Chapter Text
Walking out the door of his marine biology class, Percy let out a weary sigh. I have so much to do, he thought. Percy dragged his feet as he walked down the crowded sidewalk, feeling like he was carrying a backpack full of bricks. Ugh, so much to do, he thought, as his mind raced with all the stuff he had to juggle—homework, projects, and the never-ending stress of keeping it all together. The city buzzed around him, but all he wanted was to crash on his couch and forget the world for a bit. Home was his escape, where he could just breathe and be himself. He didn’t have to pretend to be the perfect hero that had it all together. Percy heaved another big sigh as he walked closer to his apartment in New Rome.
Eventually, he was pushing the door of his apartment open. Dropping his bags on the floor, Percy face-planted on the ground. His energy was nonexistent. Percy wished he could get to the couch, but crawling sounded like too much effort. Percy could feel tears pooling in his eyes as he thought about the amount of things he needed to do. He was just so tired. Maybe if I just shut my eyes for a moment, thought Percy. I will get up in five minutes, he mumbled to himself. Though he said five minutes, it must have been longer as Percy was jostled out of his sleep by a pair of strong arms picking him up. Percy startled, eyes flashing open. His flight or fight senses kicking in. He attempted to shove his perceived attacker, only to be stopped by a voice.
“It is alright, μικρή ξαδέρφη,” said Hephaestus. Percy looked upward to see Leo’s dad holding him. The smell of fire, burning wood, and coal hit Percy’s nose. Hephaestus gently set Percy down on the couch, and they sat beside him. Percy let out a yawn and rubbed his eyes. His body going back to its tired state after the adrenaline boost. Percy tilted his head to look Hephaestus in the eyes.
“What are you doing here?” Questioned Percy.
“Leo mentioned how busy you’ve been and that you haven’t been taking any breaks,” responded Hephaestus. “And from how exhausted you look, I would say my son is right.” “You need to take better care of yourself, λίγο φως,” scolded Hephaestus.
Percy sighed for what had to have been the hundredth time today.
“Look…, started Percy, only to be interrupted by a knock on the door. Percy made to stand up, but Hephaestus simply put an arm around his shoulders and pushed him back down.
“Come in, Auntie,” said the god of the forge. Percy looked at him in surprise as Lady Hestia, or Auntie as she preferred to be called, walked in. She gave them both a soft smile as she made her way over to the living room area. Percy gave a small smile back, seeing his aunt was always nice. As his aunt walked over to them, Percy felt as though the room was warm, his body was relaxed, and he felt a wave of safety and home wash over him.
“Hello, dear ones,” greeted Hestia as she dropped a kiss on each of their foreheads before taking a seat across from them in the armchair.
She turned to Percy with a concerned expression.
“You look unwell, πεταλούδα,” said Hestia.
“I have just been busy, Auntie,” responded Percy.
“He has been overworking himself,” chimed in Hephaestus.
“I have not,” snapped Percy, though deep down, he knew it was true. Guilt hit him hard. This was his family, only trying to help. He glanced at his cousin and aunt, feeling a pang of shame.
“I am sorry,” he said, his voice softer. “I didn’t mean to snap.” Inside, a harsh voice whispered, I don’t deserve help. He looked up into his aunt’s soft and understanding eyes before he felt his chin being grabbed and his face being turned towards the god of the forge.
“You absolutely do deserve help,” firmly stated Hephaestus, to which Percy paled, realizing he had spoken his last thought out loud.
“You are our χρυσαυγία,” declared Hephaestus. “It’s okay to need help, Perseus. Percy stared into his cousin’s eyes, willing himself to believe his words. He looked up when he felt a gentle touch on his shoulder. Hestia was standing next to him, looking at him with an expression that he had seen on his mother’s face several times. It was a mix between pure love, fondness, and a hint of exasperation.
“We are here because we care for you, μικρή φλόγα,” Hestia said gently. “Let us take care of you, little one.”
Percy looked into the affectionate face of his beloved aunt and then turned to look at the soft and warm eyes of his older cousin. He sighed. The part of his mind that screamed at him that he shouldn’t burden them was silenced by the part of him that begged for affection and love. He sighed again.
“Alright, what did you guys have in mind?” Asked Percy.
Hestia let out a merry laugh as Hephaestus’s solemn expression changed to a bright smile.
“Well, I thought we could bake, said Hestia. “You are much too skinny, little one.” Percy cracked a smile knowing she was right. He had been working on it with Ares, and his friends were crazy when it came to giving him food or feeding him lately.
“Alright,” Percy concedes. “But we have to make blue cookies.”
“Why do you like blue cookies so much?” Hephaestus asked as they all headed to the kitchen. Percy explained, which led to the three trade stories as the baked, smilies, and laughter floated through the room. Percy felt his mind and body at peace as he relaxed for the first time in weeks.