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The next update will be on Wednesday.

I do not own anything from Rick Riordan's Universe.

Chapter 12

Annabeth shifted uncomfortably on her seat. The couch was supposed to be the comfiest for people to actually feel comfortable enough to share their problems and ideas. Annabeth hated it, however. As she hated the perfectly placed books on the wooden library next to her, and the classic plastic clock ticking on top of a fancy metallic desk. And she wasn't even going to start on the sound of pencil writing on paper. She felt like a rat lab.

"How's work?" her therapist, Hestia, asked. She was dressed in a fancy puffed white blouse and high waisted black pants, sitting on her rolling chair with a perfect posture. Annabeth hated her black ergonomic chair. It was clear that she disliked everything in the room. Everything, except Hestia. For some reason, she couldn't be mad at her therapist. She was paying her, after all.

Hestia waited patiently for her answer. She never pushed her. If Annabeth took too long to answer a question, her therapist would only ask her about a different topic on her life. It had taken time, but the blond girl started opening more as they had their weekly sessions.

"It's different" she replied, and her eye twitched as Hestia wrote something on her pad.

"How so?"

"I don't know. Physically, nothing has changed. Even Aurora seems to have forgiven me for the Charity Ball thing…but, lately, I just feel tired."

"What do you mean by tired?"

Annabeth sighed and looked for the right words. "Before, work used to be my energizer. I woke up every day with the sole purpose of doing my best at my job. But, now? It's draining me out."

"Do you think it has something to do with your mother?"

Annabeth took too long to answer.

"Okay…" she looked at her notepad. "What about Triton? How's your fake relationship going?" Her eyes gleamed with amusement at the 'fake' word and Annabeth was glad her therapy also found it funny. It reminded her that Hestia was also human.

"It's fine. We see each other once a week for the media to realize he has a stable relationship. Sometimes I go with him to public events."

"How about your sex life?"

"What about it?"

"Are you satisfied?"

Again, Annabeth took too long to answer.

"How's your relationship with yourself?"

Annabeth took a deep breath. "I think is improving?"

"Why the question intonation?"

"Because I'm just starting to experiment. I'm trying to eat healthier, and I even bought one of those nutritional easy recipe books. I'm trying to run in the mornings, even though I hate it. I don't know why people say they get energized by that. I just get tired and moody."

"Well, not all people like and react in the same way. You just have to look for something that works for you" she said calmly.

"Like what?"

"You'll have to figure out yourself."

"Oh, please. I think by now you know me more than I know myself. Just give me a recommendation…as a friend."

Hestia looked like she was going to keep her professionalism, until she said, "Boxing"

"Boxing? Why?"

She shrugged. "I just think you have the spirit of a fighter."

Annabeth didn't feel it that way. "It's not a bad idea," she said anyway.

Hestia smiled and returned to her poker face. "What else?"

"I've been trying to quit drinking. My friend Percy is helping me with that. I didn't like how it made me act on the Charity Ball"

"Trying?"

"I just love wine."

"Okay…" she closed her notepad and took away her glasses from her face. She started to clean them with a little blue tissue, and casually asked, "Is something happening with Percy?"

It took Annabeth off guard. "Uh…no. Just the usual. Why?"

"Saying his name, has been the only thing that brought a smile on your face in our whole session." Annabeth blushed and Hestia smiled triumphally. "I was just curious to know why."

"Well, we've been spending a lot of time together. I think he's becoming my best friend…apart from Thalia of course. That's nice, right?"

"From your smile, I dare say it is. But are you happy being just his best friend?"

For the third time that night, Annabeth took too long to answer.

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"Ready, Estelle?"

"Ready!"

A loud POP sounded through the apartment and Annabeth listened as Estelle started her dramatization of a canon that had shot her pirate ship. Sally laughed softly and passed her the damped dish so Annabeth could dry it.

"I can't believe he graduated today, and still plays with pirate ships" Sally sighed, but with a sweet smile on her face. "He's a child at heart."

"He's just being Percy." Annabeth also laughed, draining the kitchen towel on the sink.

The door swung open, and Percy entered with an open bottle of Champagne and three fancy glass cups. "We are ready for the toast," he said, and Annabeth felt him stopping behind her. Sally finished washing but Annabeth still had a lot of drying to do.

"One moment, Seaweed Brain. I need to finish helping your mom."

"Then hurry up!"

"Well, if somebody would help me, instead of…eeeeek!" Annabeth shrieked, as she felt a pair of hands surrounding her and then tickling her sides. She tried not to laugh as she balanced a dish on her hand. "Percy! You're gonna make me break something!"

"Then hurry up!" he said, also chuckling, and continued trying to tickle her.

"Stop!" she twisted her body in a weird way, running from his nimble hands. "I'm never going to finish if you keep doing that."

"Percy, let her finish," her mom said, although she looked amused by the scene too. Percy pouted and finally left her alone.

"Percy!" Estelle's voice came from the living room.

"Your captain is calling you, sweetheart" her mom urged him. Percy grabbed the bottle and headed out, but not without winking at Annabeth before leaving. She tried to hide her blush as she dried the last pans, but Sally had noticed it.

"I never thanked you for helping my son." She said as Annabeth leaned against the counter.

"With what?" she asked, genuinely confused.

"A year ago, I was worried about him. He seemed lost and frustrated. He didn't care about his future and was always so impulsive. But since he met you, I've felt the old Percy coming back. He's going out more with his friends, he laughs a lot, he takes his job more seriously, and even thought about competing in swimming championships!" Sally looked so sincere; Annabeth felt like she was about to blush again.

"That's great to hear, but I don't know what I did."

Sally neared her and placed a hand on her shoulder. "You didn't have to. I guess he just admires you. He wants you to think highly of him."

Annabeth smiled. "I already do."

Sally gave her a motherly look. "I know. Now, c'mon. Let's celebrate before one of those two breaks something."

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"So?" Percy asked, extending his arms as if he was presenting the ninth wonder. "What do you think?"

Annabeth looked around and tried hard not to grimace. The studio apartment was trash. Its walls were falling apart and had weird stains all over them, the neighbors were extremely loud, the plumbing was a disaster, the extremely small kitchen was disgusting, and Annabeth was sure several power outlets were not working.

She glanced at the real state agent, who was still busy in a call, and whispered, "I think you could do better, Percy"

"Oh, c'mon, Annabeth. It has potential. I've never lived in the Upper West Side, and this is the best thing I can afford. Besides, it has one of those cool fire exits, and they allow parties on the roof."

The bond girl snorted. "You never host parties."

He shrugged. "Maybe, I'll start now"

"I don't know, Percy…"

"Think about it like a blank canvas. I can decorate it however I like. And…I happen to know an incredible architect who also happens to be my friend and might help me improve this place." He gave her his puppy eyes.

"Well, I'm sure your architect friend would tell you to look for a place with better illumination," she looked at his hopeful green eyes. "But I guess we can do something about it"

"Yes!" he picked her up and spun her around, making her giggle. Of course, she hated it when he did that.

"So, you've already taken a decision?" the agent asked, startling them.

"Uh, yes," Percy said, staring one last time at Annabeth for confirmation. She nodded. "I'll sign the contract"

"Wonderful," The woman got some papers out of her folder, already prepared for his answer. She winked at Annabeth while Percy read the contract. "I love finding young couples their first apartment. It's so romantic!" the agent commented, and Annabeth's face turned violently red. However, she didn't find it in herself to correct the woman, and she could have sworn Percy was trying to hold back a smirk, while he was signing.

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"Shouldn't your landlord be doing this?" she asked, parching the last part of the wall with drywall. She narrowed her eyes at the rest of the place and said, "I think we are done. We should wait until it's dry so we can start painting."

Annabeth adjusted her yellow bandanna, so it was truly keeping her rebel blond curls away from her face. Now that they had taken off the moldy carpet and the horrible striped wallpaper, she was starting to really like the place. She told Percy he was lucky it was an old apartment, so there had been a wooden floor underneath the carpet one. They just had to give it a protective coat.

"Supposedly, yes," Percy answered her first question, while he fixed the plumbing under the sink. "But he's always busy with something, and I figured it would give us some quality time together since you've been a little bit distant lately." He got up and peeked at her expression.

"No, I haven't" she muttered. Yes, she had. She had been pretty tired to do anything for the last couple of months. She would just shut herself in her apartment and watched movies or series. Sometimes she would get out of work so exhausted, that she would ask Meghan to meet Percy and talk to him about San Francisco. Percy had protested giving Meghan some wrong information, so Annabeth would have to call him and fix stuff herself.

Annabeth got a screwdriver from his toolbox and opened a can full of white paint. "Now, I know you want to have blue walls, but since your apartment is so small and dark, I think we should paint everything white and just the kitchen wall blue." She pursed her lips at the ceiling. "And we should get you better lights."

She sat on the floor next to her bag, grabbed her design book, and read her notes. She had rolled her eyes when Percy had called her an interior designer at heart, after arriving at his apartment with buckets full of paint and different color palettes. She was an architect. She liked working more with mega structures. But, once an idea got into her head, she needed to accomplish it, and be the best at doing it. In part, that's why she was still with Triton. Deep inside her, she still wanted to win Aurora's proposal.

"Also, and according to budget, we should change the kitchen's counter for a lighter one. We need to repaint the cabinets and…"

"How's therapy?" she heard him asking. She looked away from her notebook and found him crouching in front of her. He looked so handsome with his old white t-shirt and Levi's jeans.

"It's fine" she replied, grabbing a paintbrush.

"Is it helping?"

"I guess." She submerged the thick brush in the paint bucket and was ready to get it out when Percy gently grabbed her hand. She made the mistake of looking him in the eyes.

"Please, talk to me." He pleaded, now fully sitting down on the floor with her. They were so close, that their knees were touching. At her lack of answer, he kept talking. "Thalia and I have been talking. She's…"

"…worried about me" she finished for him and then smiled dryly. "I supposed she would tell you that."

"She says you stopped designing buildings for fun. Why?"

"Honestly, I don't know Percy. I'm just feeling down lately. I'm allowed to feel like that without explanation." She defended.

"I know, I know," he said, lifting his hand and gently touching her cheek. "Is there anything I can do to help?"

She leaned into his touch and closed her eyes. "Just…move your butt and help me paint."

He chuckled. "Yes, ma'am." But neither of them moved. Annabeth kept her eyes closed, as Percy sweetly caressed her cheek with his thumb. She could have stayed the whole day like that.

"Have I told you how beautiful you look in your bandanna?" he whispered, and Annabeth froze, realizing how close he was. Had he leaned in? Her heartbeat accelerated and butterflies returned to her stomach. Was something about to happen? Did she want something to happen?

Her body answered for her and she found herself gently tilting her head forward. Their foreheads met, making her inhale sharply. Percy raised his left hand and cupped her other cheek. He carefully guided her head, so their noses were now touching. She was so scared to open her eyes. They were so close…

And his damned phone rang. For a hopeful moment, Annabeth thought he would just ignore it, but she felt his face pull apart with a heavy sigh. She regretted opening her eyes and looking at the ID caller. Calypso Atlas.

"Sorry," he muttered. "I have to…I'll just…" He got up before he could finish the sentence, and exited through the window, so he could talk in private on the fire exit stairwell. Annabeth buried her head in her hands. She was such a stupid girl. She had left herself to be carried away by the situation and had forgotten Percy kissing that girl on the Ball. Why didn't he just kiss her and then answer the call? What was he so afraid of? Or maybe Calypso was more important to him…Why hadn't she kissed him first, instead?

Annabeth knew they needed to talk about it, but she wanted to consult it with Piper first. So, she put her earphones on, played some music on her cellphone, grabbed the brush, and started painting. Percy returned and she decided to ignore him and act like she was too focused on what she was doing. She half-hoped he would turn her around and kiss her like in the movies she had been watching recently, but he just grabbed the other paintbrush and also painted in silence.

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Annabeth took Percy's apartment like a very personal project. On her way to work, she now took the longer route so she could do a little window shopping through the furniture stores. Most days, she couldn't resist the temptation, and bought several decorative objects she thought Percy would like, such as tableware with sea-related things painted on them and a bunch of small plants that Grover approved of. She had helped him get a new desk, a small bedside table, a comfy armchair, and a basic fridge. He had saved a lot of money working for Poseidon.

That particular day, Jason and Percy were trying to get the mattress he had bought up the stairs, while Piper and Annabeth did the same with the small armchair. Thalia was already on the fifth floor, waiting for them. "You're doing great!" she had yelled.

"Remind me why she decided not to help us with this stupid thing?" Piper grunted as she pushed the chair, and Annabeth pulled it, careful not to trip with the stairs behind her.

"She said Percy and Jason would need some back up at some point, but they were too stubborn to recognize it. So, she was going to supervise in case they needed her help" Annabeth answered, as she heard the echoes of the boys' voices, who were a couple of floors behind them.

"And how is she going to do that from the last floor?"

"I don't know. It's Thalia, let her be."

They reached the third floor and decided to take a little break.

"What do you think I should do?" Annabeth asked, taking the opportunity. She had told Piper what had happened a couple of weeks ago at Percy's apartment.

"I think you're an idiot for not kissing him" Piper scolded, and her blond friend rolled her eyes.

"I know that Piper. I'm asking what I should do, not what I didn't do"

Her friend leaned against the chair and thought for a while. "I don't know, Annabeth. For what Jason has told me, Percy had a hard time after his breakup with Rachel. He lost his best friend and his girlfriend. And now there's you, who also is his best friend. And, you two feel deeply attracted to each other…I guess, he just doesn't want to make the same mistake."

Annabeth blinked. "How do you do that?"

"Do what?"

"Read people so well"

"Annabeth you do that too…only that you're not good at reading your own feelings…and Percy's. That's why I am here." She said proudly. "Consider me your personal emotion translator"

"Yeah, and I'm glad you are. C'mon, let's take this upstairs."

Twenty minutes later they arrived at the apartment with the armchair. They put it beside the window and Thalia gave them Diet Cokes as they waited for the guys. Finally, the mattress arrived and they helped the boys getting it through the door, before placing it in the bed Percy's mom had given him. Piper and Annabeth watched from the kitchen as Thalia 'tested' the bed's comfort. Jason and Percy also sat on it, drinking from their sodas.

"You should test it, too," Piper said, before smirking.

"Why?"

"I just have good reason to believe you'll be using it a lot too"

Annabeth choked on her soda, and Piper cracked up before patting her back several times.

"So, Kelp Head," Thalia started, with a glint in her eyes. "When is the roof party?"

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The rooftop party ended up being on July 12th, so they politically changed the name from 'Percy's Apartment Inauguration' to 'Annabeth's 24th birthday'. She wasn't exactly a party enthusiastic, but they seemed so excited to do it, that she didn't have the heart to tell them no. Besides, Piper and Thalia made an amazing job decorating the place. There were Christmas lights all over the place, an enchilada's stand (which Grover kept visiting), lots and lots of pizza and alcohol (they even bought Annabeth her personal serving of wine), a ping pong table (which Annabeth had no idea where they had got it from) and The Hunters were playing their best hits and alternating with a hired DJ.

Annabeth was having such a great time that agreed on wearing a happy birthday tiara, and cheerfully greeted everyone who wished her a happy birthday. And, there were a lot of people she didn't know. In fact, the place was so crowded that she often lost her friends in the sea of people. It was a warm and humid night, so Annabeth was wearing her loose white tank top with her denim shirt, golden hoops as earrings and her blond hair pulled up in a messy bun.

She really tried not to drink too much, but at some point (and after a few glasses of wine), Piper had dragged her to a game of beer pong with some guys called the Stoll Brothers. Annabeth didn't like beer, but she was so into the game, and the brothers were so good at it, that she drank a lot of it that night. She was feeling giddy at the end of the game.

"I need to eat something," she said to Piper. "Seaweed Brain will get mad if he discovers I'm a little bit hyped already."

"Why should he care?! It's your damned birthday. Rules don't apply tonight" Piper replied, grabbing three slices of pizza for each.

They ate as they watch the party go by. Annabeth noticed Hazel, Frank, and Reyna playing Charades with six people. Silena had brought her boyfriend Charles and was having a blast being the center of attention for several young men. She recognized the resident Will who had helped her at the hospital almost nine months ago, with Bianca's brother Nico, talking quietly with Percy and Grover near the enchiladas' stand. For the first time, in two months, Annabeth felt at peace.

"I'm thinking about quitting," she blurted out, making Piper almost choke on her pizza. Her friend just looked at her with a puzzled expression, trying to figure out if she was joking or not.

"Because of what happened at the Charity Ball?"

Annabeth grimaced. "Yes and no…it's complicated." Piper frowned. "I thought you'd be happy."

"I...don't know Annabeth. Working it's what makes you…you. I didn't support your Triton dilemma. But I know you like Aurora because she challenges you, and it's what gives you your fuel." She wiped her hands on a napkin. "Have you talked to your therapist about it?"

Annabeth rolled her eyes and adjusted her tiara, which was pressing her scalp a little bit too hard. "No. But that's the thing, Piper. Lately, work has only been draining me. I don't feel that fuel anymore."

"Maybe work is not a problem. Maybe you stopped trying to challenge yourself, for fear at failure. And, that's what's boring you"

"Maybe." She smiled dryly. "You sound like my therapist."

"Then I like her already."

They kept talking until Jason came from behind and stole Piper's attention for a few minutes. Annabeth scanned the party again until her eyes rested on Percy. He looked amazing on his cotton dark blue shirt and black jeans. He always dressed so simple, and yet he looked handsome every time. He noticed her staring and winked. Annabeth smiled at him.

"What is he doing here?" she heard Piper asking. Annabeth turned and followed her gaze. Her heart stopped. Luke Castellan had just entered through the roof access and was slowly scanning the room.

"Thalia," Annabeth whispered, and Piper frowned.

"You didn't tell her what he did to you?"

"I couldn't." Suddenly, Luke's gaze turned into their direction, and Annabeth ducked under the table.

"What's Annabeth doing?" Jason asked, finishing another slice of pizza.

"She's becoming an ostrich," Piper joked.

"I need a better hiding spot," Annabeth said, before stealing Piper's last slice.

"Aren't we supposed to act like grown-ups?" Her friend asked, as she waited for Luke to focus on another direction.

"I'm the birthday girl and, as you said, I'm allowed to do whatever the hell I want." She said before blending herself into the crowd and heading for the fire stairwell. She descended until she found Percy's window and sat on the steps. Her short moment alone, helped her think about her work. Piper's right, she thought, maybe I shouldn't quit. But I do need some urgent vacations.

She finished her slice of pizza and admired New York's night shine, until she heard footsteps coming down the stairs behind her. Annabeth turned and smiled at her new companion.

"My hiding place sucks," she said, as she scooched over so Percy could sit next to her.

"A little bit" he mocked, and Annabeth punched his arm. "Then again, Piper's not very good at keeping secrets, so…"

"What did she tell you?"

"Something about you turning into a bird." She laughed softly. "And also how you've been thinking about quitting your job."

"Yeah…tough couple of weeks."

"Wanna talk about it?"

"Not now. It's my birthday. Just happy topics allowed"

He chuckled and Annabeth's heart fluttered. "Then, let me tell you a very romantic story."

"Whose?"

"Remember Will?"

"Yes."

"Nico and he are now dating."

"How?"

Percy smiled and started telling the story about how Nico hated Will's cheerful attitude at first, and it was a slow progression until they fell in love. Annabeth really wanted to listen to him, but she was heavily distracted by his muscular arms so close to her, the small dimple he had every time he smiled, and how his eyes shined with the mention of his friends.

She wanted so bad to touch him, that she blamed her birthday rush and the alcohol through her veins when she grabbed his right hand with her left one and leaned her head against his shoulder. Not only that, but she started tracing circles in his hand with her thumb. This time, I'm taking control. I'm not gonna let Calypso have the advantage.

She had been so focused on his touch that she didn't notice when he had finished.

"Um…You okay, Wise Girl?"

"Yeah…why?"

"You seem…distracted" He seemed out of breath.

"I'm just relaxed."

They stayed a few minutes in silence before Percy shifted slightly and got something out of his pocket. "I got you something" he whispered, and Annabeth accepted the leather bracelet from his hands. It was neatly braided with a few silver threads and three beautiful pearls were attached to it. "My dad and I went to a fisherman post a few weeks back. They make crafts and I thought about you. Happy Birthday, Wise Girl."

Immediately, Annabeth put it on her right hand. She touched the pearls with delicacy. "It's beautiful, Percy. Thank you." He put his left hand on her bare knee, and she felt a shot of electricity cursing through her body. It's my birthday. I'm going to do whatever the hell I want. No rules.

She took her head off his shoulder and looked at him. His eyes were fixed on the horizon; his mind surely wondering somewhere else. Annabeth watched through his apartment's window and found the bottled ship she had given him on Christmas, sitting on his new desk.

It was her turn to cup his cheek on her hand and gently turned his head so he was looking at her. His sea-green eyes were gleaming strongly. She ran her hand through his messy hair and smiled triumphally when he closed his eyes.

"Have I told you how handsome you look tonight?" she whispered.

He opened his eyes again and smirked. "Only tonight?" She took a shaky breath as he leaned closer, putting his left hand on the back of her head. Damn the Jacksons and their flirting ways.

"Just kiss me, Percy"

And he did. Annabeth closed her eyes as they ended the distance between them, their lips crashing softly against each other. She felt like the butterflies in her stomach had broken free and were now traveling across her whole body. She was hyperaware of Percy's hand going to her waist and pulling her closer, as they deepened their kiss. Her heart was beating crazily, and her mind was only focused on him, forgetting about the noises on the street and on the roof, and even how uncomfortable were the stairs they were sitting on. Annabeth felt in heaven.

Then it stopped. Percy jerked his head back, and her chest started aching when his lips weren't on hers anymore. She opened her eyes and watched Percy as he pinched the bridge of his nose.

"W-What's wrong?" she asked, hating how vulnerable her voice sounded. She felt cold without him close to her, and the sounds from the world invaded her once again.

"I-I can't, Annabeth"

…

"What do you mean?"

"I'm not ready"

"Ready for what?"

A moment of silence before he answered, "Us."

Anger bubbled up inside Annabeth

"So, you're not ready for us…"

"Annabeth…"

"…but you seemed pretty ready to me while you were kissing Calypso Atlas."

He opened his eyes and they had the nerve to look offended.

"It's different." He defended himself, and Annabeth noticed he was trying to remain patient. But she was so angry, she was no longer thinking clearly. She laughed dryly and stood up.

"Oh, I bet it is." Sarcasm dripping through her voice as she started going upstairs again but Percy grabbed her hand.

"Can't we just talk normally for once?!" Percy pleaded anger present in his voice again.

"It's my birthday, remember? Only happy topics" she said sourly, pulling her hand away from his. She should have kept walking, but her temper had to make her turn back and say, "You know, Percy? You criticize Triton a lot, but you two have more in common than you think. Neither of you knows what the hell you want in your life." The look of hurt in his eyes made her have a heartache. But she was just so pissed at him.

She ran up the stairs and tried mingling back into the party. She was not going to let anything spoil the perfect night she was having, so she ignored the pain in her chest and tried looking for Piper again.

The Hunters had stopped playing and people were now dancing to sexier songs. Couples were extremely close on the dance floor and some were even making out. She was near the enchiladas' stand, when she bumped accidentally with someone. Luke Castellan was looking at her with his baby blue eyes. Funny enough, he was no longer Annabeth's concern.

"Hey, Luke" she greeted, softly. He looked surprised that she was actually talking to him.

"Hi, Annabeth. Happy Birthday."

"Thanks."

"Thalia invited me."

"Yeah, I imagined it."

"I-If you don't want me to stay…"

Annabeth sighed. "It's fine, Luke. Do whatever you want." She nervously glanced around her, trying to see if Percy had followed her.

"I think I owe you another apology…" Luke started, and Annabeth raised her hand indicating him to stop.

"Luke, I don't wanna talk. I'm done talking on my birthday."

"Okay…" he ran a hand through his hair and shifted uncomfortably. With his sleeveless shirt and his khaki shorts, he reminded Annabeth to the old Luke back in California. "So, what do you wanna do on your birthday?"

"Dance," she answered instantly. Luke thought about it and looked a little bit unsure when he offered her his hand. And Annabeth surprised herself when she accepted it. She was done with drama on that day.

They were a little uncomfortable during their first song, but then Luke reminded her how awkward her prom was and how he hated his tuxedo, and that made her laugh. Soon enough they were dancing pressed to each other like the other couples were. On their second song, Luke cleared her throat.

"Hey, I'm not gonna talk. I just…wanna now if you'll go out on a date with me?"

"Wait, what?" she jerked her head back and narrowed his eyes at him.

"Just one date, Annabeth, like old times. Give me the chance. If you don't like it, I promise not to bother you again."

Annabeth choked on her words. Why wasn't she screaming no to his face? Did she still like him? No. Just a part of her that wanted things to be like they were in high school. Simple and innocent. The song ended and someone gently touched her elbow.

"Can I dance with you the next song?" Percy asked in her ear, and his warm breath sent a shiver to her body. He started pulling her slowly when Luke hardened his grip on her.

"Dude, she's dancing with me," Luke said, and Annabeth swore the boys were killing each other with their glance.

"It's her decision:" He finally looked at her and his eyes were pleading.

"I don't wanna talk, Percy" she muttered.

"We are not gonna talk. I just wanna dance with you."

She finally and she saw Luke clenching his jaw as he reluctantly let her go. He got out of the dancefloor as fast as his feet allowed him. Passing from his arms to Percy's was a realization. Dancing with Luke had been okay, close to being monotone. Dancing with Percy made her body ache to be closer to him and all her senses became aware of him and only him. It was dangerously intoxicating. Again, he made her twirl, sometimes fast, sometimes slow, and some giggles escaped from her. She sighed and surrounded his neck with her arms.

"You're making it very hard for me to be mad at you," she said, and she felt him smile.

"Great," he said making her twirl again. They danced for a few seconds more until Annabeth blurted out, "Luke asked me to go out with him."

Percy lost the rhythm for a beat.

"Sorry," he said after almost stepping on her toes. "What did you say?"

"I didn't answer him."

"Oh…Do you want to go out with him?"

"No…but I was tempted."

"He hurt you, Annabeth"

"We all make mistakes, Percy

The song ended.

"So, what made you say no?" he asked, still holding her. She leaned forward and whispered in his ear, "He doesn't make me feel like you do. Nobody does." There. She had said it. She was being forward and challenging herself as Piper had suggested. His eyes were a swirl of emotions. He was about to answer, when Luke materialized next to them.

"It's my turn," he said.

"It's not about turns Luke" she responded, irritated.

"Annabeth, please."

"She said no, man." Percy chimed in. He narrowed his eyes at Luke. "You really have a problem with people saying no to you, don't you?"

"This is private, dude"

"She's not going out with you, Luke"

"Percy…" Annabeth warned. Her ex-boyfriend looked at her, with hurt in his eyes.

"Why not?"

"You drugged her!" Percy continued, having lost his temper. Annabeth put her hands on his chest and hissed "Stop it!"

"You did what?" Thalia asked, making all three of them freeze. All fury dissipated from Percy's eyes and he muttered, "Shoot. I screwed up"

Annabeth threw him a sarcastic look of really? as she watched Thalia walking towards a desperate Luke. "So, it's true," her friend said, and Annabeth noticed a tear running down her cheek.

"You knew?" the blond girl asked, unbelievingly.

"You really thought I wouldn't ask about what happened that night, Annabeth," Thalia replied sourly. "I just didn't want to believe it, so I invited you here thinking we could talk." She threw her a look. "All three of us, with the hope you'd tell me what had really happened. I'm sorry to do it on your birthday, Beth. But you've said no otherwise."

Luke was speechless. "You don't deny it?" Thalia pressed. He shook his head and said, "It was a mistake…"

"Get out," Thalia said in a dangerously low voice.

"Thalia, let me explain…"

"I said get out. And, don't you dare talk to us again."

Luke searched desperately for Annabeth's eyes, and she couldn't help but feel sorry for him.

"Thalia, I already forgave him." She said taking a step forward, but Percy gently pulled her back.

"You might have. But I haven't…We were family, Luke. How could you?"

That finally got to him. Annabeth watched helplessly as Luke gave her one last broken smile, before making his way to the door. Once he was gone, Annabeth felt a part of herself disappearing with him.