Acceptance

Coffee

The hunt had decided to go into the city for a day. This idea was actually suggested by Percy and Thalia, and almost immediately the hunters had given shouts of agreement. Artemis had finally relented under the hunt's pleading eyes and Percy's baby seal face.

The mist was sure to be working overtime to conceal 30 pre-pubscent girls with bows rolling into the cafe sneering at any man looking at them. As they were to enter the establishment, Percy promptly ran into Artemis, causing them to both fall on the floor. Artemis' fall was cushioned by Percy, as she fell on top of him, who groaned in pain. 

The hunt burst into laughter, expecting Artemis to reprimand the boy. Needless to say they were pretty surprised when the two just lay there, on top of one another, gazing into each other's eyes. Phoebe and Thalia exchanged a smirk, knowing about their lady's 'crush' on the son of poseidon. They simultaneously decided to let the scene play out, thinking the pair would eventually return to their senses.

However, the two were completely oblivious to their surroundings, seemingly lost in their own world. Thalia continued to look at them pointedly until it became very awkward. Thalia cleared her throat hoping to tear away the goo-goo eyes the two were giving each other. Their heads snapped up and they both blushed deeply, as they scrambled to get away from each other hastily. Their cheeks were burning when they realised the entire hunt was staring a them (With Thalia having a mischevious yet evil looking smile over her face). 

"S-so, lets g-go inside?" Percy winced at his pathetic attempt at changing the topic. Fortunately, Artemis came to his rescue and she ushered them inside.

They sat at the tables in groups, one of the groups being Thalia, Percy and Artemis. As Percy collected their orders and left, Thalia turned towards the goddess with an exasperated expression on her face. Artemis gulped in apprehension, knowing the topic of conversation that would follow. 

"Perseus" Thalia began, "You love him."

It wasn't really a question and Artemis could tell, but she was not prepared for the bluntness of the statement.

"W-what?! O-of course n-not" Artemis stuttered. Thalia just chuckled, her point proven.

"Milady, I can see it, hades, the hunters can see too. Only you both are blind enough to not notice the attraction. Now, I speak for all the hunters, when I say that we support this relationship. Percy is a great guy and he'd never hurt you intentionally, but you better hurry or he would slip from your grasp forever." Thalia explained seriously.

Artemis pondered over her lieutenant's words. She couldn't deny, she had an attraction to him. He was sweet, kind, loyal, endearing, not to mention, he was smoking hot. But, she did not believe she loved him.....yet.

Artemis was snapped out of her musings, when a smiling Percy came back with two cups of coffee and handed her one. She smiled at him and took the cup gratefully. Percy sat next to her and started fidgeting his hand on the table.

"So, Percy, when are you gonna ask her out?" Thalia questioned out of the blue with a sly smirk on her face. Percy choked on his drink and started stammering, "H-Huh, w-what?"

Thalia rolled her eyes, "C'mon Perce, we all know about your crush. So, when are you going to ask her out?" Artemis turned towards Percy with a furious expression, "Ask who out, exactly?"

Percy laughed nervously, before stuttering out, "N-no one, of course. I don't like anyo-"

"Oh really Kelp-Head, are you sure you don't like anyone? What about Ar-" Percy clamped his hand on Thalia's mouth before she could say anything more. "Shut up Thals, I don't like anyone." Percy said coolly. Thalia nodded and huffed indignantly as Percy removed his hand. Artemis could not help but feel disappointed as they fell into uncomfortable silence.

Artemis took a sip from her cup and set it down. She turned towards the two cousins and saw them snickering at her. "What?!" she demanded, suddenly feeling self-consious. The two were laughing their guts out at this point. Seeing them laughing brought a smile to her face, failing to keep it in.

But like all good moments, Percy utterly fucked it up.

He gestured towards Artemis' nose, where some foam had stuck to. Without thinking, he leaned forwards and licked it off. Thalia fell silent as Percy's face twisted in horror, realising what he had done. He immediately started to apologise, when a red faced Artemis stood up and ran to the restroom.

Artemis barged into the girls restroom, her breathing erratic. She composed herself and looked into the mirror. She was completely red, blushing from her neck to toes. She thought to herself about the kiss. 'Did that count as a kiss? Surely Percy didn't like her. He did that on impulse. Yes, that must be it'. But some part of her mind held hope. She decided to trust that part and chose to act upon it. She would talk to Percy about her feelings. She finally composed herself to the point she no longer looked like a strawberry popsicle.

She walked out of the bathroom and approached her table, where Percy was sitting with his head in his hands, muttering to himself, and Thalia nowhere to be seen. Artemis cleared her throat awkwardly. Percy's head snapped up as he rushed towards her spewing out apologies. Artemis just shushed him and led him back to their table. 

"I am really sorry Artemis, I don't know why I did that. I hate my ADHD, but please-", Percy started as Artemis cut him off. "Percy you're rambling." Percy blushed and looked at Artemis expectantly. 

"Its quite alright Perseus, you did so on impulse and I will not hold that against you"

Percy sighed in relief as Artemis continued, "But-" Percy paled "I wanted to know who was the person you and Thalia were speaking of." Percy blinked. "Who?" Artemis just rolled her eyes," Your crush Percy, who is it?"

Percy stared at her in horror. "Milady, I can't say that. I mean, I literally cannot say that. You'll kill me!" he exclaimed. "Oh spit it out Perseus.I'll handle it." Artemis said, desperately hoping she was correct about her assumptions.

Percy gulped before taking a deep breath. No point in lying to Artemis anymore. "Artemis, the person I like is someone I admire greatly. She is the most headstrong and beautiful woman I've ever met. She has the prettiest silver eyes and the softest auburn hair. I guess it's pretty obvious who it is now. I like you."

He looked at Artemis and saw her staring at him. He prepared himself to go for an apology or explanation, but before he could begin, a pair of luscious lips crashed on his own. His mind blanked and he was too shocked to do anything except freeze. But after a second, he melted into the kiss, pulling Artemis closer until their bodies fit together as one. He was distinctly aware of the wolf-whistles from the hunters, but he did not care for it. The only one that mattered was the goddess in front of him.

It indeed had been a good idea to visit the city.

So, this one is one of my longer one-shots. My falafels have been pretty good lately, so you'll get match-making part II in no time. I'll see you guys later.

byeee