Chapter Text
Percy Jackson's alarm blared at 5:30 AM, dragging him from the remnants of a restless sleep. With a groan, he swung his legs over the edge of the bed and rubbed his eyes, already feeling the weight of the day ahead. Living in Gotham City was a constant balancing act, one he had yet to master despite his extraordinary abilities.
Gotham Academy was a prestigious school, and Percy was one of its most unlikely students. As he walked through the towering iron gates, he couldn't help but feel out of place among the privileged teens. His classmates wore designer clothes and carried the latest gadgets, while he sported second-hand attire and a backpack that had seen better days. Yet, Percy's mind was sharp, and he excelled in his classes, driven by an inner determination to prove himself.
The bell rang, and Percy's first class began. He struggled to keep his eyes open as the teacher droned on about algebraic equations. His thoughts drifted to his first job of the day at Big Belly Burger. As soon as school let out, he would sprint to the fast-food joint, don his greasy uniform, and serve customers with a forced smile. The pay was meager, but it was a job, and Percy took pride in earning his own way.
The shift at Big Belly Burger ended at 5:00 PM, giving Percy just enough time to rush to the harbor docks. The work there was grueling, but it provided an outlet for his strength and stamina. He hauled crates, unloaded shipments, and did whatever was asked of him without complaint. The older dockworkers respected him, often commenting on his work ethic and resilience.
By 9:00 PM, Percy's muscles ached, and his body begged for rest. But his day was far from over. He had one more job, one he kept secret from everyone, including Diana. As darkness fell, he made his way to an abandoned warehouse, his stomach churning with dread. Black Mask, one of Gotham's most notorious villains, had somehow ensnared Percy into his web. Reluctantly, Percy served as a henchman, using his demigod abilities to carry out tasks he would rather not think about.
Percy's strength and perseverance were evident, but so was his constant exhaustion. Each night, he returned home with bruises and cuts, his body a canvas of his daily battles. Diana, who he believed to be his older sister, often tried to help him financially. She left money on the kitchen counter, slipped extra bills into his backpack, and even offered to pay his school tuition. But Percy, valuing his independence, refused her offers. He couldn't shake the feeling that he needed to stand on his own, to carve out his own path despite the odds.
One evening, after a particularly brutal day, Percy found Diana waiting for him in the small apartment Percy paid for , Diana was visiting for the night . Her expression was a mix of concern and frustration. "Percy, you can't keep doing this to yourself," she said softly, her eyes scanning his injuries.
"I'm fine, Diana," Percy replied, though he winced as he sat down. "I can handle it."
Diana sighed, sitting beside him. "You're just a kid. You shouldn't have to handle all this alone."
Percy looked at her, seeing not just his sister but a fierce protector. "I have to. I don't know why, but I feel like it's my responsibility."
She reached out, gently touching his bruised cheek. "You're stronger than you know, Percy. But even the strongest need help sometimes."
As Percy drifted off to sleep that night, her words echoed in his mind. He knew she was right, but accepting help felt like admitting defeat. And Percy Jackson was not one to admit defeat easily. His double life in Gotham was his burden to bear, and he intended to carry it with all the strength he could muster.
Percy's days at Gotham Academy were a blur of classes and exhaustion, but one bright spot stood out among the monotony: Artemis Crock. She was sharp, confident, and had an air of mystery that intrigued him. Despite his nerves, Percy decided it was time to take a chance and ask her out.
He found Artemis in the library during lunch break, surrounded by stacks of books and immersed in her studies. Percy took a deep breath, steeling himself as he approached her table. The library was quiet, the soft rustle of pages and muted whispers creating a serene atmosphere that contrasted sharply with his pounding heart.
"Hey, Artemis," Percy began, his voice steady despite his nerves. She looked up, surprise flickering in her eyes before she quickly masked it with her usual cool demeanor.
"Hey, Percy. What's up?" she replied, closing her book and giving him her full attention. Percy shifted from one foot to the other, suddenly feeling self-conscious under her gaze.
"I was wondering if you'd like to go out with me sometime. Maybe grab a coffee or something?" He tried to keep his tone casual, but he could hear the hopeful edge in his own voice.
Artemis blinked, clearly taken aback by the unexpected question. She hesitated, glancing at her watch before responding. "Oh, um, I'm really busy with schoolwork and training right now. Maybe another time?"
Percy's heart sank, but he managed a small smile. "Sure, no problem. I get it. Sorry for bothering you."
"It's okay," Artemis said, but her eyes had already returned to her book. Percy nodded awkwardly and turned to leave, feeling a mix of disappointment and relief. At least he had tried.
As he walked away, lost in his thoughts, a sudden sharp pain exploded in his nose. Percy stumbled, clutching his face as blood began to trickle from his nostrils. He spun around to see Artemis standing there, her fist still raised and a furious look on her face.
"What the hell, Artemis?" Percy exclaimed, bewildered and hurt. He wiped at his nose, feeling the warm, sticky blood on his fingers. His Achilles curse should have protected him, but apparently, it had chosen this moment to fail.
Artemis lowered her fist, her expression shifting from anger to confusion and then to guilt. "I'm sorry, Percy," she muttered, not meeting his eyes. "I don't know what came over me."
Percy stared at her, trying to make sense of what had just happened. "You punched me because I asked you out?"
"No! I mean, yes, but not really," Artemis stammered, clearly flustered. "I was just... surprised. And I guess I reacted badly. Really badly. I'm sorry."
Percy took a deep breath, willing himself to stay calm despite the throbbing pain in his nose. "Look, it's fine. Just, next time, maybe say no without the violence?"
Artemis finally looked at him, her eyes softening with regret. "I will. I promise. Are you okay?"
"I'll live," Percy said with a wry smile. "Just another day in Gotham, right?"
Artemis chuckled, though it sounded forced. "Right. Still, I'm really sorry. Can I make it up to you somehow?"
Percy considered her offer, then shook his head. "Just try not to punch anyone else who asks you out, okay?"
She nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "Deal."
As Percy walked away, nursing his nosebleed, he couldn't help but curse his bad luck. First, the rejection, and now this. But deep down, he couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Artemis's reaction than she let on. And in Gotham City, mysteries were just another part of daily life..
After his encounter with Artemis, Percy's day dragged on, marked by the usual grind of schoolwork and his shifts. By the time he arrived at Big Belly Burger for his evening shift, he was physically and emotionally drained. The fast-food joint was bustling with the dinner crowd, and Percy threw himself into his work, hoping the busy pace would distract him from his earlier disappointment and confusion.
As the evening wore on, a group of teens entered the restaurant, catching Percy's attention immediately. They were an eclectic mix, clearly out of place among the usual clientele. Percy recognized Artemis among them, along with Raquel, Zatanna, and a few others he had seen around school but didn't know personally. He stiffened, his earlier embarrassment and irritation flaring up again.
Artemis spotted Percy at the counter and hesitated, a flicker of guilt crossing her face. She led her friends to a table, and they settled in, chatting and laughing. Percy forced himself to focus on his work, taking orders and serving food, but he couldn't ignore the knot of anger tightening in his chest.
As the group chatted and placed their orders, Artemis got up to grab some napkins. Percy was working the counter, and when their eyes met, a wave of awkwardness washed over him. He approached their table with their trays of food, feeling more nervous than he'd like to admit.
"Hey, Percy," Artemis said, trying to sound casual. "Fancy seeing you here."
Percy set down the trays, avoiding eye contact. "Yeah, it's my job," he muttered, unable to keep the edge out of his voice.
Artemis picked up on his tone and sighed. "Look, about earlier... I didn't mean to—"
Percy cut her off, his frustration bubbling over. "You didn't mean to what? Punch me in the face? Or give me a lame excuse about being busy, only to hang out with your friends?"
Artemis winced, her cheeks flushing. "I know it looked bad, but I swear I had a reason. My mom, Dinah, called me away for something important. I wasn't just blowing you off."
Percy's eyes flashed with anger. "Could've fooled me." He turned and walked away, his hands clenched into fists. He didn't want to cause a scene, especially not at work, but he couldn't shake the feeling of being dismissed and lied to.
Artemis watched him go, feeling a pang of guilt. She returned to her friends, her mood considerably dampened. They noticed her change in demeanor immediately.
"Everything okay, Artemis?" Raquel asked, concern in her voice.
Artemis sighed and shook her head. "Not really. You know that guy, Percy? He asked me out earlier today, and I kind of... handled it badly."
Zatanna raised an eyebrow. "Handled it badly how?"
"I panicked and punched him in the nose," Artemis admitted, wincing at the memory. "Then I gave him some lame excuse about being busy, and now he's mad because he thinks I was just blowing him off to hang out with you guys."
The group fell silent, processing what she had said. Finally, Raquel spoke up. "That's rough, Artemis. But why did you punch him?"
Artemis shook her head, frustrated with herself. "I don't know. I guess I was just surprised and didn't know how to react. It was stupid, and now he hates me."
Conner, who had been listening quietly, spoke up. "You should talk to him. Explain what happened and apologize."
Artemis nodded slowly. "Yeah, I know. But I doubt he'll want to listen to me right now."
"Still worth a try," Dick said, his expression thoughtful. "If he's as decent a guy as you say, he'll hear you out eventually."
Artemis sighed, looking over at Percy who was now taking another customer's order, his movements tense and hurried. "I hope so. I really messed up."
The rest of the meal was subdued, with Artemis feeling the weight of her actions. She knew she needed to make things right with Percy, but she wasn't sure how. For now, all she could do was hope that he would give her a chance to explain and that she could find a way to make amends.
As the team finished their meal and left Big Belly Burger, Artemis cast one last glance at Percy. He was cleaning tables, his face set in a mask of determination. She felt a pang of guilt and resolve. She would fix this. She had to.