Perseus felt like he and his allies were about as ready as they could be having trained together as individuals and as teams. There was just one last thing he wanted to take care of before things got real. He took a trip to the grocery store to pick up supplies and grabbed a few extra things that he normally wouldn't outside special occasions. Steak, a thing of honey whiskey, honey, and asparagus were added to his cart alongside things for quick and easy to make meals that cost as little money as possible.

Once he got home he used the alcohol, honey, and some herbs to set up a marinade for the steak and let it sit for a few days. Then when it was ready he contacted June to set up their third and final test date. Once a day was set he picked her up and brought her back to his house to show the kitchen was lit with candles and got to cooking. Once it was done he served her the meal. Steak, mashed potatoes, and sauteed asparagus. “I have home cooked you a romantic candlelit dinner, enjoy.”

June looked at the meal with a knife and fork in hand. “How awkward would it be if I chose now to say I was vegan? It's a good thing I'm not because this smells good.” She then cuts through the steak with ease. “It's like butter.” She exclaimed as she got her first bite on the fork. Perseus waits with anticipation for June to take the first bite and tell him what she thinks before starting on his own food. June looked at him briefly before taking a bite. The moment the meat is in her mouth she starts humming her approval as she chews it.

Once she swallowed the meat she gently wiped off her lips. “Oh god! It's so tender and juicy, and the flavor! You can definitely taste the honey in the honey bourbon you soaked this in.” Perseus cuts his one piece of steak. “I'm glad you like it. I normally only cook for special occasions but I've always been complimented on my abilities.” June takes a bite of potatoes before asking: “How are you not a professional chef? You could probably get more money running a restaurant then you do as an electrical engineer or whatever it is you do.”

Perseus chuckles. “I like working as an independent contractor, it gives me flexible hours. Plus I get paid by commission most of the time. I also do an office work sort of job between jobs for extra money.” He starts eating his meal. June eats a bite of asparagus. “You know with how flexible your jobs are, you could probably do both and still run a restaurant. Though you likely would have time for other things involving the weapons.”

Perseus nods as he continues to eat, talking after he swallows his food. “Enjoy your meal.” June enthusiastically grabs another bite of steak. “Already am.” The two then finish their meals in silence. Perseus picks up the plates before coming back with a flower, handing it to her. The flower was a rose, but it had its color altered through unnatural means. It was light purple at the stem but got darker in a gradient to the near black tip. The flower had small four and six pointed bits of white resembling stars in the night sky.

“It's… beautiful.” June remarked as she looked at the flower in awe. Perseus then gently grabbed Jade’s chin, pulling her face close to his. In a gentle and soft tone he simply asked “May I?” Leaving the rest open to interpretation. His intent however was obvious given the context and as such Jade gave a small, simple, slow nod consenting to his touch. Perseus then leaned in further, kissing her gently on the lips with June returning the gesture.

Perseus pulled away and June sat in the afterglow touching her lip softly as she processed the feelings she had in the moment. Was there a spark, or was it simply a hollow gesture with no chemistry? “There was something there. Maybe? So it is definitely worth continuing beyond the initial test dates. Let's see where this goes. Consider this an extension.” Perseus smiled back while Neptuna grumbled in his mind, clearly upset about this arrangement. “I still don't fully trust her.”

Perseus growls lightly, irritated by Neptuna's constant disapproval. “If this is a mistake, it's mine to make Neptuna.” June tilts her head. “Neptuna doesn't approve of me?” Perseus shakes his head. June chuckles a bit. “Well I guess that's fair since Hacate doesn't approve of you either. Then again she seems to have something against men in general. Not that I can blame her. There are plenty of horrible guys out there.”

Perseus nods. “I should know, my brother is one of them.” June then notices a framed picture of art and gets a better look at it. “This looks like one of Aida’s pencil shadings.” Perseus looks at the image in the frame. “Yeah, she handed it to me when I was at your house after the second date. She didn't say anything though.” June puts her hand on her chin. “Being non verbal is typical of her, what's not however, is giving art to total strangers.”

Perseus shrugs. “What can I say, I'm good with kids. Although she is a teenager, that's normally a different story. It's a really good drawing.” June looks over the art. “I can never tell what these ones are supposed to be.” Perseus carefully extracts the drawing from the frame. “It's a guy holding a stick in front of burning buildings standing over a man trapped under rubble.” June squints and looks it over. “Ah, I see it now. That's… interesting. I wonder why she gave it to you.”

Perseus shrugs and puts the drawing back. “No idea. Want to watch a movie or something or should I drive you back home?” June thought for a moment. “What kinda movies do you have? Nothing romantic though.” Perseus looks through a few options. “Do you like Kaiju movies? I've got quite the collection.” June looks over the movies “You have the Dollmaker collection? I love those movies.” Perseus grabs it and sticks the first move in. “I'm a bit of a horror movie nut myself. At least when it comes to the classics. A lot of newer horror movies aren't worth the bytes they take up.”

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June chuckles. “Yeah, but some of the classics set a really high bar that most movie studios simply aren't willing to aim for. They just try to go for the most general of audiences and end up with cookie cutter crap that all feels the same.” Perseus loads up and starts the movie with a nod. “It's hard to find a movie with real passion these days. Everything's a cash grab.” The two then remain silent and watch the movie. Despite having seen it before, June still jumps at several moments.

The two sit close as they watch the movie in basically a sideways hug. Then when it's over Perseus takes June to his jeep inorder to take her home. He walks her to the door. “Tonight was nice, I had a great time.” June says as she gets ready to open the door. Perseus leans in and gives her a goodnight kiss. June touches her lip like before. “Still on the fence about this, and although I said we'd stop if I wasn't sure I'm giving you an extension. We can have a few more dates till I'm sure if this works or not.” Perseus nods. “Take all the time you need.”

Then he goes home and relaxes for the rest of the day before getting into bed. The next day he was back to his normal routine of doing office work and the occasional on sight job fixing an electrical issue here and there. Perseus knew this peace wouldn't last, that soon he and his allies would be tossed into the fray as they moved against Gregory MacGonagall who was the holder of Demeter, or rather Ceres. Perseus regularly forgets that many of the Greek gods use their Roman name or a deviation of it when they are partnered with someone who is the opposite gender as what the god is typically depicted as.

Since he wasn't sure when they would have the chance to do so again, Perseus arranged one last group night with all his friends. Even Ginger who wasn't in the know about the Armatus was invited. Everyone gathered to eat, drink, and play party games. June and Perseus sat close practically hugging the entire time with him giving her the occasional forehead kiss or other small gestures. It was then that June started to feel like Perseus was simply going through the motions.

Maybe he too was waiting to figure out how they felt but it became apparent that although the two definitely got along, June still didn't feel a true spark yet. She could definitely get along with him and there is something there. She could see herself dating him for several months but started getting the feeling that if things went long enough for it to get serious then she would probably find some excuse not to progress things.

June wasn't sure what it was but decided to let Perseus know. “I'm… still not feeling a proper spark. There's something there and I'm not sure what but when I picture us taking this further I don't exactly feel it. I'm… sorry. I know this is the last thing you wanted to hear considering how things turned out with the last person you dated.” Perseus let out a sigh. “It's fine. We definitely make good friends but if you aren't feeling the romance then there is no point in trying to force it.”

June looks away. “I wish I knew what it was that is preventing me from being able to fully see you in a romantic light because I definitely enjoyed that last date but I…. Just don't.” Perseus nods. “You don't have to explain yourself. If it's not there it's not there. Maybe you simply aren't attracted to me because I'm not your type or maybe you're not even into men.” June tilts her head and thinks about it for a moment. “I’ve dated men before with little issue.” Perseus shrugs. “Either way, just friends it is.” June frowned slightly because of how well Perseus was taking this. Maybe the feeling was mutual and he also wasn't feeling the spark, or maybe he's become used to things simply not working out.

Either way the two spent the rest of the night as friends, letting everyone know that they ended their little experimental relationship. Everyone seems plenty understanding with Ginger and Jaclyn offering Perseus their condolences. After a casual day of fun and games with his friends everyone goes home leaving Perseus alone in the house with his thoughts. “Maybe dating isn't the best idea right now anyway with everything going on.”

Neptuna manifests herself to talk to Perseus in a more normal way. “I know things are hectic right now but I don't want you giving up on being happy. You'll find the right one eventually.” Perseus sighs. “Eventually. Sometimes I wonder if that day will ever come. Maybe something's wrong with me. Every girl I try to date falls through for one reason or another or I miss my chance because I'm too in my own head like with Jaclyn. It's just… hard to stay motivated sometimes”

Neptuna tries to hug Percy's back but fazes through him with a scowl. “Well, I'm here for you if you need me. I know I can't offer you much in the way of comfort, but I'll do my best.” Perseus goes to his room and lays in his bed. “Thanks, I guess. Even if our situation is strange and I likely won't be the one to ascend with you. We have solid synergy already but I just… don't see it happening. Your attempt to get something different didn't work as planned and although this is definitely new I'm not sure it's in a good way.”

Neptuna puts her hands on her hips as she floats there. “Well we won't know until we try. Besides there is an active threat so even if I was a hundred percent sure this wouldn't work I'd stick with you till it was over. Training a new person takes time. We can take a good hard look at this arrangement when the smoke has cleared.” Perseus sighs. “You mean we'll evaluate this relationship after MacGonagall is handled. Don't blame me if I don't get my hopes up. My track record with women isn't great.”

Neptuna grumbled. “This isn't the same as all those. I actually want to be with you. I just-” Neptuna paused abruptly as she realized what she said out loud. Perseus doesn't seem to pick up on it in that way though. “Well as long as you want this partnership we'll continue. It's ultimately up to you. I don't and haven't gotten much say in the matter.” Neptuna sat in silence for a moment. “I… didn't think about that. I haven't once asked about your feelings. I'm sorry. If… if you want to terminate this arrangement you can say so.”

Perseus sighs. “I don't, even if I did like you said we have a threat to handle first. Despite the injuries and conflicts I've enjoyed this time with you. I'm glad you're in my life.” Neptuna smiles and moves herself to appear as if she's on the bed over the covers. “Good, because you're stuck with me whether you like it or not for now. Hearing you like it however does put a smile on my face. I'd hug you if I could.” Perseus smiles back. “Well you can remain there while I sleep if you want.”

Neptuna blushed slightly as she thought about how this would look to someone else if they could see her. Perseus quickly dozed off after closing his eyes. Neptuna also closed her eyes and felt herself drift off. Going back into the trident bound to Percy's soul and going back into her rest mode. The last thing she expected was to open her eyes again and find herself standing in a dark unlit hallway. Neptuna looked at her hands and clenched them a few times. She then stomped her feet on the solid floor.

Discombobulated, she blinked a few times as her mind tried to process what was going on. “How am I- what is going on here?” She looks up and down the hallway with nighttime light coming in through some windows. The hallway itself is uninteresting and plain with no water identifying features to clue her in on where this is intended to be. She picks one of the two directions at random and begins walking, feeling strange about doing so as it has been some time since she's had a physical body.