Hey my wonderful Nerdie Birdies! SO! *inhales deeply*...I have some news to share! And part of that is Wacky News. So, pretty much I have updated my profile. If you are new and don't know what Wacky News is, well, it is updated news in my profile. I didn't add so much but I did insert information about the Heal My Scars sequel, and also I have updated my ten facts about me. There are recommended books and forum details, though the forum detail like the links are you know...very simplistic so yeah. You guys should go and check out Wacky News, and read the news. I have updated quotes that you can maybe read and I update the monthly. I also have ten facts about me (there is nothing so interesting like I am not sarcastic and all), but if you want to read them, you can go check that out! And hmmm...what else? Oh yeah; this chapter is LONG. Sure; it isn't as long as the other chapters but hey; to my defense...this is like...not the longest but not the shortest. This is a really huge chapter, and...*winks* I hope you enjoy. :D

Btw; I let out a notice on this...but JUST IN CASE...ALL MY STORIES ARE COPYRIGHT. I know this is so random of me to say, but if you find my story uploaded on any other site, or actually posted in this site, please contact me via PM or reviewing. I sincerely love my stories to the moon and back, and I work very hard writing my stories. Plagiarism is unacceptable, and can lead to fining which is huge. So please, don't copyright. Of course I know that my story isn't as good to copyright and all, but I have had friends who's stories have been copyrighted, and I don't want anyone to have their stories copyrighted and all. So yeah *thumbs up* This is a really random notice but JUST A NOTICE. :D Okay; thanks guys. :D

#TeamNerdieBirdies are literally rocking the reviews btw. Like seriously; 179 reviews? You guys are literally making me the happiest person alive. :D

Also...I have analysis questions in the bottom. After reading, if you want to review on your answers on the analysis questions...you may. I won't post them all the time, but I will on some very important chapters. I realized that I can be very sneaky with the important moments that seem so small, and I'd like to ask you questions and really see what you think. I love variety and all, and just knowing that I can see that from such wonderful people excites me.

OH! And actually...let me tell you one writer struggles. Like literally guys...this is one of my pet peeves. So it gets on my nerves when I am trying to write dedications, and I am so done with the chapter and I am excited to reply and all that ish only to find my reviews not popping up! I don't know what you wrote, I don't know what you guys are saying BESIDES the guest reviews. And don't worry; this doesn't happen all the time, but that doesn't mean it doesn't happen. And this might seem like the worst "excuse", and I am not trying to make excuses (in fact, I hope that you guys actually know that I am highly annoyed), because like...I just...*breathe*...it kills me when I just can't write back! Like...you guys are all so awesome people and replying to your reviews not only brighten up your day but also make me share my reaction to you, just like you share your reaction to me. So yeah; I am right now so, so, so, so, SO annoyed, but as a stupid writer me, I just wanted to really upload this because this chappie is like...hard work ya know! I've edited it and all, and guys...I hope you enjoy. Grab a teddy bear (don't judge hahahahahaha; I just love cute things so teddy bears? Yasss), or something to snuggle because this chappie will totally be a rollercoaster full of emotions. XD

Okay; that is all I got! LOVE YOU GUYS *group hug* and without further ado, let us get onto the story. :) Enjoy. :)

Annabeth POV:

"Hey Mom," Percy pushed through the slide-in door, and I cautiously stepped inside. In the room was simply a frail woman, with frizzy brown hair followed by grey streaks. She appeared rather weak, but her face held beauty and had feminine features. A baby blue blanket was draped over her skinny body, as Mrs. Jackson stared blankly at the wall.

"Mom," Percy's voice broke. "Mom?"

Her eyes drifted towards Percy, and the once blank, lifeless expression turned into a breathtaking smile.

"Percy!" Mrs. Jackson beamed, and Percy immediately dove in for a hug and a kiss in the cheeks.

"Mom...how was treatment?" Without thinking, he pulled the stool towards her hospital bed, and I was pretty much long forgotten as well as the laptop.

"It was tiring as usual," Mrs. Jackson sighed. "Treatment..."

And as Mrs. Jackson spoke, the only person I was so fixated on was Percy Jackson. His lips would curve into a smile softly, and the way he looked at his mother was undescribible. His hands wouldn't stop rubbing tenderly on his mother's palms, and all he did was focus on her. Something about that made me want to stare at him longer, and the rough play boy soon became this...softie.

This was so complicated.

But the complicated feelings in me was something that I wished I could deny. But I couldn't. He was so gentle with his mother, caressing her hands and showing him his love through his eyes. I could hear Mrs. Jackson ramble on about the same things sometimes, repeating more than twice on a certain subject. The fact that surprised me was that Percy didn't care. I thought he'd be annoyed, and just excuse the discussion itself, but he was laughing at parts where Mrs. Jackson tried to make a hilarious comment, and the words that she said wasn't as hilarious for Percy's point of view. I got the jokes, but I knew Percy would be just as dumbfounded as the rest of his friends. Their jokes aren't as pun-like as Mrs. Jackson's. But Percy still held on, and-

"Why, Percy, you brought a girl!" I immediately snapped out of my trance. I realized I was leaning against the wall, eyeing the two and my heart ached (in a good way) from such love and compassion that was expressed through their eyes and tone. I didn't know what Mrs. Jackson was suffering over, but the fact that Percy said the word 'treatment' so casually already showed that she hadn't been here for just a few days.

I realized that Percy's eyes turned to me, and I immediately blushed at that gaze. He was staring at me exactly how he did with Mrs. Jackson.

Maybe he is just staring at me like that and transitioning to the joke-off guy like he is.

But his gaze still held mine, and all I did was turn away. He is just confused, dazed after knowing that I was here. Besides; he is so dumb, I don't even think he can ever understand his emotions-

You're no different Annabeth-

Shut up.

"Yeah," Percy rubbed his mom's hands. "That's Annabeth."

"Hello, Annabeth," Mrs. Jackson said softly, her voice so motherly I started to miss my own.

"I remember: she was so strong like you, and her eyes would spark exactly like yours when something interesting popped up in her brain..."

"Hi...Mrs. Jackson...I'm sorry for interrupting, I-" I was stumbling, and I supposedly tripped on my own feet, holding the door knob for support. Mrs. Jackson just stared at me lovingly but Percy was smirking, his eyes filled with amusement. Damn him.

"No need. I am serious; I'd like to talk to you. Percy hasn't brought a girl to this hospital ever, did you know that?" Mrs. Jackson winked at me, and I blushed. "Are you his girlfriend?" she asked bluntly, and that immediately struck me.

"No!" I stammered. "I mean...no," I lowered down my voice. But Percy didn't say any words. His lips were pursed and he looked pained. Why; because you want to... but strangely, I found no reason to back his actions up this time. All I saw was his lips, that seemed to look as a frown.

"Huh," Mrs. Jackson stared at Percy. "You know Annabeth...Percy has had a lot of girlfriends."

Of course he did. He'd kiss and smooch off with a girl with whatever chance he got. That's Percy Jackson.

So what if he kissed girls? I don't care-

"You look angry," Mrs. Jackson frowned. "You alright?"

"Of course," I stammered again. Shit; why did I look angry? He can have whatever girlfriends he wants. So who the damn cares Annabeth!

"But back to what I was saying...he has had a lot of girlfriends. He'd date but he never officially shown any girl to home. Besides for group projects, he hasn't brought any girls home."

"I'm doing a project with him-"

"But...the strange thing is...he'd never bring a girl home to where I am at," she looked at Percy strangely. "The hospital is a very personal matter for him. Percy...do you like her?"

I blushed profusely as Percy glared at his mom.

"No. I don't have any feelings for her. Why would I? There is nothing so attractive in her that I'd like. She just helplessly followed along like a clingy person," he growled, and shot a demeaning glare at me. Something in my chest tightened, and all I felt was the anger that I was feeling along the way too. Strangely, his words struck me hard, and I couldn't find myself simply just smiling and all. I felt angry, embarrassed, and rather ashamed. I get that he didn't like me (thank the world! I hate him too), but he didn't have to say it in such way that made me as some disgusting mob. I get that I'm not desirable of appealing to any guy, but that doesn't give him any right to just make me feel as disgusting. And Mrs. Jackson. Strangely, I wanted to impress her. I wanted to show her that I am a good person, though the relationship between Percy and me is rather a tension-built emotion. But she was so motherly, and the shame put with her words was embarrassing. I wasn't clinging. But the words that I tried to tell myself pained me, for I knew that Percy made me take a reality check up if I am even considerable.

"Wow...okay then. Mind your manners, Percy," Mrs. Jackson sighed but a warning was hinted with her tone. "Thought you at least brought home someone much better than the girls you've dated."

"MOM!" Percy's nostrils flared, and usually I'd make fun of that. But I didn't. His angry face strangely looked handsome. His sea-green eyes didn't have any mischievous glint; it held anger and it looked clouded. His lips were pursed, and his nostrils flared. But it was in a way that I couldn't exactly say that he was ugly-

Shut up.

He's ugly.

Keep it together Annabeth.

Please.

But then I thought about Mrs. Jackson's words. Was I someone that she thought was better enough? Something warmed inside my chest, and I began to feel a motherly connection with Mrs. Jackson. And weirdly, I started to want that feeling more. Even if she wasn't biologically my mother. I missed Mom; the way she'd smile and laugh with me was something I could never forget. I really did miss her.

"Don't yell," she sighed, and instantly Percy's eyes softened.

"I'm so sorry," he said, his voice soft all over again. I breathed, staring at Percy as he held his mom close, whispering soft, loving words to her and soon she fell into a deep slumber, so easily.

It was probably the medications that drained her energy.

Percy tucked the blankets just right under her chin, and silently, he grabbed his laptop that was charging. Wrapping the charger inside his backpack, he carefully slipped his MacBook and walked out of the door.

I followed him right behind.

I was beginning to feel annoyed. I wasn't as angry, but the thought of me not being desirable at all stressed me out. I've never felt so insecure, but just those words that Percy said made me feel angry. Who was he two judge me? I don't need to be judged, and I don't need to feel as if I am ugly. I am beautiful, and I am desirable. So he should just shut up and stop making me feel disgusting as he already made his words sound.

Maybe his words will slowly escape out of my brain once we come home.

But I was sadly wrong.

The exhilarating, daring feeling of the motorcycle did not calm my nerves. All I felt was the anger that began to grow, and the feeling of not having any sort of wonderful characteristics in me hurt me. My aunt even told me that I was disgusting. She left us to defend on our own, but her words glued in my brain.

"You think that you're beautiful? Well damn you Annabeth. You are nowhere near pretty..."

"You're ugly. So twisted..."

"At least Malcolm is much more of an interesting person than you, who always buries her head inside books without listening to her aunt."

He was reviving wounds, and when we parked, I immediately took off the helmet and stormed off, not even waiting for Percy.

That jerk.

I felt something roll of my cheeks, and realized that they were tears. Shit; I was crying. I shouldn't be crying. I'm not this weak-

Ever since you met Percy, you have to admit that you've felt more emotional than you naturally were...

"Annabeth!" Percy was running up towards me, and I ignored him. Stepping inside of the elevator, I was violently pressing the button to close the door. I am not going to let him come in. I'm not going to-

Yes.

The door slammed shut on him, and I took my sweet time to suck in the moment. I felt angry, but who was I to start getting angrier? He did not mean anything to me. I didn't need to feel vulnerable because of those words he said. So what? Damn my aunt. Damn Percy Jackson. Damn all those haters out there. I am not going to back down. I quickly wiped my tears, feeling foolish for letting myself cry on such a stupid thing in the first place. I am beautiful in my own way. He doesn't need to pull me down, like a jerk.

The door slowly opened, and I immediately walked off. Rummaging for my keys, I finally found them-

"Annabeth!" Percy was running towards me.

Damn it; he must have taken the stairs.

Screw his long legs.

Come on Annabeth; open the door, quick-

But my hands were fumbling, and my mind wasn't thinking straight. The keys were feeling slippery against my fingers, and I scowled in frustration. Percy reached up to me, and without my consent, he grabbed my shoulders while my back slammed against my apartment door. Percy's eyes looked frantic, but they looked slightly angry. How dare he do this? He can't just start blowing up on me and holding me without my permission! He can't-

You know you think that his touches are comforting-

Shut up. I am so tired of hearing myself give in.

I gave in to my aunt.

She abandoned me and made me live two years in hell.

I gave in to Malcolm.

He's hurting me, breaking me, ripping my heart into pieces.

Giving into Percy?

Shit; that would be worse that Malcolm and my aunt combined.

I closed my eyes, clamping my eye-lids shut as I tried to count through one to ten. I am not going to blow up. I have to be mature. Letting out my anger would only make it worse. Stay calm, stay-oh...

Percy grasped my wrists and pulled me into a punishing hug, his grip enveloping me while I found my hands awkwardly dangling. I felt him grab my keys, but I gave them to him so easily. My mind couldn't process the hug; he was giving me the air to breathe, but the hug was so overwhelming, so unexpected, that all I could do was freeze up from this gesture.

Wrapping one arm around me to keep me in place, the other hand unlocked my door with my keys. Kicking the door open, he pushed me inside as I let out an surprised yelp. The door closed behind, as he hugged me tightly with two arms while he took off his shoes. I, instinctively, took off my shoes because this is what I'd do the minute I came in the house. Percy walked faster, as I was held close to him only to feel my back hit against the wall, and he took the space around us by closing it, leaving no space at all.

He wasn't hugging me anymore, but he was so, so close.

I looked up at him, and he put his hands on my cheeks. The moment reminded me of some drama movie that could be the next romance novel. But I shrugged off the thoughts. This isn't some corny love story. We aren't in love.

But the moment...

I instinctively leaned against his touch, and that itself already showed that I felt comforted. He smiled softly, and he leaned forward, so slowly, and all I did was see his eyes continue to stare at mine, our noses brushing and his lips so close as I was so lost in the moment-

"What are you guys doing?"

I screamed, and Percy immediately pulled away. The once warm and tension-built feelings went down the drain, and I saw Patrick stare at both of us strangely.

"I..." Percy stammered.

"He..." I mumbled.

"We..." we both stammered and I swear, I should be sentenced immediately to die in a hole. This was far too embarrassing for me, and all I can ever feel was the embarrassment seeping in, letting me know that Patrick was going to tell Malcolm.

I didn't like Percy Jackson; I swear!

I didn't know the moment...HE...HE'S A MANIPULITIVE GUY!

I put a huge distance between Percy and me, and smiled at Patrick.

"So...what do you need?" I forced a smile.

"I was just getting one of Malcolm's games. He bought this new game," he said so casually as if it was a normal thing, and pointed to the DVD, and my heart immediately shattered.

He told me that the hundred bucks were used for his lunch money.

I forced another smile, this time more noticeable.

"Yeah...of course..." I grinned. "Malcolm's waiting, you should go."

"Yeah..." he said awkwardly. "See you around Annabeth."

"Yeah...see you around," my voice crumpled as Patrick left the house.

The soon-to-be kiss disappeared out of my brain; it was Malcolm buying video games.

He literally went all angry at me. I thought he was using all that money he took out of my account with use. I had to work extra hours just to pay the rental fees, I had to make sure that they money was good enough so that I wouldn't break, I was crying at nights because of lack of sleep, I was tortured constantly by his lack of love and acceptance, and now what? Video games?! Is video games the main reason he spent all that damn money of mine?

I've never had anything as mine. The most frequently dressed clothes I wore were simply a plain colored shirt and some skinny jeans. Besides that, it was my uniform. I've never owned something truly as mine, like video games and such. At least, not with my money. I hate shopping, and I know that with the bottom of my heart. But a girl has some pride, and when I walked down stores along the way to the grocery store, I saw beautiful jewelries or some clothes that I knew that could make me smile. I've seen makeup (that I wasn't ever interested in, but they'd be for good use in a presentation), and you know, though I have no interest in makeup, I at least could have bought some! Used it for my own pleasure and I wouldn't even give a damn about money! But he...he...

I stormed off towards Malcolm's room.

"Annabeth-"

I searched every shelf and cabinets, but saw none. Checking his closet (which wasn't much, and surprisingly not messy), I didn't see a single trace of a video game.

I was beyond enraged, but at least I knew that he wasn't buying anymore-

Check under his bed.

I crouched down, and it was practically empty.

Whew-

Check under his mattress.

"Percy?" I turned around and he stared at me strangely. Damn it; I just realized that he knew that Malcolm lived with me.

Damn that; I don't care.

"Could you help me lift this mattress?" I stared at him, my voice wavering with the frantic need to check. Without any words, Percy helped me lift his mattress-

SHIT! SHIT! SHIT!

Piles of video game DVDS were neatly piled into nice arrays to keep a proportional bed. I saw all the money put in it, and checking the receipts that were hidden too, it clearly revealed all the dates that were shown of when my new paycheck bills came.

"DAMN IT; MALCOLM!" I screamed, and immediately crumpled, witnessing the horrifying image of video games. Percy didn't help me though; he ran to see the receipts.

After several minutes of scanning all the receipts, he crouched down and pulled me into another hug.

I cried in his chest, and I didn't give a damn about who it was. Percy calls me undesirable? I don't care. But what I did care is comfort, and he was here.

I grabbed a fistful of his uniform shirt, bunching it up together while burying my face in his chest. I couldn't; the pain, the pain, the pain...

It hurt, and I felt like my heart ripped into pieces.

It hurt, and I knew that my hard work should have gone to Malcolm.

I felt foolish.

Stupid.

Idiotic.

You thought you were smart, but you weren't. How does that feel, Annabeth?

I cried loudly, and I was scooped into his lap, him running his fingers through my hair softly. I was thinking how unfortunate and dumb I was to even trust Malcolm in the first place. He must have gone to Patrick's to play his games. He knew how hard I worked, to clean this house and to make it look home-like, he knew how much pain I had to deal with when going to work just knowing that Mom and Dad aren't there, and the words of Aunt Polly's words of disgust would hang in the air, and all I could ever feel was the loneliness deep inside of me-

Wait.

My mind tumbled back.

If the receipts are new...maybe some of them can be returned. I am definitely talking to Malcolm tomorrow.

When I began to kind of calm down from the thought of at least having some money back, he then lifted my chin and sighed.

"I am going to tell you this...and promise you won't be mad..." he whispered.

"What is it?" my voice wavered.

"The receipts..." he rubbed my cheeks tenderly. I was so taken aback by his gesture but I wanted him to continue.

"What?" I said, a hint of annoyance portraying in my voice.

"He...he...you can't return those video games," he gripped my wrists as the world literally stopped, and the once comforting arms weren't even good enough.

The pain was gone, but the numbness was real.

I turned to look at the receipts, and all I could hear was the soft pounding of my heartbeat. I stared at the strewn receipts blankly, and all I could ever think about was the money that was all lost. All the money that I worked for...all the useless hours that I could have saved to study and rest...

It was all gone.

I lost all the energy in my body, and slowly leaned towards Percy. Shit; this is so stupid of me. I knew that leaning against Percy was wrong, and I know what I was doing now was stupid. Besides; he was always the one instigating all the moves.

But this move...this was mine.

The move of leaning against him...that is mine.

My responsibility.

But I just did, and cried softly in his arms. I felt numb all over, but the tears still fell. The numbness faded away and the pain was coming back again, and I was held closely by Percy.

And just like that, I saw the kindness in him again.

He just held me, softly, afraid as if I was some porcelain doll that he is bound to break.

But the funny thing was; why was he holding me so softly and precious when I am just broken shards?

However, I soaked in the moment. It felt awfully peaceful-

Homework.

I looked at Percy who then looked down at me. He smiled at me softly and I did the same.

"Hey umm..." I wiped my tears and looked at him again. "I think we should start working."

He nodded. "I think though...I'm not trying to avoid work...but I think you need time for yourself. I don't know why Malcolm has a room in your house," he frowned angrily, like as if the thought as Malcolm living in the same house as me was the worst. "But I sincerely think that...just tell me. Who is Malcolm?"

I breathed, and looked at him, smiling though I was a nervous wreck.

"He's-"

"Annabeth?" we heard a yell and I knew that was Malcolm.

"I'm sorry; you can leave," I dashed out of the room.

This wasn't supposed to happen.

CLIFFIE ATTACK! HA; I am such a bad writer sorry! But yes...Malcolm came home. Percy's with her, and they basically messed up Malcolm's room to the max. So what do you think will happen? I wonder *looks at all of you mischievously*. Anyway; the analysis question is here: When Annabeth chosen to lean against Percy on her own will, did you think that it was simply out of comfort, or something more? Explain. Tell me what you think; I wrote that moment and though it doesn't stand out like the almost-kiss (yeah, you guys are probably going to attack me there too hahahaha sorry Nerdie Birdies), it still has so much in. I sincerely cannot wait for your guys' reactions. Like...especially on the almost-kiss and Malcolm. OMG; I am so evil and I am sorry but it might better. I hope *stares at you guys hopefully*. Anyway...dang it, I am actually REALLY annoyed because I sincerely cannot get the reviews. Tell me if you guys see the reviews. I was so bummed because before I checked your reviews, I checked my notifications. When I receive Fanfiction notifications, I only read like oh, someone followed me or favorited me, etc., but I don't click on it and all. So when I saw reviews, I was like 'yay!' because I usually check them on the actual site, DELETED THEM, (guys, literally, this could have been the most perfect chapter with a review *glum/angry face*), and then I couldn't see them! I couldn't! Uggggg; this is sincerely #WriterStruggles. Tell me if you guys see my reviews. I swear; I can't at all and it is totally getting on my nerves! :/

Okay; sorry for the rant. I am just so bummed! Like...I wrote a chapter that I am proud of (I will admit I am proud of this chappie *thumbs up*), but it would all be best WITH a dedication. I'm not trying to be greedy, or ask for too much...BUT WHY THIS CHAPPIE?! WHY!

I hope Fanfiction gets that ish out and actually make me see the reviews. I am going to post this because I am actually really excited, and yes, part of it is actually my impatience because I've never been more excited to post any other chappie like this one.

So yeah; please review and support me. I am sincerely sorry with the reviews. Can you see your reviews in your stories? Can you see my reviews? I tried everything. Please show me some love (though I haven't responded; I am sorry, not trying to avoid anyone, this is really getting on my nerves because my game was setting up!), out of this frustration and please let me know on what you thought about this chappie! Took time to dedicate my time, and I hope that dedication to EDIT, reread twice, write, and pour my heart and emotions to this chapter could show my love and dedication for my wonderful group of beautiful Nerdie Birdies! :D

This is going wayyyyyyyyy too long. Love you guys ton! And guys; I am curious. I restarted, done EVERYTHING to see the reviews. It is my fault for deleting the email *cries* I am sorry guys. *cries again* However, I hope you like this chapter in general. Follow, favorite, and review (that is a lot to ask after all I failed you guys but you know...it's an option thrown out there), and last but not least...HOPE THIS CHAPTER REALLY MADE UP FOR MY MISTAKE OF DELETING THE NOTIFICATION!

Okay; I am ranting WAY to much. Like for real. I will stop talking; byeeeeeeee! :D