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Percy dug his fingers into his scalp in frustration as he stared at his incomplete math homework, elbows braced on the table. A huff, and he picked up his pencil for the nth time. He managed to work his way through the problem, and half heartedly got started on the next.
Percy’s pencil snapped in his hand once he realized he was going to have to redo the problem from the top after working on it for several minutes. He abruptly shoved himself away from the table to replace his pencil, but ended up pacing
At the sound, Apollo glances up from where he had been grading papers of his own, having taken up a position as a college professor under the alias of Dr. Brighton. His tweed jacket was hung over the chair, his toned forearms visible as the sleeves of his button-up shirt were rolled up to his elbows.
He adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses from where they had slipped, and leaned back to lounge in his chair as he watched the demigod pace, frowning thoughtfully.
“Percy.” The god called, tone relaxed.
He stopped pacing to glare down at his homework, but didn’t otherwise react.
“ Percy. ” His name was said firmly this time, and Percy turned to slowly regard the god, fists clenched.
He didn’t say anything. Percy knew that if he didn’t keep himself in check, he was liable to say something that could not be unsaid.
Apollo watched him, eyes sharp and arms crossed.
His posture and expression said don’t make me ask again.
Percy bit his lip and carefully flexed his fingers before he started forward.
He stood by Apollo, feeling small despite standing over him, and resisted the urge to shuffle his feet like a scolded child.
“Kneel.”
Percy’s eyes snapped up to meet Apollo’s, and they simmered gold as Percy, once again, did not immediately obey.
Slowly, Percy folded his knees until they touched the floor, his stomach swooping at the small smirk it earned him.
He shuffled forward cautiously when Apollo beckoned him to, and found himself kneeling against Apollo’s firm thigh, a hand carding through his hair, occasionally rubbing in small, soft circles.
Percy closed his eyes and slumped against Apollo, tension seeping from his shoulders.
Apollo let out a soft hum. “Was that so hard?”
Percy slowly shook his head, cheek rubbing against Apollo’s slacks.
Apollo tightened his grip, and pulled Percy’s head back by his hair.
Percy blinked at him, eyes dazed.
Apollo nearly blinked back, surprised at how fast Percy had fallen into his headspace, but firm in what he demanded.
“Was that a yes or a no? I couldn’t seem to hear you.”
It took him a moment, but Percy finally said, “Not hard.”
Apollo rewarded him accordingly as he let Percy lean against him once more, stroking his dark curls.
“Good boy.”