i can see it in your eyes that you wanna get out, i can see it in your eyes that you need it right now

percy, though sarcastic and a bundle of energy, was put in a position that he didn’t ask for.

there was a prophecy called the great prophecy that was kept a secret for years. it foretold that when a child of the big three turned sixteen, they would be drawn into a war that would ultimately determine the fate of olympus—either its destruction or preservation.

to avert this prophecy, poseidon, hades, and zeus made a pact that none of them would have children. yet, two of them broke the vow.

zeus had thalia and jason grace, and poseidon had percy. thus, they were labeled as forbidden children. one of them had to be the child of the prophecy.

thalia was first in line, followed closely by percy, and then jason, which initially suggested thalia would bear the burden. however, everything changed when thalia chose to join the hunters of artemis

she became immortal, forever fifteen, meaning that the mantle of the prophecy now rested squarely on percy’s shoulders.

but percy wasn’t ready. not to fight a war, not to lead one, and definitely not to end one. he was just a boy—sarcastic, charming, loyal, and totally unprepared.

at least he had you, his girlfriend. though, the anxiety that gnawed at him in the weeks approaching his sixteenth birthday.

after returning from a grueling quest through the labyrinth with annabeth, grover, and tyson, all he longed for was to collapse into your arms and forget—forget the horrors he had witnessed, forget the monsters, forget the war, forget everything.

but he couldn’t, since august was upon them, and his birthday was just days away.

an emergency meeting was called, calling the head counselors of each cabin to strategize against kronos' forces, who threatened to infiltrate camp half-blood through the labyrinth.

you attended together, as you were head of your own cabin. percy slouched back at the head of the table, his posture betraying his fatigue as annabeth and chiron laid out plans that seemed to swirl around him.

“many will perish,” chiron said. “why can’t we just wipe the ship out!” another protested. “he can’t kill us all!” someone shouted. “we need a plan.” “well percy—”

but he was lost in his thoughts, staring into the distance with weary eyes. his sea-green gaze met yours across the table, and in that moment, you understood him better than any words could convey.

he was exhausted.

abruptly, he rose from his chair and stormed out, ignoring the calls of concern that followed him. you quickly trailed after him, finding him standing at the pier, his hand tangled in his hair in turmoil.

the second he turned to see you, he crumpled into your arms, the weight of it all crashing down. he began to sob uncontrollably, his tears spilling like the sea he so often commanded.

“w-what do i…do…?” he croaked, burying his face into your shoulder.