Our Fates Were Intertwined Long Ago

The Naming Ceremony

He was not aware when he had gone from relaxing with his eyes closed to asleep but he awoke to the chirping of birds. Groaning at the fact he had barely gotten four hours of sleep he rose from the bed realizing that Apollo had adjusted him in his sleep.

He smiled at the thought of the blonde, his nurturing nature that brought them closer. It had started as a simple conversation when Apollo had visited camp to talk to his kids and Percy had seen him exiting the infirmary.

They had started up a discussion on the campers and Percy could not help but notice the pride in the God's voice when he talked about his children. He was sweet and charming and never imposed when Percy wanted to isolate himself.

From there it had stemmed to more discussion about poetry which Percy appreciated. While Apollo often harassed his children with haikus, he discussed poetry with Percy. This then led to Apollo seeking his company when he was doing homework or just relaxing on the beach.

He did not think he was in love but he knew he appreciated Apollo's company and well.. c'mon he had eyes. He could appreciate the taunting golden skin that stretched when Apollo would excitedly discuss topics.

He could be mesmerised for hours by the blue eyes that reflected the day sky that lit up when he created a new song and 'just had to come sing it to Percy'. His voice had a honeyed tone that calmed Percy.

Yet he always tried to hold a barrier between them for fear of disappointment. The divine God would obviously not see Percy as more than a fling if anything happened. Objectively, Percy knew if he wanted he would have no trouble seducing Apollo who was only held back by Poseidon's protectiveness.

Shaking off his musings he stripped himself of his outfit and sank into the bath relaxing in the water. Sighing, he contemplated his discussion with Ananke and her behaviour. While he was grateful she didn't want him dead, he hated the amusement in her eyes when she spoke. As if his life was nothing more than entertainment for her.

Shifting his thoughts, he allowed himself to relax and enjoy the water lapping at his skin. He was interrupted by the hands that massaged his shoulders. He was aware that the only person who could enter was Apollo so he leaned back in contentment and bent his head to lock eyes. "Hi," he smiled voice still groggy from waking up.

He could not help the joy that filled him when eyes darkened in lust roamed his figure. "Enjoying the view?" he questioned cheekily.

"Yes," Apollo responded voice tight, "I would gaze upon your visage eternally and enjoy your beauty for the rest of my life time if you let me".

Percy hid his shock at the honesty in the voice and instead turned fully to face him. "While I appreciate the compliment, is there a reason for your spontaneous visit or aren't you meant to be driving the sun?" he stated in confusion.

It had been explained to him how disorientating it was to split your form. While not painfully and often necessary if you had multiple domains, he had been told that it was weird to receive an influx of memories back to your main self when the form dissipated.

At his question Apollo's face blanked when he responded, "Your presence has once again been requested by the council. It is concerning that your ascension has been fast tracked and it made Zeus uneasy."

"YOU TOLD HIM?" Percy exclaimed, pulling himself away. His heart sped up as his mind went red and he felt a tug in his stomach. Not wanting to take his anger out on unsuspecting mortals, he forced himself to control his breathing until his heart had returned to normal rhythm.

Looking up he noticed the hurt look on Apollo's face and hid the wave of guilt that overcame him.

"No," Apollo denied, "I would never betray your trust like that. Ever since the news of your ascension was spread, your father has been watching his domains closely. He has noticed the Sea rushing to ready itself for a new presence and connected it to you."