Title: Box of Crayons

Summary: Because of a box of crayons, Percy and Annabeth are best friends for life. They share their food, their secrets, and even each other's first kiss. All of a sudden, Percy's move causes their fairy tale friendship to splinter and rain clouds to appear. But when the green-eyed boy comes back, will everything remain back to the way it was?

Pairings: Percabeth, obviously. Little, well some hints of Tratie, Thalico and Jasper.

Warning: Swearing, dark themes at some parts; rarely. May be Out of Character, but when the story is AU (AH), it's bound to happen, though I try to keep them in character. For the sake of the book, the Stolls are twins in this, alright?

Disclaimer: I don't own PJO or anything copyrighted mention here, however, I do own the plot and it would suck if someone just steals the plot I worked hard, stressfully planning. Please, don't.

Point of View (POV:) Annabeth's

Shout Outs: zedemigod (Your wish is my command), BlueBerrySourStraps (The trailer was easy to make, haha, but thank you 308th reviewer:) ), mleberry (Excuse me?), franz955 (BAM. Resurrected. But yeah, cliff hanger was necessary;) ) , newfoundedfantasy eriously, making it realistic as well as the emotions was my entire goal writing this), burning book, Percabethlvrknowsall, percabethlovers , R5isamazing, Darkwishes127 , ThaRandomGeek, Kendall, 221b, Labrador1331, August1999 (Haha, I'm picturing that too), Nate son of Poseidon -E, vampirediaries-damon (*spoiler* New one in NEW York (pun) ), fourteen miles away (Aw, well, my pleasure:) Thank you for reviewing!), Don'tDisTheSonic , Neko-chan2604 , SeeTheMovie. PJOSeaOfMonsters , HappyOwl (Oh yeah, too hot for Annie...definitely ;) Stop, just stop, you're amazing, okay? ) , WOW, daughterofwater22, Howlsong13, book weirdo , The Cookie Monsta (Thanks for the keyboard smash ;) ), Alexandra Jackson rocks Hades , Mila-is-a-bookworm-101 (Well...you're about to find out!), Bridget, Jedi1 (My thoguhts exactly, and don't worry, you're about to find out!), Ana-DaughterofHades, Guest , Lollypops101, YayPercabeth123 , TweetyBaby , SummerSpirit18

Author's Note: Okay, I warn you, I haven't wrote the chapter as of now. It may be a little bit shaky and wary since I find it awkward writing diner moments. Like, I've been on Dinners with other families, but not this tense, so please excuse the lack of experience. I hope the Percabeth feelings don't frustrate you [sarcasm]. You may be surprised by her actions, but you'll be the judge of that. Nonetheless, I'm actually really excited to write this chapter. Percy and Annabeth are both matured so their actions have evolved and such as well as their personalities and wordings. Also, I think the length of this chapter isn't as long as I usually write, then again, I think the length is appropriate for what's going on in this chapter. Age 16 from now on.

Holy fuck...we REACHED 300 REVIEWS. Omfg, thank you, really, I appreciate everything. Abby, yeah, thanks for the review...*cheeky smile*

One request, read the note at the bottom, it's pretty short but I need HELP.

The last song was: Weightless by All Time Low. I adore that song and band, I hope you listen to the song:) Sucks how no one got that one correct except for one guest who is awesome, since it's an awesome song.

[Guess the band/singer OR song and you'll get a preview of the next chapter!]

If you're broken I will mend you and

I'll keep you sheltered from the storm

that's raging on now...

I'm out of touch, I'm out of love.

I'll pick you up when you're getting down.

And out of all these things I've done I think I love you better now.

I'm out of sight, I'm out of mind,

I'll do it all for you in time.

And out of all these things I've done I think I love you better now..."

Chapter Eight: He's not the boy I remember that can reach a higher octave than Celine Dion

I blinked.

Since when was he taller than me?

From what I remembered, I was a good foot or two taller than him, but now he seemed to have a frame of 6'3, practically looming of my figure of 5'10. I felt my throat bubble at the mere sight of him and I don't know what that action means.

Percy seemed to be mirroring my reaction. He has a look of shock written on his face. I noticed his hair didn't change at all, just slightly draping above his shoulder, but is still tousable as ever. His green eyes, if possible, just got brighter, matching the equivalent green eyes of his father who I thought invented the colour green from those eyes. Percy was dressed in ordinary black polo and dark washed jeans and I automatically feel like I'm overdressed for the occasion.

I coughed, feeling the awkwardness and blush creep on my face from staring at him longer than I expected. I just couldn't believe it; it honestly feels way too surreal. This boy, this man, this is Percy. Last time I checked, he was the scrawny little 13 year old who barely hit puberty, and now he came back, all mature, and I wasn't there to witness it myself.

I drifted my gaze elsewhere, feeling my throat swell up as I bit back a greet to my best friend. I avoided his glance I can feel seep through the back of my skin and just concentrated on my boots. I can practically feel the tension which was so thick, only a chainsaw can cut through.

I can still feel Percy's presence near me and I don't understand why I'm not over there greeting him and is instead clinging to my father's side like a scared and awkward preschooler- which I think I'm possessed by as of this moment. If I was fourteen now, I would've pounced on Percy and started reprimanding him for leaving me, but now, I feel like those words are stuck in my throat. I always thought the day Percy comes back, I would feel joy, but right now, I just feel awkward; not that I'm not happy to see him here.

Of course I missed my best friend, I've been grieving over him for weeks when he left. But right now, he just feels like an alien; a stranger even.

I haven't seen him in three years. Things can happen in those years, and those things could be changes. What if he's not the little boy I once adored? He could be a jerk or worse, a playboy who treated women like trash. He's just- I don't know if I know Percy any more. 3 years with no contact whatsoever with your best friend can leave you with doubts like: if he still stands as your best friend.

Right now, it's safe enough to call him a stranger, hell, he even looks like one. It's like he took the identity of a lean and scrawny thirteen year old and replaced it with a tall, muscular and matured 16 year old. He's not my Percy. At least, that's what my paradigm of him as of this moment.

Despite my predicaments about my best friend, I still miss him, but I don't think I miss his sixteen year old self, but the years to following up to where he is now; the years I knew him when. But that doesn't necessarily mean I hate him, I just feel like his self as of now is someone I don't know, so, you can't really blame me for feeling a little distant from him.

I feel two parts contemplating in my head. One wants to get to know this new Percy, test him if he's still the same guy, but the other wants to hide in the corner, curling into a ball as it avoids my best friend. Although, there's one thing that those two situations have in common, they both think Percy is not the Percy I once knew, and I am convinced he has changed.

I shook my head, trying to break my thoughts of Percy out of my head. All of a sudden, my phone started buzzing as a sign of a new text. I noticed Percy perk up in curiosity as he eyed me and I used all my willpower not to look at him.

Thalia: Annie! Is Percy there?!

I rolled my eyes and my fingers automatically went to the screen as I began typing back a response.

Annabeth: Don't call me that! And yes, Percy is here...

Thalia: REALLY?! OMG HOW IS HE?

I rolled my eyes at Thalia's reaction. I noticed Percy perched on the staircase, fiddling with his fingers. Automatically the moment his eyes land on my, I look away in embarrassment and kept my distance from the stranger slash best friend.

Annabeth: You think I've talked to him yet?

Thalia: U R such an idiot! Talk to the Nimrod!

Annabeth: No, it feels weird. He looks different. Can you type in English for once?!

Thalia: Like, hes all of a sudden 'hawt'?! Annie, loosen up! Dis aint an essay.

I bit back a laughter, trying to imagine a world where Thalia was actually attracted to Percy. I shook my head, realizing there was a horrific expression on my face just by thinking about it for a mere second. I looked at Thalia's last sentence in disgust as I rolled my eyes.

Annabeth: Thalia, don't you even say that. Oh like this? OMG hes soooo HAWT!11!1one!

Thalia: Fine. It's pretty weird, I know. Just talk to him. He's your best friend. I stand corrected. That's why you're the smart one.

Annabeth: But it's awkward! Point taken.

Thalia: Grow some balls Annie! He's still the same guy. And, no one likes a bragger.

Annabeth: Excuse me, offence taken. Nope, he's not the same Percy; he looks matured. I'll try, no promises though. It's not bragging, it's stating the facts, Thals.

Thalia: Eh, I'll take whatever I can get rather than nothing. Just try Annie, he's your best friend. Shut up.

Annabeth: I didn't exactly say I'm going to actually talk to him. Just polite nods and such. I'm typing, Thals, HA!

Thalia: Annie! Are you an idiot?! You freaking took a bath together when you were kids once! If you say that's awkward, I don't think it's more awkward than sharing a bath tub with Kelp Head! Smartass.

Thalia actually does have a point, but point or no point, I do not know who that man sitting on the staircase is. I've matured, yes, but I can't help but grow distant of Percy. He's not him. He's not my best friend I knew. He could've change. He just has to prove it to me, in the meantime, Plan: Avoid the stranger slash alien slash Percy Jackson is put into action- that rhymes.

Annabeth: Whatever. I take that as a compliment.

Thalia: Good girl, be nice to him. Make conversation. DO NOT ignore him.

Annabeth: You're not my mother.

Thalia: Annie, you know what I mean. Now, I have to go, the Stolls are bugging me. Remember to come back afterwards. YOU ARE NOT LEAVING ME WITH THEM.

Annabeth: Threaten them or something, and yeah, I'll be there after Dinner. Bye, Thals.

I shoved my phone back in my pocket, mentally rolling my eyes at the stupid conversation I just had with Thalia. I noticed that my Dad and Sally's conversation has dialed down and as of now, they're approaching here. I noticed Percy walking closer; beside me as Dad and Sally came towards us. I felt my throat tighten and my body stiffen, feeling as if a complete stranger is right beside me; which I think is.

"Percy! It's good to see you!" My dad boomed as he went to Percy and wrapped him in a hug like old times. Percy chuckled and he rubbed my dad's back. I couldn't help it and I smiled fondly at them, reminiscing the pasts years where dad and Percy would greet each other and tried to keep their hugs 'manly'.

"It's nice to see you again, Frederick," Percy said warmly and I took notice how his voice got deeper as I was hoping for a voice that reached a high octave not even Celine Dion can hit. I mentally stifled a laugh as I remembered Percy screaming when we were 13 over a bee that was on his shoulder.

Turns out, I actually laughed out loud and received questioning and curious glances at the three. I felt my cheeks go red in embarrassment as I scratched my neck; completely flustered.

"Percy, you remember Annabeth," Frederick gave me a slight shove towards Percy and I scowled at my Father, rolling my eyes. Of course he remembered me, I kind of made it hard for him to forget me, she said in a smug voice.

Percy smirked at my father, but when he saw me, he smiled sincerely. This was the first time I've seen Percy's lopsided grin face to face in three years, the grin I missed dearly. I couldn't help but have a pair of my own flashing at him. I noticed he was running his fingers through his hair and I smirked to myself, knowing he only does that when he's nervous.

"Hi," Percy greeted me warmly, his eyes locked with mines. I had to look up, which I was annoyed at, completely used to me looking down.

I suddenly felt awkward and felt the urge to distant myself from him, which is completely out of character from my confident and dauntless self. "Hey," I said in a shy tone, but I quickly tried to straighten my posture in an attempt to look assertive and self-assured rather than the vulnerable self my voice came out to be.

After that, neither Percy and I said anything and were embraced by silence the we never thought existed when we were younger. Eventually, my father clasped his hands together and looked at all of us.

"Shall we start with Dinner?" He politely asked us as Sally nodded, walking to the Dinner table.

I know I'm being incredibly childish, but I kept my distance and sat on the opposite side of Percy and faced Sally. After we said our grace, Sally spoke.

I saw her shovel some pasta with spinach and cheese sprinkled nicely on top and my stomach rumbled at the sight.

"So, Annabeth," Sally began, trying to make small talk as she wiped her mouth; removing any excess pasta "How's school going for you?"

Percy quirked his eyebrows up, I noticed, as he had a look of curiosity etched on his face.

I twisted my lips, trying to think of something to say. "Well, schools fine, like a breeze. I made it to Regionals, but not Cities, which is fine."

Our track relay team wasn't exactly doing the best since we had a last minute substitute. Our first runner was sick during the event and so we had an inexperienced back up. Despite Thalia getting us out of last place, she only managed to tie with Fifth place, making us ineligible for Cities. I remember calming down our substitute who can't blaming herself for losing.

"Oh, that's fantastic!" Sally beamed proudly at me and I returned the smile of thanks as I placed salad in my mouth.

I grabbed my cup of water and chugged the refreshment down my throat. I avoided any gaze from the stranger and just ate my food.

I drummed my fingers on the rim of the table, looking uncomfortably and out of place. I remembered being so at home every time I visited the Jacksons, but right now, it just feels weird.

"So, son, how have you been these past years?" My dad pondered at Percy, who just shrugged and leaned back; like what he would do when it's story time.

"Well...it was definitely a new change for me, that's for sure. I mean, New York and Florida has quite a clear difference," Percy began, clearing his throat.

I can feel his eyes waver around the room, and I think he's just embracing his home he left for three years. All of a sudden, his eyes made a stop at me and BAM, there's the tension once again. I drifted my eyes elsewhere and just ate the chicken.

"Please do elaborate," My dad suggested and I mentally groaned at his attempt to sound polite.

"Well, I became Swim Captain," Percy awkwardly began and I smiled inwardly, knowing that's what his goal was when we were thirteen, but he was always so insecure at the subject since he thought his body wasn't up to the match.

"That's cool," I praised aimlessly, and my eyes bulged out at my sudden remark. Percy seemed startled by what I said as his shoulders jumped from my sudden burst.

Automatically, I felt my cheeks heat up in embarrassment and I rubbed the back of my neck. I coughed awkwardly and mumbled a curse. "Sorry,"

Percy shrugged as a sign of waver and I groaned at my stupidity, mentally of course. I can feel

Percy's gaze hold on me for a mere longer second before he looked at my dad and continued.

"We won the championships which believe me, was incredibly exhausting." Percy whined slightly, but you can here the pleasure and his pleasing tone weaved in his voice.

Dad and Sally beamed proudly at Percy who seemed embarrassed at the compliments they were showering him. I smirked inwardly, feeling the attention waver off of me.

"Son, that's wonderful! Great job, proud papa moment!" Dad winked at Percy, and I sighed at my dad's attempt to get in with the hip.

Percy chortled, a smile fitting nicely on his face. "Thank you, it was a great accomplishment I guess. But the homework afterwards was terrible!"

I rolled my eyes, seeing that he has the homework complaint down. I sipped a drink of Orange juice, not Apple, since it tastes terrible and horrendous; like Devil's piss.

"Perce, you should learn to appreciate your school work!" Sally chastised him and I beamed at Sally, since she caused Percy's reaction of numerous grumbles and complaints.

Now this felt like the old times, Percy complaining, Sally reprimanding him, and me smirking. The good ol' days.

Percy rolled his eyes and scoffed at his mother. "Eh, alright," He said steely, but you can tell it was all a facade from the warmness revealing slightly.

"I heard you were dating again, Frederick," Sally began, glancing at me for a mere second before looking at my dad once again.

I growled inwardly, slightly peeved at the question. I always hated the fact that my dad started dating. I hated having the idea of a second mother waltzing in my life when in fact, I'm perfectly fine and satisfied with the one I currently have. As selfish as this may sound, I hate the idea of having to share my dad's attention.

My fist balled up as anger clouded my eyes and irritation chorused through my veins. I was in the state of animosity, but tried to withhold the hatred and displeasure towards the subject, hoping not to dampen anyone's day. Out of the corner of my eyes, I see a look of concerned green eyes glimpse at my reaction as his eyes flitted to meet mine. All of a sudden, half of my bitterness flowed out of me and was halfly replaced by the bliss of reassurance.

I let out a shaky breath, my eyes shut tight and my fist releasing the tightness that was once there. I don't know what came over me but the promise of avoiding Percy just washed away and I gander upon him for an instantaneous second, looking at him with eyes of gratitude before masking my disguise of ambiguity.

Sally then looked at me with apologetic smile and a look of concern seeing the question made me uncomfortable.

My dad coughed as he straightened his posture. "Yes, actually. Her name is Christine, she's a teacher my University."

A look of disgust and indifference fitted on my face while I held a look of boredom on my face.

"Christine. Ew. Athena beats it any day." I mused to myself, sneering at the thought.

"Oh, that's lovely, Frederick. I'm glad you're happy once again," Sally praised as I rolled my eyes, my hands gripped on my glass of water as I chugged the cool refreshment. "Annabeth, are you dating someone?"

My eyes bulged out, startled at the question, as I bursted my refreshment at the bewildered green eyed boy. "WHAT?"

My cheeks reddened as I realized who my target was and a horrified look washed on my face. I quickly wiped my cheeks of water and stared at Percy with wide eyes.

"Oh my God, this is so embarrassing," I mumbled to myself, trying not to look at Percy who stood up to grab a paper towel. I sent him an apologetic look, not having the courage to speak to him due to me being uncomfortable and incapable of speaking after an embarrassing event.

As Percy sat down, Sally spoke up who had a look of confusion on her face. "What, is it something I said? Annabeth, I am terribly sorry if I made you uncomfortable." Sally ranted as a frown fitted on her lips.

I shook it off, telling her to shrug the thought off. "No, no, Sally. I was just a little startled by the question."

Percy coughed awkwardly and perilously as if he regretted the words yet to flow out of his mouth. "You never did answer the question..."

His statement was so low, I had to peer closer to comprehend his words. I flushed as I arched a brow. I sucked a breath and twisted my lips, not speaking to Percy but to the rest of the crowd.

I reckon this is officially the most unpleasant, ticklish, and awkward dinner, EVER.

"Uhm..." I shuffled my feet under the table as I twisted my lips. "No, I don't have one as of this moment."

Sally knitted her eyebrows. "Ah, that's a downer. You're a really beautiful young lady, I'm surprised you don't have boys chasing after you."

I chaffed, rolling my eyes at the ridiculous comment. " I beg to differ, Sally. It's just that, I'm not those typical 'toys' they usually prefer."

"Well, that's why you're beautiful! Those boys know nothing, always prefer those apples that's easier to get, never the ones at the top which are the best apples." Sally argued, crossing her arms as I smiled, realizing she quoted from Pete Wentz.

I slightly smiled at her words, feeling reassured at her statement. "Alright,"

Sally smiled warmly at me, her eyes telling me to mark her words and live by them, which, as of now; mark it on your calendar, I will.

Sally then shoved her plate further away from her as she leaned back on her chair. "Alright, I hope you all enjoyed the the dinner."

I set my fork down and wiped my mouth, feeling the pleasure from the wonderful food I had just eaten. "Thank you,"

"Alright! Percy, Annabeth. You're doing the dishes!" Sally declared, getting off her chair as I looked at her with saucer eyes.

Dad looked at me, urging me to continue as he got up to sit on the couch. I sat there, petrified, along with the stranger. Sally stopped her tracks before looking at me. She smirked at my uncomfortableness and I can practically feel her scheming up a plan as she winked at me, which in my defense, basically confirmed my assumption.

I moaned, the natural awkwardness chorusing through my veins as I got up.

I dared to keep my eyes off of Percy and focused on my task. I was peeved at Sally's orders considering how awkward this little exchange would be. I grabbed the plates and piled it up as I walked to the kitchen. But of course me being me, I just had to do something drastic and theatrical, making matters much worse. I tripped on the chair leg, sending the plates to fly in the air and landing on, guess who. I gasped, realizing this is the second time. I was now faced to faced with the shirt swarmed with leftovers, looking like a painting made from a kindergartener.

"Oh my gosh. Percy, I am so sorry!"I realized this was the first time I actually spoke to him properly, and I couldn't help but curse to myself.

Percy shrugged, giving me a crooked smile as he grabbed a towel, the same one when he wiped as the water contaminated by my spit may I add, and dabbed it on his shirt. "It's alright. Hey, it matches with the water in my hair," He joked and I felt my shoulders lessen its tense.

My cheeks bursted into flames as I fiddled my fingers.I chuckled meekly and nodded at him, going into my mission once again. I grabbed the plates and waltzed into the kitchen.

"Okay," Percy's made me jump and he chuckled at my humiliation "I'll go the drying, you'll do the washing."

I wanted to protest from the job I was entitled to, although, held myself back realizing I would have to be social to do so. I noticed the crestfallen expression on Percy's face as he awaited for my response and I automatically felt guilty from being the cause of his reaction.

I grabbed the plates and began washing them.

"So, how have you been these past years?" Percy began a conversation and I panicked for a response. I never expected him to start a conversation right off the bat. I frowned, feeling useless and a little foolish at myself. I winced at how stupid I sound like, nonetheless, felt guilty.

I suddenly felt bitter realizing why I avoided him in the first place; our lack of communication. I shrugged in response.

He knitted his eyebrows as he dried the plates, looking down at me, embracing his mocking height. "Oookay," He dragged his words, as a frown flew and landed on his lips. "So, Thalia, Stolls, Grover, and Nico are doing well?"

"Yep," I muttered, not going mute, nonetheless answering like a magic 8 ball.

He eyed me curiously and I can feel my body shrink down. "Uhm, how's Eleventh Grade going for you?"

I shrugged, repeating my response as I locked my gaze on the plates.

"Alright...I guess it's fine. The teachers good?"

"Yes." I replied shortly, passing him the plates.

"The track team doing good?"He pondered, using all his strength to keep this conversation going, much to my annoyance.

"Eh." I threw it off.

"Homework doing well for you?" He weakly asked.

"No."

"Uhm...aint the weather lovely?" Percy pathetically questioned, and I couldn't help but chuckle softly, which made a smile flash on his face and a look of relief washed on his face.

Before I can open my mouth, Sally came in the kitchen and I let out a sigh.

"Annabeth, honey, would you like to stay over the night?" She offered and I felt terrible having to shut down the proposal.

"I'm sorry, but I'm sleeping over at my cousins today. I'll take a raincheck on the offer though." I took note of the inconsolable look on Percy's face before looking at Sally.

"No, no, it's fine." She waved it off, before she walked away.

I continued washing the plates as thoughts flooded my head and I can feel a hurricane coming on.

Oh my gosh, that was the most awkward thing ever.

I am so so so so so sorry if it was bad, I really am very sorry. I hope it was good though, the lack of description really disgusts me, I mean I had fun writing it, but I'm really sorry if it was bad.

Sooo...the Sea of Monsters Movie...saw it the day it came out and I know many weren't satisfied...but I actually love it. I mean, the first movie was messed up so I guess the second one just had to connect to the first book as well as sticking to the book. I mean, changing the propecy was appropriate. What I'm saying is, the first movie didn't really give the second movie enough chance to get things accurate, since after all, it has to relate to the first movie while connecting to the actual book. But I think they did a cool job, the effects were lovely too.

I would appreciate it if you watched my Changing the Devil trailer on my profile, it would mean a lot:)

Right now, Percabeth is just testing the waters, stay tuned.

HELP! SOS SOS SOS SOS! One thing, maybe all of you can help me. I have...wait for it...WRITER'S BLOCK. Now, I planned things, but...the thing is...I DO NOT HAVE ANY IDEAS FOR PERCABETH MOMENTS. Now, it would be lovely if you Percabeth shippers would give me some ideas...really, it would be quite amazing :)

R&R "You never did answer the question..."

(^Okay, you have to admit, that line shows Percy's concern and over protectiveness of Annabeth.)