Hello, beautiful souls! (Jessis McCartney, am I right?) I'm not dead. Though I just started college so I'm halfway there. That's pretty much why this took a little bit longer than expected. But, on the bright side, it's a pretty long chapter. So that should make up for it.

Really quick, I just have to say, you guys were AWESOME last chapter with reviews! Like I was blown away. I was like "oh my gosh this is insane". Kinda flipped. Thank you so much for that. With that being said, let's jump into the thank you because there's a lot!

Dantikat: Hello, again! I'm glad to see you! I LOVE Nico! I definitely wanted him to have a bigger role in my story. You'll be seeing a lot of him. I'm glad you've decided to keep up with the story. Also, thank you so much for continuing to review. You have no idea how much that means. I hope you keep enjoying!

percabeth-fan4ever: Hello, lovely! Thank you for reviewing. Yes, I too, like the Annabeth/Nico dynamic. There will be a lot of that. I have made a decision on Luke! Be sure to read the author's note at the bottom. It will explain! I'm really excited you like the story!

Marethyu-in-Tartarus: OHMYGOODNESS YOU'RE BACK IM SO EXCITED. Okay, freak out over. Hello, again! I know, they're so adorable! I'm glad you love the story! And thank you so much for continuing to review. They make my day!

xcardinalsinsx: Hello! I'm so glad you're enjoying the story! Yes, I didn't want to rush the relationship. I want it to seem at least somewhat realistic!

LunaLovegood220022: Hello, lovely! I don't know, but I'm super duper excited you found it! I ship all of them so hard it's ridiculous. Trust me, you are that amazing one! Thank you, thank you, thank you for reviewing!

Percabeth824: Everytime your username pops up I'm like "yo! That's my homeslice!" Lol. It's always amazing to see you! I agree 100% with you about Luke. There will be something about it in the author's note at the bottom. There will be a lot of bonding between Annabeth and the group, so no need to worry about that. I'm really happy you liked it, and thank you so much for being one of my main reviewers!

Fratzy: Hello, you wonderful person! I'm so happy you're back! Annabeth actually has quite the breakthrough in this chapter! Hallelujah! I'm so happy you liked it! Thank you so much for your reviews! They make my day!

Guest "good stuff": haha thank you :). My favorite jokes are puns, and they drive my best friend insane. But I'm glad you think I'm funny! Thank you so much for reading AND reviewing!

Wham and bam. Idk. Here's the story!

The chime of the bell echoed through Annabeth's mind as they walked into the quaint shop. She always loved coming there. Not only did it have the wonderful smell of coffee, but it had an overall cozy feel. There was a small fireplace with a seating area semi circled around it. Funky pictures decorated the walls, and fall colors were splashed here and there. Homey, is the word she would use.

With his hand still clutching hers, Percy approached the counter. His brows pulled together as he examined the menu. He looked so focused. Precious. Honestly, same thing.

"Hmmm. This is the hardest part. Everything looks so good. I never know what to get." His voice was riddled with thought and Annabeth had to bite her lips so she didn't laugh.

"It's just a drink. Do what I do and stick to a usual order. It takes the pain out of the situation."

He whipped his face towards her.

"Honestly. You only ever get one drink? Chai lattes? That's it?" He spoke as if it were a mortal sin.

She nodded her head, and quirked an eyebrow in confusion. "I mean, if I'm really tired, I'll get a macchiato. But that's rare."

"You are so, so, so, soooo-"

"Get on with it."

"Boring. Irrevocably, unapologetically boring."

Yes, she was impressed with his word choice. Not surprised, though. Not in the least bit. She had learned, in the minuscule amount of time that she'd known him, that Percy Jackson was a lot of things. But he wasn't stupid. Too witty for his own good, more like. That didn't stop her from calling him an idiot.

"You're such an idiot. I'm not boring, just," she found herself searching for a word, "…safe," she settled on.

"Safe? Were you not just telling me it's just a drink?"

"I guess." She really couldn't argue with him.

He gripped the hand that was in his and pulled her closer. Now, their sides were pressed against each other. Annabeth went ridged and she held her breath. He was close. So close. How did guys manage to smell so damn good?

Before she could do something stupid, like tell him he smelled so damn good, he spoke up.

"Right there. That's the one. Caramel frappuccino. That's the one you're trying." He finished the statement with a final nod then turned to her. He slightly flinched at the hard look she was giving him. Good. He should be scared.

" Are you mental?" Trust her. That wasn't a rhetorical question. "It's like, -30 degrees outside, and you want me to get a drink made out of ice?"

"But it's not -30 degrees in here, Annabeth." The condescending way he said her name made her eye twitch. "Trust me, darling. They're delicious. Life changing really." He looked back towards her and apparently saw that she was about to protest. So he hit her with a Hail Mary. "Oh, I understand now. I get it, really. You can't let loose. Can't take a risk, though this hardly counts as one. It's fine, Annabeth. Go for the monotonous chai latte. It's safe, after all."

No. He. Did. Not.

Who in the hell did he think he was? Wait. Why wasn't this being said out loud?

"Who in the hell do you think you are?" Without preamble, she threw his hand towards his body and marched up to the register. Smoke was practically billowing from her ears, and the employee looked terrified.

"How-how may I help you ma'am?" She tried to sound confident but failed.

"Two medium, caramel frappuccinos. On that asshole," she quipped while pointing towards Percy. The black-haired idiot had the nerve to laugh.

Without further discussion, she did a 180 and stalked toward her favorite window seat. She fumed while staring out of the wide framed view. She wrapped her arms around herself and clutched tightly. Truth being told, she was overreacting monumentally. But as much as she tried to tell herself she was, she wasn't angry. She was embarrassed. He was right. Without a doubt. She couldn't let loose. Not even for a stupid coffee. But her straightlaced efforts got her through life. And, of course, old habits die hard. How silly did she look? She didn't want to know.

A couple minutes later, a small brown bag plopped onto the table in front of her. She looked up to see Percy taking a seat across from her.

"You forgot about the muffin. But I didn't," he said while tapping the side of his head. Cute. Ugh.

She wanted to say something but didn't know how to start. So she simply took the drink that he slid toward her.

Percy sighed. "Look, Annabeth, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to offend you. Here," he said while standing up. "I'll go get your usual order."

The sad look on his face made her panic. She jumped to her feet abruptly. Her chair scraped the floor and gained some attention. Percy sent her a questioning look.

"No. No. Don't do that. I was being a bitch. I do that sometimes. To everyone. So don't take it personally. It's just a drink. Plus, sometimes new things aren't so bad. So, bottom line, you're not an asshole and I'm not mad." Woah. Why was she being so apologetic? That was definitely new. But she always gave the guy a hard time. It wouldn't hurt to lay off just this once.

"If you're sure," Percy whispered while slowly sitting down.

Annabeth nodded, and that was all he needed.

"So…," Percy started off, "hi?"

Annabeth shook her head with an unamused expression. "Smooth."

He deflated and pulled his drink closer. Red rushed his cheeks and Annabeth smirked. "Shut up. I'm trying here."

"I see that." She crossed her legs and leaned back in her chair. "What did Leo need the notes for?" She took a sip of her drink, satisfied with her ice breaker. The cool liquid was sweet and refreshing. It was really good. And Percy was really right. And this made Annabeth really aggravated. "It's good," she commented nonchalantly.

Percy smirked in a way that said I told you so, but he didn't acknowledge it. Bless him.

"He needed them for bio-chem. He's in the same class as me, but he's a slacker. So he has to mooch off all the good students." He rolled his eyes, but she could tell it was fondly.

"You and the guys are pretty close, huh?" She asked him, but she already knew. It was obvious how much they cared for each other.

He shrugged and fiddled with his straw. "They're family. Jason's been my best friend since high school, same with Leo. Nico's technically my cousin, but we've always been more like brothers. He's a year younger, but he acts older than all of us. He's definitely the person I'd call if I got arrested or if I, like, murdered someone or something" she snorted at this. "Frank is relatively new to the group, but we love him all the same." He finished by taking a big sip of his drink.

"You guys are cute. Bromance all the way." She placed her hand on her heart condescendingly.

"You think I'm cute," Percy asked while wiggling his eyebrows.

"The dynamic is. I don't find idiots attractive." Annabeth looked out the window, hoping to hide her blush. She ignored the offended gasp he let out, and went on to ask another question. "What's your major?"

His entire posture changed. Suddenly, he was sitting up straight with a beaming smile on his face. Whatever it was, he had a true passion for it.

"Marine biology." His excitement was contagious, and Annabeth couldn't help but share his enthusiasm.

"That's really cool. Impressive even. Why marine biology?"

His smile turned serene. "I've always loved the ocean. It's such an indescribable force. It's like a whole other world on a world. Does that even make sense?" His nose scrunched up and Annabeth chuckled.

"Yes it does." She set her drink down and focused solely on him.

"Anyways, it's so polluted right now, and it's getting worse. It's the saddest thing ever. We can't let something like that go to waste. So this is me doing my part. Plus, I would get to work at the place I love for a living. That's legit." He sounded like he couldn't wait for the future. It was a strange perspective for someone like him. He was always so easy going, and it was interesting knowing that he had long term goals of that size.

Annabeth nodded. "Legit, indeed."

He scooted his chair closer to the table, and rested his elbows on it. He interlaced his hands, and rested his chin on them. "Alright, my turn. Hm, this has to be a good one. Got it. What's your favorite color?"

"Oh boy. That's a good one alright." He grumbled something, but she answered anyways. "Gray."

"Gray? That's different." He pursed his lips slightly as if he were scrutinizing her.

"There's nothing wrong with gray. It's a soft color."

He tilted his head back and forth, and it made his inky hair fall into his face. He was so effortlessly endearing. It was infuriating.

"I'll buy it. It does seem soft."

"Glad you see it my way. Okay, next question. Um, let's see, I'm not very good at these things," she racked her brain for anything to continue their impromptu twenty questions type game. While picking at the wrapping on her muffin, she thought of one. "Who is your hero?"

For the second time, utter joy broke across his face. But this time it was doubled. There was something very pure about it. When Percy was proud of something, he wore it on his sleeve.

"My mom. One hundred percent. She's my everything." When he finished his statement, he set his eyes on the table, and his cheeks turned a little red. When he scratched the back of his neck, Annabeth spoke up to alleviate him from some of his embarrassment.

"I think that's admirable. There's nothing wrong with being a momma's boy." And she meant it. She, of all people, knew how important mothers were. She broke off a piece of her muffin and held it out to him.

His sea green eyes flashed to hers. She was always startled by the vibrant color. It seemed as though she would never get used to them. He took it and smiled in thanks.

"I know, I know. The guys pick on me for it, but I'm nowhere near ashamed. She's the strongest woman I know. Strongest person. She's been through such a rough life, yet she turned out to be the kindest, most gentlest human on earth. I love her with my whole heart." Honestly, it was so hard to dislike this guy. What kind of twenty year old dude so openly professes the deep rooted love he has for his mother? It was obvious how close they were considering the way he spoke about her. Annabeth felt a pinch of jealousy behind her sternum, but she shook it off. She knew the cards she was dealt.

"What's her name," Annabeth urged, wanting to know more about this supposed super mom. For some reason, the thought of her comforted Annabeth.

"Sally," Percy said her name as if it it were the title of a precious stone.

"Sally," Annabeth tested it out, "Sally has raised a great kid." He choked a little on the muffin, and his face flushed. She didn't blame him. It wasn't everyday that she complimented him.

"Yeah, yeah. Okay, I answered. You're turn," he spoke while turning his straw in a circular motion.

The answer was easy. But it was the hardest thing in the world to say. She watched a drop of condensation fall from her drink and tried to muster the courage. Annabeth inhaled deeply and looked him in the eye.

"My mom too," she answered honestly.

His eyes lit up. "Gasp! Twins. I bet she's awesome." His enthusiasm bled through his voice, and she hated that her reply would ruin it.

"She was," She smiled weakly. Emotions flooded his eyes like a slideshow. First confusion. Then realization. Finally, something she'd seen way too often. Sympathy.

"Oh, Annabeth. I'm-that's awful." He reached across the table and laid his hand on hers. His warm fingers felt nice wrapped around her own, and the sensation seemed to make it easier to speak. Annabeth put on the most genuine smile she could.

"I know. I'm glad you didn't say 'I'm sorry'. That's what everybody else does." She hated it when people did that. She appreciated the gesture, of course. But it wasn't anybody's fault, and that wouldn't do anything to bring her back.

He smiled at her understandingly. "I know better. That wouldn't do anything to help you." He spoke as if he had experience.

"How did you know?" Her voice came out as a whisper, and for a terrifying second, she thought something similar had happened to him. His fingers tightened around hers.

"Nico's older sister, Bianca, passed away when he was a kid. I spent a lot of time dealing with the aftermath. Picking up the pieces, I guess you can say. Anyways, I said that to him once. It didn't go over well." Annabeth feel a pulsing ache in her chest for the boy. The sweet, reserved boy who tried his best to blend into the background. He didn't deserve that. But, no one ever does.

"Poor Nico," she finally replied. Percy just nodded his head.

"Yeah. It tore the kid apart. She was his world. But with time, it gets easier for him. He still has his days, but they're getting rare." His eyes took on a cautious quality.

"When," he asked. Annabeth knew exactly what he meant.

"I was fourteen." This time it was her who gripped his fingers tighter. She needed something to feel grounded. He took his other hand and gripped her free one. Then, he moved their hands to the center of the table.

"It was at a time when I needed her most, you know?" He nodded for her to continue and, involuntarily, the words started to pour out.

"I was so angry about it. And I was guilty for feeling that way. It wasn't her fault. But I just…I don't know. I had to go through so much without her. I'm going to have to go through so much without her. And my dad he…" Her voice started to fade. She couldn't go there yet. She wouldn't. She had already said more to him than she had to anyone.

"I don't know if I'll be able to do it without her." The moment became too much, and suddenly she wanted it to end. This seemed too fast. She felt the pressure behind her eyes, and knew that the tears were dangerously close to falling.

Percy slipped one of his hands out of hers, and she immediately missed his touch. He lightly touched his finger and thumb to her chin, and lifted her face so he could see her eyes. "I do," he smiled confidently.

"What?" She was beyond confused.

"I know you'll be able to do it. Whatever life throws at you, you can handle it. I may not know you very well, but I know how determined and persistent you can be. Plus, you've already persevered so much at such a young age. Life should be afraid of you, Annabeth. Not the other way around." He sounded so undoubtedly sure of the words he was speaking, that it made the tears Annabeth worked so hard to hold back race down her cheeks. And she did the last thing one would expect her to do.

She laughed.

She laughed so hard her sides hurt. She laughed because of all the condolences, of all of the I'm sorries, it's going to be okays, and it gets betters she had heard before, Percy's tip-of-the-tongue reassurance was the thing that finally made her feel like she was going to make it.

"Um, Anna? You okay? I didn't mean to make you cry." He seemed very conflicted with the situation.

It was then Annabeth realized how much of a psycho she must look like. For the second time that day, Annabeth was embarrassed. She pulled her hands back to wipe her face. She smiled in appreciation when Percy handed her a napkin.

"No. Thank you, actually. You made me feel better." His smile was radiant, and flutters danced in Annabeth's stomach. She felt her face warm up. "I know I must look silly. This is embarrassing."

He shook his head. "Annabeth, it's natural to cry."

"It's not that. I've never told anybody this much before. I haven't even had this long of a conversation about it. It's hard. I'm just embarrassed." She looked at the tear stained napkin in her hands.

"Hey." She snapped her head up at his voice. He laid his hand in the table palm up. "Give me that," he said while nodding at her hand. She smiled lightly and complied. "You can't keep it all bottled up. It won't work. You deserve to talk to someone, Annabeth. That's nothing to be ashamed of."

She leaned farther back in her chair. "Was this the plan from the start? To turn our coffee outing into a therapy session?"

"Sure. Look at this face. Tell me it's not easy to talk to." She laughed again, and damn if it didn't feel good.

"Thank you, Seaweed Brain." His famous blush painted his cheeks.

"I've got your back, Wise Girl."

And despite every doubt she'd had, she believed him.

Can you say progress? WHOO HOO. Honestly my favorite line is "Two medium, caramel frappuccinos. On that asshole." I will say that to someone one day. Mark my words.

Well, there it is! I hope you guys liked it. I enjoyed writing it! Make sure to review. Stuff you liked, stuff you didn't. Is Taylor Swift okay? Anything at all.

I'm huge on suggestions. So don't be afraid to drop one.

About Luke. One reviewer *cough*percabeth824*cough* pretty much helped reinforce my feelings on the issue. I think if I gave him a huge role, it would stir up drama that isn't necessary to the story. But, I do like adding as many characters from the book as I can. So, he will show up. But he will just be in a tiny part that doesn't effect plot. And he'll be pretty OC. Feel free to disagree. If you are particularly passionate, please pm me lol. Other than that, I would love to hear your thoughts!

Thank you guys so much for reading! You are that absolutely best.

Peace out Girl Scouts

Gray:: John 3:16