Okay you guys, I wanted to write a more lighthearted chapter for you all because for the last few chapters I've been chucking feels and sad stuff at you nonstop. I hope this chapter is a little bit more fun and light hearted. It takes place a few days after the funeral, there has been a sense of closure and a new family who have risen to help Percy though his tough time. Please review and tell me what you think.

Disclaimer, I do not own Percy Jackson all rights belong to Rick Riordan

It took a lot of convincing for Paul to let Percy leave with Annabeth and the others, but finally the man conceded so long as Percy called to check in. Though Paul did seem reluctant when the teen said that he wouldn't be returning to Goode to finish the school year. Percy almost laughed at the fact that he was choosing to leave the school rather than being kicked out for some unexplainable disaster that would inevitably happen. The funeral left Percy feeling oddly happy, no he wasn't happy about having to burry his mom, but the fact that so many came to help him in his time of need thawed the ice in his stomach.

"Percy, before you leave." Paul had pulled him to the side for a quick goodbye. "I want you to know that you will always have a home with me. I'd be happy to take you in. You know that you've always been like a son to me."

Paul hugged Percy tightly again. "You have been the closest thing I've had to a dad, thank you Paul. For everything."

After one more tight squeeze Paul finally let Percy go. Percy felt bad that he left, Paul has always been good to him and his mom, if there wasn't a risk of the teen attracting hoards of monsters Percy would have gone with the older man. Annabeth quickly drew his thoughts away from the funeral that had been days ago. He found that everyone was a little more comfortable with him and people even tried to start conversations.

"So how you feeling?" She asked him while they headed to the arena for combat training. "I know it's been a couple of days, but..."

Percy gave her a lopsided smile, "I'm better than I was days ago."

"Are you still having nightmares?"

"Some." He admitted. "But it's nothing I can't handle."

The two of them arrived at the arena. Annabeth was dressed in a orange tank top and she had her blond hair pulled back into a pony tail. She also was wearing shorts, but Percy couldn't help but feel like she was going to get scraped up while they sparred. Of course they were only fighting hand to hand because the daughter of Athena felt that he needed to know how to defend himself without a weapon. Percy couldn't help but admire her confidence, she seemed to always be wearing it with whatever she did. He of course was wearing a T-shirt and a pair of blue swim shorts (just in case Annabeth decided to send him for another swim in the fountain).

Despite how quickly he could learn, Percy still ended up getting a good trashing from the blond girl. She'd kick and he'd duck, sometimes he'd send a hit back to her and every so often manage a blow. Annabeth nagged him on his form or stopped to make him adjust how he stood, but for the most part she seemed to be having fun training with him. She laughed really hard when she sent him tumbling off of his feet. He repaid her by kicking her legs from under her when she came to help him up.

"Wow. Didn't know you had it in you Seaweed Brian." She smirked as she wiped the dirt from her palms. Her smile turned sinister when they were both standing again. "How about you show me your defense?"

Percy had to work to avoid her attacks, block some of them and even counter by throwing her off balance. They sparred until they were dripping in sweat, eventually Annabeth decided that they should call it a day. She told him he could still use a lot of training and also said something about trying to find a balanced sword for him to use. As they were about to leave the arena Percy grabbed Annabeth by the waist, carried her to the fountain (quickly so she wouldn't be able to stop him), and sent the both of them tumbling into the cool salt water. It was a risky prank, but she just laughed once her shock wore off an splashed him in the face. He returned the attack and they ended up having a splash war.

Suddenly Annabeth paused before she could hit him in the face with another man made wave of water. He blinked in confusion. "What is it?"

"How are you doing that?" She grabbed at his shirt sleeve and let her fingers run over the material. She then touched his hair. "I guess it's another one of your abilities."

Percy looked down and realized he was absolutely dry where as Annabeth was soaking wet. He giggled at how silly she looked with her blond hair matted to her face and neck. She scowled for a moment and pushed him backwards and under the water. The retaliation didn't surprise him too much and he was still finding the sight of her drenched in water hilarious, especially because it was his fault. The dark haired teen resurfaced still dry and smiling innocently at his friend. The daughter of Athena gave him a thoughtful look.

"Do you think you can make it so you can get wet?"

The son of Poseidon thought about what it would feel like if his pant legs were wet and sure enough the water instantly soaked them. Percy only had a minute to marvel at his newly discovered ability when he received a huge splash of water that coated his whole face and the front of his shirt. He felt chilly as his clothing and hair stuck snugly against his skin. Now Annabeth was laughing at him. He stuck his tong out at her, he could taste the bitter salt water dripping on it, and she only grinned sweetly back.

"Funny, Wise girl."

By the time their fun in the fountain was over they were signaled to go to dinner, both Percy and Annabeth were forced to waddle all the way to the dining hall in wet clothing. Percy couldn't help but chuckle whenever Annabeth's shoes gave a rather loud squish and she'd shake her foot trying in vain to get the water out. He was still wet too, the son of Poseidon decided to suffer with the blond who'd give him a shove whenever she got the inclination to do so. Chiron was the first to spot them as they neared the doors to the dining hall. He gave the teens a smile, a chuckle, and a fond shake of his head.

"Should I even ask?"

Percy and Annabeth looked at each other with grins on their faces and answered, "Probably not."

"But it was his fault."

The son of the sea shook his head at her and flicked whatever water that remained dripping on his skin at her as payback. Chiron said something along the lines of 'children, ah to be young and silly' before he let the demigods take lead ahead of him and into the room. Most of the other kids and demigods immediately looked at the two, it was a sight to see, the son of Poseidon and the daughter of Athena, both dripping wet and being friendly. Annabeth ignored the prying eyes and pulled Percy to their usual table where her siblings were already laughing and joking about the two soaking teens.

"So sis," Malcolm began in the tone of voice that usually meant he was going to tease Annabeth. "Is there any water left in the ocean? Or did you and your boyfriend start a world wide drought?"

Annabeth rolled her eyes and snatched up her brother's cup before setting it in front of her. She took her soaked ponytail and rang the water into the cup before giving it back to the older teen, "There, now you don't have to be worried that you won't get your fill of salt water."

"Annie," The blond boy whined and looked pathetically at the now salt water beverage, "What did you do that for?"

"For calling Percy my boyfriend when I've told you explicably that he's just a friend."

Malcolm scrunched up his nose, "I didn't know you could be so gross."

"I didn't know you were still five years old." Annabeth smirked. "And you of all people should know never to invoke revenge from a child of Athena brother, just be glad that I didn't decide to dye your hair hot pink tonight."

"So this is what you call mercy?" Her brother prodded as he lifted the glass and pushed it in her face. Percy held his hand tightly over his mouth so he wouldn't bust out laughing. Those two were the most perfect example of siblings that he had ever seen.

"It could have been a lot worse." Annabeth insisted sincerely and then poked Percy in the shoulder, "Just ask him."

Malcolm looked to the dark haired boy expectantly, that's how Percy realized he was Annabeth's backup in the argument, "Yes, your sister is vicious like a panther or an angry owl whose mouse has been stolen. You got off easier than I did when Poseidon claimed me."

The son of Athena just gave up the argument and ordered another drink, which the winds swiftly provided for him. Percy noticed that the rest of Annabeth's siblings didn't seem too eager to challenge their sister like Malcolm had been, but he knew when they whispered to each other, they were talking about him and Annabeth. He let his gaze wonder to his blond friend who was trying to dry her arms, face, and neck with a napkin. The teen wouldn't deny that she was pretty, but even if he did have a crush on her (come on how many times did he have to deny it!) she was probably way out of his league. If he did ever ask her on a date, she'd probably laugh and turn him down.

Besides, he was fine being friends with a beautiful, intelligent, pretty, and strong girl.

"Percy?" Annabeth asked, her hand filled with napkin hovered over her pony tail. "Why are you staring at me like that?"

The son of Poseidon blinked and brought himself from his thoughts. "Like what?"

"Weirdly." she demanded with a bright pink face. When he couldn't answer her she stopped trying to dry her hair and started to dry the water dripping down the back of his neck. "You should really change your clothes and dry your hair after dinner."

I believe that they both doth protest too much, what about you guys. Sorry that it was kind of short and I know Annabeth got a little gross by filling her brother's cup with water from her pony tail, but I thought it was funny. I hope you've enjoyed your brief brake from all of the sadness. Muahahahahahahahah.

P.S I wrote part of this late at night and I get kind of silly when I'm tired, trust me I was originally planning on giving another sad ending to this chapter, but I figured you guys and I needed to see our favorite son of Poseidon be happy, even if it is for a little bit.