Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Percy walked up the stone steps that led up to his new school. Usually he hated the first day at a new school but this time he wouldn’t be completely alone. Annabeth was going to the same school as he was and he couldn’t stop smiling since he woke up.

The front doors were large and students spilled in. Percy got close to them but turned to wait for Annabeth off to the side. He scanned the students making their way up the stairs for a few minutes then he saw blonde hair he’d recognize anywhere.

Annabeth looked up towards the doors and saw Percy beaming at her. She smiled back and picked up her pace, weaving through the students until she reached him. Percy threw his arms around her. Suddenly school was his new favorite place to be.

“Hey classmate,” Percy grinned down at Annabeth.

“Hi seaweed brain,” Annabeth said then leaned in for a quick kiss.

They made their way through the doors, hand in hand. Annabeth led Percy to his locker so he’d know where it was, then they went to hers so she could unload all the books she’d brought. In the aftermath of the war with the giants they had missed orientation. So Annabeth had already done her research, studied maps of the school, and knew where their lockers and classes would be.

Their first class was English and they had it together. Percy tried to get the same schedule as Annabeth but there were some classes he just could not take like Advanced Calculus so they ended up only having English, lunch, a free period, and Latin together.

They settled into two seats in the back of their English class. The bell rang a few minutes later and the teacher began her beginning of the school year introduction speech.

Percy looked to his left and couldn’t believe Annabeth was there. He almost couldn’t believe they were back and out of Tartarus, and sitting here in a normal classroom together. It felt like a dream he never wanted to wake up from.

“What?” Annabeth whispered, a small smile forming.

Percy realized he was staring. “It’s just, this feels like a dream. Too good to be true almost,” he whispered back.

A full smile formed on Annabeth’s lips. “I know. I almost can’t believe this is really our life now.” Then she gave him a playful shushing noise and turned back towards the teacher.

*

Apart from being one of Percy’s favorite days, what with being able to spend amazing hours together with Annabeth, not on a quest, and away from danger, Percy and Annabeth’s first day of school was very much normal.

Their teachers introduced themselves, took attendance, students in the hallways shuffled around to their classes between greeting their friends after a summer away.

At lunch they found a table in the courtyard next to the cafeteria and sat together.

“English wasn’t so bad,” Annabeth said as she opened her lunch bag she’d brought from home.

“Yeah, that teacher seemed okay. What’s our next class together?” Percy asked.

“Latin,” Annabeth said.

Percy smiled but only briefly because then he looked more closely at his food. “Ugh, they really splurge on lunch here don’t they.”

Annabeth chuckled and bit into her sandwich. “Well would it hurt you to pack your own lunch?”

“That’s starting to sound like a good idea,” Percy muttered as he poked a bland looking square that was supposed to be pizza.

“Hey how come you get blue cookies?” Percy spotted the bag of cookies in Annabeth’s open lunch bag. He reached out to grab one.

Annabeth, knowing what he would do before he did it, quickly snatched the bag out of his reach, and guarded the cookies behind her back. “Hey! Your mom gave those to me!” She said but she couldn’t help smiling. “Remember last night? I brought these for lunch. You can’t have them all.”

“I was just going to grab one,” Percy said, then gave Annabeth puppy dog eyes.

“Hmm. You may have one. But you must…” Annabeth tapped her chin like she was thinking what payment would be enough. “Give me one kiss,” she smiled at Percy.

“A price I’m willing to pay,” Percy pulled her in and kissed her.

*

“Who are the new kids over there?” Sara asked the table.

“I’m not sure. Do you know who they are?” Dan asked Cami next to him.

Cami looked up to where they were looking and saw a boy and girl settling into a table on the other side of the courtyard.

“They were in my English class but I don't know who they are,” Cami said.

“He’s hot,” Sara observed.

Dan voiced his agreement.

“Are they dating? No, they are giving me siblings vibes.” Sara said.

“I think I saw them holding hands this morning in the hallway,” Dan said.

“Really?” Sara asked. She looked over then sighed. “Oh yeah they’re definitely not siblings,” she said.

Cami looked over again and that much was clear. They were kissing quite intensely then the girl leaned back and laughed. She pulled away from him, turned to look around the courtyard then gently nudged him with her shoulder in a remember where we are kind of way. Clearly they had known each other before today.

“They’re cute,” Cami said.

“Yeah, I guess. Well that’s one less option for my homecoming date,” Sara said but it was clear she did not think so.

*

Percy and Annabeth walked to Latin after lunch. Their Latin teacher had assigned seats ready for them which meant they couldn’t choose their seats next to each other.

The desks were arranged in two groups. Percy and Annabeth weren’t too far away from each other, both were on the left group in the same row. Two people sat between them, a boy with brown hair who looked asleep, his head resting on the desk. And a girl with short dark golden hair.

She turned to Percy on her left. “Hi I’m Sara,” she gave him a small wave and big smile.

Percy nodded in acknowledgement. She looked at him expectantly then after a beat he realized he should probably say something back. “I’m Percy.”

The bell rang and Percy turned to face the teacher who was beginning to read the first slide of her First Day of School presentation.

Percy looked over at Annabeth who was reaching into her bag looking for something. She pulled out her Latin book and placed it on her desk. Percy was not surprised one bit how into school she was. It was so endearing to him. Annabeth turned towards him with a smile.

“Perseus? Can you hear me?” The teacher asked.

“What? Oh yeah present,” Percy said remembering he was in class.

A few people laughed and he looked back at Annabeth who mouthed, Really seaweed brain?

“I asked if you heard who your partner would be for the semester?” The teacher asked.

“Oh… sorry, no. I didn’t,” Percy said. He made a mental note to try harder to not get distracted by Annabeth every day.

The teacher studied his face then simply said “your partner is Sara.”

“Okay,” Percy looked and saw Sara giving him that big smile again. She seemed nice but he wished they had been able to choose their own partner. He’d been through Tartarus and back and so he deserved a peaceful life, and to choose his class partners but he guessed you really couldn’t have everything in life.

Annabeth got paired with Mr. Sleepy who just said “cool,” and put his head back down on his desk.

The teacher finished pairing off the students and soon they were on their way to their next class. Percy had Chemistry, which he had to make up after missing a semester the previous year. Just part of the job that came with being a demigod, you had to make up classes for when a goddess kidnapped you and you missed a whole semester.

Percy leaned on the lockers next to Annabeth as she got out her Advanced Physics textbook. “Wish you’d been my partner for Latin,” he said. “What are the partners even for?”

“This is where I say ‘weren’t you listening?’ But I’ll skip that because of course you weren’t,” she said but Percy saw her smiling. “She said we’ll be practicing speaking Latin with our partners as a warmup every day at the beginning of class. Seems easy enough,” Annabeth said with a shrug as she closed her locker and reached for Percy’s hand and gave him a quick kiss on cheek. “I’ll see you here after this class?”

“Of course,” Percy said with a smile.

*

Chemistry was a bore. Instead of getting two off periods or at least an interesting elective he had to be in there to make up for the lost semester. The teacher introduced herself for five minutes then started handing out a packet. Homework already.

Percy had no idea how he was supposed to make it through this school year but he had to. He had to graduate and go to New Rome University with Annabeth next year. His mom had started mentioning getting a tutor and he realized he’d have to take her up on her offer. Annabeth could help him of course but she also had her own classes and homework. Percy looked through the packet, maybe he’d need two or three tutors, he thought.

Percy’s next class was PE, which wasn’t too bad. They watched a quick video then two coaches started handing out PE uniforms, an easy first day.

Their last class was a free period and they had it together. The classroom had eight large tables and Percy and Annabeth chose the one farthest back. The same guy who sat next to Annabeth in Latin walked in and sat on the opposite end of their table.

“What’s the point of a free period at the end of the day?” Percy asked. “Why can’t we just leave?”

“Well it’s not really a free period, it’s advisory. We’re supposed to study and do homework.” Annabeth explained.

“Righhht,” Percy said. “Sounds like a free period to me.”

“Percy, you need this time to study.” Annabeth gave him a stern look.

Percy knew there was no point arguing because well she had a point. He needed to manage his time if he really wanted to graduate on time. If he could go to war with Titans and Giants and survive Tartarus then he could do this too.

“Why don’t you start with your calendar? Mark down when assignments are due and when tests are going to be,” Annabeth suggested. She reached into her bag and pulled out a folder and her planner.

She gave him a warm smile and Percy found himself pulling out his papers and looking for the calendars and syllabi teachers had given him throughout the day. Of course he could get through senior year, Annabeth was there with him and together they could do anything.

Annabeth finished writing due dates and reminders in her planner then pulled out her physics textbook. She read through it for several minutes then looked over at Percy.

“So do you think you’ll try out for swimming?” Annabeth asked.

“I’ve been thinking about it and I think I will,” Percy said. “I’ve actually wanted to do that for a while but never did because well half the schools I went to didn’t have a swim team and all the schools I went to before all thought I was an unstable criminal student.” Percy finished in a hushed voice. That wasn’t exactly something we wanted everyone hearing.

“Well this is a new school, a new start,” Annabeth reached over and gave his hand a squeeze. “There’s no war and we’re here together.”

Percy grinned, remembering he was in a dream come to life. “This is gonna be the best school year ever,” he told her.

Chapter Text

“Tryouts start next week,” Percy told Annabeth. He was sitting at a table next to the tall shelf of books Annabeth was looking through.

It was their lunch period but Annabeth had dragged Percy to the library while she searched for books on a list of hers. They had settled into their new school and the past couple of days had been better than Percy could have ever expected.

Greeting Annabeth on the steps was the best start to his day. Making it through his classes wasn’t even that bad with Annabeth in half of them. Percy almost felt like a regular human teenager, almost.

“You’re gonna do great,” Annabeth said. She found her book and crossed the title off her list.

“I know I shouldn’t be, but I am kind of nervous about it,” Percy said.

“Poseidon’s son is worried about swim tryouts?” Annabeth smirked.

“Ha ha,” Percy replied. “I’m not worried about the swimming part,” he explained. “That doesn’t worry me at all. I’m just worried that I’ll ruin it by having to leave on a quest or by being taken again.”

Percy and Annabeth’s new life was so different from the life they’d been used to, one with monsters and quests and almost dying way too often. And now they were in high school, away from Camp Half-Blood with no monsters or prophecies to worry about. Yet Percy couldn’t help feeling like this quiet peaceful life they’d just started would be yanked from underneath them.

Annabeth walked over to Percy and reached out for his hand.

“That’s not happening,” she said. “Not on my watch at least.” She bent down and gave him a kiss.

Percy smiled and grabbed her hand with both of his. “What are you doing this Saturday?”

“Well, I wanted to catch up on some reading but other than that I don’t really have anything planned.”

“Would you like to go on a date?” Percy felt a bit formal asking Annabeth on a date but he was a (mostly) regular kid in highschool and he was going to ask his girlfriend on a date.

Annabeth beamed. “Of course I do!” she said a bit too loudly, forgetting momentarily that they were in the library.

The librarian looked up from her desk at the front with a stern look and shushed them.
“We should get to lunch,” Annabeth said in a hushed voice.

They gathered their things, Annabeth checked out her books, and they walked towards the cafeteria.

Their table in the courtyard had been empty all week but today there were a few people there. Percy and Annabeth didn’t mind. There was plenty of room and they settled in on the other side of the table.

“So where are we going to go Saturday?” Annabeth asked Percy.

“We could go to the movies? I was thinking dinner first then watch a movie. Unless you want to do something else,” Percy looked at Annabeth. The sun was brightening her hair, giving her a glow, and her smile made Percy forget everything else around them.

“I would love that,” Annabeth leaned into Percy and rested her head on him. “Dinner and a movie with you sounds absolutely perfect.”

The students at the other end of the table had been conversing amongst themselves so far but then one of them turned towards Annabeth and Percy.

“There’s a party this Saturday if you want to come,” said a senior with long blond hair. Annabeth recognized him from her Advanced Physics class. He spoke with confidence and gave Percy and Annabeth a half smile.

Percy and Annabeth looked at each other.

“Oh thanks,” Annabeth said.

“I’m Brandon, by the way. It’s gonna be at my place,” he said. “You’re Annabeth right? I think I have a class with you.”

“Yep that’s my name,” Annabeth said. “This is Percy, he’s my boyfriend.”

“Hey,” Percy grinned at Brandon and his friends on the other side of the table. He’d never been to a high school party before and the idea didn’t sound half as bad.

“I’m Noreen. You’re both new right? Where did you move from?” asked the girl sitting next to Brandon. She had strawberry blond hair in two short braids.

There were two other seniors sitting with Brandon. A quiet guy with slicked back brown hair and a black hoodie. And another girl across from Noreen, she had similar braids as her friend but her hair was dark.

Percy and Annabeth had been a topic of conversation among their classmates for the past week. They were the new students who kept mostly to themselves but they still managed to draw attention to themselves. It was kinda hard to miss two godlings in the hallways and their classes. Of course students had no idea they were demigods but they couldn’t help but be interested in the new students.

Percy and Annabeth were so busy enjoying their new life at the same school and being caught up in each other, they barely noticed the whipsers of “who’s that?” “woah he’s hot” “is she a model?” that seemed to follow them around.

“Yeah we’re new here,” Percy said. He looked over at Annabeth, she was better at answering questions from mortals.

“Well I’m from Virginia and Percy is from New York,” Annabeth said. She figured it was best to keep it simple instead of beginning to weave a thread of lies she’d have to keep up with for the rest of the school year.

“Cool, cool,” Brandon said nodding.

“How do you two know each other?” Noreen asked. She’d conviced the rest of the group to sit outside in the courtyard because she wanted to get to know the new students better. She knew everyone and everything at this school and she felt she needed to meet the new faces and size them up.

“We met at summer camp, years ago,” Annabeth said as her and Percy smiled at each other.

Noreen knew lots of people would not like that answer. Girls had already started crushing on Percy and she’d even heard of a bet or two with some football players who wanted Annabeth as their homecoming date.

“That’s so cute,” chimed the girl in front of Noreen. “I’m Faith, and this is Asher,” she gestered to her friend next to her.

“Thanks,” Percy said grinning.

“It’s nice to meet you,” Annabeth said.

“So how did both of you end up at AHS?” Noreen asked.

Percy looked at Annabeth again.

“Well we had a pretty rough year,” Annabeth started explaining.

“Years,” muttered Percy under his breath.

“Yeah, and so we convinced our families to let us go to school together and they agreed it was for the best,” Annabeth said. Percy reached out for her hand again and held it.

Noreen didn’t understand exactly what she meant but smiled nontheless.

“That’s so cool. You’re parents must be awesome,” Faith said. “My dad still won’t let me have a boyfriend,” she said with a pout.

“They’re the best,” Percy said and he meant it. He still felt beyond guilty for what he had put his mom through the past year. Well, what Hera had put them through, it wasn’t his fault but he still felt guilty.

Percy and Annabeth continued finishing their lunch quickly, having spent most of their lunch time at the library. Soon the bell rang and they started grabbing their things.

“Here’s the address to Brandon’s,” Noreen said holding out a piece of paper she’d ripped from her notebook.

Annabeth took the paper and pocketed it. “Thanks.”

*

Friday came around and Percy was looking forward to his date with Annabeth that weekend.

“Did you want to go to Brandon’s party tomorrow?” Percy asked Annabeth as they sat in advisory.

Annabeth looked up from her textbook, “I kind of do want to go,” she said. “But I really want to have our date too.”

“How about dinner and then after we can go to the party? I want to go to the party too,” Percy told her. Annabeth smiled and nodded.

Brandon and his friends had been really nice to Percy and Annabeth since meeting them. They continued to sit with them outside in the courtyard during lunch, making them feel more welcome at their new school. It would be good for them to go to a party with mortals and try to fit in as much as possible.

Chapter Text

Percy checked the time on his watch. 7:58 pm. He grinned, he was right on time. It was Saturday and Percy was walking up to the restaurant Annabeth would be meeting him at.

It wasn’t very like Percy to be on time or even a bit early but he didn’t want to be late to his date with Annabeth so he’d made sure to get ready extra early.

The restaurant was nice, not too fancy but perfect for a peaceful dinner with Annabeth. They had gone on dates before but it always felt like the first date and Percy couldn’t help but be a bit nervous. The hostess showed Percy to a table and he took a seat.

Only a few minutes passed and then the hostess returned with Annabeth at her side. Annabeth’s face lit up when she saw Percy. Quickly Percy got up and pulled Annabeth in tightly.

“Hey,” he said with a smile.

“Hey,” Annabeth smiled back and went in for a kiss.

“You look… wow,” Percy tried to think of a better compliment but it escaped him. Annabeth looked stunning, she was wearing a pretty black dress that flowed down to her knees and showed off her shoulders. Her hair was out of its usual ponytail and curls framed her face.

“Thank you,” Annabeth said as a deep blush appeared on her face. "You look very handsome yourself," she said eyeing Percy in his dark jeans and a blue long-sleeve button up.

Their server arrived and they ordered their drinks and an appetizer to get started.

“I’m glad you chose this place,” Percy said as he looked over the menu.

“I’ve been here before with my dad and the food was good so, why not,” Annabeth said.

“Did you still want to go to that guy’s party after?” Percy asked.

“Yeah I do,” Annabeth replied then turned and smiled at the server who had returned with their drinks. “Thank you.” They ordered their entrees and the server left again.

“I like this,” Percy said. He was looking at Annabeth with a grin on his face.

Annabeth tasted her drink. “Yea, it’s nice I guess,” she said looking around at the restaurant.

“I mean being on a date with you,” Percy said.

“Oh,” Annabeth smiled. “I do too,” she reached out and grabbed Percy’s hand on the table.
Percy looked down and tangled their fingers together. He got a warm feeling in his stomach, he always felt safe with Annabeth. When he was with her, he stopped noticing anything around them and the world consisted only of Annabeth.

“I always feel the safest with you,” he told her with serious eyes.

Annabeth looked into his sea green eyes and knew they would be together forever. “I feel the safest with you too,” Annabeth said.

Their dinner date went by too fast and before Percy knew it the server was handing them the check. Time seemed to sneak by when he was enjoying Annabeth’s company.

They exited the restaurant and Percy led Annabeth to where he had parked his step dad's car, a blue Prius.

“Do you still have the address to the party?” Percy asked Annabeth as he settled into the driver’s seat.

“It’s right here,” Annabeth pulled out the piece of paper Brandon had given to her at lunch with his address on it. “I’ve looked up the directions. Go straight then turn that way,” Annabeth pointed to her left.

It was a nice fall evening in New York, the air was starting to get colder and there was a slight wind. Annabeth put her window down and felt the cool wind on her face. Percy turned the music up and they cruised towards the house party.

*

Percy pulled up to Brandon’s house on a street with large houses. There were cars lined up on the street, Percy looked for an open spot and found one a few houses down from the party. There were a few other high schoolers spilling out of a car and making their way to the house as well.

Holding hands, Percy and Annabeth walked towards the party. The closer they got to the house, the louder the music inside got. The house had large arched windows facing the street with dark curtains. The lawn was large and neatly trimmed, with a row of bushes lining the walkway up to the door.

Annabeth stepped through the door with Percy right behind her. They were in an entryway, some of their classmates were against the walls having conversations, but most were beyond the entryway.

Percy followed Annabeth past the entryway and they found themselves in a large room with all the furniture pushed to the side on their left. The dance floor was in the middle and the music pounded. Annabeth could feel the beat in her chest.

She turned to look at Percy and saw he was already looking at her grinning. He put his hand on her back and pulled her in and kissed her. For a second Annabeth forgot where she was.

Then Percy pulled back and asked, “do you want something to drink?”

“Sure,” Annabeth said breathlessly.

Percy looked around and spotted a kitchen off to the side. He grabbed Annabeth’s hand and they walked over to the kitchen. In the center of the kitchen the counter island had several beverages. Some drinks were appropriate for teenagers and some were not, but it was a party.

There was a group of people refilling their cups, a pair off in the corner with their arms entangled and their mouths quite busy with each other, ignoring the crowd in the kitchen.

Percy walked up to the array of drinks. He looked down at the array of drinks. His options were pretty limited, either Sprite or pink lemonade. Percy surveyed the other drinks, most of which he wasn’t interested in. After so many years living with Gabe, he wasn’t too fond of alcohol.

He grabbed two cups and poured Sprite in one. He looked at Annabeth, “do you want sprite too?” He asked her.

“Yeah, Sprite is good,” she said.

“Annabeth and Percy!” A voice chimed nearby. Faith had walked into the kitchen with Asher right behind her. She ran towards Percy and Annabeth and threw her arms around Annabeth.

“They came!” she said to Asher. Then she turned to Annabeth again, “I’m glad you’re here,” Faith said.

Annabeth smiled wide, “oh well thanks!” She wasn’t too sure what else to say.

Faith looked down at the table. “We came for refills!” She reached across the table and started refilling her cup. Asher helped himself as well. “Come with us!” Faith said with a smile once she finished mixing her drink. “We’re out back.”

Percy and Annabeth locked eyes and agreed with each other.

“Sure,” Annabeth said and they followed Faith and Asher out of the kitchen, past the dancefloor and out a door.
The backyard was not huge but large enough to fit a nice rectangle pool and a porch area with a table and plenty of chairs. There were only a few other groups of people out there, but the majority of the party goers were inside. No one was in the pool.

“It’s really nice back here,” Percy said as they settled into a few chairs. This was nothing like his apartment in the city.

“Yeah Brandon’s dad has the best houses,” Faith said, like having multiple large houses was no big deal.

“Sweet,” Annabeth said and then took a sip of her sprite.

“How long have you and Percy been dating?” Faith asked.

“Since we were sixteen,” Percy said. He looked at Annabeth and they smiled at each other.

“That is so cute,” Faith chimed. “Right Asher?”

Asher was sitting next to Faith in his usual quiet, laid back demeanor he’d also had at school during lunch. “Yeah,” he said, nodding.

“Thanks,” Percy said. At first it was a bit of a weird compliment to Percy but now he couldn’t help but like it when people called him and Annabeth that.

“How do you and Asher know each other?” Annabeth asked Faith.

“Asher’s my step brother,” Faith said. “We go way back.”

Faith was lively and easy to talk to. She entertained them effortlessly, even managing to crack a few laughs from Asher occaisionally. She gave them a run down of which teachers to avoid, which hallways always had the best fights, and more.

After about a half hour Faith got up and announced, “I want to dance!”

They went inside to the dancefloor and the amount of people inside had almost doubled. The music was just as loud and Annabeth found herself grabbing Percy’s hand and pulling him to the dancefloor. The music was upbeat with vocals that sounded almost like winter bells.

Percy had no idea how to dance, and especially not to this kind of music, but he let himself move with Annabeth. She swayed her hips and turned to Percy with the sweetest smile that he did not care for a second how he looked trying to dance with Annabeth. He just held on to her hands and wondered if life could ever get any better.

Annabeth had no idea for how long they danced together but she knew the song had changed many times, from one upbeat song to the next. She’d never danced with Percy like this and it felt so right, she never wanted to let go of his hands. Percy looked her in the eyes and her heart swelled. She smiled with happiness so hard a laugh escaped her lips.

Percy grabbed her face gently and pulled her in until their lips met. Immediately the world melted away and all his senses were on fire with Annabeth. Her skin against his, her scent, the taste of her lips. There was nothing and no one around, just him and Annabeth.

“My god will you let her breathe?” Faith’s voice rang nearby, breaking them apart. But she was smiling and giving Annabeth a very approving look. “I came to see if you two wanted any pizza rolls? Asher is heating some up right now,” she said and pointed behind her towards the kitchen.

“Oh no thanks, Faith,” Annabeth said. “Percy and I just had dinner before we came,” she explained.

“Okay!” Faith smiled and bounced off towards Asher.

Percy looked down at Annabeth and smiled at her. He reached towards her hand and pulled on it slightly. “Let’s go back outside,” he said.

Annabeth looked at him, nodded, and followed him through the sea of teenagers. It was much calmer outside, there were about a dozen total high schoolers back there, spread out in groups. Percy led Annabeth past the group of chairs around the table they’d been sitting in earlier with Faith and Asher. They went past the pool and sat down on the stone bench in a corner.

“Are you having a good time?” Percy asked Annabeth.

“The best time,” Annabeth grinned. She inched closer to Percy and rested her head on his shoulder. Percy threw his arm around her and held her close. It was the first high school party he’d been to and it was one of the best nights he’d ever had.

Chapter Text

The smell of blue cookies baking coming from the kitchen was doing a very good job of distracting Percy. He looked down at his notebook and sighed.

“You’ve already finished our english homework, you just have your chemistry left and you’ll be finished,” Annabeth said, giving Percy an encouraging smile.

“Actually I have that reading for Greek to finish also. But this is the worst class ever, in the entire world,” Percy complained looking down at his current assignment.

“Oh I thought you finished that reading yesterday. Still, it’s not that bad,” Annabeth said. She had already finished her homework and was looking over some building plans spread out on the table.

“Not that bad? I’ve been trying to balance this chemical equation for fifteen minutes,” Percy huffed.

Annabeth looked up from her building plans and reached over for Percy’s notebook. She looked it over for a minute. “You’ve got the right idea. Just look at the hydrogens on both sides again,” Annabeth told him.

Percy wasn’t too excited to do that again but he took his notebook back from Annabeth and started counting hydrogens, his eyebrows scrunched together. A few minutes passed and Percy finally had his equation balanced. He was a little surprised with himself but also pretty proud. Then he saw he still had four more equations to balance. Sigh.

“I need a break,” Percy announced. “We’ve been here for over an hour, we deserve a break right?” He got up and stretched his arms.

Annabeth was about to disagree but honestly she also felt like getting up for a bit. Two adhd teenagers can’t sit still for too long, not very surprising.

“Okay fine, I guess we do deserve a break.” She got up and stretched her legs and arms. “A small break,” she clarified.

Sally’s head popped out of the kitchen. “The cookies are almost done! Oh are you two finished already? Great!”

“No mom, we’re just going to take a little break,” Percy said.

“Okay honey,” Sally said with a smile. “But remember, no cookies until homework’s all done.”

“I know, I know.” Percy said. He looked over at Annabeth. “Want to go for a walk?”

“Sure,” Annabeth said.

They walked towards the door, put their shoes on, and soon were out walking in New York.

Percy reached for Annabeth’s hand. The sun was starting to go down and the sky was a golden color.

“I’m so glad you’re here,” Percy said.

“Of course seaweed brain, you know I don’t mind studying with you,” Annabeth said.

“No, I’m glad you’re here in New York and going to my school,” Percy turned towards Annabeth and tucked a loose hair behind her ear.

“We got lucky that Hazel’s mist magic worked,” Annabeth said. “Otherwise who knows if they would have agreed to enroll you.”

“I’m still surprised your dad agreed to let you come.”

“It wasn’t really that hard,” Annabeth said in a low voice. “After I told him about what happened to us in Tartarus, well I guess maybe he thought I deserved to go to the school I wanted.”

Percy looked Annabeth in the eyes and knew she had been transported back to the worst place they’d ever been. It happened to him too, there were things in tartarus he’d never be able to forget.

He stopped walking and faced Annabeth, putting his hands on her shoulders. “We’re here now,” he said. “We’re here and we’re together. It’s you and me.”

Annabeth locked eyes with Percy and a small smile started to form on her lips. “I love you so much.”

Percy leaned in and gave her a soft kiss. “I love you too,” he said, putting his forehead to hers. “Being with you is the happiest I’ve ever been in my life.”

This time Annabeth leaned in and kissed Percy, with more force and a thrill going down her spine. He reached up, putting one hand firmly behind her head and his other hand on the small of her back. Percy pulled Annabeth closer and their kiss deepened.

Annabeth’s mind turned to mush for a second but then she was able to gather herself and pulled back, her arms around Percy’s neck.

“I could be here with you forever, but..” Annabeth started.

“But we have to go back,” Percy said. He nodded, gave her a quick peck and they turned around and started walking back towards Percy’s place.

*

Percy struggled to finish his chemistry homework but with Annabeth’s help he managed to get through it. And as promised his mom’s blue cookies were waiting for them.

“Thank you so much mom,” Percy said as he reached over to grab a cookie.

“These are delicious, thanks Sally,” Annabeth said.

Sally beamed at them. “Okay but only have a few because we still have dinner to eat,” she reminded them.

Just then the door opened and in spilled Paul Blofis with several shopping bags.

“Percy, Annabeth!” Paul boomed as he walked in.

“Hey Paul,” Annabeth said.

Percy had a mouth full of blue cookies so what came out of his mouth was something like, “eye pah.”

Sally emerged again and greeted Paul. Paul kissed Sally on the cheek and then bent down and greeted the baby. Sally smiled and just rested her hand on her growing belly.

“It smells good in here,” Paul said.

“Thank you. Dinner’s almost ready,” Sally informed him.

“Okay I’ll go put this baby stuff away and get ready,” Paul said then disappeared into their bedroom.

Percy grabbed the plate of cookies his mom had given him and walked over to the table with Annabeth. They sat down and ate a few more cookies.

“Do you need help with anything mom?” Percy asked his mom.

“Dinner’s basically all done,” Sally said. “But you can come take this pitcher, set it on the table will you?”

Percy grabbed the pitcher and him and Annabeth helped her set the table. Paul appeared and soon they were gathered around the table digging in.

“So how was that party you went to last night?” Paul asked them.

“It was great,” Percy said.

“The house was huge,” Annabeth added.

“I’m glad you both had a good time,” Sally said. She looked at Annabeth, “Percy behaved himself right?”

“Mom!” Percy whined.

“Don’t worry. Percy was a perfect gentleman,” Annabeth said, giving Percy a quick smile.

“So how was the first week of school? Are your teachers okay?” Paul asked.

Percy threw him a grateful glance. “School was great,” he said immediately, eager to change the subject. “Yeah the teachers aren’t so bad and Annabeth even has some classes with me so that’s cool.”

“Our English teacher is actually really nice,” Annabeth said. “We talked to her about our adhd and dyslexia and she agreed to give us extra time on tests.”

“That’s really good,” Paul said. “All your teachers should be accommodating you both for that. If any of your teachers have any kind of issue about that you let me know, okay?” Paul looked at Percy and Annabeth.

Sally watched Paul be protective over her first born and she smiled fondly, putting her hand on his.

“We will, thanks Paul,” Percy said. Living with Paul had taken some getting used to but now it felt as if Paul had always been a part of his family. He knew his mom was happy with him and eventually Percy ended up also loving Paul, he couldn’t think of a better stepdad.

“Percy you’re going to try out for the swim team right? When are those tryouts?” Sally asked.

“They start Tuesday actually. All the way until Friday,” Percy said.

“So soon? Well that’s great!” Sally said. “You’re going to love being on the swim team.”

“If I make it onto the team,” Percy said. It sounded silly, how could the son of Poseidon not make the high school swim team? But thinking about how many other disasters that had happened to him at school in the past because he was a demigod, Percy sort of learned to expect anything.

“Of course you’re going to make it on the swim team,” Annabeth said.

“Hopefully. As long as no monsters attack and no other goddesses put me to sleep for months,” Percy said.

“Percy,” Sally’s voice was stern. She did not appreciate being reminded that she’d lost her son for months and all the nights she worried for him. It was still way too soon.

“Sorry mom,” Percy said.

“Nothing bad is going to happen,” Annabeth assured them. “And if any monsters show up, they’ll have to go through me.”

Percy couldn’t help but smile. He knew in the deepest part of him that as long as he and Annabeth were together, they could face anything. The worst was behind them.

“I’m lucky to have a wise girl by my side,” Percy said grinning.

Chapter Text

TUESDAY

Percy searched through his bag until he found his pen. Well, not just any pen, Riptide, his sword that could kill monsters. He really hoped he wouldn’t need it for any reason but he promised his mom he would always be prepared just in case. He found and pulled out the pen at last.

He looked down and realized he didn’t exactly have any pockets to stash it. Percy wished he had a way to make his pen more discreet and suddenly it started vibrating in his hand. Startled, Percy almost dropped it but managed to grab it right before it popped into a small object in his hand. He opened his hand and found a thin celestial bronze ring in his palm.

“Sweet,” Percy said.

He wondered briefly if his pen was now permanently a ring or if it would change back later but he had to push the thought away as he realized he would be late if he didn’t hurry up. Percy quickly put the ring on his left hand and ran out of the empty locker room towards the pool.

*

Annabeth paced back and forth. She peeked through the rectangle window in the door and saw coaches and students in their swimwear standing around, getting ready for tryouts to start. Still no Percy, she glanced down at her watch and groaned. Being on time was really difficult for that boy, she thought.

She paced back and forth some more. Then a coach’s whistle blew and Annabeth peaked in again anxiously. She sighed in relief. Percy was rushing to line up next to the other swimmers.

One of the coaches started talking to the group, giving directions and splitting them up into groups. Annabeth had no idea what was happening but was glad Percy was finally getting to try out. She knew he’d wanted to be on a swim team for so long and never had the chance.

Annabeth was looking through the window again when she felt a cold air up her left arm. Without thinking twice she pulled out a small dagger, black obsidian- a gift from Percy.

She looked around but there was nothing. Okay Annabeth, she thought, relax you can’t freak out over a little breeze. She returned her dagger to its spot on her arm, hidden by her long sleeve, but she couldn’t shake the strange feeling she got.

Annabeth decided to quickly check the perimeter of the natatorium, her feet just couldn’t stand still. The area she was in was pretty empty. School had ended almost an hour ago and most had left home already. Her eyes scanned every inch but there didn’t seem to be anything out of the ordinary.

She returned back to the front and peeked through the small window again. Tryouts were in full swing, there were swimmers in the pool and the coaches were taking times and writing notes down. Annabeth scanned the athletes, looking for that familiar dark hair she loved.

Percy was in the pool in the middle of a lap doing a freestyle stroke. He glided through the water, far ahead of the other swimmers next to him. Annabeth had seen Percy swim a million times but she still found herself in awe watching him. He looked so strong, she watched his arms move in their rhythmic motion for a few laps until he stopped. Then he got out and walked over to a coach holding a stopwatch. The coach was smiling and told Percy something that Annabeth couldn’t hear. Percy nodded then turned around and walked towards a group on the other end of the pool.

This went on for several more rounds. Annabeth walked the perimeter a few times as the tryouts continued, finally satisfied that there wasn’t any monster nearby. Or at least not one willing to openly attack her.

After almost an hour the same coach’s whistle rang again throughout the natatorium. The swimmers gathered around the coaches who each took turns talking to them for a few minutes before releasing them to the locker room again.

Annabeth checked her cellphone as she waited for Percy to finish showering and come out. She had a few messages from her dad, Chiron, and Piper to catch up on.

Percy opened the door to the natatorium and saw Annabeth leaning against a pillar, typing away on her phone.

He walked up behind her. “Hi beautiful,” he said in a low voice into her ear.

Annabeth finished typing her text for a few seconds then looked up and smiled at Percy.

“Percy,” she said as he pulled her into a big hug. His hair was wet and he still smelled a little like chlorine but also like shampoo.

“Did you really wait this entire time?” Percy asked her. “You know you didn’t have to do that. I was just joking about the monsters,” he said. But he knew he hadn’t been joking.

“Monsters are not ruining your swim tryouts,” Annabeth said matter of factly.

“You’re amazing,” Percy said grinning. “And did I mention also beautiful?”

Annabeth laughed and grabbed Percy’s hand. “Come on, Chiron says I can’t miss curfew today.”

WEDNESDAY

“Wait, why didn’t you tell me yesterday?” Percy asked in a hushed voice, dipping his head towards Annabeth’s.

Annabeth was looking through her locker, trying to find her Physics notes.

“Because it was nothing,” Annabeth said. “I scouted the area like a dozen times, there was nothing.” She laid eyes on her notes and grabbed them. Did she already grab her library book?

“Annabeth,” Percy looked at Annabeth until she finally returned his gaze. “That’s not ‘nothing.’ You don’t just randomly get a bad feeling monsters are around… unless monsters are actually around.”

“It was just a breeze. I overreacted.” Annabeth did not want her new school tainted with the presence of monsters. “I made sure, I checked over and over.”

“Okay,” Percy said slowly but Annabeth knew he was not convinced.

“Percy, don’t worry about it. This is why I didn’t tell you last night. I didn’t wanna ruin the mood after how well your first day of tryouts went and now I don’t want you worrying about it.” Annabeth gave Percy a kiss on his cheek. “We have lunch, let’s go.”

Annabeth closed her locker and they started making their way down the hallway.

“Did you tell Chiron about it?” Percy asked.

Annabeth sighed. Of course he would not let it go so easily.

“Yes and he agreed, it’s not anything to worry about.”

“Okay but you plan on being at my tryouts again today don’t you?”

“Duh seaweed brain.”

Percy stopped walking and turned towards Annabeth.

“You should ask someone from camp to help you,” Percy said at last.

Annabeth had almost expected him to tell her to not go, to go back to camp instead where she’s safe. But this was Percy, he didn’t exactly order her around. And she loved him for it.

“I really don’t think that’s necessary,” Annabeth told Percy. She took hold of his hand and they started walking again.

“Please Annabeth, *if* there’s anything out there, you can’t be alone. You never know what it could be, it would just be the best strategy to have back up.” And there it was folks. Percy Jackson knew exactly how to use logic Annabeth could understand.

She thought about arguing but she knew he was right. As much as she hated to think of needing backup at their school, a place where they were supposed to finally have that normal life they both have wanted for so long, it really was just better to be prepared.

“Jackson,” Annabeth shook her head but Percy saw her smile.

“You know I’m right,” Percy said with a triumphant look.

“I guess it wouldn’t hurt to send Chiron a text,” Annabeth said.

*

The bell rang and Percy and Annabeth gathered their books and homework they had been working on. They’d both been pretty busy during their study hall period, trying to get as much homework done before Percy’s second day of swim tryouts.

“Have you heard from Chiron yet?” Percy asked Annabeth as they walked towards the natatorium.

“Yes. He said Piper and Leo are both on standby in case anything happens,” Annabeth said. “I’ll just open the nearest door and they’ll be at the big house.”

“That bracelet from Athena was the best gift ever,” Percy said, grateful for the magic item Annabeth’s mother had given her last year. It gave Annabeth the ability to turn any door into a portal straight to camp. And from camp a portal to any door in the world. Percy was a little jealous of Annabeth’s super short commute to school.

“Isn’t it amazing?” Annabeth began twisting her bracelet around her wrist, a habit she’d quickly picked up.

“Well now I feel better about you being out here,” Percy said.

They stopped in front of the natatorium and Percy gave Annabeth a big hug.

“Wish me luck!” and with a grin he went through the doors.

THURSDAY

“Okay but just in case, it’s better to make sure they know.” Percy said. They were sitting outside in the courtyard next to the cafeteria at their usual table.

“They know Percy, I told them. And it’ll be fine. Yesterday was fine and I didn’t even need to call for backup. Today will go great too.” Annabeth gave him that big smile that always filled him with warmth.

Percy smiled back. He was worried about what Annabeth had told him the day before but was glad so far no monsters had appeared. Plus he was also too happy about how his swim tryouts were going. He’d never been on a swim team before and he’d never been able to afford private lessons with any swim coaches, he’d only picked up a few different strokes and practiced them whenever he got a chance.

But it didn’t matter, swimming felt as natural as breathing to Percy and being in the pool was like stepping into a world where he was in full control. He’d taken it pretty easy during tryouts. Obviously he couldn’t manipulate water at all in any way but he also knew swimming as fast as he physically could would raise as many questions as if he had outright manipulated water in front of everyone. And still, his laid back swimming was the fastest the coaches said they’d ever seen during tryouts. They warmed up to him pretty quickly, a drastic change from how previous teachers and PE coaches had treated him.

“I’m so glad I decided to try out,” Percy told Annabeth.

Annabeth put her sandwich on the table. “I’m really happy for you Percy,” she reached out and put her hand on Percy’s face.

“Percy and Annabeth!” A voice boomed. Brandon walked up to the table with Asher beside him. Asher nodded at Percy and Annabeth.

“Hey Brandon, hey Asher,” Percy said.

“Hi,” Annabeth said.

“So I heard you were at my party! Sorry I didn’t catch you, bro,” Brandon said. “I was upstairs dealing with… well it doesn’t matter. Girls, am I right?” Brandon asked Percy jokingly.

“It’s cool,” Percy said. “It was a great party.”

“Your house is gorgeous,” Annabeth said.

“Thanks, thanks,” Brandon smiled. “Hey!” He turned towards Percy. “Dude, I heard you’re like a beast at swimming.”

Percy grinned. “I like swimming. I grew up around water,” he said.

“He’s the best swimmer I’ve ever seen,” Annabeth said beaming.

“That’s cool bro. You look like you’d play basketball, but I can see how you’re a swimmer too,” Brandon said, like analyzing people’s athletic abilities was a favorite pastime of his. “Our swim team is actually pretty good. They go to state like every year, usually a big deal. Considering our basketball team sucks.” he shook his head. “Really we just need some fresh talent,” he started to explain.

“You’re not trying to recruit him to play basketball now are you?” Noreen appeared with Faith right behind her.

“Hey, we could really make it to the playoffs this year!” Brandon said.

Noreen and Faith took a seat at the table with the rest of them.

“Basketball is kind of exciting,” Faith chimed in.

“Plus Percy is an incredible swimmer, who knows he could probably play ball too!” Brandon told Noreen then turned to Percy. “So do you play?”

“Sorry to disappoint, but no.” Percy said.

Brandon looked like the best player on his fantasy football team just got injured. “Damn.”

“Bummer,” Faith said but it was clear basketball was not exactly a big concern of hers. She turned to Annabeth. “What are you doing today? Noreen and I are getting ice cream cones after school. And don’t say hanging with Percy because I know he’ll be at tryouts.”

“Oh uhm, thanks. I’d love to go actually but I have to help my dad with this big thing and I’ve been trying to get out of it but I can’t. Sorry,” Annabeth said.

“Aww. Well that’s okay maybe next week,” Faith pouted.

Annabeth smiled. Faith was a bit overly animated but she was starting to grow on Annabeth. “I think next week sounds good.”

FRIDAY

Percy and Annabeth walked up the front steps of the school. It was finally Friday and Percy had made it to his last day of swim tryouts without a monster in sight.

“I’m this close to being on the swim team,” Percy said, showing Annabeth just how close with his finger and thumb.

“I know seaweed brain,” Annabeth whispered back. They were in English class reading chapter 6 of their book. “I’m proud of you.”

Percy opened his mouth to say something but just then his teacher walked by and he buried his head in his book. He waited for her to pass by.

“You texted Chiron right?” Percy whispered once he was in the clear.

“Of course. Leo and Piper too,” Annabeth replied. “Nothing is going to interrupt your tryouts.”

“If you say so, wise girl,” Percy said smiling.

*

Annabeth was sitting under a bench in the shade. Percy’s tryouts had started half an hour ago and she’d already walked the perimeter a few times. She looked down at her phone that buzzed.

Piper: so far so good?

Annabeth: yea, i’m kinda bored actually

Piper: leo said pretend you heard a monster so you can come get us

Annabeth: tell leo how about no

Piper: percy will be out soon, *then* you can come get us :)

She put her phone in her pocket. There were footsteps getting closer behind her but they sounded human. Annabeth turned and saw Noreen walking towards her, she had her school bag and a large white poster.

“Hey Annabeth,” Noreen said, slightly out of breath.

“Hi,” Annabeth smiled.

“Do you need a ride or something?” Noreen asked.

“No thanks, it’s okay. I’m just waiting for Percy,” Annabeth said.

Noreen looked over at the natatorium, “Oh right.”

“What’s the poster for?” Annabeth asked.

“It’s for tomorrow, the student council is having a bake sale,” Noreen said. “We’re raising money for the winter formal. I’m on my way to Sara’s right now to decorate it.”

“That’s nice.” Suddenly Annabeth’s neck stiffened.

“Is something wrong?” Noreen asked.

“Nope, I’m good, I just… I have to use the bathroom,” Annabeth said thinking on the spot.

“There’s one back there, through those doors then take a left,” Noreen pointed to the school building across the natatorium.

“Great, thanks!” Annabeth said as she rushed off to where Noreen had pointed.

Annabeth needed to put distance between her and Noreen quickly. Her heart was pounding and her stomach felt like it’d dropped to her feet.

Right next to the natatorium was a scorpion, a huge one, like she’d seen before in the woods at camp. But what were they doing there? And *why* right next to the natatorium? Annabeth walked through the doors into the school, and turned to see Noreen had kept walking and was probably off school grounds by now.

Annabeth wasn’t in the main area of the high school, but near the gym and locker rooms. She could hear voices and metal clanging from the nearby weight room. Through the glass doors she kept an eye on the scorpion. She pulled her phone out and quickly sent a message to Piper.

Putting her phone away she took a deep breath, then she turned towards the door again, activated her bracelet, and opened the door.

Instantly she was back in the big house at camp, as if she’d just walked through the front door.

“What’s happened?” Piper got up immediately from her chair.

Leo was already standing, his belt ready to go.

“I saw a pit scorpion, the huge ones,” Annabeth told them.

“No time to lose,” Leo said. Without wasting another moment Piper and Leo followed Annabeth through the door.

They stepped out in front of the natatorium. Annabeth turned towards the corner where she’d seen the scorpion. Nothing.

“This way,” Annabeth told them.

They walked the perimeter of the natatorium and kept their eyes open for anything. There were some students starting to walk out of the athletic building, their practice over. Annabeth recognized Brandon and figured it was the boy’s basketball team.

“Wait,” Annabeth pulled Leo back. “Let’s stay right here, so they don’t see us,” Annabeth said as she peeked quickly around the corner of the natatorium.

“I guess the scorpion left?” Piper said with uncertainty.

“Awww man!” Leo said. “First I have to miss capture the flag last week and now this.”

“Leo, if it left that’s a good thing,” Annabeth reminded him.

“I mean yeah I guess so,” Leo muttered.

“Do you want us to wait for Percy with you?” Piper said.

Just then all three of them heard it, scurrying behind them. They turned and saw a scorpion rushing away from them, towards the back of the natatorium.

“Follow it!” Annabeth said and they took off behind it.

When they reached the back of the building they saw the other scorpion. The one they had spotted went to join its friend.

“Okay not cool,” Annabeth muttered.

“Where did these come from?” Piper asked.

“Who cares?” Leo said.

The three demigods pulled out their weapons and advanced. Annabeth charged, brandishing her knife. The two pit scorpions really never stood a chance against three trained demigods. Getting rid of them was quick work. Annabeth had attacked and killed monsters almost all her life. Her body reacted on instinct before her mind fully had a chance to catch up.

Once the pit scorpions disintegrated she realized she’d just killed a monster on school grounds. Her new school where she was supposed to be a regular girl cheering on her boyfriend as he tried out for the school swim team. She’d dealt with enough monsters to last her a lifetime and now as she looked down at the spot where the scorpions had been she realized she’d never really be able to escape.

“So much for a regular senior year,” Annabeth said.

Piper reached out for Annabeth's hand and took it. The disappointment dripped off Annabeth’s voice and her shoulders slumped.

“It was just two pit scorpions,” Piper said. “They’ve probably been here for weeks and just gone unnoticed by mortals because of the mist.”

“Good thing we were here to get them,” Leo said as he put his hand on Annabeth’s shoulder.

Annabeth’s mind began to race with one question. Why? Why were they there? Why here at her new school? Why by the natatorium building where Percy was inside? Why?

Piper noticed the confusion on Annabeth’s face. “They were just random monsters, we’re bound to see some every once in a while. Monsters are everywhere,” Piper said although she knew her words didn’t do much to make Annabeth feel better.

“Come one let’s get you two back to camp before Chiron starts worrying,” Annabeth said as she started to make her way back to the front of the natatorium.

*

Annabeth waited outside the natatorium after taking Leo and Piper back to the big house. She hoped with all her heart that Piper was right. Her and Percy were demigods, powerful ones, and they were bound to attract a monster every now and then. But were those pit scorpions random monsters or had someone sent them? Was she a target or did she happen to be at the wrong place at the wrong time?

Annabeth was so lost in thought she hadn’t even noticed people starting to exit the natatorium as swim tryouts ended.

“What’s wrong?” Percy asked as soon as he was close enough to see her face clearly. Annabeth was lost in her thoughts.

She blinked then looked up at Percy with a small smile. “First you tell me how tryouts went?”

“I asked you first,” Percy said, taking a step closer to Annabeth, his face full of concern.

Annabeth knew there was no point withholding the fact she’d seen those pit scorpions. She wanted to tell Percy, she wanted to have his arms around her comforting her. So she recounted how she’d first spotted the scorpion as she was waiting, how she went to get Piper and Leo, how they attacked and destroyed the monsters.

As she told her story to Percy in hushed tones so the other swimmers passing by wouldn’t hear her, his jaw tightened and his eyes locked onto hers. He wanted their new school to remain monster free just as much as Annabeth did.

“After they disintegrated I took Piper and Leo back. We didn’t see any other ones. We don’t know why they were here,” Annabeth said.

“I’m glad you’re okay,” Percy said and took Annabeth’s hand. The last thing Percy wanted to hear was that there had been monsters at his new school, especially near the natatorium where he and Annabeth were.

“We took care of them easily,” Annabeth said with a halfhearted smile. “Leo was a little disappointed there weren’t more of them.”

“Of course he was,” Percy said. “So you really don’t know why they were here?”

“No,” Annabeth said, her shoulders dropping a little. “Piper thinks they were just random monsters, and they didn’t really come after me either. She could be right. I really hope she is but I need to talk to Chiron about it and see what he thinks.”

Percy nodded. “Yeah, asking Chiron is a good idea. You should also ask Rachel, see if she’s seen anything or give her a heads up in case she does.”

“I’ll text her after I talk to Chiron,” Annabeth said, then she gave Percy a small smile and dipped her head to rest on Percy’s chest. They had been through worse and a couple of random monsters were not going to ruin their perfect start to their senior year.

Percy put his arms around her and pulled her in close. “I made the team,” he said in her ear.

Annabeth looked up and flashed Percy a big smile. “That’s amazing Percy!” She put her arms around his neck and pulled his lips to hers. He kissed her back eagerly and for a few minutes they were just two high school kids without a worry in the world.