Hi. Wow. Look at us here… It's the last chapter… in a lot of things. In Homecoming, today was my last day of school… I'm being pretty sentimental here, in a way. This story has been my baby for a year. It's tough to let go.

Have a great summer, and enjoy this last chapter- the epilogue of Homecoming.

~GoGreen52

-EPILOUGE-

-Annabeth POV-

A gunshot rang out in the air.

The sound of a body falling echoed in the darkness…

I wanted to be anywhere-

Anywhere but here.

It took me a second to react, to fall at his side. There was blood everywhere. All that blood… I couldn't see where all of the blood was coming from, but it just kept on flowing. Just like a river. A river of blood.

Tears were streaming down my cheeks, and I noticed we were the only ones there. In the darkness. And he was going to leave me alone. I've never felt so lost. So alone. Because that's what he was doing. The man I gave everything to was leaving me alone.

I couldn't bring myself to put pressure on his wound, to try and stop the blood. I knew that it would hurt, that it would probably be the worst feeling in the world. I knew he was already too far gone to be saved. Who could save him anyways? We were alone.

I just couldn't bring myself to hurt him.

"An-Annabeth," he gasped. I looked into his eyes, those green orbs that I could never forget looking right back at me. He knew it was the end, too. I could see it. I could feel it.

"Y-You're going to be alright." I couldn't help but let those words escape my lips. We both knew that was a lie, but I couldn't help but try. I had to try and let myself believe it was really all going to be okay.

Even if it really wasn't.

"W-We both kn-know it's –s not," he argued, spluttering on his words. I felt even more tears stream down my face, hearing him like this. Seeing him like this. I held back a sob. This should be me.

"Please," I whispered, begging now. "I need you… I need you to survive this."

He gave me a sad smile, and I swear my heart broke at the sight of it. I put both my hands on either side of his head, leaning over him so close that our foreheads touched.

"I love you."

As those words escaped my lips, my heart shattered. It felt like there was nothing to hold on to anymore, and my body wracked in sobs. I knew he was gone. I knew he was just holding on to hear those words, one last time.

I finally sat myself up, only to collapse beside him.

He was my everything.

Now that he's gone… I'm nothing.

I'm nothing.

The thought alone repeated in my head constantly, as I watched my fallen lover pale. He was beautiful, truly an angel sent from heaven. He wasn't just any angel… he was a guardian angel. He helped me.

I was just too stupid to not realize that.

My fingers brushed his lips, and the usual warm, soft lips… were now cold. Still soft, but they were just cold.

I cried out, closing my eyes.

Percy Jackson was dead.

oOoOoOoOoOoOo

I opened my eyes.

Looking around, I noticed I wasn't in the darkness anymore… not even close, actually.

I was in my room, or rather Percy and I's room, in the penthouse we lived in. I looked around, and felt for the person who usually was always right beside me.

His spot was cold.

My head spun to his side of the bed, the side that looked like it hadn't been touched.

Was that really a dream?

I started looking around, trying to find some evidence that I really wasn't alone.

I found none.

I snapped right in action. I had to find out if he was okay. I jumped out of bed, but I had to stop for a few seconds to get my balance back.

As soon as I regained my balance, I sprinted out of the room, and looked in every room that I could see. He wasn't in any of them. I ran down the stairs, only to lose my footing, and missed as I tried to grab for the railing.

Unfortunately, that sent me tumbling down the stairs.

When I finally came to a complete stop, I really didn't have a break because I started to feel the pain of hitting the wooden stairs in all the wrong places. I groaned, moving myself so I could sit up.

My back was killing me, same with my head. I put my hand to where it hurt the most, on the back of my head, and it felt a little tender. I hissed as soon my hand came in contact with my head, and immediately pulled it away.

Why couldn't have Percy just stayed in bed this morning?

"Annabeth!"

Speak of the devil.

I heard the sound of running footsteps, and as they got closer, I caught sight of my boyfriend. His black hair was still a mess from bed, and his eyes looked wild. Well, I guess that makes sense, considering I just took a hard fall, I mean, what could he expect?

He knelt down at my side, holding his hand at my cheek. "Are you alright?"

I sighed. "Do I look alright to you?"

He held back a laugh. Yeah, laugh all you want, buddy.

"Okay, let's get you to the kitchen," he said, not giving me any time to react before he pulled me up into his arms, bridal style.

I scowled up at him, crossing my arms. He knew I really didn't like being the 'damsel in distress', but somehow he still has the guts to make me feel like it anyways.

"Put. Me. Down. Now."

He had a crap-eating grin on his face, and he just ignored me. I noticed that he took the long way to the kitchen. So we have some time now.

Dangit.

"May I ask you how a woman as careful as yourself managed to fall down the staircase like that?"

"No comment."

He started to laugh, even harder before, so I elbowed him in the gut. Hey, he had it coming. "Owe! What was that for?"

I glared up at him, and he leaned his head back a little bit in response. "Hey, I just wanted to know why you fell, that's all."

I clenched my jaw. Pulling the innocent act, huh? Well it's not gonna work this time.

"Annabeth, please, I want to know what's going on."

Well… maybe if I just… no. It's not going to work this time.

"Annabeth… I'm worried about you."

Ugh. Fine.

"A nightmare," I whispered.

Percy looked down at me, a look of confusion clear on his face. "What did you say?"

"A nightmare," I spoke, slightly louder.

Percy just sighed. "Annabeth, I want to help you out, but I can't if I don't know what's going on." Oh, isn't he smart?

"I had a nightmare, alright? God, I'm terrified of going to bed, having that same nightmare, and every time I wake up… it just feels so real."

Percy's eyebrows furrowed, and a frown appeared on his face. He didn't say anything, just took me into the kitchen. He sat me down on the chair, grabbed an ice pack, and placed it on my head- the same spot I had been holding earlier, all in complete silence.

"What was the nightmare about?" he asked, looking deep into my eyes. I looked down, embarrassed. I finally noticed what he was wearing, his pajama pants and an old band tee shirt. He did look pretty good in those clothes, do I say so myself.

His fingers propped my chin up, forcing me to make eye contact with him. It was a simple gesture, but I felt the love behind it that made my heart melt.

"What was it about?" he asked, softer this time.

I licked my lips, and took a deep breath. He removed his fingers from my chin, telling from my reaction it was going to be a long story. He sat on the stool next to me, and offered me a small smile.

I cracked one in return, and got to telling him what happened in the nightmare. Just thinking about it gave me chills down my spine.

He was the perfect listener, nodding at all the right times, keeping eye contact, and I could see a trace of tears in his eyes, but they were far from falling, so I wouldn't hold it against him. I had to take a break, but he just grabbed hold of my hand, tracing soothing circles, and I found the courage to continue.

By the time I was done, I felt like I was going to die from embarrassment. Percy looked down at our hands for a second before looking back up at me.

"I love you, too, Annabeth. I'll always be by your side- and if I'm not, you're always going to be on my mind. You're my everything too."

I watery smile found its way to my lips, and a small tear fell down my face. It wasn't from sadness or grief… it was from joy. I was happy.

I was happy with Percy.

"Charmer," I croaked, wiping the tear away. Percy laughed a bit, tucking a strand of my hair behind my ear.

"Only because I'm crazy about you."

I smiled. "Crazy enough to make breakfast?" I asked, cocking an eyebrow playfully, causing him to laugh even more.

"Yes, crazy enough to make breakfast. So you sit back, keep that on your head, and watch me do my work, alright?"

I nodded, smiling.

Everything was going to be okay, after all.

oOoOoOoOoOoOo

Later that day, Percy had a concert- the start of his tour in the Rockefeller Center. I was going along for the ride, of course, even if it was going to be for a long time. I chose to think about it as a vacation, but I knew I would fly my friends out to see Percy preform if it ever got lonely with just the two of us… and Nico. And Grover. Let's just say I really wasn't going to be missing any friends back home.

I mean, if you think about it, the girls are coming along, because their boyfriends are in the band, too.

So I'm really not going to get that lonely.

As for all of the cameras, I really wasn't afraid of paparazzi. Over the past month, after being out of the hospital, the press started to figure out that Percy Jackson's 'dead' ex wasn't really dead, and that they were back together. Yeah, that story's still pretty top on the charts, even after a month.

The more news they get on the two of us, the more they swarm.

So here we were, in Percy's dressing room, preparing for the kick-off to his latest tour.

"I'm so proud of you," I whispered, wrapping him a hug that he happily returned.

He looked amazing in his blue graphic tee, and ripped jeans that were a bit closer fit than normal. His hair was styled- looking more like 'sex-hair' and he was wearing his lucky black shoes.

Don't ask me how they're lucky. I have no idea.

"Thanks… that really means a lot."

He looked really sincere, so I knew it was true.

"I better get going… I gotta get to my seat before the show starts," I joked, and he laughed.

"More like flirt with the backup singers!"

I stuck my tounge out at him. "Love you!" I walked out, shutting the door, after hearing his quick, "You too!"

I walked around backstage, trying to find Thalia or Juniper.

I ended up finding them by the food. How Lovely?

"Hey chicas," I greeted, making them jump and turn around back at me. Juniper was pigging out on the chocolate, which makes sense… she is pregnant now. And Thalia was pigging out on everything. Which makes sense because she's Thalia.

"Annabeth!" they exclaimed, pulling me in for a hug.

"This is so exciting! I've never been backstage before," Juniper said, her face glowing. I noticed her hand inch towards her abdomen, and I smiled in recognition.

Thalia agreed, pulling her in for a bunch of small talk on the subject. I blanked out, remembering the first time I had to watch him on TV at the shop.

Thalia and Juniper have been taking over there, insisting that I needed more time to rest after that near-death experience. I'm really grateful of them for doing that, and have used that time pretty good, so far.

Thirty minutes later, the lights dimmed down, and we made our way to a place where we could see the performance from backstage. I pulled a chair out for Juniper, and she started to 'glow' again, remembering exactly why she was going to need that chair.

Thalia ended up pulling up one for herself, but I just remained standing. I think it was the nerves, but there was no way that I could sit down in the chair. I guess I was just nervous for Percy.

Percy walked out onto center stage from a different entrance than the one we were looking through. "Hey New York! How's it going?"

The crowd immediately reacted, erupting in screams. I bright smile made its way on both Percy and I's faces.

Well, this was a good start.

"It's amazing to be here! Thanks for being such great fans, and just for you, my first song of the night, DRIVE BY!"

I watched as Percy sang the song, playing his guitar to it. The band behind him was fun to watch, too… but to be honest, Percy was really taking over the stage.

Percy sang a lot of songs after that, and as the concert was slowly coming to a close, he was sweaty, and looked even hotter than before. The girls in the front row were practically drooling over him, crying out "PERCY WE LOVE YOU!"

That better not get to his head.

On the outside, he didn't seem affected by it… but I'm pretty sure he was thinking that he was on the top of the world. Yeah Annabeth. Why else would he love it so much?

"The last song I'm going to sing for you guys tonight is special. I have a special guest here tonight that is near and dear to my heart."

As he was saying this, Nico brought out a chair, placing it in the middle of the stage. The rest of the band cleared off, and I had a feeling this wasn't going to turn out to be the night I had planned…

"Annabeth Chase, would you please come out here?"

My heart stopped. It literally stopped. What the heck was he doing?

Thalia and Juniper were standing up now, Nico and Grover next to them. Luckily, before I could've made a fool of Percy, they pushed me out onto the stage.

I was immediately met with a bright light shining on my face, and Percy met me half way. "Thanks," he mumbled, taking me in for a hug.

"AWE!" the crowed cooed, causing Percy and I to laugh. He took my hand, leading me to the chair where I sat down. I'm pretty sure my face is red… probably even redder than a tomato.

"Annabeth, I'm going to sing a special song, a song that reminds me of our relationship."

I smiled, and clasped my hands together in my lap before I could do something stupid. I didn't want to go ahead and start running my hands through his hair in front of millions of people, did I?

The answer to that question is: No, I did not.

Percy grabbed the guitar, and started strumming. His microphone was attached to him, like one of those cheek ones if you understand what I mean, so he could move around wherever he really wanted.

I watched intently as he started singing, looking directly into my eyes.

"When I look into your eyes

It's like watching the night sky

Or a beautiful sunrise

Well there's so much they hold

And just like them old stars

I see that you've come so far

To be right where you are

How old is your soul?

I won't give up on us

Even if the skies get rough

I'm giving you all my love

I'm still looking up

And when you're needing your space

To do some navigating

I'll be here patiently waiting

To see what you find

'Cause even the stars they burn

Some even fall to the earth

We've got a lot to learn

God knows we're worth it

No, i won't give up

I don't wanna be someone who walks away so easily

I'm here to stay and make the difference that i can make

Our differences they do a lot to teach us how to use the tools and gifts

We got yeah we got a lot at stake

And in the end, you're still my friend at least we did intend

For us to work we didn't break, we didn't burn

We had to learn, how to bend without the world caving in

I had to learn what i got, and what i'm not

And who i am

I won't give up on us

Even if the skies get rough

I'm giving you all my love

I'm still looking up

I'm still looking up

I won't give up (No I'm not) on us (Giving up)

God knows i'm tough (I am tough), he knows (I am loved)

We got a lot (We're alive) to learn (We are loved)

God knows we're worth it (And we're worth it)

I won't give up on us

Even if the skies get rough

I'm giving you all my love

I'm still looking up

By this time, Percy and I were tearing up, and the crowd was cheering their butt's off. This was definatly the best experience I've ever had.

In that moment, Percy slipped the guitar off, and handed it to a band member. I stood up and ran into his waiting arms.

"I love you, Percy Jackson."

"I love you too, Annabeth Chase… oh, that reminds me. I have a little question that I have to ask you."

I started beaming, guessing at what he was about to ask. He couldn't be asking it right here, could he?

At that moment, holding my hand, he knelt down on one knee. The crowd went absolutely crazy.

HE IS! HE IS! YES! YES! YES! He's finally asking me! Thank GOD!

I mentally composed myself, trying to take deep breaths to be ready to answer his question.

Percy took a deep breath. "Annabeth, would you do me the honor, of… taking that chair off the stage for me? You see, my back hurts quite a bit, and I don't think that's good for the ol' back, do you?"

I ripped my hand away from his, glaring. The crowd was watching us intently, caught up in this little problem here that I have to call my boyfriend.

"Percy Jackson, do you have a heart?" I asked crossing my arms. I felt tears stinging my eyes. Was he really pulling this right now?

"Of course I have a heart, Wise Girl. Now, here's my second question- Will you marry me?"

I smiled, happy that I had a little more time to hold down the shock, since it was so elongated. Percy pulled out a ring from his pocket that looked a bit old fashioned. It was more of a band that had a big diamond with two diamonds on either side of it.

And it was absolutely perfect.

Now's the time for payback.

"And why would I marry you?"

Percy looked at me, stunned. Someone from the crowd screamed in horror.

Karma sucks, huh?

"Wha-What?" he spluttered, his eyes wide. I could tell he was in a very big shock. I let him do that for a while before I finally grabbed the ring out of his hand, and put it on my ring finger. I pretended to admire it, and took a deep breath.

"Correction, why wouldn't I marry you?"

I wore a watery smile, as tears of joy streamed down my face as I grabbed him in for a hug and a quick kiss to the lips. I could feel his heart pounding hard, and I knew I must've shocked him good. He knows never to do that against me again, ha ha!

"Annabeth, I love you so much," Percy whispered in my hair, and I could hear him through all of the noise. Juniper and Thalia and the band had all ran out to get us in a group hug. I wasn't really surprised to see Jason, Piper, Leo, and Stella join them, too.

I was with my family now, and life for me was finally perfect.

The End

IT'S OVER! Which means- the OC contest has drawn to a close, so no more OC's can be counted in on the drawing. I will post the winners on my page, along with in the first chapter of Taken they will be announced. Thank you so much for reading this story, and it's kind of like a part of me is coming to an end with this work. But at the same time- a new one is just starting.

With every door that closes, another one is opened.

~GoGreen52

A Special Thanks to:

The Songs:

Homecoming: Kanye West

Coming Home Part 2: Skyler Grey

Innocent: Taylor Swift

Waiting on the World to Change: John Mayer

My Fabulous Reviewers!

My Older Brother- Introducing me to the Plot of Homecoming during a Criminal Minds Finale