In my feelings again
You all know I love Percy getting princess treatment and being loved and protected. Seeing one who’s been through shit but still standing? Someone get him a chair, ice cream, and cuddles.
I understand the boy is gonna push back and beat his chest, point Riptide at you, even when he's bleeding out and traumatized. He doesn’t like to tell people about his problems. He's gonna be like, "It's only a scratch. Quit worrying!" Then when Apollo (or anyone) shows protectiveness and goes ape shit and wanna beat the shit outta someone who hurts Percy, he gets upset and pushes him away.
And it got me thinking... again.
It seems to me that Percy pushes away protection and help, not just because he feels small. He had already gone through hell and people making him feel small and worthless. Being made small, feeling helpless, and relying on someone who treats you like shit feels horrible. He doesn't need that again, especially by gods who get off on making others feel small. I understand that, and I feel the same way. “I'm not weak and can handle my own.”
Another reason is giving control. Again, back to his childhood, he didn’t have autonomy or his own space because of Gabe. I understand that this protectiveness appears ‘controlling,’ he feels stifled, even if that’s not their true intention.
However, I also feel Percy does it because he feels he's not worth it. To him, he doesn't deserve to be cared for like that. Why should anyone do that? Besides, he can handle himself. That's why he's powerful, right? If he can give the gods a run for their money and is the savior to all, including the gods, why the fuck does he need to be protected? It’s a waste of time and makes little sense. Plus, he'll just heal. So, no biggie.
So, when Apollo, his father, brother, and some of his friends get protective, Percy gets annoyed and pushes them away, especially in Perpollo fics. "I'm not weak. Quit treating me like I'm glass. I've been through shit since I was a kid. I didn't need you then. Why would I need you now? Don't feel sorry for me. Don't you dare feel sorry for me. You may be a god, but I'm not some weak punk. I can handle my shit." I want Apollo to respond this way, but he apologizes or STOPS. Not pauses— STOPS.
Me, reading: *screams internally*
I understand and am happy that he respects Percy’s boundaries and autonomy. Yes, Apollo (or anyone else) has to EARN Percy's trust. It shouldn’t be thrust upon him.
With that being said, this is what I want Apollo to respond with:
I don’t protect you because I’m a god. Your strength is never in question when I want to embrace you. I do it because I love you. You mean a lot to me, and seeing you stay strong when you're hurting inside pains me. It upsets me you don't think you’re all that. But, baby, you’re worth more than the stars in Olympus.
(I wrote a page paragraph but didn’t want it to be too melodramatic.)
Anyways, *grabs Percy’s face* Strong or not, you’re worth it. Hero or failure, you’re worth it. It’s okay to rely on someone and rest. You may be a hero, but you’re still human, Percy. You still bleed, you still get tired, you still get hurt. You're not weak for wanting someone to hold you and be vulnerable. It’s okay to take breaks. *kisses his forehead* Treat yourself, sweetheart.
Someone save this boy, please!
















