Disclaimer: I don't own PJO or HOO

Percy picked her up from school that day. He had taken off from his work early once Annabeth slid into the passenger seat had put the car in reverse. She hurriedly waved to Jamie and Mel before they vanished from view and then turned to Percy, arms crossed and eyebrows raised.

He noticed her look and frowned. "What is it?"

She gestured to the surrounding houses. "This is the way to our house. How are we going to see everyone when we go home? It'll just take more time away from us visiting them."

Percy rolled his eyes. "Do you really think I wouldn't have thought of that?"

She raised her eyebrows. "Did you?"

He threw a mock hurt look at her. "Yes I did. I just have to get ready and then we'll go."

Annabeth glanced at Percy and then down at herself. She was wearing a white forearm length shirt that had thick pink stripes across it and jeans. It was more of a cardigan but due to the weather Annabeth thought it would be deemed presentable. Now she was rethinking. "Do I look okay?"

Percy glanced at her. "Of course. You're always beautiful."

She punched him lightly but couldn't hide the faint blush that rose to her cheeks. "You're supposed to say that Percy. But I want to make a good impression, I need an unbiased opinion."

Percy frowned. "Annabeth to me you always look beautiful; even when you're covered in dirt and your ponytail is loose and your're fighting a monster."

Annabeth reached up to touch her ponytail subconsciously. It was still neat. "Percy I need to know if I should change or redo my makeup. Please just tell me what you would think if this was... Piper dressed like this."

Percy stoppped at a red light and turned to look at her. He studied her in a way that Annabeth felt right in her core. His gaze clouded for a moment before he turned back to the road. "I think you look great."

Annabeth found her voice. "Really?"

He sighed in exasperation. "Annabeth what's the point in asking me when you won't believe me?"

She shot a glance at him, her eyes telling him she was not amused. "Percy I'm being serious."

"Finally," he said as he put the car in drive once the light turned green, "and I was too."

She exhaled in defeat. "Okay then."

They sat in silence for a bit, Percy pulling into the parking lot of their apartment building. "Why do you need to change anyways? You look perfectly fine." Annabeth asked him.

He shrugged, his face showing no emotion. "I don't want to wear my work clothes."

Annabeth let it go even though she knew he was lying. Percy wasn't wearing his work clothes. Something was up... but she forgot about it. Instead she asked something that had been bouncing around in her head all day. "So from what I remember Piper and Jason, Hazel and Frank, Clarisse and Chris, Travis and Katie, Juniper and Grover and Tyson and ... umm what was the harpies name?"

"Ella." Percy supplied.

She nodded, climbing the stairs as she spoke. "Right, Ella. They're all couples? Did anyone break up or are there any new couples I need to worry about?"

Percy nodded, "Leo and Reyna are together."

Annabeth stopped for a few seconds before continuing her climb. "What? Really?"

"Yup," he said popping the p.

"Wow. How did that happen?"

Percy shrugged, "None of us really know. I mean we thought Reyna didn't even like Leo and then a few weeks after the end of the war they told everyone they were a couple. Jason told me Leo didn't even tell him how it happened. And Reyna sure isn't telling anyone."

"Oh. Allright so Leo and Reyna. It's good that those 2 found someone. What about evryone else. Are they all still together?"

Percy hesitated, his eyes clouded with an emotion Annabeth couldn't place. "Well Travis and Katie are the usual on-off relationship, and ... Hazel's single now."

They turned on to the hallway leading to their apartment. "What? What about her and Frank?" Annabeth asked him.

They reached their doorway. "Look Annabeth, about Frank-" Percy started.

While he had been talking Annabeth had reached for the door knob and turned it. And the sight that met her was a big surprise.

"SURPRISE!"

About 20 people stood in their apartment. Demigods and mortals and Annabeth thought she might've caught a glimpse of Poseidon. She looked over to Percy who was wearing a huge smile, their previous conversation forgotten.

Annabeth smiled back at him and then started at the sudden pairs of arms around her. "Annabeth! Oh, it's so good to see you!"

Percy looked at everyone. "Allright guys, give her room to breathe." He rolled his eyes, "And Hazel let her go, you'll suffocate her."

Hazel took a step back from Annabeth and winked at her. Then she turned to Percy. "Just because you're older than me doesn't mean you get to boss me around Percy. Besides. Annabeth likes my hugs."

He glanced at Annabeth before looking at the younger girl skeptically. "Sure she does little cousin," he told her teasingly, "you keep telling yourself that."

Piper stepped forward and hugged Annabeth before linking arms with both her and Hazel. She turned to face Percy. "You're just jealous that we're allowed to hug her in front of people without being told to get a room. Which is something I think Leo was looking forward to saying again."

"YA! Keep this PG you guys, no more of your kissing in front of us!" the curly haired Hispanio piped up from in the crowd. There was some jostling before his face appeared. "Hey Annabeth, good to see you. This guy-" he jerked his head towards Percy, "was almost unbearable when you were gone."

Percy rolled his eyes. "I was no where near as bad as you Valdez. Jason even said you were more worried than I was."

The tall blonde haired boy stepped forward, "That's true. Leo you would never shut up. At least Percy didn't talk constantly."

Leo rolled his eyes and stuck his tongue out at them. "I will not apologize for worrying for a friend." He smiled at Annabeth who had been amusedly watching the friends banter. "Did you miss me Annie?"

Annabeth glared playfully at him. "Not a bit Valdez, and don't call me Annie."

He walked towards her and hugged her, elbowing Piper and Hazel away as he did so. "You know you love it." he said when he pulled away.

"I swear to the gods I will bring out my knife Leo." she threatened.

"Hey don't bring us into this." a deep voice said. The man Annabeth had seen before stepped towards the group of demigods. Annabeth had been right. It was Poseidon.

Leo spoke at the same time as the god. "I told you ladies love me."

A beautiful brunette stepped towards him. "Leo, Annabeth threatening to gut you isn't really a confession of love." she said it incredulously but when Reyna slid her hand into Leo's you could tell she was kidding.

Annabeth looked back at the god who had been studying her. "Hello Annabeth." he said to her calmy.

She glanced at Percy who smiled at her encouragingly. "Um, hello Poseidon." she said unsurely.

He surprised her by laughing. "My beard Annabeth, last time I heard you use that voice was when you accepted the offer to be Olympus's architect." His eyes twinkled, looking so much like Percy's that she almost called him that. "Aren't you the confident one of your relationship?"

"Well that's not saying much," Sally said, walking forwards and dragging Paul with her as she did so. "Percy isn't exactly the most confident guy out there."

"Mom!" Percy complained. "I'm hurt. Aren't you supposed to stick up for me?"

Sally waved a hand at him good naturedly, "You do that fine on your own. Now," she said turning to Annabeth, "can I get a hug from my son's girlfriend?"

Annabeth blushed again, not knowing what to do. Hesitantly she stepped towards Sally who let go of Paul's hand to wrap her arms around the younger girl.

"Oh Annabeth," Sally sighed, "thank Zeus you're okay. Percy was so worried."

Annabeth nodded in understanding. "Hey Sally."

Sally's grip tightened for a moment before she released her and let go. "Well it's good to see you dear. I'm glad you're feeling better."

Annabeth searched the sea of faces before her. A pale boy- Nico, stood there beside Rachel. Hmm what was she doing here? From what Annabeth could remember she didn't like Rachel much. There was Clarisse and Chris, the Stolls (Katie included), Thalia, the prophecy demigods, Sally, Paul and- Annabeth did a double take.

"Dad?" she asked incredulously.

The older man smiled beatenly down at her, relieved to finally be noticed. "Hey there Annie."

"Hey," Leo complained, "how come he gets to call you Annie?"

Piper smacked his arm, ignoring Leo's yelp of pain. "Shut up Leo."

"Dad? What- what are you doing here? All the way from San Francisco? What about the kids and Karen?" Annabeth asked him amazed.

He stepped towards her, "Karen can handle those kids, and as for me, well, I heard there was a party and naturally I came to see how you were."

Annabeth stepped towards him and threw her arms around him. "I- I'm sorry dad. I didn't remember- I thought - I mean with us- I wasn't sure-" Her explanation was cut off and frantic. She couldn't find the words to explain not visiting him sooner, or calling or messaging him at all.

He rubbed his hand on her back in soothing circles, face understanding. "Sshh it's okay Annabeth. I understand."

She nodded, hiding her face in his shoulder before stepping back. Percy moved to stand behind her and grabbed her hand comfortingly.

"So," Leo said, rubbing his hands together. "This is a party right? Celebrating Wisegirl's reunion with everyone?"

Percy nodded and gestured to the counter in the kitchen filled with food. "Help yourself Leo."

Leo smiled at the couple, "Thanks man, you're a lifesaver."

Leo dragged Reyna with him to the food, but she did manage to give the couple a smile and a wave before being assaulted by her boyfriend.

Annabeth turned to look at Percy. "I thought you were the only one who called me Wisegirl?"

He looked at her knowingly. "Oh believe me, I am. Leo's just a little excited right now."

Annabeth looked at Leo who was practically jumping with energy and excitement. "I can see that."

Percy smiled at her. "C'mon Wisegirl, time to re meet your friends."

Her eyes widened in panic and looked at everyone talking to one another and laughing and smiling like they were all the best of friends. "Percy they know I don't remember them all right? What if I do something wrong?"

Percy grabbed her free hand and held both of them in his own. "Annabeth it'll be fine. You'll be fine. And I won't let go of your hand the whole time."

"Promise?" she asked him.

"I promise." he said seriously.

She nodded slowly and then turned to look at their guests. "All right then let's go."

oooOOOooo

"Annabeth!"

Annabeth turned and looked to see Katie waving her over to where she sat on Travis's lap in the living room.

"Hey Katie." she replied.

Katie looked her over. "You look good."

Annabeth smiled in appreciation. "Thanks, you do too."

Katie smiled and then her expression turned serious. "So.. how are you feeling? With the memory loss and all?"

Annabeth sighed and sat down. "I'm working on it. I remember some things now, most from before the Titan War and a lot to do with when Percy was taken to the Roman Camp."

Travis snorted from his place beside the girls and turned from his conversation with Connor. "Well there's a surprise."

Annabeth frowned at him. "Hello to you too Travis."

He smiled misheviously at her. "Hey Annabeth, good to have you back. Connor and I were missing seeing your face after a prank."

Katie rolled her eyes at him. "Travis stop being stupid."

He poked her side, smiling slightly when she giggled. "You love it when I'm stupid."

Katie blushed, "Shutup Travis."

"Make me." he told her.

Katie rolled her eyes and looked at Annabeth, pleading for help silently. "Save me."

Annabeth pretended to consider it. "Nah, I think you're good."

"Oh thanks so much, glad to have you back Annabeth." Katie told her, but the smile in her eyes told Annabeth she was kidding.

Percy and Connor had been talking the whole time the girls had been chatting but now Connor turned to Annabeth. "Hey Annie."

Her eyes narrowed. "Stoll."

Connor smiled at her. "Good to know you haven't changed too much. Then Travis and I would have to rethink our whole plans for pranking you."

Travis shot his brother an annoyed look. "Thanks dude, good to know you can keept your trap shut. I swear Katie's better at pranking than you."

Percy laughed at that, "I'm not sure about that Travis. Maybe when she's pranking you."

Katie looked at both Percy and Travis. "What are those statements supposed to mean?"

Both of the guys laughed at her while Katie said "Sometimes I don't know why I bother."

Annabeth put a hand on her arm comfortingly. "Don't worry Katie, I'm sure Travis didn't mean it. And you know I can make Percy pay for it later, just as you can do the same to Travis." Annabeth winked at Katie who snickered.

Immediately both laughing boys shut up. "What do you mean by that?" they both asked their girlfriends.

Katie shook her head, smiling softly. "Oh, nothing. Us girls are just talking."

Percy looked at them both suspiciously. "Y'know Travis I think they're plotting against us."

Travis nodded, scrutinizing the girls as well. "I do think you're right dear Percy."

Connor laughed at both the boys. "Sucks to be you guys."

Both of the men turned to Connor. "Dude you don't even have a girlfriend. It's better to be us then it is to be you." Travis told him bluntly.

As all three of the boys started bickering Annabeth and Katie laughed. Annabeth only turned when she felt a tap on her shoulder. It was Rachel.

"Am I interrupting?" the red head asked.

Annabeth felt an immediate flash of wariness. From what she remembered Rachel had a crush on Percy. She had kissed him! But then she had become the Oracle. Percy had assured Annabeth that she and Rachel were closer now and actually very good friends but Annabeth knew she and Rachel would have to take this slow. "Oh." her voice was surprised. "Hey Rachel."

Katie smiled at the oracle. "Rachel! Hey!"

Rachel smiled at Katie. "Hey Katie. Mind if I steal the girl of the moment?"

Katie waved them away. "Be my guest," she jerked her head towards the boys, "I've got to keep Travis and his brother contained anyways."

Rachel and Annabeth laughed. Rachel then turned to Annabeth. "Can we talk?"

The blonde nodded and rose from the couch. She saw Percy's gaze and smiled at him reassuringly, silently telling him she could handle this. He nodded, but Annabeth still felt his eyes on her when she turned her back.

Rachel led them to the hallway and then stopped and turned. Her eyes took in Annabeth and she smiled a tentative smile at the daughter of Athena. "Look Annabeth I'm not really sure how much you remember about me, or what our friendship is like and I just wanted to clear the air. I know you don't remember much, and in those first 2 years our relationship wasn't really that great soo..."

"Rachel it's okay. I know you're the oracle now." Annabeth said.

Rachel smiled, a bigger smile than before. She sighed in relief. "Oh good. Well I just wanted you to know that Percy and I- we were just friends. You might not remember but nothing happened at all between us. He helped me realize who I was supposed to be and why I am the way I am."

Annabeth nodded distractedly. "Rachel can I ask you something?"

Rachel nodded. "Of course."

"Actually there's 2 things. The first is, did you and Percy ever kiss?" Annabeth knew the answer to this. She remembered Percy and Rachel both coming and telling her Rachel had kissed him once. What this question was was a test. If Rachel answered honestly then Annabeth would act towards her the same way she did to all her friends. If she lied... well it wouldn't be pretty.

Rachel nodded and her eyes clouded. "Once. It was me. I kissed him, he didn't kiss me." Annabeth raised an eyebrow in surprise at the girls answer but Rachel took it the wrong way. "Oh! Oh we didn't do anything more! And I promise you it was just a peck, I hardly felt it. It was more a kiss for good luck than anything else. I'm really sorry Annabeth."

Annabeth shushed the girl. "Rachel, it's okay. I was just asking." she smiled genuinely at the girl before her. "I have another question though."

Rachel nodded. "Shoot."

"Are we... close friends? I know we're friends but do I ask you for advice about stuff, or come tell you about problems I'm having?"

Rachel thought for a second. "I think we are. You tell me about problems with you and Percy a lot, and stress to me about school. Plus I helped you when Percy dissapeared. After the Giant war we got closer. Since I have the whole seeer eye thing I saw parts of what you and Percy went through in Tartarus. You talked to me about it sometimes and I helped you get over it."

"Wow." Annabeth said. Then she smiled. "Well, thanks Rachel."

She moved to walk past the girl but Rachel caught her arm. "Annabeth if you wanna... talk about your amnesia you can always ask me. I have some freaky powers that come with this oracle bussiness so I can even show you some things."

Annabeth nodded. "I will Rachel. Thank you."

Rachel smiled and relaxed. "Have a good party Annabeth."

"You too." Annabeth replied and then went to join the crowd of people again.

Thalia stepped in front of Annabeth, almost getting run over by the blonde. "Woah! Hey Thals."

Thalia was in her usual Hunters get-up and her hair was it's usual spiky self. She crossed her arms. "You look better." she said bluntly.

"Umm thanks?"

Thalia rolled her eyes. "Well give me a hug will you? I haven't seen you for what seems like a week."

Annabeth laughed and hugged Thalia, feeling the comfort Thalia always brought her. "That must have been torture for you."

Thalia nodded and dragged Annabeth by the arm to the food table. "It was. The whole time I was wondering wether you and Percy were screaming and killing each other yet."

Annabeth frowned at the older girl. "Um, no. We've managed to avoid that so far."

Thalia picked up a chip and tossed it in her mouth. "It's only a matter of time."

"Thanks for the vote of confidence."

Thalia shrugged, "What? It's what you and Percy do."

"Really? Even since we started dating." Annabeth asked.

Thalia nodded and rolled her eyes. "Oh ya, especially then."

Annabeth frowned. "Well we haven't really fought yet. I guess that's a good thing."

"Uh huh." Thalia said, sounding like she didn't really care. "Look I'm just here to ask you how you are. Artemis wants me back as soon as possible."

Annabeth smiled. "I'm fine Thals. Percy's helped a lot."

"Well at least there's that. Look I've got to run but remember to tell Kelp-for-Brains that if he hurts you I'll kill him and that I'll catch up with him soon over burgers." Thalia gave the other girl a quick hug. "Have a good party."

"Wait Thalia-" Annabeth called but Thalia was already gone.

"She always does that." A voice said from behind Annabeth. When she turned to look she saw it was Nico.

"Oh. Hey Nico." she said.

He dipped his head to her. "Annabeth."

"It's good to see you." she said.

"It's good you remember me." he responded.

She shrugged. "Some things. I don't remember it all."

Nico shrugged too. "Something's better than nothing."

"Ya I suppose." Annabeth hesitated before asking Nico "How was Percy when I was in the hospital?"

He raised his eyebrows at her. "You sure you wanna know?"

Annabeth hesitated. "I'm not sure. Do I?"

Nico shook his head. "No I don't think you do. I'll spare you the gory details."

Annabeth nodded. "OK."

"He laid on the couch for a while. He didn't go to work, didn't wash, hardly slept or ate. He never talked. When you were unconscious he never left your side. He always held your hand or slept beside you." Nico met Annabeth's eyes. "He was heartbroken."

She swallowed the lump that had appeared in her throat. "Nico... I'm sorry. For putting him through that I mean. It must have been hard for you to see him like that."

Nico dropped his gaze and scuffed his foot on the kitchen floor. Finally he nodded, eyes still on his feet. "Ya." he swallowed loudly and then cleared his throat. "Ya, it was hard."

Annabeth put a hand on his shoulder. "I'm glad I wasn't there to see it. I never would have been able to stand it."

Nico looked up at her, his gaze piercing. "Even when you didn't remember him?"

Annabeth thought back to how she had felt about Percy while she had been in the hospital. She had cared about him even then. She knew that. "Yes." she finally said speaking more to herself than to Nico. "Yes, even when I didn't remember him."

Nico nodded as if satisfied and didn't say anything else. But Annabeth did. "Thankyou Nico, for not letting him give up on me. You don't know how much I appreciate that."

Nico looked at her. Something almost like regret passed over his face. Annabeth suddenly knew that he was thinking of his sister. The one who had died on a quest with Percy. "Hey Nico, you okay?" she asked him.

He nodded and dropped his eyes, "It's good to have you back Annabeth." Was all he said before he turned away and walked over to the living room.

"My poor nephew," a grave voice said behind her.

Once again Annabeth turned to look at who had spoken behind her. "Oh. Hello Lord Poseidon."

The god was still watching the son of Hades who was now talking to Hazel. "I know my brother loves his son but I've always thought he should show it more. Young Nico is very lonely." Poseidon frowned. "He still misses the daughter of Hades who saved Percy too much."

Annabeth glanced at Percy when his name was spoken. He was currently sitting with a very tired looking Connor in a head lock. Annabeth smiled to herself. Even without the Curse of Achilles Percy was near unbeatable.

When the demigod looked back to the god she was surprised and slightly unsettled to find him already studying her. "However, I did not come to speak with you about my brother's offspring." Poseidon told her.

"Oh?" Annabeth asked, trying to hide her nervousness.

The sea god looked out over the people in the room. "There is quite a bit of people here." he stated.

"Oh." Annabeth said, surprised at the change of conversation. "Yes. Yes there is."

Poseidon glanced at her. "Do you know who they all are?"

Annabeth's eyes met the sea green ones of the ancient standing before her. "Yes. Yes I do. I don't remember them all completely, but I do know them."

"And my son?" he asked her, his face was expressionless apart from a slight look of curiosity.

"Percy..." Annabeth said, liking the way his name sounded when she said it, "I remember him the most. I love Percy."

Poseidon raised his eyebrows. "Are you sure about that?"

She frowned. "What do you mean?"

"I'm just saying when you can't even remember him how do you know you love him?"

"What are you talking about? I do remember him. Even if I didn't it wouldn't matter. From what I've seen since I woke up in the hospital he's just what I need and the perfect match for me. I love everything that I've seen from him so far. He's ..." Annabeth stumbled trying to find the right words to describe her feelings. She ended up shaking her head. "I'm sorry I can't explain it." She looked up and met Poseidon's eyes. "However even if I can't explain it doesn't mean I don't feel it. I feel more for Percy than I do for even myself."

Poseidon smiled at her, almost in satisfaction. Then he looked over at Percy who was still sitting in the same position as before listening to Travis. "You know," Poseidon started, "you and Percy never asked Athena and I what we thought about your relationship."

Annabeth looked at him, surprised. "Umm..."

Poseidon shook his head. "You don't have to say anything, I know at first it was a surprise to even you two. But even after all these years you've never come to us. I can understand why you wouldn't. I mean I suppose we wouldn't have been too enthusiastic and even you demigods knew it would be bad to come to us." He laughed suddenly. "Oh my, Athena. Her face if you ever did come to us would be priceless." Poseidon grinned deviously, "I can't wait till Percy asks Athena for permission to marry you. That will be something I'll make sure to see."

Annabeth did a double take and when she realized she had heard Percy's father correctly she blushed, "Excuse me Lord Poseidon but- I mean- marriage-"

Poseidon waved a hand. "Don't take it so literally. I was merely remarking that when it did finally happen I would make sure to be there. I can assure you Athena would blast Percy if he came and asked that anytime soon."

Annabeth wasn't sure what to do so she just nodded.

Poseidon went on talking. "It's probably a good thing you didn't come to us. I mean when Athena did find out eventually she was... unusual. Oh and the rants she had. Let me assure you," Poseidon glanced at her, "that was quite an awkward conversation. And when she heard that you had lost your memory recently she was all for making sure it never came back so that you never remembered my son. Lucky thing I have a higher ranking on the council or else that could have ended terribly."

Annabeth gaped at him. Poseidon saw this and hurried on.

"Don't worry, I'm sure she wasn't serious about it being permanent. Athena would never hurt one of her children like that. Then again she was rushing to bestow your memories upon you at once."

Annabeth frowned. "I'm sorry Poseidon, but what did you just say?"

He looked at her. "I could very easily give you all of your memories right now with a snap of my fingers Annabeth." He leaned towards her, "But I'm not going to."

"But-" Annabeth cut herself off before she said something she would regret. "Why wouldn't you?"

Poseidon shrugged. "It's against the laws to interfere with your childs life when you're a god. And you regaining your memories would greatly impact my son. But that's not why I'm not giving them to you."

"Why?" she asked again.

This time Poseidon stared at her, his gaze never wavering while he spoke. "Because I would like to see if despite the memory loss, despite everything that has been thrown in your way, that you still love my son. I want to see that despite everything, you want him as much as you did before. That is why niether I, nor Athena or any other god, will give you your memories."

Annabeth stood there, stunned. This man, this god in front of her had the ability to give her the memories she still didn't have and he wasn't going to. Just because he wanted to make sure she still loved Percy without them.

She didn't know what to feel.

Luckily before she said anything she felt arms slide around her waist and a chin resting on the top of her head. "Hey dad." Percy said easily, unaware of the tension between the god and demigod.

Poseidon bowed his head. "Son."

Percy quickly kissed the back of Annabeth's head. "What did I miss?" he asked.

Poseidon opened his mouth to reply but Annabeth beat him to it. She spun around to face her boyfriend and put her hands on his face. "Nothing. Nothing at all, your dad was just telling me he was happy I was feeling better."

Percy glanced at his dad and then back at Annabeth. He smiled but his eyes were questioning. Annabeth tried to convey a silent message. Later, she begged him to understand, I'll tell you about it later.

Seeming to understand Percy nodded slightly and leaned in to kiss her lightly. He pulled away and turned to look at Poseidon. "So dad how are you enjoying all of these demigods company?"

The god smiled easily. "Demigods are something I'm used to. However your new step father Paul has quite a lot of questions. About Mount Olympus especially."

Percy smiled and Annabeth spun around to look at Poseidon again. "Yes, Paul's quite eccentric."

"Yes," Poseidon mused, "well I should be going. Hera will throw a fit if I stay longer than curtesy requires."

Percy nodded and Annabeth smiled. "Alright then."

"See you two around." the god said while winking. Without giving them a chance to respond he turned into sea breeze and vanished.

"Wow." Annabeth said without thinking.

"You okay? Did he say something?" Percy asked her.

She shook her head. "No, I'll tell you later okay?"

He studied her for a second before nodding. "Okay then. Have you spoken to Hazel yet? She was one of the most excited to see you today."

Annabeth shook her head. Percy grabbed her hand and brought it to his lips. "C'mon she'll want to see you."

They found Hazel standing staring at a picture on the top of the bookshelf beside the apartment door.

There were 6 demigods in it. They were all grouped together and some were smiling but none of the smiles were genuine. Each held sadness and grief in them. Annabeth and Percy looked so frail in that picture, and Hazel... oh gods Hazel looked like the world had been ripped out under her feet. Leo and Piper were each supporting Hazel while Jason looked weary.

Percy touched Hazel's shoulder lightly, drawing it back when she jumped. "Hazel?" he asked quietly.

She turned and Annabeth was surprised to see moisture in her usually warm eyes. "I'm sorry Percy what?"

He hesitated before speaking, just as softly as before. "Are you okay?"

Annabeth looked on in confusion. "Hazel what's wrong?"

Hazel wiped at one of her eyes before turning and setting down the picture where she had found it. "Nothing, I'm fine. I just- I miss him is all."

The blonde frowned and Percy sighed. "Miss who?" Annabeth asked.

Hazel looked at her. "What?"

"Who do you miss?" Annabeth repeated.

"Annabeth-" Percy started.

"What? Percy, what- I don't-" Hazel stuttered.

"I'm sorry Hazel. She- Annabeth still doesn't remember about Frank." Percy said.

Hazel stepped back in shock. "Oh. Oh." she repeated, seemingly unable to say anything else.

"What about Frank?" Annabeth asked although she had a creeping suspicion. Something stirring in the back of her mind. Something dangerous, with the power to hurt her.

"Annabeth maybe later-" Percy said but Hazel cut him off.

"Oh gods. Oh Jupiter, she doesn't even know."

"Hazel I-"

"Why didn't you tell her?" Hazel demanded.

"What?" Annabeth tugged on Percy's hand forcing him to look at her. "Percy what is it? Tell me."

"I- I don't-" Percy seemed to struggle with the words.

"I- I have to go." Hazel said, her voice cracking on the last word. "It was nice seeing you guys. I'm glad you're feeling better Annabeth. I'll see you guys later."

Moving away from Percy's outstretched arm Hazel ducked and weaved through the crowd until she reached the door. She opened it and it closed with a slam. Everyone dropped quiet.

"Percy?" Annabeth asked him, hating herself when her voice shook. "What? What happened to Frank?"

Percy looked around quickly before he met her eyes. "Annabeth-"

"Tell me!" she demanded.

"He's dead." Percy told her. "Annabeth, Frank's dead."

She released Percy's hand, unable to form a coherrent thought, suddenly aware of the sudden pain that seemed to explode within her. "No."

Piper stepped forward. "Annabeth-"

"NO!" she said, louder this time, stumbling back.

"He died in the Giant War, Annabeth." Piper said, walking slowly towards her. "No one except Hazel saw it happen."

Annabeth started shaking all over her body, feeling the fragileness from Tartarus start to overcome her. Percy must have seen it too because he hurried to her and wrapped his arms around her. "Shh, later Annabeth. When everyone's gone. Later you can do this. But not now. Now we have to be strong. Just for a little while."

Annabeth focused on the only thing that didn't hurt and that was Percy. She focused on his body, his arms around her, his lips in her hair. Slowly she regained her breath and found the power to start standing. She stepped away from Percy but made sure to always keep a hand on him for support.

"I'm sorry." she told everyone, "I- I think I'll have to cut this party a little short."

She heard sighs all over but no one complained. Sally and Annabeth's dad came up to them and each hugged Annabeth.

"I'm sorry Annabeth. It was great to see you again. Come visit us soon alright?" Sally muttered in her ear.

Annabeth nodded mutely and smiled at Percy's mother before her dad engulfed her. "Oh Annabeth." he said, "Do you want to come home with me? Maybe just for a couple of days?"

Annabeth shook her head. "No dad, that won't help me- it won't let me get away. Besides I need to know what happened."

The man sighed and then nodded before pulling away and kissing her forehead. "Call me as soon as you can."

"I will." she told him.

Piper came and hugged her. "Annabeth tomorrow I am coming here and we are talking alright? No questions asked."

"Not tomorrow. The next day. Please Piper?" Annabeth told her.

"Fine. But I am coming wether you like it or not." Piper insisted.

Annabeth nodded. "Promise."

The rest of the guests all left hurriedly, Clarisse muttered a quick "It was good to see you guys." Leo tried to make a joke but it fell flat since his only audience was Annabeth and Percy. Katie hugged them both and Travis muttered something to Percy. Connor grumbled to Percy under his breath, something about "next time I'll get you." or along those lines.

Once everyone was gone Annabeth shut the door and turned to Percy. Withouth think she ran until she was in his arms and she wrapped her arms around him. She put her head on his chest, shaking and almost drowning in her sorrow. He never said anything, he just calmly brought them over to the couch and rocked Annabeth back and forth. She didn't cry. No she was past crying she just shook and sobbed and sobbed and sobbed. Annabeth wasn't sure why she was reacting so strongly all she knew was the only thing that kept her from losing it was Percy holding her. She was not going to go crazy when she had just got him back. No. She was too strong to do that.

But she wasn't strong enough to resist the tempting sleep that was coming over her. Wether it was god induced or not Annabeth felt like it was a drug, making her mind hazy and numbing her senses. With sleep came numbness and that restricted the pain.

So Annabeth just sobbed herself to sleep and when it reached out greedily to take her, she went willingly and without a fight.

oooOOOooo

Alright so I know I said I had one more chapter to go but I guess I lied. I have ideas for 1 or 2 more after this and then an epilogue :) Sorry if there was some OOCness in this chapter, I just needed to get all of the character emotions and secrets out before wrapping this story up :) Hope you liked it!

Thanks to the reviewers and people who have favourited/followed me or my story. You guys are the reasons I write!

Love you all!