On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…

Annabeth tiredly rubbed her eyes as she went to make herself another cup of coffee. It was only noon and her house was louder than it had been in years. Thankfully Helen had set a rule for the boys that they couldn't wake anyone up until at least nine but nine AM on the dot, Annabeth had two sets of limbs and bodies bouncing on top of her until she woke up. After an hour and a half of opening presents, things were finally beginning to die down.

The dogs were playing outside as Bobby and Matthew enjoyed their new toys. Annabeth could see her father and Helen quietly enjoying the snow from her porch and decided not to bother them. She checked her phone when it buzzed loudly from the counter. When she read Percy's name on top of the screen, she smiled to herself.

12:03: Hey, is it okay for me to bring my family along with me today? I wanted to try and sneak out but Thalia caught me.

12:04: The more the merrier. Its loud already over here, a few more people will only make things more festive.

12:05: Heading over now then. See you in a bit.

Annabeth took a breath to try and calm her racing heart. Christmas day; the final day of Percy's big twelve day plan and hopefully the day she's been waiting ten years for. She glanced down at her pajama's and sighed. She could be excused for wearing her pajama's on Christmas but with Percy coming, it didn't seem appropriate. Annabeth quickly raced upstairs.

After changing into black leggings and a red sweater, Annabeth put on the necklace Percy had given her and slid the bracelet onto her wrist. She just finished her hair when the doorbell rang and her heart danced in her chest. Cautiously stepping downstairs when the door was opened, Annabeth watched Percy greet her family and introduce his own. Everyone was excited and the world seemed to stop when Percy's eyes met hers.

She held his gaze for a few seconds before smiling gently and waving. Percy returned the gesture and everyone grinned secretly as they watched them. When Annabeth hit the bottom of the stairs, she offered everyone hugs, saving Percy for last. When they pulled away, she could visibly see how nervous he was.

"Merry Christmas." Annabeth mumbled shyly. Percy nodded and gulped.

"M-Merry Christmas."

Annabeth smiled and awkwardly glanced around. Everyone was staring at them intently and she blushed furiously, her gaze falling to her feet. Helen and Sally took pity on them and quietly ushered everyone into Annabeth's living room. They all ignored Thalia's protests. Annabeth grabbed her coat and gestured to the door.

"Why don't we sit outside for a bit?" She suggested lightly. "Maybe watch the snow?"

Percy nodded mutely and followed her out the door. She dusted off the top step and waited for him to sit next to her. She placed her clasped hands in her lap and glanced out at the snow. It was truly beautiful; Christmas was a wonderful time of year.

"Just so you know, I did get you something for Christmas." Annabeth joked, hoping to break the tension. Percy glanced over at her. "I made you some blue cookies. Your mom sent over the recipe yesterday."

"Are you happy?"

Taken back by the question, Annabeth paused before shrugging and looking back at the snow.

"Yeah." She sighed contently. A small smile playing on her lips. "I'm pretty happy. Our families are here, my dogs are healthy, I have my dream job and you're sitting here with me on Christmas. Why wouldn't I be happy?"

Annabeth glanced down when she felt warm fingers unclasping her hands and intertwining with her fingers. Percy's hand was clammy in hers but she just squeezed it supportively. Percy shifted closer to her; their hips now touching.

"Do I make you happy?" He asked nervously, his tone portraying his insecurities. Annabeth leaned over to gently kiss his cheek.

"Always."

"And you want this?"

"Since I was seventeen Percy." Annabeth nudged him. "It doesn't get more real with you and I okay? You and I? We're probably meant to be together."

She managed to make him laugh. His shoulders loosened and Annabeth smiled to herself. Reminding him how good they were together; reminding him just how deep their friendship ran was the key to showing him how wonderful love could be between them.

"Probably." Percy agreed. "My family loves you."

"Mine loves you." Annabeth shot back. "Even my dogs."

"I've been bribing them with Milk Bones. They've been trained to love me."

Annabeth laughed quietly and soon Percy was joining her. Their foreheads ended up bumping together, causing them to laugh harder. Percy rested his forehead against hers as they waited for their giggles to die down. Annabeth sighed contently. Percy seemed to be lost in thought, his hand squeezing hers for courage. After a few, quiet seconds, he sighed and smiled at her.

"I'm going to love you forever Annabeth."

Annabeth sucked in a breath, her heart practically exploding in her chest at his words. Tears sprung to her eyes as pure relief coursed through her. Percy pulled away from her so he could wipe her tears. A few gathered in his eyes; he laughed tearfully.

"I never thought I could be here with you, like this. I'm an idiot Annabeth. I'm stupid, desperately in love with you and I've waited this long to tell you. I dreamed of this—Gods I can't tell you how many times I dreamed of it—but I never thought you could love me too. I've waited—"

"Me too." Annabeth interrupted. She cupped the back of his neck to pull him back to her. A happy tear rolled down her cheek. "Please just say it. Say it and make it real."

"I love you."

Annabeth gasped happily and pulled his face down to connect with hers. She was tired of waiting. His lips were warm and clumsy against hers; everything she ever dreamed of. Though they were sitting down and the angle was a little awkward, Percy managed to wrap his arms around her while she threaded her fingers through his hair, pulling him closer.

They pulled away slowly, both unaware of the celebratory party erupting inside as Thalia and Piper shouted the news. Percy reached up to wipe her tear away and gave her a small peck. They stayed glued together but Annabeth forced them apart long enough for her to speak her mine.

"I love you." She told him breathlessly. "I love you. I love you. I'll love you forever, I swear I will. No one else Percy; no one else has ever made me feel this way, only you."

"Only you." Percy agreed. Percy pulled her back to him, his warm breath ghosting on her face. "Merry Christmas Annabeth."

"Merry Christmas Percy."

Annabeth cupped his face as he leaned back in to kiss her. As the snow fell around them, and their families cheered for their love inside, Annabeth found herself warm and happy.

….one idiot, stupidly desperately in love.

Merry Christmas!

Its 12:10 here in Washington so Christmas day is here!

I hope you all enjoyed Percabeth's 12 Days of Christmas!

12 dozen roses

11 uninterrupted hours (Hug Coupons)

10 burnt Christmas cookies

9 Christmas specials

8 Christmas Songs

7 emails he never sent

6 letters from loved ones

5 moments to remember

4 family members

3 slow dances

2 dogs wrapped in bows

1 fool stupidly, desperately in love