I know I know! I'm a horrible person who needs to update more often. Sorry, guys. But here's an extra long chapter, longer than any I've done! :) WARNING: MAJOR FLUFF ALERT! Don't say I didn't warn you.

Percy

I barely got any sleep that night, and when I did doze off, my dreams were filled with blond curls, gray eyes, and a happy laugh, waking me up.

I shared a room with Jason, Nico, Frank, Leo, and Harley. I could hear their deep and rhythmic breathing, the occasional snore disturbing the silence. I laid on the tavern bed, my head propped up by my elbow. From the window placed beside my bed, I could see the millions of stars outside, twinkling in the dark. I watched them in the stillness.

The night brings a certain peace and tranquility upon the earth. Many people fear the night, and several people don't even see the night as the result of them being asleep. Others just ignore the placid time that night provides. However, I think they are all at fault.

Night gave me a time to think, without the busy noises of the town, without the stresses of the activities that take place during the day. Night was a symbol, saying tomorrow is coming, a new day, just hold on a little more. It seems to clear your brain, leaving an open and patient mind ready to think things through, one at a time, with the serene stars keeping you company.

I could only see a slit of the moon, the rest of the sky was filled with stars. I thought about tomorrow, and the worries that it held. The meeting with Annabeth was enough to make me anxious, but when you throw the weight of the upcoming Test and Game, it made me sink below the floor, carrying all that pressure on my shoulders. I did my best to assess one worry at a time. I was making decent speed on solving some problems. That is, until I came upon a daughter of Athena.

That worry was filling most of my time and thoughts. Not that I didn't mind. I liked thinking about Annabeth. But it also made me think. And everybody knows when you think, your brain just has to send you things to get in the way. In this case, doubts piled into my mind, each weighing a brick, forcing me to tremble under the burden.

Does she like me, or care for me anymore? I know Thalia had said that Annabeth does, but Annabeth didn't tell her friends everything. It could be a lie. But then what about that... kiss?

Gods, that kiss. Don't get me started on it. It would've been awesome and exciting if not for the dire circumstances that it had taken place at. I'm not saying it wasn't awesome, it was.

But it was also desperate, striving for more. We were both so shocked and pained by the law. The feelings we had developed for each other were overflowing, but also mixing with sorrow and hurt. The kiss was made of caring thoughts, but sadness had been present at the making. We were wanting each other, wanting a tiny feeling of happiness only provided by the other.

I know, I was becoming a sappy mess. But I couldn't help it. If she wanted to be just friends now, would that kiss make things awkward between us?

I was even more worried at the fact that this won't change the law. We could try to change the gods' mind, but it most likely wouldn't work. I could attempt to come back and visit Annabeth again, but with Athena here... Athena was a powerful goddess, and she was smart and cunning as well. We wouldn't be able to meet secretly without Athena thwarting our plans. For starters, if we even could get the planning of a meeting past the goddess of wisdom, where could we meet? Athena knew her city, every little detail. There is really not a place in Athens that Athena doesn't know about, and if rumors reach her ears about me coming (if I was planning on coming, there was bound to be some rumor about it) I bet Athena would take every precaution possible to make certain that I couldn't be with Annabeth. Athena could have a lot of precautions made. So that option is almost a definite no.

Another option would be Annabeth leaving to join the Questers, or more importantly, me. But Annabeth couldn't exactly leave. A god could easily track her down and bring her back. Even Annabeth couldn't resist a god's power. Also, I couldn't expect her to just get up and go, leaving the temple behind. It was where she had lived all her life. Despite all the bad times she has had there, it was her home. It would be hard to leave.

I sighed quietly. Ever since the day that we were taken away from each other, nothing felt right. Without Annabeth by my side, everyday felt as if a big chunk of me was missing. It made me wonder how I could've possibly got through the days before we met. I mean, ever since two years ago, when Luke did that one thing... I was never the same. I was scarred from what Luke did to me. Permanently. Or so I thought.

But then Annabeth came around. Being with her, I discovered my scar from past events wasn't permanent. It was a wound, waiting to be healed. Annabeth provided that comfort for me, and healing for the wound. It was almost as if I were normal again, able to put the past behind me.

But then the stupid gods made that stupid law. I got angry just thinking about it. In just one statement provided by Zeus, all privileges of seeing Annabeth, my comfort, healer, and friend, were gone. Just like that. It was like the gods had reopened the wound in my heart and poured salt into it, sitting back and laughing.

Recently, however, my wound appeared to be waiting, as if it knew I would go to the Game and see Annabeth.

Well, I knew one thing: I needed Annabeth by my side, and I would do whatever it takes to make that happen.

With that thought soothing my mind, I drifted off into a deep sleep. The girl in my dreams held up some of the weight on my back, her gray eyes sparkling like the stars, allowing me to sleep peacefully.

I was the first one awake. The sun was peeking over the hill, ready to shine on the land. I knew I wouldn't be able to go back to sleep, so I crawled out of bed, tiptoeing over to the door. When I got down to the tavern, barely anybody was there. I trudged to the doorway at the other side, nodding back to the few villagers in the tavern who politely said hello. I stepped into the sunlight, peering at the passing people. It was pretty crowded out here. I walked aimlessly around Athens, enjoying the morning air. My mind kept obsessing over the coming events. Anticipation was building up in my body. Some people say they can't wait for something to happen, but they just use it as an expression. I seriously couldn't wait to see Annabeth. It took all of my willpower to not rush up to Athena's temple and demand to talk to Annabeth right now.

After an hour of wandering around, I soon found myself back in front of the inn we stayed at, and when I stepped in, it was much busier than when I had left.

I only spotted one of my crew, though. Jason was sitting at a table by himself, still waking up. I tried to smile at him, but my lips refused to conjure up such a nonchalant and happy gesture, so I just settled for a hello bob of my head. Jason half smiled back, yawning widely, and motioned toward the seat across from him. I followed his hand, planting myself in the wooden chair.

"Mornin'," Jason mumbled sleepily. "When did you get up?"

I shrugged, "Didn't get a good sleep last night, and I woke up around seven or so, I'd say. Couldn't get back to sleep, so I took a walk."

Jason nodded, then said, "Wonder when Thalia's going to get here."

I dipped my head in agreement. Jason's sister had only stayed for about twenty minutes, saying she had to get back. In that time, my mind was so overloaded with happiness about the next day to let any foreboding in, but after Thalia left, I realized I had forgotten to tell Thalia about the danger that Annabeth may be in. I know, stupid, right? I guess it would have to wait until this afternoon. A tingling went down my spine as I thought about today, but I forced it to the side, thinking of what Jason had just said.

Before Thalia had left, she said she would come back this morning to catch up a little and then to escort us to Athena's temple for the meeting. She didn't say when she would come, but it was already eight o'clock, so it had to be relatively soon.

Even as I thought those words, the door sprang open behind me.

I turned in my chair, expecting to see Thalia glaring at anybody who stared. Instead, a pretty girl with choppy brown hair walked in.

I heard a crash, then felt something wet on my shoes. I looked back to see Jason's water spilling everywhere, the result of him shooting up surprisedly at the presence of the newcomer.

"Piper!" He exclaimed, fully awake now and running his hands through his hair in an attempt to calm his bed head. I rolled my eyes, then started to dry the table and my shoes, because Jason made no sign that he had noticed. His focus was trained on Piper walking over to us.

I had just cleaned the table, moving all the water off of it and back into Jason's cup when Piper reached our table, saying, "Hi boys!" She hugged Jason, who was grinning like madman, happiness flowing off of him. I could tell the hug lasted a little longer than a hug between two friends would last. They weren't a couple (yet) but neither of them made a move to dislodge themselves from the other's arms. I just sat there, watching the small bits of food and leftover remands of gods know what that Jason's water had collected when spread out on the table. I hadn't filtered it because I didn't really need to.

Finally, Piper came over to me and smiled, giving me a friendly hug. She took her seat beside Jason, who was still grinning widely.

"So, how have you two been?" She asked, her kaleidoscope eyes eager.

"Good. Well, except for Percy, who has been moping around and acting like a baby ever since the law," Jason answered. I glared at him, and when Piper's eyes were turned away from Jason, I flicked my finger under the table, causing a small amount of water to shoot up into Jason's face. I smirked at his dripping face before turning to Piper again, who had began speaking.

"You and Annabeth both. That girl has been dead on her feet. The most I've seen her worked up and mentally awake was when she basically forced Athena to let you two meet."

I smiled slightly at the thought of Annabeth mouthing off her mother. I would've just stole some papers and designs, then threatened to drench them in water. That goddess would probably go ballistic and let me do anything just so she could get her precious papers back.

"Well, I've missed you guys a lot." Piper meant to include me in the statement, but she was kind of pointedly staring at Jason when she said she missed us, meaning she missed one certain person more than the others.

Jason has just finished drying his face, and he turned bright red when he realized what Piper was saying. He mumbled something incoherent, his face similar to a tomato. He sought to cover it all up by taking a big gulp of his water. Yeah, the water that had just come off of the table and had old food in it.

I tried to warn him with my eyes, but he didn't look at me. Once the disgusting water reach the inside of his mouth, he started retching and choking. Piper looked alarmed, and I just covered my eyes and sat back down, shaking my head.

Jason finally coughed it all out, and Piper said, "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," he replied in a scratchy voice, nodding. Even that small sentence sent him coughing again. His cheeks were flaming, consequence of embarrassing himself in front of Piper.

Fortunately, Piper's attention was diverted from him as the rest of the group came down. She greeted them all, giving Hazel a big hug. When she was being introduced to Nyssa and Harley, Jason rounded on me.

"Seriously, man?" He said angrily.

I held up my hands, trying to prove I was mostly innocent. "Dude, you spilled it, I cleaned up. Don't be nagging on me." I got up and walked over to the group before Jason could glare at me more. Piper and the Questers were joking around with each other, and I caught the end tail of their conversation.

"-said to tell you she didn't want to come back because she says you all are too stinky," Piper was saying. I assumed she was talking about Thalia, and my assumptions were confirmed when Harley said, "She scares me."

Leo snorted, "Thalia's not scary! She's just… yeah, you're right. She's scary."

Piper's laughter rang loud. "Thalia can be scary, but she's not that bad."

We spent the morning talking with Piper. I enjoyed catching up with her, and she didn't mention Annabeth too much, thank the gods for that. Anybody could see how anxious I was. My Anxiety seemed to have made a deal with Time. Whenever Anxiety came for a visit in my brain, Time would slow itself down so Anxiety could stay with me for a longer time. Great.

So the morning went incredibly slow due to Mr. Anxiety, who had set up a castle in my mind and invited some of his friends, like Worry, Doubt, Stress, and Nerves. I tried to turn them away, but Anxiety practically dragged them through, and I experienced the visit of every one.

We were getting read to leave finally, and Mr. Anxiety had eaten too much and gotten fat, filling more of my brain. I laced up my boots, tying up the knots with worry shaking my hands. Jason held open the door as everybody filed out. He gave me a small, encouraging smile. My reply was a failure of a smile, turning out to be more of a weak grimace. I stepped into the sunlight, and immediately my eyes were drawn to the temple on top of the hill. Annabeth was in there. I hoped she still feels the same as she did when we met and during the council time. I hoped it wasn't a week thing she had been feeling. I hoped she wouldn't hurt me. She was my comfort, and if she left, the darkness in my life would be multiplied by a hundred, and there would be no comfort.

I sighed and tore my gaze away, forcing my feet forward to join the Questers, with Piper in front, leading us.

With each step, my fear grew, and doubts poured into my mind. I wanted so badly to see Annabeth, talk to her, be with her. But did she want the same? Will things be awkward between us?

Stupid law. I could've stayed with her, then our emotions wouldn't have had to been so rushed. It would've been better.

I kicked a rock on the ground. It rolled around with my anger.

"Perce, stop glaring at the ground, man! What did it do to you?" The joking voice came from my left, and I looked over to see an amused Nico.

"Sorry," I mumbled, trying to make my glare dissipate. "I'm just a little… worried."

"That we won't get lunch? I am too! I mean, really. This meeting is directly in the middle of lunchtime!"

I sighed and gave him a seriously? look. His mouth twitched, and he said, "Sorry. What're you worried about?"

I exhaled again, this one more tired. My gaze traveled to the magnificent structure on the hill that we were heading to. I contemplated on keeping the information away from Nico, but it didn't last long. Nico was my best friend. I could talk to him about these things.

"What if…" I bit my lip. "What if she's not the same? Or… doesn't feel the same way as before?"

He nodded slowly. "Girl problems, huh? Every man deals with it. Fortunately, you came to the right guy! Love Master Nico, at your service." He took a deep bow.

I smiled slightly, then my amusement fell, and I went back to the subject we were talking about. "Come on, Nico. Seriously."

Nico dropped his joking manner, actually becoming solemn. He pursed his lips, thinking. "Percy, you two were smitten with each other. And I'm not joking. You guys were big flirts. I've never seen you do that with any other girl, and Annabeth doesn't seem like the one to do that many times either. Gods, that girl is freaky." I smirked at him as he shuddered a little and kept talking. "Just relax, Perce! It'll be fine."

"Okay, I'll try." I exhaled, trying to push worrisome thoughts away and just have a peaceful mind.

Yeah, right.

Having a peaceful mind was not going to be happening anytime soon.

We reached the stairs and started climbing. Each step felt like a kick to the stomach. I lagged behind everybody, walking with my hands in my pockets and frowning at the earth.

About halfway up the staircase, my feet felt as if they had rocks attached to them. Doubts seemed to be making a home in my mind.

I stopped abruptly, breathing raggedly. I couldn't do this. I wouldn't be able to take the pain this would bring if I figured out Annabeth didn't really care for me anymore. She could've been acting. It was only for a week. If that happened, I would be torn apart, hurt beyond belief. Misery would be my best friend, and the meaning and feeling of happiness would be lost, never to be found again.

No, I thought sternly and abruptly. I will not be like this. I need to know. I at least just needed to see her. If she doesn't care for me, then I'll try my best to get over it and move on, no matter how impossible that would be.

I steeled myself, putting my foot on the next step ahead. Then the next. I caught up to the group, jaw tightened and hands clenched.

I can do this. I repeated that in my head over and over again, persevering.

We were at the top of the stairs. One hundred feet until the big double doors. I hoped with all my heart that Annabeth was on the other side, waiting for me anxiously.

Satyrs, nymphs, and demigods alike paused whatever they were doing in the hallway to watch the Questers and Piper. They stared at us, their eyes running down the group. They found me lingering behind everybody with heavy steps and a fearful expression on my face. They started whispering, and I caught the words "Percy Jackson," "Annabeth," and "Forbiddance Law." I guess I was pretty popular from that. No doubt Athena fed them all lies, saying I was cruel and hurting Annabeth, and had tricked Annabeth into liking me, then was planning on breaking her heart later.

Anger rose up in me at those thoughts. If I ever wanted to be mad, I just had to think about Athena's sniveling face, and rage would rise up in me, banging against my insides and begging for release, which would end up in me destroying a bunch of things and a lot of people getting soaked with water.

I calmed myself as best as I could, trying to ignore the whispers and rumors.

But each accusation added a brick to my feet, making the thought of going forward and figuring out if I would be broken or mended extremely hard, and encouraging me to turn around and just stay in ignorance.

No, no, and no. I would win this conflict. I had to. I just needed to see her.

Fifty feet.

I willed optimism into my brain, letting it fight away the thoughts rushing into my mind. It didn't work. But I kept on walking.

Twenty feet.

My chest was going to burst from the anticipation.

Ten feet.

The two guards standing at the doors started pulling them open. No turning back now.

I was in the temple, my heart racing at a million miles per hour. I glanced up a little bit, but in the half second that I did, I only found more satyrs, nymphs, demigods, columns and tall walls. I didn't look at details, for it seemed as if the ground was a magnet, forcing my eyes to look down at it. It was too hard to resist, and frankly, I was incredibly weak at the moment. All strength had left me, causing me to breathe unevenly, and my hands to tremble at my sides.

It was at this moment that I absolutely needed to turn around. My mind was inhaling doubts. She wasn't going to come. Why would she? It was probably just a week thing like I said before. At most, she'll think of me as a distant acquaintance. After all, I had practically left her. It would hurt so bad. I can't do it.

I can't do it.

I can't do-

"Percy!"

My head shot up faster than lightning, looking for the owner of that voice. That voice made me feel so happy I almost forgot every worry. That voice made my mind go blank. That voice filled me joy, but also made my heart drum with anxiousness, as a result of the circumstances. That voice belonged to my healer, my comfort, my friend.

With wide eyes I looked forward, searching. My breath came in unfrequent and ragged gasps. The Questers and Piper all split, making an open pathway in front of me. This enabled me to see her.

Her mesmerizing gray eyes were the first thing that my own eyes saw. They were glowing with happiness. Her curls were let free, creating a rippling waterfall made of gold that fell down her back. She just wore a simple gray tunic with leggings over her tan and fit body, no extra adornment or jewelry.

She was beautiful.

My breath hitched at the sight of her standing thirty paces from me. She was just staring with wide eyes, and I did the same, my feet rooted to the floor. Nobody in the room was moving. They were all watching. Waiting.

Annabeth and I probably would've stayed still, gaping at each other for gods know how long if it weren't for Thalia. The daughter of Zeus was standing to the right and a little behind Annabeth. She rolled her electric blue eyes and muttered something, then prodded Annabeth towards me with her finger. I saw my group smiling.

Or in Nico's case, smirking. "Go get her, Captain. And don't forget to thank this incredible love master right here later." He pointed at his chest, winking exaggeratedly.

I didn't even roll my eyes at Nico, because I couldn't bring myself to take my eyes away from Annabeth.

The daughter of Athena suddenly broke out into a wide grin. I loved that smile. It made my heart skip a beat, pausing to watch it.

She took a small and hesitant step forward, and the trance broke. My face unfroze, and I smiled so wide it hurt. I still didn't know how she felt about me, but she was obviously happy to see me, so that was enough to make my joy bubble up.

She took another step towards me, then broke out into a run. I launched myself forward, eager to meet her. We were both sprinting towards the other, dimples deep and eyes shining.

A human length away from each other, Annabeth shot forward extra fast, hurtling straight into my open and ready arms. The force of it knocked me back a few feet, but I regained my balance and tried to believe all of this. I thought it would be a fat chance that we could see each other again, but here we are, wrapped in each other's arms. The thought made me giddy, and I hugged Annabeth even tighter.

Annabeth had both arms around my shoulders, and her head was buried in my chest. I could smell the faint lemon scent in her hair. I put one of my hands in her curls, feeling the silky waves. The other hand went around her waist, pulling her as close to my body as I could. I wasn't holding enough of her. I felt like I needed a few more hands to hold her tighter.

I was vaguely aware of everybody in the room watching us. Some were smiling, while others were frowning. The ones with scowls on their faces let me know that they were big on Athena, therefore hating Poseidon. But I didn't care. The only thing that mattered to me was the girl that was held firm in my arms.

For a moment we didn't say anything. We just relished the feeling of the other's embrace. But soon Annabeth leaned back little, enough to look up at me. Her gray eyes had the outward vision of happiness, but I could see deeper than that. Behind her momentary cheerfulness lay a sheen of worry and doubt. She was anxious about something.

I was met with that look every time I see my reflection.

But she couldn't possibly be worried about me. Me not liking her. Me not caring for her anymore. That in vice versa was the crux of the layer of fear in my eyes.

But she can't think that. I will always care for her. Doesn't she know that?

"Percy! I've missed you so much!" She breathed, smiling.

I smirked and wiggled my eyebrows, humor invading me even at this time. Hey, I can't help it. I'm just a naturally humorous guy. "Of course you did! I mean, who wouldn't miss this astonishingly hot and sexily muscular manly man?" I gestured at myself with one hand, but the other stayed glued around Annabeth's waist.

The daughter of Athena rolled her gray eyes. I followed them with my own, never wanting to take my gaze away from the stormy orbs. "That barely makes sense. You've been spending too much time around Leo, Seawead Brain."

I grinned down at her, and she smiled back. I had missed that nickname. I had missed her voice that made me yearn to hear more. I had missed that smile that took my breath away.

Gods, I had missed this girl so much.

"But," I said, "You can't deny that I am an astonishingly hot and sexily muscular manly man."

Annabeth's eyes repeated their earlier movement, but her eyes couldn't be totally taken over by annoyance, because mirth was always squeezing itself into her eyes. "You're ridiculous."

I grinned widely, triumphant. "Ha. You didn't deny it, Wise Girl."

She glared at me, but it wasn't as bad as normal. Which meant I didn't get smoking holes in my body from the burning ferocity of her glare. I just smirked at her expression. I was beyond happy. I didn't know I had longed for these little banters that Annabeth and I had before we were split.

"In your dreams, Perce," She said, shaking her head. Then she stepped back in our embrace to go greet the others. I noticed she had an ever present little smile on her face, and I realized I did too.

I watched as she greeted Hazel like a sister, and the boys like brothers. Then accepting Nyssa and Harley into her "family."

"Wow, Kelphead. You are so lovesick." Thalia had come up next to me, her nose crinkled slightly. "It's disgusting."

I huffed, and bumped her shoulder lightly. She sneered at me.

"It's true," said a girl behind us.

"Oh, come on!" I replied, turning to look at the brown haired daughter of Aphrodite behind me. "I'm not lovesick."

Thalia snorted, and I glowered at her as she continued, "Good thing Athena doesn't know what happened just before you left Annabeth. Ares does, so I expect he'll crack a few jokes about it sometime."

I barely heard the second sentence she said. I gritted my teeth, the comment hitting me deeper than it was supposed to. "I didn't leave her."

My voice sounded hollow. In the back of my mind, I heard myself saying what I had just said wasn't true, and I didn't know if it was correct or not. I didn't want it to be right, but unfortunately, it probably was.

I did leave Annabeth. I know it was a law the gods forced upon us, but I could've fought harder. I could've refused and stayed with Annabeth. I could've tried and might've succeeding in changing the gods' minds. But I didn't. I just left. Guilt and anger at myself was constantly eating away at me because of the knowledge that I had left her. I was worried that she would be mad at me for leaving her.

Thalia probably didn't mean it like that, but it still reminded me, bringing back regrets that haunted my mind. I took a few calm breaths, and tried to change the subject. I approached a different problem that had been bothering me. I was hoping Piper would be able to help.

"Uh, Piper? About that thing that happened," I swallowed, wringing my hands together. "Do you know… is it… well, is it going to make things awkward between me and Annabeth? I don't know if… I don't want to rush things. That is, if 'things' are going to happen between us. I just want to be friends right now-" no you don't, my mind muttered in the background. You don't want to be just friends, but you feel it would be right to. I ignored it, pressing on, "-but I don't want for things to be awkward."

Piper looked thoughtful as I finished rambling, most likely looking for an answer. Meanwhile, Thalia made a face, declaring, "I hate love. It's nasty. I'm leaving this conversation. See ya." The hunter turned and stalked off to the other Questers and Annabeth, glaring at the residents in the temple that were staring to much or whispering to their friends. I followed her path until my eyes found Annabeth, who was laughing at a joke Leo had said. Just seeing her made me want to grin broadly. Maybe I was as lovesick as Thalia was describing.

I felt a small pain of jealousy and crossness, though. Annabeth and I only had a limited amount of time, and she was talking with the Questers? The selfish part of me was mad that she wasn't with me, and made me want to go get her attention so I could spend time with her.

But that wasn't right. The Questers were Annabeth's friends too, and they deserved some time with her.

I swallowed my envy and looked back at Piper, who was replying.

"Well, for some people it would make things awkward. But," she stated, holding up a finger, "I think it will be alright. Just take it slowly, and talk about it too. I have no doubt that 'things'- as you put it- will happen. Therefore, it'll be fine." She winked knowingly, and I felt a little heat in my cheeks. I hoped "things" will happen, and Piper was the daughter of love herself. If she said it will probably happen, then my hopes had a good chance of of coming true.

"Thanks, Piper."

She shrugged. "It's fine." The Piper smirked at me, "I bet you're wishing 'things' will happen soon."

"What things?"

I spun around to see Annabeth approaching us, her eyebrows raised. I felt my heartbeat pick up when I saw her curious and pretty eyes. I wanted to hug her, hold her body close to mine, making me warm and calm and content.

But I resisted the idea, as wonderful as it sounded, and shrugged instead.

"Nothing much. We were talking about the Game." It was kind of true. I considered what we were doing- bouncing back in forth in seeing each other, with our emotions running wild, persuading the gods to let us meet, and hopefully scheming up more ways to meet- a game in its own way.

Annabeth nodded. Her gaze caught mine, and she didn't look away.

Those gray eyes practically sucked me into their mysterious depths. I wasn't able to move, and I didn't want to. I was reminded of a storm when I looked into them. They had similar traits of a storm: they were unpredictable, they were foreboding on the outside, but if you look deeper, you could find a calming sense of comfort and solace, and they were beautiful. Incredibly gorgeous.

I think that last trait was the one Annabeth could relate to the most.

We stared for longer than just ordinary friends, and Piper stood next to us awkwardly, She cleared her throat loudly, jolting both of us out of our stupor.

"Well, I'll, uh," Piper started, looking between us and scratching the back of her neck. "I'm just going to leave you two to your… um, talking. Have fun!" She smiled, then smirked at me. I rolled my eyes.

Honestly, though, I didn't care. I was actually glad she left. Don't get me wrong, I like Piper, but I was savoring being alone with Annabeth. Just being with her felt great.

Which was good, because we just sat there, not knowing what to say.

"Er, how have you been, Percy?" Annabeth asked, shuffling her feet.

"Pretty good. And you?"

"Same, I guess. How did your quest go?"

The quest. Luke. His threats. I could practically hear the "crack" as the happy cover around my brain split, allowing fears and worries to seep in.

"Annabeth, I need to talk to you and Piper and Thalia about something." I glanced over to look at the group of demigods behind us. I was wondering if I could call Annabeth's best friends over, but Piper was deep in conversation with Jason (they needed to get their ship sailing. Everybody knows they like each other) and Thalia was talking about something with Lee Fletcher and Michael Yew. Probably discussing whose bow was better.

"Just leave them," Annabeth said, her clear voice ringing in my ears. "I can tell them later."

So I launched into the story, telling her about the whole quest. I left out some parts, though, like my conversation with the goddess Artemis, and one of the things that Luke provoked me with. The one about risking a child's life again. It reopened the injury that Luke placed on me two years ago. And even though Annabeth was the one healing it, and she deserved to know what happened, I didn't want to tell her right now. I'd tell her sometime else.

When I finished, I looked at Annabeth expectantly.

Her eyebrows were furrowed as she started speaking. "Okay, first off, that was extremely stupid of you to just go marching into a house with an unknown amount of enemy demigods."

She gave me a stern look as I pouted a little. "Second, you seem to harbor a deep hatred for this Luke guy by the way you are speaking about him.

She raised her eyebrow, a questioning look in her eyes, and I sighed. "Yeah, but we'll get to that later."

Annabeth frowned, but didn't pursue the matter. "Okay. Next question, are you really worried about the threats? Athena is obsessed with my safety now. You know that firsthand. Even the tiniest threats to me could make her go far to vanquish them, like separating two people because one was the son of her enemy." Her voice was timid and low towards the end of the sentence. She bit her lip, not meeting my eyes. I clamped my hands together, fingernails digging into my palms, continuing on.

"Yeah, well, some things can get past the gods and do some damage," I stated. "I really don't want that damage done on you. So I'm going to stay for the Game week, and Nico, Jason, and I are participating, and the whole group will be on the watch for anything, okay?"

Annabeth rolled her eyes, a smile visible on her face. "Okay, Percy. But I'll be fine on my own."

"I've still got your back, though. And I don't care what you say, I'm still going to act like one of your overprotective guards." I grinned lopsidedly at her. Her cheeks dimpled as she returned the smile, and a hint of blush crept into her cheeks. She touched my arm lightly with her hand. Where she touched me, tingling erupted, going up my arm and traveling down my spine. "Thank you, Seaweed Brain."

I smiled cheekily. "Anything for you, Wise Girl! Now, how long has it been?" Annabeth looked briefly over her shoulder at a clock that was stationed on the wall across from us.

"We have about ten more minutes. I guess we should start saying goodbye." Her voice dimmed, and my elated mood did the same.

We stood there once more, not knowing what to say yet again.

"Well, I guess I'll see you at the Game," I said.

"That is," she corrected, "if we both get in the Game."

"I have no doubt you will, and I'll try my best to get in the Game. The question is who will win it. When you fight against me, you might have some trouble." My matter-of-fact tone made a challenging look appear in Annabeth's eyes, causing them to sparkle even more. I took a mocking bow, "May the best Hero win."

"It's on." She held out her hand, as if shaking on a deal, and I took it. We grinned at each other.

"Well, bye Perce!" Thalia trudged up right then and gave me a slap on the back. It wasn't very soft.

"Ow, Thals!" I said, arching my back.

Thalia scoffed. "Baby."

I scowled at her, then asked, "But you can come see us, so aren't you going to visit?"

"Nope," the hunter said simply, smirking.

"Oh, I love you too," I grumbled.

"Woah there, Ocean Butt!" Nico placed an arm around my shoulders, saying in a scolding tone, "Don't say that! We wouldn't want to break Annabeth's heart if she heard you love Thalia, not her."

I glowered at him as Annabeth joined the conversation, her tone incredulous. "Ocean Butt? What kind of nickname is that, Nico?"

"An awesome one," he replied innocently, then addressed me, "Don't worry, though. We'll get to see Piper. She'll probably be visiting often." He sent a meaningful glance over to where Jason and Piper were still talking. Piper was giggling at something Jason had said, and the son of Zeus was beaming at her, as if pleased that he could make her smile.

"Ugh, There's love everywhere. I think I'm gonna throw up." Thalia mimed gagging.

Annabeth smirked at Thalia, "Oh, Thalia. Just because you're a hunter doesn't mean you need to totally hate love. And I think it's kind of cute."

Thalia stared at Annabeth. "Who are you? The Annabeth I know doesn't have the word 'cute' in her dictionary. She never says it."

"Except," I cut in, "for when she's describing me, of course."

Annabeth raised her eyebrow, a smile playing on her lips. "I think the more accurate description of you would be 'infuriating,' 'dense,' and 'oblivious.'"

I put a hand to my heart in mock hurt, ignoring Thalia's sniggering. "That hurt me, Wise Girl." I pulled a face directed her, and she shook her head, grinning.

"Whatever, Perce."

I smiled at her as Thalia spoke. "Well, you now have less than five minutes to say goodbye. I don't think Athena will appreciate it if Percy and his group stays longer than they're supposed to. Bye Nico. See you never, hopefully," she finished jokingly.

"Nah," Nico said. "You'd miss me too much!" He grabbed Thalia and gave her a bear hug, basically suffocating her. She huffed and stayed still, glaring at Nico.

I chuckled at the sibling-like parting. I guess their little thing had been a week deal. They do seem more fitting as friends.

"Well, goodbye, Percy." I turned to look back at Annabeth. She had a sad minuscule smile on her face.

I frowned. I really hated seeing her sad. It hurt me to see her hurt, and I wish I could take all the sadness from her, and transfer it to me instead. I would readily do it. Annabeth deserved nothing but happiness in my mind.

I stepped forward, expanding my arms so Annabeth was in my clasp. Her hands went up, one clutching my shirt at my chest and the other going around my neck.

I breathed in her presence. This was the time that everything felt right. Annabeth in my arms, with me. It felt like Annabeth and I were two pieces of wood, carved out of the same tree so we fit together perfectly. We were like two pieces, molding together.

Her head came up and she placed her lips at my ear. When she whispered, her cool breath on my ear made shivers run down my spine.

"I have a plan," she said softly. "Just hold on a little more and I'll let you know some way or another. We will meet, if you want to, because I'm almost positive this plan will work." Her voice sounded desperate, as if she wanted me to say yes, was hoping I would say yes.

I said quietly back into her ear, "I definitely want to meet. Is that even a question? I would never pass up the chance to see your beautiful face, Wise Girl."

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw red in her cheeks as she replied after a slight pause, "When did you get so sappy, Seaweed Brain?" I grinned into the side of her head, thinking but not voicing my answer. When I met you. Before then, I had nothing to be sappy about.

A surge of disappointment rose within me as she leaned back, looking me in the eye. Stormy gray eyes colliding with the sea green ones. Together, we made a hurricane. Whether that hurricane brought torrential downpours of tears or joy, it was powerful. Together, we had immense strength. But when someone split us up we became insignificant and small.

"Good luck on the Test, Percy." Annabeth smiled, and I found myself staring at her lips. I remembered how they felt against mine. The softness of them as they moved in gentile motion with my lips. I wanted to kiss her right now. Wanted to quench the thirst that part of me felt.

But I knew better than to risk the friendship I had with Annabeth. What if she didn't feel the way I felt about her? If she rejected me, we would never be the same. Things would become uncomfortable. I wasn't going to chance it.

I cleared my throat, swallowing down the lump of want and hormones. "Yeah, same to you."

I added quietly, for you never knew who was listening and who they would tell, "I'll be waiting for your plan to take action. And it better be soon, because I don't know how long my patience will last."

She smiled at me, her eyes crinkling around the edges. I returned it. Then we stepped apart, and the warmth and comfort was gone, leaving me empty and cold once more.

"Goodbye, Annabeth! I'll see you soon, hopefully!" Hazel had moved up to us, the rest of the group following, including Piper and Thalia. Annabeth hugged Hazel, then proceeded to give the rest of them hugs as well, sharing some words with a few.

When she reached Leo, he held out his arms, grinning crazily. "Come to papa!" Annabeth rolled her eyes and gave him a small hug. When she moved back, he held her at arms length, examining her.

"You better not get any prettier, or you'll have boys yapping at your heels and bothering you wherever you go!"

Annabeth chuckled, "Thanks, Leo." I sent Leo a pointed glare, the message it contained clearly saying, if you value your life, you better back off, buddy. I don't know why I was so miffed at the small compliment that I was sure Annabeth got all the time, considering how pretty she was.

Actually, I did know why. It was like Annabeth was being flirted with by some guy. The thought of that brought a bitter taste to my mouth. Annabeth's not even my girlfriend, but I still didn't want her with any other guy. I have a feeling that I would punch the guy for no reason (other then him dating Annabeth, which is a good enough reason for me) and not feel guilty about it. Yes, I was being overprotective. But if I was just holding off "things" until she was ready, I was at least going to make sure she didn't start up any other relationships. I pictured Annabeth laughing, hugging, and kissing with another man. My blood boiled and I found myself scowling fiercely at the ground.

But Annabeth's next words brightened me up. "But I don't think they'll get the chance, seeing as Percy-" she gave me a small smile "-probably wouldn't let any boys even get close to me before he beats them up and drowns them in a wave." I grinned sheepishly at her amused countenance.

Leo had caught my look directed at him, and he smirked. Nico and Jason had caught it too, and they were smirking as well.

"Well, you guys better get going before Athena storms in here and demands why you are still here," Piper said. She gave Jason (another) hug, then waved to the rest as we moved as a body of demigods towards the door. I hesitated, peering at Annabeth, who was looking at her shoes. This parting seems too much like what happened at the end of the council, and after that, we didn't see each other for a month or so.

I mouthed one word to her. "Soon."

She smiled faintly, nodding a little in reassurance. I offered her one last grin, hoping I could calm whatever restlessness that was going through her, then turned and followed the others out the door, a fresh picture of Annabeth still in my mind.

The sunlight hit me, causing me to squint. I caught up with the group and walked by my two second-in-commands. For a moment, neither of us said anything.

Then Nico announced, "You are so lovesick, Perce."

"Really," I said, rolling my eyes. "Do you and Thalia have special meetings where you compare sentences to use to tease me or Annabeth, and then both of you say them?"

"Yeah, we do. Every third day of week." Sarcasm was laced through his words, and I smirked at him as he carried on. "Seriously, though. We haven't done anything to you to make you tell us if you love her or not. It's obvious you do, though. So we have the privilege to tease you."

"I don't- I don't love her! I just..." I paused, searching for the right words, "really, really like her."

"But," Jason said, smiling at my recent statement, "we did set up one thing. We had Leo say what he said to see your reaction."

I frowned, "Why?"

Nico threw his hands in the air like the answer was obvious. "To see how much you would mind if someone else dated her, or even flirted with her! You reacted, man."

I rolled my eyes, "I wouldn't mind that much."

"Right," Nico said, snorting. "You wouldn't mind after you killed whatever dude that does try and make a move on her."

I sighed, shaking my head. But it was true. I would have no trouble hurting a guy that became too interested in Annabeth. I wouldn't be able to stand it. It was like we belonged to each other and only to each other. But that's how I felt. I didn't know how she felt.

"Well, let's just focus on the Test that's tonight for now," Jason proclaimed, examining the creases on his hand.

Oh, right. I had totally forgotten about the Test. I could practically hear Annabeth laughing in the back of my brain and calling me stupid. I wished she was here, beside me. But she couldn't be. But that doesn't mean I can't see her. I sneered mentally as I thought of meeting under Athena's nose without that snobby goddess realizing it. Ha, I almost wish I could gloat right in front of Athena's face, but then the whole point of secret meetings would be destroyed, and so would mine and Annabeth's chance to meet.

But the thought of Athena getting outsmarted by a son of Poseidon was enough to make me smile. Even better was that I could see Annabeth again if her plans worked, and I trusted her, therefore I trusted her plans. Hopefully it was soon that I could see her. I carried that smile throughout the day, and whenever it started slouching, I just thought of Annabeth, and the corners of my mouth shot up again at the picture of that daughter of Athena that made me so happy.

Man! 8,437 words of basically pure fluffiness. That was fun. Sorry if you suffocated in the fluff. :)

Honduras was awesome! I made tons of new friends, even with the language barrier. And I miss them all already. :( But on the bright side, I'm back to make more chapters! ;) I've already started on the next chapter, so hopefully it won't be too long. What's the Test gonna be, huh? I know, but do you? You could leave a review and guess the answer! :P

IMPORTANT::I'm trying to figure out a name for the "bad guys" group. I still haven't come up with a good enough name, so if you guys have any suggestions, PLEASE tell me in a review! Thanks! :)

Anyways, thanks to ICECREAMROCKS don't dis me, IIII Winter Wolf IIII, AnnabethChase712, Sperry, GoldenAppleGirl98, Luna Lerman Jackson, I Need To Change My Name, krazy. khik. noelle, 123, EatBlueFoodAlways, CreativeWritingGirl, Percabeth12-7, , Mandy0817, Jordas123, Izzy456, and the guests that reviewed! :)

Q&A and random chit chat. :)

IIII Winter Wolf IIII: It explains why Percy didn't tell Thalia in this chapter. I hadn't caught that, thanks for telling me! And it depends on how the Game is played this year. Is it a team game, or a every-man-for-himself? ;)

AnnabethChase712: Girl, I love reading your reviews. They always bring smile to my face, and I'm so lucky to have you as a reader! Thank you sooooo much! :D

Luna Lerman Jackson: I have no idea what you mean by door or window, but I like windows better than doors. So doors. xD

krazy. khik. noelle: No, I'll tell you enough information to let you all know that it is not Annabeth's voice that makes them call her the Siren. :)

Mandy0817: I edited the chapter in which Percy got his ribs hurt, and it now has a short paragraph explaining how his ribs got healed. Sorry for the confusion! :)

Thanks again for reading and love you all, even if I don't know you. :)