American Royalty III

Part 2: Dont Die

Connor's POV

Connor stood on the balcony of the hotel, looking out over the battle of Manhattan. The city was burning with chaos, but up here, with Kit beside him, it felt strangely calm. The sun was setting, casting everything in a warm glow, and for a moment, it almost felt like they weren't in the middle of a war.

Kit leaned against the railing, arms crossed as she stared out over the skyline. Her silence was heavy, and Connor could sense the weight of everything they'd been through pressing down on her shoulders. They hadn't talked much since Annabeth had been stabbed earlier that day—there hadn't been time. But now, in this moment, Connor felt like he needed to say something.

"Kit," he began softly.

She glanced at him, her brow slightly furrowed. "Yeah?"

He took a deep breath, his heart racing. "I like you. More than just... y'know, friends."

For a moment, Kit was quiet. Then a small smile crept across her face. "You have terrible timing, Connor."

He chuckled nervously, scratching the back of his neck. "Yeah, I guess I do."

Without another word, Kit leaned in, her lips brushing his softly. Connor's heart skipped a beat, and for a moment, it felt like all the noise of the battle below them melted away. Just the two of them, standing there, together.

But then the dream shifted.

Suddenly, they were by the lake at Camp Half-Blood, the war over, and the sun shining brightly. Laughter echoed around them as Percy and Annabeth emerged from the lake, soaking wet and grinning like idiots. It was a camp tradition, after all—to throw couples into the lake once they finally got together. And Percy, being the son of Poseidon, of course, emerged bone-dry while Annabeth wrung out her drenched shirt, laughing as she shook her head at him.

"About time, right?" Kit murmured beside Connor, leaning into him, a small smile playing on her lips as she watched her best friend and brother smiling like idiots.

"Yeah, can't believe it took them this long," Connor replied with a smirk.

Nearby, Travis was explaining to one of the younger campers. "It's tradition," he said, chuckling. "Whenever two people finally get together, we toss them in the lake."

The younger camper frowned, glancing between Percy, Annabeth, and then Connor and Kit. "Then why don't we throw them in the lake?" he asked, pointing at Connor and Kit. "I saw them kissing during the battle."

Connor barely had time to register the words before a group of older campers hoisted both him and Kit off the ground.

"Wait—no, no, hold on!" Connor protested, but it was no use. Before he knew it, they were both tossed into the lake.

Cold water rushed up around him, but when Connor opened his eyes, he found himself completely dry, floating in an air bubble. Kit floated beside him, smirking.

"Guess Percy's not the only one with tricks," she teased.

Connor laughed, pulling her close for another kiss, this time underwater. Everything felt serene, peaceful, like they were in their own little world beneath the surface.

When they finally resurfaced, Percy was waiting for him on the shore, arms crossed. "Connor," he said, deadpan. "We need to have a talk."

Connor grimaced, already knowing what was coming. "This about Kit?"

"Yeah." Percy's face was serious. "If you break her heart, I'll break your face."

Connor couldn't help but grin at the threat. "Duly noted."