So this is a new story. I apologize if I am slow updating, I am busy. I don't own PJO.

Percy sat in front of the TV, shifting the now cold food on his plate. He wasn't really hungry. Her food was probably cold too, even though he had placed her plate in the oven over an hour ago. He looked at the TV, only seeing the shapes and lights of the screen. It did not hold his attention. Percy suddenly perked up. He thought he had heard something.

The sound of heels ("Sensible yet stylish" as she had put it) clicked through the hallway. Percy stood up and took her food out of the oven. Yep, cold just like he knew it would be. He placed it on the counter and stood leaning on the doorway with his arms folded just as the lock clicked in the door.

Her brief case came in before she did. They stood their staring at each other as her briefcase thudded onto the floor. His eyes defiant and angry, hers uncharacteristically sad.

"So much for getting out of work at 7," Percy began, his voice dead and his eyes glaring.

"Percy…" Annabeth responded with a sigh.

"I ask one night of you! Just one! But no, work just has to come first doesn't it. You know, I—"

"Percy!" Annabeth sharply cut off his rant. For a moment her irritation showed in her eyes. "I have news," she said, more quietly this time. Her eyes held no irritation, just sadness again.

"What?" He responded, mirroring her tone. His mind was racing with the possibilities of what could be wrong. Did something happen to her dad? Did he crash one of his planes? Did something happen on Olympus? There was nothing on the news today…Did something happen at—

"I got a promotion."

"That's great, sweetheart. But why do you look like there's been a death in the family?" Percy asked with a grin as he walked over to her to peck her on the lips. This should be good news, right?

"Yeah…it's great," Annabeth replied attempting a smile, which looked more like a grimace. "But I'm not going to take it."

"Why wouldn't you take it, Wise Girl. You've work so hard, non-stop in fact, for this company."

"It's in San Francisco," Annabeth answered in a dull tone.

Oh.

"Oh."

Unconsciously Percy stepped backwards until he could plop on the couch.

Percy swallowed. He took a deep breath, preparing to say something. He repeated this 3 times before saying, "Well then…I guess you will moving across the United States."

"No. I won't. You are more important than this job is," Annabeth replied her eyes defiant this time.

Percy stood back up, "Yes. You will. You have worked so hard for this company, and I will not hold you back from everything you've ever wanted," Percy said as he walked back over to her, not believing he was saying this. "You will take the promotion. And y-you will light the world on fire." Percy started choking up at the end, knowing what this meant.

"Come with me," Annabeth pleaded, tears gathering in her eyes. She knew the attempt was futile. The pain in Percy's face was too much for her.

"You know I can't. I can't afford to leave here. I can't leave New York." Percy murmured brokenly as he put his forehead against hers.

"Please?" She breathed.

"I-I can't."

"So is this…?" She couldn't say it.

Almost imperceptibly Percy nodded. Now the tears started to wander down her face. She saw Percy flex his jaw like he did when he's in pain.

"I always thought…I thought we would be together…" Her eyes sought him. Sought some reassurance that maybe this wasn't actually the end. He always could surprise her.

"Me too," Percy replied softly, his tone broken. The pain in his chest was killing him. He wanted nothing more than to comfort her tears, but he couldn't. Not this time. "But I can't…I can't leave here…And I can't…You have to— you have to be the best. You have to take this job. And continue climbing up the company. And be— be the best."

Annabeth gasped for breath. She couldn't breathe. This couldn't be it. "But, I love you too much." Percy's face flashed with pain. "This can't…" This couldn't be the end.

In a final desperate attempt she stretched up to press her lips to his. She heard him sigh and felt the tears begin to slide down his face. It was a slow, soft kiss. A defeated, goodbye kiss. No! Annabeth thought as she wrapped her arms around Percy's neck and deepened the kiss.

But Percy stepped back with a sigh. "I'll sleep on the couch, I guess."

"O-Okay," Annabeth choked out. "I'll gather my stuff and leave tomorrow. My boss said the earlier I leave the better."

Percy nodded. Both their faces were tear streaked. He trudged over to the sofa, as she meandered over to the bedroom. Neither spoke a word.

She was gone in the morning, before he was even up.

Tell me what you think.