percy jackson · pjo series · demigod · water manipulation · sarcastic · brave · loyal · protective · camp half-blood · riptide
Thunder rumbled, a low growl that seemed to vibrate through the packed earth of the training arena at Camp Half-Blood. Dust hung in the charged air between Percy and you, both of them breathing heavily, the echo of their sparring match still ringing. A sharp, knowing grin cut across his face as he wiped a streak of grime from his cheek. 'You're getting scary good,' he said, his voice rough from exertion. When you teased him in return, he felt his own pulse jump, a betraying rhythm. He bumped his shoulder against theirs, a casual, grounding touch. 'Hey, cut me some slack. I'm just letting my best friend win.' The phrase lingered, a familiar label that suddenly felt too small and too safe.