I'm a WHAT!
Chapter 7
A/N: Okay, I don't own Percy, Grover, Thalia, or Annabeth. I don't even own the places! In fact, the only things I own are the characters below... And possibly the plot line. Depressing, isn't it?
Character Parallels
(This is mainly for the people who were the basis of my characters)
Mitchell Collebri: Ross/same anonymous person as below
Damien Kingsley: Matty
Zoey Reed: Allie
Jay Jones: Zack/someone who shall remain anonymous
Sam Rockwell: Scotty
Lucinda "Luce" Sullivan: Me
Audrey Henson: Regan
Clarissa Michaels: Caree Jo
Christopher "Tofur" Williams: Chris
Esme James: Nicole
Alexander "Alex" Price: Jordan
((A/N: Okay, so since we had to sell Ellie *tear* I am changing the dog's name to Roma, our new puppy's name.))
After just a couple of days Alex fit right in. He was my brother after all. Jay hadn't been too happy the first night when Alex sent him back to his cabin, even though we had a free bed, but he quickly adjusted. Soon he had mostly stopped coming by late at night, but between 6 am and 10 pm, Jay was constantly with us. My bed wasn't empty though, and neither was Esme's. Spyder usually slept up in the top bunk with Esme and Roma slept with me in my bed.
Mitchell had finally gotten around to getting some of his siblings to help him make the 3 perches for Kaji, Arashi, and Kurai. The perches looked like a series of bronze rods that lead up to the rafters and were placed in random spots around our cabin. The eagles all seemed to love the perches and frequently could be seen flapping around the room.
I woke up from a fever dream a few nights later to the sounds of a heated argument. "You can't come in! The girls are already asleep! Go away or I'll make you!" That was Alex. His voice, though hushed, was hot with anger.
I sat up slowly and listened but the boys at the door didn't seem to notice. My vision and head were swimming but I tried to concentrate. "Just let me talk to Lucinda! I need to talk to her!" Jay. I could here the desperation in his voice. There was also a slight slur to his words that anyone who didn't know him well wouldn't have picked up. He'd either been drinking or was scared and seeing as we didn't have access to alcohol at camp he must've been scared.
"Look! Luce doesn't need to be woken. You know she's sick." It was true, I was sick but it wasn't so bad that one late night would kill me.
"Alex. It's okay. Let him come in. I'm awake." I said quietly. My brother sighed and came over to check my temperature.
"You're still running a pretty good fever." He turned to Jay, who stood framed in the doorway, "You've got 10 minutes before you make really good friends with my baseball bat."
"Alex… I'm not dying. Chiron said it was just a bad case of Strep combined with a weak strain of the flu and that I'd be fine in a few days." I chided, blushing.
"I don't care. You need your rest and this bozo's not interfering with it." Alex said, sitting down on my bed and handing me a cold bottle of water. He grabbed a second one for himself and laid the icy bottle on my head. He'd been staying up late to take care of me even though I could take care of myself just fine.
"I just need a few minutes alone with her. She'll be back inside of 10 minutes. I guarantee it." Jay said, reaching down for my hand. His voice was calm and honest.
"If she gets any worse you'll regret it." Alex promised, his voice dark. Kaji screeched from his perch in agreement.
Jay nodded and pulled me outside and toward one of the benches that lined the gravel path. "Jay, what's wrong? I know you're scared so don't say 'nothing'."
"Lucy… I just got a quest… You, Mitchell, Alex, and I are going on a search and rescue mission as soon as you're well enough to travel and not relapse. A lot of the satyrs that were helping bring in Demigods disappeared from their posts and no one knows what happened to them. None of them have reported back in weeks, some for months. We need to find out what happened to them and if at all possible rescue them." He said, his voice showed every bit of his fear and concerns. I laid a pale hand on his shoulder.
"We'll be fine Jay. You know that we're some of the strongest new Half-bloods in the camp. There's no way we'll not succee-" I was cut off by a bout of my chest-wrenching coughs. I doubled over and was about to fall down when Jay caught me. He held me close to him and patted my back. He'd picked me up as if I weighed nothing and held me as one might hold a crying child. My legs were cradled up against his stomach, my torso twisted to one side so my head rested on his chest. He just held me there, patting my back, until my coughing fit passed and my stomach stopped spasming with the after effects of coughing so long.
"I think you should go in now, Lucy. We don't need you to get worse and I would prefer not to have Alex's bat shoved up my ass." Jay said with a bitter chuckle. I could do nothing but nod, my eyes were streaming and my throat felt dry and scratched. I lifted my hot head up to his neck, my favorite place for it, so the cool breeze could bathe my face. I closed my eyes, liking this sensation of being carried, and I suppose I drifted off to sleep because I opened my eyes again when Jay had set me down on my bed.
"What happened?" Alex asked, his voice angry and worried at the same time. "What happened to her? Tell me dammit!" His fists were clenched at his sides.
"Easy, easy. She just started coughing and she almost fell over, but I caught her. She wouldn't stop coughing so I carried her back." Alex nodded slowly, the fiery anger dying from his eyes. Alex waved a hand towards the door, no longer angry, but simply tired.
"You can leave now." Jay sighed and nodded. He glanced down at me and squeezed my hand before turning to leave.
"No! Don't go… Please J.J., don't leave me!" I whimpered, weakly grabbing a handful of his shirt. My voice was rough and scratchy sounding.
"Shhhh. Easy Lucy. You're fine. You don't need me to be here for you. You have your brother here for that." He said, picking up my hand and holding it in his. He didn't leave though. He simply sat down on my bed and brushed stray hairs away from my sweaty forehead.
"B-But Jay… Please. Don't leave me okay? I want you here… I've been having nightmares and I never have them around you! Please. Stay here. With me… Just for a little while. 'Til I fall asleep… Please?" Tears pooled in my eyes and I swiped them away in frustration.
"Okay. Don't cry Lucy. It'll be okay. I'll stay with you. Won't I, Alex?" Jay said, his tone making it obvious he was staying, whether my brother liked it or not.
"If she wants you to stay, I'll allow it for tonight. Can you take care of her while I go get a shower?" He asked, running a hand through his hair. He seemed tired and frustrated that Jay was staying.
"Of course." Jay said, smiling. Alex sighed, grabbed a clean pair of pjs and a pair of boxers, and ran into the bathroom. I instantly heard the shower start and I sighed. Jay's anxious face suddenly appeared in front of mine. "Lucy, anything you need or want? Some food or anything? A soda, some water? Seriously. I'll get you anything."
"What I need is for you to relax… And maybe for you to get me a sandwich." I said, not meeting his eyes. I knew my cheeks were rosy from my fever but I couldn't help but think that part of it was because my stomach had growled right in the middle of my sentence, more or less.
Jay was off in a flash, darting across the room to the fridge, finding everything he needed. He was back before it seemed was humanly possible. He handed me the lemon water I hadn't asked for, but wanted anyway, and the ham and cheese sandwich. I raised an eyebrow at my best friend. "How the hell did you do that so fast?"
"Years of practice. Remember when you were in 5th grade and you stayed in the hospital for a week? I visited you every day and when you got out my mom let me take care of you the whole weekend." he said, smiling at me.
"Yeah. I remember being out sick with food poisoning that Monday too." I laughed, eating my sandwich as we talked.
"Well you're the one who asked me for bacon." He frowned.
"But I didn't ask for raw bacon, did I?"
"It was hot and browned… sort of…"
"That doesn't mean it's safe to eat, dufus." I said, laughing. I reached up and hugged Jay. He smiled and patted my back. I tried to stay sitting up but I really couldn't so I thumped back onto my bed.
"You look tired and half-dead." Jay started.
"Oh wonderful. That's what every girl wants to hear, Jay. What's next, pouring hot soup on my face and rubbing butter on the wounds?" I said, rolling my eyes and yanking my covers up to my chin when I finished my sandwich. ((A/N: Butter actually makes burns worse, if you didn't know… The skin is raw and hot right? Well you're basically cooking the butter into your wounds and seasoning yourself when you do that… Not good…))
"You didn't let me finish, Lucy. I was going to say, you look tired and half-dead,"
"You don't look so hot yourself at 3 in the morning." I muttered.
"So you should get to SLEEP."he said with a growl. He pushed me into my pillow and kissed my forehead, his hands were on either side of my head and were supporting his upper body. "I mean it. Sleep-time, you hear me?"
"Sir, yes sir, Sergeant Tight-ass, sir." I giggled, fake saluting him. He grinned and rolled over to lay beside me.
"Someone's got her sense of humor back." Alex said, rubbing his towel across his hair to dry it out a little before he laid down. He shot a venomous glare towards Jay but otherwise seemed pleased.
After assuring both boys that I was comfortable and well fed, we finally were allowed to get some sleep. Jay climbed under my blankets and patted the space beside him. I smiled. He'd missed having someone to hold during the night as much as I did. I scooted over to him and laid my head on his shoulder. He laid his arm across my back and rested his cheek against mine.
"Thanks for staying J.J. I really appreciate it." I whispered into his ear.
"Anything for you Lucy." he whispered back, yawning into the back of his hand. I nuzzled into his neck and smiled. His chin rested on the crown of my head and my knees were just barely touching his thighs because I was curled into him.
"Hey J.J.?"
"Mmm?" he mumbled sleepily.
"I'm really glad you came over tonight." I murmured into his neck, my lips brushing against his cool skin as I spoke.
"Me too. But it's late Lucy, so let's go to sleep." He hugged me quickly with his other arm and rubbed mine. I snuggled into him even more and dropped off to sleep, listening to his soft breathing.
That morning I woke up to Jay having a hissed argument with Alex while trying not to wake me. Clearly it hadn't worked but I stayed where I was, only letting out a small "Uhhhhnn" of discomfort and worming my way closer to Jay.
"See! You almost woke her up! Let her sleep! She needs her rest!" Jay hissed angrily.
"I know that, but she said that you were to be gone after she fell asleep! And yet you're still here!" Alex growled. He was clearly pissed.
"Well clearly she wants me to stay here." Jay said, making it clear he was trying to piss off Alex even further. I felt him gesture towards the way I was draped over him, a leg between his and an arm across his chest.
I mentally sighed 'What the hell, might as well make this fun.' I thought. I moved closer to Jay and sighed, "Mmmm…" I heard Alex suck in a huge breath as I nuzzled Jay's neck in my "sleep".
"Told you she wanted me here." Jay whispered, his voice smug.
"Ya know, it's really hard to sleep when people are arguing in your ear…." I said loudly.
"H-how long have you been awake, Lucy?" Jay said, brushing my hair back so he could see the bemused expression on my face.
"Oh, just before I made that odd 'Uhhhhnn' noise. You guys really should wait until I'm up and out of ear shot before you start arguing." I said, laughing. I swung my legs out of bed and tried to stand up. Unfortunately my legs were still weak. I almost fell over too, but Alex caught me.
"Bed rest. Now." He said gently. He picked me up and set me on the bottom bunk of his set of bunk beds, looking pointedly at Jay.
"But Alex! I don't think I need to stay in bed all day! I feel a lot better now!" I complained. I grabbed his hand and put it up to my forehead. "See! No fever or anything!" I pleaded with him, holding his hand in both of mine.
"Well awesome, but you're too weak to be up for too long. You need your rest to recover your strength so you won't relapse. You're still queasy and can barely stay on your feet long enough to shower and redress." He reasoned. He spoke softly to me, his eyes worried.
I growled, "No fair!" I hunkered into the pillows and rolled my eyes.
"Since when have I been fair?" He asked, raising an eyebrow, his voice was flat as he looked toward Esme's sleeping form and sighed. "How is she still asleep?"
"I happen to be a very deep sleeper." She growled, throwing a pair of socks down at him. Alex shook his head at her and walked over to his wardrobe.
"C'mon Jay, Esme. We have someone taking the day off and watching her for today so we still need to get ready." He said, pulling out his clothes and making his way to the bathroom. He managed to slip into it before Esme could beat him.
"GAH! He's SO infuriating sometimes!" She yelled, pounding a fist on the door. "Jerk!" I frowned and shook my head.
"Yeah, but that's what brothers do. He's still our brother and we still love him." I said softly, looking up at the wooden bottom of Alex's top bunk.
"Awww, I could just barf from all the love." Jay laughed. He walked over and gave me a quick hug as he tugged on his pants and a t-shirt. Then he headed out the door to return to his own cabin and shower.
"Good thing you're headed to the showers then. You'll need it." I laughed. Esme shook her head and followed him out the doors, heading to the communal showers. I carefully stood up, supporting myself with the bed. "Hey Alex!" I shouted, "Who's going to be taking care of me today?"
"You'll find out! Now let me shower! I don't like talking to people while I'm naked!" He yelled back.
"Ugh! Whatever!" I yelled. I slowly laid back down, I had to be careful because of my aching muscles. I grabbed my book and started reading. Suddenly a large hand came down in front of my face, pushing my book down.
"You know I just want you to get better, right?" Alex asked quietly, standing in front of me in shorts as he rubbed his hair dry with his towel. He never met my eyes.
"Yeah… I just… I don't know… I just hate feeling so helpless all the time." I sighed, my breath ruffling my tangled bangs.
"I understand, but you'll never heal up unless you rest.. So please… get some rest… For me?" He pleaded, his voice quiet.
"…. For you." I said grudgingly. He smiled at me, seeming to be pleased.
"Good." There was a sudden knock on our cabin door. "Ah, well about time he got here." Alex muttered under his breath and answering the door.
"He?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.
"What's up?" Mitchell said, sticking his head in our door. My eyes nearly popped out of my head.
"HE's my… taker-care-of person guy!" I shrieked.
"Got a problem with it?" Mitchell snickered, coming to sit down beside me on Alex's bed.
"Oh, of COURSE not." I scoffed.
"Good because he's taking care of you the rest of the week til you feel better." Alex smiled.
"WHAT!" There I went again… I seriously had to quit yelling or I'd make my Strep worse. Clearly Mitchell agreed because he was grimacing at my tone.
"Hey, I don't have to take care of you if you don't want me to…" His voice was soft and hurt sounding.
"I'm sorry Mitchell… It's just I was startled is all… Alex wouldn't tell me who was taking care of me and then you just show up… Really… I'm fine with it… Please don't go." I said, locking eyes with him, my own soft and pleading. He smiled at me and shook his head.
"Okay. I won't leave you…" He smiled again.
"Well I have to go now. Breakfast and junk…" Alex said, smiling.
"Have fun." Mitchell and I called together. I laughed just as Alex closed the door.
"Hey, Mitchell?" I asked, grinning.
"What?" He said, an eyebrow raised.
"RAPE!" I yelled and poked my finger in his bellybutton through his shirt. He laughed again.
"You're clearly feeling better." Mitchell smiled. "Anything you'd like?"
"Um… Just a shower. And some Frosted Flakes."
"With milk?"
"Duh. Who eats Frosted Flakes without milk, unless they have to!"
"Freaks."
"Hmm… You have a point…" I laughed and stood up slowly. Mitchell was at my side lightning fast, supporting most of my weight as I tried to walk.
"What are you doing?" he asked, his voice concerned.
"I WAS going to get some clothes so I could shower but now I guess you're coming with me to get the clothes." I said, my voice taught from the effort. Sweat was beading on my forehead and making my hair stick together.
"Ah. Well I could at least carry them or help you in there, and once you're dressed again I can help you." He murmured, smiling a little.
"Okay. But no peeking… It may take a while so no coming in to 'check' either…." I said, leaning around him to crank up my iHome so I could listen to music while I showered. "Teenage Dream" by Katy Perry was playing and I smiled. I loved that song. Suddenly I was lifted off my feet and was taken over to my dresser. "Mitchell, put me the hell down right now!" I yelled, irritated.
"You were taking too long." he said simply and pulled open Esme's and my wardrobe. "Go on and get your clothes. I won't look, I'll just hold you up if you need it." he murmured softly, his arms sliding away from my waist as my feet touched the plush carpet.
I grumbled but did as I was told, grabbing a pair of blue plaid boxer shorts (gotten as a gag gift from Jay), a Linkin Park t-shirt, and some under things and waited to be hoisted up again. "Okay. To the bathroom!" I said as Mitchell picked me up, tugging on his lengthening hair. "Yah pony! Yah!" I laughed. Mitchell suddenly whirled me around so that I was no longer hanging over his shoulder, but being carried bridal style.
"Don't pull my hair, 'kay. It just pisses me off." I looked up at him, but he was focused on the doorway ahead of us instead of down at me.
"Oh… okay." I said quietly. Mitchell sat me down on the edge of the bathtub so I could change and shower without going too far.
"You gonna be okay for a few minutes? I have to run out to my cabin and get something, but I don't want you getting hurt while I'm gone…" he said, brushing some fallen hair out of his face.
"I'll be fine, but if you want, I can wait 'til you get back…?" I said, halfway asking.
"If you don't mind…" He said, rubbing the back of his neck, not looking at me.
"No problem." I said smiling. He nodded and ran out the door. I sighed and laid down along the edge of the tub. I stretched like a cat and listened to my music. I smiled and started singing.
"I never knew you could sing…" Mitchell said, leaning on the door frame and watching me.
"I never knew you were a ninja. It explains a lot." I said, smiling a little.
"Thought so. Well since I'm back, go shower and I'll be in the other room if you need me." he said. I nodded and closed the door behind him. I undressed and as I was pulling off my shirt, I caught a glimpse of my stomach in the mirror. I looked a lot skinnier. I must've lost like 14 lbs. I sighed and showered quickly, singing along to "Airplanes" by B.O.B. feat. Hayley Williams. I dried off and quickly pulled on my clothes. Thinking about the smells, I decided to mousse my hair and let it air dry.
I opened the door and stumbled out, the steam billowed around me and Mitchell looked up, droplets condensing on his face. "Damn… You like hot showers huh?" I nodded, licking my lips and heading for the fridge for a lemon water, but I stumbled, my clean, red skin didn't get the chance to touch the carpet before Mitchell was there pulling me up. "You really shouldn't try to do so much Luce. You're gonna get hurt." he murmured and shook his head.
"Well I'm so thirsty though!" I croaked.
"Well let me get it for you then!" He groaned, picking me up and setting me down in Alex's bed. He ran and got my water and then plopped down on the end of the bed and began to draw something. I was reading my book when I heard a quiet, "There!"
I looked up to a triumphant Mitchell. "What's 'There!'?" I asked, smiling.
"I just finished a drawing. It looks perfect!" he smiled.
"Well let me see!" I said, holding out a hand for his sketch pad. He groaned and, after several minutes of tugging and pleading, he reluctantly handed it to me and I looked down. It was very nice, but it surprised me. It was a picture of us and some of our friends. He, Jay, Audrey, Sam, and I were standing in front of our school. Audrey and I were making faces together as we attempted to climb on the boys' backs. I had a hand on Mitchell's head so I could push myself higher up and his expression was priceless! "Wow Mitchell! It's looks great! Just like the picture!" I smiled. He laughed and took it from me.
"Thanks Luce, why don't you try to rest some now?" I nodded and curled up around my pillow. I dropped off to sleep with a smile as I listened to him humming some tune I recognized but couldn't place.
A/N: Okay... so I know that I haven't updated in forever but things got weird for a while and there was alot of stuff going on with my little brother getting into too many fights, he's ended up transferring schools now actually, and some things are messed up but some things are a ton better, so you'll have to forgive me... If not, that's okay too... Sorry if the ending is weird... It was late when I wrote it and I'm still kinda tired... So anyways... R and R and junk. Lots of love to my friends and my Beta Reader! Thanks guys!
Love and Rockets,
Maiden of the Silver Fires
AKA: Savvy
