Work Text:
It's official. Jason Grace has fallen in love with his best friend. There's no more denying it. He's tried to ignore and push down the feelings, he's tried to blame it on anything other than a crush, he's tried convincing himself that everything is entirely platonic, but it's not. It's freeing to finally admit it — just in his head, of course — and allow himself to fully embrace the warmth that floods his body when he lays eyes on, or even thinks about laying eyes on, the son of Poseidon.
If he's being honest, this started back at the very moment they met. Jason took one look into those sea-green eyes and immediately wished he knew how to flirt with finesse because if he had any moves he would have laid it on thick for Percy Jackson, which would have been necessary considering how oblivious the boy can be. However, Jason is not one to talk, as he has been oblivious to his own feelings for far too long. How had he justified that one? Wanting to make a good impression, maybe? He has legitimately forgotten, which he should expect at this point given his track record of memory issues. What Jason does remember, clear as day, is that the boy in front of him looked like a god and he wanted to rattle off a bunch of pathetic cliches about how Percy took his breath away, made time stand still, made his heart skip a beat, was a work of art — honestly, Jason can and WILL go on if given the opportunity. In the end, all that he could manage was stammering out a simple, “It's nice to meet you.”
In return, he got a bright smile from Percy (who responded much more confidently and casually, by the way) that made his stomach flip. He then watched the boy proceed to shut down the pompous jerk that was Octavian. It made Jason altogether fall head over heels, but he pulled himself out of the daze and attributed it to the nerves of returning to New Rome, meeting this amazing guy that no one could stop talking about, and the daunting quest ahead. Although, surprisingly, being back in New Rome wasn't as bad as he had feared. Part of him had worried that Camp Jupiter had forgotten about him or written him off as a failure for disappearing. No one at Camp Half-Blood would think that of Percy, who instantly recognized Jason as a fellow Praetor and seemed almost defensive, as if he was ready to fight anyone who questioned it. Jason felt his cheeks warm as Percy threw an arm over his shoulder and started a hushed discussion about their shared yet separate experiences. This stranger who Jason felt inexplicably safe with was asking if he was okay, how much time he lost, and if he had made it to Camp Half-Blood alright when all this started. He had just managed to calm his racing heart, settling into the conversation, when the cannons on the Argo II went off and the crew had to flee before they accidentally started a war. Once aboard the ship, Annabeth pulled her best friend away to catch up and Jason felt a pang of what he now realizes was jealousy. Percy flashed a smile at Jason before letting himself be dragged off, a look in his eye promising that they'd talk later.
And they did talk, eventually. It was all very light and casual at first. About the ship, the quest, or, gods embarrassingly , the weather of all things. Jason felt so incredibly nervous around Percy and wanted to make a good impression to live up to the hopefully favorable reputation the Romans had shared with their new Praetor. He hadn’t anticipated feeling this way, this intense need to be liked by Percy, this drive to be close to him. In all honesty, the two probably should have clashed instead. Sons of the Big Three, leaders at camps kept apart to avoid civil war. Surely everyone was expecting some tension, grappling for dominance, a fight over something petty and stupid like the chair at the head of the table. Except Percy wasn't like that. He was a natural leader — a collaborator and a delegator. He's smarter than he gives himself credit for and comes up with incredibly clever ideas and empathetic insights. He never cared about title or status, he just wanted to help. Jason himself was used to the expectation of leading given his parentage and his accomplishments at camp. He wouldn’t hesitate to step up when his people needed him, but he hated being put on a pedestal. What he wanted more than anything was to be part of a team, to be considered equals. The two boys felt no need to argue over who was ‘in charge’ if it would even be either of them. They didn't clash, instead, they gravitated toward one another and fit together like puzzle pieces. At the first crew meeting on the Argo II, they naturally sat next to each other, Annabeth being the one to take the head chair without complaint, and that's the way it was.
They got beyond small talk through sparring. Percy loved to banter and throw out jabs with a cheeky grin. He wasn't opposed to throwing compliments Jason's way, either, which left him blushing profusely and he often lost the spar due to this distraction. Nevertheless, Jason was determined to stop making such a fool of himself and eventually got up the nerve to taunt Percy right back. He remembers vividly the first time he managed, the other boy's eyes went impossibly wide and Jason was able to knock Riptide out of his hand easily. Percy didn't even seem to care; he stood there on the deck with his messy black hair blowing in the breeze, the sun shining on his tanned skin, and a small smile on his face. It opened the floodgates, a friendly competitiveness growing between them with all the banter and teasing that came with it.
Jason worried the incident in Kansas would ruin everything they had started to build, but it only brought them closer. Instead of being angry, Percy just wanted to know if Jason was alright, his eyes filled with shame and concern. Jason wasn't having that, he only scoffed and informed Percy that obviously it's him who should worry about Percy , not the other way around. After all, Percy had to try and withstand the son of Jupiter at full power. This kicked off a lighthearted bickering that he's told drove the rest of the crew on the Argo II crazy, but Jason only remembers himself and Percy ‘arguing’, rolling their eyes dramatically at each other while sporting the biggest smiles.
They continued to spend their time on the Argo II sparring, sharing guard duty, questing, and just talking. Jason felt himself growing closer and so, so attached to this sweet, strong, sassy boy. What started as surface-level conversations about past quests turned into Jason confiding in Percy about his residual memory loss and insecurity about where he belonged, if anywhere. Percy was always understanding and a great listener whenever Jason needed to let it out, something he couldn't remember ever doing before. It didn't matter whether they were running at each other with swords or watching the world go by from the railing of the ship, heads bent together and voices near a whisper, it felt like he could tell this raven-haired boy anything. Percy opened up in return and Jason drank up every piece of knowledge, committing it to memory. He talked about his past on the mortal side of the world and his time at Camp Half-Blood. As they searched for Nico he kept circling back to how terrible he felt for supposedly failing the younger demigod over and over, how he needed more than anything to bring him home safe. The pangs of jealousy would have returned if it weren't for the clear brotherly nature of the love the two demigods shared, and if Jason weren't too busy being enamored by Percy’s sense of loyalty.
They found Nico, rescuing him from the jar that the giants trapped him in just in time. Then it was Nico who held Jason back when Percy and Annabeth fell into Tartarus, which must have terribly pained the younger boy that had already been through so much and probably wanted to jump in himself. Not appreciating this at the moment, Jason tried to fly away from him to rescue Percy but the air wasn't responding. In retrospect, it was probably because of the pit and if he had gotten away the way he would've been sucked into Tartarus wouldn't have helped anyone. He tried to pull away but, even in his weakened state, the son of Hades was surprisingly strong and absolutely determined to keep Jason surface-level. He'll never forget Nico’s eyes, filled with a look of pure desperation, as he dragged them away from the pit. He muttered that Percy would never forgive him if Jason jumped on his watch, that he said to trust Jason and get the crew to the door. At that, Jason stopped fighting and let Nico lead them away until the younger boy collapsed and Jason had to carry him in a fireman’s lift up the ship's ladder. He supposes he has Percy to thank for his now strong friendship with Nico. Whatever Percy had told him in the brief time they were reunited was enough for Nico to give Jason a chance and they leaned on one another when the worry for Percy overwhelmed them. And Annabeth, of course. At the time, Jason couldn't put his finger on why she wasn't as prominent in his brain, and still feels incredibly guilty.
When the dust settled at the House of Hades, Percy launched himself into Jason's arms. He hugged the other boy tightly and for the first time in a week felt like everything might be okay again someday. He felt a shiver go down his spine as he realized he could feel Percy's ribs and that, while he was holding on with all his strength, it felt like barely anything. Jason spared a glance over to Piper who was holding Annabeth in a similar embrace and the two shared a look. Tartarus had done major damage to the demigods in their arms in such a brief period of time. One second Nico was with Piper, hugging Annabeth and whispering to her. Next thing Jason knew Nico had joined their little hug instead and was whispering what sounded like apologies in a pleading voice into the back of Percy's head. Jason knew that Nico, through logic he could never follow, blamed himself for Percy and Annabeth falling. He thought he should have been able to prevent it. As many times as Jason tried to talk him out of that kind of thinking, he couldn't help feeling the same way about himself. If he had only been stronger he could have made the wind work for him, saving his two friends. He was beginning to slip back into his guilt when Percy snapped him back to reality, releasing one hand from its hold on Jason and instead gripping Nico's shirt. Both of the younger demigods winced at how visibly weak the grip was. When Percy spoke his voice was so ragged they couldn't understand what he was saying. Jason took it upon himself to loop Nico into the hug and share the message he knew Percy was trying to convey: you have nothing to apologize for and we're sorry you were there alone.
Nico nodded and Percy, seemingly content with Jason's translation, let his hand drop. Nico removed himself from the hug, Jason guessed it was all a lot of contact for the kid. He went to check on Hazel and the team started making their way out of the House of Hades. Frank picked up Annabeth and led the group towards the ship, but Jason and Percy hung back.
“Are you okay if I fly you out of here?” Jason asked softly and felt Percy's slight nod in response. Taking extra care, Jason gently lifted them and glided smoothly to the ship and down to Percy's room, setting him carefully on his bed.
“My hero,” Percy managed, voice a raspy whisper. He had to speak pretty much directly into Jason's ear but still managed to carry his usual, sarcastic delivery, “Seriously, Superman, I would cry if I had any water left in me.”
“Let's get you some water then.”
Percy drank at least a dozen glasses of water but refused food and ambrosia. He didn't talk anymore that night but, rehydrated and true to his word, he started to cry. It started with a sniffle and a single tear. Percy was trying to hold it back, but Jason wiped away his tear, thumb caressing his cheek, and told him it was safe now. Percy nodded and laid his head back down. Jason wasn't sure how or when but they had ended up with himself sitting up against the headboard and Percy between his legs, curled up in a ball and resting against Jason's chest. When the tears started really falling, Jason ran his fingers through the older boy’s hair and asked if he should get Nico or Annabeth. Percy shook his head sharply, so Jason asked if he wanted him to stay. His only response was to shift his position, pulling himself up and closer, now fully straddling Jason and wrapping his arms around him. It still makes his heart clench, thinking about Percy in his arms that day. He sobbed into Jason's chest and all the blonde could do in return was hold him tight. Jason felt so helpless. He didn't bother saying it was okay because they both knew it wasn't. He only hoped he provided some comfort to the demigod in his arms that had become so important to him in such a short amount of time.
Eventually, the tears died down and Percy's breath evened out, a small snore indicating he was about to get his first proper sleep in days. Jason stayed up for a few hours just watching over him. He felt so small, a word Jason would have never used to describe him before. The water had at least returned some color to his skin but it was heartbreaking to see him looking so malnourished. Jason finally drifted off to sleep himself, still racking his brain to figure out how they could best support this trio of Tartarus survivors. The next morning he awoke from the best sleep of his life, but smiling down at a still-sleeping Percy, failed to put two and two together why that was.
Jason was disappointed when Percy didn't come back for his company the next two nights, which he reasoned was because he was concerned with how his friend was handling all of this alone and not at all because he was dying to have the boy in his arms again. That would be entirely selfish and inappropriate given the situation. Maybe he would have come back if Jason had only asked, but he didn't want to push him too hard. As it was, Percy only came out of his room when Jason came and got him. No matter the hour, his black hair was tousled as though he had just woken up but the bags under his eyes made it seem like he hadn't slept a wink. He would pick at a plate of food if Jason or Leo distracted him with stories and jokes, and he'd spend the rest of his time following the former around begging to spar. Jason only teased that there'd be no sparring until Percy had his strength back so he could beat him fair and square. If he was feeling especially pouty, Percy would stomp off to find Hazel or Frank to hang out with instead. They always gave him the most sympathy. Otherwise, he spent a lot of time simply leaning against the ship’s railing, looking out where the sky meets the sea, focused solely on breathing like he worried he'd never get another chance to inhale. Percy didn't want to talk about it, which Jason understood. How would someone even begin to describe the horrors to someone who hadn't experienced it themselves? Annabeth at least could be found whispering with Nico, the two bearing their loads together, but Percy was avoiding both of them. Even when Jason wasn't by his side, he still kept an eye on him, so he was certain it was intentional. He'd watch the other demigod seem perfectly fine drifting about the Argo II until he caught sight of Nico or Annabeth, then he suddenly ‘had something he had to do’ and ran off to hide in the stables because he's slick like that.
Jason didn't want to pry or push, but he knew this behavior wasn't helping Percy get better. He checked in on Nico and Annabeth himself and, yeah, neither was doing great but they weren't completely shut down like Percy. Jason hadn’t known him that long, but he knew enough to say this was not how Percy would typically cope and he could practically see the older boy shrinking into himself as time went on. He was up one night trying to figure out what to do when there was a soft knock at his door. He practically (or, maybe literally) flew to answer it, knowing it had to be the very one on his mind on the other side.
“Hi,” Jason said, with a smile on his face because his guess was right. Percy broke eye contact, looking down at his feet shuffling on the floor.
“Hi. Can I…sleep over?” Percy asked, almost shy.
“Anytime,” Jason's reply was swift and certain, stepping aside to let the other boy in. Percy stepped inside timidly, opening his mouth like he wanted to say more but then quickly snapping it shut instead. Jason's eyebrows scrunched together and he gently turned Percy to face him directly. “Hey, look at me, what is it? You can tell me anything.”
Jason and Percy were equally surprised by the words that came out of his mouth with such sincerity, but it at least seemed to convince Percy to share what was on his mind, a light blush dusting his cheeks.
“And could you, um, maybe hold me again?” Now it was Jason's turn to blush. “I just, uh, I don't know, I haven't really slept again since and I thought maybe it would help, maybe, but you don't, like, have to, I didn't mean to make you uncomf-”
“You didn't.” Jason cut him off and, his hands having apparently never left Percy, pulled the trembling boy closer and into a hug. “You could never. You really haven't slept?”
Percy nodded and let Jason lead him to the bed where he sat down rigidly, like he was suddenly unsure how to move his body. Jason rolled his eyes and climbed to the other side of the bed. He pulled Percy with him as he laid down so they were both on their backs with one of Jason's arms around Percy's shoulders. Another beat and Percy rolled over so he was laying half on top of Jason, his face pressed into the other boy's side. He took a deep breath as if he'd been deprived of oxygen and only Jason's shirt could supply it. He exhaled with a shutter and lifted his head to meet Jason's eyes, a small, peaceful smile on his face.
“Thank you.”
“I'm glad you came, Perce.” Jason cringed internally, hoping he hadn't crossed a line with the nickname. Percy's face lit up hearing it, though, so he didn't need to worry. Still, trying to move past it quickly, Jason blurted out, “You've been avoiding Annabeth and Nico.”
Percy’s face dropped and Jason could feel him tense up. Going for damage control Jason rolled on his side facing Percy so he could properly wrap him up in his arms. Partly because he was afraid his friend would bolt, partly in apology because he should have gone about that much more gently. He felt the tension bleed out of the boy in his arms and pulled back when he realized Percy was trying to speak but it was all getting muffled in his shirt.
“Sorry, what was that?”
“I'm…a bad person, Jace.” The nickname flowed so smoothly off his tongue, it made Jason giddy. He had to brush that aside for more serious matters, though. He was just happy he hadn't blown the friendship, of course. Yes, that was all.
“What? Dude, you're a hero.”
“Don't say that.”
“It's true.”
“I've made so many mistakes. I've let so many people down. I've done…bad things, Jason. Up here, down there…I can't face them. I can't even look at Neeks or Annabeth because…they've seen it happen, they know what I'm capable of. They know I'm not a hero. Everything bad that's happened to them is my fault. They see me for what I am and shouldn't have to be around me.”
“And what are you, supposedly?”
“A monster.”
“That's not-”
“I belong back in the pit.”
“NO!”
Again they were both surprised by Jason's strong sentiments. They lay still, staring at one another, Jason's heart pounding in his chest. This poor boy, how badly the pit messed with his head. Or had he never known that everyone at Camp Half-Blood had something nice to say about him? Even the Ares campers had a grudging respect for him, as much as they wished they didn't. He's a legend, he's magnetic, he's a hero. People are drawn to him and he protects them with all he is, yet he thinks he belongs in the depths of Tartarus.
“Nico and Annabeth,” Jason started slowly. “They're worried about you. We all are. They love you and I don't think any of you are benefiting from you pulling away. You guys don't have to talk about what you've been through, but you're hurting yourself by staying away from these people you have loved and cared for for years. I have no idea what you've been through and you don't have to tell me, not ever if you don't want to. But I'm here for anything you want to talk about and I guarantee none of it would change how I look at you for the worse.”
“You don't know that,” Percy replied shakily, tears gathering in his eyes. Jason maintained eye contact, electric blue locked on sea green.
“I do, trust me…You trust me, don't you?” Percy nodded with a perplexed look on his face, likely wondering how he'd become so close with this Roman who should probably be his rival. It's a train of thought Jason was intimately familiar with. “You can go slow, I'm not forcing you into anything you're not ready for, but please, please just try.”
From then on, Percy stayed the night in Jason's room or vice versa. Percy faced his fear with Annabeth and Nico and was excited to report back that they didn't, in fact, hate him. Jason could only snort in reply. Percy still wasn't ready to talk about his time way down under the ground, but he was coming back. He and Annabeth had rapidly deteriorated from the effects of the pit, but a combination of fresh air, ambrosia, and their demigod healing ability allowed them to bounce back quickly as well. Percy was ecstatic to get back to sparring with Jason and the feeling was mutual. No one else could match Jason in the ring. Well, maybe Nico, but he had only ever agreed to train with Percy and Hazel. Jason is still working on that, truthfully.
Their group of seven defeated Gaia and in the aftermath maybe Jason was just too shell-shocked to think about his feelings. He found himself drawn to Percy for comfort when they thought Leo was dead. Percy kept him afloat when he felt like he was drowning and they closed out the summer at Camp Half-Blood. Unfortunately, Jason spent most nights alone in the Zeus cabin, just him and the unnerving statue of his father. There were some nights when Percy called for a “bro sleepover” and Jason got to escape into the Poseidon cabin instead. Unsure of what was okay, Jason grabbed the bunk next to Percy’s. He would have preferred to climb into Percy's bed and bury his face in his sheets for reasons he couldn't and wouldn't explain at the time, but thought maybe bed-sharing was only okay if there was only one bed. He found himself wondering if he'd be able to conjure a lightning strike to ruin all the extra bunks, but surely that would be seen as an act of war against the sea god. There was a look in Percy's eye that Jason couldn't place when he first sat down, but it was quickly wiped away before he could question it. Somehow Percy knew what Jason needed on a given night, whether it was distraction, a chance to vent, or problem-solving where the rest of Jason's life was going. He felt a deep conflict because he didn't want to leave New York or Camp Half-Blood, but during the quest, he had kind of made that promise about honoring all the minor gods at both camps with some extra priest-like responsibilities being thrown in at Camp Jupiter. Percy assured him it was alright to take some time for himself and the two brainstormed ways to keep the Roman and Greek demigods close and peacefully connected once things fully settled down. Jason felt like maybe everything would be alright and the two grew closer than ever in those short final weeks of summer.
When reality couldn't be ignored any longer, Percy packed up to head home. He had a lot to catch up on after missing the majority of his Junior year, and Jason could tell how deeply he missed his mom. He still hadn't figured out his next steps so when Percy begged him to spend some time with him in the city, how could he refuse? Once they made it to the Jackson-Blofis household, and Percy was released from the most heartwarming embrace by his parents, he introduced Jason as his best friend. He found himself elated at the title, but it also stung. It was actually, physically painful. This only left him confused because wasn't that how he'd introduce Percy as well? He decided not to dwell on it. Besides he was distracted by the hug Mrs. Jackson pulled him into as soon as he said hello. When she pulled back she smiled at him before sending a knowing look Percy's way. Jason only wished he knew what the look meant and why he could have sworn it made Percy blush.
The apartment Percy's family lived in was like nothing Jason had ever known. The whole place had an aura of calm, drifting through the air with the smell of fresh, homemade blue chocolate chip cookies, which Jason enjoyed as he took in his new surroundings. The walls were a soothing blue-gray and there were big windows with flowy curtains that reminded Jason of ocean waves. Shells that Percy had collected in Montauk were on display in glass vases, nestled among the bookshelves in the living room. It was cozy and homey, the walls filled with art that Mrs. Jackson had thrifted and pictures of her and Percy through the years. The newer ones had Paul in the mix, too, of course. The visual of Percy growing up was amazing, in Jason's opinion. Maybe because he had no evidence of his own aging, maybe because Percy was the cutest eight-year-old ever. Who's to say, really? Either way, Mrs. Jackson noticed his interest in the pictures and, with a cheeky grin that made it obvious where Percy got it all from, showed Jason the shelf filled with photo albums of her son. Percy feigned outrage at this betrayal and groaned dramatically as his mom and Jason flipped through them, cooing at baby pictures and teasing him for his fashion choices through the years. They slowly went through all of the albums during their first weeks in New York, Jason had to fight his competing desires to tear through them and savor them while not seeming too eager about the whole thing. The stories and warm laughter shared on those evenings are memories that wrap around Jason like a hug, a tangible feeling he can recall when he needs a pick-me-up. He thanked Mrs. Jackson more times than he can count for sharing the pictures with him, somewhat in jest for all the teasing ammo it provided him on Percy but mostly because it felt like she had trusted him with a precious treasure.
The calm undertones of the apartment carried on into Percy's room where it clashed with the boy's own brand of chaos. The sea doesn't like to be restrained, as the son of Poseidon would say. There were clothes on the floor, the bed was unmade, every flat surface had somehow accumulated knick-knacks and other random items, and discarded paper and wrappers were littered about. Now, in his defense, the room was as he left it when he was suddenly kidnapped by Juno during the previous school year, he hadn’t exactly had time to tidy up. Of course, when Percy tried to use this excuse, Jason reminded him that he'd seen his cabin, too. Still, Jason thought it was sweet that Percy made an effort to tidy up the day they'd arrived. As he went around the room picking things up and making it neat (he even dusted, for gods’ sake), Jason sat on his empty bed and took in all the aspects of the room that held the demigod’s personality. He kept a picture of his mom on his desk next to a record player. There was a collection of vinyls on the shelves and Jason recognized some of the names of bands Percy had introduced him to that Summer — Led Zeppelin, The Ramones, Van Halen, and so on. Also on his shelves was a small, but growing collection of books. Apparently he had met an adult demigod — a daughter of Calliope, the muse of epic poetry — who translates modern works into Ancient Greek for demigods to more easily enjoy. He promised to take Jason to her bookstore soon. Other than that, Jason noted, Percy really didn't own much. From all he's learned about the older boy's past, he understood that it came both from always moving between school dorms as well as some history with his previous stepfather using his old room as a storage closet. Percy didn't like to get into the details of his first stepfather too much, so Jason didn't pry. He felt similarly with his own mother, but it was a nice comfort that they could confide and relate when it came to their difficult parenting histories on both the mortal and immortal sides.
Still, the lack of stuff made it all the more impressive what a mess it had been. Laying back on the bare bed whose blue sheets were still in the wash, Jason took in the last of the room. The ceiling was covered with meticulously placed glow-in-the-dark star stickers that accurately resembled the constellations in the night sky. Jason had heard Thalia had done this as a “prank” slash birthday gift. It was awesome. The walls, on the other hand, were empty aside from a small collection of Polaroids that must have been taken at Camp Half-Blood. Percy had a bigger display in his cabin, but maybe his favorites came home with him at the end of each summer. Adding evidence of this, the demigod in question decided he had done what he could for his room and pulled out an envelope of pictures from that summer and added them to the collection with great care. Jason wondered if treasuring photos in this way was something else he had inherited from his mom or if this is just what people did. He found himself wanting to start his own picture collection, to start having memories to hold on to and revisit in photo albums.
At first the Jackson’s set Jason up with a nice air mattress in Percy's room, which the latter so kindly took because, in his words, he wouldn't have any guest of his slumming it on the floors. Funny enough, though, the mattress lost air by morning and by the third night the outlets would short out when they tried to plug in the pump. Percy gave up and said he would sleep out on the couch instead. Jason leveled his 5’ 10” friend with a stare because that ‘couch’ was clearly a loveseat that he would by no means fit on. Jason tried to insist he would be fine on the floor or couch, but Percy in his stubbornness threw his own glare at his 6’ friend and wouldn't take that at all. In the end, Jason admitted with heat in his cheeks that he would rather they just share the full-size bed, reminding him they'd done it before in a much smaller space. For once, Percy was left speechless, he simply nodded and that's how it was. Jason worried he had made Percy uncomfortable with how stiff the son of Poseidon was beside him that first night as they drifted off to sleep shoulder to shoulder without their usual late-night chatting. In the morning, however, Jason woke up with Percy attached to him like an octopus. His face was glued to Jason's back, his arms tight around him, one around his waist while the other had found its way under Jason's shirt to rest a hand on his chest, and their legs were entangled under the blankets. It felt so perfect that Jason pretended to sleep a little longer. This was perfectly fine behavior for friends, he had rationalized to himself. He had realized he had been ‘touch-starved’ (as Will labeled it) all his life once he befriended this incredibly touchy Greek demigod, and Grover — while observing the sons of sea and sky at a campfire together — had commented that Percy’s need for closeness must have shot up after his time in Tartarus. Sure, Jason couldn't think of a single other friend he would be okay being in this position with and he felt very smug in noticing that Percy was inclined to reach for Jason over others, but this was still totally platonic. Percy awoke a while later and, with a small gasp, released Jason from his hold, mumbling an apology. The latter took advantage of his pretending to be asleep to roll over in Percy's arms before he could pull them back completely, and snuggle closer. He ‘woke up’ soon after and greeted Percy with a smile, and from then on their nighttime routine had gone back to normal with the addition of cuddling.
All in all, Jason settled in quickly and loved his life with the Jacksons. He thanked the entire Jackson-Blofis family profusely at every chance for their hospitality and for including him in everything they did — game nights, family outings, movie nights, and cooking dinner. It turned out that Jason was hopeless in the kitchen but Percy and his mom were determined to change that. For which he thanked them, naturally. He was begged to stop thanking them after a couple of weeks. Mrs. Jackson insisted he was part of the family and welcome forever.
Meanwhile, Mr. Blofis had taken it upon himself to enroll Jason at AHS alongside Percy. He should have known better than to tell a teacher he had no plans for his education. The mist must have come in handy somehow because there are absolutely no real academic records of Jason Grace. That's how it goes when you're given up to a goddess as a toddler. Jason joining him made Percy less upset about having to repeat his Junior year, so Jason felt good about that. Still, he was incredibly nervous after hearing horror stories from Percy and other campers about how hard it can be as a demigod with ADHD and dyslexia in a mortal school. He was grateful, of course, to have an adult looking out for him for the first time in forever, and felt lucky to have Percy by his side through it all. Once he got used to it all, he had to admit that he liked school and even loved some of his classes. Percy teased him relentlessly about that one. He loved New York, too, and all the places Percy showed him around the city. From what he can tell, it had a lot of coffee shops, and Percy and his mom knew all the best ones. Things weren't perfect, of course. He struggled with school and his memories and learning how to be his own person; monster attacks though infrequent were an inevitable annoyance; and Apollo even showed up at one point trying to recruit Percy for some new big quest! Before Percy could get a word in, Jason jumped in and shut him down. This only made Apollo switch focus to rope in Jason instead as his dear brother, but Percy made clear that Jason had done his part, and then some, and still had other work he was doing for the gods so he would not be leading whatever nonsense Apollo was getting into. It was pretty clear he already had the right questing buddy by his side in the form of Meg anyway. They, along with Percy’s mom, got the duo clean, comfortable, and fed. Before sending them on their way with promises to show up for the big battle scenes, Jason and Percy took Meg aside and made her promise to IM if they got into trouble.
There were other good things, too, even outside his new safe haven inside this little New York apartment. Leo came back alive and well and, while Jason was entirely pissed off at him, he was so incredibly relieved that he didn't have words. Percy drove them down to Camp Half-Blood as soon as they got the news, a hand on Jason's knee the whole ride, keeping him calm. It felt like the only thing keeping him tethered to earth after the news lifted a weight off his chest. He didn't believe it until he saw it for himself, Leo was alive with Festus and Calypso by his side. He looked a little worse for the wear after the line of people punched him, but still. Driving home after a relaxing weekend hearing about Leo's adventures and catching up with the Camp, Jason commented to Percy that it felt like everything was falling into place, things just felt right. Percy nodded along with a big smile and grabbed Jason's hand from the center console. It was grounding and Jason felt so happy. For months, Jason was the happiest he'd ever been.
Unfortunately, good things couldn't last forever. Jason had pushed off Iris Messages from New Rome as long as he could, but come winter break he had to admit he was falling behind on his duties and promises and that just wasn't him. He needed to go back to California after the holidays. Part of him wished Percy would ask him to stay, but if he did Jason would have said yes in a heartbeat and he knew Percy would never do that to a friend. For Christmas that year, Percy gave him a bag of drachmas and a small mist-making machine. He sheepishly admitted that while it was his idea and he did what he could, it would have never been possible without Leo's intervention. Jason gave him the biggest hug possible in return and promised they would talk all the time.
And so they did, Percy at home in New York and Jason off at his all-boys school out in California, near enough to New Rome to help out Hazel and Frank while seeing to his shrine duties but far enough to practice life in a mortal world. One perk of an Iris Message, Jason found, was that it was easier to outright stare at Percy less noticeably. His early opinion held true: the man had the looks of a god. Jason had come to find beyond outright beauty, Percy was also adorable and really, really hot. Yes, these were three entirely different things. The look in Percy’s eyes whenever he was excited, the way he talked with his hands, it was all so cute. He didn't know how he had missed the hotness before, but wow. It was hard to pay attention to what Percy was saying when he was staring at his lean build and wishing he could reach out and touch it himself. He had to pull himself together! Jason deluded himself into believing that his interest in Percy's physique came from the figure drawing class he was taking, but all that is beside the point. Another way they kept in touch, which completely took Jason by surprise, was letter-writing. Neither of them was the type to sit down to read and write letters, especially on top of all their schoolwork. It had truthfully started much smaller and just grew out of control. Over the summer as a part of the ‘cultural exchange' at Camp Half-Blood, the Roman demigods tutored the Greeks in Latin and the Greek demigods tutored the Romans in Ancient Greek. Jason and Percy had taken up writing each other little notes in their own ancient language and passing it to the other to translate and respond to in his language. After about a week in California, Jason received a full-length letter from Percy written in Ancient Greek and he was absolutely thrilled. Weekly letters became a part of their new routine and that point of connection felt so…intimate and introspective. Since they were pretty much caught up on the day-to-day from talking, the letters tended to be longer rants about projects, worries, random insignificant things that resonated with them for some reason or another. Sometimes Jason even included pictures — related to the letter content or not — that he had taken with the camera Percy's mom had given him at Christmas and he noticed during their calls some of his shots had made Percy's photo wall.
Despite all their efforts to keep in touch, it felt different, like a piece of Jason's own soul was missing. The distance between them was completely unbearable, but they had to bear it all the same. Jason's schedule kept him busy in California and Percy's inability to jump on a plane made finding his way out there unrealistic. Their spring breaks lined up, at least, so Jason flew back to New York for a couple days and Percy accompanied him back to California, racing with Blackjack against Jason and Tempest.
That was over a month ago and the stretch between then and the end of the school year seemed to go on forever. Jason longed for the time to come to meet Percy back at Camp Half-Blood. One night, apparently fed up with Percy’s whining, Jason was pleasantly surprised to open the door to his dorm and find Percy on his bed, courtesy of Nico. The son of Hades made a shadow travel pit stop to dump Percy while he dealt with some things in New Rome (namely, seeing his sister). The boys moved at the same time, launching themselves at each other for a hug. It ended up with them on the floor, a tangle of limbs, laughing and holding on to each other as if their lives depended on it. It felt like it did. Eventually they pulled themselves apart and Jason stood up, holding out a hand to pull Percy up as well. He didn't need the help, of course, but Jason was using it as an opportunity to take in the boy that was smiling up at him. Percy looked like he'd recently gotten a haircut and the spring sun left his skin with a healthy glow. Radiant. He was sporting ripped jeans and his AHS Swim Team hoodie that Jason had already mentally stolen for the weekend. Jason felt a little dorky standing there still in his uniform, and Percy definitely didn't miss the opportunity to tease him about it before they started catching up.
It had been a Friday night, so the two had the whole weekend to spend together. It felt to Jason like he spent the whole evening talking about himself. Percy wanted to hear everything about school. Jason had already told him pretty much everything over IM, but Percy wanted to hear it again now that he was there. The thing about his time spent with Percy, it's made him a rambler. In his official positions within the legion, he always had to be proper and succinct. He was used to only giving off the relevant, functional information and an indication of his best work was when there was no need for follow-up questions. But Percy. He asked follow-up questions. What did Jason think about that, why did Jason think that, how did Jason feel about that, what did Jason want to do with that. It helped Jason get out of his own head where he always felt like he had to have a greater purpose, be working towards something else. It turns out he was allowed to just have thoughts and feelings. With Percy, he opened himself up to what he wanted to do and think about. To his surprise, he had a lot to say, and Percy never seemed to tire of hearing it.
Feeling like they had sufficiently covered what Jason had been up to in school, Percy excitedly asked to see his shrine designs and models in person. It didn't matter how good the connection was over IM, it wasn't the same as real life. Percy said this in such a way that Jason almost wondered if he wasn't just talking about the shrines. In his excitement to get another chance to blather on about his new passion project, Jason accidentally sent a drawer full of artwork flying. Despite urgent protests, Percy was quick to help gather them up. Until he noticed they weren't all shrine-related and paused.
“Jace, I don't mean to be self-absorbed but are these me?”
“I…I, uh, no,” Jason stammered, looking at the collection of charcoal drawings that were indeed Percy. “I mean, yes, they are. I'm sorry, I should have told you. I just. I told you about my art class, yeah? I, um, just really love it and I like having something to do with my hands pretty much always so when we're talking I just kind of do it, you know? I'm sorry, Perce.”
“Why? These are awesome.”
“I don't know, maybe it's weird to do. I have others, too, if I looked I think I did one of Hazel, last time we talked.”
“Always happy to see your art, Jace, but don't sweat it. Seriously, bro, these look amazing.”
“It's easy when you look amazing, bro.”
“Oh?” Percy tried to cover up his blush with a smirk. “You're not so bad yourself, handsome.”
This was something else Jason had noticed lately. Sometimes he would say things to Percy that could definitely be taken non-platonically. Not that he meant it, of course, they're just friends. If the idea of it weren't crazy, he could have sworn Percy was flirting with him back. Jason had other friends, old and new, at both camps and his new school. He didn't do that with anyone else, and he'd never heard Percy do it either. Maybe Percy’s little quips were just rubbing off on him or something. Clearing his mind of the thoughts, Jason tried to salvage the derailed conversation, tucking away his charcoal drawings and showing Percy his little diorama of Temple Hill instead. They went on exchanging ideas for the setup until Jason felt himself falling asleep. The last thing he remembered was resting his head on Percy's shoulder, listening to him talk about a minor god of streams or something.
The next morning, he woke up in Percy's arms and choked up at how much it felt like home. He had never had a feeling of home before. He shook it off, maybe the stress of everything was getting to him. That day they went hiking near Jason's school and then he took Percy to New Rome to see their friends and enjoy the city. Jason was glad to see how much it reenergized Percy, seeing all he had to look forward to in college once he just got through high school.
“What’s your dream, Jace?”
The boys had returned to Jason's dorm and had ended up on the roof, laying shoulder to shoulder on the blanket Mrs. Jackson had knit for him for Christmas. It was incredibly soft and made of a beautiful gradient that changed from a green that matched Percy's eyes at one end to a blue that Percy said was his absolute favorite at the other. Jason guessed it just happened that Mrs. Jackson had these colors around because of her son, but the gesture was incredibly touching, and he liked to think the end blue was very similar to his own eyes.
“It's not something I've thought about,” Jason answered after a long pause. “I guess it will be nice to get those shrines done.”
“The Romans are so efficient that they will be done in no time. But that's not a dream , man. Like, what do you want to do after that? If you could do anything, I mean.”
“I'm not sure I have a dream.”
“Everyone has a dream!”
“Then what's yours?”
“Well, I wasn't supposed to say anything…”
“What?” Jason asked, sitting up panicked. “What is it?”
“It's fine,” Percy said with a chuckle, tugging on Jason's hand to pull him back down. Even once he had settled again, Percy didn't let go and Jason had found himself smiling into the darkness. The stars seemed to shine a little brighter. “It's just, my mom wanted to tell you herself so act surprised next time you come visit, okay?”
“Okay, if you get on with it .”
“Okay, okay! My mom's pregnant and-”
“What?! That's amazing!”
“It really is, Jace, she's so happy. She’s glowing, seriously. Some goddess must have blessed her, I don't know. But, it got me thinking. I want that, that's my dream. I want to be in New York with my family, I want to be a demigod who lives , I want a job I love, and I want to start a family of my own. More than anything, I want to grow old with the love of my life.”
“That's awesome, Percy. I'm sure it will happen for you, too.”
“For the first time, I actually feel like it might.”
“Oh? You've found someone who finds your messiness endearing?”
“Fuck you, Grace, I am endearing.”
“ Mhm. ”
A comfortable silence settled as they watched the night sky and the meteor shower that they had been waiting for started. Even as the shooting stars slowed down, they stayed up talking about what they might study at New Rome University and where it would lead. They pointed out constellations and Percy told Jason the story of Zoë. They talked and talked as the air grew cold and the night grew ever darker, until finally Jason caught Percy yawning and forced him down to bed. The slightly smaller boy fell asleep as soon as he'd burrowed his face into Jason's chest. As Jason sat awake, holding Percy in his arms, it hit him. So hard he almost shot up in bed, but his body's natural instinct was to keep Percy comfortable. Jason knew now, this was his dream. This was all he ever wanted, and he only ever wanted it with Percy.
‘I think I fell in love with my best friend,’ he thought to himself.
And then, because the realization was too large to hold it in, he actually said it out loud in a whisper, “Oh, gods, I fell in love with my best friend.”
Sunday morning passed by in a blur, Percy carrying the conversation on everything he needed to do to finish out the school, his plans for their time at Camp Half-Blood, and the latest he'd heard on Meg and Apollo’s quest. Jason felt barely there as his mind ran a mile a minute. All he wanted to do was pin Percy against the wall and kiss him senseless. He had to shove his hands in his pockets to keep himself from reaching out to touch the other boy. He could hardly hold himself back, so much so that it was just as much a relief as it was a punch to the gut when Nico came to shadow travel Percy back to New York. Jason gave them both one of those one-armed bro hugs because if he properly hugged Percy he would probably never let him go. Percy stepped back to Nico and as they were leaving Jason heard Nico jokingly ask the older boy how his weekend with his boyfriend was and Percy laughed so hard that it hurt Jason to hear. He was glad they were gone, he could feel his face burning to the tips of his ears. Of course any suggestion like that would be a joke to Percy. Jason is only a friend and Percy is way out of his league.
So this is Jason's life now, he guesses. He's been staring at a wall since the other two left, basically replaying every moment since meeting Percy and it's so disgustingly obvious how infatuated Jason has been with the son of Poseidon from the very beginning. Since he had been unaware of it, he had no chance to stop it as it grew simultaneously into a crush and a very close friendship. Would he have stopped it? Even if he had wanted to, there's a very low chance of him being successful. Jason has spent enough time at Camp Half-Blood to know that 90% of the campers are at least a little bit in love with Percy. So, what? Would he have acted on it? Enjoyed the ride? Not acted the way he did with someone who was supposedly just a friend to him? It's so hard to say. All he knows without a doubt is that he is in love with Percy Jackson and there's no chance the feeling is mutual. Jason can sit here and overanalyze their every interaction but any glimmer of hope that Percy is feeling something similar is nothing more than a pitiful projection of Jason's feelings and his dream of a future with his Water Boy.
‘No, stop,’ Jason chides himself, ‘he’s not your anything. Unfortunately.’
Jason drags himself through the last few weeks of school, his thoughts utterly consumed by Percy. He spends all his free time either thinking about or talking to Percy, which is not so different from before but now he's constantly worrying that he's exposing his feelings. He thinks Percy's caught on to the fact that something is wrong and Jason has no idea how he's going to keep it from him once they get to camp. This is still his concern as he boards his flight, annoyed that he has to pay when if it weren't for all his bags he could fly himself. At least it will get him to Percy sooner, for better or worse. The plane takes off and Jason watches the ascension into the clouds. He wishes he could share this with Percy, the way the view of the sun changes as you pass through the clouds. Maybe there's some way to convince his dad to pardon the other boy. They could go further, and see each other more. He wonders if dating would change things in regards to threats of smiting, and whether the change would be positive. He tries to remind himself that Percy liking him back isn't even in the realm of possibility, but he ends up daydreaming about a certain green-eyed demigod for the entire flight.
As he steps outside of the airport, who else is there to greet him but the subject of those daydreams? His stomach flutters with excitement when they lock eyes and Percy beams at him. Having learned from last time, Jason stays where he is and opens his arms to catch his friend in a hug. He had not, however, been expecting Percy to jump into his arms and wrap his legs around his waist. Jason stumbles as he accommodates the weight while having all the air forced out of his body. As soon as he recovers, though, he's squeezing Percy back just as tightly.
“Missed you, Sparky,” Percy says directly into his shoulder. Luckily, Jason's gotten pretty good at understanding his muffled speech. It's the only way he'll talk when he's in a Bad Place.
“You saw me a couple of weeks ago,” Jason teases, glad Percy can't see that his own eyes are welling up with the happiness of being reunited. “You down that bad for me?”
Percy laughs and releases his legs to stand in front of Jason instead, punching him in the arm.
“You know it, bro.”
Jason feels a pang in his heart but blinks it away when Percy grabs his bags and starts leading them back to the car.
“My mom wanted to come along and drive us to camp,” Percy explains on the walk, “but it makes me too nervous considering…last time, so we'll have to make a separate trip into the city. Cool?”
“Your mom hasn't had enough of you yet?”
“First of all, I am a DELIGHT. But yeah, no, she won't stop hounding me to bring you around.”
“Sounds more like I'm a delight.”
“Shut it, Superman.”
They make it to the car and before Jason can move to help, Percy packs all the bags into the trunk of the poor, beat-up Prius.
“So they're letting you hold on to this all Summer?” Jason asks, getting in the car.
“Mom wanted me to have a mortal way to get around, just with how weird things have been.”
Jason nods, whatever was going on with the guys Apollo and Meg were fighting was having some strange impacts. IMs had become spotty and just the other day had quit working altogether. Still, Jason can't resist teasing.
“They still trust you with this thing, after all the damage you've caused to it?”
“Blackjack landing on it was not my fault,” Percy shoots back with a pout, before turning smug. “And I’ll have you know that Paul says this one is mine once I graduate. He got a new one.”
“He thinks you'll graduate?”
“Jason, that hurts ! I've created a monster.”
“You love me.”
“Yeah, I do.”
The two share a smile and enjoy the rest of the short drive. No minotaurs disturb them or anything, which is good because Jason doesn't feel like he has the brain capacity to handle that right now. The only thing he can think about is how close he is to Percy and how he wants to be infinitely closer. They arrive at camp just when Jason feels he's going to choke on the unspoken feelings of affection. He makes an excuse about unpacking and takes off with his bags. When he emerges from his cabin hours later, he feels in control again. This lasts until he catches sight of Percy on the lava wall, his muscles moving smoothly beneath his skin and looking so good as he lifts himself higher that Jason has to bite back a whimper at the reminder that he doesn't get to touch. This is going to be a long summer.
Screaming fills the air and Jason jolts awake. The noise was crystal clear and loud as Hades but no one’s there. Another scream and Jason is out of bed, running from his cabin. He doesn't stop to throw on a shirt or shoes, doesn't pause to consider that the harpy's were out, he just runs. Because he would know that voice anywhere and he wasn't going to leave Percy hanging any longer than he had to. As he bursts into Cabin Three he realizes that the wind must have carried the noise directly to Jason because no one else has noticed and Percy's screaming is entirely muffled into his pillow. He wonders if he had manipulated the airwaves to do that and how long it’s been going on. Jason frowns, staying back and speaking softly to avoid startling the sleeping demigod.
“Perce?”
No answer. He closes the door softly and takes a step closer.
“Are you awake, Percy?”
Nothing. The screaming continues. Percy's voice sounds absolutely wrecked.
Finally Jason crosses the room and lays a gentle hand on the sleeping boy. This may have been the right move and may have been the wrong move. The screaming stops but Jason finds himself flipped over and pinned to Percy's bunk with a knee digging painfully into his back.
“Percy! It's me, Perce, it's okay. You're safe.”
The knee becomes a little gentler. Jason hears a gasp, then sob being choked back and some sniffling.
“...Safe?”
“With me? Of course.”
“Jason?” Percy jumps off the younger boy at the realization that it's his friend and not the thing of his nightmares. He pulls his knees in tight and rests his head on them, leaning against his headboard and taking in big gasps of air.
Careful to move slowly, Jason rights himself and sits near Percy. Not too close, in case he needs the space, but close enough he knows he's there for him.
“Can I get you anything?”
Percy shakes his head, then looks up at Jason. His cheeks are tear-streaked and his eyes are red. He's trembling so much that Jason almost misses how he cocks his head in question.
“W-what are you-u d-doing here?” His voice is weak, stuttering, barely above a whisper.
“Oh,” Jason goes red. “I’m sorry, I completely barged in. Do you want me to go?”
“N-no, just. H-how?”
“I heard you screaming.” Percy looks at him perplexed and Jason remembers it shouldn't have been possible to hear him through both of their walls and the distance between their cabins. If possible, his blush deepens. “I think the air carried it to me. I might have made it.”
Despite the tears running down his face, Percy laughs. It’s a broken sound still but it makes Jason's insides flood with relief. Percy relaxes slightly, letting his legs extend on the bed and reaching out for Jason. He responds immediately, of course, moving to scoop up the slightly smaller boy and hold him in his lap, resting himself against the headboard now. Percy sighs contently and nuzzles closer. His breath evens out and the two sit in the comfortable dark and silence until Percy breaks it.
“Where have you been, Jace?”
“Hmm? My cabin, where else?”
“No,” Percy says, punching Jason lightly on the arm. “You genius dumbass, where have you been? ”
Jason frowns.
“Not following you, bro.”
Percy sighs again, though less content this time.
“You've been avoiding me.”
“I have not!”
He has been. They've been at camp two weeks and Jason thought he'd adjust to the proximity with Percy, but he couldn't help letting his touch linger and his eyes wander whenever they were together. It made him feel like a creep so he's been avoiding Percy outside of group settings.
“It's okay if you- if you-” Percy can't even finish his sentence, cut off by the sobs wracking his body. Jason holds him tighter and rubs his back.
“If what?”
“If - if you realized.”
“I’m not sure what you're talking about,” Jason admits sheepishly. “Take a few deep breaths and try again for me?”
Percy nods and takes a moment to regain his composure, face buried in Jason's chest. When he’s ready he wipes his tears away and looks Jason in the eyes again. In those expressive eyes, Jason can see strength, sadness, and maybe a dash of hope. He mostly sees fear, that emotion overpowering all others.
“It's…okay if you realize what a monster I am. If the time away made you realize you shouldn't be my friend. I understand, I do.”
“What?!” Percy tries to look away but Jason grabs his chin, gentle but firm, keeping him in place. A lump forms in his throat at the thought of any of the tears sparkling in sea-green eyes being there because of him. “You’ve got it all wrong, Perce, you didn't do anything. I'm sorry if I made you feel that way, is that…is that what your nightmare was about?”
Percy shakes his head.
“Do you want to tell me what it was about?”
Percy looks frightened just by the question, but after a second he nods. And that's when Jason starts to learn about Percy’s time in Tartarus. About the strixes, more about Bob, about what it felt like to drink fire. It's slow but Jason is patient. He knows they're only scratching the surface, so much more went on down there, he's sure. But this is a start, a wall has come down that Percy had been hiding behind. Jason does his best to comfort and console the boy in his arms, who eventually falls asleep under Jason's ministrations — hands weaving through his soft black hair, whispering reminders that he's safe now. Jason decides to stop being weird around Percy but also feels guilty holding him in this incredibly intimate way. This is all his fault and now he's made Percy feel like he did something wrong and probably triggered all of this. If he avoids him now, he'll assume it's because of the secrets shared tonight, but that's not it at all. The problem is he's holding Percy and feels it might kill him if it's the last time. Percy trusted him as a friend and Jason's feelings have far surpassed friendship. He resolves that he needs to tell Percy. Not out of any expectation that the feelings are reciprocated — he is very confident he'll be shot down — but Percy deserves to know and decide if he will keep Jason in his life. Letting it sit longer could destroy Percy’s trust in him — in people — and that is so much worse than having his own heart broken. He buries his nose in the crook of Percy's neck, letting the smell of a fresh sea breeze lull him to sleep.
He wakes in the morning because he feels something on his face. He blinks his eyes open and finds sea-green staring back at him, full of emotions that he can't name because his brain isn't fully functional yet.
“Hi,” Percy whispers, pulling back his hands. That's what had been on Jason's face, apparently. “Sorry.”
“It's fine,” Jason assures, not breaking eye contact and honestly missing the feeling of Percy's fingers tracing his jaw like it was made of something precious. “I should be awake anyways.”
“I mean also for last night, I'm sorry I woke you.”
“Hey, how many times did I IM you in the middle of the night because I couldn't sleep or had a nightmare?”
Percy only shrugs in response.
“Exactly. I lost count, too. So don't worry if you need your blonde Superman to watch over you, I'll come anytime.”
“Oh, please,” Percy teases despite the light blush dusting his cheeks, punching Jason lightly in the shoulder for good measure. “Everyone knows I'm the protector here. You were just looking for an excuse to come hide under my covers.”
“Says the boy that fell asleep in my arms,” Jason scoffs.
“Says the boy that hasn't had a decent night's sleep since I left California.”
“Yeah, that's how much you disrupted my sleep schedule.”
“What am I supposed to do, not visit my best friend?”
“I…” Jason falters at that title again. “No, you definitely need to keep visiting.”
The boys share a small smile and just as Jason is working up the courage to come clean about his feelings, they hear shouting outside. Their expressions change to ones of concern and they jump out of bed to see what's going on. Jason is able to use this excuse to steal Percy’s AHS Swim Team hoodie again - probably for the last time, he reminds himself - and is pleased to find he had left a pair of khakis in cabin 3 at some point. He tugs the clothing on while Percy changes into a Camp Half-Blood tee and ripped jeans. Whether they came that way or ended up that way after a quest, Jason isn't sure, but the two are ready in record time considering the late night they had and dash out to find the source of the commmotion.
It turned out the screaming was from some new, younger campers. Nico had accidentally shadow-traveled right behind them in the armory and promptly passed out, knocking things over and sending the campers who didn't know him running. Will had been busy attending to his exhausted boyfriend so they'd managed to spread their chaos pretty far by the time he caught up, holding a sleeping son of Hades in his arms bridal style.
Percy, Jason, and the other head counselors managed to calm the younger demigods down and redirect them to their activities with some senior campers while the head counselors held an emergency meeting. They are all sitting around the ping pong table as Nico continues to snooze and Will recounts the latest of Apollo’s trials, all the while petting through his boyfriend's hair with the utmost care and attention. They were talking about Nero’s evil plan and how they needed reinforcements when it all went down tonight, but all Jason could focus on was how Nico was leaning into Will's touch even while sleeping. It was sickeningly cute and Jason felt he could go blind with jealousy because he wanted to take care of a dark-haired boy napping on his lap, too, but the boy next to him would never see him the way Nico and Will see each other. He sighs and glances over at Percy. His eyes were locked on the scene as well, though there was a fond expression on his face where Jason would be seething if he wasn't so good at schooling his features. Percy scooted closer to Jason and threw an arm over his shoulder.
“Jason and I can drive you and Nico,” he declared. “We'll load the camp vans and the older campers can ride in them. Can we get word to Camp Jupiter?”
“Already did,” Will assured. “That was the first jump, we figured they'd need more time with the distance. Hazel will be leading Romans through the labyrinth.”
Percy nodded and the conversation continued on strategy and which weapons, provisions, and campers should be sent. He didn't make a move to put some space back between himself and Jason, instead dropping his arm to the other boy's waist and leaning his head on his shoulder. Jason could tell he was trying hard to keep his breath steady. This must have been a lot after a nightmare. Nightmares are a more recent problem for Jason, after getting his memory mostly back and working through a lot of his Roman Repression, as Percy called it. It was all he could do to drag himself to class the morning after a night of bad dreams, he couldn't imagine charging into a battle after one. But he also knew Percy would never back down or give up when his friends needed him.
The meeting ended and the counselors dispersed with a palpable restlessness in the air. Their timing had to be precise and they couldn't risk blowing cover by getting in position too early. At first, only small groups of children of Apollo and Hermes were making their way to the city to act as scouts. Everyone still at camp split off to get ready in their own way. Will carried a still-sleeping Nico off with him to the infirmary to pack first aid supplies to distribute to teams as well as stuff his messenger bag full of anything and everything he may need. The children of Hephaestus took charge of readying the weapons - cleaning, sharpening, repairing, packing. Most others that would be joining the fight used the time to practice and spar, and those tasked with guarding the camp and the younger campers tried to maintain a sense of normalcy. Nervousness and determination are spreading through the camp in tandem.
Percy wanted to spar with Jason, but after taking in the scene they had to admit there was no room in the arena for them to join in the mix given their…competitive tendencies to go all out trying to one-up the other. Jason decided a little rest might suit them better now. Percy pouted at the idea, but Jason refused to fall prey to the baby seal eyes this time. He crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow at his friend.
“Cabin or beach?”
“Lava wall!”
“Perce,” Jason said, expression softening. “The camp needs you at your best tonight. I'm going to guess last night wasn't the first you've had trouble with sleep. Please, just rest.”
“It looks a little pathetic if everyone's getting ready and the son of Poseidon goes to take a nap,” Percy muttered, kicking a rock by his foot.
“I think everyone's pretty wrapped up in their own thing right now, yeah?”
“Yeah…”
“You do so much for the camp, no one is questioning that. Now I need you to do something for me, okay?”
“Anything.”
“Just answer one question. Cabin or beach?”
“I don't feel like being seen right now, you know?”
“Cabin, then,” Jason declared with a nod to himself. He grabbed Percy's hand and pulled him along back to Cabin Three. He didn't feel like being seen either and honestly could not shake the feeling that the statue of his dad in Cabin One was always watching him. Cabin Three, on the other hand, had a very calming effect. He wasn’t sure if it's because it's Percy's and the association alone was enough, but between the soothing blues and greens touching every inch of the space, the feeling like there's always a light, warm breeze blowing, and the rhythmic flow of the water fountain Jason couldn't help but to relax. Maybe he should have been more concerned given the difficult relationship between the Cabin's owner and his father, but he couldn't fight the feeling of safety that overwhelms him when he's in Percy's space.
The cabin resident in question released Jason's hand as they entered and faceplanted on his bunk. Jason closed the door behind them and took a seat on the bunk next to Percy, the one he takes when he spends the night. Aside from last night, of course. As soon as the springs creak in movement from his sitting, Percy groans loudly, making Jason jump in surprise.
“Don't do that, bro,” Percy practically whined, “you always do that.”
“Sit?”
“Yes,” Percy snapped, sitting up. “Far away.”
“I-I don't want to make you uncomfortable.”
“How could I ever be comfortable with you more than an arm’s length away? Do I make you uncomfortable?”
“Never.”
Jason had gotten used to his own outbursts of dedication and affection, there was really no controlling them. He would do anything Percy asked. He would bend over backwards for him with a smile and thank him for the opportunity. He was lucky Percy hadn't caught on at this point. Though, to be fair, it took him a long time to catch on himself.
“Then will you sit with me? Please?”
The baby seal eyes were back, but they weren't necessary. Jason's body instantly moved to comply with the ask. He sat on Percy's bed, their knees touching. He wanted nothing more than to reach out to him, pull him into his arms, kiss him senseless, touch him everywh— okay, nope, no, stop that train of thought. Percy beamed, his whole mood turned around by a simple action. It's so innocent and wholesome, Jason felt sick comparing it to where his mind so desperately wanted to go. This was it, time to come clean. He steeled himself, ready to rip out his own heart and present it to Percy begging for forgiveness.
“We need to talk.”
And, ok. Jason could have done that better. He knew Percy had already been feeling like he had done something wrong, and then he went and started the conversation with a cliche break up line of all things? Gods, he really could be an airhead. The mood shifts, literally. The floor of the cabin started shaking. Percy didn't even seem to realize he was doing it. How did he get so lucky to be friends with this powerful, adorable, kind, amazing, sweet son of the earthshaker? How did he become so stupid to ruin it?
“Okay,” Percy exhaled the word, the air weighed down with the tension rolling off of him. “Talk.”
“Hey, it's not you, it's—” Jason cut himself off. Gods, had his entire vocabulary been replaced with cliche breakup lines? “What I mean is it's nothing bad, you didn't do anything, please relax.”
“You're not one to talk, why do you look like you're tensing for a punch?”
Jason realized he was right and took a moment to inhale a deep breath, trying to exhale his rigidness. Tentatively, he took Percy's hand. He needed the comfort right about now. He smiled as the ground stopped vibrating and rubbed his thumb against Percy's hand.
“I'm nervous. I have a confession to make and I should have told you right away so I want you to know I'm sorry for that. I'm sorry for all of it.”
“You're making me nervous, Jace. You know you can tell me anything, bro.”
“Right, we're…close you know?”
“Duh.”
“Like I mean. Really close. I've never been closer to anyone and…you realize we don't act like friends, right?”
“What in Hades is that supposed to mean?!” Percy cried out, shooting Jason a betrayed look. “You're my best friend and suddenly, what, we're not?”
“ Percy ,” Jason said firmly, pulling Percy out of his spiral. “You're jumping to conclusions. Just look at us, do you do this with anyone else? Because I don't.”
Percy looked down and found that, without realizing it, he had closed the difference between them. He had one leg over Jason's lap and the hand Jason wasn't holding was placed lightly on the back of his neck, absentmindedly brushing through blond tips. Jason's free hand was rubbing soothing circles on his back and his face was so, so close.
“I don't…nothing like this.”
“Exactly and I'm so sorry because I think I started all of this and I didn't realize why at first but now I know and I should have told you right away.”
Sea-green blinks up to lock on electric blue. The anxiety melted away as understanding dawned, taking its place. A soft smile, a whisper of words.
“Tell me what?”
“I think you know.”
“Tell me anyways? I'm told I can be oblivious.”
“I like you.”
“You like me?”
“I love you. I'm sorry if that weirds you out, I can go—”
The hand on the back of his neck pulled him closer and suddenly Percy’s lips were on his. He reacted immediately, involuntarily. Everything he had repressed for weeks came to the front. He grabbed Percy's hips and pulled him firmly on his lap, moving his lips against the other boy’s. Percy’s lips are plush and slightly chapped — he's always biting them — but they feel perfect. This is not how he had expected the day to go but who is he to question it when he had a lapful of this beautiful demigod? Out of breath and panting, Percy pulled away and leaned his forehead against Jason's.
“I love you too, Jace.”
“Be mine.”
“Gods, yes. I think I always have been.”
They spent the afternoon in each other's arms — talking, kissing, cuddling, getting to know each other in an entirely new way. Apparently, Percy had come to his senses first. When his mom announced her pregnancy, this clarity washed over him that he wanted a future with Jason. He'd fallen through the same memories of them meeting and growing closer, becoming aware of the feelings that had always been there and he simply hadn't noticed before. He'd intended to confess his feelings on his impromptu visit when they talked about their dreams but he second-guessed himself and was too scared to ruin what they had. They had separately been going through the exact same struggle, worried the other would notice something was off or different. While Jason drew away, Percy tried to continue with business as usual. He thought Jason withdrew because he had realized Percy's feelings and been disgusted by the thought of them together. Jason rushed to assure him that would have never been the case.
Hours later, they reluctantly pulled themselves away from the cabin because the world still needed saving. It cared not about the love lives of young demigods. Percy drove Jason, Nico, and Will in his Prius, the first two much too happy considering what they were about to face. On the drive, Jason admitted he had something else to tell Percy, but this time Percy didn't feel any fear. Jason confessed that the reason he had to fly to New York at the start of summer was that he had to take his whole dorm room with him. He had dropped out of school in California. He reached over to close Percy's mouth which was gaping open at the news. Will piped up from the back asking where he was going to go. Sheepishly Jason admitted he had transferred back to AHS. He would be in New Rome for four years with college, he argued he needed to give attention to the shrines at Camp Half-Blood during his senior year. He got a connection from the legion for an older demigod in Manhattan that keeps rooms for kids as a safe place to crash and she had a room he could rent out for the school year. Percy informed him that his mom would not let that happen and he would in fact be coming home with him at the end of Summer. Jason tried to insist on not imposing on his family again but Nico chimed in and told him to drop it, there was no arguing with Sally Jackson when she wanted to take in a demigod.
When they arrived, Will immediately ran off to where he could sense distress and Nico went in search of the Trogs. Jason and Percy entered the Tower of Nero together, swords at the ready. Jason sent a quick prayer of thanks to whoever made it so he and Percy had opposite dominant sides, so they could still hold hands while wielding swords. Percy squeezed Jason's hand and they walked into battle.
It was different being in a prophecy-fulfilling battle when you're not the one expected to face the big bad, but Jason wasn't complaining. He and Percy weaved through the crowds, jumping in wherever backup was needed and running towards the loudest screams. They could hear the moment the Romans arrived, Hazel yelling out battle formations and then the footsteps of legionnaires filling the tower. At one point Jason got hit in the head by a brick because that's his thing and Percy couldn't stop laughing while trying to convince him to take a break. Stubborn as he is, Jason insisted he was fine and had had worse. He jumped into another fight but was still woozy and moving slowly. He didn't even hear the monster coming at him from behind. Percy got to it just in time, slashing it to dust with Riptide before it could hurt Jason. Percy couldn't fully dodge the blow and was left with a huge gash in his thigh. He refused to leave the fight, only pausing briefly to take off his shirt and wrap the wound, throwing Jason's hoodie that had been in his car over himself instead. From adrenaline or demigod stamina, the two still stayed on their feet the whole battle. Only when all was done did Percy fall into Jason’s waiting arms and allow himself to be carried to a healer. Surveying the damage, Apollo and Meg got the worst of it, but it was a bloody battle all around. Certainly not at the level things were last Summer when Gaea almost rose again for good, but this “emperor” had given it his best. Will fixed Percy up as best he could on the steps of the tower, but he was woozy and had lost a lot of blood.
“Bro, I'm good, I swear,” Percy insisted, “I just need to get into the water at camp.”
“Okay,” relented Will, “but you're still coming into the infirmary later, and stay off that leg for now. Jason, will you…?”
Jason nodded and gathered Percy his arms again, lifting him easily. Percy wrapped his arms around his neck and relaxed his head against his chest.
“Look, Nico, no wonder I'm not your type! We have the same type. Tall, smart blondes that can carry us around!”
Now it was Nico's turn to have his mouth hang open like a fish
“You idiots finally got your acts together and didn't tell me?!”
“Sorry,” Jason said sheepishly, as Percy laughed. “It just happened today.”
“Yeah, Nico,” Percy joked. “And it's not like we spent an hour together in the car where we could have brought it up or anything.”
Jason blushed furiously.
“You— I— it wasn't the time!”
“Well, Percy,” Nico cut in, sparing Jason and smiling wickedly. “You'll definitely get to the water quickly at camp.”
Jason carried Percy to the car while Nico and Will trailed behind. Jason drove all of them back to camp and was confused to find there was a crowd of campers waiting for them. As soon as he helped Percy out of the car, the campers picked them up and began carrying them up the hill. They were separated but close enough to hold hands. Jason would have been worried but Percy was laughing lightly and smiling so brightly at him, it calmed all his nerves. They came rushing back when the group got near the beach and he thought back to what Nico had said.
“Wait, guys, I don't know if this is a good—”
Jason's protests were interrupted with him hitting the lake. He was panicking under the waves and without thinking went to take a breath. To his amazement, he could.
“You think I'd let anything bad happen to you in my domain, Sparky?” Percy asked with a cheeky grin, hand still in Jason's as he pulled them deeper and further out.
“Wh-what was that?!”
“Camp tradition,” Percy shrugged. “New couples get thrown in the lake. You're just lucky you're with me, we don't have to go back up.”
“Still, you couldn't have clued me in?”
“And miss seeing your face when you realized what was happening?”
“I hate you.”
“No, you don't.”
“No, I don't.”
The pair spent the evening in a little bubble at the bottom of the lake. Percy's leg had fully healed and Jason was enjoying the sights in a domain he'd never thought he'd explore. When they finally emerged Jason followed Percy back to Cabin Three and, once inside, pressed him up against the wall in a heated kiss. They were both desperate in how they grabbed at each other. Percy had one hand anchored in blond hair and the other holding the back of his boyfriend's neck, desperate to keep them together. Jason's hands roamed nonstop, from soft hair to arms lean with muscle. He traced down Percy’s back, squeezing his ass and drawing a moan from his lips. Jason took the opportunity to slip his tongue inside Percy's mouth. He brought his hands to the front where he felt his way up abs to chest to shoulders, and then started his trail of Percy's body over again. He was mapping him out, learning his every nook and cranny as he should have long ago. He couldn't stop, couldn’t slow down, he was making up for lost time. Everything about this was perfect and he was almost overwhelmed with affection, whining into the kiss when he could barely process how happy it all made him. He decided he was going to hold onto this feeling with everything he had. As pathetic as it sounded, a semester was long enough and he didn't want to be that far from Percy for that long ever again if he could help it. They didn't know what the future held: what senior year would have in store, what the next major demigod problem would be, and how else their traumas would haunt them. All they knew was that they were going to face it together, hand-in-hand. There's no going back once you've fallen in love with your best friend.