A/N-Hey guys! I hope you guys are doing well and here's another update!

"Sorry I'm late, I didn't want to come." Percy emerged, the sun beginning to set.

I jumped. Percy stood a few feet away from Zeus' fist, hands in the front pocket of his faded jeans. His gold eyes illuminated the darkness.

His sudden appearance had startled me. I hadn't even heard him. And hey, he had a shirt on. I wasn't sure if I should be grateful or disappointed. Mouth aside, he was drool-worthy. I mentally prepared myself for the inevitable verbal smack down. He wasn't smiling, but at least he didn't look like he wanted to kill me this time. If anything, his expression took on a mask of grudging acceptance.

"I thought you would've left by now." Percy commented, flashing a half grin at me. "Anyway, I'm glad you're still here. I think I'm supposed to apologize."

"You think you're supposed to?"

"Yeah, according to Annabeth I needed to get my ass over here and make nice."

I scoffed. "Well, apologizing and not meaning it kind of defeats the purpose the purpose of apologizing."

"True," he dragged the word out. "Actually, I don't have a choice. I have to make nice."

"You don't seem like a person who does anything he doesn't want to do."

"Neither do you." Percy took a step forward. "But Annabeth said she wouldn't talk to me until I play nice."

I tried to stop it, but I laughed. "She's giving you the silent treatment?"

He scowled, standing by my side. "It's not funny."

"You're right," I laughed. "It's freaking hilarious."

Percy shot me a dirty look.

I folded my arms, smirking. "I'm sorry, though. I'm not accepting your not-so-sincere apology. You may never speak to Annabeth again."

"Well, damn, there went my plan." A begrudging smile toyed with the corner of his mouth. "I figured that at least showing up would sweeten the deal."

"Late. You showed up an hour and half late."

"I told you, I didn't want to come."

"Wow," I breathed, annoyed, "Are you normally this warm and sparkly?"

"Always. Do you usually stare at guys when you stop over, asking for a favor?"

"Do you always answer the door half-naked?"

"Always." Percy tilted his head. "You didn't answer my question. Do you always stare?"

Heat infused my cheeks. "I was not staring."

"Really?" he asked. That half grin was back, taunting me. "Anyway, you woke me up. I'm not a morning person."

"It wasn't that early," I pointed out.

"I sleep in, don't you?"

I tucked back a strand of hair behind my ear. "No. I always get up early."

"You sound just like Annabeth." He groaned. "No wonder why you two are friends."

"Annabeth has taste...unlike some people," I said. His lips twitched. "So if you're only over here to earn brownie points for talking to me then you can leave."

"I'm here because you asked me to help out with your powers." Percy said.

"Well it's much too late to do anything now. I can barely see. We can do this tomorrow or something." I began to walk away but Percy stepped in front of me, his golden eyes more piercing in the moonlight. I couldn't stop staring at his mouth when he spoke. I bet he knew how to kiss. Perfect kisses too, the ones that curled toes. I really needed to stop looking at him.

"My behavior today was less than stellar. I've never really taken well to strangers." Percy admitted, his voice low.

"I had a dog once that didn't take well to strangers."

Percy stared at me for a moment, then laughed. It was a deep, rumbling sound. Nice and sexy. Oh gods, I looked away. He was the kind of boy that broke hearts. He was trouble. Maybe the fun kind of trouble, but he was a total jerk. And I didn't do jerks.

"Anyway, I'm taking you swimming tomorrow. We'll work on your powers and if I play nice, Annabeth will talk to me again."

He had to be kidding, but the longer I stared at him, I realized he was being serious. My mouth dropped open. "So you'll get Annabeth to talk to you by taking me swimming and being nice to me?"

"Wow. You're a quick one."

I laughed. "Yeah, well, have fun not speaking to her again."

"Why?" Genuine surprise shone on his face.

"Because I'm not going anywhere with you."

"We don't have a choice." He insisted.

"No. You don't have a choice. I'll find another way to get my powers. A way that doesn't involve you."

Percy watched me for a moment, and then he grinned. "You don't want to hang out with me?"

"Uh, no."

"Why not?" He asked, raising an eyebrow.

"For starters, Percy-you're a jerk."

"That's true." He nodded, agreeing.

"And I'm not spending time with a guy who's being forced to do it. I'm not desperate."

"You're not?"

Anger whipped through me, and I took a step forward. "Screw you, Percy. I'm leaving."

Percy shot his hands out in front of me, like he was trying to stop me. I scoffed and moved to take a step forward. Except I couldn't.

I opened my mouth to speak, but nothing came out.

"Oh sorry," he muttered, waving his left hand. "I'm, uh, still getting the hang of this."

I craned my neck, able to move my head but not my body. "What did you do to me?"

"Froze you." He answered simply. "Because unlike you, my powers work."

"Let me go." I was highly creeped out by his golden eyes, they seemed to become more intense as he used his powers.

He seemed to consider it. "No."

"What?" I sputtered. "What do you mean no?"

"I'm not unfreezing you until you agree to go swimming with me."

At this point, steam seemed to be coming out of my ears. "Fine. I'll stay frozen because I'd rather eat glass than spend time with you."

"Sounds drastic."

"Not nearly," I shot back. "I stood in same spot for six years and I can do it again."

I scowled at him and he smiled at me, as innocent as an angel. "We can be all night, Thalia. Hell, all week. Either get it over with tomorrow, work on getting your powers back and be done with me, or we can be here all night. Your choice."

"You can't be serious."

"Oh, Sweetheart, I am."

"Just tell Annabeth that we went and that I had a great time. Just lie."

"She'll know if I'm lying." He paused. "Or are you too shy to go swimming with me? Does the idea of getting almost naked around me make you uncomfortable?"

"No, I'm not a big fan of water. Daughter of Zeus and all."

"You know nothing's going to happen when I'm there." Percy got closer, hands still in front of him. "So what are you actually afraid of?"

"I don't like you." As Percy got close, his hands seemed to hum around my skin. It was an unsettling feeling. "Let go of me."

"I'm not leaving, Sweetheart. You're going to do this."

After a moment, I growled. "Fine. You win."

Grinning, Percy lowered his hands. "I'll pick you up at noon, Sweetheart."

When his hands fell to his sides, I felt the release. It felt like finally releasing a long held breath. "I hate you."

"Feeling's mutual." Percy ran a hand through his hair. "I'll bet you'll wear a one-piece suit."

"Gods, I can't stand you."

When the first cracks of light came through the windows, I rolled onto my side, groaning.

I had to hang out with Percy today. Not to mention, I'd tossed and turned all night, dreaming about a boy with stunning golden eyes and a bikini that kept coming undone. Reluctantly, I threw off the covers and headed to the shower.

A few minutes later, I was standing in a towel and staring at my swim wear options. Horror filled me. Percy had been right. The idea of being half naked around him did make my stomach churn. Even though I couldn't stand him, and I actually think he might be the first person I ever hated, he was...he was a god. Who knew the kind of girls he was used to seeing in bathing suits. Considering that he was a son of Poseidon, he was probably used to seeing beautiful mermaids and gorgeous water nymphs. Even though I wouldn't touch him with a stick for all the money in the world, I was humble enough to admit there was a part of me that wanted him to want me.

I only had three bathing suits: A two piece that piece that was a bikini top and shorts, a razorback one-piece, and a red two piece bikini.

I could have chosen a tent and I'd still feel uncomfortable.

Throwing the one-piece back into the closet, I held up the other two. My reflection stared back at me, a suit on each side, and I took a long look at myself. My black hair begun to grow to about shoulder length, considerably longer than I preferred. My eyes were a sharp blue, not like a huskies but not dull blue either. I glanced at the red suit. It was anything but cautious. It was flirty, sexy. Something that I was not used to being, and, well, that bothered me. What had Percy said yesterday? That I was a kid?

A red hot feeling sparked inside of me.

Screw him.

I was exciting and bold. Maybe I wanted to shock Percy, prove him wrong. I threw the plain suit across the cabin and laid the red one on my small desk.

My decision was made.

I put on the tiny scraps in record time, and a pair of denim shorts and a tank top version of the camp half blood shirt to hide my scandalous figure. I headed out the door, going to breakfast. After breakfast, I went back to my cabin, finishing up some latin translations due the next day. Suddenly, the door knocked and I jumped. My heart was beating fast as I looked at the time.

11:45 a.m.

After taking a small breath, I went to open the door. Percy stood, a water bottle in hand.

"I'm wee bit early."

"I see that," I replied, voice flat. "Change your mind? You could always try lying."

He arched a brow. "I'm not a liar."

"Well you're an assassin so I figured lying would be a small sin to you, but my bad, I forgot you have virtues." He stared me, a small smile playing on his lips. I rolled my eyes, "Give me a second to grab my stuff." I swung the door shut in face. It was childish, but it was a small victory. I grabbed my sneakers and stuff before returning and opening the door again. Percy was right there and he started walking away as I closed the door. After passing the creek and the beach, I frowned. My curiosity stemmed when we entered a dense tree line.

"Are you taking me out to the woods as a trick?" I asked, half serious.

He glanced over his shoulder. "And what would I do to you out here, Sweetheart?"

I shivered. "Kill me. I don't have my powers and if you did, you'd be the child of the prophecy."

"Slow down there, Thalia. You wouldn't want me to get any ideas, now would you?" A small smile tugged his lips. "Here's the thing about killing you: If I do that, I lose my alliance with the Olympians and as much as I hate to admit it, I need them."

"So you've thought about it? Killing me?" I asked, part of me not wanting to know the answer.

"It's crossed my mind once or twice, if that's what you mean." He made his around the thick brush and vines on the wood's floor. "Besides, Annabeth would hate me."

"And you know-there's the small fact that I'm a human being who has a right live but who cares, right?" I replied sarcastically, part of me wondering why I still continued to follow him further into the woods. "Speaking of her, can we pretend we did this?"

"Trust me, I'd rather watch paint dry for an eternity than spend one hour with you of all people." He jumped over a log. "But complaining about it isn't going to make it any easier."

Turning around, Percy offered me his hand.

"You're such a ray of sunshine." I briefly considering slapping it away, but I placed my hand in his. Static passed from my skin to his. Percy helped me over the downed tree before promptly dropping my hand. "Thanks."

Percy looked away and continued walking. "We only have a little bit more to go. It's fairly hidden."

"Okay." We continued walking in silence for a few minutes until I spotted a clearing beyond the trees.

"Welcome to my little piece of paradise."

I ignored him, walking into the clearing. I was stunned. "Wow. This place is beautiful."

"It is." He stood next me, one hand cupping his eyes against the glare from the sun bouncing off the smooth surface of the water.

I could tell that this place was special to him. Just knowing that kind of made my stomach flutter. I reached up and put my hand on his arm, and he turned to face me. "Thank you for bringing me."

Before Percy could open his mouth and ruin the moment, I dropped my hand and looked away. The small, natural lake looked peaceful. It rippled in the soft breeze. Rocks erupted from the middle, flat and smooth looking. Somehow, the land had been cleared in a perfect circle around the water. Large patches of flat, grassy land and wildflowers blossomed in the full sun. I went to the water's edge. "How deep is it?"

"About ten feet for the most part, twenty feet on the other side of the rocks." He was right behind me, doing that creepy, quiet walking thing. "Why do you garden?"

"What?"

"Why do you garden?" he asked again, staring at the lake. "Annabeth said you do it so you don't think. What do you want to avoid thinking about?"

"What is this-caring and sharing time? It's none of your business."

"Then let's go swimming."

Swimming was the last thing I wanted to do. Drowning him? Sure.

Percy kicked off his sneakers and took off his jeans. Underneath, he sported swim trunks. Then he whipped his shirt off in one quick motion.

Dayam.

I'd seen him half naked before but I couldn't help it. He had a great build, not too big but more muscles than any boy his age should have. Percy moved with a fluid grace to the water, his muscles flexing and stretching with every step.

I wasn't sure how long I stood staring before he finally dove into the water. My cheeks were warm. I exhaled, realizing I'd been holding my breath. I needed to get a grip. Or a camera to memorialize this moment, because I bet I could make money from a video of him. I could make a fortune...as long as he never opened his mouth. Percy broke through the surface, water glistened in his hair and on the tips of his lashes. His dark hair was slicked back, bringing more focus on his eerie golden eyes. "Are you coming in?"

Recalling the red bathing suit I'd decided to wear, I wished I could run away. My earlier confidence had evaporated. I took of my shoes with slow, deliberate movements, pretending to enjoy the surroundings while my heart casually threw itself against my ribs.

He stared at me for a while, curious. "You sure are shy, aren't you, Sweetheart?"

I stilled. "Why do you call me that?"

"Because I can," Percy chuckled, then pushed back farther, the water lapping at his chest. "So? Are you coming in?"

Good Gods, he wasn't going to turn around or anything. There was also a challenge to his stare, as if he expected me to chicken out. Maybe that's what he wanted-expected. There was no doubt in my mind that he knew he had an effect on girls. I wanted to prove to him I wasn't easily intimidated. I was determined to win this round.

Percy looked bored. "You have one minute to get in here."

"Or what?"

He moved closer to the bank of the lake. "Or I come and get you."

"I'd like to see you try that." I scowled, placing my hands on my hips.

"Thirty seconds." He watched me with an intense, piercing gaze as he drifted closer.

Rubbing my hand down my face, I sighed.

"Ten seconds." He taunted from an even shorter distance.

"Baby Zeus," I muttered, yanking my shirt off. I thought twice about throwing it at his head. I raced to shed my shorts when he called out the last taunting reminder.

I stepped toward the edge of the lake. "Happy?"

Percy lost his smile and stared. "I'm never happy around you."

"What did you say?" My eyes narrowed on his blank expression. He did not just say what I thought he did.

"Nothing. You better get in before that blush reaches your toes."

I turned and walked toward the edge of the lake where the drop off wasn't steep. For the first time in my life, I wasn't afraid of the water. I dipped one toe, nodding. The water felt great, easing the uncomfortable heat prickling my skin.

"It's beautiful out here." I commented.

Percy watched me for a moment and then disappeared under the water. Thank the gods. When he submerged, water dripped down his face. Needing to cool my face off, I went under. The cold rush was invigorating, clearing my thoughts. Resurfacing, I pushed the long clumps of hair out of my face. Percy eyed me from a few feet away, his cheeks above the waterline and his breath blowing the occasional bubble to break the surface tension. Something in his gaze beckoned me closer.

"What?" I asked after a stretch of silence.

"Why don't you come here?"

Oh hell no. There was no way I was going near him. Not even if he dangled a cookie in his hand. Trust and his name didn't go together. I turned around, dipping under the water, heading for the rocks I'd seen in the middle of the lake. When I reached them, I pulled myself out of the water and onto the warm, hard surface. I started squeezing the water in the middle of the lake.

Percy threaded water in the middle of the lake. "You're not what I expected."

"What are you talking about now?" I asked, dangling my feet into the water.

"Nothing." He waded closer to me.

"You said something."

"I did, didn't I?"

"You're strange."

Another long moment passed. Percy swam over to the other side of the rocks then disappeared under the water once more. I leaned back and closed my eyes. The way the warmth of the sun fell against my upturned face, and the way the heat from the rock seeped through my skin, reminded me of a relaxing day at the beach. I could stay here all day, basking in the sun. Minus Percy, it would've been perfect. Pushing up, I expected to see him floating his back, but he had disappeared. I didn't see him anywhere. I stood up, careful of the sloping rock, and scanned the lake studying the twinkling surface for a mass of black, wavy hair. I made another turn on the rick as unease bubbled in my stomach. Did he leave me as a joke? I waited, thinking that this was normal for a son of Poseidon. He could probably breathe underwater. I leaned back, closing my eyes.

A few minutes later, I got back up, searching the calm surface for any sign of Percy, growing more frantic with each sweep of my eyes. He was fine, I tried to tell myself, this was his turf. Eventually, I couldn't take it anymore. I scrambled across the rock and peered down into the still water.

Had he hurt himself somehow?

"Percy!" I screamed.

There was no response.

"Percy!"

A hundred thoughts raced through my head. How long had he been under? Where had I seen him last? How long would it take for me to get help? I didn't like Percy, and yeah, I might have considered the idea of drowning him, but I didn't really wish the guy dead.

"Oh my gods," I whispered. "This can't be happening."

I couldn't afford to think anymore. I had to do something. What had said about the water level on the other side of the rocks?

Twenty feet on the other side of the rocks.

My nerves were a wreck. I barely swam as it was and sure as hell didn't swim past ten feet. I took a small jump into the water, closing my eyes. Before I reached the water, a firm hand grasped my waist, pulling me back onto the rock. I felt a familiar rush of electricity surge through me and I whipped around, facing Percy.

He was smirking, clutching his hand slightly. "Thalia, you shocked me."

Surprise and relief rushed through me, followed by need to vomit. Snapping out of it I grabbed his slippery shoulders in an attempt to assure my queasy stomach he was alive. "Are you okay? What happened?" Then I smacked his arm. Hard. "Don't you ever do that again!"

Percy threw his hands up. "Whoa, what's your problem-I was swimming."

"You were underwater forever. I looked for you, called for you. I...I thought you were dead."

"I'm a son of Poseidon-I'm practically half fish. I can breathe underwater."

"I nearly jumped in after you!"

Percy's smirk faded and his eyes searched mine. "You were really worried, weren't you?"

"No shit!" I was shaking. "You know what? Peace out, tell Annabeth we had a grand time so we won't need a replay of today."

A smug smile was plastered across his face. "That's on you, Sweetheart. I'm sure she'll stop by your cabin and ask."

"I'm so leavi-" My foot slipped over the wet rock. Thrown off balance, my arms failed in the air and I began falling into the water.

Moving incredibly fast, Percy's hand shot out and grabbed mine, pulling me forward. The next thing I knew I was against his warm, wet chest and his arm around my waist.

"Careful there, Sweetheart. Annabeth would be pissed at me if you end up cracking your head open and drowning."

Understandable. She'd probably think he did it on purpose. I started to respond but couldn't. There wasn't much separating our skin in terms of clothing. My blood was pumping way too fast. A strange edginess swamped me as we stared at each other. the slight wind brushed along wet skin that wasn't pressed against one another, making the parts plastered together seem even hotter.

Neither of us spoke.

His chest rose and fell, the deep amber of his gold eyes shifting by degrees. It was a powerful, almost electric feeling that coursed through me-answering something in him?

Well, that was strange, foolish, and illogical. He hated me.

Percy moved one hand from my waist and tapped my shoulder gently. Instantly, I was dry and the same happened to him. Then he stepped back, releasing my waist.

He cleared his throat, voice low. "I think it's time we head back."

I nodded, disappointed and not even sure why I was disappointed. His mood swings made me feel as if I were on one of those crappy never ending tilt-a-whirls, yet...there was just something about him.

Percy stepped onto the water, walking onto top of it. He held out his hand and I accepted it, neither of us saying a word. After getting dressed, we started back to camp silently. It seemed neither of us had anything to say, which was actually nice. I liked him better when he'd lost the ability to speak. But when we reached the cabins, he cursed under his breath. I followed his troubled gaze. There was a misty image appearing in his cabin.

I tuned to face Percy but he was already walking into his cabin, the door smacking off the frame like a shot in a canyon. I stood there for a moment before entering my cabin, frowning.

I wasn't sure who was IM-ing Percy but I had a feeling he didn't want me knowing. I shivered involuntarily.

There was something seriously off about Percy Jackson.

3rd Person-

Percy wanted to be angry at the boy but when he saw his face, he just couldn't.

"I wasn't expecting your call." Percy sighed, moving into view of the caller.

"I know but it's a bit of an emergency." The caller sighed, a grimace appearing on his face. "I can't find the child of Hecate that was supposed to do the potion."

"What?" Percy was on the balls of his feet. "We're totally screwed now-I'm going to turn into a full blown titan now!"

"You're exaggerating, Percy. Your godly side will subside and you're only going to be evil, essentially. You're not going to turn immortal anytime soon."

"Oh great-I have nothing to worry about now." Percy said sarcastically, throwing his hands up. "I hope you have a plan to fix this-after all, you're the one who contacted me for my help."

"And I'm not going to get your help unless you get this titan takeover under control, yes, I know." The caller sighed, exasperated. "I'll find some other way. I just need you to be a tad patient."

"Patient?" Percy scoffed. "Every morning I wake up in the middle of gods knows where with some dead animal carcass next to me. Next time, it might be an innocent mortal-what then? Would you still like me to be patient then?"

The caller winced. "You can fight it. You're a good person, Percy."

"No, I'm not and you know that more than anyone else." The son of Poseidon shook his head, looking at his caller.

"I know there's some good in you. I've seen it a few times." The caller murmured quietly.

"Well, you must've been dreaming," Percy jaw set and his hand moved to disconnect the IM. "Come back with tangible results next time or else, don't bother."

The caller nodded then swiped a hand over the screen, ending the IM.

Percy leaned against the wall, tears beginning to form in his eyes. He slumped to the floor, his heart threatening to burst. He was afraid of going to sleep. Afraid of himself and more importantly, afraid of what he could become.

A/N-Thanks for reading and I'll see you guys on Tuesday for the next update.