I'm am so, so sorry for the long wait. I didn't know how to start this chapter and I kept deleting and restarting until I finally got it right. And even now, I don't think the chapter is all that good, nor is it interesting. Anyway, I'll try to revert back to my old updating schedule but I'm not sure. Thank you to those who reviewed! ATY reached its highest number of review in a chapter, at 31 reviews last chapter! I'm so happy! Thank you and keep it up! I love it! (:
And also, there is no proofread. you guys should be use to me saying this. I usually don't proofread and once I do go back, I find tons of mistakes but I'm too lazy to correct them. I hope there's not much errors!
Enjoy! And don't forget to review!
P.S.: I do not own PJO; Rick Riordan does. I only own my OC characters...which is currently two.
~C
-Annabeth-
Percy's piercing green orbs were fixated on my face. His lips were pulled down at the corners, as if frowning, and his chest heaved rapidly. A shudder raced down my spine and I pulled the damp towel more tightly around my shoulders. My shorts and shirt clung to my body and the winter winds chilling the room caused goosebumps to rise on my arms and legs.
My mouth was dry and my grey eyes were wide. Percy stared down at me, not saying anything. I swallowed and bit my inside of my lips. A million thoughts were racing through my head as my mind tried to frantically process what he'd said. Percy's brows dipped slightly as he waited for my response. "Uh, what?" I replied moronically.
A small smile slid onto Percy's face as his gaze swept over my face. "Nothing." He turned and motioned for me to follow. His toned back gleamed and my stomach rolled uncomfortably. "Annabeth, do you want to catch pneumonia?"
Clearing my throat, I flitted to his side, my heart thumping wildly in my chest. We walked through the door and let it closed shut behind us. His strides were purposeful as he quickly turned the corners and expertly emerged through the maze-like corridors. He didn't meet my gaze as the elevator doors squealed close and we descended to our floor.
The metal doors pulled apart and Percy stalked out. I blinked and watched his back as he disappeared around the corner. I squeezed my eyes shut and pushed myself off the elevator's wall, striding out.
I found our shared suite empty. The door at the end of the hall that led to the bathroom was closed and a light filtered out through the slit at the bottom. I dropped the towel and rubbed my eyes with my hands. I sat down on the edge of my bed and picked at my memory. I'd heard what he said - loud and clear. Yet I still couldn't believe it.
The chill from my damp clothes seeped into my skin, sending a chill that wracked through my body. Sliding off the bed, I stumbled over to the opened suitcase on the ground and pulled out a pair of gray sweatpants and a wool sweater. Flicking my eyes to the bathroom door and finding it still closed, I quickly peeled my wet clothes from my body and slipped into the ensembled I'd hastily picked out. Just as I pulled the sweater over my torso, I heard a low groan that resonated from my left.
Spinning on my heels, I turned to find Percy staring at me, pain and restraint evident in his eyes. I frowned and arched my brows quizzically. He exhaled and took a tentative step forward. My stomach churned and I swallowed when he stalked toward me, steps full of purpose. Percy's hands slid around my neck, pulling my head towards his. My heart thumped wildly in my chest as his head dipped downward. "Percy," I whispered, my breath fanning across his face. "What are you-"
My words were cut off as his lips descended upon mine. His lips were soft as they moved in concert with mine. Percy's hand disentangled themselves from my hair and settled on my cheeks, cupping my jaw and pulling my face closer to his. Our bodies were pressed together; his chest splayed across my sweatshirt. A low growl started in the back of his throat. My slender arms wrapped around his waist, his muscles bunching beneath my fingertips.
"Annabeth," He breathed when we parted. Our foreheads were pressed against each other and our lips shone wetly. He ran his thumb over my body lips, causing my body to shiver. Percy grinned, fully aware of his affect on me. "Are you sure you want to do this?"
"Oh, shut up and kiss me, Jackson." I demanded playfully.
"You're awfully bossy today, Ms. Chase." Percy teased, his lips brushing against mine. I scowled at him and untangled my arms from his body. When I began stalking toward the living room, he pulled me back, his arms securely clasped around my waist, his lips at my ears. His breath tickled my flesh and he grinned against my skin when I tried to pull away. "Do you want me to kiss you?"
I scoffed and pushed him away. "Not anymore."
"Well, isn't that too bad?" He responded, smirking deviously. My protests were silenced as his pressed his lips against mine, my annoyance dissipating as abruptly as it appeared.
...
-Percy-
Sighing loudly, I propped my elbow on the car door and glared out the foggy windshield. My fingers drummed against the steering wheel in a rhythmic pattern. Heat blasted from the vents, warming my face and thawing the cold the snow had imprinted within my skin. The windshield wipers squeaked across the glass, causing Annabeth and I to wince each time it completed its journey.
Flurries fell from the sky in earnest. A blanket of snow covered the hood of the car and if I looked out the window, the landscape would very much resembled Narnia. Clouds blocked out the light of the sun and harsh winds whipped across the sky, shaking branches and making them sway dangerously. I exhaled through my nose and squirmed in my seat.
We were supposed to meet with the contractor half an hour ago to survey the block of land reserved for the gallery but with the snow and the heavy traffic along the short stretch of highway, we were extremely late. I was getting impatient, made obvious by the tap-tap of my fingertips against the wheel.
"Percy," Annabeth said. "Relax. He'll understand."
Glancing sideways, I saw Annabeth tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ears and smiled up at me soothingly. Our relationship status was a bit confusing; I didn't know where I stood with her. After the kiss, or rather, multiple kisses, we had dinner, watched a movie and retired to bed. The night was normal and I found myself wanting more of those nights.
The first time I met Annabeth, I'd admit, she was cute but now, she was starting to become seriously beautiful. Her blond mane flowed to her shoulderblades and her grey eyes were intelligent yet teasing. Her lips, coated with gloss, sparkled enticingly. Turning her head, she found me looking at her. "What?" She asked, a small smile flittered onto her face.
I shook my head, my lips curling upward. "It's nothing."
Annabeth arched a slender eyebrow at me but let the matter drop. "What time did you say we have to be there?"
"Ten."
"What time is it now?"
"Almost eleven." I replied, frowning at the numbers glowing on the dashboard.
Annabeth nodded. She motioned her head at the windshield and my eyes flickered toward it. The long line of cars were slowly moving down the road. Groaning loudly, I pressed on the gas lightly and the car inched forward. Outside, the winds howled and the snow picked up.
Annabeth reached forward and swiped her hand across the windshield, clearing up the fog that blurred the view. "The snow's getting worse. Maybe we should turn back."
I shook my head. "We're close. Won't take more than a few minutes."
She fell against the seat and gestured with her hands to the idled radio. "Well, at least turn on the radio."
"Wait, no." I said. Her hand paused midway to the on knob. I eyed the cars in front of me, reached into my front pocket, pulled out my iPod and tossed it to her. She caught it deftly and looked at me curiously. "Unless you want to listen to weird opera music, plug that in." I instructed. I chuckled when her face scrunched up.
"Where's the...?" She trailed off, referring to the cable that connected the iPod to the radio.
"Check the glove box." I said, moving the car another inch forward.
Annabeth pulled out the cable and connected the two devices. Setting the iPod precariously on her knee, she scrolled through it, her tongue peeking out from the corner of her mouth in concentration. "Any queue?"
"Doesn't matter." I replied absently, keeping my eyes trained on the traffic.
A few clicks before a soft melody resonated from the speakers. The music filled the space of the car and I frowned, trying to recall the name of the song. Annabeth stifled her laughter and I looked at her, a quizzical look on my face.
"Love story by Taylor Swift?" Annabeth asked, giggling despite her attempts not to. "Very masculine."
Realization dawned and a light blush dusted my cheeks. I grabbed the iPod off her limb and changed the song. "I was going through a phase!" I responded evasively.
Annabeth laughed and nodded, unconvinced. "Sure, you were."
"Just shut up." I commanded flatly.
"Aw," She cooed, patting my cheeks affectionately. "You're blushing!"
I pushed her hands away and scowled, causing another laugh to emit from her lips. The rows of cars rounded the bend and I followed in suit. Up ahead, the traffic started to disperse. I breathed a sigh of relief and hoped that the contractor wouldn't be to upset with us.
"Where are we going again?" Annabeth asked, changing the subject. I was glad; I didn't need her questioning my song selections. She glanced out the window and pursed her lips.
"Florence. The heart of Italy."
"Why there?"
"Tourism." I answered simply.
Annabeth nodded. "If your father depended on tourism, why not build the gallery in Verona? Isn't that a tourist hotspot or something? What with Juliet's balcony and all that."
I raised an eyebrow. "What's with the frown? And yeah, it is but Florence is a bigger city."
"Ah." Annabeth conceded. "And it's just, I don't find the tale Romeo and Juliet logical."
"It's a love story. It defies all logic. I mean, just look at Twilight." I snorted, shaking my head at my ridiculous comparison.
Annabeth rolled her eyes. "Twilight and Romeo and Juliet are not the same thing. I guess, it doesn't make much sense to me; the whole plot, that is."
I shrugged. "When you look at it like that, I guess it doesn't."
"Besides, I'm a realist. I don't believe in all that 'love at first sight' mumbo jumbo." Annabeth waved her hands dismissively.
"Hm." I responded thoughtfully. I opened my mouth to answer when the car in front of ours lolled forward. Annabeth turned her head to gaze out the window and I gripped the steering wheel more tightly in my hand. As we continued our journey towards Florence, conversations died down until the only noise that could be heard came from LifeHouse singing about broken hearts.
...
-Annabeth-
A short gasp escaped my lips when I felt something vibrate against the side of my legs. I bit my lips and cast my gaze sideways. Percy and the contractor - whose name is Andrew Hummel - were deep in conversation, their hands flailing in gesture. I caught Percy's gaze and motioned to my ear; he nodded and subtly shifted his head to the left. I nodded and he turned back to his intense discussion.
I jogged a few feet away from the two men, fished out my phone and flipped it open, a grimace set on my lips once I registered the name flashing across the screen. "Hi, Dad." I greeted.
"Annabeth!" My father replied enthusiastically though I detected a hint of weariness in his voice. "How are you, sweetheart?"
Smiling, I replied, "I'm great."
"That's good to hear." There was some mumbles in the background and I could just make out my mother's stern tone. Before I could ask him where they were and what they were doing, he said, "The hospital released Nico this morning. Your mother and I are with the paramedics as they're moving him into the home."
Instantly, my mood plummeted. "Oh, really? Is he okay? Are there any changes?"
"He's still the same. Nothing has gotten worse."
"But they haven't gotten better." I interjected sadly.
"Don't think of it that way." My father chided. "He will get better. Before he was discharge, they examined his vital signs and everything is stable."
I allowed myself a small sense of security. Nico's condition is the same; that's better than the alternative. "That's a relief." I responded honestly.
"Yes," He agreed. "Anyway, I just waned to update you; nothing's changed." My father's tone turned slightly more chipper when he asked, "So, how is Italy?"
Pondering my answer, my legs moved on their own accord around the perimeter of the land. It was wide and rectangular with a wide expanse of white. While the snow relented a bit, occasional flurries still fell. A light veil of white covered my hair and adhered themselves on my jacket, jeans, and boots. My socks were damp and my toes were numb. It was noon and an outline of the sun peeked out from behind the clouds.
"It's great!" I replied with a forced laugh. "The view is fantastic."
"And the construction project?"
"Not much is happening with that. The project won't officially start until the first, two weeks from now. So until then, Percy and I are just finalizing everything. We're actually with the contractor right now."
"Oh?" My father asked, surprised. "Am I interfering with your work?"
"No, no." I assured him. "It's fine."
"I can hang up and we can always talk later, if you'd like."
Turning my head ever so slightly, I saw Percy gazing at me intently. He arched an eyebrow and mouthed, Everything okay? I nodded in response and he tapped his wrist. "Actually, Dad, that's fine. I'll talk to you soon."
"Yeah? Okay. Good luck, Annabeth. Your mother and I loves you." Hesitating slightly, he added, "Nico loves you too."
I felt tears pricked at my eyelids and I swallowed, hard. "I love you too."
I snapped the phone shut just as Percy sprinted towards me. Concern highlighted his features. "Is everything okay?"
Nodding, I stuffed the phone back into my pockets. "Yeah. It's fine. That was just my dad."
Percy's brows furrowed. "Well, do you need a few more minutes to talk?" He gestured to my phone. "I'm just about done with Andrew. We can leave now and go get some lunch."
"That sounds good."
"Annabeth," Percy called as I started across the snow-ladened grounds. I turned and stared at him curiously. "Is your brother okay?"
Smiling wryly, I shrugged. "It depends on what you mean by 'okay.'"
...
"This looks really expensive." I commented. A small restaurant situated between two looming building with turrets and a flag flapping in the breeze. White covered the roofs and sidewalks. Pedestrians anxiously sped-walked down the streets, hurrying home to avoid the terrible weather conditions. Percy retracted the key from the ignition and we sat in the still and chilly car.
Flashing me a smile, he shook his head, "It's not that expensive."
"But you're not denying that it's not." I pointed out.
Percy rolled his eyes but nodded, conceding my point. "Let's go. My fingers are going to fall off if we stay in this car any longer."
"Fine," I said, pushing the door with my shoulder. It swung open and I climbed out, the bottom of my boots making imprints in the fresh snow. "But we're splitting the check."
"No, we're not."
"Yes." I insisted.
"No."
"Yes."
"Don't be so stubborn, Annabeth."
"Don't be so persistent, Jackson." I mocked, a ghost of a smile playing at the corners of my lips.
He narrowed his eyes. "I specifically remembered you giving me an ultimatum about acting like a gentleman the first time we met."
"Don't you dare use my argument against me." I warned. Percy held the door open for me and I breezed past him, flashing him a brilliant smile. A waiter appeared by my side, appraised me from head to toe then smiled slyly. I frowned and took a step closer to Percy.
Percy gestured to me and then at one of the tables, speaking in rapid Italian. My ears strained to catch his words and I recognized a few of them. With difficulty, I translated what he said: Table for two.
The waiter gave me another crooked smile, grabbed two menus and led us deeper into the restaurant. Tables were placed left and right. Customers ate, laughed, and chattered amongst one another. Waiters and waitresses carried trays of Italian delecacies. My mouth watered at the sight. I halted to a stop as the waiter placed the two menus down on the table and motioned for us to sit.
I lowered myself down and crossed my arms self-consciously.
"Qualcosa da bere?"
Confused, I turned to Percy.
"Anything to drink?" He translated easily. Percy perused his menu and belted out his drink order. "Annabeth, what do you want?"
"Uh," I scanned the menu and did an internal eye roll. Everything on the menu was in Italian, which I meant I understood about one-tenth of it. "Iced tea."
Percy expertly translated my order to Italian and the waiter scribbled it down. He asked Percy something and quickly retreated to the kitchen. Percy clasped his hands on top of the table and gaze languidly at me. "What?" I asked, catching his stare.
"When is Thalia coming?"
"In four - five? - days." I replied.
Percy opened his mouth to reply but the waiter returned, carrying a tray in his hand. Setting my iced tea in front of me, he grabbed Percy's drink, a pink concotion and placed it in front of Percy. With a flick of his hand, Percy dismissed the waiter, who left rather reluctantly. Nodding, he leaned back against his seat. I pitched forward and steadied my elbows on the table. "What were you and the contractor discussing?"
"The snow. They're going to have to clear it for the most part of December, January, and February. We can't construct on snowy grounds; it's not safe nor is it regulated."
"That's true." I nodded, impressed. "We can't have people slipping and sliding on the job."
Percy's laugh stilled mid-sentence. The legs of his chair scraped back as he stood up and fixated his gaze on the door. I twisted my body and turned my hair, the entrance coming in view. A young couple in their early twenties were striding inside. A small child rested in the woman's hand and the man smiled at her affectionately.
"What? What's wrong?" I asked Percy, confused.
Not answering my questions, he remained frozen, staring at the family with a haunted look in his eyes. The young man's gaze drifted over to our table, registered Percy, and motioned to his girlfriend. The woman glanced over and a small smile curved her lips. "Percy?" She called. Shifting her child so that she lies safely tucked in the cradle of her arms, she maneuvered her way through the bustling restaurant.
Her long brown hair was braided down her back and her eyes were a warm shade of brown; they reminded me of autumn. Her two chocolate orbs shone and her pink lips smiled in earnest now as she held out one and to embrace Percy.
"Hey, hands off my woman." The man joked as he walked over. Percy chuckled and released the girl. The two men clapped each other soundly on the back and they stepped back to appraise one another. "What are you doing back, Jackson?"
Smiling wryly, Percy said, "Work."
"Oh? With your dad's corporation?" The woman asked, gently bouncing her child as she stirred from her sleep.
"Unfortunately, yeah." Percy grinned and his gaze zeroed in on the little bundle wrapped in the woman's arm. "Whoa, you and Travis have been busy."
She blushed while her husband - Travis - threw an arm around her shoulder and winked suggestively. Pushing him away, she shook her head. "Pfft, whatever, Katie. You know you love me."
Katie rolled her eyes and kept quiet. I smiled at her and she returned my smile amicably. Turning to Percy, she stared pointedly at me. Realization struck and Percy hurriedly exchanged introductions. I raised my hand and hoped it resembled a wave.
"Is she...your girlfriend?" Katie asked, arching an eyebrow.
"She's the architect for the construction project my dad's had me supervise." Percy replied, neatly dodging Katie's question.
"How long are you guys here for?"
"Rougly about a year." I replied.
"Oh, that's tough. Good luck with him." Katie said, nudging her head Percy's general direction. Percy responded with an indignant hey and we laughed. The chimes that hung above the restaurant's door suddenly chimed. All our heads snapped toward the sound and we watched as a burly man in a ripped tank top, charred shorts, and a blue bandana wrapped around his head sauntered in.
"Travis, get Katie and Annabeth out of here." Percy commanded tonelessly, standing up. "Now, please."
Springing to his feet, Travis ushered us toward the back of the restaurant, slipped us slyly through the employee's entrance and out the back alley. A trash can was dumped to my left and pugnent ordor was spiraling from it. Travis surveyed our surroundings curiously and motioned for us to follow him to the parking lot. He unlocked his car and Katie slid inside. I planted my feet stubbornly outside the open car window and stared at him. "What the hell is going on?"
"Annabeth, get inside."
"No! Not until you tell me what's happening inside and why we had to leave Percy and why we had to leave so abruptly." I spat out.
"Get inside and I will tell you." Travis enunciated through clenched teeth, looking very much like Percy. I hesitated before climbing in next to Katie. Travis slammed the door shut and we were encased in silence.
"He came back at the wrong time." Katie murmured. Travis nodded in agreement and sighed.
"What?" I asked. "Who?"
"Do you know that Percy's best friend, Grover, died?" Travis asked slowly.
I gave a quick bob of my head. "He blames himself."
Travis nodded grimly and flicked his gaze to the entrance of the restaurant. Through the brightly lit windows, dark shadows could be seen. Two figures were locked in a fight while a circle was gathered loosely around them. A few people strayed through the front door and hurried through the snowy grounds to their vehicles. Remnants of their conversation flitted through the slit of the car's window. Of course, the words were spoken in Italian so Travis translated, his voice rising with every word.
Through the window, a plump man emerged from the employee's entrance and intercepted the fight. One of the customers held back Percy and pulled me to the side. I bit the inside of my mouth and watched the event unfold with wide eyes.
"I'll let Percy explain things to you." Travis finally said. "It's better if you hear it from him."
I nodded distractedly, never diverting my attention from the scene in front of me. I saw the man marched down the aisle parted for him by the other customers. Light spilled from the door as he exited.
"Duck!" Travis hissed as the man strutted past the car. Peeking upward through my eyelashes, I saw blood trickling from the corner of his mouth and his nose was crooked, as if it's been broken. The man disappeared from view and a few seconds later, a car started up and peeled out of the parking lot. "Okay," Travis announced, pushing himself erect. "You can get up now. Katie, isn't time to feed Holly?"
Katie nodded mutely, grabbed a bottle filled with white liquid from the bag at her feet, uncapped it, and placed the nub at her daughter's mouth. The child's lips parted and she drank deeply, making suctioning noises as she gulped.
My heart thudded in my chest as the door to the restaurant reopened. This time, Percy staggered through. I hurriedly climbed out of the car and raced over to his stumbling form. "Annabeth!" Travis called after me. I wrapped an arm around Percy's waist and supported his weight. He leaned heavily against my body as we walked to the his car parked beside Travis's.
"Oh, man." Travis commented. "You look like shit."
Percy smiled wryly. Blood dripped from his split lips and the skin around his left eye was purplish. I touched it gingerly and he winced. "Ouch." He murmured to me. "And thanks, man. That makes me feel so much better."
Travis chuckled at Percy's sarcasm and tapped his lips in thought. "You should treat that soon. What happened in there?"
Rolling his eyes with much difficultly, Percy answered, "Same as usual. Dave talking shit about my role in Grover's death and making a bunch of hollow threats. Don't forget threats."
His friend frowned. "You shouldn't have come back here. Not now."
"It's not like I had much of a choice, Travis." Percy replied, annoyed.
"But now that you're back, he's going to exact his revenge. Do you know how long he's been waiting for this moment? I don't think the threats are hollow this time. He means it, Percy."
"I can take care of myself." Percy stated firmly, his voice unwavering.
"I'm not worry about you. Not really." Travis jerked his head in my direction. "I'm talking about her."
I've been so absorbed in their conversation that I didn't realize the sudden topic change. My mind reeled and my palms were damp with sweat. How had an innocent spiraled so out of control? "Wait, what about me?"
Both men ignored me, much to my annoyance. "He saw her with you, or I'm thinking he did. And just being seen with you, even if there is no relation between the two of you, she's already in danger. He'll use her against you."
Percy was quiet. He met my gaze and I saw a hint of panic through the cracks of his calm facade. I blinked rapidly and swallowed against the bile rising up my throat. A bitter aftertaste lingered and I swallowed again, hoping my saliva would carry the taste with it. It didn't.
"Neither of you are safe."
