Some of you were confused about why Percy wasn't at his mom's for Christmas. That's because it's the week before Christmas break and not Christmas yet. But don't worry. He'll be there.

And some of you were wondering why I didn't mistletoe Solangelo. Here's why: No one knows they're dating/gay and they were not in the common room.

Annabeth

She. Was. Fuming.

And also kind of elated.

With a strong desire to punch Leo in the eye.

Annabeth walked to the library and sat down in the corner by the biographies. Almost no one except Jason went there and whenever she wanted to be along she would either go there or the woods.

Processing was something that she did best so she started to process everything that happened. 1. Leo, Piper, Jason, Silena, Travis, and Conner had a desire to see her and Percy kiss because they thought they would make a good couple. 2. She and Percy were both embarrassed, but neither of them outwardly said that they didn't want to. 3. Percy did not kiss her first. 4. Annabeth kissed him first. 5. She kind of liked it. 6. She would do it again in a heartbeat.

7. She was Annabeth Chase and she didn't know what she was feeling. And she hated not knowing things.

That night, she couldn't sleep. So she took a book and a flashlight and walked into the girl's common room. Annabeth didn't want to disturb her roommates. She was eager to immerse herself in the world that Tolkien had created.

Just as she settled down in a comfy chair and started reading about the fellowship, she heard the sound of footsteps in the main common room. Since no one besides her was usually up this late, Annabeth started to debate whether she should investigate. If she ignored it, then the mystery would haunt her mind for the rest of the night and there would be no chance of falling asleep. And what was the harm of checking it out?

Annabeth collected her Lord of the Rings book and lifted her flashlight. She walked into the common room to see Percy eating blue jellybeans on the couch. He would throw some in the air and catch them in his mouth.

"Can't sleep, Seaweed Brain?" Annabeth asked, leaning against the doorframe.

He looked over at her. "I was sleeping. And then I had a nightmare and couldn't fall asleep again."

"I have nightmares sometimes," she admitted. "But not tonight. I just wanted to read my book."

"Wise Girl, at it again," Percy said. His eyes then lit up. "Oh! Give me a second to grab a letter from my mom."

Annabeth watched as he ran to his room and came out with a letter. He opened it up and scanned the page. "What's this about?" she asked.

"I told my mom you had never gone home for Christmas since you were seven, remember? You told me when we were at the library that one time," Percy said. "And here was her response."

He handed her the letter and pointed to the part he wanted her to see. Annabeth started to read.

Annabeth is one of the brightest, sweetest, most responsible girls I have ever met in my entire life. Life has forced her to grow up too soon. While you were packing I got to know her and she truly doesn't deserve what this world has given her. The worst things happen to the best people.

I can't believe she hasn't been at a home for Christmas in eight years. She's told me that she considers the students and staff at the school her family and home, but no child should have to consider school a place preferable to home.

Would you like to invite her over for Christmas and Christmas Eve, Percy? We're not extravagant by any means but we have fun. We always get a tree and decorate it and open stockings and gifts in the morning. And we make desserts and Christmas dinner together. I would be happy to have her over and would enjoy her company immensely. She's a wonderful person to talk to.

It's all up to you, Percy, of course.

Annabeth felt tears prick her eyes. This woman had had one conversation with her and still showed her more compassion and kindness than her step-mother or father had ever shown her. How could such an amazing person exist? Sally Jackson is a queen and we stan.

"Oh gods, you're crying," Percy said, face going white. "I'm sorry! What'd I do?"

She shook her head with a smile. "Bold of you to assume I'm crying about you." She started to wipe her eyes and Percy led her to the couch. He sat down next to her as Annabeth handed him the letter.

"Your mother," she said, "Is one of the kindest people on the planet."

"She's amazing," Percy said.

"We've had one conversation and she's shown me more compassion than my real family," Annabeth said as more tears threatened to flow.

"She once told me that when tragedy strikes you can either be bitter or hateful or become kinder and more compassionate. My mom chose compassion when her parents and uncle died," Percy said quietly.

Annabeth nodded and found herself scooting closer to Percy. In that motion, the remembrance of how she kissed him earlier that day came rushing back. How his cheeks were flooded with red before and after she kissed him.

"I think I'd like Christmas as your house," Annabeth whispered.

"I think I'd like having you there," Percy also whispered.

And then, without really thinking about it, Annabeth put her head on his shoulder. Not missing a beat, Percy put his arm around her and pulled her slightly closer to him. It felt like the woods when he held her as she cried.

It took Annabeth a bit to become a little self-aware of the time. Standing up, she kissed him again on the cheek. "Goodnight Percy."

And then she left.

How's the Percabeth coming along people?