Disclaimer: I don't own PJO

Chapter 14

Percy checked his wrist watch nervously as he tapped his foot on the floor. He would run a hand through his hair from time to time, and sometimes he would adjust his tie. It was already evening, and he was in Piper's house. Today was the party, and he was waiting for Annabeth to come out. Percy glanced nervously at the large mirror in front of the McLean's large living room, where he was sitting. He was wearing a suit and a blue tie, and he looked handsome, as usual. For once, his hair eased out a bit, and he soon regained his confidence.

Percy didn't know why he was nervous. He had never felt like this before, and he never thought he would. He had been to different types of parties that involved people with big names, so why should he be nervous? Looking at the room upstairs where Annabeth was dressing up with Thalia, a thought hit him.

Annabeth was making him nervous. He didn't know the reason why, and so far, he didn't have the reason to be nervous, since he was handsome and famous and talented. But still, Annabeth had that effect on Percy, making him excited, happy, nervous, and annoyed at the same time. He hated when he felt that, but it felt good. Finally, the door to the room upstairs opened, and Percy stood up. A small smile spread on his face, but then it faded away when he saw that it was Thalia who appeared, and not Annabeth. Thalia saw him and laughed.

"Oh don't get disappointed, Kelp Head," she said jokingly. She was wearing a black dress that came up to her knees, and it was simple. The only thing that set it off as Thalia's style was the studded collar. And Percy noticed that she was wearing combat booties. Oh, Thalia, ever so fashionable. "Annabeth would soon come out." Percy grinned.

"Hey Pinecone Face. You look…" he searched for a word to taunt his cousin, "cute."

"Repeat that freaking word, Jackson, and I swear that you won't see the daylight ever again," she snapped. Percy grinned and nodded. Just then, the door opened again, and Percy could see Thalia smirking. It was Annabeth. She made her way down the stairs, and Percy could feel his cheeks burn. He was blushing, and a goofy grin was spreading on his face.

Annabeth looked beautiful. She was wearing a simple back dress that fit her –literally –very well. It had a tight pencil skirt that reached her middle thigh, and she was wearing a pair of black heels. Her hair was down, and it was curled even more, and her make-up was dark, making her stunning gray eyes clearer. Piper appeared behind her, looking very proud of her handiwork. Percy was still in his Annabeth-trance until Thalia nudged him, smiling mischievously. Percy blushed and regained his posture.

"So, how do I look?" Annabeth asked nervously. She looked at Percy and smiled.

"Great," Percy replied honestly. "You look amazing, honest."

"Thanks, Seaweed Brain," Annabeth said, grinning. "You don't look bad yourself."

"Please, lovebirds, stop your flirting and let's drive ourselves to the venue already, okay?" Thalia interrupted. She grinned when they both blushed.

"Actually, Thals, you got your own car," Percy said. "You drive yourself there." Thalia crossed her arms and rolled her eyes.

'Okay, fine, whatever. I'm gonna drive my own car," she said. She trudged upstairs and Percy heard her mutter, "Pssh, he only wants to be with Annie alone." He blushed at that, and then he turned to Annabeth, a smile on his face.

"Shall we go now, Wise Girl?" he asked, offering his arm to her. Annabeth grinned.

"Yes, Seaweed Brain." They went out of the door and into Percy's car. Once they were inside, Annabeth gasped.

"Oh gods, no," she said, her eyes wide.

"What is it?" Percy asked, failing to conceal the slight worry in his voice. He didn't know why, but he had always been worried and protective about Annabeth, even about the smallest things in her life.

"I left my phone at home," she replied. "But it's okay, seriously, Percy, you don't have to look like I've been run down by a truck." She laughed lightly, and it mad Percy smile.

"Do you wanna go back for it?" he asked. "We could go to your house." Annabeth smiled and shook her head.

"No, it's okay. If we go back, we'd be late for the party." Percy shrugged, and then he stepped on the fuel.

The two arrived several minutes later at the venue. It was very big, and there was a garden and pool on the back part. It was decorated very grandly, and lights were flaring everywhere, and music was heard. Some people were outside, and some were talking, some on their phones, and some waiting for their acquaintances.

Annabeth noticed that the people were all wearing dark colors, like black, dark blue, dark grey, and stuff. Well it was a formal party, after all. It would be funny if someone would show up wearing a neon-green dress. Percy parked the car after he found a spot. He faced Annabeth.

"You ready for this?" he asked nervously. Annabeth grinned.

"Yes," she replied certainly.

"We have to act again," Percy said. "And John Atlas is here. We just have to stay really close, okay? He has to see us."

"Why?" Annabeth asked, confused.

"Because I'm supposed to be marrying his daughter," Percy explained. Then he looked at Annabeth, and they locked gazes. Percy could see a small blush in Annabeth's cheeks, and his heart did a little flip. But then again, he was blushing, too. "But you came along."

That was a double meaning for Percy. Yes, Annabeth came along, and she became his fake girlfriend that saved him from getting married. But she also came along to his life… in a different way. Percy still couldn't tell what it is, but he didn't care. They stared at each other's eyes, and then, just like she always did, Annabeth looked down and laughed lightly.

"Is that supposed to blame me or something?" she asked playfully. Percy shrugged.

"No, I think you're a blessing," he said, laughing along. When they both realized what he said, they went quiet and blushed again. After a moment of awkward silence, Annabeth cleared her throat.

"Let's go," she suggested. Percy nodded and went out first, while Annabeth waited for him to open her door. Under normal circumstances, she would have just opened it herself, but there were people here, and formality was needed. Plus, they were quite a famous couple now. After Percy opened her door, she got out and smiled at him, and he smiled back. He put his arm around her waist and she did the same, and together, they walked to the entrance.

Cameras flashed as Percy and Annabeth entered. Apparently, the press was here, and pretty soon they got bombarded by questions. Percy just smirked at all of them as he held Annabeth tighter. They soon made it inside.

"Wow," Annabeth had the same reaction as she had when she first saw Percy's mansion. The place was very huge and beautiful. There were many tables, and there was a stage. Music can be heard, and the people inside wore formal outfits. There was also a piano, and someone was playing it. Just then, the two of them heard a voice.

"Mr. Jackson, Ms. Chase, can we take a picture of you?" A woman with glasses said. She had a clipboard in her hand and a pen in the other, and a camera man was standing behind her.

"Sure," Percy said. He drew Annabeth close to him, and they both smiled at the camera. After a few shots, the woman left, and both Percy and Annabeth proceeded walking.

"So where are we exactly going, Seaweed Brain?" Annabeth asked teasingly. Percy blushed and shrugged.

"I don't really know," he admitted. "Hey look, it's Thalia and Jason!" He pointed to the crowd, and sure enough, Thalia and Jason were there, talking to someone.

"I don't know, maybe we should just leave them alone," Annabeth suggested. Percy shrugged.

"Maybe you're right." Just then, they heard a new voice.

"Percy, Annabeth!" They both turned around to see Percy's parents. Poseidon was wearing a grand-looking suit, while his wife, Sally, looked extremely elegant. They both smiled as they approached.

"Glad you made it," Poseidon greeted, patting his son on the back and hugging Annabeth.

"Me, too," Percy replied as he kissed his mom on the cheek and Annabeth did the same.

"Hi Annabeth," Sally said sweetly. "How are you?"

"I'm fine, Sally," Annabeth said, remembering that Sally wanted her to call her like that. "How about you?"

"Same," she replied, smiling. Then she turned to Percy. "Hi honey. Your dad and I are just going to the others, okay? Just join us later." With that, the couple left. Percy and Annabeth both walked around for a while, looking for some place to stay in while the party started.

Hey guys! I know this isn't the best chapter, but I hope you liked it! What do you think? The next chapter would still be the party, and… something will happen. Yeah, and there's Percabeth, of course ;) Anyways, I hope you liked this because honestly, I have no idea about formal parties like this, so please just go with me. Or if you have some ideas about formal parties, please suggest one. Have a nice day and don't forget to review!

-Bluecookies19