Percy Jackson

Percy rolled in bed, restless.

For some reason, he felt uncomfortable that night. As in, more so than usual. Not even the sound of the water calmed him.

His cabin was empty. If only his mind were the same way. Annabeth, Percy’s girlfriend, filtered in and out of his head. But it wasn’t just her who made special appearances, but Thalia also kept coming to mind.

These aren't normal dreams or thoughts he was having either. It was like the gods were somehow influencing his head with thoughts he’d never had before…

Percy flipped to his back and kicked off the sheets covering him. He felt hot, even in his shorts and t-shirt. He stared at the ceiling and prayed for an easy night, or at least an answer for the two girls occupying his skull.

Neither of his prayers was answered, but he did consider that perhaps it was because he had done so much with the two of them. When Annabeth was captured that one time, Percy’s relationship had blossomed into something much more personal with Thalia. If she hadn’t—

Percy shook his head. “Dude, you gotta stop this.” His cheeks felt hot. He almost openly admitted that he wished Thalia didn’t join the hunters of Artemis!

“Ugh,” Percy’s mind spun. Those freckles, her short black hair, and those electric blue eyes. Her goth clothes she still sometimes wears. Percy shook his head and thought of Annabeth, the first-ever half-blood that offered him a chance, not to mention the sacrifices and torment they had both endured together.

The Sea of Monsters when Annabeth listened to the Sirens. The way she looked when she had makeup on and how concerned she got when he was a guinea pig. He couldn’t have survived Tartus if it weren’t for Annabeth …She was the girl that kept him grounded when he stepped into the River of Styx!

Before he knew it, Percy was rocking a single point trident in his nightwear. He cursed and swung his legs off the bed. “I wish I could only think of you tonight, Annabeth. But Thalia Grace is on the agenda, too, for some reason.”

Percy then groaned. It was pointless to think of Thalia in a sexual manner anyway. She was a hunter of Artemis now, so even if she felt the same way, she’d never let him or herself cave into such things.

With a mind ready to burst and the hard-on the size of the Empire State Building, Percy got up and put on some shoes to take a walk since he could now. Restrictions had lessened since the Giants were defeated and the Titans were long gone. Not to mention, he was 18. Before leaving, he also grabbed a can of Coke, still somehow restricted in the camp’s regulations.

Percy stepped outside and was greeted by the sound of insects chirping and the night's summer heat. The sight of fireflies blinked in and out of view as the trees around him loomed, also stirring with minor signs of life. Percy strolled to the beach and slipped out of his footwear, letting his feet soak along the waves.

Finally, the thoughts that invaded Percy’s head while he was in bed started to wash away. He was able to think about other things. Breakfast, capture the flag, the adventures! He stopped and sat on the sand, just far enough for the water to touch just his feet, when a wave came gently traveling upward.

The small crack and hiss of the soda can being opened had a slight echo before he sipped on the opening. He then took a long draw of air through his nose and deflated by letting all the air from his lungs out. Peace.

Moonlight gave the world a dark, almost surreal tint. Stars dotted the summer sky in whites and yellows like the fireflies Percy saw when he stepped out of his cabin. He sipped one more time and laid on his back, taking in the view.

Slumber came creeping in and dragged Percy’s eyelids down, giving him a tease of sleep. Then, a voice came out and pushed him to consciousness. “What're you doing, seaweed brain?”

The voice’s owner couldn’t be mistaken for anyone else…