You'd always had been Sam's friend. It was just the way it was. Not best friends, but close enough.

But you had been his best friend for a while. Before Persephone came along. You kinda got pushed to the side while their friendship got tighter.

Then you met Jordie—one of Sam’s closest friends. He was easy to talk to. A little sarcastic, but never mean. You didn’t have the kind of bond Percy and Sam had grown to have, not even close, but he was good company. Steady. Familiar. So whenever Percy disappeared with Sam, Jordie ended up beside you.

Just like now.

The two of you sat on the sand while Percy and Sam splashed around in the lake, laughing, racing, shoving each other, hugging longer than anyone needed to after a dumb swimming contest.

Jordie watched them for a moment, then glanced at you, catching the way your eyes lingered on them a little too long.

"Do you, uh… wanna go do that stuff?"

He asked, leaning back on his hands and pretending to be casual about it—like he was more focused on tanning than your answer.