Hey everyone! I'm new but update pace will be at least once a week don't pressure me if I'm a little behind. I don't own Percy Jackson!

Annabeth ran across the beach, her toes squelching in the wet sand, her long blonde hair flying out behind her and she ran towards her father's lighthouse. It gleamed like a beacon in the moonlight. She locked the door behind her and then sprinted up the slippery steps to the top where her father waited for her.

His goggles were coated with slime and grease and his coat was patched in spots but nevertheless he grinned at her and exclaimed "Annabeth!" then pulled her into a waiting hug.

She embraced him back, inhaling the smell of grease and oil then looked up at him. "I heard you were leaving," she said worriedly, her big gray eyes staring into his blue ones.

He chuckled. "Yes, but don't worry it'll just be a short trip from here to the Gardens of Olympus. I'm just delivering some goods. I'll be back in a few weeks." He raised an eyebrow. "Who told you?"

"Malcolm," she said sheepishly. Malcolm, also a child of Athena, lived not too far away and worked as a fisherman with his father. Their house was also on the beach and it made Annabeth feel more comfort to know that she wasn't the only one of her heritage that lived near the water. She didn't like the water, probably because of the Posideon and Athena rivalry. For some reason, Annabeth shuddered every time she boarded a boat which was strange since she loved running the lighthouse."

Her father laughed. "Your half brother huh? Oh, you children of Athena." He hugged her tightly. "But I hired some help to work with the lighthouse. He seems trustworthy enough."

Annabeth's eyes widened in surprise. Her father never hired help. "A demigod?" she asked.

He nodded. "Son of Posideon."

"What?" Annabeth yelped and she stood up rather suddenly. "You can't be serious!"

Her father sighed. "I knew you wouldn't like this. But he's a good man. Just around your age-seventeen."

"More like a boy," she spat.

He sighed and ran a hand through her hair just like he'd done when she was little. "Annabeth, he's harmless really, and besides its only for a little while. He'll be in charge of the lighthouse and if you need any help, he'll be there."

She held back a sob. "What if you don't come back?"

He kissed the top of her head. "Annabeth, know whatever happens I'll always be with you." She sighed and settled into his embrace.

Three days later, Annabeth waved goodbye to her father, a tear trickling down her cheek and a hand tapped her on the shoulder. She whirled around to see a tall boy about her age, tan with sculpted muscles and wearing blue pants that were cut to the knees, his bare chest showing. Annabeth took no notice of it. It was how most boys were dressed these days.

She smoothed down her sparkling silver tunic. "May I help you?" she asked, though she already knew who he was.

"I'm Percy," he said, glancing shyly at her. Annabeth was slightly surprised. She had been expecting him to be boasting and loud-he kind of seemed the opposite-polite but still manly.

"Annabeth," she said shortly. "Look, Seaweed Brain, being who you are, you must know how to operate a lighthouse. That's all there is to it."

He blinked but then smiled and replied "Okay, Wise Girl." Then he ran to the lighthouse and began operating it. Annabeth strode back to their house on the shore and began her chores, dusting and mopping. That night, when she nonchalantly glanced out the window, Annabeth saw the strong beaming lights shining from the lighthouse. Maybe she shouldn't have been so hard on him. But then again his father was her mother's mortal enemy so her attitude was fitting towards him, she decided.

Many weeks went by and whenever Annabeth needed something she'd go to the lighthouse and say "Seaweed Brain, go out and buy more oil at the marketplace!" or "Seaweed Brain, light those lamps again!" All he ever said back was "Okay, Wise Girl." It was almost a peaceful routine, though at night, Annabeth would gaze out onto the sea and just stare at it, hoping her father would return.

Three months later, as the sun came up with gorgeous tints of pinks, oranges, and reds, Annabeth gazed out onto the horizon. Her father should've been back by now. Hope blossomed in her heart. Maybe he was already here, docking his boat and waiting for her at the sandy beach. Her spirits lifted and she dressed into a cream colored tunic with a soft sash that she tied a little too tightly around her waist, her fingers stiff.

After cooking up some eggs and setting a tray aside for Seaweed Brain, a knock came at the door and Malcolm stepped inside. "Hi!" Annabeth greeted her half-brother with false cheerfulness, forcing herself to be happy. Her father should be back any day now. What was there to worry about?

But when she turned toward Malcolm, his face was wrinkled and sad, clutching an envelope tightly. "Annabeth, I-" He broke off and just held the envelope out to her, looking away.

She blinked, then tore it open and a golden piece of paper slipped out. Annabeth caught it in one hand and read the fancy script

Annabeth,

Your father's boat was upturned at sea. I do not know how and I am so very sorry, dear. Posideon claims he had nothing to do with it and I tried to make him pay but apparently he is right. He must have been attacked by pirates or raiders. I love you.

~Athena

Annabeth stared open-mouthed at the letter. For a moment, she couldn't move. Then tears spilled out of her eyes and she dropped the letter turning away from Malcolm and running out out of the back door. She charged up the lighthouse steps, not caring if Percy was in there. She hated him. She hated Posideon. Her father was dead!

She curled up next to the lamps and wept uncontrollably. Annabeth hadn't cried so hard since-well-ever.

A warm hand rested on her shoulder and she looked up to see Percy. "Go away, Seaweed Brain!" she exclaimed.

Percy stared into her grey eyes, his green ones boring into hers. "Okay, Wise Girl."

But when she stared at him, she realized something. Annabeth was very good at reading people and as she looked into Percy's eyes she saw a surprising emotion-love.

She stood up, confused. "You-You love me?"

Percy smiled tenderly at her but stepped back when Annabeth shouted "NO! IT'S YOUR FAULT HE'S DEAD! ALL YOURS! YOU DIRTY FILTHY SON OF POSIDEON!"

Annabeth sank to her knees sobbing in desperation, then felt herself being pulled into someone's arms. "I'm sorry," Percy whispered and she didn't resist as he held her, bringing her comfort. She looked back up at him and muttered "I'm sorry, Seaweed Brain. I shouldn't have said that."

Percy laughed, a sound that seemed like music to her ears. "Considering the circumstances, Wise Girl, its alright."

A warm feeling sprung in her heart, one Annabeth had never felt before. Could it be-love? She was acting like a foolish little girl. One minute she hated him, one minute she was in love with him...

And then the answer came. "I love you Wise Girl."

She smiled up at Percy and everything came into perspective. Percy didn't know that her father was dead yet he still accepted her apology and comforted her. An overwhelming feeling of compassion went towards him and she hugged him."I love you Seaweed Brain."

All that time spent ordering him around, she'd truly had feelings for him down deep but only now she knew what they meant.

She, Annabeth, Daughter of Athena, loved a Son of Posideon.