Disclaimer: I do NOT own Percy Jackson.
A/N: What's this? An update? Why, yes it is! After, like, a month, huh? Sorry. I'll have a lame excuse of why I haven't updated at the end, so if you'd like to read it, go ahead. But wait. You gotta read this chapter first. Okay, beauties? Cool.
Special thanks to DaughteroftheSeaGod1015, who is just magnificent, and took her own time, even though she's busy, to read over this and make sure it's fine. Thank you so much! :)
Percy's P.O.V:
A grin stretched across Percy's face as Annabeth tried balancing a spoon on her nose, and muttered under her breath as it fell down just half a second later.
He shook his head, and reached over onto the table, where the spoon had fell. After picking it up, he balanced it perfectly in one attempt, and watched Annabeth raise her both her eyebrows at him, her gaze both calculating and amused.
"You're cheating," Annabeth stated, still watching him.
Percy shook his head, the spoon still not falling. "You just can't do it, Annabeth."
"I can!" Annabeth huffed, and crossed her arms, an indignant look on her face.
Percy laughed, unable to help himself. Somehow, there was just something about Annabeth that made him almost delirious, and he didn't understand what this girl did to him. "You're just jealous because you can't do it."
Annabeth rolled her eyes, but a small smile twitched at her lips, and Percy gave himself a point for the small victory. "You're hopeless."
"No," Percy said. "You are."
The girl sitting across from him shook her head in amusement, her blonde curls flying everywhere. She checked the clock, which Percy saw read 5:21, and turned back to Percy.
"Thanks for this, by the way," Annabeth said to him, as she lifted her legs up and sat criss-cross on the couch of Percy's hotel, the couch squeaking and creaking beneath her.
"Thanks for what?" Percy asked her, as he scooted over to make space for Annabeth. Nico still wasn't home, even after this long, and Percy couldn't help but wonder what he was doing for so long at Will's, and didn't want to know.
Annabeth gaped at him. "For everything! You took me out, and wasted your time on my problems, you didn't eat breakfast and you did it because of me, and then you decided to spend more of your time and money on me, as if I'm not just a stranger you met a couple weeks ago to you. Thank you for listening to me about all this shit in my life and Luke, and actually being there for me when not nobody else is, well, except for Thalia. And for this-" Annabeth gestured to the room around her as if that explained everything. "For giving me a place to stay. Percy, it really means a lot."
Percy grinned at her, and moved closer to her as he spoke. "That's because you aren't a stranger to me, Annabeth. You're my friend-"
He broke off at the look on Annabeth's face. "What?"
When Annabeth spoke, there was an edge to her voice. "Friend?"
Percy raised an eyebrow at her, "What?"
"We're just friends?" Annabeth repeated.
Percy looked at her, confused. "What do you mean?"
"Percy, we kissed. And we're still 'friends'?"
"You're married. You have other things on your mind than what we are-"
"What are we, then?" Annabeth asked him, biting her lip.
Percy shook his head. "I don't know. You're married."
"That doesn't mean I want to be. Besides, if I didn't want to be with you, why would I have kissed you?"
Percy was silent for a moment, unable to answer. "It just seems wrong."
"You and I seems wrong?" Annabeth asked, and Percy could sense a hint of hurt in her voice.
He quickly shook his head, "No, that's not what I mean. It's just-"
"Just what?"
Percy let out a sigh, "Nevermind."
Annabeth was silent. When Percy looked at her, he saw she was looking down onto her lap.
Feeling guilt wash over him, Percy reached out for her hand. "Look, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to say I didn't want to be with you, because I do. You do crazy things to me, Annabeth, and I don't understand any of this and why I'm suddenly so attracted to you, but I am. Don't think I'm not, and I'd love to be with you, but your husband-"
"He can't do anything." Annabeth spoke. "He just gives me threats. I don't care if this is called cheating, I'd cheat on him. I don't even love him."
"So why not leave him?"
Again, Annabeth didn't answer right away. "He hurt my mom, I know he did, and I know he isn't lying when he says he knows who shot her. I know that. But I want to be with you, believe it or not. I've never met somebody who I've felt this connected to and the fact that you want to be with me is shocking. It's not, well. It's not something I'm used to."
Percy smiled at her, and squeezed her hand. "Well, I'll make you used to it."
Percy didn't know what was happening, but a minute later, Annabeth's lips were on Percy's once again, as she kissed him deeply, even harder than before, and tangled her hands in his messy dark hair.
He kissed her back just as fast, feeling electricity running through his veins as his lips connected with her smooth and soft ones.
He could feel her hands on his hair, pulling slightly, and she smiled against his lips when he bit hers lightly, resulting in her gasping.
Percy took the advantage and slide his tongue inside of her mouth, where she tasted like strawberries and lemon, a scent that Percy suddenly adored.
"What the hell?" A voice broke the two apart, both gasping for air as they looked at the person who had interrupted their rather passionate kissing.
Nico was standing there, shock and slight disgust mixed into his features as he looked at his best friend, and then at the girl sitting next to him, jaw dropped.
Percy felt heat rush to his face as he took in the situation, and saw that somehow, Annabeth's leg was thrown over Percy lap, making it even more awkward than before.
"What the hell?" Nico repeated again, yet his tone yet a hint of amusement.
Before Percy could speak, Annabeth stood up and smiled at Nico. "I'm Annabeth Chase," she said, holding her hand out.
"Chase.." Nico muttered under his breath. "I think that I've heard that before."
Annabeth smiled up at him, but it seemed nervous. "That's pretty cool."
Seeming lost in thought, Nico nodded, and held his hand out as he shook hands with her. "Nico di Angelo."
"How're you and Will?" Annabeth asked, and suddenly she clamped a hand over her mouth, as if she said something she didn't mean to.
Nico looked at her, eyes narrowed. "How do you know Will?"
Annabeth laughed, nervously. She stole a nervous glance at Percy before answering, "Percy told me."
Percy's eyebrows shot up, and he looked at Annabeth with a look of surprise as she lied easily, but she looked at Percy with a strange look, and Percy could read her eyes. Please go with it.
Even though he was confused on to what was happening, Percy nodded at Nico's direction.
"It slipped." He said, sheepishly.
Nico rolled his eyes, but seemed to have bought it. Percy felt guilty of lying to his best friend, but nonetheless tried to ignore it.
Annabeth suddenly looked at the clock, and said, "Well, it's late, I have to go."
Percy felt a wave of disappointment run through him, and he felt his heart contract. "Why?"
Annabeth offered him a smile, and responded, "My husb-dad is probably wondering where I am."
Percy noticed the little slip up, and raised his eyebrows. "I'm sure you can stay."
Annabeth shook her head, and grabbed her purse from the coffee table, "I'll be leaving."
Percy stood up, completely against Annabeth going back home. "Annabeth."
Annabeth shook her head, slightly, watching Nico from the corner of her eye.
Percy immediately getting the message, "At least let me walk you to the door."
Annabeth sighed, exasperated. "Fine."
Percy smiled slightly, but it was quickly wiped off his face once he realized that Annabeth would be going back to Luke's.
They walked silently to the door, and Percy noticed Nico watching them, curiously, but his gaze left them as he turned the T.V. on, his attention completely gone from the two.
"Okay," Annabeth said as they reached the door. "You walked me here. Now, I'll be going-"
"You aren't going to Luke's." Percy interrupted, standing in front of the door.
Annabeth raised her eyebrows, "Why not?"
"Because it isn't safe, Annabeth."
"I've been married to him for eight months, I'm pretty sure I'm safe."
"No."
Annabeth rolled her eyes, "Percy, let me leave."
"Go to a friend's house."
"I'm not going to be asking my friend's for help all the time, I can handle it myself." Annabeth spoke in a steady voice, and Percy saw that her chin was up in the air when she spoke.
A thought suddenly hit Percy, and he couldn't help but ask, "Annabeth, what was with the 'Percy told me about Will' thing earlier?"
Annabeth's eyes widened slightly, and she gave him a tight smile. "You know, uh, well-"
"How did you know?" Percy asked her, wondering she had personally already known Will.
What if they used to date?
The thought was irrational and stupid, but Percy felt a tug at his heart and chest as he thought about it, but quickly brushed it off. Annabeth was married.
But that didn't stop her from kissing you.
Ignoring it, Percy watched Annabeth with a curious gaze.
"I-"
"Was it Andrew?" Percy interrupted, a million other thoughts going through his head. "Which, speaking of him, you didn't tell me how you two were related before, either."
"Tell you what," Annabeth said. "I promise I'll tell you, once I get the time. Right now I really have to go-"
Percy crossed his arms over his chest, "You aren't leaving."
"I regret coming here," Percy heard Annabeth mutter, before looking at him with an irritated look. "I promise I'll be safe. Remember that promise we made? I won't break it."
A surge of emotion went over Percy as he thought about how Annabeth hadn't forgotten about, but he sighed. "No."
"If I'm late, he'll just hit me. I don't want that."
"You aren't supposed to be limited in the first place on when you should come home and when you shouldn't while your husband is in the house, perfectly safe, doing things with another girl."
Annabeth smiled bitterly. "Welcome to my life."
"I'm willing to change your life, then."
"You already have."
Percy looked up at her, "What?"
Annabeth shook her head, quickly. "Nothing."
"Okay.." Percy trailed off, and Annabeth flushed a brilliant shade of red.
"Forget it, but Percy, please let me go. This isn't fair." Annabeth said.
Percy sighed, "Annabeth, I just want you safe."
She smiled up at him, that oh-so beautiful smile at him that had his knees weak. "I'll be okay."
Percy shook his head, but nonetheless opened the door, feeling both hatred and guilt for himself she kissed him on the cheek, a stinging sensation Percy wanted more of, and left through the hotel door.
Although, before she turned to the corner where she couldn't be visible, Annabeth turned to him, and with a small smile, turned, leaving Percy to stare after her a minute before taking a deep breath.
After a couple seconds, he turned back around, and jumped as he saw Nico standing on the doorway, eyebrow raised. "Mind telling me who the girl who was practically sucking your face was?"
Percy blushed, heat rushing to his face as he tried to hide it. "That was Annabeth."
Nico snorted. "No shit. When did you meet her?"
"A couple days ago," Percy responded, casually.
"And you're already getting intimate?"
Percy blushed, again, even harder. "We weren't doing anything!"
"Yeah, right." The sarcasm laced in Nico's voice was evident.
"I don't know, Nico."
"What do you mean?" Nico asked as Percy and him went to sit back onto the couch.
"I mean, I don't know what to do about how I feel about her."
"What do you mean?" Nico repeated, again.
"She has someone else."
"Oh," Nico said. "Damn, Perce."
Not exactly telling Nico what had happened, and feeling waves of guilt overcome him, Percy nodded. "I know."
Nico exhaled. "You really like her, then, don't you?"
Percy smiled without even noticing.
"Yeah, she's something extraordinary."
Annabeth's P.O.V:
"Where the hell were you?"
Annabeth turned to see Luke, watching her with a steady gaze as she shut the door behind her.
Feeling the somewhat satisfying sound of the door clicking behind her, Annabeth prepared herself for what was to come.
"Are you done with your fiancé yet?" Annabeth spat.
"Where were you, bitch?" Luke demanded, his voice even more prominent.
"Why do you care?"
"Answer me," Luke gripped Annabeth's wrist, his nails digging into the fabric of her shirt.
"I wasn't anywhere."
"Really?" Luke mused, a smirk dancing on his lips.
"Yes, really." Annabeth tried to keep her voice steady.
"Your shirt says otherwise."
Annabeth looked down, instinctively, and before she could ask Luke what he meant, he was grabbing her throat as he pushed her against the wall.
"Wha-"
"Listen to me," he growled, "I am your husband. You're my slave. You do what I tell you, or I swear to you I can make things worse than they already are, Chase."
Annabeth almost laughed at his use of her last name prior she got married, but had trouble with his hand closed around her throat.
He gave her throat a tight squeeze, making Annabeth suck in a breath, and then slapped her hard multiple times with the hand that wasn't on her throat.
By the fifth slap, Annabeth's cheek was numb. She tried to ignore the pain and to prevent herself from yelling out, knowing it was exactly what Luke wanted to hear.
"You," Luke spat back at her with another hard slap, "belong to ME, and me alone."
"No I don't," Annabeth couldn't prevent herself from talking.
Another slap. "What did you say?"
"Nothing."
His grip on Annabeth tightened and she winced at the pain.
"Say that you belong to me."
When she didn't reply, Luke tightened his hold even more, and Annabeth stopped her breathing.
She could feel the pain in her lungs, as Luke told her again, "Say it or I will kill you."
You're too much of a wimp to do that.
"Who do you belong to?" Luke asked, and Annabeth couldn't speak, she was running out of air, once again.
"Do you belong to me?" Luke asked, and let go once Annabeth nodded.
"Good." And with another, slap to the face, Luke smirked and left Annabeth leaning against the wall, panting for breath as she glared at the doorway where Luke had left from.
Gasping, Annabeth heard the phone ring from her purse, which was still hung on her hand, and surprised, she fished the phone out of her purse, and saw it was Frederick.
Slightly worried, Annabeth picked it up, still slightly panting, "Hello?"
"Annabeth?" Frederick's worried tone came from the other line.
"Yes?" Annabeth told him, her voice higher than before.
"Why do you sound so tired?" Frederick asked her, and Annabeth could sense something was wrong by his voice.
"Nothing, don't worry. Just exhausted. What's wrong?" Annabeth responded.
Frederick was silent for a moment. "Do you have any black dresses?"
A sinking feeling stirred in her stomach when she answered, "No, why?"
"You need to get one, then. By Saturday."
"What's on Saturday?" Annabeth questioned, feeling as though she was about to throw up.
Frederick took a deep breath before answering.
"Your mother's funeral."
A/N: There you have it, folks! I hope it wasn't too bad, or short, in that matter. First of all, I am really, really, sorry for not updating. School started, things got in the way, homework, all of that and I never have any time to write. My private user on my computer doesn't work, and I have to use my brother's which is a huge risk of actually doing it. I am really sorry, you guys. But, with me being stupid, I sprained my ankle today and got a day off of school! Yay! Well, sorta. It hurts like hell, but anyways, onto the reviews. WHICH BY THE GUYS, OH MY GOSH, WE REACHED 300? THANK YOU GUYS OH MY GOSH I'M LITERALLY SPEECHLESS. I LOVE YOU GUYS SO MUCH I CAN'T EVEN. YOU GUYS MEAN THE WORLD TO ME, HOLY SHIT.
KHCMC36: Haha, your reviews always make me smile. I can't tell you who dies, but hey, don't you know who does now? I lost my sanity once I joined this fandom, tbh. And oh my gosh, thank you! Luke is just, an asshole. I couldn't do that, it'd cause so many uneven reactions and shit I'm turning this into chemistry. Haha, sorry. Thank you so much! I hope you liked this chapter, too! I'm really sorry for being suck-ish at updating. Funny name story? Haha, go for it! I don't exactly HATE my name, but it's, like, really unusual. But nonethless, thanks! :)
Izzabella Dragomir: For some odd reason, you remind me of Isabelle Lightwood. Maybe it's the username? I don't know, but you do. Honestly, I don't even think stable ships are a thing unless it's Percabeth. I hope you like this chapter! :)
candycrum: Haha, I agree!
theartnerd333: Christineeee, I love you to death. Oh my gosh, thank you so much! You don't know how lucky I am to have you, goddammit I can't stop grinning. My favorite character? Hmm..I don't know. Thalia. I like Thalia, haha. How about yours? ;)
iluvbooks: HOLY SHIT. Thank you! Your stories are absolutely amazing, love. I really hope you liked this chapter! I'm kinda nervous for you to read this, because, well, I don't know. I just really hope you like it!
WaterWarrior60: Haha, I bet. I hope you liked this chapter!
BubbleEwa: Hm..maybe she does play a role? ;) Holy crap your review is making me blush. Thank you so much! Really, I say it way too much to the point where you're probably like, "Does she even say anything else?" but I really can't say it enough. Honestly, I love you! :)
Frazel: Totally cool, love! Aw, you're welcome! You're even more amazing than this chapter!
Shattered Owl: Badass Thalia is something we all need in our lives, okay? Anyways, happy early birthday something like that present! I hope you like it, that kinda guy. Forget about the balloons and candy, lmao. See? I laugh at my own jokes. But I hope you like this chapter!
TurtleHurtle: You may be right.. ;)
clo7615: I gotta say, I liked it too. Thank you so much! I hope this chapter appeals to you!
Guest: Could you? ;)
ryanloves percy and annabeth: Holy shiit, stop it. This is just, gosh. I'm like, sitting here, hyperventilating at this review. Seriously, this review is just amazing. Thank you so much, love. I really hope this chapter isn't that bad, and that you don't hate me.
IAmCrystalClear: Thanks! :) I'm trying to update the best I can. Love you too! :)
123: Seriously? Awesome! There's so many other fanfictions to reveal, though, haha. Once you join fanfiction, you cannot go back.
Booksnerds222022: Haha..almost a month? I suck, I know. Anyways, thank you! I'm glad you like it :)
CassylovesPercabeth: Aw. Thanks! :) I am not Rick Riordan, but are you sure you're not the best person in the world, beauty? Thank you!
Vanne-the-bookworm: Ahh, thank you!
Sonochu: Hmm, what makes you think Luke would really care that much? Besides, maybe Annabeth has some other money she saved up before she got married? Plus I doubt Luke would really care that much about like, $10, that he'd have the exact amount of money he has in his mind and goes through it everyday, right? Take it whichever way you want.
ophrsoo: Oh, haha..Luke's in this chapter! And some others yet to come! Thank you! :D
Somebody: Oh, I remember your review! It was sweet. Your review made me start to get more motivated, and yeah. I'm glad you like it, honestly! It's nice to see you don't hate where it's going.
Ninja Lordess: I AM CONTINUING, MY LOVE.
ThatOneRepairBoy: Hmm?
That's all the reviews! :) My ankle is killing me, but I decided to get up and do something useful. I look forward to your reviews. Thank you, to whoever's reading this, for not giving up on this story! I love you guys, really. And, I might not update for a while, but I'm honestly trying. Stay safe, okay? Keep smiling, xxx.