True Success Requires Sacrifice.

If Anyone Asks You If You’re Taken,” I Said, “the Answer Is Yes.” “i Think I Can Live With That,” He Promised. “good,” I Said. “because You Don’t Want To See Me Be Cross.” “too Late.” “shut Up And Dance, Walt.” “shut Up And Dance, Walt.” We Did—with The Music Of A Psychotic Griffin Screaming Behind Us, And The Sirens And Horns Of Brooklyn Wailing Below. It Was Quite Romantic.

They Had A Silent Staring Contest, But Percy Didn’t Back Down. When He And Annabeth Started Dating, His Mother Had Drummed It Into His Head: It’s Good Manners To Walk Your Date To The Door. If That Was True, It Had To Be Good Manners To Walk Her To The Start Of Her Epic Solo Death Quest.

I Tried To Smile Like I Wasn't About To Die.

I Turned To Annabeth And Shook My Head In Exasperation. “always Hercules. What Is It With Hercules?” Annabeth Shrugged. “he Had A Great Publicist.

What Exactly Did You Find In Atlanta?” Frank Unzipped His Backpack And Started Bringing Out Souvenirs. “some Peach Preserves. A Couple Of T-shirts. A Snow Globe. And, Um, These Not-really-chinese Handcuffs.” Annabeth Forced Herself To Stay Calm. “how About You Start From The Top—of The Story, Not The Backpack.