I know it has been forever since I last updated and I am very sorry for that.
Disclaimer: I don't own Percy Jackson
The best part about hiking with your friends is that it never gets tiring. There's always something to look forward to, something to talk about. And there wasn't a single moment that we weren't laughing.
You see, at about eight in the morning, Percy and I decided to leave the tent and wake everyone up. They still weren't used to being morning people, especially since its summer, and I guess it was our job to be the annoying alarm clocks. The guys cursed us under our breaths but soon stopped when they realized what we were planning to do next. Before I could even blink, they already had their bags packed and are already trying to convince their girlfriends to join us.
Grover and Juniper decided to stay behind to watch over our camping spot, knowing well that were might be animals that are trying to steal our food and our things. And Juniper promised a meal when we get back. It was a good thing to look forward to after tiring yourself for a long time doing nothing more than getting dirty. But then again, that was how I picture it all the time.
Maybe this would be different.
With my boyfriend by my side, we journeyed through the greens. It was quite an unbelievable sight, actually, knowing well that there was no other place on earth that could be as beautiful as this. And the best part of it is that I have someone to share the moment with, the one person I want to share every single moment of my life with.
And, as usual, Connor and Travis told jokes and played pranks on almost everyone (Clarisse, mostly). Since Percy and I were way ahead of the group, we were safe from the twin's mischief so the only thing that was left for us to do is enjoy everything. My beloved boyfriend never left my side at all, his hand always entwined with mine and sometimes his eyes locked on my face as if I was the best thing to look at.
I stopped dead when we reached the most exotic waterfall. It was absolutely beautiful, totally breathtaking. It was the first time in a long time that a place would leave me speechless in a good way. "Oh my God, Percy. This is perfect." I know I've been here before but never once have I considered ever going away from the campsite- or my tent in general. This is the very first time I've seen this.
Before I could even process what he was doing, Seaweed Brain was already stripping in front of me. I didn't actually realized that he was wearing trunks under and it was pretty clear on his face that he was glad that he did. "Come on, Annabeth!" he called, overly enthusiastic. "The water is great!"
At that moment, I regretted not wearing my swimsuit like he did. I thought it was no use, thinking that there was nothing in that forest that could attract me. I didn't consider the future like I usually do. I was regretting it now. "I can't, Perce. I forgot my bikini."
He rolled his eyes, heading towards the edge and tugging at my arm. "This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, Wise Girl. I'm not letting you miss this."
I looked over towards my other friends who were in the process of jumping into the pool of clean and fresh water. Thalia was gesturing for me to forget about being responsible. "Come on" Percy flashed me a smile, "You'd like it. I know you will."
It took me all my willpower not to give in. It wasn't decent for me to just strip to my underwear and jump so early in the morning. I would do that when it was too dark for anyone to see me. But it's not nighttime. "I'll just watch you." I insisted, just sitting down on a smooth rock.
Percy shook his head stubbornly. "Fine, if you don't want to take your clothes off, then just jump."
"I'll be uncomfortable hiking back. It's not an option for me." But he wasn't taking no for an answer.
He hauled himself up beside me and started unbuttoning my blouse, successfully throwing it off my body and leaving me in a white crop top. I blushed when his fingers reached my shorts and pulled them off of me too. "Percy." I whined, "I can't."
"Yes, you can. Just think that it's only me. Forget about everybody else."
I sighed and nodded, standing up and taking his hand. In the distance, I heard Travis Stoll wolf whistle at me. I ignored him completely. "Forget about everybody else." He reminded me, smiling encouragingly when my feet where already submerged in the water. "It's only me."
His words made me more confident. It was Percy. I can be whoever I want to be with Percy. And he would accept me because I was me. I love him for it. I took a tentative step to the water, suddenly feeling refreshed after such a long hike. Maybe this was what I needed. "It isn't that bad, right?" he mused, never letting go of my hand. "Just don't think of what they're saying. We're all friends here, Annabeth. You don't have to be afraid."
It was true. I wasn't thinking straight. They've seen me half-naked before and they were used to it, considering the fact that I do enjoy swimming like my boyfriend does. In fact, I had more clothes on now than I usually do when I go swimming. So what's there to be afraid of? I trust them. I've always trusted them. "You know," I said, my hands playing with his hair. "Maybe hiking isn't a bad idea after all."
Percy smiled, burying his nose on my neck. "I told you. You should have just considered it first."
I laughed and allowed him to bring us closer to the waterfall, close enough to feel the water softly showering my body. "It wasn't like I didn't. I just didn't want to lose the single perfect moment that was given to us ever since we got here."
He looked at me with those stunning green eyes of his, a hand caressing my cheek softly. "You don't have to worry about losing a perfect moment, Annabeth. Every moment is perfect when you look at it. Honestly, every second of my life is perfect when I'm with you. It always is." There was a dramatic pause before his chuckles became resonant. "Sorry, that was cheesy."
My lips met his for a short kiss. "Don't worry about it, Seaweed Brain." I placed my head gently on his chest, realizing the truth of his words just then. This was a perfect moment, so much better than when we were in the tent. "I like it when you're being cheesy."
Before we could kiss again, Thalia called from the distance. Percy groaned and looked to the direction of his cousin. "We're going ahead," She explained as we swam to them. "The guys are getting hungry and I don't think I could keep the twins from eating each other."
I nodded in understanding, looking at the man beside me. "You hungry?"
He looked a little sheepish but managed a nod, running his hand through his head. "Yeah, I kinda am."
See, I knew the perfection wouldn't last. Maybe that was the best part about it, knowing that it would end someday and it makes me appreciate it more (or learn to, anyways). And I know that there are more perfect moments to come in the future- some better than the others- and it's something I will always look forward to.
"Then let's go." I took his hand and directed him out of the water and to where our clothes were.
It would suck if I don't get a memory of this place. So I was kinda grateful that Percy brought his camera, taking a picture of the hidden paradise and promising me that I would get the only copy. "Thanks, Seaweed Brain. It means a lot to me."
He brought my hand to his lips, kissing them lightly. "Anything for my princess"
I know I told him that I like him when he was cheesy but this was pushing it. It wasn't that I was against him calling me princess but it was kinda embarrassing when my friends were there to witness it. They were used to our usual banter: the teasing, the shoving, and the fighting. Not this lovey-dovey, puke worthy stuff. Even I wasn't used to this. But he did make my heart beat a little faster than usual.
As much as I hated it, I just rolled my eyes at him. He laughed at my reaction and pecked my cheek lightly. "You know you love me, Annie. Don't deny it."
"I never said I didn't." I muttered, grabbing my things and making sure that nothing was left behind. "I just think you're pushing your luck."
Was it just me or was everyone staring at us as if we were celebrities? Yup, I think it was the second one. "What are you staring at?" I asked, a little self conscious. Was there something on my face? Percy noticed too and gave our friends a confused look. And for the first time, I don't have any answers for this. "Guys! Seriously."
"You're just so cute!" Silena suddenly squealed, making me jump a little in surprise. "Oh how I wish I could record this. Sadly, I couldn't." I mentally thanked whoever is up there that she forgot to bring her camera and her phone.
Her sister nodded in agreement. To her left, I swear I saw Katie jumping in absolute happiness. "Oh God" I groaned, rubbing my temples. I gave Percy a look that said that we should go before the three girls demand for more and I wasn't in the mood to start making-out with my boyfriend because the crowd demands it. The kisses are exclusively for us, not for them.
He suggested that he should carry me seeing that I would be a little uncomfortable walking and that he didn't really mind. I was hesitant at first. I didn't want to weigh him down and I had two feet to bring me where I want them to. I could just tolerate the feeling and changed when we get back to the tent. Again, he was as stubborn as he usually is. It was no use arguing with him when he's like this so I just gave in without another word.
The first few minutes hiking back was a little awkward, especially since my friends were staring at me with raised eyebrows and amused looks. I demanded that they stop it but it wasn't that easy to wipe away, not when they actually mean it. But I got used to the looks and finally relaxed, talking to them again as if nothing ever happened. "I love you, Percy." I whispered to his ear, my chin settled on his shoulder.
Seaweed Brain laughed, "I love you, too, Annabeth." He turned his head and kissed me again on the cheek.
I was kinda stiff when he finally placed me on the ground. I had to hold his arm because my legs gave in on me, maybe because I haven't used them for the entire walk home. And I don't want to tell you how far the waterfall is to our campsite. When I finally regained my balance, I casually headed to the tent to get rid of my soggy underwear. It may have been a long hike but that didn't mean that my makeshift bathing suit dried off easily. Percy went in to do the same thing.
When I finally was content with my own clothes and my boyfriend was done changing, we headed outside to eat whatever the others left us. It was kinda surprising to see that they haven't even started yet. But they were pretty impatient as they glared at us for taking so long. "Why haven't you eaten?" I asked as I took the seat beside Thalia, Percy sitting beside me.
"Juniper said that we have to wait for you since it wasn't fair that you don't get to eat and we do." Connor made a face at the said girl who just stuck her tongue out at him.
It was war when it comes to food in our group, especially when the guys are starving. It would be a miracle if you get some decent food on your plate when everyone was fighting over it. This was no exception. Everyone was taking as much food they can get before running to the nearest corner to eat. Thankfully, Grover and Juniper made enough food for everybody and some to spare. "I have to admit, you guys kept yourself busy when while we were gone."
"Well, we have to be useful somehow. And if this was the way to do it, then let it be."
We shared laughs before I finally got to eat beside my boyfriend on the dock, feeling very comfortable with him by my side and the cool water encasing my feet. "I never knew Grover could cook." He said with a mouthful of what seemed to be mashed potatoes.
I shook my head in disapproval, getting a paper napkin and wiping the corners of his mouth. "How many times do I have to tell you to not talk when your mouth is full?"
He swallowed and nudged me a little. "You're cute when you're mad at me." He teased, though part of me said that he was telling the truth.
"I'm not mad. I'm just annoyed." I took a bite of the pasta. "You should learn how to act properly even when you're a guy. It's disgusting how you and the others eat like pigs."
Percy pouted and gave me those adorable puppy dog eyes. "But… but… I do try to act proper. It's just really hard."
Still mesmerized with the cutest sight in the world, I didn't say anything. I just leaned against him and continued eating. To be totally honest, Juniper's cooking is quite delicious. Maybe when Katie's tired of tending to our needs, I could ask her to be the chef.
There was comfortable silence.
"Where are we going next?" I asked out of total curiosity. I know I hold the map but the next destination was somewhere I didn't know about. I guess he didn't want me to know.
He smiled and wrapped an arm around me. "It's a surprise."
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