Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Percy woke up surrounded by warmth and a familiar, anchoring weight pressed against his chest.

For one disoriented second, he didn’t know where he was. His body still expected jagged stone beneath his back, poisonous air in his lungs, and the distant shrieks of monsters moving through the dark.

Instead, he heard waves.

They rolled gently against the shore outside Cabin Three, steady and familiar, accompanied by the occasional creak of the wooden walls settling around them. Morning light filtered through the thin curtains, casting pale streaks across the floor.

He glanced down and realized that the familiar weight draped across his body was Annabeth. She was wrapped around him so tightly that Percy could barely move. Not that he minded. 

One of her legs was tangled between his, her thigh resting over his hip. Her arm had slipped beneath his neck sometime during the night, while her other hand remained curled into the front of his shirt. Her fingers were still clutching the fabric as though even in sleep some part of her needed proof that he hadn’t left.

Her face was tucked against the curve of his neck and every few seconds, a small puff of warm breath brushed across his skin.

Percy stayed perfectly still. 

He didn’t want to wake her. After her emotional confession last night, Annabeth looked peaceful.

There was no tightness between her eyebrows. No trembling beneath her skin. No frightened hitch in her breathing or restless movement as though she were trying to escape something even in her dreams.

She had simply folded herself around him and slept.

Percy let his eyes travel slowly over her face.

A few of her braids had fallen across her forehead during the night, while others were crushed messily between her cheek and his shoulder. Her lips were parted slightly, her breathing soft and even. The oversized shirt she had borrowed from him had slipped down one shoulder, exposing a stretch of smooth brown skin warmed by the morning light.

Something in his heart softened painfully.

She looked so normal.

Not like a girl who had clawed her way through Tartarus. Not like someone who had woken in darkness and had no idea whether it would ever end.

She was just Annabeth.

Sleepy, stubborn, and currently using nearly all of him as a pillow.

Percy couldn’t help but stare at her.

Carefully, he lifted the hand resting against her back and brushed one of the loose braids away from her forehead. Annabeth made a quiet sound and tightened her fingers in his shirt.

He froze and held his breath as her face burrowed deeper into his neck. His heart pounded as she let out a long sigh, her nose rubbing softly against the skin of his neck. 

Percy bit back a laugh.

“Wise Girl,” he whispered.

She didn’t move. He pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead.

Nothing.

Another to her temple.

Still nothing.

Percy mumbled something against her skin before placing another kiss softly on her cheek.

Annabeth’s nose scrunched, her brow furrowing as she tried to move away from his voice and deeper into his embrace.

“There she is,” he murmured.

“No,” she mumbled.

A quiet laugh escaped him. “No?”

“I’m asleep.”

“You’re talking.”

“Sleep-talking.”

Her words were muffled against his neck, but Percy could hear the teasing tone hiding inside them. A shiver ran through him as her lips pressed closer to his skin.

“I felt that.” he said.

“Felt what?”

“You, smiling.”

“I wasn’t.”

“You definitely were.”

Annabeth responded by wrapping her leg more securely around his and pressing herself closer, somehow eliminating the little space that had remained between them.

Percy groaned at the sudden movement and looked up at the ceiling.

“You know,” he said thoughtfully, “most people move away when they’re trying to convince someone they’re asleep.”

“Most people are stupid.”

“That’s my girl.”

She made a grumbling noise that vibrated against his throat.

Percy’s grin widened.

For a little while, he let her stay exactly where she was. He continued running his hand slowly along her back, feeling the warmth of her skin beneath the thin fabric of his shirt. Every pass of his palm was gentle and unhurried, tracing from between her shoulder blades to the curve of her waist before beginning again.

Annabeth’s breathing gradually deepened.

Percy narrowed his eyes.

“Are you actually going back to sleep?”

“Yes.”

“That wasn’t permission.”

“I didn’t ask.”

He laughed again, louder this time.

Annabeth tried to bury her face beneath his chin as though that might block out the sound.

Percy kissed the top of her head.

“We have to get up.”

“No, we don’t.”

“We haven’t eaten since yesterday.”

“I’m not hungry.”

As if personally offended by the lie, her stomach growled against him.

Percy went still. Annabeth did too.

A beat of silence passed.

“That was you,” she said.

Percy stared down at her. “That came directly from your body.”

“You can’t prove that.”

“It vibrated against my ribs.”

“Circumstantial evidence.”

He shook his head, smiling helplessly.

Even exhausted, half-asleep, and blind, she was still determined to argue her way out of getting up. Percy wouldn’t have wanted her any other way.

“Come on.” He shifted beneath her, trying to sit up.

Annabeth immediately tightened every limb around him. Percy barely managed to lift his shoulders from the mattress before she dragged him back down.

“Annabeth.”

“No.”

“I can’t carry you to breakfast while you’re attached to me like a koala.”

“Then don’t go.”

“We need food.”

“You need food.”

“Your stomach disagrees.”

“It can wait.”

Percy slid one arm securely around her waist and sat up anyway.

Annabeth let out a startled noise as he brought her with him, keeping her held tightly against his chest. Her legs remained draped over his lap, her face tucked into his shoulder, and her arms looped around his neck.

For a moment, she refused to lift her head. Percy closed his eyes as he felt her fingers gently run through his blond curls near the nape of his neck as she pressed closer to him.

Percy rubbed his cheek against the top of her braids.

“Good morning.”

“I don’t like you.”

“You loved me last night.”

“I was emotional.”

“Tragic.”

She pinched lightly at the skin beneath his collarbone.

Percy laughed and caught her hand before she could do it again, bringing her knuckles to his mouth.

Annabeth finally lifted her head.

Her eyes remained closed, her lashes resting against her cheeks. In the light spilling through the curtains, Percy could see the faint puffiness around them from crying the night before.

His face fell.

“Head still hurting?”

“A little.”

Her voice was quieter now, sleep roughening the edges of it.

Percy brushed his thumb beneath one of her eyes, careful not to press too hard.

“Your eyes?”

“Sore.”

He nodded even though she couldn’t see him.

“I’ll find you something for it after we eat.”

Annabeth’s fingers slipped around his wrist, keeping his hand against her face for another second.

Then she leaned into his palm and the small gesture nearly undid him.

Percy swallowed past the sudden tightness in his throat and pressed a kiss to the center of her forehead.

“Stay here,” he murmured. “I’m going to open the curtains.”

Annabeth’s fingers immediately tightened. Percy paused.

“I’m just walking across the room.”

“I know.”

She released him slowly.

Percy helped guide her legs from his lap before standing. Annabeth remained sitting in the center of the bed, one hand braced against the mattress while the other rested in her lap.

His shirt hung loosely on her body, falling nearly to the middle of her thighs. One side had slipped down again, baring her shoulder. Her braids were mussed from sleep, and there was a faint crease along her cheek from where it had been pressed against his chest.

She was stunning. 

Not in the distant, untouchable way Aphrodite had once appeared to him.

Annabeth was beautiful because Percy knew every version of her.

He knew the sharp set of her jaw when she was planning. The way her eyes had once brightened whenever she saw a building she wanted to study. The irritated flare of her nostrils when someone underestimated her. The little crease beside her mouth that appeared when she was trying not to smile.

And now he knew this version too.

Barefoot in his cabin. Wrapped in his old clothes. Hair messy. Sleepy and soft in a way she allowed almost no one else to see. She was so pretty that Percy felt as though his heart was going to beat out of his chest the longer he stared at her. 

Percy wanted to keep her here forever.

Safe, warm. Untouched by anything cruel.

He crossed the room and pulled the curtains open.

Morning sunlight flooded the cabin.

Behind him, Annabeth inhaled sharply.

Percy turned immediately.

Her whole face had tightened. She raised one hand over her eyes and turned her head away from the windows, shoulders hunching as though trying to shield herself from light she could no longer see.

“Too bright?” Percy asked, already moving back toward her.

Annabeth gave the smallest movement of her head, her braids gently brushing over the bare skin on her shoulder.

“Sorry.”

“It’s okay.” Her voice was soft, but her brow remained pinched.

Percy reached toward the bedside table and found the dark sunglasses they had brought back from the infirmary. He unfolded them before stepping between her knees.

“Lift your chin for me.”

Annabeth obeyed.

Percy carefully slid the sunglasses onto her face, guiding the arms over her ears without catching them in her braids. He adjusted them gently on the bridge of her nose before sweeping the loose strands of hair away from the frames.

“Better?”

Annabeth’s shoulders slowly lowered.

“Yeah.”

Percy studied her for a moment.

The glasses hid her eyes completely, and something about that made his chest ache. They protected her from the pain, but they also made the change impossible to ignore.

He refused to let the sadness reach his voice.

“Very intimidating.”

Annabeth’s lips twitched.

“I know.”

“People are going to think you’re famous.”

“I am famous.”

“That ego survived Tartarus just fine.”

“Unlike your sense of humor.”

Percy grinned. He leaned forward as he rested both hands lightly on her bare knees.

“So,” he said, “breakfast.”

Annabeth’s face dropped. It happened so quickly that someone else might not have noticed. Percy frowned as her fingers curled into the hem of his shirt. Her shoulders stiffened, and her head lowered slightly.

He waited. Annabeth was quiet for several seconds.

Then she asked, “In the dining pavilion?”

Percy’s heart tightened at the careful neutrality in her voice.

“That was the general idea.”

She rubbed her thumb along a loose thread in the fabric.

Percy didn’t rush to reassure her. He didn’t tell her no one would stare, because they probably would. Campers had never been good at subtlety, and word of what had happened would have spread through the cabins before Percy and Annabeth had even reached the infirmary.

They would whisper. They would probably ask questions. Some would pity her, and Annabeth knew it too.

“Can we not?” she asked quietly.

Percy’s answer came without hesitation.

“Yeah.”

Her head lifted toward his voice.

“Yeah?”

“We don’t have to go.”

Relief moved through her so visibly that Percy hated himself for even suggesting it. He squeezed her knees gently.

“I’ll bring something back.”

“You don’t have to do that.”

“Pretty sure I do if I want either of us to survive the morning.”

“Percy.”

“I’m serious. I’m wasting away.”

Annabeth reached forward until her fingers found his stomach, then pressed her palm against his abdomen skeptically. He flexed his stomach muscles as she ran her fingers across his abs, then grinned as she rolled her eyes. 

“You seem fine.”

“That’s because this shirt is very flattering.”

“That’s my shirt now.”

“It has Poseidon’s trident on it.”

“And?”

“And you’re an Athena kid.”

“I contain multitudes.”

Percy laughed.

He caught her hand and pressed a kiss into the center of her palm.

“What do you want?”

“I don’t care.”

“That’s dangerous.”

“I trust you.”

“You absolutely should not.”

“Just nothing blue.”

Percy gasped. “You take that back.”

He watched as the corner of her lips twitched.

“I’m kidding.”

“You’d better be.”

He stood, though he was reluctant to move away from her. Annabeth’s hand lingered in his for a moment before her fingers slowly slipped free.

Percy took one step toward the door.

“Percy?”

He turned immediately.

Annabeth remained sitting on the edge of the bed, her hands now clasped tightly in her lap. With the dark lenses covering her eyes, he couldn’t tell exactly what expression she wore, but he heard the uncertainty in her voice.

“You’ll be right back?”

Something inside him cracked quietly.

He crossed the distance between them again and lowered himself until he was kneeling in front of her.

Annabeth’s hands loosened when he gathered them into his.

“I’m going to walk to the dining pavilion, steal enough food for a small army, and come straight back.”

Her thumbs brushed across his knuckles.

“How long?”

“Ten minutes.”

“That pavilion is only a few minutes away.”

“I’m accounting for theft.”

The corner of her mouth lifted, but her grip remained tight.

Percy leaned forward and pressed his lips to her forehead, just above the frames of her sunglasses.

“I’ll come back,” he whispered.

Annabeth was silent.

Percy squeezed her hands.

“Always.”

Her shoulders softened.

“Okay.”

He kissed her forehead again before standing.

At the door, Percy looked back.

Annabeth had shifted farther onto the bed, pulling one leg beneath her. His shirt still hung from one shoulder, and the morning light stretched across her skin. She looked small sitting alone in the middle of the cabin, but not fragile.

Annabeth Chase had never been fragile. She was simply tired, she was hurting, and for the first time in her life, she didn’t know what came next.

Percy rested one hand on the doorframe.

“Ten minutes,” he reminded her.

Annabeth turned her face toward him.

“I’m counting.”

He grinned, even though she couldn’t see it.

“I know you are.”

Then Percy stepped outside and gently closed the door behind him.

The moment Percy stepped into the dining pavilion, the campers’ voices died almost instantly.

It wasn't dramatic enough that someone from outside camp would've noticed, but Percy did. Forks paused halfway to mouths, conversations faltered, and dozens of pairs of eyes flicked toward him before quickly looking away again.

He stopped for the briefest moment. He watched as a few people looked to the side of him, then to the door behind him before confusion fell across their faces.

They were looking for Annabeth.

When they realized she wasn't with him, the silence lingered another heartbeat before quiet conversations slowly resumed.

Percy swallowed the tightness in his throat and continued toward the serving tables.

She would've hated this. Now he understood exactly why she'd asked to stay behind.

As he reached for two plates, a familiar voice spoke beside him.

"Hey."

Percy looked up to find Leo standing nearby. For once, there wasn't a joke waiting behind his grin. Instead, he shoved both hands into his pockets, his expression unusually hesitant.

"How's the Wise Girl?"

Percy's shoulders sagged just a little.

"She's..." He searched for the right word. "Trying."

Leo nodded slowly, waiting.

Percy scooped scrambled eggs onto one plate before moving to the next.

"She's getting used to everything.” He spoke quietly, but his eyes remained fixed on the food in front of him. "The headaches are pretty bad. Any kind of light hurts."

"And," He paused, swallowing hard. "She's still figuring out how to do normal things again."

Leo frowned.

"She didn't come because of…?"

Percy’s jaw tightened, but he gave a short dip of his chin before Leo could finish.

"She didn't want everyone staring."

Leo looked around the pavilion, suddenly understanding.

"Oh."

Percy grabbed a handful of strawberries, placing a few extra on Annabeth's plate without thinking.

"She'll get there," he said quietly, more to convince himself than anyone else.

Leo rested a hand briefly on Percy's shoulder.

"Tell her we miss her."

A genuine smile tugged at Percy's lips.

"I will."

He continued moving down the serving line, balancing both plates carefully in his hands. Just as he reached for a basket of toast, Connor Stoll's voice rang out from one of the nearby tables.

"Guess somebody's gonna have to babysit Annabeth during sparring now."

A few uncertain chuckles followed. Connor smirked, apparently encouraged.

"Maybe someone will actually beat her during training for once."

Percy froze, his grip tightening around the edge of the plates.

Very slowly, he turned and watched as Connor's grin began to disappear.

Percy's voice was low.

"Watch your mouth."

Connor blinked.

"Dude." Connor let out an awkward laugh, “it was just a joke."

Rachel, sitting only a few tables away, immediately looked up.

"Percy," she said gently. "He didn’t mean anything by it. It was a joke, that’s all."

Percy stared at her for a long moment. Then he looked down at the two breakfast plates balanced carefully in his hands.

One was his, the other was Annabeth's.

She was sitting alone in Cabin Three waiting for him. Waiting because she was too afraid to come here herself.

Then he let out a short laugh, one that was completely devoid of humor. When Percy spoke again, his voice was frighteningly flat. 

"Really?"

He tipped his chin once, looking between Rachel and Connor.

"Well. I didn't realize my girlfriend crawling out of the literal pit of hell blind was supposed to be funny."

The pavilion fell completely silent. Percy's jaw flexed and he let out an exaggerated hum.

"Tartarus must’ve fucked with my sense of humor then."

Connor's face lost what little color remained, Rachel's mouth slowly closed, and not a single person in the pavilion moved.

Nobody laughed. Nobody even breathed. The few campers sitting closest to Connor quietly stood, gathering their plates without saying a word.

"Percy."

For the first time, there wasn't a hint of humor left in his voice, only guilt.

"I wasn't trying to make fun of her."

Percy finally looked back at him. The words came just as flatly as before.

"Except that's exactly what you did."

Connor looked sick.

"I'm sorry."

Percy's jaw flexed.

"The girl who taught half of this camp how to fight is sitting alone because she's nervous that everyone is going to look at her differently."

He swept his gaze slowly across the pavilion.

"And after walking in here…” A humorless sneer touched his lips, “I'd say she was right."

No one could meet his eyes. Percy adjusted the plates in his hands.

"I hope the next thing she hears about camp isn't that people were making jokes before she'd even been at home safe for twenty-four hours."

Without waiting for a response, he turned and walked out of the pavilion.

As Percy stepped outside the dining hall, the cool morning breeze hit his face.

"Hey, Percy."

He turned to find Will and Nico walking toward him. The irritation that had been simmering beneath his skin eased almost instantly.

"How's she doing?" Will asked quietly.

He knew Will wasn't asking because he was curious about camp gossip. He was asking because Annabeth was his patient. Percy shifted the plates in his hands.

"Not great. Her headache was back this morning. Her eyes are still really sore."

"And," he hesitated. "She didn't want to leave the cabin today."

Will sighed thoughtfully, "That's understandable."

He folded his arms.

"The biggest thing right now is patience."

Percy listened intently.

"Try to keep things as normal as possible. Don't let every conversation revolve around her eyesight. Help her when she needs it, but remember to let her figure things out too."

Percy looked down at the breakfast in his hands.

"What if she gets frustrated?"

Will let out a small sound of amusement.

"She will."

"What if she gets angry?"

"She probably will."

"And if she cries?"

Will's eyes softened.

"Then you let her."

Percy was quiet. Will stepped closer.

"She's grieving, but she's also adjusting. The more normal you can make her life feel, the easier that adjustment becomes."

Percy exhaled through his nose, trying his best to accept the advice that was given to him.

"I can do that."

Beside Will, Nico finally spoke.

"I've been researching."

Percy looked over.

"Curses. Underworld magic. Anything connected to Tartarus."

Nico's expression hardened, his jaw tightening almost imperceptibly.

"If there's a way to help her," he said quietly, "I'll find it."

Something inside Percy's chest loosened.

It wasn't much, not enough to ease the fear that had settled there since Annabeth opened her eyes to darkness, but it was enough to remind him they weren't fighting this alone.

"Thanks."

Nico gave a small shrug, as though it were the most obvious thing in the world.

"You'd do the same."

Percy nodded seriously, thankful for the help.

"Yeah," he admitted. "I would."

Will reached over, giving Percy's shoulder a reassuring squeeze.

"Go eat breakfast," he said with a pointed look. "And make sure Annabeth does too."

"I will."

Percy adjusted the two plates in his hands before turning back toward Cabin Three. His pace quickened almost immediately.

Ten minutes. He'd promised Annabeth ten minutes.

He wasn't about to make her wait any longer.

Percy reached Cabin Three quicker than he normally would've.

The two plates of breakfast were still warm in his hands, the blueberry muffins tucked carefully beside them. He glanced down at the tray with the smallest smile.

Annabeth was going to pretend she didn't want one. Then she'd steal half of his, just like always. He nudged the cabin door open with his shoulder.

"I'm back," he called, a happier tone still lingering in his voice. "And I brought enough food to feed a cyclops."

Silence.

Percy stepped inside, carefully setting the plates down on the small nightstand.

"Wise Girl?"

No answer. Maybe she'd fallen back asleep, but that thought lasted all of two seconds.

The bed was empty.

The blankets she'd been wrapped in only minutes earlier had been pushed back, still rumpled from where she'd climbed out. His heartbeat picked up.

"Annabeth?"

This time, his voice came out sharper. Still, no answer. The silence stretched just a second too long, and a knot began to tighten in his chest. Then he heard it, a quiet, uneven inhale that almost blended into the sound of the ocean outside. Another followed a heartbeat later. Percy's eyes immediately found the bathroom door.

He crossed the cabin in only a few strides.

"Annabeth?"

Then he heard it again. A tiny, uneven breath, followed by the faint hitch of someone struggling to hold back tears. It made something inside Percy's chest tighten painfully. He stopped outside the bathroom, his fingers curling around the handle as dread settled heavily in his stomach.

"Hey," he said gently, trying to keep his own voice calm. "Can I come in?"

No answer, only another uneven breath.

Percy slowly pushed the door open. The sight before him made his stomach drop.

"Annabeth."

Amber-colored glass glittered across the white tile floor, catching the morning sunlight spilling in through the small bathroom window. He recognized the bottle immediately.

Her favorite serum. The one she'd insisted she used every morning because it "kept her skin from getting angry." Percy had never understood exactly what that meant, he'd only known she reached for that bottle every single day.

Now it lay shattered into dozens of tiny pieces.

And in the middle of it all, was Annabeth. 

Annabeth was on her hands and knees, each inhale trembling as she carefully swept her fingertips across the tile, moving impossibly slowly, searching.

She was searching for the glass.

"Annabeth, don't move."

She froze instantly. Percy's eyes darted downward.

Tiny crimson droplets stained the white tile beneath her bare foot. His heart lurched.

"Oh, gods."

He was beside her in an instant, dropping to one knee just outside the scattered shards.

"Are you okay? Where are you hurt?"

Annabeth quickly wiped at her face with the back of her hand, smearing away tears she'd clearly hoped he wouldn't notice.

"I'm fine."

Her voice was rough.

Percy didn't believe it for a second.

"What happened?" he repeated gently.

She looked down toward the floor, though neither of them needed the reminder that she couldn't actually see it. Her jaw tightened.

"I was trying to find the stupid bottle."

The words came out sharp, more frustrated with herself than anything else.

"I thought I had it, but it was too close to the edge of the counter..."

She swallowed hard, and her breathing hitched.

"And I knocked it off."

She gestured vaguely toward the shattered glass surrounding them. Percy's gaze drifted back to the broken bottle.

She reached forward again. Percy's hand shot out before she could touch another piece of glass.

"No."

He gently caught her wrist.

"Don't."

She immediately tried to pull away.

"I have to clean it up."

"You don't."

"I knocked it over."

"I know."

"I can get it."

Her voice cracked.

"I just-"

She swallowed hard and reached toward the floor again with her free hand, but Percy caught that one too.

"Annabeth."

"No."

Fresh tears spilled down her cheeks.

"I can't leave it here."

"You won't."

"I don't want you stepping on it."

The words broke something inside him. Even now, even though she was bleeding, she was worried about him.

Percy's throat tightened.

"I'm not worried about me."

"You should be."

"I'm not."

She shook her head stubbornly.

"I don't even know where all the pieces are."

The admission came out so quietly he almost didn't hear it. Her shoulders trembled.

"I can feel some of them, but I don’t know where the rest are."

Her voice dissolved into another shaky breath. Percy looked around the bathroom.

There were far more shards than she'd realized. Some had skidded beneath the sink cabinet, others had scattered toward the shower.

She'd been crawling through them.

Blind.

Trying to protect him.

Percy took a slow breath, forcing himself to stay calm despite the panic clawing at his chest.

"Oh, Wise Girl."

His voice was gentle.

"We're going to do this together."

Annabeth shook her head.

"No, Percy-"

"Listen to me."

She fell silent.

"I need you to stay exactly where you are."

He carefully shifted closer, keeping one knee planted in the only clear patch of tile he could find.

"I'm going to move every piece of glass away from you first."

She bit her lip.

"I made such a mess."

Percy's heart ached. He reached up and brushed another tear from her cheek with the pad of his thumb.

"You dropped a bottle."

His voice barely rose above a whisper.

"That's all."

She gave the smallest shake of her head.

"It isn't."

Percy didn't argue.

Instead, he carefully began gathering the larger shards one by one, placing them on the bathroom counter well out of reach. Every few seconds his eyes flicked back to Annabeth, making sure she hadn't moved.

She stayed perfectly still, her hands folded tightly in her lap now. Her shoulders curled inward,  looking smaller than Percy had ever seen her.

Once he'd cleared enough space around her, he finally looked down at the tiny trail of blood beneath her foot again.

"Can I see your foot?"

Annabeth hesitated, then her chin lowered in a tiny gesture of agreement.

Percy slid one arm carefully behind her knees and another around her back.

"I'm going to pick you up."

She instinctively reached for him before he'd even lifted her.

Her arms found his shoulders. Percy gathered her against his chest with effortless care, taking slow, deliberate steps through the narrow path he'd cleared of glass.

Annabeth buried her face against the side of his neck.

"I'm sorry," she whispered.

Percy closed his eyes and held her just a little tighter as he carefully carried her out of the broken glass. He hated hearing those words from her.

"You have absolutely nothing to apologize for."

Percy set her carefully on the edge of the bathroom counter, one hand remaining at her waist until he was certain she was steady.

"Stay right here," he murmured.

Annabeth nodded silently.

He disappeared for only a moment, grabbing the small first-aid kit from beneath the sink before returning to kneel in front of her. The sight of the tiny cut running along the outside of her heel made his shoulders relax ever so slightly.

It wasn't deep. Thank the gods.

"I'm just going to clean it up," he said softly, resting one hand beneath her ankle. "Tell me if I hurt you."

Annabeth didn't answer.

She simply stared toward the floor, her hands resting on the sides of the countertop. 

Percy soaked a piece of gauze with antiseptic before gently dabbing away the blood. He worked slowly, brushing away the tiny flecks of glass dust that had clung to her skin, checking twice to make sure no shards remained.

When he was satisfied, he spread a thin layer of ambrosia salve over the cut before wrapping a small bandage securely around her heel.

"There," he said quietly. "You'll be sore for a day or two, but you'll live."

Normally that would've earned him some sarcastic comment.

"Okay."

Just one word, spoken barely above a whisper.

Percy looked up. Annabeth was biting the inside of her cheek so hard he was surprised it didn't hurt.

She was trying not to cry again.

He rested his forearms on her knees, still kneeling in front of her.

"Hey."

Nothing.

"Wise Girl."

Her chin trembled. Percy's heart sank.

"What're you thinking about?"

She shook her head.

"I don't know."

"You do."

Silence stretched between them. Finally, she sighed a shaky breath.

"I hate this."

The words were so quiet they almost disappeared beneath the sound of the waves outside. Percy reached up and gently took one of her hands.

"I know."

Another tear escaped before she could stop it.

"I couldn't even find a bottle."

His thumb stroked across her knuckles.

"Annabeth-"

"I knew exactly where it was before Tartarus. I've reached for it every morning for months."

Her voice cracked. She gave a humorless laugh, shaking her head.

"And now I can’t even find the stupid thing without creating a huge mess."

Another tear rolled down her cheek. Percy watched her shoulders begin to shake.

"I knocked it over, it shattered, then I couldn't tell where the glass was."

She swallowed hard and her fingers tightened around his.

"I thought if I could just clean it up before you came back then you wouldn’t have to see me like this. "

Her breathing hitched. Percy's chest ached.

He understood now. This had never been about the serum, or the broken bottle, or even the cut on her foot.

It was about proving something to herself.

"I just..." Annabeth whispered.

She covered her eyes with her free hand, as though hiding from him.

"I just wanted to do one thing by myself."

The sentence broke apart halfway through.

"I wanted one thing that didn't need your help."

Percy felt his own eyes water, the tears burning his skin at the sound of the heaviness in her voice. Slowly, he stood.

Annabeth startled slightly when she felt him step between her knees. Without saying a word, Percy rested his hands lightly on either side of her waist.

"Annabeth."

She didn't answer with words. Instead, she leaned forward, and Percy wrapped both arms around her immediately. She folded into him, burying her face against his shoulder as though every ounce of strength she'd been clinging to finally gave out.

"I'm sorry," she sobbed quietly, "I'm so sorry."

Percy's eyes squeezed shut. His hand slid slowly up and down her back, the same steady rhythm he'd used the night before.

"No."

He pressed a kiss into her hair.

"You don't get to apologize for this."

"But-"

"No."

His voice was gentle but firm.

"You dropped a bottle."

Another kiss against her temple, his hand settled at the back of her neck.

"You accidentally cut your foot. And then you tried to protect me from stepping on the glass."

He let out a small, disbelieving laugh.

"Even now, you're still worrying about me."

Annabeth's fingers curled into the back of his shirt. Her wet lashes brushed against the fabric of his shirt as she blinked.

"I don't want to need help all the time."

The confession was muffled against his shoulder.

"I know."

"I hate feeling..."

She couldn't finish. Percy knew the word anyway.

"Helpless?"

She nodded against him.

He pulled back just enough to cup her face in both hands.

The dark sunglasses were gone now, left somewhere beside the sink. Her unfocused eyes shimmered with fresh tears, her cheeks flushed with frustration and embarrassment.

He brushed another tear away with his thumb.

"Look at me."

A tiny, watery laugh escaped her.

"I can't."

Percy's heart twisted. He smiled anyway.

"I know."

He rested his forehead gently against hers.

"But listen to me."

She answered with a slight tilt of her head. 

"You have spent our entire lives taking care of everyone else. You've gotten me out of more impossible situations than I can count."

His thumbs traced slow circles against her cheeks. A faint smirk tugged at one corner of his mouth.

"You literally dragged me through Tartarus."

That earned the tiniest huff of laughter.

"So, for a little while," he whispered, "let it be my turn to take care of you."

He kissed her forehead.

"Please let me."

Annabeth's lips trembled.

Slowly, almost hesitantly, she lifted one hand between them.

Her fingertips searched through the small space separating them until they brushed against the fabric of his shirt. From there, they slid upward, carefully tracing the line of his shoulder before finding the warmth of his neck.

Percy stayed perfectly still.

He knew exactly what she was looking for.

Gently, he leaned into her touch.

Her fingers found the curve of his jaw first, then wandered across the familiar contours of his face with practiced care. She traced the bridge of his nose, the arch of his brow, and finally rested her palm against his cheek.

A small, watery look appeared through her tears.

"I don't know what I'd do without you, Seaweed Brain."

The words came out barely above a whisper. Percy's throat tightened painfully.

He turned his head just enough to press a lingering kiss into the center of her palm before covering her hand with his own.

"You'll never have to find out."

His voice was just as quiet.

"I'd do anything for you, Wise Girl."

He gave the smallest shake of his head, as though the answer had always been obvious.

"Anything."

Annabeth's eyes squeezed shut, another tear slipping free. Before she could say another word, Percy leaned forward and wrapped her tightly against his chest.

She clung to him without hesitation, burying her face into the crook of his neck as the tears finally came. Percy held her through every shaking breath.

He didn't rush her. Didn't try to fix it.

He simply stayed there, one hand rubbing slow circles across her back while the other rested protectively against the back of her head. Eventually, the sobs quieted into sniffles.

After a long moment, Percy spoke again.

"I've got an idea."

Annabeth stayed where she was.

"Mmm?"

"I think we should go see my mom."

She blinked.

"Sally?"

"Mhm."

He tucked a loose braid behind her ear.

"I have a feeling she knows exactly what today needs."

For the first time since he'd opened the bathroom door, Annabeth's shoulders loosened.

The corner of her mouth turned up, a breath of air passing out of her lips as she spoke.

"I'd like that."

Percy beamed back.

"I thought you might."

He kissed her forehead one more time before gently pulling her forward, and setting her down gently on the floor.

"Come on, Wise Girl."

This time, when she slipped her fingers into his, they weren't trembling quite as much.

The streets of New York hummed with a familiar rhythm around them.

Car horns echoed somewhere farther down the avenue, blending with the distant rumble of the subway beneath the pavement. A cyclist called out as he weaved through morning traffic, a street vendor greeted passing customers from beneath a striped umbrella, and somewhere nearby, the smell of fresh bagels drifted through the warm summer air.

Home.

Percy hadn't realized just how much he'd missed it until now.

After weeks spent beneath a sunless sky, surrounded by monsters and endless darkness, every ordinary sound felt like a miracle. The city was loud. Busy. Chaotic. Wonderfully alive.

Percy glanced down at Annabeth walking beside him.

One of her hands rested comfortably around his forearm while the other lightly gripped the sleeve of his hoodie. Every now and then he quietly warned her about a change in the sidewalk.

"Small curb."

She stepped down without hesitation.

"Tree root."

She adjusted her stride.

"Bench on your left."

Her lips managed the smallest curve, even if the rest of her looked too tired to follow.

"I'm starting to think you've memorized every sidewalk in Manhattan."

Percy huffed a quiet laugh.

"I grew up here."

"You've definitely counted the cracks in this sidewalk."

"I absolutely have not."

"Liar."

"Maybe a little."

The teasing faded into a comfortable silence as they continued walking.

Percy's eyes drifted across the skyline.

He wished, more than anything, that Annabeth could see it.

She would've pointed out every building she loved, stopped to admire details no one else ever noticed, and spent the entire walk explaining why one architect had made a better choice than another.

Instead, she tilted her face toward the warmth of the sun despite her dark sunglasses, listening to the city breathe around her.

Percy's heart tightened. He reached over and gently squeezed the hand resting around his arm.

"We're here," he said softly as they stopped outside his mom's apartment.

Annabeth gave a small nod, her fingers tightening around his forearm for just a moment before relaxing again.

Percy smiled to himself before reaching up to knock on the door.

A few seconds later, the door swung open.

Sally gasped the moment she saw them.

"Hi, you tw-"

The greeting caught in her throat.

Her eyes immediately swept over Percy first, taking in the dark circles beneath his eyes and the exhaustion he hadn't quite managed to hide.

Then they settled on Annabeth. Percy watched as his mom took in the oversized sunglasses, the fresh bandage wrapped around her heel, the careful way she stood just behind Percy, one hand looped securely around his wrist as though it were the only fixed point in the world.

Understanding settled across Sally's face almost instantly.

Not shock, not pity. Just the quiet, unmistakable understanding only a mother seemed capable of.

"Oh."

Her voice softened.

"Oh, sweetheart."

Percy looked back over his shoulder.

"Wise Girl?"

Annabeth turned her face toward his voice. Her head tilted in that cute, owl-like way of hers she did when she was listening intently. 

"My mom's right in front of us."

She twisted her fingers together nervously.

"Okay."

Percy gently covered the hand still resting around his wrist.

"I'm going to let go for just a second."

Annabeth nodded.

"Can I borrow your hand?"

Without hesitation, she lifted it toward him.

Percy glanced up at Sally.

For just a heartbeat, Sally looked at his outstretched hand, then at Annabeth standing uncertainly behind him. The realization clicked immediately.

She stepped forward without saying a word and held out both of her own hands.

A grateful look flickered across Percy's face as he carefully guided Annabeth's hand into Sally's waiting ones.

"There you are," Sally murmured warmly as she wrapped both hands around hers.

Annabeth let out a slow breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. Percy rested his hand lightly against the small of her back.

"One little step."

Annabeth stepped forward.

"Perfect," Percy whispered.

The moment she was close enough, Sally slid one arm around Annabeth's shoulders and the other around her back, drawing her into a gentle embrace.

Annabeth didn't hesitate.

She leaned into it immediately, her forehead settling against Sally's shoulder as though she'd been searching for somewhere safe to rest all morning.

Sally closed her eyes for a moment, one hand moving slowly up and down Annabeth's back before pressing a soft kiss to the top of her head.

"Oh, sweetheart," she whispered again.

"I'm so glad you're here."

Annabeth's shoulders sagged beneath her hands. For several long moments, neither of them spoke. They didn't need to.

Percy stood quietly in the doorway, watching them.

His chest tightened as he realized this was the first time since they'd escaped Tartarus that someone else was holding Annabeth instead of him.

Sally looked up just enough to meet his eyes over Annabeth's shoulder.

She didn't say a word. She simply reached one hand back and gave Percy's forearm a gentle squeeze.

A silent promise.

I've got her.

The tension Percy had been carrying for days eased, if only a little.

He hadn't even realized he'd been holding his breath until it left him in a slow exhale.

Sally glanced at him before looking back at Annabeth.

"Come inside, sweetheart."

She kept one arm comfortably around Annabeth's shoulders as she guided her through the doorway.

"We'll take good care of you."

Percy followed close behind, instinctively staying within arm's reach.

As the apartment door clicked shut behind them, the warmth of the familiar home wrapped around all three of them. For the first time that morning, Cabin Three wasn't the only place that felt comforting.

The apartment felt exactly the way Percy remembered.

Warm sunlight streamed through the kitchen windows, spilling across the hardwood floors in soft golden patches. A candle burned quietly on the kitchen counter, filling the room with the familiar scent of vanilla, while a kettle whistled gently from the stove.

Everything about it felt safe.

Sally guided Annabeth toward the couch with one arm still looped comfortably around her shoulders.

"There's the couch," she said softly. "You're about to feel the armrest against your left hand."

Annabeth's fingertips brushed the fabric a moment later.

"There you go."

She rubbed her hand across the coolness of the couch before lifting her head.

"Thank you."

Sally waited until Annabeth was seated before disappearing into the kitchen. She returned only a moment later with three glasses of water, setting one directly into Annabeth's waiting hands instead of placing it on the coffee table.

Percy noticed how she was already adapting. How she never made Annabeth search for anything.

"You remembered," Annabeth said quietly, wrapping both hands around the cool glass.

"I've learned that if I hand something directly to Percy, it has a much better chance of surviving."

Percy looked up from his own glass.

"Hey."

Sally's eyes sparkled.

"You were a very enthusiastic child."

"You break one vase and no one lets you forget about it."

"You broke three, Percy."

"They were ugly."

Annabeth let out the cutest laugh.

The sound made Percy's mouth spread into a wide grin before he even realized he was doing it. Sally noticed too, her smile softening as she looked back toward Annabeth.

"I'm really glad to hear that."

Annabeth tilted her head.

"Hear what?"

"You laughing."

The room grew quiet again. Sally didn't rush to fill the silence.

Instead, she reached over and rested a gentle hand on top of Annabeth's.

"What sounds comforting today?"

Annabeth frowned slightly.

"What?"

"If you could choose one thing that would make today feel just a little easier," Sally gave her hand a reassuring squeeze, "What would it be?"

Annabeth didn't answer immediately. Percy watched her thumb slowly trace circles against the side of her water glass as she looked down. He knew that pretty head of hers was thinking a mile a minute.

"I don't know."

"That's okay."

Another long silence settled over the room. Then, almost shyly, Annabeth spoke.

"Would you help me take my braids out?"

Percy felt something twist painfully inside his chest. He hadn't expected that. 

Annabeth ducked her head slightly.

"They've been hurting my scalp."

She gave a small, embarrassed laugh. Her fingers found one of the braids resting over her shoulder.

"And truthfully, I don't think I could get them out by myself."

Sally didn't hesitate. She clasped her hands together as her entire face lit up with the warmest look Percy had ever seen.

"Oh, sweetheart."

She reached over and gently tucked the loose braid back over Annabeth's shoulder.

"I would love to."

Relief washed across Annabeth's face so quickly it almost took Percy's breath away.

She let out a soft, genuine sigh.

"Really?"

"Really."

Sally gave Annabeth's hand another gentle squeeze before standing from the couch. She looked over at Percy with the same calm smile she always seemed to wear.

"Would you do me a favor?"

"Anything."

She pointed toward the hallway.

"Would you grab the little manicure scissors from the bathroom? We just need them to snip the elastics."

"And while you're in there," she continued, "would you bring me whatever hair products Annabeth keeps here?"

Percy nodded quickly.

"I know exactly where they are."

Annabeth tilted her head toward the sound of his voice.

"I'm not surprised."

He laughed quietly before disappearing down the hallway. Percy gathered the bottles one by one.

Shampoo, conditioner, her leave-in conditioner, hair oil, detangling spray. The wide-tooth comb she'd insisted worked better than a regular brush.

He tucked everything carefully into his arms before grabbing the tiny pair of manicure scissors from the drawer and making his way back into the living room.

Sally's eyebrows lifted the moment she saw the collection balanced in his arms.

"My goodness."

Percy shrugged.

"I like being prepared."

"You practically stocked my bathroom."

"I might have."

Annabeth glanced at the sound of his voice, her head slowly turning to try and find where he was standing.

"I knew those products weren't yours."

"I don't know," Percy said. "I think the leave-in conditioner really brings out my curls."

Sally rolled her eyes and motioned toward one of the dining chairs.

"Come sit over here for me, sweetheart."

Percy helped Annabeth to her feet before guiding her carefully toward the table.

"The chair's right behind your knees."

She reached back until she felt it and lowered herself into the seat. 

Sally picked up the small manicure scissors before turning toward Annabeth.

"I'll let you be the expert here, sweetheart."

Annabeth sighed deeply before reaching to feel around the soft, braided curls.

"I-" She reached up, gently gathering one of the braids between her fingers. "My real hair doesn't go all the way to the bottom."

She hesitated, almost embarrassed.

"The rest is the added hair."

Percy watched as she slowly slid her hand down the braid, her fingertips moving with practiced familiarity.

She stopped about halfway down.

"It should be somewhere around here," she said quietly. "Maybe a little lower."

She shrugged sheepishly.

"I know that probably sounds strange."

"It doesn't," Sally assured her immediately.

"You know your own hair."

Annabeth ran her hands through the braids again.

"I've had braids enough times to know about where my curls stop."

Sally looked toward Percy.

"We'll cut below where Annabeth thinks her hair ends. Then we'll unravel the rest by hand."

Percy nodded seriously, giving the braid his full attention as though he were handling celestial bronze. Annabeth felt along the braid one more time before resting her fingers lightly against the spot.

"Right about here."

Percy carefully placed his hand beneath hers, making sure he understood exactly where she meant.

"A little lower?" he asked.

She thought for a second before moving her head in agreement.

"Yeah, just a little."

He glanced at Sally, who gave him an encouraging nod.

"You've got it."

Taking his time, Percy made a careful snip through the added hair well below where Annabeth's natural curls ended.

The severed extension slipped neatly into Sally's waiting hand.

"There we go," Sally said softly.

She gently separated the remaining braid, slowly teasing apart the woven strands until the synthetic hair released from Annabeth's own.

Little by little, tightly coiled curls began springing free. Percy smiled before he even realized he was doing it.

"Wow, I've missed these."

Annabeth tilted her head toward him.

"What?"

"Your curls."

The corners of her mouth curled upwards.

"They're probably flattened and all gross from Tartarus."

"They're still beautiful."

Heat crept into Annabeth's cheeks.

"Seaweed Brain."

"I'm serious."

He carefully lifted one newly freed curl between his fingertips, smiling as it bounced back into place.

"I forgot how much they spring up."

Annabeth laughed quietly.

"They've always done that."

"I know."

Percy's mouth softened into a small smile.

"I've just missed seeing them."

Together, he and Sally settled into an easy rhythm.

Percy carefully trimmed away each section of added hair while Sally patiently unraveled the remaining braid, never pulling, never rushing. Every few minutes she paused to gently massage Annabeth's scalp before moving on to the next one.

As the pile of removed extensions slowly grew on the table, more and more of Annabeth's natural curls were released, forming a soft halo around her face.

By the time they reached the final braid, her hair had sprung fully back into its natural texture, dense, beautifully coiled, and framing her face in a way Percy hadn't realized he'd missed until that very moment.

He couldn't stop smiling.

"I think this might be my favorite hairstyle."

Annabeth laughed.

"You've said that about every hairstyle I've ever had."

Percy grinned.

"I know."

"But this one feels the most you," Percy whispered as he disappeared into the kitchen while Sally helped Annabeth to her feet.

He folded one of the thick kitchen towels several times before draping it carefully over the edge of the sink. After adjusting the faucet, he let the water run until it warmed before testing it against the inside of his wrist.

"I think we're ready."

Sally patted Annabeth on the shoulder.

"I think so too."

She gently guided Annabeth into the kitchen, keeping one hand resting lightly against her back.

"The counter is right in front of you, love."

Percy immediately stepped beside Annabeth.

"I'm going to help you sit up."

"Okay."

One arm slipped carefully around her waist while his other hand rested beneath her forearm. With practiced ease, he lifted her onto the counter.

"There you go."

Annabeth kicked her feet softly.

"I always forget how tall your mom's counters are."

Percy chuckled.

"They're definitely taller when you're sitting on them."

She bumped his shoulder with hers.

"Very helpful."

"I try."

Sally laughed quietly before stepping beside the sink.

"I'm going to help you lean back now."

Annabeth nodded.

Percy instinctively moved closer, one hand supporting the middle of her back while Sally gently guided her shoulders.

Slowly, Annabeth leaned backward until the base of her neck settled against the folded towel draped over the edge of the sink. She shifted once, then again, settling more comfortably against the soft cushion.

"How's that?" Sally asked.

A content sigh escaped Annabeth.

"Perfect."

Percy couldn't help smiling. Sally reached over, gently brushing a curl away from Annabeth's cheek.

"I'm going to wet your hair first."

"Thank you."

Warm water flowed gently over Annabeth's curls.

Rather than rushing, Sally carefully worked the water through each section with her fingers, lifting handfuls of curls beneath the stream until every coil had absorbed the warmth.

Percy leaned quietly against the same counter, simply watching. He let his hand drift over the smooth skin of his girlfriend’s legs, his fingers tracing gentle patterns over and over again, soothing himself just as much as her. 

The kitchen felt peaceful.

Sunlight poured through the windows, filling the room with a warm golden glow. Somewhere outside, the familiar sounds of New York drifted through the open window. Distant traffic, birds perched on the fire escape, and the muffled chatter of people beginning their day.

Sally reached for the clarifying shampoo.

"I'm going to use your clarifying shampoo first."

Annabeth looked up immediately, her face lighting up with pure excitement.

"This is my favorite part."

"I thought it might be."

Sally poured a small amount into her hands before gently parting Annabeth's curls.

The moment her fingertips touched Annabeth's scalp, everything changed.

She began working slow, gentle circles across her scalp, carefully lifting each section of curls as she went. Not scrubbing, but massaging. Patiently and methodically.

Annabeth inhaled sharply.

"Hm..."

Sally paused.

"Too much pressure?"

"No."

The answer came almost instantly. Her lips curved into a sleepy grin.

"That feels so nice. Please don't stop."

Sally chuckled softly.

"I wasn't planning on it."

She continued the gentle massage, working her way across Annabeth's scalp with slow, practiced movements. Every few moments she shifted to a new section, making sure every part of her scalp received the same careful attention.

Percy watched as the tension he'd become so used to seeing slowly disappeared.

Annabeth's shoulders dropped, the tightness around her mouth melted away. Even her hands, which had been gripping the edge of the counter without her realizing it, slowly relaxed. Her head leaned just a little farther into Sally's hands.

A tiny sigh escaped her lips.

"I forgot."

"What did you forget, sweetheart?"

Annabeth's entire face had softened, contentment smoothing away the tension Percy had been so used to seeing there. Watching his mom care for Annabeth with such easy tenderness made Percy's heart stutter.

"How good this feels."

Her voice had grown wonderfully sleepy.

"I've missed this."

Sally's expression softened.

"I imagine your scalp has missed it too."

That earned the softest laugh and Percy's heart swelled.

Gods, she looked comfortable. Not like she was trying to be brave, not pretending everything was okay.

Just... safe.

He hadn't seen her look this comfortable since before Tartarus. Maybe even before they had left on the quest.

Percy suddenly realized it wasn't really about washing her hair. It was about giving Annabeth permission to stop carrying everything for a little while. His mom had done this for him countless times growing up. After long days at the beach, when he'd gotten sick, whenever life felt too overwhelming.

Without realizing it, she was giving Annabeth that same feeling now.

The thought warmed something deep inside his chest.

Warm water washed the shampoo from Annabeth's curls while Sally gently worked her fingers through each section, making sure every trace of the clarifying wash disappeared.

By the time the water ran clear, Annabeth looked as though she might actually fall asleep right there on the counter.

Percy honestly couldn't blame her. He didn't think he'd ever seen someone look more peaceful.

Once she was finished and the last of the citrus-scented leave-in conditioner had settled into Annabeth’s hair, Sally wrapped her curls gently in a soft cotton T-shirt and carefully squeezed out the remaining water before helping her sit upright.

"There we go."

Annabeth’s expression softened as she absentmindedly reached up to touch her hair.

"Thank you, Sally. My head feels ten pounds lighter."

Percy stepped forward, resting one hand lightly against Annabeth's waist as she slid carefully from the counter. The moment her feet found the floor, her hand instinctively searched for him. He met it halfway, their fingers lacing together as natural as breathing.

"You ready to head back?" he asked softly.

Annabeth lifted her face toward the sound of his voice. Percy watched her eyes move, searching desperately for his own even though she could not meet them.

"Yeah."

Sally disappeared down the hallway for a moment before returning with a small reusable shopping bag.

"I packed a few things."

Percy looked inside.

A fresh blanket, an extra bottle of Annabeth's lemon shampoo, and a container of homemade blue cookies.

"Mom."

She shrugged with an innocent look.

"I know my son."

Then she looked toward Annabeth.

"And I know neither of you are going to remember to eat if someone doesn't help."

Sally reached out, gently taking one of Annabeth's hands between both of hers. There was a brief pause. When she spoke again, her voice was as warm and steady as ever.

"I know I can't make this any easier."

Annabeth's smile faltered just a little and Sally gave her hand a gentle squeeze.

"You don't have to figure everything out today. You don't have to pretend you're okay when you're not."

Sally looked between Annabeth and Percy, and gave Percy a knowing look.

"And you certainly don't have to carry this by yourself."

A lump rose in Percy's throat. Sally brushed a damp curl back from Annabeth's face.

"If you are having a hard time, please come over."

Sally leaned forward, kissing Annabeth's forehead just as she had done countless times throughout the afternoon.

Then she turned to Percy.

"And you."

He looked up.

"You remember you're allowed to lean on people too."

Percy glanced around sheepishly.

"So I've been told."

"I wonder who told you that."

He glanced toward the kitchen where she'd quietly watched him worrying over Annabeth all afternoon.

"I have no idea."

Sally rolled her eyes affectionately before pulling him into a quick hug, her chin hooking over his shoulder as she tightened her arms around him.

"I'm proud of you."

Percy's chest tightened.

"Thanks, Mom."

She squeezed him one last time before stepping back.

"And keep me updated."

Percy nodded.

"I will."

"I mean it."

"I know."

She looked between the two of them, her face softening into a worried look. Percy watched as her eyes roamed over their frames, as if she were trying to memorize them by heart.

"I worry because I love you both."

Annabeth reached forward hesitantly.

"Sally?"

"I'm right here, sweetheart."

Annabeth found her hand and gave it one gentle squeeze.

"Thank you."

Sally's eyes glistened.

"There is never a reason to thank me for loving you."

The apartment fell quiet for a moment. Then Percy picked up the shopping bag with one hand while offering his other arm to Annabeth.

"Ready, Wise Girl?"

She slipped her hand around his forearm without hesitation.

"Ready."

The walk back to Camp Half-Blood was quieter than the walk into the city had been.

The afternoon sun had begun its slow descent, painting warm spots of gold across the sidewalks as the sounds of New York drifted comfortably around them. Percy carried the small shopping bag in one hand while Annabeth walked close beside him, her fingers looped loosely around his forearm.

Every now and then, her curls brushed against his shoulder when she leaned a little closer.

Percy turned his body towards her, and gently leaned down to brush his cheek against the smooth tresses.

He'd forgotten how much he loved seeing her natural hair. Without the braids, she somehow looked younger. Softer.

More like the girl he'd first met all those years ago.

"Small curb," he reminded quietly.

Annabeth stepped down without hesitation.

"Thank you."

They continued walking together quietly. After a few more minutes, Percy glanced down.

"You okay?"

Annabeth nodded.

"Mhm."

She sounded sleepy. Not sad, exactly, just tired. The kind of tired that softened the edges of her voice and made every word come out a little quieter than the last.

Percy waited.

He'd learned over the last few days that silence worked better with Annabeth than questions did. If he pushed, she'd insist she was fine. If he gave her enough time, though, if he stayed close and let the quiet stretch without trying to fill it, she usually found her way to whatever she wanted to say on her own.

Sure enough, a few moments later, he felt a small tug at the sleeve of his shirt.

Percy glanced down just as Annabeth shifted closer, her fingers curling loosely into the fabric near his elbow. She leaned until the side of her head came to rest against his arm, settling there with a quiet little exhale.

He didn't say anything.

He just stayed still and let her hold on.

"My head's starting to hurt again."

His heart stopped, immediately trying to think of a way to end her pain.

"The migraine?"

"I think so."

She reached up instinctively, rubbing lightly at one temple.

"It's not horrible."

She offered him a reassuring kiss to the top of his bicep.

"I'm just getting tired."

Percy gently squeezed the hand resting around his arm.

"We're almost home."

By the time they reached his cabin, the afternoon sunlight spilling through the windows had softened considerably.

Percy unlocked the door before holding it open.

"After you."

Annabeth laughed quietly.

"I appreciate the gesture, but, you know."

She lifted her sunglasses slightly, her milky irises coming into full view. Percy rubbed the back of his neck.

"Right. I'm an idiot."

She bumped her shoulder lightly against his side as he guided her inside.

"You're my idiot."

The cool air inside the cabin was a welcome relief after the lingering warmth outside. Outside the door, the seashell windchime swayed gently in the air, their familiar rhythm filling the quiet space, while the shifty AC unit Percy had installed last summer rattled away in the corner, sending uneven bursts of cold air through the room whenever it felt like cooperating.

Percy carried Sally's shopping bag to the nearest counter and set it down before turning back toward Annabeth.

She hadn't moved.

She stood exactly where he'd left her, one hand resting lightly against the back of a chair as though she'd reached for it the moment they'd stepped inside and never bothered letting go. 

The exhaustion she'd been carrying all morning had finally begun to settle into her body, pulling at her shoulders and softening her posture. She looked more worn down than she had an hour ago, like the short walk back to the cabin had taken more out of her than she wanted him to know.

Percy's chest tightened at the sight.

"Come here."

She followed the sound of his voice until he gently took both of her hands.

"You look exhausted."

"I feel exhausted."

She laughed softly.

"I think relaxing made me realize how tired I actually am."

Percy winced sympathetically.

"I've had that happen."

Annabeth reached up, absentmindedly touching one of her damp curls.

"Sally spoiled me."

"She has that effect on people."

A comfortable silence settled between them. Then Annabeth spoke again, much more quietly.

"Perce?"

"Yeah?"

She hesitated.

"I think I’d really like to take a nap."

Her fingers tightened around his for just a moment, and he immediately felt relieved.

"I think that's a great idea."

"My head is hurting a little more now."

She looked almost embarrassed. Without another word, Percy stepped closer, gently brushing one of her curls behind her ear.

"Let's get you comfortable."

Annabeth sighed, her short frame relaxing into his.

"I was hoping you'd say that."

Percy guided her towards his bed, his hand resting lightly against the small of her back.

"The bed's about two steps away."

She nodded.

"I'm going to grab you something comfortable to sleep in."

Annabeth laughed quietly.

"I have clothes, Seaweed Brain."

"You do."

He opened one of the drawers anyway.

"But these are softer."

She raised an eyebrow.

"Are those your shirts?"

Percy pulled out one of his old New York Knicks shirts.

"They're our shirts now."

She laughed again, shaking her head.

"You've completely accepted that I steal your clothes."

"I gave up fighting it years ago."

He walked over to her and gently tugged at her own shirt, softly lifting it over her head before replacing it with his coveted Knicks shirt, the fabric falling a few inches past her thighs.

His hands slowly moved to the top of her denim shorts, pausing.

Annabeth shook her head, a gentle smile curving across her pretty face.

“Go ahead, Seaweed Brain.”

Percy quickly kissed her cheek and unbuttoned her denim shorts before helping her step out of them. He rolled his basketball shorts three times around her waist once putting them on her, the familiar material light and cool in his grip.

Without saying anything, he stepped behind her and gently pulled the blankets back.

"The bed's right behind your knees."

She sat carefully before Percy helped guide her legs beneath the blankets. The moment her head touched the pillow, she let out the happiest little sigh.

"Mmm."

Percy laughed quietly.

"Comfortable?"

"So comfortable."

He gently reached over and pulled the curtains almost completely closed, leaving only a thin strip of afternoon sunlight dancing across the floor. 

Percy removed the dark sunglasses from her face, and leaned down to kiss away the small indentations around the top of her nose that were left behind. He felt Annabeth push further against his lips, her face tilting up so he could press a sweet kiss to her mouth. 

"Better?"

Annabeth nodded.

"My head already feels lighter."

Percy returned to the bedside and sat carefully on the edge of the mattress. He reached over, gently taking one of her hands.

"I'll stay right here."

Annabeth tried to meet his eyes, her gaze looking past his own. 

"I know you will, but you don’t have to."

She gave his hand a gentle squeeze. Percy frowned.

"What do you mean?"

"You've been taking care of me every second, Perce."

She found his face with her free hand, smiling as her fingertips brushed across his cheek.

“I want to be here for you,” Percy said gently, reaching out to push a few stray coils away from her face. His hand lingered, tracing the line of her brow and down her cheek.

"I'll be okay. I'm just going to sleep," She spoke smoothly.

"And I know you.”

Annabeth brushed her thumb gently across his jaw.

Percy blinked.

"You do?"

"Mhm. I know you’re dying to go be by the water. That’s where you always go when things get a little too heavy."

She tilted her head toward where she knew the ocean would be. Percy stared at her.

She couldn't see him and yet she still knew him better than anyone else.

"You can go," she whispered, "I'll be right here when you get back."

He leaned down, pressing a slow kiss against her forehead.

"I won't be gone long."

"I know."

Another kiss found the top of her curls.

"I love you."

Percy watched as tiredness took over every inch of her features, her eyelids drooping, her shoulders curving into the bed. She closed her eyes and he heard her mumble quietly.

"I love you too."

Within only a few moments, her breathing had already begun to slow.

Percy stayed exactly where he was for another minute, watching her chest rise and fall beneath the blankets. Only when he was certain she had drifted off to sleep did he quietly stand. He moved the blanket up to her neck and smoothed it down, then he slipped out of Cabin Three without making a sound.

Almost without thinking, his feet carried him toward the beach.

The beach was quiet.

The late afternoon sun hung low over the horizon, turning the surface of the water into liquid gold as gentle waves rolled lazily onto the shore. Percy slipped off his shoes without thinking, letting the cool water rush over his feet as he stepped into the shallows. Normally, this was where he came to think. To breathe. To remind himself that no matter how chaotic the world became, the ocean was always constant.

Today, even the ocean couldn't settle him.

He bent down, scooped up a smooth stone, and threw it as hard as he could toward the horizon. It skipped twice before disappearing beneath the waves. Another rock followed a moment later, this one thrown even harder. Percy stared as it skipped once, twice, then a third time before sinking beneath the waves.

"Percy."

The voice was quiet, gentle.

Familiar.

Percy turned.

Grover stood a few yards away, his curly hair a little longer than Percy remembered, his expression filled with a mixture of relief and worry. For a long moment both of them stayed still.

Then Grover closed the distance between them.

Without saying a word, he wrapped both arms tightly around Percy.

Percy hugged him back just as fiercely and neither of them let go for several long seconds.

"I'm really glad you're alive," Grover murmured, his voice thick with emotion.

Percy's throat tightened.

"Me too."

When they finally pulled apart, Grover looked Percy over as though he was reassuring himself that Percy was really standing there. His relief lasted only a moment before concern settled back across his face.

"Where's Annabeth?"

Percy glanced toward camp.

"Back in Cabin Three."

Grover's shoulders stiffened.

"Is she okay?"

"She's asleep."

Percy rubbed the back of his neck.

"She had a migraine, so I got her settled in bed before I came out here."

Grover nodded slowly, the tension easing from his shoulders just a fraction.

"Good."

A quiet pause settled between them before he spoke again.

"I heard about her eyes, how she can’t see."

Percy's gaze fell back to the water.

"Yeah."

"I came back as soon as Juniper found me."

Grover swallowed hard.

"I needed to know you were both okay."

Percy hesitated. An icy chill settled deep into his bones and he couldn’t help but shiver.

"We're trying."

Grover looked out across the ocean.

"I've been worried sick."

He shook his head slowly.

"When you two disappeared into Tartarus-" His voice caught. "I kept thinking about all the things I should've said before you left."

Percy looked over at him.

"I didn't know if I'd ever get to see either of you again."

For a while, neither of them spoke.

The only sounds were the waves breaking against the shore and the wind stirring through the dunes. Finally, Grover asked quietly,

"How are you holding up?"

Percy bent down and picked up another stone, turning it over slowly in his palm. For a long moment, he simply stared at it.

When he finally spoke, his voice was frighteningly calm.

"I'm angry."

He looked down at the rock before throwing it with every ounce of strength he had.

"I never promised her anything. Calypso," Percy continued. "I never told her I loved her. I never asked her to wait for me."

He swallowed.

"I just wanted to help her."

His shoulders rose and fell with a shaky breath as he looked out at the endless water.

"And somehow Annabeth's the one paying for it."

Grover's eyes closed briefly.

"I know."

Another wave rolled onto the shore.

"I've never seen Annabeth like this."

His voice grew impossibly quiet.

"I've watched her outsmart monsters that should've killed us, watched her argue with gods like she wasn't afraid of any of them."

He swallowed hard.

"And this morning-"

His eyes squeezed shut, the memory almost too painful for him to relive. The sight of her in his cabin’s bathroom, crying and unable to see the shards of glass that surrounded her, had his stomach twisting.

"-she was crawling across the bathroom floor trying to find broken glass she couldn't even see."

Grover lowered his head. Percy's voice was barely more than a whisper now.

"She kept apologizing." He laughed bitterly. "She was the one bleeding, and yet she kept apologizing to me. I didn't know what to say."

Grover looked at him with tears beginning to gather in his own eyes.

"I don’t think there is much to say in that situation, Percy. You were there for her, that is all you can do right now."

Grover’s voice sounded watery. 

"I hate that this happened to her."

Percy stood perfectly still, staring at the waves. He didn't trust himself to speak.

His jaw had locked so tightly it ached, and his hands hung rigidly at his sides, fingers curling into fists so hard his nails dug painfully into his palms. His entire body felt wound impossibly tight, like one wrong word would be enough to snap whatever fragile control he'd been clinging to since Tartarus.

When he finally spoke, his voice came out painful and strained.

"I hate all of it."

He bent down, snatched another rock from the sand, and hurled it across the water with enough force that it disappeared beneath the waves without skipping once.

"I hate Tartarus. I hate those stupid Arai. I hate every monster down there. I hate that damn curse."

His laugh was short and humorless.

"And I hate Calypso."

The words echoed across the shoreline.

Percy dragged both hands through his curls, gripping the back of his neck so tightly it almost hurt. His breathing had begun to quicken, but he barely noticed.

"What kind of person does that?"

He wasn't really asking Grover anymore, and he wasn’t really looking for an answer.

"What kind of person looks at someone they've never even met and decides they deserve to suffer?"

His voice cracked.

"What has Annabeth ever done to her?"

He turned toward Grover then, his blue eyes bright with anger and heartbreak.

"Nothing. She didn't trap Calypso on that island. She didn't leave her there, so why is she the one who got this horrible fucking curse?"

Percy threw both hands into the air in frustration before letting them fall helplessly back to his sides.

"It doesn't make any sense."

“Percy-”

His chest rose sharply with every breath now.

"She's selfish, Grover. She always has been."

His voice had begun to shake, the waves of the beach picking up and crashing against his ankles.

"Everything has always been about what she wants. What she deserves. What she thinks the world owes her."

He swallowed hard, his throat burning. His eyes squeezed shut for just a second. The words came out almost strangled.

"She cursed the one person I love most, cursed an innocent teenage girl who she has never met, never even spoken to just because she didn’t get what she wanted."

He laughed again, though there wasn't an ounce of humor in the sound.

"Doesn't know the first thing about her. The only thing Calypso knew about her was how much I cared about her. And she hated that."

His voice rose with every sentence until it was almost carried away by the wind.

"So how do you look at someone completely innocent and decide, ‘she’s the one who should lose everything’?"

His arms spread helplessly toward the ocean. His shoulders shook as another breath caught painfully in his chest. Something inside Percy finally broke.

He turned away, pressing both hands against the back of his head as he paced several steps through the sand before stopping again.

"I would've gone back to help her. Calypso. I would've done everything I could. I felt sorry for her."

His breathing had become uneven now, each inhale catching halfway into his lungs. He looked back at Grover, his entire face twisted with grief.

"And this-"

His voice cracked so hard the word barely escaped.

"This is how she treats us?"

He looked down at his trembling hands.

"I would've traded places with Annabeth without thinking. If somebody walked up to me right now and told me they could give her sight back…"

His voice was almost gone.

"I'd give them mine. No questions asked."

Silence crashed over the beach.

Percy's chest heaved as he tried to pull air into his lungs, but every breath seemed shallower than the last. His hands were shaking uncontrollably now, his shoulders tense enough to hurt.

Grover stepped forward immediately.

"Percy."

Percy didn't answer. His gaze remained fixed somewhere beyond the horizon. Grover's hands settled gently but firmly on both of Percy's shoulders.

"Percy, look at me."

Percy's eyes finally lifted to Grover’s, his vision blurring with tears. 

"I need you to breathe."

Grover's own voice remained impossibly calm, the sound soothing and soft. Percy's chest hitched.

"I can't-"

"You can."

Grover demonstrated the breath himself. Percy copied him, though the inhale was shaky.

"That's it."

Another breath. Slowly, almost imperceptibly, the shaking in Percy's hands began to lessen. Grover never moved his hands from Percy's shoulders.

“I know-”

His own eyes had begun to glisten.

"I know you're angry, and I know you're hurting."

He gave Percy's shoulder one reassuring squeeze.

"But you don't have to survive this by yourself. You can ask for help."

Percy lowered his head. His own voice was so low he wondered if Grover could even hear it.

"I don't know how."

Grover's expression softened.

"I know."

A sad smile touched his face and he squeezed Percy's shoulder again. Grover looked back toward camp.

"You know what I see when I look at her?"

Grover stepped a little closer until their shoulders almost touched as Percy shook his head.

"I see Annabeth. She's hurting and I'm sure she is terrified."

Percy shuddered, blinking away the stray tears that had fallen. Grover leaned in closer, as if he were telling a secret.

"But she's still the smartest person I know. And she's still got you."

Percy let out a slow breath.

"It doesn't feel like enough."

Grover nodded knowingly, his dark curls almost brushing over his eyes as he met Percy’s gaze.

"It never will."

"Why?"

"Because you love her."

The answer came without hesitation. 

"But, Percy, this isn’t yours to fix.” Grover whispered softly. "You just have to keep walking beside her while she learns how to live with it."

Percy's eyes stung.

"And she won't be learning alone."

There was another comfortable silence before Grover glanced back toward camp. His brown eyes fond as they traveled over the cabins and the surrounding trees.

"Can I see her?"

For the first time since coming to the beach that afternoon, the tightness in Percy’s chest loosened, and the idea of watching Annabeth reunite with Grover again brought a smile to his face. 

"I think she'd really like that."

Grover returned the sentiment, his brown eyes shining with stray tears.

"I've missed my best friend."

"So have I."

Together, the two of them turned away from the ocean and started the familiar walk back towards the Poseidon cabin.

For once, the silence between them didn't feel heavy.

Percy and Grover fell into step beside each other, neither of them making any effort to fill the quiet. They didn't need to.

The conversation on the beach had loosened something in Percy's chest. It hadn't fixed anything. Annabeth was still blind, Calypso's curse was still hanging over all of them, and Percy still had no idea what came next, but somehow, the weight of it all didn't feel quite so impossible to carry anymore.

Percy quietly unlocked the cabin door before glancing back at Grover.

"She's probably still asleep."

Grover nodded.

"I'll be quiet."

The cabin was quiet when they stepped inside, the kind of sleepy afternoon stillness that made everything beyond its walls feel strangely far away. The curtains Percy had drawn earlier remained pulled across the windows, filtering the sunlight into thin ribbons of gold that stretched across the wood. The rest of the room sat comfortably in shadow, cool and dim compared to the brightness outside.

Annabeth was just beginning to stir.

One hand disappeared beneath the blankets as she stretched sleepily, a quiet sigh escaping her lips. Her curls had dried into soft, springy coils that spread across the pillow in every direction.

Percy's heart warmed.

She looked more rested than she had in days. He stepped quietly to the bedside.

"Hey, Wise Girl."

Annabeth’s grin was bright before she'd even fully opened her eyes.

"Hi."

Her voice was still thick with sleep.

"How long was I out?"

"Couple hours."

She hummed softly.

"I needed that."

"I think you did."

She slowly pushed herself upright, rubbing absently at one eye before remembering, then her hand paused as a hint of sadness crossed her face.

Percy reached over, gently taking her hand before it could fall.

"I think..."

A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.

"There's somebody here who wants to see you."

Annabeth tilted her head.

"What?"

From the doorway, a recognizable voice spoke.

"Hey, Brainiac."

Annabeth froze. For a heartbeat she didn't move.

"Grover?"

There was so much disbelief packed into that single word that Percy's chest tightened.

Grover moved forward, his hands shaking as he crossed the room. Percy watched his throat move as he swallowed, as if taking a moment to calm himself.

"Miss me?"

Annabeth gasped, the sound coming out halfway between a laugh and a sob.

"Oh my gods."

Without another thought, she threw the blankets aside and swung her legs toward the edge of the bed. She nearly lost her footing and sent the blankets tumbling to the floor, but Percy was already there to catch her.

"Woah, easy."

He steadied her as she found her footing. The second she was standing, Grover crossed the room.

He didn't wait for Percy to guide her, instead he stopped just in front of her.

"Can I hug you?"

Annabeth's face crumpled.

"Please."

Grover gently took her hands first, letting her find him. He placed one against his shoulder, then the other against his arm.

"So you know where I am."

Then he stepped forward.

Annabeth wrapped both arms around him immediately. She held on so tightly it looked like it almost hurt. Grover hugged her just as fiercely, one hand resting protectively against the back of her head while the other rubbed slow circles between her shoulder blades.

Percy quietly stepped back, giving them the space they deserved. Finally, Grover rested his cheek lightly against the top of Annabeth's curls.

"I was so scared.” His voice cracked. “I didn't know if I was ever going to see either of you again."

Annabeth's arms tightened around him.

"I'm sorry."

Grover immediately pulled back just enough to look at her.

"No."

His voice was gentle but firm.

"You do not get to apologize. You literally survived Tartarus."

She blinked, and Percy watched as Grover rubbed away the goosebumps on her arms.

"I'm just really glad you're home."

A tear slipped down Annabeth's cheek, her lips turning up into that cute pout of hers as she tried to bite back more tears.

"I missed you."

"I missed you too."

Grover brushed one of her curls lightly away from her face, his hand stopping to cradle her cheek tenderly.

"I heard what happened."

Annabeth's smile faded slightly.

"Oh. Yeah."

There was no pity in Grover's expression, just heartbreak. He sniffed quietly and blinked fast, as if refusing to let the tears gathering in his eyes fall.

"I'm really sorry, Annabeth."

She swallowed.

"So am I."

A comfortable silence settled over the cabin.

It lingered for only a moment before Grover's face split into the same lopsided, goofy grin Percy had known since they were twelve.

"So."

Annabeth tilted her head toward the sound of his voice, a small smirk already tugging at the corners of her mouth.

"So?"

Grover shrugged dramatically.

"I've been gone for, like… five minutes."

A surprised snort escaped Annabeth.

"It was weeks."

"Still."

He folded his arms across his chest, shaking his head in mock disappointment.

"You two seriously couldn't go one summer without falling into the literal Underworld?"

Percy laughed from where he leaned against the bedroom doorframe.

"Technically Tartarus."

Grover threw both hands into the air.

"See? Even worse!"

Annabeth laughed. Not the small, tired laugh Percy had coaxed from her earlier that morning, but a genuine one. Percy felt as though it were bright enough to fill every corner of Cabin Three. It bounced effortlessly off the wooden walls, mingling with Grover's laughter until the cabin felt alive again.

Percy found himself smiling before he even realized he was doing it.

He simply stood there, quietly watching his two best friends tease one another as though nothing had changed. Grover's gentle spirit had always had a way of making even the heaviest moments feel lighter, and somehow, within only a few minutes of arriving, he'd managed to pull genuine laughter from Annabeth.

Percy's gaze drifted toward her.

She was smiling so widely that the little crease beside her nose had appeared, the same one he loved teasing her about whenever she laughed too hard. Her curls framed her face in every direction, still soft from Sally's careful wash, and for just a moment she looked wonderfully, beautifully carefree.

The darkness hadn't disappeared, but as Annabeth laughed at one of Grover's terrible jokes, Percy realized something that made his chest ache in the best way.

The curse hadn't taken her. Even though it had taken her sight, Annabeth Chase was still right there in front of them. Laughing, smiling, and rolling her eyes even though she didn’t fully know which way she was looking. 

She drew his attention in every room, every setting.

Percy couldn’t seem to look at anything else.

Grover’s laughter eventually faded into a comfortable sigh as he leaned back against the edge of Percy’s desk.

“Oh, I almost forgot.”

Percy raised an eyebrow.

“That sounds promising.”

“I heard some campers talking on my way over. They’re doing a big campfire down by the beach tonight.”

Annabeth’s smile faltered almost imperceptibly. Percy noticed anyway.

Her fingers, which had been resting comfortably in her lap, began worrying at the hem of his oversized shirt.

Grover seemed to notice too.

“I think it’s mostly the older campers,” he added gently. “Nothing huge. Just music and food. Some s’mores. Juniper said she’d meet me there.”

Annabeth nodded slowly.

“That sounds nice.”

The answer was polite, a little too polite.

Percy pushed away from the doorframe and crossed the room until he was standing in front of her.

“But?”

Annabeth’s brow furrowed.

“But what?”

“Wise Girl.”

Annabeth sighed and reached up, finding his wrist easily when he offered it to her.

“I just...” Her thumb moved absently over the inside of his wrist, pressing gently against his pulse point, “I don’t know if I want to be around that many people yet.”

Any teasing disappeared from Percy’s face.

“Then we don’t go.”

The answer came so quickly that Annabeth laughed softly.

“Percy.”

“I’m serious.”

He crouched in front of her, bringing himself closer to her level.

“If you want to stay here, we’ll stay here.”

Grover agreed happily from across the room.

“And I’ll bring you enough food to feed an army.”

Percy glanced at him.

“See? Problem solved.”

Annabeth nodded twice, but Percy could still see the hesitation written across her face.

He gently squeezed her hand.

“Or…”

She tilted her head.

“We go for ten minutes.”

“Ten?”

“Ten,” Percy promised. “And if you hate it, we leave.”

He paused thoughtfully.

“Plus, I’ll make you all the s’mores you can eat.”

Annabeth’s lips twitched.

“All of them?”

“Every marshmallow at Camp Half-Blood is yours.”

Grover frowned.

“That seems unfair to everyone else.”

“Annabeth fell into Tartarus, then escaped while completely blind. She gets marshmallow privileges.”

“Fair.”

Annabeth shook her head, but Percy felt her fingers relax around his wrist.

“Fine.”

His eyebrows lifted.

“Fine?”

“We can go.”

Percy grinned.

“But if Connor says anything stupid-”

“I’ll throw him into the ocean.”

“Percy.”

“Kidding.”

Grover gave him a look. Percy sighed.

“Mostly kidding.”

That earned him another laugh.

By the time they made their way down to the beach, the sun had disappeared almost completely beyond the horizon.

The campfire crackled brightly against the darkening sky, sending glowing embers spiraling upward toward the stars. Campers had gathered on blankets and driftwood scattered around the sand, their conversations blending with the steady rush of waves against the shore.

Someone had brought a guitar.

Percy couldn’t tell who was playing it from where they stood, but the quiet melody mixed pleasantly with the sound of the ocean.

Annabeth stopped beside him, and Percy's eyes dropped to her almost automatically.

She was still wearing his Knicks shirt, the one she'd tied loosely at her waist before they'd left the cabin. The knot gathered the oversized fabric just enough to make it fit her better, leaving a narrow strip of skin between the hem and the waistband of her denim shorts.

Percy's gaze lingered for a second.

“You okay?”

She nodded.

“Just listening.”

He waited. He watched as her head tilted slightly as she took everything in.

“The fire’s in front of us?”

“About twenty feet.”

“And the ocean?”

“Behind it and to the right.”

Annabeth let out a long exhale, her voice soft and sweet.

“I can hear it.”

Percy squeezed her hand.

“Come on.”

He guided her carefully through the sand, warning her whenever the ground became uneven. Nobody swarmed them this time. A few campers called out greetings, but whether someone had warned everyone to give Annabeth space or they’d simply figured it out after Percy’s performance in the dining pavilion that morning, Percy didn’t know.

He was grateful either way.

They found a spot on one of the logs near the edge of the group.

Percy sat first, then he gently guided Annabeth down with him.

Except she never actually reached the log. Percy’s hands found her waist and pulled her directly into his lap instead.

Annabeth laughed in surprise as she settled sideways across his thighs.

“Really?”

“Best seat available.”

“There is an entire log, I’m sure.”

“Terrible seating.”

She groaned.

“You’re ridiculous.”

Percy wrapped one arm securely around her waist, pulling her back comfortably against his chest.

“Comfortable?”

Annabeth settled more fully against him.

“Very.”

“Then my argument stands.”

Her natural curls tickled against Percy’s chin when she shifted, soft and full around her shoulders after Sally’s careful spa day earlier that afternoon. Percy couldn’t resist pressing a kiss into them.

Annabeth relaxed even further.

Around them, camp carried on.

Leo was arguing loudly with Piper about something Percy couldn’t quite hear. Will and Nico sat a few logs away, and somewhere behind them Grover’s unmistakable laugh erupted alongside Juniper’s. For once, nobody was talking about Tartarus, nobody was talking about the curses.

Nobody was asking Annabeth how she felt. They were simply there.

Percy reached toward the bag of marshmallows.

“Ready?”

Annabeth straightened slightly.

“For what?”

“You were promised unlimited s’mores.”

He placed a roasting stick carefully into her hand, and helped her fingers close around it.

“Okay.”

Percy reached around her, his chest pressing more firmly against her back as he guided her hand toward the marshmallow bag.

“Bag’s right here.”

Annabeth felt around until her fingers found one.

“Got it.”

“Now stab it.”

She turned her face slightly toward him.

“Very technical instructions.”

“I’ve had years of training.”

“Clearly.”

She pushed the marshmallow onto the end of the stick, maybe a little too far down to be considered normal, but Percy appreciated her effort all the same.

“Perfect.”

Then he gently covered her hand with his.

“The fire’s about four feet in front of you. We’re going forward...”

Together, they extended the stick. Annabeth moved it closer to the flames.

“A little more.”

She moved again.

“Right there.”

Percy loosened his grip but didn’t remove his hand completely.

“Now you hold it.”

Annabeth moved her fingers against his.

“You’re hovering.”

“Absolutely.”

“Percy.”

“Fire is involved.”

“I’ve fought monsters.”

“Monsters don’t melt your marshmallows.”

She laughed.

Percy rested his chin lightly against the top of her curls.

“Turn it a little.”

Annabeth slowly rotated the stick.

“Like this?”

“Yep. You’re perfect.”

“How does it look?”

Percy inspected her seriously, her side profile illuminated by the orange embers, her brown eyes glowing even through the white film that covered them.

“Beautiful.”

“The marshmallow.”

“Oh.”

She elbowed him lightly.

“Golden brown. Almost done.”

A few seconds later, Percy helped guide the stick safely away from the flames and blew a puff of air over it.

“There.”

He carefully slid the marshmallow between two graham crackers and a piece of chocolate before placing the finished s’more into her hands.

Annabeth took a bite and Percy waited expectantly as she chewed.

“Well?”

She tilted her head solemnly.

“Acceptable.”

“Acceptable?”

“Seven out of ten.”

Percy stared at her in mock offense.

“I guided that marshmallow personally.”

“Maybe your technique needs work.”

“Give me the stick.”

Annabeth laughed as Percy immediately reached for another marshmallow.

By her third s’more, she had almost completely stopped asking for help.

Percy still quietly told her where the fire was, but Annabeth controlled the stick herself, slowly rotating each marshmallow whenever she thought it needed it.

Once, Percy reached forward instinctively to adjust her wrist.

Annabeth caught him.

“Perce.”

His hand froze and Annabeth leaned forward until her lips were touching the side of his cheek. She pressed her lips there once, twice, before he heard her voice, soft and low near his ear.

“I’ve got it.”

Percy looked down at her hand. Steady and controlled.

Then he slowly pulled his own away.

“Okay.”

A few seconds passed.

“You’re still hovering.”

“I’m not touching you.”

“I can feel you thinking about it.”

Percy buried his face briefly in her curls.

“You’re impossible.”

Her smile widened.

“And yet.”

“And yet,” he murmured, pressing a lingering kiss against her temple.

Eventually, Annabeth declared herself incapable of eating another bite. Percy wasn’t entirely convinced until she groaned when he offered her another marshmallow.

“Absolutely not.”

“Half?”

“No.”

“Chocolate?”

“Seaweed Brain.”

“Okay, okay.”

He laughed, tightening his arms around her. Annabeth rested against him while Percy watched the fire dance in front of them.

Behind him, Grover laughed again.

Percy glanced over his shoulder.

Grover sat with Juniper tucked beside him, his face brighter than it had been on the beach earlier. Connor was telling some ridiculous story with enough dramatic hand gestures that had Travis nearly fall backwards with laughter and Rachel rolling her eyes. Leo was helping Piper build a sandcastle, groaning when her sand to water ratio wasn’t right.

Percy took a deep breath. His friends were here and Annabeth was warm in his arms.

The ocean was only a few feet away. Something inside him finally went quiet. 

Peaceful.

He looked down at Annabeth.

“Come with me.”

Her eyebrows lifted.

“Where?”

“You’ll see.”

She went still for half a second, then laughed. Loudly.

Percy’s stomach dropped. Stupid.

“Annabeth, I didn’t mean-”

“I know.”

She squeezed his hand, her beautiful face still curved into a small grin.

“It’s okay, Percy.”

Percy swallowed.

“Come on.”

He stood first before helping her to her feet, keeping one arm around her waist as they moved away from the warmth of the fire. The sound of the waves grew louder with every step.

Annabeth realized where he was taking her before he said anything.

“The water?”

Percy smiled.

“Yeah.”

The sand grew cooler beneath their feet as they approached the shoreline.

Percy stopped.

“Take your shoes off.”

Annabeth laughed.

“Bossy.”

“Trust me.”

She slipped them off with his help, and Percy tossed both pairs farther up the sand.

Then he took her hands.

“Three steps.”

Annabeth followed his lead, her fingers tightening around his as her bare feet sank slightly into the damp sand.

“Two more.”

Another step.

“One-”

A wave swept over their feet, cool water rushing around their ankles, and Annabeth startled with a sharp little gasp. Her fingers clamped around his, her whole body jerking in surprise before she realized what had happened.

The sound that followed was so breathless and delighted that Percy couldn't help but laugh. The water retreated, dragging sand from beneath their toes.

Another wave rolled in seconds later. Annabeth laughed this time.

“Oh my gods, that’s cold.”

“It’s not that cold.”

“It absolutely is.”

Percy moved behind her, wrapping both arms securely around her waist and pulling her against him. Annabeth immediately leaned back.

The top of her head barely reached his collarbones, her soft curls brushing the underside of his chin as she settled comfortably against his chest. Percy rested his cheek against the top of her hair.

The next wave curled around their ankles, followed by another only seconds later.

Annabeth didn't flinch this time.

She had relaxed completely against him, her back tucked against his chest and her hands resting loosely over his where they were folded across her stomach. Percy could feel the steady rise and fall of her breathing beneath his arms.

“I can hear everything,” she whispered.

Percy closed his eyes.

And for a moment, he tried to listen the way she did.

The soft rush of the ocean as it pulled back from the shore. The crackle and occasional pop of the campfire behind them. Someone laughing somewhere farther up the beach. The wind stirring through the trees overhead, carrying voices and music and the faint smell of smoke out toward the water.

“I know,” he murmured.

Annabeth tipped her head back, settling more fully against him.

“I wish I could see it.” She was quiet for a second before adding, even softer, “See you.”

Percy's chest tightened and his arms pulled her closer instinctively.

“I know.”

It was the only answer he could give her.

Percy could have told her she would. He could have promised that someday she'd stand on this same beach and see the water stretching out in front of her again. That she'd see the firelight behind them and the stars overhead and him standing right beside her.

He wanted to. Gods, he wanted to.

But Percy had made enough impossible promises in his life to know that wanting something badly enough didn't make it true. And he wouldn't give Annabeth hope built on something neither of them knew he could keep.

So he didn't promise her anything.

He only lowered his head and pressed a slow kiss into the top of her curls, holding her a little closer while another wave broke gently around their feet.

“The water looks almost black right now,” he murmured. “But every time the moon hits a wave, the top turns silver.”

Annabeth went still.

Percy looked toward the horizon for both of them.

“The sky’s really clear. There are a ton of stars.”

He paused.

“And the campfire’s reflecting off the water behind us.”

A smile slowly spread across her face.

“Keep going.”

So Percy did.

He described everything. The thin clouds drifting across the moon, the distant lights along the shoreline, the way the waves curled before breaking, the stars reflected across the dark surface of the Sound.

Every little detail he thought Annabeth would’ve noticed herself.

And she listened.

Her body grew heavier against his as she melted completely into his arms, trusting Percy to be her eyes while the ocean moved endlessly around their feet.

For once, Percy let tomorrow wait.

He didn't think about Calypso or curses or quests. He didn't let himself wonder whether Annabeth would ever stand on this beach and see the ocean with her own eyes again.

Tonight, she didn't need to.

She could hear the waves breaking against the shore. She could smell the salt carried on the breeze and feel the cold water rushing over her feet before slipping back out to sea.

And everything she couldn't see, Percy could describe for her.

He could tell her about the fire glowing behind them and the sparks disappearing into the night sky. About their friends crowded around it, laughing loudly enough for Annabeth to hear. About the moonlight stretching across the water and turning the surface silver.

He could be her eyes for as long as she needed him to be. Annabeth relaxed against his chest, her hands warm over his and a small, contented smile resting on her face.

She was happy.

Maybe not completely. Maybe not in the way she'd been before Tartarus, before curses and darkness and everything that had been taken from her. But right here, tucked safely against him with the ocean at their feet and their friends only a few steps away, she was happy.

Tomorrow could bring whatever it wanted.

They were home, and they were together.

And that was all Percy cared about.