Quick apology:
Sorry to those who ride horses. I don't, and I didn't do research because of time. If there's anything wrong with what I've written please comment and I'll check it out!

That Sunday (The day she read the magazine) and Monday passed by pretty uneventful.

Wake up, get ready, have breakfast. Spend the day in the Women's room with Piper or in my room with my maids. Quick touch up then dinner. Eat, undress, go to bed.

I did learn more about Piper and had some conversations with Thalia, Silena and Katie. No new article about me being power hungry came out and Percy and I didn't see each other much. He did go out on other dates though, but I hadn't heard anything about taking it to the next step. It seems I'm the only to have kissed him, which I was extremely pleased with.

No one knew about the kiss, well I hadn't told anyone, but I did pass Jason in the hallway on Monday morning and he had a knowing glint in his eyes. I raised my chin high and walked passed him, but I could feel his smirk behind me.

Percy was a blabbering fish.

For all, I knew Grover, Juniper, Leo, Travis and Connor knew too.

It was Tuesday when Percy talked to me for the first time since the dreadful article. I was actually opening my door and he was standing there, his hand up and about to knock.

"Oh hey, Seaweed Brain."

He smiled at me. "Are you wearing high heels?"

The question took me by surprise but I pulled up my dress to show him my ballet flats. "No, why-"

Percy grabbed my hand and pulled me down the hallway.

I started to try and talk. "Percy? What-where-why-" but he just laughed and said to trust him, which I did so I just let him hold my hand and lead me out to the gardens.

"Is this a date?" I asked.

He smiled at me. "Yep!" Popping the p.

I slapped him playfully on the shoulder. "You ask for a date, not drag me outside. Where are we going anyways?"

He didn't answer but pulled me in the direction of the horse stables. Wait? We're going riding!

"I thought we could take Blackjack and Porkpie for a ride. I'd like to see you try in a dress." He raised an eyebrow.

"Is that a challenge? If it is I accepted. I bet I can beat you even in this." I gestured down to my dress. I silently thanked my maids for putting me in a black dress today so dirt wouldn't show.

"You're on."

We turned and pushed open the big heavy doors of the stables.

We were immediately greeted with a terrible smell, horse poo, hay and wood mixed in together. In winter it got extremely cold here, but in summer sometimes it was warmer than outside. Today was one of those days. We walked into the barn-like building. The horses were off to our left and right, each having their own cubicle to themselves.

Percy walked straight over to Blackjack a couple of doors down.

"Hey Blackjack" He rubbed his horse's nose. Percy and Blackjack had a great relationship. Blackjack was a large horse and fully black. He loved doughnuts and sugar cubes and Percy and he seemed to communicate like they could read each other's minds

As if to prove that point Percy laughed. "No, I don't have any sugar cubes."

Blackjack huffed and backed away, clearly annoyed with Percy. Percy rolled his eyes and walked over to a wall, where saddles and other riding equipment were kept.

Percy grabbed himself and I a saddle and I walked over to my horses' door.

Porkpie immediately walked over and sniffed me. He was an average sized horse and fully white. The opposite of Blackjack. Even though Porkpie couldn't talk, I could tell he had a massive ego.

"I know boy, I look weird in a dress don't I?" I gave him a half smile and rubbed his neck. I rested my forehead on his nose "Sorry I haven't given you a ride in ages. Let's go out with Blackjack and Percy hey?"

His head perked up at the prospect of going out for a ride. I opened the door to his little room and closed it behind me. I placed the saddle on his back, buckled it up and made sure it was steady for me to ride on. I grabbed the reins and pulled them over his head, leading him out the door of the stables to find Percy already on top of Blackjack.

"Zeus' fist?" He asked/

I swung my leg over Porkpie and got myself comfortable in the saddle. "Zeus' fist."

Percy took off, and I took off straight behind him. It was weird riding in a dress, as I had never done it before, but it was better than riding in flats than heels.

My loose hair flew behind me as the wind rushed past me. I quickly caught up with Percy and I stuck out my tongue as I overtook him. Percy laughed and flicked the reins trying to catch up with me.

We followed the path into the woods, thick, tall and skinny trees on both sides of us. Some animals stuck out their heads from the forest seeing what the noise was.

One thing that I loved about riding, and I suspected Percy felt the same, was that it felt like you were flying. The adrenaline rush, the wind on your face. It all just felt like the horse had sprung wings and had taken off into the air.

After a short ride, both of us trying to go faster than the other, we slowed down as we neared an open area.

"I think-" Percy was trying to catch his breath, "I think we bet you."

I laughed. "I was in front 99.99 percent of the time."

Percy rolled his eyes. "Your delusional, Wise Girl."

I jumped down from Porkpie, Percy following suit. "You wish, Seaweed Brain."

Percy laughed again and lead Blackjack over to a tree on our left, tying him to a low branch. I did the same with Porkpie and when I was done I looked around me.

Zeus' fist was a pile of rocks, that looked like a fist coming out of the ground. It was named after Percy's believed to be dead Uncle, Prince Zeus. I don't know why it was named after Zeus, but I never questioned it. In the middle of the fist was a pole with a flag on it, a reminder of our annual Capture The Flag game. Each year 2 days before Percy's birthday, the 16th of August, The Chase and Jackson siblings would come together and play a game of capture the flag against each other. Each year the teams were different but the bases, rules and territory always stayed the same. There was a blue and red team, the flag here was red, left after a game when Percy was about to turn 13. The teams that year worked out to be Chase vs Jackson and Jackson actually won. They left my flag in the middle of the fist as a reminder that they had won against me, which hadn't ever happen before. I've thought about coming out in the middle of the night and burning the flag, but I didn't want to get rid of the memories.

Percy saw me staring at the flag. "Bringing back bad memories, Wise Girl?"

I pushed him on the shoulder and bit back a nasty response. Percy seized my hand and led me over to the grassy area next to the fist. He had set up a picnic blanket with food spread out on a chopping board.

"So," He sighed and sat down. "I haven't talked to you in ages, what's up?"

I shrugged and popped a strawberry in my mouth. "Nothing really. It's been quite boring (it autocorrected to Birmingham 😂 what the hades?!) actually. Just sitting around, talking and reading." Percy raised an eyebrow. "Even though I love reading," I rushed. "It can get a bit boring when you do it all the time."

"I'll trade with you," Percy stated.

My hand flew up to my mouth. "You'll read all day? You hate reading."

He pointed at me. "I don't hate reading. I just dislike it because of my dyslexia."

I rolled my eyes. "I have dyslexia too you know."

"Yeah but you're you." He shrugged.

"Excuse me?" I put my hands on my hips and frowned. "And what's that suppose to mean?"

Percy's eyes widen. "Its that-your Annabeth and your-your smart and stuff."

"Stuff?"

"Smart and intelligent-" He tried to correct himself but I interrupted again.

"They mean the same thing, Seaweed Brain."

He put his hands up is an exasperated manner. "See! Smart!"

I couldn't hold it any longer. I burst out laughing. "Clam down Seaweed Brain, I'm not mad at you."

His face fell. "You know that you freak me out when you just frown at me. Let alone when you yell or glare at me."

I smiled and ruffled his hair. "It's a good relationship."

He huffed and crossed his arms, not happy with me.

"Aw come on Perce, it was just a joke."

Then he smirked at me. I then proceed to throw grapes at him which turned into a game of how many he could catch in his mouth.

"Six! Yes! Throw another one."

I stepped back with a handful of grapes. I waited until he finished chewing his 6th one then threw the food. He caught it again.

"Whoo Hoo!" He yelled and did a little happy dance.

I laughed at his antics and sat back down on the picnic rug. "What's been happening in your world for the past two days?" I asked.

"More work I guess," He shrugged and sat down next to me. "Doesn't help that I have to practically organise the Summer Ball all on my own."

"When's that?"

"Ten days from now, so the 23rd."

I frowned. "Does that mean I'm going to have to dress up in a big ball gown and be all ladylike?"

He patted my shoulder. "You do it practically every year Wise Girl. You'll just have some more importance now that you're competing for my heart."

"No, that just sounds weird." I shook my head.

"But seriously Annabeth," He turned more towards me. "You dress up every year for mums birthday, Paul's, Zoe's, Tyson's and my birthday. And Christmas, and for the Summer and Winter balls. It's just that now you have to wear a dress every single day."

I rolled my eyes. "It's still weird though."

"Well, I think you look beautiful in dresses."

I raised my eyebrows. "Are you saying that if I'm not in a dress I don't look beautiful?"

He shook his head. "N-No." I smiled. "You always look beautiful."

I felt my cheeks start to go red because of Percy's sweet words. I was concentrating too hard on forcing my blush away I didn't release Percy was leaning in until it was too late.

It wasn't a bad thing though, feeling his soft plush lips on mine again. I'd been secretly wishing for this to happening again. I kissed him back, closing my eyes letting the feeling and scent of him wash over me like a tsunami over the land. All too soon we pulled apart, breathing hard.

"About Saturday night," I started. Percy's eyes flickered up to mine. "Did you tell Jason that we kissed?"

Percy groaned and leaned back, resting on his arms behind him. "Oh no. Did he tell you?"

I pointed my finger at him. "So you did tell him!"

"Yes I did, it accidentally slipped out while we were training together on Sunday night. He asked me why I was so happy and annoying and I just blurted it out. Has he been annoying you about it?"

"No" I shook my head noticing how he said that he was happy after our kiss. "But whenever I see him he smirks at me and has this glint in his eyes."

"Lucky. He's been teasing me about it non stop." He rested his gaze on me again. "Have you told anybody?"

"Well you did hear the girls reaction. But only the three of them know unless Hazel's blabbed to the whole palace staff."

"And Luke?" He asked.

Startled I said. "Luke?"

He nodded. "Yeah, I mean, have you told him?"

I was really confused. "Why would I tell him?"

He shrugged nonchalantly. "It's just that you guys seem to be best buddies, that's all."

I hugged him on the side. "You're my best buddy. And why would you think that?"

"It's just he's been talking about you all the time to the guards."

My cheeks flamed red like a tomato. Luke talked about me to his friends? What did he say?

"Where do you hear that?" I was surprised at how even my voice was, considering my hands had gone all clammy with sweat.

"Jason told me," I rolled my eyes at there need to tell each other everything. "Apparently he and Jason got into a verbal fight."

I leaned away from Percy in shock. "About what?"

"You," His gaze met mine. "Over whether choc chip mint or chocolate ice cream is your favourite."

My eyes flew wide open. "I don't like either."

He threw up his hands. "That's what I said. Then Jason and I got into a fight about your favourite flavour which I won, of course."

"Of course."

"And haven't you been spending time with him lately?" He tried to keeps his voice neutral, but I could tell something was up.

"No, I haven't." My jaw dropped. "You're jealous!"

Percy avoided my eyes. "No, I'm not." He coughed and scratched the back of his neck. "I'm not jealous of you and Luke"

I bit my lip to stop myself from laughing. "Ah huh," I said aloud. "Keep telling yourself that." I murmured quieter. I found it heartwarming, shocking and hilarious that Percy was jealous of Luke. He was so protective of me, and he wanted me all for himself. How could he be jealous? We were just friends, and I should be the jealous one in the relationship for the god's sakes! He was the one with 24 other females to chose from. But then why would Percy be jealous? Luke and I were just friends, right? So what if I had a tiny, itsy-bitsy, microscopic crush on him? It was nothing really, just from when we were younger.

I liked Percy, and only Percy, not Luke. I've been on dates with Percy, only Percy, not Luke. I've kissed Percy, only Percy, not Luke.

I gave Percy a quick kiss on the cheek, hiding my doubts "There's no need to worry, Seaweed Brain. Luke's just a friend." I paused as his doubtful look. "Only friends."

I don't think Percy knew I heard, but I did. "Does he know that?"

The date continued one well, no more talk of jealousy and Luke. No more talk of feelings, which I was thankful for. I didn't want another opportunity to doubt my feelings for Percy.

"Well," Percy sigh getting up and dusting off the dirt from his pants, "I think it's time to get back. Don't want to be late for dinner do we?"

I smiled up at him. "No, we don't." And then I quickly got up, pushed Percy back down and ran over to Porkpie laughing. "Race you back!" I called over my shoulder.

I heard Percy getting up and muttering to himself things about me, so I quickly untied Porkpie, swung my legs over his back and rode off to the path.

I heard Blackjack behind us. "Wise Girl! I'm going to-"

I turned my body around to face him awkwardly. "You're going to do what, Seaweed Brain? Is losing going to hurt your pride?"

He kicked Blackjacks side, speeding up to come level with me. "Nah," He winked, "I think it's going to hurt your pride more than mine." and overtook me

Annoyance and anger boiled inside me. I could hear Percy's crazy laughter in front of me and the blood pumping in my ears. The cold evening wind stung my face making my eyes water and the smell of fresh grass, wood and flowers greeted my nose as I entered the forest. Low branches with their leaves brushed the top of my head and I could feel every movement of Porkpie's body underneath mine. It felt like I was flying, but I needed to fly faster.

I leant down to Porkpie's ear. "Come on boy," I whispered. "You wanna bet Blackjack, right? Well, I wanna beat Percy. Let's work together here and smash them back into the ground."

Porkpie seemed to understand my little pep talk and took off. We soon got on Blackjacks tail, then we were next to them. "What did you say before, Seaweed Brain?" I asked innocently.

His crazy laughter stopped and he narrowed his eyes at me. "Blackjack. Faster."

We were neck and neck for the rest of the ride to the stables and then guessed what happened? A bird freaked out Porkpie just before the finished line and he slowed down, Percy speed up and. We. LOST.

If that wasn't a massive hit to my pride and ego, I don't know what was.

Percy wouldn't stop rubbing it my face that he had a better horse than me as we jumped off and we pulled our horses into the stable. From the moods I was getting from Porkpie, I suspected that Blackjack was doing the same.

"You should have seen your face, Annabeth!" Percy turned around to face the stables. "Oh hey, G-Man."

Grover was in the middle of the stables with a broom, sweeping away all the hay that was in the middle of the path. He was wearing his typical tie-dye t-shirt, baggy brown pants and beanie.

"Hiya Perce!" He bleated.

Percy let go of Blackjacks reins and walked over to give Grover a man hug. I stayed behind them watching them with a small smile on my face.

"And it's Annabeth as well!" Grover walked over and gave me a warm hug too. He smelt like the wild, as always.

"Hello, Grover." We pulled back from the hug.

He looked at the horses. "Been on a little riding date have we?"

I smiled and I could feel my cheeks flaming up. "Yes."

He turned back to Percy who was getting the saddle off of Blackjack. "Did you kiss her again?

Percy's hand froze as he tried to hang the saddle back on the wall. "You know about that?"

Grover laughed. "Of course man, why wouldn't I? Jason told me and Juniper and Leo told the Stolls."

I covered my face with my hands as Percy groaned.

"Now we're going to get teased about," He said.

"And doesn't Hazel know too?" Grover asked.

I looked up at him. "Yes and so do my other maids but what else was I suppose to tell them when I turned up the next day in the same clothes?"

Grocers jaw dropped. "You-You spent the night together?" He pointed to Percy. "Geez, I hoped you used protection, man."

Percy scratched the back of his neck. "We didn't-you know-we just fell asleep!"

I was bright red in the face as I started to walk Porkpie over to his stables. Percy and Grover continued to talk whilst I unbuckled the saddle and placed it on the wall. I was about to get a brush to brush him down when Grover stopped me. "It's alright, Annabeth. I'll do it, it is my job."

I smiled at him. "Thanks, Grover." I placed the brush back in its place.

Percy walked over and held my hand. "We best be off, Grover." We smiled and said goodbye to him as we walked out of the stables.

"Thanks for the ride and food Percy."

"Anytime."

Help needed
I'm having trouble finding hairstyles and shoes that I like and that would suit Annabeth's style (I don't even know if she has one) so if you have any ideas can you send me them? You can PM or comment them. I don't know how you could, maybe copy and paste the link? The helps appreciated! BUT I don't need dresses, I have them all!

The update is a bit late but I figured you guys would be cool

Awesome news for me! I read and write everything here on my phone and I've never been on the wattpad website! I went on yesterday and checked out the stats for this story!

I have readers in India, Norway, Poland and Sweden! How cool it that! 63% of you are from USA and 4.8% of you are fellow Aussies!

I also learnt that most of you are 13-18 years of age and that 11% of you are boys! *winks* hello there

Pretty cool huh?

Thank you all for the recent support you guys have shown me

And before I forget

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LEO!
It was his birthday on the 7th of July (that's what wiki says) so happy birthday to our bad boy supreme and commander of the Argo II

-Squirrel