Love is Free, not bought Chapter 3: Day 1, part 3, a percy jackson and the olympians fanfic

Hey guys. Sorry for the late update...again. I've been really busy. Band, practice for band, something was up with my sister. Oh, and I went to 6 flags! If you've never been there or don't know what it is, it's a roller coaster/amusement park/water park place, and some of the rides are named after superheroes like the 'Superman', there are 2 batman rides, but you have to go on Raging Bull if you go there and 'Superman', maybe Goliath too, but it has a very long line. It was pretty fun and I went really early so the line for Goliath wasn't that long, so we had to wait like 45 minutes rather than 95. I went with a friend too, yes, I have friends.

My sister got her license today. That isn't a good thing though. I'm scared to ride with her when my mom or dad is there, just imagine only the two of us. *Shudders* Anyway, Thanks to;

My followers: HispanicThug, greekgeekgirlbro, HispanicThug(I think you've followed me multiple times already, but I liked to be loved so I'll put it up again), and HispanicThug. For the third time. I feel loved guys! *Happy tears fall from face* At least by HispanicThug. Everyone else, step up your game, jk, I'm kidding.

My favorites: greekgeekgirlbro

My story followers: Luesol, jso3647, Vegetaisabadass, those-that-wander, s693221, emilianolorenzo1, Nerdy pandas forever, Rowel. Reyna. 14, Percabeth8899, PUGA1414, sunnykaren1, mariaclara1400, jmslunsford, jadejackson44, ExpertNewbs, greekgeekgirlbro

My story favorites: jso3647, Vegetaisabadass, s693221, PUGA1414, sunnykaren1, XxDarkDalekXx, greekgeekgirlbro

The Reviewers! (Really, thanks to those who actually do it and don't just read it. It keeps me going):

jso3647: I didn't answer it in this chapter but I will.

Biaxbm: I love to torment people, as you can tell. Here is the update you have been waiting for, enjoy!

Guardian'sDragonOfDeath: Thanks. I'm happy you like it.

PUGA1414: (In minion voice, from despicable me) What?

sunnykaren1: Thank you. I'm glad you like it.

pjojellybeans/CrazyPeopleLikeMe: I guess you'll just have to find out. *evil grin* Also, thank you for your ideas, YOU GOT TO KNOW HOW THE OTHER CHARACTERS COME IN. Sorry, I wanted people to see this and be jealous of you.

XxDarkDalekXx: Thank you for sharing your ideas with me, AND YOU WERE REWARDED WITH HOW THE OTHER CHARACTERS COME INTO THE STORY! Sorry, I just wanted other people to see this and be jealous of you because you info on the story and not them because THEY DIDN'T GIVE SUGGESTIONS LIKE YOU! Okay I'm done now.

PunksNotDeadYouAre: Thank you also for giving me your ideas. YOU WERE ALSO REWARED THE KNOWLEDGE OF HOW THE CHARACTERS COME IN! Sorry, I wanted others to see this and to be jealous of you too.

greekgeekgirlbro: Yeah for me! I've made you speechless. That is ama-Zhang. PUNNY, HAHAHA! K, I'm done. I'm weird, you'll get used to it.

HUGE THANKS TO pjojellybeans/CrazyPeopleLikeMe, XxDarkDalekXx, AND PunksNotDeadYouAre. YOU GUYS GAVE ME SUGGESTIONS AND WERE REWARDED WITH THE INFOMATION OF HOW THE CHARACTERS WILL BE COMING IN. TOO BAD FOR EVERYONE ELSE.

SORRY, GUYS. I LOVE YOU ALL. JUST REVIEW AND ANSWER THE QUESTION NEXT TIME, PLEASE?

*SIGH* Now with much pain in my aching back and stressful day, here is chapter 3 of "Love is Free, not Bought"!

Chapter 3.

~Annabeth's pov~

Percy came through the door. He found me, tears streaming down my face, arms and legs tied up. He shushed me and wiped my tears. He pulled the gag out of my mouth.

"I'll get you out of here. I just need you to work with me. Where's Gabe?" He said the man's name with such disgust.

"My bedroom. He-he said he w-was getting ready." I broke down into tears. Percy kissed my forehead and hushed me.

"Stay here." He put the gag back in my mouth and I mumbled for him to come back.

That's when I heard the heavy footsteps.

"Alright you devil girl. Come with me." The man picked me up so I was on his shoulder, my feet by his front half and my head at his back. I looked at Percy who was hiding in the kitchen. He crept up the stairs behind us, the drunk man carrying me unaware of him following us. I watched Percy as he followed us, my heart beating fast from the situation I was in. Percy grabbed my hand and looked me in the eyes, almost telling me that he won't fail me now. At the top of the stairs, the man almost fell back down, but somehow managed to stay up.

He went into my room and threw me on the bed. I felt something hit my back when I landed. I looked behind me and found something I had never experienced before.

Chains.

I began to panic. What if the man knocked out Percy, my only way of escape?

"See what you did you stupid girl? You gave me this!" I saw a red scratch on the side of his face. Blood produced from the ripped flesh.

"Now you'll pay." He said, leaning down. His stinky mouth was an inch away from mine.

Where was Percy?

I spit in the man's face and head butted him, he retreated.

"Ugh! You stupid, stupid...idiotic girl." He bellowed.

"She's not stupid or idiotic, you are! Now, don't you dare touch my Wise Girl!" Percy yelled. Gabe (that must have been his name since that's what percy called him) didn't even have time to turn around before Percy whacked him in the head with a beer bottle, probably from my kitchen. Gabe fell forward, but Percy grabbed him before he fell on top of me. I rolled off my bed and Percy dropped Gabe, as if totally forgotten as he hit the floor with a thud. He came over to me, concern clear on his face.

"I'm sorry I took so long. I just had to wait for the right moment." He said as he pulled the gag out of my mouth for the second time today. He pulled out a knife and started cutting the rope keeping my arms and legs tied together.

"It's fine. As long as I didn't have to go through with that. Thank you." He cut me free of my bondages. He looked into my eyes.

"No problem. Come on, grab a bag. Pack some stuff, were leaving." He commanded me.

"Wh-what?"

"I'm not leaving you here Annabeth. If your family put you up to this-"

"It was my stepmom, no one else knows." I stood up and walked to my closet, pulling out two bags. I didn't disagree with him when he said we were going to leave, I just stated the facts of the situation.

"It doesn't matter, I'm not letting you stay here when-what are you doing?"

"I didn't argue with you. I'm not staying here. I just told you who's fault this really is." He walked over to the window.

"No one yet, but we need to hurry."

"Top shelf, there are more bags. On the floor in the back are two suitcases. One is inside the other-wait, we are riding on your motorcycle." Percy walked over to the closet and got everything I asked for out.

"What are you-"

"How do you think he got here?" Percy walked over to Gabe and took the keys off his belt. He shook them so they clanked together.

"Where should I start?" He asked.

"Get everything in the closet in the suitcases, then get the things in that dresser, start from the bottom and make your way up. I don't even care if it's a mess for me to clean later."

About half an hour later everything was packed. Books, clothes, all the countless other things in

my room. I went into the bathroom and got a fresh toothbrush, a brush, and other toiletries. I went in my parent's room and went in my stepmom's dresser. I took about seven hundred dollars but decided to take the rest of the cash. I stuffed it in my pocket and walked back into my room. I put everything I had collected into yet another bag and Percy looked out of the window.

"Someone's here." I walked over to the window and saw my stepmother pulling into the driveway. The sun had gone down so it would be easy for us to sneak away.

"Back window." I told Percy. He used a sheet to get down and I began throwing my stuff out of the window.

"Annabeth?" I only had one thing left to throw. I pushed it out. I decide to grab the sheets on my bed and threw them down as well. I heard footsteps, she was coming up the stairs.

"Jump, I'll catch you." Percy commanded me.

"Are you insane?"

"Maybe..."

"That's reassuring."

"I will catch you, I promise." I took one foot off the windowsill.

"Swear on the River Styx."

"What is the-nevermind, I swear on the River Styx."

"Annabeth, are you up?" I heard my stepmother say. Her tone was devious and mocking, she didn't care for me at all. I wouldn't let her see me. She didn't deserve to see me after all she did to me. She wasn't worthy. I jumped forward.

One.

Two.

Three.

Four seconds I was in the air.

Five seconds and I was safe in Percy's warm arms, which wrapped around me, protecting me from the cool breeze. He buried his head in my hair.

"Annabeth!" Was heard up above in my room, followed by a gasp.

"We should go." Percy said putting me down. He picked up most of my things and ran to a car, I picked up the rest of my stuff and followed him. He took the things from me and put them in the car.

"Here, take my bike."

"Wh-what?"

"I don't think you want to drive this car." He said.

"Okay, fine." I turned to run.

"Annabeth?" I turned.

"You have driven a motorcycle before, right?"

"My dad has a motorcycle and he taught me, but no." I turned again.

"Annabeth." I was frustrated now. I wanted to leave this place, it was full of bad memories. I turned and Percy's lips meet mine. I felt the fireworks again and butterflies flew around in my stomach. He pulled away, in my opinion, too early.

"I-I'm sorry." He got in the car and I stood there paralyzed for a minute. I ran to the motorcycle and started it up. My hand flew to my lips, they tingled. A smile found its way across my face and I followed Percy as he drove to his house. Percy's mother was waiting when we got there.

"Percy! Thank goodness you're okay. Annabeth, I hope you're in even better shape." She said as she hugged Percy.

"Yes, no harm done."

"Mom, Annabeth can't go home."

"I can't think of a better place she could be. Did you even offer for her to stay here?"

"Annabeth, would you like to stay here?" He asked, turning towards me.

"Your mom said it, there isn't a better place I could be."

"Well you two must be hungry." She walked into the house, looking down the street before entering.

"Sorry for the mess. My...husband had a tantrum before he left." The house itself was nice. Beautiful even except for the trash and items thrown all over the place.

"Mom, we packed up Annabeth's room. Everything is in the car." Percy whispered, obviously trying to keep it a secret from me.

"That bad? Go get her things, if he comes back for the car, she won't have anything." She whispered back. Percy stepped to the side and let me pass. I made eye contact with him as I passed. He smiled at me, I returned it and watched him walk out of the door.

Sally went to the kitchen. She dug around in the refrigerator and told me I could take a seat at the island table.

"I can make spaghetti..." She searched around in the kitchen for food.

"That will do, thank you." She began her work.

"Percy must like you a lot."

"What? No, we're just friends...I was the first friend he made."

The door opened and Percy walked through, carrying some of my bags, and walking up a staircase.

"When Percy was young he didn't have many friends. Never brought anyone home, never went to visit anyone's house, just came straight home after school. When people saw he could play soccer, the girls were all over him, the guys wanted to be his friend. Percy however, saw through them. He is a good judge of character." Percy came down the stairs and back outside.

"He let you ride his motorcycle too. He never let Calypso do that."

"Calypso?"

"His old girlfriend."

"Oh."

"He told me that she asked once, he made an excuse of course. I doubt he would let me ride on it, although it's not my style and he probably wouldn't want me to get hurt."

"He didn't want me to take the car." Sally was quiet for a minute. She looked at the food, a frown on her face. She looked up with a smile.

"I find it quite incredible that you don't see Percy's concern and interest in you." This caught me off guard.

"What was in that car that he didn't want me to see?" Percy walked in and we both turned towards him. He was startled when he saw us looking at him. He stopped, looked between the two of us, then walked to the stairs, still watching us with a puzzled look on his face. When Sally was sure he had left, she continued.

"Maybe you just mean more to him than Calypso." She didn't answer my question.

"What about Calypso?" A voice said from the stairs.

"Nothing. Just telling Annabeth about your old girlfriend."

"Ugh, how much did you tell her?" Percy asked, sitting down at the island table.

"Don't worry, Seaweed Brain, nothing embarrassing. Just that you had a girlfriend named Calypso."

"Hmm." Sally laughed.

"What?" Percy asked.

"What a cute little nickname." I blushed, Percy did the same, but more out of embarrassment.

"What else did she tell you? About Ca-Calypso." He stuttered.

"Nothing, just that you had a girlfriend." He seemed to swallow a lump in his throat.

"Oh. Okay. I guess I should get the rest of the stuff then." He got up and went outside.

"He doesn't want you to know about his ex-girlfriend. How cute, he gets embarrassed around you."

"What are you saying ?" I asked nicely.

"Oh, don't listen to me, I'm just a babbling older lady, but I think Percy might see you as one day being more than a friend." I turned even more red than before.

Was I the only one not able to see it? Piper had told me that Percy liked me, Percy's mom, Sally, almost seemed eager for me to be his girlfriend.

Surely the kisses Percy had given me today weren't brotherly kisses. They were amazing, the feeling of his lips on mine was too good for words.

And he had kissed me multiple times today. I just didn't know if I could go through with it.

Sure, Percy seemed nice. His mother was just as caring, so he was probably taught well, but after what I had gone through today, I was frightened. Of all men. What if Percy was just like them? What if he seemed nice but hurt me? Or what if he just wants to get close to me so he can do what the other men almost did? Now that I was at his house, he would be at the advantage.

No Percy isn't like that. He always said sorry after he kissed me, knowing I was uncomfortable with the situation. Right on cue. Percy walked through the door, carrying my suitcases. He dragged them up the stairs and came back down.

See, he was nice. He brought all of my things from my room into his house with no help or asking anyone to help him. He is also keeping me safe from my crazy stepmother.

He sat at the table again and rested his head on the table.

"Percy, this is a table. Not a pillow. I'm making food." Percy pulled up his head and smiled sheepishly at his mom. He rubbed his forehead, then brushed back his wild black hair before getting up and laying on the couch. I watched him snuggle into the cushions and close his beautiful green eyes, his long eyelashes fluttering as they touched each other. I watched him and felt a slight nudge on my arm.

I turned to find Sally with a mischievous smile on her face, one eyebrow raised and gesturing to go by Percy. She winked and pulled a pot out from a cabinet. I got up and walked over to Percy. I sat in the recliner near Percy's head and used my finger to brush some of his hair out of his face. His eyes opened and focused on me.

"Hey Wise Girl."

"Hey Seaweed Brain."

"What's up?"

"Thank you. For everything. From the beginning of the day. For being at the door so I smacked into you, for watching out for me, for being my friend even though people said some lies that you totally could have believed." I looked at the floor.

"No problem. Besides, I like to hear it from the person that is being talked about, to see if it's true. Lies can get ugly and gets people nowhere." I smiled, looking up.

"Why do you have to be such a dang perfect guy." He smiled and winked, still resting his head on his pillow.

"Just a natural charmer." We laughed and I could have sworn I saw Sally smile from the corner of my eye.

We stared into each other's eyes and I grabbed his hand. I could feel Percy's eyes on me as I looked at our intertwined hands. We stayed there until Sally told us it was time to eat. We eat in silence for the most part. A few questions of how the first day went came up.

"This is delicious . Thank you."

"Yeah, thanks mom." Percy said.

"You don't have to call me , Annabeth. It's weird. Just call me Sally." I almost asked why but saw the humor in her eyes. She looked between me and Percy. Then tapped her left ring finger on the table.

She thought one day I would be the next ' '.

To my surprise, I didn't choke on my food or think it strange that she thought of me as her future daughter-in-law, but blushed and gave a light laugh. I couldn't make eye contact with Percy, but I did anyway.

I looked up and watched as Percy stuffed a forkful of spaghetti into his mouth, totally oblivious to conversation his mother and I were having. As he slurped the noodles into his mouth, sauce flew and landed on his cheek. I laughed and he looked at me.

"Hey Percy, stay still." I grabbed a napkin and cleaned Percy's face of the sauce.

"Uh, thanks." Percy said, blushing so bright, he had turned redder than the sauce. I smiled and finished my food.

"Do you want some more, Annabeth?" Sally asked.

"Oh, no. I'm alright."

"Okay. Percy, when you finish, why don't you show Annabeth where she will be sleeping."

"Sure, why not."

"Do you need help with the dishes?" I asked.

"No, there aren't many. It's getting late anyway. You two should get ready for bed soon." Percy finished and grabbed both my plate and his own, then brought them to the sink. He wiped his mouth, kissed his mom on the cheek and we headed up the stairs. We entered a room, the walls were painted blue and my bags and suitcases were in a spot in the corner, out of the way.

"Okay, so the guest room wasn't set up so you'll be staying in my room tonight. I'll be sleeping down stairs on the couch to make sure nothing happens-I mean, so if you need anything you'll know where to-"

"Percy, could you stay with me, up here?" As soon as I said it, I wanted to slap myself.

"Uh...sure. You can have the bed, I'll be by the end of the bed so don't step on me during the night." He sounded uncertain.

"No, I mean, could you sleep with me?"

"Uh, are you sure you want to-"

"You do know what I mean right. Just-"

"Yeah, yeah, of course. I just don't want to have my nose broken in the middle of the night if I move and startle you."

The room right then and there got awkward.

"So I'll go get another pillow and..."

"Yeah..." I replied. He grabbed some stuff from a drawer of his and left the room. I couldn't believe what I had just asked of Percy.

Maybe it seemed strange to my brain, but my heart said something different. His warm arms around me, protecting me after falling from my windowsill. His soft lips on mine after the ice cream shop, at my house, and in the street before leaving my house. He was very comforting. Percy came back with his pajamas on, dark blue pajama pants and a white tee shirt, a toothbrush hanging from his mouth. He tossed a pillow on the bed and I placed it next to the other one. He had a small bed, a twin, but it looked long enough to keep his feet from hanging off the bed.

He exited the room and I grabbed a pair of pajamas from one of my bags, along with a toothbrush. A light blue tank top with a green shirt to cover it, and long, gray pajama pants. Percy came back into the room and showed me to the bathroom. I changed and brushed my teeth. When I got back into his room, Percy was sitting on the bed.

"Are you sure you want me to...you know, sleep with you tonight? I drool horribly." I wanted to say no but my heart prevented me.

"Yes. Please?" He sighed but smiled.

"Love the colors by the way."

"What?"

"Blue is my favorite color. That shirt looks like the color of my eyes and the gray from your pants mirrors your eyes perfectly."

It was true, the color of my shirt was the exact color of his sea green eyes.

I yawned, Percy returned it.

"So shall we?" I asked.

"I guess." He got up and pulled the covers down. He walked over to the other side and I got in. Percy got in next, his warmth immediately making me shudder.

"Wh-what's wrong?"

"You're warm." I said.

"Do you want another blanket?" Just as I was about to snuggle in, Percy got out of his bed and stood up.

"Percy, why are you so nervous? It's not like we are going to do anything." He exhaled and paced near the bed.

"I just don't want you to feel uncomfortable with all the events that happened to you today." I grabbed Percy's hand and he looked me in the eye.

"Percy, please. I'll be fine, just sleep." I told him. He closed his eyes and shook his head, but slowly made his way back into the bed.

Next to him, I stretched and turned towards Percy, placing my hand on his chest.

"A-are you sure you don't want the blanket?"

"Nope. This is perfectly fine." I said bringing my hands up and wrapping them around his neck.

"O-okay." I felt his hands touch my back and I shook. Percy stopped and pulled his hands back.

"No, put them there." He hesitated but put them on my back, bring me closer.

"I think I owe you something." I said.

"What do you-" I cut him off with a kiss.

"You gave me two kisses, now I gave you my second. Don't think you can start giving all the first kisses, Seaweed Brain." I put my head in his chest and fell asleep to his natural smell. Sea salt.

But not before I heard him say something.

He brought his chin to my forehead, I was on the edge of consciousness and unconscious. I tightened my grip, hoping he would stay. I felt him twirling a strand of my hair.

Then he said something I didn't have the guts to say.

"I'm never giving up on you Annabeth. I promise." He kissed my forehead and I smiled slightly.

"I...I love you."

~Percy's pov~

I cautiously stepped into the house and closed the door quietly. The first thing I saw was Annabeth on the floor, thankfully with her clothes on. Tears were spilling down her face and her arms and leg were tied. I made sure no one else was in the room and stepped over to her. I kneeled down, shushed her and wiped her tears. I pulled the gag out of her mouth.

"I'll get you out of here. I just need you to work with me. Where's Gabe." I put as much disgust into his name as I could.

"My bedroom. He-he said he w-was getting ready." She stuttered, as tears poured down her face. Before I knew what I was doing, I kissed Annabeth's forehead and hushed her again. I heard footsteps on the stairs.

"Stay here." I put the gag back into her mouth and I heard her mumble. I hid in the kitchen and looked around for something to cut the rope on Annabeth's wrists and ankles. Her eyes widened when she heard the footsteps. I silently looked in the drawers, desperate to find a knife or pair of scissors.

"Alright you devil girl. Come with me." I saw Gabe grab Annabeth harshly and carry her over his shoulder. If her feet weren't bound, she probably could have kicked him in the face.

Then again, if she wasn't bound, she could have run out of the house and away from the smelly creep.

I found a knife and I saw Annabeth look into the kitchen, eyes still wide. As I was coming out of the kitchen to follow them, I found a bottle of beer on the table. I walked up the stairs behind them. Gabe was way too drunk to even hear me walking after him.

Annabeth looked at me again, her breathing jagged and staggered. I grabbed Annabeth's hand and looked into her eyes. I could tell she was frightened. I tried to tell her that I would do whatever I needed to do to get her out of this with my eyes. At the top of the stairs, Gabe almost fell back and trampled me, but he regained his balance.

I honestly didn't know if it was a good thing or a bad thing.

Pro: He probably could have knocked himself out.

Con: Annabeth or I could have gotten hurt.

I followed him until he went into a room. I stayed in the dark hallway to hide. I watched him throw Annabeth onto her bed and watched as she landed right on top of some chains.

He really didn't want her to get away. Just like he did with me, but when he hit me.

I was all too familiar with these chains. He would lock you up tightly, leaving bruises on your ankles and wrists. He would chain you to the floor and stand over you, laughing, punch after punch, cut after cut, until you couldn't take it anymore. Until you were near death.

I could see a new fear enter Annabeth's eyes.

"See what you did you stupid girl? You gave me this!" I watched as Gabe turned his head and saw multiple red scratches with blood dripping from them.

"Now you'll pay." Gabe said. He leaning down and closed his eyes. I made my way into the room, right behind him. I lifted the bottle but quickly pulled it back as his head came back up quickly. Too quickly.

I had heard a sound as if someone had spit and then a loud "knock" sound, like someone hitting something, like two hard heads smacking into each other.

"Ugh! You stupid, stupid, idiotic girl." Gabe roared. I grew furious. How dare he say anything like that to Annabeth. He wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed, while Annabeth was the smartest one in this room.

This was my moment to strike. But I almost couldn't do it. He would always come back for me, hurt me even worse than he had ever done before. I could almost see him grabbing a knife and stabbing at me, just like he had done before, this time, not letting me off easy. I could see him breaking my leg again, the first time almost resulted in me not being allowed to play soccer, ever again.

But this was for Annabeth. She was caught in the middle of this and I couldn't let her down. I couldn't.

I can't.

"She's not stupid or idiotic, you are! Now, don't you dare touch my Wise Girl!" I yelled.

The nickname was awful, but at least it was better than "smart girl".

Did I say "my"? As in MY Wise Girl, MY Annabeth?

Before Gabe could turn, I smashed the beer bottle into Gabe's head. It was so easy to do it too. If I would have been looking him in the eyes, I probably wouldn't be able to knock him out. He probably would have hit me and punched me, either until I was knocked out, or told me I was useless, stupid, a weakling, for not being able to hit him and fight like a man.

He always did and I believed every word.

He began to fall forward but I grabbed him before he landed on Annabeth. I let go of him as soon as he was falling another way and watched as Annabeth rolled off her bed. I nearly tripped as I made my way to Annabeth, worry shown on my face.

"I'm sorry I took so long. I just had to wait for the right moment." I pulled the gag out of her mouth and took the knife out of my back pocket. I started cutting at the ropes that looked tight on her wrists and ankles.

I noticed that her ankles and wrists looked like mine whenever Gabe would tie me up and beat me. In other words, it's not a pretty look.

"It's fine. As long as I didn't have to go through with that. Thank you." I cut all the ropes and looked into her eyes.

"No problem. Come on, grab a bag. Pack some stuff, were leaving." I told her. I had to take her with me. There was no way I was leaving her here where she could get hurt.

"Wh-what?"

"I'm not leaving you here Annabeth. If your family put you up to this-"

"It was my stepmom, no one else knows." She stood and walked away. At first I thought she was going downstairs but she went to her closet. She got out two bags.

"It doesn't matter, I'm not letting you stay here when-what are you doing?" I asked.

"I didn't argue with you. I'm not staying here. I just told you who's fault this really is." I walked to the window to see if anyone pulled in the driveway.

"No one yet, but we need to hurry."

"Top shelf, there are more bags. On the floor in the back are two suitcases. One is inside the other-wait, we are riding on your motorcycle." I got all the things Annabeth had asked for, and pulled them out of the closet.

"What are you-"

"How do you think he got here?" I walked over to the unconscious man and took the keys off his belt. I made them jiggle and clank together.

"Where should I start?" I asked.

"Get everything in the closet in the suitcases, then get the things in that dresser, start from the bottom and make your way up. I don't even care if it's a mess for me to clean later."

It took half an hour, but we finished packing up her room. Annabeth left and came back a minute later with a toothbrush, a hair brush, and a small bag of other girl necessities. She stuffed it all in another bag. There was easily more than twenty bags, and some of the bags were huge. I looked outside, it was dark out and I watched as a car came pulling in to Annabeth's driveway.

"Someone's here." Annabeth walked over and stood next to me at the window.

"Back window." I grabbed a sheet and lowered myself down, into Annabeth's back yard. Annabeth began tossing her things out of the window, where I caught them.

"Annabeth?" I heard from inside of the house. Annabeth pushed another bag out of the window and threw down her sheets. Annabeth was by the window, a panicked look on her face. Her stepmom was coming up the stairs.

"Jump, I'll catch you."

"Are you insane?" She asked.

"Maybe..." I admitted.

"That's reassuring."

"I will catch you, I promise." Annabeth took one foot off the windowsill. Then she hesitated.

"Swear on the River Styx."

"What is the-nevermind, I swear on the River Styx." I said.

"Annabeth, are you up?" I wanted to climb back up there as soon as I heard her stepmother's voice. Her voice was teasing. She believed Annabeth had been taken advantage of, so she used a mocking tone to make fun of her. I didn't even see Annabeth jump off, all I saw a fast movement coming towards me from above and I got to the right position to catch her as carefully as I could, trying not to cause her any pain.

As soon as Annabeth was in my arms, I wrapped them around her and used my body heat to keep her warm from the cool breeze. I buried my head in her hair. Her wonderful smelling hair.

"Annabeth!" We heard and then a gasp.

"We should go." I put her down and picked up most of her stuff. I ran to the familiar car and unlocked it. I hurriedly placed the things inside and Annabeth appeared beside me. I tried to block her view as best as I could. I grabbed the rest of her things and threw them in.

"Here, take my bike." I commanded her.

"Wh-what?"

"I don't think you want to drive this car." I had seen the inside and it wasn't pretty. Chains, handcuffs, ropes. Much much more disturbing things that I was thankful he didn't get to use on Annabeth. Plus, I wanted her to be safe.

I remembered Calypso. She had wanted to drive my bike. I never let her. I loved the bike more than I loved her, but with Annabeth, I didn't care if my bike was damaged, I wanted her safe.

"Okay, fine."

"Annabeth?" She turned towards me.

"You have driven a motorcycle right?" Okay, so I liked my bike. Annabeth was more important but I had saved forever for that thing.

"My dad has a motorcycle and he taught me, but no." She'll be fine, we needed to leave. Just one more thing. I stood, getting out of the smelly car.

"Annabeth." As she turned I could see an annoyed look on her face. I kissed her before she even knew what was happening. I could have melted right there in her arms. I remembered what Jason had said and realized I liked, maybe loved Annabeth, a lot. Not even Calypso made me feel this good, and she could kiss. I saw this wasn't fair to Annabeth, she had just been through something terrifying, and I was probably sparking the fear inside her again.

"I-I'm sorry." I got in the car and looked at the steering wheel, but Annabeth didn't move. Finally she ran to the motorcycle and I saw her touch her lips and smile. Then we were off. I drove straight home, feeling stupid about the kiss I gave Annabeth, even if she had smiled. My mom was waiting on the steps in front of the house.

"Percy! Thank goodness you're okay. Annabeth, I hope you're in even better shape."

Wow. Her own kid man. Just kidding, I love my mom.

"Yes, no harm done." Annabeth said

"Mom, Annabeth can't go home." I cut in.

"I can't think of a better place she could be. Did you even offer for her to stay here?" Of course, why didn't I think about asking her to stay with us? Honestly, I hadn't even thought of where Annabeth would go. I just wanted her out of that house.

"Annabeth, would you like to stay here?" I asked, facing her.

"Your mom said it, there isn't a better place I could be."

"Well you two must be hungry." My mom went to the door and looked down the street, probably for Gabe.

"Sorry for the mess. My...husband had a tantrum before he left." My mom had that disgusted edge in her tone. I felt somewhat embarrassed Annabeth had to see my house like this. My mom always kept it spotless.

"Mom, we packed up Annabeth's room. Everything is in the car." I tried to whisper to my mom without Annabeth hearing.

"That bad? Go get her things, if he comes back for the car, she won't have anything." She whispered back to me. I stepped out of Annabeth way and let her pass, her eyes locking on mine as I gave her a smile and she gave one back. Then I walked outside. I grabbed a bunch of things, hoping to only take a few trips and not being out of the house for too long. They could be talking about anything in there.

And to prove my point, when I walked in, it was silent between them until I past. Then upstairs, I heard them continue their conversation. I came back downstairs after putting all of the stuff I brought up in the corner of my room and back outside. Once again quiet. I grabbed more bags.

I walked in again and found both my mom and Annabeth looking at me. I stopped in my tracks and looked between them. Annabeth just looked curious, my mom tried to make me go upstairs. I gave them both a confused look and walked up the stairs. This time I hurried so I could hear what they were saying.

"...than Calypso." I heard.

"What about Calypso?" I asked coming down the stairs.

"Nothing. Just telling Annabeth about your old girlfriend."

"Ugh, how much did you tell her?" I came into view and sat down at the table.

"Don't worry, Seaweed Brain, nothing embarrassing. Just that you had a girlfriend named Calypso." Annabeth said, my mother's face light up.

"Hmm." She laughed.

"What?" I asked my mom.

"What a cute little nickname." Mine and Annabeth's faces turned bright red, me out of embarrassment, Annabeth? She had a faint smile on her face that she probably didn't even notice she was wearing.

"What else did she tell you? About Ca-Calypso." I stuttered, turning my attention to Annabeth.

"Nothing, just that you had a girlfriend." I tried my best to swallow, it was hard all of a sudden.

"Oh. Okay. I guess I should get the rest of the stuff then." I got up and went back to the car.

Why would my mom be telling Annabeth about Calypso?

...unless...

Did Annabeth ask if I used to have a girlfriend? Or if I had one now? I could only see one outcome for either of those questions, Jason was right.

Annabeth must have some sort of feelings for me. The blushing, the kisses, the nicknames. Neither of us probably knew until now that we had some feelings for each other. I walked in, up the stairs and back down. Everyone was quiet. I sat next to Annabeth at the table and put my head down, testing Annabeth to see if she would do or say anything to me.

She didn't have enough time.

"Percy, this is a table. Not a pillow. I'm making food." My mother said. I sat up and smiled at my mom, embarrassed. I rubbed my forehead and brushed my fingers through my hair and noticed how tired I was. I got up and traveled to the couch, I got comfy laying on the cushions, facing the open end of the couch. Today was too crazy.

I heard my mom pull out a pot and seconds later I felt a presence nearby. I felt the wind move like someone had just walked by and suddenly, the air felt warmer. Something touched my forehead lightly and moved my wild hair out of my eyes. I opened my eyes and found Annabeth staring at me.

"Hey Wise Girl."

"Hey Seaweed Brain."

"What's up?" I asked.

"No problem. Besides, I like to hear it from the person that is being talked about, to see if it's true. Lies can get ugly and gets people nowhere." She looked up at me and smiled.

"Why do you have to be such a dang perfect guy." I smiled at her comment and winked, my head sideways from resting it on the pillow.

"Just a natural charmer." We both laughed.

I looked at Annabeth, she was still laughing, her eyes closed, and her hand at her mouth. She was beautiful. How could anyone hurt her? From Luke to Annabeth's stepmother.

How could they?

After a few minutes of just looking at each other and holding hands, my mom called us over and we eat spaghetti. My mom asked how our day was but otherwise, it was quiet almost the whole time.

"This is delicious . Thank you."

"Yeah, thanks mom." I said.

"You don't have to call me , Annabeth. It's weird. Just call me Sally." I saw my mom tapping her finger on the table, her ring finger. Annabeth gave a small laugh and I eat my spaghetti. I slurped them into my mouth and felt something hit my cheek. I was going to wipe it when Annabeth laughed again. I looked up at her.

"Hey Percy, stay still." She reached for a napkin and wiped my face, cleaning it for me.

"Uh, thanks." I blushed. Annabeth smiled and went back to finishing her food.

"Do you want some more, Annabeth?" My mom asked.

"Oh, no. I'm alright."

"Okay. Percy, when you finish, why don't you show Annabeth where she will be sleeping."

"Sure, why not." I shrugged.

"Do you need help with the dishes?" Annabeth asked.

"No, there aren't many. It's getting late anyway. You two should get ready for bed soon." I took my last bite and grabbed both mine and Annabeth's plates and forks. I took them to the sink and wiped my mouth with a napkin. I kissed my mom on the cheek and I walked up the stairs, Annabeth behind me. I walked into my room and turned. Annabeth looked around.

"Percy, could you stay with me, up here?" Annabeth cut me off. She had a surprised look on her face, like she hadn't meant to say that.

"Uh...sure. You can have the bed, I'll be by the end of the bed on the floor, so don't step on me during the night." I said uncertainly.

"No, I mean, could you sleep with me?"

"Uh, are you sure you want to-"

"You do know what I mean right. Just-"

"Yeah, yeah, of course. I just don't want to have my nose broken in the middle of the night if I move and startle you." I said awkwardly.

The room was suddenly quiet and I wanted to break the silence.

"So I'll go get another pillow and..."

"Yeah..." Annabeth said. I grabbed some pajamas from my dresser and went to the bathroom. As I changed, I thought about Annabeth. She asked me to sleep next to her. I honestly wasn't so sure about it.

And after what she has been through tonight, and probably countless other times, wouldn't she be a little overjoyed if she wasn't around a guy for a while? I put on my dark blue pajama pants and a white tee shirt, normally I don't wear a shirt but for Annabeth's sake, I did. I began brushing my teeth and walked back to my room, on the way, grabbing a pillow. I threw it on the bed next to Annabeth, who laid it down by the other pillow.

I left the room again, finished brushing my teeth and walked back into my room. Annabeth was waiting with some pajamas and a toothbrush so I showed her the bathroom. I went back to my room.

Then I sat.

Waiting.

I didn't get comfortable, or climb into my bed and tangle in the sheets. No, Annabeth probably would have been totally creeped out if I tried to get her inside when I already was. I didn't try to pull what that man did tonight. I didn't want to, it was so wrong.

Too soon enough, Annabeth came back. She wore a light blue tank top underneath a sea green shirt and gray pajama pants.

"Are you sure you want me to...you know, sleep with you tonight? I drool horribly." I said, hoping she would say no since I drooled.

"Yes. Please?" I sighed and looked at her pajamas again.

"Love the colors by the way."

"What?"

"Blue is my favorite color. That shirt looks like the color of my eyes and the gray from your pants mirrors your eyes perfectly." At the moment, they were a soft, warm gray, like her pants, but I knew when she was angry, they could turn into a cold, dark gray.

She yawned, and I copied her without trying to.

"So shall we?" She asked.

"I guess." I pulled the covers off and walked to the other side of the bed. I let her get in and then I did. Then Annabeth shivered.

"Wh-what's wrong?" I asked, hoping I didn't do anything she didn't want me to.

"You're warm." She answered me.

"Do you want another blanket?" Annabeth was going to come closer to me but I quickly got up and away, standing at the end of the bed.

"Percy, why are you so nervous? It's not like we are going to do anything." I breathed in and paced beside the bed.

"I just don't want you to feel uncomfortable with all the events that happened to you today." I stopped suddenly when Annabeth grabbed hold of my hand, I looked into her eyes.

"Percy, please. I'll be fine, just sleep." She reassured me. I closed my eyes and shook my head, asking myself if this was the right thing to do.

This is for Annabeth. She wants you to do this, she asked you to. Do it for her. I looked at her wrist and remembered what Gabe had done. I had to do this for her.

I gave in and slowly made my way back into the bed. Once I was comfortable, Annabeth stretched next to me and rested her hands on my chest. I grew uneasy.

"A-are you sure you don't want the blanket?" I stuttered.

"Nope. This is perfectly fine." She brought her hands up to my neck, wrapping them around it.

"O-okay." I stuttered again. I then realized something. She was comfortable, so...she wants this?

Actually, I'm quite fine with it.

I brought my hands to her back but pulled them back when she shuttered.

"No, put them there." I wasn't planning on it, but I placed them right back on her back, pulling her closer.

"I think I owe you something." She said suddenly.

"What do you-" I didn't get to finish my question before Annabeth interrupted me with a kiss.

"You gave me two kisses, now I gave you my second. Don't think you can start giving all the first kisses, Seaweed Brain." She put her head on my chest and instantly fell asleep.

Yet another kiss, what is that? 4? Annabeth had to like me. She just kissed me, wiped my face at the table, right in front of my mom too...my mom.

She had tapped her ring finger, on her left hand...oh mom.

She was telling Annabeth that maybe one day she could be a Jackson. How embarrassing. As I laid down next to Annabeth I felt uncomfortable again. Not because of her, but because of what my mom did. Then again, Annabeth laughed, she didn't choke or seem uncomfortable or anything.

If Annabeth had no problem kissing me after what my mom had done, maybe it didn't bother her.

And each time we kissed, I loved it with a passion. A passion so great, I wished I could kiss her forever. But then we need air.

Jason was right, I did want Annabeth to think of me as a guy that wouldn't be like the rest. I wanted to be hers, and her to be mine. No matter how hard I would have to try, I wouldn't give up. All the pain I might have to go through, I wouldn't give up, not for a second.

All because Annabeth was and is worth it.

I brought my chin up to her forehead and her grip on me tightened. I smiled and twirled a strand of her hair around my finger.

"I'm never giving up on you Annabeth. I promise." I kissed her forehead and I could have sworn I saw her smile.

"I...I love you."

How was it?

Question of the day: What in the world does the score on Snapchat mean? Maybe some of you techy or more involved people can tell me. I honestly don't really care about a score but it bothers me not to know.

Thanks for reading and Review please!