Chapter 5: Why Am I So Comfortable?

Yo, One Direction songs are lowkey all bops.

Chapter 5: Why Am I So Comfortable?

Thankfully Selena had already had dinner by the time Percy and Artemis got back, and she'd gone to bed in Artemis' tent. They really had no idea what to do, so the two of them just returned to Percy's palace to watch more movies together. They chose to watch Thor Ragnarok.

Percy found it to be a good movie, but Artemis was scoffing and talking about how the real Thor was nothing like how Chris Hemsworth portrayed him. The real Thor was just an asshole.

Halfway through the movie, there was a pink flash, and Aphrodite stood there with tears running down her face and clutching one arm. She looked as if she was about to say something, but when she saw Artemis she shut her mouth and looked away, making to leave. "Aphrodite." Surprisingly it was Artemis who called. "What's wrong?" She asked.

The goddess hesitated for a moment, shocked that Artemis actually cared for her, but she swallowed that surprise. "A-Ares." She muttered softly, and Percy stood up. "What did that bastard do?" He asked, infuriated. Aphrodite bit her lip. "He found out we had coffee together yesterday. After you got engaged to Artemis, or as he thinks, 'stole' her, he really hates you. He... he assumed I was 'w-whoring' myself out to you, and he h-hit m-me." She quietened towards the end, but Percy was fuming.

"That son of a-" He said, making his way towards the door. Not a really logical move, since he could flash, but Artemis had already flashed in front of him and put a hand on his shoulder. "Percy, save it. Aphrodite needs you right now, be there for her." She said, nodding over to the crying goddess. The love deity smiled and nodded gratefully at her, to which Artemis just smiled back.

Percy calmed himself down, taking a few deep breaths. "You're right. Sorry. Come here." He said, pulling Aphrodite in for a hug. She hugged back, crying into his shoulder while Artemis sat back down on the bed. As she cried, she confessed everything else Ares had done to him, making both Percy and Artemis stare in shock. Some of the things he'd done were absolutely horrid. Artemis could barely comprehend that that thing was her brother.

By the time she was done, Percy was once more considering paying Ares a visit, but chose to hold off for now. "Do you wanna watch a movie with us?" He offered, gesturing to the bed. Aphrodite paused and looked at Artemis, as if waiting for confirmation. Feeling sympathy for the goddess, considering she had gone through things that turned most girls in hunters, she smiled reassuringly, and patted the spot next to her.

Percy led Aphrodite to the bed and they sat down, the two goddesses on either side of Percy. Aphrodite was cuddled into his side, whilst Artemis was merely leaning on his shoulder. Still, it made Percy feel good, having a movie night with his fiance and best friend. It made him feel even better that Artemis was actually getting along with Aphrodite for once. He was expecting her to just roll her eyes or something, but she truly looked sympathetic when Aphrodite told her story, and seemed genuine when she invited the goddess to stay.

They watched a total of three movies that night, before both goddesses were asleep on him. For some reason, Artemis had snuggled into his chest sometime during the second movie, which made him feel warm inside.

Still, Perseus had something to do.

He gently slid out from under them, laying them down and tucking the two goddesses in quietly. The god slid out of the room in the night, onto the cold Olympus streets.

A short while later, a certain god of war was asleep, still pissed off about what Aphrodite had done. He still thought she was sleeping with Perseus behind his back, taking him for a fool. There was a loud tap noise, which jolted him awake from his dream. He stared at his window with narrowed eyes, suspicious. He kept his eyes on the window and trees behind it.

Deciding after a while that there was nothing, he rolled onto his back, only to be met with sea-green eyes.

Percy crept back into his bedroom and placed a gold-stained helmet on his shelf. It was bronze, with a large red plume on top, and made a good trophy.

He then left again to the hunter's camp, entering Artemis' tent. He approached the small form lying on the bed and smiled, before gently picking her up and resting her head on his shoulders. Careful not to wake the sleeping girl, he covered her eyes and flashed them back to his palace.

The two goddesses were still asleep, and he somehow managed to crawl in between them and under the blankets. Carefully, he pulled the little girl onto his chest before pulling his fiance and friend closer to him and falling asleep.

Artemis woke up in the morning, her face mere inches from the love goddess'. She looked up, and noticed she had grown almost uncomfortably close to Percy. Her head had been rested on her chest, and her left arm and leg were nearly on the other side of him. What the Hades was up with her?

Across from her, she noticed Aphrodite's open slightly as she smirked, and the goddess winked at her before shutting her eyes again and pretending to sleep. Artemis rolled her eyes, and turned her head downwards, where she caught sight of a tiny female Percy, sleeping soundly on her father's chest.

Artemis smiled and reached out, gently stroking a lock of black hair from out of the little girl's face. Selena smiled, but did not stir or wake, instead softly breathing as she remained in the land of Morpheus.

As she lay there, wondering why she was still in this position, she felt Percy's breathing pattern change slightly, before he opened his eyes and yawned. He looked down at the two goddesses in his arms and gave that signature Percy Jackson grin. "Morning, ladies" He said, making Artemis blush as she realised he'd caught her in this position.

Aphrodite pretended she was just waking up, purring slightly as she stretched, careful not to wake Selena. "Good morning, Percy. Did you sleep well?" She asked innocently, and he smirked. "Oh I slept just fine." He said, his eyes darting over behind Artemis. Suspicious, she rolled over; and her jaw dropped in shock. "Is that Ares' helmet?"

Aphrodite sat up, her jaw also slack. Percy nodded, rubbing Selena's back soothingly. "Yeah, when you two went to sleep, I paid him a little visit. Then I got Selena and came back here." He informed them. At the mention of her name, the daughter of Perseus stirred. Aphrodite began to cry again, before jumping into his arms, now waking Selena. "Thank you, Percy." She sobbed, and he patted her back softly while providing her with soothing words.

Selena stretched out like a cat on top of Percy, before looking at the three of them. "I'm hungry." She pouted, crawling closer to her father tiredly. Percy chuckled. "Dad doesn't feel like cooking. What kind of pizza do you want?" He asked, and Selena smiled satisfactorily. "Hawaiian." She said, and two of the three gods cringed. "I don't know what it is with you and pineapples." Percy said, slightly disgusted.

Aphrodite sat up, grabbing Selena's spare hairbrush to rid herself of bed hair. "I like pineapple. It's good for you." She said absentmindedly, and Percy shrugged. "Whatever. What do you guys want?" He asked. "Meatlovers." Aphrodite winked teasingly, and Percy rolled his eyes, before turning to Artemis. The moon goddess cringed slightly. "Meatlovers, but apparently not for the same reason." She said, glancing towards Aphrodite. "Also, why are we having pizza for breakfast?" She asked.

Percy smirked. "Artemis, one thing you're gonna learn by marrying me, I can have pizza whenever the Hades I want, it is my godly right." He joked, and Artemis rolled her eyes. Percy stood up, remembering their orders. "Ok, I'mma go order it. You guys get yourselves ready." He told them, getting out of bed and heading towards the kitchen. Aphrodite, once done with her own hair, beckoned Selena over so she could do hers for her. The little girl happily sat in front of the love goddess as she brushed her hair while humming a melodious tune.

Artemis made her way into the adjoining bathroom and cleaned herself up. She decided to be lazy and use the less-effective method of just snapping her fingers to do her hair and change. In the end, she came out looking like she was going to have a lazy day. She wore sweatpants and a sweater, since it was too cold to wear just a shirt but too hot to wear both.

Selena's hair was finished, and she was just leaving the room to find Percy. Artemis sat down on the bed, pulling out her phone and scrolling through various text messages. 47 requests, likely all suitors. If anyone she liked wanted to text her, they'd tell her to add them. She tapped into Apollo's contact profile, and he had sent her a photo.

As she opened it, she smiled slightly. It was a picture he had taken of her, Selena and Percy, sitting by the campfire with the other hunters, but it was zoomed in so you couldn't see them. It had been taken the only hours after Artemis had almost been raped, just after dinner, and Artemis had been tired. She raised an eyebrow at her past self, seeing that her head was rested on Percy's shoulder as he eyelids dropped slightly, and Selena was hugged close to her chest.

Not that present-Artemis seemed to be acting any different.

There was a text to go along with the photo, which read stuck around to make sure Percy behaved while you were hurt and caught this gem. You guys look cute. You'll be a great mom. :)

Artemis smirked at her twin's message, and texted, which was uncommon. Usually she left him on seen or merely gave a k. This time she wrote Thanks, but don't sneak around my camp. We have wolves, and even worse, girls. Selena likes you btw. Also don't get the wrong idea about me n percy. I was tired. She corrected him, receiving a text back in less than 20 seconds.

sure, lil sis. (;

Artemis rolled her eyes. Before typing back. Unlike in real life, I can block you on here, dork. She said, which got no reply. Since text was different than face-to-face, she briefly got the idea that he was hurt, and quickly typed out really, thanks for the photo. It's good. Trying to save the conversation. Apollo was back immediately, speedily typing out no problem, sis. I ain't gonna be your wedding photographer tho, I got best man, or at least groomsman.

Artemis rolled her eyes. You can be a bridesmaid if Percy has actual friends. She reassured him, and he left only a :( I'm hurt, little sis.

Deciding to end this, she typed out a Dad doesn't care about cyberbullying, I'd like to see you do something about it. Before turning her phone off.

Aphrodite stopped humming while she did her makeup in the mirror. "You're lucky, you know that. Percy's a great guy." She closed her makeup kit and came over to sit beside her. Getting that message from Aphrodite made her feel guilty, so she looked away. "I know what you said to Percy yesterday. I'm sorry. If I could, I'd stay out of the way." She said, and the love goddess tilted her head.

"What do you mean?" Aphrodite asked, making Artemis sigh. "Don't play dumb, Aphrodite. I know you have feelings for Percy, and he has some for you. I'm trying to say sorry for getting in between you two." She said, and the goddess dropped her brush to the floor. "Percy... has feelings for me?" She asked, and Artemis raised an eyebrow. "Yeah... did you not know that?" She asked.

The love goddess took a deep breath, then sat up again. "Let's move on. I'm surprised you're starting to like this. I know you're bi, not gay, but I always thought a girl would be the one to steal your heart, not the hero of Olympus." She teased, making Artemis blush. "He hasn't 'stolen my heart'. I'm just trying to make this bearable for the both of us."

Then something dawned on her. "Wait, how did you know I was bi?" She asked, incredulous. Artemis had known for thousands of years, but told few people, least of all the slut of Olympus. "I'm the love goddess, dear Arty. It's my specialty, from one bi to another." She said, gesturing with her hands to the two of them.

"But seriously, I'm sorry." Artemis said, making Aphrodite sigh. "It's fine. If it has to happen so your father's will stop fighting, so be it. Just... take care of him." She gave a pointed glance to her, and Artemis nodded. "Of course." Aphrodite then smirked. "Hey, you doing anything tonight?" She asked, and Artemis raised an eyebrow. It sounded like she was about to get asked out on a date.

"Uh, no. Why?" She asked, and Aphrodite smirked. "Good, you and I are gonna have some fun. Don't worry, I'm not gonna get you laid or anything. Just us two hanging out. A mini bachelorette party, if you will. If you're gonna marry my friend, I wanna get to know you more. Plus, it'll be funny if Diana woke up tomorrow with a headache." She winked.

Artemis blinked. She'd forgotten that the next day was the monthly Roman festival. It was a day put aside every month to let the Roman aspects of Olympus take the reigns and stretch their legs, socialize and other such things. It was also a day that Camp Jupiter designated as their Olympian honorary day. They would feast and party all day long in honor of their gods. Basically a day off for everyone who wasn't on guard duty. Every year, or 12th Roman Festival, would be even more special, where the Roman gods gained control for a whole week and all sorts of games and contests were held at Camp Jupiter, of which the gods were always in attendance. It was like a Roman Olympics.

The annual Roman Festival, or Magna Convivium (great celebration/party), was next month, so Diana likely wouldn't be doing much tomorrow except hunting, that is until a thought crossed Artemis' Mind.

"Oh gods, Diana and Perses have met before, but they'll probably tear each other apart, tomorrow." She worried. Neither Roman god liked the idea of marriage, not even Perses after he was forced to sit back and watch his Greek form nearly lose himself thanks to what Annabeth did. She knew he was just trying to protect Percy, but she worried how far Perses might go to do so. Hopefully their mutual respect of power would come in handy when they next met.

Aphrodite shrugged. "Well, I can't promise anything, but Venus might step in if things get out of hand. She is unpredictable though, and she'll likely get distracted. But let's not worry about that now, let's have some breakfast." She said, heading for the door. Artemis sighed, getting up and following her, putting the Roman problem out of her mind.

They did not do much that day. Realising that she had been absent for days, Percy rushed to get Selena ready for preschool. This included letting her have a five minute shower, turning breakfast into a game of who can eat fastest and finally Aphrodite just snapping her fingers to make Selena look presentable before he quickly flashed her out to drop her off. Of course, not before she got a goodbye hug from the two goddesses.

Percy arrived nearly fifteen minutes later, out of his mind with fatigue. He flopped down on the couch next to Aphrodite while Artemis sat on the lazyboy. He rubbed his face tiredly and sunk further into the couch. "Selena's teacher wanted to know why she had been absent for so long without explanation. I hope you don't mind Artemis, but I told her Selena's mother had come back from Greece, and in all the confusion I forgot to notify her preschool." He said.

Artemis blushed at the thought of being Selena's mother, but nodded. "It's cool." She said, but Percy shook his head. "Unfortunately, Selena's vocal, so the teacher knows Selena never knew her mother. As you can probably guess, the teacher assumed Selena's mother was some stranger I met on a night out, which is correct, and that Selena would never meet or know her real mother. She wants to meet you, 'get to know the parents'. Basically she needs proof that Selena's not skipping, cause it is illegal for a child to not get a proper education." He explained.

Artemis nodded, swallowing. "Well, Diana won't want to, and after that it's the weekend, so how about now, I guess?" She said, and Percy nodded. "Yeah, sure. Gods, I forgot about tomorrow. Perses is gonna be pissed that I've got a 'girlfriend' again. He takes bros before hoes real seriously." He said, standing up. Artemis followed his lead, and nodded. "Aphrodite and I already talked about that. Maybe Venus will watch us, but I'll probably just call Hestia later to get Vesta to check in every once in a while. Let's go." She said.

He nodded, and Aphrodite stood. "Well, I'd better get going. Artemis, I'll see you later tonight." She said with a wink. After Percy looked at the two of them with a raised eyebrow, Aphrodite explained. "I am taking Artemis for a girl's night out later. Just the two of us hanging out and getting to know each other. Don't worry, I'll keep her away from other guys." She said, and Percy stood. "I doubt it, but I trust Artemis not to get drugged. I need to hang out with my friends anyway. Shall we go, milady?" He asked with a smirk, holding his arm out.

The two of them flashed out to Selena's preschool while Aphrodite just left through the front door. Artemis was slightly nervous about doing this. It would be her first time officially being considered a mother. Sure, Selena liked to call her mom, but even the daughter of Perseus knew she wasn't her actual mother. Artemis briefly wondered if her name would go on Selena's mortal profile under her mother. What would her last name be? Or maiden name, since she was getting married to Percy Jackson.

Artemis Jackson. It sounded nice.

Percy took her hand, trying to sell the act, and led her into the school. They walked to the section designated for younger kids, and to a specific room. He knocked on the door, and after a few seconds a young woman opened it. "Mr Jackson, you're back." She said with a sweet smile, then she looked at Artemis and her eyes widened. "Is this..."

Percy cleared his throat. "Lisa, I'd like you to meet Selena's mother and my fiance, Artemis Olympia." Artemis smiled as best she could and held out her hand, which was promptly shook. "Fiance? I was under the impression you arrived only a few days ago." She said, and Percy nodded. "Uh, yeah, don't worry about it." He said, trying to sound as polite as possible.

The teacher shrugged. "Eh, it's not my place to judge the relationships of parents. Would you like to come inside and see how your daughter is getting along?" She asked, and Artemis nodded. "That would be nice." She said, following Percy and the teacher into the noisy classroom.

Selena was in a corner, reading a book by herself. She looked tired, leaning her head against the wall, and it seemed as if the noise was annoying her. Artemis approached her while Percy stayed to talk with the teacher, and she crouched down next to her.

The little girl noticed her and smiled. "Hi." She said softly, and Artemis smiled back. "Hey, you look sleepy." She said, and Selena nodded. "I wanna go home." She said, and Artemis had to shake her head. "Sorry, but you need to go to school. When you get home you can sleep all you want, but for now you need to stay here." She said, and Selena nodded sadly. "Okay."

Artemis looked down at the book. "What are you reading?" She asked, and Selena shook her head. "I'm looking at the pictures. I can't read. Daddy said he couldn't either." She said, and Artemis chuckled slightly. "Of course, Demigod Dyslexia. Here." She said, taking the book and sitting down next to her.

Tired, Selena rested her head on her new mother's shoulder. Artemis opened the book to the first page and began to read.

So, I thought I'll leave it there. Originally I was gonna include Artemis and Aph's night out, but that can probably be next chapter. Then the one after that shall be the Roman Festival, or rather Perses and Diana confronting cause I'm probably not gonna have the actual festival in that chapter. In a later chapter, I'll do the Magna Convivium, but not for a while.

Okay, I'm not gonna count the votes, there's around 60 on ff.net and on wattpad it was like 5-3. I did scroll through the reviews and it was clearly a majority in favor of Aphrodite joining them, so I'm gonna do that. I'm sorry if you're unhappy with this, but it's my story. If it makes the story unbearable for you, stop reading, but to be fair she's not gonna join for quite a few chapters.

Word Count: 3669 (Nice)