(Thank you to all of my amazing readers, voters, and commenters. You guys got this story to 30K reads! Please enjoy this extra-long chapter in thanks!)

but first... I need to deal with Gabe Ugliano.

December 20th: 4 Days Until the Deadline

Annabeth

I enter the bar as casually as I can manage. I make my way to the storage room and quickly grab the cleaning supplies. Taking a pair of rubber gloves, I quietly slide them onto my hands. Then, I begin to make my way through the building, lightly cleaning as many filthy surfaces as I can. Finally, I reach the door to Mr. Ugliano's office and creep in. I flick on the light switch and begin to clean some of his shelves. My heart is pounding very quickly now as I make my way towards his computer. 

I reach the keyboard and type in a password that I had found written on a sheet of paper a couple of days ago. I plug my flash drive into the computer and quickly search for the security footage files to transfer them over.

I cringe as the computer makes a noise as the files are put into my flash drive's folder and quickly smash the mute button, effectively silencing any noise. Once the files are transferred, I quickly unplug my computer and delete the security footage tapes from tonight. I slip the USB into the pocket of my sweatshirt and head back out to the main room.

I only have 4 days left until I execute the plan. 4 days until I finally put this nightmarish place behind me. 

December 21st: 3 Days Until the Deadline

Annabeth

I walk into the library and head back to the computer section. Percy is already there waiting for me. I smile and hold up the flash drive. "Got it!" I proclaim.

"I really hope this works," Percy says. "The only way to beat him is to get proof."

"Well, let's see then," I respond, sitting down in the chair next to him. 

We plug in the flash drive and the files begin to sync. We begin scrolling through the files, looking for anything of interest. 

"Look." Percy speaks up, "That one, right there. 11/29 12:00AM."

I click on the picture with that description, showing one of the waitresses and another man.

"Gabe," Percy growls as the file opens and the man comes into a clearer view. I turn down the volume on the computer and press play.

1 hour later

"We've got him. Several clips of workplace sexual assault." I say, solemnly.

Percy looks a little green as he nods. "I can't believe my mom put up with him for so long."

"Your mom?" I ask. I had been wondering about the situation between Percy and Gabe for a while now but hadn't wanted to press Percy if he wasn't comfortable sharing.

Percy sighs and runs a hand through his hair. "Yeah. Back in Ogygia, my mom was...with...Gabe."

"Is he your..." I trail off.

"Father?" Percy chuckles a bit, "Gods, no. My mom and he got married for whatever reason and he was awful to her. You remember that salve I ga...I mean, he was very abusive and hurt her a lot in many ways."

"I'm sorry to hear that. How did you get away?" I ask. I can tell he is hiding something, but I won't pry.

"Well, I suppose it would be because of me that he was sent to jail, although it is equally his fault. One day, I just couldn't take it anymore and I snapped. I beat the crap out of him. I know it wasn't the proper response, but it was all I had ever seen in my life. Gabe always told me to close my mouth and talk with my fists if I ever had something to say, but I was always too scared to do anything against him. Until one day, when he pushed my mom just a little too hard, and when the pain of the fading tattoo on my arm was bothering me a little too much, I snapped. The thing is, I liked it. It felt good to give him justice and I've hated myself for it ever since. After that day, I vowed to never physically harm another person again. So far, I've kept my vow." He tells me.

I reach my hand up towards his, which is resting on the table supporting the computer. "Percy, no one should have to go through what you went through, but your past doesn't define you. The fact that you vowed to never hurt someone else shows that you're different from him, shows that you want to be a better person."

Percy looks at our hands that have found themselves intertwined and turns to face me. "Thank you, Annabeth." He looks back down at our hands and begins absentmindedly tracing circles with his thumb. "For years, our neighbors never raised a finger, no matter what they heard from our house, but when they heard Gabe's yelps, the police were there in minutes. In the end, that's what got him. As the police did some looking, they found out about some of the things Gabe had done and he ended up going to jail. I ended up with a permanent mark on my record that has gotten me mixed up with a bad crowd at almost every school I've gone to."

"Not here," I say.

Percy smiles, "Nope." He turns his head back to me and his twinkling sea-green eyes lock with mine, "Because I ran into you first."

December 24th: The Day of the Deadline

I twirl my pencil across my fingertips as I sit back on my couch, looking out the window. The sky has already turned a dark shade of blue and I can see the faintest of snowflakes drifting down in the light of the street lamp. I bite the end of my pen and look around my area. 

My homework is splayed out on the coffee table in front of me. I was trying to get some done before we leave for our vacation tomorrow, but I'm too distracted right now. At least I got in a little bit of productivity this morning. 

I notice that my knee had started bouncing and quickly place my hand on it to cease the movement. Even as I stop, I feel the nervous energy coursing through my veins telling me to continue bouncing my leg.

Suddenly, the headlights of a slow-moving car light up my window. I grab the USB and a few files sitting in front of me as I rush to grab my jacket from its hook by the door.

Snowflakes begin floating into my house so I quickly close the door behind me.

I rush toward the car, wrapping myself tightly in my jacket, while also being careful not to slip.

I pull on the door handle to the car parked in front of my house and it doesn't open. I look through the window and send my best glare towards the person in the driver's seat. 

He smirks and reaches to press the button that unlocks the door. As soon as it is unlocked, I practically hop into the vehicle, swiftly closing the door behind me.

After crossing my arms I shoot a look at Percy as he chuckles. 

"Gods, Annabeth, it's like you haven't ever seen a day of cold in your life. If you can't handle this weather, how are you going to deal with our vacation?" He laughs as he shifts into drive and starts going forward.

I can't help but smile back and say, "Hopefully it will be a bit warmer in Ogygia. Plus, I'm a nerd, remember? I would much rather curl up by a fireplace with a book and a mug of hot chocolate than leave my house."

Percy shakes his head, still smiling, "Well, you can try to convince Piper to let you stay back at the hotel, by the fireplace, with a book, but I think she'll win that argument."

I nod my head slightly in agreement. Piper is more of a fighter than one would think.

"Actually, I have a question... why in the world does Piper think it's a good idea to go to a beach in the middle of winter? It's a pretty mild winter this year, but still, a beach?!" Percy continues.

"I genuinely have no idea what she is thinking, but I'm sure she has some sort of plan. She always does." I respond.

"Of course she does. We'll see how it goes. I can't say I'm not excited, though. It has been a long time since I've gone on vacation, much less with friends." he states.

"Yeah," I say, "I haven't been on a vacation in a while either."

As Percy keeps driving ahead, I think back to my last vacation. Years ago, when my mom was still here, we went to Ogygia. To a beach. Funny how life works in cycles. I'm going to be back in the same place I was years before, but this time I'll be with my friends. 

As we approach our destination, I see Percy begin to tense and realize that I have been clenching my fist around the USB and files. I quickly loosen my grip in hopes that I didn't crinkle any of the papers.

He glances over at me. "Are you ready?" he asks.

"As ready as I'll ever be. I want to put this all behind me." I respond.

"I'll be by your side the whole time." He says.

I smile in response, but the smile quickly fades as we pull up in front of the Lotus Bar, a place I have gotten familiar with in the past months. 

As soon as I get out of the vehicle, a bit of movement catches my eye and I turn to a figure rushing towards me. It's Emily, one of the waitstaff, rushing towards me in uniform without a coat on.

"Annabeth! You're here!" Emily's teeth begin chattering. "He's waiting for you in the back room."

"He was watching for us, I assume?" I ask her.

She quickly nods her head up and down. "You brought your friend?" 

She glances towards Percy, who is making his way around the parked car.

"Ye-" I start, but am cut off as Emily does a double-take and looks Percy up and down appreciatively.

I raise an eyebrow and grab her hand, "Okayyy, Emily. Let's get you in the building. It's freezing out here."

We make our way towards the back room where Gabe Ugliano is supposedly waiting for us quickly, going through the staff entrance to avoid any interaction with customers. 

When we approach the door, Emily gives it a quick rap and waits for the confirmation, "Come in," before allowing us to enter.

I step forward towards the door and hear Percy let out a deep breath. 

As I bypass the doorway, I see Gabe Ugliano sitting in his rolling desk chair. His hands are interlaced, resting on his beer belly, staring at me with what I would call a malicious smirk.

"Annabeth, my dear," His smirk broadens, "How kind of you to join me!"

The door opens further behind me and Gabe's demeanor immediately changes. His entire face darkens and he begins radiating an intense aura of hatred. I can feel the tension thicken in the room as Percy squares his shoulders, locking eyes with Gabe.

I fight the instinct to take a step backward and decide to take control of the situation.

"Mr. Ugliano," I say, firmly, "I have come here to decline your offer of a promotion."

Gabe's eyes immediately snap back to me. "Is that so?" He asked, eyes piercing mine. 

"Yes, and not only that but as of today, I will no longer be working at any facility of the Lotus chains. Here is my official resignation." I state, handing him the file over the table.

Gabe looks slightly baffled, with suspicion clouding his gaze, "Why would you do that? Your mother told me you were desperate to go to college. I can guarantee you a full-ride scholarship to a school of your choosing. Wouldn't you do anything to get that?"

I raise my chin, "First of all, my step-mother knows nothing about me. Second, I've realized that if I want to achieve something, if I work hard, I don't have to rely on others to help me get to where I want to. I let my self-doubt get in the way of my abilities. Even if I don't get into the best college, I will find one that fits me, that will be good for me. I am no longer in need of your services."

"I assume this is your doing, Jackson." Gabe spits, glaring at Percy.

Percy smirks, "Nope. This is all Annabeth. She is fully capable of achieving anything she puts her mind to."

Gabe's glare stiffens as he closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. When he opens his eyes again, he is smiling once again. "There are consequences to your decision, Annabeth. Consequences to crossing me. I hope you are ready to see the consequences."

I stare back at him, "I am aware of your threats, Mr. Ugliano, which is why we prepared something against you."

Gabe stands up and begins walking around the desk. Percy tenses further and takes a small step forward.

I pull out the USB from where I stashed it in my pocket. "This USB holds videographic evidence of several of the misdeeds done within your facilities."

I hold it up for him to see and he stares at it. "Is that so? And why should I believe you?"

"You don't have to believe me, all you have to know is that there is either incriminating evidence in this drive or no evidence whatsoever. If there is no evidence on this file, then you could easily take action against me and there would most likely be little severe repercussions. But if there is real, incriminating evidence on here, then you would lose everything just to get revenge on one teenage girl. Do you want that?" I state, firmly.

"Mind games, my dear. Perhaps I have underestimated you." He eyes the USB in my hand.

Suddenly, before I can really register what is happening, Gabe shoots out his hand a millisecond after Percy places his hand over my wrist, simultaneously pushing me behind him and grabbing the USB drive. When I glance around his frame, I see him gripping and twisting Gabe's outstretched wrist with his opposite hand. 

Gabe seems momentarily shocked by Percy's speed before his face morphs into one of pure rage. Percy quickly lets go of my wrist, shoving the USB in his pocket, while keeping a firm grip on Gabe's arm.

"Perseus Jackson, you ruined everything for me. I lost years of my life because of you. Everything I had been working towards was set back years because of you. My money, my power, my fame, my riches. All delayed. All ruined because of you." Gabe spits.

"Gabe, we can go into how much of my life you have ruined for me, but there is no need. You are a despicable human and those videos on that USB just further cement what I always knew. You deserved to live out your entire life behind bars so you wouldn't hurt more people." Percy says, fiercely, "Now, you will leave Annabeth alone or I won't hesitate to shove you into your next cell myself. "

Gabe cackles, "You think you can beat me, child?! I have grown, I have gained power. I'm unstoppable."

"You're insane." Percy shoots back, "Why did you want me to come here?"

"I wanted to remember why I hated you so much," Gabe glares,  "Time can twist a person. Time can steal your motivation. Thank you, for reminding me that I need to destroy everything you love, everyone you care about, and everything that is a part of you, because that," Gabe pokes a finger at his chest, "Is your weakness. Your love for others. If I can destroy them, then I will destroy you."

Gabe looks over Percy's shoulder at me and a wicked grin covers his face. "And," Gabe continues, "You have never been that good at hiding your love."

Percy repositions his hand to grab a fistful of Gabe's shirt. "Don't forget what will happen if you make a move against us."

"Empty threats, Perseus," Gabe says snidely.

"No. You may not believe the flash drive but believe this. I will not let you hurt another person that I care about. I have grown too. I know how to deal with bullies like you and I won't stand for you hurting anyone else." Percy growls.

Percy then releases Gabe's shirt and pushes him away. I put my hand on Percy's arm and he looks over at me. Through our eyes, we communicate that it is time to go and he nods. 

"Mr. Ugliano. I will be cutting all ties with this company immediately. I do not require severance pay and all of the necessary documents are in the file I gave you." I state.

I refrain from saying, "Good day sir," as I turn on my heel and walk out the door, Percy right behind me.

Once we get in the car, we sit in silence for a second before Percy turns to me. "Thank you." He says. "Thank you for helping me face my demons."

I smile, "Thank you, Percy, for helping me believe in myself." 

Percy beams in return before reaching across the center console and wrapping his arms around me. I hug him back.

We make our way to my house and before I know it, we're at my doorstep. "See you tomorrow?" Percy asks.

"Of course. I can't wait." I hesitate, thinking I've come off a little too eager, but Percy surprises me by scooping me off my feet into his arms.

"Thanks, Annabeth." He whispers into my hair. I chuckle and hug him back.

That night, I fell asleep with a weight off my shoulders and a fluttering feeling in my chest.

3rd Person POV

As Percy arrives home, he fingers the flash drive in his pocket as he hums to himself. After years of harboring his anger towards this one person, he had finally released his anger and done it in a non-violent way. He tried to be the bigger person and fight for himself and the people he cares about.

He lies down on his bed and sets the flash drive on his nightstand. After staring at it for a while, his eyes flutter closed and he drifts into a happy, dreamless sleep.

The Next Day

Christmas Day: a day of tradition and family for some, just a normal day for others, but for 14 teenagers, though, it is the day that they would begin their travels to Ogygia for their winter break.

Around 4 'o clock, Piper sends a text to the group chat saying that she and Jason are on their way to pick everyone up. Tactfully, Piper chooses to pick up Percy and Annabeth last. 

By now, the members of the vehicle include Jason, Piper, Hazel, Frank, Calypso, Leo, Grover, Juniper, Nico, Will, Reyna, and Thalia. 

As they pull up to Annabeth's house, she comes out right away. Annabeth had successfully avoided her step-mom for the last day and left a note for her dad to see because he probably wouldn't remember Annabeth telling him about the vacation.

Annabeth gets in the van and ends up sitting in the back. She smiles as she sees that Piper has made all of her ships sit next to each other. 

Annabeth POV

Piper sits in front with Jason behind the wheel, Thalia and Reyna sit directly behind them (not as a ship, just as besties), I assume this is so Piper can talk to someone without third-wheeling or distracting the driver, Leo and Calypso are directly behind them, followed by Will and Nico, Hazel and Frank, and Grover and Juniper. 

It is only when we are on our way to Percy's house that I realize the only remaining open spot is next to me. I facepalm. Of course Piper would do this. While I wait for Percy to arrive, I observe the other couples, or at least almost couples, and smile to myself.

Leo is quite blatantly flirting with Calypso and she is quite blatantly trying to pretend that his words have no effect on her, but her rosy cheeks betray otherwise.

When we arrive at Percy's house, I see him hugging his mom goodbye. Before leaving, he tells her something and slips his hand into her pocket, placing something there. 

Before long, Percy has boarded the vehicle and sits down in the open seat next to me. Now, it is off to Ogygia we go.

Piper is blasting road trip music. Right now, Africa by Toto is playing as separate conversations ensue throughout the van.

Percy and I are discussing Avatar the Last Airbender. Both he and I have been fans of the show for years. It's so interesting how crazy the internet has been about this since it came out on Webflix. 

There are so many new ideas and opinions about the show. Percy says if he were in the show he would definitely be a water bender.

"My favorite character is Sokka," Percy continues.

"I love Sokka!! You could say I'm OTGaang, but... Katara is probably my favorite." I nerd.

"Have you seen Korra?" Percy asks.

"Yes. I'm probably going to get hate for this, but I don't think Korra is as good as the original with Aang. Don't get me wrong! It's still in one of the best universes in TV history, but I just like the characters and storyline of the 1st show the best." I say.

"Agreed, but Kainora is my OTP. Jinora is definitely my favorite character from Legend of Korra." Percy's eyes light up as he talks about his ship.

I smile. "You're so right. I would talk about my ships from the original show, but... I'm afraid they might be a little too controversial."

Percy laughs. "Have you seen the movie?"

"What movie?" I ask, rolling my eyes.

Percy smirks, "Okay. Okay. Now I know you're really a part of the fandom, but do you want to watch it so we can point of the terrible things about the Aah-vatar and Sookah?"

"Why not? We've got time." I smile.

After one hour and forty-three minutes of pointing out errors and making fun of the terrible acting of the movie titled "The Last Airbender," a movie that is somehow worse than the Peter Johnson movies...

(A/N: Don't come at me. It's true. I mean...)

https://youtu.be/xU1hYgGcosA

I find myself getting tired and my eyes brush closed. Before I know it, I become immersed in a new world that is my nightmare.

A bright LED light shines through the pitch-black oblivion around me. I see to men exchanging fists. 

"Stop!" I cry out.

A silver glint reflects off the face of the young man who is currently beating the crap out of the older man below him.

"STOP!" I yell louder. This gets their attention. The young man looks at me in shock.

"Annabeth?! Stay away!" The Savior states, panicked, pausing with the older man's shirt knotted in his fist. 

"Savior?" That's when the man below him smirks and throws a fist and the Savior's face. The blow shatters the silver mask that protects his identity. The last thing I see is Gabe Ugliano's malicious grin as my reality shatters around me along with the silver mask that Gabe Ugliano just obliterated.

I close my eyes and when I open them again, everything around me is covered in a foggy haze. I try to see in front of me and vaguely see two figures grappling back and forth in the distance. As I walk towards them, I notice the ledge at their feet.

"No!" I yell, my voice becoming hoarse as one of the figures topples over the ledge.

The ground beneath me shatters, but before I am sucked into the darkness, a hand grabs my own. 

I look up to see him grasping the edge of the roof with his arm, the only thing keeping the two of us from plummeting into the darkness below.

I look down. There is no way Percy and I will get out of this if he holds onto me. "Let me go," I plead.

When I look up and lock eyes with him, I couldn't help but think that he had never looked so handsome. 

The sun was setting behind him, which made him glow as if he had an aura of power around him.

"I will never let you go. We're staying together," he promised. "You're not getting away from me. Never again."

I look at him, slightly confused. What does he mean never again? I look down once more and finally understand what is about to happen.

A one-way trip. A very hard fall.

I think about everything I've been through in this past year and about everything that has started to change. 

I stood up for myself to Gabe. I talked about my mom with another person for the first time in years. I had someone's shoulder to cry on, someone to rely on, someone to trust for the first time, maybe ever. And all of that was because of Percy.

I look back at his sea-green eyes and let out a tear as I smile. "As long as we're together," I say.

I hear voices yelling above me as I look up at the final rays of sunshine painting the sky in brilliant shades of amber, gold, violet, and midnight blue. Perhaps this would be the last sunlight I would ever see.

Facing Percy once more, I stare into the eyes that shined like the most beautiful, turbulent sea and transfer my acceptance and love through my gaze. For the man who would never let me go. Who would never leave me behind. Someone who would be permanent.

Then, Percy lets go of his tiny ledge, and together, holding hands, we fall into the endless darkness.

Our arms wrap around each other and I hear his voice whisper, "Shh. It's ok, Annabeth. It's just a dream. I'm here."

I feel his hand rub circles into mine and everything around me begins to fade, save for his hand in mine, and my head resting on his shoulder. 

After that, the rest of my sleep remains uneventful and dreamless.

Some time later, I open my eyes to find myself in a van once more. I blink a couple of times before seeing a rapid movement in the corner of my eye. 

My eyes shoot over to the direction of the movement to see Piper dashing up to the front of the van, phone in hand. I start to move to sit up when I freeze.

My hand is intertwined with another's. My head is resting on someone's shoulder and their head is resting on mine and I know exactly who it is. Maybe it was the smell of the sea that tipped me off or maybe I could sense it or maybe I just remembered that I had been sitting next to Percy Jackson since he got on the van and I am just making stuff up because I am a complete and total romantic and have a crush on the guy whose shoulder I am resting my gigantic head on. 

Then I remember the dream...

Heat rushes to my cheeks. What did my dream self do? What did my dream self realize? Uh uh. Never gonna happen. This is not going to happen Percy doesn't like you that way. Every time anything has ever happened between the two of you was because he was being a decent human being and helping me. 

I mean... I kissed him?!??!?! What is wrong with me. Obviously, he doesn't reciprocate it. 

Maybe that is why I thought I liked the Savior because he was safe. He liked me? He kissed me. I can't even try to analyze that part of my dream right now. It's just too much. 

That's when I realize that Percy is asleep. (Don't ask why it took me so long. My self-induced relationship panic kind of distracted me.) And it is so cute.

I can hear him steadily breathing and I don't know what to do. At least he isn't drooling. Luke used to do that. 

Suddenly, I feel Percy shift beneath me. He's waking up. Oh my gods. What do I do?

Percy starts to sit up, lifting his head. I quickly remove my head from his shoulder and sit up too.

Percy looks slightly disoriented, but as he rightens himself, he pokes me in the arm.

"Sleep well?" He smiles.

"I suppose," I say, turning a little more crimson.

"Good." He smirks, but I can see that his cheeks are tinted pink as well. "I did too."

The awkward tension sits between us for a while

Then I can't help but laugh.

He bursts out in laughter too.

"Ok," he says, "Let's never talk about this again."

"Agreed," I respond.

The remainder of the van ride passed quickly with Percy and I chatting about anything under Helios.

We arrive at the hotel and go up to the front desk. We are directed to the top floor and into a suite. There is a kitchenette in the center along with a loveseat and a couple of armchairs in front of a... fireplace. Hello, my friend! I hope I can spend some time with you in the next few days. I put my hand to my back where my book should be and smile to myself.

Percy snorts behind me, guessing my thoughts. I shoot him a glare and he smirks at me.

Then, it's time to choose rooms. Or rather, it's time for Piper to choose rooms. She decides that no one in a relationship should be in the same rooms for the sake of the remaining guests. Therefore, the first room consists of Piper, Juniper, Thalia, and Reyna. The second room has Hazel, Calypso, and me. The third room is where Leo, Nico, and Frank will be, and the fourth room will have Jason, Will, Grover, and Percy.

For some reason, this hotel decided to put bunk beds in each of the rooms in the suite, so we all get to choose either the upper or lower bunks. I choose the lower bunk on the right side of the room and Hazel and Calypso choose the top and bottom bunks on the left side of the room respectively. 

After we are done choosing we go out into the main room and meet with the others. 

Everyone returns, save for Jason, who, according to Percy, passed out as soon as his head hit the pillow. He was driving the entire day today, so we all give him a break. I check the clock. It's already 10:30. 

Piper decides to head to bed as well and most people follow. I go to my room and search through my bags to find my book, IT by Stephen King.

I didn't have a chance to read it in the van like I had planned, for... reasons... therefore, I want to make some progress.

I change into some PJs (a loose t-shirt and fuzzy pajama pants) and slip out onto the couch in front of the fireplace.

I cuddle up in one of the armchairs and read by the light of the fire. After a few minutes of being absorbed in my book, I hear a noise coming from the area behind me: the kitchenette.

I snap my head back, but can't see anything in the darkness, especially not with the golden flecks dancing in front of my eyes from facing the fire. 

"Hello?" I call out, quietly. 

There's more movement from the kitchen.

I grab the closest thing to me, a complimentary apple from the fruit bowl on the coffee table. I gently set down my book after placing a bookmark inside. (In no way am I hitting this intruder with a book. It could damage my book!)

I quietly walk over towards the kitchen, apple in hand. As I walk forward, a figure begins to take shape in front of me. 

They are making some jerking movements up and down with their hand and I have no idea what they are doing, so I get slightly closer and raise the apple above my head, ready to smash it on whoever's forehead this is.

I start to smash the apple downward when the person's head snaps and their hand grabs my wrist, stopping its descent. 

I pause, my heart pounding. I'm still imagining the nightmarish figures from my book when the figure reaches for something to their right.

"Annabeth?" They ask as they flip the switch to turn the lights on.

"Percy..." I relax and hold myself back from facepalming. "I'm sorry. I thought you were...an intruder."

"You are the most focused reader I know," he laughs. "I've been standing here, trying to silently make hot chocolate and not disturb you for like 15 minutes and you haven't stirred. Then the moment I look away and focus on getting my drink the right shade of blue, suddenly, you're right in front of me about to smash an apple on my head."

I look at his hand and see that there is indeed a small bottle of blue food coloring in his hand. I chuckle bashfully, "Sorry about that. I'm reading a scary book."

Suddenly something sparks in my memory, "You know, I've only met one other person who makes their food blue." I say.

Percy freezes, "Really? And who is that?"

"Umm.. the Savior, actually," I respond, slightly hesitant.

"Ooh. The hot Savior?" He winks, sending me back to a lunch a while back.

"I..." I can feel myself turning a bright crimson.

Percy laughs, then silences himself quickly, suddenly remembering that everyone else in this suite is asleep. "The Savior has a lot to learn before he is ready to save anyone."

"Ok," I say "I know that's an avatar reference, but I don't understand how that makes sense in the context of this situation."

"I think The Savior might be trying to hide from the world because he's afraid that he won't be accepted for who he is. I think his mask makes him bold and arrogant. I think when he puts on that mask, he loses himself." Percy rambles.

I squint my eyes at him, "And you think that why exactly?"

"Because...I...I think that when he can't even tell his secret to the people to the people he cares about," he looks pointedly at me, "that there is something wrong. I think he's a coward for not telling you who he is."

I look down at the floor. "Here," he says and hands me a mug of hot chocolate. I look at the counter and see another mug sitting there. He prepared two mugs. My heart melts a little bit.

"Give me a second and we can talk by the fire." I grab the hot chocolate from him and look back to see his brow creased as he carefully drops some blue food dye into his hot chocolate. I smile to myself.

Percy soon comes over and sits on the couch opposite me. We start talking and the more tired I get, the more I start to share about myself.

"Last time I came to Ogygia, I went to the beach with both of my parents when I was around 7 and I remember I built this sandcastle with this boy. That was one of the last times my whole family was together." I say.

"Yeah. My mom and dad met on this beach. It's a pretty special place. I basically grew up there. I would spend almost every day in the summer going to the beach and playing in the sea." He says.

I nod and let him continue, "My mom says my dad got lost at sea and never came back, but I'm pretty sure that's just her way of softening the fact that he left us. Sometimes, I still feel bitter. He caused my mom to marry Gabe. I can't help but think, maybe if my dad had stuck around, my mom could've been happier. Maybe I wouldn't be so confused about who I am, about who I want to be."

"I think when my mom left, I started blaming myself. I felt like I could never live up to her expectations and that caused her to leave, so I started pushing myself to do better, to do more, to be smarter, to be stronger. What I have learned though, is that there is no way to be the best at everything. I need to strive to do as well as I can to the point where I'm satisfied. If I can be happy with where I'm at, then I don't need anyone else's approval." I state, reflecting on everything I've realized in the past couple of months.

"I'm glad, Annabeth." Percy smiles at me.

"I-" I start, but hesitate. I decide to plow ahead, "I think I've been searching for someplace secure. I told you, I wanted something permanent, but I think that has manifested itself into my daily life. I'm afraid of taking risks, of putting myself out there because I'm afraid I'll get rejected. My entire dilemma with Gabe proves that. If I would've just had confidence in myself and trusted my own abilities to figure out a solution to my problem, I could've avoided those terrible months. I thought that with that guarantee, I could get into a good college and get a good job and build a stable life with a stable family, but suddenly, that doesn't all seem so perfect. I'd rather work hard and prove myself than rely on another person for my success. Thanks to you, I think I'm starting to believe in myself."

"Annabeth, you didn't need me. I'm sure you would've come to this conclusion on your own. You are definitely the most intelligent person I know and I'm glad you're starting to realize that nothing can stop you when you put your mind to it." Percy replies.

"Percy," I blurt out, "I want to talk with my step-mom. I want to stand up to her."

"I think you should," he says, "you deserve to have that weight off your chest."

"Ok. I'll do it when I get home," I brace myself, "would you..."

"Be there for you when you do it? Yes," Percy responds to my unasked question, "but I don't think me going in with you is a good idea. You helped me face my demons, now it is my turn to help you face yours."

I smile, "Thank you."

We sit there in silence for a second. I look down at my now-empty hot chocolate mug. When I look back up, I find Percy looking straight at me. The light of the fire is making the green in his eyes pop.

He reaches forward and brushes one of my curls from my face, "You're so beautiful. Inside and out. Don't let anyone ever tell you otherwise." I can only hope that the darkness surrounding me will hide my blush.

(An update! Finally! I love you all. I hope you liked this chapter. It's definitely longer than usual and things are finally starting to happen! Thank you all for all of your support. The story is almost over and I have really enjoyed this journey with all of you. Stay safe and healthy!

Love 💙 and Blue Cookies 🔵🔵🔵🔵🔵🔵🔵🔵🔵🔵🔵🔵🔵🔵🔵🔵🔵🔵🔵🔵,

Leah Silverwater

Uploaded 11/15/2020