Annabeth POV
Rachel and I sat at Percy's swim practice with a common goal in mind. It was imperative that our plan work because Percy needs a break.
Currently, Percy was having a private swim session with his coaches.
Lupa was operating the time pads in the pool. they were rigged so that the time would start as soon as the bell rings and ends when Percy hits the time pad after a particular event. For example, this is a 50m pool. So, for a 200m event, the time will stop strictly when Percy hits the pad on the deep end for the second time (excluding the dive). If you want, do the math yourselves.
This was the most accurate way to catch a time. You can easily figure out how timing swimming events works by googling a competition on youtube.
"Percy has improved so much in such a gradual way," Rachel mentioned.
"I know right," I replied.
I didn't watch a lot of Percy's practices, definitely not as much as Rachel. She obviously knows more about Percy's hard work and progress.
"Do you think Percy will agree to the trip?" Rachel asked.
"It's only for two days. I think that Percy can go two days without swimming. Besides, if he wants to swim, we'll be right on the water," I responded logically.
'That is so true. If he complains, we'll just tell him that we're going to the biggest pool in the world," Rachel said cheerfully.
Finally, Percy finished his last event.
His body tread water in the deep end as his gaze focused on the board. I don't know enough about Olympic swimming times to see if his time for the Butterfly 200m was good or not. But, based on his bright and contagious smile, he was really happy.
Chiron applauded, seeming quite satisfied. Even Lupa was smiling.
"That's his best time yet, and it's at the end of a practice," Rachel squealed. "His strongest events are the Butterfly 100m and 200m. He's aiming to qualify for the Olympics in Butterfly."
"Do you think he will?" i asked.
"Well, it's a really stiff competition. He's going to go up against the best swimmers in the country, some who are already established and more experiences. For example, Triton and Ponty Ussie are both prime competition for butterfly and freestyle strokes."
I've definitely heard of Triton, but I wasn't familiar with Ponty. I don't actually watch the Olympics much. But, Triton was popular for competing in the last two Olympic Games. Maybe, he's older now, but he's still big competition.
But, Percy was such a talented swimmer despite his young age.
Besides, Triton was the same age when he first competed in the games 8 years ago; he even won bronze in Butterfly 100m during those games.
"I believe in Percy. He's going to give it his all," I said proudly. "Besides, I don't really care if he makes it, my relationship with him will remain the same."
"You mean Love.." Rachel teased.
"Shut up."
Finally, Percy pulled himself out of the pool. His body was glistening from the lights shining off the water droplets on his bare skin. He was practically naked besides his tight swim shorts. Damn, Percy is so smoking hot and sexy.
I found myself getting quite warm as I watched him walk over. He rubbed a towel against his hair and neck, once his swim cap came off.
"Ya'll didn't have to stay the whole practice. It was over three hours," Percy said.
"It's fine, Seaweed Brain, but you actually owe us," I replied.
Percy chuckled while shaking the water off his hands. My eyes lingered on his defined abdomen and chest before fixing my gaze on his face.
Gods, Percy is so distracting.
"Fine, i'll buy the usual orders at Demeter's Cafe," he said.
"Actually, we had something else in mind," Rachel responded with a mischievous smile. I shared her sentiment.
"Remember that you owe us, so you have to agree," I said seriously.
"Okay..." Percy promised hesitantly.
...
"When i said that I owe you guys, this isn't what I had in mind," Percy exclaimed.
We were standing on a dock, ready to get on two sailboats. We were all in summer wear, and the weather was cooperating with us. The plan was to take the two modern sailboats (so they have sails but also engines) to a local camping island off the coast of Montauk.
It was actually Thalia who started planning the trip for the last weekend of April. The truth is that everyone's decided on their college option; we're set to graduate in a month. This would be a great way to celebrate.
"Just go with it, Seaweed Brain," I said while laughing.
"Oh, I'm excited... I just don't understand how you convinced Chiron and Lupa to give me two days off, especially so close to the trials," Percy said.
"I left Rachel and Piper to do the talking. Your coaches couldn't resist."
We grabbed our bags and got on the second sailboat. We needed two groups because the entire gang was going on this trip. One boat wouldn't support everybody, just based on size.
Percy ended up sharing the exact make and model of the boat.
He's a fanatic when it comes to all things in the ocean. It's actually so cool that he's so excited and passionate about things other than swimming.
Before we knew it, our boats were pushing through the ocean side-by-side. It was a gradual pace because we had a lot of time.
Percy pulled me to the back of the boat for some privacy. Five of our friends were at the front of the boat, and there wasn't much space to talk in private. I wasn't sure why Percy was pulling me into privacy, but I didn't mind.
We stood in the back, the sail and engine blocking us from the others.
"What, Seaweed Brain?" I asked, smiling.
"You look beautiful," he whispered. His eyes sparkled as they travelled up and down my body. then, they fixed on my face again.
"You have a thing for light dresses," I realized out loud.
I was in a white dress that felt like a feather over my skin. It was such a light and silky dress, but it was still made for the day. My hair was also open and flowing in the wind.
"Screw me for that," he whispered, smirking.
Percy's hand reached up and cupped my face. "I want to kiss you so badly, but our friends can probably see us. Also, we're still not together."
"Not unless you want to be. I mean we practically are together," I said logically.
"Do you hate this?" he asked, worried.
"No, I have feelings for you, and I'm willing to wait until you're ready. However, I just have to state facts and say that we're practically a couple. We spend a lot of time together, share intimate moments all the time, and we're committed as well."
"I just need some more time. I'll be honest. I'm scared," Percy replied.
I leaned up and kissed his cheek, surprising him.
"I'm not scared, Percy. I'm here to support you, and I'm happy with the relationship that we have right now. Because...I know that we'll stay together," I said happily.
A few moments of warm silence passed between us. Percy was smiling happily. For the first time in a while, he looked completely relaxed.
He didn't have to worry about swimming or competition or preparing.
This was like vacation as it was intended to be.
"HEY, I WANNA TRY SOMETHING," Percy exclaimed, ripping his shirt off. My face reddened at what he was suggested, then realized he had nothing dirty in his mind.
Instead, Percy ran to the front of the boat again.
"Whaat are you up to, bro?" Jason asked, laughing.
Percy was already climbing the side of the boat and standing against the side wall of the sailboat. He tightly gripped the pole supporting the sail. "I'm going to enjoy the wind," Percy shouted. Then, he leaned his body off the side of the boat.
"PERCY," I yelled in shock.
However, Percy didn't let go of the pole. He was leaning off the side of the boat.
I took a full moment to capture this scene. Percy was only wear light blue swim shorts. His feet were planted against the side wall of the white boat. His right hand was gripping the sail pole as his sculpted body leaned off the boat. The wind ruffled his hair as Percy waved his free hand. A bright smile illuminated his face while his eyes closed, enjoying the passing wind.
Seaweed Brain was enjoying the moment, and I was enjoying him.
Everyone was laughing and taking pictures. Jason joined Percy on the side of the boat, but Leo was too scared of the water to join, which was ridiculous. On the other boat, Will and Rachel was copying Percy and Jason.
"Boys will be boys," Piper giggled.
"Tell me about it!"
This is going to be one of the best weekends of my life. I already knew it.
...
I knew that I would have this chapter in this story since the very beginning. The book cover was inspired by my idea for this chapter. Don't judge a book by it's cover unless you're judgement is positive. That way (at least) your attitude and assumptions are friendly as you approach someone new.
What is you're hair color and style? Just imagine what people assume about you simply by how your hair looks. Share your thoughts if you'd like :)
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