Percabeth: As We Grow

Second Chance

Jasper's POV

"It's been a month, am I allowed to ask you out yet?" I groaned, turning back to look at Connie.

"Nope." she smiled teasingly. "Let's give it...one more year, maybe?"

I hit her gently on the shoulder. She hit me back, so I started tickling her.

"Hey! I---hahaha! Stop it---hahaha!"

She was so beautiful. Today the highlight in her hair was black, matching her outfit.

"Look," I said, finally letting go of her. "I love you, you know that. So let me date you!"

"That ain't how a boy would normally ask a girl out, Playboy." Connie smirked.

"Just answer the question." I replied, serious.

She looked down at her feet. "You have to swear not to cheat on me. Or we're really done. You broke my heart once."

"And I'll never do it again." I said. "I promise."

Connie played with her hair, twirling a strand of it between her fingers. "You sure?"

"Uh, duh, Feisty." I smiled. "Or do you want me to start tickling you again?"

"Okay, fine!" She threw her hands up in the air. "I'll date you, okay---ahh!"

I swept her up in the air and kissed her passionately. She moaned into the kiss as I trailed more of them down her neck. Her shirt hung loosely on her and her white bra strap showed.

"Hey, hey, hey!" Connie laughed, pulling away. "Shouldn't we take this a little more slowly? We're in the park, for gods' sake! There are people watching!"

"All the better to give them a good show, Connie." I purred into her ear. She shivered.

"At least take this to your bedroom." Connie protested weakly.

"Your wish is my command." I purred.

Luke's POV

Is it possible to feel things for two people at once?

Is it possible to choose?

As I spent more time with Esperanza I began to feel things I didn't feel for Sammy before.

The way she laughs. The way she smiles. The way she puts her hand on my shoulder when she's trying to comfort me.

Maybe I was never bi.

I've come up with a theory about my sexuality, why I thought I was bi before.

See, people who are part of the LGBTQ+ community are always treated like they're special. I was always the twin in the shadows. Zoë got all the attention. Everyone loved her.

I guess I just wanted some attention to myself after all. But how could I suddenly say I was bi? I had to form a "crush" on a guy.

And so I started "liking" Sammy Zhang, having "feelings" for him. Once I came out to everyone, I got the attention I wanted.

But I never really liked Sammy. Now that I think of it, all those times I fantasized about him kissing me, I was forcing myself to like him. And so my body, wanting the attention, obliged.

Sometimes as Esperanza looks at me with that smile of hers, I think about what would have been with Sammy, and what will never be.

But now, somehow, Aphrodite has given me another chance at love.

Sometimes all you need is a second chance.