~Sigh~
A heavy sigh escaped my mouth as I stood at the door of the cafe near my place. My hand hovering at the handle of the door. I have been standing here for the last 5 minutes, just gathering the courage to step in and finally get things over with. But I don't think anybody could actually blame me for being this nervous. Who I am meeting here and what is going to be talked about will decide my future.
Taking another deep breath, I released it in one go before steeling myself and finally grabbing the door handle and pushing the door open. I was greeted by soft music and the homely scent of freshly brewed coffee, something I had come to love since my release from my island prison. The inside of the cafe was sparsely populated, with just a few patrons sitting all around the place.
"Welcome!"
A woman greeted from behind the counter directly across from the door; she had on a lovely welcoming smile as she stood straight. I returned her smile and stepped towards her. I ordered my usual and then looked around, trying to find where they were. My heart beat wildly in my chest when I noticed the familiar dark, unruly hair in one of the far corners of the cafe. He was sitting facing away from me, so he hadn't seen me arrive. I signaled to the barista where I would be sitting and went over to Percy's table to join him.
I was a couple of steps away when I noticed something I missed earlier. Percy chose a booth to sit at, and the back of the seats was high enough that it only showed his head. That's why I didn't notice that sitting on either side of him were two women. Two very beautiful women, who were also very familiar to me. I halted just a couple of steps away from them, and the one sitting near the edge of the booth noticed and turned towards me.
Golden eyes found me as I stood frozen, staring at them. I saw her eyes widen as she saw me, and I knew I couldn't turn back now, not that I wanted to, but it was comforting to know that the option was readily available. As one, Percy and the other women turned their heads as well, and I found myself stared at by three sets of eyes. I swallowed my nervousness and took those last few steps toward them. They all stood up as I came and stepped out of the booth to come before me.
I tried to smile at them, but I don't think I succeeded. Thankfully, they were all welcoming, and Percy was the first to approach. "Calypso! Thanks for coming on short notice!" he greeted as he wrapped his arms around me. I basked in the warmth of his embrace, nuzzling my face against his chest as I wrapped my arms around him as tightly as I could. If it were possible, I would have liked to stay within his arms for longer. But now was not the time for that, not when both members of his harem were with him, watching closely.
We ended the hug, and Percy held me at arm's reach and looked me all over. His smile was one of happiness and delight, and it gave me hope that what I wanted was going to be a reality. I looked at his eyes and gave him the most charming smile I could muster, trying to win his approval and agreement. "I wouldn't have missed it for anything!" I said truthfully. He stepped back, and his place was taken by the women he was with, Hazel and Piper.
The happiness I felt was instantly replaced by apprehension and nervousness. Though both of them looked at me kindly, I still felt a bit judged by them, and I knew Percy would take their opinions into consideration when deciding on my request. That fact has contributed heavily to the stress I felt. Even though they both gave me positive feelings when we met two weeks ago, just us women. I still don't know what they took from that meeting and what they decided between the two of them.
"It's good to see you again!" Hazel greeted, while Piper just smiled sweetly. For the second time today, I found myself wrapped in the embrace of people who, in the future, could be my family. And as I returned the embrace of the two women who, I wish, would be my sisters someday, I thought back to the meeting I had with the two of them. One I flew to New York for.
---------Flashback---------
It was a windy day in New York, and the wind carried with it the bite of winter. Already the chill was blowing through the city, and I found myself shivering from the cold. As someone who had spent thousands of years on a tropical island paradise, the cold was something I was having trouble getting used to. The loss of my powers only made things worse for me. The first time I stayed in this city, I still had the warmth of Leo to rely on, but now, I had to content myself with the coat that I brought for protection from the freezing cold.
I dug my face deeper into the thick coat I was wearing as I walked along the street of the city. I arrived yesterday evening, and I didn't tell anybody I might have known in the city that I was visiting, so I am currently staying in a hotel for the duration of my stay. After a night of rest, I am again now headed to a restaurant where I was called by two people I am both dreading to meet and at the same time looking forward to speaking to.
I remember the shock I felt when I received the call from them. It was a week after Percy left, when I was still gathering the courage within me to make the call to them. I had thought that they called to warn me off, to tell me that they knew what I was planning, and they called to tell me that they didn't approve of what I did and what I plan to do. So, it came as a surprise when they told me that they knew and that they too would like to speak with me. The only condition they had was that they wanted to speak face-to-face and that I had to be the one to come to them. They didn't explain, but I think that was part of their test for me, and I accepted. It was easy enough to travel to them. With the conveniences of modern travel, going to them was a breeze.
And so here I am, braving the cold wind just to face the two women who would have a say in the future I am praying for.
After walking for another 10 minutes, I finally came upon the restaurant they said they would be meeting me at. It was a regular restaurant from what I can see. A glass window you can see through to check the interior, wooden doors, and a welcome sign hung on it, signaling that they were open for business. Steeling my nerves, I opened the door and was greeted by the warm air of the interior of the restaurant. I heaved a sigh of relief as I left the cold air of the outside when I closed the door behind me.
"Welcome! Table for one?" A voice greeted as a young man approached with a warm smile. "Hi! I'm here to meet with Piper and Hazel. I believe they arrived earlier," I started, and the man nodded before telling me to follow him. He led me towards one of the tables along the back wall of the restaurant, where two women sat together. Both of them turned to me as we approached, and I felt the same nervousness I felt when I answered their call a few days ago. "I'll return with the menu in a moment," the waiter said as I stood by the table, hands clasped in front of me as Piper and Hazel stared and studied me closely.
After a few moments of silent judgement on their part, Hazel gestured to the seat in front of them and told me to take a seat. At least she was smiling at me when she said that and was not frowning or showing any displeasure. I had just taken a seat when the waiter came back with our menus and filled our glasses with water before leaving again, giving us time to peruse the menu and make our decision. I took this time to study the two women who had everything I wanted and more.
Both were extremely beautiful, as is par for the course for a demigoddess. But both of them exuded power as well, not in a godly way but in an eternal way. I figured it out quickly enough that it was the immortality they had that I was feeling. Being as I was immortal myself a few years ago, I recognized it in an instant. Hazel was the same smaller woman with the wild curly hair that looked like a lion's mane. Her eyes still had that otherworldly gold color that reminded me of my uncle, the Lord of Time himself, though they held none of the malice his had. Hers was filled with a quiet strength that endured all she had gone through.
Piper, on the other hand, had changed so much from the last time I saw her. She was much prettier now, and her eyes, showing all the colors of the world, spun and shone from the happiness I knew she was feeling. I also knew where that happiness originated from, and I wanted, above anything else, to partake in that happiness as well. Both of them had on a pretty smile on their lips as they studied the menus in front of them. Their heads leaning towards one another as they shared ideas for what meal they would order. Acting more like sisters than women sharing the same man. So much so that I could not detect even a hint of jealousy or resentment for the other. Something I thought I would find.
It seems Percy's harem is a place of harmony and love, which is good in my opinion. I just hope I could also join and enjoy that harmonious life like them.
After a few minutes, we called the waiter, and we placed our orders. After that, we settled down and, for a few moments, just stared at one another, waiting for someone to start. Sighing, I decided to take the lead, since I wanted to impress them and get them on my side.
"I have to be honest, I never thought this harem would be used again since the time of the Titans," I said, which caught the two of them off-guard. They shared a look, then turned back to me. "Again? It was used before?" they both asked at the same time. I smiled at them, reminded of the fact I am older than even some of the gods. And yet here I am, scheming to get with a much younger man. Though to be fair, he is one of a kind, gods included. I nodded at her question, indicating that it had been used in the very distant past.
"Only once, before the gods were even born—well, before the rest of the gods were born. Aphrodite, of course, was already born by that time," I started. When I saw the curiosity in their eyes, I went on and told them the story that I think only I now know. "The Titan king tried to bestow it on himself after he took the throne of his father, before he married the Lady Rhea," I began. "He wanted her and a number of other Titanesses to be tied to him, but as you know, I didn't work out." I paused for a second before continuing. "That's because, unlike with Percy, the Titan council didn't give their consent to the bestowal of the curse. So, Kronos ended up married to only Lady Rhea," I said, earning nods from the two of them.
"I still wonder how the gods willingly approved of it being granted to Percy, especially Lord Zeus and Lord Ares. I knew they had a bad history with Percy, so them willingly agreeing to it was a surprise," I added at the end, tilting my head at them, willing them to give me the answer. "The only thing Percy said was that the Fates were involved in it, and even the gods are not foolish enough to go against them," Hazel answered, and it does make sense. The Fates weave the threads of our lives, immortals included, and no one can fight against them. None have the courage to even think of it—well, maybe none except Percy.
"That makes sense," I nodded. "Well, if anyone deserves a harem, it's Percy!" Piper exclaimed as fact. Hazel smiled at her, and I joined as well. What she said was the truth after all; if there was any man in the entire world who deserved the love and devotion of not just one woman, then that would be Percy.
"Which brings us to why we are here," Hazel suddenly said, and the three of us quieted down, finally about to get to the reason for our meeting. Piper put on a serious look on her face as she waited for how Hazel was going to start this discussion. "Percy told us what you said to him," she started, her eyes staring directly at me. "He said that you asked to join the harem, that you never stopped loving him, and that you also wished to be immortal again," she added. Then she leaned forward, elbows on the table. "I just want to know, did you ask to join because you truly love Percy and want to be with him or because you want your immortality back?" There was a hardness in her eyes and tone, which was reflected in Piper's expression.
I sighed; I knew that this wasn't going to be easy. I also know that their suspicion was warranted. The very nature of their being members of Percy's harem meant that they would always be suspicious of people wanting to join and that their first priority will always be the wellness and protection of their master. I am already glad that they are even asking me as kindly as they are and not immediately accusing me of just using the harem for my own reason. Which is true, all things considered. But it is also the truth that I am in love with Percy; that, at least, is the absolute truth. I sat up and faced the two women, showing them that I have nothing to hide and nothing to be ashamed of. With a straight face I started to explain and plead my case, as it were.
"It's true; what Percy told you was all true," I started. "I wanted to be immortal again, but that is not the main motivation why I asked to join the harem. I missed my immortality, and the reason why is because when I left camp and Leo to find my own path, I discovered all the new ways mortals invented to make clothing—the machine they made to aid them along with the techniques that they perfected. I wanted to learn them all! I wanted to know more, and in the future, I wanted that knowledge that has yet to be discovered available to me! And I have to be immortal for those reasons!"
"But it is also true that I love Percy," I followed up after a minute of silence. "I have always been in love with him, since the day he landed on my island until the day we met again." I smiled at my words, memories of our time together when he was still so much younger than he is now. "I can't explain how I feel about him exactly. For the other men that came to my island, the curse would always make me fall for them, which remained until a few weeks from their departure from the island." I glanced at the both of them, just to make sure that they are still listening and that they are following what I am saying. "Percy is the only exemption; what I feel for him never changed, even when I fell for Leo and went with him." I saw Piper about to say something, and I knew I had to explain what I meant with that last statement.
"That's not to say I was ever disloyal to Leo when I was with him," I said immediately. Piper looked at me before nodding. "I loved Leo with all my heart, and I tried my best to hold on to that feeling for him. Unfortunately, like with the others, it faded as well," I said sadly. I never wanted to hurt him after all that he did for me. But there was nothing I could do about my heart. And I at least knew that to stay with him when I no longer feel the same as I did about him would be a betrayal in and of itself. Not just to him but to me as well.
"I never even dreamed that I would end up meeting Percy again," I went on to say. "I thought that I would never get the chance to even apologize to him after what I unknowingly did to him and Annabeth when they fell into the Pit!" I shuddered as I remembered the stories I heard about those two when Leo and I returned to camp. "So you can imagine my surprise when he showed up at my job!" I looked at the two, and I'm sure they could see the excitement and happiness I was feeling from that happenstance.
"So, you took advantage of the time the two of you were working to ask him to join us?" Piper asked this time, slowly and carefully. "Not at first. I didn't even know about the harem until, like, the third day of us working together. All I knew was that I wanted to be with him after finding him again." I think the love I have for Percy was very obvious in my voice as I said that. I knew I was smiling as I said it; I only hope they can feel just how much Percy means to me.
"Even without the harem or the immortality, I would have chosen to be with him even without those!" I declared. "It's him I want! The others are just additional rewards!" added. "And I can live without those!" The two of them stared at me as I finished my words. I could see them mulling my words in their minds, and I hoped and prayed that they believed me. It was the truth, but it's not like they can see into my mind. Well, Piper could read my emotions due to her relations with the goddess of love. But that only works in relation to the feeling of love, not the intentions of love. I kept eye contact with them, willing them to see just how true my words are.
They say the eyes are the windows to the soul, and I want them to see into mine. I want them to see just how deep my love for Percy is. I need them to approve of me so they can put in a good word for me to Percy.
After a few minutes, Piper and Hazel exhaled loudly, then they turned to each other before turning back to me with a smile on their faces. "Well, at least your love for Percy is real!" Piper said, and Hazel nodded at her words. Her words made my heart beat wildly; they gave me hope that what I wished for could come true. "The final decision lies with Percy," Hazel followed on, "But, at least we wouldn't be getting in the way!" Her last words cemented my happiness. I was now one step closer to my goal. One step closer to being with the man I wanted, the one man I dreamed of!
One step closer to being with Percy Jackson!
It was at that time when the waiter came back with our order, and we spent the rest of the time just trading stories about their time with Percy. Filling me with the desire of experiencing those for myself.
---------Flashback end---------
Green eyes broke me out of my memories.
One moment I was being embraced by my Piper and Hazel, and the next moment I was staring into the eyes of the man I loved the most. Sea-green eyes that reminded me of the waters around my island home.
Home.
That is what he is to me.
"Percy!" I called out as I went back to him and wrapped him in my arms again. With no conscious thought, I nuzzled my face against his chest and inhaled his scent. Which reminded me more of my island home. The warmth of his body surrounded me, giving me comfort and assuaging my nervousness. If at all possible, I would have liked to stay within his arms forever. I felt his face against my neck, and I shivered at the thought of him inhaling my scent. My mind drifted to more lustful thoughts, and I forced myself to think of other things so I wouldn't embarrass myself in front of Percy.
"It's good to see you!" He whispered in my ear, causing me to blush deeply. We stepped back after a few more seconds, and he held me at arm's length. He then looked me up and down with a smile, and I was glad I dressed up for this meeting. I was wearing my best dress, a blue sundress, and modest three-inch heels. All in an effort to appeal to Percy, who always loved the color blue. I applauded myself for this foresight as I saw the appreciation sparkle in his eyes. He finally stepped back from me, joining Piper and Hazel.
"Let's sit down!" Hazel ushered us all back to the table, and we all sat down, me sitting on the chair directly opposite of Percy with Piper and Hazel sitting on both sides of him. My order came as we were settling in, and we sat in silence for a few minutes before Piper started the discussion. "I know how you are feeling right now, Calypso. I also went through what you are going through when I asked Percy to be made a part of his harem," she said with a small smile on her face. I nodded at her, swallowing the nervousness I suddenly felt. This was more nerve-wracking than the time I was sentenced by the Olympians into solitude after the first Titan war. I remember being nervous as I stood in front of the gods back then and feeling nervous but also accepting the fate that they laid for me.
But now, this meeting and Percy's response to my request bear more importance in my life than even the one that got me imprisoned for thousands of years. Being with Percy, for any length of time, is now the most important thing for me. Something I would trade my freedom for, something that I would trade the rest of my life on this earth for, just for a chance at being with him for even a year, or shorter. I just want to be with him, in any way, shape, or form. So, despite all that I was feeling, I kept quiet and waited until Percy let me know what he decided.
"So, we won't make you wait any longer and just tell you what Percy has decided on," Piper concluded, leaning back on her seat and looking to Percy, who leaned into the table. He stared right at me with a very serious expression, and I knew he was going to be laying down the decision that would decide what my future is going to be like. I quickly and quietly sat up, readying for whatever it was that he decided, staring at his face to see if I could glean any information as to what my fate would be. Unfortunately, today, Percy's face reflected his father's domain, unreadable and unpredictable.
"After thinking about it for a few days and taking into consideration Hazel and Piper's thoughts on the matter," Percy finally started, and I held my breath waiting for his next words. "I'm sorry, but I cannot accept you into the harem." My world came crashing down after hearing that. All of my dreams and the plans I made are all wasted. I felt myself start to cry as my breathing got harder; my body started shaking as my heart broke from his rejection. How? And why did he reject me? I thought he said that I was his biggest "What if"? Did he have a change of heart? Or is it because Piper and Hazel felt threatened by me?
So many thoughts raced through my mind that I couldn't concentrate on a single one. All I knew for a fact was that Percy had rejected me and that I will be living my mortal life alone without him. Which is the worst punishment I could have gotten. I wish I was back on Ogygia; I wish I never left the island. I wish I never met him again if all that was going to do was hurt me like this. I was so lost in my dark thoughts that I missed when Percy reached across the table, but the next thing I knew, his hands were holding mine and pulling it to him.
I forced myself to look at him only to see him looking nervous, like he didn't anticipate my reaction to his rejection. "I'm sorry, Calypso! I'm sorry for hurting you!" he apologized, and my heart lurched at the torment in his face, which only made me cry more. I don't know when, but Percy was suddenly beside me and was pulling me into a tight embrace. I wanted to push him away, but my body betrayed my thoughts, and instead I dove into his arms and clutched at his shirt as if he were life itself.
I felt his hands running along my back as he tried to calm me down, and I relished it, thinking it was the last I would ever feel him so close. It took a while, but I finally calmed down enough to not be bawling my eyes out, though I was still sniffling and holding on to him. If this is going to be the last time I will have him in my arms, then I am going to make it last. "I didn't think you'd react like this," I heard Percy say, and it made me look up at him. I wanted to ask him how he thought I should have taken his rejection. Should I have smiled and taken it with grace and poise? No, I think I reacted as I should have reacted. Like a woman in love, rejected by the one she loves.
I was going to ask, but he continued to speak, not giving me time. "I mean, I wasn't even finished with what I wanted to say when you started crying." His words caught me by surprise. What else does he have to say? I waited for a few moments, and then he spoke again, with me still in his arms this time. If he was going to deliver more bad news, then I wanted the comfort being near him provided me, just in case.
"What I wanted to say was I cannot accept you into the harem just yet," he said after sighing heavily. "Yet!" That was the word that brought hope into me. I turned to look at him and saw that he was very serious as he spoke. I also turned to Hazel and Piper and saw that they were also sporting serious looks as they watched us. Percy released me from his embrace, and I felt his absence like a physical thing in my heart. I wanted him back with me, but I held back and waited for him. I watched him take his seat and drag it to where I am, then he sat down and held my hands in his.
"I said yet because I want to make sure that you will be on great terms with the others that are already in the harem." He gestured to Hazel and Piper, who was sitting silently by the side, watching everything unfold. "Plus the three nymphs that are taking care of all of us," he added. I understood his reasonings, and I felt embarrassed for how I overreacted earlier. I should have waited and listened, but the heaviness of his words struck me fast and true.
I was waiting for Percy to continue when Piper spoke up, making me turn back to them. "So, to ensure that you will get along with us, it's been decided for us to invite you to start living with us for the time being." Piper's words brought an excitement in me, making my heart race with the possibilities they represented. "Think of it as a trial run to see if you can live the way we are living while not being part of the harem," Hazel added, taking a sip of her own drink. I think I was smiling at this point based on the way they are looking at me now. Gone was the concern, replaced with smiles and excitement.
"I accept!" I declared to Percy, my heart now beating with happiness and anticipation. I found myself looking forward to living with Percy once again as memories of our time on my island flitted through my mind. This time though, I would not be holding back my feelings, and hopefully, I wouldn't have my heart broken this time.
Percy smiled at my quick acceptance of his invitation. "And then, after a few months, if you get along well with everybody and you still wish to be a part of the harem, I'll invite you and make you the member of it." The smile he had almost halted my heart with how beautiful it was. Just looking at him gave me hope that all will be well and made me believe that he is feeling the same as I am. That in his heart, he is also in love with me just as I am madly in love with him. It gave me hope that soon enough, I would get the honor of calling him mine alongside Hazel and Piper. Able to share an infinite amount of time filled with love with him.
"Thank you, Percy, for giving me this chance! You two as well, Piper and Hazel, for not accepting me and not hindering this chance for me!" I thanked them all with tears falling from my eyes, though this time, they were from gratitude and not fear and heartbreak. I stood and came before Percy, who stood as well. I looked up at this man who has given me the greatest gift I could have gotten. The only way it could be better was if I had been made a harem member right away, but I understood his reasoning. And I could live with it; I just have to make sure to get along great with everyone. And show Percy that I would be a great addition to his harem in all the ways that matter.
I leaned up and wrapped my arms around his neck. I pulled myself up, and I felt Percy's hands on my waist, lifting me up. Our lips met, and my mind exploded in a fireworks display of love. Love for this man who meant the world, this man who is soon going to be mine. This mine who will soon have me, all of me.
---------line break---------
It is now later in the evening, the same day that I met with Percy along with the members of his harem. The meeting went very well, if I say so myself. There was a little trouble along the way, but all in all, a great day for me. I have been accepted by his women, and Percy also invited me to move and start living with them. Although I am still not a member of the harem, I am committed to being one in the future, and I will make sure I do my best and become one, no matter how long it takes, though I wish it wouldn't take years.
I am now back in my apartment, lying on my bed as I mull over all that happened earlier. The plan worked, and I asked Percy to give me a month before I could move. Now I am thinking of what I am going to tell Larissa and my friends the next day. I don't want to lie to them, but at the same time, I am afraid of how they will take it if I tell them the truth.
I tossed and turned as I thought of my friends here who I am going to have to leave behind. There was no doubt in my mind that I am going to be leaving this place to move in with Percy in his land. That is what I wanted since we met, and I have been yearning for that life ever since. I just hope that after I move, our friendship will still remain and not disappear like smoke. I cherish the time I spent with them, and I would feel bad if I lost that connection I have built with them. But not enough to make me stay, unfortunately.
After mulling things over for most of the night, I decided on the truth and left to fate how it will be accepted by them. With my mind made, I closed my eyes and willed myself to sleep, hoping for dreams of Percy and our coming life together.
---------Time-skip---------
I stepped out of the airport and was greeted by the cold Seattle air. It has been a month since that meeting with Percy, and after telling my boss and my friends, I gave the customary notice and stayed the month finishing all my commitments before I resigned and prepared for the move. My friends welcomed my decision with grace and wished me well for this next part of my life; they did demand that I keep in contact with them, something I intend to follow through on. They are good people, and I want them to keep being a part of my life. Something that can easily be done with phones and the use of the internet.
I took a deep breath before looking around, trying to find my way around. I didn't have to try hard, as a voice called out my name soon enough. A male voice, a familiar voice. A voice that I think I would respond to even from death. "Calypso!" I turned and saw the smiling face of Percy Jackson. Like it had always done, seeing his face took my breath away. That man is just too beautiful for his own good! Plus the smile he was sending my way was the stuff legends were written about. I was definitely aware of the envious looks the other women around us were sending my way. And I couldn't blame myself; I would have done the same if I were to bear witness to the same sight.
Like gravity, I found myself moving towards him. And the moment I was near, I let go of my luggage and jumped into his arms. "Percy!" I called out as he wrapped me in his embrace, and I did the same. I held on to him as tightly as I could, a symbolic gesture of me never letting him go again, and I hope he feels the same. I wanted to kiss him, but I managed to stop myself. I didn't know yet if he was the kind of man who is comfortable with open displays of affection. Not that I have a lot of experience in this, but Leo, at least, didn't enjoy it much during our time together.
We stayed like that, entangled within each other's arms for a few minutes until he released me, and I gave him a smile that showed the depths of my emotions, my love for him. "Thanks for picking me up!" I told him as he smiled as he retrieved my luggage and led me to his car. "You're welcome, and I am very glad you are here!" His words warmed me down to my very core, and once again, I sent a silent thanks to the Fates themselves for giving me this chance to be with him.
We got in his car and began to drive, heading towards his land, my soon-to-be home. Excitement filled me as I began to imagine what it would look like, what my life would be, and the things I would be doing there. The people I would have to live with and the endless possibilities from this point on. The drive was one we shared in silence for a good while as I stared and studied Percy from the passenger seat. I've done a lot of that in the weeks we worked together, but any time I could spend looking at him is time well spent in my opinion.
'He really is easy on the eyes.'
I am a firm believer that Percy was blessed by the goddess Aphrodite for the female gaze. Everything about him appeals to women everywhere. And I am very lucky to be one of the lucky ones to be able to not only watch from very close but also lucky to be given a chance to share in that beauty in a more intimate setting. Not right now, but soon enough, I hope. I released a sigh and leaned my head on the backrest of the seat, enjoying the moment where it was only us, me and Percy, in the private confines of his car.
The world outside drove by at a fast pace; one moment we were driving by buildings and cars, and then it was replaced by trees and nature. The monotone colors of civilization were suddenly replaced by the vibrant tones of life. The road we were on turned and twisted along the tall trees as the forest loomed from both sides. I felt my smile widen at the sight; being a former Titan, I would much rather be among nature than the concrete forest of modernity, and the realization that Percy's home is nestled within one was something I knew I would enjoy on top of the company I would keep.
I was broken out of my thoughts by Percy speaking after a long time of silence. "So, how did Megan and the rest take the news of you leaving?" His question brought back memories of the day I told them and the day they sent me off, all with smiles on their faces. "They were very happy for me! And they told me not to let you go again," I told him truthfully, as I will forevermore. Percy just smiled at that, a soft smile that told me just how my words made him feel. My mind played back the scene of the day I told my friends and boss of my decision to leave and their reactions to it.
---------Flashback---------
"You're leaving?" "Why?" "What the hell, Callie?"
Various exclamations met me when I declared my intention to quit. It is the day after the meeting I had with Percy and the members of his harem. I came to work and found the time around lunchtime to tell them all of my decision. It helped that most of the time, we all took lunch at the same time, and we all also took it in the same place. I took that chance to tell them all at the same time. I expected strong reactions from them, but what I got still managed to surprise me.
Megan was the one with the loudest reaction, as I imagined, while the rest reacted with the confusion I was expecting of them. Larissa was the one I was wary of, being my boss and all. I looked at her and saw that her brows were furrowed as if she was thinking hard of what my decision would do for her business. I knew my leaving would have an impact, and that was what I was worrying about the most. After a minute of thinking things through, she finally spoke up and asked me for my reasons.
"You know about my past with Percy, right?" I asked in return, and all of them nodded, aware of what the relationship between the two of us was. "Well, while he was here, we got to talking, and the day before he went back, I kind of confessed." That got a squeal from Megan and the rest, with Megan asking why I hid that fact from her. While Kathy congratulated me for my boldness. Larissa, though, was quiet and was just looking at me, waiting for me to get on with the explanation. "We didn't get together or anything like that right then," I added before they could start imagining things.
"Then we met up yesterday when he visited, and we got to talking again." I felt myself smile as I remembered how yesterday went. "And he invited me to move in with him." I waited for the reactions, and I wasn't disappointed. Megan jumped up from her seat and came and hugged me while the others all offered their congratulations. "I am so happy for you!" Megan said after a minute of hugging me. "That was quick!" my gay friend said, and I just smiled at him with a nod. Only Kathy asked me if I was sure about my decision, and I felt her concern for me.
"Are you sure about this, Callie? It seems so sudden," she said, her concern for me evident. I smiled at her and answered. "I have never been more sure of anything! Percy got away from me before! I won't let him go again!" I said, or rather, I declared, and I think they got how serious I am, so they all just nodded, including Larissa, who was still frowning, and I knew she was worrying about the last few commissions she handed me. Knowing that, I decided to reassure her that I would not be abandoning those projects any time soon.
"Don't worry, boss, I won't be leaving right away. I'll still finish all the commissions I have!" I said, and I could tell my words lifted her worries and calmed her down. "I see, that's good! Still, that means I will be losing you when you leave," she said sadly, and I could understand why she was feeling that way. I too am feeling a little bit sad about going away. I have made connections with the people here, and my time spent here has been meaningful. But my future lies elsewhere; it lies with Percy, and I wouldn't let anything get in the way of that.
"I know, and I am sorry about that," I said but was cut off by her immediately. "Don't be! I would never be the kind of person who would stand in the way of someone's happiness just for profits!" Larissa said, shaking her hands. I smiled at her and felt grateful for the kind of leader that she was. I really had been blessed with great people and a great life here, and I would treasure the time we spent together.
"When are you leaving?" Megan asked, misty-eyed. "I'll stay for one more month," I said, and our conversation went from congratulations to planning a send-off party for me. For the rest of the month, I finished every single one of my commissions and responsibilities to the business while spending as much time with my friends as I could, knowing that I would be leaving them in a few weeks.
The day of my departure came, and everyone saw me off at the airport. They embraced me each and sent me off with smiles and wishes for a better life with Percy. I left them with tears in my eyes but with the determination not to lose contact with them. I was actually on the phone with Megan up until I boarded the plane, and she was also the first I called once I landed. And now as I am nearing my new home, I wanted her to be the one I call first to share how I am faring with the man I love.
---------Flashback end---------
"We're almost there!" Percy announced as he turned the car onto a gravel path into the thick forest. My heart beat harder at the thought of the place I am going to be living in drawing near. Excitement and nervousness coursed through me at the thought of the people I am going to be sharing every day with. Piper and Hazel I knew already, and we have come to a certain understanding; it was the three nymphs that were causing my worry. I hope they would be accepting of me.
Percy slowed down as we came upon an uphill part of the road, and he chanted what I think was a spell, one that would allow me entry into his domain.
"I, Percy Jackson, welcome Calypso into my land and invite her to stay indefinitely!"
I felt the magic of his words wash over me, its waves rolling over a very large area all around me. I felt the acceptance of an ancient protection settle over me, and I knew I had become a guest of this mysterious land of his. Percy turned and smiled at me as he sped up again up the hill. As we crested over it, I saw a rippling on the air, much like the one back at camp, signifying the boundary of his domain. We crossed it, and I was greeted with a sight that I knew I would fall in love with in a very short time.
A lake glittered a short distance away from the large mansion standing in the center of a clearing. The mountain range loomed far into the horizon to the east, while in the distance, the sea shone from the sun's rays. It was a vision of paradise, a piece of the past that survived the passage of time. Saved, reserved, and preserved for the man that would save the world multiple times. It would seem that the Fates really did know how our futures would turn out, for they knew I would never willingly leave this place anymore after laying my eyes upon it. So they wove the threads of my life to be intertwined with the one man I would fall for with all my heart.
After spending millennia alone in one paradise. I am now destined to spend the rest of eternity in another paradise, only now I won't be alone. I will be spending it with the man I chose to love, together with others who love him equally as well. People who I wish I would also learn to love and care for, and I hope they would also return the same love and care to me.
Percy stopped in front of the mansion, and just before the massive door stood 5 individuals, all waiting for us. I felt my nervousness spike again, but one glance from Percy pushed it away. The smile he had gave me all the courage and strength I needed to see this through. "It will be fine!" With a squeeze of his hand, I followed him out of the car and went around to stand by his side. He offered me his arms, and I took them as he led me up the few steps to the front door. My eyes studied the three unfamiliar faces of the nymphs as they stared back at me. I could feel the apprehension from them, and I knew I would have my work cut out for me if I wanted to gain their approval. But I am up to the task, and I will do my best to get on their good sides during my time here.
"Calypso! I hope you had a good flight!" Hazel stepped up and greeted me with a welcoming smile. "I did! The welcoming committee was also very appreciated!" I told her as we embraced. She laughed at my words, and she was replaced by Piper, who also hugged me tight. "I'm glad you're here!" She said as she stepped back to stand beside Hazel again.
"Once again, I welcome you into our home and into our lives, Calypso." Percy declared as he stood in front of me with his arms spread wide. His smile and his words carried the warmth that promised me the comfort I had sought for the longest time. My feet took me to him, and like I did back at the airport, I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled myself up his tall frame. Our lips met, and we shared a short yet heated kiss. A kiss that carried my heart and all the love I wanted to give him.
I leaned back after the kiss and stared at his sea-green eyes that shone with the promise of a life of love for me. I swallowed my nerves and finally said the words that I wanted to say to him since I landed.
"I love you!"