It had taken all of 10 seconds for Percy to convince Grover it would be a good idea to go to Annabeths party. Nico on the other hand was a little more hesitant.

"She's just trying to get with you Percy, you know how she is. I'm just trying to look out for you man." Nico said frustrated.

"And I appreciate that Nico, but there's gonna be tons of kids there, I don't even have to talk to Annabeth if I don't want to." Percy said trying to ease Nico into the idea.

"Well, I guess if you avoid her it could be good for us to get out of the house" Nico admitted begrudgingly.

"Exactly! Thank you my man, you're the best!" Percy said relieved. After all it was true Percy didn't have to talk to Annabeth if he didn't want to. The only problem was, Percy wasn't entierly sure he didn't want to...

_linebreak_.

To say Percy was nervous would be an understatement. You've got nothing to lose he thought to himself, it's not like there's anyone there who could like you any less. Grover didn't seem worried in the least, but that was because his nature loving girlfriend Juniper was invited to the party and coming as well. Nico was in a similar state to Percy, although while Percy was getting ready to go, Nico was sitting on Percy's bed sulking a bit. They were currently in Percy's room getting ready. Percy's step dad Paul Blofis had agreed to let the boys borrow his Prius to drive to the party.

"Come on Nico, you've got to get ready sometime!" Percy said jumping on his bed, effectively disturbing Nico.

"Yeah yeah" Nico said lazily getting up.

Percy had decided to wear a dark green button up to match his eyes. Nico had decided to shock everyone by wearing a black shirt and black skinny jeans. Percy looked up at him and rolled his eyes. Nico caught the look and shrugged, not particularly caring what the people at the party thought, but at the same time nervous incase there were any dating prospects at the party.

"Boys! Are you almost ready?!" Sally Jackson, Percy's mother, yelled from the kitchen.

"We'll be down in a minute mom!" Percy yelled back.

As soon as they were done getting ready and two of them had made their hair presentable (Percy was never the greatest at that) they headed to the kitchen.

"Now you boys be safe and have fun" Sally said warmly, waiting with the door open to let Percy, Nico, and Grover out of the small Manhattan apartment.

"Of course mom" Percy said smirking and leaning up to kiss his moms cheek, "when are we not".

Sally smiled knowingly at this looking pointedly between Percy and his mischievous cousin. Nico shrugged at Sally in a what to do type of way. Sally gave Grover and Nico both hugs as they left after Percy out the door. Once they got to Paul's Prius, Percy took out the keys and unlocked the doors, climbing into the driving seat and closing the door. He waited for Nico to climb in the passenger seat and for Grover to climb in the back before buckling up, starting the ignition, and pulling out of the underground parking lot.

"You guys ready for this?" Grover asked looking between Percy and Nico.

"Ready as I'll ever be" Nico said, almost grimly.

Percy however remained silent, contemplating the question. Was he ready? Who could know for sure. All he knew was that he had his two best friends with him and right there, right then, he felt like nothing could bring him down.

"Hey Percy?" Grover questioned.

"Yeah G-man?" Percy said back.

"Juniper just texted me, do you think we could pick her up? She doesn't have a ride". Grover said

"For sure dude, just give me the address and we'll head over" Percy replied.

Ok, so now it was going to be Percy, his two best friends, and a protective nature loving girlfriend. Percy still felt pretty unstoppable.