Grief isn't a simple thing to overcome, and Annabeth Chase knew that well.

Thalia and Leo knew how hard this was upon her, so she spent some time with Annabeth to sort out her feelings and push away the blocks that were preventing her from moving on from Luke.

Percy, meanwhile, continued waiting.

He told himself on a daily basis it was worth waiting. That soon, they would be together and possibly be holding each other's hands, gazing upon the glistening sea during a stunning sunset. With their fingers intertwined and silence between them soothing.

This didn't sit well with a few people, however.

~.~.~.~.~.~

"My son isn't himself. You ought to know this is because of your daughter."

"My daughter has had multiple problems to overcome. I myself am beginning to disapprove of their relationship, but we simply cannot prevent it. Emotions cannot be controlled. You out of all people should understand that."

"He is finding it hard to focus on the company. I have called him a few times. He doesn't speak much as often, and I've heard from his associates that he's beginning to wear thin. He's tired of waiting for your daughter, so do something about it."

"Grief isn't simple to overcome, especially when it is a loved one who has passed on."

There was a few seconds of bitter tension between them.

"... I just hope that she'll be fine. Just for her own sake."

"... Despite your son being an utter idiot," The woman, meticulously dressed spat, which caused the man to glare at her. She didn't falter. "he is saving my daughter from what has plagued her."

"... Your daughter is also changing him. This time, in a positive manner."

"Less impulsive, I suppose?"

"Yes. She at least, makes him sit down and listen. She is capable of shutting him up too."

She chuckled.

"I guess both our children truly have changed because of each other. Love itself is odd, and brings out both the best and worst in individuals."

"... It does." He glanced at his watch. "I ought to leave."

"You're paying the bill." She chuckled, as she stood up and departed the glittering restaurant, smirking.

He groaned, refraining from yelling at her.

God dammit, not again.

~.~.~.~.~.~

Weeks had passed since Malaysia, and Percy was beginning to grow restless.

He often fidgeted with his fingers at his desk, and he didn't pay heed to his associates during business conferences. He understood that Annabeth needed her space, but he just couldn't help but wish to have her next to him. He knew that if he visited her, things could become harder.

So they both resorted to texting.

Well, only Annabeth texted. Percy refrained from doing so.

Annabeth would next a number.

Those digits would be the number of days left until she would be willing to see him again.

Glimpsing at his phone, he looked at the damned numbers on the phone.

31

Thirty-one days.

Thirty-one more days, until she would once again greet him with the words seaweed brain.

Sometimes the numbers would increase, sometimes they would decrease. He would either be frustrated, or slightly relieved.

And simply put, it was agonising to look at those stupid numbers.

But he was willing to put his happiness aside for her.

As long as she was happy, he would be happy.