Percy

"Do you want to come home with me for Christmas?" I asked Vaisey,"I know spending Christmas alone isn't fun, and my uncle, cousins, Harry, and probably other friends will be there."

I bit my lip as I remembered all the times my mother worked on holidays, and I was home alone. Gabe doesn't count as company, seeing as he's barely a human himself. I looked over at Vaisey who still hasn't answered. We were sitting by the lake, just hanging out as friends.

His midnight black hair moving with the winter wind. Vaisey's golden skin gleaming in the light. His legs were straight in front of him, making him look taller than he usually was. Vaisey just sighed, viewing the calm waters.

After the party, it was clarified by his closest friends that we were currently not in a relationship at the moment. Apparently we were allowed to do the activities that consisted in relationships, but we weren't allowed to say things such as,"he's my boyfriend."

I didn't get it, but as long as we were cool, I was fine. I don't really get the status of our friendship, but I guess kissing and hanging out didn't count as boyfriends in England. Probably a cultural thing. I'll just wait for now, it was probably too early to be boyfriend boyfriend, so friends with benefits I guess.

"Sure." Vaisey agreed, picking at grass,"My father's in America right now, and it would look suspicious, so I can't go see him."

I frowned,"I could bring you, but it'd have to be brief."

A thoughtful look appeared on his face,"No. If I go, it'll make it worse when I leave, and feel longer when I'm away."

I nodded,"Okay."

He suddenly leaned in for a chaste kiss that made butterflies erupt in my stomach,"Thank you for the offer though."

I nodded hurriedly, blushing when he pulled away. The look in his eyes was different than Annabeth and Luke. He had this hopeful twinkle that glowed happily. It made me shiver in excitement. I preened when he smiled at me, his teeth glittering in the sunlight.

I turned my head away, facing the water again. Leaning against the tree, I watched the cold water wave slowly. Vaisey continued to think in silence, picking more at the grass. The air between us was comfortable, no qualms against it.

After awhile, Vaisey left to pack. Tomorrow was the day we left for break, and he had to pack. I finished packing the day I got here, only taking out the necessities for the day. Unfortunately, no one else was as organized as me, but to be fair I usually didn't need to be.

Being a demigod taught me that being ready to go if I had to was very beneficial. Having everything in one place was perfect too, go magic. I heard laughing in the distance, and when I lifted my head I saw a group of my house coming over. I soon recognized them as Vaisey's friends.

One pointed at me when I was spotted, and they made their way. I didn't care for them, and continued to watch the calm waters. They were considerably nicer than before, so nothing bad should happen. Although they weren't exactly my friends, they were good acquaintances.

"Hey, Percy." One of the girl's greeted, leaning up against my tree, but not siting.

"Hi." I responded.

Another girl followed her lead, the rest circling around me,"What are you doing out here all alone?"

I shrugged,"Just thinking. It's quite peaceful."

"You shouldn't be alone." One of the guys warned,"Just because Malfoy hasn't done anything, doesn't mean nothing won't happen."

I shook my head, dismissively,"Nothing will happen. The Quidditch game changed that."

Another guy raised an eyebrow,"That game got Crabbe and Goyle suspended for the rest of the year. Someone's going to want revenge."

I studied them,"Like who?"

They all shrugged,"I'd imagine their parents wouldn't be too happy."

I scoffed,"Neither would mine."

They all looked away. They just stood there awkwardly, none of them brave enough to break the tension. Deciding I was hungry, I stood up, dusting myself off. They all backed up, giving me my space when I was up. I was taller than all of the girls, and about the same height with most of the boys, but a few were taller than me, including Vaisey who stood at least 6'4.

"Are you going to hang out with Vaisey now?" One of the guys asked me, keeping up with me while I walked.

I pursed my lips in disagreement,"No. I wouldn't want to bother him while he packed. I was planning on eating with my cousins."

I saw them all frown, a girl voicing her confusion,"Vaisey isn't going anywhere this break. His father is in Norway, helping with problems of his sister."

I shook my head once again,"No, actually Vaisey's coming with me this Christmas."

A hand on my shoulder prevented me from going inside, making me stiffen,"Percy, wait."

I turned, looking at them expectantly, wishing for the hand to be removed from my body. When it wasn't moved immediately, I used my gifts of my father to distance our limbs. Their eyes widened as they thought a spell separated us.

"Please don't touch me." I stated rudely.

"Ok, but you remember what we said right?" The guy who used to hold my shoulder asked.

I raised an eyebrow,"About Vaisey?"

They all nodded in unison, the lead guy speaking up,"Remember, he doesn't want to date you right now, he probably never will. You're just friends."

***Line Break***

A chirp from beside me drew my attention away from the now frozen lake. Overnight, it got cold enough to snow, and cover the water in a sheet of white. It was beautiful, the snow lay perfectly over everything. The chirp sounded again, and when I looked up, on a branch of the tree there was a beautiful owl perched on it.

A solemn expression came across my face. Owls, what a reminder. This one was beautiful, with blue tips on its wings. It's eyes an electric blue, kind of mixing with cerulean. The owl's eyes kind of reminded me of Vaisey's. The feathers were black, even darker than my hair.

There were specks of a golden tan color all over its body. It chirped at me, like it was trying to speak. I smiled softly, unable to hide my nostalgic feelings at Annabeth's reminder. The weight of my demigod life pushing me down.

"Hey, buddy." I beckoned, holding out my arm,"Come here. It's okay, I'm friendly."

It tilted its head, and looked at me with its wide eyes. It's wings fluttered, and it opened its magnificent wings. The owl stood up fully, and I noticed it was a bit taller than the usual ones. I was surprised when it flew down next to me, ignoring my arm, and perching on my leg.

I winced, but it hooted at me cutely. I carefully held out my hand. The owl looked at me warily, so I stopped moving, but when it chirped again, I slowly began to pet it. It's feathers submitted to my hand, wilting under the pressure. It made this cooing noise, like it was happy for my touch.

I smiled,"I'm sorry for being so gloomy, you just remind me of someone."

It cooed under my ministrations. It's beautiful eyes staring into my soul as I pet it. I chuckled, relishing in its soft feathers. The wings spread, but quickly retreated to its small, but lean figure.

"Her name was Annabeth." I whispered,"She loved owls, she would have been in awe at your beauty."

The bird chirped, its tone sounding similar to sympathy. I raised an eyebrow, maybe a gift from the gods? This little owl seemed to understand my words, so maybe another therapy animal. I relented to their silent nudges, continuing to talk my heart out.

"She's dead though. You won't be able to meet her." I answered the silent question,"But maybe you could meet Vaisey? He's not my boyfriend, unlike Annabeth being my girlfriend, but maybe someday he'll be."

The owl tilted its head in confusion. Maybe not as smart as I thought. The little animal had stopped cooing, but continued to shudder in response to my petting.

"I know, why not." I huffed,"His friends said we weren't, so I guess he doesn't like me that way. It must be some English custom, or something along those lines to see how two people work together before actually engaging in the relationship."

The owl hooted in protest. I pulled back with a hiss as it nipped at me. I frowned, holding back from petting it. I checked, and I saw no bite marks. I guess it was a playful snap, but it was still surprising.

"My cousins would like you to meet you." I hummed.

I startled the owl that hovered before sitting back down. I laughed softly, going to pet it again. The bird allowed me to bathe it in attention.

"Can I name you?" I asked it, getting a happy chirp in response,"Is that a yes?"

The bird hooted. The owl spread its wings, and flew around me a few times, before settling back down on my thigh. I guess it wanted to stretch. It came back, so I assumed it liked me enough to allow me to be its companion. It's not everyday a wild owl comes up to someone and stays.

"How about Maelstrom?"

Tell me what you think...