Alternatively

Tomorrow Should Exist

"So how is this going to work?"

"You tell me."

She crossed her arms. "Well I can't do this on my own."

"You're absolutely right."

"You can't expect me to keep going like it's alright, you ruined everything."

"Everything seems a little harsh," he frowned, playing with the tassels on the blanket.

Annabeth readjusted her bluetooth ear piece. "No, I can't simply fly out there and fix it, that's your job."

Percy flopped over the couch, watching the architect pace her kitchen. She's been talking to her partner since six that morning, still dressed in sleep pants and an old band t shirt. It was supposed to be her day off, he remembered, but a problem surfaced in one of her projects that she just had to sort out. He debated jamming the phone's signal.

The microwave beeped and she barely reacted, pausing by the bar as she listened to whatever the partner was rambling about. He senselessly waved his hand, full well knowing she wouldn't see him. Not for the first time, he wished he were an angel so she could at least know he was there. But no, lucky Percy Jackson, boy who died a hero, had become a phantom. And to make it even better, a phantom in the possession of a human who unknowingly acquired his services.

She didn't even know he existed.

"Call Rachel and have her talk with the contractor," she snapped. "Until that's done, we have no further dicussion."

She pulled off her ear piece and threw it to the counter, fuming. Having been attached to her for nearly a year, Percy knew how important that particular project was. To compromise the integrity of her design would be just the same as scrapping the whole plan.

The front door busted open with a, "Heyo, Annie!"

"Not now."

Piper glided into the foyer with a confident air. Her eyes never slid past Percy, lingering on him for a few moments before drifting purposely elsewhere. He couldn't explain it, but she never made a comment.

"Don't tell me you forgot," the girl groaned, waggling a shopping bag in front of Annabeth. "The Met's new benefit? You promised Frank?"

She blinked. "That's not until 4."

"It's 2:30 now and it takes you forever to jet across town and it looks like you haven't even showered yet."

McLean was spot on, as usual.

Annabeth mumbled something incoherent, snatching the bag from her friend.

"What was that?"

"You're the worst," she said instead, stomping back to her room.

Now, Percy was no gentleman, but he wasn't a pervert. Never once had it occured to him to purposely watch his charge dress or shower or anything like that. Did he accidentally see her once? Yeah, and he felt a little bad for liking it. Ever since then, he had taken extra care to make sure he didn't see her like that again, which is why he sat uncomfortably with Piper in the living room. She watched him without watching him, kaleidoscope eyes pining him in place.

"Stop stealing my lavender soap!"

"Stop leaving your door unlocked," Piper said without looking away.

Annabeth peeked out from the corner with a frown, hair loose in twisting curls. "I lock it, you break it."

Percy took the opportunity to scramble away from the couch, whisking some papers off the coffee table in his rush.