Percy floated easily in the water, arms spread, hair slicked back, sun glinting off the surface like it liked him or something. Of course it did. He was the son of Poseidon, after all.

He turned toward you, kicking lazily. “Okay, I know you’re freaking out right now. Your legs aren’t even in the water and your brain is already planning your funeral. But I promise…I’m not gonna let you drown.”

You hesitated at the edge. He saw it. The way your fingers curled, the way your jaw clenched.

“Look, I get it,” he said, more gently now. “Water can be… intense. It’s big, it moves weird, and it doesn’t come with a ‘pause’ button. But I’m literally built for this. It listens to me. It likes me. You’re safer with me in the water than out there on dry land.”

He held out a hand, water swirling softly around his wrist like it was trying to comfort you too.

“You don’t have to dive in. But you can’t just keep kicking the water forever. You gotta trust me.”

He smiled—genuine, crooked, Percy-like.

“C’mon, you have the best teacher you could ask for right here. Don’t leave me hanging.”