AN: The actual chapter! I don't own anything.

Warning: This chapter gets steamy towards the end, there's nothing explicit, but still i don't recommend reading if you're not comfortable with things like that.

Oh, and special special shout-out to SkylarCraze (author of Road Trip--go check it out) who has completely made my week with her words and encouragement.

Otherwise, please enjoy.

After pigging out to two boxes of pizza and indulging their more girlish side by watching three of the most teenage angsty movies ever made, Thalia and Annabeth found themselves five minutes away from it being three in the morning. And indulging even further into their adolescence, Thalia initiated a game of Truth and Dare. "Truth or Dare, Annabeth?"

Annabeth was suspicious, "Truth."

Thalia smirked, like that was her whole intention from the start and that she knew Annabeth would pick it. "With heavy details, how did you feel last Friday after meeting Percy?"

"Heavy details? What if I just said that I felt all warm-and-fuzzy on the inside?" Thalia gave a stern look, translating to: Not gonna cut it. "'kay fine. All I'm going to say is: I wanted to jump his bones."

"That wasn't in heavy details, but fine. Be a cheater. Give me a dare."

Annabeth grinned wickedly, showing a part of her that didn't get out to play enough. "I have a neighbor. He's in his last term of college. Go ring his doorbell and kiss him until you have to breathe."

Thalia rolled her eyes, "What are you? Sixteen forever?"

She got up and walked straight out the door. Before she completely shut it Annabeth called out, "And don't let him know you're coming back here." All Annabeth got was a grunt in response. Ten minutes later, Thalia came back. Very nonchalantly she informed Annabeth, "Technically, I shouldn't even have made any contact with him according to the rules of my current group. But, I'm not a cheater, unlike some people. Your turn."

Annabeth was still unsure of Thalia's intentions. And in a life-changing decision, second-guessed herself and allowed the word, "dare," to whisper past her lips.

Thalia gave a menacing smile, much like the kind a cartoon cat would give when it bears all of its teeth at you. "Call Percy and ask him to go to that party tomorr—well actually later today."

"Oh no. No no no no no no no. No! I am not going to call and wake him up in the middle of the night!"

"Why not? I woke your neighbor up and he didn't seem all that bothered," Thalia countered. She knew she had already won. She had already made a big deal about Annabeth cheating at this game, and also, Thalia knew, secretly Annabeth wanted to. Annabeth could figure out anything in the world that required logic, but would never figure out her emotions. She previously had no reason, but now, with Thalia as her justification, she would do it.

"Fine. I'll do it." Thalia knew that Annabeth was using her as an excuse, but hey, what else are mothers for?

"Don't look so unhappy Annabeth, you know you want to."

Thalia heard Annabeth grumble some lame reply about it still being three in the morning as she went to find her cell phone. She came back and sat across from Thalia, against a wall.

Soft beeps echoed in her apartment as she scrolled through her phone, looking for Percy's name. Annabeth allowed her head to fall back and hit the wall as her phone began to ring. Why was she doing this? It was dark. She barely knew Percy. And yet—

"Fuck!"

"Excuse me?!" Who the hell greets people like that?

"What? Oh, sorry, I didn't mean it that way. It—I just—I had to get up to get my phone and stubbed my toe on a desk corner. Sorry—nevermind. What did you need again?"

Annabeth smirked, she had been nervous a couple seconds ago, but something about Percy, gave her strength and courage. "You go around offering strangers favors?"

"Right. Who are you?"

"Annabeth."

"Ok Annabeth, did you ne—," there was a sharp intake of air –a gasp—loud enough for Annabeth to hear over the phone. "Annabeth," this time said with a more aware tone,

"Yes," Annabeth responded, imaging Percy having a 'light bulb moment,' "You sound flustered."

"Wipe that smirk off your face." Annabeth made a conscious effort to keep the corners of her mouth turned down. "I have an excuse to be, it's three in the morning. To be completely honest, I have been waiting for you to call me all week; and you decide to do it now?"

"It's three in the morning?" asked Annabeth, trying to sound surprised.

"Great, so you're a night-owl?"

Annabeth couldn't help herself and smiled again, "Yeah, I guess you could say that. Is that a problem?"

The raised eyebrow was apparent to Percy, even through a phone, "No, just learning more about you. So what were you doing before you so rudely decided to wake me up?"

Annabeth came up with a quick excuse, "Uh, I was working. Which reminded me…that you owe me a favor."

"I don't like where this is going. How does my debt tie in with your work?"

"The common factor here is me. I am asking to cash-in that favor you owe me by asking you to come with me to a company party tomorrow."

"Oh. That didn't sound half as bad as what it could be. Yes, I would love to be your date."

"Great. The thing's at seven, but it actually takes two hours to drive there, so I'll come over like, four-thirty? I'll let you get back to your beauty sleep, so just text me your address."

"Ok, sounds like a plan. Annabeth?"

"Yes?"

"Goodnight."

Annabeth was touched by his kindness and gentle tone. "Goodnight Percy." She flipped her phone closed and slouched against the wall. A contented sigh slipped past her lips. It took her a full minute for her to open her eyes and she nearly jumped out of her skin when she saw Thalia there, watching her. What was it about Percy that did that to her? What was it about Percy that just by his voice she felt like she floating in air with him? What was it about Percy that made Annabeth lose track of time and make her feel like five minutes had passed when it was really an hour?

Annabeth gathered her emotions and kept them out of her voice and face. She glared at Thalia, "There, done. Game over." Annabeth wasn't about to be 'truthed' into admitting to Thalia that she was right and was happy she was forced to call Percy.

Thalia let Annabeth drop it. She knew that Annabeth would see she was right. And that that was as close as Annabeth would come around to admitting that Thalia ruled and she drooled.

The lights are out and I barely know you
We're going up and the place is slowing down
I knew you'd come around

Annabeth woke up at seven totally ready for the upcoming day. Maybe it was because she didn't get enough sleep that she was awake, or maybe it was because she got more sleep then she had the previous day. She woke up, drove Thalia back, grabbed a cup of coffee and went back to her apartment. She took a good, long shower, relishing the hot water on her skin and trying to wash away the nervousness she felt about the coming night.

Annabeth tried to take the time and blow-dry her hair, but after fifteen minutes of no progress, she just gave up. She brushed through her hair once, and expertly braided it—a skill she had learned to try and give a little diversity to her everyday ponytail.

At three Percy called. "Hey Annabeth, it's Percy."

"Hey, what's up?"

"Well…uh," Damn! What was it about Annabeth that did this to him? "Well, I was wondering—well, you never told me how formal I should dress for this party. I mean, should I wear—" Damn! That's not what I wanted to say at all!

Annabeth giggled into the phone, and then said in her all-too-knowing voice, "Sure Percy. I'll come over early so we can hang out for a little…and pick out your clothes. Just give me half an hour."

And with that Annabeth promptly hung up on Percy. How the fuck does she do that to me? I need water. So Percy went to take a shower. Like always he got lost of the feeling of water on his skin and completely lost track of time. Until the doorbell rang. Shit—in real life, Percy really is a well-mannered person; he just lets all his frustrations out as profanity inside of his head. Percy hastily rubbed his hair dry with his towel as best he could, and wrapped the towel around his waist, rather risking humiliation than making Annabeth wait and get mad at him.

When Percy opened the door half-naked, Annabeth was shocked. But in a good way. She appraisingly ran her eyes over his bulging arms, bare-chest, and flat stomach. To put Annabeth's emotions to words simply: Percy's body was orgasmic. To stop herself from blushing she looked down to his outstretched arm that still had a hand on the doorknob. "Nice tattoo."

Percy grinned widely, looking down at his tattoo of a trident, for Poseidon. "I'd like to know where yours is." Every friend of a Half-Blood owner usually got one.

Annabeth smiled coyly at him, "Maybe you'll get the chance to find it someday…maybe soon."

Percy's smile grew wider. He moved aside to let her in and closed the door, silently grateful none of his neighbors were out at the moment. Thinking this, he held on tighter to his towel. "Here, let me hang that up," Percy offered, gesturing to a garment bag. Annabeth handed it to him and he went to go hang it up in his coat closet. "Is this your dress?"

"Yeah, make sure it doesn't get wrinkled 'kay?" With one hand holding the dress and one hand kept firmly on his towel, trying to open the closet proved harder than Percy would have thought. Then, warm hands snaked past his waist, looped through his arms to the closet handle, "Need another hand?"

Percy smiled while hanging up her dress, trying to buy time to get the blush out of his face, "No, I think I'm ok. Wouldn't want to end up as a Hecatonchire.*"

Annabeth laughed at his reference to greek mythology, "Fine then. Let's get you dressed so the two hands you do have are free." Percy led her to his closet where she immediately began analyzing its contents—she wasn't overly obsessed with clothes, but she knew which fashion choices not to make. "You know, you don't exactly have the biggest closet, picking clothes as an excuse was not your best move."

Till then Percy had been staring at Annabeth, and was startled at her comment. He had been watching her graceful movements and thinking of everything he knew about her. Truthfully, Annabeth was the most interesting girl he had met in a long time. She was beautiful, smart, sarcastic, quick—pretty much a copy of Percy…except for being smart, but couples needed differences to keep things exciting.

He had invited Annabeth over because ever since he met her, he couldn't get her off his mind. All of a sudden, his perfect, contented life seemed empty. And he found himself lonely, thinking the last time he truly felt alive was last Friday. Not because of the alcohol, but because of Annabeth. He had craved her all week. Not in a horny way, but in a more obsessive way. He hoped, that tonight, they would be going home with something more than just an owed favor. Something that would let her be his and him be hers.

You captivate me, something about you has got me
I was lonely now you make me feel alive
Will you be mine tonight?

"But still, I'm your date. I should look how you want me to look."

Annabeth rolled her eyes but laid his clothes onto his bed without a retort. "I'll leave you to get dressed."

And Percy did, walking out handsomely in dress pants, a deep blue shirt that matched his eyes and hugged his muscles, and a jacket hanging in his hands. He saw that Annabeth had taken the liberty to pour herself a cup of coffee and was holding it gingerly, trying to steal its warmth with her hands. He walked up to her and surprised himself by startling her. "Why so jumpy? Not a drug addict are you?"

Annabeth gave a shaky laugh, "Just a little nervous."

"About what?" Percy asked, sincerely concerned.

"Well you know how there was a storm yesterday? I asked you today cause you're a friend of Poseidon and look like a swimmer—"

Percy interrupted her with a dramatic gasp, trying to lighten the mood, "You mean you didn't want me because of my devilishly good looks?!"

Annabeth rolled her eyes, smiling in spite of herself, "Shut up. Yes, I invited you because you don't look completely helpless. But also because the party tonight is on a boat. Not just a docked boat, but one that will be moving into open waters. And it can't be safe right?! I mean, the storm isn't even fully blown over. The waters won't be smooth sailing, it could start raining, lightning could strike, a lot of things could happen…"

"Hey, hey. Annabeth, calm down. You're right. I'm good with boats and water and stuff like that. I'll keep you safe. If need be I'll steer the boat myself. Or, we could steal a safety raft and I'll row you back to shore if you want.

After two hours of talking, laughing, story-telling, comfortable silences, Percy staring at Annabeth's undone, long, wavy—from drying with braids—hair and beautiful face, and Annabeth discreetly ogling Percy's body, Annabeth and Percy had reached their destination. The boat was docked and people were being herded in from a long line. Percy put his hand around Annabeth's waist as they went to stand in line. Annabeth returned the favor and felt Percy shiver when her hand accidentally brushed his back on its way to his waist. "Cold?"

"No," responded Percy, just the slightest bit breathlessly, but still not escaping Annabeth's attention. They reached the front, and were allowed in by a man checking names off a clipboard. They stepped onto the deck and the ship left the dock fifteen minutes later.

An hour later, Percy and Annabeth were bored to death by the party. Annabeth had made given greetings to all the expected people and Percy had dutifully followed along. They had engaged in polite conversation with everyone they spoke to. They drank light champagne and ate hors d'oeuvres. And there was nothing else to do still except for Annabeth to become seasick and attempt to watch the stars with Percy.

"Did you mean it?"

"Mean what?" Percy asked, as clueless as ever.

"Would you steal a safety boat and row me back to shore?"

"Well, yeah…if you don't mind getting in trouble for it. With the direction of the wind and waves, we could make it to shore in less than an hour."

"You sound like a nerd. Let's just go find the boats," laughed Annabeth.

After stealthily sneaking off, and after Percy had established a steady rowing rhythm, Annabeth began talking again. "You said less than an hour?"

"Yeupp."

"How do you plan on doing that when it took the actual boat an hour to take us out that far?"

"The actual boat was going against the current and wind. The actual boat is heavier. The actual boat was going in curves so it wouldn't have to go as further out. The actual boat is not being steered by me….That enough reasons for you?"

"Yeah. They were all pretty good, except for that last one…. And you're sure we're going the right direction?"

"Yeah. I just know. I just know my exact location whenever I'm in the water. It's weird…"

Annabeth noticeably shivered and looked at Percy expectantly. When nothing happened she said, "Aren't you going to offer me your jacket or something?"

Percy looked at her incredulously. "No way! And how can I take it off? I'm rowing." Annabeth had almost forgotten. It seemed so effortless for him. It was such a steady rhythm; it didn't even force Percy to change his breathing. "Besides, I'm cold."

Annabeth continued staring at Percy disbelievingly. She heard the sarcasm in his voice, but he still made no move to take off his jacket. Finally when Annabeth looked away with anger, Percy laughed and stopped the boat. He took off his jacket and handed it to Annabeth. She put it on as she watched his now-visible-biceps-and-triceps swell and return to normal size with each row. "You're mean."

Percy laughed at her child-like comeback. "Only sometimes. But I can be really nice too." They sat in comfortable silence until they were close to the shore. "'kay. Now I have to get out and pull the boat to shore. Notice how nice I am by in my doing so, you will not have to get wet." Percy looked down at the water for a second, and then back up at Annabeth and blushed. "Would it be weird if I took off my nice dress pants so I wouldn't get them wet?"

Annabeth smirked, enjoying the easy set-up Percy had given her. "The only way it could be awkward, Percy, is if you made it awkward," she said while quickly—but visibly— shifting her glance downwards.

Percy prayed to the Gods he wouldn't let it get awkward, and began thinking of his least favorite thing in the world. He took off his pants with clumsy hands and carefully stepped into the water, cautious not to splash any of it up into the boat. Carefully, trying to disturb the water as little as possible, Percy pulled the boat towards the shore.

Percy was a briefs kind of guy, and this fact was not lost on Annabeth. Annabeth had watched Percy take his pants off behind the safety of her hair and the view before her was enough to make her glad that she, herself, was not a guy. Percy had dragged the boat completely out of the water's reach. Annabeth was thrown off balance as she tried to get out—by the hour of sitting—but mainly because of the rush of warmth flowing towards her lower-body. Percy tried to catch her and the pair landed in a tangle of limbs on the sandy floor—Annabeth on top.

She couldn't take it anymore. There was too much unresolved sexual tension from last time, and that added to all the raging hormones in her body now, she had to have him. And judging by his reaction as she crushed her lips against hers, he wanted her too.

The two stayed together in heated passion. Taking whatever they wanted from the others' mouth and trying to gain dominance by rolling around on the floor. After a particularly long struggle, Percy had gained dominance and laid gently on top of Annabeth while hungrily exploring her mouth. But Annabeth wasn't one to give up easily. She would take this passionate battle up one more step. She pulled one hand out of Percy's hair and trailed down his back. She moved slowly, giving him goose bumps, but mainly making sure she didn't miss the spot. At last as her hand brushed the spot at the small of his back. Percy gasped loudly in surprise. And with every continued rotation of Annabeth's hand, Percy continued dying pleasurable, shaky little deaths; all at Annabeth's touch.


Take me on the floor
I can't take it any moreI want you, I want you, I want you to show me love

Just take me on the floorI can give you more
You kill me, you kill me, you kill me with your touch

Percy couldn't take it anymore. Unexpectedly and unwillingly, he pushed himself off of Annabeth. She let out an inaudible whimper as she stared up questioningly at Percy. He held out his hand for her to take, "I've been dreaming of this all week. If we're going to do it, we're going to do it right."

"And do you plan on waiting two hours to fulfill your week-long dream?"

Percy looked at her disbelievingly, "Of course not. I have a beach-house twenty minutes away."

Annabeth finally took his hand and used the momentum to pull her body up against his. "Are you sure you can wait?" And without waiting for his answer, she began walking to his car. Percy followed, ignoring his discomfort. He got in his car, revved the engine, and sped down the empty road. He was a retired cop. There were no speed limit signs, but he knew the speed he was going was well past even the highest of speed limits. What he also knew, was that the road patrol watching this road, was almost nonexistent. Percy's tires screeched as they came to an abrupt stop. He got out of his side and jogged over to Annabeth—both with impatience and chivalry—and opened her door for her. He took her hand and led her up the three porch steps. He relinquished his hold when he took the spare key from a jutting roof shingle and opened the door, but asserted it again to lead her inside.

He tried to drag her further in, but Annabeth would not move. She was looking around at the decaying structure. Well, it wouldn't collapse any second, but the wooden structure was weak from the daily moist air. Everything was painted a light, periwinkle blue. There was a kitchen. A couch and two chairs in the living room. Then there were three rooms with closed doors. She assumed one was a bathroom, another was a bedroom, and then a guest bedroom. It was…quaint, Annabeth finally decided.

Percy had left Annabeth standing at the entrance, knowing that she would find him sooner or later. He heard the creaking floorboards and turned around as she entered the room. With deliberate slowness, Annabeth stalked towards him; and with each step she took closer to him, his heart raced faster.

Annabeth took the last step, arriving a paper's width away from Percy. They held each others' gaze for five seconds before releasing their inhibitions. Everything happened in a blur. They were kissing. Then on the bed. Their breathing was shallow. Each panting breath matched the speed of their actions; each panting breath taking them higher and higher. And after an uncounted amount of time, the couple lay on the bed, utterly exhausted.

Annabeth found the strength to look at Percy and reality caught up to her. She had work tomorrow. She had to finish her designs. But. She wanted to stay. Would that be the wrong thing to do?


My heart is racing as you're moving closer
You take me higher with every breath I take
Would it be wrong to stay?

Percy felt Annabeth's stare and opened his eyes to meet her gaze. He wished he hadn't. Even with the small amount of time that they had known one another, Percy was able to interpret the emotion in Annabeth's eyes pretty well. She was torn. How could she have second-thoughts now? After such an amazing—well, amazing for Percy—experience.

As if sensing his thoughts Annabeth spoke up—though her voice was hoarse and it was barely more than a whisper, "I have work tomorrow."

Damn you Kronos! Why did you make it take a week, one hundred sixty eight hours, before I was able to see her again?! Why are you making our time together so short? When will you let me see her again? How long? Percy's heart sank at this thought. It had been a week before…how long would it be this time? He couldn't bare the thought and looked up at Annabeth with pleading eyes.

She sighed then cleared her throat—trying to get rid of the hoarseness in her voice—but it didn't work. "Another day of no-work wouldn't kill me."

Percy smiled in relief and cuddled buried his nose in her hair, smelling strawberries. The nervous butterflies in his stomach were flying away. They flew right out of his stomach, opening it for everything else to pour out; his nervousness, his heat, his passion, his attraction, his love. Annabeth was turning him inside out.

One look at you and I know what you're thinking
Time's a bitch and my heart is sinking down
You turn me inside out

Was she crazy? Another delayed day of work? But Annabeth knew she wouldn't change her mind. Percy just somehow changed everything. She had expected tonight's party to be horrible—and it was—but the night turned out terrifically. She had been indifferent to the night, but after inviting Percy, she was not dreading the thought, she was expecting, hoping, looking for a good time. She turned around in Percy's embrace and looked up at his face, confirming a thought she had long been thinking. This was definitely her worse idea—ever. The worst idea that she knew she would never regret.

*A Hecatonchire is supposed to be that thousand armed creature thing that's somehow related to Tyson. The one from The Titan's Curse I believe.

AN: So, sorry if I offended anyone, not my intention at all. I promise that this will most likely be the steamiest chapter my plot (I have one planned out now :]) will ever have. Review and Comment please. (Maybe leave a song suggestion)

Next time, we're going country with Lady Antebellum's Lookin' For a Good Time