𝐁𝐔𝐓 𝐃𝐀𝐃𝐃𝐘 𝐈 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄 𝐇𝐈𝐌, luke castellan

𝐕.

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐕.
the men start wars, yet troy hates helen

ᯓᡣ𐭩

𝐌𝐀𝐈𝐒𝐈𝐄 𝐔𝐒𝐔𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐘 loved campfires. It was the one time when kids from every cabin gathered, putting their differences aside for the night. The Apollo cabin led campfire songs and people burned food to offer to their respective godly parent.

But this campfire was different. The fire didn't burn bright and high like it usually did. Instead, it was low and purple, reflecting the anxious mood of the campers in attendance.

With Percy, Annabeth and Grover gone on their quest, it was confirmed that a war would be waged, should the master bolt not be returned in time.

So, campers were picking sides. It was up to Maisie and Luke to keep things at bay, seeing as they were some of the oldest campers there. People usually listened to them.

Either way, everyone was scared. Maybe except the Ares kids, but that's besides the point.

As the campers were throwing food in the fire to offer to the gods, Maisie knew most of them were sending silent prayers to their godly parents regarding the upcoming war. She knew, because she was doing the same thing.

She came back from the small fire to sit back next to Luke on a log. He instantly sensed her anxiety so he placed his hand on her back, slowly caressing her.

"Hey, it's okay," he tried to calm her.

Maisie took a shaky breath. "None of us should have to fight in a war. Most of these people are kids."

"I know. Just because the gods want their children fighting for their petty disagreements," Luke said, hatred dripping from his voice.

"I hope Percy and Annabeth are doing fine."

"I'm sure they are."

Maisie sighed. "I need to pull myself together. Who's gonna keep the spirits up otherwise?"

"I'm here too, you know." Luke smiled sneakily and started tickling her side.

Maisie started laughing, despite herself. "Stop! Okay, okay, you can keep the spirits up too," she admitted, defeated, which made Luke stop. Instead, he wrapped the arm that'd been tickling her around her waist and held her close.

"Don't worry about the big picture now. Let's keep breaking up any fights that happen and we'll figure the rest out," he reassured her.

Maisie looked up at him and couldn't help smiling. She looked back at the fire and rested her head on Luke's shoulder.

ˏˋ°•*⁀➷

Maisie was on her way to cabin eleven when she spotted Clarisse, as always, terrorizing an innocent kid. She sighed and walked towards them.

As she got closer, she realized the person Clarisse held by the shirt was Connor Stoll.

"I'll turn you to dust, you little trickster."

"Oh, boy," Maisie said under her breath, finally reaching them.

Clarisse's head turned so abruptly, Maisie thought it was gonna fall off her body.

"What do you want?" she asked, venom dripping from her voice.

"Calm down, Clarisse. Put him down," Maisie said calmly, attempting to deescalate the situation.

"Why? This runt switched all our weapons with balloon animals," Clarisse said, giving Connor a shove.

Maisie suppressed a giggle. She knew she was screwed if she laughed.

"Oh, come on. That's no reason to maim him. They've done worse to my cabin."

Clarisse turned back to Connor, who tried to smile at her innocently. She narrowed her eyes at him, but let him go harshly.

She left, keeping her angry gaze on Maisie, who played it cool. Clarisse didn't scare her. It would only be an inconvenience if the younger girl wanted to fight her.

"You alright?" she asked Connor once Clarisse was out of sight.

"Yeah. It was worth it. You should've seen the Ares kids' faces when they woke up," he said, grinning proudly.

Maisie finally allowed herself to let out a laugh. "I can only imagine."

Although she had no problem breaking up fights, she was confused as to why Luke wasn't there to get Clarisse off his brother. He normally didn't let people bother his siblings, especially now.

"Hey, have you seen Luke by any chance?" Maisie asked Connor.

"Nah, I haven't seen him since the campfire," Connor shrugged.

"The campfire? He didn't come back to the cabin?"

Connor shook his head.

"Alright," Maisie said, frowning. "Thanks, Connor." She turned to leave.

"No problem. Thanks for saving me."

She nodded at him, then made her way towards the beach. Maisie knew better than to wander alone at night in camp, but she had a feeling her boyfriend would be wandering too.

She walked quickly, as their curfew was right around the corner. When she reached the beach, she tried to look around, but her eyes hadn't adjusted to the darkness yet.

Soon enough, she spotted a figure she could recognize anywhere, sitting on the shore.

Quietly as not to startle him, Maisie went up to him and sat down. Luke turned to her, smiling at her presence.

"Hey, smartie," he said, his voice sounding tired.

"Hey, love," Maisie said, her voice soft and sweet.

Luke seemed to visibly relax at her proximity, as she linked her arm with his.

"What are you doing out here?" she asked softly.

Luke looked at her for a beat, before looking back to the sea. He took a long breath.

"Do you ever wonder what would happen if we stood up to the gods?" he finally asked.

That took Maisie by surprise.

"I don't know." She paused. "I suppose they'd be angry. But who would have the guts to do that? Go against the most powerful beings, who just happen to be our parents."

"Yeah."

Maisie turned to look at him. "Did something happen? Why are you pondering this?"

Luke looked back at her. Then back to the sea. He shrugged.

"No. I just don't like them."

With that, lightning struck the otherwise calm sky.

Maisie giggled. "A certain someone doesn't seem to like you either."

Luke let out a laugh and smiled at her.

"It doesn't matter." He reached out and softly pinched her cheek. "He doesn't matter."

Maisie smiled sweetly at him and slowly leaned in to connect their lips. They kissed under the bright stars, limbs intertwined, hands tangled in hair.

When Maisie finally pulled away for air, she got up, offering her hand to Luke.

"We'll get in trouble. Come on."

He took her hand and reluctantly got up, not letting go even as they walked back towards the cabins.

───────

dear reader!

sorry for the lack of updates!!!

betrayal soon im low-key sad