Humans, witches and what all not, I would like to announce chapter 5 of some Pothena moments, along with the announcement that I don't own Percy Jackson & the Olympians, since I am not Rick Riordan. I got this idea after reading Hera's affair by PJOHoOHG . Enjoy!
Poseidon sighed. He was very annoyed and tired at the moment. More than he ever was, which wasn't surprising since he normally was calm and cheerful. But not now.
He was tired because he had been up all night, bothered by nightmares- yes gods could get these- in which Oceanus overthrew him and he got thrown into Tartarus while gigantic owls attacked him. He awoke screaming, completely distressed and disoriented, thinking he was in Tartarus. He hadn't been able to sleep after that.
Poseidon didn't often have nightmares, but when he had them, they were really bad. And they were almost always about the persons he loved or cared for.
They were often about Percy or Sally, in which they could either killed or would be used against him by one of his enemies. Once, he had dreamt that Zeus had kidnapped Percy and given him the same punishment as Prometheus; Percy had been attached to a rock and every day, a eagle tearing at his liver while Poseidon was powerless, forced to watch his most prized son being tortures. He had been both angry and upset when he awoke and the dream had haunt him for weeks.
Another nightmare he sometimes had was about Sally, Sally being abducted by a titan and used as toy, her screams tormenting him. The pleading and accusing look in her eyes making him feel miserable. He still felt guilty about leaving her and was scared she would be in danger because of him.
This time, he had been the subject of his dream. He had been tormented and alone, his friends and family nowhere to be seen. All he cared about either taken from him or destroyed. He had known it was a nightmare, but hadn't been able to wake up.
He really hated having nightmares. Although he was a god and didn't really need a lot of sleep, those nightmares drained him.
He had had them for a few nights in a row and , together with all the work and energy it required to re-built his palace, Poseidon felt weary and irritable. He didn't even enjoy bickering with Athena anymore. Not really.
Although they argued more than ever , mainly because Poseidon was irritable due to lack of sleep and a lot of stress, Poseidon didn't really enjoy it anymore. Not like he normally would.
Normally, he enjoyed having arguments with his rival. She might win, if not all, most of the arguments, but Poseidon enjoyed them. He didn't have to win to enjoy it. He never knew why he did, all he knew was that he honestly didn't want it to stop. It was something between them, something he hoped would stay that that could make his day.
If he believed Aphrodite, which he didn't, it ws their way of showing their love. Poseidon snorted. Right, like I could every love that mean, frigid and cold woman. She spends more time with books than people.
He didn't dare to admit, he did like Athena. More than he should. He shouldn't like her at all, but he did- in a twisted way.
He knew he didn't hate her and he certainly felt something for her. He just wasn't ready to discover what exactly his feelings were for her. It would be too complicated. Especially since Athena and he had so many differences and she seemed to despise him.
Even if he did love her, there was no guarantee she loved him back. She didn't even show she liked him, unless Aphrodite was right and their arguing was a way to hide their true feelings for each other.
Poseidon sighed, annoyed by his own thoughts. Why am I even thinking this? I must be exhausted if I am actually thinking about Athena in that way. She would never like me. She has been telling me she hates me for the past centuries. All my thoughts about her lately are just Aphrodite, trying to influence me.
Poseidon kept telling himself this, but he knew it wasn't true. Aphrodite didn't have enough power to make him actually fall in love, not even when he was exhausted. He was one of the big tree and she couldn't influence him that much. She could only strengthen his feelings or make him lust after someone. And even that wouldn't last long.
Love was very complicated and it always cost Aphrodite more energy to make people fall in love than making people lust after each other ( A/N I am making this up, of course. I don't really know a lot about Aphrodite's powers, but it seems logical). And making Poseidon, who possessed more strength than most gods, fall in love with his rival would be impossible for her.
Besides, Aphrodite would probably be unable to spark lust in Athena anyway. She might be able to make Poseidon lust after someone, goddess or other creatures alike, but Athena was too strong for that. Not in powers, because Poseidon was one of the big three, but in will. Athena was one of the maidens and being the goddess of wisdom, she was almost immune against Aphrodite and her powers. Pothena, like Aphrodite called it, would never happen.
Seriously though, I don't understand why I am thinking so much about Athena lately. Might be Aphrodite. She could be taking advantage of my late fatigue.
Poseidon tried to keep Athena out of his thoughts, but he didn't seem to be able to. He kept thinking about the way her stormy grey eyes could change along with her emotions. Very dark grey, almost black when she was angry. A misty grey-white when she was tired or thinking deeply. And stormy grey whenever she was in battle or excited about something.
He kept thinkg about her smile too. The smile she almost never showed and certainly not when he was around. That little, knowing smile that made her more beautiful than Aphrodite could ever be- in Poseidon's opinion anyway. She occasionally smiled, often when she won one of their arguments. And Poseidon couldn't help but feel happy when she smiled.
Poseidon liked it whenever she smiled,but wasn't ready to admit why. He simply kept thinking of her, not only of that stunning smile, but of everything. Her smile, her eyes, her hair, her laugh. That laugh that was rare, but filled with pure mirth and was even more beautiful than her smile.
He suspected Aphrodite was playing a part in his thoughts, maybe she was working together with Morpheus, but he wasn't willing to spend too much time pondering about it. It would complicate his life in ways impossible. He couldn't use any distraction and Athena would surely distract him.
He actually wanted to avoid Athena as much as possible, but it turned out he couldn't. He had to visit her right now, because Zeus was calling a meeting and Athena needed to be present. Poseidon didn't know why he had to go and get her though. It was commen knowledge they didn't get along that well. But Zeus had insisted, saying it was urgent.
Stupid brother. Sending me to get her, that drama queen. Like I have nothing better to do then listen to speeches, arguing with Athena and persuading her to come to meetings. And Poseidon did have something better, something more important to do. Rebuilding his palace, that had been almost destroyed by Oceanus.
His palace was still in a bad shape and he spent most of his time rebuilding it. It was slowly starting to get better, but it would take a long time to restore it to its former glory. He was extremely busy at the moment. Another reason why he was annoyed, now he was bothered by Zeus like this. He needed all his time to rebuilt his palace.
Poseidon sighed again. He had reached Athena's palace, a gargantuan mansion simple and plain but still beautiful on the outside and breathtaking on the inside. Poseidon had been inside a few times and knew it was like Athena; functional and seemingly simple, but at the same time complicated and stunning.
He knocked on the door and waited , looking around him. He was soon getting impatient and tried to open the door. He was baffled when the door actually opened. He frowned; that was odd, considering Athena never forgot to lock it.
He walked inside, ignoring all the beatiful pieces of art, and walked towards the library. He suspected she would be there, since Athena loved reading so much and she often worked on her plans there. She spent almost all her time in her favourtie library- she possessed more than one- and Poseidon suspected she would be there again.
He smiled when he walked inside the library. He had been right. Sitting on one of the couches, a book in her hands, was Athena. She seemed oblivious to the world and didn't notice Poseidon had entered.
Poseidon skulked towards Athena, careful to avoid making noice and stood behind her, bending forward. "Hi owl head, what are you doing?" he whispered in her ear.
Poseidon was surprised when Athena screamed and jumped. He took a few steps back and raised his hands. " Yo Athena, calm down".
Athena, with startling speed, turned and looked at him in shock. She had made Aegis and a sword appear and both were pointed at him. She had also dropped her book, which was now laying at her feet. " Poseidon? What are you doing here!" she asked.
Poseidon shrugged. " I had to get you. Orders of the king. What were you reading?". He walked towards the book, intending to pick it up, but Athena was faster than him.
She picked the book up and held it behind her back. " Oh nothing that would pique your interest kelp head. Just a report on German war strategy"she said. Poseidon could have sworn she was blushing.
He smiled at her and walked towards her. "Really? Why are you hiding it then? Just let met see it".
He tried to grab the book, but Athena danced out of his way. Aegis and the sword had disappeared again, but that didn't make Athena less dangerous, Poseidon knew from experience she was a great fighter. And she looked ready to fight, with flashing eyes and her body tense.
" Come on owl head, what are you hiding?" he asked and tried to grab the book again, but Athena avoided him again.
It continued like that for some time, Poseidon trying to grab the book but Athena dancing away from him, until Poseidon managed to grab Athena's arm. She immediately reacted, trying to use his weight against him and top him over, but he managed to hold on to her arm and she fell with him, landing on top of him.
He immediately rolled over and pinned her to the floor, making sure she wouldn't be able to move. That didn't stop her from trying though; Athena tried to bend her knee to kick him in the groin, but he wouldn't let her move. She was helpless for now.
Poseidon smirked. "Got you. What is wrong feather brain? You aren't defeated this easily normally".
Athena sent him a cold look. " I am not defeated, merely forced to retreat for a moment. Just let me go now Poseidon, I will get you off me anyway".
Poseidon chuckled. "Oh I have no doubt you will, but it will take you some time".
Athena took a deep breath and Poseidon just knew she was getting ready to either throw him off her or use her godly powers. Before she could gain the upper hand, Poseidon grabbed the book she had still in her hand and rolled of her.
He got up and Athena immediately got up too, spinning while kicking to get him on the ground again. Unfortunetely for her, he had expected this and jumped out of the way.
Before she could transport or anything, he had already looked at the book. And froze when he saw it. He definitely had not expected this.
He looked at her and noticed she was definitely blushing now; her cheeks a noticeable red. " Fifty shades of grey? Seriously?"he asked.
Athena tried to act nonchalant, but failed miserably. " Yes. Are you having any issues with that Poseidon?".
Poseidon chuckled. "No. I just didn't expect you to read this stuff from all people. It is more something Aphrodite would read, if she ever did read that is".
Athena shrugged, still blushing furiously. She was trying very hard to hide her embarressment and discomfort, but Poseidon could still see she was embarressed. " Would you be willing to return it to me now? You have had your fun".
" Sure feather brain. On which page are you?"he asked while giving it back.
Athena snatched it away from him. " It doesn't matter"she snapped.
Poseidon grinned. "I am just interested. And surprised you read books like that Athena. Did you enjoy it?".
Athena narrowed her eyes. " Do not taunt me like this Poseidon. I have neither the time or patience for your foolishness".
Poseidon rolled his eyes. " Calm down bookworm. I am not attacking you, I am have a normal conversation. So did you enjoy it".
Athena sighed. " You aren't going to let this go, are you?".
"Nope. I just want to know it miss know-it-all".
"Fine. I suppose you could conjecture I do enjoy this book". Poseidon smirked.
" So you like it! Who would have guessed our flawless Athena likes reading books like this. Naughty girl" he teased.
Athena's eyes flashed murderously. " I am not! I was just attempting to read a different genre!".
"Yeah, sure. Sooo do you have other books like this?" Poseidon asked, studying her reaction.
" No!"she snapped, but Poseidon had got to know her after all these centuries. He could see she was lying. She was blushing, avoiding his gaze and seemed really nervous. He was the only one who ever managed to catch her of guard. Like he had now.
He shook his head. " Unbelievable. You, of all people, read romans and things like that. What kind of books have you hidden here Athena? Romance novels? Sex textbooks or manuals? Porn novels?".
Poseidon smiled when Athena muttered something, her cheeks redder than he had ever seen. He hadn't had this much fun in a long time. He loved it whenever he gained the upper hand during their arguments, which wasn't often. She was a lot better with words than he was.
And discovering something like this, made him happy. He could tease her with it. Besides, Poseidon found her cute when she blushed and looked uncomfortable.
Athena, regaining her selfcontrol. straightened. Her blush was almost gone. " This is none of your concern Poseidon. Just leave my residence. And don't even contemplate telling anybody I have read it!".
Poseidon smiled. " On one condition".
Athena shot him a wary look. " And what would that be?".
He gestured around him. "I won't tell anyone your little secret if you show me all the other books you secretly read".
Athena raised her eyebrows. " What reason would I have to secretly read books?".
"Oh please Athena, I won't fall for that. I am convinced you have more books like that. Romance novels. Maybe even porn novels. Books that you, a maiden goddess, aren't supposed to read. You just have to show them to me. I promise I won't tell anyone if you do". He offered her his hand. " Deal?".
Athena sighed. "Fine. Deal".
She shook his hand and Poseidon smirked. He had her now. " Oh and Athena?".
She sighed. " Yes Poseidon?".
"You have to show them next week or I will tell everyone".
Athena pursed her lips and looked very annoyed, but she nodded. "Promise me" Poseidon said, aware she would try about anything to avoid a situation like that.
Athena didn't say something for a long time, but finally muttered "I promise".
They both swore on the styx and walked towards the throne room. Zeus , after a short rant because they were late, started a long and boring speech.
Poseidon didn't hear anything he said however. He was too busy thinking about Athena and what books she might be hiding.
He was smiling for the first time in weeks, thinking of one thing only. Their agreement. He would get to spend time with her and know her. It was enough to survive any nightmare, any amount of stress or heavy work.
Chapter five yeah! All right, one quick question; do you want me to make a one-shot in which Athena has to show Poseidon all the books she secretly reads? Just send me a pm or tell me in a review.