𝐈𝐍𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐈𝐁𝐋𝐄 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆, grover underwood

𝟑. tearless

˚₊‧ ꒰ა ⚜️ ໒꒱ ‧₊˚

In the midst of the bustling camp life, Annabeth and Aurelia found a quiet spot by the Athena cabin. Surrounded by the comforting sounds of chirping crickets and distant laughter, they settled down on the steps, a shared sense of camaraderie enveloping them.

Aurelia couldn't help but notice a small, vibrant rainbow dancing in the air near her. The colors shimmered softly, casting a subtle glow.

Aurelia's eyes widened as she caught sight of the ethereal display. "Hey, look at that," she said, pointing toward the miniature rainbow. "It's like a good luck charm or something."

Annabeth, glancing in the direction Aurelia indicated, raised an eyebrow.

Aurelia, however, felt a strange warmth accompanying the sight of the rainbow, as if it held a significance.

As the rainbow flickered in the light, casting its vibrant hues across the surroundings, Aurelia couldn't help but feel a subtle, odd sensation. Yet, she brushed off the peculiar feeling.

Aurelia, fidgeting with the rings on her fingers absentmindedly, finally broke the silence. "You know, Annabeth, sometimes being a halfblood feels like we're missing out on normal teenage stuff. Like, I've never been to a real school dance or had a chance to talk about, you know, girl stuff."

Annabeth chuckled, a knowing smile on her face. "Yeah, I guess it doesn't leave much room for typical teenage experiences. But hey, we can still talk about stuff right here."

"well, do you, um, have any crushes?"

Annabeth, known for her strong and composed demeanor, looked momentarily surprised by the question. Her stern expression softened, and she leaned back, studying Aurelia with a mix of amusement and contemplation. "Crushes, huh? Well, I guess I haven't really thought about it."

Aurelia's curiosity lingered in the air as she waited for Annabeth's response. Annabeth, after a brief pause, looked off into the distance, a thoughtful expression crossing her face.

"Well, if I were to admit anything," Annabeth began, her tone a touch more reserved, "there might have been a time when... I don't know, Luke had a certain kind of charm..."

Aurelia's initial shock and discomfort began to give way to a surprising amusement. A small, almost involuntary, laugh escaped her lips, and she couldn't help but find the situation a bit ironic. "Annabeth, seriously? Luke? My brother?"

Annabeth, her expression a mix of resignation and a hint of embarrassment, rolled her eyes. "Yeah, yeah, laugh it up."

Aurelia, still grinning, playfully nudged Annabeth. "I mean, who would've thought? You, crushing on Luke?"

Annabeth shot her a mock glare. "Well, excuse me for not consulting the Oracle about my love life."

Aurelia burst into laughter, the amusement infectious. "Oh gods, this is too good. I can't believe you have a crush on my brother, Ew!"

Annabeth seized the opportunity and delivered a well-aimed pillow smack to Aurelia. The force of the impact nearly sent Aurelia tumbling off the bed, and she let out an exclamation, "Annabeth Chase!"

Both girls erupted into laughter, the joyous sound echoing through the room. Aurelia, managing to steady herself, shot Annabeth a playful yet serious look. "You almost gave me a concussion."

Amidst the lingering laughter, Annabeth, with a teasing glint in her eyes, responded, "Well, we can't have that now can we? It would be a tragedy."