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Title: A God Among Men – Life in the Kingdom of Demetria

Fandom: Percy Jackson and the Olympians / Heroes of Olympus; ancient Greece AU

Disclaimer: All rights reserved to Rick Riordan for he created the awesomeness that is Nico di Angelo. And everything else related to Percy Jackson and the Olympians / Heroes of Olympus. Aside from the Gods, they belong to the old Greeks. This fanfiction and its OCs on the other hand are entirely mine. No money is made with this, though reviews are more than welcomed.

Warnings: shounen-ai, gods, magic, fluff, kink for powers, worship, explicit intercourse, anal, oral, bondage, shoujo-ai, hetero, threesome

Main Pairing: Nico/Percy

Side Pairings: Reyna/Annabeth, Octavian/Luke, Ethan/Alabaster, Jake/Will, Frank/Hazel/Leo, Grover/Juniper, Malcolm/Katie, Chris/Clarisse, Charles/Silena, Jason/Calypso, Poseidon/Amphitrite | Poseidon/Sally, Zeus/Hera, Hades/Persephone, Ares/Aphrodite, Hephaestus/Aglaia, Nico/Drew (one-sided)

Percy Jackson Characters:

Thieves: Perseus Jackson, Luke Castellan, Cecil Rogers, Chris Rodriguez, Travis Stoll, Connor Stoll

Royals: Nico di Angelo, Bianca di Angelo, Hazel Levesque, Maria di Angelo, Drew Tanaka

Royal Advisers & Palace Servants: Jason Grace, Reyna Avila Ramírez-Arellano, Annabeth Chase, Malcolm Cage, Ethan Nakamura, Will Solace, Katie Gardner, Grover Underwood, Juniper

Palace Guards: Frank Zhang, Clarisse la Rue, Thalia Grace, Hylla Ramírez-Arellano, Kinzie Cohen, Zoe Nightshade, Phoebe Burge

Priests: Alabaster C. Torrington, Lou Ellen, Piper McLean, Silena Beauregard, Ella, Rachel Elizabeth Dare, Octavian Simmons

Blacksmiths: Charles Beckendorf, Leo Valdez, Jake Mason, Nyssa Black, Tyson

Godly Characters: Poseidon, Amphitrite, Triton, Demeter, Persephone, Hades, Hestia, Hera, Zeus, Hermes, Apollo, Artemis, Dionysus, Athena, Enyo, Ares, Aphrodite, Hephaestus, Aglaia, Feronia, Furrina, Laverna, Calypso

Summary: Perseus is a minor Sea God, son of Neptune and prince of the sea. And utterly bored. Gods, is he bored. Instead of staying bored under the sea, he decides to pose as a mortal and walk the Earth. Throughout ancient Greece, one small island kingdom in particular took to worshiping him, the Demetria Isles. So that's where Percy goes, to see what kind of people worship him.

He runs into interesting people. Lives with thieves, learns from priests and falls for the prince...

A God Among Men

Life in the Kingdom of Demetria

Chapter 9: The Jewel of the Forges

Leo didn't understand why his siblings were constantly teasing him about his friendship with the princess and the princess' fiance. He thought it was amazing that those rich, important people were being so nice to him, that he got to spend time with them like this. Have fun with them.

"Why are you looking so gloomy today?", asked Hazel curiously while braiding Leo's hair.

She had asked him to and it was really hard to say no to the gorgeous, kind princess. And her fingers were really cunning and felt great in his unruly curls. Frank sat with them, sharpening his arrows and occasionally watching them with a small smile. It was nice spending time with them like that. It was different than being with his siblings in the hide-out or at the forges. He was always that cute little young one that was being cooed at and not really taken seriously. Hazel and Frank seemed to truly value his opinion and treated him as an equal, even though he really wasn't.

"Not gloomy. Just thoughtful", hummed Leo, leaning his head against Hazel's thigh.

"Thoughtful about what, firebug?", inquired Frank curiously.

"Percy is dating Hazel's brother", blurted Leo out, blinking slowly. "I mean. How... I told him time and time again that it is so not a good idea to be so... so him. But he just continued being him and now he's happier than I've ever seen before. And it's... odd. I mean, he's just a... street-rat and Prince Nicodemos is, well, the prince. This seems so... unrealistically strange, you know?"

"No. No, we don't know", hummed Hazel. "I can understand my brother. I mean, Percy is a very sweet guy. And with a very sweet guy, I don't really think that the background matters. Whether he's a prince or a priest... or maybe a blacksmith. Who cares?"

"...That was oddly specific", grunted Leo confused frowning.

"What can I say? I'm awful at being subtle", laughed Hazel with the slightest flush.

"I always tell her it comes from being a princess and being used to getting whatever she wants. Even if that 'whatever' happens to be a very cute little jewel-making artist", chuckled Frank.

"Uhm. I...", drawled Leo, blinking slowly as he looked around at them. "I... Me...?"

"Yes, you. If you want to", confirmed Hazel gently. "But if you don't want to, then you don't need to feel... obligated or pressured, Leo. You don't have to do anything just because I'm the princess."

"B—But why? Why me?", asked Leo wide-eyed and stunned.

"You're cute and sweet and brilliant and adorable", listed Frank thoughtfully. "More?"

"What's he talking about?", asked Leo, turning to look at Hazel.

"You, silly", laughed Hazel gently. "We like you. Do you like us?"

"Ye—es. A lot", nodded Leo, blinking slowly. "Uhm. I... Really?"

Hazel smiled and leaned in very slowly, cupping Leo's cheek. He eagerly leaned in too, until their lips met in a gentle kiss. Leo squeaked happily, staring doe-eyed. But then he was already turned around to face Frank, who also leaned in for a sweet kiss. This was officially unreal.

/break\

"Tyson!", roared an angry two-tailed merman through the ocean.

A cute young merboy jumped slightly, his hazel-brown tail twitching. The little boy looked up with large eyes at the turquoise merman swimming up to him with a scowl on his face.

"It's enough that Percy ran away. But where do you think you're going?"

"To find him!", declared Tyson defensively, glaring up at his older brother. "No one finds my Percy, so I will! A—And you can't stop me! I'm gonna go and I'll find him and bring him home, Tri!"

Triton's eyes softened as he looked at his younger brother. He heaved a sigh. He knew where Tyson was coming from. For weeks, Percy had been missing and no one seemed able to find him. Tyson was, among their siblings, the one closest to Percy and the boy was suffering the most.

"Ty", sighed Triton gently as he leaned down. "I understand that you miss our brother, but... You can't go alone. You know how much mom and dad already worry." Tyson's face fell and he looked down at the ground far bellow them. "So I will come with you and we'll look together, okay?"

Tyson's head snapped up to stare wide-eyed at Triton. "Really? So we do this together?"

"Yes, little one. And we won't rest until we drag his stubborn tail home", confirmed Triton.

He gently caressed Tyson's hair as the two of them swam off. Tyson had tried to swim off for weeks now, trying to search for Percy on his own. It had their mother worried, so Triton had promised her he would take care of this. Turning back toward the palace, he could see the queen at a window, watching them. For a brief moment, their eyes locked, then Triton and Tyson left.

/break\

Percy looked around his temple, a pleased expression on his face. That only intensified when he spotted the prince. Though his stomach knotted with the conflicting feeling of hiding something from Nico – something about Nico, at that. He had promised Hades and Persephone last night that he would not tell Nico and he planned on keeping that promise, even though he still couldn't quite grasp what was going on or what it all really meant.

Nico was a god. Nico was the son of Hades and Persephone. Hades and Persephone were playing humans in their free time. And they were actively hiding their children here. So many questions.

"Hello, my prince", grinned Percy pleased as he approached him. "Did you come here to pray?"

Nico smiled, a slightly conflicted expression on his face. "I... came here for you."

A confused frown found its way onto Percy's face at that. Somehow, Nico looked really troubled, as though he was trying to hide something. But Percy was the last one who'd have a right to comment on that or call him out on that, so he just smiled charmingly at his boyfriend.

"A—and what can I do for you?", asked Percy amused.

"Go on a date with me", blurted Nico out, eyes wide. "I want to take you out on a proper date. After all, you literally already met my parents. I though, uh, perhaps you and I could take a basket of food and make our way up the mountain together. The view is magnificent. And then we eat there."

"That... sounds wonderful", whispered Percy with a smile.

"Good. Good. Okay. Uhm, should I pick you up after your... service?", asked Nico.

"No, I should really go home and tell Luke and the others so they won't worry", smiled Percy. "How about we meet half-way? You say up the mountain, so let's meet at the foot of the mountain by sundown? Does that sound okay, Nico?"

"Yeah, perfect", nodded Nico with a relieved sigh. "I'm looking forward to it."

He kissed Percy briefly on the cheek before leaving.

/break\

Nico was aware that Jason and Reyna were giving him disapproving and judgmental looks. Annabeth, who was leaning against Reyna, wasn't even looking at him anymore. He shifted, guilty.

"I know I screwed up", blurted Nico out tensely.

"Yes. It would be wonderful if you'd explain why and how", drawled Annabeth pointedly.

"I sent her those letters far before I met Percy. When... When this crisis in my head had reached its peak. When I thought I had a serious problem that needed fixing and being with a woman would fix it. Would fix me", sighed Nico, running his fingers through his hair. "A—And now..."

"Now you have the guards set up to keep Princess Drusilla away from your parents, who still don't even know she's in their palace", stated Reyna, gently caressing Annabeth's hair.

"Which, in itself, seems to be a miracle to me", grunted Jason. "I mean, sure, your parents have been very distracted since dinner last night, but I don't think they even thought about the ship from Venia. Did... dinner really go that badly, man? You've been miserable, your parents have been stoically silent since then too. I thought they said they're alright with this?"

"I honestly don't know", sighed Nico, running his hands over his face. "They said they were alright with me being with a boy. But then they met Percy and... dinner was just so awkward and tense? They didn't talk to him once, but then they talked to him alone after dinner and I still don't know what they talked about. Which is why I asked Percy out on a date for tonight. So I can talk to him about what my parents wanted from him and if... if we are alright."

"And to talk about your fiance", suggested Annabeth casually.

"Ye—eah", sighed Nico, massaging his temples.

"Have you spoken to Princess Drusilla yet?", wanted Reyna to know.

"No—o", groaned Nico, burying his face in his hands. "I just... what do I even say?"

"Okay. Here's the game-plan. You talk to Percy tonight. You talk to your parents afterward and then you talk to the princess and clear all of this", ordered Annabeth firmly. "Understood?"

"Yeah. Thanks", grunted Nico with a shaky sigh.

/break\

Percy was swimming in the ocean. He just couldn't help it. He missed the water and even though he didn't use his tail, it was still so good to be in the water. Even though he knew it was also dangerous. The fishes could recognize him and might rattle him out and merpeople close-by might smell or sense him. It was just utterly impossible to stay away from the sea for too long. He had found those little moments occasionally over the past weeks.

This time however was too much. Too long. He paused when the surface broke and he was being tackled by his little brother. Wide-eyed, Percy stared at Tyson. Tyson, who was here.

"Big brother! I knew I could find you!", exclaimed Tyson happily, hugging him tighter.

"W—What are you... doing here...?", asked Percy mortified.

"We're here to bring you home, Perseus", declared the disapproving voice of Triton.

And that was just great. Ty alone would be okay to handle, but Triton was going to drag him back kicking and screaming, that much was for sure. Ducking his head, Percy stared up at his older brother with the most innocent eyes possible. Triton glared unimpressed.

"I'm not going with you", declared Percy as firmly as he could.

"B—But big brother?", asked Tyson softly, eyes large and sad.

Percy hugged him tighter and kissed the top of his head. "I'm sorry. I have... something very good here that I don't want to lose just yet. I missed you guys so much and I'm sorry for worrying you, but I can't lose this before I even had it. I have to... I have to stay a little longer, please."

"Why?", asked Triton seriously, arms crossed over his chest. "Give me one good reason, Percy."

"Love", replied Percy honestly, looking at Triton desperately.

"You... fell in love...?", asked Triton stunned, blinking slowly. "With a human?"

"No. I don't know. That's why I need to stay", stated Percy firmly. "I... I think I could fall in love with him. I want to see where this is going. If... If he could be my Thanatos."

He glared firmly at Triton, utter defiance in his stance. Triton flinched and made a face at that. It was an open secret that Triton was in love with the god of Death. Things were a bit complicated between them, but if someone had taken this love from Triton before it had a chance to blossom...

"How much longer?", asked Triton seriously. "I need something, Percy."

"Just... Just a few more weeks, for now, please", pleaded Percy. "I—I promise I'm safe here, I promise I will return home, but I can't leave just now, please don't make me."

Triton looked conflicted and turned his head some, a thoughtful expression on his face. "For now, Tyson and I are looking for you. Who knows how long we will have to look for you. There is a beautiful cove on this island and I think Tyson and I will stay there for now."

"You are officially the best big brother on this entire planet", whispered Percy in awe.

He jumped up to hug Triton tightly though the older Sea God still looked stoic. "Two weeks. I will give you two weeks to figure this out, Perseus. And then we will return home, all of us, even if it's you to just tell mother and father that you will stay here. But they worry."

"We all do", hummed Tyson, face buried in Percy's stomach. "We miss you, big brother."

"I know. I'm so sorry", sighed Percy with a conflicted look. "I'm sorry I cause so much trouble..."

"We're used to it by now", sighed Triton, ruffling Percy's hair.

/break\

Nico smiled, feeling completely at ease as he sat snuggled up to Percy at the top of the mountain. They shared food and whispered softly to each other, feeding each other. Percy felt so warm and solid and right against him. All day, Nico had felt so confused and lost about this whole situation, but right now, he was happy. Just genuinely happy, with Percy right next to him.

"You make me feel... safe", whispered Nico softly.

Percy smiled and ducked his head, snuggling up more to Nico. "You make me feel understood."

Nico wrapped an arm around Percy's waist and pulled him closer. In that moment, the world was perfect. He didn't know how to fix things yet, but right now they felt like they already were fixed.

/break\

"Mom and dad left with a ship while you were gone", were the words greeting Nico.

He had been feeling strong thanks to Percy, ready to face his parents. But Bianca just completely deflated him. Frowning, Nico looked at his big sister and sat down heavily next to her.

"Where to? Why?", asked Nico frustrated.

"Desponia", replied Bianca, a somber look on her face. "After the ship crashed with the healer... Things on Desponia are tense and mother and father decided to use the good weather that you used for your picnic. They took a ship, a healer and medicine to assure the people things will be fine."

"Wonderful", muttered Nico and rubbed his face frustrated. "Okay. Yeah. I'll... hide in my room."

"You can not hide from your fiance forever", pointed Bianca out seriously.

"Not forever. Just... a little longer?", grunted Nico and made a face.

It would be so easy to confront all of this if it wasn't political. Literally the reason Nico had chosen Drew was because of the tension between their kingdoms, to mend things and make his parents proud. But if he were to reject her – that tension would not just grow. It might escalate into a war and that would be fully on Nico. He couldn't face that reality, not just yet. Especially not without his mother's counseling. For now, he was going to hide in his room and pretend the world was good.

/break\

"Another date? You went on a date yesterday and you went to meet his parents the day before that and now you're going on another date?", asked Luke amused.

He was curled together on Octavian's lap, the priest not looking pleased to be here among Luke's little strays, but the topic at hand was certainly fascinating. His eyes were trained on Percy.

"Not to mention, you spent all morning at the beach again", pointed Chris out.

"I... uh...", drawled Percy sheepishly. "I like spending time at the beach and with him. Bye, guys!"

Before he could be interrogated any more, he dashed out of the room. He would be early to the date, but that would be fine. Leo hummed with a carefree smile as he watched Percy dash off while preparing lunch. With Percy out of the room, everyone's attention turned toward Leo. Luke raised one eyebrow as he watched how not worried Leo was. Travis and Connor just snickered.

"So, Leo, wanna share something with the group?", asked Cecil casually.

"Mmmh?", drawled Leo while cutting cheese.

"You haven't fussed over Percy's relationship with Nico in over a day. Percy literally just left for a date and you had no words to say", pointed Chris out while sharpening a knife.

"Oh. Uhm. Yeah", grunted Leo awkwardly.

"Leo?", asked Luke sharply in his best mom-voice. "What are you trying to hide, young man?"

"I might have kind of kissed my own royal heir?", mumbled Leo embarrassed.

"...What is wrong with the strays you pick up, Lucos?", asked Octavian seriously. "Are you secretly trying to infiltrate the palace and take over the kingdom? If so, you should have told me."

"...Terrifying thought. King Octavian", muttered Travis beneath his breath.

"Worst thought: Emperor Octavian", added Connor with a slight snicker.

"You two will be the jesters at my court", grunted Octavian flatly. "And if you do not amuse, you will be executed for public entertainment."

"Tav. We talked about this", sighed Luke. "We do not execute family."

"Ca—an we get back to the part where Leo's snogging a princess? Which princess?", asked Cecil.

"H—Hazel", mumbled Leo embarrassed. "...And her fiance."

"...Yeah, I'm out of this conversation", sighed Luke and shook his head. "Tav, come."

Octavian grunted in relieved agreement and gladly followed Luke outside. He did have better plans with his lover than playing mom and dad to the orphaned strays anyway.

/break\

Percy paused as he reached the palace garden and saw Nico standing there with a beautiful princess. She had her arms around his neck, slowly pulling him down. Percy blinked slowly, confused.

"Uhm, Nico...?", asked Percy softly as he approached them.

Nico pushed the princess away, wide-eyed. "P—Percy. You're early."

Panic rose in Nico. He had not meant for Percy and Drew to meet, but the princess, after having been avoided for two days, was not having any more of this. And he completely understood that.

"Who might that be, Nikki?", asked Drew, looking at Percy with disapproval.

Percy frowned and tilted his head. "I'm his boyfriend. Who might you be?"

"I'm Princess Drusilla of Venia. His fiance", stated Drew sharply, looking unimpressed. "And those little... things will have to stop after the wedding, Nikki. I will not be made a fool of."

"Oh...", whispered Percy, throat dry.

Percy gulped as he stared at Nico, only one thought passing through his mind – Was this what it felt like to have his heart broken? A little thing? The wedding? Fiance? Apparently, Percy was the one who was being made a fool of. He stared at Nico with betrayal written all over his face. He should have known better. Right from the start, he should have known better.

Humans were fragile creatures with a fragile sense of moral and Nico had been raised as a human. Percy should have known that Nico's deep-seated fear of his own sexuality wouldn't be magically cured by Percy having feelings for him. He was stupid to think so. Stupid to go and seek a human lover to begin with. He should have stayed under the sea, where taking a male lover didn't send a guy into an identity crisis. Percy smiled bitterly as he turned around.

"No, Percy, I can explain!", called Nico out, watching Percy go. "...I just don't know how yet."

Shaking his head, Percy ran out of the palace's garden, trying to get away from this all.

Author's note: Draaama! Excitement! Angst! :DDD Fair warning though, it gets worse before it gets better. But it WILL get better; you know my stories have a happy-ending-guarantee.