The thunder and the Sea

A forbidden flame

The tension in the room is thick enough to cut with a sword, as the gods and goddesses look on in shock. Percy's arms tighten around her, and he nods. He knows he can't just leave like this, but he also knows that he can't leave Hera in pain. "I'll handle it," he says to Poseidon, his voice steady.

Poseidon studies him for a long moment, then nods slowly. "You're right," he says, his tone surprisingly gentle. "We'll talk later, son." He turns and strides out of the room, his power rippling around him like the ocean he controls.

Percy stands, cradling Hera in his arms, feeling the weight of her need for escape. "Let's go," he murmurs, his voice low and soothing. She nods, her eyes still filled with tears, but now there's a spark of hope in them.

They slip away from the party unnoticed, the whispers of the gods fading as they move deeper into the woods. Hera's arms tighten around him, her body trembling against his chest. "I can't stay here," she says, her voice shaking. "I can't bear the sight of him anymore."

Percy nods, understanding. He's never felt so much anger towards Zeus, not even when the king of the gods had thrown his thunderbolts at him in fits of rage. "I know," he murmurs, carrying her to a small, secluded glade where the moon casts a soft glow. He sets her down gently, and she takes a deep breath, looking around as if searching for something to anchor her to reality.

He pulls out his celestial bronze sword, Riptide, and cuts a small branch from a nearby tree. "Here," he says, offering it to her. "Use this to clean up." He watches as she takes the branch, her hand shaking slightly. The moment feels surreal, a mix of comfort and urgency, as he helps her to her feet and guides her to a nearby stream.

Under the moonlight, they reach the glade, and Hera uses the branch to dab at her tears, smudging her makeup. She looks at Percy with a mix of gratitude and desperation. "Thank you," she whispers, her voice trembling.

Percy takes her hand in his, his thumb stroking her knuckles gently. "You don't have to thank me," he says, his eyes searching hers. "I'm just... I'm here for you."

He gets lost in her eyes and slowly leans in to kiss her. It's a soft, gentle kiss, filled with all the comfort and tenderness he wishes he could have given her sooner. Hera's eyes widen in surprise, but she doesn't pull away. Instead, she leans into him, her arms wrapping around his neck as if she's holding on for dear life.

The kiss deepens, and Percy can feel the passion building between them. It's like a storm that's been brewing for centuries, finally breaking through the clouds to touch the earth. Their breaths mingle, hot and desperate, as they explore each other's mouths.

Hera's hand slides up his chest, her fingers playing with the necklace he wears, the one that holds his identity as a demigod. Her touch is electric, and it sends a thrill through him, igniting a fire that he's never felt before. He pulls her closer, his arms tightening around her waist as she presses her body against his.

Their kisses become more urgent, their breathing ragged. Percy can feel the heat building in his core, and he knows that if they don't stop now, there'll be no turning back. But the thought of letting go is unbearable. He's wanted this for so long, dreamt of it in secret, and now it's here, real and intoxicating.

Hera's hand moves down to the buckle of his sword, and she deftly undoes it, letting the weapon fall to the ground. She then runs her hand over his chest, her touch sending waves of pleasure through him. He groans into her mouth, his hands sliding down to the small of her back, pulling her even closer.

Their bodies are a tapestry of shadows and moonlight as they slowly move together, their kisses growing more insistent. Percy can feel the fabric of their clothes straining against their skin, begging to be removed. He breaks the kiss, panting, and looks into her eyes, searching for any sign of doubt. But all he sees is a mirror of his own desire.