A/N: Sorry for the slightly late update! I went on a road trip with my family but it ended early because of weather and stuff. Anyhow, thank you for the reviews and follows. Remember to keep reviewing and following if you like it (or even if you don't). Also, Chapter 1 was one thousand something words, Chapter 2 was two thousand something, and Chapter 3 is three thousand something. Ayyy look at that coincidence. ;) Anyway, here's the next chapter!

Chapter 3: Dating for Dummies

A week had passed since the interesting morning at Annabeth's house without much contact with Percy. They had talked through Reyna and Chiron, who were trying to set up a perfect first date for what they knew would be America's power couple, but Annabeth wasn't too thrilled. If Percy had any good ideas, he kept them to himself, but the worst part was when the date would happen, not what or where.

Reyna had the brilliant idea for them to go out to dinner Saturday, the 7th… On Piper's birthday. Reyna clearly didn't realize that her friends were more important to her than a publicity stunt—and a first date, at that!—but Reyna had been having them walk in the same area at the same time of day multiple times in the past week to make it seem like they may have been on dates before what would be their first public outing. Honestly, all Annabeth wanted to do was to spend Piper's 20th birthday baking cookies and watching movies with their closest friends, but it didn't look like that was going to happen.

Annabeth was pulled from her thoughts by the ringing of her phone and saw that it was Percy. 'Speak of the devil' she thought to herself as she took a deep breath and answered the phone. "Can you please tell Reyna that I am not having our first date next week?"

"What—oh—why? Never mind. That's actually what I'm calling about. How fast can you get ready?"

"I mean… It depends on for what… why?

"You'll see. Just dress nicely, but not in something that you'd get upset about getting dirty."

"That's a very narrow category, but I'll see what I can do. Give me an hour."

"All right, I'll see you then. Bye."

"Bye," Annabeth echoed, hanging up.

Annabeth made her way into her room and opened her closet. She pushed aside all of her dresses looking for something nice to wear. She made it to the back of her closet and pulled a few dresses out. Most of them were casual dresses that she wore four years ago, but among them was a black dress with loose sleeves that she'd worn to dinner a few times. Though first dates were normally for unique outfits, Percy did say something she didn't mind getting dirty, and the little black dress had served Annabeth well. She put back the rest of the dresses and went to go take a shower.

Annabeth got out of the shower and turned some music on. She jumped around as she put her dress on and started her makeup. She didn't like makeup, but made an effort to simulate a first date by putting on some mascara, eyeliner, and a pretty red shade of lipstick. Annabeth decided to leave her hair as it was, however, because her ringlets could not be tamed in the twenty minutes she had left. Before she put her heels on, she walked around the house and made sure all of the doors were closed. The house was big and empty with just her in it, but she couldn't get her father and the rest of her family to move to LA and besides, she made sure she had her friends over all the time to keep her company.

Annabeth spent approximately ten minutes making sure everything was locked, picked out shoes and accessories, put it all on, and spun in front of the mirror. As she glanced at herself, there was a newfound confidence to how she held herself and a fire in her eyes. Maybe it was the resolution to make the best out of this new arrangement with Percy, or maybe it was because of the new decisions she'd made in her life that the public didn't know about yet, but Annabeth didn't care about what would be printed in the tabloids the next day because she knew she was strong enough to survive it, and she knew what the truth was.

The doorbell rang, so Annabeth smoothed her dress one last time, grabbed her purse and a light jacket, and made her way to the door. Outside, Percy leaned on the door frame. 'Really?' Annabeth thought to herself. 'Where did they find this guy? Everything he does is taken from a movie.'

Annabeth's notion was only enforced when she looked at what he was wearing, because he wore the default celebrity outfit of black jeans, a tee shirt, and a black leather jacket. She couldn't complain though, because he looked good and the blue of his shirt brought out the startling blue of his eyes. Annabeth gathered her thoughts enough to ask "Are you filming a movie or taking me to dinner? Come on James Dean."

"Just trying to make a good first impression." Percy said as he stuck his arm out.

"Well A, we've already met, and B, that's so cliché. You don't do this often, do you?" Annabeth asked as she hooked her arm around his.

"Honey, I don't need to do this."

"Don't call me honey."

"Whatever you say, honey," he said as he opened the door for her.

Percy got in next to her and closed the door, after which Annabeth responded, "I am not your honey. And if you call me that one more time, I swear to the Gods that I will not hesitate to unlock this door while on the highway and roll out."

"Whatever you say." Percy gave the driver as signal and they started moving.

They drove for a while in silence until Annabeth asked what was on her mind. "Where are we going?"

"It's a surprise."

"Jackson, it's not a surprise when you could be a murderer or a rapist."

"Annabeth, do you trust Reyna?" The blonde nodded. "Then trust that she didn't set you up with a felon."

"It's not like you wouldn't be able to hide it from her."

"Dude, seriously, we're almost there. I promise you won't die at my hands."

"How very comforting."

Annabeth noticed that the car was winding through the mountains, which made her swallow and clench her fists. She didn't really think that Percy was a felon, but the overactive part of her imagination that created chart topping songs was telling her it was a possibility, so she remained prepared to defend herself. Finally, the car rolled to a stop. Percy jumped out as though electrocuted and ran to open the door on Annabeth's side.

Annabeth, who looked as though she was going to make a biting comment at Percy's attempted chivalry, stopped in her tracks with her mouth parted slightly in amazement. "Woah," she trailed off, leaving Percy smirking.

"LA looks beautiful, doesn't it?"

"It really does," Annabeth responded. When she had looked her fill, she turned around with sparkling eyes and hooked her arm with Percy's. "Please tell me the rest of the date is as nice as this view."

"You'll have to rate it at the end," Percy told her, leading her to the building on the other side of the car.

They stepped into the warm golden light of the restaurant and were instantly hit by soft laughs and wonderful smells. Percy caught the eye of the host, who grabbed two menus and led them further into the merriment. The walls were white and the doorways were arched, there were simple tiles on the ground, and the decorations were mostly shells and black and white photographs, leading Annabeth to believe it was a Mediterranean restaurant of some sort. As the host seated them, Annabeth heard Percy say "Thank you, Alex."

"Do you come here often?"

"I don't really go to restaurants very much, but as far as nice places to eat, this is the one I know best," Percy responded. "I'm sorry. I really hope you like Greek food. I think the food here is really good, and I know that none of the staff or any of the regular patrons will call the paparazzi on us."

"I love Greek food, actually! My mom is Greek, as well. I mean—that's not why I like it—she never really cooked when I was with her, but that's just a fact."

"Oh, that's really cool! My dad is Greek, too. That's actually how I know about this place. He helped his friend start this restaurant, and his company actually supplies a large amount of the sea food here. That's how I know that they won't snitch on us. They all know me personally, so they value my privacy."

Annabeth felt touched that Percy decided to bring her to a restaurant that meant so much to him, but dismissed the thought, telling herself it was to avoid the paparazzi that would inevitably find them. However, she soon let those thoughts go and resolved to enjoy the beautiful music and décor, as well as imagine how the delicious smells would taste when they arrived at the table.

They made small talk and ordered food when the waiter came back. Without consulting each other, they both ordered linguine with mussels, a fact that they laughed over afterwards. "You're trying to copy me, Jackson," Annabeth giggled.

"No, Chase, this is my favorite dish here."

"Well I love pasta, and I ordered first, so you copied me." Neither could stop laughing.

Things calmed down when the two got their food.

"So… About your dad…" Annabeth started. "If your dad is Greek, then why is your last name Jackson?"

Percy was clearly taken off guard by the question. "Oh," he started. "Jackson is my mom's maiden name. My parents loved each other very much, but my father left shortly after I was born because he had to choose between us and his job. My mom raised me, so I have her last name." Percy clenched his fist. "When I started in middle school, my parents decided I should get to know my dad, so I flew over to the west coast on long weekends and for part of summer break. I'm not sure I'm necessarily thrilled by it, but his family really is wonderful, so I can't complain."

"Where is home?" Annabeth asked, leaning in. Percy looked vulnerable, but not in an unwilling way, so Annabeth pressed on.

"New York. I grew up in the city. My mom is the best person ever. She worked in a candy shop to provide for me, and my dad sent some money to help out, but my step-father—" Percy became aware of what he was saying and paused, "Was a complete asshole," Percy continued. Annabeth witnessed his eyes become steely and closed. He wasn't going to talk anymore about this, and she was not going to push him.

"I'm sorry about that. Your mom sounds awesome," Annabeth said. Percy looked unconvinced by her words, so Annabeth knew she had to open up. "It's kind of the opposite for me. My parents had a very short relationship, and my mom decided that she would rather be a successful business mogul than a mother, so she left me with my dad. She only visited every year around my birthday if she had time, and that's it. My dad's great, but he never really wanted me. Then he married another woman. I have two half-brothers who I love more than anything and my step-mom is cool, but she never understood my love of music." Annabeth heard her voice crack and leaned away from Percy. "Sorry—you never said you wanted to hear about my family life. I just stole your sad family dynamic thunder," she cracked a small smile.

Percy reached across the table and covered her hand with his own. "Honestly, Annabeth, I'm glad you did tell me something. I felt super weird letting you in like that—I don't know what came over me. I don't think anyone outside my best friends knows all of this." Annabeth made eye contact with Percy and they both suddenly looked down at their half-eaten food and decided it was a perfect remedy for the awkwardness.

The remaining half-main course and a desert course later, normal conversation was fully restored at the celebrities' table. Percy paid the bill and hugged his cousin. "Ready Annabeth?" he asked, looking down at her from his standing position. As she nodded, he grabbed her hand and helped her up. "Now comes the dirtiness—literally" he hastily amended after a glare from his date. "You're fine with getting dirt on that dress, right?" Annabeth nodded.

Percy led her out through the back of the restaurant, through a clearing and up some rocks. Annabeth cursed his name under her breath. "Percy Jackson, you said a dress I didn't mind getting dirty. You didn't say anything about footwear. Be glad I have okay balance in wedges."

Percy shrugged. "Slipped my mind, I guess," he said nonchalantly, but he grabbed her hand and moved more slowly anyway. Finally, they arrived at a large flat rock. "Tada," Percy said sheepishly, glancing at Annabeth. "It's kind of the same view but of some more of LA. But this patch of sky is so much less polluted than the rest of the city, so I love coming here…" he trailed off, having dropped Annabeth's hand from his own to scratch the back of his neck with it.

"No, it's absolutely beautiful," Annabeth silenced his doubts with her wide-eyed gaze. She didn't know whether to look at the city lights or the celestial ones, each was just as captivating as the other. When she had looked her fill at the city lights, she plopped down on the ground.

"What are you doing, Annabeth?" Percy asked, clearly very confused.

"Honestly, Percy, how thick are you? You asked me to wear something I could get dirty and you brought me out here. I don't know if this is actually what you meant, but stargazing is the obvious option here."

"Oh right," Percy said, looking away. "That is actually what I had planned." He dropped down next to her.

Percy and Annabeth gazed at the stars, pointing out the different constellations and laughing about their mythology. "And that one right there is Perseus. It's named after me, so I personally think it's rather dashing."

Annabeth shoved him. "You self-centered idiot. You'll never be as good as the Perseus in the myth."

Percy pouted at her. "I'll have you know that I was actually named after him. My name is Perseus because I'm part Greek and my parents wanted me to be able to slay all the monsters that came my way."

Annabeth laughed. "I hope that's metaphorical. But Perseus is legit awesome. And Medusa creeps me out."

"Same," Percy chuckled.

They sighed and lay there for another moment. Suddenly, they heard someone call Percy's name. They ventured back over the cliff and saw Alex waiting for them at the beginning of the clearing while an argument came from the door. "Some pap's trying to get by to take pictures of you guys. Nick is holding him back, but you guys should get going."

Alex rushed them in through the back door of the kitchen and into the restaurant. They quickly left before the man with the camera could hear them, but they heard him complaining to Nick "Oh, come on, man! I paid for food here! Just let me get some pics of the view!" very obnoxiously.

Next thing Annabeth knew, they were back in the car. Percy hugged his cousin. "Thanks man," he told Alex.

"Any time, dude."

"Nice meeting you, Alex," Annabeth said, shaking hands with him awkwardly from the other side of the car.

"Likewise, Annabeth. I hope to see more of you," Alex smiled at her. The door closed before Alex could see her full reaction, and Annabeth let her blush develop across her entire face as Alex's meaning washed over her.

"Thanks for moving the date up," Annabeth told Percy.

"Any time. I remember how you grumbled at Reyna's the other day. Something about your friend's birthday. My friends would never let me hear the end of it if I missed one of their birthdays for a chick." Annabeth chuckled as she thought of how that was not something that Percy ever need be concerned about.

The rest of the car ride passed in silence. Annabeth thought about how nice it was to spend time with Percy when he wasn't trying to make a move on her, and decided that she really liked it. Maybe they could be friends after all if he wasn't so obnoxious. Finally, they pulled into her driveway.

"Rate my date?" Percy asked, wiggling his eyebrows and going around to open the door for her.

"Nine," Annabeth deadpanned as she took his hand and stepped out.

Percy slammed the door behind her. "What?" he asked in disbelief as he walked her to the door. "That was perfect! Is it because I didn't kiss you? Damn it! I knew I should've tried to kiss you!" he ran on. He then stepped forward as though to kiss her.

"No!" Annabeth protested, stepping into the doorway of her house, having just unlocked when Percy decided that a kiss was necessary. "There's always room for improvement. If I gave you a 10, I would have just inflated your enormous ego even more. I had a lot of fun, Percy, but really? A kiss? That's not necessary. Can't wait to see what you come up with next time." She winked at him and closed the door.

Despite this confusing and uncharacteristic Annabeth response, Percy felt encouraged by it and swaggered back to the car. He drove away thinking about getting that 10. Annabeth, however, was in her room, on her bed, and confused about her own behavior than anything else. A wink? That was Percy turf and nothing else. Annabeth was not coy; she was not flirty; she was not anything like that. She was upfront and honest and said exactly what she thought. It made her songs so good and her relationships so short. She didn't want to flirt with Percy, so why did she give him a wink? She pondered over this while getting ready for bed and started texting Piper about her date as she fell asleep.

A/N: I realize that some people don't share such personal info on first dates, but I tend to overshare, so this is something I would do. XD Also, I felt it could be transitioned into easily and that it lends to the idea that Percy and Annabeth can build something beyond Percy's hookups or a tense fake relationship (plus there's more to the back story that will be revealed later muahahaha :D)