Disclaimer- I do not own Percy Jackson and the Olympians or the Heroes of Olympus Series. (One can dream though) All rights go to the proper parties.

Note***- Will be boy x boy. (I promise, it is coming) Don't like? You don't have to read.

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January 3rd

Percy POV

The walk back to Apollo's apartment seemed to last an eternity. My brain was just going in circles.

I hadn't felt this lost since the first day I woke up after Hera had kidnapped me. I opened my eyes to a crumbling tower, with no idea who I was or how I'd gotten there.

That's how I felt now. Like our relationship had reached a point where I had no idea what to do or what led to this. Just like before, I had no idea how to get back to the way we were. It seemed the more we tried to close the gap between us, the bigger it became. My only option was to keep going and hope I could figure something out.

I didn't even realize that I had made it back until I was standing in the living room.

"Perce?" I jumped in surprise and looked over to see the god of the sun sprawling on the couch. He sat up and gave me a searching look. He paused for a few seconds before he spoke again. "Do you want to talk to me about it?"

I frowned, "About what?"

He shrugged, "About whatever it is that's making you look like you just aged ten years."

I nearly told him that it was nothing, not to worry, but then I thought about it. Maybe if I told him, he might be able to help. The god of the sun had been around a few millennia, he must have some sort of helpful insight.

I hesitated for a minute before I made my way over the couch next to him. "It's about Annabeth."

He winced but nodded like he had expected that. "I figured as much. What about her?"

"I... I don't know."

He raised a questioning eyebrow. "You don't know?"

"No, I do. I just... don't know how to word it." I leaned my head back and scrubbed a hand over my face. "Something's changed. We're not the way we used to be."

"That's a rather broad statement. What exactly has changed?"

I groaned. I had never been good at things like this. "We... I just..." I trailed off again, unable to find the words.

I heard him sigh. "Well, why don't you start by telling me how things used to be?"

I nodded. That much I could do. "We were friends. I've known her since I was 12. She was the first demigod I ever met. Then things changed. I started liking her as more than a friend. Just talking to her was enough to make my stomach dance. When the Titan war ended and we finally got together, I had never been happier. Even after I lost my memories, Annabeth was the one name I could remember. I willingly fell into Tartarus rather than letting her fall alone. It was the most horrible place I could ever have imagined, but being there with her helped. Having her by my side made it a little easier. There was no way I could have survived down there without her. Once we escaped, I thought that the worst trouble we could ever have faced was behind us. If Tartarus didn't tear us apart, what could?"

The god of the sun nodded, "And now?"

I shook my head. "Now... I don't even know what's wrong with us anymore. Something is missing. When I'm alone with her, I hardly know what to say. I thought that if we could just spend some more time together, maybe everything would work itself out. It doesn't seem to be helping though. If anything, it's getting worse. I just... don't know what to do anymore." I closed my eyes, unable to face the world right then. "I'm losing her."

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Apollo POV

I had never seen Percy like this before. I had seen him upset, mad, even depressed, but not like this. He looked almost... defeated. It wasn't a look I ever wanted to see on his face again.

As much as I wanted nothing to do with this conversation, I couldn't sit by and do nothing. If I cared for him at all, then it was only right that I say what he needed to hear. Percy needed me to be his friend and if that meant trying to give him advice about his girlfriend, then so be it. He needed my help, my feelings be damned.

I took a deep breath. "Don't worry Perce. I'll help you."

He looked confused. "Help me what?"

I tried to ignore the pain in my gut as I forced myself to say my next words. "Help the two of you try and fix things."

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January 4th

Percy POV

I took a deep breath to settle my nerves. I had no idea as to whether or not Apollo's plan would work. I couldn't see how a dinner for two would help at all but he insisted that a pre-planned dinner was far more romantic then a spontaneous one and that romance was the key to keeping a spark alive.

Apollo had spent all day doing Zeus knows what. The god of the sun had originally asked for my opinion about the date but, when I suggested a place that had good pizza, he told me to forget it. He said that he would plan it himself. All I needed to do was show up.

I was alright with that plan. I could freely admit that I wasn't exactly the most romantic person in the world. Plus, I was fairly certain Annabeth would appreciate a proper romantic evening. Our best date had definitely been the one that Hermes sent us on. Then again, it was kinda hard to top Paris.

Tonight was going to be just as much a surprise for me as it was for her. All I knew was that it was clearly going to be fancy. I knew that much because when the god of music returned from setting everything up, he passed me my suit and told me to go get changed.

The suit and tie were black and the dress shirt was blue. I had only worn it once. After I got back from Greece, Paul had insisted that he, my mom, and I go out to a fancy dinner to celebrate her newest book release. When I first found it in the box of clothes, I was confused as to why she thought I was going to need it. Now however, I was glad she had packed it.

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I felt a little silly wearing a suit. I had only worn one handful of times in my life. Wearing it seemed over the top. I could only hope I didn't look as ridiculous as I felt. Judging by what I saw it the mirror though, I wasn't too hopeful.

I straightened the jacket once more before I walked out of the bathroom. At least I could trust Apollo for an honest answer. He would freely tell me if I looked idiotic.

I headed to the living room where he was waiting and I cleared my throat. The god turned to look at me and I saw his eyes widen. His lips parted in surprise as he gave me the once over. After about ten full seconds of silent staring, I started to feel uncomfortable.

"So, how do I look?"

The son of Leto cleared his throat. "You look..." He seemed to have to search for the word. "Good. You look very good."

I gave him a playful smirk, "Really? Only good?"

For once, he didn't smile at my joke. There was something in his eyes that I couldn't place. Before I could put a name to it though, he looked away.

"You should head out. You don't want to keep Annabeth waiting."

With that, all the nerves I had came rushing back. I nodded and mumbled my good-bye before I headed out to the address he had given me.

ΩΩΩ

Annabeth and I were going to meet at the restaurant. I still had no idea how the god of Poetry had convinced wisdoms daughter to take the night off.

I was the first of the two of us to arrive. At least I didn't feel quite as out of place once I got there, even the servers were wearing suits. The waiter led me to a private room at the back of the restaurant. I was rather impressed when he told me that. I didn't even know that there were such things as privet rooms in restaurants. Maybe it was a fancy eatery thing though. He opened the door for me and I felt my jaw drop. Apollo had really gone all out.

The room was small, not much bigger than the kitchen in Apollo's apartment. The main source of light in the room was a sparkling chandelier, giving off just enough light that it was easy to see, without making the room bright. The only furniture in the room was a small table and two chairs.

I walked up to the table for a closer look. The table cloth was white and in the middle of the table was a vase with a single red rose flanked by two small candles that were already lit. On the other side of the table was an ice bucket on a stand. I couldn't help but laugh when I saw what was in it.

There was a bottle of that weird carbonated water that Annabeth liked and a bottle of cherry coke. I was fairly positive that restaurants like this didn't serve coke. I didn't even have to ask to know that Apollo had brought it especially for me. I smiled at the unexpected gesture. The god of the sun knew me well.

I was so distracted by my thoughts that I nearly missed Annabeth's arrival. I turned around just as the door closed behind her. I felt my eyes widen in surprise. I guess that since I was wearing a suit, it shouldn't have surprised me that she was dressed up too.

Her silver dress was floor length and form fitting. It made her eyes especially noticeable. Her hair was piled on her head in an elaborate up-do. She was even wearing make-up. She looked good but somehow, it just looked wrong on her.

I wasn't sure what to think. I had never really known the daughter of Athena to dress up like that. She had always been more natural. Heavy make-up made her look like someone else entirely.

I felt the awkward atmosphere from the last few weeks return with a vengeance.

While I was busy with my observations, she was doing the same to me.

She gave me a smile, "You clean up pretty well Sea-weed brain."

I returned her grin. "You look nice too." Regardless of how much she didn't look like herself, it was true.

We took our seats and I realized that I had no idea what to say. I was glad when she decided to break the silence. "This place is really nice."

I found myself nodding in agreement. "Ya, Fred is pretty good at stuff like this."

"With all the flirting he does, I never would have thought that he would be a closet romantic."

I shook my head in amusement. "Me either, but Fred is awesome. It doesn't surprise me all that much." I would have to tease him about it later though.

"Do you know if he's seeing anyone? Maybe we could set him up with Reyna."

I laughed. I couldn't see Apollo and Reyna together, especially considering she actually knew who he was. "Somehow I don't think that would work out."

The daughter of Athena looked confused, "Why?"

"I don't think he's her type."

She looked like she was about to say something else, but the door opened and our waiter brought in the dinner that Apollo had pre-ordered. Apparently, the sun god wanted to make sure that I wouldn't order pizza. The server placed the two plates of chicken alfredo on the table and left without a word.

I was grateful for the chance to avoid talking for a few minutes. While we were eating, I used the time to try and think of something to say. I was fairly certain that Apollo would not be happy if he learned that he was the only topic of conversation that either of us could come up with.

I tried to remember what we used to talk about before we came to New Rome, back when we could spend all day talking and still not run out of things to say. It occurred to me that we used to talk about our dreams, the buildings she wanted to design, what we wanted to do after high school, stuff like that. It made me wonder exactly when we had stopped talking about our future together.

Then again, at the time, accepting godhood had never even been an idea. We were both mortal with no plans on ever changing our status. I wondered if that was one of the reasons that we were drifting apart. After all, how can two people plan a future together when one might outlive the other by eons? It made me feel guilty for even thinking about accepting immortality.

I wasn't the only one who had changed though. The Annabeth that I had grown to love would never have spent 16 plus hours a day working. She had always love architecture, but she had never before placed it above her friends. She would gladly talk about it for hours, but then she would always be there listening to my bad jokes too.

Maybe we were both to blame for our problems...

"I like seeing you like this."

I shook off my thoughts and focused on the girl across from me. "Like what?"

The daughter of Athena smiled, "Sitting in a nice restaurant, wearing a suit, not eating pizza... it's a nice change. I like this version of you."

I frowned and shifted in my chair. I didn't know what to say to that.

Wearing suits, planning fancy dinners, that wasn't me. I may have agreed to show up, but I wouldn't know how to plan something like this. It wasn't in me to be the romantic kind of guy. I didn't like the way she worded it either. It made it sound as though the normal me wasn't enough.

"I didn't set this up."

Annabeth laughed. "I know, but it's still nice. I wouldn't mind having dinners like this more often."

"This isn't me though. You know that. I'm the kinda guy who wears jeans and a t-shirt. If I had a choice between a candle lit dinner with food I couldn't pronounce or delivery pizza at home, you know what I would choose."

Her smile faded slightly. "I know that Percy, but that doesn't mean I can't enjoy this. What's wrong with wanting a romantic dinner once in a while?"

I sighed and looked away. "What's wrong is that I don't know how to do stuff like this. This kind of romance is not me. I don't want you hoping for stuff like what Fred did for us and being upset when I can't do the same. My idea of romantic gestures would be bringing you some wild flowers I saw on the way to pick you up, or doing the dishes when it's your turn because you're tired. Pre-planning a fancy date night like this is not something that I will probably ever be able to do for you."

"It's not difficult to do stuff like this. I don't expect it all the time but it would be nice to have a date night that doesn't involve pizza. Why is that so hard?"

I was getting annoyed with the conversation. "I can't change who I am, nor do I want to. I like being me just as I am."

"I'm not asking you to change..."

I turned back to her and frowned, "Then what are you asking?"

Our fight was interrupted when the door to our room opened again. Judging by the look on the waiters face, he could tell that he had just interrupted something. He quickly took our empty plates away and told us he'd be back in a few minutes with our desert.

We waited for his return in silence. I was clearly not the only one who was upset with the way this date was turning out.

I couldn't understand why Annabeth was acting like that. She had known me for years and had never seemed to expect more from me than what I had always been. I couldn't understand why that wasn't enough anymore. Grand romantic gestures weren't me. I always thought it was the little things that meant the most.

Annabeth was right, fancy dates were nice. In my opinion though, the best part of tonight was finding the bottle of cherry coke that Apollo had left. The little things had always mattered more to me.

The server came back in and gave us our desserts. He had already left before I bothered to look and see what it was.

I felt a flash of surprise before a smile stretch across my face. I shook my head and laughed. I really did owe Apollo a big thank you. Tonight may not have turned out very well, but he had sure put a lot of thought into it.

I picked up my fork and took a bite of my blue cake.

It was the little things that meant the most.

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Authors Note

Ughhh. Having to write that date scene was torture. Percabeth is just not for me. Thank goodness that the scene was supposed to be awkward.

Next update will be August 9th

Next Chapter:

I could tell that the daughter of Athena was trying not to cry...