Warning: Self-loathing thoughts. Slight swearing.
Percy wasn't exactly surprised when Jason started avoiding him. Gods, he barely even looked at him.
Percy couldn't blame him, they'd done the unthinkable.
The guilt was eating Percy up from the inside, every smile from Piper breaking his heart that little bit more.
Three days after their little affair, Percy found himself outside Jason and Piper's apartment.
He took a deep breath before knocking, his heart pounding loudly inside his chest.
Percy didn't have to wait long before the door swung open, his eyes meeting Piper's surprised face.
Percy felt his stomach drop as Piper smiled at him, kindness oozing off of her in waves.
Percy subconsciously pulled his sleeves a little lower, clutching the material in his fists tightly.
He smiled back at Piper, small, unsure.
Piper invited him inside, offering him something to drink.
As they sat down, drinks in hand, Percy felt his eyes start to water.
Piper's face grew concerned as she shuffled closer to Percy, wrapping an arm around his shoulders.
"What's wrong Percy?"
That was all it took for Percy to break, tears streaming down his face.
It took a while for him to explain it to Piper, his voice filled with shame.
Percy sobbed as Piper wrapped her arms around him, pulling his head into her chest.
Why was Piper such a good person?
"Percy-"
"I'm sorry!"
Percy couldn't stop the tears from falling, sniffling slightly.
"I'm so sorry, Piper. I'm such a bad person. I-I didn't mean to. It-it wasn't Jason's fault, I promise! He was drunk and- oh gods, he was drunk. Does that m-mean?"
Percy's voice was hysterical, his words interrupted by frequent sobs.
Piper felt her heart clench, clutching Percy tighter.
Piper rubbed a soothing hand along Percy's back, the circular motions distracting Percy and calming him slightly.
"Shh, Percy, it's okay. I'm not mad. I'm not mad at you, I'm not mad at Jason either. And you're not a bad person. You're like the most pure-hearted person I have ever met. I've never met anyone as good, or kind as you."
Percy shook his head, his lip trembling.
He felt bad, Piper had forgiven him for doing such a horrible thing and yet, in his mind, he was calling her a liar.
He couldn't help but feel like it was deserved though. Percy was like the worst person you could ever meet. He was horrible, selfish, unkind. Pretty much the complete opposite of what Piper said he was.
The exact opposite of Piper.
They sat like that until Percy had stopped crying, looking up when they heard the front door open.
Jason made his way into the living room, his jaw clenching slightly when he spotted Piper and Percy on the couch, Percy's head resting against her chest.
Both of their arms were wrapped around each other, Percy's face red and blotchy.
"Percy..."
Percy bowed his head, unable to meet Jason's eyes, willing his tears to stay away.
They stayed in silence - Percy's sniffles the only thing breaking it - until Piper gestured for Jason to take a seat on the couch, right next to them.
Jason took it, his eyes never leaving Percy.
"So... you told her?"
It wasn't a question so much as a statement, Jason already knowing the answer.
Percy nodded, his face hidden away from Jason as he clung onto Piper's shirt.
Jason felt his anger - which wasn't even real - melt away, his lip between his teeth.
"I'm sorry."
Piper sighed, sounding exasperated.
"Percy. Please, stop apologising. I forgive you. I'm not mad, please don't think I am."
Piper continued her reassurances, the slow hum of her voice eventually lulling Percy to sleep.
Jason couldn't help but smile when he caught sight of Percy, black hair dropping down across his forehead.
Quiet snores filled the air, causing Piper to stop and smile.
Piper gently combed her fingers through Percy's hair, turning to look at Jason with a knowing look.
Jason gulped, his eyes wary.
Piper heaved a fond sigh, a small smile on her face.
"It would have been nice if you hadn't left him as soon as he woke up. He thinks you hate him now."
Jason looked down in shame, feeling guilty.
Over the next two weeks, Percy followed Piper around like a lost puppy, intent on making it up to her.
Whenever Piper needed help with something, Percy was immediately there.
He showed up at their apartment everyday with gifts, a soft smile gracing his lips, self-disgust written across his face.
He never failed to make Piper flush, mentally cooing at his cute actions.
Piper got worried when Percy didn't show up that day. Not only was it Wednesday - the day him and Jason always went on little trips together - but Percy was always at their apartment these days.
She'd come to really love the time she spent with Percy, finding it weird that he wasn't with her.
Worried, she made her way over to Percy's apartment.
It was Connor who answered the door, his face guarded.
"Connor! Hi, is Percy home?"
Piper knew Connor had a key to Percy's apartment and, knowing the trickster, it wouldn't be surprising if he was home alone.
Connor's face grew sympathetic, well, it did to Piper.
"No, sorry. You must have just missed him. He said something about going on an adventure. I think he wanted to check if something was safe before going there with Jason."
"Oh, ok."
It wasn't unlike Percy to put other's safety before his own. Of course he'd go and check out the possibly dangerous place on his own.
As soon as Piper was gone, Connor closed the door, a scowl on his face.
He turned around, blue eyes meeting dark brown.
They both shared an annoyed look before heading into Percy's room, walking over to the blonde sat on Percy's bed.
Nico smiled softly at his boyfriend, the smile resolved solely for his boyfriend, and lately Percy too.
Percy couldn't help but feel undeserving when faced with that smile. A smile so soft, innocent, full of love.
It was a smile reserved for Will and yet Percy had managed to scam his way in, 'earn' himself that smile.
Bullshit. He didn't earn anything. The only thing he rightfully earned was guilt, something he very much deserved.
Will smiled back at him before looking down at Percy fondly, his touch soothing as he combed his fingers through Percy's hair.
Percy hummed lowly, feeling better after such a crappy morning.
His nerves had calmed slightly, but that didn't mean he wasn't worried.
He'd just found out he was pregnant for gods sake!
Despite having been assured of Percy's whereabouts hours before, Piper couldn't help but feel worried as Percy refused to go on his weekly trip with Jason.
She'd made the second trip to Percy's apartment that day, only to return home after Nico answered. He told them that they were looking for Percy, that she could go home.
Jason hadn't had any luck either, having gone there before Piper. He'd stood outside the door for a good half hour before he left.
It had been a month since either of them had seen Percy.
Apparently he'd been found, but he'd fallen ill and couldn't handle too many people around at once.
They were assured it was nothing severe and that Percy was almost fully recovered.
He was lucky the place he'd been to hadn't left him in worse condition.
Despite having had no contact with Piper and Jason, they were always on his mind, plaguing his thoughts.
Percy didn't know if he really wanted them gone. If they left, there is a good possibility he may crumble.
Percy didn't want to crumble.