Here's another chapter! I hope you enjoy this! Also, I posted a chapter last night, so make sure to check it out if you haven't already!

Coming Together Chapter 9

I can't believe that Dad's here! He's really here! I hate the fact that I can't open my eyes to look at him, and even if I tried to open them slightly, I still wouldn't be able to see him since he's behind me. Regardless, I know this is real, because the smell of seawater in the room is strong and I can feel his arm lying across me. And, of course, I also hear his voice…

"Percy, I heard you and your mother talking earlier. Your mom was right—I don't like staying away and I especially didn't like staying away while you two were talking, but at least I can speak with you now." He clears his throat softly and continues, "I know growing up without a father has been hard on you. I want to make that up to you so desperately, son, but it's hard. There are so many rules and consequences that you're unaware of. Even this is breaking the rules, but I think I can get leniency if Zeus finds out. After all, you are asleep." I feel Dad run his fingers through my hair lightly. "You think this is just a dream."

I know Dad is telling me this to make sure that I always keep up with the lie. I can't run to Mom in the morning and tell her that Dad actually visited. Zeus might be watching and waiting for that kind of an announcement. Sighing but trying to hide that I did it in response to his words, I snuggle into the pillow like I'm trying to get comfortable in my sleep.

I can tell Poseidon leans closer to me, because I feel his breath on my ear. "I heard you say earlier that you were jealous of Tyson and Triton because they get to spend time with me. Percy, I'd give anything in the world for you to see me as much as they do, but I can't. You know that. But I do want you to know something: I'm always watching over you. Just because you can't see me or don't hear me right away, it doesn't mean that I'm not there or that I don't care. I love you, son."

A silence develops in the room and only the weight of his arm tells me that he's still there. Then, softly, he speaks again, "And, as for Hermes, I will admit it: I am jealous. To see him with you, to know that he's able and willing to give you everything that I cannot, it's hard, Percy. Despite that, I want you to know something else. I did not take your pin. I know you believe that; I knew you thought that before you even threw Anaklusmos into the water at camp, but it wasn't me."

Surprised, I almost open my eyes again, but then I squeeze them shut. I want so desperately to question him. Luckily, Dad seems to know what I want to ask.

"I know all the evidence points to the contrary, especially with what happened in your dream that night, but son, I asked you why you needed it. When you said you could use it on quests, I couldn't deny that was a good reason for you to keep it. I didn't like it, but I left it there with you for that reason. Anything I can do to make your quests easier is what I'll do, no matter how much it hurts… Obviously, someone is trying to frame me."

My body tenses again slightly and I want to ask about his earlier actions that very day if what he is saying now is true. And, who would want to frame Poseidon, of all the gods, anyway?

I hear Poseidon sigh and he says, "Earlier, when I walked into the room and saw Hermes with all those pins, I kind of lost it. You are not the only one who has lost one of those pins, son. There are several other Half-Bloods that are complaining about the same thing, and when I saw him with a basket of pins…well, I got angry. It's obvious he's the one who took them back. Why? I don't know, but I assure you that I'm going to find out. I just hate that he set me up. He's made you even angrier at me than you might have been, otherwise. I have enough to make up to you without adding crimes that I haven't even committed." After a brief pause, he whispers even softer, "I hope you believe me, because it's the truth, Percy."

I know I can't respond verbally, so I do the only thing I can. I turn around slowly and yawn as if I'm trying to get comfortable again, and then I snuggle against Dad's chest. I feel Dad's arm tightening around me once more and then his cheek resting on the top of my head. I don't know how long we stay that way since I fall asleep a short time later.

=)=)=)

The next morning, I'm not surprised to find that Poseidon has already left. I do wonder how long he stayed and I'm almost convinced he stayed for most of the night since the room still smells of seawater.

I get out of bed and quickly get ready for the day. I don't really have anywhere to be or anything to do. I still have a few weeks before school starts, and I'm glad to not have a schedule to abide by for a little while. It gives me time to think, after all, and I seriously need to do that…

Dad didn't take my pin. After spending most of my time recently believing that he did, it feels strange to even think that he didn't, much less accept it. Regardless, Dad has never lied to me. He's always been straightforward the few times we've interacted about everything whether it shined him in a positive light or not, so I believe him. I just don't know if I agree with his hypothesis that Hermes was the one who took it. Why would Hermes give it to me only to take it back? Also, why would he then give me another one?

I look on my nightstand beside my bed and see both the pin and Riptide. Both were untouched as far as I can tell, and I know if Dad wanted to take it, he had the opportunity to do so last night easily, especially since he had convinced me to keep my eyes closed the entire time. I take both items off the table and put them in separate pockets and then walk out of my room.

Mom is already in the kitchen cooking breakfast. Oh, I missed this! At camp, they constantly fed us healthy foods, and that's not necessarily a bad thing. I enjoy eggs, fruits, and vegetables in the morning, but nothing can beat blue pancakes, sausage, eggs, and bacon with a Cherry Coke. I smile gratefully at Mom and say, "Good morning."

=)=)=)

Well, I added a bit of a mystery in here. Who is responsible for taking Hermes' pin? Hermes or someone else? Also, how'd you like Poseidon's response to it all? LOL Anyway, let me know what you think of the chapter, please! Also, I'm thinking about writing another PJO story in the very near future. I don't want to spoil what it will be about, but Poseidon and Percy will be in that one, as well, along with Annabeth and some of the others from camp. I'm only mentioning it, because I might post the first chapter of it soon if I choose to write it right away and I hope some of you might join me for that one, too! Anyway, again, I hope you enjoyed this chapter!