HEY GUYS, THE LAZIEST AUTHOR ON FF IS BACK!

Sorry I'm such an ass who kept you waiting... If you hadn't forgotten about emo Percy and Thor's hair that is.

Also, sorry I launched (or will launch) Percabeth on unsuspecting readers. heheheheh. I like canon things alright, pls support this snail

Hope you enjoy the new insight into Percy's character!

Percy shook his head as he stepped into the elevator, trying to forget about the short conversation (if you could even call it that) he had with his housemates. "Jarvis, Natasha's room please," he muttered, setting two bottles down on the floor before opening the third and hurriedly taking a drink. A chime sounded from above, the button for the 13th floor lighting up as the elevator smoothly lifted. Percy brushed his hair away from his face as he waited for the ride to end, briefly lost in thought. He knew he couldn't afford to be so easily shaken, but Stark's words had hit him in a sore spot. Percy knew the other man hadn't purposefully mentioned the devil, but the knowledge didn't lessen the pain.

"Sir?" prompted JARVIS. "We've arrived."

Percy was startled from his thoughts as he realized the doors had already slid open to reveal Natasha's kitchen. "Thanks," he said gruffly as he picked up the two bottles by his feet and stepped off the elevator. He strode past the dining table, pushing open the doors to the living room with his shoulder. "Drinks are here," he called as he entered the room, tossing bottles at the two spies sprawled on separate recliners.

Clint deftly caught the one tossed towards him, and stared at the label in confusion. "Hey, I think you grabbed the wrong one," he read in a loud voice, "'Natural artesian water'. This isn't beer."

Natasha snorted from her seat across the room, eyes glued to the screen as she opened her water. "Suck it up, He's keeping you healthy."

The archer sat with his mouth wide, protesting against the dietary restriction that was being forced onto him. "But we always have beer when we marathon movies!"

"But we're on call this time," warned Natasha. "I don't want to be responsible for wiping Clint splatter off a building or something just because we were drunk off our asses during a mission."

Percy stretched himself out on the sofa at the back of the room, yawning as he spoke. "And besides, water's good for your health," He grinned teasingly at the other man who was staring daggers at him. "You're getting up there, Clint. You've got to start watching yourself."

"Oh, shut up," Clint tossed a none-too-friendly pillow at Percy's head, which he caught easily. "You're not the baby you used to be either, you know."

Percy threw his head back as he laughed at the older man, eager to get his mind off his past before joining S.H.I.E.L.D. "I think you've forgotten, but we've only known each other for three years. Doubt I've changed much since then."

"That's where you're wrong, Perce," interrupted Natasha. "You've changed a lot. Who would've thought the idiot trainee from New York would become one of the few spies to hold a relationship for over a year before getting caught by Fury?"

Clint chuckled as he watched an embarrassed Percy bury his head in his hands. "Speaking of which, doesn't somebody have a date today?"

"Shit," Percy rolled off the couch and hurried to the door. "I almost forgot."

Natasha shook her head at his retreating figure. She jokingly yelled after him, "Don't get so comfortable; that's how you're going to lose her!"

A quick shower later, Percy was seated in the corner booth in a quiet café. He absentmindedly drummed his fingers on the side of his cup, staring at the rain as it splashed against the windowpane. The sidewalk was cramped, classic New York style, as businessmen and women rushed by each other under the crowded rafters to take shelter from the weather. The store itself was relatively empty, with an elderly couple and a bored barista as its only other occupants.

The door swung open with a soft jingle, and a woman wrapped in a blue scarf stepped inside. She shook out her umbrella and tucked it beneath her arm as she brushed her curly hair from her face. The sight sent a jolt to Percy's heart, bringing a small smile to his face as he watched her scan the room for him. "I'm here, Wise Girl," he called, breaking out into a full grin as she met eyes with him and walked over.

"Sorry I'm late," huffed Annabeth, pecking Percy on the cheek before sitting down across from him. "One of the interns forgot to call a client back and I had to deal with it."

"As long as you don't mind a latte." Percy said as he slid a cup across the table.

Annabeth practically groaned at the sight of the drink, taking a sip before closing her eyes. "I don't think I tell you 'I love you' often enough."

"No, you don't," laughed Percy, eyes crinkling into a soft smile as his girlfriend pouted at him and jokingly punched him in the arm. "Is the new project that stressful?"

"Understatement of the year," declared Annabeth, pulling her hair into a loose ponytail as she spoke. "The new interns are too scared to do anything useful, the clients don't understand even the basics of physics, and the coffee machine is broken."

"So the only problem is the coffee machine." Prompted by Annabeth's sarcastic laugh, Percy continued. "Seriously though! You complain about the interns every time, and you always get stuck with the unrealistic clients. It's just that coffee's not there for you anymore."

Annabeth only shrugged, cradling her chin in her hands as she stared at her boyfriend. "How's life at the tower?"

Percy leaned towards her, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "Still adjusting. I still get a little surprised when I wake up and you aren't next to me."

"Ew, Seaweed Brain," Annabeth grimaced. "How can you say that with a straight face?"

Percy grinned, eyes flashing in amusement as he cocked an arrogant eyebrow at Annabeth. "I think Clint and Nat are rubbing off on me. My poker-face game is insane."

"You can say that again." Annabeth held back a smile as she took a sip of her coffee. "I take it your tough guy act hasn't completely crumbled yet?"

Percy dropped all traces of emotion on his face, replying in monotone. "What act? I really don't care about anything but my missions and food."

Annabeth laughed, leaning back in her seat. "A simple 'no' would have sufficed. How's Thor been?"

Percy sighed heavily as he raked his fingers through his hair. "Well, he's stopped asking about the gods, so I guess you could call it an improvement."

Annabeth nodded, fiddling with the hair tie on her wrist as she thought. "Percy, when are you going to tell him everything?" She stared directly at him, gray eyes piercing.

Percy glanced away from Annabeth, choosing instead to watch the busy street on the other side of the window. "When I'm ready." He said finally, grip tightening around his cup.

Annabeth smiled softly, cocking her head to the side. "I had a feeling you'd say that."

Two loud beeps cut through the peaceful quiet of the cafe, jarring Percy out of his contemplation. He pulled his phone out of his pocket, glancing at the name blinking on the screen before taking the call. "Hey Natasha."

"Percy, we got a call from an agent at some pet store in lower Manhattan. Apparently there was a suspicious death that's right up your alley."

Percy huffed, immediately standing up and gathering his things. "Send me the address, I'll be there soon." He put his phone away, shrugging apologetically at Annabeth before opening his arms for a quick hug.

Annabeth nodded knowingly at Percy, slipping into his arms and muttering a soft "Be safe, Seaweed Brain," before pulling away.

Percy grinned, downing his now cold coffee before slipping on his jacket. "I'll try, Wise Girl. I'll text you when I finish." He kissed her on the cheek and gave a small wave as he exited the café. Percy swung onto his bike, glad he had parked somewhere underneath an overhand, before reading the address Nat had sent him. "'Cape Circeo's Island Pets'," he read aloud, brows furrowing in confusion. "It sounds familiar." Percy tensed slightly, having learned through experience to trust his instincts. He adjusted the gun he kept hidden in his waistband, making sure it was easily accessible even as he was riding.

My apologies to any Percabeth haters... Depending on how they're received by you guys, I may or may not take out Percabeth or just try to switch it to a platonic relationship heh

Those of you who've been with me from the start (or even the last chapter I think) will know of my tendency to go back and edit things a few chapters later. Hopefully the little summaries of the changes I've made that I put in the Author's Note for new updates helps out a bit! (they're usually insignificant, so bear with me fam)

I know this was a really long hiatus so I thank everyone who commented for being nice (or not dedicated..?) enough to cuss me out in the comments 3

Believe it or not, I do have a plot planned out. If things go well, there should be almost 20 chapters total for this story, but at my pace, that could take years. If I ever abandon this (which I most likely won't) or any of you think you'll either die or suddenly become unable to read my work, I'll post the rough outline I made.

Again, thank you everyone for reading, checking back, commenting, and everything else I love you for but that I can't remember right now... I'm sorry it took so long to get here, but thank you for returning!

.

(as big of an ass as I am, my old penname, icantwaitforever, was just too real ahah)

P.S. pls pity this poor snail and leave comments... 3 your comments make my day every time i read them 3 3 3

P.P.S. seriously I cannot stress this enough. sorry I made you all wait so long! and thank you for reading this far!

P.P.P.S. especially so to Annabeth Brady! shout-out for being a great person! kudos to you AB, and thank you.