Archive of Our Own

When Percy went to that dance, he wasn’t expecting to fall in love.

He was dancing with this guy, Beckendorf. A boy that his cousin Leo and girlfriend Reyna set him up to. He was kinda off a shy guy, probably that was why they took their time to finally make it to the dance floor. 

Thank the gods. Percy thought when he finally got enough courage. He was afraid the blue dress that Reyna lent to him was gonna get dusty by the side of the action.

-Having fun?-Beckendorf asked.

-Supongo. I guess so-he repeated it in english-. You?

-Sure-he smiled a little bit, like he was unsure.

-You don't have to be here if you don’t want-Percy assured.

-Oh no, I like the dancing. Besides, Leo needs all of us here.

Us. The gang, he means. Percy fought the urge to say something. He was tired of that rivalry between “Greeks'' and “Romans”, the “Romans” being a gang full of whites and “true americans”, since they were all born on New York, mostly the streets of New York. While the “Greeks” were just immigrants, latinoamericans to be more specific, being Leo the leader and mexican, just like Percy. 

Beckendorf was from Puerto Rico, like Reyna.

That night, the two gangs had that dance as a way to “bring them together” or some shit that the major from New York wanted. Percy wasn't sure, he didn’t care, he just wanted to have a good time. It was his first dance in America. He spent years working and taking care of his sick mother until she passed out. He was ready to move on, but clearly that wasn’t gonna happen that night if his cousin and his enemies started a rumble.

-So you just don’t want to be with me-Percy joked.

-Maybe-Beckendorf smiled friendly-. No, no, I’m joking. I actually like dancing.

-Good. 

After a few minutes of dancing, Percy could tell that the gangs were already making everything a confrontation.

-Do you want to drink something?-Beckendorf asked after giving Percy a spin, making the skirt of the dress bloom.

-Sure.

-Wait here.

Beckendorf made his way out of the dance floor. Percy smiled, realizing he was indeed having a good time, just as long as Leo didn’t jump into action any soon.

He was watching everything around the gym, impressed by the decorations and not so much of the cops there.

Then he saw him.

A pair of blue eyes behind the black frame of glasses, looking directly at him. Percy wanted to get a good look at him, he started moving, being followed by the stranger. They already noticed that both of them were deeply staring at each other.

The guy was handsome. He didn't seem to have his particular interest in Percy because he was wearing a dress, like a lot of other people did.

Percy smiled, getting behind the benches of the gym, the guy following after. He was praying no one saw them.

-Hey-the blue eyed boy salute.

-Hi-his smile grew wider, realizing the boy was also smiling at him-. You’re pretty tall.

-Yeah-he laughed a little bit at the amaze of Percy-. I am. Uh, may I?

Percy looked at the hand he offered him.

-I don’t tend to dance with boys that don’t give me their name first.

-Fair-he nodded-. Jason.

-Oh, you’re american.

-You just realized that?-Jason leaned his head down to be more at Percy’s eye level.

-I guess. Percy-he presents himself.

-And you are?

-Mexican. I guess you can tell by the accent-Percy pointed at his mouth.

-Not really, I was more deep into your eyes.

-It’s that your way of wooing? Joven Jason?

-Maybe-Jason offered his hand again-. Can I get a dance with you now?

-I’m not sure if we can-Percy mumbled with a side smile, caressing the palm tentatively with the tip of his fingers-. No sé si deba confiar en ti.

-What?

-I’m not sure if I can trust you-Percy translated.

-Because I’m a yankee?-Jason asked, but he didn’t seem offended, more like he was taking a challenge.

-Yeah.

-Well-Jason stepped closer, being followed by Percy-, I’m not sure if I can trust someone that looks as stunning as you either-he said mumbling, using the side of the benches to lean on.

Percy lowered his sight at his skirt, blushing like a teenage girl.

-You’re something else, aren’t you?

-I was about to ask you that..

He couldn’t resist. Percy launched himself at Jason, latching his lips on a rushing kiss; it was almost a peck. 

-Oh sorry-Jason said, backing up a little bit-. You took me by surprise. Can we try again?

-Maybe-Percy turned around like he was leaving.

Jason softly took his hand, making him turn again to him, until their chest were pressing together. 

-Wow-Percy blinked, blushing again, leaving his free hand on Jason’s chest.

-Sorry, was that rude?

-No. I was waiting for another invitation to dance. Think you can follow my lead?

-I may be a white plain boy, but when it comes to impressing someone, I can be a pro.

-Oh, so I’m not the first boy you try to woo?

-No-he took Percy’s waist, making him put both his hands on his partner's shoulders-. But you can be the last one.

Getting enough music from the background, they danced together. Jason was completely hypnotized by the soft movements from Percy and his dress. They felt so good moving. 

Percy was fighting the urge of drowning on his blue eyes. He was thankful when the glasses slipped slightly on the bridge of his nose so he could take a much better look.

Everything behind those benches was for them. The lights, the music, the decoration. It was their own bubble.

-Your dress is beautiful-Jason mumbled, watching the skirt floating again.

-Gracias.

They were both thankful when the music changed to something more slow. Percy even forgot that his real partner was looking for him. 

Jason gave him another spin, until Percy’s back was pressed to Jason’s chest, turning his face a little bit, their lips almost touching.

-Can we try again? The kiss?

Percy smiled, watching at the blondes lips and then at his eyes. He didn’t gave an answer, just cut the small distance between them.

It was soft, and it felt just right. Suddenly Percy didn’t have a cousin who hated white people, Jason didn’t have a friend who hated immigrants, who weren’t leaders of each gang.

-Percy-someone kicked the benches from the other side, booping their bubble and breaking them apart-. Perseo, ¿qué estás haciendo ahí? Get out.

That was Reyna’s voice. And that was a slap back to reality.

-Thanks for the dance.

Percy stepped out immediately, composing his dress. Jason took a few seconds, processing the kiss, feeling the warmth of the brunette's lips against his. Smiling, he went after him.

-¿Qué estabas haciendo?-a girl with a huge thick braid was talking to Percy in spanish-. Si Leo te ve…

Leo, the infamous cousin, approached Percy and his girlfriend with Beckendorf by his side.

-Percy, are you…?

And then his eyes landed on Jason stepping out, still touching his lips. He wasn’t an idiot, it wasn’t too hard.

-You gringo, hijo de tu chingada madre-Leo was in a blink in front of Jason, giving him a push.

-Hey man, chill. We were just dancing-Jason explained.

-Yeah, yeah, dancing. Dancing mis huevos-and he pushed him again more hard.

-Leo!-Percy tried to intervene but Reyna took his arm.

-Hey!-Octavian, the leader of the opposite gang stepped in, ready to fight.

The cops rushed into action before the rumble began.

-Percy, let’s go-Reyna and other friends pulled him out.

He got a last look at Jason.

-Couldn’t you get your eyes on someone of your kind?-Reyna asked, but Percy smiled, not regretting anything.

The gangs agreed to meet up in the bathrooms, away from the cops.

-Jason-Octavian called for him-. Hey man, are you coming?

But his eyes darted to the door where Percy left. He couldn’t let him go just like that. Leo was already in the bathroom.

-Jason…

He ran after them, hoping to catch him before it was too late.

The night was a little bit chilly. 

I hoped he had a coat or something. That was Jason’s first thought. 

There was no trace of them. After walking a little bit, he reached a park. Feeling down, he leaned into a fence, letting his head rest against it so he could see in the sky.

Percy.

It was a weird name, nothing he ever heard before, but it had an amazing sound that slipped so easily through his lips. He could sing his name.

-Percy…

And those lips. It felt like touching the sky.

-I just kissed a boy named Percy-he said in a soft voice just to himself, feeling the smile spreading.

Staring at his beautiful green eyes before leaning on was the cherry on top.

He felt privileged at the chance of dancing with him.

With much more confidence, he kept going. Jason could be an idiot, but letting him go was no option.

-Percy-he started calling with small doubts.

That name. Saying it soft was like praying, but he wanted to say it loud so he could hear the music playing.

-Percy!

Maybe it was no use, but he wasn’t giving up.

Then, at the end of a huge street of buildings, the ones that were mostly occupied by immigrants, a small light turned on, and from the small balcony on the third floor he stepped out, still wearing his beautiful dress.

-¿Quién está ahí?-he asked after hearing his name.

Jason didn’t even know what he said, but he still went closer.

-Percy-he called again.

-You! What are you doing here? If Leo sees you he’s gonna kill you.

-Ah don’t worry, I’m not planning on getting caught. Can I get up to you?

-No-Percy said, a little bit anxious but happy that he found him-. Te va a ver.

-Yeah, I don’t know what you just said.

-He’s gonna see you. Go, now.

-But I found you-Jason pointed out.

-And it was a great job. Now…

Before Percy could finish his sentence, Jason was already climbing through the fire stairs. Percy quickly went inside to lock the door of his room, though he saw Leo opening the front door and going immediately in his girlfriend's arms, just for them to lock themselves in their own room.

When everything was covered, he went out again, just to see Jason holding himself by the side of the balcony.

-Hey.

-Hi.

They both smiled. Percy approached him, putting his hands right on Jason’s, caressing his knuckles.

-Tú. You, you’re the only thing I saw on our way here-Percy admitted-. It 's so weird.

-I know-Jason agreed.

-I never felt this happening.

-Neither I.

Their smiles were wide and sincere, as if the mere presence of each other made them happy enough.

-Do you believe in love at first sight?-Percy asked, fighting the urge to kiss him for dear life or just to let him hold him.

-I do now. For me, there’s nothing else but you, tonight and forever.

Jason passed his legs through the balcony, being again face to face with him.

-Jason-he said his name, liking how it sounds-. I saw you and I felt like the world went away.

-What world? For me, it’s only you-they stepped closer.

-You just made my whole night, life-he corrected.

-It’s curious, you know? I didn’t even want to get to that dance, but then something inside me just told me that everything was gonna change, that something was coming-carefully, he took Percy’s waist-. It was you, wasn’t it?

-I hope so-Percy, for the second time in the night, left his hands on his shoulders.

-Are you feeling that? That urge of just never let go?

-I've been drowning on that feeling since I saw your blue eyes.

-Come with me-Jason said.

-Where?-feeling bold, he moved his hands to his neck.

-I don’t know, just…

-Percy!-Leo called from the kitchen-. Vente adentro, tenemos que hablar.

-Sí, ya voy-he moved his head to talk to him, but made no move to let go of Jason-. My cousin, Leo, is calling me.

-I don’t want to go.

-I don’t want you to-Percy took one of his hands higher, until it was on his cheek-. I can see you tomorrow, yes? 

-Yes. Yes, everything. Yes.

-At ten, here?

-Yes, I’ll come to you.

They both knew they wanted to, so, erasing the distance, their lips met again. They were so in sync it must have been scary, but for them it was normal.

-I’ll see you tomorrow, Percy.

-And I’ll be waiting for you, mi Jason.

With a last good night kiss and with the promise of an endless sleep with each other in their dreams, Percy went inside.

-Ay Leo, why did you guys start a rumble?-he asked, sitting in front of him.

-No iniciamos nada. Fueron los pendejos de…

-English-Reyna corrected-. English, we need to practice.

-It was everything fault of that stupid boy, why did you let him get near you?

-Believe it or not, I can make my own choices-Percy answered, mad-. We just dance.

-Yes mi niño-Reyna interject-. But if you guys went behind benches it’s because you knew you were doing something bad.

-Ah, is dancing bad now?-Percy asked.

-If it’s with our kind it’s not-Leo answered-. Don’t worry, ya me encargué de…

-English.

-I took care of it.

-Ay Leo, when will this stupid thing end?-Percy rolled his eyes, tired.

-When those gringos start respecting us-Leo stated-. I’m doing it for our Mexican pride, our latino pride, those idiots think they can spit our flag and whip their butts with it. Si yo nací prieto, pero no me avergüenzo.

-And violence is gonna make everything better? Are you guys going to rumble? Reyna, aren’t you gonna say something?-he asked-. What are you gonna do when he comes back in a black bag?

-Ay ni Dios lo quiera-Reyna even forgot her english at the thought of her Leo being dead-. Don’t say that-she knocked on the wood table.

-I’m just seeing possibilities-he stood up-. If you didn’t like me dancing with him, well that’s your problem, not mine.

-I’m not the bad guy here, Perseo-Leo stood up too-. His friends are probably saying the same thing to him right now, or even worse, they congratulate him for getting himself an exotic mexican idiot.

At that mere insinuation, Percy couldn’t resist. He slapped his open hands on the table.

-It wasn’t like that! He didn’t see me as a puto prize!

-Are you sure? 

-I am!

Without saying anything else, Percy went to his room, closing the door harshly.

-Are you sure?-Reyna asked.

-What?

-Are you sure that the whitey just saw him as an exotic prize?

-Hundred percent-he answered with no doubts-. If he wants to go and fuck a immigrant then okay, but it’s not gonna be my cousin. 

Percy, hearing that even from his room, felt a huge bucket full of cold water sliding on his back. The possibility was there, but he couldn’t believe that.

Jason searched for him. He gave him a lot of compliments and seemed as deep in love as he was. Percy didn’t know much about love before him, but he was sure that what he was feeling was reciprocated.

The next day, when Jason came to look for him, he saw the shining on his blue eyes before and after kissing him.

-Did you miss me?-he asked after softly pecking Percy’s lips.

-A lot. 

-Same. Let’s go before your cousin sees me.

Percy nodded, though he doubted Leo or Reyna would notice, they were having an argument again about going back to México or staying in New York.

-Mexico isn’t even where I came from!

-Neither is here, but clearly you prefer staying.

-Leo, please. Home is where I pay rent, and this is it.

Hand in hand they ran until they were out of the building’s complex.

Jason took them to the subway. It's a secret. Was everything he said to the brunette.

-Have you heard about the rumble?-Percy asked once they were on their way to their secret destination.

-A little something-Jason lowered his face, like he was embarrassed by his friends choices-. I don’t know where this is happening, just that it is tonight.

-Leo should know better by now.

-Don’t put all the blame on his shoulder, the idiot of Octavian was the one accepting. 

-But, you know why this rumble in particular was started?-he asked, not wanting to know the answer, but he needed to.

-Because of you-Jason took his hand carefully-. Your cousin wanted to “keep your honor clean” after dancing with me. And because of me, they want to make sure that I “get the message”, my friends are saying they want to fight on my behalf, but it’s really just an excuse.

Percy felt something heavy on his chest.

-Are we doing something wrong?

-No-Jason answered immediately, not liking the tone he was using-. No we are not. Do you regret something?

-No! No, para nada. Not at all.

-Then we are gonna be okay-Jason caressed his knuckles with his thumb, before pressing a kiss to them.

-I’m hoping for it-Percy blushed at the affection.

Unsure about someone seeing them, Percy leaned in hoping Jason would meet him halfway, and he did. One more kiss. They were both becoming addicted to it.

Percy was a little bit confused when Jason brought them inside of a beautiful church.

-I’m not sure if you’re aware but you have to give me a ring first-he joked.

-Oh I know, don’t worry-Jason winked at him.

The place was mesmerizing. Percy wasn’t sure on what part of New York they were, but for sure it was his first time there.

-My mom used to bring me here to play with the orphans when I was a child-Jason explained-. It was my favorite part of the day, if we had enough she would buy me a candy after playing.

-That sounds cute-Percy mumbled, walking by his side, watching the colorful glasses.

-It was, until one day she just forgot to…

-What?

Jason leaned into one of the frames in front of the small garden in the middle of the church.

-Forgot to come.

-Oh, I’m sorry-Percy stopped in front of him.

-I kinda saw it coming. Sometimes I had the theory she just brought me here to get rid of me for a few hours.

-That is awful.

-Well, that’s life-Jason said like it was nothing.

-You miss her?

-Sometimes. 

Percy took Jason’s hands.

-I miss my mom too-he admitted.

-Did she stay in México?

-No, she passed away a year ago.

-I’m sorry to hear that-Jason gave a squeeze to his hands.

A year ago.

-Must have been pretty awful months-Jason said, caressing his knuckles again.

-Kind off, I mean, pretty sure someone got it worse.

-Yeah tell me about ir-the blonde mumbled.

-What was that?

Jason pursed his lips, wondering if he should…

-I was an active member of the “Romans”, I was almost the leader or something, I don’t know.

Percy stepped closer to him as he started.

-We got into a rumble with another gang. This kid and I-he made a pause-, we got pretty intense. He only survived out of a miracle.

-Ay dios mío-Percy gasped.

-I spent a year in jail, and got out with the promise of being better.

Should he have been scared or something? Well considering Leo spent some time in jail too for street fighting, and not only him, also his gang, he didn’t even flinch. Actually, he was relieved. He didn’t want to see Jason getting on more trouble, and getting behind those stupid rumbles.

-And I mean it. I don’t want to spend my time in jail, I just want a nice life, a fresh start.

As his new habit, Percy left his hands on his cheeks.

-Can I be a part of it?

Jason smiled, bringing him closer by the waist.

-You already are.

They resumed their walking around, but there was something that was still bugging Percy’s mind.

-Do you…Do you think you can do something about tonight?-he asked unsure.

-I wish I could but…

-Both gangs are stubborn as hell-Percy agreed-. I just don’t want to see Leo or anyone getting into trouble for shit that doesn’t even concern them. Or for shit in general.

Jason saw the disappointment in Percy's expression. For him having those beautiful green eyes suffering was a crime.

-I can try to talk to them-he said with a rush of confidence-. They need to stop, for good.

-Think you can make it?

-I’m gonna try my best. I swear to you, my Percy, that there will be no rumble.

Impressed, Percy blurted another question.

-Why did you fall for me so quickly?

Jason seemed unfazed by the question, like if he was waiting for it.

-I’m not sure, it’s just, you, me…

He couldn’t find the words. Taking a deep breath he recited a sentence.

-Quiero estar contigo-he said with a not so good spanish.

-What?-Percy was clearly taken by surprise.

-Quiero estar contigo para siempre-Jason added.

I want to be with you forever.

That still wasn’t an answer to his question, but man, it was the perfect answer.

-Who show you that?

-The old woman from the drug store down West Side.

-Mrs. Hestia?

-Yeah, she has been like a mom to me since I got out of jail-Jason explained-. And she’s puertorican, so…

Percy’s heart melted again. Jason was so convinced, about his words, and the fact that he took time to ask for something in his natal language was like committed far beyond what he thought. 

Leo was wrong, extremely wrong for even insinuating that Jason was just with him to “win a medal or a prize”. They didn’t even care that they came from different worlds, because in the end, they wanted to end up in the same one, together forever.

Percy took his hand, bringing him closer to the small altar that was empty at the time like pretty much the whole church.

-Yo Perseo, te recibo a ti, Jason…

Jason raised an eyebrow, trying to not look rude.

-I don’t know what that…

But the look that Percy gave him was enough to understand.

-Oh-he said, impressed but smiling and letting a small gentle laugh escape-. I, Jason, take you, Percy, rich or poor…

-I’m poor.

-I’m poorer.

-En la prosperidad-Percy continued in spanish-, y en la adversidad, para amarte y respetarte. To love you and respect you-he translated the last part.

-Siempre-Jason answered with a soft smile, not breaking eye contact.

Forever.

Latching their hands together, they sealed their own promise with a gentle kiss, making their hearts, one heart.

This was their first vow, and the last one. There was no need for more, it was more than enough.

Only death could part them now.

Percy was still worried, and Jason was too. They couldn’t be together in peace until the gangs stop.

-I swear to you, Percy, there will be no fight-Jason kissed his knuckles gently.

It was just starting. One hand, one heart. Scratch what was said before, not even death could break them apart.

-I will be waiting for you-Percy promised.

Jason didn’t waste any time. He went straight to the slaughterhouse the “Romans” used for meetings. He was reciting his speech, convinced that he could talk them out of doing something stupid, which vanished when he saw his friends playing around with a gun.

-Now you’re crazy.

-Didn’t notice before?-Octavian asked, giving the gun a twirl between his right hand-. It’s gonna be easy. Just a simple: PUM!- he mimicked the characteristic sound of an arm being shot.

-It’s not about if it’s simple. Guys please, this rumble, this whole gang fight has to end-Jason pleaded-. It’s not making any good to any side.

-So what? Maybe this one will teach that beaner scumbag to stay away from you.

Jason didn’t even blink before his next movement. Probably getting physical wasn’t the best option, but he wasn’t standing for this bullshit much longer, especially when it was directly attacking Percy.

-Don’t! Don’t ever talk about him or any other like that!-he demanded, pushing Octavian harshly against the brick wall, not even bothering about the gun that was between the two of them and could easily be triggered-. This shit is enough!

-There will never be enough! We won’t stop until those wetbacks get back to whatever crap hole they came through!

Jason was running out of patience and ideas, but he knew that he needed to be the grown man there, if his friends weren’t listening it was a waste of time.

-Get cool! Chill the fuck out! What do you want? End up in jail or getting your head off?!

-That's why we need the gun! To strike first!-he said grinning.

-You’re not gonna solve anything!-Jason raised his hands exasperated-. If one of them dies it’s gonna be more of a mess here!

He was getting tired and annoyed.

Both started to wrestle, trying to keep the gun for themselves. The rest of the gang didn’t move a finger.

-Give it!

-Fuck you!

Jason was scared shitless about that gun being triggered at the moment, but he wasn’t giving up.

Octavian gave him a harsh punch in the face, right on his lips, playing unfairly. When he was on the ground, Octavian launched the gun at one of the boys, ordering to run away.

The rest of them approached Jason, who tried to stand up, but Octavian punched him again until his eyebrow drew blood, throwing his glasses away. Octavian’s hand trembled and his eyes widened at seeing how he hurt his friend, his brother.

He stood up, leaving Jason on the floor.

-Let 's go, Romans.

Jason lay there, letting a small tear slid down his cheek. He wasn’t in physical pain, he has gone through worse, but seeing his almost brothers into that shit was heart broken, he didn’t want to see them pass jail, it was a hell hole. And his Percy, he didn’t fulfill his promise.

Percy was getting ready for his job, smiling and remembering what happened that day. It was almost time for the sun to hide on the horizon. Just as he was taking his coat, he heard a soft knock on his window.

-Jason-he sighed, running to open the window-. Jason, mi amor…

His voice got caught at the sight of his lover's cut lip and bloody eyebrow.

-What happen? Here, pasa.

He guided him inside, making him sit on his bed.

-Wait here.

Thank gods Leo and Reyna were out at the moment, it will be hard to explain why he was rushing to his room with medical supplies.

Percy started to cure his wounds. Jason's look was glued to the floor, he couldn’t meet Percy’s gaze, the disappointment on himself was big. 

The green eyed boy did notice something was off.

-What happen?-he asked again, cleaning his eyebrow.

-I went to the Romans, they didn’t listen to me…

This time it was not just one tear, it was dozens.

-Mi amor-he coed, stopping his movements on his face, taking his cheeks between his hands so he could look at him-. It wasn’t your fault. You did what you could.

-It wasn’t enough-he lamented.

-It was-he assured-. This thing is far beyond our control, we can’t keep protecting them from each other.

Percy had a point, but Jason…

On another day he would say it was worth keeping trying, but after having Percy right there, he didn't want anything else. What if he was being selfish for this one time in his life? For Percy it was worth it.

Closing the distance, Jason caught his lips in a soft kiss. Percy was taken by surprise, but he didn’t waste time and corresponded with the kiss.

They didn’t expect to be like that. It was just an innocent touch, but suddenly the temperature in the room got hotter, the clothes were just in the way. They got under the covers before they could think.

Percy passed his nail through Jason milky back, knowing well there was gonna leave red marks on a blink, but they couldn’t bring themselves to care. Jason returned the favor by leaving some red and purple marks on his neck.

They fall asleep, not thinking about what was still happening outside of the bed.

Jason wakes up an hour later, hearing the sirens outside. The cops were still looking for the gangs and the rumble.

Percy sat up beside him, both still naked.

-Vuelve a la cama-he said.

Jason didn’t stay to ask for the translation. He stood up, starting to search for his clothes.

-I can’t be selfish-Jason put on his underwear-. We still can do something.

Percy followed him in the search for his clothes.

-I’m coming with you.

-What?-Jason stopped mid pants-. No. That's a big no.

-Why? This has to do with me too!

The front door opened slowly. Reyna stood in, with his boyfriend behind.

-At what time should I expect you to cure your wounds?-she asked like protocol.

-About two hours from now-Leo rushed to their room to find his bandages.

-Huh-Reyna took a look under the sink, searching for the first aid kit-. Did you grab the kit?

-No.

-Maybe Percy did-she looked at the clock-. He should be already on his work.

But Leo could hear a voice coming from his cousin's room.

-Mmm, I don’t think so…

-Percy, please listen to me-Jason pleaded, putting his last piece of cloth-. It would be dangerous.

-I don’t care-Percy insisted-. We are on this together. One hand, one heart, remember?

Jason felt the tingle on his hand right where he and Percy locked hands and kissed in front of the altar. He sighed.

-Okay, let 's go…

The door bursts open. Percy jumped a little bit, clenching his shirt to his chest, he should have put it on.

-Percy, why are you…? You-Leo said angry, looking directly at Jason.

-Leo-Percy stood in front of Jason-. This is not what it looks like, puedo explicar. I can explain.

-Oh my gods-Reyna gasped, stepping in.

The bed was still messy. Percy had his neck on display, showing what Jason did to him.

With a foggy vision, Leo slapped Percy right across the cheek, making him turn his face.

-Hey! What the fuck?!-Jason was willing to be civilized about the whole situation, but he wasn’t letting anyone put a single finger on him-. What is your problem?!

He stood in front of Leo, who didn’t flinch at him, even though Jason was taller than him. Percy rubbed carefully his cheek, feeling the sting of the punch. His eyes were watery, but he wasn’t crying, he just put his shirt on.

-Okay Leo-Reyna tried to interfere, knowing what his boyfriend was gonna do next-, let’s not do this here.

-You’re a pendejo. You have the audacity to sneak into this house and into my cousin's bed-Leo clenched his fist.

-It’s not like he abused me, Leo!-Percy screamed angrily.

-You’re gonna apologize to him-Jason said with a calm voice-. And you’re gonna leave us alone.

-Ah, do you think you can demand things from me?

-When it has to do with Percy, yeah.

-And why is that?!

-Because we got married!-he said without thinking.

It was technically a half lie, half true, still that didn’t keep Leo from going against him.

-No!

The room was smaller, and Jason didn’t make a move to return the punches. 

-I’m not doing it like this.

-Well too bad for you, because I am!

Leo messed with the patch that Percy put on his eyebrow not so many hours ago.

-Leo stop!-Reyna pleaded.

-Jason!-Percy worried more at seeing him receiving all the punches.

-We are not doing anything wrong-his voice was more calm, but he was sure about his words.

But Leo wasn’t listening.

-I made a promise to keep him safe. You don’t have to worry about us!

-Us?!-Leo pushed him out of the room, right into the kitchen, being followed by Reyna and Percy-. There’s no you and him!

-Leo!-Percy tried to step in, but Reyna stopped him-. What?-he tried to get rid of his grip.

-The window-she pointed in a low voice-. You both go.

-Really?

They will never be at peace there, and everyone knew that. Percy hoped they would forgive him.

-Thank you-he mumbled.

-I love you, mi niño, you deserve your happiness.

Reyna ran directly to Leo’s back, pulling him away from Jason, she was strong enough. Percy went to Jason, taking his hand while he tried to understand what was happening.

-What are you doing?! I’m not done!-Leo screamed.

Percy put the lock on, hearing his cousin rush to the door.

-This is over, Jason. Let’s go-Percy rushed him.

-Where?

-Somewhere, just not here.

Percy took his coat and the stash of bills that he had kept under his bed. It was everything they needed.

Hand in hand, they ran out of the place, with the background noises of Leo banging on the door.

They stop after some minutes running down the West Side.

-That was intense-Jason leaned into a brick wall.

-I know-he leaned into Jason’s arms.

-We are gonna be okay-Jason assured, passing his arms through his waist-. We are gonna be okay-he repeated, leaving his cheek on Percy’s head.

-Are you okay?

-Yeah, it wasn’t that bad-kind of a lie, Leo did know how to punch-. Are you okay? That slap sounded very hard.

-It was nothing.

-It was something-he hugged him closer.

-But it doesn’t matter anymore-Percy said calmly.

-It doesn’t? I’m pretty sure now the rumble is gonna get worse-Jason lamented.

-I know, but is it still gonna be our problem?-he mumbled with half of his face squeezed into Jason’s chest.

-No, it’s not but…

-Jason please, they clearly don’t want to hear us. What 's the point?

Percy did have a point.

-Let’s be selfish, just this time-Percy pleaded.

-Mrs, Hestia has a tiny room in her basement for me, I keep some money there.

-Where are we going exactly?

-I don’t know-Jason said truthfully-. It doesn’t matter.

They were together.

The rumble did happen after all, like everyone expected, no one could stop them, it was just a waste of time, but still was sad for both of them. When the news came out, it also included the name of the deceased during the rumble. Sadly, Octavian died from a self stabb, and Beckedorf died, protecting Leo from the bullet.

Reyna cleaned his boyfriend's wounds, relieved that he came back home.

-Do you think he’ll ever forgive me?-Leo asked carefully.

His girlfriend sighed.

-That's a question I can’t answer.

Leo broke, crying and choking on his sobs. He almost died, killed a man, and lost the only person from his family, all in the same day.

-It won’t last-Reyna mumbled-. They are in love for now, when this passes, he’s gonna come back.

But Percy never did.

He was happy, even after years of getting out of the West Side. Hestia keeps informing the couple about everything going on there. He was glad that Leo was still alive and finally out of those gangs and rumble shit, still trying to convince Reyna to go back to Mexico, now with their newborn daughter.

-How’s little Lila doing?-Jason asked, stepping on the balcony where his husband was reading the newest letter from Hestia.

-Very good. Looks like they want to christening her in less than a month.

Jason sat next to him, making Percy rest against his side, smiling.

-Think it’s time to come back? At least for this?-Jason asked, carefully combing his hair with his fingers, trying to not get it tangled with the silver ring on his finger.

-Maybe, dejame pensarlo.

-Sure, mi amor, take the time you need-he kissed his forehead-. It’s gonna be emotional for both of us.

-Thank you.

Jason could feel the sadness in his lover's voice. Hearing the distant music from a party across the street, he stood up.

-What?

His husband offered him a hand.

-May I?

Percy smiled, pursing his lips.

-I’m not sure if we should. My husband may get upset.

-Oh, but he doesn’t have to know.

Like the time they met, Percy caressed Jason’s palms with the tip of his fingers.

-Tonight, my beautiful Percy-Jason said while they dance slowly-, I’m falling in love with you again.

-Just this night?

-Every night-he corrected-. Every day and single minute I spend with you.

-Aren’t you so glad you went to that dance at the end?

-Probably the second best choice I took in my life-Jason smiled, looking down at Percy’s eyes.

-Second? And I thought you loved me-Percy joked.

-That’s the thing, mi amor-he gave Percy a sudden spin-. Falling in love with you was the first one.