Beach House (Percy Jackson/Heros Of Olympus)

Chapter 5- Annabeth's P.O.V.

-Tuesday-

I watch Piper as she finishes up Hazel's makeup. She didn't do much to her, but Hazel doesn't usually wear much, or any makeup at all, so just a bit of eyeliner and mascara makes her look done up. She looks great, in her yellow shirt with a low back and her flowy white skirt. I love her, of course, but I can't quit looking at Piper. She's in this gorgeous matching purple set, a cropped tank top and skirt that are both a deep floral pattern.

It suits her skin tone really well, and the cropped looks really good on her body...

I've had the biggest crush on her for a little while now... or at least since me and Percy have had an open relationship and he's been with Jason.

I don't know if she feels the same way... or even how I REALLY feel. I thought I was straight, but I don't think I can be based on the way I've been watching her this trip. She's gorgeous and capable... and really easy to talk to?

"You look awesome, Hazel." I tell her. "Frank is going to have a heart attack."

She smiles, before adjusting her skirt. "Thanks, Annabeth. I don't usually wear stuff like this, I hope it's okay?"

"I wouldn't let you stay in it if you didn't look drop dead gorgeous." Piper assures her.

"Exactly, we've got you covered." I promise, as Piper pulls away from her.

I look at the makeup stuff that I brought, going through it. I could do it on my own, or I could see if Piper was interested. The idea of her being that close to me as she works on it...? I blush a bit just thinking about it. I should make my move...

As if I haven't been thinking that for a while now.

"I guess I'll back up so that you two can work on yours." Hazel says, scooting back and out of our way. "Piper did such a good job, she should do yours too, Annabeth."

"...! She should." I agree with Hazel. "...If she wants to."

"I was going to suggest it if you didn't." She tells me.

I look at her closely, before moving to sit on the bed in front of her. "Please, you'll probably do better than I can, considering."

"...Considering?"

"You're gorgeous, and your mom is Aphrodite." I remind her.

"Ha, I am not gorgeous. I don't need to be, I'm a warrior and I try harder to be smart."

I nod. She still has so much pushback about it, even though she's so pretty... "You being smart doesn't have anything to do with you helping me with my eyeliner, but I accept it. You're smart too."

For not being a child of Athena, anyway.

"Not like you are. You're kind of my idol, in that way."

I grin a bit. "I am? I look up to you too, you know. With how you fight and have figured out your powers over time."

I like the sound of that, a lot. I want her to look up to me.

"It's been difficult. You have, too though. I just wasn't lucky enough to be there for it."

I guess. My powers don't... affect others in the same way, though.

"You've done a good job managing it either way, Piper." I tell her, before handing her my makeup bag.

It doesn't matter who she looks up to, she should look up to herself. All of us have had hardships to overcome.

"...Thanks. That means a lot to me." She peers into it, thinking about her options.