Shout out to my most faithful reader, lol c: : I Am Addicted To Chocolate. For unconsciously encouraging me to update. Thanks for being understanding about it.

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Disclaimer: Rick ownz all.


Annabeth's P.O.V.

Annabeth did a fabulous job of avoiding Percy by strictly focusing her gaze out in front of her.

The waves rippled in uncontrollable masses of mischief and unconstrained bundles of faults that applied to every surfer within their domain. The ocean belonged to the waves, they moved by its will and commands, and no matter how easily the surfers expressed their superiority, they were all participants in the ocean's entertainment. If you took advantage of profound thinking which guided you to a better initiative and admitted to the bundles of faults that awaited you, sadly, like Percy Jackson, would rule the waves.

And that's what Annabeth struggled with the most.

Someone, who could compete with the level of firmness she held towards her pride, would instantly feel how irrationally disappointed she was. Annabeth didn't want to admit that Percy was faster than her. Annabeth didn't want to admit that his form was more balanced than hers. Annabeth didn't want to admit that Percy was a shockingly good surfing. Out of all the antagonizing truths, Annabeth refused to admit the sheer irregularity that he was actually beating her by five points.

Apparently, to the biased judges, it was a miracle that she managed to flawlessly keep up with him. Annabeth made sure to maintain balance and concentration, just as Percy, who hadn't even spared her a glance, and bypass all activity that followed through with taunts that were provided by Michael. Who didn't understand the concept of "be quiet", coming from someone as awkward as Annabeth, and the fact that they were competing, meaning he actually had the option to participate and not gaze helplessly at the waves as if they degenerated from a desolate dimension.

What made Annabeth somewhat confident was that she held a quality Percy lacked. She analyzed the waves, while he merely looked. She noticed the uncanny ripples produced from the massive waves, he assumed and grasped for the best; no matter the result. Sure, anyone can look out for waves and notice the intensity of a presumable impacts towards your board if you were to watch the waves tentatively. Though, you had to be very aware of your surroundings: the ocean and including the surfers.

"Looks like we're up to four minutes in this heated competition! Percy Jackson is in the lead, all of his performances gaining no lower than a score of nine! How would you predict the outcome of today's event, Tara?" the biased announcer asked his colleague with an edge of centered complacent.

"Well, Makani, I believe, as a girl who is used to sexist slurs, that Annabeth Chase Chase has a wide possibility of overruling Jackson's score! She's, now, three points away from victory!" Tara subtly countered, her enthusiasm towards Annabeth's narrow performance evident as well as her distaste for her, sadly, colleague.

"I'm not too sure about that, Tara! Jackson just pulled up with a flawless Stale Fish and accompanied that with a beautiful landing!"

Tara simply extended the fakeness in her firm smile, while muttering, "C'mon, Annabeth."

Two minutes, make it worth it Chase, Annabeth thought, as she glanced at a sweet, collected Percy.

Annabeth desperately scanned the waves for any abnormal movements but there were none to be seen, and by time she would reach that wave the competition would be announced over; her wave would not be counted. She'd had to settle for second, and there was nothing she could do about it. Of all the times she called out for the waves, this was her most disappointing experience to be dated. The whole purpose of her participating in this event was to prove that males should never be labeled as dominant in anything they happen to do. To prove that females are just as capable of performing the same actions and pulling through victoriously. Annabeth failed, in heart, and those three points were something she saw as impressive compared to Percy; she saw them as a disappointment, that would taunt her until she was provided an opportunity to prove female dominance, again.

Annabeth remained in the water, allowing the water to toss her board around, rocking her roughly, and the only thing she could do was gaze at the variety of colors that settled at where the ocean met the sky. The colors made a permanent scar across the fading blue sky, and Annabeth knew that the waves were breaching awakening. They were always more reliable at the peak of darkest hours, and the highest of cold days.

"Annabeth?"

Annabeth reluctantly tore her gaze away from the sunset and applied all effort to cease the scowl that overtook her regularly timid features. Her gaze finally fixated on Percy, who titled his head towards the emerging surfers. When she didn't comply, he maneuvered onto his taut stomach and paddled towards her, his biceps pulsing with each strive he took. Annabeth blushed when he rested his board beside her, leaning into her exposed side, his chest resting against her arm. What made her flush extensively was when Percy stroked through his sleek, moist effected hair; the view of his unsettling green eyes obtained prominence as the singular irises glinted with concern.

"You OK?" Percy questioned her tenderly, searching her heavily clouded eyes as she shook her head in response. "Well, why not?"

"It never feels good to place second," Annabeth murmured, the lack of emotion in her voice could be described as empty, possibly lost. She couldn't handle disappointment well.

Percy didn't understand that she was used to being the best, number one, never second. Second place disgusted her, despite all the positive counteracts people supplied against the negativity of the placing. To Annabeth, it revealed a whole new meaning; she had to work harder, concentrate on her faults, and admire her benefits. She was never going to settle with a title of second, all of her medals revolved around hard work and dedication. Second place was just an exaggerated reminder of how close she was to conquering her faults, though there wasn't enough effort given to avoid them being consumed. Since she started in the teen league her average was first place, she wasn't sure if second could exist in her mind.

Before Percy was able to respond, she swerved her board towards the beach, then tipped her board below the water, pushing off with her legs until she was assured that she was at least ten feet away from Percy. The recognizable sensation of immunity weaved through her senses flawlessly as she guided herself along the memorable route of waves, her limbs disobeyed the dissent of her mind and she moved with the waves. As Annabeth submerged, she was tossed in a less barbaric manner and she permitted the trace of the sea salt, that was forceful on her senses, to waver into her nostrils. Providing an unusual sense of needed warmth. Annabeth couldn't handle talking to Percy at that point, it would debut to the opening of unwanted thoughts again.

Percy made her feel flustered simply when they shared a conversation. Of course, she was typically shy and uninvolved with boys due to lack of interaction but this dazzling display of emotion she secured around him was something that she could point the difference between.

Annabeth couldn't determine why she accepted a particular emotion to overrun her mind with thoughts about Percy.

As she gradually reached the shore, she noticed that surfers that had performed highlighted stunts were crowded by a cluster of interviewers while others lagged off to the side, their crestfallen expressions purely apparent and it nearly made Annabeth feel vile for internally objecting the score she had received. Some of those surfers hadn't even place yet she was insensitively fretting over second place rather than revolving around the fact that she had categorically placed and wasn't even being humble about it.

The interviewers switched their attention onto her as walked towards them, but that was quickly stopped as Percy appeared beside her, grabbing a hold of her arm that was free from her surf board.

"Mr. Jackson, how does it feel to be first, yet once again!"

"Percy! Over here!"

"Percy, I love you so freaking much. Just, let me touch you!"

"Can you answer a few questions for me?!"

The cluster advanced towards Percy, who was distracted from all the screen and released her arm; he just stood there as he was assaulted by never-ending questions and praises. As Annabeth unknowingly slipped away from Percy, for a minor second, he quickly stepped to join her again but was stopped as a crest of pressing individuals enclosed around him, the desperate look in eyes was only visible to Annabeth.

"Good job, Chase, wasn't expecting you to be so good out in the waves. That air sixty was pretty legit," praised Ethan Nakamura, the one eye surfing wonder who placed third. He was known for his good sportsmanship, even if he always placed top three.

As the compliment spewed from Ethan's mouth, a rosey tint flowed its way onto her cheeks; her competitive demeanor gone and the normal bashful Annabeth returned, clutching her surfboard to her chest. "Thank you, Ethan. You, um, too."

Ethan grinned at her as a trace of a smile formed through her lips, and he chuckled in amusement, "See you, Chase." He clutched her shoulder in appreciation and stalked off, complementing other surfers.

She nearly died from such contact.

Annabeth barely made it to the crowning stage without being stopped again, but a group of girls thought otherwise as she was forced to discontinue her previous route. Now, this is how she ordinarily reacted to girls who awaited her, presumably to jeer at her or to over press flattery: smile lightly, wave, and slyly slip away in hope she was fast enough to breach escape. Though, these girls were utterly different.

"Chill, we're not going to hurt you, this is just an interrogation. Procedures may vary due to cooperation," a girl, the tallest among them of all, told her with an imposing smirk. Annabeth couldn't disregard her electrifying blue eyes that made a huge contrast to her complexion, the vague freckles resting at her nose stood out as she scrutinized Annabeth, her eyes lingering on her surf board, then she scrunched her nose up in obvious disapproval. Annabeth examined the girl as well, yet briefly, her grey eyes rest on girl's short, spiky hair that had a tiara accompanied with it.

"It's not her, I don't see the birth mark on the hip," the girl announced, crossing her arms as her friends rolled their eyes.

"She's tan, don't you see that little patch of discoloration?" one of her friends replied, her bright stringy, red hair drew attention to herself. The girl searched Annabeth's eyes and noticed the discomfort in posture so she smiled sympathetically. "Guys, we're making her uncomfortable, sorry."

Apologies were muttered.

"Anyway," the tall girl with the blue eyes announced, "I'm Thalia, the ginger is Rachel, over there is Bianca, and the girl who looks like she just bathed in a garden is Katie." Each respective girl waved, while Katie settled with a tensed smile which was aimed at Thalia.

"So, Annabeth, I work for this magazine, Surfer's Gossip, I know, it's a pretty tacky name but we make good money. But, back to the point, I wanted to get details on you and Thalia's cousin, Percy Jackson. You know, the really hot guy that won? You think he's hot, right? Tall, he's pretty fit too, and can we please talk about that smile?! Ahem. As I was saying, specific details are appreciated, as well as certain emotions that are felt or were felt during that time of close attachment. Well, I'm not sure if you'd identify it as attachment. Anyway, that's besides the point. For example, the way he looks at you, is it captivating or unsettling. And, if possible- "

"Rachel, she's overwhelmed and looks really confused," Bianca observed, smiling when Annabeth wordlessly thanked her.

Rachel spoke earnestly, each highlighted request in her instructions were emphasized dramatically. Her bracelets shook as she wrote vigorously, barely sparing Annabeth a proper glance. Annabeth could only stare blankly at her each time she paused for a possible response.

"Oh, right! Let me enlighten you," Rachel said, as she pulled out her phone, scrolling furiously.

"She takes this job way too damn seriously," Katie murmured, throwing her head back in annoyance while sighing deeply.

Rachel unpredictably shoved her phone in Annabeth's face, a website labeled: Surfer's Gossip, appeared on the screen and an image was displayed.

Annabeth never felt more embarrassed in her life.

It was when Percy escorted her to his concealed utopia. They both layed intimately in the coarse dirt, an aspect of corresponding tranquility rested upon both of their features as they were taken captive by a delay of consciousness. Annabeth's hair was draped over Percy's arm, his face established in the crook of her neck, nothing but a minor trace of a smirk played against his lips, his arms enveloped her lithe torso; it was as if he were afraid to release her from his embrace. Annabeth rested her clasped hands on his forearm, her legs entangled with Percy's, her dress abused by the dirt. The image conveyed everything Annabeth wanted to feel.

To be honest, Annabeth wanted to tell Rachel to screenshot the image and send to her. Yet the logical portion of her mind was present to advise her of plausible consequences she'd received if her mother were to be aware of such a scandalous image.

"Look, everyone thinks you're dating and Percy, like a year ago, admitted her had a minor crush on you during an interview. But, the picture means nothing to me, what do you feel?" Thalia asked, as Annabeth strictly obligated her eyes to spotlight anything but the picture.

"Crush? He said read an article on me from Seventeen Magazine, something about getting to know his competition? I thought h-he just recently- "

"Found out about you?" Katie supplied, grinning furtively. "Annabeth, Percy saw you surf in last year's championship and instantly fell in love. That was probably just an excuse to get to talk to you, he's just really good at hiding things, but he's a genuine guy, too. Trust me."

"Um," Annabeth intelligently replied, divulging to herself that this whole scenario was possible. Thalia was Percy's cousin and she hadn't denied the accusation yet so she could only presume it to be true. Annabeth blushed profoundly at the mere thought of Percy thinking of her in such an idealistic fashion, it made her feel abnormally appalled that she had to will to enforce such feelings onto Percy. "I-I have to go. Excuse me."

"Rachel this is why you haven't seen a pay raise in your check yet," Bianca told Rachel as Annabeth quickened her pace towards the crowning stage.

"I was not the one that announced the revelation! You guys always try to find an excuse to blame everything on me. I'm trying to make a living here!"

"Your sort of doing a bad job at."

Annabeth reached the stage and one of the ushers politely took possession of her board as she made her way to her reserved spot, which was in the middle of Percy and Ethan. She made sure to prevent any eye contact being made at Percy as she lowered her head from his forceful gaze as Ethan beamed at her.

The host, Hanai, of the event took a hold of the microphone once everyone was entirely situated. "Welcome, welcome! All right, this is how it's going to go: five interviews are allowed to question each contestant and I'm picking them, all right? So, to the rest of you, count your luck. We're starting with third place, Ethan Nakamura!"

Applause was sounded as Ethan nodded in appreciation.

"Ethan, how do you control your bearings with only one eye available?!"

Annabeth thought the question was a tad insensitive but Ethan chuckled at all the marvelling he received. "Ah, out of all the times I've been questioned, this is the first time it's been asked. But, anyway, you just have to get used to it. I've never really thought of it, really, it just happens. If you want to get any further in life you just have to work with your weaknesses, I guess."

"Interesting, so- " the interviewer started, but was hastily cut off by Hanai.

"One question, needn't I remind you? You, little Fire Head!"

Annabeth recognized Rachel, who merely rolled her eyes at Hanai then smiled at Ethan, "What was your overall feelings while surfing against the top two surfers of each respective gender?"

Ethan glanced at Annabeth who instantaneously turned away the second he rested his gaze on her, then at Percy who had the eloquence to smile slightly at him. "Uh, well, I've been surfing against Percy for forever and I expected him to win, he's an awesome surfer. But, Annabeth? I don't think I've ever seen a girl surf that hard, I was thoroughly impressed. Scared, even." Ethan laughed lightly while everyone chuckled along with him.

Questions continued to proceed on, until the subject of Annabeth was fastly altered. She straightened herself and searched the crowd for her mother, who guided her through things such as so; her ability to public speak fluently increased by gradualism and her mother's understanding.

"Annabeth, you're used to placing first, how does it feel to be so close to a goal that you presumably anticipated to reach?"

Ouch. That was like a slap in the face.

Annabeth quickly glanced at her mother, then composed herself. "It proves that I shouldn't depend on my previous victories to ensure another victory. I have to focus on my flaws, use my strong points more efficiently and push myself until I recognize myself as an amazing surfer. I'm not the type of person who's going to settle for less when I know there are grander opportunities. If there's any way I can improve: it's going to happen and I'll strive to enforce those new abilities into the way I surf."

The interviewer smiled, and jotted a few notes down.

"Are you disappointed?"

What kind of question was that? Annabeth looked at her mother, who mouthed 'no' but honesty was the best policy and she answered less uncomfortably, too. "Yes, I'm disappointed. Who wouldn't be? I mean, second is just a reminder of how close you were to being first. And it's definitely a shocking feeling to me."

"OK, let's get down to business! Everyone wants to talk about boring stuff like surfing -"

"We're at a surfing competition, what do you expect?" Thalia countered, incredulity gracing her firm features.

"- but let's talk about you and Percy Jackson! Was it hard surfing against your boyfriend? Don't act like we haven't seen the leaked pictures, honey!"

It was silent as everyone waited for her answer.

"You are dating, right?"

Annabeth swallowed noticeably as she tugged on her damp locks, squeezing her eyes shut while soothingly massaging her temples. Her stress induced thoughts were cut short as Percy placed his hand on his forearm, squeezing it lightly then turning towards the awaiting crowd, professionally opening his mouth. The only theorization her mind could fully ponder on was what he intended on announcing.

And why his hand hadn't left her arm.

Just don't say anything stupid, Seaweed Brain, Annabeth helplessly thought.


Oooh snap. Shout out to: everett. For that lovely idea. This was a filler chapter, perfect length, eh? Lol, annd Percabeth is strong the next chapter. c:

Thanks so much for 100 faves, that's awesome. :D

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- That Was Such A Face Palm -.\