It's been a while. How are you guys doing?

Sorry for not updating recently, but works sucks big time. Luckily I got a 3 days vacation that's why I finally managed to do another chapter. Please bear with me on this one.

Thank you for those who took time to review on the last chapter:

IIII Winter Wolf IIII

The Son Of Hades123 : thanks for the reminder. I went back to the chapters and you are right. I apologized for it. I did edit that chapter though to follow the course of the story. I forgot that I did write that one already. Anyways thanks again.

Rocket99

The Argronaut

Iggynator

Guest

Guest

Disclaimer: I do not own anything.

Chapter 70

Percy was currently at Partas helping around at the store. It's been a week since the rest of his family and his cousins were back to New York. He was left behind because he got 2 more weeks left to his vacation. When Annabeth is at work, he'll go to Patras to spend time with Hestia and Charles and sometimes he'll go to the store to help Leo and the others, especially since Leo was currently studying while working.

Leo and Hestia tried to stop him from helping but he insists, jokingly saying that Leo needs to study more so that he can pass all his subjects and that his help on paying his tuition won't go to waste. Leo don't take it seriously since he knows that Percy was just joking. In fact he is so thankful at him for helping him with his studies.

When they first met, Leo just graduated from High School and he decided to stop since he knew that his grandmother can't afford to send him even to the local universities. Although he does have a dream, he accepted it wholeheartedly knowing that he can still pursue his dreams but for know he just have to save money for it. Percy knew all of this since they become close, so when his real identity was out, he offered his help to Leo. At first Leo doesn't want to. His pride was getting in the way and that he's too ashamed to accept it. Eventually with Charles, Hestia and Reyna's help they successfully changed his mind about the matter but not without some negotiations. Leo insisted that he will still work at the store but for free in return to Percy's help but Hestia and Charles didn't approve of it. So in the end Leo has no choice but to gave in, hoping that in due time he can repay them from all of their kindness. Percy and his family just want nothing in return but for him to do well in school and to reach his dreams.

Reyna was also very thankful for this. She knows Leo was smart albeit sometimes he's an idiot but he's very talented with things. She knows there are times that Leo feels insecure whenever she brings him to parties knowing that he's mingling with professionals but that doesn't stop Reyna from making him realize that he's got nothing to be ashamed of. So when Percy offered his help to him, she instantly agreed to his idea. It took her time to make him realize to accept Percy's help but now it was all worth it.

Leo's doing well at the University and Percy couldn't be proud of. Leo's Grandmother was also very thankful for Percy's help. She loved Percy dearly even from the start knowing that he's a good man. Her fondness for him grew even more when he decided to help his grandson.

So today, Leo is currently reviewing for his exams the following day so Percy decided to help him in the store, since Hestia rarely go in there anymore since she starts writing having been inspired by Sally.

Percy was just looking around the store doing inventory. It was one of Leo's jobs but since he's taking an exam tomorrow, Percy offered to do it for him. Once in a while Leo would check on him if he's doing it right and Percy would just scowl on him and ordered him to get back to studying. Leo would just roll his eyes on him, muttering about spoiled brat.

"What did you just say?" Percy smirked at Leo's direction.

"Nothing." He scowled going back to his notes.

Percy smirked. "Just don't mind me. I know what I'm doing. And I expect to see high mark on your exams."

Leo scowled at him. "Thanks for the pressure Superstar."

Percy grabs something to throw at Leo.

"Ouch! What was that for?!"

"Call me that again and I will kill you."

"What?" Leo smirked. "Isn't that who you are? A superstar?"

"Leo!" Percy growled.

Leo just laughs shaking his head. He didn't even bulged when something hit him again.

"Ungrateful idiot." Percy muttered.

"Whoah, I'm ungrateful now?" He asked chuckling.

Percy just rolled his eyes.

For a while they both kept quiet focusing on their work. It was just the two of them since one of their helper is on leave today.

Suddenly it started to rain. Percy went to the door to peek outside. It was heavily raining, and then he saw an old man, who owns the liquor store next to them, hurrying up to gather boxes from his pickup truck. No one was helping him.

Percy decided to help him. "I'll be back!" He called out to Leo not bothering to wait up for his answer.

"Where are you going?" Leo called out but he's already out of the door. Leo just shrugged it away and went back to studying seeing that they won't be getting any customers since it was heavily raining.

A couple of minutes pass by and Percy went back to the store, soaking wet.

"What the hell happened to you?" Leo asked concerned.

"I just helped Barry on unloading the boxes." He replied shivering. "Gods it's freaking cold." He said as he hugs himself.

"You're going to get sick. You better go change." Leo demanded.

Percy went to the office at the back and found out that he don't have any spare clothes stock in there anymore. His mom must have brought it home when he went back to New York. He silently cursed.

He went back outside. Leo look at him raising an eyebrow. "I thought I told you to go change."

"I don't have any spare clothes in here anymore." He said shivering. "Do you have one?"

"Lucky for you I do. Wait I'll go get it in my locker."

A couple of seconds later, Leo handed him a shirt and a short. Percy thanked him and he went back to the office to go change.

LINEBREAK

Percy and Leo were closing the store when Annabeth called him.

"Hey baby." He greeted.

"Hi. Are you still at the store?"

"Yup, but we're closing. And then I'll be heading home."

"Oh okay. Anyway I called you to tell you that I'll be home very late tonight."

"Why is that?" He asked sniffling.

Leo looks at him concerned.

"Reyna and I have to go to the site. They needed us there. I am not sure what time we will be finish there."

"Oh, alright no problem. Just be safe okay?"

"I will. Are you…" She was cut off by Percy's sneezing.

"Hey are you alright?" She asked concerned.

Percy sniffs a couple of times before replying. "Yeah I'm fine. I think I just inhaled something."

"Are you sure?"

"Yup. Nothing to worry about."

"If you say so. Don't wait up for me, okay? I'll be home as soon as I can."

"Okay. I love you. See you later."

"I love you too. Drive safely, okay?"

"I will."

Percy put his phone in his pocket before resuming locking the door.

"Are you okay?" Leo asked.

"Yeah I'm fine." He rolled his eyes on him.

"I think you already have a cold."

"Oh please, it's nothing."

"Are you sure? Maybe you should take a medicine just for precaution." Leo suggested.

"I'm fine." Percy replied irritably.

"Hey no need to be so snarky. I'm just concerned. Isn't it that you guys should be extra careful about it since you are a singer?"

"Yeah but I'm fine, trust me. Now go home and resume studying and I'll be heading home too."

"Whatever you say. Drive safely."

"You too. Good luck on your exams tomorrow. I'll be back tomorrow to help mom."

"Thanks. I will."

"You better." Percy said teasingly.

Leo rolled his eyes on him before getting in his car. He watches him drive away before settling in his own car. He called Hestia before driving home.

By the time he reached Athens, Percy wasn't feeling good anymore. He kept sneezing and his body felt warm. He dragged himself inside the house. He went straight to the kitchen to look for something to eat. He's not actually hungry but still he needs something to eat or else his condition will worsen. He forced himself to eat and after that he took a shower hoping to ease what he's feeling. And when he's done, he went straight to their room. He texted Annabeth to inform her that he's home and after that he was knocked out.

It was already nearing midnight by the time Annabeth got home. She's so exhausted. All she wanted to do was to curl up in bed with him. She slowly went inside their room and she saw him sleeping soundly. At times, Percy wakes up when she enters the room but this time he's so deep in his sleep. Annabeth thought that he must have been also tired. She went to the bathroom to freshen up and changed. By the time she reached their bed, she just kissed him on the cheek and fell asleep immediately.

By the time Percy was awake, he reached on her side but found it empty. Annabeth was nowhere to be found. He didn't even feel her arrived last night. He tried to get up but his vision turned blurry. He groaned flopping back on the bed. He felt so weak and tired. His throat hurts and he can't breathe properly. He sneeze a couple of times. Yep he's sick alright. He blamed the rain for this. If Nico and Allie were here, he's probably in a big trouble now.

He tried to sit on the bed, resting his back on the headboard. He saw a note on the table. It was from her, of course.

I'm sorry I didn't wake you up to say goodbye. I need to be on the site as early as possible. There's breakfast on the table. I'll see you tonight. I'll make it up to you. I love you.

Percy smiled. He missed her already.

He tried to get up again and luckily this time he didn't feel that the world is spinning again. He drags himself to the kitchen. He smiled when he saw what she prepared for him, it was his favorite. Although he doesn't have an appetite just like last night, he forced himself to eat again. But by the time he was halfway on his meal, he felt the need to throw up. He hurriedly went to bathroom and throws up.

He groaned as he sits on the floor resting his back on the wall. He's sweating but he feels so cold. When he's stable enough, he brushed his teeth before heading back to the kitchen. He didn't want to throw the food that she prepared so he put it in the fridge. He went to the first aid kit to look for medicine but he didn't know which one to take.

He was tempted to call Annabeth but he doesn't want her to worry. He contemplated on calling Nico or Allie to ask what medicine he should take but he changed his mind. Last thing he needs was an earful from them. He decided to search the net and thankfully Annabeth has it on her first aid kit.

He went to the couch after taking the meds and he wraps himself with a blanket before finally settling in. He texted Leo and his mom to inform that he can't come today. He lazily browses the channels. He tries to sleep but with his sneezing, he was having a hard time. He kept on blowing his nose. He's pretty sure that his nose is so red now. Even his throat hurts. He's really in trouble now. Luckily at some point he finally dozed off.

Hours later, he was startled by the sound of his phone. He saw the time that it was already 2 in the afternoon. He missed lunch but he's not hungry anyways. He saw the caller ID and it was Malcolm.

"Percy."

"Hey, what's up?" He answered hoarsely.

"Are you okay? You don't sound so good."

"No I'm fine."

"Are you sure?"

"Positive. So what can I do for you?"

"Are you at Annabeth's place? Is she there with you?"

"Yup but she's not here. She went to work."

"Oh alright. Why? You tried calling her already?"

"Nope. Actually I was hoping to talk to you."

"Oh. What for? Is everything alright."

"Yeah, yeah nothing is wrong. I just ummm… Can I come over there? If that's okay?"

"Sure. Of course you can stop by, got nothing to do anyways."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. I'll just be here."

"Okay. Thanks man. I'll be there in roughly 15 minutes."

"See you." Percy cut the call.

He groaned when he tried to sit up again. He cleaned the mess he made before settling back on the couch again. He tried to look better but with what he's feeling he's sure that Malcolm can see right through him.

True to his words, Malcolm arrived 15 minutes later. Percy put his hoodie on in replace for the blanket. He's having a hard time reaching the front door. He's knees are wobbly. He supports himself on the door before finally opening it.

"Hey." He greeted.

"Hi. Thanks for letting me come over."

"Come on in." Percy invited before stepping aside to let him in.

Malcolm enters the house. He went straight to the living room. It took a while before Percy joined him.

Malcolm saw Percy's state for the first time. "Are you okay? You look so pale." He asked concerned.

Before Percy can answer him, his vision turns blurry and he was about to pass out. Thankfully Malcolm was quick enough to catch him. Percy was burning up. Malcolm helps him onto the couch.

He saw the first aid kit and went to grab the thermometer. He checks Percy's temperature and he silently cursed when he saw how high it is. He shook his head while looking at Percy. Knowing that his sister is not here, she probably doesn't know that her boyfriend is sick. Not wanting to make his sister worry, Malcolm decides to take good care of him for awhile until his sister can get back from work.

LINEBREAK

Annabeth got home earlier than usual to make up for yesterday. She scrunched her eyebrows when she saw a car at the garage. The car is not familiar to her. Maybe Percy got a visitor. He never told her about it though. Well in fact she just realized by now that she hasn't got a text from him since this morning. She's been so busy rushing around to realize it sooner.

She uses her own key to open the front door.

"Babe." She called out loud to inform that she's home. But she got nothing in reply. She took of her coat and put it in the rack only to see her boyfriend sleeping on the couch with the blanket draped over his body.

"Hey."Someone startled her. She turns to look and she was surprised to see her brother.

"Malcolm." She said confused. "What are you doing here?"

Malcolm smiled at her as he kissed her cheek. "Visiting, obviously." He replied sarcastically before dragging his sister to the kitchen.

She was not satisfied with his answer but then she remembers Percy. "What is wrong with Percy? Is he alright?"

Malcolm shook his head. "He's sick and I'm curious as to know why you didn't know about it? And why you left him alone in here."

"Oh my gods!" She exclaimed. "How bad is it? I seriously don't know." She turned to look at him.

"He passed out when I got here. Good thing I caught him before he fell to the ground. He's burning up when I checked his temp."

Annabeth went immediately to Percy to check on him. She sits on the couch and put her hand on his forehead. Malcolm followed her.

"His temp already went down thankfully but he still has a fever and cold."

Annabeth looks at him worriedly while she strokes his hair. "Did you give him medicine already?"

"Yeah, after I forced him to eat something."

"This idiot didn't tell me he's sick, that's why he didn't text me the whole day."

"Didn't you see him this morning?"

"I was in a hurry to go to work."

"Hmmm okay. But don't worry. He's going to be fine."

"Thank you." She smiled at her brother.

"No problem. He's basically family now. Anyways, I have to go. I just came by to check on you guys."

Annabeth scrunched her eyebrows. "That's it? You're leaving?"

"Yeah, I just waited for you to come home. Don't want to leave Percy alone in here while he's sick." He said avoiding eye contact.

"Are you sure that's it?"

"Of course."

She raised an eyebrow at him. "Why didn't you call me to say that you are dropping by?"

"I called Percy."

"Why not me?"

"Does it matter?" He asked avoiding her questions.

"Yeah, because I'm your sister."

Malcolm chuckled. "You know you're becoming nosy. There's nothing,okay? I just wanted to visit you, that's it. End of the story. Now go and check on him. And I'm leaving because I still got a lot of work to do."

Annabeth softens remembering her sick boyfriend. "Okay if you say so. But I still don't believe you. What are you two up to?"

Malcolm shook his head in amusement. "Nothing." He kissed her cheek. "I'll keep in touch. Love you. Bye sis."

She watched her brother go before going back to check on Percy.

She caressed his cheek until he stirred in his sleep. He slowly opens his eyes to see his worried girlfriend.

"Hey." He greeted hoarsely. He reaches for her face.

Annabeth grabs his hand and kissed it. "How are you feeling?"

"Fine, because you're here now." He sweetly said. She rolled her eyes on him.

"Nice try mister. Why didn't you tell me that you're sick?"

"I didn't want to worry you. Besides I can handle myself."

Annabeth snorted. "That's not what Malcolm told me."

"Oh where is he?"

"He went home already."

"I didn't get a chance to say thank you."

"I already did."

Percy hummed. He tries to get up but Annabeth stops him.

"Stop. Just lay down there and rest."

Percy pouted. "But I want to hug you."

"Oh no you can't you'll get me sick too."

"Oh come on. I thought you said you'll make it up to me?"

"That is before I didn't know that you are sick."

But I'm fine now." Just then he sneeze a couple of times.

"Fine huh?" She smirked at him. "How did you get sick anyway? You were just fine yesterday before you went to Patras."

Percy told her the reason why. She just shook her head.

"Should I tell Nico or Allie about this? You getting sick?"

"No!" Percy said abruptly.

"But they specifically told me to report to them in case you get sick."

"I'm fine now. Nothing to worry about. It's just a cold. I'll be better and besides my throat doesn't hurt that much anymore. I doubt it can affect my voice."

She snorted. "I'm just going to inform them anyway."

"Babe." He whined.

"Babe." She mocked before getting up.

"Where are you going?"

"Kitchen. I'll cook us some dinner. What do you like?"

"I'm not hungry."

She narrowed her eyes on him. "You are going to eat and no question asks."

Percy groaned closing his eyes. "You are worse than them."

Annabeth kissed his cheek before getting up.

"You missed." He said teasingly.

"Nice try." She snorted before heading back to the kitchen.

"Hurry up then because I already miss you."

She rolled her eyes but she was smiling.

Later that night, Annabeth made sure that he eats and drink his medicine.

Percy was whining like a baby the whole time. He was sneezing a lot but his fever has gotten down.

Annabeth then remembers her brother's visit. "So what did you and Malcolm talked about?"

"Huh?"

"Didn't he say something while he's here?"

Percy didn't look at her. "Nothing. He just took care of me."

"Are you sure?"

"Positive."

"Okay. So I'm going to the guest room to sleep." She waits for his reaction.

"What?!"

"I don't want to get sick. I still got a lot of work to do."

Percy was pouting like a baby. "You're going to leave me here alone in our room?"

"Yes. And besides you're already getting better, right?" She continued making fun of him.

"And that's why you can sleep here beside me."

"I don't want to risk it. I don't want to get us both sick."

Percy continued to pout. "Fine. If that's what you want. I'll just force myself to sleep then."

She can't hold it anymore and she began laughing much to Percy's amusement. "What's so funny?"

"You just look so cute."

"You're making fun of me. I hate you."

She just keeps laughing and eventually she stops but she's still smiling. "You really miss me that much?"

He just rolled his eyes on her. "I don't miss anybody."

She raised an eyebrow at him. "Really? Okay then, enjoy sleeping here alone." She was about to get up to prove her point when Percy stops her.

"Sorry. I'm just kidding. You know I've always missed you when you're not around. Please stay." He said pleadingly.

She decided to stop playing him. "I'm just kidding anyway." She said smiling. "I've missed you too you big baby."

Percy smiled at him. He tugs her down to him and she let him. She rests her head on his chest for a while.

"Annabeth."

"Hmmm.."

"I love you."

She raised her head to meet him in the eye. "I love you too." She pecks him on the lips much to his surprise.

"That's for being so sweet." She smiled at him.

"Can I get another one?"

She shook her head. "Not until you're fully recovered."

"Fair enough." He smiled.

"Now come on, let me go. I need to go shower."

Percy reluctantly did so. "Hurry up."

"Clingy boyfriend." She joked.

"Indeed I am." He said proudly while smiling.

Annabeth shook her head in amusement. "Sleep now. I'll be quick."

"Okay."

"Good night."

"Good night baby."

She kissed his forehead and soon he was fast asleep. Annabeth pecks his lips once more before finally heading to the bathroom.

Done! It's a bit off the course. I just randomly put it in together. I hope you guys are not disappointed.

Let me know what you think.

Thanks!