Chapter 39: Keeping Things On The Down Low
Nico: So what have we here? AAZ UPDATING! No just kidding it's not AAZ, it's actually Nico guys! Back from the worst place ever… Tartarus
Thalia: Trust me; I've seen worst on my hunt with Artemis.
Nico: Tartarus is the worst place ever! You've never been in there *shudders* It was complete hell.
Thalia *laughing*
Nico: What?
Thalia: Hell- that's just-
Nico: What…?
Thalia: You really don't understand- that's just- BWHAHAHAHA
Nico: WHAT?!
Thalia: You are really a 70's kid; it's a pun death boy. But just know that Tartarus is nothing compared to the life of a huntress.
Nico: ARE YOU CRAZY?! IT WAS THE WORST PLACE I'VE EVER BEEN!
Thalia: Oh, poor little Nicky.
Nico: Don't call me Nicky
AAZ: You guys are just too cute.
Thalia: HEY IT'S THAT CRAZY PERSON!
Nico: Hey it's Leroy!
AAZ: You do know my name is not Leroy right?
Nico: Percy called you Leroy…
AAZ: Well Percy is wrong that's why he's in Tartarus… *bunch of fan girls and fan boys throwing tomatoes* OUCH! SHEEZ I'M JUST KIDDING! Anyways speaking of Tartarus… shouldn't you be making a plan on rescuing them?
Nico: Well Leo is working on improvement of the Argo, and I'm here to heal my wounds from the worst place ever-
Thalia: Hunting wild monsters
Nico: TARTARUS!
AAZ: sorry Thalia but Tartarus is the official worst place right now according to 1 billion fans of the Percy Jackson series.
Thalia: THAT'S NOT TRUE!
AAZ: No wait… there's another vote that's beating both hunting wild monsters and Tartarus as the worst place ever….
Nico: THAT'S IMPOSSIBLE!
*green flash of light*
Rachel: THE MORTAL WORLD!
*lightning flashes*
Rachel: See even Zeus agrees.
Thalia: The gods don't even like mortals to begin with…
Nico: *smiles* Explain us.
AAZ: You guys are beyond disgusting…
Rachel & Thalia: That's just the guys…
AAZ: Whatever, I'll be right back… do not touch this computer! *leaves*
Nico: That's just the guys?
Thalia; Oh be quiet Nico, let's check out this computer!
Nico: Leroy said-
Rachel: Oh please… you're going to listen to that crazy person
Nico: But what if-
Thalia: Stop being a wuss; let's see… story time kids! No wait fan fiction?
Rachel: Wait I know this… Percy and Annabeth wrote one before-
Thalia: EWWW! I'M IN A LONG RELATIONSHIP WITH NICO?! I'm a Hunter!
Rachel: What the heck? Apollo name is Fred? I was in a relationship with him too? And Percy?
Nico: How about we write a chapter for fun?
Thalia; There is no way I'm writing about *barf* Thalico
Nico: Hey! We're pretty cute!
Thalia; No way…
Nico: PENS AND PENCILS! LET'S WRITE A CHAPTER!
Rachel: I'll go get a dictionary for you kids...
Thalia: I'M OLDER THAN YOU!
Rachel: Not right now you're not; you're the same age as Nico now which means I'm the responsible one out of the three of us. *leaves to get a dictionary*
Disclaimer: I do not own Percabeth, I'm a real bastard, and bastards don't deserve to own Percabeth. Happy?
Annabeth's POV:
"We're here sleepyhead." I heard Percy's voice called as I felt him kiss my cheek.
"Mmhmm," I mumbled with my eyes still closed.
Percy laughed for a moment, "You actually look pretty harmless sleeping here like this." I could almost imagine him smirking.
"I wouldn't be sleepy if a certain someone hadn't insisted on staying up late to make a midnight snack." I complained remembering how he just woke me up out of the blue just because he was hungry.
"Don't complain, if I remember correctly you were enjoying those cookies as much as I was." He replied as I felt him lean in for a kiss.
I kissed him back, "So is there a reason why you couldn't sleep yesterday?" I asked him remembering how awake he was and the troubled look on his face.
Percy pulled back and turned off the engine, "I have insomnia sometimes." He answered hesitantly. "Dreams occasionally get to me, but hey at least I know how to fall asleep more easily now." He grinned giving me a wink.
I glared at him hoping the blush on my face wasn't as obvious, "You need to learn to sleep on your own bed."
"Technically it was a couch." Percy pointed out with a smirk.
"Oh, shut up!" I pushed him away. Percy grinned and got out of the car to open the car door for me like the gentleman he was not.
"Come on sleeping beauty, I think I could hear the Stolls coming up." Percy said pointing towards a van coming into view.
"ALL ABOARD EVERYONE!" Connor yelled out as the two Stolls pulled up the driveway of Emily's hotel.
"We're not on ship yet bro." Travis grinned as he helped a pissed off looking Katie out of the car.
"I swear Stoll-"
"Which one?" The two brothers asked at the same time.
"TRAVIS!" Katie grumbled as she kicked Travis at his shin.
Percy and I walked over to the trio as Emily came out with a grin plastered across her face. "You guys are early." She remarked as she shot me a look that clearly said 'You owe me an explanation.'
"So how many cars are we taking?" I asked ignoring Emily questioning look.
"We'll take the Stoll mobile! Six seat and we're six people so all is good!" Connor grinned. "And the old man himself is driving."
"Gee… so while you guys are enjoying yourself in the back, I have to be alert and driving?" Percy grumbled.
"It's only a forty-five minute drive." I pointed out and leaned into whisper to him "Plus, considering that Travis would be hitting on Katie, and Connor with Emily, I'm pretty sure you wouldn't mind having me in shotgun seat right?"
Percy grinned, "Have I ever told you how great you are at planning?"
"One of my many talents." I smiled back.
"You're so amazing like that." Percy chuckled as he leaned down to give me a kiss.
"WOAH THERE!" Connor jumped in between us and pulled Percy away. "What is this?"
"Exactly what I wanted to ask." Emily started.
"Shouldn't we get going?" I interrupted before they started questioning us like crazy. "I mean… the cruise is not going to wait for us, and all the checking in will take a while."
"I CALL SHOTGUN!" Connor gave a look at Percy.
"But Annabeth called-"
Connor simply ignored Percy and clapped him on the back as if they were two old buddies, "It's cool man, and we could talk about all sorts of thing! The front is soundproof and closed off from the rear."
"Connor, don't you want to sit with Emily?" I tried to bribe the younger Stoll.
"All this time I've been in New York, I haven't hanged out at all Annabeth." Emily said a little too sweetly.
"Emily…"
"What? Been with him for so long that you couldn't stand being separated from him?" Emily smirked before dragging me to the so-called Stoll mobile.
~TIMELAPSE~
"So this is not some elaborate plan or anything right?" Emily asked for the millionth time.
Okay… slight exaggeration, but it's already over half an hour and Emily was still questioning me. I swear this was even worse than Thalia when she had found out about Percy kissing me.
"Which answer do you want? Because I could go either way." I answered a bit tired of their constant questioning.
Emily raised an amused eyebrow.
I shook my head, "You've been hanging out with Connor way too much Em."
Emily laughed, "I want the truth Annie."
I shot her a glare before replying to her, "The truth that you want to hear or the truth truth?"
This time it was Travis turn to laugh, "Looks like Percy's logic is rubbing off Annabeth here."
"That doesn't even make sense Annabeth." Emily cracked a smile. "I want a straight answer."
"Please… it was obvious they have something going on. Plus being in a relationship with Ms. Gardener has heightened my love senses to a whole new level- Ouch!" Travis turned towards the girl next to him. "What was that for?"
"We are not together Stoll!" She glared at him. "Get that across your head and stop spreading around false rumors!"
"Hey! There's nothing wrong with admitting your love to this wonderful boyfriend." Travis grinned.
"I can't believe I agreed to get a ride from you…" Katie shook her head before turning to me once again. "But seriously, you and Percy?"
"I'm pretty sure Emily covered everything already." I mumbled as the car went to a stop, my head almost screamed in joy, happy to be away from their interrogation. I was ready to bolt out the door when Emily held me back as everyone piled out.
"Not so fast Annie-"I glared at Emily. "Annabeth." She quickly corrected herself. "Remember… no funny business on this trip."
I almost blushed, "I could be saying the same thing to you and Connor, Em."
Emily looked at me in confusion, "Don't worry we'll party safe! Well probably just me, that guy would probably be getting it on with a few bimbos on this cruise." Emily said convincingly. Sometimes I wonder about this girl… does she really not see Connor's affection for her? Maybe it's the Stoll's curse to chase after girls.
"You seriously don't see it?"
"See what?" Emily laughed, "The other day he was giving me advice on what guys do when they are interested in us girls. Please… if anything, it's between you and my clueless half-brother." She didn't seem fazed at all, almost oblivious to Connor's feelings.
"Em-"
"We're here!" Connor interrupted as he poked his head into the car. "Are you ladies getting out yet or would you prefer to be carried out?"
~PAGEBREAK~
"WOO HOO! CRUISE TIME BABY!" Connor grinned as soon as he stepped on board."ALL ABOARD!"
"So who's up for some drinks after this?" Travis grinned. "It's free for everyone!"
Before anyone could answer we suddenly heard a familiar voice of Grover Underwood. "Hey guys!" He grinned as he gave Percy a man-hug before looking at me within the group. "Annabeth! You're still here!" Grover smiled before engulfing me into a hug.
"I haven't seen you in a while Grover," I smiled at him, "How are things with Juniper?"
Grover gave me the brightest smile I've ever seen him give anyone and that alone told me how much he love the girl he married. "It's great! Life has never been better actually!"
"So where's your wife G-man?" Travis asked as he wrapped an arm around Katie Gardener who quickly brushed him off.
"You know how Juniper is, she's just making sure everything's in order." Grover smiled.
I couldn't help but noticed how much Juniper had changed Grover, of course in a positive way. He's much more confident and happier than I've ever seen him.
Percy stood by me, wrapping an arm around my waist. Grover raised an eyebrow but didn't say anything, instead just gave me a smile as if he knew this would happen all along. "Woah, who's this Percy's twin?" Grover asked as soon as he finally noticed Emily.
This time Percy laughed and shot me a playful look, "Long story short, my real half-sister."
"No lie this time?" Grover questioned.
Percy smiled as he entwined his hands with mine, "Nope, it's all real."
"Nice to meet you then, I'm Grover," Grover held out his hand to Emily who just brushed it off and gave Grover a hug.
"You don't remember me?" Emily smirked. I almost laughed remembering how long it took for Grover to recognize me. "He got married?" Emily turned to me in alarmed.
"Yep to that exact same girl he was drooling about the whole time in California." I confirmed as Grover tried to find something familiar about Emily.
"You're that squirt!"
"No shit Sherlock." Was Emily reply as she suppressed a smile. "So is it time for me to meet this beauty you've always been mentioning bro?"
Grover sheepishly smiled, "You'll see her soon, just don't start telling her about my embarrassing stories."
"No promises!" Emily grinned mischievously.
"It's nice to see Grover and Juniper like this." I smiled to Percy as the conversations continued around us.
"Still waiting on that knight in shining armor?" Percy asked with an amused smile.
I looked at him for a second, "You know… I'm in the process of deciding whether or not I already have my knight." I smirked.
"Glad to know," Percy said as he started to lean down only to be stopped by Connor.
"Man… you kids." Connor grinned as he shook his head disapprovingly.
I blushed and noticed Percy was also showing a taint of pink on his cheeks as well, "I'm older than you Connor."
Travis grinned and quickly rushed over the defense of his brother, "He meant maturity," Travis walked near Katie. "You know… something that every girl wants in a guy." He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and offered her a charming smile.
"Something that you are lacking of course." Katie replied with a sense of distaste. "So who else are we missing?" Katie asked as she pushed Travis away from her.
"Chris and Clarisse are not going because of the new baby. Pollux is too busy with the bar so he bailed. So all we have left is waiting for Nico-"Connor began before interrupted by a voice.
"I've been here the whole time, just waiting on you guys."
Everyone turned towards the voice to reveal Nico standing with a pair of sunglasses with an aviator jacket as he leaned against the wall.
"Woah! Trying to scare us with those sneaking skills aren't you ninja man?" Travis smiled as he clapped Nico on the back.
"Not necessary," He shouldered his bag over his shoulder. "I just like to keep things on the down low." He grinned for a second and pulled his glasses down, "But, I'd like you guys to meet someone."
"Hot girl?" Connor stared in disbelief.
"Scary girl?" Travis said at the same time as the two Stolls started to back away a bit.
"Thalia!" I almost jumped to hug my best friend. She was gone for at least three months and from what I heard from Percy, they just got back recently.
"Nice to see you too," Thalia grimaced as if she's in pain but she happily returned my hug.
"You seem oddly happy," I noticed as I released her from the hug.
Thalia shrugged but before she could answer, Nico spoke up. "Guys, meet my fiancé." Nico grinned as everyone stared at them in shock… and by everyone, I mean myself and the Seaweed Brain included.
Percy whistled, "Way to keep things on the down low Nicky."
~PAGEBREAK~
"No one saw you come in here right?"
"No worries, they all assume that I'm staying in captain's quarters or something." Percy assured me as he dropped down his bags in the closet. "But it seems like everyone already know about our relationship, I don't think anyone would mind-"
"I'm guessing you forgot to consider what Thalia would do to you." I pointed out as he manages to put on a brave front.
"She won't be like-"
"My first boyfriend in high school was so scared that he moved to another country." I offered with a half-smile.
"Okay…" Percy let out a low whistle. "Scary indeed."
I laughed and poured myself a cup of water. "Did you know anything about Nico and Thalia?"
"I was surprised myself, the last time I visited them-"
"When did you visit them?" I asked surprised since I never really remember that he mentioned anything about this.
"They came to the house when you were out a couple days ago." Percy said. "Nothing important, just stopped by, said they were doing pretty good, grab some food and left."
I raised an eyebrow, "That's all?"
He bit the bottom of his lip as if afraid of what he might say, "Not exactly all…" Percy trailed off and looked at me with sorrowful eyes as if he knows something I don't. He quickly replaced it with a smile, "But it's nothing." He waved it off.
I didn't know what to say, I didn't want to seem like an overly paranoid girlfriend and we've only been dating for a little bit so… "When did the two of them suddenly decide to go all public?"
"Beats me," Percy sighed in relief as if glad he was off the hook. "But since when did you get all into their love life?" Percy smirked as he took the water from my hand to drink it himself.
I gave him a look before answering, "I don't know… there's just something that seems off. I mean… they disappear for three months and come back engaged."
Percy laughed, "You're just over-thinking it. They've been together for a while; it was only a matter of time before Nico pop the big question."
I stared at him, "For once you're actually talking sense."
Percy shrugged, "Maybe you're finally rubbing off me."
"And here I thought it was impossible to get through that stubborn head of yours." I grinned laying my back down on the bed.
Percy followed my example and wrapped his arms around my waist, "You want to skip out and just relax here?" Percy asked as he pulled me in closer.
I gave him a kiss before pulling away, "Fat chance, it wouldn't take long for Thalia to put two and two together and end up with your head as a punching bag." I grabbed a change of clothes. "You should change into something more relaxing."
"Would you prefer I go shirtless?" Percy grinned. "It's much more relaxing then this."
Instead of answering I threw him a pair of shorts and a t-shirt before heading into the bathroom. I finished washing up and changing in fifteen minutes and was about to go out when I heard Percy's voice talking to someone.
"-course not," Percy began. I was about to step out to see who he was talking to when the next word he said stopped me from doing so. "And plus, Annabeth is in there, so unless you want her to find out about the secret we're hiding-"
"Technically it involves her and besides…" A voice that sounded so familiar. "I'm practically the master at sneaking around."
"No you're not and stop bringing her into this, it's bad enough that she's in danger because of me. "
"You can't keep blaming yourself you, and if you would just listen to me-"
"Nico, I have one more death on my hand! And that person is Annabeth-"
"You can't be with her; she'll hate you when she finds out." Nico interrupted him.
"Look when that time comes I'll worry about it later. With the thing about Athena-"
My brain went on overdrive as I heard my mom's name, 'Could they be talking about my mom?' I thought in alarm.
"You don't need to worry about anything, just leave it to me and Thals." I stood at the bathroom door not daring to open it as a moment of silence filled the room. "Perce…and umm… about Thalia-"
"We'll talk about it later man." Percy assured Nico as if trying to hurry the poor guy out.
"No, not that." I took a risk and opened the door slightly, "You know how I said about Thalia- Annabeth!" Nico suddenly caught my eyes.
Percy quickly turned around and I was about to register a look of guilt on his face before it reverted back to the smile that I've been so accustomed to. "You're done?"
I opened the door with a casual look as if I didn't hear anything that they said, "Yeah, hey Nico." I greeted the guy a bit frustrated that he had discovered me so fast.
Whatever insecurity Nico felt before he quickly replaced it with a confident mask, "The Stolls just told me to tell you that there's some party in the upper deck."
"We got it Nico," Percy said. "You should go now before-"
"Wait, Nico, about you and Thalia-"I interrupted Percy only to be interrupted by Nico.
"Funny story," Nico said nervously. "I say, you ask Thalia about that later."
I couldn't tell what he meant by that, but considering how he took it… there's something else behind this so called engagement. "No, you had better tell me. I know Thalia can take care of herself, but with the way you're acting right now… I don't care that you guys were in a relationship for a while; all I care about is that you guys were gone for three months without leaving a message. What was that about?"
Nico looked trapped for a moment, but the scared look quickly changed to a smirk, "Look Annabeth, you're a great friend to Thalia, I'll give you that. However…" He glanced around the room for a second. "I don't know how Thalia will take it when she discovers that Percy is in the same room with you… considering you guys are dating-"
I looked at Percy who held a frightened look on his face, "Nico you wouldn't-"
"What happened to staying in the captain's quarters?" Nico smirked knowing that he had the both of us under his so-called control. Before Nico could say anything else, Percy quickly ushered the guy out, but not before giving each other knowing looks.
"What did you do that for? He was obviously hiding something-"
"Nico's been hiding stuff his whole life, it doesn't really make a difference." Percy put out his twisted reasoning. "Plus, wouldn't you rather we plan how we're going to sneak away from the party?" Percy smirked as he dragged me out of the door only to bump into another person. The two of us went crashing down as the cruise ship took a lurch.
"If you wanted to get into this position, all you really have to do is ask." The cushion from beneath me groaned as the air was being knocked out of him.
I only smiled as I helped myself up, "I think it's more like how much I enjoy using you as a pillow to cushion my fall." I smirked as Percy got up to dust himself.
Percy turned towards the poor guy that we bumped into, "Sorry about that are you- Luke?"
I looked at Percy in confusion before meeting the familiar face of Luke Castellan, "Luke?"
Luke broke into a grin, "Annabeth? Is it really you?" From beside me I could feel Percy tensing up.
"The one and only," I grinned. "Wait what are you doing here?"
"Same as you I'm assuming, on vacation." He answered smoothly as he pushed past Percy to give me a hug. Percy cleared his throat from beside me as Luke turned around noticing Percy for the first time. "Oh… it's you."
"It's nice to see you too." Percy said sarcastically as he put an arm over me protectively. I stared between the two guys as they seem to be having their own personal staring contest.
It was Luke who broke away first and looked at me, "Hey there's a party up on the top deck, some of my friends are already up there, you want to come with?"
Before I could answer Percy quickly grabbed my hand, "She's cool, plus she's already going up there with me."
"I think Annabeth can answer that herself," Luke answered back glaring at Percy with equal intensity.
I manage a slight smile, "I'm going to have to pass, but if it's the same party we might bump into each other there." I squeezed Percy's hand to reassure him, but the action didn't go unnoticed by Luke.
Still eyeing our entwined hands Luke plastered a fake smile on his face, "It's cool, maybe next time huh?"
"Yeah next time," I said aimlessly before Luke nodded and walked towards the stairs. I turned to Percy, "So what was that?"
"What was what?"
"You obviously were jealous Percy," I added with a grin.
"I was not! Did you see the way he looks at you?" Percy quickly denied. "I swear that guy was up to no good."
Unlike all the other times that Percy had insulted Luke, I felt a bit warm inside as Percy glared at Luke, "So that's why you hated him before too." I laughed
"What are you-"Percy stared at me. "No way! I told you; no way would I be jealous. No way." Percy said emphasizing his 'no'.
I smiled at him for a second before walking towards the top deck, "You know… you're cute when you're jealous."
"Thanks-"Percy stopped abruptly realizing what I meant. "Annabeth I am not jealous!"
So back from the dead is the agent of all zombies… Since I was pretty lacking on this I had Nico write this chapter, because you know…. Percabeth is currently in a sad place that shall not be named. *moment of silence* FIRST DID YOU GUYS SEE THE COVER?! HDUIFHSOEIHRUDC SO MUCH THEORIES ABOUT THE COVER! You guys care to share? And second, instead of going on a long rant and wasting your time about my lame excuse for not updating, I'm just going to go with short "I'm sorry"
Oh yeah and their DID YOU GUYS SEE THE SEA OF MONSTERS TRAILER!? I mean it seems better than the first right? (I hope) well I think they picked a pretty good Clarisse too :DD
Well Review and tell me what you guys think?
Song: Live Like We're Dying- Kris Allen - love the chorus man
Agent Astro Zombie