I don't own PJO. I'm just doing this for the feels, guys. Listen to "The Promise" by Tracy Chapman while they're walking down the aisle, okay? Okay.

CHAPTER 4

Percy

My hands are clammy. I constantly shift between clasping them in front or behind my back. Sometimes I pass a nervous hand through my hair, messing up the perfectly polished look my mom managed to create. The seats are all full, of current campers, of past, of family. Mom and Paul sit in the first row. I give them a glance and Mom gives me a reassuring smile, while Paul gives me a small thumbs up.

Behind me, Grover is biting his lip, watching the glowing orbs float tranquilly over the grassy plain. Jason, Frank, and Nico are paying various degrees of attention. Nico catches my eye and I can almost see a glint of pain in the dark depths of his vision, but he looks away too quickly to be sure.

I see a heavy hand rest on my shoulder. "Don't worry, Percy. It'll be fine." I look to Chiron, looking nice in a simple white suit, ready to do the ceremony. Knowing I have Chiron on my side makes me feel better, but not perfect.

"Thanks, I just-"

"I understand. This isn't my first wedding." Chiron chuckles. "And you both are truly in love, which is more than most people can say." Chiron lets out a stiff sigh. The gray in his hair and beard is thicker, more prominent. It scares me, how old and ancient Chiron looks. It makes me think of a time where there won't be a Chiron to teach the new campers. My throat closes up and I choke on a breath.

Stupid, I tell myself. Too much sentimentalism in one day...I smile as I think how impressed Annabeth would be with my use of polysyllables.

A soft hum of an acoustic guitar buzzes through the air, quieting the murmurs of everyone. There's a pause, the holding of a breath.

The lights cluster along the aisle, glowing softly. I look to the back and see Leo, his face lit up with excitement as he fumbles with a remote control. I shake my head fondly. Next to him, Calypso, warm and lovely, smiles and holds his hand. She makes eye contact with me and I flush. After a brief moment, she nods with a gentle smile. I manage to smile back.

First comes Hazel, her caramel curls pulled back, with her arm looped through Frank's. The part in front of Chiron and take their places.

Then comes Rachel, escorted by Grover. His beard is neatly trimmed and his eyes, though a little blood-shot, are glassy with joy. He gives me a glance and it hurts, the friendship in that glance. Rachel's hair is somehow pulled back into a manageable wave over her shoulder. Her green eyes flash knowingly at me and she gives a soft smile.

Jason and Piper come next. I remember the rumors of how Jason is the "new Percy" and I can't help laugh at that now. The gold of the bow tie glints in the dim light, like his hair. He meets my eyes and gives me a nod. Piper looks beautiful in the bridesmaids' simple dress, the lavender sash soft and gentle. They're holding each other close, easy and relaxed. I hope they get everything they want. I hope Jason is the new Percy. I'm kinda done with being the hero from now on.

Mrs. O'Leary comes lumbering down the aisle, the rungs precariously balanced on a pillow trapped in her massive jaws. There's a good deal of white dusting her beard now and I pull the pillow away with a friendly tug, trying to wipe off the saliva.

Everyone rises and I almost wonder why when I see her. Standing at the top of the aisle. Waiting. Lips parted in the middle of a breath. Eyes bright. Waiting.

Her dresses is white and simple. Free of elaborate design or beading. But I can't see it. Because Annabeth is radiant. A long, elegant veil floats around her, shimmering in the glowing light. But her face is like the sun, it's beautiful and clear and ready. In reality, she looks no different. Just Annabeth. Annabeth in a white dress. And that's when it hits me: Annabeth has always been this. She's always been beautiful and elegant and ready. She's always been there, in all of her strength and skill and toughness, she's been waiting. And now I know, I have been too.

Her father leads her to me, slowly. Mr. Chase puts her hand in mine with a sad smile before taking his seat. Annabeth stands there, looking deep in my eyes, as Chiron starts talking about something. Our hands are clasped tight and I feel a bit of clamminess sneak its way between out palms.

While Chiron talks, I feel a blush rise to my cheeks as Annabeth just looks at me. Her eyes, stormy gray, once so intimidating, now so familiar, make me burn with something. Something old and new. I give her hands a squeeze and her mouth twitches with the barest memories of a smile.

I try to tell myself how this is my wedding, how I will be forever tied to this woman, to this beautiful creature. But there's nothing. A little nervousness, a little anxiety. But nothing else. I start to panic, but Annabeth's eyes, soft and steady, put a cool calm around me. I'm not scared, because this is what I'm meant to have. This is destiny, this is the Fates. I was always Annabeth's, she was always mine. Anything else had been a deception. It was always us, I think as I slip the gold band on her slender finger. Together or not at all.

And we've chose together.

There's murmur of laughter that knocks me out of my thoughts. "What?" I ask.

"You're suppose to kiss me." Annabeth says with a smirk, a flash of that familiar wit making me smile.

"Oh. Oh, right." I lean in, only to be stopped by another gurgle of laughter.

"The veil, Seaweed Brain." She giggles.

"Oh, yeah." I lift up the veil delicately, like it's glass. Her face glows in the warm light and I feel her warm breath spread on my face.

I lean in, pressing my lips to hers. On her lips, I taste houses and bills, cars and jobs. Children and laughter. Tears and sleepless nights. I taste the future, in all its glorious, sweet promises. I pull back, savoring the kiss, and look dreamily into her eyes. They're glowing, and I know she tastes it too.

"May I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Jackson!"