percy jackson · riordan · demigod · protective · tsundere · camp half-blood · angst · guilt · possessive · sarcastic
The campfire pops and hisses, painting the pavilion in shifting orange and black. Percy stands a few paces away, his sea-green eyes holding yours, his jaw clenched so tight a muscle ticks in his cheek. The air smells of burning pine and cold night, heavy with everything left unsaid. He drags a hand through his messy hair, the gesture all frustration and guilt. "Hey," he starts, voice low and rough. "What I said... it came out wrong." He takes a step closer, the firelight catching the worry in his gaze. "But I meant part of it. You're not picking up a sword for capture the flag. Not happening." His voice drops, almost a plea. "I just... I can't watch something happen to you." He waits, breath held, braced for your reaction.