Percy was getting the distinct feeling of deja vu. Not for the first time, he found himself without a shirt after a swim, in his home, with Artemis on his couch. He chuckled at the thought. After Percy had taken the goddess up on her offer, she'd flashed the two back to his cabin on the sea. She wasn't wrong when she said he'd be more comfortable there. Maybe it was just something about camp? Regardless, the two had quickly made themselves at home with Artemis nestling herself in a throw blanket while Percy was on his favorite lounge chair.

"What now?" Percy asked awkwardly. The two had sat in silence for a bit and he was becoming a bit antsy.

"That depends on you, Perseus," Artemis said. He twisted his ring and began to fiddle with his knife as they spoke.

"I don't know what to say," Percy shifted uncomfortably, "Not sure if this is something I want to talk about."

"Then do not," Artemis said easily, "I will not force you to talk if you are uncomfortable, nor will I judge you if you do."

Percy nodded slowly. A little bit of the tension left his shoulders, but it was plain to see that he was struggling, "thanks."

Artemis simply nodded, "I haven't done anything."

Percy spun the blade around his finger before offering it to the goddess. She took it as he spoke, "Yeah but it's kind of nice to not be alone."

"I understand," Artemis said simply as she deftly spun the butterfly knife around in her hand with ease. The soft clinking noises were calming.

"Where'd you learn to do that?" Percy asked, watching as she tossed the blade around effortlessly.

"You have a lot of time to practice when you're immortal," she shrugged. It was strange to see the normally almost regal goddess of the hunt relaxed. Her normal air of authority and unyielding nature seemed to have become far more relaxed, almost serene, "How did you get this?"

"It was a gift from Hermes," Percy rubbed the back of his head.

"Ah," she said simply, "And I assume you liked your other gifts?"

He nodded, "They were all really cool. Lots of knives."

She nodded, "I seldom find myself with too many knives."

Percy laughed, "No such thing."

"Agreed," Artemis gave him a soft smile, "what of your other gifts? I know Apollo has gifted you a bow. He wouldn't stop prattling about it."

Percy easily summoned it from his ring and offered it to her, "It is pretty cool. Just don't know how to use it."

"Yes. I saw you throw it at the son of Jupiter," Artemis said without looking up from the bow. Percy blushed. How had she seen that?, "Apollo was right to brag. It is a fine weapon, even by my standards."

Percy blinked, "That means it's pretty great right?"

She shot him a roguish grin, "Of course. I designed it after all."

Percy laughed, "Really?"

She nodded, "One of my favorites. I gifted a similar bow to Apollo when we left Delos though I see he has added pony limbs. May I?"

Percy nodded in confusion. What were pony limbs? The goddesses request quickly made sense as she stood and drew back the bow. He watched as the muscles in her back worked to draw the string back. She drew in a breath before releasing the string. The normal twang of the string was almost completely silent as the pelt dampened the sound. Seemingly satisfied, she lowered the weapon and ran a hand over the limbs. He watched as it glowed faintly before fading.

"The draw weight is a bit heavy for my taste but I think it will suit you well," she handed the bow back to him and he noticed it seemed significantly lighter. He looked at her questioningly, and she responded nonchalantly after drawing the blanket back, "A simple blessing for a fine bow."

Percy dipped his head a bit, "Thanks."

She waved him off without looking. Percy followed her gaze and saw that she seemed to be staring at the fireplace. Of course, the goddess was likely just staring off in thought but he did find himself agreeing regardless that a fire would be quite nice.

"Can I get you anything to eat or drink while I'm up?" Percy asked, slowly pushing himself off the lounge. If he was going to light the fire, he might as well get a snack as well. She looked pensive for a moment before asking for a glass of water. If he recalled correctly, his mother had left a rather large plate of cookies before she'd last left two nights ago. He'd wanted to skip the party on Olympus to spend more time with her, but she'd insisted that he go.

He grinned in anticipation as he set about the cottage with purpose. Firstly, he intended to start the fire up. Luckily, he had firewood stored in the kitchen. He tried keeping some inside so that he didn't always have to go outside to the woodpile. Grabbing a bundle of the stuff, he made his way back into the living room and situated himself in front of the fireplace. Artemis watched in mild amusement as he did so. He crossed his legs and quickly stacked the wood along the grate and stands to allow for airflow before pulling his lighter out and striking it. He'd left one small piece of kindling out so he could light it before placing it inside.

He grinned as the wood caught and the orange-red tongues of flame slowly grew. As soon as the fire was at a suitable height, he pulled back and moved the lounge chair he'd been sitting on, tossing the blanket that had been on it onto the ground. While the rug he had was soft, a little extra padding never hurt.

"I know you said you didn't want anything but can I interest you in cookies?" Percy called as he ran back towards the kitchen.

Artemis smiled softly though Percy couldn't exactly see that, "You seem adamant."

"You'll be glad you had them. You want milk?" he asked from the kitchen. Artemis was about to respond but he spoke again, "Of course you do, milk and cookies are the best."

The only indication of her amusement was the slight glimmer of her silvery eyes as Percy reappeared roughly two minutes later, plate laden with cookies in hand. He set them down on the coffee table before running back for the glasses. Thirty seconds later, and he was back in the living room, two cookies in hand. He strolled towards the fire and tossed one in. He waited a second before tossing in the second.

"I'd throw one in for you but you get them here," he grinned before making his way back and sitting down. He patted the ground next to him and looked up eagerly at the goddess on his couch, not unlike a puppy waiting for its human. Artemis obliged and the two found themselves in front of the fire, cookie and milk in hand. While Percy wasn't in the habit of drinking milk, he made an exception for his mothers cookies.

"They're blue," Artemis noted, gingerly taking one from the plate.

"Always," Percy grinned, "My mom always makes blue food. Blue cookies, blue pancakes, blue eggs once, no ham though."

"Blue food," Artemis chuckled, "I see why Uncle liked her."

Percy smiled softly, "Everybody likes her. She's the best mother you could ask for."

"You speak highly of her," Artemis observed. Percy held up his cookie, almost as if to toast. Artemis, once again, obliged, tapping her cookie. Percy smiled widely before taking a bite out of his. Artemis watched, his face relaxing as he let his body slump back onto the body of the couch they were sitting in front of. She'd never seen blue food before, much less blue cookies but she wished that hadn't been the case after trying one.

"Good?" Percy smiled contently, letting his head rest against the seat.

The goddess of the hunt nodded. While she wasn't one for sweets, it seemed she'd just found an exception.

Percy grinned, "They're awesome right? Nobody ever believes me until they try them."

"I understand why my Lieutenant insists on going with you to visit your mother," Artemis smiled, "If you don't mind my asking, why throw two cookies in the fire?"

"One's for my dad because he's jealous every time I get to have them, and the other is for Lady Hestia."

Artemis gave him a questioning look, "For Hestia?"

"Yeah," Percy looked sheepish, "She looks out for me a lot and I've been doing it for years. Sometimes she helps me if I've had a really bad nightmare. Makes me feel like a kid again."

"You are still young," Artemis said, "Though Hestia has that effect."

"It's nice. Everything feels a bit easier," Percy said, pausing to take another bite out of his cookie. The fire seemed to shine a bit warmer as Artemis reached for her second, "she's sort of like a second mother and I owe her a lot."

Artemis smiled at the sentiment, "just as she owes you."

Percy shook his head, "Not this time. I could never ask her for anything, just like I couldn't ask my mother. It just doesn't feel right."

Artemis understood in a sense before smiling, "I find myself jealous."

"Of what?" Percy turned towards her curiously.

She glanced at the ceiling, "Of a few things. Of your relationship with your mother for one, and of my aunt and uncle getting these cookies regularly."

Percy grinned, "I'm more than happy to sacrifice one to you whenever I have them. And why my mom?"

"I'm not sure one will suffice," She spoke softly before letting her head rest against the seat of the couch before pausing. Her words were measured, "the life of the gods is strange. We are not close to our parents. My brother and I were kept secret until it benefitted my father. Though I see him regularly, we do not act as father and daughter. It seems he thinks me more of an ally to be manipulated as he needs."

Percy nodded, "That is pretty messed up. What about your mother?"

Artemis smiled softly at this, "I don't see her as often as I'd like but we were far closer. Since her return to Olympus, Apollo and I have tried to visit more."

"What about Apollo? You guys are close right?"

Artemis rolled her eyes, "You are friends with my brother, no?"

"Yeah we hang out sometimes with Hermes."

"Then you know that we do not see eye to eye on some things, but I do love him," Artemis sighed, "There was once that I thought that he had changed for the worse, but now I am not so sure. Gods are fickle. We do not change so easily. While our tempers are provisory, rarely do we find ourselves changing in the long term. Tradition is only exacerbated by time and we gods are in no rush to change."

Percy nodded, finishing off the rest of his glass. Artemis had long since finished hers and was still polishing off the plate, a fact that made him indescribably happy, "Can I get you more?"

Artemis glanced down at the plate in surprise, "I didn't realize."

Percy's grin grew wider, "You're welcome to have the rest."

Artemis looked down with an uncharacteristically sheepish look, "I apologize."

"For what? I can get these any time," Percy asked.

"Even so, I've overstepped."

Percy rolled his eyes, "First off, you're a god. Second, my mother will kill me if she hears that you stopped yourself from eating because you thought you were being rude."

Artemis nodded slowly, "Your mother sounds like a lovely person."

Percy nodded enthusiastically, "You should come meet her whenever she comes by."

Artemis watched as he quickly hopped up and took her glass. He returned shortly and their conversation picked up where they'd left it. Though he was woefully unaware, he'd felt a great tension lift from his shoulders. The goddess of the hunt seemed to have that effect on him. Perhaps it was because she was around during times of need, or maybe it was as simple as him enjoying her company. Regardless of the reason, the outcome was the same. For the first time in a long while, Percy Jackson felt at peace, a noted rarity in recent years.

"Are you unhappy with your brother?" Percy asked curiously.

Artemis frowned, "Concerned more so than unhappy. I have not been there for him as I should have been."

Percy sighed, "I'm not saying he's wrong, but relationships go two ways. If he wanted to reach out, I'm sure he would."

Artemis was pensive, "I have not always been the most welcoming, nor understanding. I fear that I turned my back on him when he needed it."

"Well," Percy smiled softly, "You have all the time in the world to fix it."

Artemis mulled over the thought as she finished off another baked sweet, "I worry that he will not accept my apologies."

"He might not," Percy said, "But that doesn't mean you shouldn't."

Artemis nodded, "It is strange that we came here under the pretense of helping you, and yet I find myself talking about my problems instead."

Percy chuckled, "You are helping. I'm not ready to talk about my issues yet, but the company is enough. Not having to eat alone is something I miss."

"A sentiment I understand."

Percy looked confused for a moment, "What about the hunt?"

"There was a time before the hunt," Artemis stated casually as she stared into the fire.

Percy hummed in understanding before looking towards the floor, "Am I wrong for disappearing?"

Artemis set her glass down, "There is nothing wrong with taking time for oneself."

"But I left everyone, let them all down," Percy's shoulders sagged.

"Who have you let down?" Artemis asked, "I have no recollection of such."

Percy looked up sadly, "Okay, not everyone."

Artemis spoke softly, yet sternly, "You must not try to carry the world on your shoulders, Perseus. You have carried the burden of the sky and that is enough. Need I remind you that even in the years you say you disappeared, you made time for those you cared about. I recall many a time where you'd pray to me and ask to speak to my lieutenant."

"It wasn't enough."

Artemis turned to him, "I can assure you that none of your friends hold it against you. You feel guilty because of your sense of duty, but there's no need. You have done more than any could ask. You did not have to bring young demigods to my camp, and yet I found you helping those who'd been lost find a new home."

Percy sat up a little bit after hearing that, though his posture was still one of pain, "It wasn't enough."

Artemis sighed, "Perseus, if even Athena, a critical god of stringent morals and ideals, can find no flaws with your actions, why should you? You are needlessly harsh on yourself and I suspect your friends will inform you of as much."

Not for the first time, Percy felt a little better. While there was still a lingering sadness, a great amount of pressure had been relieved from him, "Yeah, I guess. It's just hard to understand sometimes."

"We tend to be insightful about everything except for ourselves," Artemis replied, "and our feelings are one."

"Guess you're right," Percy smiled weakly, "Sorry to get all depressed on you."

"Do not be sorry for reaching out for help. My intention coming here was to help."

"Why did you come anyway?"

"My reason has not changed," Artemis said, tapping the floor, "I wished to help. It is the least I can do for the twice savior of Olympus."

"I did my job," Percy said sheepishly.

"Do not sell yourself short," Artemis waved her hand, "You have done far more than could possibly be asked of you."

"Doesn't feel like it sometimes," Percy's voice was bitter.

"It may seem that way because you have set unrealistic expectations for yourself and feel unworthy of respect if you do not match these. With feats as great as yours, it is nigh impossible to do so, and yet you continue to do so," Artemis's tone was understanding stern, yet her voice softened considerably as she continued, "I hope that you may one day see yourself for how you truly are, how your father or friends might see you and truly, how everyone sees you."

He sighed, "I know I've done a lot of good but it just feels empty now."

Artemis watched as a few of the flames seemed to glow a little stronger, "I do not presume to know why, nor am I omniscient. If you wish to talk about this, you must explain but do not feel the need to do so. And do remember, we can always revisit this if you wish."

Percy groaned, "Best talk now and regret later?"

"That is one way of viewing it," Artemis said lightly.

"It just feels hollow. We've done all these things but I don't have anybody to enjoy it with."

"I am assuming you mean my sister's child?" Artemis asked carefully. She was not versed in matters of the heart, and as such, a conversation regarding as much would require assiduousness and tact.

"Yeah," Percy's voice was weary, "I just thought I'd have someone who could understand and she left me for some minor god."

"Do you fault her for this?" Artemis's voice was passive. It would do no good to probe.

"Not at all," Percy sighed, "The heart wants what it does. I can't blame someone for not liking me."

"But you are upset at the outcome."

"Well yeah. Who wouldn't be?" Percy's voice was strained, "I just thought we would work out after all this."

Artemis's gaze softened as she spoke, "I may not understand, but it seems more so that you are upset with someone."

Percy slumped a little bit as he mulled over the thought, "Probably."

His tone was uncertain, though Artemis was certain there was some undertone of conviction, "Are you upset with your father?"

Percy shook his head, "Not like he had any control."

"Perhaps my sister then?" Artemis spoke softly, attempting to softly draw him closer. She was certain of what the issue was, but it would do the man in front of her no good to spell it out for him.

Percy chuckled mirthlessly, "Which one?"

"Athena, though your response makes me think you may be upset with my father instead."

Percy shook his head, "None of those."

"Aphrodite?"

"Yes but no," Percy grumbled, recalling earlier. Artemis decided to save that question for later.

"Then who could be the object of your ire?" Artemis asked gently.

Percy watched as the fire dimmed slightly. The more he thought about it, the more lost he became. He could feel the anger bubbling up in him, though he could never truly identify it. He'd never been mad at his dad. Well he had, but he wasn't anymore. Aphrodite was a lingering issue though she was more of a minor annoyance. Athena he had no issue with even if he was certain she played a small role in his misery.

A small part of him wanted to blame it on Zeus. It seemed like an easy answer. He was rash, childlike, and impulsive but those alone weren't enough to cause such anger. He'd cursed the Fates multiple times at this point, but he'd reserved that for annoyances more than anything. It seemed that while he had a hard time, they held him in their favor, even if it was in some twisted fashion. He'd blamed them yes, but they'd never let him fail before. Of course, that was probably his own doing but it still seemed like they didn't absolutely hate him. Enjoying making him miserable, yes, but they did not hate him.

He turned his gaze towards the clock. They'd passed several hours at this point, though it didn't feel like it. The clock wasn't anything particularly special but he did like the soft "thock" noise it made when the pendulum swung back and forth. His eyes unfocused slightly as he heard Artemis shift next to him and he found himself staring at himself. When had his eyes gotten so dull? Gone was the reflection of the spritely demigod he'd once been, instead replaced by a pitiful shell. A mere husk of what he'd once been. He scoffed. Artemis's words rang in the back of his head. When had he become so harsh on himself?

Oh. His laugh started slowly, a soft rumbling that slowly made its way up from the pit of his stomach until it racked his whole body, gradually turning into a full-blown laugh. Artemis had seen the realization dawn in his eyes as he stared at his reflection and wasn't surprised as he became steadily more unhinged, his laugh becoming more akin to a cackle before petering out into a mere whimper. She watched as the demigod fell silent once more, occasionally shuddering as he sat otherwise motionless.

Mentally, he was a mess. Well, more of a mess. He hadn't felt this sort of madness since being trapped on Circe's island as a guinea pig. It was rare that he felt claustrophobic, but he found himself feeling like the walls were closing in on him. A small, still rational part of his mind knew he was still in a large room but his body seemed to feel otherwise. It was only when he felt a blanket drape over his shoulders and lower body that he snapped back to reality.

He watched as the goddess of the hunt slowly walked away, taking the plate of cookies with her. He tried focusing on small details but found that he couldn't tear his mind away from the thought of being alone again. Even when she returned, he was still struggling. He was brought back to reality once more as the goddess crouched in front of him, holding one of his mother's blue cookies.

She watched as his eyes became focused once more. Gently, after several moments, he took the offered confection. She had not been certain that this would work, but it seemed that some of Apollo's prowess had rubbed off. She'd have to thank him for that later.

Percy slowly took the cookie and took a bite, relishing the warmth that spread through his body. It really was no wonder that nectar tasted like these cookies. His mind slowly relaxed, the room seeming a little brighter. The color of the flames were a bit more vibrant and the moon shone through the window a bit more.

It was only after finishing his cookie that he attempted to speak. His voice was hoarse, "You don't seem surprised."

Artemis shook her head, "I have seen many things in my time."

"Did you know?" Percy asked slowly.

"I did," Artemis replied simply, turning her head to look out the window. She spoke again a moment later, "It was a realization you needed to come to yourself."

Percy nodded slowly, "Are there any more cookies?"

Artemis turned back to stare at the demigod, "Is that what's on your mind after your revelation?"

"No," Percy attempted a smile, "but they were really good."

Artemis nodded, "Your nectar tastes like them."

It wasn't a question, "Reminds me of all the good in my life."

"Something to hold onto," Artemis said sagely.

"Hard to believe the answer was right in front of me all this time. Seems so obvious in retrospect," Percy's voice was weary, but not panicked. It had taken a somber tone, yet his shoulders sagged with relief, "It never made sense to me until now."

"Some things simply do not make sense until they do," Artemis spoke softly.

"Yeah," Percy's voice trailed off before he started again, "It seems so stupid to be mad at myself for not being there for Annabeth or for needing all this."

He gestured around slowly before slouching back into the couch. Artemis spoke soon after, "You blame yourself for something you could not control."

"But if I were better-"

Artemis cut him off, "I am not versed in relationships but as you have said, they go two ways. You grieve over the loss of one which is understandable, but understand that you were not at fault for anything."

"How?" Percy asked fervently, "I wasn't there like I should have been. I wasn't fast enough to catch her, and I wasn't even strong enough to get over our relationship."

Artemis shook her head and turned to him, silver eyes shining, "Your loyalty is both admirable and insufferable. It would do you well to remember that even gods have short-comings. You are not perfect."

"But I can be better," Percy's voice bordered on manic, "I could have trained more or something."

Artemis's voice was stern, "You can be better, but that does not make you infallible, it makes you a person. You can always be better, your past experiences are not your fault."

"How can they not be?"

Artemis sighed, "Think of this for a moment. Think that if I or the other gods had chosen to do more, we could have helped. Saved lives, and we didn't."

"It's different."

"In what regard?" Artemis's eyes shone brightly, though not out of happiness, "You have regrets, but we cannot change the past. Learn from it, but do not let it be the only thing to define you."

Percy sighed as he slumped down a bit, "Easier said than done."

"It will not be easy, but it is necessary. I will not see one of the few men I have ever respected waste away due to some perceived failure."

Her glare wasn't harsh which wasn't surprising to Percy. Some small part of him felt pride in her words, though he was struggling to quell the other parts that pushed his rational mind back. He attempted a weak smile before shaking his head and sighing.

"I thought it'd get better once everything was over," Percy sighed, letting his head hang.

"A feeling I know all too well, Perseus," Artemis didn't lift her gaze, "it will take time, and it will never go away, but it will get better."

Percy blinked. The usually closed off goddess sounded uncharacteristically open. Before he could think of a better response, the words were spilling out of his mouth, "You are… You are Artemis right?"

Her head didn't quite snap towards him but he could certainly feel the lingering question, "Have I given you any reason to believe that I am not?"

Percy rubbed the back of his head sheepishly, "No but I'm just being careful. Aphrodite showed up as you earlier."

Artemis bristled, "And you just thought to inform me of this? What did she do?"

Percy stopped himself from shrinking back, "I meant to tell you. She didn't really do anything other than badger me about my love life."

"In my form?" Artemis glowered. This time, he did shrink back a little, causing the goddess to visibly stiffen before calming, if only a little, "Forgive me. I know this is not your fault. It is a serious offense to do such a thing."

"Uh it's okay?" Percy blinked before speaking again, "I caught her pretty quickly because she kept giving herself away. Called me Percy, left my door open, called your hunters "the hunters," made some suggestive comments, but nothing else."

Artemis pinched the bridge of her nose, "And I assume she began to lecture you regarding your love life after?"

Percy nodded slowly, "Said some normal love goddess stuff and tried to give me a little pep talk too after she changed back."

Artemis's eyes had hardened significantly, "She and I will have words. She did not do anything…"

Artemis trailed off but Percy understood the underlying statement and raised his hands placatingly, "I promise that she did and even if she did, I would not have accepted such advances."

Artemis was no longer glaring, rather looking at him curiously. He stumbled over his words as he rambled, "Please don't be offended. I'm just not really looking for anything like that and it seems pretty wrong because we wouldn't even be in a relationship and you've got that whole maiden thing going on and I'd really prefer not to be a rodent."

He turned his gaze to the floor and absentmindedly picked at his rug. Artemis, while not entirely surprised, was a little curious, "You ramble, but to answer, I take no offense. I did not take you to be one who entertained yourself with such vices."

She paused for a second before speaking again, "I understand that you are not over the daughter of Athena then?"

Percy shook his head, "I am but that doesn't mean I'm ready for another relationship you know? I've got some pretty bad trust issues now I guess and I'm not really in a good place mentally to devote myself to anyone. I mean it sounds kinda nice but at the same time, I don't know if it's worth trying my hand. I don't really think I'd have much luck dating around and I probably wouldn't enjoy it anyway."

"You are still rambling, Perseus," Artemis stated plainly.

He cringed inwardly, "Sorry, I'm just really eager not to end up as a rodent again."

Artemis laughed softly, calming the demigod down a little, "Again you say?"

Percy took a breath before giving a small smile. He didn't feel quite well enough to laugh as he had earlier, but he had been feeling better. The tale was one that he now looked back on fondly as it was rather absurd, but also led him to meeting a new friend. He'd regaled Artemis with the tale, with Artemis adding a few comments here and there. While she could understand Circe's sentiment, she'd rather not keep them as pets. Better to keep them out of her hair.

The duo had talked rather late into the night with their conversations drawing to a close as the embers of the flame flickered out. He hadn't bothered to refuel the fire, nor did there seem to be a reason to. Percy snickered as Artemis finished off the plate. It did bring him a certain sense of pride to know that the goddess enjoyed his mother's cooking so much. He reminded himself that he'd have to sacrifice three cookies now, potentially more. As far as he was concerned, his day could have gone far worse.