"Here's the next batch, Callie!"
I smiled as I looked up from the part I was working on. And as I lifted my gaze, I was graced by the handsome, smiling face of Percy Jackson. It's been a few days since he came back to work with me on making this wedding gown. And since then, I have gradually lessened the distance between us and learned quite a few things about Percy that I never knew. Granted, I didn't actually know a lot about him; he was with me for only 2 weeks the first time after all. And most of the things I learned about him after I was freed were things I learned from other people.
"Thanks." I gave him the best smile I could while scooting aside and patting the seat next to me. I was delighted when he accepted and sat down, our bodies almost touching. I inhaled deeply, relishing in the scent of the sea that he always carried, reminding me of the time I spent on my island. "This looks great!" Percy said, studying the part of the gown I am currently working on. I stared at Percy as he leaned forward, looking closely at the part where I was sewing the gemstones he brought to me.
"This is going to look great when it's done!" His words brought pride in me, and seeing how his eyes shone with awe made me believe in his words. This is the first time I am doing this kind of decorative sewing after all. Thousands of years I've spent in front of the loom, and I never thought I would still find something new to learn. Immortality, it seems, was a great thing after all. I can't even think about not knowing such styles and techniques existed. It fascinated me to no end and made me look forward to what else I could learn and discover.
It made me long for the unlimited time I used to have when I was still a Titan. Not that I regret giving it up when I left my island prison—no, I don't. It's just, now that I am out in the greater world, I am finding the idea of immortality to be an advantage more and more. Just imagining what I could do if I still had that unlimited time, the things I could make, and the people I could spend it with.
The thought of spending time with someone brought my eyes to Percy, face scrunched in concentration cutely. His eyes narrowed, studying even the tiniest detail on the gown as if looking for the meaning of the universe within the stitching. A funny notion, but I couldn't help but want him to look that closely at me. I shook my head, not to get rid of the idea, but to stop myself from getting a more carnal idea of him closely at another, more intimate part of me. I felt my face heat up, and I leaned back in my seat to make a bit of distance between us.
Instead of looking at him, I turned to the tray of stones he brought for me. Sparkling stones of every variety welcomed my sight as I checked them for myself. Though I knew Percy would have made them as close to perfect as he could for our work, I still wanted to make sure. Lifting one of the teardrop-shaped diamonds and studying it closely, I saw what I was looking for. A small hole at one face of the gem, where I would be threading it to the gown. Doing the same to the others, I nodded in satisfaction. Every single one was finished to perfection, every single one was uniform in size and shape, and I just knew they would look magnificent once they were sewn into the dress.
"I can't wait to see this done!" Percy exclaimed as he sat back, an excited look gleaming in his eyes. "Me too! And I saw the image of the finished product already!" I said, sharing his excitement. We shared a look, and I once again was drawn into his sea-green eyes, so much like the sea back at Ogygia, my home for so many millennia. Gazing at him, I feel something within me respond to a call from him. A call to come home, a call of a familiar place where I can rest in safety and comfort. Where I can lay my heart, be sure it would be cared for.
Home, like Ogygia. That is what Percy seems like to me now.
And since the day he came back, that is what I have likened him to. More and more I find myself wishing to call him mine and for him to claim me as his. But certain revelations have hampered my plans in getting to know him better in the pursuit of a relationship with him. The knowledge of what happened to him when he disappeared. Of the rewards the Fates themselves demanded he be given. The wishes he came up with and the results of those that were granted to him.
Remembering that fact about him made me remember the discussion we had 2 days ago, when I gathered the courage to ask him about what had happened to him during the time he was away.
---------Flashback---------
"Wait, so you're telling me that the gods actually granted your wish of freedom and safety?" I asked incredulously. Never has it happened that the gods actually granted a wish of this magnitude before. Even more unbelievable were the consequences of said wishes being granted. A thing from the past that is so old even the gods have forgotten about it. A facet of life from the time before the gods existed that I never even imagined surfacing in today's time.
The harem, a curse from a time long forgotten. A way to ensure the dominion of the Titans over all other beings. Also a way to ensure obedience of the lesser beings to the ruling class. My shock was evident when I learned from Percy that he was granted the very same reward, or curse, by the gods for his countless service to them. For his saving the world multiple times, the Fates themselves ensured that he would live forever, even though he declined godhood twice now.
And now, he is a god in all but title. Something he vehemently opposed and denied. But what else do you call an individual with powers such as his? , a person who inspires devotion from others. Who is worshipped and admired by those around him. With a domain solely commanded by him. What could such a person be other than a god? I remember Percy shaking his head and telling me that he is not a god, and I just resigned myself to the fact that he would never allow himself to even think about such a fact. The gods had done a great job of pushing away from the idea of godhood, so much so that the very notion of becoming one would make him want to choose death over it.
"They did; I thought they would try to sweep it under a rug or try to force me to find some other wish," he said with a smile. "In the end though, they still went ahead and granted my wishes, with a catch though." I could tell that he wasn't really that accepting of it at the time he got the harem. From what I knew of him, he wasn't really the kind of man to want such a thing. He would rather be content with one woman who loved him and whom he loved as well. Though it would seem his fate was not to be as he might have wanted.
"And they laid the curse of the harem on you as a way to grant your wishes?" I asked again, still unable to believe it. His nodding head and faraway look caused a lurch in my heartbeat. 'I'm too late! 'I thought as I imagined him being with a number of women now, though that idea was so farfetched that I wasn't able to imagine it properly. "And, have you, you know, got many women now with you?" I reluctantly asked, dreading to ask yet wanting to know.
His answer would inevitably influence what my next moves would be. So I waited and listened to what my preferred future would be like, though if I am going to be honest, my next course of action has already been set. The only difference would be the mindset I would be having moving towards it. If he has remained the man I knew him to be, then I would do my hardest to be the woman he would fall for and would devote my life to ensuring that I am the only one he would need and want. If he had changed and somehow gotten with many women after the harem was granted to him, then I would approach this with the mindset of being accepted as one of them. Willing to be regarded as one of many and preparing to be identified as one of his women. Instead as his only one.
Percy smirked at my question at first, like there was something amusing about it. I waited and stared at him, willing him to be truthful in his answer, and eventually, he did. When he answered, I knew it was nothing but the truth. "After my wishes were granted, the gods asked for time for them to prepare the land that they were going to give to me. They said it had to be perfect, as it was where my immortality would be tied," he started to explain. I nodded at that, already knowing that fact. Being a former Titaness, I am perhaps the more knowledgeable one between us when it comes to matters of immortality.
"When they finally took me to my land, I found out that they also gave me three nymphs that would serve me and my needs." He continued, and hearing that told me all that I needed to know. But he wasn't done, and I listened closely; any information about how he has been living is now crucial to what I plan to do in the future. "I tried to decline taking possession of them, but my father insisted. So in the end, I was forced to take them in," he added, and his words proved to me more than anything that he is now the master of multiple women. How many? is yet to be seen, but I would just have to adjust to it and the circumstances around it.
"I had just had a bad breakup, and I wasn't in the right mindset to be with anybody else. So even though I accepted them, I tried to distance myself from them," he added, and his words surprised me. It was so different from what I was expecting. From the past, those who have been granted this curse wasted no time in finding people they could induct into their harems. Even those who tried to be loyal to their own partners fell into the temptation and filled their harems with women who wanted immortality to be taken care of by someone else.
"But in the end, it was thanks to them that I learned to open up and trust people again." His smile was soft and carried a certain amount of love for those nymphs, and I found myself being slightly jealous of them for being with Percy and enjoying his love and care. Something I now crave and want with all of my being. "So they became the first members of your harem?" I said, nodding my head, and Percy shook his head, which confused me a fair bit. "They're not members of my harem; they can't become members of my harem." He refuted my claims, confusing me even further. He saw my confusion and cleared things up for me.
"In order to be members of my harem, women have to give their consent to be inducted willingly. They cannot be coerced or forced into joining. They have to want it themselves, and they also have to ask me to be invited into the harem. Then I have to accept them in; that's how it goes," he explained, and immediately, I knew what he meant by them not being members. "So, them being yours means that they can't give their genuine consent?" I clarified, and he smiled while nodding his head. "Still, I see them as mine and would do everything for them. They are my precious family, and I will love and care for them for as long as I live," Percy declared, and I felt his truthfulness in his voice.
I smiled at him for that, relieved that even though he has changed, he still retained the aspect of him that I fell for. His kindness and his loving heart. Still, if the three nymphs weren't the members of his harem, then who were they? How many of them are there?
Percy eventually continued with his story. "The first member came when Hades came to me asking for a favor," he started. "A favor?" I repeated, and he grinned at me. "Yes, a favor for her daughter, Hazel Levesque. Have you met her?" He turned to me, and I thought back to the people I met after Leo took me away from my island. 'Ah! Yes! Now I remember! "Yes! I believe I did! I think it was during the time when Lord Apollo was turned mortal." My voice lost its excited tone when I remembered the things that happened during that time. All the deaths that happened and the loss the camps incurred because of that war.
Percy picked up on the direction of my thoughts and reached for my hand, holding it in his and squeezing it. He smiled sweetly before continuing. "At the time, Hazel was having a hard time, and she was in danger of taking her own life." I gasped at hearing that; I never thought that Hazel would ever be capable of such thoughts. Granted, I never really got to know her, but from the brief time I spent with her, she seemed to be the secure type. "Hades came to me, asking if I can take her in. He said that what she needed was a safe place where she could stay and recover, which I could provide." I nodded again; it did make sense.
"I accepted, of course." I smiled at that; that was an obvious outcome for that request. Percy was just that kind of man. "And it was during her stay with me that we fell for one another." Ah, now I understand. Hazel became a member after recovering and falling for Percy. Yes, I can see it happening for Hazel. Falling for a man such as Percy after being under his care. I also understand how Percy could have fallen for the woman. It was just like him to develop feelings for a woman whom he cared for, and if I remember correctly, she was one of the seven who fought against the Giants and Gaia together with Percy, so they already had history.
"Still, it didn't happen right away. None of us were ready for a relationship at the start. And even after, I was still reluctant to get with anyone after Annabeth. It was Hazel who worked really hard to get me to see her as more than just a friend. It was she who came to me and confessed, and finally after a year, I accepted and we got together." There was a soft glow in his face as he told me his story. The love he feels for Hazel was shining out of his eyes as he remembered, making it obvious to anyone who would be listening. This was not a fleeting fling between them; no, this was for keeps, as they say. And I wanted it so badly for myself.
"And then she became the first member of your harem?" He nodded, still sporting that soft, lovely smile that I wanted to be the reason for. "I decided to tell Hazel about the harem before she moved in with me. I wanted her to know about it so she wouldn't think that I have an ulterior motive about wanting her to move in," Percy said, his eyes serious, and I knew that would be the furthest thing on his mind when he agreed with Lord Hades's request. Just further proof of the kind of man he is.
"I knew you would tell her about the harem first thing; that's just how you are," I said, making Percy smile as he looked at me. The sight of it made me feel giddy with happiness. Making me want it more. "And just to let you know, I don't think anyone you meet would ever think you had any other intention other than what you are telling them. It just isn't like you," I followed, and I smiled as I saw a faint blush bloom on his face.
"Thanks! I hope I live up to your expectations of me," he replied, and I nodded. This time I was the one holding his hand and caressing it. "You have," I assured him. We were quiet for a while, me just enjoying the time I had with him as I relished in the warmth his hand brought mine. "Anyway, Hazel wasn't the only one in the harem now, was she?" I pushed on, still wanting to know exactly the number of women I would have to work with. Knowing that the easiest way I could get into the harem was by getting on the good sides of the women already in it.
Percy shook his head as he answered. "You're right, Hazel isn't alone anymore. After a year, another woman came into my life and wormed her way into my heart." The lovely smile was back on his face as he started to tell me about the second harem member. "I think you actually know her quite well." Percy suddenly turned to me with a mischievous grin on his face. I narrowed my eyes at him, trying to figure out if he was jesting with me, but his face wasn't giving anything else. I waited for him to continue, and like always, I was rewarded for my patience.
"A year after Hazel and I got together and she became the first member of my harem, Aphrodite came to me asking for help." Again, another god came to Percy for his help. I couldn't help but think about what his life has become. From being the savior of the gods and the world, now after having his wishes granted, the gods are still coming to him for his assistance. 'Wait, Aphrodite came to him. Could she be...? 'My eyes widened at the realization of who the second member could be. Percy saw the look on my face and smiled knowingly.
"Piper?" I asked, and he nodded. Suddenly, everything made sense. Her sudden disappearance, according to Leo, from the few times we talked after we broke up. His unsuccessful attempts at looking for her and the gods' silence to his and the others' requests for help. Aphrodite's reassurance that Piper is somewhere safe and is taken care of also made a lot of sense now, if she was sent to Percy as well, like Hazel. "So like Hazel, she was also sent to you so you can help her?" I confirmed, and Percy nodded again. "She was also in a pretty bad place at the time, so Aphrodite came to me, and I accepted, just like with Hazel," he explained, making me smile. "And like with Hazel, you also made sure she knew about the harem." At that, Percy shook his head, confusing me for just a little bit before he spoke up.
"I didn't have to; Aphrodite already explained it to her. But I still had to tell her about the details of it." He shared with a tight smile, worrying me. "Aphrodite, being who she is, informed Piper that there was a possibility of the two of us getting together during her stay with me." I shook my head at the antics of the goddess of love. "And let me guess, you fought against the feeling that was developing within you for Piper?" I asked, already knowing the answer. "It took Hazel giving me her permission for me to finally accept Piper into my heart and into the harem," he said sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head. I laughed at the scene in front of me; here was a man who had a woman begging to be with him, and he needed the permission of his partner to accept.
Other men would have jumped at the opportunity. And Percy's unique circumstances would have allowed him to do so, regardless if Hazel accepted it or not. And yet, Percy proved to me and the rest of the world just how different he is. By taking into consideration Hazel's thoughts and feelings on the matter and only acting on his own feelings after being assured that his partner was fine with it. I drank in the facts I learned about Percy's new way of life and how I would like to be a part of it. Being born a Titan and living through the time of their reign, I was not averse to this kind of life; rather, I find myself looking forward to it. But it might only be because of the man I would potentially be linked with. I tried to imagine myself being in the harem of someone else, and the idea was so repulsive to me, I had to shake the image off my mind.
I turned back to Percy to see him checking his phone, another change to his life that came before Leo even invented the demigod-safe phone some of the campers were using now. He had on a smile on his face, and I knew he was messaging one of his girls. I waited until he was done and asked him if there was anybody else in his life. "So, Percy, anybody else in the harem?" I teased, though I am already mentally preparing to compile another name onto the list I have in my head. A list of names I have to butter up to if I want to be part of his life in the way I want to be.
"Just the two of them." Percy shook his head, his answer calming my mind. I smiled at that. We lapsed into comfortable silence as my mind went through plan after plan. I needed to get on the good side of both Piper and Hazel and add in the three nymphs as well. I need them to have a positive impression of me if I am ever going to get Percy to fall for me and accept me into his harem. I knew it was only a matter of time before Percy fell for me; he said so himself, "I am his biggest what if!" I just have to turn that what if into reality and have him accept it.
---------Flashback end---------
Percy standing up from the seat beside me woke me up from my daydreams. I turned to him, about to ask him where he was going when he answered me quickly. "I need to get back to work; the center jewel is proving to be more of a handful than I thought it would be," he said, tapping the center area of the gown where a large sapphire is supposed to go. Despite wanting him to stay with me, I knew we had to be professional for now. So I nodded and saw him off with a smile. My eyes followed him as he went out of the room until he was gone from my sight.
Letting out a sigh, I turned back to the gown and got ready to go back to work. Pulling the tray of diamonds Percy brought, I selected one that is the right size for the part that I am working on, threading it and sewing it onto the fabric of the dress. I worked and watched as the masterpiece of a wedding gown inched closer and closer to completion right in front of me. I felt my excitement grow as I imagined how it would look on the bride, and I couldn't help but think of my own wedding, if fate permits it. Wearing something like the gown I am working on, walking down the aisle to a man waiting for me with a lovely smile on his face, his sea-green eyes alight with love for me.
---------line break---------
The days flew by, and Percy and I continued to work closely on finishing the wedding gown. Every day, we came one step closer to completing it, and every day, we grew closer to each other. I learned a lot of things I never knew about Percy. I learned that his mother gave birth to his little sister. He told me how he went under Lord Hephaestus's tutelage to learn about crafting jewelry and that he was blessed by the god for his efforts and dedication to learning from him.
He told me of his adventures after he left the camps, during the time when Hazel hadn't joined him yet. And lastly, he told me how Annabeth had been in contact with him again after 7 years of no contact with anyone from the camps.
The story of how he got discovered by accident by the campers was something I enjoyed hearing very much. It sounded like one of the fiction books I have begun to read since being freed from my island. The rescue of the ambushed demigods and the reveal that Annabeth's brother was one of them. The talk he had with them and him sending them back was like the first volume of the fantasy series! Quickly followed by the next book when his old friends came back to visit him and to get the story of his disappearance straight from the source.
The story was complete with intrigue, action, and mystery. I teased Percy about writing it down and publishing it as a novel, but he just smiled at me. Though now that I think about it, it doesn't seem like a bad idea. I'll have to work on him about that idea in the future.
As we drew closer to the day we finished the work we were doing, the more I felt myself falling deeper in love with this man. This man who had given so much to the world is now living for him and those around him. This man was broken and managed to build himself back again and even made himself better than he was. A man who is now doing very well in his life, something he never even thought would be possible. A man whose greatest wish before was going to college with the woman he loved and perhaps starting a family in the far future was now living that life and more.
Though not all I learned about him brought me joy. Irritation surged in my chest when I learned that Annabeth had reached out to Percy just months before. It was made worse when Percy told me that he had been meeting with her a few times already. He said that although he still has not forgiven her completely, he no longer feels the same hatred he had for her before. I told him that Annabeth might be trying to get with him again, and Percy just smiled. A smile that told me that he was aware of Annabeth's intention. He said that he will let Fate decide how their story will turn out but that he is done hating her.
Hearing him say that both filled me with appreciation for the good man he has become and at the same time infuriated me for his forgiving nature. For giving Annabeth a chance and adding another woman I would have to contend with. Someone I don't get along with and who might bear a grudge against me due to my past actions.
Alas, I have no say in how Percy lives his life, and so I just have to learn to live with it and somehow make it work.
While the knowledge that Annabeth was also lingering around Percy for a chance to get back with him spoiled my mood a bit. I didn't let it influence what I was planning on doing. I relished the happiness Percy's presence made me feel. Every touch, no matter how brief, was cherished. Every smile he turned my way was treasured. For I knew it was going to end once the wedding gown was finished. I dreaded that day coming; making mistakes on the dress was a constant thought in my mind. Just so I could prolong our time together. But my pride as a seamstress wouldn't let me.
And so, the day came that I was not looking forward to the most. The wedding gown was finally done, and it was magnificent! It was breathtaking, and it was my best work yet. ALL of my co-workers were in awe of the results of our hard work, and Larissa was so happy she promised us a bonus.
I felt proud of my work as we stood before it, looking at it for the last time before we shipped it off. "You guys really knocked it out of the park with this one!" Larissa praised again as she went around the gown, eyes sparkling just as much as the gems sewn into it. The whole thing shone like the night sky as the thousands of diamonds caught the light and reflected it back to us. "I wish we could see it on the bride!" Megan cried as she held her phone up and took pictures upon pictures of the thing.
"Thank you for your effort in this, Percy! It means a lot to us!" Larissa turned to Percy, who was standing beside me, also eyeing our finished product with a proud smile on his lips. He graced all of us with his usual sweet smile before replying. "You're welcome! I enjoyed working with all of you too!" He turned to me as he said the last part, making me blush with happiness and love. I heard a couple of giggles from the others; I'm sure that was from the completely love-struck look I had for Percy.
I ignored it and grabbed his hands as I showed him the most charming smile I could muster. During his time here, I didn't hide the fact that I was interested in him from the others. When they asked me if I was flirting with Percy, I was honest and told them I would be trying to get into a relationship with him, and they all proved themselves as the best group of people I could have hoped to meet. They all promised to help in any way they can to get me and Percy to be together.
As Megan said, "It would be one heck of a love story!" And I agree with her. I only hope I will be successful in my quest to capture his heart. I also hope his girls would be accepting of me in the event that I manage to meet them in the future.
"This has been a great time for all of us! I hope to be able to work with you and your company again in the future, Percy!" Larissa stood in front of all of us. "Everyone, I'd like for all of us to thank Percy for his assistance and to wish him safe travels as he goes home tomorrow!" Her words struck me like lightning. I was suddenly staring at Percy, who was looking at Larissa with a smile on his face. Everything was muted as I followed him with my eyes. He stepped forward and shook hands with Larissa, who told him something I didn't hear. My mind is whirling with the fact that by tomorrow, Percy will no longer be here. He will be going back to his home, his girls, and his life, and I will be left behind once again.
No!
I watched him leave me before; I got my heart broken by him leaving me before. I was powerless to do something, anything, to stop it from happening then, but I am no longer that woman. I am now free to plot the course of my Fate. I was a prisoner before, but now I am free. Free to love whom I choose, free to live as I please
And I chose him!
Squaring my shoulders, I approached Percy just as he finished making the rounds and saying farewell to the others. I grabbed his hands, and he turned to me with that same smile I have fallen for these past few weeks. My heart thundered in my chest as I forced my lips to move. "Can we talk?" I asked, and I saw the realization dawn in his eyes; I knew that he knew what I wanted to talk about. Percy has always been very perceptive, noticing things others tried to hide. I am sure he noticed how I felt about him during our time together; how could he not? I was practically attached to his side every chance I could get.
I was very obvious in my feeling for him, and if I am not mistaken. He felt some kind of way about me as well. I am his biggest "What if!" He said so himself. So I know I have a chance, but I have to be sure. I need to know, or rather, I need him to know.
I saw him smile at me and nod. With a look at the others, he led me out of the shop, my hands in his as we walked to the small garden a couple of streets away. It was nearing sunset, and the wind was blowing a little bit, filling the place with the sound of rustling leaves. Reminiscent of the sounds around my island, minus the sounds of waves on the shore, of course. Percy pulled me along to one of the benches and sat down, taking me with him. I kept my eyes on him as he looked around first, making sure we were alone before he turned to face me, his face serious and patient.
I studied his face for a moment until I gathered my courage and began to speak. Pulling his hand up to my lips, I kissed his knuckles, and then I held his hand close to my chest. I looked him straight in his eyes as I laid out what I wanted from him. Plain and clear.
"I want to join your harem, Percy!"
I saw the shock hit him as his eyes widened at my request. I knew I was being very forward, but I wanted him to know what my end goal is. I saw him struggle for a response, and I waited for how he would react to my words. It took a few seconds, but Percy's eyes cleared, and he finally responded.
"That was very direct of you, Calypso," he started. "But I have to ask, why would you want to join my harem?" he followed up. The question he asked was honestly one I expected would be asked. It was only natural for him to ask me that. And so I was ready with an answer, an answer that laid my heart bare before him. With all the seriousness I could muster, I confessed to Percy my love for him. Just as I had all those years ago on my island. The only difference is that I am not willing to let him leave this time.
"Because I love you, Percy! I have always loved you. And during the time we spent together these past few weeks, I fell even deeper for you!" The words now flowed out of my mouth, and this time, I didn't stop them. I let my heart take over, and I let everything out. "You said that I was your biggest what-if. Well, you are also the one that got away for me!" Percy was quiet the whole time of my tirade, just watching and listening. His eyes boring down on mine as I laid my heart out for him to read.
"Don't get me wrong, Percy. I loved Leo; I really did, but the love I had for you and for him was vastly different. You never left my heart even during the time I was with him. Even when the curse of the island was lifted from me, you were still in my heart while Leo was slowly fading," I confessed. I knew I sounded like a fickle woman, but that was the truth, and there was nothing I could do about it but tell him the truth and hope that he sees it and accepts me for who and what I am.
A woman in love.
"I'm not going to lie to you, Percy. I also miss being immortal. I miss my powers and the certainty immortal life brings," I told him. This was a realization I got as I lived in the mortal world alone and away from anything mystical. especially when I discovered all the new and different ways mortals had for making dresses and the different techniques and machines they invented for sewing. I wanted to try them all; I wanted to learn them all. And I could only do that if I had unlimited time on my hands.
Unlimited time that I could share with him, living with him, loving him. I wanted it so bad I totally forgot about him leaving once the job was done. And now, I am scrambling, trying to get him to see me, for him to see that I am serious in my feelings for him.
"So, you want to go back to being immortal?" Percy asked after I ran out of steam. I nodded, then looked back at him again. "In part, yes. But more than anything, I just want to be with you," I declared, or more like confessed. "I left Leo thinking that I could find happiness on my own. And I did, Percy. Don't think that I am not happy here, because I am. I found meaningful work, good friends, and a life worth living." I paused, reaching for his hands, and he let me hold his. "But as happy as I found myself here, I am also very lonely. The people here, the friends I have, they don't really get me."
"None of them can ever understand me the way someone who came from the same world would. And I can't exactly tell them my past as well; that would just place them in danger, and I am not that selfish for recognition or understanding," I continued to explain. "I thought I would have to live with that loneliness on my own. Then, like a sudden storm, you came into my life after almost a decade, and you swept me away. I drowned in you as you pulled me into your depths like a riptide." I smiled when I saw the amusement in Percy's eyes as I used terms connected to the ocean, which is his domain.
"I love you, Percy Jackson! Immortality or not, I would like to be with you. Harem member or not, I would still like to be with you!" I declared, looking straight into his eyes as he stayed silent. My heart beat wildly in my chest as I waited for him to respond. Percy sighed heavily, then he turned away to look into the distance. I kept my gaze on him, drinking in his features as my future lay in his hands. I tried not to show my fear and impatience and focused instead on his hand that I was holding.
We were quiet for a while, Percy watching the sun set as I waited for him to decide my fate. I can see Percy thinking about what I had just dropped on his lap. His face was calm enough, but his eyes showed the turmoil in his mind. I felt bad for putting this on him, but there really was no other way I could have done this in a better way.
The sun had just disappeared under the horizon when Percy released another sigh. I held my breath as I watched him turn toward me, knowing that he was done deliberating.
"I understand where you're coming from, Calypso. And I meant it when I said you were my biggest what-if, because that is the truth," he started. "And it is also true that during my time here, I also began to develop deeper feelings for you. I admit, those feelings never really went away from the time I was with you on your island, though they got buried deep within me when I finally got with Annabeth. And you know what happened with her, and that led to how my life is going now." There was a small smile on his face as he continued speaking.
"You've given me a lot to think about, Calypso. I feel strongly for you, and I would like more than anything to accept you and your love. But I also have to take into consideration the feelings of Hazel and Piper." Percy's words both made me happy and worried. Happy because he basically confessed that he is in love with me, or at least feels some kind of love for me. Which is already a win for me. But him saying that he would need to ask the members of his harem about him accepting me worried me. Because that meant that me joining in would be in the hands of whether Hazel and Piper agreed to accept me.
It seems I would need to put my plan of getting those two in my corner in action earlier than I planned.
Percy suddenly pulled my hand to his lips and kissed the back of it, sending shivers down my arm. "Give some time to think about things, Calypso. I promise I'll give an answer as soon as possible." I let out a shuddered breath as his words proved my fears. I closed my eyes as I let myself calm down. I swallowed the lump in my throat and looked him in his eyes as I forced a smile on my face.
With a nod, I agreed to give him time to think things through. Though deep in my mind, I am already planning to go and meet Hazel and Piper. All to make the certainty of me joining them all the more certain.