Percy awoke with a groan, his head pounding like a drum in his temples. He blinked against the harsh rays of sunlight streaming into the room.
As his eyes adjusted to the brightness, he slowly realised he was sprawled on a luxurious bed, surrounded by sumptuous silks and perfumed pillows. The soft, melodious notes of a distant harp filled the air, and the room was bathed in a warm, rosy glow. Confusion washed over him as he tried to piece together the events of the previous night. He remembered drinking heavily, drowning his sorrows about… About something.
Ah, Artemis.
Now it was starting to come back to him. The memory of her rejecting him still stung like a fresh wound, and it made his heart ache. She'd tried to be nice about it, but Percy was just hurt. He didn't know if he could ever go back to a friendship… to what they had before, without looking at her with longing, regret, and the hundreds of other emotions that came with rejection.
Slowly, Percy pushed himself up to a sitting position, wincing at the pain in his throbbing head. He rubbed his temples, attempting to ease the headache. It felt as if a thunderstorm was raging inside his skull. His gaze fell to his clothes, and he blinked in disbelief. Gone were the rumpled T-shirt and jeans he had been wearing the night before. Instead, he found himself dressed in elegant attire, a white tunic and breeches fit for a nobleman. The material was soft and cool against his skin, and he couldn't help but wonder how he'd managed to change. Percy might've gotten drunk, but he couldn't have gotten so drunk that he'd randomly change his clothes… could he?
A deep sigh escaped his lips as he tried to remember the details of the previous evening. The alcohol had blurred his recollection, leaving only fragments of conversations and blurry faces. The only clear memory was of Artemis, her silver eyes confused and distant as she turned him away once more. With great effort, Percy swung his legs over the edge of the bed and attempted to stand. His muscles protested, feeling heavy and tired. It was as if he had been through a gruelling battle, but he couldn't recall any such conflict. As Percy slowly made his way to his feet, his heart weighed down by the memory of Artemis's rejection, he couldn't help but feel a strange mix of emotions. Confusion, regret, and sadness mingled within him, and he knew that whatever had transpired the night before had left him with more questions than answers. But for now, the only thing he was certain of was the relentless ache in his head and the random, magical change of clothes. After a quick but necessary dental hygiene routine, Percy decided to talk to the one person who might actually know what's going on. His extremely annoying mentor who had an obsession with his love life - Aphrodite.
Percy quickly went down the stairs, each step echoing in his aching head. His first stop was the living room. Aphrodite loved reading weird books, and watching even weirder shows here, but to his surprise, it was empty. However, his brow furrowed as he turned his attention to the corner of the room. There, neatly folded and stacked, were his old clothes, the rumpled T-shirt, flannel and jeans he had worn last night. Percy knew he would never fold clothes that neatly (he preferred chucking them in the wardrobe and hoping they'd magically fold themselves), especially not in his drunken state from the night before. It only estranged him out even more.
Shaking his head with a sigh, he continued to follow the sounds of clinking dishes, leading him to the kitchen. When she wasn't being dramatical and getting caught up in other people's love stories, Aphrodite loved the kitchen. Percy couldn't even blame her, the main reason being food. The delicacies conjugated in that room were more than mouthwatering. They were… indescribably delicious.
Already fueled by the thought of food, Percy flung the door open, and there, amidst the delicious aroma of freshly cooked pancakes, stood Aphrodite, of all people. She was dressed in a simple, modest outfit, which definitely took him by surprise. From previous experiences, seeing Aphrodite in modest clothes was as rare as seeing a blue moon. Then again, there was a blue moon last year… Her long, flowing hair was pulled back into a loose bun, and she seemed to be genuinely focused on flipping a pancake in a sizzling pan.
As soon as he opened the door, Aphrodite turned with a radiant smile, her gaze falling upon Percy.
"Ah Percy!" she said in a melodious voice. "Good morning. Nice of you to drop by, and just in time as well. I'm making your favourite blue pancakes." She gestured to the pan, and true to her words, there was a blue pancake. Percy couldn't help but feel a sense of surrealism wash over him. Aphrodite was cooking breakfast for him without magic, or nymphs, or any sort of help, as if she were just an ordinary person. It almost made him feel like a normal mortal again…
"Blue pancakes?" Percy repeated, slightly taken aback by the gesture.
"Yes, darling. Blue pancakes," Aphrodite confirmed with a wink as she carefully plated a stack of them and placed them on the kitchen table. "Now sit down, Percy, and try to be good company for me please. I've been bored and lonely all morning, and we both know my mornings start wayyyy before yours." Percy complied, still feeling a bit dazed by the entire situation. He took a seat at the table, eyeing the meal in front of him. As he picked up a fork and took a bite, he couldn't help but marvel at how delicious they were. His guess? Aphrodite had somehow gotten the recipe from his mother. That's how good they were.
"So are we gonna talk about what happened?" he asked, devouring another delicious bite of pancake. Aphrodite looked up from her food, giving him a quizzical look.
"Uh, you mean what you did last night?"
"Yes! Wait no. Sort of…" Aphrodite raised an eyebrow, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. Percy sighed. "I mean what happened to my clothes! I definitely don't remember changing them last night."
"Percy, do you remember anything about what you did last night?" she questioned. He shrugged.
"Not really, but I know I'd never just change my clothes like that, so what happened?" Taking her time, Aphrodite took another bite of food, before washing it down with a glass of orange juice.
"Would it reassure you if I said I changed you?" she smirked. Percy's fork froze midway to his mouth, and his eyes widened in shock.
"You…You changed me?" His voice quivered with a mix of anger and disbelief. "Aphrodite! What is wrong with you!? You can't just-" Aphrodite chuckled softly, her laughter as musical as a songbird.
"Oh, Percy, darling, don't get all flustered. I just snapped my fingers to change your clothes, don't worry. It's all magic, I promise. I didn't actually see anything." Percy's initial anger began to ebb away as he took in her playful expression. He sighed, his shoulders slumping in relief.
"You scared me there, Aphrodite," he grumbled. "Changing a guy's clothes without his permission, even if you are the goddess of love and you're using magic, that's not cool." Aphrodite's smile remained, and she shrugged casually.
"But, Percy, dear, where's the fun in being cool all the time? Besides, I wanted to see your reaction." Percy couldn't help but roll his eyes, though a small smile tugged at the corner of his lips.
"You really enjoy messing with people, don't you?" Aphrodite leaned back in her chair, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
"Well, darling, it's all part of my charm." Percy shook his head in amusement, his initial worry fading into the background.
"Alright, Aphrodite, I get it. But next time, can you at least warn me before you decide to change anything about me?" Aphrodite raised an eyebrow, her expression more thoughtful now.
"Well… I suppose I could do that. But where's the fun in warning you? Half the delight is in seeing your reactions, my dear Percy. And if you saw how you were acting yesterday, there was no way I was getting you to answer any questions."
"Yesterday…" Percy sighed, sadness and heartache taking its toll on him. "She... she said no, didn't she?" Aphrodite nodded sympathetically, her own expression tinged with sorrow.
"Yes, Percy, she did. But remember, just because Artemis said no doesn't mean others won't. There are plenty of people out there who would be lucky to have you. I can make five IM's and get you five dates within the hour." Percy sighed deeply, the weight of his unrequited feelings for Artemis pressing down on him.
"I appreciate that, Aphrodite, but I think we both know that isn't happening." She shrugged, offering him a warm smile.
"Well, it was worth a shot." Percy nodded, before getting up from his seat and putting both his and Aphrodite's plates in the sink.
"Did anything else happen yesterday?" he frowned. "I have some fuzzy memories of us… well we were about to do something I'd never want to do with you, no offence." Aphrodite chuckled.
"Don't worry, Percy," she assured. "Nothing happened between us, and even if it did, I'd never let it happen while you're drunk." He let out a sigh of relief. Whatever happened was nothing more than a hazy dream.
"Thank you for the food, Aphrodite," he said, while making his way to the door. However, as he turned to head for the door, Aphrodite's voice stopped him in his tracks.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa!" she exclaimed dramatically. "Where do you think you're going?" Percy turned back to her, puzzled.
"I'm going to my room? I've figured that I should get some self-time." Aphrodite shook her head, sighing deeply.
"Percy," she began. "Going to your room to sulk isn't a good idea. What you need is to get some fresh air, my dear." Percy groaned, clearly not thrilled by the prospect.
"But that sounds boring." Aphrodite's lips curled into a playful smile.
"Oh, Percy, trust me, it won't be boring with the company I've planned for you." He shot her a glare.
"Aphrodite, seriously! We've talked about this! You're not meant to plan stuff for me without asking! Why would you even do that?" Aphrodite couldn't help but smirk playfully.
"Because, as much as you like to deny it, I know what's best for you." Percy blinked in confusion, his curiosity growing.
"Who am I even going with?" he sighed. As if on cue, the doorbell rang, and Aphrodite turned to it with a knowing smile. "Oh great," Percy muttered. "I don't even know what she's signed me up for this time."
Aphrodite swung open the door with an elegant flourish, and Percy found himself face to face with none other than Apollo and Hermes, both grinning like they were in on some big secret. Apollo waved enthusiastically and greeted, "Hi, Percy!" Hermes chimed in, his trademark mischievous grin in full bloom.
"Ready for a day of fun, my fellow, extremely muscular and surprisingly funny god?"
Percy's jaw dropped as he stared at the unexpected duo. He had no idea what Aphrodite had up her sleeve, but it seemed like he was in for an adventure, whether he liked it or not.
Time for side quest number two hundred and eighty four, only this time he was with Apollo and Hermes.
"Do you want to talk about what happened?" Picking up a box of used arrows, Artemis made her way to the main pavilion.
"Not particularly," she murmured. Thalia quickened her pace to catch up with Artemis.
"Are you sure, Artemis? Yesterday was... rough, but we can move past it. Percy's resilient; he'll understand." Artemis halted abruptly, causing Thalia to nearly collide with her. With a frustrated sigh, she dropped the box of arrows to the ground with a clatter. She turned to Thalia, her silver eyes filled with turmoil.
"How can I get over it, Thalia? Forget his forgiveness, how can I forgive myself for what I did, unknowingly or not. I rejected one of the kindest, funniest people I've ever met without even realising it. He made such a nice meal, went through so much effort for me, and I didn't even consider him." Thalia nodded.
"I can see why you're annoyed at yourself, but you didn't mean to hurt him."
Thalia took a deep breath, choosing her words carefully.
"Artemis, forgiveness begins with understanding. You're not perfect, and like all of us, you make mistakes." She chuckled to herself.
"What I did is more than a mistake," she muttered.
"Artemis-" Thalia tried.
"No, Thalia, listen to me!" Artemis snapped, her anger flaring. "I screwed up, okay. You don't need to try and make me feel better. I know what I did, and I can't change it." The goddess stormed into her tent, chucking the arrows into a corner. She couldn't be asked to sharpen them today. Frankly, she couldn't be asked to do anything today. She was just so… so angry with herself for not thinking about what Percy meant, and for not realising his true intentions. Why would he be asking to join the Hunt? It was such a silly thought.
Artemis sighed deeply as she sat down on her bed, her frustration still simmering beneath the surface. She crossed her legs and leaned back against the headboard, her eyes closed as she tried to make sense of the whirlwind of emotions swirling within her. As she began to sift through her thoughts, she heard the soft rustling of the tent's entrance. Her curiosity piqued, for everyone in the Hunt knew not to enter her tent without permission. Artemis opened her eyes, her gaze fixing on Thalia, who had quietly entered and now sat on the other side of the bed. Thalia's expression was one of understanding, and her presence was comforting.
"Thalia, why have you entered my tent?" Artemis asked. "Unless someone has permission, they're not allowed to enter my tent, and I can't go around making exceptions for you, even if you are my Lieutenant. These tents are for our own privacy." She nodded.
"I know, Artemis, and I wouldn't have entered without a good reason." Artemis's frustration lingered. "And what reason would that be, Thalia?" she sighed. Thalia leaned in slightly, her tone gentle.
"Artemis, why are you getting so worked up about this whole drama with Percy? You would have rejected him anyway, right?" Artemis shrugged, her silver eyes clouded with uncertainty.
"Perhaps, but at least that way, I could have let him down easier and tried to maintain our friendship."
Thalia studied Artemis intently, her gaze locked onto her eyes as if searching for something deeper. After a moment of silence, she asked a question that seemed to come out of nowhere.
"Artemis, do you like Percy?"" Artemis blinked, taken aback by the unexpected question.
"What?" Thalia repeated her question, her tone unchanged.
"Do you like Percy, Artemis?" The goddess hesitated, unsure of how to respond.
"What do you mean by that, Thalia?" Thalia's eyes bore into Artemis's, as if trying to discern the truth hidden within her words. She spoke softly.
"I mean, do you have feelings for him beyond friendship? Do you care about him in a way that goes beyond just being his friend? That's what he asked you, isn't it? If you want to be more than friends." Artemis's heart skipped a beat, her thoughts racing.
"I…"
"Take a moment to think about it," Thalia insisted. "These decisions should be made from the heart, and they certainly shouldn't be rushed." The goddess took a deep breath.
"Thalia," she began. "I… I honestly don't know. It's all so complicated. He's such a good person, but I don't know if I can ever see him like that." Thalia listened attentively, her expression thoughtful.
"Artemis, it's okay to have these feelings," she sighed. "You're a goddess, but you're also a person. It's clear Percy means a lot to you, and sometimes emotions can be confusing, which is why I'm going to ask again, do you want to be more than friends with him?" The goddess took a moment to reflect, her thoughts drifting to Percy and the moments they had shared. She remembered his laughter, his wit, and the genuine friendship they had developed recently.
"He is kind," she admitted, a soft smile touching her lips. "And he's funny, Thalia, you've seen it. We've had some good times together, moments where he's made me laugh, and moments where I've wanted to slap his silly grin to Pluto and back.." Thalia rolled her eyes,
"If by good moments you mean getting beaten up by Cetus, then sure." Artemis hesitated for a moment.
"I trust him as well, you know. He's loyal, and he's proven that time and again. But most importantly, Thalia, it's like... we just click. I can't explain it. There's a connection between us that I haven't felt with anyone else."
With a heavy sigh, Artemis finally answered Thalia's question.
"I-I guess… Yes, Thalia, I do want to be more than friends with him." She paused, her expression troubled. "But I'm so conflicted. My oath, my responsibilities as a goddess, they're all bound to me. I don't want to betray my sacred vow."
"Well," Thalia began slowly. "What if you don't have to break your vow?" Artemis sighed.
"How, Thalia? Styx never gives second chances, and even if she did, this vow defines me. It's who I am." Thalia leaned closer, her voice gentle.
"What if you talk to Percy about pursuing a relationship while still keeping your vow? There are ways to navigate this, Artemis, you just need to look for them." Artemis blushed deeply, her cheeks turning a shade of crimson that was quite unlike her usual composed self.
"But, Thalia, won't he want… what's between… you know." Thalia seemed taken aback by the goddess's change in demeanour, but couldn't help but tease her for her sudden embarrassment.
"Oh, Artemis, you're blushing! I never thought I'd see the day, but don't worry. Not all guys are like that. Would they like to become more intimate, yeah sure, but they don't need it. Sometimes, it's just the idea of snuggling up with someone and watching a movie at five in the morning." Artemis nodded.
"So you're saying I should make popcorn for him?"
"What I'm saying," Thalia sighed, rolling her eyes playfully. "Is that no problem is insurmountable. I'm sure you and Percy can find a way to work through this. Love has a way of finding its own path." Artemis considered Thalia's words, a glimmer of hope beginning to stir within her.
"Ah, so you're saying I should talk to Percy, to try and make things right?" Thalia nodded with a reassuring smile.
"Exactly, Artemis. Communication is key. You care about him, and he certainly cares or he'd never have asked you in the first place." Artemis's hopes lifted even higher, but then a shadow crossed her features as doubt crept in.
"What about Aphrodite, though?"
"What about her?" Artemis rolled her eyes, exasperation colouring her tone.
"Thalia, you saw how furious Aphrodite was. She demanded that I never talk to Percy again." Thalia sighed.
"Artemis, most likely, she did that out of a moment of anger. If you're honest with Aphrodite and explain your feelings, she'll listen to you. Maybe she'll even offer you a chance to make things right. The point is, you have to try. Either that or you can sulk here alone, wishing that when the time came, you said yes." Artemis contemplated Thalia's words, realising that she couldn't let fear or anger stand in the way of resolving this situation. With newfound determination, she nodded.
"You're right, Thalia. I have to try. I can't let this misunderstanding fester. I'll visit her right after dinner." A small smile tugged at the corner of Thalia's mouth, one that told Artemis she either had a brilliant idea, or a horrible one.
"Why not now?" she asked. "Why delay it, when you can try and fix your mistake now?"
"But… My clothes… Surely I need to…" She gestured to her classical hunting parka, definitely not date night material.
"Artemis," Thalia sighed. "If you really think Percy won't listen to you just because of what you're wearing, then it's him who's making the mistake." Artemis grinned.
"I don't say it enough, but thank you Thalia."
"Go get him!" she encouraged, before closing her eyes and looking away while Artemis revealed her true form and flashed out of the camp.
She reappeared on Olympus, taking a second to gather her bearings before running towards Aphrodite's palace. The surroundings were bathed in ethereal light, and the grandeur of the gods' realm never ceased to amaze her, but right now she didn't have the time to worry about it. As she approached Aphrodite's palace, she hesitated for a moment, but Thalia's words echoed in her mind, urging her not to delay.
"Why not now?" she whispered to herself, gathering her courage. "This is my chance to make amends." With newfound confidence, she rang the doorbell and rapidly knocked on the door, her heart pounding with anticipation. Aphrodite soon opened the door, looking as stunning as ever. She wore a revealing ensemble that left little to the imagination, adorned with jewels that shimmered in the soft light. Aphrodite's eyes narrowed as she took in Artemis's presence.
"I thought I made myself clear, Artemis. I don't want you coming to see Percy, and you're not going to see him-" Artemis, not allowing herself to be deterred, interrupted quickly.
"Aphrodite, please, I've made a mistake, and I need to talk to you." The love goddess raised an eyebrow, "Talk to me?", her curiosity piqued. After a moment of consideration, she opened the door fully with a sigh, allowing Artemis to enter.
Artemis stood awkwardly in the lavish expanse of Aphrodite's palace, her gaze flitting around the room, taking in the expensive sights and delicate fragrances. She fumbled with her words, stumbling over her attempts to find common ground.
"It smells... lovely in here. And the... decorations, they're quite... um, elegant."
Aphrodite, unimpressed, folded her arms and cocked her hips.
"Make it fast, Artemis. I have things to do." Artemis took a deep breath, steeling herself for what was to come.
"Aphrodite, look, I know I've made a mistake okay, and I know I screwed up, but all I'm asking for is a second chance to make things right." Aphrodite chuckled sarcastically.
"A second chance? Artemis, you hurt Percy in an unnecessary way, and I'm not going to stand for it." Artemis's heart sank. This conversation was already starting out on a bad foot. Aphrodite sighed, her expression softening for a moment.
"Artemis, you have to understand. I was the one who encouraged Percy to ask you out. All the teasing, and the planning…" She let out a deep breath. "I never thought it would backfire like this, because I never imagined you could be so... so cruel to someone who's done nothing but help you."
"Cruel!?" she scowled. The word hit her like a jagged bolt of lightning. "At least I'm not the one who's been with every man in Olympus, and at least half those in the mortal world!"
"Why you-"
Aphrodite most likely would've said a lot of hurtful things, before eventually kicking Artemis out of the palace, had it not been for the door opening. Both goddesses turned their attention towards the entrance, surprise evident on Artemis's face, while horror was on Aphrodite's.
"Honestly though," Percy's voice rang out, his tone surprisingly light, "thank you both for the time out." Apollo, grinning mischievously, replied, "Ah, it was nothing. Some good bonding with the boys." As they entered the palace, Percy, still blissfully unaware of the brewing storm, was looking back, unaware of the scene unfolding. Apollo, on the other hand, was in front, and saw an angry Aphrodite and an upset Artemis, staring at them in the hallway. Immediately, Apollo covered Percy's eyes, making him let out a playful whine.
"Apollo!"
"Sorry, sorry," Apollo apologised, trying to think an excuse up. "Uhh, Aphrodite is, um, making out vigorously with someone out there, and you can see… well... everything. It's disgusting, although it's also kinda hot." Percy groaned and playfully chastised the love goddess.
"Aphrodite, that's disgusting! While I'm here suffering from rejection! It's like you want to rub salt in the wound." He chuckled at his own joke.
Artemis gasped, and was immediately ready to make her apology, but a warning look from Aphrodite silenced her. Somehow she had a feeling if she said something, she'd have no chance with Percy. Aphrodite decided to play along with Apollo's story and pretended to be flustered.
"Sorry, Percy," she said with a fake apology. "I just couldn't resist. You know how I get when I go to the club."
"Thank you for saving my eyes," he told Apollo, who just dismissed it with a casual wave.
"Saving your eyes?" another god, Hermes, said from outside. "Man, I don't want my eyes to be saved! Let me come in and see!" Apollo, however, gave him a wide eyed look, shaking his head abruptly, and Hermes backed down. The two seemed to be having an eye conversation, before eventually, Apollo pointed at Percy and then jerked his head towards the door.
"Hey, Percy," Apollo suggested, "why don't you go hang out with Hermes for a bit while I help Aphrodite... sort things out, and give her a good talking to."
"Yes please," the illusionist sighed in relief. Encouraged by Hermes, he made his way out of the palace, going to pull of whatever
Percy agreed, encouraged by Hermes, and they made their way out of the palace. The door closed behind them, leaving Apollo alone with Artemis and Aphrodite. He fixed his sister with a knowing look, before folding his arms and putting a serious expression on.
"Spill," he said firmly, his eyes fixed upon her, and the skimpy love goddess.
Well, next chapter is 100% gonna be my favourite so far lol. Do leave a review if you enjoyed this, it took ages to perfect lol. Also, I do hope it all makes sense! Final quick thing, big thanks to WinterKing for helping me edit and fine tune his chapter. As far as people go, he's amazing!