Artemis POV

The mountain loomed before me, its snowy peak shrouded in a halo of mist. I felt a shiver run down my spine as I approached Zeus's palace, the grandeur of Olympus never ceasing to amaze me. It was a place I rarely visited, but today was different. Today, I needed to speak with my father, Zeus, about a matter that weighed heavily on my immortal heart.

As I reached the entrance, I was met by two towering guards, their eyes narrowing as they recognized me. It was not often that the goddess of the hunt graced Olympus with her presence, and it seemed my unannounced visit had taken them by surprise.

"I wish to speak with Zeus," I stated with unwavering authority. One of the guards hesitated, then nodded reluctantly. He opened the massive bronze doors and allowed me to pass. I walked through the opulent corridors, each step echoing with the weight of my purpose. When I finally reached Zeus's throne room, the king of the gods was seated on his majestic throne, his presence radiating power and authority. As usual, Hera was nowhere to be seen.

"Artemis," Zeus greeted me, his brows furrowing in surprise. "What brings you to Olympus today? More specifically, what brings you to my palace today." I stood before him, my heart pounding in my chest.
"I have a matter of great importance to discuss with you, Father. It's about Percy Jackson." Zeus leaned forward, his expression shifting to one of curiosity. "Percy? What has happened to him?"

I hesitated for a moment, choosing my words carefully. I had never been one to discuss personal matters with my fellow gods, let alone my father, but Percy was different. He had touched my heart in ways I had never imagined. I needed Zeus's guidance.

"I need to talk to you about... my feelings for him," I admitted, my voice almost a whisper. I avoided looking directly into Zeus's eyes, not wanting to reveal the depths of my emotions.

Zeus's surprise was evident as he leaned back on his throne.

"I thought things were going well?" he frowned. "Rumour has it you two have-"
"Forget the rumours," I snapped, before taking a deep breath and gathering my thoughts.
"Percy has proven himself to be a remarkable and honourable young man. He has demonstrated immense courage and loyalty in the face of danger, and he has even earned my trust and admiration." Zeus nodded slowly, understanding dawning in his eyes.
"I see. So, what troubles you about your feelings for him?" I sighed, the weight of my uncertainty pressing down on me.
"It's not just about my feelings, Father. It's about how to make Percy feel special, to show him how much he means to me. I fear that I am lacking in this regard. I have never been good at expressing emotions, and I do not know how to make him understand that he holds a special place in my heart."

Zeus regarded me with a contemplative expression, his thunderous voice softening.

"Artemis, you are not alone in facing such a challenge. Love is a complex and beautiful emotion, and it often requires effort and vulnerability. You must open your heart to Percy and let him know that he is cherished." I nodded, feeling a glimmer of hope.

"But how, Father? How do I show him that he is cherished?" Zeus leaned forward, his eyes locked onto mine.
"You must be there for him, not just in times of danger, but in moments of joy and sorrow as well. Share your life with him, include him in your world, and let him know that he is not just a companion but a true friend and a significant part of your life." I absorbed his advice, feeling a sense of clarity washing over me.

"Thank you, Father. Your words have been a great help. I will do my best to follow your guidance." Zeus offered a reassuring smile.

"Artemis, love is a journey, and it is one worth embarking upon. I believe that you have the strength and grace to make Percy feel special. Just be true to your feelings and show him your love in the best way you can." I nodded, feeling a newfound determination welling up within me.

"I will, Father. Thank you for your wisdom and understanding."

As I turned to leave Zeus's throne room, I did feel slightly better about things. The path ahead would not be easy, but with Zeus's advice and my own determination, I was willing to take the steps necessary to make Percy Jackson feel cherished and loved. It was a journey I was ready to embark upon, for Percy had become a significant part of my immortal life, and I was determined to show him just how special he was to me.

After my conversation with Zeus, I knew that taking action was essential. I left Olympus and made my way back to the Hunt. The forest around us thrived with nature's beauty, and it had always been a place where I could find solace. I needed to speak with someone I trusted, someone who understood matters of the heart.

As I entered the camp, the Hunters welcomed me with their customary respect and reverence. I noticed Thalia, my second-in-command, by the campfire, her electric blue eyes watching the flames dance. She looked up and met my gaze, a knowing smile playing on her lips.

"Artemis," she greeted. "Back so fast?" Thalia asked as I joined her by the fire.

I sat down and sighed, feeling the weight of the world pressing on my shoulders.
"Thalia, I've come to talk about something that's been troubling me. It's about Percy." Thalia's expression softened, and she gestured for me to continue.

"Go on. You know you can confide in me." I took a deep breath, searching for the right words.

"Percy Jackson has come to mean a great deal to me. He has shown bravery and loyalty, qualities that I deeply admire, and you know I'm in love, but I want to make Percy feel cherished, special, and important. I want him to know how much he means to me." Thalia regarded me with a thoughtful expression.
"Artemis, love can be a beautiful and complicated journey. It's about sharing your heart and soul with someone you care deeply about. To make Percy feel cherished, you need to show him that you're there for him, in good times and bad." I nodded, absorbing her advice.

"That's what Father said too. To include him in my life and make him a significant part of it."

Thalia smiled warmly.

"Surprisingly, Zeus knows what he's talking about. But remember, it's not just about showing love in grand gestures. It's the little things that matter as well. Be attentive to his needs, support his dreams, and offer a listening ear when he needs to talk." I sighed, feeling a bit overwhelmed but determined.
"I understand. I want to do all that, but I don't know how to begin. I've never been good at expressing my emotions." Thalia placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder.
"Artemis, you don't need grand words or grand gestures to show your love. Sometimes, the simplest actions can convey the most profound feelings. Just be yourself, and let Percy see the real you, the one who cares deeply for him."

I found comfort in Thalia's words, a glimmer of hope lighting up the path before me.
"Thank you, Thalia. That honestly does help me out." Thalia squeezed my shoulder gently.

"You're welcome, Artemis. Love is a journey, and it's one worth taking. Don't be afraid to take the first step, and remember that the most important thing is to be there for Percy, to make him feel special every day."

As the campfire crackled beside us, I took Thalia's wisdom to heart. Love was indeed a journey, and with the support of my loyal Hunters and the guidance of my father Zeus, I was determined to embark on it. Percy had become an essential part of my life, and I was ready to show him just how special he was to me.

Percy POV

Hestia's home was a haven of warmth and comfort, a cosy sanctuary tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the mortal world. The gentle flicker of her heart provided a soothing backdrop as she worked her magic in the kitchen. I watched in amazement as she skillfully prepared a batch of my mother's famous blue chocolate chip cookies.

"Is that enough for now, Hestia?" I asked as I leaned against the kitchen counter, taking in the delightful aroma that wafted through the air. Hestia gave me a warm smile and shook her head.
"Nonsense, Percy. There's no such thing as 'enough' when it comes to cookies. I'm sure your mother would agree." She began mixing another batch of cookie dough, her apron adorned with flames that danced in the soft light of her hearth.

I chuckled and let the scent of freshly baked cookies wash over me.
"You always know how to make things better, Hestia." She glanced at me, her kind eyes filled with curiosity.
"So, Percy, how is life treating you?" I hesitated for a moment, considering her question.

"Well, if by 'life,' you mean everything in general, it's been pretty good. But if you're asking about life with Artemis... that's a different story." Hestia continued her work, her movements graceful and precise.
"I meant the latter. Tell me about your life with Artemis." I let out a contented sigh, feeling a mix of joy and longing as I thought about the goddess of the hunt.

"Hestia, being with Artemis has been incredible. She's strong, independent, and caring in her own way. She challenges me to be a better person, and I admire her more than I can express." Hestia paused in her baking and turned to me, her eyes twinkling with understanding.

"It sounds like you're deeply in love, Percy." I nodded, a smile tugging at my lips.

"I am. I've never felt this way about anyone before. I can't imagine my life without her." Hestia placed a fresh tray of cookies in the oven, her expression thoughtful.

"Love is a powerful and beautiful thing, Percy, but it can also be complicated. Are there any challenges you've encountered in your relationship with Artemis?" I scratched my head, trying to find the right words to convey my thoughts. "Well, honestly, sometimes, I worry that I'm not enough for her, that I can't match up to her standards. She's so strong and confident, and I'm just... me." Hestia's kind eyes met mine, and she reached out to pat my hand in a comforting gesture.

"Percy, love isn't about measuring up to someone else's standards. It's about accepting each other as you are, flaws and all. Artemis clearly cares for you deeply, and it's because of who you are. Don't doubt yourself, and don't let insecurities get in the way of your love." I took her words to heart, finding comfort in her wisdom.
"Thanks, Hestia. I'll do my best to remember that." She gave me a reassuring smile and resumed her baking.
"And remember, communication is essential. Talk to Artemis about your feelings and concerns. Open and honest dialogue can strengthen your relationship and help you both understand each other better." I nodded.
"You're right, Hestia. I'll talk to her about everything, and hopefully, we'll figure it out together."

As Hestia continued to bake, the warmth of her hearth seemed to extend to my heart, offering solace in our conversation about love and relationships. Her next suggestion, however, took me completely by surprise.

"Have you ever considered inviting Artemis over for dinner, Percy?" Hestia asked, her voice soft and reassuring. I nearly dropped the cookie I was holding in astonishment.

"Invite Artemis for dinner? Are you serious?" Hestia nodded, her eyes filled with warmth and encouragement.
"Yes, Percy. Sometimes, a relaxed and casual setting like a home-cooked meal can provide the perfect opportunity for open and honest conversation. You can talk more and share your thoughts and feelings with each other." I mulled over her idea, the shock slowly giving way to a glimmer of hope. The thought of spending more time with Artemis was incredibly appealing.
"But, Hestia, it's just... I'm not sure how she would react to such an invitation."

Hestia offered me a reassuring smile.
"Artemis cares about you, Percy. I'm certain she would appreciate the effort and thought you put into inviting her. And besides, it's a chance for both of you to strengthen your connection." My mind raced with possibilities, and I couldn't help but think about how special it would be to share a meal with Artemis in a relaxed setting.
"You might be onto something, Hestia. But, do you think she'll agree to it?" Hestia paused her baking and looked thoughtful for a moment.
"I have an idea. Why don't I invite Poseidon over as well? You know, make it a family gathering. It'll take some of the pressure off, and you can all spend time together." I considered her suggestion, and the idea of Poseidon's presence brought me some comfort.

"That might work. I suppose Poseidon can break the ice and make the atmosphere more relaxed." Hestia beamed at my agreement.
"Perfect. I'll reach out to Poseidon, and we can plan a dinner at your place. It will give you and Artemis a chance to talk more, and it's a step towards strengthening your relationship."

I nodded, feeling a sense of anticipation building within me.
"Thank you, Hestia. I really appreciate your advice and support. You're always there when I need you." Hestia's eyes twinkled with warmth as she returned to her baking.

"It's my pleasure, Percy. I care about you and want to see you happy. Just remember, love can be complicated, but it's also a beautiful journey. Take it one step at a time, and don't be afraid to open your heart."

As Hestia pulled the second batch of cookies from the oven, the delicious aroma filled the kitchen. She placed them on a cooling rack and turned to me with a friendly grin.
"Now, enough about love and worries. Let's enjoy some cookies and talk about something lighter."

I couldn't help but smile in return, grateful for her presence and the delicious treats she had prepared. We spent the next few hours savouring blue chocolate chip cookies, sharing stories, and enjoying each other's company. It was a moment of peace and comfort in a world often filled with chaos and danger.

In Hestia's warm and welcoming home, I found solace and guidance. And as I savoured another bite of her delectable cookies, I knew that, with her support and the love I shared with Artemis, I could navigate the challenges of life and love that lay ahead.

Really sorry for the rushed chapter, but I've been having so much writers block on this story lol. Imma try make the last few chapters much better. I've got an expected finish date for this book, so it's a ticking clock now. As always, I hope to update a much better chapter next week!