Chapter Nine: Same Dare, Different Couple
CONNER'S P.O.V
I started to clap. "Finally!" I said, looking at Nico. "Seesh. We all knew you two liked each other ever since you realised that Solace existed."
Nico flushed, pulling away from Will. "Uh..."
Will winked at me. "That's not true. He liked me when he first saw me."
"Not really..." Nico muttered. "Um, I mean, yeah. Totally."
"So, Conner, feel like doing something truthful or daring?" Will's mouth curved upwards in his usual grin. I started to realise he looked kind've cocky.
"Are you planning something sneaky?" I asked, narrowing my eyes at him. "Well, I choose...truth."
Thalia gasped mockingly. "One of the Stolls backed down from Solace? Never!"
She may have not known this, but Will was a lot more cunning than I give him credit for. The worse thing is, he was always determined, and would never give up.
"Who do you have a crush on?"
"Me? No one," I scoffed. "That was easy."
"Not true," Travis mumbled. "Didn't you like -"
"Shut up, Travis," I said.
"Tell the truth," Annabeth reminded. "Remember, we can now tell you're lying. Either you say it or Travis will."
"I like..." Sweat beaded down for forehead. Who knew it was so hard to say one word? "Thalia."
Silence waved throughout. I didn't dare look at Thalia now.
"Look, I know she's a Hunter and not allowed to date. Plus, she may technically be like twenty or something but I still like her." The words were coming out so fast, and rushed. "But I don't care, because it's not like she has a crush on me or anything. Okay, it's stupid of me-"
"Conner, shut up." Thalia advanced towards me and I gulped. Figuring she may punch me or worse, laugh in my face, I grimaced. Instead, it was worse. Her icy blue eyes stared into mine. "The real reason why I'm not with the Hunters is because I quit. I gave up immortality. Now I'm technically sixteen."
"Oh-kay. But isn't Artemis, like, mad or something?"
Thalia's eyes gleamed. "Yes, she is - but the best thing is she did not turn me into a stag. She doesn't hold grudges like Zeus or Hades, fortunately."
"Why give it all up?" Percy asked.
Thalia's eyes flickered to his. "You turned down to be a god. I am only doing the same thing for the same reason."
"For..." Annabeth frowned. "Someone you love?"
Thalia turned back to be. "Exactly."
I wondered if she was giving me electric shocks, because me heart was pounding and skin tingling. "Truth or dare?" I croaked out.
"Huh?" Now Thalia was confused. "Uh, dare?"
"I dare you to kiss the guy you like," I challenged.
"Hey, that was the same as Will's!" Percy said. "Is there a rule about that?"
Annabeth shushed him, looking at Thalia with a smile on her face.
"Really?" Thalia walked away from me, right over to Travis.
I opened my mouth wide, as Travis and Katie looked at her in surprise. She likes my brother? I didn't know if I should laugh or cry.
Laughing softly, Thalia went back to me. "Just kidding, Stoll. I had you there for a moment, right?" And right before I could react, she kissed me.
