#n. personally it just. aghhh i don't know it makes me happy when i can be like.. a friend for others? someone you can hug n then

[noxtivagus]

i've been less shy lately so damn i realized how. idk how to say it. wait

[seetangus]

Aghhh i would love a reader x azula with the song "i dont smoke" by mitski inspired fic. Especially the line "So if you need to be mean, Be mean to me." PLEASEEE IF U HAVE TIME ERNKEKEJA IM BEGGIN U!! Like imagine azula snapping and being mean to her soldiers or smth

I Don’t Smoke - Azula x reader

[masterlist]

Azula x gn reader based on the song “I Don’t smoke” by Mitski. warnings: angst, verbal and physical violence, burning

534 + 282 words

Please enjoy

“Azula, don’t do this! They did their best, they don’t deserve this!” You rushed to Azula, desperate to keep her from inflicting mass punishment on her soldiers.

If you need to be mean

“The failed me. And they will suffer.” “But…” “Stop defending them! I am their princess and if they do not live up to my expectations they will have to endure the consequences!” “Azula, if you would just listen to…”

Be mean to me

“Are you trying to question my decisions, y/n?” Azula stared at you, her face distorted with anger. You had been in this situation before. Azula did love you, but in moments like this she was not herself. Still, you were determined to keep her from hurting her soldiers.

I can take it and put it inside of me

Even if it meant you would get hurt instead.

“Yes Azula, I am.” Your voice trembled. “It is not justifiable to punish all those people only because they cannot meet your unreachable standards.”

If your hands need to break

More than trinkets in your room

Azula came closer to you. “Do you realise what you just said, y/n?”

You can lean on my arm

Azula caressed your cheek. Her hand was boiling hot. “You know I love you, y/n”, Azula purred. Her touch burned. “And you are lucky that I do.” Her hand heated up even more. Tears began running over your face, evaporating when meeting her hand. “I would not hold back if it was someone else.”

As you break my heart

The pain was too much. You knocked her arm away and wiped your tears with your sleeve. But your skin wasn’t the only thing that burned; your heart felt like there was nothing but ashes left. You looked down at the floor, unable to meet Azula’s gaze.

Just don't leave me alone

“Azula, why are you doing this?” You tried to suppress your sobbing.

Wondering where you are

“I am doing this because I am right, why can’t you accept that! The soldiers failed me so they need to be punished, there is no other righteous way! And you cannot keep me from doing what I want.”

I am stronger than you give me

Credit for

You swallowed. “If you truly loved me, Azula, you wouldn’t hurt those people. You know punishing innocents is wrong. You know how much it hurts me to see you do it! I know you are better than this!”

If your hands need to break

More than trinkets in your room

You could not imagine what Azula was thinking now. You did not want to. You could practically sense her pent up anger and feel the masses of pure fire she was able to unleash now in the air.

You can lean on my arm

As you break my heart

You had done what was right. You had stood up against the unjust princess.

Against the cruel Azula.

Against the person you loved more than everything.

You knew she would make you pay. You swallowed the pieces that were left of your broken heart and closed your eyes, expecting your loved one’s rage.

< • ◇ • >

Hello. I hope you liked this! I tried my best; this was my first time writing something based on a song. I really liked this!

I couldn’t let it end like this though, so I searched up the english translation of two Bach pieces I really like and put together a somewhat happy ending, even if it’s not fully in character for Azula.

Enjoy.

< • ◇ • >

If the tears on my cheeks

can do nothing,

o then take my heart as well!

You waited but nothing happened. “Don’t hesitate, Azula. If my voice is not loud enough to reach your ears, hurt me. If it stops you from hurting the soldiers, hurt me.” Tears streamed down your face.

Yet let it be, in the flow,

as the wounds gently bleed,

the offering-bowl as well.

Your voice was nothing but a trembling whisper now. “Just please, I beg you, remember that I love you.” You kept your eyes closed, waiting for the inevitable.

But still, nothing happened. Instead, when you looked up again, Azula looked back at you with terror and guilt written all over her face.

O great love, o love beyond measure,

that brought You to this path of martyrdom!

When your eyes met hers, she rushed towards you and embraced you, her guilt becoming unbearable when she felt you flinching away at her touch. Her voice was unsteady and worried “I… I already hurt you, y/n…” You tried to escape her embrace but she clinged to you and buried her head in your neck like a child that awoke from a bad dream. “I am so sorry, y/n.”

I lived with the world in delight and joy,

and You had to suffer.

Her voice trembled with guilt: “My anger was too much. I did not see your suffering. Please forgive me. Please tell me you are alright! Please, y/n!”

You were not alright. Healing would take time, as would completely forgiving her. So you chose to speak truth:

“I love you, Azula.”

“I love you too, y/n.”

< • ◇ • >

[original text]

Können Tränen meiner Wangen // Nichts erlangen, // O so nehmt mein Herz hinein! // Aber laßt es bei den Fluten, // Wenn die Wunden milde bluten, // Auch die Opferschale sein.

[BWV 244, Part II, No. 52]

O große Lieb, o Lieb ohn alle Maße, // Die dich gebracht auf diese Marterstraße! // Ich lebte mit der Welt in Lust und Freuden, // Und du mußt leiden.

[BWV 245, Part I, No. 3]

[shane-mc]

The Punishment

Link to Chapter 6

A/N: Hello my favorite people! Here's what you have been waiting for. We'll finally know the reason behind Jake and Jessy's behavior. More drama on this chapter. Enjoy!

Chapter 7

MC: What the fuck are you doing here?!

MC stood from her bed and slowly walked towards Jake. Jake was just standing there frozen.

MC: And how did you get in here?! You really have the guts to show your face to me after what you did!

MC is now standing right in front of Jake

Jake: I, I borrowed Jessy's spare key to your apartment.

MC: Oh how sweet she is. So supportive of you. Give me that key! She no longer has the right to that as soon as she betrayed me. She's no longer my fucking bestfriend!

Jake handed MC the key, his hand is shaking.

MC: I'm going to ask you once again. What are you doing here? You sneaked in here like a thief huh. Do you want me to call the police? Oh no, not yet. I can beat you first and call them. I can't be arrested if I say it was self defense.

Jake: MC I don't care what you do to me. I deserve it anyway but please, give me a chance to explain first.

MC: Explain what Jake?! I saw it clearly! You and Jessy... Fuck! I was so stupid to think that there's something special between us but I was wrong! It's Jessy who you want!

Jake: MC no it's not like that!

MC lost her temper. She unconsiously slapped Jake using her injured hand. She hissed in pain.

MC: Aghhh, fuck!

Jake: MC are you ok? ( Jake tried to hold MC's arm to check her hand. )

MC: Get away from me!

Jake: MC please. I am so sorry. I didn't want to hurt you. I never want to hurt you. You're the most important person to me!

MC: Stop now with your lies Jake! Hannah is back. You no longer have to pretend! Now I understand, all those things that you said to me while we were investigating Hannah's case, all those are just your lies to manipulate me. You pretended that you care for me, that I am special to you so I'll continue helping you. You needed me to find Hannah. You used me!

Jake is so hurt with all the things that MC said.

Jake: Is that what you really think about me? That I manipulated you?! That I used you?! You said you trust me.

MC: I did Jake! I trusted you! God I was even willing to sacrifice my life for you! But what did you do! You betrayed me! With my bestfriend! If it was her you want all along you should have just told me. I would be willing to continue helping anyway. But you chose to lie to me and make me fall for you. And now, now you broke me. I hate you Jake!

Jake: MC stop! It's not true! I did not use you! All the things I said to you are true! I love you MC! I fucking love you! You're the only one for me! It's because of you that I'm still here. You're the reason why I had the will to live. If it's not because of you, I would have just let myself die in that mine. But you, you gave me a reason to fight and look forward to a future where I can be happy with you.

MC was shocked with all the things that Jake said. She didn't know how to process it. Is he saying the truth? Then what about Jessy, why did he act like that with her?

MC: Jake... how can you expect me to believe that? If you're saying the truth, then why did you and Jessy...

Before MC can finish what she's saying, Jake interrupted her.

Jake: It was all an act MC! It was all just a stupid act!

MC: What?! An act? What do you mean it was all just an act?

___________

A few days before MC and Jessy had a girl's night at Jessy's apartment.

Jake: Hello Jessica.

Jessy: It's Jessy! 😤 And hello to you too! I wonder why you are messaging me.

Jake keeps on typing and deleting his response...

Jessy: Spit it out Jake! I know you're not going to message me if it's not important. Is this something about MC?

Jake: Actually, yes.

Jessy: Ok what is it?

Jake: How is MC?

Jessy: She's fine. Why are you asking me when you guys are hanging out together. Why, did you notice something wrong with her?

Jake: No, it's just...

Jessy: Jake just tell me what you really want to know or else I'm no longer going to respond to you.

Jake: Alright. Do you know if MC and Phil are together?

Jessy: What? Are you seriously asking me this? I thought it's clear to you that she has feelings for you. She and my brother are only friends. Though I know Phil is crazy about her but MC made it clear that she only wants to be friends with him. Seriously Jake, why are you asking this?

Jake: Well, I just wasn't sure. About her feelings for me. I know we both expressed that we care for each other. That we're important for each other but we never really made it clear what is it between us. After Hannah was found and I became free, we didn't really talk about our feelings. Though I'm sure how I feel about her, I'm not really sure if she feels the same. Especially that I see her and Phil getting closer, I thought maybe she changed her mind about me.

Jessy: Why don't you just tell her how you feel? Then you will know if she feels the same, which I'm sure she does.

Jake: I, I can't. I don't have the courage.

Jessy: Oh my God, what am I gonna to do with both of you!

Jessy: Do you want me to ask her then?

Jake: Yes please, that would be great. :)

Jessy: Ok. We're going to have a bonding this Saturday. I'm going to talk to her. Maybe I'll also provoke her a little. That way, she'll get the courage to talk to you and say what she really feels.

Jake: Do whatever you think will be good. Thank you Jessica! :)

Jessy: Again, it's Jessy! 😤 And you're welcome.

___________

After MC and Jessy's girl's night where Jessy asked about MC and Jake's status, Jessy texted Jake excitedly to tell him what she and MC talked about.

Jessy: Jake!

Jake: Jessica!

Jessy: Agh, whatever! I have good news!

Jake: What is it?

Jessy: So... MC is in love with you!!! 😍 See, I told you! I just can't understand why you didn't know when it was so obvious.

Jake: Thank you. You know I love her too.

Jessy: Yeah of course. The two of you are so obvious about what you feel for each other but also you are both so coward to admit it. 🙄

Jessy: The problem is, looks like MC has no plan in telling you. She said she'll just leave whatever is between you now and see what happens. So if I were you, I'll go to her and tell her how much you love her!

Jake: No, I can't do it.

Jessy: What, why? Even after what I told you?

Jake: I told you I don't have the courage. I don't know how to tell her.

Jessy: Oh my God Jake! I can't with you! 😮‍💨

Jessy: Will it give you courage to admit how you feel about her if she tells you first?

Jake: Yes of course, how can I not tell her that I love her back.

Jessy: Ok, I'll help you. I have a plan. But I have a condition, since this is going to be very risky and I'm afraid of what MC will do to me. You need to do me a favor.

Jake: Ok, tell me.

Jessy: Stop calling me Jessica!

Jake: Deal. :)

Jessy: Ok, great. So what were going to do is make her jealous. You know, we need to act so sweet together.

Jake: Do you think it's a good idea?

Jessy: Well, not really since I'm afraid we'll both end up in the hospital. But I'm sure this will make MC admit her feelings for you. You know, she has a bad temper. If she sees us acting so sweet together, she'll probably storm towards us and say, "What are you doing Jessy?! How dare you stole the man I love?! 🤭 Now, she finally admitted her feelings for you and you just have to do your part.

Jake: Ok, we'll do it then.

Jessy: Yay! Let's execute the plan on our get together at the Aurora bar. Just follow my lead, ok? Ah, I'm so excited and afraid at the same time but this will do both of you good.

Jake: Thank you, Jessy. See you at the Aurora then.

Jessy. No problem. See you!

___________

MC: Oh my God Jake! Are you fucking serious?! I went through all of these shit just because you wanted to make me feel jealous! To make me admit my feelings for you first! How fucking stupid!

Jake: I know and I'm so sorry. But you could have just told me.

MC: Seriously Jake?! You could have just told me also but you are a fucking coward. How ironic, you were wanted by the government. You weren't afraid to fight them but you're too coward to admit your feelings for me. And then you agreed to do this stupid idea!

Jake: I'm so sorry MC. I really didn't want to hurt you. Please MC. Please forgive me.

MC: No Jake! I can't forgive you. You didn't consider about my feelings. Do you have any idea how I felt when I saw you flirting with someone else, and not just someone else, with my best friend?! Ok, it was all just an act, but that act broke me Jake! Do you understand that?! You did this for yourself, you did this so you can confirm how I feel about you so it will be easy for you to admit your feelings for me but you didn't think about me. How it will hurt me. So no Jake. I can't forgive you.

Jake: MC, I...

MC: Save it Jake. I don't want to hear anything from you. Just please, leave me alone now. Get out from my apartment.

Jake did what MC asked. He left MC's apartment devastated. He cursed himself. How can he be so stupid? Can MC forgive him someday? Or did he lost her forever? All these thoughts filled his mind. He suddenly realized that he has been crying all this time. He went to his car and drove his way back to Lilly's.

After Jake left, MC fell to the floor. She didn't know what to really feel. She can't process everything. Should she feel relieved that there's nothing going on between Jake and Jessy? But they still hurt her, what they did still broke her. MC hugged her knees while sobbing. How can you be so stupid Jake? ( MC muttered to herself. )

A/N: Yeah, that's it. They just wanted to make MC jealous. What do you think guys? Is it really stupid especially that Jake's goal is to make MC admit her feelings first? He's too coward to make the first move! Should MC forgive them that easy especially Jake? Share me your thoughts. By the way, I won't be able to post an update tomorrow due to Christmas celebration. But I want to greet you all an Advanced Merry Christmas! ( for those who are celebrating )

I'll probably be sleeping already right after posting this because my eyes are already closing so I'll reply to your comments tommorow. It's midnight from where I am. 🙂

[angloie]

Beach trips and I'm Falling in Love • 2.5/2

When Annabeth meets a strange boy on vacation, she doesn't expect for their relationship to grow much. He's... terribly sarcastic. Cocky. A not-so great match for her witty self. But after learning he visits the same beach every year she does, their strange friendship blooms into something more.

Their realtionship isn't the only thing that blooms over the yearsー that meaning a certain raven-haired boy.

genre ; childhood friends to lovers, fluff, strangers(?) to lovers, exchanging letters au, percabeth mortal au.

warnings ; swearing, suggestive(?) themes.

prev.

That night, Annabeth can't fall asleep.

(Percy can't either, because he can't stop thinking about Annabeth and how he thinks he saw her back there.)

What is Rachel to him?

Annabeth thinks. Her mind is something like a broken recordー stuck playing the question on repeat. 

Not that she could judge, however, if Percy enjoyed her company more than hers, then that would be... Fine. Just fine. Rachel was probably more close to him after all these years unlike the blonde; who has been away for six years.

When Annabeth turns on her side to look at the shell seated stop her bedside table, she grimaces.

"You better make sure to return it!"

"I'll be waiting!"

Why does that make her frown?

The morning comes slow, slower than Annabeth would like, when the birds start chirping and evening comes to dawn after her sleep-deprived thoughts. 

She knows that Percy's curled up inside his bed, (though certainly not the cabin he used to occupyー there's no one next door) snoring like he always does. She knows that Percy doesn't know that she's here, and Annabeth also knows that he'll be asleep until promptly one in the afternoon.

Annabeth thinks she'll meet him around sooner or later.

The lull of waves crashing across the shore gives her chills. Mornings, she now realizes, are the best part of the day.

The rose gold sun comes down in tiny slivers along the sand.

Percy is loyal. He's a great friend, much more than Annabeth deserves, witty and sarcastic.

Percy is not hers. He never was in the first place, really; him with his cocky smile and his big heart. That heart of his can only hold so much, can't it?

She starts to wonder if she's in there.

The shell in her pocket suddenly feels heavy when Annabeth reaches for it, the chipped and cracked coat somehow still intact. She'll give it to him when the time comes of course. Just not now. Annabeth couldn't even muster up the courage if she wanted to. 

So, sandaled feet dug into the sand, she scans her surroundings.

At first glance the beach is beach is deserted, aside from a few lingering beach-goers that occupy the waves on their surfboards and the sand with their umbrellas.

It's quite tranquil on her ownー  under the morning sun and all. She's been to beaches near her house back home,e but nothing can really beat this view.

Her eyes dart towards the ocean, where the surfers ride on the waves, laughing and cackling whenever one of their friends falls face-first into the cold waters. She laughs a bit, too, the scene reminds her of how she always used to fall when she was learning to surf.

Speaking of the surfers... They all look like they're having a blast. You know, Annabeth might start to think that the raven-haired guy looks like Percy, that he has the same smirk as him, but that's just illogical.

Right?

It's only until that they lock eyes is when Annabeth freezes.

Same sea green. Same sparkle.

Same Percy.

And it's only until he freezes, eyes widening and stopping to stare, is when she thinks Oh shit.

Then he's starting to come over, and her legs start moving on their own. 

Away from him.

This can't be happening. It can't be. Not when she's not ready, when she's too nervous to even muster a word, not when Annabeth can't even look at him without her heart racing like never before. 

She starts to walk faster. Not so fast that it looks suspicious, but fast as to escape his gaze and go back to her cabin.

Annabeth can hear him saying he needs to ‘do something' to his friends. Annabeth can also hear his surboard digging into the sand, as well as his footsteps getting closer and closer. So close, that she thinks it'll only be a few steps longer until he reaches her.

Fuck, fuck, fuck, Her thoughts get even more rapid, Can't the universe just wait for a second?

Annabeth completely shuts down when someone grabs her wrist.

"Annabeth?"

It takes so much to not year away, to not run, to not speak. It takes so much to turn her head and look at him, more, though, when his tone is the most heart melting thing she's heard in a long time. (good timing, really, and just when she's been trying to get all the feelings she holds for him.)

"Percy." She breathes out, eyes widening when she finally gets a good look of him.

He's... Grown. 

His shoulders are broader. His hair, once unruly and messy, is exactly like in the previous pictures he's sent: Perfectly perfect and endearing. Annabeth notices that he towers over her figure quite a bitー what happened to the scrawny little Percy? Back then, she could easily look over him; but now? It's quite the opposite.

There’s an air around him, too, one that makes Annabeth gulp and her thoughts race.

Holy fuck.

Before she can let out a single word, she's engulfed into a bone crushing hug.

Thats pretty much when it all hits her.

Sure, he's wet and damp and smelling like saltwater and sweat, but she can't really pay any mind to that. Percy's warm. His touch is soft, gentle, just as Annabeth remembers. 

Why was she avoiding him in the first place?

Just when she thinks that it's fineー that she will not tear up over something like thisー her body betrays her and she starts to sink further, further into the hug.

Is she tearing up right now?

"I missed you," Percy mumbles against her head in a way that makes her heart pound dangerously against her rib cage. “So much.”

So just like that, Annabeth nearly falls for him all over again.

"You dumbass!" She pushes him off, hands fumbling through her pockets. "I m-missed you more." Hands come to wipe at her fresh tears. 

“H-here!” Annabeth sniffs as she hands him the one thing her mind has been lingering on non-stop: the shell.

He, blurry eyed and open mouthed, looks taken aback. For a second she thinks that he might be angry. That is, until he smiles.

“You kept it?” Percy asks. It's almost like he can't really believe it, like he didn't really expect her to keep it. 

"Of course I did, seaweed brain,” She gives a lopsided toothy smile. It doesn't really match her flushed face, but who's paying attention to that? 

When he looks at it fondly in his hands, Percy smiles to himself. “Its been too long, wisegirl." He looks her up and down. “You’ve changed."

She raises a eyebrow. "Like in a bad way?"

“N-no!” He's quick to correct himself. His looks the other way, trying to discreetly hide his blush. "No. Like i-in a... uhm- fuck." Percy covers his face.

"You've changed too.” Annabeth grins. “In a good way."

They smile each other for a second before someone from the shore line calls out Percy's name. He whips around, scowl growing on his face.

"I'll be back soon!" Percy rolls his eyes. He then turns to her.

"We should catch up," he says frantically, thoughts running on overdrive, "Have you been downtown yet? I'm staying at a new cabin a while away from hereー I'll take you there soon. Oh! And have you been to our spot? We can visit there later if you want.”

Annabeth cringes when the words fall from his lips. Our spot. She chews on her bottom lip. She can't really blame him for taking someone up there. Not even if she wanted to.

The rest of the day, and the next day after that, is bittersweet.

"I-Id be happy to.”

The sweetness is seeing Sally again. It's eating her famous blue cookies with Percy wearing bright smiles and her sporting the new sweater Sally crocheted. It's surfing for hours on end, it's playing with their dogs and meeting Mrs. O'Leary.

The sweetness is being with Percy once again; even if she does cringe when they go to their spot again.

The bitter, on the other hand, is meeting her.

Rachel.

Don't get her wrong. Annabeth was never much of a possessive or jealous person; and she still is not. She's level-headed, logical, and observative. Rachel is... Fine. She's crafty, Annabeth can tell by her paint-stained clothing and wry smile. She's pretty cool too. Rachel doesn't seem to have much of a problem getting along with her, so why does she feel so off about her?

"I'm Rachel," Annabeth remembers her smile quite clearly: It didn't quite reach her eyes. Or maybe Annabeth was just over-analyzing things? "It's nice to meet you, Annabeth!"

"Likewise." Annabeth gave a small smile. “Percy’s told me a lot about you."

“Oh, has he?” She giggled, "Well, I hope it's all good things." Rachel gave a teasing look towards Percy. 

Now thinking about it, Annabeth might have been a teeny-bit judgy. 

Percy, munching on a blue cookie, looks at her from his spot in his room. He narrows his eyes at her.

"I couldn't help but notice," He starts, as if reading her mind. "That you were a little on edge about Rachel.”

"Was I now?” She lazily questions, head hanging off his bed. 

“I think so." Percy hums.

"I was not," Annabeth scoffs. “I was just... Cautious."

"What's there to be cautious about?” He asks, spinning three times on the chair near his desk. He pauses to let the dizziness swirl his vision before coming back to look at her. the dog beside him, Mrs. O'Leary wags her tail lazily.

She sighs. "Nothing, I guess? It's just... Y'know what? Nevermind.”

"Spit it out.”

"No!”

"Yes!”

“No!”

“I’ll make you a container of blue cookies for the next three days?"

"...Fine!" Annabeth breathes after a beat.

She stretchesh her arms high above above her head. “What... W-what is she to you?”

Percy freezes, and she instantly goes into a panicky state. “Actually- Ignore that. Thats a stupid question so you don't need to answer, I just really-”

“Aww, is my little Annie jealous?" He unironicaly coos, “Don’t worry about it. Rachel's great."

Annabeth notices that Percy says her name in a intimate way. She notices how heat instantly flushes her face. She also notices that how he never answers her question in a way she'll understand.

Now that she's left hanging, Annabeth really can't stop more questions from flowing in her mind. 

Annabeth thinks that she's really been underreacting about Percy and his air of coolness. or maybe likeability?

Her arms flop down, and Mrs. O'Leary woofs.

Popularity?

Whatever it is, anyone can tell that Percy's much more than the dorky lame kid that used to be.

The group of girls that giggle and twirl their hair as they stare at him from their spot under an umbrella can surely see that, too.

It's not even those girls (who for the fact are pretty, much prettier than Annabeth) that can see that. Her neighbours talk about the 'handsome and nice young man that helped me carry my groceries'. (Guilty as chargedー the one and only Percy) or the 'Attractive boy who surfs early in the morning'.

The grannies at downtown's farmers market even gossip behind his back and treat him like some sort of Greek god with a perfectly structured jawline with a fit build and coy smile.

Oh, and did she mention he's as hot as the fucking sun?

(Which he, Annabeth thinks, owns up to.)

(She's really whipped for him.)

But he's respected her boundaries so far, so she'll keep her M rated thoughts to herself. But it's so fucking hard to not stare when he, clad in nothing but loose swimming shorts, shows up to her room at the crack of dawn.

"Looks like you're the talk of the town," Annabeth says teasingly as they settle into the sand. The umbrella provides the cool shade desperately need, to which Annabeth relishes in. “Is seaweed brain..." She feigns a fake gasp. “Actually likeable now?”

Percy threatens to shove a handful of sand down her throat, and she shuts up.

"Whatever," He mutters under his breath, eyes looking away from hers. For some reason he's avoiding looking at her. Annabeth thinks he's just embarrassed, but the way Percy steals glances at her when she's not looking, says otherwise.

"So where's Rachel?” She absent-mindedly asks. Not that she genuinely cares, or whatever, but theres really nothing else that occupies her mind. 

“Around,” He replies. "She told me she's going shopping in the next town for some swimsuits. Or something.”

"Ah."

A seagull screeches from above.

“Wanna see who gets in the water first?"

Annabeth already jolts upwards into a sprint towards the shoreline. "Hey! No fair!”

So the next while is spent with nothing but firendly smiles and secretive glances from Percy, surfing and swimming and having the most fun they've had together in a while. Annabeth grabs his ankle from under the waves, and she thinks that that might be the loudest scream she's ever heard.

Percy, mind stuck with thoughts on revenge, tried to come up with a scare of his own, until his lame scare comes out as throwing a peice of seaweed on her forehead.

 “Lameass!" She laughs, popping her head above the water.

“Smartass!” He yells back, eye twitching and tone sarcastic.

It isn't until the sun sets and the crabs crawl back into their caves is when they both flop back into the sand. Tired. Exhausted. Muscles sore and skin sunburnt.

For a solid thirty minutes it's just comftorable silence as the waves set the soundtrack. Along with the occasisonal him of the ocean, or even the cries of the cicadas back where the beach grass is.

For a solid thirty minutes, Annabeth thinks that she couldn't be more happier.

For a solid thirty minutes, all is calm, all is well, and nothing could be more perfect.

She closes her eyes for a minute thinking that she can spare one nap. Thinking that Percy will just wake me up, so it's fine if I snooze off, right? 

Annabeth dozes off with thoughts of him.

When she wakes up, Pery isn't beside her.

Nor is he on the beach.

For a hot minute Annabeth freaks out, squinting through the darkness to search for his figure. The lantern her doesn't really provide much light, let alone three feet away from her.

But then she sees that his surfboard isn't wedged into the ground, and his things are still there.

So where is he?

Oh. Annabeth thinks lamely to herself when she spots the figure swaying with the waves atop his surfboard. There he is.

It's illogical, really, for her to go after him.

If you don't go, that Rachel girl's got him forever, her head prods, you'll lose him forever.

It's even more illogical when Annabeth grabs her surfboard with a determined look; sandy hair and all.

The waves are calm tonight. No huge crashing of the chilled water, no raging seas or bitterly cold air. The clouds enclose the pale moon, only tiny beams managing to escape. She thinks it casts a blue hue to everything.

Using her arm to paddle her way over, Annabeth catches a glimpse at the stars.

Gods, the stars.

They're brightー brighter than the city that isー and bigger, too. They shine in a way that leaves Annabeth breathless.

Percy hums when she closes in next to him. His limbs dangle off of the surfboard and into the cool waters, occasionally shifting to keep steady. She hums back in reply.

A small wave laps across the shore.

 “That's Perseus.” Annabeth says lazily. She lays down, too, hair splayed across the board. "The constellation, I mean.”

“Perseus, huh?" Percy follows where she points: diagonal from the pair. “Like my name?"

"Like the Greek hero Perseus.” She murmurs quietly.

“You've told me about him." He recalls, "He slayed Medusa and saved Andromeda, right?"

"Mhm," Annabeth nods. "He also had a happy ending. That is, for most Greek heroes.”

She smiles to herself, and Percy can't really think of anything more beautiful than her.

Believe it or not, Percy is good at hiding things. 

Like when he hides the secret stash of snacks under his bed from his mom, (for three years straight and running) or when he hid Mrs. O'Leary when she was just a pup in his closet.

He likes to think that he's good at hiding his feelings too.

Feelings about Annabeth, of course.

Not that he really has anything for herー it's just that whenever he sees her he gets a fluttery feeling in his stomach, his voice gets all awkward, his mind instantly goes to how fucking gorgeous she looks, and how she practically radiates coolness and calm.

Okay. So what if he's head over heels for her?

Percy thinks it started a while ago.

He thinks it started when Rachel first called him seaweed brain.

“-Seaweed brain,” it falls from her lips on a warm spring day, when they're sitting in his room while it rains. 

Percy freezes to look at her. "What?"

“I said It raining cats and dogs out there,” Rachel repeats, “Seaweed brain."

When she catches the slightly shocked look on his face, she frowns. “Something wrong?”

"No,” He murmurs, looking down. "Actually- kinda. that nickname just threw me off a bit, I guess.” Percy give a lopsided smile.

Annabeth only calls me that, he thinks. It feels weird when you say it.

“Oh." She deadpans. “Should I not call you that then? I saw that Annabeth girl call you that, like, a ton of times in one of her letters.” Her eyebrows raise, and Percy reels.

“You were reading my letters?" He frowns. “...Whatever. The nickname- its kind of a personal thing. You know, between me and, uh... her. It'd be cool if you didn't say it.”

“Oh. Okay.” Rachel huffs.

Somehow, Percy never labeled it as love.

Percy didn't label it as love when Annabeth became the ‘nothing!' that came out of his mouth when Sally asked why he was smiling so much. Not when he couldn't stop staring at her in her swecause fuck, she looks so good. Not when Percy was confused on why his love for her became something more.

But that night, that one single night, when Annabeth came to join him under the stars, is when he thought otherwise.

With sunkissed sunburnt skin, 

lips cracked and dry,

moonlight against her face,

The last day of Annabeth's vacation comes on a sunny humid day with the clouds nowhere to be seen. 

He did label it love.

There isn't an air of despair, however, Annabeth'll be back next year for a solid week in winter. College would be a pain, so she'll have one last vacation with her family before she starts her career.

For some reason Percy isn't sad when the news comes to him on her college. New Rome, a prestigious school in the middle of both their cities. All he gives is a coy grin; she can't wrap her mind around hit quite yet.

 "You got plans tonight?” Percy asks suddenly, his voice echoing through Annabeth's room. 

“No.” She tilts her head. “Why? Got something planned?"

“Yeah, actually.” He grins. “We're going to a party of a friend of mine.”

“What?" Annabeth nearly falls off her bed, eyes widened and mouth agape. A party? Tonight? 

“Yup! You better get ready, 'cuz we're leaving in...” Percy checks the clock on her bed side table. "Two hours. See ya!" Is all he says before he hopes out of her window. 

Annabeth nearly screams, but remembers that he's been climbing and jumping out of her window for years now. she lets out a ragged sigh of relief.

"Fuck you!” She yells out to his figure, already dashing away. He turns around, sly smirk on his face.

“Only if you watch!" 

And then he's gone, leaving Annabeth with a red hot face and a flustered mess.

Fuck.

.

.

The next two hours is- um, well...

Chaotic.

Just plain chaotic.

Her who closet is thrown into her bed in a contemplation what to wear. Light or dark? Whats the occasion? How much people are attending? What's the setting?

You're overthinking things again, Annabeth's mind jolts. Just throw something on!

Along with chaotic, she would also describe the scene as a fever dream. 

She opts to wear a black bodycon dress with stringy ties and a loose and light jacket. Annabeth can't really deceive the rest of her look- her mind is all gushy and mushy.

So here she is, standing in front of the booming house, (Percy didn't even bother to drive here there, the jerk) hands fidgeting like she can't stop.

(She can't.)

Annabeth takes a deep breath. She won't be here for a while, so whats she so afraid about? Sure, there's somone puking in a bush that she wants no part in, and there might be concerning sounds coming from inside the huge building, but who's paying attention to that?

Before she can back out, a voice calls out her name.

"Wisegirl!" Percy beams, “Hey!”

“Seaweed brain.” Annabeth crosses her arms as a her bottom lip juts out. "We're were you?"

“Lets not focus on that." He nervously laughs. “But c'mon inside. I want you to meet a few people.”

"Hm?”

The house is just as bad as she thought.

Red Solo cups everywhere, the smell of alcohol and cigarettes especially strong near the kitchen and couches. Bodies bump into her here and there like some sort of mosh pit. They don't even apologize, instead murmuring something with a tipsy tone.

"Grover!" Percy calls a guy over. "Don't you remember Annabeth?”

"Annabeth?" Grover, what she can assume is his friend, looks over to them. His eyes light up when he meets her gaze.

"It's been a while!" Annabeth smiles. Grover! It's been a minute since she's seen him, back when they were all kids. She fondly remembers beach trips with him back then, eating popsicles on her cabin stairs and all.

“It certainly has,” He sighs happily.

Percy then introduces her to many others: Hazel, a bright girl with a even brighter smile, Frank, a towering guy with a friendly touch, Jasonー a blonde guy with a oddly stapler shaped scar on his lip, Piper, a bubbly girl with a flirtatious smile. 

She'd go on about more of them, but at that point Annabeth would be rambling.

"Have you seen Percy around?" Annabeth asks to Grover when she loses him in the bustling crowd.

He nods his head no, and someone tugs on her arm.

“C'monnnn," A girl she met earlier drunkenly tugs harder, “We’re playing truth or dare downstairs!"

She wants do pull away, say no, but then Annabeth spots him in the crowd with people slung around him.

By the looks of it, they're flirting with him, words forming and lips ruling into flirtatious smiles. They touch him in ways that make her cringe. 

Annabeth hates herself for frowning and continuing to stare. The worst part, thinks, is that he's not trying to pull away. Nor is he denying their actions. In fact, he's indulging in it. 

Shit. She shouldn't be thinking this way. Percy's popular and nice. He's bound to attract a few people, and he's not hers.

Annabeth was never the jealous type, but for now she can let the horriblefeeling in her stomach slide just this once. 

She accepts the girl's prodding with a feignged smile.