Indescribable
Hey guys, hope you enjoy this story!
Disclaimer: I don't own the characters or the music!
Percy's POV
"Hold on to me as we go,
As we roll down this unfamiliar road,
And although this wave is stringing us along,
Just know you're not alone,
'Cause I'm going to make this place your home," I smile down at the small crowd that had formed at the base of the cafe stage. They all start to sway as I continue to sing. My voice low, but clear.
"Settle down, it'll all be clear,
Don't pay no mind to the demons, They fill you with fear,
The trouble it might drag you down,
If you get lost, you can always be found,
Just know you're not alone,
'Cause I'm going to make this place your home," I step away from the microphone and smile as the crowd cheers. Their applause makes my heart swell. I look over my shoulder and smile at Annabeth.
When the crowds' applause lessens I step back up to the microphone and smile widely, "Thank you! We're going to take a quick break before I finish up for the night, please help yourselves to the best hot chocolate in all of New York," I once again step away from the microphone and proceed to step off the small stage and into the booth that is always left open for us.
Following my lead is my best friend, Annabeth Chase, and the person who plays with me on stage. "It would be nice if you'd tell me you were planning on adding another song to our setlist before we actually start playing," she glares at me briefly, then takes a sip of the water that we'd ordered before we started.
"Telling you my plans always takes the fun out of it! Besides I didn't decide to do another song until after I finished that last one," I glance at my watch and decide that we deserve at least a five-minute break.
Annabeth rolls her eyes at me, "I'd appreciate you telling me before you tell everyone else. What if I had to be somewhere else? Then they'd get stuck with your awful playing! Our reputation for being decent would be gone!" I watch silently as she continues to berate me on my split-second decision. If she doesn't slow down and breathe she's going to suffocate herself.
"My playing isn't that bad Wise Girl, I just have a hard time singing and playing at the same time! You know how I get into the moment."
"Yeah you get so lost in the lyrics you forget you have to keep playing the guitar," she says in a sarcastic tone.
"Well, it's a good thing you don't ever have plans!" Annabeth reaches over the booth table and slaps my arm. I laugh at her small pout. Her reactions are pretty predictable.
"So what song are we doing next anyway?"
"I was thinking about singing Unsteady," I say slowly. I know I said Annabeth's reactions were predictable, but I lied. They're only predictable when Annabeth's mad are feeling insulted. Her poker face is unmatched. If I ever had to bet my life on a game of poker, I'd make sure Annabeth was playing for me. Not only does she have a great poker face, but she's a genius.
"Are you trying to make everyone depressed or something?" She gives me a knowing look and I reach back to scratch my neck.
"I'm not trying to make them feel depressed, I just want them to feel the music ya know?" I shrug my shoulders and watch as Annabeth slowly stands up while nodding her head. She starts to walk back to the stage.
"Whatever, you do you, Seaweed Brain," she says over her shoulder.
"Have I told you today, that you're beautiful?" I call after her. She doesn't respond and I smile. I hope she heard me.
I stand up and walk back to the stage passing Annabeth as she sits on a small stool behind a keyboard that was always here at the cafe. I place myself back in front of the microphone and tap it to make sure it's on. When it responds I lean in closer and say, "This is our last song for the evening. We'll be covering the X Ambassadors song, 'Unsteady.' Enjoy."
"Hold,
Hold on,
Hold onto me,
'Cause I'm a little unsteady,
A little unsteady..." I repeat the words and slowly let loose the control I have over my voice. I let it waver with each word before I let the piano take over. When I start singing again my thoughts are non-existent.
"Mama come here,
Approach, appear,
Daddy, I'm alone,
'Cause this house doesn't feel like home,
If you love me, don't let go,
If you love me, don't let go," I repeat the beginning of the song with enough emotion to convince you I'd just been abandoned by my family.
"Mother, I know,
That you're tired of being alone,
Dad, I know you're tryin',
To fight when you feel like flyin'
But if you love me don't let go,
Woah, if you love me don't let go," I repeat the beginning 3 more times before I let the piano drown out my voice for the last time that evening.
I smile at the crowd as I try to regain my breath. I take a small bow and turn to Annabeth to indicate she should do the same. Once I get my breathing in control and no longer sound like a horse in labor, I return to the microphone, "Thank you all so much, enjoy the rest of your evenings, we're SBWG and we'll be back on Friday."
"What should I wear for my date with Rachel?" I ask, turning to Annabeth hoping she'll give me a straight answer for the first time in her life.
"Well, what are you guys doing on the date?" Annabeth responds noncommittally. She's laying on my bed drawing swirls on notebook paper.
"I'm taking her to get hot chocolate and ice cream," I say holding up a shirt to my chest. I look into the mirror and shake my head. Red is not my color.
"Jeans and a shirt that isn't five years old should work for you just fine," her swirls turn into what seems like meaningless words randomly placed on the paper.
I quickly snatch the pen from her hand, making Annabeth turn to glare at me. "Could you please act like you care, for five seconds?" I ask, returning her glare.
"I've never been a good actress and I don't think I'll ever care what you're wearing and if Rachel likes you then she can suck it up and learn to not care too," Annabeth makes a grab for the pen and misses.
"So you not caring about my clothes shows you care about me? That doesn't make any sense," I tease her with the pen, stretching my arm in and out of her reach as she tries to get it back.
Ignoring my comment completely, Annabeth asks, "Didn't your father ever advise you to not steal things from women?" I smirk as she grabs the pen but fails to take it away from me. She glares at me and her eyes wander my face before she looks back down at the pen with a pink tinge to her face. She looks cute.
"My step-father doesn't give me advice because he knows I'm a grown man. The only advice my real father gave me was, and I quote, 'Don't you worry child,' and to this day I stand by that advice. I won't worry, because I don't have a say in how life goes on anyway."
Expecting a sarcastic comment or even one of her famous death threats, I'm caught off guard when she yells, "Oh my gosh that's what this needs!" She successfully grabs the pen from my hand and starts writing furiously on the notebook paper. Curious, and a little scared, I lay down beside her and read while she writes. What I'd previously mistaken as random words turned out to be a very well-thought-out poem.
I continue to silently watch her write and am amazed when she starts jotting music cords down. Curious, I stand up and find my guitar. I tune it absently as I sit on the bed and try to find the beginning of the song among the unorganized lyrics and random doodles. Finally finding what I hope is the beginning I start to strum. Annabeth looks up like she's just barely noticed I've grabbed my guitar.
As I play the few cords she has written down she goes back to the beginning and changes a few. I start over and smile when I see Annabeth put the end of the pen in her mouth. She always berates me when I do that, calling me unsanitary, but instead of taking my chance to call her a hypocrite I try to brand this moment into my memory. My best friend writing a song with the back of a pen in her mouth as she tries to figure out the chords for the last line written on the paper.
She nudges my knee and somehow, knowing that she wants me to play the chords again, I start from the top.
I kick the metal railing of the bridge and grimace when I realize that kicking the railing and causing myself unnecessary pain was stupid. Annabeth snorts next to me.
"What's so funny? You're the reason I'm in this mess in the first place," I say as I nudge her shoulder - albeit ungently - with my own causing her to stumble to the side.
"First off, you forgetting your date with Rachel was totally your own fault, not mine. Second of all, the reason it's so funny is that you heard your phone go off multiple times before turning it off completely and inviting me to stay for dinner so we could continue working on the song I started," she laughs again.
"You don't have to look so smug about it. Now she thinks I asked her out as a prank, or she'll start a rumor that we're dating! The whole school is going to get wind of this. Do you not care about my reputation?" I throw my arms out exaggeratingly and lean on the bridge railing.
"You're already known as a loveable goofball to the whole school. It's not like a prank would worsen your reputation," Annabeth follows suit and leans on the railing. I watch as she exhales, making it look like she's smoking.
"You don't seem too worried about everyone thinking we're dating," I point out.
She smirks in a way that almost looks like a grimace, "They all think we're dating already so it doesn't matter." Shrugging she sidesteps so she's closer to me and I see a small shiver rack her body. I wrap my arm around her shoulders so she fits snuggly in my side.
"They better build a machine that can change the weather soon, because I'm sick of all this cold nonsense!" Annabeth grumbles as she folds her arms and squeezes them to her chest as the wind picks up.
"Maybe we'll ask someone to build us a weather machine when we rule the world," I say jokingly.
I jump when Annabeth suddenly reaches into her coat pocket and pulls out a worn-out piece of paper and a pen. She scribbles furiously and starts walking back in the direction of my apartment. I catch up to her and lean over her shoulder to see what she's writing. Instead of letting me see what she writes, she turns the paper at a different angle blocking any chances I had of seeing what she wrote.
I look at the paper again and see some swirls, "I've already seen the first verse of the song you're working on you know, " I say, still trying to see what she's writing.
"I changed it when I got home that night," She quickens her pace as the wind picks up, and having no choice but to follow, I fall in step with her and start the walk home. She writes most of the way and I stay silent at her side.
"Maybe we could finish it, if you let me look at it," I say, while we ride the elevator up to my floor.
"Start saying random words and maybe I can add something," Annabeth says, ignoring my comment.
I give her a look that she doesn't notice. I stare at her rosy nose and cheeks. She has no idea, just how cute she looks when she's cold.
"Cute, blue, cake, lake, cookies, chocolate, Neapolitan," I pause and pull out my apartment keys.
"Slow your roll, one of those might work," she sticks her tongue out and writes what I assume is a note on the side of her paper. I lean over her shoulder to hopefully get a glance at the words but am blocked by the frizzy mess she calls hair. I smell strawberries and turn my head down to find the source. My nose finds Annabeth's neck and she squirms away from me when I exhale.
She pulls away and gives me an odd look and I shrug. She smelt good, it's not my fault. I decide to tell her so, "You smell good!" She gives me another odd look, so I move on.
"You think you could have it done by Friday?" I ask as I wait for her to finish writing and join me inside my now unlocked and open apartment.
She stays quiet and I watch as her forehead wrinkles in concentration. She has a small scar on her jaw that I love to trace with my eyes. It makes me wonder why I've never traced it with my fingers, or my lips! It's totally kissable! Is it weird that I want to kiss her scar? Maybe a little, but since I'm not planning on kissing her, ever, I don't have to worry about it.
"Stop staring at me," Annabeth mumbles.
"If I stop staring will you finish the song by Friday?" I ask again.
"We'll see," she answers.
"You're something different Wise Girl," I say, as I head into the kitchen. I hear scribbling and laugh. She's a madwoman.
The next day at school is slow going. I try getting Rachel to talk to me so I can apologize, but she always walks past me with her chin held up in the air. Annabeth was right when she said my reputation wouldn't be ruined. My friends laughed it off when I told them I lost track of time and didn't have my phone on. They called me an idiot and asked if my "wife" knew I had a date with another woman. I told them Annabeth wasn't my wife and they all laughed saying they didn't specify that she was my wife. I blushed beet red and thanked the heavens when Annabeth joined us moments later and not seconds sooner.
"I think I have the song finished, but if we're going to play it tomorrow then we're going to have to practice it tonight," I nod my head excitedly and rub my hands together. My friends snicker and I ignore Annabeth's questioning gaze.
"Perfect timing as usual Annabeth," Leo says.
I turn to Leo and see that Annabeth does the same. Leo winks, obviously at Annabeth, and gestures to me.
"He was just talking about you."
Annabeth puts her hands on her hips and looks at me from the corner of her eyes, "Oh? And what was he saying?"
"He was just asking if it was considered rude to ask your wife for advice on dating other women," says Leo. My friends snicker and I stick my tongue out at them.
"Did you get hitched to someone after I left last night?" Annabeth's question is directed at me. I'm stuck between snickering at her innuendo of her leaving my place late last night and full out laughing at the thought of someone wanting to get hitched with me.
"I was going to ask you to be a witness, but thought better of getting in the way of your beauty sleep," I say with an exaggerated shrug.
"Like I need beauty sleep," she says as she teasingly flips her hair over her shoulder.
"I never said you did. You have enough beauty to never sleep again!" I wink, then obviously and dramatically look her up and down.
Annabeth punches my arm and our friends laugh. Why would I want Rachel when I have all of these guys? I'm still young!
"Thanks for joining us tonight! To wrap us up, we have a special surprise for you guys! Annabeth wrote an original and we're going to perform it right now!" I say into the microphone. The cafe is filled to the brim. What can I say? People love warm drinks and a free show in the dead of winter.
Annabeth starts playing on the piano and a beat we recorded the previous day, plays. I take a deep breath and start to sing.
"There was a time, I used to look into my father's eyes,
In a happy home, I was a king, I had a golden throne,
Those days are gone, now the memory's on the wall," My voice is low and the beat continues.
"I hear the songs, from the places where I was born," I take a deep breath and close my eyes.
"Upon a hill across the blue lake,
That's where I had my first heartbreak,
I still remember how it all changed,
My father said,
Don't you worry, don't you worry child,
See heavens got a plan for you,
Don't you worry, don't you worry now,
Yeah," The beat picks up and I leave the microphone and dance around the stage.
The crowd starts to get into it and jump up and down to the beat. They cheer and it brings a big smile to my face. I catch Annabeth's eyes and my smile widens. She's incredible. I wink at her and find my spot at the microphone again. I repeat the Don't you worry part and try not to wince when my voice cracks a little in the beginning.
"There was a time,
I met a girl of a different kind," I wink at the crowd.
"We ruled the world, I thought I'd never lose her out of sight,
We were so young, I think of her now and then,
I still hear the songs reminding me of a friend,
Upon a hill across a blue lake,
That's where I had my first heartbreak,
I still remember how it all chaaaanged,
My father said," I spin and find Annabeth's eyes. We open our mouths together and harmonize,
"Don't you worry, don't you worry child,
see heavens got a plan for you,
Don't you worry don't you worry now,
Yeah,
Ohhh,
Ohhh,
Ohhhhhh,
See heavens got a plan for you,
Don't you worry, don't you worry now,
Yeah!
Ohhh,
Ohhh,
Ohhh,
Ohhh,
Ohhh,
Ohhh,
Ohhhhh,
Yeah," We finish just as the beat fades. I suck in as much air as possible and the cheers finally reach my ears.
I vibrate on unsteady legs as I take in the rowdy crowd. It doesn't suit the small cafe very well, but it's incredible. I just sang Annabeth's song and it made people excited! I helped do that! I watch as Annabeth smiles happily at the crowd and waves at the excited people. I walk over to her and pull her out of her chair and to the front of the stage. I grab the microphone and wait for the cheers to lessen.
"That song is called Don't You Worry Child and it was written by the lovely lady on my left, Annabeth Chase!" I lift our still clasped hands into the air and give a small cheer to get the crowd going again. Annabeth bows to the crowd and snatches the microphone out of my other hand.
"Give another big cheer to Percy who inspired most of it and also sang it!" The crowd gives another cheer and I pull Annabeth into a hug.
"You're incredible," I say into her ear. She doesn't acknowledge my compliment and I won't repeat it. Instead, I take my time and brand this moment into my head.
"Thank you guys so much for listening, we do shows twice a week here at the cafe. Heading out, for now, SBWG! Have a great night!"
We leave the stage and head to our booth. It's not officially ours but people seem to recognize it as ours so I'm not going to complain. I sit down on the opposite side of Annabeth and wipe the sweat off my brow. It's the dead of winter outside but it's mid-summer up on that stage.
"You should just sing the whole song with me," I say as I pick up my glass of water.
"That would make it less special don't you think?" Annabeth asks.
"You're the most special thing on the planet! How could more of you make something less special?" I say with fake sarcasm. Annabeth raises an eyebrow at me and doesn't respond immediately. It was the truth. Annabeth is very special.
"If you keep throwing these compliments at me I'm going to start thinking you like me or something!" She laughs and I blush.
"I just want you to get a big enough head so you can float away!"
"Good save," she says as she juts her chin in the direction of the aisle and rolls her eyes. I scrunch my eyebrows in confusion and turn to face where she indicated. I immediately catch sight of two pretty brunettes and thank my lucky stars that I don't already know them.
"What's up?" I ask with a flirtatious smile.
The two girls both offer smiles and one of them leans forward on the table.
"We were wondering if you guys played anywhere else?" The one leaning forward asks.
"Nope, we only play here," Annabeth answers for me.
"You should play at the bar on fifth on Saturdays! They have open stage time that people can sign up for!" The one leaning on the table leans further down giving me a good view of her cleavage. I blush and look away. She's forward.
"We'd love to, but we're busy enough as it is," Annabeth says directing her response to the girl not showing me her cleavage. Annabeth slaps my arm like she's trying to tell me to get a grip on myself.
"And we're underage. We can't enter a bar," Annabeth says, rolling her eyes, looking annoyed. I can't tell if she's annoyed with me or the girls.
"We're friends with the owner. I'm sure he'd make an exception if he heard how talented you guys are," the other girl who's not showing her cleavage says.
"If he heard your voice I'm almost positive he'd make an exception," the cleavage girl says in a low voice.
I shift uncomfortably in my seat. I look at Annabeth for help, but she's not looking at me at all. She's looking over the girls' shoulders at something else!
"We might have to check it out then. If you'll excuse us, we have an early morning tomorrow," I move to stand up, but the cleavage girl blocks my path.
"Excuse me," I say again. She doesn't budge. She gives me an odd look and I give her one of my own. She's pretty, but I'm more of a red and blonde hair kind of guy.
"Percy!" I huff in annoyance as another female comes to our table. At least this one, I know, won't throw herself at me.
"Reyna, how are you?" I ask politely.
"I'm great! This is my cousin Damien," she grabs a guy by his shoulder and pulls him closer to the table. The two brunettes from before stay where they are and I start to feel closed in. What do all these people want?
"Nice to meet you," the boy says with a rich accent. Damien is tall dark and handsome. The definition of every girl's dream boyfriend. I sit up straighter and shake his offered hand. A strong handshake, dark hair, and an accent. Great, this guy will steal my thunder for sure!
"Percy Jackson," I say. Another slap to my shoulder and I turn to Annabeth.
"Stop abusing me, woman!" Annabeth rolls her eyes and gestures to the new arrivals. Oh, she doesn't know them. Great now I can't excuse myself.
"Reyna, Damien, this is my best friend and colleague Annabeth Chase," Reyna shakes her hand and Damien leans over and kisses her hand. Who is this guy and why is he acting like royalty?
"Annabeth, this is Reyna, she goes to Manhatten prep and is the Student Body President there. I don't really know him," I say gesturing to the boy.
"It's lovely to meet you both. Can I ask where your accent is from?" Annabeth asks with a smile, directed at Damien. Is she flirting with him? Two can play that game. I ignore Damiens's answer and return my attention to the ladies who were here previously.
"The bar on Fifth, right?" I ask, trying to restart our previous conversation.
"Yes, every Saturday. Take my number," she slides a piece of paper toward me, "and give me a call when you have a free Saturday and I'll get you in for the evening."
"I appreciate that. While I had plans, this evening, I think they won't work out anymore," I gesture to Annabeth and Damien, "so if you'll excuse me, I think I'll be heading out. I might start working on a setlist for when we head to Fifth."
I stand up and smile politely at the other girl who had only spoken once. She seemed a bit put out for some reason. She smiles back in a polite fashion and my attention returns to the other girl.
"Where are my manners? I never got your names!" I bring back the charm and try to forget about the earlier incident with the girl's cleavage. Maybe it wasn't on purpose.
"I'm Kylie and my friend is Kathryn," says the cleavage girl.
"Charmed. I'm Percy Jackson and I'll give you a call when I know my schedule a bit better. Have a wonderful rest of your evening," I smile and leave the booth. I head to the cafe doors and look behind me before I exit.
Kylie and Kathryn have disappeared and Reyna and Damien are still talking to Annabeth. Damien and Annabeth seem to be deep in conversation while Reyna looks around the cafe, probably wondering where I went. She catches my eyes and raises an eyebrow. I point a finger to my wrist and fake a yawn. She rolls her eyes at me at shoos me away with a flick of her hand. I smile and leave. Reyna was merely an acquaintance but she acted like a close friend. I like people like that.
"You definitely ditched me last night!" Annabeth yells through the phone. I roll my eyes and continue to make myself breakfast. I hate when we fight. Especially when it's over the phone.
"You seemed to be having fun with Damien and Reyna and I wanted to go home. So I did," I say, flipping a pancake.
"We always watch movies at your house on Friday nights. You couldn't have waited five minutes?" She asks. She sounds hurt and for the life of me I can't figure out why.
"You could have come to my place after you left the cafe. You have a key to my apartment!" I retort.
She goes silent on the other end of the phone. I set my phone to speakerphone and set it on the counter. I flip the pancake on my plate and start to make another.
"If you want to come over, I'm planning on writing a new song today," I finally say. I wait for her to laugh at me. She knows I suck at writing music. Now's her chance to laugh so we can flip this all around and hang out today.
"I was invited to hang out with Damien and Reyna today," she says. I hum in response not knowing how to respond.
"We can hang out on Sunday though," she adds weakly.
"No, I think I'm going to spend the day with my mom," I lie through my teeth. I sigh and shake my head. Why did I do that? A whole weekend without Annabeth?
"I'm going to eat my breakfast. I'll talk to you on Monday," I end the call and sigh again. Cheers to a long weekend, and not in a good way.
"What's with all the sighing?" My mom asks as she walks into the kitchen.
"Are you asking because you really don't know or because you want me to explain?" I ask as I put my plate on the kitchen island to eat.
"A bit of both I suppose. Do you want to talk it through with me?" She asks.
"Why not," I say and sigh again. How do I explain something I don't understand myself?
"What do you already know?" I ask, trying to figure out where I should start.
"All I know is that you and Annabeth didn't hang out last night and you're fighting with each other," she leans against the island and looks at me with sad eyes. She hates when Annabeth and I get into an argument. She always says Annabeth is the daughter she never had. She can't mother Annabeth if we're fighting.
"Our performance went really well last night. Her song was incredible and everyone loved it. We actually had some people tell us we should perform at a bar on Fifth street!" My mom raises her eyebrows, "but that's beside the point. Someone from Manhatten Prep that I met at state swim last year came over to our table and introduced us to her cousin," my mom's eyebrows raise again, but she stays silent. I eat some of my pancakes before I continue.
"Reyna is the girl from state and her cousin's name is Damien. Annabeth was talking with those two after I introduced them and I continued to talk to the people who asked us about other performances about possibly playing at the bar. They said they could get us in to perform! I got her number and decided I should head home for the night. I really wanted to get started on a setlist! I left and Annabeth never showed up to hang out," I finish my pancakes and put my plate to the side.
"So, do you have any advice for me?" I ask.
"You should have told Annabeth you were going to leave," she gives me a scolding look and I smile sheepishly, "Another thing, how much flirting was going on between you and the girl you got the number from and Annabeth and Damien?" I look at my mom in confusion. What does that have to do with anything?
"Um, the girl who gave me her number was super flirty, and I flirted back a bit. Annabeth and Damien were flirting like crazy though! He kissed her hand!" I shrug. This seemed irrelevant.
"So, you left without saying goodbye to Annabeth because she was flirting with someone else?" She asks. I shake my head.
"I didn't want to interrupt them. It seemed easier to just, leave."
"Did she see you leave?" She asks.
"No, she was busy talking to Damien. Reyna saw me leave though."
"She probably thought you left with the girl you were talking to. If I were you I'd explain to her that you were just excited to get started on the setlist," I nod my head. I'll tell her on Monday. She's hanging out with Damien anyway.
"Okay, thank you. I'm gonna go write a song," my mom laughs in surprise.
"Really? Isn't Annabeth usually the songwriter?" She asks. I glare at her.
"Yeah, but I heard writing songs is easy when your running on high emotions," I shrug my shoulders. The fact that she would rather talk with Damien than hang out with me stings. We're best friends! If that didn't make your emotions high then nothing else would.
"Are you upset that Annabeth is hanging out with Damien?"
"Well, yeah. We're supposed to be best friends," I shrug again. I seem to be doing that a lot today.
"Go write a song then," she grabs my plate and shoos me away. I have the best mom ever.
"This song sounds kind of depressing. Are you sure you're alright?" I turn around on the piano bench and smile.
"I'm alright mom. I just," I pause. This song really is super depressing. It doesn't fit very well with my situation either. I just started writing how I felt and viola. Depression.
"Not talking to Annabeth is weird. It leaves a weird ache in my chest," I rub the area of my chest that is situated above my heart.
"You love her," she says.
"I'm not in love with her mom," I say with a groan.
"You can love someone and not be in love with them. Sometimes fighting with your best friend hurts more than fighting with your significant other," I nod my head. That makes sense.
"Can I ask you something?" I ask.
"You just did," she says with a smile.
"Haha very funny," I roll my eyes and she laughs.
"Go ahead," she encourages.
"Can you not tell Annabeth about this song?" I look away and down at what I have written so far. What people say is true. When your emotions are high, it's easy to write.
"Are you not going to use this song for your setlist? It sounds good. Heartbreaking but good," she gives a small laugh and I chuckle.
"No this is something I'd sing without her around. I'm going to talk to Annabeth about playing at the bar on Fifth. If she says yes then I'll book myself at an earlier time and do this one by myself," I wipe away some of my eraser markings on my paper and avoid my mom's eyes.
"Of course sweetie," she ruffles my hair and heads to the kitchen. I smile and turn back around on the piano. My smile fades when I look at the piano and I wish Annabeth were here. It's weird not having her around. Even when we're not doing anything she's always by me. We scroll through our phones together, we can sit in silence and be perfectly comfortable. The only times we're not together are when we sleep and when we don't have classes together. I feel numb with her gone.
I read over the lyrics I had previously written and write more with my new inspiration.
This song could definitely be seen as a breakup song. But it's what I feel so I guess it will just have to do.
"You're free this Saturday, right?" I ask Annabeth.
It's finally Monday. It was the longest weekend of my life. I don't know why I told Annabeth I couldn't hang out on Sunday. I can't be that petty, can I?
"Yeah. Are you going to try and get us into that bar?" She gives me a skeptical look.
"I won't if you're not comfortable with it," I say sincerely. I'll just schedule a time for myself and my new song instead of scheduling two different times.
"I'll be fine Percy. You talk to that girl and find out for us," she walks away and I sigh. She didn't call me by my nickname and she didn't stick around so we can talk before class like we usually do.
I pull out my phone and click on Kylie's contact. It rings and she picks up on the third one, "Hello?"
"Hey, Kylie, it's Percy. I was wondering if you talked to the owner of that bar?" I lean against the lockers and look out the front doors of my school.
"Percy! Hey! Yeah, I did, you're all good to go!" Her voice is excited and it makes me smile. It feels good to be wanted. Even if it's not from the person you want it to be from.
"Awesome! What times are open?" I ask.
"We have a six pm time and a six forty-five time. Which would you like?" She asks.
"Can I get both actually? The six pm and the six forty-five pm times?"
"Yeah, that'll be perfect! I can't wait to hear you and your friend again! I'll put your names down for both times!"
"Actually, don't put-," the line goes dead.
"Don't put both our names on the first one," I sigh and stare at my phone. I'll just have to tell her to make the second one as just me after mine and Annabeth's show.
The bell rings and I sigh. Now all I have to do is wait for Saturday.
It's barely Wednesday and I'm dying! Annabeth and I only talk at school nowadays! We haven't hung out in six days if you don't count us singing last Friday. It's the longest time we haven't done anything together, ever. I finished my song on Monday and have it memorized so well I could sing and play it on the piano blindfolded and backward.
I've almost sent about a thousand messages, but I always end up deleting them before I can send them. I don't have any energy, feeling, or Vitamin D, left in my body. I wish I had something to say, but I don't. What do I say? 'Hey, I don't like it when you talk to anybody else and for some reason have a hard time watching you do it when you do talk to other people.'
Maybe I should try, 'Hey, have you ever compared yourself to others and felt like you didn't measure up? That's how I feel every time you talk to someone else.'
I lay down on the couch and catch the name of the next song on the radio. When I Was Your Man by Bruno Mars. I wait for the into to finish before singing along.
"Same bed, but it feels just a little bit bigger now,
Our song on the radio but it don't sound the same,
When our friends talk about you, all it does is just tear me down,
'Cause my heart breaks a little when I hear your name,
It all just sounds like,
Ooh-Ooh-Ooh-Ooh-Ooh,
Mmm, too young, too dumb to realize,
That I should've bought you flowers,
And held your hand,
Should've gave you all my hours,
When I had the chance,
Take you to every party,
'Cause all you wanted to do was dance,
Now my baby's dancing,
But she's dancing with another man," I stop singing when I hear footsteps in the hallway.
"Are you alright Perce?" Paul asks. I open my eyes and stare at the ceiling.
"Yeah, I just miss Annabeth," I say with a sigh.
"She's been in my class, is there a reason she hasn't been over here lately?" He tries again.
"Did you ever not know how to say what you were feeling and it messed everything up?" I ask.
"I'm afraid I was born with the gift of words," he pauses for a long second before speaking again, "How about you try explaining how you feel to me."
I sigh and sit up, "That's part of the problem. I don't know where to start, how I feel, or the right words to make anyone including myself understand."
"Just try for me," he says. He takes a seat in the lazy boy by the couch.
"The only thing I can come up with is the word lost. I'm lost, Paul, and I know what I need, to become found, but I don't know how to get there," I wave my hand in the air in frustration.
"Well, how do you become found?" He asks after a pause. I probably don't make any sense.
"Annabeth," I say.
"Annabeth is the answer to all this or she's the way to the answer?" He asks.
"Both I think," I answer.
"Percy, I'm no mathematician, I'm an English teacher, but if I have this correct then, your equation is Annabeth, the way to solve is with Annabeth, and the answer is Annabeth, then you better call Annabeth and tell her you, need a tutor," he claps his hands together like he's solved the answer to why pi is a thing.
"Right," I say. Paul leaves the living room and I'm once again left alone, wishing I had the faith and courage to talk to Annabeth so she can help me find the roots of my problems about her.
I think I ought to just forget I had a problem in the first place. All I really know is that I miss Annabeth more than I've ever missed anything.
I open the door to my apartment and am greeted with the beautiful sight of Annabeth.
"Did I hear you playing the piano and singing?" She asks as she comes inside. My eyes go wide. She didn't hear all of it, did she?
"Yeah. I thought I could practice my playing and stuff," Annabeth gives me a look like she knows something I don't. What does she know?
"You ready to go?" I ask. We have forty-five minutes to get to the bar. It's not too long of a walk but Annabeth likes to be early for everything. Which if I'm honest with myself has saved my butt on more than fifty occasions.
"Yeah let's do this!"
"Annabeth," I say, grabbing her arm, "you're beautiful."
I pull Annabeth into a hug unexpectedly and make her laugh. We were distant all week and I've missed her!
"What was that for?" She asks when she pulls away.
"I haven't hugged you in ages! That's all!" She smiles and rolls her eyes. She looks relieved for a second but it's gone before I can really tell.
"Let's go! I want to scope the place out before we sing!"
When we walk through the back entrance to the bar we've instantly greeted by loud music and more voices than we're used to.
"Wow," I breathe in awe. I look at the big stage that's being occupied by a small rock band. I check the time and realize we only have twenty minutes until we perform.
I walk forward with Annabeth by my side. The flashing colorful lights bounce off of Annabeth's golden hair. She looks beautiful like always. My best friend is goddess-like and whoever marries her is going to be one lucky man. I'm lucky to just be in her presence much less her best friend.
I find the list that has all the bands and artists with their stage times. Annabeth and I are next and then there's a fifteen-minute sound check break before I go on.
I'm going to go find the person in charge of the music and give him our CD with all the background music and beats," Annabeth leaves my side and I watch her leave. She looks excited which is good.
"Percy! Hey, you made it!" I turn around and find Kylie walking toward me.
"Yeah!" I yell. I hope she can hear me over all this music.
"Where's Annabeth?" She asks.
"She went to give the soundcheck guy our cd!"
"Perfect!"
"The second time I asked for is just for me by the way! You hung up before I could tell you!" I point to the list and she nods.
"Easy fix!" She takes a pen out from her exposed cleavage and scribbles out Annabeth's name. Does she only wear skimpy shirts?
"You must be Kylie!" Annabeth walks up next to me and gives me a hug and a small squeeze that must mean she found the soundcheck guy. It makes me feel warm. I hope this means we're past being cold to each other.
"Yeah! Sounds like the other band just finished! You guys should probably go on stage and get set up! Kathryn's at the bar chatting up some girl. I'll grab her and we'll be at the front of the stage!" She smiles at us before turning to find Kathryn, who is apparently lesbian. That would explain why she was upset at the cafe. Annabeth is straight. I wish I'd had known! I would've set her up with Reyna!
"Let's go," Annabeth grabs my hand in excitement and pulls me up to the stage. We smile at the previous band before getting on the stage ourselves. Annabeth pre-recorded all our instruments and such so she'll be singing with me today.
When we're settled on the stage I grab a microphone and tap it. The feedback is loud and makes me cringe.
"Sorry about that," I chuckle, "We're SBWG and we'll be singing three covers of songs and one original," I gesture to Annabeth for her to continue speaking.
"We're going to start with Nothin' On You, then sing Stuck with you, followed by an original called Don't you worry child, and lastly, Marvin Gaye!" The cheers from the crowd are enthusiastic and it makes me excited and nervous. I point off stage and start singing when the music starts.
"Beautiful girls..."
I wipe the sweat off my brow while the crowd cheers. I glance at Annabeth. Her song was a big hit with everyone who heard it. She gives me a nod and I point off stage to signify we're ready to start our last song. I face Annabeth and start.
Percy, Annabeth, Together
"Let's Marvin Gaye and get it on,
You got the healin' that I want,
Just like they say it in the song,
Until the dawn, let's Marvin Gaye and get it on,
We got this king size to ourselves," I wink at Annabeth exaggeratingly and she rolls her eyes.
"Don't have to share with no one else,
Don't keep your secrets to yourself
It's Karma Sutra show and tell, yeah,
Woah, there's lovin' in your eyes,
That pulls me closer," I take a few steps closer to Annabeth until I'm really singing to her.
"It's so subtle,
I'm in trouble,
But I'd love to be in trouble with you,
Let's Marvin Gaye and get it on," I turn to the crowd after a final wink. We sound good together.
"You got the healin' that I want,
Just like they say it in the song,
Until the dawn, let's Marvin Gaye and get it on,
You got to give it up to me-ee-ee," I scrunch my eyes together as we go higher.
"I'm screamin' mercy, mercy please,
Just like they say it in the song,
Until the dawn, let's Marvin Gaye and get it on," I turn back to Annabeth as she sings her part.
"And when you leave me all alone,
I'm like a stray without a home,
I'm like a dog without a bone,
I just want you for my own,
I got to have you, babe," I know the song doesn't pertain to us at all, but the way she sings it, makes me want to kiss her.
"Woah, there's lovin' in your eyes,
That pulls me closer," We both step forward until we're microphone to microphone.
"It's so subtle,
I'm in trouble,
But I'd rather be in trouble with you,
Let's Marvin Gaye and get it on,
Ooh, baby, I got that healing that you want, yeah,
Like they say it in the songs,
Until the dawn, let's Marvin Gaye and get to on,
Let's Marvin Gaye and get it ooooon,
You got that healin' that I waaaant,
Just like they say it in the song,
Until the dawn, let's Marvin Gaye and get it on, babe,
You got to give it up to me-ee-ee,
I'm screamin' mercy, mercy please,
Just like they say it in the song,
Until the dawn, let's Marvin Gaye and get it on,
Just like they say it in the song,
Until the dawn, let's Marvin Gaye and get it on, ooh."
We drop the microphones to our sides and smile at each other. The crowd is cheering in the background and the happiness in Annabeth's eyes is indescribable. She gives me a big hug and I lay my head on top of hers as she squeezes all the air out of me. I kiss the top of her head and let her go. I doubt I'll ever have the courage to say what was on my mind this past week.
"We're SBWG and that's all from us!" I put the microphone on the stand and leave the stage, Annabeth one step ahead of me.
"That was amazing! We have to sign up again! The crowd was huge and they loved us!" Annabeth jumps on the balls of her feet and I grin. She looks so happy! I almost want to cancel my solo so we can just hang out together! But, I've been practicing all week and it'll feel good to finally perform my song. There's this weight on my shoulders that only performing and Annabeth can get rid of, and since I can't go to Annabeth for this I need to perform.
"I have somewhere to be for like thirty minutes so I'll meet you back at my place. Is that okay?" I ask. My subject change must throw her off guard because her smile disappears and is replaced by a small frown.
Something crosses her face and she nods, "Yeah I'll see you in thirty," she gives me a hug and disappears behind a few people, out of my sight.
I wait five minutes before I go back to the stage. They have a nice piano sitting in the back, that I roll up to the front of the stage. I set up a microphone stand and get it so I can sing and play at the same time.
I take a microphone and get the crowd's attention with some feedback.
"I know you guys just heard me sing, but I've written a solo. I know it sounds like a breakup song, but it's not. It's something that happened that made me feel similar to how a breakup would feel. I'm Percy and this is my song Love is Gone," I put the microphone in its stand and wait for the crowd to go as quiet as they possibly can get in a bar. I start playing.
"Don't gooo tonight,
Stay here one more tiiime,
Remind me what it's like,
And let's fall in love one more time,
I need you now, by my side,
It tears me up when you turn me down,
I'm begging please, just stick around,
I'm sorry, don't leave me, I want you here with me-e,
I know that your love is gone,
I can't breathe, I'm so weak, I know this isn't easy,
Don't tell me that your love is gone,
That your love is gone," I keep my eyes closed and ignore the heat I feel from hundreds of eyes watching me. I play the piano as I wait to start again.
"Don't tell me that your love is gone,
That your love is gooone," I press the keys harder as I prepare for the next part. I close my eyes tightly and sing from the bottom of my heart.
"I'M SORRY, DON'T LEAVE ME, I WANT YOU HERE WITH ME-E,
I KNOW THAT YOUR LOVE IS GONE,
I CAN'T BREATHE, I'M SO WEAK, I KNOW THIS ISN'T EASYYYYYY,
Don't tell me that your love is gone,
That your love is gonnnne,
That your love is gone, hmmm,
I can't breathe, I'm so weak, I know this isn't easy," I let my voice hold that numb feeling I felt all week. When Annabeth isn't around, I'm numb.
"Don't tell me that your love is gone,
That your love is gone," I stop playing and let my voice fade. The crowd's applause deafens me and I count to three before I open my eyes and get up. I grab the microphone from its stand and stand at the front of the stage. I take a deep breath and try to straighten my back to make me look thrilled at my performance, but I feel exhausted. Who knew singing about your feeling was tiring? I bow and scan the crowd.
Kylie is standing by Kathryn at the front just like she said she'd be. Her hands are placed over her heart and she looks like she's going to cry. I guess I'm not the only one affected by my music.
"I'm Percy Jackson and that was my song-," my voice fades when I see Annabeth staring at me from the middle of the crowd. She looks shocked and even a little mad.
I clear my throat, "That was my song, Love Is Gone."
I leave the stage and sit on the steps leading to the soundcheck room. Why was Annabeth still here?
"When were you going to tell me you'd rather sing solo?" I look up when I hear Annabeth's voice and sigh sadly. She has tears in her eyes and on her face.
"You weren't supposed to still be here," I wince at how that sounds. A small choked sound escapes Annabeth and I know that came out wrong.
"I always knew you were too talented to stick around. You'd go off on your own," I stand up at her words. Solo? Go off on my own?
"It's you and me Annabeth. I would never make it with a solo career. You're like the other half of the music in me. I wouldn't know what to do with myself," I chuckle without humor. I've been lost all week. She's never been more wrong.
"I just didn't want you to hear that specific song when I performed it," I sigh and take Annabeth's hand in both of mine. My shoulders slump and my emotional exhaustion finally, catches up with me completely.
"Please understand," I whisper. I don't know if she hears me, seeing as it's still so loud in here. I pull her into the soundcheck room and look around. The guy must be on break. Good.
"Why didn't you want me to hear that song? Who was it about?" Her questions come out so sad it makes me want to cry. Performing that song took more out of me than I thought it would.
"You. That song was about you."
"You don't love me like that though," she whispers.
"It doesn't matter how I love you," I exclaim harshly, "I just do, and when you're not around I feel numb. I compare myself to everyone you talk with, trying to see if I measure up and I never do. Why do you think I was so upset over the whole Damien thing? He's better than me in almost every way! I don't know how to explain myself," I finish brokenly. I wipe a tear from her face and ignore the wetness of my own eyes.
"Is that song how you really feel? You just can't explain it if you're not singing?" She asks. Her eyes have a sheer to them from the tears. They're a bit red but the grey color is dark and depressing. So, so, deep.
"Yes," I whisper.
She takes a shaky breath and licks her lips, "I'm tired of waiting for you to find the right words."
She closes her eyes and kisses me. I close my eyes and feel the way her lips move against mine. Slowly and uncertainly.
She pulls away slowly and I keep my eyes closed. More emotions flow through me and I feel overwhelmed.
"Well?" She asks quietly.
How do you describe something that's indescribable?
"I feel you," I say quietly. I open my eyes and stare at her.
"What does that mean?" She asks.
"I feel you, here," I rub my chest where my heart lays beneath, "you're here and I feel it."
"It's a good thing you don't plan on writing a book Seaweed Brain," she laughs softly.
"You're right, I only plan on writing love songs from here on out," I exhale shakily. The only way to sum up how I've felt for so long finally comes to me, "I love you Annabeth. In every way imaginable."
A weight I didn't know was on my shoulders lifts and a feeling of relief floods through me. I can finally understand everything. I never thought of it because I wouldn't let it be an option. It was the only option it turns out.
"Took you long enough," she says as she leans up to me again. I lay one hand on her cheek and the other on her waist and I kiss her slowly and hope she feels what I feel. Annabeth starts to pull away and I pull her closer to give her one last deep kiss. I savor the feel of her lips on mine and praise them with all I am. I let her pull away, but keep her close. I rest my forehead on hers and just breathe.
"You never said it back," I whisper. I rub her cheek with my thumb softly and let it trail down to where the scar on her jaw is. I'll kiss it later.
"I love you," she pecks my lips, "you could hurt me so bad you know."
"I'll never hurt you," I say with quiet conviction. She smiles softly, making my smile widen.
"I'm going to marry you, Wise Girl," I say happily.
"Let's graduate first," she says and laughs.
"I don't care when. As long as I get to marry you," I kiss her forehead.
"Okay."
"Why'd you stay here by the way?" I ask, pulling away from her a bit.
"I overheard you on the phone with Kylie on Monday," she says softly.
"You've known for that long? And you thought I wanted to go solo that whole time?" I ask.
She nods her head and lays her head against my chest with a small sniffle.
"I'm so sorry," I whisper.
"It's okay. I have you now and that's all that matters," she presses her lips to my chest and looks up.
"How long have you loved me like this?" I ask, wrapping my arms around her body so I can hold her as close as possible.
"Right before you sang Unsteady when you asked me if you'd called me beautiful that day yet. I knew then that I wasn't going to find anyone better, and I didn't want to even try," she says with a smile. I beam at her.
"So what you're trying to tell me, is that you've been in love with me for more than two weeks and I never even knew? Did you act any different at all?" I ask amazed. I look back on these past few weeks and think. I guess there were small hints, here and there.
"Only a little bit. For the most part, I was confused myself so," she shrugs. She is the most beautiful person I have ever laid eyes upon.
"Have I reminded you of how beautiful you are, today?" I ask.
"Yes, when I first showed up at your apartment," she says, her smile growing.
"Well, for the past hour I've been going on and on in my head about how beautiful you are. I've decided, I'm just going to say it out loud whenever I think it," I kiss her nose and laugh when she scrunches it up.
"Lean down and kiss me properly, Seaweed Brain," she demands.
"Yes ma'am, " I mumble.
Well, I hope you enjoyed this. I started it ages ago and finally got a day off to write! I love music and was dying to write a fic with music in it.
Some of the music I mentioned are goodies if you want to have a listen. I 10/10 recommend all the songs mentioned and used especially, Marvin Gaye by Charlie Puthe ft. Meghan Trainer and rereading that part of the story. Also, the part where Percy sings Love Is Gone by SLANDER and Dylan Matthew. They fit the setting really well and the music just sets the mood. So listen and read at the same time! It's a whole new experience.
The other songs are Unsteady by X Ambassadors, Don't You Worry Child by Sweedish House Mafia, Nothin' On You by B.o.B ft. Bruno Mars, When I Was Your Man by Bruno Mars, and Stuck With You by Ariana Grande and Justin Beiber.