Chapter 23

PART 1 - Waking Up is Hard to Do

At first there was only a murky fog of awareness, followed by a throbbing pain. For a long while that pain was all that existed, and he tried lifting an arm to touch the center of it. But that only created a second source of pain and he decided not to try moving again.

Then something pleasant happened as a gentle and loving touch brushed across his cheek.

"...Percy...?"

The voice sounded familiar, but also very far away as though spoken from the far end of a tunnel.

"...Percy can you hear me...?"

His name was Percy! Yes, that much he knew to be true. But what else was there? Wasn't it someone's birthday? Someone important. He needed more information, but how could he get it? Then it occurred to him: open your eyes. Open your eyes, Percy...

"Please open your eyes, Percy... please be okay."

"M-mom?" Percy's eyes fluttered open.

Sally let out a quiet sob of joy, "I'm here, honey."

Percy tried to speak again but his throat only croaked. He realized his mouth felt like it was stuffed with cotton.

"Sshh," Sally urged quietly. "It's okay, honey. You're okay. You're in the hospital."

Percy blinked and looked around using only his eyes. His head hurt too much to try turning. It was dark, nighttime he figured, with only a dim soft light coming from behind him. "I feel like shit," he said hoarsely.

"You have three broken ribs, a concussion, and ten stitches in your head," Sally whispered, caressing Percy's cheek.

"That would explain it," Percy croaked.

Sally breathed out a soft, sobbing laugh. She silently thanked God for bringing her son back to her.

Percy indicated, "...thirsty..."

Sally nodded and reached across Percy out of his view. He closed his eyes to rest them from the effort of being awake, and then felt a straw at his lips.

"Go easy," Sally instructed. "It's water."

"What happened?" Percy asked, licking his dry lips after the drink.

"You were attacked by muggers, in the mall parking lot. Do you remember anything?"

Percy shook his head, which hurt enough for him to wince. "No."

"A girl who works at the jewelry store found you and called 911. You were unconscious, lying by your car."

"Lacy?" Percy asked, surprising himself by remembering the name.

Sally nodded, "Do you know her?"

"Not really," Percy whispered, sucking some more water through the straw. "How long have I been out?"

"Two days," Sally answered.

A tear suddenly streaked down Percy's cheek.

"What is it?" Sally murmured worriedly. "Are you in pain?"

"I missed Annabeth's birthday," Percy whispered sadly.

"Oh sweetie," Sally sniffled. "I'm pretty sure she'll forgive you."

"Where is she? Where's Annabeth?"

"She's here," Sally looked over her shoulder towards a short couch, where Annabeth was curled up and sleeping. "She's just four feet from you. She's asleep, the poor thing. She hasn't left your side since they put you in this room and has barely slept a wink. I'll wake her..."

Annabeth stirred when she felt a gentle shake of her shoulder, glancing up at Sally.

"He just woke up, sweetie." Sally smiled.

Annabeth shot up like a spring, "Percy!?"

She rushed to the side of the bed, sobbing with happiness. "Oh Percy, thank God. Oh baby..."

Sally smiled at the two young lovers, "I'm going to get a nurse."

Percy smiled weakly, "Hey."

Annabeth took Percy's hand, kissing the back of it, "Hi."

"Sorry I missed your birthday," Percy muttered.

Annabeth laughed and cried at the same time, tears dripping from her eyes. "It's okay, baby. We'll try it again next year."

"Will you do me a favor?" Percy asked weakly.

"Of course," Annabeth wiped her cheek. "Anything."

"Pinch me."

"Pinch you?"

Percy nodded slowly, "I need to make sure I'm awake, because you're as beautiful as an angel."

Annabeth's laugh caught in her throat as she cried tears of happiness, "Oh Percy, I missed you so much."

Percy slept for much of the remaining night after a brief visit with a nurse. He felt stronger in the morning and was able to sit up in bed. His ribs hurt when he moved a certain way or breathed too deeply, but pain killers kept the throbbing in his head at bay.

Paul, Percy's step-father, arrived around breakfast so Sally could go home to shower and rest. But Annabeth refused to leave Percy's side. The nurses practically had to tie her down when they took Percy for an MRI and a few other tests, but Annabeth was waiting as soon as Percy returned.

Several visitors came in the afternoon; including Percy's grandmother, Frederick, Jason, Piper, and even Chip from the comic book store (Theo sent his best, having to work). But no matter who else was in the room, Annabeth remained beside Percy's bed seeing to his every need.

After supper Percy was napping, exhausted from a long day.

"We're going to keep him for another day or two, just to monitor his progress," a doctor was telling Percy's parents. "Concussions can be a tricky thing, but I'm sure your son will make a full recovery."

"Thank you, Doctor." Paul shook his hand.

"Annabeth? Sweetie, do you want a ride?" Sally asked. "Paul and I are going to go home; we both could use a full night's sleep in an actual bed."

Annabeth shook her head, "No, I'm going to stay."

"Are you sure?" Sally sounded concerned. "Honey, you haven't left this room for three days."

"I'm okay," Annabeth was firm. "Dad brought me some clothes and there's a shower in the bathroom. I want to stay with Percy. I won't leave him."

Sally let out a soft sigh, then moved to give Annabeth a hug. She could see there would be no arguing with her future daughter-in-law, "Take good care of my little boy, okay? And try to get some rest."

Annabeth nodded against Sally's shoulder, hugging her tightly. "I will, I promise."

"I love you," Sally whispered.

Annabeth blinked as they broke the hug, looking to Sally with a surprised expression. She had never said anything like that to Annabeth before.

Sally smiled softly at Annabeth, cupping her cheek with a palm. "How could I not love someone who obviously cares so much for my son? I don't know what I would have done without you for these three days. I've been very thankful to have you here, Annabeth, you've become like a daughter to me."

Annabeth teared up for about the hundredth time in the last three days, "I love you too, Sally."

It was later in the evening when Percy awoke from his rest. His mouth was dry again, which seemed a constant, so he looked around for some water. He saw that Annabeth was on the couch flipping through a magazine.

"Hey," Percy said.

"Hey," Annabeth returned, uncurling herself from the small couch and moving towards Percy's hospital bed. "How do you feel?"

"Pretty good, my head doesn't hurt anymore."

Annabeth poured some ice water from a nearby pitcher, instinctively knowing Percy would want some. "The doctor said you could go home in a day or two, as long as there aren't any lingering effects from your concussion."

"That's awesome; I can't wait to get out of here." Percy sipped some of the water through a straw, "Where are my parents?"

"They went home; they'll be back in the morning."

"You don't have to stay-"

"I'm not leaving until you do." Annabeth stated flatly. "I took a shower about an hour ago, and this couch is actually pretty comfortable."

Percy looked around, "How did I get a single room? Usually they stuff two to a room."

"You have no idea how many cocks I had to suck to get you this room," Annabeth joked.

Percy blinked at Annabeth, then snorted out a laugh which stung in the ribs. The pain was worth the levity.

Annabeth grinned, sitting in a bedside chair facing Percy. "All the doubles were full, so they put you here."

"Thank you," Percy murmured. "For staying, I mean. I like having you here."

Annabeth reached and took Percy's hand in both of hers, caressing his palm and wrist with the tips of her fingers. "You're my man, Percy. In sickness or health, and all that."

Percy smiled, closing his eyes for a moment. He enjoyed the way Annabeth was caressing his hand. "Mom said Lacy found me."

"Yeah," Annabeth confirmed. "Do you remember anything, baby? Do you remember getting attacked?"

Percy shook his head, "They must have jumped me from behind."

"The police were here, that first day. They said there have been other muggings nearby; they think they can catch the guys. Evidently there are three of them."

"I hope they get them."

Annabeth reached up and pushed some of Percy's brown hair off the bandage decorating his left forehead. "Do you need anything?"

"Yeah," Percy nodded, sitting up slowly. "I need to pee really badly."

Annabeth giggled, "Okay. I think the two of us can manage that if we work together."

Percy grinned, really happy that Annabeth was there. "I feel grubby too. You mentioned a shower?"

"Yeah," Annabeth nodded. "There's a big stall in the bathroom, big enough for a wheelchair to pull into. You want to try that?"

"Maybe," Percy said. "Let's see how the peeing goes first."

Annabeth helped Percy slowly get out of bed and onto his feet. His ribs hurt every time he needed to use his chest muscles, or when he moved a certain way, but it was tolerable. Annabeth kept her hand on Percy's shoulder since he looked a little wobbly, and they started a slow trek towards the bathroom.

"How do you feel?" Annabeth wondered.

"I'm a little dizzy; I better sit down to pee. I'm not sure a shower is in the cards."

Annabeth got him to the toilet, "There you go, babe. You know what? I'm gonna get a stool to put in the shower. There's room enough for the two of us in there and I can help you."

It took a while since Percy need to move so slowly, but before long Annabeth had him undressed and sitting on a stool within the bathroom's shower stall. Casually, Annabeth started to take her own clothes off.

"What are you doing?" Percy looked surprised.

"Well, you can't do it by yourself; you can barely turn your chest. I'll help."

"But Annabeth, what if a nurse comes in or something?"

Annabeth smirked, pulling her top off. "Relax, Percy. What are they going to do, throw us in the hospital jail for getting naked and showering together? You need help, and I'm your fiancé. We're not doing anything naughty."

Percy watched as a naked Annabeth entered the shower stall and started the water, "I suppose you're right." She had positioned Percy so that the shower would spray over the back of his shoulders; the warm water felt fantastic.

Annabeth had brought in a sponge which she held under the water for a few moments, and then she lathered it up with soap before she rubbed it gently against Percy's shoulders. She took special care against his back where his ribs were broken, then stepped around in front of Percy.

"This is exactly what I needed," Percy said. The only real problem was that it felt too good. Plus, poor Percy was now faced with a wet and naked Annabeth.

Annabeth smiled, rubbing the sponge against his chest. She bit her lip over a crooked smile when Percy's penis started to stir, "I can't believe you."

"What?" Percy sounded defensive. "I can't help it, you're here with me naked and you look so sexy..."

Annabeth rinsed the sponge before squatting in front of Percy. She washed the inside of his thighs, then rubbed the soft sponge against Percy's growing erection. "You must be feeling better," she teased.

Percy joked dryly, "I could be on my deathbed and you'd probably still be able to give me an erection."

Annabeth smiled, taking that as a compliment. "Do you want me to...?"

Percy furrowed his brow, "I'm not sure it's a good–"

Annabeth interrupted, "I-I mean, only if you wanted...?"

Percy considered, "I suppose as long as I'm not straining my ribs?"

Annabeth nodded in agreement, "I'd be real gentle."

Percy smiled, "I love you."

Annabeth beamed, "I love you too."

Percy sucked in some breath when he felt Annabeth's hand grip his cock, wincing at the pressure his lungs put on his ribs. "Are we being naughty now?" he murmured.

Annabeth giggled, "When aren't we being naughty?"

"You're going to kill me," Percy said.

Annabeth stroked him extra-cautiously, moving her hand slowly up and down Percy's length. "Do you want me to stop?" she asked just as his erection seemed to achieve its full stature.

"No," Percy replied as he closed his eyes. He luxuriated beneath the warm spray of shower water as Annabeth began jerking him off. Her hand went agonizingly slow, but Percy was thankful for it. He tried not to contract his chest muscles and relaxed as much as he was able, but feared a clenching orgasm would bring more pain than pleasure.

He was willing to risk it.

Annabeth twisted her grip around him, "Don't worry, I'll go real easy and give you a nice gentle orgasm."

"I can't believe we're doing this..."

"It's okay," Annabeth assured him. "You need a good cum, baby. Orgasms are good for you. Your big cock is used to ejaculating almost every day, so you probably have a big load of goo in your balls that we need to work out."

"You'd be a very popular nurse, you know that?"

Annabeth grinned, working her hand to the head of Percy's cock and flicking her thumb on the underside of his crown. "I just know my man. Your cock needs to get jerked off regularly otherwise it gets all hard and throbby. I can't have you sprouting a boner every time a cute nurse walks into the room. She'd probably get one look at this monster and want to stuff her pussy full of it."

"Oh god, Annabeth, you're so dirty..."

Annabeth slid her had down to the base of Percy's shaft, squeezing it tightly before drawing it back up until her fist bumped against the ridge of his head. "It's true," she remarked. "But I'll beat it off real good." Annabeth knew she couldn't masturbate Percy too vigorously, so it would take some dirty talk to help him get off. "Do you want to cum on my tits, baby? You can make as big a mess as you want."

"Yeah," Percy nodded, thinking that sounded good.

"Are you sure?" Annabeth looked up at him with cutesy blue eyes. "Because you can cum on my ass if you want? I'll turn around for you and let you shoot it all over my butt. It's always so sexy when you're fucking me doggy style and pull out, because I can feel your hot seeds landing all over my ass."

Percy groaned, trying to sit as still as he could and not jar his tender ribs.

"Or do you want me to be really dirty?" Annabeth asked. "I could cup my palm and aim your goo into it, that way you could watch me lick it up like a cum-hungry slut."

Percy's cock twitched violently in Annabeth's hand after she suggested that. His breath grew sharp and he tried not to inhale too deeply.

Scratching her fingernails against Percy's soft underside, Annabeth watched his cock bob and sway in the air. "Look at how hard that makes you, thinking about your pretty girlfriend licking your nasty cum up. You're such a dirty boy, Percy."

The shower stall was filled with a thick steam but Percy could see Annabeth well enough, squatting in front of him. She began playing with herself even as she continued to steadily masturbate him. Her curls matted to the side of her head from the condensation and humidity, but droplets of water beaded on her tanned skin and she looked as sexy as ever to Percy.

"God damn, baby," Annabeth cursed, feeling Percy's cock harden. "I hope you heal quickly because right now I want to stuff my cunt full of you soooo badly."

"Is your clit getting stiff?" Percy whispered.

Annabeth nodded, biting her lip with arousal.

"Is your pussy getting all wet inside?"

"Yes," Annabeth squeaked.

"Grab your tit for me," Percy instructed.

Annabeth looked up at him.

Percy brushed Annabeth's hand off his erection and replaced it with his own, "I want to watch you play with your own tits."

Annabeth moaned, clutching a palm-full of her breast and squeezing it. Her other hand remained between her squatting legs. She watched as Percy stroked himself, his pace slightly faster than hers. He seemed to be fine, as long as he kept his torso mostly stationary.

"You're such a naughty girl, Annabeth. Look at how horny you are, tricking you injured boyfriend into getting a big hard-on just so you could play with it."

Annabeth moaned as her clit sent a little orgasmic spark through her body.

"I bet you want me to cum all over you," Percy said, turning the tables of dirty talk. "Is that what you want? For me to shoot my cum all over your sexy little naked body?"

"Oh Percy...!" Annabeth gasped. Her knees dropped to the shower floor as an orgasm stole the strength from her legs. "Cum on me..." she begged wantonly. "Make me feel slutty, baby... I need it!"

Percy grunted, pumping his cock as fast as he dared. His semen shot forward with the potency of a rocket, a long strand of it landing diagonally across Annabeth's face. He winced in pain as the muscles of his chest contracted around broken ribs, but that was nothing when compared to the pleasure of orgasm.

More cum flew from Percy's tip to splatter on Annabeth's thighs and the shower floor, but she didn't let any more go to waste. Annabeth leaned forward and grabbed Percy's cock, sucking the head of it between her lips so that the rest of his pleasure oozed out into her waiting mouth. She suckled on the head of his cock as her own orgasm ran its course, drinking down his fluids.

Percy was spent and quickly grew dizzy; his perch upon the shower stool wavering.

"Percy!" Annabeth cried, quickly catching him under his arms. "Baby? Are you okay?"

"I heard you can go blind if you jerk off too much," Percy murmured. "But I never thought it'd kill me."

Annabeth let out a quick laugh, "We probably shouldn't have done that. C'mon sweetie, let's get you back to bed."

PART 2 - Old Friends and New

Piper sat by her lonesome on a quiet bench in the mall, her arms clasped over her stomach. A flood of emotions washed through her; she felt empty, guilty, and very alone. She hadn't told a soul about the abortion, not her parents, not even Jason... not yet. She probably would have told Annabeth, but her best friend was busy with an injured fiancé and Piper didn't want to add to it. She wanted to come to terms with it on her own before facing her friends and family. Piper hoped a trip to the mall would get her mind off of things, at least for a short while, since shopping always made her feel better. But buying things for herself seemed selfish, just as selfish as having an abortion.

Taking a deep breath, Piper fought back the tears and looked around to make sure no one noticed her. Quietly gathering up her purse, Piper rose and began walking towards the exit. She avoided eye contact with anyone, fearing that people would see she was on the verge of crying, until she passed The House of Spandex. That was the comic book shop Percy worked at, and suddenly, Piper had an idea.

Buying herself things hadn't been a remedy, but maybe doing something nice for someone else would be. Wiping her cheek and sniffling, Piper gained control of herself and entered the comic book store. Percy could probably use something to read while he recovered, and Piper happened to know exactly what he liked: comic books.

"Hi, can I help you?"

Piper turned to the voice. He was younger than she, probably still in high school. She was hit by a sudden sense of nostalgia and realized he reminded her of the way Percy looked back in high school. He wore a pair of droopy slacks and a nerdy tee-shirt with some sort of winged comic book character on it. He had unkempt brown hair and a pair of nerdy-looking glasses. But despite all that, like Percy, this boy was kind of cute in a geeky sort of way.

"Hi..." Piper peered at his name tag, "...Chip. Yeah, you can totally help me. I need to buy some comic books."

"Oh I can definitely help you with that," Chip said. "What kinds do you like? Romance? Horror? Superheroes?"

"They're for a friend, actually. You probably know him, he works here. Percy Jackson?"

"Sure," Chip nodded. "Me and Percy are good friends, and I know exactly what he likes to read."

"Great," Piper smiled, feeling better already. "I'm Piper by the way."

Chip chuckled, "Yeah, I know. You're Piper McLean."

Piper offered Chip a quizzical expression, "Have we met?"

"You went to my high school," Chip replied. "I was a freshman when you were a senior."

Piper stared at Chip, trying to remember him, "I'm sorry, I don't-"

"Don't sweat it," Chip interrupted. "You hung out with the popular crowd and I... well, I don't. I only remember you because most of the guys in my class had a crush on you."

Piper blushed. She suddenly felt self-conscious about her sloppy appearance, dressed in a pair of old blue jeans and a faded tee shirt. Plus she hadn't done anything with her brunette hair other than tie it back into a ponytail, and she hadn't put any make-up on.

"So you're friends with Percy?" Chip changed the subject.

"Yeah, he's engaged to my best friend."

"Annabeth," Chip smiled brightly. "How's he doing, by the way? I went to visit him in the hospital; he looked pretty rough."

"I guess he came home today, I talked to Annabeth and she said he was doing really good."

"That's awesome," Chip said. "We miss him around here."

"I thought I'd get him something to read," Piper commented. "I guess he needs to rest up for a couple more days at home."

"Okay," Chip nodded, leading Piper towards the comic book racks. "Spider-Man is his favorite, and we just got the new issue of 'Amazing' in on Wednesday. He also likes the Titans..."

Sally poked her head into Percy's room, "Honey? You have some company..."

Percy turned towards the door from where he lay atop his bed, "Sure mom, I'm cool."

A few moments later Piper appeared, clutching a bag.

"Hey Pipes," Percy smiled.

"Hey yourself, doll. How are you feeling?"

Percy lifted a shoulder, "My ribs still hurt all to hell, but otherwise I'm good."

Piper moved to Percy's bed, sitting at its edge. She leaned in to look at the stitches on the side of Percy's forehead. "Sexy scar," she grinned.

"Yeah," Percy lifted his hand to touch. "I go in a couple days to have the stitches removed."

"Where's Annabeth?" Piper asked, "I figured she be here."

"She just left," Percy replied. "Mom made her go home to get some rest; she didn't leave the hospital the whole time I was there."

"Yeah, she told me. I think that Annabeth girl's a keeper," Piper winked.

Percy grinned, "So what about you? How have you been?"

Piper looked down at her lap, not quite sure how to answer that.

"What's wrong? Percy asked, sensing something.

Piper swallowed and looked back to Percy, "I got an abortion two days ago."

"Oh... uh, wow. I'm sorry Pipes, I don't know what-"

"It's okay," Piper blurted. "I'm okay, I think. You're actually the first person I've told."

"You haven't told Jason?"

Piper shook her head, "I will, I'll probably call him tonight, after I break it to my parents. I've just... I needed some time, you know? To let it sink in."

"Are you sure you're okay?" Percy looked concerned.

Piper forced a smile, wiping at her eye. "Yeah. It wasn't an easy decision, and I've felt horribly guilty ever since. And depressed. But it's kind of a relief to finally tell someone."

"You shouldn't feel guilty," Percy said.

Piper looked at him, "No?"

Percy shook his head, "I'm sure you did what you thought was best. I know you and Jason made a mistake, but you should be able to choose your own future. You shouldn't feel forced to be a mother, or have to give a child away. You're a good person Piper, and I'm proud to call you my friend. I know that you'll learn from this, and if and when you're ready you'll make a great mom."

Piper couldn't fight the tears this time; she didn't even try. She leaned over and kissed Percy's cheek, "You're really sweet. Um, I got you something."

Percy watched as Piper pulled the bag from her lap and offered it to him.

"Oh, cool!" Percy grinned, pulling out a short stack of comics. "Holy shit, this is like my exact reading list, how did you know-?"

"Your co-worker helped me out."

"Theo?" Percy wondered, sifting through the comics.

"No, it was Chip."

"Thanks, seriously. I was going to call work and have them pull these for me so I wouldn't miss them."

"You're welcome," Piper smiled softly. "He seemed like a sweet kid."

"Who, Chip?"

Piper nodded, "I was so embarrassed, by the way, I felt like a total bitch. He knew exactly who I was, and I don't remember him from school at all."

"You guys ran in different crowds," Percy noted.

"So you guys are friends?"

"Yeah," Percy answered. "I mean, we didn't really hang out in high school, but I've gotten to know him this summer since we started working together. He's a really great kid."

"How old is he?" Piper wondered.

"Uh, eighteen I think? He just graduated I'm pretty sure."

Piper nodded and looked lost in thought, appearing to completely space out.

Percy grinned, "Uh, Earth to Piper."

Piper looked back to Percy, "Hm?"

"Would you like me to ask him if he thinks you're hot?"

Piper's cheeks flushed crimson, "Oh my god, Percy. Don't you dare."

"Okay," Percy shrugged, looking down at a comic.

"I mean, he's like four years younger than me," Piper reasoned, more to herself than to Percy. "He's basically still in high school."

"So?" Percy argued.

"He is kind of cute, in a totally helpless-nerd kind of way. " Piper was quiet for a moment, then asked, "Do you really think he'd find me hot?"

Percy laughed lightly, "I don't see why not? You're totally sexy, Pipes. And I say that having seen you topless."

Piper's cheeks filled with blush again, "Percy, if you tell him about that day after prom when we... I'll kill you."

Percy made a zipping motion over his lips, "I've never told anyone about that day."

"Good," Piper grinned. She felt so much better than she did at the mall, and was happy she stopped to see Percy. She realized how much she missed his friendship, as the two hadn't seen much of each other since Piper had moved out of Annabeth's apartment.

"So, do you want me to ask him?" Percy repeated.

Sam climbed into her little Honda and let out a deep breath. She had just finished her third job interview of the day and silently prayed that she made a good impression. She was about to start her car and head home, the thoughts of a steaming hot bubble bath on her brain, when she heard her cell phone buzzing.

Digging into her purse, Sam answered, "Hello? This is Samantha."

"Hi Sam."

Sam looked confused for a second, but smiled as she remembered the voice, "Annabeth?"

"Yeah," Annabeth said. "You're not busy are you?"

"No, not at all. But how did you get my number?"

"I got it from Jason," Annabeth said. "I hope you don't mind?"

"No, not at all. How are you?"

Annabeth let out a heavy sigh, "It's been a rough week, to be honest. Did Jason tell you that Percy got beat up and was in the hospital?"

"No, oh my god! Is he okay?"

"He's fine, now. We just brought him home this morning."

"What happened?" Sam asked.

"He was mugged. They broke three of his ribs and gave him a concussion."

"Oh Annabeth, that's terrible. I'm so sorry."

"Thanks. Don't worry though; my man is a tough one. But that's not why I called."

"What's up?" Sam wondered.

"I just got off the phone with my dad. He handles some investments for this guy who publishes several magazines, and he told me that his client is looking for an editor, and that he could arrange a meeting."

"You're kidding me," Sam said. "I can't believe you did that for me."

"I told you I'd ask," Annabeth giggled. "But the job is here in Tallahassee, for a local magazine called 'Gulf Florida'. I guess it's really popular here among upper class snobs, and in places like Tampa. They do restaurant reviews and cover social events; that sort of stuff. Are you interested?"

"Of course I am!" Sam smiled. "Annabeth, this is so great. You have no idea how much I appreciate it."

"Cool. Well, if you can get up here to Tallahassee I'll have my dad set up a meeting for you. If you need a place to stay for a couple of days I have a spare bedroom in my apartment. Percy was going to move in but we'll probably have to wait until he's stronger, so there's plenty of room."

"I couldn't impose," Sam said.

"It's no problem," Annabeth assured her. "It's the least I can do for the girl trying to make my boys famous."

Sally sat down on the couch and clicked the TV on with the remote, and then flipped towards the late evening news. She was tired, and Paul had already gone to bed, but she wanted to catch the weather. Just as she was feeling settled, a knock came at the door.

Wondering who could possibly be knocking at 10pm, Sally moved to glance out the window.

"Annabeth?" Sally peered, opening the door. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm sorry, Sally." Annabeth said. "I know it's late–"

"Sweetie, I thought you were going to go home and get some rest."

"I know, I was. I did." Annabeth bit her lip, "But I miss him."

Sally let out a sigh, then shook her head and chuckled. "It hasn't even been twelve hours since we brought him home."

"Can I stay here tonight?" Annabeth pleaded, "I promise I'll let Percy rest, I just want to lie next to him. My apartment is so quiet and empty and... I can't get my mind off him."

Sally stepped aside and invited Annabeth in, "You two are practically inseparable, you know that? It's like you're attached by an invisible cord."

Annabeth smiled, trotting in. "Thank you, Sally."

Sally closed the door, "You can stay, but you have to promise me that you let Percy sleep. He needs to rest, so no chatting and carrying on until all-hours."

"I promise," Annabeth said. "I just need to be with him."

"I understand," Sally smiled softly. "I'll put a towel and some things in the bathroom for you, if you want to shower and clean up in the morning."

Annabeth slipped a hug around Sally, "You're the best."

Percy was already settled into bed, wearing a pair of pajama bottoms and leaning against the headboard. He kept trying to get comfortable as he read the latest issue of Amazing Spider-Man, but no matter what position he took his ribs would start to throb and bother him.

Percy turned a glance when his bedroom door creaked open, "Annabeth?"

"Hey baby," Annabeth beamed.

"What are you doing here?"

"I missed you, so I drove over. I was going crazy in my apartment all alone."

"Is my mom still up?"

Annabeth nodded, "She said I could stay, as long as I didn't keep you up all night."

"Cool," Percy grinned, setting his comic book aside.

Annabeth peeled her tight top off, then started shimmying out of her shorts.

Percy watched, "What are you doing?"

"I'm getting into bed with you, silly."

"But what about my parents?" Percy worried.

"You've spent almost every night this summer at my apartment, Percy. I think they know we've been sharing a bed."

"Good point," Percy admitted.

Stripped to her panties, Annabeth fetched one of Percy's tee shirts from his dresser and slipped it over her head.

Percy gingerly moved over to make room for Annabeth as she slipped under the covers beside him, "You look so sexy in my clothes."

Annabeth grinned, "Keep it in your pajamas, big guy. I promised your mom I'd let you rest."

"I don't know how I'm going to get to sleep," Percy lamented. "My ribs seem to hurt no matter how I lay."

"Lay on your good side," Annabeth advised.

Percy tried, turning to his side so that his hurting ribs were up. He faced Annabeth this way and she encouraged him to cuddle against her. He laid his head against her shoulder and slipped an arm around her slender waist.

Annabeth smoothed her hand through Percy's hair, "What were you reading?"

"Spider-Man," Percy answered, settling against her. "Piper came by this afternoon and brought me some comics."

"Yeah, she told me. I talked to her on the phone tonight."

"Did she tell you about...?"

Annabeth nodded, "The abortion? Yeah. I felt so terrible; I didn't know what to say. But she said you made her feel a lot better."

"She did?" Percy sounded surprised.

Annabeth kissed his forehead, "Yeah. She said you were really great, and that you cheered her up."

"You're never going to believe this..." Percy warned.

"What?" Annabeth sounded curious, sensing gossip.

"She thinks Chip is cute."

Annabeth stifled a giggle, "What?!"

"She was at the comic store," Percy explained. "And Chip was there helping her pick out comics for me."

Annabeth blinked at that, "I guess that's not so hard to believe; Chip is actually kind of cute. I mean, he needs a mall make-over, and some less nerdy glasses, but... wow, she really said that?"

Percy nodded against Annabeth's shoulder, comfortable for the first time that night.

"Does Chip know that?" Annabeth wondered.

"Not yet," Percy replied.

Annabeth thought about the possibilities, silent for a moment. "If he ever got his hands on a set of boobs like Piper's, he'd probably blow his wad right in his pants."

Percy snorted out a laugh and immediately regretted it, wincing at his ribs.

Annabeth assumed, "He's got to be a virgin, right?"

"I was at his age," Percy remarked.

"So was I," Annabeth reminded.

"Yeah, but not for a lack of options."

"True," Annabeth admitted. "I was waiting for a big-dicked geek to come sweep me off my feet."

Percy grinned.

Annabeth reached aside, picking up the comic book Percy had when she walked in, "Try to get some sleep, okay baby? I'll read to you."

"Okay," Percy murmured tiredly.

Annabeth flipped open the pages and began reading aloud, "'I'll flay the meat from your bones, you infuriating insect,' Dr. Octopus said..."

PART 3 - Injured, but Functional

Paul sat down at the kitchen table with his cup of coffee, blowing steam off its surface. He glanced out a window and saw a familiar-looking BMW in the driveway, "Honey, is Annabeth here?"

"Yes," Sally replied, standing at the kitchen counter and preparing her lunch. "She came over last night; right after you went to bed."

"She spent the night?" Paul asked.

"She missed Percy," Sally explained.

Paul took a loud slurp of his coffee, "She slept with him, then?"

"They're engaged," Sally justified. "Percy would have moved in with her by now anyway, if he hadn't been hurt. I didn't see any reason not to let her stay."

"He's practically lived with her all summer," Paul agreed.

Sally packed her lunch into a small cooler, "They've been through so much, those two. Percy just adores her, and Annabeth is fiercely protective of him. I won't try to stand between them. Annabeth's mother tried that, and look where it got her; I don't think Annabeth has spoken to her in over a year."

"I'm guessing we'll have a fourth for dinner tonight, then?"

Sally smiled and moved to kiss her husband on his cheek, "She's family now, Paul. You better start getting used to it."

Percy frowned as he struggled to pull a tee shirt on, hating the way everything took twice as long to do because of his three broken ribs. He was determined to do something with his day, however, as he'd had enough of lying around in bed.

Annabeth appeared from the hallway then, fresh out of the shower with a big fluffy towel wrapped around her torso and hips. Her wet curls were pulled back against her head and she was rubbing moisturizer into her arms, "Did your parents leave for work already?"

"Yeah," Percy replied, seated on his swiveling desk chair.

Annabeth watched as Percy eased his left arm through the short sleeve of his tee. His broken ribs were on his left side, and he appeared to be struggling, "Do you want me to help you?"

Percy shook his head, "I can pretty much do anything I need to. It just takes time; it hurts if I move my left arm too far or if I have to use my chest muscles."

Annabeth padded towards him on bare feet, bending to place a cupped palm at his crotch. She felt the outline of his flaccid member through the thin material of Percy's boxer shorts, "Does it hurt when you use this muscle?"

Percy grinned, "Annabeth..."

"What?" she smirked, "You know how much I like sex in the morning."

"And in the afternoon," Percy commented. "And at night."

Annabeth kissed Percy's cheek, then turned around and removed the towel from around her body. "Sex is for the morning. I like to fuck in the afternoon, and make love at night."

Percy couldn't help but watch Annabeth's heart-shaped ass as she walked to Percy's closet door and hung her bath towel from a hook, "I'm curious what your distinction between 'sex' and 'fucking' is."

Annabeth glanced at Percy over her shoulder, "Sex is frivolous, kinky, and fun. Fucking is getting stuffed full of hard cock."

Percy was suddenly turned on by Annabeth's words. He was almost afraid to ask, "And what about making love?"

Annabeth bit her lip and gave Percy a seductive glance as she moved towards his chair. She leaned her naked body forward and whispered in his ear, "Making love is when you take the time to kiss my pussy, rub your hands all over my body, and then tell me you love me while you squirt a baby into my womb."

Percy swallowed.

Annabeth stood back up and casually asked, "So, what do you want to do today?"

Percy rose and pulled Annabeth towards him. He kissed her, softly at first, then again with more passion. She responded eagerly, though was careful not to hug her arms around him.

"I want to have sex," Percy murmured.

Annabeth gave Percy an amused expression, "I'm not sure you're up for it."

Percy took Annabeth's wrist and directed her hand to his crotch, "No?"

Annabeth melted when she felt Percy's erection through his boxers, "I've missed your cock so much, baby. But I don't want to hurt you."

"I'm already hurt," Percy said. "But I think I can function."

Annabeth nodded then, acquiescing. She knelt, taking the hem of Percy's boxers to pull them down his legs. Grabbing his erection, Annabeth stroked it a few times and drew it towards her lips.

Percy exhaled at the heavenly feeling of Annabeth's warm mouth enveloping the top third of his cock. She knew just what he liked, the way she jerked off the lower two-thirds while rubbing her tongue against his underside. She suckled him that way until his shaft was sticking straight up and felt as hard as stone.

Annabeth looked up at him, still stroking, "I've gone a whole week without you inside me. My pussy misses your cock, Percy. Without something big to fill it up and give it a good fucking, my pussy starts to itch. No matter how much I rub it the itch won't go away. I really need your cock right now, baby."

"You'll have to be on top," Percy said, arousal marking his voice.

"Could you try doing me doggy?" Annabeth wondered. She turned and bent over, gliding her hands down her legs to grab her ankles.

The view was simply too inviting for Percy not to try. He stepped forward and took his length in hand, aiming for the folds of Annabeth's sex which hung between her thighs so enticingly.

Annabeth moaned at the intrusion of Percy's cock sliding into her damp sheath, but she was bent over too far to get the deep penetration she wanted. Reaching out, Annabeth grabbed the edge of the desk and used that for support. She straightened so that her body was bent at a 90 degree angle, like an upside-down 'L'.

"Go all the way," Annabeth encouraged in a heated voice. "Push it all the way into me."

Percy was delicate, but he kept moving forward with his cock. He'd push, then pause, then push again so that each time his cock went another inch further into Annabeth's depths. She grunted every time, folding her wrists on the desk's top and laying her head across her arms.

"You're so fucking big," Annabeth said, though it wasn't a complaint. She glanced over her shoulder, "Are you okay, baby? Is this okay?"

"Yeah," Percy murmured, aroused by the immaculate feeling of Annabeth's enveloping warmth. "Standing isn't a problem; I can fuck you like this all day."

"Can you go deeper?" Annabeth begged, "I want to feel you in my tummy."

Percy thrust forward with one last push, burying himself to the hilt. His hips pressed against her ass and he grabbed Annabeth by her sides for stability.

Annabeth's breath left her as she felt Percy's length invade parts of her rarely touched, "Oh god, Percy. Oh my fucking god..."

Drawing himself back slowly, Percy felt Annabeth shiver in his hands. He shoved his hips forward and jammed his cock back into her.

Annabeth let out a startled yelp, her fists clenching on the desk. "Go slow," she gasped. "Fuck me nice and slow."

Per her instructions, Percy began a steady pace. His hips moved backwards, withdrawing half of his length from Annabeth's sex. She'd whimper if he took too much away from her, telling Percy it was time to ease his cock back in with the same speed. Each time Annabeth took Percy's near-ten inches, her mouth would fall open from the exquisite sensation and her sex would drip its fluids.

Her thighs grew soaked from the secretions; the liquid beads of sex ran down the insides of Annabeth's legs like droplets of sweat. She gasped and shivered every time Percy plunged his length into her, positive in her mind that he was penetrating some forbidden and fertile area of her womanhood. The taut surface of his cock rubbed against Annabeth's clitoris and she could feel every inch of his movement dragging against it, which sent tendrils of electricity licking through her entire body.

Before long, Annabeth was a moaning, quivering, and dripping mess.

She had no idea where she was. Annabeth's entire being was focused on the sensation of being filled so entirely. The only thing she was aware of was the slow burn of a deeply-centered orgasm that originated from some other dimension which used her body as a conduit. It was the most unearthly and erotic thing she ever experienced.

Then, quite suddenly, Annabeth snapped out of it and screamed in pleasure. Her pussy lit on fire as her orgasm exploded; she came to realize everything before was simply the build-up. She gasped repeatedly, pounding her palm down upon Percy's desk, begging him to fuck her even deeper.

It was all too much for poor Percy. He watched as Annabeth seemed to lose control of her entire body. He saw when her eyes rolled back in her head. He felt it when her pussy quivered and vibrated around his entire length. He heard the helpless gasps of her erotic out-of-body experience. His orgasm arrived without any warning.

A stream of his semen gushed into Annabeth. And then another. Percy grunted and moaned, pumping his orgasm into her with quick thrusts. His cum squirted out of her pussy from beneath his shaft, having nowhere else to go but out; Percy had filled her passage and left little room for his seed.

Percy removed himself from Annabeth, shivering at the feeling of his over-sensitive length sliding out of Annabeth's sex. His cock glistened in the air, decorated with their mutual fluids. Her clear secretions mingled with his milky semen and coated the entirety of his shaft.

Annabeth collapsed to her knees, spent from the most powerful orgasm of her young life. She had no idea what made this coupling so different from the many other times that Percy had invaded her depths. Perhaps it was the pacing, or the way she positioned her body. Whatever the reason, Annabeth was speechless. She laid her hand on Percy's thigh and turned towards his still-throbbing erection.

Percy let out an audible breath as Annabeth started licking his cock. He was hyper-sensitive due to his recent orgasm, and her tongue made him shiver. He watched as she lapped at their mingled juices like a kitten with milk. She smeared a palm against his length, getting some of their blended cum on her hand, and then lifted it towards Percy invitingly. He couldn't resist his curiosity and lowered his head to taste Annabeth's palm, licking several gooey strands off her skin.

"That was the best fuck you've ever given me," Annabeth said, her voice still in rapture. "I've never climaxed like that before; never that intense."

"What did I do?" Percy asked, wanting to know so that he might repeat his performance in the future.

"I don't know," Annabeth answered, caressing Percy's cock with slow strokes of her hand. "I've taken your whole length before, but this time felt different. You were deep, really deep, and you touched something inside me. It was incredible, Percy."

Percy didn't doubt it, he witnessed the whole thing.

"I want to feel that again," Annabeth near begged, still kneeling at his feet. She kept her hand on his shaft, coaxing it with slow strokes so that Percy would remain hard. "Fuck me again?"

Percy nodded slowly. He'd do anything for Annabeth, and her request certainly wasn't unreasonable. She lifted a hand and he took it, helping her to her feet.

Annabeth turned around and pushed some papers and things out of her way, then leaned onto his desk once more so that this time it supported her entire torso. Parting her legs, Annabeth reached around and tugged her ass cheek aside to present herself to Percy.

She wasn't joking, Percy realized. Annabeth wanted to get fucked again and she wanted it right now. He stepped forward and positioned his cock into place. It slid in easily; she was soaked and stretched out from their recent coupling and Percy had no problems.

"Oh my god," Annabeth mewed. "I love your cock so much. Go deep again, baby. Fuck it into me really deep."

Grabbing her by the hips, Percy hilted himself once more. He wasn't as hard or as long as he could be, but the friction felt good and soon enough Percy felt renewed. His erection thickened within Annabeth as he slowly pleasured her, creating a tight seal as her cunt gripped his cock. He slowly worked himself back and forth, trying to duplicate what he did before.

Suddenly, Annabeth gasped sharply and Percy froze. He felt something squeezing the head of his cock deep within Annabeth's passage.

"Fuck me," Annabeth begged wantonly. "Fuck me there!"

Percy worked his hips, trying not to pull back too far and simply fuck his cock into whatever it was that was driving Annabeth so crazy.

"Oh god..." Annabeth gasped. "Oh god! Oh fuck, Percy, you're deep in my cervix. Oh fuck!"

Percy watched as Annabeth shook violently, her hands grasping for something to hold onto. Papers and pens flew aside as she took grip of the far edge of the desk, bracing herself. He kept pumping his cock in that same spot, feeling a sharp clenching on the head of his cock.

Annabeth, for the second time that day, lot control of her senses. She twitched on Percy's desk as pleasurable waves swept across her entire body, creating what almost looked like a seizure. Unintelligible grunts escaped her throat as language became meaningless to her. This went on for long moments until Annabeth went rigid, her entire body clenching as an explosion ignited between her legs.

She started quivering uncontrollably, and screamed loudly. Percy would have been scared if the same thing hadn't just happened minutes earlier. He had no idea what exactly she was experiencing, but he knew it was powerful, whatever it was.

Annabeth finally came down, breathing as though she had just ran a marathon. Only then did Percy stop, slowly withdrawing. Annabeth let out a little moan of despair as Percy removed himself from her insides. She felt hollow, spent, and exhausted.

"I need to lie down," Annabeth whispered, slowly pushing herself up from the desk.

"Are you okay?" Percy asked.

Annabeth nodded weakly, "I just need to rest. Then I want you to do it again. Will you fuck me again, Percy? I want to feel that again."

Percy took Annabeth in his arms, wincing as he put too much of a strain on his ribs, "Yeah, of course, but-"

Annabeth kissed him, curling her hand around the back of his head. She kissed him with all the heat she could muster. "I love you. I love you so much, baby."

"What happened?" Percy wanted to know, leading Annabeth towards the bed.

"I don't know," Annabeth admitted. "But I think you were practically in my uterus. You hit a spot in my cervix; it's like fire, Percy. It's amazing, my god. You'll fuck me again, right?"

"Yeah," Percy grinned, sitting with Annabeth on the bed. "I'll fuck you all day long if you want."

Annabeth nodded, leaning against him. She laid a palm against his chest. That's exactly what she wanted. She wanted to get fucked like that all day long.