The Warmth Of Summer

Part 7 - Piper

When Piper woke up Percy was gone. The storm had died down, but the gentle patter of raindrops was still audible. She didn't want to get up and try and find Percy, in case he came back and they spent the entire day trying to find each other.

"Percy!" She yelled hopefully, but there was no response. Sighing, she tucked her feet under her and tried again.

"PERCY!" This time there was a faint response, but Piper's throat hurt and she didn't try again. Finally Percy's messy black hair was visible through the trees. He was carrying two plates full of fruit, and had changed into a fresh pair of trunks and a blue shirt. He grinned at Piper as he hopped up on the hammock, handing a plate to Piper.

"Right. I've packed everything we need to go to the beach. We have blankets, food, books - anything else?"

Piper raised her eyebrow at him. "What do you mean?"

"Oh! Sorry, I meant to tell you. We're going to the hidden beach and spending the day there."

"Really?"

"Really really!"

"Really really really?"

Percy tickled her, and she collapsed in a fit of giggles. "I can't believe we're going home tomorrow morning! I'm going to miss this place. If we hadn't come, we might not have got together."

"Nah. I would have kissed you sometime."

"Liar."

"Do you want me to tickle you again?"

Piper screeched, hopping out of the hammock and padding up the steps to her room. Percy watched her go, grinning.

…

The air was warm as the lay down on the blanket. In the distance birds called to each other, mixed with the sounds of the forest and the ocean. Percy was gently tracing a pattern with his his finger on her palm, and humming under his breath.

"This is my best friend." She thought to herself "This is my best friend who I am in love with a loves me back."

At her side, Percy stood up, pulling her with him. They walked to the edge of the wood, Percy pointing at a tiny multi coloured bird, who flew away as soon as it saw them. Piper laughed quietly, and Percy smirked at her, leant down and kissed her. His lips were warm, and he pushed Piper against a tree, their lips moving in sync as she wrapped her legs around his waist. Piper ran a hand across Percy's chest, another gently pulling at her hair, and he smiled into Piper's lips.

…

Night fell slowly, the black and orange mixing together until the only light was by the stars and a flickering candle, which Piper had hung in a tree. They were dancing together, Percy quietly singing an old Italian song in her ear. Piper couldn't make out the words,  but they sounded as if it was a love song, the words flowing into each other. Finally, Piper's head spinning slightly, they sat down, Percy still singing the words as Piper layed her head on his chest, watching the stars and telling Percy the stories again as, slowly, they both fell asleep.