I stared at Calypso, speechless.

Did she just—?

Why yes, she did, brain.

I knew the whole reason I went to get Calypso off the island was to ask her to join this moronic harem, but I wasn't expecting it to be so easy. Ok—I guess I still haven't technically asked her yet. So, there's still a chance for her to refuse and turn me down. However, if she wanted me this badly...

I'm still expecting some fallout once I tell her about the harem and Leo's death. I mean, that would make sense, right? I knew how her island worked—meaning the only guys that landed on her shores were ones she falls in love with. That, combined with the conversation I had with Leo, means she must have had feelings for him.

Or at least, she did...

Now, it was like she didn't care about him all of a sudden. Maybe there was something more to this story that neither of them had told me yet? Is it just a heat of the moment thing since I rescued her from the dragon? I haven't seen her in like two or three years, plus I wasn't on her island for very long. It's not like she could have actually still been in love with me after all this time, right? Leo was on her island not even that long ago, so she must have moved on, right?

Then why did she kiss you and profess her love for you, idiot?

Shut up, brain! I hate it when you make sense!

I gritted my teeth. I'm so... so fucking confused! I thought there was a chance she might have been mad at me too when I learned she cursed Annabeth! Now, she apparently loves me enough to actively try and steal me away from my girlfriend, on top of everything else! Just what is going through her head?!

"Cal—" I then stopped myself.

No. This isn't the time for that conversation. I'll wait until we're back on solid ground and alone, I have a feeling we'll have a lot to discuss.

"We need to have a long talk once we're back at camp." I announced.

"I understand." Calypso replied tersely after a moment.

The rest of the flight was then spent in a tense silence.

A short while later and we could see the camp in the distance. Despite our impending painful discussion, I felt Calypso shake in excitement. I guess this would be her first place to visit outside of Ogygia, huh?

"You're going to love it. It's a bit more modernized than what you're used to, but Camp Half-Blood is still Greek at heart." I said, putting on a smile to soothe my nerves.

"It could be a bunch of rocks and barrens for all I care. I'm just happy to see something that isn't Ogygia." She squealed ecstatically.

It was still fairly early in the morning, maybe around eight or so. A few campers along with Chiron were up and going about their business. It didn't take long for Chiron to take notice of Blackjack's shadow and the sound of his powerful wings. He glanced up in surprise and moved to meet us as we landed near the stables.

Upon landing, I then dismounted Blackjack and helped Calypso down, her toes curling up as she touched foreign soil for the first time in thousands of years. She then placed down the dragon trophy near a tree, scaring the daylights out of a poor dryad.

Someone then coughed to get my attention. I turned my head to look at Chiron as he stopped a couple feet away, a stern look on his face.

"Percy? What were you doing up so early? Who's this? Did you leave camp without permission again?" He lightly scolded me.

Although he sounded mad, I could tell he was very happy to see me again.

"Cmon, I think I'm a little too old to need permission to leave." I smirked, causing him to sigh.

"I may be inclined to agree, but rules are rules. Lord Dionysus may not agree with that sentiment." Chiron responded pensively.

"I doubt he cares that much anyways. Though, I'm sure I can trust you to keep a secret for old times sake." I laughed, Chiron shaking his head with a faint smile.

"It's good to see you haven't changed too much, child. Now, would you kindly introduce your lovely companion to me?"

"Ack—! How rude of me! Chiron, meet Calypso." I flushed in slight embarrassment as I gestured to the girl next to me.

Chiron's mouth went agape. "Calypso? The daughter of Atlas? So, she's been freed at last...?"

"Hello! As Percy said, I am Calypso. I'm pleased to meet you, Chiron." She introduced herself as she did an elegant curtsy—er, as elegant as it could be since her dress looked like a rabid wolverine went to town on it.

"Greetings, my dear. It warms my heart to know you are finally freed from that prison. I always thought your punishment was excessively cruel," Chiron smiled before taking notice of her status. "My word, what happened to you? Were you attacked?"

Calypso simply nodded. "If Percy hadn't shown up, I wouldn't have survived."

"Did you not notice the dragon head she just placed down?" I then asked with a raised eyebrow. "We didn't get that from the superstore."

The centaur let out a sigh. "I was hoping that was something else. The idea of you two being forced to combat such a powerful monster bothers me greatly. At least you came out of it alive."

I grimaced at that. "We almost didn't, but there's too much to talk about for it to be done here. We also need to get Annabeth, she is involved with this as well. I'm sure you've heard of my... condition?"

Chiron nodded grimly. "I doubt there's a soul in the world who doesn't, Percy. The news has been spreading like wildfire."

I groaned. "Everyone's talking about it? Great... Is there really no way out of this for me? I don't think I need to explain why I don't like it."

"If there is a way, I don't know it. I believe the only possible way would be for Lord Zeus to undo it. But, he is not one to change his mind later once he decides on something," Chiron then put a hand on my shoulder. "I'm sorry, child. I wish I could be of assistance."

"What are you two talking about? What's happened to you, Percy?" The soft voice of Calypso worryingly asked.

My blood ran cold.

"You haven't told her yet?" Chiron spoke, directing his gaze back towards me with a frown.

Guess he's already figured me out.

"Haven't really had the time," I replied before walking up and whispering into his ear. "It's going to be a really weird and uncomfortable conversation. I don't know how she'll react, so I'd like for us to be alone for it."

"Understandable. Is she going to be one of your—dare I say it—concubines?" Chiron whispered back.

My fists clenched tightly at the mention of the word concubine. It sounded so ugly to me, so degrading. When I see my dad again, I'm going to grill him for why he thought I needed this. Couldn't they have just made my friends immortal too? Why would I possibly want or need a harem of girls in my life when I am more than happy with just Annabeth? Stupid gods...

"I'm... going to ask her, yes," I swallowed bitterly. "I'd appreciate it if you gave us some time."

"Of course. I shall make my rounds around the camp before returning with Annabeth," He then paused and quickly glanced over at Calypso before looking back at me. "I will also find some ambrosia and a fresh outfit for the poor girl. I'm not sure if I should say this, but—good luck, Percy."

"Thanks." I muttered numbly.

Chiron then trotted off, leaving me with a confused and worried titaness. I knew she was going to ask me about what we talked about any second now.

"Percy, what's going on? What's this 'condition' you mentioned? What were you two whispering about?" She asked so quickly it almost sounded incomprehensible. Her hand then reached out to take mine, squeezing it tightly.

"Remember what I said earlier about us having a long talk? Now is the time. I have just as many questions for you as you do me." I said stiffly.

Her grip became even tighter, to the point where it started to hurt. I winced slightly and tried to pull my hand away, but she wouldn't relinquish her grasp.

"You're kinda hurting me." I grunted in pain.

She gasped and quickly loosened her grip, but didn't pull her hand away from mine. It seemed she wasn't going to let go of me any time soon.

"Sorry, I'm just nervous." Calypso mumbled.

"It's fine," I said quickly. "Let's head somewhere a bit more private first. I know just the place."

I lead her by the hand to the Big House and onto the porch. I then walked over to a corner to lean against the wooden railing. Actually, it was more like I tried to, but it was a little difficult when someone is holding onto your hand like a kid not wanting to leave the playground.

"Uh, you can let go of me now."

She shook her head. "This is the most I've been able to touch you or anyone else in forever. I won't let go, at least not until you tell me what has happened to you."

I swallowed nervously, unsure how to proceed. Which news should I start with first? Which one will upset her the least?

Man, why do I have to be the one to tell her all of this? She might end up hating me. Here we go...

"I will, but I think there's something you need to know first. A lot has happened recently, Calypso," I started, feeling queasy. I put my free hand on the wooden railing, my knuckles beginning to hurt from how hard I was gripping the railing. "There's no easy way to put this, but Leo is... no longer with us."

Despite it being August, it felt like the temperature around us dropped by several degrees. Calypso went through a flurry of emotions in a span of a few seconds, none of which were positive.

"You mean, as in no longer at the camp, right?" She asked delicately, her voice on the verge of cracking.

I looked away and silently shook my head. A pained cry was then heard.

"He sacrificed himself to defeat Gaea recently. He died a hero, for what it's worth. I understand you two had a thing for each other," My grip on the railing had tightened to the point that it started to splinter under my fingers. "I'm sorry."

I was expecting her to burst into tears or something, but that's not what happened.

Her hand left mine as she collapsed onto her knees, her fists balled. "Damnit... of course he had to go and die! Why am I not surprised?! The first boy to ever promise he'd return for me gets himself killed! Must be the Fates twisting the knife in my gut one last time before I was finally freed from that prison!"

Calypso then glowered at me. "Did you or anyone else even try to stop him from doing something so moronic?! What were you doing during all of this?!" She then stopped and blinked before looking down in shame. "Forgive me, this isn't your fault. I know you would have done everything in your power to save him if you could."

"It's fine," I muttered. "I was there, but I was on the ground, far from where Leo was. He had this automaton dragon that he was flying on and he... well, he suicide bombed it into Gaea, causing a massive explosion. By the time I figured out what happened, it was way too late."

Now, she started to sob. "Why did he have to go and die...? I'll never be able to apologize..."

Apologize?

I knelt down next to her and put a hand on her shoulder. "It's not much consolation, but he did go to Elysium. He... also seemed to really like you when we spoke about his visit to Ogygia. I bet you were on his mind in his final moments."

She sobbed even harder. Maybe that choice of words was poor...

I'm such a dumbass, why am I so bad at this?

"I'm sorry, that was careless of me to say—"

"I know what you meant," The titaness choked out, interrupting me. "Just... give me a minute, ok? Before you tell me about your 'condition'."

I went silent as she requested. I remained next to her as she cried, feeling awkward and useless. I was dreading the next topic more than ever. There was a high chance she would end up hating me once I told her the real reason I came to fetch her from Ogygia.

She had calmed down somewhat after a couple minutes and looked at me with angry, puffy eyes. "What did they do to you, Percy?"

I remained silent for another minute as I pieced together how I would phrase it. I then cleared my throat before I shakily told her all about the harem I was "gifted" with by the gods.

"I'm... sorry. The main reason I came to free you was for this harem. I knew you had feelings for me in the past," I mumbled, a sinking feeling growing in me. "I also knew with Leo being dead, you wouldn't have to choose between me or him. Callous of me, I know—but I'm desperate..."

I was expecting a slap or a curse thrown my way. Instead, Calypso went quiet for a long time. It was really making me uncomfortable. At least be angry with me or sad or something! I can't handle the silence, it just makes me feel worse...

"Why... why would they do this to you...? Force you to do something so... depraved?" She sorrowfully whispered, finally breaking the tense silence. "You of all people deserve better, Percy. Why must the gods be so heartless?"

"I don't know. They hate me or something. I didn't ask for this, I'm sorry..." I murmured despondently. "I understand if you despise me, I wouldn't blame you."

Suddenly, I felt a hand touch my face and lift it up. My eyes met the tearful gaze of the titaness.

"Percy, I don't hate you. Why would I ever hate you? You finally set me free, purely for my own benefit. You risked your life to save me from that monster. How could I despise you for being so selfless?" She spoke, gentle tears falling down her beautiful face. "I meant what I said earlier. I love you, Percy, so much so I was willing to compete for your love against Annabeth. You were forced into this harem debauchery; I wouldn't have fallen in love with you if you truly did view me as just a piece of meat."

My eyes lit up at her words. "That's a relief, I was really worried you would detest me. I have a question though, what was it you mentioned earlier about apologizing?"

Calypso then took a ragged breath, her voice straightening slightly. "Guess it's time to confess my own sins. You're about to find out why."

Find out what? I'm so lost. Why are feelings so complicated?

Shut up and listen and you'll find out, idiot!

"The truth is," She started. "My relationship with Leo was rocky at best. Most of the time he was on Ogygia, I treated him horribly. I was just so... angry and bitter. Angry at the gods, at Annabeth, everyone and everything. I thought I was going to finally be free only for the gods to shirk their promises yet again. Then, Leo showed up and I was like 'Oh great, another foolhardy boy to give me false hope'."

I was now even more confused than before. She hated him? What? That doesn't line up with what Leo told me...

"But, didn't you kiss Leo? The Fates always had a guy you couldn't resist land on your shores, right? Are you saying he was the exception?" I asked her as delicately as I could.

She smiled sadly at me, new tears flowing down. "No, I did end up loving him in the end, it's how my curse worked. I definitely did hate him at first though. He was... so unlike previous visitors to Ogygia. But as time went on, we bonded a bit and I began to care for him."

I nodded in understanding. "So that's why you want to apologize? Because you treated him badly?"

To my disbelief, she shook her head. "Not quite, that's only half the reason. The other reason is because... I manipulated his emotions for my benefit."

My brain was starting to hurt from how confused I was. This conversation made less and less sense as it went on. How is that even possible?

"I'm sorry, but—I'm very lost right now. You manipulated him? I don't—ow, my head..." I groaned as a light headache started.

She hugged her knees tightly, as if preparing herself. "I did, yes. When I kissed him, just before he left, it... it was a move of desperation. I didn't—I couldn't be alone anymore. I just wanted someone to stay with me. Just one single companion to keep me company in my long and isolated life. But alas, just like you, I knew he couldn't. He had to go fight in the war against Gaea."

I furrowed my eyebrows. "I don't understand, how is that manipulation? You kissed him because you loved him and wanted him to stay, seems simple enough reasoning to me."

Calypso then let out a long, sad sigh. "You still haven't figured it out yet? I'm guessing when you had that talk with Leo, he didn't tell you everything about our encounter, likely because it bothered him. The truth is, I was upset that you weren't there with me."

I felt my heart start beating like a jackhammer. Did I just hear her correctly? But now, it's starting to make sense. Now I understand why Leo was so strangely angry with me after he returned from Ogygia. He wasn't mad that Calypso wasn't free, he was mad that she still wanted me instead of him!

I finally put the pieces together.

"So... he was jealous of me, and you were jealous of Annabeth. That's why Leo was so abrasive with me, that's why you cursed her." I said quietly. "You didn't love him the same way you loved me, so you viewed your kiss as an act of manipulation to try and get him to stay."

The titaness nodded weakly.

I put a hand to my head. "It all makes so much sense now. No wonder he got so angry when we talked, Leo was upset you still wanted me..."

"A part of me truly did love him, but... it was you I still yearned for unconditionally." She whispered.

"But... why? I was unconscious for most of my time on Ogygia, we barely knew each other. I'm just... me." I whispered back in befuddlement.

Ok, I was going to say I was no one special, but even someone as self-deprecating as me knows that's a lie. I wouldn't have been in two great prophecies if I was a nobody.

"That's the same thing you said back then, Percy. Being you is more than enough for me." She mused.

I blushed at her words, but pressed on. "So that's why you cursed Annabeth. You were jealous of her since she was the main reason I left. You... knew I loved her."

"You are correct. I was furious at her, unable to cope with the knowledge that she claimed your heart before I even had a chance to. I would curse her name, letting my emotions run amok. I couldn't handle anymore heartbreak, that someone like you was already spoken for. And like a bratty child, I vented my frustration on Leo," Calypso said through gritted teeth, furious at herself. "Then, I even actually cursed her. I'm despicable..."

I took a risk and helped her to her feet. I then entwined my hands with hers, a small smile on my lips.

"What you did was wrong, but we all make mistakes. Everyone, even the gods—especially the gods—makes mistakes. I've also done some things I'm not proud of. One of them was letting the sister of one of my closest friends die because I was too scared to act. He hated me for a whole year because of it," I said softly as her bloodshot eyes met mine. "I already forgave you, but you need to apologize to Annabeth as well. Then, we can put the past behind us."

"Will she even want to forgive me? I'm not sure if I would if the situation was reversed..." I heard her mumble. "With Leo dead, I can't apologize to him either."

I chuckled lightly. "Annabeth can be as stubborn as mule sometimes—don't tell her I said that—but she has a pure heart. She's forgiven people for worse things."

I'm more worried about how Annabeth will react if Calypso joins my harem...

"As for Leo, there may be a way for that. There's a son of Hades here who has communicated with the dead before. When we have the time, we could talk to him about it. Maybe he'll be able to help you get some closure." I told her, her ears perking up.

Her sniffling pulled me out of my thoughts. "Then, I'll beg for her forgiveness. She may be my rival in love, but she doesn't deserve my wrath."

She then breathed in deeply. "As for Leo, I will need some time to prepare before I face him again. I have a lot more turmoil about him than Annabeth. Additionally, as hypocritical of me as it is—I'm a little upset about Leo venting his anger at you. You, of all people, do not deserve such treatment. When the time comes for me to apologize, I will also have words with him about that."

"Go easy on him, ok? He doesn't need to be reamed out for it, even if it was jerkish of him. Guy died a hero in the end." I lightly reprimanded her.

Calypso sighed sadly. "You have a point. I'm in no position to judge, I behaved even worse than him," She then lifted her head up. "Thank you for giving me another chance, Percy."

"It's what friends are for, right? I totally get why you were upset back then, I was just as mad when I found out the gods didn't even fulfill my wish," I said somberly. "If I knew you were still trapped, maybe I could have done something. But, I was unaware. Then, I lost my memories and the whole thing with Gaea happened and I didn't have any time to think about anything else. I'm sorry, Calypso. If things were different, maybe you would have been freed sooner."

"I don't blame you for that, Percy—I never did. The gods were the only ones at fault. The fact that you even tried to set me free meant so much," Her eyes shined brilliantly as she looked at me. "I think that's what pushed me over the edge and caused me to curse your girlfriend. You were such a selfless and kindhearted hero, unlike any other that had been sent to my island. It enraged me that I couldn't have you for myself, that you were taken by another girl. I wanted you back so badly it kept me awake at night, and... it was my breaking point. I never felt so strongly for another as I did you. You being gone, combined with the gods abandoning me again—I just couldn't take it anymore. So, I lashed out."

"Hey, what's done is done. There's no point in dwelling on the past now," I said gently. "Besides, there's a way for us to be together now. Uh—if you want, that is. It's kinda gross and weird, but you could still be with me in a way."

Her response—if you could call it that—was to grab my face and pull me into a kiss. She then snaked her arms around my neck as she deepened the kiss, her tongue pushing into my mouth and greeting my own.

"So... is that a yes, then?" I asked breathlessly.

Before she could respond, I heard someone clear their throat nearby. We both turned our heads to see Chiron standing there in front of the porch, along with a livid Annabeth.

Oh no...

What the Hades, Chiron?! You were supposed to give us some space! You couldn't have picked a worse time to come back! Annabeth saw everything! What a disaster...

"I'm sorry, child. Once I found Annabeth, she insisted on coming straight here, I couldn't stop her." He apologized in a strangely meek voice, like he just got caught with his hand in the cookie jar.

I would have found it hilarious if my heart wasn't beating at a million miles an hour because of my girlfriend glaring daggers at me. This really couldn't have gone any worse, I thought.

Chiron then coughed into his fist awkwardly. "Well—erm, I think you two have something to talk about first. Come along, Calypso. I'll give you a tour of the camp and take you somewhere for you to change into your new clothing." Chiron then motioned for her to join him.

Calypso picked up on the social cue and immediately walked over to him, upon which he handed her a small ambrosia brownie along with what appeared to be another dress. Then, he quickly trotted away again with the titaness in tow, the sounds of Calypso complimenting how good the ambrosia tasted fading into the distance.

"Let's head inside, Seaweed Brain." Annabeth said in a voice that made me fear for my life.

I followed her inside the Big House, where as soon as we entered, she spun around and raised her hand like she was going to slap me. She instead stopped herself and looked away before bursting into tears. My heart dropped at the sight. I quickly stepped forward and wrapped my arms around her, which she readily accepted, burying her face into my shoulder.

"I'm sorry, Annabeth. I'm so sorry..." I apologized pitifully, though no words could truly express the extent of my shame.

"I know you're forced to do this, but... I just can't stand it! I know I also said I'd control my jealousy, but when I saw you with her, my vision went red. I wanted to kill her! If Chiron wasn't there I think I might have even tried to!" Annabeth sobbed, her body shaking both from her tears and her fear.

I gently massaged her head, running my fingers through her golden hair. I felt like such a jerk, but what else could I do? The gods are forcing my hand in this.

"This is the worst thing the gods have ever done to us," I whispered softly. "Seeing you like this, it destroys me. The worst part is, I liked her kiss! I'm a worthless boyfriend..."

Annabeth lifted her head from my shoulder and looked up at me with teary eyes, shaking her head. "Don't say that, Percy. You're amazing and you know it. It's this stupid harem that is at fault. Why did they force it on us?! It's so... bullshit!"

My eyes widened after she cursed. Sure, I've heard her do it before, but it's very rare and only happens when she is extremely upset.

I just hugged her tightly, my heart aching for her. As much as I wanted to tell her I'd stop, as much as I wanted to say I found a way out of this, I knew it would be a lie. I had to keep pressing on.

"I... I can't stop, Annabeth. I have to keep going. I hate it, I hate it so much you have no idea. But, you remember what Zeus said. If I don't have six girls in my harem by the end of the week, then they're going to force who knows how many of our female friends into it," I murmured as I rubbed circles on her back. "Calypso just confessed that she loves me, maybe you heard her. I'm confident she'll join when I ask her, so that leaves four more to go. I already have an idea of who I'll try next. I'm sorry..."

Who I'll try next. Could I have possibly made myself sound more like a lecher?

Annabeth sobbed harder after I spoke. I heard her mumble out a faint "I know", which broke my heart. I just held her and rubbed her back gently.

Eventually, Annabeth broke away from my embrace, her eyes red and puffy; her cheeks stained with tears.

"We... we should go find Chiron. We still need to have our discussion." She said glumly.

I nodded robotically. "I'll go find them, you stay here. I'll give you as much time as I can for you to calm down."

She nodded and squeezed my hand in thanks before going to sit down at the table. I stared at her for a minute, feeling all kinds of conflicting emotions.

I then turned and opened the door to the outside to start looking for our wayward teacher and Calypso.