Chapter 24: Dancing Towards Trouble
Reviews Reply:
Dude 702: haha I actually never thought of that.. but afraid not, I haven't exactly planned where Luke stands in all of this yet to be honest, but hmm… now you got an idea sparking in my head! Haha well here's your name in replies awesome Dude 702!
LazyGemOfOlympus AKA GemOfOlympus: haha thanks! As much as Percy probably wants to kill Luke, I'm afraid that's going to have to wait XD cause I need Luke for something else, something you probably won't like that involves Annabeth :D
Guest: haha thanks! Hope you had fun at camp! I'm glad you like it and seem to think it's realistic XD But yeah summer essay sucks :D
Guest: haha so can I still have cookies? :D
Disclaimer: Since… I don't have Nico or Thalia here… they are busy attending a wedding as you can see… anyways… I don't own nothing… just a lonely sad life… sigh..
Percy's POV:
"GIVE IT UP FOR THE BRIDE AND THE GROOM! NOW PLEASE HEAD TO THE DANCE FLOOR FOR THE FIRST DANCE!" The announcer guy exclaimed in such a cheerful voice that I couldn't help but smile. Apparently Grover had picked Connor as the MC… whatever that stands for and Connor have been using that to his advantage to get a dates with the ladies.
I lounged back taking a sip out of my glass… nonalcoholic of course. I watched as Grover and Juniper headed out to the center of the dance floor. They were truly the perfect couple at the moment. Grover had his eyes on Juniper the whole time and Juniper was smiling like she was having the best night of her life… which considering it's her wedding night… so I guess it is.
By the time the song ended, I decided to be a gentleman and ask Rachel for a dance. "So Grover's already married…" Rachel began.
"Yeah," I chuckled lightly looking at the two passionate couple. "Grover's a lucky bastard. The first one out of us guys to get married, but then again he's probably the most suited one to get married." I grinned as we danced to the upbeat music.
"Do you think we'll ever be like that?" Rachel asked with a slight hesitation in her voice.
I don't know why… but I hesitated before answering, "We're getting there."
"If I hadn't been so… persistence in my work… we could've been like that a long time ago."
I smiled kindly down towards my girlfriend, "And risk you regretting for not taking that job?" I asked. "Come on Rachel, we're back together now, and it's all that counts." I assured her.
We danced around a bit more before Connor announced, "Now gentlemen, please pick a lady that you haven't danced with yet and take her to the dance floor. We're going to slow things down a bit. Come on down to the dance floors you unmarried folks! All of you sitting there like a loner come on down!" I couldn't help but grin as I saw Nico stood up, pretending to look bored but I could tell the guy was happy as he took Thalia's hand and dragged her to the dance floor.
We stopped dancing as Rachel turned around to come face to face with a random guy, probably one of Juniper's cousin. "Would you mind if I cut in?" He asked me.
We both nodded as Rachel walked off to dance with the other guy. I glanced over to see Annabeth sitting alone on one of the seat. I smiled slightly to myself before walking over, "Care for a dance?" I asked her.
She looked up before cracking a smile, "I would love too." She placed her palms on my outstretched hands and I helped her up, leading her towards the dance floor.
I noticed the music playing and grinned, "You're lucky, getting a dance from this handsome fellow." I grinned gesturing towards myself.
"Then why aren't you dancing with Rachel?" She asked
"Cause I've been dancing with her all night, and you were sitting there pretty lonely." I answered her.
"Well I'm glad you took such good notice of me." Annabeth smiled gratefully. "But to be honest… I haven't danced in a long time."
"No worries, Grover's been on my case about not screwing up the wedding with my horrible dancing," I laughed. "Just follow my lead."
I placed an arm around her waist as she casually rested her hands on my shoulder.
I set outon a narrow way,
many years ago
Hoping I would find true love along the broken road
But I got lost a time or two
Wiped my brow and kept pushing through
I couldn't see how every sign pointed straight to you
I looked down at Annabeth's golden curls, "I didn't mention it before, but you look beautiful today." I complimented her remembering how awestruck I was when she walked out.
Annabeth's grey eyes gleamed with happiness, "I'm glad, the tuxedo doesn't look that bad on you. Better than those suits you usually wear, thinking about it… you should start wearing tuxedo to work." Annabeth joked.
I chuckled lightly, "Like that'll happen." I laughed. "But I'm being honest, you look beautiful, but I much rather see you without make-up." I admitted, which was true actually… for some reason I prefer seeing Annabeth like normal. Sure she looks pretty all dressed up and everything, but I'd much rather see her in her usual cloth.
"I'm not sure whether that's a compliment or not." She admitted, letting out a laugh.
"Just take it as a compliment." I told her as I twirled her around.
Every long lost dream led me to where you are
Others who broke my heart, they were like northern stars
Pointing me on my way into your loving arms
This much I know is true
She came back towards me and grab onto my hand, "Grover looks happy with Juniper." Annabeth sighed in contentment. "I'm glad for him, she was all he could talk about whenever I borrowed some books."
"They really love each other," I said in awe.
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you
Yes he did
"I wish I could be like that." She said wistfully as I gave her a raised eyebrow. "You know… happily in love with her prince in shining armor."
"You dream about that too?" I asked obviously surprised, because honestly Annabeth does not seem like that kind of person.
"Every girl does Percy." She sways with me to the music. "Even me… I've never actually had anyone love me or truly love someone with all my heart before, so a little wish like that couldn't hurt." She admitted. "Probably the reason why I'm so attached to you, big brother." She joked half-heartily. "You're pretty much the first person besides Thalia to have cared for me so much."
I was taken back for a moment… then felt my heart drop in disappointment, remembering that we're just fake siblings.
I think about the years I spent, just passing through
I'd like to have the time I lost, and give it back to you
But you just smile and take my hand
You've been there, you understand
It's all part of a grander plan that is coming true
Annabeth suddenly rested her head on my shoulder… usually I'm not inclined to the close distant between me and another person, but oddly it felt rather comfortable. I remembered how she said her father have never displayed any kind of care to her, along with her stepmom.
Every long lost dream led me to where you are
Others who broke my heart, they were like northern stars
Pointing me on my way into your loving arms
This much I know is true
I felt sorry for her and the need to protect Annabeth from all those cruel things. Even if she might've lied to me about being my sibling, I knew I already forgiven her for that a long time ago. All this time I've spend with her, it's not just because I felt a responsibility to take care of her because I thought she was my half-sister. I knew now… that I actually do care for her. She may be a rather pain in a butt at times… but she's also a close friend to my heart.
As I look around I could see some other couple dancing towards the music, Travis have somehow manage to get Katie to slow dance with him. The other Stoll was off the stage and with a group of little kid acting like their ring leader, he picked up one after the other and played prince and princess with them. Around the darkest corner was the secret couple themselves… no surprise there… I could vaguely see the two dancing closely together with Thalia's arm around his neck and Nico's hands around her waist.
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you
By the time the song finished everyone quickly broke apart and I stood there awkwardly with Annabeth, who looked pretty relaxed at the moment.
"Now wasn't that a beautiful song everyone?" Connor asked as there was a chorus of 'yes' here and there. "How about we go to… THE BOUQUET THROW!"He exclaimed. Instantly my ears were filled with a lot of screams of girls and single ladies. "NOW MAY I ASK ALL THOSE SINGLE LADIES TOWARDS THE DANCE FLOOR! And if you may, Mrs. Juniper Underwood, make your way towards the stage!"
"I should leave you to these single ladies." I grinned at Annabeth.
"I think I'm good," Annabeth laughed.
"Not going to participate?" I asked her.
"This is not really my thing." She admitted.
"Oh come on, loosen up a bit, it's only for fun." I convinced her.
She sighed and managed a light smile, "Chances of me getting it…" She looked out at the aggressive ladies out on the dance floor. "Almost zero."
I laughed, pushing her towards all the ladies and made my way back to the seat to find Rachel already sitting there. "You're not going for the bouquet?" I asked my girlfriend with a smirk.
"I think I have all I need right here." She smiled gripping my hand and leaning onto me.
"Then I guess we shall sit back and relax." I leaned back on my chair and watched the scene unfold.
"Now ladies, I know we are all heart-seekers out there, but let's be clean okay? But for those who don't get the bouquet it's okay… because I should remind you… I'm single!" Connor grinned. "But I shall pass the microphone to my brother and he should do the count off for you ladies… don't get too excited… there's only one Stoll available, my brother have his eyes set on a certain Ms. Gardener." Connor laughed with glee as Travis pushed him off the stage, his face a bit red.
"Now then… Juniper… whenever you are ready! And let's give these ladies a chance should we?" Travis shot a charming grin towards someone in the audience whom I recognized as Katie Gardener. "THREE!" The crowd of ladies reached their hands up ready to catch the bouquet while Connor was finally off the stage and playing with the little kids. "TWO!" Juniper took a step back, holding the bouquet at bay. "ONE!" With that the bouquet went flying into the air.
But mid-air, a whole bunch of roses fell in the other direction towards. One crowd dived for the first half of the bouquet while the other hurried towards the other one. As the crowd cleared I was thoroughly shocked to see… Thalia and Nico holding together the first half, almost as if they didn't expect it… and the other half… I could feel eyes searching around for the second half. My eyes landed on a guy around my age… sprawled on the ground… looking at the bouquet like it's the worst thing in his life.
For a moment there was silence… except for the usual blast of music… then all hell broke loose as the crowd let out rings of laughter. "Ladies and gentlemen, I believe we have our two weddings for next year! Anything to say to the crowd Connor?" Travis smirked.
Connor peeled his eyes off the so-called scary rose, "I-I'm not a girl." Connor managed as the crowd burst into fits of laughter.
"Mr. Connor Stoll is no longer single! I believe he has a wedding to plan!" Travis said with glee as he noticed the pained look on his brother.
"I WILL MARRY PRINCE CONNOR!" A little girl no older than eight said happily.
"I think I'm going to hurl!" Connor said as he quickly made his way to the closest restroom.
I couldn't help but hold in my laughter, as I recalled how much Connor hated commitment to marriage and such… when Grover announced his wedding, Connor went out all his way to get Grover to reconsider.
Travis decided to go down towards the dance floor towards the two unlucky catchers, "Now may I ask for your name?" He walked towards Thalia and Nico.
"Save the act Travis." Nico said bluntly before helping Thalia up and acting like a helpful stranger. "Are you okay miss?"
"Swell…" Was Thalia answer as she stood up.
"So… now that you are all up… how about we get to know your name? MAKE SURE TO SEND US INVITES TO YOUR WEDDING NEXT YEAR!" Travis announced excitedly as he nudged Nico, who simply shrugged the older Stoll off.
I have to give it to Nico… he's rather good at acting, because the next thing I know, Nico was glaring at Travis who quickly backed away.
"So, Ms. Camera Woman… what do you feel about Nico?" Travis asked, probably already knowing that Nico is not going to go along with his little charade.
"He's a stranger." Thalia said bluntly before she quickly walked pass Nico as if he's just another stranger.
"Well… Umm…" Travis stood awkwardly holding the microphone. "Well… it looks like there's only going to be one wedding next year, and that's me, Travis Stoll, and Katie Gardener! That's all for now folks! Enjoy the rest of the wedding!"Travis said as quickly as possible before being chased down by an angry looking Katie.
~PAGEBREAK~
Spending the whole time drinking and eating was bound to make to go to the restroom for a while. I guess that's how I found myself exiting the restroom to find Luke leaning casually against the wall.
"So you were dancing with Annabeth…" Luke said cautiously.
I looked at him suspiciously for a bit before answering, "Yeah… what's wrong with that? I mean… err… she's my sister right?" I said uncertainly.
"Yeah…" Luke let that answer stretched for a bit. "Look… It'll be nice if you could stop interfering with Annabeth and I."
"Me?"
"Yes.. you… you're the big guy at the SeaShakers Inc. right?" Luke asked with a rather amused smug and of course I have a big urge to wipe it off his face.
"Yeah… why?" I asked trying to play the nice card.
"Ehh… no reason… just kind of explain how much of a pathetic fool you are." Luke said with a cocky grin that I was itching to punch.
I felt my anger flared up… then remembered that I was at a wedding, "Pathetic fool?" I said as calmly as possible. "I would like to know why you would think like that…" I gritted my teeth.
"You know…" Luke stood up straight. "Someone who hides before their father's company… using the 'I'm the boss's son' card to make everything go their way. You are an example of one. A spoiled brat who knows nothing about running a company… just because your daddy has money." He mocked me and shoved me with every word before pushing me back. "I suggest you don't influence Annabeth."
"What's that suppose to mean?"
"What I mean is… that you are being a bad influence on her." He said with a fake-sad expression. "Added to the fact that she was forced against her will to live with you… and you call that being a good brother to her?"
"You don't even know what happen… and what are you to be making Annabeth's decision?" I asked him trying to put down my anger. True, I forced Annabeth beforehand… but I still asked her permission afterwards.
"I'm her friend… and as her friend… I care about her. So I suggest you just stop butting into her life and stop putting a danger to it. I'm pretty sure we all know about your little runaway past… unless Annabeth didn't know…" He sighed as if knowing he had me in a trap.
Did I mention… I hated when people threaten me and bully me? Exactly how Luke is threatening me right now?
By that time… my anger was no longer contained. I hated when people say that I'm hiding behind my family's legacy or all that… I hated when people say that I'm something I'm not… and above all… I hate people who assume things about me. Honestly I didn't know what happened but by the next second… all I knew was Luke was down with a good sized bruise on his face. "I do not appreciate someone who assumes stuff when they don't know anything." I glared at him.
He stood up and punch me, pushing me back onto the table making a loud sound echoing through the hallway. "It's not assuming if it's true." He shot back with the usual smug look.
I knew whatever I was thinking of was probably not such a good idea… but I couldn't help it… I was so mad that I went at him like a crazy animal and punched his face senseless before finishing off with the 'hit on the groin' move. The cocky bastard doubled over in pain and looked behind me a rather satisfied grin on his face. I turned around realizing someone was standing there… the last person I want to see… Annabeth.
"Percy…?"
I was a bit shocked, out of all the time… Annabeth didn't see Luke provoking me… but she came in, right at the time I have my fist up… and a rather scary look in my eyes.
On the bright side, my tuxedo didn't get destroyed this time… if that makes me feel any better.
Annabeth's POV:
CRASH!
Everyone jumped in alarm and quickly went back to dancing and drinking as if nothing happened. "I'll go check to see what happened." I told Thalia who nodded as she looked around bored at the food.
I walked in just in time to see Percy kicked Luke in the groin. I knew the two of them didn't like each other… but… I don't think Percy… Percy… I didn't think he would do this. "Percy…?"
I look at Luke who was groaning in pain. "What happened?"
I looked at him, he looked downright pissed off, then he suddenly caught my eyes and all that anger melted. "A-Annabeth… it's not what it looks like." Percy tried to explain.
I heard Luke struggled to get up and hurried over to his side. "I was just talking to him…" Luke managed. "And then he suddenly went crazy."
Percy looked at Luke with a rather hateful expression, "Like hell that happened!"
"Oh yeah, then what happened?" Luke shot back.
"Maybe you were trying to piss me off!" Percy argued.
"Yeah lik-"
Percy looked ready to punch Luke again, but I got in between them. "Enough already! There's a wedding outside and if you even have decency of a human… then get out and say nothing about what happened."
The two guys send one last glare at one another before Luke finally broke off and walked out. I stared at the two… they weren't this hostile towards each other before… were they? I looked at Percy, with hurt evident in my eyes… couldn't he understand that Luke meant no harm to me.
"Annabeth," Percy repeated. "It's not what it looks like… Luke he provoked-"
"I've already heard enough, from what happened over a month ago… it's already in the past and no one ever meant for it to happen. I'm thankful that you care… but there's a line to everything, sadly you don't know where to stop…" I trailed off.
"I didn't just punch him out of nowhere!" Percy hissed. "You weren't there so you don't understand! You can't always defend that guy! He's a two-faced bastard!"
"I don't want to talk about this right now Percy…" I said trying to contain my anger. I don't get Percy, one moment he was all sweet and dancing with me and the next… I didn't get what was happening to Percy… he's not like this… he was never like this. Percy was… well Percy, calm, happy, caring, and best of all loving, but now… he seems like just the opposite.
"We're talking! You can't just assume things like that! He provoked me! If you would just-"
I cut him off, "It's Grover's wedding, your best friend Percy… "I reminded him. "We could always talk about this when we get home… but now is not the right moment."
Percy stopped immediately, guilt written all over his face. "I don't have to talk about anything…"" He said obviously angry, but seem to keep it in place for Grover's wedding. "But don't just start assuming all those things about Luke… I still think he's a jerk." Percy took a deep breath before he walked back out to the wedding again.
~PAGEBREAK~
"Thanks guys," Grover said as we helped him cleaned up everything a little bit so the waiters wouldn't be so tortured by the trash on the floor. The only people left now were the notorious Stoll brothers, Katie Gardener, Nico, Rachel, Thalia, Grover, Juniper, Percy, and a few other guest that offered to stay back to help with the clean up.
"It's okay Grover, I'm just happy for you and Juniper." I said glancing a bit over towards Percy who still seems to be rather pissed off still. Even if other people couldn't see it, I could clearly tell that he's still mad.
"Annabeth… I don't mean to pry… but-" Grover began looking slight nervous.
"But am I really his sister?" I finished for him.
"Yeah… I mean… obviously you were nervous on that subject… and I'm rather good at reading emotions…but it's not one hundred percent reliable… and-" Grover began to ramble on.
I picked up one of those streamers from the ground, "We're not…" I admitted quietly. "Even if we are… we're not going to be much longer." I mumbled silently noticing the mad expression on Percy's face.
"Maybe you should just tell him… Percy…" Grover paused looking at his friend, "He's been through a lot… probably more than you can ever imagine. I may have been his best buddy for a long time… but he still keeps some stuff to himself, if he thinks it'll hurt those that he cares and love. I can honestly tell that Percy cares for you… a lot, maybe telling him that you're not really his sister…" Grover trailed off as if he was afraid he had said too much. "I don't know why exactly you are pretending to be his sister… but I won't pry anymore… I know for sure it's not because of something with bad motive."
I thought about what Grover had said about coming clean to Percy… I have actually considered that thought so many time after I've realized how much he cared for me while in the hospital… but never actually put it to work. I patted Grover's shoulder, "You and Juniper and go and rest now, it's your wedding night… we'll clean up." I told him as I motioned Juniper over.
Grover sighed, "I don't know… I feel guilty just leaving this mess here…"
"Just go…" I told the both of them as Juniper walked over. She gave me a silent 'thank you' and the two happy couples walked hand-in-hand out of the door towards their new car and probably back to their new house.
After a while we finally finished with the cleaning, since the waiters claim they were able to clean up the rest themselves after thanking us so many times. Nico and Thalia hitched a ride with Percy, so luckily I don't have to face Percy's wrath yet.
I walked in towards Percy's car to find Thalia leaning against a boy, but for some reason as I got closer there was two person in there sitting quite a distance from each other. I quickly shook my head telling myself I must've imagined it.
I opened the front car door just in time to hear them exchange a conversation. "-just give me it."
"What are you guys doing?" I asked suspiciously.
The two looked at me and I recognized the guy as Nico Di Angelo, one of Percy's friend. "Oh… I just say that she had something stuck in her eyes..." He said lamely.
"Here's your napkin…" Thalia said uncertainly holding out a piece of napkin.
Nico laughed, "After you used it… no thanks miss." Instead however, he picked up Thalia's hand and gave her a pack of napkins. "If you need anymore… here's a couple extras. I'm Nico by the way if we haven't formally met," Nico said introducing himself to both Thalia and I.
"Thalia," She greeted back and the two exchanged handshakes in the car. Who shakes someone elses hand in the car and is it me… or Thalia seems a bit too friendly… usually she greet someone with some kind of sarcastic comment.
The three of us sat awkwardly in the car waiting for Percy to come into the car after his goodbyes to Rachel… maybe it was me that's awkward… I didn't bother turning back to greet anyone, instead just kept my eyes on Percy's shadow as he talked to Rachel. The two in the back didn't seem to mind that I didn't say anything…
"I'll umm… go get Percy." Nico said uncomfortably and quickly left the car towards Percy.
"What's up with you and kelp head?" Thalia suddenly asked.
"What? Is it that obvious?"
"Oh gee… one minute you're all dancing with him like high school sweethearts and the next you guys are exchanging nervous looks… I'd be a fool not to notice." Thalia mumbled sarcastically. "Did he tell you something?" Thalia asked looking rather scared and nervous.
I raised an eyebrow suspiciously, "What?"
Thalia waved it off, "Nothing… but it was a pretty nice wedding…" Thalia decided as she checked something on her phone.
"Yeah, I still have to thank you for taking Grover's wedding pictures."
"It's nothing," Thalia grinned. "But at least I got paid rather well…"
"But did you have a great time at the wedding?" I asked.
"Yeah… the food was actually pretty good."
I stared at Percy as he seem to got into a heated debate with Nico. "Yeah it was…" I averted my eyes back to Thalia. "So… did you meet anyone new? A guy maybe?" I smirked trying to get my mind off Percy.
"A-a guy?" Thalia stuttered, as I stared at her in shock. In all my life… I've never heart Thalia stuttered… not even once. Her phone suddenly beeped and she hurriedly picked it up.
"Oh… who might that be?" I asked teasingly.
"Just… my boss…" She said quickly typing in a reply. "But anyways…" She quickly closed her phone before I could peek a look. "What were we talking about?" She asked before instantly regretting it.
"A guy." I offered.
My friend quickly cleared her throat before continuing, "Nah… I'm not particularly interested in a love life at the moment Annie." She continued as I tried to restrain myself from killing her. "But… there are a few good-looking guys-"
"Good-looking guys?" Nico asked as his head poked into the car door.
"Not you… that's for sure." Thalia mumbled.
"Excuse you miss?" Nico asked surprised as if he was taken back by a complete stranger answering bluntly to him.
"You wear way to much black…" Thalia offered as I held down a laugh looking at Thalia's black dress.
"And you seem to rather must enjoy black…" Nico added noticing her dress.
"Your skin is too pale… and you're too… well just not good enough for me," Thalia continued with her insults.
"I would like to have you know-" Nico began before I interrupted him.
"Don't mind her… umm… she's always like that… especially to strangers." I tried to tell him before he accidentally unleashed the angry Thalia.
Percy finally got in, his face still set in a rather calm yet angry expression as he told me in a rather rude voice, "You drive." He told me. "I'm not driving." He said stubbornly.
I looked at him confused, "What?"
"I drank…" He mumbled before throwing the keys to me without another word.
I got settled into the driver seat, looking over at Percy's sulking figure as he stared out the window. I cleared my throat and fixed the rear mirrors. "So where to?"
"Drop me off at my house" Thalia told me.
"Nico?" I asked.
"Umm… the Starbucks near the freeway." Nico said uncertainly.
"The one near Thalia's house?" I asked Percy before forgetting I was pissed off at the guy.
Percy didn't seem to notice who asked it… because he answered in a rather monotone voice, "Yeah that one…"
"How far is it away from your house?" Nico asked Thalia.
"Just like a block or so." Thalia answered.
Percy sighed, as if he knows something we all didn't. "Just drop Nico off at Thalia's house and he could just go there himself or something." He mumbled again the window and stayed silent the entire car ride.
After we dropped both Nico and Thalia off, I started off the course towards the place we call home in silence.
How was this one? I know… you hate me again… you hate Luke even more than me… (or is it the other way around). Luke… complicated guy, trust me he's doing this to Percy deliberately for reasons that will be revealed later on :D'
So… CHALLENGE! WHOEVER CAN NAME THIS SONG (scroll up… the lyrics are in italics) GETS TO HAVE A DANCE WITH PERCY OR ANNABETH! Or would you prefer… Nico or Thalia? Maybe even Rachel…? Perhaps Luke with his charming looks? Travis? Connor maybe? Well your choice just name the song and name the person you want to dance with :D
REVIEW PLEASE! I LOVE REVIEWS AND READING THEM WHILE I'M EATING CHEESE!
Agent Astro Zombie