Luke's Return

Percy/Nico

Percy

Luke's story took up the rest of the night. After his encounter with the son of Hermes, he'd flown for three days straight, running into monsters here and there.

The story he told about the evil centaurs had been my favorite but that was probably due to the fact that in that story, Luke had been kicked in the head several times.

He said that he'd finally found some Roman demigod, someone who was looking for us, who hadn't been that smart; with a little persuasion he had told Luke where to find us. He then set out over sea only stopping to rest and eat.

"I couldn't believe it when I actually managed to find the ship. And that's it." Luke said, shrugging his shoulders. "You don't have to believe me."

I glanced over at Annabeth; she was nodding her head, probably processing everything she'd heard.

"I need to have a talk with Percy." She finally said. She stood up grabbing my hand and tugging me towards the door. "Stay here," she said sternly, as though she was talking to a dog.

Annabeth was quite good with dogs, something I'd learned when we had been in the Underworld. She'd managed to tame a three headed Doberman. Needless to say, I was more than impressed.

Luke just nodded and I heard him let out a sigh before Annabeth was shutting the door.

She dragged me up onto the deck, over by the railing. She took several deep breaths. The cabin had been stuffy and the fresh air was nice.

I couldn't help but admire how beautiful she looked in the moonlight. I was always amazed at how beautiful she was. The moon was casting an unearthly glow on her face and I sighed, knowing that I would have to ruin the moment and the peaceful look on her face would disappear.

"Do you believe him?" I finally asked. I studied her face for any emotion but it stayed neutral. I looked away and out into the sea, knowing it would help and bring some form of comfort.

I felt her grab my hand, squeezing it. "Do you?" Her voice was soft and I almost didn't catch the question over the wind.

"Do I what?" She let out a small huff that sounded a lot like a laugh, making me smile. She rolled her eyes, turning to face me, all humor gone.

"Do you believe him?" I balled my free hand into a fist. I didn't.

"I do." I said anyway. I turned slightly away, trying to avoid her gaze as she studied me. I noticed how her gray eyes had become almost stormy, her curly blonde ponytail swaying in the wind.

Man she's so beautiful, I thought to myself.

She shook her head, turning away from me. "I've known you for almost 8 years; I know when you're lying. You don't believe him," she paused, "but thanks for saying that Seaweed Brain." She kissed me and I felt everything melt away.

Who was Luke? Who was Gaea? I didn't know, I didn't care. I'm kissing Annabeth.

I wanted to protest when she pulled away, her lips pinker then they were before.

"I'm going to bed." I nodded, still dizzy from kissing her. "Goodnight Seaweed Brain." She gave me one last peck, before turning and walking below deck.

I stood there, letting out a small sigh. I was never going to get over being with Annabeth. I had been enjoying the moment until Nico came up behind me.

"So where's Danny? What did he say?" Nico's face was grim as he asked his questions but I was in no mood to talk. I needed sleep.

So I just gave him a pat on the shoulder and walked away, ignoring his calls for me to come back.