𝐆𝐎𝐋𝐃 𝐑𝐔𝐒𝐇 [Jason Grace]

100

𝐈𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 their friends leave and have nothing to do. Jason could relate. He had felt useless most of the quest, but now the feeling was doubled.

The Argo II circled the Acropolis from far out of the range of the onagers. Whatever Annabeth had instructed Leo, Frank and Hazel, it had spurred them into action.

Only problem was... the action was down there.

"Nervous?" Dante asked as Jason stepped on deck.

"How do you always know it's me?"

"I..." He hadn't been looking at Jason when he said it so he continued to stare out. "I know when it's you. I know your footsteps."

"That makes me feel special."

"It shouldn't," Dante said shortly, but he had a smile when Jason slipped next to him. "I know everyone's footsteps. I just memorize it without meaning to."

"You're hurting my feelings, Lover," Jason bumped their shoulders together. He needed his hands on Dante, needed those different colored eyes on him, needed the assurance of Dante by his side, always. But he didn't want to seem desperate.

"Can't hurt you physically, we need to be prepared."

He was right. They were the backup. A few miles away, their three friends were facing the giants alone for the simple hope of disabling the onagers and letting the Argo II close to the Acropolis.

Even with their weapons disabled, Jason didn't see how they could succeed. They had the unfortunate problem of not having a god on their side. And without gods, it would be impossible to kill the giants.

Unsurprisingly, his thoughts traveled to Hipp and Damasen in Tartarus. Hopefully, the lack of demigods in Tartarus meant they wouldn't be able to die either.

"We could always use Nike," Dante shrugged, flipping his dagger in hand.

Jason turned to him in confusion.

"The gods and demigods problem," He explained, "To kill the giants. That's what you were thinking of, right?"

Sometimes, it drove Jason crazy how in sync he and Dante were. Sometimes he wondered if the brunet could read his mind.

"Yes, I'm sure the goddess would help us after being captured and gagged by a spare sock."

Dante turned to him, "I don't see any other option."

"We have to hold out hope," Jason took his hands in his own. Like always, they were cold, but Jason didn't mind it one bit.

"Trust you to be the optimist."

"Someone has to be when you're the pessimist."

Dante kissed him suddenly, without warning. He practically launched himself in Jason's arms, pushing him back against the rails as he connected their lips. His arms went around Jason's neck, pulling him down.

Instinctively, Jason's hands went to his waist as he deepened the kiss.

He didn't need to ask why. This could very well be their last battle.

His mind went back to August of the previous year, just before Camp Jupiter had charged Mount Othrys, Jason had searched for Dante in the legion. He knew the boy would be somewhere in the second cohort, but try as he might, he couldn't spot the familiar face.

He remembered slashing through the dracanae and the various other monsters. He remembered rage coursing through him as he faced against the Titan. He remembered toppling the obsidian throne. He remembered seeing Dante celebrating with Larry, giving a pained smile as the centurion hugged him so hard Dante went red.