[A/N: Here it is, guys! :D

WingedGift: Thank you. And I always see to it that you guys are always interested with the story, that's why I;m keeping it unpredictable. :D

ThreeBulletsAtTheDangerParad e: If you're asking about the title of Chapter 18, the answer is no. It was actually a song by Kelly Clarkson. And dude (if you're a guy), what are you, a psychologist? Yes, I'm actually going through a rough road right now, not in the love department, though. My love life is going pretty smoothly. Just my life in general. And just so you know, you're the first person to say that I'm a "great, sweet person" (apart from my girlfriend, of course). Most people think I'm very hard to understand. And IN CASE YOU READERS ARE CURIOUS ABOUT MY PERSONALITY, let's just say that I'm 1/4 Percy, 1/4 Annabeth and 1/2 Nico. I'm really moody and a huge loner. Anyway, I don't think you're interested on that, but thank you very much for everything you said. :D

Kate: My other favorite books are - Rick Riordan's novels (except for Tres Navarre; I haven't read that series) The Hunger Games Trilogy (Catching Fire is my favorite of the three), The 39 Clues, The Last Vampire by Christopher Pike, Harry Potter, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Gone Series, Lorien Legacies, The Maze Runner Trilogy, Dan Brown's novels, Alex Rider, Divergent Trilogy, Artemis Fowl Series, The Mysterious Benedict Society and The Mortal Instruments. So yeah, you can say I'm a bookworm. And yes, I want to become a published author. As I've said, I'm working on my third original novel. :D

Potterjay all the way: I am planning on writing a new fanfic after this one. It would still be about Greek mythology but won't focus on Percy, or Annabeth, or any other character in the books (though they will be mentioned). It will center on a very powerful demigod whose parentage is unknown. I'm still working out the details, though. :D

ToffyApple: This story will end in chapter 30. :D

CimFan: Hey, um, that was too much! Being lined with Suzanne, Rick and J.K, but thank you so much. I'm not going to answer any of your questions. Just wait. :D

PLEASE READ: When you reach Annabeth's POV I suggest you listen to this song while reading: watch?v=diaHnF-zfEg

There. I hope you'll like it. :D


WISE GIRL'S SEAWEED BRAIN
Chapter 23: SLIPPING AWAY

PERCY

I'm ready now, Percy.

Those words rang inside my skull and bounced around like a possessed evil basketball. Most guys, when told by their girlfriends these words, would've let things go the way they wanted them to, but I didn't. Instead, I freaked out and stood up.

"Right!" I said with faked enthusiasm. "It's almost dinner time; no wonder why you're ready."

Annabeth giggled. Yep. That was one proof she was thinking about that. She tugged on my hand and pulled me down to sit beside her. The right strap of her nightgown fell of her shoulder. I gulped at the sight of her smooth skin. So inviting . . .

"I wasn't talking about dinner, Seaweed Brain," she said, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear. I knew she was as nervous as she was with what she was doing. I mean, it sort of just came out of nowhere. "Remember the thing we'd been talking about?"

"Um . . . yes?" I answered uncertainly.

"I'm ready to take our relationship to the next step," she whispered in my ear, sending weird sensations throughout my entire body.

"A-are you sure?" I stammered. Frankly, I didn't think this was what Annabeth was preparing for. I thought she just needed time to clean up her apartment, which was silly since it was spotless, or maybe she needed time to cook some dinner for me. I never anticipated that the reason why she ordered me to go home was because of this

"Yes," she whispered softly, combing her fingers through my hair. "I love you, Seaweed Brain, and I want you to have all of me tonight."

Suddenly, out of nowhere, the memory of waking up in Samantha's bed naked hit me and I gasped in surprise. Ananbeth must've taken it differently for she smiled and started nibbling on my ear. I shuddered. I took a deep breath and close my eyes.

I have to tell her, I thought to myself. I knew that. But then I didn't want to hurt her and lose her all over again. How was I supposed to tell her that I slept with another girl? Would the knowledge make a difference in Annabeth's decision to do it with me? I was sure of that. She would never want to be associated with someone like me when she found out. The idea of her being disgusted with me was like being smashed into a demigod pancake, with extra syrup.

I pushed her slightly away from me. "Annabeth, wait."

She looked at me, her eyes hurt and confused. She then slowly nodded her head. "I get it," she said, sitting away from me and pulling the strap of her nightgown back up. Annabeth chuckled but I knew she was disappointed. "You don't find me attractive enough to make love to me. And here I was, with all the effort and practically throwing myself at you. "

"No!" I said loudly. "It's not that, Annabeth. I swear, I find you more than attractive. It's just . . . I have something to tell you first." Here it was. I would lose Annabeth again and this time, the chance of getting her back would be next to zero, but I knew I couldn't keep it a secret anymore.

"The reason why you've been pulling away?" Annabeth asked, looking at the door. Her hands were folded on her lap as tapped her foot nervously on the floor. I stared at her, asking. "I noticed it, Percy," she said, barely hiding the hurt in her voice. "I know we just got back together but that was enough time for me to observe." Annabeth looked at me. "You're slipping away, Percy. I could feel it. I was losing you somehow and I'm determined to do anything to get you back fully."

"That's why you decided to do this?"

"No!" she protested. "I did this because I need you. Because I love you." Annabeth took a deep breath. "But it seems like you don't love me enough to be with me in that way."

I struggled to form words. I didn't know Annabeth noticed my behavior. I wasn't pulling away because I didn't love her enough. I was doing it for the reason that I was trying to find a way to tell her what happened between Samantha and I. I didn't mean to lead her to this conclusion.

I took her face between my hands and looked her in the eyes. "Annabeth, listen to me. I love you, okay? Never doubt that. It's the only thing I can say and mean it with all my heart. But there's something you need to know first. After you this, if you still want to, then I promise we will."

"What is it?" she asked.

I swallowed. For a moment, I was in doubt whether I should tell her about it but then I thought I owe Annabeth the truth. "Listen," I said in a quiet voice. "While we were apart, some – "

I was stopped when Annabeth kissed me on the lips. I didn't know why she did that, but I still kissed her back. After a couple of seconds, I pulled away. Annabeth was looking at me with pain in her eyes. "Are you punishing me for what I did, Percy?"

Her question was enough to shatter my decision to tell her. If I told her, she might think I did it on purpose and she might end up blaming herself for what happened. Right then, I cursed every single god or goddess interfering with my life. Why does everything have to be so intense and confusing with me?

I was shocked with Annabeth's words. I would never think of hurting Annabeth on purpose. "No way! Gods, why would you think that?"

"Because I have eyes, Percy," said Annabeth. "I mean, I understand if you are. I hurt you and it might take time for you to warm up to me again, and I'd be willing to wait, but please, just be honest with me." Annabeth looked straight into my eyes. The stormy grey was enough to send me in a state of panic. "Just answer with a yes or no. Do you want to . . ." I saw Annabeth swallowing. I knew how hard this must be for her, given that she was the girl, but I knew that Annabeth was aware of the fact how dumb her boyfriend was. " . . . have sex with me?" she said the last words with difficulty, her face blushing.

This wasn't the first time Annabeth opened up a topic like this. Most of the time, it was her who starts up sensitive conversations, knowing that I was too scared to be the one to start. It was embarrassing, and I was totally freaking out with her question that I wasn't able to answer.

"Percy?" she called.

I looked down. "No," I said.

Annabeth nodded slowly. "Right. I should've suspected that from the very beginning. I'm sorry for being too pushy," she said then stood up.

I caught her hand. "Listen, Annabeth. I don't want to have sex with you . . . but I would love to make love to you."

That's it. Annabeth broke down and cried, but this time, it was tears of joy. She threw her arms around me. I leaned down and kissed her lips. This kiss was a whole lot different than the ones we've shared. For one it was deep, like we were reaching into each other's souls, communicating, sending messages without having to use words. I poured every single fiber of what I felt for Annabeth into that kiss.

Her hands, once were balled into fists on my chest, traveled down to my stomach. I shivered when her right hand went behind my back and touched my former Achilles' heel. I felt her smile in our kiss and I decided to return the favor. I held her neck and ran my hand on the silky smooth skin of her shoulder.

I broke our kiss and ran my lips down her neck, to her shoulder then to her exposed collar bone. Annabeth's breath caught in her throat as she held my head in place. I felt her leaning down and soon enough, her lips found that one spot she knew that when kissed, could make me weak. The one behind my ear. I leaned sideways, giving her further access and at the same time, maximizing my kissing on her exposed skin.

Annabeth tugged on the edge of my shirt, pulling it up. I lift my arms and let her. She threw it to the floor and kissed the middle of my chest, making me groan. She then started unbuttoning my pants. I was shaking when she pulled my pants down, leaving me in my boxers. Annabeth's eyes widened when she saw the evidence of her effect on me. Her face reddened into that adorable blush.

"Not fair," I complained. "Nightgown off."

Annabeth stuck out her tongue at me. "If you want it removed, you're going to have to do it yourself."

I grinned at her. Then I snaked my arm around her waist and pulled her closer to me. When she was trapped between my body and arm, I used the other one to remove her dress. When it was off, I swear I'd gone to heaven. "Wow, Annabeth," I whispered, my voice hoarse. "You're so beautiful . . . exquisite and magnificent."

Annabeth broke out laughing loudly. I looked up to her, frowning. "Seriously, Seaweed Brain?" she asked. "Exquisite? Magnificent? That's the best you can come up to?"

I pouted. "Don't insult my intelligence, you naughty daughter of Athena," I teased.

Annabeth smiled and kissed me again. This time, she bit my lower lip and sucked on it. Then I felt her tongue tracing the outlines of my lips. I knew what she wanted and opened my lips. The feeling was indescribable. Our kiss was experimental, as both of us weren't used to kissing like that, but it was still exceptional.

My hands rubbed her back, savoring her smooth skin. When my hands found the hook of her undergarment, I looked at her, asking for permission. She nodded, her eyes cloudy. I unhooked the thing and removed it off of her. While I was doing this, Anabaeth hooked her thumbs on the waistband of my boxers, pulling them down. My face burned when she looked at me, her face as red as a tomato. I wasn't going to let left out. I removed the last piece of her clothing.

When we were both fully naked, I just stared at her glorious body. Annabeth was fit, thanks to all those monster fighting and work-outs at Camp. In my opinion, she could give Aphrodite a run for her money with the way she looked. There wasn't honestly a word strong enough to describe how beautiful she looked.

I kissed her neck again. Annabeth leaned her head back, exposing her throat completely. I nibbled on the skin for some time. When I leaned back, I admired the love mark I put on her. I didn't have time to fully stare at my work because just then, I felt Annabeth touch me.

And then I died.


ANNABETH

It was beautiful.

Everything that Percy and I did was beautiful, wonderful, amazing, awesome and, in Percy's words, exquisite and magnificent. His lips were locked at the side of my neck, kissing and biting softly. His teeth clamped down a little tighter when my hand went down on his navel on its own and touched him.

Percy and I both shuddered at the same time. He was warm. His skin smelled like the ocean. His body was as good as a sculpted statue. As far as I was concerned, he was more handsome than Narcissus or Adonis or any other god in existence.

While Percy was busy with kissing my neck and collarbone, I kissed his jaw and ear. I knew from experience how sensitive the back of his ear was, so I concentrated there, nibbling. As I'd expected, Percy squirmed beneath me. Then he did something that surprised me, he flipped me over until I was lying on my back and him hovering over me.

The look on his face said that he was into this as much as I was. When he kissed me again, I swear he bruised my lips. I knew he'd been holding back all those times we were kissing, but I never thought he could be this aggressive. His fingers were running down my side, sending licks of flames down my spine.

Then his hands, that were considerably larger than mine, ghosted over my most private part, the one that made me who I was. His eyes were asking the question he couldn't voice out. I nodded weakly. When I felt his bare skin against mine, I moaned loudly and bit into his ear.

Percy panted when I returned my hand to him. We let our hands take control of what they wanted to do. They moved, exploring, lovingly, trying to pleasure each other. Until I couldn't take it anymore.

"Percy," I whispered. "I need you."

"Me, too," he said, his face buried on my neck. Then he suddenly sat up, his eyes panicking.

"What is it?" I asked.

"I-I don't have anything with me," he said, blushing. "I mean, something I could use for protection."

I touched his face. How sensitive he was by that point, thinking about having protection? I kissed his lips. "You won't need one. I'm safe, Percy."

His eyebrows knitted. "Are you sure?"

"Who are you talking to?" I asked him.

He smiled. "Good point." Percy kissed me again for a minute before looking into my eyes again. "You can still change your mind, Annabeth."

As an answer, I pulled him down and kissed him hard, answering his question silently. I felt him touch me as he slowly made his way into me. I didn't let go of his lips for the fear that I might make a loud sound. Then I felt him meet my barrier. I looked into his eyes and locked my gaze on him. He was panting really hard as he pulled back and, in one swift move, took everything of me.

I cried out in surprise. "Sorry, sorry!" Percy said.

My eyes teared up from the pain, but it was more than that. I was beyond happy, now that I was joined by the only boy I've ever loved. We were one, bonded by our love for each other. "I'm so happy right now," I cried into his shoulder.

Percy gave me some time to adjust having him and then he started making love to me. All I could say was that the English dictionary lacks the necessary words to fully describe how I felt that moment. It was like every single beautiful thing in the entire planet made their way to my room and focused solely on Percy and me.

I didn't know how long it lasted. All I knew was that when the sensations started building inside of me, I let out a muffled moan. I had no idea how that happened but I didn't care. I reached the completion of our lovemaking and fell into the abyss of pure pleasure.

I was in bliss. I was seeing stars and all I could feel was Percy. All I could smell was him. All I could hear were his labored breaths as he followed me into the world I fell into. I clamped my teeth tightly and heard Percy groan as I felt everything that he was pouring inside me.

We stayed like that for a long time, in a messy tangle of blanket and limbs. Percy fell beside me, trying to catch his breath. I closed my eyes, savoring the lingering sensations my body was having. After a few minutes, I was breathing slowly again. I became aware of a weird taste in my mouth. I swallowed and distinguished the coppery taste of blood.

"Percy?" I called.

He lifted his head from the pillow to look at me. His face and body were sweaty and I couldn't help but smile, remembering what just happened. "Mm?" he asked.

"I think you made me bite my tongue off," I said. The truth was, my tongue felt relatively fine. So were my lips. But if I didn't bite them hard enough to draw blood, then where did that come from.

As realization dawned on me, Percy propped himself on an elbow and said, "Um, no, you didn't. But you bit me too hard." He showed me the left side of his neck and shoulder, which were covered in bite marks. Some were even bleeding.

"Oh, gods!" I said, sitting up and touching his wounds. Percy hissed. "Sorry! I'm sorry! I wasn't aware I was biting you."

Percy chuckled and took my hand to kiss my palm. "It's okay. It means I did great," he said with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

I blushed. "Too good," I admitted.

He then lifted his left wrist and I saw there were also crescent shaped wounds on them, unmistakably bite marks. "I feel like I'd been attacked by a vampire."

"How did you get that?" I asked, running my fingers on the red skin.

"I was trying to keep you quiet, and my neck and shoulder were already complaining about being sore so I used my hand but you end up biting my wrist as well," he explained.

"I'm sorry," I said. I leaned to him and kissed the wound I gave him. Percy groaned. Needless to say, it didn't end with just kisses.

Sometime during the night, I found myself lying next to Percy, my head on his chest and my hand on his stomach. He was playing with my hair. We both looked like we ran ten miles, both of us covered in sweat.

"You don't regret it?" he asked.

I looked up to him. "Absolutely not. Do you?"

He smiled, but there was something wrong in his eyes. "No." He then took a deep breath and kissed me again. I kissed him back, my hand travelling into his hair. The kiss deepened, as usual, but before something else could happened, Percy pulled away.

"I think four times is enough for one night," he said, teasing me.

My face felt hot. "I wasn't asking for more," I chastised him.

He raised his eyebrows. "No?"

"Definitely not, Seaweed Brain."

"Good," he said, yawning loudly. "'Cause I'm exhausted." I kissed him again. "I hope you know how happy I am right now. I'm glad it's you who were my first."

I saw Percy swallowing. "Me, too."

"I love you, my sea prince," I whispered.

He smiled. "I love you, too, my princess."

I resettled my head on his chest and Percy tightened his arms around my shoulder. I snuggled closer to him as he threw the blanket over us.

I fell asleep that way, clinging tightly to the man that completed me and my life.


[How was it? I hope I wrote it just the right way. I hope it wasn't awkward, or too much. I'm actually nervous thinking about your feedback. Please let me know what you think through reviews. Thank you, and please don't hate me for making Percy and Annabeth do it. It's needed in the story and will intensify the drama. Hope you still trust me and read my story. :D

Next - CHAPTER 24: A PICTURE PAINTS A THOUSAND WORDS]