His Lifeline

Chapter 32: Blue Food Is Better Than Denny's

After I placed Riptide with the other instruments and the girls placed their votes into the ballot, Annabeth dragged me away to check my bandages. Rachel followed after running to grab the first-aid kit. After the fast change in bloody bandages, we headed to my house. I had decided that blue pancakes and blue cookies were better than any Denny's milkshake.

Annabeth was holding my hand as I walked into the house. Rachel followed my mom into the kitchen, claiming she wanted to create art with food. I sat down on the couch and moved Annabeth onto my lap.

"I know you said I wasn't dreaming, but if I am, I don't ever want to wake up," I mumbled as I kissed the top of her head. Annabeth giggled as she turned a bit to face me.

"Remember when I had to sit on your lap for a dare?" she said suddenly. I nodded. Not sure where she was going with it.

"Remember when you fell asleep watching the horror movie?" I nodded again. Still unsure what she was getting at.

"What do you remember before waking up?" her cheeks were a bit pink as she looked away, clearly embarrassed. I racked my brain for answers.

"Um, all I remember is being woken up and then pulling a pillow towards me when I fell back asleep. Given I was delirious with sleep, so that may not have been what happened," I said slowly, still trying to remember. I shrugged, not sure why it was important. Annabeth's face was even redder. I tiled my head to the side.

"Why, what's up?" I asked. Suddenly Rachel popped her head into the living room and walked up to me. Then whispering in my ear," That wasn't a pillow you were sleeping with."

Then she walked back out, cackling as my face blew up. Everything connected. I fell asleep with Annabeth in my lap, snuggling into her shoulder, then I was woken up, and my pillow talked and smelled lemony. Then when my pillow tried to leave, I grabbed it and felt soft breaths on my chest. Holy shit.

I fell asleep cuddling Annabeth.

That's why she was so red.

"Holy shit, my bad. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable, Annabeth. I'm sorry I didn't even realize," I spouted. Then she whipped her head towards me and kissed me. Effectively shutting me up. Then she pulled away, and I almost pouted a little. Not wanting the amazing feeling to go away.

"Don't worry about it, Rusticitas. Honestly, I like being here, in your arms. It's safe," she said softly and snuggled closer into my chest, closing her eyes. I slowly brought my hand up and stroked her hair. I'm not sure if we were a thing or not. So I wasn't sure what was acceptable and what was weird. As if reading my mind, my phone buzzed.

Rachel: Yes, your bf and gf.

Rachel: You're fine

I was instantly grateful for Rachel. But then I remembered the threat she had for me.

Me: Wait, so technically I didn't tell Annabeth how I feel, am I off the hook, or do I still have a timer?

Rachel: You still have a timer

Rachel: You actually have to tell her, with your own words. She just did it first.

I nodded to myself as I stroked her hair. I'm glad to have Rachel. She's like my wingman, winggirl? I don't know. The point is she's got my back, and thank gods because I'm sure I would have already ruined this.

"Percy! Dinner's ready!" my mom shouted from the kitchen.

"Ok, Mom! Coming," I yelled back. I really didn't want to move Annabeth. It's like those moments with a cat. You need to get up, but you can't bring yourself to move the adorable thing in your lap.

I sighed and said softly, "Dinnertime Annabeth, time to get up," she groaned as she rubbed her eyes. She wasn't asleep for long, but it still looked adorable when she rubbed her eyes. I smiled at her as she climbed off my lap. Grabbing her hand, I pulled her into the dining room and sat down.

A whole bunch of blue pancakes and blue cookies were on the table. There was also bacon and eggs, along with milk and orange juice. I don't remember all this food being in the house when I was alone. Mom must've gone shopping.

I piled pancakes on my plate and then doused them in syrup. Annabeth looked at my pancakes with disgust.

"What?"

"You're drowning them"

"I can't drown, and neither can my pancakes."

"That doesn't even make sense."

"Welcome to my world" suddenly, I was reminded of the song from the Little Mermaid and hummed it under my breath.

Annabeth took the syrup from me, poured an average amount of syrup, and handed it to Rachel. I shoveled food into my mouth, starved.

We quickly finished eating. In honor of my previous comment, we walked into the living room and watched The Little Mermaid. I sat on the floor with Annabeth on my lap, and honestly, I'm glad we're continuing the tradition. Some way through the movie, my phone buzzed, but I ignored it; Ariel was fighting Ursula.

After the movie, I was already drifting off. I had snuggled my face into Annabeth's neck and closed my eyes. Her scent soothed me as I felt myself drifting off.

"Percy, you've got to let Annabeth go. She has to go home," I heard my mom whisper to me.

"Does she have to?" I whined quietly. I heard Annabeth chuckle.

"Yes, Rusticitas, I do. I'll come over tomorrow, but I can stay over. If that's ok with your mom," Annabeth asked.

"That sounds like a great idea, but Percy still has to let you go," mom affirmed and then poked my lower back. I hissed as my head shot up. Annabeth took the opportunity and bounded out of my arms. Scowling, I looked at the two girls who ganged up on me. They laughed as I pouted.

"Alright, we'll be going now," Annabeth said as she and Rachel walked out of the living room. I bounded to my feet and met them at the front door. Opening it, they thanked me, and Annabeth gave me a peck as she walked out.

"See you tomorrow Rusticitas," I waved and closed the door.

I said goodnight to my mom and walked into my room. Remembering the text, I got in the middle of the movie. I opened it up.

Rachel: image attachment

Once I saw the picture, my face grew beet red. In the photo, I had my arms wrapped tightly around Annabeth's waist, with my head snuggled into her shoulder. Annabeth appeared to be sleeping, and her arms were scrunched up in front of her as she laid flush against my chest. Our legs tangled as we slept.

Rachel: This is what I was talking about earlier.

Holy shit, no wonder she was so embarrassed. I grinned a bit though, that was one of the best peaceful sleeps I've had. I smiled softly at the photo. I placed my phone on the charger, falling asleep with the same grin on my face.