New Beginnings Chapter 5: Scarlet, a percy jackson and the olympians fanfic

Chapter 5: Scarlet

He smiles and walks around me. I am about to turn around and follow him but he takes his hand and moves my hair away from my neck. As his finger tips glide across my neck lightly, I shiver, my breath hitching. He puts his mouth to my ear and I feel his warm breathing on my ear. I freeze in place and he murmurs in my ear, "Thank you sweetheart,"

I speed-walked as fast as I could to backstage. I could hear Jason hurrying behind me, trying to grab my arm. Jason Grace. Jason [bleep!]ing Grace! Why did he have to come back in my life? Why the [bleep!]?! "Scarlet," he called behind me, "Slow down!" He managed to grab me by my shoulders but I pulled away as if his touch was electric. And at one time in my life, it was. Sparks, when he touched me I felt sparks. Now all I feel is numbness and not the good kind. "Scarlet!" he says, walking right behind me but not quite touching me.

"Don't you dare say my name you [bleep]ing [bleep!]hole!" I said through gritted teeth. I cant believe this jerk is trying to talk to me right now. Is he trying to get himself killed?

I can hear Jason exhale, obviously frustrated. "Come on Scarlet, it wasn't that bad!"

I turn around to face him, "Not bad? You're not the one who has to date someone who is agitating and annoying and someone they barely know just because that someone doesn't know how to say no!" I exclaim.

I roll my eyes at him and scoff. "Whatever, just stay away from me," I start to walk away when he grabs my wrist. I try to pull it away but he has a firm grasp. "Jason, let go off my wrist,"

"Jason isn't holding your wrist," I turn around and there stands Jason's manager Reyna, holding my wrist.

"Please let go off my wrist," I say through gritted teeth.

"Fine but first listen to what I am about to tell you," Reyna let's go off my wrist and Leo comes walking, talking to someone on his Bluetooth.

"Leo!" I hiss. Man, the word "hiss" makes me sound like a witch. "What the heck just happened? I thought we talked about this!" I exclaimed.

"Wait, talked about what?" Jason asked.

"Stay out of it!" I yelled.

"I'll call you back," Leo said into his Bluetooth, "Scar, I did not have any intention or in tell about what just went down. My feed is bursting with the shocking news of "Scarson," Leo said with air quotes.

Jason arched a brow and said, "Scarson?"

"It's what you get when you combine Jason and Scar-" Leo tried to explain.

"We know what it means! But why did this happen?" I asked him.

"Attention," Reyna stated simply.

"What do you mean 'attention?'" I said suspiciously.

"Jason needed more attention for his upcoming movie, you needed attention for your career. Adding your names together was the best thing to both of your careers," she said like it was no big deal.

"Wait, you planned this?" Jason asked.

"I wouldn't say planned. More like encouraged," Reyna replied.

I groaned, pinching the bridge of my nose. After a moment, I looked up at Reyna, "Do we really have to do this?" I asked.

"If you want a career," Reyna said.

"I'd be okay without one," I replied.

"Scarlet," Leo said to me.

"Well Jason wants one and if you do not do as said, both of your lives will become a living hell," Reyna said standing her ground.

"Reyna," Leo said, warning her.

Before matters could get out of hand, I grumbled, "Fine, but no couple stuff outside of media!" I warned. "I do not want get involved with," I wrinkled my nose at him, "him."

"You're no picnic either," Jason replied.

"Fine, you guys are only a couple in public," Reyna agreed.

"You guys have to make it seem real, got it?" Leo asked.

"Well I'm an actor but I don't know if she can pull it off," Jason replied.

I narrowed my eyes at him, accepting his nonverbal challenge, "Oh I'll be fine,"

Reyna clasped her hands together, "Great because you guys are going out to lunch tomorrow and there might be a slight chance the paparazzi will be there,"

I walked out of my house, ready to go meet with Jason. Ugh, I can't believe I ever liked that jerk. I decided casual was the way to go, I wore denim shorts with a red flannel shirt and red converses. I wasn't sure whether or not to wear a red beanie but after some consideration I just put it on and grabbed my purse. Putting on my sun glasses, I got into my car and drove to the place Leo texted me. Aunty Em's, the same place Jason humiliated me. Great. I bet Reyna picked that location, it's she's got it in for me.

Maybe I'm just being delusional. Driving my car to Aunty Em's, I notice a white van and smile. The paparazzi's already here. When I drive up the parking lot, I see Jason is parking his car as well. Baby blue Ferrari, how Jason like. I park my car next to his and the white van parks about a block away. I can tell they are already snapping pictures, that's what you learn when you're dad is Tristan McLean.

I smile at him and he makes a weird face at me. Then recognition dawns on his face and he, I guess, fixes the dumb look on his face.

I walk up to him and he raises his hand to shake. Before any cameras can catch his hand, I swipe it down and hug him. "Cameras dumb[bleep!]," I smile, putting on a show for the cameras.

He hugs back and says, "Already? Wow," I pull away and kiss him gently on the lips. I smile at him and he smiles at me, "Wow, you're good. You almost made me think you liked me. Like as a human being,"

"Don't get used to it, remember it's just an act," I say still smiling.

He puts his arm around me and I try not to gasp. "I know, but it's not easy being so lovey dovey with you. I bet you sprained yourself with that peck," Jason says smirking.

I try so very hard not to punch him square in the jaw. Seriously, how the heck did I ever like him!? I wrap my arm around his waist and say, "Shut up jack[bleep!],"

We sit at a table and he picks up a menu. At that moment I realize we're only three booths away from where it happened. I shudder at the thought and Jason looks at me concerned. "Are you okay?" he asks.

I stare at him and then reply, "Yeah,"

Then he looks back at the menu and says, "Good. Even if something were wrong I probably wouldn't care,"

I glare at him through his menu," Dipwad, I almost thought you were concerned,"

He raises a brow, "Dipwad? Nice,"

I smirk, "Thank you, it's easy when I'm talking to someone like you,"

He scoffs but doesn't reply. To people who are watching, we may look like we're flirting but if the paparazzi weren't here, I would have scalded him with boiling water by now. "Waitress," he says finally done reading. I bet he read every single thing on that menu, that's what he always did. Read everything before making a decision. Listened to everyone and not taking sides.

A red head waitress in a yellow knee dress, white sneakers and an apron came over with a notepad. Classic 70's waitress outfit. "Can I order a cheese burger with no pickles?" I wrinkled my nose at his choice. Cheese burgers, ick. "Oh and a Coke,"

"Sure thing," she said. She looked about fifteen. "What about you ma'am?" she asked cheery.

I smiled at her and said, "An avocado grilled cheese with a side salad, no dressing, and a glass of water please," It was now Jason's turn to wrinkle his nose.

"Okay, thank you," The waitress said and left.

"What are you, anorexic?" he said after she left.

I scoffed at him, "No and anorexia is when you don't eat anything. At all. Like self-starvation," He leaned back in his seat.

"Then why are you eating a salad, with no dressing," he exclaimed the dressing part, "-, an avocado grilled cheese and a glass of water? There are so many other delicious choices!"

I rolled my eyes at him, "I'm a vegetarian, you idiot,"

The same waitress placed out plates with food on the table. Jason held his burger and said, "Well you're missing out,"

I rolled my eyes again and dug in. While taking my first bite, I noticed a camera flash and through the corner of my eye I could see it was the paparazzi. I nudged his leg with my toe and said, "Paparazzi at ten o'clock," I laughed, pretending Jason told a joke. He took a swig off his Coke and laughed with me.

Still chuckling, he said, "This is so annoying,"

I looked around, not moving my head and smiling at Jason. "Shut up, someone could hear you," I started mingling my legs with his and he looked at me and I gestured with my eyes for him to grab my hand.

He grabbed it and I smiled at him. "I know this is annoying, I hate this too but it's just for this date and then you have the rest of the day off," Jason nodded, grinning. "Since we have an hour to kill, might as well do something fun,"

I rolled my eyes and said, "Like what genius?"

He took both of my hands in his and said, "I don't know, 20 questions?"

I slipped my hand back and continued eating while he did the same, "Fine, I'm bored anyway. But make it seven,"

Jason smiled like he finally solved a 200 piece puzzle, "Okay, I'll go first, do you have any siblings?"

I swallowed my salad and washed it off with a sip of water, "No, you?" I knew he had a sister, Thalia Grace. She was three years older than us and she used to tell me that I would be perfect for Jason. So much for that bull.

"Yeah, I got a sister. Her name's Thalia," Jason said grinning. I pretended like I hadn't known.

"Cool, uh you're turn?" I said taking another bite of my grilled cheese. Mm, tastes like Leo's.

He quickly chewed and swallowed a bite of his burger, "Okay, what school did you go to?" He wiped his mouth with a napkin.

I was conflicted, should I lie? "Uh, erm," I couldn't come up with a lie fast enough, it was like sand slipping through my fingers, "I went to Goode," Damn it.

Jason's eyes widened slightly, "Really? So did I? How come I never noticed you?"

I laughed lightly, "Like I said, I was a quiet one,"

Jason nodded, sipping his Coke, "That's cool, that makes two questions right?"

I nodded and sipped my water, "What's your favorite color?"

"Blue, you?"

I laughed lightly and he seemed to understand and chuckled, "Amaranth,"

He looked at me oddly and said, "What?"

"Amaranth, that's my favorite color," I said.

"That's not a real color," Jason said.

"Yes it is, I bet you've seen it all the time, " Jason rose a brow and I continued, "You know the color Sleeping Beauty's dress is?"

He nodded, "Pink,"

I groaned, "No, it's amaranth! People just call it pink but it's amaranth,"

Jason looked at me like he was deciding whether or not to send me to a mental institute, "Okay, whatever you say," I roll my eyes and he asks, "Favorite animal?"

"Dove," I say. I know, cliché but I like what I like!

"Eagle," he says. Of course, Mr. Perfect likes eagles, whoever saw that coming!

Now it was my turn, "What's your birth stone?"

He laughs like my question is ridiculous, "Why would you want to know that?" I shrug and he replies, "Ruby, yours?"

I grin, "Crystal,"

We keep going back and forth until we finish our food and then Jason pays. We stand up and he puts his arm around me again and I realize that the cameras are back. Those guys seriously have no life, just waiting for us to finish our food and give them a show. Well I'll give them a show, a show to remember.

We walk out together and go to the parking lot. Jason walks me to my car and says, "It has been nice fake dating you,"

I smirk and say, "Speak for yourself," he laughs and I think it's a genuine laugh but I'm not sure. He kisses my cheek gingerly and I smirk getting an idea. I secretly look at the camera and back at him. He gives me a confused smile and I smirk, "Get ready,"

"For what?" he asks just before I put my hands around his neck and lean forward. He obviously doesn't see it coming because he freezes for a second. I push my lips harder on his, but not too aggressively. His hands reach my waist and stay there while I grab locks of his blonde hair and pull him closer. How's that for a show? He is a little rigid at first but then get's into it, slowly rubbing circles on my hips with his thumb. I wanted to do this so badly when I was younger but now it just feels like an act, like it should. It's only been five seconds but I pull away, licking my lips and looking at his now plump red lips.

He looks at me awestruck and I peck him on the lips once more, "Still think I can't pull it off?" When he doesn't reply, I smile. He thinks he's the only actor in the house, ha! I get into my car and start to pull out while he stays positioned in his spot. I wink at him from my window and start to drive away, he smiles, eyebrows still risen and walks to his car. I think it's safe to say mission accomplished.

The next day, I walk into Leo's office and he's on his phone. I bet you he's playing Temple Run. "Hey Leo," I greet.

"Hey Scar," he says not taking his eyes off his phone, "I heard the date went more than well,"

I blush but try to look casual, "W-what do you mean?" I ask.

"I mean this," he says and tosses me a new issue of People! magazine.

I looked at the magazine and in large letters it said, "It's official, Scarson's the new Brangelina!" Underneath the text was an enlarged photo of Jason and I from yesterday. My hands in his hair and his hands on my hips. You know, plus the kissing. "I did good didn't I?"

"Good?" Leo said ridiculously. "You weren't good, you were-"

"Great!" Reyna said finishing his sentence as she walked in. Jason walked in behind her, acknowledging me with a smile. I replied with a grin. "Absolutely stellar!" she said showing us the same magazine on her tablet. "This has so much buzz, its the only thing people are talking about!"

"She's right you know, " Leo said sipping his gingerbread latte.

"Of course im right!" Reyna exclaimed.

"So," Jason began, "does that mean we're done for the week?"

I scoffed, "Why, don't like making out with me?" I teased.

He reddened immediately, stuttering incessantly. Before he could make a fool of himself, Reyna answered his question, "Of course not! In fact you two are going out right now,"

"Right now?" I whined.

"Right now," Reyna confirmed, "People are eating this up and we need more before something else comes up,"

We both nod at her and she looks at us expectantly before saying, "Go!" We both hurry out the door and right before the door closes Reyna says, "Feel free to mac a little, it can only benefit you!" Now it was my turn to blush.

So this is how it went on for a few weeks, date, kiss and magazine cover. Jason and I got along a little better but I still wouldn't actually date him, not after what he did. Reyna and Leo said we were doing great, but this wouldn't hold people up forever. We needed to do something big, like go to a party or something. Jason had been filming his movie but it wasn't done yet so no movie premier. There really wasn't anything going on, so it was time to really think.

Then, one day while we were all in Reyna's office, Leo exclaimed, "Idea!"'

I was biting into an apple and was about to say, "What?" but Reyna beat me to it.

Leo grinned at Reyna and said, "Guess what HUGE event is coming up on Friday that will definitely get attention?"

I rolled my eyes and said, "Valentine's Day?" Yup, it was Valentine's Day Friday, that meant Jason and I had been fake dating for two and a half months. Time really goes by fast.

Leo looked at us expectantly but when no one replied he said, "And?"

We thought for a moment when Jason said, "Drew Tanaka's 21st birthday?"

Leo stood up, "Yes! And you two are invited!"

Reyna clasped her hands together, "Yes Leo, you're a genius!"

Leo smirked at Reyna, "What did you say Rey-Rey? I couldn't hear you,"

In reply, Reyna pushed his head back with the tips of her fingers with so much force he fell back on the couch.

I thought about Leo's plan and then asked, "How could I possibly be invited?" Drew Tanaka HATES me. Why would she invite me to her party?

"I thought about that too," Leo said, "Then I read the invite and it said you were invited to SING in her party," Leo said.

Well that explained it, there could not be any other possible reason. "Okay, so we go to the party, fake coupley stuff and then leave?"

Reyna tapped her forehead and said, "Yes, that's pretty much it. But don't leave before midnight, people take that as problems between people,"

"O-kay?" Jason said exaggerating the "O".

"Well today's Wednesday, and tomorrows Thursday so..." I thought.

"Scar," Leo called.

"Yeah?" I said, still thinking about my schedule.

"I want you to go shopping today with Jason, not as a date but to get new clothes for the party," Leo said to me.

"But why?" I whined, "It's just shopping, I have gone everywhere with Jason these past few weeks, can't I go shopping by myself?"

"No," Reyna said, "that's not why. We need you and Jason to kind of correspond. Not like if you were blue, he wears a blue tux. Like he needs to have some input in your choice so that when the media interviews you, both of you can answer the questions,"

I rolled my eyes but agreed with her reasoning, if Jason and I were dating we needed to have some input on each other, "Fine,"

"Great, Jason will pick you up in his car," Reyna said.

"I will?" Jason asked.

"He will?" I asked.

"You're supposed to be a couple, why go in different cars?" Leo said.

"They do have a point," Jason pointed out.

"I didn't say they didn't," I said a little irritated. I hated when people said the obvious, like seriously?

Jason put his hands up in surrender, taking one step back. Leo put a hand on my shoulder and I said, "No, I don't have to be his girlfriend when there are no cameras,"

Leo massaged my shoulder with his hand, sympathizing with me, "No ones asking you to Scar, but it would help if you weren't like a mouse trap on him,"

I looked Leo in the eyes, silently telling him, I'm sorry. He nods at me sympathetically. I look at Jason sighing, tired of this game. "When are you coming?"

Jason picked me up at 5. He greeted me but I didn't respond. Before he could open the door for me, I opened it and sat down crossing my arms. He looked at me funny but still got into the driver's seat. The ride to the mall was silent with the occasional throat clearing from Jason. When we reached the mall, I still didn't speak to him but he instinctively put his arm around my waist like he has been the past few weeks. I refuse to let go of my grudge, trying to not touch him as we walked. We entered Sacs Fifth Avenue.

"I already have a black suit with a matching black tie so I'll wear that," I still didn't respond and he kept talking, "I guess we'll get you your dress and leave," Ignoring him, I walked into the store while he groaned behind me. "Why are you giving me the silent treatment, what did I do?"

I ignored him and pretended to look through a dress rack. "I think this is nice, I wonder what Leo will think..." I said pretending he wasn't there.

"Scarlet, you're supposed to wonder what I think," he touches my shoulder and I walk to the other side of the rack. I don't know why he makes me feel so agitated! "Scarlet, what did I do?"

Finally looking at him, I stared him in the eye for a good three seconds before looking back at the dress. There was a really nice dress, purple with a slit and black threaded chest. Well not chest, more like right above chest to collar bone. I picked it out and walked to the dressing room. "Scarlet, stop and answer me first," Jason grabs my shoulder and I huff.

"Fine, I just don't like you. Happy?" I smile and start walking again. He grabs my shoulder and manually turns me around.

"Fine, don't like me," Jason says. Then he takes a step forward and I gulp but I do not dare show any weakness. If I stretched my arm in front of me, he would be at elbow length. "But we have to at least get along," he takes another step forward and he's only inches away from me. I gulp again. "Maybe not as friends but can we be acquaintances?"

I stare at him with the same intensity he stares, trying not to look down. I hold my breath before whispering, "Okay,"

In the changing room, I put on the dress I originally picked out and walk out. Jason nods, sitting in his seat across the room, appreciatively but says, "I think you can do better," I opened my open just a bit, and then went back into the changing room to change out of the dress. While changing, a hand reached in and dropped a few dresses. I gasped, I thought someone was coming in! "Try these dresses sweetheart," Okay, now he was just being a smart[bleep!]. I picked up the dresses and hung them by the hook. I picked up the first dress, a long turquoise dress with one shoulder. He also hung a green boa with it. It was ridiculous but I still put it on.

I came out and tried not to sigh. He looked at me and burst into laughter, "S-sorry, I didn't think you'd actually wear it!" he said between laughter. I groaned with frustration and walked back in. I looked at the next dress, black knee dress with gold thread threaded onto the top portion with black sequin. It was better than the first one but Jason still had horrid taste.

I came out in the dress and he studied me for a minute, "Nice," I was about to smile when he said, "Try on the others," I stuck my tongue out flipping the bird. I'm pretty sure he rolled his eyes.

There were two dresses left and I put on the white long dress that had a V-neck so low it was embarrassing. There was backless and the front had a slit so it showed both my legs. There were cuts on the sides of the dress and a silver waist band. I almost blew my top, how could he choose such a disgusting and slutty dress? "I am NOT coming out wearing this dress," I said to him.

"Which one?" he called from outside.

I gritted my teeth, "The white one,"

I could just hear him smirking, "I don't know what your talking about, come out," I gritted my teeth harder and walked out and I swear if looks could kill he would be dead ten times over by now. His eyes nearly popped out their sockets and I flipped him the bird again, crossing my arms. "Wow, nice," I swear I would smack him if we weren't in public.

"I am NOT wearing this, I may be a little uptight but I am not a slut," he looked at me and nodded after a moment. I walked back into the room and he said quietly before me, "Yeah, I know..."

I was about to put on my clothes before I saw the last dress. It was a red dress, the same color as rose petals. It was a little short, a little over knee length. There was a black waist band, about the length of my pinky. It was simple, sleeves up to my elbows and cut off shoulders. The back was a little revealing but not too much, with two long slits on the back. This would go perfect with black heels. Seems like Jason doesn't have HORRIBLE taste. I put on the dress and looked at myself in the mirror, it was perfect.

I walked out and Jason looked up at me. I could hear him hold his breath until exhaling and saying, "Scarlet," I grin at his expression, "That's it, perfect,"

"I know right?" I twirl around and when I look back at him he's smiling. "Why are you smiling?" I ask.

"Because you actually look happy, even with me in a five foot radius," he replies.

I grin, "Well there's a first time for everything,"

We go to pack the dress when I get an idea. I walk to the dressing room and pick up the white dress. I bring it to the register and Jason looks at me confused, "I thought you didn't want that dress,"

I grin, "I didn't but we still need to get Drew a birthday present and I believe this suits her perfectly,"

I grin directly at him and he grins back.

The next day, I spend the whole day getting ready, only meeting Leo once. He basically plopped me in a limo and sent me to Honey and Lily. They were my regular beauticians now and I had no objections, they were so sweet to me and we're all friends now. They are also allowed to call me Piper, they are the only ones besides Will and Leo. No one else does because well no one else knows about Piper.

When I get there, Lily and Honey hug me as tight as they can. After my laughter turns into coughing, they let go and start on my hair.

Curled to perfection, they sprayed my hair with a natural hair spray so my hair won't become hard. It will stay together but without the crispy, gooey hardness. Thank God for that! Afterwards, they start my make up. Every time I get my make up done by them, they refuse to tell me what they are doing and insist on surprising me. Every time the surprise has been different but still amazing. When they finish, I look at myself in awe. I mean I should be used to the transformations by now but I still can't believe it's me.

My eyes are smoky eye still with thick eyeliner. A natural bronzer and foundation smooth out and accentuate my skin, making my cheek bones look higher. I have blood red lipstick on my lips, the same color the dress is. Light pink blush is dabbed on my nose and cheeks and it looks so natural I can't help but smile. I give both of them thumbs up and they squeal which makes me laugh. I slip on the dress, zipping up the back with some help from Lily. I put on a pair of black heels and put on my golden chain with my name, Scarlet.

I straightened the dress out and smiled at myself. Perfect. Jason was supposed to pick me up from here so my make up wouldn't mess up. He would also have Drew's present.

While I waited for him, I rehearsed the song I was supposed to sing at Drew's. "Drunken Love," by Beyoncé. Drew apparently loves Beyoncé and demanded she came but when Beyoncé couldn't come, her manager booked me but I had to sing her favorite song instead of any of my songs. What a [bleep!].

After rehearsing, I drank from my bottled water and sighed. Jason would be here in about 30 minutes and I was so ready for this party.

Hope you liked this chapter, it was longer than I intended. Just to tease you, I want to say that the song Scarlet is going to sing is supposed to forshadow something that will happen between Scarlet and Jason in the next chapter. It will be posted in a few days or maybe tomorrow. Probably Thursday, Merry Christmas! This chapter is dedicated to the reader "beautyqueenpipermclean." I love when readers review or PM me!

~Greek Girl F

P.S: I was too eager to check this for grammatical errors so I'm sorry if you found any. If I did check, this would probably be posted tomorrow instead so I think it wouldn't hurt to over look some errors.