Last chapter! Last chapter! Last chapter! I hope you enjoy it!
Disclaimer: Come on guys? You seriously can't expect me to tell you now, after thirty chapters that I'm Rick Rioridan. Because I'm not, just to be clear.
~headline: exceeds expectations~
…
Graduating high school might be one of the most nerve-racking next to meeting Percy. It's been around two months since they started dating, and Annabeth has loved almost every second of it. They, of course, do have problems, especially since the release of Percy's album, More Than True. Recently, he's been super busy, which makes sense, because he does have a lot he's working on. They try to facetime at least every three days, and Percy is pretty good about it most of the time. With publicity meets and interviews and everything in between, there is a lot of chaos going on for the both of them. Annabeth hasn't been able to facetime him in around a week, and her graduation is tomorrow, so she's hoping she'll get to call him at least once.
More Than True, is a really good album, Annabeth decides. The songs are well put together, and Annabeth can see the genuine work and feeling put into them. Percy tells her that he's proud of it. Annabeth tells him he should be.
Through this, Annabeth has really been pondering opening up her blog more. She's going to school again, the news eventually died down (as it does), and Annabeth was reduced to what she was before, just a random kid that went to high school. Sometimes, people see her and whisper, but that hasn't been happening as much lately. So she's thinking about republishing Athens Acropolis again. Talking to Percy, seeing if maybe she can put a post out about their relationship. Later, after she's finally left high school. The news will be big over the summer, but eventually it'll die down in time for college, and she can be normal.
College. Annabeth really isn't sure what she wants to do with that. Going to NYU has always been something she wants to do, but now she's not so sure. Of course, she wants to go to college, that's no question, it's the decision part that trips her up. Maybe UC Berkeley, or something like that.
NYU, really is what she's always wanted. And she did apply, though she hasn't heard back yet. Annabeth knows that if she gets a yes she'll go. It's a big move, and it'll be hard, going back to the place where she used to live, but she thinks it'll be worth it.
Then again, long distance will be hard. Even though Percy travels to New York really frequently. They haven't talked about it that much, and Annabeth has studiously avoided the subject, but it has to be coming soon. It's important, and Annabeth knows that she'll have to bring it up sometime soon. If they want to be serious, it needs to be talked about.
But for now, she's focused on graduating. Annabeth taps her hand against the side of her bed frame, staring at the phone which sits in her lap. She taps on it, and it gleams open with a picture of her and Thalia. Just for safety, the home screen (because her phone is locked) is a picture of her and Percy. It's blurry enough so that you can't quite tell who it is, and Percy is wearing sunglasses and a hat. She could pass it off as her boyfriend without having to worry about people thinking it's Percy Jackson too.
Annabeth picks up her phone and goes to Percy's contact, taping the facetime button. The call loads, and then takes a couple of seconds to fully start up. It goes through, and her screen fills with Percy's face.
He looks really tired.
Bloodshot eyes, scraggly, messy hair and a doopy grin. "Hey, what's up Annabeth?" He looks like he's trying not to follow asleep.
"Sorry, I just," she squints to see a woman in the background. A pretty woman. "Are you busy?" she frowns.
Percy looks back, and shakes his head. "A little bit, but I can make time for you."
"You look so tired Percy," Annabeth whispers.
He shrugs. "All in a day's work."
"Where are you?"
"Bathroom of a bar."
"Aren't you underage?"
"Yeah, but I'm not drinking," Percy smiles. "I was actually just going to leave. I got recognized, even in disguise, so I was planning to rush out and facetime you, actually. You beat me though."
Annabeth laughs softly. "Well, stay safe Percy. I miss you a lot. I think I'll leave you alone so you can go to bed."
"Wait," Percy says, exiting the room he was in. Suddenly, the camera is going all over the place, and Annabeth can only hear slight music and the sound of loud chatter. She contemplates whether or not she should hang up.
But then, after around a minute of this, it's steady, and Percy is getting into a car. Annabeth bursts out laughing as his doopy grin fills the screen. "Sorry about that."
"It was just so all of sudden," Annabeth laughs hard. "Anyway, what were you saying?"
Percy swallows. "I just didn't want to hang up. I miss you too."
"You know, I have my graduation ceremony tomorrow."
His eyes brighten. "Can I come?"
"Uh, Seaweed Brain, I really don't think so. Look at you. You need sleep. And you'd get recognized."
"There are ways to solve that."
She laughs softly. "It's okay. I think Frederick is taking a video anyway, I'll send it to you."
"I bet you'll look gorgeous," He replies solemnly.
"You're too sweet Percy, honestly. I'll see you soon, okay?"
"Okay." He looks up at her with puppy dog eyes. "Do you promise?"
She blows him a kiss. "Get some sleep, okay? And I do. I love you."
"I love you too." He catches the kiss and presses his hand to his lips. "Bye Annabeth."
"Bye."
She hangs up, and then leans onto her bed, setting her phone on her bedside table. It really is hard dating someone famous. It's even harder keeping it a secret. But she knows, when the time is right, she'll be able to reveal it all.
That sparks an idea in her head. She's recreated email accounts on her computer, so she has access to the documents app. Taking the laptop from her desk, she settles back onto her bed, and opens it up, going straight to a new document. There, she begins to formulate a post. As said, when the time is right, she'll put it out, whenever that is. So she writes.
~headline: the percy (problem) solution~
…
This is the first time I've written anything as a blog post in a while now. It feels a bit rusty. I don't know when I'll put this out, but I do know that once I do, there will be a big stir. That's saying that I am putting this post out. Because I think it's needed. Not only will it clear everything up, but it will also help me settle down, help me give an explanation, and give myself some closure. So here goes.
I started talking to someone who I knew as Pylos on the internet a while ago when I started my first post to the Percy Problem series. He argued with every point I had, and somehow, we became friends. Talking everyday, enjoying each other's company, just having a jolly old time. And then we started to slowly fall for each other, unbeknownst to the other. I wanted to meet up, we both did. That's how the meet and greet scandal started. We figured out who each other were, and that was great. Along with that came a lot of hate, so I took down my blog. It was hard to see everything I had built crumble, but I eventually made peace with it. Percy and I began dating, in secret. He's already put out his own testimony type thing about our relationship that I'm sure all of you know about, but I've been silent.
The reason is because I was scared. And I'm tired of being scared. Percy and I are now dating, and I'm not sure how long that will last, but I do know that I'm loving every second of it. We do normal things, except for the fact that he has his Album and is busy. It's different, but it's normal at the same time. Like any other couple. People have quirks, differences. Ours shouldn't be treated any differently.
I really don't know what I'm saying here. I just wanted to write something. And I guess since Percy has an album that's out, I'll write about that. For old times sake, and maybe for new ones too. More Than True is a good album. Plainly. That's my opinion. I'm not just saying that because Percy and I are dating, if it really sucked, I don't think I'd be writing here. I enjoyed the songs. Girl in My Corner has a special place in my heart now, because of everything. Adding onto that, the composition is amazing, and the songs flow together naturally. I like the songs. Every single one of them. They tell each a different part of a bigger story. See, I know I haven't always told both sides of the story, and that's a flaw of mine. But I'm trying to be more open minded. And now that I have both sides of the story, I can really work with that. I'm happy with what I have, and I now think I see more of the bigger picture. Not all of it, but I'm working on it.
If anyone is still reading this, thank you for keeping up with my posts. I don't know if I'm going to write again on this, or even if I'm going to post this anytime soon. It'll come when I'm ready. It'll come when we're ready, Percy and I. I just wanted to leave off saying that.
I've learned a lot over the past couple months. About Percy. About love. But most of all, about myself. I've learned that I am strong. That I have the capacity to forgive, but not always to forget. That I can accept people and love again. I've learned how to love too. Percy has helped me with so many things, and I think I've done the same to him. There are plenty of things you guys won't know and will never know about the two of us, but I will say that I got lucky. And there are so many people that aren't lucky. Percy feels like my soulmate, and although I don't get personal a lot on this blog, when I see the future, I don't see any one thing in particular, but I do see him. That's the most important part of love, I think. Once again, thank you all for hearing me out on this, and for following me on my journey. It's been a hard year, but I think I'm seeing brighter pastures soon. My future looks happy, and I'm happy. The people important to me are there, and I'm seeing the bright side of things in a way I haven't before. That's what's important.
…
It feels so good to be writing again. Annabeth hadn't realized how much she missed it. Just the sound of her fingers tapping against the keyboard soothes her. Taking a break from it did help, but now that everything is settled down, she looks forward to writing more. She still wants to be an architectural journalist, after all. She saves the document, and smiles. That's been happening a lot lately. She's happier. During the summer, Percy has his tour, and because Annabeth kind of wants to see NYU before she makes a decision, she and Piper are going to go there together, with him for his tour. Annabeth is absolutely balls-out excited to see Thalia and everyone back at home. She knows that she'll see Jason, Thalia's brother who is in his Junior year, possibly Luke so they can talk more things over, and if she's lucky she'll also meet Reyna, Thalia's elusive girlfriend. It'll be exciting and they have already started planning. Percy seems to be quite excited about it too. Since the shift in his management, Annabeth has seen his passion for music go up. She's happy for him, she's happy for herself, and she's happy for the two of them.
Her relationship with Frederick and Helen is getting better, and overall, Annabeth feels more adjusted. They can have a steady conversation through dinner without falling into an awkward silence. Bobby and Matthew actually talk to her now. They do brotherly things. Frederick and Helen are starting to be more parently to Annabeth, and she's not sure if that's a good or bad thing. She'd like to say it's what her mom would have wanted, but in truth, she doesn't know. Especially since she was trying to block communications between her and Frederick. It's conflicting and confusing, but she guesses that's just life.
…
Graduation. Graduation is supposed to be fun, but Annabeth's heart is pounding so fast she can't really enjoy it. Piper is a few rows away in the "M" section for Mclean, and Annabeth's closer because her last name starts with a C. She squints to see if Frederick and Helen are in the crowd, and they are, in the front row, smiling brightly.
Her eyes move over to a figure that's waving to her a few rows away from the two of them. She squints and realizes… seriously? It's Percy. Decked out in a super droopy hat, a fake mustache, make up, and sunglasses. Annabeth could recognize that smile anywhere. She glares at him, he's literally so exposed here. He shrugs and then continues to wave. She rolls her eyes. He probably has safety precautions that he's taking, Annabeth doesn't need to worry about anything.
Slowly, as the ceremony starts, Annabeth feels her stomach turn slowly. What if she can't graduate? What if her school credits from New York didn't transfer over? What if a feral squirrel steals her diploma?
She calms herself down as another name is called. Dwelling on the what if's isn't going to fix anything. Especially when it comes to high school graduation.
They start getting to the C section, calling names that have the second letter as a. As the list moves on, Annabeth tells herself to relax more and more. She looks at the stage, trying to find the best way to get around without tripping and falling. That's her biggest worry. Falling off the stage during graduation is such a high school cliche, and she really doesn't want that to happen to her. Nobody would.
Finally, her name is called, and for some reason, it's amplified in Annabeth's ears. She looks back at Frederick and Helen, then to Percy, who is smiling cockily at her, and then gets up, walking the stage. She's extra careful, and doesn't trip at all which is really nice. Then, just as she takes her diploma, she trips on air, her black ballet flats flying into the air.
Goddamnit.
With a lot of embarrassment, Annabeth picks herself up and straightens her dress, before walking along like nothing happened. She looks into the crowd to see Piper, who looks like she's trying to hold back a laugh. Annabeth glares pointedly at her. Percy looks like he's going to laugh too, but she doesn't do anything about that, because that would just draw attention to him.
The ceremony flows by, and soon enough, it's over, and she and Piper are hanging out on the side of the school. Percy isn't there, because Annabeth forced him to leave so he wouldn't get caught. A very disappointed Percy drove himself away in his way-too expensive car, frowning at her as he got in. But it's safer, even if he is wearing a full out disguise. Annabeth's sad that they have to hide their relationship, but that's just how it has to be.
"Wow," Annabeth breaths. "This is crazy."
"I just can't believe you actually tripped on the stage." Piper chuckles. "I mean, that's a total cliche."
"That's what I was thinking!" Annabeth exclaims. She leans against the bricks school wall a little bit more. "I didn't think I'd ever say this, but I'm going to miss this place. A lot."
Piper looks wistfully into the distance. "Me too." She says slowly, nodding her head up and down. "People here suck, but I'm going to miss it."
"I don't suck, do I?" Annabeth says.
Piper shakes her head. "Of course you don't. But Drew does. Did you know that after our trip to New York, my father is forcing me to see my mom and spend like a week with her and Drew?"
Annabeth coughs. "Why would he force you to do that?"
"I don't even know!" She throws her hands up in the air. "Something about closure. And what's even worse, is that Aphrodite's living with a new boy toy, and Drew, because her father is in rehab."
"That's… sad."
"For me, yeah."
"And for Drew. I know she's a jerk, but I mean, have sympathy."
Piper rolls her eyes. "I guess."
"It doesn't give her an excuse to be rude," Annabeth reasons, "but she is going through something."
She bites her lip. "I guess. Well, I mean, I'll try to play nice. As long as Drew isn't vicious like usual."
"Who knows, maybe if you don't bother her, she won't bother you."
Piper groans. "This is horrible."
"I'm sorry. Is there anything I can do to help?"
The girl shakes her head. "No. Plus, it would probably be longer if I wasn't spending a couple weeks in New York City. So if anything, you and Percy are doing me favor."
Annabeth winces. "I guess."
"Are you two going to go public, yet?" It's a lot different than a normal relationship going public. So much different. But she still wants to do it, because nobody wants to be a secret.
"I was going to talk to him about it. If we do it during the summer, things will be big for a while, but in the end, they'll settle down and I'll be able to go to college normally."
"Are you still deciding?" Piper asks.
It's a bit of a sore subject. "I think I want to go to NYU. I'll be hearing back soon, and if I don't get in, probably Berkeley."
Piper muses. "Two places across the country from each other."
"I don't want to do long distance, but I also don't want to be too far apart from Percy."
"If NYU is what you want, and if Percy is what you want, I'm sure both things will work out."
Annabeth sighs. "I hope so."
Piper puts her arm on Annabeth's shoulder. "If it's what you really want, you should know so."
…
By the time Annabeth gets home that night, it's late and dark outside. She goes to the mailbox, just as she has everyday for the past week, and peers in. A long envelope sits in the box, and when she sees the NYU emblem on it, her heart drops. She takes it out and rushes inside, headed to the kitchen where Helen and Frederick are.
"I got the letter!" She announces, and they look up.
Helen smiles. "That's great Annabeth. You want to open it?"
Annabeth nods, and then tears the letter open. Within it, is a kindly worded letter. She reads the first sentence and— "I got in!" Annabeth shrieks, hugging it to her chest.
Frederick jumps to his feet, and Helen literally claps. Once Annabeth herself has settled down, she speaks. "Okay, well I'm definitely going."
"Of course you are!" Frederick exclaims.
She bites her lip. "Do I need to make anything for tuition money?" It's a fear she's had for a while.
Helen shakes her head. "Of course not! We're covering the coasts, we're your parents."
Everyone stops for a moment, and Frederick looks hopefully to Annabeth. "Right?" He says.
She's still a little bit in awe. "Right." Annabeth finally says after even more silence. Because they are family. And it's about time she's admitted that to herself. Despite her grievances with them, they are family, and she wouldn't want to leave them behind now. Not everything has been gotten over, and she still doesn't know if she can forgive them or has the capacity to, but they're still her parents.
…
The next day, Annabeth arranges to meet with Percy. She goes to his apartment, and knocks on the door. Seconds later, it flies open and she's enveloped into a hug. They stand there for a couple of moments, until it turns into a kiss, which turns into a short make-out session that she swears doesn't go on for long. Annabeth could never get tired of kissing Percy Jackson. And that's not just because he's a good kisser. It's also because she loves him.
"So," she says, leaning against the couch and putting her hand on his, "I got into NYU."
Percy smiles. "I knew you would. You're the smartest person I know."
"Do you— have anything to say about that?" Annabeth thought the reaction would be a little different than that.
Percy raises an eyebrow. "Should I?"
"We would be doing long distance." She says quietly.
His face falls. "Oh. Is that what you're worried about?" He pats her on the shoulder. "Look, that will be hard. There will be times that I won't make it. But I do go to New York pretty frequently, and since I'll have a lot of free time between now and my next album, I won't have to work as much. Plus, if you really need me I can visit. There's facetime and email and nothing to worry about."
"I just— I don't know. Long distance relationships are hard."
Percy smiles tightly. "We can make it work."
"I'm just worried about… I mean, in the industry you're in, you're surrounded by so many beautiful people. Like Calypso."
He furrows his brows. "You're worried about Calypso? I think, I don't know, I might be crazy, but I think her and Leo have something going on. Plus—"
She cuts him off. "Not necessarily Calypso, just like, anyone."
"Annabeth, I only have feelings for you. I would never do anything to purposely hurt you. And if I accidentally do so, then I am so sorry. I don't want to worry you."
She sighs. "It's just hard. And— on top of that, with this being secret like, what if we lose contact?"
"Do you want to go public?" Percy asks. He looks like he'd genuinely do it for her.
Maybe it's time to express what she really wants. "If we do it over the summer, everything will have calmed down by your tour." She pulls her phone out. "I even wrote this little— it might be stupid— but blog post I could out about it."
"Can I read it?"
Annabeth pauses. "Sure." She pulls it up, and gives him the phone. He takes a couple of minutes to read it, and then passes it back to her.
"If you really want to go public, we can. I'd need to talk to Leo and the others about it, but if you really want it, we can."
She smiles brightly. "If this is too much to ask then—"
Percy waves his hand in the air. "Don't worry about it, okay?" He pecks her on the cheek. "Now come on, let's just chill. Is there anything else you want to talk about ?
"No. That's it." It's kind of the last of her worries. It always surprises her how fast they can resolve things. Fights, conflicts, worries. Another reason why they're absolutely perfect for each other, in Annabeth's mind. "Do you want to watch something?" Annabeth motions to the TV.
Percy pauses. "I want you to meet someone first," he says, and then pulls out his phone. He types a couple words in, and then presses a button. Soon enough, a cool is loading. Sally Jackson, the ID reads. His mom. Annabeth had heard him talk about her a lot.
The call loads, and a smiling woman appears onto the screen. Annabeth feels herself blush. "Percy!" The woman exclaims, and then squints. "And you must be Annabeth, the girl Percy's told me all about."
Percy groans, "seriously mom?"
Sally ignores Percy and smiles at Annabeth. "I'm glad that you're keeping my boy in line. He's a rowdy one."
"I know all about that Mrs. Jackson," Annabeth rolls her eyes at Percy's offended look.
"Oh please," she waves her hand in the air. "Call me Sally."
"Of course," Annabeth goes to reorient herself, "Sally."
Sally beams. "So Annabeth, tell me about yourself. I'd love to get to know you."
"I'm going to college next year at NYU," she says, "I used to write a blog, uh, and lived in New York City."
"That's great." Sally says, her eyes wrinkling. "And Percy, are you being respectful about your fame?" Annabeth wonders how she can say it so easily. A mom like her is probably just used to it.
"Of course," Percy says, "Annabeth said she wanted to go public over the summer so eventually everything calms down by the school year."
"That sounds responsible." Sally puts a thumbs up. "You'll have to visit soon, Percy, you're going on tour, right?"
"Yeah, one of the stops is New York. Annabeth's coming too with her friend."
Annabeth nods. "Yeah, we're excited. I'll be happy to meet you," she adds in, to get more points.
"I'll make sure to have a nice meal cooked up for the two of you."
Percy turns to Annabeth, "her cooking is the best you've ever tasted."
"I haven't tasted it yet." Annabeth snorts.
He rolls his eyes. "It will be the best thing you've ever tasted."
"You're ridiculous."
"And amazing," Percy adds on with a grin.
Sally sighs. "Young love. You two seem very happy."
Annabeth looks over to Percy, and Percy looks over to Annabeth. "We are," she says, "and very luckily too. This could have easily been a disaster."
Percy's mother laughs at that. "Well, it looks like it all worked out in the end."
Annabeth squeezes Percy's hand. "It did," Percy says, nuzzling her.
"I guess I'll have to leave you two it. I'm excited to meet you in person."
Percy chuckles. "Beware, she'll be preparing for months."
"Oh, shush." Sally checks her watch. "I have to go now, I have a date, but we really will have to talk again and figure out the details. Take care of her Percy," she looks at him pointedly through the screen.
"You're going on a date?"
"Oh, I'm not that old," Sally snorts. Annabeth doesn't say anything. "Bye Percy, I love you."
"Love you too Mom."
The call ends. "That went well," Annabeth says, smiling, "you're mom is awesome."
"Awesomely embarrassing."
"No, that was perfect. I'm glad that I got to meet her even if it was virtually."
Percy smiles. "It's good you like her. I think she likes you too."
"Really?"
"Really."
"So how about that TV?" Annabeth suggests as Percy puts his phone away.
He gives her a thumbs up, and then loads it up as they both fall into a steady silence.
She leans her head against the crook of his neck, comfortably. Annabeth's so lucky that everything worked itself out in the end, because for so many people it doesn't. She got the perfect guy, and she's starting to live a wonderful life. Everyone has issues, but right now, to be honest, Annabeth can't see many of them. It's like she's living a fairy-tale. One with a happy ending, one that you are certain will end in a positive way. Annabeth is terrified and excited for the future, especially since she knows it's going to be with him.
But she thinks that they'll make it. She thinks it's finally time for their happily ever after.
…
~endings are only new beginnings~
So uh. Wow. this is finally over. That's kind of crazy to me. Idk if I'll do a sequel to this ever, because obviously there is the tour that we haven't covered, but if I do, I'll keep you posted. For now, I have another story that I'm working on (more info in this huge-ass authors note). Bear with me. I promised I'd show backstory on how other couples got together, so here goes:
Jasper— Piper and Jason meet when Percy is on tour in New York. They spend a day together, while Jason shows her around the city because Annabeth is helping Percy with their tour. Solangelo— because this is already in the story line, not much explanation is needed. They meet at a bar, start to have a relationship and through a couple of hurdles, get together too. Theyna— they meet when Thalia is picking up Jason from football practice. Reyna is Jason's friend and a student coach. They end hanging out together a lot, so soon enough, yk, relationship. Frazel— Hazel and Frank meet each other in college at Berkeley. Hazel does go to high school with Annabeth in this story, she is in here, though it is more lowkey. They become better friends over the summer.
Okay, so that was a lot. Now to all the thank yous, because I kind of have a lot: Multi Fandom Geekerello: thank you so much for all of your kind reviews (and for pointing out my spelling mistakes), it's much appreciated. 1234booklover: I really appreciate all the support you've given my past stories, and great reviews! AlEmily360: thank you for your reviews! RandomFanAuthor: ty ty ty for the consistent support. Your reviews are always A plus! PurpleBunny5540: all of your support is much appreciated! Daughter of Sally Jackson: I honestly, love reading your reviews, it's great to see people enjoy my writing! Leoisthebadboysupreme: idk if you're seeing this, but thank you for the kind reviews and everything, it means a lot! DebatorMax: I'm really glad you've enjoyed this story, it means a lot! LostHopelessDreamer18: thank you for your consistent support and great comments! DaughterofBlueFood: your support is amazing, and I really appreciate it. The needle-sword expert: thank you so much for your reviews! Percabeth824: always love to see your reviews and comments! Thank you! Perseus-Prior: thanks for the funny reviews, and I appreciate all of your support!
To guest reviews/people I didn't get too: thank you so so much for your support. Every favorite and follow means so much to me, and I'm so glad that you're reading my stories. It means a lot. If you don't want to read the big paragraph above just let me say this: thank you. So much. And this author's note is getting too long so let me do a shameless self-promo before I leave: the first chapter to The God of Deception is up, and I'd really really appreciate it if you could check it out. It's a percabeth canonverse type thing, and I hope you all enjoy it. Again, thank you so much for all of the support on this story, sorry for the long a/n and ily all.
TheLil'Lion
P.S: I might (read: might) do a little 10k-15k word chapter in this story about Percy's tour, New York, Annabeth and her friends, and resolution with Luke, since that all was mentioned but not included. A mini-sequel, kind of like one of my one-shots but with context to this story. If I were to do this, another chapter would be added to this story if you're interested.