Disclaimer: I do not Percy Jackson. duh
A/N: I apologize for any mistakes, I'll go back and edit later but I don't have the energy right now.
The couples casually strolled around the corner, into the arcade. Annabeth herself had never been a fan of video games but vintage arcade games were her exception. She had become deeply interested in the history of the machines after attending a museum exhibit on the history of arcade games.
Annabeth felt Percy's arm wrap loosely around her abdomen, warming her body. She bit her lip in concentration, swerving around the colorful ghosts of Ms. Pacman. She felt Percy's hot breath on her neck and suppressed the butterflies soaring through her stomach, trying to stay attentive to the game.
"Get off," Annabeth wiggled her body enough that he'd be bothered but not enough that it would compromise her playing abilities.
"Grumpy," Percy grumbled playfully into her ear. His lips were inches from her neck, hovering over the golden skin when the clearing of Piper's throat interrupted him.
"Don't," she advised, eyeing his position, "I'll go."
"No," Annabeth protested, her eyes glued to the screen, "if you want to leave you must first admit defeat,"
"Defeat?" Piper repeated back incredulously and Percy maneuvered himself into a more practical place, standing to Annabeth's left instead of behind her.
"Yes," Annabeth nodded, taking her eyes off the game for half a second just in case it was a ploy by Piper to distract her from winning, "defeated at the hands of the great Annabeth Chase."
"This," Piper spoke to Percy, crossing her arms across her chest and nodding towards Annabeth, "is Annabeth's little competition goblin."
"Hm," Percy commented, his eyes shifting to his girlfriend who was furiously working the joystick in a manner that was a tad arousing.
"I've been forced to put up with this goblin for years but now it's your turn," Piper's mischievous smile made Percy worry competitive Annabeth wasn't as cute as she looked.
"Don't be dramatic," Annabeth complained, "just admit defeat."
"Fine," Piper laughed, her eyes scanning the surrounding space for Jason, "I lost and you won." She smiled warmly, blushing involuntarily when she caught his icy eyes across the room, "happy now?"
"Very," replied Annabeth, easily letting go of the arcade game. Her attention elsewhere as the ghosts rapidly caught up with Ms. Pacman, she was enjoying the sweet bliss of winning.
"Be careful," Piper called over her shoulder as she began to weave through the hoards of children, "she's ruthless." Percy leveled an amused look at Annabeth to which she replied by rolling her eyes and taking his large hand in hers, tugging him towards the old Galaga game.
"Play me?" she asked, her expression remained innocent but her eyes gleamed dangerously.
"Sure," Percy nodded, excited to see Annabeth's 'goblin' surface, "ladies first," he nudged her shoulder in the direction of the game.
"No, thanks," Annabeth nudged him back, her tone lazy but Percy knew it was an act. She was much too preoccupied with winning, "you'll need the advantage."
"Some might argue-" Percy began to protest, stepping forward nonetheless.
"Just play," Annabeth cut him off, eagerly pushing a golden token into the coin slot and hitting the one player setting.
"Why-" Percy argued, one hand gripping the joystick and the other pressing frantically at the buttons with his fingers.
"It's easier," she brushed him off, the adrenaline of the match kicking in. She watched as his nimble fingers expertly pressed the buttons, continuingly shifting the joystick to maximize efficiency. Annabeth furrowed her brow, Percy was clearly more experienced than she had previously assumed. She bit her lip, considering the thought of losing. She couldn't bear it.
As Percy easily moved up levels Annabeth worry increased exponentially and she realized she had to do something, anything. She lifted onto her tiptoes and, holding onto Percy's shoulders in order to remain steady, began to sucking along his neck. Annabeth heard him groan and jerk slightly, involuntarily rolling her head to the side to give her better access. She smiled smugly, feeling immensely satisfied with her affect on him and on his game.
"Annabeth," Percy said softly, "you can't preach no kissing on the first date and then cover my neck in hickies." She let her lips slip off his neck, observing the distractions impact on the competition. He primarily regained control but was clearly otherwise preoccupied, his attention on her.
"Why not?" She whispered, nipping at his ear. Annabeth velvet tongue skimmed across his sensitive skin, finding his pulse point and sucking it with the assurance that her actions would leave a mark.
"Annabeth," Percy groaned. It was almost impossible not to lose herself completely in his voice. Out of the corner of her eyes she saw his hold on the controls loosen as she dragged her fingers down his sides, scratching lightly at his abs through his t-shirt, brushing dangerously near his crotch.
"Do you want me?" she asked, tempting him with a flick of her tongue under his jaw.
"Yes," he exhaled sharply through his nose, his hands leaving the game completely as he turned towards her. He moved to sweep her against his body but she stopped him.
"Concede," Annabeth required simply, "agree that I won and you lost."
"What?" Percy stepped backwards, his eyes widening as he took in Annabeth's resolute smile and realized his mistake. He spun around on his heels, grasping frantically for the controls in an effort to save his game but it was too last, he'd already lost.
"Step aside Percy," Annabeth instructed, pushing him aside to put her own token into the machine.
"Annabeth," Percy protested, "that's cheating."
"No," she disagreed, a brow raised to indicate such, "I only used your weakness to my advantage."
"So you're basically William Zabka," Percy crossed his arms across his chest in discord.
"Who?" Annabeth asked as she took the controls in her hands, beginning the game.
"William Zabka," Percy repeated. Annabeth was silent, "from Karate Kid," he clarified for her, the incredulity clear through his tone.
"Oh," Annabeth answered simply, her attention now on the game before her.
"Annabeth," he groaned, wrapping his arms around her torso, mimicking her prior position, "you shouldn't have gotten me so worked up." He stressed his point by pressing his half hard member into her. A wave of heat rushed through her lower abdomen and she tightened her thighs at the feeling. No, her rational side shouted, do not give into your temptation.
"Percy," Annabeth whined, her eyes fluttering as his lips attached themselves to her neck, sucking lovely bruises along the sensitive skin, "I'm trying to focus on the game"
"Focus on me instead," Percy husked into her ear, rubbing himself into her lower back, grazing her ass.
"Percy," Annabeth gasped as his neck curved around hers, roughly attacking her collarbone with his plush lips. She was suddenly very aware that they were surrounded by dozens of screaming children, "no kissing." She managed as she struggled to keep her eyes from rolling back into her head.
"Ann-" Percy began but was abruptly cut off by the sound of one of Annabeth ships blowing up in the game.
"Percy," Annabeth hissed, "you made me lose one of my lives!" Her hands went back to the controls, securing them in a vice grip.
"Wasn't it worth it?" Percy asked, his body still pulled flush against hers.
"No," Annabeth tried to say resolutely but even she could hear the hesitation in her voice.
"C'mon," he whispered, his voice more intoxicating than any liquor, "let the the other kids have a turn," Annabeth let out a mewl that was meant to be in protest but sounded far from it, "I can think of a better way to spend our time."
"But-" Annabeth uttered, losing control of her body. Her fingers clawed halfheartedly at the machine in front of her. Winning brought her a rush of euphoria but then again so did Percy. Annabeth bit the side of her cheek, considering her options. She sighed, unsure how Percy had discovered her weakness.
Annabeth let out one last huff of resignation before she spun around to meet Percy's soft lips. In doing so she let her hair whip him in the face, effectively blinding him for a second. Annabeth laughed at his dazed expression and, after stringing her arms around his neck, backed up into the game, using it as support.
Percy broke out of his hair induced stupor and easily realized what she was doing. He followed her movements with his own, a brilliant grin dancing across his lips. Percy's lips ghosted over hers, keeping a razor thin distance between them. He lowered his hands to her waist, lifting her up so she was perched across the arcade machine.
Annabeth could feel the joystick jabbing into her lower back but it was swiftly pushed to the back of her mind as Percy's lips skirted around hers, pecking splendidly at her jaw. Annabeth giggled softly as his calloused hands pressed gently into her upper thighs, making her ache all over.
"Percy," Annabeth murmured breathlessly, beckoning his lips back to hers. He slowly made his way up, retracing the path of fire he'd initially left. Annabeth tangled her hands in his dark hair, knocking her baseball cap off his head.
Percy smiled, his eyes glittering in the dark light of the arcade, making her heart go wild. He wavered his lips over hers heightening the electricity she swore she could heard buzzing between them. He bent down to brush his lips lightly against her when they were suddenly thrown apart by a booming notification.
"That is really not appropriate," the shrill voice caused Annabeth to roughly shove Percy back. His eyes were wide, his hair looking incredibly tousled as he stared at the tall woman who was loomed over them wearing a expectant glare.
"Excuse me?" Percy tone was entirely unpleasant as he addressed the woman.
"Are you-" The brown haired lady narrowed her eyes in apparent disbelief.
"Sorry," Annabeth quickly stepped in front of him, successfully averting the woman's attention from a very Percy looking Percy, "it won't happen again."
"It better not," the woman replied with an accusatory glance at Percy who was bending down to gather the blue baseball cap, "the kids here are much too young to witness your hormonal indiscretions.
Annabeth could sense Percy's disregard for authority bubbling behind her and promptly responded with an apologetic nod, "Absolutely."
The woman slowly walked into the mess of children and, though she was significantly taller, disappeared from sight.
"You should be more careful," Annabeth chided Percy without turning around to face him, "she could have recognized you."
"I'm not the one who bumped it off," he muttered under his breath. Annabeth hadn't actually heard what he said, just a brief whisper but turned around anyway to confront him with a critical glare.
"Wha-"
"Hey," Piper's tall figure came into view, Jason following closely behind, "are you guys ready to go?" she asked, a complete disregard to whatever she'd interrupted
Annabeth glanced at Percy, "I think so." She replied easily, taking his hand in hers to assure him she wasn't actually angry.
"Where to?" questioned Percy, hiding slightly behind Annabeth, thinking disgusting thoughts until a certain something died down.
"Piper and I had planned to walk down the strand," Jason informed, "you two are free to join us."
"Why not?" Annabeth responded with a carefree shrug. Without waiting for the other couple Annabeth flew out the front door of the arcade, dragging a pleasantly surprised Percy behind her.
"You're awfully excited," Percy laughed once they were outside, pulling her against his chest and into a warm hug. She immediately accepted the gesture, relishing in his comforting smell; like the ocean she thought.
"I'm always excited around you," Annabeth's murmur waswas muffled by his body. Percy smiled broader, feeling strangely at peace even in the middle of a busy street. They stayed there, in relaxed silence, her head neatly tucked into his chest and his chin perfectly resting on her head, waiting for her friends to meet them.
"C'mon weirdos," Annabeth peeled herself from Percy at Piper's call. She gave her friend a quick wave to indicate they would be close behind, her eyes squinting against the sun on the horizon. Percy didn't say anything, simply held out his hand.
Annabeth took it, threading her fingers through his. Together they strolled leisurely down the sidewalk, enjoying each other's presence without words.
The rest of the afternoon consisted of just that, the two of them nudging each other affectionately, whispering dangerous desires into the other's ears. Occasionally Piper would notice a cute shop and beg them to enter. Jason would send them an apologetic smile which they easily dismissed when they were dragged into store after store. Annabeth liked to act annoyed at the incessant shopping but she really didn't mind. She knew Percy would keep her entertained no matter what they did.
Unfortunately, due to the stupid no-kiss-on-the-first-date rule she had so vigorously enforced, her favorite form of entrainment was no longer a viable option. As much as Annabeth wished to roughly pull Percy's lips to hers, molding their bodies into one, she also refused to go back on her word… no matter how badly she wanted to.
Luckily for her, Percy was quite skilled in distracting her from her desires. He would point out random objects in the shop and make jokes about them, silly jokes that Annabeth was ashamed to had somehow elicited her laughter Once in a while Annabeth would lead Percy into a brief history of snowglobes, surfboards, agates, or whatever had peaked her interest. He would smile to himself but indulge her in the educated discussion.
The sun had just crossed the horizon but it's rays were still dancing in the clouds when Piper excitedly pointed towards a tattoo parlor. Annabeth and Percy shared a weary glanced before leveling one at Jason. To their surprise he looked just as excited as his girlfriend. They watched mystified as he leaned down, whispering feverishly in Piper's ear, both their eyes lit with glee.
"Okay," they both said in unison, turning to face Percy and Annabeth.
"Guys," Annabeth laughed nervously, "you're being really weird right now."
"No, we're not," Piper protested with a pout. Jason ignored the assertion and began to explain their joint attitude.
"Piper and I have been thinking for a while now that it might be cool to get a tattoo," the words spilled out of his mouth at 100 miles a minute, "a joint one, together, kind of professing our love."
"Awesome," Percy voiced.
"That's stupid," Annabeth said at the same time. They both looked at each other, evaluating their contrary statements but Jason wasn't done.
"And we thought it might be cool for you guys to come with us," the blonde boy suggested, "maybe get one yourselves."
"What?" Percy and Annabeth once again spoke together and, though their language matched, their demeanors were entirely conflicting.
"You two should get a tattoo!" Piper exclaimed from next to Jason, her face warped by a smile that reached the ends of her jaw. Annabeth was silent with disbelief, she couldn't believe they were suggesting something so outrageous.
"Do you want to?" Percy asked, keeping his voice low so her friends would hear.
"Are you kidding?" Annabeth hissed, her head whipping around to face him.
"No," his expression remained enthusiastic but there was now a sliver of hurt in the curve of his lips.
"Percy," Annabeth laughed humorlessly, "we're not getting tattoos."
"Why not?" he questioned, smiling like he was honestly unable to detect any issue with the request.
"Because I don't want to have your name branded on my body like cattle," Annabeth snapped, having difficulty controlling her volume as the subject bordered on something she had no desire to discuss.
"It's not like that," Percy whispered softly, taking her small hands in his and raising his voice to address Jason and Piper, "we'll come in with you guys," he communicated, "no guarantees though."
"Fine," Annabeth huffed even though she had no choice and ripped her hand out of Percy, striding towards the doors of the dark tattoo parlor and swinging them open. Piper and Jason cheerily followed, somehow not phased by the hostility of the prior encounter.
Annabeth's friends were fine but Percy couldn't stop the groan that he vented when he saw them eskimo kiss as they spoke to the attendant. He plopped down on a nearby bench, next to Annabeth who was wearing a irritated look.
"Why don't you want to get a tattoo?" Percy inquired quietly, not turning to look at her scowl, instead opting to watch the disgustingly adorable couple pick out several designs.
"I don't want to be owned Percy," she spit, "you would own me."
"I wouldn't own you," Percy scoffed, "and your name would be on me too."
"Why can't you just respect my decision?" Annabeth asked sharply, crossing her arms across her chest.
"I do respect it," Percy replied, folding his hands into his lap, "I'm simply wondering your reasoning behind it."
"I don't want a tattoo," Annabeth snapped, "is that not a good enough reason for you?" Percy let his head fall to his knees, carding through his messy hair with his fingers.
"It would be," he mumbled under his breath, " if it were the truth."
"Percy," Annabeth snarled, having heard a string of s' leave his lips, "if you have something to say then say it."
"It doesn't sound like the truth," he muttered enthusiastically, his head still in his hands.
"What?" Annabeth barked.
"I don't believe you," Percy picked up his head and yelled. A dozen heads snapped towards them, Percy's loud voice easily catching the attention of the entire room.
"Don't cause a scene." Annabeth seethed through the gritted teeth of her stiff smile.
"I'm not." Percy replied with a much more believable expression of cheer.
"Good," she hissed as their friends returned to them, a tattoo artist following closely behind.
"Look," Piper said excitedly, thrusting forward a piece of paper, oblivious to the couple's roe.
"Mh," Annabeth hummed and her eyes focused on the drawing. It appeared to be a few black specks that upon further investigation formed a constellation.
"It's a constellation," Piper quickly explained, "because Jason and I fell in love while watching the stars." She gazed up at her boyfriend as she spoke, her eyes dazzling with a dozen alternating colors.
"That's sweet," Percy replied convincingly, though Annabeth suspected a sour undertone to his comment.
"We know," Piper said smugly, tilting her head up to plant a mushy kiss on her boyfriend's lips.
"Are you guys going to get anything?" Jason asked, pulling himself away from Piper after a minute of Percy and Annabeth awkwardly watching them make out. Annabeth opened her mouth to speak but Percy beat her to it.
"No," he said simply, "maybe another time." Annabeth saw her friends bright smiles and bit back an unkind remark. Piper cast her eyes towards her friend and Annabeth nodded in response, assuring her everything was okay even if it wasn't.
"I'm going to take these two into the back room," the large tattoo artist standing behind Jason and Piper informed in a low voice, "you guys can wait out here."
Percy and Annabeth both nodded sweetly, sending optimistic smiles as the perfect couple was led away. The minute they were out of sight Annabeth's grin fell, revealing a tight straight line pressing into her lips. Percy on the other hand continued smiling easily, leaning back lazily against the leather bench on which they were seated.
"Do you want to talk about it?" Percy questioned in a gentle whisper, an attempt to soothe the fire he gathered still smoldered within Annabeth.
"No," she said, her voice perfectly even, her eyes straight forward.
"Okay," Percy agreed, expecting to address the issue later when she would hopefully be acting a bit more rationally. Meanwhile he inched his fingers over to where hers were anxiously tapping at her thigh. She froze when they met hers and threw him a sideways glance. He returned the gaze with a shy smile, tightening his grasp around her small fingers.
Percy saw her swallowed roughly, pushing past a lump in her throat and felt her fit her hand into his, holding it just as tightly. He took advantage of her vulnerable position and used her hand to yank her arm towards him. Annabeth let out a squeal of protest that was almost immediately muffled by Percy's hug.
"Percy," Annabeth grumbled, "what are you doing?"
"Loving you," he laughed. Annabeth felt her heart simultaneously freeze and soar at his words. Her body felt lips as his laugh reverberated through his solid chest. She felt her throat go dry and licked her lips as if that would somehow solve her speechless state.
"You two should really get a tattoo," a strangely baritone yet female voice came from behind Annabeth's shoulders. Due to the constricting hug she was unable to see the figure and as a result of her stun was still unfit to respond.
"We're decided we'll do it another time," Percy laughed, hugging Annabeth even tighter, not bothered by her lack of response.
"But you two are so obviously in love," the woman reasoned, "why not do it now." Percy didn't reply but Annabeth felt him shake his head lightly.
"Percy," Annabeth managed, putting air between them with unsteady hands.
"What's wrong?" he sang down to her and though his tone didn't show concern the furrow of his brows indicated worry.
"I'm going… home," Annabeth decided, struggling with every word.
"What?" Percy put his hands on her shoulders, pushing her away to clearly meet her eyes.
"I'm gonna go," she said very slowly, her heart thumping loudly in her chest.
"Okay," Percy agreed, thoroughly confused by her behavior, "I'll tell Piper and Jason."
"No," Annabeth shook her head hesitantly, biting her bottom lip, "it's fine. You can stay."
"Annabeth," the divot in Percy's forehead deepened, "are you kidding?"
"No," Annabeth uttered in barely more than a whisper.
"I'm coming with you," Percy stated as if there were no other alternative because it his mind there wasn't.
"Fine," Annabeth articulated, "I'll text Piper." Her hand dove into her pocket. She pulled it out and stared down at it intently, desperate to escape Percy's intense gaze.
Percy and I are leaving. I'll see you back at the hotel.
"Done?" Percy asked, a his hovering over the small of her back, wondering whether it was still appropriate to hold her while she was acting so oddly.
"Almost," Annabeth said, feeling his touch behind her and stepping forward away from it, her eyes glued to her cell phone, typing nonsense in a text to Thalia in order to appear busy. Percy strung his arm around her shoulder, pulling her closely to his body as they walked back to the car in silence.
Annabeth felt her heart throbbing painfully in her chest, the ache only heightened by her anxiety. Still, despite the knot twisting her stomach to shreds Percy's touch as strangely calming, comforting her very being. She closed her eyes and leaned into him, letting him guide her forward, enjoying the understanding silence he so easily provided her.
Percy hesitantly released her as they neared his old broken down looking car. Without a word they entered the vehicle on their respectives sides, Percy holding the door open for her as she climbed into the passenger seat.
"So," he said gently, starting the engine, "are you going to explain what just happened?"
Annabeth was deeply tempted to answer with a simple yet firm 'no' but knew he deserved an explanation and she should probably justify her impulse based actions.
"Yes," Annabeth nodded, keeping her eyes on her fingers as they began moving of their own accord, tapping fervently at the dashboard. She licked her lips before speaking, "this is all happening awfully fast."
"I know," Percy replied, shifting his hands around the steering wheel as he smoothly maneuvered them out of the parking lot.
"I'm 17 Percy," Annabeth uttered, "I shouldn't feel this strongly. I shouldn't feel a constant ache when you're away. I shouldn't be thinking about you 24/7. I have college, school, finances and now a new apartment to worry about. There a dozen more important tasks with which I should be concerning myself yet I can't manage to keep you off my mind."
"How could anything be more important than Percy Jackson?" he teased, trying to lighten the mood.
"Long distance relationships don't work," Annabeth continued, ignoring his joke, "someone is always more committed to the relationship. I've seen them time and time again, it always ends one of two ways: either someone cheats or the relationship fizzles."
"There are exceptions. What if-" Percy argued with her one way logic.l
"No," Annabeth affirmed, "there is no if Percy, only when."
"Terribly cynical," Percy mumbled under his breath, signaling to turn onto the main road back to the hotel, "but what does this have to do with getting a tattoo."
"Percy," Annabeth laughed humorlessly, "why would I get a tattoo of a two week old relationship?"
"Because we feel strongly," he shrugged, roughly bearing right, off into the gravel side stretch along the entry road.
"How can you expect me to commit to a tattoo when I can't even commit to our relationship?" Annabeth asked sourly, incredulity laced through her words. Percy pulled the car into park and turned to face her, eager to address the issue at hand.
"I didn't know you weren't committed to our relationship," Percy said coldly, his brows furrowed in apparent anger.
"It-" Annabeth stuttered, realizing the gravity of her claim, "it's not that I'm not committed but I- I'm scared to fully invest myself in a relationship that is bound to be difficult and trying. I'm scared Percy, it's the same issue from day one. I like to be logical but when I'm around you my emotions are thrown into overdrive and they suppress my rational side." Annabeth heard Percy chuckle lightly at her admission and snapped her head to his, her lips pressed into a thin line.
"Don't laugh at me," she flared, a desperate undertone barely audible.
"Annabeth," Percy reached forward, taking her cold cheeks in his warm hands, "I'm scared too. My growing feelings are daunting but I push past the fear nevertheless. I know what we have is worth the constant worry. Love isn't supposed to be all sunshine and rainbows, it's complicated, difficult, painful even but in the end it's worth it. Love is always worth it."
"But we're not in love," Annabeth whispered sadly, her eyes swirling with emotion.
"I love you," Percy gave her a shy smile, leaning forward to kiss her lips softly.
"I-" Annabeth felt his supple lips brush against hers but, for the first time, she found something to distract her from his touch; his words. I love you. He'd said it. The four letter word that was always taken from her. The four letter word that made her mom leave. The four letter word that Luke had uttered to her before taking her virginity. The four letter word that had only caused her pain.
Percy seemed to sense her distress as he pulled back before pressing his mouth to hers.
Annabeth could feel her heart beating out of her chest. She could feel the blood rushing through her head, pooling at her ears as she became lightheaded.
"I'm gonna go," she managed, blinking past a dizzy daze.
"Annabeth," Percy frowned. He wore worry so adorably Annabeth was almost tempted to stay… almost, "are you okay?"
"I'm fine," Annabeth answered, her voice an octave higher than the usual. Her hand feeling beside her for the door handle and pushing it open.
"Annabeth," Percy called out as she stumbled out of the automobile. He quickly exited the car and came to her rescue but she slapped his hand away.
"Don't follow me," she instructed, her voice more firm than she expected, "I need some time to… think."
"Anna-"
"Don't" Annabeth leveled a glare Percy's way before walking off, trying to absorb both his words and her reaction. Percy leaned back against his car, watching as she descended into the darkness. She didn't turn back to look at him. He wasn't sure if he would have prepared she did. The pain and confusion were boldly advertised in his expression as she disappeared from sight.
Percy slowly got back in his car, letting his fingers curl around around the steering wheel while he considered her.
A/N: Kind of sad ending. I know Annabeth is behaving irrationally but she's just acting out of fear. Everything will be cleared up next chapter. Chapter 54 will be a nice happy smutty chapter.
P.S. I have my english, bio and math finals tomorrow so wish me luck bitches.
