Chapter 23: Distracting Looks

AAZ: So people who correctly answer the challenge and the answer is CRUSH…. gets the tour from Thalia!

Thalia: Thank guys that was rather a lot of burgers to eat in a day… even for me.

AAZ: You should say thank you to them individually…

Thalia: *grumbles* Fine… to people who brought me burgers… and got tours of Camp-Half Blood: I'm So True, OreoBarrelRacer29, Lightning-AND'Death, AtlantaJackson95, nerdygangsta, lolmak, SugarIsHEALTHY, Guest (anon), Theminotaur'shorn, Guest (anon), DarkWint3rDream, Woody626, no-percabeth-is-no-life, wisegirl1996, OfAllPeople, Pregnantnun227, The Innocent Little Human, Thalia Star Grace, thalia's #1 fan, Percy Jackson Fan 29…

AAZ: Good good-

Thalia: Wait some of them stole my name!

AAZ: *ignores Thalia* Nico do the disclaimer… Thalia offered people tours already

Nico: Do it yourself…

AAZ: Aww don't be a killjoy…. SAY IT! NOW!

Nico: *dangerous gleam in his eyes* Are you… commanding me…?

AAZ: Okay Nico… you could call off the skeletons now…. AHH! OKAY OKAY I DO NOT OWN PERCY JACKSON OR ANYTHING FOR THAT MATTER!

Nico: *grins a creepy grin* That's better

Percy's POV:

I nearly choked, I wanted to say something like, 'Ha… nice joke Rachel..' But I have a pretty good feeling Rachel was actually being serious… and it probably wouldn't be nice to take a joke out of something as serious as… well as this.

"Percy… Percy? Are you there?" Rachel asked after a while of silence.

I blinked twice, "Sorry … but… "I paused a bit hesitant. True, I really loved Rachel before… keyword LOVED as in past tense… now I'm just still lingering feelings for her, strong feelings… but I'm still not sure if I'm actually ready to get marry after everything is happening so fast. Sure I still like her… but love? I usually act on impulse, but for some reason I don't really want to be rushing. It took me five years of dating Rachel just to propose to her.

"Rachel… I'm still trying to get my feelings straightened out… we just got back together… I don't want to rush anything." I explained.

Rachel sighed, "I thought you would say that… but I just wanted to ask... you know… just in case. I'm kind of worried you wouldn't want to marry me."

This time I laughed, "Now you're just talking shit with all that. If I can marry any girl it'll be you." I let out a slight smile, "How about I take you to some ice cream?"

Rachel gave me a huge smile this time, "I would like that."

~PAGEBREAK~

"COME ON ANNABETH! WE'RE NEARLY LATE TO THEIR WEDDING!" I called out to the girl that was busy fixing herself up. I never actually imagined Annabeth to be one to care about her appearance… but I guess since Grover was an old friend, she was making an exception.

"Percy RELAX! Most girls take twice as long as me! It's only been a mere fifteen minutes!" Annabeth yelled from her room. "And it's your fault that decided I should've gone to work today instead of spending the day relaxing and getting ready to go to the wedding… like a normal person would."

"Oh sure… blame it all on me…" I mumbled too low so she wouldn't hear.

"I heard that!"

"Seriously… do these people have radar ears or something?" I mumbled a bit more lower this time.

"I heard that too! Learn to talk to yourself in a quieter tone." Annabeth advised.

I grumbled some unpleasant words as I readjusted my tie. I looked in the glass window at my messy hair, of course I did try to comb it down in a neat matter… but obviously my hair does not like combs… as shown with the broken combs in the trashcan. I nervously checked my watch, of course we're not late (If we were Annabeth would freak) but I was so nervous about my best man speech that I wanted to practice it first. I grimaced as I tried to adjust my tuxedo in a more appropriate manner.

Formal clothing and me… have never had a good history. Once during senior prom, I had actually ripped my rented tuxedo… let me tell you…the company was not very happy when I brought a rather wet, dog drooled tuxedo to their return section. Another time, at my mom's wedding with Paul, I borrowed Paul's old tuxedo, but long story short… it ended up being dyed with a slightly pinkish shade of red. And another time… well you get the idea.

This time however, I was determined to make sure nothing happen to this tuxedo. As uncomfortable as it is, or however weird I may have looked…I was determined to not screw Grover's wedding up. I groaned as the tie became undo, no thanks to my nervous fiddling.

I groaned, honestly, when I brought the tux, the tie was already set and ready to go, so I never bothered to tie it… but now… I quickly tried to find ways to fix it. A knot this way… a knot that way… ARGH! I yelled in frustration because making a rather ugly knot… well it somewhat looked like a tie… I guess? Yeah, good enough.

I had my best man speech in my right side pocket and the invitation in the other hand. I buttoned up my tuxedo trying to cover the badly tied tie. 'That'll do,' I thought with a sigh.

I checked the time again to realize another five minute have passed. Grumbling to myself I walked towards her bedroom door and knocked on it as politely as I could. "Annabeth!"

"I told you to relax, I'm almost done!" Her muffled voice came from the other side of the room.

"If you don't open this door in five minutes… I'll break it down." I warned her. Of course, I probably can't break it down… but it wouldn't hurt to threaten her right?

"Go ahead and try, but let me warn you… unless you don't want to see me with clothes on… I suggest you keep the doors closed." Annabeth warned me with a bit of a teasing tone in her voice.

I instantly took a step back feeling my face heating up, "T-take y-y-your time," I managed before backing towards the wall.

I heard a slight chuckle from inside the room, "I thought so… good brother,"

'Not that I didn't want to see Annabeth- no I don't want to see… Just it's… it's weird… and she's practically like a friend-' I told myself then corrected myself. 'No… sister… even if it's fake… you have to keep up the act Percy,' My mind told me.

I waited at least another ten minutes just rereading my speech when I heard the door opened in front of me. "Took you long enough…" I mumbled still keeping my eyes on the speech. "Come on let-" I stopped mid-sentence as my eyes drifted over towards Annabeth.

Her natural curls were loosely let down, the front was pushed aside to show her face. I could tell that there wasn't much make-up done here, but just enough to bring out her grey eyes and the distinguishing feature of her face. I let my eyes drift down to her blue dress that clung onto her body as if it was made for her. I think it's the right time to say that my breath was taken away.

"Percy?" She waved her hand in front of my face.

I instantly snapped out of my little trance and focused my attention on what she was saying. "What?"

"Are you ready to go yet?"

"Uh…Oh- Yeah, let's go," I quickly stuffed my speech into my pocket as Annabeth looked at my neck. I was suddenly conscious about how my hair was and whether I was even wearing the tuxedo right.

"Umm… Percy… the tie." Annabeth said pointing towards my tie that was crudely put on.

I laughed nervously, "Yeah… it kind of got," I looked down at the tie. "like that."

"And you were rushing me to get ready." Annabeth laughed. "Take off the tux-" She commanded me.

"Excuse me?" I asked obviously confused. "Why would you need-?"

"Your tie… I'll help you with that." She cut in.

I nodded and quickly took it off placing it in my hands as Annabeth loosen my tie. She took a step closer and wrapped the tie around my neck while I tried my best to not stare at her face. Her eyes were focused on my tie as I stared down at her. Finally she made a final loop with the tie and quickly tightened it before stepping away to admire her work.

"There you go," She grinned happily.

"Thanks," I said nervously as I felt my heart pounding and my hands were rather sweaty as I quickly put on the tux.

"Stop lingering and let's go," Annabeth rushed me. "Weren't you rushing me earlier?" With that she walked passed me and towards the front door. "Aren't you coming?"

I shook my head and followed her towards my car.

"You're dressed up rather nicely," Annabeth complimented as I drove the car out of the driveway.

"Thanks," I answered trying my best not to look at her… because honestly… she was seriously beautiful.

"What do you think about my dress?" Annabeth asked me as if she was unsure of herself.

"It's nice." I answered shortly. 'Not it's beautiful… you dimwit.' I scolded myself then scolded myself a second time for even thinking of that.

"What are you-"Annabeth began before I rudely interrupted her.

"Please stop talking! I'm trying to drive!" I said a bit crazy. Okay… I didn't mean to be so mean to her, but how exactly could I drive when my not-sister is rather beautiful. Trust me… it's not very easy to concentrate on the red lights or road safety's when you're mind is obviously elsewhere.

I noticed her mood kind of being let down a bit and felt guilty instantly. "I'm just really nervous about the speech." I quickly said not really wanting to make her feel bad.

From the corner of my eyes I saw Annabeth's lips curling up into a slight smile and I couldn't help but keep a smile on my face, "By the way… I never knew you actually know how to put on a dress," I joked before earning a good size punch at my shoulder.

~ICECREAM~

"What if something happens right when she walks in… what if I forget all my lines and-" Grover paced around the room talking pretty much to himself… and I thought I was nervous… my poor friend is a wreak.

The guys were having one last conversation before Grover looses all of his freedom (according to the mighty Stoll brothers.

"Ahh… he's not even married yet… but he's already screwed." Travis sighed shaking his head.

Connor laughed, "I told you G-man… the only women that'll bring you happiness in your whole life is your mom and your sisters!"

"What about the grandma?" Nico suddenly asked as we all jumped, a bit alarmed at his sudden 'popping out of nowhere'.

"Nico!" Grover exclaimed. "So glad you're here!" Grover went up and gave Nico a man-hug. "Good… now I don't have to worry about me screwing up."

"You do know… that the Stolls are here right?" I held down a laugh.

"That's heartless Percy," Connor feigned pain as he grabbed the nearest flower. "We're here to help Grover." The younger Stoll placed the flower neatly into Grover's hand. "See?"

Grover just shook his head and carefully placed the flower back into the pot, "Don't be killing the flowers Connor! Juniper planted these herself!" Grover frantically buried the stem of the flower back down.

"Grover's getting a bit crazy now…" Travis mumbled.

"Gee… bro… I never would've guessed… I mean look at how he's wearing his tux backward." Connor laughed pointing at tag hanging right at the crest of the clothing.

I could've sworn Grover's eyes popped out from his sockets as he quickly turned his tux inside out. "See! The wedding didn't even start yet and I'm already screwing everything up." Grover frowned. "Juniper's probably already reconsidering her choices right now…" Grover said mournfully.

I walked up to my buddy and pat his back, "Relax Grover, Juniper loves you more than anything," I told him honestly. "You're going to go out there today and get married man. It'll be the best wedding of the century!" I exclaimed.

"You're going to do great man," Nico said helpfully.

Grover nodded in thanks, "Percy, tell Annabeth thanks for getting Thalia to cover our wedding for us." Grover said as I saw a bit of confidence building back up.

I smirked as I saw Nico's head shot up, "Who's Thalia?" Nico pretended to be innocent.

That sly kid.

"She's hot!" Travis grinned.

"And scary!" Connor added.

I couldn't help but noticed the amuse expression on Nico's face. Looks like the little guy would probably get some alone time with his secret girlfriend later on. "Come on Grover, you just need to get over this and then it's off to the wedding dinner!" I tried to sound optimistic.

At that moment there was a knock on the door, Nico reached down and opened the door as a look of distaste appeared on his face. "Rachel."

I brightened a bit before heading over to the door and giving her a light peck, "Hey,"

Rachel smiled nervously at Nico before giving me a huge smile, "Everyone's here, we are going to start in ten minutes."

I smiled, "Okay, I'll see you later than," I said before giving her another light kiss on the cheek. "Oh and tell Annabeth to wait for me after this, I'll drive her to the restaurant later."

"She said one of her friend is taking her there, Luke… I think," Rachel struggled to remember.

I felt my anger flared a bit. I didn't really trust this Luke guy alone with Annabeth for some reason. "Just tell Annabeth to wait for me."

"Okay, I'll be going then," With that my girlfriend turned around and walked out.

"I still don't like her…" Nico grumbled.

"That's okay little guy," I patted his back.

"Looks like you're getting along well with Rachel," Travis commented as I let out a shrug.

"Come on Grover, your wedding is starting soon." I told him as the three younger guys filed out towards the seats.

"I'm seriously nervous man," Grover checked his shirt nervously.

"Dude, you'll do fine! You've rescued plants and animals! This is like a walk in the park!" I grinned.

This time Grover smiled, "Well here goes nothing."

~GROVERXJUNIPER~

I stood right next to Grover as he waited for Juniper to decent down the aisle with Rachel and a few other bridesmaids behind her. As Juniper made her way next to Grover, Rachel headed over to where I was and gave me a tight squeeze on my hand. I looked down at the crowd to look for Annabeth just to find out she was next to Nico and Thalia and were introducing them to one another. The two secret couples exchanged a slight smile as Grover and Juniper exchanged their rings.

"And I pronounce you husband and wife. Sir… you may kiss the bride." The guy said as the two newly wedded kissed each other before the two Stoll brothers took out some streamers spraying it on everyone.

"GROVER! GROVER!" The two brothers yelled earning a couple laugh from the crowd.

Soon everyone congratulated Grover and headed out to their car towards the restaurant as I stood back waiting for Annabeth, when Rachel came up to me. "Are you going?"

"Yeah, I'm just waiting for Annabeth to come out, " I told my girlfriend.

Rachel studied me a bit before answering, "You know… I'm a little bit worried about you spending too much time with her now," Rachel smiled lightly. "Even if she still considers you as her brother."

I chuckled, "I'm just worried about her, that's all Rach. She was getting a ride from Luke… and frankly I still don't trust that guy…" I mumbled.

Rachel put an arm on my tense shoulders, "This is honestly the first time I've seen you being so protective to anyone besides me."

"It's just I'm still used to seeing her as my sister," I said trying to convince Rachel.

"I know… it's just I can't help but feel a bit jealous," Rachel looked at me as if she's seeing something that I can't. "Well there's Annabeth, I'll get going first Percy." She leaned up to give me a kiss. "I'll see you there later."

I nodded as Rachel walked away from me towards her car and drove away.

I turned around to see Annabeth already walking out of the door, talking and smiling next to Luke as if they were old buddies. For some odd reason I felt my anger rising just seeing Luke casually putting an arm over her shoulders. He looked familiar… that's for sure… but I can't seem to recall where I saw him before… but whatever it was… it was not a good feeling. I walked over to them, "Annabeth ready to go?" I asked her after giving a l greeting (not really) to Luke.

"Rachel didn't tell you?" Annabeth asked obviously confused.

I bit back a curse, "Yeah she did… but…" I paused not really knowing what to say.

"Just relax, I'll take her there and back, nothing will happen." Luke assured me.

"Oh yeah… just like how she ended up in the hospital perfectly fine." I mumbled sarcastically.

"That was a pure accident," The blond guy said but for some reason I heard a slight hesitation in his voice.

I ignored Luke and turned to Annabeth, "Come on, I'll take you there… I still don't trust this guy with you…" I mumbled.

"Well thanks for stating that out loud." Luke glared at me.

"I wasn't talking to you," I growled.

Annabeth looked back and forth between us as if trying to see what was happening. "Luke, would you excuse us for a minute?" Annabeth asked the blond guy

Luke smiled towards Annabeth before answering, "Sure, take your time… I'll umm… wait in the car then," He took his arms off Annabeth shoulder… lucky for him… I was about to push that off myself. Honestly I had no idea why the hell I was feeling like this… protective much? Maybe… but I couldn't help myself for some reason.

As Luke walked a safe distance away, Annabeth turned to me, a rather irritated look on her face… but it also looked… half amused?

"Okay… can you please explain to me what the hell that was?" Annabeth said putting her hands on her hips.

Okay… I'd be lying if I said she looked scary… no… she looked so pretty… that it's almost scary. "Uhh… I was offering you a ride?" I offered the anger washing away immediately.

"Luke said he'll take me… I was pretty sure I told Rachel to tell you." Annabeth said with a slight confused expression.

"No… I mean yes she did told me, but like… I really don't trust that guy!" I told her.

"Percy," She laughed. "It's nice that you care., but I'm perfectly fine." She put out both of her arms and gestured to her legs to show she's still perfectly in one piece.

"I'm still worried…" I said uncertainly. It's not that I'm overly paranoid about anyone getting close to Annabeth… I mean I'm fine with Thalia (even if she is kind of a temperamental bitch)… but there's just something about Luke that's just slightly off… I sighed… maybe I am being a bit paranoid.

"I'll see you at the wedding dinner okay? I wouldn't want my brother to be sitting there alone," Annabeth smiled.

'Oh yeah… you're her brother…' I thought sarcastically. 'Not even a friend… just a brother...' I grumbled no idea why I'm feeling so damn depressed. I sighed, "I'll see you then."

"Oh… by the way Percy, Thalia and one of your guy friend Nico asked for a ride." Annabeth told me before turning around and leaving.

I nodded aimlessly and made my way to my car to see Thalia and Nico already standing there with a rather huge distance apart as if they didn't want to be seen together. "No need to pretend you aren't dating... no one else is here and I already know. Hmm… you guys ever noticed this scratch on my car before it looks rather nasty." I commented as I faintly noticed a light scratch through the car door. "Oh an-" Before I was able to finish my sentence I was pinned down by Thalia with her fist itching to punch my face.

"What the hell did you just say?" Thalia asked her electric blue eyes were somewhat terrifying.

"The scratch on my car looks pretty nasty?" I managed to cough out as she nearly choked me.

"I meant before that!" She said as I noticed the fear creeping up in her eyes.

All of the suddenly someone pulled her off me. "Thals, calm down, he knows." Nico convinced his secret girlfriend.

"I know you hate me… but I would like to live… thank you very much." I mumbled sarcastically dusting off my pants.

Completely ignoring me, the spiky-haired girl turned towards Nico, "What?"

"I was about to tell you, it probably just slipped my mind." Nico explained. "He kind of…" Nico shifted nervously from side to side. I stare at my friend in shock… in all the time I've known him… he had never looked so nervous. "Well… he err…found out the time when you knocked him out."

"Wait… you told me about him finding out Annabeth is not his sister-"

"No need to remind me." I mumbled just to be ignored by the couple.

"-but you just forgot to mention that he found out about us?" Thalia grumbled.

"He found out himself!" Nico instantly put on the blame on me. I had no idea whether to be angry or crack up laughing… because seriously… this is the first time I've seen Nico lose his little poker face.

Thalia didn't wait a moment to threaten me, "I swear…. If you tell anyone-"

I shrugged her off, "Must we go through this again… Nico already warned me of the consequences." I told her remember the long phone call I had with Nico about all the things he could do to hurt me if I ever spilled out anything about his relationship with Thalia.

"Good… now answer me Kelp Head… what the hell is going on between you and Annabeth?" Thalia asked with anger still evident in her voice.

Both Nico and I looked at her shocked, "What do you mean?"

"Oh don't act stupid… I know all about your little couch episode. So right after you find out that she's not your sister… you make a move on her." Thalia concluded with a rather angry voice.

"Couch episode?" Nico asked as I nervously studied my shoes.

'This… is… not… good… Annabeth told Thalia… wait… why am I nervous? I didn't do anything wrong! I have a girlfriend!' I reminded myself. "Seriously can you stop interrogating me? I swear nothing happened! We simply just fell asleep while watching Finding Nemo." I defended myself before realizing my mistake.

"Finding Nemo…?" Nico asked cautiously before both he and Thalia cracked up laughing.

It was almost as if those two are asking to get hit, "It's a classic!" I grumbled and got into the car. "Are you guys going or not?"

I started the engine as the two laughing duo quickly got into the backseat.

~PAGEBREAK~

"ENOUGH ALREADY!" I yelled at the two as I got out of my car. I seriously had enough of the both of them questioning about my past and whether or not I'm hiding anything. Oh and to make it better… they were asking if I was molesting Annabeth… seriously…. THE HELL! DO I LOOK LIKE A MOLESTER!

Apparently Thalia and Nico dated… no more surprises there… and she's Nico's partner working with him on my case. Of course her cover is a photographer… which is not really a lie… since she does deal with crime photography and yeah dangerous girl. Note to self… do not get on Thalia's extreme bad side… since I'm already on her usual bad side…

If only Annabeth was here… maybe then those two would have the decency to not ask just weird questions nor the occasional PDA in my car.

"We're here! Now unless you want me to spill out your secret of dating I suggest you stop interrogating me and-"In an instant there was a knife at my throat and a fist near my face. Three guesses who's holding the knife…

"I thought we said no weapons at the wedding?" Nico exclaimed.

"Oh and that gun in your jacket is any better?" Thalia shot back.

"How do you know I have a gun in my jacket?' Nico asked before realizing his mistake.

"Guys… we got something more important here…" I thought pointing towards myself being tortured and getting a couple stares by a couple onlookers.

"Yeah, we kill him first for threatening us then I'll be taking your weapon away." Thalia decided.

"My weapon?" Nico exclaimed. "You're the one holding the knife at his throat!"

"GUY!" I yelled very aware of the knife at my throat. "I'm just kidding about spilling out your secret! LET ME OUT!" With that last word I pushed the duo off me. Luckily the parking lot was still empty or they'll probably be wondering why there was a girl holding a knife and the guy doing a perfect CIA or whatever roll towards the ground.

Nico dusted his pants and patted his black jacket, "You'd better Percy…" He grumbled as Thalia went over and took away his gun. "Wait-!"

"No excuses Nico…" Thalia warned him.

"What if someone attacks or-?" Nico began.

"Stop being paranoid… nothing is going to happen… but if it is… " She flipped the gun and placed it in her handbag."And you…" She zeroed in on me. "If anything happens to Annabeth again…" She let that threat hung in the air.

"I got it!" I grumbled angrily. "Now are we going or not?"

The two nodded before letting go of their entwined hands, almost as if they don't even know each other. I have to admit it… these two are rather good at acting. "Let's go then…" I sighed as I stood in the middle of those two… god damn… I feel like a third wheel so much right now…

I know! I KNOW! I'm a horrible and bad person…. TWO WEEKS! I'm sorry I had a family trip and my uncle got transferred to another hospital, so I couldn't find the time to update, but I can promise the next update won't be as long! So how's this one though?:D Anyways… READ AND REVIEW? Pretty please! For me? Well I'll answer reviews on next chapter! Anyways I hate summer homework… essays… WHO ASSIGNS ESSAYS AS SUMMER HOMEWORK?

Song: Standing In Front Of You- Kelly Clarkson (A slow but I think her voice in here is amazing :D)

Agent Astro Zombie