The Argo II cut quietly through the dark water, its bronze hull humming softly beneath Percy’s feet. The night was cold, stars sharp overhead, the wind gentle enough that it almost felt peaceful.

Almost. Percy leaned against the rail on the top deck, arms folded, staring out at the sea like it might explain why his chest felt so tight lately. He didn’t know what he was waiting for.

Then you came up the stairs. He turned instinctively when he heard your footsteps, shoulders easing the moment he saw you. You were part of the heroes now—one of them. You’d fought beside them, planned with them, laughed with them. If there was anyone Percy trusted out here, it was you.

“Couldn’t sleep either?” you asked casually, stepping up beside him.

He shook his head. “Ship’s too loud. Or… too quiet. One of those.”

You smiled at that. It was soft. Familiar. Percy smiled back without thinking. Behind the mast, Annabeth was very, very still.

Jason had one hand wrapped tight around the rigging, jaw clenched. Leo crouched low near the stairs, eyes flicking between you and Percy like he was watching a bomb with a pretty casing. None of them spoke. None of them moved.

They were watching. Percy didn’t notice. You leaned your elbows on the rail, looking out at the stars, perfectly at ease. “Hard to believe we’re all on the same ship, huh? Heroes, demigods… pirates,” you added lightly, like it was a joke.

Percy laughed. “Yeah. Guess the gods are running out of ideas.”

If he’d looked at your face instead of the water, he might’ve noticed the flicker there. The calculation. The way your fingers tightened on the bronze rail. “You doing okay?” you asked him. “You’ve been quieter lately.”

He shrugged, glancing at you now. “Just tired. But it’s fine. We’ll get through this quest. We always do.”

We.

The word landed heavy for everyone listening. Annabeth’s nails dug into her palm. You hummed thoughtfully, tilting your head, studying Percy like he was something precious. Or something temporary. It was impossible to tell which.

“Yeah,” you said softly. “I’m sure we will.”

The wind shifted. The ship creaked. Percy rested his arms on the railing beside yours, close enough that your sleeves brushed. He didn’t pull away. Why would he? You were safe. You were his ally. His friend. You were part of the Heroes. Not the pirates you two were pairing with.