Chapter 29

It was the first time Hestia didn't have her annoying notepad at hand to write every word Annabeth said. She hoped it was because she had been improving, so there was nothing else bad to write about. But she knew Hestia was keeping the session casual because they had a visitor with them.

Hestia smiled beautifully at them. "It so nice to finally meet you, Perseus."

Her boyfriend smiled awkwardly. "Call me Percy."

"Right. Percy. I'm glad Annabeth decided to bring someone to our sessions. I thought this day would never come." She winked at Annabeth, and the blond girl tried desperately not to roll her eyes.

"I was also surprised when she asked me," Percy admitted.

Hestia nodded, "Why did you bring him, Annabeth? Why now?"

Oh, boy. It was time to get deep.

Percy looked down and picked at his hand.

"We…" Annabeth started. She took a deep breath. "We have decided to start over in our relationship, and I thought it would be a great idea if he saw me in my most vulnerable moment. As a trust exercise."

"And why do you think you need a trust exercise?"

"Just to start with the right foot, I guess."

Percy gave her a small smile and she finally released the breath she was holding.

Hestia smiled. "That's nice. Since this is not a couple therapy, let's focus on you, Annabeth. Percy, you are here to listen, okay?"

He nodded.

The session went smoothly. They talked about her dreams, her health, her personal care, her friends, her family, and her work. Annabeth told her she was currently in a special project, which involved putting a lawsuit against her previous firm.

"Is it stressful?" Hestia asked.

"Um, no. I'm actually happy about having something to keep my mind busy with," she admitted.

"Okay, but have you thought about your career's future? Or have you decided to continue to be a waitress for a while?"

Annabeth bit her lip. She had avoided the topic lately, and neither of her friends had asked her about it either. The inspiration for designing had come back to her, but she wasn't sure she was ready to return to the ring once again.

"Daedalus contacted me again," Annabeth revealed, trying to ignore Percy's surprised expression. Her work was a delicate subject, and she had decided to postpone the news until the session, where Hestia could serve as a moderator. "He wants to have a proper meeting this time. But I'm not so sure I want to go back to work. I've been planning to go back to study and get a postgraduate degree in sustainable architecture. Either way, I still need some time to think."

Hestia nodded. "Understandable."

Percy squeezed her hand, which meant he wasn't mad at her. That was a relief. Her therapist smiled one more time at them before saying, "You've improved a lot. I think we go back to our once a month session, and it can be a short one too. Of course, don't hesitate to ask for a longer one if you feel that you need it."

Annabeth nodded. "That's great." She pondered asking about another thing that was bothering her. She thought she was going to chicken out until they were almost at the door. Annabeth turned quickly and asked, "About my medication…"

Percy and Hestia shared a look which made her irritated. They had just met! Why were they sharing complicit looks?

"Do you want to stop?" Hestia asked, carefully.

"You said I was doing better." She bit her lip. "I just want to know if I'm capable of being stable without them."

They shared another look. Oh, gods.

"How about we reduce the dosage?" Hestia proposed with a warm smile. "That way we can see how you do, and it won't be a strong punch to your system by retiring it all at once."

Annabeth knew that was the best deal she could get. She smiled forcefully. "Sure."

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"So, are we all finally going on that trip together?" Piper asked when Annabeth brought their food back. Eric had started sending her bossy looks when she lingered too much at her friends' table, so she had lost the trail of the conversation.

"Trip?" she asked, putting the last plates down. "What trip?"

"Camping," Percy replied, his fingers lightly brushing hers when she put his Coke down. "Before the summer ends."

"It sounds like a cool adventure," Hazel said. "I mean if we don't get attacked by bears."

Frank shrugged. "Bears are cool, though."

"Are you in?" Piper asked her, her kaleidoscopic eyes narrowed towards Percy's soda.

Annabeth smiled. "Yeah! It'll be fun. When?"

Jason shrugged. "Percy's birthday? It's on a weekend, and we can ask for a day or two of vacations"

She sent a look towards her boss. "I'll have to talk to Eric. I've been asking him for days off to work properly on the lawsuit, so I don't know if he'll let me go on vacation right now…"

"So, what if he fires you?" Piper said, having the first bite of her salad. "It's not like you hoped this would be your permanent job."

Percy raised an eyebrow at the comment.

"I still need the money, Pipes. Now even more than my dad is helping with my rent. I need to pay him back, one way or another. But I promise to talk to my boss."

Not that her promise mattered, since Piper had clearly stopped paying attention to her, and was now having a staring contest with Percy.

"You should invite Calypso," Piper said suddenly, making everyone in the table tense up. "You said she had no friends, right? What a great way of meeting us further." She turned towards Annabeth with a devilish smile. "And I bet Travis would love to go to."

Percy was definitely now looking at her with irritation.

Annabeth sighed. "I need to go back to work. I'll inform you about my boss' decision."

"Do you want us to drive you home today?" Piper suggested, having too much fun seeing Percy's reactions.

"I already offered," Percy grumbled.

The others were turning their heads between their friends like a tennis match.

"How chivalrous of you," Piper noted.

"I can get home by myself," Annabeth announced, annoyed at both of them. "See you later."

Her shift went by relatively okay. Thank gods neither Percy nor Piper stayed to drive her home, so Annabeth had a more peaceful time to talk to her boss. Eric was in a good mood which she took to her advantage.

He wasn't too excited for her to miss more days, but Annabeth offered to also do someday shifts instead to cover up for the missing nights. He agreed, begrudgingly.

As she stepped out into the beautiful summer night, Annabeth made her way to the closest subway station. She was starving after only serving food to other people for the whole night. While she mentally made a list of things on her fridge to cook, Annabeth realized she didn't want to go to her cold and empty apartment.

She hadn't told anyone, but since she had reduced the intake of her meds, sad thoughts invaded her mind more frequently. Not as strong as before, and she definitely felt better at confronting them, but they still weighted her down sometimes.

Suddenly, Annabeth found herself grabbing a different line and putting her apartment keys way inside her bag. Her phone rang while she was halfway to her destination.

"What's happening between you and Percy?" Piper asked, more amused than offended.

"I don't know what you're saying," she played dumb, even if she knew it was pointless with Piper.

"Are you guys seeing each other again?"

"Nop, we're just rebuilding our friendship. That's it."

"Hmph…" She clicked her tongue. "Fine, don't tell me then. You must have your reasons."

Annabeth rubbed her temple. She hated hiding things from her, but she wanted to avoid exactly what had happened at the restaurant. Their friends have varied opinions about their relationship, and now even more with what had happened at the beginning of the year. Thalia would freak if she found out they were back together in such a short time, and so would Piper.

"I just don't want to see you sad again. That's all."

Jeez, that just made her feel worse.

"I know, Pipes, and I love you for that."

"Yeah, yeah. What did your boss say?"

"I'm free to go!" Annabeth said excitedly. "We'll finally get some deserved vacations."

"Finally!" Piper emphasized.

"Why camping?" Annabeth asked with curiosity.

"Well, it's not camping per se. My dad bought a property ages ago to build a huge Lakehouse, but he never did. Now it's full of small old cabins that are probably rotten to the core…but it'll be fun."

"Tell me if can help with anything," she said.

"Of course! I'm not letting you off the hook that easily…I've gotta go. Meet me Thursday for lunch?"

"Yep, bye Pipes."

Annabeth walked carefreely from the station to the apartment building. The only good thing about working the night shift is that she had no rush on getting home after her turn. Besides, both the subway and the streets were emptier and calmer… as they could get in New York anyway.

She had forgotten that the building closed the principal door at night, and had to push the buzz button.

"Hello?" Percy's voice came from the speaker followed by static.

"Hey, it's me."

A second passed and the door buzzed open. She immediately went inside and climbed the stairs up to his place. Percy was waiting for her with the door open.

"Everything okay?" He asked as she dragged her tired body through the hallway until she reached his door. He was already wearing his comfy clothes (loose shirt and joggers)

"Yeah."

She gave him a quick peck in the lips before entering his place.

"I thought you were going home," he said as he closed the door behind her.

"I was…but I didn't want to go to an empty and sad apartment. So here I am." She left her backpack on the new rack she had gotten him. Sadly, as she had predicted, his bag and clothes were scattered all over the apartment, making her purchase completely worthless. "Sorry I came unannounced."

"It's fine," Percy said giving her a warm smile. "You're always welcome. But, Annabeth, if you hate your place so much, why don't you move out?"

"Because it's not a physical place that bothers me. It's the solitude of it. I used to love being on my own, but now it's deafening. I can't be only with my thoughts for a few seconds because…"

Percy frowned. "Because what?"

Annabeth sighed. "I just don't like being on my own, okay? And it'll take some time before I'm able to do it."

She sat on his bed and took a deep breath. It was weird, but she only felt at home when she was in Percy's place. She shouldn't have. She knew she needed to start building one of her own, but it was too soon.

"Hmph," was Percy's response as he sat back on his desk and closed all the tabs on his laptop.

"Is there something you wanna say?" Annabeth asked him, knowing he was holding something back.

He tapped his fingers on the table a couple of times before saying, "You shouldn't have moved in the first place."

She shrugged. "I wanted to try it out, see if I had improved at all. Besides, I felt like a burden here. You needed your own privacy, without having to worry about me all the time." She bit her lip. "Also, I think I was preventing you from spending quality time with certain ladies…"

Percy cleared his throat. "You weren't."

"Great."

"So…"

"So?"

Percy took a place next to her on the bed. "What are you going to do? You can't stay in an apartment you hate. Now even more, that you are not taking your meds," he muttered the last part.

Annabeth ignored it. "I'm gonna keep on going like this. That way I'll gradually learn how to be on my own again." Percy grimaced at the idea, and Annabeth squeezed his hand. "It's my decision, Percy. That was one of the conditions for us to get back together, remember?"

He closed his eyes. "Yeah, I know." He shifted his neck. "Doesn't mean that I have to agree with it, though."

"Is your neck bothering you?" Annabeth asked.

"Just a bit." He finally cracked it. "Oof, there we go. I've just had a lot of work lately."

"Why?" Annabeth asked as she stood up and made him a sign so he could turn away from her. She started giving him a massage.

"Remember Iceland? My dad has insisted on me taking it. I've refused because it would mean he'd have to recognize me publicly, and that's just stupid." He moaned when Annabeth found his sore spot. "Thanks. Anyway, he's getting back at me by giving me extra work in departments I shouldn't even be involved with."

"Sounds like you're missing out a great opportunity just to annoy your dad."

"Maybe…but I'm not giving him the pleasure."

Annabeth gave him a sweet kiss on the back of his neck. "Are you sure there's nothing else bothering you?"

Percy stayed quiet for a few seconds before sighing, "No, that's all."

Annabeth knew that wasn't all, but she decided to let it go for now. "Okay, just know that whatever you decide, I'll support you."

"Thanks," Percy said grabbing her hand and squeezing it. "That's all I need to hear."

HeythereimalinebreakenjoyyourdayHeythereimalinebreakenjoyyou

Camping with her friends had definitely not been what Annabeth had expected. Not only she was sad she couldn't get a little of a romantic getaway with Percy in a small cabin just for the two of them, but Piper had managed to get Calypso's number and had invited her to join them out of the kindness of her heart.

They had decided to start their journey early in the morning, and they agreed to meet at a supermarket just outside the metropolitan area to buy the supplies for the rest of the trip.

Thank gods, Calypso was riding in Jason's car while Annabeth was in Percy's. Otherwise, the word awkward wouldn't have been enough to describe the situation.

Another thing she was thankful for, was that Piper was not in the same car as Percy and her. She loved her friend too much, but Percy's furtive looks through the rearview mirror would have confirmed her suspicions about them being back together. She had even given Leo the copilot seat to mislead them.

So, while the others were choosing food, personal care items, and portable kitchenware, Leo, Piper, and Annabeth had gone to the liquor store at the front.

"Definitely wine," Piper said getting a few bottles from the shelves.

"Beer," Leo said getting several six-packs.

"We should pack some alcohol free for Percy," Annabeth commented.

"Does he even like the taste?" Leo asked.

"Nah," Piper said. "He'll be fine with his Cokes."

"Let's go pay then."

"Remind me again, why did you invite Calypso?" Annabeth asked Piper, as they waited in line. One would think they were the only ones buying alcohol in the morning, but the other three people in line clearly disagreed with that thought.

"She has no friends, and it seemed like she had such a good time on your birthday," she shrugged. "I'm just trying to be nice. And…" she lowered her voice, "…since you and Percy are no longer a thing, there's nothing to worry about. Right?"

Annabeth's eye twitched. Not in a million years was she going to let Piper get away with her plan.

"Sure," she answered with a forced smile.

Piper's eyes gleamed with mischievousness. "I'm so glad you're okay with it, because I invited someone else to join us."

"Oh, gods…"

"Calypso is the pretty actress, right?" Leo asked, clearly eavesdropping. "She looks nice."

"She is," Annabeth affirmed, seeing an opportunity. "You should try talking to her. I'm sure she would love your humor."

Piper raised an eyebrow but said nothing else about it.

As they walked through the parking lot, Annabeth noticed the rest of their friends packing the paper bags full of groceries on the cars' trunks. Beside their vehicles, however, there was a familiar motorcycle and its two passengers descended from it as Annabeth had a small heart attack.

"You didn't dare…" Annabeth hissed.

Piper smirked. "Oh, I did."

Travis and Connor Stoll said hi to everyone who was still shocked by their presence. Their auras were enough to certify the trip was going to be ten times more chaotic with them on it. With them and Calypso…

Oh, gods.

"Owl face!" Connor said patting her shoulder. "Still a washed-up waitress?"

Annabeth grabbed his hand and twisted it making him wince in pain. "Hi, Connor. Still a pain in the ass?"

"Jeez, no need to be rude," Connor said hiding his hand from her. He was pushed aside by his brother.

"Hi, Annabeth"

"Hi, Travis. Didn't know you were coming."

"It was a last-minute decision," he winked. "I thought you weren't coming since you were busy with the lawsuit."

"I am, but I managed to get a few days off," she explained, trying to ignore the inquisitive looks from her friends.

"Travis! You came!" Piper said delightedly. "And you brought your motorcycle." She passed the liquor bags to Jason who put them in th back of his car. "Annabeth is so excited to have you with us."

Annabeth narrowed her eyes at her friend. What game was she playing?

"Is that so?" Travis said amused.

"Yeah, she loves your motorcycle. Oh! I got an idea." She turned to Annabeth. "Why don't you change places with Connor? That way you can enjoy a ride with Travis. Unless, of course, you have a reason, not to that you want to share with the rest of us."

"Piper…" Percy warned from the back of his car. He had been accommodating the bunch of bags with Frank, but it was clear he had been listening to the conversation. "You know she doesn't like…"

"I'll do it," Annabeth said, overenjoying the surprised expression from Piper. She didn't like Percy's shocked one, however, but it was too late to back down.

"I was just messing…" Piper started saying.

"It's okay. What better opportunity to face my fear of motorcycles than riding in one for a long time?" She looked at Travis who shrugged.

"If you want."

"Great. Let's go then," she chimed in, accepting Connor's helmet and getting on Travis's two-wheeled vehicle. Her heart was speeding up and she definitely didn't want to travel a bunch of miles hugging Travis. But Piper had gotten her competitive spirit out.

Annabeth tried not to flinch when Percy closed the trunk's lid a little bit too hard and said to Travis, "Drive carefully, Stoll," before getting behind the wheel of his Prius.

"Let the drama begin," Travis said amused as he turned on the engine.

Annabeth didn't bother to answer, and she held on for dear life.

HeythereimalinebreakenjoyyourdayHeythereimalinebreakenjoyyou

Since motorcycles needed more stops to cool down, Annabeth and Travis were soon way behind from the others. They stopped at several dinners to just drink coffee and let the motor rest.

Apart from the fact that Travis was there as a participant in Piper's plan, Annabeth had a good time with him. He could be a real gentleman when he wasn't implanting chaos to everything around him. He asked her about the lawsuit and about her job, and she asked him about his producer's work.

She was also glad of stopping more often even if it meant arriving last, so she could have some time to compose herself and calm her heart down. Although, she had to admit that, with every ride, her fear would decrease, and she found herself enjoying the ride on a motorcycle.

Not that it was her predilect vehicle now…but it was tolerable.

When they reached Tristan Mclean's property, it was twilight time. Their friends had already unpacked almost everything from the cars and were now scattering the supplied across the cabins.

Her body was so stiff, it cost her a lot to pretend she could walk normally.

"How was the ride?" Frank asked as he got the last bag from Percy's car.

"Great. I can't feel my face though," Annabeth said. "Where's Piper?"

Frank signaled to the biggest cabin. "Main house."

"Thanks."

She gave the helmet back to Travis and made her way towards her friend. She caught a glimpse of Nico and Will arguing about how to start a campfire, and Hazel and Reyna doing some cleaning to the other cabins.

Piper and Leo were messing with the fridge.

"I told you, beauty queen. It's already fixed. It just needs power," Leo said, putting his screwdriver back on his toolbox by the kitchen counter.

"Hey," Annabeth greeted.

They both turned abruptly, and she received a tackle from Piper. "Thank gods you're okay. I was beginning to worry."

"It's fine. We just stopped several times," Annabeth said smiling.

"Sorry if I pushed too far," Piper apologized. "I never thought you would agree."

Annabeth narrowed her eyes. "Really? Because I'm not competitive enough?"

Piper laughed. "You got a point."

The cabin had a rusty look. It wasn't as molded as Piper had described it, but it definitely needed some work. Annabeth didn't mind the smell of wood and moss. It reminded her of her camping trips with Luke and Thalia.

She quickly shook her head trying to chase the memories away. Now that she had reduced her meds, she had to be careful not to let any invasive sad memory in. It would ruin her trip.

"Where are the others?" she asked changing the topic.

"Reyna, Calypso, and Hazel are cleaning, Nico and Will are trying to start a bonfire, nobody knows where in hades Connor is, Grover and Juniper are fetching twigs, and Jason and Percy went to check out the pipes." She pushed the sink's lever upward, but no water came out.

"Is there anything I can help with?" Annabeth volunteered.

"Energy," Leo replied tinkering with some sort of piece from the fridge. "Piper says there's a generator around here. Can you find it and get it working?"

"On it," Annabeth said heading towards the door. "Where can I look for it?"

"Follow the cables," Piper said. "Oh, and…" she searched through Leo's toolbox and threw her a black thing. "Flashlight. It's getting dark."

"Yes, ma'am. I'll be back soon."

As instructed, Annabeth inspected the back of the cabins until she found a set of cables going further into the woods. She spent a couple of minutes walking and listening to the sound of the wind and possibly a creek flowing. When she finally found the shed, her flashlight was on, meaning the night had come.

"There you are," Annabeth said when she spotted the generator covered by empty bird nests and lots of dust. It seemed in good shape, but when Annabeth tried to turn it on, it didn't work. She realized it needed gas.

"Grover is so not going to like this," she muttered as she started inspecting the rest of the shed for gasoline leftovers. Finally, she found a big sack closed with a tight rope. She got the pocket knife her dad had gotten her for her sixteenth birthday, which she only carried for outdoor activities, and cut the rope.

"Yes!" she celebrated when she found a container that smelled closely to gas. Now she just needed to…

"Everything okay?"

Annabeth jumped in her place as she was scared by the voice. She violently turned on her spot, knife still in hand, and heard someone winced in front of her.

"Godsdammit, Annabeth," Percy grunted in the dark. She illuminated him with her flashlight and noticed he was holding his cheek. "What in Hades were you thinking?" he asked finally retiring his hand and letting Annabeth see the blood in it.

She had cut him accidentally.

"I'm so sorry!" she apologized getting closer and inspecting his wound. "What was I thinking? What were you thinking? Scaring someone like that in the middle of the woods at night…"

"I was just asking if you were okay! Did you wanted me to scream your name from miles away?"

"Yes!"

She carefully stretched his wound and sighed when she discovered it wasn't a deep cut. She was so happy that they had a doctor as a friend. Will could patch him up. "You were lucky. A little bit higher, and I could have scratched your eye." She scolded him.

"I didn't know you were armed, okay?" He complained, touching his cut softly. "Ouch."

"I always am," she teased. "Who knows what you can find in such a chaotic world?"

Percy chuckled. "Okay, Indiana Jones, what happened with the generator?"

"It's out of gas," she explained getting the container out of the sack. "I found this, which I suspect is what we need." She took off the lid, and a strong smell of petroleum filled the air. "It won't last long though. We'll probably need to get more tomorrow."

Percy helped her emptying the dark bronze liquid into the generator. She tried starting it once again, and this time it roared back to life.

"There we go," she said excitedly as they high fived each other.

"And it only cost us a cheek," Percy said grabbing her hand and guiding her out of the shed.

Annabeth grimaced. "Sorry."

He squeezed his hand. "It's okay."

They walked in comfortable silence for a few more seconds, enjoying each other's company.

"Did you fix the pipes?" Annabeth asked shining the path with the flashlight.

"Uh, there was nothing to fix really. The water supply was cut from the main key. Jason and I just opened it once again."

"Oh, okay."

A few more steps in silence.

"How was your trip with Travis?" Percy asked with a neutral tone.

She sighed. "It was okay. I'm still stiff from the riding, but I think I'm finally getting the hang of it. I'm not as scared of it now."

"Hmph…"

"Hey," she pushed him slightly. "I only did it to calm Piper down."

He furrowed his eyebrows. "What is she playing at?"

"I guess she just wants to prove a point…" she shrugged. "I guess she suspects we're back together."

Percy nodded but his face betrayed him.

"You think we should tell them?" Annabeth guessed.

He sighed. "It'd definitely make things easier, but…I respect your decision. Just keep an eye on Travis."

She smiled. "He's not gonna try anything, Percy."

He snorted, "You don't know that."

"Oh, and you do?" she stopped and look at him. "Do you know something that I don't?"

Percy clenched his jaw and looked somewhere else. "Maybe…"

"Oh, please," Annabeth laughed. "I already know you called Travis and gave him a piece of your mind. He told me while I was on set with him."

Percy's eyes widened. "That little mole…"

"What didn't you tell me?" she insisted as they resumed walking.

"I didn't want you to think I was a hypocrite," he admitted. "I mean, who was I to tell you who should you kiss or not? But it made me so angry, I needed to have a talk with him."

Annabeth bit her lip. "I think it was hot."

Percy blinked. "What?"

"I mean, yeah, you were definitely a hypocrite. But it was the first time you were jealous of someone when I'm usually the jealous one in the relationship. It was nice."

He smirked. "Really?"

"Don't let this get into your head," she warned rolling her eyes.

They kept walking until they saw the lights coming from the cabins. Their little trip had been successful.

"It wasn't the first time I've been jealous," Percy said grabbing her hand once again.

"No?"

He shook his head. "Nop."

"When was it then?"

He rubbed his cheek again, cleaning the blood around his wound. "Seeing you with Triton…gods it was the worst feeling I've ever had. I always knew he was a jerk who didn't deserve anyone, but you…It was as if he was always one step ahead. The legitim child, the business guy, the lady-man, the handsome one…I had learned to live with all the attention towards him and usually I didn't care. But then I saw that picture of you two in that magazine, and I lost it. I wanted you to see that I was better, that you could spend a great time watching the new movie by Quentin Tarantino with me, than going on fancy and expensive dates with him."

He smiled sourly. "And, after our trip to San Francisco, I thought you had chosen m and that, finally, I was worthier than Triton Jackson and that I had succeeded in winning the heart of the girl I liked." He swallowed. "Then you chose him again…"

"I never chose him, Percy," she said, interrupting him. She didn't want him to think like that anymore. "Triton could never live up to you. You're so much worth it." She took a deep breath. "I always chose my job. Triton was just a mean to an end."

He sighed. "I know…It's just…every time I pictured you two kissing or making out…I was scared you preferred him…"

Annabeth didn't mean to, but she started laughing. Percy adopted a shock expression before turning it into a frown.

"You're really not making this easy, Wise Girl."

She stopped laughing and threw her hands around his neck. Then she kissed him like she hadn't in months, putting her whole passion and soul into it until she had him cornered against a tree.

"I never enjoyed it," she admitted when they stopped to catch their breaths. "Kissing him. I was always thinking about you. If you were with Rachel or alone or hanging out with somebody new…" She laughed. "Believe me, Seaweed Brain. I have never kissed anyone the way I kiss you."

She felt him smile against her lips. "Good."

They kissed again, this time more slowly and softer. It was nice to finally have alone time together, even if it was in the middle of the woods while they hid from her friends.

Their beautiful bliss, however, didn't last any longer.

"Percy! Annabeth!" Nico's voice came from further away.

Percy grunted. "I'm gonna kill them," he muttered.

Annabeth sighed, clearly not pleased with the interruption. "They must be worried. They probably don't want this to be a recreation of Friday the 13th"

"Nico would love for that. He's probably out hoping to cross paths with a serial killer."

"Don't be dramatic."

They heard the voices again and a pair of flashlights.

"Can't we tell them we are together and ask them to piss off?" Percy begged after giving her another long kiss.

"No," Annabeth said starting to guide him towards their friends. "But maybe I can sneak into your room tonight, like a teenager."

Percy's eyes gleamed mischievously. "Deal."

"Hey" Will greeted once they were close enough. "We were afraid the generator had swallowed you."

"Or that you had swallowed the other," Nico added, earning a punch from Annabeth.

"What happened to your cheek?"

Percy touched his face and winced. "I stumbled upon Freddy Kruger."

Nico smiled. "Should have asked him for an autograph."

Will neared his flashlight to Percy's cheek and evaluated the cut. "Seems okay…do you have the tetanus shot?"

"The what now?"

"He doesn't," Annabeth answered for him. "I cut him with my pocketknife by mistake. I barely use it so…"

The boys looked at her with their eyebrows raised.

"It's just for outdoor activities, I swear," she explained further, a little irritated.

Will sighed. "I'll still like to disinfect it. I have a first aid kit at my bag…"

They followed them until they reached the main house. Percy got seated on the couch as Will reprimanded him about his shots, as Annabeth joined Piper in the kitchen.

"Any reason your lips are swollen?" Piper asked as she put the groceries on the fridge.

"Nop," she answered. It was literally impossible for her lips to be swollen. They hadn't even kissed for more than five minutes!

"Hmph…I'm gonna figure out what you're hiding from me, Chase."

Annabeth smiled and helped her unpacking the last bags. "Bring it on, Mclean."

A/N: Hello! I hope you're all healthy and loved.

Thank you Guest (I'm happy I could give you a little bit of joy with my words), Vosck (Always so kind :)), and GreekFangirl74 (I love your enthusiasm!)

There are two chapters left, and I'm already feeling sad :(

But everything must come to and end...

Have a wonderful week!