Alternatively

Baby Blue

He kicked his feet, staring up at the clouds drifting past. If he really wanted to, he could focus on the math in front of him. It kept him inside while everyone else was able to enjoy the spring afternoon, sitting on the green and idly chattering and eating whatever lunch had been for the day. Still, he couldn't bring himself to look away from the window. He loved how he could see forever from the second floor, the horizon stretching until it reached the thick blue line making up the ocean. The clouds looked liked whipped cream dolloped on the baby blue expanse and he imagined what it would be like to soar above it all. Unfortunately, he was quite literally grounded, what with his late development and all.

"Percy," sighed his teacher. "You know I can't go on my break until you finish, right?"

The boy frowned apologetically and picked up his pencil again, even if his gaze was once again drawn to the window. It was no good trying to move him to get better performance; he merely got antsy. He rocked forward as the breeze rustled the lush trees in the garden, a calming sound that muffled through the glass.

Most students lounged in the shade, but a few warmed their wings in the sun. If he stretched his neck, he could see a particularly lovely pair of wings stretched out on the lawn, blonde hair curling in the light and blending with her dusty feathers. Her eyes were closed and she looked so relaxed.

"If you promise to finish before the day is out, I'll let you go."

He turned to Mr. Brunner with a bright smile. "I can do that!"

The teacher only nodded to the open door with a small grin. "You're killin' me, Mr. Jackson."

He darted from his chair, energy he hadn't felt previously coursing through his veins. His need to move prompted him to jog down to the cafeteria, running his hand along the walls and taking looping patterns in the empty halls. Small clusters of kids still ate in the lunch room, feathers rustling in the breeze drifting through the propped open door. He forewent the line, slipping into the refreshing afternoon. He extended his wings as he walked, stretching them and relishing as they caught the wind.

Not that they gave him lift in the slightest, but the sensation was welcomed.

He considered stopping by Grover and Beckendorf, hearing the group laugh under the pine tree, but he continued around the base of the hill. There were spatterings of people on the slope and only one in the valley, his pace quickening at the sight of her. Her wings were huge, stretching a good ten feet and splayed impressively. If it were a contest, she'd surly win, what with the golden primaries and snow white down.

"He's too nice to you," she said without opening her eyes.

"I don't mind it," he teased, sitting beside her head.

She snorted, shifting in the grass. "Course not."

They sat in comfortable silence and he leaned back, catching the light on his face. The wind wound it's way through the slits of his hoodie, rounding the base of his wings. Days of training and school work made the moments of calm blissfully sweet.

He felt eyes on him and when he looked down, Annabeth quickly shifted her gaze.

"You're in my sun," she mumbled.

"I thought I was your sun," he said in mock offense.

She smiled and tucked her arms behind her head. There were scars on her tan skin, some fresher than others. As guardians, they had several classes devoted to defense and offense. She, of course, was incredibly gifted in all aspects of the curriculum. That didn't mean she was invincible, though. Teachers could lay claim to a few lines and only a handful of students could best her. However, he was proud to say only he could really match her in sparring matches. She was still better at sigils and spells and she made sure he knew that whenever he won a match.