[A/N: Here it is! I apologize if I didn't update yesterday because . . . well, it was Halloween! How was yours?:D

Anyway, I have this story mapped out and done in my head so here's the title of the upcoming chapters, something for you guys to look forward to:

6: THE TIES THAT BIND

7: THE ONLY EXCEPTION

8: BRAVE NEW WORLD

9: LET THE RIGHT ONE IN

10: THE BOY IS MINE

11: THE SHARK SMELLS BLOOD

12: DON'T BE BLINDED BY THE LIGHTS

13: HEARTACHE

14: ROOTS BEFORE BRANCHES

15: DON'T LET ME STOP YOU

16: THE DAY WE FELL APART

17: GIVE YOUR HEART A BREAK

18: WHERE IS YOUR HEART

19: IN PIECES

20: BREAK ON THROUGH

21: WHAT I DID FOR LOVE

22: CASTLE OF GLASS

23: SLIPPING AWAY

24: A PICTURE PAINTS A THOUSAND WORDS

25: THE MISTAKE I MADE

26: KNOW THY ENEMY

27: EVEN THE SUN SETS

28: AS I LAY DYING

29: OPEN UP YOUR EYES

30: THE HAPPY ENDING, SORT OF

There you go. I'll leave it to your imagination to come up with ideas on what would happen. And in case your wondering, some are song titles, some are episode titles from The Vampire Diaries. I'm a fan of the show. :D
Enough of this and on with the story. Don't forget to leave a review and rate! :D]


WISE GIRL'S SEAWEED BRAIN
Chapter 5: THE DANCE

PERCY

I knew I should've tied my hands behind my back.

Now I couldn't stop scratching my wrists and neck. That was the reason why I don't wear suits much. I always feel like my skin is being rubbed with sandpaper. There was a ring of red on my wrists and neck. When Annabeth sees this, she'd tell me to stop acting like a kid. Truthfully, if I wasn't so in love with that girl, I would've ditched this dance or if I went, I would've worn jeans and shirt.

When Mom found out about the dance, she took me to the mall and bought me a new set of suit. She was doing well with her job as an editor in a publishing house. She was still working on her novel and hopefully, it would be noticed by her superior.

I was sitting in my car outside Annabeth's dorm, trying very hard to keep my hands off of myself. I scratched one last time and went out, rebuttoning my suit.

Annabeth's room was on the second floor. Even from a distance, I could hear music coming from the inside. I was sure my girlfriend wasn't behind it. Ke$ha's Tik Tok? Yeah, right. I took a deep breath and knocked.

A voice from the inside came closer and I was able to distinguish words rather than unintelligible rubbish. "—no, Cheska. The blue nail polish definitely suits you and – " the door opened and I took a step back, wondering whether Drew was attending the same school as Annabeth and she just didn't mention it. "Well hello, hottie. What can I do for you?"

"Um, is Annabeth there?"

Cheska peeked from behind the door. "Oh, hey, Percy." Her head disappeared and I heard her yelling, "Annabeth! Percy's here!"

There were shuffling and then a goddess stepped in my line of vision. She was in a deep maroon dress reaching her knees with a slot on the side, showing some of her tanned legs; her hair was curled and fell down on one of her shoulders; light make-up touched her face, highlighting every mesmerizing detail; she was even wearing dark eye shadow, bringing out her eyes. She was even wearing a silver necklace and her owl ear rings.

I said something totally intelligent. "Um uh gah." I was actually very proud of myself for that.

Cheska giggled. "That says it all, Annabeth. He was speechless."

I finally found my voice. "Do you, um, happen to know my girlfriend? Her name's Annabeth Chase; blonde, beautiful and smart. She usually sprouts annoying facts about the world's architecture and – ow!"

Annabeth punched me in the arm. "Shut up, Seaweed Brain." She then gave me one of her head to foot if-you-have-a-hair-out-of-place-I-will-gut-you check. I suddenly felt self-conscious and fiddled with my tie. "You don't look bad yourself."

"Oh please, Annabeth," said the girl who opened the door. "You'd be beating girls' asses all night long going with a date like that."

Annabeth frowned. "Not at all, Stacy. I trust Percy." She stepped out of the room and kissed me. She wiped the lipstick off of me when she pulled away, laughing. "You look handsome tonight," she said.

"Gee, thanks."

"Do you have your car with you?"

"No. I ran the whole way." Annabeth glared at me. "Of course, I do. Shall we go?"

She hooked her hand on my arm and smile. "Definitely." Annabeth turned to her room mates. "See you at the dance, Cheska."

When we were walking away, I said, "Why do I feel like there's some tension between you and that Stacy girl?"

Annabeth shrugged. "She's known for stealing other girls' boyfriends. She's kind of a slut, I guess."

I shook my head. "Annabeth, how many times do I have to tell you? You don't have to feel that way. Heck, she's the one who has to be insecure of you."

"Who says I'm insecure?"

"You're not?"

"I'm not."

"Fine. Whatever you say, Wise Girl."

I opened the door of the car for Annabeth and she raised her eyebrows at me quizzically. "Since when did my boyfriend become such a gentle man?"

I grinned. "Since the day you told me you love me."

Annabeth was holding my hand the whole time I was driving. "Do you remember the last time we went to a dance?"

She nodded, smiling. "Westover Hall. We were the extraction team for Nico and Bianca."

"And you went missing," I said, remembering the awful days when I thought I'd lost her forever. "I felt like I was going out of my mind with worry."

"And I thought I was left for dead," she said. "I never thought you'd come for me and risk life to save mine."

"Stop that," I said. "I will always put your safety before mine. I wouldn't have known what I would have done if I was too late."

Annabeth nodded. "You know what I like about you?"

I turned to her. "What?"

"You're very protective but not annoyingly so." Annabet squeezed my hand and kissed my knuckles. "You always go on your way to save me every time but you still give me enough room to defend for myself, just ready to jump in action when I need you."

"That's because I love you," I said simply. "And I know how much you hate being dependent on other people. I'm your boyfriend; it's my duty to protect you but at the same time, I don't want you to feel like I was trying to control every aspect of your life."

She stared at me in awe. "When did you become so smart?"

I winced playfully. "Ouch. But to answer your question, I became like this the day an amazing girl took me in her arms and told me she loves me."

Ananbeth giggled. Seriously? I didn't know she could do that. "Quit being sappy, Seaweed Brain; we're already here."

Sure enough, I didn't notice the students from Annabeth's school heading to the venue.
"Is there any possible way I can convince you into not putting me in this torture?"

Annabeth thought for a moment then said, "No."

I groaned and got out of the car. I spotted Cheska and Stacy getting out of a black Audi. Stacy waved and smiled at me. I didn't know what to do so I waved back, opening Annabeth's door. When she saw who I was waving at, she grabbed my hand down. "Don't give her the wrong impression."

I kissed her forehead. "Yes, Ma'am."

We made our way to the entrance where a line was forming. A group of three girls met us halfway and greeted Annabeth. One of the girls waved in front of Annabeth's face, which was kind of silly since my girlfriend wasn't blind. Then they turned to me.

"Is this the Percy Jackson we've been hearing so much about?" asked one.

Annabeth nodded. "Percy, meet Hayley," Annabeth pointed to the brunette one in a light pink dress. "Shane." She motioned to a brown-haired in a provocative sky blue dress. "And Tori." The last one was in a simple burgundy sleeveless dress. "My friends. Girls, meet my boyfriend, Percy Jackson."

"Hello," said Shane.

"Hi," said Tori.

"Glad to finally meet you," said Hayley.

"The pleasure is mine," is aid, shaking their hands. Annabeth raised her eyebrows at me. Seriously. If that girl did that one more time, I'd bite her.

"Come on, the dance is waiting," Tori squealed.

We entered the place and my immediate thought was, Boy, you're in for a night of torture.


ANNABETH

It was awesome. I wasn't much of a party girl but even I had to admit the place was really beautiful.

Garlands of flowers hang on the ceiling, giving the venue an out of door feel to it; the light was dimmed but the chandeliers were shimmering with hundreds of candles, casting shadows of bodies moving to the beat on the floor; a sweet scent hang in the air – a mixture of rose, honeysuckle and a thousand other things. The mood was hypnotic and before I knew it, I was pulling Percy to the dance floor. My boyfriend was . . . well, being him, constantly complaining about the crowd, the dance and the music.

"Just shut up, Seaweed Brain and let's enjoy this," I said to him.

"Anything for you, Wise Girl," he murmured, pulling me closer to him.

Technically, this was the first dance he and I went to so I was bent on enjoying it. Then I noticed something on his neck. "Why is this all red?" I asked, lowering the collar of his shirt.

"Um," he muttered. "That's the reason I hate suits. I itch like crazy."

I glared at him then kissed the red spot, leaving a very noticeable kiss mark. "There, that should make it better."

He grinned and held up his hands. "My wrists need your lips, too."

I chuckled and was about to kiss them when an announcement made me stop. "May I interrupt you all?" There was groaning everywhere. The announcer was Ms. Carter, my professor in Math. "I know, but we'll be having a small program so please, find yourselves a seat."

I pulled Percy to the side and sat down, him beside me. Not long after, we were joined by Shane, Tori, Hayley, Cheska and to my disgust, Stacy. Everyone except Stacy had their dates with them. Stacy saw me looking at her and shrugged. "I ditched him. I have my eyes on someone else tonight."

I tightened my hand on Percy's arm.

"Good evening, ladies," Ms. Carter announced on the microphone. "Our school was an all-girl institution. It wasn't everyday that we hold an event like this and let you have fun so now, our stage is open to all this handsome young gentlemen who likes to dedicate a song to their lovely dates."

Every one cheered. The guys were grinning while the girls were blushing. I turned to my right to ask Percy if he would make a dedication for me, only to find myself staring at an empty chair.

"Where did he go?" I asked no one in particular.

"Um," Cheska murmured, pointing behind my back.

I turned and saw Percy at the stage, talking to Ms. Carter. Wow, that Seaweed Brain was one step ahead of me. My friends were already starting to tease me and I started blushing.

"Seems like we have a real man here," said Ms. Carter. Percy slung a guitar on him and smiled at me. Good gods, he's doing it for me. "His name is Percy Jackson and is currently attending Goode High." There scattered teasing round but when Percy stepped forward, they stopped as quickly as they started.

Percy held up on of his hands and said, "Hi." I leaned down and put my face on my palms. Oh, what am I going to do with you, Seaweed Brain? I thought to myself.

"He's so adorable," I heard Stacy murmur beside me. I glared at her.

"So," Percy said to the microphone. "I'd like to dedicate this song to the most awesome girl in here. Annabeth Chase." Everyone glanced teasingly at me but I kept my eyes trained on him. I wonder what song he's going to sing. "This is for you, Wise Girl." I heard laughs emanating from all directions. They quickly died down the moment Percy started strumming the guitar.

Then he leaned closer to the microphone and sang:

Four letter word
But I don't have the guts to say it
Smile 'til it hurts
Let's not make it complicated
We've got a story
But I'm about to change the ending
You're perfect for me
You're more than just a friend
So we can just stop pretending now
Gotta let you know somehow

I'll be your shelter
I'll be your storm
I'll make you shiver
I'll keep you warm
Whatever weather
Baby I'm yours
Be your forever, be your fling
Baby I will be your everything
Baby I
Baby I will
Baby I will be your everything

I didn't know the tile of the song but one line got stuck in my head. Baby I will be your everything. Percy had always been everything for me. A quest leader, a friend, a confidante, a savior. And now, a boyfriend.

We used to say
That we would always stick together
But who's to say
That we could never last forever
Girl, got a question
Could you see yourself with somebody else?
'Cause I'm on a mission
And I don't wanna share

I want you all to myself right now
And I just wanna scream it out

I remembered how we were in the beginning, always there having one another's back, always sticking up for each other. It's funny how things hadn't changed throughout the years. We're still together, still trying to protect each other.

I'll be your shelter
I'll be your storm
I'll make you shiver
I'll keep you warm
Whatever weather
Baby I'm yours
Be your forever, be your fling
Baby I will be your everything
Baby I
Baby I will
Baby I will be your everything
No matter what you do
I'll be there for you
And every time you close your eyes
I will be by your side
'Cause every time you make me sing
Baby I will be your everything
I'll be your shelter
I'll be your storm
I'll make you shiver
I'll keep you warm
Whatever weather
Baby I'm yours
Be your forever, be your fling
Baby I will be your everything
Baby I
Baby I will
Baby I will be your everything

By the time he finished the song, girls from my school were looking at him like they were seeing him for the first time. Or maybe I was just paranoid.

Percy grinned as he stepped down the stage and was immediately swarmed with my schoolmates. I sighed and stood up and was about to make my way to where he was when a guy blocked my vision.

"Hey there, sweetheart," he said. He was a buff guy with a buzz cut and about a million pimples on his face.

"What do you want?" I asked in disgust.

"That guy who just sang, he is your boyfriend, right?"

"So?"

"You shouldn't be going out with a guy like that. You should be with someone like me." He gestured to himself like he was sent from the gods as a gift to the girls. More like a punishment. "I bet he doesn't know how to throw a punch."

Percy was almost to where I was, his face contorted into a cute scowl. I turned to Mr. Pimply. "You know what, why don't you ask him yourself?" I nodded to his back.

He turned around and found himself face to face with the savior of Olympus and the world itself.

"What's going on?" Percy asked.

The guy smirked. "Nothing. I was just telling your girl what she's missing."

"And what is that?"

I knew everyone was starting to feel the tension building. Those who were sitting near us stood up and backed away. Ms. Carter was trying to see what was happening.

"A guy who could defend her," Pimply said.

"I can defend her just fine."

"I don't think so, squirt."

I expected Percy to lunge and punch the guy but he just laughed. "Seriously, dude? You have no idea who you're talking to?"

"Oh, I have a perfectly good idea. I know this girl over here," he said, motioning to me, "could do a whole lot better with someone like me than you. I bet you can't satisfy her in bed and –"

That's when Hades broke loose.

All I saw was a flying body, a snarling boyfriend and a bloody. Next thing I was aware of, Percy had his knees on the guy's chest, his fist hovering a few inches from his face. "Don't talk about my girlfriend like that!" He landed another punch and I winced.

I held his hand when he was about to beat the guy up and pulled him to his feet. "Enough, Percy."

He turned to me and I nearly cringed. He had a murderous look in his eyes. "Are you okay?"

I nodded.

A couple of teachers pulled the guy to his feet, his head lolling to his chest. Percy really did him a good one. They dragged him to one of the tables and tried to wake him up.

Ms. Carter was already on us. I knew what this meant. I took Percy's hand and said to my professor, "We'll leave now."

I lead him outside to his car. He wasn't speaking when he opened the door for me. I got in without saying anything. When he was sitting beside me, I took his hand and massaged it until the muscles loosened and he relaxed his hand.

Percy pinched the bridge of his nose and looked at me. "I'm sorry I ruined your night."

I shrugged. "It's okay. That guy was a jerk."

"Yeah. I had to use all restraints I have not to drive Riptide through him." He chuckled. "Of course that wouldn't have hurt him."

I grabbed his face and looked him in the eye. "Though I appreciate what you did for me, I don't want you getting in anymore trouble because of me, okay? I can take care of myself. Don't worry about me, you hear me?"

He nodded slowly. "I really am sorry I got us kicked out. Do you want to do something else?"

I smiled. "What about we take this dance to your apartment?"

"Mom and Paul aren't home," he informed me.

"That's better," I said, smiling mischievously.

He grinned and drove off.

True to his words, Percy's apartment was empty. He let us in with his keys and led me to his room. I was getting nervous just thinking we're alone. My heart did some serious jumping jacks when he closed the door. He kissed me softly once before going to his CD player. He picked one and played it.

I recognized the song: Two is Better Than One. I smiled at him and put my hands behind his neck. He grabbed my waist and pulled me closer to him, our bodies grinding. For a while, we danced to the tune. Until things started heating up.

I pulled his face down and started kissing him. He kissed me back immediately and pushed me back. The back of my knees hit the edge of his bed and we fell in a tangle. Percy started kissing my neck and I moaned in response, biting his earlobe softly. His hands travelled to my waist and I felt fire running down my skin.

I pushed him aside and climbed on top of him, unbuttoning his suit. I tossed it aside and undid his tie next. I felt his hand sliding the zipper of my dress and I shuddered to his touch. When his hands were at the end of my back, I snapped into reality and sat up, panting.

Percy chuckled and sat up, too. "That was fun," he observed.

"I nearly lost control," I said after catching my breath.

"Yeah. Me, too."

"I'm sorry if I'm confusing you," I said suddenly, looking up to meet his eyes. He frowned and I quickly added, "I mean one second I was, um, stripping you and the next I was sitting away from you."

He shook his head and pulled me into his arms. "I understand, Annabeth. As I've said before, I won't force you into something you don't want to do. Maybe this isn't the right time for us to do that, you know? That time will come and we'll both be ready."

I looked up into his face. "I love you, Percy."

"I love you, too," he said immediately. He lied down on his bed and I placed my head on his chest, breathing in his scent. As far as I'm concerned, this was a whole lot better than any dance.


[Oh, in case you're wondering what the title of the song is, it's BE YOUR EVERYTHING by BOYS LIKE GIRLS. Listen to it. :D]