Dad combed his fingers through my hair, braiding it and once more weaving beads into the strands. 

"Why- Why are you doing this exactly?" I asked. My thumb ran over the soft fur of the horse. Warmth pressed against me, radiating from his skin. I knew gods ran warmer than mortals, it's usually very nice, but I couldn't remember a time where he gave off so much heat to warm the air around him. When Dad didn't answer, I looked back at him. 

"I want to." He paused and rubbed my head. "You're my little one." Heat rushed to my face and I curled up. I felt so dumb acting the way I was, and yet he somehow made it okay. A soft chuckle echoed around the room, and Dad went back to fixing my hair. The entire affair was gentle, he never pulled too hard, never got any strands knotted with others. A sense of affection filled the gesture, not to mention what was held in his voice. 

We sat there in silence, my eyes growing heavier with each moment. Sleeping so soon wouldn't be a good thing, only providing more chances to be taken. A half-formed though dedicated itself to the idea of staying awake as long as possible before quickly dissipating. Dad wouldn't let me do that. I pulled away from Dad, ignoring him as he told me no. I curled up on the bed next to him, and nestled against his side.  The warmth sank into my bones now. It soothed away my thoughts. 

Dad's hand rested on the side of my head, keeping it tucked against him. I grumbled only to end up with him laughing. It wasn't funny, not even after the fact. My fingers tangled in his shirt, an anchor for me to tug closer. 

And so he couldn't leave. 

I didn't know how long I sat there with him. I didn't know how long I spent drifting along the edges of sleep. All I knew, after a certain point he moved. Long fingers pried mine away. Dad stood. And then without hesitation he hoisted me up, holding me on his hip. Part of me protested at being treated like a little kid, but another larger part was content. My eyes fluttered shut. Melting against him was the only sensible option, he's warm and he's safe. 

"You can explore the palace a bit more while I'm in my meeting." 

"Wanna stay with you."

Dad nuzzled my hair, I leaned into the affection happy to soak up every last bit. "I know, baby, but I don't think the arguments will do you any good. I can put you in my office if you don't want to be too far away. The light has a dimmer on it, and the only way to get in or out of there for someone who isn't supposed to be here is through the door through the council chamber." His fingers drummed against my back in a gentle rhythm, one I couldn't place but simply felt right. 

"I can walk," I said as we neared the council room. I didn't want-- I couldn't embarrass him more. Amphitrite's words rang in my ears, scraping against them like the screech of cold steel. I couldn't. I was a mistake, and I didn't-- Dad's hand pressed hard against my back. He said nothing, standing feet from the large door. The water around us seemed to tighten its hold, closing in. I curled against Dad. My face pressed against his shoulder. Again, I was being stupid and embarrassing. He'd probably be better off--

"Percy, you're fine." And like that, the thoughts were gone. Warmth wrapped around me once again. I yawned. My eyes didn't want to stay open. A hum rumbled through Dad's chest. "This isn't bothering me, you know that right? It's not like you're very heavy...have you been eating?

I refused to answer that. 

With a soft sigh, he walked into the council chamber which sat empty. New pitchers of drinks adorned tables, and piles of papers sat in front of each seat. Extra glowing plants brightened the room. Dad strode into his office. Blinking, I looked around the room. Somehow, it seemed bigger today, nowhere near as constricting as the other times I'd been in it. I grumbled and tried to cling to him, only for him to sit me on the couch behind his desk. It was pressed closed to the wall, one end situated in the corner, while the cushions were nice and soft. My wide eyes stared up at Dad. A lump rested in my throat. 

Dad cupped my face with one hand "You scared me," he mumbled.  I bit my cheek and shrunk in on myself. He brushed his thumb over my cheek. "Little one, what am I going to do with you?" His beard scratched against my forehead as he pressed a soft kiss to my skin. A simple gesture left a pile of blankets beside me and a box of snacks and drinks on the smooth wood of his desk. 

My hands wrapped around my shirt. White-knuckled and trembling, I didn't expect Dad to pull blankets around me, I didn't expect him to tuck my horse under my arm. He pressed his lips together and before I could ask, I had a sudoku book and pencil in my hands.

"I'll be right outside," he reassured. "If you need something, don't be afraid to come get me. The council likes the small breaks they get, so you'd actually be doing them a favor." He straightened, towering over me before walking out. Even though he was gone, remnants of his presence remained. After a minute, after even those pieces had settled, I cracked open the book. My tongue poked out between my lips as I focused on the patterns and the numbers. If there was a three there, then there wouldn't be one there. 

The handle clicked. I looked towards the door, sitting up as it swung open. Triton walked in, wrapped in what I'd only consider his council wear, not seeming to notice his tails turning to legs. I wondered if Dad normally kept his office free of water. The thought was banished to the part of my brain where it would be forgotten and die before I'd remember to ask.  Triton leaned over the desk, head tilted, and gathered up papers, all the while muttering to himself. He looked over at me. 

"Your hair looks pretty," he said, before returning to the papers. He gathered his pile into his arms and walked out, leaving me alone once again. I huffed and settled in my blankets once more. There was some odd feeling lurking in my chest, something twisting and coiling yet warm. 

I didn't have time to think about it, or even go get Dad. Triton came back into the room, this time with gold and silver draping his arms. He skirted around the desk. Necklaces dropped over my head, chains cold against my neck and the jewels and medallions heavy. His hand took mine. he slipped bracelets onto my wrists. Under his breath he mumbled something I couldn't understand, before brushing down fly away strands atop my head. 

"Why?" I asked. 

"Wanted to," he said and patted my cheek. "You're my little sister."

He sat beside me, a warm body I found myself leaning into. I yawned, curled against him, and wrapped a hand in his shirt. Maybe I should've been embarrassed or wary. Maybe I should've made sure he wouldn't move me. But when he tugged me closer, shifting so I could be tucked against his chest like a small child, no thoughts occupied my brain. 

I was content.

Do you believe me now?

The person who that was directed to knows the context

Merry Christmas! Enjoy your fluff and have a happy new year

See yah