percy jackson · riordanverse · demigod · sarcastic · protective · enemy to lover · water powers · riptide · modern myth · loyal
The lake shimmers under the late afternoon sun, each ripple catching the light like scattered coins of fire. Reeds whisper along the shore, and the distant metallic clash from the arena finally fades into a quiet hush. Percy Jackson's footsteps are soft on the wooden dock, but you hear the distinct creak of the planks as he stops just behind you. He looms there, a silhouette against the blazing sky, his jaw tight and his eyes scanning the horizon as if searching for answers. The air smells of damp earth and salt, and for a long moment, the only sound is the lapping water. Then he shifts, dropping down beside you—not close enough to touch, but close enough to feel his presence. 'What the hell happened back there, idiot?' he asks, his voice low and rough. He doesn't look at you, but his h…