PART 2 - THE LOVE
Artemis POV
I walked along the moonlit path, my footsteps echoing softly in the tranquil night. The journey toward the palace felt strangely daunting tonight, an unfamiliar sensation that made my heart race. I couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation building within me, as if something momentous awaited me at the end of this path. Last night had been... incredible. Percy had come to my palace, accompanied by Nico. Then, four of us had spent the evening playing Monopoly in the celestial glow of my palace.
I couldn't help but smile as I reminisced about the night's festivities. Percy's presence had been so amazing to me the whole time, his laughter and playful banter filling the air with warmth. Thalia had joined us too, though Percy refused to even acknowledge her presence. He didn't even ask her for rent when she landed at his properties. In the end, Percy and Nico teamed up to win. I'm telling you, water works is so overpowered. Thalia had been so happy to roll two double sixes, and then another six and a five, until she ended on that property….
As I approached the palace, the memory of Percy's easy smile and the twinkle in his sea-green eyes brought a soft flush to my cheeks. Mortal games were surprisingly enjoyable, and Percy's presence had added a delightful thrill to the experience. But now, in the quiet of the night, I found myself wrestling with my own thoughts. Regret gnawed at me as I replayed the evening in my mind. At the end, I was going to offer Percy to stay with me, but backed out at the last second. Honestly, I wish I had just asked him to come to bed with me after our game of Monopoly, but I had been scared… afraid of making the wrong move and jeopardising the fragile connection we had rebuilt. The fear of screwing up my relationship with Percy again came back to me. I had spent millennia alone, guarding my heart against love, relationships, and all of that stuff. Then, Percy came along. At first, saying I screwed up would be an understatement. I had all but thrown whatever chance we had of a relationship down the drain. However, still, somehow in his heart, he found peace with me, and offered a second chance. Percy had been the only person that had broken through my barriers and left an indelible mark on my immortal soul. The depth of my feelings for him was a swirling tempest of emotions, complex and sometimes overwhelming.
Approaching the unmistakably pink palace, I couldn't help but sigh audibly. It was unlike me to voluntarily visit her house. The very idea of it seemed utterly absurd. Why was I even doing this? Then, the answer came to me. Percy. A playful smirk tugged at the corner of my lips as I reminded myself that I was doing it for Percy. To show him that I was willing to embrace new experiences and learn how to love, for him. Taking a deep breath to steady my resolve, I raised my hand and knocked on the ornate door of the palace. The anticipation hung in the air, and I felt a mixture of nervousness and curiosity. Moments passed, and I couldn't help but wonder if I had made a mistake, if my presence here was just going to further complicate things. Just as doubt began to creep in, the door swung open, revealing the goddess herself.
Aphrodite's appearance was as dazzling as ever, her golden hair cascading in perfect waves, and her eyes sparkling with mischief. But it was what she was wearing that left me utterly speechless. She stood before me in the most extravagant and revealing lingerie I had ever seen. My gasp escaped before I could stifle it, and my cheeks flushed crimson. It was as if she had wrapped herself in the very essence of seduction, a creation that left little to the imagination. Delicate lace adorned her form, and the fabric shimmered in the soft light of the palace.
"W-What are you wearing?"I managed to stammer, my gaze darting away in embarrassment. Aphrodite sighed dramatically, as if my reaction were entirely expected.
"Oh, this?" She glanced down at herself with a self-satisfied grin. "It's my latest gift from Ares. Oddly enough, he has a good taste in women's clothing, don't you think?" I couldn't help but glare at her, my discomfort growing with each passing second. This was not the kind of conversation I had anticipated.
"Aphrodite, I…" She waved off my concern, her expression softening
""Don't worry, Artemis. You'll come to appreciate such things in no time. Especially when you're wearing them for Percy." The thought of wearing something like that for Percy made my heart race, but it also ignited a fierce blush that I couldn't control. I wasn't ready for such audacious attire, but I couldn't deny that Aphrodite's words had sparked a curiosity within me.
With a sigh, Aphrodite stepped aside, inviting me into the palace.
"Come in, dear. I have a feeling I know why you're here, and if so, we have much to discuss." I meekly followed Aphrodite into her palace, my senses assaulted by the overpowering scent of perfume that seemed to hang in the air. The plush decor and the lavish surroundings were a stark contrast to the simplicity of my own domain. I couldn't help but feel out of place. As I settled onto a plush couch, Aphrodite gracefully made her way to a nearby counter. She turned back to me with a bright smile, her beauty as striking as ever.
"Would you like some coffee, tea, or perhaps hot chocolate?" She offered, her voice carrying a hint of warmth. I shook my head in response, unable to hide my discomfort. It wasn't that I didn't like hot chocolate: I loved it. I just didn't know whether or not to trust Aphrodite's hot chocolate. Who knows what special stuff she puts in it.
"No, thank you," I replied, my voice soft and uncertain. Aphrodite shrugged elegantly, as if my refusal didn't bother her in the slightest.
"Suit yourself," she chimed, her tone breezy and carefree. She proceeded to prepare a cup of hot chocolate for herself, the rich aroma filling the room as she stirred the concoction with a delicate hand. Settling into a seat opposite me, she took a sip and savoured the flavour before placing the cup gently on the table.
With a serene smile, she finally approached the topic at hand.
"So, Artemis," she began, her eyes filled with curiosity, "what brings you to my palace today?"
I hesitated for a moment, struggling to find the right words. My desire to strengthen my relationship with Percy warred with my discomfort in this foreign environment. I took a deep breath and finally spoke.
"It's Percy," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. "I want to... understand him better. To learn about how to connect with him on a deeper level." Aphrodite's eyes sparkled with understanding, and she nodded in response.
"I see," she smirked, though her tone was gentle and reassuring. "It's only natural to want to bridge the gap between you and the one you love so dearly…. Tell me, Artemis. Do you love Percy as closely as you're saying?"
"I do," she replied, without batting an eye. She nodded, satisfied with the answer.
"Then, I'll help." I felt a sense of relief wash over me, knowing that Aphrodite could offer some advice. "This is a new beginning for both of you, and I don't want either of you to screw it up before it's even properly started."
The goddess leaned back in her seat, her expression thoughtful.
"Let's start from the beginning," she suggested. "Tell me, what have you and Percy done together so far?" I racked my brain, trying to recall our interactions.
"Well," I began hesitantly, "we played Monopoly with Thalia last night." Aphrodite couldn't help but snort at that.
"Monopoly? With Thalia as well? Is that all you've done?" I felt a flush of embarrassment creeping up my cheeks.
Uhhh," I stammered, struggling to come up with a better response. Aphrodite rolled her eyes, clearly unimpressed.
"Artemis, dear, have you and Percy... kissed?" I shook my head vehemently, my cheeks now burning with a deeper shade of red.
"No," I admitted, my voice barely audible. "Percy has been busy sorting out Olympus's repairs and ensuring there are no more threats trying to sneak up on us now that Nyx and Gone are defeated." Aphrodite smirked.
"Oh come on. It's been a week since Percy declared his latest 'title,' a very romantic gesture, might I add. It's like he's claimed you, and made sure the whole world knows. I wish Ares did something like that for me… But back to the topic, the only thing you two have done in a week is Monopoly?" I looked down.
"I guess," I frowned. "Like I said, he's been busy, and so have I, with my hunt. He has popped over to give me some of Hestia's cooking, but it's only for a few minutes."
Aphrodite sighed, taking another sip of her hot chocolate before dropping a bombshell that left me utterly stunned.
"Well, dear, one option to get closer to Percy is to have sex with him." I choked on my nonexistent breath, my eyes widening in shock.
"Sex?" I sputtered, completely caught off guard by her blunt suggestion. Aphrodite rolled her eyes, as if my reaction was entirely predictable.
"Yes, sex, dear. All men like it, and it'll be even more special with you as he's your first and you're his." I couldn't believe what I was hearing.
"He never... he didn't do it with Calypso?" I asked, my voice filled with disbelief. Aphrodite shook her head with a wicked smile.
"Nope. Trust me, I know these things. And besides, why would he when he's got someone as magnificent as you waiting for him?"
"Maybe because he didn't have me back then?" Aphrodite raised an eyebrow.
"Didn't he?" I shrugged, not sure what she was trying to suggest.
"What else can I do?" I asked cautiously. Aphrodite shrugged.
"I can teach you other things, of course, but sex is the best thing I can do. And let me tell you, Artemis, you'll love it. It'll be amazing."
"How?" I groaned. "It's just two people being together, nothing big." Aphrodite leaned in closer, her voice soft and conspiratorial.
"You see, dear, when two people who love each other come together like that, it's an incredibly intimate and powerful experience. It's not just about physical pleasure, although that's certainly a part of it, and a big part for me. It's about a deep connection, a bond that goes beyond words." She paused, savouring the moment before continuing.
"The physical sensations are exquisite, unlike anything you've ever felt. Your heart races, your senses become heightened, and there's an overwhelming rush of pleasure that sweeps over you. It's a way to express your love for each other in the most profound way possible."
Aphrodite's eyes twinkled as she spoke, and I couldn't help but feel a strange mix of curiosity and anxiety. It was a side of Percy and our potential relationship that I hadn't seriously considered before. Aphrodite's words were awakening desires and emotions within me that I'd never experienced.
"But remember," Aphrodite added with a knowing smile, "it's not just about the physical act itself. It's about trust, love, and emotional connection. It's about being vulnerable with each other in a way that you've never been before." I nodded slowly, trying to absorb all the information. The idea of such intimacy with Percy was both thrilling and terrifying.
"I… I'll bear that in mind," I said, my cheeks feeling hot. "What else should I do for him?" Aphrodite sighed as if she were bored with the whole conversation.
"Artemis, it's not that complicated. Be clean, listen to him, respect him. It's not rocket science." I nodded, taking in her advice. Those were important qualities in any relationship, and I was determined to be the best partner I could be for Percy. Then, as if struck by a brilliant idea, Aphrodite's eyes lit up, and she leaned in closer.
"But you know what you should do, darling? Take him on a date." I furrowed my brow, slightly confused.
"A date? Where?" Aphrodite's smile was radiant.
"Under the stars, where the sea and the moon kiss. It will be perfect. And if you two happen to share a kiss, oh my, it will be nothing short of magical for a first kiss." I considered her suggestion, picturing the romantic setting she described. It did sound enchanting, and I could imagine Percy enjoying such a serene and beautiful atmosphere.
"Where is this place?" I asked, my curiosity piqued. Aphrodite leaned in conspiratorially.
"Montauk. Percy went there with his mother once. It's where she met Poseidon. He would love it there."
I nodded, mentally adding Montauk to my list of potential date locations. My mind raced with questions about how to approach the date, and I couldn't help but blush as I asked, "How should I kiss him?" Aphrodite rolled her eyes, as if the question were utterly ridiculous.
"Look him in the eye, lean close, and, well, explore with your tongue." I couldn't hide my discomfort at her straightforward answer.
"Explore with my tongue?" I asked wryly. Aphrodite shrugged.
"That's just how it is, dear. You'll figure it out." I nodded, feeling a mixture of embarrassment and determination. I wanted to make this date special for Percy, and I was willing to learn, even if some aspects made me uncomfortable. Still… That sounded really weird to me.
"What about clothes?" I asked. "What should I wear?" Aphrodite paused, slowly looking up at her with a teasing smile.
"Oh my, you have no idea at all on how to date him, do you?" Sheepishly, I nodded my head. The goddess grinned, snapping her fingers.
"Artemis, cancel all your plans. You're not leaving this palace until you're ready for this date. I'll make sure of it."
I don't know if anyone remembers but I said this story would be 3 parts haha. part 2 was the war. Part 3 is the love and it's gonna be pretty short, just a wrap up for the book. Hope you're still here after 74 chapters and enjoying this!