[A/N Hey everyone! I'm posting two short chapters today because that's how the story fell.
I do believe this is what a lot of you have been waiting for. ... Maybe? Idk... In my mind any Percy/Artemis interactions would be considered Pertemis content, especially as they explore/build feelings for one another...yet several of the comments (WHICH I LOVE READING) make it seem like y'all only consider *kissy kissy face* content to be Pertemis... I think I'm missing something, but that's not unusual lol.
ANYWAY- we are in the home stretch now and I hope you enjoy it!)
Percy
It was another day with the hunters. Well, this section of his consciousness was with the Hunt. Ironically enough, he was also trying to explain to a young camper that he would be no help in archery practice. Yes he was a god, no that did not automatically make him amazing at all things… Like archery. The girls, the Hunters, liked to challenge him and tease him because he would accept every time and they would win every time.
He liked being approachable, not some unpredictable powerhouse. Which..he was. But immortals should fear him more than the demigods and mortals.
"To what do we owe the visit?"
Percy smiled at the goddess of the Hunt as she left her tent and he shrunk a little to match her physical age.
"Am I not welcome?"
"Well, we do have a fox to track."
"Right. You're going out today?"
"Yes, Perseus." He raised an eyebrow. "Percy," she once again corrected herself with a scowl, "we are heading out."
"I mean, I could have s'mores ready for when you come back," he said with a smirk just to see her scowl harden.
"Yes, because Emily trying to stuff fifteen marshmallows in her mouth the last time went so well."
He laughed as they walked together, overseeing the Hunters gathering their supplies and tents.
Many of the huntresses waved to him, offered him smiles, or nodded in greeting as the two passed. He'd become a common sight around the camp, an exception to Artemis's rule warding off men.
"You're right. She should have tried for twenty."
Artemis laughed outright and ran her shoulder into him, knocking him off balance. They laughed together again and when his eyes met hers all breath left him with a realization.
He loved her.
His laughter turned to coughing and her glee turned to concern.
"Are you alright?"
"I-uh-I," he cleared his throat and received a few more concerned looks from the hunters. "I'm fine. Really. I just… I have to go. I realized- I remembered… thatIgottagobye."
He had the presence of mind to hide his godly form as he left, as to not harm Artemis's hunters, but that is about all the thought he was capable of. His conversation in CHB's amphitheater even stalled with a quick excuse so he could merge his consciousness at his seaside home.
He loved her.
Perseus Jackson, god of loyalty, was in love with the maiden goddess of the Hunt, embodiment of the moon and all things unreachable.
His eyes fell on the horizon and he found himself longing for the night sky.
No. No, no, no, no, no.
He recalled all their interactions. He remembered mistakenly flirting with her as a mortal and being taken back by her kiss upon his cheek. His hand went there now, recalling the feel of her lips. If only he'd been a god then! His senses were so much stronger now! And his memory more complete and exact!
No.
Unbidden, the familiarity of her hand in his as they watched the sky in companionable comfort came to him. He'd wanted to ask to see his sister more, but Artemis, as always, was a step ahead of him. Another reason to love her.
No!
He would not, he could not, pursue Artemis in a romantic relationship. He could not threaten the bond they'd formed. He could not disrespect her choices in life.
He took another breath and steeled his determination.
His emotions would not change their relationship.
.
Artemis
"Was that Percy?" Thalia asked as she approached to update Artemis on the camp's disassembly.
"Yes. He seemed a little…off when he left."
"The Kelp Head is always a little off," Thalia joked, earning a small smile from Artemis.
"I don't know. We were joking and reminiscing the marshmallow incident and all of a sudden he just shut down."
"Well, he has no excuse. He spends more time with you than I do, so he better offer an explanation."
"You're right."
"As usual," Thalia grinned, making Artemis chuckle again.
"Though, we are not together that often."
"Lady Artemis..yes you are."
"Don't be ridiculous."
"Just think of this past week, Artemis. How have you spent your time?"
She thought it over and was a little surprised to find her lieutenant was correct. She considered the previous week… The previous month…
"Oh my…"
"Uh, yeah. He's become a pretty standard sight at your side."
"I didn't even realize…" She trailed off, considering the boy who'd held the sky, the man who'd saved her from a trap, the god she didn't want to lose.