Percy POV
I stood in front of the door, my heart pounding with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. Apparently, this was the place to fix my problems, only I wasn't feeling too reassured. I took a deep breath and knocked on the door.
Seconds later, the door swung open, and there stood Piper, looking absolutely stunning. She wore a form-fitting black dress that hugged her curves in all the right places. The dress had a low neckline that revealed a tantalising hint of cleavage, and the hem stopped just above her knees, showing off her toned legs. Her long, chestnut hair cascaded down her shoulders in loose waves, and she wore smokey eye makeup that made her green eyes look even more alluring. A sly smirk played on her lips as she looked me up and down.
"Well, well, Percy," she purred. "I've been expecting you."
"Uhh, you have?" I asked. She smirked.
"Oh yes. Come on in." I followed her inside, my heart still racing. As I entered the living room, I noticed Jason sitting on the couch, looking a bit surprised to see me. He raised an eyebrow and asked, "Percy, what are you doing here?" However, before I could respond, Piper interrupted, her voice dripping with seduction.
"Jason, sweetheart, why don't you go upstairs and wait for me?" He pouted playfully.
"Aww, do I have to?" he asked. Piper nodded.
"If you do, I promise I'll do that thing you like later."" She gave him a wink, making Jason's eyes light up with excitement and embarrassment.
"Alright," he sighed, "but you better keep that promise, Pipes." Piper blew him a kiss, and he reluctantly got up from the couch and headed upstairs, shooting me a curious glance on his way out. Once he was out of sight, Piper turned her full attention back to me.
We both took seats on the plush couch, the atmosphere between us charged with anticipation. She leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a sultry whisper.
"Sooo, Percy, have you ever... you know?" I furrowed my brow, genuinely confused.
"Ever what?" Piper smirked, her eyes dancing with mischief.
"You know, have you ever sailed the sea of love? Taken a dip in the ocean of passion? Explored the mysteries of the bedroom?" I blinked, each metaphor flying right over my head.
"Uh, well, I've been in a few bedrooms before, if that's what you're asking." She rolled her eyes.
"Don't be so innocent, Percy," she chided. "You know that's not it. I'm asking if you've ever… indulged in some 'horizontal cardio'? Worked up a sweat in the 'ultimate workout'?" She couldn't have been any more cryptic if she tried.
"Horizontal cardio? Ultimate workout? Piper, what are you talking about?" Her smirk grew wider.
"Percy, have you ever 'sealed the deal'? Had a 'roll in the hay'?" I glared at her, starting to get annoyed.
"Piper, I don't know what you're talking about. Why would I roll in hay?" Piper sighed dramatically, her patience wearing thin.
"Percy, have you ever had sex?" The reaction was instantaneous. Immediately, my face turned beet red as I stammered, "Piper!"She raised her hands in surrender, her laughter tinkling like wind chimes.
"Okay, okay, sorry. I couldn't resist teasing you a bit. But seriously, why haven't you done it?" I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, my gaze focused on my fidgeting fingers.
"I don't know, Piper. I guess I'm just... scared that Artemis will say no. I don't want to rush things and mess up what we have." Piper's expression softened as she reached out to gently touch my arm. "Percy, you're a hero, and a god yourself now. But you're also a person with feelings and desires. You should talk to Artemis about how you feel. Communication is key in any relationship."
"Uhhh…" Piper chuckled, teasing him.
"You're worse than Jason, you know? He's never this hesitant when it comes to relationships, and you… You're the man who fought Gone!" I snorted at that, vividly remembering the intense final battle.
"Fair point," I admitted. "But I wasn't trying to, you know, 'thingy' with Gone." Piper burst into laughter at my choice of words.
"Alright, alright, you've got a point there. But seriously, Percy, do you really want Artemis? Or are you just caught up in the moment? I mean, Calypso would probably still take you back if you change your mind." I couldn't help but chuckle at Piper's teasing. She always had a way of lightening the mood, even in the most awkward of conversations.
"I'm definitely set on Artemis," I admitted, a soft smile playing on my lips. "She's... incredible. The way she looks, the way she moves, her strength, her confidence. And she's so fiercely protective of her Huntresses. I've never met anyone like her…" Piper raised an eyebrow and winked mischievously.
"Hellooooo, Earth to Percy! You're getting that dreamy look in your eyes again. You've got it bad." I blushed but didn't deny it. It was true; somehow, I was head over heels for Artemis. There was just something about her that drew me in, something beyond her beauty and strength.
Piper leaned back on the couch, a thoughtful expression on her face.
"You know, Percy, in all seriousness, you should really talk to her about all this. Artemis needs to know how you feel, and that you want to take the next step in your relationship, even though it's only been a week, but hey, who's judging?" I nodded slowly.
"Okay… Sooo… How do I ask her?" Piper rolled her eyes.
"Well, Percy, you could always just be blunt about it. Ask her straight up. Trust me, girls appreciate honesty." I blinked in surprise.
"Uh, Piper, I can't just say that."
"Sure you can!" she said enthusiastically. "How about, 'Why don't we head over to mine so I can find a better use for those sexy lips of yours?'" I blushed furiously.
"Piper, seriously!?" She shrugged.
"You wanted advice, Percy, and I'm just giving it to you. Oooh, I know, say, 'I'm gonna make you scream my name as I take you with passion.'"
"Something less… weird please," I sighed. Piper thought for a moment. Then, she smiled, her expression softening.
"Alright, Percy. Here's a nice way to say it: 'Artemis, I care about you deeply, and I want to show you just how much you mean to me. If you're ready, I'd like us to be even closer, to share something special between us.'" I considered her words, finding a warmth in them that the other suggestions had lacked. It felt right, like something Artemis might appreciate. "Thanks, Piper. I think I'll go with that." She grinned.
"No problem. Now comes the next part. What are you gonna wear?" I frowned, a bit puzzled.
"Shouldn't I be planning where the date is first?" Piper chuckled, shaking her head.
"Percy, your relationship with Artemis is anything but usual. Besides, consider this my way of making up for what I did when you were the Guardian of the Hunt." I raised an eyebrow, my curiosity piqued.
"How do you know she's planning the date, though? What if she thinks I am?" Piper grinned mischievously.
"Well, you came to me for advice, right? So, where would you think Artemis would go for advice?" I pondered her question for a moment, then realisation dawned on me.
"Aphrodite." Piper nodded triumphantly.
"Bingo. So now, let's talk about clothes." I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief knowing that Piper and Aphrodite were taking the reins on this one.
Piper flashed a confident smile as she ushered me into her bedroom. It was a cosy and stylish space, filled with fashionable clothes and accessories neatly arranged on shelves and racks. The scent of her favourite vanilla-scented candles hung in the air, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
"All right, Percy," Piper began with enthusiasm, "let's get you looking like a god – oh, wait, you already are one." She winked playfully. I chuckled nervously, feeling a bit out of my element. Fashion had never been my strong suit, and I wasn't entirely sure what was expected of me in terms of attire for a romantic date with a goddess.
"Thanks for doing this, Piper. I have no idea what I'm doing." Piper waved off my concerns, her fingers lightly tapping her chin as she surveyed her collection of clothing.
"Don't worry, Percy. I've got your back. We'll find the perfect outfit that'll make Artemis's heart skip a beat." I watched as she browsed through her wardrobe, selecting various pieces and holding them up for consideration. She was clearly in her element, and her excitement was contagious. Percy was surprised by how many male clothing items she had, but decided not to ask any questions. People have hobbies, right…?
"Okay, let's start with the basics," Piper said, her eyes gleaming with determination. "What's the overall vibe you're going for? Casual, romantic, or something else?" I furrowed my brow in thought.
"Definitely romantic, but not too formal. I want Artemis to feel comfortable." Piper nodded in agreement.
"Good choice. You want her to see the effort you've put in without making her feel out of place." She continued to sift through her clothes, eventually pulling out a deep navy blue button-up shirt. "What do you think of this?" I examined the shirt she held out to me. It was a rich shade of blue that reminded me of the ocean on a calm day.
"Yeah, that looks nice. But what should I wear with it?" Piper grinned, pleased with my choice.
"Great start, Percy. Now, let's pair it with some well-fitted black jeans. Classic and stylish, just like you."
As she handed me the jeans, I noticed the care she put into selecting each piece. It was clear that Piper had a keen eye for fashion. I changed into the outfit, feeling a bit self-conscious under her watchful gaze. Once I was dressed, she stepped back, examining me with a critical eye.
"Not bad, Percy, not bad at all," Piper praised, her eyes twinkling with approval. "Now, let's kick it up a notch." She reached for a black leather belt and expertly threaded it through the loops of my jeans. "Accessories can make or break an outfit. How about a simple silver wrist watch? It's classic and functional." I nodded in agreement, holding out my wrist for her to fasten the watch around it. As she adjusted the strap, I couldn't help but feel a surge of gratitude. Piper was making this whole process much less daunting than I had anticipated.
"Perfect," she declared, taking a step back to admire her handiwork. "But we're not done yet. Shoes can make a big difference. How about some black leather sneakers? They're comfortable and stylish." I slipped on the sneakers Piper had selected, feeling more put-together with each piece of the outfit. She continued to add thoughtful touches, like a silver pendant necklace and a subtle cologne that she assured me would leave a lasting impression. With the finishing touches in place, Piper gestured for me to stand in front of a full-length mirror. I couldn't believe the transformation. The outfit she had chosen made me look and feel like a completely different person – someone who was ready to sweep Artemis off her feet. I turned to Piper with a grateful smile.
"I can't thank you enough, Piper. You've turned this fashion disaster into something presentable." She chuckled and waved off my thanks.
"It was my pleasure, Percy. Now, all you need is confidence. Remember, Artemis already likes you for who you are. Just be yourself, and you'll do great."
Just then, the doorbell rang.
"I'll get it," I told Piper, making my way towards the front of the house. However, as I swung the door open, I was greeted by an unexpected sight. Thalia and Nico stood there, laughing and holding hands. Their laughter abruptly halted, and they let go of each other's hands as soon as they saw it was me who had opened the door. Thalia avoided making eye contact with me, and Nico's face turned several shades redder.
I couldn't help but give Thalia a hard, cold look. There had always been a tension between us, ever since what she did to me. In a soft voice, I addressed Nico, "We need to talk later." Nico sighed and nodded, before reaching into his pocket and handing me a crumpled piece of paper. I unfolded it and read the message: "Meet me at Montauk, don't be late. XOXO, Artemis." I nodded, tucking the note safely away. There were conversations and confrontations that couldn't wait, but right now, I had a date to prepare for. Turning back to Piper, I asked, "How do I look?" Piper flashed a reassuring smile, her earlier teasing demeanour replaced by genuine encouragement.
"You look fantastic, Percy. Artemis won't know what hit her."
I nodded, waving at her and stepping outside, into the cool evening wind. Now, it was time for my most difficult quest yet.
My first date with Artemis.
Wow, writing Piper was too fun XD. Hope you enjoyed and please do leave a review! Also thank you to that guest who found out I accidentally named Part 3 as Part 2 lol.