A/N: There are now six additional chapters henceforth, thank you!

A big thanks to my Betas and Discord Staff - Alec, Fox, Metzger, BaptismByFire and Zevoros!

Special thanks to Discord users: IA, Noob Salad, Spooky Seasoning, 5Firehawk, Guiding Moonlights, Kovacs, Dr Maou-Senpai, Post Mortem, Denduck, Wumjumba, Ac, R3, Shirokama, TrustTube, Zachary, JDH, Avatar, CJ07, Echoh, Elizabeth Wilbrooke, Jacks, Kappe, Kryn_Womble, Mr. E, Pat, Plut0, Presno, Shawnjohn120 and Trop C'est Trop for supporting my writing and commissioning works!

Feel free to join my Discord for updates, giveaways (for those who actively chat), early access, information and now, commissions/free one-shot giveaways, link on my profile. Without any more rambling from me, I hope you enjoy the story!

(Sorry if you don't like the work!)

THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH FOR THE KIND REVIEWS. We now get so many that it's impossible to respond to all of them, but each and every one of you taking the time to speak your support mean the world to me. Please, by all means, speak with me in Discord!

Zoe wrinkled her nose at him, it was the most unsatisfied face she'd made since the sour candy he'd had her try. "And you must leave for this high school? Is it required?"

Percy sighed. "It is. Mom's really excited about it."

Zoe frowned. "And yet, you're not?"

Just like Zoe, Percy wrinkled his nose. "School's school." He switched topics now that he'd told her about that; he didn't want to leave her randomly and without warning. "Grove after breakfast? Or would you prefer the beach?"

Zoe smiled. "The grove sounds wonderful. I would see how the plants and flowers fare."

Percy grinned, and nodded. "It's a date."

Zoe was a bit slower on the uptake today, or at least it seemed so to him. He'd have sworn she was usually quicker than him.

"A date? We have no dates our grove."

Percy let out a little snicker. He'd been poking fun, but she'd taken it literally. He could explain... or he could ask her about dates. He didn't think he'd ever had any. "Could we? Would you want one?"

Zoe nodded. "I'd like a great many things to be in our grove. I would have herbs, fruits, vegetables and even mushrooms there. They'd all serve a purpose. They'd be food and medicine for us, and for the woodland creatures too. Dates are good for such."

"Then it's settled." Percy clapped his hands together, and took up her hand; unlike months earlier, she didn't so much as blink when he took hold of her hand. If anything, she seemed to enjoy the closeness. She'd gone from having so much company that she'd known for many, many years, to just him at Camp Half-Blood.

Well, him, Grover and Annabeth, but the latter two didn't seem quite as close to her as he did.

"A great hero taking such an interest in gardening and herbology, it gladdens me to see the craft of sisters and I taken up by others close to me." Zoe squeezed his hand, and shot him as beautiful a smile as he'd ever seen her make. "I thank you."

"No need to thank me, is there? It's pretty cool, and like you said, it'll help in the long run." Percy started them off towards the path they'd seen firmly established, and with every step they took, the birds sang, the crickets chirped, the squirrels chittered and the butterflies danced. Before Zoe, he'd never really paid the woods or the life therein all that much attention, but she'd brought him closer and closer to the beauty the woods had to offer.

"It will." Zoe ran a hand up his arm and swept up a little stick-like bug that'd landed on his shoulder. It was an action that had the little bug flailing its legs, and the pair giggling. "I have no doubt, if we continue, your skill and understanding will only grow. We'll make a woodsman out of you the likes of which are seldom seen in this age."

There was that old-timey talk that'd come out on occasion. Percy found it funny and cute in equal parts.

"That means I'll have to get better with the bow too then. I'm still far, far from a master like you." Percy meant that too. 'Good' as she might say he was, Zoe was ten times over the archer that he was.

Zoe hummed, and leaned into him as they walked along, mimicking a bow action as she spoke. "A woodsman must be able to hunt and trap to feed and clothe his family. To that end, archery is an art, craft and future. What will you do when the time comes for you, the good hero, to settle down and find your lady-wife if you have not these skills?"

Percy's brows shot up, and his jaw went a little slack. She was talking about him getting married. He'd never really thought about that... or about finding a girl. He hadn't really even had any serious crushes aside from Annabeth initially, or Zoe.

Gods.

"I jest, I jest," Zoe elbowed him, and shook her head. She was laughing. "Though I do wonder how you'd fare in that regard. You're a good man, a good hero. Mayhaps the only truly good one I've had the pleasure of meeting."

Zoe was complimenting him a lot lately.

And she'd been getting more touchy.

That meant she'd finally gotten well and truly comfortable around him, and he was happy for her. Happy for himself, too, because that meant they'd finally become friends, good friends.

"I'm not the only good hero, you know," Percy leaned his head down a little, so that he could look at her. Her eyes were always so beautiful, so deep and enchanting. "I remember how much you helped me over that quest I sorta invited myself on. You could've left me or done the bare minimum, and you could've taken Riptide back, but you didn't."

Zoe flushed red, both on account of his words and her proximity to him. "You were deserving of aid. Your actions towards the others and despite the injuries they caused to you were proof enough of that — in truth, it was my mistake to think you like all the others. I'd feared when you were wounded, that I'd missed my chance to correct that initial behaviour o'mine."

"Well, you didn't miss it." Percy didn't like thinking back to when he'd been hurt. Those memories, while filled with Zoe caring for him, brought back some of the pain he'd felt too. "And you didn't let me down. Barely really felt all that much pain. I remember you singing too. That did more than any advil or something."

"Advil?"

Percy blinked. He thought she'd know that one. "It stops pain, like that tea you made. It's definitely not as tasty."

Zoe's lips curled into a smirk. "I'm not sure I trust you when it comes to 'tasty', Percy. The first drink you gave me was... not what I'd describe as enjoyable. I don't think I'd call it a 'shake' either. It was an experience. A rather unique one." She furrowed her brow. "It was like drinking soup, but filled with sugar. A most strange combination. And the ice cream. Ice cream. How do you make cold ice?"

He was surprised she'd even taken the drink he'd made, or the shake. She'd been a lot less willing to try his ideas when it came to food at the start.

"Teasing me again, aren't you?" Percy poked at her side.

Zoe let out a yelp, and stepped away from him. "Don't poke me, please." She was smiling as she said it, which made him think he could probably do it again.

"Then don't tease me."

"Or you'll poke me?"

"Yep."

Zoe hummed. "What will you do if I continue?"

Percy poked her.

"Hero!" Zoe's eyes widened. She was looking at him with a mix of disbelief and shock.

Then with darkened eyes, she pounced at him.

"Zoe?"

"I shall make you regret such."

"Hey!" Percy laughed as he fell onto the ground.

"Regret."

"Ahahaha. S-stop tickling me." Percy couldn't stop his laughter, and he could scarcely tickle her in return. She was much too quick and agile for him to catch.

Zoe's light-hearted, breathy tone was a treat. "You did it, and thus you must accept the consequences."

Percy gasped for air, and laughed, and laughed some more.

It took Zoe a good while before she finally stopped tickling him, but in the end, the pair were left with red faces, aching sides and a good deal more sweat.

Then, it was off to their little patch of woodlands.

Zoe spun in the centre, surrounded by brightly-coloured flowers, moss-covered trees and a canopy of leaves above. It was a place he'd come to know, love and appreciate because of her, and one he thought was beautiful in its own right; nature had a part in it, but Gods, they'd done so much to see it to its current state.

"We did well, yes?" Zoe had her arms behind her back as she walked, and looked about.

With little rays of sunlight striking her, and a little smile on her lips, he couldn't help but think she was the most beautiful thing in the whole grove.

"Mostly you. I couldn't have done half of this without your help." Percy knelt by a tree, and pulled a weed out. "If anything, you're the hero here."

Zoe shook her head. "We'll be heroes together in this space of ours," she took his hand and pulled him towards the freshest additions; she wished to look over their new plants, and he did too. It was always cool, seeing how they kept and grew. "I wonder if we might attract a dryad to aid us as it grows, and the creatures that use it multiply."

"That'd be cool." Percy could hear birds and a plethora of other critters. The forest was coming back to life. "Think we can make something of it?"

Zoe's smile turned radiant. "This place will serve as a reprieve for many and more, and will remain for long past the lives of many. Nature has a way of caring for itself once you've sown the seeds it needs to do so, and we've done most excellent work here."

Yes they had.

Zoe adjusted the grasp he had of the bow she'd made. "A proper grip, with no tension in your hands or arms. Let the bow speak for itself, and let your arrows do the talking."

Percy released the arrow, and watched it fly true.

"Your posture has improved." Zoe's eyes were on his target; an old tree stump they'd made to be their main target. She'd hollowed it out and filled it with dirt. Eventually, they would see plants therein. "You're a natural with the weapon."

Percy smiled. "That's because I have such a great teacher."

Zoe flushed red.

"I'm only being honest." Percy set the bow on the little twine-made table by their side and took a drink from the bottle of water they'd brought.

"You're too kind." Zoe took a sip from her own bottle. She didn't drink it often, but when she did, it was usually after working up a sweat, like today. "Would you care to run or swim? Or have you had your fill of exertion for the day? I suppose we could keep to the archery too, if you'd prefer."

Zoe rarely rambled, but on the occasion that she did, Percy couldn't help but find it a little cute. Just like everything else she did.

"I wouldn't mind going for a swim. I'm pretty beat." Percy wiped at the sweat on his forehead. "And maybe a dip in the water would get some energy back."

"A swim it is then," Zoe dipped her head, and took his hand in hers. She would lead them to the water through the thick, wooded paths. "You've given me a fresh enjoyment of the open water. I'd long preferred naught but rivers."

"Why's that?"

"Rivers are so oft covered by trees and clear as glass, but the oceans are dark and unknown." Zoe wrinkled her nose. "There's an ocean nearby, yes?"

"Uh-huh. The Atlantic." Percy nodded.

"You better than most might know what lurks beneath those waters."

Percy gave her hand a little squeeze. "I could stop them. You don't have to worry about those things."

Zoe raised a brow at him, then she prodded his side. "Assuring me, Hero?"

"Yep." Percy nodded, true and confident, and entirely missing the teasing in her voice.

"How gallant of you."

"Only trying to live up to my title." Percy flashed her a grin, one that earned a small laugh and a smile from the girl.

The two continued on in a comfortable silence. The path was a familiar one, and the walk an easy one. They could traverse it in their sleep if they wished.

When they broke through the woods and onto the beach, the sun had just begun its slow descent towards the horizon. They had some time yet before dinner.

"What a beautiful sight," Zoe was at his side now, her head rested on his shoulder.

Percy could feel her warmth and her breath against his skin, and it was a comforting feeling. "One of the best." He meant her, of course. He thought that every time he looked at her, and that was a lot. A lot a lot.

Zoe let out a breathy-sounding laugh. "I was speaking of the ocean."

"So was I."

Zoe was still, for a moment, then she was gone from his side, opting to stand before him; that wild hair of hers was lifted in the breeze and drew his gaze. "Perseus Jackson, what am I to do with you?" She shook her head, and ran a hand through that aforementioned hair.

Percy had the urge to do that too. It was always so soft-feeling and floral-smelling. Gods, there was even a hint of mint, he swore there was.

"Continue our grove and archery lessons until I'm as good as you are?"

Zoe's smile was wide and her cheeks red. "I believe that might take a lifetime. You'll be an accomplished archer, but never will you be able to best me." There was that haughtiness in her voice that'd been present when first they'd met, but there was no disdain as there'd been then.

"Wanna bet?"

"A bet?"

Percy gave a nod.

Zoe raised her brows, and folded her arms. "What would be the terms of this wager?"

"We have a shoot-off. Winner gets to pick a place to go to in the city." Percy paused. "But in a month. I'll need more practice first."

"A fair wager." Zoe gave his arm a tug, as the other hand finished sweeping through her hair; she seemed to desire the water more than she'd let on. "Come, swim with me."

Percy was more than happy to comply. He followed along and was quickly divested of his shoes, socks and shirt. When he turned, Zoe had already shed herself of her upper apparel, sporting a one-piece swimsuit. She'd most definitely prepared.

"You knew we were gonna end up swimming." Percy eyed her, and wondered if he'd have seen the swimsuit earlier had he looked harder.

"You and water after our ventures in the forest have become commonplace. Did you expect otherwise?" Zoe dove into the water and swam with ease. She was like a fish, and could move faster than he'd first thought she could in the water.

"Wore my swimsuit too, didn't I?" Percy fell back, into the water, and let himself float there for a bit.

Zoe was at his side a few moments later, and prodded him. "No shaping of the water this swim? I'd thought that fun."

Percy was all too happy to oblige.

The water was their playground as much as the woods.

And besides, she'd given him a new love of the forests and many things within — that meant it was his job to make her love the water in ways she couldn't imagine.

"You seem happier, lately." Sally was sitting across from him. She had a plate of fries, and a burger.

Percy was having a cheeseburger and his own batch of fries. He'd been happy a lot lately. "I've been hanging out with someone."

"Zoe? The girl you introduced to me?" Sally's look was knowing. "She was a very sweet girl."

"Yeah." Percy flushed. "It's her. We've been spending a lot of time together. She's really great."

"You like her a lot."

"Mom." Percy groaned. He didn't want to talk about this with her.

"And she likes you a lot."

Percy's blush darkened and he looked elsewhere. But all the same, he posed a question that'd bugged him for quite some time. "You think so?"

Sally's smile was a big one, both motherly and teasing. "I can tell. I've seen the way she looks at you, and you at her. That's the same look I'd had with your father."

"It is?"

Sally hummed.

Percy couldn't help the hope that blossomed in his chest. He also wanted to stop talking about it now that his mom had really helped out that hope. "Can she come over? For dinner or something?"

"Oh, I would love that." Sally reached across the table and gave his hand a squeeze. "Invite her over whenever you'd like. I want to know more about her, and get to know her a little better. Maybe she can help with dinner — she said she knows all about cooking, and with her accent, I'm sure she knows a few tricks I never learned."

"I'll invite her for tomorrow." Percy was smiling now. "But, um, can you not say anything to her? About... you know..."

"About how much you like her?"

Percy let out another groan, and slumped a little in his seat. "Mom."

Sally was laughing, and giving his hand another little squeeze. "It's not like she won't already know. You're a lot more obvious than you think—" she held up her hands when he made to speak up again. "No, no, you're old mom won't say anything. You can do that on your own. I just want her to feel welcome. I won't even get your baby pictures out."

Percy groaned.

He totally didn't trust her.

Zoe had picked a green dress, with white frills and a black underskirt. She'd even added a ribbon to her hair, and put it up in a ponytail. He was used to her more rugged beauty, but this was a different side of her, one that was just as pretty.

Maybe even more.

"You're staring, Hero." Her tone was teasing and light.

Percy flushed and averted his gaze.

"You look really pretty."

Zoe flushed a little redder than him.

"Thank you, Percy. You look very fetching yourself." Zoe's smile was a shy one, and she seemed to have more to say... until the door was opened by his mom.

"Oh, you two look great." Sally stepped aside. "Please, come inside. I was just finishing up the bread to go with dinner."

Zoe smiled, and slipped inside the apartment. Percy was quick to follow.

"Thank you, Ms Jackson."

"Please, dear, Sally. This is the second time you're over. That means you're practically family by now." Sally closed the door behind them. "Did you two have any plans after dinner? I know you like going for walks, but I have a few board games we could play, if you're interested."

Zoe looked intrigued, and sent a look Percy's way.

"Sure, Mom." Percy didn't mind them so long as it wasn't monopoly or something just as slow.

Sally gave a grin then and dashed off to the kitchen. She brought back cookies, and told them dinner would be ready in half an hour.

With those cookies between them, warm and delicious, Percy gave a little nod to the TV. "Wanna watch something? I could put a show on."

Zoe took a bite out of the cookie, and gave a hum. "Mayhaps for a few minutes. I truly wish to see how your mother cooks. I would think she has wisdom that I lack."

Percy snickered, and when Zoe sent him an inquisitive look, he explained why.

"My mom said something similar about you."

"Did she?" Zoe looked bashful. "I think there's little I could teach her if these are the foods she's able to make whilst keeping up her household and working. Much and more that I'm used to is quick, and not nearly so elaborate lest a feast is called for."

"Really?" Percy had thought she'd be better than most chefs… actually, he still thought she was — Zoe was modest, and lest she was teasing, not one for bragging of any kind.

Zoe laughed and gave a few nods. "Naturally. Cooking had never been my focus, but that wasn't to say it wasn't an interest." She took another bite of cookie, and this one saw her sigh. "Tell me of these board games. Are they fun?"

Percy gave a shrug. "Depends on the one you play. I always liked chutes and ladders, or just about anything that was—"

"Monopoly." Sally's voice came as she reappeared with juice for the pair; water too, in the form of glasses.

As one might imagine, they'd never been too fond of water bottles or the like.

Percy groaned. Even hearing the name of it was rough. "It's too slow."

"One day," Sally gave a wink Zoe's direction, and pointedly set aside one slab of game from the rest. "Why don't we let Zoe pick based on the title? See if anything stands out — here."

Sally spread out the three remaining games on the coffee table, and ushered Zoe forth to view them.

Zoe only squeezed his hand before she rose and drew closer to his mom, interest plain as day on her face.

"Any?" Zoe looked between him and Sally both. "You don't mind?"

"Not in the slightest, dear. Percy's had plenty of time to play these throughout the years," Sally encouraged the girl to pick whatever she liked.

As for Percy, he shrugged.

He'd happily play any other game, and really, he figured she could probably convince him to play monopoly too.

"Tomorrow is your 'orientation' as you called it, is that right?" Zoe was walking with Percy, hand-in-hand through the outer ring of their grove.

"Yeah. Only a few more years to go, then it's all done." Percy huffed. "Gonna miss all the extra time to practice the bow with you, or spar."

Zoe's laugh was a quiet, breathy sound.

"There'll be a gym for you to practice at, yes? And perhaps a teacher with a better grasp on the art of the bow?"

That made Percy laugh. "No, they don't teach archery. I think the closest thing we'd have would be baseball or football or something."

Zoe wrinkled her nose. "No archery. How queer a thing to think. You say this baseball or football are close? We do speak of the same sports, do we not?"

"We do." Percy didn't know about any other baseball or football.

"You poked fun at me." Zoe prodded him in the chest with her other hand. "A little payback for all my supposed 'teasing', yes?"

"Maybe."

Zoe let out an exaggerated sigh. "Your generosity is without bounds, Hero."

Percy grinned and snickered. "So I've heard."

"You are lucky that I find you endearing."

"Am I now?"

Zoe squeezed his hand, and gave a tug. "Most definitely." There was a brief few seconds' silence, and then Zoe spoke again. "You will still be by despite this school, won't you? It won't stop you from seeing me or the grove?"

"Of course not." Percy looked at her, and gave her hand a squeeze. "Nothing will stop me from seeing you. I promise. School doesn't even come close to that."

Zoe let out a breath, and stopped. She turned towards him, and her gaze was heavy. "Heavy words, the first you spoke. They'll be true, won't they?"

Percy never broke his word. His friends and family would always get the best he could offer, and Zoe, she was deserving of that and more. Gods, he'd had crushes before, but there was so much that'd happened in less than a year's time with her. Nobody else came close.

"They will." Percy nodded, and he was earnest in his words.

"Good." Zoe stepped a little closer, and let out a breath. "You've broken your word not once. I say it so oft, but you're one of the few in history that deserve the title 'hero', and fewer still that have done nothing that could see it contested. You're an uncommonly good person, Percy Jackson."

Just like when anybody complimented him too much, Percy felt a little embarrassment and looked elsewhere. "Uh, thanks."

Zoe smiled, and gave him a tug, leading them back towards their the camp. "How foolish of me," She turned them suddenly, only deftly dodging Percy as she pulled him along. "You'd probably wish to see the sun set from the site of the beach, not the trees."

Percy was happy with whatever. She could take him anywhere and he'd be okay with it.

When they'd made it onto the sand, and their shoes were left behind, Zoe let out this content-sounding sigh, and she sat. She didn't pull him down beside her, instead opting to give him a push. He fell backwards and landed with a huff.

"Ow."

"Oh, come now." Zoe patted his shoulder. "We've tumbled more times than this. This is nothing — to me, if I offered offense to your back, I'll rub it and see the muscles loosened. But that would require you being a little closer."

Percy was already on it. He scooted up to her, and at her prompting, laid his head in her lap.

"Much better, isn't it?" Her voice was light and honey-like, and as the sky shifted colours, Zoe's fingers combed through his hair and the smell of flowers and the water drifted over him.

It was a perfect moment, and he never wanted it to end.

But all things did, eventually.

"Night's come faster than I'd thought." Zoe looked up, to the stars that shined bright above; the moonlight made her features stand out a little more than usual, and the smile she had was as pretty as ever it'd been.

"We've been here a few hours." Percy blinked and rubbed at his eyes.

The comfort of her lap and the deft, soothing efforts of her hands had nearly lulled him to sleep a half-dozen times over.

Zoe chuckled, and ran a hand through his hair. "Have we? I hadn't noticed."

Percy smiled, and looked up. She was looking down at him.

"This has been a pleasant night." Zoe's voice was quiet, and her hand had stilled.

"Yeah."

"Would you mind doing this again the first weekend you're back? I fear I've grown far too used to your company. I will need to acclimatize myself to the emptiness of the woods and grove once more."

That was very sad-sounding.

Grover and Annabeth, the other two she was closest to, would also be headed to school too. The camp wouldn't be the same for her, and save for the dryads or nymphs that kept to the woods, Zoe enjoyed not the bulk of those that'd remain. It made him feel horrible for going to school, even though she was supportive.

"You could come to school with me. It'd be kinda lonely without you."

Zoe gave a wry smile, and shook her head. "I would find that fun, but I doubt the staff or myself would have the patience to see my lessons done. Besides, I believe the camp needs someone of my talents around. With many gone, those few that remain should have a sentinel to watch them."

"I'll still have to steal you away for a movie or food or something." Percy would miss her and their hangouts. "Maybe we could picnic by the beach or go to my mom's again. Gods, I'm sure she'd love to have you over even if I was at school."

Her nails dragged along his scalp, sending shivers down his spine, and she was smiling. "I'd enjoy any of what you make mention of." She paused for a moment, and he felt her swallow and shift. "Since I'll not see you on the morrow for the first time in moons, I would tell you... I would say that you have been the truest of friends one could hope for. I will miss your companionship."

"You make it sound like I'm leaving for a year, or that you're not gonna see me until next summer." Percy shook his head; that wouldn't be the case. "I'll visit every weekend, and maybe if you'd want, you could even spend the night. I'm sure mom wouldn't mind if you wouldn't."

Zoe seemed happy at the thought and saw her hands switch from his hair, to his shoulders.

"I'd like that." There was a strangeness to her tone.

One that made Percy open his eyes so as to peer up at her. She was staring out towards the water, and her cheeks were pink.

"What's up?"

Zoe blinked and looked down at him. "You're observant."

Percy shrugged and sat up. The loss of her was a great one, and his body protested its removal from her lap. "I dunno. Just have a feeling something's bugging you."

Zoe looked out to the sea, and then back towards him. Her smile was a little sad, and her hand found his. "I favour you." He wasn't sure why she sounded wistful or nervous.

Weird as it was, what she'd said, it sounded good. Right?

"Isn't that good? We're friends." Percy took up one of her hands and gave it a squeeze.

She returned it without delay.

"Do you play coy?" Zoe's tone was curious, and he felt the nervousness in her; it was greater than he'd felt since they'd been on the quest. "You're a little dense on occasion, Percy, but you're not foolish."

Was he? All the same, he didn't understand what she was getting at.

"What do you mean?" He was confused and cocked his head at her as his brows furrowed together. "I don't get it. What're y-"

"How did Annabeth tease you when last we spoke with her?" Zoe's cheeks coloured further as her eyes turned to the moon above. She paused, taking in a deep breath of all the scents around them, and with a bit more calmness about her, she continued. "A crush, I believe the word was."

Oh.

Oh.

"I..."

"I understand if you'd not like me, or prefer the company of others." Zoe's tone was neutral, and her hand was no longer holding his. It'd moved to her lap. "If you'd have me as a friend and only as such, I'd be happy. But I must tell you what I'd kept silent these most recent moons."

"You like me?" Percy was, maybe like she'd said, a bit dense.

"Yes." Zoe turned, and her smile was small. "As more than a friend. It is why I would like your company so much, and why I would feel saddened and worried when you are gone, and would celebrate at your return. I do not like the idea of you away from me for any great length of time — what if you're hurt?"

His mom had been right. Gods, he hadn't even told her.

"I, really, reall-"

"Do not answer now. I would have you think on it." Zoe looked to the sea again, and stood. "It is late. We should be off. Escort me to my cabin?"

Percy, who'd felt wounded when she cut him off, was reassured when her hand slipped back into one of his.

"Yeah." He'd never deny her a request. "Zoe?"

"Hmm?"

The pair had little distance to travel, and so they took their time in walking along the dimly-lit path. There were a myriad of plants and flowers around, and they were all in bloom, illuminated by the soft light of the moon.

"Thanks for telling me."

"I'm sure you'd have found out soon enough." Zoe leaned into him as her cabin came into view. "Here I would depart - I'm in need of a wash." Zoe's hand stayed in his, and he felt her thumb swipe the back of that hand she'd taken hold of.

"Zoe?"

She blinked at him, those dark eyes of hers searching him. "Yes, Percy?"

He held open his free hand in the gesture for a hug, but Zoe went one-step beyond. Those dark, affection-filled eyes of hers closed and her arms were around him.

She was warm, and the smell of the flowers and the forest was only stronger when she was this close.

He hugged her back, and as his arms were around her, Percy's heart sped up a little and his cheeks were hot.

Then he felt a faint wetness against his cheek. Her lips, he realised. They were brushing against his cheek.

"Sweet dreams, Percy." She whispered, her lips close enough to his ear to send shivers down his spine and for his body to respond in a way he wished it wouldn't. "I will see you soon."

"Y-yeah. You too."

Gods.

She really did like him. His mom was right.

As Zoe walked off, he groaned to himself.

Mom was right. She'll never let me hear the end of it.

His 'orientation' had felt off from the start. Rachel, that girl he recognised from before, had seemed to think the same. It'd taken him following after her to realise just why that was; Gods, it was like every year had to throw a challenge at him.

This time, it was at his school.

He'd had to flee with Rachel from a window.

But, much to his surprise, she hadn't come with him after the attack. She'd only made him promise to tell her everything once they saw each other again — he wasn't sure how she knew they would anytime soon, given what'd just happened, but Rachel had been completely and utterly convinced.

So he said that he'd do just that, and with Annabeth pulling incessantly at his hand, raced back to Camp Half-Blood. As soon as he'd arrived, Annabeth had gone off in search of Clarisse, which left Percy to wander around himself... or so he'd thought. It seemed Zoe had spotted him, and so she'd been waiting.

"Percy!"

He'd been about to greet her, and give her a hug, but instead found himself having to catch her. "Zoe! Woah."

Her arms were around his neck, and her legs were around his waist. Gods, he'd have been lying if he said he didn't appreciate the feeling of her so close.

"You're here." Zoe's eyes peered into his own, and there was a brightness and happiness to her features that he'd begun to see more and more oft in recent times.

"Yeah, I am."

Zoe was all smiles. "I'm glad. I'd thought I'd not see you again for sometime. What brings you back so soon?"

"Long story." Percy let her down, and her hands were quick to brush and adjust the parts of his clothing that'd gotten wrinkled from her embrace. "Annabeth and I had to leave school. Some weird stuff's going on there."

"Weird stuff?" Zoe's personality shifted quite quickly. Gone was the soft, happy look about her, and in-place was that of the huntress he knew her to be. "Describe it. Tell me if I might prove helpful. Is the camp under threat?"

"No." Percy was quick to correct her. "It's nothing like that."

That seemed to alleviate some of the sudden worry that'd spiked in Zoe, and so, with one of his hands in hers, she started them off to the woods. "And you're well? Completely and utterly? I know you mean to keep your wounds hidden, but if you need healing, tell me and I'll fetch-"

"I'm fine." Percy had to cut her off lest she go into a spiral. He liked her worry, but it made him embarrassed and flushed.

Zoe prodded him in the side with her free hand. "I worry for you. How can't I when I see you fight?"

Percy snickered. He thought he did quite well, but she seemed to think he was reckless or the like.

"I'm not that careless."

The look she sent his way told him what she'd thought of that.

"Alright. Maybe a little."

Zoe let out the smallest of chuckles, and pulled him along further. "To our grove, for a time? I would see if Juniper is near before we visit your beach."

Percy snickered at it being 'his' beach as he vaguely remembered the name she'd mentioned; Juniper was a Dryad, and fairly close to Grover as of late. He'd been glad to find out, and unlike his mom, didn't tease his friend.

"I'm not keeping you from anything, am I?" He'd not want her to neglect her duties or the like since he and Annabeth had both randomly arrived, and he'd also not want her to get into trouble or have someone else fill her role whilst she was off.

"Not a thing." Zoe was earnest, and she'd squeezed his hand. "Come." Her tone left no room for argument, and so, like the dutiful hero she said he was, Percy walked side-by-side with her to their destination.

Their stroll was quiet, and as they passed the tree line and stepped through the forest, Percy found the atmosphere changed. It was still and quiet. Peaceful. From the sounds of insects to the wafting scent of flowers, it was soothing. All the many flowers in bloom as well as the various greenery and the thick trunks of the trees around were a sight to behold.

When they'd finally arrived at their piece of forest, Zoe gave his hand a squeeze.

"Sit."

She'd patted the grassy floor, and Percy complied, finding the grass soft beneath him.

He'd barely been able to sit down before her hands were upon his shoulders. They were a little cold, but that was easily solved by the warmth of her body and his own.

"Relax." Zoe's voice was soft, and she began a massage that was almost too much.

It wasn't often that someone rubbed his shoulders. The sensation, the feeling of her hands digging in, working the tense, aching muscles beneath the surface of his skin was heavenly.

"Thanks."

Zoe hummed a pleasant note. "No thanks is needed."

He felt her shift a little, and then her hands were running through his hair, massaging his scalp. The feeling was so pleasant, so calming, that Percy couldn't help but lean into the touch. After the 'exciting' day he'd had, and the stress he'd been under, the gentle touches were appreciated.

"How did the orientation go?" Zoe's voice was soft.

"Pretty good, until it wasn't."

Her fingers ran through his hair. "Mmm." Zoe let out this soft little hum that saw his eyes begin to close; he'd been so wide awake and full of adrenaline, but now, he was totally at peace.

He wasn't sure how Zoe did it, but she'd a knack for making him feel comfortable.

She leaned back, into the tall, soft grass that surrounded the pair, and Percy followed. His head was now upon her chest, and his arm was over her. He felt her fingers in his hair and her other hand on his arm, holding him in place.

"Isn't the beauty of nature and the warmth of another wonderful?" Zoe's fingers traced idle patterns on his arm, and he'd to agree. "I admire your mother's home and the park in her area, but I could never live in so urban and unnatural a place. Here, with you, I am most content."

Percy couldn't help the grin. "I'm gl—" he paused when he heard the rapid approach of another.

Zoe heard it too, and she'd reacted so fast that by the time Percy was rising, she'd already grabbed for her bow.

Thankfully, when the person arrived, there wasn't a need for it.

Chiron's gaze swept quickly over the grove, his focus on Percy and Zoe.

"What happened?" Percy was on his feet, and Zoe's hand was holding his own.

Chiron held up a hand. "There's no cause for concern." He was quick to ease any worry.

The words that followed, the whole conversation really, only made it well-up again.

Grover needed him.

Grover had one week.

That was all. One whole week to find Pan, or proof of the man's existence, or else he'd lose his licence, and likely more.

Chiron was confident Percy and Grover could pull it off. Percy wasn't. He was worried.

Not because of the quest or the danger they'd likely face, but because of the deadline. One week to find and speak with a God who'd not been seen for centuries was an impossible task.

Grover needed a miracle.

Gods.

If only Percy had a wish he could make true.

He shook his head. The inspection was over, and now he had what remained of the night to himself — so with that, after a nod and goodnight to Tyson in-case his brother went to bed by the time he came back, Percy exited his cabin to seek out the woods. Zoe had stayed by Grover's and Juniper's side just as Annabeth and he had, and worried as he was for his friend, he wanted to seek her out.

Undoubtedly, she was still awake and staring up at the stars.

Percy had a feeling she would be, and when he'd entered the woods, he'd been proven right after some few minutes of walking.

In the dim, pale light of the moon, he could make out Zoe laying between two beds of flowers, her arms beneath her head and her gaze fixated on the stars.

She'd noticed his approach, and as he approached, her gaze shifted from the stars to him.

"Percy." There was a small, pleased smile on her lips.

"Hey." He wasn't sure why he greeted her as though he'd not seen her earlier that evening, but he did.

"Come. Lay with me." Zoe patted the ground beside her, and so Percy joined her, the grass beneath his fingers as soft as her hair was; not as pleasant smelling though. "What brings you out this way after you'd made for bed?"

"Grover. The deadline." Percy had no delay in telling her what concerned him.

Zoe gave his hand a squeeze, her expression shifting. "You're worried."

Percy nodded.

"I'm sorry I could not help him with his trial." Zoe's eyes found the moon.

"I'm not mad." Percy's voice was soft. "I know you'd have if you could."

"Yes." Zoe's gaze found his own again, and she sat up. "Which is why I hope you know, when you join Grover on the quest to find Pan, I too will come along."

Percy shook his head as soon as she'd finished speaking. He still remembered the end of their last quest. Gods, he'd been so worried about her.

"It'll be danger—"

"Percy Jackson, if you think for one moment I'd let you face danger without me, you're mistaken." Zoe's gaze was piercing, her eyes sharp and her tone commanding. "I am coming, and that is final."

Percy raised his hands in surrender. "I'm not arguing."

Zoe took hold of one of those raised hands, her gaze softening. "Good." Her thumbs brushed the back of his hand.

"Are you sure you want to?" He had to make sure.

"Positive."

"Well..." Percy was unsure. He'd rather have her near him than far, but he'd hate for her to get hurt.

Zoe tugged at his hand, pulling him closer, and her arms were soon around him.

"Do not try and stop me. Did I not allow you to join us once your presence was made known?"

That made him laugh at the memory her words brought forth.

"You did." Percy let out a sigh. "Do you ever miss the quest?"

"Sometimes." Zoe's hands were warm against his back, and the sound of her voice and her heartbeat so close to his ear was soothing. "But I enjoy my new life, and the people in it."

"Yeah?"

"Yes." She confirmed. "Very much."

"Good."

"Now." Zoe leaned back, pulling Percy with her. "Lay with me, and let the stars ease your worries."

Percy snickered at her choice of words, but followed her lead and laid down.

This time, sleep claimed him, and his dreams were of the most pleasant kind; one that saw him wake not 'till morning had come.

Percy blinked when he made sure Annabeth was safe. Those scorpions had been tough, and they'd done well against the three of them, but it hadn't been the two of them versus the monsters. No, he'd seen arrows fly, and each hit its mark with an accuracy that was nothing short of amazing.

"Zoe." Percy grinned as the huntress stepped towards him and Annabeth.

She was dressed in the same silver-and-green outfit he'd always seen her in, and her bow was in hand. There wasn't the faintest sign of exertion.

"Percy."

His grin widened at the greeting, and he couldn't help but step towards her. Annabeth did much the same, and before long, the trio were in a circle.

"What're you doing here?" Percy couldn't help but ask. He hadn't expected her to be there.

"Danger haunts you. When I heard of the game, I decided to make one of my own — you failed to notice me, Percy, but I think that made for a most pleasant surprise, no?"

"Yeah." His eyes fell upon her bow, and he couldn't help but recall how well she'd shot. "I've got no clue how you were able to do that, but it was awesome."

Zoe preened at the praise, a small, happy smile gracing her features.

"It was pretty impressive, and it certainly did make dealing with those scorpions far easier." Annabeth gave a small dip of her head. "Thank you."

"It was nothing." Zoe's focus was back on him, her smile still present. "Do you mean to investigate their origins?"

"We'd been about to hide between the two boulders at our back. The scorpions would've been too large to follow."

"A clever idea." Zoe looked past them, at the crevice Annabeth had mentioned. "Shall we take a peek into your would-be sanctuary? After we make certain these scorpions are felled?"

Percy didn't have a problem with that. "Sure, why not?"

Annabeth nodded her head in agreement. "Sounds like a plan."

And so, together, the trio ventured forth, to the crevice.

It wasn't a bad place to hide. A little narrow, but it was deep enough that a couple of them could hide without being spotted. It wasn't an ideal hiding spot, but it was better than nothing... wait.

Percy went further in still, finding an opening; one that widened into a tunnel the likes of which shouldn't regularly be hidden between two, seemingly random boulders.

"What is this?" He posed the question to the two girls that'd joined him, and both their expressions turned thoughtful.

Annabeth drew closer. "It'll lead somewhere. We should examine it while we can in-case it's a vulnerability to the Camp."

Zoe seemed to agree based on the words she spoke. "A vulnerability cannot be allowed."

And so, the trio set forth, to the unknown.

The tunnel wasn't long, and it wasn't particularly tight either. It was also free of dust, dirt, and webs. It wasn't used often, but someone had to use it on occasion, and that didn't bode well for the Camp's defences.

"It seem to end up ahead." Zoe pointed, and Percy was able to see what she meant. There was a wall a couple dozen feet away.

Annabeth was at their side, and her eyes were wide. "It emerges up ahead, you mean. Look." She pointed thereat, and squinting his eyes, Percy could make out an angle. One that, upon growing nearer to it, showed an opening that widened twice over from the tunnel they'd started in.

"We should go back and tell Chiron." Percy didn't think it'd be smart to venture into the unknown without someone knowing.

"We should." Annabeth worried over her lip.

Zoe also seemed fairly displeased based on this 'new' location they'd discovered.

But, at least for now, it wasn't too great a threat.

"Percy?" Annabeth had gone off to speak with Chiron and look that discovery over with him, and whilst Percy had wanted to join her, he'd been asked to speak with Tyson.

Unsurprisingly, Annabeth seemed to have something in mind already.

"Zoe?" He glanced her way, and was glad to see her nod.

"I hope you know, be it with Grover, Annabeth or here, we'll continue your archery lessons." Zoe gave his shoulder a nudge, her voice soft. "We have much to work on."

"I'll never be as good as you."

Zoe tutted. "You can be close, in time." She pulled on his hand; they'd hear from Annabeth soon enough.

Until then, it was time to continue with his lessons.

He couldn't complain if it meant more Zoe in his life.