Hello Everyone,

Sorry I've been gone so long. I've been doing some writing on mythology and ancient history for another site, and that took up a bit of my time. I also quit writing on Gods, Campers and Magicians because after a couple of books, my story was getting too far away from Rick's story. Some of the twists he threw in there, like my favorite character (Nico) being gay and Leo falling for Calypso, were just becoming too difficult to overcome in my story, no matter how much I love my Thalatta and Crystal characters. Who knows, maybe I'll bring the girls back in a different capacity at some point.

I considered not returning to Fanfiction, despite the many requests to do so, but in the end, the idea of continuing stories based on what happened in the last three books and the short stories is just too appealing. I personally want there to be more, and I know you guys do too.

The first little bit is my take on what was happening at the end of BOO, conversations Rick didn't tell you about, through a couple of weeks after the defeat of Gaea. It would be a time when everyone is off on their own trying to get their lives back on track. It will be in a series of shorter chapters, but you should see several of them right way. As I continue to formulate my story, the chapters will get longer. I know a lot of you appreciated that.

As always, I appreciate the comments. You can always throw ideas at me as well if you like. I might or might not use them. One word on that however, if you don't like where my story is going, please just stop reading it. I don't need to be told to stop doing something when it'smystory. Anyway, hope you enjoy.

TeachingGods

Chapter 1

Percy sits in stunned silence for almost a minute while his girlfriend stands smiling at him. Finally, he looks over his shoulder toward Nico who is now back talking with Will Solace.

"Um, what exactly was he just trying to tell me?" he finally asks Annabeth.

"Come on Seaweed Brain, I think you know," she replies trying hard not to laugh.

"So he's gay?" he says.

"Yes."

"And he..." he stammers.

"Used to have a crush on you," she finishes for him.

"I thought he had one on you," he says sounding a bit shocked.

"Apparently not," she says with a snicker she can no longer hold back.

"Did you have any idea?" he asks. "I mean that he was..."

"I wondered a couple of times," she answers.

Percy just watches her wondering if she really knew or if she's just saying that, because Annabeth always likes to look like she knows what's going on even if she doesn't. Finally, she says, "Does it bother you that he had a crush on you?"

Percy doesn't instantly answer, but it's not because he has to consider the question. He's just not sure how to put it into words. "No. I mean, I am cute," he says with a grin then takes her hand.

"I'm sure it was more than that. He kind of idolized you," she tells him.

"Until I let his sister die."

"No, even after that," she insists. "Sometimes he would hang on your every word then other times, he wouldn't even look at you. I know the feelings behind that. I know what it's like to care about youso much it hurts."

"You mean love," he says with an embarrassed look on his face. Not that he wants to say it aloud, but he's had those same feelings about her many times.

She nods her head then pulls him up from the edge of the hearth where he was sitting. "So," she says pulling him even closer to her, "arewe staying here for school or..."

"I don't think there's a school in the city that would take me," he laughs, "besides, I lost a whole school year thanks to Hera. I think I have to stay here to catch up."

"We should still go see you mom right away. She's missed you so much. I don't know how I would have survived your being gone without her."

"My mom," he says running his hand over his face. Just the mention of her name suddenly leaves him feeling terrible for everything he's put her through with nothing more than a quick voice mail.

"It wasn't your fault," Annabeth reminds him. "Hera..."

"It's not just Hera or even this business with Gaea and the Giants," he says. "Ever since I was 12, I've put her through one ordeal after another."

"She understands," she says putting her arms around him. "She knew what your life would be like when she fell in love with your dad."

"Doesn't mean I feel any less crappy about how much it hurts her," he says taking her hand again and leading her toward breakfast.