A/N: Alright, not much to say here other than to give a friendly reminder to Follow, Favorite, and Review the story if you've liked it so far! I love to hear from all of you and your reviews always give me things to think about! With that said, let's hop into chapter 13!

Chapter XIII: Lunch for Three

Hospitals, Percy hated hospitals. They were a waste of time for someone like him and there was never a single positive feeling that happened in them. Some might say the birth of a child could be positive, but honestly, Percy felt if he ever had a kid, he'd probably feel nothing but stress. So even that was a bit of a moot point. Grover had thankfully managed to get Will to be the resident on his case and thankfully, the attending physician had left Percy in Will's 'capable hands'.

For as excitable as Will could be, it was better than having to answer a hundred questions about his unique condition. Percy's stomach growled and he groaned which made Juniper jump. "Percy, everything okay? Are you in pain? Do I need to get Will and-"

"Relax," Grover said with a chuckle, "He's hungry, not in pain and he's being a little baby about it."

"I got shot in the shoulder and you're calling me a baby?" Percy said. "Plus, hungry, in pain, it's the same thing really. Honestly, being hungry is probably worse." Percy glanced at his shoulder where the scar tissue had already begun to form. "How long do you think it'll take for them to discharge me?"

"Dunno," Grover shrugged, "I wouldn't exactly be in a rush anyway. I have a feeling you're going to be out of work for a little bit. Your team doesn't recover as quickly as you. Not to mention, you'll probably have to see a shrink before you can go back on duty."

Percy nodded regrettably, his mind wandered to the latest status update of his team. Reyna's injuries weren't critical thankfully and the bullet removal surgery had been successful. However, she had a couple hard weeks of physical therapy coming her way plus mandatory counseling. Then there was Leo who Percy could only imagine was giving his shrink hell back at the station. Finally, there was Frank who wasn't looking that great. Broken ribs, wrist, and a rotator cuff injury. His team really wasn't going to sprinting back into action.

Hurried footsteps pattered along the linoleum floor and Percy saw a flicker of red in the distance. He sighed and prepared himself for what he could only image came next. He'd watched enough romantic comedies to know that this is where shit tended to get emotional. Rachel slid into the room and nearly gave herself a concussion from her impact with the wall, but just barely caught herself.

Percy gave her a weak smile and a wave and Rachel returned it with a relieved grin of her own. Though, Percy soon found himself utterly terrified as Rachel's face turned as red as her hair, "You complete fucking idiot!" She shouted, "What did you think you were doing?!"

Percy swallowed and said nothing. Rachel took the silence to continue, "They said you offered to distract an underground gang leader and then, as if that wasn't enough, you got into a car to chase down another mob member. A mob member that you apparently pissed off. Then when Frank, the actually police officer went down, you decided that you didn't get enough action yet and continued the fire fight! Are you a complete idiot!"

"You remember that we only went on our first date after I ran into a burning building, right?" Percy asked.

"Yeah! It's hot when you acted like a hero then! But now it's not! Not when I actually-" Rachel steadied her words, "Not now that I actually care about you, okay?"

The red rage that filled Rachel's face had been replaced by a timid blush across her cheeks and Percy sent her the softest smile. He patted a space on the bed next to him and Rachel sat beside him. He took her dainty, paint-stained hand into his and rubbed circles with his thumb atop it. Rachel's shoulder slouched forward a bit and a tired sight left her lips.

Grover and Juniper sent the two a brief nod before they departed with the promise of food when they got back, a notion that filled Percy with joy. He pulled Rachel closer to him and for the noticed the tremble in her eyes as the girl fought valiantly against the tears of relief that wanted to stream down her cheeks. Percy cupped her cheek and turned her towards him before he guided her lips down to meet his. For a moment, Percy felt himself adrift in a blissful haze before Rachel pulled back, a light shake in her lower lip.

"Look, Percy, I know I'm not your girlfriend and I don't have the right to ask this of you," Rachel started, "I mean, even if I was, it's your life and you can live it how you want, I just-"

Percy squeezed her hand encouragingly and Rachel continued, "Just please don't be so reckless next time. You're not a cop, so don't try to be a hero. When I heard you were in the hospital I got so nauseous and I felt like my heart fell into my stomach. I know that sounds stupid because we're not dating but-"

"We could be," Percy said. His words silenced Rachel instantly, and for a second, he felt his own heart sink into his empty stomach. "I'm sorry," he apologized, "that was dumb and-,"

"Do you mean that?" Rachel whispered, "Would you actually want me to be your girlfriend? I don't exactly have the most simple life and I can be really annoying and-"

"I like you, Rachel," Percy said. "You make me feel happier when you're around. I wouldn't mind you being around more often. Plus, like I said, I've been shot and ran into a house fire in less than six months, my life isn't exactly simple either."

Rachel laughed, she laughed her musical laugh that lifted Percy's spirit in an instant and Percy kissed her once more. The two sat silently, for a moment before Percy's forehead filled with wrinkles. "Hey, Rachel, I have to tell you something. I, uh, I don't really know how to do any of this boyfriend stuff. I mean, you're kinda my first."

Rachel's eyes widened then softened once more, "Coulda fooled me after that night we shared." Percy felt his ears turn crimson and Rachel giggled. "Look, don't worry about it. Just be you, okay? That's enough for me."

Percy smirked, "Okay, yeah, I think I can do that." Rachel had just put her head against his chest when the door to his room slid open. He'd been expecting Grover or Juniper, what he hadn't been prepared for was none other than Commissioner Chase. "Commissioner? Can I help you?"

"Sorry." Commissioner Chase cleared his throat, "I didn't want to interrupt anything, but I-" he coughed and corrected himself, "We need you."

"He's literally in a hospital bed, what could you possible need him-" Rachel started but stopped when Percy gripped her arm tightly.

"How can I help?"

"It's the girl, the one you saved. She's awake now, but she won't talk to any of us. We're hoping that maybe she'd talk to you. If you're up to it, that is?" The Commissioner added.

Percy nodded and to Rachel's disappointment lifted himself from his bed. Commissioner Chase moved to support him, but Percy didn't need the help. "I do have one condition," Percy said as he adjusted his hospital gown, "We have to stop by Reyna's room first."

"Not a problem at all," Chase said.

With Rachel in tow, the three walked through the halls. Percy only shuddered to think what the doctors and nurses must have thought to see Percy up and about, but he hoped he read the looks wrong. The last thing he wanted was more questions. Percy already had Will on him, he didn't need another mad scientist desperate to dissect him. One might argue that's not what doctors do, but Percy didn't care. Outside of battlefields, hospitals were the worst, and even between the two, Percy hadn't pinned down which was wore.

Asclepius' Grace was large, or at least, he thought it was. Percy wasn't exactly taking in the view as they roamed the halls. He was appreciative of Rachel's hand in his, if for nothing else then the stillness it provided him. Percy did feel his spirts rise when they entered beneath a banner that read Post-Op wing. When the door shut behind them, it wasn't hard to figure out which was Reyna's room, while there were two room guarded by officers, hers and Frank's, only one had a familiar blonde behind the glass screen.

Rachel let go of his hand and Percy turned to her with a lifted brow. "I'm uh," Rachel muttered, "I'm going to stay here. You go inside and check on her."

Percy nodded uncertainly but didn't really feel curious. That would have been odd for him in most other situations, but concern overshadowed the questions Rachel posed in his mind. He broke from the commissioner and approached the doors which parted at Commissioner Chase's barked orders. It wasn't exactly necessary, but Percy rapped his knuckles against the glass regardless. He locked eyes with Reyna who looked as firm as ever, then entered.

"Jackson," Reyna said curtly.

"Detective," Percy replied with the same even tone before he broke into a smile that mirrored itself across Reyna's lips. "Glad to see you're doing okay, but then again, you never struck me as the type to die by a bullet."

Reyna's smile faded and Percy felt his blood go cold. Percy readied himself to apologize for his possibly distasteful joke before the words fell from Reyna's mouth first, "Percy, I'm sorry."
"For what?" Percy asked with genuine confusion.

"For letting you get shot." Reyna's eyes sank, "You're in my legion, and that makes you my subordinate. It's my responsibility to make sure you're safe and I failed both you and Frank in that duty." She lowered her head pitifully, "So, once again, I'm sorry."

"Keep apologizing and I'll slap that leg wound so hard you'll go into a coma," Percy joked. Reyna's eyes filled with a foggy haze that cleared at Percy laugh. "First of all, I'm not your subordinate, I like to think of us more as partners. Secondly, don't worry too much about the injury, I heal fast. Thirdly, I can't speak for Frank, but I don't blame you for any of this. It's not like you shot me. So get over yourself will you, you don't get to hog all the attention."

"You're the worst," Reyna chuckled and Percy smiled at the serious woman's laugh. "Also, for the record, I'm definitely in charge. To stamp that, remember this order, you are never to emulate that reckless behavior again, clear?"

"No can do, boss," Percy teased. "You're my friend. If you're live is in danger, I'm not going to turn my back on you no matter what you say." Reyna's lip quivered before she forced it still and Percy smiled, "Plus, who would I torment horribly with my games if you weren't around. I'd have to quit the force out of boredom."

"You son of a bitch, I almost had an emotional moment with you," Reyna said.

"Well thank goodness that didn't happen." Percy smiled. A finger tapped on his shoulder and he spun to meet the tapper. The girl was pretty, beautiful even, with stormy grey eyes and wavy blonde hair. She stood a couple inches shorter than Percy though looked athletic and incredibly familiar. "Hi," Percy said, his focus shortened for a moment, "Sorry about that, can I help you?"

"You're Percy Jackson, correct?" The woman asked. Percy nodded uncomfortably as the blonde studied him. "Fascinating. I've seen you in pictures and heard stories about you from Reyna, I just figured you'd be, I don't know, a bit more impressive." Percy's brow tightened before the grey-eyed girl continued, "Well, never mind that. My name is Annabeth Chase. I'm the commissioner's daughter, it's a pleasure to meet you Mr. Jackson."

"Annabeth," Percy liked the way the name sounded on his tongue. Truthfully it was honestly the only thing he liked about the girl apart from how she looked. Percy was less stunned by her appearance than by her attitude. Who starts a conversation with, I thought you'd be more impressive, he thought to himself silent. He took the girl's hand and shook it, "It's nice to meet you."

"Ms. Chase, please," Annabeth corrected, "Let's not be too familiar. My father is still your boss and we aren't exactly friends."

"Do you- do you have a problem with me?" Percy asked softly.

"Not at all, Mr. Jackson." Annabeth's phone vibrated in her hand and she sighed deeply, "I have to go, Luke is waiting on me outside." Annabeth walked past Percy like he was invisible before she smiled at Reyna. "I'm glad you aren't dead Rey. Don't worry too much either, strong woman like you, you'll breeze through physical therapy."

"Yeah, I know I'll be fine," Reyna said with a cocky smirk, "It's you I'm worried about. You're still going out with that Luke guy, huh? I don't like him Annabeth, I don't think he's good for you." Annabeth shot the Reyna a glare that Percy couldn't believe was even possible to send to anyone other than an enemy. "Look, I'm just concerned is all. Guys like him, they think they can do anything. Just, be careful, alright?" Annabeth nodded swiftly, then as abruptly as she'd entered Percy's life, she vanished.

"She seems delightful," Percy said sarcastically.

"She's a little rough around the edges," Reyna admitted.

"Pot calling the kettle black there isn't it," Percy snipped.

"Quiet. Honestly, it could have been a lot worse. Considering you and Dare's relationship, I figured it was going to be a lot more gruesome. She really held back," Reyna said.

The fog of confusion lifted slightly between the outside interaction. Percy hadn't really stopped to consider that Rachel could have a feud with anyone. To him, Rachel was the most genuinely likable girl he'd ever met, but he wasn't that surprised when he considered the person Annabeth appeared to be. Even for Rachel, Annabeth looked like a glacier not even she could warm up.

Commissioner Chase entered shortly after his daughter's departure. Abrasiveness must have been common among Annabeth's introduction with people based on the apologetic look the Commissioner had plastered across his face. Percy waved away any negative emotion he felt towards his bosses daughter before he waved goodbye to Reyna and followed the Sandy-Haired man from the Post Op wing to a section even further back with Rachel in pursuit.

Once more, the room was guarded by officers who parted like the red sea at Chase's approach. Percy stepped into the room right behind the middle-aged man and found himself face to face with a lightly restrained and extremely panicked young lady. "The handcuffs weren't there to start with but the nurse found the girl about to jump from the window. Whatever it is that the girl went through, she isn't doing alright, that's for sure." A sad gleam filled the Commissioner's eyes, "I was hoping to try and get her to speak to the psychiatrist here but, nothings working."

Percy nodded solemnly then approached. He pulled a chair out and flipped it so that his chest leaned against the chair's back. "Hey, you're looking a lot better from when I found you, you know? Then again, you're conscious so that's an improvement by itself." The girl turned away from him but Percy kept on, "My name's Percy, I can only imagine that you've been through a lot, but I hope you know that we're here to help you. Can you tell me your name?"

"Calypso," The girl spat out quickly, almost too quick for even Percy to hear.

"That's a nice name," Percy said softly, "So tell me, are you from around here?"

The girl shook her head and Percy's eyes soured. Her hair had briefly revealed bruises along her neck, the girl wasn't untouched. "I know this is going to sound difficult, but, do you remember anything about what happened to you?"

"I can't talk to you." Fear filled the young girl's eyes, "They're going to come back for me and if they find out I talked to anyone they'll kill me and you. I've seen them do it. You shouldn't have saved me."

"I can take care of myself," Percy said confidently. "It's you that I'm worried about? I want to help you Calypso. I want to stop the people that hurt you, but I need your help if I'm going to do that." Percy reached out slowly and Calypso jumped before she relaxed at his touch, "I promise you that nobody here is going to hurt you."

"I've heard that before," Calypso sneered, "Most people who say that are liars."

Percy couldn't exactly disagree with the girl's sentiments. She was right, most people that made blanket promises where liars in one way or another. Percy's brain felt like it was running a mile a minute, he wasn't exactly at peace with his own trauma and was nowhere near ready to help anybody else. But somehow, someway, Calypso knew Kronos, and he couldn't let that clue slip from his fingers.

"You're right, but I'm not most people. I give you my word I'll keep you safe." Percy's hand gripped Calypso's gently, "The people who did this to you, they won't stop on their own. There will be other girls, other innocent girls who will suffer if we don't stop these monsters masquerading as people. I can't do that without your help."

"Even if I wanted to help you I couldn't," Calypso snapped. Her eyes raced around the room, desperate for an escape. "They didn't exactly give us a lot of freedom to see where they held us. We had bags over our heads for the most part. The only time we ever really got to have them off was when," Calypso choked on her words, "Was when we were with a client."

"Well then tell us who one of your clients looked like and-," Percy glared at an officer from the outside and silenced him before he glanced apologetically back at Calypso.

"Hey, are you hungry?" Percy asked, "I don't know about you but I'm starving. Tell me, what's your favorite food?"

"My favorite food?" Calypso repeated the question like Percy had spoken a different language to her. Percy nodded assuredly and Calypso fell quite a moment before she whispered, "Lasagna, I really love lasagna."

"Ah Italian Food huh?" Percy smiled, "Not really my favorite, but not a bad choice. Come on, let's get you some Lasagna, why don't we?"

"Huh?" Commissioner Chase and Calypso said together.

"Well, first I'm going to need to get you out of these cuffs," Percy said.

Commissioner Chased pulled Percy aside, his brow was deeply furrowed and stress bled behind his eyes. "What are you planning?"

"She's a girl that just got free of sex trafficking only to find herself handcuffed to a hospital bed and hungry," Percy replied nonchalantly, "What she really needs is some good food and a taste of freedom. So let's release her and get her some food. She can even come with me and Rachel, it'll be a good experience for her."

"We put her in handcuffs because she nearly ran out of the window when she wasn't in them." Commissioner Chase growled. "She's a possible witness to an exceedingly dangerous underground sex ring. She's incredibly useful."

"She won't be until she's ready to talk and keeping her chained to a hospital bed isn't exactly going to make her warm up to you," Percy countered. "Come on, I'll take full responsibility for her safety, and it's not like we're doing anything crazy, we're just getting some lunch."

Commissioner Chase handed over the key and whispered the condition into Percy's ear. He rolled his eyes at the older man's concern but nodded in agreement before he returned to Calypso's side, handcuff key in his grasp. "Well, looks like you and I are off to lunch." Percy freed the handcuff that kept Calypso latched to the bed frame before he slapped it on his own wrist. "Sorry about this, but it's the only way the boss man over there was going to let us out of here. Don't worry though, I don't bite. Come on now, let's get up, I have someone I want you to meet."

Calypso said nothing, Percy couldn't figure exactly what the girl may have thought, but he figured it teetered somewhere between, this guy's insane and lasagna sounds good. Percy smile reached his eyes at Rachel's puzzled expression that read, do I even want to know? Percy winked in response and walked over to the girl just as he finished a text to Grover and Juniper with an update on his situation.

He pulled Calypso forward a bit, then, as if this was a perfectly normal experience he began introductions, "Calypso, this is Rachel my beautiful girlfriend, Rachel, this is Calypso, we don't have much time before I pass out of hunger so we're going out to lunch."

"In handcuffs?" Rachel asked.

"Makes things more exciting," Percy chuckled.

"I don't disagree," Rachel laughed.

"Note to self," He teased, though the curious expression on Rachel's face made Percy wonder if she was serious.

Rachel took point on their way out of the hospital. Their Lyft had come in record time, and Rachel pulled his own signature move against him by, when they'd entered the Honda Accord, Percy had absolutely no idea where they were going. Percy didn't mind, he wasn't able to see what got Reyna and Frank so upset about it, the mystery was very fun. Calypso stayed silent beside Percy in the back as Rachel sat shotgun with the driver. Percy found his attention split between his handcuffed companion, and the less than innocent gaze the driver sent Rachel's way at every red light.

I dare you to touch her, see what happens, Percy hissed in his mind, but silenced his jealousy. Rachel could look after herself, he knew that, but he wouldn't hesitate to help her out if she asked for it. Calypso's stomach growled in sync with his and Calypso grinned softly. It was faint, and dim, like a dying bulb in a dark room, but it was present and Percy loved to see the girl smile.

I need you to trust me, Percy thought to himself. You're my lead to Kronos. You have to know something. Percy took a sudden interest in the floor. I'm treating her like a means to an end. He chastised himself, the image of his late father vivid in his mind, Maybe we aren't all that different after all. Percy glanced up at Rachel who had done a pretty impressive job of ignoring the driver all things considered and dug his fingertips into the leather seats, No, Calypso is one thing, but I'd never use the people I care about. Grover, Juniper, Katie, Reyna, Leo and Rachel, none of them are my tools.

The driver slammed heavy on the break and Percy rubbed his neck from the sudden stop. He hurried out of the car, Calypso in tow and opened the passenger side for Rachel who exited gracefully. Percy's brow furrowed and his throat became as dry as a desert when he faced the restaurant they'd stopped at. Hera's Heart one of the most expensive restaurants in all of New Rome.

"Um, Red," Percy started, "Why are we here? I don't think I can afford this place and even if I could we need to schedule a reservation like a month in-"

"Aw, that's cute, you seem to have forgotten who you're dating," Rachel said with a pat to his cheek, "Don't worry about that, I've got this. Just follow along and look pretty."

"So objectifying," Percy said with fake indignation. Rachel pecked his cheek softly before one more she led the way into the restaurant. Percy had never been anywhere with velvet ropes, but Rachel walked around the spectacle of a restaurant like she owned the place. Turns out, she did. This girl is full of surprises, he thought to himself as the hostess rose with attention like Rachel was a commanding officer and ordered a server to take them to 'her' table.

Calypso and Percy shared a look of marveled confusion at their walk through the restaurant. Percy was quite certain the red carpet beneath his feet was more comfortable than his bed and even one of the smaller chandeliers that hung atop the dining hall looked like it would've costed a year's worth of his salary. In all his life, Percy had never had his chair pulled out for him and when they bibbed him, Percy felt a wave of confusion hit him like he'd never felt before.

Waiters rushed to their sides with bottles of wine for Rachel to choose from, to which she denied both of and opted for a coke instead. Percy laughed internally at the gesture. Rachel was completely herself, but Percy couldn't help but imagine that she made a conscious effort to defy every single rich-girl stereotype there was.

Percy had been to his fair share of restaurants, but he was never important enough to have a waiter, literally wait on them. The man, who was dressed in a whole tuxedo mind you, stood a comfortable distance from them and Calypso's cheeks filled with embarrassment at her current attire compared to the crowd of the restaurant below. "You know, we could have stopped to get a change of clothes if this was where you were taking us," Percy laughed.

"Perhaps, but it wouldn't be much of a vengeance plot if I did," Rachel said coyly. Percy's eyes flickered with mystery before she smiled, "This right here is payback for giving me an anxiety attack after I heard you got shot."

"I got shot," Percy remarked, "Figured that would be payback enough."

"Mhm, no," Rachel laughed and Percy couldn't help but join in. Rachel's eyes flickered to Calypso, "You, on the other hand, I have no interest in embarrassing. Jean!" Rachel called out and the waiter rushed to their side, "Please fit the lady here in one of my evening gowns that I keep here. It should fit well enough."

"She's kind of handcuffed to me," Percy replied and lifted their entangled hands.

"Like you didn't pocket the key," Rachel said with a heavy eye roll that forced Percy to relent and revealed the key. "Knew it." Percy unlocked the handcuff and set Calypso free. The girl's eyes fogged over with questions but Rachel only grinned back.

"Please don't run off," Percy asked, "You'd get me in so much trouble if you did."

"I won't," Calypso muttered.

Percy lifted his pinky, "Pinky swear."

"Why? I already told you I promised I wouldn't run," Calypso retorted.

"Much easier to lie with words than with actions," Percy said. Calypso rolled her eyes but did as she was asked, "Alright, now you pinky swore so if you break the promise you'll be tormented by rats forever."

"That's not what happens," Calypso snipped back and Percy raised his brow once more.

"That makes it sound like you've broken a pinky swear before," Percy said, "Should I really trust you?" Her stomach growled and she nodded swiftly, "Alright then, I'll accept your promise then. See you back here soon."

Jean guided Calypso to a room a bit further behind their private table and Percy took a deep breath and a glance at the snow covered buildings that lined New Rome before he returned to Rachel who tapped his hands gently. "So, what's up?"

"The sky?" Percy said before Rachel's face turned serious and he sighed, "What do you want to know?"

"This girl, why do you care so much about her?" Rachel asked, "My first thought was somebody from your past, but I don't get that impression anymore. So I'm curious, why not just leave the girl at the hospital? Why go through the trouble of taking her out to lunch?"

"Well hospitals are dreadful places, who would want to stay there?" Percy said.

"Percy, seriously, what's going on?" Rachel asked.

"Jealous are you?"

"No, you're stupidly loyal, the last thing you'd ever do is cheat, so trust me, I'm not jealous. I am curious though." Rachel said.

"She knows something about the sex ring that the underground of New Rome is running," Percy said carefully. He didn't want to lie to Rachel, but he couldn't tell her everything. It wasn't safe for her to know. "She thinks she doesn't know anything but I think that if I can get her to trust me enough to open up, there may be a clue to how this sex ring operates and how we can shut them down."

"So you're using her?" Rachel said sternly.

Percy nodded, "Yes, I am. I sense that you're bothered by that?"

"Concerned, mostly," Rachel returned. "It's not that I don't understand your reasoning, but it just makes me wonder if that means you'd ever use me or-"

"No," Percy shook his head forcefully, "You're important to me Rachel. I'd never use you like a tool."

Rachel sighed, "She deserves better than to be treated like a tool. When you're done with this investigation, I want to invest in support systems for her. You might have a thing with people, but I consider myself a good judge of character too. She's a good person, I'm not just going to cast her aside."

"You really are a kind hearted heiress," Percy said after a sip of his diet coke, "Onto a less serious issue, how long have you owned a restaurant?"

"Story for another time," Rachel said with a warm smile and a look that ordered him to turn around. Calypso emerged from the private room in a stunning white gown that hugged her body tightly. Rachel was right when she said they were about the same size, but Rachel was a bit more petite that the cinnamon haired teen. Still, Percy couldn't help but imagine Rachel in one of those dresses, and suddenly his focus shifted away from the hunger in his belly.

The distraction wasn't for long. Food had arrived rapidly to the table and Percy's mouth watered at the sight of the lasagna. He moaned at the taste of the pasta in his mouth and for what must have been the fourth time in their couple hour long relationship, he gave silent thanks to any god that would listen for Rachel. His ears tweaked however, at the silent sniffle to his left. A tiny stream of tears flowed down Calypso's cheeks as she ate and Rachel patted the girl's of hand softly.

"It's so good," Calypso said teary-eyed, "I haven't had good food in so long."

Rachel's eyes hardened at the girl's expression and without a word, Percy and Rachel nodded, I'll find the people who did this, Percy growled beneath his breath, no matter what.

Their lunch went smoothly, though Percy and Rachel gave Calypso enough time to process her current reality. An apologetic look stretched across Percy's face when he cuffed the two together again, but Calypso looked far more understanding. The three arrived at the station shortly after their departure from the restaurant. Even as they reentered the hellish landscape that was the hospital, Percy's mind still hadn't shifted from the fact they'd eaten all that good food for free.

Commissioner Chase took the key from him when they arrived back to Calypso's room and unlocked their cuffs once more, but Percy stopped him before he cuffed Calypso back to her bed. "Calypso, I don't want them to handcuff you again. Can we trust you that you won't run."

"Promise me that you'll come back tomorrow," She whispered faintly.

Percy smiled and lifted his pinky to her, "Yeah, I pinky swear it."

"Okay," Calypso said. Her finger wrapped tightly around his and the two bobbed their closed fist in unison.

"She won't go anywhere," Percy said to the Commissioner firmly.

"We'll keep her under surveillance tonight, but you need to go get some rest as well. With your team still a couple months left of recovery, I have a new assignment for you," Commissioner Chase said. "I'll let you know more about it in the morning, but know that until Reyna returns, you can enjoy the extra sleep. I want you in my office tomorrow morning, at the normal operating time."

"Yes sir," Percy said, "I'll be on my way then."

Percy departed from the hospital room to find Rachel just outside once more. She walked slowly up to him and smiled, "Ready to go."

"Yeah," He said, "Where to?"

"Hotel room," She replied, "After the scare you put me through today, I don't want to let you out of my sight just yet. Plus, I kinda want to spend the night with my new boyfriend. Any complaints."

"I'm reckless not stupid," Percy said warmly, "I assume you already reserved a room."

Rachel nodded, and hand in hand, the two departed.

A/N: Looks like Percy's got himself a girlfriend! I really liked this chapter because it gave insight into Percy's psychology. I think it also showed some interesting dynamics between other characters we don't see as frequently. Truth be told outside of Percy and Rachel, I love writing Percy and Reyna because I just love the dynamic I've developed with them! But I'd love to hear from you so if you enjoyed this chapter please be sure to Follow, Favorite, and Review! Peace Out Peeps!