Friendship came easily to both Luke and Percy. Almost too easily.
It's a Tuesday, nearly a month after Percy had drunk himself silly and Luke ended up taking him home. The ring of the chimes over the door was drowned by the exclamation of the teenager who just burst into the shop.
"I got in! I got in!"
Luke straightened up from where he'd just served a slice of vanilla angel cake to a customer, finding Silena already cooing over one excited Percy Jackson.
"Congratulations, dear!" the café owner smiled, pinching Percy's cheeks. Silena had grown quite fond of the guy these past couple of weeks when Percy had begun to frequent the place.
"You'd think he won a million bucks by the noise he's making," a brunette wearing a bandana muttered as she stepped up to her classmate. Behind her were four more people who looked rather bashful at the apparent commotion their companion had caused.
"Have a seat guys," Luke directed the group of six towards a table, he ruffled Percy's hair in greeting and the younger guy all but shoved the acceptance letter into his face. "Yes, yes, I got the message." Luke patted the top of the teen's head. "Congratulations and all that."
Percy smiled wider, taking his seat and ordering cake and coffee for everyone. Luke noted it all down and went off to help Chris prepare the goods.
The group of friends' enthusiastic conversation filled the shop and Luke couldn't help glancing over at Percy's table every now and then. It has been a little over a fortnight since the teen was nothing short of a blubbering mess in his arms…
-o-o-o-
"You can tell me, you know…"
Percy's eyes were full of pain, his form was curled into a fetal position on the opposite end of the couch. It was Saturday morning and a slight drizzle fell outside. "I was just so scared…"
"Scared of what?" Luke only hoped that his concern was carried through the few feet of space between them. He just woke up this morning to the sound of knocking on his front door and found the boy who'd been worrying his mind for the past six days standing on his porch. Percy indulged his offer of coffee and now here they were.
"Aren't you scared?" the dark-haired teen implored, fingers playing with the frays on his ripped jeans. His green eyes darted towards the wall, a blush rose on his cheeks. "You mentioned bringing home g-guys before – d-do your parents know?"
Luke understood then, what it was all about, and he only felt more for the teen across him at the realization. "They know. And they don't love me any less for it." He smiled encouragingly. "Parents are supposed to love their kids no matter what."
The teen burrowed his face deeper into his crossed arms, maintaining his faraway gaze. "Our pastor said being gay was a sin. When I realized that I – uh, s-swung that way, I didn't know what to do…" He flicked his gaze momentarily at Luke, finding a little comfort at the blond's understanding expression. "I dated two girls at the same time because I thought it would fix me. Then last Sunday, maybe it was just bad timing or maybe God was sending me a sign…" He sighed deeply. "Annabeth found out about Rachel, she called her and they got into a fight and they wanted me to choose between them. But I couldn't do it – I felt guilty, I've hurt them enough." He squeezed his eyes shut, tremors wracking his lean body. "They didn't understand," his choked voice was barely recognizable. "They threatened to tell and I – I had to beg for them to not say a thing! But all week everyone's been looking at me different – like I'm a freak and–"
He's pulled into a warm embrace, the voice of an angel whispering in his ears.
"You're not. You are a perfectly beautiful human being." They hugged in silence until Luke felt the teen calm down from near-hysterics; he then gently eased Percy's face from its hiding place. "There's nothing to be scared of, you should know that there will always be people who'll love you."
"I've been avoiding my friends, I don't know if they'll accept me," Percy admitted in a hushed voice.
"True friends will accept you for who you are, kid, but before they do that you have to accept yourself first." Luke tried for a smile as he brushed away the tearstains on red-tinted cheeks. "Okay?"
-o-o-o-
"Order up!" Charles' voice rang through and Luke moved to deliver the trays of food and beverage.
"So, anyone else's acceptance letter come yet?" Luke asked as he set down the plates and cups. Percy had introduced him to his friends a week ago. It felt as though he'd suddenly gained a bunch of younger siblings but Luke could only be glad that Percy had such good friends surrounding him.
"Not for two years," Bianca smiled, pearly whites shining as she accepted a cinnamon roll. "Four," her brother, Nico, added. He quickly stashed his deck of cards into his backpack as his order was set in front of him.
"Mine came yesterday," amber-haired Juniper piped up. "I'm going into Cloven University down east, veterinary medicine."
"That's cool," Luke smiled at the teen as he slid a plate of tiramisu over.
"Well I'm signing up for the air force just like my dad," Clarisse, the bandana-wearing chick, said proudly. She broke a biscotti in half and dipped it into her coffee.
"I'm just, well, you know, gonna prepare to take over my old Dad's business," Grover put in his two cents bashfully. Mumbling a 'Thanks' when the waiter handed him his mint chocolate frappe.
"And you," Luke held the empty trays in one hand, holding them against his hips, while his other hand had a tall cup of iced toffenut coffee. He looked down at Percy whose grin has yet to leave his lips. "Still going for marine science?"
"That or conservation," Percy clarified. "I heard the university has a good program on it…"
"Oooh, big words, Percy," Luke winked, finally handing over the guy's drink. "Don't expect me to get your scientific jargon any time soon."
"Ha-ha," Percy laughed wryly.
The ring of the chimes dragged Luke's attention away from the group as more customers came into the shop.
Percy's group stayed for at least an hour, propositioning Luke before they left.
"The weekend after school lets out, we're heading over to the beach," Percy began, shifting on his feet as his companions slid out of their seats. He had both hands behind him, one hand holding onto the elbow of his other arm. "If you're not busy or if you could get some time off –
"Basically, Percy's saying he wants you to go with us." Clarisse interrupted with a conniving smirk.
"I'm saying we – all six people involved – want you to go with us," Percy corrected, the tips of his ears burning red. "So, you know, just… text me if you're free for that weekend…"
"You're adorable," Luke said, patting Percy's shoulder. "I'll consider it."
"We'd better get going," Juniper walked by, arm in arm with Grover. "See you later."
Clarisse let the way out, followed by the couple then the siblings; Percy was the last of his group to leave. Through the wide café windows, Luke watched them pile into a two vehicles – one was a pristine white sedan manned by a mustached chauffer, the other was a dark blue sportscar with Percy going into the driver's seat. The green-eyed teen honked twice before pulling out of the parking space and driving away.
As Luke neatly piled the used tableware onto a tray, Silena passed by whispering in sing-song voice, "Cradle-robber~"
Light blue eyes met cornflower blue and Luke raised a brow.
"He's eighteen~" Luke returned in a melodious tone to rival his employer's. He placed the last empty sugar packet into the pile of cups and wiped the table clean.
Silena smirked knowingly, following after the waiter as he headed into the kitchens to deposit the trash. "You haven't used up any of your allowable sick days yet…"
"Come on, the guy's still new to the scene," Luke said, getting to the point now. "Just because I'm his first gay friend–"
"I thought you were bi?"
"Irregardless." Luke wrapped a friendly arm around the woman's shoulders and led the way back towards the main store. "The guy wants to be a marine scientist, didn't you hear? Plenty of fish in the sea for him – literally and figuratively-speaking."
Silena pouted. "But you two are so cute together!"
-o-o-o-
Everyone he'd consulted about the get-away encouraged him to go, if Luke didn't know any better, he'd think he was being set up for some great scheme. As it so happened, Silena was more than happy to keep him as a worker and it was the same situation for his gig at the nightclub – no biggie, Luke had kinda gotten used to sleeping during daytime and working at night.
On the first Friday of June, Luke found himself on the beach where a cabin by the seaside had been rented for an overnight stay. Percy brought his car and they stuffed their luggage in the trunk. Grover and Juniper took the backseat and Luke got to ride shotgun. The di Angelos were driven by a chauffer and Clarisse travelled alongside them on her motorcycle – showing off her dad's graduation gift.
Luke couldn't remember the last time he'd seen the sea, much less the last time he'd swam in a body of water that wasn't spiked with chlorine. They played beach volleyball in the morning, swam through the afternoon, and made a bonfire when nighttime descended.
"A-And remember when Percy got sand-boobs?" Clarisse snickered around her bite of roast beef sandwich.
"Shut up!" Percy flung a seashell at his friend, whole face flaming brighter than the campfire at the center of their group.
"Pics or it didn't happen," Luke smirked, moving his can of soda just in time to avoid spilling it on himself when Percy hit him on the shoulder.
"I have one!" Clarisse readily flipped through her phone, going to the gallery and selecting the right photo. She passed the phone to Grover and Juniper, the latter clutched her stomach and clamped her mouth shut as she tried to stifle her laughter before handing the cellphone over to Luke. Bianca adamantly kept her hands over Nico's eyes much to her brother's annoyance since he was actually there when they sculpted the whole thing last year.
"No! Damn it!" Percy tried to grab the gadget but Luke easily held him at bay. "Guys! Don't–"
Luke snorted at seeing the photo – under a beach umbrella, oblivious and asleep, was Percy, everything below his neck was covered in sand and a pair of humongous breasts had been carved over his chest area. He bit down on his lip – a vain attempt to stop his cackling. Luke passed the phone back to Clarisse and Percy threw a crumpled up sandwich wrapper at her which she easily deflected.
"I hate you," Percy glared. "I hate all of you…"
"I don't know Percy," Luke grinned, bumping shoulders with the teenager beside him. "You looked pretty hot as a chick…"
Grover fell over laughing at that. Nico escaped from Bianca's clutches, cackling like a madman at Luke's comment.
"That wasn't funny!" Percy shoved Luke away but the older man easily wrapped his arm around his shoulder and kept him close. Luke pressed a kiss to the top of Percy's head, murmuring "You are adorable" in his ears. The dark-haired teen quieted at that.
"My turn," Luke straightened up, "I just heard this from a friend but there was this grad party on the beach and a couple had a bit too much piña colada. Apparently, things started to get a bit heated but all they had was a tube of sunscreen and, well…" Luke wiggled his brows suggestively.
Clarisse spit out her drink. "For real?"
"Noooo!" Juniper covered her face in her hands. "I did not that mental image!"
"For the love of God there's a minor here!" Bianca seconded, trying to grab her brother back but Nico stuck his tongue out at her and skipped over to sit on the other side of the bonfire.
"That's disgusting," Percy made a face.
"And that is why you should be careful around alcohol, my dear children," Luke concluded.
They shared more stories ("Keep it PG-15!" Bianca said at one point) until the fire had burned down into embers and everyone had taken to lying down and staring at the moonless sky. Not too long after their conversations dwindled down, snores filled the air and the crash of waves on the shore became their lullaby.
"Are you still awake?" Percy's hushed voice broke through the not-quite-silence.
"Yeah…" Luke whispered back, opening his eyes and locking gazes with the teen on his right.
Percy was on his side, one arm tucked under his head as a make-shift pillow, green eyes glittering in the darkness. "Today was fun…"
"Most fun I'd had in a long time," Luke confessed.
A small frown surfaced on Percy's lips. "Don't you hang out with your friends?"
"Very rarely now that we're all busy with jobs…" Luke replied. "Some of them even have families…"
"Do you want to have a family? Wife and kids, that kind of stuff?" Percy asked.
"I'm not sure about the wife part it could be a husband for all I know, but the kids, yeah, definitely…" Luke smiled, turning to his side to be face to face with Percy.
"I'd prefer a pet over a kid," Percy commented. "An English sheepdog or something just as fluffy… then I could just use it as a pillow when I get home stressed, I won't even change from my work clothes, just plop over the sheepdog and sleep. You can't do that with a kid – it'd be bad parenting or something…"
Luke chuckled. "That was the single most ridiculously precious thing I've ever heard. I don't know whether to hit you or hug you right now."
Percy mumbled something but his voice was unheard over the slap of the great waves.
"Sorry, what was that?"
"Nothing," Percy's smile tightened. "I just said good night."
Luke raised a brow. "We're really gonna sleep out in the open, huh?"
"The cabin's just for appearances," Percy whispered, half-lidded eyes filled with mirth. "It's better like this…"
"Hmm," Luke rolled onto his back, feasting on the sight of beautiful stars that twinkled against the velvet sky above them. "I have to agree…"
-o-o-o-
It's a Monday, Luke's day-off from his work at the nightclub. He'd just woken up from a nap and his clothes still smelled like cake and coffee. With a yawn and some stretching, Luke got up from the couch and turned off the TV. He showered and changed into a sleeveless t-shirt and shorts, picking up his phone and going through his new messages. He stopped halfway between the living room and kitchen as he found texts from Percy crowding his inbox.
19:33 You're free tonight, yea?
19:42 Can I come over?
19:49 How do you feel about some pizza and a BBT marathon?
20:01 Be there in 20 mins
Brows scrunched up together, Luke checked the time and found that he barely had five minutes to spare before Percy was due to arrive. Luke made a dash in tidying his apartment – picking up his clothes, arranging the furniture, throwing away the trash; he was in the middle of shoving an empty cereal box into the back of a cupboard when knocks resounded from the door.
"Luke?" Percy's voice was a bit muffled from the other side and the house owner quickly rushed to answer him.
"Hey," Luke opened the door wide, grinning from ear to ear. "I got your texts, sorry I wasn't able to reply and all – I was kind of sleeping."
"Oh. Did I come at a bad time?" Percy, messenger bag slung across his body and a pizza box in both hands, looked troubled. He worried his bottom lip. "I'm sorry – it was a rather impromptu decision, I shouldn't have just assumed–"
"No," Luke's hand shot out and gripped the teen's wrist before he could stop himself. "I told you, you're always welcome here. Come in…"
Percy allowed himself to be pulled inside. "Thanks…"
"I was actually talking to the pizza," Luke added as an afterthought and that had Percy chuckling, the tension in his aura reduced. "But I can't complain about the cute guy that went with the package." Just like that Percy appeared guarded again. Luke wondered what it was about but didn't dare ask just yet – he figured Percy had his own plan for this visit.
Pillows and blankets were brought onto the living room couch where everything was set up for comfy viewing in front of the TV – Luke brought out a six-pack of Dr. Pepper's and Percy revealed a 12-inch Philly Cheese Steak pizza. The two friends settled at each end of the couch but as the marathon progressed, they found themselves sitting closer together in the middle. They were halfway through the first Blu-ray disc when Percy shifted even closer, leaning back against the arm Luke had slung across the backrest and hugging a pillow tight to his chest.
"Why do TV shows keep making relationships complicated?" Percy mumbled, flicking his eyes over at Luke as the episode played its end credits.
"Because it'll be boring otherwise," Luke answered, quirking his lips into a grin.
"The show or the relationship?"
Luke considered the question for a moment. "We all know everything is overdramatized on TV but that's not to say it can't happen in real life in some way or another…" His gaze softened at the younger man. "What are you worrying about?"
"I'm going to University in less than two weeks… I don't know how I'll balance studying with keeping a relationship," Percy admitted, his cheeks coloring bright pink.
"And why have I not heard of this relationship before?" Luke turned to face the dark-haired teen, a most curious glint in his light blue eyes. "Who is it?"
"Well, it's not really a relationship… He kind of doesn't know yet…" Percy's face grew steadily redder as he went on. "I mean, I haven't asked officially but I kind of want to before – before I get too busy with academics and stuff…"
"The first day of school isn't exactly a deadline to get a boyfriend," Luke chuckled. "You might just meet the right guy while you're in there…"
"I doubt that," Percy countered in a quiet tone, green eyes boring into Luke. "I don't think there's anyone else like you."
Luke's heart stopped for a second and then he colored furiously, breath hitching as he processed what the other had just said. "… Me?"
A shy little smile broke through pink lips as Percy nodded, "No one else." There's a twinkle in his eyes as he wetted his lips. "So…" One hand cupped his cheek and Luke leaned over, covering Percy's mouth with his own.
Their first kiss warmed both their bodies from head to foot, sparking a tingling sort of heat from every pore. It was soft moans, shallow breaths, and sweet sensation. It laid one's claim of the other and it felt like a promise.
And then a wet drop landed on Luke's hand.
The blond quickly pulled back, his heart pounding in his ears but for a completely different reason now. Had he overdone it? Light blue irises found the teen's face twisted in a bittersweet expression. "Percy," Luke anxiously brushed away the tears that rolled down soft cheeks. "What's wrong?"
"I've been trying to get the courage to kiss you for so long," Percy confessed through his tears. "And I just… it feels so wonderful…" He rose up and laid a quick peck on Luke's lips. Through long wet lashes, he peered up at the older man. "Do you know what today is?"
"August 18." Luke answered, cupping the beautiful face with both hands now.
Percy nodded, glassy green eyes shining with tears. "It's my birthday…"
"Seriously?" Luke's jaw dropped. "And you never mentioned–"
"I came out to my parents today," Percy continued, his voice cracking at the end.
Laughter came from the TV – the disc was still playing. Luke grabbed the remote and hit the pause button, turning back to Percy with an expression of growing concern. "What happened?"
A shudder ran through the teen's body and he hugged the pillow tighter against him. "Dad walked out… Mom was in tears and she told me it wasn't a good joke…"
Luke wrapped his arms around the younger man. "They'll come around eventually. Trust me, they will."
Percy gave him a watery smile. "I know, but until then…"
"Until then?" Luke's brows creased together. "Did they kick you out?"
"No!" Percy quickly disagreed, laying his own hand over Luke's. "Actually… I made the decision to leave, it'd be better for me to stay away for a while."
Lips twisted in worry, Luke brushed back ebony hair from Percy's face and pressed their foreheads together. "Then, stay here with me." Belatedly, he realized the younger one's lack of luggage when he came. "Where are your things?"
A bashful mien took over Percy's expression. "I left them in the car, I wasn't sure if you'd let me stay here–"
"So all this," Luke gestured to the TV and the pizza, "All this is just so you can ask to sleep over? My God, Percy, how am I supposed to deal with you? You are being so heartbreakingly cute right now."
Color rose ever higher on pale cheeks and Luke realized he would never get tired of seeing Percy blush.
It was easy to just lean in and close the small breadth of space between them. It was a kiss of comfort, of strength.
The pillow fell to the floor as Percy wrapped his arms around Luke's neck, drawing them ever closer. One hand caressed its way from Percy's cheek to his slim waist, warmth spreading out from the curving path it travelled. Luke angled his face and kissed the teen deeper, every hum of approval that came from the latter was an angelic chorus to his ears.
Percy was all-smiles when they parted and Luke couldn't resist kissing him once more. "You are beautiful," Luke breathed out.
"I'm yours," Percy replied to which Luke hugged him tightly in response, his cheek resting against ebony locks of hair.
"My beautiful Percy."
The quiet calm that had settled between them was broken when ringing sounds came from Percy's bag. The two shared a confused look before disentangling themselves. Percy pulled his messenger bag over by the strap and dug out his Blackberry; color instantly drained from his face. Green eyes flickered with fear as they moved from the screen to Luke's face. "It's my mom."
"I could give you guys some privacy to talk…" Luke made to stand up and leave.
"No," Percy's free hand held onto Luke's. "Please stay." Luke conceded and Percy answered the call. "Hi, mom."
Luke shifted over, wrapping an arm around the teen's waist and pulling the smaller body against his own. He rubbed his thumb along the back of Percy's hand when a bit of a pained expression crossed his features.
"I'm okay, mom, don't worry about me – just–" Percy's mouth suddenly clamped shut. "I'm not running away, I just think that–" The teen sighed deeply and leaned back against Luke's shoulder. "I meant what I said at dinner. I'm gay – yes, mom, I'm sure." Green irises turned to Luke, holding a hint of a smile. "Seriously, ask my boyfriend. Yes, I said boyfriend." The smaller hand held on tighter as Percy remained silent and merely listened to his mom. His voice was low when he spoke again, wetness brimming in his eyes. "Thanks, mom… Just, really, thank you…"
Percy's smile told Luke that the situation was better than expected. Luke pressed a kiss to the side of Percy's head.
"His name is Luke, I'd love to introduce him to you some time," Percy said into the phone, lacing his fingers together with his boyfriend's. "I'm staying over at his house for the night, probably for a couple of days just to be safe. By the way, uh, h-how's dad…?"
It's a long moment before Percy spoke again. "Okay… I'll stay in touch. Thanks, mom – I love you, too. Good night." The call ended and the Blackberry was slipped back into Percy's bag.
"You okay?" Luke asked, wrapping both arms around Percy now.
"I just feel that it's going to be a long few days," Percy mumbled.
Luke placed a kiss on the teen's cheek. "You better get used to seeing my face around then…"
A hum left Percy's lips as he angled his face to return the gesture on the older man's jaw. "That's actually the only upside to this whole thing… having you with me…"