11. Snow.

Damian, still a bit sleepy, watched in silence as Simon carefully dressed him. Each layer he put on was an affectionate gesture that made Damian feel safe. The snow falling from the sky seemed like a dream, something pure and peaceful that he had never experienced before. Wrapped in his oversized hoodie, Damian allowed himself to be embraced by the feeling of protection, not having to worry about anything.

When Simon lifted him up and carried him outside the cabin, the cold hit him immediately, making his skin shiver. Damian's cheeks turned bright red, but he didn't mind; in fact, he was a little happy with the coolness. "You'll like it," Simon said, smiling as he held him in his arms. Damian looked at him with an expression that, though slightly puzzled, betrayed a hint of curiosity. Snow was something completely new to him, an experience he had never had before.

The camp, usually chaotic with training and activities, seemed calm on this snowy day. The sounds were muffled by the snow, and the sky above them was gray, but strangely serene. Damian let himself be rocked by the moment, not thinking about anything too complicated. The peace he felt made him feel light, as if the snow could wash away his worries.

Simon gently set him down on the ground, allowing him to observe the footprints left by his steps in the fresh snow. "What do you think?" Simon asked with a smile. Damian, without saying a word, simply contemplated the scenery around him, his eyes shining with simple joy, while the snow continued to fall slowly, covering everything with its white blanket.

It was a happy day, a day Damian would remember, for the serenity that the moment brought him and the warmth he felt around him, both physical and emotional. He wasn't alone; there were people who cared for him, who protected him. And on this snowy day, everything seemed perfect. Snowball fights at Camp Half-Blood had become a real tradition, and Damian found himself involved, albeit in a slightly different way from the others. With his usual stealth, he had devised a strategy that seemed to work: hiding behind snow mounds and launching surprise attacks.

Clarisse, always ready to challenge anyone, immediately took the front line, but Damian managed to surprise her more than once. With his small body hidden among the fresh snow, he was able to strike without being noticed, causing Annabeth to laugh as she watched, amused.

"I can't believe it!" Annabeth exclaimed, laughing as she watched Clarisse shake the snow off, frustrated but amused. "Damian, you're a real genius at strategy!"

Damian, with his face hidden under the hood of his hoodie, couldn't help but smile. He wasn't the type to seek attention, but seeing Clarisse and Annabeth's reactions filled him with joy. The camp felt like a celebration, and he, although still the reserved guy, felt part of something special.

Even Simon, who joined the battle with his lively style, laughed as he saw Damian hit with precision. "We should call you 'the ghost of the snow,'" Simon said, tossing another snowball, this time aimed at Clarisse.

Damian didn't respond, but the smile that lit up his face was more than enough to show how much he was enjoying himself, like never before. The snow, the laughter, and the moments shared with the other demigods made him feel more at home than ever. After all, this snowball fight wasn't just a game but a way to feel part of a family, even if it was a bit strange and chaotic.

Chiron and Mr. D watched the demigods from the porch of the Big House, both a little detached but amused by the scene unfolding before their eyes.

Chiron, as usual, seemed to appreciate the camaraderie forming among the kids, despite their fighter nature and the challenges they faced every day. "You see, Mr. D," he said with a pleased smile, "every now and then, a little madness like this helps keep morale high."

Mr. D, sitting uncomfortably in a chair with his usual bored expression, rolled his eyes. "Yes, yes, fine, but let's not forget they're demigods, not elementary school children. Every now and then, it's better they focus on more important things."

"Every now and then, they need a little lightness too," Chiron replied with a subtle smile. "A bit of healthy fun won't hurt."

Mr. D. huffed. "Right. But if I have to see another one of their ridiculous games, I'll probably turn into a dolphin and dive into the water forever. Anyway, if it keeps them calm, who am I to say anything?"

As the two observed the demigods, Damian, hidden behind a snow mound, threw another snowball skillfully, hitting Clarisse with a precision that left everyone speechless. Annabeth, laughing under her hood, glanced at Chiron, as if asking him if he noticed too. Chiron nodded, amused.

"Damian has a rather... original strategy," Chiron said, sipping his tea. "And it seems he's learning to have a bit more fun, which shouldn't be underestimated."

Mr. D. raised an eyebrow. "I didn't think demigods needed lessons on fun, but maybe you're right. As long as they don't get into too much trouble, it's all good."

Chiron smiled, watching the kids play, with the snow swirling in the air and laughter filling the camp. "Sometimes, it's the little things that show us how much they've grown."

Damian was curled up under the blankets, his face flushed from the cold and his body wrapped in a warm embrace of sheets and blankets. Despite his fatigue and discomfort, he tried to maintain a positive attitude, remembering the fun of the snowball fight the day before. His nose was stuffy, and his throat was sore, but the thought of the day spent with his friends brought him some comfort.

Annabeth, who was in the infirmary due to a similar cold, watched him from the bed next to his. Even though she wasn't feeling well, she tried to smile to cheer him up. "Bet you miss the snowball fights, huh?" she said, trying to lift his spirits.

Damian nodded weakly, his voice a bit nasal. "Yeah... but at least... yesterday I had some fun."

Annabeth smiled, gently touching his hand in a gesture of solidarity. "Don't worry, it'll pass soon. And when you're feeling better, we can do plenty more fun things."

"Maybe..." Damian whispered, trying to focus on the warmth the hot broth gave him.

Grover, who was making his rounds to check on the demigods, approached Damian with a cup of tea. "Hey, buddy, you really caught a bad cold. Don't worry, though. With some rest and a little magical potion, you'll feel better in no time."

Damian gave a small smile, appreciating the kindness of his friends, but he was battling the exhaustion that enveloped him. He sank back into the blankets, hoping the day would pass quickly.