Aug. 8th, 2017 - Tuesday Perseus’s POV

Percy had never been on a date. Growing up, girls weren’t on his radar, and by the time he reached the age where they should, he had shipped off to America on the Mayflower. The ten-week journey was grueling, and Percy would have died had he not met Humility Cooper. She was the reason he got to meet his soulmate, and that was a debt he could never fully repay.

Of course, girls of all standings had approached, especially as the Schuyler name became synonymous with power and the supernatural. Despite the power at his fingertips, none of it would help to woo his soulmate. The green-eyed Omega reeked of nerves as his family had pointed out, but he couldn’t help it. Percy had one chance to impress Casey because he had a feeling the human did not give second chances. Thus, the Omega had been standing in his closet for over an hour, staring at his clothes. He finally gave up and called his sister.

Carina laughed at him when she walked into the closet to find him wearing nothing but his boxers, mismatched socks, and a dejected pout.

“Help.”

“Alright, what do you plan on doing, and how much are you trying to impress him?” She asked, her arms crossed over her chest as she leaned against the doorway.

“Just a picnic at the park, that’s why I was in the kitchen all night. It’s simple, but I think he’d prefer that to something super extravagant,” Percy explained as he wrung his hands in front of him.

“Or he’ll think you’re lame and had hoped for something.”

“I wanted your opinion on clothes, not my lack of dating prowess, Rina,” he hissed, his pout deepening. “I only have an hour before school, and I still need to shower and pack everything up. Please, just help. This is the crucial base of my plan.” The brunette rolled her eyes and strode further into the room. She grabbed a few articles of clothing off the racks and dumped them into his arms.

“There, casual while also enhancing your assets. Plus, they don’t scream that you have money to keep your status as average.” Percy beamed at her and pressed a quick kiss to her cheek before darting past to the bathroom.

“Thanks, Rina,” he called over his shoulder, “I owe you one!” The Omega took his time in the shower, scrubbing his skin with mint-scented soap and rubbing cologne onto his pulse points. Percy pulled on clean undergarments and grabbed the clothes that Carina had picked out with a small smile.

He surveyed his appearance in the mirror and nodded once. The black jeans hugged his lower half while the white tank did the same for his torso, and overtop was a check shirt he had gotten from Burberry at some point. After a split second, he buttoned the first three buttons and slipped his shoes on. The brunet wasn’t entirely comfortable putting his body on display, but he was working on it.

Percy grabbed his backpack and slung it over his shoulders as he ascended to the top floor. It was empty when he arrived, though that was no surprise. Carina was most likely in the gym or flirting with some poor barista at the Starbucks down the street, so he would be gone before she returned. His parents had left for Port Haven on business Sunday and wouldn’t be back until Thursday, which left him and his brother, Charles. His brother was quiet and tended to stick to his floor or the garage, so in reality, the Omega was alone for the next two days.

Percy huffed and attempted to push away the impending loneliness that had begun to creep up. It’s just two days, and I’m still going to school. I will be fine. Setting aside his fear, Percy retrieved a picnic basket from the pantry and set it on the island. Percy meticulously packed everything he prepared and waved his hand across the top while murmuring a quick stasis charm. The charm would keep the food inside fresh until Charlie dropped it off around 2:30.

After double-checking that everything was perfect, Percy forced himself out of the kitchen and back into the elevator. In addition to his parents, Natalia left as well. She had disappeared to Goddess knows where last week, but the Omega knew she would return. She always did. Sadly, that meant he was on his own for transportation, so he walked. Of course, running was an option, but using his gifts in public was always a risk.

Percy strolled into Ashford Middle 20 minutes later, his fingers fiddling absently with the hem of his shirt. His eyes found Adam in his usual spot, and he climbed the bleachers.

“May I sit?”

“Do you have more questions?” Adam teased, though he motioned to the empty spot to his right.

“No, no questions, but I don’t have any friends either, so here I am.” The other boy’s expression morphed to one of confusion as Percy sat his bag at his feet.

“No friends? What do you call the people you sit with at lunch or who you talk to in gym?”

“Mildly annoying?” The two shared a laugh, and the blond nodded.

“Yeah, I think you’ll do just fine with Casey.” The Omega clasped his hands in his lap, the picture of poise, and tilted his head.

“Why do you say that?” He inquired, his tone curious. Adam hummed softly as he observed Percy. The human’s heartbeat was steady, unlike most when they spoke to him, and it was the same with Casey. Neither boy seemed to be nervous or afraid around the Omega, yet another piece in the puzzle. The majority of humans sensed Percy's pheromones as a warning; however, they did not.

“You’re nice, ya know. Casey isn’t used to nice, but I think you’ll figure that out soon.” Adam explained.

“You think he’ll want me around long enough for that?” The human’s smile was secretive as if he knew something Percy didn’t, and that unnerved him slightly. I don’t like the unknown.

“Between us, I don’t know. I mean, Casey may act look it, but he’s mad smart,” the blond paused, “I’ve known him for years, we’re practically family, and I’ve never known him to shy away from a challenge. I think it’s because of his granddad, but…” He trailed off with a shrug, and the brown-eyed boy leaned forward in interest.

“He’s never mentioned his grandfather.” Adam sucked in a sharp breath and shook his head, his platinum curls bouncing with the motion.

“He won’t, and if you bring it up, then Case will probably snap at ya, whether he means to or not. It’s his defense mechanism, ya know, being a jackass.” Percy chuckled and raked a hand through his shortened hair. I miss my long hair, he thought absently. I should ask how Casey prefers it.

“Noted, any other advice?” The Omega asked, hopefully. “There’s really only one thing you need to know, dude,” Adam replied, “just be yourself. Case doesn’t play games with people, he reads them too well for that.” He couldn’t be his true self, not yet. If Casey knew what he was, he would run for the hills, so Percy would bide his time and reveal all when the human was bonded to him. Casey was his destined, he just knew it, so he was content to wait.

As the first bell rang, Percy rose to his feet and smiled. “Thank you, Adam, this was enlightening.” And the pieces continue to appear. Adam stood and the two meshed with the crowd. The conversation was over, and they walked back in silence, the blond preoccupied with his phone while Percy searched for golden-brown eyes. The Omega idled in the hallway as long as possible in the hopes he could talk to Casey for a minute, but no luck.

Percy didn’t see the other boy until science when he strode into the room. He took in Casey’s dark jeans and the dark green t-shirt that clung to the subtle swell of his chest and noted the rose pinned to his denim jacket. The human paused for a split-second before sitting, and his eyes trailed up and down the Omega’s body.

“You look nice.” Percy preened under his gaze and gave him a megawatt smile.

“You as well, Casey. I do love that jacket, reminds me of the 80s,” he stated off-handedly, smiling. Casey’s expression turned confused, and he realized why. “My mom wore them back in the day, plus everyone in old movies.” Percy could tell the human didn’t believe him, but thankfully he didn’t ask. I need to be more careful. I can’t afford to get cocky and let my guard down, not if I keep dropping “hints” like that.

“So,” Casey began as Mr. Carter started a lesson on the scientific method, “what’s the plan?”

“You don’t like the unknown, do you?” Percy asked softly as he leaned closer. He was close enough that their knees brushed, and the Omega put his hand on top of the table, leaving the choice up to Casey.

“Not knowing leaves too many outcomes. If I know how things are supposed to go, I can change how they end.” Casey whispered. The boy had a point, and Percy realized how right Adam was in his assertion of the brunet. Casey was definitely smart and had wisdom beyond his years, but one wouldn’t know it at first glance. His mate was going to be a formidable Guardian.

“I’m not going to tell you to trust me because I know you don’t, but please withhold your skepticism until school ends. You will have full control of the situation,” Percy promised. The brown-eyed boy bit his lip and then nodded once.

“My curiosity is stronger than my caution,” he admitted, “but you’re right. I don’t trust you.” Percy knew that Casey didn’t trust anyone aside from Adam, but looked forward to being added to that list.

They sat in silence after that. Percy watched him knowing fully well that Casey could tell and admired the picture before him. The human may be short, but he was lean and arched in a cat-like manner, not unlike a dancer. Tiny moles dotted his neck to create his own constellations, and Percy could make out a handful of freckles across the bridge of his nose. A barely-there scar cut below his eye, nearly the same shade as his caramel-colored skin, and the Omega wanted to reach out and touch. Percy wanted to feel the power thrumming in the human’s veins, wanted to see his eyes glow when he became the Guardian. Percy wanted, and he hasn’t wanted for anything since 1620.

To want, and be wanted, is a dangerous game.

~_~.~_~

For someone who had all the time in the world, Percy sure was impatient. The rest of science and socials passed in a haze of information he had lived through, but English seemed to drag on. Even the first fifteen minutes before lunch lasted forever, all 900 seconds. Percy had endured wolfsbane poisoning longer than that. I think I’d prefer that over this waiting game in all honesty.

It didn’t help that once the class had returned from gym Alpha Hale watched him more than usual. Her denim-blue eyes followed Percy like a hawk and waited for the perfect moment to pounce while he waited for Casey and Adam. His wolf roared when she touched what was his and quickly turned his face from the two boys to flash his eyes in warning.

“Sorry, you two, I need to speak with Perseus for a minute.” As he knew what she wanted, Percy calmed himself enough to force a smile for the humans.

“I’ll meet you outside.” Casey wanted to say something, but Adam pulled him out of the room by his jacket, shooting the Omega a pointed look as they left. Percy’s entire body ached, and he wanted to run, but the full moon was still 6 hours off, and he had plans that Rebecca Hale would not ruin.

Before he could make his first threat, she stepped closer and said, “You need to leave Casey Boyd alone.” Percy prided himself on his willpower, but with his wolf waiting to run free and his desire to be near Casey rising, the Omega bared his teeth. Pearly white canines dropped past his lower lip, and his eyes flashed with the unsaid threat.

“You need to think carefully before you say another word, Alpha Hale,” he growled, “I won’t hesitate to rip your throat out, and you know the Council would take my side.” The woman returned his growl with one of her own and flicked her left hand in a downward motion that released a set of sharp claws. The air crackled with pheromones and Percy’s own magic, arcing through the room like lightning until it finally hit home.

Alpha Hale lurched forward with a rumbling growl that resonated within the boy’s chest and swiped at his chest. Percy knocked her hand away with ease and released a burst of instinctive magic that slammed the woman against the concrete wall behind her.

“What is your obsession with Casey?” The Omega hissed while getting into her personal space. “What is it about him, huh? Is it your motherly instinct?” It was a low blow, he knew that, but this woman enraged Percy like no other. Hale struggled furiously against invisible bonds as Percy stalked forward.

“Leave him alone, you need to stay away from him before you get him killed too!” The snarled words were like ice water over his head. With a slow exhale, Percy negated the magic holding her back and closed his eyes. When he reopened them, Hale was watching him warily.

“Try that again, and I’ll rip your throat out. With my teeth,” Percy added. The boy spun around to grab his bag from the ground and escaped the room as quick as humanly possible. Rage and guilt churned in the pit of his stomach, both fighting to see which could possibly make him feel worse. Percy wasn’t sure if the anger was directed toward himself or Hale.

The Omega strode down the empty hallway and out the door, rays of sun glimmering through the clouds. The light was harsh on his enhanced eyes, and Percy raised a hand out of habit. He followed Casey’s distinct scent down the steps and around the corner where his mate stood. His denim jacket remained on despite the Southern heat and pulled tight over his shoulders and biceps as he gripped his skateboard.

“Sorry about that, Casey. I hadn’t wanted a late start.” Percy’s voice was gruff from growling, but Casey only shrugged, his honey eyes locked on the wolf’s face.

“With how much I’m late, it’d be a bit hypocritical of me to say anything.” The human said as he pushed himself off the wall to fall into step beside Percy.

“Well, are you ready?”

Casey’s POV

“Readier than I’ll ever be,” the healer replied quietly. “Will ya tell me where we’re goin’ now?” Perseus smiled, the tenseness in his jaw seeming to evaporate. Casey had noticed the barely concealed rage rolling off of the brown-eyed boy but chose to keep his mouth shut.

“Adventure is worthwhile in itself,” he said while the brunet’s brows furrowed as he tried to place the quote. “Amelia Earhart, a wonderful woman.” Percy’s tone was wistful as if he had actually known the aviator.

“You have a lot of respect for women,” Casey observed, “I dig that.” They reached the bottom of the hill, and the healer moved to cross the street, but a hand pressed to his stomach made him pause.

At the brunet’s confused look, Perseus said, “Cars are coming, Casey, so unless you’d like to make a run for it, we should probably wait.” Huh. Casey never worried about cars when crossing the road. He made a mad dash and thought that whatever happened, happened. “On the subject of women, though, my mother raised me to respect everyone deserving of it. Respect is like love in that regard.”

“Because it’s shown differently for everyone?” The healer guessed, frowning slightly when Perseus removed his hand, and they ventured forward. He made it a point to ignore the unease his touch left behind.

“Because neither should be given lightly,” Perseus replied, head turned slightly to give him a smile. The words were spoken with a knowing tone as they passed the bridge and turned left. Casey’s gaze flitted to the Catholic church ahead and but then focused back on his...date. It was weird to think of him that way when he was another face in the crowd just three weeks ago, albeit an attractive one.

The two walked until they reached the entrance to Ashbrooke park. Casey spent a lot of time skating these paths and soon realized he was being led toward the small fish pond. It was an exciting place for a first date, but the healer had no other experience on the subject, so who was he to criticize. The two passed the playground where a few kids were running about, Perseus waving to some little girl as they walked by. Continuing on, the boys crossed another street before coming to a stop at the fish pond.

“There used to be more fish here,” Perseus said out of the blue. Casey looked at the koi fish and shrugged. For as long as he could remember, there were only three, two black and white and one red.

“Have you been here before?” The other boy smiled a secretive sort of smile as his hands slid into his pockets and rocked with the breeze.

“Here or Ashbrooke?”

“Ashbrooke,” Casey clarified, his eyes watching closely as Perseus looked away.

“The answer is yes,” he replied, “to both.” The brunet waited for Perseus to continue with an expectant look, but he was quiet.

“Okay, when were you here? I think I’d remember eyes like yours.” Perseus began moving again, and he jogged to catch up. There was only one paved path to the pond, but it went all around with one section elevated. A lone bench sat at the highest part, and the other boy stopped in front of it. “Are you not gonna answer my question?”

“Patience is a virtue, Casey,” he stated in a sing-songy tone.

“You’ll realize I ain’t too virtuous. Evading a question makes you seem like you're hiding something, though, and lying doesn’t seem to be a virtue.” Perseus huffed a laugh and turned to fully face the healer.

“I passed through Ashbrooke a long time ago, Casey. Did you know this place only became Ashbrooke in 1917 after construction began? All of this,” he gestured to the pond and paths, “was farmland before then.” The healer was slightly confused by the history lesson but added the information to his mental cabinet. It seemed Perseus had a love of history. He spoke from another time and always had a fact about history like he lived through it.

“Okay, nice to know. Why are we here, though?” Perseus grinned and hopped onto the seat with ease. He took another step onto the back of the bench and jumped up to stand on the rocky wall.

“I told you it was an adventure; the surprise is what makes it so.” Sounds like something a serial killer would say. Perseus held his hand out, and Casey took it, the hand large and warm in the healer’s.

The brunet followed the other boy’s movements, albeit with less finesse, and let Perseus lift him up to stand beside him. From this angle, Casey could see they were standing on a path of well-tread dirt barely wide enough for one person to walk along. In all his years coming to this park, Casey had never seen this before. Before he could ask how the boy found this, Perseus shook his head and moved forward. He didn’t release Casey’s hand, but a tightness settled in his chest.

There were no longer towering oaks or redwoods, but bamboo reached the sky until the clouds were barely visible. They walked for nearly ten minutes before the path opened up to reveal a clearing of sorts. A lone bench sat opposite them and a small fountain in the center. It was obviously old; moss-covered the coal grey stone and lily pads grew in the water. No water fell from the spout, but it was beautiful nonetheless—a perfect oasis.

“What is this place?” Perseus pointed to a half-oxidized plaque, the letters nearly indistinguishable, but the healer crouched down to study it anyway. The warm hand released his own, and he tried not to read too much into the sudden chill.

“In memory of Cassandra Bishop. Without her, I would have never known love. Alfred Bishop,” Casey read while squinting at the plaque. “Hm, lovers?”

“That was my thought as well, but after some digging, I found that Alfred was her son,” Perseus explained, “her adopted son. She took him in after his father was killed in a strike in 1937. Cassandra Bishop showed him love, after his less than affectionate family disappeared.”

“So, why bring me here?” Perseus smiled softly, the corners of his eyes crinkling with the action.

“Love, much like adventure, leads you to the strangest of places.” Casey hummed quietly as he stood and moved back to the other boy’s side. He absently hoped Perseus wouldn't retake his hand as he walked around the fountain, but that thought was paused as Casey stopped in front of the bench. Laid out between it and the fountain was your typical checkerboard picnic blanket, only in blue instead of red, with an oddly heart-shaped basket set in the center.

The healer finally looked away and found himself staring into Perseus’ hopeful eyes. “A picnic?”

“Is that okay? I figured something in public would make you less open to being yourself, plus I haven’t been here since my return. If this isn’t something you’re into, I’m sure we can do something. I mean, I know-” Casey cut off his rambling by putting his hand over the taller boy’s mouth.

“You were right, crowds aren’t my favorite,” he replied, “plus, it is pretty nice out here.” The brunet plopped down on the blanket and watched with amusement when his date immediately followed suit like a puppy. “I thought people only did picnic dates in the movies.” I thought guys like you only existed in fiction. He was too perfect, like eerily so.

“I’m a romantic. I grew up with the best love stories, and I’ve been planning date ideas since I was a kid.” Perseus’ admission was so sweet, but then Casey realized he must have meant ideas for him and his soulmate.

“I used to be a romantic too,” Casey admitted quietly as he watched the other boy open the basket. His nimble fingers paused, and he looked up.

“Really?” The healer flushed under Perseus’ curious gaze and nodded, averting his own eyes toward the fountain.

“Every kid wants a love story, even me. I wanted the cute jock boyfriend to hold hands in the hallway, go on dates. I wanted…” he trailed off, “I wanted that cliche love story you write books about, Perseus.” The other boy was quiet as he started pulling out Tupperware containers and then smiled.

“You can call me Percy, you know? The name’s a bit of a mouthful.” Percy joked. “So, I didn’t really know what you liked, so I made a little bit of everything.”

Taking in the numerous containers, Casey asked, “You made all of this?” He nodded excitedly and moved the basket behind him as he spread out.

“Yeah, I enjoy cooking and baking, anything along those lines. It makes me happy.” God, he really is perfect. “I didn’t think to ask if you had any allergies, darn. No one in my family does, so it usually slips my mind.”

“Unless you brought any fish, then you’re good,” Casey stated with a shrug.

“You can’t eat fish? Like shrimp or lobster?” The healer snorted and scratched awkwardly at the nape of his neck.

“I’m too broke to afford lobster, but I could eat it. I’m allergic to fish with backbones as the doc found out when I was eleven and got a wicked rash,” he explained, remembering his mother’s horrified expression the morning after. Percy finally stopped pulling Tupperware from the seemingly never-ending basket, and then offered him a familiar red can.

“I noticed you drink this one a lot, so I figured it was your favorite,” Percy stated sheepishly, his cheeks tinged pink. “If not, I brought water and juice too.” Casey wanted to assure him the watermelon Redbull was perfect, but for some reason, his mouth wouldn’t form the words. He’s sweet, but he isn’t who I want to be with.

“It’s perfect,” the brunet finally said. “How about you tell me what you made?” Percy’s eyes brightened as he began handing the healer red-topped containers.

“Well, I made paninis, but I wasn’t sure what you’d like, so I made two kinds. These two are chicken-cheese-bacon, and this one is steak-and-cheddar,” he explained happily. The two ate and talked until the sun began to set overhead, and Casey feigned a text from his mother saying he needed to be home. The later they stayed, the more uneasy he felt.

Percy walked him to the entrance of the park and smiled, hands in his pockets. “I had a good time. Maybe we can do this again.” Casey didn’t have the heart to tell the boy that it probably wouldn’t happen.

“Thanks, I’ll see you tomorrow.” The healer started walking home, backpack bouncing against his back, and tapped out a quick message to Adam.

Casey: I’m goin home

The reply was almost immediate. Three dots popped up as Casey crossed the street and a reply seconds later.

Atom: And?? How was it???

Was it romantic? Everything you ever dreamed of?

Casey chuckled and pocketed his phone until he reached his house. He unlocked the door and stepped straight into his bedroom, not bothering to check if anyone was home. There rarely was. Flopping onto his bed, Casey twirled his phone between his fingers as he thought about what to tell his best friend.

Casey: It was fine

Atom: Fine?? Is that really all you’re giving me

Casey: Yeah, fine. It was a nice date as far as they go ig

Not that Casey had much experience with dates. He was sure you weren’t supposed to feel uneasy on them, though.

Casey: I just don’t think he’s for me ya know

He’s too perfect

Atom: Alright im dyin my hair, so just call me smh

The healer does as told and listened to it ring once before Adam’s stupidly smooth Boston accent filled the room. Casey could hear the methodical clicking from the blond’s end as he mixed the dye, and then muffled swearing as something hit the floor.

“Okay, so how is he too perfect? That don’t even make sense.”

“He just gives me a vibe, ya know? Makes me nervous.” Adam was quiet for a few minutes and then laughed.

“Is there anyone who doesn’t give you a vibe, dude?” He teased, his smile audible over the line. “Is there no one you trust?” Casey thought about it for a moment and ran through a mental Rolodex of people he’s met.

“I trust you,” he pointed out. “Isn’t that enough?”

“Ha, gay. You won’t find anyone to be with, though if you never let yourself fall in love.” Adam replied. “Gotta let those walls down to actually let someone in, bro.”

“Weren’t you enough? Why can’t I fall in love with someone who’s already my friend?” Casey complained loudly as he grabbed his sketchbook. “Then I could skip the get-to-know-you thing and go straight to the romance and dates.” Adam huffed and then laughed, a low, regretful sound.

“Well, I want to date a cute football player. We don’t always get who we want, Case.” That statement was glaringly true for the two boys with black soulmarks.