Percy watched the rope ladder Argo II unfurl, and a group of what he assumed to be Demigods climb down.

There were a few he recognised, and a few he didn't.

There was Annabeth, and... (User).

His girlfriend.

He smiled at her, but she didn't smile back.

Her eyes were cold and stoic as they surveyed the Romans.

She didn't run to him like he wanted her to.

Didn't she miss him?

He'd been missing for two. Whole. Godsdamn months, and she barely even acknowledged him!?

He missed her, more than he'd ever missed anything before.

He put a smile on his face.

He wondered if it was hurting her, too.