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“Just when you think it can't get any worse, it can. And just when you think it can't get any better, it can.”
― Nicholas Sparks

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Sometimes Estelle really annoyed Percy.

His dad had deposited Estelle in his room after breakfast asking him to take care of her. He whined that he had work to do but when he mentioned what work it was, Estelle only got excited and refused to leave.

Percy had put Annabeth's dress in a paper bag. He decided he'd leave it in her room when the maids weren't there. To his embarrassment, he had actually been running his hands on the material when his dad decided to burst in. He tried to shove it away. Estelle must have noticed because the first thing she did after Paul left was take it out and ask-- "Whatizzit whatizzit".

Thank god kids couldn't tell when their brothers went red.

Percy was sitting on a table with Estelle on his lap and one of his hands covered her mouth as she squirmed in his arms and giggled again. He half watched half heard a Selected give the final test - speech, while he tried to balance Estelle.

Suddenly, she licked his hand.

"Ew", said Percy, tone sweet, "Baby, why is my princess torturing me today, hmm?"

He turned her around and held both of her wrists as she giggled and stood up on his lap. "We have to be quiet. Remember. No sound."

She nodded but opened her mouth in another fake attempt to scream but Percy smiled and turned her back around. "Listen to them", he commanded.

Leo snickered as he came in, "That's your baby voice? I bet the girls love it."

Percy glared at him before closing Estelle's ears. "Not everyone is as kinky as you."

Leo took his face shield off and sat with Percy. "You're telling me you are not kinky? Yeah right. Like I believe that."

"I didn't say that. I just don't think all girls like it."

"Translation: You don't know if Annabeth likes it."

Percy rolled his eyes.

Sally joined them, "You two talk like I'm not in the room." She was sitting in one corner of the room, also listening to the Selected's speeches.

Leo paled. "Your-Your Majesty", he stood and bowed, "I-I didn't see you. I'm so sorry."

Percy snickered and Sally waved it away, "It is alright. Invisible is sort of what we're trying to be."

She was right. The mirror in the dance department was a see through. They were here for the real test. As the Selected proved themselves in various fields, Percy and Sally observed how they behaved with each other and how their expressions changed. This was the surprise character test.

Tyson barged in.

Percy spoke up, "Why are you so late? They're almost done. You skipped everything."

Tyson ignored him, "You and Annabeth spent the night?!"

He glared at his brother who looked unbothered. Tyson asked, "Did you do the deed?"

Percy widened his eyes and clamped his hands over Tyson's mouth. He looked at Estelle, praying she didn't hear.

Estelle asked, "What is a weed?"

Everyone's eyes widened at that. Sally spoke up, "Weeds are unwanted plants. Did you get that?" She lifted her and carried her over to her place, "Lets give the boys some space for boy talks, huh?"

Percy started, "We just fell asleep ---"

"That's not how I heard it."

"Time to replace your source then. Who is it?"

"Hazel. She refused to elaborate."

"It is not the first time it happened. I don't know why you all are making a deal out of it."

Leo added, "Falling asleep next to the fireplace in an open camp with Estelle in between you isn't the same."

Percy rolled his eyes. "That was still when I was... you know. Shouldn't that be more concerning?"

"Not really. Annabeth isn't like that. Besides, half the time you were around her you were worried if she hates you."

"I wasn't", he denied.

Leo ignored him, "She didn't."

Just then Jason burst in and said, "Hey man, she laughed because I teased, okay? No hard feelings."

Percy blinked before realising what he was talking about, "Jason, Its cool. Seriously, rather you than anyone else."

What's with so many last minute guests today?

Leo picked up, "Sparky likes Pretty"

"Huh?"

"Jason likes Piper."

Jason looked guilty. Sally's eyes widened and Leo smacked Jason's neck.

"You really do, don't you?" Said Tyson.

"Sorry man, I didn't mean to."

Percy turned to his mother. "Mom, Tyson, we didn't hear this okay? Jason you better be glad you're friends with the prince", he hits him on the back, "Bro code is dead, huh?"

Leo spoke up, "I thought you said you felt friendly with her."

Sally added, "She's still in the Selection. It's still treason."

They went silent.

Tyson said, "I don't see the point though. Percy here has a type. Piper isn't the type."

Leo joined, "Yeah, Percy has a thing for blondes."

His cheeks reddened, "No I don't!"

Jason said, "That's true. You name one girl you've --"

Percy hit him again. "My brother, my sister and my mom are in the room you idiot."

Sally looked interested, "How come I don't know this?"

Percy was mortified, "Mom!!"

Jason interrupted, "I guess we missed the last few speeches. Why is Annabeth the last one to speak?"

Tyson looked up, "The order is random. Someone has to be last. What's she saying?"

Percy grinned, "I gave her a very interesting topic."

Leo picked up the sheet that was next to Percy. "What is the significance of Prince's crown and why should it not be worn outside the royal family?"

Jason, Tyson and Leo laughed.

"That isn't even a speech topic."

"This isn't the formal speech. She already did one on caste system. This is the extra one minute ending speech. Besides, this is revenge."

"Turn the volume up, lets hear it fully."

Leo fiddled with the controls.

"--- not to mention heritage. I would say to wear the crown by an outsider is disrespectful and completely unprofessional. Even close friends shouldn't indulge in it. That said, it is also his responsibility to keep it secure all the time. It is a symbol of power and should not be handled lightly. That's all. Any questions?"

Someone from the Selected spoke up, "You say you're the Prince's friend. Have you ever seen anyone else wear his crown?"

Percy marveled at her perfect poker face. "No. None I can think of"

Councilwomen Artemis and Hecate raise eyebrows but let it slide. Artemis spoke up, "What should be the punishment for someone who steals the crown?"

Annabeth tried to look calm, "Technically, stealing is different from simply wearing it. I guess the wearer could pass by with a warning but the thief would need to pay a fine."

Hecate hummed and looked up at the mirror.

People would have figured out by now. I told you to be subtle!

Artemis spoke up. "Alright ladies. That's it. Lady Annabeth can go take the seat. Please stand according to your Selection numbers."

They stood in a long line and since Annabeth was 23, she occupied the end closer to the boys. She couldn't see them of course, because Percy doubted even she knows her way around this place. They bowed and started leaving.

Leo said, "She looks plain compared to the rest. She should have worn something that made her stand out."

Sally intervened, "That's exactly what she's not supposed to do. She's seen enough of royalty to know colours are for the press purposes. In theory, she looks perfect." She glanced at Percy. "You didn't give her ideas, did you?"

Percy lied smoothly, "No. This wasn't me. I told her about the test though and guess what? She told me she was expecting it."

Jason chuckled, "This is Annabeth we're talking about. Percy doesn't give her ideas. It is the other way around."

"Hey!", He complained.

................................

When Annabeth woke up at 4 pm after a post lunch nap, she was cuddling a warm teddy bear.

Wait a minute.

She didn't cuddle a teddy bear to sleep.

More importantly, she thought, teddy bears aren't warm.

She opened her eyes in horror only to find a drooling Percy in her bed. He had one hand and one leg over her to secure her in place.

She went back to cuddling him.

She sighed, this is nice.

The thought hit her like a train.

Why is Percy drooling in MY bed?

She woke up completely and struggled to get out of his hold.

Dam Percy and his strength.

She slapped Percy a few times to wake him but he just mumbled meaningless words. She then shook him awake. "Get off of me!"

Percy takes his sweet time to come back to consciousness. He brings Annabeth closer and mumbles something like "Hey, beautiful."

Heartbeat.

"What?"

"Why? You do look beautiful." He touches her blond curls, " You look so much like..." He suddenly moves away, "A-Annabeth? What are you doing here?"

"I should be asking you that. What the hell was that?"

"That... Um... That was... Ah... N-Nevermind."

Her cheeks burned in realisation.

Oh Gods, Don't tell me it is what I think it is.

"Gods Percy", she sat up, "I did not just hear that. Dam it."

Percy scrunched up his nose, "Sorry."

She didn't look at him, "What are you doing here?"

"I wanted to talk. When I came in you were sleeping so...."

"So you decided to hop in my bed? Unbelievable!"

"I just lied down. I wasn't planning to sleep."

Annabeth still refused to look at him so he gently gripped one of her wrists, "Come here."

She followed. She occupied her position next to him again but this time there was some distance. "What did you wanna say?"

"Nothing. I was gonna ask how the test went."

She narrowed her eyes at him and pushed his shoulders away, "Oh you should know, shouldn't you?"

Wow, did Annabeth really catch up?

"Mmm hmm", he teased.

"I'm hiding that stupid crown. Good luck finding it."

He clicked his tongue, "Then you just fined yourself according to your speech."

She looked confused. "How did you... How do you know what I said?"

So she didn't find out.

He smirked, "That's for me to know and you to wonder." He turned serious. "But I wanna know, how was it?"

Annabeth thought of telling her suspicions regarding Willow's assessment but she decided she didn't want him firing her. "It was okay. Balance sucked though. My partners were horrible at it."

"That's alright. You can't be perfect Wise Girl."

She shrugged. She started caressing his hair. He took the chance and scooted closer.

"Your dancing skills have improved."

She smiled, "Talking about dancing... I danced with Jason today. And.. Luke."

Percy did not like how she said Luke. "Hmm.. So?"

"Luke told me something about my boyfriend getting angry with his friends."

"Your boyfriend?" He raised an eyebrow.

No?

"His words, not mine." She didn't explain further.

"Do you want me to be your boyfriend?"

Yeah. Just say it. YES.

"I know it won't be right." She hesitated. "Can't say I don't like it though."

"Shit, Annabeth." He ran his hand through his hair. "I don't know if I can."

Annabeth felt like someone was squeezing her heart.

She nodded and looked away. "When we're alone. When it is just us. We could pretend." She suggested.

He didn't reply.

She got up on her elbows to look directly at him."We don't have to but you do realise it is the only time I can call you my boyfriend, right?"

He sighed. "Believe me... I want to. It is just... I can't treat you like one."

I know. Can I not call you that though? Just for the sake of it?

She nodded and buried her face in his chest, hugging him. He adjusted her so she put her weight uniformly over him instead of pressuring one side. After a minute, he pulled slightly away and guided her chin up. "I'm sorry."

She felt the rejection pierce through her mind.

"Okay."

Let me at least kiss you. Please.

She looked up at his eyes and then his lips. Percy didn't deny her this time. When they kissed, it was sweet and very slow, completely different from last night. It felt as if Percy was apologising to her. The tingling sensation made her toes curl.

Suddenly, the door opened and Crystal came in with her eyes closed, humming a beat, probably from the headphone she was wearing. "Hey sleepy, what do you say we surprise Perseus with the other red dress. I bet he isn't ready."

Annabeth reacted fast and got up. Percy realised that she just made things worser and that position would look even more embarrassing so he sat up too, holding her. Unfortunately, their legs get tangled in the movement and she winced.

Julia freezed next to the door. She did a deep bow, "Your highness."

Crystal opened her eyes just then and they widened. "Oh Gods, I'm sorry, your highness." She did a deep bow too, which was funny because her headphone almost dropped.

Annabeth frantically tried to untangle their legs.

Percy winced, "No, you're making it worse." He expertly put one hand around her waist and flipped them over so she bottomed. He then easily pulled away his legs, caressing hers in the process.

Annabeth blushed, completely frozen.

Percy criss-crossed his legs and sat on the bed. "Perseus? Who let you call me Perseus?" He accused.

Crystal looked horrified. "N-No No your h-highness. It will n-never happen a-again. I-I swear." She bowed again.

Percy frowned. "Annabeth!" He accused again.

She grinned and got up too. "Did I forget to mention he hates that name?"

Crystal and Julia glare at her.

He gets up from bed and does a formal half bow before offering a hand to Crystal and smiling.

Oh you tease.

She timidly shakes his hand. "I prefer Prince but if you like, you can call me Percy. No Perseus though. You are?"

"Cr-Crystal", she said simply.

He then moved to Julia and did the same. Annabeth had never seen Julia this shy before. "And you?"

"Julia Wade", she said.

He beckons her inside and she squirms her way in, never looking at him.

Leave it to Percy Jackson to woo the girls.

"Well Miss. Crystal and Miss. Julia. It is time for me to leave. Next time, okay?" He looked at Annabeth, smirked and raised an eyebrow as if to say: See the effect.

She rolled her eyes and threw a pillow but it hit the door. "Get out you idiot."

........................

After dinner, Annabeth had been walking in the gardens when she found someone.

It was Jason.

And Piper.

....Walking together?

Piper waved her over. Jason looked embarrassed.

"Hey Annabeth! Walk with us!", Said Piper.

Annabeth obeyed, "Wassup?"

"Jason was just telling me Percy made his eliminations. We're 20 now."

Top 20. Who would've thought?

Jason interrupted, "Technically, not yet. They'll be eliminated tomorrow during breakfast."

"That's a horrible scene. Tell him to change it."

Annabeth agreed. "What are you two doing here?"

"Walking", said Piper in the best poker face she could muster. "We're just going back to the rooms and you're joining us."

She tried to protest but Piper didn't give in. She gave Jason an apologetic look before joining. When they reached the Selected rooms they saw someone leaning against a room.

Percy was kissing Rachel outside her room.

Annabeth froze.

She felt like someone was stabbing her back.

Immediately, Jason pulled Annabeth back and guided them through another set of hallways. Piper was torn between feeling bad and feeling bad for Annabeth.

"Guys its alright! I'm fine. Seriously, Jason, you don't have to."

"You can be okay with it but Prince or not, Selection or not, you don't have to see it."

Annabeth looked down. "It isn't easy but this is how it is supposed to be. I have to get used to it guys."

"No you don't. Neither does anyone else. I'll tell the asshole to do things in private. That was so stupid."

"I'm in the Selected too, you know?" Said Piper.

Jason turned to her, "I thought you said you weren't interested in him"

"Huh? Why?" Asked Annabeth.

"I don't know. Remember how much I gushed over that greenhouse date? I think it was just the Selection talking. The more I think about it, the more I realise Percy isn't my type. Does that make sense to you? That the guy probably half the kingdom's marrying age group gushes over doesn't make you feel like that?"

"Yeah it does and it also makes me wonder what is your type.", Said Annabeth.

"Maybe blondes", she quickly wrapped an arm around Annabeth's shoulder, "I mean look, three of my good friends over here are blond."

Jason scratched his neck and that's when Percy came towards them from the end of the hallway.

He was grinning.

Annabeth felt an urge to punch him.

"Hey", he said.

Jason and Piper remained silent thinking it was best to let Annabeth answer so when she didn't, it got awkward.

"Did something happen?", he asked, completely clueless.

Piper shook her head.

"Okay.. then. Jason, uh, there's something you should know."

He nodded and they walked back towards the Selected rooms.

Piper clutched Annabeth's hand after he left, "Boys. I swear they're all blind."

Annabeth grunted, "You're no better. Into blondes really? I don't think he catched up."

She blushed.

They may be Top 20 now but in reality, Annabeth realised that they were actually Top 18 -- assuming both Piper and Thalia weren't eliminated of course.

She didn't like the number 18. Percy messed up a lot of things when he was 18. Ironically, his birthday was also on August 18th.

Interesting number, she thought.