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CHAPTER 1
pairing: luke castellan x fem!reader
summary: as a little childish act of rebellion, you try dating your friend, Luke Castellan, to really piss off your parents (for a actual real reason, not the small things they hate). what was supposed to be no strings attached turned into a little more than just childish revenge.
warnings: slow burn, college au, smau, fake dating to dating, cursing, clarisse x chris, aged up! pjo charcters, yn is older sister figure to percy, luke and thalia are older sibling figures to annabeth
a/n: i have re-written this one too many times and am still in the process of revising and proofreading to give you guys the best condition of the start of this fic series! So sorry for the delay!
previous | next
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“Are we still friends?”
“What?”
“Can we be friends?”
“After all of this?”
“After all of this.”
It would be a disastrously great story to tell your grandkids (if you had grandkids). Quite embarrassing really, telling someone about how naive and oblivious you were (still are.)
It was spring. The flowers in full bloom. Allergies spreading like wildfire due to pollen. Thankfully, it was raining cats and dogs, so no stuffy noses tonight. You decided to come back from your hometown two days before spring break ended. As much as you were homesick after spending so long at college, your family made you feel homesick for college.
It was torturous. Questions and questions about your college life were thrown at you left and right. From potentially having a significant other to your major that you were taking to who you were friends with to being disappointed in your college major to asking about your grades to being disappointed you party to just being disappointed.
All in all, truly you loved your family. Really, you do. Your aunt made great pastries. Your dad a great cook. Your uncle made really funny (bad.) jokes. Yet, they found some way to critic your every decision and move you make. You hated it.
Your shoes squeaked on tiled stairs. Lugging up your suitcase, you just prayed you didn’t fall. The tiles were wet because people’s shoes were wet. You did not want to pay a hospital bill after barely paying for college.
By the time you got to your dorm, you were already half asleep, running on an overpriced yogurt parfait from the airport. The soft comforter of your bed calling out to you like a siren’s song.
You were lulling off to dreamscape when a loud ominous creak filled the silence. “C’mon. You gotta be better than that. Lock your doors.” Luke’s “charming” voice replaced your peace. “Some creep could waltz in and kidnap you in your sleep.”
“Supposed you’re that creep?”
Luke has been attached to your hip since highschool, freshman year. Both of you have suffered through each other’s numerous cringy phases (only to bring them up for the annual birthday post on instagram).
He was one of the friends your parents despise. They always ranted about how they’ve been a bad influence to you since highschool.
“Depends.” The bed dipped under his weight. “Do you think you look okay enough to go out?”
“I guess, but I feel disgusting.” You answered. Confusion swimming through your mind. Where was Luke going with this?
“Are you upset because of a recent event?”
“Kinda.”
“Upset enough to stay holed up the whole evening?” Luke rephrased.
“No.”
“Okay.” Decision.
You heard his windbreaker swish as his arms wrapped around your waist. “Luke!” Like a bag of potatoes you were tossed over his shoulder. “You fucking—!”
He grabbed what he was originally came in your dorm for and exited. Silena, Chris and Clarisse were waiting for Luke and now, you. “Welcome back!” Silena said, masking her shock.
No one knew you were coming back home early and Luke wasn’t surprised. As much as you wanted to stay in your dorm and sleep, you were glad to be with your friends.
The restaurant was loud and lively. The rain ceasing. College students were celebrating their final few days before classes started up again. The occasional drunks here to watch the multiple football games going on. Your friend group chose to celebrate.
The dim lighting was a stark contrast to the bright TVs that played various football and soccer games. Drinks slid down the bar into the awaiting consumer’s hand. Alcohol got everyone in a better mood during the night (though the same cannot be said the morning after).
A waiter placed down the five shots Luke had ordered, in toast of your unexpected return and the final days of spring break. The shot glasses made a tiny clink before the liquid burned your throat. It left a warm feeling in your chest.
Silena and Clarisse went to take photos via Chris the cameraman. The three went out to the porch of the restaurant bar. You opted out and Luke stayed with you. You weren’t exactly in the nicest clothes.
Another round of shots were placed on the table. Luke ran his fingers through his curls and checked his phone. “What’s bothering you?” He asked.
“What?” You tore your gaze from the two girls and looked at Luke.
“You said you were upset about something, but not too upset to not go out.” Luke explained. “Better to get it off your shoulders than to bottle it up.”
You roll your eyes at his last sentence and sat up in the cushioned restaurant chair. “Family.” Luke laughed a little at that. He’s known how perfect your family wants you to be.
You shove your face into your hands as if you were reliving the reunion all over again. “I didn’t even do anything bad or get in serious trouble this time!”
Luke nodded along slowly, taking in your every word. You can’t tell what he’s thinking as you continue on your little rant. Yet his face shifts as you rant.
“Why are your grades like that?”
“I saw your Instagram post. Drinking? Really?”
You parrot some of the questions your family said to you, with their fake smiles and judgmental eyes. You were old enough to drink! “And then they started talking my ear off about you all. Clarisse! Thalia, you—Silena and Chris” The list goes on. Luke knows it. You know it.
“Why are you friends with that temperamental girl? Lord knows the trouble you’ll be roped into with her.” You mocked your parents, aunts and uncles’ words. “I don’t like how that Thalia girl. Too rebellious, disrespectful too!”
“That one girl is an airhead. Head in the clouds.”
“Don’t get me started on that Luke boy again.”
“Get better friends.”
“Maybe you hang out with a different group.”
“They piss me off! And well maybe they’re concerned about my wellbeing, but—they keep harping me about everything little thing I do.” You groaned and rubbed your eyes exhausted. “Which is why I came back early.”
“So piss them off.” Like that was the hardest thing you do. You unintentionally trigger their judgmental side without even trying.
“What?”
“It’s what I do to my dad. I piss him off most of the time when he tries to come back.” Luke shrugged. “If they hate all of us so much. Date one of us, shit—date me, you’ve known me the longest. I think they’d be pretty pissed about you dating a bad influence.”
“That’s so childish.” You commented, but it was good, but it could work. Rebellion never hurt anyone that bad. Well, maybe your aunt will have a “heart attack”, but it should be fine.
And you were out of options to try and get your family off your back.
So the next afternoon, when Clarisse was out, Luke and you sat on your bed and conjured up a contract for this temporary relationship; a day before break was over.
“I don’t see why we need a contract.” Luke sipped on a juicebox. The sunlight providing a nice atmosphere in your dorm room.
“I saw it work on a show I watched kinda.” You whispered the word “kinda” under your breath. It was a long time since you’ve seen the show.
Luke raised an eyebrow and set the empty juice box on your desk. “So…uh—terms and conditions.” You typed out on a Google doc in big bolded letters. How do you start this?
“We could “date” from now until the start of summer? I think that is a long enough rebellion.” You suggested and looked at Luke. “I have to go back home for Easter and my little sister’s birthday, but then I have that family trip in summer…”
“Sure.” Luke agreed.
You looked at him silently asking him to elaborate. “From now until that family trip is over. I’ll go to Easter, the birthday and the trip.”
“You aren’t trying to mooch off me for the trip are you?”
Luke slid the computer to him and typed out the first terms and conditions. He ignored your question with a smile and a shake of his head. “You have to come with me when it’s Mother’s Day though.”
You agreed to that relatively quickly. Your mom and dad were always out of town that day. “I’m fine with kissing on the cheek and forehead and holding hands, if you are?”
“What? No lips?” Luke teased with a grin.
“I haven’t had my first kiss yet.” You muttered in embarrassment.
“Fine, no lips.” You were slightly surprised Luke didn’t tease you for not having your first kiss yet. He typed it on the computer. “And no sex.”
“No sex.” You agreed. “And we cannot let the others know. They’ll start talking and then it’ll get to my family somehow—”
“Okay…no sex and no talking about the fake relationship.” Luke chucked and typed it on the computer. “This seems good enough for a contract right?” He still thinks the contract is stupid.
You smack his shoulder. “This is serious, Luke! If I wanna piss of my parents I have to do it right.”
“Okay, sweetie.” He spoke sarcastically and typed his name at the end of the document. You did the same. “But there is no right way to piss off someone. You just do.”
After signing the temporary dating contract, Luke and you talked about the story of how you got together.
Luke and you supposedly have had some unrequited feelings during highschool. Both of you began talking over spring break after a drunk conversation and decided to give dating a shot.
Then, there was the fact that Luke and you had to announce the relationship. So, social media it was. Which prompted you to grab his hand. “Where are we going?” Luke asked as he was dragged off your bed.
“A cafe.” You held his hand, fingers lacing together. “I’m hungry after all that and it would be great publicity if we went out holding hands.”
“Whatever you say.” Luke rolled his eyes, though he didn’t mean it. “Then I guess I’ll be the good boyfriend and pay.”
“Really?” You asked and looked back at him.
He shrugged. “Why not.”
Luke and you held hands and talked about whatever came to mind. Like you usually did as bestfriends. He opened the cafe door for you and paid for your food and drink.
Maybe “dating” Luke won’t be the worst thing ever. Rebelling doesn’t seem to be all that bad now. Maybe everything will turn out fine. You rebel against your perfect family and Luke will get a free trip as a reward. Yeah, you’re sure things will turn out okay. Maybe.
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taglist:
@happy-mushrooms @m00ng4z3r
Instagram Au
pov: You’re a professional ballet dancer and Charlie is your boyfriend.
@iamcharliebushnell
Liked by leahsavajeffries, dior.n.goodjohn, walker.scobell and 456,678 others
@iamcharliebushnell - she makes me so happy 🦢💗
Comments
dior.n.goodjohn - IS THIS HER?!
↪️iamcharliebushnell - I can confirm this is her
↪️dior.n.goodjohn - Charlie I HAVE to meet her you have only just talked about her for 18194774 times it’s a must
walker.scobell - why am I just hearing about this?!?
↪️ iamcharliebushnell - 🤷♂️
user - HE HAS A GIRLFRIEND
leahsavajeffries - I wanna meet her plsssssss
↪️ iamcharliebushnell- I’ll bring her to the premiere I promise she’s also excited to meet you all
dior.n.goodjohn - SHE DANCES OMG I LOVE BER ALREADY
*liked by iamcharliebushnell*
leenascobell - you guys are so cute seriously 😭
@yn.ln
liked by iamcharliebushnell, emzs and 578 others
@yn.ln - life’s been amazing lately 🦢💗
comments
emzs - I’m so glad that Mr. Jacob has decided to keep classes more relaxed
↪️ yn.ln - frrrr last week was intense I needed a little break
iamcharliebushnell - pretty girl 😩
↪️ yn.ln - I love you 💕 thank you for the flowers they are beautiful
user45 - girl how can you do that with your legs
↪️ yn.ln - been a ballerina since I was 6
@iamcharliebushnell
liked by yn.ln , dior.n.goodjohn, aryansimhadri and 789,678 others
@iamcharliebushnell - Words can’t express how incredibly proud I am of my talented ballerina. 🌟 Seeing you shine on stage and play such a big role fills my heart with joy and admiration. Your dedication, grace, and passion are truly inspiring. Watching you dance tonight was a reminder of why I fell in love with you in the first place. I love you sweetheart, keep being your beautiful and talented self, the whole world is yours to shine. 💗
comments
yn.ln - shut up you’re making me cry 😭
*liked by iamcharliebushnell*
yn.ln - I LOVE YOUUUUU
↪️ iamcharliebushnell- I love you more sweetheart ❣️
yn.ln - I’m so glad i met you, you make me the happiest 💗
↪️ iamcharliebushnell - and I am so glad I asked you to be mine
dior.n.goodjohn - Charlie you’re gonna make me cry this is so sweet
↪️ yn.ln - let’s cry together 😭
leahsavajeffries - this is so cute 😭
↪️ leena.scobell - RIGHTTT
aryansimhadri - where can I get a Charlie??
↪️ yn.ln - get in line honey, he’s mine jk jk
walker.scobell - ok but why is this kinda sweet
↪️ iamcharliebushnell- nicest thing I’ll ever hear you say
@yn.ln
liked by walker.scobell, iamcharliebushnell, dior.n.goodjohn and 16,679 others
@yn.ln - Percy Jackson premiere 🔱 before and after. The pizza was to die for 😩
comments
dior.n.goodjohn - it was so lovely meeting you finally 💗 you’re an absolute angel I LOVE YOUUU
↪️ yn.ln - AHHHHHH THANK YOU I LOVE YOU DIOR 🫶🏻
leahsavajeffries - your so pretty you looked amazing last night 🫶🏻 it was so nice meeting you
↪️ yn.ln - awww Leah it was so nice meeting you, you’re an amazing girl and an even better actress 💗
walker.scobell - I think you’re my new favorite person
↪️ yn.ln - ily walker btw you did so good on the series Im so proud of you 😊💗
↪️ walker.scobell - can I keep her? @iamcharliebushnell
↪️ iamcharliebushnell- absolutely not
dior.n.goodjohn - BAEEEEE
↪️ yn.ln - WIFEEEEEE
momonatamada - IM OBSESSED W UUUU
↪️ yn.ln - ILY MO 💗
leenascobell - MY BABYYY IS SO BEAUTIFUL
↪️ yn.ln - all you gorgeous 😩
aryansimhadri- your girlfriend is like literally the best we all love her @iamcharliebushnell
↪️ iamcharliebushnell- I know 😁
@iamcharliebushnell
liked by momonatamada, yn.ln, aryansimhadri and 1,678,679 others
@iamcharliebushnell - about last night
Comments
dior.n.goodjohn - Y/NNNNNN IS SO 😩😩
↪️ iamcharliebushnell - definitely
walker.scobell - I look so good
↪️ leenascobell - keep telling urself that
↪️ leahsavajeffries - you wish seaweed brain
↪️ aryansimhadri - walker do you need me to lend you my glasses?
↪️ yn.ln - don’t listen to them, you looked amazing Walker
↪️ walker.scobell - I swear Charlie I’m going to steal ur girlfriend one day
↪️ iamcharliebushnell- 🤨
percyseries - looking good mr. Castellan
↪️ yn.ln - moreee than good I’d say
↪️ iamcharliebushnell - why thank you
dior.n.goodjohn - I AM BEGGING YOU PLS LET US GO WITH YOU TO HER NEXT SHOWW
↪️ yn.ln - ofc babe you’re all invited ☺️ anything for you
↪️ leahsavajeffries- SO EXCITED TO SEE YOU PERFORM
Iamcharliebushnell - I’m starting to think everyone wants to steal my girl
↪️ dior.n.goodjohn - you’re absolutely correct
↪️ yn.ln - it’s ok babe I still love you Dw
If possible, could you write (reader x luke castellan) inspired by the song The way I loved you by Taylor?
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pairing: past luke castellan x reader, apollo’s son x reader
summary: you loved your boyfriend, truly, you do. but you can’t help but remember the way you loved Luke. your first love always hurts the most.
warnings: angst, leading on, regret, post tlt
a/n: i don’t listen to taylor swift that much so i hope i did this justice! and yes, i took inspiration from fleabag for the luke and reader scene
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You grabbed your tote bag, filled with items essential for a picnic in the strawberry field. Hiking up your long white skirt, you travel down the steps of your cabin to be met with a smile worth a thousand suns.
“Ready?” Sam asked. He took the tote bag from your grasp to carry it.
“Mhm.” You hummed, paired with a smile.
Sam grasped your hand gently as you walk through camp to the strawberry fields. A mandatory picnic, according to you, after training day after day after day.
Sam had this look on his face. His eyes twinkled in admiration and love. Scarred hand against yours. You found the scar on the palm and back of his hand quite interesting. “How was your morning?” He asked politely.
”Tiring. You would not believe my half-siblings. They—” You went off on a tangent. You always did. Sam seemed to hang on to your every word.
You met Sam at one of the many bonfires the Camp had at the end of the day. The fire was burning a bright purple, climbing over 10 feet. It reflected the joyous energy of the campers.
It had been a month since Percy completed his quest, since Luke left camp.
Sam sat next to you, thinking his jokes and subtle timid charm would win you over. And it did. You found it quite cute.
Sam was perfect in every way. He’d walk you from your cabin (or anywhere for that matter) to the dining hall. He made a bracelet for you with your favorite colors after indirectly learning your favorite colors. He says everything you need to hear. It’s like he was created to be the perfect boyfriend.
But it doesn’t entirely distract you from your past relationship with Luke Castellan.
Albeit messy, your time with Luke was exhilarating. Luke and you would fight and scream about your problems. It wasn’t perfect nor all sunshine and rainbows most of the time, but Luke and you made sure to let the other know you loved them.
No matter the circumstances or the many silent treatments.
Because you can’t have a healthy relationship without problems, right?
You were clueless on the love department. Luke was your first boyfriend and you hardly felt experienced enough now that you were with Sam.
(“Hey, what was that?” Luke asked, concerned. The water shimmering like they were diamonds. Campers from Hermes and various other cabins were swimming. The counselors were the life guards, switching duties in shifts. Currently it was you and Luke.
“What?” You responded, dazed. Slowly, you turn your head to look at Luke.
You were in your head. Luke knew that. “Where’s you just go?” He knew it too well that he pushed and pushed for answers causing and argument. He just wants to help.
You faded from the living world again, stuck in your head. Yet, water splashed on your leg snapped you out. “What?”
“You just went somewhere.” Luke stated firmly and placed a hand on your shoulder. You cursed yourself in your head. Luke was able to read you well, too well.
“I went no where.” You denied.
“You can tell me anything, y’know.” Luke reassured.
“I know.” Your attention was back on the swimming campers. Luke’s hands fell on top of yours.
“So tell me, what’s bothering you.”
“Nothing.”
“Something.”
“Nothing”
“Something.”
“It’s nothing, for fucks sake, Castellan”
“It’s better to get it off your chest, babe.”
“Just—just, drop it. I went no where. Nothing is bothering me.” You felt your temper rise. The back and forth irritating you. This was how it always ended. His concern caused your irritation which eventually ended in either of you walking away to blow off steam. Only to make it up later.)
“And you would not believe it! Kayla and Will had to kick so many campers out because they whined about small cuts. It was all to see our new half-sister!” Sam gestured with his words with you.
“Mhm.” You smiled and nod your head, hoping he didn’t notice you zoning out.
Sam just stares at you, admiration in his eyes. Thankfully, he didn’t notice you zoning out. He just smiles and squeezes your hand. Your heart stung with guilt. Reminiscing about the past when your future was right beside you.
The two of you spent the last hour on a hill overlooking the strawberry fields. The sun was high in the sky, but it wasn’t overbearing nor did it make you sweaty and gross.
You can practically hear Luke’s laugh fading, as if he was right next to you. What was it that Silena and Drew said?
That you could never get over your first love. That they are hard to forget because they the past lover leaves a searing feeling in your mind. That they are your first love.
Yeah, that sounds about right.
And it’s not like you were using Sam to get over Luke, no. You loved Sam, truly, but you were still wrung up over Luke. Sam was everything you could ask for in a guy, but Luke—Luke was the first. He was perfect to you in his own way.
Sure, there were arguments and silent treatments and pettiness, but Luke and you never broke up, it wasn’t a toxic relationship. Not at all.
The conch for lunch blew throughout camp. You wondered what was conjured up in the camp kitchen today. Sam and you packed the blanket back into the bag (he carried the tote bag, no matter how girly it may be).
Hand in hand, you and Sam travel through the strawberry fields to the pavilion for lunch. A comfortable silence stirring between the two of you.
You look up at Sam and move to kiss his cheek. A gesture of reassurance for him and yourself, one to remind you that you loved him along with Luke.
The way you loved is difficult. The way you loved is unpredictable. You know though, you know for certain that no matter how many loves you have, Luke is your first.
Damn him for betraying Camp, for siding with Kronos. Damn your first love for cursing your heart with memories upon memories of him.
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listening to mike faist as jack kelly in newsies. love it so much kinda figuring out ideas for new newsies fics and maybe smthg for luke castellan.
i will get through the requests and part of the fic series before i started writing another fic series, but newsies request come in 🙏
i love musicals 😭
🤭❤️
your race fics changed me and i have been giddy ALL THE DAY AND I THANK U SO MUCH FOR THAT IM 100X MORE HAPPIER I SWEARR
stop 😭😭
that makes me so happy to hear that my writing can do that. thank you sm anon!
The people have spoken! I will start writing ch. 5 of FFY. In the mean time have:
A SAD SONG
A cute like hadestown inspired fic with the reader and luke with absolutely no tragedy…
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pairing: luke castellan x daughter of apollo!reader
summary: in which the gods and goddesses were hungry for something new.
warnings: not proofread! tlt/tlo spoilers! major character, death, angst
a/n: inspired by @basicrese post!! i did use some hadestown lyrics/lines from the show, so credit to anaïs mitchell & Rachel chavkin.
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The seeds of doubt sprouted: grasping at his mind, tangling itself through his hope. The Fates whispered in his ears, step after step. It was cold and dark. He never felt more alone.
Where is she?
Where is she now?
Orpheus gripped his guitar tighter. Every step he made felt like he was getting further and further from the surface. He chastised himself at every turn.
Why would he let me win?
Why would he let her go?
Why am I to think that he wouldn’t deceive me just to make me leave alone?
Where is she?
Where is she now?
Eurydice’s words fell on deaf ears. She was desperate to let Orpheus know she was here. Right behind him. She’d always been. She kept staring at the back of his head. It brought immense comfort as they walked and walked out of the Underworld.
They were so close. Eurydice could taste the surface, until she saw the contours of his face and his warm eyes filled with affection. A soft gasp fell from her lips.
“It’s you.” Relief filled his heavy heart when Orpheus saw her. His love. What had he done?
“It’s me.” She committed his face to memory, the warmth of his gaze comforting her. “Orpheus—” Helplessly she reached out, hoping to embrace her love once more. Instead of the warmth she wanted, cold hands grasped her arms, dragging her back to the Underworld.
“Eurydice.” His voice cracked. Frozen, staring at the place where she was.
Thus ended the tragedy of Orpheus and Eurydice. Hermes told tales to entertain Olympus, but the gods and goddesses were growing tired of the same old tales: the same old tragedies. They craved something new.
Hermes gave a small smile and shook his head to the stars. He gave them what they wanted as a new tale formed in his head. It was a sad tale, but he was going to tell it anyway, even if it involved his own son.
Luke Castellan was a hungry young boy. A runaway from everywhere he’d been. He was no stranger to the world. No stranger to the wind.
The daughter of Apollo was a poor girl, but she had a gift to give. She could make you see how the world could be. In spite of the way that it is.
Yet, the son of Hermes had seen how the world was. When he fell, he fell in spite of himself…
In love with the daughter of Apollo.
It was the height of spring when Luke and you fell in love. He was scorned and pitied after failing his quest. Feelings of abandonment, fury and betrayal simmered below his lighthearted jokes and his composed smiles. He learned he could only fend for himself. To hell with the rest.
Until he met you, your sole being made him feel alive and when he fell—he fell hard. He was enamored your bright smile and optimistic personality. You’d caress his hair gently while singing a small tune. He learned to lean on your shoulder when nightmares passed, hoping your light was enough to shine through the darkness that overtook his head, plagued his sleep.
It wasn’t enough.
You awoke to the sound of shuffling. Blinking the sleep from your eyes, Luke was sitting on the edge of his bunk. His shoulders tensed as he held his head in his hands. “Luke…?” Your voice hoarse.
He turned his head towards you. An apologetic smile graced his lips. “Hey…” His voice low, raspy from underuse. He stretched over to give you a kiss on the forehead, keeping you from sitting up.
“You okay?” Your arms wrapped around him. He melted, burying his head in your neck, hiding his turmoil.
“Mhm.” And for a night, your light clouded the promises the deep voice in his dreams offered. It was a temporary distraction, one that wouldn’t last long—one he couldn’t keep relying on.
You should’ve known. Blinded by your ignorance and his empty reassuring words of his health, Luke disappeared from camp. Hit with the reality, you did everything in your power to find him.
But, he did not want to be found. Not by you. He knew if he saw you again, your eyes, your smile—your light would melt his purpose, his mission, leaving him putty in your arms (he missed it.)
Your original camp songs disappeared from the nightly bonfires. Your light faded ever so slightly. Regret, worry and guilt simmering beneath your smiles.
You swore you’d catch glimpses of his curls or his broad frame when you were in the city. You were chasing a ghost—holding onto the love you had for him. The restless nights plagued you, but instead of Kronos’ words, music notes coaxed you to stay up and write.
The sheets of music hidden beneath your bunk. The song for your and Luke’s hearts only. You were holding onto something you should’ve let go.
But, like the tragedy tale of Orpheus and Eurydice you met once again, but not under joyous circumstances.
The Battle of Olympus was treacherous. You kept catching glimpse of Luke—but instead golden eyes replaced the ones filled with affection you used to know.
You saw how the world could be, no longer naive to the truth. Your siblings perished in the battle. Cabin Seven went from being the largest cabin to the third smallest in the span of—gods knew how long. In spite of it all, you saw the beauty after it ended.
A bright light flashed. Exhausted from fighting hellhounds, empousas, telkhines, etc, you trudged your body to the Hall of Gods. Bone collided with the marble floor.
After all these years, you saw your love. Without the golden eyes or scorned look in his face, albeit bleeding, it was him. Your eyes filled with relief and warmth when you saw him, finally.
A soft gasp fell from his lips. He expected hatred, frustration—but found nothing but affection from you.
“It’s you.” You whispered, cupping his face with your battle-worn hands.
Luke leaned in, knowing it was the last time he would feel your touch, your light, your love. He committed your face to memory, so that when he goes—he goes remembering your face forever.
“It’s me.” He reassured, turning his head to kiss the palm of your hand.
So many words were on the tip of your tongue, but they kept themselves from forming properly. All you could do was stare at Luke, at last, after so long. Tears blurred your vision. Luke reached up to caressed your cheeks. Remembering your face with his eyes wasn’t enough.
“My love.” His voice so soft, gentle like he was admiring your light again: getting lost in your songs, melting in your arms and loving like the Underworld was shining.
Luke knew you had a lot to say. Words laced with frustration, concern, confusion, but all meant to be said with love.
“Luke.” You whispered as if your heart wasn’t breaking into a million pieces. Communicating in a silent stare, he felt your words, taking them to heart.
You couldn’t leave him with that and so you hummed.
The familiar notes that plagued your nights emitted from your lips. Luke’s hand dropped form your face with a thud. He shut his eyes and smiled as he listened. And for a moment, just for a moment, it felt like you and him were back at Camp. His head in your lap as you caressed his hair. The sounds of the forest accompanying your singing.
His breath stilled. The cold hands of the Fates grabbed him after you said your goodbyes, but his dead body held your warmth, your light. He remembered your face long after he made it to River Styx.
And you?
You sang your private song again for the world to hear. To keep him alive and you were going to sing it again with your love so full for the runaway.
Thus ended the tragedy of the son of Hermes and the daughter of Apollo. The gods were throughly entertained asking to hear it again and again. Until, it was an old song and they craved something new.
Hermes shook his head up to the stars. Heart stricken with grief and sympathy. It was a sad tale. A tragedy. And he was going to tell it again. The gods and goddesses of Olympus knew how it ended, but they were going to listen again and again as if it might turn out this time.
See, the daughter of Apollo was a poor girl, but she had a gift to give. She could make you see how the world could be. In spite of the way it is.
And the son of Hermes was a hungry young boy. A runaway from everywhere he’d been. He was no stranger to the world. No stranger to the wind.
Yet, the son of Hermes had seen how the world was. When he fell, he fell in spite of himself…
In love with the daughter of Apollo.
It was the height of spring when Luke and you fell in love.
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CHAPTER 4
pairing: luke castellan x fem!reader
summary: experiencing your new found freedom with luke and co (why does he smile at you like that?)
warnings: not proofread! slow burn, college au, smau, fake dating to dating, cursing, aged up! pjo charcters, parental expectations
a/n: so guess who lied about being back…do you guys forgive me?
series list | next
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When Luke introduced you to just a sliver of what actual freedom, you yearned for more.
Freedom wasn’t running from the cops and partying every night. Freedom wasn’t skipping class just for the fun of it. Freedom wasn’t doing batshit crazy things under the excuse of “free will”.
Freedom was, to you, having fun—being a normal young adult without worrying about your parents’ opinion.
Between the last month and a half of classes, Luke made it his personal mission to let you fully experience your freedom. Though it was proving to be difficult.
Everytime you did something that would cause your parents to turn their faces away in clear disappointment, a nagging feeling pulled at the back of your mind.
For example, this weekend Luke, you and a couple of others went out to a house party. You were dancing with Luke when you felt guilt linger at the back of your mind. To party so carelessly knowing your parents would be disappointed—part of you wanted to forget their opinions and judgement. The other part of you wanted to tone it down at the party; lessen their disappointment.
It was like the devil and angel permanently moved to your shoulders to torment you.
Which is why you were about to do this.
Was it stupid? Yes. Will you get hurt? 100% Did you trust Luke enough? Somewhat.
“I want you to decide what you want to do—not for the sake of your parents or me or our friends. Make this choice because it’s what you want.” Luke called you late, one night. His voice firm, unwavering.
You wanted this.
Alcohol buzzed in your veins; temporarily silencing the devil and angel. The guilt that crept up on you was gone. You weren’t so far gone you couldn’t tell from left and right, but just enough to not feel guilty about anything.
Again. Was it stupid? Yes.
Will you get hurt? Maybe.
Did you trust Luke? Without a doubt.
Chris, Clarisse, Silena, Luke and you, the usual group, were kicked out of study hall, for disturbance of peace or whatever. Classes were canceled due to AC going down and you were going to study? This must’ve been a sign from the universe. Which led the group to a lake.
Now this was “public disturbance”
Tucked beneath the dense forest on the outskirts of campus, laid a cool lake. With the coming of summer sun, this had been a crucial hangout spot.
Would your parents freak about you jumping into a lake with gross bacteria and possible diseases? Absolutely.
Your childhood consisted of more “inside” activities. Rather than playing outside with your friends, scrapping knees, and such—you had the read a book on the couch as the clock ticks drove you insane.
Silena and you stood on the edge of a decently high ledge. Luke was swimming below. He had already tested the depth of the water. Chris’ speaker lit up in different colors as it played the song. His arm around Clarisse as he held a beer.
“Ready?” Silena turned to you. Her cheeks pink due to alcohol consumption.
“Ready.” You squeezed her hand.
The beat dropped. Silena and you jumped. The cold water engulfing you. The rush felt terribly addicting to you, sobering you up all too quickly. Yet the giddiness of it all provided a different high.
You broke through the surface and arms wrapped around your waist to keep you afloat. You weren’t the strongest swimmer. A laugh erupted from the depths of your soul as Luke wrapping an arm around his neck. His smile matching yours. The sun beared down on the lake, glittering the water’s surface.
Since when did he smile like that? Like you were the only person in the world. Like you were the brightest star in the sky.
Clarisse’s shouts of protest pull you out of your head. Chris is carrying her bridal style, a shit eating grin on his face as he jumps in with her. The afternoon was wasted away at the lake, sunbathing, swimming and drinking.
Your head buzzing with dopamine as you walked to Chris’ car. Luke insisted you wore his dry t-shirt. It was baggy and your wet bathing suit would affect it less. He insisted and made the lame excuse of it being boyfriend material 101.
His t-shirt smelled like him. A mix of sandalwood and vanilla, but you could hardly think about it when the windows were down, blasting music. The perfect summer vibes. Your heart beating fast due to the excitement and not anything else.
You hadn’t noticed at the time, but alcohol did more than just silence the angel and devil.
Whatever you had that afternoon, the freedom mixed with the alcohol and pure, raw happiness, you wanted to experience more of it. A time where you can forget about your parents’ and aunts and uncles future judgmental stares and rude comments.
“Y’know, I appreciate you toughing this out with me.” You spoke up one night.
Luke took you out to help you experience more of your newfound freedom. Which actually was just stargazing on the roof of his car.
Well…you supposed it worked. You didn’t care for your family’s opinion at the moment, even though you knew they chastise you for hanging out with the “bad influence”.
“I’m still in it for the trip, sweetheart.” Luke teased. His eyes darting from each star in the sky to your face. You were oblivious to his gaze, focused on the constellations above.
“I mean it. This fake dating must be a huge strike to your charming lady killer aura.” You sat up on your elbows, speaking in a joking tone. You hardly noticed he was looking at you already.
“Yeah, puts a real damper to my chick magnet having a fake girlfriend.” Luke snorted and sat up.
“You’ll be free soon enough.” You rolled your eyes.
A comfortable silence settles over the two of you. You’ve been best friends since freshman year. It was only natural this would happen and besides there is no feelings attached. A little revenge and you still keep your friendship. A damn good deal if you every had one.
This was something you wanted to do. You had to do. To show your parents you won’t take their crap, to show they you’re grown up.
You shout with enthusiasm. Your body sticking out of Luke’s sun roof. The wind catching in your hair as the warm yellow lights of the tunnel illuminated the space. You felt free and unrestricted and awfully happy.
The best feeling in the world.
“I want a turn after!” Luke shouted, knowing the wind was too loud for you to hear.
“No way!” You did hear him.
Windows were down, blasting music.
“C’mon…” He pinched your leg.
“Stop!” You squealed.
You loved the feelings that swarmed in your heart. Only for it to end when red and blue lights and loud sirens were heard. Luke and you knew the consequences of the recklessness, but as you pulled over, you couldn’t help but share a couple of laughs—like teenage girls caught doing something bad.
You’re quite happy you’re in this with your best friend and no one else.
Making new memories with no romantic feelings attached.
It was the best. The best.
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taglist:
@happy-mushrooms @m00ng4z3r @justanotherkpopstanlol @2hiigh2cry @celluifleur @yuminako @pookiebear16 @mxtokko @cxcillia @kai-islost @kidkrowk @iluvpjo @sofiacblair @cherryynovaa @dracoslovergirl @lalloronaisreal @jennapancake @urbanflorals @sweetstime @cherr-y-eji @thatbird-fromrio @itzlilywelch @annispamz @unseriousgirl @hanankhan8
GUYS PLEASE—I NEED NEED A SLIME TUTORIAL OF THIS
Audra McDonald stars as Rose in the Broadway revival of Gypsy (Majestic Theatre, 2024)
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FLICKERING LIGHTS - racetrack higgins x reader
SPIDERS AND THREAD - racetrack higgins x reader
MY BONNIE - racetrack higgins x reader
HOPELESSLY IN LOVE - racetrack higgins x reader
RUBS RIGHT OFF - newsies x platonic!reader
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