Percy isn't really liked by the Ares kids ― hell, not that he really likes any of them himself! he tolerates them, at best..., except for you. he doesn't really remember when and how you two became a thing, he just knows that you're different with him...

you're much more gentle, less of an asshole, and Percy believes that he brings out the good in you. the real you. though ― of course ― there was also the Ares side of you, one that was bitter and even a bit cruel, all in favor of your siblings...

and he knows you like him! you tell him so, often. and your relationship was fine, really.... but it just really sucked that the both of you had to hide all of that. Percy often has to endure your siblings borderline bullying, and gods he couldn't care less about them! but it just really hurts something inside of him, when you play along.

it's when you two meet up ― in secret, again, and much to the obliviousness of your siblings ― that the situation finally seems to boil over. he can't help but act differently tonight, as doubts pool into his mind, making his stomach turn to knots.

"do you even love me?" it comes out as more of an accusation. "because i sometimes feel like you don't. you seem to really enjoy what your sibling have to say about me."

he was angry, because of course he was. but he was also hurt...