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A Twisted Tale of Cinderella

Chapter 12

From his place on the bed pretending to read the newspaper, Percy watched Annabeth brush Mrs. O'Leary. The black mastiff sat still for Annabeth, a courtesy she usually didn't extend to him when he brushed her fur.

Percy paid special attention to Annabeth's face. Her gray eyes looked dark from this angle, reflecting the black fur of his dog. Those long and lush eyelashes danced each time she blinked. There was a rosy tint in her cheeks from the outside air blowing in from the open balcony doors. Her lips weren't chapped like they used to be, instead appeared pink and soft. Annabeth looked at Mrs. O'Leary like the dog was her own child. Percy had often gotten such remarks about the way he treated his dog and he loved that he found someone who cherished Mrs. O'Leary like he did. With each stroke of the brush through fur, she scratched at the back of Mrs. O'Leary's ear or neck.

Today would be the seventh day since he let her see him cry. The tears were unplanned and unexpected and they had been relentless. No one had seen him cry in years. The last time he had let so many tears flow was not since he lost his mother.

He didn't know how Annabeth would react when she saw him crying and he was afraid to look at her. Nothing in his life surprised him more when she reached out and tried to comfort him. It made his tears flow with even more vigor. He was so lost and consumed with rage and hate, that he let himself turn into a monster. There were no limits to his cruelty and she experienced that firsthand.

But when Annabeth lay her palm on the small of his back, he felt even more vulnerable, like he was trusting her with his life. Her voice called his name. There wasn't an inkling of pity. Instead, she focused on soothing him. Everything about her in that moment seemed to summon more tears because it was a constant reminder that he mistreated a woman who was nothing but kind. She wanted to comfort him and in the process, touched him. Him! The man who never thanked her once until she saved his life. The man who thought of cutting off her head when he learned she was an Olympian. She, who shied away from a handshake, had reached out to him. When he closed his eyes and concentrated, he could remember the warm feel of her palm on his back and her voice whispering his name.

Percy longed for it again.

He continued to watch Annabeth brush Mrs. O'Leary and he wondered what she would think if she knew he had cried every night since then. So many thoughts triggered his tears. He thought about his mother looking down on him and shaking her head, disappointed her son grew up to be vicious, and he cried. He thought about his father, always right about everything but Percy somehow always found the will to be insolent, and he cried. But most of all, he thought of his treatment of Annabeth, a girl who his father confirmed had nothing to do with the blood feud between the Atlanteans and Olympians, and he cried. She wasn't there to comfort him and he yearned for her.

How could he thought of her as a plaything he could torment with no consequences? Poseidon warned him but Percy refused to listen. His own behavior disgusted him to the point of wanting to retch… or cry. Annabeth was just a girl who had no idea how valuable her life was to her family and by extension to the Atlanteans who would take her as a hostage. Back then, Percy lived to frighten her and disrespect her at every opportunity. He didn't think she had feelings. And even if she did, she was an Olympian. The Olympians murdered his mother. So she deserved every bit of his hate.

His mother was rolling in her grave knowing that her son used her death as justification to abuse an innocent woman.

Percy forced his mind to think of something else or he would bring on a round of tears.

Annabeth had finished with brushing Mrs. O'Leary who was on her back enjoying a belly rub. Only a few feet separated them and yet she was completely oblivious to the mental lashing he had just unleashed upon himself. She stood up to turn to him and the peace on her face disappeared. Percy was afraid he had let tears flow without even noticing. He wiped his fingertips on his cheek as casual as he could, pretending he had an itch. His cheeks and fingertips were dry. But Annabeth still approached him.

"Percy," her voice chased away the turmoil he was feeling moments earlier. "Is everything alright?" When he didn't answer, she spoke his name again. "Percy?" He closed his eyes for a second or two just so he could savor the sound of his name on her lips.

He cleared his throat and sat up from the bed, folding the newspaper to lay on the nightstand. "I'm fine," he said and feigned a smile.

Annabeth's eyes studied his form. "I just thought," and she trailed off before returning his smile, although hers was smaller and genuine. "Nevermind. I'm going to check on the horses since the stable hand is off today. Would you like to come?"

It was the first time she invited him anywhere. Despite Percy spending the better part of the last five years hiding his feelings, she saw right through his fake smile. How could she read him so easily? She was more attuned to Percy's feelings than even he himself. Once again, without any incentive, she was trying to comfort him. And he appreciated it.

"Okay."

Annabeth's smile brought more light into the room than the sun shining in from the large windows. Percy's cheeks burned bright.

While Annabeth led Porkpie out of her stable, Percy went to Arion. He didn't like letting Arion out when Hazel wasn't around but Arion needed the exercise.

"Remember what I told you." Percy cautioned and grabbed a handful of hay cubes.

He took Arion to his isolated enclosure, fed him the hay cubes, and watched him roam a bit before heading to the grazing area where Annabeth and the other horses were. She was standing outside the fence and the rest of the horses were lined up neatly on the other side, appearing to wait patiently until Annabeth greeted them.

"They're even more calm than usual." Percy said when he stood next to Annabeth. She was stroking Rainbow's neck. "You're good with horses."

"I used to ride at home."

When she said that, Percy realized he knew next to nothing about her life before she came to be with him. All he knows is that she grew up separately from other Olympians like Thalia Grace. But it didn't matter. Annabeth was with him now. There were so many things to know about her other than her linage and he wanted to learn them all. He hoped that in the future, when she felt more at home with him, she would let him discover new things about her.

"Has anyone ever introduced you to them?"

"No."

Percy unlocked the fence and held it open. "So you've been tending to them and you don't know any of their names?"

"Only Rainbow."

"Then allow me to introduce you." Percy went inside the enclosure and held the gate for Annabeth to follow. The horses gathered around them. Blackjack nudged Percy on the side of the shoulder with his nose. "Yeah, yeah, I know. I'm sorry I didn't introduce you sooner, buddy. Annabeth, this is Blackjack. He's-"

"Your favorite." Annabeth finished.

Percy laughed. "Don't let the other horses hear you say that."

Blackjack pointed his ears. He walked closer to Annabeth and sniffed at her hair before lightly nuzzling into the side of her head in greeting.

"He likes you." Percy stated the obvious.

She ran her fingers through Blackjack's mane then scratched him along the length of his back. "I hope so. He is the one I've handled the most. Hey!"

Guido, the caramel colored horse, was sniffing up and down at Annabeth's dress until his snout caught her skirt and lifted it to her thigh.

"Guido! Don't be rude!" Percy blushed and pushed the horse away from Annabeth so she could smooth down her skirt.

"Percy, don't be mean to him. It was an accident." She laughed and went to scratch Guido's neck.

"Yeah, 'accident.'" Percy glared at Guido but the horse was too busy enjoying Annabeth's attention to notice.

Rainbow walked up from behind Percy to approach Annabeth. She gently touched her snout to Annabeth's shoulder.

"Hello, Rainbow."

Sebastian, the youngest and smallest horse, cantered around Annabeth and Rainbow.

"What's his name?" Annabeth turned in circles, eyes aligning with the young horse.

"Sebastian. He's Rainbow and Blackjack's foal." Percy explained before walking over to Annabeth and holding his hand out to Sebastian. "Come on, li'l Sebastian. Come here, little horsey!"

Sebastian whinnied and trotted over to Percy. "We're not yet sure if he has what it takes to be a racehorse." He said when Sebastian cuddled into Percy's embrace.

Annabeth stood next to Percy and began to braid Sebastian's mane. "Of course he does, don't you?" Sebastian seemed to like his new hairstyle and Annabeth's encouragement as he pushed his head into Annabeth's chest.

"Oh, Percy," she laughed, "he's so sweet."

An urge to slap himself manifested in the pit of his gut but he settled on clenching his fists. He was jealous of a horse. What the hell? His heart sped up and his cheeks turned pink so he turned his head away from Annabeth to see the cream colored mare coming towards them. She was the oldest of the herd and the rest of the horses parted to allow her access to Annabeth and Percy.

"She's beautiful." Annabeth held out her arms and the horse approached her.

"This is Porkpie."

"Uh, Porkpie?" She raised her eyebrow at Percy and smirked. "Let me guess, you named her?"

"I was twelve, okay?"

Annabeth stroked Porkpie's snout and smiled seductively at Percy. He wasn't sure if she was doing it on purpose or if he was just projecting what he wanted to see onto her. Either way, he couldn't keep his eyes off her.

"Don't be angry. I was joking. Mrs. O'Leary and Porkpie are wonderful names. I supposed you chose the names Blackjack, Rainbow, Guido, Sebastian, and Arion, too?" Percy nodded and swallowed a lump in his throat. "Wow, you're so creative with names."

"Thanks, it's a gift."

Arion cried out from his enclosure and Annabeth flinched. Percy rushed over to see if she was alright.

"Is there something wrong with him?"

Percy waved his hand dismissively in Arion's direction, more concerned with Annabeth. "No, he's just jealous because we're here with the other horses and he thinks we're giving them special treatment."

Annabeth walked to fence. "Nonsense. He's the one who gets his own private pen."

Arion squealed again, making Percy relent. "We should go say 'hello' before he gets fussy." He led Annabeth out of the gate and towards Arion. "Get over here, Arion!" He yelled and Arion ran over to them. The horse stuck his head between one of the spaces of the fence right in front of Annabeth. "Arion, Annabeth. Annabeth, Arion." Percy gave Arion a warning glare when Annabeth reached out to pat his snout. Arion licked her palm. Then he backed away and started trotting around the field, his head held up. Percy rolled his eyes. Arion was such a show off for a pretty girl.

Percy noticed how intensely Annabeth watched Arion. "Would you like to go for a ride?"

Annabeth gazed at him and blinked. "It's been a while. I wasn't allowed back home."

"I thought you said you had lessons?" Percy looked Annabeth over from her head to her toes and back up again. Her looks and her position as Zeus's granddaughter confirmed what he always thought about her. She was practically a princess to the Olympians. She should have been able to do whatever she wanted. Why would she be forbidden from horseback riding when she was clearly skilled in handling the beasts?

"I did when I was a child." She paused and played with her hands. "Things changed."

"It's alright." He reassured her. "We don't have to if you don't want."

Annabeth looked away from him, still fiddling with her hands. "I do want to. I'm just worried."

Percy smiled down at her. "You don't have to be. I'll be with you. Everything will be alright, I promise."

She met his eyes and nodded.

Porkpie and Blackjack were chosen as their steeds. Arion whined from his pen, probably trying to goad Annabeth into choosing him. When she stopped in her tracks and gestured towards Arion, Percy shook his head. There was no way he would let Annabeth ride such an unpredictable horse. Maybe if Hazel were here, it would be alright but she wasn't. And he promised Annabeth everything would be alright. He intended to keep that promise.

After they saddled the horses, he double checked Annabeth's saddle to make sure it was properly secured. Though there was really no point. She knew how to saddle a horse. She's done it for Blackjack many times.

With an insincere frown that was threatening to become a smile, Annabeth feigned offense. "I know how to put a saddle on."

It took Percy a few seconds to decide what to say back. "I-I know. I just want you to be safe." He wanted to pretend he hadn't just seen her cheeks go pink when she quickly turned from him. But he did and he celebrated on the inside. "Do you need help getting on?"

"No, thank you. I'm fine." But Percy still held Porkpie steady while Annabeth mounted her.

When Percy mounted Blackjack, he reached for Porkpie's reins to lead her along with him. Annabeth jerked backwards when they started walking and she latched onto the saddle's horn. If she wasn't so uncomfortable with touching, Percy would have prefered if she just rode with him on Blackjack. At least then Percy would be certain she wouldn't fall off if she were riding in back or in front of him. But since he knew she didn't like to be touched, he chose to lead the horses to the fields with more level ground. Annabeth didn't wobble as much. When Percy was certain Annabeth had gotten used to being on a horse again, he handed Porkpie's reins to her. They rode for about a mile or two, circling the lands.

The wind blew through Annabeth's hair, tossing her ponytail over her shoulders and a few loose strands into her face. He was mesmerized whenever she ran her hand through the length of her ponytail, letting it fall down her on back and revealing her neck.

Percy averted his eyes from her when she turned to face him but he knew she already caught him staring so he might as well speak. "Who taught you to ride?"

Her gaze went towards the fields of grass. "My mother taught me first. After her, it was riding instructors."

Percy steered Blackjack to ride next to her. When he saw her face, he noticed a dullness in her eyes that wasn't there before. He recognized that look. It was the same look Percy wore when he thought about his mother. Just like him, Annabeth had lost her mother. He didn't know which of her parents was the Olympian, but for the first time in years he remembered his mother's teaching on compassion. Whether her mother was Olympian or not, all that mattered was that Annabeth understood how he felt, even if she didn't know it.

"My mother taught me how to ride, too." He hadn't spoken about his mother to anyone before, unless he was reminding his father of her fate at the hands of the Olympians. It was as if the less he spoke of her death, the less real it was. "She's gone now."

"Percy," the sound of his name said in her voice sent a wave of serenity to his mind. "I'm sorry for your loss."

"It's not your fault." Why the hell did he say that? Of course, it wasn't Annabeth's fault. But it just came out. Perhaps his heart was reminding him of what his father tried to drill into his head. Annabeth is innocent. But he had been treating her like she wasn't. Never again, he reminded himself.

"I'm sorry for yours as well." He elaborated.

Blackjack and Porkpie walked side by side in close enough proximity that Percy could hear Annabeth's soft breathing and then a sniffle. Alarmed, he turned to her for he feared she would cry. It sent a panic throughout his body. He didn't know how to handle women - anyone for that matter - he didn't know how to handle people when they cried. An instinct told him to hold her hand or cradle her in his arms. But he knew she wouldn't like that. Oh gods, he didn't want to see this woman cry again. He didn't want her to feel sad, or hopeless, or afraid. But there was nothing he could do to prevent it.

His fears were realized when her eyes watered but then she inhaled sharply and held in her tears.

"They wouldn't want us to cry for them." Annabeth explained. "They'd want us to smile at their memory and cherish all they've taught us." Those large gray eyes focused on him and she halted Porkpie to a stop. Percy stopped Blackjack, too, and looked back at her. Her chest moved up and down slowly in slow breaths, effectively calming herself. It amazed him how brave and in control she could be.

"Thank you, Annabeth."

A small smile graced her lips. They began to ride their horses back towards the stables to water them.

While they talked about the cute and funny things they had seen Mrs. O'Leary do, Annabeth suddenly urged Porkpie to walk faster. Percy made Blackjack match their speed. She looked over her shoulder at him. With the sunlight behind her like a halo and her eyes glossed with the brightness of the sky, she reminded Percy of an angel. His heartbeat sounded in his ears so loud he couldn't hear what she said when she moved her lips.

"I'm sorry," he had to look away when he felt his throat drying. "What was that?"

"I said I'll race you back."

Percy broke into a fit of laughter. "Annabeth, I've been riding almost all my life. It wouldn't be fair." And he was on Blackjack. Their two horses may have both been champions in their day, but Porkpie was still a little older and had always been a tad slower.

Annabeth shrugged her shoulders. "Afraid you'll lose?"

Percy glared only for it to be returned with a smirk. But it was exciting. He was learning new things about her already. And he was never one to turn down a challenge. About half a mile ahead, there was the lemon tree and beyond that, the horse enclosures. He looked back at her and smirked. "To the lemon tree?" He readied the reins.

"Okay, go!" Annabeth said in a rush and Porkpie surged forward in a lope.

"Hey, no fair!" Her laughter trailed behind her and she wasn't stopping. Percy squeezed his heels against Blackjack and the horse took off.

Blackjack caught up to Porkpie's flank. Percy thought Blackjack could match Porkpie's gallop and the race would end in a tie. He didn't want to let Annabeth win but he also didn't want her to resent him for beating her. Yes, a tie would be the most desirable outcome. But Percy's competitive edge told him he needed to win. Another squeeze of his heels and Blackjack inched ahead of Porkpie.

Percy looked to his side at Annabeth to see her lowered her upper body. Porkpie sped up and passed the lemon tree almost four paces in front Blackjack. Annabeth threw her hands to the sky and cheered at her victory. And she didn't miss the opportunity to give Percy a self-satisfied smirk. They both slowed their horses to a trot and walked.

Though Blackjack was the one doing the running, Percy had to catch his breath. "You cheated."

"I said, 'go.' You need to work on your reaction time."

They laughed. Percy was in awe. When he was with Annabeth, talking to her distracted him from all those toxic thoughts he had. No investor gala to worry about. No blood feud to agonize over. There was only the two of them. His self loathing disintegrated when her laughter filled the air. And he felt safe when she blessed him with even the smallest of smiles.

This woman was godsent.

An exhausting week passed and preparations for the gala were almost complete. There was only the matter of deciding on the guest list. Triton brought a folder full of potential guests to Percy's desk.

"Can't we just invite them all?" Percy complained while shifting through the pages.

"Don't be an idiot." Triton said, licking the tip of his index finger and flipping through more pages. "We want to recruit people to fund father's company as well as our own private war with a powerful criminal family. We can't just let anyone walk through our doors."

It was tedious, but Percy understood the importance of this event. Poseidon's Trident Inc. was suffering a loss in the stocks, though still making enough to keep the company going and enable them to live rather comfortably. Mr. Dare, Rachel's father, helped but Atlas was a devastating loss and they needed much, much more if they were going to make it out of this clash with the Olympians alive.

The brothers went through half of the potential investors and so far only agreed on twenty-seven names, the rest they argued about. Percy, being the heir to the Jackson and secretly the Atlantean family, had the final say. But he trusted Triton's judgement enough to change his mind on a few names. They had added eleven more names to the guest list when Percy picked up Annabeth's voice through the walls of his office.

"Percy?" She called. "Where are you?"

He rushed to the door, eager to answer her call and also ignoring Triton's raised brow.

"Here I am, Annabeth." He closed the door to his office behind him and walked to meet her near the bed. She leaned her side against the wooden bedpost and Percy was glad she was beginning to be comfortable with him enough to be casual.

"I'm about to start on dinner. What would you like to eat tonight?"

Percy thought for a moment. If he told Annabeth he wanted chicken and dumplings, she would leave him to go make it and he would have to return to Triton to sort through a list of boring old business moguls or…

"You know I've been feeling better for a while. How about we go visit those friends of yours now? You said they own a diner, right? Let's have dinner there."

The past week had been excruciatingly long and stressful, what with all the preparations for the gala. Percy just wanted to get away from it all. And he wanted to take Annabeth with him.

Her face became troubled. "I don't have any money on me."

Poseidon has been paying Annabeth a generous wage for a maid, caretaker, private attendant, whatever his father had called it. But Percy didn't question her. Since she arrived, she hasn't left the property and had no way of cashing her checks.

"Don't worry, everything is on me." He walked a little closer and smiled down to her, the same smile he used to get Rachel and Calypso to do whatever he wanted.

Light pink dusted Annabeth's cheeks and she bit her lip. Percy felt his insides toss and turn. How did she get the upper hand?

"Oh, I know. I will cash one of the checks your father gave me. It's more than enough." Her smile made his knees buckle. Luckily he was near the bed and he played it off like he just wanted to take a seat.

"No, no, it's alright." He said a little too quickly. "I insist." If she cashed one of those checks, word would travel to his father. Percy couldn't let that happen. His father would be furious if he found out he took her off the property.

"Are you sure?" She hesitantly took a seat on the mattress, too, though far away from him and her arm wrapped around the one of the columns of the canopy bed.

"Think of it as a thank you for all you've done."

Annabeth took her arm off the post and inched closer to him. "But you've thanked me many times before."

Percy mirrored her movements and soon they were only sitting a foot apart on the bed. If they both moved again, their knees would touch. "And I said it will never be enough. Please?"

Her lips curved upwards until the door to his office opened. Annabeth shot to her feet and backed away from Percy before Triton came out the door.

"Why don't you go get ready, Annabeth? I will be downstairs in a few minutes." She left without giving Percy a response. But he knew she'd be waiting for him. All he had to do was deal with Triton and then he could be with her again.

"Did I hear right?" Triton shook his head, trying to convince himself what he heard wasn't true. "You're taking her out to dinner?"

Percy's heart sped up. Without even realizing it, he had essentially asked Annabeth out on a date. And she had said yes. A lopsided grin appeared on his face.

"Yes, I am." He made his way to the closet, moving around and past his brother.

"Have you lost your damn mind?" Triton followed him. "She's not supposed to leave the estate. What if someone sees her?"

"She's been with us for nearly three months." Percy looked through his coats one by one. A dark brown jacket caught his eye. He pulled it out to hold it up to his body and looked into the mirror. Deciding it wasn't suited for tonight, he put it back. "I'm sure any Olympian agents who were there - if there were even any there - I'm sure they're all gone by now."

"If father finds out-"

"He won't." He didn't need to threaten Triton out loud for his brother to understand the message. "Besides, we're just going to see her friends and eat dinner."

"Who are these friends of hers? How do you know she's not leading you into a trap?"

"Thank you for your concern. I didn't know you cared about me so. But I told you, she's not an Olympian spy."

Triton scoffed.

"I'm just trying to make her stay here happy. When the time comes that we do have to give her back to her family," he winced at the thought of parting ways with her forever. "They'll ask her if we were good to her. At least she could say yes."

"And what about the guest list? We're sending the names to get the invitations printed tonight!"

"You can sort through that yourself, can't you?"

"But-"

"I know you can do it, Triton. And I'll owe you one. Thanks, bye." And Percy was out the door before his brother could retort.

Annabeth was waiting for him at the base of the stairs. She had put on a simple blue dress that covered her shoulders and fell below her knees. The dress sparked a memory. He had seen it before when he went through her drawers in order to find something with her scent to give to Mrs. O'Leary. It was one of the only pieces of clothing he recalled she owned. Percy wanted to tell her that he thought she looked beautiful but he held his tongue.

"Percy, you have no idea how excited I am."

Actually he did know how eager she was to see her friends again. After all, he had read her letters detailing as much. Triton had sent the last of her letters they were withholding off last week. She had gotten a response yesterday but Triton insisted he took a look at it, even at Percy's protest. He wondered if Triton gave her the letter yet.

"They must be pretty special."

Usually with other women, he would hold out his arm for them to take and lead them outside. This was Annabeth. He wanted to respect her space as much as possible so he settled on walking beside her out the doors. Percy had called a taxicab to take them into the city rather than take the horses out. It would cut their travel time nearly in half.

"And so generous." Annabeth looked up at the evening sky and smiled in fond memory. "They took me in when I had nowhere to go."

Judging by the obvious content in her voice and her excitement to meet Grover and Juniper again, she was happy when she was with them. And then his father found her and brought her here, where Percy proceeded to torture her. But he didn't let his guilt bother him.

"Shall we?" Percy held open the cab door for Annabeth to slip in first.

The ride wasn't uneventful and the humming of the engine destroyed any hope he had of having a peaceful conversation with Annabeth. Instead he watched as she looked out the window. Although he tried to suppress it, anguish ate at him when he saw her face light up in the reflection of the window at the scenery. This is the first time she's really been anywhere in almost three months. She had truly been their prisoner. No more.

With Annabeth's directions, the taxicab dropped them off near a pawn shop. The diner was just across the street, she explained.

When Percy closed the door and instructed the cabdriver to pick them up in two hours, he turned around to see two men dressed in casual suits peering in his direction. They both looked strikingly similar with their dark auburn hair and ice blue eyes. They could have been twins, but one was two or three inches taller. The shorter one smiled, exposing his teeth then gave Percy two thumbs up while wiggling his eyebrows up and down. Percy shook his head as subtle as he could. Thankfully the taller one pulled them both around the corner before Annabeth could notice them.

Triton had called in the Stolls to monitor him. Connor and Travis Stoll held the positions of managers of the Atlantean spy network. How two bumbling perverts managed to accomplish such a feat, he did not know. But they've done good work and have been loyal friends to Percy for years.

Percy and Annabeth crossed the street and entered the diner known as The Reed Pipe. Though it was the dinner rush, the place was only about half full.

"Oh my goodness!" The woman at the counter squealed when Percy and Annabeth walked over to her. Percy guessed she must be Juniper. She bounced up and down a few times in excitement, her red hair flowing. "Grover! Get out here!" She yelled to the back and out came a lanky man with bushy brown hair and a goatee. And that was Grover.

"Annabeth?" He said, his smile getting wider and wider and Juniper still beaming. Annabeth curtsied in greeting. "It hasn't been too long but it certainly feels so. You look well."

Percy was happy when Annabeth didn't deny Grover's observation. "It was difficult to adjust but I'm really enjoying my work now." She glance over her shoulder at Percy. She waved for him to come closer.

Grover's eyebrows lifted when he saw Percy walk to stand behind Annabeth. "Uh?" He said nervously. "Who is this?"

Annabeth took a step back so she was standing next to Percy. With a smile and without taking her eyes off him, she said, "This is Percy. Percy, this is Grover and Juniper."

The air around the four became tense but Percy held out his hand. "It's nice to meet you?" He hadn't meant it to come out as a question.

Juniper narrowed her eyes and wrinkled her nose. Grover gave Percy a limp handshake. They definitely got Annabeth's letters.

Juniper ignored Percy's presence and turned to Annabeth. "Honey, we've been so worried about you. Since we didn't hear from you in so long, we feared the worst." Her eyes darted in Percy's direction. "I was thinking of calling the police until we finally got a letter."

Percy felt his palms begin to sweat.

"It's a good thing you didn't! Right, Percy?" Annabeth turned to him and laughed. Percy hoped he wasn't as wide eyed as he felt. Annabeth didn't turn away from him as she continued talking. "I've actually very happy."

Percy felt himself blush. He had noticed on his own already. As each day passed, more of her laughter echoed throughout the Jackson estate and she grew more comfortable. But hearing her say out loud that she was happy with him filled him with joy.

"So what finally brings you here?" Grover asked.

"Where is my food?" One of the customers yelled.

"Oh, please excuse me!" And Grover rushed back into the kitchen.

"Ah, Percy," Annabeth sad, "can you please find us a seat?"

"Of course." While he walked away, he could hear Annabeth quietly pleading with Juniper.

"Please, be nice to him. He's different now."

He chuckled to himself. It must have been quite the surprise for Grover and Juniper to see Annabeth strolling in with him.

She talked and laughed with Juniper, leaving Percy sitting at a table alone. After what felt to be fifteen minutes, Annabeth took two menus and went to sit with Percy. She apologized but he didn't mind. As they looked through the menu, Percy spotted Connor and Travis enter the diner and sit at a table in the corner. Travis, the taller of the two, made eye contact with Percy when Juniper went to give them menus. Connor stood and made his way to the bathrooms, nudging his head slightly in the direction he was heading to signal that he needed to speak with Percy.

Dread took over Percy's body. Oh no. What was happening? Would he have to make up some excuse to get Annabeth back to the manor in a hurry? But she was so happy to be back here. He didn't want to take that away from her. Oh gods.

Percy looked to Travis who nodded, silently communicating that he would watch over Annabeth. So Percy excused himself.

There was no one else in the bathroom and Connor waited for Percy by the sinks. When he saw Percy, a huge grin painted his face and Percy felt relieved but also pissed.

"What the hell?" He punched Connor in the shoulder. "I thought you brought me in here to tell me something important."

Connor rubbed his shoulder. "It is important. Who is that girl you're with? Her tits are huge!" He cupped his hands in front of his chest, estimating the size of Annabeth's breasts. "Man, I can't wait to have a go at her after you're done. Are you done?"

A fire lit up in Percy's heart and in his cheeks. In the past, he and Connor had a habit of sharing women. When one was a particularly good fuck, they'd refer her to the other and argue about which girl was the best. But that stopped with Rachel and Calypso since Percy needed them for reasons other than to relieve himself. Percy would be damned if they continued their old traditions with Annabeth. The red in his cheeks darkened. It also helped that there was no way Annabeth would agree to share either of their beds.

"Didn't Triton tell you what you're doing out here? That's Annabeth, the Olympian girl!"

Connor's eyes went wide. "What, are you serious? Triton just told us to come watch over you. He didn't mention she was gonna be here. Does your father know you've taken her from the manor?"

"No, and he's not going to, got it?"

Connor grinned but didn't answer, most likely still thinking about Annabeth's breasts.

"I said, got it?"

"Yeah, yeah."

"Triton called you two here just for insurance."

"That's what we brought these for!" Connor opened his jacket, revealing two guns holstered to his sides.

"Hide those!" Percy slid his hand down his face in misery as Connor concealed his weapons. "She and I are just here for dinner. There shouldn't be any trouble, understand?"

Connor nodded. "Can I still have sex with her?"

Percy grabbed Connor by his coat lapels and pushed him into the wall. Connor laughed when Percy existed the bathrooms.

Juniper was at the table talking with Annabeth. He couldn't hear what they were saying until Annabeth jerked in her chair.

"He's my boss! That's completely inappropriate!"

Juniper looked up at Percy and smirked, adopting a whole different attitude towards him. "Hello, Percy."

Annabeth turned around, her eyes wide. But she schooled her features and returned to looking at the menu.

"Are you ready to order?" Juniper asked, devious smirk still apparent.

"Percy hasn't gotten a chance to look at the menu."

"No, it's alright, Annabeth." He took his seat. Annabeth pulled the menu closer, hiding her face. "I'll just have what you're having. You've worked here. You know what's good."

Juniper took their orders and the menus, exposing Annabeth's embarrassed face, and went into the kitchen.

"What was that about?"

The tips of her ears were pink and she was pretending to be fascinated by her fork.

"It's not important." She said when her eyes looked up at him but when Percy smiled, she put her hand over her mouth and coughed. Percy decided he wouldn't pursue it any further. He already had a pretty clear idea of what they were talking about.

"So you said they were generous. Think they will give you a discount for being their friend?" He joked.

"Don't be cheap, Percy." She chastised but fought down a smile.

"I'm just kidding. What did you mean when you said they took you in?"

"I didn't have a home anymore. They let me live upstairs in return for working the restaurant." She twiddled her thumbs.

"You have a home with me now." The words made him blush.

Annabeth smiled. "I know."

Percy rubbed the back of his neck in embarrassment. Even though she smiled at him often nowadays, he still couldn't help feeling breathless. "Are you excited about the gala in a few weeks?"

She played with her utensils. "I'm trying to think of it as just another day at work."

He smirked. All week he's wanted to tell her and now seemed like an appropriate time. "Actually, I've decided to give you the day off so you can enjoy the party."

Annabeth froze and her eyes widened. Even though they've been on better terms for a while now, she hasn't had a day off since she started working for him. "Percy, are you serious?"

"Yeah, Triton and I discussed it and we've decided to hire outside help so the staff could have the day off."

"Well- I-" she stammered. "That's very kind of you."

Percy shrugged his shoulders. "Hazel, Leo, Beckendorf, and Frank will be there, too. There will be food and music and dancing."

Her eyes twinkled. Her shoulders moved up and down in a sigh and another smile found its way onto her face. Every single hour he put into preparations for the gala were all worth it just to see her smile at him again and again. It was amazing how he never grew tired of it.

But then her eyebrows knitted. "But what about you?"

It was almost too much to bear. He had just given her the first day off in months to let her attend an ornate gala. And she had asked about him.

"As you know, this gala's primary goal is to find more investors for my father's company. So I will spend most of my time trying to convince the folks there that we're a worthy investment."

"I know you'll do fine. It's just a shame you won't be able to enjoy the party."

The gala hasn't even happened and Percy already was tempted to ignore all the wealthy business owners and spend the day with her. But he was sure there would be more opportunities for the two of them to be together.

Juniper placed their plates in front of them and Annabeth's next words almost caused Percy to fall face first into his food.

"I'll save a dance for you."

Percy was glad he had food to stuff into his mouth otherwise he might have blurted out how enthusiastic he was to attend the gala now. Truth be told, he had been dreading it. But Annabeth. Oh, Annabeth. She promised him a dance. Did it mean she would let him hold her just that once?

While he ate, Percy daydreamed of what it might feel like to have her close. The food was decadent for a diner but Percy didn't think it compared to Annabeth's cooking, though he recognized that he was extremely and unapologetically biased. He ordered a strawberry and rhubarb pie for them to share. It pained him, but he let Annabeth eat most of the whipped cream.

He remained patiently at the table as Annabeth went behind the counter and conversed with her friends. The images in his head of the two of them dancing entertained him. When it was almost time for them to meet with the cab, Percy payed the bill at the register while Annabeth wouldn't stop expressing her gratitude. When she turned to wave goodbye to Grover and Juniper, Percy went back to the table pretending he forgot something when really he slipped an undisclosed amount of cash under his plate.

From inside the cab looking out the rear view window, Percy watched Connor and Travis exit the diner and turn the corner. Percy and Annabeth sat closer on the ride home, close enough for him to catch the lemon scent in her hair. They gazed at the stars out the window. Annabeth pointed to a few constellations that he forgot his mother taught him in his childhood. Mrs. O'Leary greeted them with licks and a wagging tail when they arrived home.

"Thank you for taking me, Percy." Annabeth said when she was on the first step of the staircase. Even on the step, she didn't meet his height.

When he used to take Rachel and Calypso out on dates, this was the part where they'd kiss him. But all he really wanted to do was hold her hand. This was Annabeth, he reminded himself. She didn't even know he thought of their outing as a date.

"Goodnight, Annabeth."

"Goodnight, Percy."

He watched her go up the stairs to her room in the servants' quarters. She looked back at him one more time before turning the corner.

Percy felt that warm sensation spread throughout his whole being, the same one he first felt when she first directed her smile at him and told him he drooled in his sleep. He didn't care how stupid he probably looked. He smiled wider than he ever did before.

Maybe he's done some foolish things in the past, but he wasn't an idiot. He knew what was happening to him. It started the moment she dragged his bloody body up the stairs that fateful night. No, even before then.

But he was an Atlantean and she was an Olympian. Even by some miracle she returned his affections, they could never be together. These feelings were forbidden but they would never amount to any sort of relationship anyway. So what was really the harm in having them?

Thank you for reading! You can always find and contact me on tumblr at annazonabeth where the sneak peek for chapter 13 will be posted tomorrow!

As you've noticed, this chapter was Percy further developing his feelings. Know what that means? Next chapter is fluff from Annabeth's POV along with the gala!

For anyone wondering, I only update on Thursday or Friday evenings PT. So make sure to check back in on those days or follow me on tumblr because I always post a heads up on when the next chapter will be out.

Please review!