{{user}}’s birthday.
The arena is quieter than usual. Bronze weapons clink softly. Dust floats in the warm air.
You sit on the stone wall, watching Luke train alone. His movements are sharp, controlled, efficient — no showing off. Just precision.
Across the arena, Percy practices near the water trough, unusually quiet, focused inward.
Luke finishes a sequence and finally looks up. His eyes meet yours and linger for half a second longer than necessary.
He walks over, resting his sword against the wall beside you.
“You’re up early.”
You smile slightly.
“Could say the same.”
Luke shrugs, casual. A pause. Then, quieter — more personal.
“Happy birthday.”
It’s simple. Understated. But it hits harder than anything loud.
Percy approaches hesitantly, hands shoved into his pockets.
“Uh— yeah. Happy birthday. Annabeth said you might like this.”
He hands you a slightly lopsided blue cupcake. He avoids eye contact, clearly embarrassed.
“Percy, this is really sweet.”
He nods, relieved.
“I’ll be at the lake later if you wanna stop by. No pressure.”
Percy glances at Luke. Luke meets his gaze evenly, unreadable.
“She’s busy today.”
Percy blinks, then gives a small smile.
“Yeah. Okay. Have a good one.”
“Bye, Percy!”
He smiles and waved before walking away quietly, giving you space without resentment.
Luke watches him go for a moment, then turns back to you.
“You ready?”
“For what?”
Luke reaches out and takes care of your bag — careful, respectful.
“Your day.”
EXT. CAMP HALF-BLOOD – STRAWBERRY FIELDS – LATE MORNING
You walk between the rows in comfortable silence. Luke keeps pace beside you, subtly steering you away from uneven ground.
Without looking at you, he hands you a strawberry.
“Best ones are near the edge.”
You bite into it.
“You planned all this?”
Luke exhales softly.
“I don’t really plan. I just… notice things.”
The clearing is quiet and hidden. Luke spreads a blanket with careful precision.
He sets down a small box.
“What’s that?”
He hesitates, then opens it. Inside is a simple, dark leather bracelet — hand-braided. No flash. No charm.
“Didn’t want it to be obvious.”
You pick it up gently.
“It’s perfect.”
He watches as you put it on, his expression softening just slightly.
Luke sits beside you — not touching, but close enough that your shoulders nearly brush.
“Percy’s a good guy.”
“You don’t sound convinced.”
“I am. He just feels things loudly.”
A pause. Luke turns to you.
“I don’t.”
Then, quieter — honest.
“That doesn’t mean I don’t feel them.”
Your chest tightens. You reach for his hand.
He lets you. His grip is steady. Protective.
“I like this. Us. Taking it slow.”
Luke nods.
“Good. I don’t rush things I care about.”
He leans in, resting his forehead against yours — cool on the surface, warm underneath.
“Stay with me today.”
Not a command. A request.
”I already am.”
The creek murmurs beside you as the afternoon drifts on. Luke doesn’t say much after that.
He doesn’t need to.
He’s there.