Hey guys I am super sorry for not updating.
I was really busy this week. This chapter isn't as long but I hope you like it lol.
Percy hurriedly walked, almost running, to the men's locker room before Natasha could stop him. He entered the locker room and felt the breeze of the air conditioner refreshing him. He stripped down quickly and changed into his black swim trunks, which accentuated his dark hair.
He inhaled deeply, mentally preparing himself for the Russian. Percy wasn't sure how she would behave after their previous meeting. He walked to the mirror to check up on his appearance. Percy didn't care about what he looked like but he felt as though he had to look his best in front of Natasha.
Sea green eyes stared back at Percy. Percy's black hair was incredibly messy but Percy could've cared less. "I'm okay," Percy whispered to himself. He noticed his tan skin was slowly returning to its original pale tone.
"You look great," Natasha spoke, words sounding pleasant, but the tone was disbelieving. "Why were you checking yourself out?"
"Believe me, Natasha, I was most definitely not checking myself out," Percy turned and almost let his jaw drop at Natasha. Her toned body was glistening from the water in the pool. Her curves were all in the right places, though Percy tried not to look at them. Her fiery red hair was wet, though voluminous. He shifted his eyes to her emerald ones and smiled.
"Could've fooled me," Natasha winked. "Are you flirting with me?" Percy asked incredulously. "Am I?" Natasha stepped slowly to Percy and stopped when she was about a foot away. "Tell me about yourself." Percy stepped back, shocked and amused. "Are you flirting with me?" Natasha moved closer to Percy. "What if I said yes?" "Then I suggest you don't because you wouldn't want to become friends with someone like me," Percy walked over to the chairs and sat down.
"I thought you needed help. No one can help if you act like a child," Natasha pressed her hand to her forehead. "How can you help, though?" Percy rubbed his eyes. "Just tell me what you're dealing with and why you're the murderer of many children," Natasha spoke quickly.
Percy closed his eyes, suppressing the harsh memories. "Because I am a monster. I killed tons of children because I am incredibly weak, alright? You happy?" Percy could feel the tension rising as the volume of his voice grew louder.
"Percy," Natasha whispered, "I - the team, are here to help. But if you claim to be a murderer, we might have to interrogate you or detain you. Please explain to what you mean." Percy opened his eyes and found himself staring directly into Natasha's brilliant green eyes. Percy was so close to Natasha, he could feel her even breaths.
"I was on a quest and I went alone. I was supposed to save some demigod children hiding in the sewers, but I decided to take it slow. Well, I shouldn't have, because when I arrived, it was too late. They were all dead. Because of my laziness,
they died," Percy mumbled miserably.
"Percy, it wasn't your fault." Natasha rested her hands on Percy's shoulders and faced Percy directly. "How can you help, huh?" Percy pushed Natasha's hands off. He stood abruptly and the action startled Natasha. Percy could tell Natasha was elegant and graceful, so when Natasha slipped and started to fall, he stood there dumbly.
Natasha grabbed onto Percy, inadvertently pulling him down too. Percy tried to stand strong but he collapsed and landed on top of Natasha.
Percy tried really hard not to focus on Natasha, so he looked in the other direction. He inhaled deeply, taking in Natasha's citrus scent. Natasha cleared her throat loudly and Percy looked at her immediately. As he did, he got lost into her eyes.
"Can you get off of me?" Natasha looked down, trying to avoid looking at Percy. Percy tried to move but as he did Percy caught Natasha's eyes and he stopped moving.
Percy took a chance.
He leaned forward and whispered, "You smell good." He winked and his lips gently glanced her cheek. He got off of her, stood, and walked away.
As soon as Percy was out of sight, he sunk down to the floor. "What was I thinking? I can't get close to her," but as Percy said this, he knew he wanted her to get close. She was tantalizing, like one of his mom's blue cookies. He knew he shouldn't be trying to get close to her because nothing good would come out of it. "I need to call Annabeth. She knows what to do."
Percy fished a golden drachma out of his pocket and reached his hand out, calling for mist. He felt the familiar tug in his gut and he immediately felt the mist cooling down his body. He threw the drachma and called out for Annabeth. "Oh Goddess of Rainbows, please accept my offering and connect me to Annabeth Chase, Camp Half-Blood."
Annabeth immediately appeared but she was busy. She was teaching the new campers the ice-pick grip for daggers. Percy watched in fascination, knowing she was the best teacher for teaching that grip. He slashed through the image, cutting off the connection. He rested his head and tried not to think.
He hated being alone, left to his thoughts, but that's all that seemed to be happening.
