A/N: Hey everyone - I really have no excuses for why it's been 2 months besides severe writer's block & lack of inspiration, & for that I'm truly sorry. Hopefully you've all stuck around, & I'll do my best to finish this fic entirely by February (only a few more chapters to go). Can't decide how I feel about this chapter, but I hope you all like it. A huge thank you to any reviews, follows, & favorites since I last posted - I appreciate every single one. As always, all PJO/HoO ownership goes to Rick Riordan. The quoted soliloquy is, of course, the epilogue to Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. R&R, & enjoy! :)
The stage plunged into darkness, leaving two soft spotlights on the dark wood as twinkling lights overhead simulated the stars. Music poured from the speakers as the couples rose to dance. Both pairs moved fluidly, as one, the number obviously rehearsed time and time again, but there was something else that drew Annabeth's eyes to Piper and Jason. They weren't just moving - they were dancing, with a connection that could only be described as electric. Lysander and Hermia's passion melded with Jason and Piper's, and the result was nothing short of stunning. Sure, the students playing Demetrius and Helena looked great too, but Jason and Piper stole the scene easily. It helped that both were excellent dancers - they made it look effortless, nothing at all like Annabeth and Percy's clumsy exchange at his mother's wedding.
At this thought, Annabeth glanced to her right. She was separated from Percy by Thalia, Leo, and Nico by her own design - if she'd been right next to him, she doubted she'd have been able to concentrate on the show. It was bad enough that she knew that Rachel sat on Percy's other side, their arms casually touching due to the narrowness of Goode's auditorium seats. Annabeth wasn't actively trying to be jealous, but the sight still made her a little sad. Sighing to herself, she turned her attention back to the stage, where Puck was about to give his final speech.
If we shadows have offended,
Think but this, and all is mended—
That you have but slumbered here
While these visions did appear.
And this weak and idle theme,
No more yielding but a dream,
Gentles, do not reprehend.
If you pardon, we will mend.
And, as I am an honest Puck,
If we have unearnèd luck
Now to 'scape the serpent's tongue,
We will make amends ere long.
Else the Puck a liar call.
So good night unto you all.
Give me your hands if we be friends,
And Robin shall restore amends.
With a bow, Puck exited, and the audience burst into applause. Annabeth clapped and cheered loudly as her friends came onstage for their curtain call, effectively fulfilling Puck's final request. Too bad I can't pretend this is all a dream though, she thought.
Annabeth made her way into the hall and immediately started looking for Piper - bad mood aside, she truly wanted to congratulate her friend on a marvelous performance. Surprisingly, they found each other easily, and Annabeth quickly embraced the dark-haired girl.
"Piper, you were wonderful!" she gushed.
"Oh, stop," Piper replied, her cheeks burning. "I was alright."
"No, seriously," Annabeth protested. "You were fabulous. You speak Shakespeare like a natural, and that final scene with Jason...well, it was perfect."
"We didn't even really have to be in character much," Piper admitted.
"No, you didn't," Annabeth agreed, "And that's what made it so good - it was real. I don't think I watched Grace and Justin at all during that entire scene - I mean, they were good, don't get me wrong, but it just wasn't the same."
"You really think I was that good?"
"Yes, Piper, I do."
"Wow...thanks, that really means a lot." She paused and smiled. "But really, Annabeth...'speak Shakespeare?' Is that even a phrase?" She grinned.
"Oh, shut up," Annabeth said as she punched her friend's arm. "You know what I meant!" They mock-glared at each other for a moment, then promptly lost it and burst into hysterical giggles.
"Annabeth, you're ridiculous," Piper said as she hugged her again, "But I'm so glad you came!"
"Me too, I love Shakespeare. Plus you guys are awesome." Annabeth's grin suddenly disappeared as she caught sight of someone across the hall.
"What is it?" Piper asked. She turned in the direction of Annabeth's gaze just in time to see Rachel kiss Percy on the cheek and walk off.
"I need to go," Annabeth said softly. "See you later, Pipes." Without another word, she left.
"I'm going to kill him," Piper muttered.
"Bad idea, Pipes," Jason said from behind her. "But we definitely need to knock some sense into him." Piper turned to look at her boyfriend - the disdainful look in his blue eyes told her quite clearly that he had also seen the exchange. With a nod, Jason took her hand and pulled her through the crowd. Within seconds, they were at Percy's side.
"What the hell is your problem?" Piper hissed, crossing her arms and giving Percy her best angry face. Unfortunately, it didn't hold a candle to Thalia's death glare, but she hoped he'd get the message.
"What?" Percy asked. Damn. Clearly he hadn't.
"Don't you 'what' me, Percy Jackson," Piper scoffed. "We all saw what just happened."
"With Rachel," Jason added, seeing that Percy was still confused. The confusion immediately melted away and was replaced with guilt.
"Oh, shit," he muttered. "Guys...it's not like that."
"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" Piper was seething.
"It means I screwed up." Percy looked defeated and refused to meet either of their eyes.
"Care to elaborate?" Jason cocked an eyebrow. Percy nodded, knowing he couldn't hide this any longer, and launched into his story. When he finished, Piper and Jason were silent for a moment. Whatever they were expecting, this wasn't it.
"Percy...you're an ass," Piper finally said. "And I don't mean like Bottom."
"Wrong way to go about it, dude," Jason added.
"I know!" The despair in Percy's voice was unmistakable. "I just didn't know how to do it any other way!"
"You could've asked us," Piper reminded him. "Going with Rachel instead just messed this whole thing up."
"I know," Percy almost whispered. "Do you think...do you think I can fix this?" Piper narrowed her eyes.
"Maybe," she began, "But you'll have to make sure you do it properly. She's already really bent out of shape about this."
"She is?"
"Of course she is, moron," Piper groaned. "She's mad for you!" Percy flushed bright red. "What, didn't realize that already? God, you really are a Seaweed Brain."
"Pipes, chill." Jason placed a calming hand on her shoulder. The last thing he needed was his girlfriend exploding at his best friend in the middle of a (very) crowded room. "But seriously, Perce. She loves you...and if you don't fix this soon, you're gonna lose her." Percy nodded.
"I know. Thanks, guys. I needed that smack upside the head."
"What smack upside the head?" Piper asked innocently. "We haven't given you one yet..."
"I think a metaphorical one is good for now," Jason said quickly. "If I know Annabeth, he'll get a physical one soon enough."
