Legacy of the Light's Sky

by KingNoctisXIII

Percy Jackson thought his life was becoming somewhat normal. He was preparing for college with Annabeth. But Percy isn't dreaming of Annabeth. He's dreaming about someone whom he doesn't know. Next thing he knows he's back on his way to Camp Half-Blood and happens across someone with a face hidden in shadow. Percy/OC, Boy/Boy

20. Chapter 20

Summary: Jason tells Sam what happened between him and Percy, and it leads to some complications.

Notes: Arguments ahead. This chapter is a bit more on the emotional side.

Chapter 20: It's not Always Sunshine and Butterflies

Sam

"And...why are we bringing the kid?" a young man asked, the young prince following a him and a young women through a forest.

My first time accompanying a Venator and Venatrix.

Should be interesting.

"Because the teachers at Signal recommended that he gain some experience in the field," the woman answered. "And he's not just any kid, he's Regis' son."

The fact that the two were talking about Sam like he wasn't there bothered him.

A lot.

I'm right here.

Also, Regis' son has a name.

"Well, as long as he doesn't slow us down," the young man grumbled. "I'm not playing babysitter."

Irritation coursed through the young prince, and he opened his mouth to throw an insult, but he decided against it.

They're seriously underestimating me...

"What's our mission?" Sam asked, showing no sign of his displeasure.

"Have you ever heard of the Gargareans?" the young man asked back, sounding almost patronizing.

"I have," Sam replied, feeling like his intelligence had been insulted. "Basically, they're the male equivalent of the Amazons."

The young woman nodded.

"Correct. A small group of them has gone rogue. Our task is to capture them," she replied, her tone much friendlier than her companion's.

Still, Sam rolled his eyes, his hope for something more exhilarating dashed completely.

"Sounds boring. Why can't we do something more exciting, like kill a Behemoth, while we let the Gargareans clean up their own mess?"

The young man snorted.

"A Behemoth? Do you have a death wish, kid?"

Oh, how I absolutely despise people who treat me like I'm an inexperienced brat.

"Stop calling me 'kid'," Sam all but ordered.

"Stop acting like one," the young man retorted.

"How am I acting like one?" Sam asked, finding no justification for the retort.

"Because you're making stupid suggestions and underestimating the Gargareans," the Venator answered, as if it was obvious.

"And you're overestimating them," Sam replied, no longer hiding his anger. "Are you really a Venator? Because if you are, a handful of Gargareans shouldn't pose any problem for you."

The young man stopped in his tracks and turned around, staring down at the young prince.

"I never said that they'd be a problem for me. You're another matter. Recommended by your teachers or not, you're still just a child."

Sam frowned.

"I'm fully capable of handling myself. Do you have any idea what I am?"

The young man rolled his eyes.

"Yes, you're a child."

Aurora appeared in Sam's right hand while the Venator drew his sword.

"I'm so much more than that," Sam stated ominously. "Let me show you. If I manage to impress you, you'll stop referring to me as a kid or a child."

The Venator smirked.

"You have yourself a deal."

---

Peter

The son of Aeolus eyes fluttered opened, and the first thing he noticed (aside from his pounding headache) was yellow feathers.

Not the worst place I've woken up.

Peter rolled over and sat up.

"Hey, George," he greeted his new friend.

The Chocobo lifted his head.

"Kweh!" he replied.

Cute.

Peter then heard a footsteps and turned his head to find Connor approaching with a coffee mug.

"Weird way to wake up, huh?" the son of Hermes commented, wearing a crooked grin.

Peter couldn't help but feel a little happy at that fact.

Finally, he's starting to relax around me.

Peter shrugged.

"Yeah...not my best night...not my worst either."

"I was trying to move you back to the Cabin, but...you're pretty heavy. George came looking for you and carried you back, but you clung to him. That's why you're out here," Connor explained.

Peter smiled.

"Aww, you're a sweetie. Thanks, Stoll. And thanks, George. Next time I'm like that, Connor, just twist my ring. Stratus has had to deal with my drunk ass a lot."

Connor raised an eyebrow.

"And...how often do you drink?"

"When did the Giant War end?" Peter asked. "I'd say...somehow, I would have a bit of a buzz everyday since then."

Connor frowned, looking slightly upset.

"And no one's said anything about it?"

"Ha, people have said stuff, but I don't give a shit anymore...Why should I, anyway?" Peter asked, feeling and sounding bitter.

"Because...it's not good for you," Connor answered.

Peter huffed.

"Neither is a broken fucking heart..." he mumbled.

Connor sighed softly.

"You, too, huh?"

Peter blinked, feeling somewhat shocked.

"What? Who broke up with you?! I mean, me, I understand, but you?!"

Connor chuckled.

"Sorry, I wasn't being specific. I meant Sam. He sometimes sings songs about heartbreak, and based on the amount of emotion he puts into them, I know he's being honest. Still, he found someone. Maybe...you'll find someone, too."

Peter chuckled without any humor.

"Unlikely...one heartbreak was enough for me...I'd rather fuck and drink myself into an early grave than get my heart broken again."

Connor shrugged.

"I'm just saying that you never know. Besides, if you go...who will take care of George? Me? You seriously can't expect me to take care of him by myself."

"Nah, I...ugh, I guess you're right," Peter admitted. "It just hurts so much..."

"I'm sure that it does, but..." Connor said before blushing, "...I'll be here for you...if you need it."

Wow...no one's ever...

For the first time, Peter found himself blushing.

"Thanks, Connor...I'll take you up on that...Think I can get that tour now?"

The chariot race kinda got in the way.

Connor smiled and walked closer, handing Peter the mug, which had coffee, as well as also giving him some painkillers.

"In a bit. I think that you should get over your hangover first...Besides, I think you should check on Jason, make sure he's alive. Last I saw him, Sam was moving him, along with Percy, Nico, and Will, back to the Poseidon Cabin."

Peter smiled.

"Yeah...hey, Connor? Thanks."

Connor nodded.

"You're welcome. I'm gonna get ready for the tour."

Yes!

"Alright. See you soon Conny," Peter said, feeling happier than he'd felt in a long time.

"Yep, see you soon," Connor replied.

---

Sam

The prince watched as his guys moaned and groaned over their hangovers, and though he felt some sympathy for them, he was also pretty upset.

Serves them right.

This should teach them a lesson.

Sam has left the door open, expecting Peter to come, and he didn't want to bother with walking to the door to let him in. His assumption was correct when he heard knocking.

"It's open!" Sam called, his voice making everyone else groan.

Peter opened the door and cam stumbling inside.

"Shh, quit your bitching," he snapped before sitting next to Sam. "Dude...last night was fucking crazy, I feel like my head is gonna explode."

"Awww, sorry, Sane," Sam deadpanned before slamming his hands on the table, causing Peter Piper to seemingly let out a near silent scream.

"What the fuck happened?" Will asked, sounding completely lost. "I remember dancing...and then nothing after that."

"Lucky you..." Sam mumbled, noting that he was probably one of the few people from the party who recalled everything.

Because I can't get drunk...

Maybe that's a blessing in disguise.

Nico lifted his head.

"Did someone scream 'Tacos'?"

Peter weakly raised his hand before gagging, covering his mouth, and running to the bathroom. Sam then heard him throwing up.

"Gross," Sam said as he stood, walking towards the bathroom. "Dude, shut up!"

He then slammed the door to muffle the noise.

Better.

Sam turned to face the guys once more.

"Okay, guys, let's get you up. That was an intense night."

And that's putting it lightly.

"I don't wanna get up, I want someone to put me out of misery, my head's pounding," Percy lamented, drawing some sympathy from Sam.

"GIVE ME TWO MINUTES. YOU KILL ME, I KILL YOU!" Peter called through the door.

Sam shook his head, giving his guys a nonplussed expression.

"No. You get to live. Live and suffer the consequences, so can learn your lesson."

"This lesson sucks!" Percy groaned.

"What about me? I didn't try and get drunk, I was drugged!" Will pointed out.

For a moment, the prince contemplated said point.

"Hmm, that's a fair point," Sam conceded.

Jason raised a hand.

"Something was in my drink, too! Fucking twins!"

Sam nodded, deciding that the two blondes made fair arguments.

"Alright, I'll heal the two of you."

"PLEASE!" Jason and Will begged, looking desperate.

"What about me?" Nico asked, seemingly wanting in on the healing. "I swear, I'm not a drinker, it was peer pressure!"

Sam tilted his head at the comment, uncertain how to reply.

Isn't that usually the case?

"Stop yelling..." Percy moaned, sounding absolutely miserable.

The bathroom door opened, and Peter stumbled out.

"Not a drinker?! The fuck?!"

"I've drank before, but it's not like I'd drink to get drunk. Growing up in Venice, we usually had wine with dinner," Nico explained, and Sam had to admit that the explanation was a legitimate one.

Hmm, makes sense.

"Fucking wine at dinner, my ass!" Peter exclaimed, clearly not buying it. "Excuse me!"

Peter then turned around and ran back into the bathroom, puking again, much to Sam's exasperation.

Ugh...

"Seems like you have a naturally high tolerance," Will commented to Nico.

"Not as high as Sam's. He can't get drunk," Jason added.

"Wait, what?!" Nico and Percy exclaimed, making everyone groan.

"Three drinks, sixteen shots...I didn't feel a thing, other than needing to take a piss," Sam replied, as if it really wasn't that big of a deal.

"Holy shit..." Percy breathed before looking at Jason. "Did we talk or something? I can't remember."

The son of of Jupiter blushed and looked away.

"No, nothing happened," he replied, clearly (at least to Sam) trying to avoid the truth.

Sam found the blonde's reaction quite interesting.

Then why are you blushing?

"Huh...must have imagined it," Percy mumbled, buying the evasive answer. "Oh, well, anything interesting happen?"

Several scenes of the night's party then played in the prince's head.

Plenty.

"Horkos tried to kill me," Jason answered in a no nonsense tone.

"What?!" Percy exclaimed, much to the others' torment (including Percy's).

Sam sighed.

"He did. I kicked his ass, and Jason's free from his oath."

Percy frowned for a moment before a look of realization came over him, as if putting the pieces of a puzzle together.

"Wait...why was Horkos there?"

That's what I wanna know.

"You...asked me to do something really stupid, and I refused," Jason answered, though this time, Sam could tell that the he was being honest.

I don't doubt that.

Percy raised an eyebrow.

"What could I have possibly asked?"

"You...asked me to get naked in front of everyone," Jason replied, though Sam knew that it was a lie.

I sincerely doubt that's what Percy asked.

He shouldn't have been crying over Jason refusing that...

Percy laughed.

"Yeah, sounds like me. Sorry about that, but, hey, at least your oath is over."

Percy might have bought that, but I don't.

Jason and I still need to talk.

"Yeah, and I'll admit that when you weren't being a total ass...you were a good leader," Jason commented.

Percy blinked, then smiled.

"Thank you!"

Nico groaned.

"Ugh, stop the yelling~."

"I'm not yelling...THIS IS ME YELLING!" Percy replied, much to everyone's misery (and again, including Percy's).

Sam placed a hand on his forehead and let out a deep sigh, shaking his head.

Who's the one suffering here again?

"Jesus fuck..." Peter mumbled as he opened the door.

Sam brought his hand back down.

"I can't deal with this. You're torturing me more than yourselves. I'll help all of you get over your hangover, but only on one condition."

Everyone perked up.

"What?" they asked.

"No. More. Drinking," Sam said pointedly.

Everyone, save Peter, nodded.

"I don't know, I really like..." the son of Aeolus started, only for Sam to glare at him. "Alright, no more drinking."

"What about...special...occasions...?" Nico asked, his voice trailing off until it was barely a whisper, seemingly wanting to avoid a glare himself.

"Maybe...but I'm the one that acquires it," Sam replied. "Not Winkledick twins! And Will, you'll make sure that everyone doesn't drink enough to get drunk. You can feel that, right?"

Will shut his eyes and nodded.

Sam also nodded.

"Good. Now...who's first?"

---

Jason

After Sam healing them from their hangovers, the guys had breakfast (Sam's being even larger than usual). Afterwards, Percy left with Peter to train the the Greek and Roman demigods while Nico left with Will to work in the infirmary. Sam and Jason were the only two remaining, deciding to take their time.

Well...it seems like Sam decided to drop what happened between me and Percy.

That's for the best.

The son of Jupiter stood.

"I'm gonna check on Nico and Will."

Before he could leave, he felt Sam grab his arm.

"We still need to talk."

The son of Jupiter suppressed a sigh, beginning to regret having stayed as long as he had.

Fuck...

Jason sighed as he turned around.

"Sam, just drop it. It's not really all that important," he said as convincingly as he could manage.

Sam released him, though he shook his head.

"I disagree. Percy was crying. I want to know what happened between you two, and I'm not letting you leave without an answer."

Shit...

"Talk," Sam ordered.

Jason nervously scratched the back of his head.

"Well...the thing is...Fuck, this is difficult..."

"I've got all day," Sam replied, indicating that he wouldn't leave without an explanation.

"Percy...he...Shit..." Jason mumbled, reluctant to give an answer; he then took a deep breath. "Percy...ordered me...to..."

The blonde stopped.

He's not going to like this.

"He ordered you to...?" Sam pressed.

"He ordered me to..." Jason muttered, struggling to answer.

"Just tell me!" Sam snapped.

"To give him a kiss..." the blonde breathed, his voice hardly above a whisper.

Sam's eyes widened with shock for a brief moment before a look of sadness came over him.

Damn it all...

"Sam...I..." Jason started, reaching out to comfort the distraught looking prince, only for his hand to get smacked away.

Sam's eyes glowed red as his sadness was replaced by anger. He then started making his way to the sword fighting area.

Uh-oh.

Jason quickly followed.

"Sam, wait, let me finish!" he pleaded, cursing the situation.

"I've heard all that I needed to hear," Sam replied, breaking into a run.

Jason gave chase.

"No, Sam, you don't understand why!"

The prince ignored him, continuing to run.

I'm not gonna catch up to him!

The son of Jupiter took to the air, but even then, he couldn't close the distance between him and Sam.

No, no, no, no, no!

Jason touched down in the arena a moment after Sam had arrived...and a moment too late. Dread filled Jason as Sam strode towards Percy and Peter, who were sparring. The two demigods then noticed Sam and paused their training.

Peter smirked as he walked towards the prince.

"Yo, shortround, what's got you all agitated?"

No, you idiot!

Instead of answering with words, Sam punched him in the face, knocking Peter several yards away, as well as unconscious.

"Sam, why did you do that? What's wrong?" Percy asked, clearly concerned, but obviously more about his boyfriend than the son of Aeolus.

"First, you ask Nico for a kiss on the cheek, and then you try and kiss Jason?! Am I not enough for you?!" Sam angrily questioned.

Percy looked dumbfounded for a moment before collecting himself.

"Uhhh...I...Sam, what are you even saying? You're more than enough for me."

"Tell him, Jason," Sam ordered.

"Sam, I-..." Jason started.

"NOW!" Sam interrupted, scowling.

The blonde sighed.

"Percy...the reason Horkos came after me, the real reason, was because you asked for a kiss...and I refused."

Percy shook his head in disbelief.

"No way...I'd...I don't...I wouldn't..."

"You did," Sam replied, the bitterness in his voice palpable. "You may not remember, but you did."

"I...Sam that wasn't me!" Percy defended himself. "It was just me being a drunken idiot! I...I would never actually think that! You're the one for me!"

Well, he's right about the 'idiot' part...

Sam scoffed at his boyfriend's defense.

"Well, you have a funny way of showing it! Do you always sneak off to kiss someone behind my back?!"

"No! Never!" Percy denied before looking at the son of Jupiter, as if for help. "Jason, tell him!"

"Sam, really-..." Jason started, trying to get a word in.

"SHUT UP!" Sam ordered, glaring at him.

Jason held up his hands.

"You got it."

What else can I do?

Sam then returned his attention to his boyfriend.

"Has there been anyone else since we started dating?"

"No!" Percy answered.

"How can I trust you?!" Sam shouted, Percy visibly flinching from the words, clutching his chest as if he had been stabbed.

Percy...

"Tell me the truth!" Sam demanded.

"I haven't! I would never lie to you about something like that!" Percy replied, seemingly having had enough of the accusations. "I'm your boyfriend, Sam! The deal is that we trust each other, and the fact that you are refusing to trust me is pretty fucking hurtful!"

Sam gawked at Percy for a moment.

"Hurtful?! How the fuck do you think I feel right now?!" he yelled.

Percy closed his eyes and took a deep breath before giving Sam a cutting glare.

"You know what Sam...I think I'm done with this! I'm leaving! When you want to talk rationally...come fucking find me!"

Sam's eyes stopped glowing, and he took a step back, almost as if he had been struck.

Oh, shit.

I think Sam may have misinterpreted that.

"Percy...don't," Jason advised, trying to prevent his friend from doing something stupid.

"No, Grace!" Percy snapped. "I'm leaving, or do you not trust me enough to believe that, Sam?!"

"Percy, do you hear him talking back at this point?" Jason asked, hoping that the son of Poseidon would take the hint. "He's not. This isn't the right move."

"I don't care!" Percy replied, not reading between the lines. "Him saying he doesn't trust me! Gods fucking...Fuck!"

With that, Percy left in a hurry, not even sparing Sam a second glance.

Fucking...

Jason then looked at the prince.

"...Sam?" he asked hesitantly.

"He left..." Sam muttered to himself.

Did he even hear me?

"Did...Did a fucking planet just hit me, what the fuck?!" Peter asked, waking up.

Jason walked over and helped him stand before returning his attention to Sam.

"He's just upset. He'll calm down soon, and it will be okay."

Peter touched his eye and winced.

"Lassez Faire, bro."

"Don't lie to me and say that it'll be okay, Jason..." Sam mumbled, sounding like his heart had been stomped on.

"Look, Sam, all I'm saying-..." Jason started, only for Peter to cover his mouth with his hand.

"Dude, you're just making it worse," Peter hissed. "Shut. The. Fuck. Up."

Jason ripped the hand away from his mouth, glaring at his friend.

"I'm trying to calm him down, idiot! Look at him, he's in shock..." he said, pointing at Sam, only to notice that Sam's breathing was becoming shorter and quicker, "...and now, he's hyperventilating. He's having a panic attack!"

"Aw, fucking...Sam! Dude? Sam!? Just breathe, dude," Peter tried to no avail. "Shit!"

Jason then noticed the other campers just staring.

What's wrong with them?!

"Don't just fucking stand there! Go get Will Solace!" he ordered in a commanding voice, only for Sam to collapse to the ground. "Fuck! Get Will now!"

Peter took to the air, flying out of the arena.

Good, he'll probably be quicker than anyone else.

Jason then turned his attention towards the campers, who were beginning to talk amongst themselves.

"What is this to you, a show?! Class is over! Get out!"

The campers immediately left, leaving Jason to himself.

Shit, this situation couldn't be any worse!

Percy, you idiot, you should have been more careful with your words!

What were you thinking?!

The son of Jupiter didn't have to wait very long before Peter flew back, carrying Will on his back. As soon as they landed, Will ran towards the unconscious prince he lifted his head.

"Shit, he's out cold..." the son of Apollo commented before focusing on Jason, visibly distressed. "What happened?!"

Peter shrugged.

"I got punched, ask Pikachu, here!"

...'Pikachu'?

"Percy and Sam got into an argument, Percy left, and Sam had a panic attack," Jason summarized, ignoring the name.

"Oh...shit," Will commented. "Usually, Sam's the one who runs away."

Jason shook his head.

"Not this time. What should we do?"

"Did Percy apologize, or was he being stubbornly insistent that he did nothing wrong?" Will asked, sounding quite angry. "Don't get me wrong, I'm sure that there's plenty of blame on both sides."

There's some on mine, too...

"The latter but...it's my fault, really," Jason admitted. "I shouldn't have said anything."

Will sighed.

"Maybe not, but this sort of thing was bound to happen sooner or later," he replied before looking at the son of Aeolus. "Peter, tell Percy what happened. That should get him to come back. If that doesn't work, tell him to stop being a stubborn fuck and talk to Sam. If that still doesn't work...use force. Do it before he does something stupid because we all know that he will."

Peter grinned.

"With pleasure."

---

Percy

I can't believe that he said that he doesn't trust me!

What have I done to deserve that?!

I love him, shouldn't that be enough?!

The son of Poseidon was lost in his thoughts as he walked along the shores of Camp Half-Blood. At the moment, he felt more angry than sad, mainly because it helped him keep moving.

"Hey, Percy, wait up, dude!" Peter called, much to Percy's annoyance.

What the fuck?!

I asked for Sam to come find me, not someone else!

Percy turned and glared at the older teen.

"Are you here to crack a joke? If so, get lost because I'm not in the fucking mood!"

Peter shook his head.

"While I do rely on humor, this isn't a time for jokes, dude."

Percy scoffed, having to admit to himself that he was somewhat impressed.

"Wow, you didn't make a joke about me not being in a 'fucking mood'."

"Oh, shit..." Peter cursed. "That would have been good."

"What do you want? Sam send you because he's too lazy to get me himself?" Percy asked, displeased with the situation.

Peter scowled.

"No, actually, he had a fucking panic attack, you dumb fuck!"

Percy blinked, completely caught off guard.

"Wait...what?"

"Think about this, Kelp Brain!" Peter snapped. "Maybe you can imagine a world...where people have feelings? And when you scream at people, even if they are mad...they worry about you! And when you hurt them like you did to Sam?...BAD SHIT HAPPENS!"

"What about my fucking feelings?!" Percy snapped back, scowling so deeply that his face hurt. "Don't they matter?! He said that he doesn't trust me!"

Peter smacked his forehead.

"Percy, Jesus! Okay, yes, he said he doesn't trust you! But look at it from his side! You're a flirt! Signals can be misread!"

Misread...

Panic attack...

Oh...fuck...

"So...when I said that I was leaving...that's all he heard," Percy mumbled, the repercussions now hitting him. "He didn't hear anything else after that."

"Oh, gods, what did you say after that?!" Peter asked, as if fully expecting that the brunette had screwed up even more.

"I told him to come find me when he was thinking rationally again," Percy answered, thinking that he had done no such thing.

The taller teen then walked up to the son of Poseidon.

"...Percy?"

"Yeah?" Percy replied, only to get slapped across the face.

Hard.

He stepped back and held his cheek, said cheek stinging.

"I want you to fucking think about that sentence that just left your fucking mouth!" Peter yelled.

"Dude, what the fuck?!" Percy exclaimed, rubbing his sore cheek. "What does it matter what I just said?! He didn't hear it!"

"That's not the fucking point!" Peter explained. "Percy, you told him to start thinking rationally when you are the one that is angry over something that he should be angry about! You're a flirt! You get kissed and try to kiss hot guys in front of him! Has he ever done that?! Has ever once really shown any interest in any other guy and acted on it...ever?!"

"Well...no, he's never acted on it," Percy admitted, feeling horrible.

Because he can't.

"Oh, really!? Aaaaaand how many guys have you kissed since you got together? Or tried to kiss?" Peter asked.

"...Nico. Once on the cheek and another...by accident. And Jason...apparently," Percy replied, feeling even worse.

"Now...you are going to get your hot ass back into that fucking arena and talk this out, or I swear to the gods, Percy, I will beat you so fucking badly that no amount of water can heal you!" Peter threatened.

"What if he doesn't forgive me? What if...What if we break up?" Percy questioned, feeling waves of sadness wash over him.

I'd deserve it, too...

I really don't deserve someone like Sam...

Peter sighed.

"If you guys break up, then that means we all die...You know why? Cause the day you two break up is the day the fucking world ends! You think one little fight is gonna break you guys?! Every relationship goes through this! It's normal! It would be crazy if you guys didn't fight!"

"I can't tell if you're serious or joking about the world ending," Percy commented. "If we break up and it it does...I get to punch you in Elysium, deal?"

"Fucking deal! I'll take that bet!" Peter replied. "Let's go, dude."

---

Will

After moving the prince to a bench, the son of Apollo opened one of Sam's eyes, shining a small flashlight in it, trying to see if he'd respond. As he moved the light, Sam's eye followed.

"Oh, good, you're awake," Will commented, helping the prince sit up.

"Yeah, but I wish that I wasn't," Sam replied in a voice devoid of any emotion.

"How are you feeling?" Jason asked.

"I don't feel anything..." Sam mumbled, setting off alarm bells in Will's head.

Wait, what?!

Will tried to discern if the prince was telling the truth, and he felt nothing coming from Sam. Dread then filled the blonde.

"Oh...shit," Will cursed, standing up and walking over to Jason and pulling him aside while making sure he could keep an eye on Sam.

"What? Is that bad?" Jason inquired.

"Extremely bad," Will answered in a grave tone.

"Define 'extremely'," Jason requested.

"You said that he was angry earlier, right?" Will asked, trying to make sure that he had a full grasp of the situation.

Jason nodded.

"Yeah?"

"Well, he should be sad now or still angry. Instead, he feels nothing. He's literally shut down his emotions to cope," Will explained. "Think about it. Right now, especially without most of his memories, Percy is Sam's entire world, and he thinks that he lost him."

It's the worst place for a person to be.

"Well, that doesn't sound good!" Jason quietly shouted.

"Yeah, it isn't," Will replied. "He's in an extremely dangerous place right now. You remember where Nico was when you first met? Mentally, I mean."

"Ohhhh...shit," Jason cursed.

Will nodded.

"Yeah...this is one step passed that. This is the state of mind that some people have when they're about to do something like commit suicide."

"Fuck! How do we fix this?" Jason pressed, sounding desperate.

Will sighed a sigh of defeat.

"Well, the thing is that we simply can't. Only two things can. The first, and less preferable, option is time, but we'd need to keep a constant eye on him, and if he wanted, he could just leave. The second, and more preferable, option is Percy."

"Well then, let's hope Peter succeeds!" Jason said, only for Percy and Peter to approach.

Oh, thank all the gods.

"Speak of the devil...and he will answer!" Jason commented.

Peter smirked.

"I think I've actually met the devil in one of my hallucinations."

"Did he have horns and red skin?" Jason asked.

Peter shook his head.

"No, he was green and wearing a funny hat...He said, to call him Michael."

Jason raised an eyebrow.

"...Are you sure that it wasn't the Grinch?"

Peter simply shrugged.

"Possibly."

"Guys, focus!" Will snapped, quickly fed up with the small talk.

"Not one of my strengths, but, alright! Percy, get talking!" Peter ordered.

"...Can I speak to him alone?" Percy requested.

Will rolled his eyes.

"So you can screw up again? Yeah, fuck that."

"I just...please?" Percy asked.

"Because you want someone to trust you?" Will asked back.

"I wasn't thinking! Please, can I just speak to Sam?!" the son of Poseidon begged.

Will sighed.

"Fine. Just be extremely careful about what you say."

Percy nodded.

"I will...Thanks, guys."

Will nodded back before turning around and walking away, and Peter and Jason quickly fell in tow.

"What do we do now?" Jason asked.

We can't do anything from this point.

"Keep our fingers crossed," Will answered.

---

Percy

For several minutes, the son of Poseidon stood in front of his boyfriend, neither of them saying a word. Sam stared at Percy with a blank expression, as if not even acknowledging his existence, and it tore Percy apart.

Gods...what have I done?

"I...I'm so sorry," Percy apologized, breaking the silence.

Sam blinked.

"...Why?"

"Because I've been a terrible boyfriend to you," Percy replied, feeling very, very guilty.

Sam shook his head.

"No, you haven't. I have. Why else would you try and kiss other guys? I'm the problem."

What is he saying?!

"No, you're not, you're perfect! I'm the problem! I wasn't paying enough attention to you. I was having fun when I should have been with you," Percy objected.

"Percy...you were drunk. People tend to be more honest when they are, and you went after Jason," Sam explained in a voice with absolutely no emotion.

But I don't think it's because I wanted to cheat on you with Jason...

"Because I...I...I don't know why I did that. I really don't..." Percy mumbled, unable to explain it better.

What do I even feel for Jason?

"You mean...you don't know?" Sam asked.

"Know what?" Percy asked back.

"What you want?" Sam specified.

I just want everyone, especially you, to be happy.

"All I know for certain is that I want you. I will always want you, and you are my everything," Percy answered, hoping that he sounded as sincere as he felt.

"It's...a little hard for me to believe that, but I desperately want to," Sam said, his eyes starting to show hints of emotion. "Can you understand that?"

Percy nodded.

"Absolutely! I'm so sorry for what I said and did, Sam. Think we could try and move on from this and...try to power through?"

"Before that...there's something I need to get off my chest," Sam replied, making the son of Poseidon very nervous.

"What?" Percy asked, hiding the feeling. "Anything."

"I...might have...kissed Will," Sam answered.

Percy frowned softly. For a moment, he didn't say anything, trying to make sure that he hadn't misheard.

"Wait, what?"

"During the snowball fight...I slipped on some ice and pulled Will on top of me, and our lips touched. For a moment, it felt like he actually kissed me, and I responded? I don't know if that counts..." Sam explained, his voice trailing off.

Wait...if he responded, does that mean that Sam...

For Will?

Damn it, Percy, now's not the time!

"I don't know if it does, but either way, I think it evens out...I accidentally kissed Nico," Percy replied, not wanting to keep it secret anymore.

Sam tilted his head.

"How did you accidentally kiss Nico?"

"He was wearing your hoodie, and I thought that he was you from behind," Percy explained.

Sam blinked.

"Oh...that makes sense...I guess."

Percy scratched a nonexistent itch on his cheek.

"It was a total accident, but...I guess all four of us had something to hide, huh?"

Sam nodded.

"Yeah, I guess we did."

Silence settled over them once more, and the son of Poseidon quickly grew uncomfortable with it.

"So...think we can move past this?" Percy asked, feeling very, very scared.

What if he says that we can't?

"If that's what you want..." Sam answered.

Percy took a seat next to Sam and held one of his hands.

"All I want is for you to be happy, and I want to be there to make you happy...if you'll let me."

A tear slipped down Sam's cheek.

"Percy...I'm really scared."

Percy nodded, sharing the emotion.

"I am, too. Will you stay with me?"

"I will..." Sam answered, much to Percy's relief, "...but..."

"What?" Percy asked.

"I...can't let myself feel emotions right now. I feel I'll break if I do," Sam explained.

Percy squeezed Sam's hand.

"Well...you just tell me...when you can. I'll be right here."

Sam sighed.

"When you told me that you were leaving, I couldn't...hear anything after that. I thought you were leaving me."

Percy shook his head.

"No, Sam...I'd never leave you."

Sam then took a deep breath.

"What should I do?"

"Just...take an easy day," Percy answered. "Stay in the Cabin, have some food. We'll all come see you throughout the day to spend time with you. If you want?"

"But...I don't want to be a burden. I want you to be happy. The only way for that is to allow myself to feel, but I'll drown in the emotions," Sam explained.

Percy smiled.

"I'm the son of Poseidon. I won't let you drown."

Sam leaned his head against Percy and started quietly crying to himself.

I wish that we would never fight again, but I know that that's impossible.

At the very least, I now know that we can work through it.

---

Jason

After Percy and Sam returned to the Poseidon Cabin, they had settled in the bed. Sam actually allowed Percy to cuddle him, which Jason took as a good sign. He decided that it would be best if the two were left alone to recover, so he went to find the Eris twins and give them a piece of his mind.

We spend so much time together that's it's easy to forget that Sam and Percy are a couple and might want some alone time.

I should be happy that they make time for me.

Happy...

Suddenly, Percy's words from the night before played in Jason's mind.

I wish that things could be that simple, but today showed that they aren't.

Then again, I didn't have the opportunity to fully explain everything that happened.

I'll tell Sam later.

Maybe I should also tell Percy...

After all, I think that Percy was just trying to be...thoughtful.

Drunk, sure, but thoughtful.

Under any other circumstance, it could even be considered rather sweet of him.

As the blonde arrived in the Dining Pavilion, he scoured the area for the twins but had no luck. Instead, he found Annabeth, rubbing her temples and sipping on some coffee.

Yeah, she probably has a major hangover after last night.

"Hey, Annabeth," Jason greeted the daughter of Athena.

Annabeth groaned in reply.

"Please, tell me I didn't do what I did at Strife's parties?"

"You mean, blackout and practically rape guys and girls alike? Yes, to the first part and almost to the second. Pretty sure Jake is scarred for life," Jason answered.

"Oh, no...I was blueprint drunk!" Annabeth lamented.

She even named that state, huh?

Jason nodded.

"Yep, blueprint drunk."

"Please, tell me that Percy didn't see that?" Annabeth pleaded.

Jason simply sighed.

"I'm pretty sure Percy is actually scarred. He was dumbfounded; it was the first thing he saw when we walked in."

"Oh, gods...that's why Piper isn't talking to me..." Annabeth replied.

Looks like Percy and Sam aren't the only ones.

"She mad?" Jason asked.

Annabeth nodded.

"Very, but she wouldn't say why."

"Yeah, you groping random campers will do it. Although, more blame can probably be passed onto Mark. He wasn't exactly a perfect gentleman with you," Jason commented.

Annabeth nodded.

"That makes me feel slightly better. You know Piper better than anyone. Do you think she'll forgive me?"

"Yeah, but...you may want to do some sort of gesture to show how sorry you are, just in case," Jason replied.

"Do you have any suggestions?" Annabeth asked.

"How about an owl feather?" Jason suggested.

"Yeah, I can get her one...if I don't die first, excuse me!" Annabeth said before running to the nearest trash can and hurling into it.

Best of luck to you.

"Damn, those twins are fucking monsters with parties. Speaking of which where the fuck is Arthur?!" Jason asked himself as he continued to search for the twins when something occurred to him.

None of the Eris kids are here.

Wait...the infirmary!

---

Jason

As he approached the infirmary, Aaron came running towards him.

"Hey, Jason," the young son of Eris greeted him.

"Not now, Aaron, I need to speak to your brothers right now!" Jason replied, continuing to make his way.

"I figured. Sorry about everything," Aaron apologized as he fell in stride next to the blonde. "I heard about it. I called my big brother, he'll be here in a few days."

Jason stopped in his tracks.

"Your big...Strife?"

Aaron also stopped walking and nodded.

"Yeah, he sounded really mad when he heard about what Simon and Arthur did."

He's not the only one.

"I see," Jason said as he walked to the entrance of the infirmary.

He opened the door and immediately spotted Simon, lying in a cot and surrounded by his siblings.

There you are.

"What the fuck were you trying accomplish?!" Jason snarled as he walked up to them.

Arthur smirked.

"We were just having fun. We weren't really trying to accomplish anything."

"Oh, except to help Peter and Connor!" Simon added, also smirking.

Arthur snapped his fingers.

"Oh, right, Simon! Yeah, okay, we did have a small agenda."

"And where does drugging me fit into that?" Jason asked, trying to keep himself from finishing what Horkos had started.

"We don't make the waves Jason...we merely disturb them!" the twins replied.

Fucking little shits!

"Well, mission fucking accomplished! Percy and Sam had a fight!" Jason shouted, feeling extremely angry.

The twins' smirks turned into grins, further infuriating the son of Jupiter.

"No way! They have a good, solid relationship! Oh, dude, we are fucking legends!" Simon commented.

"You said it, bro!" Arthur agreed.

What's wrong with them?!

"That's not the point!" Jason snapped. "Sam's currently recovering because he thought Percy was breaking up with him! He was in a fucking dark place!"

Arthur snorted.

"Dude...children of Conflict! You just basically described our purposes in life!"

"Wasn't Sam's..." Aaron mumbled quietly.

Jason sighed as he combed a hand through his hair.

"Look, I understand that couples fight and no relationship is perfect. But what if things hadn't worked? What if Sam had decided to leave Camp before talking to Percy?"

The twins glanced at each other.

"Mission..." Simon started.

"...accomplished?" Arthur finished.

"Really?" Jason asked. "Let me tell you what happened. Percy didn't phrase his words carefully and left, saying for Sam to come find him after calming down, but Sam thought they were breaking up. Sam went from pissed to being in shock to having a panic attack. He passed out and after he came to, he suppressed his emotions so he wouldn't feel anything in order to cope. That means that if Peter hadn't convinced Percy to come back, Sam probably would have left Camp to go off and die fighting or something, and Percy might also have died doing something stupid because he'd never forgive himself. Are you fucking getting it now?!"

"Yeah..." Simon replied, Jason hoping that he was finally getting through to them.

"...we should throw parties more often cause, man! That is some wicked chaos!" Arthur added.

"Okay, let me put it to you this way: If Percy and Sam had died because of some a misunderstanding between them, I'd have killed both of you, and I don't think even Strife would stop me from doing it! And if I didn't get to you two first, Nico or Peter would!" Jason threatened.

Simon rolled his eyes.

"Dude, first off, I'm positive our big bro is on our side!"

"He isn't..." Aaron coughed.

"And second...I'd love to see you try!" Arthur added.

"You two would seriously put Sam and Percy through the same thing that Drew put your brother through? I thought you were better than that," Jason said with disgust.

"Great-grandchildren of Chaos, dude...Fuck off!" the twins answered.

Jason rolled his eyes.

"You two are un-fucking-believable."

"Actually, we got our mom's good looks, I believe the term is..." Arthur started.

"...unbelievably fuckable!" Simon finished.

The son of Jupiter looked at each twin in turn.

"You know what? I'm done with this."

"Funny, we were just thinking..." Simon started.

"...the same thing!" Arthur finished.

Jason didn't waste any more words on the twins and left, and the other Eris kids followed, seemingly not wanting to be associated with them.

"You're brothers don't get it, do they?" Jason asked Aaron as they exited the infirmary. "They know what kind of person Percy is. If Peter wasn't there to fetch him right away, Sam would have left and Percy would've gotten himself killed by doing something stupid. Then Nico would do something stupid, then Will. Isaac might also do something stupid because he looks up to Sam so much."

Aaron nodded.

"They are very proud being children of Eris. There is only one person who can talk any kind of sense into them...Sam Strife. They are the worst qualities of Conflict. My big brother once told me that our mother didn't always represent chaotic conflict. He told me that he learned the hard way...Through conflict, there's always an end. When the conflict ends, you are stronger because of it. You make alliances, friends... Conflict first, and then resolution. That's what our mother represents...not that she doesn't enjoy their type."

Wow, I'm impressed.

That's pretty deep.

"So...that's why you agreed to an alliance with Sam in Capture the Flag?" Jason wondered aloud.

"Anything to show I'm not like them," Aaron replied. "That's why I convinced my sisters to fake being mad to get the twins even more riled up."

The girls nodded.

"They're jerks, even by our standards!" Christina commented.

Jason sighed.

"Well, hopefully, Strife, will be able to teach them. I thought that they weren't so bad because they told Drew off, but they seem to think that it's not a problem when they do the same thing she's done."

"They are hypocritical assholes!" Angelica yelled, clearly angry at her siblings' behavior.

"I think that there might be a...potential problem," Jason said.

"You mean when my big bro gets here or when your Sam gets better?" Aaron asked.

"...Both," Jason replied.

"Can I offer advice,Jason?" Aaron asked. "Don't kill them...and make sure no one kills them. Not until my big brother gets here. If he comes in and sees they're dead without him being responsible, in some way he'll lose it."

I know that Strife wouldn't hesitate to kill anyone, regardless of their relationship with him, if they were on the wrong side.

"I said that I would've killed them if Sam had left. I won't actually kill them," Jason specified.

"Oh, I know...I was talking about Percy...and Sam...and Nico...and Annabeth..." Aaron said.

"I think that Sam and Percy are just happy to still be together. Annabeth doesn't really anyone to blame other than herself, and I don't think Nico will do anything," Jason replied.

Aaron nodded, before looking very timid.

"Okay, good, and Jason?...Um...We're sorry."

Jason smiled, unable to be angry with the other Eris kids.

"It's not your fault, and even if you had a hand in it, I wouldn't hold it against you. I ultimately agree with the results of what happened between Sam and Percy, but not the motive. What really worries me is when both Sams meet."

"Why? My big bro is nice enough when he isn't murdering people," Aaron noted before chuckling. "No, really, he's a good guy just...don't ever piss him off...ever."

"Yeah, I know he's a good guy, but he's also...a bit prideful. He commands respect and also demands it," Jason noted.

"That's Sammy for ya!" the girls chirped.

"Problem is, I don't think my Sam will respect him because he...well, doesn't really respect anyone aside from me, Percy, Nico, Will, and Peter," Jason explained. "That means that one wrong word from either of them when they meet, and they'll be at each other's throats from the get-go. Probably literally."

Aaron shook his head.

"Oh, no, my brother won't go for his throat...he'll shoot him in the leg."

Like that wouldn't do anything other than piss Sam off.

"Which would start a fight that would probably result in the destruction of the Camp," Jason replied.

"...Yeahhhh," Aaron mumbled, realizing the problem.

"Do you have any solutions other than crossing our fingers?" Jason asked.

"Uhhh, yeah, actually...me," Aaron answered.

"How's that?" Jason questioned.

"My brother would never hurt anyone while I'm on the room. He always wanted better lives than he had. He avoids confrontation and fighting when any of his siblings are present...minus the twins, because they usually deserve it," Aaron explained.

"Then let's try and make sure that you're with him before they meet," Jason replied.

It's our best shot.

---

Will

The guys had decided to rotate who would spend time with Sam while they attended to various tasks about the Camp. Nico was currently with the prince, having managed to convince him to play a game of Mythomagic, and Percy had decided to help Will at the infirmary. The son of Poseidon was currently cutting bandages for future use.

He's getting better at it.

That aside, I'm really happy that he and Sam managed to get through a fight.

Granted, it was really miscommunication on both their parts, but...still.

"So...you and Sam had your first fight. Do you know what that means?" Will asked, his tone indicating that he was implying something.

Percy sighed.

"That it's not always sunshine and butterflies?" he replied, not picking up on the hint.

Will nodded.

"Yes, but that's not what I'm talking about."

"What do you mean then?" Percy asked.

Will smirked and wiggled his eyebrows.

"You know."

Percy frowned slightly.

"No, not really..." he mumbled, making Will mentally smack his forehead.

How can he not get it?!

Will groaned in frustration.

"What?" Percy asked, looking completely lost.

"Oh, my gods, Percy! Make up sex!" the blonde spelled it out.

The brunette blushed.

"Uhhh, we...I mean we haven't...really...gone that far..."

Their self-restraint is truly astonishing, but people move at their own pace.

"Yeah, I figured, and you don't have to go that far if you're not ready," Will replied. "I could give you some tips, though. Jason told me that you like giving blowjobs."

I'm surprised how comfortable Percy's become about the fact that he likes guys.

I'm even more surprised that Percy likes giving head.

"I...yeah," Percy admitted.

"Can you deap throat?" Will asked.

"...No?" Percy answered, looking and sounding unsure where the healer was going.

"Then I'll teach ya," Will chirped. "Granted, you probably won't get it down in a day."

"Uhhhhh...how?" Percy asked.

"Simple. We're going to the kitchen," Will answered.

Percy gave the blonde a confused expression.

"The...kitchen?"

"We need for you to practice with something, and you obviously can't use a person," Will explained.

Percy blushed again.

"Right...not a person."

Wait a second.

"Percy...were you thinking that I would...?" Will started to ask.

"NOOOO!" the son of Poseidon venomously denied, glaring daggers at the blonde.

Will held up his hands.

"Just making sure. Don't want anymore miscommunications today."

Percy sighed and nodded.

"Yeah, let's...let's go."

"Yes, let's," Will replied.

---

Sam

Sitting across from the son of Jupiter, the prince slammed down a rook on a chessboard much harder than he had intended, breaking it.

Oops...

"...Checkmate," Sam said, before his face blushed with embarrassment. "Sorry about the chessboard..."

Jason just gave Sam an amused expression, a small smirk playing on his lips.

"Don't be. Nice to see that you're...well, not how you were earlier. Though you seem a bit agitated."

A scene of Nico grinning triumphantly when he had beaten Sam in Mythomagic came to mind. At first, it had been disbelief on the Italian's face, and it had gradually turned into a soft smirk, the smile growing bigger and bigger until it was a shit-eating grin. It was an expression that both made Sam happy for his bro whilst simultaneously infuriating him.

I really do sometimes wish that I could hate him.

Sam then noticed an amused twinkle in Jason's eyes.

"Is it because Nico beat you in Mythomagic?" the blonde asked, much to Sam's annoyance.

Of course Nico told him.

The prince crossed his arms and huffed.

"I don't know what you're talking about. He didn't beat me, I let him win," he lied, trying to salvage his wounded pride.

(Hey, that rhymed!)

"How very generous of you," Jason played along, though his expression was hardly convincing. "Truly, we could all learn something from you."

Sam rolled his eyes at the terrible acting.

"Okay, now you're just being suck up."

The blonde chuckled.

"Am I at least doing a good job of it?"

Sam uncrossed his arms, set his head on the table, and let out a deep sigh.

"No, you're doing a terrible job. You're supposed to tell me that with a straight face, not like you're about to crack up."

"Isn't it technically your boyfriend's job to suck up to you?" Jason asked.

Sam smiled at the fact that he still had a boyfriend.

"No, it's everyone's job," he retorted, waving off the question. "I let you all stay here out of the goodness of my heart because all your Cabins suck. The least you can do is suck up to me convincingly."

"Hey~, my Cabin doesn't suck," Jason whined, making Sam scoff.

"Yes, it does. It thunders constantly, and your dad's creepy statue watches you. Even before Nico's Cabin was redecorated, it was more inviting."

Sam could practically feel Jason shrug.

"Fair enough, I'll grant you that. Also, aren't you letting us stay because of Will?"

"Again, out of the goodness of my heart," the prince answered.

Sam then felt Jason petting his head, making him flinch. He moved his head to the side to glance at a concerned looking blonde.

"Did...I do something wrong?" he asked, making Sam frown.

"Who said that you could stop? I just wasn't expecting it, that's all."

Jason blinked before smiling and continuing to pet/stroke Sam's head.

Mmh, that feels nice...

"Hey..." Jason started, only to trail off.

"Yes?" Sam asked. "Promise that I won't bite."

The blonde chortled at that.

"I recall you biting Peter."

True...

The prince could only shrug.

"I wouldn't have bitten you guys. I just didn't want to be disturbed, that bed is comfortable. Anyways, do you want to tell me something?"

Jason nodded, continuing to stroke Sam's hair.

"I never got to explain. Before I say anything, you know Percy loves you more than anything, right?"

For a moment, Sam didn't say anything. Instead, as he was still rather guarded, he tried to discern whether or not Jason was being honest.

He seems to be telling the truth.

Percy also seemed to be honest.

Sam sighed, deciding that his friend was not lying.

"Yeah...I know that now."

The thing is that Percy would do anything for me, including leaving me, if he thought that it'd make me happy...

I should really tell him that it wouldn't.

"What happened in the Bunker was Percy was in a euphoric state...He wasn't thinking correctly," Jason explained.

Neither were you.

I still don't quite understand what was going through your head before you passed out.

"I understand that," Sam answered instead, knowing that he wouldn't be able to get an answer for Jason's behavior.

"Sam, I'm so sorry about this. I can't imagine what you're going through," the blonde apologized, a guilty look plastered on his face.

The look made Sam feel rather awful.

I've had enough tears for today.

"I'm fine...recovering, Jason," Sam corrected. "I'm just wondering why Percy went after you specifically."

Jason had a thoughtful expression for a moment.

"If I had to take a guess? Wrong place wrong time. That was it. Percy saw me before he saw you while he was in that state."

Sam frowned, able to perceive that the son of Jupiter was being completely forthcoming.

"You know, when I really want to, I'm great at discerning when someone is lying. Attitude, gaze, blinking, sweat, gestures, pupils, pulse...all of these things are hints as to what you're really thinking. I'm somewhat skilled at reading body language. I'm not saying that you're lying, but I know that you're not giving me the full truth."

As Sam expected, the blonde looked like he had been caught red-handed.

Called it.

Jason sighed.

"Damn, okay, well, I guess the true reason was just our relationship. Percy is a flirt, and if I'm being honest, all of us in the group are pretty good looking. It was sort of an inevitability that something like this would happen," he admitted, though the answer frustrated Sam more than anything else.

He reluctantly sat back up, meaning that he couldn't have his head stroked anymore.

"Yes, I know that Percy likes to flirt, and luckily, it only seems to be with you, Nico, and Will..." Sam trailed off, wondering if it really was a good thing that was the case.

Let's not dwell on it.

"Perhaps I wasn't being specific enough, or maybe, you don't realize it yourself," Sam continued. "What did Percy say to you, Jason? Why did he try and kiss you?"

"Well...he was saying how he sees the way that I look at Nico. He said you guys could make me happy. Then he was ordering me to kiss him. Next thing I knew, Horkos was on his way."

Sam ignored the last part about Horkos, trying to discern how he felt about Percy's actions. On the one hand, he felt awful that he had accused his boyfriend of trying to cheat, but on the other hand...he didn't know how to feel.

"Wait...Percy was asking if you...wanted to be in a relationship? With both of us?" Sam asked, just to make sure that he hadn't misheard.

"Yeah," Jason replied with a small frown, confirming it.

The scene of Sam telling Khione that Jason was both his and Percy's boyfriend played in his head, making his heartbeat speed up. He desperately tried to suppress a blush.

What irony?

"...Was that part not mentioned?" Jason asked when Sam didn't reply.

The prince then felt like smacking his forehead at the question, though he settled for combing his hair.

"Jason, Percy doesn't remember what happened. Only you do, so...no."

"He said that we would figure it out," Jason added before chuckling and shaking his head. "Crazy, right?"

Sam then felt a sinking feeling throughout his entire being at those words.

He's being honest.

Am I...disappointed?

Why?

What was I expecting?

"Sam?" Jason asked when he didn't reply.

"Maybe..." Sam breathed.

"I'm sorry, I didn't catch that."

Sam chuckled, though it wasn't because he found the situation funny, it wasn't genuine, though it sounded convincing enough.

"Crazy, I said that it was crazy."

Jason blinked, then looked away like he didn't want to look Sam in the eye.

"Right..." he mumbled, as if disappointed, which confused the hell out of the prince.

Wait...was he expecting me to disagree or something?

I feel so lost right now.

"I definitely misjudged Percy's intentions," Sam continued, deciding to drop it. "It seem that his heart was in the right place...just not his head."

The blonde snorted, returning his gaze towards Sam.

"I think he took a note from Peter and used a different head."

You're wrong.

Sam shook his head.

"If he had just asked for a kiss, I'd say that you're right...but he didn't. He was trying to show that he cared, albeit in his own drunken way."

Percy wants me to be happy.

I think that he wants everyone to be happy, including Jason.

"So...are you gonna be okay?" Jason asked, as if saying that he didn't want to talk about it anymore.

Sam felt the sinking feeling again, and based on Jason's expression, he knew that it showed.

"I feel a bit worse at how I reacted, but yes," he said in order to give an excuse for his expression. "The real question is whether you'll be okay, Jason. Percy's right about the looks you give Nico. Are you happy?"

For a moment, Jason didn't reply, and Sam detected a sadness in the blonde's eyes, making him feel even worse.

I probably shouldn't have asked that...

"...If Nico's happy, then I'm happy," Jason finally replied, and it wasn't an answer that Sam liked.

At all.

For a moment, Sam felt jealous that Nico was the object of the blonde's affection, but he quickly reprimanded himself for feeling that way.

What right do I have as far as whom Jason loves?

None.

Besides, he said that him dating me and Percy would be crazy...which it is.

Absolutely crazy...

Still, Sam gave a sad smile.

"You can only do that for so long, Jason. One day, it'll become too much. I guess what I'm trying to say is...think about what you want for a change."

Why did I say that?

Am I hoping that he'll change his mind?

Wouldn't he have to change mine, too?

Suddenly, Sam got a feeling of déjà vu, as if he had experienced exactly what Jason was currently going through.

Huh...

Jason smiled back and nodded.

"Sure, Sam...but not right now. Right now, you need food."

The brunette felt his face warming.

"Okay, how did you know?" he asked, though he took note that the blonde would think on his words...eventually.

That amused twinkle returned to Jason's eyes.

"Because it's you."

"That's...alright, you got me there..." Sam conceded, as he was starting to grow hungry.

Jason smiled and stood.

"Yep! I'll be back soon!"

As the son of Jupiter left, a sudden thought occurred to Sam.

I wonder where Ace is?

---

Nico

I can't believe that Sam and Percy fought.

I mean...I know that couples fight, but theirs seemed to be more of one of miscommunication.

...

I probably should make sure that there aren't any between me and Will.

That means that I'll have to tell him about what happened between me and Percy...

The son of Hades was ruminating over various thoughts as he approached the infirmary. As he entered, he found his boyfriend treating Peter, who had a black eye.

"What happened?!" Nico exclaimed, as no one had told him that Peter had gotten into a fight.

The son of Aeolus grinned.

"Sam got a little too handsy with me."

Nico rolled his eyes.

I know my bro.

He's not the type who'd do something like that.

Also, Peter hasn't managed to make him blush.

"He punched Peter so hard he flew across the arena and was knocked out," Will corrected, seemingly much to Peter's frustration.

"...I mean...I like my version better," he mumbled.

Nico couldn't help but smirk.

Yeah, that's the Sam I know.

"I hate to break it to you, Sane, but I don't think you're Sam's type," Nico explained, though his tone wasn't quite that sympathetic; in fact, it was almost possessive, surprising the Italian.

Did I just sound how I think I did?

Even his own boyfriend gave him a look for a moment, as if wondering what he had just heard.

"Just saying," Nico added in a much more nonchalant way, trying to play it off.

Peter just shrugged, seemingly not picking up on it.

"Yeah, and as much as I like muscled twinks, Conny is more my speed."

"Okay, I'm not that muscular," Will commented. "Sure, I have them, but I'm not as chiseled as Percy, Nico, and Sam are. Certainly not as much as Jason, and Percy and Sam have eight packs that would make even my dad jealous. I'm barely pushing four."

"Then you're more like most twinks," Peter replied with a smirk, making Will snort.

Nico felt confused, as he was still unfamiliar with the term.

"Okay, seriously, what's a twink?"

Peter's smirk turned into a grin.

"I wanna tell him."

"No!" Will scolded, immediately shooting him down. "Peter, you're fine. Leave."

Peter rolled his eyes.

"You're no fun. You know who is fun? Conny! He's gonna take me on a tour!"

Both Nico and Will raised an eyebrow.

That's rather unlike Peter.

It's just a tour, but the way he said it, you'd think he was finally bedding Connor.

"You're...unusually excited about it," Will noted.

Peter waved off the comment.

"Pffft, nah, man, it's not a big thing," he said, though he blushed ever so subtly and his voice had gotten a bit higher towards the end.

Will shared a glance with Nico, as if saying, 'Yeah, right'. Nico just subtly shrugged.

Not our business.

Will gave a slight nod before returning his attention to Peter.

"Still, you shouldn't keep him waiting."

Peter's eyes became panicked.

"What?! Wait what time is it?! Oh, shit! I can't be late! Bye, guys!"

"Something's different with him," Nico observed as the son of Aeolus left in a hurry. "He didn't mention getting into Connor's pants once."

Will shrugged.

"Maybe he's evolving?"

Nico considered it for a moment, then shook his head.

"No...I think maybe Connor's crush isn't one sided anymore."

Will gave a relieved sigh.

"As long as it helps him move on from Reyna, I'm all for it. Their relationship wasn't healthy. Could you imagine having sex with someone, knowing that he had feelings for you, while not returning them? It's borderline abusive!" he said, his voice becoming slightly angry towards the end.

The Italian felt surprised.

Was Will abused?

Is that the secret he's been hiding?

I...I shouldn't pry.

No matter how much I want to...

"I'm just happy we don't have that relationship," Nico instead replied, smiling.

Will smiled back and nodded.

"Yeah...Speaking of relationships, it seems like Percy and Sam have a strong one. They managed to get through a fight, but...it came really close to crumbling. All because of a misunderstanding between them."

The Italian felt bad, having seen the releived yet troubled look on his bro's face.

"I wonder what we would have done..." Nico mumbled, something that he didn't want to consider, but nonetheless did.

"I like to believe that we'd be able to move passed it," Will said with palpable resolution.

Nico grew nervous, though he knew that he had to test it.

"No matter what?"

Will nodded.

"No matter what."

Nico took a deep breath.

"Good...'cause there's something I need to tell you."

"What is it?" Will asked.

"Uh...it was an accident, really! A total misunderstanding, but..." Nico started before trailing off, looking at the floor, only to feel Will gently lift his chin, giving him a gentle and loving expression.

"Don't apologize, my love. Just tell me."

Nico felt better, calming down significantly.

"Percy and I kissed..."

Will frowned, though it was more thoughtful than angry.

"Wait, when did you..." he started before a look of realization came over him. "It was after Capture the Flag, wasn't it?"

Nico blushed and nodded.

"With the hoodie...yeah."

Will smirked, a curious expression in his eyes.

"Well, was he any good?"

Nico's blush deepened, feeling very flustered at admitting this.

"Y-You're better," he promised, not wanting to offend Will.

"Aw, thanks," his boyfriend cooed, stroking Nico's cheek. "I'll be sure to let Percy know, again, that he's missing out."

Nico smiled as he rolled his eyes.

"Of course you would."

Will then sighed unexpectedly.

"I also have something you should know."

Nico felt his heartbeat speed up, though he pushed down the urge to panic.

"What?"

"Remember the snowball fight?" Will asked.

Nico smiled as he reminisced about it, the fun they had had that day.

"For McDonald's, of course."

"Well...while you were getting into a tickle fight with Percy, I was helping Sam," Will explained. "He accidentally slipped, and I know that this will sound cliché...he pulled me with him and we accidentally kissed."

For a moment, the son of Hades panicked while also feeling angry.

Is he trying to take Will from me?!

Why?!

Is Percy not enough?!

"Nico..." Will said softly, snapping Nico out of it. "Whatever you're thinking, it's not that. Sam isn't like that. It was an accident."

He's right, Sam isn't like that.

If Will says that it was an accident, then it was.

Nico nodded.

"Yeah...everyone is kissing everyone, I guess."

"So, it would seem," Will replied with an amused expression. "I didn't say anything because...well, Sam was scared out of his mind when it happened, I could feel it. Now I understand why."

The Italian then felt guilty about his thoughts.

How could I even think that?

Sometimes, I really am horrible...

"We should go check on him," Nico said, feeling like he had to make amends.

Will smiled his bright smile.

"Sure," he replied before looking up, as if his thoughts resided there. "Though now that I think about it, it seems like Jason is the only one not getting kissed."

True.

"I honestly feel bad," Nico admitted, knowing that Jason spent time with him despite his feelings. "You should throw him a sympathy kiss."

He then felt taken aback by his own suggestion.

What did I just say?

Will looked away and waved off the suggestion, though he blushed a barely noticeable blush.

"Why would I do that? You're the one he would want a kiss from."

Well...Will does call him 'Handsome'.

"If I kissed him, I'm worried he would die..." Nico mumbled, feeling very confused and flustered at the prospect of kissing the other blonde.

His own blonde returned his gaze, along with a playful smirk.

"Die of what? Happiness? Besides, I recall you accepting that dare...and the glare that Sam was giving you. If looks could kill..."

Could Sam have developed feelings for Jason while he stayed with him?

He does sometimes seem possessive of him...which is definitely weird.

Isn't he...what did Jason call it?

Semi-demi?

"Oh, shush," Nico brushed off the words. "Lets go check on my bro."

"Fine, fine," Will agreed, and as the two then walked out of the infirmary when the Italian suddenly noticed something rather odd.

We're talking a lot, and the twins haven't made a single comment.

"Come to think of it, the twins were...well, dead quiet, no pun intended," Nico noted. "It's almost like they weren't even there."

Will shrugged.

"Well, Simon got hurt, and Arthur is pretty devastated from that," he answered, but the Italian wasn't buying it.

"But according to Jason, they were being total asses earlier," Nico pointed out, only for his boyfriend to grin in a manner befitting a son of Hermes. "Did you...do something?"

Will giggled.

"I just gave them a little something to help them relax. They might wake up with a wicked migraine, though."

Nico blinked, surprised by the blonde, before smirking.

"I'm dating a psycho...and I love it!"

Will snorted a laugh.

"Please, what I did was merely give them a taste of their own medicine. If you want to know what a real psycho will do, just wait until Strife gets here."

Nico sighed wistfully.

"I've seen plenty of Strife as a psycho. You know he killed the previous King of the Gargareans, right?"

"So I've heard, and I don't doubt that for a moment," Will replied. "Still, he's the nicest psycho I've met."

That's right, Strife considers Will family.

"Is that an oxymoron?" Nico asked, genuinely wondering on the matter of a 'nice psycho'. "I can never tell with that dude. He's a total enigma on what he's going to do."

Will frowned worriedly.

"What do you think will happen when two enigmas meet?"

Nico then felt worried himself.

True, my bro is also an enigma, and I get the feeling that he won't get along with Strife.

"One word...Anarchy," Nico answered.

"By who's standards? Sam's or...Sam's?" Will asked, looking rather confused.

"Sam's," Nico quipped.

His boyfriend sighed, as if he knew that there wasn't anything they could do.

"Well, hopefully, they'll find something to bond over before they destroy the Camp trying to kill each other."

That is very possible.

"You do realize that if it wasn't for his siblings or the seven, Strife would destroy this camp when he bored? Or perhaps 'conquer' is a better word? Somehow, I doubt they'll start off on pleasantries," Nico said, his tone grave.

"Maybe he'll change his mind when he learns that Sam's defending the Camp...or maybe he'll think that it provides a more interesting challenge?" Will commented. "I've seen Percy take on an entire army by himself when he still had the Curse of Achilles, and Percy said that even then, Sam still outclasses him."

I've also seen that.

Twice.

But Percy's right, Sam would still outclass him, even with the Curse.

He even said that he was Luke's better, with perhaps only Chrysaor being a match in terms of swordplay.

"True. Strife does understand and respect skilled fighters," Nico agreed.

"He also likes to try and kill skilled fighters," Will pointed out, a fact with which Nico also wholeheartedly agreed. "It all depends on his mood. I remember him complaining about Percy losing his Curse, saying that it was a lost opportunity."

"Oh, yeah...not to mention he has tried to kill Hylla on more than one occasion," Nico added.

Will frowned.

"Don't they still try and do that? Make sure that the other hasn't gone soft or something?"

"He explained it to me once...something about warriors loving a good fight, and then he started talking about how Hylla thinks nothing is hotter than fighting. That's when I left because I did not need to hear that shit."

"How...romantic?" Will asked, sounding even more lost.

Nico could only shrug.

"Apparently to them. Every day is like the first day they met, he says."

"...Because they tried to kill each other?" Will asked, somehow sounding even more lost than before, a feeling Nico shared.

"Trust me, don't think about it. It just gives you a headache," he advised, not wanting to try and understand the complicated relationship.

Love is love, I suppose.

Let's just leave it at that.

"Well, I guess that it's the same for Percy and Sam. I can feel it. And see it. Each day for them is like falling in love all over again," Will commented.

Nico smiled, as he felt the same way about Will.

It's a nice thing.

"I guess that's what also made their fight so heated," Will continued. "I've noticed that Sam in particular experiences emotions quite intensely."

"When you love someone, you give them everything. Makes sense he's very emotional," Nico noted, thinking that he understood.

His boyfriend nodded.

"True, but...it's more than that. On the surface, he might appear calm, but deep down, he really experiences everything more intensely. I think that he unconsciously actually keeps things suppressed to an extent."

Is that a good thing?

It doesn't sound like it.

Nico frowned worriedly.

"That can't be healthy."

"I actually don't think its a problem," Will assured him. "Just means that he gets a fresh experience each time for things."

Sounds like that would make things intense.

Suppose that it would be difficult to grow bored of something, though...unless it was something truly boring.

As they neared the Poseidon Cabin, Will smiled affectionately at Nico.

"Of course, I fall in love with you every day, Nico."

The Italian, even now, still felt his heart flutter, a pleasantly warm feeling spreading throughout him.

"Anch'io, sole mio (Me, too, my sun)," Nico replied with a smile, making his boyfriend, pull him in for an unexpected (but very welcomed) kiss.

"You know that it drives me crazy when you speak Italian...so hot," Will breathed against his lips before kissing him again, which Nico returned with relish.

So good.

Unfortunately, Will ended it, much to Nico's disappointment.

"Let's not keep Sam waiting too long."

Nico sighed.

"Fine," he replied, Will opening the door, only to find his bro sitting at the table, face down.

"Jason, is that you? I'm hungry~," he whined.

"Well, I am pretty delicious, but I'm not on the menu," Will teased, much to Nico's frustration.

Oh, gods, not this...

Sam looked up and frowned.

"I would expect a line like that from Peter..."

"My gods, he's like a virus!" Will joked.

Sam merely rolled his eyes.

"Guess I'm immune. You don't hear any cheesy pick up lines coming from me, do you?"

"No, thank the gods," Nico replied, genuinely relieved.

His boyfriend frowned.

"What are you talking about?! My pick up lines are awesome!"

"Pick up lines?" Jason suddenly asked as he walked into the Cabin.

No!

"Please, do not indulge him," Nico begged, knowing that the son of Apollo was full of cheesy pick up lines.

Will grinned playfully.

"Well, is he from Tennessee?"

"No, stop it!" Nico cried out.

Jason raised an eyebrow.

"...Tennessee?"

"'Cause-..." Will started.

"NO!" Nico ordered.

"Jason~, where's the food?" Sam then whined, seemingly not caring about the matter at hand.

"Right here, I got the last of it," Jason replied before setting several plates on the table.

Sam then perked up.

"Awesome! I love you!"

Jason smiled, but his cheeks reddened.

"Erm...thanks, Sam."

Did Jason also develope feelings while he took care of Sam?

Nico suppressed a jealous feeling.

It's not my business.

"Where's Percy?" Will asked.

"I believe that he went to talk to Chiron about Strife," Jason replied. "I told him that he was coming."

"I wonder how that's going?" Nico wondered aloud.

---

Percy

Then son of Poseidon made his way to the Big House, contemplating the situation with Samuel Strife.

Of all times, now he finally decides to show up?!

Where was he when the Colossus showed up?!

Why hasn't he solved the communication problem with the Camps?!

Percy then found his thoughts rather ironic.

I could've lost Sam because of communication problems...

I really need to be more careful.

Percy then walked up the steps of the Big House and opened the door.

"Why hasn't Sam come to Camp sooner?!" he announced his presence and frustration. "Communications are down, and I would think he would help, given the size of his faction!"

"Ouch, dipshit, and I was just warming up to you," Strife's voice sounded.

Percy looked around, but didn't see him.

"Where...?"

Chiron turned around a laptop, showing Samuel Strife on the screen.

"Oh, you haven't heard?" the Centaur asked. "Strife is actually on his way here now. He told me that he usually wouldn't have bothered, since you lost the Curse of Achilles and wouldn't provide a decent enough challenge anymore, but he said that he'd make an exception for the twins in order to, and pardon my language, 'Wreck their shit'."

"Wreck their shit?" Percy asked, surprised that Chiron used profanity.

"He used a few more curses that I would rather not repeat," Chiron replied. "He'll be here by tomorrow morning, so be ready."

Wait, what?!

"Tomorrow?!" the son of Poseidon exclaimed, feeling completely unprepared.

Why tomorrow?!

I'm not sure if Sam will be ready by then!

I also haven't even gotten deep throating down yet!

I need more time!

Damn it, I won't have any time to spend alone with my boyfriend!

I was really looking forward to that...

Another thing then occurred to Percy.

"And what do you mean 'not a challenge anymore'?!" he yelled, his pride wounded.

"I mean, you dipshits are fucking childish, and you fight like kids, too!" Strife answered.

Percy glared at the older demigod.

"How does one fight like a kid?! What does that even mean?!"

"It means, you guys fucking annoy me! The way you fight is so petty and easy to beat!" Strife snapped, further infuriating the son of Poseidon.

This guy knows how to push someone's buttons.

"I'm gonna make you fucking eat those words, Strife!" Percy threatened.

The son of Eris grinned.

"You've tried many times, Perce. It always ends with a bullet in your leg."

That's never even happened!

"Gentlemen, please, we're not enemies," Chiron intervened.

Strife then started picking his nails with a hunting knife.

"Not at the moment."

"You've never even shot me in the leg!" Percy pointed out, not wanting to drop that point.

Strife snorted.

"Because you're my friend! I don't shoot friends in the leg...often."

Percy rolled his eyes.

"I feel sooo loved right now," he deadpanned.

"Percy, when have I ever shown anyone any sign of love outside my siblings and wife? Seriously, dude, grow a pair," Strife replied, though it annoyed Percy more than anything.

"Platonically, dumbass."

Shouldn't that be obvious?

Strife returned his attention to the son of Poseidon.

"Well then, platonically, I find you FUCKING ANNOYING!"

"Remind me, why are we friends again?" Percy asked, actually wanting a legitimate answer.

"'Cause we work well together in battle; plus, you are the one that basically had the ultimate decision of welcoming me back to Camp after I defected," the son of Eris provided.

Percy could only sigh, realizing something.

"I guess that your definition of a friend is, 'someone I tolerate enough that I don't immediately want to kill them'."

Strife smirked.

"There you go! And people say, you're dumber than bricks!"

"I'm smarter than people say," Percy replied.

Strife stared at him like he had grown a second head, and for a moment, he didn't say anything.

"Really?!" he asked, sounding completely dumbfounded.

"Yes, really!" Percy snapped before taking a moment to calm himself. "Anyways, I've picked up on some new things since we've last met."

"Oh, like how to hold a sword?" Strife taunted.

This guy is always a prick.

"No, said something even better than the Curse of Achilles," Percy replied, trying to not let Strife get under his skin.

Strife leaned closer on the monitor, looking genuinely intrigued.

"Wait, seriously?"

Percy nodded.

"Seriously," he answered before shrugging. "At least, I think so."

Strife's face broke into a grin.

"Hell yeah, dude! Fuck, if you're serious, I might stay a few days!"

That could mean that I'll have less time to practice with Will.

Hopefully, we don't get caught because that would be mortifying.

"Jason told me that you were coming, but he never explained, why?" Percy asked, trying not to dwell on that possibility.

"Figuring out what my fucking brothers did, obviously," Strife answered. "Aaron told my diplomat to the Camp that something happened, so I'm on my way to possibly kill them."

That explains it.

"When I tell you what, you just might make good on that threat," Percy noted.

Strife then gave Percy a curious expression.

"What could those idiots possibly do that would actually make me want to kill them?" he asked, as if looking for a legitimate reason.

"They spiked drinks," Percy answered in a no nonsense manner.

Strife's right eye twitched, and his neck jerked, as if his brain was short-circuiting.

"I-I'm sorry, it sounded like you just said...they spiked...drinks?"

Percy nodded.

"That's exactly what I said. I'm not sure if mine was, but I know for a fact that they spiked both Jason's and Will's."

"They spiked...Will's drink? Will Solace?" Strife asked, as if he couldn't believe what he was hearing.

"The one and only," Percy answered, figuring that it would be something the son of Apollo would actually say. "You know that he would never get drunk."

The son of Eris stared at Percy, not saying anything.

He usually hates silence.

Suddenly, the screen went black.

"What happened? We lose the connection?" Percy asked, wondering if perhaps the Triumvirate was interfering.

Chiron shook his head.

"No...he just punched his monitor so hard that he shattered it."

Percy nodded to himself.

Seems like something he'd do.

"Well...at least he has the resources to replace it," he commented.

"Yes, this is may be the twentieth time this has happened," Chiron replied.

The brunette blinked, taken aback.

Seriously?

"Okay, I have to ask, what was the reason the first nineteen time?" he asked, his curiosity getting the better of him.

"He got bored. I believe he said, he enjoys arguing with his guards about getting more monitors. Child of conflict, indeed," the Centaur explained.

"That's...an interesting hobby," Percy said, unable to comprehend the reasoning.

Chiron shrugged.

"He's an interesting person. I hardly ever get through a conversation with him without him breaking something or someone's arm."

"Glad he's not our enemy," Percy noted.

Chiron actually chuckled as he shook his head.

"I think a better phrase is, 'I'm glad he is not currently trying to kill us'."

"True," Percy agreed. "I think that his siblings and Will are the sole reasons he hasn't tried to conquer this place out of sheer boredom."

Chiron nodded.

"Yes, actually. He has made that very clear on the many times he threatened us. Funnily enough, it always starts with how he would tie Drew Tanaka to the hearth to burn and then gut her...He generally goes into more detail...He is a very disturbed person."

Percy scoffed.

That's an understatement.

"There are quite a few of us who wouldn't mind him doing that to Drew, but my boyfriend has more or less established that Camp Half-Blood is his turf and won't tolerate anyone threatening it," he claimed, having witnessed it himself.

"And there-in lies the first of many between the two. Samuel Strife has made it clear that, even in his manic and egomaniacal state, he truly will protect the Camp and that it is his...how did you put it? Turf?"

"I don't think that they'll agree to disagree on that..." Percy mumbled softly.

"They'll agree to kill each other for the title of 'protector'," Chiron stated. "Strife believes he earned it for defecting from Kronos and earning his place at this Camp."

"While my boyfriend claims it because of the Colossus and the Behemoth," Percy added, making the Centaur nod.

"Yes, both have earned the right in different ways, but they both believe that the Camp is theirs to protect."

Percy sighed, knowing that he couldn't do much of anything.

"We'll cross that bridge when we get to it. The thing is, despite both claiming to be protectors, those two could destroy this place if they fight."

Chiron nodded again.

"Two unstoppable forces colliding..."

"Any solutions?" Percy asked.

The Centaur had a thoughtful expression. For at least thirty seconds, he was silent.

This would probably drive Strife nuts.

"...We could ask Hylla?" Chiron suggested.

It's our best shot...if we can even get ahold of her.

Percy nodded.

"You do that. I have other things to do."

Like check on my boyfriend.

Chiron sighed in resignation.

"Very well, I shall try," he replied, though Percy was already leaving and contemplating what he should do to make his boyfriend happy.

What should we do next?

---

Connor

Anxiously, the son of Hermes stood near the entrance of his Cabin, waiting for son of Aeolus.

Maybe, I misread the signals.

Connor cast his gaze towards the ground.

Maybe, he isn't showing up...

Suddenly, he heard something.

Footsteps?

Connor looked up to find an out of breath Peter standing in front of him, looking as if he had ran for miles just to see him.

"Hey, Peter," Connor greeted him.

"Hey...Conny..." Peter panted. "Sorry...was...with...friends..."

Connor shook his head.

"No need to apologize," he said, feeling relieved. "You're looking better than this morning."

How did he get a black eye, though?

Peter took a few moments to catch his breath before smiling.

"Thank you! You look as adorable as ever!"

"Thanks..." Connor mumbled, his face warming. "What did you wanna see first?"

"Hmm..." Peter hummed, his expression thoughtful. "How about the docks?"

Connor nodded.

"Sure. Shouldn't be any sea serpents."

They stopped showing up after Sam killed the last one.

"Awww, but those are my favorite type of serpent~!" Peter complained.

Wait, what?

"I have to ask...why?" Connor said, hoping he wasn't being offensive.

"Because they are serpents...and they are my favorite!" Peter replied. "Nah, it was me helping Jason kill a sea serpent that granted me my centurion position."

That makes a lot more sense.

Connor smiled.

"Cool. How I show you around while you tell me about your crazy adventures? I'm sure you have plenty of stories."

Peter gave him a coy smirk.

"My dear Conny, I am full of them! Like, for instance, do you see this chip in my tooth?"

Connor frowned softly.

"I don't think I have," he admitted.

Peter pulling back his cheek to reveal a horribly chipped tooth.

Why not have it replaced?

"Percy-freaking-Jackson," Peter explained as he released his cheek. "I lost it for a few minutes and attacked him for what he did to me, and next thing I knew, he has my sword against my throat and blood rushing out of my mouth."

"What did he do to you?" Connor ask, feeling concerned.

"Had me blamed for murder," Peter replied casually, as if he really didn't care.

"That's...Yeah, I can see him doing that. Speaking of cracks, notice the one by the doorframe?" Connor asked, nodding towards the entrance.

Peter easily peered over his head.

Freaking giant...

"Uhhh, oh, yeah. Why?" Peter asked.

"Well, when Sam first got Camp, he was placed here. Of course, it was obvious that Percy was crushing hard on him, and Sam clearly didn't like it here. So, I concocted a plan to make Sam want to move to Percy's place, and it worked...kinda. I tried the ol' shaving cream while sleeping prank, but it backfired. Not only did he smack me instead of himself, he ended up punching me through that door."

A look of concern came over the son of Aeolus.

"Holy shit! You okay?!"

How sweet of him.

Connor chuckled.

"Yeah, I thought fast and used a mattress as a shield. Still hurt, though."

Peter pointed to his black eye.

"Yeah, I know what you mean."

"Wait, he punched you?! Why?!" Connor exclaimed.

I thought that they were getting along!

"It's a long story but...Percy and Sam are fighting. Or were fighting, at least. I got in the way," Peter explained.

"Damn...I didn't think those two would ever fight," Connor replied, taken aback.

Peter shrugged.

"Couples fight, it's natural."

"True," Connor agreed, though still feeling surprised. "What was the reason?"

"The twins caused a mess between them last night," Peter answered, and this time. Connor wasn't surprised in the least.

Figures.

"Yeah, there used to be a saying here, 'Never trust a Stoll'. Ever since the twins, it's now, 'Never trust a Brand'," Connor explained, 'Brand' being the surname of Arthur and Simon.

"Ha! There's a saying at Camp Jupiter, 'If Sane is right, Insane is wrong!" Peter boasted, making Connor giggle.

"Funny. Still, that's why I didn't drink anything at the party. Strife may have thrown crazy parties, but he never spiked drinks."

"Never really talked to the guy, but I heard he is almost as insane as me," Peter commented.

Connor grinned his crooked grin.

"Almost, but not quite."

"Good! I have a reputation!" Peter chirped.

"Enough about Strife. Shall we?" Connor asked, wanting to show Peter around the Camp.

"Let's!" the taller teen agreed, giving a genuine smile.

Good.

As they started to walk, George stood and started following, making them pause.

"I think he wants to join us," Connor noted.

"Do you want him to?" Peter asked.

Connor simply shrugged.

"If you don't mind a third wheel."

Peter grinned and gestured with his head for the Chocobo to follow.

"George, c'mon, boy!"

The large bird came closer and nuzzled the two demigods with his beak.

Peter's right, he is cute.

Suddenly, Connor grew nervous.

"Is this still a...date?"

"Do you want it to be?" Peter asked gently, as if trying to say that he wouldn't be offended if Connor shot him down.

"I'm not sure..." he admitted, still trying to figure out if he'd be comfortable with going on a date with a guy.

"Then it doesn't have to be," Peter replied with a smile. "Just two friends spending time together, if you're more comfortable with that?"

Connor smiled and nodded.

"Yeah...I like that."

We're friends!

Peter nodded.

"Then so do I."

---

Sherman

Sherman found his brother, Mark, standing by the lake, completely alone and looking somewhat depressed.

Damn, I thought that he might have felt better after the party.

Maybe Annabeth's lap dance scarred him more than anything.

"Hey, bro," Sherman greeted his sibling.

"Oh, hey..." Mark replied in a crestfallen voice.

Gods, can this guy just fucking cheer up?

Well, maybe he'll be happy when I tell him.

"Did you hear the news?" Sherman asked.

"What news? Mark asked back, his curiosity seemingly piqued.

"That prick, Strife, is on his way here," Sherman answered.

Mark blinked, looking taken aback.

"Holy shit, my bro is coming?! Fuck, I haven't seen him since Cychreidese! I was hospitalized for so long, I wonder if he even knows I'm alive!"

He's one of the few people that Strife actually genuinely likes.

"I'm certain he would have visited if he knew. You're one of the few people he can tolerate. Or maybe he just didn't care enough to see you," Sherman said, not being subtle in the least that he didn't like Strife.

"I don't know..." Mark mumbled. "Chris told me what Sam did after the dragon died. He was sobbing and blaming himself and a lot of dark shit. He probably has no idea."

This time, Sherman was the one who was taken aback.

"I'm surprised that the guy even has a heart," he commented. "Do you know how many times he's shot me in the shoulder just for the hell of it? If it wasn't for the fact that I'm a demigod and the healers here, my arms would probably be useless."

Mark chuckled softly.

"I thought the same thing, dude! We were at each other's throats nearly the whole quest, but it turns out there's no point in it if it gets us nowhere. The guy is actually really cool, which is why I took that curse for him."

No way I could have done that.

"You're a better man than I am," Sherman admitted. "I don't think I could have done that. In fact, I'm expecting him to shoot me in the leg to say hello."

Mark gave a genuine smile.

"Maybe next time, you can be the one that goes on a world ending quest with him?"

Sherman snorted.

"Yeah, right. I'll leave the world ending quests to Percy and his boyfriends."

"You mean Caelum and Grace?" Mark asked.

I really don't.

Sherman shrugged.

"Hell, if I know. All I know is that both couples want Jason, and Nico clearly still has a thing for Percy. That's for them to figure out. Strife's relationship with Hylla makes less sense, in my opinion."

"What about your crush on Caelum?" Mark teased with a playful smirk.

"Dude, it's a man crush!" Sherman snapped, irritated that people were starting to claim otherwise.

"Just admit your feelings," Mark pressed.

"There aren't any feelings to admit," Sherman stated firmly. "I have a girlfriend. I'm not interested in dudes."

"Sure, dude...Whatever you say," Mark replied, clearly not buying it.

Sherman rolled his eyes, finding his sibling to be hypocritical.

"If anything, shouldn't you be admitting your feelings for Strife?"

Mark blushed profusely.

"No idea what you're talking about!"

"Then don't accuse me of having feelings for Caelum!" Sherman snapped. "Not that I have anything against someone being gay, but I don't think you actually like Strife that way."

"I...Strife's a total badass. Fuck, I see your point," Mark replied, seemingly realizing that he had a man crush on the son of Eris.

Now that that's settled, moving on.

He might wanna participate.

"Anyways, we're placing bets. You want in?" Sherman asked.

Mark raised an eyebrow.

"Bets on what?"

Sherman smirked.

"Bets on who gets Jason first: Percy and Sam, or Nico and Will."

Mark grinned.

"Oh, hell yeah! Place me down for Percy and Sam!" he exclaimed, seeming rather excited.

"Interesting choice," Sherman commented. "My money's on Nico and Will. What's your reasoning?"

Mark shrugged.

"Percy and Jason are bros. It's a solid foundation."

"True, but it's not like it's a secret that Jason is in love with Nico. He'll admit it outright to anyone who asks," Sherman noted.

"But Nico is shy whereas Percy is flirty," Mark pointed out.

Hmm, that's a fair point.

"That's a good point about Nico. Even Sam is more forthcoming than him, and that's saying something. Piper also thinks that Jason will go for Percy and Sam, saying that they seem more open to a polyamorous relationship," Sherman said, beginning to wonder if he had made the right decision.

Piper also mentioned that Jason might try and move on from Nico.

If anyone knows, it's Piper, but...she seems to also know something in addition to that.

Whatever it is, she's not talking.

Peter also seems confident that that Jason will wind up going for Percy and Sam, saying that he's never been wrong about relationships...other than his own.

Still, it's too late to change my bet.

Oh, well.

Sherman shrugged.

"Guess we'll just have to see."

"Yes, we will!" Mark replied, seeming far less moody.

Good.

"There's also another bet going on," Sherman added.

"What is it?" Mark asked.

"Everyone thinks that the two Sams are gonna try and kill each other. People are placing bets on who'll come out on top," Sherman answered.

"Strife," Mark said without any hesitation.

Sherman smirked.

"I knew you'd say that. My money's on Caelum."

Mark took a moment, as if to consider, then shrugged.

"I'm just saying, Strife refuses to die."

Sherman smirked at the comment.

"Apparently, so do you."

"Ha! Yeah, another reason we are bros!" Mark chirped, looking cheerful.

"There's something you should know," Sherman said, becoming more serious.

"Yes?" Mark asked.

"Even if Dad isn't proud of you, I am. All of us are. He may have wanted you to die a heroic death, but you managed to survive where most of us wouldn't have, myself included. That's more commendable, in my honest opinion. Clarisse would be proud, too," Sherman answered, meaning every word.

Mark's smile dropped, and he blinked, as if he couldn't believe what he had just heard. He then rubbed his eyes, probably because he didn't want to cry, and smiled again.

"Thanks, man. Means a lot."

Sherman smiled back.

"You're welcome," he replied, only to notice Connor and Peter walking by with George from following.

The two were talking and laughing, seemingly enjoying each other's company.

Are they on a date?

(Technically.)

"Oh, damn..." Sherman mumbled.

Mark sighed.

"Aaaaand another headache of two clueless idiots in love."

Wait, what?

Really?

"I didn't see this coming," Sherman admited. "Peter told me that he found Connor hot, but that he just wanted to fuck him."

Mark snorted.

"You clearly haven't been paying attention. They're totally in love."

"What was your first clue?" Sherman asked, genuinely wanting to know.

"The blushing," Mark answered.

"When did you see that?" Sherman inquired. "Connor's blushed plenty, but I haven't noticed Peter blushing."

"Earlier today, when he was talking with Connor," Mark elaborated.

"Must have missed that. Last night, all I heard was him drunkenly going on and on about Reyna," Sherman explained before sighing gently. "Still, that's a good thing. I didn't want Connor to wind getting hurt."

Mark nodded.

"Yeah, I wonder, what happened between those two?" he asked, obviously referring to Peter and Reyna.

"You can probably ask Strife, now that he's married to Hylla."

"True."

Still, I think that it won't be long before Connor comes out, considering that Cecil already has.

Of course, he was obvious.

He's Camp Half-Blood's 'Loud, Proud, and Absolutely Fabulous' gay guy.

The only ones I'm not certain about are the twins.

"I'm curious, with Percy coming out as bisexual, which way do the twins swing?" Sherman asked.

"Simon and Arthur?" Mark asked back. "My guess is they are bi, too. I've definitely seen Simon checking Jason out."

"I'm sure that they'd tell us if we asked," Sherman noted, as the two seemed rather open.

"...I kinda want to now," Mark mumbled.

Me, too.

"Are they still in the infirmary?" Sherman questioned.

"Last I saw them they were," Mark replied.

Sherman nodded.

"Let's go ask."

---

Simon

As the son of Eris came to, his head pounded, and he felt rather nauseous.

What happened?

My head's killing me!

He found his twin slumped over in his chair.

"Dude, wake up," he said, nudging him.

"Ugh, my head," Arthur groaned as he awakened. "What the fuck happened? I feel like I got hit by a truck..."

Simon groaned back, sharing the feeling.

"Last thing I remember is Will giving us something to drink..." he mumbled, before Arthur seemingly realized what had happened.

"Fucking Solace!"

Simon picked up on why his sibling was angry.

"Are you saying that Will spiked our drinks?"

"Clever shit," Arthur noted, taking the empty glass next to the cot and going to the sink.

He rinsed it out before filling it and returning, reaching into his pocket to take out painkillers and anti-nausea medication. He took some before giving Simon some pills, for which he was quite grateful.

Simon took the pills and a sip of water before handing Arthur the glass.

This simply won't do.

"We need to get even," Simon said, already trying to formulate something.

"My thoughts exactly," Arthur agreed, setting the glass aside, Simon already feeling the effects of the medication.

The Dionysus kids have just the thing for hangovers.

"I'd think twice about going after Solace," Mark suddenly commented as he and Sherman joined them "Strife said that he's strictly off limits, and he's on his way here now."

Pure dread filled Simon, the color draining from both his and his twin's face.

"He's fucking what?!" they both asked.

"He'll be here by tomorrow," Sherman answered, and it was not an answer Simon wanted to hear.

Oh, no...

No, no, no, no, no.

Simon gulped.

"So, tomorrow..." he started.

"...we die," Arthur finished.

"I'd think of something quick to make amends if I were you two. I'm expecting to get shot in the shoulder, as usual. You two might face a firing squad...with Strife being the squad," Sherman commented, though Simon felt completely hopeless.

There's nothing we can do!

Big bro will never forgive us!

"We are so fucked!" Simon shouted his frustration.

"Any regrets?" Mark asked.

Plenty...

"Yeah, not losing my v-card sooner," Arthur answered, much to Simon's surprise.

"Wait, what?" he asked, wanting to make sure he hadn't misheard.

He didn't tell me?!

I thought we shared everything!

His twin shot him a confused look.

"Wait, have you not punched the card?"

Simon huffed.

"It's not as easy for me as it is for you!" he bitterly spat.

Why can't I be exactly like Arthur?

It would be so much simpler if I was.

"I told you, you have to be aggressive!" Arthur said.

"Bro, I want a connection, not a hook up!" Simon snapped, feeling slighted. "Don't stereotype me!"

We're not all like that...

"I'm confused here..." Sherman commented, looking lost.

"We actually came here to ask which way you guys swing," Mark added, making Simon's heart feel like it had sunk into his stomach.

Fucking great...

Arthur raised an eyebrow.

"Why?"

Sherman shrugged.

"Curiosity."

Of course they are...

"Arthur is straight," Simon answered for his twin, unable to contain the bitterness he was feeling.

"And you?" Mark inquired.

"Well, considering that we might tomorrow..." Arthur started before looking at Simon for approval. "May I?"

Might as well.

He nodded, though he didn't exactly feel good about it.

"He's still in the closet," Arthur continued, the answer seemingly catching both of the Ares kids off guard. "He has a crush on Jason."

Did he have to add that?!

"Had a crush on Jason!" Simon corrected, even though he still harbored some feelings for the son of Jupiter.

"Right..." Arthur agreed, only to mouth 'He does' to Sherman and Mark.

Fucking...ugh.

"I like someone else!" Simon admitted, then slapped a hand over his mouth at the admission.

Shit!

Mark frowned.

"Not to pry, but why not just come out?"

Because it's not that simple.

"People assume that we're exactly the same in every way," Arthur explained. "It's just...easier for Simon to pretend that he's straight, too."

"And if people knew that a son of Eris was gay...a lot of people would try to get back at me by messing with my feelings," Simon added, imagining the ridicule he'd get.

"Does anyone else know?" Sherman asked.

"Aside from you guys, only Strife," Simon replied. "Not even my other siblings know. Also...Jason."

"How did Jason find out?" Mark asked. "I mean, Strife I understand, the dude would pulverize anyone that even thought about ridiculing you, but Jason?"

Arthur sighed.

"Simon confessed his crush to Jason not long after he broke up with Piper, but Jason explained that he couldn't return his feelings because he was demi...and also in love with someone else."

Yeah...Nico.

What does Nico have that I don't?!

Simon mentally shook his head.

No, it isn't like that.

Jason and I aren't even that close, so it's understandable.

He didn't ridicule me either.

"He was very gentle about it..." Simon mumbled, recalling the moment, which both made him want the son of Jupiter even more and made his heart ache.

Mark looked at him with sympathy.

"Damn, dude."

"...It still hurt, but at least he didn't laugh," Simon replied.

Sherman looked at Arthur.

"Was you spiking Jason's drink some sort of revenge?"

Oh, shit.

I told him that I didn't want to, but he wouldn't budge!

Now, we're going to fucking die because I wasn't more firm!

For a long moment, his twin didn't answer.

"...No?" he finally replied.

Mark snorted.

"Yeah, I don't believe that for a second."

"Okay, so maybe I did!" Arthur admitted.

"What about Caelum?" Sherman asked next.

"We tried, but it didn't do Jack-shit," Arthur answered honestly.

"Fuck..." Mark cursed quietly. "I'll vouch for you guys."

Like that'll do us much good.

Arthur nodded.

"Thanks, the last thing we need is for Caelum to come after us for unrequited love."

Exactly.

Sherman sighed and shook his head.

"Why, though?...Why the fuck did you spike Will Solace?! You know that Strife is super protective of him!"

"That was just bad luck," Simon replied. "The wood nymph gave him a drink meant for Jason."

Sherman rolled his eyes.

"Somehow, I doubt Strife will care for excuses. You remember how he beat Travis Stoll within an inch of his life because he kept teasing Will about whether or not he was cute. You two are utterly fucked!"

He's right...

"I actually meant that I'd vouch for you to Strife," Mark said, surprising Simon.

"Dude, what the fuck?" Sherman asked, pretty much echoing what Simon was thinking.

"Caelum isn't gonna do anything because he isn't the type who'd kill without a legitimate reason. That isn't to say that he can't. If he does, he'll cut someone down without blinking; otherwise, it's just an unnecessary hassle. He told me so himself, saying that he doesn't like dealing with corpses. Strife doesn't give a shit about that, but we're close. He just might listen to me," Mark explained.

Hope filled the son of Eris.

Maybe, I won't die.

"True," Arthur agreed. "If you can get our punishment down to a thorough ass whooping, we'll be grateful."

Forever grateful.

Mark shrugged.

"I'll do the best I can."

Simon nodded.

"Please do, I ain't going out a virgin!"

"So...who do you like now?" Sherman just had to ask.

Simon's thoughts drifted to a particular son of Hermes who just happened to be out of the closet and unashamed about it.

Cecil...

"I...I don't know if I should say," Simon muttered.

"If you live, will you tell us?" Mark asked.

Well...I suppose that's fair.

"Sure," Simon replied. "Would you mind seeing if you can get me some Ambrosia or Nectar? The Apollo kids aren't giving me anything."

Mark shrugged.

"Sure. The Ares Cabin has plenty. I'll get you some, if Sherman doesn't mind."

Sherman shook his head.

"Not at all. Go ahead."

"Thanks, guys," the twins replied.

Sherman smiled.

"No problem."

---

Jason

For the rest of the day, the guys had spent the majority of their time at the Poseidon Cabin, playing the occasional game of Mythomagic and watching Disney movies. They laughed, they cried (or Jason did when Nemo's mom died), and Sam seemed to be genuinely happy again, as did Percy. While the sight of the two boys cuddled up together made Jason happy, it also made him long to have what they did.

Why does it make me jealous?

I still can't figure that out?

As Jason went to take the movie out of the player, he saw Sam smile as Percy pulled him further into his chest and kissed his cheek, and the blonde's heart sank.

There's absolutely no room for me in that relationship.

He said it himself, the three of us is crazy.

(Technically, you said it first.)

I think that I can continue to stay around, though.

Anything to be near Nico...

"Hey, you okay?" Will asked, sounding concerned.

Yeah, that's Will.

"I'm just glad that they managed to work through everything," Jason answered, being mostly honest.

Technically, nothing I said was a lie.

"Me, too," Will replied. "Sam reminds you of someone, doesn't he?"

Jason felt like he had been caught doing something he shouldn't have been doing.

"Yeah...he does."

"And it makes you jealous seeing the two of them like that, doesn't it?" the other blonde asked, more statement than question. "Sam isn't him, Jason. No matter how similar they are, it isn't him."

Yeah...he's right.

I think that Noct and I were more than just best friends.

That's probably why seeing Sam and Percy together makes me jealous.

That isn't fair to either of them.

Jason sighed.

"I know that. I just...wish that I knew what happened to him."

Will gave a reassuring smile.

"And I'm sure that you will, Handsome," he said, looking towards Sam and Percy. "Looks like they're turning in early."

Jason looked to find the two had fallen asleep, Nico pulling the blanket over them.

That's understandable.

The two of them are probably exhausted after today.

"Wanna watch another movie?" Will asked.

I'm really not all that tired.

Another movie wouldn't hurt.

Jason shrugged.

"Sure, why not?"

Will nodded and started going through the movies as Nico joined them.

"You wanna watch another one?" he asked.

"That's the plan," Jason replied. "Anything in particular, Neeks?"

"How about the Lion King?" Nico suggested.

Will grabbed the movie Nico suggested.

"That works," he said as he took the disc out of its box and placed it in the player. "C'mon, let's get back to the bed."

Jason quickly made his way to the bed and carefully climbed in, careful not to disturb the sleeping couple. Will settled next to him on one side and Nico on the other, which Jason found rather odd.

Shouldn't they sit together?

"Erm...Do you want me to move?" Jason asked hesitantly.

Will shook his head.

"No, this is fine. Right, Neeks?"

The Italian nodded.

"Yeah. Unless you want us to move?"

A smile started to form on Jason's face, feeling rather happy.

"No, I don't mind this at all."

The two demigods moved closer as the movie started.

"Good," they both replied.

Today really wasn't all bad.

---

Percy

Once again, the son of Poseidon found himself in the clearing by the lake, his boyfriend's head in his lap. He had no recollection of coming there.

How did I get here?

I don't remember coming here.

It then dawned on him what could be happening.

Is...Is this another dream?

Does that mean that-...

Percy felt someone settle behind him.

"...Jason? Is that you?"

"Who else?" Jason replied, hugging him.

Yep...definitely dreaming.

"Relax, Perce, it's just me," Jason practically cooed.

This is sooo weird...

Why am I dreaming about Jason, too?

Furthermore, why can't I wake up?

"No, don't go," Jason begged, surprising the son of Poseidon. "Stay here."

Okay...so this isn't like those dreams I shared with Sam if Jason knows what I'm thinking.

"Just because he's not the actual Jason, doesn't mean that this isn't what he wants," Sam suddenly said.

Wait, what?

"And just because neither of us are actually here, doesn't mean that this isn't what you want," Jason added as Sam sat up to face the two of them.

Percy blushed profusely.

His heartbeat started to speed up.

He gulped.

"Are...you saying that I...love Jason, too?" he asked the dream Sam.

Dream Sam tilted his head, looking thoughtful.

"I can't say for certain that whether or not you love Jason because you don't know yourself. You definitely like him, though. Much more than you would a friend."

Oh, gods...

That's absolutely-...

"Crazy?" dream Jason finished his thought. "You're not wrong, Percy. It is crazy."

"But just because it's crazy, doesn't mean that it's wrong," Sam added.

"How can you say that?!" Percy exclaimed, internally vehemently disagreeing with dream Sam. "We fought because you thought I was cheating!"

"But you said it yourself, Percy," dream Sam replied. "You wouldn't cheat on me."

"You want it to be where it isn't cheating," dream Jason purred into Percy's ear, making him feel all tingly inside. "This is a dream, Percy. Enjoy yourself. What's going on right now is exactly what you want...deep down."

Percy shook his head.

Okay...I think that my dreams are testing me.

Seeing if I'll stay loyal to my boyfriend.

"We are your boyfriends," dream Sam said. "At least, we are here. Enjoy yourself, Percy, and don't feel guilty about it. Just...look for clues. Jason wants to be part of a relationship, even if he doesn't realize it himself. You know that I find Jason attractive."

He's right.

"So...you're saying that I should just ask?" Percy questioned, trying to gain some clarity.

"You might not be able to recall, but that would probably just backfire," dream Jason answered. "Don't rush it. Take your time. You know that I like Sam...maybe even as much as Nico."

I have noticed that Jason does seem rather attracted to Sam, despite being demi.

"But for now..." dream Sam said as he moved closer, breathing against Percy's lips, filling him with want, "...just enjoy this."

Dream Sam then pressed his lips against Percy's own, and Percy gasped into his mouth as dream Jason started to nibble against his neck.

They're right.

Might as well enjoy it.

---

Nico

The son of Hades and his companion entered a secluded cave within the Underworld. As soon as he passed the threshold, Nico's hairs stood on end.

She's here.

I know she is.

An Italian woman appeared before the two.

"Nico, darling," she said.

Does she really believe that she can use the same trick twice?

I know that this isn't my mother.

Nico rolled his eyes.

"I'm not falling for that again, Melinoe."

The woman frowned before taking her true form.

"You're no fun," she commented before turning her attention to the boy next to Nico. "And you...are rather interesting. You're not haunted by any ghosts despite those you've killed. How peculiar? Everyone has ghosts, deaths that you regret...but you don't."

Nico turned his attention towards his companion.

"You've killed people?"

The boy nodded his head.

But that's not what's bothering him.

If that isn't, what is?

The Ghost King returned his gaze towards Melinoe.

"I'm looking for the Doors of Death."

The Goddess of Ghosts smiled.

"Have you checked near Tartarus?"

Nico frowned.

"My father warned me not to go near Tartarus."

Melinoe dismissively waved off the comment.

"You're a child of the Underworld, you'll be fine. I go there all the time, nothing bad has happened to me."

She could have a point...or she could be lying.

However, it's really the one place that I haven't checked.

"Then I'll look there," Nico decided, turning his attention to his companion. "Let's go."

As they turned to leave, undead started rising from the ground.

Shit, I should've known that it wouldn't be that easy.

"You escaped me once," Melinoe said in a sweet voice. "Did you really think that I'd let you leave so easily?"

"Honestly...yes," Nico replied, as more undead blocked their escape.

He moved to draw his sword, but his companion stopped him, shaking his head.

"He's a smart boy," the goddess commented.

"What do you think you're doing?" Nico asked, but the boy ignored him, stepping out in front of him.

He held out his left hand, and it began crackle with blue electricity, greatly surprising the son of Hades.

Is he a son or Zeus?!

Darkness shaped into a hilt, a blade of blue light formed, and the boy held it with a reverse grip. Another identical blade formed in his right, which he held in a standard grip, as he took a fighting stance, both hands still crackling with electricity.

How is he doing this?!

"Just what are you?" both Nico and Melinoe asked as the boy moved as a blur of speed, cutting down the undead.

He's fast!

The Ghost King could barely follow the boys movements as he seemingly danced through the horde, slicing down anything in his way. He spun around, and flipped, his movements flowing seamlessly into the next. The style reminded Nico of how Percy had fought in the game of Siege he had watched from afar...only at a far faster pace and far more skilled.

And I thought Percy was good.

This guy...he fights like Percy did back when he had the Curse of Achilles!

Only better!

It didn't take long for the boy to finish off the remainder of the undead. As one rose from the ground, he crushed its skull with his foot. He then turned his attention towards Melinoe, as did Nico, finding a fear stricken expression on her face.

"Stay back!" the goddess shrieked, summoning more undead in front of her to shield herself.

The boy crossed his blades of light before swinging them, sending out two blue arcs that flew towards the goddess' defense, cutting clean through them. They would have cut her as well, had she not had the sense to duck. Next thing Nico knew, his companion had already pinned Melinoe to the ground, her neck trapped in between the blades.

"Y-You...Y-You're a scion of D-Diomedes!" she stuttered, looking extremely panicked; however, all Nico felt was confusion.

Who's Diomedes, and why is she so afraid?

"P-Please, let me g-g-go!" Melinoe begged. "I won't b-b-bother you a-anymore! I swear on the River Styx!"

The boy removed his blades from the goddess' neck, and she disappeared into darkness. The blades then vanished, and the boy turned towards Nico.

I'm really glad he's on my side.

---

Jason

A young son of Jupiter landed on his back, the son of Aeolus standing over him with a crazy grin.

"Ten seconds! That's a new record, Gracey Boy!" he congratulated Jason.

This guy fights like a madman...

"Thanks, dude," Jason replied, letting Peter help him up.

"You might've lasted a while longer if you weren't distracted," Peter commented. "Tell me, what's on your mind."

How does he know?

Jason sighed.

"I'm just worried, man."

It's been awhile since I've seen him.

"About who? Knock-Knock?" Peter asked, Jason having confided in him about his friend.

"It's just Noct!" he corrected.

Peter shrugged.

"Well, whatever, man. I'm sure he's busy and that's why you guys haven't talked."

He's probably right.

I'm sure that he's busy with school or something.

I just miss him.

A lot.

Peter then smirked.

"What do you think about the new girl?"

"Reyna?" Jason guessed. "Lot of potential, but a bit of a firebrand, don't you think?"

Peter blinked, shooting the young son of Jupiter an incredulous look.

"I'm not talking about her potential, dumbass, I'm talking about her looks!"

Oh...

Jason shrugged, not really caring.

"Yeah, she's pretty, I guess."

Peter gawked at the shorter blonde.

"Pretty?! That's all you have to say?! She's the hottest girl to join! She puts even daughters of Venus to shame!"

He's totally smitten.

Jason rolled his eyes.

"Wow, Sane, that's a lot to say about a girl you just met."

"Because it's true!" Peter snapped. "Granted, you're the hottest guy, but you're like a brother to me. Don't you notice all the looks Reyna gives you?"

She's been giving me looks?

"What looks?" Jason asked. "Sure, we hang out, but I don't think she gives me any looks."

Peter sighed, looking somewhat disappointed.

"Ugh...you're hopeless. Reyna's not the only one either. They're are a lot of girls and even some guys looking at you. And here I was was hoping to know your secret."

Jason snorted.

"Peter, I'm pretty sure you're imagining things."

The son of Aeolus smirked rather playfully.

"I imagine plenty of things, but I'm not wrong about who's interested in someone else. How many relationships have I correctly predicted?"

"...Three," Jason replied after a pause.

"And since I've only done it three times, I have a perfect record!" Peter boasted.

"Well, nothing is perfect 'cause you are wrong about this," Jason retorted.

Peter groaned.

"Gods, you're never gonna have a relationship if you don't even notice who's interested! All you do is go on and on about that Knock-Knock..." Peter suddenly stopped short, then grinned. "Oh, I get it now. You are interested in someone. You like that friend of yours."

Wait...what?!

Jason felt his face burning.

"W-What? No!" he denied.

"You totally are!" the taller blonde claimed. "Is he your boyfriend?"

"No! He's just my friend!" Jason corrected, feeling completely flustered.

"Oh, Jason, you poor boy. You're in love," Peter teased, wiggling his eyebrows.

Jason threw up his arms.

"I'm not! Where are you getting these crazy ideas?!"

"Gods, relax," Peter replied more gently. "You're talking to someone who doesn't care about gender."

"Sorry, man, I just...I'm kinda protective of him..." Jason mumbled.

"At least you can admit that you care. Progress," Peter commented. "Is that why you wanna become Praetor? To protect him?"

Well, I did promise him.

"That and because...he kinda...promised me some things," Jason admitted, making Peter smirk.

"Oh, lemme guess."

Jason sighed softly.

"Not like I can stop you."

"He promised you a kiss," Peter correctly guessed, making Jason blush again.

Well...yeah, he did.

"Yes, but that wasn't all he promised..." Jason mumbled.

Peter's jaw dropped.

"Dude...are you talking about sex?"

The young son of Jupiter was completely caught off guard by the response.

"What?! Oh, my gods, no! What the fuck, dude!?"

How did he get that?!

"Do you have any condoms? What about lube? Do you need me to get you some?" Peter asked, as if he hadn't even listened to what Jason had just said.

"Peter, stop! Are you even listening to me?!"

Peter blinked, then took a deep breath, seemingly collecting himself.

"...Sorry, it was the first thing that came to mind," he finally replied. "I thought I was gonna have to give you 'the talk'."

I'm so glad that no one else is around...

"The talk?! What could you possibly know?" Jason asked.

"A lot more than you," Peter retorted.

Jason shrugged.

"I seriously doubt that, Sane. Have you even kissed someone?"

"When I said that I didn't care about gender, what in the world did you think I meant?" Peter asked. "I'm what people refer to as pansexual."

"You're stalling, Peter."

The son of Aeolus threw his hands up.

"Yes, I've kissed people!"

Jason sighed and shook his head.

"Remind me again, why we are friends?"

"Because I'm your big brother from another mother!" Peter cheerfully chirped. "...And father."

Jason could only roll his eyes.

"Whatever, dude, you were still wrong about the rest of the promise."

Peter poked Jason in the ribs, drawing a giggle.

"But I'm not wrong about the kiss being the most important thing."

"Maybe you are, maybe you aren't," Jason enigmatically replied.

Peter poked him again, drawing another giggle.

"Oh, Gracey Boy, don't worry, I won't tell anyone about your secret boyfriend to be."

Jason felt like his face was on fire.

"He's not my...argh! Just forget it!"

"Oh, what if he's secretly a prince, but he's betrothed to someone else? You two love each other, but he's scared that his father won't approve, wanting him to continue the bloodline," Peter hypothesized, before sighing wistfully. "Ah, how romantic and tragic."

That's just downright absurd.

There's no way that Noct is in love with me...right?

---

Connor

The son of Hermes peaked out from behind a wall of his Cabin, spotting his friend, Peter Sane.

Is he waiting for someone?

Was I suppose supposed to meet him?

Connor then spotted Drew Tanaka striding towards Peter.

What's she doing here?!

"Hey, Sane," Drew purred. "You know, we never got to finish what we started."

Jealousy filled Connor.

You stay away from him!

I'll duct tape your mouth shut!

With superglue!

Peter grinned.

"No, we didn't, babe."

The two started to move closer.

No.

Peter's and Drew's faces inched closer and closer.

No...

Time seemed to slow down to an agonizing crawl.

"Don't..." Connor breathed, unable to speak above a whisper, even though he wanted to scream at the two of them.

Peter and Drew then kissed...and Connor felt like his heart shattered into pieces.

He felt his eyes start to water.

It hurts...

Why does it hurt?

The son of Hermes started to cry softly.

"Connor?" Peter's voice called, even though he was making out with the daughter of Aphrodite.

Oh, gods, why does it hurt so much?

"Conny?" Percy called again, confusing Connor.

Wait...what?

Am I going crazy?

"Conny?" Peter repeated, and suddenly Connor found himself in his bed, Peter standing over him, looking very concerned.

I...I was dreaming?

"Are you okay?" Peter asked, sounding as worried as he looked.

Connor blinked, making sure that he wasn't still dreaming.

"You're...still here?"

The son of Aeolus smiled gently, making Connor's heart flutter.

"Where else would I be?"

Connor wanted to cry, though he settled for a relieved sigh.

"Sorry, I just...had a bad dream."

Peter nodded.

"Wanna talk about it?"

Connor shook his head.

"No...not really..."

I don't even wanna think about it.

"Okay...I'm gonna head back to bed then. Good night, dude," Peter said, turning to leave.

Before he could, Connor grabbed his arm.

"Wait," he quietly pleaded.

Peter turned his head.

"Yes?"

"Can you...stay with me? Just for tonight?" Connor asked, feeling very flustered inside.

What am I doing?

Peter smiled, though Connor could've sworn that it was rather sheepish.

Trick of the light.

Must be.

"Yeah. No problem. Slide over," Peter replied.

Connor did as he was told.

"Sorry..." he apologized. "Our beds aren't that big."

Peter climbed into the bed, settling next to him.

"Nah, it's fine. I've slept in worse. Plus, the company isn't so bad."

Connor blushed furiously.

"Do...friends do this sort of thing?"

Probably not...

Peter shrugged.

"Well, the squad over in Poseidon Cabin do it, and they all say they're just friends. Why can't we?"

Oh, yeah, he told me about that.

Not my place to judge.

"That's a fair point," Connor agreed. "And Peter?"

"Yes, Conny?"

"...Thanks."

"It's not a problem," Peter replied. "Now, go to sleep."

Connor closed his eyes.

"Good night."

"Good night, Conny."

---

Sam

The prince sat in the seat of a train compartment, looking out the window as they passed by the scenery.

These trains are practically ancient in terms of technology.

Even if we're far ahead in Lucis, the rest of the world didn't neglect their railway transportation.

Can't say that for the Americans...

Sam sighed.

At least we have the train to ourselves.

Still, why did we have to use public transportation?

Sam felt a hand moving towards him, though he didn't avoid it. Instead, he let his hair get ruffled.

"You okay there, little bro?" a male voice asked, making Sam turn his attention towards it.

Before him stood a young man much taller than he, with an even wilder hairdo, though it was black instead of Sam's unique brown. The one thing shared were similar eyes, both being a nearly glowing blue.

"Zack, I still don't understand, why we are doing this?" Sam asked as his brother sat across from him.

Zack smiled.

"Just trust me, Sam. I feel like we don't spend a lot of time together."

That's because I decided to not go into the next four years at Beacon.

I wanted to wait before starting college...

"A brothers' weekend will be great!" Zack continued.

Sam sighed.

"Alright..."

"Great!" Zack exclaimed.

"We're going to Camp Half-Blood, right?" Sam asked.

His older brother nodded.

"Yeah, that's the plan."

Sam raised an eyebrow.

"Aren't you a little old to be going there?"

Zack dismissively waved off the question.

"It'll be fine. And don't ever call me 'old'."

Sam looked back out the window, though there wasn't anything to see, as the train had entered a tunnel.

There's a high chance that he'll be there...

"Hey, don't go back to brooding," Zack said.

"I'm not brooding, I'm just...a bit nervous," Sam admitted, turning his attention back towards his brother.

"Why are you nervous?"

"That guy I keep dreaming about...he's from Camp Half-Blood...and we're going there," Sam answered.

Those dreams have started to get rather...intimate.

"And what are you worried about? That he won't be what you think he is?" Zack asked next.

Well, last I actually saw him, he had a girlfriend.

Sam shook his head.

"No, that's not it. I've actually met him before...not that he'd remember."

Zack blinked.

"What are you talking about? I thought you only saw him in your dreams."

"We met while I was waiting for...him to come back. He was waiting for his girlfriend. We first ran into each other in the temple of Neptune in New Rome."

"You never told me that part before," Zack commented, looking somewhat hurt. "Sam, you know that I don't care about your sexuality. You can share everything with me."

I just...couldn't bring myself to do so at the time.

"Because I didn't think that anyone should know..." Sam mumbled.

Zack gave an understanding smile.

"Well, did you guys talk?"

Yeah.

A lot.

I just...felt so at ease with the guy.

Sam nodded.

"Yeah, we talked. In fact, we became friends pretty quickly."

We just shared a lot of interests.

His brother then raised an eyebrow.

"Then...why wouldn't he remember you?"

"Something...happened between us. Something that left both of us feeling awful," Sam mumbled, recalling the moment.

"What happened?" Zack asked very gently. "You can tell me."

"We...fell for each other...and shared a kiss," Sam admitted. "Even though we were both dating other people. Difference was that he loved just me. He wanted to choose me over his girlfriend. I loved two people."

Zack sighed.

"And it would have gotten complicated? Oh, Sam, I'm sure it would have worked out."

He told me the same thing...that we'd make it work.

I just...couldn't bring myself to do that.

I wanted to, but I couldn't.

"You don't know that," Sam finally replied. "Apparently, Juno didn't think so either."

Zack frowned.

"What do you mean?"

"She said that Percy had a role to play, and that I couldn't interfere. I knew what she was talking about...the Prophecy of the Seven. Percy didn't like it, but...I agreed because I knew that he didn't want to drop such a bombshell on his girlfriend that he had found someone else. It would've been too cruel," Sam explained.

Zack nodded.

"Sometimes, the cruelest things to some are more cruel to others. It was the right thing to do, little brother."

It definitely was more cruel for me than anyone else.

Fucking prophecies...

"What she didn't tell me was that I'd have no one afterwards..." Sam answered, unable to contain the bitterness he felt.

"I'm sorry Sam, but you are strong. The person for you is out there," Zack assured him.

Considering the literal hell I went through soon afterwards...he's right.

I am strong.

Always have been.

Then again, considering the circumstances of my birth, that's not surprising.

Project N...

Zack is one of the few who knows exactly what I am, and yet, he doesn't treat me any differently.

I'm just his little brother, and he's damn proud of that fact.

He's the reason I've been able to find my own pride.

Sam sighed, deciding not to dwell on it.

"Yeah...you're right."

"That's the spirit!" Zack approvingly chirped, when suddenly, the train shook noticeably.

What was that?

Zack stood, his expression suddenly very serious.

"Sam, get into the back of the train, and get your Regalia."

"Why?" Sam asked.

"NOW!" Zack ordered.

Sam stood.

"What about Ace?! I let him go exploring!" he explained, feeling extremely worried.

"I'll find him!" Zack assured him, a sword appearing in his hand. "GO!"

Fuck...

Sam nodded and quickly made his way out of the compartment and through the various doors of each car, cursing over each door he had to open. He reached his bike and mounted it, starting its silent engine.

Sam waited.

And waited.

Each moment felt like an eternity.

C'mon, Zack, we gotta go!

Sam then spotted his brother through a window, carrying Ace in his arms, and he breathed a sigh of relief.

He found hi-...

The cars and his brother were suddenly consumed by flames, and an explosion followed.

"NOOOOO!" Sam screamed. "ZACK! ACE!"

The flames started rapidly making their way towards the prince. He turned his bike around and rammed through the back, flying out of the train car before it exploded. He then turned around, hoping to see his brother or Ace.

Zack...you have to be okay.

You're strong.

You wouldn't let something like this kill you...

Sam felt hot tears running down his face.

Zack...

Ace...

He then noticed a shadowy shape making his way through the flames, and pure terror shot through the prince.

No...not him.

Fuck!

Sam knew that he couldn't wait a moment longer. He turned his bike around and sped down the tunnel. Next thing he knew, Sam found himself back in the Poseidon Cabin, lying in between Percy and Jason.

"Hey, you okay?" Percy asked, looking concerned.

"You're crying," Jason added, sounding equally worried.

A dream?

Oh, gods...it was a dream.

Sam started sniffling, feeling relieved, saddened, and completely horrified by everything he had just dreamed, as if it he had actually experienced it. He then felt both demigods move closer, holding him.

"It's okay," Percy comforted him, kissing his cheek.

Percy...

"We're here," Jason added before, to Sam's surprise, he kissed him on his forehead.

...Jason?

"It's gonna be okay," Percy said, resting his face next to Sam's.

Jason rested his chin atop Sam's head.

"You're safe."

Yeah...I'm safe.

But, Percy...we've met before.

---

Notes: So, Percy and Sam have met before. Will Sam tell Percy?

Peter seems to now be smitten with Connor, so at least he wants something more.

And who will be the first to get Jason? Will it be Percy and Sam, or Nico and Will?

Hope you enjoyed the chapter!