Percy drove her insane. He would sing to every song, and yes, he did sound good. That annoyed Annabeth because it wasn't fair that he could be nice and funny and sing well.

"We are here!" he said excitedly. He got out to open her door and promptly tripped. She couldn't help it, she laughed.

"I think I better get out on my own, for safety reasons, you know."

"Good idea, I'll get the food."

They walked for a little bit, Percy insisted that there was a perfect spot. There were a few nice one's that Annabeth saw, but she followed him.

"Here we are!" The view was spectacular. It spread out so they could see the park and if you turned, you could see the small lake and docks.

"Okay, I admit, this is pretty cool."

He grinned stupidly, again. And Annabeth found herself calling it cute. Then she shook her head. Percy was laying out the blanket and food. He patted the spot next to him.

"Here, sit. I have a surprise." She raised her eyebrow, but Percy only pulled two Cokes from his cooler. He had packed crackers and cheese, grapes and apples, and meat. Annabeth produced her bread from the bakery. Percy bit into one. His eyes got wide.

"These are really good! What kind of bread is it?"

"Just a French roll."

"Wait, did you make them?"

Annabeth glanced down, a little embarrassed. "Yeah."

"Alright, I'm definitely keeping you. You can cook."

"Keeping me?"

"Yeah, we're gonna be best friends." Percy said, completely serious.

"What makes you say that?" Annabeth said, puzzled.

"I just know."

"You're stupid."

He just grinned.

Annabeth decided she would "keep" him too. She smiled to herself.

Three weeks passed. Annabeth found herself actually enjoying, even looking forward to his company. Which was weird because she hadn't like him at first. Percy got Wednesdays off and that became "their day". She would help him with his laundry and bills. He would go grocery shopping with her. It was nice. Annabeth hadn't had a friendship like this in a long time.

One Tuesday, Percy walked into the bakery where she worked.

"Hello welcome to- oh hi Percy!" He looked melancholy? No, he was happy about something. She was surprised because she realized she was ready to stop what she was doing and help him.

"What's up?" she asked.

"When's your break?"

She glanced at the clock. "Now if I want."

"Okay. But first, I want one of your French rolls." he grinned, his eyes teaming with happiness. There was her Percy again. She didn't bother taking her apron or hat off as she sat down with Percy at a table.

"I'm going to visit my mom." he stated.

"Oh that's great!" Annabeth was happy for him. He hadn't had enough money to make the trip out to his mom in a while.

"Yeah, your budgeting helped, plus there was a price drop at the last minute."

"So you're going soon."

He looked sad again. "Yeah, tonight."

"Oh. Wow, that is last minute." Annabeth said, not really sure how she felt.

"I know we would miss our Wednesday..." Percy trailed off.

Her stomach dropped a bit, but she wasn't sure why.

"Don't worry about me. You haven't seen your mom in forever." she smiled and patted his arm.

He looked a little better. "You should meet her. She's the nicest person in the whole world. Oh and she'd love you."

Annabeth smirked. "Why?"

He looked like he was about to say something, but changed his mind. "I just think she would."

She glanced at the clock. Her break was over. She glanced at Percy, "How long will you be gone?"

"Five days I think."

"Go have fun then! But text me okay? I want to know all about it." she turned to go behind the counter.

"Bye, Annabeth." Percy said. She waved and he left.

She turned around and made a deep sigh. Why was she so- not herself? Percy deserved to see his mother. She pushed the thought back and returned to work.

Annabeth found herself more grumpy. Percy kept things lively. She missed his stupid smile and annoying smirk. And those eyes- when they'd catch hers and he'd turn a little pink. She would laugh and knock his shoulder with hers. It was like she was homesick, except she was Percysick. Annabeth wandered into Uncle Rick's three times while he was gone. On the forth time, Grandpa Jack stopped her.

"He's not here, you know. He's out at his mom's."

"I know." she meant to sound casual, but it came out miserable.

"Yeah, I know how you feel kid. The store here just isn't the same without him." he patted an isle fondly.

"You don't let that boy go, okay? He needs you more than you realize."

Annabeth left the store a little confused. He needs her? No, it was way the other way around.

When Percy asked her to pick him up from the airport, Annabeth felt a weight lift off her shoulders. He met her in the parking garage, giving her a huge hug. Her stomach gave a flip-flop, and she was pretty sure she was blushing. What was that about? He looked so excited and refreshed.

"So, how was it?" His excitement was contagious. He rambled on and on about his trip. Gosh- she'd missed his voice.

"And I was right! My mom wants to meet you. You guys would get along so well. She likes to cook and when I gave her your bread..."

"That's what you wanted with my bread?"

"Yeah! And she was like "I could live off this."" Annabeth laughed. Honestly, she was just glad Percy was back. She glanced at him while he talked. His eyes were full of life and Annabeth found herself staring. She shook it off. After all- what could have happened in a few days to make her feel... different about Percy.