The Dance at Camp Half-Blood - A Percabeth Short Story

PERCY - Part 2

     Annabeth got up and dragged him by the hand. When Chiron looked away, the two snuck out of the dance and headed for the swordfighting arena. When they got inside, it was dark and empty. Everyone was at the dance. Percy slid off his jacket and dumped it on the floor. "You're gonna lose," he said as he pulled his pen from his pocket.
     "We'll see about that." She pulled off her silver heels and tossed them on the floor. Then she hitched up her dress to reveal her dagger strapped to her leg. Percy uncapped his pen and it expanded into Riptide, the bronze glowing in the dim light. Annabeth pulled her hair back.
     This was the moment it occurred to Percy that he'd fought alongside Annabeth before, but never against her. There was a very decent chance that she would destroy him. He lunged first, slashing his sword in a wide arc. He had planned to go easy on her, but she blocked the strike with no effort. With each strike he made, he tried harder and harder, but she blocked his sword with her dagger every time.
     When he least expected it, in one swift motion, her dagger collided with the hilt of his sword and knocked it from his hands. Her blade at his throat, she smiled. "I win."
     "I was going easy on you."
     "I know. But we both know I could have beat you even if you weren't."
     Percy scowled. She was right, of course.
     "The dance is probably ending soon. We should go back to our cabins."
     "Right. What did you want for winning?"
     Annabeth shrugged. "The glory is enough." she smirked. Percy rolled his eyes and picked up his coat as she pulled her shoes back on. As they left the arena, they saw some Aphrodite kids pointing at them and giggling.
      "Oh, Gods." Annabeth said.
     "What?"
     "They think we were...doing something in there."
     "Oh." Percy said. Then he realized what she meant. "Oh."
     "Yeah. Anyways, I should get back to my cabin."
     "I'll walk you there."
     As they headed back to the Athena cabin, Percy's thoughts swirled in his head. Annabeth was one of his best friends. Why did he feel so nervous around her?
     They reached the cabin, and Annabeth climbed onto the porch. "Tonight was fun."
     "Yeah, it was. I'll see you tomorrow. Good night." He hesitated before turning to leave.
     "Wait!"
     He turned back to face her. "Yeah?"
     "I just...I figured out what prize I wanted for winning."
     "What?"
     She stared at him for a moment before stepping towards him. She grabbed his lapel and pulled him towards her. She kissed him. Percy felt like fireworks were exploding inside of him. His heart was pounding out of his chest. He kissed her back, one hand on her waist and the other in her blond hair. She smelled like lemon soap. Her lips were soft. Everything about her was perfect.
     After a few moments, she pulled away. Her face was red. "I- I'm sorry. I shouldn't have-"
     "No." He cut her off. "You most definitely should have." He pulled her back into the kiss. This time, she leaned into it, her body pressed against his. She wrapped her hands around his neck.         He had never been happier.
     She pulled away again. "I should go. The dance ends soon. People will talk." Percy wanted to say let them talk. He wanted to pull her back into another kiss and not care who saw. But instead he smiled at her and watched her leave.