The Game

Annabeth POV

My opinion of Percy changed drastically in the past month. I realized that he was more than a playboy. He had substance, and he knew how to treat women properly.

He brought me flowers and took me on a respectful date to a place that I appreciated. Even though it wasn't his cup of tea, he still stayed with me at the convention. If this was how he treated his girlfriends, then I didn't blame them for falling for him.

No wonder Rachel was so upset after their breakup.

Regardless, I still had mixed views of him. I was between two extremes.

Thalia interpreted this date as another way to get close to me. She thought that he was trying to sleep with me, and this was a simple tactic. Piper believed that Percy was a genuinely nice guy who wanted to get along with me.

I didn't know what to think. I was leaning towards Piper's optimistic point of view. However, I was stuck in this deal. If I lose, then I'll have to sleep with him.

I refuse to let that happen.

"Hey, Piper, where do you want the food?" I asked.

"Oh, the chips and snacks go on the island kitchen. The pizzas will arrive soon, and Jason will put those at the dining table," Piper responded.

We were setting up for the party.

It's been one month since Percy's friends and my friends united. Everyone was getting along relatively well, and our friend group worked. I was happy about becoming friends with Percy's friends (even the Stolls).

People came slowly, and Percy was the last to arrive. He was dressed in simple jeans and a blue hoodie. Even though Piper's house was warm, he didn't remove his hoodie.

"It's so comfortable in here. Why are you still wearing the coat?" I asked.

Everyone was getting settled with snacks in the large living room. Piper lived in a mansion considering her dad was Tristan McLean, a famous actor. His Academy Award was shining on the fireplace mantle.

"I'm feeling a bit cold," Percy said quickly. His hands instinctually pulled the sleeves over his palms. It was weird. It was almost like he was hiding his arms.

"What are you talking about? It's so warm and cozy."

Percy shook his head and smirked. "Wise Girl, is this your way of getting me to strip? You know, you could directly ask me if you want to see my body."

I rolled my eyes before gently punching his right arm.

Percy turned away quickly. His right arm pressed against his stomach as he used his left hand to grab some chips from Grover. I couldn't see his face anymore.

However, something felt a bit off.

My interest was spiking, but I didn't have any leverage to ask him questions. After all, we were barely friends. Besides, it's not a secret that Percy's weird and stupid sometimes.

"Hey, everyone, please settle into a circle. We're playing truth or dare," Piper announced.

Several groans were relayed from the group, but no one objected. This was Piper's party, and no one can ever deny her requests. She had a persuasive power in her voice.

Everyone sat in a loud and large circle with a bottle in the middle.

"I'm so excited," Will squealed.

Will Solace loved to have a good time. He was mature and intelligent, but he didn't shy away from parties and games. To be honest, truth or dare was probably his idea. Will always loved stirring drama.

Nico simply shook his head. Hazel's brother, Nico, was the polar opposite of Will. Nico liked to have calm experiences rather than fooling around.

Yet, Will and Nico were dating. How did they match? I have no idea.

The game started with some uninteresting truths and tame dares. Most of the dares were embarrassing but not dangerous or special in any way.

The most extreme dare was Leo dropping ice in his pants. He kept whispering about how his 'Hot Cheeto' was freezing much to everyone's delight. The most extreme truth came from Piper who admitted to having a crush on Jason since the ninth grade.

Finally, Travis's spin landed on Percy.

However, Percy wasn't even paying attention. His head was downcast, and he seemed to be breathing heavily. His eyes were glossed over as he rubbed his covered arms. I noticed that Percy wasn't himself all night.

I wondered if everything was all right.

"Percy, it's your turn," Connor cheered. "Give it to him, Travis."

"All right, let me think," Travis pondered for a few moments. Percy waited patiently, but he didn't seem to want to play. "Ooh, I got it. Percy, I dare you to have someone sit on your lap for the next five rounds of the game. And, we'll pick the person."

"How are you gonna pick?" Percy asked hesitantly. His hand rubbed his thigh before shifting his body to a different sitting position.

"We'll just spin the bottle again. That's fair, right?" Piper asked.

The bottle spun slowly, and every moment that the bottle passed me had my heart racing. Oh my god, how much longer? It was stressing me out. My heart hammered as the bottled slowed to a stop, pointing directly at me.

"OoOoooH," Will cooed. "Annabeth, it's on you."

Everyone's gaze fell on me. I looked everywhere but at Rachel's cold are. I didn't need her drama right now. Hell, I didn't even want to do this.

"This is so unfair. It's not even my turn," I said quickly.

"Doesn't matter, Annabeth. You're a part of Percy's dare, so go sit on his lap. I'm sure that he won't mind," Connor laughed.

I groaned as I moved closer to Percy. His piercing gaze locked onto my face. He was sitting with his legs stretched in front of him.

I paused in front of him as everyone stared eagerly.

Ugh, did I have to do this?

Percy nodded before moving his hands off his lap. I quietly moved onto his lap. I was sitting on his lap sideways. His legs were firm, but they had a cushion.

I yelped as I started to slide, but his arms wrapped around me. His hands moved me into a more comfortable position on his lap.

We were close to each other. Very close. Closer than we've ever been.

Everyone cheered excitedly as I shouted at everyone to continue the game. The faster that five rounds pass, the quicker that I can get off of his lap.

Percy's face was positioned next to my neck. It was getting buried in my hair, which was hanging in a wavy flow. His soft breath rolled over my skin like a soft breeze. I turned around to realize that Percy had closed his eyes.

His smile was soft and genuine. He was enjoying this, but his expressions held a satisfaction that didn't match those of a playboy. Finally, his eyes opened and locked onto mine.

"Thanks, Wise Girl. This is making me feel better," he whispered. His hands moved so that one hand rested on my leg while another was against my back.

"Stop it, Percy. This is just a dare and nothing more," I replied firmly.

I turned back to the group and watched Connor's monkey dance. Everyone was cheering and laughing except for Rachel who was still watching me and Percy closely.

"Did anyone tell you that you're pretty heavy?" Percy asked into my ear.

I whirled around. My face was a few centimeters from his. He smiled while taking in my presence. Once again, his expressions demonstrated relief and lightness.

"That's incredibly rude, Percy. You can't comment on a woman's weight."

"I didn't say that you're overweight. In my opinion, your weight is the perfect weight for sitting on me." His eyes sparkled as he spoke to me.

"I'll also add that your rear side is very pleasant."

Suddenly, I felt pressure against the back of my upper thigh. My eyes narrowed and glared at Percy's face. This couldn't be happening.

"I'm sorry. I can't help it," he whispered. "I'm a guy with a beautiful girl sitting on my lap."

"All right, nope, I AM DONE," I growled as I moved off of him.

Even though five rounds weren't finished, I was. My face was burning as I distanced myself from Percy. He was still smiling, and his eyes had gained color. He looked more alive and free now than he had been all night.

Our interaction helped to cheer him up.

The party settled down after the game. Everyone was tired, so we decided to watch a movie. The popular vote was Avengers: Endgame. I had seen the movie many times. The scene that I most cared for was when the female superheroes unite to move the infinity stones during the final battle.

"I really am sorry, Wise Girl. It was a bodily reflex," Percy said quietly.

"Whatever, don't talk about it," I commanded.

We were sitting on the ground while leaning against the couches where more of our friends were sitting. I hadn't noticed that Percy settled next to me. Honestly, I wasn't blaming Percy right now because the stupid dare came from the Stolls.

Besides, Percy was physically attracted to me. I felt a little flattered, but I'm pretty sure that's not appropriate.

I don't like him. I refused to like him.

After an hour, my gaze wandered to Percy again. He was talking and joking with everyone. He was truly different after our interaction. It was weird how uplifted he became after our very minor physical interaction.

Still, I wondered what was bothering him. He refused to take off his hoodie, and he was absent from school yesterday.

"Hey, Annabeth, only two more months to go," Percy said slyly.

I sighed in anger. "A lot can happen in two months. You're not gonna win this deal. I'm surprised you lasted this long."

"Surprising people is what I do best," he countered.

"Well, you're not going to win because I refuse to sleep with you. I don't even like you. Get your list of apologies ready because you will lose this deal."

Percy sighed while rubbing his arms again. Why was he doing that?

I reached forward and grabbed his hand. His actions stopped as I gently squeezed his hands and pulled them to his side.

"Stop doing that, Percy. It'll become a bad habit," I reprimanded.

"Thanksgiving is next week. Do you have any plans?" Percy asked. He seemed interested in changing the subject.

"I'll be spending it with my family. My dad will hopefully come home from business travels, so it'll be a good time."

"You seem sad while talking about your father," he whispered.

"I love my father. He just spends a lot of time away from us because of his work. I don't think that he realizes how much we miss him. Honestly, I'm praying that he comes home for Thanksgiving," I answered earnestly.

My eyes watered as I thought about my father. I missed him so much.

I don't know why I was telling Percy my personal life. However, I felt like I could trust him with this. Everyone agreed that he was a good friend.

"You miss him. I'm sorry," he replied.

We sat in comfortable silence as the movie played. At that moment, I realized that we were still holding hands. His touch was soft and warm against mine.

His thumb was gently stroking the top of my hand. It felt nice.

I kept my hand in his for a few more minutes before pulling away. I realized that Percy was not a bad guy at all. Percy was a funny and comforting person. Furthermore, he was warm and gentle when he needed to be.

However, Percy had walls, secrets, and bad habits. That became obvious today.

My curiosity was high, and my resolve to study him was higher.