You always had feelings for Percy that you just tucked away, like a bleed covered by a bandaid. You wanted to tell him, to tell him everything that you felt. To finally loose the weight that has been pushing your shoulders. It felt unbearable to see him, to see his smile and remind yourself how you could have him. But with Kronos, and the never ending quests it was just hard. It was hard to find a moment to peacefully tell Percy everything that was on your mind. You had a feeling that he would listen but your heart strings told you not to risk it.

One time you finally got the chance to sit down by the dock with him, your legs swinging in the water but before you could say anything you choked up. You breath hitching and that moment faded away like smoke in a room with a cracked window.

The Aphrodite kids saw how you looked at him, whether it was talking to him or him just passing by. They tried to tell you to get it over with, that the worst thing he could say was No. But you faltered in your judgement.

It was a warm evening, the suns glow setting behind the hill. You found yourself wandering the camp. You were finally going to tell Percy how you felt, finally trying to get this secret out. Your feet crunched under the dry gravel that lead to the strawberry fields. You saw Demeter kids tending to the blossoming strawberry fields. You heard laughing, like two little kids fooling around. You passed the trees and your stomach dropped as you saw Percy, and Annabeth in the strawberry fields. They were messing around while picking strawberries. His hand around her waist as she tried to run.

The words were stolen from you. You stood still like someone had froze you. You felt like someone just kicked you in the stomach. Tears welled in your eyes as the stung. You saw how Percy caught a glimpse of you. A wash of guilt plastered on his face.

Why did you just listen to your gut?, You fell first but now you picked yourself up.