The Legend of Elodie Grant (Percy Jackson Fanfiction)

Chapter Fifteen

The hot water beat down on my back as I lathered shampoo in my hair. Showers had always been therapeutic for me, and it seemed like that only increased with every day that passed in this war.

The communal shower hall was empty save for me, which was evident by the way my voice echoed off the walls as I sang along with the tiny radio hanging on the hook outside my stall. As the chorus started, I belted out the lyrics, doing tiny hops in the puddles at my feet by way of dancing.

"The whole camp is preparing for battle and you're in here singing to pop music?"

I froze immediately, my voice cutting off in the middle of a word. Arsen's voice seemed to resonate in the room, unable to be ignored. I was unsure of what to do, but I was unwilling to let him know he got to me.

"You know, I can't be sure, but I'm pretty sure this is the girls' bathroom." I called over to him, distinctly aware that the curtain of my stall was the only thing standing between us.

I rinsed out my hair quickly, trying to hurry up and finish. I was disgruntled at being ignored, but I couldn't seem to focus straight with Arsen so close.

"I am well aware what bathroom this is, but I needed you." He said.

I smirked and said, "Needed me, eh? How...forward of you."

He made a soft choking sound, and I would have missed it had I not been listening for his reaction. My smirk grew into a grin as I turned off the water. I reached my hand out to grab my towel off the hook only for it to come back empty.

I sighed, stomping my feet in frustration. I knew exactly where my towel was and my theory was only confirmed when I heard Arsen's chuckle as he said, "Looking for something?"

"Alright, hand it over." I demanded, popping my head out from behind the curtain to peer over at him. My towel was hanging from his hand as he leaned against one of the sinks, a seductive grin on his face.

"Come get it." He challenged, a gleam entering his eye.

I opened my mouth to respond, but was cut off by a roll of thunder so loud, it shook the building. I raised an eyebrow, and said, "I don't think our parents approve of that suggestion, what do you think?"

Arsen rolled his eyes, but tossed me the towel. I retreated back into the stall just long enough to wrap the towel around my middle before stepping out into the open. As I made my way to the counter, Arsen's eyes followed me, seemingly turning darker with every step. A shiver ran down my spine at his gaze. I stopped at the sinks, looking into the mirror for a second.

"So what did you need to talk to me about?" I asked, innocently. However, my actions weren't so innocent as I reached across Arsen to get my brush, purposefully leaning closer to him than necessary. I could smell a faint trace of sweat as well as his usual shampoo. I would have never guessed soap and sweat could smell so attractive.

When I leaned back and looked at Arsen, he cleared his throat and glanced away, before saying, "Right. Um, there's going to be a meeting in the house in fifteen. I have a plan and we need you there."

"What kind of plan?" I asked, leaning forward to peer into the mirror. Arsen couldn't help but glance down at my chest for a second before his eyes flitted away again. I smirked, knowing the effect I had on him. 

"We were thinking you..." He trailed off as I bit my lip, his eyes glancing down. My body warmed under his gaze and we both leaned in together.

Then his lips were on mine.

The kiss wasn't gentle or soft. It was a bit messy and demanding, but neither of us seemed to mind. We had spent weeks dancing around each other and we didn't want to waste any more time together.

Arsen turned us and I felt the edge of the counter dig into the small of my fact. I gasped and he took the chance to deepen the kiss. I wound my arms around his neck, my fingers tangling in his hair. His hands traced down my back, sending heat flooding through my body, before stopping at the back of my thighs. Before I could process what was happening, he had hoisted up my legs to wrap around his waist.

I pulled him impossibly closer, suddenly aware of the fact that I was only wearing a towel. I hooked my ankles together behind his back, making sure he wouldn't pull away.

It wasn't my first kiss by any means. That title belonged to a boy from second grade. However, I couldn't deny that this was the best kiss I had ever had.

Arsen hands started travelling again, but before they could decide their destination, the sound of footsteps warned of someone's approach. We immediately broke apart, Arsen disappearing to hide in one of the shower stalls. If we were discovered together, all hell would break loose, quite literally.

I moved to face the mirror, grabbing my brush to comb through my hair, my heart racing. I watched my appearance in the mirror, trying to school my expression into one of nonchalance.

A couple of Apollo girls walked in, their towels in their hand. I panicked internally, knowing Arsen was counting on me to sneak him out. They glanced at me for a second before moving to set their stuff on a nearby bench.

Without any other choice, I dramatically fell to the ground, letting out a yelp. The girls immediately rushed over, making sure I was okay. I felt bad for lying to them, but I couldn't seem to regret it as I saw Arsen take the chance to sneak out the door.

I sighed, paying attention to the girls and rubbing my now-bruised elbow. Arsen owed me.