The next hour, or however long they stayed out, was the most awkward hours of Annabeth's life. They barely said anything to each other, and when they did, they quickly looked away.

Annabeth was still trying to figure out why Percy was all of the sudden angry. He avoided her eyes like none other, and Annabeth suddenly felt dirty. Covered in dirt and pathetic, because he kept his distance from her, just those few inches between their arms, swaying back and forth as they walked down the sidewalk.

When they got back to where the Mustang was parked, Percy pulled the passenger door open roughly for her, his eyes staring up at the blue sky, starting to turn purplish.

Annabeth sat lightly in the seat, and Percy slammed the door.

If it was awkward while walking, it was even more awkward in the small space between them in the car.

It reminded her of the first car ride back, after their first date, when it was only awkward because they had almost kissed.

But now…ugh, she couldn't even describe it. She watched out the window the whole way, counting streetlights, red cars, clouds, whatever just to give her something to do.

The scenery outside started to look familiar as they drew nearer to Annabeth's house. She hoped and prayed that it would be just like their first date, and he would walk her to the door, and just grab her and kiss her.

Annabeth remembered that the only time he'd tried to kiss her today, she'd pushed him away.

Is that why he was mad?

Have I told you lately that I love you?

Have I told you that there's no one else above you

Fill my heart with gladness

Take away all my sadness

Ease my troubles, that's what you do.

Why does this always happen? Why was it always awkward? Why did the radio only have to add to the awkwardness? WHY DID THIS ALWAYS HAPPEN!?

Maybe her mother was behind it…maybe she was trying to pull them apart…make it hard for them to stay together…or was it Percy's dad?…

Or maybe it was just them. Were they not meant to be together? Was this a sign that-

No. Don't think that way Annabeth.

Annabeth scolded herself, tightening her fingers, curled into her fist.

They were supposed to be together, or the first date, the calls that added up to it, wouldn't have happened. And the advice from Adrian…this all couldn't be proven wrong!

And Thalia had talked to her shortly after the date, somehow knowing all the cuter things that had happened. That had to be a sign that they should stay together.

Annabeth stole a small glance in Percy's direction. His expression hadn't changed much, but it looked slightly softer, at least the muscles around his mouth had loosened up, though his hands were still just as tight around the steering wheel.

To Annabeth, it looked like he was trying too hard to be mad at her. Or was he mad at her? What exactly was he mad at?

He sighed, closing his eyes for a moment at the stoplight, looking almost sad.

So does this mean she's breaking up with me? Percy thought.

Yup.

WILL YOU JUST STAY OUT OF MY HEAD?

It's not like I can just leave whenever I want you know! If I could I would!

THEN DO IT!

Did you not just hear me idiot? Gods, maybe that's why Annabeth's cheating on you!

She's not cheating on me.

Well you were certainly sure of that a few moments ago!

JUST GO AWAY!

Percy sighed again, seriously considering getting surgery to get that voice out of his head, when he was turning onto Annabeth's street.

Already? We didn't even talk…I didn't get to say anything in defense…

But then something caught his eye. A car was in Annabeth's driveway, and a boy, looking to be about their age was leaning against it, tapping his foot against the driveway.

Only one word filled Percy's brain: Brian.

Jealousy pulsed through him, moving to every inch of him, covering his like a second skin, almost clouding his vision, and now he thought he could literally feel the little green monster sitting on his shoulder, whispering more loudly than the last time.

He glanced at Annabeth, who was looking defeated and staring into her lap, twiddling her thumbs.

Avoiding seeing your reaction. The little green monster said in his ear.

She was yelling at him on the phone! She doesn't want him here! The knowing voice said at the back of his head, the voice much quieter than the monsters.

Percy gave into his rash side, sending the dirtiest look he could muster at the boy in Annabeth's driveway, and stomped his foot on the gas pedal, passing Annabeth's house at full speed.

A/N: And there's the crime. Percy has kidnapped his girlfriend. HAHAHAHAHA!

Isn't Brian such a doorknob? He's like "Hmmm…Annabeth just screamed at me never to pick her up on the phone…I'LL GO PICK HER UP!"

Idiot. I hate him, and so does Percy. And Annabeth for that matter.

This chappie is kinda just a passing chapter, and I'll update soon I swear, because now is when the story starts rolling!

*excited look and claps hands in anticipation!*

Love you all, R&R!