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He may at times be an oblivious idiot, but when it came to his future wife Percy liked to think he knows it all. But there are times even he forgets that inside Annabeth is still a mystery to him. Such as her years in the American South.
To Percy, anything south of New Jersey is ‘southern’ but of course he would never say that to his Virginia-born fiancée. Despite living in New York for a time, Annabeth will have small moments of nostalgia to her former southern upbringing. Usually they came in the forms of food at the tables of Camp Half-blood. He's heard her debate on why yellow grits are better than white or what's the perfect ratio of acidity for potato salad, and she can never eat a plain biscuit unless otherwise. When the demigods entered the world of alcohol, Percy’s horrible experience with Gabe had him avoiding it as much as possible. And when he did partake in sips, the drinks had to be too fruity for him to forget there's alcohol in them. Annabeth, however, gravitated towards vodka drinks, but never actually got drunk. Both in consideration for Percy, but also that she didn't wish to lose any brain function at any cost. But she did say the taste brought something nostalgic.
Leo and Will would just say, “You, city boy, could never understand.”
And that's the thing. He, Percy Jackson, is a city boy. He's grown up in apartments in Manhattan since he was born. The urban jungle. Annabeth first grew up in Virginia, then 5 years at a camp, tried again but came back to camp, dormed with Thalia for a bit, spent some time with the Chase's in California, and finished high school in New York. They studied at New Rome then right back here.
Normally it doesn't bother Percy - it didn't bother him - but lately these conversations have been occurring much more frequently. In planning for their wedding, he can't help brooding over this matter after he overheard a conversation with his mom.
Once their engagement was official, Mrs. Dite, totally-not-disguising-a-certain-Love-Goddess, came to the couple and promised their wedding would be the event of the millennium. But both Percy and Annabeth agreed to keep it simple and special. However, when Percy returned from an errand to the apartment, Annabeth and his mom were engrossed chatting over wedding pictures. Annabeth had mentioned how Sally and Paul’s wedding was really beautiful to which Sally joked if it had been the only wedding she's ever attended.
“I had my…issues with Helen, but I admit her and my father's wedding was really something. At least from what I remember at age 5. She was Christian and my father didn't mind getting married in a church. Everything was beautiful. The red flowers everywhere, the altar scene, sunlight leaking through the stained glass window. Even for a moment as a little girl I thought this is what a dream wedding would be like.”
And that scared Percy. Was that her dream wedding? Their current plan was just a simple wedding by the beach at Montauk. A church was never brought up, it seemed silly with how much the gods meddled in their lives. A church wedding with the Big G seemed redundant. Even before he entered the demigod world, Sally didn't push either of them into anything religious. Gabe didn't care and Paul had no affiliations. Percy realized that he never asked if Annabeth had the same experience. It seems she was at least exposed to southern Christianity through her stepmom in which Bobby and Matthew would also follow.
Percy was second guessing now. Is this what she wants?
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“You ever heard the saying ‘whoever made up the myth that seeing your fiancée in her dress before the wedding was bad luck saved men from having to endure dress shopping was a genius’. Do you agree, Percy?”
Said man shrugged at his native friend, “I'm marrying the love of my life, how could it be bad luck?”
Hazel and Thalia laughed while Piper pouts, “Okay casanova, you already got the girl to say yes.”
Annabeth stepped out from behind the drapes adorned with a new dress. She did a quick spin asking, “What do y’all think?”
“Perfect.”
Annabeth rolled her eyes but still had a huge smile, “You've said that about the last three dresses, Seaweed Brain.”
“Because they all look perfect on you.” Percy winked at his fiancée. Annabeth still smiled with a blush and stepped over to the tri-mirrors to see for herself.
Thalia, rolled her eyes and stood up from their couch, “Okay I need another refill if I have to hear anymore of this love fest.”
Piper grabbed her flute glass and followed the huntress out of the room, “I second that notion, even this daughter of Love can only handle so much.”
“Please pace y’all selves, it's 11 in the morning,” Hazel chastised, also stepping out of the room, “And Thalia, you're technically underaged!”
Percy smiled despite his friends' antics, leave it to them to make dress shopping interesting. Although for Percy, anytime spent with his fiancée is always a highlight. He watched her twirl around in front of the mirrors, his smile grew even wider at such a sight.
I'm gonna marry her. Annabeth is going to be my wife!
Percy covered his mouth as he felt his face warm up. They've been best friends for over ten years and the big day is getting near. Since he popped the question, the thought of their married life still brings him immense joy. This is better than any good dream he's ever had. Percy hopes Annabeth feels the same. Is she as happy as he is?
…As a little girl I thought this is what a dream wedding would be like…
…A little girl…dream wedding…
Percy and Annabeth Jackson…Annabeth Jackson…Jackson…
“-EUS JACKSON!” Percy’s head shook at how close Annabeth was, her hand waving to get his attention. She laughed, “What's up, Percy? Too much seaweed in the brain?”
“Sorry, just thinking about…stuff.”
“You have been distracted lately, at least more than usual,” Annabeth sat next to her fiancé and took his hand, “You okay?” when Percy didn't respond for a long moment her smile turned into a frown, “You're not…are you…you having second thoughts about the wedding?”
Percy's head rose up so fast he almost got whiplash. “What?! No! Wise Girl, believe me when I say I couldn't be more happy then to become your husband.”
Annabeth sighed with relief but still held her frown, “Then what’s bothering you?”
“I'm just concerned…if you're having second thoughts.” He anxiously rubbed the back of his neck with his other hand. Annabeth’s gray eyes widened and he continued further before she could interject, “ I heard what you said to my mom about dream weddings in a church and southern…whatever. Montauk won't be like that.
“You've mentioned how nostalgic you are with your southern roots and I can't relate to that. I'm a delinquent from apartments in Manhattan that drives a Cadillac. I had much prefered when we were stranded on the beaches in Miami than Chesapeake during our second quest. In Charleston I went straight underwater. I'm pretty sure I'm banned in Missouri and Georgia. And Texas just sucked. Our first anniversary was in Paris. I'm a total city--”
“You're a Yankee.” Annabeth chuckled.
Percy shook his head but also laughed, “Not the description I was gonna use.”
“You're a Yankee! And so am I!” Annabeth laughed louder while reaching up to caress his cheeks, “Percy, I only lived in Virginia for the first seven years of my life, even then as you know they weren't the best times. And when I tried again after first meeting you I went straight back to New York after a year. I haven't been a southern girl since then. And it's not like we lived in the countryside, Perce, Richmond is the state capital.
“Percy, I'm not nostalgic for the south itself. I'm nostalgic for the childhood that was barely there. Eating grits early in the morning or buying Gelati at night when he got a sudden sweet tooth were the only times I had my father to myself. They were nice together…I just wish…”
Annabeth’s eyes almost glistened. Percy held her hands over his cheeks, “Your dad’s still thinking about it.” It wasn't a question.
“He still thinks we're too young. I wish he would at least accept our decision to commit. Our relationship hasn't been the best, but it's been getting better…or that's what I thought.” At the end there, Annabeth's voice hitched and she buried her face in Percy's chest with a sob, “Why can't he just attend?”
Percy wrapped her in his arms tightly, “I understand, Wise Girl, but always remember it's not your fault. No matter what he decides, our wedding will be one of the happiest days of our lives. And I plan to keep those days coming.” Percy placed his thumb underneath her chin and urged her to look at the mirror, “Take a look. You're gonna be the most beautiful bride to ever exist. Our families and friends will be there to support us because they trust we're it for each other. I proposed to you because I believe in us, and so do you. No offense to your dad, but he can suck it if he disagrees. Cause nothing's gonna stop us now.” Annabeth let out a watery laugh.
Percy gently took her hand and led her to the tri-mirrors. He spun her around making the dress skirt fly and his fiance laugh louder. He held her from behind as they both smiled at their reflection, “So tell me, who's the fairest of them all?” Percy kissed her shoulder, “Is it you?”
“It's us.”
And Percy couldn't agree more.
She turned around and the two shared a sweet kiss, “Thanks, Percy, you seem to know just what I need. I knew you were a Yankee when I met you and I fell in love with you. Believe me when I say proclaiming my vows to you on the beach that you love the most, in front of our families, friends, and pestering gods, no other ceremony could ever make me happier.
“I love you, Percy Jackson. Your Seaweed Brain-ness, your talent of annoy powerful beings, your unquestionable loyalty, your devotion to fight for a better world. Lucky for you, that's what I like.”
Percy will forever be grateful that he fell in love with his Wise Girl. Their conversation started with Percy needing reassurance and they end up reassuring each other. They're already so deeply committed, the wedding just a formality but one they both desired. And Percy couldn't wait to see what married life will bring them both.
Lucky for them, something they'll both like.
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“That is one strange Cadillac I've ever seen.”
Percy looked behind at Mrs. O’Leary. Even with his Sight, he wondered what Dr. Chase saw the hellhound as.
“She gives me better mileage cross-country.” Percy stopped just before reaching the front steps, “Can we talk?”
“Did Annabeth send for you?”
Percy shook his head, “If I time this right, which given my luck in past years is questionable, I should be back before she clocks out.”
“Come on in, then.”
Percy hadn't been inside the Chase home in California for quite some time. Annabeth visited occasionally when they studied in New Rome, Percy accompanied when he could. But both returned to NYC after hired at great career sites. Stepping into the home, he felt a sense of deja vu from his first visit back when he was 14. His first encounter with the face of Annabeth's trauma. Back then, Percy was still confused of his feelings for the man's daughter. Now he's coming as a man himself with more assurance than ever.
Once seated at the dining table, Percy wasted no time getting to his purpose, “Annabeth is still waiting for your response.”
Frederick paused with his hand interlocked over the table, his thumbs rubbing together. “I am still hesitant.”
“Of what exactly?” Percy tried not to be defensive, but he couldn't for the life of him understand why this man questioned their commitment. “You don’t trust me.”
“Perseus,” Frederick started firmly, “I have placed a lot of trust in you being there for my daughter since you first appeared on my doorstep.”
Percy felt relief at those words but chose not to dwell. This visit wasn't about him, “Then what is it?”
Dr. Chase took a moment before sighing, “Annabeth is my daughter. I was given the blessed gift of a child and I wasted it. I failed her. I couldn't be the father she deserved and in return she disappeared from my life. At age 7 she decided the harsh world was more favorable than that house in Virginia.” At that, his voice began to crack, “For years I thought that was it, that this was my punishment. I deserved it and I couldn't atone for the second chance she offered once she met you.”
Percy remained quiet as the man before him shook slightly.
“I am her father and yet we're still at a distance. When she lived with us her mind was with the camp. She wanted to finish highschool in New York. When she attended New Rome, our relationship started to feel…real…for the first time. I thought this would be the time to make amends before you both returned to New York. I kept thinking when the time was right we’ll truly connect…but when y’all’s Save The Date came in…I realized my time had ran out.”
It was then that Percy saw the aforementioned card poking out behind a report card on the fridge. Along with it the actual wedding invitation. He briefly smiled at the memory of Mrs. Dite having them pose for those photos. Percy noticed that in both cards only Annabeth's name was visible.
“My daughter is getting married. Before I knew it the little girl I used to eat grits with and discuss WWII aerial schematics has grown into a beautiful, intellectual woman. And yet I still feel…uncomfortable. I know that Annabeth hasn't needed me for the longest and I know if anyone will take care of her, it's you.” Dr. Chase lifted his hands to his face and unsuccessfully held in the rest of his cry, “But…once she is married she will no longer be mine. Even through it all, Annabeth was still Chase. She and I still held that name together. Is it selfish of me to say that I don't want her to get married…because then I'll really lose her?”
Percy bit his lip as the silence washed over the table like a heavy wave. Only the muffled sobs were heard. Percy eyed carefully as Dr. Chase’s shoulders rocked harder.
“Annabeth told me that yellow grits are better. She said their taste is superior due to its origins--”
“--its origins in corn producing a sweeter flavor as a result of the starch balance and firm texture. The Stone-Ground variety are believed as more flavorful but it all becomes overlooked--”
“--once you add all the butter and cheese you want.” Percy finishes with a laugh followed by Dr. Chase joining in, wiping away the tears from his eyes. He could clearly imagine the voice of the blonde girl repeating those words verbatim as if she were seated at this table spoon in hand. “You taught her that. And just like so, no matter where Annabeth is or what name she has, it's all overlooked so long as you show her you love and care truly for her.”
Percy took out an envelope from his pocket and slid it over to the other side. Frederick picked it up but didn't open it. His fingers gliding gently over the corner. “If I were to give my two cents into you guys’ situation, you are being selfish. For not taking into account what Annabeth thinks about in all this. I'm not going to tell you what to do, Dr. Chase, but I wouldn't shadow travel across the country if I didn't believe you can still make things right. You're not gonna lose Annabeth no matter how many times she says ‘I do’. But you will if she feels she's losing you as well.”
Percy stood up from the table as Frederick opened the envelope to find four plane tickets to New York. He looked wide-eyed at the demigod as he held them delicately. “You really think I wouldn't cause a lot of trouble coming in this late?”
Percy left the Chase home with one last grin, “Lucky for both of us, trouble is what Annabeth likes.”
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While their wedding wasn't the fanfare Mrs. Dite wanted for her favorite duo, nobody in the mortal or immortal world could say it wasn't perfect. The rays of the sun bouncing off the waters of Montauk that seemed to make Percy's eyes glow. The sea breeze flowing through Annabeth’s curls as she and Chiron walked down the aisle. The canopy of flowers sprinkling petals around the couple that they weren't sure was godly magic or natural. Everybody in the audience with bright smiles and loud, joyful tears from Sally as her son said his vows. And yes, the Chase family in attendance, which brought a big smile from the bride.
It was truly spectacular.
But the newlywed couple could not wait until they were finally alone that night. For the next couple weeks they would enjoy quite a vacation across Europe. But the first night was dedicated to their quaint cabin in a secluded area in Montauk.
“I'm a little concerned that Leo built this bed specifically for our first honeymoon night.” Annabeth teased her now husband as he poured strawberry champagne into her flute. They laid on the canopy bed on the sandy shore, silk sheets flowing against the breeze. A fire crackled nearby as the beach waves against the shore and starry night gave off the most beautiful ambiance.
“Hey this bed is now property of the Jackson cabin. It's not just for tonight.” Percy teased back as he leaned into her left ear, “But I do plan to make full use of it all night.”
Annabeth giggled as he kissed her neck, “Didn't I tell you this was much better than a church wedding.”
“You're right. As always. What was I ever thinking?”
“That's why you have me now, Seaweed Brain.”
“Forever and ever, Mrs. Seaweed Brain.” Percy ran his thumb over her wedding ring, the diamond glistening brightly with the diamonds in the sky. Words cannot express how the sight made him feel. He gently lowered her onto the bed, hovering over her as the two shared a long, intimate kiss. Only broken by their need for air.
“Thanks for getting my dad here.”
“I merely just gave him a suggestion.”
Annabeth rolled her eyes while he continued his kisses down her jawline, “Fine don't take credit, as usual. But I still really appreciate it. I think it'll give us a fresh start for reconnecting.”
After the ceremony, Annabeth had a tearful moment with her father. Even Helen shared a long hug with the demigod. Bobby and Matthew playfully punched Percy’s shoulders, talking about taking care of their big sister or else. Chiron walked her down the aisle as the centaur meant so much to her as a surrogate father, but Annabeth also felt glee in dancing for the first time with her dad. Sally joked with Helen of what their future grandbabies will be like, much to the blushing couple's embarrassment.
“They're my family now too. I think it'll give us all a fresh new start.” Percy smiled at his wife and picked her up to straddle his lap. “But for the next couple weeks, you're all mine.”
Annabeth laughed again, the sound resonated across the waves, “Same goes for you.”
They don't know when the champagne grew warm or when the fire burned out. They don't know when Eos greeted them into their new life. They don't know what the future will bring them. But what they do know is that they'll face it together.
Lucky for them, that's what they will always like.