This isn't edited or anything. Just updating so you know I'm not dead. Sorry for disappearing a few tradegies struck my family so haven't had writing as my priority but i have been writing as you can see. Will try update other stories, i haven't given up just been...whatever.

but im back i have to get over stuff sometime right XD ANYWAY ENJOY MY UNEDITED CHApter worth the monthes i dissapeared

I quaffed down thin air and stood up, my mouth opening and closing several times. I honestly had no words. I couldn't gather my thoughts to concoct a single believable excuse. I felt like a deer caught in headlights, my tanned skin paled to a shade as white as cotton sheets.

Apollo rolled his eyes, "So this is why you aren't hanging with us this afternoon."

"Brother-" Artemis stood as well, "We were just-"

He shrugged, "I don't care honestly." For a second I thought I was off the hook, then he ruined my ease by adding on to it. "I was just curious as to why my best friend was blowing us off."

"I meant to tell you I was coming here with-" I tried desperately to explain myself, to steer away from the rising conflict.

"With my sister?" He interrupts me.

I stiffen, as does Artemis beside me.

"Y-yes, but I said that I was going to tell you-"

Apollo ran his hand through his golden hair, "No harm, no fowl. Just wanted to come say hello, the gang is sitting outside if you were wondering." He leaned toward Artemis and kissed her cheek, "See ya guys."

He strides away as if what he just walked in on was nothing. My brow knits in suspicion, he was freakishly calm, and I didn't like it.

Artemis takes my hand, "Hey, hey, hey. Don't worry, I'm sure he's not mad at you."

"That statement is awfully specific, is he mad at you?" I raise an eyebrow.

She responds by guzzling down the last of her milkshake, "Let's just drop it."

I grasp her chin gently and force her to look at me, "What's wrong, beautiful?" I ask in a low, husky tone.

I watch as her chest moves up and down hurriedly, like she's short of breath.

Artemis wraps her arms around my neck unsurely, "I'd rather just forget about it. I'm not even sure myself."

I bob my head to show my sensitivity to all things concerning her.

"Sure-" I place a 20 dollar bill on the table, "She can keep the change, let's go."

Artemis smiles sweetly and kisses my cheek, "You're so amazing."

I make a mock 'Aww' gesture and kiss her forehead, "Come on." I only realize what an intimate gesture a forehead kiss really was a few moments after doing so. 'Oh gods please don't be scared off by that.' I plead silently. Hopefully she didn't think anything of the kiss.

We walk out the restaurant hand in hand. I couldn't explain this feeling that seemed to be consuming my being. People were staring, ogling and I liked it. Gone were the looks of disdain, here were people regarding me with faces green with envy.

"And why are you suddenly so happy?" Artemis smirked, resting her head on my chest as we walked.

I eyed the vintage style tables with large umbrellas protecting them from the scorching sun.

"Well I'm walking the most beautiful girl in school to my car. Why wouldn't I be?" I ask as I unlock my car, just a few metres away.

Artemis balanced on the rocks decorating the path around the garden surrounding the outside patio of tables on a faded wooden deck.

She uses one hand to steady herself on my shoulder as she sauntered over the rocks, "Is that all you see?" She asks in a heartbreakingly low tone.

I stop mid-step and look at her, she doesn't look at me, I suddenly feel terrible. I didn't mean it like that, I should have known better than to say something like that.

'I sound like a shallow asshole.' I hiss to myself.

"No. I see way past your-" I ogle her figure, I can see she's watching me carefully, "Your appealing physical features. I know you're more than that."

Artemis PoV (SURPRISE!:)! )

"Is that really all you see?" I ask him, focusing my attention on the rows of cars in front of me. My voice was barely a whisper, I wanted to kick myself for making my thoughts so obvious.

But I had a right to feel the way I feel. He was one of the few people who actually knew me, not popular cheerleader me, the actual me. Or at least, I hoped he did. If he didn't know at least a few things about me after all these years of friendship with my brother, then he really was dense. I basically lived at his house from the time I was 9 up until high school.

I remember because it's the reason, Aphrodite and I are even friends, I owe it all to him and my unpredictable brother. My brother. Ha! I can't even begin to think about him right now. He needs to make up his mind, because sending me-us-mixed signals is frigging confusing.

I didn't even know where, Percy himself stood with us, let alone my brother. Did, Percy even like me? Or was just using me to climb the social ladder just like, Orion? But to be fair, especially at first, I was using Orion as well. That isn't the point though, I needed to know.

'Give me a sign.' I plead to him in my head. Though I don't turn my face to regard him, my cowardice revealing itself there. I hope he didn't catch it. Instead I chose to steal peeks at him in the corner of my eye. I notice we're in front of his car, the blue clashing with his crisp-white button up.

That's when he answered my question with an answer I wasn't prepared for.

"No. I see way past your-" His eyes travel my body just like any male I passed. "Your appealing physical features." My heart sank, even if he was trying to make me feel better. "I know you're more than that." I go still and he see's it.

I wasn't exactly awarded for my subtlety at this moment. Yay.

I angle my chin toward his direction, "What if I'm not." I state impulsively.

Why on earth would I say that? Why on earth did I say that? Curse you, Percy. You always make me say things without thinking them through, you always make me act like an idiot.

However, my statement held truth to it. Was I really a good person? I mean, my family is a very well respected and well-to put it bluntly-loaded. Did I actually deserve this while there's people scraping by every month to pay for school fees, tuitions, food. I didn't.

I hate you dad, your the reason I'm in this mess. Couldn't you have been a hippy instead with no reliable source of income? Maybe then I'd feel like more of a real person, because I wasn't a good person. I didn't deserve everything I have. I didn't deserve, Aphrodite, Athena and most of all, Percy.

He grabbed me without warning and basically picked me up like a child, setting me on the hood of his car.

He raised his index finger to my nose and pointed at me like a parent scolding a disobedient juvenile.

His eyes narrowed, I don't think I'd ever actually seen him angry besides that small incident at the pool area. Totally my fault btw, but now's not the time to ponder over that. I should be focusing on the fact that his pelvis was between my legs, his arm bent as he gestured to me, causing his muscles to flex scrumptiously.

I can feel the heat from his skin on mine, making my hairs stand up and my body to erupt into goosebumps. He was so close, just a few centimetres and his lips were all mine.

My eyelids droop as he leans toward me.

"Don't-" He emphasises his words, thinking that would change my opinion to agree with his, "I know you're more than a pretty face. Just like I know-despite what you think-that you're a good person."

I open my mouth to protest immediately, but he has none of it.

"No." Wow, that was assertive. I kinda like this side of him. "You're kind, you're aware of others and their feelings unlike most of the other people in our-well world. You actually care and it's amazing. You don't let the fact that you have enough money to buy a country affect you work ethic and who you surround yourself with. You don't let popularity inflate your ego, you don't brag about how fucking smart and stunning you are, and I know you are." His expression is so serious that I actually find myself wanting to look away, "You're beautiful-" He stares straight into my eyes, "Because you have a beautiful soul, much too pure for our cruel and materialistic world."

I wonder if my mouth is hanging open or if tears are streaming down my face. Honestly I didn't know how to process the amount of emotions coursing through me right now. On one hand I wanted to hug and tell him how sweet he was, and on the other I wanted to rip his clothes off and let him do things to me that made a dent in my head from my head banging against my headboard.

Picturing him doing something so scandalous to me drove me to the recollection of the day-two years ago-I actually approached my best friend about how I felt about her brother. Well rather, she forced it out of me.

Flashback

The room was dark, not a sound besides the breathes of my beautiful friend lying beside me. Her bed was big enough to fit half of the cheerleading squad inside, on one occasion it actually did.

I lay on my back, staring into the dark abyss that was her ceiling.

"Arty?" I hear her whisper.

I smile as she grabs my hand, "Yeah?"

She shifts closer to me, digging her face onto my chest, sighing audibly.

"You're boobs are so comfy."

I let out a soft laugh, "Thanks. I know it must be tempting, but please refrain from throwing yourself at me."

She slaps my arm with a giggle, "Whatever skank."

I raise my hand to stroke her velvety hair, "What's up? You usually fall asleep earlier than this."

It was true, she was a party girl, but with Athena or me she was always the first to fall asleep, as if she were gathering her strength for our next exhibition. Something had to be playing at her mind.

She lifts her head and leans on her elbow, I can sense her lips near my ear, "I know you like my brother."

I shoot up and turn the lamp on, my eyes glaring daggers at her, "I do not." I practically hiss at her.

She smirks, "Then why'd you react like that?"

I blush which is promptly followed by me screaming to myself what an idiot I was. I should have kept my cool composure and brushed her off as if it was nothing, now she was gonna know. What if she hated me now? What if this had been an act to trap me like this so she could end our 11 years of friendship because I broke girl code. Never fall for a BFF's sibling. Well I wasn't sure if that rule was legitimate yet, but it could be!

"I-I'm sorry." I finally manage to whisper, not being able to meet her gaze.

"Don't worry honey-" She touches my cheek, her eyes softening, all signs of mischievous thoughts gone. "I'm not mad."

I frown, "What? Why?"

To my surprise, she laughs, "I think you two are perfect for each other."

"Huh?" I say like an idiot.

She shuffles up to me, "You both bring out such wonderful sides of the other, you have a mutual understanding, a connection even." She glances at me with a smirk playing at her lips, "Both mental and physical. And that's what love is supposed to be, it's so rare at our age, it'd be a crime to prevent it."

I go silent, I'd occasionally forget how intelligent she was. Her playing dumb act was so believable, sometimes even I was fooled, but I knew she was just kidding everyone.

I wet my lips and tapped my thigh with my finger nervousl, it was this stupid habit of mine.

"Love? Isn't that far-fetched."

"No." She says with a giddy high-pitched tone.

I scoff, "You're throwing that word around."

"No I'm not. You just have trust issues."

"You are and you can't just throw that word around but if we are then fine. I love you, I love Athena, I love Percy. Let's all love each other."

I feel her pounce on me, her hands forcing my arms down on the bed. She straddles my waist and looks down at me, her eyes determined. I manage to tilt my head in confusion, despite my position.

Before I can ask, she leans down, my eyes widen when her lips press against mine.

Her eyes are shut while mine are threatening to pop out their sockets, what on earth was she doing? We'd only ever kissed once before in freshman year and we'd vowed it was just for practice and wouldn't happen again. Guess that wasn't happening.

Her tongue grazes my lower lip and on instinct I open my mouth, the tips of our tongue meeting. Then I realised, what the hell I was doing. I'm not gay! I don't care that she's hot and my hormonal teenage mind was slightly bi-curious. She's my best friend, my sister even. I snap my mouth shut and turn my head in disgust. She pulls away, her lips upturned into an evil grin.

"You see? You don't love me like you love, Percy."

"What!" I growl loudly, struggling against her surprisingly strong grip.

"You said you love me and Percy as if you thought of him as a brother. I bet you anything if that had been him kissing you, you would have happily complied. But no, it was me, your best friend who you apparently love in the same way as him. Nice try, you can't fool me."

I shift uncomfortably, thinking about what she just did.

She forces me to look at her, "Don't lie to yourself, you're in love with my brother and have been since we were 11 years old, the day you fell out the big oak at Greenburn park and twisted your ankle. He helped you all the way back to your house all the while he was no bigger than you at the time and stayed with you until your mom got home. I know, Arty, I know. I've known for years." She slips off of me, leaving me to ponder over my own thoughts.

She smiles with satisfaction and leans over me, switching off the light on her nightstand, "Nighty night." She says as if she hadn't just made out with me.

I shy away from her slightly, trying to gather my bundled thoughts. But as much as I tried, the memory of Percy showing just how wonderful a person he really was brought a smile to my face.

I sense, Aphrodite come up to my face and whisper in my ear, "Oh and by the way, I can finally understand what all that fuss was about this summer between Orion and his friends. Your tongue is like heroine. You little skank." She drags her lips across my cheek with a giggle as I gasp, caught off guard by her comment and action.

I can hear her laughing not so discreetly. I hit her stomach as hard as I possibly can at this angle, she grunts but continues to giggle like a middle-schooler.

"Shut up you bitch!" I try my best to sound angry, but my amusement is transparent. I knew she was just trying to tease the hell out of me, it was working too and she knew that.

Her laughter dies down as we hear her aunt's voice enter the room. I can see the light of the hall cast a shadow on her face peeping through the small crack in the door.

"Girls! Go to sleep!" She orders in a single breath.

We go silent, the door closes and without delay bury our faces in our pillows to hide our giggles.

"Love you, bitch." Aphrodite kisses my shoulder.

I smile and wrap my arms around her small frame, "Love you too." I frown, "But don't do that again."

"Oh you loved it."

Flashback end

"Artemis!" I see a large hand being waved in front of my face, "Artemis! Snap back into reality!" Percy is clicking his fingers in front of my eyes, knocking me out of my thoughts.

"What? Sorry I was just-" I go quiet as I realise I had gone way off topic. Here he was telling me how much of a good person I was and it appeared like I wasn't even listening.

"You're silence was scary-" He gave me his signature half-grin, the grin that exposed his dimples and flexed his jaw-line. I nearly melted.

"I was listening I swear-" I begin, stuttering like a dimwit.

He shakes head, "I know." He hesitantly caresses my cheek, "I thought I'd made you uncomfortable when I said you were a beautiful soul. It is a rather intimate thing to say-"

I couldn't take it anymore, his mouth watering lips were moving to much. His sea-green eyes were no longer hidden by his specs, their enchanting aura was now exposed for all the world to see.

I did the only thing I knew how to do without fail. I twined my arms around his neck and pulled his face forward, enticing him to just lean in just that little distance and kiss me, but he doesn't. I open one eye ever so slightly to see his reaction and why exactly he hadn't done anything yet, but he wasn't even looking at me anymore.

I frown and retract my arms in appallment, I basically just invite him to mouth-fuck my lips and he doesn't give me the time of day? Asshole!

I cross my arms and glare at him, I open my mouth to tell him off, but I catch his gaze and follow it to a bunch of teenagers. All about our age, talking amongst themselves, not far from us. I see a head of blonde princess curls that I really didn't want to see the owner of.

"Friends of yours?" I eye my brother with his back turned to us as well as queen geek girl. 'I thought she said she was going to hang with, Luke. Ha! Liar.'

He nods slowly and opens the car door quickly, "Let's go."

I oblige and hop in his car, he closes the door and swiftly slides over the hood of his car like Agent 007 in a James Bond film and gets in the car.

He slams his foot on the accelerator as soon as we had reversed. We speed off, I laugh as he turns a corner sharply, it may have been reckless but I adored it. I could tell he didn't want to think about the group of teens that inadvertently interrupted us, so why would I rub it in his face?

He grins at me and does it again, "This baby's fast huh?"

I smirk and point to a turn he wasn't intending on taking, "Take this next turn, let's see how fast this baby can really go."

He raises his eyebrow at me but does as I say. The Valley was the perfect place to test this beauty out, I just hoped I could control myself in such a secluded area.

LINE BREAK

Percy PoV

I strolled through the halls of my prison-I mean school-with a skip in my step. People stared at me funny, probably thinking why the hell I had such a wide grin on my face at this early hour. Especially when Coach Hedge had come back a few days early, which meant one thing, gym. But I didn't care, I nearly had a made-out session with, Artemis Olympia. Artemis-fucking-Olympia. A girl I've loved since I was 14 years old. And it was a near make-out session without prompting by spin the bottle or truth or dare!

So needless to say I was ecstatic, even my sister who's job was to keep up a perky appearance was grumpy this morning, or at least standing next to me she looked it.

"Why are you so happy?" She asked disdainfully, her back turned to me as she drank her cup of steaming hot tea.

She sported a pair of tight, light stained boyfriend jeans, heels and a loose tank top with a rough but smooth material. But the real killer was the Varsity Cheerleading jacket. It was a white female letterman jacket with red arms, the Varsity emblem on the front and her name spread across the back in Red thread. Being a co-captain, a shining gold star was located above the name. The cheerleaders weren't required to have a gym kit, they had their cheer uniform or practice cheer kit.

Personally I just thought Mr. Henson-our principal-was just a pervert and loved the attention he got from the girls when he gave them what they wanted.

"Is it a bad thing? To be happy that is?" I reply excitedly and pouring water into my coffee, already prepared by my dear Aunt Sally.

My sister frowned and looked at me funny, her eyes widen when she noticed I wasn't wearing my spectacles and instead used the contacts I never touched before today.

"Where are your-" She began.

"My glasses?" I shrug nonchalantly, as if I haven't had a breakthrough, "Oh I just thought I'd use contacts today."

She chokes on her tea, "Excuse me?"

I smile widely, "Wanna ride to school? I was gonna take my motorcycle but-"

"No! Uhh-you just go ahead, I'm picking the girls up…" She eyes me with a weird look, clearly bewildered and shuffles away like a troubled teen.

I slam my locker shut with a giddy little dance. I nearly jumped out my socks as Apollo's golden hair revealed itself leaning against the locker next to me.

I stutter out a weak hello, his presence making my anxiety catch up with me but even then it couldn't stomp down my happiness. Nothing could.

"Hey." He says, though it's not like it used to be, our interactions seem forced.

"What's up?" I ask as I adjust my books uncomfortably.

He shrugs, "Don't know, we haven't really hung out lately."

I nod, "You're right. How you been?" Honestly I wasn't expecting this. I mean last time he caught me with his sister he freaked, now he did nothing and then just a few hours later was striking up conversation with me. I was in the dark here and he had the torch.

"Meh, Zeus has been trying to get a hold of me. The usual. I am excited for our party tonight. It'll be bitching." He grins his usual care free grin and my suspicion was instantly washed away.

"Wanna come get the booze with me? It'll be fun, we can fool around with the signs at the drive in on the way?" I suggest hopefully.

It had been something we'd done since we were little, of course our humour changed as we grew. It went from potty talk to sexual innuendo. But hey, don't blame me, I'm a product of society.

Apollo bobs his head up and down with a smirk, "I've already got a few ideas. Just remember to tell Annie, since she wanted to do it with you remember?"

Realisation dawns on me, I'd completely forgotten.

"Oh yeah, I'm sure she'll understand."

Apollo snorted, "I'm sure she'll be too busy snogging Luke's face to notice."

I nudge his shoulder, "Ha I have nothing to worry about then."

Apollo smiles at me, mirth evident in his eyes.

I tilt my head, "Thanks man."

He frowns, "For?"

I roll my eyes playfully, "Oh I just missed you-" I say in my best girlish voice.

He laughs, "Bromance!" He sings like an idiot, making many look in our direction. He tugged the beanie adorning my head over my eyes.

I pull it back and up retort, "Oh my gods-" I say in my best california girl accent, "You should like-totally join drama club." Apollo blushes and glares at me, "Oh wait, you have!" I push him into the lockers before breaking into a sprint towards life orientation. A class my entire homeroom has to attend, I'd have to face the music-the music being judgemental comments and glares from a bunch of idiots. But at least if I was lucky I could get a seat next to, Artemis today.

Apollo chases after me, throwing his pen at my head, "Drama club just happens to be-"

"Drama geek says what?" I mock before laughing and turning the corner, not being able to get the satisfaction of hearing him reply with, 'What?'.

LINE BREAK

Life Orientation was a bust, the class was boring as hell, like Mr. Henson droning on over the loudspeakers for morning announcements boring. Most of the jocks sent me funny looks, not disgust or arrogance which is what I was used to, more curiosity. Maybe it was the absence of my specs? I did look different without them.

The Angels and their herd of sheep-the cheerleaders-sat in a bunch at the back of the class, some mingling with the football players and some on their phones. Typical.

It's not like my school didn't offer other sports, we had seasons, basketball was one, swimming, but all schools had the sport they were most known for, and in our case awarded for. Football was that sport. At Goode High if you wanted a fixed assurance of getting a scholarship to a college or university, football was the way to go. Sure basketball and swimming were cool and all-I myself liked swimming-but there honestly wasn't enough people to make up full teams unless they combined the age groups, which was the case. This was kinda sad but oh well, if they wanted to take another sport seriously they'd have to transfer.

"Hey, Percy!" A soft voice whispered from behind me. Despite breaking into a run toward my class, I was still late and unfortunately had to sit in the front of the class with Apollo beside me. This meant that we couldn't fall asleep, and our homeroom and LO teacher, Mrs. Harris, was just as dull as the subject itself.

I faced the person calling me, it was Hephaestus.

I grinned, "Yeah?"

"I'm coming to the party tonight, it's gonna be epic."

I frowned, bemused to the fact that he'd choose us over, Aphrodite. I suddenly felt excessively guilty about blowing them off for, Artemis. But hey, it was worth it in the end.

"You coming? Or you gonna blow us off again?" A new voice entered the conversation. Annabeth.

I give her an apologetic look, "I'm sorry, Wisegirl." I used the sentimental nickname I'd given her freshmen year to try soften the blows of her brutal telling off to come.

Her gaze softened for a split second, but hardened as soon as she heard an angelike giggle escape the luscious lips of, Artemis who was just a few seats to her right in the corner of the classroom.

"Shh!" Aphrodite ordered with a not so subtle laugh.

The girls surrounding them giggled like middle-schoolers and the hushed whispers continued. Mrs. Harris glared at them, shutting them up but it came back again as soon as her back turned.

Annabeth looked back at me, "Why aren't you sitting with her? Not cool enough yet?" Mockery dripped off of every word.

I held her gaze defiantly, I knew I deserved this from her. I have been a terrible friend as of the late, but she should be supportive of my conquest that actually seemed to be working.

When I didn't respond, only staring her in the eye, she shifted uncomfortably, "Are you coming or not?"

"I am, I'm co-host remember." That reminded me, drinks with Apollo, "Hey, do you mind if, Apollo and I get the drinks. It'll probably work out better for you, you can get more time to organise everything else at the house."

I watched as a flash of disappointment crossed her face and how she caved in after a few seconds of contemplating my idea.

"Sure."

I wink, "Great."

I turn back only to find Mrs. Harris glaring at me with her hands on her hips.

"Mr. Jackson!"

I jump a little but do my best to keep my cool, all eyes are on me, all the popular eyes. The need for approval kicks in.

"Sup-" I find myself saying uncharacteristically. Why so rude? I stop questioning myself as I hear a bunch of deep laughs from the jocks.

Mrs. Harris narrows her eyes to slits, "If you don't want to pay attention in my class, leave." She points to the door, for a moment I'm tempted to do as she says, but my better sense of judgment defeated the urge to win over Ares and his dumb friends approval.

'Why did I want it anyway? They tortured me for years, the assholes didn't deserve my attention. Gods I sound like a scorned girl.'

Speaking of my bullies, where the hell was, Orion? I hadn't seen him around since the first day of school? Was he embarrassed he got his ass kicked, or worse, was he heartbroken?

"Mr. Jackson you are not even listening as I speak now-!" Mrs. Harris face flushes in anger as I shrug bashfully.

"Sorry?"

This causes laughter to erupt behind me, I hate that there's a lingering sense of satisfaction bubbling in my stomach.

Mrs. Harris huffs, "I will advise you to tread lightly in the future, do you understand?"

"Uhm-" I tilt my head, acting innocent, "I think so."

She sighs and turns back to the whiteboard, scribbling something down, "As I was saying. Social dynamics dictate that-"

She droned on...and on...and on. I was relieved when the bell rang, signalling for the next lesson.

I waited near the door for my friends who I should probably apologise to. I leaned against the lockers and pretended to be checking my watch, my books tucked under my right arm.

I sigh loudly as people passed, a few casting me a glance with an emotion I couldn't quite decipher. A few of the younger girls would meet my eyes and giggle before walking to their respective classes. I raise en eyebrow as a junior cheerleader in her practice clothes walks past and blows me a kiss.

She takes a step toward me with a perky smile, then she freezes, her face pales as she looks at something behind me. Next thing I know she's chuckling nervously at me and waved goodbye, she scuffled away as quickly as her flirtatious demeanor had diminished.

I cast a brief look behind me and without delay whip around to greet the beautiful girl.

"Artemis-"

She smiles brightly, so inviting, "Hey." She has her books tucked at her abdomen in both hands, she tucks a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

Out of habit I lean down, intending to hug her, she retaliates by twining her arms around my lower back lazily, keeping me in my position at the lockers of leaning casually against them.

With our height difference, she was forced to crane her neck upwards, but her pearly whites nearly blinding my retinas were proof she didn't mind. (I know I was Percy is 6'1 but just imagine him really tall, even taller than that however you want actually, which means Orion is probs 6'7 or 8)

I feel her books against my back, but they aren't digging into my skin so I didn't mind, probably due to the fact that Artemis's face was so close to mine if I just bent forward a few centimetres my lips would be on hers.

"I like your beanie." She touches the soft material and strokes my cheek with her index finger.

I blush and tug it, finally conscious of it, "Thanks, I just thought I felt a bit naked without my glasses-"

"I like this-" She gestured to my face, "But I like your glasses to."

I chuckle shyly, "Thanks, I like-" I eye her outfit. She sports an outfit very similar to my sister's. Only her top is a simple loose tee that hung off one shoulder immaculately. Her Co-Captain, lettermen jacket hung over her arm that happened to be wrapped around me with her two books in hand. I can feel their edges digging into my back, but it didn't hurt, especially when her warmth was far more distracting than the textbook against my back.

She raises her eyebrow "Having a hard time finding something you like?"

I panic, realising I'm coming across as a jackass.

"No I just-" I ogle her, "It's just so hard to find something to like when the truly gorgeous thing is being covered by them." I really hoped that didn't make me come across as a creeper, because I tried flirting without thinking too hard like, Silena had told me to do, that probably failed.

To my relief, she giggles cutely and her fingers play with the crisp collar of my polo shirt.

"Are you saying you'd rather see what's under them?" She looks up at me through her thick lashes, they reach her slender brows and flutter flirtatiously.

I feel my knees buckle and find myself clearing my throat, "Uhh-well-" I didn't know whether I should act confident and answer her honestly or lie and brush her attempt at teasing me off.

"Sorry to interrupt-well not really." Annabeth rolled her eyes and crossed her arms, her grey t-shirt with the phrase, 'All The Good Chemistry Jokes Argon' I bite back a laugh, it was clever.

Artemis doesn't retract her hands from me and merely looks at, Annabeth over her shoulder with a polite smile.

"Hello Annabeth-" She greets with an undertone of uncertainty. Annabeth huffs in response and looks back at me with a disinterested expression.

I give, Annabeth a 'What is it look?' oblivious to the hurt that is evident in her eyes. I didn't mean to be rude, I just really wish my friends would have better timing, because at the moment it kinda sucked.

"You're walking me to AP spanish, Mr. Fuentes gets really angry when you're tardy so hurry up and say goodbye to your little-" She gives, Artemis a clear judgmental once over, even I noticed how biting it was. "Whatever."

Artemis stiffens slightly but relaxes as I lean toward her, my cheek on her head, "Mr. Fuentes is my teacher too, he has a stick so far up his butt I don't think you'll ever find it. I didn't know you were in my class."

Annabeth scoffs, "Of course you didn't. You're all like that. "

Artemis stiffens again, only this time there's nothing I can do.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

Annabeth doesn't grace her with an answer, instead smirking presumptuously.

I can hear a low hiss escape, Artemis's lips. I hated that my two best girls didn't get along, especially when I didn't know why. Annabeth was hardly so ill-mannered and Artemis was loved by everyone, she was the "perfect" angel. The one everyone liked, she wasn't mean or condescending nor was she biting or-to put it bluntly-bitchy.

I quickly kiss, Artemis's cheek, "I can walk both of you there-"

They shout at me in sync, "No!"

I jump back in surprise but regain my composure, "Umm okay-"

"I'll just catch up with your sister." Artemis mutters, pecking the side of my lips before shuffling away, not honouring Annie with one her signature smiles that had all the student body falling over their feet.

I grin as I lick the lip her lipbalm remained on.

"Mmm, candy floss." I whisper. I hope that if and when I get another kiss she'll be wearing that.

Annabeth rolls her eyes dramatically, "Oh whatever, let's go." She swiftly turns on the her heels of her converse, not giving me another glance.

I cock my head like a lost puppy and chase after her, catching up to her in a few strides.

"Hey, what's wrong?" I ask.

Annabeth shoved my hand off her shoulder, "You don't get it."

"Don't get what?" I ask, she genuinely confusing me.

Annabeth stopped, I almost walked into her, which would not have resulted in my injury, "Nothing, I shouldn't have said anything." She murmurs before proceeding to stride to her class, a slight slump in her usually excellent posture.

I groan, "Why are girls so hard to understand!"

"Here here!" A few guys passing by punched the air.

If I was in any other situation I would have laughed, but now wasn't the time.

I checked my schedule, double AP English. At least Mr.C would cheer me up, I'd already finished three of my six book reports, which meant when we read Othello I'll be cruising.

"Yo asshole I've got a bone to pick with you-" A swift hand hit the back of my head.

I laughed, "Hey, Hermes."

LINE BREAK

"No sir I swear this is like a dark comedy!" A fellow nerd in my grade shouted at Mr. C.

He had somehow gotten into an argument with half of the class about the dark humour inside this play, he tried to explain that wasn't the point of it all with my half of the class backing up for 30 minutes now. (An: This happens all the time in my classes.)

"Oh shut up, Jared! We all know you're just sick!" Rachel, my only friend inside this class threw a pencil at the short boy.

He growled and threw it back at her, "Shut up RED."

Rachel rolled her eyes and looked at me, giving them a disbelieving look. I shrugged and mirrored it, showing my agreement in the matter.

Mr. C sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose, "Enough! We are all entitled to our opinion, now the lesson shall be over in approximately 2 minutes so those who have gym, get out." He gestured groggily to the door. Students scurried out slowly, especially the peers who were to be joining me in my next lesson. Gym. Though it was more like a drill camp with Coach Hedge.

"Sir can you not just give us a letter so we can skip gym?" Rachel whined, leaning on his desk and fiddling with his cup of pencils.

I gave him a pleading look, "Please, Coach is gonna kill us. Think about our young still developing bodies and the long term damage."

Mr. C chuckled, "Well I imagine if he's gonna kill you the long term won't be a problem."

Rachel groaned and if I was the spectator in this I would have chortled loudly but no, I was the soon to be victim.

"I can see it now, 'High school Massacre-Hundreds dead' splashed across the news. Rumour has it high school english teacher could have helped two of the deceased and was aware of the incident before hand. He is now in custody, awaiting for further details." Rachel announces dramatically and pouts at him, "Please!"

Mr. C rolls his eyes, "No! Get going before you're late!"

I cross my arms, "I'm disappointed sir, I'll remember this."

He smirks, "Yes, yes. Now go."

I drag my feet out the class with Rachel strolling behind, "Well that was a bust. See you at gym." She sighs and walks in the direction of the showers.

I wave and trudge through the empty halls to get my gym kit. We didn't have a particularly exciting one, we had the option of a white cotton shirt, a sleeveless cotton shirt, navy blue tracksuit pants and/or shorts. Even the girls had those options, no wonder the cheerleaders begged Mr. Henson to let them wear their own practice clothes, since they got practice time instead of gym. Lucky.

I open the door to the locker room and avert my eyes from the half dressed and mostly naked freshmen. There were four rows of lockers, the closest one to the door was of course where the freshmen were limited too, the second for sophomores, third for juniors and lastly, the fourth, closest to the showers was the seniors. The sport teams a.k.a the cheerleaders and jocks got separate showers from the rest of us, another unfair privilege.

I moved to my secluded spot between the lockers and the wall where no younger guys could see me and undressed into my sleeveless tee and shorts.

I slammed my locker shut and pushed through the crowd, though many seemed to part for me. I guess the Orion incident hadn't quite worn down yet, or maybe the fact that I was two heads taller than most of them had something to do with it. Who knows?

I pass my gang as I exit the dreaded area, they don't appear to be to thrilled about our predicament either.

"Freshmen." Hermes rolls his eyes.

"Gym." Apollo grunts.

"Whatever." Heph shrugs and flexes his arm, "Don't really need it."

Apollo narrows his eyes dangerously at Heph, "Of course you'd say that. I mean it's not like you're not going to go show off in front, Aphrodite."

Heph raises his hands in a surrender gesture, "Hey man I thought we discussed this-"

"Whatever." He held his fingers up mockingly in a quote sign.

Heph sighed loudly and looked at Hermes and I, we shrugged, "He just needs to get used to the fact that well-" Hermes looks at me.

"You're more popular than him." I finish.

It was a hard thing for Apollo to still stand within ten feet of Heph after he'd "taken" my sister from him. It's not she was his in the first place, but he was my best friend and I had to take his side either way. Besides, if you looked at it through his perspective it was easy to see why he was so furious, more hurt than anything else really.

I traipse past them and open the doors connecting the showers to the gym, I see other students already gathering around. I eye the small crowd of perky cheerleaders on the other side of the large room.

I wait a few minutes more as people begin to file in, including my friends.

"Nice shorts." Annabeth points to her own, "I feel like next time you should call me to coordinate outfits so this doesn't happen again?"

I laugh, "Shut up, Annabeth."

She giggles, but it isn't that cute one I hear escaping, Artemis's lips all the time, hers was different. But I was still happy to see she'd gotten over our little argument-if you could call it that-from earlier.

"Sup jackass-" An elbow hits my side, it was Rachel, of course.

I cringe, "Ugh stop it-" I whine as she jabs my side with her finger.

She opens her mouth to retort most likely in a crude fashion, but is interrupted by Coach hedge strolling in with his signature baseball bat nonchalantly. A tactic used to scare and intimidate the freshman. I disagree with this statement though, because I'm a senior and I still live in fear of what he has or will do with that bat.

He adorned the same gym shorts most of us did, only his legs were so hairy I could have compared the one half of him to a goat. It didn't help that the small goatee at his chin furthered my theory of him secretly being a satyr.

"Listen up you little juveniles!" He announces in his 'I'm the man' voice, "Just because I wasn't here for the first few days doesn't give you an excuse to slack off!" He points his bat almost accusingly towards a group of trembling freshmen, they weren't even supposed to here. They were probably lost and were now fearing for their safety. "Everyone get into your respective groups. Boys this side and girls the other!"

I groan, of course I was stuck with the climbing rope first thing in the morning. Don't get me wrong, it was easy as pie but hell was I lazy.

The guys stepped into lines in front of each climbing rope, blue mats situated under each one. I saw Annabeth lecturing Coach Monroe how one really does a correct push-up. I can see the boredom laced in her features while Annabeth droned on with excessive hand movements. Great tactic for getting out of gym, Wisegirl.

"Okay! Olympia, Apollo! Get your ass over here, you're starting us off." Hedge ordered, not sparing us a glance above his clip-board.

I almost face-palm myself as I watch, Apollo attempt and fail miserably at the rope. He was grunting and whining every step of the way, it was more comical than anything else. The others seemed to share my view as well because they were chortling loudly with no remorse as Apollo struggled to get further than the first quarter. Which by the way, wasn't very high.

I hear my sister's loud voice command her minions on the other side of the gym. I turn my attention to the Bod Squad while I wait my turn, something apparently wasn't my own original idea, judging from the drool falling down the guys chins. I wish this expression was just figurative but it really wasn't.

That's when my own jaw hits the floor. My eyes search the crowd of skin-tight yoga pants and the small, red short shorts with the words cheer on the ass that adorned the Bod Squad's lower bodies. Forget the t-shirts or tanks, those shorts were the bomb!

"Alright ladies, you heard Aphro! Fun's over, let's go over the routine one more time. Then it's a onto a new one." Artemis emerged from the temporarily large group of girls.

Some groaned while others only stretched tiredly. I new that the Bod Squad had probably already been picked. The usually small group of varsity cheerleaders was burdened with girls of all shapes and sizes practicing for tryouts. It was amazing how many girls were willing to sell their souls for the immortality of Varsity Cheerleader status.

They seem to be getting it right, some more than others, I briefly catch sight of Silena, but she seemed to focus on getting her moves right than what we were doing. However, she is not what my focus is on. I can't tear my eyes away from, Artemis's evenly toned legs and that firm ass in those sexy shorts. It was like she was begging me to walk over and pop a feel. Her hips swayed in rhythm to the beat as she clicked her fingers, counting for the girls. It must have been for football season soon. The routine was pretty good, I respected them a hell of a lot. They rehearse for hours for just a minute and a half of perfection. It must have been unbearable at times. Like ballet.

I saw my sister guiding the girls in front, Silena to her left and Athena to her right. My sister definitely had a knack for dancing, I'd give her that. Silena equally so, but Artemis had something about her. I couldn't explain it, but whenever she danced or cheered you had the urge to just stare at her, watching her as she got lost in the music. So passionate about whatever she was doing. It was remarkable.

However, her buttocks did look positively scrumptious in that tight garment. Cheer was right, cheer for whomever created such a fine specimen.

"Pipsqueak!" I hear Coach scream into my ear, spittle flying out his mouth onto the side of my face.

I turn my head, "Yes sir?"

He narrows his eyes at me, "What could possible have your attention over the baseball bat in my hand!" He balances it on my forehead. I hear laughs around me.

I glance at the Bod Squad, not originally intending to give my reasons away.

Coach follows my split second gaze, he opens his mouth to scream at the reason, then his face faltered. His jaw opening and closing twice, I see his eyes darting over their figures before he cleared his throat and regained his composure.

"Ahh yes, fine. You get a pass this time boy."

I nod sheepishly as he regards his chart, "Jackson, Percy!" He yells, his eyes searching over the group of boys. He seems to be looking for me, but the last time I'd seen him was when I was just a skinny nerd. Now that statement was only half-true.

"Yes sir?" I smirk.

He looks at me and is visibly shocked, he gives me slow once overs. I half expect him to shout at me, but he doesn't. Instead a small grin appears on one side of his lips, "Huh? You look different."

"Yup." I state.

He nods slowly and gestures to the rope, "Let's test your arms out, go!"

I shrug and do as he says. I decided I might as well do it as fast as I could, the quicker I got this done the earlier I can get back to ogling. I grunt as I pull myself up the rope with ease, each time I could feel all the muscles in my arms working together to support my weight.

My feet hit the ground with an audible THUMP! I wipe my hands on my shorts nonchalantly and return my attention back to coach in a "Satisfied?" look.

His eyes are as wide as saucers, his clipboard threatening to fall to his feet.

"Coach?" I ask. People are silent around me, I catch the curious eye of Ares, my childhood nemesis's accomplice.

He's nodding his head approvingly and looking at coach. Coach Hedge clears his throat and looks at his chart again, "How fast can you clear a 100 metre dash son?"

I think for a second, "11 seconds?"

He grins, "Coming to football tryouts next week?"

I smile nervously, "I could."

"Good, you should, we could use a man on the team like you." He inspected the chart once again, "Next!" He points at Hermes, "You're up Deacon!"

Hermes kicks the mat defiantly and drags his feet to the rope.

I shake my head with a small grin and begin to stretch my arms above my head to loosen them up after my brief work-out. As I do this, I feel the need to turn my attention back to the Bod Squad. Imagine my surprise when I see a small group of them already looking at me.

Artemis at the head of it with my sister behind her, Athena to her right and one or two other girls directly behind. I recognised one, Naomi, she was always nicer to me than the other girls. With her milk-chocolate skin and dark brown curls, I'd compare her eyes to olives. She smiled at me when she saw me staring, her white teeth in contrast to her dark complexion.

I blush and catch the eyes of one girl in the small troop of socialites, Artemis is peering at me with an unreadable expression, her silver irises scanning my form. I had an inkling that it wasn't because I'd made a fool of myself, I was proud of my physique and I hoped that is what she looking at.

My scientific mind feels the need to concoct an experiment. I test my theory out by flexing my arms more than needed be. I watch as her tongue passes over her lower lip deliciously. The girls whisper to each other and into her ear, she casts a look over her shoulder that I cannot see but whatever it was made the other girls smiling at me behind her turn away from me. How odd.

My sister winks at me with a giggle escaping her lips, she caught onto my intentions and found it more amusing than anything else, or maybe she was proud, who knew?

I send Artemis a small wave, she replied with a coy look, brushing the loose strands of hair behind her ear. I must have been smiling stupidly because a few of the other girls giggled and whispered to each other, Athena leaning into Artemis's ear and said something with a smirk. This led to Artemis elbowing her with an embarrassed glance at me.

I tilt my head in bewilderment but my grin never leaves my face, she was just too beautiful to ever feel ill toward.

My sister says something to the small group that makes them disperse and return to the crowd of cheerleaders. There must have been about 26 at most.

"Alright girls! Just for a brief look at what you're getting yourself into at tryouts, Artemis and a few of us have coordinated a dance routine, strictly dance, no cheerleading, just to test your your rhythm. Watch carefully, prepare yourself because if you can't get this next week then-" Aphrodite shrugged, "Bye-bye Varsity Cheer spot."

Aphrodite walked forward, all eyes on her. She gestured to Athena who pressed play on her phone, music blaring through the speakers at their feet. The three Angels and two other girls (Naomi and a girl I recognise but had never talked to) joined forces at the centre of the gym.

A song I recognised as an edited version of Timber by Pitbull and that other lady, Ke$ha or whatever came on through the speakers connected to my sister's phone.

(An: Google New Orleans Saints Cheerleaders - Timber to see the routine they perform. Because hell if I am describing it, it's way too fast XD it's only 45 seconds but even then half of you won't do it, your loss :P)

My jaw hits the floor as I watch Artemis wink at me in the middle of a raunchy dance move, I feel my cheeks go as red as the cheer shorts that hugged her butt wonderfully. I can hear the jocks whopping and catcalling although it's quite obvious basically every guy in the gym was drooling over them. I guess if they catcalled they'd get their heads stuffed down the drain pipes via the toilet.

I couldn't look away, they were so in sync, so fast like they knew the moves like the back of their hand, it was like breathing to them.

The song ends and the girls watching are quiet. The cheerleaders looking at each other worriedly, like they just had a heart attack knowing some of them were not gonna get a spot on the Varsity team. While the other girls around the gym were glaring daggers at the Bod squad like they'd just shoved all their insecurities back in their faces.

Ares begins to clap behind me, followed by the rest of his lackeys, I'm not usually one to always follow the crowd but, I clap as well.

They blow kisses at us flirtatiously, Artemis giggles when she sees me hooting for her enthusiastically. I wiggle my eyebrows, making her double over cutely as she suppresses her cute laugh. She looks frigging adorable.

"I really like this thing." I say as I try to do a little risque' body movement that she managed to do. It must have been a complete fail as she bursts out laughing and shakes her head.

"That is so sexy." She holds up a 'perfect' gesture.

I pose stupidly, "Thanks, I know." I flip my imaginary tresses.

She clasps her mouth, I can see tears forming at the corner ot her eyes.

I must be doing something right. The more she laughed the more confidence I had, plus people were staring in astonishment to see Artemis Olympia laughing with me and talking to me like she'd known me for years. Well she has but nevermind.

"You idiot." She chortles, leaning her temple on my chest, I wrap an arm around her shoulder and laugh with her.

"Now that's rude." I jab her side.

She squeals silently and pushes me away, "You know I'm ticklish!" She kicks the side of my sneakers playfully.

I hold my chest, feigning a throbbing heart, "You wound me."

Artemis is about to reply when Coach Hedge yells at me to get and I quote, "Get your sorry ass over here."

I wave at her as I turn on my heels to run back to the climbing ropes. She blows me a kiss before strolling back to her perky followers.

"You got a thing for your best friend's sister?" A deep voice said beside me.

I meet their eyes, it's Ares. He's staring at me with a curious gaze. He sports the same attire as me, only he is significantly larger than me in muscle size, he's one of those 5'9 muscle man types. Even so, do not underestimate him because of his height, he can probably break your nose in a single punch.

I blush and rub the back of my neck like I always did when I was nervous, "Well yeah, but he gave me permission, I think." I really wasn't too sure, Apollo was so vague on the subject.

Ares nods and hits my shoulder like I've been his friend for years, "Respect man!" He turns to his football buddies, "Hey dogs!" I frowned at this nickname for his boys, I assume it had something to do with the Bulldogs being their team name and mascot. "This guy-" he points at me, "Is going at it with his best friends sister and ain't afraid for shit!"

"Respect bruh!"

"Alright brother!"

"You the man, Percy!"

They whoop and fist pump me like I've achieved some kind of feat unknown to man. I really didn't understand why I was suddenly "The Man" but went along with it, after all positive attention from these dumbasses was better than negative attention.

I catch the eyes of my friends standing in front of the line, awaiting their turns or having just finished theirs. Apollo is staring at me with that classic deadpan expression though his confusion is evident in his eyes, Hermes is frowning and Heph walks over like it's nothing.

"Boys!" He ruffles some of the jocks hair noogie style.

"Gah!" The guy with blonde hair and hazel eyes I recognise from the party back in junior year protests, fixing his hair like an idiot, "Watch the hair, the ladies love the hair."

I roll my eyes, as do his buddies, they punch his shoulder and continue messing up his hair.

"What hair? This hair?" Ares ruffles his blonde mop.

"Aww is you gonna cry Damien?" Dionysus mirrors Ares's baby voice.

The guy who I now know as, Damien, hits their hands away and kicks them, "Fuck off."

I laugh along with the guys I previously used to hide from, on the outside I look approachable and open to their friendly gestures but inside I'm a nervous wreck, waiting for them to shout out, 'Psyche!' and pick me up to stuff me into the pool just a wall away where the swim team is practicing.

"Hey Kingsley!" Coach calls out.

"Yes coach!" Ares replies.

Coach doesn't spare him a look and points to the rope with his pen.

Ares shrugs and in an even better time than I would have expected from him, climbed the rope like a boss. He jumps down with a grin and looks at coach, Hedge nods approvingly.

"Keep this up for tryouts, Orion will be saying goodbye to that Captain Position."

Ares smirks and thanks him before walking back to us.

Heph pats him on the back, "Nice man, about time the team got a real Captain."

There were murmurs of agreement. I didn't exactly know what to add to the conversation, never previously being part of the team. I just stood there awkwardly as they spoke among themselves about football and how it's great for scoring chicks and scholarships, I had no idea.

I mean I knew how to play the game, my father was one of those football freaks that followed everything about the NFL or something. I'd wake up in the middle of the night listening to him screaming or cheering at recorded games on the T.V. When I was younger it was my mother laughing at him while she drank a glass of wine. So naturally he wanted his son to be a football star. I was taught everything my dad knew, not like I cared at the time. I preffered science and videogames, my dad had hated it.

"Hey Percy, you gotta tryout dude!" Damien hit my shoulder.

"Yeah, you and The Heph man." Ares shoved Hephaestus in a friendly manner.

I hid my surprise well, did Ares not know his ex-girlfriend had a thing for his friend? Or if he did he was being surprisingly chilled about it.

"Percy would be a great wide receiver, with his speed and strength to block the other assholes." Dionysus said as he regards my body.

Ares nods, "And Heph would be on defence obviously."

I shrug, it's the captain and Hedge's call, I didn't have a choice in what position I was put in.

"Hey Perse, why football now? Why didn't you buff up in freshman year or something?" One of the jocks asks.

This questions causes them all to turn their attention to me. I didn't know how to reply without sounding like a pussy. I mean I didn't buff up to be a football player, I buffed up so I could feel better about myself. But that sounds like such a girl thing to say. But I guess it was a valid question, I mean I was always a science geek, football never really interested me. Until now, when Artemis described how fun it could be with the cheerleaders at the after parties-a.k.a her.

I try my best to look like a cocky idiot like they do when I answered, you need to learn how to adjust to their culture. The Asshole, brainless language jocks speak. "Well you see I hear being on the varsity football team has it's uhh-" I lean back and glance at the cheerleaders, "Perks."

"Ohhh!" They laugh and raise their fists, I happily enlighten them with my own. Our knuckles meeting with a sense of accomplishment I was starting to understand.

There were different types of accomplishments, a few being academic accomplishments, sports and then there was guy accomplishments. Each coming with their own reward. Hehe.

Heph raises an eyebrow at me, I shrug and whisper quietly so that only he can hear, "I know how to speak their language, don't worry I'm not turning into a jackass."

He laughs, "Clever."

I wink and return to laughing along with whatever dumb joke that probably had sexual innuendo at the end of it the jocks tended to make.

"So you coming to the party tonight?" Ares asks out of the blue.

I chuckle sheepishly, how was I supposed to tell them I was going to another party?

"Nah man, I heard he was already going to that other girls party with Heph here." Dionysus rolls his eyes, "What's her name?"

"Uhh Annabeth." I reply.

Dionysus nods, "That's the one, Annabelle."

I frown, "No-"

"Oh that nerd girl! She's kinda hot, in a smart kind of way. Tell me-" Ares smirks, "Does she put out? If she does she's welcome at our party."

I narrow my eyes sightly, "Uhh I don't know. Even so, she's with Luke."

A look of realisation dawns on Ares's face, "Oh yeah, she's Luke's girl. She was that girl he was going at it with at the back of his car the other day remember? After school?"

My eyes widen, I say nothing but am thoroughly surprised at Annabeth. She usually never moved so quickly.

"Oh yeah!" Damien makes a slurping sound, "Great ass on that girl. Too uptight for my taste though."

"I'm sure Luke'll loosen her up for us ey?" Ares nudges me, I send him a glare.

"She's not that type of girl."

They make a mocking 'Oooh' sound, "Isn't she now?" Ares bellows, "Funny, just the other day I was at his house and they were at 2nd base on his bed when I walked in."

I didn't know how to respond to that without sounding like a nerd.

Ares pats my back as the guys laugh, "Don't worry bud, all girls have a slutty side, just takes the right guy to unlock it." He wiggles his brow.

I fake chuckle, "Yeah."

Heph taps my shoulder and gestures for me to follow him, I nearly breathe a sigh of relief as he makes up some lame excuse for us to leave. They seem to buy it and continue with their disgusting conversation I didn't wanna be a part of.

"Thanks man. What the hell is wrong with them?"

"You get used to it." Heph shrugs.

"Do you?"