[Third Person's PoV]
It was the middle of the night, and most of the people on the train were asleep—except for Lucian, who sat with his grimoire in hand.
"What are you doing?" Thalia asked curiously.
"I'm tweaking some of the spells I've stored here. Since my curse is stronger now, I need to adjust a few things," Lucian explained without looking up from his grimoire.
"This late at night? Shouldn't you be sleeping or something?" Thalia asked, both of them speaking in low voices to avoid waking anyone.
"Someone needs to keep watch. Need I remind you we smell like a three-course meal? If everyone's asleep, even on this train, we're likely to get ambushed."
"Alright, I get that, but you don't have to do it alone. We should take turns keeping watch."
Lucian sighed and motioned for her to follow him. He stood up and led her to a more secluded seat where they wouldn't risk waking anyone, even if they whispered.
"Alright, I lied about the keeping watch part. I have my shadows doing that. I just don't feel like sleeping and didn't want you to worry."
"Lucian… what are you planning?" Thalia asked, narrowing her eyes suspiciously.
Lucian stifled a groan. "I can't talk about it. It has to do with the cards."
"What are you planning?" she repeated, eyes still narrowed.
Lucian paused, thinking carefully. "Here's a clue: A cursed knight may never rest."
Thalia was confused for a moment, then understanding dawned on her. "Lucian… you can't be serious."
"It's the only way I could think of. I didn't have any other ideas on how I should act. So, I cursed myself with insomnia. The curse had to be powerful for the act to be convincing. If I went with something minor, it wouldn't work. It had to be something detrimental."
"So you went with insomnia?" Thalia raised an eyebrow.
"It fit the role best. I'll be fine for a couple of days—remember, I'm stronger now."
Thalia sighed, contemplating. Then, surprising him, she sat on his lap, resting her head against his. Lucian raised an eyebrow at her.
"Are you possessed or something?"
"I'm worried about you, you stupid dumbass."
"Now there's the Thalia I know and love," Lucian said sarcastically, earning an eye roll from her.
"I'm doing this to tell you I'll support you if you decide to fully commit. But I'll keep an eye on you so you don't get yourself killed with your reckless actions."
Lucian put a hand over his chest with a mock-touched expression. "My very own Guardian Fallen Angel."
"Why am I a fallen angel?" Thalia asked, amused.
"Look in a mirror and ask yourself whether you belong more as a fallen angel or a regular one," Lucian retorted with a raised brow.
Thalia chuckled. "I suppose you have a point…" She gently brushed his hair away from his forehead before kissing it.
"Okay, now you're weirding me out. What was that for?"
"You have a very kissable forehead, did you know that?"
"Uh, thanks?" Lucian said, unsure if it was a compliment or an insult. He then turned to her, catching her off guard as he kissed her lips.
"And you have very kissable lips," he added.
"Oh, do I now?" she smirked, kissing him back.
"Yes, you do," he replied between kisses.
They closed their eyes, savoring each other's taste. Thalia straddled him, facing him as Lucian leaned back in his seat, his hands on her thighs. Her chest pressed against his as she held his head and kissed him roughly. Lucian slid his hands to her waist, pulling her closer.
Neither of them gave the other room to breathe, clinging to each other. Thalia bit and tugged on Lucian's lips softly, both of them panting when they finally broke apart, their foreheads pressed together.
"Why does it always end up like this when we're alone?" Lucian sighed.
Thalia chuckled. "I haven't the faintest clue. You're not even my type."
"Whoa, wait a minute, back up. Excuse me?" Lucian raised a brow.
"Does it hurt your ego a bit that you're not my type?" Thalia asked, amused.
"It hurts my ego a lot, actually. What do you mean I'm not your type? I'm everyone's type," Lucian replied, clearly offended.
"You're honestly the furthest thing from my type."
"What's your type, then? Now I'm dying to know." Lucian asked, his hands still resting on her hips.
"I'm into sunny characters. People who can see the bright side of things, no matter how dark. They have this innocent aura, and when they smile, it's like the sun shines behind them."
"You're right, that's the furthest thing from me. You're attracted to the sun, while the Moon blocks its path, takes its place, and still shines just as beautifully during the night…"
Thalia couldn't help but burst into laughter, burying her face by Lucian's neck, trying to keep quiet.
"What the hell was that?" she chuckled, still trying to stifle her laughter. "That was so cheesy."
Lucian smirked. "I think the problem is that I'm the complete opposite of your type, and it bothers you because you can't help but want me more because of it."
"It hasn't even been a day, and I already think the insomnia is getting to you," Thalia teased, giving him another quick kiss.
"Like I said, being the furthest thing from your type just makes you want me more," Lucian grinned.
Thalia shook her head with a smile and rested her head on his shoulder. A comfortable silence settled between them.
"Hey, can I ask you a serious question?" Lucian asked, looking a little unsure.
"Hm?" Thalia hummed, her eyes closed.
"Why did you agree to be a part of this… a part of me? I would've thought you'd be the first to get angry at Annabeth for even suggesting it. Don't take this the wrong way, but you're the last person I expected to be part of a… harem."
Thalia pondered for a moment. "If I had to say why, it was because of the day we first kissed. It was… electrifying. It just felt right, like that's where I belonged. I didn't want to give up that one place where I felt so connected, so I agreed to Annabeth's crazy idea…"
Thalia stopped when she noticed Lucian had turned bright red, covering his mouth with his fist.
"Are you blushing?" she asked in amusement.
"Forget I asked, okay…" Lucian muttered, clearly embarrassed.
"That's so adorable…" Thalia smirked, poking his flushed cheek with her finger.
But then both of them froze as they heard Percy's voice from a short distance away. "No… go away… I won't help you."
Lucian and Thalia exchanged looks. Lucian sighed, muttering, "Looks like our grandfather found his new recruit…"
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