𝐂œ𝐮𝐫𝐬 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐬é𝐬 [Percy Jackson]

179

With more protests from the older couple, the two teenagers shushed them and managed to bring out all the food to the table. In the end, Sally and Paul let them because it was one thing to deny Percy something when he had his mind set on it, it was another thing to deny Hadrian.

Hadrian was well aware of how much his hands shook as he brought the dishes over, glad that he didn't spill or drop anything.

Hesitantly, he lowered himself into a seat finally, next to Sally Jackson and across from Paul. It was more than a bit nerve racking to be sitting at the table with Percy's parents without him since he was still putting all the cakes in the fridge.

"Thank you for having me" He smiled at the older couple. "Your home is beautiful"

"It's something" Sally laughed, "I wanted to tidy up more, but you two arrived earlier than I expected"

"It's perfect" He assured her. "I love the books everywhere, and I thought I saw Homer?"

Paul perked up at the mention, "Have you read Homer?"

"Listened to some of the Iliad. Takes me ages to read so I just listen to audiobooks"

As awkward as he felt, the conversation was easy to navigate. The more they talked, the more at ease Hadrian felt. It was humanely impossible to feel awkward or out of place with Sally Jackson and Paul Blofis. They were eager to listen to him talk about his favorite books and about how Percy was the complete opposite of them.

Hadrian talked more than he ever had with any adult other than Coach Hedge (if he classified as one). He talked about how he preferred books about Greek mythology, to hear about the heroes of past, but he also liked romance, to which Sally replied, telling him about her novels.

By the time Percy returned from the kitchen, Hadrian was feeling much better. He no longer had the awkward feeling in his stomach as if he would throw up any moment. He had settled in his chair and into the easy conversation.

"Shakespeare gives me a headache" Hadrian was saying, "But I really like his works, lots of murder and drama"

"Are you guys talking about Shakespeare?" Percy pulled a face, "Should I go back to the kitchen and pretend I'm busy for five more minutes?"

A ripple of laughter rung from all three of them.

They dug into the food and for a moment, Hadrian felt absolutely complete. He had good food, good company and a great boyfriend who sat down next to him. Percy tore into the food like he hadn't eaten in ages, Sally chastised him about manners in front of guests, but she didn't sound serious so Percy just laughed it off.

"He's not a guest" Percy rolled his eyes, "He's seen me puke all over my bed, I doubt he's going to leave because I have some sauce on my face"

"Your mom's right, Jackson," Hadrian shrugged, "You look like an animal"

Percy pressed an offended hand to his chest. "You love me regardless"

"Debatable"

"So" Sally began after a while, when the only sounds had been of the cutlery. She looked like someone who thrived off of a good conversation. "I haven't heard much from Annabeth. I was sure you'd bring her. Just like last year, remember?"

Hadrian paused with his fork half way to his mouth, the pasta dangling off it. He exchanged a look with Percy, unsure of what his boyfriend would say.

Sally and Paul looked nice enough, actually, more than nice. But Hadrian still had his doubts. He had been bullied for who he was pretty much his whole life. He had seen people he expected to support him turn horrendous when he told them he liked guys.

He didn't want the same to happen with Percy.

He didn't want to ruin Percy.

He didn't want to ruin what Percy had with his parents.

"Last year was different" Percy turned back to his mom, "Lots happened after it"

A ball of anxiety wound tight in Hadrian's stomach. He expected the worst. He always did.

"I know" Sally's smile wavered. "Percy, I know you haven't told me everything. But I'm your mother, I worry. I see it in your eyes, something happened. Something bad. And I won't force you to tell me, but I'm always here for you, honey. You know that right?"

"I know, mom" Percy said. "It's just... a lot. I don't want to talk about it now, maybe never"

Just thinking about Tartarus made Hadrian feel like he was there again. Like it would always be a part of him, what he experienced down there. As selfish as it was, he was glad he wasn't there alone.

He reached out and put his hand over Percy's knee under the table, which earned him a small smile.

Sally just nodded and reached across the table to put her hand on his. Percy smiled, looking far too happy with the two most important people in his life showing him affection.

"I did want to tell you both something, though" Percy spoke up when Sally pulled back. "It's kind of a lot, I know. But I want you to know I'm the same person I've always been. I- This doesn't change anything. And-and it's a part of me, a part I'm completely sure of, that isn't going to change."

Hadrian admired how level his voice was, even though he stuttered a few times. He looked nervous, it was cute. But Hadrian also knew how hard it was to come out to people, to expect the worst.

There wasn't a single coming out, more like a hundred. The whole world revolved around cis het people and for some reason, if you were different, you had to announce it and tell every new person because otherwise they just assumed you were like the vast majority.

"What is it, honey?" Sally asked, looking briefly at Hadrian since Percy was staring at him too.

"The pasta's great" Hadrian blurted, overwhelmed by both Jackson's staring at him.

Sometimes it was hard to breathe with Percy looking at him. With Sally looking too, he panicked. Sue him, he's only (half) human!

"Thanks, I tried a new recipe" Paul hummed, oblivious to the way Percy looked terrified and the way Sally narrowed her eyes in confusion. "The trick is to us every Italian spice you can think of"

"I'd probably burn pasta if I tried to make it" Hadrian chuckled awkwardly.

"It's quite simple actually"

"I'd love to learn"

"Percy, honey, what is it?" Sally asked again. Clearly not buying the mask of normality Hadrian was trying to force.

Percy didn't get seasick, but if he did, he'd probably look like he did right then. For all his talk about being sure his parents would love Hadrian and accept him, he looked like he was about to throw up.

"Mom" He began, "Paul, I wanted to let you guys know something."

He let out a shaky breath, squeezing Hadrian's hand on his knee.