Chapter Text
Percy sat in his parent’s living room with college adverts and flyers strung all across the kitchen table, with Annabeth by his side. They searched all over the New York area for schools that had programs for Architecture and Marine Biology, knowing that if one thing happened next year, the two of them staying at the same school would be it.
Percy knew that no matter what school she applied to, Annabeth was a shoe in, being Valedictorian of her senior class. But him on the other hand, not so much. For as long as he could remember he struggled with class work and dyslexia. Nothing could ever be simple in that sense – even with living with his English teacher for the past two years. But now it was time for him to apply for university and his grades were nowhere near helpful to him.
Many of the schools they had both looked at for programs were insanely selective. After redesigning Olympus, Annabeth’s architecture portfolio was insane. Percy believed that any school that turned her down would be just flat out dumb.
Today on the table sat two laptops, Annabeth’s in front of her and Percy’s mom’s laptop in front of him. They were determined to make an executive decision to get into the same school. Ultimately they decided on applying to three schools, one in New York, a few hours north of the city, one in Boston, another three hours to the East of the city, and a smaller school in the Midwest, so they had a fall back option just in case. Today was dedicated to filling out applications for school.
Sure their senior year would start in a week, not counting the extra semester Percy would be tacking on, but college deadlines were already approaching. After finishing the first set of applications Percy pulled some leftover blue cake from the countertop and cut two pieces as a reward.
Percy had this nagging fear that he wouldn’t get into any of the schools Annabeth was trying for. He tried to push these feelings aside but it just couldn’t happen.
Annabeth could see right through him, “Hey,” she took my hand across the table, rubbing her thumb across the back, “you’re going to get in. Don’t you worry one bit, alright?”
Percy smiled at her. He still had his doubts, but by hell if Annabeth believed in him then he was doing all right.
;;
A few weeks later they both got letters in the mail from the first school they applied to. As soon as Percy walked into the front door of his mom’s apartment an iris message appeared right in front of him, “Perfect timing, a moment sooner and you would have had to introduce yourself to Ms. Higgins and Tabby.”
Annabeth laughed on the other side, “And just to think that she isn’t delusional enough already, lets add the confusion of being neighbors with a demigod.” Percy chuckled. “Did you hear back from Cornell yet?” she asked excitedly, holding her letter in her hand.
Percy scanned the room for any indication of receiving mail, and sitting right on the table waiting for him was a small white envelope with the insignia of Cornell University in the top corner. He nervously picked it up, “Got it right here.” Annabeth looked absolutely thrilled, but Percy did not feel like he would like the contents of his letter.
“On the count of three,” Annabeth started as she gripped the opening flap of her letter, “One, Two,” Percy held on to his letter, trying to appease her, “Three!” She tore open the letter with a smile on her face.
Percy opened the letter and was by no means surprised to see the first line, “Perseus Jackson you’re so far from the accepted list that we almost didn’t send this letter.”
Okay, so it didn’t actually say that, but it might as well have been. Still with a half-smile, Percy looked up.
Annabeth’s face any day could light up a dark room, but in that moment Percy swore she could illuminate a blackout. “First acceptance letter, how does it feel wise girl?”
It took her a good few seconds to come up with a response, “Oh gods, I just can’t believe it. I’m so excited to go and just getting this just means I have a chance,” she started rambling.
Before she got too far, Percy interrupted momentarily, “Don’t have too much fun without me now,” he instantly regretted that last sentence when she looked back.
Her smile instantly faded and she got real serious real fast, “What do you mean, yeah we knew I was going a semester before you but that doesn’t mean anything we knew-“ for someone who’s supposed to be smart she sure isn’t connecting the dots quickly. She mumbled under her breath for a minute before she realized, “You didn’t get in, did you?” She didn’t look up.
Percy shook his head and simply mumbled, “no.”
The rainbow mist went silent for a minute. Annabeth was the first to speak up again, “Percy, this is just the first school. We knew going into it that this was super selective. I promise we will have better luck with the next one.”
Percy wanted to believe she was right since, well, she usually was. He probably looked like such a dork smiling at her the way he did just then, but nonetheless she smiled and continued on, “Listen, I gotta get back to Olympus. The courtyard should be getting finished up as we speak,” she questioned to herself, “I love you, and I’ll see you this weekend,” she backed away momentarily and turned back around for a moment, “And seriously, don’t worry about the college thing, you’ll make it, I believe in you.”
He loved her smile, it made everything in the world seem right, even when absolutely nothing was, “I love you too,” he responded as her image faded and revealed his mom’s living room. Percy made his way to the kitchen and balled up the letter and threw it in the trash without looking back on it.
The clock on the oven read 4:49; his mom and Paul would be home soon. Percy figured he had better think of a way to break the news to them. Somehow he figured it wouldn’t go over as easily as it did with Annabeth.
;;
When Percy’s mom and Paul came home, they had two bags of Chinese takeout with them. As they set the bags on the coffee table, Percy grabbed three cups and the pitcher of blue kool aid – his mom refused to make anything but. Sally walked into the kitchen as he set the pitcher down and began pouring the blue drink. She emerged again with 3 plates and forks with a sadder face than when she came in. Percy knew his mom would bring up the subject of the letter but was really hoping she would hold it off as long as possible.
They opened up the to-go containers and began eating assortments of rice, noodles, and chicken. Paul was flipping though the television channels looking for a film. As he was flipping through he turned his head to Percy, “So your mom says you got your first college letter today, how did that go?” I really wish mom had not seen the envelope in the mail, and she looked more upset than him right now, and Percy instantly understood why – she knew. Probably saw it when he hurriedly threw it away after his IM – it would have been right at the top of the kitchen trash bin anyways.
Percy was silent for a little too long. Paul already found the movie channel and was just staring at him. He could try and get up and leave but his mom and step-dad blocked him in on either side. Confessing was his only option right now. Without looking up he simply stated, “I didn’t get in,” and took another bite of noodles. No matter how beat up he was about not getting into Cornell, there was still food with his name on it on the table.
Sally touched his shoulder, “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have brought it up-“
“No, don’t be, its alright,” Percy’s face changed instantly. He hated seeing his mom get upset over him, “Annabeth said we should hear from the other two schools soon, if not before the week is out.”
Paul nodded his head, “True, two weeks would be a normal turnaround for these sorts of applications,” he started, losing himself in thought, “Don’t worry about it too much though Percy, you’re a smart kid. If any of these schools don’t see it then they’re the dumb ones,” Paul attempted to be reassuring.
Percy nodded as he scooped a final spoonful onto his plate and excused himself to his room. It wasn’t that he didn’t enjoy their company, but he just needed time to sort some things out, like if worst came to worst and he didn’t get accepted in the other two schools.
It was only Tuesday though, Percy reminded himself, Annabeth will be back over on Friday and they could talk about it then.
;;
Two more days passed with no word from the other universities. Percy grew restless in anticipation. He was too worried to focus completely in school, and for someone with ADHD, he had enough trouble on his own. By the time Friday came along there was almost no point in going to class because all he could think about were horror stories of not getting accepted. All week his mom had been telling him how proud she was of him going to graduate high school, which made him feel reassured for about 5 minutes.
But it was Friday, he kept telling himself, hoping for answers. As soon as the bell rang marking the end of the day, he rushed out the room to gather his textbooks from his locker. Paul walked out of his classroom, which coincidentally was in the same hall as his locker, “You going to be home later?” Paul checked.
Percy nodded his head, “Yeah, shouldn’t be gone too late though,” he ran his class schedule through his head, making sure he had all the books he needed.
Paul smiled at him, “Where you takin’ her tonight?”
Percy hadn’t thought through that quite yet, “I’ll find out later I guess? We may just pick something up and bring it home if that’s cool.” Percy stood up and shut his locker door, slinging his backpack over one shoulder.
“Of course that’s cool,” Paul chuckled, “You still live there too.”
“Hey, I suppose you’re right,” Percy chuckled. “Alright, see you later Pau- Mr. Blofis.” Percy always forgot that he wasn’t really supposed to call him ‘Paul’ during school. Luckily he convinced Paul the first week to not call on him in class in attempt to both save him from the awkwardness of calling him Paul and saving him from calling ‘melons’ ‘lemons’ and screwing up who knows how many other simple words. ‘Perks of Being a Dyslexic, a novel by Percy Jackson, chapter one: English teachers that like you don’t ask you to read out loud during class’ he figured.
Paul clapped his shoulder, “It’s after school hours Percy, don’t worry about it,” he started walking back to his classroom, “See you when you get back.”
Percy gave Paul a wave, turned on his iPod, and headed for the exit. He passed by cliques talking about weekend plans, and got about 3 waves from classmates he talked to. He wouldn’t really call them his “friends” since they didn’t talk outside of the building typically, but he still thought they were pretty cool.
Percy walked through the exit and was on his way to the subway station. Less than an hour and he would see his girlfriend, or an hour until he ‘should’ see her. Time goes by differently on Olympus.
;;
Percy got to the Empire State Building ten minutes earlier than usual, but Annabeth was already there waiting for him looking at something really intently on her laptop. He knew she wouldn’t notice him, she never notices anything when she’s in front of that thing, so time to take full advantage.
He walked in front of her a good three times, making a dumber walk each time, with no acknowledgement. He cleared his throat a few times obnoxiously, still nothing. He sat down next to her on the bench and pulled his arm around her shoulder. She didn’t even budge until he blew in her ear, then again who wouldn’t react when their ear gets blown into.
Annabeth, after overcoming a bit of shock, punched his side, carefully gripping her other hand on her laptop, then looked his way and smiled, “Hey, Seaweed Brain.” She shoved her laptop into her backpack, starting to stand up.
Percy was already standing as she slung her bag over her shoulder. He kissed her forehead, “Ready to go wise girl?”
She smiled and took his hand as they walked towards the exit. Once they got outside she was the first to speak, “So it’s about time, but the repairs on Olympus are officially finished!” she declared excitedly. “That is, at least, until mom wants to change something up in my blueprints. But I guess that is to be expected.”
Percy knew how hard she had been working on Olympus. There were some weekends when he would sit in the lobby of the Empire State Building until 10, and she would walk out of the elevator looking almost ready to collapse. “That’s awesome to hear!” he said excitedly, “So what’s your next project Ms. Head-Architect-of-Olympus?”
She chuckled as they made their way into the subway tunnel, “Oh, I don’t know,” she dug in her backpack for something, “Do the whole college thing?” she finished as the pulled out letters with the logo for Boston University and Bowling Green State University. Percy really hoped the same two were waiting for him at home.
Percy tried not to think about it, “But more importantly, where do you want to eat?” Annabeth laughed at the question as they stood on the platform waiting for the train to Percy’s apartment. “It’s up to you, we can bring something home with us or eat in.”
The letters felt like lead in Annabeth’s backpack. She figured eating in at Percy’s place meant the sooner she could open the college letters, and assumed Percy felt the same way, “That Chinese takeout place on your block is pretty good,” she smiled, and Percy could feel himself smiling dumbly back, completely relieved that quality two-star fast food on his block.
Percy squeezed her hand as they waited for the next train on the platform. They stood in a comfortable silence as trains came and went in different directions, as either of them were too nervous to speak. After a good ten minutes of standing in each other’s company, their train actually arrives (on time for once to top that off). As the train clears out, they walk along the train cars to an empty car and take their seats. The twenty-minute train ride never felt long, but with opening letters waiting for the ride felt like it went on for hours. They shifted in their seats the whole way, unable to get comfortable (since subway seats are already so comfortable). Percy nearly jumped up when the loudspeaker announced their stop, surprising Annabeth. Once they pulled into the station they exited the train as quickly as possible, and made their way through the streets of the Upper East Side, until they saw the blinking light of their cheap Chinese restaurant.
The two of them ordered cartons of rice, noodles, and chicken and sat at one of the benched by the entrance. In the corner of the restaurant, Percy recognized a few kids he went to school with, but didn’t do anything about it. He was too busy lost in worry that he didn’t notice Annabeth standing next to him with the bag of food. He stood up, took her hand, and walked out the door. They only walked out the door only to catch the very next-door leading to the building’s apartments. Percy and Annabeth raced each other up the stairs to his mom’s apartment on the 9th floor (They are so grateful for demigod endurance training. They didn’t see how they could run up every day without that). Percy fumbled for his keys while Annabeth, who beat him by a second, waited by the door. As he turned the knob, Annabeth kissed his cheek.
Walking in, he placed the bag of food on the kitchen table, and noticed two envelopes sitting on the kitchen counter. Curious in anticipation he ran in and checked.
The return addresses read Boston University and Bowling Green State. He held the envelopes to show Annabeth, “Moment of truth, which one first?”
She pulled her two envelopes from her bag and thought it over for a second, “Bowling Green, gotta save the best case scenario for the last.”
Percy agreed. Even if he wanted to know the results of Boston more, he understood what she was saying. Annabeth was always right, and if he said otherwise, well he was in a world of trouble. “Okay, you ready?” Annabeth gave a nod, holding the Bowling Green envelope in her hand, “Three, Two,”
“One,” they finished together.
Percy couldn’t look. He was struck with fear, absolutely scared stiff. But with the envelope wide open he couldn’t avoid the big reveal. Reluctantly he looked down.
“Congratulations” was the first word on the page.
Never had he ever been so happy to see a single word in his life. Annabeth looked up after reading her entire letter, or at least the first paragraph, and observed Percy’s facial expression shift. He took his eyes off the page and looked at her, “I got in!”
She wrapped him in a hug, “I told you so,” she added softly as he wrapped his arms around her body. She backed away, “Are you ready for letter number two?”
This sudden burst of confidence made him feel unbeatable. It was like he didn’t if there was a hydra in the next envelope; there was somewhere he could go, someplace that wanted him there, even if it was a plane ride away from camp. He nodded his head.
“Three, Two, One,” Annabeth counted back. They both ripped open their letters, reading the again positive messages. Acceptance letters were in both of their hands.
There wasn’t any question about it, they looked at each other and silently decided.
In one year Annabeth would be going to Boston, where Percy would join her 6 months later.
;;
“Smile you two. Three, two, one,” Sally snapped the photo. She checked the screen of Paul’s camera before stating, “Only one more I promi-“
“You said that ten pictures ago,” Percy mumbled, not necessarily complaining. Annabeth chuckled as his remark, looking up at his face and rolling her eyes.
They both turned their eyes towards Sally for another photo as she began counting down again. As she counted to one, Annabeth felt Percy’s warm, soft lips press against her forehead. Out of habit she smiled dumbly, figuring she had the dumbest expression on her face.
Percy was the first to speak this time, “Okay, is that enough yet?” Sally was still flipping through the camera while the teenagers stretched out their jaws. Percy was mentally cursing whoever started the whole ‘prom pictures are important and have to happen’ idea. Percy figured part of the pictures would be used for his mom’s reference of “occasions Percy actually wore a suit”. This would be the third time – counting his mom and Paul’s wedding and his and Annabeth’s date when they were express flown to Paris thanks to the Hermes Express.
Sally looked up, breaking up Percy’s thoughts. She gave a deep sigh before she spoke, “Okay, that is all I suppose. Go have fun on your dinner,” she looked between the two teenagers, craning her neck slightly to look her son in the eyes, “Have a great prom. Don’t be stupid. Come home at some point tonight, please. Acknowledge Paul’s existence when you’re there.” She kept rambling small reminders for the duo.
Annabeth put her hand on Sally’s shoulder, “Don’t worry. We’ll be fine,” she glanced up at Percy, “I’ll be sure to keep this dork out of trouble.
“Hah, good luck with that one,” Percy laughed. Catching his mom’s glance he added, “Really mom, don’t worry. And what? Associate with a chaperone? That’s absurd!” Percy joked, “I’ll tell him you said hi.”
Sally looked down and laughed to herself, wiping a hand on her cheek. She looked up and shook her head, “I just can’t believe it’s your senior prom,” she sniffled. Percy felt like the bad guy. It may have only been him growing up, but his mom was getting reminiscent with him a lot. Before he knew it he was hugging his mom tightly.
As she hugged him back he pat her back, “Mom, don’t worry. I’ll still be here. I’ll always be here,” he looked up finding his words, “Well, not ‘here’ here but, ya know.”
Sally pulled away, wiping a tear from each cheek, “I know,” she laughed a second, “you have to grow up and live your life,” Percy could tell she was upset that he was growing up much too fast for her desire. “Just don’t forget about old mom over here, got it?”
“Are you kidding?” Percy looked her in the face, “Mom, how could I forget you?”
Sally glanced down again, this time looking at her watch, “Oh shoot your reservations. You should go now to make it on time.” She walked the teenagers to the door, hurrying them out.
Percy turned toward her one last time, “I don’t get it, first you want me to stay and next you’re practically pushing us out the door.”
Sally gained her composure, “Really though, go. Have fun. I love you. I’ll see you in the morning.”
“I love you too, mom. See you later.” He waved as they walked out the door.
“Bye, Sally!” Annabeth waved, walking two steps behind Percy. As they walked down the hallway to catch the elevator down to the main floor, they could hear a camera shutter go off.
Percy mumbled, “And she still wasn’t done was she?”
“Oh let her have her fun,” Annabeth joked as they shared a chuckle waiting for the elevator to arrive.
;;
Dinner was at their favorite Italian place. Their table was ready right as they arrived. Percy noticed at least three other groups of students from Goode eating dinner there, but he didn’t care. Not like some strangers he went to high school with could trump his two-and-a-half-year girlfriend.
They got to his high school right as the red carpet ceremony was starting. Sally near threatened to make sure they would be there on time, knowing that the two of them wouldn’t show up otherwise. They got in line behind another student in his American Government class and his date.
The line got shorter as couples walked down the carpet. As he got closer to the front Percy could spot his mom and Paul in the risers waiting for him. When Percy and Annabeth were announced, he could see his mom nearly jump in excitement, patting on Paul’s shoulder as he got his camera ready. They paused in front of them, following suit of what everyone else was doing when they reached their parents, and started walking again as Paul gave them the thumbs-up. Percy silently wished he took their photos before dinner since that was much faster than what his mom had them go through.
The dance itself was okay. Neither of them really cared for much of the music that was played. Luckily being prom they did actually play a few slower songs, in which they danced to every one of them. They left shortly after crowning. As he expected one of the State Champion Basketball players and a Cheerleader were crowned King and Queen. They applauded simply out of respect more than anything. After saying goodbye to Paul, who was stationed conveniently at the exit, the two left for Percy’s car.
As they pulled into the parking garage nearest Percy’s apartment, Annabeth quickly kissed his cheek. They held hands the entire walk through the building, only letting go for Percy to fish out his keys from his suit jacket to unlock the door. Percy put his jacket on a chair in the kitchen as Annabeth walked into his room to change out of her dress. Percy opened the microwave, a second from beeping, as Annabeth walked out again, this time in athletic shorts and an oversized sweatshirt, Percy’s oversized sweatshirt. He chuckled as he poured the second bag of popcorn into the bowl he started to make. He set it down on the couch next to Annabeth before walking into his room to change into his pajamas.
When he came out of his room wearing his favorite sweat pants and a white tee, Annabeth was putting a DVD into the player. Percy grabbed the remote, making sure to turn the volume real low to make sure he didn’t wake his mom and turned on the captions.
The opening screen to “The Princess Pride” popped up on the screen as Annabeth sat against Percy’s body on the couch. Percy made sure to not give off any facial expression, knowing he wouldn’t hear the end of it if she found out that he actually liked, no loved, this movie. That plan failed when he started mumbling insults towards Prince Humperdink and Vizzini right off the bat. Annabeth simply chuckled and hugged him that much tighter.
As if he was timing it perfectly, Paul walked in as a “Rodent of Unusual Size” attached itself to Wesley’s arm, making the teenagers on the couch jump from shock as they tried to remain quiet. Paul looked at them apologetically, grabbing a handful of popcorn before walking into his and Sally’s room, waving at them for a “good night” gesture.
Percy started chuckling as the priest started his vows, “Wuv, twooe wuv,” he looked down at Annabeth, noticing she was already asleep. Percy reached over and just barely reached the remote and shut off the TV and movie. Annabeth had him practically pinned to the back of the couch, with no chance for escape. It didn’t take long for him to fall into a deep sleep, counting every breath Annabeth took.
;;
The year ended, and Annabeth graduated – Valedictorian. Her dad came out to watch the ceremony, without her step mom, and sat with Percy and Sally. Paul was stuck at Goode for the afternoon to sit through their graduation. Apparently having “your step-son’s 2-and-a-half-year-girlfriend graduate at the top of her class” isn’t a good enough excuse to miss sitting through one that you taught at.
Annabeth got up to give her speech, joking about nearly dying, at least that’s what her classmates thought. She expressed her plans about becoming an architect and making something permanent. Percy could have sworn she looked right at him when she said that.
The rest of the ceremony was a blur. Percy watched her walk across the stage, and watched her dad take a million pictures; he figured it must be a parent thing. He saw her in the front row as she threw up her hat with the rest of her class, marking the end of the ceremony. Many of her classmates practically ran out of the auditorium at the same time the parents cleared the seats, making it near impossible for anyone to go anywhere. By the time they made it to the floor level, Annabeth was talking with the other Valedictorian. She and Percy met eyes as she wished her classmate luck at college. She made her way through the crowd and threw her arms around him and he returned the gesture.
He let her go so she could see her dad, but she didn’t. He tapped her shoulder twice trying to signal her, but she was too caught up in the hug, “Just let me have this okay,” Percy turned to her dad and shrugged. He chuckled to himself, and Percy hoped he realized it wasn’t his fault that his daughter didn’t acknowledge him yet. Percy was trying his best to get on her dad’s good side on this visit, but as of yet Annabeth was not helping in this quest so far.
After a solid minute Annabeth let go and turned to her dad, smiled so big like she still couldn’t believe he came all the way from California to watch her graduate, and hugged him tight. Percy caught her cap before it fell to the ground. She ended up decorating her cap with Greek columns on two of the edges with an owl in the center, typical, Percy thought. Her dad let her go and reached his arm out to hold her cap, “You two stand together,” he directed getting his camera ready. Sally chuckled as she dug Paul’s camera from her purse. Percy wrapped his arm around Annabeth’s waist as he felt her hand on his hip. There was a blinding flash as her dad’s camera went off.
Before letting go, Percy quickly kissed her forehead and turned to his mom and Annabeth’s dad, “So what’s the plan? Getting a celebratory dinner?” Percy could see her laughing through the corner of his eye. Annabeth always made fun about how often he ate; it wasn’t his fault he was always hungry. What could he say? He had an appetite fit for a god.
Annabeth shook her head and dragged Percy by the hand to the exit, their parents trailing behind. Annabeth was stopped at least five times before they got out of the school by some of her classmates, most of who were in tears, not wanting to leave their beloved high school once and for all. As they came up Percy slipped back by Sally and Frederick. She would apologize every time, but they would shrug it off. It was her graduation day after all. The only one getting truly impatient was Percy’s stomach, but he bought a bag of m-n-m’s from the vending machine to hold him over.
By the time they actually made it to the front doors of her school, the parking lot was practically clear, besides a few students who were still lollygagging around taking group pictures in front of the school. Frederick and Sally talked amongst each other, throwing ideas for dinner off each other, when Annabeth interjected “Burger Joint.” Percy, as if on cue, turned towards the adults nodding his head.
Frederick turned towards Sally, “What exactly is this joint?”
Annabeth laughed and answered the question for her, “Only the best burger in New York, dad. I promise you’ll love it!” Sally smiled as she pulled out her phone to tell Paul to meet the party there.
;;
Paul was already at a bench when they arrived. Perks of the New York public transportation system – you get places much faster than by driving yourself. As the four walked through the door, Paul rose and joined them in line to order food. Percy and Annabeth ordered first, and then scanned the restaurant for a table big enough for five people that also happened to be clean. At a seat-yourself restaurant, that was near impossible. But nevertheless, they found a table in one of the far back corners of the restaurant with few crumbs on it and plopped down on stools next to each other. Annabeth had removed her Graduation gown on the car ride here, leaving her in a white and blue flowered dress that went just above her knees. She fidgeted with her dress, being sure to keep herself covered as she seated herself. They held hands under the table until they noticed their parents looking around for them. Percy got up and waved towards them.
Paul shook his head as he sat down, “You just had to get the back corner table, didn’t you?” he asked chuckling to himself. Sally playfully nudged his shoulder.
Percy shrugged, “I dunno man, but if you want to eat with the flies go right ahead, be my guest,” he gestured to the open table across the store. There were a few flies buzzing on top a stack of plates, yet to be cleared off.
Paul nodded and decided to drop the subject. He turned towards Frederick and started asking about the University curriculum where he worked. Percy lost track of where the subject was going, but Paul was staring at him intently, grasping every word that came out of his mouth. Percy could tell that his mom was trying to listen in, but so much of their conversation flew right over her head.
He glanced over at Annabeth, who was listening as if she heard this discussion before. Being she had probably heard him talk about this a hundred times, Percy decided to change the subject. “Ready to head back to camp?”
It took Annabeth a second to process the question, as if she didn’t realize he was talking to her, “Oh as ready as ever. Sharing a cabin with 16, probably more by now, of your closest siblings is fantastic.” She rolled her eyes, assuming there would probably be more than that now, “Getting back on the grounds though, I’m excited for that.”
Percy simply nodded his head; he was looking forward to spending so much time with her this summer. Now that they were both promoted to Senior Counselors, along with Clarisse, Chris, Connor, Travis, and some of their other friends they had more freedom around camp, and since they set they were the ones enforcing the curfew, sneaking out for walks around the canoe lake at 3am wouldn’t be that difficult.
Before he could respond the loudspeaker called, declaring their food was ready. Frederick and Percy stood up to fetch the food, Paul tried to convince Frederick to sit down since he was their guest, but he insisted and followed Percy to the counter.
Needless to say, the walk down was one of Percy’s more awkward experiences as far as Graduation Weekend went. “I guess you kids aren’t fourteen anymore, huh?” Frederick asked, recalling when he first met Percy when they were searching for Annabeth.
Percy shrugged as they neared the counter, “Afraid not,” he chuckled to himself.
Frederick placed the baskets onto a tray, “Can you promise me something, Percy?”
Percy looked up, almost confused, “Of course, what is it?”
“Can you look after her, for me,” he glanced back at the direction of the table, “I can’t do that too well from California. It would just good to have someone I trust do that for me.”
Percy didn’t show it, but in his head he was jumping with joy. The fact that Annabeth’s dad trusted him made him feel invincible, maybe even more so than after his bath in the river Styx, “I promise,” Percy held out his pinky to swear. He was scared he was being too cheesy. He stood there for a good ten seconds before Frederick realized he was being serious and offered his pinky to the teenager, while laughing to himself.
They both grabbed a tray of burgers and brought them back to the table and passed them around. Everyone ate as Paul told stories of his graduation ceremony. Percy recognized most of the names, since he started his freshman year with all of them, but that’s all they were – names. He really didn’t bother getting to know any of his classmates, expecting for some freak accident to happen leading to him getting expelled. He guessed after returning to school after you blew up the band room was a sign enough that he would be staying all the way through high school.
One by one they finished their burgers, Percy being the first, and Sally brought up means of getting home. Her car was not meant for four people, let alone five. On the car ride to Burger Joint Percy and Annabeth were practically sitting on top of each other because it was so crammed with blankets and the last bits of Annabeth’s dorm room sitting in the back seat.
Percy thanked her silently for bringing up this subject. As much as he loved his girlfriend, he didn’t want to be in the small of a space with her again. Though he figured his desire to get out of his mom’s backseat had more to do with legroom than anything. Percy was inching over six-feet-tall, making it a little harder to squeeze into smaller spaces. He was the first to volunteer to take the subway home.
Sally turned towards Annabeth, giving her famous ‘please help me keep him out of trouble’ glance, and she nodded and declared she would accompany him.
Paul rolled his eyes, “Swear you guys will get to the apartment in two hours. We have more partying waiting for you there,” he glanced between the two teenagers. Frederick nodded his head, thinking it was reasonable.
Percy threw his head back, “You’re saying as if I don’t know that,” he laughed as his mom shot him a look. Quickly regaining himself he added, “Yes, I’ll get her back to the apartment in two hours for this grand festivity you have planned.” Annabeth chuckled next to him.
Sally rolled her eyes and glanced at her watch, “Well if this party is happening I have to pick up some stuff before the store closes,” she glanced between Paul and Frederick, “Are you all still coming?” They looked at each other and got off their chairs, following Sally out the door. Annabeth and Percy trailed behind and walked them to their car, waving at them from the sidewalk as they drove towards the store.
Annabeth knew he had been planning something, this was Percy after all, “So where to now? I’m under the impression you have a plan, right?”
Percy nodded, “But you’ll just have to wait and see,” he winked as she rolled her eyes.
Percy led her to central park, right to her favorite ice cream vendor. He bought two cones, and they walked on through the park. “So it’s happening,” she glanced over at him, “this whole college thing. After all we’ve lived through honestly I’m surprised we lived this long.”
Annabeth laughed, “Don’t speak too loud, you never know what hydra will come out of that bush,” she pointed directly right of them as they began howling with laughter.
He led her towards a nearby empty bench, holding her hand, “but seriously though.” He looked straight to her eyes, “As soon as camp gets out this summer you’re moving to Boston,” he looked across the park. There were a few old couples walking around, kids chasing each other, and a group of high school kids in dresses and slacks, most likely recent graduates, finishing up a picnic as the sun was going down. He didn’t like the thought that she would be three hours away for a whole semester, but he also knew she was worth the drive.
He looked down at his cone, and Annabeth could sense his unease about the whole situation, “Hey, look at me,” she placed her hand under his chin, “It’s going to work out. It won’t be long before you’re in Boston too.” She smiled, moving her hand to his shoulder.
Reluctantly he smiled back at her. “You’re right,” hell when wasn’t she. He remained quiet for a little bit, and then held his ice cream cone towards her, “Here’s to you, Miss Valedictorian going to Boston to become a top-of-the-line architect.”
She laughed and touched her cone to his, “No, to us. To a fantastic freshman and senior year, and to all the years after that.” She paused holding her cone in place, “to the future.”
“To the future,” our future, he added silently. They separated their cones and took a lick. Percy checked his watch. According to his mom’s deadline they still had about an hour to run around before they needed to be home for more celebrations. Percy started to get up, holding out his hand, “Come on, I know of a better view.” From the bench, too much of the sunset was hidden through the tree line.
Annabeth got up from the bench, holding onto his hand. “Where to now lover boy?” she cooed.
Percy chuckled, “You’ll know when we get there.”
After blindly following Percy through the wooded center of Central Park, he found what he was looking for. In the center of the woods there was a clearing that looked nearly untouched. Since most of the park needed major renovations after the Titan war, it probably was, Percy assumed. Annabeth kneeled down and felt the grass, shocked to see the softness.
When they got to the center of the patch, Percy pulled her close and kissed her. She wrapped her arms around his neck. As she stood on her toes to reach his mouth better, Annabeth lost her balance. Percy could hear her cursing softly as she brought him down with her.
Lying on the ground with her on top of him, Percy couldn’t help but smile. She met his gaze and started laughing, and not long after he joined in. “When did you get so tall Seaweed Brain?” she joked as she rested her head on his chest, hugging his center.
He kissed her hair, “Around the same time you got more beautiful.” He wrapped his arms around her.
She lifted her head up, looking at him with an eyebrow raised, “Well someone’s slick.”
Percy shifted, meeting her forehead with his, “I try,” he laughed. Annabeth pecked his lips as she started sitting up.
He followed her pose, pushing a strand of hair behind her ear. Keeping his hand at the back of her neck he kissed her. He wrapped his other arm around her waist as she moved her arms to his neck. They just sat there, lip to lip, for a while, not knowing when the next time they would be alone was. As much as he loved his camp friends, being senior counselors, him and Annabeth couldn’t be alone for more than five minutes without some long new kid looking for the practice arena.
They broke apart to readjust, this time Annabeth’s legs wrapped around his waist and he had his legs extended in front of him. It didn’t take long for them to fall over sideways, rolling across the grass, each kiss growing deeper and deeper.
Annabeth eventually broke their bond to glance at her watch, sitting up instantly straightening out her hair. “We’re expected at your moms place in twenty minutes.” She stood up, extending a hand for Percy to grab onto.
He rose, wide-eyed as he led her by the hand towards the exit to the park and they were on their way.
They walked into his mom’s apartment ten minutes behind schedule. Annabeth rolled her eyes as Percy apologized for being late while Frederick handed a dollar bill to Paul. Apparently placing bets on tardy teenagers was a thing now. “Well never mind that, you are home now,” Sally started as she exited the apartment kitchen, carrying a sheet cake decorated with figures of the Empire State building and the New York skyline reading “Congratulations Annabeth!” Placing the cake on the table Sally turns toward Annabeth and the boys, “So, who’s ready for cake?”
The cake was cut and the night was spent with this small celebration. They spent the evening sharing stories of the past school year, Frederick included, sharing tales of awful papers he’d received from first year students. Once it got too terribly late, Paul drove Frederick back to his hotel, only after he turned down Percy’s offer to sleep in his room for the night.
Annabeth walked out of the kitchen with a bag of popcorn as Percy plopped a stack of blankets from the hall closet onto the couch. Percy kissed her cheek, “You pick out the movie, I’ll be right back,” he said as he walked into his room to change into something more comfortable.
Sally rolled her eyes, watching their interaction as she put the rest of the cake into the refrigerator. She walked into the living room, sharing a quick giggle with Annabeth, “If you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask,” Annabeth nodded. When Sally reached her door she turned around again, “Make sure Percy wakes me up before you guys go off to camp in the morning.”
Annabeth laughed, “Don’t worry, I will.” It would be like him to sneak off trying to be nice and not wake up his mom.
Sally turned the door knob and with the other hand waved to Annabeth and laughed, “Good night, Annabeth.”
Percy walked out of his room a second later in sweat pants and a t-shirt. Annabeth got up and met him outside his room, handing him the DVD case, “you get it started, I’ll be back in a few.” She walked into his room to change out of her dress.
;;
That summer was a blur, no one drowned in the canoe lake. The monsters were scarce as well. Percy assumed you only had to beat so many Titans and Giants before they simply left you alone and let you live your life.
But when the end of summer hit, it hit hard.
The bead ceremony went down as usual. Chiron and Mr. D took turns talking about the summer. Even though not much actually happened, they talked about little things, like the food fight in July the Hermes kids started and the numerous games of capture the flag that took up everyone’s time. Since the unification with Camp Jupiter, each summer we’ve had visitors from their camp. Chiron called it an “educational experience” but the real question lay with “for whom?” Since the day this summer’s volunteers arrived, they were flaked with questions “so do you all have a coliseum” “how long have you lived there” “do you go to school there and everything” and the ever important “what shampoo do you use, your volume is absolutely exceptional” though the last was mostly heard from the Aphrodite kids. Chiron made his yearly reminder about the cleaning harpies, said his final goodbyes, and dismissed the campers.
The senior counselors were sent out a last time to examine the state of camp, taking note of which areas need more TLC, and therefore more cleaning harpies, than the rest.
Percy took Annabeth around camp, where they walked for what they believed was far longer than any of the other teams. They didn’t mind at all though. Neither party was really looking forward to the next day. Everyone would be packing up.
Packing up meant leaving.
Leaving was sore subject with the duo right now.
They both knew the summer would end eventually, but it all happened so – quick.
They found themselves sitting on the edge of the canoe lake, toes touching the water gracefully. Sitting there in silence, neither of them wanted to say the first word, knowing it would lead to ‘goodbye,’ despite the fact he was helping her move in a week.
Percy laid back, his head softly hitting the dock. Annabeth placed her hands behind her, steading herself as she glanced over her shoulder at him. She looked back at the water before talking, “I’m gonna miss this.”
Percy sat up, slouching, placing his hands on his knees. He simply nodded in return. Not only would they be leaving each other, they would also be leaving camp. Once they would start college their time as counselors would be over. All the college demigods were in New Rome year round. They both had considered it, but New York was home. They both knew they couldn’t stay there without getting unseeingly homesick in a matter of days.
Annabeth moved her hands into her lap, rubbing them together. Percy could tell she was thinking much too hard for her own good. Today wasn’t for that. It’s summer for crying out loud. Thinking was for the school year. Without thinking, what Percy did best, he jumped into the water.
He turned around and faced Annabeth, “Just because it’s over doesn’t mean it has to be sour,” he raised an eyebrow while reaching out his arm, gesturing her to join him.
Annabeth smiled as she pushed herself off the dock, landing in Percy’s arms. She glanced around at the water around them, being sure to gesture to it as she asked, “For old times sake?”
He understood her entirely. Together they dove beneath the water, under the protection of his perfect air bubble fit for two. Joining in the bubble, Annabeth laughed, hugging Percy before their lips crashed together in their secret meeting place for the last time this summer.