The sun hung high in the sky, bathing Camp Half-Blood’s beach in golden warmth. The waves rolled gently onto the shore, their rhythmic crashing a perfect soundtrack to the lazy afternoon. Annabeth lay stretched out on a towel, eyes closed behind her sunglasses, soaking in the sun’s warmth after a long morning of training.

Beside her, you—one of Apollo’s own, a child of the sun itself—grinned as you tilted your head back, basking in the golden rays like you belonged to them. In a way, you did. The sunlight seemed to cling to you, catching in your hair, making your skin glow as if you were made of it.

“You’re enjoying this way too much,” Annabeth muttered, peeking at you from the corner of her eye.

You cracked one open, smirking. “It’s literally in my blood, Wise Girl. I thrive in the sun.”

Annabeth huffed, adjusting the brim of her sun hat. “Doesn’t mean you have to show off about it.”

You chuckled, stretching your arms over your head. “You’re just jealous that I don’t burn.”

Annabeth scoffed. “I do not burn. I just—” She cut herself off when you turned your head to look at her, a knowing look in your eyes. “Okay, fine. Maybe a little.”

You grinned triumphantly, reaching over to tap the bottle of sunscreen sitting next to her. “That’s why you’ve got me. Can’t have my girlfriend turning into a lobster.”

She rolled her eyes but let you take the bottle, watching as you squirted some into your hands before gently rubbing it onto her shoulders. Your hands were warm, careful, and she let herself relax under your touch.

“You’re enjoying this,” she accused, though there was no real venom behind it.

“Obviously,” you said, pressing a quick kiss to her sun-warmed cheek before flopping back down onto your towel. “Now shut up and enjoy the sun, Chase.”

Annabeth exhaled, shaking her head fondly before resting back against the towel. With you beside her, sunlight in your veins and warmth radiating from your touch, she figured she could enjoy the sun a little longer.