Annabeth and Silena, sitting by a waterfall, k-i-s-s-i-n-g

CHAPTER 1 - never challenge a French girl

Annabeth Chase, daughter of Athena, goddess of wisdom, had always been very pragmatic. Only paying attention to problems she could solve. Never stepping out of her comfort zone. Avoiding confusing feelings.

Until recently that is. Something changed, and now she was left feeling more frustrated than ever.

Ever since they returned from their quest in search of Grover, things had become relatively calm in Camp Half-Blood, leaving the demi-gods to enjoy themselves by the beach. Unlike the others, Annabeth had used her free time to clear her mind, finding a peaceful spot in the woods near a waterfall. So far she had enjoyed the tranquillity and solitude this spot offered her.

Yet, said solitude was shattered when she discovered that it was also Silena's favourite spot. Apparently.

Silena Beauregard, being the daughter of the goddess of love, never failed to infuriate Annabeth. Whether it'd be a sly comment about her lack of relationship with Percy, or the occasional giggles among her group when she happened to pass by them. It didn't help that neither of them has had a proper conversation, instead choosing to settle for this animosity.

There are many things about the French half-blood that Annabeth hated.

Her intoxicating perfume, which one could smell from miles away.

Her occasional slips in her native language, which many found attractive.

Her ability to charm her way into anything she wanted…

To say that Annabeth was shocked when said vixen came out of nowhere and perched herself atop of a rock would be an understatement. She appeared to be carrying a swimsuit, a towel and some solar cream.

"Are you following me?" she asked Silena, making her jump and quickly turn around, frightened. Her face immediately became cold upon realizing who was there.

"Chase, hello to you too. If anything I should be the one concerned about you stalking me. I must say I'm impressed," she replied with a raised eyebrow, "You even went as far as to invade my personal spot."

"I don't recall being told that anything here belongs to you"

"Listen, why don't you just take your things and get out of this place before I lose my temper for good?" she ordered, with a bored look.

"And why don't you just shut up and accept that I won't say yes to anything you ask, unlike your numerous pretenders, hm?" Annabeth angrily answered, taking a few steps towards Silena.

Neither of them had realized that they had been inching closer throughout the discussion.

"My my Chase… If I had known that making you jealous was that entertaining I would have done it sooner! Cependant, laisse-moi te dire que le vert ne complimente pas ton teint de peau"

Having studied a little bit of French at school, Annabeth got the gist of it. Not one to fall for this kind of flirting, she normally would have ignored the other girl and left before things could escalate further. But she couldn't just let Silena get away with insinuating things like that.

"As if I could ever fall for someone as vain as yourself"

As soon as the words left her mouth, she realized in horror how it could be interpreted as a challenge. Judging by the brief flash of hurt and surprise on her face, Silena had reached the same conclusion. Not one to back off from a challenge, she deliberately took some steps forward, making Annabeth shiver.

"Then you won't mind making a deal, chérie? Give me three weeks to seduce you and successfully make you fall in love with me. If I win, I get to boast about it in front of everyone, including Jackson, and you have to leave the camp for the remainder of the summer. Now if you win, then you get to have whatever you want from me. But it won't happen"

"This is ridiculous!" Annabeth exclaimed, with a nervous laugh.

"I never pegged you for a coward" Silena mocked with a satisfied smirk.

"Because I'm not one! And fine, I'm in! But during those three weeks you don't get to hook up with anyone. And when I win you'll have to swear off sex for the rest of the year."

"Deal"

"Deal"

They shook hands, daring the other to look away even when a spark of electricity shot through their arms, making the bet official. Silena then slowly lifted Annabeth's right hand to her lips, kissing it, her eyes never leaving the girl's grey ones. Shocked, she could only stare after Silena as she sauntered into the groves, towards the Big House, leaving her more confused than ever.

From her spot in Olympus, Aphrodite could only shake her head at her daughter's antics, hoping that she knew what she was doing.