Drowning in the Siren's Song

Chapter 45

Percy walked Jason back to the Wolf House even though the sun was already up. They'd stopped at the river so that Jason could wash up, and now, except for his tinted eyes, there was no signs of his heroic battle in the forest. 

Jason was much more comfortable now and had spent their walk back to the Wolf House telling Percy of the little memories he had left of his family. Percy in turn, had just nodded along, knowing that Jason was probably talking about it for the first time and simply wanted an ear. He would share his own story another time. 

He also avoided talking because he had a sneaky suspicion than he'd met his sister already. He knew the pain of loosing family, but telling him about the potential identity of his sister being Thalia was something he just couldn't do. He didn't want to unnecessarily butt into their family affairs. He would help Jason when the time came, but only if he asked for it.

He shook it off, knowing that he could very well be wrong. He'd met Thalia briefly and it was a long time back. There were many black-haired, blue-eyes people in the world. But because of his hyper mind, he'd started to worry and wonder about how the trio was doing. 

He was so distracted that he didn't notice that they were already in front of the Wolf House. They were greeted by Mr. Russo at the entrance with raised brows. He was a strict but kind man, known to have nothing which would surprise him. Percy believed the rumor. After all, he'd spent his life with wolves and the children of literal gods. 

But seeing him, he subtly scuttled behind Jason, avoiding eye-contact. He knew there was nothing scary about the balding, wrinkled man, but he couldn't refuse the sense of comfort Jason's back gave him at the moment. 

He hated being apprehensive towards the one who'd helped and taken care of him for months, but he couldn't help but be hesitant while approaching him. He always did his best to avoid him because he knew that he was sure to be rude if he were in his presence. But though his body refused him, he still held him in high regards. 

He bowed his head lightly in respect, peeking over Jason's shoulder. Mr. Russo nodded at him with a smile, unquestioning his behavior, but with a question ready for their actions.

"May I know where the two of you were?" He mainly spoke to Jason, having come to know that if he talked to Percy, all he was going to get were stiff answers and twitching fingers. 

Poor Jason could not lie and nor could Percy. An awkward silence followed his question as both the boys avoided meeting his eyes and shuffled their feet. He took a moment to look them over, noticing small details which told him more than they thought. 

"Your business stays your business, but you two must get a good night's sleep, do you understand?" He scolded them gently, making them look up and nod their heads. 

Once he got the confirmation that they'd registered his words, he turned his heal, throwing a few words behind his back. "And even if you want to sneak out, at least make sure to come back before I notice." He said offhandedly. 

His sudden teasing caught Jason at surprise as he gaped at his back with wide-eyes. Percy muffled his laughter, knowing that his stiff friend must've expected harsh scolding for his 'rule-breaking' and was definitely not expecting encouragement.

"Come now!" Mr. Russo called them from inside. "And ice your face before my wife wakes. She'll be fretting days if she sees you like this." 

Embarrassed, Jason followed behind, the back of his neck bright red, making Percy unable to hold back his laughter.