Acceptance

3

Percy PoV

"Apollo keeps being an idiot," Artemis complained. "He never thinks about the consequences."

"Well, maybe you should show him an awful consequence," I suggested.

She stood, pulling me up with her.

I watched as she pulled out what seemed to be a makeup palette and several tools.

"I have this for instances like this," my wife said proudly. "I'm going to make it look like you've been hitting me and go meet my brother."

"But I don't have to hit you, right?" I clarified.

She nodded. "Hold my wrist."

I did as told, watching as she traced an outline.

"Now I need you to make a fist," she instructed.

Again, I did as told, and she brought it to her eye, tracing the hand.

Having helped my mother with her makeup before she went to work when I was younger, I was able to help shade in the outlines.

"That looks painful," I muttered, finishing up.

"That's the point," Artemis said, putting away the makeup. "Do you want to come?"

"Yes," I replied, smiling at the feeling of her lips on my cheek.

She handed me a small white package with English writing that I couldn't read. "They're makeup removal wipes. Put them in your pocket."

I did as instructed, and we appeared in Apollo's office.

Leaning against the wall, I watched his reaction through a reflection in the powered off television.

Artemis was a great actress. Apollo almost came over to fight me before she explained.

My wife walked over as her brother sat spluttering in a chair.

I handed her the small packet, and the cloth unfolded into a massive wipe.

When she had finished, she threw away the used wipe and thanked me for my help in messing with her brother.

"So..." Apollo trailed off. "This was a trick? You haven't hurt Artemis?"

"Correct," I confirmed. "I would never hurt her."

She held my hand, kissing my cheek. "I was lucky, Apollo. I found a decent man, but I might not have. I might have been stuck with one of my long time rivals and been defiled by force. If you had voted on my side, I wouldn't be married right now, and you wouldn't be so upset."

With her lecture out of the way, we appeared back at her palace.

"What would you like to do for dinner?" My wife asked.

"I would like to cook whatever you're craving right now," I replied.

"Think something that takes less time," she rephrased.

"Pizza down in the mortal world?" I asked.

Artemis responded with a hug, and we appeared at a Manhattan street,
illuminated by street lights and storefronts.

We walked inside and up to the register, where there seemed to be no line.

"What would you like, sweetheart?" The young man at the counter asked my wife.

Annoyed at this, I put an arm around her.

"I'll take two slices of the Supreme," she replied.