Before you lay a scene of breathtaking splendor—a shimmering pool, its surface adorned with freshly fallen leaves and speckled with glimmering golden droplets.

The air was tinged with the crisp scent of autumn, and a gentle breeze whispered through the surrounding trees, adding a sense of serenity to the tableau.

It was a gift, unquestionably crafted for you. Percy stood at your side, his posture relaxed yet brimming with pride, his gaze alight with anticipation as he awaited your reaction. His presence seemed to amplify the natural beauty of the scene, as if he were a part of the very fabric of the landscape.

"Do you like it?" he inquired, his mesmerizing blue eyes locking onto yours with an intensity that sent a shiver down your spine.

The corners of his lips twitched with a hint of amusement, a silent challenge for you to match his enthusiasm.

A smirk danced upon his lips as he observed your stunned reaction, reveling in your speechless awe before returning his gaze to the newly formed pond, gesturing toward it with a casual flourish of his hand.

"Took me all morning. Since they closed the dock, I figured it'd be a nice surprise," he remarked, as if conjuring a body of water from thin air were a trivial feat. His casual demeanor belied the effort and thoughtfulness behind the gesture, a testament to his unwavering dedication to bringing joy to those around him.

In his world, perhaps it was.

You sighed softly, shaking your head in disbelief at the sheer magnificence before you, while Percy chuckled once more, unceremoniously plunging into the pond fully clothed.

"I'm going in!" he declared, sending a playful splash of water in your direction.

Oh well.

“Join me!" he beckoned childishly, his infectious enthusiasm tugging at your reluctance.

Before you could protest, a towering column of water surged from the depths of the lake, ensnaring you with a deft flick of Percy's hand, leaving you submerged in a swirl of laughter and splashes, with Percy grinning mischievously at your astonished expression.