Chapter 17: Wedding Complications
Disclaimer: For the last time Ares… I did not make you into a power greedy person…. YOU ARE ONE! Plus it was someone name Rick Riordan that did it.
Replies to anonymous reviews!
iloveteddybears: haha I'm also begging myself and practically killing myself (jk, but seriously) because of the Lukabeth… don't worry there's a hint of Percabeth in here… I guess? Haha thanks for reviewing!
moon over manifest: Thanks! I usually update once a week but no more than a week! Thanks again!
GemOfOlympus: haha thanks but the person probably won't be revealed XD but sure you could totally call me AZZ (sometimes I sign my PMs with that so it's cool! )plus my sister calls me an a*s all the time so it's cool :D
Dude702: PERCY TO THE RESCUE AS ALWAYS! :D but sadly I can't surprise you cause it'll probably won't be revealed. Thanks for reviewing!
death to Barbie: soon maybe a chapter or two he'll find out! I promise! :D
Once again thanks for review guys!
Percy's POV:
Adrenaline rushed to my legs as I quickly made my way towards the masked people. I grabbed a twig on the ground, "HEY YOU!"
I saw the two heads turned towards me and in one quick motion I put my fencing skills to the test. I saw the head turned towards the other guy and I caught a few words, "Take her out of here, I'll deal with him."
I grinned and stood in front of them, "How about no?" With that I grabbed my sword like tree-branched stick and hit it against the two guys sending them tumbling after one another. Out of the corner of my eyes I saw Annabeth gaining consciousness. Before the other guy could intercept my fight Annabeth got up and kicked the guy number 2 back. I turned to guy number 1, "Let's take this to street fighting." I glared at the guy and planted a kick right into his ribs. Either this guy was a trained professional or he's immune to pain because the next thing I know he was back up and punching me in the face. I bit back a curse and landed a kick right at his leg which caused him to go down limping a bit, but before he went down guy number 1 made sure to give me a good size kick on the face.
I shook off the pain and saw that Annabeth was holding off pretty good until another guy came into the picture.
'Seriously where does all these guys come from!' I thought furiously in my head as I got back up, side stepping the guys punch and hitting him straight on the back. I quickly rushed towards where Annabeth was knowing that she would be able to handle one of the guys but now that there's two… I wasn't so sure.
"I got guy number 3." I quickly told her as I kicked a guy on the side of his head.
Annabeth quickly pushed guy number 2 away, "What the hell are you talking about?"
"Behind you." I quickly told her as I punched a guy in his stomach. Annabeth turned around just in time to land a punch onto the guy number 2's ribs. "Do you know these guys?" I panted as I ducked a blow. 'Wait is there four guys now?' My hazy mind tried to look ahead of me.
I waited for Annabeth's answer but it never came. I turned around to see another guy joining the fight and Annabeth hit her head on the pavement. 'Damn what is this…? Gangster fighting now?' I thought in my head as I hurried over to where Annabeth was and put myself in between her and the now four people when suddenly an idea hit my head, "You guys know… I've just called the police… so I'll give you a chance… one… get the heck away from here… or two… I'll beat you up until the police comes." I tried to sound confident and well… the total opposite of what I was feeling right now.
They didn't seem fazed by the police because the next thing I know I was rampaging through four guys with a branch in my hand. 'Real heroic…' I thought as I hit one face after another. By the time they all got knocked down I quickly went over to Annabeth who was conscious (thankfully) and helped her to my car. "Come on… you are not staying here…"
I supported her to my car just in time to hear a yell, "Shit! The boss is going to kill us!"
I didn't bother trying to understand what they just said because I was just trying to get into my car. Before the crazy killer guys could catch up to us, I quickly got into my car and drove off school campus. "I don't care what you do, but you're not staying there no matter what." I told her harshly, a bit worried about her safety because I know if I hadn't been there she would've probably been overwhelmed and kidnapped.
I didn't know why I was reacting like this, a bit more worried than usual. I didn't mean to lash out at her like that, it was more like I didn't want anything to happen to her.
Annabeth look up at me, a bit afraid of saying anything. "It's nothing… I could've handled that by myself." She said stubbornly. "Just drive me back to school."
"Hell no!" I glared at the road. "If that ever happens again and I'm not around…" I stop not wanting to think of the possibilities.
"How do you even know if it'll happen again? It's probably just a coincidence." Annabeth mumbled.
"Please use that brain that got you into Columbia and think… why were they in front of your dorm? Why were they only out for you and not me?" I asked her. 'Man… I've been hanging out with Nico too much…'
"Told you… coincidence…" Annabeth said clearly not believing anything she's saying.
"Why are you so stubborn!" I swerved across the empty lane and stopped the car abruptly. "Can't you tell when someone's worried about you! What would happen if you've gotten hurt? What-" I stopped and tried to maintain my temper.
She stared at me as if surprised. I never actually meant to get so freaked out… but since Nico came to me about the terrorist group I couldn't help but think that someone they'll start to target people that were close to me… and at the moment… the closest person to me would have to be… Annabeth.
"Look… if you got hurt or anything… dad would've killed me and then make sure I never have another peaceful life." I told her trying to loosen up the tension by acting like I didn't really care. "I'll grab your stuff from your dorms tomorrow, I still have an extra room in my house." I rushed through my words a bit nervous.
"I told you… I'm perfectly fine."
"Yeah like when you 'hit your head against the pavement' fine?"
She fell silent as I stopped the car at a red light. "Look… I appreciate you worrying about me…" She paused as if unsure what to say.
"So as a token of your appreciation you'll be staying at my house like a good little sister…" I finished for her.
She looked at me in disbelief, "I never-"
"It's settled." I managed a slight smile as I focused my attention on the road.
~PAGEBREAK~
"You okay? You look a bit pale…" I noticed as I placed a blanket and pillow into Annabeth's new room.
She looked up, "Just a bit shaken from the attack that's all."
"Oh so now you're shaken up?" I cracked a smile as I set the pillow down on her bed.
"Maybe cause now I'm actually thinking about it?" She shot back. "I guess I owe you thanks for helping me…" she swallowed as if the words were hard to get out.
"So… you're seriously staying here right?" I asked her. Even though I told her that she had to stay at my house… I didn't want her to do anything against her will.
"You're seriously asking me… even after you practically forced me?" She asked with a raised eyebrow.
I shrugged, "Well, I want you to stay here, but considering that I kind of forced you…" I trailed off. "But you know… since we're no longer stranger... I don't really mind having an annoying sister living with me."
"Sure you don't," She smiled. "But you know… if I'm living here… I have a couple conditions."
I grimaced, "I was scared of that…"
"First… I do not want to be living in a pigsty." She said pointing towards the mess in the room. Before I could protest she quickly continued. "Second, we spread the chores of the house evenly so it stays clean."
"Woah wait there a minute… can't you just do all the work… I mean I have work and all that!" I complained.
"And I have schoolwork so suck it up." She shot back. "Anyways third, you listen to everything I say." She grinned triumphantly.
"I thought I was the older brother."
"Yes you are… but who's the more mature one?"
"I am!" I defended myself.
"Believe what you want my good brother." She laughed. "Now get out of my room… it's nearly midnight and I still have school tomorrow." I made my way towards the door when Annabeth suddenly called me back, "By the way… you are telling the school administration that I'm staying at home now."
I smiled, "So this is home now?" Instead of answering she pushed me out of the door and slammed it shut. Little did I know… as she closed the door she had a smile on her face.
I walked out just in time to hear the home phone ring. "Hello?"
"Percy?" A familiar voice called into the phone.
"Yeah… what are you doing… calling me in the middle of the night like this?" I asked him.
"Well… I've been trying to reach you the whole afternoon but for some reason there was bad connection and- well anyways… there's something a change to the wedding and I just wanted to make sure you're okay with it." Grover said nervously.
I didn't know why he was so nervous about it, "Changing the date or something?" I asked.
"Actually no…" Grover said. "Well Juniper's bridesmaid… you remember her? Rose?"
"Yeah,"
"Well… her parents just had an accident and we don't think she'll be able to make it back in time for our wedding… so Juniper called up someone…" Grover began.
"No worries I'm cool with anyone." I said back good-naturedly.
There was a pause on the other line. "Even Rachel?"
I almost lost my grip on my phone. "What...? " I stopped and took a deep breath reminding myself this was Grover's wedding and I should put my problems aside just for him.
"Perce… I'm sorry Juniper called Rachel thinking that you guys were cool with each other… she didn't know about the break-up." Grover said miserably. "It's all my fault! I should've-"
"Stop it man… it's cool!" I tried to sound upbeat. I didn't want Grover to be blaming it all on himself. I swallowed and quickly said into the phone. "I'm okay, it's perfectly fine!"
"Percy… you don't have to be my best man if you can't stand it… I could ask Nico." Grover offered, probably still feeling a bit of guilt.
I instantly felt like a bad guy, "It's perfectly fine, I'm cool with her now." I assured him. "I've seen her recently too, we talked for a bit too. Don't worry about me." I said. I knew how much he valued me as his best man, and I didn't want someone like Rachel to make Grover's best day into his worst nightmare.
"You sure?"
"Yep, more sure than I'll ever be."
I heard Grover sighed in relief, "Okay… thanks man… you don't know how much this means to me." Grover said happily.
"It's nothing," I said trying to sound relaxed.
"Thank anyways, well I'll see you next week." Grover said before he hung up.
"Bye…" I said soullessly into the phone thinking about how much of a disaster next week would probably be.
Annabeth's POV:
"What is this? I take landscape pictures! Not wedding! ME AND LOVING STUFF DON'T MATCH AT ALL!" My long time best friend cried in agony.
"Thalia just this once! Grover's an old friend and the photographer suddenly canceled just the day before." I tried to tell her with an annoying Percy Jackson sitting in front of me with begging eyes.
There was a silence on the other end, "Begging is beneath you Annabeth… who's this and what did you do to Annabeth?" She asked.
"Okay the one that's really begging is Percy," I confessed as Percy shot me a look.
"The one who's not really your brother?" Thalia asked almost giving me a heart attack.
I sighed in relief, thankfully I didn't put my phone onto speaker mode. "Yes! Now just help me?" I begged.
"Depends… what's my benefit?" The ever-so-cunning Thalia Grace asked.
"I thought we were friends?" I tried to wiggle my way out of the trap.
"What's my benefit?" Thalia repeated ignoring my remarked completely. I didn't know what to say until Thalia suddenly spoke up. "You know… I heard there's a Linkin Park concert that'll be held near here soon… it'll be a pretty good exchange if I was able to get two tickets."
I covered the phone and turned towards Percy, "How fast can you get the next concert for Linkin Park?"
"Linkin who?" Percy asked obviously confused.
I mentally facepalm. "We got an additional two hundred dollars tip. Take it or leave it Thals." I told her as Percy gave me an incredulous look that clearly screams, 'Two hundred dollar tip? ARE YOU CRAZY?'
"This does not involve the original pay right?" My money-making friend asked cautiously.
"Afraid not…" I mumbled.
"Make it two-fifty and we got a deal." Thalia said with finality.
"Fine, I'll see you in an hour." I told her and hung up looking at Percy, "You'd better prepare two hundred fifty dollars."
~PAGEBREAK~
"Okay good!" Thalia yelled out as a flashed went out from her camera. "Okay thank you guys, break!"
I walked over to Percy who was trying to look busy, readjusting his tie. I knew why… out of the blue… there was suddenly Rachel as a bridesmaid. I could tell Percy was just trying to look happy for Grover's sake. Thankfully all morning we were busy taking pictures so Rachel haven't got a chance to talk with us and I didn't have to act loving towards Percy, but now that Thalia called break… everyone made their way over to where I was relaxing.
Percy made his way over first to talk to me, "Really sorry for this situation." Percy mumbled as he draped an arm over my shoulders. "But you're doing great as my girlfriend." He complimented me.
"Trust me… you're going to owe me big time for this…" I mumbled snuggling closer to him.
"Ice cream everyday is not enough?" Percy whispered leaning his head down towards my face. I hate to admit it but I could feel my face heating up a bit.
"No…"
"Fine… we'll talk later, now please just for my sake act natural." Percy begged.
"Yeah real natural… half brothers and sisters pretending to be a couple." I mumbled as the words just slipped out of my mouth. It's not that I didn't enjoy Percy's company, but still… it's kind of weird… even if technically we're not really siblings.
"So where's Nico?" Grover asked as he made his way over to us. Then paused to look at us, "Is it me… or do you guys look like a couple… I thought… Annabeth was your sister…" At that last few words Grover gave a meaningful look towards me and I knew that he was probably suspicious of our weird relationship.
I was about to go on a long explanation of why we're acting like this when Percy sighed and just said, "Rachel thinks Annabeth is my girlfriend…"
Grover look at us wide-eyed, then casted a meaningful look at me. "But she's your sister…"
"I'll say it…" I mumbled seeing that Rachel was about to head this way. "Just do me a favor Grover and for today I'm Percy's girlfriend… not sister," I told him. Grover was about to protest when I quickly said, "You owe me for finding you a photographer…"
Grover stopped and nodded slowly, "Where's Nico though? I thought he told me he was going to come." Grover asked.
"He suddenly said he had something up…" Percy said sending some kind of secret message to Grover who nodded in understanding.
Grover still continued to look at us weirdly, "I'm guessing this is Percy's idea of the fake couple thing?"
We didn't answer because right at that time Rachel walked over with a smile on her face. "Hi… Annabeth, right?" She asked me as I felt Percy squeezed my hand out of nervousness.
I nodded, "And you're Rachel?"
"I didn't really get a chance to properly say thank you last time for helping me." Rachel said with a slight smile.
I smiled back, "It's nothing really."
"So how'd you guys meet?" Rachel asked motioning towards our hands.
"Through Grover and Juniper," I said at the same time Percy said, "At the park."
I shot him a look, but thankfully Grover was able to helped us, "They met at a park while I was on a date with Juniper,"
Rachel raised an eyebrow as if not really sure what we're saying was true, "Umm… okay… how long have you guys known each other?" She asked not clearly believing Grover at all.
"Almost a year," I said as Percy said, "Three years." I mentally did a face palm, 'Must this guy counter everything I say!'
"I guess according to Percy it seems like three years… since we've been together for a while." I trailed off trying to seem believable. Then I casted Percy a look that clearly said, 'SHUT UP DAMMIT!' I turned back to Rachel with a weak smile on my face, "How about we go grab a drink and leave these boys for some time by themselves?" I offered hoping to get out of this awkward situation.
Rachel smiled, "Sure,"
Before I went I leaned up to Percy's ear and whispered so only he would hear, "Don't freak out…" With that I gently placed a kiss on his left cheek. For a moment he just stood there like a shocked statue as if he didn't know what to do. It was just a kiss on the cheek but I couldn't help but let my lips lingered on his cheek. His eyes casted a shocked look but quickly recovered before anyone else noticed.
"I'll catch up with you later." He said releasing his grip from my hand and sending a quick 'thank you' with his eyes.
~PaGEBrEaK~
We walked around for a bit talking about different kind of structures and I have to admit, Rachel was not that bad. However, it made me wonder what Percy held against Rachel because from what I know, Percy is not one to hold grudges and Rachel doesn't seem to be some kind of psycho ex. "So you and Percy huh?"
"Yeah… I can hardly believe it myself." I said… okay… not exactly a lie so I don't really feel guilty.
Rachel laughed thankfully, "Percy's a great guy," Rachel said wistfully. "It was my fault that we broke up anyways…"
I grew genuinely interested as she said that, but I knew she would be suspicious if I asked anything. I mean… what kind of girlfriend would want to delve into her 'boyfriend's' past romance… not me… I'm just interested in Percy's past. "He didn't say anything about your past relationship only that you guys dated," I said trying to not sound so suspicious.
"You don't seem very worried that I'm here…" Rachel noticed. "I would've thought you would've hated Percy getting close to an ex-girlfriend of his,"
I was taken back, but quickly recovered, "Oh I'm not really worried about Percy, if there's one thing I know about him is that Percy's loyal." I said honestly and it was true, I could tell from everything that he did so far loyalty is his priority. Even risking to see his ex-girlfriend, just so Grover could have his wedding would've taken a lot of courage.
Rachel nodded in understanding, "You're right," She sighed. "I didn't mean to leave a bad impression in being a desperate ex-girlfriend… I just didn't realize-"
"I can tell you still like him a lot huh?" I said before I could stop myself. Rachel stared at me suspiciously as I nervously bit the bottom of my lips. 'What kind of girlfriend would ask the ex-girlfriend of her so called boyfriend that question!' I screamed in my head. "I mean… considering that umm… you were… I mean you just seem to still like him."
The red-haired girl narrowed her eyes before answering, "Honestly… I'm not going to lie… I still like Percy, I don't want to ruin your relationship though… I'm… I don't want to be some kind of psycho ex that is desperately chasing after someone's else boyfriend or anything like that. I guess Percy has a right to find another person after three years…" Rachel said thoughtfully. "Well I'm glad it's you at the least, cause at least you're not bitching in my face or anything." She laughed weakly as she took a sip of her drink.
I laughed along with her, "And I'm glad that you're not trying to come back with a plot of revenge."
"Actually I would be surprised if Percy hadn't gotten a new girlfriend… he is charming, but understanding and loving." Rachel said wistfully.
I nearly coughed as she said that, 'Charming… maybe? But understanding..? Loving?' I tried to act my role of a good fake girlfriend and put up a smile, "I guess…?" I said of it more like a question.
The green-eyed girl studied me as she brushed her hair back and was about to say something when a voice interrupted my nervousness, "Rachel! Annabeth!" Juniper called wearing a beautiful wedding dress. "Come on we're taking the second shots!" She called out with a wide smile on her face. I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding and walked towards Juniper.
A few minutes later I was lounging back while the two wedding couples were taking their own individual pictures. At that precise moment I saw two familiar brown head guys with curly hair with a mischievous grin on their faces. "It's my lover!" Connor said with a grin on his face.
"Shut up before I make you." I told him with a threatening look.
"Okay okay! I'm just playing around." He held up his hands in defend. "Woah… Travis… is that Rachel?"
The taller brother look up, "Is that Percy with Rachel?" Travis asked with a shocked look on his face.
I stared at both of them, "What's wrong with Percy and Rachel?" I asked itching to get some information. I knew that Percy didn't like Rachel… or maybe he did… but it's just he didn't want to like her.
"Maybe when he proposed to her… she left him to go over to Europe… leaving poor Percy into a state of depression and then off into a car accident." Travis stated as he stared at the ex-couple. "Wait-" Travis began before Connor interrupted him.
"Why are you asking?" Connor finished.
"Curious…" I answered as I wondered about what Travis just said, 'Car accident... now how does this have to do with Rachel…'I asked myself.
"YO G-MAN! PERCE!" Connor hollered to the posing men.
In a few minutes the four wedding models stepped into the conversation. "Nice to see you guys could make it… even though I never did invited you…" Grover mumbled.
Travis feint hurt as he put a hand over his head, "My heart is breaking!"
"Oh save the act," Percy said with a smile itching at the corner of his mouth, "So what's the occasion for the Stoll brothers to come and give us this honor?" Percy joked.
"Honestly I came to see your sister Percy." Connor said with a wink towards my direction.
"You have a sister Percy?" Rachel's voice ask out of nowhere as I took back a breath.
I stayed silent along with Percy as the Stoll brothers continued… obviously oblivious to the tension. "No duh! That's Annabeth right there! Don't be surprised our little Percy just found out too!" Travis grinned.
Rachel stood still and slowly looked up at Percy who had a pained look on his face. While me… I was desperately trying not to run off with guilt. Grover quickly stuttered before everything got out of hand, "Travis! I hear Katie's here! She's arranging the flowers for our wedding!" Grover quickly said.
Juniper hurriedly tried to usher Connor away, "Connor… have you met Thalia the photographer! She's a real beauty!"
Before a blink of an eye, the two troublemaking… problematic… brothers were off chasing girls as the five of us stood awkwardly staring at each other. "Ha! Travis said a pretty nice joke!" Grover laughed nervously. "Annabeth… Percy's sister! That's just… HA! So funny!"
Juniper tried to laugh along, but failing badly. I made a mental note in the back of how Grover was perfect for his fiancé… they were both very helpful… but at the same time horrible liars… no offense intended of course…
Grover and Juniper look at each other before finally saying, "Umm… we're needed for pictures!" The two nature-loving couples quickly ran off.
"You guys are siblings…?" Rachel finally said after she had process the information in her head.
DUN DUN DUN! Okay… they didn't have that much Percabeth whatnot… but what can I say…? You guys got a sibling kiss…? How's that? How about now that Annabeth is staying with Percy? Or or… no actually that's for later…. Anyways….
Rachel needs to find out… well you guys probably want to hate Rachel…but I try not to make her character too bad in here… you likey? Anyways… (I say anyways a lot… hmmm….) I can promise that Percy will probably find out Annabeth is not his sister in either the next chapter or the next next chapter (honestly… most likely the end of the next next chapter… just saying.. XD) ! No further than chapter 20 though because I already have something in mind…. I think. READ AND REVIEW PLEASE!
Song: Just A Kiss- Lady Antebellum
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