[ he's right. it's behind them in their past now and there's nothing they can do going forward to alter the way things have played out. he moves the gift bag down onto the floor and off of the counter, out of the way if he's going to try and recreate his mom's pancakes. it's unlikely that he'll be able to, considering his idea of cooking is picking up the phone and placing an order for pick-up or making instant pancakes from a box mixture that only requires adding water. it's the thought that counts though, isn't it? that he's making an attempt to honor his mom.

Percy doesn't back away when Nico approaches him, rounding the counter. as far as he's concerned, they're good. ]

Uh, we can try? I'm not saying we won't burn the apartment down in the process, but they're pancakes. How hard can they be? I've watched her make them like a hundred times, probably more.

[ and when they're finished and their home isn't on fire, he can surprise Annabeth with breakfast in bed. ]