I regret not ever congratulating people it's Hanukkah in the last chapter? Because it never occurred to me until now and I miss my timing? So… yeah… happy Hanukkah to my jewish reader? I'm sorry I'm late for the party and only now just realizing? (This is an awkward apology, I know.)
Merry Christmas as well and a happy holiday to the rest! 2020 is coming to an end, the vaccine is starting to be spread out, and so the pandemic is beginning to reach its finale (hopefully).
We're at the last stretch guys so I implore you to always keep your vigilance. Just because the vaccines are starting to be made available doesn't mean we're safe yet. Because the longer the virus stays, the more likely people from your circle of friends will get covid. And in result, getting closer to you.
Always wash your hands and wear your mask! Keep yourself safe by socially distancing you guys!
And now… your Christmas gift!
Chapter 21: Oh Baby, Don't Hurt Me
Words: 4,335
Recap: The Valentine Saga continues until halfway and just like me, you guys will want the author's blood by that point.
I thought as far as how crazy Valentine's would be, the Devil's silver tongue confession would be the end of it.
"Are you perchance Perseus Jackson?" Someone asked while I was on my way to get dinner.
"Who wants to know?" I turned around and for a brief moment, I felt my heart stop. Standing in front of me was a girl with Annabeth's face.
Don't get me wrong, while she has the same gray penetrating gaze, it was far sharper than my girlfriend's. She also has curly black hair that she let loose below her shoulder. Her nose was a bit more round, and her skin was much paler rather than the healthy tan I remember. At a glance, she looked like Annabeth dyed her hair and gave permission for Aphrodite to put makeup on her.
Then Annabeth-lookalike smiled. It was a different kind of smile than I'm used to pulling out from her, this one was more... conniving is the closest word I can think of. I was too in shock to notice her stepping into my space.
"Hmm, you're taller than I expect you to be,"
My head was a jumbled mess, emotions and thoughts wrestling into a scrambled knot between wanting to back away far away from her, and mesmerized by her face. I lost control of my mouth before a semblance of a sentence was made. "Err… I… thank you? But again, who are you?"
"Theophania Travers, a pleasure to meet you, Jackson." She offered me a hand in greeting and I shook it, even as I kept myself looking uncomfortable.
"Right, nice to meet you Theo... Theo... Theonia…?"
She giggled, "You can just call me Tiffany."
"Ah, sorry, then you call me Percy. Do- do you have any business with me or anything cause…" I pointed at where I was going, grin stiff at the thought of my Quidditch practice.
"Ah, my apologies, I didn't think I might be hindering your schedule." Tiffany looked chastised, " I don't need much. I only want to give you this." She presented me with a tin can wrap in a bloody ribbon and I accepted gratefully. She told me it was a Bispal (to which I said, "I'm sorry, I'm an idiot, but a what now?"), a traditional snack in her family that was shared by merfolk.
"Oh, wow, so you made this yourself? That's… awesome. Again, I'm grateful. You know I feel out of my depth for getting Valentine gifts for being just me…"
"Trust me, there's nothing 'just' about you, and that's not my Valentine's gift."
"What do you—?" I couldn't finish asking before watching her closing in and a soft touch was wrapped around my lips. My eyes widened, a touch surprised. It wasn't because she was fast that I hadn't seen her coming or not noticed the glint of interest in her eyes. I did. I did. But I didn't care to move, I didn't care to push her away. I just stood there like my mind wasn't there. Too busy trying to push away the waves of stabbing memories that knocked the wind out of me, the acidic scent too close from comfort, or the stinging burn crawling on my skin.
The fact that the scene was at odds with the feelings I have, made me questioned which one was real and not.
The kiss was more of a peck than anything, and the girl didn't look happy after it. Probably because I was staring as if I'm losing my plot. But then her eyes turned sideways and there was a childish, mocking grin, distantly reminding me of Drew when they found the next victim of her heartbreak scheme.
There was a flash of red that came across me. Then there were loud, striking noises clashing before I took in the scene properly. Lily was there (when did she get there?) angrier than I've ever seen her lashing out at Annabeth-clone, who looked far too amused at seeing her hurt but I barely took notice and only focused on Red's face because she was upset. I didn't want her to be upset. I shouldn't want her to be upset, so why am I not doing anything?
Lily is talking now, but the words sounded muddled like a land-weller trying to talk underwater. I didn't even realize I was staring unblinkingly until a hot, stinging pressure struck my cheek and I came into myself with a big fat, "OOW!"
"What the bloody hell was that for, Lily?"
"Me?! I'm the one who should be asking that! What the hell did that bint do to you?"
"What? Who?"
"Travers! The one that was…" Lily shivered while her face scrunched in disgust, "...all over you and you just… stood there like a gargoyle. Did she jinx you? Threaten you? Use her wicked wiles?"
"Jeezus, Lils, calm down. She was only giving me these." I showed her the box of cookies in my hand.
"Don't eat that!" She barely took one look before taking it and throwing out the balcony, ignoring my indignant hey! "It could be poison or worse laced with love potion!"
Oh great, so that's an actual thing. "Even if that's a thing, aren't you acting a bit... much?"
"She's a vile, manipulative, wicked witch that I'm not surprised if she was secretly born green and scally."
"Now, now, Red. You should know better than that. Not all green people are wicked."
"Let me make this clear, I would rather put up with Potter and his three stooges rather than hear a single chirp from her mouth."
'That bad, huh?'
"Besides, I'm more worried about you."
"What? Why?"
She narrowed her eyes the same way she always did whenever something needed to be said, "Percy, you stood dead while that fiend was sucking your face until I threatened to snap her legs."
"I'm—" I trailed off as I wasn't sure what she was talking about until I looked back and realized I missed the moment Tiffany left, making me feel suddenly out of depth. "I'm sorry, Lily but I have to go."
I missed the affronted look she had as I turned my back and made a hasty walk out of there. "ARE YOU—" I heard her cry before the next turn cut her voice from me.
. . .
"—KIDDING ME?!" Lily wanted to pull her hair out in frustration as she was left glaring at her best friend's back before he squirreled away. Again. It's one thing to brush her off once or twice but this is getting ridiculous. But his problem is getting out of hand, whatever the hell it is.
She pulled out a stack of blue wrapped muggle biscuit kept within her pockets the whole time and looked halfway ready to crumple it, "Stupid Travers, stupid Percy, and his stupid problems and his stupid reticent act. I don't know why I even put up with his dumb butt."
Lily was ready to throw the package away altogether before taking one last look at the biscuit before tearing it open, lips tightly sealed before grumbling while taking an Oreo bite.
"Lily, you are hopeless."
. . .
I rushed up the stairs. Heart beating rapidly even before I took the first step through the labyrinth of moving stairs. I found Rhea's office and didn't pause to knock before barging in. Mom would be disappointed seeing me acting so rude. But I didn't care at this point as I slammed the door closed behind me like I just ran away from a horde of bulls.
Rhea jolted at my sudden appearance, in the middle of grooming Michael. The lion gave me the stink eye for interrupting his time. She moved her mouth, asking me a question, but I didn't, couldn't hear. I just remembered Rhea's constant reminder as we had our session together. The words 'You're safe' and 'No one will harm you' pulled me here like a beacon.
I mean, who would try harming anyone under a Titaness watch, am I right? Like Bob. Good ol' Bob. Not all Titans are jerks. He's a reminder of that. He kept us safe. Me and Annabeth. As safe as he could. Even when I don't deserve it. Safe from the monsters searching for our hides. Safe from the wicked laughter and curses that were thrown our way. Safe from Tartarus himself as he threw us into the Death's Door and I left him. I left him. I left him. And why can't my head shut up!
There was a warm and soft weight against me, I held on to it by instinct. The purr gave a trembling sensation all around me that felt real and I latched on it like a drowning man. I mushed my face into the thing, taking a deep breath before blanching at the musky smell too strong for my taste. It was that moment when it finally hit me what I was doing. Or more like what I was holding. Which wasn't a heavy, vibrating blanket like I first thought, but a lion. Rhea's lion. The lion that belonged to Rhea. The lion I've been sobbing on like a child. That lion.
Huh.
"Percy, are you with me? Are you back?" Rhea asked from a careful distance.
Back? I didn't go anywhere though? I thought, but her words made me realize that I did it again, clutching at Michael tighter as if he can anchor me to the present. "What's happening to me?"
"You're feeling overwhelmed. But it's okay, this is a normal response for someone after experiencing trauma."
"Like hell it is! It's been years since I had an episode, and it wasn't like this!"
"Oh, sweetie…" Her voice was soft and soothing, but it made me bristle more, "I know this is a hard time for you, but you gotta let someone, anyone for you to scream your heart out. And since you think this is a safe place, you need to let me in."
"I don't need to talk, I just need to know how to handle this. That's why I asked for your help."
Rhea's stern gaze told me she wasn't buying it and it wasn't like I was trying to be convincing. Then she stood from her crouched, and looked down at me, "Stand up and wand out, Mister Jackson."
"What?"
"You heard me."
Confused, I got swept up not wanting to deny the Titaness. Especially when she's using the hard voice on me. I got up with my wand on hand.
"Now I want you to chant the Patronus spell—"
"Rheeeeeaaaaa…" I whined.
"Don't you Rhea me, mister. Since you're so adverse to talking then you'll have to practice the spell every day for every session you have with me until you manage a corporeal Patronus."
"But you know I'm not good at this spell? It's either not good enough for you or blows up in my face." Not to mention it's draining me emotionally.
"Well, either you sit and talk or..."
"What? Like it's easy? Well, excuse me I have a hard time keeping up with my happy memories."
"It's never easy to keep yourself happy by yourself, more so for some people."
"So it's either suck it up and master one of the most difficult spells around or lay down and just list up everything of why I'm angry."
"So you're angry?"
"Oh, hahaha… is that not obvious enough? Because I'm freaking furious!" I yelled out, "I was fine before… I was fine for almost a year even. Then, then I took this stupid Quest and my head kept getting worse." Sparks began to fly out of my wand but I paid no heed.
"Worse how? Explain it to me so I can understand you, Percy."
"Look, I want this dumb world saved as the next person, but can't they clean up on their own mess for once! At least under-wage workers get paid for their work. I didn't ask to be sent here. I didn't ask to be separated from my friends and family. I DIDN'T ASK FOR ANY OF THIS!"
This time, I felt a power twisting and churning around me, within my will but out of my control. The same feeling I had when facing Reg's mother. and ravaged the room. But my wand seemed to be reigning in the power before being white and red giant sparks came bursting out. I wasn't sure what it could do, not when Rhea intercepted every one of them. Catching them like they were annoying mayflies before flicking them out.
"Percy, you need to calm down. Your magic is reacting with your emotion—"
"Don't talk down on me!" I roared to her face, or I think it's her. Why is everything so blurry? "All of you gods and titans are all the same! I'm so sick and tired of you finding ways to mess up my life because you can't be bothered to fix your own damn problems. WHY CAN'T ANY OF YOU LEAVE ME ALONE?!"
The cry came out in a choke, my chest felt constricted as if I had finished going on a marathon. My back rested against the door and I lost strength in my legs as I slid down. And I don't know if I'm even breathing.
"I, I just," I hiccuped, "I just want to stop feeling like this."
"Like what, Percy?"
The words were caught up by the strings of emotions trapped between the tangled yarn of your making because you know nothing of knitting and only have yourself to blame for stinking. But credit where credit's due, my brain has a way of connecting things anyway and I kept myself from being overwhelmed by the image imprinted in my head.
"Like I'm on the verge of falling back to Tartarus." The answer came out in a whisper, afraid the words might jinx me since the universe has a way to make me the butt of their joke. "I survived, I survived, but... I'm scared I can't get back up again."
Michael's wet nose sniffed beside my ear, tickling me. And I let his warmth and weight comfort me as I buried my face in his fur. But then some of the furs got into my mouth and I had to hack it out like a cat choking from furballs.
Michael's presence disappeared but was quickly replaced by a more human-like warmth as Rhea hugged me tight, even mushing my face to her shoulder but I didn't mind. Not as long as I have someone to hold on to.
"You're not falling back there, Percy. Not as long as you have me here."
My grip around her tightened, but she felt more like a hollow replacement. Because I wanted nothing more to have than mom's loving embrace or Annabeth's reassuring cuddles. I would have given anything to have Grover's awkward pats of his or Paul's one-arm hug.
I wanted home.
I want home.
. . .
After having a silent dinner in her office, Rhea personally escorted me to the Hufflepuff dorm but not before going to Madam Pomfrey and requesting permission for her to sign so I could lounge around on my bed for the next three days. I wanted to protest, but then she turned her tinted glasses on me and felt the glare behind it that I snapped my jaw.
But as expected, the talking had dragged up unpleasant memories in my dreams that I wished I had saved up my batch of Dreamless Potion. Like going through the motion, I climbed out of my bed, careful not to wake my dorm-mates before sneaking out of the Common Room. I knew I had no business walking around in the middle of the night, I can already imagine the disappointed glint of her sunglasses if she finds out.
Stealthy, I sneaked through the halls. Careful not to wake up the paintings on the walls before reaching the owlery.
Sophia must have sensed me somehow because she was quick to fly from her perch to my shoulder. Her claws sharply clutch on me, but I let the pain just seeped into me to feel real. I pet her head for a bit before pulling out my walkman. I put my headphones on and started a song from decades in the future. The soft melody of Firefly putting me in a better mood.
I then made my way to the balcony and sat by the edge. The cool wind breezed through the night. A scooped out a few biscuits on hand from my day before sharing it with my owl. "Hey, did you know what your name means, Sophia?" I didn't expect an answer while she was nibbling her food.
"I have someone really special back home. I think I mentioned it to you once or twice. I like to call her Wise Girl. It's a childhood nickname because she's the daughter of Athena, you're her sacred animal by the way, but at some point, it became my pet name for her. I… " I gulped and took a moment to breathe, "I haven't seen her for years. We've always had each other back whatever tough times that came our way, so I wasn't sure I could make it without her. I wanted a piece of her here. That's why I named you Sophia. It's Greek for wise."
Sophia finished her bits of cracker then urged me to give more, which I compiled. I chuckled before looking up at the mostly full moon from a different time. A weathered sigh escaped me at the thought I couldn't even try being romantic and thought of looking up at the same moon as her.
"I missed Annabeth," I confessed to no one's ear.
. . .
It turns out, spending nothing in my room the whole day did not quell my jitters. At all. Feeling I wasn't up to listening lectures that would go one ear and out the other, not to mention the pile of homework left unfinished. So with nothing holding me back, I went visiting the Hospital Wing.
Madam Pomfrey always had grit in her figure whenever someone stepped into her space, her steps quick and ready, anticipating any magical injury that may need immediate attention. Truly she is the backbone of this school. The school's medic noticed who it was that graced her presence and her shoulder sagged with a pitied smile, "She's still hadn't left her bed if you're still wondering."
Nodding in understanding, I went to the far corner of the wing, a small pillar with a single white pillow on top, looking like a pedestal that showcased something valuable. But what's on top is nothing but a listless fairy, who hasn't moved from her spot since she's been given a clean bill of health. I've been visiting her every day since the incident but the small thing she's been showing no sign of wanting to leave her space. All you need is some old school Taylor Swift song and she'll complete the set of depressed heartbroken pre-teen girls.
I tried coaxing her with assortments of sweets, a mirror for her to appreciate herself, and transfigured leaves to make nicely made dresses, but nothing cheered her up. Professor Kettleburn had commented that fairies are famously known for being sensitive as they are for being vain. If they get attached to someone, getting betrayed is like stabbing and leaving them to bleed.
In summary, they don't take rejection well. To the point it might kill them.
I sighed and looked over her helpless figure, "Life would be so much easier if there's an antidote for broken hearts." But then I thought, huh… If there's a love potion, surely there are other potions with opposite or similar effects?
I tapped my watch and Ivan popped out, looking disgruntled. "How may I serve you, o young master of the seven seas?"
I held back the urge to groan at one of his moods, "What did I do now?"
"Nothing, your wise excellency," said the mechanical fairy with every bit of sarcasm oozing out.
I don't have time getting into his good grace again, "Look, whatever it is, I'm sorry. But we have a time-sensitive situation here, does your database say anything about a potion that cures a broken heart?"
The question was odd enough to pique him out of his funk, "Huh, that sounded very specific. What happened, boss? Did you get rejected?"
"No, this fairy here—" was suddenly wide awake and flying right beside us. "—is fine? What?"
She seemed solely focused on Ivan, fleeting left and around him like my buddy was a strange contraption she had never seen before, which admittedly he was. But then the fairy came edging way closer to his person that the automaton managed to look uncomfortable from being examined like an amoeba under a microscope.
Credit to Ivan, he managed to keep a poker smile on and waved a hand, "Hi, I'm Ivan. Perseus Jackson personal fairy guide for anything magical or Greek related and I'm… er... What are you doing ma'am?" The reason Ivan asked was that the fairy was now cuddling on his side, and has the happiest face I've seen her in for a while. "Boss, a little help here?"
"Aaaaw, she likes you," I said, smirking. I guess one way to get over heartbreak is with another crush.
"While I'm very flattered with the attention, my protocol doesn't include instructions to navigate attraction."
My smile was tight lip so I wouldn't crack and laugh, "Just go with the flow, bud. I think you're helping her as it is."
"The only type of 'help' I should be doing is providing you research materials or other magical defense equipment. You wanted a Heartbreak Antidote? Here!" His chest revealed a slot which then printed out a long list of ingredients like a receipt and an instruction to go with it. I indulged him by accepting the recipe. "Heck, shouldn't the Boss be trying to find out how to prevent the spread of the Rot?"
"Yeah— wait, how do you know about that?"
"I'm with you almost 24/7, Boss. Of course, I know what goes on your days."
I wasn't sure what kind of face I was making, but it took a grating breath in for me to reign my emotion, "And you didn't come out and help before this… why?"
"Ooooh, so when I'm being helpful, I get shooed away for being a nuisance. But when I don't work my butt off, I should've known better. Okay, okay, I see how it is." He harrumphed, avoiding to look at me like a petulant kid. He would have crossed his arm if not for the fairy still latch on to his arm.
Gods, why did Hermes make him so childish? For the laughs, I bet. I begrudgingly thought.
"Look, I'm sorry for being dismissive of you then. I was wrong. Do you forgive me?"
"Hmm, should I or shouldn't I forgive you?" he pretended to consider, which I don't have the patience for.
"Ivan!"
"Fine! Fine. The Rot is not a curse recorded anywhere in the wizarding world. The ministry unanimously decided to destroy any information pertaining to the creation of dementors to prevent precisely this situation."
"But surely they came up with a counter-curse if it does happen?"
My little fairy friend shook his head, "What's the use of a counter-curse when they've made sure to destroy its origin? Besides, they've tried to find a way to kill dementors and couldn't even do that."
Hearing the answer, my face fell on my hand before gripping my hair in frustration. "Is there any way to fight those things?"
"Sure, the stygian iron."
There was a moment I paused before blinking at the two-winged automaton. Having a double-take at the familiar word, "I'm sorry, what?"
"The stygian iron. You know, the notorious ore, infamous for absorbing any essence. It's the only kind of ore that would give you a fighting chance against them, wraiths."
I half wanted to smack myself from how obvious the answer because of course! The only kind of iron that can kill the walking dead. "Where in Zeus's pants would I even find one of those?" I could check my dad's vault but I doubt it could help. Jewelry is one thing, but I don't think Gringotts would willingly mail a weapon to school.
But Ivan tilted his head to the side in question, "What are you talking about, Boss? You already found one."
I blinked cluelessly, "I have?"
"Sure. The Gryffindor's sword. Why do you think it manages to absorb abilities from anything it slew?"
"But, but that sword didn't feel like a stygian sword?" Not like Nico's. Even the memory of it makes me shiver.
"Well, that's what happened when a goblin gets a hand of it, even more so if it's the King of Goblins. Back then he was known as the best of the best in smiths-work."
"So all I have to do is borrow the Sword of Gryffindor and get rid of every single Dementor!" Sounds tedious, but it's better than having no solution at all.
But then I noticed Ivan grimacing and I knew, I knew right down in my gut it wasn't going to be that easy because when has it ever? I slumped back down, "Alright, give it to me straight, Bud."
"Even if you fought them off, it won't matter without solving the Curse inflicted in the forest and preventing the Dementors from increasing."
"Oh yeah, the Rotting. Any idea?"
"Err, no, and yes?" Ivan answered unsurely.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"There's only one creature theoretically capable to, well, not fight them exactly, but erase any sort of curse, including the Rot, and a natural deterrent for the Dementors."
"And I couldn't get their help, why?" I glared.
If Ivan was a real fairy, he might have gulped at that moment. I gave myself a moment to brace myself for the next set of words. "Because they're extinct."
AN: You guys must really love the last chapter because it's been a while I got that many reviews at once. I'm kind of afraid of your reaction to this chapter.
Tell me honestly, did I or did I not make you gasp in this chapter? Because I was a bit cruel here. Whether it's the Annabeth-lookalike, Lily's Oreos, or just Percy's breakdown. Also, sorry for my poor attempt at writing something with trauma. I'm doing my best so sorry for my inaccuracies.
Okay, let's get started with the QR&A where I answer your questions, and thank you for the luvs. Sorry if you are guests but I can't reply without a name to reply to guys unless you at least use a username.
Except for someone called 'Reader' who I doubt someone with a borish name would be reading to this point. But well, calling out turns out to be fun and boost my self-esteem. Which is why I'll say one, my 900+ beautiful followers will prove to you otherwise whether I am or not a 'bad writer' and two, this is my fic and I can do whatever I want.
Geni Blaze: Damien was made to be loved and hated. So you may do so freely. Percy is always thinking of Annabeth ;)
123wwww: Here's lily :)))) And… I was not kind in this chap.
Ge Stir big mac: Percabeth to the end. That doesn't mean there'll be no drama in between ;)
Folkluz21: OMG I miss you so much! Good to have you here again. I hope your free time was used productively. Do exercise a bit of your time, backache is no joke if you leave it alone too much! I've had my share of it for a time, I thought it was a simple cramp but I can't even crouch without moaning in pain. God that was an awful three days.
Anyway, since you adored the last, you're gonna hate me for this one. Hehehehehe. Though I hope you like Rhea and Percy's interaction. Heck, even Michael played a part. Damalene was very fun to write, not gonna lie. Hope your exams and school went well and I hope it will.
I'm also glad you like what I did with Marlene and Damien. I know you're invested with our competitive Hufflepuff captain so I wondered how much you like them.
Johnsmythe2oo2: They'll have their turns. Be patient, child.
Aarna rastogi: I'm glad you love it so much :D I feel bad you won't be laughing much in the first half of this chapter. Musicals is an acquired taste I suppose since your genre music and stories that you like might clash unless it's an adapted version of stories you like. Doesn't help that there aren't many film shots of musicals to give you a good experience. And Star Kids mostly made parody musicals except for that sci-fi horror one.
Anyway, Wattpad isn't a really good platform for fanfic. And I want to focus on finishing this one before writing anything original. You can check out on my Ao3 account instead. I don't celebrate valentine's because of it's background, being Muslim and all. But it's a good time to buy discounted chocolate as well as buying cute gifts you can't find any other time for my mom mostly. But yeah, my friends don't celebrate valentine and not just because we're single wkwkwkwk.
The Brightest Witch Of The Age: Thank you so much for the luv and compliment :))) Darlene is such a potential ship I can't wait to exploit.
Patolemus: I'll say it again. Darlene is a ship waiting to be exploited hehehehe. Thank you so much for the compliment, I do love that you luv it so much. I have a feeling you would really like this chapter as well as hurt on behalf of Percy. Also, see… the fairy's fine. Briefly not but fine now. She got a rebound guy ;)
Dauntlessofthesea: Don't hold your breath, I plan to give Damien's character development a roller coaster of a ride.
CalRedEss: Aaaaaaaw, thank you so much for your luv and kind words. I feel bad for dragging the lighthearted to somber in one chap. And Percy did open up, a little bit.
SilverBlizzard05: You're not the only one laughing the whole time. I'm so glad you luv it so much. And you're so suspicious of her XD to be fair, you're not the only reader thinking that way. I like to sometimes remind the readers that for all the drama, teenagers sometimes think be teenagers. Which most mainstream writers can often forget how they act when focused too much on drama. To be fair, I have boring teenage years (instead college years are crazier) so I have Tumblr to fill that gasp for me. They have a ton of crazy shit out there. Also, yes, I did reference Hiccup from httyd. Good catch. It was kind of iconic. I'm glad you luv it so much. thanks.
No confession from Lily ;)
Aaaaa: As someone who's still confused whether I'm an ace or just don't have enough social interaction to want to have a boyfriend, I feel this and I feel for Damien.
Scl04: Hope looking forward to it paid off. Percy is working hard to be better! Wish him luck! Percy spent his whole life being looked down on as a troublemaker. It doesn't help that in Camp, everyone must have known that Annabeth and Percy liked each other so none of the girls ever tried on him, and his high school was spent with Rachel hanging around that some mortals classmates must have thought those two were dating.
Also, Damien doesn't go around spreading rumors. He does it with purpose. You never know when a girlfriend rumor will be handy to hide a scandal in. So he saved it for a rainy day.
I plan to milk Darlene ship for all its worth ehehehehe.
PercabethPotter: He's trying to be numb when his emotion is in chaos, hence why he's like being vat of hot wax. Percy has a character that Damien trusts and wouldn't go around spreading rumors about his private life, unlike his other friends. Hence, why he went to Percy. Also, I'm glad you love Darlene ship. A lot of people love it so I'm a very, very happy author.
Zayra Enlentari: Ace Representation! Eat your heart out, Uncle Rick!
Zoomingaway: Heeeeeey! I knew you'd get the reference!
You sound like you sympathize a lot with Percy's plight. And speaking of Spotify playlist, notice the reference for this chapter title? I mean, to be exact Annabeth kissed him, he exploded a volcano then was found by another girl who was crushing on him before he crashed to his own funeral. Yeah, book 4 was a rollercoaster.
Is oreo excellent now?
Damien is such a layback guy, he can offer you tea while blackmailing you and no one will hate him for it.
Ngl, I thought you wrote a guy named Washington had beat and ate a giant squid which made a weird picture in my head… still does actually.
I'm just so glad you keep on giving my fic so much love. Thank you.
AXWEFRA! Can I have your contact email just so I can talk and teach me how to give awesome insults because hot damn where do you keep getting these ideas from? Do you know, I have to actively search google and tumblr for good insults and there you are coming up with one-liner insults on the fly! Teach me your ways!
I live for your reaction, honestly. These live writings you have has given me life. I can't wait to see what you'll write for this chap. Because if Darlene Ship freaks you out, I don't know what to expect for this one.
Black' Victor Cachat: Thank you so much for your kind words. I try my best to mesh the wonder and mystery of HP verse and Percy's lovable yet funny, sarcastic character. Because that's basically the two things I love the most about the two fandoms. I also want to address how James and Severus' actions aren't black and white. Yes, James changes to be better but unless he made peace with the people he harmed, then what's left are people scared by his careless words that never realized might affect people for life. And as a bullying victim, it took time for me not to hate myself because I mess up a little. That's how big of a deal bullying is. I have a loving family that gives me support when I need it, some people don't have the luxury of that and so fall back to bad habits.
Severus shouldn't be excused for his terrible actions, but I want readers to understand him. Because imagine in canon to have Lily be the only positive support in his life, take that way and he's a death eater. I think people who hate him don't understand the difficulty of not backsliding without positive reinforcement. And for Severus, that's none other than Lily, and Lily can't possibly be responsible for him, being a kid herself.
Sorry for ranting a bit but many people don't understand that Severus' love for Lily was literally keeping him from falling into the dark side even after her death, and they have no idea how it shows how much Severus was struggling with his inner demons. It shouldn't excuse him though, what he did to Neville most of the time was just urrgh. I think JKR did too much emphasis on the Gray morality she pushed on him and did little to redeem James other than with his death.
Thank you for the support as well. The Epilogues scenes would deviate from canon more and more. And I have plans from Damien's favor but that last line makes me reconsidering because that's gold.
Einfach Mia: Ha! Well the filler has its purpose other than comedic ones, but we're finally getting into the main plot again
Aze: THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE LUV AND KIND WORDS! #Percyisalwaysadorable
MyLifeKindaIsALie: DoN't Do DrUgS! Joking aside, I feel you dude. Sometimes I latched onto my phone or book because good stories make you feel things… yah know what I mean? Thank you for the luvs btw :)
64Felicity: Percy unknowingly started a disaster of a 'ship and not sure how to feel about this. Because these will either go on well or crash like the Titanic. This is Damien flirting with disaster and dare it to get things to go wrong.
Stjinbus: Thank you for the luv, as always. And yes, yes I did. Good catch on that. Ah on, you've got to tell me more of this person's 'extremely' carried out advice. I'm curious now.
And I see you've made full swings with your puns again, it's like you're compensating for the last few times you haven't done so wkwkwkw.
