Percy stayed at the apartment longer than he planned, reluctant to leave the comfort of home again. Estelle had taken to him immediately, following him around like a shadow and clinging to his hand at every chance. Sally watched with a knowing smile, understanding her son’s need to reconnect after so much time apart.

“Do you want something to eat?” Sally asked, breaking the calm silence that had settled over the living room. Percy was sprawled on the couch, Estelle sitting in his lap, babbling about her favorite books and toys.

“That would be great,” Percy replied, giving her a grateful look. “Anything but ambrosia or nectar. I’m craving real food.”

Sally chuckled and disappeared into the kitchen. Percy turned his attention back to Estelle, who was now playing with his hands, trying to mimic the way he twirled Riptide when it was in pen form.

“Do you know how to fight monsters?” she asked, her tiny voice full of awe.

Percy grinned. “Yeah, I do. But it’s not as fun as it sounds. Lots of running and screaming involved.”

Estelle giggled. “I wanna fight monsters too!”

“Let’s wait a few years before we think about that, okay?” Percy said, ruffling her curls.

As they sat together, Paul entered the room, carrying a set of papers under his arm. He froze when he saw Percy, his eyes widening in surprise before softening. “Percy,” he greeted warmly. “It’s good to see you.”

“Hey, Paul,” Percy said, standing and carefully shifting Estelle to the couch. He gave his stepdad a quick, firm hug. “I’ve missed you guys.”

“We’ve missed you too,” Paul replied. He glanced at Estelle, who had now picked up Percy’s pen and was examining it like it was the most fascinating thing in the world. “She’s been talking about meeting her big brother since she could form sentences.”

Percy felt another pang of guilt, but he pushed it down, focusing instead on the moment. “She’s pretty awesome,” he admitted, sitting back down.

Paul nodded, then hesitated before saying, “Sally told me you’ve… changed. That you’re not just a demigod anymore.”

Percy tensed slightly, but he nodded. “Yeah. I’m a minor god now. Long story, but… let’s just say I didn’t exactly ask for it.”

Paul studied him for a moment, then smiled. “Well, god or not, you’re still Percy. That’s all that matters to us.”

The words were simple, but they hit Percy harder than he expected. He nodded, swallowing the lump that had formed in his throat.

Sally returned with plates of food, and the four of them sat around the small dining table, laughing and talking as if no time had passed. For a few precious hours, Percy felt normal again, like the weight of his new responsibilities didn’t exist.

As the evening wore on and Estelle began to yawn, Sally tucked her into bed, leaving Percy and Paul sitting in the living room.

“You’re staying the night, right?” Paul asked.

Percy hesitated. “I can’t. There’s too much happening right now. But I’ll be back. I promise.”

Paul nodded, his expression understanding. “Just don’t let it be too long this time.”

When Sally returned, Percy hugged her tightly, whispering, “I’m sorry it took me so long to come back.”

She pulled back and looked at him with a smile that was equal parts proud and sad. “You’re here now. That’s what matters.”

With one last glance at his sleeping sister, Percy stepped out into the night, the warmth of home still wrapped around him like a shield. For the first time in a long while, he felt ready to face whatever came next.