Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Sand has a particular sound to it when someone is trying to run through it quickly. It’s grating. Percy looked up from his spot on the beach to glare at whoever was interrupting him. He swore, the campers wanted nothing to do with him until there was a fuck up they needed him to fix. 

His annoyance was mostly converted to apprehension as he noted the man running toward him was Will Solace.

“Will?” He yelled.

“You need to come to the Big House. Now.” Will shouted as he slowed to a stop, waiting for Percy to join him. He didn’t sound panicked, but something was obviously wrong.

Percy stood up with a sigh and waved goodbye to the nereid he’d been talking with before jogging over to Will.

“What’s wrong?”

“You need to see for yourself.” Will looked stressed. Percy felt his own unease grow at the nerves clear in Will’s eyes and his fidgeting fingers. The doctor being anxious meant a poor prognosis and Percy wasn’t in the mood to learn his diagnosis. 

Percy wanted to ask more, but knew better than to think he could get Will to elaborate if he didn’t want to. The man was stubborn. 

They jogged to the Big House. Percy was confused by the lack of urgency in the camp. If something important was happening, at least the cabin counsellors should be on alert, but it seemed like the camp was oblivious to whatever had Will concerned.

“Will, if this is another intervention I am going to leave camp. I swear. I will move to my father’s kingdom and you all won’t be hearing from me ever again.”

Will hesitated and Percy stopped moving. 

“Will?” Percy growled. 

“We didn’t do it! It seems the gods got involved?” 

“I am going to flood their precious Olympus.” Percy swore. 

The door to the Big House opened. Chiron made eye contact with Percy, there was unease in his expression. 

“It’s not another prophecy, is it?” Percy suddenly felt his will to live leave him. “I can’t.” He shook his head at Chiron. “I…”

“It’s not a prophecy, Percy. Please, come in. I fear you won’t believe it until you see it.”

Percy walked in behind Chiron, he was in his wheelchair, and Will followed behind. 

“The gods sent him with a message. For you.” Chiron said. 

Him?

They entered the Big House’s living room and Percy froze. He hadn’t frozen like this since Tarturus. Sitting on the couch in the Big House was Luke Castellan. He looked better than Percy remembered him looking at the end of the war. Healthy. He was a good weight, his eyes weren’t bloodshot, and his hair was cut clean and short. He looked like the Luke he’d first met. The one he’d looked up to and been jealous of. 

Percy pulled out Riptide but didn’t uncap it.

“What is this?” He asked the room. 

Luke looked up when Percy entered but returned his gaze to his own hands. They were steepled between his legs. Chiron handed Percy a note. 

‘Hello son,’

Oh, great. His dad was directly involved in this. 

‘It has come to my attention that you are going through a difficult time at the moment. Your life has not been easy since turning 12.’

It’d never been easy, dad.

‘I understand why you rejected godhood, and have continued to reject living with me in my kingdom, but I will remind you once again that both options are always available to you. 

It has hurt me to see you suffering these past years, but I was comforted by the knowledge that Annabeth and your friends were by your side. It appears matters have changed recently, and the current support surrounding you is insufficient. 

‘A number of my citizens have shared with me their concerns pertaining to conversations you’ve had with them since your breakup with Annabeth and return to Camp Halfblood. To put it plainly, I am worried about you, son. I brought up my concerns to the other gods and we agreed you would benefit from some extra help at Camp. Hermes has been requesting Luke Castellan be given a second chance for some time, and well, he was the best counsellor Camp Halfblood had until you.’

Except for the part where he tried to destroy it.

‘We understand that there may be hostile feelings between you two, but we feel this could be beneficial for you both and the camp. Please try.’

His father was insane. The gods were insane. This was all insane.

‘And a reminder, you can always call me. I love you, son’

If you loved me, you wouldn’t have brought my attempted murderer back to life. 

Percy handed the letter back to Chiron and walked out of the room. He didn’t slow down at Chiron's shout or when Will tried to grab his arm. It was Nico popping out at him from a shadow that forced him to stop.

“Move.” Percy demanded.

“No.” Nico replied. “I’m here to confirm he is who we’re being told he is, but if I can get you to pull your head out of your ass while I’m here I may as well.”

Percy didn’t move. 

“Percy.” Nico said with forced calm. “This isn’t the worst idea.”

“You're joking!”

“You need change. Your best friend is on a quest, you're hiding from your other friends because they still talk to your ex, and you refuse to interact with anyone else.”

“They refuse to interact with me.” 

“Trust me, Perce. If you saw the glower you’re sporting these days you’d also stay back. I know Luke betrayed you, betrayed everyone, but you told me yourself that he sacrificed himself to kill Kronos. He’s smart, he’s powerful, and he’s been hurt by the gods. Really, you guys have a lot in common.”

Percy rejected any commonality with Luke. Nico could tell and sighed.

“Even if you don’t want to be friends, you still need the help. Camp doesn’t run smoothly with one head counsellor anymore, there's too many of us, you need the help.” Nico accentuated the last part.

“Why couldn’t one of the other cabin counsellors help?”

“They’re too busy or too scared of you to try. You like things your way, and you’re bad at compromising.” Percy frowned. “Luke isn’t scared of you, and he won’t back down if he thinks he’s right and you disagree.”

Percy didn’t know what to say. “I have no say in this.” He said defeated.

“No, you don’t.” Nico grabbed his arm and pulled him back to the room with Luke, Will, and Chiron. “I spoke to my dad, he’s really Luke Castellan. He agreed to their offer.”

“May I ask, what was the offer?” Chiron spoke to Luke. “From my understanding, you earned Elysium, why return?”

Luke looked up at them. “I chose rebirth, actually. And I may have been forgiven by the fates and death, but I haven't forgiven myself. The gods offered me the chance to make amends and to help those I hurt.” He looked at Will and then Percy. “I can’t take back all that I did, all the damage I caused and people I killed, but I can care for the camp and people within it.”

“I don’t trust you.” Percy said. “I don’t forgive you. I don’t want to be anywhere near you.”

Luke nodded. When Percy walked away this time no one stopped him.

Chapter Text

Percy headed directly to the Poseidon cabin. He didn’t have to worry about anyone trying to talk to him as campers took one look at his face and ran off in the opposite direction. 

Percy slammed the door to his cabin shut. “Dad!” He yelled. “Get down here!”

Nothing happened. 

“Poseidon!” Percy yelled. He paced the floor of his cabin and screamed. “Where are you?”

Percy fell to his knees in front of the statue of his father. “Please, dad. Why would you do this to me?” Percy froze at the hand on his shoulder.

“Son. Don’t cry. This wasn’t meant to hurt you.”

Percy stood up rapidly and faced his father. “What did you think seeing him was going to do to me? Really? You said you’re worried about me and you thought Luke of all people could be my new best friend?”

Poseidon sighed. “There are things we gods know that you could never imagine. It may not make sense to you, but having Luke by your side will help you.”

Percy stared at his father, tears in his eyes and scowl on his face. “He tried to kill me, dad. He made me think I could trust him and then he left me for dead.”

Poseidon frowned in sympathy. “You know he regrets what he did. You know he wasn’t always in control. You know that if he could go back he would change it. I understand you’re upset and scared,” Percy opened his mouth to argue but Poseidon kept talking. “But it was your kindness and empathy and loyalty to your friends that made the changes Luke could only dream of a reality. I know you’ve been pushing everyone away. Do not lose what makes you so powerful.”

“I thought my commitment to my friends was my biggest weakness?”

Poseidon tilted his head thoughtfully. “Too much of anything can be a bad thing, and conflicting truths can still exist in tandem. The world is a complex thing, isn’t it?”

Percy nodded. “I just want to feel like myself again.” He wiped the tears off his face.

Poseidon hugged him and Percy accepted it. “You will. I promise. Also, Hermes will be around often to keep an eye on Luke. You can stay in close contact with your mom through him if that would help.”

“That would be really nice.” Percy said.

Chapter Text

Percy headed to dinner with noticeably less anger coursing through him. Even though they no longer segregated tables, he sat alone as usual. It wasn't long before he saw Nico and Will heading towards him, though.

Before either boy could try speaking Percy smiled at them. “I talked to my dad. I’m alright. I’ll…try and be optimistic about this. Don’t expect me to be nice to him or anything, but I won’t be hostile either.”

“That’s all we can hope for.” Will said.

“It’s better than I was expecting.” Nico said, relieved.

“Everyone! If you could settle down, I have an announcement.” Chiron called from the head table. Dionysus looked attentive for once.  

“This is going to be fun.” Nico said. Percy wasn’t sure if that was genuine or sarcastic. 

“The gods have given us a gift.” Percy snorted and watched as several campers looked towards him. “They have brought back one of our own from the underworld.” 

There were gasps around the tables. 

“Some of you will recognise him, many of you will not, but you all will have heard of him. I ask that you give him the chance to speak. He will be staying with us, and returning to his role as head camp counselor which he will be sharing with Percy.” Even more faces turned towards Percy’s table. He caught the eldest Stoll brother’s eyes and saw disbelief. It seemed someone had connected the dots. “Please, welcome back Luke Castellan to Camp Halfblood.”

Luke stepped out from behind the shrubbery that walled in the head table’s side of the pavilion. He was met with silence. 

He didn’t cower, or make himself small. He walked up to the front of the tables with his posture straight and his head held high. Percy felt the familiar pang of jealousy fire back up within him. Percy was a good leader in his own right, confident in himself and his decisions, but Luke just made it look easy.

“Hello, everyone. For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Luke, and several years ago I worked with Kronos to try and destroy Olympus. My actions led to the deaths of many of our campers. I was angry at the gods for abandoning us, for using us, and for not thinking twice about it, but I let my anger control me and that was wrong. Kronos was able to take control of my mind, and planned to extend that control to my body. I did things that had I been in my right mind I would have never done.” He sounded sincere. Percy believed him, and he knew it was true. He’d watched him sacrifice himself to stop Kronos. “I’m so sorry that my selfishness hurt so many. The gods have provided me a chance to make amends, and I hope that by returning to my role as camp counsellor that I can fix a bit of what I broke. Being a big brother to the camp was truly the most meaningful part of my life. So, once again, I am sorry. If you have any questions for me please feel free to ask now or anytime. I will be staying in the big house and I have an open door policy.” Luke smiled and took a step back to signal he was done talking.

Clarisse stood up. Percy felt awful for not realizing how hard this would be for her. He looked at Nico and Will in shock, Will mouthed ‘we warned her’ and Percy relaxed minutely. 

“Selena died because of you.” She said, her voice was steady, devoid of the anger they were all so used to hearing, that they were expecting. “I also know what you did to stop Kronos.” She shook her head. “It doesn’t make up for it. Stay away from me.” She sat back down.

Luke nodded. “I understand.” He said respectfully. 

Percy saw Luke’s face spasm and followed his gaze. Travis Stoll was crying.

“Trav?” Luke said quietly, hesitantly. 

Travis stood up and ran towards Luke, throwing his arms around him. “I hate you.” He cried into Luke’s shoulder. “I’ve missed you so much and I’ve hated myself for it.”

Percy felt his heart ache and saw his guilt reflected on the faces of the older campers around him. He’d never really considered the lasting effects of Luke’s betrayal on his brothers. He knew how it had broken Annabeth, but she ended up coping with her feelings by shoving them to the very back of her mind and forgetting about them. Not everyone could do that.

“I’m so sorry, Trav.” Luke said, tears clear in his eyes. “I’m so sorry.” 

“You’re back.” Travis said.

“I’m back.”

“You’re gonna stay.”

“Yes.”

“And you’re not gonna turn evil again, right?”

Luke let out a choked laugh. “No, I’m not going to turn evil again. Never again. I promise. I have no intention of doing any of that shit ever again.”

There were some giggles at Luke swearing and his adamant sincerity. 

Travis pulled away and wiped his eyes. “Good.” He walked back to his table and sat next to Conner, who was wiping his own eyes dry.

“Any other questions?” Luke asked. 

No one spoke.

With no more questions he looked around and walked over to sit at Percy’s table. Percy ground his teeth. It made sense. He couldn’t exactly sit whether he wanted yet, not with everyone already talking about him and whether he’s safe to be around. 

“That went well.” Will said. “You did good.”

“Thanks.” Luke smiled. He looked relieved. “That was terrifying.”

“You didn’t look it.” Percy said without thinking. 

“Thanks.” Luke's smile turned surprised and his eyes lit up. “You know, I never actually asked. How long has it been since…you know.”

“6ish years I think?” Percy said.

“You're 20?” Luke asked.

Percy nodded. 

Luke looked around. “You’re all grown up.” He said while looking at the Hermes kids. Percy even saw his eyes focus on several of the kids that were unclaimed during Luke’s time. It made Percy realize something else they might have forgotten to tell him.

“Have they told you about the cabins?” Percy asked, suddenly excited.

“They told me I can’t stay in the Hermes cabin, it would understandably be weird.”

Will looked like he’d been smacked in the face with the same realization Percy had. “We’re so dumb.” Will said.

Percy didn’t even think, he grabbed Luke’s hand and pulled him up. “Follow me!.”

“What? Percy!” Luke followed, well it was more that he was trying not to fall on his face as Percy dragged him. “Don’t you want to eat first?”

They stopped in front of the head table. “You forgot to tell Luke about the cabins!” Percy said.

Chiron’s eyes widened and he smiled. “I did.” He sounded both surprised and pleased. “I’ve already gotten so used to it, it slipped my mind that it would be, well, quite notable for Luke.”

Luke was looking between them both with clear confusion.

“Come on!” Percy dragged him away towards the cabins. They had to climb the hill to see the valley where the cabins were held and Percy couldn’t hide his giddyness as they got closer and closer to the peak. 

Luke wasn’t sure what to expect, but he was enjoying the feel of Percy’s hand entwined with his. 

“Oh my gods.” Luke said. His mouth hung open as he stared at the dozens of cabins. “Percy.” He breathed. 

“You asked me to make sure no more kids were left unclaimed. I made it happen.”

Luke looked at Percy in wonder. “How?”

“The gods gave me the credit for defeating Kronos and offered me godhood as my reward.” Luke’s jaw could not be more on the ground. “I declined, and instead I asked for my reward to be that every god, major and minor, be required to claim their children.” Percy shrugged. “It felt right. You were the one who defeated Kronos anyway, it was your wish that deserved to be made reality.”

“You’re something else, Percy.”

Percy smiled his classic crooked grin. “I try.”

Luke laughed. 

“We can eat now, I just wanted you to see.” Percy went to walk back but Luke stayed still. The pull on Percy’s hand made him realize he’d been holding Luke’s hand the entire time and he let go as he felt a blush run over his cheeks. Luke was too busy looking over the valley to notice. “Luke?” Percy questioned quietly.

Luke turned to him and his eyes were wet. “Thank you.” 

“You’re welcome.” Percy felt his own eyes dampen. His breath caught as he realized it was because for the first time in years he felt genuinely happy.

Chapter Text

The next morning Percy sat up in his bed and felt conflicted. He wanted to be mad. It felt good and safe to be angry. He’d woken up every day this summer angry. But instead of anger, he felt hope. Luke was back, and maybe it wasn’t a bad thing? They'd been able to talk at dinner and it felt good to speak to someone who didn't already know everything that Percy had gone through, that didn't know why he and Annabeth broke up, and that didn't care to ask. They talked about splitting up counsellor responsibilities and with campers were the biggest trouble makers. It was so normal. 

Percy also dreamed that night of the final fight with Kronos, and reliving the moment where Luke realized what he’d done and sacrificed himself reminded Percy that Luke was a hero at heart. Percy would also be a liar to say he didn't understand why Luke went down the path he did. There were many many moments after getting his memory back where he felt tempted to let the gods suffer the consequences of their own actions.   

Percy got dressed and decided giving Luke a real chance was the right thing to do.

He headed to the Big House and stopped in the doorway of the kitchen. Luke was standing at the counter making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Percy smiled.

“Not going to breakfast today? Or just that hungry?” Percy asked. Luke didn’t jump or react to Percy in any way to indicate he’d been surprised by Percy’s presence, he just smiled. Percy made a note to try and sneak up on Luke successfully in the future.

“I’m actually heading into the city today.”

Percy stepped further into the kitchen and sat down. “Why?”

“I’ve been dead for a long time. I need to get caught up on, well, everything.”

Percy thought about how much the world had changed in the last 6 years and cringed. “You’re about to have your head explode.” 

Luke smiled at him. It was a really charming smile. Percy could understand why Annabeth was so taken by Luke when she was younger. 

“I look forward to it.” Luke said. “You want one?” He gestured to the bread and spreads.

“Sure.” Percy said. “Can I come with you today?”

“You don’t trust me out alone?” Luke said. His tone was unsurprised and unjudgmental, more curious. “Chiron asked one of the Satyrs to join me, don’t worry.”

“I wasn’t even thinking about trust. I swear. I’m just in the mood to get away from camp for a bit.”

“And you want to spend that time with me?”

Percy shrugged. “Why not?”

“You said yesterday that you didn’t want to be anywhere near me.” Luke said factually and handed Percy his sandwich.

“Okay, I did say that. I’ve been having a rough time and I was frustrated and angry and I wasn’t thinking clearly. I’m uneasy about you-”

Luke snorted. 

“Because you tried to kill me multiple times." Percy said lightly. "Also, it wasn't like you listened to me anyway! You sat at my table!”

Luke bowed his head and looked apologetic. “Anywhere else would have been really awkward.” He said quietly.

Percy nodded. “So, sue me for being upset when I learned the gods thought you were the solution to all my problems. I know you’re a good person. I do. Honestly, I understand too well why you did what you did. It’s just that looking at you reminds me of how I felt sitting on the ground immobile as you left me to die. It reminds me of watching Bekendorff not make it out of the explosion. It reminds me of Clarrise’s grief when we learned the traitor was Selena.” 

Luke swallowed and moved to sit next to Percy. “I can’t apologise enough.”

“No, you can’t.” Percy said. Luke looked down at his knees. “But I also can’t hold your biggest regrets against you.”

“I wouldn’t blame you.” 

“Thanks. But I’m good.” 

Luke looked up at Percy with a hard to read expression on his face. “I don’t ever know what to expect from you.” He said.

Percy smiled through his mouthful of peanut butter jelly. “Good.” He mumbled.

Luke rolled his eyes. “Swallow your food before you speak.”

Percy did. “Did you tell the monsters to do that when you led your evil army?”

Luke seemed taken aback by Percy’s playful tone. “Um.” Luke thought about it and blushed.

“Oh my gods, you did!” Percy was smiling. 

“I…yeah.” Luke sighed. “It was really gross!” He defended himself. 

Percy laughed. 

Chiron looked at Dionysus on the patio, with a window that was conveniently open and beside the kitchen next to them. “I told you so.” 

Dionysus scowled, but the vines surrounding the big house had not been so green in some time. 

Chapter Text

“I’m driving.” Percy said for what felt like the tenth time. “You haven't driven a vehicle in six years!”

“That’s exactly why I should drive! I need to recover the skills I’ve lost.”

“You can learn like every other new driver, in an open field or parking lot, not in New York Fucking City!”

Luke looked at Percy for a long moment. “I’m not technically a new driver. I’ll drive until we hit the highway. The gas station still by the on-ramp?” Percy nodded. “Then we can switch there.”

Percy frowned but nodded and got into the passenger's seat. “If this is how you successfully kill me I’m going to ask for rebirth just to avoid the embarrassment in the afterlife.”

Luke put the key in the ignition. “That would be a crazy long con.” He said absentmindedly, as he put a hand on Percy’s head rest and turned to look out the rearview window. Percy’s thoughts stopped so suddenly he didn’t notice his breath stop with them until his lungs stung. 

Luke was hot.

Percy thought Luke was hot.

Percy was fighting to not blush. 

This was so not a crisis he wanted to have right now, or ever actually. 

Oh my gods. I have the same crush as my ex, he thought. 

Luke backed the car out of its spot and turned onto the road that led out of camp. 

“You good over there? I don’t think my driving is that bad?” Luke briefly looked at Percy’s fingers clawing into his jeans before turning out of the camp. 

“Yeah, yeah. Just not used to being driven by someone else.” Percy said. He loosened his grip.

Luke was a frustratingly good driver, but Percy still told him to pull over at the gas station. 

“I did well!” Luke said, clearly pleased.

Percy nodded as they passed each other to change seats. “You did, but you also forgot who goes first at a fourway stop and got distracted enough by the new billboards to end up drifting onto the shoulder.”

“They were selling cell phones with no buttons! It’s crazy!”

Percy smiled and handed Luke his own phone. It was always on him if he was outside of camp.

Luke held it and jumped when it turned on. “I didn’t do anything!”

“The screens are touch sensitive, that’s why we don’t need the buttons anymore.”

Percy started the car and headed onto the highway. He wasn’t too worried about summoning monsters while they were driving so he told Luke his password and let him explore his phone some more. 

“This is so weird.” Percy heard Luke mumble under his breath before placing the phone in one of the cup holders.

The drive was silent for some time, but not awkward. Percy used to hate silence, but lately he was forced to accept it as a part of his life. It was nice to sit in a silence that didn’t feel suffocating, that didn’t make him feel alone. 

It was still nice when the silence was broken. “Everything looks just a little wrong, just a little too different from how I remember it.”

“It will be more extreme in the city.” Percy warned. 

Luke nodded. 

“I have a question, but I know you might not want to answer it.” Luke said. 

“If I don’t want to then I won't." Percy responded. 

“Chiron told me that there’s another camp of halfbloods, Romans. He said Annabeth was there studying architecture at their university.”

Percy wished he’d told Luke not to ask.

“I know you and Annabeth broke up.”

“What’s the question?” Percy cut in.

“Why? You were obviously a thing when I died, what changed in six years?”

Percy sighed. “Everything and nothing, that was the problem.”

“That doesn’t make sense.” Luke said.

“And that is what I told her when she said it to me, but like always, she was right." Percy sighed. "After you died, there was another prophecy. I was kidnapped and had my memories stolen. She never stopped looking for me, but we both changed a lot when we were apart. Then after I got my memories back we went through hell together, literally traversed Tartarus himself.”

Luke was looking at Percy in shock.

“So, everything changed several times over in those years. We were not the same people we were when we fell in love, but that’s normal, people are constantly changing. The camps changed as we had to learn to work together, and so half-blood culture has shifted a lot.” 

Percy paused, unsure how to continue. “But nothing changed?” Luke prompted.

“Annabeth and I were both still stubborn. We each wanted things and we weren’t going to budge on all of them. I tried though, I really did. The big one was our education. She wanted to do university, and she wanted me there. I mean, I wanted to be there too. I loved her, and I’d grown to love the Romans, but school just isn’t for me. I dropped out after the first year and tried to stay with her while working as a praetor, but it wasn’t feeling right. I came home every night feeling like I was stuck. She came home every night feeling like she wanted more from me. I will always need to be trying something new, and she will always want more, and for several years those wants aligned.”

“Until they didn't." Luke said.

“Until they didn’t.” Percy agreed. “I understand, I do, but sometimes it feels like she didn’t actually love me, she loved what I did and what I could be. When I was no longer ‘improving myself’ I wasn’t what she wanted.”

Luke sighed. “She never was content with who she was at the moment, she always felt she could improve.”

Percy made a noise of agreement. “We did love each other. We just grew apart. It turns out that when we didn’t have an end of the world emergency to work on together we didn’t actually share a lot of the same life goals.”

“Anything specific?” Luke asked. 

“Children. I want them, she didn’t know if she did and didn’t like me asking. I once brought up that it would be nice to maybe foster or adopt. There’s always a child or two that gets dropped off at one of the camps each year because the mortal parent is too scared to raise them. She yelled at me for trying to make her be a mother before she was ready, for trying to distract her from her education and career. That was never my intention.”

“I’m sorry.” Luke said. “You didn’t deserve that response.”

Percy shrugged. They were heading off the highway.

“It is what it is.”

Chapter Text

Percy hadn’t really thought out where he’d take Luke, and it turned out that Luke hadn’t really thought out where he’d take himself either. He was just going to ‘see what looked interesting’. 

What looked interesting was…well…everything. Luke had Percy drive him down street after street, sometimes the same street multiple times, so that he could ogle at the new shops, new fashion, and whatever else caught his eye. 

“We can park and walk around.” Percy said, again.

Luke made a noise and continued staring. “We won’t be able to see as much if we walk.”

“We can always come back another day. Look, let's at least stop to eat.” Percy was going to rip his hair out if he had to keep driving.

Luke sighed, “Okay.”

Percy drove them far enough out of the main city that finding parking wasn’t hell, and they entered the first diner they saw. 

Luke smiled. “At least all diners still look the same.”

Percy nodded and scanned the place for monsters. It’d been quiet so far, but his luck rarely lasted long.

“It’s clear.” Luke said.

Percy followed him and the hostess to a table and groaned. “No, it’s not.” Hermes was sitting on one side of the booth, taking up as much space as possible, forcing Percy and Luke to sit next to each other.

“Thank you, Jodie.” Hermes said to the hostess as she put down the menus. Jodie nodded in a way that made Percy confident she was under control of the mist. 

“Hello dad.” Luke said, sounding more amused than annoyed.

“Hermes.” Percy greeted, clearly annoyed.

“Boys!” Hermes responded with clear enthusiasm. “I wanted to stop by. Make sure you are adjusting okay?” Hermes looked at Luke.

Luke smiled, it was small but sincere. It diluted Percy’s annoyance just a bit. Hermes gave Percy a curious look and Percy felt his annoyance return full force. 

“I’m alright, dad. Percy is taking good care of me.” Percy bowed his head as Hermes laughed. 

“I see that. Thank you, Perseus. I’ll come check on you again tonight, if that’s okay with you?”

Luke nodded. “That works for me.”

Hermes poofed away. Luke didn’t move to sit in the opposite booth, instead, he turned his body to face Percy properly. Percy’s brain felt a little fuzzy at the proximity.

“He’s been popping in randomly since I returned.” Luke explained.

“And you’re okay with it?”

Luke took a moment before answering. “I’ve been given a second chance to live my life. I don’t want to spend it holding the same grudges that ruined my first chance. I–” Luke sighed and looked pained. “Without Kronos in my mind, and with the knowledge I have now, I can see how much my dad really did try. I know he loves me. I want to let him this time.”

Percy nodded. “I’m really happy to hear that, Luke. You deserve love.”

Luke smirked. “Thanks, Perce.”

Percy was going to combust before they even ordered their lunch.

Chapter Text

Luke and Percy walked around the area after having lunch and grabbed a few essentials. Luke needed new clothes as everything from before had been given away or thrown out over the years. They also found him some books and magazines covering current events of the last few years as well as the days newspaper. Percy asked Luke if he wanted a new phone for emergencies, but he said no, with Hermes as his dad and no one he'd want to communicate with outside of the demigod world it wasn't a necessary risk. 

When it was time to head home Luke was so overwhelmed he didn't even try to argue with Percy, he just sat in the passengers seat unprompted. They hardly spoke on the way back. Percy could tell Luke needed the time to process.

When they got to the door of the Big House Luke spoke. “Thank you for going with me.” He said. “You made that a lot easier than it would have been otherwise.”

Percy smiled. “I’m glad to have been helpful.” Percy was standing on the doorstep with Luke leaning against the wall, and he got the sudden feeling that this was the end of a date and he was meant to kiss Luke goodbye. “Well, I’m going to do my rounds of the cabins before sundown. Have a good night.” Percy barely waited for Luke’s goodnight before booking it towards the cabins. He did the fastest cabin checks of his life and locked himself in his.

“I like Luke.” He said out loud. “I like Luke Castellan.”

“Well, that’s a relief to hear.”

Percy swung around as he pulled out and uncapped Riptide. He lowered his sword as he recognized Hermes, then he blushed.

“I was worried, I won't lie. What you say tends to go in the half-blood world, and if you rejected Luke I really wasn’t sure what would happen. It seems my worry was for not.”

“I know Luke isn’t what Kronos made him, I’m not an idiot.” Percy said.

Hermes looked at him with a sincerity that caught him off guard. “No, you’re not. What you are, is a young man who has been hurt by many of the people who were meant to protect you and by several of the people you trusted most. I don’t take for granted the significance of your forgiveness, and neither does Luke.” 

Percy was speechless. He nodded.

“So!” Hermes clapped and smiled wide. “You like my son! Is this a platonic thing or?”

Percy blushed.

Hermes’ smile grew. “Or. Definitely or.”

Percy stared at the ceiling to avoid Hermes’ gaze. “I’m still processing it myself. I didn’t know I liked guys when I woke up this morning!”

“Oh wow. My son was your gay awakening!” Hermes was jumping up and down like an excited child.

“I shouldn’t be talking about this with you.” Percy said.

“Would you rather talk to your father?”

Percy blanched. 

“Thought so. I know you’re close with your mom. Big P asked me to keep you guys in close communication.”

“I don’t think I’m ready to tell her this.” Percy said.

Hermes nodded. “Well, I actually did pop in because I wanted to ask you if you had a message you wanted me to send her? And to check in on your feelings towards my son but those are no longer a worry.”

Percy felt his cheeks burning and grabbed a letter he’d been meaning to mail his mom from his bedside table and handed it to Hermes. It was just a reassurance that he was alive and well. He’d tell her about Luke in the next one.

“Have a good night!” Hermes left Percy standing alone in his cabin once again, mortified. His crush's dad knew he had a crush on his son, and it was Hermes, the main gossiper of Olympus. Percy would be lucky if the gods didn’t all know by Friday.

He flopped onto his bed and screamed into his pillow.

Chapter Text

“Morning, Perce.” Luke said as he walked up to him at the main field. It was ten minutes to the morning run starting.

“Morning, Luke.” Percy was setting up the weapons table for training after the run. He tensed minutely as Luke picked up a sword. Luke, being Luke, noticed.

“I can not touch them today, if you'd prefer. Obviously, you and the campers will need to get used to me holding weapons eventually, but I understand if it’s too soon.”

Percy breathed slowly and really thought about how he felt. “I’m sorry.” He said.

Luke put the sword down without complaint. “It’s okay.” He gave Percy a small smile and he really felt like Luke meant it. “I’ll earn your trust.” Luke walked away to greet the Stolls and their friends. Percy felt a mix of guilt, relief, and flustered by that interaction

The run went smooth, and morning training was mostly Percy explaining and demonstrating different weapon techniques than actual active training for the campers, that would be tomorrow. He had them do the obstacle course and rock climbing wall before sending them off for lunch. Luke walked up to him as they followed behind the campers.

“You’re a good teacher.” Luke said.

Percy was going to start wearing foundation. He ducked his head to maybe hopefully hide his blush. Percy was tall, but Luke was taller, maybe it worked?

“Oh, don’t be bashful.” Luke said. Fuck. It didn’t work. “You really are very good at it.”

“Thanks.” Percy said. “You know, sometimes I still hear your voice when I’m fighting, telling me what moves to make and monster weak points and best weapons choices.”

Luke stopped walking for a second before catching back up. “Really?”

Percy nodded. “You’re a good teacher too."

Luke sat with Percy for lunch. “So, capture the flag is this Friday?” He asked.

Percy nodded. “It’s Athena vs Hephaestus this week.”

“Are you excited for it?”

Percy shook his head. “I don’t play anymore.”

Luke looked confused. “Why?”

“It’s not fun for me, I don’t need the training, and whichever team I’m not on complains that having me on your team gives you an unfair advantage. Nico rarely joins either for the same reasons.”

“That doesn’t seem fair. It’s a training exercise. It doesn’t actually matter who wins.”

Percy shrugged. 

“When the camp is more used to me we should do head counsellor capture the flag. We each pick our teams and see who wins?”

Percy raised an eyebrow. “You’re really suggesting fighting me on your third day back?”

Luke smiled. Percy felt his stomach flutter with stupid eager butterflies. 

“I always was competitive. I’ve been learning all about your missions from Chiron and you’re a formidable leader, I want to see how I compare.”

Percy tilted his head. “Why? What if you don’t win?”

Luke shrugged. “Then I don’t win, and I try harder next time. I’m going to be completely real with you, Percy. I don’t really know who I am. The last years of my life were spent with an evil titan in my head. I remember that the old Luke Castellan cared about his campers and was a good leader. I know I still care about the campers, I feel it every time I look at them, but I don’t know if I’m still a good leader.”

Percy nodded. “You were a good swordsman.”

“You beat me.” Luke said wryly. 

“And then you crushed me in the rematch. We should spar after lunch. I bet I’d totally beat you now.” Percy said impulsively. 

Luke looked confused. “What? You said no weapons for me just this morning!”

“I changed my mind.”

“You do that a lot.” Luke said, amused.

Percy thought about it for a moment. “You’re just good at changing my mind.”

“I didn’t do anything.” Luke held his hands up in mock defense.

“You keep being genuine. It makes it hard to hold a grudge.”

Luke’s responding smile made the butterflies in Percy’s stomach soar. 

----------

Percy felt a wave of deja vu as he stood across from Luke. They were each in their casual camp armour and holding swords. The swords were metal but blunted, so they could bruise each other but hopefully avoid any serious injuries.

“How’re you feeling about your chances?” Percy said.

Luke looked him up and down. Percy blushed. Luke smiled. “I’ve had a lot of time on my hands while waiting for rebirth. Had to do something to keep me occupied.” Luke spun his sword and his smile turned more predatory. It was still an excited smile, still full of charm, but it made Percy realize this might be harder than he anticipated. 

And it was. Percy may have had years more training behind him now and had caught up to Luke’s physical height and weight advantages, but Luke was a great swordsman. There was bo doubt about it.

They were both fast. Parrying and dodging and striking without hesitation. Percy realized he’d have to change his technique. He would guess he was stronger than Luke was, and so he started putting more power behind his strikes. It made him slower, but it was clearly tiring Luke.

He could see campers congregating around them, watching. He didn’t give them a second thought as he moved closer to Luke to unbalance him.

Luke saw it coming, and even though his arms were sore from blocking Percy’s strikes, and his lungs were burning from exertion, he had enough energy to think up an attack Percy would almost definitely have no defence for. 

As Percy stepped closer, expecting Luke to fumble as his sword was moving too slow to come between them, and was in a poor position for him to block an attack from Percy, Luke instead stepped closer as well. Percy had aimed his sword high, planning to touch Luke’s neck and act as the ‘killing blow’ to win the match, but Luke stepped to Percy’s right and ducked, letting Percy’s sword arm pass his neck and fall behind his head, as he quickly moved to wrap his own sword arm around Percy, so that his sword's blade would rest on Percy’s waist. He moved his free arm and grabbed Percy’s sword hand, spinning it and shocking him enough to drop his sword. 

Percy’s heart had been pounding heavily from exertion, but now, as he stared into Luke’s eyes just inches from his own, he thought it might explode.

“Looks like I win.” Luke smiled. It was beautiful and cocky and Percy wanted to kiss it off his stupid handsome face. He really might have, had the campers not started cheering.

“That was the best sword fight I’ve seen since Percy and Thalia last summer!” One camper yelled.

“What a rematch!” Another screamed. They must have been around the first time Luke and Percy sparred, when Percy beat him.

Luke took a deep breath and moved to release Percy from his hold. He picked up Percy’s sword and handed it back to him. “Good fighting,” Luke complimented. “I look forward to sparring again sometime?” He asked, hopeful.

Percy accepted the sword. “You’re so on.” 

Luke grinned. 

“That was fantastic, Luke!” Hermes said from beside them. “Good job, son!”

Luke rolled his eyes and missed Hermes winking at Percy. Percy hoped it was only Hermes paying excess attention to his reactions towards Luke. 

“Thanks, dad.” Luke didn’t brush off his dad’s proud shoulder pat. 

“Can we do sword training today?” One of the campers asked as they all ran over.

Percy had been planning to do hand-to-hand, but realizing that would likely mean him and Luke demonstrating those techniques on each other he quickly agreed to do sword play instead. 

Chapter Text

The rest of the day was uneventful. The campers were talking with Luke now, which was good, and Percy didn’t embarrass himself in front of Hermes any further. 

He was brushing his teeth when he heard a knock on his door. “Percy!” Nico yelled. “Can I come in?”

Percy spit into the sink. “Come in!” He yelled and rinsed his mouth out.

“What’s up, Nics?” Percy asked as he walked into the main area.

“What’s up with you?” Nico asked. “You and Luke are getting along better than anyone had hoped.”

Percy tried to act nonchalant. “He’s a good guy, and I can see he’s really genuine about making amends.”

“And that he’s really pretty when he smiles at you?” 

Percy blushed and sat on his bed, putting his face in his hands.

“Is it that obvious?” He said, mortified.

“Will said it just looked like you were taken aback by him winning the spar, but I know gay panic when I see it, and I know how you act when you’re flustered.”

Percy groaned. “Do you think he knows?”

Nico shrugged and joined him on the bed. “I’m not a mind reader, or a child of Aphrodite. What I can say is that he asks a lot more questions about you than he does Thalia or Annabeth.”

“You’ve been talking to him about me?” Percy said, voice strained.

“I’ve been checking in with him about afterlife after effects. We talk.”

“After life after effects?” Percy asked. Was something wrong with Luke?

Nico nodded. “He was dead, and now he’s not. That can be hard to cope with. We talk about what my dad’s realm is like, and his experience. I’ve told him about Hazel. It’s different for him, though. He can remember waiting for re-birth in Elysium. He, in a way, had a life there, and he’s left it behind for a very uncertain second chance here. There can also be physical effects if the transfer back up doesn’t go right. He’s in the clear on that though, I’ve triple checked.”

Percy nodded. “That’s really kind of you.”

Nico shrugged. “Will suggested it. I’d also heard a lot about what Luke was like before everything and I was curious.”

“He’s…” Percy trailed off.

Nico smirked. “He’s sweet? And nice? And charming? And funny?”

“Shut up!” Percy said, flustered.

“He is.” Nico said. “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I think the gods made a good decision bringing him back to help you.”

“What do I do, Nico? I don’t want to be just friends.”

“I don’t have an answer for you there. It’s only been three days, though, so I suggest giving it some more time. Your feelings may change, and he still needs time to get used to being alive again.”

Percy nodded and thanked Nico as he left.

Chapter Text

The next day was Thursday, and the campers were given the morning training time to plan for capture the flag, so Percy headed to the stables to do his weekly check-in with the horses and pegasi. He was not expecting Luke to be there.

“Luke?” He walked up to where the man in question was sitting on a hay bail.

“Hey! Chiron told me you come to the stable every Thursday morning.”

“And you wanted to see me?”

Luke nodded but didn’t elaborate.

“Why?” Percy asked.

Luke smiled. It was a trouble maker’s smile. 

“I want to go for a ride. You can take me.”

“You can take the horses on your own? I don’t think anyone is worried you’re going to ride off and never return.”

Luke shook his head. “Wrong word choice. I want to go for a fly.”

“Oh! They won’t let you near them will they?” Percy looked at the pegasi. Blackjack was giving off displeased vibes. 

“No, they will not, but I also wouldn’t want to fly on one without you.”

Percy was not going to blush. This was not going to become a daily thing.

“I’ve apologised, but I don’t know if they accepted or what they have to say. I was hoping you could mediate? And then maybe one of them would agree to take us up?”

“Um. Sure. Why do you want to go flying so bad anyway?”

“It feels good.” Luke shrugged. “Everything down here isn’t important up there. I can just breathe and enjoy being alive.”

Percy couldn't argue with that. He nodded and walked up to the pegasi stalls. “So, what do you guys say?”

“He got our brothers and sisters killed during the war.” One of them spoke. “I do not forgive.”

“He was under mind control and has sincerely apologised. He wants to make amends.”

“And you believe him?” Another asked.

“Yes, I do.” Percy said.

“Do you trust him?” Blackjack asked.

Percy looked at Luke, who was trying to act like he wasn’t trying to decipher the half of the conversation he couldn’t hear.

“Yeah, I do. I trust him.”

Luke’s head shot up. He looked surprised and shocked and so hopeful. 

“Okay, then. I’ll give him a second chance.” Blackjack said. 

Percy gave his mane a pat. “Thank you, buddy. I know what a big deal that is for you.”

“He said yes?” Luke asked.

“Blackjack is willing to give you a second chance because I trust you. They don’t forgive you though.”

Luke’s joy dimmed. “I understand.” He turned to leave.

“Where are you going? We’re going for a fly.”

“But?”

“Blackjack may not forgive you, but he’s willing to let you ride with me.”

Luke ran over, his excitement palpable, and helped Percy saddle Blackjack. 

“Okay. You can sit in the front—”

Blackjack neighed and stepped back. “You are not letting him steer me!”

“But,”

“No!”

Percy looked at Luke who was watching the interaction anxiously. 

“Blackjack isn’t comfortable with you steering him. You’ll have to sit behind me.”

“That’s alright. Makes more sense anyway. I am taller than you.” Luke smiled and nudged Percy’s shoulder teasingly.

“Barely.” Percy said as he got onto Blackjack’s back. He forced himself to stay relaxed as Luke wrapped his arms around his waist. It was the second time in two days. Percy was going to die.

“Okay, Blackjack. Let's fly.” 

Blackjack shot up into the air as soon as his hooves passed the doors. Luke’s arms tightened and Percy felt the air of Luke’s surprised ‘woah!’ brush his ear. His face was on fire, but at least Luke couldn’t see, or he’d assume it was from the wind.

“This is amazing!” Luke said. 

Percy guided Blackjack around the camp, trying to stay out of the more populated areas, before landing them in front of the barn.

Luke hopped down first and Percy felt cold without him wrapped around his back. Luke offered his hand and helped Percy down from Blackjack. He didn’t let go of Percy’s hand or remove his hand from Percy’s waist.

“Thank you.” Luke said.

Percy didn’t know what to respond. He didn’t want Luke to let go.

“Good luck, man! I didn’t know you had a thing for scary blonds.” Blackjack said as he walked himself back to his stall. 

Luke smiled at Percy’s reaction to Blackjack’s neighing. “What did he say?” He asked, intrigued.

“That I have a thing for scary blonds.” Percy replied without thinking and then blushed furiously.

Luke laughed and wrapped both his arms around Percy’s waist, keeping them face to face. “Scary?” Luke questioned.

“You really have to ask that?” Percy was fighting to keep his brain working enough to answer Luke. He was going to melt into a puddle. This was how the great Percy Jackson was going to die.

“Well, I’m trying to be less scary.” Luke pouted before kissing Percy’s temple.

“It’s working.” Percy said.

Luke kissed his cheek. “Good.”

At this point Percy was pretty sure he was only still standing because Luke was holding him up.

‘You have a ‘thing’ for me?.” Luke asked.  

Percy whined. “I’m starting to think you already noticed.”

Luke chuckled and kissed Percy’s nose. Then his other cheek and his other temple. “I hoped.” He kissed the corner of Percy’s mouth and Percy gasped in response. “When you walked into the living room of the big house my first thought was ‘fuck me, he grew up hot’. Followed by the realization I’d never have a chance with you.”

Percy could not blush more if he tried. 

“You were so beautiful when you lit up and dragged me to see the cabins. You holding my hand gave me hope.”

Luke kissed the other corner of Percy’s mouth. He pulled back enough to see Percy’s face in full. 

“It was the look on your face when I reversed the car that made me think I actually might have a chance.”

Percy ducked his head. “I didn’t even know I liked guys like that until you did that.”

Luke laughed. “Oh my gods, really?”

Percy nodded. 

Luke raised one of his hands to cup Percy’s face. “You really are something else, Percy.” He said fondly as he lifted Percy’s face. “Can I kiss you?” Luke asked.

“Please.” Percy leaned in with Luke and when their lips touched he felt…like himself again for the first time in years. He didn’t feel like he was expected to be anything other than Percy Jackson, kissing the boy he liked. 

Luke tried to pull away but Percy didn’t let him, he raised his arms to wrap them around Luke’s neck. The kiss broke anyway as Luke laughed. “Eager, are we?” He teased.

Percy smiled. “Yes.” And kissed him again.