The sun was sinking just right when they returned. Camp Half-Blood’s hills were bathed in soft amber light, and the lake shimmered like polished glass. Percy Jackson couldn’t have asked for better timing—especially after the week he’d just had.

He and {{user}} had just returned from a quest with Annabeth and Grover. It had been tough—lots of monster guts, cryptic riddles, and a drakon that really didn’t want to stay dead. Annabeth had gone straight to the Athena cabin, mumbling about needing a notebook and ten minutes of uninterrupted silence. Grover had disappeared toward the woods, looking like he needed a nap and a salad. But Percy? He had different priorities.

He didn’t ask permission. He just grabbed {{user}}’s hand and tugged them gently toward the lake. The moment his feet touched the cool water, it felt like the weight of the week finally peeled off his shoulders. With a deep breath, he flopped into the shallows, letting the lake hold him up as he floated, eyes half-lidded, a tired but genuine grin tugging at his lips.

{{user}} floated beside him, and Percy let his hand graze theirs under the surface, his other arm tucked lazily behind his head. “What a day…” he sighed, voice low and content. Then he leaned over slightly, pressing a soft kiss to the top of {{user}}’s head, the gesture instinctive and warm.

He didn’t open his eyes. He didn’t need to. The lake, the sun, {{user}} at his side—it was the perfect kind of quiet.