Summary: Annabeth stays at Percy's place, and then accidentally discovers a photo album full of memories. But before that happens, she and Percy waltz with a group of fireflies, babysit for a neighbor, are handcuffed while strolling in Central Park, kiss while water rains down on them (which happens two times), and—wait! Why is Aphrodite spying on them? Set beforeThe Lost Hero.
Disclaimer: I don't own Percy Jackson and the Olympians. How I wish I was Rick Riordan, eh?
Chapter 1: Annabeth and I Watch a Movie
Day 1
My mom was practically walking around the kitchen, looking worried. "Percy, don't forget what I told you. There's pasta inside the fridge. Just reheat it using the microwave. The canned goods are inside the cupboard. But if you just want to order, I left money for you. Just look inside your drawer. You'll find the hot lines near the telephone and—"
"Mom!" I held her shoulders, making her stop in her tracks. "I already memorized every word you said. You repeated them five times already and even wrote them on a paper and placed it on the fridge. I promise I'll be careful and lock the doors before I go to sleep. You and Paul will be late now," I said. Typical Mom. But I understood her concern. Being a half-blood was not easy, anyway.
She exhaled audibly. "Just making sure, honey. Oh, and if you're lonely, call Annabeth and—"
"Mom!"
"Oh, fine." She gave me a hug. "Be careful, Percy, all right?"
I smiled to assure her. "You, too, Mom."
Paul appeared in the doorway. "The taxi's here, Sally."
I walked with Mom to the driveway where the taxi was waiting for the passengers. It was a sunny day—perfect for vacation.
They both got inside the vehicle.
"Be careful, Percy," Paul said. "Don't let the monsters attract you."
"I hope so," I told him with a grin. "Take care and have fun!"
"You, too, Percy, especially when Annabeth's around. Bye!" He winked.
I'd given him a confused look before the taxi drove away, then waved at the disappearing car.
Where were they going? Paul had won two tickets to a three-day cruise at the Atlantic. He'd said he won the tickets at a department store promo and insisted that he'd buy a ticket for me so that the three of us could go together, but I'd declined his offer kindly. The two of them deserved some moments together. I prayed to my dad, Poseidon, that he'd keep my mom and Paul safe from harm.
I entered our apartment and went to the living room when the phone rang suddenly.
"Jackson residence. Who's speaking?" I answered. Maybe it was Mrs. Roberts, our neighbor to the right, again to ask if I was free to take care of her dozen cats while she'd go to the grocery store.
"Hi, Percy. It's Annabeth. Did Paul and Sallyleave already?"she asked on the opposite line.
Thank the gods it wasn't Mrs. Roberts! "Hey, Wise Girl. Yeah, a few minutes ago. You called at the right time. Are you free today?"
"Yes. Want me to come over there? I just finished my sketch of the west side of Olympus. It's fantastic! I'll show it to you some other time."
After we had defeated Kronos' Army, Annabeth became the official architect of Olympus. She was currently staying here in New York to study in a school and observe the improvements of her works at the home of the Olympian gods.
I beamed. "Sure! Thanks. Can't wait to see it."
"I'll be there in thirty minutes. Bye."
"Bye," I said, then she hung up.
Thirty minutes passed by when there was a knock on the front door, and I opened it quickly. Annabeth was standing there, wearing a simple pink T-shirt, and jeans. I blushed. She was really beautiful, even with just wearing simple clothes.
She crossed her arms in a demanding position. "Seaweed Brain, are you just gonna let me stand here and wait for me to melt in this heat?"
I blinked. "Yes. I mean, no! S-sorry," I replied sheepishly, stepped aside, then gestured for her to come in.
When Annabeth reached the hallway, she turned to me and said with a raised eyebrow, "Well?"
"Uh, you look nice...?"
Annabeth rolled her eyes. "No, Seaweed Brain. I mean, what are the activities for today?"
"Oh, right. Want to watch a movie?"
"Fine by me," Annabeth said as she went to my mom's CD collection in the living room. I followed her. She looked at the titles and picked one. "How about this one, Chasing Liberty?"
"Is it a romance film?" I asked, disgust lacing my voice.
"Judging from the cover, yes."
I groaned. The last thing I wanted to do was to watch that kind of stuff. "Please, not a romance movie."
She thought about it, then gave a shrug. "This is also really not my cup of tea, so okay."
I sighed in relief. Watching romance films would literally kill me. It was like looking directly into Medusa's eyes! I shuddered inwardly at the thought, remembering when Annabeth, Grover and I had done our first quest.
She continued checking the titles, then exclaimed all of a sudden, "Oh, my gods! You haveBridge to Terabithia! Let's watch this! I only read the book, and it was so good." She added when she saw the look on my face, "And no, Percy, this is not a love story. It's about friendship and overcoming one's trials in life, so you should be fine. Don't worry. I'll not give you any spoilers."
When had she read the book, I had no idea. But I sighed in defeat. "You're the boss. Wait, I'll just order a pizza. Ham and cheese?"
Annabeth nodded. "Ham and cheese."
000
The credits were rolling, but we were still sitting on the couch.
Annabeth sobbed. "I also did this after I read the book. The story could really move your heart."
This didn't seem like the Annabeth I'd gotten to know. She rarely showed her weaknesses to people. But then again, she was with me, one of the few people she trusted.
Being a great boyfriend, I gave her a tissue, and then she rubbed her nose with it. I must admit that I'd gotten teary-eyed myself. The story was really depressing and heartwarming at the same time. But I'd also cried for another reason.
"Annabeth?" I turned to her.
"What?" she asked in a hoarse voice.
"What if you died in that (*italic) battle? Maybe I'd feel the same way like what Jesse felt."
Annabeth looked at me with puffy eyes 'cause of crying. "Oh, Percy, don't think like that. What happened in the book and in the movie was indeed a tragedy. Thank the gods that—"
Lightning flashed and then it was followed by thunder. She hugged me desperately, and I did the same thing to her.
She sniffed with a forced laugh. "Sorry. I was just surprised by the thunder."
"Hey, it's okay." I rubbed her back, and then she cried freely now. I thought that maybe she remembered what happened to Luke, but I didn't question her about this.
"Percy, what if I really died in that battle?"
I looked directly into her gray eyes. "Then I'd never have a sweet girlfriend like you." I leaned into her and kissed her passionately, and she responded back with a small smile.
We broke apart for air after a moment. "And I'd never have a sweet boyfriend like you," Annabeth said.
We smiled at each other while I was wiping her cheek with my hand, then hugged again.
After a moment of silence, we removed ourselves from the hug. "I should go now, Percy," said Annabeth, "before it—"
All of a sudden, it started raining cats and dogs.
"But it was sunny a while ago," I complained.
"Apollo hates it when his brightness is covered by dark clouds," she said with a know-it-all tone. "And I didn't bring my umbrella. Just great."
"I think you should stay here for a while until—"
Another thunder boomed, and then the lights went out.
