(A/N So, we are closing in on as far as I've written. I've got this, two longer chapters, and a brief little bit that I should probably expand before posting. I have no clue where to take this after that. The story/premise may have potential, but like I warned in my first chapter: Do not expect a satisfying ending because I do not have one for you anytime soon.

And I'm so sorry about that!

But, I hope you can enjoy what I do have, so here you go.)

5 Years after Trials of Apollo

Percy

To say Percy was annoyed would be putting it lightly.

He was 22 and had just spent the evening congratulating his best friend on her engagement. Annabeth had finally found someone who had a mind as puzzling as her own and Percy was happy for her. He'd never tell her Ryan had asked him permission before both asking her out and asking to marry her.

His jubilation died quickly when he walked into his home to find a goddess sitting on his couch.

What was even more infuriating was the scowl she wore.

He hardly did quests anymore, so she'd need to find someone else to do her dirty work. Percy enjoyed training the younger demigods to stay alive and holding the gods accountable for their children, but when a god singled him out like this it never went well. Only his friends could convince him to assist on a quest and that was not leading one.

"No," he spoke, not even letting her ask for a 'favor.'

Her scowl deepened.

"Perseus Jackson, son of Poseidon, do you know how difficult you are?!"

He blinked, surprised.

Standing, her shimmering form closed in on him as he realized which goddess had invaded his space.

"How many times?!" she shrieked. "How many times have I tried? And you! You just…refuse!"

Percy took on a more relaxed stance, but was still ready to move if she became threatening.

"Why are you here Aphrodite?"

"Because you keep throwing everything back in my face! Not Annabeth! She was your best friend. Not Rachel! She was an Oracle. I wish I'd known that first," she scowled. "Not Reyna! Not Thalia! Not Calypso! Even if that wasn't my idea. Even little Nico in case I read you wrong! Of course I didn't read you wrong though." She seemed to be talking to herself more than anything, as she paced and threw her arms around. Every now and then she'd throw an angry gesture towards him, but he couldn't figure out what she was talking about. "I even contemplated Piper! But she could see your-." She cut herself turning to face him again. "Besides, she's-" She waved her hand around vaguely again.

"Aphrodite?" Percy was a little concerned about the goddess's mental state.

"And those are only the important ones." She sank onto the couch. "The mortals! Oh! I can't count the mortals…"

"Aphrodite." He tried to make his voice firm to pull her out of whatever downwards spiral this was. "What's going on?"

"I'm just trying to keep a promise," she sighed. "You're making it difficult. I'd hoped you'd grow more with Annabeth. I understand platonic love, it's still love of course. But I wanted you to find what you were destined for, even if it wasn't…" she sighed again dropping her explanation and her head.

"You tried to make me love those people?"

"I can't make you. But yes. I manipulated some of your surroundings and events to make it more likely. You just fought me at every turn." She leaned back, gently banging her head on the back ledge of his couch.

"Because you made a promise?" She turned to him with tired eyes, only offering a slow blink as a response. "To who?" he asked, incredulous. Poseidon wouldn't have elicited such a promise; he understood that Percy didn't want interference in his life. Most of the other Olympians only tolerated him since he mainly refused quests since the second war. Who would care about such things?

"I apologize, Perseus. I shouldn't have come. I just wanted to vent for a moment, and you seemed to be the cause of my problems so I came here."

"Aphrodite, whoever you made the promise to...I don't want it. You're right. Platonic love is still love-and I have plenty of that in my life. I'm happy with it, and grateful for it." She smiled at him, it was a sad smile. This entire encounter had been bizarrely out of character for the love goddess.

"I know Percy. But you could be more." With a sigh she dissolved, leaving a faint scent of roses and a very confused Percy.