.Chapter 4

"She's the only reason I even own a stinking tie." Both Percy and Octavian thought as they prepared in front of separate mirrors in their separate apartments. Octavian had a cool tie. Pac man chasing ghosts. Percy was actually still just borrowing from Paul. His tie was dark purple his shirt (this one he owned) was light purple and he just barely made the Camp Half Blood cut for what could be considered fashion.

"Nice tie dude. " Percy muttered as they waited for their dates.

"Thanks it's my only one without Pokemon on it." For a second Percy thought he was kidding.

"I'm gonna start calling you Teddiursa." Percy replied in complete seriousness.

"Aw but I wanna be sandshrew!" Legitimately impossible to say no to the face Octavian was making.

"W-what why?"

"My favorite. " Smirky smirk.

"Odd favorite. " Ooh challenge.

"My sandshrew army can dominate!"

"I bet you taught them a bunch of tms!"

"Wait a second so this was their idea? " Annabeth's voice could cut through any Pokemon debate no matter its importance.

"Yep all them. " Octavian looked up at Rachel.

"Sweetie, darling, you like Sandshrew right?"

"Yeah okay. You know we have reservations you could've sat down."

"Yes but we couldn't agree on which of us got to pull the chair out for the other. " Percy said cheekily. Annabeth hit him playfully. Rachel laughed and linked arms with her date.

Things got a little tense during ordering.

"Percy I understand why this is important to you but you can't order blue food!" Annabeth was growing exasperated. Every time they went anywhere he did this!

"But it's better!" He whined.

"But it's the same! And they don't serve it." Percy had gasped. THE SAME?!

"I beg to differ. Blue adds flair, and the back story adds character." Octavian defended.

"When did you two become besties?" Annabeth asked, confused.

"A while ago. You're right Ian, they should serve it at restaurants." Rachel cocked her head. Ian? That was her special nickname for Octavian, so she didn't feel comfortable with Percy using it.

"It's okay. It wouldn't be as good as your mom's food." Octavian comforted with a smile. Percy smiled back.

"Thanks dude."

"When did he go to your house?" Annabeth asked, appalled.

"Like a week ago?" Percy shrugged.

"What's going on between you two?" She asked.

"Percy wanted my help." In his defense, he didn't know that he said the wrong thing. It seemed innocent.

"You had a problem and you didn't come to me?!"Annabeth's face was a little red. Percy sighed.

"Annabeth, it wasn't like that-"

"Sure fine! But you went to him?!"

"Do you have something against my boyfriend?" Rachel snapped.

"Only that he has a kind of horrible track record!" Octavian studied the silverware and Percy made the water in his glass bubble. Rachel was aghast.

"So did Luke!"

"I went to Octavian because I felt like the monster people see him as! But everyone's staring so can we hate each other after we eat?" His voice was commanding. In charge. A little scary. The rest of the double date was quiet. Then they left and the explosion began."

"Percy why didn't you come to me?"

"I didn't want to worry you and I didn't think you'd understand being feared."

"Oh you don't fear me?" She challenged.

"No ma'am!" He apologized earnestly.

"I'm sorry," Rachel began, not sounding the least bit sorry,

"Let's talk about the fact that both of you are fake friends since you don't trust my choice and think my boyfriend is a monster."

"Rachel it's okay!" Octavian mediated.

"No it's not! You're amazing and they misjudged you." He took both her hands.

"Sweetheart you might be misjudging them."

"Rachel, I know Octavian isn't a monster. But when I came to him I simply knew that he knows what it's like to feel like a monster. Which is what I deal with whenever I freak out my friends. Annabeth I'm sorry I didn't tell you but Octavian and I are helping each other. It's for the best I went to him and I promise I won't keep secrets from you anymore." Annabeth sighed and nodded.

"Well then I am sorry for overreacting. But never think I'm afraid of you, or that I'll run away from you. Because I love you."

"I'm sorry for misjudging." Rachel spoke up. Octavian cleared his throat.

"I'm sorry for giving any of you the impression that I'm a monster. It's my biggest regret." Annabeth studied him, suddenly sad.

"I think I owe you more than apology."

"Pay it forward then. Be someone's hero." Percy was the only one who caught the Hero's duty reference, and smiled at Octavian. Date night hadn't failed after all.

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