The air still held warmth when they arrived back at the Chase household, clinging to it even though the sun had long since disappeared behind the horizon. The cold was beginning to bleed into everything, sucking out color with the heat.

The porch light flickered on over them as Hazel carried June into the house. Percy watched as his daughter disappeared from his sight. Like claws ripping across his chest.

He hesitated on the top step. Not sure whether or not to cross the boundary.

Annabeth cleared her throat, leaning against a column and fiddling with something in her hands.

"I'll see you later?" she said, her voice lilting as if she wasn't sure of it herself.

"Tomorrow?" he pushed hopefully. Every second he wasn't with June was a second wasted of life, he was sure of it.

She frowned. "I don't think so."

"Why not?" he blurted, eyebrows furrowing. "June likes me, right?"

Annabeth gave a frustrated shrug, looking uncomfortable under the bright light. "It's just a little early, okay? I don't want to rush into anything."

Percy felt his heart drop. Something iron-hot, and white with fury took hold of him. "I'm not asking you to marry me, Annabeth," he snapped. "I just want to see my daughter. You know, to make up for the four years you stole from me?"

In hindsight, not the smartest thing Percy had ever said.

However, it was the angriest Percy had ever seen Annabeth.

Her head whipped around, gaping. "Stole from you?" she hissed. Her fists curled up at her sides, like she was seriously trying to stop herself from hitting him. "You broke up with me because you were scared of a little commitment and pretended it was for my own good! You fucking left, you absolute fucker, you knocked me up and then left me! Nine months of pregnancy and vomiting and eight hours of labor and years of screaming and crying, and four birthdays, Percy. Where were you? Living it up in Chicago, getting paid to do what you love: getting wasted and fucking groupies. You should be kissing the ground I walk on for even letting you within spitting difference of either me or June! Get the fuck off my porch, Percy."

The anger seemed the seep out into the chilling air. Her shoulders sagged, and she shook her head.

"Annabeth," he pleaded weakly.

"Don't even fucking try to talk to me ever again."

She turned her back on him then and disappeared into the house.

The door slammed with a sort of finality Percy couldn't ignore.

That night, the scars on Percy's hands would be joined by others.

A/N: Hey! I didn't place at regionals, sadly, but I am in a writing mood, so.

This is short, but it was supposed to be on the other chapter. I was just too lazy to add it at the time.

I want to add more, but honestly, I can't until the next chapter.

I hope you're all well! I'm sorry for updating less frequently lately. Hopefully that'll be better once the APs are over next week!

Please review because it gives me life!

Love,

Anna x.