Chapter 22

PART 1 – Best Friends

Annabeth slowly pulled her BMW into the driveway where Piper lived with her parents. She turned the key off and peered towards the house, not looking forward to the coming moments. Things were not that great between her and Piper, and Annabeth wasn't sure how to fix their relationship. But she had to try, they had been best friends since kindergarten and Annabeth couldn't turn her back on fifteen years of friendship. At least they'd be alone; Annabeth purposefully waited until Monday so that Piper's parents would be at work.

Taking a deep breath, Annabeth opened her car door and walked up the drive towards the front steps.

Piper was already standing in the entryway behind a screen door, having seen Annabeth pull in. "What do you want?" she asked in a flat tone.

"I want to talk," Annabeth replied gently.

Piper folded her arms across her chest and leaned against the doorjamb, the screen door still between them. "What is there to talk about?"

"Piper, please. We're best friends, can't we–"

"No!" Piper barked, "No, Annabeth, we're not best friends anymore. It's become very clear that you don't give a shit about me.

"How can you say that?" Annabeth frowned. "How can you just throw away our friendship?"

"It's not anything I did," Piper replied coldly. "You're the one who always sides with Jason. And then you take him to Miami and let him hook up with some random bimbo-"

"He didn't cheat on you!" Annabeth fumed.

"Whatever," Piper said, her eyes growing moist.

"You didn't even let him explain," Annabeth argued. "And how could you punch poor Sam? We thought her nose was broken!"

"She deserved worse," Piper spat. "And I didn't let Jason explain because I saw it with my own eyes."

"You didn't see anything, Piper. Nothing happened between them."

"Save it, Annabeth. Jason already tried that line of bullshit on me. The fact that you're lying for him tells me everything I need to know about our so-called friendship."

"Oh god... I was there!" Annabeth yelled angrily. "I was sitting in Jason's hotel room when he passed out. Percy had to lift him into his bed so I'm pretty sure Jason wasn't in any shape to do anything but snore, much less cheat on you. Sam was drunk too, we were all drunk, so there was no way I was going to let her drive home. She slept on the couch in Jason's room. I know, because I helped her find some bedding!"

Piper narrowed her eyes, not ready to believe Annabeth, "But she was wearing his shirt, she was half-naked-"

"I gave her the shirt!" Annabeth threw her arms up in frustration. "I got it out of Jason's luggage. And of course she was half-naked, she was asleep! Do you sleep with your pants on?"

Piper blinked.

Annabeth exhaled a heavy breath, trying to keep her anger in check. She didn't want to get into another screaming match with Piper. "Let me ask you something, Pipes, and be honest with yourself, even if you're not with me. What are you really afraid of, losing Jason? Or being alone?"

Tears began to stream from Piper's eyes and she lowered her face to her palms, "Oh Annabeth, I'm so afraid of being alone."

"She's never going to talk to me again," Jason lamented.

"Sure she will," Percy replied, sucking some soda through a straw. He and Jason were seated in the mall's food court, during Percy's lunch break. "Annabeth's going over there today to talk to her, she'll fix everything."

"You didn't see the look on Piper's face in Miami. She wouldn't even give me a chance to explain, she just punched Sam, called me a bunch of names I won't repeat, and stalked off."

"Why didn't you go after her?" Percy wondered. He and Annabeth had missed the entire encounter between Piper Jason and Sam, as they had been asleep in their hotel room. They only experienced the aftermath.

"Because Sam was on the floor with blood streaming from her nose," Jason replied. "I had to help her."

"Well, don't worry yourself too much. Annabeth will sort it out."

"I'm afraid my situation with Piper is too complicated for even Annabeth to sort out." Jason picked at a basket of French fries that he had barely touched, "It's like I told you in Miami, I feel like Piper and I are forcing our relationship."

"First things first," Percy advised. "Piper needs to understand that you didn't cheat on her. Once she's civil enough to talk to, the two of you can figure out what happens next."

Jason nodded slowly, "I guess."

"Can I please come in?" Annabeth asked.

Piper sniffled and nodded, unlatching the screen door and pushing it open.

Annabeth quickly moved to hug her best friend.

Piper squeezed back, hugging tightly and still crying. "I'm so sorry, Annabeth. I've been such a bitch lately."

"Me too," Annabeth said, tears forming under her eyes as well. "That argument we had before I left for Miami was so stupid."

"I know," Piper stepped back, wiping at her cheeks. "I've been really depressed about it ever since."

"Honey, you know you're never going to be alone, right?" Annabeth wiped at her eyes, "You have me. I'll always be your best friend, I love you."

"I love you too," Piper said amidst more tears.

Annabeth clenched Piper in another hug, "Let's not fight anymore, okay?"

"Never again," Piper swore.

"Hey Percy," Chip greeted as Percy returned to work.

Percy stepped behind the cashier's counter with his younger co-worker, "Has it been busy?"

"Nah," Chip shook his head. "I sold some Justice League back-issues to that guy who works at the toy store, but that's about it."

Percy pinned his name tag back on, "Did he say when the new McFarlane action figures were coming in?"

"Thursday," Chip answered. "So you've been pretty tight-lipped all morning, how did it go in Miami?"

"It was... interesting."

"Did they like your comic?"

"Unfortunately not," Percy sighed. "But Jason and I met a really great girl who wants to be our editor. She has agreed to be show our work to some of her other publishing contacts."

"Wow, that's so cool," Chip sounded envious. "I bet some day you'll be a world-famous comic book writer, like Bendis, and I'll be able to tell all my friends we used to work together."

Percy grinned, "Thanks Chip. I don't know that Bendis is world-famous, but I get your point."

"By the way, a packaged arrived for you while you were at lunch." Chip pointed to the side, "It's under the counter there."

Percy glanced, "A package? Why would anyone send me anything here?"

Chip shrugged, "I don't know. Looks like a trade paperback or something."

Percy moved to fetch the package. It was a thin box that looked like it would contain documents or a magazine. Looking at the front Percy noticed that it wasn't mailed. There wasn't even an address; the package was simply labeled with his name written in magic marker. Percy thought the writing looked familiar.

"Who dropped this off?" Percy asked.

Chip answered, "I was sworn to secrecy."

Turning the package around, Percy tore open the seal and gently removed the contents. It was a comic book carefully contained in a bag with a backing board.

"What is it?" Chip was peering curiously.

Percy stared at the comic book. "The Brave and the Bold number fifty-four," he said reverently.

Chip looked on in awe, "Whoa, that's the first appearance of the Teen Titans. That's like a five hundred dollar book."

A slip of paper fell out of the package and Percy knelt to pick it up. He set the comic book down gently to unfold the note and read it:

Percy,

I wanted you to know how proud I am of you. Things didn't go your way last weekend in Miami but you didn't let it get you down. Here is a present to remind you that every superhero had to start somewhere. Captain Darkness will get his chance, and so will you. One day the first appearance of your creation will be hanging on the wall of a downtown comic book store, just like this one was.

You are the love of my life. I will always believe in you.

-Annabeth

Percy blinked and wiped at his cheek, hoping that Chip wouldn't see the tears that dripped from his eye. He remembered the exact wall Annabeth had mentioned in her note. It had been three years ago, the day after his high school prom, when he and Annabeth were browsing downtown. They went into a comic book store where a copy of Brave and the Bold #54 was hanging on the wall. Percy remembered, because the Teen Titans were his favorite superhero team, and he'd always wanted a copy of their first appearance.

"She came in earlier," Chip said, "right after you left for lunch."

Percy wiped the back of a hand across his cheek and turned around, "Huh?"

"Annabeth," Chip said. He pointed at the comic book, "She dropped it off. I told her you were headed to the food court, but she said she had to get somewhere and made me promise to give it to you."

Percy picked the comic book up again, "This is the coolest thing anyone has ever given me."

"You're so lucky," Chip remarked jealousy. "Not only is your girlfriend the hottest babe on the planet, she's a Teen Titans fan to boot."

Annabeth sat on her couch, pushing a hand through her dark curly hair. She exhaled, tired from an emotional day. She ended up spending the entire afternoon with Piper, crying, talking, and crying some more. But she had one more task to perform, so she slipped her cell phone from a tiny purse.

"Hello?" Jason answered.

"Hey hon," Annabeth greeted. "You got a minute?"

"Of course," Jason replied. "I've been waiting for you to call all day."

"I know," Annabeth nodded. "I'm sorry, Piper and I ended up in a huge bonding tear-fest that was completely unavoidable. I just got home."

"How is she?"

"She's scared," Annabeth said. "Scared of being alone, and scared of being a single mother."

Jason was silent on the other end of the phone.

"She knows you didn't cheat on her," Annabeth continued. "I convinced her of that. But I was honest with her, Jason. I told her that you and Sam kinda clicked, and that you seemed to like her."

"Was she angry?"

"No," Annabeth answered. "Not really. I think Piper realizes that you and she isn't working out, and that she's been clinging to you because she's afraid of being alone and pregnant. You need to go talk to her though, and figure out where you guys are at."

"I will," Jason promised. "Thanks Annabeth, seriously. You're the best."

"Wait sweetie, there's something else."

"What is it?" Jason asked.

Annabeth was silent for a moment, not sure if she should be the one to tell Jason, "Don't wait to talk to her, okay? I think she wants to get an abortion."

Chip stood behind the cash register, leaning on the counter with an elbow and his chin planted in a palm. He was absorbed by a comic book he was reading and didn't notice a man approach the counter.

"Ahem," the man cleared his throat. "Can you tell me if Percy Frederickson is working today?"

Chip looked up to see a sharply-dressed gentleman, and then pointed towards the far side of the store where Percy was organizing some trading cards.

Moving through the store, the man approached Percy, "Hello there."

Percy glanced up, "Mr. Chase? Hey, how are you?"

Frederick smiled, "I'm doing just fine, Percy. And how many more times must I ask you to call me 'Frederick'."

Percy grinned, "Sorry, old habit. What brings you to The House of Spandex?"

"You do," Frederick replied. "Though while I'm here I may catch up on what Superman is doing. He was always my favorite. I'm not disturbing you, am I?"

"No, it's cool." Percy held out a hand, "It's good to see you sir... er, Frederick."

Frederick shook Percy's hand, "It's good to see you too, Percy." Frederick was always impressed with Percy's mannered demeanor.

"So what can I do for you?"

"It's about my little girl. As I'm sure you know her birthday is next week."

Percy nodded, "Yeah. July 20th, right?"

"Her golden birthday," Frederick said. "I'd like to throw her a party."

"Cool. That sounds fun. Do you need me to help out?"

"I do," Frederick nodded. "I need a guest list."

Percy lifted his brows, "Oh, uh..."

"I can handle her family, of course. But I'm afraid I don't know many of her friends."

"Wow," Percy lifted a hand to wipe the corners of his mouth in consideration. "I'm not sure I can help you out."

Frederick look confused, "You and Annabeth are still together, right?"

"Yes, absolutely. But Annabeth doesn't really hang out with many of her high school friends anymore. And I was at Brown the last few years so I've never met any of her college friends; she hasn't mentioned any of them this summer either." Percy searched his thoughts, "Oh, I did meet this Dakota guy. Um... but you probably don't want to invite him."

Frederick squinted, "So who does Annabeth spend all her time with?"

Percy looked at Frederick and lifted a shoulder, "Me, I guess. And sometimes my buddy Jason. The three of us were in Miami last weekend, for example. And of course there's Piper, but I'm not sure where they're at; they've been fighting lately."

Frederick chuckled, "Unbelievable."

"Is something wrong?"

Frederick shook his head, "Annabeth used to be the most popular girl in school. I remember her sixteenth birthday party; she had a hundred and fifty people she wanted to invite. Half the class! And now there's just you."

Percy winced, "Is that a problem?"

"No," Frederick answered firmly. "No it's not. If anything, it shows me she really does love you as much as she says she does."

"I hope so," Percy replied. "Because hardly a day goes by when I don't pinch myself to make sure I'm awake. Annabeth is an amazing girl, and I'm lucky to have her."

Frederick reached out and clasped Percy's shoulder, "You're lucky to have each other. Now, why don't you show me where those new Superman comics are?"

Annabeth opened her oven door to a billowing cloud of smoke, which was so thick she had to throw her forearm over her eyes and couldn't help but to cough. She had to wave her oven mitt in the air to clear the smoke away before pulling out a burnt casserole.

"Way to go, Annabeth," she said to herself dryly. "Another cooking masterpiece."

Annabeth could only sigh when her smoke detector went off.

"What is going on?" Percy had to yell.

Annabeth turned around with a start; she hadn't heard when Percy came in to her apartment with his key. She watched as he batted at the smoke alarm high on the ceiling. After a few tries Percy finally hit the button to silence the thing.

"Are you okay?" Percy asked, concerned.

Annabeth nodded miserably, "I tried cooking again."

Percy chuckled and walked to Annabeth, wrapping her in his arms. "Why didn't you order out? You know what happens every time you try cooking."

Annabeth stretched her arms around Percy's waist and pressed the side of her face against his chest, "I wanted to make you dinner for once, like a wife does for her husband when he comes home from work."

"We're not married yet," Percy rubbed a soothing hand across Annabeth's back.

"But we will be one day," Annabeth looked up at Percy. "What kind of mother would I be if I can't even cook for our children?"

Percy narrowed his eyes, "You're not pregnant are you?"

"No," Annabeth laid her head back against Percy's chest. "But I've been with Piper all afternoon, so I've been thinking about that kind of stuff."

"Tough day?" Percy wondered.

"Kind of," Annabeth answered. "It was good though, I guess. Pipes and I made up, and I think I helped her sort some stuff out. At least, in regards to Jason."

"Well, I had an awesome day."

Annabeth looked up at Percy, "Yeah?"

Percy nodded, "A package came for me."

Annabeth beamed out an excited smile, "Did you like it?"

"I loved it," Percy replied. "How did you know I wanted that issue so bad?"

"I remember you staring at that thing like it were a blonde with big boobs."

"You remembered that after all this time, exactly what issue it was?"

Annabeth shook her head, "I bought it that day, and hid it from you."

Percy squinted, "You've had it all this time? That was over three years ago!"

"I know," Annabeth nodded. "I was going to give it to you for your birthday, but then you were at Brown and we were more or less broken up. But I'm glad you like it, I thought it would make a nice present to cheer you up. Our weekend in Miami ended up being kind of a downer."

"I loved it," Percy said. "But I loved your note even more. I like being the love of your life."

Annabeth bit her lip and smiled, then leaned close to kiss Percy. The two lovers grew entangled, kissing passionately in the middle of the kitchen amidst the stench of burnt casserole. Things quickly escalated and before long Annabeth was clutching at Percy's shirt and yanking it from under his khakis. Their kiss broke long enough for Percy to lift his arms, allowing Annabeth to pull the shirt off, but then they went right back at it.

Lifting Annabeth to the kitchen counter, Percy sweeped away plates and utensils with one motion of his arm. Annabeth knew instinctively what to do as soon as she was seated on the counter and began unfastening her shorts as they continued to kiss. He pulled her shorts down her tanned legs, bringing her panties along for the ride, but when they got hung up on her sneakers he pulled those off too. While Percy was working on that, Annabeth pulled her top off, casting it to the kitchen floor. She didn't have time to work her bra off, because as soon as Percy moved between her naked and spread legs Annabeth reached down to begin the process of removing his pants.

Their lips remained connected, with Annabeth sticking her tongue in his mouth. Percy kicked off his shoes and pushed his pants down his legs. Using his feet to bunch the pants on the floor, Percy was able to step out of them without having to pull his mouth from Annabeth's.

Annabeth was in heaven as Percy slid her butt to the edge of the counter and started poking at her sex with his erection. No bothersome foreplay, no appetizers, just straight to the main course. It was exactly how she liked her sex and she let Percy know by clutching an arm around his neck tightly, trying to shove her tongue down his throat.

Percy grabbed her under her knees and spread her legs. In turn, Annabeth took a handful of Percy's length to guide the head of his cock towards her slit; she often aimed for him this way during their couplings. He slid into her easily and Annabeth gasped at the intrusion; Percy's near-ten inches never failed to elicit an aroused response.

Curling her legs around his waist, Annabeth pressed her shapely ankles against the small of his back. She used this hold on him to spur him into action, encouraging Percy to hump himself deeply into her passage. And still they kissed. She began sucking on Percy's tongue like it were a cock coming out of his mouth, flicking her own tongue against the tip of his. They're hands explored each other's torsos, groping and fondling. Their bodies moved in unison against one another as Percy bucked and humped with his hips.

Finally the kiss broke as Percy started working his hips with more force. His hands found the top of Annabeth's ass and squeezed. She gasped over Percy's shoulder, clinging to him tightly with both her arms and her legs as he thundered between her thighs.

Her orgasm arrived first, a sudden and powerful thing. Annabeth dug her neatly-manicured fingernails into Percy's back as the orgasm quickly consumed her every sensibility. She didn't scream, her jaw simply went limp and her mouth hung open; gasps were all that escaped. Annabeth became a quivering rag doll clinging to Percy for dear life as he fucked her through the orgasm, prolonging her exquisite pleasure with every thrust.

Percy could feel each flutter of Annabeth's pussy around his length, and it quickly fueled his own climax. When he felt the surge about to boil over, he arbitrarily pulled out.

Annabeth, despite the fact that she was still recovering from an overwhelming orgasm, knew exactly what her man needed. She knew that Percy enjoyed cumming inside her, but what he liked even more was the feeling of her hand. Percy didn't like his cock to be 'free' during orgasm; he liked to have his cock held tightly. As soon as he pulled out, Annabeth instinctively reached between her legs and found Percy's shaft. She clutched it firmly as his cock pulsed, spilling its warm contents onto her stomach. She mingled the fingers of her other hand into Percy's brown frock of hair, lovingly clutching his head where his face was buried between her neck and shoulder. She held him that way for several long moments after his orgasm passed, her fingers gently milking the last of his semen onto her upper thigh.

Kissing the top of his head, Annabeth murmured, "You will always be the love of my life."

A delivered pizza replaced the burnt casserole. The box lay open on Annabeth's coffee table as she nibbled on a slice of pepperoni. She was curled next to Percy on the couch, wearing nothing but a baby doll tee shirt and panties. Her hair was still messy from their lovemaking and she had that happy glow that only an orgasm can provide.

"So you and Pipes worked everything out?" Percy asked, reaching for his can ofsoda.

"Yep," Annabeth replied. "We're BFFs again."

"Do you think she and Jason will work it out?"

"Nope," Annabeth answered bluntly, but honestly.

Percy frowned, "I think you're right."

"I think he has the hots for Sam," Annabeth said. "Which reminds me, don't let me forget to ask my dad about editing jobs for her."

"I won't," Percy assured as he traded his soda for another slice of pizza.

"Sorry about dinner," Annabeth chewed. "I promise I'll learn how to cook some day. The lives of our future children will depend on it."

"Maybe I'll be the cook in the family," Percy suggested. "If I'm going to be a writer, I'll probably work from home. You can return every day from your career as a fashion-empress to a well-prepared meal of grilled cheese sandwiches."

Annabeth giggled, "Or I can just come home with take-out."

"How many kids do you want?" Percy asked.

Annabeth considered, "Hmm, I'd say two. I always hated being an only child, you know? I wanted a little sister."

"So you want two girls?"

Annabeth shook her head, "One of each. We have to have a boy; it would be a shame if you were the world's last geek with a horse-cock."

Percy nearly spit up a bite of pizza when he laughed.

Annabeth grinned aside at Percy. Then her expression sobered, "Percy..."

Percy looked back at her, "Yeah?"

"Do you want to move in with me?"

Percy blinked, startled by the question. "You mean here, into your apartment?"

Annabeth nodded, "Yeah. I mean, you stay here most nights already. I miss it when you don't, the bed feels so empty, and I love waking up in your arms."

"I don't know," Percy teased. "You're kind of a loud snorer."

"I am not!" Annabeth swatted his shoulder. "Be serious. I really want to live together."

"Wow," Percy scratched the top of his head.

"Don't you want to?" Annabeth asked.

"Yeah, but... do you think your dad would be okay with it?'

"I don't know why he wouldn't," Annabeth replied. "He's always been pretty liberal with me, and just because he didn't give you his blessing to marry me doesn't mean he wants us to be apart. He only wants us to wait."

"It would be a lot more convenient than living with my parents once school starts in the fall."

Annabeth nodded, "Piper and me walked to classes every day last year."

"Yeah okay," Percy suddenly agreed.

Annabeth beamed, "Really?"

"Why not?" Percy smiled.

"This is so awesome!" Annabeth clapped. "But Percy, you have to remember to put the toilet seat down."

PART 2 - The End of Jason and Piper… Maybe

Piper sat on the edge of her bed next to Jason. Neither of them knew what to say and several moments of uncomfortable silence had passed.

"You're really considering an abortion?" Jason finally asked.

"I'm not ready to be a mother, Jason. And I don't think you're ready to be a father, either."

Jason exhaled, a heavy weight to his breath, "I'm so sorry."

"About what?" Piper looked to him.

"About everything," Jason said. "About us, the pregnancy, Miami..."

Piper tried to smile, "Admit it Jason, we're a really great couple after about three beers. None of this is your fault, we're both to blame. We were careless, not only about the sex but with each other."

"But an abortion? There are other options Pipes, like adoption."

Piper shook her head, "I don't want to be pregnant. I want to go to school in the fall and not be the 'pregnant girl'. I don't want to constantly answer questions about the father, or the name, or any of that. I don't want my body to carry the scar of a baby I gave away; it would be a constant reminder that my child is somewhere out there. I know that sounds selfish, but I can't do it Jason."

Jason put an arm around Piper as she burst into tears.

"It's my body, my life," Piper cried. "I should be able to be selfish."

"I'll support you no matter what you decide," Jason assured her. "If you choose to have an abortion, I'll be right there with you. If you decide to have it, I'll carry your books at school. If you decide to be a mother, I'll be a father."

Piper sniffled, curling an arm around Jason and leaning her head against his shoulder.

Jason brushed a length of Piper's brown hair out of her face.

"Annabeth told me you like that Sam girl," Piper sniffed. "Sorry about punching her."

"I don't really know her that well," Jason spoke softly. "Besides, she's in Miami, I'm here... I'm not really into the whole long-distance thing."

Piper breathed out a teary laugh, "Yeah that never works. Look at what it did to Annabeth and Percy."

"Regardless, we're still going to be friends, right? Just because we're not together doesn't mean I don't care about you."

"I hope so," Piper sniffled again. "Other than Annabeth you're the best friend I have."

"You're not going to start dating Ethan Nakamura again are you?" Jason asked. "Because I always thought that guy was kind of a tool."

Piper chuckled, sitting up and wiping a tear off her cheek. "He's better than that Dakota guy Annabeth was seeing for a while."

Jason rolled his eyes, "Oh god, don't even remind me about him."

Piper reached to her nightstand for a tissue, "We're going to be okay, right? I'm really scared, Jason. Abortions, breaking up, I feel like there's no light at the end of the tunnel."

Jason nodded, "Everything is going to work out. I promise."

Percy stood motionless as he stared through the glass case at the mall's jewelry store. He really wanted to get Annabeth something nice for her birthday, but everything was so expensive! His job at the comic book store didn't pay very well and Percy would need all the money he could earn over the summer to pay for school.

"Hi," an attractive girl with a throaty voice greeted Percy from behind the counter. "Is there anything you'd like me to show you?"

"No, thanks." Percy replied with a sigh, "I'm just looking."

"Getting a little sticker-shock?" the girl asked gently.

"Actually, yeah. Am I that obvious?"

The girl smiled, "Maybe I can help. What's the occasion?"

"My girlfriend's birthday is next week," Percy lamented. "And I have no idea what to get her."

"Have you two been together long?" she asked.

"Yeah, actually we're engaged. She's the greatest girl in the world, and I want to get her something nice, but I'm a little tight on cash."

"Why don't you come over here," the girl walked over to another counter. "Sometimes it's not the price tag, but the sentiment."

Percy followed her to another glass case.

Sliding the display open from the back, she selected a charm necklace. "This is a two-piece set," the girl explained. "The charm is shaped like a heart, but it's split in two; the idea being that the couple each carries part of the other's heart with them. The charm is plated in 14 carat gold but it's very reasonably priced with a modest chain."

"That's pretty cool," Percy leaned in close to look. "How much is it?"

The girl smiled, "Well, with my employee discount it would only be around a hundred and eighty nine dollars."

Percy looked at her, "You'd do that for me?"

"You work over at the comic shop, right?

Percy nodded, "Yes."

"Yeah, I've seen you with your girlfriend. You guys make a really cute couple; I'd love to help out. Tell you what, if you like it I'll have our engraver put your names on each half, free of charge."

"Oh wow, that would be awesome. I'll take it."

"Cool," the girl smiled brightly. "I'm Lacy, by the way."

"Lacy, you just made my day. Thank you so much."

Lacy winked, "I'm a sucker for young love."

Annabeth tried to concentrate on applying polish to her toenails, which wasn't an easy feat one-handed. Her other hand was tied up holding her cell phone to her ear, "So that's it? You guys are over for good?"

"I think so, yeah." Piper replied.

"Oh Pipes, I'm so sorry."

"It's kind of a relief, actually. And it wasn't a bad break-up, it's like we both knew it was inevitable. For once I think I'll actually remain friends with an ex, I still care a lot for Jason. We've been through a lot together, both in and out of this crazy relationship."

"That's really cool," Annabeth replied. "Jason's such a sweetheart; I know he'll still be there for you whenever you need a friend."

"You two have gotten close," Piper remarked. "I can tell."

"Who?" Annabeth asked, "Jason and I?"

"Yeah."

"Well, he's Percy's best friend," Annabeth commented. "And since Percy and I are connected at the hip that kind of makes Jason one of my best friends too, by default."

Piper chuckled, "You're unbelievable, you know that?"

"What do you mean?"

"You freely admit that you're completely whipped."

Annabeth smiled, dipping her tiny brush for more polish. "I love him, Pipes. I can't imagine life without him."

"I know," Piper replied. "It makes me insanely jealous that you've found your perfect man."

"You will too," Annabeth promised.

"I hope so."

"Guess what?" Annabeth beamed, "Percy's moving in!"

"What? When?"

"Maybe this weekend, I don't know. We haven't decided if... shit!"

"What?"

"I just smeared polish all over my toe," Annabeth complained. "Crap, I need some bathroom time. I'll call you later?"

"Okay hon, later."

Annabeth hung up her phone and set it on the coffee table. She trotted into the bathroom on her heels like a penguin so that she didn't mess up her toenails. As she began washing polish off her toe, she heard the apartment door open. "Hey baby, is that you?"

"Yeah," Percy called.

"How was work?"

"It was okay," Percy appeared in the bathroom doorway. "Theo dropped a big box of Pokémon cards on his foot and had to go home early, so I was pretty busy all afternoon."

Annabeth was fitting cotton balls between her toes, "Oh my god, is he okay?"

"He'll live."

Annabeth waddled over to Percy and kissed his cheek, "Is that why you're late?"

"No, actually I was shopping after work."

Annabeth looked confused, "You went shopping without me? You never do that."

"I had no choice. I was buying your birthday present," Percy's voice carried a teasing tone.

Annabeth suddenly beamed, "Really? Can I have it now?"

Percy laughed, "Your birthday isn't until next week!"

"I know," Annabeth whined. "But I want it now."

"Forget it," Percy grinned.

Annabeth made a pouting sound, "Will you at least give me a clue?"

"Sure," Percy agreed, turning to walk out of the bathroom. "A really cute girl named Lacy sold it to me."

Annabeth followed after him like a lost puppy, still walking funny. "She was cute? Did she flirt with you?"

"Maybe a little," Percy replied smugly, walking into the kitchen.

"Percy!"

Percy opened up the fridge, looking for a soda. "Don't worry, I told her I was engaged."

"You bet your ass you are," Annabeth frowned.

Percy gave Annabeth a dubious look, "Are you jealous?"

Annabeth forced a pout, "Maybe a little."

Percy searched the fridge, "Are you out of Mountain Dew?"

"Yeah, but I think there's some diet in there. How cute was she?"

Percy made a sour face at the mention of diet soda, "That's hard to quantify."

"Well, on a scale of one to ten, where would you rank her cuteness?"

Percy decided to go without a soda rather than drink diet. He shut the fridge and turned to Annabeth, "Give me an example of a ten?"

"Umm," Annabeth thought out loud. "Gal Gadot?"

"Then Lacy was a definite nine," Percy said.

"Oh wow, so she was cute!"

"That's what I'm saying," Percy agreed.

Annabeth asked, "Did you want to make out with her?"

"Of course not," Percy answered. "Don't be jealous."

"I'm not," Annabeth reached up and touched Percy's chest. "Would you rather watch me make out with her?"

Percy was about to shake his head, but then thought about that question for a second.

Annabeth watched Percy with a smile, waiting until his thoughts were completely distracted. "So where does Lacy work?" she asked, her tone completely casual.

"She works at the-" Percy had to catch himself. "You are so sneaky! You almost had me..."

"Come on, Percy!" Annabeth whined, stamping her foot in frustration. "Just tell me what it is? I promise I'll act surprised on my birthday?"

"You're so adorable when you act spoiled," Percy grinned.

"You're not going to tell me, are you?"

Percy shook his head, "You'll just have to be patient."

"Fine," Annabeth sighed. "But I've never been very good at being patient."

"Do you want to have sex?" Percy suddenly asked, hoping to distract Annabeth.

Annabeth blinked, startled by the subject change. "Right now?"

"Yeah," Percy nodded. "I've been horny all day. Plus I've been thinking about you, which only makes it worse."

"Well, if you're horny..." Annabeth quickly forgot about her present. "Sure hon. Do you want to go into the bedroom and fool around for a while?"

Percy chuckled at Annabeth's frankness, "Yeah, that's exactly what I need."

"Cool," Annabeth said, leading the way to the bedroom. She peeled her top off and sat at the edge of the bed to remove the cotton from between her toes, "Do you need me to get you hard?"

Percy stopped in the middle of the room to strip his clothes off, then approached Annabeth with his semi-erect length sticking straight forward.

Annabeth took hold of Percy's shaft and began to gently stroke it for him, "How come you've been so horny today?"

"I keep thinking about that hot sex we had in the kitchen last night."

Annabeth grinned, "That was hot, wasn't it? It was really sexy when you pulled out and came on my tummy."

Percy watched as Annabeth eagerly jerked him off, her practiced hand quickly bringing his cock to its full erect length.

Annabeth smoothed her hand along his shaft once it was hard, admiring its size. "Do you want to fuck me now?" she asked, completely casual and open about their love life. Sex to Annabeth was like breathing, in that it was effortless and natural; she approached sex without a hint of shame or subterfuge.

Percy slowly lowered himself to his knees, kneeling in front of Annabeth where she sat on the edge of the bed. He paused briefly to kiss her before lowering his lips further.

Annabeth smiled warmly as Percy suckled on her nipples, "I love it when you kiss me. Even after all this time you still make my lips tingle. I could... oh god!"

Her eyes closed and her mouth opened as Percy arrived between Annabeth's legs, licking her sex. She immediately grabbed the back of his head and encouraged Percy to continue, parting her knees as well. "Oh god, Percy. That feels so good."

Percy glanced up, "I want to make you cum this way. I want to taste it."

Annabeth nodded quickly, completely agreeable. "Okay. Stick a couple fingers into me," she instructed. "I like feeling you inside my pussy, even if it's not your cock."

Percy pinched his pointer and middle fingers together tightly and pushed them into the entrance of Annabeth's slit. She breathed in sharply as he pushed them to the middle knuckle. Percy began wiggling his fingers within her, rubbing them against the pliant walls of her passage.

"Oh shit," Annabeth moaned. "That feels nice. Now... use your thumb on my clitty. Make it... make it poke out. You'll know that you have me really hot when my clit is like a hard little button."

Percy was good at following instructions and began circling the pad of his thumb against her tiny little sensitive spot. "You're so wet already, you're dripping."

Annabeth bit her lower lip, "It makes me want your cock."

"You don't like my hand?" Percy wondered.

"Oh god, baby. I love your hand. You can masturbate me all night if you want to. But whenever I masturbate alone I think about the way that big thing of yours fills me up so perfectly. I usually end up stuffing myself full of my toy."

"Where is your toy?"

"In the nightstand."

Annabeth whimpered when Percy abandoned her, laying back onto the bed to watch him find her big ten inch dildo. "I thought you wanted to fuck me?"

"I do," Percy said as he returned to the bed. "But first I want to lick an orgasm out of your cunt."

Annabeth curled at the back as she felt the cold intrusion of her toy. "Oh fuck," she moaned. "I like it when you call my pussy a 'cunt', it's so dirty."

Percy drove the Long Paulson like a slow piston for a while, fucking half of it in and out of Annabeth until she was writhing on the bed. Her legs were squirming and she dug her fingers into the bedspread. Eventually he lowered his mouth against her sex, rubbing the textured surface of his tongue against the stiff little button poking out.

Annabeth was delirious with pleasure, continuously riding the edge of a pending orgasm. Fluid leaked from her pussy like tree sap, causing the insides of her thighs and butt cheeks to glisten from the moisture. "Make me cum," she whimpered softly.

Percy slid the dildo deeply into Annabeth, pushing until he met resistance, and then left it there to protrude from her pussy. Stretching his arms, Percy grabbed two handfuls of Annabeth's small breasts as he started flicking his tongue against her hard little nub.

Annabeth's breath became labored and she dug her fingers into Percy's hair, grabbing his head. "I'm going to cum," she gasped. "Take it out... take it out..."

Percy quickly pulled on the Long Paulson, sliding it free of Annabeth's sheath. Then Annabeth took over, using her palms to push on the back of Percy's head. He began lapping at her slit as she pushed his face between her legs, tasting the fluids as they poured from her, each motion of his tongue dragging against her exploding clit.

"Oh my god! I'm fucking cumming," Annabeth cried. "Taste my pussy, baby. Lick my pussy... oh god that feels so amazing! Don't stop, don't stop eating me..."

The only reason Percy knew that Annabeth's orgasm finally subsided was because her thighs loosened from the vice grip they had on the sides of his face. He lifted his head, cheeks glistening, and watched as Annabeth stretched out on the bed with spread arms and legs. She looked exhausted and Percy wondered if she had the will to continue, because he was as hard as a rock!

Annabeth smiled up at Percy when he stood, biting her lip when she saw the state of his throbbing erection. She slowly got up and crawled along the bed to grasp him at the base of his shaft. "Look at you," she whispered. "You look ready to explode."

Percy nodded, his entire length throbbed as Annabeth took hold of it. He watched as she parted her mouth and dragged her upper lip against the head of his cock, and then slowly licked it with a seductive tongue.

"You're all twitchy already," Annabeth said, caressing his soft underside against her face. She nuzzled and cuddled with his cock, kissing it softly with her lips. "Why don't you lie down?"

Percy lowered himself to the bed and lay back. Annabeth quickly crawled over him and straddled his thighs, her dripping sex hovering over his erection. Percy immediately started pushing his hips upwards; trying to gain entrance, but Annabeth lifted her ass and denied him.

"Have you been day-dreaming about my pussy all day?" Annabeth whispered, brushing her lips against his.

"Yeah," Percy admitted with a soft reply.

"Tell me," Annabeth kissed the corner of Percy's mouth. "Tell me what you've been thinking."

"There's a little room in the back of the store," Percy explained, "at the end of the magazine aisle. It's where the porn is."

"Mm-hm," Annabeth prompted him to continue. She started rubbing her pussy lips teasingly against the underside of Percy's cock.

"I was in there stocking some new magazines and DVDs," Percy explained. "On one of the magazine covers there was a girl who looked like you."

"Tell me about her," Annabeth asked, kissing Percy's chin as she continued to tease his cock with her damp sex, rubbing her slit against his long shaft.

"She had blonde curly hair," Percy whispered. "And small breasts. She had her arms folded to conceal them, on the cover picture. She was tan, curvy, and really pretty."

"Did you want to fuck her?" Annabeth asked. Before Percy could even answer, she continued, "Did you want to take the magazine into the bathroom with you, and think about sticking your big cock in her while you jerked off?"

Percy closed his eyes and nodded. It was excruciating the way Annabeth kept sliding her sex along his shaft, rolling her hips back and forth. His hands went to her ass and Percy tried to steer her into allowing him entrance, but Annabeth lifted her pussy just out of reach every time she felt Percy's cockhead poking at her.

"Did you open the magazine and look at her naughty pictures?"

"Y-yes."

Annabeth smiled softly at his admittance. She adored that Percy was always honest with her. It didn't bother her that Percy admired, or even fantasized about other women. It turned her on to know that even though Percy would look, she was the one he would choose over any other girl.

Percy's mouth suddenly hung open in absolute pleasure as the warmth of Annabeth's sex suddenly surrounded his cock. He gasped out a moan, clutching Annabeth's hips as she sat up and let her weight fuel the impalement. Annabeth smiled down at him, then folded her arms across her breasts the same way she imagined the cover girl did based on Percy's description.

"Fuck..." Percy hissed. The warmth and friction of Annabeth's pussy was almost too much to handle. His shaft was unbelievably sensitive due to the length of time he'd had his erection, and of course from Annabeth's dirty-talk.

"Is this how you would have imagined fucking her, Percy?"

Percy could only nod as Annabeth began bouncing up and down on his shaft.

Annabeth kept her arms folded across her chest, "Did you want to shoot your nasty goo on the cover of that dirty magazine? Huh baby? Did you want to jerk off and spray her picture with your sticky stuff?"

"Uhn!" Percy exploded, thrusting his hips.

Annabeth felt her insides flood with his heat. She wasn't surprised by his quick orgasm; they had been carrying on for a while after all, and Annabeth had certainly tried her best to torment him. "Oh fuck, baby," Annabeth cooed. "Oh god, it feels so good when you cum in me like that..."

Percy bucked several times, ejecting more pleasure with every push of his hips.

"Jesus, Percy." Annabeth laid herself upon Percy's torso, kissing his jaw, "If I wasn't on the pill you would have just knocked me up for sure."

Percy curled his arms around Annabeth, "Can we do that again? You know, after a few minutes?"

Annabeth giggled, "Baby, you can fuck me all night long if you want to."

PART 3 – A Golden Birthday

The following week passed quickly for Percy. He worked every day but Sunday, which he spent packing his belongings. His parents, Sally in particular, weren't thrilled with the idea of Percy moving in with Annabeth. But Percy was twenty three years old and there wasn't much they could do to stop him.

Sally adored Annabeth, that wasn't the problem, but she felt like her son was growing up too fast. Percy had transferred from Brown University, an Ivy League school, just so that he could attend school in Tallahassee; a decision entirely based on the fact that Percy wanted to be with Annabeth. When they got engaged, Sally was happy for Percy, but felt like he and Annabeth were rushing into it. Now her son wanted to move out.

It was Percy's father who convinced Sally to let Percy go without a fight. Paul told her that Percy was a man and needed to stand or fall based on his own decisions. Her husband was right, Sally knew, and she took comfort in the fact that Percy and Annabeth were quite obviously in love with one another. Eventually she'd have to let Percy go, but Sally never expected it to happen so soon.

For Annabeth the days passed much slower. She harassed Percy every day about her birthday present, hoping he'd cave and give it to her early. It wasn't that Annabeth was so overly-materialistic that she couldn't wait; it simply pleased her that Percy seemed so proud of the gift. She enjoyed bugging him about it, to let him know how much he and his gift meant to her. It really didn't matter to Annabeth what the gift was, it was far more important to her that Percy went out of his way to make her feel special. He excelled at making her feel like the most important girl in the universe, and that's what Annabeth loved most about Percy.

She also couldn't wait for Percy to move in, which they agreed would happen the weekend after Annabeth's birthday (which fell on a Thursday). As a child Annabeth loved 'playing house' and when Percy moved in it would be her first opportunity to live out the adult version of her favorite childhood game. She spent her days, while Percy was at work, cleaning and organizing the apartment. She made sure there was enough space for Percy to put his things, and even cleared off an entire shelf of valuable real-estate in the bathroom.

When Annabeth's birthday finally arrived she was entirely too excited. Her father had planned a small party for her and Annabeth spent the entire day getting ready. She treated herself, and Piper, to a spa visit and then rushed home to work on her hair and make-up.

Little did Annabeth know that three drop-outs from the very high school she graduated from would spoil her day in a disastrous manner.

The three young men walked through the mall's parking lot laughing and joking, half-drunk and spoiling for some vicious entertainment. They were the sort that mugged little old ladies instead of helping them across the street, so when they spotted Percy walking towards them from the mall they saw an easy mark.

Just off work and distracted, Percy was oblivious to the danger. His only thoughts were of hurrying home to change, and then picking Annabeth up so the two of them could go to the birthday party her father had arranged. Percy never feared walking through the parking lot alone, especially in the daylight. It was a suburban shopping mall, after all, where families and bored teenagers hung out – not muggers.

He never saw them coming.

Percy was in the midst of fumbling with his car keys while digging his cell phone out of his pocket. He wanted to call Annabeth and let her know what time he would be by to pick her up, but before he even dialed her number a sharp pain reverberated from his lower back as one of the thugs punched him in the kidney. Percy fell to the sounds of laughter, the rough concrete scraping his hands. He curled up when the three men started kicking him, hoping to defend himself somewhat, but Percy saw stars when one kick blasted against his rib cage and stole his breath. Things went dark when the next blow landed upon his head.

Unaware of his pockets being searched, Percy didn't know how long he lay in the parking lot between his car and another. He somehow gained enough awareness to try crawling, but the movement caused him excruciating pain and he quickly grew dizzy. Fearing that he would soon pass out again, Percy feebly glanced around hoping to see someone willing to help him and suddenly spotted his cell phone lying on the concrete.

Percy groaned in pain as he reached for it, only to discover the phone had been stepped on and was of no use. Afterwards, a more lasting blackness came.

Annabeth stood on the sidewalk outside her near-campus apartment building dressed in a blue floral sundress; Percy's favorite. Her father had rented the party room at a local bar/restaurant, and Annabeth certainly wanted to look nice for the party, but really she only wanted to look pretty for Percy. She had spent an hour on her hair, getting the curls to coil up into bouncy tendrils which he seemed to like so much. She even sprinkled some glitter on with her make-up, because that always seemed to make Percy drool.

The only problem was: no Percy.

Annabeth grew concerned by 5:45pm when Percy still hadn't shown up or called. Annabeth tried ringing his cell phone but it kept going to voicemail. She tried the comic book store where Percy worked and reached Theo, who told her Percy had left work an hour early so he'd have time to go home and change.

Frowning, Annabeth slipped her phone away into her purse and peered down the street in the hopes she would see Percy's car turning the corner. It was her birthday, and above all else the thing Annabeth wanted most was to be with her boyfriend. She wanted his eyes to light up when he saw her and for Percy to tell her how beautiful she looked.

But there was no sign of him. Where could he be?

Lacy hurried through the parking lot, late for her shift at the mall's jewelry store. She was moving so fast she nearly missed it, but something in the corner of her eye caused her to glance between two parked cars. It was a prone figure.

As Lacy approached she saw that it was a young male, but he wasn't moving. "Hello? Hello, are you all right?"

Squatting next to him, Lacy gasped when she saw the young man. Despite the fact that half of his face was covered in blood, Lacy recognized Percy from when he had been in the store a week prior.

"Oh god," Lacy panicked for a moment, then frantically dug in her purse for her cell phone. "Percy!" she suddenly remembered his name. "Percy, can you hear me?"

There was no response. Lacy pressed two fingers against Percy's neck as she dialed 911, but couldn't feel a pulse.

Annabeth was growing frantic. She started calling numbers, wondering if perhaps anyone had heard from Percy. She tried Piper first, then Jason, but neither of them had seen Percy. She tried calling Percy's house next, hoping he was there, but no answer came. Was it possible that Percy forgot to pick her up for her birthday party and was already there?

She was about to call her father when Annabeth's phone buzzed in her hand. She didn't even look to see who it was before clicking the button to answer, "Percy?!"

"No honey, it's me," Sally said on the other end, her voice clearly upset.

"Sally?" Annabeth bit her lip, "What is it, what's wrong? Have you seen Percy? He was supposed to pick me-"

"The hospital just called," Sally interrupted, her voice catching with despair. "They said that he was attacked and beaten."

"Oh my god," Annabeth cried, tears flooding her eyes. "Is he okay? Is he going to be alright?"

"I don't know, honey. Paul and I are on our way to the hospital now from your party. Your father is on his way to pick you up and bring you to the hospital, I told him I'd call you and tell you to stay put until he gets there."

Annabeth felt her throat tighten around her words which came out in a jumbled panic.

"Calm down, Annabeth," Sally was choking back her own tears as well. "Your father will bring you to the hospital; I'll be waiting for you there, okay? Just stay put, Frederick will be there in a little while."

Annabeth nodded, "O-okay." She tried getting a grip after hanging up, but the sudden thought of a life without Percy caused Annabeth to explode in sobs. Her worst fears over the last hour had suddenly become reality.