Percy had stopped crying a while ago, and instead of the overwhelming anger and sadness running through his body he was just embarrassed. He had cried– sobbed– into Jason's arms about something he had faced his entire life. It was one night, one dinner that was pure hell.

But he had dealt with worse, he had worse trauma than a dinner of Hazel confused by everyone telling her that Percy wasn't a man. Percy would nearly pity her, learning about the LGBTQ+ community after she had been told for years that they'd be hung must have been confusing and strange, but he was still too upset.

Jason continued to hold him after his sons died down. Percy, shamefully, leaned into Jason's touch. It had been so long since someone had taken the time to hug him. His memory loss and time at Camp Jupiter definitely caused most of his longing, he convinced himself.

"Do you want me to talk to them?" Jason asked. They had spent most of their time on the ground in silence. It wasn't tense, but it was a bit awkward. Percy shrugged, he couldn't force himself to speak. Everything was too fresh and he knew that he sounded worse after crying. Or maybe that was just his dysmorphia talking?

Gods Percy was tired of everything.

"I can if you want. Don't feel obligated to say no. What Annabeth said was out of line, and I know it was worse that everyone believed her words and, man, I'm sorry that every–" Percy listened to Jason ramble. He was blushing, he knew that much. He felt disconnected from the world, only his burning face a reminder that he was alive. He wasn't just a wrong vessel trapping him in a sense of sick torture.

Percy shook his head after a while, cutting Jason off. Instead, he rested his face into the crook of Jason's neck. Jason continued to hold him.

"I'm sorry," he murmured into Percy's hair. Percy let out a hum, he still didn't want to talk. He was only half-listening to what Jason said.

His head hurt, his eyes stung, and his face was a mix of burning and sticky tears. Some time passed before Percy attempted to find his voice. He sniffled and cleared his throat, Jason had taken up to stroking the side of Percy's head. His fingers ran through his hair which made him melt.

"I'm used to it." Percy finally said. Jason sighed, his broad shoulders deflating. Percy leaned closer against his chest. His heartbeat pounded in his chest.

"Doesn't mean it doesn't hurt." Jason remarked. Percy shrugged to himself.

"It won't change anything. They were.. they were so quick to believe her! I just– sorry it's stupid." Percy rambled and felt himself get upset again. He blinked back tears. Jason let his hand rest on his shoulder.

"Thank you." Percy finished.

Jason was officially confused.

"Thank you?" He echoed.

Percy grabbed Jason's hand and pressed a kiss against his knuckles.

"Thank you," Percy repeated. "For everything."

Jason smiled at him and rubbed his thumb over Percy's knuckles.

"Anytime, dude."