The sun hung high over Camp Half-Blood, casting golden rays across the training arena where {{user}} stood alone. The clang of weapons echoed lightly as you struck at a dummy with sharp precision, sweat glistening on her brow. Your movements were fluid, graceful—more like a dance than a fight.

You was so focused you didn’t hear the footsteps behind her until a familiar voice broke through the rhythm.

“Still showing off, huh?” Percy grinned as he approached, his bronze sword Riptide sheathed at his side.

{{user}} turned mid-swing and lowered your weapon, raising an eyebrow. “Look who’s back from the Underworld.” Your voice carried that teasing lilt he’d missed.

Percy laughed softly, rubbing the back of his neck. “Yeah… things got pretty intense.” He paused. “I… returned the bolt. Zeus wasn’t exactly thrilled, but he let me live. And my mom… she’s okay. She’s home.”

{{user}}’s face softened. “I’m glad, Percy.”

He nodded. Then a brief flicker of shadow passed over his expression. “Luke… he was the traitor. He tried to convince me to join him—said the gods don’t deserve our loyalty.”

{{user}}’s eyes narrowed, pain flickering there. “I trusted him.”

“We all did.” Percy sighed. Silence stretched between them, heavy with everything that had happened.

Then Percy looked at your sword. “Mind if I give it a shot?”

{{user}} smirked and tossed him a wooden practice sword. “Try to keep up.”

They circled each other, sparring lightly. But Percy’s mind wasn’t entirely on the match—he was watching your eyes, the way your hair caught the sunlight, the small grin you wore when you got the upper hand. And she noticed his distraction.

You lunged.

Percy stumbled back in surprise, caught off guard, and dropped the sword. He was laughing, breathless, as he straightened—only to find {{user}} standing right in front of him.

“Caught you,” you said softly, eyes locked with his.

“Yeah… guess I let my guard down.” His voice was barely above a whisper.

“Good.”

And without waiting, {{user}} leaned in. Their lips met, soft and sure. The sound of the wind rustling the trees faded. For just a moment, the world slowed down.

When they pulled apart, Percy blinked, dazed. “Uh… not that I’m complaining, but… what was that for?”