Chapter 1: Borrowed Comfort
Artemis prided herself on her precision. She was the Huntress, the protector of maidens, a
goddess who let no slight go unanswered. Yet, for weeks, something had been slipping
through her fingers—a mystery that nibbled at the edges of her patience.
Her hoodies, sweatpants, and even a few pillows from her private chambers had begun
disappearing. At first, she'd thought it was one of her Hunters playing a prank. But the girls
denied it, their eyes wide with honesty (and a little fear, which she appreciated). No, the
culprit wasn't among them.
And so Artemis set a trap.
--
Perseus Jackson, Son of Poseidon, had a habit of finding trouble. It was practically his
calling card. This time, however, he hadn't meant to cause any. He swore!
It had started innocently enough. After the Second Giant War, Percy found himself plagued
by nightmares. The weight of war, of lives lost and nearly losing Annabeth (only to amicably
part ways months later), left him restless. Camp Half-Blood didn't always feel like home
anymore, and so he'd wandered.
Somehow, he'd stumbled across Artemis's campsite. He hadn't meant to linger—gods knew
she wasn't his biggest fan—but her aura had been... calming.
And her clothes? Well, Percy would never admit it out loud, but they smelled like fresh pine,
the crisp air of winter, and something distinctly soothing. He'd borrowed a hoodie once,
thinking he'd return it. Then a pair of sweatpants. Then a pillow.
It wasn't theft, really! He was just borrowing them until he felt better.
--
The night of the trap, Artemis hid behind a tree, her silver eyes fixed on her tent. She'd left
one of her favorite hoodies draped over a chair, the soft fabric glowing faintly in the
moonlight.
Her heart thundered with anticipation. Who dared steal from her?
A shadow moved. Silent as a whisper, the figure crept into her tent. Artemis tensed, bow in
hand, and waited.
The figure emerged moments later, hoodie clutched in one hand, a pillow tucked under their
arm. She stepped out from her hiding spot, drawing her bowstring taut. "Freeze, thief!"
The shadow stiffened, turning slowly to face her. Artemis blinked, her grip faltering.
"Percy Jackson?"
The demigod gave her a sheepish smile, the hoodie held up like a white flag. "Uh… hi,
Artemis."
She was stunned. Of all the people she expected, Percy was at the bottom of the list.
"Explain yourself," she demanded, her voice cold enough to make a mortal shiver.
He scratched the back of his neck, looking everywhere but at her. "So, uh, funny story... I've
been having trouble sleeping, and, well, your stuff is really comfy. I didn't mean to—"
"Steal?" she interjected, her tone sharp.
"Borrow!" he corrected quickly, wincing. "I was gonna give it back, I swear. It's just… your
stuff helps me feel safe."
Artemis opened her mouth to unleash her fury, but the words died in her throat. Percy stood
there, dressed in one of her oversized hoodies, the sleeves falling well past his wrists. The
sight was absurd—a mighty hero of Olympus, looking like a lost puppy drowning in her
clothes.
Against her will, her lips twitched. "You thought you could steal from a goddess and get away
with it?"
"I wasn't trying to get away with it!" he protested, though his voice lacked conviction. "I didn't
think you'd notice…"
She arched a brow. "You didn't think I'd notice half my wardrobe missing?"
"Okay, yeah, that was dumb," he admitted, his cheeks flushing.
Artemis sighed, lowering her bow. She should be furious. She wanted to be furious. But
Percy looked so utterly ridiculous—and oddly endearing—that she found it impossible to stay
mad.
"You're lucky I'm feeling merciful," she said, stepping closer. "But if you ever steal from me
again, I'll turn you into a jackalope. Understood?"
"Yes, ma'am!" he said quickly, relief washing over his face.
She shook her head, muttering about idiotic heroes as she retrieved her hoodie and pillow.
But when she glanced back at him, still standing there awkwardly in her oversized clothes,
she hesitated.
"Keep the hoodie," she said grudgingly.
His eyes lit up. "Really?"
"Don't make me regret it," she warned, turning on her heel.
As she walked away, Artemis couldn't help but smile. Perhaps Percy Jackson wasn't as
insufferable as she'd thought.