Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Percy popped out of the water, folding his arms on the side of the pool. “Good enough for you, coach?” 

Ian, in the next lane, splashed him. “Shut up, Jackson. We all know you’re perfect.” 

Percy grinned. “Yeah, but I still like hearing it.” 

“That’s a wrap for today. Shower up and get home, everyone.” 

Percy lifted himself out of the pool and padded to the locker room. He’d been exhausted before practice – that history test was kicking his butt – but the swim had helped. Even chlorinated water gave him a boost of energy and made the trials of homework seem a little less daunting. A little. 

He showered and dressed, popping in an earbud as he left the locker room. Only one, with ambient noise on. He didn’t like missing anything around him. 

Speaking of, a woman was standing in the hallway, and she was definitely watching him. She looked familiar. He was pretty sure she’d been watching practice. He’d assumed she was someone’s mom or meeting with the coach. But now that he was out of the water and seeing her clearly, she was definitely not human. She was stunning, first off, in that kinda unsettling way that gods tended to be. Her hair was perfectly braided and her white dress was perfectly tidy, and she was just a little taller than anyone else in the hallway.

Percy tried not to make eye contact. He could feel adrenaline seeping into his blood. Maybe if he didn’t acknowledge her she would go away. Maybe he could go straight home and eat a horrifying number of blue gummy sharks and finish his notes for history. And maybe those gummy sharks would sprout wings and fly around his head singing Yankee Doodle. 

“Perseus.” 

Percy didn’t break stride. “I don’t talk to strangers.” 

“Is your sister a stranger?” 

He slowed, but he didn’t turn around. “Walk and talk then, sis. I have homework.” 

“I am glad to hear you say so.” There seemed to be genuine approval in her voice. “A well-rounded education is fundamental to one’s success and well-being.” 

“Last I knew the gods were big on my success, not so much on my well-being.” 

“You have a temper, Perseus. I suppose that is not surprising.” 

“It’s Percy.” He stopped, facing her. “Who are you and what do you want?” 

“I am Rhode, and I am here to give you a ride home. Is that not what older sisters do?” 

“Ones I’ve met before, maybe. Why are you here?” 

“I wished to meet you. That is all.” 

Percy waited, hands shoved in his pockets, staring her down. 

She folded her arms and stared back. “You have made quite a stir, Per-cy.” She stumbled over the nickname. “I hear you have been visiting Atlantis. My mother has learned to make cookies for you. I could not focus on my work the other day because Tri would not stop complaining about some film you showed him about a small mermaid. I decided it was about time I met this young demigod myself.” She spread her hands. “I am not here to fight you. I am not here to send you on a quest. I only wish to know my brother.” 

He studied her a while, and finally turned toward the doors. “I don’t need a ride, but there’s an ice cream place down the street. You’re buying.” 

Rhode caught up with him easily, her strides as long and easy as his. “You are a fine swimmer.” 

“I thought I saw you spying on me in there. You know practices aren’t open to the general public, right? People aren’t just supposed to walk into schools.”

“I am not public, I am family, and no place of learning is closed to me.” 

“What are you goddess of?” 

She lifted her chin. “I am the goddess of the island of Rhodes, and lady of scholars.” 

“I thought that was Athena’s deal.” 

“We are closely associated on my home island.” 

Percy glanced over. “What’s Athena think of being associated with one of Poseidon’s kids?” 

“We have worked well together for many centuries, and she was my brother’s foster daughter. We created the chariot together.”

“Huh.” Percy mulled that one over. The rest of the family in Atlantis had talked about Rhode in passing, and it generally seemed to be positive. She didn’t seem to be in the city much, though. Then again, neither was he. Before he had to respond, they reached the ice cream shop. He reached for the door, but Rhode smoothly stepped in, holding it open for him. A wave of waffle-cone scented air wafted out.

“Will you order for me? You will know what flavors are good.” 

“Yeah.” He stepped up to the counter. “Two single scoops of Blue Moon in waffle cones, please.” 

Rhode actually paid with American dollars, and Percy reluctantly felt his estimation of her tick upward. He was tired, still grieving so many friends, and he wasn’t exactly thrilled to be talking to any gods right now. Rhode was clearly trying, though, and a little more in touch than most deities. At least she’d actually asked for help ordering instead of speaking to him like a waiter. When the cones were handed over, he passed one to Rhode and nodded toward an empty table in the back of the shop. “Want to sit down?” 

She led the way, settling with her back to the door. He wasn’t sure if it was deliberate, but he appreciated that she left him a clear line of sight. It did mean she was between him and the door, but he was getting less concerned about that. “What is this?” 

“You’ve never had ice cream before?” 

“I have had gelato. That is similar, I think? I have never seen it blue, though.” 

“Yeah, it’s similar. This is blue because that’s the flavor.”

She eyed him doubtfully. Her eyes were blue too, bright like photos he’d seen of the Mediterranean. “I should examine this school of yours more closely. Blue is a color, young Percy. It is not a flavor.” 

“Just try it.” 

She took a hesitant bite, and the only word for her expression was pondering. “It is not blue, but it is….What is that?”

“No one knows. That’s why it’s fun.” 

“Perhaps we should discuss the definition of fun in English,” she said wryly, but she took another small bite. 

Percy savored his first taste. Between returning to Goode, dating Annabeth, dealing with nightmares, getting on the swim team, and visiting Atlantis, there hadn’t been much time for ice cream. “Does Dad know you’re here?” 

Rhode raised one perfect eyebrow. “Does he need to know my every movement? Do I require permission to visit my own brother?”

“So that’s a no.” Percy leaned against the table. “In fact, I’d bet ten drachmas that he told everyone to leave me alone.” 

All her attention was suddenly focused on her ice cream. “I would never directly defy an order from our father.” 

Percy smirked. “Indirectly?” 

She fought a smile, still studying her cone. “It may have been suggested that no one was to interrupt your studies or rest. No quests, no fighting, no challenges.” 

“You’re gonna get grounded.” 

“I am millennia old, Percy, I do not get ‘grounded.’” 

“You’re in trou-ble!” he sang, lounging back in his chair. 

“You have visited Atlantis multiple times! Contact is not forbidden!” 

“T. R. O. U. B. L. E.” 

“You are insufferable. I’m going home.” 

“Nah, finish your ice cream first.” 

She eyed him suspiciously. “I thought you wanted me to leave.” 

“Eh. You’re fun.” 

She sat up a little straighter, which he hadn’t thought was possible. “I am.” She sounded a little proud.

He took another bite of Blue Moon. He should probably be studying for that history test right now, but it was kind of a relief to take a minute and breathe. For all her goddiness, Rhode was turning out to be kind of okay. He’d never had an older sister, but she seemed to be everything he’d expect of one. Smart and annoying and a lot of fun to tease. Definitely nicer than Triton. “So, lady of scholars, what do you know about the Ottoman Empire?” 

Chapter Text

"Let's go Percy! Show them what you got!" 

Percy turned, scanning the bleachers in confusion. His mom had a meeting with her publisher, and wouldn’t be around for a couple hours. Paul had a mandatory teacher training program, and wasn’t coming at all. The voice sounded familiar, though. 

He spotted them and stopped dead. Triton and Rhode, sporting Goode purple and white, waving at him like they belonged here. 

"Jackson, snap out of it."  

He'd missed his cue to the block. "Sorry." 

He tried to push them out of his mind, at least during the race. It was a doomed attempt. 200 meters, and he spent the whole time trying to rein himself in, and hating it. Normally he didn't mind pulling back a little, coming up for air, all the little details that kept mortals from becoming suspicious. Today, a part of him wanted to show off. He didn't like the idea that Triton might think he was only capable of keeping up. Another part of him hated that he cared at all what they thought. 

He settled for barely making first place, and scowling at the stands the second his coach looked away. 

His half-siblings whooped, waving cheerfully. 

What are you doing here ? he mouthed. 

Triton just gave him two thumbs up and a grin. 

"You know them?" Esther asked. 

"Unfortunately." 

"Bruh, they're like movie star gorgeous. Where did you meet them?" 

"Gross. They're my siblings." 

"Your WHAT?" Esther grabbed their teammate's arm. "Jayla, those literal models are Percy's siblings." 

 Jayla adjusted her swim cap. "I mean, that adds up."

"Sorry?" 

"Have you looked at him?" 

"I can hear you,” he protested. 

"Your siblings are hot, Percy, and so are you. I don't know what else to tell you." 

"If you don't have anything nice to say-" 

"Literally shut up." 

"Percy, you never told me you have siblings." 

"Half-siblings. They live with my dad. They also did not tell me they were going to be here today." He turned to scowl again at the bleachers. He was 99% certain Triton and Rhode were hearing the whole conversation. 

"Aww, that's what siblings are for," Jayla smirked. "Annoying the hell out of you." 

“They’re doing it a little too well.” His eyes widened. “Wait, why are they coming over here? They should not be coming over here.” He power walked to meet them near the end of the bleachers, but Esther and Jayla tagged behind him. 

Rhode was smiling, offering up a canvas tote bag. “I brought dates and some sesame crackers. Would your friends like some?” 

“His friends absolutely would.” Esther and Jayla beamed. 

Esther cracked open the box of dates and let Percy grab a couple before heading to distribute them amongst the team. 

“There’s no ambrosia in those, is there?” he muttered.

“Of course not, that would be unsporting.” Rhode frowned. “I place a great deal of importance on fair play, Percy. In any case, you are doing very well, and there is no need to help you win." 

"Thanks. What are you guys doing here?" 

"To cheer you on, obviously." Triton clapped him on the back. 

"You mentioned when we met for ice cream that your mother and step-father would be unable to attend. Father is..." Rhode and Triton exchanged glances. "Father can be rather a lot at sporting events." 

“He can be loud.” 

“Opinionated.” 

"We thought maybe we shouldn't subject you to that without warning." 

“So we decided to come up ourselves and cheer for you!” 

They both looked so enthusiastic, Percy couldn’t really stay annoyed. The dates were also pretty good. He rolled his eyes anyway. “You guys are dorks.” 

“Oh, it’s a good excuse to attend a swim meet. It’s been so long since my boys were in school.” Rhode smiled wistfully. 

“You’ve got kids?” 

“I was thinking of my eldest sons, who are quite athletic. However, I have had a number of children, dear one. Some like me, a few like you.” She ruffled his hair. “Have some crackers.” 

That was too big a subject to get into in public. Percy made a mental note to ask about possible demigod niblings later and took the crackers. 

~

His mom arrived just before the 500 Freestyle, bearing more snacks. She kissed his forehead. “How are you, sweetheart? I’m sorry I couldn’t be here sooner.” 

“I’m fine, Mom. The relay and fly went great, everyone’s doing really good. How was your meeting?” 

“It went so well!” she beamed. “We have a publication date. I’ll tell you and Paul all about it tonight.” She looked over his shoulder. “Who’s this?” 

“Sally Jackson, it is a pleasure to meet you.” Rhode offered her hand. “I am Rhode, that is Triton over there. He is on his way to help time the next event, but we saved a seat for you.” 

Sally shook her hand. “Percy didn’t tell me you were coming.” 

“Percy didn’t know,” he muttered. “They brought good snacks, though.” 

Sally smiled, giving him a quick hug. “I know your race is coming up, so I’ll let you go, honey. Good luck. We’ll be fine.” 

Percy rejoined his teammates, letting himself relax a little. Rhode had been polite, his mom didn’t seem worried, his siblings were actually being helpful, and his team was doing great. When his next heat started, as he sliced into the water, he could hear Triton cheering a few yards away. This time, he didn’t really mind. 

He came in second. 

Chapter Text

Rhode was standing by the school gate, drawing stares from the students. She smiled when she saw Percy, like the sun had come out. 

"I'm not going to Dad's this weekend. I've got plans with Mom and Paul." 

"I know. I just thought I'd come give you a ride home. I know you said before you didn’t need one, but I thought we could stop for coffee on the way?” 

Percy followed her down the street to a sleek white Ferrari. The car chirped as Rhode unlocked the doors. "Wait, this is yours?" 

She held out the keys. "You want to drive?" 

"YES." He grabbed the keys and jogged around the car, barely brushing his fingers over the hood. He opened the door with more reverence than she'd ever seen him show a god, and eased into the driver’s seat. She grinned as she let herself in the passenger side.

He reached up to adjust the mirror, then stopped, staring her down.

"Why are you being so nice to me?" 

"You are my brother. My adelphós ." 

"No, that's not good enough." He rested a hand on the wheel. "The gods don't do family like that. Don't get me wrong, I'm psyched about getting to drive. Thrilled. But people don't just let 16 year olds drive their Ferrari in New York traffic. So what's the catch? Is this another bribe? I'll almost certainly take it if it is." 

She laughed. "Believe it or not, I've become rather fond of you. The gods, as you say, don't often get along well with their families. The ocean is different, however. Things tend to be...closer there. Mother has always been welcoming to Father's children. She is not my birth parent, either, but she has been more a mother to me than Aphrodite ever has. The laws have kept us distant for too long, Percy. Now that you have ended the oath, there is less keeping us apart. I know we cannot make up for lost time, for all those years it was just you and your mother. But some of us want to do better, now that simply speaking to you does not put your life at risk." 

"Triton and Amphitrite didn't exactly seem thrilled to meet me that first time. Because I'm a hero now, I guess I'm worthy of attention?" 

"You met them in the middle of a battle," Rhode protested. "They were impolite. They were also tired and losing their home. You were always worthy of our attention. You are my brother. If it were possible, do you not think-" She cut herself off. "No," she muttered. "I cannot be upset with you for thinking we cared so little. There has been little opportunity to prove otherwise." 

She took a deep breath. "Tri and I only learned of your existence a few years ago, just days before you were claimed. Father hid you even from us, to avoid drawing any attention your way. He finally told us when he realized you would be arriving in camp soon. There had been rumors, but they were only that. Rumors, passed on by nereids or minnows. 

"I watched you a few times." Her face flushed gold. "I do not mean to frighten you. But I saw when you would help the hippocampi around camp. You are always so kind with them, and patient. Then the war began and none of us could be spared for even a few minutes to visit." She folded her hands in her lap. "And then you almost died, and the war ended. We have time for things like visits again, and we were all reminded of how fragile mortal lives are, and I couldn't stop thinking of the boy who protected the Ophiotaurus. The child who saved us all, ended oaths taken by the eldest brothers, and was sent back to school." She looked over at him, something like fear in her eyes. "My brother, if he will have us." 

Percy was silent for a long time. "It's messed up that you didn't say something sooner." He held up a hand as she tried to respond. "But...You've been pretty cool. I mean, you haven't tried to send me on any deadly quests, or threatened to snap my friends to Antarctica, or stab me. So you're doing better than most gods I've met. Also, you bought me ice cream and helped at the swim meet, which is more than Dad's done." 

He drummed his calloused fingers on the steering wheel. Those hands were invulnerable now, but still so mortal. She could see the white scar on his palm where the scorpion had stung him just a few years ago. 

"So if you want to be family, like actual family, I guess you're doing alright. I'm not just saying that so you'll let me drive your car. Although it is a really cool car." 

Rhode laughed, her shoulders easing. "You're alright too." 

"Coffee?" 

"Coffee." 

He adjusted the side mirrors. "Any chance I can get you to buy me a car?" 

She snorted. "We better talk to your mom first. She might have something to say about giving her teenage son a Ferrari." 

"Eh, it'll be fine. Probably. Almost certainly. I'll ask her and just tell you what she says." 

"You better ask Dad, too." 

"I'm pretty sure he waived his right to care when he didn't pay for drivers' ed. Unless he's cool with it. How much is the insurance on this?" 

"What is insurance?" 

"OK, we should probably ask Mom."

~

He wasn’t surprised to see them a few days later at practice. They didn’t approach, just sat quietly up in the bleachers. He rushed through his shower, wanting to get to them before his teammates did. He didn’t quite succeed. Ian was chatting with them when he came out of the locker room. Rhode looked faintly amused, Triton just confused. 

“Hey, Ian. You talking their ears off?” 

“Just trying to learn some embarrassing baby stories about you.” 

“Good luck with that.” He clapped Ian on the shoulder, firmly steering him back toward the locker room door. “See you next week, man.” 

“You are done with practice?” 

“Yep, let’s blow this popsicle stand.” He side-eyed Triton. “Not literally. We’re not literally blowing anything up, big guy. Figure of speech.” 

“I understand sarcasm, Percy.” 

Rhode took Percy’s bag as they headed outside. “Ice cream?”

“I’ll never say no. Although you guys could have waited a few hours, I’m headed to Dad’s tonight.” 

“We came to pick you up. It’s boring to travel by oneself.” 

“Okaaay.” Percy looked up at Triton. “This feels suspicious.” 

“Not at all. We are just being caring siblings.” 

Percy stopped. “This is definitely suspicious. Why are you picking me up? Why are you both picking me up? Am I being kidnapped? Oh my gods, I’m being kidnapped! The statistics were right. Stranger danger is a joke, it’s always a family member.” 

“You’re not being kidnapped, brother. Calm down.” 

“You wanted ice cream, right? Let us get some ice cream and we can talk while we eat.” 

“Don’t try to distract me, Rhode! I’m on to you!” 

He glared at his siblings while they exchanged frantic, silent looks. Then a smirk like poisoned honey spread across his face. “Ohhhh, you’re bribing me.” 

“We are not!” 

“We are simply trying to be caring older siblings, there is no-” 

“You’re bribing me not to tell Dad.” The guilt on both their faces confirmed everything. Percy cackled. “I KNEW you were gonna get grounded.” 

“I will smite you, child,” Triton’s jaw clenched.

“You won’t,” Percy waved him off and walked past the siblings. “If you’re not even supposed to talk to me, who knows how long you’d be in trouble for killing me?” 

“Where are you going?” he demanded. 

“To get ice cream. You promised, and I’m getting my cone before we pick up my stuff.” 

“I told you he would catch on,” Rhode muttered. 

“Yeah, people keep underestimating me. I don’t know why, but it usually works in my favor, so I guess I’m not complaining.” 

The gods flanked him, glaring down at him. Percy felt a flash of irritation. He was over 6 feet. They were definitely making themselves taller than him just to prove a point to the kid brother. 

“Percy,” Rhode began. “You are right, we were not supposed to talk to you.” 

“Don’t tell him!” 

“He has already guessed, Triton, move on.” 

“Yeah, Triton. Move on.” Percy took a moment to relish the look on his brother’s face. 

“Since you have not been in Atlantis for a while, until tonight-” 

“And we’ll be in the city, so we’ll be having a family dinner-” 

“And Father does not care if we meet you, just that no one bothers you at school-” 

“You’ve literally done nothing but bother me at school.” 

“But does he need to know that?”

Percy faced Triton, a hand to his chest in mock horror. “Are you suggesting that I lie to our honored king and beloved father?” 

“Not lie, just…” 

“Pretend we were never here.”

Percy looked from one to the other. “You’re picking me up, fish brains. I’ve had dinner with Triton in Atlantis. He’ll know we’ve met.” 

“But not that we were here .”  

Percy folded his arms. “What’s in it for me?” 

“I will smite you.” 

Rhode narrowed her eyes. “What do you want?”

Percy held up one finger. “First-” 

“ First ?” Triton turned on Rhode. “This is on you, you started coming here.” 

“And you were rude to me the first time we met, so listen up, Starbucks.” 

“STARBUCKS?” 

“Rhode, you are going to teach me more about Atlantis. I’m sick of not understanding stuff. The dyslexia translation thing helps, but I still don’t know where anything is or who people are that keep talking to me. Second, Triton here is going to owe me a favor, details to be decided in the future.”

“Agreed, anything else?” 

“I did not consent to this!” 

“Third, you don’t mess with my family. The mortal and demigod side. They’ve got enough worries.”

“Agreed.” Rhode held out her hand, and Percy shook. They both turned to Triton. He scowled, but shook Percy’s hand. 

“Great.” Percy beamed. “Ice cream?” 

“You are my least favorite sibling.” 

“Aww, you too, Triton.”

Chapter Text

“I’m just here for the weekend, I’ll be back in the city Monday. Maybe we can go out for a movie and dinner?”

“That sounds great, Seaweed Brain.” 

“Your designs look incredible. I’m so proud of you. You know that, right?” 

Annabeth pretended to think this over. “Well, you only tell me twice a week, so sometimes I’m not sure.” 

“I’ll work on that.” 

“When’s your next swim meet?” 

“Next Saturday. Want to spend the weekend at my place, and we can go out Sunday?” 

“It’s a date.” 

Someone tapped at the door, and Percy glanced away from the IM. “One sec. Come in!” 

The door opened and Rhode stepped in. “I hope I am not interrupting?” 

“Have you met Annabeth?” 

Rhode crossed the room, perching on the bed beside Percy and leaning over his shoulder. “I have. Hello, Annabeth. The blueprints for the villa are beautiful, I approved them this morning.” 

“Oh, you know each other.” 

“I’m glad you liked them, my lady.”

“Look at you, Wise Girl, rubbing elbows with gods.” 

Annabeth raised her eyebrows. “Look at you, Seaweed Brain, with a goddess coming to tell you dinner’s ready.” 

“Eh, she’s stuck with me. She likes you.” 

“I like you both.” Rhode pinched his ear. “Most of the time.” 

“Hey!” 

Annabeth laughed. “I need to finish this Shakespeare essay, but I’ll talk to you soon, Seaweed Brain. Good night, my lady.” 

“Good night, Annabeth.” 

“Talk to you soon, Wise Girl. Love you.” 

“Love you.” 

Rhode waved as Annabeth ended the message. 

“She’s incredible, isn’t she?” 

Rhode smiled. “You are very fortunate to have her in your life.” 

“I know it.” He flopped back on the bed. “She’s one of the three coolest people I know.”

“Right after me, then?” 

“Eh.” Percy waggled his hand. 

“You are so rude.” 

“You’re my sister, I’m legally obligated to not think you’re cool.” 

“You think Tyson is cool.” 

“Yeah, because he is. Also, Tyson is fun.” 

“I am fun.” 

He reached up and patted her shoulder. “I’m sure people tell you that.” 

“Plenty of people think I am fun,” she protested. “You told me the first time we spoke that I was.” 

“I was being nice. You’d come all that way, and bought me ice cream.” 

“You are insufferable!” She grabbed a pillow and bopped him in the face. He laughed hard enough to shake the bed. “You are uninvited to dinner.” 

“Amphitrite won’t let you! She already told me she’s making my favorite.” 

“She chose to be my mother first, she will take my side.” 

“I wish you luck if you decide to test that.” 

“I have known her for three thousand years, little mortal.” 

“And I’ve got what Annabeth calls my baby seal eyes. Also, I’ll have Dad on my side.” 

“You’re wrong there. Our father never takes sides in these things.” 

“He literally told me I’m his favorite son.” 

“He says things like that, and then tells you to ask Mother about any actual disagreement. He tries to claim it’s not fair for him to rule in favor of any of his children, since he’s a king and supposed to be impartial.” She flopped down next to him, her tone changing. “I may not be around as often these next few months. I am going home, and there will be a great deal to do there.” 

“Home, like your house?” 

“My island, Rhodes. You will still be able to call on me any time, but I will probably not be coming back to Olympus for a while. Unless, fates forbid, there is an emergency.” 

Percy squinted up at the seals circling his light fixture. “Imagine if I was named New York.” 

She snorted. “Or the city was named Percy. What a terror you would be as a tutelary deity of New York.” 

“A tooty Larry?” He snickered. “Is that what you are?” 

“Tutelary.” She rolled her eyes. “Not quite. One term is goddess-nymph. My island is my body, and I am its soul. You are familiar with dryads, and it is a similar concept. My island is much larger than a single grove, so I am more powerful than most nature spirits, and have been worshiped as a goddess, which has made me stronger yet.”

Rolling over, he kicked his feet in the air and propped his chin on his hands. “Is that why you live there instead of Atlantis?” 

“Partly. I can stray further from my home than most nymphs, and stay away longer. It is tiring, however, and frankly I prefer the peace and companionship on my island to anything here in Atlantis.” She rolled over, matching his pose. “Perhaps you can come visit sometime. I will introduce you to my wife. Zitia would be delighted to finally meet you.” 

“Of course she would, I’m a delight to have around.” 

“She will think so. My wife is easily charmed.” 

“She’s a dryad, right?”

“Of the Zitia grove.” Rhode smiled dreamily. “Each summer on Rhodes, the grove fills with the most beautifully colored moths. Mortals call it the Valley of the Butterflies. They cover her trees from root to crown. At night, she dances with them, and it looks as though she is dancing in flame.” 

“You’ve got a cruuuuush.” 

Rhode bounced up off the bed. “Insufferable. I should never leave my island. I am going to dinner.” 

Percy rolled off the bed, cackling as he followed her into the hallway. “You said you wanted to meet your brother, now you’re stuck with me.” 

“You are uninvited to my island.” 

“Wait-” 

“Never seeing it.” 

“Hang on, never is a long time!”