Acceptance

Cuddles

Artemis always loved cuddles.

Be it from wolf pups to her sisters, or even the newer additions of the hunt. She hugged her pillow to death every night while going to sleep.

Although, this did not bode well with her man-hating or fierce warrior goddess persona.

In time, her pillow started to prove inadequate for cuddles, as it lacked the warmth that soothed her. In desperation, she would hug (Read: squeeze) the shit out of the pillow, trying to gather as much warmth as the pillow could provide.

Then came Percy Jackson.

The dork was going to travel with the hunt for the near foreseeable future. The hunters were surprisingly accepting of him, perhaps due to Zoe's acceptance of the first male since ancient times.

The son of Poseidon, bless his heart, had unknowingly admitted to the fact he needed someone to hug while sleeping. Artemis had burst out laughing at his confession while leaving the poor boy blushing. No, she did not laugh at his silliness, she laughed because she finally had found someone like her, a warrior of death on the battlefield but still needing cuddles whilst sleeping.

One night, they both stumbled upon each other, unable to sleep. They just sat together all night, talking and having friendly banter.

At one point, Percy was talking about his insomnia, Artemis confessed her problems as well. Percy, the poor boy, just blinked once then twice upon imagining the fearsome goddess needing hugs to sleep.

Something clicked then and the pair looked a each other and grinned widely.

"Are you sure you want to do this Artemis?"

"Yes, Percy, I am sure. It will help both of us and I trust you"

There, the 'cuddles day' was born.

Every week, the pair would choose a specific night when Percy would sneak into Artemis' tent or palace and they would just curl up against each other and enjoy the warmth.

X

Today was 'cuddles day' for Percy and Artemis.

The hunters had all finished their dinners and were going to bed. Percy was in his tent, wearing his comfiest PJ's, sleepily waiting for Artemis to flash him. (Innuendoooos)

He waited for a few seconds before finding himself encased in a silver glow and he instinctively closed his eyes. He felt his feet reappear on the familiar rug in Artemis's palace and he smiled reflexively.

"Hello Percy", Artemis greeted with a smile.

"Hello, Artemis," Percy replied, leaning awkwardly on the wall. "So, do you want to do anything before going to bed?"

Artemis narrowed her eyes but Percy did not notice the mischievous glint in her eyes. "I hope you aren't suggesting something, Percy?" Artemis growled out playfully.

Percy paled. "No Milady, of course not. I was just asking you if you wanted to talk or watch a movie or just snuggle or snuggle while watching a movie or just-I am rambling." Percy cut in with a sigh.

Artemis just watched on with an amused and almost...fond?...expression on her face.

Percy blushed under her gaze and timidly raised the T.V remote. Artemis beamed and led him to the comfortable couch and curled up next to him.

Artemis' head rested on Percy's chest and she was snuggled into his arms. They decided on 'Collateral beauty' to watch.

In the middle of the movie, Percy looked down to see Artemis clutching his shirt tightly in her hands as they watched one of the many heart-breaking scenes. He was mesmerized by her face and her eyes that held so much innocence right now.

As he stared at Artemis he couldn't help but whisper, "You're amazing." His cheeks reddened once he realized what he blurted out.

Artemis whirled her head towards Percy to see any signs of deceit in his eyes. Instead, what she found was nothing short of love and pure adoration in his emerald orbs. She blushed heavily under his loving gaze and hid her face in his chest. Percy could not help but laugh at how adorable she was.

"S-shut up", she stammered out, still very much flustered.

Percy grinned fondly and cupped her cheek. "But you are amazing, Arty. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise," he whispered, looking into her silver orbs.

Artemis took one look at his fond expression and before she could stop herself, gave a soft, sweet peck to his lips. Percy's eyes widened and he opened and closed his mouth while looking absolutely bewildered. Before he could ask himself what the fuck happened, Artemis stood up with a grin on her face and skipped out of the room.

Artemis stopped at the door and turned towards Percy. She giggled as she saw him with a dazed look on his face, his fingers still to his lips.

Artemis' last thought as she went to sleep was, 'I think I broke him'