I'm just a man (Percy Jackson & the Olympians X male reader)

Prologue - A Hero's Rest

My eyes crack open to the late morning light. It was a beautiful morning. It always was in Elysium. I stand up out of my large bed and stretch, the joints in my back popping. I walk over to the mirror and look at myself, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. I was toned, but still slim, with a light tan on my skin. My H/c hair fell in waves, stopping just above my shoulders. I rubbed the sleep from my E/c eyes and got dressed. I walk through my large room, filled with knick-knacks and trophies from my life. I walk over to my dresser and pick up a Polaroid from my last year in the living world. My last summer with my best friends. My last summer with... Her.

Y/n: "How long has it been since I've seen you guys..?"

I tuck the picture carefully into my pocket and head outside my room. Our house was large. They all were in Elysium. I smelled something delicious downstairs and made my way towards the aroma. Pictures lined the stairwell of me, my family, and my friends. My mom wanted to meet them one day, and I was sure she would eventually. I wasn't in any rush to see them here with me though. I enter the kitchen to see my mom making bacon on the stovetop, with pancakes, hashbrowns, and a carton of eggs ready to be cracked open for a bomb omelet. She had dark hair, fair skin, and golden amber eyes. She gives me a warm smile.

Nora: "Good morning, dear. How did you sleep?"

Y/n: "As well as I can. What's with all the food?"

Nora: "Oh! Well, we'll be having company over soon. There has been someone very interested to hear your story."

I nodded. I had a feeling I knew who was going to be stopping by. If nothing else then to come eat some good food. I look around.

Y/n: "Where's Avery?"

Nora: "Probably in the living room. Enjoy your morning dear."

I gave a small smile, but it must not have been convincing, because she met it with a frown.

Nora: "You'll see them again, Y/n. Remember what you tell us all."

Y/n: sigh "The longer they take, the better. I just..."

I trail off. They all knew how much I missed them. I stir as I feel my mom hug me. I hug her back.

Y/n: "Thanks mom."

Nora: "Of course. Now go see what your brother is doing, it's too quiet over there."

I nod and head to the living room. My brother Avery was a spitting image of my mom, just if she were a dude. He was currently listening to music on an iPod. He looks up at me from his seat on the couch and grins.

Avery: "Morning. Thought you died in your sleep. Damn shame I was wrong."

Y/n: "Man, fuck you."

Nora: "Language you two."

Both: "Sorry Mom."

We look at one another and silently flip each other off for a couple of seconds before we smile at each other.

Avery: "So, you hear the news."

Y/n: "Yeah. Gonna need a glass of water or two, he's gonna want to hear the whole thing in one go."

Avery: "I still haven't heard all the details at this point either, I'm psyched."

Y/n: "Buckle up bucko. Afterward, we can do some gaming."

Avery: "Killing Floor?"

Y/n: "Yessir."

Avery: "Siiiick."

I walk around the room, looking at the various oddities I've seen over and over coming down here. My spoils of war as they're called. Before long, there's a knock at the door. I make my way over and open it. There was a quartet of Greek individuals outside, two men and two women. One had a similar face and build to me, with a light tan and wavy hair. His hazel eyes sparkled with wit like the mind behind them was always running at max efficiency. The woman to his side had fair skin and brown wavy hair, with soft eyes that radiated maternal energy. To the right was a younger man with fair skin, auburn eyes, and wavy brown hair tied back in a ponytail. He had an air of subtle confidence like someone who knew who they were. The final woman had matching fair skin, orange hair, and piercing blue eyes. She gave a small smile as the door opened. The tan man gave a wide grin and clapped me on the shoulder.

Y/n: "Odysseus, It is an honor."

Odysseus: "Come now, we are blood! Greet me as such."

I wrap him in a hug, letting go after a moment. I moved out of the way to let everyone in. Afterward, I regarded everyone properly.

Y/n: "Penelope, Telemachus, Anticlea, welcome. It has been quite a while since you've visited."

Penelope: "It is our pleasure to be here. You and your family are always such gracious hosts."

Y/n: "We give it our best. Come, our house is yours. Mom made a bunch of stuff."

Telemachus: "She didn't have to-"
Avery: "That's a losing battle, Tele. Company means cooking for her.

Avery had his hands in his pockets as he approached. More greetings are exchanged as the congregation moves to the dining room, which has been set by my mother. We catch up for a few minutes, sharing about what we've been doing since our last meet-up. I bring up Avery getting better at fencing which gets some nods and words of approval sent his way. He played a lot of things off, but he wasn't one to take flattery or compliments in stride. The minutes stretch on as we enjoy the food and company, acting like the weird family we were. As the plates are cleaned, Odysseus lets out a content sigh.

Odysseus: "Once again you've outdone yourself, Nora. Y/n and Avery are very lucky to have one such as yourself looking after them."

Nora: "I appreciate it. Although, it's impossible to deny the fact that we wouldn't be here if not for Y/n's valor and heroism."

Avery: "Yeah, thanks for that bro. Standing around in a wheat field for all eternity is really boring."

Telemachus: "I'll bet. On the subject of valor..."

Odysseus: "Right. Y/n, it is not often a mortal like you and I live as heroic a life as we did to make it here. So I must ask, regale us with your story. Share your exploits so we may understand how you became worthy of Elysium."

I sigh, feeling the photo in my pocket.

Y/n: "You want to know that bad?"

Telemachus: "Please friend, tell us."

I close my eyes in resignation, taking the photo out and setting it on the table.

Y/n: "Very well, but a couple of things are needed first. A pitcher of water, and some introductions." 

I snap my fingers and a large decanter of clear liquid appears by me.

Y/n: "Meet my closest friends. Without them... We would have lived a completely normal life."

Authors note

Well, ain't this familiar. Not dead, just working close to 60 hours a week now. My deepest apologies to those who came from my other books, I'll try to get back to those when I feel the motivation to do so. that's all for now, cheers.