Hey, again! Happy Halloween! Sorry, no Halloween special, but I did write something for Halloween… just not here. It's in my only other ongoing fic, so check that out if you like.

Um, starting this chapter, I write an A/N at the top and my co-author takes one at the bottom. I think. It's subject to change.

For an image of the art box (you'll see), look up Rembrandt 120 Year Limited Edition Oil Wood Box Set - 120 Colors and it's the one with a circular arrangement thingy on top.

Also, there's a teeny tiny possibility we might have to slow down updates or put less in each update since… you know, life. Would you guys rather have frequent but shorter updates or less frequent but longer ones?

Anyways, think that's it for now. Thanks for reading! Enjoy.

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"She's just so impressive, you know? Like, the moment I needed to start talking she just completely switched gears to accommodate my needs, despite having such a terrible day, and I just-"

Beckendorf cleared his throat. When Percy met his eyes, he was giving him the look.

He frowned. "Hey man, you asked."

He chuckled, turning back to the light switch he was rewiring. "Not what I meant, man."

Percy grimaced. He popped open a nearby air freshener and replaced its cartridge, just for something to do. "I'm not saying it," he muttered.

"Admitting you have a problem is the first step," Beckendorf called over his shoulder dryly.

Percy rolled his eyes. "Okay, fine. I might have a crush," he muttered. "Happy?"

It was an understatement and they both knew it, but Percy was grateful Beckendorf didn't push him. He just hummed in acknowledgment and continued his work while Percy watched.

Officially, he was still being taught how to be a general handyman, but honestly he and Beckendorf were just hanging out on the job. Percy worked more hours than Beckendorf did, and there never seemed to be enough work for him to do, so when given the chance they usually worked together.

As Beckendorf finished tightening the screws to the light switch's faceplate, Percy asked, "So, you know all about my… romantic life, or lack of one I guess. What do you think?"

Straightening up, he answered, "I think it's a tough situation to be in. On the one hand, she seems more interested in you than you seem to think. On the other, she's your boss, so if you ask and you're wrong…" he trailed off.

Percy winced. "Yeah, you see the problem. Plus the no dating thing, and she's way too good for me anyway."

Beckendorf shook his head. "You're selling yourself short, Perce. But you're right, the no dating rule is a problem. My advice? Don't give up on it, but also don't ask her out unless you are absolutely sure. I'd hate to lose my workplace bromance to some girl," he said matter of factly.

Percy let out a surprised laugh. Beckendorf wasn't one for cracking jokes, so whenever he did it was something Percy treasured. "Thanks man, I'll keep that in mind."

Just then, Beckendorf received a call on his radio to come fix the printer on the third floor, so he packed up his things and they walked away together.

"I guarantee the paper is just jammed. It's not even that hard a fix, it'll take two seconds," Beckendorf complained.

Percy wasn't listening however. He was deep in thought.

"Hey, Beckendorf?" he asked.

"Hmm?"

"I remember you said you knew what having a crush at the workplace was like. Has there been any update with that, or…?"

Beckendorf accidentally kicked the wall as they turned a corner. "I, uh, I mean," he sputtered out. Percy however, had stopped listening the moment they rounded the corner, because standing just a dozen feet away was a girl he knew well. A girl with curly red hair, green eyes and a sun painted on her hand.

The girl who'd long ago broken his heart.

One thousand thoughts ran through Percy's mind - is that her? Oh gods. She looks older. Of course she does! It's been years. I wonder how she's been? What is she doing here? Does she know I'm here?

Rachel did a double take when she saw him, but recovered quickly and waved. "Oh, hey, Percy, didn't expect to see you here! And, ah, who's this?" She stepped up to look at Beckendorf.

Well, she does now. She's not acting any different than she did 7 years ago. That's… it's nice to know some things never change.

"Beckendorf. I work maintenance," he said simply.

Percy was barely aware of his surroundings as they exchanged pleasantries, but he could tell Beckendorf had picked up on his tension. He was mid-freak out though, so he didn't say anything.

Okay, think. She's an artist now. What kind of business would she have with an architecture company? Maybe she's friends with someone here. But- wait, I haven't seen her around before. Then again, I haven't been here long either. Perhaps she was on vacation and only came back?

But who would she be friends with? If she was friends with someone here, I at least would have heard her name somewhere…

His head throbbed. Wait, have I heard her name somewhere? Dare…

Percy's thought train abruptly came to a stop when Beckendorf tapped him on his shoulder. Who's that? He mouthed, nodding to Rachel.

Percy mouthed back. Ex.

Beckendorf's eyes widened, as he looked back and forth between them. Percy had gotten to know Beckendorf pretty well, and the look he wore said it all. That's rough, buddy.

The radio crackled again, asking what was taking so long. Beckendorf apologized, and with one last worried look to Percy, headed downstairs, mumbling some unflattering things about impatient coworkers.

Now alone, Percy found himself face to face with his former girlfriend.

This was someone he'd once planned a future with. Someone who left him behind to pursue a future without him. Someone who was struggling to meet his eyes now, just like he struggled to meet hers.

After a moment, she cleared her throat.

"So, Percy, how have you been?" Rachel asked politely, as if it hadn't been 7 years since they last talked and she told him her career was more important than their relationship.

Awkwardly, Percy replied, "I-I'm fine. Uhm, what about you?"

"I'm glad to hear you've been doing well, Percy."

The more she smiled at him, the more he was painfully reminded of the girl from years ago. When she smiled at him, it brought feelings and memories to his mind he thought he'd let go of a long time ago, like her first birthday after they'd started dating.

"Percy, guess what?" Rachel skipped up to him, almost floating above the ground. Seeing that, he smiled fondly at her.

He threw his arms into the air enthusiastically."Hey, there's the Birthday Girl! Happy Birth-"

She shut him up with a kiss, which he didn't mind in the slightest. When she pulled back, she was scowling at him.

"Don't you dare start singing again. This time it was a kiss, next time it'll be a kick."

He held his hands up in surrender, laughing. "Okay, okay, message received! So, what's up?"

She perked up, former enthusiasm remembered suddenly, and unzipped her backpack, pulling out something he couldn't believe she'd fit in there. It was a deep mahogany box, with ornate, pale golden embellishments and paint tubes artfully arranged to form a rainbow circle on top.

"It's what my dad got me for my birthday!" She pulled out small drawers on the sides, containing an assortment of pencils and markers, some of which were noticeably used.

Percy smiled externally, but on the inside he felt a bit sick. They both knew his money was tight, whereas her dad was a millionaire, and while she told him not to worry about gifts, he had still got her something. It just wasn't anywhere near that nice.

"Wow, Rach, I didn't even expect him to remember! How much did this cost?" he blurted out before he could stop himself.

Rachel waved her hand dismissively. "Oh, not much. Anyways, do you wanna come over today and help me break this in?"

"Looks like it's already plenty used," he laughed, "but actually, I was thinking we could try painting at the park tonight, if you're down. It might be nice to paint out in nature, ya know?"

He said it casually in an effort to hide what he had planned. He figured he didn't need to worry though, since she probably just assumed he was only offering it to get her out of her house. Admittedly, that was a big part of it, but he had something a bit more special than that planned out.

He could tell from the wide eyed look on her face that she liked the idea. "That sounds great, Perce!"

He laughed. "Awesome. Walk there together after school?" he asked.

She nodded. Impulsively, she hugged him, pulling him close. "Thanks, Percy. For getting it. For getting me."

He nodded, surprised. "Of course. What else am I good for?"

She buried her head in his neck. "Lots of things, Percy. Someday you'll see. Even if it takes all the paint and canvas in the world, I'll paint you a picture of all the good you are."

Percy blushed, taken aback. "Hey now, this is your birthday, I'm the only one who's allowed to be all gross and sweet."

She laughed, pulling back to look at him with green, sparkling eyes. "Well, I'll be looking forward to it, Percy."

"Percy," Rachel said, startling him out of his reverie. "Percy?"

"Oh! Sorry, I was just… thinking about something. Um, could you repeat that?"

Rachel tapped her chin thoughtfully. "I was just wondering if you wanted to meet up tomorrow over dinner to… discuss some things. It's been a long time since I've seen you, and I want to know how you've been!"

"Ah," he paused, "sure. I'll-I'll check my schedule and see if I'm free… when?"

"Does… 5:00 work for you?"

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That went well, Annabeth thought, relieved. Rachel seems like a perfectly lovely person and she's… very different from what I expected.

After stacking all the papers neatly on her desk, she walked down to see Rachel out. Calling ahead of her, she said, "Rachel, I was thinking, maybe next time-"

Standing in front of Rachel was a very familiar face she had absolutely not agonized over the night before. She was too far away to hear what they were saying, but Percy was scratching the back of his neck, which Annabeth knew was a telltale sign of nervousness.

I wonder what they're talking about, she mused. "Hey, Percy, Rachel."

They both turned around at the same time, one very quickly and the other calmly. Annabeth couldn't have been sure, but for a second, she saw the tips of Percy's ears start to turn red.

Rachel's eyes flitted back and forth between the two.

Annabeth noted Percy was considerably nervous - more nervous than even in the elevator. An inkling tugged at the back of her mind, but she brushed it away. I'll think about it later.

"Hi, Annabeth!" Rachel said brightly. "I was just talking to Percy here. But, ah, since all of our business is finished, I'll leave you two alone now. See you tomorrow~"

Her shoulders aching, Annabeth waved goodbye to Rachel.

"Um, Annabeth," Percy said, "how do you know Rachel? I don't think she works here, otherwise I would've seen her or at least heard her name around somewhere."

Annabeth clapped her hands together. "Oh, yes! Um, we are designing an art studio for her. This is a really great opportunity since she's a pretty popular artist now. Why, do you know her or something?"

Percy looked at the wall behind her. "Uh, I was just wondering, since I hadn't seen her around before. Um, did you want to talk to me about something?"

"Oh, right, Percy," Annabeth said a little nervously. She stared at the dark coffee she held in her hands, trying to steel her nerves. You're a big girl, you can do this.

"Remember what we talked about yesterday?" She asked. When he was silent after a moment, she continued. "I mean, we talked about a lot of things, but specifically the massage thing. The thing where you give me massages and I pay you, because that's how a job works and you're worth every cent."

She grimaced. This is going well, she thought sarcastically. "Anyway, I was wondering if you'd like to do our first session tomorrow afternoon, around 5:30 at my place, if that works? My shoulders and back have been killing me all day."

Though admittedly they're always killing me, she thought to herself, it's just now I know how much better life can feel, all thanks to you. A fact I will keep to myself, for the time being.

He blinked a couple times before speaking. "Oh! I, um, didn't think you were serious. But sure! I'll check my schedule and see if I'm free then."

Annabeth frowned as he scratched the back of his neck. Is he nervous? Am I making him nervous? What did I do? Does he not want to do it? Was this a mistake?

"Just call me and let me know, yeah?" She said lightly, trying not to put any pressure on him, or clue him in to her sudden state of panic. Almost as an afterthought, she added, "or text me. Whatever works for you."

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Percy laid in bed, staring blankly up at the ceiling, covered with sticky glow-in-the-dark stars. They weren't there because he wanted them, he remembered. They were there because one day, Rachel had come in while he wasn't home and decided to… redecorate.

Even after their breakup, he never had the heart to take them down.

His mind drifted back to his conversation with Rachel earlier that day. 'Tomorrow at five'. She wants to meet up… for what, exactly?

Different possibilities raced through his mind, but Percy discarded each and every one of them. If I go, I could just find out.

But… Annabeth. The massage. The massage that she was actually serious about, and that she wants me to come over to her house for. Oh man, I'm screwed.

Percy groaned, turning over and burying his face in a pillow. He knew it was stupid, but in the moment he'd been so out of it he didn't think to just say, 'Could we do another time?'

Ugh, I'm an idiot! I mean, the choice is obvious, right? Rachel was the past. But… there are so many things I want to ask her. Was her career worth it? Does she ever regret it? ...Does she want to apologize?

He sighed loudly to himself. "I think," he said to no one in particular, "I know who needs to take priority tomorrow."

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Happy Halloween, my friends! This is MANation, your friendly neighborhood coauthor. So, what did y'all think? Do you like the way the story is going? Some big decisions for our boy Percy… how will things play out, I wonder? And Annabeth, poor, awkward Annabeth XD she's been out of the flirting game for a while, cut her some slack lol!

As SoVeryTired mentioned above, the upload schedule may have to shift some to accommodate for life, but we will try and avoid that if possible! It's a bit up in the air right now, but we'll keep you posted. And don't worry, there's no chance we're dropping this story ;)

One last question before I sign off; who is your favorite character and why? We look forward to hearing your answers! Thanks, and Happy Halloween everyone! ^_^