Artemis POV

I stood on the beach, a sense of anticipation and nervousness coursing through me as I waited for Percy. The moon hung low on the horizon, casting a silvery glow across the sand. I had set up a small picnic with some of the finest game I had hunted and prepared. The crashing waves provided a soothing backdrop to my thoughts, and the stars above shimmered like celestial diamonds in the night sky. My mind raced with thoughts of how this evening might unfold. Percy and I had shared moments of camaraderie and friendship, but this was different. It was a date—a chance for us to explore the uncharted territory of romance. The mere idea sent a thrill of excitement mingled with trepidation down my spine.

I wondered about the conversations we might have, the laughter that might bubble up between us. My heart quickened even more as I thought about what might come after the picnic. The idea of being closer to Percy, of exploring the depths of our connection, both excited and frightened me. I had always been in control of my emotions and desires, but now, I was stepping into uncharted waters. The possibilities were as vast and endless as the sea before me. Maybe he'd claim me like Aphroidte had suggested. Or maybe he'd be too nervous and she'd have to take the lead, like Aphrodite had also suggested. Or maybe, he wouldn't even want to do it, though Aphrodite had said that'd be unlikely. How would it feel when he held my hand, when our fingers intertwined, a connection that went beyond friendship? What about when he leans in, his hot breath tickling my skin, and pulls me for a never-ending kiss? The mere thought sent a warm shiver through me, and I clutched my picnic blanket a little tighter.

As I glanced at the setting moon, my nerves getting the better of me. It was the thrill of exploring uncharted territory with someone who had already made a profound impact on my life. Percy had seen through my… other side, had offered me a second chance, and had, in the process, captured a piece of my heart. With each passing moment, the nervous anticipation grew, but so did my determination. This was a new chapter in our relationship, and I was ready to embrace it with an open heart. Whatever lay ahead, I knew that Percy was worth every moment of uncertainty, every fluttering heartbeat.

I stood on the beach, still waiting. Bored, I began looking at the beauty of the sea, captivated by it. The waves crashed against the shore with a rhythmic melody that spoke of centuries-old secrets. The moon's reflection danced upon the water's surface, creating a mesmerising play of light and shadow. It was a sight that I had often overlooked, but now, I began to see why Percy had chosen this place for our date. The sea had always been a significant part of his life, a connection to his father, Poseidon, and a source of solace and adventure. In the tranquillity of this moment, I could understand its allure, its peace, its beauty. It was a place where one could feel both small and significant, where the vastness of the ocean mirrored the boundless possibilities of life.

Lost in my thoughts, I suddenly heard a rustle behind me. Instinctively, I turned my bow at the ready, but what I saw made my heart leap with a mixture of surprise and delight.

There he was, Percy Jackson, standing just a few paces away, his sea-green eyes locked onto mine.

Percy POV

Walking towards the beach where Artemis was waiting, I couldn't shake the nervousness that coiled within me. It was a strange feeling, considering all the battles and challenges I had faced as a demigod and as a hero. Yet, standing on the precipice of this date with the goddess herself, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unworthiness creeping in. Even after the war, after all the battles and sacrifices, I questioned whether I was truly deserving of Artemis. She was a goddess, immortal, powerful, and awe-inspiring. I was just… Percy. If anything, I'd just gotten her in trouble with Gone. It was a voice of doubt that plagued my mind, whispering that I wasn't good enough for her. But I pushed those thoughts aside. It had to be just nerves, right?

My thoughts drifted to Nico and Thalia. The anger I felt toward Thalia surged once more. Nico deserved better than her. She had hurt me deeply, back with Artemis, only she was his cousin, the one he thought he could trust, the one he thought would be by his side forever. I couldn't just get over that pain, and I made a mental note to have a talk with Nico, to show him why he should stop seeing her. With each step toward the beach, my determination to make things right for Nico grew. He deserved happiness and stability in his life, not the constant upheaval that Thalia seemed to bring.

And then, as I approached the beach, all my thoughts and doubts faded into the background. There, standing before me, was Artemis. She was looking out at the sea, her auburn hair cascading in the moonlight, her presence exuding an otherworldly grace. She was breathtakingly beautiful, and I had to remind myself to breathe. Straightening my clothes and taking a steadying breath, I approached her quietly, not wanting to startle her. The moonlight played on her features, casting ethereal shadows and highlights across her face. And then, as if she sensed my presence, she turned around and our eyes met.

For a moment, we just stood there, gazing at each other. In her silver eyes, I saw a mix of emotions – curiosity, anticipation, and something else, something I couldn't quite decipher but that sent a thrill through me. She looked stunning, and I couldn't help but feel a swell of gratitude that she was here, with me, on this night.

"Artemis," I said, my voice soft but filled with sincerity.

"Percy," she replied, her voice equally gentle. In that moment, all my doubts and fears melted away, leaving only the two of us on this moonlit beach. The world faded into the background, and it was as if the universe had conspired to bring us together on this night.

Artemis gestured to the floor, and I settled into our picnic spot by the beach. The gentle lull of the waves provided a soothing background melody to our evening. The moon hung low in the sky, casting a silvery glow over the sand and sea. It was the perfect setting for what promised to be an unforgettable night. We had a spread of delicious food before us, and I couldn't help but feel grateful that Piper had helped me pick out an outfit and urged me to be myself. I took a bite of the ambrosia-flavoured sandwiches Artemis had prepared, and it was like tasting a slice of heaven. My gaze met hers, and I grinned.

"These sandwiches are incredible, Artemis," I said, marvelling at the flavour. "You have to teach me how to make them." Artemis chuckled.
"I'm afraid they're a closely guarded secret, Percy. Even among the gods, this recipe is considered sacred." I raised an eyebrow.
"Wow, that's some high-level food secrecy." She nodded with mock seriousness.

"Indeed, it is."

We continued to chat and laugh as the evening wore on. The conversation flowed effortlessly between us, touching on topics as diverse as our favourite mythological creatures, our most memorable battles, and even our shared love of nature. It felt like catching up with an old friend, even though our history was relatively short. At one point, I couldn't resist poking a little fun.
"So, Artemis, tell me, what has you dressed so… cutely?" She smirked, blushing lightly at the compliment.

"The truth? Aphrodite." He snickered. "Let me guess, Piper did you?"

"How did you-"

"Know?" she asked innocently. "Come on, Jason has told me how they used to struggle to get you to change your clothes cuz you preferred one style only. Unless you became the god of fashion overnight, someone helped you dress." He sighed.
"You caught me," he admitted, and she chuckled, giving him a subtle wink.

As the evening wore on, our conversation took a lighter turn. We shared stories of our most embarrassing moments, and I couldn't help but laugh as Artemis recounted an incident involving a particularly aggressive group of wild boars. Her animated storytelling made me feel like I was right there with her, facing off against the indignant creatures.

Eventually, after a hearty laugh, I leaned back on the sand, feeling content.
"You know, Artemis, this has been a really great night. I haven't had this much fun in a long time." Artemis's eyes sparkled with genuine warmth. "I'm glad to hear that, Percy. I've enjoyed myself as well." The goddess gave him a funny look which he didn't know what to make of.

"Percy," Artemis began slowly. "I have a proposition for you, now that our time is up. I raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

"What kind of proposition?" She smiled nervously.

"Err, would you like to maybe… Mine… Camp with… Sleep… My bed…" I frowned.

"Uhh, what?" She blushed even harder.

"D'you wanna come to the hunt for a bit, maybe give me some more company?" I was taken aback but couldn't help the excitement that surged within me. The chance to see Artemis's world, to be by her side for a night, was an opportunity I couldn't pass up.

"I'd love to, Artemis," I smiled happily, and she grinned.

"Then let's go, and let's see where the night takes us." Interwinding her fingers with mine, I felt my stomach filling with butterflies in anticipation of just what might happen.

Rly sorry for the late chapter, but I hope you enjyoed anyway!