You're Late

Percy is late picking up Annabeth.
Percy's POV

"You're late." She scowled, hands on her hips.

Annabeth glared at me, waiting for some kind of explanation. To be honest, I didn't have one. Well, not a good one anyway. I'd overslept and when I woke up, I had to rush down to school to pick Annabeth up- half an hour late.

"Uh, yea... sorry about that." I scratched the back of my neck, offering my girlfriend a nervous smile.

"Well?" She demanded.

"Right! Let's go then."

I made to grab her hand and pull her away from the steps leading up to her school, but she moved her arm out of my reach, and walked down herself. I was left trailing in her wake.

"You better have a good reason for making us late Percy." She huffed, not even turning back to face me. "This is the third time you've been late for a date in the last two weeks."

"Yeah, well..." I racked my brain for an excuse. "Monster attack?"

It was a weak attempt. And Annabeth knew it.

"Try again." She shook her head. "Honestly Seaweed Brain, how stupid do you think I am?"

I opened the passenger door for her and she sat down in the Prius, before I crossed over and got in the car myself.

I strapped myself in, but Annabeth was still in a sour mood. Her arms were crossed as she glared grumpily into the distance.

I knew I had to say something.

"Look Annabeth, I'm sorry I was late okay?"

"Okay." She said looking out the window, barely acknowledging what I'd said.

I sighed. "I don't have a good reason and I promise I won't be late next time. Alright? I swear on the Styx."

Annabeth didn't reply. She wouldn't face me. I knew my apology sucked, but what did I have to say? Sometimes it really feels like being a boyfriend is a tougher job than saving the world. Trust me, saving the world is hard.

"I'm a terrible boyfriend for making you wait. You deserve so much more- someone who's always on time."

Apparently, I'd finally caught her attention, because she turned to me, an eyebrow raised.

I mustered up all the sincerity I could, because, in all fairness, she had a point. I'd been late to tons of dates, this really wasn't the first time. And it was worse this time because I didn't have a reason- well, apart from: Oops! I forgot to set an alarm, sorry!

"I suck." I added. Two simple words, but hey, they pack a lot of meaning you know?

"And?" She looked at me expectantly.

"And.." I trailed off. I had a feeling I knew what she wanted me to say.

"And...Annabeth Chase is the prettiest girl in the world, while I, being a Seaweed Brain, don't have a clue how lucky I am. She's so smart and amazing, and awesome. I take her for granted because she's actually so tolerant of my tardiness."

"And?" She still had her arms crossed.

Wait, she wanted more?!

Well, here goes nothing. I took a deep breath.

"Annnddddd...she's never late. And I'm stupid for always turning up late, because she is great and would never make me wait. I turn up late for no reason and I don't even come up with a good excuse because she's too smart and she'll figure out I lied. She's perfect and I-"

She cut me off with a kiss.

"There we go." She smiled, pulling away. "Much better, I accept your apology."

I smirked, even though I was just starting to realise she had basically manipulated me into an overly compensated apology that made me sound extra stupid. Believe me, I really don't need help sounding stupid most of the time.

"You weren't really mad, were you?" I narrowed my eyes at her.

She smiled innocently. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"I will get you back you know, I promise. And you should know, Percy Jackson never breaks a promise."

She gasped sarcastically. "Oh no! I'm trembling in fear."

"Hey, don't worry. I have that effect on a lot of people."

She rolled her eyes. "Just shut up and drive."