"Piper! Wake up! You're gonna make us late for class!"

Piper groaned as she opened her eyes. Rays of morning sun peaked through the cracks of the blinds. Another beautiful day in New York City. Piper hopped out of bed, throwing on a pair of worn capris and her favorite faded Linkin Park t-shirt. She then took a quick glance in the mirror. Piper hated her natural beauty, most people would kill for it, but Piper hated the attention. She quickly combed through her choppy brown hair and headed down to the kitchen in her apartment.

Annabeth, her roommate, threw her an apple as she entered the living room. She was dressed in her usual grey v-neck that matched her stormy eyes and denim skinny jeans. She slipped on her black windbreaker and grabbed her bag.

"No time. We're already running late." She said heading out the door. Piper slipped on her jacket and quickly grabbed her keys and bag before running out the door behind Annabeth.

Class was a bore, as usual. Piper only had work to look forward to which was sad. Piper picked up Annabeth from class before heading to their apartment. Her shift started at 5, so she had plenty of time. Piper changed into her Craig's Bar & Grill work shirt before grabbing a good book and a bowl of cereal. By the time she finished it was about 4:30. Piper sighed, giving into boredom and heading to work.

Before leaving she peered into Annabeth's room where she had her head buried in a pile of blueprints. Her curly blond hair was pulled into a loose messy bun with a pencil sticking out. Annabeth was stressed out of her mind trying to finish her interior design final.

"Damn it!" Annabeth yelled searching around her desk.

"What's wrong?" Piper asked.

"I can't find my pencil.. I just had it." The last part came out a bit muffled because Annabeth began to look around irritably. Piper laughed.

"Annabeth. It's in your hair." Annabeth looked blankly at Piper before reaching back into her bun. Sure enough there was her missing pencil. Annabeth sighed in frustration.

"Thanks, Piper." Annabeth said defeated.

"Anytime. I'm heading off to work; I'm going to walk so if you need my car keys are on the counter." Piper added.

" 'Kay. Don't get raped." Annabeth added jokingly.

With that Piper headed down the steps and out the door.

Craig's Bar & Grill was about a half mile down the road, which didn't take long by foot, but it could be scary at night being in New York. Piper hated her job, not the job itself, but a lot of drunk, perverted guys like to hang out there; which included Piper's ex-boyfriend, Ryan. Ryan wasn't a bad guy; he just got with the wrong crowd.

Once at work, Piper started waiting tables right away. It was a Friday night so it was packed. Piper was already having rotten luck when she spotted Ryan and his groupies sitting in the corner booth, but it got worse when one of the other waitresses informed her they refused to give orders to anyone, but Piper.

Great. Just my luck. She thought. Piper grabbed a hand full of menus and headed toward the corner booth. While heading to the booth she couldn't help but notice a blond guy with short hair sitting in the booth next to them. He looked up at her, meeting her gaze. He had brilliant sky blue eyes; he gave her a charming smile as she passed to the next booth. Sadly, that booth wasn't one she waited on.

Piper put on a fake smile as she approached the table. They let out a loud roar that nearly silenced the whole restaurant. Piper waited for them to calm down before speaking.

"Welcome to Craig's Bar & Grill, Can I start you guys off with some drinks?" Piper asked as politely as she could. Ryan stole a glance at Piper, giving her an innocent smile. Piper returned with a glare; Ryan retreated, looking back down and hiding in his menu.

"I'd like to start off with you…" the ugly (well not ugly physically, but personality wise), leader said a.k.a. Rick. He was sitting on the edge with Ryan next to him. His hair was shaggy and ungroomed as always, he thought it was sexy, Piper thought it was lazy.

"Not on the menu." Piper said gritting her teeth angrily. Every night they harassed her, but she couldn't do anything about it because they were customers. She had other customers to serve.

"Whatever you say, babe." He said putting up his hands innocently. They then recited their orders and Piper was off. While the kitchen staff prepared the drinks, Piper quickly caught up on orders. Table 5's food was done; Table 3 still needed to give their orders; Table 10 needed refills. Piper did it all in record timing. She then delivered the drinks to the group of demon spawns as Piper called them. Before they could give her trouble, Piper scurried off to wait on the other tables. She hated walking away because she could feel their stares at her behind. Actually, she hated facing either direction because either way they were staring at something; they never looked her in the eyes.

She headed over to the kitchen to put in another set of orders when her manager called over to her. She quickly walked over to him.

"Nance just went home with the flu; I need you to cover her tables." He informed me.

"Her tables? I already have my hands full. I can't take them all!"

He sighed. "Fine, Just take Tables 4 and 8."

Realization hit Piper. 8. That's where the blond guy was sitting. A little part of Piper wanted to do a happy dance, but she kept a straight face and nodded to her manager. She then heard the ding of the bell in the kitchen, which meant someone's order was up. Piper scurried over to the counter. The order was for table 8. That was her table now. Piper took a deep breath before grabbing a stand to hold the tray and the tray of food itself.

Gracefully, Piper walked over to table 8. Piper could tell they had order a ton of food because the tray was heavy. At least 5-6 plates for the 4 people she counted sitting at the booth. She set the stand down, opening it up, and then set the tray on it so she could distribute food.

"Alright, who ordered the BBQ Burger?" Piper asked. In the corner a pale kid with long black hair said it was his. She passed it to him. "The Hot & Spicy Chicken?" A tan guy with curly brown hair and elf like features piped up. She set it in front of him. "Medium rare steak?" At the end of the booth a guy with sea green eyes claimed it as his. "And the Cheeseburger with Tomato and Lettuce?" That was the blond guy's. He gave her a small smile as she passed it to him. They also had a side of onion rings and fries that Piper just squeezed in the middle of the table.

"Can I get you guys anything else?" Piper asked politely. She looked around all the guys shook their heads as they dug in except the blond guy. His gaze was set on her; his eyes were almost worried or sad, Piper didn't know what. Her gaze wavered as she looked at him; she couldn't help but look at his stunning blue eyes.

Her thoughts broke off when she heard a crash. She flinched at the sound. She looked towards it; the corner booth of demon spawns had knocked over a one of their drinks. Luckily it was plastic, so it didn't break only spilled everywhere. Piper sighed. She snuck a quick look at the mysterious blond guy who was staring angrily at the demon spawn. Piper couldn't help but wonder why. Most of the people around them just rolled their eyes in annoyance at the teenagers then continued on with their meal.

"Hey, babe!" Rick called. "Mind picking that up?"

Piper put on a brave face with a fake smile and walked the two steps to the booth. She bent down and grabbed the cup. Within two seconds of grabbing the cup, she felt a hand on her ass. Not a brush of a hand, but a hard grasp of her butt. Piper gasped and jumped up away from the hand. The hand belonged to none other than Rick. Ryan looked ashamed to be there, while Rick looked genuinely happy. Her fist clenched at her sides with undeniable anger that swelled within. Piper wished with all of the hatred she had for him that she could slap that silly smirk off his face, but her manager was watching and she would get fired if she did. He warned her if she did anything out of line that could cause a law suit; she'd be fired. Piper needed this job so she could keep up on bills, so she did what she could. She took a deep uneasy breath and walked away, which was one of the hardest things Piper has ever done.

4 agonizing hours later, Piper was finally free. She quickly grabbed her jacket and practically ran out the door, setting out into the night. The brisk, chill night air instantly cooled her, physically and emotional. Taking a deep breath Piper let her mind relax. She wasn't going to let Ryan get to her; he wasn't worth it. Craig's Bar & Grill was on the smaller side of town, so the night was quaint. Dim street lights lightened the streets overhead with millions of beautifully shining stars above them.

Suddenly, she felt a hand touch her shoulder. Piper's instant reaction was to turn and swing at them in one swift motion. The figure merely leaned back to dodge her swing. Piper blinked a few times; she recognized the figure. It was the blond headed guy from the booth. What was he still doing here? She saw them leave a few hours ago.

"Are you stalking me?" Piper asked half-jokingly.

"Not in a threatening way." He said teasingly. They both then laughed. "Mind if I walk you home?" Piper smiled then motioned for him to follow her.

What am I doing? Piper thought. I don't even know this guy. But with one look into his sincere, gentle eyes she knew he wasn't trouble.

As they walked, Piper learned his name was Jason, Jason Grace. He was passing through New York with some of his friends. Piper soon found out, they both have a lot in common; they both love the outdoors and pizza. Piper could already tell this guy was different. He was kind and charming; most guys just wanted in her pants, but Jason didn't come off like that.

Half a mile later, they were at the footsteps of Piper's apartment.

"This is me." Piper told him. Jason was a safe, comfortable distance in front of her. He examined the area quietly before turning to Piper and looking in her eyes. Jason couldn't decide what color they were; he only knew that they were absolutely gorgeous and radiant. Jason took a quick gulp of air, gathering his courage.

"So-um- are you doing anything tomorrow?" Jason asked rubbing his back of his neck.

"Well I'm supposed to go to the beach with my friend, Annabeth, and she'd kill me if I bail on her…" Piper saw his face fall in disappointment. "But if you have a friend that you could set her up with then we could just make it a double date." She finished with a smile.

Jason smiled, "Perfect, I know just the guy. So we'll pick you up at 3?" Piper smiled and nodded. With one last charming smile, Jason turned and headed out into the night.

"You did what?!" Annabeth yelled. Piper flinched at Annabeth's irritation. Piper hadn't even gotten in the door to explain before she started ranting. She must have been listening in on their conversation.

"It's just a harmless double date." Annabeth gave Piper a grim look. "Don't make me beg. I really like this guy."

"When did you meet him?" Annabeth asked questioningly.

"A few hours ago.." Piper said softly. "But that's not the point. He was kind enough to walk me home."

"How sweet," Annabeth said bitterly. Piper let out a frustrated sigh.

"You've never even met him; who knows you could turn out to like him." Piper said optimistically with a small smile. Annabeth turned away and mumbled something under her breath, still not convinced. "Annabeth, not every relationship will be like—" She cut Piper off with her daggers of eyes that were stormy and angry, daring her to finish that sentence. "Just give him a chance." Piper pleaded.

Annabeth blew out a long sigh. Piper's heartfelt heavy as she waited for Annabeth's answer, for a while she thought she might have pushed her too far bring up the ex that burned her. We've all been burned but not like Annabeth; after her last boyfriend, Luke, she didn't trust any guys. She put them all in one bad category.

"Fine." She finally said. Piper beamed with appreciation.

The next morning, Piper spent the whole morning digging through her closet, making sure she'd look perfect for tomorrow. She decided on a strapless electric blue top that crossed in the middle and black bottoms. Simple yet classy. Over it, Piper decided to wear a see through long sleeve, white shirt that had a deep V cut with jean shorts. Next, she headed to the shower. The warm water eased her muscles helping her relax and settle down. Once Piper got out, she blow dried, straightened, and braided a few strands of her hair.

30 minutes later, Piper was almost ready and it was... 2:50. Perfect. As she headed downstairs, Piper started to check off her mental checklist. Sunscreen? Check. Towels? Check. Sunglasses… Suddenly, there was a high pitched, bloody murder scream. Piper dropped her bag and ran downstairs. Greeting her was Annabeth standing on the couch. She was wearing a strapless, white shirt with dark blue patterned shorts; her curly blond hair was pulled to the side in a pony tail.

Piper sighed. Another spider?

Suddenly, a door to Piper's left busted open. Both girls turned toward the door. In the doorway was Jason, and one of his friends from the Grill.

"What wrong?" Jason asked.

"Spider.." Piper said blandly.

"Shut up and kill it!" Annabeth yelled. Piper just laughed which got her a hairbrush to the head.

"Hey!" Piper yelled turning to Annabeth about to throw the brush back at her.

"KILL THAT LITTLE DEMON!" She hissed.

"Fine! Where is it?" Piper asked finally.

"It landed on my sandwich.." Annabeth said pointed towards the island in the kitchen.

Piper walked over to the kitchen searching her sandwich and the counter, but there was nothing there. Annabeth's face paled.

"I'm out." Annabeth said before running out the door past Jason and his friend. Piper watched her go, and then looked to Jason; he smiled at her sweetly. Piper couldn't help but smile back. Jason was wearing a white v-neck with black swim trunks that had a little red and white pattern on the side. His friend was wearing a deep green shirt that matched his bright green eyes and white patterned swim trunks.

"Oh, I'm Percy by the way."

The car ride was short, but awkward. Piper and Annabeth sat in the back; Annabeth mostly sat quiet, sulking leaning on the side of the car. Piper sighed. Today was already beginning to suck. Jason and Percy chatted to each other softly over the sooth tunes of the radio. Piper couldn't help but notice they acted like brothers. At one point Jason laughed at Percy and he punched Jason then just laughed about it.

Finally, they got to Long Beach and parked a few blocks over. Jason got the door for Piper with a cute smile. Percy did the same but earned no appreciation from Annabeth. Piper frowned at the scene. Annabeth got out with her arms crossed and began to walk towards the beach. Percy cursed and jogged after her.

"It's okay, Percy is persistent as hell." Piper jumped at the sudden voice in her ear. Jason laughed, Piper quickly joined in.

Piper loved the beach especially Long Beach. The sparkling white sand, and deep blue sea was quaint, being here with Jason made it all the better. They settled into a spot not too far from the water. Piper laid out her towel and plopped her bag down on it before quickly taking off her shirt and shorts and throwing them to the side. She then sat on her towel next to Jason.

Percy immediately headed for the water; Annabeth stayed behind, just lying on her towel a few feet from Piper and Jason, getting a tan. Piper sighed. Annabeth had a very strong barrier around her heart, sometimes you had to peel one layer back at a time. Most guys didn't stick around that long. From what it looked like, Percy wasn't either.

Jason and Piper chatted to each other while catching some sun. Percy still hadn't surfaced from the water; Jason wasn't exaggerating when he said Percy loved the sea.

"Hey, why don't I get us something to eat?" Jason offered. Piper agreed. "I'll be right back." He said before heading off to a food stand. Piper took this chance to talk with Annabeth. Quickly, she got up and crossed the short distance to Annabeth. She was laying her back; Piper sat next to her stretching out her legs and resting back on her arms. Annabeth opened one of her eyes.

"What?" Annabeth asked sullenly.

"We can go if you want.. I'll just tell Jason-" A shadow crossing over them cut her off. Piper looked up. It wasn't just a shadow. It was many.

"Dat ass.." a deep voice called down to us. Annabeth shot up, nearly level to them with a resentful glare. 3 large, jock like guys stood next to us. One whistled in approval.

"Get lost." Annabeth said disgusted narrowing her eyes at them. I stood up just behind Annabeth, but said nothing.

"Awww come on, blondie. Let us show you a good time." One said to Annabeth. He leaned into her; Annabeth stood her ground with her arms crossed over her chest. Annabeth didn't always look like it, but she was a badass.

The guy had light brown hair that was spiked up; he twirled one of Annabeth's long curls around. Finally, Annabeth knocked his hand away and took a step back.

"Go fuck yourself." Annabeth sneered.

"Ouh.. feisty. I like a good mouth on my girls.." He said with a suggestive smile on his face. Piper could see the look of absolute loathing. Before Annabeth could respond, a figure moved in front of Annabeth.

"Percy.." Annabeth said almost wistfully.

"She's not yours," He said angrily getting in the guy's face. The guy narrowed his eyes at Percy, obviously challenging him. Piper could feel a power radiating from him and she thought she heard him growl. For a second, Piper thought she saw a flash of something in Percy's eyes, something that didn't seem human. The 3 guys must have seen it because they all took a nervous step back. Percy's fists were clenched fiercely at his side. To her left Piper realized, the sea was suddenly stirring. The tide was raising and waves larger and more furious. What the hell was going on?

That's when Jason stepped in, putting a hand on Percy's shoulder. Percy whirled around meeting Jason's gaze. Piper looked back and forth between the two. They said nothing, but it was like they were having a conversation of their own. Percy's fists started to loosen and his shoulder's relaxed. Percy looked away as Jason looked to the guy. His gaze was strong and clam.

"Leave. Now." And they did, muttering freaks before turning and leaving. Once they were gone, without looking up, Percy shrugged off Jason's hand and stalked off in the other direction. Jason reached after him with a sad look on his face, but he failed to reach him. Piper put her hand on his arm and gave him a small reassuring smile.

Out of the corner of her eye, Piper saw Annabeth running after him. Maybe there was hope for them.

Piper was glad the acting genes ran in the family because Piper had to try her best not to freak out after the beach. She had convinced Jason that she wasn't feeling well so they took her and Annabeth home.

That night, Piper was restless. Sleep seemed impossible; she racked her brain trying to process what happened today. Flashes of the scenes at the beach flooded her mind. The ocean stirred as if reacting to Percy's emotions when he nearly fought those guys. Jason and Percy looked as though they were talking without saying a word. A flash of something in Percy's eyes that Piper knew wasn't human, it wasn't anger or frustration; Piper couldn't figure out what it was but she knew it wasn't normal. One thing Piper knew for sure was these guys weren't human, but if they weren't what were they?

A/N: Thanks for reading! What do you think? Give me your honest opinion. If you have any questions please ask; nothing motivates me more to write another chapter then reviews!

P.S.- HINT! HINT! Percy and Jason are not demi-gods in this. What are they you ask? You'll just have to tune in next time to find out! Love you guys!

**Cover photo drawn and edited by me**