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"Just when you think it can't get any worse, it can. And just when you think it can't get any better, it can."

― Nicholas Sparks

(Note the time change) (Back to the past)

Percy left Annabeth's room feeling like shit. He thought about Rachel, Luke and Selection and he didn't want things to be this complicated.

Annabeth took everything he said and twisted it to something he didn't mean. How do I fight against that?

But you did lie, his mind said.

There was one good lie among his other lies though. I bet she didn't figure that one out. When he climbed up the stairs for therealgang meet day. To his utter irritation, Luke was standing guard.

I thought you took a day off!

WHY? DO YOU REALLY WANT ME TO THROTTLE YOU?

His anger got the best of him and he pushed Luke back by holding his neck.

He wasn't even startled.

He looked amused.

"WHAT. DID. I. TELL. YOU?"

Anger was literally flowing out of Percy in waves. He knew this was bad. This could expose way more things than he wanted. Things that even Annabeth doesn't know.

He reluctantly pulled his hands out and counted till 20.

Not here, his brain said.

But seriously give me some w --

He knocked on the door. No shuffling was heard of course. The room was sound proof. Jason opened it.

Percy bit it out, "Why is Luke here? Isn't it his day off?"

"Huh? Yeah. I think it ends in an hour? Luke's my plus one for the night shift. Why?"

"Night shift?"

"Leo has some work. He's trained enough so... You want me to change it?"

He shook his head, "No. I trust you. Put at least one guard I know for the nights though."

He tried to go in but Jason pushed him back. "I didn't do all that weightlifting to just let you enter okay?"

"What?"

Just then, Grover, Chris, Beckendorf and Silena opened the door wider. Beckendorf said, "Password. Password. Man, how do I always miss the best meets?"

For a second he wondered what it was. Oh yeah, 'Tiara gives book to sparky'. So, he remembered the password, alright? He was just sooooo irritated with it. Almost as much as Luke. He grit his teeth. "I'm not saying the password."

Grover smirked, "Stay outside then." He tried to shut the door but Percy just held it with his hand.

"I said. I'm. Not. Saying the password."

Beckendorf frowned, "What's with you? And where's Annabeth?"

"She's not coming."

Jason asked, "What do you mean she's not coming? What'd you do, Jackson?"

Percy crossed his arms and shrugged. "Honestly? No idea."

Malcom pushed his way in. Seeing him made Percy just feel more guilty. "Did I hear Annabeth's name? Should I go bring her?"

Silena answered, "No. Percy just fucked up something."

Percy mock laughed with no mirth. He yelled. "Yeah. I kissed her and now she hates me. Happy?"

Everyone's expression was confusion/surprise but Luke looked like someone just punched him on the chest.

Grover asked, "Why would she be angry?"

"Because I didn't mean it!"

Jason, "What the hell?"

Malcom was clearly keeping his emotions in check. He kept saying how Percy's friendship with Annabeth doesn't concern him but Percy knew better than that.

You can't call someone your sister and mean it but not be protective.

"SHE thinks that."

Chris shoved him, "Then go tell her it's not true."

"I tried. She told me to get out."

Jason, "That means you should stay and chase man. Honestly! Girls don't always mean what they--"

Malcom interrupted. His expression was sour. "Not my sister. When she says get out, best do it. She probably needs some time."

"So what do I do? Wait for her to raise a peace flag?"

"No", he looked straight at Percy, "You fucked up, you clean the mess. She won't come to you. You have to go to her."

Yeah, I did that. Not doing it again.

He doesn't say that of course.

"Let me in."

...

(Back to the present)

Sometimes Estelle really annoyed Percy.

His dad had deposited Estelle in his room after breakfast asking him to take care of her. He whined that he had work to do but when he mentioned what work it was, Estelle only got excited and refused to leave.

Percy wanted to shake away the feeling to just get to Annabeth who was in the next room and dance with her and tell her he doesn't mean anything he said.

Except, that would be lies.

Besides, I went to her room with a peace flag and she threw me out. Her turn.

Percy was sitting on a table with Estelle on his lap and one of his hands covered her mouth as she squirmed in his arms and giggled again. He half watched half heard a Selected give the final test - speech, while he tried to balance Estelle.

Suddenly, she licked his hand.

"Ew", said Percy, tone sweet, "Baby, why is my princess torturing me today, hmm?"

He turned her around and held both of her wrists as she giggled and stood up on his lap. "We have to be quiet. Remember. No sound."

She nodded but opened her mouth in another fake attempt to scream but Percy smiled and turned her back around. "Listen to them", he commanded.

Leo snickered as he came in, "That's your baby voice? I bet the girls love it."

Percy glared at him before closing Estelle's ears. "Not everyone is as kinky as you."

Leo took his face shield off and sat with Percy. "You're telling me you are not kinky? Yeah right. Like I believe that."

"I didn't say that. I just don't think all girls like it."

"Translation: You don't know if Annabeth likes it."

Percy rolled his eyes.

Sally joined them, "You two talk like I'm not in the room." She was sitting in one corner of the room, also listening to the Selected's speeches.

Leo paled. "Your-Your Majesty", he stood and bowed, "I-I didn't see you. I'm so sorry."

Percy snickered and Sally waved it away, "It is alright. Invisible is sort of what we're trying to be."

She was right. The mirror in the dance department was a see through. They were here for the real test. As the Selected proved themselves in various fields, Percy and Sally observed how they behaved with each other and how their expressions changed. This was the surprise character test.

Tyson barged in.

Percy spoke up, "Why are you so late? They're almost done. You skipped everything."

Tyson ignored him, "You and Annabeth fought?!"

He glared at his brother who didn't looked bothered. Tyson asked, "Did you do the deed with someone else?"

Percy widened his eyes and clamped his hands over Tyson's mouth. He looked at Estelle, praying she didn't hear.

Estelle asked, "What is a weed?"

Everyone's eyes widened at that. Sally spoke up, "Weeds are unwanted plants. Did you get that?" She lifted her and carried her over to her place, "Lets give the boys some space for boy talks, huh?"

Percy started, "She thinks I lied to her."

"Did you?"

"No"

"That's not how I heard it."

"Time to replace your source then. Who is it?"

"None of your business."

Just then Jason burst in and said, "Hey man, she laughed because I teased, okay? No hard feelings."

Percy blinked before realising what he was talking about, "Jason, it's cool. Seriously, rather you than anyone else."

What's with so many last minute guests today?

Leo picked up, "Sparky likes Pretty"

"Huh?"

"Jason likes Piper."

Jason looked guilty. Sally's eyes widened and Leo smacked Jason's neck.

"You really do, don't you?" Said Tyson.

"Sorry man, I didn't mean to."

Percy turned to his mother. "Mom, Tyson, we didn't hear this okay? Jason you better be glad you're friends with the Prince", he hits him on the back, "Bro code is dead, huh?"

Leo spoke up, "I thought you said you felt friendly with her."

Sally added, "She's still in the Selection. It's still treason."

They went silent.

Tyson said, "I don't see the point though. Percy here has a type. Piper isn't the type."

Leo joined, "Yeah, Percy has a thing for blondes."

His cheeks reddened, "No I don't!"

Jason said, "That's true. You name one girl you've --"

Percy hit him again. "My brother, my sister and my mom are in the room you idiot."

Sally looked interested, "How come I don't know this?"

Percy was mortified, "Mom!!"

Jason interrupted, "I guess we missed the last few speeches. Why is Annabeth the last one to speak?"

Tyson looked up, "The order is random. Someone has to be last. What's she saying?"

Percy grinned, "I gave her a very interesting topic."

Leo picked up the sheet that was next to Percy. "What is the significance of Prince's crown and why should it not be worn outside the royal family?"

Jason, Tyson and Leo laughed.

"That isn't even a speech topic."

"This isn't the formal speech. She already did one on caste system. This is the extra one minute ending speech. Besides, this is revenge."

"Turn the volume up, lets hear it fully."

Leo fiddled with the controls.

"-- not to mention heritage. I would say to wear the crown by an outsider is disrespectful and completely unprofessional. Even close friends shouldn't indulge in it. That said, it is also his responsibility to keep it secure all the time. It is a symbol of power and should not be handled lightly. That's all. Any questions?"

Someone from the Selected spoke up, "You say you're the Prince's friend. Have you ever seen anyone else wear his crown?"

Percy marveled at her perfect poker face. "No. None I can think of."

Councilwomen Artemis and Hecate raise eyebrows but let it slide. Artemis spoke up, "What should be the punishment for someone who steals the crown?"

Annabeth tried to look calm, "Technically, stealing is different from simply wearing it. I guess the wearer could pass by with a warning but the thief would need to pay a fine."

Hecate hummed and looked up at the mirror.

People would have figured out by now. I told you to be subtle!

Artemis spoke up. "Alright ladies. That's it. Lady Annabeth can go take the seat. Please stand according to your Selection numbers."

They stood in a long line and since Annabeth was 23, she occupied the end closer to the boys. She couldn't see them of course, because Percy doubted even she knew her way around this place. They bowed and started leaving.

Leo said, "She looks plain compared to the rest. She should have worn something that made her stand out."

Sally intervened, "That's exactly what she's not supposed to do. She's seen enough of royalty to know colours are for the press purposes. In theory, she looks perfect." She glanced at Percy. "You didn't give her ideas, did you?"

Percy lied smoothly, "No. This wasn't me. You can believe me because we are kind of not talking much."

Jason chuckled, "This is Annabeth we're talking about. Percy doesn't give her ideas. It is the other way around."

"Hey!", He complained.

...

After dinner, Annabeth was walking in the gardens when she found someone.

It was Jason.

And Piper.

...Walking together?

Piper waved her over. Jason looked embarrassed.

"Hey Annabeth! Walk with us!", Said Piper.

Annabeth obeyed, "Wassup?"

"Jason was just telling me Percy made his eliminations. We're 20 now."

Top 20. Who would've thought?

Jason interrupted, "Technically, not yet. They'll be eliminated tomorrow during breakfast."

"That's a horrible scene. Tell him to change it."

Annabeth agreed. "What are you two doing here?"

"Walking", said Piper in the best poker face she could muster. "We're just going back to the rooms and you're joining us."

She tried to protest but Piper didn't give in. She gave Jason an apologetic look before joining. When they reached the Selected rooms they saw someone leaning against a room.

Percy was kissing Rachel outside her room.

Annabeth froze. It was one thing hearing it happened and another actually seeing it.

She felt like someone was stabbing her back continously with a hot knife.

Immediately, Jason pulled Annabeth back and guided them through another set of hallways. Piper was torn between feeling jealous and feeling bad for Annabeth.

"Guys its alright! I'm fine. Seriously, Jason, you don't have to."

"You can be okay with it but Prince or not, Selection or not, you don't have to see it."

Annabeth looked down. "It isn't easy but this is how it is supposed to be. I have to get used to it guys."

"No you don't. Neither does anyone else. I'll tell the asshole to do things in private. That was so stupid."

"I'm in the Selected too, you know?" Said Piper.

Jason turned to her, "I thought you said you weren't interested in him."

"Huh? Why?" Asked Annabeth.

"I don't know. Remember how much I gushed over that greenhouse date? I think it was just the Selection talking. The more I think about it, the more I realise Percy isn't my type. Does that make sense to you? That the guy probably half the kingdom's marrying age group gushes over doesn't make you feel like that?"

"Yeah it does and it also makes me wonder what your type is.", Said Annabeth.

"Maybe blondes", she quickly wrapped an arm around Annabeth's shoulder, "I mean look, three of my good friends over here are blond."

Jason scratched his neck and that's when Percy came towards them from the end of the hallway.

He was grinning.

Annabeth fought a compelling urge to punch him.

"Hey", he said.

Jason and Piper remained silent thinking it was best to let Annabeth answer so when she didn't, it got awkward.

"Did something happen?" he asked, completely clueless.

Piper shook her head.

"Okay.. then. Jason, uh, there's something you should know."

He nodded and they walked back towards the Selected rooms.

Piper clutched Annabeth's hand after he left, "Boys. I swear they're all blind."

Annabeth grunted, "You're no better. Into blondes really? I don't think he catched up."

She blushed.

They may be Top 20 now but in reality, Annabeth realised that they were actually Top 18 -- assuming both Piper and Thalia weren't eliminated of course.

She didn't like the number 18. Percy messed up a lot of things when he was 18. Ironically, his birthday was also on August 18th.

Interesting number, she thought.

...

Yes yes I know what you're gonna say: Why haven't they kissed and made up yet?

Hey, don't fights test how much a relationship can handle? Besides, what's a Selection without drama? Scratch that, what is Percabeth without drama?

Hope you like the chapter! Leave me a comment so I know what you're feeling!

Believe me, even I'm dying to post the next chapter. I've already completed it but I guess it is best to have some gap between two chapters.

Happy reading!

IMPORTANT! If you want a behind the scenes story to any of the character's thoughts or have any doubts then tell me! I'll add it to the next chapter's Behind The Scenes.