry somemore?"

You went with the second option. It was always hard to speak if you didn't get everything out first. You buried your face in his rumpled dress shirt, clinging to him as you wept. You cried until your tears ran dry and your breathing steadied. Sirius stayed the while time, his hand rubbed up and down your back in soothing motions. Eventually you managed to haul yourself away from the comfort of his arms to wipe your eyes.

"Better?" Sirius whispered, carefully like he didn't want you to break again. You nodded. A slow smile tugged at his lips. "You've gotten my shirt all wet, lovely."

"I'm sorry-" You started, eyes instantly widening with guilt.

"Im kidding." He cut you off, voice warm. His silver gaze held yours with a softness you didn't often associate with the troublemaker. "Care to tell me why Remus of all people has gotten you in a tearful spout like this?"

You did. You told him about your little crush on the lycanthrope, how it had developed over the last year. About what Remus had promised only hours early. About what you hoped he was going to tell you. About how you foolishly thought he would still be waiting for you. Sirius listened, taking in every word with solicitude. Once you had finished, he ever so tenderly wiped away the tears that had begun to fall down your cheeks again. He pressed a chaste kiss to your temple and helped you up.

"What a twat," Sirius muttered to himself. He tilted your face up, guiding your down-cast eyes to his stormy grey ones. "Let's get out of here, yeah?"

You nodded, dimly aware of his steady hand on your back. He took you back to the commonroom, stepping over Peter's sleeping form to get up the stairs that led to the boys' dorms. You bit back a laugh, when Sirius opened the door for you. The marauders room had always been a mess, but this was way worse than usual. Dress shirts and trousers and ties and jerseys were thrown all over the room. Empty chocolate frog boxes were piled up by James' bed---to lazy to be thrown out. Playboy magazines were peaking out from under beds and schoolwork tossed haphazardly into nightstands. Only Remus's bed was made. Remus..

Sirius ran a nervous hand through his hair as he kicked the dirty clothes out of the way.

"Ah- sorry bout the mess, love," Sirius mumbled, grey eyes flickering with embarrassment. "Been busy, yknow?"

A fond smile played on your lips as you made your way to his disheveled bed. You nudged one of the magazines with your toe.

"Really?"

"What? Its very educational!" Sirius protested with an innocent grin, kicking the magazine back under his bed. You rolled your eyes and fell back onto his bed. His sheets were silk and smelled like him. Smoke and worn leather. He sat down beside you, the mattress dipping his weight. He brushed your hair behind your ear and you leaned into the touch. "He's a wanker, darling. Stop thinking about him."

Honestly, it was hard to think about anyone else when Sirius was there. You never liked how he dazzled and enthralled everyone he met, but you'd be lying if you said you were immue to his charms.

"Help me forget then." You whispered and pulled him closer until your breathing blended together. Firewhiskey lingered in his breath. Maybe this was messy. Maybe you didn't care. You wanted to drown in the solace of him forever.

-

"I have to leave, Percy."

"Nooooo!" Perch whined, his voice raspy from sleep. His arms tightened like a steel band around your waist, but not enough to hurt. He was always mindful of his strength around you. His face was pressed against your spine, shaking side to side to emphasize his displeasure. You two had been back from your little vacation---saving the entire world from Gaia's awakening---for nearly three weeks now and hadn't left his bed.

At first your lazy closeness was justified. You were both traumatized as hell (Literally. You went to Tartarus). Given that, if one of you were too far away or gone too long from the other, you'd spiral into a panic attack or worse. This applied to sleep. That first night was terrible, everything felt wrong. Your cabin was too warm, your sheets too rough, then your mind began to conjure up terrible atrocities happening to Percy. The worst part was most of them were real. Memories of what the both of you went through one right after another. It had not even been a year after Kronos's attempt to rise that Gaia followed. Who's to say it another Olympian affair would not happen tonight? What if a god had stolen him again? What if he was still infected with that poison in Rome and it was just slow acting? Maybe something egregious was happening to him right now and you didn't know?

You weren't suprised when you saw Percy walking across the green to get to your cabin as you were to his. Neither of you said anything. You ran into his arms, your own wrapping tightly around his neck. Your head fell onto his chest and you could hear his frantic heart beats. Beating. Alive. From the way he held you---his fingers digging into your sides in a tight fearful hold like you would slip out of his grasp---he had experienced similar fears about you. Percy's hands slid under your thighs and he picked you up, carrying you back to his cabin.

From there, everything was better. You melted into his blue, sea-creature bed sheets and pillows. It smelled just like him. Warm sand and salt water. He followed you into his bed, his hands never leaving your body like he needed a physical tether to you. The both of you slept for virtually two days. When you and Percy finally left his cabin to get dinner (with his hands still on you), Chiron turned a blind eye. It was against the rules but you had both been through so much. It was deserved.

This had gone on for weeks. Percy would never leave your side and you both would rarely leave his cabin. You neglected your duties as your cabin's councilor in favor of Percy's warmth. Your days were filled with his sea-green eyes and voice soft like the ocean breeze. Leo had tried to get Percy to go out for "Bro's night" once but he was back at your side in an hour saying how they were annoying anyway and he missed you (though how much he was shaking you suspected it was due to other reasons). It was cute at the time since you were missing him as well, but in hindsight you realized how this was bothering everyone around camp. You hadn't seen your friends in weeks--- hadn't even thought about them. Your cabin was likely a mess from your absence. One of the older campers had probably stepped up, but they shouldn't have to. That was your responsibility. So you had decided to finally go back to normal life. Your break had been relaxing and much needed, but it couldn't go on forever. Percy seemed to have a different opinion given your current situation.

"Percy, we can't say in here forever." You whispered, your hands wormed under his arms to force them off you. Percy shook his head again your back again with a muffled whine. "You haven't talked to anyone but me in two weeks. Come ooonnn. Don't you want to see Grover? Leo?"

"Don't care." He muttered, he held you tighter for another moment then finally let go, flopping into his back. He was shirtless, scars littered his toned body a shade lighter than his tan skin. His hair was a serious mess, sticking up all directions and the white streak didn't help. Somehow, even in his disheveled state, he was incredibly attractive. You forced yourself to look away before his ego got any larger from catching you staring. He watched you get up, giving you those big green sad puppy eyes. "Its not fair. We saved the world. Twice. We deserve to do nothing for the rest of our lives."

"Its our last year at camp! We should have fun with our friends, not say inside- a- and- Would you stop looking at me like that!" You huffed and he grinned lazily. "You love fun, dummy. Why are you being so mopy?"

"Everytime we try to be normal and have fun, the world tries to end itself." He grumbled and reached out for you with a grabby motion. You put your hands on your hips at his depressing response. You knew it was from his trauma (and was true to an extent), but you couldn't let him bury himself in here for eternity. You were so caught up in his ridiculous answer that it took you a moment to notice how his gaze had drifted down to your body. You were wearing one of his shirts, an old swim team jersey with his number on it and nothing under it. When you placed your hands on your hips it emphasize your curves. His bright green eyes lingered there---from your waist to your thighs.

"Percy?"

"Hm?" He eyes slowly trailed back up to your face. "Just admiring." The langour and confidence in his smile made you feel all warm inside. You had always been just friends. You can't pinpoint a moment when you became this physically intimate, but it was slow and causal. Comfortable. It was a certain autonomy that had developed from your shared experiences. Yet, it was nothing heated like this usually. You brushed it off. Hes just tired. He was too dorky and oblivious to flirt with a girl anyway.

You grabbed one of Percy's hands and pulled him off the bed forcefully. He groaned dramatically and leaned onto you heavily, causing you to stumble under what felt like two hundred pounds of muscle.

"Stop being a big baby."

"Waaa."

---

You managed to get him up and out around camp. Little by little, you got used to life again. Percy was always there (obviously like the clingy sea-urchin he was), but you learned to handle the separation anxiety better. Percy also did, but he used it as an excuse for his purposes. At first, it was reasonable. He was lonely at camp. He didn't have any half-siblings who stayed here, so he followed yours. You took your cabin to archery. Suddenly, he wanted to practice his skill with a bow. Arts and crafts? He needed to make a present for a friend. Battle training? He could be your practice dummy! At capture the flag, he would "accidently" get lost again to happen to find you. He was always around. He gradually became more physically close to you in public. He was always connected to you in some way. At meals, he had a hand on your knee or holding yours. When sparring, he would purposely mess up so you would correct him. Adjust his stance yourself. Even walking, his hand was in yours, or his arm was around your waist. It was that soft intimacy you had become so used to with him. But, you felt it was starting to become something more.

One day, you were sparring with this boy from Ares cabin just before dinner. He was handing your ass back to you for someone a year younger. Great potential. You were talking to him as you took of your training gear when Percy came up behind you. You knew he was watching earlier. He had been catching up with Frank (they were stopping by before they left for some minor quest) and waiting for you so he could walk to dinner with you like always. Only this time, his arms snaked around your waist, pulling you against his chest firmly. His head fell to your shoulder and he pressed a quick kiss to your neck.

"Ready to go, babe?"

The Ares boy was shocked and disappointed. He mumbled some sort of excuse you didn't really take in and rushed out of the amphitheater. You felt Percy smirk against your neck. You grumbled and smacked him playfully.

"That was mean!"

Then it happened again.

You were having lunch one day (at Percy's lonely table obviously) when a boy came up to you. A few others---who you guessed were his friends---gave him cheers and thumps up to give him courage. It was cute. The boy's face was red. His camp t-shirt showed his cabin. The Caduceus---Hermes. Then Percy noticed, leaning closer to you with a not so subtle pitying expression at the boy.

"Hi! Oh- um, is he your boyfriend?" He asked, quite downtrodden. You quickly shook your head, but Percy somehow got more smug. His hands came up to your shoulders, resting there possessively.

After the boy, went back to his friends. You smacked Percy's arm.

"Seriously?"

"What?!"

"Stop doing that." You told him sternly. He grumbled and pushed around the food on his plate. "Percy, its not fair. Boys are allowed to talk to me. They rarely do to begin with... I won't leave you if I get a date. I'd choose my best friend over a silly boy anytime. Tell me you know that..." Percy didn't respond. His beautiful sea-green eyes focused on his lunch.

But it kept happening! Like he didn't even listen to you. You cherished his friendship and his closeness and everything between, but this was getting ridiculous. Honestly, it was starting to hurt. You told him how you finally felt it was safe to find a partner, settle down, and go to college. You were finally ready to start life again. But instead of supporting you, he was rejecting everyone who talked to you! Some best friend. Now, his recent stunts compiled with how close you two were around camp naturally led everyone to think you were a couple of they hadn't before. Anytime the rumors got back to Percy, he didn't deny them.

---

It wasn't his fault, really. Percy just didn't like that guy talking with you.

Or the other one.

Or the one after that...

Oh, come on. You were being dramatic, He thought. His little stunts work perfectly. The guy goes away, and you keep your attention on him... Okay, maybe it is a little unnecessary, but he thinks it's a fair measure to keep you by his side. He really couldn't handle it if you left him. You were his everything. He went into Tartarus for you. He held up the sky for you. Heck, he gave up literal immortality to stay with you! If you left him for another guy, that would be a big blow.

But you were right. He was starting to be a jerk. You were allowed to have your own feelings. If you wanted someone else...

"Percy?" Your pretty voice called, tired yet still melodic. It was midnight. He escaped from his cabin once you were asleep to come down to the dock. The lake always helped him clear his head (when the naiades weren't unwilling telling him gossip that is). Tonight, they were---thankfully---no where to be found. The sky was almost inky black only broken up by tiny speckles of stars and the bright crescent moon. Her dreamy light was cast onto the rippling water highlighting its ebbing peaks. He heard your light footsteps on the creaky wooden dock as you drew nearer. You sat down beside him, leaning your head on his shoulder. His heart melted. That was all he needed. You close to him and the calming sound of the lake. "Why'd you leave?"

He sighed and leaned into your embrace, pressing his face into your neck and breathing in your wonderful scent. He should just be honest. If you were mad, it was justified.

"Wanted to think." He muttered into your skin.

"You never do that." You replied, unable to stop yourself.

Percy grumbled, pulling away slightly to look at you with puppy eyes.

"Im trying to be serious, you jerk." He whispered your name with such reverence it sobered up your tiredness within seconds. "... I've been an asshole. I know you're trying to just have a life. But you are my life. You're my everything. Gods, I love you so much, and I can't stand you being with someone else - I know you'd wouldn't really leave me, but you wouldn't be mine. I wouldn't be able to have you- its selfish, but fuck- I've waited for so long..."

You weren't saying anything. Simply staring at him with a dazed and mesmerized expression. It was scaring him. You were never this quiet. His heart was pounding. This was it. He'll have to move across the country, change his name, and start afresh-

"You love me?" You whispered, your eyes searching his desperately.

"Always have."

You kissed him. It was unexpected and something new, but he melted into it. His hands moved to your waist as yours tangled in his hair. It was messy but happy. A simple little joy finally connects you together completely. He pulled away, staring at you with his big stupid grin.

"Does this mean I can say you're my girlfriend now?"

"I dunno... maybe.." You gave him a similar smile and shoved him off the dock, into the water with a loud splash. You laughed as he yelped your name. Cold water speckled your face, making your skin pebble with goosebumps. Before you could celebrate, a wet hand grabbed your ankle, pulling you down into the watery depths. Familiar hands found your waist and cheek, and then the son of poseidon's lips were on yours again. This time is more intense than before.

---