Hey guys! I'm SO SORRY this took so long. I recently got a new computer, and in transferring my files, all my work on this chapter was lost. Then as I retyped it on my new computer (I hadn't gotten Word yet so I was using a free program) it deleted ALL MY WORK on this chapter. Twice. So basically I had a finished chapter twice and then it got deleted. And then because of school and stuff, I didn't have time to retype it until this week. So sorry for the delay, but here's your chapter :)

Read, review, and enjoy! :)

April 15th, 1775

The moment he stepped outside the Chase's front door, a rotten tomato hit him on the arm, splattering against the red wool of his officer's uniform.

Percy blinked, still not 100% awake, let alone able to process why on earth someone would throw a tomato at him.

Dammit, I just washed this coat, was his first thought.

His second was What the hell?

He looked around, trying to find the thrower of the rotten fruit. A young boy stood next to an older man, presumably his father. The boy wiped his hands on his jacket, and Percy figured he was a good a guess as any.

"Hey, you," he called, striding towards the man and the boy. "Did you throw this – " he gestured at the stain on his jacket, which was beginning to stink. " – at me?"

"Aye, I did, sir," the boy admitted proudly, his chin going up a notch. Percy guessed he couldn't have been more than nine years old, but his confusion stemmed from the fact that the boy's father wasn't doing anything about his son.

"You know, you could get in serious trouble for throwing things at officers of the King," he said as he reached the boy, getting down on one knee to face him.

The father placed his hand on his son's shoulder. "My son was just doing what he thought was best to you redcoats. After what the King's done now – " The older man broke off and spat at the ground.

Percy felt a spike of fear go down his spine, and he stood up, tomato forgotten. "What did the king do?" he demanded. "Answer me!"

The man pointed wordlessly down the street, and Percy suddenly realized he could hear shouting. He hurried down the street, the noise growing louder and louder until he reached the wharf.

He stopped running as he got to his destination, halting so fast he almost fell. The wharf was crowded with ships, small fishing boats and the like. A large crowd had gathered, and the din they were making could have been heard from miles around. Percy turned his head towards the water, straining his eyes to see, although with a sinking feeling of dread he already knew what he would find.

Sure enough; in the distance, British war ships – all proudly bearing the Union Jack – surrounded the wharf, blocking Boston completely from trade routes and fishing.

Percy stepped back, suddenly feeling dizzy. Annabeth was right, he realized, waves of guilt rushing over him. She was right, and I didn't believe her.

This is all my fault. The city of Boston is suffering, all because I was being a stubborn ass, because I wouldn't listen to Annabeth.

He wanted to smack himself. How many times had she proven herself trustworthy, proven herself loyal to the Patriot cause? How many times had he shut her down that night, only a little over a day before?

It felt like years ago.

He saw a flash of long blond curls ahead of him in the crowd, and his heart sank. Annabeth stood with her back to him, slim shoulders stiff and arms crossed as she gazed silently at the mounting chaos in the streets and the British Navy, cutting off the harbor.

She turned her head back, as though she already knew Percy was there. Their eyes met, and he could hear her voice in his head, her grave expression speaking plain as day.

This is your fault.

He was the first one to look away, unable to stand in her presence any longer. She had tried to warn him. She had done her best.

And because he hadn't trusted her, trusted the person who, if you had asked him a few months ago, meant the world to him, the whole city was paying the price.

He turned away, back into the side street whence he came. If people saw him – well, right now was not a good time to be a British officer.

Percy sprinted back to the Chase's house and saddled Blackjack. He knew where he had to go.

•

"With all due respect, sir, why wasn't I told about this?" Percy demanded as he paced the tent.

Major Pitcairn let out a heavy sigh, his face old and weary. "Officer Jackson, as I've told you before, very few people knew about the orders to close the harbor. In fact, it wasn't supposed to happen this early, but somehow the information got out, and we had to do it sooner than we planned. Not by much," he added quickly, seeing the look on Percy's face. "Probably one of those damn Patriot spies. Almost upset the whole thing – but apparently they found out very recently, and couldn't spread the word much."

As if Percy needed anything to intensify his regret. He could have stopped this.

He took a second to compose himself. "Well, thank you for your time, Major," he said, bowing. "I'm – 'tis fortunate the plan went well, even if I was not aware of it."

"Thank you, Officer Jackson," Major Pitcairn answered, turning back to the pile of papers on his desk.

Percy left the tent, fuming inwardly at himself. He mounted Blackjack angrily, trotting out of camp and down the long road. Already the Neck was being blockaded; people couldn't get in or out of Boston.

The journey passed in a blur of thoughts, and he before he knew it he arrived at the Chase's house. He absentmindedly rubbed down Blackjack, before patting him on the nose and handing him a sugar cube. The spring day had grown warm, and he wiped the sweat from his brow as he led his horse to the stables.

After handing him over to the stable boy, Percy walked around the side of the large house, freezing in surprise as he rounded the corner. Annabeth was hurrying out of the house, dressed in a forest green riding habit with a matching tricorn hat, her blond curls pulled back from her face with a silky green ribbon. A large, closed-in carriage was at the door, trunks piled high above it, and the horses chomped at the bit.

"Goodbye," he heard Annabeth tell her parents as her father handed the coachman Annabeth's small trunk, which was added to the load on the roof.

He unfroze and strode towards the little group. "Where – where are you going?" he asked.

He saw Annabeth stiffen at his voice, but she turned around hesitantly. "Williamsburg, or more specifically, my grandparent's plantation. My parents thought it best for my health, and we found out that the Coles are traveling there today, so I am joining them."

"How long will you be gone?" Percy asked, fidgeting with a gold button on his jacket.

"Probably a few weeks," Annabeth replied, tucking a curl behind her ear. "Or until my parents think it best that I come back."

He nodded, hating how their conversation was so stunted. So formal. "Can – can I talk to you? In private," he added, seeing her confused expression.

She hesitated, but after saying goodbye to her parents and younger brothers one more time, she followed him to the other side of the carriage.

Her expression suddenly grew cooler once they were alone. "Talk quickly. The Coles are waiting."

"I'm sorry," Percy burst out. "I am so, so sorry, Annabeth. I was being a stupid, stubborn idiot. I should have listened to you. I should have believed you. You have never given me any reason not to trust you, and I threw all of your trustworthiness away in one moment." He took a deep breath. "I am so sorry. Will – can you forgive me? And… and not just for this?" The unspoken rang in the air: Can we be friends again?

Annabeth spoke, and her voice wasn't angry. Just tired. "Percy… I tried. I tried so hard. After we fought that night, I went out again. I told Thalia, and then went to the silvershop, just to make completely sure that Paul Revere wasn't there. But he was gone. Then I crossed the city and tried to tell Dr. Franklin, at his printshop – but he was gone, too." He saw her shoulders slump in defeat. "As a woman in the Observers, I don't have many contacts. I had no one else to go to, no one else to tell."

Besides you.

"I – I just don't think we can. Be friends. Or anything else. If you don't trust me, even after all we've been through together… I think it's too late."

Percy nodded, the hollow feeling in his stomach spreading throughout his whole body. Deep down, though, he knew Annabeth was probably right. They had made so many mistakes, done so many things wrong, that their friendship was nearly irreparable.

He helped her into the carriage silently; she nodded her thanks. After shutting the door, he signaled to the driver to continue on.

Quietly, he watched as the carriage grew smaller and smaller down the street, eventually turning a corner and disappearing from sight.

He rubbed his forehead tiredly as he went inside. It had been an eternally long day, and it wasn't even noon.

•

"Percy? Percy!"

He grunted, shaking the sleep out of his eyes as a voice awoke him rudely. Stumbling out of bed, Percy opened the door, rubbing his eyes.

Outside Rachel stood tapping her foot impatiently. Her frizzy red curls were tied back in a bun, rebellious, wispy ringlets escaping the hold and flying around her face. Her green eyes were violent as she turned, stalking right up to him, and stabbed him in the chest with her finger. "Did you know?" she asked furiously. "Did you know the harbor was going to be closed?"

"Um… Annabeth told me a few nights ago, but – I didn't believe her," Percy stuttered, his foggy brain unwilling to revisit the tormenting subject yet again.

"Perseus Jackson, you are the bloodiest, most blithering idiot –" Rachel started, before pausing. "Let's not do this here," she said, her tone lowering, but her face just as furious. "Put on your jacket and let's go outside."

Percy followed her petite figure, knowing her really didn't have a choice. Why were all the young women in his life so violent? Honestly.

He followed Rachel outside; she maneuvered her way down the streets, around shouting people and groups. Percy winced, hearing snippets of the conversations as he went by – loyal subjects of the king! How could he do this – no one even knew it was happening – how was this not stopped –

He focused on the ground, trying to ignore the angry shouts around him. This was his fault.

Finally, Rachel reached a small alley and ducked down it, motioning for Percy to follow her. As soon as they were out of the busy street, the shouts and noises muted, she turned to him and began her rant.

"What were you even thinking? How would you not trust Annabeth enough not to believe her, especially about something this important? Just because you two are fighting –"

Percy began to get angry. "No, Rachel, you know nothing about our situation, don't you dare –"

"No, I think I know pretty well what's going on," she scoffed angrily. "Let's see. You two were basically best friends before I came; you were just realizing you cared about her, as more than a companion, but you weren't sure of what she felt back. Then I came, and I messed it up, and she hates you now, and that's on me, I'm sorry, Percy – but this?" She gestured to the opening of the alley, where they could see people shouting and protesting, and the general chaos. "This is on you."

"I already apologized, Rachel," Percy hissed. "Don't you think I would take it back if I could? I already told Annabeth I'm sorry, and she was like you – she didn't care. I messed this up, I made a huge mistake – dammit, Rachel, do you even know what I would do to take it back?" He sat down on an old crate, letting his head fall in his hands. "Lord. I would do anything."

Her expression softened, if only a bit, as she sat down next to him. "But why?" she asked softly. "Why didn't you believe her, Percy?"

"I just –" he gestured helplessly. "I realized I don't trust her anymore. I know, 'tis completely idiotic, because we were such good friends, and I – I loved her, Rachel." It felt refreshing, somehow; to say it aloud for the first time since that disastrous night after the governor's ball. "And then – you came, and –"

"I messed everything up," Rachel said quietly. "I'm sorry, Percy. I shouldn't have – I shouldn't have kissed you."

"No – it's not your fault," Percy sighed. "I kissed you back, Rachel. I wanted it, I did – but then I realized that you're not Annabeth. I just – I don't think we would ever be able to be together. Like that."

She nodded sadly, not looking at him as she played with a fiery red curl, wrapping it around her finger. "I fancied you, did you know that?" she asked suddenly.

Percy's head whipped up at this new information, his mind unable to process so many revelations in a day.

"I mean, back in England. For years," she clarified. "And then – and then you left, and I lost my best friend. But when we came to the colonies –" she laughed bitterly. "I thought it was the right time. I imagined that we could work, Percy. And maybe we might've – for a while. But not forever." Her freckled cheeks were pink with embarrassment, but her eyes were shining with tears.

He pursed his lips. "I know."

"I'm sorry. For kissing you, I mean," Rachel continued. "It was inappropriate, both timing and just – everything."

He chuckled. "True. But I take the blame as much as you."

"Annabeth is the right one for you," Rachel said after a moment of silence. "I mean, it might not seem like it now, but – I've seen the way she looks at you, when you're looking away. She loves you, Percy, and misses you just as badly as you miss her."

"But why won't she listen to me, when I apologize?" Percy groaned, conflicted. His mind was buzzing with all the information Rachel had just handed him, but he knew she was right. They were better off as friends, not courting. He did love her, but it was the way he would imagine loving a younger sister.

Definitely not what he felt when he looked at Annabeth.

"So, what should I do?" he asked her. "And not – not about the harbor, I mean. I know I messed up that, and I know how much that hurt her, me not trusting her. And all these months of arguing, and the things we've said to each other –" he winced, thinking back to some of their arguments. "Lord, the things we've said to each other…"

Rachel's slim, freckled hand touched his arm comfortingly. "Even the most broken friendships can be mended, Percy." Her voice was small. "You just – you have to talk. And actually talk, not just argue and say hurtful things to each other." She laughed. "I've seen the way you two argue – it's as though your main objective is to hurt the other. Just – stop, Percy. She's going to be defensive if you try again, especially after the harbor."

Percy sighed. "I already tried, Rachel. This morning. She wants nothing to do with me, and she's not angry. That honestly is the frightening part. She's simply – finished. Ready to be done with me. With our friendship."

"She's hurting, Percy." Rachel's voice was soft. "She's tired and hurt and she is angry, trust me. Even if she doesn't seem like it, she is. Let her calm down – show her you're serious. Try to be her friend – support her, be careful with her, love her without saying it – and she'll come around." She raised her pale eyebrow. "But first, talk to her. Explain yourself. Apologize – and I don't mean just saying you're sorry, because obviously she knows that. Tell her everything you've done wrong, and hold yourself accountable for it." He opened his mouth to say something, but she shushed him. "I know that it's both of you who have made a mess of your friendship. I know she shares the blame – but you are the one taking this step. She knows she's in the wrong, too; maybe she'll lay aside her pride and acknowledge the things she's done wrong."

Percy sighed. Rachel had read his mind – Annabeth had said some hurtful things as well, and he was proud enough to want to make her pay for them, to feel the hurt he experienced when she said them.

But his friend was right. He was taking this step. He could swallow his pride and take the blame. In fact, it was the least he could do, after not believing her about the harbor.

"Alright," he agreed slowly, ignoring the bitter taste the words left in his mouth. "I – I do love her. You were right."

Rachel had a little grin playing on her pale face. "Then go tell her that, idiot. Well, not at first," she amended. "But eventually."

He wrapped an arm around her skinny shoulders, pulling her in for a quick hug. "But I love you, too. You'll always be my friend, Rachel."

She hit his chest indignantly. "Of course I will, you bloody idiot," she said, but there was a smile in her voice. "Now, go talk to Annabeth."

Percy slapped a hand to his forehead. "I forgot," he groaned. "She left maybe an hour ago, for Virginia. To visit her grandparents for her health, she said." He sighed. "Probably it was to get away from me, more likely."

Rachel nodded slowly. "Well, that does put a damper on things," she admitted. "But when she comes back, you are still going to talk to her. And I'll be around every day until then, to remind you."

Percy rolled his eyes fondly. "What else are you good for?"

He supposed he deserved that slap to his chest.

"I probably should go back to the Chases' house," he announced, standing up. "Thank you, Rachel. For everything."

She grinned. "You're welcome. You should probably finish that nap you were having before I came – you look bloody awful."

"Why, thank you," Percy answered dryly. "I will come to call at your house tomorrow?"

She waved a hand flippantly. "Or I'll be at yours."

He grinned and tugged on one of her curls straggling from the bun under her mobcap. "Farewell."

She pushed his hand away, pretending to be annoyed. "Goodbye, Percy."

He walked quickly from the alley and entered the busy street. He would talk to Annabeth, as soon as she got home. He would mend their friendship.

This time, he wasn't giving up.

And that's that!

On another random side note, I was re-reading through the beginning of this story, and I was basically cringing the entire way through chapters 2-6ish, just because there are SO many historical inaccuracies that I didn't research *headdesk* an they're kind of messing up the plot. So with the help of my girl Helena (who also betaed this chapter like usual and did a terrific job, so shoutout to her!) I decided that after I finish writing/posting this story, I'm going to be taking it all down except for the first chapter, doing a mass editing session, and then repost the story (probably like a chapter a day, or something really quick like that.) The mistakes are really bugging me and I also don't like how quickly Percy and Annabeth's relationship developed in the early chapters. I won't be doing any of that, though, until this story is COMPLETELY finished (and I'll prob leave it up a month or two as completed before I take it all down.)

Sorry for the huge author's note! Because of school, I don't know how much time I'll have to write, but I will do my best to get the next chapter up next Saturday! Please review, because I love reading them and they really motivate me to get out another chapter faster.

Until then, WM out. *salutes* *bows* *runs into door* i'm fine don't worry bYEEEEE