BORN TO DIE; PERCY JACKSON

Luke Thinks He Can Win

It's been two years since Luke arrived at camp with Annabeth. He can confidently say that he enjoys being there. Especially, because he can hang out with Aziza every day.

Aziza warmed up to Luke after their first interaction. She was still Head of Hermes Cabin and Luke insisted that they share the bed until one becomes available for her. Luke has Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays while Aziza has Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. On Sundays, it is just whoever gets there first, Aziza doesn't know that Luke takes extra time getting ready for bed on those nights.

Right now, Luke and Annabeth are at the Archery range. They are both mediocre at it but it's good practice.

Luke was notching an arrow when Annabeth asked Luke a question.

"So, when are you going to ask Aziza out?" Annabeth asks. Luke lets go of the arrow and completely misses the target looking down at Annabeth.

"What? I don't like Aziza. Also, what do you know about asking people out, you're 10"

"Yes, you do. You always stare at her and turn red in the face. Don't worry, she likes you too."

Luke drops his bow, kneels, and holds onto Annabeth's shoulders. "Really? Has she said anything? What do you know?"

"Calm down you're looking desperate. Also, she's a bit less noticeable. Have you ever wondered why the best swordsman at camp loses to you 20% of the time? Aziza hates to lose, she would rather eat nails than lose something as easy as a duel."

"I'm just better than her 20% of the time," Luke says in denial that his best friend, the girl he's been crushing on for a year likes him back.

Annabeth shakes her head and lets out a small laugh."No, you're not"

"No, I'm not" Luke gets up from the ground. "Are you sure? Because if you're wrong I'm not stealing any more candy for you for a week"

"I'm sure. And I'll just have Aziza steal it for me"

Luke laughs loudly before starting to walk away. "Come on"

"Where are you going?"

"To find Aziza"

Luke and Annabeth found Aziza in the Sword Fighting Arena unsurprisingly. She was going against a Son of Ares. There were a handful of campers watching, waiting to see who would win or waiting for a turn to go against Aziza. Whoever beat her got major bragging rights, so far, the only one to beat her was Luke.

Luke was entranced as he watched Aziza duel. Her feet bounced on the floor, never standing in one place. Her knees bent slightly, her arms were covered in small nicks and bruises. Nothing a bit of nectar couldn't fix.

Aziza slashed her sword making the Son of Ares drop his own. Aziza pointed her sword to the demigod's neck making him raise his hands in surrender.

"Where's the competition guys? I'm getting bored"

"Competition's right here Zi," Luke said unsheating his sword, Backbiter. "But let's make this a bit more interesting. A bet" The Son of Hermes, stepped forward and into the ring.

Aziza spun the sword in her hand. "I'm listening"

"If I win, you let me take you out on a date," Luke says shrugging his shoulders but unable to hide his blush. The arena was silent. Everyone held their breath awaiting Aziza's response.

Aziza laughed, but she was thankful for her dark complexion or she would be red in the face as well. "What do I get when I win"

"Doesn't matter, because you're not going to"