Chapter 3: Eros

Athena's POV

I woke up the next day and asked Eros if he was trying to create my love life.

"No. I know nothing about anyone hitting on you, but would you be offended if I hit on you?" Eros wiggled his eyebrows.

"You'll do it even if I say I'm offended. But yes, I'd be offended." I rolled my eyes as I walked away.

I couldn't help it. I teleported back to Athens. I walked until I found Cecrops.

"Hello Athena! Would you like me to escort you around the city?" Cecrops was enthusiastic.

"I was hoping you'd point me in the direction of Perseus' living quarters." I said.

"That way." He pointed in the direction of the beach.

"Could you be more specific?" I asked.

"I'll escort you!" He exclaimed.

So he walked me to a nice home near the beach.

"Thank you Cecrops. I can take it from here." I wanted him to leave.

"Is Perseus in trouble? Because I can deal out punishment..." He started.

"No! Quite the opposite of trouble. Zeus wants to reward him for his good deeds." I lied.

"I already rewarded him by upgrading him to these quarters instead of his old shack..." Cecrops muttered.

"What Perseus did was quite heroic in Zeus' eyes. You're his favorite king." I continued to lie.

"Well, see you later Lady Athena." Cecrops started to walk off.

"Hopefully not." I muttered.

I knocked on the door. I heard footsteps inside and Percy answered the door.

"Lady Athena?" Percy seemed surprised.

"Hello Percy. I said I'd visit." I smiled.

"Of course, I just didn't expect you to come see me." He said.

"I don't like many people, but you were polite and friendly yesterday. And not overly friendly like Cecrops." I smirked.

"Thank the Gods, you noticed his overenthusiasm too. I thought it was just me." Percy chuckled.

"He wants to bed every woman he sees, and he knows he can't have me." I giggled.

"True, but you can't blame him for trying." Percy grinned.

Then he realized what he said and turned red. "Lady Athena, I apologize..."

"It's alright, I'll take that as a compliment." I was a little red myself.

"Anyway, is there anything you'd like to do during your visit?" Percy changed the subject.

"How about we swim." I grinned.

"Alright." He said.

Five minutes later, we were swimming in the sea.

"You're a strong swimmer." Percy complimented.

"I had a good teacher." I felt a pang of pain as I thought of Poseidon.

Percy seemed to pick up on the fact that I was upset, so he cganged the subject. By splashing me.

"What are you doing?!" I shrieked.

"Water battle!" Percy shouted.

"But it's not even!" I protested.

"I'm a demigod with power over water, and you're a Goddess with no power over water. I think things balance out overall." He smiled.

I splashed him in the face. He grinned and splashed me back. We continued to splash each other. He was winning, and although I wouldn't normally admit defeat, I knew I wouldn't win this battle.

"Alright, I give up!" I shouted.

"The Goddess of Wisdom and Battle Strategy admits defeat? I must be a very good fighter." He laughed.

"Extremely." I giggled.

Then I noticed I had my arms around his neck and I think he realized it as well. Instead of pulling away like I normally would, I leaned closer and so did he. We inched forward until our lips were touching. I think we kissed for about ten seconds before I came to my senses and pulled away.

"I'm sorry." I blushed.

I was so confused. I didn't know what to do, so I ran away. It wasn't my first kiss, but I didn't understand my emotions.

"Athena, wait! Don't run away!" Percy called after me.

I stopped for a second and looked back. There was a pained expression on Percy's face as he headed towards me. I just couldn't handle it, so I kept running and finally teleported to Olympus. I ran past someone and kept running until I reached my room. I shut my door and slid down until I was sitting on the floor with my head in my hands. There was a knock on the door five minutes later.

"Go away!" I said.

"Do I have to?" Poseidon's voice said.

I got up and opened the door. "What?"

"I know this will sound weird coming from me, but I don't want you to run away from Perseus. You two could be good for each other. Besides, I know you like him. And he's currently crying on the beach. I don't think you want one of those screaming girls to be his rebound woman. Please go back to him." Poseidon said quickly.

It did sound strange coming from him. But I hated the idea of Percy crying. I also hated the idea of a rebound woman.

"I'll go back." I promised.

I just wasn't sure what I'd say or do.

"Good." He sighed with relief.

"Are you the one I ran past on my way here?" I questioned.

"No. Why?" Poseidon replied.

"Athena! What's wrong?! I saw you run past me with tears in your eyes and..." Aphrodite trailed off when she saw Poseidon.

"Nothing's wrong. I've actually got to go." I said as I walked away.

I teleported back to the beach and saw Percy crying, just like Poseidon said he was. I walked up behind him, sat down, and wrapped my arms around him.

"Athena...?" Percy started.

"I'm sorry Percy. I was just confused, and I didn't understand what I was feeling." I apologized.

"It's alright, I just didn't want you to leave." He said.

My heart was beating out of my chest. I couldn't resist. I kissed him again. Then I went home with him (and DID NOT do what you're thinking).