❛ sorry, i...didn’t really get the chance to wrap it or anything. ❜ holey stone pendant is reluctantly and quietly offered up, and, honestly, grover was already regretting it. ❛ it’s for, uh, good luck and, y’know, protection. because we both know you need it. ❜
Percy’s used to some measure of anxiety in Grover’s voice whenever the satyr may speak, but the sheepishness now catches him off-guard. What’s he apologiz- oh. Oh, oh no, he got Percy something, he didn’t have to do that. Percy looks up, catching Grover’s eyes with a warm smile and giving the satyr’s arm a bump with his knuckles.
“Hey, dude. You didn’t have to do anything, you know that-” he starts, already starting to get a little awkward, but then Grover presses the trinket into his hand. It’s simple, less ostentatious than a necklace full of camp beads, even, but Percy’s been around nature spirits and creative types long enough to know when something has been crafted with care. A lot of it. Far be it from Percy to gauge whether an artifact possesses any real magic, but he’s getting caught up on the sentiment of it.
“...Aw, Grover.” Gods, Percy almost wishes Grover’d gotten him a gag gift. He’s suddenly acutely aware of exactly how old he is, how many years he’s managed to survive with his best friend by his side, or just within reach, but always ready to make himself available when he could. Always watching Percy’s back. His smile is a little wobbly as Percy slips the cord over his head, then wraps his arms around the satyr in what could only be called a bear hug. Even after all this time, Grover’s still looking out for him.
“Thank you,” he says, a little sheepish now himself. At least when he’s squeezing Grover he doesn’t have to worry about whatever weird thing his face must be doing. “I love it.”