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? Sorry if there are mistakes, I try my best. And thank you to my beta: BlueBerrySourStraps

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: Third Person's POV. I was going to make first person, but there was too much going on to make it first person, that I think capturing the whole view instead of one would be the most appropriate.

Shout Outs: Guest, Guest, Guest (Oh my God. I am so touched this is your favourite story!), Punny-Penname, artpassionlove,blueconverse333 ,CJ 5.0 (They changed it 20 years young insteead of 16. But yeah, WAAAY better than Lightning Thief) ,golf on sunday (Oh my gosh, this has to be my favourite review for this chapter, and seriously, that's one of the best reviews, if not the best review, I've ever received. Thank you.),Reviewer , Ella, Ketchup, Cup of Water, Swiftie1331, Jo,Alexandra Jackson rocks Hades ,Percabethlvrknowsall, zedemigod (Oh yeah, Percy is definitely hot ;) ), Reviewererer, infinity heart star lightning,burning book, SeeTheMovie. PJOSeaOfMonsters, August1999, vampirediaries-damon (Same, I hated how Percy repeated it way too much), littlemixlover17, YayPercabeth123 (I did one of your ides:) Thanks), fourteen miles away (Thank you, I don't know if you'd care or read this, but that review is printed out and pasted on my notebook :) ), Ana-DaughterofHades, livvybelle23, ShimmeringDaisyFace, Guest (Oh my God, shtap...you're making me blush, haha. But yeah, definitely, the movie was awesome but it's an adaptation, it can't be EXACTLY like SoM) ,panda-l0ver728 , Lollypops101, Neko-chan2604 , HappyOwl, Jedi1, Why-not-I-am-that-kind-of-girl , TimeLadyofTARDIS, TweetyBaby, Mila-is-a-bookworm-101

Author's Note: Hello! Anyway, say goodbye to little and cutesy Percy and Annabeth and say hello to the mature yet not, Percy and Annabeth version 16.0. So, what I'm writing from now on, I'm not experience in this area; aka, high school. I'll try to make it realistic as best as I can, although, it will be shaky. Nonetheless, I hope you stick with me throughout this journey. This is the part where the block is at it's worst. Yes, I have no idea what to write after four chapters. Let's say, after four chapters, that's where Percabeth is hinting. Now, if you have any Percabeth ideas, I would be more than glad to them 'em, so don't be shy :) Goddamn, the last chapter's reviews was probably the best feedback I ever received! Omg, that left me in tears, thank for the ideas! I'll use some of them, so thank you:) More would be lovely ;)

Read the note at the bottom? Okay, I really need you to READ the note at the bottom, this chapter is pretty confusing so it explaines at the end!

Now...Guess the Band/ Song and you'll get a peak of the next chapter (once I write it, haha):This song is my favourite from this band...plus...think of Faults(TFioS) people!

"But the rain won't fall for the both of us.

The sun won't shine on the both of us.

Believe me when I say, that I wouldn't have it any other way.

Your time will come if you wait for it, if you wait for it.

It's hard, believe me... I've tried...

But I won't wait much longer, 'cause these walls they're crashing down..."

Chapter Nine: "Do they get it inject in them or does it grow like puberty?"

Annabeth was staring in front of her mirror but not particularly her outfit. She wasn't that type of person, the type of person who dwells on their appearance and wakes up uber early just to find the one. Sure, she wakes up early, but she was confident enough, she doesn't need clothes to comfort her. Why is she standing in front of the mirror as if her feet were glued on the floor you ask?

She was dazed; surprised, shocked. No, she wasn't staring at her appearance, but instead, staring at the mirror as she isolated herself.

Annabeth couldn't get Percy out of his mind, and she didn't know why. There was no tickle in her stomach, but she couldn't understand why his face was permanently engraved in her mind, which caused her to stay awake throughout the night. She doesn't understand why his appearance was such a big deal for her. Maybe she was just in the state of shock, after all, seeing your best friend coming back after three years does that to you. She wasn't exactly mad at her 'friend' but she wasn't exactly pleased. It's a mind fart all in Annabeth's head. Her feelings are incoherent as of this moment, she just doesn't know how to feel when it comes to Percy. She just doesn't know how to react to seeing Percy again. Is she suppose to cry? Hug him? Kill him? Instead, Annabeth does the unthinkable and runs from this problem; avoids Percy.

As of this moment, Annabeth's staring at the mirror, ignoring the numbing sensation coursing through her legs. She ignored how the wind brushed past her curly blonde hair, which she took forever brushing, making it look a little decent since her locks were extremely hard to tame. Annabeth always hated her hair, it was too curly and she hated all the imperfections she had; all those scars from when she had her adventurous four year old days.

"Annabeth! Breakfast!" Her father's deep yet slightly faltering voice from aging rang through Annabeth's ear. It took Annabeth a couple seconds to digest the words her father spoke, making it the statement that brought her back to life.

Annabeth blinked, shaking her head as she brought herself out of this daze. She muttered a curse, groaning at how useless she made herself over these past minutes.

Before Annabeth ran downstairs for breakfast, she took in her appearance, checking if she looked decent enough.

She wore a simple white v-neck and a pair of stone washed jeans with her grey and white polka dot cardigan being the colourful centerpiece of her outfit. She contemplated on wearing her purple halter strap shirt, but decided not to since she thought it was too revealing for her taste, but maybe, when she's more open, it could be a possibility.

She sighed, and rolled her eye, her shoulders lifting in a form of a shrug. She grunted before marching down the stairs.

She felt the sweet aroma of pancakes and sausages sniffle in her nose as she made her way closer to the kitchen.

"Morning," she politely said to her father before she sat down.

Her father's back was all Annabeth could see as he was flipping his pancakes. After he let it sit on the pan for a while, he turned around and pass some he already made to Annabeth.

"Here," He said to his daughter, going back to the stove as he turned it off. He turned his heels before joining his daughter for breakfast.

"Thank you," Annabeth muttered, her eyes leveled to her plate.

Ever since the divorce three years ago, Annabeth and her dad didn't have the best relationship. Sure, it was stable, but it was awkward. Their relationship now was no where compared to their relationship three years ago. They have the normal conversations but Annabeth knows she would never go for him for advice like she would before. She felt the divorce definitely tore things apart. It's not the same and she just couldn't point her fingers why.

Awkward silence embraced the duo as they ate their food in order to keep things less awkward.

All of a sudden, Frederick dropped his fork and snapped his fingers in acknowledgement. "Oh, I forgot something!"

Annabeth squinted her eyes as she knitted her eyebrows. "What?"

"Percy is going to give you a lift to school from now on," He said nonchalantly as he nibbled on his sausage.

Annabeth blinked, automatically having annoyance cloud her eyes as she didn't like the idea of being forced to be in the car with Percy. Her plans were to completely ignore Percy, running away from him; even though she doesn't know why. Nonetheless, being in the same car where you're most likely going to talk surely dampers her plans.

Annabeth stared at her father, giving him a deadpanned look. "WHAT." Her voice sounded dangerously calm; calm being an understatement. Despite how her voice was calm, that's the ingredient that made it so deadly.

Frederick was taken aback from her daughter's response, thinking; hopefully thinking, it could somehow put them under good terms since he thought she would be more than glad to have an excuse to be with her best friend. But, he was wrong. Annabeth didn't like the idea being i the same space with a stranger.

Before Frederick could respond, Annabeth took the torch and instead frowned. "DAD! I don't want to go to!"

Frederick tilted his head in confusion. "Why not?"

Annabeth seemed flustered, desperate to find an excuse. She didn't want her dad thinking the reason was Percy, since knowing him, he would most certainly try to patch things up and interfere. If anything, Annabeth hates interference. "Uhm...I'm perfectly fine commuting."

Frederick rolled his eyes and snorted, completely not buying Annabeth's excuse. "I recall every day you come home returning from school, complaining how much you hate taking the bus. So, you stand corrected."

Annabeth frowned, mentally gagging at the thought of the bus. She was always peeved at taking public transport since the people there are not her type. She loves children, but not annoying little pest who grips on your leg, or little boys peeking underneath. She hates the noise, she hates the smell, she hates the people. She so badly wants a car, but she failed Drivers Ed. Stubbornly, and letting her pride take over her, she's ignoring the fact that she could take a retest. As she hates to admit this, her father is right.

Annabeth shook her head, trying to keep up the act. "No, no, dad. I was only bluffing, pfft."

"Annabeth, look, Sally said it's no hassle and I want you to get in the car with Percy, rather risking your chance commuting."

"Bu-"

"Annabeth, no buts," Frederick waved her off, "Percy is going to drive you there, alright. Now, school will start soon. Cafeteria money is on the counter, have a nice day sweetie."

Annabeth discarded everything her father had said to her but sweetie. The word rang inside her head in a continuous loop. She never heard him say that to her in a while, and somehow, that made Annabeth's heart glow and a smile to appear on her face before she ambled to the counter.

She grabbed the 20 dollar bill, slightly taken aback how generous her father was today, before slipping on her pair of worn down sneakers.

Annabeth mentally sighed as she walked to the Jackson's Residence, which roughly took 5 minutes, but if you walk New Yorkers speed, it'll take 3 minutes, give or take.

She was peeved at how Percy already got his license, much less a car, where Annabeth could barely pass Driver's Ed. She hated that, although, annoyance would most likely fit the emotion.

"PERCY!" Sally yelled, calling out to her son while Annabeth just sat patiently sat on the couch, waiting for her chauffeur. Annabeth liked the sound of that, chauffeur. If it wasn't for her plan, she would definitely brag to Percy about that. She fiddled her fingers, still sticking to her plan.

Eventually, the footsteps came to a halt as Percy's view was now in front of Annabeth. Surely, Annabeth admits that Percy was attractive, she always knew he would grow to be an attractive man since she always thought he was cute in a scrawny way when he was thirteen, but it wasn't a crush. She can willingly admit he's a handsome man and it wouldn't mean anything.

All of a sudden, her mind whirled back to the time of her first kiss. Both Annabeth and Percy knew it meant nothing. They spoke nothing of the kiss, they always thought it was just the bliss of the moment. Two fragile and broken people, seeking for comfort, which they desperately did through that kiss. It was nothing special, the thought never occurred to them of being something more. Things were perfectly fine after it, it did not cause a ripple effect in their relationship, but maybe, in the mere future, when they have their eyes pried open; it could possibly affect them. But as of now, no effect whatsoever. Eventually, Annabeth was brought back to reality when she was facing eye to eye with Percy.

Percy wore a green polo which obviously brought out his eyes and a pair of dark-bleached jeans, with black low cut Converse paired on his feet. What made Annabeth smile inwardly was the little necklace Annabeth gave him when she was 8, to which she noted how worn down it is obviously meaning he wore it for quite some time and not just for the occasion.

"Hello." Percy politely greeted Annabeth to which she responded with a nod. Percy couldn't place his fingers to why she's been distant. He doesn't know why, but all he knows is that he hates, nonetheless, he tries to make her warm up to him.

"So, drive safe Percy. See you later Annabeth." Sally warmly said as she hugged the two of them before they headed outside.

Annabeth smiled, looking at the vehicle she was going to drive in. This vehicle has been with her since the day she went to school. It brought too many memories. She hesitated whether she should sit shotgun, but instead she walked to the back seat.

Percy chuckled from the first seat. "You know Annabeth, shotgun wouldn't hurt."

Annabeth pursed her lips. "No, I'm fine."

Percy shook his head in amusement before heading over the driver's seat. "Alright," he muttered, sounding somewhat disappointed but instead kept that smile on his face.

Percy was eager to get Annabeth to talk to him, considering how much she ignored him yesterday at the dinner. He was baffled at why she was ignoring Percy. She talked to him, yes, but she didn't talk to him properly; like the way they used to.

Percy started the engine and before you know it, he was heading out of the driveway. "Anyway, Jefferson High is close by, right?"

"Mhm," Annabeth kept her eyes locked on the view, counting every tree she sees, but when you live in New York, it's not that many.

"Okay, cool." Percy mumbled, "So, I guess transferring to a school in the middle of the semester is tough stuff." Percy chuckled, attempting a conversation.

"Yeah," Annabeth nodded, finding ignoring Percy much more difficult than she thought it would be.

"Uhm, is it a good school?" Percy weakly tried to keep the conversation steady, investing in his goal; to make Annabeth have a proper conversation with him.

Annabeth shrugged, and twisted her lips. "Yes."

"Good swim team?"

"Yes."

"Is it big?"

"Yes."

"Is it crowded?"

"No."

"Are the teachers worse than Mrs. Dodds?" To which, Annabeth crack a smile, reminiscing her times with the demon teacher of hers back in Eighth grade.

She wasn't the best teacher, always picking out on the kids with disabilities in the class, to which Annabeth hated. She remembered what Percy did to her. She remembered when they went to the Museum for Greek Mythology,Percy stole this blue pen from the office and sprayed it on Mrs Dodds. He claimed it was an accident since he didn't know how to work the pen, nonetheless, it was a memory Annabeth would always remember, since Mrs Dodds was hissing so much.

"Maybe."

"Is the grass green enough at school?"

"I don't know."

"The weather good today?"

"I guess..."

Percy fiddled with his fingers, having nothing else to talk to. He ran out of conversation starters, and he felt so desperate, he just gave up with the next sentence.

"How do baby skunks spray?" Percy wondered out loud, his fingers gripped tightly on the wheel.

Annabeth raised a brow. "Excuse me?"

"Like, how do skunks develop their smell. Do they get it inject in them or does it grow like puberty?"

Annabeth looked baffled and slightly disgusted, but was still amused. "I don't know."

Percy officially gave up on starting a conversation. For now. Maybe because, the school's view was approaching.

Jefferson High.

The school was hidden from the tourists, which normally takes a while for the students to commute there. Jefferson High is a grande school. It's a big school, but not that many people went there, despite the room available.

It was late in February, surprisingly the weather was undoubtedly warm despite the cool breeze from the North. Late February is a peculiar time to get new students, which is why numerous people had their eyes locked on Percy and Annabeth; juniors, as they walked to the main office. Girls looked at Percy like he was meat, which is no brainer there since he was fresh, new, and undoubtedly handsome, but that will all fade when the girls has their new target.

Annabeth coughed, weaving around many students successfully with Percy trailing not too far behind. "We have to get you to the office." Annabeth muttered, her eyes locked forward as she attempted to ignore Percy once again.

"Alright," This time, Percy caught up and is now right beside Annabeth.

The duo knitted themselves around many students who either gave them blank stares, looks like 'I don't give a fuck', the nice ones said hellos and the rude ones just bumped into them when there is all that space not occupied by anyone.

Percy walked into the office and was face to face with the secretary. "Hello. Percy Jackson, I'm the new transfer."

Annabeth was standing by the door, leaning against the frame and feeling like the awkward turtle in the room.

"Ah, nice to meet you Mr. Jackson. Welcome to Jefferson High. We hope you would have a fantastic time here. Here's your schedule, on it is your locker combination and number."

"-I think I'll go now..." Annabeth muttered, nodding towards Percy and the secretary.

"Just one moment Ms. Chase. I saw you two got out of the car together. I'm sure Mr. Jackson would be more comfortable if you were the one showing him around the school." The secretary politely informed Annabeth who was already irritated and glaring at the woman.

This was the second time she was ordered, and Annabeth didn't like the sound of it.

"Mrs. Johnson, I have classes and I'm sure Percy would be fine." Annabeth attempted to bail herself out of this, like a déjà vu moment earlier this moment. Percy caught the desperation look in her eyes and as much as he was hurt by it, Percy doesn't want to force Annabeth to do something she doesn't want to do.

"-Yeah, Mrs. It'll be fine, I'm sure I can find my way. I've been in school before." Percy backed Annabeth up who surprised him by giving him a grateful look as Percy attempted to lighten up the mood.

"Nonsense!" Mrs. Johnson exclaimed, turning her chair back to face the computer screen. "Annabeth will show you around, it will be no hassle for our top student will it?"

Annabeth groaned, already lured into this from the guilt crashing to her. "No, no hassle at all." She grunted, frowning but forced a smile to appear on her face when Mrs. Johnson looked back.

"Mhhm." Mrs. Johnson smiled fakely at Annabeth when she did the same. The scene was so pathetic, it made Percy laugh out loud. The girls eyed him suspiciously, but nonetheless, ignored the pink teenager.

"No, here Ms. Chase and Mr. Jackson. Here's a pardon note you give to your teachers. Now Annabeth, please show the man around politely." Annabeth gagged, slightly amused that she thought she wasn't polite.

"Yes," Annabeth sighed as she turned her heels and left without Percy.

'Ugh. Okay, ignoring Percy is definitely hard.' Annabeth thought, rolling her eyes at how pathetic her fate is right now.

"Schedule," Annabeth ordered, wincing at how cruel she sounds like. Percy obediently passed her the schedule as she scanned it.

"Okay, we've got English, P.E; since it's for both female and male, Lunch and Homeroom together. Now, your locker is on the same floor as mine...but if we go theoretically speaking, your locker is closer to Katie's. Remember her? She went to grade school with us?"

Percy nodded, a smile on his face. "Okay, cool."

"Yep," Annabeth hates how much she's speaking but she likes doing her job. "Yeah, your locker is upstairs...I'm sure I can get Nico to show you around."

Percy perked up at the sound of his other best friend, as his other friends came into memory again.

"That's Math class-"

"Where buying 79 watermelons is sane." Percy finished, peeking in the room to see the back row talking, the middle row passing notes and the front row eagerly taking notes.

Annabeth stifle her laughter before walking around. "I'm not sure if you're taking Science, but yeah, this is Science class-"

"Where math is mixed in and you have this brain fart." Percy nonchalantly commented and Annabeth raised an eyebrow at him, but decided not to speak.

By now, the hallways were unoccupied and their footsteps rang through the air. Annabeth looked around the place.

"That's Gym class. You and I have it for last period." Percy peeked inside, and nodded in satisfaction.

Annabeth and Percy walked around the empty hallways, except some where some corners were occupied by couples who don't give a fuck. Annabeth showed Percy, quite stubbornly of course, every class he had on his schedule as fast as she could, considering how she doesn't want to be late.

"Is that the bathroom?" Percy asked Annabeth, pointing at a wooden door.

'No, it's Narnia.' Annabeth bit back a response and instead shook her head. "No, it's the janitor's closet. Don't go inside, unless you want to lose your innocence. Even the janitors know better."

Percy raised a brow, but doesn't pry since he heard gruntings and moanings in there. "Oooooh-kay." He muttered, disgusted at the forbidden closet.

"Okay, last stop. English...first period. You're with me." Annabeth stated before she head inside.

Percy twisted his lips and sighed. He hates English class, maybe because it gives him a migraine and a brain fart from all the jumbled up words. Besides, it's the only class he knows that has book reports asking way too many questions even the author itself never considered.

"Mind fart, here we go." Percy muttered before he went inside his English class and looked around for a seat.

Annabeth chuckled and looked at her cousins in amusement. "I'm pretty sure they do Connor."

Despite how her voice sounded very small compared to the loud voices from the cafeteria, the Stolls heard it loud and clear.

"You sure about that? I mean, have you ever seen a baby squirrel?" Connor argued, crossing his arms.

Annabeth frowned. "Well...no, but-"

"HA! EXACTLY!" Connor fist pumped the air and smiled triumphant, knocking his spaghetti in the process.

Thalia rolled her eyes. "Yes, but I am almost certain squirrels are born as a baby and not as an adult.

"Then explain why we never seen a baby squirrel!" Travis retorted, a smirk flew on his lips.

"Well, there was this one time we went to the park-"

"Thals, that was chipmunk." Connor corrected, which caused a seething Thalia.

"Is there a difference?" Thalia responded quite bitterly, glaring at the Stolls.

The Stolls on the other hand, decided to press her buttons more. "Well, yes, actually. The name is one, for sure. Then there's-"

"Hey, guys." Nico's voice broke up the feud that was about to brew up. Annabeth looked at him gratefully, and she noticed how she wasn't alone. A boy with green eyes who looked slightly nervous was standing right beside Nico.

Everyone; the Stolls and Thalia, looked alert as they finally took in Percy's appearance, seeing him for the first time in years. Thalia blinked, seeing that the boy she teased a lot was most definitely taller than she is. The three couldn't form their feelings, like Annabeth, about Percy.

Thalia looked at Percy and walked to him gingerly. "Oh my God, Jackson, is that you?" She squinted her eyes, looking up to her irritation.

Percy smirked, already noting how irritated she was of his height. "Yep."

She glared at him, sensing that he knew and sat back down. Everyone in the table was dazed from Percy's arrival. Percy, however, expected a warm welcome, but instead, him being unfortunate, got the opposite of it and instead got awkward silence.

Percy ate his chicken in silence, looking up from time to time, as did everyone else. Everyone was embraced but uncomfortable silence and Percy couldn't take it anymore.

"So, it's nice seeing all of you again." Percy began a conversation starter. His responses were nods.

The Stolls and Thalia were holding back lengthy responses, still mad at him for what happened with Annabeth. Though, they knew he didn't do it intentionally, they couldn't help but blame him. Considering how the only two people to blame is him and Annabeth, and besides, Annabeth was the victim, leaving Percy as the only option. However, they both know that deep down, it was unfair and injustice for them to do so, but they can't help it. They're overprotective of Annabeth, and stubborn and prideful to add.

Nico felt guilty, seeing that no one else would respond to Percy. He knew he would hate this cold welcome, and besides, he did miss his friend.

"You too man. It's great having you back." Nico gave him a half smile- his form of smiles, and a polite nod before taking a bite of his hamburger.

Percy returned the smile, but frown since he couldn't help but note how loud and happy this table was before he arrived but when he did however, it just became a ghost town.

Seeing that no one else would make a conversation, and as much as Nico hates starting a conversation, or talking for that matter, he felt bad for the guy. "So, what class do you have next?"

"I've got History then after that, P.E." Percy answered, before taking a fry from his plate.

"Okay, cool, the entire Grade 11 class has P.E. together since the juniors were incredibly small. Right Travis?" Nico tried to bring up another person in the conversation as subtle as he can, but it wasn't.

"Mm. Yep. One class. Well, just those who took it this year..." Travis uncomfortably answered, but if it was his brother answering for him, the response would undoubtedly be more harsh- maybe Connor wouldn't answer at all.

Percy frowned. He didn't remember his friends being so cold with him, or hate him for that matter. He remembered all those fun times he had with them, and it seems quite peculiar to have those situations meet. Like, time travel back and Percy and the gang were the best of friends. Time travel now, it's hard believe they were at one point.

Nico pursed his lips, clearly hoping Travis would use his motor mouth of his and start a vivace conversation, but instead got a dull one in comparison. "Alright, so, are we having a movie night this week?"

Nico looked at Thalia, begging, to which she responded with a roll of eyes and a smirk. "Hm..oh, I don't know."

Nico and Percy simultaneously sighed.

'This is going to be one loooong lunch.' Their thoughts resembled each others.

"OKAY! It's time for a brutal game of...wait for it...DODGEBALL! People who knock down lots of people gets automatic A's! PROVE IT CUPCAKES!" Coach Hedge blew his whistles and that was basically the war signal.

Percy was on one end of the wall, as was Annabeth; both on opposing teams. The look that gleamed in Annabeth's eyes tells Percy that this is war, as he noted the competitive fire shining in both of her pupils.

Percy's eyes were on everyone, a little wary of the flying balls everywhere. The most aggressive ones on his team were the ones running and yanking the balls from everyone else. One by one, numerous people sat on the bench, decreasing as well as intensifying this heated game of dodgeball.

Percy grabbed a ball as he caught it from the air. He looked around, to see if there were any openings he could steal. He saw one kid in the corner, looking hungrily for a dodgeball, as if he's isolating himself from the world. Percy grinned to himself and took this as his opportunity.

He sped up his legs, trekking to the corner where his target was. Rapidly, he unleashed his arm and automatically, the ball flew and smacked the poor boy's back. He grunted, looking scavenging for the one who caught him. Percy whistled and strolled back, subtly, hoping not to be the guy's meal. Nonetheless, he chuckled.

Like tradition, Percy, Thalia and Nico were on the same team ever since kinder. They worked like a team, moving or not. With Thalia and Nico on your team, it's almost a certainty that you'd win.

Percy can see Thalia aggressively firing the balls at the poor souls who seem to fall on their knees. Nico was stealthily running around, catching the balls mid air and whiplashing it back to the opponent.

Nico was the speed, Thalia was the leg (not to mention trash talker), and Percy was the arm; together, they were a team.

"YOU LITTLE FUCKTARDS. MAN UP!" Thalia yelled halfway across the field, scouring for any free dodgeballs around the floors. She was glaring at all her teammates, most of them seemed harmed by it, obviously not used to her getting into the game.

"Nico, pass me a ball, NOW." Thalia ordered, and Nico decided not oppose and kept his mouth shut as he passed her the ball in his hands. The moment the ball touched Thalia's fingertips, in went in the air and got someone out, quite amazing actually.

Percy was dodging the balls successfully, catching some aimlessly. He noticed Annabeth doing the same. She was trying to keep her profile down low, not catching attention from many students like Thalia is doing right now.

Numerous people were exhausted, and the balls in the air were decreasing from the amount of people left on the team. Percy on the other hand was just starting.

Percy tried something risky and targeted his dodgeball at Annabeth. As him chucked the ball to the blonde's direction. she dodged it quickly and aimlessly. Annabeth smirked in Percy's direction who let out a breath of surprise; almost certain he would get her out.

"NICO! You little dipshit. See what you did?! YOU GOT US BOTH OUT. Now, when I get my hands on you-" Percy stifled his laughter at the two who seemed to be bickering, He sends his condolences to Nico by his gaze before he chuckled and returned back to the game.

Now, as everyone was deducted from the team, it only left Annabeth on one side and Percy on the other. It was a fight to death, or an A if you must.

Annabeth grinned at Percy menacingly before she quickened her speed and ran, grabbing the balls left on her side and throwing it in Percy's direction. Percy tried his best to avoid getting touched, and he had a very difficult time considering how fast Annabeth was launching them.

"Hah, nice try Chase." Percy muttered to himself, before grabbing a ball.

Percy grabbed the ball from the corner and threw it in Annabeth's direction who attempted to catch them, but because of the speed it was flying, she was not able to and instead dodged it to the best of her ability.

Percy quickly thought of a plan, which wasn't easy because he can hear Thalia's voice ~loud and clear- yelling insults at him if he doesn't win the game. Percy rolled his eyes, completely used to Thalia's competitiveness.

Annabeth took this opportunity and threw the ball at a thinking Percy. But, Percy had his eyes locked on her as well, and therefore was able to dodge it succesfully~much to Annabeth's annoyance.

Percy decided to yank out an old trick from the book. He hooked one ball in the inside of his foot and set it right beside him. Percy bended down and grabbed a ball as fast as he can so he doesn't seem too open for Annabeth. Annabeth was on her feet, balancing her weight on either one as she had her eyes locked on the ball Percy had in his hands.

Perfect. Just how Percy wanted it to be. Percy fought back a smirk and launched his plan.

Percy threw the ball in his hands in the air, which automatically stole Annabeth's gaze as she ran to it, with her arms out wide, hoping to catch the ball and get Jackson out.

Although, Percy had another plan in mind. The ball he had hooked was perching right beside him. He quickly bent down and gripped on the ball tightly. It was a two way street; either Annabeth catches the ball or bulls eye; Percy gets her.

Percy locks his eyes on Annabeth, and threw the ball as fast as he could. The ball landed on her thighs and Percy grinned triumphant.

Percy's side bursted into cheers as he smiled. Annabeth was in shock and had a frown on her face.

Percy outsmarted the brain.

Annabeth went back to her locker to grab her messenger bag. She slinged it on her shoulders and began walking around the school, searching for the door. Annabeth was still a little down at how Percy outsmarted her, yes, she was peeved. She realized that everyone was already gone, and that she was the only possible human product in this hallway, not that she minded. It relieved her that she was the only sane one in this asylum copycat of a school.

Just as she was about to walk out and head home like she usually does, she heard a name call out to her. Thinking it was just an illusion of the ear, she shrugged it off and continued walking.

"Annabeth! Annabeth! ANNABETH!" The voice repeated, irritating Annabeth by the second.

Annabeth turned on her heels and glared at the boy who was calling her as if he just found out nothing is microwavable. But as the view became Percy leaning on his car, a bored expression written on his face, Annabeth just frowned.

"What do you want?" She sighed, irritated and feeling like a pregnant girl who hadn't gotten her nachos.

Percy rolled his eyes, nonetheless, a smile twitching on the corner of his lips. "I'm here to give you a ride home..."

Annabeth blinked and shook her head. "No, I'll walk."

Just as Annabeth was about to walk away, Percy grabbed her wrist and pulled her back, despite Annabeth's refusal. "No, I promised your dad. In the car, Annabeth."

"It's fine. It's not that long of a walk. I have enough-" Annabeth gritted her teeth when Percy opened the shotgun door.

"Sit." He ordered softly. "You're taking shotgun, the bag is cluttered with my stuff."

"I'll clean-"

"Annabeth, just sit at the front." Percy flashed her a weak smile, to whom Annabeth responded with a roll of her eyes.

Annabeth sighed and went inside the car begrudgingly.

Percy exited the parking lot and went to the driveway, the wheels of the car being the only sound evident. Percy looked somewhat startled despite no actions being made. Instead, to make things less awkward, Percy began whistling, which to be honest, made things much, much, much worse. Annabeth raised a brow at this to Percy whom responded with a weak smile. Annabeth mentally slapped him before locking her eyes at the view.

'Things would be less awkward if I sat at the back..." Annabeth muttered, as she hitched a breath.

"Huh, what was that?" Percy cocked an ear in Annabeth's direction while she flushed and went pink.

Annabeth shook her head, telling him to shrug it off.

Percy sighed, and spoke something as if he just gained the courage to. "Look, Annabeth. I know why you aren't talking to me and why things are awkward,"

Annabeth raised a brow, nonetheless, kept her mouth close since she wants to hear what Percy was saying. Annabeth finally smiled, thinking Percy would make things better after the past three years they were away. She inwardly fistpumped.

"I just wanted to say I'm sorry for making you pissed at me. I know dodgeball can be tough and you my friend-"

"Wait, excuse me?" Annabeth had her eyes bulged out as she blinked.

Percy knitted his eyebrows in confusion. "What?"

"I am not mad at you because I lost in dodgeball!" Annabeth protested, as she huffed, crossing her arms in the process.

Percy tsked and rolled his eyes. "Please, Annabeth, you seem like the type-"

Annabeth seethed in some air and glared at him. "I AM NOT MAD BECAUSE YOU BEAT ME IN DODGEBALL." She fumed, her jaws clenched as Percy was startled.

"Okaaay," He said, completely unconvinced, nonetheless, kept his mouth zipped.

Once again, the duo was met with awkward silence. Annabeth was pissed, Percy was confused. He was conflicted. He didn't know why everyone was avoiding him, much more, his best friend whom he assumed would be more than pleased to see him back. He was frowning at the fact that Nico was the only one who managed to talk to him. Annabeth only talked to him out of pure force, but not out of pleasure. Things were tensed and he hated it. He was hurt but kept that smile on his face to tell a complete different story.

The tension was so thick, only an axe can cut through.

All of a sudden, Percy was met with a memory and started laughing.

"Excuse me?" Annabeth mentally winced, this was not on her plan. It was dampening her plan.

"I'm just saying, the whole dodgeball incident reminded me of your eighth birthday; capture the flag..." Percy explained, and every word he said, Annabeth's smile grew.

When he finished, both of them were laughing hysterically. "Yeah...you were so confused!"

"Well, in my defense...I didn't know what was going on!"

Annabeth chuckled and smiled. "The expression was just...genius. It deserves to be put on a billboard."

The two joined in laughter, feeling like their friendship never once splintered. They felt like they never split up, nor Annabeth's plans of avoidance was put into action.

The two felt their friendship was stronger than ever.

They felt like it was infinite.

Annabeth coughed, and broke the peace of mind; their laughter. "Ahem...yeah..."

That was the last sentence spoken until the cold silence resurfaced and the tension once again, repeated.

((Okay, I'm not sure if anyone understood this chapter since it was a little confusing. So, Annabeth is avoiding Percy since she feels like he's not the Percy she once knew. She feels that, the Percy now contradicts from three years ago Percy, hence the avoidance. The Stolls and Thalia on the other hands, they're protective of Annabeth. After she became a wreck, they blamed Percy since besides Annabeth, he was the only one to blame; which results into mimicking Annie's , Percy and Annabeth had a little moment at the end. Despite the awkwardness, and Annabeth not talking to Percy, when they reminisce childhood memories, the tension just goes away, which tells you their friendship is slowly stitching this chapter, it's just displaying the emotions, I hope it's realistic, the actions and emotions I mean; since I did base the emotions off of pure relation. It's a little hair pulling since it frustrates you; Annabeth's reaction since you just want Percabeth... ))

^Hope that clears it up.

(What-to-do-after list? ~Possibly?)

~I made a book trailer for a story I'm going to write soon. Check it out:) Link is on my profile.

~So, someone made a comic version of Box of Crayons, and I think it's the cutest thing ever. Link is on my profile.

~I have a tumblr. Url: jason-grace-has-no-soul (link is on my profile:) ) Follow?

~I've been co-writing lately. Check out my profile to see the stories!:)

~Listen to Skyway Avenue by We The Kings. It's really good, trust me.

((Nonetheless, it was cool to write. Last sentence, it was a conversation between my friend and I. I hope you'll understand what that means since I don't want to go in further detail...))

R&R "No, it's the janitor's closet. Don't go inside, unless you want to lose your innocence. Even the janitors know better."