despite himself, despite everything he was, he had accepted the gods’ offer to become immortal. he wasn’t sure why he had said yes. perhaps on impulse.

and now he was reaping the consequences.

he had watched his loved ones die, had watched them live their own lives and grow old together while he remained forever young.

he had visited their gravestones, every single one. even clarisse. especially annabeth.

he was a shell of himself, a memory of what he once was. he no longer had that wild, charming personality. he was just… empty.

it’s why he often visited manhattan. it was both depressing and enlightening to see so many people living their lives, all with normal lifespans.

not a day went by when he didn’t regret his decision.

he tugged his hoodie further onto his head. he didn’t want to be seen.

not that anyone would recognize him, anyway.