HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY EVERYONE! Okay I'm a bit late but it doesn't matter :)
It's the thought that counts. That aside… how'd everyone doing?! THANKS FOR ALL THE REVIEWS! no seriously I really love reviews and it's great that you guys like the story and such (even though I still have no idea where the hell I'm heading with this thing).

Anyways… I'll be going to my orientation this week! Going down to SoCal, so that'll be fun… and hot… shit… maybe I shouldn't bring my leather jacket but I LOVE LEATHER JACKETS! SO IF YOU GUYS EVER SEE A GIRL IN LEATHER JACKET AND SCARVES IN THE HOT SUN…. THAT'S PROBABLY ME! But yeah I'm hella excited! Future college freshman here! and I'm actually leaving tomorrow so wish me luck!

The Best Friend Card (4)

Sophomore Year

"Percy have you had your first kiss yet?"

Percy's hand slipped out of mine as he turned to stare at me. Screw the holding-hands buddy system. "What?"

"Silena's talking about first kiss and everything." I told him as I grabbed his hand again, feeling the slight bit of comfort from knowing that he was there.

Percy nearly coughed out all the soda he was drinking. "What?"

"Kissing Percy, as in kissing on the lips." I explained. If it was anyone else, I'd feel uncomfortable and drop the topic, but this was Percy, if I can't talk to him about kissing, I don't think I could talk to anyone.

"Yeah, I mean, I know what you mean. But why are you so worried about it? It's not like you're interested in anyone right?" Percy asked skeptically.

I looked down. It was so Percy to be completely oblivious to everything. Especially since we entered high school, everyone was hooking up, then breaking up and frankly I felt like the only thing permanent in my life is the one and only Percy Jackson. "What if I am interested in someone?"

Percy looked surprised but quickly recovered. "Well, then rest assure that he'll love you."

"You're just saying that." I grumbled.

Percy grinned, "Maybe I am, but why are you so worried?"

I shrugged, "Everyone already had their first kiss and they all broke up…" I trailed off.

Percy stepped in front of his house and unlocked the door motioning for me to go in, "And you're worried that it will happen to you?"

"Well don't you?" I asked him.

"Well, I haven't had my first kiss yet, so I wouldn't know." He replied back with a shrug.

"I don't know, I just want it to be something permanent Percy. I want my first kiss to be from someone who will always be by my side no matter what." I explained but quickly groaned. "You know what? Never mind, it's stupid, forget it."

"It's not stupid." Percy assured me. "I understand where you're coming from." He took off his shoes before stepping inside the living room.

"Sometimes, I just want to play it safe you know? I'm tempted to kiss you if it's reassurance that you'll always be the one there for me." I said before I could stop myself. "I mean it's not that I want to kiss you-"

Percy grinned as if an idea just came to his head. "Well, if your first kiss is from your best friend, then I don't think you would regret it right?"

I pushed him away smiling, "What? You are going to be kissing me every day until I find someone that I like?"

He shrugged, "If it makes you sleep at night, I mean I kiss you on the cheek all the time, I don't think it really makes a difference."

"The difference is that there will be romantic feelings involved." I explained.

"Well, then it should be fine, I'm pretty sure there's no romantic feelings between us. We're just best friends."

I knew what cliché movies say about best friend kissing changing everything, but I didn't believe it. Percy was my best friend and there was no way I was going to risk it for some stupid romantic feelings that is just going to float away in a blink of an eye.

"Best friend card." Percy said with a grin. "I want you to kiss me."

"You sound like you really want to kiss me." I noted.

"You sound like you really want to kiss me." He mocked me.

"I'm a curious person, since everyone is all talking about the first kiss like it's some magical thing, I'm just curious. What's your excuse?"

Percy grinned, but I could tell something was making him uncomfortable. "Eh, I'm a growing teenager boy, and it's not everyday that my beautiful best friend asks you to kiss her full on the lips."

"So you wouldn't mind kissing me?"

Percy laughed, "What grade are we in Annabeth, I'm pretty sure cooties aren't going to scare me." Percy wrapped his arm around me, pulling me closer to him.

"Wait you're actually going to kiss me?"

"Well are you going to stop me?"

"Trust me, I'm not the person that you want your first kiss to be with." I reminded him.

"I'd rather have my first kiss be with my best friend than some random chick that I will forget after a few years."

"So, I'm just going to be the chick you had your first kiss with?" I pushed him away and crossed my arms.

Percy laughed, "You're the annoying best friend that I could never hope to get rid of! Well… maybe you might be a just a random chick?" Percy grinned suggestively.

I faked a gagged, "Don't tell me you're interested to chase me."

Percy smirked, "Chase?"

I mentally slapped myself, "Shut up Percy."

Percy chuckled and without warning he leaned in and closed the gap between our mouths.

To say I was shocked was an understatement. Despite the fact that I brought up the kissing topic, I didn't really expect Percy to actually kiss me. Of course even as my mind started to go on panic mode, my mouth responded as I kissed him back.

I wasn't sure how I imagined my first kiss. To be completely honest, I wasn't even sure if we were even kissing correctly, I mean… in movies, they have their first kiss with totally experienced actors and actresses and of course they just happen to french kiss or something.

My first kiss? Well it was merely a pressure from his lips to mine and I simply kissed back as I would be kissing my pillow… just kidding, but I did return the kiss.

I was the first one to pull away from the kiss. For a second I could've sworn I saw a look of disappointment on Percy's face but the grin on his face told otherwise.

"So that's a kiss." Percy said his face a bit flustered.

I knew I didn't have feelings for Percy but I couldn't help but allow the heat to rise up in my face. Should I have felt something? Was I supposed to feel some sort of spark? Or is kissing just full on lust from hormonal teenagers?

I mean sure, my heart rate is pulsing faster than normal and I was half tempted to kiss Percy again just to get a grip of a real kiss. "Not exactly Hollywood kiss." I offered with a smile to let him know I was joking.

"We're both inexperienced teenagers, what do you expect?" He smiled.

"You're blushing though." I pointed out.

At that Percy's face got even more red. "That was my first kiss, what'd you expect?"

I smiled, maybe even a bit relieved that there wasn't any tension between us. "If I didn't know better, I'd say that you like me." I offered.

"Yeah." Percy said after a few second. I panicked. Percy couldn't possibly like me right? Then as if asking himself, "No romantic feelings right?"

I shook my head quickly, grateful at Percy for saying that. I didn't like my friend in that way. "Nope… no romantic feelings."

I looked up and he smiled weakly before giving me a kiss on my forehead, "But just for friendship sake, let's just keep the kissing to the cheeks and forehead, I don't want to be addicted to your kisses." Percy stared at me for a second as if he was thinking about something, "Unless… unless you want to then-"

"Your testosterone is showing Seaweed Brain." I mumbled.

He blushed for a second before replying, "Admit it, I'm a good kisser."

"You initiated the kiss, so of course it appeared as if you're the better kisser!" I argued.

"But the guy always initiates the kiss-"

"Not always." I argued.

Percy scratched his head nervously, "Most of the time?"

I groaned before pulling his shirt collar down to my level and pressing my lips against his.

"You always have to prove you're right huh?" Percy mumbled softly against my lips.

I simply smiled into the kiss as Percy wrapped his arms around me, deepening the kiss. Percy, who seemed to finally get the hang of this kissing thing, wrapped his hand around my back and pulled me closer to him if that was even possible.

My hands released itself from his shirt collar and made its way around his neck in effort of messing with his hair-

"Percy Jackson!" As fast as lightning we both jumped away from each other. I turned around to see the door already opened and Percy's mom standing there with a surprised look on her face.

"Mom?" Percy asked in bewilderment. A look of fear was present on Percy's face. Oh no... I'm in so much trouble... is there a chance that she didn't see Percy kissin-

"Both of you, sit now." I never heard Mrs. Jackson sounding so serious.

"Mrs. Jackson, it's not what you think-"I began.

She gave me a look that clearly said that she wasn't looking for an excuse. "Now." She turned to Percy and her look hardened. Throughout all my years of friendship with Percy, I have never seen her give Percy this look. "You too Percy."

We went sat down.

Percy's mom sighed, "Sit down, both of you."

"Mom, if you would just let me explain-"

"Mrs. Jackson, it's really not what you think-"

Percy's mom poured herself some tea and simply sat down as if we're simply eating dinner, "Now when did this all happen?"

I looked at Percy and he gave me the same look. "What?"

"Dating." She said with a defeated tone. "It's bound to happen sometime-"

"Mom, you're misunderstanding, we're not-"

"Percy, for gods sake, you're only in 10th grade!" His mom started.

"Mom, I'm in 10th grade." Percy emphasized.

"I get that you guys have been almost inseparable, but..." Mrs. Jackson groaned. "I can't believe I'm giving you the talk... Annabeth, Percy... if all gives, please try to be safe."

I wasn't sure whose face was redder, mine or Percy's. Sex? Just a few minutes ago, I was just freaking out about my first kiss. "Mom!"

"Don't try to deny it, I have read news about high school kids having sex- I'm actually writing a novel about-"

"Mom, with all due respect, can you stop saying that word." Percy begged. I could tell he was just as uncomfortable as I was.

"Don't worry Percy, I'm as uncomfortable as you are, but you guys need to understand-"

I was probably like a red tomato right now, "Mrs. Jackson, we're not dating!"

"Annabeth, I know it's the new thing to hide your relationship from your parent and all that-"

"Mrs. Jackson, we're actually not dating." I quickly said again.

"Now, Annabeth, I really don't mind you dating Percy, but just be safe-"

"I don't like Annabeth that way though!" Percy quickly said.

"I don't like Percy that way!" I said quickly trying to get his mom to understand.

Now it was Mrs. Jackson's turn to be confused, "But you guys were just-"

Oh gods... Out of all the embarrassment in my life, this has to be the worst. "Mom, it was just a spark of curiosity!" Percy quickly said.

His mom stared at Percy for a second. Then stared at me as if wanting me to confirm this. I simply just nod. "Curiosity?" Mrs. Jackson questioned with a slight smile.

"It was her idea mom." Percy quickly ratted me out.

"A best friend you are!" I glared at Percy. Whatever feeling I had from the kiss initially was now gone and was simply just replaced with anger. I wanted to run up to the guest room and just lock myself in there. Ever since my mother's death, I have been spending my days at the Jackson's resident so I pretty much have my own room in the guest room.

"So tell me, what sparked this curiosity?" She asked with a slight smile.

"Mom..." Percy whined.

"Two best friends, don't just kiss because they feel like it."

"Mom... it's Annabeth we're talking about." Percy noted.

"Hey!" Is it pick on Annabeth day or something?

"What?" Percy questioned.

"You were the one that initiated the kiss!" I quickly said.

"You were the one that started the conversation!" Percy argued back.

"It didn't mean that I wanted to kiss you."

"But it didn't mean that you didn't want to kiss me either!"

From beside me I could hear Mrs. Jackson letting out a long sigh. "Guys, I don't mind if you guys are kissing each other, just try to be safe-"

"Mom I had this talk in school-"

"And we will have this talk right now." Mrs. Jackson said firmly.

"Can I-" I began to excuse myself but Percy's mom stopped me.

"You're included in this talk Annabeth." Mrs. Jackson said and I just sat still in my chair.

"Oh gods... kill me now." Percy groaned.

"Perseus Jackson." His mom warned.

~PAGEBREAK~

I managed to escape the talk after Percy mom decided that she needed to talk to Percy alone. But a few minutes later I heard footsteps coming up the stairs, "Knock knock?"

I groaned, is there no limit to my embarrassment?

Without waiting for a reply, Percy slowly opened the door, "Hey Annabeth?"

I pulled the covers off and got off my comforting bed. "Yes?"

"Just checking on you." Percy walked in and closed the doors behind him.

"Watch me wallow in my own embarrassment." I mumbled. "Your mom's going to think I'm weird now."

Percy laughed, "Hey at least we know that my mom is cool with you being my girlfriend." He grinned.

"You want to be my boyfriend then?" I smirked.

Percy looked alarmed for a second but quickly recovered, "I just had the semi-talk with my mom, stop creeping me out more!"

This time I laughed, "Okay then Seaweed Brain."

"So we're still cool?" He asked as if he was scared.

"Cool as in?"

"As in still the best of all best friends?" He smiled weakly.

"Wouldn't dream of changing that title." I answered back.

"But do you think you could ever love someone?" Percy suddenly asked.

I stared at him. Was the Seaweed Brain getting lovey-dovey?

I shook my head and laid back down on my bed as Percy sat on the side of the bed, "Love doesn't last, what people call as love is just pure infatuation. Physical attraction, easy communication, or simply a way for people to get on with life. I mean sure, it'll be nice to experience that fantasy, but it doesn't last."

He nodded slowly. "So no love?"

I shook my head, "Maybe respect, but I honestly think love is something simply created by humans to fantasize about a feeling of pure ecstasy."

Percy let out a low whistle. "You've been doing your research then."

I shrugged, "But in all honestly, I don't think I could ever truly love someone."

Percy stayed quiet for a second before replying. "Oh really?"

I looked over at Percy who held an unreadable expression on his face. "You okay?"

"One question, why do you feel like this?" Percy asked. "Like this love thing doesn't exist."

"Because it doesn't. Nothing is ever permanent in love. I mean look at my dad's second marriage. He completely forgets about my mom's existence a few months after her death. I may be in high school, but I'm not stupid Percy. Love, if it does exist, can make people disregard their true goals."

"Then why were you so curious about kissing and all that?"

I glared at him.

"What?" Percy defended himself, "I'm just wondering!"

"I'm a curious person okay!"

Percy chuckled, "But that was…" He looked up thoughtfully and laid down next to me. "That was some kiss. I think I like it better when you initiated the kiss." Percy offered.

I couldn't help but feel smug, "Well I liked it better when I initiated the kiss as well."

Percy raised an eyebrow, "Are you suggesting that-"

Before Percy could finish I rolled over and pressed my lips against his. Even while my head was focused on kissing Percy I could feel him smiling into the kiss, "I'd hate to see how you kiss your future boyfriends." He mumbled.

I pulled away mid-kiss and smirked, "Don't tell me you're jealous."

Percy quickly shook his head, "Not jealous of the boyfriend… more jealous of the fact that they'll get awesome kisses-"

I scoffed playfully, "What can I say? I'm a splendid kisser."

Percy laughed, "For a second I thought you liked me."

I threw a pillow at him, "As if!"

"Well then what if I like you?" Percy asked the humor suddenly gone from his voice. Unlike all the other times, there was suddenly this air of tension between us.

"Do you like me?" I asked slowly, it was like I was treading on dangerous waters with this conversation.

"Maybe I do." But Percy grinned and the tension in the air seemed to melt. I was wondering if I imaged the sudden seriousness for a second. "So ready for your first make-out session?"

I glared at Percy and shoved him to the far side of the bed but almost immediately he scooched back near me.

"What?"

"Your teenage hormones are showing." I grumbled.

"Aren't you curious about what making out feels like?" Percy smirked.

"PERSEUS JACKSON!" I yelled at him.

So someone told me a friend's with benefit thing… so here ya go! let's see where this is headed? Any ideas? Read and review guys!

OH YEAH! Check out my new one-shot of Luke and Thalia (or Thaluke) it's a bit yeah, but I would love to see what you guys think of that one-shot :D

AAZ