Hah, I did *not* guess this was by you, but I was glad when I realized it was because I was thinking 'what if i wasn't *supposed* to read Hal like that? But then, I know the fandom & I know *your* version of Hal, particularly, so I was like, "Yup, not wrong about that."

And you miss everything that's IMPORTANT while wrapping yourself up in a cocoon of self-belief.

Yup, really.

Also, this story brings out that Percy is capable of being a lot more sane & perceptive as long as he's in a scenario where KATE IS IN CHARGE. At least, that's my interpretation and I'm going to stick with it.