Percy was gonna get killed by the one he loved the most. Not the best way to go out. He blamed his ADHD for it. Christmas shopping was hard enough without being a demigod.
Percy ran through the aisles of Olympus-mart, looking for something, anything, to get Annabeth. He already checked Godtube for presents to give a daughter of Athena. And Hephaestus-TV had nothing good. It never has anything good on.
Percy checked his watch (compliments of Poseidon). He still had around 5 minutes before they would kick him out.
"Owl blanket, some history books, Athena plushie," Percy muttered. "Fake Daedalus laptop?"
None of those sounded good to him.
The clock struck 9, and he was ushered out by a fellow demigod employee. Ugh, New Rome citizens were always in such a hurry.
"All right, time to bring out the big guns."
Percy pulled out a prism and drachma from his pocket, and said a name he knew by heart.
From the other side of the rainbow, a figure appeared.
"Percy!" a familiar voice exclaims.
"Hey, Mom. Listen, I'm kind of in trouble right now. Can you help me pick a present for Annabeth?" Percy said.
"Oh, Percy, did you forget again? You do this every year!"
Percy groaned. "Mom, just help me decide on something to get her."
"Well, what's your favorite memory with her? Choose something that represents an important part of your… adventures."
He thought for a moment. And it came to him. "Thanks, Mom, see you later!"
He swiped his hand through the mist and ended the connection without waiting for a reply.
He almost cartwheeled as he headed towards the pet store, he was so excited. This Christmas was going to be a memorable one for sure.
"Alright, Percy, what's the big surprise? You literally look like Dakota on double the Kool-aid," Annabeth said. Percy led her, blindfolded, into the living room of their apartment.
Percy just let her see for herself.
"...A cardboard box? Is this a joke?" Annabeth asked.
"Open it," Percy invited.
She did as Percy asked and shrieked at the tiny bundle of fur inside.
"Oh, my gods, Percy. Did you get me a cat? That's a cat. Oh, gods, it's so cute!" Annabeth exclaimed.
Percy just smiled and waited. Annabeth picked up the cat and started cuddling it. "Percy, you're the best. I-I can't believe it. This is the best Christmas ever. Oh, what are we going to name him?"
"He already has a name."
Annabeth looked puzzled. She read the name on the collar.
Small Bob, it said.
Annabeth's eyes welled up with tears and she hugged Percy so hard, he thought he would cough up his ribcage.
"Best. Boyfriend. Ever. I love you," Annabeth whispered.
And those words were all Percy needed for Christmas.