~A~

To be held in his arms as I glimpse...some...things...

I hold back as I stare into his green orbs.

There was something different there.

It's not a dream or one of her visions.

"Annabeth." I hear him whisper.

I don't talk nor does he. We just stay silent for the longest time as I try to contemplate what I am puzzling over about.

All I said with a dry throat was,

"Have I forgotten you before?"

He briefly shuts his eyes and says in pain "I'm not allowed to say..."

I shake my head.

"Percy I Lo-"

"PERCY!"

Percy was tackled to the ground by a...a...a

"Grover! My G-man!"

I felt a hand on my shoulder and look up to Malcolm.

I Leaned into him a little freaked out.

"He's a..." I point to Grover.

"A satyr. Half man-"

"Half Donkey?" I ask.

The merriment dies down as Grover glances the small crowd that gathered around us.

"Who said that? I-" He stopped in his tracks as he saw me.

"Annabeth!" He pulled me from Malcolm and gave me a gentler hug.

"Oh gods I've missed you both!" He says.

I slowly pull away from him. "I'm sorry I..."

Grover gives me a sad look. "Oh."

Before I could say anything, Percy playfully punches him and laughs.

"What? You're not gonna tell her off for calling you a donkey?"

Grover offers a small smile. "I'm half goat." He says.

I nod my head sorta sheepish.

"T-That's good to know."

Chiron galloped to us.

"Chiron." Percy went forward to give him a hug.

Chiron smiled fondly at Seaweed Brain.

"Percy my boy! We have much to discuss."

Percy nods. "Yeah I know but..." He glanced at me and I met his eyes.

"Oh of course, yes." Chiron says and then turns to the rest of the people, satyrs and are those nymphs?

"...will have at the campfire." Chiron finishes his announcement and the others break off leaving me with Malcolm and Percy.

"Dude." Percy says in greeting. "Salutations." Malcolm answers in the nerdiest way.

They exchange that weird guy hug thing and Malcolm all but pushes me to Percy all of a sudden.

Percy instantly wrapped his arms around me again as though he's afraid of me disappearing.

"She's your problem now. She's all yours." He says heartily.

I look up to Percy and he kisses my cheek making me blush.

"I'm sure She's worth the trouble." He answers.

"The Annie I know? Well good luck with that." Malcolm says back.

"Hello That has a name." I quip in.

Malcolm smiles at me and gives me a wink before turning and leaving.

"Don't call me Annie." I say after him.

Percy nuzzled my hair as his arms tighten around me.

He breathes out and I feel the shift in the air. He wasn't playful anymore.

"Don't ever leave me again Annabeth."

He says reprimanding but soft.

"I can't...I won't take it." His voice quivers and the pain of leaving returns.

I feel guilty for having him go through this. I was hurting to.

"I'm sorry Percy..."I don't know how to explain.

"You don't have to say anything. Just promise never to do that again."

I nod my head. I don't want to do that again.

"Oh Wise Girl." He wiped my eyes with his long shirt sleeve.

I didn't realize I started crying.

"Don't cry. I hate seeing you cry."

"I feel so confused." I say.

"I know."

I look down noticing two necklaces with beads on them. One necklace had more beads than the other. It also had a ring that was all so familiar.

My eyebrows nit as I think.

I come up blank.

In a small strike of panic I felt as though she once again was taking over my thoughts. But, as Percy put his hands under my chin to lift up my face It receded.

"I'm scared." I do whisper though.

"I've got you." He leans his forehead to mine.

My eyes shut tight as I let that sink in.

I forgot. She has no power when I have someone who genuinely cares about me close to me.

My panic fades completely and chest untightens as I feel less afraid.

My arms curl around him, feeling protected and cared for I only noticed we were leaning towards each other when he held me in place to stop us.

Looking into his eyes once more I realized he was afraid I'd push him away if I allowed him close enough.

I shake my head cursing myself for causing him the previous torment.

Forget hurting myself, that was my choice. But Percy was never given such choice.

I decided then and there to own up to whatever the consequence may be. I'd be damned if He's taken away from me and by gods I won't leave him again...not willingly will I hurt him so bad again.

"Kiss me." I say watching intently as his eyes close and as our lips touch I too close my eyes tight savouring the strength and delight surging in me.


Ello!

Les 3 Magnifiques-Why thank you! *curtsy*

Sora Loves Rain- yupyup. Thanks for reviewing.

Heyitsthecats- Oh my you're a thomasian too? Thank you po. Nakapagreserve na po ako ng slot. I can't wait pero sa july pa pasukan right? I'm excited. I have so many relatives who are alumnis of UST. RAWR! Go USTe (2x) Go go go go Go USTe!

rocketeer girl-Hey gal pal! Thank you so much. Are you excited for the new PJO covers? The same artist who drew the original ones also drew the new ones:)

RomanticMessDemigod21- (chapter 22 response) Don't be. It'll get better then not then better again. This story will pass all sadness before the ending. Their love will pull through. They only with each other will be able to defeat the one she-thing that's getting in the way of Annabeth's memories. That journey though fulfilling with be saddening and it will be trying all your patience but it the end...It'll be worth it.

Lucenthia-Very big chance you're not gonna see this because you decided not to follow on the story. That's fine. I respect that although you weren't in favor of my fic, you weren't mean about it. Your review wasn't judgemental and I am thankful that it was written in respect for my feelings as well. I'll see what I could do about that. Reviews like yours are highly appreciated because it tells me what holes I still need to fill and what I may lack and etc etc. So thank you. I am also glad you did find something you liked with my story. The time you spent reading the first few chapter...I acknowledge it in gratitude. Happy Fanfictioning!:)

In good news I had returned to the second top of my class. Though my ranking won't be counted in the final ranking that would have given me an award...I was still able to pull up my grades and that was an achievement in itself so I am proud that I was able to do it at all.

Oh! I also just watched the phantom of the Opera for the first time and I am so Hooked! I Love the Phantom! Also the phantom in the musical plays and even the one in the book!

Til' the next chappie update!

Arissaprincess321 out!