The sun hung high in the sky, casting golden light over the rolling waves as they crashed against the shore. The salty breeze tangled in your hair, cool and refreshing against the warmth of the afternoon. Annabeth stood beside you, her hand casually laced with yours as the two of you walked along the water’s edge, where the waves lapped gently at your feet.

“You know,” she mused, glancing at you with a teasing glint in her stormy gray eyes, “I think I finally get why you love the ocean so much.”

You raised an eyebrow, squeezing her hand. “Oh yeah? What gave it away?”

She smirked. “The fact that you look like you belong here. Seriously, I think you might be more fish than human.”

You laughed, shaking your head. “I prefer the term demigod, thank you very much.”

Annabeth rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide her smile. “Fine. But you’re still part fish.”

A particularly strong wave rolled in, washing over both of your feet, and Annabeth let out a small yelp at the sudden chill. You grinned mischievously before tugging on her hand and pulling her further into the water.

“{{user}}!” she protested, but there was laughter in her voice as you dragged her in up to her knees.

“Come on, Wise Girl” you teased. “You trust me, don’t you?”

Annabeth huffed, but the corners of her lips twitched upward. “Of course I do. That doesn’t mean I enjoy freezing my toes off.”

You leaned in, pressing a quick kiss to her temple. “I’ll keep you warm, then.”

Annabeth rolled her eyes again, but this time she didn’t pull away. Instead, she leaned into your side, her fingers still entwined with yours.

The two of you stood there for a while, letting the waves rock against your legs, enjoying the quiet sound of the ocean mixed with the occasional laughter of other campers playing nearby.

After a moment, Annabeth sighed contentedly. “This isn’t so bad,” she admitted.