A/N: Hiya I know I'm kind of late, but don't patronize me. I tried. I do have a life ya know? I love you all! R and R! :D You all make me sooooooooo happy when you do! ENJOY! 3
Chapter 12
~Percy's P.O.V~
Pain rocked from Percy's head and neck, the throb low and dull. His body was supported on a cloud, the light fabric dragging across his hyper active fingertips as he slowly began to wake up, beautiful unconsciousness fading away. All his nerves were on high alert, the adrenaline running in his waking body, and Percy took in his surroundings without even opening a single eye.
He smelt a sterile air, his guess being a hospital or medical area. The 'cloud' like bed was rectangular and in an upright position, it cradling his weak form. His skin was wrapped with light gauze in certain areas, his head heavy like a weight, and the dried blood still present on his fingers was rough to even the lightest touch. Percy felt weak, his body a burden to move and each cut screaming at him, the bruises moaning in response.
In simple words, Percy was in pain.
The bright florescent lights of the room peaked through his eye lids, the raven haired boy deciding to finally open his eyes, and the low groan ripped from Percy's throat was grungy and torn. Light hurt everything, his eyes especially. The sting almost formed a hiss in his throat, Percy feeling like a vampire going outside for the first time. He reclosed his eyes, about to bring his right hand up to cover his eyes, hoping the darkness would bring him some relief.
He would've have moved, the pain swimming in his brain, if he hadn't noticed the light weight that covered his hand. It was soft and warm, a light breathing noise off in the weight's direction, and Percy dared to open his eyes once more.
The smile that covered his face throbbed a tad, his eyes falling on a head of golden curls that was fast asleep on the side of his bed.
Annabeth was leaning against the thin mattress, breath heavy and mouth open the smallest bit, Percy slightly disappointed she didn't drool when she slept. He could've used that against her in a heartbeat. Her hair was pulled back into a ponytail, her bangs covering her face the slightest bit, and her beautiful grey eyes were closed so peacefully. Her hand clutched protectively to Percy's, the other placed gently under her head, and Percy smiled bigger at the scene. He was so glad to be back.
He slipped his hand from her grasp, his brain trying extremely hard to silence his body's agonizing protests against movement, and he leaned towards his Wise Girl.
His lips brushed her forehead, the light touch waking the girl. Her eyes fluttered open, sleep still hanging tightly onto her face, and the blonde looked over the boy in pure confusion. Percy guessed sleep was temporarily blocking Annabeth's memory, and she'd snap out of it in three, two, one…
The grey orbs grew bigger, the girl's back shooting up straight as Percy slowly pulled away, his sea-green eyes filled with amusement and affection as he watched the girl, lying back on his comfortable bed. He put together that he was in a hospital like room, but judging how the back room was shaped like a kitchen, Percy had a feeling he was still in the apartment building.
"Percy!" She almost stuttered, shock and surprise lacing her features, "You're awake! Oh my gods, how are you feeling?"
Her words were quick and rushed, the sounds fuzzy to Percy's ears, but he just kind of stared at her. He didn't really feel the need to talk and he was taking her in, a lazy smile present on his battered lips.
"Gods you are one beautiful human being, you know that?" He asked her, completely disregarding her question. Instead, he was going to have some fun.
His comment completely threw her off guard, the girl's eyes blinking multiple times as flusteredness leaked from her. With her curls falling a little out of her ponytail and haloing her face, her grey eyes slowly sparkling to life and waking up, and even the light flush that grazed her cheeks from Percy's compliment made him feel better. Sure his body was throbbing, his skin was mainly red, black or purple, and he couldn't get the light ringing out of his inner ear, but nonetheless Annabeth was certainly much better company than Percy's last company.
"I-I…," Annabeth was a total loss for words, her head stopping and back tracking in confusion, "Wha… Wait you didn't answer my question. How are you feeling Seaweed Brain? Do you need anything? Medicine? More pillows?" The girl moved around like a worried mother, lightly touching his non injured skin as she absent mindedly looked for something to fix. Percy knew she was happy to have him back, but she was compensating for her guilt of letting him get hurt by tending to him. He found it cute.
She stood up, looking over at his arms and face, Percy's eyes never leaving her face.
"You know you look so adorable when you're worried." He teased, the smile light and playful on his face. Her moment stopped, the blush returning.
She blew a bang or two from her face, making eye contact with him.
"Stop ignoring my questions Percy Jackson." She tried to boss, hands falling onto her hips. She wore black skinny jeans and a simple orange t-shirt, the words on the shirt too faded for Percy's weak eyes to make out. He truly did love messing with her, and the smile lingered as he continued their eyes contact, grey swirling into sea-green.
He got an idea and while his eyes still remained on hers, he slipped a finger into her jean's belt loop, his finger pulling her towards him. The tug took her by surprise, a light gasp escaping her lips, and in a matter of seconds she was inches from Percy's face, smirk still present on his. Her knee was on the mattress right next to his leg, one hand holding most on her weight up pushing firmly on the back of the mattress next to Percy's arm and the other touching his shoulder lightly. Her breath was shallow and light, smelling like peppermint gum and some sort of vanilla. It flowed into Percy's nostrils and numbed his mind, the girl absolutely intoxicating. Percy was thanking the gods they were alone at that moment.
His lips pushed against hers, free hand stiffly moving up to cup the side of her face, and she melted into him, the sensation rocking them both into flawless harmony. Her hand lightly brushed up his skin, sending tingles up the side of his neck as she weaved them into his hair, and Percy smiled against her soft lips. He didn't care if he was splitting the cut on his lip and his nose was starting to ache from nuzzling hers; he was in so much bliss he could have been in Olympus himself. Percy was their moment as a great reunion, bruises and all.
They split, breath mingled and smiles on both face, and Percy opened his eyes slowly.
"I missed you Wise Girl." He confessed to Annabeth, his wrapped forehead pushing against her bare one.
She smiled, nodding in agreement.
"I missed you two Seaweed Brain," she hugged him softly, their bodies close and in total peace, "But Percy… one thing."
Percy pulled her back and looked at her, pure curiosity on his face.
"You taste like medicine."
The small pause in the air was followed by laughter, the two kissing again as they enjoyed one another, glad to be together again.
~~~Break~~~~~~~~~~~
~Thalia's P.O.V~
She sat at the main conference table, fingers twitching and mind racing.
They had all planned it, their next move, and all she had to do was organize everyone and set the course of attack and do just about every other damn thing on the planet. They were going to attack K. Ronos's army before it attacked them, and Thalia was starting to feel the stress. They had only a few days to organize everything then fly out to Europe in order to stop the attack, and nothing was really ready. Annabeth was with Percy, Percy was practically half dead, gods know where everyone else who was important was, and Thalia was truly the only one who understood how to plan an attack. Being the best military person in an organization really did come with its flaws.
"You work too damn hard, you know that Ms. Grace?"
Thalia swiveled around in her chair, body leaning back in amusement as her eyes landed on the one person she wanted to see.
Nico stood in the door way, hands in his pockets as his obsidian eyes traced over her every curve and figure. He sported a black vest with a white undershirt, the sleeves loose and styling like an old bartender. A bump tie was tucked perfectly into the formal vest, small golden chain hanging from his pocket, and his black pinstripe pants went perfectly with his shiny midnight loafers. His hair was styled just to her liking, face as pale as ever, and Thalia smiled at the boy who was interrupting her work. He was a great interruption.
Nico sauntered in, leaving his slouched position against the door frame, and walked towards her, hands still comfortably in his pocket.
"Now what," he started, shoulders almost swaggering with his movement, playfulness lining his features, "are you doing in here, all by yourself? Why are you with me, in my room, wasting the night away?" He kissed her softly, leaning over as his body stayed formal, Thalia feeling his smile against her own.
"I have an attack to plan," She answered, hand sliding in his pocket and taking his pocket watch, her fingers, which were graced with solid black polish, playing with the golden treasure. It was his sister's, and Thalia was the only one aloud to touch it beside Nico. The batteries never seemed to run out and the time was always perfect, the intricate and elegant design of it never warring down or fading. The clock read twelve thirty, the weariness of working feeling heavy on Thalia as she slipped it back into Nico's pocket, her eyes grazing his.
The boy watched her, body straightening and analyzing her. She turned back to the table, the two starting a silent conversation without even uttering so much as a peep. She said she was tired of working but she needed to continue on, her eyes half closed and shoulders slumped the tiniest bit. He understood and almost pleaded her to come rest with him, his feet light on the carpet as he stepped towards her and his fingers touched her shoulder. She denied him politely, pale shoulder brushing his touch off, exhausted fingers picking up her pencil once more. He challenged her, saying he can convince her to come, his finger grazing her tight neck skin airily. The touch sent shivers down her spine, smirk grazing her face. She dared him, eyebrow rising as her electric blue eyes glanced towards him from the corner of her eye, corner of her mouth sliding upward. His fingers shifted, the moment of no contact throwing Thalia out of sync with the Goth boy.
His lips caressed her neck gingerly while her gasp broke the air, the quietest sound competing with the heavy silence anyone else would find awkward. He begged her to stop her hard work, the timid touch gaining more pressure as he continued, her own will breaking as she continued to hesitate his attempts, head tilting to the side. His rough fingers touched the free side of her neck, hold her close to him as he convinced her, his argument growing more and more persuasive. She was breaking. She asked him what would happen if she went with him, fingers running over his skull and through his midnight hair, both of their eyes closed as they spoke with flawless clarity. He told her he'd take care of her and she could finish the plans in the morning, lips butterflying up her neck, across her jaw, against her cheek, and finally to her lips. She complied, returning the force and slowly rising from her office like chair, knees weak yet compliant nonetheless. Thalia had to give it to Nico, he truly did have a way with words.
The two linked fingers and remained silent, the small click of the light echoing in the once occupied office room, darkness falling over the stillness. Their footsteps echoed across the floor, the rest of the apartment in a hushed lull, and they continued to the elevator, keeping their relaxed distance as Nico's thumb brushed over the back of Thalia's hand.
"They were asleep together in the hospital room." Nico piped in to Thalia, a smile stretching across the girl's face.
She didn't look at him as she spoke, both exiting the elevator as they headed to his room.
"Same position as we left her in?"
"Nope, she was next to him and he had his arms around her. He must have woken up."
"Who knew that a girl like her and a guy like him would end up together." Thalia smiled in disbelief, her head shaking a little. She loved the fact they were together, but she would never in a million years put them together.
Nico shrugged, opening the door for her, stopping right before entering.
"I don't know, some of the best relationships are the unexpected ones."
Thalia smiled at her boyfriend's comment, kissing him lightly before walking in, and the two settled down for the night, only the moon hanging above them showing any form of life.
~~~Break~~~~~~
~Luke's ~
"You have failed me boy." The voice was cold and harsh, slamming into Luke's confidence, making him shrink back.
Ronos paced around the boy, the blonde down on his knees in humble grievance. Jackson got away… and it was all his fault.
The beads of sweat dripped down the back of his neck, it challenging enough to keep his breathing even, and Luke tried not to let his fingers tremble too badly as he stayed in Ronos's presence. His leader was not happy, and when Ronos wasn't happy, no one was. Luke was in charge of keeping Percy captured until they found out the exact location, yet he had gotten away. Luke was so ashamed and scared of what Ronos would do, he was practically waiting for Ronos to finish him off right then and there.
The soft clunk of Ronos's dress shoes stopped in front of Luke, the boy's eyes frantically running over the ground for some answer. Something, anything, just some words to appease Ronos and maybe get out of this whole thing scotch free.
Not a single word came to mind.
The walking stick tapped the end of his chin, fear racking Luke's body as he looked up, and the loud thwack echoed around the warehouse after Luke's eyes met a steaming gold.
Luke's hand retreated to the wound, the welt developing under his fingers as he bit back tears, a trickle of blood flowing over his tongue from biting his cheek too hard. He had to hold his tongue… or he'd be done for.
Though to others working for Ronos looked like a dream job, it came with a steep price. If you made one slip up, one mistake, you'd be done for good. Ronos treated all those who worked for him like garbage, the worst of all Luke, and no one saw his true side. A side that was almost demonic in a manor. Ronos would get his way, or you would die while he made his way to it. Luke decided to join Ronos for the simple reason he would be on the winning side, but that tertiary came with a price. Ronos had never trusted him and treated him as if he were the most pathetic human alive, any of Luke's screw ups ten times worse than those of Ronos's other followers. If Luke had known it'd be like this… he would have happily died against the monstrous man. But he was in now… and there's no going back once you've stepped to the other side. He made his bed, now he had to lie in it.
The steps grew closer to Luke, the boy's icy blue eyes still on the floor as Ronos leaned close, voice punctual and sharp.
"You remember how I gave you that scar in the first place… don't make me do it again. Do not fail me again." Ronos turned and grew farther from the cowering Luke, voice carrying back, "You know what to do next. If you fail, you might as well not even come back."
The doors opened and slammed with a haunting echo, Luke's body not moving. Their meetings were always quick in short, Ronos doing all of the talking while Luke held his words. Meetings usually ended in a hit or two, so the smack across the face with the stick was only a slight surprise to Luke.
He breathed quickly as he begged his heart beat to slow, his body trembling, being disappointed and disgusted with itself. It took him a moment, the world still wet and stinging from the wood's contact with his flesh, his brain ceasing its painful rattling in his skull. He was use to being hit, Ronos wasn't exactly the hugging type.
Luke felt nothing as he left the main part of the warehouse, shaky on his feet and feeble with his steps. His body trudged to his office, sitting hard into the chair as he looked over his work, brain and body so tired of this fight. He didn't want to take over the world, hell he didn't even want to mess with anyone in the world. He just didn't want to die. His life, to him, was important, even if it meant sacrificing what he loved.
Or… so he thought.
His eye traveled to the small picture frame on his desk, the tears falling from his eyes in the privacy of his office. Thalia and Annabeth were smiling and goofing off in the picture, pointing at Luke who was the one taking the picture behind the camera. He could see his reflection of his scar against the picture's glare, the harsh reminder of his choice hurting his soul, and he let his heart fall in shame, eyes cast down.
The scar was for him, a symbol of his betrayal. The mark given to him from Ronos. The man marked him to make sure Luke never forgot his choice, the pain of the decision hurting more than anything Ronos could do to him.
"I'm so sorry I let you down." He whispered to the picture, eyes brushing over what once was.
The blonde felt his heart break another night, the weight of his world breaking his shoulders. It was only a matter of time till he broke completely, but till then, he had a job to do.
A job that was going to decide if he was going to see his face in the mirror the next day or not.
A/N: And there you go Hope you like dit! I decided to do two different P. this time, just to shake things up. Tell me what you think! I ADORE every single review and I love you all to death. You make me complete 3. Anyway, I'll try to update ASAP, but I have a shiz ton of homework. Love you all! Review please! AND ALSO! If you have QUESTIONS you would like to ask me AND/OR the characters, LET ME KNOW! I CAN PUT THE CHARACTER QUESTIONS IN THE NEXT A/N IN NEXT CHAPTER! :D