Christmas One-shot

ooo

So instead of the usual chapter this week, I made a Christmas one-shot! One-shots are just the 'Filler episodes' of books, so yeah. Sorry for no chapter, though.

Anyways this will take place about one year younger than Percy and Annabeth now, so they're about 17.

Enjoy, and happy holidays!

Annabeth's POV

This was bad. Really bad.

I couldn't seem to find a good Christmas present for Percy, even though today's Christmas eve! What to get him... Books? No, he hated studying. He disliked books in general. He's my best friend and the prince! What didn't he have already?

How could I have been so stupid. I had weeks to get something. Schoolwork had always gotten in the way! Ugh!

I paced my bedroom racking my brain for ideas. Looking back at the past years, I just bought him food from his favourite bakery. I couldn't do that this year obviously, it was getting a bit repetitive.

After scolding myself for being so unprepared, I called some of my friends: Silena Beaugard and Thalia Grace.

First I called Silena, since I always thought she gave the best presents. She seemed to know what others wanted.

"Hey Annabeth!" She said excitedly over the phone. "Whats up?"

"Sorry for interrupting your afternoon, but I need your advice." I said.

"Of course. What is it?"

"So I still don't have a gift for Percy, and I don't know what to get him. Have any ideas?"

"Just think of the past years. Maybe get something from last year!" Silena exclaimed as if it was obvious.

"I've thought of that already. What about you, Silena? What gifts did you get Beckendorf?" I asked hoping to get some inspiration.

"Well, I got him some tools, you know how much he likes creating things. But I don't think that Percy would like that." She said. "Maybe you should get matching sweaters."

"Ha ha... We're not a couple, Silena."

"Your not a couple yet!" She said enthusiastically. "Oop- Sorry I gotta go now. Good luck for finding a present!"

I facepalmed, my face slightly red from embarassment. Maybe I should try calling Thalia now. I hope that she awnsers this time, because she's usually busy with the hunters of Artemis. The hunters of Artemis are a group of girls that travel from place to place, hunting and camping. Kinda like a club.

"What...oh, hey Annabeth!"

"Hey, Thals!" I said, hoping to get some good advice this time. "I have something to ask you."

"Alright. Shoot."

"I've been busy lately, so I still haven't gotten Percy a present. What should I get him?"

"Seriously? He's you're best friend! Other than me, of course."

"Yeah, yeah," I said slightly ashamed. "So do you have any ideas?"

"Hm. Maybe try getting him food? Or maybe make some blue cookies." Thalia said.

"I've done that in the past."

Thalia stayed silent for a while, thinking to herself.

"Oh! Maybe you could try making a scrapbook!" She said finally.

"A scrapbook? Isn't that what old ladies make?" I asked, a image of old people making scrapbooks.

"Me and the hunters have made one," Thalia said. "It has pictures of out hunts, our camping memories, and there's even a picture of me falling out of a tree!"

I gasped, a grin spreading to my face. I had a whole box of pictures that me and Percy took. I could use that for the scrapbook!

"Thanks Thalia! Thanks so much! I gotta go make it now, talk to you later!"

"U-uh, alright. Say hi to seaweed brain for me, would you?" Thalia asked.

"Sure thing. Bye!"

As soon as I hung up, I scrambled through my closet searching for the box. I saw it in a corner, a light coat of dust on it. I slowly pulled it out of there, placing it on my desk. I grabbed glue, scissors, and of course, a notebook.

It felt a lot like when I was in kindergarten doing craft time. I laughed when I saw a picture of me hurling a snowball at Percy's face, a giddy smile on my face. I was maybe... Twelve? Younger?

I cut out words from colourful paper spelling out the words 'Percy+Annabeth's Memories'. There were pictures of us since we were nine up until now. The first picture we took together didn't seem so long ago. We had just met back then, sitting at the fountain.

I smiled as I glued the last picture on. Finally, I was done! It was now Five in the afternoon, but it was pretty dark. As much as I loved the book, I still had doubts.

Will he like it? What if he doesn't? Gods, i'm so nervous.

The time came for me to leave to the palace. I gathered all my pride and placed the book in my bag, heading out in my jacket and scarf. It was snowing lightly, and I could see the puff of air every time I breathed. The snow and the Christmas lights made everything a bit more festive.

I waved to the guards. Thankfully they were familiar with me or i would've been mistaken as a criminal.

"Wisegirl!" I voice came from behind me.

"Hm?-" I was cut off by Percy hugging me. I laughed, happy to see him.

"You made it!" Percy exclaimed, a smirk on his face.

"I always come here on Christmas eve, seaweed brain." Percy's jet black hair was covered with snow. "How long have you been out here?"

"About an hour. I was waiting for you!" He said excitedly.

"What- An hour? Aren't you cold?"

"Never mind that," He said. Percy pulled out a gift bag. "Look what I got you."

"Alright..." I said. The bag looked nice, somehow with now rips. That was a first. He got me a... Sweater. Matching ones.

My face turned red from what Silena said earlier, something about us being a couple. Aside from that, I was also laughing so hard my lungs hurt. The sweaters were so horrible that it was actually good. It was white with both our names on the back, decorated with snowflakes and made from a soft material.

"T-thanks!" I said as I held it out. "Did you make this?"

"Yup!"

"That explains why its so ugly."

"Hey!" Percy pouted.

"You know what? I actually like this." I said. "Hold on, i'll give your gift." I rummaged through my bag, grabbing the book nervously. I hoped that he would like it.

"Here." I gave it to him as he looked at it. Percy had a look of confusion on his face, then he opened it up. His eyebrows raised as he flipped through it. He stayed silent and wouldn't show his face.

Does he hate it? I asked myself. Is that why he's so quiet?

"Percy? Are you alright?"

He finally looked up. His eyes had tears in them and his cheeks were red.

"This is amazing! I love it!" He hugged me by surprise, and a wave of relief came flooding down. I was just thankful he liked it. "Thank you so much! Thank you!"

"Yeah, well I couldn't think of anything else to give." I gave a lopsided smile. "Merry Christmas, seaweed brain."

Percy wiped his eyes. His sea green eyes sparkled with joy and happiness, and I could also feel that joy. His smile seemed to light up the dark sky.

"Merry Christmas, Wisegirl."

That was certainly a ... Interesting chapter.

So i don't really have anything to say, but I might not post next week. Christmas and all. Until then, I wish you happy holidays whether you celebrate Christmas or something else.

Thanks for reading!