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Chapter Nine

"Annabeth Chase" I smiled, shaking her hand whilst trying to stifle a laugh. Percy was throwing death glares at his mother and not even being subtle about it. But Sally ignored them flawlessly as she started to ask me questions "you're Fredrick Chase's daughter?"

"Yeah" I laughed, amazed since I never got recognised as being my dad's daughter "I love his books. They're so insightful" she gushed, going on and on about them. Percy's eyes bored into me, but I tried to keep up with his mum. If I looked at him, I would loose all sense. And even though so far I had been keeping it somewhat together, I didn't know how long that would keep up. And his mum was no here adding another layer of pressure.

"Right I have some times and some stories to tell. Let me tell you about Percy as a kid" she laughed, taking a seat in between us and turning her body towards me, which meant she was completely missing out on Percy's death glare. "He was the cutest kid! What happened, I know. He was always a mumma's boy" she gushed, and I loved that she was telling me. I really shouldn't take pleasure in my friends embarrassment, but really it was just too good an opportunity to miss. "but there are times when he would just not listen I swear. All through his Terrible twos he never wore any clothes"

"MUM" Percy exclaimed, the pink twinge coming back into his cheeks as he tried to sink down further into the chair. "What it's true. There he was, this my beautiful little boy running naked all over the house" she beamed, planting another kiss on her son's forehead. I couldn't help but laugh at the situation, which earned me a death glare from Percy "Wait, if you're Annabeth" she said, turning to her boy "She's the girl isn't she"

"Mum" Percy warned, but now I was intrigued. The girl? I was the girl? What girl?

"Oh she is, look Annabeth, Percy -"

"Mum" he interrupted "Don't you have to get back to the kitchen now? Right now." they stared at each other in silent competition, as if having a silent conversation, which made Sally stand up and say "Yes, of course. Annabeth lovely to meet you" she smiled, giving me a short hug. One final kiss on Percy's forehead and a wink towards me, she retreated back towards the kitchen like nothing had happened.

Percy breathed a sigh of relief as"Please tell me you ready to get out of here?" he asked holding out a hand to me "Yes" I smiled, taking his hand as he helped me up.

He never let go. Once he had hold of my hand, his grip tightened, almost like he was never going to let go. And I didn't. I couldn't. I had dreamed about something like this for two years, with him. And now it was actually happening. I was scared. This was happening fast, but it also felt right if anything was happening at all. I was completely out of my comfort zone situation wise, but when it came to Percy, it felt like nothing mattered. I wasn't nervous. "I'm sorry about my mum" he said, not looking me in the eye as he took me to the stairs that lead down to the beach. I took my shoes and socks off, the cool sand washing over my feet.

"It's fine" I answered, smiling a little "I kind of enjoyed it"

"haha yes I know you did"

"Oh don't be so bitter seaweed brain. I'll get my turn if you ever meet my parents"

"And when exactly will that be?" he asked, his now sapphire blue eyes gaining a mischievous glint in the moonlight. "if I get my way, never"

"Never huh?"

"The stories are too embarrassing" my first period being one that came to mind. If dad ever told Percy that story I would kill him, or mum would cut him off. She has threatened before. Then again, she has her fir share of stories. Yes it's decided. Percy will never ever ever meet my parents. Ever.

"They can't be that bad" he smiled, letting go of my hand and putting his arm around my shoulder instead. Mine automatically went around his waist, my heart thumping in my chest at just how right this felt. "You don't know my parents"

We walked along the shore, sand flying everywhere as he chased me up he beach, laughing as he caught me. Laying in the sand, with me curled up in his side, we looked up at the stars and just talked. He felt so at home near the sea, I could tell, his face lighting up in the moonlight as he told me story after story.

About everything.

About growing up in California, his family, his friends and his connection to the sea. I told him about New York, my family and my friends, promising him that one day I would take him there and show him around. Times Square, the statue of liberty, the Empire state building. The usual tourist spots including all the spots that were personal to me. The Ice Cream shop dad used to take me too whenever I got a good grade, or the little corner bookshop Grandma owned.

We ended up paddling in the ocean, of all things. His socks and shoes were tossed carelessly on the sand, his jeans rolled up as he ran into the water like a five year old. I stood there laughing as he splashed about, trying to get me to come in by splashing me. But I laughed and dodged the cold droplets refusing to come play. Apparently Percy wasn't one of those people who could take no for an answer.

He snuck up behind me and swooped me up into his arms bridal style, with me squealing as he did. "Seaweed Brain" I half screamed half laughed as he held me over the water, finding my reaction hilarious as I clung onto his neck for dear life. Pressing myself into his body I felt the warmth that I needed, feeling the cool night air pass over my skin. We grew silent together, just listening to the sea as he held me. I don't think I could remember a more perfect moment then that in my life.

"Annabeth" he whispered, my name sounding strange on his lips. I lifted my head to look him in the eyes, all trace of humour and teasing gone. He took us out of the water, setting my feet down on the sand but keeping his arms locked around me so I couldn't move. Not that I wanted to. Here we were, my dream guy in front of me and all I wanted in the world was that one kiss.

His fingers brushed my chin, lifting it higher before brushing a stray strand of hair out of my face. Leaning forward, his lips captured mine in a swift motion. No tongue, or fiery passion that you read about in romance books.

This was soft, and gentle. He tasted salty but somehow sweet as well. It was powerful without feeling forceful, the sensation spreading through my whole body.

I don't know how long we were standing there, my arms wrapped around him under his hoodie which was keeping me warm. If It weren't for only this stupid face brace – I swear I was going to kill Jason – because my nose started to hurt. Which meant I had to pull away.

"You all right?" he asked slightly concerned as he took in the look on my face "Oh yeah, face brace" I said, trying to complete a sentence after that mind blowing kiss "I'm sorry" he whispered, his thumb tracing my face again "I's not your fault. Id rather have it" I answered honestly, because I had no doubt that I would have died had it not been for Percy.

He looked confused for a while, but then understood I guess. His face said it all really. "It's getting late" he sighed checking his phone. It was already ten o'clock which was crazy. It had gone by so fast. Oh shit my parents.

Pulling out my phone in a hurry, I saw at least ten missed calls from my dad which meant I was in trouble. Dialling quickly, I held my breath, waiting for someone to answer the phone. "Hello Chase residence" my mums cool voice carried down the phone sending a wave of relief though me "Hey mum"

"Ooh hey honey, we were wandering where you were" Mum answered in her passive aggressive voice. You know the one that's all nice but means if you take one step in the wrong direction, she was going to pounce. Yeah she kind of rocked that voice.

"Sorry mum, I didn't realise the time. I'm out with a friend?" I answered, not really sure of what to call us. Was this a date?

"I'm sorry what? Are you on a date?" how did she know seriously? She's like psychic or something. Like some all seeing God. But because of what this situation was, she could play strict parent all she wanted but I knew she would be coming to talk to me when I got in. I started laughing when I heard dad in the background shouting "Whose dating? Annabeth? No way, she is not allowed until she is at least 30."

"umm a date?" I looked at Percy, who nodded his head with a giant grin on his face, making my heart flutter with joy "Yeah I'm on a date"

"Well, be home by 11, it is a school night after all" she scolded, but I could hear the happiness in her voice. After a few more words, I hung up, placing my head on Percy's shoulder. "Everything all right?" Percy asked as I just stared at my phone in disbelief "Everything's perfect" I flashed him a smiled, which made him dip in for another amazing kiss.