Percy x Artemis: Alive (Natalie Bassingthwaighte)

Artemis sighed. She needed a break.

"Thalia?" she called. Thalia came in and bowed.

"Yes my Lady?" Thalia asked.

"I'm going into New York tonight. I need you to take care of things here."

Thalia was very curious, but she knew better than to question Artemis.

"Yes my Lady." Thalia walked out of the tent and Artemis teleported to New York.

What could make her feel alive?

The first thing that came to her mind was a bar. Okay, why not?

She went to a secluded area and changed her appearance. 22 years old. Hair up in a bun. Beautiful dress. She made sure it went to her knees – don't want to attract the attention of some pervert. The dress was black and had a red ribbon around the waist. She also put on heels. Christian Louboutin Crepe Satin Pumps in black. Okay, so maybe Aphrodite had taken her shopping once, and maybe she had enjoyed it a bit and bought some fancy clothes. But it was only once . . . maybe.

She teleported to the nearest entrance of a fancy bar – in a secluded place of course.

A lot of people were lined up, and she couldn't have been bothered to wait. So, she manipulated the Mist (she felt like being a bit selfish today) and she got to the front. She flashed a gorgeous smile at the guard, and he let her in.

The place was crowded. The lights were flashing and people were talking and laughing and having a great time.

Perfect.

She went to the bar, and got the attention of the waiter.

"Artemis?"

She looked up the face of a surprised Perseus Jackson.

"Percy Jackson," she greeted. "I guess you're the server. I'll have a shot of vodka."

Percy looked at her as if she was crazy. "You want a shot of vodka?" he asked skeptically. "Are you sure? It's got quite a kick to it."

"I'll be fine."

He nodded warily before getting what she wanted. She sat down on a stool and looked at him getting the shot.

He brought it back over and set it in front of her. She tilted her head back and drank it.

She set the glass back down. Percy just stared at her.

"What are you doing here?" he asked.

"I could ask you the same thing." She pointed out.

"Ah . . . one of my friends owns the place. He lets me work here on the nights that Annabeth is at work on Olympus. He pays me a lot, 'cos the place is so successful. Not that I need it."

"Annabeth isn't working tonight. She's in the middle of working on my palace, and I gave her the night off." Artemis said.

Percy leant on the counter and shook his head. "She broke up with me. Dunno why. I guess it doesn't matter."

"Oh." Artemis said, feeling a bit guilty. "Sorry."

"Don't worry about it. Would you like another drink?" he asked.

"Sure."

"What would you like?"

"Surprise me," she grinned.

Percy walked away to make her his specialty; a cocktail.

He brought back the drink in a triangular wineglass. The drink was yellow at the bottom and red at the top. An orange slice was placed on the side of the glass, and a little umbrella accompanied it.

He put it in front of her. "There you go. One strawberry and orange cocktail."

She took the glass and took a sip. "That . . . is wonderful."

Percy laughed. "So, you didn't answer my question. What are you doing here?"

She shrugged. "I'm here to have fun. Party. Feel Alive."

"Well, you came to the right place. With the music and the lights – you'll be feeling alive in no time." Percy grinned.

Another waiter came up to Percy.

"Hey Dan," Percy greeted.

"Perce. Whose this?" Dan asked.

"Uh . . . this is my friend, Ar - . . ." What to say?

"Areta." Artemis supplied. "My name is Areta. Nice to meet you."

"You too. I'm Dan." They shook hands and Artemis took another sip. "Listen Perce, the boss says you can have the night off. You work to hard. He says go party."

Percy smiled. "Thanks Dan."

Percy took off his apron and hung it up. Then he walked back over to Artemis.

"Areta? Nice save." Percy praised, taking the seat next to her.

"Thanks. I quite like the name."

"You know, Areta means Beauty; virtuous; excellent in Greek. It definatly suits."

Artemis blushed. "Maiden Goddess," she reminded him.

"I know," he chuckled. "Just stating the facts."

She smiled. "Want to dance?" she asked suddenly.

"How about, you finish your drink, then we dance."

Artemis looked down at the drink. "It is a good drink."

She took another sip and set it back down.

"Yo Dan," Percy called. Dan walked over with a glass of beer.

"You know me too well," Percy grinned as Dan set the drink down.

"Yes, yes I do." Dan walked away and Percy took a sip of the beer.

Artemis felt OK with the fact she was sitting next to a boy, Percy Jackson no less. She couldn't help admit that he had become quite handsome. His jet black was disheveled, and his green eyes had taken on quite a startling manner.

As the two finished their drinks, Artemis was starting to feel a bit light-headed, but she shook it off.

Percy led Artemis to the dance floor as a pop song came on.

Alive, alive, alive, alive

Never thought the day would come when I'd see
My reflection smiling right back at me
It's been a while since I've been happy
Not sure, that I'm ready
I never planned on letting love in
Didn't wanna go back there again

In some way, Artemis felt as though this song related to her. She most certainly didn't think she would be at a bar, grinning as she danced with a boy – Perseus Jackson, even. It had been a while since she had been happy. Maybe it was the cocktail, but Artemis was feeling excited; joyful.

Love was out of the question. After what happened to Orion, she really didn't want to have to deal with that. It was why she had become a maiden.

But maybe I could (maybe I should)
Take a, take a chance on you

Maybe she should find someone. Maybe Aphrodite was right. Artemis was never happier than when she was with Orion.

Really, who better to take a chance on than the Savior of Olympus? Artemis could name a handful of goddesses that wanted to be with Percy, Aphrodite one of them.

He was loyal. Sweet. Kind. And, he hadn't broken up with Annabeth, she had broken up with him.

Tonight, I'm lost in the music and lights
I don't wanna let go but I might
If it's right
Tonight, tonight, tonight, tonight
Is this real? Cause this heart is just startin' to heal
And you're so close to makin' me feel (me feel)
Alive, alive, alive, alive

She wasn't going to think about it anymore. Tonight was the night to get lost in the lights. Lost the music. Lost in the atmosphere.

Percy was right. This was the best place to feel alive. Everyone was having fun. But, she didn't feel as though that was what was making her feel this way.

It was the she was with.

I didn't ever think that I'd be given
Everythin' that I was missing
It's like somebody out there's listening
Still not sure, that I'm ready
But maybe I could (maybe I should)
Take a, take a chance on you

She never thought she would get another chance at love. Never. Ever. But, Percy seemed to be proving her wrong.

The truth was – and she wouldn't admit it to anyone – that she was lonely. She was missing the warm embrace that came with love, or the soft kiss under the moonlight.

Should she take a chance? She still wasn't sure.

Tonight, I'm lost in the music and lights
I don't wanna let go but I might
If it's right
Tonight, tonight, tonight, tonight
Is this real? Cause this heart is just startin' to heal
And you're so close to makin' me feel (me feel)
Alive, alive, alive, alive

Suddenly, Artemis was spun around to face a man who looked about 24.

"You look tense," he said seductively, but Artemis rolled her eyes.

"P*** off," she said, then turned back around.

"Come on sweetheart," the man pressed. "Lets get out of here."

Artemis rolled her eyes. "Get away from me." She hissed.

The man grabbed Artemis's wrist tightly. "I said," he growled, "lets get out of here."

"And I said, get away from me."

The man tightened his grip.

Percy looked on, angry. "Listen buddy," he intervened. "Get out of here. She doesn't want you near her."

"Did I ask for your opinion?" he snarled.

"I know who you are Epimetheus. Let. Her. Go."

Artemis jerked out of Epimetheus's grip.

"Perseus Jackson and the Moon Goddess. What are you two doing here?" Epimetheus said wickedly.

"Leave Epimetheus," Percy ordered.

Percy's eyes flashed dangerously, and Epimetheus gained a fearful expression, but he tried to hide it.

"You two haven't see the last of me," Epimetheus growled, then teleported out.

Artemis was grateful. She turned around to thank Percy, but he was gone. Artemis looked around spotted him making his was for the door. Quickly, Artemis followed him.

You're makin' me feel, alive, alive
Alive, alive, alive, alive

I don't know if it's love again
But I'm closer than I've ever been
You're makin' me wanna let you in (wanna let you in)
I can feel your energy
I can't explain the chemistry
All the signs are telling me
Take a chance on you

"Percy!" she called out. He turned slightly, but kept walking.

Once they were outside, Artemis took her heels off and ran after him. "Perseus Jackson, stop this instant!"

Percy stopped and leant against the wall that was so conveniently placed there.

"Yes Artemis?" he sighed, crossing his arms.

Artemis huffed. "How did you know that was Epimetheus?"

"I've seem him before."

"Oh." I seemed like the simplest answer. "Why did you leave?"

"I just couldn't stay. I didn't want to get into any trouble." He answered, closing his eyes.

Was it so bad that she wanted to hug him right now? She took a hesitant step forward and then another. Before she could chicken out, she put her arms around him.

"How would you get in trouble?" she asked, removing her arms.

Percy looked her in the eyes. "Do you really want to know?"

"Yes."

Tonight, I'm lost in the music and lights
I don't wanna let go but I might
If it's right
Tonight, tonight, tonight, tonight
Is this real? Cause this heart is just startin' to heal
And you're so close to makin' me feel (me feel)
Alive, alive, alive, alive

"I didn't want to get in trouble with you. You are just so beautiful, and you're the Maiden Goddess and all, and I would get in so much trouble if anything happened."

"Percy, it means so much to me that you feel all of that and didn't do anything. Anyone else would have just done what they wanted, especially after that whole ordeal with Epimetheus."

"I didn't do that so I could take advantage of you."

"I know Percy. You did it to help. And I thank you."

"But . . ." Percy guessed.

"No 'but'. I am genuinely grateful."

"Well, this whole conversation is moot because I'm not allowed to like you."

Artemis remember the lyrics to the song that had been playing in the bar minutes before.

"Tonight, I'm lost in the music and lights," she sang softly.
"I don't wanna let go but I might
If it's right
Tonight, tonight, tonight, tonight
Is this real? Cause this heart is just startin' to heal
And you're so close to makin' me feel (me feel)
Alive, alive, alive, alive."

Then, she pressed her lips to his.

Ta da!

Hope you like! I know, there was, like, two pages before the actual song started, but whatever.

Lady Alice.