Hello my friends! I haven't the faintest clue why, but I was so very nervous about this chapter. Maybe it's because I wanted to make this little leap or maybe it's because I hope you like it as much I do and that characters can be weak but still be themselves. Either way, it feels SO right to me and I'm surely proud of it. I'm not sure what drove me to make this chapter this way, but I've had these days before. VULNERABILITY and low self-esteem is a real B...!

Thank you to: Lord Jason, Ageofmyths [one of a kind? Why thank you ;)], GREEN-cheez-MONSTER, PupXXX, JellieButtons25, PercyJacksonAddict (ME too!), riml (You said I was an amazing writer and I giggled with happiness! xD)

And to the two Anonymous reviewers: Thank you for the loves and the happiness with my pace. Really you guys rock!

Here we go!

Percy:

I really can't explain what happened. Meaning I don't get in fights because it's the thing to do. I'll do what I have to of course, but this one was pretty odd. Never saw it coming and now when I think about it, why did it even happen.

We had just met our new history teacher, Mr. Brunner. He was pretty cool and we broke the ice rather quickly. After he introduced himself to us, we all walked out to the hallways and Annabeth had decided to go back to ask him more questions about the class.

I rolled my eyes at her. "Smarty." But I winked at her anyway (making her smile bigger) and made my way to the lockers.

As I opened my locker, I saw this guy I barely recognized. Maybe from P.E. or something. He was watching me, which at first I thought was weird, so I just ignored it. As I got my books for my next class, out of the corner of my eye I could see him sneering with his friends and moving closer towards my direction. I did my best to seem like I couldn't tell what they were doing, but something bugged me. I used my eyes to follow him as he makes his way towards me, his friends right behind him.

As I finally bring my head up to turn towards him, I make my expression as curious and carefree as possible. He sneers and presses his lips together. Like he's trying to hold back a laugh. At that point, I feel anger building. Which is again was very weird, because he hadn't really done anything, but I felt like he was taunting me.

He raised his eyebrows. "Hey Jackson."

"Sorry do I know you?" I wondered.

He tilted his head to the side. "No. Guess not."

I narrowed my eyes slightly and my lips also press together. "What can I do for you?"

He turned to his friends and laughed. "Well since you ask, I'd really like to know that Annabeth chick."

My brain flickers and my pulse starts to race. Annabeth? Wrong territory pal. Around me, insulting her was a bad thing.

I laughed short and roughly. "Umm…seriously dude?" I asked, now officially pissed off.

He laughed again. "Don't worry Jackson. I let you have her back."

"Your not going anywhere near her. Now who the hell are you?" I asked through gritted teeth.

"It doesn't matter. I know who you are."

What? He just kept laughing and I wanted to wipe grin off his face. Memories of kids messing with me when I was younger came into my mind. Trying to push me around, trying to get a rise out of me. Not my finer moments.

That's when he shoved me. I opened my mouth with more anger and shoved him back. Harder.

"Are you kidding me right now?!" I heightened my tone. And he finally tried to hit me and I blocked it easily. I never had training or anything but I was good at defense. Maybe it was the fast reflexes from a ridiculous amount of adrenaline. Or the fact that I will always be the ADHD male model of the century.

When I was younger all the kids thought that Percy Jackson was the best target. Soon did they realize I had a lot of closed in anger. I mean if I think about it real hard, there's Gabe, my dad leaving me, all these things I've only ever thought about. The point is, as soon as I had gotten the ability to come home for good I did my best for my mom and myself to keep everything under control. Did I mess up occasionally, yeah sure. But I never really got as far as it could've of gone. So this was a definite shock. Not only did I try my hardest to remain unnoticed in high school, but I didn't even know this moron.

The rest is really just a blur. The fight only lasted a minute or two and teachers took forever to show up. I know I basically won, but his reason behind it, still confused me. Was it Annabeth or was he just wanting to pick on someone for kicks. He was my size if not smaller, so he wasn't your average bully. A lot of people were cheering, some looking disappointed with their friend, and some just stared blankly. I could barely see the reactions but when I got the upper hand I was more observant. When I finally got him to the ground I felt someone pulling on me.

"PERCY! PERCY STOP! Percy please stop!" I hear Annabeth plead loudly. She actually had the strength to yank me off of him. I was sitting on the ground next to the boy who was coughing in pain. I became completely unaware of my surroundings. That sometimes happened to me. Those times when you just have to stop and think about what just occurred. When those take place, sometimes you end up doing something pretty terrible. As I stopped my impulsive behavior, I looked over to her. Annabeth's face made me jump back into Yancy High School Land. Opps…

My face less angry and more calm, because hers was plain terrified. I wanted to explain, I didn't want to see that look ever again, not towards me. She looked as if she was scared of me. Out of all things for her to feel towards me, that was never one the list. Because this was the sight I never wanted her to see of me.

The bad one. The delinquent kid.

As I hoped my face gave my regret away, I could feel blood trickle down my cheek from the hit he got in. I hadn't been in a fight since elementary. I was so furious at this guy. Out of all things and all people, why me? I was quiet and I kept a low profile. What did he want with me? I was nothing.

As I stare at Annabeth with a loss of all things, the guy tackles me again. Since I had so much running through my mind, I gritted my teeth and pinned him back down with the slightest of ease. I wonder why he's still trying. I see Annabeth on the ground still, watching me, blank. Finally teacher's pull us apart and I'm forced to stand up. Some random teacher is yelling at me, but I pay more attention to Annabeth and the fact I just beat up some kid. I gleam at her, questions running through my brain. But as I focus on her face, I see blood on her mouth. Why was she bleeding?

She also realizes she is bleeding and covers her mouth when she meets my gaze. Her eyes showing all signs of concealment. I then knew what it was and I didn't think it could've of been but it only made sense. My heart dropped to the ground and my eyes grew wide as hers swimmed with sorrow.

She had interfered with my fight. Like an idiot. She must've of got in the middle somewhere. And I hit her. It had to have been me. She was trying to stop me, protect me. Like SUCH an idiot.

I was horrified. I hit her. I hit her. What did I just do? My expression as apologetic as I could get it and my stomach churning repulsively. Her wide eyes trying to console me, but I felt pitiful. My face somber as I looked at her. I walked down the hall being pulled by a teacher, but my eyes never left hers. What the hell is wrong with me…

I sat by the principal's office and anger flowed through me a little. At her. At myself. What kind of person was I right now? Fighting some dumb kid and hurting her. I've never felt so disgusting in my life. So low, so beyond worthless.

That guy was suspended for starting the whole fight, some kid had said it was him. After I was set with detention for 4 weeks, I drifted outside of the school to make my way home. I didn't even think that she would even be around, but I saw her face. She made her way towards me, from the side of school building. I really wanted to run at this point and not deal with any of it. I knew she would stop me, try to do what she always does. I could just drown in my own guilt of course, but I wanted her comfort. So much it wasn't even worth funny. I didn't want to see my mom right now, I couldn't stand anymore disappointment at the moment. Annabeth didn't say anything, she just looked at me. I couldn't stand being under her gaze so I looked down. As soon as I did, she grabbed my hand and dragged me along with her. I followed her willingly and tightening my grip on her hand. She used that moment to pull me closer to her and rub my shoulder up and down with her other hand. As her way of consoling me. I walked close to her, as much as possible. All the way to her house, no words, just my hand in hers.

Annabeth's parents were gone and we made our way to her bathroom. She pushed me gently in the doorway and made me lean back towards the wall. She went under the sink and got out a first aid kit. I watched her in complete silence. Her eyes moving back and forth in thought. Her hair in her face, almost making it impossible to see her expression. My throat dry as ever. It still ached and tingled with grief. My ability to speak had left me for now. I didn't know what to say, I just followed her with my intent eyes.

She got a cotton swab and put rubbing alcohol on it. She finally walked towards me and met my eyes. Her eyes still swimming with compassion. I could sense that my eyes were troubled as she furrowed her brows at me again. Annabeth held out her hand that was holding the cotton swab and I squatted down a little so she could reach my, what I guessed, still bloody and cut eyebrow. She started to rub against the cut and it stung extremely. The cut must have been a little deep. I winced and groaned in pain.

"Ahh…ow." My face squinted in response to the contact of the swab. I grabbed her hand to stop her from continuing.

"Sorry. Does it hurt?" Her voice low and soft, as she asked me. She seemed really worried that she did in-fact hurt me. As if it wasn't obvious, but still unable to speak, I shake my head. I hated this feeling of helplessness. But I was quietly enjoying this doctor thing, because I still felt like garbage.

She rubbed my cut again. I cringe in more pain as I watch her patch me up. I don't know why she's doing this to me. Her lip is plumb on the right side, but nothing too noticeable. My insides are gnawing at me. Annabeth wouldn't stop looking at me and I swear I melted in front of her. Usually she gets all embarrassed to met my full on gaze.

This whole bathroom moment was odd. But a good odd, I think. We have never had a moment like this. The only thing I seemed to notice was her presence. Every time she touched me I felt shocks go through me and for the first time ever, I liked them. I suddenly didn't want this to end. I could tell she was gazing at me to make sure I was okay. Like she was waiting for my every move. I watched her the same.

When she finished with the cotton swab, she put some Neosporin on my cut, and put a band aid on it. She put the kit back under the sink and looked up towards me again. She smiled lightly and moved my bangs around to try to cover my bandage. I moved my eyes away from hers and looked towards her cut. I narrowed my brows quickly and then back up again. I picked up a towel and wet it in the sink. She looked up at me as I lifted it towards her bruised lip. I pressed against it and watched her carefully as she opens her lips slightly to speak.

"It's not your fault." She whispers and her tone sincere. I closed my eyes in response and exhaled in anger.

She put her hand on top of my hand, the one holding the towel to her mouth. "You didn't touch me."

My eyes open, but I wouldn't speak, and now, I could understand why. She was the one who was supposed to make me feel better. Every word she had ever said about me was positive. Annabeth was my rock. I didn't want to feel much of anything, just her next to me. I just wanted to listen.

She sighed. "I was stupid for getting in the middle of it, and he accidentally got me on the way over to you. It was a very dumb mistake. And I'm an idiot, and I'm so so sorry for making you feel that horrible about it. But I swear it wasn't you Percy." Her eyes dropped.

I stared at her with thoughtfulness and sighed, closing my eyes again. Thank god. The real reason still left me feeling guilty and angry, but now I was relieved. I knew she'd say something, anything to reassure me. Leave it to Annabeth to make it her fault. She always did that sort of thing with me, wanting me to blame all my issues on her. Even when I told her it wasn't her concern, she shook her head. "I'm glad you believe that now." She'd always say. Shaking those thoughts out of reach, I uncovered my eyes. Hers moved to mine again and smiled at the relief in my expression.

She tried to keep my eyes, but they dropped slowly towards the floor with difficultly. "I didn't like seeing you that way." She whispered. I nodded, my eyes still gawking at her. I put the towel down and rubbed against her cut with my fingers. She didn't flinch, but she removed my hand from her face. She held it in hers again, her hand warm and soft. Man, it felt so nice.

"But that doesn't mean I'm upset with you." She said matter-of-factly. "Yes, I was scared…but not of you Percy. I was scared at the thought of you getting hurt." I let my hand fall away from hers and dabbed her cut once again with that Neosporin she had earlier. I never stopped my intensive gaze. Her reasoning made me feel so good.

"Your not a bad person. You're the exact opposite." My gawking increasing at this point. "Especially in my eyes. I wish you could see it as well as I can." Her voice indiscreet.

My voice finally made it's way back to me as I spoke for the first time in minutes. I stopped touching her cut and stared at her strongly.

"Why are you so good to me?" I didn't even recognize my own tone. Which made Annabeth chuckle quietly. I followed her laugh exactly. Are smiles gleam against the mirror.

Her face finally full of amusement. She shrugged and said something I'll never forget.

"You have no idea how special you are do you?"

That day, that moment, was the first time I ever contemplated on kissing Annabeth Chase.

Annabeth:

Being in this bathroom alone with him was driving me insane. So many emotions flying through me at one. Happiness, worry, attraction, but especially endearment. I didn't want to leave this tiny room because I thought this was the only time I'd ever have him to myself. I had never felt like this in my life and frankly, I was confused that I liked it so much. Never has this happened between us before. This feeling of us being the only ones at all, in this confined space. Watching each other, being so unguarded about our feelings. I couldn't explain what exactly was going on, or why it was the first time it ever had. But all I know is I wanted kiss him. It was now official that I was crushing on my best friend. I figured it out when he pretended not to be in pain. A weird time to figure it out, but he was being so selfless. All those little moments we had together, all the friendship. We weren't really kids anymore, and I never saw him in the same light again. He was just Percy. I silently slapped myself for being so dim all this long.

Of course I was.

The whole time I fixed his injury, we sort of gazed at each other. Not to the point of creepiness, just observing. Good vibes running in my body as we made physical contact. I wanted to know what was wandering in his mind. Why was he watching me so deeply? I was trying my hardest to make all the right moves. Grabbing his hands, glaring at him with the same emotion. I felt so dumb and different, but what I was doing came so naturally. He was my best friend. We were already comfortable with each other. Just caring and compassion running between us. Which made this so much nicer. I was definitely letting my feelings take over at this point.

After I answered his question, his expression was endearing. Much to my liking. All of what I said was very true though. I've have so many friends at camp and I still have my best friends but…Percy was different. Good different. He was my Percy. He only wanted my company have the time, he never had it any other way. Not being his friend, maybe even more than that someday, would break my heart. Which is why him finding out the truth would be the worst. For us both.

Percy's hair slightly covered his injury. He looked good, even with a cut or two. He looked down and smirked as he took in my question to his question.

"No, I guess not." He is so damn modest. He glanced up through his hair and looked at me with an appealing expression. His eyes finally made my stomach flip around.

And I just couldn't stop myself. I fled towards him and embraced him fiercely. I could sense the surprise in his breathing as he slowly hugged me back. I sighed against his scent. He smelt too good. I really didn't want to let go, but I would have to eventually, as I could barely stand to be touching him. Only because I could feel my butterflies taking over. I felt Percy's chin on my head and then he did something that surprised me. He kissed my hair.

Oh my gods.

Percy had ever done something like that! He was a guy after all and they don't do romance too well. But he kissed my head. I've kissed his cheek once or twice, but this was a first for him. It was like he was comforting me, or maybe just enjoying me. I hoped it was a first for many. He brought his head back up and put it on mine once again. On the top of my head the feel of his lips lingered. It was the most amazing feeling.

I released him. I look up at him to see a tiny smile. I smiled back and touched his bandage again.

"All patched up?" I said with enthusiasm.

He nodded and touched my mouth again. I looked down at his hand and favored his touch. So cheesy of me I know.

I sighed. "I shouldn't have interfered."

Percy's brows go up and he's stern. "No, you shouldn't have."

I nodded. "Why did you get in a fight?"

He sighed and shrugged fast. "I didn't even know the guy. He just came up to me and started it. It was the most random thing ever." He said quizzical.

"What did he say?" I asked, showing the same amount of bewilderment.

Percy looked around. "He was practically mocking me. And he said a few things about you. Things I really didn't like." He said darkly.

I was taken aback. "Like…what?"

He looked down. "Basically that he wanted to mess around with you and said I could have you back when he was done." I could see his body tense again. But mine tensed up with glee. Percy got into some conflict because the other guy went after me. Wow.

Even though Percy could've handled it without action, I'm guessing the guy really wouldn't let it go. Percy doesn't fight on purpose, he was always mellow. I used to deal with that too. Random kids attacking you, because you looked weak or you just kept to yourself. It was one of my biggest pet peeves. At least Percy proved them wrong…very wrong.

"Some guys are immature. You should've walked away."

"He wouldn't let me." He scoffed angrily, he shifted his stance away from mine so he could wash his hands. "And besides, he deserved it."

"Still you should have tried some different approach." He shook his head at me. I understood why. Guys and their ego.

"But I guess what's done is done. What did he look like?" I wondered.

He still seemed a little baffled by it all. "Umm, he had brown hair, short cut, and he was pretty skinny. Had a lot of guys around him."

I rolled my eyes. "I've seen them around. He is probably in some group or gang that like messing with people." I paused to snort. "The wrong people, obviously." And luckily that made Percy smirk.

I quickly ruined his mood again though. "I've never seen you so angry. So off." I said.

"You shouldn't have too." He snapped back, but then paused. "Wait, what do you mean 'off'?"

"You were just didn't seem like Percy. I look at you and see ease. After school there was none. It was horribly unsettling."

His lips form a hard line as he glanced towards the door. "Not to sound like a jerk, but this really isn't making me feel any better Annabeth."

I sighed. "I wasn't exact trying. I'm just being honest with you."

"Yeah well please be a little less honest. I didn't want you to see the fight, I don't need you to make me feel worse about it." His voice sounded un-Percy-like again.

I grunted in surprise. So much for the two on two. What is his deal now?

"Who better than your own best friend, right?" I tried to lighting up his mood.

"Anyone but you." He said flatly.

He caught me off guard again. "Why? It wasn't a big deal Percy. I used to get into fights too."

He shook his head. "This is different."

"Why? Everyone gets into fights every once in awhile." I shrugged with humor.

He looked down. No answer.

"Why is this different?"

He shifted off the wall to stand up straight. He opened the door and walked out of the bathroom. I followed him, confused why he wasn't answering me. I grabbed his shoulder to stop him from leaving the apartment.

"Percy?" I said sternly.

"Let it go Annabeth." He said acidly.

I ran in front of him and stopped him in his tracks. "No I will not." My expression fiercer than his.

"It's nothing." He grumbled.

"Do I look stupid to you?" I raised my eyebrows at him.

He grunted. "No. Unfortunately not."

"Then answer me."

"Annabeth please…" He sighed.

"No."

"Will you stop?"

"No. Why didn't…?"

"Because I just DIDN'T okay!?" He shouted. His face wide with hurt and anger. He grabbed me, grasping my shoulder blades, and held me straight in front of him. His wasn't hurting me, put it was his way of getting my complete attention. I didn't know whether to be scared or exhilarated. "That kid you saw fighting, was some kid I tired so hard to leave behind when I came back home! The kid who always got in trouble, even though he didn't mean too. The kid who got into fights because people wouldn't leave him alone." He paused to shake his head with grunt. "The kid who always felt alone." He finished silently. He slowly let go of my arms and looked down with sigh.

"You don't know how it feels to have your mom look at you that way. So disappointed. Wishing there was an explanation for my ways. I could never be able to stand you looking at me the same. I don't know why Annie, I just can't." He looked towards the door.

I was silent. How awful I felt at this point. I couldn't believe he said that. Why did he say it? I've never seen Percy look so vulnerable in my life. It was nice but downright sad. He was so ashamed of his impulsive side that it almost made me laugh. He had no idea how much that would actually save him. I sort of wanted to kidnap him and go off to camp now, he was so bad. I mean there's me, ran away from home because I hated it there. A couple of campers left because they felt abandoned too. But Percy has dealt with it for awhile. He didn't know anything about his issues, or at least he never tried too.

Could my lies to him become anymore deep?

I had no idea why I was so over-emotional today, but my eyes felt watery. He wasn't looking at me luckily. But he finally looked up at me, his eyes grew wide.

"Annabeth what's wrong?" His voice so anxious.

What do you mean, what's wrong!? You selfless idiot!

I shook my head with frustration and threw my arms up. "Why are you so worried about my image of you? I don't know how else I can convince you that your wrong." I quickly wiped my eyes. My voice sounded dreary and weepy. I looked at him with regret and I threw my hands to my face. I hate it. So weak sounding.

Through my hands I could see his look of concern, but he let out a small laugh. "Says the girl who keeps all kinds of runaway secrets from me." He pulled my hands away from my face and grabbed my chin in a cupping manner. His lips a half smile.

I laughed through my tears and he laughed with me. He was totally right. Me, mad at him for down casting himself, like always. Even though I do it too him, about myself, all the time too. I guess it was just a self-esteem thing. We both lacked a lot of it.

He squeezed my shoulders to make me met his eyes. "You always grab onto my problems like their yours. If you think there could be a inch of something going on with me you throw yourself right in front of it." He shook his head with annoyance and his tone fierce with amusement. "Or you throw me to the ground..." He added.

That made me giggle louder. I was then pulled into a bear hug. His voice was muffled because he was talking in my hair. "I wish you would stop. It's not your issues, I own them. You already have a lot to deal with and yet you latch on to me and my life. Your so insufferable sometimes." He yanked me out from under his arms. Vibes and electricity waving through me as he moved my hair ut of my face. I don't know how much more I could take of this, without swooning all over him.

He stared me down because I tried to keep away from his vision. He chuckled. "Though I'll admit, even though it's not fair for either of us, it makes me happy." His tone full of regret. "Still, you are ridiculous."

Where was all this coming from? Him comforting me so much, messing with me in sweet ways, holding me, telling me all this things to make my heart race. He was sure becoming confident with our relationship.

I've never seen Percy so open with his feelings, so…manly.

"I know. You tell me that all the time."

He scoffed. "Doesn't make it less true." He said in a sarcastic but sweet tone. He tired to give me another hug, but I moved out from under his arms to look at him. I hit his chest and frowned as he laughed harder this time.

"Sometimes I wish I could beat YOU up, Percy Jackson." I snarled. But I smiled lightly afterwards.

He rubbed my arms up and down real fast with a chuckle and sat down on my couch. I followed and sat close by him.

He laid his head back and sighed. "I don't know what I'm going to tell my mom."

I watched his Adam's apple move up and down while he spoke. That was hot too. Why…!?

"Well I'm sure she'll understand the situation. It'll be fine." I said glaring at him still.

He looked back up at me and narrowed his eyes. "Do I have dirt on my face or something?"

I cocked my head to the side. "What would give you that idea?"

"Because you've been staring at me all day. This day more than any. It's like your analyzing me, like you used to do when we first met." His voice was soft. He used to get irritated by my freaky glare, but I guess that doesn't matter anymore. Yes!

I snorted and rolled my eyes. "Well actually Mr. Jackson I was just thinking about how I secretly find it very cute that you stood up to a boy for my sake." I looked back at him and smiled with flirtation. "It was very sweet of you." I was definitely courageous today too wasn't I?

He grunted and moved his head backwards again. "Don't flatter yourself wise girl."

With that I slapped him in the chest again and as soon as I did, he tackled me to the side of the couch. Laughing and screaming the whole time I felt like a little kid. I did really try to push him off but he just tickled me to no end. Finally I threatened to pee my pants and he stopped, pulling me back up to sit straight. He let of go of my sides, but stayed staring at me. I looked at him and smiled, still lightly laughing. His smile slowly dropped. My laugh came to an abrupt halt and I watched him too. He was just gazing, his eyes were beyond dazzlingly. And I swear I wish he gave me my first kiss right then and there. I stopped breathing practically, waiting and anticipating. But he laughed really short and pulled my up off the couch to stand. He moved my hair out of my face again and pulled me out of the apartment. I decided to walk him home for a change.

Percy opened the door and looked at me. "Wish me luck."

"It'll be fine." I reassured.

He smiled with thanks. He analyzed me this time and with a sigh he stepped forward.

He got closer to me and leaned towards my face, his eyes green and blazing. And at last he gave me my first kiss! On the cheek…

Oh well, I wasn't disappointed as I could've of been but my cheek radiated from the touch. Oh my gods, I was seriously such an affectionate little thing these days. It was almost gross. Almost.

He smiled and went inside. Leaving me and practically taking my heart with him. I still couldn't believe I was actually falling for the son of Poseidon.

Percy and I never mentioned that day to each other or anyone. It was our little secret I guess. I don't know whether it was because we were embarrassed about it, or if it was just something we felt should be kept between us. I mean it was a pretty emotional moment for us both, and to be honest I don't want to mention it. He was defenseless that day and I was a sappy mess. Either way, everyday Percy smiled at me when I wasn't looking (or so he thought) and I ogled at him when he wasn't looking (even though he could see too I'm sure).

Lot's of romance and emotion going on here :) Makes me all kinds of happy! I figured it was about time I gave you a little something, I'm still doing my best not to rush into anything serious yet. But don't worry...it will come. ;) Annabeth reminds me of, well me really. I'm a hopeless romantic. Percy reminds me of me too, one minute be mellow, and the next have some type of venting secession! Anywhos I hope this worked out as well as I hoped. That's part of why it took so long to publish, had to make sure I was more than happy with it :)

Reviews please! If you have any questions about it, I shall do my best to make it clear for you.