It's time for chapter 36! This is a very important chapter and very romantic, too! I know a lot of you were really looking forward to this chapter, for some reason, so here it is! I wanted to get it out earlier than I have been lately, so I hope I do! Again, I do write the first author's note before I write the actual chapter, so I don't know when I'll get this out... Anyways, I've decided to do a little bit of the boys' night, and I will mention some of the events throughout the chapter. Thanks to all who posted reviews:

RandomPerson (Guest): Well, here's the UPDATE you asked for!

Guest: Yes, expect a Percabeth after this! I took your advice and I am only adding some parts of the boys' night. Thanks for your support!

Guest: Yeah, I think I agree. I really like Percabeth fanfictions, but most of the ones I've read are AUs. I understand how you are feeling, though!

Alright, here we go!

Percy's POV

Percy yawned. "Man, I'm tired. Don't we have a curfew?"

Leo rolled his eyes. "Who died and made you praetor?"

Percy shook his head, laughing. "No one died, Leo."

"It's not my fault I disappeared!" Jason chuckled.

"Either way," Leo stuffed a chip into his mouth. "You're usually not this strict."

Percy raised an eyebrow. "I'm not strict, just tired."

Leo shrugged. "Eh, I could party all night!"

Percy and Jason exchanged a look.

"I thought that maybe if I was with two praetors, I could get off curfew..."

"It's already passed curfew," Jason said. "It's like, midnight right now."

Percy laughed. He had laughed already so many times that night. It had been a good time to hang out with some of his closest friends. Funny how people can bond over such a short period of time.

He, Jason, and Leo had talked about nearly everything there was for male demigods to talk about. The upcoming quest, activities at camp, and of course, girls. Percy didn't mention anything about Reyna, but Jason did say how he apologized to Reyna about... everything. Percy was glad that he had done so. One, Reyna was probably less stressed, and two, he had more of Reyna to himself...

Leo also pointed out several "baddies." His word for hot girls. Honestly, the guy was such a flirt, but Percy didn't mind. As long as Leo wasn't hitting on Reyna or Annabeth, Percy was just fine.

Nevertheless, it had been a good night. Percy was glad he could spend some time with "the boys" in the words of Leo. He felt more relaxed, probably because he had almost completely forgotten about his "little" girl problem. There were no girls here, just Percy, Leo, and Jason.

"As much as I don't want to end... this," Percy gestured around their little setup. "We'd better head to bed."

"Fine," Leo groaned. He stood up and dusted the chip crumbs off of his pants.

Percy, Leo, and Jason had found a storage area in the boys' barracks and they'd decided to hang out in there. As far as Percy could tell, they hadn't woken anybody up. , which was surprising. The guys had laughed so hard at points that he thought at least somebody would've come to check something out. Percy guessed that the boys here were just really heavy sleepers. He couldn't blame them, though. After all the work and training they put in here, why wouldn't they sleep like rocks?

Jason stood up, too, and grabbed the nearly empty chips bag. "You want these, Leo?"

Leo nodded eagerly. "Thanks, man." He took the chips and stashed them away in his magic tool belt.

Percy shook his head. "I will never understand that belt."

"We don't have to understand things to find them crazy cool," Leo retorted.

"Fair."

Jason yawned. "Alright, guys. I'm heading to bed."

Percy nodded. "Yeah."

Leo shrugged. "Ok, I am pretty tired."

"Well, this was a good night, guys," Jason said.

Percy and Leo nodded in agreement. The three guy-hugged and parted ways. Percy headed towards the Praetors' area and was about to enter his room when he heard Reyna's door unlock. He turned and saw her coming out of her room, dressed in shorts and an oversized Puerto Rico T-shirt. She was humming something, but when she saw Percy, her cheeks turned red and she stopped.

"P- Percy... What are you doing?" Reyna asked.

"Uh... going into my cabin. What are you doing?" Percy replied.

Reyna sighed. "Well, I was gonna go to the bathroom, but I guess my toilet's broken. I was just gonna head to the barracks-"

"You can use mine," Percy said. "It's in working condition." He winked.

Reyna shook her head. "No, it's alright-"

"I insist," Percy interrupted. "You won't have to walk as far if you use mine."

Reyna hesitated. "Alright. Thanks."

Percy nodded and opened the door to his room. Reyna walked inside and he followed, shutting the door behind him. Reyna found her way to the bathroom and slipped inside, while Percy lay back on his bed.

In a couple of minutes, Reyna was out and she smiled at Percy. "Thanks."

Percy nodded. "Use my bathroom anytime."

Reyna visibly blushed. "Alright. Uh... can I ask why you were coming to your room late?"

"Uh..." Percy was about to make up an excuse, but he figured there was nothing wrong with telling her where he'd been. "I was hanging out with Leo and Jason in the barracks."

Reyna feigned anger and shock. "Passed curfew? Naughty Percy!"

Percy laughed. "My bad! I didn't mean to anger you, Praetor Ramirez-Arellano."

Reyna rolled her eyes. "You're in SO much trouble."

Percy chuckled. She was cute when she was annoyed, even if she was faking it. He felt his cheeks go red.

"What time is it?" Percy asked Reyna.

Reyna rolled her eyes, for real this time. "You have an alarm clock right there." She gestured to Percy's nightstand.

"Yeah, but I can't read that one!" Percy whined.

It was Reyna's turn to laugh. "It's 12:47, Percy."

The two laughed together. Percy saw Reyna's cheeks redden and he blushed himself. He thought that she would've left by now. All she needed was the bathroom, and she was probably tired, so why was she still here?

Speaking of being tired, Reyna's eyes closed and she rested against the wall behind her.

"Reyna?" Percy's words startled her and Reyna's eyes were open again.

"Sorry, I'm just... tired." She rubbed her face with her hands.

Percy had an impulsive thought which wasn't rare at all with his ADHD. He gestured toward his bed and scooted over a bit. Reyna's eyes widened. "Percy, no-"

Percy shook his head. "No, Reyna. I just want you to sit here. You're tired, right?"

Reyna nodded slowly and sat next to Percy. She was spacing herself considerably from him, and he had another impulsive thought. He put his hands on her waist and squeezed, making her squeal. He tickled her until she was laying down next to him, but he still kept tickling her, enjoying the cute noises she was making.

Finally, she yelled at him to stop in between hard breaths and giggles. Percy smiled at her. She was so gorgeous.

"What do you want Jackson?" She asked, looking at him.

"Nothing, I just thought you wanted to rest."

Reyna narrowed her eyes, though she was still smiling. "I can do that in my cabin, you know that, right?"

Percy nodded. "Yes... but why sleep alone when you could be with someone else?"

Reyna laughed. "Do you know how wrong that sounded?"

Percy's cheeks went red. "Uh... I now realize that, yes..."

Reyna lightly punched his shoulder, giggling again. "I understand what you're trying to say, though."

Percy smiled at her lightheartedness. She usually wasn't this carefree and well, giggly. It made Percy happy as if... as if he was the one making her this easygoing. And he was. It made Percy so happy to see her happy.

"So, whatcha want to do?" Percy asked her.

Reyna flipped on her back. "I kinda want to sleep, but I don't know if I'll be able to with you here."

"What? Am I a distraction?" He started tickling her again.

"Stop! Please!" She laughed, fighting him.

"Give me one good reason why I should stop!" Percy laughed.

"Because... Ah! All leave!" Reyna shouted, still giggling.

Percy dropped his hands. "Good reason," he agreed.

Reyna looked at him and sighed, calming down. "Do you ever do that with Annabeth?"

"Hmmm. I've done it like once, why?"

Reyna shook her head. "Nev- never mind." She shifted a bit closer to Percy. "Gosh, thanks for wearing me out!"

Percy smiled. "My pleasure. Ok, you'd better sleep now."

Reyna raised an eyebrow. "Here?"

"Why not?" Percy replied. "Unless you want to leave."

The daughter of Bellona hesitated for a bit but closed her eyes. "Here is just fine."

Percy smiled at her tired face. "Good night."

"Night."

Percy rolled on his back, staring at the ceiling, trying to get his mind off of the beautiful girl beside him. He noticed movement and saw her tug down her shorts a bit, but just like that, she was out like a light.

Percy flipped back on his side, facing her sleeping figure and he pushed a strand of hair out of her face. Her usual braid wasn't in (obviously) and he thought she looked like a goddess.

Percy realized that he wasn't in pajamas, so he stood up and got changed into a ratty Goode High School T-shirt and some basketball shorts. He laid back down on the bed, next to Reyna, and quickly fell asleep.

Reyna's POV

Reyna had a dreamless sleep which was nice for a change. When she woke, she was in an unfamiliar room. But then she came to and remembered what had happened last night. Reyna tried sitting up, but she realized a tan, muscular arm was wrapped tightly around her waist. She also realized that she was snuggled into Percy's chest like it was a pillow. She wanted to squeal, she was so happy, but she didn't want to wake the handsome son of Poseidon.

Percy made a little noise in his sleep which made Reyna blush. He was absolutely adorable. She laid her head back down on his chest, relishing this moment. She only briefly realized how stricken Annabeth would be if she walked in right then, but luckily, Percy's door was locked, thank the gods.

It didn't shake the guilty feeling that she felt. Reyna was only human after all. She just tried to ignore it and focus on the sleeping figure next to her.

Reyna tried shifting in order to wake him up, but he was still fast asleep. She then thought that it would be a good idea to give him a taste of his own medicine. She grabbed his waist and tickled him. Percy's eyes went wide open.

"What the-," Percy said before his eyes landed on Reyna's face. "Oh, hey."

Reyna locked eyes with him. "H- hey..."

She couldn't get her eyes off of him. His green orbs were so captivating. It seemed like nothing else mattered except her fellow praetor. He didn't say anything either and he seemed just as enthralled in her as she him. It was literally the perfect moment.

Reyna wasn't sure who broke first, but the next thing she knew, his arm wasn't around her anymore and she was off his chest. Both of their faces were as red as a tomato and Reyna slipped off of his bed.

"W- well, I'd better head to my cabin," Reyna stuttered, noticing how attractive Percy looked in his disgruntled clothing.

Percy rubbed the back of his neck. "Yeah, I guess."

Reyna stared at him once more before grabbing her shoes and heading out of his room. She was so flustered, but that was a night she would always remember. It didn't seem like that big a deal, but it sure was to her.

Reyna just hoped that nobody would ever figure out about it. She would probably die if someone did. Reyna could only hope that Percy would keep it a secret. She couldn't imagine that he would tell anybody, but still.

The experience itself made her shiver. It felt so good to just lay there with the attractive guy. He was also so chill and relaxed about it, as well. He hadn't forced her to do anything and she appreciated that. She didn't want to be with someone who would make her do anything, no matter what it was.

Wait, what makes you think you'll be with him? She asked herself. Reyna didn't know, but it was fun to dream that she could be with the sea-green-eyed boy. Part of her though, Screw Annabeth. She and Percy could just break up! Simple as that!

Except, it wasn't that simple. She knew it hurt Percy to choose, but something told her that he had chosen Reyna.

Percy's POV

Percy got changed into his clothes for the day then went to the bathroom, running the events of the night through his mind. It had been amazing. There was really nothing that he had done with Annabeth that could compare to last night.

Percy would never admit to Reyna that he had sleepily grabbed her and started cuddling her, at least not yet. Waking up with her next to him was like a dream, one he wished had never ended.

Of course, he would never speak a word about this to Annabeth. She would be heartbroken. Well, everything romantic thing Percy and Reyna did together would probably break her heart, but still. It's not every day you snuggle with someone who isn't technically your girlfriend.

Percy was finally ready and he headed out to the mess hall, praying that he wouldn't run into Annabeth. He didn't know why but he just didn't want to talk to her at the moment. He would at the mess hall, but he didn't want to see her yet. He was still relishing the feeling of Reyna lying on his chest, both of them sleeping. Surprisingly, Percy had no dreams that night, which for a demigod, was a miracle. Maybe... Reyna was a good luck charm?

He liked to think that, but it was probably just a coincidence. Lately, the bad dreams had been especially nightmarish, probably because the quest was quickly approaching. He couldn't shake the terrible thoughts of Gaea and her minions, Camp Half-Blood becoming destroyed, and more recently, Annabeth and Reyna suffering.

Sometimes they were being attacked by giants or other monsters, but a few nights ago, he had a nightmare about Reyna and Annabeth running through the Labyrinth with no supplies, and starving. Percy had no clue why they would be in the Labyrinth in the first place. Epiales, the god of nightmares, was probably just messing with him. Who knows, maybe the cacodemon was working for Gaea?

Percy arrived at the bustling mess hall, already packed with half-bloods and legacies alike. Suddenly, he noticed a certain augur making a beeline toward him.

"Praetor, I have reports of you and your friends ignoring curfew! Is this true?" Octavian said in his usual whiny voice.

Percy tried brushing off the skinny, blond boy, but he wouldn't budge. "Just because you're a praetor doesn't mean you can cut curfew! I will have to report this!"

Percy glared at him. "To who? Reyna, Jason, and I are all your superiors and we all know about it."

Octavian sneered at Percy. "I can make a record."

Percy raised an eyebrow. "On what? Who's gonna see it?"

Octavian hesitated.

"Exactly!" Percy exclaimed. "Now, I know people breaking the rules really gets to you, but I think people should be allowed to break curfew every once in a while. I mean, this isn't a military school!"

Octavian's face reddened. "Praetor, this is a training camp for-," Whatever else Octavian had to say, Percy wasn't listening to. He was too busy eying the beautiful daughter of Bellona who was right across the mess hall.

Percy started walking towards her, and as far as he could tell, Octavian eventually laid off the matter.

Percy didn't mean to really, well, be rude to Octavian. At times he did, but usually, not intentionally. It kind of just happened. The guy was so annoying, not to mention he hated the son of Poseidon. Percy thought he had at least a little bit of a right to be sort of mean to Octavian. And was there a thing the augur could do about it? Well, as far as Percy knew, no.

Percy met up wit Reyna after crossing the mess hall. "H-hey," he stammered. He still had last night fresh in his mind.

"Hey yourself," Reyna grinned.

Percy smiled. He really loved this girl.

Well, that's a wrap! Sorry this was shorter than usual, I wanted to get it out to you and I had very little time! How'd you like the Preyna moment? I don't know about you, but I am a SUCKER for cuddling! Aren't these two just adorable? Also, if the editing for this chapter is sloppy, I'm sorry, I was sort of rushing. I can go back and really proof-read it later, though! Anyways, remember to review it! I love you guys!