PJatO || Tram || PJatO || Tram || Chasing Origins: Sam's Story || Tram || PJatO || Tram || PJatO
Title: Chasing Origins: Sam's Story – The Heart of War
Fandom: Percy Jackson and the Olympians / Heroes of Olympus
PJatO 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, of course. They are all copyright by the old Greeks. This fanfiction on the other hand is entirely mine. No money is made with this, though reviews are more than welcomed.
Warnings: shounen-ai, fluff, family, explicit intercourse, anal, abuse, rape (mentioned), hetero
Main Pairing: Trend/Sam
Side Pairings: Leroy/Sam, Erik/Sam, Jonas/Sam, Chuck/Sam, Trend/Others, Trend/Derek, Sander/Derek, Sander/Jonas, Sander/Stella, Vic/Derek, Erik/Derek, Jonas/Derek, Marshall/Sara, Herc/Thea, Loki/Blance, Liam/Malene, Nico/Percy, Chris/Clarisse, Ares/Aphrodite
Percy Jackson Characters: Perseus Jackson, Nico di Angelo, Clarisse la Rue, Chris Rodriguez, Malcolm Cage, Will Solace, Jason Grace
Godly Characters: Ares, Aphrodite, Chiron
Own Pegasi: Trickster (Sander), Fighter (Sam), Rush
Own Characters: Samuel Elijah James Raser III (Ares), Trend Ignatius Austin (Athena), Charles Smith (Athena), Marshall Mikaelson (Enyo), Erik Anderson (Enyo), Jonas Meyer (Enyalios), Derek Rhys (Demeter), Rainbow Jordan (Iris), Melissa Montgomery (Dionysus), Victor Kruger (Hephaestus), Stella Ribeiro (Aphrodite), Takara Phenia Thompson (Trivia), Loki Murdock (Mercury), Blance Lamour (Chione), Sara Mers (Mars), Joanna Foxx (Vulcan)
Sam's Family: Samuel Elijah James Raser II, Jolene Raser, Liam O'Riley, Malene O'Riley, Selene O'Riley, Lene O'Riley, Leah O'Riley, Lara O'Riley
Own Characters of the Next Generation:
Nicercy: Bianca Maria 'Bia' di Angelo, Hades Poseidon 'Donny' di Angelo
Chrisse: Calandra 'Cally' Rodriguez, Chrysander 'Sander' Rodriguez, Charisma 'Carry' Rodriguez
Pipabeth: Theadora Tiphane 'Thea' Chase
Matie: Amarilla 'Amy' Cage
Jayna: Hercules 'Herc' Grace
Frazeleo: Nicole Esperanza 'Nico' Zhang
Summary: This is Sam's story, his origins leading up to 'Chasing Fireflies'. The first time his mom told him that he was a son of Ares, how he moved to New Athens and met his biggest hero, Percy di Angelo. His relationship with Leroy and those that followed. How the scrawny boy turned into the biggest hero of their generation. His first quest with Sander and how he got the Heart of War from Aphrodite. How he first met his pegasus Fighter and how the four Sons of War became friends.
Chasing Origins: Sam's Story
The Heart of War
Sixth Partition: The Questing Year
/July 2028 – Camp Half-Blood, Long Island, New York\
This summer was good, better than any summer ever. Especially better than last summer. But Sam tried very hard not to think of last summer. So, since he had trained practically every day of the past year, he was in better shape than ever. He even aced Capture the Flag. And once he had actually managed to beat Cally Rodriguez in hand-to-hand combat. Though she insisted that it had only been beginner's luck. But so far, summer was awesome. Especially right now, because they all were at the beach together. Sam was playing cards with Stella from Aphrodite cabin, Melissa and Derek. Thea, Trend and Amy Cage were laying on a towel next to them, discussing some strategies for the next Capture the Flag (since Ares cabin had beaten their ass last time thanks to Sam). In the water were two teams playing water ball against each other. Marshall, his younger half-brother Erik, Victor from Hephaestus cabin and Chuck were on one team, challenging the up to now unbeaten team of Bianca, Donny and the Rodriguez-twins Cally and Sander.
"Guys! Guys! Guys! You're missing all the action!", exclaimed Jonas from Enyalios cabin as he came running up to the beach. "Two gods just dropped by and gave a quest! Everybody is fighting for the quest! This is like the big thing of the summer and you're missing out!"
"What's there to miss out on?", snorted Melissa and rolled her eyes. "The Rodriguezes and Bia will go, just like they always do. Fattest chance of success there. Besides, most don't really want a quest. They're actually going to be glad once the trio takes the quest. It's just appearance that they fight."
"No! It's a big quest! Like, they are sending two teams!", exclaimed the blonde son of Enyalios.
Everyone perked up at that. They were the best age for quests – all in their early teens. The most eager to accomplish something, to put their names down into the history textbooks next to Herakles, Achilles, Jason, Perseus, Theseus, Odysseus, Jason Grace and Percy Jackson. All the kids jumped up at once and ran off toward the Big House, in front of which every camper was gathering and most of those were fighting over who should go on the quest.
"What kind of quest is it anyway?", asked Sander eagerly as he caught up to Jonas.
The peroxide blonde boy turned his head some to look at Sander. "It's for Chiron. He got... sick."
"Sick?", repeated Cally on Jonas' other side. "How did he get sick?"
"That would be our fault."
The soft, silky voice interrupted all quarreling and chattering. All demigods suddenly went silent, the focus on the couple that had just walked out of the Big House, supporting a pale, sickish looking Chiron. One was a woman of tall and exotic beauty, the other a broad, muscular former jock by the looks of it, or maybe the leader of a motor bike gang.
"Those are Lord Ares and Lady Aphrodite and it is not their fault", said Chiron in a hoarse voice.
"Oh, Chiron, you're only saying that to make us feel better", sighed Aphrodite.
"What is the quest?!", interrupted Cally Rodriguez, growing impatient.
She gained the attention of the three adults as well as that of all of camp. Most demigods looked scandalized that she would dare to interrupt a god, shushing her to shut up. But Ares laughed.
"You're Clarisse's girl, right?", asked the god of war, something akin to fondness on his face.
"I'm not 'Clarisse's girl', I'm Calandra Rodriguez. I don't define myself over my parents", grunted Cally and glared at her grandfather. "I'm also head of the Ares Cabin and camp leader."
"Atta girl", laughed Ares, amused by her attitude. "You got a brother too, right?"
"Uhm, that would be me", piped Sander nervously, half hiding behind Cally.
Ares looked close to disappointed as he saw the shy behaving boy. "Well, that one needs some more work. Okay, I have decided. I want those two as the quest leaders. Clarisse's girl will be a success and the lad needs more exercise to grow a pair of balls."
Sander and Cally stared at their grandfather dumbfounded before turning toward each other. All of camp started to whisper and gossip lowly. Chiron grunted and stamped his hooves once.
"Lord Ares has spoken. Cally, Sander, please come inside with me so we can discuss this."
/a few hours later – Ares Cabin, Camp Half-Blood\
Sam was bored out of his freaking mind. After Chiron had called the twins into the Big House, no one had been up to doing anything anymore. Most had retreated to train or to speculate. He himself didn't know what to think. Sure, he was aware that it wasn't the first quest Cally and Sander had ever attended, but he was still wondering.
"Are big brother and big sister going to be okay?", asked a small voice.
Sam rolled onto his stomach and turned to stare at the youngest Rodriguez. Right. It was Charisma Rodriguez' first summer at camp and suddenly having her big siblings taken away must surely be scary for the six-years old. Smiling slightly, Sam sat up some.
"Sure, Carry. Sander and Cally did a lot of questing before", smiled Sam kindly.
The small brunette still looked skeptical as she glared up at him. But before Sam could reassure her any more, the door opened and the twins entered, both looking equally worried and thoughtful.
"Cally! Sanny! Everything good?", asked Carry loudly as she jumped her siblings.
Cally caught the small child and lifted her up, looking at her twin brother. "Sure, kiddo. You know what, how about you and me go and spar some, I know you love that, mh?"
The two girls left and Sam just stared over at Sander impatiently until the legacy of Hermes went and collapsed on Sam's bed, right next to the son of Ares, and groaned loudly. Sander took Iggy the red plush unicorn and hugged him tightly. Staring at his plush unicorn and his best friend in concern, Sam scooted closer to rest his head on Sander's shoulder and nudge him slightly.
"What did he say?", whispered the son of Ares worried.
"It seems that Lord Hephaestus had wanted to play a trick on Lord Ares once again, on the last council meeting, but somehow, Chiron got stuck in it and now he's... affected", muttered Sander with a frown. "He's sick and not even Lord Apollo can heal it. The only cure they know is a gorgon's blood since that can cure everything. And since Lord Ares and Lady Aphrodite are feeling awfully guilty – well, the lady is, at least – they want to make sure. So they're sending two quests out, one to hunt Sthenno and one to hunt Euryale. Because, well, Cal, Bia and I already slayed Medusa only two years ago so she's not back from Tartarus yet. So Euryale and Sthenno are the only gorgons around. Cally is supposed to pick two campers to come with her and look for Euryale and I'm supposed to pick two campers to come with me and hunt Sthenno."
"That's great", grinned Sam, before his face fell. "Right? I mean, it'll be the first quest you'll actually lead since normally Bianca di Angelo is in charge. But you don't look happy."
"You're right, it's a great opportunity, but...", started Sander and faltered. "All quests I've been on so far, I had Bia and Cal. Cally knows what she does, she's... she's always protected me, had my back. And Bia is a great leader, she knows how to think stuff up. Now I'm supposed to lead a team of kids who probably have never faced a hard quest before, while Cally already called dibs on Bia, since they're best friends. And... Well, Lady Aphrodite and Lord Ares kind of started arguing and turned it into a bet too, saying I should pick an all-boys team and Cally should pick an all-girls team. Girls versus boys. The insulting part is that my own grandfather is betting against me, on my sister. Heck, even I am betting on my sister. She's always been the better fighter, she's more confident, stronger and she has the Bia-factor on her side and I don't even know who to ask to join the quest..."
"Well, I would have an offering for you", interrupted Trend as the other two Sons of War entered.
"You'll come with me?", asked Sander with the most hopeful eyes possible.
"No", grunted Trend and shook his head. "No, I'm not a team-player. You know that. I don't do quests. But Marshall would. We talked about it. After we listened in on your meeting with Chiron."
The big guy nodded in agreement, his strong arms crossed over his chest. "If you want me."
"Yes!", nodded Sander hastily and jumped up to hug the life out of Marshall. "Thank you!"
"No problem, Sander", chuckled the son of Enyo, returning the hug. "I've been on small quests before too and I'd hate to see you go with strangers or with bad backup."
"Awesome!", exclaimed Sander, still clinging tightly to Marshall.
The tall black guy chuckled affectionately, holding the smaller boy close. Him and Trend had figured that this situation would make Sander uncomfortable and nervous. So the friends had debated on what to do. Both knew that a quest would make Trend uncomfortable – the son of Athena could admit that he wasn't good at playing in a team, he was a solo-kind-of-guy.
"Then you'll just need a third member for this", smiled Trend as he took the now vacant spot on Sam's bed. "Got anyone in mind? Maybe Victor Kruger? A tinkerer can come in handy." He tilted his head thoughtful and grabbed Iggy absentmindedly, turning the red plush unicorn around a few times in his hands while mulling other possibilities over. "Or Charles Smith? A healer may be better at determining whether or not it'll be the poison or the antidote. You could also take Derek, I mean, he's your boyfriend, after all. And he's a sneaky little bitch. No offense."
"No offense taken since it's true and he actually prides himself on it. But... he's not my boyfriend. We broke up like three months ago", admitted Sander and shifted, a little uncomfortable under his friends' curious glances, running nervous fingers over his thighs. "I didn't know how to tell you guys. I mean, it was a breakup and it was kind of weird. And I actually don't want to talk about it, I guess that's why I didn't tell you. I mean, we're still friends and all, but I think taking him on a quest would be kind of weird. He also doesn't like getting his hands dirty."
"That is true", laughed Sam amused and ruffled Sander's hair.
"So... You're not bothered that I broke up with your best friend?", asked Sander half-afraid.
"Dude, just because you didn't tell me about the breakup doesn't mean that Der didn't either", said Sam with a small smile. "He didn't tell me why you broke up, but he told me that you broke up. And it's fine. I mean, you're both my best friends and if you didn't click, you're better off separated."
"Enough with the relationship-stuff. Back to the main topic", grunted Trend a little displeased.
He had actually been pretty happy about the relationship between Sander and Derek, because it meant that Derek wasn't chasing after Sam so offensively as he used to at the beginning of their friendship. He sighed inwardly at his own thoughts. Because most of them seemed to be circling around Sam ever since the son of Ares had decided to spend the summer at Camp Jupiter. Not seeing Sam for two months had been hard and had made him think more often of Sam – like what was Sam doing right now, with who was he hanging out, what if he got awesome new friends at Camp Jupiter and would be joining them forever. It didn't help him much that Sam had practically been attached to him ever since he came back. With the special training, there had been whole weeks they had spend every second of every day with each other. And what with Derek being preoccupied by Sander, both of his best friends were not as available anymore as they used to be so Sam had more time on his own, so he spend it with Trend and Marshall. And that time together had made him realize one thing. Sam fancied him, a lot. Trend wasn't sure about love or anything, but he knew that Sam liked him, as more than a friend. The only thing the son of Athena didn't understand was why Sam didn't try and act on it. In fact, Sam had even repeatedly made a point of stating that he currently didn't need a distraction in the form of a boyfriend, which was the reason why Trend hadn't tried to confront Sam about the whole mess just yet.
"I'll come. If you... want me at your side", offered Sam in a soft, nearly unsure voice.
"You... sure about that? Because you don't exactly sound that way", questioned Sander.
"Y—Yeah", nodded Sam, straightening his back some. "I mean, that's why I train, right? This is... I want a quest. And I want to go with you. If I am go to on a quest, I want to go with you, San. That... That alright? I understand if you want to take someone more experienced, since it's important-"
He got interrupted by a hyped Sander, who tried to hug the air out of him. "Yes! No, this is awesome! I want to take you with me! With three of the four Sons of War, how could we possibly lose against the girls? Also, you're like the Bia to my Cally! If Cally got her best friend and I got my best friend, we are totally even! This is going to be so freaking awesome! Oh, we need to pack!"
"What am I going to do, all alone, without the three of you bothering me?", chuckled Trend.
"You will be so bored!", chimed Sam with a broad grin.
/July 2028 – Near the Canadian Border\
Trend would not be bored. That summer, he had three very pretty boyfriends in a row, trying to get over the fact that he couldn't figure Sam out. It also helped him over being lonely. But this is not the story of All the Pretty Mistakes Trend Made. This is Sam's Story. So let's see how Sam was coping on his first quest, with Sander and Marshall, on the search for Sthenno.
They had followed the directions Lady Aphrodite had given them as to where Sthenno had last been seen. Now that they had reached the place, they made camp. Marshall had offered to go and gather firework, while Sam had started on the preparations for food and Sander put the tent up.
"How is it... Oh. Did you ever put a tent up before?", asked Sam honestly surprised.
"Uhm... No? Normally Cally does that", muttered Sander disappointed.
He was probably the most adorable thing Sam had ever seen, sitting between what was supposed to be a tent but rather looked like a Sander-trap. Because there was a flustered, wide-eyed and slightly desperate Sander trapped in the middle of the messed-up tent.
"Come on, I'll help you", offered Sam with a small smile, reaching out for Sander's hand.
Sander returned the smile as his friend helped him up. Unlike the legacy of Hermes, Sam actually knew how to put up a tent after all the times he had gone camping with his uncle Liam. After a few tries and instruction from Sam, Sander actually got it right. Smiling proudly, Sam returned to work on their dinner. With his thoughts focused on the task, the son of Ares didn't even notice the large Eale – a horrible bull-like creature with rotating horns – until it was nearly to late.
"Fuck", hissed Sam as he horn nicked his upper arm just as he tried to dodge it. "San!"
The only thing he had was the rather pathetic knife he was using to cut carrots, his real weapon, the one that actually would stand a chance against the monster, laying in his backpack, close to Sander. But the other brunette was already on the way, his own sword at the ready. Sam all the while experienced something new, something he had never felt before. Well, not entirely. He felt similar as Leroy had made him feel – weak and under attack. But then there was Sander, all of a sudden, pushing him out of the way before the Eale could harm him seriously and at the same time, handing him his own sword. There was something surging through Sam's body in that second, something new. He could fight back. He didn't have to take what his attacker served him. With a nearly vicious glint in his dark eyes did he slash at the gruesome beast. Him left and Sander right and at the same time, they thrust their swords into the monster, effectively dusting it. The attack and the fight left him buzzing with adrenaline, feeling energized and as though his heart was beating trice as hard than ever before. This was the most amazing feeling he had ever experienced in his entire life. He felt strong, invincible even. He had fought back and he had won. He felt like a success and ready to burst. Never before had he felt that way, so energetic and happy and confident. As the Eale burst into ashes, the heroes that had thrust themselves at it from both sides collided where the beast had been before. Grunting slightly, Sam found himself with his nose pressed against Sander's collarbone. The legacy of Hermes cheered loudly, laughing excitedly as he wrapped his arms around Sam. And in that split second, the short moment all of this had taken – the death of the beast and them colliding – Sam also realized something else. He had been stuck in a helpless situation, again, but this time, Sander had been there and he had most likely even saved Sam's life. The realization, coupled with that white-hot feeling of adrenaline pumping through his veins, sending this urge to do something, anything really, made the already impulsive demigod do something he had never considered doing before. He kissed Sander, hard. On the mouth.
That was the moment Marshall returned with the firewood. But he had never been big on words and he valued his friends enough to know that this was not a moment to be interrupted. Dropping the firewood silently beside the tent, he returned to the woods, smiling silently to himself.
All of this was missed by the two boys staring embarrassed at one another. Sam stared wide-eyed up at Sander, his hands over his mouth, whole face dark red. Sander was also spotting a faint pinkish taint as he gaped down at his best friend, pointer and middle finger of his right hand loosely on his lower lip as though he couldn't quite believe it yet. His other hand was still placed on Sam's hip. That was how they stayed for several moment, just staring at each other.
"I am so, so, so sorry! I didn't mean to kiss you! I don't even know why I did it! Oh my gods, I've never been more embarrassed in my whole life, I swear, I-", blurted Sam out, nervous.
The adrenaline was gone, as sudden as it had come, leaving Sam more exhausted than ever in his life. It also left that horribly guilty and embarrassing feeling inside of Sam. Sander grinned slightly, albeit still flushed, placing both his hands on Sam as he pulled his friend against his chest.
"It's alright, it's alright, Sam. Calm down", whispered Sander softly. "It's fine, really."
"W—What about that was alright? I just kissed you!", hissed Sam, cherry-red-faced.
"Yeah, I kinda noticed", grinned Sander impishly. "Look, I know what just happened. Probably better than you do, actually. And I'm telling you, it's fine. You're a kid of Ares. I don't... I don't have that connection, but I've seen it in Cal. Every time she kills something, her blood boils. Believe me, you do not want to know how often I had to watch her and Bianca heatedly making out during a quest. It's totally normal, this was your first kill, so it was probably a reflex reaction."
"I—I... I'm not in love with you, okay?", grunted Sam, still feeling as though he had to clarify that.
"Yeah, I thought so", nodded Sander. "Look, it's fine. I mean, it's normal. So calm down. You're the son of War. Fighting, battle and even more so victory... that's kind of your turn-on. You didn't know that. Obviously. So... Now you know. It's fine, really. I'm not holding that kiss against you, dude."
Nodding slowly, Sam subconsciously grabbed his still bleeding arm. "Thanks... I guess."
"Come on, let's get you patched up", grunted Sander, guiding the son of Ares over to the tent.
Sam obediently sat down on a lodge and watched how Sander put a band-aid onto the scratch. Munching a bit of ambrosia, Sam contemplated what Sander had told him. It was embarrassing, but San was right. He had never felt as sexually aroused as he had after they had killed the monster.
"And what am I going to do?", asked Sam frustrated. "I mean, I can't just always accidentally kiss you! I don't want to molest you just because I can't control my powers. That's freaky."
"You mean that freaks you out", corrected Sander with a small grin. "You know, I mean, I'm single and you're single, so it's not really a problem if we'd... do anything."
"I don't want a boyfriend", pointed Sam out with the slightest glare.
"I didn't say we have to be boyfriends", replied Sander with a serious frown. "We can just... take care of each other. Like, like friends with benefits, it's what Cal calls it. It's what she does with Bia like all the time. They're not dating, they're just hooking up on quests when things get heated. You know, after a fight. And since we're both single, uhm, well... we could... too? O—Only if you think it'll be okay! I don't want to make things awkward between us or our friendship! I just like you and I don't want you to feel weird and I know from Cally that it's weird having that unused energy and nothing to put it into. She usually like trains a lot when Bia won't put out. So I guess you could also do that. I just... I'm missing sex, okay? I mean, we don't have to have real sex, we can just like jerk each other off. And I'm totally rambling, right? Sorry. I'll stop. I promise, I won't bother you again."
Sam just stared silently at his best friend. And he continued staring silently at Sander during dinner once Marshall returned to them. Which made everything a little awkward. Especially when Marshall was the one who had to keep the conversation alive. He told them about a herd of Eales close by and they figured the one that had attacked their camp must have strayed from there. So the heroes decided to hunt the dangerous creatures down and take care of them before the beasts could attack them in their sleep, or attack others. With a little strategy, the three easily cornered the herd and systematically slayed them until there was only ash remaining. With every kill, Sam's blood seemed to boil more and more and by the end, as he came face to face with Sander, he just couldn't hold back but pull Sander into a heated kiss. The legacy of Hermes grunted, but eagerly replied.
"How about the two of you go back to camp. I'll get cleaned up in the river. I'll probably take an hour or so, maybe longer", grunted Marshall amused as he turned around and left them alone.
Sam was eternally grateful for the privacy and even more so for the fact that he didn't have to explain anything. He gave a little yelp as Sander lifted him up at the hips. Wrapping his arms around Sander's neck and his legs around Sander's waist, he let the legacy carry him off to the tent.
"No sex", breathed Sam between kisses as he was laid out on the ground. "N—No penetration-stuff! Just jerking each other off. A—And the kissing. You're a great kisser."
"That's fine", agreed Sander, trailing kisses down Sam's neck which got bared quite eagerly. "I get it. You don't want your first time to be a heated moment on a quest. Is fine. Just getting off."
Sam nodded in agreement, ripping Sander's shirt off the lean physique of his friend. Drooling a little at the sight, Sam licked his lips in want and attached his lips to the strong chest. Sander giggled at that while fidgeting with his jeans. Now that Sander was nearly naked, he started to also undress his partner. Nougat-brown eyes were wide with lust as they racked down Sam's naked form.
"You're really, really pretty", grinned Sander delighted, licking his lips again. "And you have a really pretty cock. Do you... can I... Can I suck it? I mean, you said no penetration, but..."
Sam looked mortified for a split second. Sure, he knew how it worked, in theory, but he didn't really know about that. Having his cock inside another guy's mouth? Though it did make him curious and his cock was aching with the urge for release. Blushing furiously, he nodded slowly, which earned him the most adorable look from Sander. Within seconds, the legacy of Hermes went down on him, licking his way over the relatively good defined six-pack and to the hard cock. An eager tongue curled around it, licking and sucking in a way that was amazingly new for Sam. It was so pleasurable and it was so warm and new. It was the first time another guy touched him in such an intimate way and it actually felt good. Sam moaned hoarsely as he bucked his hips up into the wet cavern of his lover's throat, his fingers fisting the other boy's hair the moment he hit his orgasm and came down the hot throat. Gasping and panting were the only sounds that could be heard when Sam collapsed against the ground. Licking his lips, his lover crawled over to him and laid down, strong arms possessively wrapped around Sam's waist to tug him close into a tight embrace.
"I should have figured that you're a cuddler, San", grunted Sam and rolled his eyes. "No. Stop it."
"B—But...", whined Sander with a pout. "Cuddling is like totally part of sex! And you agreed that we do this friends with benefits thingy where we get each other off for stress-relief during quests! I don't feel relieved of my stress yet! I need cuddles to complete the process."
Cocking one eyebrow, Sam stared down at his friend a little ridiculed. "Are you serious? Oh damn, you are serious. Fuck it, if I don't watch out, you'll turn into my boyfriend or shit like that."
"Don't be mean", complained Sander, still pouting. "I just think that if we do this jerking off and blowing each other thing to get the pend up energy out of our systems and be ready to kick some monster butts, it's really not asking too much that we cuddle afterward, is it? Also, we're sleeping outside. It's probably going to be below zero, so... uhm... warmth?"
"Yeah, right", snorted Sam and gave in, snuggling up to Sander. "Don't go all boyfriend on me."
"Wouldn't think of it, bro", grinned Sander happily and closed his eyes. "Night, Sam."
Sam smiled slightly as he cuddled up to the warmth of the other brunette. Both boys were already deep asleep and adorably cuddled up together when Marshall returned from his very extended stay in the river. At least he now felt refreshed and very clean. A small smile slid onto his lips as he saw his two friends curled together like that, all snuggled up. Of course he took a picture for later blackmail. Getting changed, he laid down for sleep. This had been enough excitement for this day.
/August 2028 – Camp Half-Blood, Long Island, New York\
Only three days later, the three boys victoriously returned to Camp Half-Blood. Their first stop was the Apollo cabin to hand over the vials. The healers could figure out which one was the poison and which one the antidote. Sam was practically glowing as he stood between Sander and Marshall.
"You look pretty chipper", noted Chuck amused while he checked the vials.
"Yes!", exclaimed the son of Ares, his face bright. "I slayed Sthenno! I finished a gorgon!"
"Congrats", laughed Chuck amused, shaking his head.
"Yeah, we're really proud of him", grinned Sander, ruffling Sam's hair.
"Sander had been injured during an earlier attempt and we were on our way back to camp. Since I was carrying Sander, we both couldn't help. I'm glad Sam handled it on his own", grunted Marshall.
"So, where's my sister?", asked Sander and looked out of the cabin's door.
"Sammy! Cutie pie, you're back!", got practically screamed into his face.
Derek had seen Sander poking his head out of the cabin and in an instant, the son of Demeter ran past his ex-boyfriend to jump Sam, hugging the air out of Sam. Chuck took one of the two vials from his desk and stood, motioning for the by now four boys to follow him to the Big House.
"Your sister has yet to return", replied the son of Apollo. "You arrived here first."
Sander stumbled slightly in disbelief. But Marshall's hand on his back steadied him. The son of Enyo gave him an amused grin before pushing him on. Sam all the while had a bit of a hard time keeping up since Derek was still hanging off his neck like a monkey.
"Can you let go of me now, Der?", asked the son of Ares as they reached the Big House.
"I'm never going to let go of you again, Raser!", huffed Derek with a fierce glare. "Last time I let you out of my sight, you just stormed off into a possibly deadly quest! Never do that again!"
"I think you'll have a hard time with that, considering that he is totally hooked on the hero-business now", laughed Sander and opened the door. "He actually did really great. He was awesome."
Sam blushed under the praise while Derek cocked one eyebrow and stared down at him. Even though the son of Demeter wanted to forbid Sam to ever go on any quest again in his whole life. But he hadn't seen Sam that genuinely happy ever since he had returned from New Rome. And seeing Sam happy really was the only thing Derek wanted, so he let it go for now. Literally, because he started walking himself now. Although he did grab Sam's hand as they walked into the Big House. Chuck led them to Chiron's room, where much to everyone's surprise Trend sat at his bedside, reading a book to the sickly looking centaur. Sam felt himself heating up – and not just his face, there was a strangle tingly-hot sensation in his belly too – when he looked at Trend, his blonde, gorgeous self, with all the muscles and the reading glasses. Trend's attention shifted from the book to the guests and he put his glasses down and stood. Sam felt himself heating up even more when he was pulled into a tight hug by Trend. All those muscles and all that Trend-ness pressed up so close to him and that amazingly calming smell of old books and wild forests...
"I'm glad you're safe", whispered Trend into his ear, giving him another squeeze before turning to also hug Marshall and Sander (though way briefer than he had hugged Sam). "You did it?"
"They did", confirmed Chuck as he sat down next to Chiron and gave the centaur the antidote.
Chiron groaned slightly, though he didn't respond otherwise. Even though the cure would eventually kick in, it wasn't an instant-healing. Which was why Chuck chased them out. Once they reached the living room, they collectively collapsed on the couch. Sam in the middle, with Derek and Trend on either side of him, Sander on Derek's other side and Marshall next to Trend. Humming contently, Sam leaned against Trend's deliciously comfortable upper arm, with Derek's arms quite possessively wrapped around his waist. But it was alright, it felt good to have those he loved close.
"Now aren't you a cuddly bunch? I can't believe I lost that fucking bet because of you."
"What Ares meant to say was thank you for helping Chiron out for us."
The five teens jumped slightly as the two gods materialized in front of them. Aphrodite looked as beautiful as ever and Ares looked even a little grumpier than the last time they had seen him.
"Now, we made a deal. Loser gives the winner team... presents", grunted Ares displeased.
"Presents?", asked Sander and perked up some.
Ares huffed annoyed, snapping his fingers once. He held a broadsword, made of Celestial bronze.
"You're not half bad", grunted Ares, sounding as though the words physically hurt him. "But you're not in for detailed work. This will be a better fit for you. It's called Mangler."
Sander stared in awe at his new sword, hugging it tightly. The other boys rolled their eyes affectionately at the way the brunette's eyes lit up. Though much to their surprise, Ares also walked up to Marshall and handed him a shield. It was a weirdly appropriate exchange as both just nodded shortly at one another. Sam grew more nervous, grabbing Derek's hand and hiding his face in Trend's arm. This was his father. His father. The one he had never met in the thirteen years of his life. And right now, he was walking straight up to Sam, looking judgmental. Sam jumped a little as a heavy hand landed on his shoulder. Staring wide-eyed up at Ares, Sam gulped hard. Ares pulled a stormlighter out, all golden but with a bronze swan imprint. As he clicked it open, it turned into a long, sleek, double-edged sword. One side was Celestial bronze, the other Imperial gold. Ares handed it over to Sam. The handle laid perfect in Sam's hand, unlike any sword Chiron had recommended him for training or the quest. And at the head of the handle was a large ruby.
"You're on the right way, but to reach the end of this way, you need a trusty sword at your side. I think this will be the right one for you. It's called Polemikh Kaphdia", stated Ares.
"The Heart of War", whispered Sam in total awe, turning it around once.
Aphrodite thrust her elbow into the other god's ribs in a very painful looking way, causing Ares to roll his eyes annoyed. "Right. And... I'm proud of you, son. You did well."
Sam was about to burst with happiness. Within seconds, the two gods vanished again, as though they hadn't been there to begin with. Not that the teens minded, most of them were still knocked out from the quest. Which was why the three boys went to their cabins and fell into their respective beds. Sam hid beneath the pillow and the blanket, falling asleep instantly.
/next day, August 2028 – Camp Half-Blood, Long Island, New York\
"Sammy? Cutie pie? Come on, sweetie, time to wake up. It's past dinner time."
Grunting slightly, Sam turned and cracked one eye open. He came face to face with a grinning Derek. Huffing at that, Sam cuddled Iggy close and hid under the green mane. Derek laughed and sat down on the bed, right next to Sam's head so he could pat the mohawk tenderly.
"Come on, camp put together a really big bonfire in celebration since Marshall woke up this morning and Sander actually took until noon. Congrats, you won. You slept one and a half day."
"Big bonfire?", asked Sam and sat up some. "I can have bacon, please?"
"You can have anything you want, sweetie", chuckled Derek. "After all, it's your bonfire."
With an excited yelp, Sam jumped off the bed and hastily grabbed a change of clothes. Derek was grateful for the other boy's obliviousness, because watching Sam change sure was nice to watch and would be remembered for later when he was alone in the shower. That ass was even sweeter without any clothes covering it. Leaning back some, Derek thoroughly enjoyed the show.
"So... There's something I should tell you before we go to the camp bonfire...", mumbled Derek awkwardly, sitting up some. "I just don't want it to surprise you. While you were gone, Vic asked me out. We're kind of... dating now. You know Vic, from Hephaestus cabin."
"Victor Kruger? He's a nice guy", nodded Sam slowly, in approval. "He is a nice guy though, right? I mean, he's being good to you, right? Because if not, I'll break his legs and arms."
"Well, then I better be good", chuckled a voice from the door.
Sam hastily pulled his shirt over his head before looking at the intruder. It was tall, tinkering and handsome. Victor had light brown hair in dreads, broad muscles and even broader shoulders, sun-kissed skin and soft, hazel eyes. He was nice to look at, Sam had to admit that. Thrusting his hand out for the son of Hephaestus to shake, he smiled slightly.
"Congrats on the quest", grinned Victor before wrapping one muscular arm around Derek's waist.
The son of Demeter obediently melted against his boyfriend, leaning in for a kiss. Sam's smile took a strained turn. He wanted that too. Someone strong to lean against. But he couldn't have it.
"We should probably get going, right?", grunted Sam and left the cabin.
/September 2028 – Demeter Park, New Athens\
Calandra Rodriguez was not good with losing. It had strained the relationship between the twins just a little bit that Sander had won, especially since the quest had been given by their grandfather. But Sander wasn't mad at her for being angry. He was fine. Especially since it pushed his reputation even more these days, having won against her. Before, it had always only been Cally and Sander. In that order. Now there were those that talked about Cally and those that talked about Sander. It felt like the first step in separating his life from hers.
From then on, they also trained even harder. Sam, Sander, Marshall and Trend. And after that quest, Erik looked up to Marshall even more. The younger son of Enyo had always admired his cabin head, but now that said cabin head had played a major part in saving the life of their camp director, Erik practically constantly stared at Marshall in total awe. So after a lot of staring and lingering, Marshall went over it with his friends, asking them if Erik and his best friend could train at least a bit with them. Trend was not pleased. He only trained those he saw potential in. But he allowed it, under the condition that Marshall would be responsible for them. Sander laughed and compared it to the time his dad had wanted a puppy for the twins, but his mom kept telling him he would have to be responsible for it. Trend made them run twenty rounds through the park for that comment.
"I—I a—am s—so... g—grateful, T—Trend", panted Erik while trying to keep up with their leader.
"You better be", grunted Trend with a glare, picking up the pace. "Just try keeping up."
Sam grinned slightly as he watched how Trend practically ran off on the younger blonde without breaking a sweat. Sam liked the way Trend took the lead. It gave him a nice view on Trend's hard ass and the defined muscles of his back. Gods, he wanted all of that so much.
"Watch it, you're drooling", chimed Sander and nudged Sam slightly.
"Shut up and run!", grunted Sam with a bright blush.
/October 2028 – Sam's Apartment, New Athens\
Sam was so very excited. His beloved little sister had decided to spend the break in New Athens, living in Sam's apartment with him for the time. Right now, the three of them – Sam, Sara and Derek, because Derek was part of Sam's furniture (is what he told Sara with an eyeroll) – were sitting together and eating dinner. Sam and Derek were practically stumbling over one another as they tried to tell her everything that had happened since her last stay over in New Athens.
Once it was late enough, the siblings finally managed to pry Derek out of the apartment to have some alone time. The two children of War sat together on Sam's bed, Sam in his My Little Pony pajamas (of which only Sara and Derek knew and both had sworn they'd never tell anyone that he was a brony) and Sara in her Care Bear Cousins nightshirt. So they both liked cartoon remakes of shows that had already been remade a few times and were aimed at a slightly younger audience, well if anything, it was just one more thing to glue them together. In fact, they had given each other plush toys when Sara had arrived – Sara to say thank you for letting her stay and Sam to say sorry for ruining the last time they had seen each other and cutting that stay so short. Which meant that right now, Sara was clutching a fluffy Wild Heart Fox to her chest while Sam was cuddling a rather large Big Macintosh (and introducing him to Iggy. Yes, he was playing matchmaker for his toys, sue him). On the screen was a marathon of Care Bear Cousins running – the spin-off relaunched show of the originally 80s cartoon. It was probably time to go to bed, but Sara had demanded for Sam to watch her favorite show and he was so glad to have the ginger over, he wanted to enjoy every second of it. Also, Sam had to admit that they had a very similar taste when it came to TV. Both were about overly colorful, talking and cute animals that bore a sign of their personality on a part of their bodies. Sam grinned broadly to himself as he made Big Macintosh and Iggy kiss.
"Are you really hooking your ponies up with each other?", asked Sara with a frown.
"Uhu", nodded Sam with a sheepish grin, blushing a bit. "Everyone is pairing up, I figured why shouldn't Iggy find himself a nice boyfriend too? And Big Mac is awesome. Tender, friendly, helpful and he doesn't talk a lot. Actually, he kind of reminds me of Marshall..."
"When you say everyone... does that mean... Marshall has a girlfriend too?", asked Sara nervously.
She bit her lower lip and stared over at Sam like a bunny about to get shot by the hunter. Sam giggled slightly to himself. He had made plans with his friends to go out for brunch tomorrow – Derek, Sander, Trend, Sam, Marshall and Sara. And then he'd try and find some kind of excuse to leave Marshall and Sara on their own. He was sure they'd find something. Because he knew he had to get Sara and Marshall together. Sara loved talking and Marshall had never been one for many words. And both had already shown heavy interest in each other before, now he just had to hope for that spark to still be there. They were a match made by Aphrodite, at least in Sam's eyes.
"No, Marshall is still single", hummed Sam with the faintest hint of a grin.
"Oh", nodded Sara, her face as red as her hair and her toy as she buried her nose in Wild Heart's fur.
"Maybe we should go to bed", suggested the son of Ares softly, grabbing her hand. "We'll have to get up early tomorrow for brunch. The Stolls make a mean brunch."
Once the TV and the light was turned off, they found themselves on the bed again, facing one another, Sara tightly curled around Wild Heart and Sam hugging Big Mac and Iggy. The siblings stared at each other for a while, just laying in the darkness without speaking.
"I'm sorry", whispered Sara after what felt like hours. "I shouldn't have pushed you into that relationship. If I hadn't encouraged you so much, you wouldn't have gotten together with L-"
"Don't say his name", cut Sam in sharply. "And... And don't apologize. It's not your fault."
Sara looked upset, as though she wanted to question him. Letting go of his ponies, he instead hugged his sister close. After a moment, she started sobbing into his shoulder. He knew how much he meant to her, the brother she had never had, the first one to accept her with all of her un-Mars-like behavior and habits and love her just for the adorable, little sister she was. He was her brother, he was part of her family, no less just because he was 'only' her demigodly and Greek half-brother, he knew how important he was to her. And he knew that she probably felt as though she had failed him. He also knew that she had carried that guilt and those tears for the past year. So he just held her until she cried herself to sleep, cooing softly to calm her down.
/the next day, October 2028 – Sam's Apartment, New Athens\
Sam yawned wildly as the knocking of the door woke him up the next morning. Ruffling his mohawk, he went to open the door. His face flushed the brightest red when he realized that he was only wearing his My Little Pony pajamas, in front of Trend of all people. The son of Athena was grinning highly amused while his eyes roamed Sam's body.
"Sara! Wake up! Trend and Marshall are here!", exclaimed Sam loudly before turning to the boys in a lower voice. "Where are Der and San? And damn it, stop staring at me like that!"
Trend averted his eyes a little guilty, but he couldn't help the grin. Sam looked so utterly adorable in those childish pajamas, the shirt wrong-buttoned and thus revealing a sliver of bronze skin from where the pants were riding just low enough to show off those prominent hipbones. Trend's fingers were twitching to pull said pants down and investigate just how delicious that bronze skin was.
"Sander couldn't make it. Jonas finally manned up yesterday and asked Sander out after training – which you missed to have dinner with your sister. Anyway, after much stuttering and blushing, Jonas asked Sander out on a date and it seems, according to Marshall, that this date went awesome. Because this morning, Sander knocked at Marshall's door, only in his boxer-shorts. It seems he stayed at Jonas' place and further more, Jonas seems to be bribing Sander with the prospect of breakfast in bed and sex afterward", grunted Trend while Marshall silently nodded next to him, looking a little uncomfortable. "And when we just knocked at Derek's door, Victor opened. Naked and with a pan in his hand. So I suppose Derek won't be coming either."
"Oh... So it's just you, me, Marshall and Sara...?", whispered Sam awkwardly.
Ushering the other two boys inside, he started to get changed while Sara was blocking the bathroom. So his plans of setting Sara and Marshall up turned into something akin to a double-date? He hastily got changed and knocked on the bathroom door. He was mildly surprised how pretty she looked. It seemed as though she was looking forward to spending time to Marshall and much to Sam's pleasure, Marshall's eyes nearly bulged out at Sara in a skirt and with her hair in curls. Which basically was the highlight of the day. Because during breakfast, Sara kept talking and talking about New Rome and her family in France and about everything anyone could picture there was to talk about, while Marshall opposite her just stared in awe and nodded at appropriate moments. Total match those two. The awkward thing however were Trend and Sam, who just stared at each other.
"So... Basically, we're the only singles in our circle of friends?", asked Sam slowly.
"Not... entirely", replied Trend, shifting some. "I'm seeing a boy from Aphrodite cabin."
Sam's face fell. Oh. So Trend was seeing someone? It wasn't as though he had a shot with Trend, or wanted a shot with Trend. It wasn't something he could have. He knew that now. He was a son of Ares and when he had wanted this, his life had gone downhill and now that he had started training, his life was better than ever before. His mom had been totally proud when he had told her, all of camp looked at him, Chiron had praised him and his father had actually acknowledged his existence for the first time. He was a son of Ares, he had to be strong and brave. He didn't need a strong, hot man to lean onto. Even though said strong, hot man was dazzling with his strong arms and broad shoulders and those blonde curls (he hadn't gotten his hair cut since summer had ended and Sam enjoyed the way the golden hair curled just a little). And those stormy gray eyes, so deep and intelligent. And that smirk, so causing his knees to go weak. No, he didn't need any of this.
"Sam? Sam, are you even listening to me?", asked Sara and poked him.
"Mh? What is it you said, Sar?", grunted Sam and blinked a couple of times.
"Marshall offered me to show me the stadium, he said that there's a football game! A real football game, not that crap Americans call football!", exclaimed the French girl excitedly. "And you hate football, so do you mind if I ditch you and go watch the game with Marshall, please?"
"Sure, go", nodded Sam with a small grin, winking at Marshall. "So, no training today, Trend?"
The son of Enyo looked flustered, while Trend sighed. "No. Well, I can as well go on a date too."
So Sam was supposed to spend the day all alone while everyone was paired up. Just grate.
Author's note: Next chapter will already be the last one. But it'll cover everything up until Chasing Fireflies - the Dating Years - how Derek and Trend got together, Sam's boyfriends Erik, Jonas and Chuck. Also some quests every now and then. But mainly, the ships. ;)