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"I don't know, man. She seemed off, didn't she?" Percy sighed, taking a sip of his now-cold coffee. Grover sat opposite him, thinking about the dinner party he and Juniper hosted the night before.
Grover called into the aquarium this afternoon to spend Percy's lunch break with him. Percy took this time to confide in his best friend. "I wanna ask, but maybe I'm just being stupid. Maybe I'm reading into things." Grover could see the tension in Percy's shoulders.
He was drinking his coffee as if it were whisky.
Grover had noticed something was off with Annabeth; now he thought about it.
She was usually at the forefront of conversations, usually the second-loudest in the room behind Percy. And while she wasn't noticeably quiet, now, looking back, she seemed to be a little pulled back.
"Like, she was silent last night, Dude." He stressed, throwing his empty cup in the bin behind him. "She wasn't silent, just a little quieter than usual." Percy shook his head and put his forehead in his hand. "I think she's gonna divorce me, Man." He grumbled, his forehead creasing as he thought about a world where he wasn't Annabeth's husband.
Grover scoffed. "Are you joking, Bro? You and Annabeth are soulmates." Percy groaned, shaking his head. "She's been acting like this for a while now. She's being sketchy around me. She's gonna divorce me, I'm telling you." Grover didn't believe that, but he could agree that something was going on.
Percy paced up and down their bedroom, looking around the space at all the memories that surrounded them. Photos of them as children lined the walls, from their camp awards to Percy's swim meets and Annabeth's fencing championships. Their degrees next to each other: one in architecture and one in marine biology. And right by their beds, photos from their last-minute wedding, showing two crazy young adults who are ridiculously in love.
He was currently standing in the house she designed personally for the two of them to live in together.
Sure, things weren't perfect, but break up after nearly 10 years together?
He was trying to repeat Grover's words in his mind. "You and Annabeth are soulmates." He breathed in deeply; this whole situation was causing his ADHD to run at 100%
He looked down at his ring, picturing the moment Annabeth slid it on his finger, the pure joy on her face. He remembered how she looked when he suggested they get married.
He was hoping this was one of those moments where he was being overdramatic.
She was currently out shopping with her Stepmom. Percy took this time to come up with a plan. Show Annabeth that they were meant to spend the rest of their lives together.
Annabeth finally manages to find the right key, mentally reminding herself to change her keyrings. There were officially too many charms to function.
She pushes the door open with her foot, first being hit by the smell of fresh bread, and then the image of the house covered in pictures of the two of them- pictures of her she didn't even know he had of her. Pictures of her with whipped cream on her nose from their 6th-grade graduation party, and her after she had her natural hair that Percy absolutely adored.
She could tell that Percy had put this together because it had that gentle chaos that came with everything that he did.
She walked further into their home, the sound of Africa, the song that was playing during the kiss, which finally made them open their eyes to the world that they could have been living in already, was quietly filling the space.
The lights were dimmed to the golden colour she loved, especially after a long day. Those days usually consisted of foot rubs and back massages from Percy, one of his crazy new ideas for blue foods, and their favourite movie to wind down with: White Chicks.
Annabeth's eyes were as wide as saucers, taken by surprise at the nostalgia.
She carried on further into the home. The dining room table was decorated with Annabeth's favourite flowers, with a box placed in the centre. The box looked old and tattered, covered in stickers of basketball players, sharks, and 'I Heart New York' signs. Making it clear that the box belonged to Percy.
She looked around, wondering where the boy was, before her curiosity got the best of her. She lifted the lid, revealing pieces of paper stacked on top of each other.
She reached for the first one, reading the title.
July 13th, First day at camp (8 years old)
Today's been the worst day of my life!
I'm officially never speaking to Mom again. Just because I got expelled from another school, she thinks this hellhole is gonna fix me? If anything, I'm gonna act out worse now because of this stupid camp!
These stupid kids tripped me earlier and made me drop my favourite comic book in a stupid muddy puddle. Then I was made to watch this stupid show that was WORSE than the production of that cat musical Mom made us go to last year.
But worst of all, this older girl tried to stick my head in a toilet!
This other girl did help me tho. Even tho she looked my age, she was talking like a grown-up. She said her name was Annabeth, and she asked if I wanted to sit with her and this boy called Grover. Well, she didn't really ask; she just told me to.
I don't see why I shouldn't.
Whatever makes these 3 weeks go as fast as possible.
Annabeth was laughing at young Percy's tantrum, remembering his stubbornness when she rescued the boy from Clarisse's hazing. She couldn't believe she was reading this. The terrible handwriting, written with the blue pen that he uses to help with his dyslexia, was smudging down the page.
She was currently reading a retelling of their first encounter, maybe an hour after it had happened.
She barely had time to take it in before she was reaching for the next one.
June 25th (10 years old)
I HATE LUKE CASTELLAN!!!
I literally hate him with all of my being. I just don't understand what people like about him. Like, he's not even that cool. Just because he's a good runner, he gets all these camp awards? I bet he doesn't even care about it, really. He just wants all the attention.
My curls are definitely better than his as well.
Swimming is way more dangerous and exciting than running. Like, I could drown! Like, I'm not going to, because I'm so good, but I could! What's gonna happen to him? A sprained ankle?
Just because he's a little bit older doesn't make him better than anyone else.
And I just don't understand why Annabeth likes him so much. I bet he doesn't even know she secretly eats pickles out of a jar when she thinks no one's watching, or that her favourite song is 'That's What Makes You Beautiful' by One Direction. He doesn't even know any of these things.
I know these things.
Annabeth grew a fond smile; the image of whiny Percy whenever she brought up Luke was becoming clearer and clearer after each sentence. She thought a couple of years ago that it was probably just jealousy, but it was nice to have that confirmed.
These diary entries are really exposing how much of a crybaby he used to be.
August 5th (10 years old)
I got the coolest scar!
I don't love that I got it cause I was FORCED to play capture the flag in the POURING rain today, but Grover said I was gonna get a scar from it, which is so badass!
Annabeth had this first aid kit in her pocket for some reason. I honestly think that girl's brain is ginormous. She was so gentle when she was putting the Band-Aid on that it almost made me wanna slip and fall again on purpose so she could help me again.
Her hands are so warm. I told Connor that her hands were really warm, and he just said that I wanted her to be my girlfriend. It's not true, obviously. Ew.
Annabeth scoffed, rolling her eyes. Young boys are another species.
July 19th (14 years old)
Annabeth had a nightmare today. I've noticed she's been getting these a lot.
Piper was the one who told me. I wish I had been there with her when she fell asleep; I could have stopped it before it got really bad. Hearing her say my name made me wanna cry. She looked so scared. I'm going to see if she can sleep in my cabin until the end of camp. Chiron will probably say no, but I hate the idea of her dealing with this shit alone.
Annabeth could feel her eyes start to water.
October 5th (16 years old)
Holy. Fucking. Shit.
Annabeth and I kissed today.
She put her lips on my lips.
And it was fucking incredible.
She did it twice!
First of all, she arrived at my house with this hairstyle that looked fucking incredible. I've never seen someone look as beautiful as she did. I wish I knew what it was called. I'll ask her tomorrow.
Oh God, what if she's awkward with me now? It just kind of happened. What if she regrets it? She was smiling; I could tell.
Her lips were so warm and soft. They were literally like pillows. I'm only writing this here because I can't say this shit out loud. The guys would laugh at me. I could feel her hands on my chest! I swear she was tugging on my shirt. Ugh, I don't know. I think I'm going insane.
We just ate so many blue sour patch kids as well. Annabeth's lips tasting like blue candy while we kiss? Best day of my life.
It's nice to know that he was freaking out as much as she was after their first kiss.
October 15th (16 years old)
I fucked up. I fucked up so badly.
I know it was only a game of spin the bottle, but I shouldn't have kissed Lacey. It's not like I wanted to kiss her; it just happened. Everyone was cheering us on. I guess I just gave in to the pressure.
The look on her face when she walked away, GOD!
Grover was being really weird as well. I think he's mad at me for kissing her, too. But no one's as disappointed as I am.
I hope I haven't fucked everything up. I just want everything to go back to normal. She got really drunk afterward. She was practically ignoring me. Rachel had to call her dad, and now Annabeth's phone has been confiscated for a week. I don't know what to do!
OH I KNOW! I'll get her that pickle deluxe sandwich she loves.
March 28th (17 years old)
Annabeth's been weird recently.
She's being really snippy with me. I don't really know what I've done, if I have done anything.
I was late for the movie we went to see last week, but surely she's not still mad, right?
I told her the other day about Jennifer asking me to prom, and she got so weird. I thought they were friends?!?!
I mean, Jennifer's nice, but I can't imagine us going to prom together. I don't really know her. Yesterday she came over to hang out, and she was, like, weirdly quiet. And then when I asked if she was okay, she flipped her shit, called me obtuse, and then called me Perseus. I don't know which was worse!
I hate when Annabeth's mad at me, especially when I don't know why. Plus, I think everyone else knows why she's mad at me.
I'm sure I'll figure it out eventually.
Anyway, I don't know what to wear to prom.
Annabeth giggled, rolling her eyes. Yes, folks, he's always been this oblivious.
April 2nd (18 years old)
Blake asked me if I was dating Annabeth today because he wanted to ask her to the bonfire party. I swear this is like the 3rd time someone's accused us of being boyfriend and girlfriend. I mean, it's not like I'm offended, obviously. Who in the world would be offended by being Annabeth Chase's boyfriend? Are you kidding?
She looked so beautiful tonight as well. She was wearing my hoodie with that yellow plaid skirt that actually drives me wild. I bought it for her birthday last year.
It really pissed me off when Blake asked if he could take her, as if she were some sort of object. I honestly wanted to punch him in the face when he asked. I wish he had seen Annabeth's face when she practically ignored him to talk to me. It was me she was talking to all night; me she wanted to dance with.
Sorry Blake. Not really.
She laughed at the drawing of the cheeky emoji next to it. Annabeth thought she was completely alone with her feelings at that time. It was hard watching so many people be interested in Percy. To know he was crashing out over her in his diary? She wants to give her 18-year-old self a high five and tell her to hang in there. Or look for the diary he keeps hidden under his bed.
April 10th (18 years old)
So, as it turns out, I really like being Annabeth's fake boyfriend! If it means she sits on my lap, kissing up my neck, or having my arms wrapped around her while we slow dance in front of everyone, then I'm happy to just be her fake boyfriend. I like the idea of her trusting me in that way; I almost feel like I'm her favourite person. HA! Grover!
Sorry, Grover, you know I love you.
She almost wanted to scream at these silly, oblivious idiots.
September 15th (19 years old)
Hello, my name is Percy Jackson, and I have a girlfriend called Annabeth Chase.
That's all, thank you.
Annabeth's tears were now freely flowing down her cheeks. She could remember the morning that things finally became real between them. She remembered being absolutely terrified that things were going to blow up in their faces and that a decade-long friendship was going to be over.
But instead, it led to a decade-long relationship filled with nights of side-splitting laughter, passionate fighting, and passionate lovemaking. It was a bone-deep feeling that you only read about in books.
November 7th (19 years old)
I nearly got my balls cut off today. There I was, enjoying Annabeth in my lap, kissing the shit out of her, when Frederick came bursting through the door. Annabeth practically went flying across the room. It was kind of funny, actually.
I wonder when we're gonna tell people. I don't think any of our parents are gonna be mad, but I don't want things to change too much. It's nice that it's just ours right now.
Weirdly, everyone who does know is being totally chill about it. I mean, Grover teases us now and again, but he does seem to be the one who keeps catching us making out.
I'm not scared of Mr Chase; I just think he's going to murder me when he finds out Annabeth sneaks me into her bedroom 2 nights a week loooooooooooooooooooool!
The next letter makes her laugh through the tears.
January 4th (19 years old)
Welp, everyone now knows!
First of all, whoever's idea it was to allow vines to grow on top of roofs, we need to have a conversation. Why in the hell did my girlfriend have to break her arm clearing up that shit? My girlfriend's beautiful arm? Ridiculous.
Another thing that's your fault is that now, because of your selfishness, our parents know we're dating. I mean, it was bound to happen at some point, but now she's not allowed in my room with the door closed, ffs. It's not like anything would happen between us with my mom home anyway.
A part of me is glad my Mom knows, to be honest. She's always loved Annabeth, so I knew she would be supportive. I could see Mr Chase was a little annoyed. At least I was at a hospital if he decided to take action. Luckily, he just kept all the Jell-O from me.
Now I don't have to hide that I'm in love with her, though; that's nice. I don't think I was ever really good at hiding it anyway.
You'd be surprised, Perseus; it took Annabeth a long time to figure it out.
February 14th (19 years old)
Surprise everyone! I have the greatest girlfriend in the world!
And even though she insists on dancing in the rain. Sorry, not rain- hurricane weather. And she makes me study for exams when I just wanna cuddle; she truly is the best.
Hurricane weather is worth it when I can cuddle with her for a week. No practice, no classes, no coffee pouring for snobby people. Just soup and Annabeth. And all the studying is worth it when Annabeth's standing there in a bikini, wiping sun lotion all over me on the beach.
While Annabeth was reading, I was out swimming, secretly collecting shells. I wanna make her a necklace. I don't know how I'm gonna do that, but it can't be too hard.
I don't know why the sun makes me so tired, but I know as soon as Annabeth comes out of the bathroom, wearing that cocoa butter body lotion that smells so good, I'm gonna knock out completely.
She looked down at the necklace she had converted into a bracelet. All the beautiful shells he had collected. There was one note left. With shaky hands, Annabeth reached for it.
August 18th (23 years old)
I just found this diary- what the hell! Well, what else can I say other than we're married!! My name's Percy Jackson Chase, and I'm married to the love of my life.
"I apologise for my handwriting." Annabeth jumped; her husband stood in his wedding tux, hands behind his back, his face shining with gentleness. Annabeth could barely see him through the tears in her eyes. "What's all this for, Percy?" She spoke shakily, turning her full attention to him.
Percy sighed, walking towards her, nerves palpable. He reached out for her hands. "Annabeth, we have known each other for close to 20 years. Been together for practically half of those years. I was your first kiss, your fake boyfriend, your prom date, eventually, and then your real boyfriend. On our 5th anniversary, we got married because it just felt right. Because everything about us just feels right. I've never had to question myself with you, question whether or not I was good enough. You make me feel whole, and I hope you feel the same about me. And I hope it was clear in all the terribly written diary entries that I've always loved you."
Annabeth laughs through her tears, reaching forward to cup his cheek in her hands. She nods, feeling that overwhelming wave she gets when Percy says something that brings her to her knees.
"Of course, it hasn't been perfect, but we've come out the other side every time things have gotten tough. Because we're tough. So whatever has happened to make you want to end us, we can solve it.
Annabeth felt her breath catch, taken by complete surprise by his statement. She lowered her hand, taking his hand back in hers. Percy's face was completely serious, which was unlike him. "What are you talking about, Perce?"
He tilted his head, trying his best to read her face. "I'm assuming I've done something. You've been acting different over the past few weeks, so I want you to know that whatever I've done, I'm ready to fix it." Annabeth looked at him for a few moments, waiting for her brain to catch up with his words. And when it did, she began to laugh.
Percy's eyebrows furrowed as Annabeth wiped away the tears that had been unshed for the past few moments, shaking her head as she covered her mouth.
"Oh my gosh, no, baby." She finally responded, reaching both hands up to hold his entire face. Her husband was so beautiful. She took this moment to appreciate how beautiful he was. Inside and out.
"You don't understand how much I love you. You are my soulmate, always have been. Of course I don't want us to break up. Never."
She could feel Percy's entire body relax under her touch and words. And yet it didn't feel like his hard work tonight had been a waste. He always loved reminiscing about their history whenever he could. Reminding her how much he loved her. Loved them.
Annabeth bit her lip, a nervous glint in her eyes. She reached into her back pocket, pulling out something he couldn't see yet. She kept his eyes on hers as she placed it directly in his hands.
After a few moments, he looked down.
Positive.
"I'm pregnant, Seaweed Brain."
As rain began to tap at the window, Percy's head shot up to hers, seeing the smile on her face. "Are you serious?" He whispered, tightening his hand around the stick, needing the physical object to ground him. She nodded, blinking fast as she waited for his reaction.
Before saying anything else, Percy reached forward and lifted the girl clear off the ground. With the risk of feeling sick, he spun the two around a few times to the sound of Annabeth's laughter.
Once he'd placed her back on her feet, he pressed his forehead against hers, tears running down his cheeks. "I love you, Annabeth. She smiled, mirroring hers as she kissed him. "I love you too, Percy." They kissed once more before going back to looking at each other. Cool ocean meeting warm chocolate.
"Seaweed Brain and Wise Girl are going to be parents." He whispered, placing his hand on her stomach. Annabeth nodded, putting her hand on top of his.
"Who the hell let that happen?" She sighed, leaning forward to connect their lips.