22. Mute

The worst part about being a demigod—besides dying, the constant interruptions in your life, never having privacy, not being able to see one of your parents, being forced to make life and death decisions at a young age, your friends dying, godly parents trying to get you and your girlfriend to break up, falling into actual hell—you know what, being a demigod just all over sucked. One of the worst parts of being a demigod was how nectar and ambrosia didn't work on mortal illness. Like, say laryngitis.

Percy glared at his friends, deciding that he needed new friends. Immediately.

"It's just laryngitis, you'll be fine in a few days, stop being such a baby," Thalia told him, picking dirt out of her boot with a knife.

"It's actually kind of nice," Leo teased with a grinned, ducking when Percy threw a handful of dirt his way.

"No speaking," Annabeth said firmly as Percy opened his mouth to retaliate. She put a hand over his mouth, not trusting him to refrain from trying to force his swollen throat to work.

"Aww, yeah Percy listen to Dr. Annabeth," Jason snickered. "Save your precious voice."

Percy flipped him off.

"It is a nice change of pace," Frank mused, which, wounded Frank I thought we had something.

"It's too bad it'll only last a few days," Piper joined and everyone laughed save Annabeth, who patted him on the back.

I hate all of you, Percy thought, narrowing his eyes at them all and wishing laryngitis on each and every one of them. It only made his friends laugh harder so Percy pushed himself up with an air of I don't have to deal with your abuse.

"Don't be such a sour puss!" Jason called after his retreating back, followed by an ow. Percy hoped Annabeth kicked him.

His girlfriend didn't run after him, knowing he needed a moment to calm down before she made any attempt to cheer him up, so Percy stalked to the lakeshore alone. He shoved his hands into his pocket, his throat aching and uncomfortable. He gave a pathetic weak cough, shoulders hunching as he kicked at the sand. He hobbled on one foot, tearing one shoe off and throwing it across the sand, then repeated the process until he was barefoot, shoes strewn across the shore. Percy waded into the lake until the water was up to his knees than plopped down. He propped his elbows on his knees, resting his chin in his hands as he glared out at the sun's reflection on the peaceful lake, narrowing his eyes angrily at the cheerful sight.

Little fish darted in and out of his crossed legs, nipping at his jeans in sympathy. A turtle made its slow way out to him, and Percy couldn't help the fond huff that fell off his lips as the little creature crawled onto his lap.

In the distance, a group of hippocampuses jumped into the air, performing all kinds of flips and twists, the theatrics undoubtedly for his amusement. Percy pressed his mouth into his palm, trying to hide the smile he couldn't keep from creeping up his face. The waves stilled around him, the water evening out and Percy swore, in the tranquility of the surface, his father's face stared up at him.

Percy sat up straight, hand falling away from his face as he watched in surprise. Poseidon smiled at him, looking vaguely amused and maybe sympathetic. The water was so still that Percy almost felt like the god was actually right there. Poseidon opened his mouth and—

"Hey, a little help here."

The water shimmered, waves breaking the smoothness of the surface and distorting the lord of the sea's face until all shape disappeared. Percy's mouth open, no wait on the tip of his tongue but only a vague croaking sound emerged as his father's face vanished. Percy coughed, mentally cursing this stupid disease, Zeus and his stupid rules, all thing demigod—

"Percy, come on now, stop sulking. I won't get my pants wet just because you're being a big baby."

Percy turned and saw his girlfriend standing in the sand, shoes in hand and one eyebrow rose. She glared at him, clearly unimpressed. Percy sighed but waved her out, palm extending out for her to grab. She waded into the water, the waves lapping against her pants but leaving them dry. She took his hand when she got close enough, sitting by his side. Percy stared at the spot Poseidon's face had disappeared seconds before and bitterly regretted being robbed of one of the brief moments he got with his father. Annabeth rested her head on his shoulder and Percy knew it wasn't her fault. He'd call that Zeus's fault then.

"They're just teasing, you know. They really do love you."

Percy squeezed her hand, unable to even grunt in response as the lake moved around them. The turtle on his knee poked its head out of its shell, nibbling on his jeans.

"They do. You just too miserable to admit it."

Percy huffed, blowing the quick puff of air through his nose, staring at the horizon where the hippocampuses still frolicked for his amusement. Annabeth laughed. Percy looked down at her golden head, thought about kissing her forehead then thought against it. Better not get her sick too. As a matter of fact. Percy gently nudged her and she pulled away enough to look at him. Percy motioned for her to move away, gesturing at his throat.

Annabeth snorted, her head falling back onto his shoulder.

"Idiot. What's the worst that could happen? If I couldn't speak you would still know what I was trying to say, and really what else matters?"

Percy supposed she had a point there. He rested his chin on her golden curls, watching the hippocampus once more. He swore one turned and winked at him.

Thanks, Dad, Percy thought, closing his eyes and soaking in the moment.

A/n Feel your pain Percy, being sick sucks lol. Hope you're all having a well new year so far and aren't sick.

Up Next: Reopened Wound