Summary: Percy is in love with his best friend and then he isn't? Pertemis or Percabeth? Bits of Perachel.

Disclaimer: I don't own the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, the Heroes of Olympus series, or characters I adopt from those books. Merely the characterization and plot are mine.

It all started when Percy was in love with his best friend when he was 15. He had been in love with Annabeth for 3 years now, but Annabeth never seemed to know or care. Percy always left hints and clues as to his crush, but Annabeth never seemed to realize. And when she does its already too late.

Age 17 (Percy Pov):

A lot has happened since that day Annabeth showed up in my house. I broke up with Rachel 2 months ago, and although it hurt, we both understood that I wouldn't be able to love Rachel the same way I used to love Annabeth and well Rachel discovered she was into girls more. So, although I was sad for a while, we both knew that we worked better as best friends.

Ever since that day though, Annabeth has been more attached to me and has been trying to get my attention. Of course, I ignore her but it's hard. A part of me wants us to go back to the way we were. But another part of me is scared of getting hurt again and again.

Anyways. Currently I am in my second to last class of the day. After this I have math(sigh).

After the day Annabeth visited my house, I decided to go into the pool because I felt like I really needed too and because although the pool brought back bad memories, I felt it was time for me to overcome my fears, and I realized I still loved to swim. It's been 12 years since I left my passion to swim. I guess a part of me was always felt like it belonged to the water but another part of me was always scared because the memories were always too painful-

Flashback 12 years ago (3rd Pov):

The day was on a Tuesday, October 17, 1995. Today was the day Poseidon Jackson last saw his family. Poseidon Jackson was a Marine biologist, and he would on occasions be given the opportunity to travel over sea and find out more about the ocean's wildlife.

That day was the last day the Jackson family would be whole.

"Poseidon, please I beg of you don't go. There is going to be an awful storm and it would be practically impossible for you to make it back." A 25-year-old Sally Jackson said to her husband Poseidon Jackson of 25. They were both high school sweethearts and had Perseus Jackson, age 5, there only son at the age of 20. While Poseidon continued on his path to become a successful Marine biologist, Sally abandoned her passion as a writer to focus on taking care of Percy.

*Sigh*

"I know dear but this a breakthrough. If I can just figure out why the sudden climate change in the area and why the sudden sea animals are dying or why there was a sudden shift in the ecosystem. Which caused-"

"Honey, you know I barely understood what you said. I also know this means a lot to you but just think about us. Your family. Percy your son. What if something were to happen to you? Percy and I wouldn't be able to get through the thought of you gone."

"Sally, I know."

*sigh*

"It's just I need to do this please. It's my job. And if I can do something about it I will. I know both of you matter the most to me but if we don't find out the cause of this, the storms might get stronger, and it will wreak havoc."

"Please Sally I need to do this."

Sally was in a whirlpool of emotions, but she knew that Poseidon was stubborn and when he wanted to do something he wasn't going to just drop it.

"Fine but I swear if you die on us, I'm going to go and resurrect you just to kill you again. Understood."

Poseidon chuckled at this before saying-

"Yes Ma'am."

As fate has it. That was the last time Sally Jackson and Percy Jackson ever got to see Poseidon Jackson. Poseidon and his crew were hit with hurricanes and storms. Eventually 2 months later the ship couldn't take it anymore and it gave way. That day Poseidon and his 24 crew members lost their lives. Not only did they never make it back to family and friends they left the little ones behind.

The day Sally found out. She was heartbroken and devasted for months. Not only did she lose the father of her son, but she also lost her husband and best friend, even her soul mate as some say. The day Percy found out his dad was never going to come home to read him a bedtime story, he cried and cried till he couldn't cry anymore. Percy missed his dad. He was his hero, his inspiration and most of all his father.

The day of the funeral both the Jackson's were miserable. Not only did they lose their significant family member, but they also haven't done well mentally and physically. Sally would cry herself to sleep and cry every morning when she woke up on alone. Percy would cry all day even throughout school. He missed his father's jokes and stories. He missed how he made him happy when he was sad and how they would always play together but most of all he missed his dad.

Both Jackson members lost a part of their heart that day and ever since haven't been the same. Eventually the pain lessened but it never left. It was always a reminder of someone important to them. Ever since then the Jackson family hasn't stepped foot on the beaches or their cabin down in Montauk. Ever since then Percy has stopped swimming because it reminded him of how it was his and his father's favorite pass time. How they would always play around in the pool and beaches and have a great time.

The water reminded them of what they loved doing with Poseidon Jackson and how the water is where he died. Percy and Sally couldn't even shower without breaking down every time they thought of him. Eventually they did but it hasn't been the same. Percy would always wake up with nightmares and would end up sleeping with his mom.

Its thanks to Percy that Sally become strong and promised to herself and to her deceased husband that she would do whatever it took to make Percy grow up the best way possible and with the best childhood.

I remember the day I found out about my father's death. It had been 2 months since he left on his expedition. The day started out like this:

Flashback

*Percy Pov*

(The day Percy found out his father died):

I woke up early to mom cooking my favorite blue cookies. I was watching my favorite show. Tom and Jerry. I love the cat and mouse chase.

"Percy!"

Mom called me. "Yes ma!"

"Breakfast is ready."

"YAY!"

I love Breakfast.

"Mmm, Mom this look delicious."

"Thank you honey, now eat up before you go play with your toys."

"Ok."

But before we could continue, we heard:

*We interrupt this show with the latest news. According to our sources exactly at 05am with 55 minutes with 33 seconds we received a transmission. The transmission said:

"Hello."

Operator: "Yes, who is this? "

"My name is Poseidon Jackson."

At this mom went white and gasped.

Operator: "Your rank?"

"Ship's master."

"Ok, Thank you." She paused. "Ship's name?"

"TOPEX/Poseidon." (This is a real name. It's a name used for a satellite.)

Operator: "What is the problem you seem to be having?"

"I have a marine emergency and I would like to speak to a Q.I. We had a hull breach—a scuttle blew open during a storm. We have water down in three-hold with a heavy list. We've lost the main propulsion unit. The engineers cannot get it going. Can I speak to-"

*Transmission goes static*

As you can see, this was the last message headquarters received. According to our sources the ship began to sink and malfunction. 25 people lost their lives including the captain. I'm sorry to inform you but there were no survivors and if any of you know these men and women, you have our condolences. May God be with them and may they Rest in Peace.

Flashback ends

*Ring*

I had to blink back my tears. I didn't even realize I was starting to tear up. Guess class finished. I mentally sighed. The memories are too painful. But I realized even though i miss my dad. I feel relaxed and calm in the water. Feels like it's my home away from home you know. And it's another way to connect to my dad. Even though he's gone I feel like I'm still talking to my old man, and I just get this feeling he is listening to me and is proud of who and what I have become.

"Hey Perce."

Called out my best friend of all time, Grover. You see, Grover has been my best friend since I was 10. He is an environmentalist. He loves anything to do with nature and animals. Especially saving nature. Of course, I agree with Grover, just that I'm more into sea life while he is into land animals... I think..land life?... idk. Anyways.

"What's up Grover." I called back seeing him approach me with his girlfriend Juniper. Now, how did Grover get a girlfriend, well, it was during one of his group meetings with community service which he has every weekend. And 3 years ago, Grover and Juniper met and voula. They immediately hit it off and well, yea, that's their story. The reason why I haven't seen Grover recently is because he was accepted to another school for the first 2 years of high school. Then he decided to transfer to finish his last 2 years of high school here.

"Hey June." It's a nickname I have for Juniper since she likes the summer and it's shorter than Juniper.

"Hey Percy. How was your day?"

June answered back.

"Meh, you know the usual. It wasn't great but just meh."

"I hear ya pal. Same thing with me." Grover chipped in. "So, Percy."

"Yea?" I answered back. Grover started scratching his head before asking me.

"Are you going to do anything this weekend. I'm planning on getting the gang together at our old hangout."

Ah I can see why Grover was somewhat nervous. Must have shown in my face to because he looked like he was going to panic. You see, back in middle school we had a group of friends. We would always act like we belonged in the Greek world as heroes.

We would always get together and hang out with our friends. Our friends consisted of Me, Annabeth, Grover, Juniper, Leo, Jason my cousin. Thalia, Jason's older sister and my cousin. Also, Nico, another cousin of mine. Bianca, Nico's older sister and my cousin as well. Piper, Jason's girlfriend. From what I know they just started dating a few months ago. Reyna, Jason's best friend and ex. Hazel, my other cousin and Nico and Bi's half-sister. Frank, Hazel's boyfriend. From what I also know they started dating a few weeks ago. Anyways, enough with the introductions.

'You know what Grover."

"What?"

"Hell, why tf not. I will be there. Just text me the time and place. Alright buddy."

Grover looked so relieved and excited when I agreed to go.

"Alright Perce I will let you know asap."

And with that we decided to part ways to finish the rest of the school day and eventually go home.

"Mom. I'm home."

I called out from the entrance getting home after a very tiring and boring day in school.

"Hey honey, I am in my room."

My mom called out from inside her room. Putting my hoodie and my backpack in the living room and taking off my shoes I decided to go check what my mom was doing since she usually has dinner ready by the time I come home.

"Hey mom." I called from outside her room.

"Come in Percy." Walking in I saw my mom dressed out to go somewhere. "Uhm... mom? Not that I mind but where are you going out." It wasn't necessarily late per say but I mean it was almost 5pm. "Oh this, I am just going to the PTA meeting that starts at 6pm." Ah that makes sense now. You see my mom likes to get involved in the school. Anything that has to do with her 'baby boy' and his education.

"Uh huh. So, in other words, you mean to go see Paul, eh." I smirked knowing my mom and Paul have been getting closer with each other. How this happened is because Paul contacted my mom saying I wasn't doing very well in English. My mom obviously knew this because I was diagnosed with dyslexia and ADHD from a very young age. Apparently, it runs in my father's side of the family. After that day they started talking a lot about how to better help me improve in English class which led to them becoming very good friends. Honestly, I don't mind Paul, he is a very good and kindhearted man. Although as her son I have to make sure he knows his boundaries and to embarrass them both.

My mom blushed knowing that was partly true. "Percy, don't tease me like that."

"You know it's true mom." My mom just sighed having been accustomed to my antics. "Yea, yea. Now I am going to go out, ok. Now I decided to leave you money on the kitchen table so you can go buy whatever food you want. However, you have to go buy groceries for next week, understood mister."

"Yes, I understand mom." I mentally sighed knowing there was a but coming. Well, I can't really complain. I can buy a food of my choosing and only have to go buy groceries. "Alright Percy, I have to get going but have fun while I'm out but not too much fun and try to stay out of trouble. I don't want to find out that you were put in jail for something so stupid and reckless, Alright."

Wow such confidence mom (note the sarcasm). "Yes, I will try to stay out of trouble but no promises mom." I replied sassily back.

"Alright take care Percy, I will be getting home late like around 10pm or so, so I don't want you to stay up to late, it is a school night." After kissing my mom in the cheek and saying goodbye I watched her exit the house but decided to give her a proper Percy Jackson sendoff. "Take care mom and try not to have too much fun with Paul." I yelled at her from the front door. My mom blushed a light shade of pink before she threatened to not make any more blue cookies for a while, which I decided was not worth the punishment, so I just went back inside laughing.

Now what to eat. Hmmmmm. Well, I guess I can go buy the groceries now and while buying I can decide if I want to eat out or just cook my food.

"Well then, time to head out." I said out loud putting on my shoes and getting the money from the table to go buy.

*Whistle*

Gods, look at that beauty. I ended up going to the market that was a bit further away from home than the one that was closer. Why you ask, because I felt like it. Also, because I was in the mood for a long walk and a bit of sightseeing. And oh boy, do I not regret that decision. There is a beautiful girl here in the market. Looks like she is a natural redhead and could easily be confused as a model with that pretty cute face of hers and that amazing body. If i had the power to reset time, I would over and over again just so I can relive the first time I met you.

"-Excuse me" uh oh. That is not good. Not good at all.

"Me?" Trying to act all innocent.

"Yes you, with that idiotic face."

"Hey!" How rude of her.

"Don't hey me."

"But..."

"No buts. Now can you explain to me the reason why you wouldn't stop staring at me. And I want a good answer or so help me gods."

Gods?

"Uhm... because you are pretty?" I was shaking like crazy. It doesn't help that she does not look less hostile.

"You have 5 seconds to come up with a good answer before I decide to cut you up and ditch you in an alleyway."

"5"

"4'

"3'

"2"

"Ok ok, please don't gut me like a fish and just hear me out". Trying to placate the angry women. "Look, I'm sorry I kept staring at you but honestly it's because you are pretty, and I just couldn't help myself. I'm sorry ok, I know I probably look like a creep, but it was just because your beauty captivated me." She just stayed silent for what felt like an eternity but probably was just under a minute.

*sigh* "Ok, I guess I can accept that response." She finally said breaking away the tension and my will to run.

"Look, I truly am sorry. How about I make it up to you. Let's say I take you out to dinner." And she's back to glaring at me. Oh boy this girl is trouble.

"I promise you; my intentions are as pure as I say and if they're not then you can gut me like theirs no tomorrow and then throw me in a lake. Ok." She kept staring at me before sighing, shaking her head a few times, and then saying:

"I hope I don't regret this but, I am going to trust you just this once but if you do anything fishy or suspicious, you're gone. Understood."

"Yes ma'am." I said starting to fear for my life and starting to double think my request.

"Uhm, how does the day after tomorrow sound like." I asked hoping she wouldn't get mad at me again and deciding to end me there and then.

"Hmm, Saturday. I think I can. I will let you know." Gods that thinking face of hers is just melting me.

"Erm, how?"

"What do you mean how, I will just send... oh, stupid me."

"Give me your phone." She said with her hand stretched out.

"Uh...sure". I said handing over my phone. Is this a dream. Not only am I going to have dinner with such a gorgeous woman, but I'm also getting her number as well. Could this day get any better.

"Here." She said handing over my phone.

"Hmmm, Artemis. Interesting but pretty name." Sounds powerful compared to Percy.

"Well, it's been a pleasure getting to know you Ms. Artemis but I think it's time for me to head home and let you go on about your business as well. It's been nice meeting besides the whole staring..." Couldn't I be any lamer? *Sigh*

"It has been nice meeting you as well uhm?"

"Percy, Percy Jackson." I said stretching out my hand. Thank gods she accepted my handshake. Wow such soft and small but strong hands. No doubt she will kill me if I'm not careful around her.

"Well Percy, I guess this is goodbye and we will discuss later about how you're going to make it up to me. Goodnight." She said before walking away from the market.

"Night." I called back.

She turned around one last time to wave goodbye and I did the same and she was gone. Whew, how scary but exciting. Now I definitely don't regret coming here. Well time to finish shopping. After the way things played out, I think I'm in the mood for some ramen and some very well needed sleep. I can't wait to see how things play out.

Maybe if things go well, I should invite her to the get together I am going to next week, no?

A/N:

I know what you guys are thinking and what you want to say. The only thing I can really do is apologize again and again. I'm sorry I have been inactive for more than a year and a half. I was busy but I also lost my motivation to write. I had promised you guys i was going to wrote and I broke my promise. I'm sorry. Hopefully this chapter is good enough to start off my apology. Well with this I think we will be halfway into the story now. I never planned on making this a long story maybe 8 to 10 chapters but that might extend up to 15. Who Knows. If you guys place close attention you will notice an important change. Let me know if you figured it out. I might say what the big change is next chapter. One important question. Do you guys want me to write in Artemis Pov? I have a few ideas how to, but it will be very challenging. One last thing. WHOS READY FOR THE PJO TV SERIES AND THE NEW SHORT STORY IN OUR FAVORITE CHARACTERS POV! Because I sure as hell am. Anyways, I think that is all I have to say for now. I am truly sorry to all of you have taken the time to read this shitty story of mine. Until next time. Dj