A/N: Happy Thanksgiving! Well, happy thanksgiving to those of you who celebrate it anyway xD

Summary: Percy and Annabeth celebrate Thanksgiving; and discover what they're truly thankful for.

Disclaimer: I don't own PJO…or any form of turkey!

He who thanks but with the lips
Thanks but in part;
The full, the true Thanksgiving
Comes from the heart.
~J.A. Shedd

Thanksgiving. It was a holiday Annabeth never got to know. The last time her family had celebrated Thanksgiving Day was when she was around the age of four, and even though she couldn't remember all the details, she could recall that dreaded day and everything that went wrong. Her father had decided to bake a Turkey, and needless to say, Annabeth had woken up from her nap by the smell of smoke.

Ever since then, she had never really celebrated it. Sure, every year they would throw in some turkey at camp, but the true meaning never came out. It was almost like Christmas; lots of fun to celebrate, but it's the meaning behind it that really counts.

So that was why she was exceptionally excited this year. Sally, Paul, and Percy had invited her over that evening for a home cooked meal, provided by Sally of course. Annabeth had agreed to bring a desert, and they all suggested some pie. Her original plan was to bake it, but, checking the time, she realized she didn't have nearly enough time. Unfortunately they would have to settle for store bought pie.

After putting the finishing touches on her hair (she wanted to look nice) she rushed out the door. As she walked along the sidewalk she began to notice the gray clouds. Please don't rain, please don't rain, she thought as she quickened her pace. Thankfully the convenience store wasn't far away, and she reached it without any drops of rain.

She purchased a delicious looking Blueberry pie, and after thanking the man, was back on her way. As she walked she gripped the bag tightly in her hands. Within moments, she felt the soft pitter-patter on her head. "Just my luck," she whispered, before deciding to jog the rest of the way. Why hadn't she brought an umbrella? Because there was only a twenty percent chance of rain. Right.

But there was something that surprised her – she didn't mind it. In fact, after jogging for a minute or two, she slowed back down and walked. It had been quite a while since it rained, and it had been even longer since she'd been in it. The last time was on a quest, many years ago. It was late at night, and since Percy and Annabeth couldn't sleep, they spent the whole night talking. That was one of the things that originally inspired their relationship.

It was all very calming. Annabeth always loved the rain. It almost symbolized a new beginning, or a new chance. It felt like all your sins were being washed away and after you were pure again. She smiled as she felt the drops on her cheeks. She kept walking, and arrived at the Jackson's in no time.

Before going in, she stood in the rain for a moment longer. But before she had the chance to knock, Percy opened the door and stepped out. "Wise Girl, what re you doing" He gave a small smile.

"Oh, you know, just hanging outside. In the rain."

"I can see," he looked at her. "You're soaking wet! Do you want to get a cold?"

She pushed her dripping hair out of the way. "Of course not."

"Then come inside." He took her hand, and began to pull her gently in.

"Wait! Just wait. One minute, that's it."

"Why?" He raised an eyebrow.

"It feels kind of…nice."

He put his hand that was not in Annabeth's on her head. "Are you sure you're okay?"

"I'm fine, Seaweed Brain." She sat on the dry part of the ground.

"If you're sure." He took a seat next to her.

"You know, whenever it rained, I would sneak out of the house and go to the playground when I was younger. I could've spent hours on the swing, just listening and feeling the rain." She looked out at the stormy sky.

"Really? I don't think my mom ever let me out of the house when it rained, she was always terrified that I would slip and fall or get sick," he laughed. "But once I went to camp that was the least of her worries."

"Yeah, camp changed everything for us."

"But it was all good changes, right?" His eyebrows narrowed slightly.

"Obviously." She gestured to their entwined hands.

"Okay, good." He kissed her sweetly on the lips. "Do you want to go in now?"

"Sure," she picked up the pie and followed Percy into his home.

The moment she walked in she was greeted with a sweet aroma. She could smell almost each type of dish that was sitting in the kitchen. They all seemed delicious, and she could hardly wait to try them.

"There you two are! I was worried you slipped and fell or had gotten sick," Sally removed her apricot apron and proceeded to give Percy and Annabeth a hug. Percy shot Annabeth a look that said 'I told you so'. She just smiled back at him.

"Oh, Annabeth, it's so nice to see you again! It's been a little while." Sally grinned at Annabeth.

"School's keeping me busy."

"Yes, I can imagine! Come on in, dinner is just about ready!" It was easy to tell that Sally was very excited.

Percy and Annabeth followed her into the dining room. "Hello, Annabeth," Paul gave a wave. "Come have a seat."

"Hello and thanks." She took a seat next to Paul and Percy sat next to her.

"No problem."

Just then Sally came to the table holding a tray that contained the turkey. "Doesn't it look good? I think this may be one of the best Thanksgiving's ever!"

"Definitely." Percy's hand found Annabeth's underneath the table.

Sally took a seat. "Now, let's all take turns and say what we are thankful for! Let me start – my wonderful baby, Percy."

"Mooom!" Percy groaned. Annabeth giggled at him.

"What?" she gave him a look that said, 'try me'. "Your turn Paul."

"You." Paul winked at her as Sally blushed. Percy rolled his eyes, but a smile was on his face. "Percy?"

"Food." He eyed the turkey making everyone laugh. "Annabeth?" He squeezed her hand.

She looked at their hands before gazing out the window and replying, "The rain."

A/N: I personally love the rain and I hope you guys do too! Now go have some turkey…or chicken…or ham…whatever you eat! Wow, I can't believe I am 25 percent done with this story! But don't worry, that's still 75 more moments!

xoxo

xStarXStruckx