Acceptance

Misconception

There was a common misconception that Artemis was a cold-hearted bitch. Mostly these accusations were made by males who thought the goddess hunted them without reason. In some cases, this was indeed true, she had a ruthless side to her that made males fear her, however, what she truly hated, was when women spoke like that. 

No, she wouldn't feel rage towards women, she would be furious with herself for being like that. That was her biggest insecurity. She couldn't help but loathe herself when she would hear about herself in the negative from other people. 

Percy Jackson knew about this. He had stumbled upon her while he was doing rounds around the hunter's camp. She was sobbing her heart out, wallowing in self-pity. While he empathized with her, he did not approach her with the fear of being accused of intruding. Oh, how he wanted to comfort his goddess, but how much he tried, his fear over-ruled his empathy. He was a coward.

The next time he found himself in this situation was when the story began.

Percy was returning after visiting his mother. He approached the hunter's camp on his trusty Pegasus. The hunt had become a home for him after Annabeth broke up with him. He had left CHB because of too many memories. He had been on the run for 6 months before Artemis found him and offered him to join the hunt. He was a bit skeptical at first, but quickly caved in to the prospect of having a new family. The hunters were surprisingly welcoming, too.

As blackjack landed, he bid him goodbye and started walking towards the camp. As he was lost in his thoughts, he heard sniffling and sobbing nearby. He turned his head towards the sound and started walking towards it. As he came into the clearing, he saw a girl with auburn hair crying.

With a start he realised it was Lady Artemis. The most headstrong, independent and fierce warrior goddess was sobbing in front of him. He froze and started to backtrack. He did not want to intrude on her private moment. But this time his heart wasn't in it. This time his empathy overuled his fear and with a deep breath he walked forward and called out, "Lady Artemis?"

Artemis' head snapped at his sound and she hastily started rubbing off her tears, before she rasped out, "Perseus? What are you doing here"

"Milady I was walking towards camp after visiting my mother and I heard you. Is something wrong?" He asked with concern evident in his tone.

"No Perseus, nothing is wrong. I am quite alright" Artemis said half-heartedly. Part of her wanted to listen to his soothing voice and just confess everything but she couldn't. Not yet.

Percy hesitantly approached her and sat down next to her. He began, "Milady you can trust me, alright? You helped me so much after Annabeth's break-up and welcomed me into your family. You helped me move on and cope up with my ghosts. I am not forcing you to say anything. Just remember I'm here for you. You can talk to me about whats bothering you. I can't assure I'll understand, but I will try to help you. It hurts to see you cry, y'know.", Percy said softly.

Artemis hesitated before finally giving. So she told him. Told him about her insecurities, her fears, her flaws, her self-loathing. She told him about how everyone viewed her as a cold-hearted bitch. She told him everything. She was afraid he would scoff at her or mock her, but to her pleasant surprise, he just held on to her as she poured her heart out.

When she gained lucidity, Percy finally spoke. "Artemis, believe me when I say this: You are perfect, goddamn, perfect. You are the most beautiful woman I've ever seen. You are headstrong, fierce, determined, and everything about you is just plain amazing. I can also assure you, you are no 'cold-hearted bitch'."

 Artemis started to speak, but Percy quickly interrupted her. "No, listen to me first. You are NOT a bitch. I don't care what anyone says. You give abused girls and women protection and a home. You give them a family so they do not lose hope. You hunt monsters so they do not become a plague upon the earth. You rid the earth of so many rapists and murderers and vile pigs. You gave me a family. You could've left me for dead, instead, you gave me a home. You are one of my best friends it hurts to see you like this. I care for you very much but never say you are not special. If it's anyone who is special, it is you. Never forget that "

By now, Artemis had tears in her eyes. No, these tears were not of pain or suffering, they were of happiness, of pure joy. No one had ever said something so genuine to her before. She clung tightly to him, enjoying the warmth he gave out.

Percy held her close, as he smiled softly into her auburn hair. He felt her smile against his neck. Artemis mumbled something about 'warm hugs' in his shirt and he could not help but laugh softly at her cuteness. 

She pulled away reluctantly and gazed into the ethereal green orbs of his. She leaned forwards slowly, as did he until their lips met in the middle and all was forgotten.

It was nothing special, but at the same time...it was. It was just a sweet, chaste peck on the lips, but it showed both of them the burning passion and love they had for one another. They pulled away, their foreheads resting on one another as they gazed at each other, their eyes filled with all the adoration and love.

Neither wanted to leave that night.