We did it! We made it to 2022! This past year has been pretty crazy, and it ended with me getting covid. But overall it was a very memorable year and I wouldn't have had it any other way (well, minus the getting covid part). Thank you all for sticking with me this past year and reading my fics. I am so grateful to each and every one of you, and I hope to continuing writing for you guys for years to come! 3
Disclaimer: I don't own Percy Jackson just this writing.
"Crap! I'm going to be late!" Percy cries out in alarm as he looks down at his watch, his foot tapping against the pavement impatiently. He hears other people chuckle beside him and Percy glances up, seeing other adults waiting for the subway too. He smiles sheepishly and waves to a few of them. It's New Year's Eve and everyone seems to be running a bit behind schedule. A moment later Percy hears the distinct squeak of metal on metal and he spots the subway finally pulling into the station, quickly coming to a stop.
The doors open and people start filing in as others come out. Percy tries to shove through as well, determined to make it on the vehicle. He's late enough as it is, he can't miss his subway again.
As he's getting on he accidentally bumps into a short woman carrying a briefcase. She drops her bag and Percy leans down to grab it, an apology already on his lips. He hands it back to the woman and she looks at him in confusion, as if she recognizes him and is trying to figure out why. That immediately sets Percy on edge. Suddenly the woman's eyes widen and Percy feels a pit form in his stomach. He looks around the station but notices that every other patron has boarded the subway, leaving him along with this woman.
"Well, well, well," She says, licking her lips in anticipation, "It seems this new year is already off to a great start!" She steps closer to Percy and he's forced to stumble back, farther from his ride. The doors to the subway close and the vehicle speeds off to its next destination, leaving Percy alone with what he's sure is a monster.
"Great! Now I'm going to be even more late! Couldn't this have waited until, say, tomorrow? I seriously have places to be." Percy groans, checking his watch once more. His eyebrows shoot up when he sees the time is already 11:15. He only has forty-five minutes!
"Aw, I'm hurt. Is that any way to treat a lady?" The woman puts a hand over her heart and pouts, pretending to be hurt by his words. Percy just glares at her. A few seconds pass then the woman drops her act as she quickly realizes Percy isn't going to react.
However he does react when her entire body starts shimmering. He stumbles back in surprise. Her skin glows a sickly green and gold particles flake off her body. Her legs contort and elongate, transforming into two long noodles with scales. Her wide smile shows all of her teeth quickly sharpening into fangs. Her nails sharpen as well, turning into deadly claws. Her hair clumps around her head, the texture resembling that of straw. The last thing to change are her eyes. Once a sweet, chocolate brown, her eyes now turn a bright red. Honestly, Percy finds this whole transformation really gross.
"Ew, a little warning next time," He says, gagging. The former woman growls at his tone and stands up to her full height. "Crap," Percy whispers as he realizes exactly what he's dealing with. A dracaenae.
"I'll squish you like the bug you are!" She screeches, slithering towards him.
"Not really much of an insect guy, but whatever. Can we just postpone this whole thing? I've got a date so I really need to get going," Percy attempts to sidestep around the monster, raising his hands and trying to appear as defenseless as possible. The dracaenae pauses for a second, glancing away from Percy and tapping a scaly finger to her chin, as if pondering the request.
"No, I don't think so. It would be much more efficient to just kill you right now," She turns back to Percy, a wide toothy smile and crazed look on her face. Percy reaches into his pocket and moves the small box to the side so he can grab Riptide. He pulls his pen out and brandishes it before the dracanae.
"Really? A pen? You think that measly tool will defeat me?" She cackles and Percy rolls his eyes.
"Have you been living under a rock all these years? 'Cuz you should know, the pen is much mightier than the sword," With that, Percy uncaps the pen and lets it extend to its full length, transforming into his double-edged celestial bronze sword. The dracaenae's eyebrows shoot up in surprise but before she can school her expression Percy runs at her, blade at the ready. She jumps out of the way just as Percy swings, his weapon slicing the air where she was just moments before. The dracaenae grins, and Percy doesn't notice the tail-leg that slithers up behind him. He yelps in surprise as his feet are swept out from under him and he slams into the ground.
"Ugh, dirty move," Percy mumbles, coughing and trying to catch his breath. His sword got knocked out of his hand, and he spots it a few feet away. The dracaenae leans over him, a knife in her hand aimed at his throat. Percy tries to reach for his sword but the dracaenae wraps her weird snake leg around his wrist, pinning it in place.
"Night, night little demigod," She raises the knife high, about to bring it down on Percy. But instead of feeling fear, Percy only feels determination. He wiggles in the dracaenae's grasp, moving so his feet are bent and positioned right under her torso.
"Not so fast," He growls before kicking up with all of his strength. The dracaenae is thrown off him and now it's her weapon that clatters to the ground. Without wasting another second Percy leaps to his feet and grabs Riptide, falling back into a defensive stance. While the dracaenae is hunched over, struggling to breathe, Percy spares himself a glance at the large clock on the wall. 11:30, how has that much time already passed?
Percy hears a loud hiss and he turns back around just in time to see the dracaenae charging at him, her claws extended and swiping at his face. He jumps out of the way, her claws just barely missing their target.
For the next few minutes they play a sort of cat and mouse game, with one of them attacking while the other just barely dodges. Percy knows this isn't getting them anywhere and time is quickly ticking away. If he wants to defeat the dracaenae, he's going to need one hell of a plan. Percy looks around the small station as he evades the monster and he spots a set of bike racks in the corner. Next, he looks to the dracaenae and glances at her snake-like legs, watching as they constantly move to keep her upright. A devilish grin crosses Percy's face as an idea forms in his mind.
"Hey, ugly! Can't catch me!" He taunts, heading towards the racks. The dracanae growls and rushes after him with a burst of speed. Percy stops right in the middle of the metal racks, waiting for the monster to catch up to him. She quickly does, and without thinking she swipes at him. Percy dodges out of the way, ducking under the other bike rack and out of the monster's reach.
"Oh, don't worry, you're going to die!" The dracaenae screeches, twisting her leg around the shorter bike rack, trying to reach Percy. He just does the mature thing and sticks his tongue out at her before jumping over another rack. This time the dracaenae shoots her other leg out at him, letting it extend to its full length. It wraps around the bike rack and unfortunately also wraps around Percy's ankle.
"Times up, demi-fraud!" The dracaenae cackles at her own joke, slowly pulling her leg back and trying to bring Percy closer. "I've been waiting to use that one for years!"
"Seriously? That's the best quip you could come up with?" Percy groans at her stuipid phrase and holds on to the rack, refusing to be reeled in like a fish.
"Just give it up, boy! I've got you right where I want you," The dracaenae continues to pull Percy, and she winds her empty leg through the bike racks to grab him as well. She pulls with all her might and Percy's hands start to slip. He uses his sword to try and attack her, but his swings lack power as he desperately holds on to the rack with his other hand. The dracaenae fumbles for a moment, struggling to keep her balance and Percy smirks.
"Actually, I've got you right where I want you." Without warning Percy lets go of his rack and the dracaenae goes flying back, her own force used against her. Her legs reflexively let go of Percy and he tries to catch himself before he can slam into the ground too hard. The dracaenae is still being propelled back but doesn't get too far as her legs get tangled up in the bike racks. She crashes to the ground, her head hitting the concrete with a loud thunk!
Percy stands up, trying to catch his breath and ignoring the small cut that stings on his arm. He stumbles over to the dracaenae and raises his sword above the dazed monster. He closes his eyes and refuses to look at the fear clearly etched in the dracaenae's face as he brings his weapon down for the final kill. He blinks his eyes open a few minutes later and sees nothing but a shimmering dust that settles along the ground and bike racks.
Percy lets out a shaky sigh, and steps away from the dust. He grabs the cap to his sword from the ground where it fell and places it over the blade. The sword shrinks back into a pen and he places it back in his pocket. Next he pulls out a small box and opens it, sighing in relief when he sees its contents are unharmed. After returning it to his pocket Percy looks down at his watch: 11:47.
"I've still got time," Percy mutters to himself. A few moments later he hears a rumbling and looks at the tunnels to see a new subway pulling into the station. Percy smiles, feeling like his luck is turning around for the first time that night. He quickly boards the subway and finds a seat, finally on his way to Times Square.
Annabeth paces back and forth, glances at her watch every thirty seconds. She looks up and scans the crowd once more, but still doesn't see any signs of ruffled black hair or green eyes.
"He should have been here by now." She mutters, looking at her watch once again. 11:53, only seven minutes until the ball drops. Someone lays a gentle hand on her shoulder and Annabeth nearly jumps out of her skin. She looks up to see Will smiling at her.
"Don't worry, he'll get here." He says confidently.
"He better! We've all been planning this night for weeks!" Annabeth shrugs off Will's hand and continues pacing. He watches her with concern as she gets lost in her thoughts. Ever since Gaea had been defeated, the monsters have been more hesitant to attack. And after the crazy year everyones had, especially her and Percy - Annabeth shudders as memories from Tartarus creep to the forefront of her mind - they definitely deserve a break.
"If you want I can go get him," Nico says, walking up behind Will and intertwining their hands. "I'll shadow-travel to him and be back before you know it."
"Nuh-uh," Will pulls away and turns around to face his boyfriend, "Or do you remember the time you almost faded into nothing thanks to shadow traveling?"
"But-"
"No 'buts' - you're staying here. Now eat a cookie," Will hands Nico a bright yellow cookie with the words 'Happy New Year!' written on top. Nico grumbles before reluctantly taking a bite. He chews for a few seconds before a small smile creeps across his face and he leans lovingly into Will. Annabeth steps away and lets them have their moment. She's happy for them, she really is, she just wishes her own boyfriend could be here to celebrate too.
"TEN!" People shout, causing Annabeth to jump in surprise. She glances down at her watch and sees that the time is already 11:59. How has the time passed so quickly? Annabeth looks up to see the crowds around her cheering and jumping with excitement as the giant ball quickly falls over New York.
"NINE!" Annabeth bites her lip, anxiously looking around for any sign of Percy. Will shrugs at her sadly, shaking his head before turning back to Nico and screaming along with the countdown.
"EIGHT!" The seconds tick down and Percy is nowhere to be found.
"SEVEN!" Annabeth tries to enjoy herself and join in with the crowd, but a heaviness settles over her heart. Percy promised he'd be here, he promised.
"SIX!" What if he got hurt? Annabeth's mind desperately runs through scenarios, her fear building with each image she thinks up.
"FIVE!" Annabeth takes a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart and mind. Percy can take care of himself, he's definitely proven that over the years. But what if…A small, scared part of Annabeth's mind wonders. Ever since Tartarus Annabeth has hated leaving Percy alone for too long.
"FOUR!" The screaming gets louder as the last few seconds tick down. For Annabeth, this has been the longest ten seconds in her life.
"THREE!" Annabeth fiddles with her camp necklace anxiously, giving up on looking for Percy and instead turning to the sky. She watches the giant ball drop over Times Square.
"TWO!" Annabeth glances over to the other demigods that decided to come, and all of them are paired off, waiting for the countdown to reach one so they can kiss to start off the new year. Will and Nico hold hands, Leo and Calypso have their arms wrapped around each other, Clarisse and Chris are taking a selfie with a demigod-safe phone. Watching them just makes Annabeth feel even more alone, so she turns back to the ball.
"ONE!" Cheers erupt from all around her and people jump for joy, the crowds closing in. Annabeth gasps and stumbles back, not wanting to get caught in the swarm of people. She looks to her friends and watches as they laugh and stare lovingly into each other's eyes, starting the year off right.
Annabeth's frown deepens and she looks back to the dark night sky, watching as fireworks are released into the air. They explode into a shower of colors, painting the sky in beautiful patterns. The architect in Annabeth appreciates the way the fireworks explode in sequence, and she lets a small smile grow on her face. Percy may not be here, but she still wants to enjoy herself with or without him.
"Annabeth?" A voice calls out from behind her. Annabeth's eyes widen and she whips around so fast she nearly gets whiplash. Standing there, hands on his knees and wheezing for breath is her Seaweed Brain.
"Percy!" Annabeth shouts, flinging herself into his arms. He laughs and barely catches her, his legs wobbling as he almost loses balance. Annabeth grabs the front of his dirty shirt, pulling him close. She can smell his wonderful salty scent and never wants to let him go. Percy moves his hand to her cheek, caressing her face gently. Annabeth smiles and laughs, her love for this boy overwhelming.
Without wasting another second, Annabeth pulls Percy even closer, catching his mouth with her own. She kisses him deeply, savoring every moment while Percy kisses back. After a few seconds he pulls away and his smile morphs into a frown.
"I'm so sorry, Wise Girl," He starts, "I didn't mean to be late, I swear! First I missed my subway, then a dracaenae attacked and I had to deal with her. I know those don't excuse anything, so I'm sorry." Annabeth just laughs and brings him in for another kiss.
"You have nothing to apologize for," She says, pulling away and resting her head on his shoulder, "I'm just glad you could make it. I love you, Percy."
"I love you too Annabeth," Percy moves, reaching into his pocket for something. Annabeth watches, confused as Percy steps back away from here. "Which is why I want to spend the rest of my life with you."
"Wait-" Annabeth whispers, her hands flying up to her mouth in surprise. Percy smirks at her then kneels down, pulling his hand out of his pocket and revealing a small box. Another firework explodes behind him and blue sparks shower around Percy, the light shining off his eyes and making him look majestic.
"Annabeth Chase, ever since I met you, you've been a real pain," Percy starts, a fond smile on his face, "But it's a pain I could never live without. You are the sand to my ocean, the shell to my hermit crab, the, um- yeah that's about all I got. But the point is, I love you Annabeth and I want to wake up every day with you right next to me. Through all the ups and down, I want to share it all with you. We might fight, we might drive each other up a wall, but I wouldn't have it any other way. There is no one else I'd rather be with."
"Aw, Perce," Annabeth is openly crying now, a huge smile spreading across her face.
"So, Annabeth Chase, will you make me the happiest man in the world? Will you marry me?"
"Yes!" Annabeth launches herself at Percy, and this time when he catches her he actually loses his balance. They go crashing to the hard ground, laughing the entire time. "I love you so much, Percy. Nothing would make me happier than seeing your beautiful bed-head each morning!"
Percy sits up, Annabeth in his lap, and pulls the ring back out. It's a gorgeous but simple silver band with blue stones embedded in its sides. The stones flow around the band, almost like water running along it. Annabeth holds out her hand and Percy slips the ring on her finger and it fits perfectly.
"I know it's not the fanciest ring, but I thought you would like it. Leo helped me make it," Percy looks away nervously.
"I love it, and I love you," Annabeth grabs Percy's chin and brings his gaze back to her smiling face. Fireworks continue to rain above them and the couple stares to the sky, watching the show. Their hands lay in Annabeth's lap, intertwined and both have the biggest, goofiest smiles on their faces. Annabeth looks at the ring, and her heart fills with joy. The ring looks like it truly belongs on her finger, just as she truly belongs with Percy. She glances at the man in question and sighs happily.
Yeah, She thinks, watching as Percy's eyes light up with each new firework that explodes, This year is off to a pretty great start.
Did you know that I posted my very first fic exactly two years ago? (don't read it, it sucks) And now I've written fourteen fics since then! So that's like seven fics a year! Not bad if I do say so myself. And I plan to write even more fics this year!
I feel like I've grown so much since I posted that first fic. My writing style has improved, and I'm much better at creating complex stories - all thanks to fanfiction! Dang, I truly love this site and fanfiction in general.
But none of this would have been possible without you guys, my amazing readers. You guys inspire me to keep writing and your comments keep in engaged and keep my love of writing alive. Love you all! 3
Now, I hope you enjoyed this fluffy fic! I'd love to hear from you guys and hear how your new years went! I hope they were all great! Bye for now and see you next fic!