Percy waited outside of his car with a little grin on his face.

He teetered on the balls of his feet, reading over the texts with Annabeth regarding what they were going to do today for the millionth time. Truth be told, he was a little surprised she agreed, but after two or three prods, she relented. Thankfully, she did. He wanted her to be there.

A moment later, the door to her lobby opened and out came the most beautiful girl he ever laid eyes on. Spotting him, she smiled that brilliantly bright smile of hers. The light breeze lifted her loose curls, blowing them back into a river of blonde. He'd always seen her in business attire, so now that he was allowed more glimpses of her more casual state, like right now—a denim jacket over an all black ensemble and white sneakers, he delighted in the other layers to her.

"Hey, Perce," she greeted warmly. "Good morning."

"Morning, Beth." Percy pocketed his phone and moved around the car to hold the door open for her. "Your chariot awaits."

Annabeth chuckled and got in. "I suppose this will do." She looked around the interior with a smile, turning to him when he sat down. "How did we both buy the same car?"

"Exquisite taste, I dunno. Mine's a better color though."

"It is not!"

They drove through the calm Queens roads with idle chatter, good music, and non vanishing smiles. Their destination was close and it was still early so Percy decided to take the more scenic route. Annabeth had no complaints.

"I know we're already on the way," she started, sounding somewhat nervous. Today was December 17th and they were visiting his parent's house for his mother's birthday. "But are you sure you want me to come?"

This was the third time she'd asked this to which responded the same every time—

"Yes, Annabeth, I'm very sure," he emphasized, shooting her an exasperated smile. "As long as you didn't have other plans today."

She shook her head to the last bit but still wasn't placated. "Won't I be intruding?"

"Nah, more the merrier. My parents will be happy to have you; it's usually just them and I on birthdays. Sometimes Zoë comes too, but she's busy today."

"Don't expect me to make up for her absence."

"I don't expect you to do anything." Percy laughed and lightly pushed her shoulder. "Just have fun. It's not everyday your mom turns fifty, we need to do it up big."

Annabeth nudged him back. "You only turn every age once."

"Okay, wise guy."

"I'm a girl."

"Wise girl, whatever."

They shared a grin.

As a familiar house came into view, Percy smiled, turning into the driveway and turning the car off. Just as he was about to get out, he caught a glimpse of her expression, rooting him back into his seat. Annabeth was staring pointedly at the car's floor, tapping her feet and playing with her thumbs.

"Hey…" Percy reached over and squeezed her hand. "You okay?"

Her eyes flicked to their hands and then to his face. "Yeah, yes—I'm just…"

"Nervous."

"Yeah."

"You have no reason to be," he said kindly. "You already know me, my dad's basically like me, and my mom will love you as soon as she gets a look at you. Promise."

Annabeth tried for a smile, placing her other hand over his. "I appreciate it. I just get antsy around new people and situations, I guess. Especially since it's your family and I'm a total stranger."

Percy's grip on her hand tightened. "You're not a stranger, Annabeth. Don't think that for a second. You're one of the closest friends I have. And I'm not just saying that."

"What?" She breathed, surprised. "But…"

"You are," he emphasized, fingers tightening on her skin. "How can we be strangers if we've known each other for the better part of a decade, ya know?"

"I—Percy…" Her words fell short as a smile fought its way through onto her lips, more radiant than ever. The pink patches on her cheeks glowed bright. Something in his chest lurched at the sight. "You're one of my closest friends too. I… thank you."

"You got it." He grinned and tilted his head toward the house. "Let's go in before my mom blows up my phone."

She laughed and nodded.

The moment Percy unlocked the door, the smell of something positively divine filled the air. Soft laughter and jazz sounded from further inside, and then, the rattle of metal clinking and nails patting over solid wood gave way to a beautiful black and brown Doberman Pinscher bounding over, barking excitedly.

Percy dropped down to the floor, gathering the dog up in his arms. "Hey, boy, hey. I missed you too, big buy." The dog licked his face, whining and nuzzling its strong head into his owner's. "Annabeth, this is Julius. Julius, this is Annabeth."

Annabeth laughed, kneeling beside him. "Hello, Julius," she cooed, reaching behind the dog's pointed ears and scratching. Julius promptly shifted his attention to her, licking her amiably. "Woah, you're a friendly one, aren't you?"

"Julius, go easy on her, dear."

All three of their heads turned to the serene voice. Percy grinned wide, seeing his mother, Sally Jackson, standing near the door frame with a warm smile on her face. Julius quickly made his way over, circling before sitting beside her feet.

Percy stood and helped Annabeth up. "Hey, mom," he said, walking over to her and kissing her on the cheek before hugging her tight. He held on for a little while, lifting her off her feet for a moment as she laughed. "Happy birthday."

"Thanks, baby." Sally cupped his cheek and smiled up at him once more before turning her attention behind him. "Hello. You must be Annabeth."

"Hi, Mrs. Jackson," she said politely. "Happy birthday."

"Thank you, dear." Sally gathered her in a hug too. Percy watched with a huge smile as Annabeth's entire form went rigid as she looked at him with wide eyes. And then, relaxing, her arms went around his mother as she squeezed back. "Now, let's go on in, you two. Perce, your dad's gone off the wire."

He chuckled. "What do you mean?"

"Look and see for yourself."

They walked into the kitchen, the source of that heavenly smell, and Percy burst out laughing. His dad, Poseidon Jackson, was in a 'kiss the cook' apron and a hairnet on his beard, moving around like a hurricane trying to take care of a whole bunch of things at once. Noticing them come in, he whirled to face them, grinning wide at the sight of his boy.

"Hey, dad."

"Hey, son." Poseidon tended to one of the pans, tossing it for a bit. The oil seared. "And Annabeth, I presume. Very nice to meet you."

Annabeth smiled and waved. "You too, Mr. Jackson."

"Poseidon," Sally stressed, tapping at her chin. "For goodness' sake, I just told you to take care of that."

Percy had to suppress a laugh. There was red lipstick smeared around the corner of his dad's mouth. The same lipstick his mom was currently wearing. Some things never changed. Annabeth, however, was not used to his dad's shenanigans, letting out a little giggle that had him completely unhinged.

"Your dad refuses to let me help with the cooking," Sally told him exasperatedly. "He's gonna burn his hands off at this rate."

"You can't cook your own birthday dinner!" Poseidon called out. "It's blasphemous."

They all laughed as Sally shook her head with an adoring smile, taking a seat at the counter, content to watch her husband. Sally pulled forward two empty glasses and filled them with the red wine Percy brought over, handing one to each of them before filling a third for herself.

"A bit early to drink, isn't it?" Percy joked, accepting it nonetheless. "That was meant for later tonight."

Sally gave him a pointed stare. "No, it's my birthday as you all keep reminding me. I make the rules."

Annabeth chuckled and raised her glass to that. "I couldn't agree more."

As they talked, Percy thought Annabeth might've needed the drink for any remaining nerves she might've had about coming over today. That was fine. And it seemed to be going well. His mom and she had indeed hit it off instantly and were now pretty much ignoring him as they talked about a certain book.

He smiled at his girls affectionately, it was like they'd known each other for years.

Percy chatted idly with his dad, helping him with some of the items. His parents were both incredibly amazing cooks; he was pretty good himself, but nothing compared to either of them. Probably because of all the takeout he indulged in, not having the energy to cook after work on most days.

It was only until his mom had finished her drink did she remember he existed. "Perce, why don't you show Annabeth around the house? Food's gonna take a while, it seems."

"Okay." Percy took Annabeth's hand and pulled her up. "Let's go, Beth."

Annabeth laughed a little as he dragged her excitedly. "Can't wait to see your stuffed animal collection."

"Those are sacred. You'll need at least another three visits before I let you meet them."

They went around to the garage and the backyard, which hosted his mother's impressive garden and an out of place basketball hoop that hadn't seen use in years, before heading on up. Percy didn't let go of her hand the entire time, even as they went up the stairs, but she didn't either, so that was a win in his books.

He saved the best place for last.

His room was pretty much the same as it had been since high school. The walls were white and bare; he wasn't the type for posters or much decoration save for a few photos up in front of his desk. And the windows were draped with navy blue curtains that matched the comforter atop his bed. Hopefully she didn't see the very masculine floral bedsheets his mom made him set.

A little flush went up his neck when Annabeth looked around and stopped in front of his bookshelf. The shelves held his Harry Potter books stacked in order, followed by other fantasy novels, his old Yu-Gi-Oh card collection, and the rubix cube he never figured out how to solve. The very bottom shelves were lined with architecture books, a dictionary, some more random books, and the 9th grade geometry textbook he'd forgotten to return.

"You're a huge nerd," Annabeth said, smiling at all of his knick knacks. "Who would've thought?"

Percy chuckled. "I'm sure your old room has more books than mine."

"You'd be correct."

"Nerd."

"Never said I wasn't."

They shared a smile.

Annabeth let his hand go and moved in front of his desk to get a look at those pictures as he stepped up beside her. They were mainly of him and his parents, some with friends, a few with Zoë and Julius, and one particular one that seemed to have caught her eye. The most recent one added to the collection.

Percy scratched the back of his head, a little embarrassed.

It was a group picture taken a few years ago at a cocktail bar somewhere in downtown Manhattan. Their coworkers had gathered in a haphazard crowd for the bartender to grudgingly take a few photographs. Drunken smiles and laughter went around, and the two figures near the leftmost part of the group were not exempt.

And he knew that was where Annabeth was looking.

In the picture, they were standing side by side, pressed against each other, her arm around his waist, his around her shoulder as they beamed at the camera, happier than ever. It wasn't all that long ago, but they looked so young, bright eyed and innocent. A kind of happiness to them that was entirely different from the one he felt right now.

"That was a great night," she murmured.

Percy's smile tightened infinitesimally. "Yeah. Great."

"Can you send me that picture?"

"Sure. I'll look for it tonight."

He'd send it to her and get her a hard copy. She didn't need to know that he already had two store printed copies of it, one here and the other in his apartment. So what? He liked looking at it no matter where he was. There was nothing wrong with that.

Percy knew he shouldn't say more than necessary about that night, but curiosity won out. He wanted—no, he needed to know. The thought had been clawing at him for far too long.

He mustered up the courage and went for it. "You got really drunk that day."

Annabeth laughed. "I did. I'm sure you and everyone else were making fun of me."

"What do you mean?" Percy kept his tone level, not giving anything away. "All I remember is you laughing a lot."

She groaned, rubbing her forehead. "Ugh, don't get me started. My friends always call me a lightweight. Back in college, there were so many videos of me laughing like a hyena after just a few drinks."

"Oh." Oh was right. Something like relief was beginning to fill his heart. "You weren't that bad, don't worry."

She gave him a dubious look. "I wish I could believe you."

Perfect.

"You don't remember?"

"Nope. I remember us gathering to take that picture, but pretty much everything after is a blur."

He hummed, fighting a smile. "That chest shaking music doesn't help either."

"Truer words have never been spoken," she huffed. "Have you noticed that they're never good songs either? Just way too much bass. Makes me wanna throw up."

"Feel you."

That just about confirmed it. She didn't remember him asking her out. Thank god.

She deserved to know that little bit of information, but not today. He'd tell her. Eventually.

The long building tenseness in his posture fell as he answered some of her questions, explaining what they were doing in a few of the other pictures. One story about how he and Zoë had let the penguins out of their habitat at the zoo was particularly enjoyable. His mom had grounded him for a week, at least, that was what she said she'd do to the public when she yelled at him. They all had a good laugh about it while on the drive home.

Everything was going well, up until she picked up a family photograph with just him and his parents.

"So no siblings, huh?" Annabeth stared at the picture with a little smile. He could guess she found his missing teeth amusing. "I always figured you were the big brother type. Given how protective you are of Zoë, and even me that one time."

Percy went silent.

Annabeth caught on immediately. "Sore subject?" She asked worriedly. "I'm sorry—"

"No, it's okay," he said lightly, smiling to let her know she was fine. "It's not really sore, just kinda personal."

"You don't have to explain." She rubbed her hand up along her arm and squeezed his shoulder. "I shouldn't have brought it up."

He took the picture frame from her and looked at it endearingly. He was sitting on his father's shoulders and holding a big cone of blue cotton candy while his mother smiled brightly up at him, all three of them laughing. This was taken over twenty years ago at a street carnival back when they used to close up an entire avenue for blocks and hold one periodically. New York had never been the same since those went out of style.

"I want to tell you though. If that's okay."

"Of course, it's okay."

Percy's gaze swept to meet hers and an intensity settled between them. Her eyes searched his own, holding nothing but compassion and kindness in their softest shade. Like a foggy morning where everything was calm. It made him feel comfortable and safe.

"I'm an only child as you know. My mom had quite a few miscarriages before and after I was born," Percy admitted, not missing how her grip on his shoulder tightened before her hand slowly slid off him. "Unfortunately for her, she had to be stuck with me out of all the kids she could've had. I used to rave about wanting a sibling for the longest time before I understood what happened. And I didn't realize how much it hurt my parents to hear me say those things on top of what they were already going through."

"Oh, Percy…"

He stepped closer to the desk to place the frame back in its spot. Placing his hands on top of his chair, he let out a little sigh. No matter how much time had passed, the dull ache seemed to never pass.

"That's why I get a little weird when people bring up siblings." She stayed quiet behind him. "Sorry to drop this on you. Sorta heavy, my bad."

"No," she said, sounding a bit alarmed. "I'm glad you told me. Really."

Her affirmation fell over his shoulders like a warm blanket.

"It's actually kind of funny," he mused. "Zoë's the only other one who knows any of this."

He didn't have to be looking at her to know her lips parted in surprise. "But… Why tell me then?"

She really had no clue, huh?

"I trust you, Annabeth." His eyes found the picture of them at the bar and he smiled. "Like I said, you're one of my closest friends."

Next thing he knew, the wind was knocked out of him. Not by a physical force, though that was exactly what Annabeth Chase was. A true force in every sense of the word.

Annabeth stepped into his space, wrapping her arms around his middle and pressing her cheek into his back. Her embrace was tight and so, so warm. He made a sound from the back of his throat, swallowing roughly and breathing her name once, and her hold strengthened in return. Tender emotion began to run its course through his heart, nearly sweeping him away only for the heat of her body to ground him once more.

"Don't ever say or think that you're something to be stuck with, Percy." Her voice was quiet, but he heard her loud and clear. He laid a hand over her forearm and squeezed. "You're a blessing, and I doubt I'm the first to tell you that. Your parents are so lucky to have a son like you. You understand people and empathize with them better than anyone, and that's something I really admire. So please, don't blame yourself for something the kid-you did. I know your parents don't. It's not like you knew better."

"Annabeth—"

"No, let me finish," she insisted, shifting her head so now her other cheek was pressed against him. "The fact that you're still hurting about this makes you an incredibly kind person who feels and cares about things so deeply, and I'm sure they appreciate that more than anyone. I know I do."

Well… no one had told him that before.

Percy felt like something inside him had begun to rattle with each breath.

They stood there for what could've been hours, but the moment her arms started to unfurl, he felt the loss immediately. Though finally being able to see that smile, a wet one crafted solely for him, away from everything and everyone else in the world, made up for it immensely. Immense was certainly one way to describe just how much he was feeling right now.

This jumble of emotions felt deep seated—pure, raw, and unwavering. God, this girl.

He'd fallen so hard.

-xo-

How long had it been since she sat down at a family dinner?

And why did it feel so right when she did so at the Jackson household? The four of them were sitting around the square dining table, she next to Percy while his parents sat across from them. Poseidon had cooked a great big feast and it was absolutely mouthwatering.

The familial bond the three of them shared was unlike anything she'd seen before. They were so fluid and easy going, working so well together in a way that was easy to discern with just one meeting. Her own parents could learn a thing or three from them. Just now, they were all laughing at a joke Poseidon made, eating and drinking together like this was a weekly ordeal.

And if it grew to be, Annabeth couldn't say that she'd mind terribly.

Their laughter and joy began anew when Percy and Poseidon went into the kitchen and brought out a huge cake, a blossom of ripe blueberries and cream swirling above a cloudy base. Julius was barking and bounding along with them happily. There were five candles on top, one for each decade Sally had been alive.

Percy had told her that he and his dad had originally wanted to put 50 as a prank, but that might not have been well received. Not to mention it would ruin the cake.

Men.

Sally threw a fond smile at her boys. "I'm surprised you two havent't burnt the house down lighting those candles."

"Have some faith, dear mother," Percy chided, setting the cake down in front of her. "We're not that incompetent."

"Yes, I'm sure," she joked.

"'Nuff talk," Poseidon said, dragging Percy to the other side of the table so all three of them could look at Sally. "It's time to sing our praises to the birthday girl."

"Oh, please—it's not necessary—"

Poseidon ignored her protests and smirked at Annabeth. "Every year, she does this. You'd think she'd be used to it by now."

Annabeth giggled. Light and laughter could be found so easily in this house. Sally looked somewhat flustered for the first bit of the song, but smiled happily soon enough as Percy threw his arm around his dad's shoulders and they swayed side to side, singing exaggeratedly like the pirates they were.

"—happy birthday to you!" They all finished. But Percy seemed to have other ideas as he flared his hands. "Are you one, are you two, are you—"

"Don't make me come over there," Sally warned sternly, but was clearly fighting the urge to laugh. It won out. "Still a child after all these years."

"Always."

Poseidon moved around the table and set his hands atop Sally's shoulders. "Go on and cut the cake, love."

Annabeth smiled softly when Sally laid her hand on top of Poseidon's for a moment before picking up the knife. When she removed a slice from the cake, it revealed the chocolate interior. Her mouth salivated at the sight. She and Percy's mother seemed to share a favorite flavor. Sally had excellent taste.

Her heart nearly imploded when Poseidon took a spoon and fed Sally a bite.

"Ah, Poseidon! Goodness!" Sally shrieked in laughter when her husband rubbed some whipped cream on her nose. Sally stood and moved to get him back, play fighting like children before feeding him a spoon. The two shared another laugh that was cut short when Poseidon kissed her.

One glance at Percy told her spades of his happiness. His eyes were shining as he looked over at his parents having fun. Sally called him over, feeding her son a spoonful as well before he did the same with both parents. Annabeth smiled at them. They were a gorgeous family.

She almost felt like she was part of it herself—

"Beth, get over here," Percy called while still chewing, not giving her time to say anything before she tasted chocolate. Her eyes went cross, looking at him with half surprise and half amusement as she removed the spoon. "Good, right?"

"So good," she agreed, swallowing. Was it tradition for them to feed each other, or something? Well, then who was she to go against it? Percy laughed around the bite of cake when she fed him. "You have to tell me where you bought this cake."

"Oh," Percy murmured, looking away and scratching his cheek. "I got it from—"

Poseidon interrupted them and clapped his son's shoulder. "Don't lie to her, son. Percy here made this beauty."

"What?" Annabeth asked in surprise, delighting in his embarrassed expression. "No way. You can bake?"

"He sure can," Sally chimed in proudly. "Taught him myself."

"I helped!" Poseidon protested.

"You ate," she deadpanned, rolling her eyes when her husband made an indignant sound. "It was a good thing you did though. Some of Percy's first creations were, well, not good, to say the least. Rather you be the guinea pig than me."

"I was like fifteen," Percy pouted. "Leave me alone."

Annabeth laughed. "Character development. Look how much you've improved, Perce." She eagerly took the slice Sally lifted for her and took another bite. "This is the best cake I've ever had."

"Glad you like it."

"I've always wanted to get good at baking. You'll have to teach me one day."

Percy beamed. "You got it."

The excitement simmered a bit as they sat around the table once more, drinking wine and eating cake. Annabeth glanced down when no one was looking and rubbed her belly. God, she had so much to eat today. MyFitnessPal would not be happy with her. But it was oh so worth it. That evil little ballerina gymnast would just have to deal.

She eased back in her chair and her eyes swept down to her knee, jean clad and very comfortably pressed against Percy's. It struck her as somewhat odd how close they'd grown. And unfortunately, she wasn't the only one who had that line of thought.

"So, Annabeth," Sally started. "Percy tells me you two are in a competition at work."

Annabeth smiled as Percy sighed. "Yes, we are," she answered. "Our boss decided to hold it to see who'll get the next big project for our firm. Percy here is under the delusion that it'll be him."

"You're mixing it up," Percy said with a smirk.

She shot him one of her own. "Am I?"

"You are indeed."

Somehow they both just knew not to bring up the whole getting fired thing. That was a private discussion best left for another day. Definitely not a birthday type of conversation.

Sally looked between them with amusement. "Well, good luck to whichever one of you gets it."

"Thank you, Mrs. Jackson."

"I told you to call me, Sally, dear," she said. "But I have to ask, isn't the competition a bit awkward? What with you two dating, I figure it might be."

Percy and Annabeth looked at each other in surprise, like the notion was a ridiculous one that could never cross anyone's mind. Annabeth had to look away first, cheeks burning pink. Whenever Percy got into one of his dazes, sometimes he just didn't stop staring. Those beautiful bright eyes could look into someone's soul with ease. Her heartstrings tied into knots at their simple memory.

"I think you just put your foot in your mouth, my love," Poseidon mused, looking back and forth between the two of them and her.

Sally seemed confused. "Wait, you mean to tell me you two aren't together?"

"Mom," Percy stressed, silently begging her to shut up. "No, we aren't together. We're just friends."

"Yeah," Annabeth agreed shyly.

The assumption had sobered her. It wasn't like she could fault Sally for thinking such a thing. She had seen her and Percy holding hands, laughing and nudging each other over dinner, sharing private smiles, and if she'd seen what had gone on upstairs, then yeah, Annabeth would think they were dating too.

She was meeting his parents for god's sake.

That doesn't just happen randomly, especially at their age. And it was seriously teetering on girlfriend territory. Annabeth didn't know how that made her feel. On one hand, it was a warmth and stability she'd long been without. And on the other, it felt way too good to be true.

Far too many times had she been hurt; the risk of putting herself out there just didn't seem worth it anymore. And she'd run out of shards of her heart she was willing to give out. Relationships were never a priority or a necessity for her anyway. She was much more focused and career oriented.

Despite all that, she still let Percy Jackson get close to her.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to presume," Sally said, giving the two of them an apologetic but cursory glance. "I just thought—oh, nevermind. Poseidon, pour me another glass, will you?"

She and Percy seemed incapable of looking at each other after that, still somewhat flustered. Though, it did please her to notice he was idly spinning the chain on the ring she'd given him. Regardless of the reason.

The awkwardness only washed away when the clock struck midnight. She needed to get home, it was getting late. The two of them still had work tomorrow morning. Damn, had she really been here for the entire day? Time flew.

"Lemme just grab my jacket. I left it upstairs," Percy said, shooting her a smile. "I'll drive you."

"You don't have to do that," Annabeth protested. "I can get home just fine. I'm not that far away."

"But I want to," he returned, running up to his room before she could object.

"And you're going to," Sally called out as she came back from the kitchen with a bag of leftovers for her. The fight died on Annabeth's lips as she smiled resignedly; she wouldn't be able to win against Sally. Stubbornness was another thing that seemed to run in their family. "It was so nice to have you, Annabeth. Please come by again."

"Yes, please," Poseidon added, smiling at her as he stroked Julius' head. The sweet angel had fallen asleep. "It was wonderful to meet you."

"Thank you both. I'd be delighted to," Annabeth said, flushed. The warm wingbeats of acceptance fluttered in her chest. "We're going to need to talk more about your book, Sally. I still have so many questions."

"Oh," Sally laughed it off, modest just like her son. "It was my husband and son who inspired it actually."

Percy's heavy footsteps sounded as he came bounding down the stairs. He was spinning his car keys along his finger and wearing his black sherpa lined jacket that hugged his broad shoulders quite nicely. Very, very nicely.

"And what do you think you're going to be doing with those?" Sally asked him, nodding at the keys.

Confusion etched into his expression. "Turn my car on?"

"I don't think so," his mother said sternly. "Neither of you can drive right now. You've had quite a bit to drink."

Percy's face scrunched, incredulous. "That doesn't matter. I'm a Jackson," he said proudly, like that was supposed to explain something. "We drink like sailors. I'm completely good to go."

"That's right," Poseidon heartily agreed, raising his seventh or eighth glass of wine. But at Sally's icy glare, he reeled in on himself, setting the glass down and taking out his phone. "I mean, no, that would be completely irresponsible and dangerous. Maybe you should get an Uber. Here, I'll call it for you."

Sally nodded approvingly.

"Really, Ma, I'll be fine," Percy insisted. "No need to waste money."

But Sally wasn't having any of it. "I'm not risking anything just to save a few dollars. You're dropping Annabeth off in an Uber and that's final, young man."

Percy hung his head and sighed defeatedly while Annabeth laughed at him. As wild as he and his father were, she was glad they had someone like Sally to reign them in.

Protectiveness ran in the family as well. That might've been their biggest likeness only matched by the uncanny physical similarities between Percy and his father. It was kind of ridiculous how alike they looked along with their mannerisms. But in ways not visible, there was so much Sally Jackson in him. She knew it from just this one meeting. The kindness and sheer love they were capable of showing was… incredible, to say the least.

And it awed Annabeth that Percy deemed her worthy of that affection.

The Uber ride was a comfortable one despite the tiny Civic that had come for them. They sat with their shoulders pressed together, cruising down the empty streets at a leisure speed. Despite the otherwise calm environment, Annabeth had too much energy to be still.

"I had no idea your mother was the author of Equinox," she gushed. "It's one of my favorite books! I swear I've read it like six times."

"You're not gonna be weird about it now, are you?" Percy joked. "I mean, I can get you an autographed copy—"

She nudged his thigh, laughing. "No, but I certainly wouldn't object to one."

"Noted."

Way too soon, the car came to a stop right in front of her apartment building. That hollow feeling of a good day coming to an end was more prominent than ever. Especially when she reached the entrance and turned to see Percy with his hands in his pockets. He smiled at her, but it was tame. She was used to him in wingtips but there was something to be said about Percy Jackson wearing Chelsea boots, because damn.

"Let me walk you upstairs," he offered.

Please do. "No, you don't have to," she refuted with a shake of her head. "I don't wanna make the driver wait too long."

Percy didn't give up. "I'll give him a good tip," he promised, moving to hold the door open for her. "Please?"

Annabeth smothered a smile and relented. Maybe he felt that hollowness too. She didn't really want today to end so as they walked up the stairs of the five floor building, she made sure to take each step a bit slower. Her apartment was on the third floor so that respite only lasted for so long.

Once they reached her door, she turned once more. "Thank you for today, Percy," she sighed out, reaching out to grasp his right forearm. "It was lovely. I don't think I've ever enjoyed a birthday party that much."

"My parents will be happy to hear that." Percy's left arm twitched like he wanted to move it, but he kept it in place. "I'm really glad you came. Wouldn't have been as fun without you there."

"I don't know about that," she said amusedly. Fucking hell. What were they doing? This wasn't the end of a date, or anything. But… it sure felt that way. "I should get to bed soon. I have a 9am meeting with fucking Clarisse La Rue."

He laughed. "Oh god, you poor soul. Good luck."

She'd need it. That was a particularly unique (brutish, annoying, pain in the ass) client who always looked like she was about to murder someone. Once they calmed, he placed his hand over the one she had on his arm.

"Good night, Annabeth."

"Night, Percy."

With hardly any inner debate, she bounced on her toes and kissed his cheek, lips landing dangerously close to the corner of his mouth. And before he could say a word, she opened her door and quickly shut it behind her. Annabeth leaned back against the door with her heart beating out of her chest long after she heard his footsteps fade.

Fuck.

Notes: the next chapters are gonna take a while for me to upload cuz of some dumbass irl issues. sowwy :(