(A/N Hey! It's been a while, sorry-I got caught up in a [few] P&P fic[s]. I haven't gotten to SoM yet; I have at least two, maybe three, chapters that take place before the summer.

Enjoy!

I continue to own nothing.)

"Hey, Dad?"

"Yeah?"

"Are we, um… Are we busy on the solstice?"

"The solstice?"

"Yeah… I was… Well, I was invited to go on a...fieldtrip of sorts."

Amos studied him before his eyes widened a moment and he nodded slowly.

"Fieldtrip with your camp?"

"Yeah…"

"How long will you be gone?"

"It's just a day trip. Apparently H- Apparently my uncle wants me there. I'm not entirely sure why… And Annabeth didn't seem to think it was a good sign… But I can't really deny that side of my family without… repercussions."

"Kid, you do realize I'm more likely to agree when I don't think your life is at risk?"

"If I breathe my life is at risk," Percy shrugged.

"Touche. Do you want to go?"

"Yeah. I think it'd be cool to see Olympus while not freaking out that I'm probably about to die."

"The not dying is always a plus."

"Exactly."

They shared a grin and Percy handed him the letters he'd gotten from Chiron and Annabeth about the upcoming outing. It was always...odd, to consider this part of his son's life. They didn't talk about it much; really they shouldn't talk about it at all. If the House found out they'd want to separate them (more than they already do) and the magic surrounding each of them shouldn't be mixed. They'd seen that in the past and didn't know what to make of it, but at least now they understood. Kind of.

Annabeth was another...interesting piece of information. With how Percy talked about her Amos assumed he at least liked her, but most of the stories about the girl centered around her not trusting him as far as she could throw him. They were still just kids though, and Amos thought she would make a good friend to Percy. She was steady, if untrusting.

What bothered him was her name. Annabeth. It could be a coincidence, but Annabeth had been the name of one of his 'imaginary friends' that he had had such vivid dreams about.

"I understand you won't have a phone, but please don't get sucked into a quest. I- I can't do that. I can't think you're going to be gone for a day and then you not show up for a week."

"I know. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to leave over the summer! I was just...blowing off steam."
"Yeah, and then the steam blew you over."

"Yeah, yeah. I'm fine. I could probably even best you in a fight."

"Like I'd let you get close enough to!" Percy stuck his tongue out and Amos tweaked his nose. "Need me to drop you off?"

"Nah, I'll take the bus."

"Ya gonna blow this one up too?"

"Dunno. Maybe sink it in the river?"

They grinned again. This was how they coped: Make a joke; have a laugh; everything is normal.

.

"You came?"

"Nah. I'm just here for the nachos at the party on floor 17." She elbowed him in the ribs and he grinned.

He never knew exactly where he stood with Annabeth, one minute they were the best of friends and they had each other's backs and the next she was distrustful and critical of everything he did and said. If he had to guess he'd say she had decided he was awful and bad news, but after their quest and training together last summer her defenses had dropped and she had to remind herself to keep them up. It was a nice change up from the usual, where people were naturally guarded around him and only allowed a taste of friendship against their better judgement.

"So, you mentioned my uncle wanted to see you too?"

"Yeah...I'm not sure what to make of it. But it's not wise to upset the gods."

"Yeah, I exist, so I'm pretty sure I've failed in that department."

"Oh, yeah! Sending Aunty Em's head to Olympus had nothing to do with it!" He grinned again at her sarcasm, causing her to suppress a grin in response and try for a glare.

It was their group's turn on the elevator and the two spoke of their schools and how she'd used this excuse to get away from her dad's family for a bit.

"It's been...good. Really. But they're a bit much. I feel welcome, but not like I belong."

"I can understand that. My dad is awesome and I love him, but anytime he mentions m- history it's like my entire being wants to turn inside out and dematerialize."

"I'm not...sure it's the same, Percy." Her voice was hard and hurt, and he realized that without proper context he just minimalized her family problems to a difference in interests.

"Right. Sorry. I was just… Well, nevermind. I'm glad they're being nice at least."

"Yeah." She fiddled with her necklace and looked everywhere but at him.

"Is it...weird that we're having this fieldtrip? I mean, someone did steal the masterbolt last year. And we're supposed to be preparing for war."

"No one believe you about the coming war. Their heads are in the sand. And allowing us again this year is a power move stating that the gods don't fear us and we can't get away with anything if we do try."

The doors dinged open before he could reply and they made their way to the throne room.

.

"Lord Hades," they chorused after approaching the small 'throne' set aside for him.

"I have a debt of gratitude to pay. I was remiss in failing to do so in the summer, but I have decided to address it."

"Uh?"

"Here." He handed each a small token. "You may have a single visit with a loved one of your choosing. These will both take you to and return you from their afterlife."

"I-I can meet my mom?"

"Yes, Perseus. You may meet Sally Jackson. But I warn you, a conversation is all I am offering. Have no notions of taking my subjects from my domain."

"I can not thank you enough for this."

"I know."

"Uncle…"

"Use it well, Perseus Jackson. And do not mistake me for a friend. I only pay my debts. My Furies delivered both the helm and the tale and this is my payment and apology."

Percy had no more words, so he smiled at him brightly earning an eyeroll.