Hey guys! Thank you for reviewing! Sorry for the late update. Again. I'm really sorry but it's gonna be this way cause I'm really busy with high school. Anywho, I have a surprise for you guys at the end. Thanks to everyone for sending out their OCs and I loved all of them. Unfortunately I could only chose one and it was Drakky28293 's OC who you'll meet shortly after.
Here's the reply to reviews with questions:
babsam.98 : I will neither accept nor deny that. You'll just have to wait and find out. ;)
Annabeth Brady : No Percy can't adopt April. Neither can Annabeth cause they're eighteen and the legal age for adoption is twenty one. Please correct me if I'm wrong cause I simply googled it so I'm really not that sure of the right age.
III Winter Wolf III : Sure I could do that but it would be a mess after that. Actually Percy really isn't sure of his own feelings yet. You could say he's conflicted.
Thanks hproxx1999, Live Long and Love Books, Awesome Guest, Haiden Brackham and Drakky 28293 for your OCs!
"Our biggest regrets are not for the things we did- but for the things we didn't do. Things we didn't say that we could've."
"I'm just asking this one little favor." Luke pleaded in front of Percy practically begging him as they stood in the music studio. "I know it isn't fair of me to ask this but I know you rock at writing songs and the thing is...I absolutely suck." He said groaning and placing his face in his hands.
Percy raised his eyebrows clearly enjoying this. How many times do you get to see Luke Castellan grovelling at your feet? " I just don't get it. Why would you tell Annabeth that you would write the song together if you're not good at it?"
The thing was the first round for the Battle of the Bands was coming closer and the band that had been formed had to perform. Although Luke was an exceptional guitarist he wasn't that great at the writing department. And of course who had he decided to come to solve his dilemma? You guessed it. Percy. The master of trouble himself.
"It was in the moment?" Luke said wincing. "I don't know. I blurted it out. I just wanted to spend some time with her-"
Percy stiffened at that. He and Luke had finally come to an understanding about how they both could have a part in Annabeth's life. Although Percy was more close to Annabeth and April he could see Luke making his way there. He knew Luke wanted to make a move on her but who was he to stop that? It wasn't like Annabeth was his or anything. Even though Percy felt a slight clinging in chest when he saw them together he tried to ignore it.
"Okay fine." Percy said sighing as his shoulders sagged. Luke stopped mid rant gaping at him. "R-really?"
"Yeah might as well." He said but then looked pointedly at him. "But I'm doing this so that Annabeth can win. So you don't mess that clear?"
Luke grinned at him as his scar stretched upon his face. "Crystal." Percy could also see a certain questioning glint in his eyes too.
He knew Luke had his doubts initially about Percy being interested in Annabeth but Percy had cleared it all for him repeating the same sentence over and over. I love her but I'm not in love with her. Even in his mind it sounded ridiculous.
"Great!" Luke said excitedly clapping his hands. "Now get ready. Cause she's gonna be here in..." he glanced at his watch. "a minute."
"What?" Percy said incredulously as Luke pushed him towards the windows which had large curtains draped over them. "I don't even get time to prepare?!"
"Nope." Luke said popping the 'p'. "Hey you signed up for this buddy." Were his last words as he pushed Percy behind the curtains and covered him.
Percy grumbled and muttered as he adjusted his standing position. God it was hot in here. Why had he agreed to this?
Just like Luke had said he could here a female voice enter the room and it was definitely Annabeth. He couldn't hear much and he figured they must be far away from him. He heard their voices come closer as a chair was pushed up against the curtain.
I guess that's Luke, he thought as he heard him speak. "So you've got anything figured out?"
"Yeah. Kinda." Percy heard Annabeth say hesitantly and he heard her fiddling with something. "I mean I've got the chords but could you help with the lyrics?"
Great, Percy thought. Of course she would want him to help with the lyrics. He quickly tried racking his brain for anything good. Blank. Maybe he was panicking too much. Maybe if he just calmed down he would be able to figure it out.
He heard her play a faint chord on the guitar and couldn't resist peeking a little. He could see her wearing a plain white owl shirt with black skinny jeans and white ankle boots. Her hair was laid open sprawled out on one side while her legs were crossed with a guitar on top of them.
"Percy!" Luke whispered furiously and elbowed him which caused Percy to take a double take.
"Huh?" Annabeth stopped playing. "You said something?"
"What? Uh no. Just thinking the ..uh lyrics." Luke said nervously and Percy rolled his eyes.
"Well did you get anything?" She asked while Luke simply shook his head. She started playing the same chord again.
It was like a bulb had switched on in Percy's head as the words came to his mouth. "I remember what you'd worn the first day." He whispered.
It took a two count for Luke to get it and repeat it back to Annabeth. She raised an eyebrows then smiled and nodded as she jotted it down on a notepad.
"You came into my life and I thought hey you know this girl is something." Percy said softly smiling. There was no doubt the song was about Annabeth. Hell half of his recent ones were but he wouldn't let anyone know that of course. He remembered the first time he saw her. In the cafeteria with her hair covering her face on both sides. He tried hard looking at her eyes and when he did he took a deep breath. That was a face he would never forget.
"Cause everything you do and words you say, you know that it all takes my breath away and now I'm left with nothing." Luke repeated it exactly the way it was and he heard Annabeth murmur. "Wow. You're good." Percy felt a sense of pride flow through him because after all she had liked his song. Not Luke's, even if he appeared to be the one writing it.
"So maybe it's true that I can't live without you."Annabeth sang adding in her own.
"And maybe two is better than one." Percy said.
"And maybe true is better than one." Luke repeated. "Two!" Percy corrected him. "Two is better than one."
"Uh sorry." Luke said looking at Annabeth sheepishly while she simply looked at him with curiosity. "And maybe two is better than one."
She scribbled it down and then looked up at him. "That's really...good Luke. Wow I would never have thought you'd be this good."
"Piece of cake." Luke said grinning and Percy snorted. Just then Annabeth's phone started ringing as she picked it up. "Yeah...alright sweetie...I'm coming...okay okay I'll get Percy." She said the last part rolling her eyes and then hung up.
"April?" Luke questioned and Annabeth nodded. "Yeah. I promised her I'd take her birthday shopping with Percy. You're coming tonight right?"
Luke nodded. "Of course." It was April's birthday and they were celebrating at the orphanage where April's friends were and anyways the orphanage was like family to them. Annabeth had decided to call all her friends too since they all had gotten pretty attached to April. Especially Percy. Annabeth really loved to see them together and was amazed at how Percy could handle children so well.
"That reminds me,I better go find Percy." She said getting up as Percy's eyes widened. Oh no. He nudged Luke.
"Uh you should probably look in the- in the uh basketball court! Yeah there. He's-he's definitely there." Luke said stuttering.
"Okay." Annabeth said slowly as she picked up her book. "I'll see you then."
"See you!" Luke said, his voice pitched as he quickly turned towards the curtains to find...no Percy. The window was wide open and Luke had a good guess what had happened. Oh the poor guy.
Percy stumbled along the way as he rushed towards the basket ball court trying to get there before Annabeth did. People passed him weird looks but he didn't care as he raced down the halls.
"Woah there mister." Someone grabbed his arm as he was yanked back and he dashed into the person. Thankfully they didn't fall.
"Ouch Percy. Clumsy as ever." The person groaned rubbing her had as Percy's eyes widened and he straightened himself. "Annabeth! I-uh-you...hi?"
Annabeth sighed and rolled her eyes. "Hello Percy, now if you're done with whatever you were doing would you mind accompanying me and April to the gift shop?" She said sarcastically.
"Uh sure." Percy said steadying his breath. "I mean of course. I did promise didn't I?" They walked out to the parking lot as Annabeth took out the keys for her car.
"Uh huh." Annabeth said absent mindlessly as Percy stood beside her rubbing his neck. "So uh how was the song-writing...session?" Percy winced at how ridiculous he sounded.
"Good." Annabeth replied coolly. "We got it halfway but we have to practice it with the others too."
"Oh that's good. Good to know." He said mumbling as she finished placing her stuff at the back of the car. She shut the back door. "Ready?"
Percy nodded and as he was about to get inside shotgun he felt Annabeth stopping him by holding his wrist. "By the way." She said softly looking at him. "Thanks for helping us write the song." And in a swift motion she placed a kiss on his cheek and shut the door leaving Percy stunned.
"Oh come on! I almost won!"
Annabeth pinched the bridge of her nose as she saw the two children- yes she included Percy in that category too- raced their remote control cars. Percy and April had immediately started freaking out with excitement as they entered the gift store which had ultimately led to this.
Now at present they both had remote controls in their hands as April sat on Percy's shoulder's and raced their supposedly 'monster trucks' in the store with people giving them crazy looks. Annabeth tried lurking at the side so she wouldn't be caught related to those two.
"My monshter truck rocksh!" April squealed as hers gave Percy's truck a push. Percy gave an evil chuckle to which Annabeth shook her head smiling. "Not for long Apple Bear!" He said yelling his new nickname for April. Annabeth seriously didn't get the connection but as long as they didn't mind she didn't care.
She decided to stop them before they got thrown out of the shop. "Percy, you're supposed to be the adult."
"Sorry can't hear you Annabeth." Percy said. "I hear an elephant screeching at the back." Annabeth gasped and crossed her arms huffing.
"Sure." She muttered. "Don't mind me. I'm just strolling by." She looked around and looked at a few doll houses. The things April should be actually interested in. Not monster trucks and blood and slaughter. She's unique that way, Annabeth thought smiling as she pulled her phone to take a picture of the two.
She picked up a barbie doll box. "Hey! Look over here. I've got something much cooler." That got to them as they stopped playing and looked at what she was holding. In an instant that look turned into horrified looks.
"Annabeth!" Percy said horrified. "Those are Barbies."
"Ewww" April squealed as Percy nodded and covered her eyes. "Don't look! Those are literally the death of coolness."
"Death of coolnesh." April repeated agreeing. Annabeth huffed and blew a strand out of her face. It had been an hour since they were there and April still hadn't decided what she wanted. They had to prepare for the party too.
"Don't bore the kid Annabeth." Percy joked as April giggled. "You're boring mommy."
Annabeth could literally feel hot steam blow through her nose as she saw those two snicker. She was beyong pissed as she picked up her bag. Here she was trying to make it a good day for April's birthday and they were mocking her instead. "Fine then." She said in a clipped voice. "I'll leave, since you're both sooo cool to pick whatever you want." She said sarcastically and left the shop in long strides.
"Oops?" Percy said looking guilty.
"Mommy's upshet." April said nodding. "What do we do?" Percy slowly smiled at her. "I think I've got an idea."
Annabeth stood with her arms crossed a few blocks away from the gift shop. The wind blew her hair across her face but she didn't bother pushing them behind her hair. She was angry. Like really angry. She thought April would love the idea of picking her own gift so that she knew she loved it but it didn't seem to matter anymore. Because she wasn't cool enough.
Annabeth scoffed as she kicked a stray rock and glared at the ground. It wasn't her fault that she wasn't into stuff like what April was interested in. Some thing were just meant...just meant for a father. A father. That's what April could never have and Annabeth could never give.
Her glare softened as she realized that she really wasn't angry. She was just upset. Since three years, since April was born and even before that she had been terrified that she wouldn't be a good mother. Wouldn't be able to give her child the happiness she deserved. How could she? She had to play the part of both the parents for that and she did. She tried her best but she knew there would always be a missing hole in April's life. Maybe I'm trying too hard, she thought.
Suddenly her vision was blocked by something. She figured it was a book but couldn't quite read the title since it was too close to her face. She stepped back as she took a good look at the title this time.
De Architectura by Marcus Vitruvius Pollio was written in bright white letters. Her eyes widened as she squealed and grabbed it from Percy's hands. She looked at him wide eyed. "How did you know?"
He gave out a cute boyish shrug and put his hands in his pockets. "It was the only book you didn't have."
Annabeth grinned widely until she noticed the little bundle of blonde sitting on top of his shoulders just like they were in the gift shop. April smiled and held out a Jolly Rancher lollipop at Annabeth. Watermelon flavor, her favorite.
"I'm shorry mommy. I brought this lollipop caushe you alwaysh give them to me when I'm upshet." She said adorable and Annabeth's heart immediately melted.
"Aww sweetie." Annabeth cooed as she pulled April into her arms hugging her tight. She could see Percy standing awkwardly beside them so she rolled her eyes and pulled him into the hug too.
Percy chuckled against her hair. "So am I forgiven too?"
Annabeth snorted in return but didn't say anything. "Alsh well that endsh well." April said and they laughed as they pulled back.
"One problem though." Annabeth said frowning. "We still haven't brought your gift." She looked at April who was in fact looking behind her with a slow smile spreading across her face. "I think I know what I want."
And so within fifteen minuted April had her beautiful pet bunny picked out. It was white all over with a brown patch on it's left eye. April held the bunny in her arms and played with it's ears as they kept flicking whenever she touched them.
"Are you sure she can handle it?" Annabeth asked standing with Percy at the counter. They had decided that they both would gift it to April since she wouldn't let Percy pay alone and vice versa.
"A hundred percent." Percy said looking confident. "She'll do fine." Just then another woman entered the shop with a younger girl behind her and Annabeth immediately recognized them.
The older woman had long blonde hair with sparkling blue eyes and wrinkles on her face but looked beautiful. Although she looked like a descendant of Cleopatra her eyes looked extremely sad. It was Silena's mother.
The younger girl was petite and skinny with a pixie cut. She had mid length brown hair with blonde high lights at the tips. Her doe-like chocolate brown eyes were dominating as well as hypnotic as they flickered around the place. Annabeth figured she was probably younger than her but her face was enough mature to pass for eighteen too.
"Hello Mrs Beauregard" Annabeth said softly as the woman looked at her and realization passed her face. They had met at Silena's funeral where Annabeth had gotten acquainted with Silena's mother and sister. Annabeth had learned their father had unfortunately expired due to cancer
"Annabeth Chase." She said tersely and then looked at Percy. "Uh Percy Jackson." He introduced himself raising his hand to shake hers but she ignored him and looked back at Annabeth.
Okay, so the thing was Silena's mom kinda blamed Annabeth for what had happened. Of course Annabeth couldn't say anything cause it made her feel even more guilty. When in doubt? Shut up.
"Did the um cops find out anything?" Annabeth asked and Mrs Beauregard's face hardened.
"No." She replied stiffly. "In fact I never wanted to get in that business any way. It was you." She jabbed a finger at Annabeth. "who had to go around opening her big mouth and telling them that it was done on purpose."
"It was!" Annabeth said defending herself.
"Whatever you do is not going to bring her back!" Silena's mom didn't look all that intimidating to Percy but when she yelled like that all teary faced Percy had an urge to grab Annabeth and run.
"Maybe we should go." Percy said pulling Annabeth by the arm. He looked around to call out for April.
"No!" Annabeth whispered at him and pulled back her arm. "Mrs. Beauregard. I get it that you're upset and heartbroken but trust me we don't mean anything bad. Wouldn't you want to make Silena's life until now worth it?"
"Silena's life was worth it and now it's over." Mrs Beauregard said her eyes glinting with anger. "And I would really like it if you mind your own business."
"But I-" Annabeth started saying but Percy pulled her by the arm with April at his side. "Let's go." He said forcefully as he pulled her out of the store.
"Why'd you do that? I could have reasoned with her!" Annabeth said and Percy sighed. "I don't think they're really in the mood for reasoning Annabeth. We should just let it go."
"But we can't." Annabeth said miserably. "You don't understand. The person who is behind this...he or she wanted to get to me. Not Silena. It should have been me."
Percy stiffened at that as she felt his grip tighten on her. "I know. Gods, Annabeth I know and it's killing me to not know who it is but this isn't-"
"Annabeth?" It was Silena's sister. She was looking at them with calculative eyes as she walked towards them and held out her hand. "Hi, I'm Jamie Beauregard and I'm ready to avenge my sister's death."
"There. You're a princess now." Piper said smiling as she and Annabeth finished getting April ready. She was wearing a pink dress just like the one which Rapunzel wears in Tangled. Her hair was left open with a strand made into a braid. All in all, Annabeth thought she looked like a cute baby Rapunzel. Excluding the green eyes of course.
"Nuh uh." Annabeth chastised as she placed a golden tiara on her head. "Now you do."
April giggled happily looking at the mirror and admiring herself. Piper shook her head at Annabeth and then left the room for her to get ready.
They were celebrating at the orphanage since all of April and Annabeth's friends were here. She jumped to the side as two kids went running past noticed Malcolm and Percy fiddling with the decorations and decided to help them.
"So." She said picking up conversation.`"Heard you decided to play saint today." She picked up a streamer and looked for some tape and scissors.
"What saint?" Percy said as he handed her tape and scissors.
"Oh you know." Piper said casually trying to hide her smile. "helped Luke with writing the song, brought Annabeth a book. Are you gonna buy me a Gucci bag too?" She joked.
"I might." Percy said winking at her. After a moment he spoke up. "It wasn't a big deal. It made her happy didn't it?"
Piper looked at him smiling. "You are so crazy in love with that girl and you don't even know it yet."
That made him look away, his face twisting into a grimace. "I don't know what you're talking about."
She opened her mouth to say something but was interrupted when someone called out her name. "Hey Pipes!" Jason said wrapping his arms around her waist and giving her a peck on the cheek.
"And here comes the star couple." Percy muttered.
Jason snorted as they shared a man hug. "Speaking of couples where's Annabeth and her little toddler?"
"Move aside people!" They heard a yell and Percy let out a sigh. "Thalia."
"Where's my birthday girl now?" Thalia yelled grinning pushing Jason and Piper apart while Nico stifled a laugh beside her.
"Aunt Thalia!" They all heard a squeal as April ran into Thalia's arms with Annabeth trailing behind them, a rabbit in her arms.
"Happy Birthday kiddo!" Thalia said ruffling her hair and then looked at the rabbit. "What you got there?"
April smiled and took the rabbit from Annabeth. "Thish ish Coco. Mommy and Fishy gave him to me." She rubbed the bunny's head looking at it with adoring eyes.
"Fishy?" Jason asked confused.
"Percy." They all replied simultaneously and laughed while Percy simply grunted. "Haha very funny." He picked April up. "Come on Apple. Let's get away from the mean people."
Annabeth shook her head as they walked away. "They seem really close." Jason said looking at them too.
Annabeth nodded in response. "April loves him a lot. It's really weird how they get along so well and have the same interests." She noticed that everyone was staring at her so she coughed and looked around. "Well let's get the party started."
And so started with a blast. Soon the place was filled with kids and teenagers. Calypso and Sandy brought in the humongous cake which Annabeth figured would be enough to feed the whole city. Or maybe she was just exaggerating.
After cutting April's favorite dark chocolate cake there was a huge cake fight where it ended up with no cake left for anyone to eat. Then came the games where even the adults took part *cough* Nico, Thalia,Percy and Sandy. And of course they pulled Annabeth in to. Add in eye roll.
Well whatever it was Annabeth was glad that April seemed to be having a good took a deep breath and looked around how her life had change all of a sudden. At one corner Percy was with a few kids trying to show them some kind of magic trick. Thalia was with April doing something troublesome surely. Jason, Piper, Octavian and Reyna were standing at the a corner chatting and drinking punch. Nico was running after a kid who had stolen his 'death black' ipod. Hazel couldn't come due to personal reasons so poor Frank and Luke were stuck with Leo. Speaking of Leo she noticed Calypso staring at him.
Annabeth nudged her out of her stare. "Interested?" She asked teasing her and Calypso's cheeks instantly turned red.
"What? I was not- it's not like." Calypso said stumbling and Annabeth laughed out. "It's okay. I could introduce you two if you want."
"I dont'!" She said looking embarrassed and huffed crossing her arms. "Relax blondie." Sandy said sitting on top of the fence beside them. "Learn to take a joke."
"By the way Annie." Sandy said and grinned when Annabeth glared at her. "I have to say, your boyfriend is quite the charmer."
Annabeth did a double take and squeaked out. "What?" It was their chance to laugh this time. "He's not my boyfriend!" Annabeth protested.
"Oh believe me. He will be." Sandy said. "And if you're wondering, you have mine and blondie's approval."
"Well good for you cause I don't." Annabeth said rolling her eyes but couldn't help taking her eyes of a certain green eyed man.
It was eleven when the kids were put to bed and Annabeth found April fast asleep on Thalia's lap. Annabeth had some work left so Thalia was taking care of her at the moment.
"Thals." Jason said appearing before her with Octavian trailing behind. "Perce was asking you to take Piper home. She's got a curfew and I've gotta drop Octavian cause he's in the opposite direction. Could you...?"
It took a minute for Thalia to realize. "Oh okay. Sure. Could you hold April until Annabeth comes? Don't wake her up!" She whispered as she gently handed April to Jason and then took off.
Jason adjusted April's head so that it was resting on his shoulder as her little blonde curls tickled his chin. He softly smiled and placed a kiss on her forehead.
Octavian chuckled and shook his head. "You're pathetic man."
"What?" Jason protested. "You can't blame me for holding my daughter who I barely ever get to meet."
Octavian shrugged. "I'm just saying, it shouldn't be this way."
"Of course it doesn't." Jason said frowning as he stroked April's curls and he heard her mumble something in her sleep. "But it has to. You know why."
Octavian sighed and nodded. "Yeah whatever. You better hand her to Annabeth now. We've gotta go." With that said Octavian walked away with his hands in his packets.
Jason hugged April tighter to him closing his eyes shut. "Just another minute." What he didn't notice was Piper frozen behind him with tears flowing down her eyes and her hand tightly clamped over her mouth.
DUN DUN DUN! Shocked? I sure hope you are. I bet none of you saw that coming huh? (crazy happy dance) Well things are starting to get a lot complicated and the new OC Jamie Beauregard has an important role to play in this story too.
Until next time! Stay tuned! -RachelChaseJackson