Chapter Text
Triton did not understand how exactly he’d been roped into this.
He'd only offered to find Perseus some history books that interested him, he knew the layout of their extensive library better, and now he was sitting in the stands of an echoing, chlorinated swimming pool that belonged to his brother’s school.
He was surrounded by mortals of all ages, all of them cheering for their children as they cut through the water even though they were only warming up. He'd only come to the school to hand over the books, believing he could catch Perseus between his lessons and his swimming practice, only to find a crowd growing near the swimming pool.
He had handed over the books only to be dragged over to meet the rest of the team, and their associated family members.
“Oh it is wonderful to meet you dear.” Mrs Woodall had greeted, shaking his hand fondly with a wide and genuine smile, “Will you be watching your brother compete this afternoon?”
What was he supposed to do, say no?
Trapped by good manners.
He'd joined Mrs Woodall, grandmother of Kelsy and insisting on his calling her Betsy, Mr Gartner, father of Alex, and Miss Marcos, sister of Lucia, in the crowd. Other parents and grandparents filtered in, most of them greeting each other fondly, and introducing themselves to him keenly.
These must have been the family members mother had mentioned fondly, he recalled the woman she had clashed with, and been merciful enough not to curse, had not been a parent of a member of the swim team. It was another sport. A land based one.
Further along were the families of the children from other schools.
Who knew so many in New York City had a penchant for competitive swimming?
Not that it mattered, none of them would match up to Perseus.
Even in chlorinated water.
“So, you’re Percy’s brother.” Mr Rosen, father of Mark, asked, “On his father’s side, I presume.”
“Yes, on father’s side.”
“I haven’t seen you at any of his meets before? We have met Kym and Rhode. Your sisters?”
“I’m afraid I haven’t had the time. My work keeps me awfully busy. How my sisters have found the time before now I do not know, well how Rhode found the time, Kym manages to keep less on her plate.”
It was true. His duties as crown prince kept him exceptionally busy, and Rhode had decided to run a mortal business along with her duties as a goddess and princess. Kym had assumed more royal duties since returning, but aside from those and her storms, she had yet to fill her calendar completely. She had taken to exploring the modern world, catching up on the events she had missed in her... time away, and had bonded closely with Perseus.
He wasn’t sure if it was because he’d been the one to find her or if it was because he’d mentioned being able to create miniature storms.
Either way, she had met with Perseus many times within Atlantis and outside of it.
He had been given far less opportunity.
Most of the bonding they’d managed was through training, something simple enough to fit into both their schedules, and through studies, something Perseus had found much easier in Atlantean. While he struggled with English and Greek, Atlantean came all too easily, and he’d watched his brother power through books in the library. His studies were only disturbed by his need to move, but none the less his grades had all shown marked improvement.
Astonishing how much better a student could do when they could actually read the texts required of them. He supposed it wasn’t the fault of past schools that Perseus’ first language was naturally that of the seas, but surely they could have been less useless about how they managed it.
He did his best to make idle chat with the families of his brother’s friends, hoping his words came across in a manner befitting the modern times and without being too formal. He would not normally be in a situation such as this, but he had been cornered.
More or less anyway.
After the children had warmed up and prepared, the races started, a sharp whistle drawing the attention of all.
For mortals, many of them weren’t bad. A few struggled, but some were coming remarkably close to the times expected of high-level athletes. Impressive for their ages, with time and more training still, some may even go on to become champions.
Perseus, however, thrashed them all. Even at a fraction of the speed or skill he knew his brother could achieve, Perseus won all of his races with at least half a length on his competitors.
Miss Marcos, who’s sister had won her own race by over a body length, leant over to him.
“He swims like he was born to be in the water, your brother.”
Funny that you mention it.
“He certainly does. I think he would live in it if he could.”
“They all would. My sister would never leave the pool if it were an option.”
“I suppose they would not be competing if that was not their attitude. So long as they keep it, I can see them both going far in competition.”
It was true. While Perseus would probably be cheating with his heritage, he could see miss Marcos competing in the Olympics in just a few years. She had the skill, pace, technique and determination. A few of his brother's friends showed a level of skill that might allow them to qualify, but miss Marcos, he could see her winning.
He would have to keep an eye on her career.
Eventually the entire thing ended, with the appropriate medals awarded and accolades given.
This was the point where families rejoined their competitors, to shower them with praise and take them home. It was also the point where the talent scouts and sponsors descended. Perseus spoke with a few of them, despite having his place in New Rome University confirmed and, should he wish to compete at a higher level, there would be money for that from within the family. Perhaps it was just manners, or keeping his options open.
He would have to speak with his brother and his family about it.
He switched to Atlantean as Perseus approached.
“You were slower than I expected.”
“I had to look human.” his brother replied in kind.
“How boring. You have talented friends though, for mortals.”
“Glad you came?”
“Hardly, I can see you swim at home, and you are much faster there. Still, it was not the worst use of a few hours.”
Perseus rolled his eyes and opened his mouth to retort, only to be distracted by his friends bidding him farewell.
He was well aware that they were watching him weirdly, Kym had mentioned that they had theories. He would not intentionally play into it one way or another, but he was certain he had indirectly added to the mystery of his brother.
Hilarious.
“Do you need assistance back to your mother’s?”
“No, mom should be here any minute. Thanks though. Wait... you don’t have a car.”
“I might have. How would you know?”
“You hate the surface.”
“I rather dislike it. That does not mean I have no interactions with it, besides, I am a god. I can summon what I need if I so choose.”
“That is true. Thank you for staying.”
“It was no trouble, though I do prefer if we are able to spend the time we have together, together. I have barely seen you all evening, except for afar. I could have watched this event from Atlantis and achieved almost the same levels of interaction.”
“We can spar next time I’m in Atlantis?”
“Good, I can teach you some new skills, you will enjoy it. Oh, I should warn you, we will also have family visiting while you are visiting.”
“Wait what? Who?”
“Oh look, your mother has arrived, see you in a fortnight.”
He was gone before Perseus could protest, laughing to himself as he emerged in Atlantis in a shower of bubbles.
.
Water Dorks Study Group French
Kelsy:
So that was Percy’s brother, right?
Aaron:
Yeah, another sibling
They all look so similar its funny
Mark:
Who shoes up in a full suit
Shoes
Shows
Kelsy:
I don’t think he intended to come. I think he was just dropping off the books.
Mark:
we need to get the gossip from our families. We need to know all.
Kelsy:
Lucia’s sister thinks he’s hot. And probably her age.
I could see that being funny in the future.
Aaron:
Lmaoooo.
Lilli:
Can’t believe I missed it
Stupid flu.
Not to change the subject but has anyone done the work for Monday
Kelsy:
No
Aaron:
Absolutely not
Mark:
Haha nope
Lilli:
damn