Chapter 15: Solace In Your Arms
Travis
-Somewhere in Camp Half-Blood-
Countless fiery torches lit up the camp underneath a night of purple sky. Another evening was passing around Camp Half-Blood, yet things weren't as hectic as they were last night. A lot had settled down after the daughter of Athena and Chiron pulled through and got everything in order.
For a brief day, things went back to how they normally would have been. Everyone felt a bit at peace as the camp adjust itself to accommodating sixteen new Half-Bloods. It wasn't too difficult, but everyone had been sorted and began to settle in their respective cabin, and earlier today, they've been given a crash course by Chiron about the basics of their new world.
Hopefully, most would be able to accept their new reality.
And as far as most senior Half-Bloods had agreed, the new kids needed to be given time before any training could start. Travis thought as much too. After what they've been through, they should be given the time to heal and settle down.
Of course, that didn't mean they are spared from the tough training that awaited them. If they were going to survive on their own two feet, it was necessary.
"Sigh…"
And speaking of necessary and not given a choice—
Sigh… Why do I have to be the one to do this?
Wondering how unfair their camp consular could be, Travis never thought he'd be in this situation, but alas, he'd gather everyone just as Chiron wanted him to and brought them to the house build on the side of the west cliff— well, almost everyone…
"Eeehh? Sounds like a pain, why don't we just leave it to them to take care of?"
Travis sighed, "Look, this is just a meeting. It couldn't hurt to hear what everyone has to say. It's not like there are many options on the table anyway."
"That's why I'd left this well enough alone. It's their problem, not mine, not ours…"
"Just give them at least ten minutes, Leo."
The boy shrugged back and buried his hands into his pockets.
"You promised me at least that, didn't you?"
"Right-right… whatever."
Travis hung his head. It's already tough enough to get him to agree, and now he's got to repeat this process for the remaining pantheons.
If only Thalia was here right now…
"Strangely enough, you are awfully quiet right now, Clarisse." Leo poked his head out and leaned over to catch a glimpse of the daughter of Ares.
"…." Their third companion was mute to say the least.
Leo sighed and looked forward again, "Well, might as well get this done early so I can get back to hammering away."
Travis sighed unwittingly as Leo whistled with both hands behind his head now, while Clarisse followed them without a visible presence in those deep violet eyes.
This is going to go awesome…
Leo Valdez, the son of Hephaestus and a boy with bronze color eyes and pale rustic hair, was the de-facto leader of his pantheon. His wild appearance didn't give off the impression that he enjoyed being tidy, with unkempt short hair which looked un-combed for ages' since, clearly showing his utter disregard for that matter.
Despite being a half-blood, Leo didn't look much of a fighter with a skinny built all over, though that was just his initial appearance. Rather, he was as strong as the Half-Bloods more suited for offensive capabilities. Being a blacksmith was tough work, both his arms were constantly swinging that huge hammer, not to mention his fire-proof body and his ability to generate a fireball on command. If in battle, the son of Hephaestus could certainly hold his own.
Besides, his crafts were so well-made that no one could ever doubt a piece of equipment he created. Leo was the only person you'd want to find if it was a job to craft anything rare and unique.
Meanwhile…
Clarisse La Rue, the daughter of Ares and the leader of her pantheon. She was a hot head who enjoyed seeking trouble more than any other normal hobbies people have. If the rumors were true about her getting into a head-to-head fight with the son of Poseidon a few months ago, then… well, the less said about that, the better…
Then there was himself.
Travis Stoll, and his twin brother, Connor Stoll, of which were both sons of Hermes, and as such, shared half the responsibilities of being leaders of their pantheon. Though that's questionable, Connor never once showed the ability to be a leader, hence why Travis got the short end of the stick; most things for the Hermes pantheon were taken care of by him, and Connor was a goofball that no one ever takes him seriously.
You better not be slacking off while guarding Drew, idiot brother…
Though Travis wasn't too worried.
His thoughts wandered to last night after Owlfred successfully brought them back.
Despite coming home and feeling safe, everyone aboard the helicopter was confused, to say the least; it was Travis's first time being temporal gated, and it easily feed into the panic the kids were having. Luckily, it was Annabeth who pulled through and kept them in line. Her natural ability to lead as she gave everyone tasks to complete was exemplary of her being Athena's daughter.
Working to make sure nothing could go awry, she was especially caring for the kids who were meeting everything and everyone for the first time. The way she tried to protect them, keeping them calm and feeling safe, it's no wonder why Thalia nicknamed her the princess.
It wasn't because of her royalty and graceful personality, or that she was Athena's daughter and living in a mansion/penthouse either. It was everything she was able to do despite being overwhelmed, the way she worked through her fears and came out the other side better for it.
Travis couldn't even begin to imagine how she felt last night without Thalia, Percy, or her friends to back her up.
Nevertheless, it was after Illya took care of Jason and Piper at the infirmary that Annabeth visited Camp Half-Blood. Of course, both Katie and himself had already given everyone a temporary place to stay the night. Though a bit cramp initially, it was inevitable because Travis didn't remember the last time they saved so many Half-Bloods.
Eventually, Annabeth asked for someone to keep guard on Drew with Connor. It was Reyna who stood up and volunteered to keep a lookout as well. No one knew why, but being the second in command of the Ares's pantheon who wasn't a hot-head and a responsible one at that, she was perfect to keep them in line.
In just a few short hours, everything was back in order again and Annabeth bid everyone goodnight. She retreated back to the mansion and disappear where no one saw her again. Surely though, they were going to meet again after Chiron called upon the Consul.
Travis wondered briefly how the princess was doing since yesterday when suddenly a blithe voice called out to him.
"Hey! Travis! Wait up…!" Her bubbly voice echoed into the night air.
A petite figure with her long brown hair flowing in the wind was spiriting toward them. It was the girl he was most familiar with.
"Hey Katie-eee… Hmm!" Travis's greeting came short as his lips smashed into another pair of even softer peachy lips.
Katie Gardner, the daughter of Demeter and the respectable leader of her pantheon, and also his girlfriend for more than two years, beamed a bright happy smile that recharged his batteries on full in nano-seconds. The mental energy drained after dealing with Clarisse and Leo also returned and he smiled back, "Um... Hi? What's with you smiling like that?"
Katie beamed again, "I am just feeling happier tonight, that's all!"
"Huh." Travis rubbed his hair while looking indirectly at how cheerful his girlfriend was. She was hugging him in the middle of the field with no regard whatsoever.
"Ahem… learn to get a room, lovebirds."
"Piss off, Leo…" Travis glared right away, "Well, let's get everyone else and head up the cliff, shall we?"
There were four more pantheon leaders they needed to get within Camp Half-Blood, and after they gathered everyone, they were ready to meet together for the first of a very long time: The Consul of twelve.
-Somewhere in the mansion-
Y-yawn-nn…
Although someone was falling deep asleep on his chest, Percy had been wide awake looking at her princess-like blonde hair flowing down her slender back like a golden river. She looked adorable and beautiful at the same time, something that Percy never thought was possible.
Y-yawn-nn…
"… Nawhh— don't go P-Percy…" She clung to his shirt and buried closer to his warmth. If she didn't have a fully grown body of a girl, Percy would have thought she was a cat mewling and seeking his attention.
Ahh... Why is she so cute? This can't be healthy for my heart, can it?
But all Percy could do was stare at his wise girl completely spent on his chest.
As part of his punishment, if he so much as left her sight, there would be hell to pay. It's why they've been cuddling like bees to honey since later afternoon till now- just a mere twenty-seven minutes until midnight.
Annabeth wasn't kidding about her ultimatum either. Even though he had to use the bathroom more than a few times, she stood guard at the door until he came back out. It was slightly embarrassing and plenty mortifying.
Percy sighed. His recollection of his morning filled with ridiculousness began to replay in his head—
…
It was after Annabeth dragged him up the stairs to the third floor. Percy yelped at every turn while she forcibly abduct him against his will, and despite asking for help from anyone nearby, everyone they've come across just gave him sympatric smiles along the way.
Finally, they were in his room.
"Hey-hey-hey… Owww!" Percy winced.
There was no avoiding that pain. There was no avoiding the livid stares from across the bed. There was no avoiding the maid who tirelessly took care of his wounds.
And there wasn't any way he could avoid what was waiting for him either.
"Eh?! Wait, hold up… I am—"
Those gentle hands that had been taking care of him reached forward toward the two-inch gap on his lower back. While Thalia did her best to patch up that injury, it wasn't fully healed, Percy knew that, but one look at the searing hot needle was all he need to scooch far away from his caretaker.
As expected, the maid suppressed a sigh and slumped her shoulders, "Don't flinch away, son of Poseidon. I can't do my job if you keep resisting. It's only going to hurt for a bit."
"Yeah, but… is that really necessary? Can't you just patch me up with healing nectar instead?"
"That's also possible, and I've sanitized your wounds so you won't get an infection."
"So why?!"
The maid titled her eyes at the only other girl in his room, "It was Lady Annabeth's request."
"Eh?"
However, it was too late by that point.
Activating like a spring-loaded cannon, Annabeth jumped him and tackled his helpless and half-naked body on the bed. She flipped him over, straddled his back, and held him down by the arms so he couldn't move.
"Whoa! Hey! This isn't funny, wise girl!"
Annabeth ignored his tense plead and returned the same force as much as he struggled to break free from her gasp, "Hurried up and do it, Lia… while I still got him pinned down."
Lia nodded. Her sadistic smile was like that of a bystander who was asked to do something terrible, yet it turned out to be a secret hobby of hers. As if she wasn't holding a sharp and searing red needle between her fingers, Percy struggled with all his might. The wicked looks in her eyes were ready to stitch him up by poking through his lower back endlessly, "As you wish, Lady Annabeth."
Percy's eyes shot wide as the needle was at point-blank range near his back, "Hey! Oh my God! This is crazy! I am sorry, okay? I am sorry Annabeth, so please don't—"
It was no use. Annabeth was not going to budge on top of him. He looked back pleading with his currently merciless girlfriend for release, yet all he saw was Annabeth's angry and pouty face. This was his ultimate punishment.
"Ahh… No, please no… I am…" Terrified, he felt the rising heat of the needle on his skin, then his panic set in and he blanked out.
….
It wasn't until late afternoon when he woke up to an overcast blocking out the sun and blanketing the world in grey clouds. He grumbled half-asleep, vaguely recalling the embarrassing ordeal.
You are going to be the death of me, wise girl…
"Oh? You awake?"
Before he could open his eyes, her angel-like voice reaching his ears was like heaven and somehow, it felt like he was standing on a shallow lake facing a waterfall of paradise. It was so beautiful and sweet that he quickly reached out to touch it.
Something soft and very squeezable met his fingers instead. For some reason, they were heavenly to touch as well, and Percy went ahead to squeeze firmer on those— wait a minute...
"Ahh… I am— hmm..."
Percy snapped his eyes wide open.
Upon closer inspection, both his hands were squeezing his girlfriend's defenseless waist who was wearing nothing else but a one-piece peach color nightie while she straddled his lap. She looked completely encapsulating and took his breath away with just a small smile alone.
"Oh My God! What the heck Annabeth?! What are you… er, I mean, w-why are you sitting on top of me?" Percy was in full panic mode as Annabeth passed him a knowing smirk.
Since this wasn't some faraway fantasy world, Percy knew he couldn't be this lucky, and surely, he was right because her smirk morphed from cotton candy to sour jelly beans.
"How was your sleep, seaweed brain?"
He averted her eyes as much as possible but found himself going back to those playful grey eyes; there were clear subtly at his inevitable demise.
"Ahh..? It was good?"
"That's good to hear."
She suddenly went quiet on top of him.
"Uh, wise girl… Don't get me wrong, but do you think I can have my hands back…?"
Annabeth smirked, then nudged his hands closer to her flat stomach where he had never ventured until today. His fingers involuntary brushed over her naval and brought about a very explicit whimper from his wise girl that Percy had also never heard before.
This is bad! This is really bad!
Ever since he woke up, Annabeth refused to bring his hands away from her waist. She felt so soft, so warm, so much like home that Percy momentarily forgot the tough situation he was in.
Trying to pull back, Annabeth again refused and kept his hands on her, "Are you getting excited, perhaps?"
Percy almost choked. There was nothing that made any sense about what his girlfriend was doing right now. Trying to seduce him? No… not with that pretty smile sending a thousand watts at his core… Could it be another one of her… punishments? Percy certainly hoped not after she forced him to go through that unwilling procedure; the pain in his lower back still stung him ever now, and what a terrible lie Lia made up about it hurting just a bit.
"Or maybe it's because of this outfit? But I can tell you like seeing me wear this, don't you?"
It was getting really difficult to control himself, not when his gorgeous girlfriend was pretty much sitting on him and wearing something straight out of a beauty magazine.
"Uhh... It's not like I hate it…" Percy fessed up while taking sneak peeks at her in such a revealing display. He couldn't help himself at all.
Sooner rather than later, Annabeth smiled brightly when he finally lost the battle with his self-control. It was when he was at his most enraptured and vulnerable that she leaned down and whispered alluringly with her feather-like voice.
"Good," Her seductive voice sent shivers all over him, "But don't think I am done with you yet, seaweed brain, because I won't let you sleep tonight…"
Percy gulped hard with anticipation only to shiver in fear at her new eyebrows-jutting smirks.
"… at least, not until you tell me exactly what happen between you and my best friend last night." With such a passive-aggressive and tempting display, her feather-like voice sucked in his uncontrollable attention like the sirens of the sea, there was nothing he could do now.
He was stuck, figurative and physically.
"Alright… Alright! I'll tell… Just don't stare at me like that anymore…" Percy slumped in surrender and his chin pressed down on his deflated chest.
Annabeth grinned.
It took no effort on her part at all, but Percy began to explain exactly what happened, right from the point when they jumped off the helicopter, all the way up until they drove back this morning. By the time he was done, it was already evening.
Despite his promise to Thalia, it was literally impossible to tell Annabeth everything without telling her story as well, and given what he learned about the siblings' past, it's safe to say that Annabeth was angry about everything he'd told her in honesty.
Her expression morphed from rage to mild anger at Thalia for hiding her past, or more specifically, not revealing it to anyone but him. Of course, she was mad about other stuff too…
"I can't believe she would hide that from me!"
"Uh… wise girl?"
"I mean, I get why she did what she did, but at the very least, she could have told me that too!"
"Um hey… wise girl?"
"Ugh! If only I'd known what she went through… I guess I can't really blame her now, but that doesn't mean I am okay with you sleeping with her even if- Ugh! The next time I see her, I'll—"
"Wise girl…!"
Annabeth snapped with full annoyance, "What?"
Percy gulped dangerously, "Do you mind getting off me now?"
Still forced to hold onto her waist underneath those silky lining of her peach color nightie, Annabeth had been rocking furiously on his lap as she lamented about his adventures last night. As such, it was literally impossible when Percy w-was—
It seemed Annabeth finally realized it too.
"Ahh! What are you trying to do!?" She screamed and a violent smack went across his right cheek. It was enough to make him fly off the bed, but her weight trapped him in place. Of course, Annabeth promptly jumped off him and went to sit on the other side of the bed. She was blushing like a strawberry cake, so sweet-looking and smelling heavenly that Percy really had to suppress his urge to devour that delicious snack next to him.
Instead, he complained, "Hey! You were the one who's grindin… er, never mind…"
"Huh? What were you going to say, seaweed brain?"
Her expression unamused yet smiling, Percy feign his innocents, "Nothing at all…"
"Is that right?" Her reply dripping with mocking sarcasm.
Relief settled for Percy who was out of trouble for now. He got up and faced his girlfriend who squirmed and looked away, "You are always a handful to deal with, wise girl…"
"~Gasp~~ what's that supposed to mean?!"
Percy compared the current Annabeth to Annabeth who's been sadistically tormenting him since he came home and sighed.
"You really are impossible, and screw me sideways for falling in love with you so much."
"Wha—?!"
Her half-speechless expression matched perfectly with her cute flusters.
Percy could only smile while Annabeth composed herself if just barely, "A-Anyway, just make sure to tell me everything from now on." Her pout was as adorable as a kitten, "And I really can't stand the fact that you let my best friend sleep with you."
Percy rolled his eyes, "Look, it's not like I enjoy it. She needed someone that night, but if it makes you feel better…"
"Ehh? Wait, what do you think you are— Eeek!"
Wrestling his princess back to bed, Percy wrapped his arms around her waist and brought her on top of him. He slumped back until they both landed on the soft mattress with a bouncing plop. Annabeth giggled like a manic as he cradled her in his arms and brought his lips to whisper next to her left ear.
"There… How about that…" Percy playfully wrestled with his half-struggling, half-laughing hysterically girlfriend, "And how about I spent the entire night with you like this?"
Annabeth grumbled and finally gave up with a really cherubic pout that would have ensnared any man's heart in an instant. Percy really had to be careful. He didn't want anyone to see this side of Annabeth in a million years, that cheerful and pure happiness expression she showed him only when they were together. He wanted it all for himself.
"I hate how unfair you are. When did you become such a smooth talker, seaweed brain?"
The princess was leaning fully into him now. Percy smiled and brought his hands to that uncharted territory he'd briefly gotten to touch earlier. Her flat stomach underneath that thin veil was as smooth as the rest of her immaculate fair skin, and as his finger drew around her naval, Annabeth let out the softest sigh inches away from his lips.
Percy grinned.
"I'll make it up to you, wise girl… I promise I'll stay with you tonight, no one else but the two of us."
Her eyes were gleaming a bit and Percy almost smirk when he saw how desperate she was trying to bit back a smile on her lips.
"Fine! But just because you're cuddling me now doesn't mean I am not mad!"
"I'll let my future self worry about that. Tonight, I am yours."
Percy felt Annabeth shiver madly against him and smirked in the end.
More than a few hours were spent where they cuddled closer than ever before, and that's how Percy found himself in his current predicament, a sleepy Annabeth using him as her pillow, mewling soundly and feeling safe from everything.
"I am sorry for making you worry so much." He planted a kiss after brushing her falling bangs away from her forehead, "But don't worry, wise girl. I'll always come and find you again. I promise."
Her immediate reaction was to nudge her sleeping body even closer to his, her arms held close to his beating heart now tugging tightly on his shirt.
Percy sighed. Truly, he was thankful for the serenity they were able to enjoy before the upcoming storm tonight.
During their cuddle, Annabeth shared her side of the story too. Percy learned since then that she had been hard at work trying to decode as many secrets as she could in the hidden library, spending every waking minute looking over blueprints left by Athena and taking down note-worthy details about battle strategies and defenses around their estate.
No wonder why she fell sleeping so fast like a tired puppy. She spent all night cram studying.
Eventually, they reached a topic neither one of them wanted to cross, but Percy knew he needed to set the record straight, so he told her everything about Luke and what else they've been keeping from her for the sake of protecting her. Of course, she was mad at him, but with a calm breath, Percy could still feel her whisper against his cheeks.
"I'll forgive you this time, Percy." Her grey eyes clouded with intensity, "Because I love you."
Percy whispered those same words too, and with their shared promise, that topic would be sealed forever and never to be spoken of again. However, Percy knew that wasn't all, it felt like a tiny hole inside his heart was slowly draining his being until there was none left.
But even still, he couldn't— maybe not yet… maybe not ever…
Slowly falling asleep, Annabeth quietly reveled in his arms for a few hours until she woke up again and revealed the consul of twelve meeting Chiron, or Alfred, her long-time chauffeur turned Centaur of the mythology, had called upon late tonight. Apparently, all the pantheon leaders were going to meet together for the first in a very long time, to discuss the case regarding recent events and most importantly, Lady Athena being captured by the enemy.
Of course, their first priority should be to rescue Athena, but…
Falling asleep a second time on his body, Percy took a moment to scan his room which was already filled with the glow of silver moonlight. He didn't realize how fast time had passed them, it was already nighttime.
Suddenly—
Knock knock…
Not expecting someone to visit, Percy wondered briefly who it could be…
However, the answer came straight to him like a shooting star.
With as soft of a whisper as he could muster, Percy said without waking the girl in his arms, "Come in, mom."
At his acknowledgment, the door turned slowly and a woman with shoulder-length brown hair slipped through. She wasn't wearing sleep pajamas even though it was almost the dead of night.
"Hey, Percy." She beamed a smile.
"Mom…"
Just seeing her was enough to suddenly feel rejuvenated. That really put into volume how much of a mama boy he was.
She passed a glance at the girl passed out on his body, then returned his gaze with another amused smile, "A lot's happened since last night, I assumed."
"Yeah, it did."
Sally came closer and brought a chair over to sit beside the bed. Percy wanted to tell her that it was okay to stay on his bed too, but with his wise girl already comfortable in his arms, he didn't want to do anything to disturb her peaceful sleep.
Besides, it's most definitely weird to share a bed with his mom at his age, and with Annabeth snuggling him like a teddy bear…
Ehh, it's fine if she stays on the chair…
"I heard a lot of things from the guards, but do you have the energy to tell me what happened, Percy?"
Just like she wanted, Percy started from the top again and recounted their rescue mission. By the end of it, Sally seemed to have grasped everything well in understanding. Of course, Percy didn't know how his mom would react to the big news, such as the traitor working with Kronos or that Athena was captured by Lady Amphitrite, his godly father's first wife.
It was really awkward knowing that his father, or Lord Poseidon, had numerous… that uncomfortable thought in his head gave way to another, something he's been trying to repress since that night he fought Luke and learned the ultimate secret from Lady Athena herself.
"You are pretty quiet, mom…"
Sally snapped her head fast, but after all these years, Percy knew that look too well.
"I guess you are tired too?"
Sally flashed him a knowing smile, "It's been a little hectic for me. Paul and the kids are getting antsy and it's taking a lot out of me to keep them from learning too much."
Percy realized it's been a while since he saw Paul and his step-brothers, and when they are living under the same roof, those questions surely would arise.
"Mom... I am sorry, I didn't realize you were dealing with this."
"Don't worry, Percy. I can handle it. It's you I am more worried about." Sally reached out to hold his free hand, "I know there is not a lot I can help you with, but I'll be here whenever you need me, Percy. I love you."
"I love you too, mom." Percy's heart thumped after she easily consoled him, "I'll see to it that we recuse Athena and wipe out Amk from the ground up."
"Just be safe, Percy. I don't want to lose you too…" Sally's expression was briefly troubled by the thought she couldn't continue, "You and Paul and Bobby and Matthew are all that I have left, so don't decide to do everything on your own and leave me out from the decisions. I won't ever forgive you for that, you hear?"
Percy tilted his head and reassured with a firmly held gaze, "I promised, mom. You've always been there for me, and I'll protect my family, no matter what."
That seemed to have assuaged her worries quite a bit. She sighed and put a hand to her chest, then shifted her gaze back to him.
"Well, how about you? You look pretty tired too? Did you get any sleep?"
Percy shrugged, "A few hours' worths… but my batteries are fully recharged."
"Ah?" Sally arched her eyebrows, "I see what you mean."
He rolled his eyes in response.
"It must have been a rough night, but I can see how much you've grown after surviving this battle." Sally gestured with playful brown eyes at his upper body.
Huh? Why did she— Oh!
It was because Percy hadn't realized he was still half-naked from being patched up this morning. It seemed Annabeth never did tug on his shirt, but rather the bandages wrapped around him! This was a nightmare!
"Geez! You couldn't have said anything earlier?" Percy almost shouted, then gently laid Annabeth down, fumbled in a hurry to put his shirt back on, all in time to let Annabeth cuddled up with him again before she began to stir for his warmth, "And don't make it sound weird, my body didn't grow that much."
Sally laughed, "I am teasing you… but you've definitely gotten stronger. I can tell."
"… just by looking at me?"
"Call it a mother's instinct." She put her index finger to her smiling lips and winked, "Plus, I could tell from Annabeth alone that you've truly grown into the man I hoped you'd become one day."
Blushing for no reason whatever, if there was anything Percy learned from his mom all these years, then that sly smile was always an indication that he shouldn't ask what she meant, especially when he's being embraced by his girlfriend in such a compromising pose. In fact, why did he even let his mother walk in on him cuddling with Annabeth?
"Ahem… By the way, when did you get here?"
"Just now… but I came back by myself. It's too risky letting Paul and the kids traverse through the hidden library without explaining everything. They are back at the penthouse."
Percy nodded.
It seemed she was alone with him for now, but Percy felt a thought nagging at him from deep inside. He didn't know if it was the right thing to say, but if there was ever a better time, this was probably it.
"Mom? Have you maybe considered…" Percy pressed his lips together, "… that maybe you can spend your life living peacefully with dad and Matthew and Bobby? Like, maybe—"
Suddenly, a finger pressed on his lips. Sally shook her head at him.
"You are always trying to take care of me, Percy." That glowing warmth radiating from his mom right now could melt the toughest of hearts.
"But that isn't something I wanted. I don't want to choose between you and having a peaceful and normal life. It might be selfish of me, but I could never abandon you just because my life would be easier."
Percy felt a lump rising from his chest.
"Besides, it's a mother's job to take care of her kids, no matter if they are half-descendant of an Olympian or just regular mortals of this green little planet. I love you just as much as I love Matthew and Bobby, so I'll never do that. I'll never do that to my family, you got it?"
Percy could have cried, but he managed to save his tears for another day. After all, there was something else she didn't know, something that's been eating away at him for a while now.
"There is another thing, mom…" He bit his lips, "I don't know if saying it would make anything change, but I feel like you have a right to know."
Passing a glance at Annabeth to make sure she's deep asleep, Percy looked back, "There is something about Annabeth that I've been hiding from you, from everyone. It was after we defeated the Nemean Lion, that day… I saw what Annabeth did, how she saved me…"
But Percy received no reaction whatsoever. Her somewhat blank expression left him uncomfortable and quiet. He had to fight a desperate battle just to stutter the next thought in his mind.
"She is… powerful, more powerful than me and Thalia and Jason and just about everyone else combined."
Percy sighed, and after a while, he reached around and gently brushed her blonde hair away from her forehead, "It wasn't until Athena explained everything to me that I finally understand how Annabeth managed to save us from the lion. She told me not to tell anyone about it, but I don't think it's right to keep it a secret, especially from Annabeth, and from you who is…"
Then a very soft whisper followed, "Percy…"
His panic got the better of him, "You see, the truth is that Annabeth is…"
"— also a daughter of Poseidon, right?"
"….!"
Wait a minute, what did she just—
Percy blinked wildly to catch Sally's piercing gaze after he got cut off. He couldn't even begin to process what she said before he could reveal the truth no one else could have ever known about.
"Y-You k…knew?"
She sighed, then passed a gentle smile at him.
"I've known for a while now, Percy." There wasn't a hint of bitterness in her voice, "That Annabeth is my step-daughter and that Athena and Poseidon had an affair together a few months after I had you."
His mouth parted and hung half-open. For better or worse, he was speechless.
"I don't presume to know exactly how their relationship began, but that doesn't matter. I know Athena is feeling guilty about lying to me, but I'd never hold a grudge against her. I've lived long enough to know that loving someone is like a blessing and a curse, and sometimes, we just can't help what our hearts feel. If anything, I just wish Athena could have told me herself."
"But how… how can you—"
"There is nothing to be angry about or regretting what happened, Percy. Poseidon isn't immune from falling in love with someone else, just as I had fallen for your step-father. I have my reasons to keep my faith in him and Athena as much as they have their faith in me, and I believe that's more important than trivial stuff that our hearts couldn't possibly comprehend."
Percy fell numb and silent.
"You know what that's like too, Percy." Sally smiled at the girl sleeping on his chest, "Your heart knows what it yearns for, and that's all that really matters. Listen to it and don't let anything else stand in its way, and that's all there is about life. Isn't that right?"
Up until recently, Percy had been keeping the truth about Annabeth a secret all to himself, but now that he told someone about the true nature of Annabeth's Godly lineage and the secret affair Athena had with his real father, those tears he held back finally began to overwhelm him.
"Ohhh… it's okay, Percy." Sally held his hand and rubbed over his cheek, "You don't have to worry about me. I am fine, really! Knowing this wouldn't change how much I loved you, nor how I loved Annabeth like my own family, so it's okay."
This couldn't have been fair, but that's what Percy had to accept too. Otherwise, he wouldn't be fair to his mother who had long since embraced the truth even before he did.
"I am sorry, mom. This isn't what I wanted for you…"
"Silly boy," Sally removed her hand from his cheek and flicked his nose, "I am happy. After all, Poseidon gave me such a good boy to raise and love. If anything, I couldn't be happier that I was given the chance to give birth to such a handsome, well-mannered young man."
"Mom…" Percy didn't even know what to say after all that.
"You'll be fine, my little sea turtle. It's not just me now, everyone is here to support you. Regardless of what's going to happen in the future, we'll all be here for you, so chin up and be the brave boy I knew you'd be, Percy."
Just like that, Percy had more than enough pent-up emotions and abruptly pull his mom for a tight hug as well. She was surprised at first, but afterward, her arms reached around and filled him with a sweet warmth.
"Thanks for everything, mom."
"You're are welcome, sweetie. I love you so very much." She embraced him back and plant a kiss on his forehead, "Now, I think I should-dd…"
Letting him go, she stopped halfway when a quiet half-awake mumble vibrated from his mid-section outward. It sounded like someone blowing a raspberry on a baby's tummy.
Y-YAWN… y-yawn-nn—
Percy grew bright red.
"Hm…Mmm… W-What's g-going… on?" Annabeth did a really dramatic ~Hmm y-yawn!~as her tilted sleepy expression at him, "P-Pur… Percy-y?"
Who would have thought a half-sleepy princess could be so adorable? Percy almost wanted to pin her down on the bed in full view of his mom, that urge only barely resisted when an evil idea popped in his head. It was too good to pass up. He smirked.
"Good morning, wise girl."
Kissing her forehead with her soft blonde hair in the way earned him a soft mewl-like giggle from the cute kitten holding him tightly. It was all going according to plan, her obliviousness was going to cost her. Percy's sly grin was on full display as he waited for the beautiful moment.
"Hehe… Good morning, seaweed brain…"
Just as he hoped, Annabeth leaned up and over, her soft pink lips parted and she smiled at him with half-opened eyes, "I love you-u—"
But her affection stopped there because…
"Eh…?" Annabeth saw his mother hidden behind him while wearing a huge smirk, all her movements stopped dead in their track.
"My my… getting a little bit frisky now, aren't you?"
"….." More awkward silences followed.
"Hehe… Well, I am just glad to see you are doing okay as well, Annabeth." Sally bit her lips hiding a mirthful smile, "Actually, more than okay from the looks of it."
"Eehhehh…?" The sheer terror as Annabeth stammered like a sheep was so priceless, it was worth every penny he's got in his piggy bank back home.
The long-awaited moment was more beautiful than Percy could have imagined. He never managed to hide his giggles and laughs at Annabeth's wide-eyed and frozen look.
"Ahhh! W-Whhhyy is your mo…mm— W…What are you doing here, S-Sally!?"
Percy burst out laughing.
"Oh, I just came by to see if Percy is okay after everything, but don't mind me…" She gestured with a finger and pointed at her very compromising pose with him on the bed, "It's not like I am not trying to interrupt you or anything."
"Aaahhh!" Annabeth was rightfully scarred for life.
That's what you get for that unfair punishment this morning, wise girl. Percy didn't even bother to hide his grin like the prankish devil he was.
"You are messing with me!"
Slapping him endlessly, Annabeth blushed all over and seemed to have forgotten that he was hurt. Her assault went beyond just hitting him. It seemed she wanted to bury him six feet underground. Now, Sally was quietly laughing too.
"Not you too…!?" She protested, "Ugh! I hate you so much, Percy! And it's not even morning, dumbass! Pbbbbtt!"
More laughs echoed in his room while Annabeth sulked into his chest.
"You are always so mean to me…"
Instead, she quickly buried herself behind him and tried her best to hide from his mom who was still looking at their struggle with amusement.
"Alright, I better get going before your girlfriend die of embarrassment."
"Aww… that quick? I wouldn't mind seeing Annabeth like this for a little longer."
Annabeth immediately hit him in the back hard. Just for good measure, she landed a second hit on his Achilles spot too. Percy almost yelped and doubled over. He passed a shocked look back and met her grey eyes showing no mercy, two fingers jabbed at his lower back patched up with so many unnecessary stitches.
"Alright-alright… I get it, wise girl…"
His surrender brought about an annoyed huff behind him.
Sally laughed at their display, "I am going to get diabetes looking at you two." She teased them which led to more blushes, "Anyway, when you guys are done with the consul, fill me in on the details too. I wanna know what our next step would be, okay?"
"Got it. We'll see you later, mom."
She casually turned around to leave but suddenly stopped at the door, "Don't feel too bad, Annabeth… I thought you were really cute, and I'll let you in on a little secret too."
Her reveal left him half-agape, "Percy isn't as coolheaded as he like you to think he is. Inside, he's just a big softy who can easily lose his composure too."
"Mom!"
She passed him a smile, "So no worries. You have my full permission to tease him back, Annabeth."
Percy thought he heard the princess behind his back mumble: "I'll definitely get him back." and chuckled in danger to himself.
"Well, have a good night." Filled with a suggestive insinuation, his mom beamed a colorful smile, "Just nothing too good, okay?"
When she was well and truly gone, Annabeth slowly let go of her fingers at his lower back and Percy relaxed with a deep sigh. He flipped around to face her, but she hid her face from him right away.
"Are you sulking perhaps?"
Annabeth didn't reply, not even a single beep.
"Uhh… wise girl? Y-You are not too mad at me, are you?" Tried as he might to laugh it off, Percy couldn't ignore the dangerous dark aura coming from the girl hiding in his chest, "Uhh… w-wise girl-l— please don't—Whoa!"
Flipped on his back by a push so strong, Percy didn't get a chance to defend himself when a pair of marshmallow lips crashed into his with utmost urgency. There was real desperation as she kissed him fully and held nothing back.
"Mmm! Hmm-Mmm!" Percy struggled to breathe.
Annabeth didn't stop.
Despite his protest, it seemed she already knew he was just half-heartedly resisting. Percy didn't know what he did to deserve this, but there was no way he didn't like how she was kissing him like there was no tomorrow, her right hand suddenly snuck underneath his shirt as she brushed her soft fingers against his bare skin. He almost yelped, a wordless cry that went muffled right between their heated kiss.
"W-Wise girl…" Percy tried to stop her welcoming assault, but even his mind began to blur from what he should be doing against what his rapid-beating heart wanted.
Then she suddenly grinded on his lap.
Percy certainly yelped out loud that time. Annabeth grinned into his lips as she pressed for more. It was at the point when she rocked back and forth rather forcefully while playing underneath his shirt that Percy couldn't control himself anymore. He reached out, seeking her body to hold her close. Both his hands were beyond sweaty, but her passion overflowed him with needs and he couldn't stop himself, squeezing the softness of her waists with careful ease as if she was made of feathers, and any firmer he would have broken her to pieces.
"Mmm…" She moaned. It was the first time Percy ever heard those sounds, but even so, he didn't want to risk going higher or lower.
"P-Percyy…" Her whimpers broke his senses in halves.
That was the turning point. Percy was unable to resist her temptation any longer and he was painfully aware of what was happening to him in his lower bottom.
"A-Annabeth…" he was breathless as well.
Then all of a sudden…
"Mmmffff…"
Sucking and pulling harshly on his lips while drawing away, their heated kiss ended with a soft pop.
"Mmm! E-Enjoy that, seaweed brain." Annabeth breathed heavily and got off his lap all in a good two seconds. He almost missed a thin wet trail connecting their lips, or the blushing wink she passed him after giving him searing hot looks.
Their impromptu make-out session stopped just like that, yet passion still overflow Percy to the very core as evident by the little tent in his lower bottom.
He could only blink in shock.
"W-Wha—"
Watching Annabeth in her peach color night dress as she climbed out of his bed and turned to pace for the door, Percy went from confused disappointment to full panic mode. His jaw dropped as he finally stumbled on the revelation.
"Noo… don't tell me…"
Despite being all hot and bothered just like he was, Annabeth casually walked away with her ravishing figure flushed from head to toe, yet she smirked at his stupefied face, "Oh? By the way, the consul is starting in ten minutes, so I hope you'll get ready before that."
"No way— you are kidding-gg... right? Hey, w-wait…"
Slipping out his door, she poked her head back in and blew a kiss his way, "Also, I heard a cold shower could do the trick, so enjoy that too, seaweed brain."
Then he was alone in his room.
Mirthful laughter echoed from the hallway and faded into the room next door.
Unable to compose his overactive hormones, Percy looked down at himself and blinked for a moment.
"S-Shit…"
