Annabeth groggily opened her eyes, but then quickly shut them, due to the sudden, invading sun light that filtered through the windows of the Infirmary. She rubbed her eyes until she could see clearly, and Percy was the first thing she saw. She felt her lips suddenly turn upward when her eyes fell on him. His hair was messy, as usual, and he was slumped over in a chair by her bed asleep; unconscious in dreams to the world. She could already see a glistening stream of drool making its way down his chin.

It was just like the first time they met, but backwards; she was in the bed and he was taking care of her. She tried to get up but that same feeling of pain quickly flashed up her back. She discovered that she was lying on her stomach and her back was towards the ceiling. She made a whimpering sound which startled the sleeping Percy. His eyes suddenly opened and he sat up, alert.

"Oh, Annabeth, you're finally awake," He said and smiled, getting off of the chair and kneeling by her, "I thought you wouldn't ever wake up." Annabeth let out a quiet laugh and took Percy's hand; she was glad to feel the warmth of it again.

"Not waking up is impossible, Percy."

"Why?"

"Because I have you," Percy's face became a light scarlet with her sudden truthful statement. He struggled to find words.

"Well, you're…um…welcome?" Annabeth's laugh rang through Percy's ears, taunting what he just said. He found it a bit confusing.

"What is it, Annabeth?" Annabeth sighed and looked at the boy, after she was done laughing.

"I don't know, really. I guess I should've known that that would be your typical response." Percy nodded; he didn't know that he had a "typical response".

"Anyway," Annabeth intruded, "What happened yesterday?" Percy had hoped that she wouldn't ask this question, but she was a daughter of Athena; she always needed to be in the know. Percy's eyes flickered away.

"A chimera attacked Camp borders while you were on duty. It scratched your back pretty badly." Annabeth nodded.

"So that's why my back hurts every time I attempt to move?" Percy smirked; easily hearing the joke in her tone.

"Yeah," He agreed.

"So, did anyone get it? I hope it wasn't able to get into Camp." Percy shook his head.

"It didn't get in; too many Athena kids killed it before it could even try to get in."

"Okay, good," Annabeth countered and another question appeared into her head, "So, Seaweed Brain does that mean you took care of me?" A blush slowly appeared on Percy's face again, but he nodded.

"Yeah, I did, but it wasn't easy you know." Annabeth's eyebrows furrowed.

"Why not?"

"Because," A painful sigh escaped his lips, "You…you were bleeding a lot and I got so scared, since it was just me. I think that I was more scared than the time you got stabbed." Annabeth bit her lip; she could tell that she wasn't the only one in pain here. She comfortingly and gently traced circles on the back of Percy's hand.

"Percy," She paused and collected her thoughts, "You know I would have survived either way. Even if a child of Apollo took good care of me, I don't think it was their Grecian magic that made me feel better. I think it was just the sight of you by my side that made me feel better." Percy smiled and Annabeth rolled her eyes, beginning to laugh again.

"Gods, that was cheesy!" Annabeth said in between breaths, "But, you know what

I mean." Percy laughed a little too and kissed her cheek, knowing that Annabeth wasn't very romantic, but he also knew that she meant it with all her heart. Soon, there was a quiet silence in between the two; a silence of what to talk about next. Percy sighed and stood up.

"Well, I think I should let you get some more rest now." Percy began to leave the room but Annabeth stopped him.

"Wait!" She called after him and he turned around.

"What is it?"

"Come here," Annabeth replied. Percy followed her instructions, just like he always did. He kneeled by her bed again and met her gaze. She rested a hand on his cheek and kissed him. Percy could tell so much through this kiss; her emotions, feelings and thoughts that it overwhelmed him. They didn't pull apart for a couple of seconds, but when they did, Annabeth rested her forehead on his.

"That was your thank you for not letting me die." Percy frowned a little.

"Annabeth, you know that I would never let you die."

"Why?" Her quick question made Percy think on his feet. Why wouldn't he let her die? Her question echoed through his head, but his head and heart found an answer.

"Because," Percy said and hesitated a little "I love you too much."