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You wanna know what I got going on down there
Strobe lights flashing, speakers bouncing, and people moving so close together that the most common body fluid being shared was sweat. In the middle of it was an uneasy Annabeth, drink in hand, searching for one of her friends. She was just supposed to get a quick refill and meet back with the girls. Silena had offered to go with her, but Annabeth didn't want to pull her away from the girl in black combat boots. She had a feeling a girl with a resting face like that didn't give her attention to just anyone. Maybe she should have dragged Thalia with her, but she was busy trying to avoid her ex-fling, or at least she claimed she was avoiding. After the second shot, it looked like the redhead and Thalia were playing eye tag while dancing with different people. Then there was Piper, the reason why the girls were there in the first place.
She had missed the bachelorette party a month ago because she was in a different country, ‘connecting with nature’. The girls hadn't figured out what exactly that meant yet, but she had come back with a stick and poke tattoo and strong distaste for blondes. Annabeth figured they'd probably find out over breakfast tomorrow. Anyway, Piper. She would probably be the easiest to find. Annabeth could always spot her in the crowd, like they were drawn to each other. She squeezed past one final group of people before finally spotting her friend dancing in the middle of two girls while Billie Eilish's verse from the Guess remix blasted through the speakers.
The sight was entrancing. Annabeth had to rethink whether letting her friend know of her presence was worth it. As Piper’s hand snaked behind her, grabbing onto the girl behind her neck, she leaned her head back on her shoulder, and the two shared a kiss, the other girl seemingly unfazed.
Annabeth felt a lump in her throat, not out of jealousy, more out of envy of what she was about to lose. Seeing her friends having the time of their lives in ways that she’ll wouldn’t be able to in two days made her feel slightly sick. Would they start going out without her? Was she about to become the friend they exclude while they live out their late twenties? Partying, bar hopping, kissing girls, hangover breakfast, while Annabeth did what? Be a wife?
No. She shouldn’t be thinking like this. It was fine. Everything would be fine. She cared about Connor, and she wanted to do this. Annabeth wasn’t the kind to get cold feet, and she’d make sure of it.
She spun on her heels, almost stumbling in an effort to clear her head. She just needed to take a chug of her drink, feel the music, and have fun. It sounds easy enough. She sipped her drink, but only a few drops touched her lips. She looked down into the cup, realizing it was almost empty. It was then that she took note of her sticky hands, she had managed to spill most of it while she fought her way through the crowd. She stared down at the empty cup, feeling hopeless in more ways than one. She picked at the end of her braids, trying to distract herself from the lump crawling up her throat. With an annoyed deep breath, she collected herself and made a plan. Get another drink, preferably something strong. Find one of the girls, hopefully Thalia. Have fun. It was simple and precise. Hopefully, enough to stop her thoughts from wandering.
She dropped the empty cup, cringing slightly, then made her way in the direction that she hoped was the bar. Through the speakers, Guess transitioned into Rush, and if the crowd wasn’t already electric, it was pulsing now. Right in her line of sight, a group of people made a poor excuse of a circle while others moved in, doing their best attempt at the dance from the music video. Annabeth felt her nerves spike as she tried her hardest to stay on the outskirts of the circle, but around was just more people jumping and dancing. The music made her head throb as she continued her journey.
She passed by a couple dancing so close, like they’re were the only thing in the world. There came the envy again. Did she and Connor ever look like that? So enamored? So… in love? She shook her head, for what would probably be the second time, and kept moving. Though she did glance back, catching the guy trailing his hand up his girlfriend’s leg with a gentle precision. Annabeth had to peel her eyes away.
I feel the rush, addicted to your touch
In a sick twist of the universe, she was immediately met with another couple, two girls this time, kissing like their lives depended on it. She stopped for a moment, not staring just… inspecting. She took note of how their tongues peeked out, sliding into each other's mouths. The taller girl had her hands in the other’s back pockets, keeping them pressed together, while the shorter one held her other’s head, keeping them close. The heat pooling in her chest was enough to get Annabeth moving again, but she didn't miss the shorter girl tugging on the other’s hair or the soft moan that was probably only heard by them. It was loud enough to send a shiver down her spine and get her thoughts going again.
When was the last time she kissed a girl? Probably before she met Connor. That was what? Two years ago? Why was she doing this to herself?
There was that lump again, larger now and invasive. Her arms felt clammy as she rubbed her fingers against her palms, trying to distract herself, maybe even calm down. She took a deep breath in, her eyes falling to her feet. She hadn’t even realized she had stopped moving. She took a few steps forward, trying to refocus, only to realize she had no idea where the bar actually was anymore. She looked around, trying to recalibrate. The strobe lights were now starting to prove less helpful, more like they were all on her, drawing everyone’s attention. She could feel herself sweating as they changed colors. Green. Yellow. Blue. Red. Green. Yellow. Blue. Red. Green. Yellow. Blue. Red.
Purple.
Purple? That wasn’t right. She blinked, trying to figure out if that actually happened. She stared directly into the lights, waiting for the cycle to repeat. Yellow. Blue. Red. Purple? No, green.
Another cycle passed, and Annabeth stayed rooted in place, trying to figure out if it was a mistake or a larger pattern she hadn’t picked up on. But no same pattern. No purple. A loud laugh sounded behind her, and she was sure it was at her expense. After all, she was the girl standing in the middle of a club, second-guessing her relationship and maybe even sanity as people pushed up against each other, dancing their nights away.
The lump in her throat had finally pushed itself down, but now it felt like it had wrapped itself around her chest, tightening without warning. She tried to take another deep breath, but no air came up with the exhale. She squeezed her eyes shut.
Get it together, Annabeth. Everything’s fine. You’re fine. You want this. You planned this. The last part of your five-year plan. You worked for this. You want this. She did want this. Marriage was the last thing she had to check off, so why wouldn't she want this? She tried to breathe in once again. This time, she was successful. She nodded and pushed forward. She would find the bar if it was the last thing she did.
Annabeth forced herself forward, acting unbothered by the constant feeling of sweaty bodies knocking onto her. She tried to slip past a freakishly tall guy when someone grabbed her hand and spun her around. She stumbled, struggling to find footing in her boots but a pair of arms caught her, steadying her. She turned around to thank them, but froze the moment their face came into view. Annabeth blinked in confusion, trying to recount just how many drinks she’d had. She had to be piss drunk; there was no other explanation for why the face in front of her looked so much like her fiancé’s. Before he could say anything, she rushed past him.
She moved faster now, pushing through bodies, but everywhere she turned, there were more people. Kissing. Dancing. Wandering. Her heart raced faster, sweat running down her body. Suddenly, every guy looked like Connor, and every girl seemed in love. She tried to focus on the music, maybe sing along, but she didn't even recognize it. Everything felt so fussy and suffocating. Then, finally, like some solace, she spotted the bathroom. She pushed toward it, forcing her way through the crowd, her chest tight, breaths shallow.
She burst through the door and she finally took a breath. The bathroom felt way bigger than the club itself. Ignoring the girl already in there, she looked into a mirror. Her body relaxed for the most part, but she still felt extremely on edge and tense in a way she couldn’t shake.
“Hey, you okay?”
Annabeth turned toward the voice, now taking note of the girl. Her straightened blonde hair looked like it was fighting to curl back up. She wore a tight white tank top riding up her torso and blue light-wash jeans hanging of her waist exposing the band of her briefs. Her blue eyes pierced through her, a careful smile on her face. A silver chain dangling from her neck, her arms were decorated with multiple small tattoos and silver rings on her fingers. Annabeth’s eyes trailed down her body, taking in all the little details. Her left hand only had rings on her thumb, index finger and middle finger; her right hand only on the opposite two. Her belt buckle was a huge star, a carabiner dangling from a belt loop. Trailing up, there was a delicate wave tattoo peeking out from her waistband of her briefs. Her eyes stopped at her chest, she clearly wasn’t wearing a bra, nipple piercings outlined.
Annabeth couldn’t help the heat pooling between her legs. She quickly dragged her gaze to girl’s face, trying to ground herself, bringing her attention back to the question.
“Are you okay?”
The blonde’s voice was so soothing, Annabeth felt herself relax, yet tense in an entirely different way. Her thoughts raced so fast she couldn't stop to think over her words before they came out. “Kiss me.”
The girl’s eyes darted, like she had misheard her. “I’m sorry?”
Annabeth took a firm step forward. “Kiss me.”
An annoyingly charming laugh left her lips. “People usually buy me a drink first, you know?” She paused to think. “Are you even sober?”
Annabeth scoffed at the question, even though she was right to ask. “Enough to give my consent.”
“Sober…” The girl trailed her eyes down her body and Annabeth felt heat spread under her gaze. “Do you usually go up to random people asking to make out?”
The initial attraction quickly turned into irritation. Annabeth turned around to leave. “Forget I asked.”
Her hand pushed the bathroom door open, the song playing through both the club and bathroom speakers finally registering. Before she could step out, a hand grabbed her wrist and pulled back so fast her hair almost hit her in the face. The mystery girl pulled her close, gently playing with one of her braids. “I didn’t say I wouldn’t do it, I was trying to banter.” Her eyes flicked down Annabeth’s body once again. “But that’s not your thing, huh?”
Annabeth swallowed. “You could have clarified.”
The girl chuckled. “That doesn’t make it very sexy does it?” She reached up, gently pushing back the hair hanging near Annabeth’s face. The metal of one of her rings grazed her skin, sending a shiver down her spine.
“I guess not.”
“You’d appreciate something sexy, wouldn’t you?”
Annabeth subconsciously bit on her lower lip and nodded.
“I thought so.” The blonde smiled as her hand left Annabeth’s wrist and moved to her waist slowly. “So that kiss… where would you like it?” She brought Annabeth’s hand to her lips, grazing it. “Here? Or here?” She dropped her hand, leaning in, her lips brushing Annabeth’s neck, a soft involuntary sound to escape her. The girl smiled against her skin. “I’ll keep that spot in mind.”
She pulled back, meeting Annabeth's widened brown eyes. One hand stayed on her waist while the other gently took hold of her chin. Her thumb pressed down lightly, causing Annabeth’s lips to part. She moved her thumb higher, pressing it down on her lower lip. “Or here? Tell me?”
Annabeth stared at her, frozen in place, as the girl waited for an answer. Her mind was completely blank, the only thing pulsing through her was heat. She wanted to say yes but there was a reason she couldn’t quite remember trying so hard to stop her. She tried to think of any reason why she should expect from her body’s obvious insistence or any reason why she should. Then Von Dutch blasted through the speakers, Piper’s favorite song, and in some poetic way, she looked at the blonde in front of her, asking herself “What would Piper do?”
I'm your number one, I'm your number one
I'm your number one, yeah, I'm just livin' that life
Annabeth’s lips crashed into the girl’s with pure hunger. The blonde was caught off guard, faltering for a brief second before matching her hunger. One hand pulled Annabeth as close as possible, the other angling her face for better access. Annabeth’s hands slid from her face down her body, taking the chance to brush her nipples, earning soft pleased noises from both girls. A low “fuck” left the girl’s lips as Annabeth pressed her thumb against the barbells pierced through them. Her hands continued their path down, settling into her back pockets, pushing them closer. The girl smiled briefly against her lips still focused on the assault of her lips. She turned them around, keeping their bodies close and pushed Annabeth’s back against a stall.
Annabeth gasped in surprise but she barely had time to register that because the girl’s hand moved to her thigh, pushing her legs apart, and pressed her knee against her core. Pleasure shot through Annabeth so fast and overwhelming that she accidentally bit down on the girl’s lip. The taste of her blood and the low groan that left her made her pull back immediately.
“Shit, I’m so sorry” Annabeth said, mentally taking note of the space between them.
“It’s fine…” The girl swiped her lip, glancing at the blood on her finger. “… kinda hot.” She looked back up. “I don’t have a problem with it if you don't. Do you?”
Annabeth hesitated, staring at the slight blood dripping from her lip, surprised by what the sight was doing to her. “Uh… no problem.”
“Good,” the girl smiled. “Before we continue, I should probably ask if you have any rules before I get carried away.”
Annabeth racked her still hazy brain, thinking of anything she didn’t want her to do, though all she could think of was all the things she wanted. “Uh… no hickeys or marks.”
The girl looked like she wanted to ask a question but ultimately decided against it. “Noted. I don’t have any rules, hickeys are greatly appreciated, actually.”
Annabeth let out a small laugh that unbeknownst to her had the blonde mesmerized.
“My name is Percy, by the way,” The girl introduced. “You know, in case you need it later.”
Annabeth couldn't help but snort at the last line, though it was nice to put a name to her. “Confident.”
The girl… Percy blushed slightly before laughing along. “Sounded smoother in my head. And your name is?”
“What, think you’ll need it later?” Annabeth smirked, a refreshing sense of confidence she hadn’t felt in a while shooting through her.
“Definitely.”
“I don’t think you deserve it.”
“Oh?” She closed the distance between them. “You get to bite my lip but I don’t deserve your name?”
Annabeth hooked her fingers into Percy’s belt loops and pulled her in. “Yes.”
“Guess I’ll have to earn it then.”
Percy leaned in, gently biting and tugging on Annabeth’s lip, before soothing it with her tongue, then kissing her again. Annabeth groaned into the kiss, her head pressing against the stall while Percy’s tongue explored her mouth with curiosity. Annabeth felt her senses heighten all at once. The bass was bursting through the speakers while she tried not to lose herself in the warmth of Percy’s body pressed against hers. The rough feeling of denim rubbing against her bare thigh, where her dress has ridden up. The cool metal of her rings against her neck and the lingering taste of blood between them.
Percy pulled back, earning a soft whine from Annabeth. Annabeth could only describe the smile on Percy’s face as intoxicating. She leaned in, lips brushing against Annabeth’s ear, “Relax, baby. I’m not going anywhere.”
Then she kissed her jaw, trailing kisses down her neck until she met that spot and bit down. Annabeth moaned softly, one hand flying to the blonde’s hair, unsure whether she wanted to pull her closer or pull away.
“I said no marks,” the words weakly left Annabeth’s mouth.
Percy nodded against her skin, “I know what I’m doing.”
She swiped her tongue against the spot before continuing to pepper kisses across her neck. Annabeth tightened her grip in her hair as her legs wobbled beneath her. Percy was quick to push her leg in between hers, pressing her knee firmly. This time, Annabeth knew how to respond, she softly rubbed her clothed clit against her thigh, grateful for the added friction from her jeans. Percy's lips found hers again while she pressed her leg harder, causing Annabeth to groan into her mouth.
The sound of the door opening caused them to pull apart. They both snapped their heads towards the door, but no one was there. It was probably just someone bumping into the door. They slowly looked back at each other and shared a laugh.
“Well,” Percy said with a smile, “that would’ve been humiliating.”
Annabeth’s smile faltered as her thoughts settled. Here she was in the bathroom of a club with a random girl who didn’t even know her name. Her lips swollen, dress wrinkled, and her body buzzing. Her ring finger was bare, but a weight was pulling it down every time she glanced at it. It was reckless and humiliating.
Percy noticed immediately and spoke with a smile. “Hey.” Annabeth looked at her. “You wanna stop?”
Annabeth hesitated, as humiliating as it felt, she didn’t want to. “No. I just… don’t want to worry about getting caught.”
Percy nodded thoughtfully and gently pulled her farther into the bathroom. Annabeth followed, confused, until Percy stopped in front of the wheelchair assessable stall. “I can arrange that.”
Annabeth furrowed her eyebrows. “You can’t be serious.”
“What? I’m problem solving.”
“By opening a giant stall?”
“The biggest one.”
They both stare at each other. Annabeth spoke up, “What if someone actually needs it?”
Percy tilted her head as if actually considering it. “What if,” she said slowly, stepping forward, “I kissed you without us worrying every five seconds?”
Annabeth shook her head. “What if someone sees us coming out?”
“What if,” she takes another step closer. “I make you feel so good that nothing else matters?”
Annabeth tried to retort, but the word got stuck in her throat. She cleared her throat, “You can’t…”
Percy chuckled as she moved past her and stepped into the stall. “Wanna find out?”
The blonde stood with a smile, her hands slipped into her pockets, her shirt having ridden up higher than before. Annabeth sighed, hating whatever made this girl's smile so entrancing to her. Against her better judgment, she stepped in and closed the stall behind her. Percy gently grabbed her waist and pulled her close. “Great choice.”
Their lips meet again, hungrier than before. Annabeth’s hand slipped under her shirt, brushing her abdomen, her fingers teasingly dipping beneath her waistband. Percy shivered, her lips pulling away, but Annabeth quickly closed the space. Percy moved back and gently took her hands.
“You don’t like that?” Annabeth asked.
“Oh, I do desperately,” Percy pressed their foreheads together. “But I said I’ll make you feel good, and I plan on doing exactly that.”
“You don’t have to, you know? All I asked for was a kiss.” Her mind flashed with all the times she’d expected more but never got, so it really wasn’t a big deal if Percy didn’t.
“I want to, if you want it.”
“I do.”
“Perfect.”
Percy pressed kisses on her neck and pushed her against the stall door. She carefully moved her legs apart and trailed her fingers up her leg. Annabeth bit her lip in anticipation as Percy moved her lips to the top of her breasts, leaving soft kisses. Her fingers pressed against her clothed core, a soft, involuntary sigh left Annabeth. Percy moved to kiss right behind her ear. “You really want this?”
Annabeth nodded in response, closing her eyes as Percy, tortuously slowly, moved her underwear out of the way.
“Words, baby,” she whispered directly into Annabeth’s ear.
“I want this,” she admitted.
Percy kissed her immediately and began rubbing her clit in slow, deliberate circles. Annabeth’s hips jerked forward, a silent plea for more. Encouraged, Percy pressed her palm firmer as she began stroking along the sides of her bud. Not getting quite the reaction she wanted, she went back to slow circles, spreading her folds open. Annabeth whined, pulling their mouths apart. “No teasing…”
“Not teasing, baby. Just preparing.”
“I’m ready.” Annabeth insisted.
“Are you always so stubborn?” Percy asked, moving her fingers slightly faster.
“I just…” Annabeth tried to get her thoughts out, but the change in pace was merciless.
“Hmm?”
“…know what I want.”
“And that is?” Her pace increased again.
Annabeth felt herself buckle against the wall. She fought hard to get the word out. “More.”
Without warning, Percy slid her finger into her. Annabeth gasped, and Percy took the opportunity to kiss her, pressing her tongue into her mouth. Annabeth tried to kiss her back, but let her head drop the moment the finger began to move. The moment made her dizzy, she felt herself become undone as she bucked her hips, chasing more and enjoying the cool press of Percy’s rings against her. Percy pumped her finger, working to find a rhythm Annabeth liked. Testing, she moved faster, causing Annabeth’s legs to wobble. Percy grabbed her waist to keep her up. “I got you.”
Annabeth nodded and tried to let herself relax, which proved to be pointless because Percy immediately slid in another finger. Annabeth gasped and grabbed the back of her neck, pressing their foreheads together once again. She looked at the blonde with wide eyes, panting as Percy pumped her fingers. They moved together as she rode. The fingers curled, hitting her sweet spot, and a loud cry left her. “Fuck.”
Percy watched her in a mix of awe and fascination. A thought crossed her mind, and she removed her fingers. Annabeth whined once she clutched around nothing. “Why’d you stop?”
“You deserve my best work.”
“What does that m—” Annabeth’s sentence was cut off by Percy lifting her and sitting her on the ledge in the stall. For a moment, Annabeth just sat there, looking down at her, chest heaving and thighs parted while completely at Percy’s mercy in a way she didn’t remember agreeing to.
Annabeth watched as Percy pulled down her underwear and sank to her knees. There was a clear look of awe on the blonde’s face. “Beautiful.” She kissed her thighs, then placed a chaste kiss on her core.
“What did I say about teasing?”
“Remind me.” She places another kiss.
"Annabeth’s breathing grew shallow. “No… teasing.”
Percy stuck her tongue out and made a torturously slow drag up her core, gathering all of the juices she could, then looked Annabeth in the eyes and swallowed. “Repeat that for me?”
“Stop…” she groaned, head falling back. “…teasing.”
“You don’t sound so sure.” Percy made another pass through her folds, then she pressed her tongue flat against her clit, refusing to move, just holding pressure against the bundle of nerves until Annabeth’s thighs trembled.
“Percy,” her name shook out of Annabeth’s lips.
“Told you you’d need it.” Percy smiled against her.
“You little sh—”
Percy’s lips closed around her clit, and sucked gently. A string of curses spilled from Annabeth’s mouth as she bucked her hips. Percy kept one hand on her hips to keep her legs apart, then her free hand slipped under her dress, finding one of her breasts and rolling her nipple between her fingers. Annabeth’s pants continued as she gripped the ledge. A moan left Percy as she pulled back slightly to meet her lips. “You taste so good.”
Annabeth stared down at her, dazed, and managed a soft smile. Percy leaned back in and danced her tongue around her, coating the whole surface, while her thumb continued to work her nipple. Her tongue found her entrance, and she lapped before slipping inside. Percy made sure to keep her nose pressed against her clit as she worked her tongue as hard as she could.
Her name left Annabeth’s mouth like a prayer. She could feel Percy’s tongue moving inside her, pulsing with its own heartbeat. She grabbed a fistful of blonde hair and pulled her closer, even as her hips rolled away on instinct, her body wanting more while battling the overwhelming sensation. Percy pulled back to take a breath, causing Annabeth to loosen her grip and smile at the sight of the lower half of Percy’s face gleaming, her eyes dark and focused. Annabeth reached down without thinking. She trailed her thumb along her cheek, then across her lips. She pressed her thumb against them and held it there for a moment, and to her surprise, Percy parted her lips and took it in. Eyes locked, she twirled her tongue around it in one long circle, and they both groaned. She sucked it clean before it slipped from her mouth with a soft pop.
Percy immediately went back in. She took one long lick before stroking her tongue directly against the swollen, sensitive bud. She moved faster, trying to collect every drop. She moaned against her, the vibrations rolling through Annabeth’s whole body like a current. Percy kept moving and working, trying her hardest to give her the best.
Annabeth tried her hardest to stay composed, but gods, she couldn’t remember the last time she’d felt this good. The pleasure was so overwhelming it felt almost new, like she was feeling this for the very first time. Her head felt dizzy. The music playing dissolved into white noise and ringing. Her head slumped back, and the ceiling spun above her. Her thighs tightened around Percy’s head, resulting in a muffled chuckle that vibrated straight through her core. Percy’s nails dug into the skin of her legs, adding an extra level of pleasurable pain.
“Percy,” she moaned.
Percy moved back slightly. “Yes?”
“So good.”
“You too, baby,” she cooed, pressing soft kisses on her thighs and her center. “So good.”
Percy lapped at her again, then closed around her clit and sucked. Annabeth tried to roll her hips into it, but the wave traveling up her spine was so consuming that all she could do was arch and let it take her away. Percy held her hips down and increased her pace, working to push her over the edge. Annabeth tugged her hair, and Percy responded by pressing her tongue harder, and the next wave hit so sharply that her legs shook. Percy pulled back just enough to look up. “Eyes on me.”
Annabeth obeyed, and their eyes locked. Percy went back in, curled her tongue, and dragged the pleasure out as long as she could. She coated her fingers before carefully slipping one finger inside, meeting no resistance, while her mouth stayed on her clit. Annabeth’s walls immediately clenched, and her hips searched for more friction. In response, Percy slid in a second finger and began thrusting. Annabeth’s breath stuttered, her body wound so tight she forgot how to exhale. Her movements became more frantic, the knot in her stomach pulled impossibly tight. Percy’s fingers found her sweet spot and pressed deeper. Annabeth gave up on trying to hold on and gave in, wave after wave crashing through her, each one longer than the last.
Percy worked the bud, pressing, sucking, releasing, and pressing again, dragging it out with slow licks until Annabeth reached her edge and broke with a cry. Her fingers slowed to a steady pace, easing her through it. Percy stared at her dilated eyes as it ripped through her, then collected as much of her cum as she could while she eased her fingers out. She left gentle kisses around the area while Annabeth tried to find her breath.
Percy rose to her feet and reached into her front pocket for a bandana. She cleaned her thighs carefully, pulled her underwear back into place, and left a gentle kiss against her clothed core. Annabeth’s eyes followed her every movement. Percy stepped closer, setting her hands on her waist. “You okay?”
“Yeah,” Annabeth breathed.
“So, did I make you feel good enough to make this worth it?”
“I’m not answering that.”
“Have I at least earned your name?”
“Nope.”
Percy shook her head with a quiet laugh. Annabeth couldn’t stop her smile. The two lingered there for a moment longer than needed, neither ready to leave the bubble. Then Percy helped her down, then revealed she’s a regular at the club and led her out to the bar, Annabeth following her doubts slowly creeping back in.
It's alright to just admit that I'm the fantasy
You're obsessin', just confess it 'cause it's obvious
Annabeth moved around the reception with a glass of champagne in hand, trying her hardest to convince everyone, and maybe herself, that this was the best day of her life. She was supposed to be saying hi to guests with Connor, but he complained about FOMO and was now sitting at a table with his groomsmen, sharing stories from high school. Annabeth wasn’t too upset, relieved, even, since she was the one who suggested it, actually. She knew he would start getting sulky eventually, and she knew he wasn’t going to get any more mature in the seven hours they had been married.
Now she moved around avoiding his side of the family, which was obviously larger than hers, while she tried not to dwell on the memories that came with the song bumping through the speakers. The song, however, wasn’t the worst torment of the night. No, that would be when Annabeth spotted her childhood best friend sitting at a table with a familiar blonde in a burgundy suit and untamed curls. It was at that moment that Annabeth realized: when Grover RSVPed his plus one and named them Percy all those months ago, it wasn’t just a funny coincidence that she had met a girl called Percy two days before her wedding.
So far, she was doing a great job at avoiding her until familiar fingers brushed against a specific spot on her neck as Annabeth stood in a spot that she thought was concealed. Beside her, Percy stood with her button-up unbuttoned dangerously low. Annabeth stiffened and felt her heart stop. Her whole life plan was about to crash in front of her own eyes because of a reckless decision she’d made in the hands of a girl who was definitely the only person Annabeth was actually attracted to tonight.
“You know, it would’ve been nice to know you were getting married, but it’s fine, I won’t tell a soul,” Percy said calmly. “Now don’t forget to smile. Big day, you know?”
Annabeth let out a deep breath and plastered a fake smile, even letting out a laugh that Percy, oddly enough, reciprocated with ease. To an outsider, they may have just looked like two old friends catching up, and not the moment where Annabeth was battling the strongest case of religious guilt in her life.
“Thank you,” Annabeth said honestly.
“No problem. I’m not going to ruin your life just because you sought out something you clearly weren’t getting at home.”
“You don’t know that I’m not getting that," Annabeth defended.
“You expect me to believe the guy who turned red and almost choked on air when his best man made a joke about removing your garter is giving you head?”
Percy gave her a joking look that said ‘really?’ and Annabeth couldn’t help but laugh. A real, deep laugh. Percy smiled.
“Got a laugh, mission accomplished,” Percy said. “I’ll let you go do wedding stuff.’
Annabeth couldn’t ignore the warm feeling in her chest, so she just took a large sip of her champagne. “Right, of course.”
“Congratulations, Annabeth.” Percy extended her hand.
Annabeth shook it. She was so distracted by hearing her say her name and the feeling of their hands together that she didn’t notice the paper Percy slipped her until the blonde walked away. She looked down at it. A phone number. She looked up and carefully slipped the paper into her dress pocket. With a genuine smile and a plotting mind surprisingly free of guilt, Annabeth set off to find her husband.