[A/N: Okay, I'd been stressing myself out these past two days, thinking of what your reactions are going to be about the previous chapter. I'm glad you liked it. It was exquisite and magnificent. :D
TDog. 1997: Thank you. It's really something for another writer to say that. :D
Annabethrulez120: I'd been laughing my head off for nearly half an hour with your review! :D
Guest (Kate): Okay. I got that drilled into my skull. And thank you. :D
ThreeBulletsAtTheDangerParad e: That's it. Probably because we have the same personality, like Percy and Thalia, which is why we sort of understand each other without knowing one another personally. We're both loners. I have a habit of observing people, too, something that we loners always do. And thank you for what you said. I don't know, I feel like I know you really well. I could tell we'll get along pretty well if we meet each other. And I'll take it that you're a girl? Sorry. I didn't mean you talk like a dude. I just normally call people dudes, even my own girlfriend. And yes, you did make sense. Thank you again. :D
Hermes' Little Girl: Um, Amy who?
So that's it. Not many of you answered when I asked this question so I'll ask again: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LINE FROM THE STORY, SO FAR? Tell me through the reviews. And don't forget to tell me what you think about this chapter, even when it's a bit short. :D
WISE GIRL'S SEAWEED BRAIN
Chapter 24: A PICTURE PAINTS A THOUSAND WORDS
PERCY
I woke up, my hands automatically reaching out to find Annabeth beside me, only to find I was alone at her bed. I smiled remembering what happened last night, but there was still the shame that seemed to had taken a permanent residence inside. I knew I should've told Annabeth before we did what we did, but I didn't have the heart to burst her bubble last night.
I stood up and picked up my boxers that was lying on the floor and put it on. I couldn't find my shirt so I just went to Annabeth's bathroom to wash my face and brush my teeth, but not before picking up the small package from the pocket of my pants and tucking it in the waistband of my boxers. It was something I wanted to give her last night, except I didn't get the chance.
Luckily, I still had personal belongings in her apartment. I thought she would've tossed them to the garbage when we broke up, so I had toothbrush to use.
After doing my business, I went down the stairs to find Annabeth busy preparing breakfast. The shirt I was wearing last night was on her. It was too big and reached her mid-thigh. I stopped a few feet away from her to admire the view. I still couldn't believe that a girl like Annabeth was mine. It was too good to be true.
Staring at her tanned legs, I felt my body burning up. I shook my head, but there was a huge grin on my face. I tiptoed to where she was and wrapped my arms around her waist. She gave a start but didn't attack me, thankfully.
"'Morning," I whispered, kissing her ear.
Annabeth turned her head and kissed me. "Hey," she greeted.
"What are you cooking?" I asked.
"Pancakes," she answered simply.
I smiled. "Are they blue?"
"Yep," she said, making a popping noise on the letter 'p.' She turned around to look at me. Her face reddened and I snickered. "Don't stare, it's rude; especially when I'm almost nude." I shook my head, laughing. "Whoa. That rhymed."
Annabeth scowled and went back to what she was doing.
I watched her as she worked, my arms still around her. Deep inside, I felt beyond happy. It was like a huge balloon was swelling inside my chest. I leaned down and kissed Annabeth's neck. She squirmed uneasily, making me grin. I noticed the love marks I left on her.
"You should probably do something to hide these," I said, kissing each mark lightly.
"I have concealer," Annabeth informed me. "It would be easy." She turned around and touched the wound on my neck with her fingertip. Her touch was so light I barely felt it. "I'm really sorry about this," she said. "I have some ambrosia and nectar. Eat some to heal the wounds."
"Nope," I said.
She frowned. "Why?"
"I like seeing them on me," I said. "As reminders how good I was last night." Annabeth blushed and punched me in the arm.
"Shut up, Seaweed Brain," she said. "If you don't heal them up, people will see and I don't think I can handle the questions." She rummaged on her bag and took out a bottle of nectar and a square of ambrosia. "Here."
"No," I said stubbornly.
"Seaweed Brain . . ."
"You have first aid kit here, right?" I asked. Annabeth nodded. "Cool. I'll just cover the ones on my neck and wrist. The others will be hidden when I'm dressed." Annabeth was about to say something but I pouted at her. "Oh, come on, Wise Girl. I let you have your way last night, let me win this one."
"You're making it sound like I forced you last night," she said.
"No, you didn't," I said, hugging her close to me. "But can you please just let me keep these?" I asked, batting my eyelashes at her. "Please?"
Annabeth laughed, pushing me away. "Fine. But if people ask you questions, you can say anything but the truth. Clear?"
I pretended to wince. "Ooh, you're bad influence, Miss Chase."
She scowled at me, which made me laugh, of course. Annabeth turned back to what she was doing and I watched her for some time. I loved the way her hair hung messily on her neck and shoulder.
"You should wear my clothes more often," I blurted out before I could stop myself. Annabeth raised her eyebrows at me. "It's just you look really . . . well, sexy in it." Annabeth, of course, blushed on this one. "One of my fantasies was to see you wearing my shirt. Now it has come true." Annabeth glared and before I could duck, threw a pancake. It hit me in the face, nearly sending me toppling backwards from my chair. "Ow!" I protested.
"Serves you right, you freaking teen," she chastised, not bothering to help me up.
"I'm hurt, Miss Chase," I said, picking up the fallen pancake. I wiped it off, folded it in half, and then ate it. Poor thing didn't stand a chance against my starving mouth. "Last night you were all . . . seductive," I said, teasing her. Annabeth threw another pancake but I dodged it just in time. ". . . but now you're acting like this."
"It's because we have school, Mr. Jackson," she said, piling my breakfast in a heap on a plate and serving it to me.
I smiled as she handed me a fork. "I could get used to this," I murmured. "I feel like we're already married." Annabeth blushed, of course, but she was smiling, like, really wide. Then I remembered the package. I cleared my throat and stood up. "Speaking of which," I said, nervous flutterings spiraling in my stomach, "there's something I want to give you."
Annabeth raised her eyebrows at me but I made her sit down. I took out the small velvet box. "Oh," she whispered. "I noticed that, but I thought it was something else."
I grinned at her. "You, miss, have a very dirty mind."
"Shut up."
I kneeled in front of her, opened the box and held it to her. "Annabeth Chase, I won't make any promises to you, but I will do everything that I can to keep you happy . . . in my arms." Annabeth's eyes widened in surprise as she covered her mouth with her hands. "From the moment I laid my eyes on you, I knew I found a home for my heart for the rest of my life, and – "
"Good gods, Seaweed Brain, are you proposing to me?!" she exclaimed.
"Gods, no!" I protested. "Jeez, Annabeth, we're both sixteen; we're still too young!"
Annabeth punched me in the arm. "You jerk."
I laughed. "That time will come, trust me. For the mean time, will you wear this ring for me? As a symbol of what we have." Annabeth nodded. I took out the ring and slipped it into her finger. It was a silver ring with a small diamond on top. I bankrupted myself just to buy it.
I bought it the day before Samantha's birthday, right after she convinced me that Annabeth was the only thing that should matter to me. Nothing else than her. We went to the jewelry shop and, with her help, I picked this ring.
Annabeth was smiling down at me as she stared at her ring. "This is incredible, Percy," she said, throwing her arms around me. As the palm of her hands made contact with the skin of my back, I winced. Annabeth noticed and pulled away. "What is it?"
"I don't know," I answered honestly.
"Let me see it," she said, turning me around. Then I heard her laughing. "Gods, Seaweed Brain."
"What?"
Annabeth didn't answer. Instead, she took a hand mirror and held it behind my back. Annabeth must've thought my neck could do a hundred and eighty degrees turn. Silly girl. "Wise Girl, my neck can't turn the other way around."
"Oh. Right."
"Do you mind telling me what's on my back?" I asked.
Annabeth blushed again. She wouldn't meet my eyes when she said, "Claw marks."
I frowned. "Claw marks? Why would I – oh." I grinned teasingly at her. "You clawed me last night?"
She glared at me. "Shut up and eat your pancakes."
I gave a mocked salute. "Yes, ma'am."
I sat down beside her and we shared the breakfast she made. "Can you hand me the syrup, honey?" I asked.
Annabeth shot me another glare but did what I asked her. The pancakes we're good, just a bit burned, but still good. I appreciated the effort totally and Annabeth eating with me, wearing only my shirt, made it that much cooler.
At some point, Annabeth stopped me from stuffing my face with another batch of pancakes. I looked at her but she reached out and wiped something from me. "You have syrup on your lips," she said before bringing up her thumb to her mouth and licking it seductively. I watched her openmouthed. "What?" she asked, smiling.
I didn't answer. I pulled her to me and kissed her lips. Annabeth kissed me back immediately. Her lips tasted like honey, which wasn't a surprise considering what we were eating. She pulled away from me. Or she tried to, but I held on to her. Annabeth still pushed me away.
"Don't start something you won't finish, Wise Girl," I pouted.
"School, Seaweed Brain," she said.
"Fine. Fine. Just one more kiss, okay?" She gave me one. "Thanks."
Annabeth stood up and held her hand to me. "Come on, let's take a shower."
"Do I stink that bad?" I asked. Then I realized what she said and my jaw dropped. "Like together?"
Annabeth smiled evilly. "Of course not," she said, running upstairs. I heard the door of her bathroom being slammed shut. I was left shaking my head, with Annabeth's laughter ringing in my ears.
When she was done, Annabeth peered from the stairs. "Your turn," she said.
"I didn't bring a change of clothes," I said, climbing to where she was.
"You still have some of yours in my drawer," she said. "I'll iron them for you."
I grinned at her. "Thank you, future Mrs. Jackson."
Annabeth threw the towel she was using to dry her hair at me. I laughed as I ran to the bathroom.
After showering, I found my clothes on Annabeth's bed. I could hear her moving downstairs. I wrinkled my nose as I put on my shirt. It smelled nasty. I was still complaining as I made my way down to where Annabeth was. "Ugh," I groaned. "I smell like I used a bunch of mothballs as deodorant."
Annabeth laughed. "You can use some of my cologne."
I grinned as she took the bottle from her bag and sprayed some on me. Now we smelled the same, which I found cool. I grabbed Annabeth's hand and together, we went to school.
"What the hell happened to your neck, dude?" Barry asked.
I just grinned at him, not bothering to answer. Annabeth was fidgeting beside me, clearly embarrassed. She'd let me not to heal the wounds and keep them.
We were having lunch with the usual group. Samantha was there, which made it more awkward. I avoided meeting her eyes, but somehow I constantly found myself staring at her. It was wrong. My hand was claimed by Annabeth, but my eyes were sometimes glued to Samantha. I decided that no matter what happened, I would talk to her about what went down last Friday.
And I'd made up my mind to tell Annabeth the truth this night. I knew I was asking for a death sentence, especially after what happened last night, but I also knew that if I kept it one more day, I'd explode.
"Seriously, dude," said Chuck, breaking my reverie. "Care to share what happened to you?"
"Nopey nope," I answered. I was bent not to tell them anything. I didn't want to embarrass Annabeth but her constant blushing kind of gave us away.
"Wait a second," said Pete. "I'd been noticing Annabeth. She's been red in the face since lunch started. Does she have anything to do with these?" he asked, motioning to my neck and wrist.
Annabeth glared at him. Pete chuckled, while Samantha stood up. "I-I have to go. I have somewhere else I have to be right now." She left without saying anything.
I ducked my head and stabbed my cheeseburger with a fork. My appetite was long gone. Annabeth took my hand and looked me in the eyes. "It's okay, Seaweed Brain," she whispered in my ear, combing her fingers through my hair.
"Do we have to watch you guys like this all throughout lunch?" Barry complained.
"Yeah," Annabeth and I answered together.
"I'll need a barf bag, then," said Pete. "Chuck, buddy, can you get me one?"
"Sure," said Chuck. "But I'll use it first."
We laughed together at that one.
"But, seriously, dude," Barry said. "I'm glad you two are back together."
"Me, too," said Chuck. "Depressed Percy is no fan."
Pete chuckled. "He was like, 'Annabeth broke up with me; I'm going to die.'" He then made some gagging sounds like he was dying and I threw a lettuce at him, laughing.
Annabeth, however, was looking sad. I glared at my friends. "See what you did?"
"Oops," they all said together.
I put an arm around shoulder. "Don't mind them, okay?" I asked. "They were just teasing us. But really, I know these guys are happy for us." I turned to my mortal friends. "Right, dudes?" I asked them, widening my eyes for emphasis.
"Right," they all said together.
The bell rang, signaling the end of the lunch hour. I took Annabeth's hand and walked her to her next class.
ANNABETH
I had some catching up to do, since I missed a couple of days of school but I still managed to pull through.
Classes were interesting, but my mind was constantly interrupted with the thought of Percy and what we did last night. I remembered the ways he held and kissed me, how unnaturally hot his lips were. His skin was glistening with sweat as he hovered on top of me. I smiled at the memory. I was in bliss, knowing that Percy and I shared something that would bind us to each other in a tight way.
"Ms. Chase?" I heard a voice calling my name. I looked up from my notes and saw my Math professor looking at me. "Do you mind answering the problem on the board?"
I nodded, my face. If Percy finds out I was thinking about our time last night, he would tease me endlessly. For the rest of the day, I tried to keep that out of my mind, which was easy until P.E time came where, naturally, we were all dressed in our swim wears.
Percy, however, didn't change – fortunately for me. Coach Hark asked him why. He simply said, "I'm not feeling well, Coach."
He glared at Percy. "Does it have anything to do with your wounds?"
Percy just grinned.
Coach Hark sighed. "Fine. You don't need any more lessons, anyway, so you can sit and watch."
And that's what he did.
I was aware of Percy's eyes glued to me the whole time. I tired concentrating but it was kind of hard, knowing he was staring at me.
The lesson went by in a blur. We jump in the pool to practice a new swimming technique with Coach Hark shouting instructions. Sometimes Percy butted in and added something Coach forgot.
Eventually, the day came to a close. I took a quick shower and went out to meet Percy. But he wasn't anywhere to be seen. So was Samantha. Irrational thoughts ran in my head but I pushed them away. There's no guarantee they're together and even if they were, what's wrong with that, right? They were friends.
I sat on the bench and waited for him. The door opened and I looked up, expecting to see him. But it wasn't Percy. It was one of the mortals I truly dislike. Amber.
"Hello, there, Annabeth," she greeted, sitting beside me.
"Amber," I said in distaste. "Do you need anything?"
"From you? No. But I'm sure you need something from me."
I scoffed. "Yeah, right."
Amber smiled sweetly. "So, I heard you and Percy got back together."
"That's right," I confirmed. "So you can now stop trying to get him."
"Oh, I had stopped," she said, still smiling. "But listen, that's not the reason why I came to talk to you."
"What is it then?"
"I recently got interested in photography," said Amber, taking out a hi-tech looking camera from her bag and turning it on. "You know it's really cool capturing sweet moments and taking a picture of them. Like this one." She held her camera to me and I looked.
My blood immediately boiled and the air around me seemed to cease to exist.
The picture showed Percy with Samantha snuggling to him. They were sleeping on the same bed together.
And they were both naked.
[Next - Chapter 25: THE MISTAKE I MADE]
