Ode to my love

Jazz

Artemis POV

As Percy kissed me, my thoughts seemed to disappear. It was as if I was just way too focused on nothing at all, literally forgetting the second before. Then, after finally five seconds I think, my consciousness returned. I pushed him away and brought my hand to my lips in disgust.

"Dude! What the hell?!" I yelled at him, being glad that the rooms were soundproof

"You know, it would be weird if your first time was out in the halls," Percy replied, not hinting regret in his words "for being your first time, I must say you're a great kisser"

"Shut up, just shut up," I told him grabbing my head in my hands "Look, we are FAKING a relationship. If you can't control yourself I'll just find somebody else and let you deal with this hell all by yourself,"

"Then why did you choose me?"

The reason for that was very simple if I had to be honest; the reason is called impulse. Of course, he reminded me of a certain someone who I'd rather not talk about, but still. I just saw the opportunity and I took it.

"Because I wanted to help you. But I'll just do this with Hermes and leave you with the freshmen to deal with everything," I got up my seat and headed towards the door.

"Wait! I really don't wanna get stuck with the 'annaoop gang' Arty" he told me. I turned around super mad and beckoned him closer to me. He did so.

"First of all, don't call me Arty if we're not faking the relationship. Second, if you want me to help you be popular here, you have to abide by my rules. Understand?"

"Yes Phoebe"

"It's Artemis" I glared "The first rule is to have no physical contact in private. You shall not touch me during tutoring, you shall not hug me if you're excited, and by no means will you kiss me. Second, you will let me do all the talking about our relationship. If by any chance Aphrodite or Eros start asking questions, just reply with 'I met her during the summer and we started texting constantly'. A concise answer always works. Third and most important of all, you must tell me if you develop feelings for a girl so we can break this up. I'm trying to make a point, not ruin your life. Do you get all the rules?"

"Yes Artemis," he said "I understand. Quick question tho, will we hang out besides during school and tutoring?"

I hadn't thought about that. On the one hand, it'll help me get to know him better and potentially make a new friend. On the other hand, it might make me develop feelings, which I do not want.

"We'll see about that"

We headed out, hand in hand (for fake relationship purposes only, of course) and headed towards the cafeteria. Almost everyone had already left, with only a couple of sophomores and three of my friends still in the cafeteria. As we entered, my friends turned their heads to us and rose their eyebrows. Sighing, I went over to our table, dragging Percy with me along the way.

"Well look who finally decided to show up," Aphrodite perked up "did you finally have fun Artemis?"

"Shut up Aphrodite. I wouldn't do that in school, unlike you" she puffed like a little girl, knowing how right I was. I loved Aphrodite, I really did. I mean. She is my best friend since I can remember (even if we are as different as night and day), but that doesn't mean I'm unaware of her thot status.

"Well Artemis, getting it on with the new kid. Mind if I post it in the newspaper?" Hermes asked. He had Sandy blonde hair and blue eyes, specialized in the trumpet. Apart from that, he is the president of the newspaper club and the fastest person you'd ever meet. He wasn't that tall, probably standing at around 5'7, but he made up for it with his charisma. Even with that stature, his presence around the room was well felt.

"I'm not getting anything on. And I don't believe anyone would want to read this story,"

"Oh, I would beg to differ," he grinned as he winked to Percy, who just lowered his face.

"So, Percy" my brother started to say "where did you meet Artemis?"

"We met during the summer on one of our trips. We started snapchatting after that and then he transferred" I replied, giving my brother an innocent smile

"Thanks for replying Percy" Apollo glared at me "So, where are you from Percy?"

"I'm from New York City. I transferred because my dad forced me because I was kinda flunking all my classes"

"And this was your solution?" Hermes interjected

"My dad's stupid I know"

"Say, I didn't know Artemis liked dumb boys. Certainly, Orion wasn't like that"

"Apollo..." Hermes began to say, clearly not finding the words to ease the situation.

That was a step too far and he knew it. As soon as he said it, my glare at him just stopped being, a look of unbelief taking its place. I wouldn't have thought he would've gone that far. Everybody in school knew that Orion was a very touchy subject, and for him to use him like that is something that I wouldn't let pass.

"Phoebus," I grabbed Apollo by his collar "if you ever mention his name again, I swear on our mother that I'll smash your teeth against the wall until you can't eat ever again. Do you understand?"

He nodded his head, scared of the implications of my threat. When I let him go, he stood up and began to walk away. Pausing, he turned to our table and said "Paolo is arriving in 10 minutes to pick us up"

"You go alone, I'll find a ride. I can't be in the same place as you right now" he had a sad look, but kept walking as if it was nothing serious. When he was out of the cafeteria and hearing range, I asked a very important question.

"Is there anyone who can drive me to my house?"

"Sorry, but I'll have to do a rain check. I have to pick up my stepbrother from his soccer practice"

"It's alright, I understand. What about you Aphrodite?"

"I'm really sorry Artemis, but I have a photoshoot at 7, so it's going to be really hard to make it." Oh yeah, if I hadn't mentioned it before, Aphrodite is so beautiful that she's one of the most famous teenage models in all of the world. Including Russia.

"Arty why don't I give you a ride?" Percy said from beside me.

"You sure it's not a problem?"

"Not at all! I literally have nothing else to do"

"Then alright,"

"Should we get going?"

"Yes, of course. Bye peeps" I bid farewell to my friends, grabbing Percy's hand and going out of the cafeteria area.

As soon as we were out of visual reach of anybody, we separated our hands. There was no need to have so much physical contact while we were in private. Plus, it was part of our verbal contract. We went outside to the parking lot where the only two cars left were a Tesla and a Prius. Guess who's car was Percy's.

"You have a Prius? I thought you were rich." I joked

"No, my dad is rich. My mom isn't. Besides, the Prius causes less harm to the environment and the oceans"

"Less than the Tesla?"

"Maybe not. Anyways, let's go inside so I can give you a ride home," and so we sat inside

"Where do you live? I bet in Orange County"

"Yeah actually, in Tuxedo Park" he looked surprised

"How haven't I met you before girl? That's where my dad used to live. He moved like two years ago, but I always went there and played around,"

"I mean, that's where I live during the school year. When it's vacation, Apollo and I go to our real home."

"If you don't mind me asking, who's Orion?" my face took a crestfallen look, really not enjoying that topic.

"Nobody, nobody important."

"If you say so. Now fasten your seatbelt, 'cause we're about to take off towards the most expensive temporary home in the world!" we both laughed at his lame jokes. All I could say was that, I hoped he wouldn't turn into an asshole so we could keep hanging out eventually, as friends of course.