It was just getting dark as I shoved my suitcase into the back of the old car. Pushing on the top of the erupting bulge, I finally got the zipper unstuck, and it made a buzzing sound as I pulled it all the way closed. Sighing, I slammed the trunk down, and turned to the sullen faces around me. Giving a small smile, I sighed, "You guys look like you're going to a funeral. It's only going to be a week!" Grover pouted, "A long week..." And Juniper nodded her head in agreement, standing next to him. "I'll see you guys soon, okay?" I asked, my eyes trailing over the crowd. Everyone nodded except for one. I crossed my arms, raising an eyebrow at Percy. He bit his lip, looking down. "Seaweed Brain?" I asked, cocking my head. He looked up at me, his eyes red. "Fine." I groaned, turning and giving Juniper a tight hug. She wrapped her arms around me as well, and then I moved to Grover. After about twenty hugs, I finally came to Percy, who was looking at me like I was insane. "Are you really going?" he asked quietly. "It's a stinking week! It's not that big a deal!" I snorted. "I know, I meant... why? You're going all alone to the other side of the country? Why?" he repeated, his voice growing louder. "Maybe because my dad had a heart attack and I need to be there for him." I placed my hand on Percy's arm. "Now, would you give me a hug already?" I asked, and he gave a small smirk, wrapping his arms around my waist tightly. His hug lingered, and I felt him breathing against my ear. "I'll miss you." he whispered too quietly for anyone else to hear. I smiled, "Miss you more." I squeezed him. "Impossible." he whispered one more time, letting go of me with the slightest of smiles on his face. I sighed. I swear I turned bright red as he lost control, grabbing my waist and shoving his mouth against mine. After I got over the shock of his outburst, I twisted my fingers in his hair, moving with him until he pulled away, breathing heavily. "Sorry." he muttered, smiling. "Oh my gods Percy!" I stomped my foot. "What?" He laughed. "Never be sorry for kissing me. Ever." I punched his arm, and we both laughed. That's when I realized the crowd had dispersed, and only a few campers stood nearby, having a quiet conversation. "My flight leaves soon." I whispered, intertwining my fingers with his. He sighed, pulling me closer to him. "Percy, you know how much it would mean to me for you to come. You also know it wasn't my choice to not let you go either." I looked up at him. He closed his eyes, and then they flickered open, burning into mine. "I know. I can't go on a plane, that's it. Darn Zeus." "Hey, watch it!" I laughed, covering my head playfully. He stood up, in a heroic position that made me laugh. "Come and smite the savior of Olympus, will you?" he asked in a deep voice. I rolled my eyes, tackling him with another hug, which he gladly returned. "I have to go." I muttered into his neck. He gave me a tight squeeze, and I laughed, wheezing. "One last kiss?" he pouted as I began to turn away from him. I smirked, turning and wrapping my arms around his neck. His hands pressed against the small of my back, and I cocked my head to the side. He smiled, placing his forehead on mine, and looking into my eyes. "You gotta stay safe, away from those monsters. Once Nico gets back, I swear I'm not going to leave him alone until he lets me use Mrs. O'Leary to visit you. Three days. I promise." I began to protest, but his mouth was already on mine, and I decided this was more important. After about three seconds, I was swinging away from Percy's arms, flailing my arms in surprise. I whirled around, trying to catch my balance, but ended up falling face first into the ground. "Chiron wants you. Your plane leaves in an hour." I heard a familiar voice growl. "Clarrisse, why do you have to be so rude?" I snorted as she stalked away. Percy was behind me in a second, helping me up. I shivered against his chest, and he kissed the top of my head. "You okay?" he whispered. "Really Percy? I've held up the sky, and you think falling down is going to do me in?" I laughed, and he squeezed me tightly. "I held it too, you know." he chuckled. I twirled to face him, touching the silver streak in his hair gently. I thought it complimented his dark hair, and light eyes. Mine on the other hand, was a gray streak against blonde hair, which I didn't think would look as great. I trailed my fingers over his cheek, and stopped on his neck. He frowned, and I shook my head. "I'll see you soon." I said, reassuringly. "Yeah, see you." he whimpered, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. I stood up straight, pulling his mouth to mine once more. He seemed to tell me how much he would miss me in this kiss, because I could feel how strained it was. When I pulled away, his eyes were closed, and his eyebrows knit together like he was concentrating. I pulled away, leaving his hand to fall by his side. His green eyes flickered open, and I grabbed his hand, weaving my fingers with his. Swinging our hands as I dragged him behind me, he didn't seem so enthused. "What the heck has been the problem with you today? I'm seriously not going to, like, die!" I turned to him. He looked at me with pleading green eyes. "I had a dream." He whispered after awhile. It struck me then that he was, truly, overwhelmed with worry. "Percy I promise you, I will stay safe." I slung my arm around his neck, pecking his cheek. He sighed, burying his face in my hair and wrapping his arms around me in a tight hug. "See you." I grinned, trying to cheer him up. "Bye, Wise Girl." he mumbled, sliding away and letting me hop in the back seat of the car.