Song Recommendation: "The Truth I'll Never Tell" by As It Is. A great band and one of my favorites, this song is definitely something that I feel gets me. And, I feel like it's one that Percy would listen to. You see it in the way he acts, keeping his true emotions closed off in the beginning of the story before eventually letting Artemis in. I think this is something a lot of people can understand, but it's hard to talk to people about your issues and I wanted to showcase that in Percy. This song perfectly captures that too. Anyway, enjoy. Let me know if you enjoy it.

It didn't take him long to grab everything and head back to the register. Naturally, the moon goddess had chosen out a simple set of wooden picks along with a few other small things that she imagined her Lieutenant would need, including a little strap, a tuner, and a capo. Percy, on the other hand, had chosen a small box amp since he imagined that she would enjoy cranking the volume up and just hammering away. Artemis looked approvingly at his selection as they both handed their items to their cashier.

"Would you like me to put these in cases for you?" their cashier looked back and forth between the two in mild interest as she totaled up their items.

Percy glanced at his friend, "Up to you. Probably wouldn't hurt since you guys tend to move around a lot?"

Artemis nodded, turning back to the worker, "If it is not too much trouble."

She shook her head, "Not at all. I see you've got quite the selection."

Percy chuckled, "Well you know how it is."

The girl laughed, "I know exactly what you mean. Good news is that I work here so I don't have to buy any of them. Don't really have the means to pay for one right now."

Artemis smiled, "Any favorites?"

She nodded as she finished placing their smaller items into a small paper package, "I keep my favorite behind the counter. Try to play it whenever I can but school's been tough recently so most of my time's been studying."

Percy glanced at Artemis, "Can we see it?"

The girl looked a little surprised but agreed to it, taking a moment to finish up stowing one of their purchased items. Percy let out a whistle as she pulled out a beautiful sea green guitar with a white pickguard and light neck, "I've been trying to save up for it but that's been slow going between school and rent. It'll probably end up being another year or so before I can afford it comfortably. Pays not great here, but it's better than most other places so I'm pretty hopeful."

Percy glanced at Artemis again who had a curious look on her face, "What are you studying?"

Their cashier blew a bit of hair out of her face, "Studying psychology right now. Hoping I can get some sort of job in counseling after I graduate in a semester."

"That sounds cool," Percy said, "What drew you to that?"
"Well I always wanted to do music therapy or something like that. Ended up working here purely by coincidence but it just reaffirmed that I wanted to. Mixes two of my favorite things."

Percy nodded again, "So did you start playing because you wanted to do something therapy related or did that come before?"

"Been playing since I was a kid," she shrugged, finishing with their last item, "Started cause my dad was really into it and kept up with it because I was halfway decent. Ended up wanting to buy my own after a while so I've been working towards that."

"Sounds like there's a story there," Percy said easily.

"Not really," she shrugged, "Nothing worth telling at least."

Percy understood not to prod anymore, watching as the girl tossed a few packs of something into their bag. She spoke easily as she made her way to the register, "I tossed in a few sets of strings in case you guys wanted them. On the house since it's a pretty big purchase and I sort of hate the factory ones."

"That bad, huh?" Percy asked.

"Definitely," the girl nodded as she gently picked up the guitar she kept behind the counter, "First thing I did was change the standard ones on this one."

"How does it sound?" Percy asked curiously.

"Pretty fucking great. Want to hear?"

Percy grinned, "Always."

She wasn't kidding. It had a beautiful, mellow tone that was just perfect on the ears. And, the girl playing was good. Better than he was for sure given how effortless she made it seem.

Artemis spoke up after she stopped, "I see why you love it."

Their cashier smiled wistfully, "Yeah. Can't wait till I've got enough saved up for her."

Percy glanced at the moon goddess a third and final time, and she smiled, instead addressing their cashier, "Add it to our total then."

"What?" the girl looked confused for a moment before shifting to a look of bewilderment, "You're joking right?"
"Nope," Percy laughed, "that's a pretty rude thing to joke about."

Artemis agreed before addressing the girl, "Consider it a gift."

"But I haven't done anything," the girl pointed out.

"I disagree," the moon goddess replied, "You've been more than courteous to us, even outside of what your job would ask of you."

"That's hardly enough to warrant it."

Artemis didn't disagree, "Perhaps. But one does not always need to deserve something for it to happen."

"That's a lot of money still," the girl pointed out.

"Consider it a graduation gift," Artemis said easily.

"Trust me," Percy jumped in, addressing their cashier with a kind smile, "You're not going to win this argument. I've yet to win and we've known each other for years."

The girl sighed, "I couldn't repay you."

Artemis just shook her head, "One does not give gifts in the hope of something in return. I give this to you because I think you deserve it, regardless of cost. You are certainly talented enough to deserve it."

"That's hardly enough reason."

"Then you will have to settle for the fact that I am doing it because I want to."
"I'm not going to be able to convince you otherwise, am I?"

The moon goddess shook her head again, "No."

The girl sighed, but both of them could see that she was appreciative, "Will that be all together then?"

Percy nodded, handing her his card, "Play the hell out of it for us, yeah?"

"Yeah," she rubbed her eyes a little, "I can do that."

"You continue to surprise me," Artemis said easily as they stepped out onto the street.

"How so?" Percy asked, making sure the door didn't slam behind them.

Artemis chuckled, "You know what I refer to."

"Maybe," Percy shrugged, "But that was your idea. Not mine."

Artemis cocked her head in amusement, "Really? My idea you say?"

"Yep," Percy nodded, "You're the one who said it and that means it was your idea."

"I think we both know that it was your idea," Artemis smiled, "It was very kind of you but why didn't you say it?"

"I thought it might come off weirdly if I was just like oh yeah here let me pay for it,"
Percy rubbed the back of his head awkwardly, "and I didn't really do anything."

Artemis perked an eyebrow, "Perseus, so help me, if you don't start taking credit for the things you do."

Percy laughed, "I feel like there's supposed to be a threat there."

"I'll let you imagine," Artemis said dryly, "Really. Would it kill you to take some credit?"

"Probably," Percy shrugged, "Really though. I didn't really do much. It wasn't like I needed the money or anything."

"That is not the point," Artemis shook her head, "You may not need the money, but it is the thought that counts."

"I guess," Percy ran a hand through his hair, "I just thought it'd be nice."

"Exactly," Artemis poked him in the chest, "Others don't do that. Most mortals don't do that. The gods do so even less."

Percy looked a bit bashful, "I get what you mean."

"Then take a little credit for it," Artemis crossed her arms, though a wide smile had made its way across her face.

"Yeah yeah alright," he sighed, "Wonder what Thalia's going to say about her little gift."

"I imagine that she will be ecstatic."

Percy chuckled, "I hope so."

"Will you give it to her before or after our little game tonight?"

"Well, we'll probably still have training after the game so it might be before."

Artemis shook her head, "You know my hunters well enough to know that this game will be far more than just a little warm up."

Percy laughed, nodding a little as he thought about it, "Fair enough. I guess we could do it before then."

"Who do you think will win?"

"Can I say you?" Percy asked, grinning at the goddess.

"You would not be wrong," Artemis agreed, "Especially given our little bet."

"We never really agreed on the terms of our bet," Percy pointed out.

"Then now would be an excellent time to iron out the details."

"Fair enough," Percy grinned, "Would you like to go first?"

"Oh no," Artemis shook her head, "I leave that honor to you."

Percy laughed, "Alright, are we winning or losing?"

Artemis looked thoughtful, taking a moment to deliberate, "Winning."

"Okay," Percy nodded, "Let's say, if I win, we go to a concert and make a night out of it while we're on the road."

Artemis considered it with a grin, "That's all you want?"

Percy nodded, "You're going to tell me we could have done that even without a bet."

"It is true," Artemis agreed, "Perhaps I should have gone first."
Percy shrugged, causing the goddess to roll her eyes in amusement, "Yeah probably. What did you have in mind?"

"How about this," Artemis started, " Since you are struggling to come up with something, whoever wins gets to plan out a day. No questions asked, no arguments."

Percy grinned, "I could get behind that. Honestly, I was grasping at straws to come up with something, so this probably works out better."

"Not that it mattered," Artemis joked.

Percy countered, "Hey, I'm going to win."

"Given your track record?" Artemis poked him, "Do you really think you will?"

"Absolutely not," Percy laughed, "But I hold out hope that I get lucky."

"That is admirable," Artemis smiled while pulling one of the cases onto her back, "I suppose we should go back."

Percy waved that off, "They're adults. Kind of. They'll be fine if we're gone for a little while longer."

"Trying to get out of your loss already?"

Percy laughed, "I'm trying to spend more time hanging out actually."

"Oh?" Artemis smiled at him, "Good. I will keep you to myself a little longer then."

It was Percy's turn to grin at her, glancing over though the corner of his eyes, "Feeling possessive today?"

Artemis just chuckled, "It would seem so."

"Guess I can't blame you," Percy shrugged, "I'm rather hard to let go of."

Artemis snickered, "I'm sure."

"Hey," Percy pointed out, "You were the one that wouldn't let me go to sleep."

"And I distinctly remember you enjoying it."

"Only because it made you happy!"

"That does not disprove my point," Artemis shrugged nonchalantly, smiling at him as they walked alongside one another.

Percy grumbled for a second, "Okay well why don't we turn you into a cat and see how you like it?"

"I would not mind that," Artemis looked thoughtful as she considered it.

Percy just groaned, "Oh gods-damnit."

The moon goddess laughed, "This seems like a battle you will not win."

"Yeah fine," Percy sighed and ran a hand through his hair.

Artemis smiled as they continued their walk, idly strolling down the street. It wasn't empty per se, but it wasn't crowded either. Occasionally, they'd stop to look at something that caught one of their eyes, or maybe to point out something that the other would enjoy, but they continued to wander aimlessly for the most part. At some point, they'd taken a moment for Artemis to store their new purchases away from prying eyes while Percy attempted to figure out roughly where they were. He wasn't too sure, but he could feel a body of water not far off, so he started steering them towards it when Artemis returned. She'd been amused, but hadn't said much about it, simply content to walk with the man. Percy, of course, nearly managed to get them lost. Sure, Artemis knew exactly where they were and how to get where he wanted to go, but it was sort of fun just moving around and finding new things.

Percy was certainly having a good time, even despite their lack of conversation. It had been a little while since they'd done something like this, so he was more than content to relax and enjoy the moon goddess's company. Gods knew he never minded that. The moon goddess had this weird talent for making him relax, and he needed that. Quite a bit more than even he would expect, but that was neither here nor there. With that being said, the son of the sea was doing far better than he had been even a few weeks ago.

Eventually, they did make it towards the pier, choosing to stand against the railing while watching the river. It was peaceful. Nobody around, no noise other than the sound of rushing water and the occasional frog, nothing to worry about. Percy couldn't help but smile as he watched the moon goddess lean casually against the railing.

"We should do this more often," Artemis broke their silence. While quiet, her voice carried well through the relative stillness.

"Yeah," Percy agreed, coming to stand next to the goddess, "I'd like that."

Artemis smiled softly before gently nudging him with her elbow, "Would you now?"

"Mhmm," Percy nodded, "I needed this."

"Why is that?"

"I dunno," Percy shrugged, "Still not used to being around everyone all the time. I enjoy it, but I think I needed some time away from it."

Artemis gave him a sympathetic look, "I imagine my hunters are a handful."

"Wouldn't trade them for the world," Percy shook his head, "Handful yes, but they're great."

The Huntress smiled, "You think so?"

"I liked them before," Percy said easily, pushing himself off the railing a little with his arms extended, "I was more closed off then right? Those times I stayed with you guys temporarily were good, and it was fun mostly, but it's a bit different now."

"In what regard?"

"Dunno," Percy shrugged, "Don't take this the wrong way, but they're definitely more important to me than they were. Before we were just allies. Sure we did little stints for whatever task you needed me for, but now it sort of feels like we're friends."

Artemis smiled, "I understand what you mean. They treat you like one of their own."

"Yeah," he smiled, "I guess so."

"It is interesting," Artemis started, "They treat you like they treat me. Perhaps not in the exact same way, but it is obvious that they value your word. They certainly look up to you, even the older girls."

"Do they?" Percy turned to look at the goddess.

Artemis nodded thoughtfully, "I would say so. You've quickly become an important part of their lives."

"It's been a week."

"It took a mere night for you to become a bigger part of my life."

Percy smiled, "Fair enough. Maybe that's why then. I'm an important part of your life and by proxy, theirs."

"I doubt it," Artemis shook her head, "Apollo has never been received the way you have."

Percy couldn't stop himself from snickering, hiding his wide smile behind his hand, "Yeah. But you know. Apollo."

Artemis laughed, "A fair point. But you understand what I mean. Arguably the other most important person in my life barely garners a few hellos when he visits. You came back from a nap and were mobbed."

Percy laughed and he recalled that particular day, "Yeah I guess that's true."

They trailed off a little after that, but after a little bit, Percy couldn't help but ask the goddess a question, "You know, it's weird."

"You'll have to be more specific," Artemis smiled lightly as Percy just rolled his eyes.

"Well I was thinking," Percy started, "After I lost my memories at Camp Jupiter, I had no idea what to do with myself. Didn't know who I was or what I cared about, and I think about it sometimes. What would I have done if I hadn't gotten them back or wasn't forced into another war? And for that matter, would I have become me again?"

"I imagine you would be the same as you are now," Artemis supplied after a moment, "Character such as yours does not simply wash away."

"You think so?"

"I refuse to accept any other answer," the moon goddess replied firmly, "From what I recall of my talks with Lupa, you were much the same as you were, even before she found you."

"Yeah?" Percy rolled his shoulders a little, "If you had to tell me one thing about myself after I lost my memories, what do you think you'd have said?"

"Then or now?"

Percy contemplated that for a moment, "Now."

Artemis seemed to grapple with that for a moment, not saying anything but still seeming like she had something on her mind. After a little while, she spoke again, "I think that I'd have a lot to say about who you were."

Percy chuckled quietly, "How much of that is bad?"

The moon goddess laughed softly, "None of it."

"Really?" Percy perked up, "I was sure you'd tell me I was an idiot."

"Think it maybe," Artemis shrugged, "But I imagine that would be the last thing I would be thinking about."

"Well," Percy cocked his head, "Knowing my track record, I'd manage to make you say it somehow."

"I'm sure you would," Artemis smiled, pausing for a moment before speaking again, "Your students are getting impatient."

Percy turned to the goddess, "Oh are they?"
She smiled, "I suppose we have left them on their own for long enough. Wouldn't want them thinking we'd abandoned them."

"You say it like they're our kids," Percy laughed. He didn't notice the goddess freezing for a moment but she quickly got over it as he turned towards her with a wide smile, "I'm ready to go whenever you are. Wonder what Thalia's going to say."

"Really?" Thalia stared at him, "You named it Helena? Of all things?"

"First of all," Percy pointed at the bass as he spoke to the demigoddess. They'd been back for all of five minutes before Thalia had tracked them down. Naturally, Percy had been quick to show off her new gift, "Your bass is a she. And second, yeah. I did. What are you going to do about it?"

"Dunno," Thalia shrugged, "Probably cherish it for the rest of my life or something?"
Percy laughed as Artemis spoke, "I did say she wouldn't like the name."

"Okay well in my defense," Percy argued, "I'm an idiot."

"As long as you're aware," Thalia shocked him lightly, "Really though. Helena? Why the grandma name?"

"Well it's the name of that song you really like, isn't it?" Percy cocked his head, trying to think of the band. Unfortunately, he was drawing blanks.

Thalia looked like she'd been struck for a moment before the look passed, "On second thought, maybe it isn't the worst."

"Really?" Artemis was disbelieving, "That is all it took?"

"Maybe we're both idiots," Percy shrugged, "Cause it sounds like you forgot the name of one of your favorite songs."

"So what if I did?" Thalia shot back.

Artemis just shook her head, "How is it that my closest friend and Lieutenant are both so astoundingly stupid?"

"You've got a thing for it?" Thalia asked.

Percy nodded, bringing a finger to his cheek, "Or you've got a distinct need to mother people and we're perfect candidates for that?"

"Could be both," Thalia agreed sagely, "Quite likely in fact."

Artemis just smiled, not denying either of those, but still making sure to change the subject, "Where are the rest of your sisters?"

Thalia looked around for a second, "Most of them are still in the dining area. They're still a bit shocked but most of them seemed to take it pretty well."

"What happened?" Percy asked.

Thalia glanced at Artemis for a moment before coming up with something on the spot, "Lady Artemis is going to have us take an extended stay at Camp Halfblood for a little while."

"Huh," Percy's mouth twitched a little, "That's cool. But, if they're all in one place, it makes our job easier."

"It does indeed," Artemis nodded as Percy shot her a quick look, "I imagine they will be quite eager to hear of this."

"Did I miss something?" Thalia asked curiously.

"Your patron and I have come up with a little training exercise for the whole camp," Percy grinned at the goddess.

Artemis nodded, "I will explain the details of it when we have gathered everyone."

"Should I get everyone then?" Thalia asked, glancing back over her shoulder towards the rest of the hunt.

"Yes," Artemis confirmed before stopping, then grinning, "And inform them that there will be a prize for winning."

Percy chuckled, "Assuming they win that is."

Artemis grinned at him, "I'm sure they will give you more trouble than you think."

"More trouble than you?"

Artemis smiled, "Fair enough I suppose."

Thalia, having subtly excused herself from the two, grinned to herself. This was in part due to her excitement, but also because she wanted to give the two a minute to themselves. Sure, they'd just spent the last several hours doing their own thing, but she was rooting for them. Two of the most important people in her life so clearly deserved each other and she would be damned if she didn't do everything in her power to show them that. And, in this moment, there was nothing more she could do than give them some time alone. And maybe ask the other hunters for a bit of help.

The good news was that they'd taken everything rather well. Even Phoebe, who tended to be a bit conservative in regards to the group, had been on board. Encouraged it even. They had all been given the option, so it was only fair that they offered that same opportunity to their patron. It was strange to see how she'd changed in the last year. Thalia wasn't going to fool herself into thinking that it wasn't because of Percy, but the demigoddess couldn't help but laugh. Of all the people that her patron could choose, it would be the one person who seemingly did the impossible on the regular.

And, for that matter, they fit each other. The other hunters had said as much. If anything, they'd been surprised the goddess hadn't felt that way sooner. Not for the first time, Thalia shook her head as she considered their circumstances. Percy was, in all honesty, probably the only person who could handle their patron. Not in the domineering sense. Gods knew he'd have no luck with that. But he was certainly one of the few people that could keep up with her. And, he was one of the few that could relate to her. Sure, she had Apollo but it was different. Siblings always had an innate understanding of one another, but this was different.

Percy, a veritable outsider in many senses of the word, had swooped into the goddess's life and done something that no other could have, not once, but twice. Thalia could certainly understand why the goddess felt the way she did. The demigoddess was almost certain she'd have caught some sort of feelings if someone had swooped in and carried the fucking sky for her, and that wasn't mentioning all the other things he'd done.

Point of the matter was, she was going to see the two together in the end, no matter how long it took. Hopefully though, it would be sooner rather than later.

Neat! Sorry for the later update today, had a tattoo appointment. Also, Thalia just voicing everybody's thoughts. Mine at least, but I've got a plan and all that. Honestly, the last chapter and the first part of this chapter just didn't turn out the way I really wanted them to. The next ones I liked, as well as the tail end of this one, but the last one and first part of this just didn't turn out the way I wanted. Maybe it was the whole music shop thing, but I just wasn't feeling it the way I do some of the other chapters. Anyway, let me know what you think. On to the fun stuff.
To kikinder: Agreed. It's somewhere along the lines in my plans. It might not be the exact same way, but I do have something like that coming along. Eventually anyway. And thanks! Always love hearing from you. To TomorrowCarpe Diem: Thanks! Percy is going to have to meet Leto since that's some fun I can't pass on. To Darkanaklusmos70: I misspelled your name like six times trying to type it out, but thanks! To lycnt: Thanks! And it sounds like a lot of fun, but I do have something I've also been itching to write. Another AU but not at all similar. Might incorporate elements of it but who knows? To Ishimaru Taiki: Thanks! Forts going to be fun, already drafting up plans for how I want it to come along and what I want to do with it. Leto is going to be super fun to write whenever I do decide to bring her up. And thanks! Glad you enjoy the music. To TakeYoCookie: That means a lot to me. Rereading that soon is a huge boost to my confidence. Also, that teaser! Looks awesome. Can't wait for the show. It's so pretty. To Vladiz45: Thanks! I didn't really like it that much but I'm glad you did. To mastercheif1229: Rereading is still crazy, but it does mean a lot to me so huge thank you. And about that story, I'm not sure. I thought it was but who knows? To Cmonty17: Thanks! It was something that I always wanted to write since I just really like their characters. They're a ton of fun and there's a lot of interesting stuff you can do so I'm glad to hear that you're enjoying my little take on them. To Guest: Ah thanks! I really didn't enjoy the last chapter so it means a lot to hear that you did. Always love to hear it. To the other Guest: It's super well written and I want to emulate some of that skill. Awesome story. And thanks! It's been a ton of fun to write. To q1234567: n shit. Jokes aside though, it's partially intentional. In my experience, a lot of people tend to use the same phrases in response to similar situations and so they tend to reuse a lot of the same phrases. Fair enough being an example of that. Noted though. To jujp: Thanks! It's been so much fun to write this story and I'm glad to know you're enjoying it. To efyso: Ah thanks! All is well, and I hope the same for you. Have a nice undisclosed period of time. To Tyler Matheson: Ah thanks for the laugh. Artemis may be a goddess of archery but I certainly am not. I had assumed that it was like dry-firing a firearm. But, I did a bit of reading and it makes sense to me why it isn't. Anyway, thanks for informing me! Always love learning a bit more about random stuff. To IAmOutOfIdeas: Thanks! That's a crazy compliment. It's been my little passion project for about a year now. Glad to know you're enjoying. To Remvis: Hey! I love hearing that. You're part of the reason that I wanted to write since your story was super relaxing and just easy to read. Glad to hear you enjoyed though! Awesome story by the way, really enjoyed reading it. And to Aisling-SA: Ah well that's good. Glad to hear about the songs though. I do put a bit of thought into them, but mostly I just like listening to them honestly. And full reading twice is insane. That's a lot to read, especially if you're rereading it. Means a lot to me! Anyway, chapter 28 is up! And it's been a great time writing this since it's a great little outlet and just helps me think. The characters also make it a ton of fun since I spend a lot of time just sort of day-dreaming during class about what I should do or what they should say. And about the recs, I'll get them in the next note. I've got a few, but I'd like to take the time to add a little blurb for them and to refresh myself on them. For now though, A Year In a Day is great! Very relaxing read and just generally a feel good story.

Anyway, let me know what you guys think. Sorry again about the late update today.