Nico POV
The night sky was something I could never not want to see. It was beautiful… serene, with stars like diamonds strewn across a velvet canvas, each one a tiny beacon of light in the vast expanse of darkness. Their twinkling seemed to whisper secrets of the universe, drawing me into contemplation of the infinite possibilities beyond our earthly realm. As I gazed upward, I felt a profound sense of awe and wonder, humbled by the sheer magnitude of the cosmos and my own insignificance within it. Yet, paradoxically, I also felt connected, as if those distant stars were old friends guiding me on my journey through the night.
Here, Thalia and I found our own slice of peace for the night, away from the chaos of the world. Lying on a soft blanket spread out over the grass, with Thalia's head resting comfortably on my chest, I found myself lost in the moment, playing with her dark, tangled hair as we pointed out constellations to each other.
"Look, there's Orion," I whispered, tracing the shape with my finger in the air. "Never liked him, to be honest." Thalia giggled, her breath warm against my skin.
"You know, for a son of Hades, you have a surprising love for the stars."
"It's the one place that seems unaffected by the turmoil down here," I admitted, smiling at the comfort our shared silence brought. "Battle can wreak havoc upon the mortal world, but the stars will still shine with their brilliant intensity.
For a while, we simply existed together under the stars, sharing stories and laughter that made the rest of the world fade away. However, eventually, our conversation took a more serious turn.
"It's strange, isn't it? Percy and Artemis... no one saw that coming," Thalia said, her voice tinged with a mix of disbelief and sadness.
"Yeah," I sighed, feeling a tightness in my chest at the mention of their names. "They seemed so solid. To think they broke up over... simple misunderstandings."
"It just shows you never really know what's going on with someone, huh?"
I nodded, feeling a tinge of sadness for my friend.
"Honestly, I thought they were going to be together forever," I admitted. "Thought they'd get married, have kids, grow up and maybe even run the hunt together." Thalia snorted.
"Easy there," she snorted. "Marriage alone scares Artemis, let alone having children."
"Really?" I asked, curiously. "She's the goddess of childbirth, isn't she? Surely she'd enjoy the idea of finally being able to experience her domain?" Thalia shook her head.
"I mean she's not exactly enthusiastic about it right now, but maybe later things will change. For now, let's focus on getting them together, and then we'll work on getting them married." I nodded, before on a whim, I joked, "So, when are we getting married?"
The laughter died down, and an unexpected silence fell between us. Thalia sat up, looking down at me with an intensity I hadn't anticipated.
"We could, you know," she suddenly said quietly. I scoffed, the idea seeming ludicrous with everything going on.
"What, with Percy still angry at you?" I asked. Thalia held my hand, her grip firm.
"We could run away. Artemis, with some convincing, would let me go. We could get married, start a family, have a normal life, and then maybe later return to the hunt once Percy has forgotten about it."
"If he ever forgets," I muttered, knowing Percy wasn't one to forget betrayal so easily. Thalia winced at my words but persisted.
"We could, you know."
I shook my head, torn between my desires and my loyalty.
"Percy's done so much for us all. I couldn't leave him like that."
"But what do we do then?" Thalia sighed, her frustration evident. "Percy will never even let us date, let alone marry. I've been with the hunt for a while, and as amazing as it is, the idea of eternally being a maiden just doesn't appeal to me. Neither does it to Artemis anymore, I don't think, or else she wouldn't be seeking percy out. What do we do, Nico?" I shrugged, feeling helpless.
"I don't know," I admitted, "but we can't just run away." The sadness in my voice was palpable as I sighed. "So sad," I murmured. "I long to be with you, but Percy... he says you're not right for me."
"Maybe a secret marriage?" Thalia suggested, half in earnest.
The weight of our situation settled over us, a sombre cloud dimming the light of the stars above. Thalia lay back down, her head finding its way back to my chest, and we returned to our silent stargazing, each lost in our thoughts about a future that seemed as distant as the constellations overhead.
"Maybe," I finally whispered, the word a fragile thread of hope in the darkness.
And there, under the watchful gaze of the night sky, we let the silence envelop us once more.
Here we were, together yet apart…
bound by the stars and the shadows they cast.
Percy POV
"Okay, so can we go over the plan one more time?" I asked, slightly anxiously. Immediately, Aphrodite and Hestia groaned.
"Percy," Hestia whined. "We've been over it like five times. I don't think I'm capable of going over it again." I nodded, albeit a little crestfallen.
"I just need tonight to go perfectly," I sighed. "I shouldn't've overreacted like that and run away." Hestia gently put her hand on my shoulder.
"It's the small mistakes in life that build us up to make who we are today," Hestia said warmly, and I smiled at her.
Sitting in Hestia's cosy living room, I was going over the final details of my plan to win Artemis back. I felt a mix of determination and nervousness, a cocktail of emotions I wasn't used to. Hestia, ever the gracious host, had been helping me fine-tune my approach, ensuring that every aspect of my gesture towards Artemis was thoughtful and sincere. Aphrodite, on the other hand, had taken it upon herself to ensure I looked the part, arguing that first impressions, even if not technically the first, mattered immensely in matters of the heart.
As Hestia excused herself to check on some cookies she had in the oven—her way of providing comfort food for what she anticipated might be an emotionally charged reunion—I was left alone with Aphrodite. The goddess of love was an imposing figure, not just in her beauty but in her presence, which filled the room with an air of anticipation.
We sat in silence for a moment, the kind of silence that feels heavy with words unsaid. It was Aphrodite who broke it, her voice soft yet piercing.
"Do you love her?" she asked suddenly, her gaze fixed on me. I was taken aback.
"What?" I managed, surprised by the directness of her question. Aphrodite leaned forward, her interest evident.
"Well, you're the now thrice saviour of Olympus. You could have practically anyone in the world. Why her?" Her question wasn't accusatory but genuinely curious. It made me pause, digging deep for an answer that would satisfy not only Aphrodite but myself as well.
"I... It's not about being able to have anyone," I started, choosing my words carefully. "It's about finding someone who understands you, someone who's seen you at your worst and still... still believes in you. Artemis... she's seen me at my lowest, and she never wavered. And she's shown she's capable of change. She's shown she's capable of caring and loving me as much as I love her."
Aphrodite nodded, her expression softening.
"But love, Percy, is complex. It's not just about being seen at your lowest, or showing change. It's about being understood, being challenged, and growing together. Do you feel that with her? I do not wish to scare or deter you from her. I simply want you to understand exactly what you're getting yourself into."
"Yes," I said, more confidently this time. "With Artemis, it's never been simple. We've had our challenges, but that's just it. We've grown because of them, not in spite of them. I've learned more about myself with her than I ever did alone."
"And the betrayal?" Aphrodite pressed, her eyes never leaving mine. "Or rather, betrayals? Can you move past them?" I hesitated, the memory of the sword still a sore point between us.
"I truly believe we can. It hurt, yes. But if we're willing to talk, to really communicate, I think we can overcome it. I love her, Aphrodite. That hasn't changed. If anything, it's grown stronger. I just took my time to realise that." Aphrodite smiled, a genuine smile that reached her eyes.
"Love is indeed a powerful force, Percy," she said wisely. Wow, what was it with everyone saying wise things today? "It can heal, it can grow, and it can overcome. But remember, it's a two-way street. Artemis must be willing to walk it with you, hand in hand."
"I know," I acknowledged. "And I'm ready to find out if she is too."
"Good," Aphrodite said, standing up. "Then go to her, Percy. Go with love, but also with openness. Be prepared for whatever outcome, but know that in matters of the heart, honesty is your greatest ally."
As Hestia returned to the room, her presence brought a sense of calmness. I stood up, feeling more prepared and resolved than ever.
"Thank you," I said to both goddesses, gratitude swelling in my chest. "For everything." As I expressed my gratitude, Hestia and Aphrodite responded in kind, their warmth enveloping the room like a comforting embrace.
"No problem," Hestia said with a gentle smile, her maternal presence always a source of comfort. "That's what mothers are for."
"And that's what awesome love goddesses are for," Aphrodite added with a grin. Her laughter was infectious, and I couldn't help but chuckle along with her, the tension I had felt earlier easing away. Before I could turn to leave, Hestia extended her hand, offering me a freshly baked cookie. Its aroma was inviting, a perfect blend of sweetness and warmth.
"For the road," she said, her eyes twinkling with a mix of mischief and kindness. I accepted the cookie, taking a bite and savouring the taste. It was delicious, a small piece of home to carry with me.
"This is great, thank you," I said, feeling a surge of energy and optimism.
Aphrodite and Hestia wished me luck, their voices filled with genuine hope for my success. "Good luck, Percy. Remember, love is the greatest adventure of all," Aphrodite said, her gaze soft and encouraging. "But then again, I'm the love goddess, so of course I'd say that."
"Be honest, be brave, and most importantly, be true to your heart," Hestia smiled. "You'll find your way," she added, her voice imbued with wisdom and certainty.
With their words echoing in my mind, I left, feeling a renewed sense of purpose and determination. The night air was cool against my skin, a stark contrast to the warmth I had felt inside. I took a deep breath, letting the calmness of the evening fill me.
Tonight, I wasn't just going to win Artemis back. I was going to start a new chapter in our lives, one built on trust, understanding, and a love that could withstand the trials we had faced, and those yet to come.
As soon as I approached the beach, I noticed her. Well how could I not? Who else had such gorgeous, auburn hair, and such fair skin? Artemis sat alone, watching the moon rise over the ocean. Her presence was as captivating as ever, a serene figure against the backdrop of the gently lapping waves and the rising moon.
Taking a deep breath, I nervously ran a hand through my hair, immediately thinking how Hestia and Aphrodite would chide me for it—especially Aphrodite, who spent almost an hour making sure it looked perfect. But as I stepped out and silently walked towards her, I doubted any amount of preparation could truly prepare me for this moment.
She must have sensed me, but she remained still, her gaze fixed on the horizon. After a moment's hesitation, I silently sat down next to her, the sand cool beneath me.
"You always liked the moon rising over the ocean," I ventured, my voice barely above a whisper. She was silent for a bit, and my heart sank. Maybe I had presumed too much, maybe she wanted nothing to do with me. But just as I was tempted to say something else, to apologise for intruding, she spoke.
"It reminds me of us... the moon and the sea, so close, yet so far from each other," Artemis said, her voice laced with a sadness that tugged at my heart. "It reminds me of what I did wrong, and how I broke the trust."
"Artemis," I began, my voice soft, wanting to bridge the gap between us with words, with anything, but she cut me off, her voice stronger yet filled with emotion.
"Words can't explain how sorry I am, Percy. Every day I miss you. I wish to be with you." Her admission struck a chord within me, her vulnerability breaking down the last of my defences. Turning towards her, I saw the moonlight reflected in her eyes, lending them an ethereal glow.
"Artemis," I said again, this time taking her hand gently in mine. "It's okay. It was one mistake. We all make them. What matters is that we're here now, together." She turned to look at me, her eyes searching mine for a sincerity I felt down to my bones.
"But Percy, after everything, can we...?"
I squeezed her hand, reassuring her.
"Yes, we can. We can be together. Look, I won't pretend it didn't hurt, but I've had time to think, to understand, and I've realised I overreacted. We're more than just one mistake, Artemis. We're about everything we've been through together, everything we are to each other. And that's worth fighting for."
Artemis's eyes filled with a mixture of relief and love. She didn't say anything, but she didn't need to, instead snuggling against me. Just that one act made me smile, and made me wonder why I'd overreacted like that. I was so sad for so many days, when I could've just been with her, with Artemis, with my own moon.
"I was so afraid," she confessed, leaning her head against my shoulder. "Afraid you wouldn't forgive me, that you wouldn't want me anymore."
Pulling her closer, I let her rest against me, feeling the warmth of her presence.
"I will always want you, Artemis. Always. Despite everything you've done to me, and I've done to you, we've been through too much to let it end because of a single lapse in judgement, or a single, barely significant mistake."
For a while, we sat in silence, the only sound the gentle lapping of the waves and the soft whisper of the wind. It was a moment of reconciliation, of healing.
"Let's start anew," I whispered, my gaze fixed on the horizon where the moon kissed the sea. "Let's build on what we have, learn from our mistakes, and move forward. Together."
Artemis lifted her head, her gaze locking with mine, a new determination in her eyes. "Together," she echoed, a promise in her voice.
Sorry it's been a while, but here's another update! Hope you enjoyed this. As we're reaching the end, I'd really appreciate a few reviews : )
Also got a new book out! It's called Oathbreaker, and it's a Percy x Artemis fanfiction. Defo check it out if you have the time!