Hey guys! I'm sooooo sorry this took a week to write. I wanted to make this chapter long and eventful and hopefully I achieved that. As always thanks to those that reviewed, it means a lot that I know people actually like this fanfic. Now enjoy chapter 10! UPDATE: I think I fixed the glitch with this chapter :/

Chapter 10 – Merry Christmas! Part 2

Annabeth's POV:

The first person to arrive was Nike; Percy's agent. Whenever I think of her name I always chuckle to myself. I mean c'mon, who would name their kid Nike? Turns out she was named after the Greek Goddess Nike, not the sportswear company. Until now I had never personally met Nike, but Percy only had nice things to say about her so she couldn't be that bad right?

"Hey Percy, so good to see you again!" Nike gave Percy a hug.

"Nike, this is my girlfriend Annabeth." Percy threw an arm around my shoulders

"Ah Annabeth! I've heard nothing but great things about you! So good to finally meet you," Nike held out her hand.

For some reason, I thought I heard a slight tinge of sarcasm laced in that sentence. I quickly ignored that thought.

"Gods Annabeth, she's a nice women!" Gods my thoughts can be wild.

"Nice to meet you too Nike, you've been great for Percy," I returned her handshake.

We migrated over to the living room. I don't know why, but I had a feeling Nike wasn't too happy I existed. Maybe my thoughts were onto something…

Earlier today Percy said he'd play NCAA hockey instead of the NHL if it meant we could be together. I was pretty happy about that, but I don't think I can say the same for Nike.

"So Percy, I've got a radio interview with CBS on the 29th at 6pm."

"Ah sorry Nike, Annabeth and I are going to the Rangers game."

I snapped out of my little bubble when I heard my name.

"Ah okay, how about 2pm on the 28th?"

"Annabeth and I are going to the movies that day."

"We are?" I thought to myself. Percy hadn't told me about that.

"You know Percy, you can't keep cancelling these interviews. It's going to ruin your reputation."

Percy shrugged, "I'm sorry I want to spend time with my girlfriend."

I blushed at Percy's comments and Nike glared at my unapprovingly.

"Yeah well it seems like that's all you want to do. Just 'spend time with your girlfriend' instead of focusing on your hockey career."

I scoffed at Nike's statement, "C'mon Nike, Percy is focused on his hockey career. Look at his stats."

Now it was Nike's turn to scoff, "Oh Annabeth. Teams don't care about Percy's play on the ice. Why? Because they know what he can do. What teams want to know is how he reacts to the media and everyday life of being a superstar. What if Toronto wins the draft lottery? Fans and media love hockey there and would be following Percy 24/7."

I looked over at Percy who was pretending to examine a nice scar on his arm.

"Okay well Toronto won't win the draft lottery right? Aren't they a long shot?"

Nike laughed, "Honey, Toronto is dead last in the NHL. They traded their best player to San Jose and are going to continue trading away their top players. Right now they have the best odds of winning the draft lottery and word on the street is they really want Percy."

I swear my heart sank into my stomach. Toronto? Who would want to live in Canada? I mean their winters are worse than New York and don't they ride polar bears everywhere and live in igloos?

"Percy? Do you want to play in Toronto?" I asked quietly.

Percy looked up at me and gave me a weak smile, "Yeah, they're my 2nd favourite team. Plus I think it'd be cool to play in Canada."

Well there's the answer to my question. Percy Jackson. My Seaweed Brain would live in Canada. Gods why am I in love with him.

"So Annabeth? What school are you planning on attending next fall?" Nike was either trying to hide something about Percy playing in Toronto or she was generally curious about my post-secondary life.

I'm going to go out on a limb and say the latter is incorrect, "I'm stuck on Harvard and Yale. I was also considering Stanford but I don't think I want to be that far away from Percy."

Nike nodded in approval, "I guess that means you won't be travelling with Percy until after you graduate?"

"Unless he were to magically get drafted by Boston or New York, no."

"I understand, education is important," Nike's voice was oozing with sarcasm.

"Yes it is. Hey what if Percy played NCAA hockey? I mean education is important right? Percy can't play hockey for forever, so why not get a head start?"

"So it was your idea!" Nike snapped.

"Huh?"

"Percy walks into my office one day and tells me he wants to play NCAA hockey. I asked him what schools and he said Harvard and Yale. They own the 2nd and 6rd worst hockey programs in the US! Annabeth Chase you are trying to sabotage my client's hockey career!"

I stared at Nike in shock. I looked over at Percy but he was doing the exact same. I opened my mouth to speak but my voice failed me.

"Look Annabeth. After Percy's first year in the NHL, he will have made close to 1 million dollars. After your first year on the job, which might I add will be 3-5 years after Percy's first year in the NHL, you'll be lucky to make half of that. I appreciate you trying to do what you think is best for Percy but that's why his family hired me. So please stop trying to do my job."

A million different emotions entered my body. I was angry, frustrated, annoyed, sad and really wanting to smack Nike in the face. And to add insult to injury Percy wasn't even defending me! He just sat there and did nothing!

I got up from my seat, but Percy motioned for me to sit back down so I played it off as me stretching and sat back down.

"Nike, I'm grateful that you're trying to do what's best for me. But I think Annabeth has a point. I mean what if hockey doesn't work out? Or what am I going to do after my career is over? Maybe I should go to school next year. I could at least get an education and be better prepared for the future."

"Your father would be very disappointed in you if he heard this conversation."

I looked at Percy whose face was ghost white.

"Don't bring my dad into this," Percy said behind gritted teeth.

"Oh but I just did. Why? Because you know it's true."

"Back off Nike, that was a low blow."

"Quite Chase, I've seen your record. You had that scholarship to BU. But then you lost it when your parents divorced. Now you want to ruin Percy's career too."

I could feel tears forming in my eyes, I don't know if they showed up because I was angry or because I was sad.

"Nike, please leave."

"But Percy we still have to disc-"

"LEAVE NIKE!"

Nike collected her things and stormed out. But not before she had one final statement, "Good luck finding an agent that can handle that thing you call a girlfriend."

I buried my face in my hands and proceeded to ball my eyes out.

Sally walked into the living room as Nike slammed the door.

"I never liked her anyways."

I felt a pair of arms wrap themselves tightly around my body.

"Shhh its okay Wise Girl."

"I just ruined everything for you Percy," I somehow said through sobs and tears.

"Don't listen to her. She's just mad I didn't want to do any interviews with those radio stations. That's Nike for ya. She's a nice lady most of the time. But when she doesn't get her way…. Look out."

I looked up at Percy; his face full of concern. You could see the hurt in his sea green eyes.

"You alright Percy?"

Percy didn't respond, he just continued to stare at me.

"Percy if you don't want to play in the NCAA that's fine, I unde-"

"Annabeth please. Don't try and make me change my mind. I've made a decision and I plan on following through with it. I won't play hockey for forever. But I do want to be with you for the rest of my life."

Remember when I said my heart sank into my stomach? Well it was now back in its usual spot, pumping blood faster than the speed of light.

"Percy Jackson you are amazing."

Percy grinned at my compliment, "I know but thank you."

"I think I liked you better when I teased you."

Percy laughed, "I like you better when you shower me with compliments."

"But where's the fun in that? I like to make you work for things."

"What kind of things?" Percy leaned in to kiss me.

I put a finger on his lips, "These kind of things and you sir haven't earned them."

Percy opened his mouth to speak, but as he did Thalia, Nico, Bianca and a very familiar man barged through the front door.

"We have made it! And we come bearing gifts!" Nico announced.

Percy and I got up from the couch and greeted everyone.

"Thalia! Nico! And… Mr. Blofis?!"

"Sir what are you doing here?" Percy asked from behind me.

"Surprise! Paul is the special guest."

I swear I heard Percy gulp from behind me.

"Hey Annabeth why are your eyes red?" Thalia stared at my face intensely.

I opened my mouth to answer Thalia but Percy beat me, "We'll talk over dinner."

- PAGE BREAK –

"Why didn't you slap Nike Annie?" Thalia exclaimed.

I laughed, "I didn't want to make her hate me even more!"

"Fair enough. Boy if I ever see that chick in public, she's going to wish she never said that."

I turned to my right to see Nico finally put down his fork and knife.

"Someone finished eating?"

"I can't eat another bite!"

I laughed at Nico as he unhooked his belt to aid his aching belly.

It was nice to see all these familiar faces… Well Thalia and Nico at least. Seeing Mr Blofis; my English teacher was a little awkward. Especially when he said "Call me Paul."

I looked over at Percy and Bianca chatting away. I'll be honest, I am very grateful Bianca and Percy are cousins. She's one of those girls that has it all. Looks, athleticism, smarts and money. She didn't have to try to look pretty because she already was.

"You need any help with the dishes Sally?" Mr. Blofis asked politely.

"No I think I'm good Paul."

Boy if it was awkward for me, I could only imagine how awkward it was for Percy. I mean Paul was dating Percy's mother.

We eventually migrated over to the living room. Paul sat down in the chair Nike occupied earlier and I shuddered at that thought.

Percy sat on the floor, leaning his back on the front of the couch. I sat in between Percy's legs as Nico handed out everyone's gifts.

"… and last but not least Thalia!"

Nico tossed Thalia a few lumps of coal.

"Really Nico? Really?" Thalia stated unapprovingly.

Nico smiled, "You have been very naughty Miss Grace."

Where Nico's smile could have filled the room with happiness, Thalia's glare could have killed someone just as quickly.

"Okay here. Merry Christmas ya old fart," Nico reached into the bag and pulled out her gift.

"Thank you," Thalia said cheerfully.

I felt kind of bad, I mean I didn't buy Bianca a present… but in my defense I didn't know she existed until hours before this moment. Thankfully Percy used his brain for once and said his present was from both of us.

We all opened our presents at the same time. Nico and Percy opening all of theirs before I had even opened my first one. Nico got some zombie video game called Dying Light from Percy, I bought him all of TWD seasons (he somehow didn't have any of them), his sister Bianca got him another zombie video game called Dead Island 2 and Thalia got Nico a book on the origins of zombies.

"Why a book Thals? You know I don't read!"

"Exactly. If you really want to learn more about zombies you're going to have to read."

"I hate you, but I also like you because of your gift."

Percy got Dying Light from Nico (wonder if they planned it…), a new pair of hockey gloves from Bianca and Thalia got Percy a single picture of me…

"Why the picture of Annabeth?" Percy laughed.

"I thought you might get lonely when she isn't at your house. So if you ever miss her… there ya go," Thalia winked at me and I instantly blocked out every dirty thought that popped into my head.

"No the real reason I got you that picture is that I spent half of my money on that custom Jersey you got. So… yeah…"

"Well thanks Thals, really appreciate it. I love the jersey and the picture… well Annabeth looks pretty at least."

Everyone started laughing including myself.

Bianca got a book on hockey from Percy… and I, some socks from Nico (he got slapped afterwards) and Thalia bought Bianca some new earrings.

Lastly Thalia got new combat boots from Nico (Thalia actually approved of them), a book on hockey from Percy (Thalia didn't approve of it) and I got Thalia a new leather jacket.

"You did alright Annie. I approve of the new jacket."

I beamed at Thalia's comments.

"Alright Sally. Nico, Bianca and I got you one big present." Thalia handed Sally her present.

Inside was a couple of things. The big ticket was a brand new desk for Sally to write her stories on. I guess Percy told them about Sally's rickety old desk. The 2nd thing was another notebook for Sally. It was kind of similar to the one that Percy and I got her but this one had a big 'S' for Sally on the front.

"Aw guys! Thank you soo much!"

Sally gave them a group hug.

We cleaned up all the wrapping paper and had dessert. Which was basically Sally's blue cookies. Before long it was 11pm and everyone decided it was time to go.

"Nice seeing you Paul," I shook his hand.

"Always good to see you Annabeth."

Percy held out his hand and Paul firmly shook it. They exchanged a few words and judging by the look on Paul's face, Percy gave him the talk.

"Annie! So good to see you again, we'll hang out again sometime before school starts," Thalia and I exchanged an awkward hug.

"For sure Thals. It'll have to after I leave Percy's though. I doubt he'll want to go shopping with us."

We both laughed at the thought of Percy going shopping with us.

"Don't have too much fun with Perce," Thalia winked before walking out the door.

Percy closed the door and it was once again it was just the 2 of us.

"I'm glad that's over," I muttered to myself.

Percy walked over to me, "Hey look, I'm sorry about Nike… we'll talk in a bit okay?"

He kissed my forehead before walking to the bathroom.

I walked back to Percy's room and got ready for bed.

- PAGE BREAK –

"How ya doing Wise Girl?"

I turned my head and stared at Percy who was lying in bed next to me.

"Why does Nike hate me Perce? I… I don't understand."

Percy reached out for my hand and started stroking my thumb, "Well you heard her. She thought you were a bad influence on me."

"But like why? You don't think I am right?"

"I won't lie, you kind of are a bad influence on my hockey career. But in terms of our relationship, I think you're a great influence."

I let Percy's words sink in. For probably the first time in my life, I was a tad bit confused.

"Go on," I still couldn't process what Percy had said.

"In terms of what's best for my hockey career, going to play NCAA hockey for 2 pretty bad teams in Harvard or Yale won't help me develop. But I do want to be with you Annabeth, so it's a sacrifice I'd be willing to make."

I suddenly felt really guilty upon hearing Percy's explanation. Was I being that selfish? Was I really putting myself in front of Percy's hockey career?

"Percy can you promise me something?"

"Of course."

"Promise me you will do what is best for your hockey career."

"But what about us Annabeth?"

"I'll still be here after I graduate University Perce. I don't want to get in the way of your hockey career. Besides, Nike did have a point. You're going to be the one bringing in all the money."

Percy grinned, "I'll buy us a nice house someday. As thanks for everything."

"So you promise to do what's best?"

"I will. I'll do it for my dad, I mean it was his dream. He was my inspiration to play hockey. But I think I found my new inspiration right here."

Boy that Seaweed Brain sure has a way with words… well sometimes.

"Percyyy. You know I really don't deserve a guy like you."

Percy looked at me like I was an idiot, "Nonsense Annabeth. Everyone makes mistakes or decisions that they regret. But that's just human nature. I like that you're honest. Even if it's brutally honest or makes you look selfish or arrogant."

"And why is that?"

"Because I know you do care and aren't in it for the fame."

I looked at Percy and kissed him on the lips, "You could be homeless and I'd still find you attractive Seaweed Brain."

Percy cracked his trademark grin, "I love you Wise Girl."

I rested my head on his chest, "I love you too Seaweed Brain."

We stayed in this position for a while, no talking, nothing. Just Percy stroking my hair and me listening to his heart beat.

"So what do you want to do tomorrow?"

"How about we just relax? Watch movies all day or something?" Percy and I hadn't had a lot of alone time and tomorrow (or today I mean it was 1 in the morning).

"I like that idea. My mom's probably going to go Boxing Day shopping with Mr. Blo- I mean Paul…"

"Oh yeah! What do you think of that?"

Percy paused, "I guess I'm okay with it. I mean I don't think he hates me so I'm cool with him dating my mom. I did give him the talk though."

"Yeah I saw the look on his face afterwards."

"Yeah… It should be good for her. Dad isn't coming back so it's not like she's breaking any rules."

We continued to lay in silence once again. I could hear Percy starting to snore so I knew he would be out like a light soon.

"Percy?"

"Hmm."

"Drool on me again and I will kill you."

Instead of a response I got a loud chorus of snores.

I silently prayed to god that I would not wake up with drool all over me again.

Thanks for reading! Please please please review and give me feedback, I'm always looking for ways to improve the fanfic. Hopefully Chapter 11 wont take another week to write. See yall in the next chapter! Hint hint, Annabeth and Percy's relationship is put to the test.