Acceptance

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Annabeth had joined the hunters along with Thalia after the quest to save Artemis. Percy was heartbroken. His entire world came crashing down in seconds. 'I accept, Milady', these words echoed around his mind. 

Was he not good enough for her? Was his company not considerable for her?

He was snapped out of his thoughts when a gleeful Annabeth approached him. 

"Percy, I joined the hunt!", she said excitedly.

Percy bristled in anger and snarled, "I heard. I was there when you took the oath. Apparently, I wasn't good enough for you."

She frowned before her eyes widened in realization. "Percy, I am-"

"Save it." Percy snapped. "I don't want to hear your reasons or apologies. You aren't allowed to talk to males, right?" Tears pooled in Annabeth's eyes as she realized what she had done.

He turned around swiftly and ran out of the throne room, ignoring Annabeth's calls. He did not notice the pair of curious silver eyes following him outside.

He reached the royal gardens, wiping his eyes furiously to hide away his tears. He sat down against a tree and sighed deeply. He did not even know why it hurt so much. They weren't even in a relationship even though they had confessed feelings for each other.

"You know, It isn't wrong to cry."

Percy turned his head towards the voice and saw Artemis leaning on a statue. He abruptly stood and bowed to her hastily, not wishing to become a percalope.

"Lady Artemis"

Artemis just waved her hand dismissively and sat next to him. Percy yelped in surprise and Artemis shot him a funny look. They sat in comfortable silence for some time until Percy heard a sniffle. He snapped his head towards Artemis and was shocked to find her crying.

"Milady? Are you...okay?" He asked tentatively.

Artemis just nodded weakly. "It's just...Zoe. She was by my side for thousands of years. She was more to me than 'lieutenant'. We loved each other and now she is just...gone."

Artemis broke down again, sobbing her heart out.

Percy was not surprised actually. He knew the relationship between Zoe and Artemis was much more than just a close friendship. That was evident when he saw how worried she was after Artemis' kidnapping. She looked terrible like she hadn't slept for days. 

Percy hesitantly wrapped his arms around her and brought her into an embrace. She stiffened for a second and Percy's heart nearly stopped. He could literally see his tombstone saying,

'In loving Memory of Perseus Jackson

Twice Savior of Olympus

Death from Hugging Artemis'

He breathed out a sigh of relief when she relaxed into his arms.

Percy felt hot tears prickling down his own eyes as he remembered Annabeth's betrayal. His shirt was wet from Artemis' tears but he didn't mind. Everyone needed a shoulder to cry, be it a mortal or a god.

After a while, Artemis seemed to quite down.

"Are you alright now, Artemis?" Percy asked softly.

"Yes, but please don't let go." Her voice sounded hollow and ragged. "Why were you crying, Percy?"

Percy was taken aback by the question but composed himself. "Annabeth. We loved each other and she joined the hunt. She didn't even hesitate. She made her decision like I meant nothing to her. That's what you wished, right?" He said with a sad smile. "Another maiden saved by you from men."

Artemis felt guilty after hearing his words. How many families she had broken like this? Her guilt must have been visible on her face because Percy took her hand in his own and cupped her cheek.

"Hey, it's not your fault. She made her own decision and now I cannot do anything. You know," Percy hummed. "I want to hate you for taking Annabeth away, I want to despise you for that, but I just...can't. You are this amazing headstrong woman that is fiercely independent and would castrate any male who looks at you funny. You stood up to a Titan to save our butts and against the council when they wanted to kill us. I will be forever grateful to you." He finished with a smile.

Artemis was touched that Percy felt the way. She looked, really looked, at him for the first time. He had the most enchanting pair sea-green eyes that seemed to change with his emotions. He had high cheek-bones and messy raven black hair. His trademark lopsided grin seemed to make her heart flutter. In the soft glow of moonlight, he looked beautiful.

Without thinking, Artemis leaned forward and pecked him on his cheek. Percy's jaw dropped and he opened and closed his mouth while looking absolutely bewildered. Ironically he looked adorably like a goldfish. cute. Artemis stood up and offered her hand to Percy who took it gratefully. She faced him and smiled.

"Thank you, Percy. I needed that. You are a good man. I hope we can meet in the future to talk."

Percy snapped out of his stupor and blurted out, "Can we meet next week?" His eyes widened at what he said and he started sputtering. "I mean- if you want- we can meet, but-"

"I would love to, Percy" Artemis laughed softly at his goof. She kissed him on the cheek once more. "If you want we can go to 'Montauk'? I heard from Thalia it is a special place for you."

"Really? You would come to Montauk with me?" asked Percy, his tone hopeful. Artemis grinned.

"Definitely"

I am sorry for the lack of updates on this book but I was sick for a few days. Covid is a bitch. Hopefully I will be able to update a bit more frequently.

Until next time guys,

byeeee