Are you ready for this?

I do not own Percy Jackson!

Chapter 10

Annabeth had never been a sports fan. People used to tease her for going home and study instead of attending to the competitions of her high school's sports teams. She never saw the attractive wearing sweatshirts and paint her face with her school's colors. She once tried going to a football match with Thalia and Luke, where she had almost frozen to death by the time the game ended, and the victory was for their adversaries. She had arrived home cold and in a bad mood. She still remembered looking angrily at her mirror and rubbing the blue and white paint from her cheek with Helen's micellar water.

In her university, nobody invited her to those events. And, sincerely, she would have been too busy with studying and working, to actually have the time to assist them.

However, there she was. A fully graduated architect sitting between the insane amount of young people, at Columbia's indoor pool facilities, rooting for Goode's pegasi to beat Columbia's lions. She felt old and out of place with her silver flats, tight white shirt, and strawberry colored pants, within a sea of students wearing jerseys and tight jeans.

"Why are you wearing that on a Saturday?" Piper had asked (half-yelled at) her with amusement, as she watched Annabeth going up the packed bleachers holding a handmade sign with the words 'Go Percy!', written on it. Jason also snickered and she threw him a murderous stare that made him evade her eyes. "Please tell me Aurora is not making you work extra hours on weekends since I'm not around anymore" the brunette added, while she took a seat next to her and pushed away some blond locks of hair out of her face.

Annabeth rolled up her sleeves and looked at her gorgeous friend. Even in Jason's oversized NYU jersey, Piper looked like a supermodel. Her brown chocolate hair fell in cascades on her back and she had a bit of mascara that made her kaleidoscopic eyes even brighter.

"You work on weekends?" Hazel Levesque, one of Percy's friends from Goode, asked. Her golden eyes looked scandalized by the thought of sacrificing her free days on more working. Annabeth envied her defined brown curls and how innocent she was. You still have a long way to go, she thought, remembering Hazel was only halfway through her studies. Her boyfriend Frank just smiled kindly at her and gave a small wave in greeting.

"I am not" she clarified, relieved that Percy's competition hadn't started yet. "She was quick to replace you with a girl named Meghan. Is her turn today" Piper had also graduated in February, and she was quick to ask Silena Beauregard if she could help to connect her with people on fashion magazines. She was still an assistant, but at least she was one at Vogue.

Piper raised an eyebrow.

"Meghan, eh? Is she good with Excel?" she asked with a spark on her eyes.

"Oh yeah. I bet her minor was The Craftmanship of Tables on Excel" Annabeth joked, and Piper laughed. "But Aurora hates how timid she is. The poor thing almost raises her hand every time Williams asks her something" she sighed. "She's not gonna last"

"You're just saying that to make me feel better" Piper smirked.

"Well, I did tell her she had some big shoes to fill. I bet that didn't help her confidence either" the blonde admitted with a bit of shame.

"You're evil, Chase," she said, but Annabeth noticed the little blush on her cheeks. "It's nice to know someone misses me"

"Leo also misses you. Well, he misses messing with you. I think he tries to mock me, but he's always too scared to actually do it"

"Yeah…"

"I thought you had invited him to come," Annabeth said, having noticed the absence of their elfish friend.

"I did, but he was too busy finishing some blueprints. He said he would meet us at the restaurant"

Annabeth nodded. She wanted to ask how Piper was doing at her new job, but the crowd started cheering loudly and swimmers from both teams entered her vision. She tried not to drool at the sight of their amazing bodies and focused on finding a jet-black mess of hair. When she finally did, her cheeks grew hotter as they always did whenever she saw him with his swimming gear. Jason, Piper, Hazel, and Frank were screaming his name and words of encouragement, but she knew he had his headphones on and couldn't hear them. He only took them off when his coach approached him.

Percy would only listen to his music before a competition if he was nervous. And that day, in particular, was pretty important to him. Not only his racing time was going to be recorded to see if he would qualify for the next National Swimming Championship, but also it was one of his last opportunities as captain of the team before he graduated in July.

Annabeth clenched her hands as the swimmers got into the platforms. They heard the signal and Percy dived gracefully into the water and emerged with already a good distance between him and the others. He was amazingly fast and in all his races he ended up first. But she knew that wasn't his objective. Each time he got out of the water Annabeth watched his coach's reaction at the chronometer in his hand. The first two times she felt a pit on her stomach when Percy looked at Hedge, and the latter just shook his head. She winced at Percy's look of deception in his eyes.

On his last swim, Annabeth made sure to hold the sign as high as possible and yelled loudly with her friends as he got on the platform. For a swift moment, she saw him looking at their direction, before diving one more time into the pool. And, this time, he genuinely seemed like a fish in the water. Annabeth literally jumped of joy from her seat, when, finally, his coach bump fisted the air, yelled a lot of obscenities and tackled Percy once he finished his last race.

Percy's smile couldn't possibly be bigger as everyone in his team gave him a hug and few pats in his back, congratulating him. Even if he wasn't competing anymore, the group stayed for the rest of the swimming team to finish their races. Annabeth listened to Hazel talking about her life in New Orleans and how she and Frank met each other working together on a community center a couple of years ago.

She texted Percy that they would be outside waiting for him, and they exited the complex to be greeted by a rainy night. She cursed under her breath for forgetting her umbrella…again.

"You never told me why you are dressing like that today" Piper insisted as they watched the raindrops falling a few feet away from them. Annabeth crossed her arms and squeezed her body trying to stay warm. And I forgot my jacket too because this morning the weather was warm…I hate spring.

She sighed before answering, "I saw Triton today. We met at his office, so I had to dress formally" She couldn't see her friend, but she felt her rolling her eyes.

"So that's why your hair was all over the place. You had a make-out session earlier" she said sourly. Instinctively, Annabeth felt her hair, before redoing her ponytail again.

"We didn't. We just had lunch"

"Sure…"

Annabeth grimaced at her friend's sarcastic tone. It wasn't entirely false. They did have lunch and they didn't make out. They just kissed…a little bit. They had been dating for two weeks, it was bound to happen sooner or later.

"Okay, we kissed. But we didn't make out" she finally let out.

They stood in silence before Piper asked, "How was it?" and Annabeth just raised her eyebrow.

"You can't seriously be asking me that"

"I am seriously asking you that"

Annabeth took her eyes from hers and looked at some Columbia students shielding themselves from the rain with their books.

"It was…okay, I guess"

"Okay?"

"He's a good kisser"

"Yes, but you didn't like it. I can tell by your body language"

Annabeth shifted her weight, uncomfortably. Piper was very good at figuring out intentions. She could predict relationships and see the true feelings in almost every person she knew. Her blond friend was not an exception.

"It was really good Piper. He knows what he's doing…"

"He better, after sleeping with all those girls…"

"But, there just weren't sparks"

"Sparks?"

"Yeah, like fireworks. It was a good kiss, but I didn't feel anything after it. It was like kissing a wall" she admitted and finally, her friend laughed at her comment.

"That's because you feel nothing for him. I really don't know why you're doing this" Piper said with exasperation. Annabeth remained quiet. She had explained a thousand times why and she knew her friend would never like her answer. She felt a pain in her chest. Thalia wasn't even speaking to her. Piper stood closer next to her.

"I know who would make you feel those fireworks" she whispered.

"Piper…"

"When are you telling him?"

"Soon"

"The more you wait, the angrier he'll get"

Annabeth felt her mouth dry. She had asked Triton to keep their relationship as private as they could, and he had agreed with her. He didn't want to be on the cover of gossip magazines, and she didn't want Percy to find out. She prepared herself for another comment from her brunette friend, but instead strong arms surrounded her from behind, lifted her up and she found herself spinning around in the air. She was half-furious and half-giddy by the time her feet touched the ground again.

"Percy!" she scolded him, but all her fury went away when she heard him chuckle. He was wearing his Goode hoodie, black jeans, and his golden New Balance. He had his usual bag hanging from his shoulder and the most beautiful smile on his face. His sea-green eyes were dazzling.

"I did it, Wise Girl!" he said when their eyes met. She tried to take a step back, but he had his arms firmly wrapped around her. She felt Piper's eyes burning on her back. She returned his smile, effusively.

"You did it, seaweed brain! I told you, you had nothing to worry about" He winked at her and she just blushed.

"Hey, Piper" he greeted, and Annabeth took the opportunity to step away from him before she melted at his touch.

"Congrats, Percy!" she said, hugging him. The others took turns to either pat him in the back or hug him. They asked him about his training, his coach, and his plans for the Championship. A current of wind passed through them, getting a few raindrops on her clothes, and she shivered. Percy frowned.

"Why are you dressed like that?" he asked as he searched something on his bag. He got a blue hoodie out and gave it to her.

"Uh…thanks, I'll explain later" she simply said, putting it on and inhaling Percy's lotion.

"We should get going," Jason said, taking Piper's hand. "So, we'll meet at the Italian restaurant near Madison Square Park, right?"

"Yep," Percy said turning to Annabeth. "You are coming with me?"

"Who else would I go with?" she said mockingly.

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"So, I've been thinking…" Percy started as he parked in front of Annabeth's building. It was still raining heavily by the time dinner was over, therefore he had offered to take her home in his car, as an excuse to prevent her from getting sick. She had accepted, knowing he would have done the same even if the weather was beautiful.

"What?" she asked, softly.

He turned down the volume on the car's panel before continuing, "There's a new Quentin Tarantino movie coming out next Saturday. And…I was wondering if you would like to watch it with me?"

Annabeth watched him, as he tapped his fingers nervously on the wheel. His eyes were focused on the raindrops falling across the windshield. She felt her heartbeat accelerating and some butterflies returning to her stomach. Is he asking me on a date? She thought. No, he broke up with Rachel just a little bit than two months ago. Maybe he just wants us to go like friends as we've done so many times. Then why is he nervous?

She laughed softly and Percy finally looked at her, confused.

"Sorry, I just don't remember the last time I watched a movie in an actual theater"

He smiled and asked, "So, is that a yes?"

She was about to nod her head when she remembered the commitment, she made with Triton to accompany him to try out his tuxedo for the Charity Ball. She shook her head and pinched her nose, closing her eyes so she wouldn't have to see Percy's look of deception.

"I can't Percy. It's not that I don't want to, but I already have something planned. Maybe another time" She opened them and found him looking back at the windshield. He resumed tapping his fingers on the wheel.

"It's fine. We can watch it later" he said, obviously disappointed. Annabeth bit her tongue and they sat quietly for a few seconds. Suddenly, the tapping stopped.

"So, what are you doing?"

Annabeth's heart stopped.

"What?" she asked, dumbly. Percy finally looked at her.

"Your plans. For next Saturday"

"I…uh…I'm gonna…" she quickly debated what she was gonna say. This is your chance, Annabeth, she thought. Tell him now…but what if he hates me? Should I lie? He narrowed his eyes. Dammit, I took too long.

"Why are you doubting?" he asked with a dangerously low voice that sent shivers through her body.

"I just forgot," she said and mentally scolded herself.

"Annabeth Chase forgot what she is doing next Saturday… Yeah, I don't buy it" he crossed his arms. He was angry when he spoke again, "You don't need to lie to avoid going out with me. I'm a grown man, Annabeth. I know how to handle rejection"

"I'm not rejecting you Percy and I am not lying" she answered in the same angry tone. "I would love to go out on a date with you, but I'm really busy that day". She blushed when she realized she had said the word date. But either it was the right word, or he was just too irritated because he simply ignored it.

"Then, why aren't you telling me what you're doing?!"

"Because you won't like my answer!"

Percy seemed taken back by her comment. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Then leaned towards her and took her hands in his. Piper was right. She felt sparks whenever he touched her.

"Whatever it is, I rather you would tell me than hide it from me"

"You're gonna hate me"

He chuckled. How could he change from anger to kindness so easily?

"That's impossible"

That gave her the courage she needed.

"Ok then," she squeezed his hands. "I have a date with someone"

Percy frowned.

"With who?"

Annabeth took a deep breath and closed her eyes.

"With Triton"

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"You should eat something"

"I'm eating something"

"Gallons of Rum ice cream, don't count, Annabeth. You need to eat something healthy"

…

"How about wine?"

"You're really missing the point, Beth"

"It has really good antioxidants"

"Seriously?!"

Annabeth surrendered and let the spoon gently on the little tea plate. She put the almost empty ice cream bucket on the kitchen counter, looking at her cellphone on top of their circular table.

"Oh, no," Thalia said and quickly grabbed the phone and shoved it into her pockets. "You're not calling him again. He's gonna get a restriction order if you keep doing that"

She smiled gratefully at her best friend for being her willpower in times of need. Annabeth was really happy Thalia was talking to her again, but just because the blond girl had opened the door sobbing to her death last Saturday. Right now, her friend was preventing her from leaving another voice mail to Percy, with one of her creative apologies. She had been calling him all week without luck and had left him all kinds of messages. From begging for his forgiveness, to call him a selfish bastard for not supporting her choices. She was quickly running out of ideas.

They didn't even meet for their usual work.

"He hates me" she commented, earning a roll of eyes from Thalia.

"He doesn't. He's just hurt, Annabeth. And with good reason" she sat on the couch and started tuning her guitar. "Just give him some time. He needs space to think"

"Space…right"

She opened her laptop and worked for a few more minutes.

"I should have explained to him," she said grabbing the bucket and shoving another spoonful into her mouth. "That I'm only using him for work…and to be fair, I think he's using me too"

"How about you just drop the whole thing," Thalia said, stopping her Chalk Outline cover. "Quit your job. Look somewhere else or start your own firm"

"Nobody is going to let a recently graduated architect design something. They need to learn from experimented ones first. And I have the opportunity to be under Aurora's guidance"

"Even if it ends your friendship with Percy?" she dared.

Annabeth finished the bucket and sighed. "Friendships come and go. Your career is permanent"

Thalia snorted. "I don't think you really believe that"

"Why not?"

"Because if that was true, you wouldn't be extremely concerned about what Percy thinks of you. But here you are. Crying over a bucket of ice cream"

Annabeth just shook her head. Thalia got up form the couch and walked to her. She closed her laptop, and her friend put a hand under her chin and made her look at her.

"Let's just run-away Annabeth. You and me. We both have some money saved. We can travel to India or Ireland or…what's that place you wanted to see? The one with the floating flowers?"

"Hanging Gardens"

"Yeah, those ones. We can travel around the world like we used to talk about…and maybe you'll regain your common sense"

"Sounds nice…"

"Great!"

"…but I have to work"

Thalia threw her hands in the air.

"I give up"

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"What do you think about this one?" Triton asked, not to her of course, but to the young woman assisting his personal tailor. She played with her hair and giggled at everything he said. Triton's eyes sparked every time the girl gave him a compliment. Which was quite often.

"Outstanding," she said again. Triton had tried the other four tuxedos, and each of them earned a generous compliment from the girl.

The tailor, Bob, made a few other adjustments to the ensemble, before proudly admiring his work. Triton took a few minutes to check himself on the mirror, before smiling.

"This is it" he finally said. He turned and his eyes met with Annabeth's. "What do you think?"

She stopped typing something on her phone and evaluated his decision. He looked handsome of course, but to be honest, the tuxedo looked the same to her as the other three. She figured saying that to him would be an offense, so she settled for smiling and saying "You look…expensive"

He nodded in approval and Bob started talking about the possible (and expensive) modifications. The other assistant approached her and offered her more champagne once again. Annabeth looked at the empty glass at her feet and nodded.

She admired the small expensive room they were standing in. The couch she was sitting on was more expensive than her whole apartment together. There were mirrors everywhere and Annabeth avoided seeing her own tired expression, although It was almost impossible. The champagne she was drinking was surely Moët et Chandon.

When they were done, they both hurried to Triton's silver Maseratti, before a cameraman would spot them. Not that she cared anyway.

"I think we should go for a drink," he said as he joined the Manhattan traffic. "To your favorite wine place Nello. What do you say?"

Actually, it's your favorite place, she thought. He grabbed her hand and gave it a small kiss as he stopped on a traffic light.

"Are you sure you want them to see us in public?" she asked looking at the city's lights through the window. Was Percy sitting cozily in a cinema watching the movie? Was he watching it with someone else?

"We've been dating for a few weeks. It's about time we start giving them some light"

Annabeth watched through the rearview and spotted the same vans that had been following them for a few streets now.

"You better be sure about that, because they are following us"

Triton smiled, proudly.

"They are always following me, Annie. I'm Triton Jackson, after all"

Yep. She really needed that drink.

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Did he enjoy the movie? Kiss. Did he stay in his room? Kiss. Is he with Grover? Kiss. Jason? Kiss. Hazel? Kiss. Frank? Kiss… Am I sounding like a psychopath? Kiss.

Finally, Triton moved to kiss her neck and Annabeth took the time to take a long breath. She needed to calm down and focus on her task at hand. They were on the pilot seat of his car, parked near a small playground a few blocks away from Annabeth's apartment. They'd had a lot of wine and things had heated up quickly. She felt his hands wander her lower back and she tried to follow his game. Only her mind really wasn't there.

"I'm sorry Triton," she said, gently pushing him away. "I'm just not up for it, tonight. Besides, I feel like a teenager again on the back of her boyfriend's car"

He chuckled and for a moment her chest ached at how similar it was to Percy's. She unstraddled him and sat back on the copilot's place. It had been a long time since her lips were burnt from so much kissing, so she got her Chapstick out as Triton sighed next to her. They stay in uncomfortable silence for a few minutes before he cleared his throat.

"Annie, I think I need to be honest with you" she rolled her eyes at the nickname but let him continue. "You already know about my reputation, right?"

"Yes…" she confirmed, carefully.

"Well, my father knows about it too. And he wasn't quite pleased with the image I was giving to the company. A few months ago, he said I could lead a new project he was working on, only if I showed I could be serious and committed. And that picture outside Trojan…well, It kind of screwed everything up"

"Hey, you were the one who put his jacket on me" Annabeth defended.

"Yeah, well. When he asked about it, I told him I was trying to be in a stable relationship, and that it wasn't just another scandal…maybe I could even show the press I was able to be committed to a relationship" he kept explaining, slowly, as if afraid he would lose Annabeth on his confession.

"So, you're using me" she concluded. Triton grimaced.

"I just saw it as an opportunity for both of us. I know you're crazy for me and I just need a secure girlfriend for a few months. That way you get to spend time with me, and I get the deal" he finished and looked at her, trying to guess her reaction.

He was fairly surprised when she exploded in laughter. What a douchebag, she thought.

"So, you're not sad because I'm not interested in you?" he asked. Annabeth cleaned the tears from laughing so hard off her cheeks and turned to look at him.

"Nop. See, I also need something from you" she said, now with a serious face. "I need you to introduce me to important people, so I can promote Aurora's work to them" His mouth hung open as if wondering how she could not be crazy over him. "Do we have a deal?" she pushed.

Finally, Triton smiled and shook hands with her. "I think I can do that...Deal"

Annabeth started grabbing her things and opening her door before triton grabbed her hand and said "I was thinking we could make things official on the ball. You know...to the press and stuff"

"Ah…sure. It's fine by me"

She closed the door and started her short way back home, thinking what would Percy say if he found out.

Hi everyone! It's weird having my note at the end ;) The Next chapter will be the Ball and a lot of things are gonna happen. Can you guess what? Thank you so much for reading and I loved hearing from all of you.