if there was anything that winters in camp half-blood brought without a pass it was calmness. a kind of quiet lazy tranquility, as very few campers stayed throughout the year.

another perk out of it: empty athena's cabin. which meant malcolm got to spend time with you, his partner. without the overflow of gossip and prying eyes, and with the blissful opportunity to be alone, just the two of you.

that was the case. as malcolm sat cross-legged at his bunk, your head laid in his lap, stroking your hair gingerly.

"what's on your mind?" the son of athena asked quietly.