A/N: I'm like two days late, sorry! But the chapter is like way longer that I've ever written. Sometimes I'm like damn I write the same was two years ago, but I find it way easier to write more. Before I struggled with even 1k.

Song is Strange Love by Halsey

Again, I apologize for any and all mistakes.

Disclaimer: I don't owe PJO or the song.

Annabeth's POV

They know you walk like you're a god

They can't believe I made you weak

I couldn't stand the silence. I couldn't stand the guilt. Most of all, I couldn't stand the thought of Percy being mad at me. In that moment, I realized that I couldn't possibly go on with that silly plan. "Nothing happened, you know," I explained.

Percy stopped the car in front of my house and didn't speak for a moment, finally, "You were hugging him."

I wanted to defend myself and tell him it was Luke the one that grabbed me. I didn't saying anything because I didn't know if it was going to make things worse. I decided to downplay it instead, "He has a small crush on me; that's all."

It was apparently the wrong thing to say, "Yeah, we all saw that at that stupid meeting."

"What do you mean?" I asked and then I remembered what he was talking about. The first meeting of the Celibacy Club. It was the last time we did things in partners. Mostly it had been turned into a Movie Club. We spent two meetings watching Juno.

Percy looked at me as if asking seriously? "The balloon thing Annabeth, we all saw it."

"Hey, you and Rachel beat us to that."

Percy rolled his eyes, "You didn't catch us embracing."I didn't need to catch them to know they had done been together. They dated for almost four years; they shared everything together: their first kiss, their first time, everything.

You have no right to be jealous, I told myself. Whatever they shared was over and Percy wasn't the type of guy to go around cheating on people. Sally had raised him better than that. Besides, he was right. Ever since we started dating, Rachel kept a respectful distance from Percy. Still, I would rather they stopped hanging out at all.

"Well, you can trust me," I said grabbing his hand. Except when it comes to grades, but I didn't voice that thought.

"I trust you," Percy must have seen my incredulous look because he continued, "I just don't like Luke, there's something weird about that guy. I mean you also used to crush on him."

"What?" I was surprised. I hadn't been into Luke since middle school, probably seventh grade, yet Percy remembered that.

"Oh like you don't remember." Percy said then starting imitating me, "His eyes are so gorgeous and blue like the sky."

It was true. I used to talk about Luke constantly; I was crushed when he started dating Thalia, but I moved on fairly easy. By that time, I was starting to feel something different for my best friend. "Don't be jealous, Percy."

"I was. I am." Percy confessed. "It feels like eighth-grade all over again."

"Except you didn't like me in eighth-grade," I corrected him. If he had, things may have been so different at this point.

"Yeah," he whispered in my ear with no conviction. Percy took the opportunity to kiss me; it was harsher as if he was proving a point. It left me breathless, and made disappear any lingering thoughts I had about Luke. "I may have had a crush on you."

There was no way he did, he was just being nice, right? I didn't want to believe because if he wasn't lying then we both missed a huge opportunity. I stopped being friends with him, stopped talking to him, all because I couldn't stand to see him with someone else. "No, you didn't." I protested.

"Remember the seventh-grade dance?" I nodded. "That's when I started to like you. At first I didn't know what the hell was going on. But every time I saw you, my stomach would feel all weird like if there was something inside."

"Butterflies?" I asked.

Percy simply nodded.

I remembered the dance too. I was sad that day for some reason, so Percy had asked me to dance a fun upbeat song and I agreed. The music changed to a slow song and instead of sitting down, we continued dancing. He didn't know how to slow song, I was a bit taller, and it was so extremely awkward. Awkward, but nice.

"Ok, that's sweet." I leaned over to kiss him. "Want to come in?" Percy's embarrassed smile turned into a more mischievous one. "To study only," I clarified.

"Sure," Percy smirked.

I led Percy to my room, ignoring when my dad yelled out to keep the door open, and promptly shut the door. "Are you sure your dad is not going to come upstairs?"

"Why? Are you scared?" I teased him.

"No," Percy replied but kept on looking at the door as if he could swing it open with his mind.

"Besides, if he does open it, my dad will find us studying, right?"

"Right," he replied drily.

We ended up kissing for some solid ten minutes, before we decided to finally start studying. We were both sitting on top of my bed, but on opposite sides when my dad opened my bedroom door. "Open," he warned and then disappeared downstairs.

"Hey, can I borrow your laptop?" I said yes and passed it over to him. I kept on reading the biology book trying to figure out what I had done wrong and how to correct. We were going to go over the topic again, but this time I wanted to be prepared.

I was just finishing the section of pollen when I realized Percy was still deep in thought. I crawled to where he was lying and peeked over his shoulder to look at the screen. "You're going to retake the SAT's?"

"Yep," he replied.

"I thought you got a really good score." If my memory served me well, he had gotten a 1500 something. 1560? No, that was my score and I'm pretty sure I was the highest score.

"1520, but I want to get at least a 1540," Percy finished his registration and turned to me leaving the laptop abandoned. He shifted his body, so I was the one on top.

"I read your essay; it's extremely well written. You got your mom's knack for writing and with your grades, you are guaranteed to get admitted at any university."

"Thanks for that," Percy said slowly reaching to caress my cheek. "But Stanford only accepts about 5% of all applicants."

His words were like a bucket of ice. "Stanford, wow. You wanna go to Stanford."

"Yeah, they have an amazing swimming team and I've been in touch with the scouting team since last year."

Swimming, I had forgotten about that. Athletes always had a better shot of getting into college than people who were only smart. "That's great," I tried faking as much enthusiasm as I could. "But you wouldn't be like completely destroyed if they didn't accept you, right?"

Please say no, please say no. "It would fucking suck," Percy admitted after pondering for a while.

"But?" I prompted.

Percy exhaled, "I would be fine. There are other equally amazing schools like I don't know, Harvard."

"My dad graduated from Harvard." My dad had never really pushed me into applying to his Alma Mater. I knew he wanted me to at least apply, which I did. The application was the same for all the universities, so I just added Harvard to my list.

"What about you?" Percy changed the topic. "What's your dream school?"

I didn't answer. I couldn't possibly tell him that I wanted to attend the same university. I bet he had done his research and knew of the new rule, only Valedictorians are accepted. I shouldn't tell him, I shouldn't tell him, I did, "Stanford."

I stood still; I didn't want to make any movements. "Oh?" he finally said. "Well I'm sure you will definitely get in. How can they not accept you?"

"If my rank is anything below first," I scathingly remarked.

Percy simply replied, "Well the year is not over yet."

The next day at school I felt lighter than I had in days. I hadn't realized how heavily the plan was weighing me down. The talk with Percy also helped. He now knew, I wanted that number one spot and Stanford, just like him.

I was also able to concentrate better in class, that would be if Percy was not intent on distracting me. "How did you even managed to change seats this late in the semester?"

"Teacher's pet." We both turned to where Mr. Blofis was busy typing.

I rolled my eyes, "So what are we doing tonight?"

Percy scrunched his eyebrows in confusion. "Hang out?"

"You forgot," I can't believe he forgot. I could see him trying to figure out exactly what he had forgotten, but didn't reach a conclusion. "It's our one-month anniversary. I didn't expect you to take me to the beach or anything, but at least something."

"I know, I know, I'm really sorry. I'll make it up to you," he insistent. "A fancy dinner date."

"It doesn't have to be a fancy date; I wouldn't mind just hanging out."

"Fancy," Percy repeated.

"Okay, okay," I said in surrender.

The rest of the day went without a hitch, and since it was Tuesday, there was little to no homework. That gave me the opportunity to have more time to get ready for my date. I wonder where planned on going, but of course everything started going south.

"You promised," I complained to my frightened-looking boyfriend.

"I know, but the coach wanted me to stay longer." I had a sudden sense of deja-vu. Wasn't this a fight we already had?

"Percy…" I trailed off.

"I'm sorry I can't take you to dinner, but I'll make it up to you."

"How?" I asked curtly.

"I'll go to your house tonight around nine, I'll bring pizza with extra olives, and we can watch as many architecture documentaries as you want," Percy pleaded with those big, green eyes. I couldn't stay mad.

"Ok," I relented.

"Thank you," Percy smiled at me then leaned down to give me a quick kiss. He left soon after, I watched him from afar all the way until he made his way inside the gym. Well there went any romantic plans.

I made my way to the cafeteria where I knew Piper and the celibacy club where at. I made my way inside and what awaited was an organized chaos. There were posters all over the place, glitter thrown across the tables, and loose paper all over.

"Glad you could make," Greeted Silena. Silena was the captain when I was a cheerleader way back in middle school. She was also the captain now. She was incredibly gorgeous with long black hair and large brown eyes; Silena was also incredibly nice.

"What do I need to do, captain?" I asked.

"Do you know how to do paper snowflakes?" I nodded. "Ok, go to the that table, start cutting some and decorating them, please."

I made my way to the table where some of my old squad members and Hazel were at. I was kind of nervous because I didn't actually keep contact with any of them. It seemed like I had nothing to worry about. The girls started talking to me just like old times and it feld sort of nice.

"Hey," I turned to find Silena next to me, "Wanna go get some fro-yo?"

"Isn't that like a cheerleader kind of thing?" I asked. It had been back in the day, but things change.

"Nope," Silena answered. "Piper and Hazel are also going."

"Sure, sounds like fun."

We quickly cleaned the cafeteria, neatly organizing the decor we had made into boxes. I could see some of the boy trying to sweep the glitter and failing somehow had gotten blue glitter all over his hair and Piper was trying to get all of it out. "Give me a ride?"

"Of course, Anna Banana." I wrinkled my nose in disgust, but decided not to argue.

"Later babe," Piper said to Jason. Then we made our way to the car. Piper was silent until we were inside her car. "I take it there was no anniversary celebration?"

I didn't want to talk about it. "There's going to be one later today."

"I see," was her mysterious reply.

I'm not really a fan of frozen yogurt; I thought it was basically wannabe ice cream. The cheer team was apparently all for it. We got down and I noticed only about a group of ten girls had decided to come.

I walked inside the place in a daze. My heart started beating frantically, yet I didn't know why. I tried to shake off the feeling and instead concentrated on the menu. "Holy shit," Silena whispered behind me. The feeling of dread grabbed me once again.

Don't turn.

Don't turn.

I turned.

I was hit on the voice by the ghost of the past. Sitting close together were Percy and Rachel, probably whispering secrets to one another. Again? I thought. The clothes were different, they were older, but it was just like that day back in eighth grade.

On autopilot, I bolted out the door, but not before Percy noticing me. He ran outside and managed to catch up to me. "Wait," he said, "let me explain."

"Explain what?" I screeched. "What is it, Percy? Is being around me too much? You needed time to be away from me?" All the anger and all of the resentment I've been feeling all that stumbled out of me. How dare he?

"It's nothing like that!" Percy argued.

"Please, do you think I'm stupid? You canceled our date to go eat fucking frozen yogurt with R.E.D?" We were making a scene. Everyone was either staring from inside or a few feet away. I caught Piper's eye and gestured towards her car.

"It was important."

"What was so important?" I challenged him. Percy glanced inside the place where Rachel was staring at us, then stayed quiet. "That's what I thought." I started making my way to Piper's car but Percy took my hand and spunned me around.

"I'm asking you to trust me, just like I trusted you with Luke."

"I haven't kissed Luke!" I argued. "I didn't date him for four years."

Percy knew it was pointless to argue with me. I never lose an argument and I wasn't going to start now. No matter how much I fought, the determined expression never wavered. "Goodbye, Percy," I yanked my arm out of his grasp and went inside the car.

"At least now you know your plan would work," Piper said.

"Huh?"

"No matter how shitty you acted, he wouldn't dump you," Piper paused, "Percy really does love you."

I didn't want to think about it, but it was true. For the first few weeks, I was waiting for Percy to like me enough. Enough for me to sabotage his grades and play with his head. Four years ago, Percy didn't run after me. Four years ago, he didn't apologize. Now he did.

At the same time I felt drained;all I wanted to do was go to bed and forget all that had occurred. I did just that once I arrived home. I changed into shorts and a big shirt and climbed into bed. I wondered if I had finished all my homework. This whole relationship was really screwing up with my grades. Unable to sleep without making sure I had finished all of it, I reached for my backpack. Inside was a drawing Percy had made of Nemo, in a fit of anger I crumbled it and threw in the trash.

It wasn't fair. I was going to give my relationship with Percy a chance. I was going to push away Stanford, my dreams, and this just had to happened. I was jealous, I was hurt, and you know what they say about a woman scorned. I deserved to be Valedictorian; I was going to be the Valedictorian.

I checked over my homework binder to double check I had finished it all. Once satisfied, I put everything away and turned off the lights. I was about to doze off, when I heard a sound. Was someone throwing rocks at my window? I made my way to the window to find Percy standing outside.

Percy stopped throwing rocks when he saw me, "Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down you hair!"

I scowled. My parents would be extremely angry if they saw him. "Go away, Percy."

"Percy? I'm just the delivery guy." I changed my gaze from Percy to the cardboard box that was laying next to him. I was extremely hungry, maybe I could get him to give me the food and make him go away.

I decided to play along, "Then why didn't you knock the front door?"

Percy smiled sheepishly, "Special instructions?"

I rolled my eyes and closed the window. A few minutes went by in absolute silence then my window crashed open. Percy flew in, falling straight to the ground. He hit the floor so hard, I almost felt bad, almost. I took the pizza from him and sat on my bed.

I turned my eyes towards him and stares at him expectantly. Percy stood shakily stood up. He spread my knees apart to stand between them. "Honestly, Annabeth, nothing happened between us." Percy took in a deep breath, "I'm in lo-"

I cut him off; I wouldn't be able to bear it if he professed his undying love to me. "I forgive you."

Surprise flickered in his eyes, "Really?"

"Yeah, I mean, you climbed a two-story house, Percy. Besides if you said nothing happened, then nothing happened." I didn't truly believe that. But I needed him to be my boyfriend for a while longer.

"Yeah," Percy said, "I just thought it would be way harder."

I arched my eyebrow, "Do you want me to make things harder?"

"No," Percy said. He leaned down to capture my lips in his. "Not necessary."

"Come on," I patted a spot on my bed, "We have a lot of documentaries to watch," Percy groaned into the pillow, but tried to pay as much attention as he could. After the second movie though, he had fallen deeply asleep.

Carefully as not to wake him, I grabbed my phone and texted Piper:

Let the plan begin.

A/N: YAAAY; we're almost done. There are only three chapters left. I can't promise to update tomorrow. Maybe next week? I've been getting ready to start college next semester (took a gap semester!), so I'm busy with that. I don't think I've mentioned this before, but ranks aren't that important, ok? Don't go messing with other people's grades. Besides no school has a valedictorians only rule.

Until next time! Also if you have any ideas for future stories, tell me! I have so much inspiration and motivation, but like zero ideas.

Almost forgot, but REVIEW PLEASE!