So, this is what happened:
~ A party hosted by Tiffany
~ Everyone came back, Luke, Thalia, Malcolm, Bianca... All of them gathered together in Percy's house for the night, and talked, catch up on the past few years
~ Percy and Annabeth spent an interesting and intimating morning together after the party, officially marking the first day of their summer holiday
and this is where left we off...
_Fonts' variation will appear before every chapter on this same spot_
Bold - A/N
Underline - setting/time
Underline Bold - subsetting
Italic - flashbacks, letters, notes, song lyrics
Italic Bold - texting
Italic Underline - texting
Bold Underline Italic - third person in text, extras
It had been years after the time when Piper came running to her frantically, breaking the news to her. That was when they were still in high school. Now that Annabeth was staying in Percy's mansion, given to him by his rich ass father, Poseidon, she had been more focused on her career rather than the people around her. It didn't surprise her when Percy tossed her a magazine with Piper on the cover, or when she was shown a YouTube video about herself or Jason. All four of them had achieved some accomplishment over the years.
Although they had contact less, but they hadn't cut off contact completely. Annabeth was still seeing Jason occasionally, meeting up with him to go to some games when either of them got the ticket. Getting an invite to Piper's fashion show was more than usual, and despite their busy schedule, whenever it didn't clash with their own timeline, they would fly all across the country to watch a show and fly back, in spite of being tired as hell. This was the friendship between the four.
As a graduation present from Poseidon, Percy has gotten the mansion that he and Annabeth were in. Annabeth, as someone Poseidon fancies, got a car. She tried to turn it down, but after Percy spending a whole week of persuading her and telling her that the house and the car were the cheapest present given by his father. Annabeth reluctantly accepted it, but mostly referred to as Percy's car. It was a Tesla Model S, and a red one. It wasn't bad looking, although Annabeth liked darker colored cars, she definitely wouldn't mind a dark red Tesla. Poseidon didn't grant a dark colored one only due to safety measures. Annabeth was secretly glad that at least the car was not in some color like white or silver. She wouldn't like silver if it wasn't matte, and she wouldn't choose silver if there was gray.
Speaking of keeping contact. Jason and Piper weren't her only friends. Nathanial and Samantha also called her to congratulate her on her graduation. Sam went to Europe with Nathanial. He liked Europe and the natural cliffs, Samantha didn't object since she wasn't chosen for the senior team, so she followed. Kate was doing just fine after Annabeth lent her an amount of money for her to find herself somewhere to stay and a job with steady income. Mark no longer bothered her, although it wasn't for blackmail or for information for the gang, he only sought her out for a drink for old time's sake. It always surprised Annabeth how she could just go out with a gang leader and still be friends with him like he was her family. She never knew what to think of him, but she just went along and this went from high school till after graduating from university.
Shocked of her relationship with Mark wasn't the only thing that kept Annabeth's mind occupied with stuff other than soccer related information.
A week after graduation, she was informed that Percy and family were planning on going on a family hiking trip, and she was invited. Not knowing what to say, she asked Percy to decide for her, and of course the answer came out to be a yes. Borrowing the Jeep from Malcolm, in exchange, lending him Paul's Prius, they packed their big bags and went off to the mountains, but not before stopping at Montauk after the hike. As athletes, Sally not at all attempted to be polite with her son and Percy. Percy and Annabeth took turn driving the Jeep around. They were also assigned the heaviest bag packs. Percy's little sister was old enough to carry her own stuff, but Sally was worried that it would prevent her from growing, she insisted on only allowing Sophia with her daily essentials and nothing else. It was obvious that Percy's family had already took Annabeth as a family member, and stopped all the words and acts of courtesy, they treated her just like they treat Percy.
Jason called her the night she arrived Montauk, asking her if she was free. She asked what time, and then told him that she would love to go watch the game with him. The game they were talking about would be played in Brazil, and they would be leaving soon. She was concerned about Jason's kid who was old enough to be a part-time companion of Sophia's, because Piper was, according to Jason, on a show somewhere in Los Angeles. Annabeth volunteered Percy, who she knew that would be busy, but still be coming home every day. Jason finally agreed on letting his son stay with Percy's parents, he insisted that he had asked them to do too much for him.
"How was fatherhood?" Annabeth met him at the airport the next day early in the morning for their flight. Percy wasn't up yet, but knew that Annabeth would be leaving early with Jason, he just wished them a safe flight and went back to sleep. Jason and her see each other more often than Percy and Jason were spotted together, probably due to their shared interest in soccer.
"Tiring."
"Can't Piper take a few days off. I mean, she deserved a break."
"I tried to convince her, but here I am, so apparently, I failed." Jason sighed defeatedly. "She said her career was booming and she should be working extra hard to gain popularity and other stuff so she could be having a more easier life in the future. According to her mother." He snorted the last part.
"As an athlete, I really won't understand the world of models, but seriously though, I really think she should be resting for longer."
"I tried. Maybe I should let you talk to her?"
"That will most definitely not work. You can try Percy, but I certainly can't."
"Why?" He gave her a puzzled look.
"I wonder all the time, where do you see all the potential in me?" Annabeth voiced his thought.
"Your potential is very obvious to me."
"Let's stop the talk before it gets too serious, and before you start scolding me." Annabeth put it to a stop before it went out of control and led to some conversation she hated.
"Okay, fare point." He surrendered. "How about you? How's your life? I know we meet up probably more than me and Percy do, but seriously though, we have more in common. The only thing I have in common with that douchebag is our goofiness."
"That's true. Your goofiness." She laughed. "Anyways. I don't know. School finished and I went on a hike with Percy's family. It was fun and enjoyable. Percy is in a great swim team, and he trains with the national team. He might have the potential in getting chosen for the London Olympics."
"Speaking of which, are you going? With the team?"
"Yeah, as the starting lineup, I think I'd only not go due to an injury. Are you?"
"Do you think the men's team will even qualify?" He scoffed, and Annabeth knew exactly what the scoff meant. She laughed with him.
"Yeah right, I remembered."
"You women took all the glory from us, and now we're living under your shadow." He huffed, but Annabeth knew that he was just joking. Although she did understand that deep down, Jason wanted to and kind of meant the words he said, because truth is, the American's men's team wasn't exactly the strongest soccer team. Compared to the history created by the women's team, the men's team were far far behind.
"What if he didn't qualify?" Jason asked suddenly, after their laughter of his previous response died down.
"Qualify what?"
"The Olympic team."
"I don't know, haven't think about that, though it isn't really my concerns right?" She shrugged. "But, he did once mention something about wanting to continue or restart his career as a movie star in the entertainment circle."
"Your opinion or comment on that thought?"
"None."
"Really." Jason sounded utterly surprised. "Why?"
"Why do I need to comment on everything he decided for himself, said or planned?" She asked rhetorically, making Jason think. His relationship with Piper was rather different from Annabeth and Percy's, now come to think of it as they sat down to talk about everything.
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"Who's on the guest list?" Annabeth asked nonchalantly, starting a conversation while rummaging through the dresses on the shelf. She was in the mall choosing a dress for Piper for her after party.
"Everyone." Piper replied. "By the way, do you want to see my wedding gown?" She offered excitedly, jumping back to Annabeth's side.
"Leave me something to surprise me will ya?" Annabeth joked, her tone changing from stern to playful as the expression on Piper's face changed from disappointment to enthusiasm.
"Will do lady." She bowed and went to the other shelves for her dress.
"You know you can just ask the shop that did your wedding gown to make you a party dress right?"
"Yeah I know, but I don't want to spend too much money."
"Dude," Annabeth stopped whatever she was doing and grabbed Piper by the arm, getting her full attention, looking at her straight in the eye with the expression telling her that you're-in-trouble. "This kind of thing only happens once in a life time, cherish it." She wasn't the one to lecture others, and she loathed it too, so all her short speeches were persuasive and strong, it was far better than the lecture given to her by her friends.
―
"Hey! I'm not the one getting married, so if you'll excuse me, I'd like to see my girlfriend." Percy protested and excused himself quickly after his short protest.
"Can you bring her here? I wanna see her too." Jason asked. He looked nervous in the sofa that he was resting on.
Percy eyed him suspiciously, contemplating the meaning behind his special request, but then decided that he probably needed that close friend of his for comfort before his big day.
"Hey." Annabeth breathed when she walked into the room and saw Jason on the couch. "You wanted me?" She asked. He nodded. "Why?" She asked.
"Can't I see my friend? Since I cannot see my bride." He grinned, seemingly relaxed a little.
Annabeth sent Percy a questioned look, and he returned the same one.
"I need to get the flower girl to prepare herself." Annabeth excused herself, she didn't want to see him in the state, and didn't know how or what to say to calm him. She hadn't seen him that nervous since the birth of his little girl.
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Percy and Annabeth had already made their ways down the aisle, they parted ways and stood on their designated spot behind the groom and also waiting for the bride to appear.
The prelude of their theme song started, and the door of the bride's room gradually opened. The tip of the flower that Piper was holding slowly emerged from the door, and past the end, coming into the view of the audience. The room suddenly went pin-drop quiet. Only the slow song could be heard ringing through the hall. Jason fiddled with the hem of his shirt, and them released it, knotting his fingers together. His eyes were glued to his fiancée.
All my senses come to life
While I'm stumbling home as drunk as I
Have ever been and I'll never leave again
'Cause you are the only one
Annabeth and Percy shared a look when they watched Piper ascended the stairs and went to stood in front of Jason. She could see the tears slowly forming in Piper's eyes. Annabeth smiled her rare happy, genuine smile.
The song brought memories of the spectacular journey of her friends relationship:
She could remember the nights when Piper went crying with joy to her, telling her that Jason was happy that she was pregnant. She told her about how they had discussed and how she finally persuaded him to let her finish her catwalk. They nearly got into a fight, but he backed down. Annabeth remembered the infinite happiness shining in her eyes.
She also remembered the parts where Jason had not been able to come home, nor could she. Both of them as athletes, and as representatives of part of the national team and club, they were traveling with their teammates, and weren't able to make it back to stay with her and celebrate about the new born child. She remembered Percy calling her to tell her that Piper was so sad that she crashed in his place for the night, contemplated on FaceTime, but dropped the idea, too afraid to interrupt their schedule and disturb them. Annabeth had never felt more sorrow than the time Percy finally couldn't take it and FaceTime her, ordering her to put Jason through.
Percy had been a big help in raising the child. Jason had once accused him of being too close to his child. Piper was there to calm him down, but it damaged their friendship. Later, Jason had been hesitant in inviting Percy to their wedding if it wasn't for Piper.
Piper had been through enough, but even she had a break down. When that happened, Percy was the only one that was near — Jason was across the country and Annabeth was across the globe. She had accused Annabeth of spending too much time with Jason, and blamed her for keeping Jason from coming home. Annabeth's pained expression was forever imprinted in her mind, but she still managed to mend their friendship, deepening the bond.
This wedding meant a lot for all of their friends and family, let along the couple. Because everyone was invited and everyone showed up. Even Mark and Kate was invited on behalf of Annabeth, they showed up in the audience seats courtesy to Annabeth, too.
And all my friends have gone to find
Another place to let their hearts collide
Just promise me, you'll always be a friend
'Cause you are the only one
As the song came to an end, so did their wedding vows. When the host announced, "you may kiss the bride." Annabeth saw tears coming out of practically every attendants' eye. Friends, families and close relations hugged together, happy tears rolling down their cheeks as the two locked lips.
Scanning around the room, Annabeth's eyes finally rested on the best man, Percy. He, too, had a wet eye socket. Annabeth's smile widened upon the view, and she allowed some of her tears to come into her eyes. They weren't known for a sentimental pair, but in this special occasion, they uncovered all their emotions.
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In the middle of the meal, Percy stood up and clink his cup with a metallic chopstick getting everyone's attention. Annabeth was sitting right next to him. He looked down at her, and she sent him an encouraging smile, he nodded and looked back up at the crowd.
"As the best man, I'd like to propose a toast." He began. "Today is a special day for the family sitting around this table," he addressed to the newly wedded couple and their small kid, "about five years ago, I met this young man, the groom, and learned that he's my cousin. That's the first time I'd learned that I got family relations." He peeked down at the cue cards that he made, but at the corner of his eyes, he saw Annabeth gazing at him. Flipping the cards over, he started to improvise.
Piper smiled, she had caught his subtle change of attitude. Jason was only focused on what he was going to speak, he was too happy to be paying attention to any other things, let along his friend's relationship.
"Few years ago, he introduced me to a girl he met, coincidentally, this girl also happens to be a good friend of mine. We have a special sibling bond that started even before I met Jason. As one of the closest witness of this relationship, I'd like to first congratulate and also tell you, as an outsider, that you are very lucky to have each other. I couldn't think of anyone better for you two. They went through everything together, never once considered giving up on one another." At this point, Annabeth's eyes were on Jason and Piper, who were grinning cheek to cheek. She smiled, and bit back a tease that she was about to comment on the two's relationship.
Percy carried on, and her mind just drifted off. He did gave an interesting speech, but she found herself unable to focus on the words that was flowing out of his mouth. She had caught his eyes from time to time, but she would never thought that this whole speech given by her boyfriend would be a pun. It was for her at the same time.
"To the happy couple." Percy concluded his speech, raising his glass of champagne, and clicking his glass with the couple's. Annabeth's focus came back just in time to catch the toast, putting on a smile to cover up her absentmindedness, she, too, stood up and did the same as Percy.
"Annabeth, you look lovely tonight. You know you are easily the prettiest woman in this hall after I take off my gown." Piper stood up and hugged Annabeth when everyone went back to what they were doing before the interruption.
"Oh don't say that." Annabeth replied, not pulling away, allowing her friend to hug her. "As a model, you should be confident about your body and about your cloth wear. You're the center of attention tonight, and no matter what you're wearing, I'll make sure they stare at you." She pulled away, reassuring the new bride. "I never like being in the center anyway." She joked, and Piper giggled.
"You know what Percy said is true right?" Piper said.
"About what? He's speech has some length." She tried to prolong the conversation so she wouldn't be asked for a dance, and maybe Piper would give her more about what Percy had talked about since she didn't pay much attention to it, thinking that it was for the couple.
"Oh don't play dumb Annabeth."
"I'm not." She defended herself. Piper narrowed her eyes at her, Annabeth felt exposed, feeling like all her thoughts and her not listening had all been caught. Luckily, Piper was too happy to notice the distant glint in her friend's eye.
"He said that if you wanted someone you'd go for it, and if you want to keep that person, you'd do anything for them."
"It is true, and he's just describing what you two have been through."
"Oh no, believe me Annie. His speech was meant for you."
But I wasn't listening.
Annabeth's subconsciousness spoke in her brain for the first time in a long while. She gaped at Piper, and seeing her reaction, Piper only smiled.
"Hey girls." Jason approached them, saving Annabeth from the shock. She instantly put on a smile and greeted Jason, congratulating him.
"Does that mean I can't have you for a challenge during weekends?" She teased. "You're going to be a busy man now Grace."
He punched her in the shoulder lightly. "We're bros, and remember that saying? Bros before hoes." He winked. "May she be excused?" He said out of courtesy, and Annabeth gave the slightest nod, and winked back at Jason.
After Piper was taken by Jason to the middle of the room for a dance, she headed towards the gate, wanting to find a quiet empty space and think about Percy's speech, but was caught by Percy himself quickly.
"Saw you flirting with the groom." He joked. Tilting her chin and planting a soft kiss on her lips. Annabeth only chuckled against his lips, but made no verbal reply.
"Don't you have a thing for the bride too?" She returned the joke.
Percy looked at the ceiling, pretending to think. "Maybe." He pursed his lips, but failed to mask his mischievousness.
"Nice speech well made by the way." She complimented. Moving her hands from his chest to the back of his neck.
"Where were you heading just now?" He asked, pulling her close, swaying their hips together with the rhythm of the music.
"For air."
"Do you not like it?" He asked, knitting his eyebrows together, sounding a little worried.
"I don't like people and party."
"You like being alone, I know."
"Besides, it's not our day, so why should I even stay in here. I was planning on taking a glass of wine and step outside in the dark."
"Good point, but I do think we need to be here for the two."
"We're not their only friend." Annabeth reasoned.
"But we are their best friend." He explained patiently.
"It's their night and they should enjoy it with each other."
"What's wrong Annabeth?" Percy connected his forehead with hers, looking into her eyes earnestly.
"Nothing's wrong. Why'd you ask that?"
"Because you look bothered."
"Hot and bothered?" She smirked.
"Perhaps." He nodded with his lopsided grin, and leaned in to kiss her.
"This felt like the senior prom." She wondered out loud.
"Well then, in this case, do you want to dance?" He asked, pulling away from her suddenly and holding out a hand to her.
"I remember I still owe you a dance right?" She placed her hand in his allowing him to pull her into the dance floor.
"Yes." He breathed in her hair, taking in her scent. "Yes, you do Annabeth Chase."
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"I certainly do hope you still remember these two." Annabeth dragged Percy into the airport's waiting lounge, spotting two people from afar with a very familiar silhouette.
"Annabeth!" The woman jumped on to Annabeth before the man even had the chance to utter out a syllable.
"Samantha. Hi. Long time no see." Annabeth put her down to her feet and greeted her. From the corner of her eyes, she saw Nathaniel sharing an one-arm hug with Percy.
"Nate." She then turned to the guy after he finished exchange greetings with her boyfriend. "We've just seen each other the past weekend."
"Ready for Munich?" He asked her.
"Yup! As ready as I'll ever be."
"You two deserve a break." Nate addressed to Annabeth and Percy.
"Do we?" They asked simultaneously.
"And you too Sam." He told his girlfriend, who in return gave him a questioning look.
"You know you don't have to do this." Annabeth was the first one to understood the meaning behind his politeness. "You're not the host."
"Actually, I am." He said, stuffing his hand deep into his backpack and taking out card.
"You are?" Annabeth asked disbelievingly.
"Yes, I am a referee."
"You got to be kidding me." She exclaimed.
"And, as you wished, Ms Chase." He said, pulling out another card attached with a string, handing it to Annabeth. "Thank you for volunteering."
"Yay!" She jumped on to the climber before he could zip up his bag and put it down. "Thank you!"
"World Cup here we come!" She said excitedly once she got down from Nate.
The four of them gathered together in a small bundle. Hands in the middle, and making sure not to make a noise louder than other passengers could tolerate, they shouted:
Let's live while we're young!
Hey girl I'm waiting on ya, I'm waiting on ya
Come on and let me sneak you out
And have a celebration, a celebration
The music up, the windows down
…
Let's go crazy, crazy, crazy 'til we see the sun
I know we only met but let's pretend it's love
And never, never, never stop for anyone
Tonight let's get some and live while we're young
A/N: Live While We're Young!
This story is finally finished. It's the very first story that I've done!
I will not be able to post anything for the next month or so. Just so you know, I am not giving up on this site just yet, so I will be coming back after my summer holiday. You probably won't hear a sound from me during my holiday, but I will announce it when I get back with a story to post.
One question: Does this chapter, as the last chapter of the story, seem to make the ending abrupt?
As you can see in name of this chapter, there will be a bonus chapter or two, since there are people who requested it. I wish to have more than 100 reviews after this chapter of the story.
I will try to update my profile page to keep you posted, but I give no promises, I might not even be able to visit this website.
Dedications
radarjackson12 (chapter 1): Thank you, for reading and liking it. 'A really interesting perspective' I'll keep that in mind.
PoppyOhare: Hey again, long time no see, because I didn't have time to update. Thank you for loving this story, you will get more!
Guest (chapter 5): Haha; maybe, maybe not. Who knows what goes through that horny mind of his.
Toby4138: I will, just because you asked for it ;D
Chameleondancer: No need to be sorry, you have nothing to apologize for, I'm glad that you still found this. Keep you laughing is just one of my many purposes in writing this, so I'd say I achieved it quite well. I do hope that I am not discouraged after writing this story, because I didn't get reviews. I am still writing, but I will think before I post stories online from now on, because I do realize that my stories are not as popular as some others. You will get a bonus chapter, because I just love readers like you!
For those who didn't get a dedication/reply but reviewed, that does not mean I don't want to reply or I dislike your review, its simply because I didn't see it. Either because of the system's email push service or because it did not show on the reviews area. I thank all of you who reviewed, and I apologize if you didn't get recognized. Blame the system not me, I would reply to every single one if I saw them. I swear I would.
Full lyrics of Live While We're Young, by One Direction.
Hey girl I'm waiting on ya, I'm waiting on ya
Come on and let me sneak you out
And have a celebration, a celebration
The music up, the windows down
Yeah, we'll be doing what we do
Just pretending that we're cool and we know it too
Yeah, we'll keep doing what we do
Just pretending that we're cool, so tonight
Let's go crazy, crazy, crazy 'til we see the sun
I know we only met but let's pretend it's love
And never, never, never stop for anyone
Tonight let's get some and live while we're young
Whoa oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
Whoa oh oh oh oh oh oh oh and live while we're young
Whoa oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
Tonight let's get some and live while we're young
Hey girl it's now or never, it's now or never
Don't over-think just let it go
And if we get together, yeah, get together
Don't let the pictures leave your phone
Yeah, we'll be doing what we do
Just pretending that we're cool, so tonight
Let's go crazy, crazy, crazy 'til we see the sun
I know we only met but let's pretend it's love
And never, never, never stop for anyone
Tonight let's get some and live while we're young
Whoa oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
Whoa oh oh oh oh oh oh oh and live while we're young
Whoa oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
Tonight let's get some and live while we're young
And girl, you and I
We're about to make some memories tonight
I wanna live while we're young
We wanna live while we're young
Let's go crazy, crazy, crazy 'til we see the sun
I know we only met but let's pretend it's love
And never, never, never stop for anyone
Tonight let's get some and live while we're young
Crazy, crazy, crazy 'til we see the sun
I know we only met but let's pretend it's love
And never, never, never stop for anyone
Tonight let's get some and live while we're young
Wanna live, wanna live (wanna live while we're young)
C'mon young
Wanna live, wanna live (wanna live while we're young)
Wanna live, wanna live (wanna live while we're young)
Tonight let's get some, and live while we're young
