A/N: Hey guys! Sorry if you have been paying attention to my other story and I'm not writing on it, but I just want to get this story out there. So, if you could review more I would appreciate it! PM if you want! Thank you! :) I also used part of this chapter from "I Couldn't Care Less", so I give the credit to that part of the story to hazeleyedcutie! You'll know when you get there;) . Now, lets get on with the story!
Annabeth POV
I look out over the crowd of Roman camp and am baffled. Out of all the Romans here, none of them look like Percy. Gods, I miss him. I mean, you might think I'm just lovesick, but Percy stands out in a crowd. I suit up and prepare to go down with the crew.
Jason, Piper, and I are ready to go. Leo is staying back to make sure that the Argo II is safe and lands easily. We decided to keep Coach Hedge Back; it probably wouldn't be a good idea to take a homicidal satyr - or faun - on a mission to conduct peace. I laugh at the thought and go to join Jason and Piper by the ramp.
Jason looks so uncomfortable that I actually feel sorry for him. I'm not sure if it is that fact that he is about to see his old home that he doesn't remember, or if it is the fact that he is standing next to the girl who broke his heart completely. That is just a mega cold-hearted thing to do. I sigh and walk over.
"Ready guys?" I ask, more to Jason than Piper. She seems to get this and just nods.
"Ready as I'll ever be," Jason replies and scratches the back of his neck nervously. I must admit it's kinda cute. The scar on his upper lip stretches when he shows facial expressions and it's so adorable -WAIT. What am I saying? I mentally slap myself and shake my head. Lets go, I think.
The ramp lowers and we touch down. The Romans part for a girl in a purple toga. She is obviously the leader here; I must say, she does a good job if she can keep these bloodthirsty Romans in line. I can see it in their eyes that it's all they can do not to kill us. I shudder at the thought. Then, my breath hitches for the second time in ten minutes. There he is.
Percy.
I run through the crowd of Romans, despite all the glares and curses, straight to Percy. I jump in his arms and he looks me in the eyes, grinning like an idiot. I turn back around for a minute and am startled. All the Romans look like they are about to attack, but the girl - who I now recognize to be the Reyna that Jason was talking about - calls them off. Thank you so much, I silently send her with my eyes. She just nods. I turn back around to Percy and look into his blue-green eyes. Then I noticed something different. They look... Different. Hollow, maybe. Dull. Oh well. We'll talk about that later. I lean in and give him a kiss that I try to as much passion into. He kisses me back, but not as passionate. Like, there was no feeling. It startles me, but I push the thought into the back of my mind.
We finally break apart and I get down from my perch on top of him. I grab him and flip him onto the ground and dig my knee into his back. Once again, Reyna has to call off the Romans.
"Percy Jackson, if you ever leave me again I swear to all the gods-" he stops me.
"Alright, alright! I missed you to Annabeth," he replies sarcastically, but there is a hint of bitterness. I get off him smiling and help him up. He sighs and then looks at me. At least, I think he's looking at me until I see his gaze on Piper. My brain tries to tell me that this isn't good, but it's already overflowed from seeing Percy again so I just ignore it.
(This is a scene from the book, I didn't do it just the same way though, I don't think. I don't have the book with me right now. I'm in a car.)
"Well," Reyna starts, quite diplomatically, " I believe we have some important matters to discuss," she turns and nods to Jason, "Hello Jason." He shakes her hand awkwardly and then scratches the back of his neck. It's so obvious what happened.
You don't even need to be a child of Aphrodite to understand what happened. You can tell just by looking at Reyna's hard gaze at Jason that's filled with a mix of love and pain of rejection and Jason's awkward look of realization. Things are coming back, so I guess his past with Reyna came back, as well. Poor Jason, Piper already screwed him up and know he has to deal with some lovesick girl who has power over an entire army of trained killers.
We all walk to the Senate Chambers and start discussing our plans. Some annoying kid named Octavian pretty much says that we shouldn't be trusted. Although, according to Jason and Percy, I wouldn't trust a guy who cuts up and burns teddy bears. Apparently, he is like our Oracle, but he uses offerings - teddy bears - for the gods. That's just weird. By this time, Leo has joined us and offers to take Octavian on a tour of the ship after we got done. Reyna basically commands him to go so, like a dog with its tail between its legs, he leaves grudgingly with Leo an takes off.
"Hey Reyna, I'd like to take Annabeth on a tour of the camp, so we will be back for dinner," Percy says, grabbing my hand. I should be thrilled; I mean, after all this time, I finally get some alone time with my boyfriend.
"Actually," Reyna steps in, her glare piercing daggers through Percy, "I'd like to talk to Annabeth. Privately." She puts emphasis on 'Privately' and Percy gets it. He mouths "later" and walks off to Jason and Piper. I steel myself and look at Reyna.
"Of course, I would be honored. Wisdom and War goddess's daughter to another," I say through gritted teeth. Reyna gets this and nods.
"I understand that you want to be alone with Percy, I get that. I'm not completely heartless," her gaze is cast downward and I see the real her. The scared, hurt girl she really is. She is an expert at dealing with masks- of course, she is the grand masquerader herself. It immediately resumes it's position as a strong, independent young woman, though. Yep, daughter of a wisdom goddess. I understand her completely, another version of me, I guess. We are a lot alike. "But, we need to talk alone.. This matter is.. More.. Urgent," she says in a low voice. I nod. This is not meant for other ears. I give a sympathetic look to Percy and he nods, understanding.
Reyna leads me up a series of ramps to a rooftop and then turns to me.
"So, daughter of Athena. Let me tell you a story..." And with that my day gets a whole lot more interesting.
(If you want to know what the story is read the Mark ofAthena.)
Jason POV
After Reyna goes off with Annabeth, I'm really nervous about what they are going to talk about. I hope Reyna doesn't attack Annabeth secretly. I don't put it past Reyna; sure, she's never done that, but other praetors have been known to do that.
I sigh and walk around the camp saying hi to all the people that I suddenly remember. I smile to myself and turn onto the road of my favorite place in camp. I remember coming here whenever I was upset or down. Sitting there, watching the sunset, and trying to figure my life out. I walk over the hill and then I see it. It's breathtaking.
I start running over the hill, letting my training instincts kick in. I jump over all the holes in the ground that seem so familiar now. I smile at the memory and jump up over onto a rock ledge. I sit down as enjoy the view. Now I remember why I love this place, it's so peaceful. Especially when the sun is setting. It's amazing.
That is... Until I look down and see Percy and Piper laughing under the shade of a tree. I narrow my eyes at them and let my stealth instincts kick in. I slowly creep over the edge unnoticed and then hide behind a bush where I can see and hear what is happening.
"... Percy! No!" Piper says, laughing her head off. Percy grabs her hands and pulls her into him. I have to stop myself from growling.
"Come on! Piper! Pleaseeee," he whines and puts on a pouty face. I shake my head in disgust. Isn't he dating Annabeth?
"No! No, no, no! I told you I wouldn't do it again!" She rolls her eyes at his pouting.
"Dance for me! Please!" He continues pouting and wiggles his eyebrows. I almost cough but steel myself and stop. I didn't know people enjoyed watching dancing. I also didn't know Piper could dance.
"Fine." Piper says, exasperated. She starts dancing, and I must admit - it's pretty good. Not good enough for me to beg for someone to dance though. I think he was just flirting.. Wait...
FLIRTING.
He is dating Annabeth, and flirting with Piper. Piper knows he is dating Annabeth to, but she is flirting back! She's flirting back... Suddenly rage consumes me and it's all I can do not to jump out and strangle them both. I could care less about Piper. She's a bitch that broke my heart. I care about Annabeth. Percy is deliberately playing her like he love her when he goes behind her back and- oh no.
I look up and see that Piper tripped in one of the many holes and straight into Percy's arms. Then, all in one motion, he leans down and kisses her. I go berserk. I slam my fist into the tree next to me and run off quickly so they don't notice me. Once I'm out of the clear I scream. Not a lout one, but I scream. I'm just so furious.
I run in a full out sprint to the training arena and grab a sword. I start slashing away at a dummy furiously, not caring the comments of others watching.
"Oh my gods he is going at it so hard!" One random girl said.
"That's what she said!" Another immature boy shouted back.
After that, I block them out and just keep hacking until there is no dummy left. How. Could. That. Bastard. Do. That. To. Annabeth?! She is amazing! The way her blonde hair falls just right in curls down the front of her shoulders, and her gray eyes that ignite a fire every time I look into them. Those soft lips, just right for devouring. Her personality is amazing, and she is just as smart as she is pretty. Pretty... Gods, her curves are so amazing I just want to- WHAT AM I THINKING?! No, no no no no no. I will not think like some horny teenage guy.
I sigh and shake my head. I leave the center to busy thinking to even but back the sword. I just left it laying there. Oh well. Besides, even if I do like Annabeth she still wouldn't like me back. Right? I sigh and see her and then Percy walks up by himself, looking very sly. Then, just a minute later, Piper walks back from the same way. Oh HOW convenient. They think they are so sneaky. Well guess what bitches? Your not. I try to keep myself from laughing while Annabeth walks up, looking mortified.
"You ok?" Percy and I ask at the exact same time. I glare at him and he glares back at me.
"Yeah I'm fine," Annabeth replies, "look I think we should lea-" Annabeth doesn't even get to finish her sentence before the Argo II's ballista starts firing into the Roman common area. I hear screaming and rally calls of battle coming. Oh. Shit.
"Everybody on board the Argo II! NOW!" I scream, pulling out my gladius I received from Hera after my golden sword/lance broke. Damn, would I pay anything to have that now.. Well, maybe not anything. We see Reyna and explain we have no idea what's going on. She just waves us off.
"Hurry Jason. You only have so much time," she says," next time I cannot spare you."
I thank her and we start the journey back to the ship. Annabeth and I are at the back fighting of the advancing Romans. I'm doing amazing... Until I get hit with an arrow in the shoulder.
"ANNABETH! ARCHERS!" I scream above the noise. She looks over and gasps. "JUST GO! COME ON!" I grab her hand and we start running and she jumps on the ship's deck with my help. She helps me get up, trying not to pull on my injured arm and we finally make it on. I lay there, gasping on the deck with Annabeth next to me. She looks at me and smiles.
"Well that was close," she laughs and helps me up and we walk over to Leo.
"... No, it wasn't a set up. I wanted to do it, but it was like I was watching myself do it, but couldn't stop myself. I had a cold feeling, too." He finishes up.
" YOU WHAT?!" Percy roars. Piper grabs his arm.
"Hey, calm down, we will figure this out later, okay?" Piper calms him and I shake my head at them in disgust. Then they start whispering to each other.
I roll my eyes at them and remember Annabeth was watching. I see tears in her eyes.
"Hey Annabeth lets go down to the medical area so I don't bleed to death," I say jokingly and pull her to the medical area to help me. She nods and helps me there, even though I can walk. We get there and she sits me down. She goes to work patching me up and bandaging the wound. When she is done I smile at her.
"Thank you, Doctor Chase," I say, teasingly. She smiles.
"No problem," she pats the bandage down.
" You ok?" I ask, seriously. She shakes her head and then lays it on my shoulder.
"I think Percy is cheating on me.." She looks down and sniffles. I move a stray piece of hair out of her face and rub her back.
"I saw them kissing in the meadow..." I look down. She looks at me and begins to cry. I shush her and tell her it's alright, but she shakes her head and stands up.
"No. I will not do this. Lets go eat," she says, steely. I smile. That's the Annabeth I know.
We get to the living room/area/whatever Leo calls this place and sit down next to each other and start eating with everyone else. It's quiet. Until Percy and Piper start flirting and Annabeth gets up and runs out of the room. Percy follows her and I get up too. I follow them and find Annabeth on the ground, crying. I run over to her.
"Oh gods! Annabeth are you ok?" I ask, cradling her in my arms.
"N-No.." She whispers. I sigh and begin stroking her hair.
"Well, you will be. What happened?"
"Can we talk in a more.. Private place?" She asks. I pick her up and carry her to my room and sit her down on the bed. I sit in the chair next to it.
"Now," I demand. She smiles faintly but then it disappears immediately. I cradle her in my arms until she stops crying.
"Percy broke up with me... He doesn't care about me anymore."
"That doesn't matter." I say.
"Why?" She asks. I steel myself for rejection, but I need to say it. I put my forehead in hers.
"Because I care about you."
Her breathing stops and then she kisses my cheek. I sigh in relief. She smiles faintly and kisses my cheek again.
"I care about you too," she whispers. I smile at her and she starts crying again. I pull her in my arms and sit there cradling her.
"Hey, don't cry," I say soothingly, "it will be ok. I promise. I'm here now," I smile at her and then kiss her temple. She buries her faces in my shirt and cries. I don't care if it gets soaked, I just want to stop her pain. I rub circles into her back and place my cheek on her head. "It's ok. Let it all out," I continue, trying to be soothing. She cries for about an hour or two and then reduces to sniffling. I smile at her and kiss her temple again. "Let's go."
I pick her up and take her to her room. I lay her down on her bed and get up to leave. Suddenly, a hand is grabbing at my arm frantically. I turn around an grab her hand.
"What is it?" I ask, still trying to calm her down because she has started crying again.
"P-please d-don't l-leave m-me," she whispers. I smile and kiss her nose as I place my forehead on hers.
"Never," she smiles at me when I say this and tugs my arm to try to get me in bed. "No, I'll be right back, ok? I'm not leaving, I promise." She nods and I get up to go back to my room. I get in the hallway and on the way to my room I bump into Percy.
"What are you doing?" I ask icily.
"Just checking on my girlfriend," he replies cockily. I am filled with rage.
"Annabeth isn't your girlfriend anymore you bastard," I spit the words out of mouth. He smirks and pushes past me.
"Oh I know," he says and opens up the door to Piper's bedroom, "later, Sparky." He just called me Sparky. He is Piper's boyfriend. He betrayed Annabeth. He called me Sparky, again. I hate this guy.
I sigh and go into my room and put on my pajama pants and then walk back to Annabeth's room. I knock on her door.
"Annabeth? Can I come in?" I ask gently. She opens up the door and falls into my arms.
"P-Percy came in while you were gone and told me that if I ever betray him he will kill me." That's. it. He is going to meet Hades this instant. I lay Annabeth down on the bed.
"I'll be right back," I whisper and kiss her forehead. I walk out and go straight to Piper's room. I kick open the door to find a half-dressed Piper and a half-dressed Percy. I walk straight to Percy, despite Piper's shriek, and pick him up by the neck. I slam him into the wall.
"WHAT DID YOU SAY TO ANNABETH?!" I scream at him. Thank the gods that these rooms are soundproof.
"N-nothing," he says quietly and looks down.
"NO! I HEARD WHAT YOU SAID, YOU BASTARD! I personally swear to all the gods that if you ever lay a hand on Annabeth that I will kill you and personally throw you into the depths of Tartarus!" I continue my rage and punch him a few times in the face until he slumps onto the ground. I walk off and Piper goes to him and looks up at me.
"How could you?" She whispers, but immediately regrets those words.
"Yes Piper," I spit icily, "how could YOU?" She looks terrified and I leave, slamming the door. Coach Hedge looks at me questioningly, but when he sees me riled up he doesn't say anything and pretends to hear something and goes back to his room. I walk back into Annabeth's room and smile.
"It's ok," I say cupping her face in my hands, "Percy will never hurt you again," she smiles and pulls me onto the bed.
I adjust and get under the covers and then she slides into my arms. I don't want to do anything at first, but she slides my arms around her and lays her head on my chest. I smile at her and kiss her head.
"Thank you Jason," she whispers, "oh and how, in the name of all the gods, did you manage to get lighting bolt pajama pants?" She giggles and I chuckle.
"I have no idea," I smile and she nuzzles her head into my chest, but then sits up.
"One last thing," she says and crawls up towards my face.
"What?" I ask surprised.
"This," she says and leans down to kiss me. This kiss is even better than the one at camp. I kiss her back and it feels amazing. We finally break apart and she snuggles into my chest again. I wrap my arms around her willingly and snuggle into get warmth. She smiles and closes her eyes. "Goodnight Jason," she whispers drowsily. I smile.
"Goodnight Annabeth," I kiss her forehead and then close my eyes. We both drift off in minutes. The peace is amazing. It's a peace that I won't ever get - unless I'm with Annabeth.
A/N: So how do you like the second chapter? Please review!:) thanks!:)
~CatonissKatoKatonissLover
