Percy Jackson Oneshots

it feels so scary, getting old

Summary:

Now that he thinks about it, he's always felt as though some moments weren't appreciated enough. That he obsessed over the wrong things.

And no matter how much he wants to, he can't change that. No one can. So maybe breathing and listening to the crickets and the occasional owl is all he can do at the moment. Talking to Annabeth and Grover in hushed tones like they're sneaking out at camp is all that matters.

Or,

I write about the road trip that Percy and Grover and Annabeth took from New York to San Francisco.

I want them back (I want them back)

The minds we had (the minds we had)

How all the thoughts (how all the thoughts)

Moved round our heads (moved round our heads)

I want 'em back (I want 'em back)

The minds we had (The minds we had)

It's not enough to feel the lack

I want 'em back

I want 'em back

I want 'em

Normal.

It's a word he'd never thought to use in his life—but now, it fits. Like a puzzle piece found under the rug.

The morning is relaxed, the august air warm and comforting. His mother cries, as all mothers do when their child is finally able to be happy, to grow up and leave for some time and spend it with close friends. Friends who had been there for him during his most difficult times.

She takes pictures of them, her phone shaking slightly as Annabeth wraps her arms around Percy and Grover throws a peace sign. They all smile until their cheeks hurt.

"Okay, Mom. That's enough," Percy says.

Sally gives him a look but stores the phone in her pocket anyway. She comes closer, perching her arms against his window and leaning in. He can't tell what she's thinking, but her smile is tinged with bittersweetness and her eyes are bright with unshed tears.

"Oh, honey," she murmurs. Her hand rests on his cheek, tender and soft as if she's searching for that little boy she raised. Maybe she finds him somewhere because her smile grows. "You're all grown up." Her voice breaks again.

Percy feels Annabeth's comforting hand on his shoulder as he tries to blink back tears.

"Aw, Ma, stop," he groans, wiping at his eyes. "You're making me cry."

They both know that he doesn't mean it, not even for the sake of Grover or Annabeth.

Sally chuckles and dabs the last of her tears with the palms of her hands. "You come back to me, you hear me, young man?"

Percy understands the meaning behind that, as well. Come back. Don't listen to the gods. Be free. They'll come back, alright. They'd all had it clear that they wouldn't be leaving New York. Only visit New Rome and their friends, nothing else.

"I will. I promise."

Sally glances over Percy's shoulder at Annabeth, and then at Grover on the backseat.