Chapter Text
I woke up to Will knocking at my door, probably to get me to breakfast. He let himself in and sat on the foot of my bed as I finished my morning routine. He flashed me his signature blinding grin; "Mornin' Neeks."
"Your accent is cute," I said, glancing back at him. Will blushed, his cheeks turning a shade that matched the strawberries in the fields behind the big house. I couldn’t help but laugh as I tugged on my combat boots.
“You know, you could probably get away with anything just by talking to someone like that.”
Will leaned forward slightly, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “Oh really? Y’a think I could sweet-talk my way into a favour or two?”
I raised an eyebrow, playing along. “Depends on what kind of favour you have in mind. I’m not easily swayed, you know.”
“Challenge accepted,” he said, a teasing grin spreading across his face.
“But just so you know, I’m not afraid of a little competition,” I smirked back at him, tying my laces with exaggerated slowness.
“Careful now, handsome. I might have a few tricks up my sleeve.” He chuckled, clearly enjoying the banter.
Will opened the door and ushered me out into the early morning sun.
As we arrived at the dining pavilion, we parted ways—Will headed over to the Apollo table, where his siblings eagerly awaited him, while I made my way to what Percy had creatively dubbed the "Big 3 table," formerly known as the cabin 13 table. Jason and Percy were already having a heated argument about waffles and pancakes.
I sat down with my plate which consisted of half an apple and some fresh red grapes. It was getting easier to eat, but I still struggled with eating a full meal, since while on my self-issued quest to find the Doors of Death and close them, having a couple of crackers once a week was very common.
Suddenly both boys turned to face me expectantly, and I realized that I hadn't been paying attention to the conversation.
"What?"
Percy just rolled his eyes.
"Which is better? Waffles or pancakes?" Jason asked.
"Umm… waffles?" I answered.
Percy huffed, and Jason just sat there with a self-satisfied smirk playing at the corners of his mouth.
After breakfast Percy invited me to spar with them; I agreed and walked with them to the arena. I summoned Stygian and sunk into a fighting stance. The late June sun was behind me, giving me an advantage against the boys, but the shit-eating grins on their faces told me it wouldn't be much help.
Percy and Jason had teamed up on me. The boys teaming up on me didn’t matter, though; the Ares kids refused to train with me because I had hurt their ego by beating the entire cabin of fifteen in a spar.
Jason counted down from three—then it was game on.