The Ichor 12

Theodore and Perseus

The two young boys cowered under the firm and commanding gaze of their father, mischief and humor fleeing their expressions and they bowed their heads in mock shame, wondering what grievous sin they would now have to atone for.

"Theodore! Perseus! Stop staring at your shoes and face me like men!"

They reluctantly dragged their gazes to meet their fathers, glancing at each other occasionally, as if waging a silent war as to who would accept the blame this time.

This war continued as their fathers words rolled over them like water on a ducks back, the speech about responsibilities and expectations known all too well by this point.
Theodore narrowed his eyes in suspicion at his younger brothers small smirk, then frowned in gritted his teeth in a near growl as Perseus' eyes filled with fake but convincing tears, a trick that worked for all his caretakers and nannies.

"Those tears don't fool me you stupid boy! Try to control yourself, Lockwood men don't cry, is that understood? Stop sobbing over your own moronic mistakes!"

Perseus' tears turned startlingly real, silently wracking his small frame as he gaped up at the intimidating frame of Mr. Lockwood, cool impassiveness and boredom spread over his features, nothing even akin to love or gentleness showing through his mask of impartiality, like his two young sons were nothing more than pesky employes that he was forced to deal with.

Theodore's expression morphed from irritation at Perseus to defensive spite as he stepped out in front of his younger, smaller brother, gently shielding his slight frame with his own.

Theodore's voice wavered slightly as he spoke,

"This is my fault sir, I was the one who thought it would be fun to mess with the maid, Perseus was just curious about what I was doing."

Their father sneered at Theodore's display of protectiveness and waved them away, muttering that he should have just sent them away to a boarding school when he had the chance.

Theodore grabbed Perseus' hand tightly and lead him quickly from the vast room, past hallways of priceless decor and meek servants, delicate jaw set and determined, wet eyes and a quivering lip giving away the emotion he was so desperately trying to conceal.

He pushed past the concerned nursemaid and pulled his younger brother into his vast, sterile room, a magazine sprung to life to create the illusion of a warm, loving home, and slammed the door, tears pushing their way through his stubborn facade and beginning to stream down his pale cheeks, wetting the long lashes and dusting of freckles so like his brothers, only differing in the the deep brown eyes that contrasted so wildly with Perseus' vibrant sea green ones.

"Are you okay Perc?"

Theodore asked gently, quiet voice still rough with tears, not releasing his dear brothers hand as he cocked his head to meet Percys bright eyes, a soft nod his only answer.

"Thank you Theo."

Percy said, voice almost inaudible, and Theo simply smiled and lead him gently towards the large bed in the center of the room, brushing the piles of stuffed toys the maids stacked every morning despite his protests to the floor, pulling Percy under the covers and hugging him close, the fierce protectiveness he felt toward Percy softening at the edges, tears continuing to fall as they both closed their eyes and imagined a world where a Fathers bond was as deep and strong as the one they shared with each other.

And the first 2 of the Ichor 12 slept, unaware of the future they would lead, and just how many times that bond would be tested.

Goodnight Zeus, sleep well Poseidon.