~ Hey Angels ~
It's Wise Girl Wednesday! Hope you're all having a fantabulous week.
Sorry for cutting you off like that in the last chapter, I know how annoying that can be. But I wanted to let that kiss sit for a while.
There are a few Jace x Clary inspired moments at the end of this chapter but I can't really remember which ones because I wrote this and read TMI quite a while ago. Maybe you can spot them for me ;)
Anyways, this chapter carries on straight from where we left off so I hope you enjoy it :))
BethnPercy - Oh my gosh, I love you so much. Just thank you! I was so sorry to hear about your grandmother, I'm sending all my love and support from the UK.
LittleMissReader - AAAAWWW! Thank you so much. I'm sorry I missed your birthday this week, hopefully this chapter can be your belated birthday gift.
izsymidot - You were the guest! Glad I found you :) Aw, school sucks, I know. Hope this chappie will make it all better too. Lots of love ~ AWG
Booklover - Yoooouuuu! I'm so happy right now after reading your review :) And I'm good, thanks for asking. How are you? Rachel will be nice again. I'm not gonna make her out to be a bitch anymore but I'm not necessarily going to put her in the group again. Loved the quote suggestions, especially the last one by the way.
ClaryFra17 - Aaaaaahhh, thanks girly! That means the world ~ AWG xxx
I am the Daughter of Poseidon - HEHEHEHEHEHEH! I am so VERY HAPPY that you liked that Percabeth scene! It was one of my favourites to write!
DemonicKilljoy - Omg ahhahaha, sorry. I hope you managed to repair your heart.
Jessica L xxx - I'M REPLYING! :) And struggling with what to say because most of your review was capitalised gibberish...but I LOVE YOU FOR IT! And keep up your wonderful story you talented, beautiful girl. Forever your girly ~ AWG x
Stargazer1300 - Aaaaawww, your review was so sweet, I'm pretty sure I got butterflies reading it. True, there can never be too much percabeth ;) Hahaha, glad you liked the ending, it was majorly fluffy compared to previous scenes. And I just loved writing it. Love you and thanks a million ~ AWG xoxo
The Book is Always Better - I KNEW YOU WOULD NOTICE STRONG GIRL INSPO! Don't worry girly, AWGs got you covered with the Bong Bong x Min Min fluff ;) My heart cried when I watched it. *sighs like a korean in a k-drama - Aahhhsshii* I LOVE YOU! And YEP, there's a third book! ~ AWG
Chapter 17
Love like Fire
Annabeth POV
Starlight glistened as we crossed the terrace together and opened the glass double doors. The party was in full swing now. Almost everyone was happily tipsy, walking around, chatting and laughing with one another.
My heart leapt at the wonders of my mother's creation. Golden light from crystal chandeliers filled the room and a roaring fire crackled and burned in the centre. I couldn't help but notice how it all made Percy's skin look gorgeously browner.
The room was our Living room and our Dining room stretching the full length of the house. It turned into the front hall by an open archway, to create one completely enormous space. The staff had cleared away a lot of the furniture to leave room for dancing and it was only really now that I noticed just how huge it was.
We walked around, hand in hand, observing the party. It was weird having teachers and students at my house. Bobbie and Matthew were loving it. They were running around in little tuxedos flirting with other guy's dates and enjoying all the attention.
It was all so wonderfully uplifting.
"I missed you." Percy told me, lacing our fingers together.
"I missed you too." I smiled softly. "Let's just both agree to stop running away, okay?" I said, looking up at him and we stopped walking.
"Okay." He whispered, tilting his head slightly.
"I hate missing you. I hate not being around you. Every time you walk out the door you're too far away." I sighed, unable to control my runaway mouth. "Is that crazy?"
He shook his head, smiling softly and lifting my hand up to press the back of it against his lips. I blushed, glancing at the floor. "Uuh, you're so cute." He said. "What am I gonna do with you?"
I blushed even more, swinging our arms with a nervous smile.
"Uuh!" He sighed, turning away and covering his face. "God, I'm going straight to hell." He shook his head.
"Stop it, you're embarrassing me." I giggled, pulling him back over.
He grinned, sniggering like a child. And he thought I was the one being cute!
"Annabeth!" I heard my mother call my name. She rushed through the crowd to where we were standing.
Percy quickly let go of my hand either out of respect or fear. My mother was known for her intimidating scolds. I suppressed a smile, giving him a side glance but he wasn't looking at me, he was busy trying to compose himself. Perhaps he was worried my mother would be furious about him disappearing all of a sudden. I wouldn't be surprised.
"I've been looking all over for you. Are you alright?" She asked worriedly.
"Yeah, I'm sorry I ruined the dance."
"Nonsense. You were wonderful." She waved me off. "You both were." She added, smiling at Percy.
He gave her that famous smile back. "The place looks amazing, Miss Chase."
"This one." My mother sighed at me, grinning as she took his shoulder and leaned against him. "He's such a charmer."
"Isn't he." I smiled, rolling my eyes.
"And I thought I told you to call me Athena." She scolded him, pushing him away.
He laughed a little, "sorry."
"Well, at least tell me you're both okay now." She pleaded, gripping her hands together under her chin.
Percy glanced at me, his eyes slightly searching. I smiled, stepping closer to take his hand and he smiled back. "We're more than okay." I murmured, turning to my mother.
My mother squealed and clapped giddily. "Oh, I'm so relieved! Everything's going to be so perfect now, I just know it. Ah, I can't take this." She sighed dramatically.
"Mom!"
"Young love is just so…" She couldn't think of anything to stay so she just clapped and squealed even more.
"Okay, we're leaving now." I rolled my eyes, dragging a sniggering Percy away.
"You have both said the L-word, right?" She called after us and I walked faster with a brilliant smile dancing across my cheeks.
When we arrived at the snack bar, I saw Bobbie and Matthew trying to reach the glasses of champagne on the table top. "Matthew!" I cried as he grabbed one and held it to his lips. Percy swooped in and snatched it from him before he could pour the liquid down his throat.
"Whoa there, little guy, you definitely don't wanna drink that." He chuckled, placing it back on the table.
"Aaaawww but everyone else is." He frowned, clearly confused why champagne was bad for him.
"Maybe when you're a little older." Percy smiled, ruffling his hair a little and Matthew seemed to like it.
"Besides, girls prefer sober guys." He smirked, turning to me and I smiled hugging his arm and resting my chin on his shoulder as I looked up into his beautiful eyes. I gripped his upper arm and laced my fingers with his. We gazed into each other's eyes for a few moments, just inches apart.
"Really?" Matthew frowned in surprise, interested all of a sudden which made me giggle. I smiled at him, stroking his head affectionately.
"Sure." Percy smiled down at the two little boys who were now looking up at him admiringly like they'd believe anything that came out of his mouth. I knew that they absolutely adored Percy, it was obvious in their eyes.
"Tell you what..." Percy smiled, pulling out his phone. "If you can guess my password you can play FIFA." He finished, handing his latest iPhone to them. I was a little shocked he would happily hand his seriously expensive phone to a bunch of mischief-makers like my brothers. Their eyes lit up as they fought over the phone and ran off with it excitedly.
"You do know you're never getting that back." I said. He turned his head to look at me with a charming smile.
"It's just a phone." He waved it off. "Besides..." he smiled turning to me and wrapping his arms around my waist, "now we don't have to play babysitter." He said, whipping up two flutes of champagne and handing one to me.
I took it with a smile, "what's that supposed to mean?"
"Means I've got you all to myself."
"And just what do you plan on doing with me now, Seaweed Brain?" I raised an eyebrow.
"Many things. We could start by taking that beautiful dress off." He smirked.
My mouth opened in a defensive shock. "Uhh, you are unbelievable." I squinted at him.
"I'm a boy. We're all like that." He smirked, clinking his glass against mine and tipping it back.
I rolled my eyes, taking a sip of my own.
"So can I borrow a kiss?" He asked. "I promise I'll give it back."
I smiled, reaching up to hold his neck and slowly brush my thumb across his jawline. "You're terrible at keeping promises, Percy." I murmured, our noses almost touching. And then I kissed him before he could smile or speak.
We both had to hold out our glasses to avoid any spillage. It was a soft kiss, no movement and it didn't last long but it didn't have to. It said everything it needed to say.
"Yo, Percabeth, quit putting all other relationships to shame!" Grover called through his hands and we both turned in shock to see the others all standing in a group, grinning at us. I smiled nervously, letting go of Percy.
"You owe me five bucks." Travis mumbled to Connor with a smirk. Connor groaned as he pulled out five bucks from his top pocket and reluctantly slapped it into Travis' palm.
"You two do love a dramatic relationship, don't you?" Jason smirked, his hand was holding Piper's.
"You gotta build up the sexual tension." Percy wiggled his eyebrows, looping an arm around my waist. "The more arguments and make up make outs, the better."
"Shut up." I rolled my eyes and he suppressed a laugh, touching my temple with his lips.
"So where did you disappear to anyway?" Leo piped up, dropping an awkward bomb into the group. Thalia gave him a death glare.
I felt Percy stiffen and everyone went silent.
"Let's not talk about that now, okay?" I said, trying to settle the growing discomfort. "Let's talk about Thalia dancing because oh my God, I never saw it coming."
Everyone cracked up. "Shut up! The only reason I did that was because Kelp Head, over here, insisted on dancing with Annabeth!"
"Nice waltzing, cuz." Percy teased, shooting her a wink.
"Why you little—" Thalia gritted her teeth lunging at Percy but Reyna and Piper held her back.
Percy hid behind me, hugging my stomach and I giggled at his silliness.
The others all began teasing her and then each other and then God knows who. I noticed Beck joining in and it was so nice to see him happy for once.
"I really wanna take you home right now." Percy murmured, his lips brushing against the tip of my ear as he hugged me from behind.
I lost it. My stomach flew away from me—breathable air with it and I fell back against his chest. Nobody in the circle noticed. He gripped my stomach a little tighter, kissing my hair and I thought I would collapse.
"Let's just leave the boys to it and go dance." Piper cried.
"I am not dancing." Thalia huffed.
"Oh come on, Thales. Loosen up. This may be the last chance we get to have a party before exams." Piper whined.
"She's right." Reyna nodded, finishing the rest of her champagne and leaving it on the table. "Let's go dance."
Everyone was utterly shocked because this was so out of character for Reyna.
"Come on!" She grinned, taking Thalia's hand and dragging her to the dance floor.
"Sorry babes." Piper smirked at Percy, pulling me away from him. She took my champagne and handed it to him. He just smiled, giving her a salute with two fingers as he held both of our glasses. She grinned at him, leading me away from the guys.
I glanced back at him, still slightly shocked and slightly breathless from what he'd said. And as crazy as it sounds, it wasn't because I didn't want to…go home with him.
"What did you do to her?" I heard Jason ask.
"Nothing." Percy smiled. "Well, I may have said something." He said innocently and the rest of their conversation was drowned out by the large crowd.
"So are you two back together then?" Piper asked eagerly.
"Yes." I smiled shyly. "I suppose we are." She smiled and swooned happily. "I just hope it stays like that this time."
"It will, trust me." She said firmly. "I've never seen anyone love anyone as fiercely as Percy loves you. He'd burn the whole world down til' he could dig you out of the ashes."
~xXx~
Song Tribute: [Die Trying – Michl] - (requested by abidoodle.e)
Later that night, I was putting Bobbie and Matthew to bed after most of the guests had left. I tucked them into their twin beds after forcing them to clean their teeth and get into their pyjamas. It was way past their bedtime and they were still hyper from the party.
"I'll take that." I smiled, snatching Percy's phone off Matthew as he lay in bed, still trying to guess the password.
"Aaaww but I never got to play on FIFA!" He complained and I just giggled, kissing him on the forehead and pulling up the covers around him.
"I'm sure Percy will let you play on it another time." I assured him with a soft smile as I stroked his head. "Now..." I said, standing up and walking over to give Bobbie a kiss, "get a good night's sleep or you'll be tired tomorrow morning."
"But you're not going to sleep." Bobbie frowned making me laugh a little.
"Being the oldest has its perks too, you know." I smirked. "Don't let me catch you two out of bed or there will be trouble." I glared at them both and they giggled, hiding under the covers as they remembered the last time that had happened. I smiled walking over to the door and turning the lights off.
"Night Sis." Matthew called.
"Night Annie." Bobbie echoed.
"Good night." I murmured before closing the door on them and making my way across the corridor.
My heels clicked on the marble as I made my way downstairs. The Living room was empty so I began tidying up. The others were outside, probably looking after two very drunk Stoll's. There were just a few glasses everywhere and I knew that we had maids to do this but I had been brought up in a life where cleaning was so much of a job that it became a habit. I didn't like leaving them too much work anyway, it seemed unfair.
I picked up an empty bottle of champagne from the mantelpiece above the huge open fire and that's when I stopped to look at the photos. There were quite a few, including one of my mother when she was maybe a few years older than me—she looked beautiful, one of her holding me in her arms as a child and planting a kiss on my cheek, one of Bobbie and Matthew licking ice cream cones at the beach and one of Percy and me.
I placed his phone on the living room table, for him to pick up later, to take a closer look at it. It was an old photo from when we were children. It was autumn and we were standing in a park walk-way covered in brown orange leaves. Our backs were turned but we were holding hands as friends.
I smiled, taking the photo off the mantelpiece and peering at it a little closer. I placed the champagne back before hearing someone chuckle behind me. I turned to see Percy with his hands in his trouser pockets, standing a few metres away.
"I remember that." He smiled walking over to peer over me at the photo.
I smiled looking at the photo too. It was still amazing to think that I had known him for eight years. We had walked through the same hallway for years and never known about the other but now we were here...with each other.
"We look so cute together." I giggled.
"Oh, we were." He smirked. "The cutest."
"Don't you find it weird?" I frowned.
"What?"
"That we knew each other for two years then we separated and changed so much and now six years later we found each other again." I murmured, placing the photo back on the shelf.
"You haven't changed a bit." He smiled taking my hands in his as I turned to him.
"You have." I murmured, looking up at him.
"How so?" He tilted his head in a cute dog-like fashion.
"Well you're not scrawny anymore." I teased with a smirk but he just waved me off.
"Oh, that's nothing." He said as though he didn't even realise how good he looked.
"You have a six pack." I raised my eyebrow as if to say 'are you blind?'
He smirked. "I knew you were staring."
"Guilty." I shrugged with a smile and he chuckled.
"Well you were always pretty." He said softly.
"No, I wasn't." I frowned.
"Yeah, you kinda were." He shrugged.
I sighed. "Why me?"
"What do you mean?"
"Out of all the girls you could've picked, you picked me. You could have anyone Percy, everyone wants you. Why would you pick me?" I murmured.
Percy smiled softly. "There's never ever been any competition when it comes to you Wise Girl. For me, it's always been you."
My heart did a little dance in my chest and I found myself smiling shyly at him as I gazed up into his gorgeous sea-green eyes. He was so beautiful in a suit like he had been carved by an angel.
"What?" He asked.
"Nothing...I'm just happy." I smiled softly and he gave me that half smile I'd always adored.
"Annie?" A soft murmuring voice suddenly came to my right and I turned to see Bobbie standing at the bottom of the stairs hugging his teddy bear tightly.
"Bobbie?" I frowned. "What are you doing up?"
"I...I had a nightmare." He murmured and I could see in his facial expression that he was scared.
I frowned with concern as I swiftly crossed the room over to him. "Hey, it's okay." I whispered kneeling down in front of him as I stroked his head soothingly. "Tell me what happened."
"There was a monster under my bed and it reached up and grabbed my leg and then he was pulling me and dragging me under with him. He wouldn't let me go." He whimpered and there were tears in his eyes.
"Oh Bobbie, it's okay. It was just a nightmare, nothing can hurt you."
"But you got hurt..." He whispered. "What if that happens to me?"
My heart stopped. I hadn't even thought about how my experiences would affect my brothers. I sighed softly. "Bobbie, listen to me." I murmured taking his hand in mine. "You have to understand that there are always going to be bad people in the world. But as long as you stay strong and trust in the people around you...no one can hurt you."
He looked doubtful and I squeezed his hand a little tighter. "I'm still here because I had someone to protect me." I smiled, turning to Percy who was now standing over us with a soft smile on his face. "And you have both of us to protect you sweetie. I will not let anything happen to you."
"But how do I make the nightmares stop?" He frowned and I didn't really know how to answer that question. I tried to rack my brains but I couldn't think of anything.
Suddenly, Percy crouched down beside me and looked dead straight into his eyes. "You can't make them stop if you're letting them control you, little man." He smiled, gripping his shoulder. "You just have to be brave enough to take control of them."
"But how do I do that?"
"That's a good question." Percy nodded. "We all have different ways of coping with fear. I bet teddy here knows what to do. What's his name?" I smiled at him, he was so good with kids. Why was that? I guess he is naturally good at everything.
Bobbie smiled for what I thought was the first time since he got down here. "Mr. Cuddles."
Percy smiled warmly. "Well I don't know about you but I think Mr. Cuddles is ready to go back to sleep and fight off all those monsters. What about you? You'll have his back, won't you?"
Bobbie nodded instantly. "Do you think he's scared too?"
"Of course. He needs you just as much as you need him. Now I'm sure a brave little man like yourself, wouldn't let a monster take Mr. Cuddles here."
"No, I wouldn't." Bobbie said firmly, hugging Mr. Cuddles more tightly and I saw that look in his eyes; the desire to do Percy proud. He was his role model after all.
"I didn't think so." Percy smiled. "Now, what do you say I carry you on my shoulders upstairs and you can show Mr. Cuddles how it's done?"
"Sounds good." Bobbie grinned and I stood up, watching Percy lift him onto his shoulders. It warmed my heart to see how much he connected with my family like he was becoming part of it already.
"Coming?" Percy asked and I nodded with a smile before following them upstairs. I did my best to tread carefully so that my noisy heels wouldn't wake anyone up. Seeing Bobbie in his arms, I couldn't help but think of seeing Sophie in his arms in that dream. It just made it seem all so real now.
Percy sat him in bed quietly, so as not to wake Matthew and pulled the covers up around him. He sat on the edge and ensured that Mr. Cuddles's head was poking out of the covers next to Bobbie.
"I wish I was as brave as you are." Bobbie frowned at Percy.
"Oh no, I wish I was as brave as you are." Percy smiled, ruffling his hair gently and Bobbie laughed a little.
"Percy?"
"Yeah?"
"Are you going to be my new brother in law?" Bobbie asked curiously and my heart stopped as I sucked in a breath.
Percy chuckled and I felt my cheeks heat up with embarrassment. "Oh...no Bobbie, um...it's a little early to think about that now—" I stammered.
"Well we'll see, won't we?" Percy smiled up at me, taking me aback. Was he seriously thinking about that? Was he seriously considering, well, marrying me? I probably blushed as I smiled nervously, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.
"Your big sister's a keeper...you'll look after her for me too, won't you?" Percy smiled at Bobbie, warming my heart a little. Bobbie smiled, giving him a nod. I stepped forward, slowly wrapping my arms around Percy and pulling his the back of his head into my chest as I kissed the top of it softly. He wrapped an arm around my leg and pulled me a little closer as we both smiled at Bobbie.
"Will you go to sleep now?" I asked softly with a reassuring smile as I stroked his hair out of his face gently with my free hand.
Bobbie smiled, giving us a nod before rolling over and cuddling Mr. Cuddles a little closer before he closed his eyes softly. I smiled, stepping back so Percy could stand. Then I planted a soft kiss on Bobbie's forehead.
"Good night, Bobbie." I whispered.
"Goodnight Annie. Night Percy." He murmured.
"Night little man." Percy smiled. We both quietly walked back to the door and I turned the lights off before looking at him one last time and shutting the door on him.
"Do you think he'll be alright?" Percy asked as we began to walk down the corridor.
"Thanks to you." I nodded with a warm smile "I didn't know you were so good with kids."
"I have a five-year-old cousin, Hazel." He smiled. "I don't see her often because she lives down in New Orleans but we're close." He shrugged.
"I'd love to meet her sometime." I smiled.
"You will." He smiled. "She'll love you."
I smiled at that as we began to walk downstairs. It was probably around Midnight now but I'd never felt more awake. We found ourselves in the Living room again and I sat beside him on the sofa. He briefly checked his phone to see what the time was before setting it back on the table again.
"Percy?"
"Yeah?"
"Did you really mean what you said to Bobbie? About me being a keeper?" I asked nervously.
"I hope so." He said. I smiled softly, turning my head to look at my fingers as I fiddled with the chiffon fabric of my dress. My legs were curled up against him and he rested his elbow on my shoulder as he played with my hair gently.
"It's a long way away and I don't know about you but I plan on holding onto you for a little while longer.
"Something will separate us." I murmured.
"Nope." Percy shook his head stubbornly.
"Percy, we're graduating in a few months." I sighed, not wanting to accept that.
"Mmm-mmm." He shook his head, trying to deny it and I giggled softly, stroking his jawline for a second before dropping my hand back down.
"You'll get bored of me eventually." I smiled as a joke but I believed that more than I would've liked.
"How could anyone ever get bored of you?" He frowned as if that was the most ridiculous thing he'd ever heard. "Annabeth, since the very first time I saw you, I have belonged to you completely."
I caught my breath and felt my heart skip a beat in my chest. "Percy…" I whispered.
"Maybe I didn't notice it but I have. You're so tiny you can easily fit in my heart…but sometimes I worry if I'll be able to fit in yours."
"You already do." I told him ever so softly. I took a breath. "That dance we did today...kinda reminded me of when—"
"When we danced together at your old house." Percy finished for me and I smiled, nodding a little.
His expression didn't change for a moment and I got a little nervous before he half smiled and stood up. I frowned at him in confusion as he walked over to the stereo and plugged his phone in. He flicked through his screen for a moment before selecting a song. It began to softly play through the speakers. He made sure the volume was low down so as not to wake anyone but it was loud enough for just the two of us to hear.
Song Tribute: [Kiss Me – Ed Sheeran]
I watched him walk over to me, holding out his hand. I smiled before willingly taking it and allowing him to pull me over onto the carpet in front of the large fireplace. The burning flames were warm on my bare skin and they flickered in the dim light of the room. He stepped closer holding up his hand and I watched as I smoothed mine into it. He placed his other hand on my waist and I lightly placed mine on his shoulder as we started to sway gently.
I looked up into his eyes intently and I was less nervous this time. I didn't have a reason to be nervous because he knew I liked him now. He knew I was completely and utterly in love with him.
I still got that same butterfly feeling in my stomach though. I smiled softly, resting the side of my head against his and we slowly rotated in place. I closed my eyes as we swayed gently in each other's arms. I felt like my heart was melting in my chest and I could've stayed like this forever.
"I never asked..." He murmured, his face written with guilt and concern as we swayed. "Did you wake up okay? In the hospital, I mean." He sighed and I saw a war going on in his mind like he was thinking about two different things, neither one accepting the other.
I gave him a nod, not really sure I could find my voice again. He sighed once more. "I never should have left you...but then, thinking back to that night." He took a shaky breath. "You got hurt because of me Annabeth. I did that."
"No Percy—" I shook my head but he cut me off.
"Who's to say I won't do that again?" He frowned, his expression agonising. "I'm like a walking minefield, every time I go off, I destroy everything around me. "
"That's not true—"
"Isn't it?"
"Think about it, Annabeth. Ever since you met me, all its caused is trouble." He sighed. "God, I know I probably shouldn't love you but I do. I loved you recklessly from the moment I saw you. I never cared about the consequences. I told myself I did, that I was bad for you and you would always be too good for me but I wanted you more than I wanted to be good. I wanted you more than I wanted anything, ever." His muscles were rigid under my grip, his body thrumming with tension.
We'd stopped dancing a while ago but I couldn't quite pinpoint the exact moment, it had just kinda happened.
"Maybe I'm scared of being with you. Maybe I'm scared of being without you. But I want you, Beth. It's dangerous how much I want you." He frowned, his voice husky and rough. My heart felt like it was somersaulting in my chest.
"I shouldn't draw you in like this," he shook his head, "it's not fair to you. It was selfish of me to come tonight." His voice was a little cold now. "I can never justify myself to you. You've always been this perfect, innocent, beautiful person and I've always been the exact opposite. I am and forever will be a monster and for me to pretend that I'm not, just to reassure myself that it's okay to want you is just selfish of me." He exhaled, hard. "You can shove me away now, it's fine."
But it wasn't fine. Nothing about this was fine. I shivered in his arms.
"Rafael and Luke and the others are gone, Percy. They're gone for good. There is no way they can hurt me or anyone else again. I was there because he knew you cared for me and I know that, but it wasn't your fault." I took a breath, touching his hair lightly. "Choosing between getting hurt and knowing you or not getting hurt and not knowing you isn't a choice for me, Percy. I'd take a hundred knives just to be with you." I gazed into his eyes. "I stood in front of a gun, Percy, and I would've taken that bullet for you. I protect you just like you protect me. Don't you see? We're safer when we're together."
I sighed, letting that sink in. "You cannot simply rest this whole thing on your shoulders based on blood relations. Some part of you is still that little boy whose judgement was twisted by bad people and manipulated into doing bad things but you're learning. You're learning every day. Yes, he'll always be your brother but you'll always be you, Percy. You'll always be the loyal, kind person everyone knows. You'll always be the person people want to turn to in a time of need and you'll always be good in my eyes." I smoothed my fingers through his hair again. "And you can tell yourself to stay away from me and I probably won't be able to stop you, though I'll try...I'll really try but in the end...in the end I'll want you regardless because my sun rises and sets with you."
For a moment, he just looked at me in astonishment, his lips parted slightly. I felt my cheeks flush. And then he kissed me.
It became a hard, hot driving kiss. We were fixed together, skin and fabric, a heady mix of warmth from the fire and the heat of our lips.
I smoothed my hands up his neck and into his hair. I loved the way his hair felt between my fingers, the way it would tangle and wrap around them. He nipped at my lower lip slightly which made me run wild as I moaned softly against his mouth. I found myself pushing him back against the wall and pulling his jacket off.
His lips slanted against mine as he gripped my waist with a crushing force. That's how it felt though. It felt like we wanted each other so desperately, it was dangerous—like we were born to either save or kill one another.
I found myself ripping his clean white shirt open and I might've felt bad if I wasn't enjoying this so much. He didn't push me away though, he only pulled me in deeper. Deeper than I ever thought I could be.
As we kissed, I gripped his waist tightly and he wrapped his fingers into my hair, pulling and pushing at me hungrily. I pressed him harder into the wall as I slid my hands up over his bare chest and he groaned against my lips. It was the first time I'd felt his chest bare, really felt it, every hard muscle, curve and indent. He was glorious; his skin warm and soft as a feather but beneath it lay muscles as hard as concrete that made it blatantly obvious why he was so strong. I relished in the feeling of his abs and pectoral muscles beneath my fingers as I slid my fingers further and further up over his skin.
He gripped my waist again as I smoothed my hand over his shoulder and down its blade, pushing his shirt sleeve down a little and scratching at his skin. I smoothed my other hand up his neck and into his soft hair as our lips moved together.
Our hearts began to beat as one as we became one. I'd never craved something so much in my entire life.
"Whoa..." A voice came and I gasped leaping away. My eyes widened as I saw Piper standing in the doorway with a few empty bottles in her hands. Jason was standing behind her rubbing his neck nervously. I didn't blame him. I felt embarrassed too.
I touched my lips in shock before glancing at Percy for a moment. We were both panting a little and you could see his glorious chest and six pack from where I'd ripped his shirt open. His tie was loosened and slanting at an odd angle and his hair looked a little wild from where I'd twisted my fingers into it. Wild, but totally sexy.
He blinked a few times, eyes wide before he fixed his shirt and tie a little but his shirt was a lost cause. I'd broken all the buttons so he just pulled it around him as best he could. I bit my lip nervously, wanting to apologise for that. I don't know what came over me. But he didn't seem nervous. Actually, he seemed to find this all very amusing.
"Sorry...didn't mean to interrupt, we were just...leaving." Piper mumbled, unsure of whether to feel embarrassed or smug.
"No, it's fine." I replied a little breathlessly, picking up Percy's jacket and handing it to him. He took it and slung his arms through it casually.
We all stood there awkwardly for a few moments before I grabbed the champagne bottle from the mantelpiece and walked over to Piper. "Thanks." I smiled, taking the bottle from her and swiftly walking out of the room. I didn't really want to hang around after that.
I let out a huge breath and planted my back against the wall as I tried to get myself together. What had just happened? It was a relief to be out of there, away from the embarrassment.
"So...anyone need a ride home?" Percy's casual voice came. I laughed quietly. He was such an idiot.
"What, you're not staying the night?" Piper teased.
"Athena would have his head." Jason sniggered.
"She didn't the first time." Percy replied and I heard him smirk. My heart skipped a beat as I thought about the time I slept with him here with his arms wrapped around me.
"Whoa." Jason voice came and Percy began chuckling.
"Chill man, it wasn't like that." Percy's voice came again and then I decided to go and put the bottles in the recycling bin instead of listening in on their conversation.
~xXx~
Song Tribute: [Future Looks Good – One Republic]
"Sorry about that..." I murmured, pointing to Percy's ripped shirt as we walked down the front steps outside my house. Piper, Grover and Jason were sitting in his car waiting for him. I waved to the others as they drove away to the gates.
Percy chuckled softly. "Don't worry about it."
"Guess I got a little carried away." I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear nervously as we reached the bottom of the marble steps and began walking to the car.
Percy pulled me around to face him, taking both my forearms and slinging them over his shoulder before he wrapped his arms around my waist. "You can get carried away with me any time you like, Wise Girl." He smiled, kissing the tip of my nose. "Gods, you're so beautiful."
I smiled up at him and then Grover started beeping the car horn and we both laughed a little but didn't move from each other's arms.
"I'm coming!" Percy yelled before turning to me with a grin.
"So I'll see you...on Monday?" I murmured, feeling the pain in my stomach from even thinking about being apart from him. It scared me how much I was attached to him but I loved it also, which was just confusing.
"Gods, do I really have to wait that long?" He sighed.
"It's just a day and a bit away, Seaweed Brain." I giggled but I was being a bit of a hypocrite.
"Oh, the horror." He joked, placing the back of his arm to his forehead dramatically. I giggled, pulling his arm away and pressing my lips to his cheek.
"Good night, Seaweed Brain." I smiled, pushing him towards the car but he came right back and pulled me into him by the waist.
He pressed his lips to mine and I smiled against the kiss as I leaned away a bit. My back was bent, as he was leaning over me, so as to try and pull away but he refused to back down. And I wasn't exactly going to complain. I murmured against the kiss and managed to push him off me, though I didn't want to. It's just the others were probably getting annoyed now.
"Okay, now you seriously have to go. The others are glaring at us." I smiled.
"Good." Percy smirked, pecking my lips one last time before he spun around and jogged to his car. I smiled giddily, hugging my arms in the breeze as I watched him leap into the driver's seat. His ripped shirt flapped in the wind and I felt embarrassed that the others all knew I had done that.
"Bye, Annabeth." Piper smirked and I gave her a shy wave as Grover and Jason waved too with smiles on their faces. Percy turned the engine on and gave me a wink. I felt shivers all over me as my heart did a little dance and I smiled giddily, turning to walk back up the steps. I lifted my dress as I went so it wouldn't catch underneath my heels and it blew gently in the cool breeze.
I turned halfway up the steps to see them driving away. They all yelled bye, waving their hands as the distance between us increased gradually. I smiled wistfully, turning to walk the rest of the way to the door. I touched my lips happily, thinking of Percy the whole way.
~xXx~
Well that's a wrap! What did you think peeps?
Please do let me know ;)
Don't know if anyone's noticed yet but I am seriously enjoying writing about an adorable, lovesick Percy right now! He's such a little puppy, I just wanna cuddle him.
We're seeing his cheeky side coming back. What are your thoughts? Too much? Too little? ;) I'm kinda loving it.
Also, who else feels like that One Republic song just suits Percy so God damn well?!
QueenOfWolves - Hey girl! I loved hearing your thoughts about the last chapter and I'm so glad you liked it. I KNOW! PERCABETH IS FINALLY SORTED! It has been one frickin' roller-coaster ride of arguments and separation and reunions. I think I'm gonna let them be happy for a while now just because they deserve it and AWG can only afford to be so evil, you know? ;) I like your idea about Annabeth's wound and I am considering it but a part of me would feel bad about making Annabeth go through that pain forever. I kinda want her to get to a stage where she's just happy. Oh and I KNOW, 700 REVIEWS! Like wow. Just wow. Lots of love ~ AWG
Penny - Thanks, lovey, glad you liked it! Yay, I'm so happy that you found comfort talking to your friend and that you're just generally feeling better! I'm feeling happier these days too... if you take away the exam stress. I listened to your song, love American Authors, and I really want to find a place for it. If I don't, I'm still keeping it in memory. Have a wonderful week! Weather's been all over the place, first it's boiling hot, now it's cold and rainy! ~ AWG xx
SurfinBird819 - Aahh. Honest to God, your review just made me feel so happy. I'm glad by scene description was balanced and not overboard. I agree, drawing out the reunion made it feel more authentic and Im just so glad that happy Annabeth is back now. Aaw, "Percy brought back the playful Annabeth" the idea of that is just so cute. Don't worry, I don't think there will be any more sadness for a while. Nothing major anyway. Yay, you liked the song tributes! I didn't even realise how much my writing could help people on a personal level but I'm just glad it did for you! I hope I can keep your motivation up in college, I have so much respect for you right now for getting through it. Thank you so much, just for everything. Your girl ~ AWG
SelfiAddict - LOL. Sorry about the lack of kissing in the last chapter, hopefully, this one was enough to make up for it. I'm sorry, I missed out on your Bobbie and Matthew suggestion, maybe I'll save it for another time because you're right. Damn, that would be cute! Don't worry, pretty much from here onwards, everyone will start to feel more human and much happier. It's about time the solemn mood slipped away. Oh and please do shut up, you're contributions are NOT useless. OMG, when you offered to donate a free rib I honestly just lost it! Hahahha. LOVE YOU EVEN MORE! Toodles ;) ~ AWG xoxoxoxoxoxoxox
So what's coming up in 'Dreams'? :
o Cute High school couple moments
o Rachel scenes
o Percy's confessions with Annabeth and some cute deep talks
o An update on our beloved RAFAELLO!
And more!
Updates: I have early exams for 3 days next week and the week after I'm doing loads of last minute coursework stuff. Therefooorrre, the next update will probably be up much later. Sorry peeps! You're looking at 16th / 20th May.
Exams are so close now, I honestly don't even know how to contemplate it! After this, I'm done with school...forever.
See you all soon! The time will go quicker than you think!
Lots of love,
AWG xx