Annabeth cherished having him there with her. She knew he was getting anxious about the Solstice; he had been trying to reach Zeus but the god was not answering his call. She told him to forget the Solstice and they could just enjoy their time together. He cooked her breakfast and dinner, and gave her massages after work. He ran baths for them to share and they made love until they fell asleep. He even made lunch and visited her at her office one day. Annabeth proudly showed him off, dodging the question of why they were just now meeting him.

Friday afternoon he borrowed her car to go visit Jason and Piper. Annabeth wished she could join but she couldn't miss a day of work. When she came home, however, he had a surprise for her.

"Hiiii!" Her best friend yelled before rushing into her arms.

"Pipes! Jase! It's so good to see you guys!"

"Perce invited us back here for dinner," Jason said with a smile. "I'll just pretend gas isn't costing me an arm and a leg."

"How often do you get to see your bro, though," Percy entered the room with some beers. Jason held up the bottle toward him, nodding.

"So Annabeth, how is work?"

"Ok if we are going to talk about work, you can come help me with dinner, Jase." Percy gestured toward the kitchen and Jason nodded.

"Sure thing." Piper watched them exit the room and whirled back around.

"Ok, he's gone. I need your help, AB!"

"What's wrong?" Piper shook her head.

"I think that Jason might be cheating on me."

"Wait, what?!" Piper nodded miserably, sinking into the couch.

"Go back. Pipes, what makes you think that?"

"He's acting so weird. Distant and… moody even. Ever since we came back from Camp Half-Blood last month."

"Well have you tried talking to him?"

"Uh, duh! Of course I have!"

"And?"

"Nothing! He changes the subject. Or leaves. I don't know what to do, Annabeth. I love him. I love him so much."

"Piper, Jason loves you. I'm sure there's a logical reasoning behind his behavior."

"Then tell it to me, O Wise One." Piper huffed and took a swig of her beer.

"Seriously, maybe you can see if Percy knows anything. You know, after we leave. I don't know what I'll do if… I mean, I'm sure my mom is having a field day with

this right now," she added bitterly. Aphrodite did love when relationships became complicated. She and Percy must be quality entertainment, Annabeth thought bitterly.

"Of course I'll ask him if he knows anything. But I think you should try talking to him again. I just can't see Jason cheating on you. He's crazy about you."

"Ok let's evaluate someone else's love life for awhile," Piper took a swig of her beer. "How are you and Percy?"

"We're good."

"He told us about asking Zeus to reverse the immortality magic. Are you worried?" She glanced toward the kitchen to make sure the boys were busy.

"I want him here more than anything, Pipes, but…"

"You're afraid of the consequences," her friend said softly. Annabeth absentmindedly peeled at the label on her bottle.

"What if Hades decides to take him to the Underworld? What if he feels like Percy cheated death?"

"Hades was there that night too, Annabeth. It took all the gods and goddesses to make him immortal."

"I know but what if he changes his mind? What if Zeus gets angry and thinks Percy is being ungrateful? I said that night that I could live with him being a god… but

I can't live a life without him."

"Oh Annabeth, he will be fine. Percy would do anything for you."

"I know. That's what scares me. I don't want him angering the gods just because he wants a life with me."

"I think you're underestimating yourself a little, sweetie. And really underestimating Percy." Annabeth looked up from her beer and frowned.

"What do you mean?"

"Just because he wants a life with you? Annabeth, he never wanted to be a god. He was always talking about finishing school and taking you around the world and asking you to marry him. Leo made fun of him because he said how much he wanted a little girl that looks just like you."

"Wait. He said that?" Piper nodded, giving her a pointed look.

"I'm not saying you were wrong to make that choice. I know you guys were out of options and it was the only way he would live. But I'm telling you to remember how much that boy loves life, how much he loved his life with you, before you tell him don't risk angering the gods. He would risk everything to get back to a normal life with you." Annabeth was silent as she drank her beer, her mind racing. She could already point out things that bothered her pertaining to Percy's immortal state. Aside from the fact that he didn't live on earth with her, their age difference was starting to become more noticeable. Percy was frozen at twenty; she was

now twenty-seven. Her body had grown softer in particular places and she could point out wrinkles that had seemed to grow overnight.

It's not that she didn't want him to try to come back; she was just terrified of the risk.

"Gods, what are they doing in there? I'm starving," Piper huffed. "Hey you two! Are we going to eat some time this week?"

"Sorry Princess Piper, I'm not used to cooking for a vegetarian," Percy shot her a wink as he peered around the corner.

"Be ready in 5 minutes," Jason shouted. Percy gave them a grin before he retreated back to the kitchen.

The silence was tense and thick as both girls struggled to find something else to talk about, but the boys weighed heavily on their minds.

Dinner was delicious and the boys cracked jokes and lifted the discomfort from the room but Annabeth was ready for them to leave. Posiedon would be there to pick Percy up in the morning and she wanted to spend their (possibly) last evening together, in their favorite way.

Jason checked his watch and his eyes widened.

"Damn I didn't realize how late it was. Pipes, we should probably get going." Piper and Annabeth nodded but Percy shrugged.

"What's the hurry?"

"Early morning lessons at Camp Jupiter. I told Reyna I would help out with sword classes."

"How noble of you, Grace."

"Not all of us can be powerful gods, Jackson." Percy smirked and clapped Jason on the shoulder. Annabeth and Piper walked to the door, their arms entwined.

"We live so close to each other, I can't believe how long it's been since we last saw you."

"I've been really busy," Annabeth sighed.

"Fending off mortal assholes?" Annabeth gaped at Jason while Percy and Piper became interested in their shoes.

"Oh so you agree with what he did?" Jason glanced sideways at Percy then stepped closer to Annabeth.

"If someone had done that to Piper, I would have blasted him with a lightning bolt. You're damn right I agree with him. And since Piper and I are nearby, I want you

to iris message me if there is anything you need, ok?"

"Alright Jason. You guys be safe going home." They exchanged hugs and kisses and said their goodbyes. Percy draped his arm around her shoulder as they stood in the doorway, waving to their friends.

"That was fun," Percy said as he closed the door.

"Yeah you haven't seen them in awhile, have you?"

"Been a long time. Jason said I need to come visit more. Course I told him I come visit Earth often, I'm just usually shacked up with you."

"You did not say that," she said sharply and he grinned broadly.

"I'm happy for him and Piper," he said as he lead the way to the bedroom. "They seem to be going strong."

"You think so?" He stopped and turned back to her.

"What, you don't think they are?" She shrugged as she dug in her drawer for her pajamas.

"I thought he was acting kind of distant and… moody, even," she repeated Piper's words. Percy looked baffled.

"He wouldn't move from her side all night. How was he distant and moody?"

"You don't think they seemed kind of… off? Like maybe Jason's mind is… somewhere else?" Percy gaped at her and shook her head.

"Were we in the same room? Jason was looking at her like she hung the stars in the sky."

Knew it, she thought to herself. Piper had nothing to worry about.

"Maybe I'm just imagining things," she shrugged as she kicked the drawer closed and headed into the bathroom. "Just ignore me. What time will your dad be here in the morning?"

"Um, a little before noon, I think," he still looked puzzled at her behavior. He slipped his shirt over his head and moved to stand behind her at the sink. "Pass me my toothbrush?" They went about their normal routines, readying for bed, and when she was about to return to her room, Percy's hand on her wrist stopped her.

"I love this," he said softly.

"I know," she said, understanding immediately. It was what she had said the other night; just being with him, being like this with him.

Annabeth had never seen herself as the domestic type but now that she was older and even more in love with Percy, she found that she wanted it. She wanted it with all her heart.

She tugged him toward the bed and wrapped her arms around his neck.

"Mm, Annabeth baby," he tried to get out between kisses. "We...should...talk about...what's going to happen-"

"Not right now," she purred in his ear, her hands sliding across his back. He shivered and rested his forehead against her neck.

"Shit you're distracting me."

"That's kind of the idea. Come on, Percy, we have one more night like this. Do you want to spend it talking or doing something that we both love?"

"But-"

"No more buts. Unless it's this that I can grab onto while you fuck me." To emphasize her point, her hands slid down into his shorts and squeezed his supple ass. He jumped and groaned.

"You are a terrible influence, Miss Chase."

"Oh please. All those times I was getting in trouble at Camp Half-Blood, who was getting into trouble along with me?"

"I know Grover is a trouble-maker but you don't have to call attention to it, Annabeth." She rolled her eyes as she pulled him down on top of her.

"Shut up and kiss me, Seaweed Brain."

The next morning, Percy woke early and decided to make his favorite blue pancakes. He hadn't slept much, his mind on the Solstice and what he was going to say to Zeus. He'd wanted to talk to Annabeth last night and get her thoughts on what to say but she had been determined to keep his mind off of everything but her. And he was perfectly ok with that. Still, he was feeling anxious and wanted his wise girl's opinion. He knew she was afraid of angering the gods. But he felt that he made a better demigod than a god, and would be fine fighting monsters again, as long as he was with Annabeth.

His girlfriend walked in just as he was flipping the pancakes and she yawned; he noticed she wore his shirt and that it hung loose on her frame.

"I like your choice of dress, babe."

"Couldn't find my clothes," she shrugged as she poured two glasses of milk. He gave her a quick kiss on her hair as he set the plates of pancakes on the table.

"You and your blue food," she shook her head.

"You've never complained before," he said defensively. She cupped his chin and kissed his nose.

"I like it. It's unique. Like you."

"You mean weird."

"Eat your breakfast, Seaweed Brain. You look a little pale."

"I'm fine," he said hastily, sitting across from her. She quirked a brow as she took a sip from her cup.

"I should make coffee this morning. I'm exhausted."

"You were quite spirited last night," he laughed. Annabeth opened her mouth to speak but she choked back a gasp as a giant wave formed right in her kitchen. Percy looked completely unaffected as the wave vanished and a handsome man stood behind the counter.

"Hey Dad, you want some breakfast?"

"Blue pancakes. Just like Sally used to make," he said, slightly wistfully. "I'll take a plate, son. Thanks." Percy rose to make his father a plate and Posiedon sat on the other side of Annabeth.

"How are you doing, Annabeth?"

"Fine, Lord Posiedon."

"Oh no formalities here, dear. This is your house, after all. I'm just the visitor." And yet if any other god had visited, they would have insisted she remain the ever loving and loyal subject that she was. That's why she liked Posideon. She knew her mother still maintained that ancient grudge with him but she liked his carefree nature that she so often saw in Percy.

"What time are we going to Olympus," Percy asked as he set a plate down in front of his dad.

"Right after we eat, I'm afraid. Zeus has requested to speak with you before we all convene. Presumably to return your powers."

"Dad," Percy swallowed. "You know what I'm going to ask him." Posiedon became very interested in his blue pancakes and Percy huffed.

"Dad, come on, you know I didn't want this! And I'm not any good at this! The only reason Zeus agreed to make me immortal is so he wouldn't piss you off!"

"Exactly Percy, so why are you trying to mess things up? You don't think Zeus will tire of your adolescent behavior? Strike you down as a mortal?"

"I want to be mortal again! I want to live with Annabeth and not be called away for some stupid godly duty every damn minute. I don't want to be a god anymore!" There was tense silence and Annabeth stared at her lap.

"Like it or not, Percy, this is the way things are. If we took away your powers for good, there is a very real chance that Hades will take your soul to the Underworld. And then you would never see Annabeth again, until her time to join you. Think about it."

"But we don't know that! I could talk to Hades! I could-"

"Percy." It didn't come from his father, but his girlfriend. Annabeth looked up and fixed her stony grey eyes on his. "Your dad is right."

"What? Annabeth, you said-"

"I said I didn't want to lose you," she said softly. "And if your father thinks that Hades might do this, then I agree with him. This is the way things are. Don't ask for anything more." He gaped at her, his mouth moving wordlessly until he slammed his hands on the table and jumped to his feet.

"Neither of you bothered to ask me if I preferred this to death," he said in a deadly whisper. "I never wanted to be a god. Never. And of course you, Dad, a mighty god, couldn't understand because you have been around for thousands of years. You haven't tasted mortality and what really comes with it. And you, Annabeth...how could you possibly realize what I've given up because you still have a life! You work at a job you love, you see your friends, you breathe air, you get to live LIFE! And you could wake up tomorrow and say, "I'm tired of being with an immortal Seaweed Brain. I think I would prefer someone who can be with me all of the time and who can listen to me and who can provide for me. Who I can have babies with. Who I can live a normal life as a normal couple with."

"Percy," Annabeth gasped, tears welling in her eyes. Percy shook his head and kicked his chair aside.

"Forget it. I'm going back to Olympus and I'm asking Hades for an out. I wanted my dad's and my girlfriend's support but I guess I'll have to do it without you guys. If you both can't see how much I yearn for my normal life again, you don't know me as well as I thought you did." He gave them both a sad look before he stomped from the room. They both flinched as they heard the front door slam and Annabeth hid her face in her hands. Her sobs made the god wince and he reached over to pat her shoulder.

"He didn't mean that, Annabeth."

"But he did," she glanced up at him. "Deep down, I know he did. He's been hinting at it, that he's afraid I will find someone else. It worries him the most. But I keep telling him, I can't risk losing him. Hades is your brother, Posiedon. Do you honestly think he will let Percy remain on Earth, after nearly dying?"

"My brother is unpredictable," he said slowly. "I cannot say what he will do. Zeus was more surprised than anything when Percy asked him if he could stay mortal. You have to remember, we gods aren't known for our humble natures. A part of Zeus still thinks humans are the worst species and that being a god is an incredible honor. He was offended the first time Percy turned down his offer."

"That's what I mean," she said desperately. "Zeus might get tired of Percy turning down his gift! He could tell Hades to take him to the Underworld. Lord Posiedon...I can't lose him." Posideon sighed and looked uncomfortable.

"In some ways, Percy is correct. Though I have fallen in love several times, I never questioned giving up my immortality. When I met his mother...I thought about what a normal life might be like. But my duties and obligations came first, no matter how much that hurt. I had to leave them both behind. I will not tell you the gods are perfect, Annabeth, because you know well that it's not true. And as much as I loved Sally… I would have never become mortal for her. But I see how much Percy loves you, Annabeth. I can see it when we are pulling him away for some stupid godly duty every damn minute, as my son so eloquently put it." Annabeth managed a weak smile.

"Perhaps we should let him try. And let him know that we do support him."

"How can I support him if I think it might end in disaster?"

"You are a demigod, Annabeth. You specialize in disasters." He smiled kindly but she shook her head.

"This is different. This...this scares me. This scares me more than when I faced that eight-legged witch in Rome. It's the whole reason I called you that night. Because he was on the verge of death. And what happens if he does something stupid like get himself killed? Then I'll have lost him forever."

"Death is a part of life, Annabeth. It's why mortals cling to what they cherish and feel that sense of time ticking away. Perhaps this is why gods are not attached to a particular living thing. There have been exceptions, of course, but for the most part, we just cannot comprehend that sort of love. But it is ingrained in Percy. His loyalty and protective love is his power and his downfall. He discovered that fact on your little trip to Rome so many years ago. I will not tell you what to do, Annabeth, but I will tell you that he has his mother's stubborness. One of the many things I loved about Sally Jackson."

"He's going to do it anyway," she shrugged. "I can't stop him. So what does it matter?"

"What matters is that he knows you support him, in every way possible," he replied gently. "Your love is what makes him so powerful. I know Ares likes to tease that he is just a minor god but Percy can be a very formidable force."

"I've seen him in battle, sir, you don't need to tell me that."

"Well," Posiedon pushed the plate of pancakes aside as he stood up. "I should find my son and return to Olympus. I will tell him to stop by to see you, after the Gathering of the Solstice."

"If he wants to see me," she muttered.

"Do not mistake anger for anything else, dear Annabeth. Percy still loves you with all his heart. Do not forget that." She nodded and Posiedon gave her a glowing smile before he vanished into a gigantic tidal wave that would have normally flooded her entire apartment. She stood, gaping at the spot where the god had stood and her eyes softened and grew sad when they landed on Percy's plate of uneaten pancakes.

"I'm sorry, Percy. Please don't do anything stupid."