Song Rec: "Trace" by Kid Finish. Now this is one I don't think any of you are going to know, but I do love them. They've got three albums, and they tend to remind me of a softer-indie style sort of like Death Cab for Cutie or The Postal Service. There's not a huge story behind this one, partially just because I really like listening for the instruments and the production. The vocals are cool, but I have a sort of hard time hearing what they're saying and then comprehending and formulating my own story for it. Anyway, let me know what you think.

Also, someone asked me why I named this story "Daylily"! Well, originally it was actually called "Something Wicked" but I decided I didn't want to make it a more somber, sort of morose story and instead wanted something positive and fun to read. Daylily, along with being one of my favorite flowers due to their vibrant colors and nice shape, also happens to be the name of the song of one of my favorite bands and they talk about this "pink cloud summer" after going through a really hard time. At the time, I wasn't in the greatest of mindsets and was having a really rough go of things, and I figured changing this story to something happier would put me in a better mood. I put a lot of myself in these characters and expressed things that I couldn't quite manage through them. Very helpful by the way. Anyway, I wanted Percy's journey to resemble my journey and so here we are. Trying to embody the words of the song and live life happily. I think it's going pretty well for me and Percy. Anyway, just wanted to answer that.

Diana shifted a little in the truck bed, taking a moment to look around as they sat together. It'd been a good morning. She and Percy had ended up staying on the ground for a little longer than either of them had necessarily expected, but both agreed that they were quite happy with the outcome. Eventually though, he'd forced himself to get up, citing his laziness as reason for them to actually go and do something.

She'd (begrudgingly) complied and the two now found themselves resting against one another in the truck bed. They'd skipped over breakfast, surprisingly due to a disinterest in eating, and were instead taking a moment to relish the scenery. Of course, it wasn't anything that either of them were unused to, but neither of them could deny that this particular morning just felt rather ambrosian. Percy, tired yet unable to sleep, rested his head against her shoulder, gently watching the world around them go by.

Diana had no issue with this, especially feeling how warm he was. It wasn't exactly a bitter cold, but the air had a little bit of a bite to it and his body was a perfect foil to the morning chill. Still, the sun promised warmth as it rose later in the day so the goddess was more than happy to take what little time she could get with the little excuse she'd conjured up.

So what if she didn't really feel the cold?

Percy certainly didn't seem to mind as he'd settled right into the bed, nestling right up into the crook of her neck with little complaint. Instead, he'd been the one who'd drawn the blanket around them, leaving the two to sit blissfully as other bits of the world around them started to wake. Animals would cross through their little camp rather often, either intent on greeting their patron, or simply just looking on as they passed by. Nature often followed the goddess around, so it wasn't exactly a surprise. One particular bird did stick by though. Not the same one that Percy had spoken to - though Diana was sure that it was around somewhere near - but a rather small black corvid of some sort. It looked sort of like a miniature raven. It would hop around from branch to branch, occasionally cocking its head in their direction before shifting again.

The huntress was almost certain that it was simply Apollo being nosy, but was unwilling to do anything about it as she was far more content with her current haunt. Luckily, it did fly off after a few minutes, leaving the pair perfectly alone. Diana would have to have a word with him about that whenever they went for their little dinner thing.

Still! At least he'd had the tact to not outright intrude on what was a rather sweet moment for the two. Sure, Perseus was rather free with his affections, even if he was unaware of such, but the goddess would be an idiot to not take advantage of any little example. Such actions were to be valued and enjoyed. Besides, they were going to have to be social later today. Seeing Nico and Thalia didn't bother her so much. Really, she wasn't bothered by anyone except the host.

Despite having been jealous before, this particular iteration of the emotion was rather new to her. She'd been jealous of her brother as she'd always wanted children of her own; she'd even been jealous in a romantic sense such as when she'd been jealous of partners such as Pluto and Proserpina or Orpheus and Eurydice in the sense that she wished she could find something like that, but this was entirely different. None of the previous iterations had that nasty feeling that invaded her thoughts. No. Those had been more of a longing than true jealousy or envy. This was cruel, inspiring anger that was entirely foreign - typically in the form of little thorny thoughts that sat heavily in her mind, pricking at her whenever she thought of the daughter of Athena.

What would Percy say if he knew? She highly doubted that he'd hold it against her, but the goddess would have been lying if she said that it didn't bother her. Even if he truly didn't care, it was still an unwelcome weight that sat upon her chest. How odd that one little immortal girl could so thoroughly disturb her peace. It was something that served as a reminder of the little tinges of the person she had been that she'd yet to fully exorcize.

"You're thinking really hard about something," Percy spoke softly, tilting his head just so that she could hear him, "Are you okay?"

Diana would have turned to look down at him, but it wouldn't have been possible to do so without completely shifting their position. Instead, she chose to simply let herself lean into him a little more, "How did you know?"

Percy murmured, "You tap your nail against something whenever you're thinking."

Diana duly noted how her index finger had been tapping softly against his skin, "Sorry."

She could feel Percy smile more than she could see it, feeling the way he seemed to snuggle into her and rumble with soft laughter, "It's cute is all."

"Truly?"

Percy grinned against her, keeping his face buried in the crook of her neck, "Promise. What's on your mind?"

"Just a reminder that I'm not as mature as I'd like to be."

Percy didn't say anything for a moment, but Diana understood that he was amused based on the way that shifted, "What hope do I have if you think you're immature?"

"You are remarkably mature."

"Mmmm," Percy hummed softly against her skin, "I think you're doing great."

"You don't even know what exactly is bothering me," Diana smiled, quietly thanking him for his soft words.

"Maybe so, but being able to say that is a skill in itself. I think you're doing just fine."

He did have a point, especially given that it was advice that she herself had given him in the past, "Thanks."

Percy hummed in acknowledgement again, "Only repeating what you said to me."

"Hence why it seemed so intelligent," Diana smiled, tilting her head back against the cool metal of the truck cab.

Percy chuckled, "Feeling better then?"

Diana did, indeed, feel better, "It would seem so."

"That's good," Percy yawned, "I'm excited to see everyone tomorrow."

"Are you?" Diana asked. She was surprised, but she wasn't really.

"Course. I've really enjoyed teaching them," Percy answered easily, "Plus it makes you happy."

"That's hardly reason to be excited."

"If you're happy, I'm happy, mostly," Percy said softly, "Plus, they're fun."

"They do give you a reason to stretch your wings, so to speak," Diana agreed.

"Right?" Percy chuckled, shifting so that he was a bit more comfortable.

Diana didn't mind in the slightest as he'd saddled up slightly closer to her. They didn't say much for a while after that, instead enjoying the peace of the breaking dawn. What more was there to life anyway? Curled up securely by one's companion. Diana would have much preferred to have called him her lover, but she wasn't exactly eager to find out if their friendship only went so far. The goddess wasn't sure where they stood on that end. Sure, he was practically attached at her hip (which neither of them minded), but he hadn't really made any passes at her. From what she'd observed from Apollo and his partners, people tended to be pretty forward. Then again, Percy wasn't exactly most people, and he most certainly wasn't Apollo.

What a dilemma. Still, the goddess had to admit she would have liked it if the son of the sea was a tad more forward, a little less shy even.

She felt him stir a little next to him, "Awake again?"

He shook his head a little, "Never fell asleep. Had a question."

"About?"

She could feel the embarrassment radiating off of him as he paused, "Does the moon ever affect you? Like the different phases?"

"What?" Diana asked, both confused and amused.

Percy chewed on his lip a bit, not that she could see it, "Like does it ever make you feel different? More powerful or something? Like, at different times of the month and stuff?"

Diana smiled at that, understanding why he'd felt awkward, "The moon is always the moon, Perseus."

"So no?"

Diana laughed softly. Maybe him being shy was rather cute, actually, "The phase of the moon has no bearing on me, emotionally, physically, or otherwise."

"Huh," Percy said after a moment, burying his head in her arm, "I'm going to shut up now."

After that, the rest of their morning was spent lazing around before Percy eventually decided that he had to be a person and eat something. But before that, he'd felt like cleaning up. And unfortunately, they weren't exactly nearby any water or anything like that. That left him in a bit of a dilemma, though Diana quickly solved this by simply summoning her tent since it had a shower in it. And with that, Percy was off, leaving Diana alone to do whatever she pleased.

That specifically entailed reading her book while sitting under the blanket of her bed. The truck bed was plenty comfortable, but she had an ulterior motive for moving to the tent. Of course, she'd never outright acknowledge the reason - unless he happened to ask and it made for a good opportunity to make him squirm - but it didn't stop her from sitting herself right on the bed, comfortably reading until Percy was done.

Until then, she was more than happy to start the new book she'd picked up. She'd actually gone ahead and purchased it along with a few others when they'd visited that store a while back. She'd been making her way through all of them over the past several nights and during the time they spent in the truck, assuming they weren't chatting about something else. Interestingly, Percy had actually been the one to notice this particular book. Apparently, he'd read another one of the author's works and had thought she was good enough to recommend.

Diana, of course, wasn't going to turn down a recommendation, and so she sat happily turning through the pages. Or, she would have been had a shimmering message not appeared in front of her. Odd. Typically, she didn't get Iris calls.

"Uh," Diana recognized that voice rather well as she rather loathed the owner, "Hello."

"Good morning," Diana greeted the daughter of Athena cordially, "Did you need something?"

Annabeth twirled a little bit of hair around her finger, "I had been looking for Percy, actually."

Diana nodded. It seemed that Iris was doing the goddess a favor, "He's occupied at the moment. I can relay the message if you'd like?"

The girl seemed uncertain for a moment, dragging for a moment before responding, "Uh, sure. I was just going to let him know that he should be good to head over around four."

"I'll let him know when he gets out of the shower," Diana nodded, somewhat satisfied by the miffed look on the architect's face.

"Thanks," Annabeth nodded once, uncertainly, then once again with a little more conviction, "Will you be coming as well?"

"Perseus extended the invitation," Diana shrugged. She wasn't entirely sure if she was welcome, given the host's trepidation.

"You're more than welcome to," Annabeth seemed to make up her mind as she said that, seeming more composed than she had been, "I'm sure he'd appreciate the company."

Diana was a tad surprised by this, but she wasn't going to snark the girl just for harboring feelings for the same person she did, especially when it seemed that she was trying to be mature about it all, "That sounds lovely then. Till then."

Of course, that didn't mean the goddess had to like her, but she didn't say anything else as the call cut off. Quietly, she thanked the goddess of rainbows. Normally, the daughter of Athena would have gotten a message that Percy was busy. This time though, it seemed the goddess wanted to do Diana a favor, instead routing the call to her. Not so subtle, but the Huntress didn't exactly mind. The point was quite clear, and hopefully, the daughter of Athena could take a hint. Then again, Diana couldn't exactly fault her if she did fight. The goddess wouldn't hesitate to do so if it came to that.

Truthfully, she was rather surprised that more hadn't tried their hand with Percy. Then again, it was rather hard to get him alone. And, that was even before they'd become friends as Percy had been rather reclusive following the end of the war.

Of course, Diana thought as he stepped out of the bathroom, it was hard to see that aspect of him now.

"Hey," Percy waved his hand a little before putting on his shirt, "Were you talking to someone?"

"Annabeth called," Diana said simply, "She said we could head over at four."

Percy had turned to look at the mirror, but he glanced over his shoulder at the goddess before responding, "Oh that's good. I'm surprised she didn't call me instead.

Diana watched as he ran a hand through his hair in an attempt to get any tangles out, "She did. Iris just directed it to me since you were in the shower."

"That was nice of her," Percy nodded, stilling looking at the mirror as he tried - somewhat unsuccessfully - to keep his hair from falling into his face, "Do you think we should bring something?"

Diana smiled as she watched him, "Wine, perhaps?"

Percy seemed amused by that, "Is this an excuse for us to drink again?"

"Perhaps," Diana shrugged, "Feeling better?"

Percy smiled at her in the mirror, "Much. I hate feeling dirty."

"And I imagine you wanted some time in the water."

Percy brushed a little bit of the hair out of his face again, "Pretty much. Do you have a brush or comb?"

"First drawer to your left," Diana said, "Need help?"
"Should be fine," Percy said as he opened said drawer and pulled out a wide tooth comb, "This is really pretty."

It wasn't much, honestly. Just a small wooden comb that Apollo had gifted to her when they were younger, but she did rather like it. He'd taken the time to carve out little branches and vines all along the spine and then stained it all into a rather beautiful shade of walnut.

"Apollo gave it to me a long time ago," Diana smiled, remembering that day, "I do rather cherish it."

"You know, I forget he's the god of art sometimes," Percy said as he gently ran the comb through his hair, "He should make things more often."

"I think many do," Diana said honestly, "Vulcan is known as the craftsman, but I think they are both rather talented."

"True," Percy agreed, "What do you think we should do until four?"

"Would you care to read with me?"

"Sure," Percy smiled easily, finishing up with the comb and placing it back in its intended spot, "What are we reading?"

"One of the books you recommended," Diana explained, shifting over a little so that he had enough space to join her. Of course, the bed was rather large, but it was the thought that counted.

"Sweet," Percy chirped, dropping onto the bed next to her.

"Weren't you hungry?"
Percy made a noise noncommittally, "I'd rather be doing this. There'll be plenty of food later."

"I don't mind putting this on hold," Diana emphasized, "I'd much rather you eat if you're hungry."

Percy just let himself lean against her, "Nope. Reading time."

Diana wanted to be exasperated, but couldn't stop herself from smiling. Instead, she settled for poking him in the ribs, "If you say so."

And they read just up until it was time for them to leave. It was an interesting book, but neither of them were exactly complaining about having to take a break. They'd discussed it little by little as they'd read. Percy rather liked the main character, and Diana agreed, but both found that her partner happened to be just a tad insufferable. She was an interesting foil as a love interest - but gods - her motivations were odd at best, and her character was intentionally grating. At least for the moment.

It seemed that there may have been some chance of change - though Diana and Percy insisted it wouldn't be a redemption given that the character wasn't actually all that bad to begin with. Just kinda gray.

Still, they were both more than ready for a break after having read for the past several hours. Honestly, the party seemed far more appealing than it had the previous day. Percy even said as much as they strolled along the streets of Olympus.

"I'd agree," Diana said easily, "Do they usually host this on Olympus?"

"Depends," Percy shrugged, looking around the rather empty streets, "It really just depends on who hosts. I try to do it more often than not, but we've done things like this at both of the camps, and here on Olympus too. It just kinda depends on where everyone can be, you know?"

"That makes enough sense," Diana nodded, "Why do you try to host?"

Percy snickered, subtly gesturing to a group of nymphs who were staring at them, "Less prying eyes, for one."

Diana laughed, "I should have known."

"Being a recluse has its perks," Percy grinned, "Not that I could really call myself that any more."

"Not really," Diana agreed, "And you weren't really reclusive before either. The world saw less of you, but you were still around."

"As I'm sure you remember in particular with all the monsters we were left cleaning up," Percy rubbed the back of his head.

"And the stray deity," Diana added, "Unless you've forgotten those."

Percy chuckled, "More like I didn't care enough to mention them."

"Oh?" Diana poked him in the ribs, "Is that beneath you?"

Percy bumped into her in response, "You know it's not like that!"

"Sure sure," Diana couldn't stop herself from poking at him, "How many people can say they've beat Hyperion twice? Or Pallas and Perses?"

"Uh," Percy rubbed the back of his head, "Your father?"

Diana just grinned.

"Just me then?"

"That we know of," Diana nodded.

"I had help for those," Percy argued, suddenly feeling embarrassed.

"That doesn't mean that they don't count," Diana shook her head, "Just accept it. You've got quite the number of feats under your belt."

"I feel like we've gotten off topic," Percy tried shifting the conversation back to what it had been.

Diana just laughed before sparing him, "How long do you think we'll be there?"

"Not sure," Percy said, "We can honestly leave whenever we want so let's play it by ear."

"And what will we do after?"

"Could I interest you in some time in the water?"

"At yours?"

Percy nodded, turning to look at her, "Unless you don't want to."

"Don't even think about it," Diana nudged him, "You'll never hear me complain about that."

Percy turned back towards the road ahead of them, "that's good. I don't think we'd get along as well if you did."

"That's fair, though I feel the need to point out your ineptitude with a bow," Diana teased.

"That's true, but at least I'm trying to learn," Percy countered.

"Fine fine," Diana waved him off with a smile. Percy just smiled back and gently placed a hand on her back to steer her towards the left.

"It's right here," Percy explained, "She hasn't changed it much from what I can see."

Diana didn't say anything about that as Percy led the way. It was nice. Open space, long sight lines, a series of arched windows and such. Very classic.

"Pretty," Diana didn't mean to sound as unenthused as she did, but she couldn't quite help it.

"Really?" Percy asked, turning to her as they walked up the steps, "It's pretty antiquated. She kinda hates it from what I remember."

"It's very much reminiscent of the old styles," Diana agreed.

"It feels a little bland to me, actually," Percy shrugged. Diana paused for a moment as he looked back towards the building, "But I suppose it might be different for you since you grew up with it."

"No, I agree," Diana shook her head, "Did she design it that way?"

Percy snickered, "Definitely not. She'd jump back into Tartarus before she copied the style one to one."

Diana was slightly surprised by his casual mention of the Pit, but she brushed past it, especially as Percy knocked on the front door. They both heard some sort of response and the sound of someone moving towards the door. Percy grinned at Diana again, whispering to her before the door opened, "Let me know if you get bored."

The Huntress didn't get a chance to say anything else as the door was pulled open, revealing the daughter of Athena.

"We're not late are we?" Percy asked casually as he offered Annabeth the bottle of wine they'd brought.

Annabeth glanced at the goddess as she responded, making sure to take the offered bottle as she did, "First here actually. I expected you to take another hour."

"Yeah," Percy scratched at his cheek, "Yeah."

Annabeth cracked a small smile, "Going to stand there or are you coming in?"

"I'm thinking I might lounge around outside for a few minutes before I leave," Percy grinned. The Huntress didn't think it held the same humor it usually did as the two stepped inside.

Diana took a moment to survey the room, noting that it was rather drastically different from the outside. Certainly more lived in than the outside. Less… Sterile?

The goddess didn't have much time to observe as Percy nudged her, breaking her out of her thoughts, "Want a tour?"

Diana glanced around again, looking for Annabeth who wasn't anywhere to be seen. Really, the moon goddess wasn't all that sure if she did want a tour, but she nodded. Percy just chuckled, "It'll be a little awkward till everyone gets here I guess. Annabeth's going to finish up with a few things."

"What sort?"

Percy waved his hand, "Probably work, knowing her."

"I can't say that I'm envious," Diana smiled, "Where to?"

"Garden probably. It's one of the few places she spent time on."

"Any reason in particular?"

"Me, actually," Percy rubbed the back of his head as he led her towards a door on the opposite side of the room.

"So you're just trying to show off your good work then?" Diana chuckled.

"No," Percy shook his head, glancing and grinning towards the goddess as they walked, "Maybe."

"Of course," Diana smiled good naturedly.

Been gone for a bit, so sorry about that. Been doing some more impromptu travelling. Honestly, since I'm off uni for the summer, I've been taking the time to just adventure around and do random shit. Unfortunately, that's meant that I haven't always had a lot of time to write. Sorry again about that. I'm having some trouble trying to post this from my phone, so I'm not going to try to respond and potentially break more things. Anyway, I hope you're all doing well!