A/N: I know you all probably hate me by now for updating so late but here it is! Yayy! Finally. This isn't my best chapter but I know you all have been waiting so I had to write it. There's a lot of follow up chapters coming right after this so don't worry a lot is going to happen. This time I won't make you wait as long though ;) Also, I know that I tend to make the characters a bit OOC sometimes but I mean this is fanfiction that's what makes it fun. I apologize in advance for any spelling/grammar errors.

I stood there leaning against the hood of Paul's Prius that I had borrowed for the afternoon. I tapped my foot impatiently as I waited, staring at the elite, brownstone, intimidating building glaring down at me. I squinted my eyes peering through the afternoon sun through the rustic gate that guarded the entrance and waited for the big brown door at the front of Crown Grove Private to open.

I hadn't seen Annabeth since the masquerade and it had been 2 months too many. Fall was starting to kick in as the leaves started turning their colors from green to yellow, wilting. And I felt the same way. We had talked to each other on the phone and through email but it just wasn't the same as having her there, grey eyes observing everything around her and my fingers laced through hers. It was thanksgiving break and since Annabeth didn't have any legal guardian in the state of New York, technically Crown Grove wasn't supposed to let her off campus. But, no way was I letting her spend Thanksgiving holed up alone when I was sitting in the same state as her. So, I had gotten Paul to work his magic. Turns out he had a friend, a lady friend working for the school administration, acting as the headmistress to be exact, (something my mom hadn't been too pleased about). Anyways, he'd charmed his way into talking to her and then convinced her that Annabeth would be perfectly safe with us for the break.

Which is why, I was standing there waiting for her to finally walk out of that door. Students streamed out of the gates, still in their school uniforms, walking towards their families and friends. Some gave me curious looks as they walked by, I probably looked out of place with my washed out jeans, t-shirt, and tousled hair. I looked around again for a familiar pair of grey eyes and I finally spotted her walking out, laughing at something. Even after all this time, my heart still beat loudly pounding out a jagged rhythm as I caught sight of her. I couldn't help but let a slow grin spread across my face.

She was walking next to two girls who I assumed were her new friends. One was tall and brunette and was the one who'd made Annabeth laugh. Another girl about the same height as Annabeth walked on her other side. She had an olive skin tone, dark hair, and wore glasses. I eyed them curiously as they walked towards the gate. The brunette suddenly looked up, probably at her family calling to her. The three stopped and hugged each other before saying good bye and walking to their respective families. Annabeth waved at the two and was out of the gate. She still hadn't caught sight of me and just as I was about to call out her name, she turned around and her eyes locked into mine.

A grin mirroring my own spread across her face and she started walking towards me slowly as if afraid that I was some sort of hallucination. I ran my hand through my hair, a habit I had and acted on whenever I felt nervous and Annabeth always made me feel flustered. I tucked my hands into the pockets of my jeans and mirrored her slow walk. We were just a short distance apart when suddenly I couldn't wait any longer. She began running towards me at the same time I began running towards her.

I wrapped my arms around her waist as she jumped into them and I couldn't resist but spin her around in a circle as her arms encircled my neck. She buried her face in my neck and I buried mine in her hair, drinking in her familiar scent. It had been far too long and in that moment all I cared about was that she was finally with me again. I let her down soon after when I realized people were really starting to stare. We both blushed but she grinned up at me as the color started to fill her cheeks.

"Weren't you going to introduce me to your friends?" I teased

"Well, if I had seen you literally 30 seconds ago then I would have," she smirked up at me.

"Some other time then," I agreed.

"I missed you Seaweed Brain," Annabeth said. I automatically pulled her closer and leaned in to softly brush my lips against hers. She pulled away too soon and I pouted,

"Let's get out of here," Annabeth laughed.

"Your wish is my command," I joked. Annabeth rolled her eyes as I opened the door for her.

"Annabeth," I whispered as I touched her arm gently as she turned to climb in. She paused and turned around to face me curiously. Before she could stop me, I pressed my lips forcefully against hers. I felt her hands reach up and tangle themselves in my hair despite herself. I smiled against her lips as I felt her pull me closer. I pulled away but only after we were both left breathless. I leaned my forehead against hers.

"For the record, I missed you way more than you missed me," I whispered. I felt Annabeth's hand trail down my chest and then she pushed me away, rolling her eyes.

"Get in the car and drive Seaweed Brain," she laughed. I playfully narrowed my eyes at her and then got into the driver's side driving towards Manhattan. She reached over to take my free hand. I sighed in contentment as I felt her lace her fingers through mine. She leaned over to place a quick peck on my cheek. I smiled as I realized that this would probably be the best Thanksgiving Break of my life.

A/N: Please don't forget to review if I could get just 5 more before the next update it will make me so happy! As always thanks for your support : )