☼

IT WAS THE WEEK OF THE TALENT SHOW AND THE LAST DAYS BEFORE WINTER BREAK. During this time, Lucia kept busy rehearsing in the school auditorium with her chorus professor: Ms. Melody. When she wasn't working day and night on perfecting the chords for her performance. She spent her time looking for Aurora. Grover and Thalia offered their help in the search but there was little to no news on her whereabouts. The minor success in finding Aurora did no good for Lucia's mood.

She was basically on edge at all times. The ignorance of her sister's well-being gnawed at her skin. Making her anxiety skyrocket. She of course didn't handle it healthily.  Using the talent show as an escape. A long-needed escape.

However, As a consequence, Percy and she spent less time together. The last time was when they made blue cookies with Sally more than 2 weeks ago.

It was today, as Percy found Lucia wasting gold drachmas in an attempt to contact her sister, That they finally had time alone.

Lucia groaned as the Iris Message faded away into the mist. Her hands ran through her curls, scratching her scalp in frustration. "Jeez Rory."

"You'll find her Luz." Percy comforted, he had just woken up from a nap. Lucia had gotten home from rehearsal in the meantime. He had a good case of bedhead. His green eyes were dull and tired. Sally and Paul were still working so he splayed himself on Lucia's bed and turned on the TV.

He patted the spot beside him. "C'mere."

"Later. I'm going to get more drachmas." Lucia tried to move but was stopped by Percy pulling her into the bed. She fell with a plop, her curly hair blocking her face.

"Luz. I'm saying this with love." Percy deadpanned, "Take the hint."

Lucia scoffed, hitting his chest. "She can be in danger!"

"We will find her okay?" Percy nodded, "But you need to breathe."

Lucia pouted. Her mental health was still nowhere near perfect. And she was managing a lot. But Percy was always one to help her down the precipice of disaster. She knew he wasn't her medicine. And that the strength keeping her moving stemmed from inside her. But having him every step of the way was something she'd forever cherish. He was the person she wanted to go through everything with. The good. The bad.  All of it.

"Fine." She rolled her eyes, she scooted forward. Resting her back on the Sofa-bed. The T.V. played the theme song of a famous early teen show.

Her shoulder bumped Percy's as they watched together. The silent tension thickened. Lucia tapped her finger against her knee to anchor herself.

She tried to focus on the plot but her mind was clouded. The hand Percy had on her lower thigh didn't help as the low volume allowed her to listen in on his heartbeat. For a moment they made eye contact.

Lucia made the first move. Hooking her hand behind Percy's neck she softly pulled him against her. Her lips pressed against his in a chaste kiss.

He sighed at the contact. Deepening the kiss as his hand slid up towards her hip. Lucia pulled him closer by the neck. She reciprocated his movements in perfect harmony. Like two pieces meant to meet.

Lucia heard Percy's heart accelerate in rhythm as she licked his lower lip. At once the mood changed. Lucia felt heat radiate off them both as their kissing increased, developing into a make-out session.

They consumed each other in the other's embrace, holding each other close as their lips moved in sync. They only separated to take breaths, most of which were heavy and heated. Lucia kissed down Percy's jaw causing butterfly-inducing groans to escape his lips. He chuckled, Grabbing her by the face to plant another kiss on her tender lips.

They were quickly, and rudely (according to Percy) interrupted by Paul coming home. A yelp caused the pair to break away from each other. Lucia hit the couch's arm, she hadn't realized she was straddling her legs on Percy's lap until the embarrassing encounter occurred. Heat crept on her cheeks, she pulled her knees to her chest. Hiding her red and swollen lips behind her hand, she stared at Paul in surprise.

Percy flushed red, he pulled a pillow into his lap. "Paul, Hey-!"

"Hello." Paul looked at them both bewildered. He was clearly in no position to handle the situation. He spluttered and stuttered out his words. Eventually, Percy and Lucia were dying in embarrassment.

"I was your age once! I understand your urges but you have to be careful! Pregnancy is real—"

"Oh my god!" Lucia's face fell into her hands. "That wasn't! Paul!"

Percy stopped Paul. Standing up from the couch he held a hand out. "We get it! We don't need any more pamphlets!"

"I'm just saying. Better safe than sorry kids." Paul joked before awkwardly shifting in his feet. He scratched the back of his neck. "I'm going to grade papers. your moms coming soon so be good and—maybe keep that to a minimum." He signaled to his neck. Then towards an uneasy Lucia. Seconds after, he walked into his office, leaving the two teenagers to argue in the living room

Lucia gasped, she fiddled with her neck. "Percy! I have the talent show in three days!"

"Don't blame me!"

"Well, who else am I going to blame you Kelphead? I don't see anyone else sucking at my neck like a fish!."

"you made me," He said innocently before hobbling back to the couch.

"What am I going to do with you." She exhaled dramatically

A sly grin formed on his face. A glint of mischief flickered in the sea foam green of his eyes. Before he could even open his mouth, Lucia could tell she'd want to punch him for what he'd say next. "I have a few ideas."

"Percy!"

☼

LUCIA WAS IN THE DRESSING ROOM MUNCHING ON A GIANT WAD OF GUM. She paced back and forth, smoothing out the purple silk gown she bought with chore money. She was warming up when she peeked out the curtain to see the seats filling up with people.

As the first few acts got on stage. Ms melody came to give Lucia praise and luck. Once she left Lucia felt like she was going to throw up. It was the feeling of unnatural heat in the dressing room that stopped her from spilling her guts into a clay vase.

"God's little star. You look awful."

Lucia deadpanned, "Thanks, Dad. You're so encouraging."

"Oh, Talent shows." Apollo pepped excitedly. He walked forward, glowing at every step. "Aren't they the best, I love showing off my incredible prodigal talent and inducing tears in my competition by being the root of their eventual loss. I remember this one satyr who went up in flames by losing to me. Of course, I caused it."

Lucia's palm hit her face in disbelief.

"...That's why you must be an ecstatic little star."

"Something like that." She inhaled sharply. Checking over her makeup one more time.

"You're nervous?" Apollo asked, "You must know you are the obvious choice—"

"It's not—" Lucia interrupted him and frowned. A pang of pain hit her chest and spread through the vessels and arteries. "I haven't sung in front of an Audience. Since...Since Papa.." Lucia cleared her throat. "I wish he was here. Watching me."

Apollo fell silent. A beat passed in the dressing room. The heat soothed them both. "I know," Apollo said in defeat. "It's where he deserves to be. But, I'm here...If that means anything."

A small appreciative smile stitched on Lucia's lips. She looked up at her father. Her eyes glimmered violet under the mist. so intense. A color Apollo knew and loved well.

Percy cleared his throat, "Sorry I don't want to interrupt. I just wanted to wish Luz luck."

Lucia looked behind her to see her boyfriend standing in a handsome get-up of trousers and a button-up shirt, Lucia already knew Sally forced him into it. And trust that she was grateful as she saw him stand by the door holding a bouquet of yellow tulips.

Apollo turned towards Percy cooly. "Hello Jackson, glad you came to see my little star crush it. She's going to take after her father, naturally."

Percy laughed awkwardly and nodded, "Yeah sure, that"

"Well, I'll leave you. I'm interested to see the next guy's magic show. I heard he rented a live peacock! just wait till hera finds out! she'll have a cow—" Apollo laughed at his own joke, "—well anyways, Good luck little star." Apollo continued, "And please try to enjoy yourself tonight..."

Once Apollo disappeared  Percy came directly in front of Lucia. She rested her chin on his shoulder, arms wrapped around his, and a slight pout formed on her lips as she whined. "There are so many people."

"And they're all going to see my girlfriend do great," Percy reassured. He pulled away squeezing her shoulder and kissing her forehead. His left hand fell to draw circles on her hip.

"Who's here." Lucia bit her lip nervously.

"Well Apollo Apparently," Percy said, "My mom, and Paul. Annabeth couldn't make it but she asked for a recording and said good luck. I think Will tried to make it but I haven't seen him yet."

Lucia nodded. "Okay. Awesome. So everyone will see me throw up and fall on my face."

Percy grinned, "I think you could still win."

She pinched his stomach. He squirmed away. "You're not funny. Aquaman."

"You'll do Amazing." Percy finally said, he reassured her with a kiss. "Because you're amazing. And you...You always figure out how to make things amazing."

"How cheesy." she stuck her tongue out. A smile quickly took shape.

Percy gasped. He dove forward and kissed her lips. "I'm not cheesy. never say that again."

"then don't be cheesy." She stated.

Percy poked her for teasing him. They fell into a banter before Lucia was called up for her turn on the stage.

"Good Luck, Luz." Percy looked at Lucia one last time. He hugged her before making his way to his seat in the audience. "I love you... You're going to kill it "

☼

LUCIA SANG TO HER FATHER. An original rock song with anger and raw emotion. Along with nostalgic and bittersweet melodies. A song to the flowers. Lucia's voice enraptured the audience at first note. Assuring her first place prize of an Applebees dine-in gift card. Turns out the guy who rented the peacock went overboard with his budget.

After her performance, she saw her father. A quick and short conversation took place. One that still left Lucia uneasy and out of it. But he was proud of her. And they talked about her Papa which always felt nice to do with Apollo. He left her to Percy, Paul, and Sally. Will didn't seem to be able to make it but the trio went out to eat at Applebees in celebration. Lucia felt her nerves dissipate and a sense of pride fill her at her accomplishment. One she thought impossible.

She was glad she was able to dedicate the moment to the person she loved most as well. And that she was able to prove her own talent and charm without the need to be exploited by an older man.

Everything started feeling right. But as the time to go back to Camp came approaching. Something felt wrong to Lucia in a way she just could not explain. But in a way that she could feel so harshly it hit her like a truck. She wanted more than anything to not get driven mad with worry. But something felt wrong. And she didn't know what.

She could only hope whatever it was. The fates, however cruel and immovable, would have mercy on Lucia's heart and on those she loved

A/N: please enjoy the last chapter of heliophilia :) sequel is posted and will be updated very soon !!!!