#Hades is just a voice over the PA

[argetcross]

Hades the Game the Play

Here are my ideas:

- the entire play takes place in the lounge of the House

- Zagreus is off-stage for most of it. He runs in right at the beginning, right before intermission, and at the very end, usually being chased by Theseus or yelling at his dad. Sometimes we see him as a shadow puppet in the background fighting through the Underworld

- The entire play is conversations in the lounge. Characters like Meg, Hypnos, Than, Nyx, Dusa, Orpheus, Achilles, and the Wretched Broker come in and out. They are essentially in Waiting for Godot, commiserating in the bar about their heartaches and difficulties. Zag is not there.

- Achilles and Orpheus get drunk and cry and sing bad ballads about lost loves

- the chef is chopping onions the whole time in the corner of the set

- The audience gets to be the Olympians. We give them beanbags. They have to toss them at Zag’s actor who has to scoop as many of them as possible

- Dusa is a puppet and she get hauled up into the rafters whenever she exits the stage

- At the end of the play, after the bows, Zag’s actor comes on stage and says, “Tell Father I went... THAT WAY” and then books it for the theater exit.

- When theatergoers exit, they find him dead in a puddle of blood in the lobby.

[halothenthehorns]

Chapter 26: WE SAY GOOD-BYE, SORT OF

Let’s all just pause and take a moment to exult that I’m done with one set of books! This is an accomplishment I will never fail to revel in no matter how many more I have to go! It’s been a ride I wouldn’t trade a word for!

PJOPJOPJOPJO

Alex, who had started all of this by picking up the first book she remembered fondly, took it from Magnus casually with a hopeful smile as she read, "We Say Good-Bye, Sort Of. That's just like you Percy. Gods forbid you commit to anything."

"I commit to important things," he promised with a casual kiss on his girlfriend's temple.

Camp went late that summer. It lasted two more weeks, right up to the start of a new school year, and I have to admit they were the best two weeks of my life.

Alex couldn't help but read that with a tinge of confusion to her voice though. She had about as much clue to that idea of a solid length of time being happy as Percy had to a normal life. She liked it better when he was killing math teachers, at least that she could wrap her head around.

Of course, Annabeth would kill me if I said anything different, 

"For just a moment I thought you were done holding people hostage at knife point Annabeth," Thalia said with, wagging a 'for shame' finger at her. "Let the poor boy go this instant!"

“I’m relieved, can’t let her go getting soft now that she’s in love,” Jason snorted.

"A lesser person would hold you to saying that as some kind of blackmail Thals," Annabeth chuckled.

but there was a lot of other great stuff going on too. Grover had taken over the satyr seekers and was sending them out across the world to find unclaimed half-bloods.

Jason felt a giddy sense of pride that his reaction all the way back at the beginning of this hearing how unorganized they were had been given its own resolution. Gods he wanted to shake Grover's hand and meet him so bad to see what his chart looked like covering all of this.

 So far, the gods had kept their promise.

"For all of two weeks," Will nodded seriously. "Yeah, we were shocked too."

 New demigods were popping up all over the place—not just in America, but in a lot of other countries as well.

"We can hardly keep up," Grover admitted one afternoon as we were taking a break at the canoe lake. "We're going to need a bigger travel budget, and I could use a hundred more satyrs."

Alex resisted the urge to joke about an orgy with great restraint. Grover was a real person to Percy, not just an abstract joke.

"Yeah, but the satyrs you have are working super hard," I said. "I think they're scared of you."

Grover blushed. "That's silly. I'm not scary."

"You're a lord of the Wild, dude. The chosen one of Pan. A member of the Council of—"

"Stop it!" Grover protested. "You're as bad as Juniper. I think she wants me to run for president next."

"And I'd vote for his hindquarters!" Nico snorted. "He'd do wonders for environmental issues."

"Given you and Thalia are the only one's here old enough to vote, I guess we'd just help put up campaign signs," Percy chuckled.

He chewed on a tin can as we stared across the pond at the line of new cabins under construction. The U-shape would soon be a complete rectangle, and the demigods had really taken to the new task with gusto. 

Nico had some undead builders working on the Hades cabin. Even though he was still the only kid in it, it was going to look pretty cool: solid obsidian walls with a skull over the door and torches that burned with green fire twenty-four hours a day. Next to that were the cabins of Iris, Nemesis, Hecate, and several others I didn't recognize. They kept adding new ones to the blueprints every day. It was going so well, Annabeth and Chiron were talking about adding an entirely new wing of cabins just so they could have enough room.

Jason felt like getting up to high five Chiron. Of course Percy had been right, change was happening!

The Hermes cabin was a lot less crowded now, because most of the unclaimed kids had received signs from their godly parents. 

"What a concept, all the kids having a bed and a whole foot of space for themselves," Nico said dryly.

"I hope you're not expecting a thank you card," Percy rolled his eyes.

It happened almost every night, and every night more demigods straggled over the property line with the satyr guides, usually with some nasty monsters pursuing them, but almost all of them made it through.

'Almost all of them,' Magnus shook his head sadly he couldn't even feel real surprise and shock at how casually that was just put down.

"It's going to be a lot different next summer," I said. "Chiron's expecting we'll have twice as many campers."

"Yeah," Grover agreed, "but it'll be the same old place."

He sighed contentedly.

I watched as Tyson led a group of Cyclops builders. They were hoisting huge stones in place for the Hecate cabin, and I knew it was a delicate job. Each stone was engraved with magical writing, and if they dropped one, it would either explode or turn everyone within half a mile into a tree. I figured nobody but Grover would like that.

"Define, everyone?" Alex asked clinically, wondering if it would work on the cyclops, who were already nature spirit adjacents.

"Been there, done that, don't recommend," Thalia huffed.

"I'll be traveling a lot," Grover warned, "between protecting nature and finding half-bloods. I may not see you as much."

"Won't change anything," I said. "You're still my best friend."

He grinned. "Except for Annabeth."

"That's different."

"Yeah," he agreed. "It sure is."

"I miss him," Percy needlessly told her. "We need the three amigos out in the world!"

"I have a feeling you'll get your wish soon," Annabeth promised, but with the kind of smile that at least made him hope it would be fifty fifty on the fun/ death scale.

In the late afternoon, I was taking one last walk along the beach when a familiar voice said, "Good day for fishing."

My dad, Poseidon, was standing knee-deep in the surf, wearing his typical Bermuda shorts, beat-up cap, and a real subtle pink-and-green Tommy Bahama shirt. He had a deep-sea fishing rod in his hands, and when he cast it the line went way out—like halfway across Long Island Sound.

"Hey, Dad," I said. "What brings you here?"

He winked. "Never really got to talk in private on Olympus. I wanted to thank you."

"Thank me? You came to the rescue."

"Yes, and I got my palace destroyed in the process, 

Percy sighed loudly, he just knew that was going to come up again!

but you know—palaces can be rebuilt. I've gotten so many thank-you cards from the other gods. Even Ares wrote one, though I think Hera forced him to. It's rather gratifying. So, thank you. I suppose even the gods can learn new tricks."

"Yada yada old dogs," Magnus nodded.

"I'd leave at least half of them at the pound," Thalia smirked, causing Percy to laugh hard in agreement.

The Sound began to boil. At the end of my dad's line, a huge green sea serpent erupted from the water. It thrashed and fought, but Poseidon just sighed. Holding his fishing pole with one hand, he whipped out his knife and cut the line. The monster sank below the surface.

"Not eating size," he complained. "I have to release the little ones or the game wardens will be all over me."

"Little ones?"

"Game warden?" Jason felt he was asking the far more important question.

"I'll bet it's Grover," Will smirked.

He grinned. "You're doing well with those new cabins, by the way. I suppose this means I can claim all those other sons and daughters of mine and send you some siblings next summer."

"Damn," Alex snorted, "your dad is ice cold for that joke."

"He had to have that side of him somewhere, the ocean isn't all dolphins and maytai," Annaebth shrugged without surprise. Percy was to busy sitting in nervous silence to answer.

"Ha-ha."

Poseidon reeled in his empty line.

I shifted my feet. "Um, you were kidding, right?"

Poseidon gave me one of his inside-joke winks, and I still didn't know whether he was serious or not.

"He, wouldn't, have," but Jason sounded as confused and unsure as Percy did, and when this guy was on the same page as him, they were all in trouble.

Percy loved his little brother in Tyson, but a small, secret part of him had also kind of enjoyed the idea his mom was special. That it was Sally Jackson herself that had made Poseidon break his oath and sort of regret him being born until he proved otherwise. 

...besides, no way could other half-blood siblings have been out there all this time, still alive and awaiting to be discovered. They were supposed to be extra monsterlicious or something. Right?!

"I'll see you soon, Percy. And remember, know which fish are big enough to land, eh?"

With that he dissolved in the sea breeze, leaving a fishing pole lying in the sand.

"Did you keep it?" Alex asked casually.

"It was probably cursed," Percy said like that was an answer.

"And?" Alex spluttered in disappointment. Percy gave her a tragic look that he felt spoke all he needed to about enticing such ideas.

She turned grumpily away and muttered some more curses, though Percy wasn't quite sure if he meant the artifact kind or the cussing him out kind. He had a feeling Alex could manage both equally well at any rate.

That evening was the last night of camp—the bead ceremony. The Hephaestus cabin had designed the bead this year. It showed the Empire State Building, and etched in tiny Greek letters, spiraling around the image, were the names of all the heroes who had died defending Olympus. There were too many names, but I was proud to wear the bead. I put it on my camp necklace—four beads now. I felt like an old-timer. I thought about the first campfire I'd ever attended, back when I was twelve, and how I'd felt so at home.

That at least hadn't changed.

It was one of those things Percy hoped never did. His love of the color blue, how much he loved going fast on his pets, how much he looked forward coming to camp every year. He expected his feelings for Annabeth to change and reform, he accepted he'd keep feeling like a freak in his own head around all these different people who saw him as something special, but it felt good to fall back on simple things too.

"Never forget this summer!" Chiron told us. He had healed remarkably well, but he still trotted in front of the fire with a slight limp.

"Errr, Percy, he's always had that limp," Annabeth told him kindly.

"What? No he hasn't," Percy frowned. "I'd notice that."

"Yeah, sorry Perce," Will agreed. "It's not super obvious, but it's there. He got it from that Hercules incident."

Percy looked at them dumbfounded and was pretty sure they were pulling his leg...but he also still couldn't prove there wasn't some secret play they put on every year he'd never heard of so he was kind of at a loss.

 "We have discovered bravery and friendship and courage this summer. We have upheld the honor of the camp." He smiled at me, and everybody cheered. As I looked at the fire, I saw a little girl in a brown dress tending the flames. She winked at me with red glowing eyes. No one else seemed to notice her, but I realized maybe she preferred it that way.

"Yeah, I think Hestia is my spirit goddess," Magnus grinned. 

"We can throw you in the fire?" Alex asked with mild excitement.

"You're going to save the world by being handed a jar?" Percy asked blankly.

"Screw both of you," Magnus chuckled.

"And now," Chiron said, "early to bed! Remember, you must vacate your cabins by noon tomorrow unless you've made arrangements to stay the year with us. The cleaning harpies will eat any stragglers, and I'd hate to end the summer on a sour note!"

"Do we taste sour?" Nico asked, unimpressed.

"Don't say it like that," Will whined. "Chiron doesn't join in them eating us!"

"Well I'm so sorry I didn't get the correct interpretation out of that death threat," Nico rolled his eyes. He'd left this night, it had been the last thing he heard Chiron say. It had been a pretty memorable last stance.

The next morning, Annabeth and I stood at the top of Half-Blood Hill. We watched the buses and vans pull away, taking most of the campers back to the real world. A few old-timers would be staying behind, and a few of the newcomers, but I was heading back to Goode High School for my sophomore year—the first time in my life I'd ever done two years at the same school.

"In the sea of your life, that is a particularly depressing statement my friend," Jason said with a strange feeling of not being able to relate to Percy on that one. It was nice, he supposed, not to have a deep rooted parallel lodged in him about such a sad thing to hear, but somehow made Percy's life even more tragic than his own blank one for a moment.

"Yeah, yeah, news flash at ten, traffic or whatever," Percy shrugged, but it was still a good feeling. To smile and hope that they were just on winter break and he'd be able to actually continue this trend. The world wouldn't end because he'd accomplished something, it was all he'd wanted once upon a time.

"Good-bye," Rachel said to us as she shouldered her bag. She looked pretty nervous, but she was keeping a promise to her father and attending Clarion Academy in New Hampshire. It would be next summer before we got our Oracle back. 

"You'll do great." Annabeth hugged her. Funny, she seemed to get along fine with Rachel these days.

"Very, very strange, yes," Alex said in a posh, scholarly voice. "Next he'll sit around and ponder the existence of bread or something."

"Well documented history of something all human civilizations create," Annabeth helpfully said to his blank look.

"Ah, thanks," he said.

Rachel bit her lip. "I hope you're right. I'm a little worried. What if somebody asks what's on the next math test and I start spouting a prophecy in the middle of geometry class? The Pythagorean theorem shall be problem two. . . . Gods, that would be embarrassing."

"I think that would make her the most popular girl there though," Thalia grinned. "Teachers would never understand how the kids keep cheating, she wouldn't charge anyone for free answers to the test, just works out for everyone really."

"Don't get me started on how our education system is trash," Annabeth said with a sharp look at the book like Rachel was in front of her to debate this with on whether that would be of any help.

Annabeth laughed, and to my relief, it made Rachel smile.

"Well," she said, "you two be good to each other." Go figure, but she looked at me like I was some kind of troublemaker.

"You can't say anything Percy, you called yourself a trouble maker first," Thalia grinned.

"It was shocking I tell you, I'd never been labeled as such before," Percy insisted wide eyed, causing them all to laugh lightly again.

 Before I could protest, Rachel wished us well and ran down the hill to catch her ride.

Annabeth, thank goodness, would be staying in New York. She'd gotten permission from her parents to attend a boarding school in the city so she could be close to Olympus and oversee the rebuilding efforts.

"Guess that living in Cali. thing didn't stick?" Magnus asked, one part nervous for her, one part hopeful she'd just finally decided where she wanted her home to be.

"Not so much," Annabeth agreed, but the sad smile didn't linger as she turned back to the book casually. She'd keep in contact with her dad as long as he wanted to. She'd even offer to say hi to her step mom if she wanted to stop and chat on the phone. She'd come around for holidays or birthdays even. It just wasn't a necessity to her. She finally had her question answered of her place in his life.

"And close to me?" I asked.

"Well, someone's got a big sense of his own importance." But she laced her fingers through mine. I remembered what she'd told me in New York, about building something permanent, and I thought—just maybe—we were off to a good start.

"Well the bones of your relationship are at least well set in good sediment," Nico tried to say that in a complimentary way, but Percy just got another 'over my head' look and Nico shrunk in his seat rather than admit he'd spent hours in a museum once looking up niche facts of where dinosaur fossils were usually discovered.

The guard dragon Peleus curled contentedly around the pine tree underneath the Golden Fleece and began to snore, blowing steam with every breath.

"You've been thinking about Rachel's prophecy?" I asked Annabeth.

She frowned. "How did you know?"

"Because I know you."

Annabeth gave a mock, tragic sigh. "Am I already that predictable?"

"I don't mind a little calm and steady see-thoroughness right now," Percy promised. He could see that feeling hadn't faded at all with time too. She hadn't stopped studying Jason with those intense gray eyes every time she was sure he wasn't looking. A lesser guy would have been jealous. Percy was secure enough to know better it wasn't that blonde hair and blue eyes holding her attention after quoting that prophecy.

She bumped me with her shoulder. "Okay, so I have. Seven half-bloods shall answer the call. I wonder who they'll be. We're going to have so many new faces next summer."

"Those poor suckers have no clue what they're in for," Magnus said with experience.

"I'm still trying to hold out hope it won't involve us," Percy groaned.

"Well then, don't give the jar to Magnus," Alex reminded with an impish grin.

Annabeth chuckled along quietly, her eyes still darting between Jason, her cousin, and Alex. To much of what Artimes had said made sense with her dreams.

"Yep," I agreed. "And all that stuff about the world falling in storm or fire."

"You don't get a choice about the world ending that time," Jason agreed sadly. "You pick your poison and you like it."

"Bet I can find a loophole where one of the poison's tastes like blue-raspberry at least," Percy offered half-heartedly.

She pursed her lips. "And foes at the Doors of Death.

"Which is a particularly strange line," Nico nodded. "The Doors of Death are always moving, they're set in no spot, in Tartarus! No half-bloods would survive down there to bare arms against each other long enough."

"Not a theory I'd like to start beta-testing," Annabeth reluctantly agreed, though it was a soothing feeling for a moment to have a niche expert on at least one line at minimum.

 I don't know, Percy, but I don't like it. I thought . . . well, maybe we'd get some peace for a change."

"What on earth gave you that strange thought?" Thalia asked her in concern.

"My recent visit to the delusional land of Olympus where everything was sunshine and rainbows by design," Annabeth sighed.

"Wouldn't be Camp Half-Blood if it was peaceful," I said.

"I guess you're right . . . Or maybe the prophecy won't happen for years."

"Could be a problem for another generation of demigods," I agreed. "Then we can kick back and enjoy."

She nodded, though she still seemed uneasy. I didn't blame her, but it was hard to feel too upset on a nice day, with her next to me, knowing that I wasn't really saying good-bye. We had lots of time.

"Race you to the road?" I said.

"You are so going to lose." She took off down Half-Blood Hill and I sprinted after her.

For once, I didn't look back. 

Alex smiled as she closed the book to finally indicate she was done, this one was done. It was a strange feeling of relief and accomplishment when it had nothing to do with her in particular, just one that always came with finishing a new story. Having someone else's life given a tangible place in her world was usually such a fleeting thing.

Percy jumped up and did a lap around the room, arms up in a delirious victory. He would have been shouting like a loon at the top of his lungs if he wasn't worried about drawing the cranky Titan back.

The others couldn't blame him in the slightest, letting him work off his energy as they waited for Jason to stretch and offer, "don't worry, I can wait one more day to deal with the next stretch of my mess. We can all hit bed for the night."

"Thank you," Annabeth said politely, though she and Thalia exchanged almost disappointed looks. They almost didn't want that. They'd known everything of their past, but there was a hunger in them to get a look at the other side of a gods face and see just what Jason had gotten up to. 

Alex, Will, and Nico were already walking off however, talking about death auras and color theory in a disturbing crisscross conversation, and Percy was starting to slow his frantic run and rubbing his stomach, so they weren't going to argue the point tonight and let it go to take a breath at minimum.

Magnus lingered on the couch where he'd been sitting by Alex, head tipped back and staring at the ceiling with a forlorn expression.

Annabeth sunk down uneasily beside him and asked, "thinking about Hearth?"

He nodded, an uncomfortable position for his neck for sure at the awkward angle as he didn't look around. "I feel like such trash, he's my friend, and here Percy just went and made sure the world was safe for all of his, and I waved mine goodby on the word a Titan wouldn't just chuck him off the planet by accident."

"Percy isn't perfect," Annabeth corrected with a fond smile. "I know you know I once jumped on the back of a manticore, and he beat himself up over it too."

Magnus finally turned to face her, waving his hand around in the water to show how much that comparison didn't work.

"I know," she agreed. "Just, I know you're going to beat yourself up, but try to leave some skin unbruised too. If Hearth left of his own accord, I can't see him blaming you."

Magnus sighed and nodded in agreement. He wanted to believe that, at any rate.

Annabeth watched, seeing him now studying the empty seat with a faraway look in his eyes she knew all to well, the lost expression of not knowing what to do about a situation wasn't just for his friend.

"You like her," Annabeth said astutely, tucking her legs underneath her and studying him, "I could tell that after being here half a day. Have you said anything to Alex?"

Magnus bit his lip and wasn't sure how to say it.

"Is it because you're only attracted to her, half the time?" She kept fishing.

"No, no," Magnus quickly corrected. "I, find her just as intriguing on her he days. I mean, I've never been attracted to a guy before, but it's not, I mean, I like Alex, no matter what gender she or he is."

"So what's the problem?" Annabeth repeated, pure sympathy in her tone.

He clasped his hands and tapped his fingers against his chin, there was no nice way to say it. "Not sure what's going to happen when we get back. I'm still, I'm not sure if you're camp, well, up there-"

His cousin's eyes filled with regret, she leaned forward in her seat, feet spilling back onto the floor to support her weight as she automatically went in to hug him, before she hesitated and leaned right back. He smiled at her in relief and forced himself to relax, not even realizing he'd tensed up until she'd sat back in her seat, but still leaning on the edge.

"You're homeless." She said it as a statement, not a question. He didn't bother to deny it. What would be the point when she'd find out the second they got out of here? Her face flooded with the one thing that didn't send him running away though. Understanding. "Magnus, I am so sorry about that, if I'd known-"

"How could you," he brushed off any responsibility on her part. "As bad as things apparently are between your dad, if he even knows, you've had your own troubles going on-"

"I asked about you though," Annabeth insisted, she was twisting her hands up in her lap and he smiled to imagine her Yankees cap there. "When he told me about Aunt Natalie, that first summer I'd seen him in so long, I cried all night. He said he tried to find you but the system had no record of you, and my step-mom was just in the kitchen the whole time making her kids lunch like nothing was wrong, well, it didn't set a good precedent for that summer. I just thought, I don't know, you were living with Uncle Randolph, safe, I was still fighting with them so much-"

"I don't blame you," he insisted to her guilt ridden face. 

"I should have looked for you," she insisted too. "You could have been at camp with us all along."

"I don't know about that," he frowned and looked up at the ceiling again, then reluctantly, the door. "That's why I'm, well it doesn't help I'm a tongue tied idiot around her, but I don't know what's going to happen when we get back. The last thing I should be worried about is a crush when, well I have no clue about my parentage and," he trailed off with his face burning red and his own hands gripping painfully tight to each other.

Annabeth bumped their knees together as she leaned forward without being forceful about it, her tone dead serious. "Chiron will not turn you four away. You'll have somewhere safe to be Magnus." Then she looked over her shoulder, and back to him with a promising smile. "I can tell you really have feelings for Alex, and you shouldn't wait on something like that."

He was blushing again even as he answered, "it's not like it's just me. Alex is, so confident, about everything! I still think she's just been messing with me! If she did like me, I think she'd say something about it, she's so bold." He was smiling by the end, he could hear to his own ears how gently he spoke of her and couldn't even find the blush to be embarrassed about it anymore, even as Annabeth's smile increased.

She still spoke candidly, but there was a hint of worry for the first time. "Maybe, well, she has feelings for somebody else up there right now."

Magnus's heart plummeted, he hadn't thought of that.

"Maybe there's, other things going on in her circumstances," Annabeth relentlessly went on, "but Magnus, you'll regret it if you don't at least ask. Trust me."

He did trust her. He didn't envy the two living through the end of the world before finding peace in each other. He didn't want total destruction to get up the courage to say something to Alex and wondered what other obstacles between near constant death by monster and kidnapping's might circumvent them giving each other a chance. 

Magnus knew the moment Percy must have walked back in the room by watching her face light up, shifting around in her seat as if her first reaction were to go to him. She stopped herself and smiled back at him.

He nodded to be left alone,  so Annabeth just gave him a promising smile as she stretched and stood up, going over to Percy and putting her hand in his like it was the most natural thing in the world as they discussed what they wanted for dinner with Thalia.

His mind was so preoccupied trying to figure out what exactly he was going to say to Alex on the way to her door, he had no clue how long he was standing in front of it only to see it was open. Wrapping his knuckles sharply on it anyways and very cautiously easing his head around, he called out for her with no answer. 

It was as bland as everybody else's, if he hadn't subconsciously noted which one she'd come out of yesterday he'd never have guessed who's it could be, but there was also something so uniquely Alex about it he was sure he wasn't wrong. The smell of wet clay lingered in the air, there was a sewing kit resting beside the pillow, and a plate of Hershey's Kisses on top of the fridge, all unwrapped and arranged in a nonlinear way. 

His first impulse was to swipe them into his mouth and book it, but this was Alex's room, and he'd never stolen from someone he wasn't pretty convinced didn't deserve it, so he instead opened up the door below.

Instead of food, what he found was a bowl. A beautiful work of pottery with intricate, almost 3D looking designs all along the side of a caterpillar weaving itself into a cocoon and coming out, only for its wings to beat for all of one image and begin withering in the very next to turn to dust, a telling story all the way until he spun it back around to start. 

The kind of thing he would have scoffed and been disgusted at the price of, only someone living the lap of luxury could afford in a window. His hands felt grubby holding it.

He swiftly set it on her bed before the worst could happen and bumped into the fridge door, closing it to hide the evidence he'd found such a thing while the chocolate all moved around on the plate.

Then his mind seized in a panic, wanting to put it back before she found he'd saw it, and he had to grab something else out to prove he hadn't of course! But what- his eyes darted to the chocolate, and he frantically slammed and yanked the door too quickly, the universe glitched as it delivered so fast, but a bag of Kisses fell onto his shoe. He ripped the bag open and hastily shoved one in as he kicked the door back shut, feeling the strange crinkling sensation on his tongue and realizing he'd forgotten to unwrap it- 

"Magnus?" 

He choked, his hands fumbled, and for some reason his brain screamed at him to hide the evidence. The rich chocolate fell to the floor, scattering to every corner as the half-unwrapped one sat on his tongue as he whirled around to see her dark brown and amber eyes were glittering at him from across the room as she sauntered over. She stopped right in front of him, eyeing his lips clinically.

Magnus swallowed and knew he should open his mouth, say something, like why he was invading Alex's privacy and something else very important, he was sure he'd come in here to say something but really couldn't remember right now as Alex leaned in.

Alex planted a hand firmly on his shoulder and kissed him.

It was not gentle, but neither was the way Magnus's knees literally gave out on him and he fell back against the wall, his hands had pulled Alex's shirt with him, so that Alex was fully pressed into him and her lips were still a tantalizing breath apart.

She braced her other hand against the wall right by his head, he felt her shift her weight and his eyes snapped open as he began to apologize and let go only to see her nose to nose with him and smiling, not leaning back an inch. "I'm homeless," he blurted out, and gods he was the most idiotic person on earth as he licked his lips. He was surprised he wasn't choking on that wrapper and probably dying and hallucinations all this.

"I guessed that, I am too," she nodded. Some of her hair had fallen out of the updo, curling back around her shoulders. They were so close, his golden strands were twining together with hers. "I'm a child of Loki."

Judging by her reserved tone, how she was still shifting her weight around, he probably should have had some revelation to that. Even he'd heard of that god. "The god of trickery? Thor's brother?" He was running his tongue over his lip still where they tingled and had never wanted someone to move away less. Maybe he had a chocolate allergy he'd never known of.

She gave him a joyless smile, the nails on his shoulder digging in just a bit, for all the world like she was still fixing to lean back but had yet to do so. "How those Greek kids speak of children of Hades, as outcasts, untrustworthy, that's how our kind will see me Magnus."

"You're not seeing anyone else are you?" He blurted, again. He wasn't touching her anywhere but where his fingers were still holding onto the edge of her odd shirt, the material crinkled like she’d wrapped herself in foil, just the tips of his fingers.

Her smile was very sad as she leaned in and kissed him again, fully capturing his lips. The world might have actually ended by the time she leaned back again, his protection had possibly evaporated into her he was left breathing so shallowly like all the oxygen had been deprived from him. "No," she finally answered in the gentlest voice Magnus had yet heard from her. Her eyes were closed as she stayed right where she was. "Give me time to tell you about Adrian." Her breath caught on the name. Then she opened her eyes, and finally pushed off him and took a step back.

There was chocolate smeared across her lips now and he found himself swallowing none left in his mouth.

"Okay," he promised, thinking Percy would have to come in here and pry him off this wall before he figured out how to move again. "I, um, you're gorgeous," he finally, stupidly, remembered what he'd wanted to come in here and tell her, and the compliment seemed very underwhelming now.

She laughed, that same crooked smile playing across her lips he didn't think he'd ever want to look away from. "And you're an adorable goof."

"I can work with that," he nodded so much he may or  may not have broken his neck.

***

Percy finally held her tight that night.

“All coming back to you?” She couldn’t even put a tease in her voice as she lovingly curled into his chest without hesitation and his arms just circled her tighter.

There was comfortable silence for a while. But they both knew. It was a pause of their earlier fight, and they were both testing the waters to see who would break it first.

Percy did, cutting right to the heart of it. He’d seen that look on her face and known what it was. “I got lost, and it wasn’t your fault.”

She said nothing, her nails digging tight into his back. He could feel the hitch in her voice as she fought back a sob.

“The day you can tell a god or goddess or Titan what to do with me is the day you get crowned Queen of Olympus, and Zeus is doing a shit job too, so, I actually like your odds better,” he concluded with the contemplative simpleness she adored about him so much. He had a very black and white view of the world, one she didn’t share but admired.

“I think what’s killing me is, that Artemis had to help,” she admitted. She could only admit this to him, since she was being honest here. 

He nodded, because he understood that too. “I’m sure your mom would say good counsel isn’t unwise?” He tried and failed to offer, knowing the answer. “Your mom might never have liked my help, but she can’t claim to have never needed it. She has demigods to do her bidding too.”

“Her counsel, perhaps, but I, I don’t know Percy. I hate the idea, of not knowing what they have planned for you. Of what they’ll ask you to do before this is all over.”

“What they’ll ask us to do,” Percy reminded, she could hear the grin of his voice from the comfort of his beating heart in her ear. “Oceanus might be an idiot, but he made it pretty clear he didn’t pull all of them in here by mistake. Now, you are a part of it, and we’ll make the right call.”

“I hope you’re right,” she murmured. Her mind was on Jason, and her cousin and Alex. Her mind was on those books, and how no god’s gift came without a price. Her mind was on Artemis still, and what she’d ask of them too when they got out of here.

And that would only be the beginning.

PJOPJOPJO

I don’t want to promise when I’ll start the next set of books. I want to get into a new fandom I’ve never explored before and really get invested without fretting in the back of my mind about writing. I want to say I’ll start posting the first chapter around the end of December with a possible first bonus chapter early that month, but if I wait a bit into New Year’s don't be alarmed either. My heart is SET on finishing these, I just don’t want to force it when I’m still playing around with a few ideas.

I will give the minor spoiler and promise I’m kicking around some new characters to bring in, but I would have to take some out too, I won’t go over my limit of eight. 

Tell me which you’d prefer? I’m angling to bring in Leo and Piper or Reyna and Frank, both have merits, but I know you all have your own ideas.

[luceafarul-de-dimineata]

Whb characters' opinions about manele (part 1 because there's no way I'm doing this in one go)

Another one for the romanian girlies. If you don't know what manele is... idk look it up, I can't explain it in this post. Here's my playlist of manele if you want to get the general feel of this

Gehenna

Satan

Yeah, he gives the vibes of someone that would listen to manele.

Preferes the older ones

Gehenna is the country that gives off the most "pa pat la poarta" vibes of all countries

He puts them on over BBQ

His favourite is probably Sandu Ciorba

Has a colaj of his favourite manele that he plays during gossip time

Sitri

When he was studying in Hades, he once put on manele and everyone there gave him the nastiest side eye ever

He doesn't listen to manele anymore

If he got a bit tipsy and manele were blasting, he would dance like a madman

Manele are a guilty pleasure for him

He likes Sandu Ciorba as well, but he thinks Vijelie is nice as well

Paimon

He listens to manele

I can feel it

He prefers the newer manele (especially Jador)

Probably plays in a taraf

Frankly, I see all of Gehenna as a taraf

He plays the accordeon, Satan the țambal, Leraye the clarinet, Belial the violin, Zagan is the sexy dancer in all the music videos and Astaroth writes the lyrics

Paimon also has a good vocal range for manele singing

Leraye

He loves manele

He has a speaker with him at all times playing manele

He had to switch to headphones when he became a sniper

If he ever drove a car, he would play Florin Salam so loudly you'd be able to hear him from Paradise Lost

His favourite is the free-style manele and he has a soft spot for Zana Zanelor

Leans towards older manele, but he has no problem with the newer ones

Zagan

He only listens to them when he's in the pub with the others.

Not that he doesn't like them, but he prepers other genres of music

He once had a dance battle against Sitri on manele

He still thinks of that day fondly

You can sometimes hear him humming to a song he heard the other day at the pub

Astaroth

He loves manele

He's the type of guy to sit down and hyper analyse the lyrics

"Ok, da, dar ce a vrut sa spuna Tzanca Uraganu cand a exclamat ca el este Johnny Nebunul?"

His favourites are the manele de jale

He unironnically quetes "Ma bate vantul in fata"

He writes poetry in his free time and he sometimes talks Paimon, Leraye and Belial into giving him the instumental needed

He has a very sooth voice, so even though his lyrics are bad people still let him sing on stage

Belial

He used to sing manele when he had a voice

Now he just plays the violin, because Jjuy always messes up his rhymes

He likes both the new and the old ones, though he slightly prefers the older ones

Guță man right here

He once got an erection listening to "O noapte in Medellin"

[smallraindrops-blog]

Untangle

(A WMFTD oneshot)

WMFTD!Y/N x Hypnos

Word count: 1k

warnings: no beta

Summary: It is said that you could tell how loved someone is by their braids.

notes: A gift for @jun-yng, since he is responsible for the idea and it wouldn’t leave me alone. Enjoy!

This takes place after Hades 2 but there are no spoilers.

~~

You felt your heart stop when you saw Hypnos sitting in front of his large mirror with a fistful of his white -beautiful- locks held up high and a pair of scissors in his other hand. He wore a hard, determined expression.

“Love, stop- what are you doing?” You called out as you went over to him, trying to sound calmer than you actually were. You forced your legs to keep a normal pace even though you wanted to run over and yank those scissors right out his hands.

Hypnos blinked in surprise, dropping his hair as he turned around to face you. His hair fell in soft, delicate curls down his back, a few spilling over his shoulder. The god of sleep had never lacked beauty but there was a touch of unearthly elegance to him now.

The first time you had seen him again with his hair spilling like clouds around his beaming smile had been enough to knock the breath out of you. You still couldn’t find the words for how gorgeous he was.

You felt a cool relief bloom in your chest when you realized there were no stray locks of hair on the floor, you have gotten here just in time.

“What does it look like?” Hypnos waved the scissors, closing and opening the blades as he did. “It is time for this mess to go.”

Gently, you caught his wrist and took the scissors out of his hand before he took his eye out. “Mess?”

With a loud groan of annoyance, Hypnos returned to the mirror and gave one of the curls a tug. “This mess. I am sick of dealing with this bird nest.”

Tucking the scissors away and far out of Hypnos’ reach, you brushed your fingers along his curls. His hair was ridiculously soft, it almost didn’t feel real. There were a few painful looking knots, but nothing matted or anything like that.

Hypnos’ golden eyes met yours through the mirror. You offered a smile. “You could try putting up in a ponytail like Meg.” 

At that suggestion he laughed, the sound of it filling your soul. “No, I already tried that. I don’t like it. Meg can pull off the egghead look but not me. And it doesn’t fix the tangling and knots. I even tried to braid it but I couldn't get it to stay together.”

“I can help with that.” You told him quietly, moving to stand behind him. Holding his gaze, you dipped down to kiss the top of his head. Hypnos swayed, his shoulders brushing against you.

”I didn’t know you knew how to braid.” Hypnos said, his voice just as quiet as yours. You nodded, pulling back to study Hypnos’ curls. You began to separate the hair, careful to avoid the tangled parts.

“Pa and Chrion’s wife taught me some. Nothing fancy but I can do some basic ones.” You said, nodded toward the light oil and wide tooth comb. Wordlessly, Hypnos gave them over, his back tensing up a little bit when you touch the first knot with oiled fingers.

You made sure to move with slow and careful touches, starting at the bottom with the comb and gradually working your way up under the hair fell down in smooth, graceful stands. 

The tension unspooled from Hypnos’ body once he realized that no pain was coming. He sighed, closing his eyes as you worked on the next knot. 

It was meditative, to slowly unravel the knots, listening to Hypnos’ breathing deepened. When the hair was free of tangles, you ran the comb through his locks a few times more than necessary, admiring how the soft, cloud-like tresses parted and bounced together.

He blinked awake with a yawn when you placed the comb down and picked three equal pieces near the top of his head. It took you a moment to remember the first few steps, carefully adding more hair as you created the braid. 

Holding the ends together, you studied the thick braid. Thankfully, it came out even and solid. You remembered Khariklo used to have little hair jewelry she would place in her braids or occasionally, colorful wildflowers. 

You will have to buy Hypnos some. The thought of it, of shining gemstones in those white curls, of Hypnos wearing something marking him as yours, made your mouth go dry.

“Hair tie?” You whispered.

Hypnos took a moment to pick out a ribbon, then handed over a simple gold one. You tied it off then placed it over Hypnos’ shoulder. 

You waited, a little nervous as Hypnos leaned forward to study your handiwork. A few loose strands fell around his face, resting against his cheeks. His fingers brushed along his temple. Then he added the sleep mask on as a test. 

He looked beautiful. And ready for a nap. 

A smile grew on his face as he met your eyes in the mirror. “It actually looks good on me, y/n, I like it.” 

You let out a breath you didn’t know you were holding. “Good.” 

Hypnos twisted around as he floated up and cupped your face between his hands, pulling you down for a kiss. His lips were gentle, sweet as nectar and you hummed into the kiss, placing a hand on his lower back to keep him close. 

Then Hypnos pulled back with a pleased, mischievous glint in his eyes. “You would have been a little upset if I cut my hair, huh?”

You chuckled, trying to not reveal how sad it would have made you. It was Hypnos’ hair and he could do whatever he wanted but you had grown attached. Often when Hypnos was asleep in your arms, you would play with his hair, letting it curl around your fingers.

“Oh yes, just a little bit of wailing and gnashing of teeth.” You muttered, brushing a stray lock from his cheek. A splash of pink bloomed on his face, and he was unable to hide how pleased he was.

Hopeless, you kissed him again, cupping the back of his head, savoring the way he sunk into your arms. 

Later, you hid the scissors in the one place Hypnos will never search, a forgotten stack of overdue paperwork in the corner of the bedchamber.

[sakuramidnight15]

Unexpected...

(AU Belongs to @rosietrace and @starry-night-rose, members tagging: @fumikomiyasaki @nem0-nee @authoruio @windbornearchon @twsted-princess @hades-eternal and @oseathepebble)

_____________________________________

Certainly, it was another set for the black-haired idol, well a photo shoot with the rest of her members and mentor.

It was rather surprising that the sales were now rising well, but it all thanks to the certain member whose offering rather much too handle much to the manager temper.

But Chizuko already had her turn with dealing with Yuuta, well the kitchen madness alongside with the mess was enough.

"I'll be getting fresh bottles. I'll be right back." The ravenette responded, knowing that the vending machine was outside of the studio.

"Sure. But be back before the shooting." Mayuu answered as Chizuko left.

.

.

.

.

But as soon she went outside near the vending machine, sounds of foot steps had been heard. Although they sounded like boots.

However...

"Oh my... Chu Soyeong? Is that you over there?"

At that moment, everything just stopped. Time has been frozen, she didn't dare to move a single muscle within her body.

She knew...

She already knew who that was behind her back as her eyes turned to see who it was.

"Perhaps... It's been about a couple of years since we've last talk, am I right?"

Replied which it was young elegant man, but apparently was older than Chizuko's age. But however, if looks were to be dangerous... He was now one of them.

"Pa... Park Hyeon....." Chizuko muttered loudly, as if she batted her last but of air that she had to mutter his native name. Then her thoughts began to wonder.

Why... Why... Why out of all people, why is he here with me!?

"Silent tongue as always, I suppose you haven't change a bit... Except your facials has a improve a lot more than before."

"What do you want? I thought you left the stage to work as the heir for your father's company-"

"Taking it slow my dear, but I heard about your... Successful music career."

His words. His voice. Even hearing him speaking her native name. Every last of it. She wanted to shut him up for speaking with her, especially alone outside. But she had to control yourself to not lose it.

"And? Then what about my idol career?"

"It's nice to see someone in the industry like you and your cousin. Anyways, I'm curious of your team as well.."

It was then the ravenette then gripped her bottle, strong enough to be molded but...

"I swear to God above all Hyeon... Come near me or them. I won't even forgive you."

That was all she said as she walked back inside the studio, Shin who remained silent then smiled... Sinisterly.

"...you never changed at all. Haven't you, my dear?"

.

.

.

.

"Chizuko? Are you okay?" Mayuu asked after seeing Chizuko's pale face and was gasping for air.

She really... Doesn't want to see him again.

"...I'm fine... Boss.. Just trouble is all I'm handling..."

_____________________________________

... :|

[send-up-my-heart-to-you]

What if Annabeth died in the Giant War? (5/8)

Pov: Hestia, goddess of the hearth

The son of Poseidon was coming. I could sense his aura, even from the throne room. Zeus had summoned all the Olympians together for a meeting; Apollo and Artemis have been summoned from their prison on Delos, and even Hades was summoned up here. I may not be an Olympian anymore, but I want to make sure no fights break out among my family.

That is my purpose, after all, as the goddess of the home.

"Father," Artemis asked. "What is the meaning of this?"

"Are me and Artemis being freed?" Apollo asked hopefully.

"Yes, Apollo," Zeus answered. "We are in troubled times. Annabeth Chase has-"

"My daughter has fallen in battle." Athena cut in. Her intense gray eyes, red from sorrow, were staring hard at Poseidon. "She has fallen at the hand of Percy Jackson, son of Poseidon."

"It was an accident," Poseidon said angrily. "My son is being destroyed by grief-"

"And that pain will not only destroy him, but it will also push him to destroy us." Zeus cut in, his voice full of authority. "I never warned you before, but my nephew is a dangerous opponent. If he had chosen to be a lesser god last year-"

"He would've destroyed us the instant my daughter released her last breath." Athena finished.

"Just slay him where he stands and get it over with," Ares grumbled. "I don't understand why some troublesome punk is such a big deal."

Poseidon's eyes blazed with anger. "The boy is in mourning. At least try to get him to see reason before annihilating him."

Hades opened his mouth to say something, but suddenly Demeter gasped. She doubled over, coughing.

"Sister?" I asked, alarmed. "What is it?" Demeter looked up, her face pale, ichor dribbling down the corner of her mouth. "A dryad has been killed. She died here, on Olympus."

"He is coming," Hades whispered harshly.

The doors flew open.

A young man stalked in, eyes like the calm before a storm. His clothes were ripped up and covered in dirt, and he had the scent of death clinging to him. He was carrying a dead dryad in his arms, her skin an abnormal shade of pastel greenish yellow. Her eyes were closed, her long black-and-white eyelashes brushing her cheeks.

There was another young man a little ways behind Percy Jackson, one I recognized instantly. He was the first mortal who has ever spoken to me in centuries, and he hadn't even known I was a goddess when he had. He was fiddling nervously with the skull ring on his finger. I guessed that he was here to keep Percy at bay if he went out of control.

"Nico di Angelo. Percy Jackson." I murmured. The two most powerful demigods I have seen for quite some time.

Nico seemed to hear me. "Hello, Hestia."

"I am sorry to hear about your lover, son of Poseidon," I said carefully.

"Oh, you might be. And Athena might be. What of the other gods? Are they sorry?" Percy didn't even glance at me.

"We are, as a matter of fact," Artemis answered. "Annabeth Chase was a marvelous fighter. Her death is a great loss to Camp Half-Blood. I would've loved to have her join my Hunters, but it seems her love for you was strong. She died a warrior's death; one she deserved."

"If she was a marvelous fighter and her death is a great loss, you have to consider that we are at war. Bring her back to me."

"That is not allowed," Zeus said. "Her soul has already passed. She resides in Elysium now. If we bring her back to war, she will be unhappy."

"Unhappy? Unhappy?" Percy roared. Nico flinched. "There are two people in my life that I need, and two people only. Anyone else can die. But if I lose either, I won't be able to continue living."

"Annabeth Chase," I said calmly. "And Sally Jackson."

"I've already been separated from my mother because of you, Hera." He glared at the goddess in question. "Now I lose Annabeth? I won't fight for the Greeks or the Romans if you do not bring her back to me. I will fight against them."

"Percy, don't be irrational. Achilles stopped fighting in the Trojan War, and it led to Patroclus's death." Hephaestus said. "Then that led to Achilles's death."

"I don't care, though, since I am Achilles who stopped fighting so Patroclus can be returned to me. And you think I would mind death?" A maniacal laugh bubbled out of him.

"You would," Hera said. "Your mother... she is pregnant."

Percy froze. The dryad's body fell to the ground as his arms went limp to his sides. "W-What?"

"She's one month now, nearly two. I already let them know. As the goddess of motherhood, I know when one is expecting."

Percy stared in shock for a moment. He fell to his knees and stared into space.

"Percy," Nico said softly. He knelt beside Percy. "Your mother. She cried every day of fear for you. Annabeth too. Paul comforted them both but it didn't help much. I know this because I used to go to her often, to give her updates on you. She needed it, she said. Then Annabeth knew you were in Camp Jupiter, and that gave her and your mother hope. Then your mother found out she was pregnant and was delighted. She kept talking about how great it would be for you to have a younger sister."

Percy didn't seem to hear him. He was looking down, still in shock. Then slowly, he looked up.

His voice was monotonous. "I won't lose my mom or my baby sibling. I won't lose Annabeth. I will bring her back." Water appeared out of nowhere, swirling around us. Fear washed over me, like a cold hand clutching my heart. "Die."

The last thing I saw before I blacked out was the tears forming in Percy's eyes as he walked over to the Ophiotaurus, his sword in hand.

[that-was-anticlimactic]

Hey Corey my theater friend!!! I saw Hadestown today and I thought I’d tell you about the absolute Experience I had

So we get through act one, I am thoroughly in love with Chibueze Ihuoma and Hannah Whitley as Orpheus and Eurydice. (Their dynamic is genuinely so sweet! During Wedding Song Orpheus holds out his hand and Eurydice touches it with one finger and for the rest of the act she literally can’t get her hands off him, and one of the ways they show him falling away from their relationship is that he won’t respond to her touch 😭)

Anyway act 2 starts, Lana Gordon absolutely KILLS Our Lady (istg she held the crack in the wall note for like 30 seconds) and Come Home With Me II makes me cry. Then How Long happens and it’s beautiful, and THEN an announcement comes over the PA:

“Ladies and Gentlemen, we’ll be taking a brief pause in the show. We apologize for the inconvenience and will have updates shortly.”

So I’m like “what,” and everyone around me is like “what,” but my dad and I both have ADHD so we get to talking about other stuff pretty quick- namely that Chibueze’s Orpheus literally has the voice and presence of a Disney princess. AND THEN, the second announcement comes:

“Ladies and gentlemen, your show will resume in just a moment, with J. Antonio Rodriguez playing the role of Orpheus.”

So yeah, we got 2 Orphei for the price of one! J. Antonio was very sweet, and I’d argue he sounded more like Reeve Carney does on the recording, but also oh my god. To the entire cast’s credit they handled the change extremely well- especially Hades, who was the standout for the rest of the show (his kiss the riot gave me chills)!

So yeah I don’t know what else to say about it but I thought I’d send you this ridiculously long ask :)

SOPH SOPH SOPH OMG I SUCK AND FORGOT TO RESPOND BUT I READ THIS A COUPLE OF TIMES BECAUSE I WAS SOOOOOO EXCITED FOR YOU!!!

that sounds SO awesome omg! getting to see two cast members as the same character is always a treat! hope chibueze is/was okay!

and omg the hands,,, it's about. the HANDS. ough.

this sounds SO amazing!!! so so so glad you got to experience this!!! gosh i love hadestown. makes me want to relisten to the whole thing again ijuhgyfcvghjiouygtfcgvh

also love that chibueze had the presence of a disney princess - that is Incredibly iconic, i think <3

[doevademe]

As a prompt: Percy comes back home to find that little Emmy did a makeover to Nico giving him surprisingly well done pigtail buns (like a small bun in each side) and glittery make up on his face, resulting in a brain melt on Percy's part. Since you're going to hit us with angst tsunami these days, I figured I could ask for some fluff, possibly ending with some spice ? Percy s just a simp for any style change Nico makes. Dude's basically a model, can pull off anything. Now I got images of him cosplaying Jojos, pose and all. 🤯 man, think of the potential.

Percy has been used to chaos since before he found out he was a demigod.

When teachers hate you, stuff explodes unexpectedly, and strangers and weird creatures no one notices look at you with scorn and try to kill you all your life, you have to just learn to take it in and work with what you have.

Still, he didn't expect to see his four year old little boy running and hugging him as soon as he opened the door, trembling in fear.

"Da, she got pa! She got pa!" Asher cried, burying his face against Percy's pant leg. "She's coming for me next!"

Percy blinked, his first instinct was to reach for his sword, but he didn't want to scare his son further.

"What happened?" He asked, trying to keep his cool despite the fear gripping at his heart. "What happened to your papa? Where's your sister?"

"In her room!" He wailed, still terrified. "I said no, and pa took my place!"

Percy's panic started to fade as he realized the 'she' that got Nico was none other than their daughter.

"What did she do this time, Ash?" He asked, resisting the urge to laugh at his youngest.

"She asked grandpa for weird paints and brushes, and he brought them today!" He explained, stumbling over his words. "She wanted to use them on me, and, and—"

"So it was Hades," he said, chuckling. "It's okay Ash, you can always say no, your papa and I will stand by you when you do."

He lifted him and sat him down on the couch. He went to the stairs.

"You're going in?!" his son asked, scandalized.

Percy nodded.

"I have to see the damage," he explained. "Emmy might be good at painting on paper, but I doubt your papa makes a good canvas."

Asher just hid on the couch, making Percy roll his eyes. Asher could look a zombie in the eye and order him to dance ballet, but was scared of his sister painting on his face.

He opened the door, expecting to see Nico looking like an art project, with splotches of red, blue and green all over his face.

What he found instead was that Asher really needed to expand his vocubulary.

The 'paint' Hades had bought his little princess had been make up, and the brushes were actual, professional grade, combs and clips. Just what was Hades thinking?

But the biggest surprise was his husband. Despite being 6, Emilia had a good taste in colors and conbinations, having picked colors that accentuated Nico's face (though with excessive amounts of glitter), and a lipstick that made his already full lips look even meatier and shinier. His nails had been done in a dark blue that almost looked black and his hair... gods, his hair had been done in pigtails that just added to the whole picture.

"Hey there," he managed to say stupidly. Nico glared at him.

"Laugh and you'll be going to Father's place," he said, mindful of their daughter's presence, and Percy knew he couldn't tell him how the makeover actually made him feel.

"I would never," he said in a posh voice, making Emilia giggle. "You're the prettiest boy around, Ni!"

"He is, isn't he?" Emilia said in wonder. "Papa said I was too young for this, so I wanted to show him I could do this by trying it on him."

"Turns out, my father is not a complete lunatic," Nico sighed. "Emilia told him she wanted to work on a salon and make people pretty. He made her promise not to use it on herself until she's older."

Percy sighed in relief. Truth was, Nico's makeover was making his mind a little sluggish. He hadn't even considered the implications of a six year old wanting to use makeup.

He turned to his daughter.

"Well, your first job was a success, sweetie," he said honestly. "Your papa looks fantastic!"

Nico grimaced, but nodded all the same.

"If your dad says he likes it, then it must be true," he said. "Besides, I only want to look pretty for him."

Emilia giggled again and hugged him.

"I know that!" she said. "Now can I try on Ashy?"

"No," Percy said at the same time as his husband. He knelt down. "Your brother doesn't want to, and you have to respect that."

"What if I show him how papa turned out? The he'd want to!"

Nico pinched his brow, but nodded.

"You can try," he said. "But remember if he says no, it means no, Emmy."

"I know, papa," she droned before running out of the room, shouting, "Ashy, I'm done! Papa looks so pretty!"

Nico stood up to follow her, only to be caught by Percy, who grabbed his arm and pinned him against the wall.

"Percy, what are you doing?" He hissed, glancing at the door.

"I... may have discovered I have a thing for pigtails," he said, voice husky. "More to grab, you know?"

Nico gulped, his pupils dilating at his husband's suggestion.

"I... I could keep this a little longer..." he muttered.

"The lipstick too?" Percy asked hopefully, fingers wrapping around Nico's belt loops.

"I—"

"Papa!" Emilia cried from the stairs. "Ashy need to see you!"

"Coming!" Nico said, shoving Percy away. Percy sighed in disappointment, but Nico looked at him. "This is father's fault."

Percy blinked.

"What do you mean?" he asked.

"He bought Emilia that salon kit," he said. "So he won't mind the kids staying the night at his palace, maybe dolling him and Persephone up."

Percy got it immediately. He gave Nico a lascivious smirk.

"I love how you think, Love," he said.

"Papa!"

"I'm on my way, Principessa!"

[edupunkn00b]

A Little Bit of Love, Ch. 6: Ne M'oublie Pas

Prev - Ne M'oublie Pas - Next - Masterpost - [ AO3 ]

Ne pleure pas, je reviens, à bientôt, mon amour Ne m'oublie pas, tu me manquera, tous les jours A mon amour...

Don't cry, I will return, see you soon, my love Don't forget me, I will miss you each day My love ... - "Habibi" by Ahead to the Sea

Rated T - CW: Flashbacks (what, edu tell a nonlinear story, wut?), minor swearing - WC: 4354 ---

“Okay, here’s the deal.” Remus grunted as he threw himself onto the red silk coverlet draped over Roman’s bed. He laid back against his brother's mountain of lush pillows, crossing his arms behind his head and stretching out his legs. Roman scowled and shoved him off the bed. He landed on the floor with a shuddering thud, rattling Roman’s swords in their display rack on the wall. Remus threw his head back and laughed, calling through the closed door, “Nothing broke!”

Roman snapped away the greenish brown streaks left behind on his bed from his brother’s filthy boots—when did he walk through muck between here and the common room?—and examined his blades. “Ugh, Re… How in Hades did you manage to get mud all the way over here?” He took down his favorite and turned, summoning a polishing cloth.

Remus grinned at him from his bed, driving his heels into the silk, the mud now an iridescent, oily puce. Roman turned to Lucas, hands splayed in a ‘little help here?’ gesture, only to be met by the former pirate’s snicker. Sighing, he leaned against his writing desk and grit his teeth as he polished the katana. He glared at Remus, only a little fire in his eyes. “You were saying?”

“You know the Imagination is, well”—he waved his hands around the three of them—”our imaginations, right?” With a grin, he waved his fingers at his brother and giggled as he suddenly squirmed, reaching under his bright white tunic and plucking out a wiggling… thing. Roman gagged and flicked the slimy red creature back at Remus. “If we can think it, it’s real.”

He petted the little creature for a moment before vanishing it away with a flick of his wrist. “And the Imagination has memory. That’s how the Dragon Bitch keeps coming back. We don't conjure her… she just… comes back. The memory of her is stitched into the crusty fabric of the Imagination itself.”

Roman rolled his eyes, lowering the katana he’d been polishing. “You really are spending a lot of time with the Microsoft Nerd, aren’t you?” he grumbled. “You’re starting to lecture like him.”

“Something wrong with knowledge, Prince?” Lucas’ voice was quiet but even Roman didn’t miss the flash in his eyes.

“Yeah, anyway, I’m sure our Pocket Protector has a better way to explain it—”

Lucas spoke up again. “The Imagination is composed of a combination of semantic and episodic memory. Not only is it a collection of facts and information about our creations, but it maintains a memory of what we’ve experienced there and our… emotional responses to the stimuli within.

Remus and Roman stared at him with mirrored expressions of surprise. Lucas shrugged, looking pointedly back at them. “Twins, remember?”

Letting out a low wolf whistle, Remus muttered. “Mm-mm, Lukey… You’re lucky I’m taken. Or maybe you’re unlucky,” he added with an eyebrow waggle.

Lucas crossed his arms in front of his chest. “Do you need the shovel speech again, Remus?”

“We’re getting off track, Re,” Roman said, crossing back to the rest of his swords.

“Anyway… if we can revive Habib’s memory in the Imagination… He’ll come back. Just like the Dragon Witch. Just like the snow does every year.” He somersaulted off the edge of Roman’s bed and stared up at Lucas. “The memory is there. There are some things you just can’t forget.”

Roman murmured, “Like riding a bicycle….”

“Actually, that’s more a factor of procedural memory,” Lucas interrupted, adjusting his glasses in a spot-on imitation of Logan.

Remus grinned. “Luc, would you do the honors?”

Lucas nodded and approached the portal. He gripped the door handle and a warm orange light began to spill all around the edges of the red door frame. The glow spread, gradually shifting the entire surface to a deep, rich, orange.

Remus grinned. “Let’s go,” he sang and the Creativitwins followed Lucas through the door to the Imagination.

~~~~~

The entrance to Lucas’ side of the Imagination was vastly different from either Roman’s or Remus’. Where both the Creativitwins’ portals opened to wild parts of their realms, usually fields, meadows, forests, or sometimes to the grounds of their castles, Lucas’ portal led to a long, quiet, marble-tiled hallway. The high-arched ceiling was dotted with evenly spaced lighting fixtures that didn't smoke or drip wax, but still flickered like candles. Tall, curved skylights appeared to be ready to fill the space with light during the daytime, and now provided glimpses of a star-filled sky.

Doors lined either side of the long hallway, each with a small, rectangular label, marked in print too small to see from where they stood. In between the doors, the walls were covered in a soft, creamy amber wallpaper, edged at the bottom with a dark polished maple trim.

The hallway was quiet, even their footfalls against the hard floor somehow muted. The first few doors were small, the wood around the doorknobs worn and faded. The first was labeled ‘Grandma’s,’ then two more in quick succession marked ‘Park’, and ‘School.’ Roman stopped in front of the next door. This door was larger, the wood still highly polished, with a heavy brass doorknob. He leaned in to read the tiny print on the label.

“Library?” Roman asked, turning to Lucas. He nodded and looked at the floor.

Remus stepped closer, caressing the surface of the door. He leaned his cheek against it in an almost eavesdropping posture. He looked at Lucas with a watery smile. “Do you ever visit here?”

He shook his head. “It didn’t feel right to.”

“Me neither,” Remus muttered, facing the door again. Roman furrowed his brow, looking between the two.

“I don’t understand. What—what’s—”

Lucas suddenly straightened, clapping his hands together. “Well, let’s keep going. We won’t get there standing in the hallway lollygagging.” He marched ahead, waving the twins forward. “C’mon, this way….”

Several doors down, they stopped. Lucas opened the door with a dramatic flourish worthy of the Creativitwins themselves and pushed them through the narrow doorway. Roman slowed just long enough to read the label on this door. “Museum? You have a flippin’ mu—”

His jaw fell open and he stumbled to a stop at the sight before them. Inside the room was a replica of the main rotunda at the American Museum of Natural History. At one end stood the creepy wax statue of Roosevelt atop his taxidermied horse, at the other, a giant wall mural stretched out above their heads. Roman squinted up at the mural, over which someone—presumably Lucas—had spray-painted new figures and words over several of the scenes. The center of the hall was filled with giant battling dinosaur fossils. “You have a whole museum in here?”

“Yeah, Ro Bro, it’s bigger on the—”

Roman interrupted him, stabbing a finger into his chest. “I swear to Hera! Remus, if you make a Doctor Who reference I might just lose it!” Remus cackled in response.

“So which way, Cap’n?” he asked, winking at Lucas.

He pointed to the stairs. “We need to go up to the fifth floor.”

“There’s no fifth floor of the Museum of Natural History.” Lucas and Remus both stared at him. “What? I can’t know things?” He rolled his eyes. “Thomas has a scale model Lego set for this place, remember?”

Remus flung his arm around Roman’s shoulders and squeezed, striding off toward the stairs, his sputtering brother in tow. “I guess the nerdiness runs deep, huh, Ro Bro?”

“Onward and upward. The real Museum may not have five floors, but my museum certainly does.” Lucas grinned, sidling past the twins as Roman tried to wiggle out from under Remus�� arm. “Thirteen, in fact.” He looked over his shoulder, grin growing. “Race you!”

The three pounded up the stairs, finally arriving at the fifth floor, breathing heavily. “Beat you!” Remus crowed, shoulder checking his brother.

“In your own imagination, Re!” Roman pouted. “You cheated!”

“Boys…” Lucas called from the open doorway. “Don’t you want to see what’s in here?” They both stepped closer and were awed into silence. “Or should I say, ‘out here?’”

The trio stepped through the doors and breathed in salty air. Rough wooden floorboards creaked as a giant three-mast marauder ship rocked gently beneath their feet. The sails whipped in the wind, punctuating the rush of the waves slapping against the hull. Roman looked up at a sky filled with stars as a cool breeze mussed his hair. “H—how?” He turned to Lucas. “You fit a whole ship in a museum… in a hallway. It—it really is bigger on the inside.”

“Tried to tell ya’ Ro Bro.” Remus leapt onto the railing and sat, kicking his legs and letting his heels bang against the wooden hull.

“Remus, get down from there! We’re in the blasted Imagination. You could get hurt!”

Rolling his eyes, he jumped down. Linking arms with his still slightly-stunned brother, Remus grinned at Lucas. “So. Is this where you first met?”

“This is where Habib first met me.” He pointed to the front of the ship. “We were on bow watch together.” As he spoke, two shadowy figures appeared at the other end of the ship. The shorter wore a scarf around his head and a long oilcloth coat. The taller gripped a moth-bitten wool blanket, pulling it up over his head and around his shoulders, his plain blue trousers and a billowy black shirt peeking out from underneath. Both men were barefoot. “It was raining.”

The ship’s deck strobed, suddenly illuminated by a quick succession of lightning streaking overhead. The figures at the bow of the ship were getting drenched, but the three Sides were somehow protected. A clap of thunder made the figures on bow watch jump, the shorter recovering first and laughing, clapping the other on the back at his strong reaction.

The taller stepped back, shouting, the orange glow of his eyes visible from the other end of the ship. The shorter waved a hand dismissively, shaking his head and resuming their sisyphean task of seeking out other ships through the buckets of rain the skies dumped down on them and the periodic, blinding lightning shooting across the sky.

The taller figure hung his head, clinging to the blanket around his shoulders.

“I didn’t know what I was supposed to do yet,” Lucas said. “It hurt too much to stay in the Subconscious for long. And after our split, I was a secret. I… hadn’t yet figured out how to… pour any of what I was feeling out into the stories. I didn't even create this… The entire ship was a… a borrowed story.”

“This was one of mine,” Remus murmured, running his hand over the tentacles carved in the underside of the railing.

Lucas nodded, watching the pair on bow watch. After a while, the shorter slid a little closer to the one shivering under the blanket. He reached into an inner pocket of his coat, retrieving a small flask that glinted in the next lightning strike. He uncapped it, took a swig, and offered it to the taller pirate. He took a careful sip, passing it back with a small nod.

“Habib recognized the hurt and scared stray underneath all my bluster.” He smiled sadly, tears tracing his cheeks. “And he gave me a shot.” Lucas took off his glasses and scrubbed at his face as Remus squeezed his shoulder with a little smile.

“You said this was when Habib first met you.” He raised an eyebrow. “Does that mean you saw Habib before this?” Lucas covered Remus’ hand and nodded, not taking his eyes off of Habib and his old self at the bow, now quietly speaking together. “Will you take us there?”

“I…” Lucas sighed shakily, hanging his head. “I don’t have a room for it.”

“So let’s make one,” Remus grinned and snapped his fingers. The three Sides found themselves in an open, grassy field.

“Oi! Kraken!” Lucas laughed.

Roman raised an eyebrow, “Kraken?”

“You had to be there,” Remus chuckled. “No, really, you shoulda been there.”

“Re, how did you bring us here from my Imagination.”

“Like you said, the ship was mine. Apparently still is.” He shrugged his shoulders. “I didn’t actually think it would work.”

“Hm.” Lucas steepled his hands in front of his mouth, looking around the field. “I wonder if that would work with anything ‘borrowed’ from another’s realm. Like a virtual escape hatch.”

“This is all very interesting, Re, but we’re about to lose Mirrorverse Spock over here.” Roman raised his hands in a huff at the long grasses surrounding them, gently undulating in the warm breeze. “How does this help?”

“Close your eyes,” Remus said, letting his own lids fall shut. A soft smile spread across his face.

Roman and Lucas exchanged a wary glance but reluctantly followed his lead. As soon as they did, they felt the pull. All three opened their eyes and pointed to the same spot a few hundred yards away from them.

“Let’s go.”

Together, they trudged through the wild grasses, some patches tall enough to reach up past their knees. As they walked, flowers bloomed in their wake. Roman was awed into an uncharacteristically stunned silence and brushed his hand over the top of the grass they passed. A smile splashed across his face as the grasses burst into a flurry of blooming petals.

“Where are we?” He turned around, gaze following the spreading path of flowers trailing behind them. “We’re all doing it, look.”

“It appears we can all create here,” Lucas murmured, watching Remus lick his lips and conjure an angry looking scorpion behind Roman’s back. Roman spotted the direction of Lucas’ gaze and turned around, batting away the arachnid just as Remus had released it to fall on his head.

“Remus!” Roman roared, reaching for his katana.

Laughing, Remus leapt backwards, “It wasn’t actually venomous!” He grinned, “It was just meant to look ike it was!”

“I think we’re here. Re? You had a plan?”

“Yep. Lie down.” Remus spread out his arms and face planted into the grass, flowers blooming all around him. He sat up almost immediately, chest heaving and eyes wide, reaching for the others with trembling hands.

“Re?” Roman’s brow furrowed and Lucas crouched next to him.

“Just… shut up, Ro Bro, and hold my hand.” He blinked up at Roman, shaking hand outstretched.

“Okay, okay,” Roman soothed, grasping his hand, feeling the tremor calm at the contact. They both looked at Lucas, who turned and laid on his back, reaching for each of their other hands. They laid together, watching the clouds float in the bright blue sky above them. All around them, the grass bloomed into wildflowers of all kinds—stripes and swirls of blue-eyed grass and red poppies and violet pinewood lilies blending and crashing into patches of winking milkvine blossoms, yellow daisies, cornflowers, and marigolds.

They lay there a long time without speaking, Remus’ breath sounding less laboured with each passing minute. Finally, he whispered, squeezing their hands. “Poppies taste bad.”

“No shit, Re. They’ll fucking kill you,” Lucas blurt out, starting to sit up to get a better look at Remus’ face. Roman jerked up and faced his brother, staring and speechless.

“Yeah. I know.”

Roman glared at his brother, face softening only when he spotted the tears gathering in the corners of his eyes. “Later, Ro, okay?” Remus tugged them both back down and let out a low sigh. “Tell us about Habib, Luc.”

He was quiet for a while. Finally, he spoke, his voice softer than either twin had ever heard it. “Habib was the very first figment I saw in the Imagination.” Lucas inhaled the sweet scent of the flowers surrounding them and closed his eyes. A lazy bee hovered over a blossom just a short distance away, and Lucas felt the thrumming vibrations of its wings beat across his skin. “Right after the split, Janus brought me to the Imagination. It was dark.”

The sky over their heads changed color, shifting from its bright blue, darkening into a reddish purple and finally a star-studded inky black, moving from noon to dusk in a few heartbeats.

“Quickly, quickly… Before the others notice I’m gone.” Self-Preservation had held the shaking Side’s hand. He'd known the Others couldn’t know about him. Not yet. Not before… “What will you tell them?” he'd whispered, pushing his glasses up his face. Self-Preservation turned away, face crumpled into a grimace. “I look just like him, don’t I?” “You were him.” “No… No, not really.” He pulled Self-Preservation to a stop, forcing him to turn and face him. “I’m not him. As much as you may want me to be. I have his memories, I know how close you—” “I don’t know what you’re talking about—” Self-Preservation suddenly paled and gasped, holding his hand against his chest. “What is it? Were you summoned? I didn’t feel it…” the other Side said quickly, turning Self-Preservation’s chin to look into his warm brown eyes. “It’sss nothing, I’m sssure.” He had winced again, holding his breath for a moment before slowly exhaling. “We need to keep going.” “But where?”

“We walked all through the night, just past the outer edges where your realms meet. Just beyond the village on the outskirts of your old castle, Re.”

“Old castle?” Roman asked.

“Not now, Ro,” Remus growled. “Go on, Luc.”

“Janus stayed with me while I created a little house and a portal to let him back into the Subconscious. After he'd left, I turned around and Habib was there, in forest. Gathering mushrooms.” As they spoke, a mist poured in from the edge of the horizon, swirls of amber, red, and green rolling over the border of the field where they lay. Slowly, the tips of evergreens began to poke through the mist, stretching up into the sky.

“What about your museum and… and that hallway? All those rooms.”

The mist thinned in one spot, and a stone cottage peeked through. It was sturdy, with a solid, tile roof and thick mortared walls. But the windows were dark and the heavy-looking wooden door firmly shut.

“Back then, there were only a handful of rooms I’d—well, we’d created by then.”

“Like The Library?” Roman guessed. Lucas nodded with a frown. “You created that when you were Curiosity.”

Lucas shook his head. “No, it’s more like… I can remember when Curiosity created it. But he wasn’t really me yet… or I wasn’t really him…”

“Like how you feel about Romulus, Ro,” Remus whispered. “Like you can remember what we did, but…”

“But like it happened to someone else.” He squeezed Remus’ hand a little tighter.

Lucas nodded again. “I think it’s different for Re… and for Logan.” He looked away, “Well, it would be if I hadn’t taken that from him.”

“We need you. He needs you.” Self-Preservation’s voice was high and tight and his hands shook as he paced the floor in his small home. “Now.” They slipped through the Portal together and raced down the byzantine halls toward Self-Preservation’s room. He stopped short just outside Self-Preservation's. Next to the burnt orange entrance to his own room was a new door. A familiar but now faded green door stood across the hall from the existing yellow and indigo doors. “No,” he whispered, brushing his hand down the cracked green paint. “No!” he turned to Self-Preservation, eyes glowing. "He can't have!" Self-Preservation nodded. “Please,” his voice cracked as he opened the door and ushered him into the room. Once inside, they sunk down and appeared in the Core Mindscape common room. It looked like a warzone. The couch had been ripped apart, covers torn from the cushions, springs yanked from the wooden frame underneath. The floor-to-ceiling blinds had been ripped from their track, and the patio door was shattered, glittering pieces of glass dusted the carpet. The television had been ripped from the wall and thrown out into the Mindscape yard. Coffee table smashed, the books, board games, and art supplies ordinarily so carefully organized and stored underneath, now lay scattered around the floor. He stepped through the rubble, his new boots landing on the spine of half a torn paperback. He bent to pick it up and let out a small cry. ‘ The Murder of Roger Ackroyd.’ “Curi—Logic? Where are you?” Self-Preservation called out. He picked up a fallen lamp, testing the switch. Two of the bulbs were broken, but one cast a sad, weak light across the destruction. A shadow moved under the table. “Logic?” Self-Preservation slowly approached, the Other Side right behind him. He crouched down with a gentle smile. “Hello, Logic.” The Other Side could see the tears glistening in Self-Preservation’s eyes. He was certain Logic could, as well. “Don’t call me that,” an impossibly small voice whispered from under the table. “This wasn’t logical. Just call me Logan.” Self-Preservation sucked in a breath and clamped his lips together. The Other Side reached for his shoulder and felt him shake beneath his grip. Self-Preservation slowly exhaled and somehow smiled. “Logan.” Shining amber eyes cast sharp shadows across the Logical Side’s features. “Logan, are you hurt?” He moved closer and they could both see the blood dripping down his arms and onto his pants and the floor. “Let me help you, please.” He reached for Logan’s hand but the Logical Side was faster and kicked at him with both feet, scuttling away and leaping up, shouting, “No, don’t touch me, stay away from me, all of you! Leave me—” “Even me?” the Other Side spoke quietly but his voice halted Logan’s rage mid-sentence. “Do you remember me, Logan?” Logan shook his head, frozen in place, staring at the Side who looked so very much like himself. “Logan, my name is Lucas. Will you take my hand?” He smiled and offered his hand, fingers relaxed, palm up. As though pulled by a string, Logan’s hand lifted and he took Lucas’ hand. The moment they touched, his eyes rolled back in his head and Self-Preservation barely had time to catch him before he fell.

Lucas sighed, looking up at the stars. “It’s my fault he forgot you, Remus.” He craned his neck, turning to meet Remus’ eyes. “In order to make him forget the rage at your banishment… I had to take away the love, too.”

“But he figured it out, Luc. He always did,” Remus whispered, his mustache dancing over his watery smile. “You couldn’t take it away.”

“I know. Every time it all came back. I kept taking his anger… and taking everything else, his love for you and, eventually, for Janus, too…” Lucas closed his eyes.

Lucas rose up in the shadows in Janus’ room and was stunned by what he saw. Janus, debonair, smooth, Janus, sat on the floor, crying. Lucas almost didn’t have the courage to speak, to reveal his presence, to let on that he’d glimpsed Janus in such a vulnerable state. But he had to know. "How is he?," Lucas burned with the rage he’d pulled from Logan that night. Swirled and mixed within it was his twin’s desperate attempt to hold on to the memories, to hold on to the one who’d summoned him there in the first place. He reached for Janus’ shoulder but before he could touch him and offer what little comfort he could, he jerked away. Lucas couldn’t blame him. "Fuck, don't scare me like that," Janus had hissed. Lucas put on his own mask, not wanting his hurt to make Janus feel even worse. "He'ss fine." Janus mumbled, the warble in his voice and soft hiss on his ‘s’ told Lucas he didn’t believe his own words. "He doesn't remember." Janus choked on another sob and Lucas lifted his hand in the dark, reaching for one of the only Sides who bothered to acknowledge his presence, let alone even knew he existed. Seeing the pain wrapped around the Protective Side, he was desperate to give him any sort of relief. Unable to lie even a bit in Janus’ room, all Lucas could offer was platitudes. "He's not who he used to be, you know," he said. "That's the whole point of this." Janus pierced him with tear-filled eyes. "And are you still you?" The other shrugged. Lucas wasn’t sure who he was. Curling into a ball, Janus hugged his knees against his chest. "Will he..." Janus’ voice was a tiny whisper. "Will he... ever remember me? Or did you take that, too?" Lucas shook his head. The truth was, he didn’t know. It hadn’t happened this way before. Logan always seemed to eventually remember Remus again, or felt drawn to him and, every time, the varying shades of his love bloomed like a perennial. Stripping Logan’s heart of what he felt for Janus was new. Lucas wasn’t sure what was going to happen. They were beginning to strip away core parts of the Side formerly known as Curiosity. Eventually, they would hit bone. But Janus knew that. He didn’t need Lucas to remind him. Janus turned away from him, away from the one slowly cutting away pieces of one of the Sides he loved the most. Lucas watched him try to compose himself, wiping away his tears, pretending none of his pain was real. Lucas stood, and straightened his clothes, keeping his hands far from his necktie. He’d long since learned to avoid fixing that in front of Janus or Remus. Just before he sank out of Janus’ room, he tried to offer the only bit of hope he could without outright lying. "This is just until he's stable, right? Perhaps it won't be forever."

“I was able to burn off the anger here in the Imagination… I finally learned how to create my own stories. But the love….”

Roman sat up and stared at Lucas. “But the love you poured into a figment.”

“I hadn’t intended to.” He choked out a laugh. “I wasn’t trying to recreate the Pygmalion myth. Habib just sort of… drew it out of me.” As he spoke, a light flickered to life inside the cottage at the edge of the field. Remus stared at it. “Maybe it’s all in his name. My Habibi.” Lucas’ voice was nearly musical when he spoke his name. “Did you know Habibi means 'Beloved' in Arabic?”

A broad smile spread across Roman’s face. “Like the song.”

Lucas sang under his breath and Remus smiled as he watched the lights glow brighter in the little cottage.

Ne pleure pas, je reviens, à bientôt, mon amour Ne m'oublie pas, tu me manquera, tous les jours A mon amour...

A mon amour, à moi—

He bolted upright, the next verse dying on his lips. “I’m being summoned.”

“So are we.” Roman’s brow furrowed and then his jaw dropped. “Oh, shit! Thomas’ rehearsal! Could it be four o’clock already?”

Remus shrugged. “Time gets weird here.” He leapt to his feet and summoned a portal. “Wait—” he turned to Lucas. “Who’s summoning you?”

Face grown pale, Lucas murmured, “Patton.” He rushed through the portal, dragging Roman and Remus behind him. “We need to get back.”

taglist: @mavenmush @melaniidarling @braingoburr @lunatatic @demon9980 @crossiantgay @psychedelicships @justmeandmygayships @ts-creator-boost @bluerosesbleedred @tsfanficarchive @gothybubby @rottingarts

[mirkwoodshewolf]

The first sign; Jack Kline x reader

*Author’s note*

Hey guys well it’s been awhile since I updated my Rock angel series and for good reason too because here is where things get DARK!! As you’ll see in the taglist below I’ve started putting trigger warnings cause in this part it involves stalking, dog attacks (some people fear dogs so I wanted to be respectful). Now the next chapter after this will REALLY be insane so I hope you all buckle up cause you’re in for one hell of a ride.

Also face cast for Steve I put the gif for Joe Keery, and for the Rock Angel’s manager just look up actor James Woods (aka Hades from Hercules).

Taglist:

@plethora-of-things​

@waddles03​

@psychosupernatural​

@ixchel-9275​

@simonedk​

@jd-johndeacon-or-jackdaniels​

@queendeakyy​

@queen-paladin​

@queensdivas​

@wormzteef​

@geek-and-proud​

@starswin​

@onebigfangirlworld​

@dj-lowkey​

@naturalswifty89​

@isabella-bby​

@bohemiansweede​

@5sos-wdw​

@labessieisallama​

_______________________________________________________

Everyone thinks it won’t happen to me, that I’m immune to such evil.  No one thinks they’ll ever experience such a thing but you’d sadly be lying, or in complete denial.  At least everyone goes through this type of evil at one point in their lives.  And for celebrities, it’s a living hell because the world will only watch with a bucket of popcorn and enjoy your pain and suffering.

The only ones you can depend on are your family.  And don’t ever say they wouldn’t understand because they will.  Had I not told my family about what was going on—you know what fuck it they were forced into this.  But even so if they didn’t know what was going on, this part of my story would’ve ended very, very, very, very differently.

*2 months after the tribute concert*

I hadn’t slept in a week.  I was exhausted with trying to put the final touches on my tribute album for Freddie.  My manager James Woods was really putting the heat on me with trying to get this album up so that I could ring in the money for him.  Wait first let me backup just a tick and explain some things first.

When I first transferred out of EMI and went to Hollywood Records, my manager at the time was a man known as Desmond Roberts.  He was a generous, kind man who saw my potential as a female musician and like Miami, pushed me to do my best.  He was a family man as well; at the time he had become a grandfather for the first time at the age of 52.

But earlier this year he had to retire because it was by law of the company that all representatives must retire by the age of 65. With that my new manager was his young and vibrant VP James Woods.  James is—well let’s just say he’d make a better car salesman than a recording manager.

A man born and bred in the heart of Boston, he’s the kind of man who sees his own vision and wants other people to execute it for him. Hell he’s even been pressuring me to go more into Pop music as that is the rising fame of music now.  Artists like Madonna, Gwen Stefani, rising star Christina Aguilera, and Mariah Carey.  He wanted to push me to going in their direction.

But I reminded him of my original contract that I signed on between Miami and Desmond.  That my image was to never, ever, ever under any circumstances be changed. Yes he even tried to make me change my stage name into the Spicy Angel (yeah that didn’t sit right with me).

To put it frank—my current manager is a stubborn, two-headed, forked-tongue, snake in the grass.  Sleezy, and can make some vulgar comments either towards me or some of my roadies.

But the one step he took too far was when he hired his own nephew to be my PA (he claimed that he was trying to help out his sister). At first I was against it but with that pleading and begging persuasionistic tone of his, for some reason I ended up agreeing and his nephew Steve Harrison became my new PA.

Steve Harrison.  He was the same age as Jack, had deep brown eyes, a fairly handsome face, but his crown jewel was his hair.  He always bragged and fussed about his hair.  Brown and fluffed up beyond anything, like cotton candy.  Silky and moosed to no end.  Wow and I thought I was bad when it came to doing my air before a show.

Now Steve definitely knew his way around the recording station.  Made sure that every song I recorded sounded to perfection, always sought to my every need, ensured that for upcoming tours I was given updates on the schedule, and he even took my calls and wrote them down for me.  He kept his work profession throughout all of 1991.

But when the summer of 92 came around, things began to change.

As I said before, I hadn’t slept a week.  The Freddie Mercury tribute album was taking longer than the company expected.  That’s because I wanted to make sure every song, especially the cover ones that Fred had given me legal rights to do, were perfect.

I was at the controls listening to my version of Somebody to love when the door opened behind me.

“I would’ve thought her royal highness would’ve gone home?”

“Perfectionists never stop. I learned that from the best group of men I know.” He took the empty seat next to me and presented me with a cup of coffee.  I softly thanked him and went back to listening to my song.

When the last vibrato rang out on the word ‘love’, Steve sighed and said.

“It’s beautiful.”

“It’s shit!” I complained. “God why did he give me such responsibility to do these songs I-I-I—not I’m even worthy to do his songs. At least not without him.”

“This version is the best. Better than I’ve ever heard it been played. In fact……I think you’re better than Freddie Mercury.” I snapped my head towards him.

“Freddie Mercury was and will always be a genius. His voice is unlike any other performer’s and his style of writing will forever go down in music history as the best damn thing the world will ever know! So don’t you ever say that someone is better than him. Especially me!” I shot up from the chair, it rolled back and slammed against the wall and I turned towards the wall with my arms crossed over my chest, and breathed heavily trying to calm down.

“I—I’m sorry. I was just speaking my opinion. I—didn’t know how much you cared about him. He…..must’ve really meant something to you.” He spoke softly.

“More than you’ll ever know.” I muttered as I fingered the bracelet Fred gave me as a birthday gift. “And I’m sorry Steve I—I didn’t mean to shout. I’m……just exhausted and stressed. With your uncle—”

“Hey, I get it. Uncle James can be a real pain in the ass at times.” I turned towards him and saw him standing a few inches away from me. “Hell one time when I was 16, I had asked him if I could take his mustang for a test drive and he told me ‘kid you so much as even leave a fingerprint you’re as dead as a doornail and I don’t care if you’re my nephew’.” The two of us laughed at his uncle’s impersonation.

“And I thought I was the only one with a douche uncle.”

“Oh trust me, you think he’s demanding at work? You should see him round the holidays.” I softly laughed.  That’s when I felt his finger slightly graze against the back of my palm.

My heart stopped and that’s when I noticed that he had gotten a little closer to me.  Closer and closer his face came but I quickly got out of his way and said.

“Excuse me, I gotta sign off this track and ship it off by tomorrow morning.” I grabbed Steve’s chair and went straight back into my work.  As I was fiddling around with the switches and buttons, I could feel that he was standing right there beside me.  I tried to ignore him and focus on my work but his lingering presence grew too much.

Like a moth to the flame.  Silent but fluttering around too close.

I turned to say something to him, that’s when his lips suddenly crashed with mine.  My eyes widened and my body froze for a moment before my brain snapped back into reality.

I pushed him away and slapped him across the face. Standing up and my chest heaving in so many mixed emotions, but the one main emotion going out about me was anger.

“What the fuck Steve!? Why did you do that!? You know I’m happily married and have children!”

“I—I’m sorry I just…..I’ve always been a fan of yours and I just….I’m sorry. Please don’t tell my uncle. You know as well as I do what he’s like. He’ll beat me to a pulp if he finds out. Please Angel I beg of you, don’t tell him.” His eyes going fearful and tears shined at the corner of his eyes.

I wish I could say that I told him that I was going to rat him out, have him fired even but—I didn’t.  He’s right I did know what it was like to have an abusive uncle.  Now while my uncle never really touched my physical, he did have his temper and would throw things at me just barely missing me (that mostly happened when he was on the bottle).

“Only if you promise me you won’t do shit like that again. And never speak of this to anyone.”

“I promise. Cross my heart and hope to die.” He said as he crossed his heart with his finger.  I narrowed my eyes at him and grabbed my purse.

“Take the day off tomorrow. Then come back on Monday to work. Professionally.” I emphasized the last word and he nodded and I walked out without another word.

I wish I could take it all back.  That I had fired him right then and there, if I had then what would eventually come, wouldn’t have happened.  Or at least not gotten to the scale that it did get to.

*3 weeks after the kiss*

I was on the Late Show with David Letterman doing a television interview about the upcoming album as well as my tour coming later in the year.

“So Rock Angel your upcoming album ‘Fly High Mercury’ is said to be unlike your previous albums is that right? It also was the one that also took you the longest to make correct?”

“Yes it is.”

“Care to explain?”

“Well as you can tell by the title this is a tribute album to Freddie Mercury.” The audience applauded.  I nodded and swallowed a lump in my throat.  “Some of the songs are what I’ve written but another half of them are Queen songs that Freddie himself gave me legal rights to make a cover to. In fact they were some of my favorites.”

“Now how long did it take you to make this album?” David asked me.

“Well the songs I did, took roughly a couple of months but when—Freddie passed away I took a few months off to grieve and then as you all may have seen I was a part of the tribute concert so in total almost ten months.”

“Wow ten months.” I nodded. “And you said Freddie gave you the rights to some of Queen’s songs to cover?”

“Yes.”

“How did it feel to have that kind of pressure on you?”

“I’ll be honest it was tough. How-how do you compete with someone like Freddie Mercury? His voice and musical talents were unlike anything anyone’s ever seen or will ever see most likely. And when he asked me to do some of Queen’s works, particularly the songs he himself had written, I felt like I was going up against goliath and I was David. But—Fred has his reasons for why he does what he does, and—he must’ve felt like I could help embrace his memory further by introducing a new audience to some of Queen’s work, especially their earliest songs.” The crowd applauded.

“Well said, well said. Freddie will truly be forever missed. When we come back we have Kurt Russel joining us and then after that the Rock Angel will perform one of her hit songs from her recent album Fly High Mercury which is now available in stores. The Rock Angel (Y/n) Kline everybody!” the crowd applauded and David and I shook hands with each other as his theme song played us out on the commercial break.

I went backstage to change out from my black sequin interview dress and into some regular but dressy performance clothes.  A black leather jacket, a white blouse, tight jeans, and some high-heeled black boots.

“Oh angel.” I internally groaned.  Speak of the devil.  James Woods soon came into my dressing room without a single care in the world (he’s lucky I’ve learned to do quick changes otherwise we’d have a problem). “Now darling please remind me again why you’ve declined Donald Trump’s hotel gig? He’s offered plenty of money for your performance especially since it’s his son’s birthday that day.”

“When I went to talk to him he also made me an offer I simply had to refuse.” I shuddered. “He’s a pig and an upright asshole with no respect for anyone but himself and his precious hotel business. God help us if he ever becomes President.”

“Fine. Instead of adding to the profit we would’ve gotten from this, we’ll take it out of your next pay how bout that?” I glared at him.

“You really wanna go toe to toe with me regarding money? Go ahead. Just know I’ve got the best lawyers in all of London on my side and they’ve been good to me for 10 years. So you better pucker your lips and do some serious arse kissing to the judge because they’ve won every. Single. Case I’ve ever had to do. From false stories to paparazzi stalking.” I stared him down even though I only came up to his chest.

Even through those cold, greedy eyes of his, I saw that he was afraid.

“Ahh court cases are a waste of time and a waste of profit. Now go on out there and give them a show baby cakes.”

“Never call me baby cakes.” I trudged out of my dressing room with my red special in hand and headed back towards the stage to sing my song.

After the show ended, I was back in my hotel room in Manhattan.  I had just gotten done with my shower and soon coming into the room was Jack with some late night takeout.

“Chinatown special for the Rock Angel.” I smiled and splayed myself across the bed as he came toward me with the food.

“Mmm room service and a cute delivery boy. I am one lucky girl.”

“Well then Mrs. Kline, do I get a special tip for my services?” Jack played along with a grin.  I smirked and placed my hand on the back of his head and brought his lips towards mine.  His hands soon came to my waist as we separated but I kissed him again.  Jack hummed in surprise. “A double tip? Well then, guess I need to be the delivery boy more often.” I giggled and took my food out of the bag.

“But serious babe, thanks for getting the food.”

“Hey no problem, anything for my beautiful rock star. I know that with your schedule firing back up, you don’t have time for a normal meal like we did before.”

“Did you call your mom about the kids?”

“Yep. Kids are safe and healthy. Well Little Jack had a slight fever but he was better within a day thanks to mama’s secret chicken noodle soup. I know that thing saved my life as a kid.”

“Well then she better……” a knock was soon heard at the door. Jack and I looked at each other confused.  He stood up from the bed and answered the door.  I held my robe tighter around me and soon I heard the door slam shut and Jack soon came in with a bouquet of a dozen roses.  “Did you order those?”

“Nope. But I’ve got a feeling who did.” He turned as he glared to the room opposite of our suite.

Well of course I told Jack about the kiss.  I know what it’s like to have been cheated on so there was no way in fucking hell I was gonna keep this a secret from Jack.  As you can see he has not taken it well, in fact he’s grown very angry and jealous when Steve gets mentioned.

“Let me see the card.” He tossed the bouquet down on the bed. I sent him a glare and went to pick the card out and I opened it up.  And low and behold it was from Steve.  Even though it didn’t have his name on it, I recognized his handwriting anywhere.  He wrote.

Fabulous performance (as always).  A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.

Your secret admirer and #1 fan

“You should’ve fired him.”

“Oh so you’re saying this is my fault!?” I snapped.

“No that’s not what I’m saying!” Jack snapped back at me. “I just…..” he exhaled deeply trying to release his anger. “I don’t trust him anymore. Not after what he did. In fact ever since he’s kissed you he’s been sending you a lot of stuff. The flowers, your favorite German chocolates, he even gave a teddy bear to our daughter! I’m telling you something about him now is just……” I walked up to him and embraced him.

“I know love, I know. I don’t feel comfortable around him too. But—he is James’ nephew and unfortunately he wants his sister to get off his back with this favor.”

“That shouldn’t matter! If he makes you uncomfortable you should just fire him and not even worry about what that sales talker of a manager tells you.” He is right.  It shouldn’t have to go on like this but unfortunately the business world isn’t on my side when it comes to choosing my PA’s, I was thankful enough to keep my touring roadies and not get some rookies or 40 year old perverts who get high or drunk.

“The likes of a woman in a men’s workforce. I wish I could Jack but I can’t. Legally anyways. Look I’m exhausted right now can we please just go to bed?”

“Alright. But we will come back to this. (Y/n) I’m only stressed about this because I don’t want to lose you. What if—”

“Hey!” I put my finger of his lips. “Don’t you dare think like that. I know celebrities are always the first to die when it comes to crazed fans. But I swear to you Jack Kline, I will not be one of those singers to die at the hands of a so called ‘fan’. I’m your lioness.”

“And no one can break you down.” We pressed our forehead together and just stayed like that for a good long moment.  I then softly kissed him and went to change out of my robe into my nightdress.  Jack stripped down to his boxers and we put our takeout in the mini-fridge by the bed and turned off the lights before cuddling close together.

*September 8th, 1992*

It was Kelly’s first day of 1st grade.  Jack and I couldn’t believe that our little girl was on her way to 1st grade.  Of course to me it was the first day of primary school but still it was a big day for her.  So Jack and I were sure to be there to see her off but sadly both of us had a long day today so we couldn’t go pick her up.

I was busy prepping for my upcoming tour while Jack got backed up with the car dealership.  But thankfully Jack’s cousin Jared (who was working a case at the time) volunteered to go pick Kelly up after school.  Now this school was at the top with their security, only those who were approved by the Parent or Guardian could pick up the child (which was good with us).

So Jack and I made sure to list the family members down in order so we went from Kelly Kline, Misha Kline, Roger Taylor, Brian May, John Deacon, and Jared and Jensen Walker as the adults to pick Kelly Kline up from school should Jack and I not be available.

It was late in the afternoon, around 3:30ish and I was talking with my tour manager Phillipe about where each performance was gonna take place when the phone suddenly rang.  One of the assistants answered it and she said.

“Hollywood Records how may I help you?” there was a pause and suddenly her voice went frantic. “Whoa, whoa, whoa wait a minute slow down. Slow down who are you wanting to talk to?” I turned to her confused. “Okay hold on I’ll get her,” she turned to me and said as she held the phone close to her breast, “Mrs. Kline someone wants to speak to you. Says his name is Jared Walker.” I immediately shot up and took the phone and said frantically.

“Jared what’s happened?”

‘I-I-I-I went to pick Kelly up like I said I would, but when I got there they had said you had already sent approval of someone else to come get her!’

My heart stopped.  They say it’s every parent’s worse nightmare come true, but it’s never fully real until it happens to you.

I dropped the phone as Jared’s voice echoed through the speakers calling out my name.

“CALL THE POLICE! CALL JACK! CALL KELLY’S SCHOOL! CALL ANYONE!!” I screamed frantically.

The search for my daughter was—one of the worst things I ever had to go through.  Just who in the hell would know where exactly her school was? Not only that but who got my approval to sign off for her release?

I was frantic to the bone.  I kept pacing with anxiety as every fiber of my being was buzzing with all kinds of emotions.  Jack and Jared tried their best to calm me down but I wasn’t going to be calm till I had my baby in my arms.

After an hour and a half grueling search, the home phone suddenly rang.  I went up to the phone and answered it.

“Hello?!” there was silence at the end of it for awhile till finally his voice came up.

‘Lose your little cub?’ my eyes narrowed and now only rage filled my body.

“Where is she Steve?” I sneered.

‘Just meet me by the spot where the first action sequence of Terminator 2 was shot.’ Then the line went dead.  I hung up the phone, grabbed my keys and dragged Jared by the arm towards my car and we raced down the highway.

When we arrived at Bull Creek, I told Jared to stay in the car while I handled Steve.  I got out of the car and right there at the very track where the first action chase scene of the film took place at.

Just ahead of me was a blue Ferrari leaning against it was Steve Harrison.  And through the windows I could see Kelly playing with her favorite doll that she took with her to school, without a care in the world.

“So glad you finally made it Angel. Didn’t think I’d expect to see you to take my advice so quick.”

“Open the door.” I sneered.

“Gee not even a thank you?” he joked.

“I don’t have time for bullocks right now Harrison! Now open your bloody car door and give me back my baby!” he went over and opened the door and once Kelly saw me, her smile on her face grew wider.

“Mummy!” she cheered as she got out and raced towards me. I immediately knelt down and picked her up in my arms.

“Oh my baby girl. Oh thank god you’re safe! Are you okay? Look at me. We were all so worried about you.” I said as I kept kissing all over her face.  She groaned and tried to get me to stop.

“I’m fine mum! Mum stop it stop kissing me! Mr. Steve said you changed your mind about uncle Jared coming to pick me up.” I glared over to Steve and said.

“Honey go in mummy’s car and wait there with Uncle Jared.” I kissed her one last time and she did as I asked her to.  I walked closer to Steve as he kept talking.

“Lovely reunion. See I knew you’d appreciate what I’d done. After all as your personal—” I sucker punched him hard across the face sending him down to the ground.  Blood even dripped down his nose. “Wow. Wow!” he scoffed. “I-I-I-I know that girls could punch but that…..that was—”

“What the fuck is wrong with you!?” I snapped at him.

“You should be grateful. I did you a favor. I picked up your daughter from her first day of school.” He tried to reason with me.

“You had no legal right too! You kidnapped her!”

“Kidnapped?! Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa wait time out!” he stood up and wiped his bloody nose. “Wow head rush. Okay hang on a minute. You were incredibly business with the tour manager so I knew you wouldn’t be able to pick her up. And of course Jack……” he sneered out Jack’s name with anger and jealousy. “He works now right? I mean about damn time too, can’t be the house husband forever right?” My glare deepened, “Anyways, so no one else was there to pick up sweet, little Kelly so I volunteered myself to pick her up. Didn’t want her staying at the school all by herself, now did we?”

“She wasn’t going to be alone we arranged for Jared to pick her up!” at that Steve’s face turned to shock as he said.

“Oh. Well—this is awkward.” Oh he was an incredible actor I’ll give him that.

“What is wrong with you Steve? What were you trying to accomplish here?” that’s when his eyes darkened and grew cold.  His voice even changed to a possessive tone as he walked closer to me.

“Jack doesn’t deserve you. A farm boy like that? No you need a real man at your side. Someone who gets the business, someone who is always by your side. I know who you are (Y/n) Kline.”

He tried to grab my chin but I clenched his hand in mine and dug my nails into his skin.  My hand shaking with rage as I stared him down.

“Is that what you think? You think by doing all this you actually believe I would leave Jack for you? You’re even more delusional than Jack painted you. Now I see it for myself.” I threw his hand down and backed away from him. “A wise man once said to another slime like yourself, ‘you just see what you want to see’. Next time you even touch or go near any of my kids, I swear to you there won’t be a courthouse that your uncle can bride with what I’ll charge you for.” I turned and walked back to the car and took Kelly home.

Of course I wish I could say that was the last time I ever saw Steve’s face again.  But due to lack of evidence in the fact that Steve had given a false document allowing him to take Kelly, he wasn’t charged with kidnapping.  

Plus his uncle got involved and swindled with his business talk saying that I was under a lot of pressure with the upcoming tour and that police action at the time of Kelly’s disappearance wasn’t necessary.  He also emphasized that Kelly wasn’t harmed in anyway so it’s not like his nephew was an evil person.  So the police believed James’ story and no charges were filed and Steve was a free man to do as he pleased.

Jack and I reinforced the school and even gave them Steve’s picture saying that if he ever came into the school again asking for Kelly again, they were to call the police because Steve Harrison does not have access to take Kelly out of school.

Little did I know that things were only going to get worse after that day.

*October 3rd, 1992. Jack’s POV*

It first began with the constant phone calls to the house. The phone was constantly ringing and everytime I picked it up, there was no one there.  Just heavy breathing and then they’d hang up.  It happened for hours on end, even at some odd hours in the night.

Soon enough I had had enough and decided to unplug all the house phones and I got me my first cellphone.  If anyone in the family wanted to reach me, I told them to call by my new cellphone and that’s where I was talking to my Angel at.

‘Have the phone calls kept coming?’

“Unfortunately yes they did. But I unplugged the house phone so hopefully whoever it is gets the point and drops these crank calls and finds someone else to torment.”

‘I don’t know Jack. Maybe I should just come back and forget this tour.’

“No, no. Look, you nearly missed out the Angel-Queen tour back when we first met, I won’t let you cancel this tour either. Besides the world needs their Angel right now.” I assured her.

‘Yeah but—’

“What would he say right now?” I interrupted her.  I heard her softly scoff and I knew she was smiling on the other end.

‘He’d tell me ‘Angel darling stop being so dramatic. There’s only room in this partnership for one hysterical Queen. Plus you’ll get early wrinkles’.’ We both laughed. ‘God I miss him so much. I can’t believe it’ll almost be a year come November.’

“I know. Have you talked to the guys at all since the concert?”

‘Not really. Figure I’d give them some space. They know my team’s number if they want to talk to me.’ I nodded and hummed in understandment so that she knew I was still listening.

“So you made it to Phoenix in one piece?”

‘Yeah thankfully. I’ll give you a call right after the show. Give the kids a kiss and cuddle for me.’

“Oh you know I will.” I said with a smile.

‘I love you Jack Kline; you know that right?’

“Of course I do. And I love you to the moon and back. Have a good show baby.”

‘I will. I love you.’

“I love you infinity times infinity there. Now you can’t say you love me more.” I heard her giggle. “Knock ‘em dead Angel.”

‘I will, bye.’

“Bye.” We both hung up and I deeply sighed.

“Daddy?” I looked up and there was Kelly in her nightdress holding her stuffed lion that her godfather gifted her.

“Hey baby girl, why are you awake?” I asked concerned. She walked up to me and sat down in my lap and said.

“I couldn’t sleep. Can you tell me a bedtime story? You know how like uncle Freddie used to tell me?” I stroked down her hair and said.

“Well, I’m not as extravagant or detailed as he used to make it but—I’ll do my best. C’mon I’ll make you some warm milk and tuck you back into bed, sound good?” she nodded.  I picked her up, set her on the kitchen counter and prepared her some warm milk.

After that I carried her back to her bed and tucked her back under her covers and she took a sip of her milk.

“Okay so, what shall it be tonight? Do you want a story about—fairies?” she shook her head. “Unicorns?” again she shook her head. “Oh how about the story of a beautiful princess who gets saved by a knight in shining armor?”

“No daddy. Do you know the story of the lioness Queen?”

“The lioness Queen?”

“Uncle Freddie once told me a story about the lioness Queen who was raised by evil wolves but soon came on top as Queen of her own pride. He was gonna finish the story of how she would find herself a king but then—” she trailed off and I could see the tears prickling in her eyes.  Oh that Freddie, of course he would tell our story like we were two lions.

“I think I know that story. Now again I may not be as good of a storyteller as Uncle Freddie was but I’ll do my best.” I sat down by her bedside and she cuddled up into her pillow, her stuffed lion in her arms. “Now let’s see……the Lioness Queen had reached the height of her reign. Everyone loved her because of her kindness and loyalty, but she was very much lonely. Sure she had the support of her new family but she still longed for someone she could love more than the family love she had from her new pride. So one day when she was out hunting, she was suddenly ambushed by the no good jackal. Now this jackal had particularly taken an interest in our brave Lioness Queen but she knew to not take any of his bullying. However he had brought his entire pack and they ganged up on the poor lioness.”

“Daddy don’t make it too scary.”

“Right, right, right I’m sorry angel. But the lioness Queen didn’t have to fear anymore. Because leaping from over the tall savannah grass was a dashing, handsome and powerful lion.  He beat the jackals away and told the head jackal to leave and never bother the lioness again. Soon the jackal tucked his tail in like a frightened dog and fled the savannah and was never seen again. The lioness Queen was in debt to the young lion that saved her so she asked him if they could go to the watering hole together to talk and get to know each other more.”

I continued on to tell her mine and (Y/n)’s story of the day we met and fell in love with each other.  Then about midway through the story I looked down and saw Kelly was finally back asleep.  I smiled and kissed her forehead.

“Sleep tight my little lioness cub.” I walked out of her room and shut her door and walked back downstairs.

I walked towards the kitchen and I saw Sammy lying asleep on his doggie bed and Bucky asleep on his.  But as soon as I came in, the two of them looked up at me.

“Hey Buck, Sammy.” Buck grunted as he sat up and came up towards me and sat down.  I ruffled the top of his head. “Okay so what do you say last quick trip outside then time for you guys to get in your pin?” Sammy’s tail wagged as he immediately went towards the backdoor.  I opened it up and he immediately went outside. “Alright Buck come on outside go out and go potty.”

But Bucky seemed tense.  He lowly growled before racing towards the front door.

“Bucky? Buck!” Bucky went over to the front door and suddenly began barking aggressively and very loudly. “Buck! Buck shh! Quiet!” but he refused to listen to me.  He kept barking and barking and barking.  His fangs were out as he raced from the door to the windows.  Growls came out of him and I noticed that his fur was on end.

Okay maybe it’s another dog or a raccoon or something, he tends to do that and we’re trying to break him of that habit.  I grabbed his leash and when he was finally still I got it hooked to his collar and forced him towards his pin.

“Get in your pin now!” he snapped at him.  I got him in his pin and as soon as I shut the door he started whimpering frantically, pacing around his pin letting out bark after bark.  “Shhhh! You’re gonna wake the kids Buck now quiet!” I looked towards the front door and sighed heavily.  Might as well just see just what’s out there.

I grabbed a flashlight and quickly stepped outside. I shined the light in every corner of darkness but I didn’t see a thing.  No stray dog, nor a racoon, a cat not even a squirrel.

“That Buck is crazy sometimes.” It was then I noticed that our trashcan had somehow gone out to the side of the road.  “I thought I brought that in when I came in this afternoon? Damn pranksters.” I left the front gate that surrounded our house and walked out to the curb to grab our trashcan and bring it back towards the side of the garage.

That’s when a loud purr of an engine roared through the quiet streets and bright headlights flashed right towards me.  I heard the screeching of tires coming right towards me and without even thinking I ducked right up towards my driveway and I heard the sound of our garbage can being hit and tossed across the road.

The car’s lights soon turned off and sped off down the street. I panted heavily, my adrenaline now starting to collapse as I began to realize what could’ve happened just now.

Someone was trying to run me over and kill me.  I knew that couldn’t be a mechanical problem cause why would the headlights suddenly come on and then accelerate straight towards me before driving normally down the road?

Only one person came across my mind as to who would go so far as to get rid of me.  Steve.

I called up Jared and using his lawyer expertise he asked me various questions but unfortunately since I couldn’t identify the model of the car clear enough and couldn’t read the license plate in time there was no way for me to truly say it was him unless I could physically prove it.

But after that night I didn’t see Steve again, and I hoped that was the end of it.  Until Halloween came around.

*Halloween night, 1992. 8:30pm*

I had just brought the kids in from our night of trick or treating.  You know I’m glad we decided to allow the kids some time to know the American holidays cause I had to explain this to the guys as well as (Y/n) just what Halloween really was (since they don’t really celebrate it there in jolly old England).

I dressed the boys up as little lions while Kelly went as a witch this year.  We all came in carrying our bags of candy.

“Candy!” Georgie exclaimed.

“That’s right buddy. We got candy, lots and lots of candy.” I told him as I got them out of their little red wagon.

“Daddy, daddy can we eat all the candy tonight please?” Kelly begged.

“You know your mother will kill me if she finds out I let you eat sweets before bedtime.” She whined before giving me her mother’s puppy dog face.

“Please daddy. Not even one itty bitty, teeny tiny bite?” I playfully placed my hands over her face which made her exclaim and shoo away my hand.

“You can have just one. Piece. But that’s it okay?” she cheered and quickly went through her bag and got out a blueberry flavored lollipop.

“Hey daddy? How come we can’t do trick or treating back where uncle Brian, uncle Deacy and papa Roger live?”

“Well sweetie, sometimes other countries don’t do the things we do. And sadly Halloween is just another day for them.”

“They should. Maybe next year papa Roger and I can be Star wars characters together.” I chuckled.

“I think your uncle Brian would enjoy that more than papa Roger.”

“But I wanted papa Roger and I to be Han and Princess Leia. Uncle Brian can be Chewie.”

“And uhh—who-who did you have in mind to be Luke?” I said brushing my fingers through my hair.

“Mommy! Cause she’s brave and strong just like Luke is! Georgie and Jackson can be R2.”

“And just who will uncle Deacy and I be?”

“Well uncle Deacy can be Obi-Wan and you’re C3-PO.” Wow she gives me the nagging droid.

“Oh so you think I’m a mindless philosopher ehh!? Come here you!” I quickly grabbed her and began tickling her which made her shriek and squirm.  “Have me be Luke Skywalker or the tickling continues your highness!” I mimicked Darth Vader’s voice.

“Ne-nevheherererer!” she said through her laughter.  I proceeded with the tickling till I heard the sound of a car engine coming down the street.

My mind suddenly went back to that night when I nearly got ran over.  I set Kelly down on the floor and peeked through the curtains and could see someone standing right beside a familiar shape of a car that I knew well.

“Daddy? Is……everything okay?” I looked down at Kelly before quickly looking back towards the window.

“Kelly I need you to listen to me very carefully sweetheart. I want you to take your brothers and go to mommy and daddy’s room and hide in the closet. And no matter what happens do not come out till I come and get you, okay?”

“But why daddy? What’s going on?”

“Just!” I snapped but clenched my hand tightly and said as I knelt down to her height. “Please Kelly, do as your father tells you. Remember not a word or even let me see you till I tell you it’s safe, promise?”

“I promise.” I hugged her tightly and gave her a kiss and told her to go get her brothers and get upstairs.  I glared at the door and opened it up before closing it.  I walked towards the front gate and that’s when I heard his voice say.

“Well, well, well, Jack Kline I’ll be damned. Still around eh?”

“Yeah, yeah it’s me don’t cream your pants.” I sassed bluntly at him.

“Saw that you and the kiddies were doing a little trick or treating. That’s nice of you but umm…..what are you supposed to be? A new kid on the block?” I scoffed.

“What do you want Harrison?”

“What can’t a PA come up to check on his superstar?”

“I don’t know what world you live in but (Y/n) fired you last week.”

“Yeah, you see that-that-that’s…..that’s another reason why I came here. See, I personally am the best and most qualified PA that the Rock Angel could ever have. But while we were in Pittsburg, I get a notice saying that I’ve been fired. Now she never told me why so I thought who is more jealous of me and brainwashing the Rock Angel, than her own husband? So—care to explain?”

“Guess you were dropped as a child one too many times.” I walked closer to the front gate and said in Steve’s face. “She got tired of your advancements towards her.  My wife isn’t like all other rock stars cause she’s been on the end of the cheating stick. And she knows to not put me or our kids through something like that.”

“Really lives up to her angel name huh?” he smart mouthed me. “Let me tell you though buddy boy. We have fucked with each other, and boy is she a freak in the sheets.” Bullshit I know he’s lying.  “We’ve even fucked with each other here at your own house when you were away on business. I mean—who can say no to this?” he gestured to himself.

“You are even worse than we thought. Now do yourself a favor and fuck off Steve before I call the cops.”

“One problem with that amigo.”

“And what’s that? Amigo.” Suddenly I was grabbed by my shirt and a punch went straight through my stomach.  I collapsed to the ground and the gate opened up.  Steve stood over me and he sneered down.

“The cops are working for me.” I was then kicked in the ribs and I watched in horror as Steve kicked the door in and walked right on in the house.

*3rd Person POV*

As Steve entered the Kline residence, a place he had actually been inside a lot with his uncle on the meetings with (Y/n) to discuss further progress with her albums, brandings, etc.  He walked up the stairs and went straight for the master bedroom where Jack and (Y/n) slept.

He looked around as he slowly walked around the bedroom before seeing the closet at the corner of his eyes.  He turned towards it and walked right up to it before slowly reaching for the door.  With a quick flick, the door was opened but no one was there.  He then saw some of (Y/n)’s stuff like her hats and scarves.

He took a red scarf and inhaled it before pocketing it into his back pocket.  That’s when he suddenly heard a thump from the corner of the room.  That’s when his attention went to the wardrobe.  A smirk spread across his face and as he opened it there he saw Kelly, Georgie and Jackson all huddled together.

“Hey kids, whatcha doin in here?”

“Go away! Mommy and daddy don’t like you anymore and neither do we!” Steve laughed at Kelly’s empty demand.

“Kids today. Guess I’m gonna have to teach you some manners little missy.” Suddenly he was turned around and a hard punch sent him down to the ground.

“Daddy!” Kelly cheered.

“Daddy! Daddy!” the boys repeated.

*Jack’s POV*

Like hell I was gonna just sit there and allow Steve to take whatever the hell he wants or worse find the kids.  Spitting out some blood I staggered towards the house and walked up the stairs.  That’s when I heard Kelly’s voice cry out.

“Mommy and daddy don’t like you anymore and neither do we!”

“Kids today. Guess I’m gonna have to teach you some manners little missy.” Like hell you will! I raced as Steve was talking and immediately grabbed him by the shoulder of his jacket, turned him around and sucker punched him across the face.  My kids cried out for me while Steve staggered to stand up.

He soon began laughing before letting out a hoot.  His nose bleeding from the punch I just gave him as well as his mouth.

“Looks like I underestimated you farm boy! I took you for a pushover but now I see just what that bitch sees in you! Lion King Jack she likes to call you!”

“Get. Out.” I demanded.  Steve chuckled icily and said.

“And what if I don’t?” he spat blood in my face.  I then let out a whistle and said two commands.

“Sick. Em.” Soon running past my right leg Sammy attacked Steve at his ankles tripping him over.  Sammy maybe all sweet and innocent but when he needs to be (especially since Steve’s been around) he knows when someone needs to get bit.

Steve fell right onto his back as Sammy continued to bite and tear at his pants.

“YOU DAMN DOG!! LET GO!”

“You gonna surrender now?”

“FUCK. YOU!” I let out another whistle and soon barking in aggressively was Bucky.  And being a German shepherd he was not holding back.  Sammy released Steve’s leg for a moment and allowed his brother to take over.

Bucky bit Steve’s shoulder and tackled him to the ground and I knew he was biting down harder cause Steve’s screams got louder and more painful.

“Boys come!” the boys came back and stood guard of the wardrobe growling and protectively standing guard over my kids. “You wanna test me again or shall I give them a second chance at a new chew toy?”

Even with multiple dog bites, Steve managed to somehow stand up and he glared with pure hatred at me.

“I’ll—I’ll see to it……that those mutts are put down for attacking me. My uncle will hear about this! And I’ll be sure that you’re put away for a long, long time. I know you guys have no cameras in or outside of this house, so no cameras, no proof.” His sick twisting smirk widened across his face.

He staggered out of the bedroom but I heard the sound of him collapsing down to the ground.  The dogs immediately went towards him but I didn’t hear any snarling or growling, instead I heard happy whimpering.

“Stay here kids.” I told them as I quickly I came out and I was shocked to see standing before Steve with a baseball bat in her hand was my wife, (Y/n).  She panted softly as she dropped the bat and then took out one of our large kitchen knives.

Bucky and Sammy stood guard of the stairs to ensure that Steve didn’t even try to escape and that’s when (Y/n) sneered down at Steve.

“From now on you are no never come near me or my family again. I don’t care what kind of connections you have; we’ve got enough evidence with you in this house without consent and a struggle going on in my very bedroom.”

“Screw you…….bitch.” Steve murmured.  Then I witnessed with my own eyes as my wife took that large 7in knife and slam it right down to the floor, very close to Steve’s dick.  Any further up and she would’ve removed his very identity as a man.

“SAY YOU UNDERSTAND! Say it. SAY IT!!!” She roared down at him.

“I understand.” He muttered quietly.

“You what?!”

“I understand.” He said a bit louder.  Her eyes steaming with hatred and fierce mother instincts stared Steve down as she removed the knife and she looked up to me and simply told me. “Call the police.”

Within minutes the police arrived and Steve was finally arrested. The police took our testimonies and a trial date was set for the 1st of December.

Now as I’m sure my wife as explained I wish we could say that was the last time we’d ever see Steve Harrison in our lives but we underestimated just how fucked up the legal system was here in California.

Thanks to his smooth, fast talking Uncle in trying to bride the judges and the jury, Steve didn’t serve any jail time. Only that he would have a restraining order set against him.  By law he wasn’t to get anywhere within 50ft of (Y/n) or our family.

Steve Harrison was once again a free man.

By the start of 1993, my wife was once again trying to contact the judge, police, and any other law enforcement about taking Steve’s advances seriously.  But all the same they kept turning her down saying there’s nothing else they can do.

That the restraining order will protect her, and if Steve does violate that then and only then could they talk serious jail time for him.

“Well then I want you guys to do one thing for me, the next time you bastards come to this house will be when my body is dead on the ground with a message in blood saying I told you so!” she hung up the phone and sobbed into her hands.

I slowly walked towards her and hesitantly sat down beside her. God I hate seeing her like this, she’s been worrying herself sick over this while still going on with the tour which will resume after this week.

“I—I don’t know what else to do Jack. I……” I refused to allow her to speak again.  I embraced her as tightly as I could and she wept hysterically into my arms.  Bucky and Sammy whimpering at our feet with Sammy licking her feet and Bucky nuzzling his head into her lap.

[notfeelingthyaster]

Imagine (Son of Hades! Percy; Godswapped! Big Three's kids) Mark of Athena Pt. 2 AU (4/7) or (9/12)

So yeah it got... big. I wasn't expecting it - but sure! Here it comes part 2 of 3 of 5! Check the masterpost before reading - it's essential for the understanding. And read the warnings before proceeding. Enjoy and leave reviews and suggestions :))

Hazel, Leo, Frank, and Perseus go back to the Argo II, to find Piper trying to wrangle the Cornucopia into not just dropping mountains of food.

Perseus tries to help - and between him and Jason, who is the son of a fertility god after all - they manage to get a picnic - which, great because it's already evening and they're all hungry teenagers.

That's when they discover that's Jason's birthday - the 23 of July, coincidentally, Neptunalia - and begin to swarm him. It's shocking that he never had a birthday party - or birthday cake. The Romans don't care about it - their prowess in the training fields is what marks them as children or men.

Perseus - who was kidnapped in mid-November, months after his birthday - is internally shocked - but can do nothing about it.

He doesn't think he could give anything useful to Jason in such short notice - so Perseus promises to, after this all ends, take him to see something new - perhaps Cairo? He is sure Carter would be happy to see him.

Ah, yes. The Kanes - one of his only adventures in between those two big prophecies. He went - with Nico of all people - to help the Egyptian sorcerers - and almost ended up possessed by Sadie's god boyfriend's mother. Overall, a bizarre experience.

And he never wants to share a body with Neftis again. It's weird, it's bizarre, he doesn't like it, he gets body disphoria - no.

Even though the Egyptian Underworld is really cool - there are a lot of snakes down there. And a lot of space - which is weird, because Hades also takes a lot of space. Are these hells in different dimensions?

That's not even counting the time he and Thalia mind-wiped a Titan - with Lethe's water of all things. He left Bob/Iapetus under Persephone's care - and then promptly disappeared. Not literally - Perseus just had no time for the titan, and it's something he regrets deeply.

Maybe after this all ends, he can go visit Bob and the Kanes. Maybe it's time the pantheons are no longer apart.

Perseus knows that all pantheons eventually cross - Isis is as Greek as she is Egyptian - but they don't talk about it. They pretend their Isis and the greek one are different - while the goddess has so many aspects she might as well be a thousand different deities.

Is there a Hindi pantheon? A Polynesian one? Is Amaterasu real? The Orixás? Quetzalcóatl? The Nordics? Are the Celtics aspects of the Norse? What about the Welsh? How many Underworlds exist? If any worshiped god appears - does God with a capital G exists? Perseus is going to find out. But now he has more pressing issues right now.

Leo doesn't want to discuss Nemesis, but, after singing happy birthday to a very embarrassed Jason (who is probably pondering the implications of Perseus' offer - Leo is pretty sure the guy isn't asking his bestie in a date, but who is he to shatter his buddy's delusions?), Perseus corners him.

He doesn't know what to do about the price - he isn't sure of much. Perseus promises that nothing will harm him under his watch. It's weird - Nobody ever cared about Leo before. Perseus hugs him - the first time he starts a hug himself - and Leo feels like, maybe, that's what having a family feels like.

He wonders if Charles Beckendorf was for Perseus what Perseus is trying to be for him - he wonders if Percy is doing this out of guilt. Leo can't complain - the arms feel warm around him.

Percy and he return to the party, to see Piper in a panic. She asked Katoptris for a way to Nico - under Hazel's prompting - and it showed her a vision of Nova Roma organizing the army to invade Camp Half-Blood - Reyna is stalling them, but not for long. She prays for Perseus to come back - she can't do this with no allies.

The reason for it is apparently the abduction and coercion of two of their praetors, their General and a Centurion - enough to start a war. Perseus could shadow travel back - but it would take at least a week to come and go - and they do not have a week. Any Iris Messaging would be useless - they would think he controlled by Piper.

So they go to sleep, hands tied. Doesn't Octavian see they have bigger fish to fry? Lady Terra, Gaea, is out there - planning to destroy everything. He might as well be on league with her.

Perseus sleeps and has another one of his prophetic dreams. It's a giant - one he doesn't recognize - explaining to Ephialtes why do they need Perseus.

Apparently, to wake up Gaea, they need a mortal son of the Earth and a mortal daughter of the Sea. Daughters of the sea are easy to find - all children of Aphrodite are technically from the sea - but children of the Earth can only be children of Hades or Pluto.

And she tried other options - they tried to sacrifice a son of Demeter and a daughter of Venus Victrix - but it wasn't enough. The power in their blood was too diluted, their connection to life only enough to give Gaea this bare level of awareness that she uses to torture them. To wake up completely, she would need Perseus' blood - Perseus' and Piper's - the strongest daughter of Aphrodite alive.

Gaea voice taunts him from somewhere, telling him to not worry - she took the girl who loves him forever, that Annabeth and Malcolm will no longer be a problem.

The vision changes and shows a spiral staircase near the forum, and Perseus can hear their voices screaming - but he knows there's the place they need to go if they want to find Nico. He is not scared - he went through worse. Perseus has no time to dwell in Gaea's taunts - it's probably just her messing with his mind again.

He wakes up and tells his dreams to Jason. They decide they should go - and take Piper and Hazel - the more involved with this side quest of theirs - with them.

Jason goes first - he breathes underwater, and looking at the giant well, Perseus is almost regretting coming. When he comes back, he tells them he had found something, which turns out to be a Nymphaeum.

The nymph Hagno - who Perseus mentally calls old Hag - and others - the nine nymphs that watched over Zeus with Gaea when he was born - appear and flood the chamber with evil water - they say it's payment - the gods' own them. Perseus can see where Zeus' entitlement comes from.

He starts to panic - he shouldn't have come. He hates water - he is going to drown here, under this muddy water that looks way to much like the muskeg for his liking. Hazel is trying to calm him - with no success because she starts panicking too - she is a child of the sky, after all.

The nymphs begin to drain the three of their power, stealing Jason's control over water, Perseus' control over the earth, Hazel's control over electricity, and Piper's beauty in order to be young again.

Perseus is so tired that he keeps paying for the gods' debts, that he keeps giving and repairing their mistakes - that these people keep throwing their grudges unto them. He just wants to let go - die, finally, but they will just throw their problems to new innocent people.

Because Perseus is innocent. They all are - they are children! This can't keep happening, the gods can't keep throwing their shit onto them! And there's no stopping it - he thought last time he solved everything, but alas, he can't solve every little squabble the gods start.

He helped the demigods and minor gods. And then there are nymphs, dryads, satyrs, fauns, centaurs, spirits, personifications, titans, children of titans, primordials, rivers, monsters. An array of immortal beings who would keep on asking, keep on holding eternal grudges that demigods would pay for.

There is no number of wishes that could ever solve this. They would have to reform the whole Olympus - to be the ones making the decisions. To be the ones to stop sending twelve-year-olds in harrowing death missions.

Maybe, this time, Perseus should become a god. Maybe if he is the one judging, he might be able to help. He might be able to stop the gods from doing stupid decisions that only prejudice their kids.

But what if he can't? What if he becomes one of them? Is he prepared to lose everyone he cares about? He was always a loner - but is he able to leave everyone behind? His friends? His mother?

While Perseus wallows in his own panic and misery, Piper comes up with the idea to funnel all their positive thoughts into the Cornucopia, which releases the positive emotions as clean water. It's lucky they have Hazel and Jason - because Perseus is in a very dark place right now.

As the three release almost all their power into the Cornucopia, the nymphs become young again and spare them, as the power they gave them as a gift, and they restore the four back to full strength, as well as telling them the location of Otis and Ephialtes.

Perseus doesn't take this as an apology. He doesn't think it's enough - the nymphs tortured them for their own sake and act as if it's a favor that they restored them - and he has a grudge.

They took from them - and didn't give anything back. A little bit of information and the powers that are already theirs? The hags steal their powers and give them back - and think this is mercy?

Perseus is going to show them what mercy is like. As soon as they are out of the Nymphaeum, the earth trembles - he makes the whole thing collapse into an opening in the earth. He is sending all of them directly to Hades - they took from him and had the gall to tell him to be grateful.

The others in his group look at him worriedly, like he is going to kill them next. Perseus is okay with that - it's not the first time someone hates him because of what he can do. He tells himself it doesn't hurt.

It's a lie.

They go back to the ship. The sun is rising - Hazel gives the others the bare bones of the story, leaving out the part where Perseus freaked out and killed ten nymphs out of rage.

No one asks why they are so tense - why Perseus stormed to the training arena and didn't left since, why Jason doesn't make eye contact with anyone else, why Piper went to her room in silence.

Jason goes to talk with Perseus later - Percy doesn't want to talk. They spar twice before the son of Hades' relents and cries - he didn't want to kill anyone, he just wanted someone to pay.

Jason tells him no one hates him. That those nymphs were monsters - empty platitudes. Perseus says how much he hates drowning - Jason shares how much darkness scares him sometimes.

Piper comes in halfway and lays down on the floor with them, and shares how it's still hard for her to feel like herself - to look at her body and see a girl. How she hopes one day to have the right parts, to be able to wear what she likes and don't feel like a boy.

Leo is the next to wander in - "Are we sharing traumatic life stories?" - and tells them how much he still feels dumb, inferior to those around him - the way his fire always damned him. Frank comes next - him and the peril of ever dying, the crippling anxiety of a piece of wood.

Will is the last to join in. Will tells them about being the responsible one - how it was hard when Lee lost his arm, when Michael died and he was only thirteen.

He tells them how Lee got depression after Michael died and the one-armed boy couldn't help, couldn't save his brother. Will tells them about how he fears for his twelve siblings - how he is the youngest acting counselor because his only older brother doesn't leave his bed anymore.

They just lay there on the floor, together. Until Hazel appears - she had a vision. Nico has no more time. They thought they had some hours more to mindstorm - but alas, it's time.

Not everyone can go - it's a rescue mission, a stealth one at that. And Leo needs time to steer the ship towards the giants. So Perseus, Jason, and Hazel go after her little brother - and Frank, Leo, Piper, and Will will meet them there.

The trio finds the cage - suspended meters over the air. Hazel uses her powers over energy to bring it down - the metal is so overcharged that is simple for her, while Jason battle the two giant eagles with a mini hurricane.

Hazel frees her brother - who is barely breathing - and it seems too easy. The giants appear - and while they cannot kill Perseus, their onslaught against the other two is immediate.

Perseus fights against Ephialtes while Jason battles Otis. Hazel stands guard over her frère's prone body - no one is taking any more family from her.

It's a sight to go down in the myths - Jason is fighting with his sword - Undisonos - against Otis. His chest keeps emitting a sound - the siren song - which keeps distracting the giant, while they strike against one another.

Perseus is not doing worse - stone spikes appear every time Ephialtes tries to stab him - shadows curl around the giant's throat, strangling it.

Ephialtes taunts Perseus - says Annabeth and Malcolm are already lost, already gone. That this is his legacy - causing the death of his friends. It only serves to push him further.

In the midst of the battle, a hydra appears - and Perseus has no qualms in spearing each of its heads with a stone spike, before burning them with hellish fire, draining his powers to kill Ephialtes before the giant destroys him.

Hazel gets caught in the earth trembling - and passes out by Nico, who has no forces to defend her. It's Jason who ends up defending both of them, after a well-localized jab into Otis sternum.

It's not enough - they start to reform immediately, seeing the lack of a god's help. Perseus - who is sustaining himself into the wall and can feel at least four broken ribs and a twisted ankle - rages. He doesn't stop when Dionysus appears.

Dionysus is not Bacchus - he isn't a mindless drunk. But he is a selfish bastard - and says he will only help if they entertain him enough.

Perseus wants to scream, didn't they entertain the gods enough?! Didn't he die enough for them, for their cushioned, easy lives?! Didn't he do enough?! He lost all his teenage years - his whole life - to keep their asses safe, from Hyperion, Kronos, mythical monsters, his own friends.

Jason and Perseus agree to fight together this time and charge the two - both of them at the same time, both equally about to drop down - but rage fuel both of them.

Perseus is drawing strength from the earth below - the same earth that reforms the giants again and again - while Jason pulls force from the river behind them.

Jason blasts the giants with a wave that can only be compared to a small tsunami causing the fake mountain the two were holding to fall on Ephialtes.

Otis charges the two and Perseus trembles the earth, throwing him into the lake, and the two slash at him - Perseus with his ax, Jason with his sword. Jason then uses the water to keep the dust from reforming.

It's like fighting with an extension of themselves - where Perseus fails to block, Jason appears - when Jason misses a step, Perseus is there to cover him. The earth starts to shake - stronger this time - and they know they are doing this together.

Ephialtes then escapes from the fake mountain and charges the two, but they are keeping up. It's difficult, however - Perseus is drained to the point of exhaustion, and Jason is only going because of the water behind him.

A misstep and Ephialtes almost takes Jason's head off. Perseus is only safe because Gaea needs him - for her sacrifice, for her everything.

But the Argo II appears overhead and blasts the giant with Greek Fire from the cannons. Leo is whooping from the balustrade with sunglasses perched at his nose - Perseus can faintly hear "Fireworks" from Katy Perry blasting from inside the ship, and wonders if he has already lost any of his remaining sanity.

Dionysus considers that the show was entertaining enough, and finishes both giants with his Thyrsus, claiming the victory to himself. Perseus resists the urge to punch him - he is getting way better at this.

Before he leaves, he confirms Ephialtes words - Annabeth and Malcolm will be lost to the weaver - and tells them where to find them.

Back on board, Nico - under the care of Will, who can barely touch the over-energized guy - tells them he was captured by the twin giants as he looked for the Doors of Death.

He tells them he never found the other side - for he could not go into Tartarus - but the earthly side - close to where he was captured - was in the House of Hades - heavily protected by monsters.

Perseus thinks that only he will be able to go into Tartarus - they have to close the Doors both ways, after all. But there's no returning - and no way for him to survive down there.

Will this be his legacy? Dying in an Underworld wasteland, alone? Nico looks at him and must catch what he is thinking, because when everybody leaves the infirmary, Nico holds his wrist.

"Don't do it, Percy-..." He coughs "Please don't do anything stupid. I can't lose you."

"How could I?" Perseus answers "You carrying all the stupid with you. How could you think it was okay to just-..."

"Promise me, Percy" Nico interrupts, as seriously as he can. "I know I did a lot, and you probably hate me..."

"I don't hate you, Di Angelo" Perseus sighs. "I promise you - you'll never lose me okay? I didn't come all this way to save your ass for nothing."

And he leaves, still uncertain. Is it worth it? Could they find a better way? Or does he need to die - over and over again? Were the Fates mad the first prophecy didn't take him?

Annabeth tricks Arachne - and is tricked back by her own hubris against her brother, who keeps telling her to shut up, taunting the already defeated monster - who ends up opening the hole into Tartarus.

They blast a hole into a parking lot - just in time to rescue the children of Athena, who partially already rescued themselves.

"Hey, Wise Girl"

"Hey, Corpse Breath"

Everyone works together to load the statue into the ship. This time, there's two children of Athena. This time, there are ten people in the ship. This time, Nico has never walked into Tartarus.

But in somethings, history never changes: Arachne attaches a thread to Annabeth's weak leg. She tries to bring the child of Athena to the pit with her. But Perseus - who is just behind her - is quicker.

Perseus uses the shadows - with the last of his reserves - to pull Annabeth back, cutting the thread linking her to the pit with his ax. Annabeth is safe - one of her hands holds to the ladder.

But Perseus is not.

He flickers - like a ghost. These were the last of his energies, and he topples backward, into the Pit. A hand holds on to him - Nico. He tries to fly them out - but he is still too weak.

It's time.

"It was always supposed to be that way, wasn't it?"

Nico holds on in despair - he can feel hands holding his calves, trying to push them back - But Perseus is muscular and tall, and there's no one to help.

"No, no, Percy, don't you dare to let go, don't you dare!"

It was always his destiny - the one who sacrifices himself for everyone else. Nico thinks that, if Perseus doesn't ask for his own peace this time, he might ask on his behalf.

"Someone needs to close it from the other side. I am the only one who can."

There's a smile upon his lips - resigned to his fate. There are tears on Nico's eyes. The hand slips.

"You promised!"

He can hear Annabeth screaming, trying to get to them. The floor is too slippery. Nico feels Perseus slipping - the boy flickers again, like a ghost.

"Di Angelo, please"

A figurine of Zeus. A pavilion full of spartoi. Grover telling him stories. A white cell in Olympus. Green eyes flashing black. An invincible demigod against a thousand monsters.

"No, no, I won't fail you, not again!"

A greek with no memories in a toga, a fist punching his face, the warmth of a hug, walking through ruins, his capture.

"Nico, let me go."

Nico's mistakes pilling up, adoration swelling in his chest like a thousand suns. Maybe that's what love feels like.

"No!"

The hand keeps slipping, the Pit pulling him in, and Perseus flickers again - his hand can barely hold on to his ax.

"I see you on the other side"

He falls.

Alone.

Silence. There's a scream caught on Nico's throat - he won't be able to recall the next minutes. Somehow he takes Annabeth back to the ship. He doesn't remember climbing the ladder.

He thinks he wants to jump after him - but restrains himself - it was not the time to play the martyr.

They ask about Perseus, but neither of them can speak - their voices are gone. The parking lot collapse.

Jason keeps asking - if Perseus has shadow travelled, if he called for Blackjack, if he got lost.

"He is gone"

Nico finally answers, because he can't take the questions anymore. They don't understand.

"Gone? Gone where?" Asks Leo, still confused.

"He fell" It's Annabeth, in shock, who replies "He... He fell in the Pit. To save me. Percy fell. He... he's gone. He is in the Pit. Oh, oh my gods Percy is in Tartarus. It's all my fault I can't - I can't, he is gone, gone!"

She starts crying copiously. Malcolm holds her - he is the only one able to do so. Jason falls onto his knees, lost to the world. Piper sits beside him in shock. Will goes overboard and vomits - he looks like he is about to pass out.

Frank supports Hazel as the girl starts crying, trying to breathe and finding no air. Leo sits - there's tears in his eyes, but a determined look in his face. He looks at Nico, as if prompting him.

"He asked us to meet him on the other side." It's everything he needs to say. No one stops crying - but everyone is startled into motion.

"Festus, raise the sails. We've got a brother to save."

They are going to the House of Hades.

[ohmyhera]

the tragic ending to an already tragic tale

T/w:mentions of r*pe,m*rder,p*edos, and Zeus saying some uncomfy things. Please proceed with reading this at your own discretion because this is chalked full of angst, more than I usually write for y’all so be careful.

“Nico-”

“You’re keeping it, now stop talking”Nico hissed. Will huffed and pulled the jacket—Nico’s jacket, tighter around his waist. It was cold, and they were wet and nothing seemed to be going as planned. The clouds grew darker and seemed to cover the sky completely only adding to their plight. Will paled, he didn’t do too well without the sun. His eyes fluttered towards the sky and he shuddered. The longer it was gone, the weaker he grew, it was his Achilles heel, the reason why he wasn’t allowed out on quests. He was a liability. Now, as the sky grew dark, and the clouds grew heavier, so did his fear. He wasn’t just a liability, he was Nico’s liability. And that made him feel even worse.

They were treading dangerously into no man's land, with the sun gone for gods know how long Will didn’t have access to his powers. Any of them. So that also means he was no help, he was as useful as a human who could barely shoot an arrow, and they didn’t even have arrows thanks to the Artemis girls accompanying them on the trip. They’d gotten split up about yesterday which already spelled bad news. Will knew it was the Gods doing, split up the team and they’re easier to pick off. It was practically the first rule in the book of killing a demigod. 

They could have taken refuge in the underworld but Will wouldn’t—no, he couldn’t survive down there. Thanks to his unique skill set he would quite literally die if he stepped foot down there, no sun equals no Will. He frowned, he was completely useless—

“Shut up”Nico said. It was said so casually that Will actually went to apologize, but Nico shook his head.

“You’re thinking too loud, it’s stressing me out”Nico said. Will titled his head a bit.

“You can read my thoughts?”He said. Nico’s mouth quirked up in his own attempt at a smile and he shook his head.

“No, but I can read your face. You won’t be any good out there if you’re distracted”Nico said.

“If we ever get to where ‘there’ is”He said, folding his arms. He wasn’t sure if it was the cold or his nerves causing him to tremble, but here he was, trembling. He should have just stayed at camp, but his big mouth opened on its own when Nico volunteered to go. They all looked at him funny but sent him out regardless, they’ve never seen him fight but that also meant they didn’t have proof that he couldn’t. And he can! When he’s not seconds away from collapsing against a tree. He was starting to see doubles and quickly blinked his eyes, and it helped. Until it didn’t. He found himself walking slower,his heart beating faster and Gods it was so cold…

“Will...Will!”

The trees above him spun and he hit the ground with a thud. 

“Fuck!”Nico said through clenched teeth. He threw himself to the ground and grabbed the blondes wrist feeling for his pulse. He felt it pulsing faintly, almost as if he was frozen. He bit his lip and squinted at Wills body, yellow tendrils of spirit floated around frantically trying to find a way out. He let out a shaky breath, Will wasn’t dying, he was just unconscious and his soul was in shock. His soul...his soul was in…

“Shit!”Nico shouted and pulled off his backpack searching for anything to keep his body warm. There was nothing in there but his sword,Wills arrow and some ambrosia. They really needed to start packing better. His mind raced and his body froze, if Will's soul went into shock he might not come back the same, he might...they might...Nico shook his head and pulled the blonde into his lap. He wasn’t going to let that happen, he wouldn’t. He folded his body over Wills and tried to remember something,any incantations that Will or the Apollo kids have ever said. He tried desperately to keep his body warm in the meantime.

But then it started to pour.

Harder than Nico had ever seen in both the lives he lived, this wasn’t an ordinary storm, this was foul play. This was the Gods doing. Nico gasped as the freezing water pelted the two and his mind soon knew nothing but anger. He knew not to provoke the Gods, he learned that from watching Percy get his ass handed to him more times than he could count, but now he knew. Now he knew how it felt to have the Gods slowly but surely try to take everything from you.

“What the fuck do you want from me Zeus!”He shouted towards the sky, Will's pulse was getting slower and he could feel his own pulse in his throat. “Tell me what you want you bastard! Call off the storm and face me! Are you scared or something!”

He felt a gust of wind behind him and resisted the urge to whirl around and choke the god. He didn’t have much time to think before the god was standing before him. No, Nico thought as his stomach dropped, that was too easy, it’s a set up.

“Well now, who do we have here?”The god said.

“Nico,son of Hades,”He said, surprised that his voice didn’t waver. “I said call off the storm”

“From the mean words you used, you’re in no position to be making demands”The god said.

“You don’t think anyone is in a position to do anything”He spat, “What’s your damage, Zeus? Don’t you have enough people to fuck with? Or is there not enough people to fuck? Are you getting bored again with your concubines? You feel the need to interfere on a simple fucking quest!”

He was red hot mad now. All he wanted to do was stab the god until he bled or sparkled or combusted or whatever it was that they did when they no longer existed. The god looked at him in disgust before flicking a finger and suddenly, Nico couldn’t breathe.

“You demigods—no no, you Hades brats think you have the right to talk to me anyway?”The god fumed, “I am a god! I can wipe you from existence,bring you back and do it all over again until you’re begging me to die!” He clawed at his throat but he wouldn’t give in, it felt good to get under his skin, to piss him off.

“But I won’t do that” he released the binding on the brunets airways and once again nico fell on top of Will—shit, he needed to save Will. Zeus seemed to ponder and shook his head.

“No I won’t do that or your daddy will wage war”The god said, “I don’t know why he cares for you brats when you do nothing for him, you hate him, you’re disgusted by him but yet he still loves you”

Nico felt his eyes sting and he quickly blinked it away, he wouldn’t fall for this.

“You rotten little halfbreeds don’t deserve his love, you do nothing but train up the next generation of miscreants and then die a hero”The god scoffed, “A hero, please. We haven’t had heroes in centuries. Aeacus,Amphion,Arcas, all my boys”

“I didn’t summon you here for you to bitch at me”Nico growled, “I summoned you to get an answer to a simple question, and no I don’t fear you, I don’t think you’ve met me but everyone who's ever crossed my path knows i’m not afraid to die young.”

“You’re an imbecile,”The god said.

“You’re a pedophile,a rapist,a murder-”Nico started, this time the god actually did choke him. The brunet was lifted far off the ground and he was face to face with the god he wanted to kill the most right now.

“If you’re going to disrespect me, say it to my face”The god said. 

“Let go of my throat and I'll disrespect you all day long”He wheezed, he was thrown to the ground without a care. His body hit the dirt with a thud and he bit back a groan, he wasn’t letting zeus win this one. He peeked over at Will, at this point he only cared that his soul was still in his body. They’d cross the other bridge after Nico finishes giving Zeus a piece of his mind.

“Stop fucking with me and answer my question!”He spat.

“You have a cursing problem”The god said offhandedly.

“You have an impregnating problem”He said, “you hate us so much then stop creating us, use a condom!”

“You’re lucky I'm not killing you where you stand”The god warned.

“Stop making promises and just do it already!”Nico exploded, “Kill me Zeus, just kill me!” “I can’t!”The god shouted back, “your father would wage war and i’m tired of war!” “Then stop causing them!”Nico shouted, “And stop changing the subject! Call off this damn storm and tell me who’s hiding Hermes so we can both go back to not seeing each other's faces!”

A wicked grin grew across Zeus’ face and Nico gulped, yup, definitely a setup.

“Nico, son of Hades. If you were really trained right then you’d know there’s always an ultimatum”The god said. As soon as he heard ultimatum his body ran cold, fuck.

“Name your price,”He said quietly.

“Not so bold now are we?”The god grinned, “Seems like you have something to lose”

“Just name your price!”Nico snapped.

“Your temper needs work”The god warned.

“That’s rich coming from you”He huffed, but it went ignored.

“I’ll tell you where Hermes is being hidden and even how to get there if…”Nico followed the Gods eyes to Will who was still unconscious. His eyes widened and he shook his head quickly, no.

“No, not him”Nico said, “He’s got nothing to do with this”

“I’ve made my ultimatum”The god said, “He’s pretty,he’s blonde, why wouldn’t I want him?”

“No!”Nico growled. And the god laughed, Zeus laughed.

“It hurts having the one you love ripped away from you doesn’t it?”The god howled.

“I’m not in love with him!”Nico shouted. “Then why are you playing martyr!”The god said, alight with fury. “Besides, it doesn’t take a god of love to recognize attraction”

“Take me”Nico said, the words were out of his mouth before he could stop them.

“Take you?”the god questioned, “Why would I take you?”

“I will do whatever you want,”He said through clenched teeth. “Take me and do what you see fit, but I want a new ultimatum”

“Humor me”The god said.

“Fix him”He said, “Fix him, give him the information for the quest and make sure no harm comes his way”

“That’s asking a lot of me”The god said, “You have to sweeten the pot”

“I am Hades' only son in history!”Nico shouted, “I would be a rarity on mount olympus, parade me around like some exotic pet, I don’t care! You wanted something the other gods never had and that’s me!”

“Cocky aren’t we?”The god said.

“You know it’s true”Nico panted, his chest rose and fell rapidly. “Take. Me.”

“Hmm”The god said, “That does sound pretty good, promise you won’t try and run away?”

“I promis-”

“No”The god said, “We’re making this deal...on styx”

There was a clap of thunder and the rain only intensified. Nico felt his life flash before his eyes. Christmas with mama and Bianca,the lotus hotel,his first few years at camp half-blood,Bianca’s death,the crush on Percy,meeting Will, his 18th birthday and how the Apollo cabin sung so loud it woke the mermaids in the lake,the way Will smiled so wide it reached his eyes as he smeared frosting across Nico’s nose. He was stunned into silence, all he could do was nod.

“I need that in words”The god said.

“I swear...on Styx”He whispered, another clap of lightning sounded and a pair of golden handcuffs appeared around his wrists. Immediately the clouds retreated and the sun was shining more brightly than ever.

“Well”he looked at Zeus, “Are we going?”

“No”The god said, “You’ve got someone to say goodbye to”

Nico’s eyes flooded with realization, “You bastard!-”

“Nico?”Will said in that sleepy voice, “What happened? Did I fall asleep?”

It really was a set up, this was planned, this was entirely planned and Nico fell for it. Split up the team and they’re easier to pick off. It was practically the first rule in the book of killing a demigod. 

This was just the beginning. This was the first move in Zeus’ cruel game of chess.

“You won’t be seeing your Nico for a long time”The god drawled, “Also you really should have confessed your feelings for him earlier because now he’s all mine”

“W-what!”Will stuttered, whirling around. “Nico?”

“He practically begged me to take him”The god continued. “I would feel pity for you if I had any pity at all”

“That’s not true!”Nico shouted and immediately felt a surge of flaming hot pain sear through his body. He wailed and his knees buckled from underneath him as he waited for the pain to subside.

“Tsk tsk”The god said, “Techically you did and Styx doesn’t like a liar”

Nico felt tears roll down his face and he was still screaming. He tried to complete the quest, he tried to keep Will safe but he failed. He did everything he could and he still failed.

“I would say I hate to break up young love but that wouldn’t be true, would it be my new pet?”The god said, “What was that you called me Nico, a bastard? A pedophile,a murderer, a rapist?”

All nico could do through the pain was nod.

“Well i’m all those things”The god said, “but so. much. worse”

Fuck Zeus,Fuck Styx and fuck the gods, he should have converted to the Egyptian Pantheon a long time ago. He looked up to see Will practically frozen in his spot, tears of his own streaming down his face. He wanted to reach out but even the thought of it sent another wave of pain coursing through his body, even his mind was shackled to Zeus.

I love you, he thought defiantly. I love you, my heart belongs to you, my heart bleeds for you, I’d do anything for you—each thought sent a new wave of pain shooting through his body.

“I’m sorry”He croaked. It was the only thing he could say. The last thing he saw was sorrow in Wills eyes, and the once bouncing soul come to a sharp stop and crack. Will’s soul was broken. 

And it was all his fault.

A/n hey guys, I’m alive! That was different than what I usually write but I hope you enjoyed it!

[acequeenking]

Hadestober 11

11) Wind comes up – Orpheus looks back, and falls apart. Hermes picks up the pieces. (Hermes & Orpheus, Hermes & the Fates)

Orpheus looks back. Hermes expects it, knows that the penny falls with his face turned back every single time, thus far. Knows this time is not any different. Still disappointed though, and for all the practice he has at this – frankly, too much – it doesn’t get any easier to comfort Orpheus through this long walk home.

“C’mon, kid,” he says, soft, because kid, what he used to call him back when Orpheus really was a kid, seems to stir Orpheus forward more.

“Eurydice,” he says; he always says. No matter how many times they’ve told the tale, he starts with the word Eurydice here, after the girl’s gone straight down to Hades’ waiting arms.

“Not now,” he says. He grabs Orpheus’ arm, tugs him forward. “Got to keep on keeping on.”

“I have to go back!” Orpheus wrenches his arm away, turns, runs down the alley for an entrance that’s no longer there. Hermes always tries to spare the boy and not once have his efforts ever amounted to anything and lord father above knows he has tried every god damn trick in the book to try to get his attention.

“You can’t.” He hates saying this, hates the way Orpheus looks at him: all slack jawed horror. “There’s rules. Living man can’t enter Hadestown twice.” Technically, living wasn’t supposed to enter it once at all, but demi-gods before Orpheus had forced Hades into some concessions. Namely: one shot at glory in the underworld. Rarely seemed to work out well.

“Does that mean…?” He watches Orpheus do the math in his own head. Orpheus isn’t a dumb boy; he figures out quickly that Eurydice only had one shot. Entered once living, once dead – she’s done. “Oh, Eurydice.”

This is the part that Hermes hates the most.

Orpheus bursts into tears, ugly and loud and wet. Thousands of years of life have somewhat blunted Hermes’ ability to feel so passionately – one gets more even-keeled as they get older, why even lord father above cooled his jets after a few years. Even sister Persephone, for all her passions – and she’s kept herself passionate better than most – even she didn’t start to cry when her husband started making motions as regards Eurydice and never has, not in the ridiculous amount of times that they’ve played this song. Thousands of years of life just tends to blunt one’s capacity for suffering, so seeing it written so loud and so painfully on Orpheus face just makes his job all the harder.

“Come on, kid,” Hermes murmurs; he opens his arms. They are not so affectionate so often anymore, now that Orpheus is a grown man, but today he opens his arms and today Orpheus flies into them.

“There there,” he says, soft. “It’s alright.”

But it isn’t, and he knows it isn’t. And despite all the ways that Hermes has attempted to change fate, playing out this story, it still doesn’t sting any less when Orpheus makes little gasps of grief on his shoulder, soaking it with his tears. Regrets? Hermes would tell you he has more than a few, and none so much as this moment.

And that is why despite telling Orpheus that it is a test and a trial, and warning him of the consequences thereof, Hermes finds himself, as always, after comforting him enough to get him back to the bar, sitting and sipping his sorrows, well, Hermes finds himself back on that hateful train, going down and back again to the ‘yonder side where the Fates themselves live.

Because Hermes himself is a powerful god, sure, but he is nothing in the sight of his child’s tears, and he would do anything to stop Orpheus from feeling the way he does.

That’s the other thing that happens when you live a long, long time: you understand loss pretty well.

And even for those who flirt between the worlds like Mr. Hermes himself, well, it never does get easier.

But, as usual, he gets his silver tongue to get him where he needs to go. Gets Mr. Hades to sign away his deed to the girl; gets himself past Hadestown and past Hades proper, and into the deepest and darkest sides of the world under the world.

The fates live in a part of the underworld best unseen; Hermes isn’t sure just how many gods can even reach it, anyway. Hades himself isn’t the sort to come see them, never was the kind to want to know the inevitable result of his actions. Pa used to be the sort to check in on ‘em, but they never gave Pa answers clear enough for his taste. Uncle earthshaker used to come by, once or twice, but ultimately found them boring. There’s things we’re not meant to know, he’d said, and everyone had laughed at that old banquet, long ago, but Hermes – now Hermes sees the wisdom old uncle held. He hates this place.

It is ugly and dank and old, unfathomably old. Smells like the sort of place where time is still new because time is always new. Looks like a place full of magic because it is a place full of magic. Hermes is pretty sure if he sat in the wrong place here, he’d forget his name for a thousand years and good father above alone knows what they would do with him. It is windy because – well, for whatever reason, the Fates like it windy. It reminds him that the winds are old gods, older than him, older than Hades. And so are the fates. It reminds him that there was a war, long before he was born. It reminds him that they were on opposite sides of it.

And perhaps their kind has not forgotten losing.

The ancient fates notice him quickly, as they always have. Hermes having his pride – not a lot but some – he refuses to give them any sort of welcome greeting. They are long beyond such anyway.

“Ah, he’s back,” says the first fate. She is grinning, red-cheeked, still flushed in her victory over Orpheus, over Eurydice.

“Did you enjoy that go?” Says fate number two, her tone mocking.

“Nothing ever changes,” says fate number three, in her voice full of the finality of the heat death of the universe. She looks at him and he wonders: what does it do to a person’s point of view to see the end of all things, forever? “Do you wish to go through the whole passion play again?”

Hermes nods, steels his expression into one that is severe. Old women like this smell weakness a mile off, and he’ll not tolerate them raising the price or refusing to help them. Always a delicate dance, dealing with gods older than the Olympians. “That’s right,” he says. Flatly. They’ll do it. They always do.

“Why bother?” Says fate three. “It will not change the result.”

“You’d think he’d learn that by now,” says fate number two. “Himself having seen this show so many times.”

“Maybe he’s slow-witted,” says fate number one. She stands up to him, gently raps her little knuckle against his brow. “Slugs for brains.”

“Fate can change,” he says. “From one fickle tip of your turban, my ladies, well, empires will rise.” He takes fate number one’s hand, kisses er palm. She titters, amused, as always. Romance is always the key to charming fate number one.

“And fall,” interrupts fate number three, hands on her hips. “There’s always a cost.”

Ah, he is fortunate. They’re moving into negotiations quickly this time. Sometimes he must woo each of the Fates for hours on end. Today the game has lost its luster. Ideally, their turning time back for him never will.

“I will pay the cost,” he says, already knowing they will ask for a feather. It’s all they’ve ever asked for. He is not quite certain why it is always a feather. Possibly because it hurts him. Possibly because every time he seems the damn girl, she’s got a feather tucked somewhere, and they enjoy giving him the reminder.

“Can’t afford to pay too much more,” says the first fate, holding out his arm. They never let him pick the feather; that being some of their ways that they work. He isn’t sure how he could cheat them, but whatever. He gets his own revenge; he won’t refer to them by name, even though he knows perfectly well which fate is which.

“Gotta accept it, sooner or later.” The third fate – the last fate – says. She is just watching. She will pluck, but not until fate number two selects it.

“Nothing ever changes,” says fate two. She runs her hands through his remaining feathers, threadbare as they are on this suit. Not sure if they’ll accept one of his other suits after this, but hell, maybe if they’re lucky they won’t need that, and he’s always been a sucker for the idea that penny will land, just once, on the right side. “Why do you persist?”

“Because the wind’s cold,” he says. “Because the world is harsh enough. Because I love my son.” Do the sisters love one another? Do they understand love? Sometimes he thinks they do. Sometimes he’s not so sure.

“Hmph.” The third fate does not like criticism. She grabs the feather the second has taken and plucks it, and he feels it go; the tell-tale feel of his stomach turning, half-nervous and half-eager to have it all be over, to have it all start again.

“Much obliged, ladies,” he calls.

“See you next time,” says the first, implying there will be.

“See you soon,” says the second, smiling slyly as she takes her repose next to her sister.

“See you on the other side,” says the third, waving sarcastically.

He doesn’t bother to answer. Hermes puts his hands in his pockets and completes the trip back to the surface, knowing that the girl will be there, and he will let her back in from the cold, and time being what it is will start once more.

But he feels lucky this time, and even with one feather down, well, Hermes keeps on hoping maybe this will be it. They’ll get it right, he thinks. They’ll get it. Won’t allow himself to think anything else.

And Mr. Hermes readies himself as he goes, so that by the time he’s coming off that train, he’s willing to sing it again, and again, and again.

[smallraindrops-blog]

Hi, just a heads up my ask is kinda specific and I apologize in advance. Could you do Hypnos x male reader, but the reader is the adopted son of Achilles and Patroclus. He’s usually dazed thinking about when he was alive and dwells on what happened when he was. Hypnos gets really excited when Hades sends for Thanatos to go get him from Elysium (currently stays in elysium with Patroclus) cause that means he gets to see him and watch him train. If you want to reject this, that’s okay, I get it.

Hey anon, sorry for the long wait and no worries about the specification. I actually found it kinda helpful. I just hope i got close to what you were looking for!

Wake me from this dreaming

Word count: 3.8

Hypnos x male! reader

Warning: violence, no kissing, some sexual/romance tension, flashback to death and war. No beta.

Just as quick extra note, this is not how real life ptsd works and any fighting advice is just off of Google, please understand that every thing is fictional.

It was the screaming that you remembered the most.

Achilles hunched over Patroclus' body, broken and bloodied. Screaming an inhuman sound that echoed in your head.

You knew you would carry that sound with you beyond your dying breath.

You should be screaming too you think but all you can do is tightened the hold on your spear.

Someone had to pay.

~~

You thought Elysium was beautiful. Or at least you did whenever you were able to force yourself out of the memories long enough.

Patroclus' voice was usually enough to pull you out. You blinked down at him, "Forgive me, Pa. I didn't hear you."

He waved a hand to the shade that stood before you, their spear at ready. "Another fool seeking glory."

You looked toward the warrior, "I guess I can't ask you to come back another time, can I?"

You stepped forward and Patroclus called out, "Mind your footwork. You were sloppy last time."

Countless Shades had seeked you out for the chance to earn the glory of beating the son of Achilles and Patroclus.

You slammed the bottom of the spear into the ground and walked to the shade without any weapons.

You smirked slightly at the nervous look the shade gave you.

And this fool before you was another thing to take down. And just like all the ones before them, it took a single hit.

You watched dispassionately as the shade fell apart before your eyes. But for a few moments you didn't see the shade but of the every soul you took laid before your vision. And the roaring of a crowd in your ears. You looked down at your fist and you could have sworn you saw it covered in blood.

"Y/n. Y/n." A hand touched your shoulder and you jerked around only to have your wrist caught by Patroclus.

You blinked, before you remembered exactly where you were. "I'm sorry. I-"

"Silence." Patroclus said gently. "Even after all this time?"

You didn't say anything for a moment. "Not all of it." You told him.

Just the worst of it.

Patroclus frowned and looked like he was about to say something when black smoke appeared.

You stared at the god that floated before you.

"Lord Hades had sent for you, Y/N." The god told you. You tried to remember what his name was.

"Why?" You asked.

The god gave you a disapproving glare. Thanatos, you suddenly remembered. You have seen him before...

"Do you need to know why Lord Hades sent for you?"

"Y/N, the god asked you a question." Patroclus shook you carefully. You blinked and pushed the call of the past away.

"A reason would be nice, yes."

"He wishes to speak to you. That is all the reasons you need."

You looked toward Patroclus, "Are you okay with me going?"

"Go. Tell Achilles I expect an explanation soon."

And with that you nodded, "Very well. Take me to Lord Hades."

~~

You weren't sure what to make of the house as Thanatos led you through a hallway. It felt like You were inside a living thing but none of the walls or floors moved.

What you did notice though was another god following behind you just down the end of the hallway. You turned your head around and saw a head full of white curls peeked around the corner, you couldn't quite see their face. A hand stuck out to waved excitedly at you.

You stared, not quite sure what make of the strange being or day you were having.

Thanatos snapped,"Hypnos, I know you have work to do. Leave now."

Hypnos ducked away, only to peek around again after a few seconds.

What an odd creature.

Thanatos opened the wide double door, "This is Lord Hades' private study so mind your manners." He warned as the door closed behind you.

You walked forward to the looming desk in the dark room. It looked just the one you passed with a long line of shades awaiting for Hades to appear.

Achilles stood before it and you could feel his rage coming off of him. When you saw him this angry when you both were alive, it usually meant some people were going to lose their heads. It was a rare sight now to see him almost shaking in rage.

It was all the warning you needed.

Hades looked up from your father and smiled.

It wasn't a kind one.

"Lord Hades, thank you for welcoming me to your home." You glanced over to Achilles, "Father."

You hoped he heard the unspoken words. His blue eyes met your and you almost frowned at the guilt you saw there.

"Now, Achilles, will you explain the situation to your son or shall I?" Hades asked, sounding pleased with himself.

You kept your face blank, not giving away the worries you felt. Achilles took a deep breath before turning to you.

"Lord Hades wants us to make a decision. To keep Patroclus in Elysium, I will be 'retiring' and you will have my current job."

"Or?" You asked. Achilles's mouth tightens, "Or Patroclus will be kicked out of Elysium along with you, and I will not be allowed again to have any contact."

So no decisions, just threats. What did Achilles do to make Lord Hades change the deal?

You looked at Achilles then to Lord Hades. "It would be an honor to serve the house, Lord Hades but may I make a request?"

"Oh? What request is that?" Hades glowered at you but you kept your blank face even if you wanted to personally slam your spear between his eyes.

"My father, Achilles will have his retirement in Elysium along with my other father, Patroclus." You paused, "And the retirement is permanent."

Achilles whipped his head and hissed, "Lad, what do you think you're doing? That was already part of the deal, don't waste it."

"Done." Hades said, "lucky for you, Achilles. Y/N is more like Patroclus, he is able to actually think ahead. You didn't even ask where I was sending you for your retirement. You are both dismissed."

Achilles opened his mouth to argue but you placed a hand on his shoulder to stop him. He glared at you but kept his mouth shut.

"Of course, thank you, lord Hades." You tugged your father to follow you out. As you followed your father down the hallways, you looked over to him.

"Pa is going to be furious." You told him mildly. Achilles just groaned.

~~

You met Hypnos, the odd little creature that followed you around, on the first day of your duty. Even if the first hour was Hypnos just peeking around the corner.

"I've heard of you, even all the way down here." Hypnos told you when he finally found his courage. He was floating but you see the excitement in his body, if he was on his feets, he would be rocking on his heels.

With his curls and his big golden eyes, he reminded you of those too pretty boys that rich politicians would bring along to watch fights while leaving the wives at home.

He leaned forward, his hand resting under his chin. His golden eyes watching your face with a curious look.

"Y/N, the Greek hero who took out monsters in a single strike, was able to hold off Ares and is the son of Achilles and Patroclus. Both great warriors in their own right." He smiled. "Is it true by the way?"

For a moment, all you saw was Ares' mad eyes staring down at you and the taste of blood in your mouth. Everything else had faded away, the sand and screaming of dying men echoed and all you knew is blood and blood and blood and blood -

“Y/N?” Hypnos’ voice, confused and almost too soft, pulled you out.

"Yes. I fought him.” And you said nothing else and stared at the wall. You didn’t realize the memories had taken you for a trip. Normally, only your fathers' voices were able to pull you back.

"You must tell me how!" He filled in your vision, his eyes wide and hopeful.

“No.” You said bluntly. "I'm busy." And you're too attractive for someone so irritating, you thought.

“But-“ Hypnos pouted and you had made yourself look away before you got caught staring at his mouth.

"Hypnos, don't bother him. It is still his first day." Prince Zagreus spoke from behind Hypnos.

Hypnos spun away from you and floated around Zagreus. "Oooh, so how did you die this time? Did a chariot run you over again?"

Zagreus gave a strained smile in greeting. "Forgive Hypnos, I think he forgot his manners when he heard you were joining us in the house."

You shook your head, "It's perfectly fine, your highness." You stared at the prince, the whole reason you were even here was because he looped your father into helping with his runaway attempts.

Zagreus nodded, his face polite but nervous. "Achilles told me I should train with you. That you are actually better at fighting than he is."

"Only in hand to hand combat, otherwise, if you give my father a spear he would win every time." You told him, trying to push away the memories but you could already smell the sharp tang of blood.

"He fought a tribe of centaurs when he was a mere child, Zagreus and he won!" Hypnos gushed, "And he took down Ares!"

You shook your head slightly and the smell of blood went away. Hypnos did it again.

How odd.

Hypnos used Zagreus' head as an armrest much to the latter's displeasure. Zagreus shook him off as he asked, "You killed Ares?"

"No, just knock him out long enough to let my men escape." You left it at that. Ares was more monster than god, and you would rather not revisit those nightmares.

"Zagreus if you like, I can train you later. It would be interesting to see how different our training might be." You said, hoping they would take the hint.

Zagreus nodded, "Of course, I will come find you later."

Zagreus moved to leave but upon seeing that Hypnos wasn't going to leave, grabbed Hypnos' by his cape and pulled him away.

"Come on, Hypnos. I think you do even less work than I do, and I don't even work anymore." Zagreus said pleasantly but an undercurrent of a warning.

You didn't hear Hypnos' response beyond an offended gasp.

You shook your head, no wonder Achilles only wanted quiet when he came to see you and Patroclus.

~~

Of course when it was time for Zagreus' training with you, Hypnos followed along. You thought about kicking him out but knew he would sneak back in later. You know because this wasn't the first time you trained Zagreus and nothing else seemed to work.

Also for some reason, this god ended up being a grounding point for you. You didn't want to admit it but it made being in the house bearable and not a daily fight to stay in the presence. Not that you needed his help.

You pointed toward Zagreus to the middle of the room and turned to Hypnos who beamed up at you. "You. Corner. If I hear one peek from you…" You warned.

Hypnos held his hands and floated silently to the corner. You ignored how Hypnos' eyes followed you around the room. Hypnos wasn't the first fan boy you had and as long you don't feed the attention seeking, he will get bored sooner or later.

Zagreus was a good student. Mostly. But you could tell your father was more careful with him than he was with you.

You shook your head and held up an open hand, "Hit me again."

Zagreus swung a fist into your hand, only to hit the side of your palm. "Alright, step back."

You crossed your arms, "You need to be more intentional in your hits. You're creating more work for yourself. And you won't always have that sword on you." 

Zagreus frowned, "I'm fighting monsters down there, not humans. If I don't have a weapon, they're not going down."

"Like I said you won't always have a weapon in you. Lord Hades took away my father, and that was your best tool. What are you going to do if he takes away your weapons and you can't get them back?"

You raised a brow and asked "Are you going to stay down here and obey like a good little boy?"

And you could tell you stuck a nerve at the scowl Zagreus gave you. Hypnos made a mocking sound and Zagreus whipped his head around to glare at Hypnos.

You mentally sighed, your father got soft over the years. Just for arguing back, Achilles would have You running laps from sunup to sundown while carrying bags of feed.

"Here, let's wrap up with a quick brush up for your next lesson." You said, not bothering to comfort him. The sooner you can break Zagreus out of your father's soft training, the better. "Do you know all the weak points of a body?"

Before Zagreus could respond, Hypnos butted in. "Oooh, I do! Eyes and groin!"

You took a breath when suddenly an idea came to you. You turned to the god, "Hypnos, since you're so eager, come on over here."

Hypnos looked at Zagreus who shrugged then back to you. "Okay." He dragged out the word with suspicion in his tone.

"Well?" You asked, keeping your tone friendly with a smile on your face. You waited until Hypnos got close enough to grab his shoulders and forced him to stand on his feet.

You grabbed his face with a hand, squishing his cheeks. He made a squeaky sound and you bit back a smirk. A little humiliation should be enough to get Hypnos to stay away and you can focus on what you came here to do. The only reason you bothered with helping Zagreus was because your father asked you too.

"Pay attention, I expect you to remember this for your next lesson." You told Zagreus.

"Hypnos got two right, but he forgot about the nose and honestly, almost anything you will ever fight will have a weakness here." You tapped Hypnos between his eyes which made him blinked. "Hit here or here if you can get a good upward swing ," you tapped the tip of Hypnos' nose, "With preciseness you won't need much force and you save energy as well."

Next You turned his head toward you and could see the start of a flush. Good, it was working.

You pointed to the area between the ear and jaw, "This won't kill but it will make your opponent dizzy and that could buy the second you need to finish them."

You went on listing other parts of the body for Zagreus and Hypnos obediently went along with it. Moving his arm and lifting a leg up.

"And lastly, the groin like Hypnos said earlier but I doubt I need to go in depth about that area." You finished as you let Hypnos go.

"Got it?" You asked.

"Yes, sir." Zagreus smirked at his friend's misfortune.

`Hypnos just stayed silent, flushed to his hairline.

~~

You were sure you wouldn't see Hypnos for a while but the little god surprised you. Just a day after the training, he seeked you out.

"Achilles didn't teach you how to fight, did he?" Hypnos asked. His dark circles were deeper than normal and you got the feeling he didn't get much rest.

"What makes you say that?" You asked, actually curious about Hypnos' thought process.

"I mean, you're unusually strong and you seem to have, let's say, a more ruthless fighting style than your father does. Not bad, mind you, just different." Hypnos shrugged, "I've seen him train Zagreus. And it's just different."

You thought about bushing him off, but something about how tired he looked made you speak up. "You're right. Kinda. He wasn't my first teacher. I was sold as a child for a fighting ring. And they usually don't let the loser live." You tighten your hold the spear, to ward off the memories.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I couldn't imagine." Hypnos said. "I didn't mean to bring up any bad memories."

You blinked several times, "You didn't."

But the look on Hypnos' face told you he didn't believe you.

~~

Screaming. Inhuman mad screaming.

Patroclus' body broken on the ground and Achilles stared past You even as you tried to talk to him.

You felt like you lost both of your fathers as you trailed behind Achilles on his warpath.

Hands wet with blood and you think you should be screaming too but Patroclus was broken and gone and the screaming never stopped-

"Y/N. Hey, Y/N." Hypnos stood in front of you, his big golden eyes concerned. For a moment, you weren't standing in the East wing with Hypnos.

But a burning city and people running and crying. And Hypnos stood in the middle of it.

What was the little god doing here?

“Y/N!”

You blinked and you were back in the east wing, no smoke or no fire or crying followed.

“Hypnos?” You realized you had a tight grip on Hypnos’ arm as if you wanted to yank him out of the memories.

You let go. “I-i my apologies, Hypnos. I-“

“Wowie, that must have been a bad one huh?” Hypnos didn’t look upset and you frowned at him. “Are you not…?” You trailed off, not sure what to say.

“No.” Hypnos said softly. “I know the story about how you… Died and what happened to your head.” Hypnos waved a hand toward his own head, trying to make his point clear. “I guess what I’m saying is no, I’m not upset or mad or whatever. I just wanna know if you’re okay.”

You said nothing for several moments, looking at Hypnos’s kind face and realized to your great shame exactly how little you understood Hypnos and his intentions.

“Yes, thank you.” You told him softly.

~~

You tapped your foot as you waited on Zagreus to show up. You have been in the house for several months now and Zagreus didn't always show up for training especially since he was getting closer to the surface.

Hypnos floated lazily around the room, waiting for you to look away so he could touch one of the weapons.  Normally Skully was here to chase him off but apparently not even Skully wanted to show up.  

After a few more minutes and warning Hypnos off on touching the spear, you got tired of waiting for Zagreus.

"Come on, Hypnos I think his highness must be on one of his attempts." You told him.

"Wait, wait or you could train me!" Hypnos circled you. He gave you the puppy dog eyes and you shook your head.

"Please. I've been so good when you're training Zagreus! Just one time." Hypnos begged.

And of course, you gave in.

"Alright. On your feet."

You chuckled at Hypnos' cheering.

Hypnos was… You didn't know what he was. After the day of failed attempts of embarrassment, Hypnos stuck around. He would follow you around like a lost puppy whenever he could.  

You knew he was lonely, quietly trying to repair the broken bonds with his family. That he had near encyclopedia knowledge about Greek Heroes and monsters, even about your own fathers'. That he loved sweets but would eat raw honey every time if given the chance.

And the fact that just like your fathers, he was able to pull you back into the now.

He was...

Friend, you think firmly, he had become a friend.

~~

“Can I ask you something? Like super personal?” Hypnos said out of the blue one day. You raised an eyebrow, “I have never known a personal question to stop you before but sure, you can ask me.”

“Why haven’t you drunk from the river Lethe? Wouldn’t it help?” Hypnos said, biting a thumbnail.

Oh. No wonder he was nervous.

“I don’t want to forget. I need to remember as much as I can.” You told him gently. Hypnos tilted his head, confusion on his face.

“If I forget, I won’t be the same person. You can’t forget without losing a part of yourself and I want to keep all of me. The bad and good.” You tried to explain, feeling like you sound like a cheesy philosopher.

“Oh. I think I get it.” Hypnos said. His smile was small but warm. Blood and darkness, you had gotten soft. You couldn’t stop the bust of fondness that your chest and you already looked like a fool so why not go farther?

“Like you, I wouldn’t want to forget you, Hypnos.” You said, a blush forming on your cheeks.

Hypnos blinked as if he didn’t understand what you just said but you saw a blush form on his own cheeks.

“I wouldn’t want to forget you too, Y/N.”

Part two

[haileygarciasunshine]

Asgardians

Author’s Note: This has been something that’s been rolling around inside my head for awhile. It will altered, so if you’re not into altered imagines don’t read this homie🙄🤭🤔🤷‍♀️

Frigga is alive briefly.

Hela is talked about.

Odin is alive briefly.

Reader is a Demi-God daughter of Hades.

Loki is alive after the encounter with Thanos on his ship.

Just a preview🤷‍♀️😌

Pairing: Loki x Reader

Word Count: 847

Warning: Swearing, Violence, Mentions of Drinking.

Summary: The reader meets up with the heroes of Asgard.

1/?

Taglist

Wattpad

Loki Masterlist

Buy me a Pizza

The sound of elegant classical music, echoed through the halls of the palace.  Odin and Frigga were throwing a gala in celebration of Loki and Thor in their recent success of a mission, that they had successfully gotten back from.

Your heels clicked with each step you took, making you feel self conscious as it drew unintentional attention to you. As you ventured through the palace halls, you often stopped pondering the thought of not attending the gala, taking your heels off and running the opposite way. Frowning, you shook the thought from your mind. It was important to your friends that you attend the event, not to mention your father would be furious you skipped an event he desperately wanted you to attend.

For an unknown reason, he practically begged you to attend the gala. You had questioned him, but never received an answer. Agreeing, you required the skirt of the dress be tearaway in case anything were to happen, allowing you to wear bottoms underneath.

Sighing, you shook your head slightly, mentally preparing to enter the palace ballroom. It was already filled to the brim with people from all over and it was only 9pm.

Walking through the threshold, you could feel the prying, envious eyes of others. As a waiter passed by holding a tray of champagne, you quickly grabbed a glass taking a sip before you made your way to the edge of the room. Butterflies began fluttering in your stomach, as heat spread across your cheeks. Biting your bottom lip, gently tapping your fingers against the flute, as your palms began sweating. 

“Y/N?” Bruce asked from behind you, placing a gentle hand on your shoulder offering you a soft grin.

“Bruce!” You grinned, pulling him in for a bear hug. “What’re you doing here?”

“Turns out I was Hulked out for the past two years.” He stated. 

“Shit.” You commented. “That had to have sucked. I’m sorry Bruce.”

“Nah.” He shrugged. “It’s all good. I’m back now.” He spoke sipping his champagne. 

“Y/N!” Val exclaimed full of excitement. “It’s so good to see you again!” Pulling you in for a bear hug, you were greeted by Val. 

Giggling you reciprocated her hug.

“Good to see you alive and well, Val.” You joked with her.

“Looks like everyone here has some competition with you.” She teased. 

Rolling your eyes you shrugged. “I don’t care about them.” 

“Apparently.” She agreed.

It was a rare occasion to see Val, dressed up in something besides her battle uniforms. She was dressed in something that would be see back home. Black slacks, a blouse and a blazer. 

“Y/N!” Thor’s voice boomed, causing you to jump slightly. Rushing towards the group he pulled you in for a hug. It was the most affection you’ve had from the three people in front of you.

It didn’t take long before Loki joined. The small group felt warm, making you feel like home. Jokes and laughter filled the air surrounding the group. 

Loki leaned in towards you, his breath fanning along the shell of your ear, causing the hair on the back of your neck and arms to stand. “I didn’t expect to see you here love.” His deep voice sent shivers down your spine. Turning your head towards him, you couldn’t help but get lost in the dept of his ocean eyes.

Bruce brought both of your attention back to the group.

“Not that I’m not thrilled that you’re here, Y/N.” Bruce hesitated not wanting to offend you. “But...Why are you here?” 

Frowning you decided to down the rest of your drink. You knew this particular topic would come up, you hadn’t figured it would come up so soon. 

“I....I have an ominous feeling.” Hesitation evident in your voice. “I..”

Before you had the chance to continue, a group of girls stole away Thor and Loki, from the group.Sighing, you couldn’t help the feeling of jealousy that washed over you. You had known Thor and Loki since you were little. Through the years of knowing them, you developed feelings for Loki. Thor knew about the feelings you harbored for his brother. He also knew about the feelings his brother held for you. 

“May I borrow lady Y/N?” A sweet mature voice questioned from behind you.

“Of course your majesty.” Val answered for everyone.

Frigga motioned for you to follow her. She led you to the palace garden. 

Elegantly, she plucked your favorite flower from one of the many flower bushes she had. “I heard this is your favorite.” She spoke handing you the flower.

Grinning you nodded, happily excepting the flower. 

“You’re good to my boys.” She spoke. “You bring out the good in him.” 

“Bring out the good in w-”

The sound of an alarm blaring cut you off. Glancing around, there was no sign of the initial threat.

Turning back toward Frigga, you shot her an apologetic expression. 

“Go.” She giggled. “That’s what you’re here for.”

Grinning, you nodded quickly tore the skirt away before you jogged to the bifrost bridge joining your friends. 

“What’re we dealing with?”

[cloudofdarkness]

Finale (an Epilogue Drabble)

In which lover finally meets lover

Give a like and Fave here as well if you please!!

AO3

“Go, he is waiting for you.”

Those were the sea-nymph’s final words to me. I would never see her again, as she would live on alone, under the dark depths of the seas with no child to bear.

Perhaps someday, there would be more, but that mattered little to me now.

He has been waiting for me. ~ With how common it was for men to fear death and the Underworld, I was surprised to find that Hades was far kinder than the gods had declared him to be, his city of the dead not a flaming wasteland of souls trapped in a never ending torture. No, that was saved for the most beastly of men, and I knew Achilles would not be there. The gods were cruel, and had gifted him his unfair life, but they would not torture him in death. Hellfire was never a hero’s fate.

Instead, I stood in a cave, glowing pink from what I thought was a fire, but as I looked around, there was no source of the light.

There was rain drizzling outside, and this was familiar to me; this cave made of rose quartz. Pelion. We always vowed to return. It seemed a lifetime ago that we had trained here, as boys. I suppose now it is, but the time we spent, the things we did...it was a haven I shall never forget. Was this what the gods wished for me? Was this what the lord of the afterlife thought fitting for me?

Elysian Fields.

Truly, it would be, but I was missing something.

The gentle pluck of Lyre strings could be heard outside, and my heart, had I still had one, would have skipped a beat. Let it be true, I hoped.

I did not hesitate, I turned on my heel and sprang from the cave, as if it were a race.

I was never good at running, but if it were with hope…

Just over the small peak of the cliff, there sat a bundle of golden hair, shining brightly despite the dreary light of the sky. Fingers lazily pricked the strings of the lyre; there was no voice to accompany it. Still I watched, I watched him in silent awe, frozen in my tracks as he carelessly fiddled with the instrument.

He seemed weary.

Weary with waiting.

I had hoped that he would hear my hurried footsteps and come running, or to at least have turned with alarm. But he didn’t move, nor respond. Just sat, plucking at his lyre.

I knew he was tired.

I knelt behind him, knees gently pressed against his shoulder blades. My hands came up into his hair, and if I could, I would have shivered. I could feel him again. Really, truly feel him. How I had missed the soft blanket that was his hair. And it didn’t end there. I drank in his scent as quickly as I could, as if it had been a million years between us and it would be the only thing to make me remember his face, blurred from my memory.

But I had always promised I would know him, even in death. I would never forget Achilles, as I knew he would do the same.

He had tensed, acknowledging my presence, but hesitating. Perhaps he had dreamed of this so many times following my passing, he thought this to be his eternal damnation. I would not blame him, I had always felt a life without him would be the same to me.

But, just as I had done back on Pelion, just as I had done at the shores of Troy and the ten years that followed, I allowed my fingertips to trace the crown of his head, and I could feel him slowly relax against the touch.

I smiled as his weight settled against me. “I am sorry for being late. I know you thought to keep me waiting...but I am here now. I am with you, agapiméni mou.” My Beloved. “Achilles, I am with you.”

The second time I spoke it, it cemented itself in his mind. The lyre he had been holding dropped into the grass, and he nearly jerked his head around to see me. Gods, I realized then, how I had missed those eyes, green like the sea foam that lined the shores, speckled with gold like sand. They were searching my face for some sort of imperfection, something that would give me away as something false. He couldn’t find it.

“Patroclus” pa-tro-clus, he spoke it as he always had, though nearly breathless. He could not believe his eyes, but I would make him believe. I cupped his cheeks once more, leaning forward to press my forehead against his. The tip of my nose bumped his, and we stayed like that for a moment, simply basking in our shared warmth.

And then I opened my mouth to his, and I drank him in once more. The feeling of his lips against mine was divine, and I crashed into him; desperate and clinging, wanting to never let go again. I would not, never again. He turned his body fully to me, to wrap his arms around me, to hold me close.

In his desperation to have me, he had knocked us both back; him toppling over me and pinning me to the grass below. We had shared many a moment like this back on Pelion, I could tell that these were his happiest moments, that this was where he would stay; before the war, before the lies and deceit and the bloodshed. There would be no more sacrifices of human flesh and broken warfare, just us. Just the two of us, in a small little corner of the world.

I could think of nothing better than to spend eternity with him.

He pressed his nose to mine, as he had done so many times before, and I could feel his breath on my lips, overwhelmed and almost unbelieving. Was I truly more than a dream? More than the corpse he had laid with for so many nights, hoping to reanimate simply because it heard his scream in the night, his desperate pleadings that he would save me next time, and every time after that.

I brought a hand to his cheek, gently and cautiously; a healers hand, some would say. “I am here, Achilles.” I spoke once more, my thumb tracing his perfectly sculpted cheekbone. I could feel the slight weight of him leaning into it, his cheek pressing against the palm of my hand and squishing there, reminding me of the chubby cherub likeness he had shown in his youth.

I smiled, and he knew me.

I had always known I was the wittier one, but I always found it humorous when I caught the realization in his eyes after my own.

“Patroclus…” it was less of a question of misbelief, more of a confirmation. I watched him smile, his eyes softening. “Patroclus...Patroclus...Patroclus…” he repeated it again and again, a soft chant against the skin of my lips, as if breathing the life back into me. I had watched him try many times.

“I am here.” Once more.

“How?”

“Your mother’s only act of kindness towards me.” Though, we both knew it was more for her son. “She would have me tell you of your mortality and why you cherished it. I’d like to believe she understood, at the end of it all.”

I did not like Thetis. I don’t think I ever would. But I would give her this, that I had never lied to Achilles, and I did not intend to now.

His lips pressed together in thought, before he seemed to come to terms with the reasoning for my absence. He knew then, that someone had wished me a wandering soul, so that I would not tarnish his fame. Achilles did not find true hatred in many things throughout his life, but this was something I knew he hated most.

He once said to me, as we lay in the grassy fields as we were now, that I had made him favor mortality. Often people would mistake his want to be a hero, as a want to be a god. But those things were not mutually exclusive, not many people knew this. Gods were immortal, heroes were mortal, always. This was what he wanted, I realized this over time.

I felt him kiss me again, stirring me from my thoughts as he was always so keen on doing. He did not like me keeping thoughts to myself and I did not like keeping them from him, but sometimes I couldn’t help it. Gods, I felt like a boy again. As if the war had never happened. As we’d never left Pelion.

I leaned into his kiss, fingers finding their way through his golden waves again, securing themselves. Reclaiming him. I feel him press me into the grass, his chest against mine as his fair lips travel from my lips, to my jaw, to my throat. I still myself, I feel him sigh. He goes to my chest, rising and falling in a fake inhale and exhale. He kisses me there, right in the center. He moves again, one hand slipping the sleeve of my tunic from my arm, pulling it down to my hips. We freeze for a moment; a hesitation, we know what he intends to do.

His lips grace the center of my stomach, and he rests there at my old wound. I could feel his hands trembling as they framed my hips, as I could feel his lips slowly press themselves to every Inch of what would have been a gaping hole.

I could feel his tears as they came. I knew he had been holding in his apologies for so long, apologies that were not his to give, for he had done nothing. I had done this. I wanted to, for him.

My hands fell from his hair, and I held his face. His forest green eyes met mine in sorrow, in want of forgiveness. Forgive me my pride, it was not worth it. Not in a thousand Thousand years. They said.

He would always have my forgiveness.

“I love you, Achilles.” He knew this, but he had not heard it in so long, I would forgive him his surprise.

I would forgive him.

He had waited long enough.

There were days when I would hold him, and days when he would hold me, and we never grew tired of our time spent together. This eternity we had been blessed with in the afterlife was more than I could ever ask for, but we were happy again. Finally, we were happy again.

We had waited long enough.