"Good morning, my beautiful blonde haired fiance," Percy said, brushing a ringlet of hair out of her face, "You look pretty adorable when you're bundled up like that."
"It's a million degrees below zero out here! I swear I can see my breath inside this cabin," she protested.
"Well, it was kinda your idea... and besides, if I chose, we'd both be dying of heat and we wouldn't be able to cuddle."
"Yeah, cuddling is awkward when you're sweaty."
Percy smiled, curling up beside Annabeth. It'd been a snowy mess outside for a week and the ski resort strongly advised people to stay off of the roads. This was taken well, as almost all of the roads were covered in snow and a thick blanket of ice.
"I actually don't care that we're stuck here. I get to spend more time with you," Annabeth smiled.
"Excuse you, aren't we going to get married? You aren't gonna be able to get away from me by the time that happens. You'll regret this even happened, won't you?" Annabeth rested her head on Percy's shoulder, shaking her head. "I'd never regret doing anything with you." Percy's phone began to ring.
"Um, hello," he said, not recognizing the number.
"Hello! This is the lobby of the White Ski Lodge. This is Percy Jackson, correct?"
"Yes M'am."
"The weather will clear up by tomorrow morning, or so that's what the weather channel is reporting. We understand the internet is down up here... that's due to some shortages of power. The company hasn't been able to make its way up here yet... we're really sorry."
"Thanks. We'll probably leave tomorrow then."
"Thank you!" She hung up.
"We can leave tomorrow, Annabeth."
"I know, you dork. I can hear her."
"Oh, yeah. Do you want to?"
"Of course," she said distractedly, "But that means we get another night here."
"This is true," he smirked, "So does that mean...?"
"Pillow fights."
"Oh."
"Get your mind out of the gutter, Jackson. Besides, do you know how many other people have done the deed on these sheets?"
Percy understood, shivering mentally of the thought of it.
"Time to go back home," he whispered, grabbing her arm to wake her.
"Five more minutes," she mumbled.
"If I wait any longer I might just die," he joked.
"Don't die on me you dork."
Annabeth rolled over and groaned. They both packed their clothes in their bags, singing along to the radio while they worked. Annabeth laughed, holding up the same perfume she wore.
"You wear this kind too? No wonder you smell so good."
"I like how it smells, and when I get stressed sometimes I smell it and it calms me... since it reminds me of you," he admitted.
"That's weird."
"You're weird."
"No, that's actually weird. You're really weird. It's not like I carry around your sweate-" she trailed off. Percy laughed.
"You do carry my sweater around everywhere. So you're weird too."
"I get cold."
"Well, I get lonely." Annabeth made a face.
After a couple more minutes of packing, they were finished. "I love you, Percy," she blurted.
"I love you more."
December 25, 2014. 3:29 am.
Percy,
You've been asleep since 10 and I haven't been able to sleep. I don't want to wake you, but I just want to talk to you. You're my best friend, and watching you sleep next to me with your hair pressed against your face drives me insane. I mean, after all, it's eight days until we're married. Am I being dumb? I'm being dumb. Merry Christmas, darling.
Annabeth Chase
December 25, 2014. 6:15 am.
Annabeth,
It seems like you're a little eager with our relationship, aren't you? Don't worry, though, nothing will tear us apart, especially in eight days. Merry Christmas to you too.
You should have woken me, because I was having trouble sleeping as well. Your Christmas present holds a secret I've never gotten the chance to tell you, and I know you have one for me as agreed to it some time ago. What you don't know is something you'll be surprised to find out, because there's actually two secrets in your gift. Please don't hate me.
Love, Percy.
"Good morning my princess," Percy smiled, "Time for the first day of the rest of your life."
"That's a new name. Did you get coffee?" she mumbled, glaring at Percy with tired eyes.
"Of course I did. I even got your favorite."
"Hmmm. That seems strange. Are you kissing up to me for a mistake you made?"
He laughed, knowing he was about to make the worst joke. He kissed her forehead." No, I'm actually kissing you because I love you more than breakfast food. You were an egg-cellent choice." Annabeth scowled and involuntarily cracked a smile. "You dork," she whispered.
"Meet me in the kitchen as soon as you can. Your coffee is waiting there, I promise."
"Okay, Jackson."
Percy rubbed his thumb against the blue wrapping paper. "Now?"
"Now," she confirmed.
Percy's eyes opened wider as he eagerly tore apart the glittery paper. Annabeth laughed. He reminded her of little kids on their birthdays. He knew of the only thing that would be wrapped in the slender box: one slip of paper holding a secret Annabeth has kept. He could barely contain himself.
"Read it out loud to me," she said. Percy nodded.
He took a deep breath, reading what was written. "There is one thing I've wished to tell you since we began to see each other. This should not come to a surprise to you, since I think you've caught me many times. I'm addicted to watching spanish soap operas."
Percy laughed, handing her the slip of paper. "Really?"
"Yeah, it's kind of embarrassing actually. I just want to watch them because they're so ridiculous, I swear. I know you said you didn't like girls who watched shows like that."
"No, I meant I wouldn't like them if they weren't you, Chase." She blushed.
Annabeth walked across the room, attempting to hide the peachy glow. She grabbed the gray small envelope with a pink bow. "You know, Percy, this bow is almost too big for the envelope."
"Okay, rosy-cheeks, I know it wasn't the best decision. Just open it."
She read the note silently, swallowing as she reached the second sentence. She avoided Percy's gaze, concentrating on the words written in half-cursive, half-print. She looked upwards, trying to dissipate the tears welling in her eyes.
"I can't believe this. I can't believe you."