Percy Jackson¹

Percy walked through the camp with his hands in his pockets, enjoying one of those rare, peaceful mornings when no monster was trying to tear him apart. The sun was shining, the lake was calm, and for once, his brain wasn't screaming for imminent danger.

Around him, the conversations repeated themselves like an annoying echo.

Have you met the new guy yet?

They say Hermes claimed him last night. Julian this, Julian that…

Percy frowned slightly, but kept walking. Great, he thought. Another demigod with a leading man complex. Not his problem. Hermes was always demanding boys.

Even when he heard Annabeth talking about him with Piper, he didn't stop.

Annabeth: He seems nice. Very charismatic.

Piper: Yes, and quick to make friends. Very Hermes-like.

Percy walked past, yawning. He wasn't interested. Not at all. Until he heard the name that did matter.

Annabeth: Also… I thought he was quite interested in Fernanda

The world seemed to tilt slightly. Her stomach lurched violently, and her attention shot like an arrow. Interested in whom?

Her mind filled with absurd images: smiles, shared laughter, lingering glances. Her chest tightened without warning.

Piper: Yes, I noticed it too.

She spun around, her heart pounding in her ribs. Her eyes scanned the camp urgently, searching for a specific figure among the cabins and paths. When she finally spotted Fernanda in the distance, chatting quietly with kids from other cabins, she felt a dangerous mix of relief and panic.

He walked towards her quickly. Too quickly to seem casual.

Fernanda

He said, his voice more strained than he intended, jealousy flashing in his eyes, trying to be discreet, since he couldn't show his FRIEND that he was jealous.

She looked at him, surprised by his expression.

Percy swallowed, clenching his fists. Who the hell is this Julian guy?