Percy rushed off, fists balled in anger. He didn't care Annabeth was running after him, trying to stop him. He had a mission.

"Mark! Mark!" he shouted, spotting the ashy hair and lean body of the legacy of Apollo he was looking for.

Mark turned, a goofy expression on his face. "Hey Percy! What's up-?"

Thud.

Percy had pushed Mark to the ground. "What the hell were you thinking?!"

Mark struggled to stand up, grasping his already red face. He was in agony, as he'd already been slapped once that night by Annabeth herself.

"What's wrong, dude? Chill out," he replied. "Hey, do you have any cash I can borrow? I'm thinking of renting a boat."

"How could you kiss a married woman?" Percy asked, tears welling in his eyes. "I know she's not a prize to be won and I probably shouldn't be trying to 'defend her honor' or anything, but how?"

Mark shrugged. "I have no clue what you're talking about, dude! Some girl tried to kiss me!"

Percy rolled his eyes. "I know you're lying. I know Annabeth. She's not a cheater. Our marriage is built on trusting and mutual respect. Now please just let me take you home before you do more stupid things."

Percy led Mark to the front desk where the person working at the desk gave Percy the keys to Mark's room. Apparently he hadn't checked in yet.

Percy made sure Mark was in his room and unable to harm himself or others before returning back to his own room, which was empty.

"Annabeth?" he called, frantically searching the room. "Annabeth?!"

"I'm right here," she said, entering the room. She immediately rushed up to him and pulled him into a hug. "Thank you."

He frowned. "You-you saw-?"

She nodded. "I did. You're-you're the best. Literally. You showed him to his room! You made sure he knew he'd done something wrong and then you realized he was just drunk and stupid. You-you didn't punch him like me..."

"Hey, he had no right to kiss you without your permission," Percy argued. "You reacted appropriately, okay?"

She smiled before nestling her head in his chest. She suddenly realized how much she loved Percy. She always loved him and understood he'd do anything for her, but that day she realized how much he truly loved her.

~

The next morning Percy and Annabeth made their way downstairs for a complimentary breakfast, both not very hyped.

They laid low and sat by Jason and Piper in the edge of the room. Both Piper and Jason questioned their stiffness and they explained what had happened the night earlier.

"Then you won't be very ecstatic as he's walking down the stairs right now," Piper whispered. Both Percy and Annabeth craned their necks to face Mark, who immediately spotted the two.

He made his way over to their table, much to their dismay. His eyes were red and his hair was disheveled. He wore a shameful looking frown and the clothes he wore the evening prior.

"Annabeth? Could I speak to you?" he asked.

She sighed. "Right here you can."

He nodded. "Yeah, I understand. I'm sorry. I know this might sound half-assed or not sincere, but I am. I got super hammered last night and I saw how you two had a great relationship, and I guess I got jealous. But I know that's not an excuse. Could-could you somehow forgive me?"

"I-I guess. I don't hold grudges, Mark. You know that," Annabeth replied. "But I don't think things will ever be the same between us."

"I respect that," Mark admitted. "I just hope you don't think I'm a completely awful human being."

Annabeth shrugged. "I don't. I know you made a mistake, and I forgive you."

"Thank gods." Mark let out a sigh of relief. "And Percy, thank you. Thank you for being so good to me even though I don't deserve it."

Percy grimaced. "You're welcome. Just, try to stay patient. Soon you'll find someone. Oh, and don't get drunk anymore."

Mark chuckled. "I'll try not to get as drunk as I did last night again."

They all nodded before Mark shuffled off, muttering something about coffee.

"Well, that was awkward," Piper admitted after a moment of silence. "Good luck. We have to leave in, like, ten minutes. So we'll see you soon?"

Annabeth nodded. "Yes, we'll see you soon. I hope we remember, though. Have a good flight."

"We'll try," Jason replied. "At least I'm a son of Zeus and not like Percy."

"Yeah, annoyingly afraid of planes," Piper joked. "Bye!"

They watched as Piper and Jason left.

"When should we leave? I'm a bit New Rome-d out," Annabeth admitted.

Percy shrugged. "I mean, whenever, I guess. We didn't really have a plan since we missed our plane."

"We could leave now," Annabeth suggested.

"Are you suggesting a road trip?" Percy asked excitedly.

Annabeth rolled her eyes. "Sure."

"Yes!" Percy yelled, pumping his fists in the air. Everyone turned to him, but he didn't seem to notice. "We can go to Vegas, all the touristy stuff. It'll be great!"

Annabeth smiled. "It will. With you. After all, your laugh is very contagious."

"Well, then get ready to get infected," Percy replied, instantly regretting what he'd said. "In the good way."

"That didn't make it any better," Annabeth retorted. "Now let's get in the murder van!"

He smiled and accepted her offer. They quickly packed up their room, checked out, and made their way to their car.

"You wanna drive first?" Percy asked. "I'm a bit tired from breakfasts."

"Lies," Annabeth hissed. "But I guess I will."

Percy lay back in the car, his arms outstretched.

"How can you relax in the van of death?" Annabeth asked wistfully.

Percy shrugged. "It's a gift, really."

A smile tugged at Annabeth's lips as she started driving. Percy was a dork, but he was her dork.

"You ready for some gambling and cheap drinks?" Annabeth asked.

"Hell yes!"