Work Text:
Annabeth had joined the hunters along with Thalia after the quest to save Artemis.
Percy was heartbroken. His entire world came crashing down in seconds. I accept, Milady, never had he thought that three mere words could affect him as greatly as they did. "Was I not good enough for her," Percy thought out loud, "Was my company not considerable for her?"
He was caught out of his thoughts when a gleeful Annabeth approached him. Percy flinched slightly at her joyful expression, realizing just how little did he matter to the wisdom spawn.
"Percy, I joined the hunt!" she said excitedly.
That was the breaking point. His thoughts migrated to just how relentless he had searched for Annabeth when she was missing. And here she was, not even acknowledging the fact, instead, rubbing his loyalty in his face.
"I saw," Percy bristled in anger, "I was there when you took the oath. Apparently, I wasn't good enough for you."
She frowned. "Percy, what are you talking about? Even Thalia joined! She was my oldest friend and I couldn't leave her. I'm sorry but you can't expect me to…"
"Save it," Percy snapped. "I don't want to hear your reasons or apologies. You aren't allowed to talk to males, right? Besides, I saw how much when I mattered to you when you ran to the traitor's side, while I had a gaping hole in my stomach," He said bitterly, gesturing to the wrapped bandages around his abdomen. "Face it, Chase, you used me as a tool to get your recognition."
Tears pooled in Annabeth's eyes as she flinched. "Percy, that's not true! You're…"
He turned around swiftly and ran out of the throne room, ignoring Annabeth's calls. Slight remorse wormed its way through his gut, his fatal flaw taking a stand. However, he crushed it down mercilessly, remembering the events of the Solstice.
He did not notice the pair of curious silver eyes following him outside.
He reached the royal gardens, wiping his eyes furiously to hide away his tears. Thumping down against a tree, he sighed deeply. He did not even know why it hurt so much. Sure, they weren't even in a relationship but…
"You know, It isn't shameful to cry."
Percy turned his head towards the voice and saw Artemis leaning on a statue. He abruptly stood and bowed to her hastily, not wishing to become a jackalope. "Lady Artemis," He greeted respectfully.
Artemis just waved her hand dismissively and sat next to where he was. Percy yelped in surprise and Artemis shot him a funny look. Urging his heart to cease beating wildly, he took a deep breath and gingerly sat down next to the goddess.
They sat in comfortable silence for some time until Percy heard a sniffle. He turned his head towards Artemis and blinked, shocked to find her crying. She attempted to hide her tears, despite her previous advice, obviously not wishing a male to see her during her lowest.
"Milady?" Percy asked tentatively. "Are you...okay?"
Artemis just nodded weakly. "It's just... Zoe," Her voice cracked. "She was by my side for thousands of years. She was so much more to me than the just Lieutenant of the Hunt. She was one of my closest... friends. And now she's just... gone."
Artemis broke down again, her tears overflowing.
Percy blinked in mild surprise when Artemis's mouth caught up on the word 'friends'. He shook his head. The dynamic of her relationship with Zoe was none of his business. However, taking a look at the vulnerable goddess beside him, he came to a decision.
Percy hesitantly wrapped his arms around her and brought her into an embrace. She stiffened for a second and Percy's heart nearly stopped. His life flashed before his eyes, already imagining the epitaph on his tombstone.
'In loving Memory of Perseus Jackson,
Savior of Olympus, Camp Half Blood,
Death by embracing a maiden goddess,
Immortalized as God of Stupidity'
He breathed out a sigh of relief when she relaxed into his arms.
Percy felt hot tears trickling down his own eyes as he remembered his own grievances regarding Annabeth. His shirt was already wet from Artemis' tears but he didn't mind. Everyone needed a shoulder to cry, be it a mortal or a god.
After a while, Artemis seemed to quiet down.
"Are you alright now, Lady Artemis?" Percy asked softly.
"Yes, but please don't let go," Her voice sounded hollow and ragged. "Why were you crying, Percy?" She asked quietly.
Percy was taken aback by the question but composed himself, "Annabeth," He began dismally, "She was my best friend and she joined the hunt. She didn't even hesitate. She made her decision like I meant nothing to her. That's what you wished, right?" He said with a sad smile. "Another maiden saved by you from men."
Artemis flinched slightly, felt guilty after hearing his words. How many families she had broken like this? Her guilt must have been visible on her face because Percy took her hand in his own and hesitantly swiped a few strands of stray hair from her eyes. He didn't know why she was being so trustful of him, or why was he suddenly this bold, but didn't dare vocalize his thoughts.
"Hey, it's not your fault," Percy reassured, shrugging slightly. "She made her own decision and now I cannot do anything."
Artemis waited as Percy cleared his throat.
"You know," Percy hummed, after a while. "I want to hate you for taking Annabeth away, I want to despise you for that, but I just... can't. You are this amazing headstrong woman that is fiercely independent and would castrate any male who looks at you funny. You stood up to a Titan to save our butts and against the council when they wanted to kill us. I will be forever grateful to you." He finished with a smile.
Artemis was touched that Percy felt the way. Smiling, she looked at him for the first time, observing the male before her. Her eyes were greeted by the most enchanting pair of sea green eyes that she had ever laid eyes on, which seemed to change with his emotions. He had high cheek bones and messy raven black hair. A small smile rested on his face as he looked at her in concern. In the soft glow of moonlight, he looked beautiful.
Without thinking, Artemis leaned forward and pecked him on his cheek. Percy's eyes widened and he opened and closed his mouth while looking absolutely flabbergasted. Ironically he looked adorably like a goldfish.
Cute.
Artemis stood up and offered her hand to Percy who took it gratefully. She faced him and smiled. "Thank you, Percy. I needed that. You are a good male. I hope we can meet in the future to talk."
"Can we meet next week?" His eyes widened at what he blurted and he started sputtering. "I mean, if you want, we can meet, but…"
"I would love to, Percy," Artemis laughed softly at his goof. She kissed him on the cheek once more. "If you want we can go to Montauk? I heard from Thalia it is a special place for you."
"Really? You would come to Montauk with me?" asked Percy, his tone hopeful. Artemis smiled.
"Definitely."