ap0llonian

[ap0llonian]

Embrace Him

alternate!ARCHANGEL GABRIEL x READER

sypnosis: you teeter on the edge of madness, only to find a dark solace in the tender illusions of a sinister guardian who promises unsettling affection.

disclaimers: reader is misanthropic, implied stockholm syndrome, gaslighting, horror elements, psychological manipulation

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“I always wondered if madness came with a manual."

The world outside your window seemed to be a canvas smeared with dreary shades of gray, punctuated only by the occasional flurry of chaos. Yet, amidst the motonamy, there was an anomaly—a shadow that stood on the edge of your vision, always lingering just beyond the glass. A dark figure, angelic in its unsettling beauty, seemed to mock the very essence of serenity that you had perfected. It was a presence that defied logic, a specter that made you question your own sanity. Perhaps it was your mind’s last cruel joke, or maybe the universe had decided that even in your indifference, it would not spare you the bitterness of its absurdity.

The whispers of the townsfolk tagged you as ruthless, as though your calm demeanor was a veneer for some intrinsic malevolence. They spoke of you as a creature driven by some dark, unquenchable thirst—a malignant force wrapped in the guise of human frailty.

Your days were spent in a monotonous ritual of existence, where each moment bled into the next with the predictability of a metronome. The only disturbances were the fleeing glances of that figure outside your window. He was always there—an angel of darkness, a haunting silhouette that seemed to feed on your isolation.

One evening, as you lay in bed staring at the ceiling, a soft knock echoed through the room.

Rising from your bed, you approached the door. The darkness of the hallway seemed to pulse with an almost palpable energy, and as you opened it, you were greeted by the very entity that had haunted your peripheral vision.

There hs was, in all his grotesque splendor—a being of celestial gracd twisted into a mockery of divine perfection. His eyes, deep and infinite, seemed to hold the weight of the countless secrets.

You instantly slammed the door in his face and locked it, fully. Whipping around, your cold hand clutched your heart, feeling how fast it beat. He was here, in your home.

“My little lamb,” He called out, his tone smooth and almost tender. “You look so lonely here. I thought I could keep you some company.”

“Who are you.” You whispered, yet your voice was loud enough for the alternate to hear.

A soft knock on your door again. “I am someone who cares about you, sweet child. You have been so isolated, so neglected. I am here to make sure you are never alone again.”

“Cares about me? I don't need—”

“Shh,” He interrupted, the sound of nails scraping on your wooden door. “You do need me. And I need you. We are bound by something far deeper than you can comprehend. Let me show you how much you are cherished.”

You heard a knock again, though this time louder.

“You are so special to me. I know the world has been cruel, and I understand you have felt abandoned. But here, with me, you are safe. You are loved. Open the door.”

Your heart pounded loudly, almost a melody for the alternate. That was the most you felt alive. “No, I don’t—”

A soft persistent banging on your door interrupted you. “Please, do not shut me out. I am here for you, lovely. You do not have to be alone anymore.” He pleaded melodically, his voice breathy yet menacing. It almost made you give in.

The pounding grew louder, more insistent. You could almost feel your body going numb, your eyes widening.

“Let me in, sweet child. You deserved to be loved. I can make all the pain disappear. Just trust me.”

Each word was punctuated with a heavy thud. Your pulse quickened, your resolve wavering. For a moment, you considered running and climbing out the window—calling for help, doing anything to escape this monster trying to break through.

But then the banging stopped.

Silence.

“Please,” came the voice once more, soft now, almost vulnerable. “I don’t want to hurt you. I only want to take care of you, precious dove. I have been with you for so long now... Have you not felt it? The comfort in the chaos? Let me in, and I will show you what love truly feels like.”

Your fingers hovered over the lock. The door felt too thin. The air seemed too heavy.

“You don’t have to be alone anymore. You don’t have to pretend to be all right.” His voice was coaxing, a subtle promise threaded through every word.

“I will be everything you need. I will take away the pain, the fear. Just open the door. Let me in.”

You swallowed thickly, your thoughts tangled into a mess. This wasn’t real. None of this was real. And yet... the loneliness, the isolation that had haunted you for years whispered back, telling you how right it sounded. How good it would feel to finally stop pretending. To let someone care.

Against every rational thought screaming in your head, you turned the lock with your eyes closed. The door clicked open.

And then he was inside.

Gabriel gently pushed your head to his chest, cradling it like it was fragile. His bony thumb stroked your hair ever so slowly, and gently. For the first time

“I will take care of you now, and you will never feel lonely again.” He cooed, his fingers the outline of your cheek, sending shivers down your spine. Your body trembled, yet you couldn't pull away.

The warmth of his voice seeped into you, and though you knew, somewhere deep down, that this wasn’t right, the illusion was too intoxicating to resist.

“Really.” You muttered, barely audible.

His smile widened, a dark glint in his eyes. “I promise.”

[ap0llonian]

Park Follies

PERCY JACKSON x Apollo!READER

sypnosis: you don't like the rides percy's taking you for your “friendly” themepark date, until you head for the ferris wheel.

notes: reader is, again, a child of apollo, reader is gender neutral, reader is very judgemental, fluff, friends to lovers, ferris wheel trope

a/n: took the pic from a manhwa called operation: true love!

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The sun was already setting, beaming down on the theme park, and you couldn't contain your excitement as you navigated through the vibrant seas of people. Every corner of the park pulsed with energy, from the screaming rollercoasters to the colorful stalls lining the walkways.

But the rides Percy led you to were... not so thrilling. You were a child of the God of—many things! You were the embodiment of fun. He must've lacked the “humor literature.”

“This ride is seriously lacking,” you declared, shaking him with an insistent grip. “I thought you would show me something that could really make my adrenaline pumping, not just a slow spin on a plastic horse.”

Percy smirked, shaking his head. “It’s a carousel, not a roller coaster. Not everything can be an epic adventure.”

“My point still stands.” You shrugged with a grin.

The day continued with a mix of roller coasters, carnival games, and food stands. Every ride you encountered seemed to get an immediate and loud critique from you. You had a special way of making even the simplest attractions sound like the worst thing ever. Despite your constant complaints, Percy remained as patient as ever—only staring at you with an underlying tone of something you couldn't seem to shake.

As you approached another game stall, your attention was completely captured by a prize displayed on the table. It was a plushie that had the exact features of Percy—and with no problems, you got it.

“Wow, it’s got the same hair as him too...” You muttered, fiddling with the knitted clothes. It was removable too—who does that?

“Look, Jackson, it looks exactly like y—”

Turning around, you'd only seen a random kid staring up at you with the stink eye (what a bitch.)

Your heart dropped, and your eyes immediately started darting to her surroundings, trying to find the supposedly, very spottable son of Poseidon. He was nowhere to be found. Like, literally. Too many people to even find him.

“That guy!” You grumbled to yourself as you rammed through the seas of unfamiliar faces, muttering a few apologies to whom you had accidentally bumped into.

None. None. None!

He was nowhere to be found, making you even more agitated.

Minutes stretched on, each one feeling like an eternity. Your eyes darted back and forth, scanning every black haired guy. The thrill of the games and rides seemed like a distant memory now, replaced by a gnawing worry.

“He’s—” There he finally was, standing in line for the ferris wheel. He seemed so nonchalant, with a pack of pretzels—he didn’t even think to tell you!

Relief (with a mixture of irritation) flooded through you, and you rushed over to him.

“Percy, where have you been?!” You demanded, grabbing a hold of his arm with a vice-like grip. “I was about to organize a search party! You can’t just leave me like that!”

He, clearly taken aback by your sudden outburst, raised his hands in a placating gesture. “Sorry, sorry! I was just saving a spot for us on the ferris wheel.”

“Next time, tell me where you’re going!” You scolded, reaching up to tug on his reddening ear.

He nodded, an apologetic smile on his face, and led you to the ferris wheel. As you climbed on one of the cabs, you noticed the slight shiver to his body, even under the weight of his jacket. His hands started to pale, a contrast to yours.

“You seem cold,” you muttered, trying to lighten up the wilting mood.

“Nah, I’m alright.” Percy assured with a shake of his head, and sat in the opposite direction as you.

You didn’t buy it—not when the blood on his palm was starting to go away. You unwrapped the scar around your neck and rose from your seat. Without hesitation, you wrapped it around his neck, hoping to provide some comfort.

His eyes slightly widened, and he instinctively grabbed your wrists. “No, I’m okay. You keep it—”

“Percy, just take the scarf. You look like you’re about to turn into an ice sculpture.” You deadpanned, your eyes staring directly at his. The once glowing aura of yours seemed to darken along with the sun setting, making the atmosphere more—intimate, ish.

With a resigned sigh, he gave in, accepting the scarf and wrapping it around his shoulders. The two of you settled into the cab as the ferris wheel began its slow ascent, the view of the park unfolding below you.

The sky transitioned from bright blue to soft oranges and pinks, creating a breathtaking backdrop that framed the scene perfectly. The fading light bathed the scene in a soft, romantic light, enhancing the atmosphere.

“Dad would’ve loved it here. The view is breathtaking!” You said as your eyes landed on the little people below you. “Even if—”

Before you could finish your dramatic musing, Percy’s gaze fixed on you with an intensity that made your breath hitch. There was something in his expression, a mix of hesitation and longing, that made you pause.

“Percy, what’s wrong? You okay?” You asked and leaned in slightly with narrowed eyes, trying to find anything out of the ordinary on his face.

Well, none. He was perfect.

Your cheeks started to heat up—and not from the temperature, but from his gaze. You turned your head to fully face him, mouth opening to speak. But then—

His lips press against yours, for just a moment. A very long moment. It was gentle but filled with an unspoken deoth that made your heart race.

You then reeled back, staring at him wide-eyed and gaped. You couldn’t even notice the faint tint of pink spreading across his cheeks, embarrassed by the sudden intimacy.

“I’m sor... what?” Your words died on your tongue, which was unlikely of you. You were usually so talkative.

Not here, though. Your breath was utterly taken away.

“Y-yeah... sorry, I’m so sorry.” He stammered softly, his hand flying to his mouth.

You cleared your throat, not being able to hear the incoherent and muffled apologies and explanations coming out of his mouth. Your mind was trying to process this whole thing.

You weren’t mad; quite the opposite. You felt... giddy. The same feeling with your father when he was with his past lover—but you didn’t know that. The author just wanted to add that for references.

Albeit, your fingers slightly twitched, almost wanting to do something you might regret. But you only live once, right?

So, with no hesitation, you grabbed the ends of the scarf and pulled Percy in for another... well, kiss. Your lips meshed into each other perfectly, the softness of it making you melt. The kiss was longer, a little more passionate, and it conveyed everything you had been feeling throughout the day.

When you finally broke apart, the both of you were breathless, staring at one another with flushed cheeks and bewildered expressions. You kissed Percy Jackson.

A shy smile managed to dance across his lips, “So, how’s the view?”

You grinned and gently pushed his face away, averting your gaze to the ground.

“Definitely better now.”

[ap0llonian]

Vines and Valdez

LEO VALDEZ x Dionysus!READER

sypnosis: in a haze of pain and intoxication after a grueling mission, you, both injured and exhausted, find yourselves lying side by side in the quiet woods. As you struggle to come to terms with your survival, your playful bickering and retorts reveal deeper feelings. Amidst your banter ans genuine concern for one another, you discover that your stubbornness might just be the key to your bond.

notes: reader is a child of Dionysus (sibling if Pollux), reader is gender neutral, the two of them are oblivious idiots, friends to lovers, fluff

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The world around you spun like a merry-go-round that had forgotten how to stop. Everything was a blur of light and color, and you could feel the remnants of whatever you’d consumed earlier still burning through your veins, mixing with the aftereffects of too much wine. You were high, drunk, and quite frankly, blissfully out of it.

Except for the searing pain in your side, the throbbing in your head, and the uncomfortable sensation of blood sticking your shirt to your skin.

Leo wasn’t much better off. He lay next to you, his shirt torn, revealing a deep gash across his torso. His curls were matted with sweat and dirt, and his normally bright eyes were clouded with exhaustion. You both had fought like Tartarus during the last mission, and now you were paying the price. The woods around you were eerily sileny, like even the monsters had decided to call it a day and leave you two dumbfucks alone to die in peace.

“Why aren’t we dead yet?” Leo groaned, attempting to shift upright, but failing back with a very prominent wince.

You lolled your head towards him, a lazy smirk dancing across your lips. “Because we’re just too stubborn to give up.”

He let out a weak laugh that quickly turned into a cough when his injuries made themselves known, his face scrunching up in pain. “Or maybe the gods just want to watch us suffer a little longer.” He remarked sarcastically, glaring daggers at the sky as if wanting to tell Zeus to knock it off.

“Probably,” you hummed, tracing patterns in the dirt with your finger, the simple action somehoe fascinating your current state. “They have a sick sense of humor.”

His eyes flickered to you and watched as you clumsily attempted to sit up. “Hey, don’t move too much, you’re still bleeding.” He scolded, his tone a little firmer than before.

“I’m fine. Just a scratch.” You slurred, waving a dismissive hand at him, but the motion caused your vision to spin even more.

Leo rolled his eyes. "Your ‘scratch’ is making a pretty convincing argument for staying still.”

You smirked at him, dramatically clutching your side. “You’re not exactly looking peachy either, Fix-It Felix.” You retorted and stuck your tongue out slightly.

He snorted, trying to hide the flush that was creeping up to his neck. “Who even says ‘peachy’ anymore?”

“Shut up,” you snickered, the sound of your voice almost foreign to your ears. “I feel sick, dude.”

“I had no idea,” he muttered sardonically, but his voice was fond. He tried to sit up again, this time a little slower, his jaw clenching against the pain.

You watched him, your head tilted to the side. It was strange seeing him like this—vulnerable, worn down. Usually, he was the one with the jokes, the quick fix, and the endless energy. But now... now he looked like he was on the verge of collapse.

“Leo,” you began, but he interrupted you with a shake of his head.

“Don’t,” he said, his voice strained. “Don’t start with the sympathy. I’m fine.”

You frowned, and reached out a shaking hand towards him. “But you're not fine. Let me—”

He grabbed your wrist before you could even touch him, his grip surprisingly strong for someone who looked like they could barely hold themselves together. His eyes met yours, a mixture of frustration and something else you couldn’t seem to place. “Don’t, okay? Just... don’t.” He managed to say, his eyes narrowed slightly.

You blinked. “Leo...”

His grip on your wrist loosened, and he sighed, his expression softening. “Sorry, I just— I can’t believe we made it out of there. I honestly thought we were—" He cut himself off, looking away, his jaw clenching.

“Thought we were goners?” You finished for him, your voice light to mask the unease creeping up your spine. “You thought we were goners?”

“Yeah. I’m starting to think my body’s just giving up on me.” He admitted in a mutter.

“No,” you said firmly, and sat upright, despite the dizzines that followed. You ignored his protests and shuffled closer, a glint of determination in your bleary eyes. “You’re too stubborn for that, remember?” You reminded with a cheeky grin, resting a weary arm atop his shoulder.

He laughed breathily. “Right, because stubbornness fixes everything.”

You poked his arm, hard enough to which he winced. “It’s worked so far, hasn’t it?”

Leo looked at you, really looked at you, and for a moment, the world seemed to pause. The tension, the pain, the exhaustion—they melted away, leaving just the two of you in this strange, quiet bubble.

“Yeah,” he murmured, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “It has.”

Your smirk formed into a full-blown grin, leaning your shoulder against his. “See? We’re invincible.”

“More like idiots who don’t know when to quit.” He teased, but there was warmth in his voice, a softness that made your heart do an odd little flip.

A noncommittal noise escaped your lips, your eyes closed to emphasize your mock-ignorance. “Can’t we be both?”

He chuckled. "Sure, why not?”

For a while, neither of you spoke, content to just sit there in each other's company, the world fading into the background. The pain was still there, but it felt more distant now, like it was something that belonged to someone else.

After what felt like hours, Leo finally broke the silence, his voice quiet. “You know...” He trailed off, his eyes glancing toward you. “I’m glad you’re okay.”

“Are you getting sappy on me Valdez?”

“Shut up, I’m being serious.”

“I know, I’m just shitting on you,” You replied softly. You reached out, this time more slowly, and placed a hand on his knee. He didn’t pull away, just watched you with those tired, yet somehow still bright eyes. “I’m glad you’re okay too. And that’s not the wine talking.”

He smiled, a genuine smile that made your heart flutter in a way that had nothing to do with the lingering effects of your father’s wine.

“Maybe we should stop getting ourselves nearly killed.” He suggested playfully, tilting his head slightly closer to yours.

“Nah, where’s the fun in that?” You snorted.

Leo groaned and weakly pushed your face away. “You’re impossible.”

You shrugged and grinned cheekily, folding almost numb arms beneath your chest. “And yet you still put up with me.” You shot back, rolling your eyes.

He sighed deeply with mock-exhaustion, almost like he had no choice but to, and leaned his head back against the tree behind him. “Yeah, I do.”

Albeit, the way he said it made your heart skip a beat, and for a moment, you wondered if there was something more behind those words. But then he looked at you, and the familiar spark of mischief was back in his eyes.

“So,” he began. “About the peachy thing—”

“Shut up.”

“Make me.” He challenged and shift closer to you, a grin spreading across his worn out face.

You huffed, but the corners of your mouth were fighting to lift upwards. “Maybe I will.”

He raised an eyebrow, gazing at you like no one had ever before. “Yeah? How?”

You tapped your chin, feigning a moment of reverie, then leaned in close. “By surviving the next mission together.”

Leo blinked, the playful glint in his eyes fading into something softer. He turned his head slightly just enough that you could see the tender expression on his face. “Deal,” he said softly, a faint tint of bright red spreading across his cheeks.

You nodded with a smile, and settled back against him, placing your elbow atop his shoulder. And for the first time forever—you allowed yourself to relax.

Maybe you were both idiots, too stubborn for your own good, but as long as you had each other, you figured you could survive anything.

Even if you were just friends for now.