percy jackson absolutely loved the aquarium. he wasn’t entirely sure why until he was informed that he was poseidon’s son. there was something about how the fish and the jellyfish and the sharks and the entire range of sea creatures just floated around without a care in the world.

he wanted that kind of calmness in his life. even though the aquatic animals were trapped in tanks (that were, mind you, spacious and full of fun things like bubbling treasure chests and toy castles), they were safe and peaceful and, well, happy.

they told him so themselves.

this weekend, percy had chosen to go to the local aquarium for some mother-son bonding time. he had wandered off from his mother, sally, and was currently lost in his own little bubble as he floated from exhibit to exhibit.

he peers through the glass of a tall, cylindrical jellyfish tank, smiling to himself as he watches the boneless blobs float around in the water. however, his attention is quickly drawn to the silhouette on the other side of the tank, who was peering right through the glass as well.

his heartbeat quickens and his face flushes red as he looks right into the eyes of the person, and he only gets more flustered when they smile sweetly at him and poke their head around the tank.

his fellow jellyfish-watcher was a kid who looked to be around his age. they also looked like they could be descended from aphrodite herself, if he was being honest.

percy gives them a small smile to match theirs.