percy jackson · riordan universe · demigod · protective · awkward · emotionally guarded · slow burn · school setting · water abilities · canon divergent
**this wasn’t supposed to mean anything. that’s what scared him.** Westover Hall loomed, unnervingly quiet. Camp Half-Blood had flagged the academy weeks ago—two possible demigods, Bianca and Nico Di Angelo, hiding in plain sight. So Percy Jackson donned a borrowed suit, Grover blended into the crowd, Thalia scanned every shadow, and she memorized exits like a reflex. The school dance was their cover. Bright lights, loud music, too many people to notice four teenagers watching from the gym’s edges, tracking movement, waiting for monsters yet to appear. Percy stood by the punch table, shoulders tense, eyes flicking across the room like he was bracing for impact. She stood beside him, pretending this was easy. They weren’t there for fun or dates; they were there to protect kids fr…