I followed Annabeth down the stairs, my brow already wet from sweating. I hate how exhausted I get from just getting up and ready in the morning. At least I was feeling better and able to eat. Exhaustion was a regular thing now, and so was the soreness.

"How are you feeling Percy?" Annabeth's mom asked me as I sat down at the table.

"Much better. Still tired but I feel like it's a good day."

She smiled at me and placed eggs down on the table.

Annabeth and I smiled at each other. "Since I was cleared to leave the house if I have a mask on is it okay if we go see a movie with our friends?" I asked.

"I'll even make sure he sits down when he looks tired."

Her mom thought for a moment before sighing, "okay but you have to be careful. I don't want to have Poseidon breathing down my back if something goes wrong."

I saluted, "scouts honor."

Annabeth laughed. "Were you even in Boy Scouts?"

"Nope."

Annabeth grabbed my hand as we slid into Thalia's car.

"How are ya feeling Percy?"

"I'm fine Thals you don't have to worry about me."

"I know you are lying, but I'll take it." She turned up the dial, and the radio blasted through the speakers. My head rested on the cold window as I closed my eyes to save up energy. Everything was so exhausting, nowadays.

By the time we pulled into the parking lot Leo, Piper, Hazel, and Frank were waiting outside the theater. I scraped at the mask I put on to keep the "germs" away or at least attempt to keep them away. I checked my beanie to make sure it was secured before going in. Jason and Piper were holding hands as they walked in front of Annabeth and me.

Thaila took a deep breath as she busted the doors open. "Ah, I love the smell of popcorn in the morning."

I snorted, "you do know it's two right?"

"Shut up Percy no one asked you for the time."

I smirked, I love my cousin Thalia she, Jason, Annabeth and Nico were the only ones who didn't treat me like I'm sick.

"Do you want anything Percy?" Hazel asked as she slowly pulled out the money for her popcorn.

My stomach turned at the thought of eating food, "I'll just have water. Thank you though."

I sighed with relief when we sat down in the comfy theater seats. My body was relaxing into the chair. My port was itchy to the point of maddening, but at least the movie can help keep my mind busy.

By the time Aqua man was over we all decided to walk around the small shopping strip. Going to the different stores and trying on all sorts of clothing. I for one tried in different beanies since I only had two.

"I liked the grey one better," Annabeth said. Her smile was radiant as ever.

"You're right, and it goes with most of my clothes." I rubbed at my port the skin raised and bruised from being accessed two days ago.

"Is it still bothering you?"

I frowned, she knew me too well. But that's what I loved about her.

She walked over to me her hand grazing over my port. "Can I take a look?"

I sighed and pulled my shirt down. The skin was bruised "they had trouble getting access, so it's been a little angry."

"Well, it doesn't look infected."

"Yeah, no worries Wise girl I'll be fine."

Annabeth had a simple t-shirt and a pair of converse that she was buying. We both walked to the counter and paid for our items and waited for the others to finish.

The car ride home was a nice break from all the walking. My muscles ached, and joints cracked with every movement. This was the most activity I've done since the Chemo treatments started to take their toll. I pulled the mask from my face sighing in relief to not have that suffocating feeling. Nico and Thalia followed us into Annabeth's house and walked around like she owned the place. Bobby and Mathew his in their room since they feared Thalia. They called her the boogie monster or something like that I honestly can't remember — stupid chemo brain.

"Can I ask you a question Perce?"

"Uh yeah go ahead."

Nico paused as if he was trying to find the right words. "What does it feel like getting chemo treatments?"

I thought for a moment. I never really thought of it and only wanted it to be over as soon as possible. I shrugged. "It kind of burns like I feel really warm and sleepy. Sometimes I get dizzy and can't stand up without tipping over or not able to sit because the dizziness makes me sick. But the after effects are worse. That's when the nausea kicks in I one time had a mouth sore after my third week of getting chemo. They are doing it once a week right now, and I think my treatments will be every six weeks soon."

"So like, does it ever hurt?"

Thalia shoves Nico, "dude what's with all the questions?"

"I am just curious!"

I smiled. "It's fine. I don't mind if you all ask questions. I get sore if that's what you mean but outside of that no not really."

Nico nodded. "So when is your next treatment? Do you need any company?"

I smirked. "Aw does my little cousin miss me?"

"Well Will wants to ask some questions, and he asked if I would go and talk to the nurses since Will wants to be a doctor. And we haven't hung out much since you were diagnosed."

I smiled wide as an idea popped in my head. "I have an idea! How about we all go on Monday since it's a three day weekend for you guys?"

Thalia snorted, "I never thought you Percy Jackson would have a good idea."

"I have my moments."

"So they just poke a needle in?" Thalia said as she watched the nurse clean my port site.

"Yeah pretty much."

"Does it hurt?"

"Yeah, but it doesn't last long. It's just the initial accessing that hurts."

"Are you ready Percy? On the count of three. One, two, three!" Nurse Alice said as she pushed the needle in. I sucked in a breath as she moved the needle around to get it into position. She wasn't my normal nurse who usually got it in one shot but oh well. You gotta do what you gotta do. After taking several vials of blood, Alice left the room.

A knock on the door and then my doctor entered with a smile on his face, "how are you feeling today? Oh, and you brought friends!"

I smiled and pointed, "that's Thalia, Nico, and Annabeth."

He smiled, "I remember you guys. Alright, Percy, tell me how you have been doing, and we'll go over your blood counts."

"I'm super tired all the time and haven't been able to keep much food down after my infusions."

He nodded as he typed, "okay I'll prescribe you more nausea medication that's a little stronger for when you leave here. Now your white blood count levels are a little low but there is no sign of infections so just be extra careful. Wear masks, wash hands, and limit exposer to germs. Alright, you can all head out to the teen room, and the nurses should get you hooked up when the pharmacy has your medications ready. I'll come by and check on you when your infusion is done while you wait for the okay to leave."

I led Thalia, Nico, and Annabeth to the teen room that was empty. I held Annabeth's hand as we sat next to each other. Thalia plopped into the chair in front of me, her legs thrown over the side, "so what do you do here?"

I shrugged, "they have a tv, video games, and movies. They have a craft room too, but that's mostly for the younger kids."

Thalia snorted, "Nico, want to go make a picture maybe something that represents your little black heart."

Nico rolled his eyes, "whatever you say pine cone face."

"Shut it death breath."

After thirty minutes of waiting, I was finally hooked up, the medication making me drowsy. I leaned my head on Annabeth shoulder, her hand absently making circles on my hand that was clasped in hers. Thalia and Nico were playing Mario Kart with some other teen who showed up for their treatment.

"How are you feeling Percy?" Annabeth asked.

I mumbled, "tired."

"Then take a nap and get some rest."

"How about I take you out for a real date that doesn't include friends on Friday?"

I could see her cheeks pull up just a bit to know she was smiling, "sounds like a plan Percy, now get some rest."

So sorry for how late this was! I've been so busy trying to get everything packed and unpacked for uni. But I can officially say I am all moved in and I'm doing well in all my classes! Evita (my service dog) has adjusted super well to living in a college apartment. I hope you enjoyed the chapter!