Percy P.O.V.
Annabeth immediately rushed into my arms.
"Oh my gods! I missed you so much." She mumbled.
I wrapped my arms around her and we had a "too long" hug. I breathed in her lemon shampoo. I pulled back enough to see her face.
"I missed you too, Princess. " I said, lowering my gaze to meet hers.
Annabeth exhaled, "Alright Prince Charming, you can stop now."
"What, am I not hot enough?" I asked mockingly.
Annabeth sighed, exasperated.
"You are so-" She started.
"Unbelievably hot? Incredibly attractive? Marvelously stunning?" I interrupted, smirking.
"I was going for annoying." She rolled her eyes, but the corner of her mouth lifted.
"Annoyingly handsome?" I tilted my head, slightly.
She ran a hand through my raven hair, not breaking my gaze. I was so wrong, she was the one that was gorgeous. Her grey eyes sparkled, amused. Her smile was prideful. Her golden hair was longer than I remembered. Her skin was tanned, perfect as always. She was wearing a black t-shirt with a white owl on the front and white shorts. She had black ankle socks and clear white sneakers on. I brushed the strand of curly hair covering her ear. Her earrings were those dangly owl ones, a symbol of Athena.
"That too." She admitted.
"You look nice today." I said, flushing. I didn't dare meet her eyes.
She cocked her head to the side, crossing her arms.
"Because I put clothes other than the camp t-shirt?" She said, frowning.
"Of course not!" I rolled my eyes,
"I'd always like you, no matter how you looked or what you wore." I murmured.
I glanced at her, thinking she would start laughing.
Instead Annabeth's expression had softened, her smile more innocent than usual.
"Like or love?" She asked softly.
I searched her eyes for any trace of humor but there wasn't. I brushed a hand over her cheek, gently. My hand rested just under her jawline, tracing her chin.
"You mean the world to me, Annabeth." I told her, "But, how much do I really mean to you? There are hundreds of guys that would kill to be with you! Why would you choose me over any of them?"
Annabeth's expression was so pained, I would have done anything to get her to smile again.
A tear rolled down her cheek. I stood there, stunned.
"I know that I love you, Percy." She said, tears streaming down her cheeks. "And I know that that's all that really matters."
I took her in my arms and she rested her head on my chest, drawing shaky breaths.
"I love you too." I muttered, "Even if it'll get me killed someday."