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A Twisted Tale of Cinderella

Chapter 18

From her spot sitting at the edge of the bed, Annabeth watched as Percy slept. His chest was rising and falling in a steady pace and color had returned back to his cheeks. She moved some of his messy bangs from his forehead and sleeping eyes. He was so beautiful, even with the beginning trail of drool starting to leak out the corner of his mouth.

Annabeth laughed and grabbed a tissue from the nightstand to wipe the drool away.

She was shocked, to say the least, after learning Calypso was pregnant. But obviously she wasn't as shocked as Percy since he was the one who abruptly fainted. She recalled his face as soon as he heard the news: it was as if he had lost all hope for the future and there was no getting it back. Annabeth had no idea why he would behave in such a way. Percy was wonderful with children, seeing him interact with his four-year-old brother Tyson was evidence enough. Annabeth knew Percy would make a loving and protective father. And yet, he seemed to be positively repulsed by the idea of having a child.

She wondered how things would change between herself and Percy. Percy was going to be a father to Calypso's child. From what Annabeth understood, Percy and Calypso used to share a bed from time to time but Percy didn't hold any romantic inclinations towards Calypso. But from the way she hung on his every word, he was very good at pretending. Calypso, on the other hand, was head-over-heels in love with Percy. Annabeth couldn't blame her. Percy could be very charming and caring when he wanted to be. And he was exceptionally handsome to boot, though Annabeth may be a little bias.

But anyway, Annabeth was sure Percy and Calypso would co-parent their child. And that idea just led to her imagination running wild. Would Percy and Calypso get married to legitimize his first born? Would their marriage lead to Calypso birthing more of Percy's children? But where did that leave Annabeth? Would she become a nanny to Percy's children? Did this mean Annabeth would never get a kiss from Percy? Was this the end of their romance as she knew it?

Percy's eyes began to stir under his eyelids until they fluttered open and Annabeth rid her mind of those terrible thoughts.

"Wha-What happened?" He sat up against his pillows.

"You fainted." She paused and was about to slip her hand into his but stopped when an image of Calypso's future bulging belly came into mind. "After Calypso told you she was pregnant."

"Oh, so that wasn't a dream." He frowned, slouching back. He looked down and saw Annabeth retracting her hand. He reached and brought her hand into his lap. "How'd I get here?"

Annabeth stared at their entwined hands, giving him a small squeeze and scooting closer to him on the bed. "I carried you up. Well, dragged you up to be accurate. But it's okay. It wasn't the first time." And probably not the last, she added in her head.

Percy laughed and let go of her hand to sit up again. "Thanks, then. For this time, and last time, and for the many more times to come, I'm sure."

Annabeth smiled and blushed when she noticed him moving to make more room for her on the bed. She inched closer until she lifted her legs from the side and lay next to him. She leaned her head on his shoulder.

"You scared me, Percy," she said, remembering him falling backwards and landing with a thud.

Percy rested his head against hers. "I'm sorry. I didn't know what to think so I guess my brain just shut down. Was I out long?"

"Maybe twenty minutes." Annabeth moved her hand over his waist in a hug. Her pesky imagination was acting up again and making her picture Percy holding a little toddler with his green eyes and Calypso's lush brown hair. It made her wonder if it was okay to be this close to Percy. Maybe it was considered inappropriate. After all, another woman was carrying his child.

Though she still wanted to be close to him, Annabeth lightly pushed against him to put some distance between them but before she could, Percy wrapped his arms around her and squeezed her to him. Annabeth closed her eyes. It was just the two of them again.

"Where's Calypso?"

Suddenly, she wasn't so comfortable in his arms anymore. She pulled away, even after feeling him try to hold on to her and she stood up.

"Downstairs." She answered and took a few more steps away from him.

Percy took a deep breath, running his hand through his hair, and stepped out of bed. He reached for Annabeth's hands but she folded them behind her back and moved further away again.

"Listen, Annabeth, I know how this looks to you but-"

The sound of the door opening made Percy and Annabeth's head turn and Calypso appeared. Upon seeing Percy awake, she rushed forward and threw her arms around him, making him stumble back a few steps. He steadied himself against the wall and pried Calypso's arms from around him and put his hands on her shoulders to keep her at bay.

Annabeth's stomach twisted in violent knots when Calypso puckered her lips and closed her eyes, expecting a kiss from Percy. But Percy took his hands off her shoulders and cleared his throat.

"Calypso-" Percy began.

"I can't wait to tell Rachel you fainted after learning I'm pregnant!" Calypso laughed and took off her shoes. She climbed onto the bed and made herself comfortable. "But never mind her, let's celebrate, Percy!"

A fire ignited inside Annabeth as she watched Calypso pat the stop next to her on the bed and bat her eyelashes in Percy's direction. Annabeth crossed her arms and frowned even though Percy didn't take Calypso's invitation.

He rubbed the back of his neck. "Calypso, are you sure you're expecting?"

"Of course I'm sure. I haven't bled in over a month and I was vomiting all of yesterday. But don't worry, I feel fine now." She began unbuttoning the front side of her dress.

Annabeth's eyes widened and she averted her gaze. Calypso didn't even seem to care that Annabeth was right there. Though perhaps she was used to getting undressed and being intimate with Percy in the presence of other women, like Rachel. Oh gods, maybe Annabeth was being too presumptuous but she hoped Calypso didn't think she'd be joining them.

Percy, too, turned his head away from Calypso. "Well, are you certain it's mine?"

Annabeth's head snapped towards Percy, her mouth agape in shock. How can he ask something like that? Could he really not want children that badly to be so deep in denial?

"Percy!" Calypso cried. "You're the only man I've ever been with, the only man I love!"

Though she wanted to roll her eyes at Calypso's words, Annabeth studied Percy and saw the annoyance that he was trying to hide, evident in the shape of his mouth and the subtle narrowing of his eyes.

Percy sighed and shook his head lightly. "I was only wondering because I can't even remember the last time we had sex-" But he stopped himself and turned towards Annabeth.

"Um," He was looking in her direction but also avoiding her gaze. "Annabeth," was all he said. When Annabeth merely tilted her head and deepened her frown, Percy continued, "Could you please give us a moment?"

Annabeth didn't bother answering him. She stormed out the room and shut the door with more force than she had meant, but somehow hearing the slam made her feel better. But it was an empty satisfaction. No matter how loudly she slammed the door, Calypso and Percy were still having a baby together.

Annabeth crossed her arms and leaned against the wall. Jealousy-induced anger was not something she was accustomed to and she couldn't remember the last time she felt this way or if she's ever felt this way at all. She remembered Percy letting go of her hand to greet Calypso at the gala but Annabeth didn't recall being mad about it. It had been more of a quiet and sad jealousy, especially since she was just getting used to her feelings for Percy. Even when she saw Percy in bed with Calypso and Rachel, she had not felt this way. But that was unsurprising considering Percy didn't belong to her back then.

Annabeth sighed. Everything had happened so fast that she wasn't sure when she started thinking of Percy as hers and hers alone. He belonged with her like she belonged with him and she was sure they would be together for the rest of their days.

But it was starting to feel like everything was changing. Percy was going to have a baby with Calypso and even though Percy held no romantic feelings for Calypso, Annabeth still felt like her place in Percy's life was threatened. She could already feel Percy slipping further and further away from her.

Sadly, Annabeth was no longer confident she would be spending the rest of her life with Percy.

Her spiraling thoughts were interrupted when the bedroom opened and Percy stepped out. His shoulders relaxed when he met her eyes.

"Annabeth, I-" He reached out for her but Annabeth backed away.

"Please, let me explain." He said, his eyes glistening.

Annabeth crossed her arms and stubbornly turned away. What was there to even explain? He was having a baby, simple as that.

All she really wanted to do was shout. How could he get another woman pregnant when he was so obviously pursuing Annabeth? She had surrendered herself to this man, felt safe enough with him to let him touch her and now she was faced with the possibility of losing him forever. It was too scary to face.

"Annabeth, please."

She looked over her shoulder at him. His eyebrows were knitted and his lips were close to trembling. He looked like he would burst into tears any second.

Annabeth took a deep breath. She may not want to hear it, but Percy deserved a chance to explain himself, didn't he?

She chewed on her bottom lip and it was another few seconds until she relented and nodded. Percy visibly released an exhale and held his arm out to her. Annabeth stared down at his hand. She may be jealous and angry but that didn't change the fact that she trusted Percy. So she took his hand.

He led her downstairs and to her room in the servants' quarters. They had passed by butlers and Nancy and Medusa and even his brother Chrysaor who raised his eyebrow at them. But Percy paid them no mind. He only released Annabeth's hand when they arrived in her room where he turned around to lock the door.

Percy took a deep breath. "Look, I-"

He was interrupted by Mrs. O'Leary, who whined and scratched from the other side of the door, begging to be let in. Percy's shoulders dropped and he opened the door wide enough for their dog to slip through and jump on the bed to relax. Annabeth and Percy watched her curl up. Percy cleared his throat.

"Listen, Annabeth. I'm sorry that you had to witness what happened between Calypso and I but-"

"Are you going to marry her?" Annabeth cut him off.

"No! Of course not!" He practically yelled, horrified.

"But why not? She's having your child."

Percy winced at the word "child," like the word had stabbed him. "I'm honestly not really sure it's even mine. She and I haven't been intimate since," A bead of sweat rolled down his temple and Annabeth could tell that it took nearly all his willpower to keep looking her in the eye. "I just have a feeling, okay? And even if the baby was mine, I'm still not going to marry her."

"But you'd have a family of your own." It made Annabeth even more jealous and angry. Percy had his father, and Tyson, and Mrs. O'Leary, and his older brothers to call a family. And now he was making a second family with Calypso and the baby they would share. Meanwhile, Annabeth didn't have even one person to call family anymore.

"I don't love her," he said it like it was a well known fact, which it was, but only to Percy and Annabeth. "I would never marry anyone I'm not in love with."

As happy as Annabeth was to hear him say those last words, so happy she could pounce him, she was also confused. "I don't understand how you don't love her. You've been with her numerous times… I'm assuming."

Percy bit his lip and his chest heaved. "Please understand. Calypso… and Rachel, too, for that matter. They're only friends. Yes, I've been with them a few times, but none of it meant anything, not really. Just a few lonely kids wanting to have some fun."

Annabeth raised her brow. She thought for a second that maybe it was because she was a virgin that she couldn't imagine bedding anyone she wasn't in love with. But Percy was different from her. She had always known that he had enjoyed a rather indulgent sex life. She had found him in bed with Rachel and Calypso when she first started working for him after all. Maybe the more someone had sex, the less meaningful it was.

She glanced away from Percy. No, that couldn't be true. Looking back at him, she sized him up from head to toe. She wouldn't let it be true.

Still she tried to look at it from Percy's perspective. Sex was clearly one of Percy's favorite activities. Maybe when he was with women like Calypso and Rachel, he thought of sex akin to horseback riding: fun, something that can be relaxing or exhilarating, and something to pass the time. She supposed that was the difference between fucking and love making. Perhaps Percy fucked Calypso and Rachel but never made love to them. Maybe he was saving the love making for someone really special.

Annabeth blushed and tried to focus on the matter at hand. Okay, so she would give Percy the benefit of the doubt. It would be what she would want him to do for her if the situation were reversed.

"I see, but that still doesn't make me feel any better."

"Please, Annabeth, don't be jealous."

"I'm not!" She snapped. "Well, maybe I am…but only a little. It's just that now I'm not sure where this leaves us. I feel like I'm losing you."

"Annabeth, I assure you that nothing will change between us."

"But a baby…"

Percy looked her straight in the eye. All the nerves and dread his face was previously plagued with were gone. "Nothing will ever change how I feel about you."

Annabeth began to tear up. She loved what Percy was saying to her. But she was still so scared. She knew it was selfish but she wanted Percy all to herself. If she had to share him, there may be a chance...

"But what if… what if you end up having more babies with her? What if your father wants you to marry Calypso? And what if you decide you no longer need me and send me away?"

"Oh, Annabeth. You should start writing fantasy novels. You have such an active imagination."

Annabeth's bottom lip quivered. "This isn't funny."

"I know. I'm sorry." He opened his arms and Annabeth didn't resist as he embraced her. "But I'm going to lay all your worries to rest. I will never sleep with Calypso or any other woman again. My father cannot make me marry anyone. And once again, nothing will change how I feel about you, Annabeth. I'll always need you and want you."

Annabeth began to weep. He told her exactly what she wanted to hear. And yet, she couldn't shake this feeling.

Percy cupped her face and wiped tears away with his thumbs. "Let me ask you this: is there anything that can make you change how you feel about me?"

Annabeth looked at him in thought, searching for an answer to his question and wondering why he would ask such a thing. And then it dawned on her. Even after she found out Calypso was expecting Percy's child, Annabeth still wanted Percy. It was a reflection of what Percy's been trying to get through to her: even after he found out Calypso was having his baby, Percy still wanted Annabeth.

"No, nothing can ever change how I feel about you, Percy."

Percy nestled his face into her hair. They spent the next few moments embracing, massaging their hands over each other, and Annabeth's tears dried. She felt foolish for ever questioning their love. Of course Percy would always be hers, just like she would always be his. These were undeniable truths.

"I'm sorry for overreacting. I just don't want to lose you."

"No, no, you weren't overreacting. I completely understand. I'm scared, too. But we'll get through this together."

"Thank you, Percy."

Percy leaned forward and rubbed his cheek against hers before pulling back a bit. "I'm sorry today didn't turn out the way we planned. I was really looking forward to spending the day with you."

Annabeth slid her hands over his shoulder blades and down his back until she locked her hands over the small of his back. "There are still many more days to come." She comforted.

"You're right. In fact, I have an idea. How about I take you sailing later this week? Would you like that?"

"Sounds wonderful." Annabeth smiled up at him.

"Then it's a date." Percy cupped her face and brought her head closer to his, planting a tender kiss on her cheek.

Annabeth was too frozen with surprise to react. Her pulse quickened and the skin where he kissed burned with a blush.

"I'll go make preparations now." He gave her a firmer kiss to the cheek this time and headed out the door.

Annabeth held her cheek as she made her way to the bed and sat down next to Mrs. O'Leary. She could feel her heart pounding in her chest and her cheek still warm. All she could think about was the feeling of Percy's lips on her and how she wanted him to kiss her more.

"I need to lie down. Scoot over, Mrs. O'Leary." Annabeth said and laid down next to her loving dog. Mrs. O'Leary bestowed her face with more kisses.

Over the next few days, Annabeth went about her chores while watching Percy avoid anything and everything that had to do with Calypso or her baby.

Triton stopped Annabeth and Percy on their morning walk with Mrs. O'Leary and gave Percy an uneasy congratulations. He offered to take Percy out for drinks when he noticed Percy and Annabeth's locked hands. Even with Triton's staring, Percy made no attempt to let go. He accepted the offer but seemed confused about the special occasion they were celebrating. It wasn't until Annabeth whispered about Calypso's pregnancy did Percy look at his watch and say he had pressing matters to attend to and dashed back inside the manor, dragging Annabeth along with him and Mrs. O'Leary trailing behind them.

Medusa proposed they set up a crib in the room across the hallway from Percy. She was sure they still had Tyson's old crib somewhere in the attic. Percy tried to escape the conversation multiple times but Medusa kept talking. It wasn't until the phone rang while Medusa was suggesting color schemes did Percy make his getaway.

Chrysaor eventually congratulated Percy as well, though in a roundabout way. He walked into the dining room with two women wrapped in his arms and interrupted Annabeth and Percy's dinner. He urged the blonde one forward to present herself to Percy.

"Here, brother, I chose her out just for you." Chrysaor said while side eyeing Annabeth.

Annabeth ran her hands over her arms to rid herself of the terrible goosebumps and then she looked at the girl. She was young, perhaps Annabeth's age, with long blonde waves. It reminded Annabeth of her own hair. In fact, a lot about this girl reminded Annabeth of herself, from her pale pink cheeks, to her height, and even to the size of her bust. Why the girl could have been mistaken for Annabeth's twin, save for the girl's deep green eyes, a slightly upturned nose, and the subtle contrasting contours of their faces.

"Think of her as a congratulations present for spawning your first bastard. A handful more and you'll be tied with me."

Annabeth couldn't tell if Chrysaor was joking or not.

"Just don't get this one pregnant or she won't be able to work for months. The brothel owner will be pissed. She's one of his biggest cash cows." He added, laughing as he ascended the stairs with his lady of the night.

Percy glared but called Annabeth's doppelgänger a cab and while they waited for it to arrive, offered her dinner that she ate with Percy and Annabeth in the dining room. It turned out that she was a lovely conversationalist, perhaps one of the reasons she was very popular back at her place of work, Annabeth thought.

Calypso had been over a few times though Percy spent most of her stay ignoring her. The only times he talked to her was when it was about business and investment and their companies, things Annabeth knew nothing of, so she folded clothes faster or swept up the balcony in a hurry to get out of the room. It was better than having to listen to Percy dodge questions about the baby's gender or possible names and such.

Annabeth was at a loss of words and a grip on her feelings for the situation. She was thrilled that Percy remained hers and hers alone. And she liked that he was taking responsibility of his child, but he did so without even trying to hide the frown on his face. And poor Calypso. Annabeth couldn't imagine what it would be like for her once the baby was born. Percy had agreed to give her a room in the Jackson manor when the baby arrived but something about the way he said it told Annabeth that it was only a temporary arrangement.

Annabeth began to wonder why Percy didn't want to have children. She herself thought children were wonderful and cute and full of life. She didn't know why, she told herself, but it saddened her to know that Percy hated the idea of having children and she wondered if the child he would share with Calypso would be the only one he'd ever have. Her heart sunk lower at the thought. Maybe one day she'd ask him why he didn't want children and if maybe in the future, he'd reconsider his stance.

But Annabeth tried not to worry about it too much. Instead, she found great joys in every moment she got to have Percy to herself. He hadn't kissed her since nor she him but they did chores together when he had time, he helped her cook meals when he wasn't busy, they held hands as they took walks in the garden with Mrs. O'Leary, and every evening they sat in the dining room and had dinner together.

Sometimes Percy would join her in the library after dinner and she'd read aloud to him and Mrs. O'Leary from whatever chapter of her book she was on.

"Percy, do you want me to start at the beginning?" She had asked him the first night he visited the library with her. Annabeth sat on the floor near the fireplace.

"No, it's fine. Go on ahead with the page you're on."

"But I'm nearly halfway through with the book."

Percy sat down near her and lowered his upper body to lay his head on her lap. "It's alright. I just want to listen to your voice." He said and closed his eyes. Mrs. O'Leary went to lay down next to her masters.

Annabeth ran her hand through his hair and opened her book and began reading.

When it was time to retire for bed, Percy would go with her to her room and they'd hold each other and cuddle on the bed together for a few moments before he went to his own room.

Though she loved the time they were spending together, Annabeth felt guilty for taking up all of Percy's free time which is why she didn't bring up the sailing trip they were supposed to go on. But Annabeth understood. Percy was overworked already and now he had the added stress of the upcoming arrival of a baby.

Annabeth thought Percy's lack of interest in the child was due to the fact that he was swamped with his usual work. And with Percy taking such little interest in Calypso or the baby, it was like she wasn't even pregnant in the first place and Annabeth loved ignoring the fact. But the baby would eventually come and Percy would have to deal with it somehow. It had only been a week since he found out about Calypso's pregnancy and he mostly regulated the preparations to Medusa or any other staff member besides Annabeth.

Some days, Annabeth found that Percy had fallen back asleep after his morning routine of reading mail on the bed, like how he was now. Annabeth took each letter from the bed, stacking them neatly on the nightstand and put the covers over Percy again. She sat at his bedside and took his hand in hers, resting it against her cheek and trying to memorize his warmth and touch. Annabeth kissed his palm and placed his hand down and got up to leave the room.

"Don't go." Percy called from behind.

Annabeth turned around to see Percy awake and sitting up on the bed. She returned to sit on his bedside.

"You weren't really asleep?"

"Just resting my eyes." He rubbed his fingers over his eyelids. When he dropped his hands to his lap, he gave her a small smile. "Sorry we haven't gotten much time together lately."

"No, don't be sorry. I know how busy you've been. And we've had plenty of time together, don't you think? I actually think we've spent more time together this week than before."

"Do you grow tired of me?" He teased.

Annabeth tucked some hair behind her ear. "I suppose you have been clingy lately."

Percy laughed and wrapped his arms around her hips and brought her closer. "I just can't help wanting to be near you." He whispered as he rested his head against her shoulder. "And with so much happening, I feel like I'm not spending nearly as much time with you as I'd like."

Annabeth laughed. "What's going on? You're acting even more charming than usual, Mr. Jackson."

"It's just," He paused, seeming unsure if he should say what he was about to say. "I'm taking Calypso to see her physician tomorrow where she hopes to confirm her pregnancy."

Annabeth raised her brow in surprise. This was the first instance Percy has mentioned the pregnancy since he found out.

"And I need to de-stress and take my mind off it for a while. So I've just been thinking that I could use a miniature vacation. And today seems as good a day as any." He nuzzled his head closer to her. "You don't mind taking the day off to join me, do you?"

"You mean it?"

"I did say I'd take you sailing, didn't I? It will be just you and me."

"I'll go pack us lunch!" Annabeth jumped out of his arms and would have raced out the door if Percy didn't grip her wrist.

He brought her to sit on his lap so he could rest his face between her neck and shoulder. "I've already taken care of it. Just let me hold you a little longer, please?"

Annabeth wondered and prayed to the gods that she'd get a kiss today.

"Thanks for dropping us off." Percy said to Frank as he got out of the car. He threw his bag over his shoulder and held his hand out to help Annabeth out of the car.

"No problem. Connor might be a little late in picking you two up. Is that okay?"

Percy glanced over at Annabeth. "As long as it doesn't get too dark."

"Alright, we'll let him know." Hazel said from the passenger's seat. "You two have fun."

"Thank you! Good-bye, Frank! Good-bye, Hazel!" Annabeth waved as Frank and Hazel drove away. Hazel peeked her head out of the passenger window to wave back.

"Come on, this way!" Percy took her hand and led her towards the pier, a simple wood platform stretching out to the cove that was sheltering the few harboring boats from the rougher waves and winds of the open sea.

Annabeth adjusted her coat and hugged Percy's arm with her face pressed against his bicep when the chilly wind hit them. "Where are we, Percy?" She asked. Frank drove them nearly an hour away from the manor and had taken many turns just to get here.

"One of the Jackson's piers. This one's a private dock only for shipments and supplies meant to go directly to our manor. And it's also where my father and I keep our more private boats."

Percy took her past a small building and Annabeth held onto his arm tighter when she saw a man in one of the windows on the second story.

"Don't be scared, Annabeth. They're just some workers who maintain the boats and docks."

Though he had already reassured her, she loved holding him so much that she tightened her grip and cuddled the side of her face into his arm.

They walked to the end of the platform where one of the smaller boats was docked. The trawler yacht was cozy and only needed one person to man. Annabeth remembered her father had one or two growing up but they rarely used any of them since they lived more inland and driving out was a big task for a busy man.

"I know I said we'd go sailing, but I think this would be a little more appropriate for us for now." Percy said, he tossed his bag onto the deck and jumped down onto the boat. He turned around to Annabeth and held out both his arms. "Come on, I've got you."

Annabeth didn't hesitate. She lifted one side of her skirt to make sure it didn't get caught on anything then leaped into Percy's arms. It was no surprise when Percy caught her by the waist. He squeezed her against him and set her on her feet.

"Do you want to stay in the cabin while I take us out?" Percy picked up his bag and walked into the cabin to set it down.

"No, it's okay. I'll stay here and help you."

Though she knew next to nothing about boats, she didn't really have to in order to help Percy. He gave out clear instructions and she liked it when he helped her and stood so close behind her that her back would touch his chest. Once the boat was ready to leave the pier, Percy let Annabeth steer. Again he stood behind her so close that they were touching and Percy even took to resting his chin on the crown of her head. After a while of Annabeth steering the boat all across the cove, Percy put his hands over hers on the wheel and positioned the boat to where the pine trees shielded them from the incoming winds of the ocean and they stopped on a leisurely float.

When Percy was sure the boat was secure, he wrapped his arm around Annabeth's shoulder and led her around on a tour of the boat. He explained it's history. It had been in his family for even before Percy was born but Annabeth thought that it was so lovingly maintained that it looked like new. As he showed her inside the cabin, he joked that he was conceived in it. Annabeth pressed her lips to one side in skepticism but Percy didn't explain if it was the truth or not. He just continued lecturing on parts of the boat, what they did, how they worked. Annabeth didn't follow much of it but she loved the spark in Percy's eye and the new and different nuances she heard in his voice.

The gentle wind tousled Percy's hair and made him look like he had just waken up from bed. But to Annabeth, he grew more handsome by the minute. The chilly air colored his cheeks and the tip of his nose pink. He eventually pulled out two scarves from his bag in the cabin and made sure to snugly wrap one around Annabeth before he put the other around himself.

The tour continued though now he was pointing out different areas of the cove, showing her where rabbits liked to burrow and hopefully they would see a deer near the trees. After the end of the tour, they stood against the railing off the stern to eat their chicken sandwich lunches.

"Percy, did you make these?" Annabeth said, taking bigger and bigger bites.

"I'd love to take credit but the cooks did the hard parts. I merely handled assembly."

"Well, it's the best assembled sandwich I've ever had." Annabeth said and they laughed.

Percy finished his sandwich quickly and was reaching into a potato chip bag. "Have you ever been on a boat before?"

"Yes, but not many times and I've certainly never had the chance to steer one."

Percy stuffed a few chips into his mouth and offered the bag to Annabeth. She was still holding her sandwich with both hands so she opened her mouth and Percy placed a chip inside.

"But it seems like you're the expert." Annabeth pointed out. She opened her mouth to Percy again, and he fed her more chips.

"Yeah, I kind of grew up around boats. My father taught me basically everything I know." He explained while alternating between feeding himself and Annabeth the potato chips. "I used to come up here all the time with him and my mother." As soon as he mentioned his mother, Percy looked lost in thought for a bit but he changed the subject. "I want to know more about you, Annabeth."

"What's really there to know?" Annabeth asked and finished her sandwich.

Percy dusted his salty fingertips on his pant leg and crumpled the potato chip bag and they threw away their trash. "How about your birthday to start?"

"July 12."

Percy frowned. "What? That was just a few days ago. I'm sorry I missed it."

Annabeth leaned her head against Percy's shoulder. "No, you didn't. Not really. That was the day of the gala, remember?"

"It was? Why didn't you say anything?"

Annabeth thought for a moment. Why hadn't she said anything? She and Percy were getting along splendidly and yet her birthday came and gone and she hadn't even noticed until this moment. "I haven't celebrated my birthday in years. I guess it just didn't occur to me."

Percy's eyebrows knitted and his eyes glossed over.

Annabeth reached her arms to hug him around his waist. "Don't give me that look. It was a mostly wonderful birthday. I think I probably forgot about it because I was so excited about the gala."

Percy returned her hug and pressed his face against her hair. "Look, Annabeth." He said and nodded his head in the direction he wanted her to look.

Annabeth lifted her head from Percy's chest and saw that he was staring towards the cabin. Upon closer inspection, she saw their reflection in one of the cabin's glass windows. She had never thought about what the two of them looked like in each other's arms. But from the reflection, she was relieved to see that they looked like they belonged together. Annabeth's head fit right under Percy's chin and Percy wrapped his arms to fit every contour of her figure.

"We fit perfectly together." Percy said and rested his cheek against the top of her head.

Annabeth enjoyed their reflection for a moment longer until Percy spoke again.

"Thank you." He whispered.

"For what?"

"Thank you for letting me be close to you." She felt his hold on her strengthen, like he was afraid she would turn to dust and slip out of his arms at any moment.

Annabeth was taken aback. No one ever thanked her for such a thing. She didn't even know it was something to be thankful for. But now that she thought about it, she was thankful to him for letting her be close to him as well. Never in her imagination did she think being touched or held close could feel so good. She remembered a few short months ago, if she somehow found herself in this position with Percy, she would have been hysterical with shaking, and tears, and hyperventilation. But now, she couldn't imagine being apart from Percy. She loved to be touched by him.

Percy's hold on her loosened until he let go and held her at arm's length. "Wait here, I have a surprise for you." He said and disappeared into the cabin.

When he returned, he was carrying a phonograph. How he managed to hide that during the tour, she'll never know. Percy cranked the handle a few times and set it on the floor against the cabin. Annabeth closed her eyes to focus on the music. She felt Percy walk up behind her and he put his hands on her shoulders, massaging them and running his hands down her arms. It was then that Annabeth recognized the music. It was the same music the band played at the gala where Annabeth first held Percy.

"Percy," Annabeth turned towards him. "I love it." She took both of his hands and positioned one on her hip and the other she held. Their bodies pressed together and they began dancing to the music, mimicking their first dance or at least as much as they could remember. All Annabeth really remembered about that dance was being lost in Percy's eyes and savoring their proximity.

Annabeth closed her eyes again and and let Percy take the lead while she enjoyed his warmth. She would never tire of it. They danced in circles around the deck for what seemed like hours and only stopped so Percy could wind up the phonograph again.

"I don't think I ever got the chance to tell you," Annabeth began, "About how much I loved dancing with you at the gala." The gala felt like it was years ago, although it had only been a few days. So much had happened that it felt like a lifetime ago.

"I loved dancing with you, too." Percy said and held her closer. "Annabeth, I don't really know how to explain it. All I know is that when I'm with you, I feel safe. When I'm with you, I feel like everything is going to be alright."

"I'm glad, because that's how I felt back then, too, when you first held me. And that's how I feel right now."

Percy moved one of his hands to stroke her face and trace down her neck. Last week when Percy brought her home, it was painful to even move her neck. Now she was more than fine, especially with her love fondling her. But she knew that look in his eyes.

"Percy, I know what you're thinking." Annabeth said as she moved her arms to hug him around the waist. "You have to stop blaming yourself."

Percy was silent but he stroked her face again and put his arms around her back and they gently swayed. "There's still so much I don't know about you."

Annabeth lay her head on his chest and felt his heartbeat. "Are you asking for my life story?"

"Are you willing to share it with me?"

She lifted her head to look into his eyes, almost daring him. "Only if you tell me yours in return."

Percy chuckled. "Okay, but I asked you first."

Annabeth lay her head back against his chest. "I've lived in Virginia nearly all my life. That house you found me at, that was my childhood home. My mother passed away when I was very young. Too young to really remember her." Her hands clasped at the fabric at the back of his coat. "All I have is a clear memory of her face but I do know that she was very wise and cunning. She was instrumental in helping my father build his company from the ground up."

"That necklace you used to wear… Are those your parents' wedding rings?"

"Yes, they're my prized possessions. I wish I could keep them near me more often but the leather necklace I kept them on broke. Now, where was I?"

"And your other family members?"

"Hmm?"

She felt Percy's heartbeat quicken. "Any other family? Like your grandparents or aunts or uncles, things like that?"

"My father had two siblings, but they all perished before I got to meet them."

"And your mother's family? What about them?"

Annabeth looked up to him and saw his Adam's apple bob up and down in a swallow. Now that she thought about it, she really didn't know anything about her mother's family. She didn't even know her maternal grandparent's names or if her mother had any siblings. Was it possible that Annabeth had some family left?

She closed her eyes and pressed her face against Percy's chest. Even if she did have relatives left in this world, she thought bitterly, where were they when her father passed away? Where were they when Stepmother practically starved her? Where were they when her stepfamily made it a game to hurt her? Where were they when Matthew and Bobby tried to tear her clothes off?

"Well, as far back as I can remember, it had just been my mother and father and me. Why?"

"Nothing. Must have been lonely then." He took a few deep breaths before his heart rate returned to normal.

"Maybe just a little. But I had my dog to keep me company during my childhood, the sweetest Doberman you'd ever meet. His name was Cerberus."

"Oh, maybe Cerberus is why you have such an affinity with Mrs. O'Leary."

"Yeah, maybe. And I also had my father, of course. He made sure I learned something new everyday."

She felt Percy try to hush a laugh.

"What? I like learning." Annabeth defended herself.

"What happened to your mother? What was her name?"

"Athena. I just remember waking up one day and she wasn't there. Father was too heartbroken to even hold a funeral and he was never the same. It was just me and my father for a long while and he taught me everything he could about business so I could run his company when the time came." Annabeth felt her eyes began to water. "But I suppose he felt that I needed a mother, so he married that vile woman and I gained two stepbrothers."

Percy tensed and Annabeth wanted to kiss him, thankful of his protective nature. But she continued.

"At first I thought they were nice. Of course, I later learned I was wrong. And about three years ago, my father succumbed to an illness and the rest is history." She burrowed her face into Percy's chest again and a tear escaped.

He ran his hands up and down her back, soothing her. "I'm sorry to hear that. But I know your father would have been proud to see you today. And I'm sorry your home was filled with so many bad memories."

"That's not my home anymore." Annabeth said and looked up at him. "I found a new home. My home is wherever you are."

Percy smiled and lowered his face so their noses were touching. "Wait, what about your father's company?"

"As far as I know, it was sold. That's why I came to work for you and your father in the first place," she explained. "I was with Grover and Juniper just to earn a living. But I needed more money to buy back my father's company."

Percy returned to resting his head against the top of hers. "I see and what was the company's name?"

Annabeth didn't know what that really had to do with anything, but she told him anyway. "West Point Publishing."

Annabeth moved her hands from his waist to around his neck. "And your story?" She played with the short hairs at the base of his head.

Percy shivered at her movements. "Well, where should I start?"

"I want to know about your mother… if that's alright."

Percy pressed his face into her hair and Annabeth felt him softly inhale. "It's been awhile since I really talked about her. Father doesn't like talking about her much. If I didn't have pictures, sometimes it feels like she only ever existed in my mind. And sometimes, I don't really feel safe talking about her." He paused and inhaled more of her scent. "But I feel safe with you."

Annabeth smiled and put her arms around Percy's waist again and rubbed circles into the small of his back with one hand. "I feel safe with you, too. So go ahead, you can tell me about her. I'll protect you. We'll protect each other."

Percy inhaled against her hair again. "You already know her name was Sally. She passed away suddenly. I didn't get to say good-bye. I wasn't always an asshole, you know."

Annabeth laughed.

"Ever since she was taken from me, I just spiraled out of control."

"Taken from you?"

"Well, you know what I mean."

Annabeth wasn't so sure she understood what he meant but she shrugged off the feeling when Percy spoke again.

"I let myself turn into a monster."

"You're not a monster."

"I was." He admitted. "I was so blinded by anger and hate. But then you helped me." He took her hand and put it on his abdomen, the area she had stitched up for him so long ago. "My mother would have loved you."

"I think I would have loved her, too."

"You know those chocolate chip cookies you bake me? They're just like the ones my mother and I used to make together."

"No wonder you stuff your face whenever I bring you a plate." Annabeth joked, hoping to lighten Percy's mood. He laughed a little, but Annabeth still sensed grief radiating off of him.

"When I was a kid, one of my playmates, her name was Thalia." Percy paused, as if awaiting a response from Annabeth. But she didn't know what he wanted her to say. Was she supposed to know that name from somewhere?

When Annabeth didn't say anything, Percy continued. "She kinda used to push me around and beat me up."

"What? Are you still in contact with this Thalia? When we return home, get her on the phone. I'd like to have a word with her."

Percy laughed. "No, we lost touch years ago and I doubt I could contact her now even if I tried. But thanks for wanting to defend me. You and Mrs. O'Leary have that in common. That's why my mother picked her out for me."

"To defend you from your childhood bully?"

"Sort of. But more so I can be more courageous if I had something to protect. The more I was around Mrs. O'Leary, the more confident I became. And when Thalia came over and immediately fell in love with Mrs. O'Leary and wanted to take her home, well, let's just say that's the first time I stood up to Thalia."

"So I guess that's two things I wish I could have thanked your mother for." Annabeth said, closing her eyes and leaning on Percy.

"Huh?"

Annabeth giggled. "I wish I could have thanked her for you and for Mrs. O'Leary."

Percy's face went red and he looked away, making Annabeth laugh and cuddle into him.

"I miss her." Percy said. "I know she's probably watching over me, even now. I just want to talk to her again. Explain things." He glanced back towards Annabeth. "Tell her I'm sorry for the things I've done, things only a mother can forgive. Sometimes it feels like she was the only person who ever really loved me."

Annabeth pushed her hands against Percy's chest and reached up to his face to make him look at her.

"That's not true!" She wasn't sure what had come over her but she went on. "I know for a fact that Tyson loves you. He looks up to you and wants to be like you when he grows up. And Mrs. O'Leary! She loves you. She looks at you like you're the center of her universe. Poseidon loves you. I know he's proud of you. There's no way he couldn't be. Triton and Chrysaor love you." She paused. "I think."

Percy grinned. "Yeah, I'm not too sure of that myself."

Annabeth's next words surprised even herself. "But I know I love you."

Percy's hands dropped from her waist and he stared her in the eye. "Tell me that again."

Annabeth blushed and tried to avoid his gaze but was unsuccessful. "About everyone loving you?"

"Just that last part." He whispered.

"I love you." Annabeth repeated. She had always known in her heart that she loved him. But saying it out loud… it was liberating. Now that she actually spoke that words, they rang even truer. She loved Percy more than anything. And she wanted him to know how much he meant to her.

"I love it when you put your arms around me." She grabbed his hands and put them on her waist. "I love how you make me laugh. I love it when you rub your nose against mine, when you stroke my face. I love how caring and considerate you are. I love how you came to bring me back home. I love you." She confessed with her eyes never leaving his. She simply couldn't look away. She had to know how he'd react.

Percy put his hands on her shoulders and leaned on her with a little more force than was comfortable but Annabeth stood her ground. He took a deep breath before exclaiming, "I love you, too, Annabeth. I love everything about you, your smile, your laugh, how you hold my hand, how happy you make me. I love you more than anything. I love you so much I was in complete agony when I thought I lost you. I love you!"

Annabeth stared wide-eyed as Percy caught his breath. And then she burst out into a fit of laughter.

Percy raised an eyebrow. "What's so funny?"

Annabeth shook her head and embraced him. "I'm just so happy right now I can't contain myself."

"Annabeth, you're all I've ever wanted. I feel comfortable crying in front of you. I can laugh without any inhibitions when I'm with you. You're the only person I feel completely safe with, the only person I really trust. No matter how much I try to explain it, I can never fully convey how much I love you. But I need you to know how I feel." He squeezed her and spun in circles to the music and even when it stopped they swayed together.

"I've never seen anyone as beautiful as you." Annabeth said.

"Have you never looked in a mirror?"

"Oh Percy," Annabeth giggled, "you're the man of my dreams."

"Good, because you're the love of my life."

"I want you to be mine forever."

"Can I kiss you?"

Annabeth stopped their movement in their tracks. Her voice wasn't functioning correctly. All she could do was nod fervently and stand on her toes.

Percy leaned down to meet her. His lips grazed hers at first, soft and gentle, as if he was afraid of hurting her. He pulled away from that initial kiss to gage Annabeth's reaction. But at the absence of Percy's lips, Annabeth stood higher on her toes and puckered her lips more in a vain attempt to reach him. Percy smiled and closed his eyes. He bent down further and their lips pressed together.

Annabeth had never experienced anything like it before and she knew that nothing would be able to compare. Her heart fluttered and her knees buckled. Luckily Percy was holding her or else she would have fallen backwards. Her lips burned for even more contact and when Percy began moving his lips against her, Annabeth felt a tenderness and warmth right underneath her belly that sent her whole body writhing under him that she had to latch onto him for stability. Her whole being now belonged to Percy and he seemed to know it for his lips parted and his tongue grazed her bottom lip. Annabeth giggled and let him kiss her how and as much as he wanted.

They only stopped when they needed air. Annabeth pressed herself flush against Percy and hugged him as hard as she could. She never wanted to let go.

"Annabeth," Percy said, peppering small kisses all over her face and lips.

"Hmm?"

"I love you." He reiterated. "I don't know if I can teach you something new everyday," He said between kisses. "But I will protect you. I will love you. I will be your family from now on."

How could she not realize it sooner? This is what she's always wanted: to feel safe and loved and to have a home to come back to and a family to call her own. She may or may not have any blood relatives. It didn't matter. Percy was her family now. And she was his.

"Thank you, Percy." She whispered.

They kissed again, longer, deeper. Annabeth was unsure how much time had passed. She was too distracted by Percy's hands roaming her body, rubbing her arms, trailing down her back, and running through her hair. And oh his lips, Annabeth had grown lightheaded from their actions and she had a hard time doing anything but lean against him as his lips caressed hers. She turned her head away to catch her breath, thinking Percy would take the opportunity to do the same. But Percy's lips trailed to the side of her face, kissing under her ear and over her jaw and up and down the side of her neck. She closed her eyes and let Percy continue his loving gestures.

It was only when Percy moved his hands to cup her face and kiss her lips did Annabeth begin kissing back again. But then Percy stood up straight. Annabeth got on her toes again and tried to reach his lips but to no avail. She settled on kissing the tip of his chin, trailing to the underside and down his neck where she adorned his Adam's apple with kisses.

Percy laughed and wrapped his arms around her. She was beginning to get used to the feeling of him squeezing her but it's effect on her would never waiver. Annabeth loved every moment of her time with him and she closed her eyes and awaited more of Percy's love but when a kiss didn't come, she opened her eyes.

"What's wrong?" She pouted.

"Nothing, my love. It's just time for us to go."

"What, already?" Annabeth looked around and saw that the sun had almost completely set. She glanced back towards the pier and with the small amount of light, saw a familiar car parked right at the base. It must be Connor.

Percy let go of her and went to the steering wheel and began taking them back to port.

Annabeth came and hugged him from behind. "But I wanted to kiss more."

"We can kiss more when we get home." Percy chuckled. "And we can kiss tomorrow, and the day after that, and after that day, too. "

Annabeth lay her head between his shoulder blades and closed her eyes until she felt the slow rocking back and forth of the boat like when she first boarded. She opened her eyes and followed as Percy secured the boat and climbed up one of the ladders of the pier. He bent forward and held the hand that wasn't holding his bag down to her. Annabeth put one foot on the first step of the ladder and took his hand. She was about to start climbing when she was rushed forward as Percy pulled her up all the way and held her against him. Annabeth laughed and lightly puckered her lips, signaling that she wanted a kiss. Percy kissed her forehead, her nose, and finally her lips.

"Thanks for coming, Connor." Percy said as he closed the car door behind him.

"Yes, thank you, Connor!" Annabeth said and scooted closer to Percy.

Connor's face was red and his eyes avoided them. "You-uh, um." Was all he could say. He turned around and began driving home.

Annabeth leaned her head against Percy's shoulder. She closed her eyes and a memory long forgotten had manifested in her mind. She was taken back to Grover and Juniper's diner, Percy and Annabeth's first date, so to speak. Juniper had a knowing grin on and suggested that Annabeth and Percy were involved. At the time, Annabeth had been appalled. She had believed that there was and never would be a connection between her and Percy.

A small part of Annabeth was still appalled. Percy Jackson was her boss, her superior, the man she took orders from. And now she was involving herself in a romantic relationship with him. It wasn't right and she knew it. And yet…

She felt Percy move his arm and she opened her eyes enough to see him slip his hand into hers in her lap.

Was it really so wrong to be in love with her boss? He may hold some authority over her but he acted as if she was his equal. He asked for her permission, her opinion, and he wanted to spend time with her outside of household chores. Technically it was really Poseidon who paid her salary, so in a way there was nothing really wrong with getting involved with Percy. Money didn't influence their attraction to one another. They just couldn't help falling for each other because they were meant to be together.

Annabeth dismissed her thoughts and fell asleep next to her lover. She would not allow insignificant details to spoil her new life with him.

Percy shook her shoulder to wake her and helped her out of the car when they got home. They waved goodbye to Connor who was still unable to speak. Perhaps he had seen Percy and Annabeth kiss on the pier and was surprised at the new development in their relationship. Annabeth expected similar reactions as time went by and more people were made aware of their love.

Percy walked her back to her room where Mrs. O'Leary greeted and welcomed them home. Annabeth and Percy bent down to let her lick their noses and the sides of their mouths.

"I had an amazing time with you today, Annabeth." Percy said as they stood up. He took Annabeth's hands in his. He closed his eyes and leaned towards her. Annabeth closed her eyes and met his kiss. She wasn't sure if she would ever get used to this feeling but she was completely welcoming of it.

"I did, too." She said. "I love you."

"I love you, too." Percy gave her a quick peck. "I should turn in for the night. Stressful day tomorrow."

Annabeth had forgotten that he and Calypso would be visiting the doctor's office. And she was relieved that it didn't bother her in the slightest. Percy was forever hers and nothing would change that.

"Good night, my love." Percy gave her another kiss before he backed away and was about to release her hands but Annabeth held onto him and pulled him towards her.

"Are you going to be able to sleep alright?"

"Um, maybe?" Percy said. A blush crept upon his cheeks. Perhaps he had figured what Annabeth was going to propose.

"Well, you look quite exhausted from today. I'm not sure you can manage the stairs."

"Yeah, I'm pretty tired and my room is a ways up."

"You're welcome here with me."

Percy's blush grew deeper. "Are you sure?"

"Please stay." Annabeth said and kissed his neck. He leaned forward, allowing Annabeth to kiss his dimples.

They turned away from each other to take off their coats and scarves and shoes and went into the bathroom. Annabeth gave him one of her extra toothbrushes and they brushed their teeth together, hyperaware of each other's presence. When they went back to the bed, Annabeth brushed her hair and climbed into bed. She couldn't help her eyes stray to Percy. He had unbuttoned his shirt halfway down and took off his belt. Annabeth held the covers up so he could slip in and he turned off the lamp.

"Good night, Annabeth."

"Good night, Percy."

Percy moved closer to her and lay his arm over her waist. Annabeth turned her head to him and their lips met. She had hoped that inviting Percy to spend the night with her would ease his nerves and allow him to get a good night's sleep. But they spent most of the night kissing and letting their hands wander. The last thing she remembered before sleep took her was Percy's kisses waning as he must be falling asleep, too. Annabeth closed her eyes happy, safe, and in love.

Thank you for reading and please oh please review if you liked it and review especially if you want me to write more! I really wanna get to 900 before next chapter is out so help me out ;)

Next chapter is gonna be either all or mostly Percy's POV. And as you've probably noticed, the rating has been changed from T to M, meaning lemon/smut whatever you wanna call it is coming up soon. You have been warned.

This story is also posted on ao3 just in case.