When You're Gone

by GreyBlur

"I lost him, Clarisse. He's gone. Without a goodbye. Why? Why do these things always happen?" I yelled to the sky. thunder rolled, which seemed to be about the only response from Zeus all month. "Hope is all we have sometimes. Silena taught me that," R&R

13. Chapter 13

HEY! I'm baaaaaaack. Soo. This chapter had me travel to new horizons. Hope you like it. Its over 16000 words, so review the best you can. Sorry for the wait!

So I was thinking Percy's POV the chapter after the next chap with what he remembers/feels. ?Tell me what you think! I hope you like it :DD

Disclaimer: I'm STILL not from Texas. I don't own PJOO.

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Annabeth POV

I felt better after I came to terms with my realization. It made me feel good, knowing something about this confusing situation. It was the only thing I was certain of, except Hera's involvement. I even thought I knew that Jason was a jerk.

The Universe just loves proving me wrong.

I walked off of Percy's cabin's porch, intent on making things a little more stable in my relationships with others. Specifically Jason.

My duffel bag was slung over my shoulder and I was trying to ignore the "Goode High School Swim Team: Captain" logo on the side of it. I couldn't be distracted during my mission.

My mission, you ask?

Apologize to Jason earnestly.

I had the feeling it was going to be harder than finding Zeus's master bolt.

I strutted over to Zeus's cabin with my chin up. I knew the straggler-campers were watching. Hell, it would probably be their last show until I come back. I didn't blame them for watching.

However, this was private. I had my pride to watch out for, thank you very much. I had already showed my weakness too much those past three weeks.

The door was a purple color-the color of royalty-with a bright yellow lightening bolt on it. I walked up the step feeling like a trespasser.

Before, when Thalia stayed at camp with me and she lived here, I was very familiar with this cabin. I would go in all the time. It was Thalia-and-Annabeth time. We could be alone, be best friends. Have talks I wished I could have like normal girls. We'd giggle about funny jokes or, occasionally, Percy's antics. I even spent the night in that cabin once. Zeus like-er, tolerated me, so I wasn't blasted to bits.

Anyone else, per se, Percy, would be charred on the spot.

Jason's very presence near this camp made me feel foreign to the Number One cabin.

I set down my duffel bag, glancing at the spot Piper lay this morning, writhing in pain. I wiped the sweat from my brow and took a deep breath.

Before I could knock, the door swung open, revealing a red-eyed Jason. He looked hurt, tired and torn. His face turned hard and he stood up a little straighter when he saw me.

"Coming to humiliate me more before you leave, Niece?" He asked. He blocked my view into the cabin. I couldn't look him directly in the eye. I didn't deserve to. I hurt Jason more than I knew.

"Jason? Is someone at the door?" I heard Thalia call from inside. Her voice sounded controlled, the way it did after she knew I wouldn't listen. Not that I would know...

"Yeah." He said, looking intently at me. I looked down, admittedly ashamed at my actions towards this troubled fifteen year old. Thalia walked up behind her brother and saw me. She smiled a little and tried to budge past Jason, but he wouldn't move. He frowned at me.

"What do you want?" Jason snapped. Thalia scowled at the side of Jason's head.

"Jason," she started to scold. I interrupted her.

"He has every right. Thalia, if you don't mind, I'd like to speak with Jason," I said, my voice hard and cold, and cracking when I said her name. Momentarily, she looked hurt, then she remembered who she was and crossed her arms over her chest.

It was strange, seeing Thalia still in a fifteen year old body, even though she was supposed to have turned twenty-one on the twenty-second, the day of Percy's first message. It ached my heart a lot seeing her so young and glowing with that silver tiara on her head. It contrasted with her dark hair beautifully. She was forever young.

And I was growing older every second, wasting my time being angry at a boy who didn't deserve it.

"Oh, I don't mind," she informed me, her eyebrows rising a little. She was behind her brother, peering over his shoulder. He moved so I couldn't see her and she 'hurumphed'.

"Th-Thalia," I stuttered because I looked at Jason's red eyes and messed up hair. "Please, let me speak with your brother." I begged. She managed to look over Jason's muscled arm and lock eyes with me.

I don't know what my eyes said, but the daughter of Zeus nodded and pushed Jason out of her way. She stopped in front of me.

"I will never understand you, Annabeth." She said gently, touching my cheek with her fingertips. Through that touch, I felt all of the power she was capable of as the daughter of Zeus and Artemis's lieutenant. It was almost worth going mad over.

Her words stung a little, and I think my face showed that.

"Thalia..." My throat closed. She had been through so much.

"I will see you before we depart, Little Sister," she whispered and loped over towards the archery range.

That left me and Jason. Awkward...

(Flashbaaaaaack. Oh stop, you love them!)

I didn't know awkward until I talked on the phone with my father on my sixteenth birthday.

"Hello?" He answered the phone on the first ring.

"Hey, dad," I said.

"Oh! Um, hello, Sweetie. Happy birthday!" He said, sounding very uncomfortable. What in the name of Hades did they think was going to happen tonight?

"Thanks...So, whatcha doing?" I asked.

"Oh, you know, testing the air pressure on my tires. The usual." Lie. A lie and a half right there. My father NEVER fussed over his car.

"That's...interesting. So, get me any presents?" I joked.

"I'm allowing you stay at the Blofis's, aren't I?" He half-snapped.

"Yeah, you are," I mumbled. "Percy's taking me out to dinner." I blurted. I mentally cursed my self. I doubt that was the first thing he wanted to hear.

"...That's nice for you, Annabeth," My dad muttered. "I hear the Blowfises are going to New Jersey tonight, too, leaving you and Perseus alone. All night." He almost shouted.

Oh, now he cared.

"Dad, I don't know why you and Mrs B are so worked up. My mother is Athena. Percy knows her plan if he tries anything. Dad, think about it, you know Percy." I snapped.

GEEZ.

"Oh, that's a good point, Annabeth-YEAH?" He yelled to someone in California. "I'M TALKING TO ANNABETH! YEAH, I'LL TELL HER. WHAT? ALREADY? OH MY GODS! BE THERE SOON, HON!"

"DAD?" I yelled. I looked around me, thankful no one can hear my embarrassing conversation. I heard the shower running. Whew.

"Hey, honey, sorry about that. You step-mother and the twins say happy birthday and they miss you. Anyway, I just want you to know, be safe. Use protec-"

"Dad. No. Don't start!" I cut him off.

"You should really be safe, if you're going to do anything. I don't want you to be sixteen and pregnant. You know they have a show about that? I don't want that to happen to you. I mean, maybe you're right. Perseus is a nice boy. Saved the world and all. But if you start having se-"

"DAD! STOP!" I shouted.

"I'm just saying..." he mumbled. I sighed out of frustration.

"Well, don't."

"Use protection," he said really fast I couldn't even think. "I can put you on the pill, you know. Safer that way."

I was dumbfounded.

"I-I don't want to be on the pill, Dad. I'm not having sex with Percy." I managed to growl. He snorted.

"I've seen the kid. Soon, your hormones will-"

"Stop, right now. Just stop. I'm not having sex with him. Or anything close to that. We kiss, so what?"

"If you don't want to be on the pill at least tell him to go to CVS and get some co-"

"STOP! Stop, stop, stop." I begged. "I'm...I'm still a virgin, Dad. My gods..." I shook my head. What did the world come to that I had to tell my dad that?

"You better be." He snapped. I rolled my eyes.

"I have to go." I lied. No one was here except for Sally, but she was busy. Percy and Paul left a half hour earlier and I had no clue when they would be back. I noticed Thalia's package on the table and was curious.

"Oh. Okay, Hon," he said, clearly disappointed. I felt bad, yeah, but this was so awkward. I barely spoke with my father. He was either too busy at the University or my step-mother was taking up all his time. Plus, he hadn't exactly been there for me as a child.

"Bye."

"Be safe. Use protection," Click.

With that little bit of advice, my father hung up.

I huffed and slammed the phone on the table. It was cordless, so it could go anywhere, but everyone kept it in the kitchen. I grabbed Thalia's package and marched towards Percy's room.

Sally's head was peering out of the bathroom, her hair wet. She looked at me and started a little.

"OH! Annabeth, its just you." She said and stepped out of the bathroom, wrapped in a green, fluffy towel. She ran to her bedroom and shut the door. I opened Perce's door and tossed the package toward my stuff. I walked back into the living room and sprawled on the couch. Too much stuff was happening that day for me to care about eloquence.

Below, on the street, I heard the beeping sound of Paul's car locking. A few seconds later, I heard angry whispers and someone fumbling with the lock on the door. I panicked and sat up-right.

My boyfriend stumbled into the living room, with a very pale Paul behind him.

(End fashbaaaaaackkk)

"Hey," I said lamely to Jason, who was still guarding his cabin, probably the only place he could escape my wrath.

"Hello."

"Can I come in?" I asked, looking up at him, hoping to Zeus my eyes were apologetic.

"Sure," he answered curtly, holding the door open. I walked in slowly, leaving my duffel bag on the porch. Jason must've thought I did that on accident and picked it up for me.

He plopped it down in the center of the room, next to me. He walked over to a bed I presumed was his and sat down, looking at the bag.

"Goode High School, huh?" He asked softly. I shifted my weight. "Is that your school?" He looked up at me, studying my face.

He was making small talk? I had just humiliated him that very morning and he wasn't angry anymore? Was he really trying to be kind to a 'bitch'?

Oh, gods, why was I so cruel to him? He was probably scared I would blow up.

"Um, no," I shook my head. His eyebrows furrowed together so I figured I should reiterate. "That's Percy's school. His step-father is the principal." My throat tightened. The cabin was cold, like Zeus's eyes were the day of the Titan War.

I noticed pictures of the campers next to Thalia's bed. She left her family all the time. She said goodbye like it was nothing, and here I was, stressing over Jason's presence. Jason, someone she never had the chance of saying goodbye to.

"Heh," Jason chuckled pointing stupidly at the duffel bag. "Swim team captain, huh? That's funny. Unfair to the other guys, but funny. Do you think they have a air-hovering club?"

I laughed awkwardly, grateful for his stupid joke.

"Percy was just doing laps one day before school and the coach saw him and recruited him. I don't think he wanted to join." I told him.

"Then couldn't he have said no?" Jason asked. It was pretty obvious Jason wasn't familiar with schools, being raised by a wolf -literally- all his life. I wondered if he ever went to school.

"Meh," I shrugged. "He didn't really have a choice. The coach told Mr. Blofis it would help Percy's 'miserable grades' improve." I said. Jason's eyes twinkled and for a second I saw him as someone Percy would befriend. Percy would have made Jason feel welcome, comfortable.

Percy is the friendly one in our relationship, that much was obvious.

"Were his grades bad?" Jason asked.

"Horrible. They will always be, I'm afraid, except for Phys. Ed. He always aced that. But I'm sure everyone but Aphrodite's children aced that," I laughed.

"So swim captain he was?" Jason asked uncomfortably. I figured he'd never known the school experience.

"Yeah, I'd go to his swim meets and cheer him on," I said, walking over to sit on Thalia's bed. Jason turned so he could see me. "I was also there to remind him to go easy on the other guys. Not everyone is a child of Poseidon."

He laughed, "So far, I think he's the only one."

"For now. You never know with Poseidon." I laughed with him.

I looked at him and his redness was disappearing from his eyes. He accepted me in here so easily, I was a little wary.

"Can I ask you something?" He blurted out. He looked like he was regretting asking that, but it was too late.

"Yeah, shoot." I said, glad we were leaning away from the Percy topic.

Oh, Universe, you and your little smartass hate for me.

"Why do you...is Percy...how are you and Percy so close? I mean, like, you're almost connected." He blushed. Oh, was this relationship advice? Or was it a diversion from my usually bitchy self?

I ignored my interrogative side.

"Well, for starters, I love him," I said, lying back and closing my eyes.

"Yeah, I know that, but, like you just don't wake up one day and realize you're in love, right? Doesn't it build up?" He asked each question slowly, and it looked like it pained him to ask. He kept rubbing little circles on his left pectoral muscle. Ah, it was heartache.

I didn't quite realize that he might, perhaps, love someone. I always thought he wanted arm decor or something. I thought he was low, shallow and cruel to girls. I mean, Piper was almost blasted earlier that morning.

"How much did Thalia tell you about me?" I asked. I was leaning on my elbows, my eyes open and staring intently at him since he asked.

"Uh," he shifted uncomfortably. "She, ah, told me some of your...struggles." He looked away.

Struggles?

"Yeah," he said softly. "Struggles."

Oh, I must've said that aloud.

"Like what exactly?" I asked, truly curious. He looked at me and he looked sympathetic.

"Like you ran away when you were seven, alone, until Thalia and...Luke helped you. Then she turned into a tree and the next thing she knew, you were all 'googly-eyed' over a certain 'dumb-ass fishboy'. She said you were fourteen when she became human again. She said Luke's actions affected you. She told me a lot about you. I try not to judge people I don't know." He said, waiting for my reaction.

I leaned back and closed my eyes again. He knew. He knew. He knew.

Who the hell in this world didn't know how dedicated I was to my family? To my delusional, unreal...no, it wasn't delusional or unreal.

It was Luke's family, that he created.

"I don't like the way you say Luke's name," I decided. He snorted softly.

"I don't like the way you just evaded my question," he retorted.

Being with Jason, my once-sworn enemy, made me realize how pathetic and un-Annabeth-like I'd been acting those weeks. I felt horrible in Zeus's cabin that instant.

I never evaded questions. Well, maybe with Percy, but that was because he was so direct, yet so oblivious, I liked it too much to make him feel on my level. Which of course, I knew he could never reach. Too much kelp stuck in his brain.

"Yeah, but I like it. It was a pretty smooth move, right?" I asked.

He laughed. "Um, no. Now answer." He demanded playfully.

A little thought popped into my head.

Oh, so now you're friends with him, Annabeth? Did you telepathically forgive him for being an ass?

Shit. My effing thoughts were right. Jason might me nice now, and willing to put everything behind us, but was I? After all, he was an ass for the longest time.

I mean, who lets his girl get hurt just because he can't help but think about her? And he always undermined my authority. He thought we weren't good fighters because we wanted to hang out instead of do drills.

And sometimes, he acted like our camp was a joke.

Anger swelled into my chest and I thought, screw his question. We aren't friends.

But then I thought about Silena. She gave Clarisse the best advice, and Clarisse passed it on to me. Silena loved us all even the annoying ones in camp. She was our favorite girl to talk to. She was so easy-going, so lovable. She was forgiving. She was caring. She didn't care who your parent was. You were equal to her. Even when you clearly weren't.

She forgave everyone in the end but herself. She even forgave Luke. Luke, the liar who tricked her. Luke, the one who basically killed Charles Beckendorf, Silena's first and true love.

Sure, I was still pissed at Jason. Why should I forgive him? It sure was easier being angry at him. He gave me so many reasons to. Everyone knew I didn't appreciate his comments...or presence.

I thought at that moment, in Cabin Number One, that maybe, just maybe, I should just leave. Forget we were ever nice to each other. Civil to each other. I mean, why shouldn't I act like the barbaric Romans and hold a grudge?

What hurts the most about all of this, something I don't like to think about, is that Jason told me Percy would be lucky if he survives the Roman tests.

And that he might find romance with a Roman girl. After all, he said some of them know how to trick boys.

And I believed him.

What else was I supposed to do? Not give up Hope? At the time Hope was being kept by Clarisse, waiting for me to grab her and not let go.

My fingers were slipping, and I blamed Jason.

That was the real reason I didn't like Jason. He made me doubt. Doubt my faith in my fellow campers. Doubt my intelligence. Doubt Chiron.

Doubt my position in camp.

Doubt Perseus Jackson, the Hero of Olympus.

And that, that was something that will never leave my head, my heart, my soul.

How could I forgive someone who did that to me? How could I just forget that?

Hasn't the universe hurt me enough already, dammit?

Chiron made me think about Jason's point of view, but I doubt he thought in mine. I take that back, I'm sure he did, but he must've thought it invaluable. Chiron made me feel bad, just like Thalia.

I guess Thalia just doesn't understand love the way I do.

Love is strong. Fragile, but strong. It is forever. It doesn't die, ever. You feel it when you're in love. Love is patient, kind.

Love is cuddling up in front your family near a campfire and knowing things are right. Its knowing someone is there for you, and you are there for them. Love makes you realize all you've been holding inside. Love treats you kindly. Love treats you harshly.

Love is understanding. Like Percy was when I didn't want to do anything too soon. Love is natural, and it always will be. Love cannot be faked. Love is eternal. Love accumulates, always, you can never love someone too much. Love is intelligent.

Love is what Percy and I have.

Hate is strong. Strong and cold. Hate is ever-lasting. Hate is abused, over-used. Hate builds. Hate treats you harshly. It never treats you tenderly. Hate it misguided.

Hate is there, all the time. You can see it anywhere, like Kronos's hate for his children, for the world. Hate can taint love, but never destroy it. If the love is true. Hate can do so much. Hate can cause pain. Hate feeds off of bad auras, bad feelings. Hate is unwise.

Hate is what I had for Jason for three weeks.

Reasons? Reasons are different from Love and Hate. Reasons are justifications. A reason can be neutral, uninvolved in Love or Hate.

Reasons for my love and hate?

Oh, I had plenty.

"Annabeth?" Jason broke me out of my reverie. The anger in my chest multiplied hearing his innocent voice. I stared at him, and he cringed. Say goodbye to playful Annabeth, Jason Grace.

"Why?" I demanded.

"Why what?" He asked confused.

"Why have you been so mean to me since Day One?" I reiterated. I don't like reiterating.

"Um," he gulped, uncomfortable with my change-of-emotions. "Well, at first, I didn't understand your frustration. Then I did. You love Percy. It made me jealous. I knew Reyna wouldn't be acting the same way. So I took my anger out on you, I guess. It was my way of telling you to stop. Just stop. I wished you were Reyna. I wished I could hug her, comfort her. If she was acting like you were. But I know she wasn't. It made me angry. Then, well, I thought you were taking my job.

"I am supposed to be leading Camp Half-Blood into the Legion Camp. But then I realized, you and Percy are like, the parents of the camp, so to speak. The father was gone, so the mother took over. Camp Half-Blood acts like that is the most natural thing in the world. But, for me, its not. The Romans are led by men. By me. I...I wanted to show you that. I'm Hera's hero." He looked away, ashamed.

I gaped. "That was so sexist, it makes me angry," I mustered.

"Heh, Thalia told me you loathe sexists. Anyway, I just wanted to say-" he was standing up, walking towards me when I cut him off.

"So you were jealous of my position? Of the Greeks? Is that your justification?" I snapped. He stopped in his tracks with a hurt look on his face.

"No. Truth is," he took a deep breath. Tears stung my eyes. "I will never have a reason for everything I did. Never. And I wish I did. My actions were cruel and they affected so many people here. Piper. Leo. You.

"I wish we could forget this all. I want to be your friend, your confidant. I want you to trust me with your family. But I also know that its gonna be hard for you to do that." He took two strides and reached his hand out. I wasn't sure why I grabbed it, but I did. My vision was blurred. He pulled me into an embrace.

Wait, weren't the Romans, like, barbaric?

Jason's arms were wrapped around my waist and mine were around his shoulders.

I kept thinking as his breath was bouncing off of my hair, Silena did it. She did it. She did it. Be like Silena.

Hubris is a deadly thing. I shouldn't let it rule my life, my camp. I needed to put the past behind me, behind us. Jason was here to stay for a while. Percy was gone. I needed to accept that.

I felt my necklace against Jason's shoulder. Nine beads. Nine beads. Nine beads.

I needed to forgive Jason for the sake of my family. You might not understand it, and be indignant about my actions, but I guess you're gonna have to deal with it.

Loved ones came first, not me.

Silena Beauregard perfected this in the end.

"Silena," I whimpered. Jason tensed a little bit.

"What?" He asked. He looked down at me, his eyes sympathetic and sad.

I wondered if he was doing this for his family or because he was genuinely sorry. I knew my reasons. And maybe, one day, I'll be genuinely sorry.

"Silena Beauregard." I muttered. Surely he's heard the story, minus the traitor part. Unless Thalia wanted to be attacked by Percy and Clarisse.

"Oh." He nodded. "Thalia told me she loved this camp with her life."

More tears fell into Jason's orange shirt. I ignored the feeling that he shouldn't be wearing orange.

"I'm sorry, Jason," I blubbered, pulling away from his hug. His hands were lightly gripping my hips. I cried harder, remembering Percy's gentle touch.

Okay, maybe you're thinking, 'she shouldn't have apologized to him. He doesn't deserve it.'

So, then I ask, what does he deserve? And indignant Annabeth, unwilling to listen to him, even though I expect him to lead us to the Romans? Act nice, but not apologize? Uh huh. No. I am a daughter of Athena, and such actions will not be tolerated.

So, I apologized. Partly for Percy, and mostly because I knew deep down Jason and I should be great friends. He was Thalia's brother, and she seemed to like him. I know Percy likes him.

"Annabeth..." He started, shaking his head slightly. I locked eyes with him.

"No- Jason- I-" I couldn't go on.

I was frozen with words I couldn't verbalize.

Jason's eyes flashed a memory and I knew it was a memory because he muttered, "I remember..."

"What? What do you remember?" I whispered. His hands tightened on my hips. The next thing I knew, I was in another embrace.

"I forgive you." He whispered in my ear. His tears soaked my cheek and I out my hand on the back of his hand. We were the same height-at least, we were a week ago. He was a little taller now.

He sobbed into my shoulder like Percy did after the war and we needed to give something for a time capsule. We chose special items that belonged to the fallen. It was a very touching, raw moment for everyone. Not one person had a dry face.

My heart ached for my dead family members. I knew they are in Elysium. Nico made sure of that. Yet, I wished they were here, with everyone.

"Shh, tell me what you remembered," I said softly. This was Thalia's brother, long lost and now found. He'd been through so much this past month. I was a bitch to a boy I didn't care to know. And now look, he was sobbing into my shoulder for gods-know-what.

"I-" he choked up. "I remember Reyna. Well, a moment, really."

"Go on," I encouraged him. He buried his face more into my shoulder and I felt uncomfortable.

Did Percy do this with a girl when he remembered something?

My throat tightened up, and I wanted to push Jason away, for the sake of my boyfriend. Perhaps, by pushing Jason away, Percy won't be attracted to another girl.

But that would be like how Jason treated me.

"She...she was about to die on Mt. Tam I...I couldn't do anything. I mean, yes, I could, but I was too much of a coward. She was screaming at me to go on without her. I-I couldn't. I felt sick just thinking about it. Her dark hair was soaked with blood. She has blue eyes. They were so angry that day. I ignored her, and helped her up. By doing that, I jeopardized my whole camp. I wasn't thinking. My campers fell to the ground, wounded. I-I-Why did I do that?" He sobbed.

Sounds like a certain boy I love.

"Jason, don't worry, she'll be there when you return. She's probably waiting." I whispered.

"No," he muttered. "She thinks I did the most stupidest thing ever that day. She's a daughter of Mars. Or Ares. Whatever. I hurt her pride that day, just so I could feel better. I wanted her to be safe. She didn't understand that. And I-I was too much of a coward to tell her why I wanted her safe. I lost my chance...we both know that." He sounded angry.

I was confused. Did he like Reyna or Piper? Or both?

My vote was for Piper. She is a good girl. She was lovable, forgiving...and so much like Silena.

"The memory hurts," Jason whimpered into my hair. I kept patting his head.

"Don't let Hera get to you, Jason." I told him fiercely. "Don't let her control you so much. She's doing this on purpose. She doesn't want you to be distracted, misled."

"I-I cannot think so crossly about my patron." Jason told me after a few minutes. Damn that Hera.

"Then don't," I snapped. "Do you remember anything else about her?" I asked, hopeful.

"I'm sorry, Annabeth. For everything. I was so angry, and it was wrong. I'm sorry if I hurt you." Jason said, ignoring my question.

"Its...its okay, Jason. I understand that it must be frustrating. I'm sure Percy is probably freaking out." I laughed lightly. He relaxed a little bit in my arms

"To answer your question, I remember enough about Reyna to know she is a lot like you. Only deadlier. And less smart. But she is fierce like you and determined." Jason said after a few moments.

That didn't make me feel so good. Is that why Jason was attached to me like a leech? Is Percy like that to Reyna?

"I hope that's not why you're so nice to me right now," I chuckled. We had been hugging for a long time. Jason's snickers tickled my ear.

"Its not. I'm so nice right now, because, well, I have to be. For the sake of the camps..." he trailed off. Oh. That's why. Not very comforting, Grace.

"And because you're a good person, Annabeth," he said, tightening his arms around my waist. This was wrong. I shouldn't be in Jason's arms. What would Percy say? I tensed at the thought.

"Thanks," I said dryly. I cleared my throat and was about to pull away when I heard someone's voice.

Someone I've been waiting to hear since our last talk three days earlier.

"What the hell?" Percy Jackson snapped. Jason tensed quickly and I pushed Jason off me. To say I was panicking would be an understatement.

He was IM'ing either Jason or me. It wasn't collect, so we wouldn't have to pay. I guess Percy came across some drachmas.

You see, its collect if the person who you want to call pays for it, whether they like it or not, so the person you want to call has to approve the message. If you're paying for it, the person doesn't have the option to accept it. The message just appears.

Most of our friends (minus Grover and Nico-curse them) call us collect. And its not because Percy and I have more drachmas than them. Our friends know better. Percy and I could be...busy.

Percy must have found drachmas, because he wasn't calling collect for once.

Percy's expression read: anger, confusion and jealousy.

Yeah, I'd be jealous too.

Percy's face was clear of any blemishes. It always was. His hair was messy, as usual. He was wearing a purple shirt that I wanted to tear from his body. No, not from lust, from jealousy. He should be wearing orange. He should have been the one I was comforting.

His jaw was clenched and his fists balled. He was in a cave again. Riptide was hanging out if his pocket in pen-form. He was looking very hard at Jason.

"Percy..."I breathed. I wanted to hug him so badly. I wanted his arms around me. I wanted him here, at camp, with our family.

His face softened when he looked at me. "You've been crying. What's wrong?" He asked, his eyes showing true worry. His stare darted to Jason, who was five feet away from me, rubbing the back of his neck.

"What'd you do, Grace?" Percy snarled.

Percy's jealousy made me both happy and sad. Happy because it meant he had feelings for me-or, rather, remembered he did. It made me sad because he shouldn't have to feel jealous. He shouldn't have to feel anything he'd been feeling at the time. Stupid Hera. Always messing with my business...

"He did nothing, Percy," I said, interrupting Percy's glare towards a blushing Jason.

"You look like you've been crying, Annabeth," Percy whispered.

"I have been," I admitted, wanting so badly to hold him. "I was upset."

"Why?" He asked, eyebrows pushed together.

I chuckled. Good ol' Seaweed Brain. "Because I knew I was acting horrid to Jason these last three weeks."

"Why?" He asked again.

"Because I thought it'd make me feel better," I whispered, sneaking a glance at Jason, who was staring wide-eyed at me.

"Make you feel better? About what?" Percy asked, confused as ever. Go figure.

I didn't want to tell him at first, but then, I wondered again if a girl was throwing herself at Percy. I was filled with courage and fearlessness.

I plunged into the deep end, per se.

"Because I wanted you here. Not him." I said. I thought Percy would look even more confused but he grinned. My breathing hitched at his smile.

"That's awesome," he laughed, his eyes shining. Jason's shoulders slumped a little bit.

Percy was able to talk to me, but Jason wasn't allowed to talk to Reyna. That had to suck.

"Yeah," I said, managing not to tear up. I was handling the situation much better.

"Jason," Percy looked towards the brown haired boy, trying not to scowl. "Okay, first off, don't touch Annabeth. Not that I don't trust you...oh, Hades, don't touch her." He growled. I was ecstatic.

Jealousy had never looked so beautiful before.

Jason nodded. He understood.

Why was I so mean to this boy that just wanted to be accepted again? Oh right. PMS. Just kidding.

"'Cause, dude, that's simply not your job. Malcolm can do it; he's her bro. Nico can do it. He's like, twelve," Percy scoffed. He was even hot when he scoffed.

"Thirteen," I corrected him.

"Eh, whatever." He waved my statement off. Good ol' Percy. "There are only few people I permit to touch her. Why? I'm still figuring that out."

BANG. Pain in my chest again. He didn't remember much. I hoped too hard.

Then again, he was trying.

"For instance," he continued, "Malcolm, Chiron, Grover, Nico and...I guess Tyson. Wait." He put up his hand like Apollo does when he 'feelin' a haiku comin' on'. "Not Tyson. He'll, like, attack her hair. So I guess I choose Travis. He has Katie, right? Yeah. He's allowed."

I thought he'd end his over-protectiveness (it was adorable, but still) after that, but noo.

The universe has it out for me.

So I guessed that he'd been waiting to lay down the laws. Apparently, I couldn't do that myself. I didn't argue.

"People who are not allowed: frankly, you, Will Solace - that kids hands are too fast for my liking - and Leo. I don't know Leo, but from what Thalia told me a few days ago, I think no, he can't touch Annabeth. Oh, and Connor is only permitted to if she allows him to. I remember him completely. And Travis. They're nuts, but good people. Connor just jokes around with her to piss me off." His face relaxed, happy about his accomplishment: grounding me from people.

Eh, whatever.

"And secondly, did you just remember something, like, twenty minutes ago?" He asked, glancing at me. I flashed him a smile and he visibly relaxed.

Good, good.

"Um, yeah, that's sort of why Annabeth and I were hugg-"

Cue Apollo's hand gesture from Percy. "Don't wanna hear it. Obey the rules, or when I see you, I''ll have to jam them into your head," Percy snapped, half serious. Jason chuckled nervously.

"Well, anyway, yeah, I did. It was about Reyna, why?" Jason looked skeptical.

"Well, since Hera has favored you in this situation," Percy snapped. Oh, he was moody. Totally unlike him. "I thought if she gave me a good memory, she must have given you one too. But when you get one, usually I don't for a few days...so yeah. what was yours about?"

Jason quickly explained his memory. Percy's face darkened.

"I remembered Annabeth taking a blow for me." Percy said, his voice strained. He looked at me. There was so much love, need, passion, yet confusion in that look.

It is irrevocable how much I wanted him with me.

"I-Percy," I sighed, thinking it would take away some of the pain. It didn't.

"No. I shouldn't have let you do that. You could have- you coulda-" he choked up and looked away. I was glad he didn't cry like Jason did. Who would comfort him? No one I could trust, that's for sure. I wondered if Reyna would think the same thing if she knew.

"But I didn't." I smiled at him and he grinned a little, wiping his sea green eyes.

"Thank the gods." He chuckled.

"Yeah, thank eleven of them," I said dryly. He gave me a confused look then nodded.

"Hera?" Jason guessed.

"Yeah." I said distastefully, making Percy laugh.

"Hey, she's my patron, you know," Jason said slowly. "I wouldn't be laughing, Percy Jackson."

Percy gave him a are you kidding? look. He wiped his smile away as soon as he realized he wasn't joking.

"Percy, I'm going back to the City today," I blurted. Percy looked hurt.

"Oh." He looked down, studying his dirty Reeboks."You live with my parents, right?" He mumbled.

"Well, I have a dorm at my school down the road from your apartment, so I stay at your place on the weekends..." I trailed off, hoping he'd finish for me.

He didn't. He didn't remember it all. Just little teasers Hera used.

"Annabeth, we were extremely close, weren't we?" He asked after a few minutes.

Were. Past tense. That stung, badly.

"Not only are we dating, we're best friends, right?" I asked. He sighed, relieved.

"I thought that maybe you didn't want to be. I mean, you'd have to wait for me to remember and I'll be away..." He grinned, not finishing.

Joy rapture! He still wanted to be best friends! And more! I could have squealed from joy!

"Percy, we've been long-distant best friends for most of our friendship! We used to pull all-nighters, taking on the phone at least once a month." I told him, blushing. "We argue a lot. Nothing big. Stupid stuff, really," I laughed, remembering some of our stupid memories.

"Yeah," he chuckled, rubbing the back of his head. He was blushing. "I remember once, last September, we were bickering...and uh-"

"AH!" Jason covered his ears. "DON'T WANT TO KNOW! THALIA TOLD ME SHE WOULD MURDER ME IF I EVER HAD TO SUFFER SEEING-slash-HEARING YOU TWO'S 'STUPID TEENAGER MOMENTS'." He yelled.

We burst out laughing. Percy's blush was replaced by his confident look I used to hate and now love.

"That's Thalia for ya'!" He howled with laughter. Oh, he remembered her.

Our laughter was cut short when a someone knocked on the door.

Piper's head peeked in and, seeing Percy, smiled.

"Hey, Percy?" She walked over next to me. He studied her. She looked him up and down. Anyone else checking out my boyfriend would be in a headlock, but this was Piper.

"I don't know you," Percy decided. Piper's twinkling laugh echoed off the wall. She was naturally beautiful, so I understood why Jason was almost drooling. I shot him a look to stop and he collected himself.

"I know you," Piper teased. Percy scowled.

"How?"

"Annabeth won't shut up about you. 'Percy is amazing. Percy survived Thalia's fury so far. Connor, Percy WILL kick your ass when he comes back if you touch me one more time. Or I will.'" Piper mocked, sounding surprisingly like me.

"Hey!" I poked her arm. Percy and my face were red. "I didn't say those things, Piper!"

"Meh," she shrugged. "They were implied. Plus, infamous Percy Jackson, everyone here talks about you. New kids come everyday and the first thing they here is, "Oh, our leader is missing. It's all good though, he'll come back. He's awesome. Saved the world last summer with all of the kids who look all tough and mysterious. He has this pen- only its not a pen- that's a sword. Amazing, right? ALL the girls think he's cute. Except Clarisse. She wants to gut him. Blah blah blah". Piper laughed, sounding surprisingly like Will Solace.

"Sounds like Will," Percy notified. I giggled at his idiocy. Ah, then my heart ached a little more. I missed his oblivion state he was always in.

Piper gave a naturally beautiful smile. She had cleared the air. I liked her even better for that.

"So," she said, making the 'o' drag on, "I sense some tension going on in this cabin."

Jason blushed profusely. "Percy messaged us as soon as I was giving Annabeth a friendly hug. 'Cause we're friends now," he grinned at Piper, his eyes saying so much about his feelings for her.

She flinched, like what he said physically hurt her. I felt bad, but then I realized she wouldn't want me to. Jason has a duty.

Percy growled, "Yeah. Well, I just wanted to make sure myself Annabeth was okay. I mean, its not everyday you remember a beautiful, smart girl saving your life. What can I say?"

I blushed, I'm sure. I looked away, hiding my rosy cheeks. Piper giggled.

"Oh, Percy, you are a flirt. Ha, according to Clarisse, it takes all of her will-power not to whack you when you talk to Annabeth at the camp-fires." She laughed her twinkling laugh. Jason blushed.

Percy shrugged. "I remember Clarisse perfectly. Her father's symbol's a boar, right?" He chuckled, looking at the cave's roof, giving me a perfect view of his eyes.

I could have melted.

ANNABETH! I screamed at myself internally, Girl, you are a daughter of ATHENA. Do not oogle over Percy so pathetically.

In a sense, it was true. I had been completely creepily-obsessed over Percy those three weeks.

I guess I just yearned him.

"Oh. That's cool." Piper said off-handedly, sneaking a glance at Jason. Percy noticed this and caught my eye. He wagged his eyebrows and grinned a stupid grin, causing me to laugh.

I saw Piper glare at me from the corner of my eye, so I covered my mouth with my hand. Percy howled with laughter, which eventually made us all laugh.

"Annabeth..." he said softly after a few minutes of catching our breath.

I looked up at him.

"Can I talk to you privately?" He asked, his eyes darting to Jason and Piper. My heart skipped.

Piper nodded knowingly. "Well, I'm gonna head out. Just wanted to let you know, Annabeth, Mrs Blowfis told Chiron she will be here in about a half hour. So, yeaah. Jason, you comin'?" She turned towards him, not really locking eyes with him. He looked so torn.

"My mom?" Percy asked, confused, looking around at all of us. Piper quickly explained. Percy nodded and grinned.

"Sounds like something my mother would do." He smiled, his eyes distant, yet filled with love. Piper and Jason were making their way towards the door. Jason tried to open the door for her, but he fumbled with the knob. Piper just scowled at the door knob when Jason cursed it to Tarturus.

"You get your own room, Seaweed Brain," I stuck my tongue out at him. He seemed to smile brighter.

"Seaweed Brain..." He mused. Then he said, "Oh, please, Annabeth, if my limited amount of memory serves me correctly..." he grinned. Piper gave me a look like, oh man. This is again? How many effing stories about you two can people tell? I don't blame her. Every time a new kid asks about Percy, somehow a story -an embarrassing on, always - comes up about us.

"You'll spend more time in my room than you will in yours and Piper's." He winked, or was it a twitch? I don't know. I was too busy blushing and stuttering.

Jason groaned, "EW? Seriously, I must hear at least two embarrassing stories about you and Annabeth every day. I mean, who else is going to listen to Thalia's constant complaining about you two? Don't get me wrong, she is beyond happy for you two, but please, not more PDA." He finished blushing and Piper made a face. Maybe the Mist is playing with her memory of those two again.

"Ugh. As long as its not in my room, I'm good," Piper mumbled, shepherding Jason out of the cabin. She poked her head back in. "Meet us in the pavilion soon, 'kay?" she asked me. I nodded. She looked at Percy. "Nice meeting you, Son of Poseidon. I hope all goes well at the Roman camp. Don't worry. You'll hear from Annabeth again soon." With that mysterious note ringing in the air, she left, shutting the door firmly behind her.

I was left in Zeus's cabin alone with an IM from my boyfriend.

"She seems nice, Annabeth." Percy mentioned.

"Yeah, she reminds me a lot of Silena." I told him, my eyes stinging from the amounts of tears I've cried for my fallen friend.

Percy looked away, his eyes telling me the memory hurt. But it also must have been fresh. Like a slap in the face when Hera returned that memory.

"I remember her. And Beckendorf. They aren't replaced are they?" he asked after a few moments. I gave him a smile - the sweetest I could - and his face softened a little.

"Piper reminds us all of Silena and Leo of Beckendorf," I told him. His face fell. I knew he felt guilty about Beckendorf's death, but I thought he was over it a little. Hera returned the memory, and Percy probably felt his death all over again. I hated Hera more for that.

"But, Percy, they will never be replaced. Ever." I promised him. We locked eyes and I heard his gasp. He held his head and started cringing. I wanted to hold him so badly.

"Percy?" I said shakily. What in the name of Hades was going on?

He held up his hand Apollo-style and I waited as patiently as I could. I have ADHD, so don't expect me not to tap my foot, 'cause that's what I did.

What seemed like years, but was actually one minute, Percy looked up at me, his cheeks red with embarrassment.

"I just remembered, Wise Girl," he whispered. My heart skipped a beat. "I just remembered your birthday." He said, sounding very accomplished.

My birthday? Oh, that day. I like that day.

(Flashback. You were waiting, weren't ya? ;* It took me days to write this. review! )

Perhaps telling you Percy and I hadn't really had sex, was a little lie. I mean, sure, I still had my V-card and so did he, but we almost lost them.

So I'm sure you can understand my dilemma when I heard that Percy remembered that.

Percy practically ran into his bed room after he stumbled into the living room. Paul chuckled, but wouldn't look at me. I didn't care. I didn't want to have a silent conversation with him anyway at that moment.

Instead, on his way towards his bedroom, he chuckled, "I think I scared him."

Gee, thanks.

"You're welcome!" He called. Oh, snap, I said that out loud.

I heard Percy slamming things around in his bedroom. I heard a thump following by a grunt. Then I heard a drawer slam shut and a plastic bag being stuffed into a plastic ball.

Plastic bag?

I heard Percy's squeaky closet door slam shut and him grunting again. Under normal circumstances, I would have laughed at his Seaweed Brain-like actions. Too bad these weren't normal circumstances.

After fifteen minutes of hearing him grumble and grunt out of frustration in his room, Sally came out dressed followed by Paul.

"Well, almost time to go." Paul looked at his watch. "You might want to shower. You're going out to dinner tonight, right?"

"Yeah...?" I said sassily. He worked at a school filled with PMS-ing girls, so he blew my attitude out the window.

"Then you don't want to smell, right?" His eyes glinted with amusement. As a daughter of Athena, I wasn't going to let him be amused.

"Are you saying I smell bad, Pablo?" I snapped. He looked like a deer caught in headlights. Percy called him Pablo to annoy him.

Sally stifled a laugh and walked down the hall, putting her earrings in her ears.

"Uh-gah-Anna-uh-beth, you know that's not what I meant. Please stop looking at me like I'm you-know-who." He muttered, rubbing the back of his head.

I continued the look just because I could. "Who?" I asked, tilting my head. I knew exactly who he was talking about. Pablo, his name in Spanish, fidgeted.

"You know, my real name isn't Pablo. Percy just calls me that sometimes..." he changed the subject.

"Oh, you're talking about Kronos. Don't worry, I'm not looking at you like you're Kronos. I had permission to defeat him." I laughed cynically. He shook his head and walked away, very uncomfortable.

I heard him mutter under his breath, "Curse that daughter of Athena. Her and her smart-ass."

I grinned triumphantly. Sally came into the living room, carrying two over-night bags.

"Okay, Hon," she sighed, "we're going to head out. The keys to the car and house are on the kitchen table. Please, don't drive. Let Percy do it. I know you can, but he has his license. I don't need another ticket. Have fun tonight." She winked and I looked away.

Parents. Ugh, always in our business.

"I'll make sure the house doesn't explode or anything." I promised.

"I hope no monsters attack you tonight." She said worriedly.

"Eh, most of them are in Tarturus." I shrugged. "Plus, I have my dagger and Percy always has Riptide."

She seemed to relax a little. "Okay." She slipped on her shoes. Her long brown hair was gelled and curly. She looked very young and pretty.

"You look nice," I said nicely. "Beautiful, even."

"Thank you, Annabeth. You look great right now, too, even though you're in your pajamas. You are still gorgeous." She smiled gratefully.

"Thanks." I said, standing up. I pulled my hair into a high pony. Sally stood up too, and reached out to me.

I gave her a hug. She sighed and shook her head. "Percy's probably gaining his courage to come out of his room. He can insult the Titan of Time, but he can't face his girlfriend." She pursed her lips.

"I will never understand what possessed him to insult Kronos." I giggled. She laughed too.

Pablo came back out, his coat on and his shoes tied.

"Hey, Pablo," I smiled. He frowned.

"Watch it, Annabeth." He teased. "We're gonna leave now."

"Okay. Have fun in New Jersey." I said, smiling. "I'll try to stop Percy from doing anything dangerous. Like setting the house on fire. Or insulting gods and titans. Oh, and walking into the Underworld." I listed, giggling.

They laughed. "Yeah, like that's our biggest problem about tonight." Sally said unmercifully.

I scowled. "Just leave." I grumbled. "You're making this situation so ridiculous. My mother would not approve of your assumptions."

They shrugged simultaneously, like having the Goddess of Batlle Strategy as their enemy wasn't important."Eh." Paul said, opening the front door. Sally fiddled with her earrings before kissing my forehead. I wished my mother could do that to me. I gulped back the jealousy I felt towards Percy at that moment.

"PERCY!" Sally yelled. Right into my ear. "Sorry, Hon, didn't mean to do that. PERCY JACKSON! GET YOUR ARSE OUT OF YOUR BEDROOM AND SAY GOODBYE TO YOUR MOTHER!"

After her yell, it was startling quiet. Then, we heard grumbles coming from the blue bedroom and a door slam shut. Then, angry footsteps coming towards the living room.

Percy appeared, a scowl on his face, his hair still messy and his hands in his pocket, balled. His anger was very visible to anyone who didn't know him, but to me, he was having a hissy-fit. I tried my best not to laugh when Sally touched his cheek lovingly and he pulled away, his lips pouty. And kissable. They were definitely kissable.

She slapped his cheek a little harshly/playfully when she made contact with it again. She turned her body towards the door, "Bye, Percy. Don't do anything stupid." She said, smiling.

Percy's eyes widened and he grumbled under his breath. I tried to make eye contact with him, but he ignored my gaze. That stung a little. I mean, what was so bad he couldn't talk to me?

"Whatever, Mom. I'm the epitome of stupid, though. Remember?" He snapped. She took a step back and was out of the door.

"You aren't the epitome of stupid, Percy." She said softly. He looked away, indignant. I reached for his hand, but he pulled it away before I could close my fingers around his. That stung too.

Percy didn't even look at me. "Whatever. Bye." He said, giving a wave and shutting the door. We heard their footsteps down the stairs. Percy leaned against the door and shut his eyes. After a moment, he slid to the floor and put his head between his knees. He huffed a sigh.

I didn't know what to do for once. Okay, maybe not for once, but you know what I'm saying. I turned on my heel curtly and walked away. I heard Percy groan from behind me, then him rush over to me before I could shut the bathroom door. He slipped in before I could slam it shut. The door clicked and I turned around, ignoring the boy who just blew off his mother and me. I decided to act like he wasn't there, sitting on the counter, watching me.

It was hard. I needed to get into the shower. I lifted my shirt over my head and heard Percy mutter something. I was trying to unlatch my bra underneath my cami when I felt hands grab mine from behind.

"DON'T." Percy grumbled. It was the first thing he said to me since he came back. He didn't even bring any orange juice with him! Wasn't that the whole reason of leaving? No, that was the facade. The real reason was for Paul to give Percy THE talk.

"Whatever," I shrugged his hand off my wrist and untied my pajama bottoms. I slipped them off before Percy could stop me. I heard him get off the counter.

He grabbed my waist and spun me around. He cupped my face in my hands, but I pulled away. He didn't want anything to do with me before. I didn't even understand what I did wrong.

He sighed and looked at me pleadingly. I looked at the shower, copying his act from earlier. "I'm trying to take a shower." I informed him. He rolled his beautiful eyes.

"No shit." He said. I reached pulled my cami over my head and was left in my lacy bra and panties. I saw Percy's eyes gaze at my body and his jaw clench. He was looking very good in that green shirt.

I didn't mean to tease him. I thought he would feel uncomfortable and leave. I mean, we just had THE talk. He would be in his right mind to heed any intimacy, right?

The universe hates me.

You might think Percy is totally unlike himself when he did what he did next, but I don't care. He surprised me. He did it and, by the looks of it, didn't think twice. I didn't mind at the moment. Or now, for that matter. It was sexy.

He pulled me towards him and practically shoved his tongue down my throat. Not that I care. It was sexy. His hands were wrapped around my waist tightly, one of them reaching up, tugging at my hair. I was so engrossed with the kiss, nothing else mattered. The next thing I knew, my legs were straddling his waist, and his hand was lifting me up by my butt and his other hand was grasping my hair. My arms were wrapped around his neck, pulling him closer to me, if that was even possible.

Everything else didn't matter. THE talk seemed worlds away. Our parents, they didn't cross our minds. Camp? What camp?

We were truly in sync at that moment. Percy seemed to read my mind; the bathroom wasn't an appropriate place for this kind of thing. Whatever it was. We - well, Percy walked, me wrapped around him like a suction-cup. Percy sat on his bed, and pulled me closer.

His kisses were hungry, needy, and very, very, enjoyable. He was gentle - he still is - and I loved him even more for that. Our kisses died down for a moment, and we caught our breath. Our foreheads were touching, and Percy's sweet breath whooshed into my mouth with every exhale. It was making me ecstatic. His long eyelashes were downward, casting a shadow on his cheekbones. Was that my lip gloss on his lips? Damn straight. My arms were around his neck still, and I was twirling his hair. I could feel him. He was hard and the only thing between us was my lacy, pink underwear and his boxers and jeans.

I started to fish for compliments. I felt the need to. I mean, I was in my underwear. I didn't exactly feel pretty.

"Do you think I'm pretty?" I panted. He looked up and studied my face, probably checking to see if I was serious.

He kissed my forehead then started making trailing kisses down my cheek. I pulled away before he could kiss my mouth. He buried his face in my neck.

"I think you're beautiful, Wise Girl," Percy whispered against my neck. I fought the urge to shiver. He didn't need to know he could catch me when I was undressing AND make me shiver. Oh no.

"Do you think I'm prettier than my roommate?" I bit my lip. He lifted his head, studying me again. His eyebrows were pushed together, and he seemed agitated.

"Who? Your - your roommate?" He asked. He stuttered. Why did he stutter? Was he that disgusted at my question?

"Yes. Sarah."

"That slut?" He made a face. I didn't think he'd ever call anyone that, but I guess he really didn't like her. I pouted.

"She's pretty." I insisted.

"But you're beautiful," he whispered, pecking my lips softly. He continued. "And you're a genius. You're my best friend. You're fair, no matter what. You're loyal. The outcome of the Titan War is a result of your faithfulness. You believe in yourself; confident. Everyone respects you at camp. You're my confidon, along with everyone else's. You're more than what I deserve." He kissed my lips again, tenderly. I shivered. He deserved it.

He really knew how to make me feel like a billion golden drachmas.

"Percy," I breathed against his mouth, letting my hands massage his shoulders before tugging at the ends of his shirt. "Don't say all of those things and expect me not to correct you. You deserve more than me, Hero of Olympus. Someone who hasn't hurt you so much," I said shakily. He was so amazing. He was perfect. He was mine.

He lifted me chin with his soft hand. "You can't hurt me, Annabeth. You're perfect the way you are. Just the way you are." His eyes pleaded with me to understand. I couldn't. I hurt him once. I put him through pain when I believed in Luke so much.

"Oh, Percy," I choked out. He kissed me and the almost-water-works vanished with his touch. And it wasn't his powers as the Son of Poseidon.

He kissed me tenderly, caressing my face while my hands roamed underneath his shirt. Somehow, his shirt was off. We are good like that. I pushed Percy onto his back and started kissing his neck like it was my job. I guess, yeah, it is.

He moaned and pulled me closer to him by my hips. I could feel him down south some more. His belt and jeans were making me uncomfortable. I stopped kissing him and he groaned.

"Why did you stop?" He whimpered. I laughed at his want. I sat next to him and started tugging his belt out of the loops. I was so concentrated on the damn belt, I didn't hear Percy's warnings. His hands snatched mine off of his belt.

I looked him in the eyes. Gray hit sea green. "Are you sure?" He asked warily. I thought about it. I did love Percy. With my life, and more. I trusted him. Saturday morning was a testimony to how much I can trust him. I wanted him. I really wanted him. He drove me crazy. I loved him. And really, that's all that matters.

"Yes." I said firmly. His eyes softened some more, then he slowly helped me remove his belt. After his belt was pulled out, I pulled down his jeans. I got on top of Percy again and I kissed him passionately.

When I pulled away he was smiling. "I love you, Wise Girl. I want you to know I won't hurt you." My heart skipped a beat.

"I love you too, Seaweed Brain. You won't- you won't hurt me." I said, smiling at him. He pulled my face closer to him.

"I hope so." He said. He wasn't being sarcastic. He was doubting himself.

I kissed him to make sure he knew that I trusted him. Our kisses soon turned hungry again.

I remembered the Sea of Monsters. The Underworld. I remembered how short Bianca's life was. It was stolen; she was put into the Lotus Casino. I remembered the Labyrinth. We were extremely lucky that we weren't crazy when we left it.

I had visions of the second Titan War. I remembered how our time could have been limited. How short our lives seemed at that moment.

Truth is, you don't know what the future holds. And as a daughter of Athena, that disturbed me.

I don't know what he was thinking, but I have a feeling it was similar.

I kissed him like it was the last thing I could do. Because really, I didn't know if it was.

Percy flipped us over, and he hovered over me, his lips grazing my collarbone. It made me ecstatic. I was breathing heavily. His parents didn't exist at that moment. Neither did mine. Chiron was an unknown being. Malcolm? Grover? Who?

There was only Percy and I in that moment.

I closed my eyes and soon I felt Percy's soft fingers underneath my bra. I opened my eyes and he blushed. I nodded to tell him it was okay. In fact, I even helped him remove it for the first time. His eyes widened and he gulped. He looked up at me and blushed even more. He was so cute.

"Sorry..." he muttered. I shook my head, my hair flying wildly. His eyes stayed glued to my hair for a second more than normal. He nodded, glad about my approval and started kissing my neck while my hands massaged his torso.

Eventually, his kisses came to my breasts. He looked up at me once for my approval before he started to light kiss down my chest. I shuddered at his lips' touch.

He was caressing one breast while sucking gently on the other. I couldn't do anything but push the back of his head closer to me. He made me feel so good, like it was just us in the world. It was amazing. He moved onto my other breast and did the same for a few agonizingly amazing minutes.

When he was done, he looked up at me, grinning his grin. I was breathing REALLY hard. I just turned sixteen that day. I was young, but I was sure I was ready. So was Percy.

He wrapped his arms around me softly and lain his head on my collarbone. He was still hard, and I figured he was being patient. I still had to catch my breath before I could please him.

Suddenly, a pink package appeared on his nightstand. I reached my left hand out and picked it up. It had red hearts on it, and it was the size of GameBoy. I shook it and Percy lifted his head. He looked me in the eyes.

Aphrodite.

He unwrapped one of his arms from around my waist and grabbed it out of my hand. For some reason, I knew he knew what was inside. He gulped before opening it a crack then slammed it shut. I jumped a little. He placed it gingerly on the nightstand again and apologized. I had a pretty good clue what was in the box, and what he bought at the store. Condoms. Aphrodite really did have her tabs on us.

I am a child of Athena, you know, but I didn't need my natural-intelligence to know this.

I pushed him off me, and onto his back. I went towards the end of the bed and looked up at him. Blood rushed to my face. He was raising an eyebrow, and was propped up on his elbows.

I pulled his boxers down. I dared to look up at him and his face was red. He kicked them off, managing not to kick me in the face. I won't go into detail about Percy's thing but, I will let you know it was large. 'Nough said.

"Annabeth, you don't have to do this," Percy squeaked. By the sound of his unusually high voice, I knew that was a lie. He wanted me to. I shook my head.

Before I started, I crawled to Percy's face and kissed his mouth. He kissed back, but it was impatient.

"Oh, you SO want this." I laughed against his neck. He gulped and chuckled a little awkwardly.

"You have seen me naked, now, Annabeth." He muttered. I grinned.

"I'm honored, Percy." I laughed.

"Show me," he whispered into my ear seductively. I kissed him once more before going to the end of the bed again.

I won't go into extreme detail, don't fret. But, basically, I gave him a blow-job. Yep. Daughter of Athena gave Son of Poseidon a blow-job. I could hear Percy's moaning and saying my name, so I guess he enjoyed it.

"Uh, Annabeth?" Percy said panicky. He tried to reach out and stop me, but I whacked his hand away.

"I think you should, ahh, stop. Ah, soon." He said panicky again. I knew what he was saying, getting to, but what was I to do? I wanted this, and so did he. He just didn't want to be embarrassed. I wasn't wearing a bra, and he was embarrassed at something I'll have been experiencing soon myself.

Seaweed Brain protested again. I ignored him and he was a little jumpy. He was so nervous.

He sucked in a huge amount of air and then sighed. I swallowed what happened and he fell back against the pillows. I stood up and put on the shirt he took of minutes before. It was still warm from his body heat.

I cuddled up to his side and put my arm around his waist. He was breathing heavily. Hey, it was our first time doing anything like what we just did. We were gonna take our time getting used to it, thank you very much.

I could still taste him in my mouth. It wasn't a bad taste; it was new, foreign. Yet, I liked it. I closed my eyes and Percy started to smooth my hair down.

"I think I'm never going to forget this," he whispered.

I opened my eyes and scowled at him. His face was flushed a little and his green eyes were soft. "I would hope so, Seaweed Brain." I chuckled.

"Do- don't- ah, do you think that was gross?" He asked warily. Gross? Him? Or BJs?

"I don't understand." I admitted. I got on top of him and straddled his waist. He grunted and adjusted himself comfortably.

He gulped and looked away. "Would you do that again? Or am I too...gross down there?"

"Gross?" I nuzzled my nose into his neck.

"Yeah. Like, do you think what you just did was kinky?" I pulled back and looked at him. He flushed even more.

"No." I said blatantly.

He looked at me for a few moments before relief washed over him. "Whew. For a second I thought you wouldn't like that."

I laughed and kissed his nose. "I didn't do it for me. I did it for you. Besides, you do enough as it is." I looked behind me, and he was still hard. I grinned. I was still in my lacy white underwear and in Percy's green polo. I kissed his mouth hard, just because I love him.

"Mmm," Percy hummed in satisfaction. I sighed. Sure, I enjoyed it. A lot. Probably too much. But I wanted more. For me.

"What's wrong, love?" Percy asked softly. He cupped my face and pulled me closer for a soft kiss. Everything he did was so soft. I am surprised that he thought he would hurt me.

"Nothing." I said, laying next to him.

"Lies." He poked my ribs. He sat up and found his green boxers. He slipped them on and started to spoon me. "Tell me. I'll do anything."

"Anything?" I squeaked. He opened his mouth to say something then shut it. He flipped me over and hovered over me. He grinned triumphantly and leaned down to whisper in my ear.

"I can tell when you're jealous, Wise Girl. Your eyes turn a light shade of gray. And at this moment, I am more than willing to help you. Plus, I know what you want." He said confidently. Yeah, Percy sure is a confident person. I gasped when he put his hands up my shirt and started kissing my neck. I pulled him closer to me by the back of his neck.

Another pink box appeared in the corner of my eye. It was the same box as before. I ignored it.

Percy removed his hands out from under my shirt and lowered his body down the bed. He mouth was at my belly-button and thighs were parallel with his chest. My breathing became hitched and I couldn't think straight. Damn this boy for making me feel that way!

He kissed my stomach, his hand holding the shirt up a little bit. He started kissing lower: the edge of my underwear. I still hadn't shaved, I'd been planning to that day, but he had to be all sexy and distract me. I felt his finger tug on the edge of my underwear and he looked up at me.

"Umm." Was his intelligent thing to say. I found this extremely Seaweed Brain-like and I just nodded. He gulped before pulling down my underwear. His expression was even better to watch than when I removed my bra. I laughed and he smirked.

"Come on. Its not the first time you saw me." I turned my head, hiding - or trying to - my blush. Percy nodded solemnly.

"True that," he said.

I looked at him: he was sweating a little, his chest and shoulders shiny. His eyes were cautious: traveling new horizons. He caught my gaze and climbed back towards me. He was putting his weight on me, but it felt good. He kissed me and slid his tongue in my mouth. We were so engrossed in that kiss. It was a beautiful one, too. It was loving, eager, and priceless.

I couldn't describe - now or then - how much I loved him at that moment. And the love still thrives, even stronger. And no one can take that away.

Percy completely forgot about my down-south, and ripped my shirt over my head. How come only one of us is naked and the other isn't? I reached to Seaweed Brain's underwear and tugged them low, but my hands couldn't stretch too far.

"Annabeth!" Percy scolded. His eyes were panicky. "Are you- I mean, are you sure you want this?" He asked, his eyes boring into mine. I nodded and he gulped. "I don't want to hurt you..." He looked away, noticing the pink box.

He picked it up and studied it, his boxers low on his hips. I realized what he meant: losing your virginity hurts for a girl. I remembered what Paul said about scaring Percy. It made me a little angry. I could handle it, right? I fought the Lord of Time, for Zeus's sake!

I reached out and knocked the box out of Percy's hands. "Screw that thing."

Percy's eyes widened. He was hovering over me now. "But Annabeth-"

"Use the ones you bought at the store." I demanded. "I want to do this. I love you. Plus, I think that one is probably a catch. Like, we use it and all of Olympus gets to know about it."

Percy blushed. "That would be hell. Hey! How do you know Paul bought them at the store?"

"I'm a Wise Girl, what can I say?" I shrugged. Percy nodded and reached into the nightstand drawer and pulled out the box. He set it on the table and leaned down to kiss me.

"I love you, too." Percy murmured against my lips. My heart swelled. This was it. It was gonna happen, despite Thalia and Chiron's warning. Oh, and basically everyone who thinks Percy can be dumb sometimes. SO...everyone, really.

Seaweed Brain took off his boxers and looked at me only once for reassurance. I gave it willingly. We were about to do something completely reckless, premature and something we both wanted.

And then my phone rang. No, not the house phone. My cell phone. And only my father, Sally, Paul and the campers at Camp Half-Blood know the number. And it is only used for emergencies.

I groaned and Percy sighed. He raised an eyebrow. I whacked the back of his head - yes, even in bed, I will still hit him for stupidity.

"We have to answer it. It could be important." I stated.

"Nothing is more important than you," Percy said, still hovering over me. I wanted him so badly.

"Just answer it," I growled. He laughed and slipped on a pair of boxers. He tossed me his polo.

He walked over to his desk and picked up the simple phone. "Hello?" He answered. I face-palmed. He sounded like he was up to something, mischievous and secretive. I just hoped it wasn't anyone who would catch the drift.

Stupid Universe.

Percy;s eyes widened. "Connor?" Oh shit. "What- no! You don't know what you're talking about, Fool." He avoided my scowl. Great. Connor Stoll. Just who I needed to interrupt something. He left me hanging. And the need hurt.

"I hate you," Percy grumbled, his eyes narrowed. I didn't even want to know. "K! K! K!" Percy shouted, "peace out, Bro." He shut the phone and sighed.

Seaweed Brain walked over to the bed and pushed me by the shoulders back down on the bed. He nuzzled my neck. For me, the mood was gone, but seeing as Mini-Percy was still excited, his mood was still here. He kissed me roughly, and I returned it.

"What was that about?" I asked after a few minutes.

Percy was surprised about forgetting or something 'cause he said, "Oh shit! Get in the shower!" He hauled me up and pushed me out of the bedroom, clad in a shirt and underwear.

The doorbell rang.

"Shit!" Percy whispered. There was three impatient knocks on the door. Percy shoved me into the bathroom and by a flick of his wrist, steaming water poured out of the shower-head.

"Percy!" I whispered urgently, "Tell me what's going on."

He looked behind his shoulder. He gave me a quick kiss. "We'll continue this later, love. Right now, the Stolls are at the door and they're suspicious. Now, hurry, shower!" He slammed the door and I could hear him run into his room. His closet door slammed shut and he ran into the living room.

"Hey, guys!" I heard him greet, totally cool. Idiot. He chuckled nervously and I wanted to run out there and punch him. He left me hanging- which is pretty much THE worst feeling you can have in intimate moments- and then goes out there, acting suspicious.

But I didn't go out there. Instead, I undressed and stepped into the shower.

"Oh, I see, she gave you a BJ." Travis - or Connor?- laughed. My face felt hot. "OKAY, okay, calm down. If that's the case, I'll just go ask Annabeth-OW! Don't hit me! OW! Why are we whispering?"

"SHUT UP!" I heard Percy shout.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ANNABETH!" The brothers yelled in sync, "FROM CAMP HALF-BLOOD. ESPECIALLY A SUSPICIOUS CHIRON. VEEEERY SUSPICIOUS! OUCH!"

Thank you, Universe. You never let me down.

(End flashback. Damn, this is long! whatcha think?xD)

I didn't realize it, but I was hyperventilating! Why would Hera give him this memory?

Percy had been saying my name repeatedly, and I didn't even know it. "ANNABETH!" He yelled.

"HUH?" I shook my head clear of any...tempting thoughts. "Yeah?"

"I can't believe Connor and Travis trashed your birthday dinner. That was supposed to be special?" He tilted his head, his face still pink.

Special? It was supposed to be our night. Like, beyond special. It was supposed to be THE night we can relax, alone, without the end of the world around the corner.

"Yeah," I struggled to say, swallowing my hurt, "it was supposed to be special."

"Oh. Well, I'm glad I remember them. Connor sent me a message and tried to convince me I gave him permission to use my cabin whenever he wants." He rolled his eyes, not realizing how much hurt I just experienced, again.

I just had a freaking rerun of that morning, panicking that that was what he remembered, and it wasn't. He remembered the Stolls' part.

"Yeah..." I looked around. I was still in Zeus's cabin. Questions ran through my mind.

Why did Jason forgive me so easily? Thalia once mentioned he was forgiving...but, well, I didn't think he'd be that forgiving. Then again, after Luke, I wasn't very trustful. I even accused Mal, for Zeus's sake.

When was Percy's parents coming?

"When are you leaving camp?" Percy asked, his face a little white. He gulped and averted his eyes. "Will you be able to talk to me away from camp? I-I want to talk to you a lot. I mean, you're the key to my past. I-I-" He stopped, wiping his face.

"Its just so damn hard not knowing." He finished, his fists balled at his sides.

I chuckled. "Percy..." I locked eyes with him and his hard look softened. "I'm a daughter of Athena. Not knowing is my worst nightmare." I thought back to when Percy was on Calypso's island.

"Yeah," he snickered.

"I will be able to message you all the time." I promised. Then added hastily, "I mean, if you want."

"Of course I want you to!" He laughed loudly. "Just promise me you're not feeling anything for Jason."

His face was dark and hard again. He didn't remember enough about me to know my loyalty. Stinging rang through my body, soul. "Jason? No. You're the only guy for me." I blurted, unthinkingly.

He smiled hugely. "Grover tells me we had the best relationship."

Grover tells him? Oh, he didn't know by himself. "So they say." I smiled.

"When I come back, I'll remember!" He said sternly. I wanted to believe him.

"I hope so." I said. The image shimmered. Percy frowned.

"Lupa gave me a pouch of drachmas. I shouldn't waste them so quickly. I'll talk to you soon. Tell my mom I love and miss her. Paul too. Stay safe. Farewell, Wise Girl." Percy said quickly, readjusting his purple shirt and gave me a huge smile.

"Oh-OH! Okay, well, bye. And I will. I'll talk to you later, Seaweed Brain." He waved and gave me his signature grin. He turned his back and gulped. He took four steps and the image disappeared.

"I love and miss you too, Seaweed Brain," I whispered to myself as the image of my lost boyfriend shimmered away, leaving me alone in Zeus's cold, intimidating cabin.

"More than you could know." I wiped my eyes and collected myself. I walked out, leaving that brief and awkward conversation behind me.

---

When I got to the pavilion, Clarisse was red-faced and screaming at a kid.

Hey, I told her not to change, okay?

"And that's why I didn't want Prissy taking my quest!" She huffed to a stop. All of camp was there, the remaining at least. They were all wide-eyed, except the Ares kids.

The kid saw me a sighed. "Finally! A sane person!" He ran away. I walked up to Clarisse, who was flanked by our friends.

"Hey, Sea of Monsters?" I asked, raising an eyebrow and trying not to smile.

She rolled her eyes and growled, "Grover had to tell everyone at camp-fire last night!"

"Oh. Well, what else did he say?" My ears reddening, thinking about the stupid, yet amazing satyr.

"He wanted to tell the story of the Second Titan War!" She grumbled, "But I wouldn't let him. I said you'd tell them!" She grinned and the kids cheered. Piper and Leo looked curious, ready for a reliable story.

"Clarisse, you know I can't tell it..."

"Without Percy. Yeah, we all get it." She snapped. "But, hey, you know he would want you to. Plus, you two only tell the story together 'cause he likes to make up stuff. Like his 'huge, like, amazing muscles that Rachel and Annabeth fought over'." She said in a voice, sounding very much like Percy's.

Kids laughed, my face burned.

"Clarisse!" I scolded. "Shut up!" Kids laughed louder. She shrugged. "Fine I'll tell it." I said, kids cheered. They sat down at their tables, their faces eager, even the old-timers'.

I sat on the table-top of the head table and took a deep breath. "Where to start?" I asked. Several suggestions floated up to me: Percy's first year, Thalia's return, Nico's arrival, the Labyrinth. Jason called out, "The Beginning."

I figured that was best. I sighed, promising to myself I wouldn't get upset telling this without Percy.

We are a team, but we were split up. We are a whole. We did things like this together. But I was alone, and I needed to tell the story without him.

"I guess, for me, it all started when I had to spoon-feed Seaweed Brain four years ago..."

I told the story. We all teared up at certain parts. We all laughed at some things. Like, Percy's stupidity. Chiron's eyes were shiny. Story-telling took longer than I thought. It took an hour and a half.

Sally must've been freaking out.

I finished, "We defeated the Lord of Time, Kronos. As a family. And we'll all get through this as a family." Kids cheered, Clarisse being the loudest. "I have to leave, but I'll be back with Piper and Leo a few times a month. Goodbye!" The crowd said goodbye and dispersed.

I walked over to Chiron, flanked by my close friends. "I guess this is goodbye, Chiron."

He sighed, his eyes wet, "Yes, dear. It is indeed. I remember when you were here all year..."

"Good times."

"Yes."

"Farewell, Chiron. I'll see you soon. I know you hate saying goodbye." I smiled at him and gave him a hug. He patted my hair down gently.

"Farewell, child." He whispered, giving me one of his you're-really-special-you-can-do-it looks. I fought the urge to cry. Thalia came up next to me and shared the same look with Chiron. I felt her arm around my waist.

"Take care, Chiron." Piper said, giving him a hug. Leo gave him a handshake. Clarisse snatched my bag out of my hands and gave me a look telling me not to protest.

We walked up the Hill, looking back at our camp. It is my home.

We reached Thalia's Tree. She sighed and touched the branches. It seemed to reach out for her. Jason touched it too, amazed by it.

I saw Sally Blofis pacing back and forth at the bottom of the hill, Paul trying to calm her down. She saw me and took a double-take. She started calling my name. I waved and she sighed, relieved.

Thalia waved and Piper and Leo looked like little kids; nervous.

Thalia pulled me into a bone-crushing hug. "I'm so sorry. I want to understand, really. And next time, no secrets, 'kay? I love you. I'll be back in June. My Hunters need me: Artemis is gone, silent."

The tears broke the barrier I built and rolled down my face. She was coming back in June? She is saying goodbye, again. I didn't blame her, it was just who she is. She is another one who leaves. I should be used to be being alone, right?

"I love you too. Stay safe. No secrets. And it's okay," I promised, meaning it. I hugged Jason next.

"Bye."

"See ya." He said, reaching out to Piper. She hesitated at first then crashed into him, hugging him tightly. Her breathing was ragged, and his eyes were tightly shut.

Love sucks.

Leo gave me and Clarisse a hug. He high-fived Chris and Jason. He raised an eyebrow and Thalia and she punched his arm and he grinned. "Daaaammn."

She rolled his eyes. Clarisse was staring intently at Piper and Leo. She looked hurt. It was like saying goodbye to Silena and Beckendorf all over again.

Chris hugged her reassuringly. After they let go, I hugged Clarisse.

"You taught me the most important lesson in my life," I whispered. She gasped.

"I love you, Annabeth. And I am just trying to do Silena and Beckendorf justice. If possible."

"It isn't. Love you too." I let go, to see her crying. Leo pointed it out and he got a swift slap from Piper.

"Bye, guys." I said, linking my arm through Piper's and grabbing my bag. Piper and Leo didn't have any.

"Goodbye, don't forget Silena's Lesson." Clarisse said.

Thalia waved and nodded. Jason waved, his arm around Thalia.

Tears fell down our faces. Back to the world. Back to being completely alone. Back to hurting. Back to feeling so used by the gods.

We looked back, seeing Clarisse in Chris's arms and Thalia in Jason's.

Now it was official, Piper, Leo and I were off, on our own, in the world.

Thalia's tree was covered delicately with snow, glimmering in the sun, just like Thalia. Jason's regal expression was soft. Clarisse was crying. Chris had a hazy look in his eyes.

The Universe hates all demigods, I guess.

---

THATS IT. after weeks of waiting! trust me, my comp. is retarded. it deleted half the story today! I was so maad. Im really sorry for the wait. between my vacation, tests, senior ball, and my smashed computer (thanks, big bro, btw) i had barely any time.

Review! next chap: they ride home.

Theres gonna be a sequel to this story.

love AJ121