A/N: It's a bit fluffy I know, but it was better uploading speed, wasn't it? I thought I'd reward you with two chapters, since I didn't upload for a while. And it may or may not be an advance apology for not uploading quickly in the future (I'm starting my GCSEs, so I'll probably have coursework and stuff to do)

Oh yeah. It's set after SON, it's the first night after their reunion, and they've all been busy trying to get to Greece as fast as they can, so no time for Percy and Annabeth to enjoy each other's company.

Disclaimer: I'm not Rick Riordan. I don't own PJO.

5. Seeking solace

The world was falling into disrepair, all the heroes were dying, Percy was screaming for my help, in obvious agony and I powerless to help him, paralysed by my own fear. Unable to do anything but watch it happen, watch as the carnage unfolded beneath me.

The world was being overrun by the dead, the doors of death flung open behind us. Our quest must have failed, we were too late, the Titans would rise and the Fifth Age would begin, starting with the obliteration of mankind, except the ones that had pledged allegiance, or the ones that the Titans kept around as toys. Or the ones they kept to torture. I tried not to dwell on that too much.

My eyes were drawn to Percy, as he swung blindly at a skeleton, earning a club to the head in return. I watched, horrified as a skeletal empousa struck him a glancing blow to the small of his back, not his mortal point any more, but still very sensitive. He screamed in pain before collapsing and shooting me a final, pleading, agonized look. I started screaming and screaming, anything to escape the furious pounding in my head…

I sat bolt upright, drenched in a cold sweat, shivering from cold and fear. Just a nightmare, I told myself. Just a nightmare. Still, I needed reassurance. I swung my legs over the side of the bunk on the Argo II and padded softly down the hall until I found the right door.

"Percy," I whispered softly, knocking gently on the door. A muffled moan came from inside, so I pushed the door open a crack and slipped inside. "Percy," I whispered again. He rolled over and opened one eye. After eight months of horrific separation, we hadn't been able to spend nearly enough time together, just snatched moments in between the final preparations for the long voyage. I was struck bu how perfect he was, the deep, ocean green of his eyes, the shock of raven dark hair, the tanned skin.

"Whaddamatterwigirll" he mumbled incoherently, before clearing his throat and trying again. "What's the matter, Wise Girl? He asked sleepily.

"I…" I paused, wondered if it was worth wasting his time for. "I had a nightmare" I admitted, a little sheepish.

A wash of understanding passed over his face, and he scooted over on his bunk, making space for me. I sat down on the edge, but he wrapped his arms around me and pulled me close. "What was the nightmare about, Wise Girl?" I could feel his warm breath on my neck, making my pulse jump erratically.

"We…we failed the quest, and everything was destroyed, and it was somehow all my fault" I buried my head in his shoulder. He sighed.

"Wise Girl, it will all be fine. We beat them once and we'll beat them again."

"But –"

"No. It'll all be fine." He studied my dimly lit face for a second. "How long has it been since you've slept, Wise Girl?"

It was my turn to sigh "How long has it been since we've been apart, Seaweed Brain?" He stared off into the distance, looking troubled, before readjusting our bodies until my head was resting just above his heart. I closed my eyes and sighed contentedly.

We both fell asleep like that, intertwined, seeking solace in each other's arms.

A/N: See? Fluffy, just the way we like it. Specially formulated just to make you say 'awwwww' R&R