Annabeth studied Percy during breakfast at the dining pavilion through her lashes. The open hall was filled with laughter, general chatter and the smell of burnt offerings for the gods. She knew today was going to be a bit hotter than usual- today's breakfast was french toast and Apollo always liked to be closer to the 'amazing mortals who created such divine eatery' on those days.

His eyes glittered, holding all the power of the sea yet the same gentleness of the soft lapping of waves at your ankles within them, his pupils dark as the bottom of the Mariana Trench. His smile was crooked and mischievous, carefree despite having walked through hell and making it out alive. She studied his reactions to everyday occurrences. Nothing in even slight resemblance of what I'd seen that day- nothing even somewhat similar to the Earth-Shattering revelation that had Annabeth shaking to her core. Nothing shocked her- Nothing had for quite some time. Sure we could feel upset or excited about what was happening, but she was never truly stunned by what she was seeing until that night in Tartarus with Akhlys.

The glint in his eyes disappeared and had never showed up again. But would it? Would the look of glee as he drowned a woman in her own poison come back? The grin as she choked, hissing and screaming in agony, was something that haunted her every hour of every day, striking at random. Curiosity was suffocating her; tightening her ribs tighter and tighter around her ribcage until she was sure either her lungs would pop or her ribs would shatter.

Her thoughts, her panic, was driven away by her half brother's voice. "Annabeth? Are you alright?"

He placed a hand on her shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze that grounded her back to the physical plane. She smiled slightly, though it was weak. "I'm okay, thank you Malcom. Just thinking, you know how it is."

He pursed his lips and nodded. The very slight splash of freckles across his nose and cheeks were the most prominent this time of year, making a beautiful contrast between bright blue eyes and the tanned freckles, like stars or glitter amongst the moon.

I looked back at Percy, who was animatedly talking with Jason, waving his hands and doing weird body language that made the son of Jupiter laugh. Any sort of sharp movement or fist from Percy and I would flinch, however. I had to know if he thought about it at all- If he thought about hurting us, even just in the back of his mind. He seemed to enjoy torturing the goddess of misery, and that was enough to make Annabeth queasy. If Percy did fantasize about killing or hurting people, she can't say she wouldn't be surprised. He's been through a lot of trauma- She's honestly surprised one of them hasn't attempted to off themselves yet.

Dismissing this thought, she jumped into conversation about the best college in New York, where Malcom was avidly defending Cornell while Maria made several valid points about Columbia. She was too worried about Percy to get properly absorbed in the conversation. Perhaps Leo could build something to read negative thoughts?

Annabeth wasn't hungry, but she stomached an apple and some eggs before she caught sight of Leo slipping out of the pavilion, leaving soft kisses along Calypso's jaw and throat while she rolled her eyes, tangling her fingers in the masses of curls.

"Leo!" Annabeth called out, standing and jogging towards the Latino, who turned to look at her with a confused expression, looking an awful lot like a confused puppy. "C'mon, do you mind having a talk with me for a minute?"

The boy frowned, clearly not trusting the situation but he nodded. "Yeah, what's up Anniebell?"

Annabeth rolled her eyes as the three of them walked towards the edge of the pavilion. "First of all, never call me that again. Second of all, I need your help with something."

"My help? With what?"

"Patience, I'm getting there. I need you to agree to try, first- And to not tell Percy."

"Not tell Per- This is sketchy, Annabeth, you know that right?" Leo rose a brow at the blond girl, crossing his arms over his chest. "Why can't I tell Percy?"

Annabeth sighed, her brows furrowing. "Because it's about him, Leo, and he can't know about it or something might happen."

Leo seemed suspicious but nodded slowly. "Can we talk with Calypso here?"

"As long as she doesn't tell anyone about what we're about to say," Annabeth said, staring down the mentioned girl who shook her head, hazelnut colored hair bouncing slightly.

"No, of course not. Consider my mouth zippered." When Annabeth stared at her, she tutted softly, shaking her head. "That's not quite the phrase, is it?"

Leo smiled, kissing her cheek with a small beam of happiness. She hated that she just felt jealous of them. Her and Percy weren't like that anymore- She was too scared of him, and he didn't seem to mind the sudden distance between them. He acted as normal when they were together, but Annabeth still couldn't help but feel uptight. The shattered look in his eyes would never leave her.

"I need a device that may... Track malicious intent."

"Small words, Annie."

"I need something that can tell if someone is feeling violent or angry," Annabeth corrected, tilting her head. "Or some sort of mind-reading device. Can you do it?"

"Of course I can do it," Leo scoffed, shaking his head, but quickly snapped back into a serious curiosity. "Why do you need one of these? Percy is a gentle giant, he'd never hurt anyone."

"I know, I... I'll explain at Zeus' Fist, if you can help me gather up people to meet there in twenty. Get Everyone from the Argo II that's here at camp, alright? That includes Nico." Leo shrugged nonchalantly, but he was staring her down with uncertainty in his eyes. "Thank you Leo, this means the world to me, it really does. You'll all understand soon enough, okay? Don't worry."

Leo relaxed a bit before nodding. "Alright Annie. I trust you, but I don't... Yeah. I'll get everyone at Zeus' Fist."

Percy was training the younger campers how to sword fight for a few hours every morning, so they had more than enough time to talk and get everything figured out. She was so absorbed in her own thoughts she didn't notice the rest of the Seven coming her way. "This better be important," Nico grumbled, leaning up against the shadowed side of the boulder. "I was just about to go visit Will."

"Yeah, what is this about?" Jason asked, brows furrowing. "And why isn't Percy here?"

Annabeth took a deep breath, clenching and relaxing her hands a few times to help control her nerves. "I need to tell you guys something, but you... You can't tell Percy." Her voice was quivering.

They looked confused, and slightly concerned, but they nodded. "If it's serious, of course we won't. Holy Hades, you're not pregnant are you?!" Piper gasped. Murmurs of panic ran through the group but Annabeth shook her head vigorously.

"No no no, nothing like that. It's about Percy- Something that happened down in Tartarus."

Nico's eyes darkened and everyone went silent, leaving the sounds of the creaking forest around them to overwhelm her senses. "Tartarus changes us Annabeth- It's a miracle the three of us are still sane, that we haven't gone mad."

"I know, I know, but..." She shook her head. "This is different. Down, when we were escaping Nyx's Palace, we came across Akhlys. She was... She drew out a bunch of poison that was dissolving and killing everything. It was just about closing in when it stopped, reserving its flow. Percy was controlling it, controlling the poison and..." Annabeth's voice cracked, taking a few deep breaths. Piper rubbed her back while Jason moved to rest a hand on her knee in a reassuring manner. "He was drowning her. Drowning her in her own poison. Made it go up her nose, down her throat, into her lungs, all over her skin. She was screaming, crying, begging for mercy but he wouldn't. Her screaming got louder and louder, and only the Gods know what was happening to make her beg for mercy like that. And his expression..." Annabeth swallowed thickly, tears welling up in her eyes. "His eyes were so... Dark. But bright. Like he enjoyed torturing her, and he was smiling- I don't think he realized he was smiling but he was, and I... It hasn't left me since."

The experience had shaken up Annabeth horribly. It was at that moment when she realized that there was no difference between monster and man for him anymore. He attempted to kill her just like he killed a soulless monster that can't feel pain. He would have killed her in an instant, if Annabeth hadn't begged him to stop. Even when he was an item of power, the most powerful demigod she'd ever met, he was still harmless, because he'd do anything to protect his friends. She guessed she underestimated the 'anything' part of that statement, because as soon as Annabeth or one of his friends were in trouble he immediately became a soldier- ruthless, cunning, and too powerful for his own good. And yet, despite his loyalty, she questioned whether or not he had morals to fit that code. If Jason were to attack Annabeth, turn to the side of the primordials, would he kill him? Would Percy have the gut to kill Jason the same way he tortured Akhlys? Or would his loyalty to Jason still stand as an old friend?

"You're overthinking, Annabeth- That never bodes well for anyone." Piper squeezed her shoulder gently. "Just take a few breaths and try to relax."

"It was just- It was just so sadistic and cruel," Annabeth whispered, letting out a shuddering breath. "So I... I want something that can detect aggression or anger, or even just words, that would help me get over the idea that he could- would- hurt a person. Someone that wasn't immortal."

"I'm on it Annabeth, don't worry." Leo smiled gently while Annabeth sniffled, regathering her composure.

"Thanks Leo, I really appreciate it."

x

Later that night, when Percy asked where Leo was, they said he had fallen ill. They felt bad when Percy frowned, immediately offering to run into the city to get some stuff for him and bring him ambrosia.

x

The second day, Annabeth was beginning to feel guilty. It's not like Percy had ever hurt any of them before, or shown any signs of wanting to.

Memories of the glint in his eye as he suffocated a woman with poison had her guilt fading away.

x

Day three, Leo brought them the complete project.

There was a small box, and inside were a syringe alongside small black rubber buds. "This is a syringe filled with a serum I got from the Hypnos cabin. They make it so you can remember your dreams, but I got some Hecate kids to modify it to amplify thoughts through an outlet- Which are these." Leo picked up one of the buds, placing it in his ear. "Once we give Percy the shot, the connection should take a max of three minutes to take effect."

"Is this... Is this wrong?" Jason stared at the bud. "I mean, based on what you're telling us, we'll be able to hear all of his thoughts. Isn't that... Invasive? We should trust him, if we just confront him-"

"You know Percy, Jason. He won't give us the full truth," Annabeth sighed, rubbing at the skin of her temples. "I know it seems wrong but... I just want to make sure he's okay."

That was enough for them to put the buds in.

x

They decided that they'd use Will as a source and used dyed coconut water- which was safe to be injected into the bloodstream- as a breathing aid for those who had been through Tartarus. Nico and Annabeth would get the fakes, Percy would get the serum. Jason and Nico still seemed uneasy.

Percy was pouting as we led him to the infirmary. "I feel fine! I don't need any... Whatever that is!"

Will sat the three of them down on a single bed, hushing them. "It's for your breathing, the air is rough down there and without it your lungs may turn to tar. Does anyone have a fear of needles?" When it was silent, he shrugged. "Alright. Annabeth, going in three... Two... One."

There was a slight prick in her arm, at the crook of her elbow, as she was injected with the fake serum. It still felt weird and she shuddered a little as the needle was removed. Will wiped the wound with alcohol before handing her a bandaid, before moving on to Percy.

Everyone seemed to hold their breath as Percy held out his hand. Will took his wrist, gently twisting his hand for the best angle. "Alright, three, two one..."

Percy winced as the needle entered his skin. He seemed a bit paler than he did at the beginning but remained still until Will pulled the needle out, cleaning the wound and handing him a bandaid. "Nemo!" Percy cheered, making Will chuckle.

"I thought you'd like that one."

It started as a soft murmur, barely audible, slowly growing in sound and confidence until it was clear in her right ear.

I hate syringes- Awful things. What was the phobia name again? I'm sure Annabeth told me at some point... Shame I can't remember. I should listen to her more- Maybe I'd actually learn a thing or two.

"Hey Percy, you okay?" Annabeth asked, frowning slightly. He was still pale.

"Yeah, why?" Percy tilted his head slightly, quirking up a brow.

Liar.

"You just seem a little pale," she observed carefully, taking his hands. "You're shaking, too. Do you not like needles?"

Percy shrugged. "Does anyone like needles? Except maybe Nico, that seems like something he'd be into."

"Shove it, Jackson," Nico mumbled, glaring while Percy laughed.

Number one distraction: Make a joke.

"Alright, who's up for a game?" Leo asked, clapping his hands together. "Truth or dare, how does that sound? Just to kill the day, since we've all got it off."

"Maybe a bit later," Percy yawned, looking at his Nemo bandaid with an apologetic grin. "I'm tired, wanna take a nap."

"Alright, we'll have someone get you in a few hours then?" Piper suggested. Percy nodded.

"Sounds like fun, I'm looking forward to it- Annie, will you be there later?"

Please say yes, please say yes...

"Of course I will be," Annabeth promised, squeezing his hand and leaning up to kiss his cheek. His cheeks warmed up to a slight pink color as he turned his head to gently capture Annabeth's lips with his own.

Despite what happened in Tartarus, Percy would always be an amazing kisser, and she still loved him beyond anything she could imagine. She just wanted to help. The rest of them left, including Nico, and Will closed the curtain to give them some privacy.

"I don't like needles," Percy whispered against her lips, resting his hands on her waist. "What's the phobia called?"

Fuck. What if she thinks I'm weak? I've been through hell but I'm scared of a little needle- that's pathetic if I've ever heard of it.

"Trypanophobia," she whispered back, watching his eyes for any sort of negative emotion. She found none- Only affection, a little bit of fear. "You know it's okay to be afraid? You didn't have to wait until they left."

"You're the one I trust," Percy mumbled, moving his hands to her underarms and lifting her up so that she could sit in his lap. Annabeth blushed slightly.

Gods I fucking love her. She's perfect. I could never ask for anyone else- I would be stupid to. She's already the picture definition of perfect. How in the world did she fall in love with me, of all people?

"Kiss me?" Percy asked hopefully, pouting like a child. Annabeth smiled, despite hating the lack of confidence he had in himself, wanting to show that she loved him and that would never change. So she leaned up, kissing her with everything she had.

Fuck, that was... Fuck that was kinda hot. What am I even saying, of course it was- Everything about her is.

He kissed back, lips moving softly together and occasionally making a weird noise. Annabeth flushed from the compliment, running her hands through Percy's hair.

Eugh. What if I'm a shitty kisser? I know she wouldn't tell me if I was...

Annabeth broke the kiss to gasp out a soft 'I love you' before kissing him again. He seemed to jump but chuckled, smoothing his hands up and down her back.

I want to touch her more. Her skin- Just her back. Not anything sexual. Just love her skin. Would she mind..?

Percy's hands rested on Annabeth's waist for a moment, hovering for a solid twenty seconds as Annabeth could hear him internally debating, before he finally brought his fingertips up under the hem of her shirt, brushing her back slightly but not moving from just that small square of skin.

Annabeth couldn't help but shiver- His hands were strong and slightly cold.

"Is this alright?" Percy asked softly, moving his thumb to slightly cup her bare waist, rubbing gently with the pads of his fingers. "Sorry, you're just so warm," he mumbled, flushing slightly while Annabeth smiled, a soft flush high on her cheeks.

"Yes, Percy- We've been dating for years, you're allowed to touch me. Just not... You know. All the way. We're-"

"Oh of course not, no," Percy flushed, shaking his head. "None of that, I promise."

I'd never do anything to make you uncomfortable as long as I can control it- I promise. If you never want to have sex, that would be perfectly alright with me. As long as you stay by my side, I'll be happy. Great, that was a comprehensible thought- now say it out loud. No? Alright then.

Percy finally moved his hands, hesitantly, to spread up the planes and soft curves on Annabeth's back all the way up to her shoulders, rubbing softly- affectionately. "Beautiful," Percy mumbled. "So beautiful."

Pretty. Beautiful. Gorgeous. Amazing.

Percy moved his hands, sliding his fingers under the back of her bra to rub at the slight creases the fabric left in her skin.

Vile thing. How dare anything leave a blemish on her.

He rubbed the creases away while they kissed before pulling away, a sheepish smile pulling at his lips, withdrawing his hands. "Sorry, I didn't mean to get handsy."

"Handsy? Percy you just rubbed my back," Annabeth laughed, kissing his cheek. "You could do much more than that and I wouldn't have complained."

More?

"What does... What does more mean?" Percy asked testily, tilting his head.

"Percy," Annabeth chuckled, kissing his cheek, "we've been together for years and all we've done is kiss- We're nineteen, and I love you. I don't want to risk anything-" Annabeth flushed but Percy seemed to understand. "-But I still love you, and I-" She paused. She was about to say 'I trust you' but that didn't feel right. She felt like she had proven her trust false by doing this entire scenario. She felt a twinge of guilt. "I know you'd never force me to do something I don't want to." It was a lengthy cop-out around using the word trust, but it worked.

Percy's eyes were wide, and his thoughts were dead silent. There was nothing but a faint hum of what sounded like white-noise. At first, she thought the serum was malfunctioning, or at least wearing off, but then an oddly breathless sounding voice broke out in her mind.

I love you.

"I love you," Percy spoke audibly this time, bringing his hands up the back of her shirt again, this time only staying for a few seconds before moving his hands towards her middle, running his fingers across the lines of her abdomen and moving up to her ribs, the entire time making eye contact with her, as if just to make sure she was okay with what was happening.

"Okay?" He whispered softly, his hands pausing as he traced the bottom of her bra with just the pad of his thumb.

Annabeth took a deep breath. "Okay," she mumbled before capturing his lips in a kiss, feeling his hands slide up to cup her chest- his hands were shaking slightly. She pulled away from the kiss, pressing her hands over his through the shirt. "Relax, Percy. Maybe we should continue another time, alright?"

Idiot. Idiot. Idiot. Shouldn't have done that. It was too quick, now she's disgusted, fuck.

"Sorry," Percy mumbed sheepishly, quickly removing his hands.

"No, no," Annabeth promised, taking his hands and holding them between her own. "You're shaking, and we're still in the infirmary. This could continue tonight, couldn't it?"

"T-Tonight?" Percy swallowed, looking nervous.

"Relax, seaweed brain. We can do as much or as little as we want- We haven't spent the night together in ages, and you seem like you could definitely use a movie night." Annabeth smiled warmly, as reassuring as she could. She loved him- She really did. Despite the spying...

I could use a movie night. Just me and Annabeth... That would definitely help calm me down. She seems to have been ignoring me since we went to Tartarus, but it's probably just because she's dealing with her own trauma. Right? She couldn't possibly be upset with me... Unless- Oh. Oh no.

"I think I'm going to take a nap so that I can rest before the game- Didn't sleep well last night. What cabin will it be in?" Percy smiled, kissing my cheek.

"Err, Hades, I believe. Rest well, Percy."

Annabeth climbed off of Percy's lap, allowing him to get up and move. He paused at the doorway, looking back as if he wanted to say something before shutting his mouth.

"I love you," Annabeth called, feeling her chest constrict. She felt panicked, though she wasn't sure why.

Percy paused once more, turning his head so he could catch her gaze, and with a soft smile answered "I love you more."

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