All characters and stuff belong to Rick Troll Riordan.

Author's Note: Sorry for the short chapter, I just felt this was a good place to end. Hope you guys like it so far!

Chapter 10

Percy smiled back. Here it was. The moment of truth. He stood up, and dusted himself off. Then he got down on a knee.

Annabeth gasped. Her hands flew to her mouth, as her Seaweed Brain knelt before her. "Seaweed Brain, what're you doing?" She asked nervously.

Percy only held up a hand in response, as if asking her not to interrupt. Then he spoke. "Annabeth, my Wise Girl. I've known for only a little while, but I wish it was longer. Because then this would have made a lot more sense. But since that day I met you when we were seven, I knew I liked you.

You are the most amazing person to exist on the face of the earth. I love how your eyebrow crinkles when you're confused, and the way your eyes light up when you laugh. You always tuck your hair behind your ear when you feel sheepish or embarrassed. You're funny, smart, kind, and beautiful. But you're also fierce, strong, and independent."

By now a small crowd had gathered. Percy pretended not to notice and continued on.

"I know that you'll probably kill me after this, because that's just how you are. But I love it. I love everything about you. So, Annabeth Chase." He pulled out the necklace. "Will you be my girlfriend?"

. . .

Nico was walking down the boardwalk with Will, hanging onto his arm, laughing. They were eating ice cream, and Nico had gotten it all over his face. There were Oreo bits, because he had begged Will to let him get Cookies n' Cream, even busting out the puppy eyes.

Now Will was trying desperately to clean him up. Nico wouldn't stop laughing, making it ten times harder for Will.

It took a while, but Nico's face was finally Oreo free. Then he ate more ice cream, messing it up all over again. Will groaned, and Nico said with his mouth full, "You should've waited till I was done eating."

Nico finished and they went through the same struggle again. Nico kissed Will, his mouth tasting like caramel, because Will loved caramel on his ice cream. An old man was watching them, and he started yelling things at them. Nico caught a few words, like "Kids these days!", to which Nico muttered, "You're telling me."

The man also said some things like "Good boys like you shouldn't be kissing each other, you should be doing it to other girls!" Nico could've swore he heard some nearby girls gasp. The man ranted for like ten minutes.

Nico started laughing after about five. He doubled over, cracking up. Will soon joined him and they were walking away, kissing again, while the man hollered after them.

Will decided he wanted to walk on the sand. He dragged a groaning Nico with him. They walked for a little bit, and they soon came across a small crowd gathered around something. Nico and Will pushed their way to the front, and Nico saw Annabeth in her wheelchair, Percy kneeling in front of her, taking something out of his pocket. Nico caught the last few words: "Will you be my girlfriend?"

Nico shook his head groaning, and facepalmed.

. . .

Annabeth gasped, and with a tear falling down her face, she nodded. Percy laughed and put the necklace on her. Then he turned to the crowd and shouted, "She said yes!" The crowd erupted into cheers and dispersed slowly. Except for two people.

Annabeth was smiling, admiring the seashell. Percy turned back to her and said, "You like it?" She only smiled at him, as she was still too stunned to speak. She nodded again.

"It looks so real," Annabeth whispered. "Where'd you get it?"

"A magician never reveals his secrets." Percy grinned.

"Ugh. Shut up, Seaweed Brain."

Nico and Will walked up to them. Nico was the first to speak. "Really, Percy? But dramatic, don't you think?"

"I think that was great!" Percy replied. "Besides, she said yes, so she's probably not gonna kill me now." He turned to Annabeth, who was still marveling at the realness of the shell. "Right?"

She nodded absently. "See?" Percy said. Then he realized something. "Wait, you don't seem surprised."

Will and Nico exchanged a knowing glance. This time Will spoke. "Percy, everyone knew this was going to happen. And I mean everyone."

Percy shrugged. "Well, that's a shocker." He glanced at his phone. "Oh, we gotta go. See you around?"

Nico nodded and they left, arm in arm.

Percy looked at Annabeth. "So, you done admiring that necklace?" Annabeth laughed.

"Let's go, Seaweed Brain. And this time, your pushing the chair." She said.

"So..." Percy started. "You like the necklace?"

"It wasn't obvious?"

"Ok, so you do."

"Yes, Seaweed Brain, I like it."

"Well, consider it a present."

"For what?"

Percy chuckled. He leaned in to whisper in her ear. "Check what date it is."

Frowning, Annabeth pulled out her phone. Then she gasped. It was July 12. She hadn't even realized.

Percy whispered in her ear again, startling her. "Happy Birthday, Wise Girl."