Desert Winds (a Percy Jackson AU)

Tent-Mates

Annabeth stared at Percy and he gazed back at her. His eyes were luminous and both of them were slightly opening their mouths. Ada noticed the tension between the two of them. "Are you two alright?" he said, stepping between the two of them. "You look like you're either going to tousle or tumble with each other."

Annabeth stepped forward. "We're tent-mates, we'll not tousle with each other."

"That's right," Percy said. "I merely would like to get to know you."

"And I you," Annabeth said.

Adad stepped between then. "Perhaps we should all introduce ourselves. My name is Adad. My father was a soldier and I am here to make him proud."

"My name is Grover," a lanky man with curly brown hair said. "I was a goatherd who was conscripted into the army."

"My name is Percy," Percy said, "and my story is similar, though I was a fisherman."

Annabeth tipped her head to one side. He didn't even mention how he had volunteered in his brother's place. "My name is Magnus," she said, "and I joined the army of my volition."

"Magnus," Percy said, tasting the word on his tongue. "That's funny."

Annabeth crossed her arms and made a face. "What's funny?"

"I know a Magnus," Percy said. "He's the cousin of my betrothed and he looks a lot like you."

"Perhaps you are mistaking me for another," Annabeth said.

"But you two have the same hair: curly and blonde," Percy said. "Though your eyes are more grey, you share a striking resemblance. Light hair is a rarity here."

"That is true," Adad said.

"Magnus, may I speak with you privately?" Percy asked.

Annabeth felt cornered. She tasted metal in her breathe, but nodded. As they made their way to leave, Adad grabbed her by her arm and whispered in her ear, "Be careful."

Annabeth gaped at him. "I can see you like him," Adad continued. "I won't turn you in, but if you're caught . . . You'll be turned into an eunuch."

Annabeth nodded and left the tent. She followed Percy to the edge of camp. They hid in a patch of tall grass, laying in the midst of it. It was itchy and rough, but it afforded them privacy.

"Why are you here?" Percy asked.

Annabeth raised her chin. "I didn't want to lose you!" she said.

Percy laid his hands in her shoulders as if he were blessing her. "I told you that I would return and marry you. Please, You could escape and return to your parents."

"No!" Annabeth said, pushing him away. "I cannot lose you and besides — my step-mother plans to marry me off."

"Then return," Percy said.

"Do you not love me?" Annabeth said.

Percy bit his lip. He looked like he was going to say something, but he did not. Instead, he shook his head.

"Fine!" Annabeth said, drawing herself up. "I don't care if you don't love me, Seaweed Brain. I'll stay here and fight like a man."

"I thought you were a wise girl," Percy said, standing up.

He walked away. Annabeth remained in the clump of grass for several moments. How had this gone horribly wrong?