A/N: Hi! So, I put this in my below author's note, but if you have anything in here (character deaths, etc.) or any triggers, please tell me so I can put a warning at the beginning of the chapter. I want everyone to be happy when reading this (well...not happy…). I want to answer a question asked by quite a few 'guest's and by PunksNotDeadYouAre. Are Percy and Annabeth going to end up together/make this a percabeth fic! Well...it is percabeth, as will be strongly hinted by this chapter, and will they actually end up together? You'll have to wait and see. Then sonoferebus for the Percy v Luke. One more thing. I am not sure if I am supposed to do this- like is it proper fanfiction etiquette to respond to comments? Tell me if you want me to start replying you you personally instead of posting in in the a/n.

If you recognise it, it's not mine.

"Hey, babe." Luke stood up from the table at the cafe they decided to meet at. Annabeth feigned a smile. It was easier now, after having taken a few minutes outside to catch her breath.

;;Earlier;;

Annabeth looked into the reversed camera on her phone in the receding light. She opened her eyes, trying to unstick the gobs of mascara Silena had put on her. It's not that she looked bad, she just couldn't see very well. She had decided to let Silena do her makeup since the airline had been acting pretty down lately. Even after giving Annabeth a makeover she still seemed sad. Annabeth had left, saying she hoped she felt better. Silena barely managed a smile.

Annabeth adjusted her dress, pulling it further down her leg. Silena had coaxed Annabeth into it, but it was a little short for Luke's taste. She closed her phone, deciding her visibility was good enough. As she rounded the corner and saw the orange glow of the cafe. The owners had tried to make it look like the painting by Vincent Van Gogh and seeing the art reference made her smile every time. Well...not every time. She wasn't smiling now. The strangeness with Silena still hadn't made her forget what she was going to see or not see tonight. Would Luke be covered in bruises and scratches from a fight with Percy, or would he be clean without a bruise on his body just like Annabeth expected (or did she).

She walked into the overhang of the restaurant, warming up at the friendly atmosphere. Couples dined outside, leaning into their conversations. Annabeth was suddenly reminded of her and Percy at the aquarium. She pushed that thought to the back of her mind.

Annabeth peered in the window of the cafe and sweeped the tables, searching for Luke's blonde hair and a scar on the side of his face. Finally she saw him, sitting in the far left of the cafe, back against a wall like he was expecting attack. Upon closer observation, Luke's face was completely clear of cuts, bruises and bumps.

Annabeth gasped. A couple behind her glanced up in concern, but she waved their gaze away with a smile. She leaned against a tree out of sight of the people inside the cafe. She caught her breath. Annabeth didn't know why she was so shocked. She trusted Luke, right? Then why did she expect his to be all scraped up from a fight with Percy. Why did she expect him to be so...good?

Annabeth willed herself to stop breathing hard. She was being ridiculous. Luke was a good person. He wouldn't do something like that to Percy. Maybe Piper had been mistaken. Maybe the guy she had seen wasn't Luke. Maybe it was just some other, horrible, dirtbag of a guy. Because it couldn't be Luke. (At least that's what Annabeth told herself.)

She plastered on a smile and entered the cafe. The couple that had been looking at her had gone back to their conversation. She walked toward Luke in the corner. He rose to meet her.

;;present;;

Annabeth sat down, opposite of Luke. She looked at him a bit closer, and now she could see a few bruises. One on his leg and a few on his left arm, but they were not anything unusual. Annabeth chose to ignore them. Luke obviously had not been the one fighting with Percy.

"I already ordered, but when the waiter comes around, you can ask him then." Luke said. Annabeth politely nodded.

"So, how are you, how have your friends been...how's the project with...whatshisface going?" Luke said. "Tell me everything." Annabeth felt unsettled by his shit-eating grin.

"Fine...I'm good, everyone's good. The project with Percy is going well. We're almost done with it." She said. Annabeth was certain that Luke hadn't forgotten Percy's name, he had a great memory when it came to things like that. She guessed that he was the reason he wanted to talk in the first place.

"Is that so." He said. "And how's Percy? Is everything good?" Did Luke know about the fight? Was he a part of it?

"He...got into a fight." Annabeth said uncertainly.

"A fight, huh. He doesn't seem to be that great of a person." Annabeth wanted to defend Percy, but she knew what was happening. Luke was jealous and when he heard about the fight from someone he must have seen it as an opportunity to make Percy look bad in front of Annabeth. She knew that if she protested, it would only get worse. It happened every time she met a guy- classmate, friend or acquaintance, it didn't matter.

"I guess not." Annabeth heard herself say. Putting Percy down felt sour on her lips. At least he won't know about it.

"You two have gotten pretty close, wouldn't you say?" Luke said slyly.

"Not really."

"A friend of mine said they saw you at the aquarium." Annabeth recoiled. Was Luke stalking her, or having someone else stalk her? Or was he telling the truth- maybe someone really just recognised her and said so to Luke. But still… She just got back from the aquarium about two hours ago.

"Yeah, we were just doing research...for our project. It's underwater themed." She decided to let his previous comment slide, but she was still unnerved. She was still confused as to why she felt the need to lie to him. She had never done it before, so why now?

"Underwater themed? Sound's interesting. I can't wait to read it." Annabeth forced another smile. She was doing that a lot lately. I'm going to have to tell Percy that out story is now underwater themed. If Luke was going to read it, she couldn't let him know that she lied to him.

"Yup. I'm sure you'll like it. So, where exactly are you going?" Annabeth asked. Luke leaned back in his chair. Happy to be back in his element- talking about himself. Annabeth started. Since when had she ever thought of Luke in such a negative way?

"I'm just going to Paris." He said. "You know, just to write about the mourning of the recent dead in the attacks."

Annabeth engaged him in conversation about France until the waited came. She ordered her food and drink, and continued her and Luke's conversation. Annabeth was confused as to why she was so elated when she found out that Luke would be gone for a whole month. Shouldn't a girlfriend be sad about that?

"But it's ok. I have a surprise for when I come back." He said, smiling.

"Ooh, what is it?" Annabeth asked.

"Don't be stupid." He chided her. "If I tell you, it won't be a surprise." Annabeth mentally slapped herself upside the head. Of course. She just really loved knowing surprises, but she knew Luke didn't like her acting like an idiot.

Luke leaned over the table and took her hands. He rubbed her fingers and then stopped to rub on just one- her ring finger.

"Don't worry. I'm sure you'll love it." He said, smiling softly, his scar glinting strongly in the candle light. No...he isn't going to-

Annabeth's thoughts were interrupted when the waiter brought their food. He set them both down in front of them and Luke dropped her hand.

"I'm starving." Luke said. "Let's eat."

Luke dug into his food, but Annabeth sat completely still. If she was right...no. She couldn't think about it. She picked at her food. When Luke asked if she was hungry she told him it was just a loss of appetite.

;;;

"Ok, Annabeth. I guess you'll see me in a month or so. Goodbye." Annabeth and Luke stood on the pavement outside of the cafe. The night had quickly turned cold and dark and Annabeth shivered against her will. Luke seemed to notice, but said nothing.

"Bye." She said, teeth chattering. Luke moved in for a kiss, but Annabeth awkwardly moved out of the way, so he settled for a hug.

"I'll miss you." He stated. Annabeth remained silent.

"You'll miss me too, won't you?" Luke asked, knowing what the answer would be. Annabeth hated this. Him being able to draw answers out of her as easy as one two three.

One

Annabeth lingered in the silence. It wasn't that she didn't mind saying she would miss him. She probably would. Just the fact that he feels the need to force her to say it- it was like he had not self esteem, and no faith in her devotion. She was sure it was a control issue.

Two

Annabeth wondered what would happen if she just didn't answer. She supposed he'd bitch about it on the phone and when he got back. Ever since she had first met him he'd always been...delicate. Maybe that was why he needed to have total control of the situation. Why he had always needed control of those who love him, those who would willingly stay if he didn't force them. His parents had abandoned him, body and soul, his best friend and first love left him when she tried to remove her timer. Each thing just added to the cracks in his facade. Maybe he thought that if he didn't have total control over everything...he'd break. If she didn't answer...she couldn't risk it.

Three

"I'll miss you too." Annabeth said behind clenched teeth. And just like that, it was over. Luke smiled again and got into the cab waiting for him that would take him back to his apartment to pack. She waved and watched him go.

Annabeth tried to ignore the insistent fact that Luke hadn't even offered to walk her back to her dorm.

;;;

Annabeth didn't go back to her dorm. She knew what would be waiting for her. A somber roommate and an even somber-er (not a word but who cares) bed- complete with ice cream and a sappy movie. Annabeth didn't know why, but she was feeling especially romantically devastated- yes, devastated. She didn't know why, but everything seemed unstable now. Maybe it was her ticking timer or maybe Luke's instant new internship, but she felt as though they were standing on one of those sand timers that you get in the dentist office.

Annabeth knew the only thing- or the only person- that could help. She called Piper.

"Hello? Annabeth?" Piper picked up on the first ring. Her voice came through scratchy and tired, like she had been woken up. Annabeth checked her watch. It was only 9:30, but Piper, believe it or not, was an early sleeper.

"Piper? Hi. Can I come over? I need to talk." Annabeth said. Piper seemed to perk up at that.

"Sure, of course. The door will be open when you get here."

;;;

Annabeth stepped through Piper's dim apartment. It was considerably cleaner from the last time she was here, probably because she had Jason coming over more often than not. Annabeth navigated herself around the apartment until she got to Piper's room. Inside, Piper sat on her bed holding a pillow in sweats and an old t-shirt that hung loosely off her body.

"Hey."

"Hey." Piper patted the area next to her. "Sit and spill. What did you want to talk about?" Annabeth walked over and sat tentatively on the bed.

"It's about Luke." Piper's eyes widened and she opened her mouth to say something but then closed it again and gestured to Annabeth to say something.

"It's just...I feel like we're just not working anymore. I don't know, maybe it is because we are reacting to our time a lot differently, maybe it is because of his stupid new job. Maybe it's because we're both going to be...y'know, in what six...seven months?"

"Six months and twenty three days." Piper supplied.

"How do you know that and I don't?" Piper shrugged.

"You know...you're imminent death is not exactly the best thing to build a relationship on." Annabeth knew she was right, but what else draws two people closer? She and Luke must have been destined to be together, to die together. Destiny. Hah.

"Annabeth," Piper continued. "Are you sure you aren't still hung up on that guy from the park? If having the same time of death is the only connection you and Luke have...having that taken away is a big deal."

"It's not the only connection we have." Annabeth muttered.

"You didn't answer my question."

"Luke and I have loads in common. We- we...love each other."

"Annabeth." Annabeth knew Piper could tell that she was avoiding the question.

"Alright….what about that guy you've been talking about. Percy or something." Annabeth sucked in her breath. She still hadn't told Piper that it had been Percy in the park. She hadn't even introduced them- she physically avoided introducing them. She was too scared that Piper would recognise him. And there was no way- no way that Percy has been messing with her head so much. No way.

"No...it's none of that. I just...I don't know. I thought I really loved him, but everything he does annoys me, gets on my nerves. I feel like I have been delusional this whole time." Annabeth said helplessly. Piper gives her a knowing look.

"Annabeth...you don't like him," Piper said. She waved off Annabeth's attempts to protest. "Sure, sure, you love him, but it's not the same thing. You can love someone and be completely fed up with them. Just because you love someone doesn't mean you have to like them. And I think, at this point, you are starting to see that. Your relationship has stopped being emotion and had stated being habit."

Annabeth stared at the blank space on Piper's wall. She didn't know what to say. She knew Piper was right, but oh God did she hate to admit it..

"So what do you suggest I do?" She whispered, her voice coming out scratchy and raw. She had never been confronted by the idea of...not being with Luke. She remembered his promise over ten years ago. Family.

"Don't date him." Piper said softly. "Please." Annabeth raised her head. She tucked her hands under her knees and pulled them to her chest.

"Piper, you know I can't-"

"I never said you couldn't see him."

"I just...I can't leave him. I promised." Piper moved her hand over Annabeth's.

"I know. Just...think about it. Know when to step away when something gets too painful."

Annabeth rested her head on her knees. Her curly blonde hair spilled over her shoulder and shielded the tears sliding down her face from her friend. 'Strong people don't cry.' Her mother used to say before disappearing into her room and dissolving into hysteric sobbing that Annabeth could hear from her room as she stared at her timer. 'Why me?' She asked her father once, before he remarried. 'Some people were born with tragedy in their blood.' He used to reply.

That's what Annabeth was.

A fucking tragedy.

It was a low night, even for Annabeth's standards.

;;;

Annabeth woke up groggily on Piper's couch. She guessed she had accidentally spent the night. She looked at the clock on the floor next to the wall it had previously fallen off of.

"Shit." Shitshitshitshitshit. She was an hour late for her first class. English.

"Shitshitshitshitshit." She said, getting to her feet and looking for her bag.

"Wow, Annabeth. I can't decide if you are really fucked or if you are trying out for a new form of beat-boxing. Should we be harmonizing right now?" Piper said, sticking her head out from the kitchen. Annabeth shot her a glare before tripping her way out of the apartment.

Annabeth ran across the campus desperately, a chorus of swear words sailing through her head. She quickly tied her hair in a knot on the top of her head and wiped the smudged mascara from last night from under her eyes. She knew she looked horrible, but honestly...never mind, she did care. Annabeth didn't know why, she had no one to impress in this class. Just Jason, who would hear what happened from Piper, Hazel, who would never judge her, Leo, who she was hoping not to impress and Percy, who… Annabeth didn't know out Percy. She thought about what Piper said last night. 'What about that guy you've been talking about. Percy or something.' It was impossible. Not after her first impression of him. Percy was loud, obnoxious, egotistical...normal. Percy was off-limits. She couldn't drag him into her fucked up life.

So...no one to impress. Annabeth felt slightly sad at that prospect. She pushed that feeling to the back of her mind. Annabeth stopped rubbing her eyes before she stepped into the lecture hall.

"Annabeth, we can all see you. There's no use to crawl in here." Mrs. Cavan said. Annabeth straightened from her crouched, bent over position and ran to her seat. Mrs. Cavan continued with her lecture while Annabeth got settled. Percy leaned towards her.

"Hey...are you ok?" He said. He looked concerned. Annabeth must look worse than she thought. Annabeth could smell the chlorine on him. It was intoxicating. Off- limits.

"I'm fine." She choked. He grinned and then leaned back in his seat. Annabeth couldn't concentrate for the rest of class. She fiddled with her timer and tapped the beats of the counting down seconds on the table. Several times she caught Percy looking at her, confused. She rolled her sleeve down on top of it.

Annabeth knew it must be weird. To him, her timer had always said the same thing. She was going to have a long and prosperous life. Obsessing over times are not something normal people do. She tried to refrain herself. She wouldn't want him to suspect anything. She doubted that he could suspect anything though, he always saw the best in everyone.

"Okay, everyone. I can see none of you are really in it, to be honest, neither am I, so I am just going to give you some work time. But remember to stay around until the end of class so I can give you your homework." Mrs. Cavan called from the front of the room. There was a scrape of chairs as people turned towards their partners. Annabeth found Percy looking at her, pulling out his laptop for them to look at.

"So, I had a few more ideas about what we could do and…" Annabeth had stopped noticing what he was saying. Who knew his smile was so infectious? She had to get her heart from out of her throat or else who knew what she might do or say.

"Actually, if you don't mind, I'm going to work on some of my other homework. My heart isn't really in it today." Annabeth said, cutting him off. His smile dipped a fraction of an inch.

"Ok… I'll just email you the details." He said. Annabeth nodded and pulled some of the papers she had for her maths class out of her bag. She stared at the paper, intently aware of Percy clacking away on the keys on his computer next to her. She tried to focus on her math, but deemed it hopeless. She doodled little pictures of buildings and fish in between the equations on her paper. She didn't even notice that Percy's typing had stopped until she felt a hand on her own.

It was there for barely a second. Barely long enough for Annabeth to feel the warmth of it, for her to feel the insistent fluttering sensation in her stomach. Percy moved his hand over her's for a second and then drew it away.

"I guess your heart isn't really in any of your schoolwork today." He noted. Annabeth noticed a faint blush high on his cheeks. She managed to whisper a weak 'yeah' before she went back to her drawings.

"Hey, Annabeth. I don't know if it's really any of my business but, are you ok? You seem really...off today." He looked down at her gently. So maybe Percy was more perceptive than she initially thought. But her mental dilemma wasn't exactly hard to spot. Annabeth couldn't go one second without thinking about her conversation last night. About leaving Luke, him not being right for her and, the most prevailing one, was Percy any part of the reason?

Annabeth wanted to say no. Of course not. Percy was...well, Percy. He was loud, obnoxious, a hard worker, nice, sarcastic. Admittedly handsome. Annabeth and him had been getting along pretty well over the last month and half that they had been working on the project. She had been glad when Mrs. Cavan decided to extend her idea and make them write a mini novel, not because of the workload, goodness no, but because it meant more time with Percy. She liked hanging out with him. They clicked. He had become a pretty good friend. Not as close as Piper, or even Silena, but close. If their friendship could drive a wedge between Luke and Annabeth's relationship...then she was going to have to apologise for all of those times when she had called him out on his jealous bullshit. Obviously he had reason to be an…

Asshole.

Luke was an asshole, there was no denying it. But he was an asshole with an expiration date and she couldn't leave him to face his own mortality on his own. Annabeth wanted to slam her head on the desk, but she guessed that Percy probably wouldn't like that.

She didn't know what to say to his question. Was she okay? Simple answer- no. She felt like she had some kind of shit YA novel going on in her head. She needed to make some decisions. She would stay with Luke until….her birthday, she would not tell anyone about her changing timer, and lastly, any tiny anything that she might have for Percy was going to be wrapped up and buried within the deepest part of her mind. Three things. That was it. That was her promise to herself.

"Annabeth?" Percy asked, reminding her of his question. Are you ok?

"Long answer or short answer?"

"Long answer."

"Noooooooooo." Annabeth said sarcastically. Percy cracked a smile.

"Later...do you want to go somewhere?" Percy asked. She raised an eyebrow. "You seem pretty sad, or at least deep in thought. I think you could use a break." Annabeth remained silent.

"I'm not like, hitting on you or anything." He said quickly, after the awkward silence. "I don't want to get on the bad side of your boyfriend again." A dark look passed over Percy's face. Again….wait. Again?

"Again?" She pried. Percy groaned.

"It's nothing." Annabeth wondered if it could do with the fight. Maybe Luke had been there. Maybe he had just let someone else handle the dirty work.

"Tell me."

"I don't want to ruin the image you have of your boyfriend."

"Too late." Annabeth said before she could stop herself. She slapped her hands over her mouth. "Shit."

"Shit," Percy said. "The word of the day." He smiled at her and something inside Annabeth flip-flopped. She grinned back.

"Do you want to go somewhere?" He asked her as the bell rang. Annabeth got a text notification, but didn't bother to look down at her screen. Probably from Luke.

"Let's go." She said, smiling.

Five minutes in and she already broke one of her promises.

A/N: Hey, y'all! Happy June! So that was the chapter! Pretty angsty, at least to me. Since this is a story about death and romance (focusing on the death part right now), tell me if you need anything tagged. I would be happy to put something at the beginning of each chapter. Tell me in the comments or DM me. No judgement, no questioning. Please, I want everyone to enjoy this as much as I am. On other matters, tell me what you think should happen next. Where should Percy and Annabeth go? Why is Silena so melancholy? What did Luke text Annabeth? Will Annabeth break up with Luke? Tell me what you think in the comments. Don't forget to fave, follow and review!

~skulls-surround-suns