AN: Hello! I just finished reading the Kane Chronicles...I know I'm kind of late...but I noticed that there aren't enough Zarter fanfics here...so...here we have it! But it's not really that good...so...forgive me for any mistakes... :\

Disclaimer: The Kane Chronicles is an amazing series that belongs to the ever so amazing Uncle Rick Riordan!

Awkward Afternoons

C.A.R.T.E.R.

Saturday afternoons were my favorites. I get to spend some time alone, just relaxing while the initiates are out, having fun or just doing their own thing. It was the time of the week when magic training is done in the morning and so letting us have a magic free afternoon. So as for me, I'm just gonna read a book or watch a TV show that I had grew fond of. Well, usually that's what I do but you see, ever since we defeated Apophis, the atmosphere here in the house changed. Not only am I one of the teachers and everyone was looking up at me, calling me a hero and a leader. And I have to admit, I was quite happy and proud of myself. But of course being a 15 year old leader was still quite scary. I'm still a teenager and yet everyone expects me to act like a leader. I have to do what was best for everyone.

But also because one special someone just moved here with us.

Zia Rashid.

I rescued her the Red Sands last year and earlier this year, we defeated the evil serpent together. And after that, I took her to the mall to keep my promised date. And it was quite an interesting first date. She kissed me for the second time that day and we…well let's just say I have the girl I love here by my side.

So…as I was saying…this afternoon, I wanted to ask her to short stroll around the park. It was Autumn and the trees were a radiant shade of orange and the breeze is cool and fresh and I really wanted to spend time with her.

And here I am, pouring sahlab into my mug in the kitchen counter, Sadie and Walt were in the living room, watching. Felix was in the balcony, his penguins playing on the floor which he had covered in ice. Cleo was also in the balcony, reading a thick book and beside her sat Alyssa, who was engrossed in the latest edition of a pottery mag her parents had sent straight from North Carolina. The ankle-bitters ran around me in the kitchen, chasing each other with their crayons.

"Hi Carter"

I jumped in surprise as that familiar voice came through the kitchen. I turned and immediately, I felt the room heating up, or was it just my face.

"Zia! Ah…uh..hi..uh..hey," I stuttered.

Real smooth Carter,' I mentally smacked my face.

"Is that sahlab?" she asked, looking curiously at my steaming mug.

I stared down at my mug and looked up quickly, "Uh yeah..here have some."

I handed her my mug which fortunately I haven't drunk yet. "I'll just get another mug." I smiled sheepishly and stumbled over to the cupboards.

She smiled that warm and bright smile, her amber eyes looked so beautiful and endearing and I had trouble looking away. "Thanks"

I smiled back and poured myself another mug before facing her.

'Okay, do it, Carter. Ask her, NOW!' I mentally yelled at myself.

So, being the smooth talker I am, I began with a short conversation.

"So…great weather huh?" I started.

Yeah, look at me the smart Kane guy talking about clouds and sun and wind. Awesome huh.

Nah..

She looked out at the window and nodded, "Yeah. This is definitely something we don't usually see back at the First Nome. It was always hot and humid back there."

"Oh..you miss Egypt, huh." I guess I must've sounded disappointed, which I was but I didn't say that to her.

She stepped closer and touched my arm, making me jump. Again.

"Yes, but I'm here now. I like it here, Carter," she said.

I smiled, feeling the temperature around me go up another notch. She was so close, I could smell her cinnamon fragrance and her lemon shampoo. She was dressed in modern clothes; a mud brown t shirt which was quite big for her and a pair of light green cargo shorts and black slippers. I guess living with us for months, she had learned to also wear clothes like ours.

'Okay, try again, ask her now!'

I tried my best, I really did but she just beat me to it. I was 'this' close to finally asking her.

"You did well with the ankle-bitters this morning," she gave a small smile.

She just gave me a compliment. I've never been good with compliments before which is why I literally had trouble finding my words. And all I got out was: "uh..hehe…muh hum"

I cleared my throat. "Thanks. So…uh…what are you doing right now?"

She shrugged and sipped her sahlab. "Just read a book I guess. Cleo suggested this book…it's a classic…um…Gone With The Wind."

"Oh…" she was busy. I sighed in disappointment but thankfully, she didn't notice it this time.

"That's a pretty good book," I supplied.

She raised an eyebrow. "Really? You've read it?"

"I uh…yeah," I ran my hand through my hair sheepishly. "I spent a lot of time traveling with my dad and there wasn't much for me to do so I just read whatever book there was I could find. And that was one of those."

She nodded, looking at me intensely.

"Not that I'm a book worm or anything I just…my dad…and I…we..just…I just didn't have…I anything…but..you should read it.." I stuttered.

She suddenly smiled. "I think I'll start reading it now."

"Oh. I hope you uh…enjoy it. The story is..quite uh.." I continued to stutter.

Mentally, I was beating myself a dozen times.

Then, out of nowhere, she leaned in and kissed the side of my lips. "Thank you Carter."

I gaped at her and can you believe it? Stuttered. Again. "Uh..yea!hehe…uh…sure…um it was…uh nothing. Really."

She smiled again and squeezed my hand, before going back to her room. Her mug was left at the counter, empty. And all at once, I forgot all about my plan about a 'supposed' date with her. I sighed in frustration, running my hand through my hair exasperatedly.

"Brother, dear?" Sadie appeared beside me.

I glared at her.

"If that was your way of asking your girlfriend on a date, I'd say you're pretty hopeless."

Then she left, patting me on the back as she did.

I gulped the remaining sahlab in my mug and despite the hot fluid traveling down my throat; I focused on beating myself mentally.

"Well played Carter." I muttered to myself. "You really are the king of awkwardness."

I set my mug on counter as well, just beside Zia's and dragged myself back to my room, groaning all the way and ignoring Sadie's "Tsk tsk tsk's"

The End

So...how was it? This is just my first Zarter fic so I'm really sorry if it sucks... :\

Anyway...thank you for reading!

Mahalo!

~Angelica =)