Dealing with Drama

Cut and Cook!

AN: This is the second edition of this chapter. I did not like the previous one, so I am writing this instead. A bit short because I am a bit out of ideas, and also because I want this out quickly.

"I am going to make the world's best burgers and fries for everyone!"

It was a big claim for someone who did not even know how to grill, as used to the magical meals that the nymphs provided at Camp Half Blood as Percy was. The closest he had ever been to the kitchen (and that did not end in disaster, not too unlike the time he blew up Mount Vesuvius) was when he sneaked out blue cookies and other delicacies out of the kitchen.

The only thing he had to go by was a few YouTube videos that he had binged the previous evening- and that had led to him making such an outrageous claim in the first place- so Percy was in a bit of an obvious pickle.

And Hestia was nothing if not a friend to those in need.

"I told you I don't need help!" The son of Poseidon nudged the cabinet shut with his elbow, his arms full of glinting stainless steel as he grabbed whatever he could get his hands on, both things that he knew the use of and things that he did not know the use of, but looked kinda important nonetheless. His bright sea green eyes, as expressive as an open book, revealed his wounded pride, as he stared at Hestia- not with hostility, he could never look at his favourite hearth goddess that way, but with a childlike obstinacy, the same way a child insisted that they could tie their own shoelaces.

The son of Poseidon was big and broad and deliciously shirtless, a bit cramped behind the kitchen counter, which was not meant for the both of them and certainly not for anyone with the Dark god's stature.

The tropical heat of the Ogygian summer, evidenced by the intense golden sunlight that washed everything outside in a gilded shower, made Percy's perfectly tanned, bronze skin glisten with a slight sheen of sweat that made Hestia's mouth water, tempting her to lick the sweat off his skin. His long, silky raven hair was pulled back in a messy man bun to keep it out of his face, allowing the goddess a full, unobstructed view of his sharp, chiselled jaw darkened with a slight stubble, and soft, pink lips moistened as he licked them in nervousness.

The only article of clothing that the delectable Dark god was wearing apart from his signature shorts was a pale pink apron with a 'Fuck the cook!' logo, afraid of frying oil splashing on him. It had initially been advertised as a bit of an offensive message, but once on the god with a body that even immortals would die for, and a golden heart as pure as the son of Poseidon's, it seemed like a taunting message that tested Hestia's self control, almost tempting her to jump him, tear off the apron with her bare hands and slobber all over his sculpted, muscle packed pecs.

"And as I told you, Percy. I am not here to help you." It was a white lie, but once they started working, her lover would not even realise when had taken over from him, coaxed first with gentle tips and then a little help here and there, in an effort to keep him from ruining lunch- not that he would do so deliberately, of course, but as much as she wanted to have confidence in his cooking skills, Hestia found herself lacking. "You know I went to Demeter's place the other day, right? To have tea with her and Persephone now that she's back. She gifted me a bucketful of tropical mangoes grown by Pomona in her own orchard. So I am going to make some mango popsicles, and while I am at it, make sure that you don't blow up the house."

Rather than completely denying it, Hestia believed that it was better to tell Percy a half-truth, and the look he shot her told her that it was working.

She shot him a bright smile, her soft pink lips curling to reveal her gleaming teeth. "Come here, my love."

She leaned up on her tiptoes, and almost as if on autopilot, Percy leaned down, dropping the utensils in his hand with a metallic clang on the countertop to wrap her in a tight bear hug, his arms wrapping around her slim waist as he kissed her hungrily. His strength was enough to almost sweep her off her feet, the cramped space making sure that the two could feel each other very well, their heated bodies pressed against each other, her curves moulding with Percy's naked muscle.