Work Text:
Halloween, the favorite holiday of many people. And there was a particular reason why it was so welcome at camp.
-Capture the flag!-Mr D announced, it was probably his only day of happiness-. Any teams of any members, Greeks and Romans, one flag, no rules!
I think it's pretty obvious why he loved that event. And he wasn't the only one. Our favorite group of seven had already grown to be in their 25s, but they still returned every Halloween for this special event, which was only for the oldest of the camp. The tradition had started five years ago when Percy and Reyna were having an argument about who was better at the game. Percy had won the first year, Reyna the second, and by the third year more people had joined the game, with Jason being the third winner, and Piper the fourth and most recent.
-Tomorrow is the best “capture the flag” day-Reyna said excitedly, cracking her knuckles.
-You look overly excited and aggressive-Jason pointed out.
-As if you weren't.
-Oh, I am. All of you are going down.
-Ja!-Nico laughed with a lot of sarcasm-. I´m willing to see you losers trying to stop me.
-Everyone is wrong, because this will be my game- Percy said, convinced.
His friends almost laughed.
-What? What's so funny?-he demanded to know.
-Nothing love-Jason replied-. It's just that you've been on a really rough patch lately with “capture the flag”.
-I've only lost a couple.
-You've lost almost 10 of the normal ones, and you haven't won on Halloween since the first year-Leo reminded him.
-That's why no one wants to team up with you anymore-Hazel informed.
Percy crossed his arms, with his chin up.
-Tomorrow that streak will be broken.
Jason put an arm around his shoulders, pecking his cheek.
-Surely, my love.
-Won't you guys team up?-Frank asked the couple.
-Of course not, that bad streak can't affect me.
-Jason!-his boyfriend claimed.
-What?
-And what about Piper and Annabeth? Do you guys know if they’re gonna make it?
-Are you guys crazy?-Will asked back-. Piper just gave birth, she can barely get up.
The next morning, Percy's alarm clock rang at five o'clock.
-It's time to play-he said excitedly, turning off the alarm.
Turning around, he found his boyfriend, wide awake and ready.
-Did you think you'd be one step ahead of me? Good luck-Jason took off his part of the sheet-. I've already changed.
-Yes? Well, I'm already changed-now Percy took off the sheet-. And I made breakfast-Percy took an empty plate from under the bed-. Wait, where are my eggs?
-In my belly-said a third voice.
Reyna turned on the lamp in the corner.
-AH!-the couple yelled at the same time.
-Come on, it's time to play.
-Bless you, Halloween-Percy stood up right away.
***
It was eight o'clock in the night, time to start, but first they had to give the basic instructions. Everyone gathered in the dining room, even Frank and Will were there, although they had said they didn't want to participate.
-Okay, I know everyone has ADHD but concentrate because I'm only going to say it once!-Dionisio yelled.
Chiron handed him a flag that had both camp logos as well as their colors, and at the bottom it said “I'm an amazing demigod and hero." The maximum prize.
-The flag will be hung here in the dining room-Dionisio mounted it on a hook. In full view-. Whoever manages to get it by midnight will be crowned the ultimate…
The god stopped because all the lights in the camp went off at that moment.
-What's wrong?-Percy asked.
-I can’t see!-Hazel yelled.
-Everyone grab something!-Travis continued.
-Back off, Travis-Nico warned.
The lights returned, and everyone's eyes went to the place where the flag should be hanging, but there was nothing.
-It’s not here!-Reyna yelled, annoyed-. The flag is missing!
-Who took it?-Clarisse demanded to know.
-We're all still here-Leo pointed out.
-Where is it?- Jason asked.
-It still in this room-Percy said, convinced, starting to walk towards Reyna-. In fact, it is right here!-with one yank, he undoes all the buttons on her sweater, only revealing the shirt she wore underneath-. No, it's just your tummy-tum.
-I don’t have the flag-Reyna didn’t seem pissed for the stunt Percy pulled-. Because it’s right here!-now she tore open Percy’s sweater, revealing nothing.
-Or is it here?!-Connor tore open his own sweater, and of course there was absolutely nothing.
-Stop undressing!-Chiron interfered-. We already passed through the harassment course!
Jason's cell phone started to ring, seeing that it was a video call from Piper, he answered.
-Hey, here you losers!-called Piper, who was wearing a mask and something to distort her voice-. It’s the wonderful Piper McLean, did you think you could do this without me? I am the current champion.
-Piper-Percy spat out hatefully-. I should have known she was you, you punk.
-Yeah, punk-. Jason followed-. Why don't you show your face?
-I just had a baby, I haven't washed my hair in three weeks.
-Aw, how’s the little girl?
-Yeah, how is she?
-It's none of your business! If you want the flag, you will have to work. Under my old bed in Aphrodite's cabin are baby things I didn't mean to put together. For every thing you put together you'll get a clue, McLean out-and she hung up.
-That's crazy-Jason said-. No one will do Piper's silly chores, right?
-Of course not-replied his boyfriend-. It's totally ridiculous.
They all shared a look, before Percy took the initiative and ran towards Aphrodite's cabin with the rest following behind. It was a blood battle.
-I got a cradle!- Percy shouted triumphantly-. Fuck you, slowpokes!
He ran to Poseidon's cabin, Leo at his heels, closing the door behind them.
-They bought it-Percy said effusively.
-Completely- they high-fived-. I told you I could turn off the lights with a single button.
-Hey guys- the bathroom door opened, revealing Tyson.
-And on time, Tyson arrives. Problems on the roof?
-Not at all-Tyson smiled-. Everything was very easy.
-Ty, your interpretation of Piper was incredible.
-Thank you- he handed her the aforementioned cell phone.
-How come she still doesn't kill you for that?-Leo asked.
-She's too busy with other things to notice. Okay, give me the Tyson flag.
-Here it is-Tyson pulled the flag out of his backpack.
-Ah, it’s beautiful-Percy reached out to take it, but Leo grabbed his wrist first-. Leo, what are you doing?
Leo handcuffed both of his hands on the head of the bed.
-It hurts me to betray you, man. Ty, the flag.
Tyson handed it over without a word.
- Tyson? Are you a part of this betrayal?
-Yes. Leo promised me a lot of peanut butter- he smiled happily.
-No. I must win this year, please-he begged.
-Your little seal eyes have no effect on me.
-You are crazy. You won't walk out of here alone with the flag.
-I'm not alone-Leo went to open the door-. I have allies.
Frank, Hazel, Nico and Will entered, happy to see that their plan was in motion.
-Allies-Percy said disgustedly-. Nico, Hazel, you disappoint me.
-Your approval means nothing to me-Nico replied.
-I’m sorry-Hazel shrugged.
-And Frank and Will, I knew you were playing, you liars! Big liars!
-Of course we were playing!
-We are sick of you, Reyna and Jason winning-the team agreed with Frank's statement.
-Alway bragging.
-You may be champs-Leo folded the flag-. But this year is for the “tramps”.
-Ug.
-No.
-No one agreed to that name.
-A very bad name-Percy said.
-Tyson, watch him-Leo ordered, hiding the flag under his shirt-. Tramps, let's go.
- No! Leo! Guys! Please no!
-Do you want to play UNO?-Tyson asked.
-Not now, Tyson!
He spent almost 30 minutes trying to free himself, but with both hands trapped he couldn't even reach for his gun. Percy thought he had his salvation when he heard the unmistakable beep from his boyfriend's watch, passing just outside his cabin.
- Jason! Jase! Jay here!
Jason entered the cabin, hearing the screams of his boyfriend.
-Help me.
-Hello Tyson.
-Hi Jason.
-Hello prisoner Percy-he greeted him with a smile.
-Can you set me free? I want to pee!
-You don’t drink water-Jason crossed his arms-. You pee once every two days. You peed this morning.
-Fuck, you know me so well. Okay, look, I have secret information, if you free me I can share it with you.
-What kind of information?
-Piper…
-Was a trap to get you and Leo the flag-Jason finished for him.
Percy blinked, surprised.
-I mean, yeah, but…
-Leo betrayed you and allied with the other four to form the “tramps”.
-How did you know?-Percy stomped his foot on the floor.
-I gave Leo the idea. Last Halloween when we were crowning Piper. Leo said he was just one of the “tramps”, and I said “wow that sounds great for something to form”-Jason smiled proudly-. I’m always one step ahead of you. You can’t surprise me-Jason turned around to leave.
-Wait! Look, there’s 5 tramps. We can win if we join powers.
-That’s a good point. My answer is, rot in hell!
Percy opened his eyes, surprised since Jason never, not in the many years of friendship and later on relationship, he never talked to him like that.
-But I love you-Jason pecked his cheek-, and I value you, and you’re boring.
-Gods you’re being mean…Do it more.
-I hope you die.
-Oh…-Percy trembled.
-Bye bye, my love-and he left.
-Fine! Who needs your help, weirdo?!
-You-Tyson answered.
-Shut up traitor! And pull out the UNO!
***
-Great teamwork-approved Frank when the five of them were in the armory.
-We are unstoppable, tramps!.Leo celebrated.
-Stop using that word, we all hate it-Nico said.
-Frank, pick up the bucket of weapons that no one else can pick up- Hazel ordered.
Will folded the flag, while Frank lifted the object. They left it underneath, perfectly hidden.
-And what if someone breaks in?-Frank asked.
-I put a rope on the ground, which connects to a bell that will ring if someone walks in-Nico explained-. It'll be in the shadows, so I can hear it anywhere.
-Great idea-his boyfriend said, amazed.
-Everyone outside-Hazel rushed.
Leo tripped on the way out.
-Yep, the bell works-Nico gave a thumbs up.
***
-¡UNO!-Tyson screamed excitedly.
-Ug!-Percy spat out the cards in his mouth-. Nothing's going right! Please, Ty, take the cuffs off me. I am your brother.
-But Leo promised me my peanut butter-he said, doubting.
-I know, how about I give you double what Leo promised you?
-Will you give me 100 jars?-Tyson asked, very excited.
-He offered you 50?!-Tyson nodded-. Fine! I'll give you 100.
-I'm going to find the key!
***
-Where is Jupiter without a Moon going on Piper's mobile?-Reyna asked herself out loud.
She was sitting on the steps of the Big House, trying to figure out the mobile.
-I feel sorry for the baby that has to see this sad attempt at a solar system.
-Reyna-the Stoll twins appeared-. There is something wrong with the game.
-If you tell us what you know, we'll tell you what we know-Connor offered.
-No.
-Lies, we don't know anything-Travis admitted.
-Good night then.
-Wait, why are you nervous?-Connor asked.
-I'm not.
-We always mess up and get scolded, we know what it's like to be nervous!-Travis accused.
-If I'm nervous as you say, it's because I haven't finished this yet and it's almost 10 o'clock-she excused herself.
But in reality, she was monitoring on her cell phone how her pets moved. Aurum and Argentum were in the armory, looking for the flag.
-Hmm, suspicious.
-Whatever you say.
Aurum and Argentum found the object. They moved the barrel, taking the flag and getting out of there.
-I can’t deal with this, I have a lot to put together-said Reyna, after seeing that they got it-. You know what? I better go, find another place. Excuse me.
Reyna dropped the cell phone as she left, running to the entrance of the camp to meet her pets.
-They are there. Good boys, give me the flag.
They both approached to give it to her, but as soon as Reyna received it, she realized that it was another one, because it was just a piece of white cloth.
-This is not the game flag-she said confused-. It is a common fabric. And you are not my dogs, you are just some common bitches.
***
Percy took off his handcuffs happily.
-Thank you, Ty.
Leo entered the place.
-Hey! What's happening here?
Percy grabbed him and handcuffed him just like he had.
-You thought I wasn't going to take them off, but you forgot something.
-Peanut butter-Leo understood.
-Peanut butter! That's how it is. Now I'll have to get a points card from Costco. I'm sorry Leo, but this year's game is important. Watch him-he ordered Tyson.
Radio interference began to sound from Leo's pants.
-Answer, Leo, answer-that was Will's voice.
-We call every 10 minutes to monitor everything-Leo said triumphantly-. And I have to respond with a top secret password.
Percy took the walkie talkie out of his pocket.
-I'm a tramp-he replied.
-Copy.
-Did I guess? I didn't hear what Will said. Was that correct?-Percy asked excitedly.
-Yes..
-Good! See you.
He went behind his cabin, taking out his cellphone so he could check the cameras he had installed in every corner of the camp.
-Security system, talk to me. What did I miss? What's happening? Ha! Reyna used her dogs to steal the flag.
From the video she could see that those weren't Aurum and Argentum, because they weren't walking on par with Reyna.
-Someone took them and the flag. Who took them?
***
Jason entered the dining room, walking normally.
-Where did you come from?-Frank asked.
-Why do you care?-Jason asked back, suspicious-. I thought you didn't play.
-I’m. I am only asking because I care about you as a friend.
-Friend, I went to the bathroom-Jason replied.
-A long time, friend. Are you okay?
-No, I puked everywhere. It was brutal, friend.
Frank made a disgusted expression at his explanation.
Unconsciously, Jason wiped his hand on his pants.
Percy, who was watching from the cameras, took note of this movement.
-He does that when he's nervous-Percy remembered-. Or after playing with Aurum and Argentum, because they tend to drool over him. Jason took them-he smiled mischievously.
Reyna entered the dining room pissed as fuck.
-Where are my dogs?!-she demanded to know.
-Aren't they after you?-Hazel pointed out confused.
-These bitches? Please. Look. Paws. Paws.
As everyone looked at Reyna, Jason, with his hand behind his back, conjured a wind.
-The idiot who dares to do something to them is going to pay dearly-she threatened-. I can't castrate them, but I will castrate all of you-the worst thing is that everyone knew that Reyna meant it very seriously.
Percy followed the winds, which carried the flag, to leave it in the closet inside his safe in cabin 1, ensuring victory for Jason.
-And bingo.
***
They all stayed in the dining room, until a few minutes later, Aurum and Argentum entered, the real ones.
-My babies?-Reyna went directly to them-. Babies? Paw-she ordered.
They both handed it to her, just as she had trained them.
-Good bearing. They're my puppies!-she said, relieved-. I have been betrayed. You will be explained later. To my office-Reyna ordered.
The dogs understood “office” by the cabin of Zeus, because it was the place where they slept.
-Still, I'm going to kill you all here-Reyna continued.
Jason smiled a little. That Reyna can yell at him as much as he wanted, that would not take away the second victory from him.
The dogs began to bark loudly, drawing everyone's attention. Exchanging glances, they ran towards Zeus's cabin, with Jason right in the lead. Someone was doing something.
The cabin door was open. They all entered, almost getting stuck in the door.
-Sh! Shut up!
On top of the closet was Percy, trying to shut the dogs up.
-Guys, stay put!-Reyna ordered, making them stop immediately and go to sleep at their designated place.
-Are you crazy? Get down from there-Jason said, seeing his terrified gaze between the dogs and the height-. Wait, what did you do?-he asked now defensively.
Nico turned to his team.
-We don't know about Leo. We have to check...
-Check what?-Reyna interjected-. The armory? Please, I stole the flag from there an hour ago.
-Did you know…?
-What?-he interrupted Frank now-.I've known about this plan for weeks.
Percy came down from the closet.
-I don't know what's going on-he said with false innocence.
-Of course-Jason watched him carefully-. You know I have the flag in my safe. Did you think about stealing the key?
-I thought about those things and I did it-Percy showed the key-. I just took them from you-he said proudly.
-Impossible-Jason denied-. The key was stuck in my shoe all this time-he took the key itself out of it.
-Yes? Well, it's almost midnight, let's try it-Percy challenged.
Jason headed for his safe, everyone behind him.
-It fits-Jason said triumphantly-. I knew you were lying. You are the most predictable-he tried to turn the key, but it was impossible-. Oh no.
-I'm not that predictable-Percy smiled-. I bet you nobody predicts what I'll do next.
-Open the safe and show off?-Will asked.
-Indeed. So, if you'll excuse me.
He pushed his boyfriend aside.
-And it fits!-he shouted triumphantly-. The key turns, and the safe is…empty?!
-What?!
-And the flag?!
-Who took it?!
-We haven't heard from Leo in an hour-Hazel said-. What if I betray the tramps? Gods I said it!-she cried in horror.
-It wasn't Leo, I locked him up.
-I put a GPS on the flag-Frank recalled-. It’s moving, and fast.
-Let's go for the shadows-Nico suggested-. They'll never catch us, fools.
The tramps run out of the cabin.
Reyna began to laugh victoriously.
-Reyna? Why are you laughing?-Percy asked.
-I put a GPS on Frank with a lactose-free ice cream that I gave him-she said proudly-. Evil, I know, but...
-I put a GPS on Frank's ice cream-Percy admitted.
-And me-Jason seconded-. Will radiation hurt him?
-He'll be fine.
-He's lived a long time already-Reyna brushed it off.
-Yes…
Now the three of them ran off from different sides.
Percy and Reyna met at the entrance to the forest.
-Good luck following me-Reyna said-. I exercised this morning-she ran off into the woods.
-Of course I'll keep up with you…!-Percy made to follow her, but he stopped-. In hell
Percy ran the other way, reaching another of the many parts with tall trees.
-Hello, Perseus-Jason greeted, coming out of nowhere.
-Oh! Jase, what are you doing here?-he tried to act natural-. Why don't you look for the flag?
-The flag is not where everyone thinks it is- he stated.
-I do not know what you are talking about.
-I was thinking, how did you change my key? But you did not. You changed the boxes.
-And how would a box this big have changed? Pff-Percy crossed his arms.
-You were in the cabin with Tyson, he changed them and left with the box-although he was only guessing, Jason knew he was absolutely right-. You waited for the dogs to arrive, they called our attention, we all went and you made us believe that now the flag was lost so that you could come here and win. What did you give Tyson to change his mind?
-Nothing. He just gave me the opportunity to invest in the future.
-How many peanut butter?
-Not many, but, maybe we have to move to a smaller apartment, I will pay a big debt.
Jason rolled his eyes.
-You will sleep in a smaller apartment, so that I make room for the flag.
-Ha! Good luck finding it, it's a long forest, it will take several minutes...
-It's in that tree-Jason pointed to one that was ten paces away from them-. There's a footprint from Tyson's shoes there-he pointed to the mud.
-Tyson-Percy hissed.
-You see, Percy? I'm always one step ahead of you. You can't surprise me, you're just boring.
-Great way to warm up our relationship.
Jason rose until he found the flag hidden in the branches.
-And it's midnight-Jason said triumphantly, unfolding the original flag in all its splendor-. So I guess I'm the ultimate capture the flag winner.
-Yes…-Percy quickly lowered his face-. Although, you might want to read the inscription on that flag.
-Why?-he asked, terrified-. Oh no, what does it say?-Jason pulled it closer to read it aloud-. Jason Grace, will you marry me?
Confused, he turned back to his boyfriend, who was now on his knees, ring box in hand.
-Surprise.
Jason went completely still.
-I'm very confused. I do not know what is happening.
-I thought it would be obvious-Percy said without moving a bit or lowering the ring.
-I'm shaking, I think I'm going to cry-now he smiled, his voice a little broken-. Wait, is this really happening? It's part of the game? If it's part of the game, I'm going to break up with you and fry your ass-Jason said quickly, afraid that it was just a move to win the game.
-No, no-Percy smiled because of how nice it was to see him like that and to reassure him a little-. It's not part of the game, I swear. It is real.
-It is?
-Yes.
His boyfriend pressed the flag against his chest, still feeling his whole body cold.
-Good. Here it goes-Percy cleared his throat, straightening his back a little-. Jase, I love you. I love how smart and beautiful you are...
Jason covered his smile with a hand, two seconds away from crying.
-I love your face and your butt-he denied upon hearing the last thing he said-. I should have written this.
-No, it's okay-Jason reassured, because he preferred that thousand times to hear his most sincere words than something rehearsed-. Keep going.
-I love how you say you love “Finding Nemo”.
-I like the second one.
-You don't have to lie.
-Okay…
-You're generous and very funny-he resumed his speech-. And you are the best person I know. And the best hero-Percy took a deep breath-. But seriously, I really like your butt.
-And I like yours.
-Don't be gross, I'm pouring out my heart-Jason laughed at what he said, wiping a small tear behind his glasses-. Jason Grace, will you marry me?
-Percy Jackson-he threw the flag-, I will marry you.
Smiling completely happily, Percy stood up, taking the ring out of the box.
Giggling nervously, they moved closer, until Percy slipped the ring onto his finger. Jason watched the ring for a second, before grabbing his boyfriend's face and kissing him.
-I love you so much-Jason said as soon as they parted.
Percy pursed his lips, by which point his smitten smile must have been bigger than the entire forest.
-Idiots!-Leo came running-. This tramp escaped!-shouted triumphantly, stopping in front of them-. That will teach them… -he cut himself off, seeing the happiness of his friends-. Did you just…?-he stammered, pointing to the ring box.
Percy nodded.
-And you said…?-he pointed at Jason.
Jason proudly displayed the ring on his finger.
-Oh! Congra-!
Leo didn't finish congratulating them, he fainted in emotion.
-Of course that was going to happen-Jason said, stepping ahead to go with his friend, but not before putting the flag on his belt.
-I'm not surprised-Percy followed his now fiancé-. That's why I didn't tell him anything, sure of the emotion he would end up telling you.
-Surely. Come on buddy, let's get you some ice-Jason threw Leo onto his shoulder, linking his free hand with Percy's.
***
-To Jason and Percy!-Reyna toasted.
-To Jason and Percy!-repeated the rest of the group, clinking all of their "apple juice" bottles.
Of course the news was worth celebrating. It would be the wedding of the year. Leo seemed to be the most excited, even with the ice pack on his forehead.
-Great, great. But since Jackson tampered with the flag…nobody won the game. Is that what everyone thinks? -Reina asked.
-Reyna-Frank scolded.
-This is not the time-Nico denied.
-Certain. I'm happy for both of you. Technically there was no winner-she murmured.
-Piper and Annabeth sent a message-Hazel announced-. "Rare. We didn't know they were dating. Jk. We are happy for you. And Percy if you don’t return my cell phone you don't live for your wedding”-she read aloud.
-Percy, tell us everything-Will asked-. Did you call Jason's father?
-Actually I did-he admitted.
-Oh…-Jason said, concerned.
-It was not that difficult.
flash back
-Hello-Percy was in front of the throne in Zeus palace, on Olympus, maybe it wasn't the best place-, I came to inform you that I will ask your son to marry me-for the first time in his life he was talking to him with some respect to the god-. But since we are in the 21st century, I will not ask for permission, since he is not your property, nor mine if he accepts-he said quickly and somewhat nervously-. That said, I hope he accepts. But it's his decision, so butt out!
present
-Perfect-Jason nodded, somewhat relieved-. What did he say?
-No idea, I started to hear thunder and ran away.
-And who gave you the idea?-Leo asked-. Not for nothing, but I think it was me, eight years ago.
-Are you talking about the time we met and the first thing you said to us was "I hear wedding bells"?-Percy guessed.
-Yes!
-No, that chilled things too much-Jason said-. It took me four years to forget it.
-Yes, I am my own worst enemy-Leo murmured.
-No one gave me the idea-Percy interjected-. I decided to propose to Jason on April 28th.
-What did we do on April 28?-Jason asked, confused, not remembering anything.
-Uh…
flash back
Jason and Percy were lying on their bed, ready for sleep. Percy was playing on his NINTENDO while Jason completed the day's crossword puzzle. Each one was focused on what he was doing.
-Ug-Jason complained loudly, adjusting his glasses-. There is a typo in this crossword puzzle.
Percy lowered his video game a little so he could see him. Percy didn't know what it was, but at that moment he smiled, thinking how much he would love to spend the rest of his life with him.
present
-I don't understand-Nico denied.
-I don't know what to tell you- he shrugged, smiling when Jason wrapped an arm around his waist and kissed his hair-. That's when I knew it-Percy replied, just looking at his fiancé.
-Aw, romantic epiphanies.
-Yes…
They both looked at each other, they felt that they hadn't stopped smiling for years, and maybe it was true, because ever since they had met, they couldn't stop smiling.
-Congratulations. I'm glad you're getting married-Reyna said, raising her glass.
-We're getting married!-Percy yelled.
-We're getting married!-Jason continued, now sharing a kiss.
-And no one won the game-Reyna announced.
-Please!
-C’mon!
-Get over it now, prick!-Percy exclaimed along with his other friends.
-Yes, prick!-Jason coincided with his fiancé once again.
This was not how they expected to end the game. Jason would never have believed that he would be asked in the middle of a game of capture the flag, but he was lying all night, because of course a boy as wow as Percy could still impress him, and would continue to do so, for the rest of his life. Their lives.