Frank's P.O.V
I'd volunteered to take Annabeth's Saturday morning shift so that she could go and see Percy in the hospital, seeing as she wasn't there after he'd woken up last night. So I was royally surprised when I walked into the shop, and she was already setting up the coffee machines.
"Annabeth, didn't Piper tell you? I'm covering your morning shift, so you can see Percy." I said.
"She told me, thank you Frank. I just couldn't sleep and needed something to ground my nervous energy. Setting up the shop for the day helps. I'll be out of your way when I'm done. And Thanks." She replied.
"No problem" I said and went to put my apron on. I couldn't have been gone for more than five minutes but when I returned to help Annabeth, she was gone, and the shop was ready for business.
I had no idea what was happening, but I hoped she was okay. She seemed to be really flustered.
Percy's P.O.V
I was in a lot of pain. My ribs were broken, and my stomach was bruised. My head was pounding and so were my lungs. But nothing quite hurt like my heart. It ached to see Annabeth, to know how she was after speaking to Luke.
Sleep had been, interesting, I suppose was the word. I had been asleep, but I didn't feel like I'd slept at all. I was so worried about Annabeth, and every time I moved pain flared up in one way or another. I checked the clock, it was 9am, she'd be opening up the shop right now. I'd have to wait to see her, I really hoped she came by after her shift.
"Good morning, Mr. Jackson." My doctor said.
"Morning" I replied.
"How are you feeling?" He asked.
"Same as I was yesterday." I replied. My doctor nodded.
"Well that's to be expected. You've got a long journey of healing in front of you."
"When can I go home?" I asked.
"Mr. Jackson, I know you have a life that you want to get back to. I've seen your friends and family visiting you, I've even seen some of the NYU staff visit you. I understand there are things you want to get back to, so you can feel a sense of normalcy. But I must implore you not to rush back to anything, it'll only delay your recovery." He told me.
I was about to answer when Annabeth answered for me. "Oh he won't be rushing anywhere, doctor, I can promise you that much." She said looking at me and I couldn't help but stare back, a smile spreading across my face. As much as it hurt to smile, I didn't care, she was here, and that's what I cared about.
"I'll leave you for now, everything looks to be in order." My doctor said before continuing on with his day and leaving me alone with Annabeth.
"Hi" She said shyly taking a seat next to my bed. I tried really hard not to frown, why was she being shy? Annabeth wasn't shy, at least not with me.
"Hey" I said taking her hand, "Are you alright?"
"It should be me asking you that." She said and her lips twitched a little, like she was trying to smile, which I took to be a good sign.
I let go of her hand and scooted over to make room for her on my bed before patting it with my hand.
"Are you sure?" She asked and I nodded I'd never been more sure.
"What's going on Annabeth?" I asked once she'd sat next to me on the bed. She was next to me, but she'd left a gap between us that felt like the size of the Grand Canyon.
"I went to see Luke" she said looking determinedly down at her lap.
"I know, I also think I know what he might have said to you." I confessed.
"You do?" She asked looking at me with tears in her eyes.
"When," I started trying to think how best to phrase it. "When I was missing, Luke told me, he told me that he'd had a hand in breaking up you and Josh. I wasn't going to tell you because I knew how much it would hurt you if it turned out to be true. That's what he told you wasn't it? That's why he asked you to stay?" I asked and the tears that were in her eyes started to fall as she nodded. I opened my arms and pulled her into me and hugged her as she cried.
"So it's true?" She asked me.
"I don't know Annabeth. I really hope not. I never wanted you to be hurt like this." I said sadly.
"I know" she said, and I smiled although she could see it. I lifted her head and wiped away her tears with my thumbs. "Thanks" she whispered.
"I'm sorry Percy." She said.
"Why are you sorry, Annabeth?" I asked, confused.
"I'm the reason Luke took you, it's my fault you're in pain."
"No, Annabeth. Look at me." I said taking her face in my hands. "Luke is the reason I'm in pain. He threw those punches, he broke my ribs, he released that gas. You didn't do any of that. It's not your fault I'm in pain."
"But he wouldn't have taken you if it wasn't for me."
"You want to know why he took me Annabeth?" I asked and she nodded.
"Because he couldn't think of any other way to break us up. He knew I would never leave you willingly so he though if he took me away, he could swoop in, comfort you and replace me."
"No-one could ever replace you, Percy." She said seriously.
"I love you Annabeth Chase."
"I love you too Percy Jackson." She said before leaning forward to give me a kiss. Gods! How I'd missed her kisses.
Thalia's P.O.V
I was just about to walk into Percy's room when I heard him and Annabeth talking. I was going to walk away and come back later when I heard Annabeth.
"No-one could ever replace you, Percy." She said seriously.
"I love you Annabeth Chase."
"I love you too Percy Jackson."
Called it! With a smile on my face I walked out of the hospital and made my way to work. My visit was only going to be fleeting anyway with having work, but I'd drop by later instead. I was happy that they'd finally told each other that they loved one another. It was about time! I'd known since Christmas and that's say something! I'd have to find out later from Annabeth when she'd first told Percy that she loved him, Jace and I had a bet to settle after all.
I changed into my scrubs and put on my lab coat before making my way into the back to check on the animals that stayed overnight. Not having been in yesterday I had to check a few clipboards, we had a couple of new faces this morning.
The first new face was a grey hound, with a note to say that he was very reserved and not friendly with those who weren't his owner. Which I found surprising as when I made sure Argentum had fresh water, he nudged my hand with his head. I gave him a quick scratch behind the ears and moved on to the next kennel. He was lovely but I didn't want to push my luck if he really wasn't friendly, though I was finding that hard to imagine.
The second new face was a little black Labrador, who didn't have a name on her clipboard. It just said that she was very playful which I could see based on how excited she was to see me. Unfortunately how playful she was, was a problem as she had her back left leg in a cast. I also gave her a scratch behind the ears before, changing her water and moving on.
Some of the animals that had been in on my last shift had gone home, which was always nice to see. And there were a few that needed a bit more observation before they could be returned to their owners. After making sure everyone had fresh water, I went to check the surgery schedule for today. My boss Zoe was due into surgery, for a cat that was being neutered at 10am which I was down to help with and then I had my own surgery at 2pm. In between we had the general care of the animals that were already here and admin to take care of. I started mentally going through what I needed to do for the 10am surgery.
I was pulled out of my thoughts when the bell on the door chimed, and I went out to see who had come in.
"Good morning, how can I help you?" I asked.
"Good morning, I brought my dog in last night, and was told I could pick him up this morning since the surgery went well, his name's Argentum." The woman said, and I was sure I recognised her from somewhere.
"Let me just look him up on the computer and make sure, you don't need any medications to take home with you." I said as I brought up Argentum's file. We did this with all owners who came to collect their pets. If they were registered with us, we had an owner picture on file to prevent theft, it was also helpful if like in this instance I hadn't seen the owner drop Argentum off, to prove they were who they said they were.
"Ms. Ramírez-Arellano, is it?" I asked.
"Yes, that's right, was he okay overnight? He didn't take to well to the surgeon who registered him last night."
"He was absolutely fine overnight. There aren't any notes on his chart for any medications for you to administer at home. Let me just go and fetch him for you." I said.
"I can get him. I know he didn't take well to the other surgeon."
"He was okay with me earlier but if I need help, I'll come back for you." I re-assured her.
I went back to the kennels, Argentum walked forward as if he knew I was there for him.
"You are clever aren't you Argentum, are you ready to go home?" I asked him and received a vicious tail wag in return. "Brilliant, let's pop you on your lead then." I said clipping the lead to his collar. Not that he would have really needed it Argentum walked to heal all the way out to his owner and even though he was excited to see her he stayed by my side until I reached her to pass him over, only wagging his tail to show how excited he was to see her.
I crouched down to his level and gave him one last scratch behind his ear.
"Hopefully we don't have to have you back anytime soon Argentum." I said standing and handing the lead over to Ms. Ramírez-Arellano.
"I've never seen him be so relaxed with a vet before." She said and I smiled.
"Well I do like to think I have somewhat of a magic touch." I said. "Any problems do bring him back."
"I will thank you." She replied with a smile, a very pretty smile, before taking Argentum home.
Annabeth's P.O.V
I was very thankful to Piper for calming me down and getting me to think things through. I was equally thankful to Frank who was covering my shift at the coffee house so I could visit Percy.
We spent a lot of the morning discussing Luke and everything Luke had said to the two of us. As much as it upset me, it actually helped me process the whole thing and how I felt about it all.
"I'm not sure I can forgive him Percy." I said.
"I'm not asking you too Annabeth" He promised.
"I might need to go back to Smash World" I said teasingly, although it didn't seem like a bad idea.
"I might join you." He said with a smiled, though I could tell it hurt him to smile, Luke had fractured a bone in his jaw, but it wasn't enough to stop him smiling. I really loved that about him.
"So did you do anything else on the list?" Percy asked.
"I've not really had time." I answered.
"Well, when I get out of here, we can do it together." He promised me again just like he had in the car on the way to Virginia. That weekend seemed like a life time ago.
"When you're better Percy, the doctor said you had a long recovery ahead, and we've still got to graduate." I said.
"I know Wise Girl, don't worry, I will take it easy but I'm not going to stop living just because I have a few broken ribs and a little trouble breathing." He said determinedly.
"I'm not asking you too. I'm asking you to know where your limits are and to stop when you need too." I said and he took my hand.
"I promise, I'm not going anywhere Annabeth, not if I have any say in it. If you want to get rid of me, you'll have a hard fight on your hands."
"I don't think I'll ever want to get rid of you Seaweed Brain." I said smiling at him.
"Good" He said before capturing my lips in a kiss. He groaned when I pulled away.
"Percy, making out with your girlfriend until you can't breathe, is one of those things you need to recover before you can do." I teased.
"I guess that takes sex off the table too then." He pouted playfully.
"Only until you're better" I said rolling my eyes and leaning in carefully to give him another kiss.
"Kisses, not punches, I like this." He teased.
"If you weren't so injured, I would have punched your arm." I said.
"Oh good, I was worried you'd gone soft on me." He teased.
"Never" I promised, with another kiss.
We were alone until lunch time when Sally and Estelle came to visit.
"Percy!" Estelle called running in and jumping up into his lap.
"Estelle, hunny, we talked about this, be gentle with your brother." Sally said kindly.
"Oh," she said all the excitement suddenly gone "No hugs?" She asked her mom.
"Gentle hugs" Sally replied, knowing Estelle's gusto for hugs.
"Come here" Percy said pulling her into a hug, taking the gentle choice away from her.
"You're okay now?" She asked moving to sit in my lap instead. I didn't mind. I actually really loved that she felt comfortable enough with me, to sit with me. Estelle was clearly taking her mom's words to heart about being gentle with her brother.
"I'm better than I was." Percy said. "I've got some mending to do, but I'll be okay." He promised Estelle.
"No more scary stuff?" She asked.
"I hope not" He said, sincerely, and I could see Sally hoped as much as Estelle and I did, that there wouldn't be any more 'scary stuff'.
"How's Oliver?" Percy asked her, changing the topic to what, I could tell, he hoped was a happier one.
"He's okay, he said he'd come to my birthday party." She said.
"Brilliant, what's the theme this year?" Percy asked.
"Disney" Estelle answered excitedly with a smile. "Aaand it's fancy dress!" She said.
"Great! I'll have to plan who I'll be." Percy said seriously.
"But I know who you're going to be." Estelle said.
"Oh, and who's that?" Percy asked and I fought really hard not to laugh.
"Flynn Rider" She told him.
"Estelle, Percy might want to be a different Disney character for your birthday." Sally said trying for diplomacy, but her eyes were full of mirth.
"But mom, if he's not Flynn Rider then how can Annabeth be Rapunzel?" She asked so seriously that Percy and I had to try really hard not to catch each other's eye knowing that if we did, that we'd lose the fight to contain our laughter. I wasn't aware I'd been invited much less had a character picked out for me.
I saw the amusement in Sally's eyes she was trying as hard as the two of us to take the question as seriously as it had been presented to her.
"I'd love to be Rapunzel for your birthday Estelle. Thank you for inviting me." I said as seriously as I could manage. Estelle turned to face me with a huge smile on her face.
"Really?" She asked.
"Really, really" I said smiling back at her. Estelle hugged me and as I looked over at Percy, he playfully pouted at me.
"Jealous?" I mouthed. He shook his head, and I raised an eyebrow in question.
"Tell you later" He mouthed back looking at Estelle, before smiling at me. I nodded and returned the smile.
"So who are you going to be?" I asked Estelle.
"Princess Belle" She replied, like it should be obvious.
"I bet you'll make a lovely Princess Belle." I said.
"We're going to buy the invitations later today." Sally said, giving me a thankful look.
"Well, I happen to know someone, who knows her way around a computer. Perhaps she could use her skill and her love of Disney to make your invitations." I suggested to Estelle, but I was looking at Sally. "That way you get more time with Percy."
Sally came around to 'my' side of Percy's bed and gave me a hug.
"What a wonderful idea." She said.
"Piper?" Percy asked.
"Piper" I confirmed with a nod.
Piper's P.O.V
I was in serious need of a break from my coding assignment when Annabeth's text came in. I was beyond grateful for it for two reasons. One: it was a perfect excuse for my break and two: what was discussed meant I knew Annabeth wasn't pushing Percy away. Which I was thrilled about.
Annabeth: Hey! Can I ask a favour that requires your technical expertise and your love of Disney?
Piper: Sure! What is it?
Annabeth: Estelle needs party invites. The theme is Disney fancy dress. Would you design them?
Piper: Of Course! Send me all the information!
This was exactly what I needed. Something creative to distract me from my essay. I couldn't remember the last time I had designed an invite or anything else actually. I opened up Adobe photoshop and illustrator. I quickly closed illustrator though as it was more of a drawing application, and I only had it because Annabeth used it all the time. Not having her or Hazel's natural artistic flare I decided photoshop was my way forward. I could always ask Hazel or Annabeth to draw something later using illustrator if I ran into an issue, though I doubted that would be needed.
My phone chimed again. It was Annabeth giving me as many details as she had. I set to work with several ideas forming in my head from the information I'd just been given. I was going to make a few options so Estelle could pick which one she preferred. I was beyond honoured to be asked to make the invitations for her birthday party. I really hoped she liked them.
Annabeth hadn't come home last night which had been expected. I knew she hadn't packed a change of clothes or anything. So, I pulled out her favourite lounge wear, a pair of yoga pants and one of Percy's t-shirts as well as clean underwear and packed it all in a bag with her toothbrush and some toothpaste. I picked up the folder containing my draft ideas for Estelle's invitations and made my way to the hospital.
When I got to there, Annabeth and Percy were still asleep curled up together on Percy's bed. If they hadn't been in a hospital bed, the scene would have been very picturesque . It was still incredibly cute though and it confirmed my thoughts from yesterday that Annabeth wasn't pushing Percy away, which I was really happy about. I placed the bag in the chair next to Percy's bed and left them to it. I had a shift at Jackson's, and I wanted to show Mrs. B my options for Estelle.
When I arrived at Jackson's Mrs. B wasn't in yet, so I placed the folder on her desk and started setting up for the day ahead. Just knowing that Percy and Annabeth were going to be okay was enough to start my day off in a good mood. It was going to be a good day. I could feel it. I started my shift with a smile on my face and it stayed there for the whole day.
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~Author's Note~
Hi All, thank you so much for reading this chapter, I hope you all enjoyed it please let me know your thoughts I always love finding out what you enjoyed most!
Going Dark – Thank you for your review! Your question will be answered before the end of the story, I promise! I hope you enjoyed this chapter, please let me know!
Sranupama2005 – Thank you for your review! I think everyone felt a little bad for Annabeth! I'm glad you enjoyed the last chapter I hope you enjoyed this one too please let me know!
TheDayofRickening – Thank you for your review! Luke has reached his peak; I can confirm that. I hope you enjoyed this chapter please let me know!
WiseGrl14 – Thank you for your review! I'm glad you enjoyed the last chapter; Luke does have some messed up personalities that's for sure. Please let me know if you enjoyed this one!
Astra2111 – Thank you for your review! I'm glad you loved the last chapter! Hopefully this chapter filled all those hopes you commented on in your view let me know!
QueenAnnabeth18 – Thank you for your review! Lots of cheering from you, thank you! I hope you enjoyed this chapter just as much, please let me know!
Merendinoemiliano – Thank you for your review! I'm glad you enjoyed the last chapter; I hope you enjoyed this one too please let me know!
SarcasmRocks – Thank you for your review! Annabeth is a tough cookie but even the toughest of us have to have an outlet for our emotions! Luke will come back around before the story is out, but it won't be as heavy as it has been. I did read the whole review I always do. I hope you liked this chapter let me know!
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Insanedreamer7905 – Thank you for your review! Thank you, I find chapter titles are often the hardest part of the whole thing haha! Your compliments to my writing flatter me as always so thank you for that as well! Piper's POV, I felt brought us back around to why I started the story and reintroduced what had been missing in recent chapters as well so I'm really glad you enjoyed it! I hope you liked this chapter too please let me know!
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Happy reading all and stay safe! :)