*Peeks out from behind chair*

Hi...

*Dodges flames*

*Peeks out again and slowly steps out*

Sorry for not updating in so long. I started high school earlier this year and have had many issues; family issues, health issues; and then school work and sports (that water polo life). I HAVE been trying to write though! Now, I just wanted to inform you that there is a more detailed AN at the bottom that I would like you all to read. Now, onto the story!

Percy's POV:

Blue lights in the shape of snow flakes floating across the floor, white snow falling from the ceiling and disappearing before it could hit the ground, TVs set up on the wall directly across from the stage, tables set up with iPads built into them.

"Good evening, Goode High School, and welcome to the annual Winter Formal!" I shouted into the mic, my fellow students clapping and screaming in response. "I hope you all enjoy this evening, because a lot of effort was definitely put in to making it perfect. Now, before the night can officially begin, I want you to all look at the TVs across from me and the iPads at the tables-yeah, good! Now, those TVs will be showing lyrics to the songs YOU request! Send in your requests through the iPads. If we are friends, text the songs you would like directly to me and I will do them much sooner. Now that I've given you those instructions, let's get this night started!"

Thalia's POV, 1 hour earlier:

"Hey, babe." Nico said, pulling up in front of the house. I internally cringed at the name of endearment, but still hopped into the car and allowed Nico to plant a kiss on my cheek (though he wanted to kiss my forehead, but only Percy can do that).

"So, I see you're dressed fancy." I said, taking note of his black tee-shirt and jeans.

"Sorry, Thals; but I don't do tuxs." Nico said with a smirk. I let out a small laugh, but looked down at my outfit. I don't exactly "do" dresses, but I am still wearing one. Sure, it might be all black, and I might be wearing vans instead of heels, but I still put in an effort. I couldn't help but think that if I went with Percy, he would've dressed up even if he wouldn't want to; he would just do it to make me smile.

"Thals, you okay?"

"Yeah, of course I am. We're picking up Rachel, right?"

"Shit, I forgot! Yeah, we're picking them up." Nico said, making a sharp right and earning him multiple honks from our fellow New Yorkers.

"Christ, Nico; watch it!" I shouted, clinging onto my seat and thinking of when Percy spun the car to take the impact in an accident that never happened.

Stop it. Stop thinking about him.

"Sorry, Thals." Nico said, shooting me a grin. I smiled weakly and looked away, out the window and towards the passing city. In what seemed like no time at all, we were in front of Rachel's house. Rachel's house was large, three stories tall; the entire third floor belonging to her. We saw Rachel running out of the house, he red hair and green dress billowing behind her.

"Thanks for the ride, guys." she said with a smile, slipping into the back of the car.

"No problem, Rach." Nico answered.

"It's a pleasure, Rachel." I said, and we drove in silence for Grover's house.

"So, how have you been doing Thalia?" Rachel asked, looking intently at me with her bright green eyes.

"I've been doing okay, thank you for asking." I said, shifting under her intense gaze.

"Alrighty then." she said, looking away after a moment. That's the thing with Rachel, she has a way of knowing things. Even if you don't tell her, she just knows. That's why we call her the group psychic. It's also why we all always talk to her when something is bothering us, because she already knows what it is.

"Thalia, we're here." Nico said, pulling me out of my thoughts. I looked up at the school and quickly got out of the car. Boys and girls were walking about, greeting friends, racing towards the building with their dresses and tuxedos behind them. Teachers were around the front of the school, watching the students; and five security guards standing at each entrance to the gym, only letting in those with student ID and their dates, while other security guards prowled around the campus.

"They're really cracking down this year with the security." I said, taking note of all of the security guards.

"Probably because Percy Jackson goes here now and we need to protect him." Nico said, nearly spitting out Percy's name. I looked at Nico out of the corner of my eye. I don't know what's up with Nico, but he has this burning hatred for Percy. I've never seen Percy be anything but nice to Nico, but Nico always acts like this in regards to Percy.

"Let's go in, I have to meet Percy inside." Rachel said, grabbing me by the hand and starting towards the gym.

"Meeting Percy?" I questioned, feeling jealousy bubble up inside me.

"Yeah, he wanted me to help him with something and to meet someone, a friend of his." she explained, waving a hand through the air and glancing back at me with a knowing look in her eye. I felt a blush threaten to creep up on me when I realized how I was acting. I was acting like a jealous, overly protective girlfriend.

He's your ex.

And?

You're with Nico now.

But you like Percy.

Shut up.

"Thalia, do you want to take a picture?" Nico asked from behind up.

"Sure." I said while showing the security guard my school ID and shuffling into the gym, getting in line for the pictures. Nico came in soon afterwards, while Rachel was already heading towards wherever Percy said he would be.

"Are you sure you're okay Thalia, you're quiet." Nico whispered in my ear. We were towards the front of the line, so only a minute or so more and it would be our turn.

"Of course I am, just really tired lately." I said, smiling and stepping towards the marker for us to stand. Nico stood next to me and we smiled towards the camera as the photographer clicked his camera.

What a pity that my smile was fake.

Percy POV:

"Percy!" Rachel greeted, launching herself at me in a hug.

"Hey, Rache." I said, wrapping my arms around her. Lately, I don't know what I'd do without Rachel. She has been such a great friend and I don't know how to let her how much I appreciate it.

"So, I came with them, as according to plan. You're right, Nico has something against you. Well, he obviously did if he tried to steal your girlfriend. But even when he just says your name."

"I don't trust him."

"Good. We'll figure this out, Percy. Whatever he does, we'll be ready." Rachel said, nodding to me and walking out again. Once Rachel was gone, Reyna came in through the back.

"I see somebody is up to something he shouldn't be." Reyna observed, smirking.

"Me? Why I never!" I exclaimed, putting my hand on my heart and laughing as Reyna shoved me.

"Doofus. Well, are you ready? This dance is going to start in a little bit. First time you're going to be singing in front of your peers and stuff."

"This is all just for fun." I said with a shrug. "Plus, I have you here with me for when I mess up." I said, shoving her with my shoulder.

"And you're lucky you do." she said with a smirk.

"Percy, you're on." Annabeth said, stepping towards me. She looked beautiful, her blonde princess curls tumbling behind her and her snowy white dress flowing.

"Thank you, Annabeth. Oh, and beautiful as always." I said with a smile at her before walking towards the curtains.

"Stupid flirt." I heard Reyna mutter before I stepped onto the stage. Blue lights in the shape of snow flakes floating across the floor, white snow falling from the ceiling and disappearing before it could hit the ground, TVs set up on the wall directly across from the stage, tables set up with iPads built into them.

"Good evening, Goode High School, and welcome to the annual Winter Formal!" I shouted into the mic, my fellow students clapping and screaming in response. "I hope you all enjoy this evening, because a lot of effort was definitely put in to making it perfect. Now, before the night can officially begin, I want you to all look at the TVs across from me and the iPads at the tables-yeah, good! Now, those TVs will be showing me lyrics to the songs YOU request! Send in your requests through the iPads. If we are friends, text the songs you would like directly to me and I will do them much sooner. Now that I've given you those instructions, let's get this night started!"

"WE LOVE YOU PERCY!" shouted some girls from the front. I blushed faintly and ignored them.

"Now, tonight is a big night, which is why I invited my good friend Reyna Ferus!" Reyna stepped out onto the stage.

"What's up Goode High?" Reyna shouted into the mic, stealing it from me. Cheers were her response, mostly from the male population. "If you didn't know, Percy sleeps with a teddy bear!" More cheers. I rolled my eyes and shoved Reyna.

"Yeah, yeah, so funny. Now, let's kick this dance off!"

Yes, yes, i am back. I apologize for not updating in so long. I started high school earlier this year and have had many issues; family issues, health issues; and then school work and sports (that water polo life). I HAVE been trying to write though, and I did write a different version of this chapter (and a few others) that were somehow lost.

I apologize for this terrible chapter, it is just a filler chapter. The other version I had was much better, but as I said, it was lost. I wanted to update already though, so I quickly wrote this and posted it. I already have started on the next chapter, and it should be up by next week. Expect the chapters to be longer than the usual 1000 words guys!

For the time being, I am just going to focus on Broken and Look, and then I will slowly ease into my other stories.

Again, I am so sorry for the delay! I will still sometimes have trouble with updating on time, but I am putting an effort in guys.

Thank you all so much for reading my story. It truly means a lot. Until next time, folks! ~NikiD1233