Things were still going smoothly and a week passed since Perseus exchanged numbers with Jade. It was now April and Perseus had a free weekend as always. Normally he'd check in on his friends with him checking on Clark every so often out of worry due to the fact Mister Olympic was a potential enemy. He either had an Armatus or he was somehow immune to the effects of Hecate's Vale because he clearly knew something. He had one of the parts of the Bindings of Typhon as well as other occult artifacts that could potentially be dangerous.

  However, since Perseus knew that like his allies Mister Olympic likely didn't know how to track the other parts meaning that could be put on the back burner for now. Since seeing his friends, even the ones not in the know about the Armatus, became a regular thing every week Perseus decided just one weekend without hanging out with them would be fine. Texts went out letting everyone know he wasn't hosting a hangout like usual and was taking time to himself. He then texted Jade to see if she was free. She in fact was, so the two started arranging a casual meetup at a coffee shop in town, making sure it wasn't the one June worked at just in case.

  Neptuna manifested as Perseus got ready with her arms crossed. “What are the plans for today?” She pretended to tap her foot on the ground. Perseus shifted. “Nothing serious, just easing into making a new alliance and shoring up our numbers in case there's a threat. She may be June's sister but it's clear they don't have the best relationship.” Neptuna huffed. “That's not what I was asking. What exactly is your history with this girl? You knew her in junior high?” Perseus nodded as his face got flush. “Y-yeah. I uhh…” he scratched his beard. “She and I were sort of friends during the year she went to the school. If she hadn't of left I-”

  Perseus cut himself off. Neptuna crossed her arms. “Yes?” Perseus got frustrated. “I had a bit of a crush on her okay! Are you happy? But I was far too shy to even do anything about it. Also I had my eyes set on another first and after that rejection I didn't want to risk another. My first crush rejected me so completely, after years of friendship I thought she would at least let me down easy despite being so popular. But I don't know if popularity changed her or if it just brought out the real her. I guess that doesn't matter, she's no longer in my life anymore.” Neptuna wanted to comfort Perseus, to do something. However she could do little and she knew despite her feelings she could never be with him in a meaningful way.

  Neptuna thought about the dream that let her touch things. There was a way, sort of, for her to touch him. But it wasn't enough. It wouldn't be real. But the only way to be physical in the real world was ascension, something that would change who she is. If with Perseus he would effectively disappear and if with another she wouldn't be the same person anymore and might lose her desire to be with him. There was no way of winning. Neptuna took a few breaths even though she didn't need to breathe. “(I'll just have to let these feelings go. I was able to get over the loss of my wife so it's not impossible.)”

  Perseus finished getting ready and did a stretch before getting into his jeep and driving to the coffee shop. Neptuna floated in the passenger side as he drove. “So are you going to try and date her? That might be weird because of her sister.” Perseus raised his voice a bit. “Her sister is a horrid b-” He clenched his teeth. “Kite is nothing like her sister.” Neptuna crossed her arms again. “You don't know that. You haven't seen her in years. Also, what kind of nickname is Kite? It's not even shorter than Jade.”

  Perseus chuckled. “Kids can be mean and also make no sense at the same time. It was to tease her for enjoying something others thought she was too old for. The name kinda stuck. I personally thought it was cute.” Neptuna sighed. “Yeah, sure, whatever. Have fun on your date.” She spoke with a complete lack of enthusiasm. Perseus blushed slightly. “It's not a date, just a casual meetup.” Perseus pulled into the parking lot, then went inside to find Jade who waved when she saw him.

  Perseus quickly got to her and the two ordered coffee before sitting down to sip as they talked. They both fidgeted as they sat, making the scene kinda awkward. “So… it's been a while. How have you been?” Jade asked while looking at the table and her drink rather than at Perseus. Perseus swirled his cup around. “Oh, not much of interest. I'm a bit of a mechanical and electrical engineer and I do some accounting and stuff when jobs are scarce. I work freelance and by commission basically. It pays the bills, has flexible hours, and gives me plenty of free time.”

  Perseus took a quick sip of his coffee. “What about you?” Jade shifted around. “I work at a gas station on weekdays, I've been trying to save enough to move out. I work part-time while going to college. However, I don't think my degree will get me any jobs outside working for the family business. I… don't want to live forever in the shadows of my family. I want to make something for myself and not depend on nepotism like my sister.”

  Perseus nodded. “That's understandable. I never really had the benefit of riding my family name. Only thing the Yates name has ever gotten me is the assumption that I'm a criminal. Doesn't help that my brothers were both delinquents.” Jade sat in silence wondering if she should tell Perseus about the fact his brother is now dating her sister who is sort of Perseus’ ex. She pressed her lips together before taking a sip of coffee. “Have you gotten back into the dating pool since my sister?”

  Perseus shook his head. “I've had other things to worry about. What about you? Are you seeing anyone?” Jade let out a short nervous laugh. “Hah! No.” She paused for a moment before elaborating. “A lot of people are uncomfortable about my size?” Perseus chuckled. “What do you mean, your size is perfect. A guy could lift you right up and toss you around and you're already naturally at crotch level.”

  You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

  Jade blushed heavily. “Percy!” She shouted, then covered her mouth and apologized to the people around them before speaking in a normal time. “That's hardly an appropriate topic for people who are basically strangers.” Perseus shrugged as his face reddened. “Sorry, I couldn't help myself. Besides, we used to be friends. So calling us strangers seems a bit harsh, even if it's been awhile.” Jade nodded as she finished her coffee. “I guess. But it would also be strange to ignore the time that's past and continue from where we left off.”

  Perseus also finished his drink. “I suppose. I guess we'll have to hang out more and get to know each other again. I could always use another, especially one in the know about the crazy part of my life that not everyone would understand.” Jade nodded. “I haven't had anyone other than my sister to talk to about it and she's been difficult at best.” “(Is it just me, or does this coffee meetup feel kinda like a date?)” Jade blushed lightly. “It's just a coffee Jade, calm down.” Artemis said from Jade's side.”

  Perseus shuffled awkwardly. They finished their coffees and the conversation felt over. “(Does this mean we leave and get back home? It feels too short. I want to stay in this moment just a bit longer.)” Neptuna crossed her arms. “Do you still have feelings for her? After all this time and what her sister did? I get she's not her sister but still.” Perseus blushed heavier. “(I messed up with her before, ignored my feelings to chase after someone who was an awful person. I missed my chance then. I'm not making the same mistake twice.)” “Hey Kite?”

  Jade jumped a bit in shock, surprised Perseus still remembered that nickname. “Y-yeah?” “(I always hated that nickname, but for some reason when Perseus used it…)” She blushed lightly. Perseus shifted around. “I know we only just started talking again but… would you like to maybe go see a movie sometime? Just the two of us.” Artemis gestured to Perseus. “If this isn't a date, that surely is. I don't know if you can see it, mostly because you keep looking at the floor, but he's obviously interested in you.”

  Jade rolled her empty cup. “(He's… just being friendly. He never really noticed me in that way before.)” “You mean like… a date?” Perseus also fiddled with his empty cup. “Well… I guess. I know it might be weird because of your sister but that was a mistake. So was being too stuck in my own tunnel vision then my own despair to make any sort of attempt when I knew you before.” Jade hiccuped. “(Wait… are we on the same page about this? Does he feel the same way? He did before but was too enamored with Alix to do anything about it.)” Jade swallowed hard. “Actually… I think I'd like that. Besides, saying you dated my sister isn't accurate. That wasn't a real relationship and doesn't count.”

  Perseus chuckled a genuine chuckle as he got up to throw away his cup. Well we're obviously done here. So do you want to go for a walk together or go home?” Jade tossed her cup in the trash as well. “I want… (I want this moment to last a little longer.) I think a walk sounds nice. It's surprisingly nice out for early spring. There's not going to be a surprise April snow this year it seems.” Perseus chuckled again as they made their way out of the building. “You never know, the weather here gets weird sometimes.”

  The two walk around the general area, making sure not to get too far from their cars that are still parked at the coffee shop. There was a bit of silence as they walked that was broken by Jade. “I can't believe you still remember that stupid nickname.” Perseus shrugged. “I mean it doesn't make your name shorter but I always found it kinda cute.” Jade blushed lightly and looked at the floor as they turned a corner and she bumped into someone because she wasn't looking. “Oof, sorry I-” She then looked up to see it was June, who was walking with Chrysaor.

  “Crap.” Jade said under her breath as Perseus rounded the corner and saw the two. The two pairs blinked at one another. June pointed at Perseus and Jade. “What are you two doing here? Are you together?” Perseus had a measure of anger in his voice. “Not that it's any of your business, but I met Jade in junior high and we were catching up. Decided to do so after bumping into one another a while back. What are you two doing here.” Chrysaor answered first. “Oh, we just got done watching a movie.” He grabbed June's hand. “This is… my new girlfriend June. June, that's my brother.”

  Perseus made an extremely displeased face. “We've met before.” Chrysaor looked at Perseus then back to June. “...Right. Anyway, we'll be on our way.” June glared at Perseus before putting her hand to her chest and taking on an exaggerated tone. “You better not be rebounding to my sister after losing the prize that is me.” Perseus took on a tone as if he was scolding June. “I ended things, not you. Also, what we had doesn't even count as a relationship. You were playing a cruel joke with me as the punchline, and you aren't even the first. So maybe next time you decide to be a @#$&ing clown you can at least have the decency to find an original joke.”

  June took an angry step forward pointing at Perseus as her energy flared up. She was about to start shouting some sort of unpleasantries when Chrysaor tightened his grip on her hand causing her to look at him. Chrysaor smiled at her. “This isn't worth it, let's just go.” June was about to object but softened up. “I I I… yeah, I guess you're right sweetie. This isn't worth my time.” The two started walking away with June stopping for a second and turning around to get one last jab in. However, as she opened her mouth her hand was tugged by Chrysaor.

  Once the two were gone Jade looked at Perseus who was standing there fist clenched. She could feel his aura, he was on edge and ready for a fight. She also felt when June flared up her powers too, she was ready to throw down in public with her newest boy toy right there without a thought given to how it might be filtered. “Percy, they're gone, you can ease up now.” Perseus' body loosened its stance as he let out a breath. “Yeah, sorry. My body went into combat mode for a second. I actually thought she was going to pull out her Armatus in front of my brother. I can only imagine what that would do.”

  Jade tilted her head. “You haven't seen The Vale in full action yet, have you?” Perseus shook his head. “I've seen the effects it has on electronics, but not people.” Jade shudders. “It's awful. Their eyes glaze over and they space out. When they come to an entire part of their mind has been rewritten. All traces of magic are replaced with a mundane explanation or experience. Gas leak explosion, micro storms, conventional weapons. The effect is total and complete. Not only that but it's consistent as every witness of an event will remember the same altered event. The Vale is a living spell, it acts almost with a sort of intelligence.”

  Perseus knits his brows for a moment. “Damn, that's crazy. I'm glad Victor is immune somehow despite not having an Armatus.” Jade looked at Perseus with her eyebrows knit. “Victor? That oversized unit you always hung out with? Wasn't Alix his cousin?” Perseus nods. “I knew them both for the same amount of time. Victor may look intimidating but he's actually a big softie.” Jade nodded and spoke somewhat sarcastically. “Yeah, sure. I'll believe it when I see it.” Perseus chuckled. “I suppose I'll have to properly introduce you to my other friends eventually.”

  Jade blushed slightly as she considered the implications. Meeting friends is normally something you do after a few dates. Although, that doesn't apply if you start as friends first. “(This almost feels like a dream. This is exactly what I wanted when we hung out back in the day. Perseus barely sees my height as an obstacle and when he acknowledged my size he pointed out potential benefits to the difference in our size as a dirty joke.)” “Right, if we're going to be part of a team I'll have to get to know everyone.”