Chapter 3: Meeting Eddie.

(A/N) Sorry about the late chapter; but I'm focusing on dealing with the other story and then there's the family shit I have to sort out; so please I ask you to be patient for me. Thank you. So sorry to Rajput; Percyolympian and everyone else but here's the next chapter.

Disclaimer: I don't own PJATO/HoO or the Twilight saga. Both are properties of Rick Riordan and Stephanie Meyer respectively.

~In society a hero is measured by his failures; in life a hero is measured by his drive for success~
~Anonymous~

(After the attack)

Percy was more than a little ticked off. They'd just screwed up his favourited shirt and no he had a wound in his side to join the already slightly scarred body. The rain water and damp atmosphere helped somewhat but only saltwater could really heal this injury. He silently cursed his luck as he moved off to the trunk of the police cruiser. Opening it up he winced slightly at the small movement.

He went straight for his sports bag which held the essentials of a demigod. A bag of ambrosia; Greek fire; a spare sword; some money (both mortal and godly); spare clothes; and a trap that would eject a small spear into the face of anyone who tried opening it wrong. So all in all, nothing fancy. He zipped it open and took out the ambrosia first. As always the heavenly taste made him felt better and healed his injuries more thoroughly but now he was standing in the middle of the street half naked while it was raining.

He took out on of the shirts; a black shirt he'd gotten as present from Thalia for Christmas. It had Thalia's favourite band as logo on the shirt. Shaking his head at his cousin's gift he put it on; it gave him a little ego boost when he found his muscles stretched the fabric a little. Percy zipped up the sports bag carefully before taking it out along with his travel bag.

He carried them easily up the stairs as he slung the sports bag over his head to open the door. When he opened it he found Charlie listening to the news. It was a report on recent attacks near Seattle. The man was muttering angrily to himself shaking his head. Percy looked at him weirdly before moving on seeing as the man was too involved with the news. He looked around.

The place was nothing he wasn't used to. A small living room with a coffee table and three couches and a flat screen TV. Then there was the hall leading to what he guessed was the kitchen. It had no door but stood open to the side. Then the stairs that lead upstairs. He dropped the travel bag containing everything he owned and then carefully laid the sports bag on the ground.

Percy walked to catching taking a glimpse in every sight. His ADHD helped him notice the smaller details; but there wasn't much. A medical kit stood off to the side; which Percy might have to use later. His wound had been healed partially but the more stretching movements would hurt. He silently thanked Chiron for those first aid classes at camp. He walked into the kitchen noting the heavenly smell.

The kitchen...well was a kitchen there wasn't much special about it. There was a counter table of to the side though along with a more central table. He watched Bella take concentrate on the cooking as she watched the clock anxiously. He frowned as he looked at it. 17:55. "Waiting for someone?" He asked effectively causing Bella to gasp and jump before looking at him.

Bella's heart hammered as she looked at him; how had he sneaked up on her? Granted she wasn't paying as much attention to her surroundings as she should have but it was something reminiscent of Edward really. "Jeez, Percy, don't scare me like that." He had the decency to look sheepish.

"Sorry," He said rubbing the back of his neck; "I guess I'm just used to being silent." He shrugged half-heartedly.

"Maybe," Bella said as she looked at the shirt confused; "I thought you were wearing a blue shirt?" She said with a frown. Percy frowned too; how'd she notice that? Charlie who was a cop himself hadn't noticed.

Percy waved is hands palm up as he floundered for an answer. "I got it drenched and decided to hang it on a branch; I'll have to go get it later." He offered lamely but surprisingly Bella accepted it. "So who's Eddie?" Percy asked with a smile as he wagged his eyebrows suggestively.

Bella threw a cloth to his face blushing profusely; "His name's Edward," She said, "And you can get rid of that smile; or he can get rid of it for you?" She said with a smile.

Percy scoffed as he took the cloth and threw it onto a counter; "I'm pretty sure I could take on Eddie." He added a mock swoon at the name to get under his cousin's skin a little.

"Not even here an hour . . ." Bella muttered shaking her head before an idea hit her; "Don't get so happy Perce; sooner or later I'm gonna set you up with a date." Percy's smile left his face quickly and he shook his head.

"I, uh, don't think I'm ready for another girlfriend right now." He muttered as he moved to leave, "Um, just tell me when the food's ready; I'm going to put my stuff away."

Bella watched him go away confused, what just happened? "Percy!" Bella called ignoring the food for a second as the son of Poseidon turned to meet her gaze; "Um, there's a letter from your dad on the counter." She then went back to stirring the pasta. Glancing at the clock she noted that Edward would almost arrive in two minutes or so. She gulped wondering how he'd handle Percy and vice versa.

Percy went straight for the letter his good mood he'd garnered talking with Bella deflated. He didn't blame Bella for mentioning it but the memories were just a little too fresh in his mind. He picked it up recognizing the elegant hand writing of his father. Opening it up he was glad to find the words in ancient Greek.

Dear Percy

Hello son; I know times have been tough recently and I am pained I cannot help you go through everything. I will help in the miniscule ways I can but that is all I can do without Zeus finding out. Remember son; what happened was not your fault; we all trust the wrong people at some point of life. I'm sorry son; when it happened I should have done more; argued stronger; fought more for your rights. I hope that in time you can forgive me; if not I understand but know that even without your forgiveness I will always have your back.

Your father, Poseidon

Percy looked at the letter with a clenched hand; he didn't' blame his father. Didn't see how his father could do more. It was her choice who she stood beside; he'd done what he could but in the end she'd chosen someone else over him. Shaking the memories from his mind he looked to the side hearing the ring of doorbell. Percy looked to Charlie who groaned in annoyance as he watched the clock. 18:00.

"Damn Pretty boy." He heard the man mutter as he stood up with a sigh and move towards the door slowly drawing out the moments before he had to meet Bella's boyfriend. Percy watched all this from five metres away; leaning against the table he'd found the letter on. Bella soon came bounding in looking considerably more happy and nervous at the same time.

The door opened and in stepped Edward. Edward paused as he smelled it and then he gulped as he looked at Percy for a second who seemed to be watching him warily too. Then as if nothing had happened Edward leaned in and hugged Bella; before holding a hand out to Charlie who shook it with reservations. Charlie made an overly exaggerated gesture to come in and Percy stepped forward.

Percy had over the years learned to trust his instincts; and the gut feeling he had to be wary of this mortal was something he wasn't going to ignore. Still; through practice of doing it before; Percy shook hands with him without eliciting a grimace. "Percy Jackson," The son of Poseidon said.

Edward held his breath for a second. The kid reeked of what seemed royalty and strangely the ocean. It was a weird smell but it was something that nearly sent his hunger into over drive. It wasn't like Bella though. To Edward Bella smelled of a lot of things he loved but Percy? Percy smelled like a delicious meal. He would have to talk to Carlisle about this later; along with the fact that the guy had had the same eyes as the shadowed fighter in Alice's vision. Then there was the scariest factor of all; he couldn't read the kid's mind…

"Edward Cullen," The vampire said finally after he was sure he'd gotten control. "You're Bella's cousin right?" He asked.

Percy raised an eyebrow and acted like the vampire's presence didn't affect him. Percy wasn't sure if Eddie was a mortal or a monster so there was no reason to rush into things…yet. "Is that all Bella's told you about me?" he asked curiously as he watched his cousin gain a guilty face. "'Cause I don't know much about you."

Edward kept the charming smile as he said; "She's only told me you had it rough," He said. They were still shaking hands and eyeing each other as if gauging the threat. "And there's not much to tell; I live here with my family."

Percy had done this before. At least it felt that way. It had the awkward feeling of two animals sizing each other up to see that'd die first. Percy let go of the hand as he turned to Bella while watching Edward in the corner of his eye. "Is the food ready?" he asked calmly. "Because I'm hungry."

Charlie had been blissfully oblivious to the encounter but Bella had noticed it and decided to question Edward later tonight. "Uh, yeah," She said distractedly before moving to the food with Edward following; Percy moving off with a frown to pack his stuff in a closet and Charlie staying behind to listen to the sports report on CNN. As they walked to the kitchen Bella whispered to Edward. "So what happened back there?"

Edward watched silently from his peripheral vision as Percy went up the stairs. "He's different." He finally said. "I've never encountered someone smelling quite like that or seeming that dangerous. It's…" He looked to Bella showing his confusion. "Let's talk about that later; for now you should eat." He watched Bella work delight himself in the small movements she made that to any other person would look restricted and reserved but he only saw grace.

Soon Bella had three plates of food ready and Edward watched the human food with a little distaste. "Percy; dad! Food's ready!" Both had been there faster than Bella expected. "Whoa; okay," She said as both grabbed their plates and sat at the table. "A thank you would do."

Percy eyed Edward before giving Bella a broad smile; "Thanks Bella it smells great." While he'd been upstairs he'd contemplated telling Chiron and the others and asking for help but ultimately decided against it; it would ultimately end with demigods showing up and her hearing it. He would keep that for a last resort.

"Yeah Bells; you out did yourself!" Charlie piped up with a huge smile as he had almost half of the food in his mouth.

Percy looked from Bella to Edward, "You not eating?" Percy asked suspiciously. "Because this is good food."

Edward looked from Percy to the plate of pasta slightly with a grimace; "I'm on a specific diet." He said and Percy raised an eyebrow but said nothing. "So," Edward tried initializing a conversation with Percy; "You going to Forks high?"

Percy had given that some thought as he looked at the guy warily; "Why are you asking?"

"Because me and Bella are in the school; this year's our final year;" he said with a small smile as if thinking of an inside joke. "You're what sixteen-"

"Seventeen," Percy said as he thought it over. Now he had a new factor to consider. Not only could an education help him but now he could keep an eye on Eddie. Charlie was looking at Percy curiously as Percy contemplated. Percy sighed; "Yeah; I'll be going to school; I still have to complete this year." Charlie smiled broadly at the statement. Not only would Percy get a real school experience but now he had a spy at the school. Today was slowly becoming a good day for the overprotective father.

"That's good Perce," Charlie said smacking the demigod's back and then wiped his mouth. It surprised Percy how fast the mortal could eat; he'd only witnessed children of Ares eat that fast. He still had a quarter of his food left. "I'll sort out all the technical stuff; you should just get ready for school…When do you wanna start?"

Percy thought about it; today was Sunday. He still had something he wanted to do tomorrow so the day after that. "I think Tuesday would be best; I have things I want to do."

Edward stayed silent throughout the exchange as did Bella. They both looked at Percy curiously; "So Percy," Bella finally broke in. "Tell us a bit about yourself." It was an innocent question; after his reaction on the subject of a possible girlfriend Bella had been overly curious. "Like what you did back in the big apple."

Percy felt it again; the three pairs of eyes peering through him. He hated the attention; after all when you're a demigod the most attention you could get was from monsters so nobody really liked drawing attention to themselves. Well except Clarisse; she loved to be the centre of attention for any monster. "There's not much to tell," He shrugged half-heartedly; "I wanted to get away from the city life and…other things; so I came for some peace."

Bella sighed softly to herself; of course she knew he wouldn't give the answers of what happened to him outright. It would take time to help her cousin heal. "You're big you know; I hear their bringing back outdoor sports this year." Percy grimaced at the thought; before taking the last bite of his food. "You'd do well as player; hell you could probably be the biggest line backer in Washington." It was a weak attempt to have him smile.

Percy shook his head; "I haven't played many sports; I don't think I'd do that well." He picked up Charlie's plate and moved to the dishwasher. Before he'd even gotten his food done Charlie had moved off to the TV. Percy could faintly hear an announcer say the two teams' names and he guessed he was watching some NFL. Bella and Edward were still there talking to each other.

When Percy looked at them he actually pained a little; he'd been in a similar situation before. He almost let the tears that welled up fall before washing his face quickly and shaking his head. He looked again at the couple and frowned. If Edward was a monster and this was his true form; did that mean monsters could fall in love? Or was this just a hoax.

Percy rubbed a tired hand through the very long raven black hair. He looked to the clock; then moved to watch the game with Charlie leaving the couple to their lonesome. "Who's winning?"

Charlie scoffed; "Are you kidding? The Jets are wiping the floor with these rookies." For the first time in a very long time Percy relaxed and watched a football game. It might not seem like much but for a kid who'd been in a coma for six months; fought two wars and still lost something valuable it signified something. It signified stability and safety but much more importantly it signified a new start.

He looked back to the kitchen then the screen; he'd give Eddie the benefit of the doubt for now; but if he did anything to Bella Percy swore on the river Styx he'd run the man through with Riptide. He settled down slowly and relaxed fully letting his muscles which seemed to be on a paranoid tension go slack. It was something about what he'd gone through; a survival instinct ingrained in his muscle memory.

After a full three hours though Charlie seemed to go tired. He looked to the clock and then the kitchen; "You have ten minutes before Edward leaves Bella!" He warned his daughter who replied back with an okay. Charlie grumbled to himself about what he'd do if pretty boy didn't leave but decided for now to keep the shotgun away.

"Is Bella grounded or something?" Percy asked from next to Charlie.

Charlie harrumphed; "Yeah; for riding a bike-"

"Is that all?"

Charlie scoffed; "There are other reasons but that's the primary reason," He seemed concerned and his face frowned; "If she'd have died." He said leaving it there. Percy looked to the kitchen before sighing and moving to it. "Where are you going?" Charlie asked confused.

"I'm gonna have a talk with pretty boy." Percy said smiling slightly towards the older man; "And see if I can scare him."

Charlie chuckled. "You're gonna do fine in this house kid." He said and laid back down on the couch to watch the highlights. Charlie's day had improved by tenfold now.

Percy walked into the kitchen watching as the couple kissed. Rolling his eyes he moved to the couple. "If you're quite done," Percy said shocking Bella but Edward didn't seem that surprised; "I wanna have a little conversation with Eddie."

Bella looked at Percy then Edward before sighing "Not even here a day and he's already taking after Charlie." She said motioning that she'd leave. She went to sit with Charlie as Percy took a seat on the opposite side of Eddie.

"Listen," Percy said in a deathly calm causing Edward to frown at the cold feeling he had travelling down his spine; was that a little bit of fear? "I don't know who you are and I'm not quite sure I wanna know but you see Bella's my cousin."

Edward nodded a little warily; "I don't mean any harm-"

"I don't care what you mean." Percy interjected; "Now I'm doing something that goes against what I believe in; I'm giving you a chance. You see I came here for peace and I don't want to be the cause of another fight or tragedy. So I'm giving a chance and a warning." Edward stayed silent as he listened; he watched each reaction of the person in front of him warily; "If you hurt Bella, or if she gets hurt by anyone you know or have ever met; I promise I will hurt you so bad that pleasure would be a distant memory." Percy's eyes flashed as if a storm was inside them; "Got that?"

Edward gulped slowly; why did he feel like this was such a big deal? The kid was a mortal, right? He nodded; "Alright." Percy watched him warily before holing out a tentative hand.

"Good luck." The son of Poseidon muttered as he went to the front and noticed the time of the clock. 22:45. the day had gone by uncannily fast. Shrugging it off as time difference Percy moved forward along with Edward who would now be leaving. Once they reached the front a slightly shaken Edward kissed Bella goodbye before saying good bye to Charlie who merely grunted in response. He gave one look to Percy; nodded; and moved out the open door.

Bella closed it behind him as she said something about homework and went up. Charlie looked at Bella's retreating form before yawning and standing up with a small groan. He looked at Percy, "Well I'm going to bed; sorry but the basement is still a little unliveable. I'll get someone on the cleaning and heavy lifting tomorrow but for now all I can offer is the couch."

Percy shook his head; "Don't worry I'll sort out the basement; and thank you the couch is fine I've slept in far worse places." Charlie was too tired to ask why but nodded and went up. "Hey Charlie," Percy called to his uncle who stopped as he heard Percy call him; "Thanks again; for taking me in."

Charlie waved it away; "No worries kid; I'd do it again in a heartbeat." He headed back up yelling a "good night!"

Percy sat on the couch frowning. Today was a weird day. Coming into a strange town; meeting Bella; getting a car; getting a girl's number; a letter from dad and meeting Edward Cullen. Percy was tired but he wasn't going to sleep. So he put on the TV and watched TV the whole night to escape his nightmares; he could only hope tomorrow would be a better day.

(A/N) Yes; I haven't updated in a while; as well as kept my former promise and believe me I hate myself for that but is something I can't avoid. I can promise one thing though; I WILL FINISH THIS STORY.

Also I've recently found a few Leah/Percy stories but I'm not sure about the pairing; tell me what you think? There's also a reviewer who said I shouldn't rush for a pairing or be pressured into pairing him with anyone. So I'm asking the readers who they want as a pairing. No male/male though; I have nothing against it but it feels strange writing it. (R.M.K.-Liliith Syvr thank you)

Thank you for reading and your patience as well as your support. Please review!