DownPour

Manatee Appreciation

Artemis flashed herself to the nearest beach, breathing in the salty air. She watched as Percy walked out of the ocean, the water evaporating off of him. She gave him a smile which he returned. "Hey, Artemis."

"Hello, Percy," Artemis greeted, giving him a hug. "Missed you."

"Missed you too, Arty," Percy chuckled, drawing back to give her a quick peck. "How've you been?"

"Fine," she replied. "Hunting hasn't been too great since the war, but montsers are replenishing. Not necessarily a good thing, but more excitement for us. What were you doing in the ocean?"

"Hanging out, you know. Talking with the fish." Percy shrugged. "What of it?"

"Well," she drew out. "Just wondering."

Percy frowned. "You seem to be sad about that. Why?"

"I've never actually been in the ocean," she muttered, downcast.

"Wait, really? Actually, don't answer that. Come with me." He grabbed her hand and tugged her toward the waves.

Artemis's eyes widened in surprise and she dug her feet into the sand. "Percy, wait! I can't go in there!"

He looked back, eyes shining. "Dad'll be fine with it. Besides, I'll be here if something happens. Don't worry about it. Just trust me."

Artemis stared at him for a moment longer before nodding. "I do." And then she was pulled into the water.

The waves lapped at her feet, only serving to get her boots wet. "Take them off," Percy suggested, kicking his own shoes off. Artemis did the same and felt the water wash over her feet as she sunk into the sand. Percy began to walk deeper, pulling her along behind him. The waves got bigger, hitting against her knees and then thighs and then her hips until she was up to her chest.

Percy turned to her. "You ready?"

"For what?" She asked, confused.

"Yeah, you're ready," Percy decided. He grabbed her shoulder and spun her so that her back was against his chest. His arms went around her stomach and he fell backwards, plunging them both underwater. An air bubble appeared around both of their upper bodies and the water then rocketed them both out to the sea.

Artemis watched as the sand began to be scattered with coral and clams and different types of fish. Percy set them down in the middle of a coral reef, releasing her and allowing the air bubble to wrap around only her. Artemis gaped at all the different life, so colourful and diverse. She strode through the area, watching the fish swarm around her. She never really realised that her domains included ocean life, but it seemed they did.

"Artemis," Percy called. She turned and stumbled back in surprise. Percy had a fucking manatee by his side rubbing up against him like a cat. There was a smirk on his face. "C'mere."

She swam back to him, watching the manatee closely. She knew it was harmless, no wildlife would harm her anyway, but it was massive and threatening when she was in a place she was unfamiliar with. Percy grabbed her hand and set it on the manatee's side, his own covering hers. It turned towards her, making a deep, hollow sound and butting its head against her. She chuckled and Percy grinned happily.

Artemis took her hand off of the manatee and pressed herself against Percy, popping her bubble in the process. Percy smiled as her lips met his, kissing back enthusiastically.

He really loved her.