Sorry for the wait. Work has been insanely busy. But alas, here it is! Chapter III!

Disclaimer: I don't own Percy Jackson or it's characters blah blah blah, you get the point.

Aphrodite's POV

It was absolutely delightful. I had full access to the minds of Camp Half-Blood's 'it couple'. Well, I suppose they weren't a couple, yet. But that's what I'm here to fix. I was still amazed at my luck, finding Dionysus drunk as a mortal sailor on the steps of Olympus. It was fortunate for him that I am such a kind soul. Also, it didn't hurt that he had something I wanted. Oh, I love it when a plan comes together!

I grabbed the necklace that had been sitting on my throne. It was a little simple for my taste. All it was was a thin golden chain with a small stone in the center. It's what's inside the stone that is important. Light pink dust swirled inside the gem. I smiled to myself and clasped the chain around my neck.

Almost instantly, my head filled with the thoughts of the young heroes. Their voices spun around in my mind, both trying to over power the other. I took a deep breath. I needed to concentrate hard. The voices got quieter until the were mere whispers, ghosts of thoughts inside my mind next to my own. I sighed in relief. Part One of my plan seemed to be a success. With the heroes' minds at my control, all I had to do was will it to be so, and their thoughts would intrude the other's. But of course, they only needed to hear the good stuff.

I sat down in the empty throne room. Now I just had to sit, listen, and wait for the juicy thoughts to come pouring in. That's when the fun would start.

Annabeth's POV

Normally I would have been at the top of my game during archery. But I couldn't help but worry about that pink dust. Not to mention, I had a splitting head ache. The Goddess of Love sure works in weird ways. I knocked an arrow, drew back, and let it loose. 3" from the center. I could do better. I knocked another arrow and was about to fire when-

Come on Seaweed Brain! You got this.

I nearly jumped out of my own body. Was someone in my head? I heard a voice. It was a familiar voice. Had it been my imagination? I lowered my bow and looked around the camp. My eyes fell on the climbing wall. Percy was close to the top, lunging to dodge lave as it flowed down the one side. When he landed on the opposite ledge, our gazes met.

Oh crap! Has she been watching me? How long has-

Smack! He hadn't been paying attention when a boulder came crashing down on top off him. He slid and tumbled all the way to the bottom of the wall. I couldn't tell what the other campers were saying to him, but their faces showed a mix of amusement and sympathy. Percy picked himself up and brushed off his shirt. Out eyes met again, but he quickly looked away.

Great! Nice going, Jackson, really. She probably thinks you're a total loser now.

I didn't think that. I would never think that. Why would he think I'd think that? Wait a minute...

Oh my gods, I'm hearing Percy Jackson's thought! Why? How? What in Hades would-

"Aphrodite!" I realized.

That pink dust! Whatever it was, it allowed me to hear Percy's thoughts. Oh no, this was bad. This was really, really, really bad!

I had managed to get through the rest of archery without getting distracted again by Percy. Now that I thought about it, everything made perfect sense. That dust lets me hear Percy's thoughts. But from what I can tell, it only works because he's thinking about me. In spite of myself, I smiled. It happened a lot more often then I expected. When archery finally ended, I ran to the climbing wall.

I searched for Percy, but he had already left. Figures. I did happen to spot Mark. Double figures. Before I could duck out of sight, he saw me and waved. I gave a fake smile and waved back. He trotted up to me with a huge, stupid grin plastered on his face.

"Hey Annabeth!" he said, "Saw you at target practice. You're a natural."

I blushed. Why? I have no clue.

"Thanks Mark." I said halfheartedly.

"You want to head over to the obstacle course? See who can finish fastest?"

I thought about it. Mark was, well, Mark. But he was sweet and I didn't want to lead him on. But hey, it was an obstacle course race. What could be the harm?

"Sure."

Together we ran down to the obstacle course. When we arrived, Percy was with Grover talking about one thing or another. He took one look at us and his expression stiffened.

What does she see in that jerk? I'll bet its his hair. They always go for the blondes.

I'll admit, I was shocked. Why was he being so bitter? I couldn't help but get a little mad. Mark was sort of annoying, but he was a good guy. I hadn't taken Percy for the jealous type. Chiron stood at the beginning of the course. His gaze was drifting around the crowd of campers. After a few minutes, he slammed his staff on the ground. Everyone was quiet, instantly.

"Alright, listen up," his voice bellowed, "today things are going to run a bit differently. You'll be running the course with a partner, each of you allowed one sword, a spear, or a shield. Two groups will go at a time. As long as one partner makes it across the line, your team wins. No dirty tricks, just fair combat. Use your surroundings to your advantage. Everyone understand?"

We all nodded.

"Alright, partner up. I want to separate columns. Let's go!"

Mark turned to me. I wanted to disappear.

"Hey Annabeth, you want to-"

Oh Hades, no.

"Actually, Mark," Percy said at my side, "I'm her partner."

Our shoulders were touching. I couldn't decide if I was relieved or angry. Mark looked like a little kid you'd promised a cookie then ate it right in front of him.

"Oh, that's cool. See you later then."

He slumped away miserably. I felt kind of bad. I turned to Percy.

"What was that, Seaweed Brain?" I demanded.

"Nothing." he replied with that dumb grin of his, "Just calling dibs on the best fighter here."

And the most brilliant strategist I've ever met. Not to mention the hottest girl in camp.

I wonder if my cheeks were as read as they felt. I slugged his arm and couldn't help but smile. He did, too.

Gods, I want to kiss you.

I thought I was going to choke. I quickly grabbed his arm and hurried to the line of partners. It was going to be a long day.

Well, what do you think? Yes? No? Maybe? Lobster? Anyway, please review, favorite, or follow. Thanks so much for reading and I'll see you in chapter 4!