Hope you all enjoy this chapter! Thank you so much for 300 reviews! (BTW this chapter is what was happening to Percy last chapter)

Disclaimer: Rick Riordan should have an ego similar to Dwayne Johnson in Hobbs & Shaw because of the pure brilliance he's created! No big ego here, so it's pretty clear I'm not either of them.

~changing things up~

…

Percy uncaps and caps his pen nervously as he sits in the main meeting room of the studio. He's arranged this meeting early in the morning, so that they'll have the rest of the day to prepare everything. Change is what's happening here, and Percy senses that all the publicists and workers around him know that things are going to need to shift. He's called this meeting partially because of Annabeth, and partially because of his feelings, the ones that he expressed through his Instagram post.

A pad of paper sits in front of him, next to it a cup of water. He sets the black ballpoint pen in his hand down next to it, not bothering to put the cap over it again. Drumming his hands nervously on the table, he sees Leo come in first, which he is quite glad about. Percy doesn't talk to the publicists that much, and at this point in time, he doesn't really like any of them. Although this was mostly Dionysus's idea, they went along with his plans, and if Percy can't have loyalty within the people who are working to create a good image for him, then he doesn't want those people in his life. Frankly, he doesn't really need any of them. Yes, he'll need to find another manager, but Leo, Nico, Silena and Austin could easily take over those jobs. While raising their pay-grades of course. And even with that, he already has someone in his head he's considering.

Then again, firing a bunch of (somewhat) innocent people isn't something Percy wants to be known for. Of course, he's all open for second chances, but that means a lot of change. And maybe a couple of layoffs, as sad as it is to say. Business and celebrity big-wigs do this all the time, it must feel natural to them, but to Percy, it just feels bad. Though he could be considered one of those big-wigs. He amassed a fairly big following, not just fairly, a really big following, and most would recognize him on the streets.

Doesn't mean that he lacks a conscience.

Percy's shaken out of his thoughts when Leo taps him on the shoulder. He looks up, and the boy flashes him an impish grin and two thumbs up. "You got this man."

"I don't know about that," Percy laughs nervously, and more people come filling in. Several individuals he vaguely recognizes, a stylist, more publicity people, of course, and Percy thinks of a couple of designers. He sometimes forgets he literally has merchandise managing people.

Several more people walk in, and lastly, Dionysus, who has a grim look on his face like he knows what's coming. Percy smiles at that. He should know what's coming. With what he did, he should be grateful he hasn't fired on the spot. As everyone gets settled into their seats, Nico scampers in looking flushed, and Percy wonders why he's late. Nico's always a pretty on point guy.

Percy clears his throat, and everyone looks to him. And for a second— just a second— he realizes what power he has over them. He'd never use that for bad of course, but… Percy doesn't know. It feels a bit sadistic, and then it turns normally. He clears his throat, and then tries again, "I'm sure that you all know why we're meeting," he says, his voice wobbling a little bit.

Mostly everyone nods and Dionysus looks sourly down at the table. "So what happened the other day," he coughs, "was not okay. At all. I need people I can trust in my circle, and if you guys are going to go around I guess, trying to get money or fame from the wrong areas, then that's not okay. I know each of you have your own lives and motivations, but by doing what you did," he kind of hates how vague he's being, "you're not doing your jobs properly."

Percy hears a couple murmurs, and Dionysus looks up, his face all pinched together like a prune. "Are you going to say it, or are you not?" There's a grim expression on everyone's face, which is understandable.

"I'm not going to fire you all," Percy looks to Dionysus, "you all," he repeats, "but some actions will be taken. Legally."

Dionysus knows this is pointed at him. Everyone else in the room knows too. Especially since chilling on his now pocketed phone is an audio file that will soon be sent to a lawyer. Percy's never been in legal trouble before, but he does have a couple people on call considering there is a possibility he could. It's useful in situations like this. "I'm not going to use the information I have to blackmail or anything, like some people," he emphasises, "but it will be used as proof."

More murmurs.

"And with that, I'm looking for a new manager," Percy looks over at Leo, who is watching everyone closely. At first, he'd considered Austin, but figured that he'd do better working on the music portion of everything. Then Nico, because he was easily able to veto any bad idea he put out. Then he decided Nico was better working with publicity efforts and music ideas. Finally Silena, who's amazing with design and encouragement. With that, he said no, because she's better fit to work with design. Finally, he'd looked at Leo. And it had seemed like the only right selection. Leo has been in his corner for almost as long as he was a musician. And he's been there through it all. Percy wants someone he can trust, someone who is hard working, and also someone, who all jokes aside, can put a good show or assembly of songs together. That's Leo. It seems like the only right choice.

"Leo," he nods to him. Leo looks up, his eyes wide not expecting this. "Would you be my new manager?" One, this sounds like a marriage proposal almost, and two he's doing this in front of his new manager. Those are different reasons why this is a bit weird, but Percy doesn't care.

Leo stills looks a bit bewildered, and when Percy looks over to Dionysus, his face is even more prune-like. As if he's tasted a bad cheese. "Uh, sure."

And that's that. There are still contracts to negotiate, but yeah. There it is, the new manager who is also his best friend. It's a perfect situation.

Of course, there's some awkward mulling around the other employees. Percy scrutinizes their appearance, until he feels his shoulders relax. "Dionysus, you can leave." Percy says, and then looks over at Austin, "can you escort him out?" He tells him.

Austin bites his lip, and nods, standing up slowly. Dionysus gets up too, and they both leave the room. It's silent for a moment, and then Percy speaks again. "So changes need to be made." He sighs, "I don't want to have to fire people, but that may have to happen to some. I—" he stutters and then looks over to Silena, Nico and Leo. Austin hasn't returned yet. "We," he corrects, "need to think about it." Silena grins, Nico's frown turns up, and Leo winks. Good. "But I do have a list of changes I want to make." He looks down at the notebook in front of him. "For one, no more faking stuff for publicity. That could have seriously ruined a great relationship if it hadn't so obviously back-fired."

He looks down at the list again. "Publicity gatherings need to be better managed, and seriously, he needs to make sure streets are flooded with paparazzi. That's dangerous for me and the fans." That want is a bit more self-centered. "Not so controlled environments, if I write a song that I want on the album, it's on the album. I don't want to keep hiding things." He clears his throat again. "A veto policy too. And that's it. For now, I think."

They look at him blankly. Until one speaks up— Kelli, he thinks that's her name. The one thing Percy notices about her is that she's wearing bright purple lipstick. It looks cool, but the harsh gleam to her eyes makes him feel a bit uncomfortable. "How are you supposed to enforce those?" She says, a devilish grin playing on her face.

Percy shrugs. "I guess I'll just fire anyone who doesn't listen." Sad but true, and it makes Percy feel a little bit jerkish.

But it quiets her real quickly.

Another one speaks up, Octavian. He's a bit on the weirder side, and Percy thinks he might have a foot fetish or something. "I think you should put more thought before hiring random people. We are qualified, and it was all for your best interest.."

"I don't think you should say that to the manager, and your boss," Leo says, his usual smile turning into a frown. "At least Percy himself hired us, and he was forced to hire some scumbag like you."

Percy frowns too. "Get out of here right now." He looks over to Leo. His smile dips a bit. "You're fired. These are my friends, and I will not let you hate. If anything, you're the unqualified one." He looks up. "I want genuine people. If you're not genuine, leave right now." Then again, it's not like anyone would admit that publicly. But it's worth a try.

No one gets up except for Octavian. They're happy for him and his foot fetish to leave. He can tolerate misguidance, but he cannot tolerate slander and rudeness towards the people in his life who have saved him. He's made that pretty fucking clear to everyone around him, or so he thinks. Being mean to his friends equals no job here.

It's striking how though some of these people are older than him, he has more control. "Anyway." He purses his lips. "Last call, anyone else?"

It's quiet. "Okay," Percy says, sighing. He looks over to Leo, who is running his hands through his hair. "I think that's all, but after a little investigation, we will get back to you all. Just need to figure out who exactly was directly involved. If you were forced into it, we don't blame you, but I would like to lessen the amount of staff I guess."

Austin comes back into the room, and slides into one of the chairs next to Percy. "What did I miss?" He whispers.

"Just expectations and stuff that's changing. I'll give you the rundown later," the loudons his voice. "Does anyone have final comments?"

"How long will this investigation take?" A gruff voice he recognizes as a man named Chris.

Percy looks over to Nico, who's the one who was the one that suggested the investigation, the one who said he'd manage it. "Somewhere between a week and a month. If we don't get back to you, you're probably good." Nico looks down at his phone, and types something into it.

"Guess that's it for real now." Percy says, standing up. "Um, you guys can go back early. And Leo?"

Leo looks up.

"Do you have any comments? I'd actually like to talk to you after, new manager stuff."

"Sounds good. And no, no comments."

"And Nico, Austin and Silena too actually." Percy smiles. They have a lot to discuss, but because they're friends, Percy is sure that it'll be enjoyable. He's been working to strengthen the relationships that actually matter to him. Annabeth has helped him see that if you don't hold onto someone that you love, they'll eventually float away. Percy doesn't want these people to float away, so he's going to do his best to be a decent friend. "Okay, well, I guess I'll see you all soon."

The publicist, designers, stylist and general employees get up and leave the room slowly, soon looking back as if they know they might not be coming back. Percy isn't going to be too harsh with this investigation, but like with Dionysus, if someone is a problem or if someone is causing a problem, then he won't let that continue to happen. Percy's learned this bit by bit for the past couple of weeks, but you can't please anyone. It's impossible. So he has to do what's good for him and his friends— him and his family.

Once everyone is gone from the room, Percy looks over at his friends with a smile. "Okay," he says, "I'd first like to thank you all for being there for me, glad I have people to rely on."

"No problem Perce," Austin says, tapping on the table.

"And obviously since after this investigation some people are going to get fired," he winces, because he really doesn't like the word. It feels so forceful, "you're all going to be pulling more weight, so of course pay grades are going to go up."

Nico rolls his eyes. "Because we've obviously all been here so long for the money."

Percy shrugs. "Just want to give you all what you deserve."

"That's sweet of you Percy," Silena says.

He shrugs. "It's just being decent. But anyway, um, yeah. If you guys have any problems, let me know because I'll," he swallows, "I'll try my best to solve them."

They all smile at him. Percy beams back. It's time to get to work.

…

In the afternoon, Annabeth calls him about family problems. She tells him that she's going to try to talk to them, figure everything out. Percy encourages her, because that's what a good friend— no, he reminds himself, now boyfriend does. He's still in, what's essentially a long high of happiness. Everything is sorting itself out, and each one of his worries are slowly being ticked off. Percy feels, honestly, more open about himself. Happier. Less guarded, he's no longer worried about faking it.

And as he and Annabeth talk on the phone, he realizes how nice it is, having her in person. He held onto her tightly before but now he feels less reliant on that. He has her one call away. He can physically meet her now. Whenever they want.

"I've already talked to Frederick about it, a little bit," Annabeth is saying, "but I still don't know exactly what's happened, and on top of that, Helen and I haven't talked at all."

Percy clicks his tongue against the roof of his mouth. "Do you think she'll be open to talking about it?"

"I don't know," Annabeth says, "I haven't really gotten to know her. And I've been framing her as this evil person in my head. I don't even really know what she does. Something in modeling maybe. Photography. I just have no clue. And I don't really feel like family around them, so that makes this even harder."

"Will your dad like, vouch for you I guess?"

Annabeth makes an ambiguous noise. "I don't know."

"That really sucks. I'm sorry Annabeth."

"I mean, it'll go, I think at least." She says, "it's something I have to do, which means I'm going to do it. I don't know. Enough about me. What's up with you?"

Percy pushes his phone closer to his ear in an effort to bring her closer. "I had a meeting. Lots of things have to change, so you know, another fiasco like this doesn't happen."

"You mean you're not supposed to leave your own meet and greet?" She teases.

Percy shrugs. "I don't regret it."

"That's sweet of you. Pinch me if this is real life."

"If I was there, I would." Percy tells her. "I wish we could talk more in person. Let's meet up or something."

Annabeth breaths. "Sure, when?"

"Soon."

"You're going to have to be more specific there Seaweed Brain."

Percy raises an eyebrow. "Seaweed Brain?"

Annabeth laughs nervously. "It just slipped out, cause I remember you like swimming? The sea. I don't know, To the Sea? That demo you did when you were just on youtube. There was one lyric, I guess, the one that goes, I can't see through the seaweed consuming me, it just fits."

"I sometimes think you know me better than I know me." She knows Percy Jackson. And also Pylos, and also plain Percy. She knows all three of him, and that's equally terrifying and amazing. "I like it. Seaweed Brain. I need to figure out a nickname for you." He pauses, thinking. "Wise Girl."

Annabeth laughs. He loves her laugh. It's not the prettiest laugh, but it's natural and loud and makes him want to join in. Makes him want to make her laugh more often, because come on? Who couldn't be attracted to that? "That's so stupid," she says, once her laughing stops. Then it resumes a second later, and Percy feels himself smiling again. "Wise Girl, couldn't you have come up with something more, I don't know, original?"

"It was the first thing to pop up in my head," Percy tells her, "you were putting me on the spot there. We can't all come up with something as great as 'Seaweed Brain.'"

She coughs, "well, while mine was more of an insult slash analysis of your work, yours was a compliment."

"Wait… are you calling me dumb?" Percy laughs along with her.

Annabeth giggles, "nope. Just oblivious sometimes."

"How so?"

"I mean, after a year of talking, you didn't even think I would have maybe sort of started to have feelings for you."

"To defend my case, I'd like to say you had no clue either."

"No, I was just good about hiding it."

"Really?" He challenges. He wishes he could see her in person.

"I love you through your obliviousness. Seaweed Brain."

That seriously warms his heart. Like, it's beating so fast now, he can't take it. This conversation might be the highlight of his day, passing seeing Dionysus's pruned up face realizing he was fired. He feels so happy with her, can't wait to see her again, soon.

They talk a while longer, teasing and laughing and joking. Percy wishes it could always be like this, if he could just go over to her house and hang out without worrying about the paparazzi. He knows that'll never happen, but he can fantasize about it. Hope. So he invites her over to his flat, and she accepts. He's excited to hang out with her in person again, because as much as talking to her over the phone makes him happy, seeing her in person makes him happier. She's it for him. The one, he knows it. And he'll be damned if he doesn't hold onto her.

…

~eyes meet, hands touch, hearts join~

So I think I'm planning to write a canonverse quest after this, although we still have a couple more chapters here. I already have it plotted out, it's going to be called The God of Deception, and I'll give a little summary to it in a future chapter. Excited that this fic is finishing up soon, I've loved writing this, and it kinda proved to me I could write novel length chapters and a novel length book. I've already written a dystopian novella and I'm working on a fantasy novella on my wattpad, but I guess my end goal is to write a novel length original story, so this is really really helping me out. And also with this chapter we hit three hundred reviews (omg ty!) and one hundred thousand words which is kind of crazy to me. So sorry I'm rambling this is a long a/n lol. Anyway ty ty ty for reading, it's v much appreciated. Leave a review, lmk what you think! Stay safe and healthy! Until the next chapter!

TheLil'Lion