Disclaimer: I do not own Percy Jackson

Chapter 16

"Good morning, Chiron."

"Percy!" Chiron exclaimed. "You're back! That's great news!"

"Yeah I decided to come back. I'll be in my cabin if Mr. D wants to tort-

I mean question me."

"Alright."

Percy walked slowly back to his cabin. He passed Cabin Six, and stared wistfully at it. A couple of Athena's daughters sitting at the porch eyed him suspiciously. Percy shivered and continued walking. That grey gaze was indeed chilling.

He flung open the door and was immediately greeted by loud bleating. The next thing he knew, Grover was hugging him so tightly that he couldn't breathe.

"G-man! Relax. I can't breathe!" he choked.

"I'm sorry Percy. Don't ever run away on us like that again!" Grover said, pulling away.

"Guess who dropped by when you were gone?"

"Err…Tyson?" Percy said uncertainly.

"PERSEUS JACKSON. YOU IDIOT."

Percy cringed at the all-too familiar voice. A silver arrow sprouted near his head, and he yelped in surprise.

Thalia strode towards him, bow in hand and electric blue eyes blazing with fury. She had changed a lot. Instead of the usually punk hair and ripped jeans and jacket, she was wearing black skinny jeans and a silvery ski parka, and her hair was braided in gold and a silver circlet held her hair in an elegant knot. However, she still wore her trademark black eye-liner.

"Wow Thalia. Did Artemis give you an extreme makeover?" Percy asked, smirking.

Thalia grabbed Percy by the collar and glared at him. "You have the nerve to be still standing there and smiling after what you put Annabeth through."

At those words Percy sat down hard on the bed and when Thalia released his collar. His deep sea green eyes had a faraway look.

"You're right. I'm such a jerk."

Thalia suddenly smiled. "Yes you are seaweed brain. But on a different note, it's nice to see you." She bent down and gave Percy a hug.

"SO..." Thalia continued, no longer smiling. "What are you going to do to make it up to her?"

"I don't know Thalia. There's this Nereid Andromeda that I was seeing for a while. But I was on the rebound…I didn't actually feel anything for her. But how can I just toss her aside like that?"

Thalia sighed. "You're such a doofus Percy. Trust you to get yourself into such deep shit." Thalia paused, tilting her head thoughtfully. "Why don't you make it clear to Annabeth that you love her but tell her you need time to break up with this Nereid girl?'

"It's not that easy, Thalia…" Percy placed his head in his hands.

"Just take it slowly Percy. Don't mess up. Because if you do, Annabeth isn't going to forgive you forever."

"So how have you been Thalia? I must say, you look good." Percy said, smiling at her.

Thalia grinned back, and said. "It's really fun and cool. The monsters that we slay are so awesome Percy. If only you were a girl. You would have loved it."

"Yeah," Percy said wistfully. "If only I were a girl…'

Thalia laughed and punched him playfully on the shoulder. "So I heard you beat Luke. Way to go, barnacle boy."

"Yeah I guess so. But I couldn't beat him without my water manipulation…"

"Ha-ha. Don't worry, Luke is a lightweight. You'll be able to beat him once you reach 16. You are not fully developed." Thalia said. "Take it from me. I always kick his butt."

Percy grinned at that.

"Anyway, you should look for Annabeth."

Percy looked uncertainly at Annabeth, "I should?"

"Yeah that would really cheer her up!" Thalia suddenly brightened. "Percy, why don't you ask Annabeth to the Annual Olympus winter ball? Only heroes and the Gods will be attending!"

"Really?" Percy's eyes lit up. "Ok I'll go ask her."

Annabeth POV

My tears had dried and I was staring blankly at the wall. I heard the door behind me open silently.

"Annabeth…" his voice was hesitant and careful. I felt him sit down beside me. He gently took my shoulders and turned me to face him. I stared into his eyes and said nothing.

"Annabeth…" he said again, softly this time, in almost a whisper. " You know that I love you and you only."

I jumped, hardly able to believe my ears. Did he just say it? Oh my gods.

No-ones POV

She jumped, and stared at him in wide-eyed surprise. He felt a tremendous weight lift off his shoulders when he said those words. Finally he got it out.

Her face gradually turned red, and she looked down shyly and then looked back up at him. This gave him more confidence.

"Are you sure, Percy?' she said doubtfully. "You and that Andromeda…"

"Annabeth! Look into my eyes!" he held her chin firmly with one hand, and leaned forward and gently pressed his lips against hers. She tried to break free, but her heart melted and her resistance crumbled. Her hands were hanging limply by her side, and he took her hands and entwined them in his.

He gently withdrew his tongue, and pulled back slightly, so that their faces were barely an inch apart.

"Anymore doubts?" Percy said, smiling slightly. "I'm sure this isn't the kinda kiss friends give each other."

Annabeth bent her head in embarrassment. Percy wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her in. She yelped in surprise and looked up at him. Then, she smiled shyly again and snuggled closer to his side, wrapping her arms him.

"This feels so good…" Both of them thought in unison.

"And Annabeth, please come with me to the Olympus Winter ball. She won't be there. It's a dance for the Gods and heroes." He paused, and then suddenly turned serious. "I really want to make it up to you. Please don't give up on me. I only need some time to break it up with her."

Annabeth leaned her golden head on his shoulder contently. "Alright, seaweed brain."