Tartarus

Percy and Annabeth trudged through the endless darkness. They hadn't seen any monsters for days- or at least what they thought were days.

"Annabeth..." Percy whined. "I'm tired."

Annabeth couldn't help but smile. Even in a time like this, in a place like this, Percy could still be his same childish self.

Percy saw the smile and couldn't help but smile himself, it was exactly what he's been hoping for. He's wanted to lighten the mood and make Tartarus seem a little less dark, even if not physically.

They were holding up as well as they could be for being in hell. Annabeth's ankle was still very badly broken, she wouldn't admit that it was hurting her. Percy could see it in her eyes, the way she walked. She winced every time she moved, it was like she had a stutter in her entire body. She refused help, even when she most needed it. Percy was pretty bad too, not nearly as bad as Annabeth though. He had hundreds of scratches and scars and gashes all over. Both of them were very under fed, it was nearly impossible to find anything edible or drinkable, when they did find something Percy tried to give Annabeth more than her share, she would have none of it.

'You have to eat too,' or 'We both need to stay as healthy as possible.'

"Annabeth, I think I see something." A small shack, roughly the size of a small house, sat nestled inside a small grove of poplar trees. Slowly they crept forward staying in the shadows. It was empty, completely and entirely empty. "Let's see if there's any food." Percy says.

Annabeth nods and tries the door. "Percy, it's locked." She says sadly.

"The Stolls taught me how to pick a lock, gimme a sec."

Rummaging through his pockets, Percy found a paper clip and a bobbie pin. How those had managed to stay in his pocket, he did not know. Five minutes later the door swung open. Percy and Annabeth grinned at each other and entered cautiously.

Inside there was a small couch and a bed shoved into the far right corner. To our left a bookshelf, on one shelf, a first aid kit. On another, cups, plates, and cutlery. In the far left a small refrigerator and a table with two chairs. A computer sat open on a table in the middle of the room. It lit up as the pair entered. They walked forward slowly and read what it said.

Sorry, we can't help you get out. This is the best we could do. Happy Birthday Percy.

Trying to get along,

Athena and Poseidon

P.S. check the fridge.

In that small moment of hope, contact from somebody they cheered. Percy grabbed Annabeth by the hips and pulled her in for a kiss.

When they pulled apart she said, "Happy birthday Seaweed Brain, I love you."

Percy kissed her again and tugged open the fridge. Ambrosia and Nectar lined the door, on the shelves were blue cupcakes and two packs full of food.