Mount Olympus [5]

Spoiler

Not playing Ray.

Jackie

I chuckle, getting mental images as well, "EW!"

I bury my face in my knees, "D*mmit."

Jace

At first, he doesn't answer and takes a step forward instead. I press my back against the rock, my heart racing to speeds I wish didn't exist. Dammit, Jae. You're stronger than this. What the hell is wrong with you?

"You know the answer to that," he finally says, stopping. His voice reminds me of my own, even Nic's, but at the same time is sorrowful and pained, as if he knew something horrible that words couldn't relay. "Deep down, you know."

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Nic

I clear my mind by thinking of things that would most certainly get me in trouble one of these days. Blinking a few times, I relax and glance at Jackie, "Sorry..."

Jackie

I nod slowly, "It's...It's okay."

Jace

I study him and try to calm myself, "You're not me. I know that. But you sure as hell look like it."

I make out an amused smile from beneath the hood, before it turns solemn.

"You have little memory of me--your father made sure of that--but he didn't realize..." he pauses, trying to find the words, "Families share bonds with each other. Even when one side can't fit in with the other."

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Nic

I sigh and look back at the ocean, clearing my throat, "So...about that swim..."

Rayah

I wake and find Jae still not back, standing, I head out to look for him. Knowing where he might be, I head for his cavern.

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Jackie

I sigh and nod, taking off my shirt and shorts.

Jace

"You are not my family," I say more bitterly than I thought I had in me.

He lets out a deep sigh before removing his hood. My eyes scan over his face again and pick out the similarities between us. Our eyes were the same shape, though his were icier, and our mouths both curved funny on the right side. In the dim light, I made out we both shared the same complexion, rather than the slight difference between me and Nic.

"Your father's part of you denies it, stubbornly holding onto the memories that won't reveal themselves to you," he says, "But our mother's doesn't bother. You know, Jace. I promise you that."

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Nic

If I said I didn't watch, I'd be lying. I clear my throat and strip down to my boxers once she's uncovered though, avoiding her gaze.

Rayah

I get to the cavern and see someone else there. Freezing, I stand a little bit behind the person, looking at Jace, Who's this?

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Jackie

I stand and hold my hand out, "C'mon."

Jace

I see Rayah and feel my body go numb, the fear from before returning with a passion I could only manifest towards someone else. As harmless as this guy tried to convince me he is, something about him sends me over the edge. My heart races again and the room nearly starts to spin with worry and fear that he might notice her. It's confirmed when he pulls his hood back over and steps aside and into the shadows.

"Another time then," he tells me, looking at her, "You have much to digest. I apologize for the insomnia yet to come."

With that, he disappears.

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Nic

I don't hesitate, standing and following her.

Rayah

I just stand there, awkward, before looking at him, shaking my head and walking away.

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Jackie

I take a deep breath and lead him to the water, dipping my toes in to see how cold it is.

Jace

I hesitate before chasing after Rayah, "Please. Make no assumptions." Ugh. Now I'm talking like him! "Ray, let me explain."

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Nic

She dips her toes in and I sigh before wading in without second thought. The water is freezing at first, but I get used to it as soon as I'm at neck height. I dunk under and warmth washes over me. Shaking my hair out, I look at Jackie with an eyebrow raised in challenge.

Rayah

I look at him, stopping, "Explain what? There's nothing to explain Jace," I mutter, "I heard almost all of it."

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Jackie

I bite my lip and watch him before wadding in, diving under as soon as I can.

Jace

I swallow and try to think of what to say, "I-I... All of it?"

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Nic

I smile and watch her, sighing.

Rayah

I nod and keep walking, "All of it."

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Jackie

I smile and swim to him.

Jace

I hesitate before catching up, crossing my arms insecurely over my chest, "D-did you see the reflection?"

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Nic

I smile back and stay where I am, dunking under slowly when she reaches me.

Rayah

I shake my head, "No, and I don't want to."

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Jackie

I get to him and smile at him underwater.