The bed was too large, the sheets too soft, the pillows too thick. Percy spent most of his night laying in bed, twiddling Riptide in his hands. Occasionally he would drift off into sleep, but even then it was for two hours at most. He wasn't used to sleeping in the room, and despite the fact Percy could sleep anywhere, it seemed he couldn't sleep here. At around seven he turned on the TV for the first time. The image was as clear as ever, and the sound was perfectly suited for the room. He flicked through the channels, not finding interest in the morning cartoons or foreign news channels.

"-but who is this new Avenger?" Percy paused in his rapid channel surfing and looked at the video of himself flying around on Blackjack, armour glinting in the light "This sword and shield wielding Avenger has raised questions all over the world. Who is he? Some ask. Why does he need to cover his face? Others ask. We cross now to John O'Grady who has been kind enough to join us today."

Percy leant against the headboard and pushed down his blankets, gazing at the screen as some random man came on.

"So, John, what do you think of this new Avenger?"

It was only the day after the first fight and already people were raving about it. No doubt he was over all the world news. Percy took a deep calming breath, knowing at least they didn't know who he was.

"Well, many people are asking similar questions. Is he human? He certainly wouldn't be the first non-human on the team. The ability to control and manipulate water is not even known among mutants. Many people are saying that he is the Roman version of the apparent god Thor."

Roman? Percy snorted.

"The armour, shield and sword all coincide with Roman history. Numerous different names have been released for this mysterious man, but none have been confirmed. Parents are already raving about how this man isn't a good example for the children, after all, do we really want our children to think it's okay to fight with swords-"

Turning off the TV, Percy walked over to the cupboard. He supposed he should have expected some bad reviews, after all,he was suddenly new on the block. He just hoped he didn't have mobs of fangirls after him. Annabeth would mostly like give him the silent treatment for weeks.

Changing into board shorts, shoes and shirt he padded down the halls silently and down to the pool level. Sometimes he wondered how people could have this much money, being able to afford giant pools, multi-story towers and so on, but he just brushed that from his mind as he dived into the water.

He allowed himself to get wet, and began doing light laps. The chlorine water didn't affect his breathing ability at all, and he soon stopped for a break, sitting on the bottom of the tiled floor. It was odd to think that at any moment he could be called out to save the city. Deep in Percy's chest was a heavy feeling, like he had gotten a little before his birthday. It was almost like he could feel the weight of what he had to do resting on his heart.

He hoped it was just a coincidence and that he could go back to his normal life, but he knew that wouldn't happen. For some reason monsters and other deities had chosen his short seventeen years of life as the time to come and run rampant on the streets.

Percy spread himself against the tiles of the floor, laying on the floor as if weighted down. How long he lay there he didn't know, but what he did know was the fact he felt a lot more calm after it. Sure it wasn't like the lake or beach at camp, but it was just as refreshing. After getting out and willing himself to dry, he chucked on his shirt and shoes before heading up to the common level.

He was surprised to find everyone sitting a table, along with a new red headed women he didn't recognise.

"Have a fun sleep in?" Tony questioned as he watch Percy awkwardly shuffle towards the table.

"I was in the pool." He threw a glance at the clock, finding it was about eight thirty.

Sitting down in a spare seat Percy threw a glance at Thor's plate which seemed to be piled with a mixture of pop tarts, eggs, bacon,and pancakes.

"Help yourself to anything," Bruce commented gesturing to the wide variety of things on the table.

Percy just nodded and got a slice of buttered toast, already missing the breakfast at camp. He gazed at the red headed women for a moment before blurting:

"Who are you?"

The women seemed a little surprised, but quickly composed herself, herbeautiful face becoming calm and confident.

"Pepper Potts, Tony's girlfriend and CEO of Stark International," the redhead said with a smile.

"Percy Jackson," Percy replied with a polite smile.

"You're the one they sent?" she looked him up and down. "Well, I hope you feel welcome."

Percy just nodded and nibbled on the edge of his toast. He gazed out the window, wondering if he could somehow convince Tony to let him have a flame in the room. It wouldn't have been the first time that he was left with no way to make a sacrifice.

"What do you do to kill time here?" Percy asked conversationally.

"Bruce and I are in the lab most of the time," Tony pushed away his plate, "genius area only."

Percy just shrugged.

"Those super spies go God knows where." Clint and Natasha sent Tony a glare. "Thor thundersdown to New Mexico and Steve beats the crap out of a punching bag."

Percy pursed his lips to keep from blurting out what came to his mind. He knew Nico would shadow travel in eventually, but decided not to mention that. Instead after breakfast he just headed down to the gym level. This gym was not like a normal gym, though. On one wall was a large climbing wall, equipped with perch levels that had views of different moving targets on the roof. In the centre was a boxing ring, in one corner different exercise machines, in another sets of boxing bags, and then there was a set of gymnastic bars.

Percy opted to go for the climbing wall. He noticed that unlike usual mortal climbing walls there were no harnesses or safety pads below. The son of Poseidon knew this would be easy compared to the lava spitting one at camp. He easily scaled it, reaching the top perch within a minute.

The Captain soon came into the gym and Percy climbed back down the wall, landing lightly on his feet. The blond haired man sent Percy an award winning smile as he sat down on a bench and began wrapping his hands.

"How'd you like it so far?" Steve questioned as he watched Percy pull out his sword and uncap it.

"Not as bad as I thought," Percy shrugged, spinning the sword in his hand, wishing he had someone to practice with. He was used to practicing in his room (not that his mum knew that) on his own, but it didn't compare to having someone to fight with.

"I thought people waited to be asked to join?" Steve stood up and went over to a punching bag.

"Not me," Percy shrugged stepping forward and performing a disarming move on an imaginary foe.

Steve seemed to watch the movement of the blade with a hint of appreciation before he turned towards the punching bag. There was a brief silence between the pair before Steve asked.

"Why?"He paused in his rapid punching, "if you don't mind me asking."

Percy paused for a moment before resting against the hilt of his blade "We've been doing this for years. I've been doing it since I was eleven. Some campers think we should be able to go out and fight without hiding."

"And you?" Steve rubbed his knuckles.

"I just want to be a normal seventeen year old," he arced his sword above his head "well, at least semi-normal.

Putting away the blade Percy took a seat down on a bench, fiddling with the buttons of his watch.

"Why did they pick you? If you don't want to be here, why can't you just say no?" Steve had a kind, natural curiosity that made Percy see him as more approachable.

"There were three choices. Me, my cousin Nico, or my other cousin Thalia. Nico is doing jobs for his father,Thalia is a huntress-" Steve sent him a puzzled look "-immortal maiden hunter of Artemis, she's basically a monster hunter. And then there's me. You can't say no to the gods, unless of course you want to be turned into a dolphin….."

The puzzled look he got in return made Percy smile faintly.

"What about God?" Steve questioned.

"Like, the god?" Percy raised an eyebrow "I don't know. All the gods just confuse me, let alone the thought of the god."

Steve seemed to accept the answer because he just went to pummelling the bag. Percy, in the mean time, entertained himself by seeing how much he could bench press.

"Mr. Jackson, you have visitors in the lobby, shall I let them up?" Percy jumped slightly at being addressed and nearly got a face full of weights for his trouble.

"Yes….please?" It was more a question then an answer.

Dusting off his hands the demigod threw a glance at Steve before watching as his friend entered the room. Nico was wearing his usual dark attire, while Thalia wore silver camo pants, a leather jacket, a Dilligaf* shirt, and the customary Artemis circlet.

"Percy," Thalia advanced into the room and hugged him lightly.

It had been six months since he had seen his cousin, and of course she hadn't changed at all. He supposed it came with being ageless.

"I thought the movie's at three?" Percy asked, looking out of the corner of his eyes as Steve began unwrapping his hands.

"I haven't had a good hamburger in weeks." Thalia shrugged, looking at the Captain. "Who's that?"

"I'm Captain Steve Rogers, ma'am," Steve nodded politely at her.

"Is that the man that Nico has do-"

The son of Hades slapped Thalia hard in the arm, making her frown deeply and shove him away. Steve seemed to watch with hidden amusement at the pair.

"Come on," Percy decided to break through the glaring competition the pair was having "cya Cap."

They stopped for lunch at a small burger joint. Half way through the meal Annabeth rocked up, looking stunning as always. After a passionate welcome from Percy, they abandoned the meal and headed for the theatre.

"I saw you on the news," Annabeth said as she held his hand. "The whole camp did. The Apollo cabin's already working on songs."

"Really?" Percy blushed deeply. "What did you think?"

"I think this better not go to your head." Annabeth gave him a playful smirk.

"When has it ever, Wise Girl?" Percy smiled at her.

"Do you want the list in alphabetical or chronological, Seaweed Brain?" Annabeth smirked back,giving his hand a gentle squeeze. "You were amazing."

Buying the tickets and the food, they settled into their seats. Thalia and Nico found more interest in chucking popcorn at random moviegoers more interesting then the movie. With Thalia's accuracy she managed to hit someone in the front row on the head with a Malteser.

Nico, though, had less luck, and instead became interested in seeing how much popcorn he could get into the man in front of him's afro.

"I vote we head to Stark Towers," Thalia said, "all in agreement?"

Annabeth and Nicoboth raised their hands.

"I don't know…it's not my place…." Percy trailed off as they walked out of the theatre "and you and Thor might have a thunder party…"

"That bearded hobo has nothing on me." Thalia began walking towards the tower.

"He does look like a hobo, doesn't he?" Nico questioned with a smirk.

Annabeth just sent Percy a smile and said, "Stark Towers is one of the best architectural marvels of the 21st century…."

Ten minutes of architecture talk later, they arrived at the tower. Percy entered an elevator and pressed the floor for the gaming room. Nico, when he arrived looked about ready to drool; the numerous arcade games, gaming systems and play tables seemed to fill the room with light. Percy would never tell Tony it was nothing compared to his father's old gaming room.

"Bet you can't beat me at air hockey," Thalia challenged Nico, who gave a playful smirk.

"You're on, Thunder Pants."

Percy chuckled a bit at the new nickname before leading Annabeth over to a second air hockey table. After twenty minutes of heavy swearing, cursing, and death threats their games, Percy became distracted.

"My tower's being invaded by teenagers…" Percy whipped around to see Tony smirking from next to a Pac Man machine.

The table dinged as Annabeth got the puck in, and Percy swore heavily in Greek before responding, "We can leave if you want?"

"No, it's fine," Tony shrugged and while Annabeth was distracted by the glowing of the arc through his shirt Percy scored it in. "Tonight's game night anyway."

As Percy scored in the last point needed,Annabeth turned around to face her inventor idol.

"I'm Annabeth Chase," she held out a hand, "daughter of Athena, Goddess of Wisdom."

"Also the inventor of the olive," Percy commented from besides the table.

"If she had invented the pizza, that would be a different story," Nico added while Percy went over and high fived him.

"I love your tower, I watched as it was being built. The lines and overall design is fantastic."

Tony smiled at Annabeth. "Why couldn't they send you?"

"I'm busy, unfortunately," Annabeth gave a soft sigh.

Percy though watched as different Avengers filed into the room, looking thoroughly confused.

"You weren't kidding about games night?" he questioned.

"Nope," Tony smirked.

"I have to go," Nico cocked his head to the side as if listening to something. But his brow crinkled with worry, and his eyes darkened.

"What is it?" Thalia asked him, blue eyes locking with his now black ones.

Nico glanced at the shadows before answering, "Father's uneasy."

Without another word he ran into the shadows, disappearing completely.

"Why are men so rude?" Thalia questioned as she folded her arms over her chest.

"Why are women so dramatic?" Percy shot back.

"Don't start a fight you can't finish, Kelp Head," Thalia responded, shrugging her leather jacket over her shoulders "come on,Annabeth, show me your masterpiece."

Annabeth kissed Percy briefly in goodbye before walking out with Thalia. Percy looked at the Avengers that had assembled around one of the projector screens, arguing over what game to play.

"So, how does this game night work?"

*Dilligaf means 'Does it look like I give a f**k'...it belongs to a comedian I can't name at the moment.