Annabeth decided to go into work and try to get some things done so she wouldn't sit at home and obsess. But obsessing was something she was good at it. So she sat in her office and stared at blueprints, her mind clearly elsewhere. She jumped when she heard the phone ring and she shook herself before sitting down at her desk.

"Annabeth Chase."

"AB! He proposed!"

"Huh?" It took her a moment before she recognized Piper's excited voice, rambling on and on, and Jason's deep laughter in the background.

"Slow down, Pipes!"

"I can't believe it, I can't believe I actually thought he was going to break up with me when all the time he was trying to ask me to marry him and oh my god Annabeth, you have to see this ring! Where are you? I want to see you, like right now!"

"I'm at work."

"Stay there! I'll come to you!"

"No wait, Piper, I'll come meet you guys. I'm not getting anything done here anyway."

"Ok great!" Piper made sure Annabeth had the correct address before squealing that she couldn't wait to see her and oh she was going to DIE when she saw the ring. Annabeth hung up, trying to stifle a grin.

"Crazy girl," she shook her head, remembering what Percy had said about the way Jason was looking at her. She wondered if Jason had told Percy about his plans to propose.

Annabeth collected her things and slung her purse over her shoulder as she walked to her car. No one else was in the office so she didn't have to stop and make small talk. She constantly checked the time, wondering how long the godly gathering would take. Would Percy come back to her afterwards? Or was he still upset with her?

Her fingers drummed the steering wheel as she sat in traffic, glancing at the clock. She wished she had a phone to call Piper and change the meeting place...if traffic was this bad the whole time she was going to go crazy. The good thing about living in New Rome was she had everything right there. She didn't have a huge need to go out into the mortal world and therefore, be stuck in traffic. But Piper and Jason had chosen to live away from New Rome, and Annabeth had agreed to meet them at their favorite diner. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad to have a phone, she mused. Lots of demigods have phones.

It wasn't as bad as she thought it would be and she was at the diner in no time. When she entered, Piper stood on her bench and waved like crazy. Annabeth lowered her head and made her way to the back of the room.

"Hi!" Piper jumped into her arms and Annabeth grinned.

"Ok McLean, let's see it." Piper thrust out her hand and Annabeth's eyes widened.

"Nice job, Grace."

"Isn't it beautiful," Piper gushed. "I seriously want to show my mom! She will die!"

"You're starting to sound a little like her," Annabeth said, her nose wrinkled.

"Bite me, Chase," Piper stuck out her tongue.

"Oh much better," Jason sighed. "I thought I had proposed to Aphrodite in disguise."

"You be quiet," Piper lightly slapped his cheek and he looked affronted.

"I'm really happy for you guys," Annabeth said genuinely.

"AB, you know you are my Maid of Honor!"

"Really?"

"Yes really! Jason already asked Percy to be his best man and-"

"Wait. Percy already knows?" Jason shifted uncomfortably.

"Sorry Annabeth, I asked him to keep quiet about it. I wanted his opinion on it before I made a complete fool of myself."

"And you asked PERCY for advice on not looking like a fool?" Jason chuckled and held up his coke bottle.

"Cheers."

"Well it took long enough, Lightning Boy." Jason glared at her as he took a swig from the bottle.

"It's only been...wait…"

"Almost 11 years," she said laughingly. "You guys got together not too long after Percy and I did." She bit her lip, remembering the pain in her boyfriend's eyes that morning, when he said that she might move on to someone else.

"Anyway," Piper said shrilly, sensing her friend's sadness. "I sent iris messages to Hazel and Reyna and Calypso, about being my bridesmaids. But I want you to be my Maid of Honor. Will you," she asked, suddenly shy.

"Of course I will," Annabeth reached forward to hug her friend. "Good luck getting my boyfriend to wear a suit."

"He's done it a few times," Jason shrugged. "He better do it for me."

"Really, it's for me," Piper rolled her eyes. "Jason couldn't care less if the boys wore board shorts at our wedding."

"Not true. I told Percy no board shorts." Annabeth laughed but it was strained, and her friends could tell.

"Annabeth? Is everything ok?"

"Yeah, why?" Piper and Jason exchanged looks, which just irritated Annabeth.

"I'm fine. I'm just waiting for Percy to get finished with the Solstice Gathering, that's all."

"Did you guys have a chance to talk," Piper asked quietly. Annabeth was saved from having to answer when the server came to take their orders. Annabeth ordered a cheeseburger and a coke, which sent a pang to her heart because it was one of Percy's favorites.

"Annabeth," Jason lowered his voice. "Percy came to see me this morning."

"What?" He looked uncomfortable but he nodded.

"He told me everything."

"He told you guys-"

"I wasn't home," Piper shook her head. "Jason just told me about it while we were waiting for you."

"He was upset but he left when he found out I was waiting for Piper to get home so I could propose," he sighed as he took a drink. "He said he would try to come back after the gathering, to let me know what happened." Annabeth played with her hands in her lap.

"Annabeth, I get why you're so worried. I do. But you have to see this from his side, too. Percy adores you and he wants everything with you. I felt horrible last night, talking to him about marriage when I could see the look on his face."

"What look?"

"The look of longing," he said gently. "He wants that with you. And he would ask you in a heartbeat, if he thought that's what you wanted."

"What do you mean? I want to marry Percy one day. I do."

"That's not really what I mean, Annabeth," Jason said slowly. Annabeth's brow furrowed and she glanced from one friend to the other.

"Wait. Are you saying…" she trailed off, her eyes widening. Jason held up his hands.

"I really shouldn't be talking about this. This is between the two of you and Percy would destroy me if he knew I was telling you this. But he told me last night that

he has been talking with your mother and she suggested making you immortal as well."

"WHAT?" Jason held up his hands, looking around.

"Shh, please don't repeat this, Annabeth. Percy said he wants to ask you...but he feels like he would be taking your life away and he can't do that to you. He told Athena that he would marry you as a mortal and she said it would never work. Athena said that you should be made his immortal wife but Percy said you wouldn't want that. You don't want to be a goddess any more than he wants to be a god. That's why he is going to ask Zeus to make him mortal." Annabeth gaped at her friends.

"He loves you so much, Annabeth," Piper said softly.

"I love him...but I just...I can't lose him. And if Zeus gets mad…"

"Jup- my father...ugh, Zeus wouldn't punish him, I don't think. Too many gods like Percy. He has done a lot for them and has earned their respect. And think about it. Percy has done more for Hades than any other god has. Hades might actually help him out."

"But if it doesn't work...would you want to be his immortal wife?" Annabeth's eyes widened as she gazed off into space.

"Percy knows me...he knows I wouldn't want that. But he has to know that I would do anything for us to be together. So if that's the only choice we have...well, of course I would. But who's to say the gods will do it? The only immortal wife that I know of is Ariadne and she was dying when Dionysus... I mean, why would the gods make me immortal? What purpose would I serve?"

"You would make a powerful goddess, Annabeth," Jason shook his head. "And I'm sure Percy would argue that case. But he told me he felt like it would be killing you. He said he wouldn't do it and apparently that upset Athena."

"Why does my mom want me to be a goddess?"

"I've stopped questioning why the gods do anything. I'm just telling you, this is what Percy is thinking. And after this morning...he was pretty upset that you don't support his desire to be mortal again."

"I can't support it if I think it's going to get him killed!"

"I don't know what to tell you, Annabeth," he leaned back in his seat and took a drink. "I'm merely explaining how he's feeling. Percy and I are a lot alike and I can see both sides to it." She fell silent and stared at the table until the server brought their food.

"Did he say how long it will take?"

"He isn't sure," Jason shook his head. "But he said he should be back tonight." She was left wondering, again, if he would even come see her.

"Piper...what do you think about all of this? I need a girl's opinion." Piper glanced sideways at Jason before sighing and taking Annabeth's hands.

"You're my best friend, Annabeth. And you and Percy have given me hope. I've never been a normal child of Aphrodite...I've been skeptical of love and didn't know if I believed was real. But when we lost you guys in Rome…" Annabeth winced and Piper gave her a gentle smile.

"You survived that awful place because you stayed together. You haven't let any obstacles stand in your way, and that's why I have always looked up to you. That day he was injured...I could feel your heart breaking all the way from New Rome. I was so scared that you would lose him, and when Jason told me what you planned to do...I envy you, Annabeth. You are so strong, far stronger than me, and you were strong enough to do what you had to do to save him. Even though you knew everything would change and you might not ever see him again. You had no idea what would happen but you made that choice."

"It was that or watch him die," Annabeth said softly.

"I know," Piper smiled. "Still, you were brave. I've told Jason so many times that I'm shocked Percy hasn't asked you to marry him. I finally understand why he hasn't and I don't think it's fair to either of you. Both of you deserve happiness and it's clear you find it when you're together. I actually prayed to my mom last night, asking her to bless you both. If anyone deserves a happily ever after, it's you Annabeth Chase." Annabeth leaned against her seat and stuffed a fry in her mouth, her mind racing. Piper leaned against Jason and they ate their food in silence.

"So," Annabeth cleared her throat. "Have you guys picked a date?"

"I've always dreamed of a summer wedding so I think around this time next year," she said happily, looking to Jason.

"Whatever you want, babe, is perfect for me." He started to lean in to kiss her but seemed to think better of it and took one of Piper's zucchini sticks.

"Oh don't let me dampen the celebration," Annabeth shook her head. "Kiss your fiance, Grace." Jason smiled and gave Piper a quick peck on the lips before he

took a bite of his burger.

"Babe, we need to leave soon," Piper showed him her watch.

"Oh you're right. Sorry Annabeth, we are driving to her dad's to share the news in person."

"He'll want to know why it took so long," she said with a smile.

"I can't exactly tell him that we have been busy fighting for our lives for the past 10 years," Piper said with a scowl, which made Jason laugh.

"Cause that will get me his blessing for sure."

"Congratulations, you two," she stood and hugged her friends. Piper squeezed her hand before they left and Annabeth sank back into her seat. She stared at the uneaten cheese burger on her plate and closed her eyes.

Percy, there is a cheeseburger here with your name on it. I even added bacon to it. Piper looked at me like I'd murdered her dog. She smiled, remembering Percy's horrified look when he'd first discovered Piper didn't eat meat. No cheeseburgers?! He had asked her in shock.

Percy, I love you. I just want you to know that. I don't know if you are listening but if you are...I love you. Come back to me when you're finished with the gathering.

She half- hoped that he would be sitting across from her when she opened her eyes again but no such luck. The burger sat, untouched, and she sighed as she stopped the server to ask for a box. Maybe he would come to her tonight and he would be hungry. She dug some cash out of her wallet, grabbed the box, and headed out to her car.

She nearly screamed as a little girl literally appeared right in front of her.

"I'm sorry, Daughter of Athena," she held up her hands. "I didn't mean to startle you."

"Then you probably shouldn't materialize from thin air, Lady Hestia," she said, rubbing her chest. Her shortness and her scowl didn't seem to surprise the goddess.

"I've come seeking your help, Annabeth Chase."

"Is it Percy?" Her beating heart was flooded with fear.

"You know that I maintain peace best I can. But a rift is forming between the gods and I need your help to contain it."

"What are you talking about, Hestia?"

"Your sea god has asked Lord Zeus to return his mortality and Zeus threatened to have him taken to the Underworld. Posiedon and Athena have stepped in to defend the young god, and now gods are choosing sides. Zeus has agreed, but in return, Percy will return to Earth in the state he nearly left it."

"Wait...what does that mean?"

"Take my hand, Annabeth. There isn't much time." Annabeth slid her hand into the goddess's and felt a rushing feeling. She had no reason to distrust Hestia; the goddess had helped them on more than one occasion and she knew Percy had a great deal of respect for her.

Hestia took her straight to Mount Olympus, bypassing the elevator in the Empire State Building completely. When they arrived, her eyes widened in horror.

The gods, major and minor, were all gathered in a circle, some angrily yelling at each other. Muses and nymphs stood around with their hands over their mouths, and lightning flashed around them. In the center of the circle, crawling on his knees and choking, was her boyfriend.

"Percy!" She started to run to him but Hestia held her back. Percy's head whipped around at the sound of her voice, his eyes wide.

"What is she doing here? Annabeth, you have to go!" But he was suddenly knocked backwards, his hand flying to his nose, which was now bleeding profusely. He groaned in pain as he gripped his face.

"Polybotes," he moaned. "Not fair! I wasn't even the one who killed him!"

"Zeus, enough," Posiedon's angry voice rang out.

"It was his choice," the god said in a voice that was far too smug for Annabeth's liking.

"I don't remember saying, go ahead and torture me," Percy snapped. "I said if Lord Hades allowed my soul to return to Earth without any consequences, that's what I would choose!"

"You cannot rescind an offer without consequences," Zeus exclaimed. Percy released a pained scream, his hand flying to his stomach. Red blossomed over his shirt and his fingers came away, covered in blood.

"Why did you bring me here," Annabeth turned to Hesia, her eyes streaming. "So I can watch him die?"

"There is another option, Annabeth. You must be the one to suggest it." She gasped, her eyes widening in realization. Percy pressed his hand to his stomach, squeezing his eyes shut in pain.

"Zeus, you will cease this immediately!" Posiedon's voice boomed and made everyone stop what they were doing as the god marche forward. Zeus looked livid.

"You dare-?"

"Yes. I dare. This is not about justice. This is about your hurt pride. You think Percy has insulted you by refusing your gift. Brother, you are murdering my son. And I will not stand by." Posiedon bent to help Percy up but Percy shrugged him off.

"Stand, nephew, and face me." Exhaling deeply, Percy struggled to his feet and tried to stand straight. He clutched his bleeding stomach and winced.

"Lord Zeus," he said calmly. "I don't mean to insult you, or make you think I'm ungrateful. I am grateful to you all for saving me seven years ago. But I am as in love with a mortal as I was when you took me away that night. That love has only deepened over the years, when some of you made bets that I would stray. I don't want to leave her. And I'm asking...no, I'm begging, that you let me return to her. I would rather a mortal day with her than an eternity without her." Annabeth gasped and across the circle, Aphrodite actually squealed.

"Oh Lord Zeus, it's so romantic! You must let him return to her."

"I must do nothing! Athena, what do you say to this?" Athena stepped forward and her eyes swept from Annabeth to Percy.

"I would see my daughter happy," she said, lowering her head slightly. "And even if I resent their relationship, I can acknowledge that Percy Jackson makes Annabeth very happy. I say yes to sending him back to Earth." Percy blew out a breath of relief.

"Why should he get special privileges," Ares growled. "He's still just a disrespectful punk who got lucky a few times."

"Just because he bested you, does not give you the right to keep him in misery," Artemis said lightly. Ares's hand flew to his sword.

"Bested me? You little-"

"Oh darling, be quiet," Aphrodite snapped. "He would be so much more fun if he's mortal again. I have no control over his love life as a god."

"Stay out of my love life," Percy said in a low growl. "It's just fine without you meddling."

"You talkin' to my woman like that, Jackson?"

"She's actually MY wife, Ares," Hephestus snarled. "And I agree with him. Stay out of his life. That should go for all of us. We gods meddle in the affairs of mortals too much."

"Because we CAN," Nemesis sneered. "We're gods!"

"And that gives us the right to to do whatever we want?" Apollo stepped forward. "If my time as a mortal taught me anything, it's that we gods think too highly of ourselves."

"Apollo," Artemis hissed to her brother.

"Perhaps you need about a hundred more years on Earth as Lester Papadopoulos, to learn more lessons," Hera said lightly. Apollo paled and stepped back beside his sister.

"So why are we arguing like this? If we have already voted to make Percy one of us before, we can always vote to send him back," Hecate shrugged nonchalantly.

"Isn't this why we didn't let minor gods join us on Olympus in the first place," Ares said nastily. Hecate's eyes flashed and black smoke formed in her hand.

"Hecate is right," Persephone shook her head. "Percy did a great deal for the gods as a demigod. And it is not like he asking for immortality, just the chance to return to his mortal life."

"Will your husband turn his head, and revoke his claim on Percy's soul," Athena asked softly.

"You could ask him yourself," Persephone said testily.

"Thank you, my love," Hades nodded. "Since none of you have asked my opinion or if I would be merciful to the young god, I am inclined to just stay out of it."

"That's what you're best at," Demeter muttered.

"Mother, please," Persephone rolled her eyes.

"Lord Hades," Percy stepped forward before anyone else could speak. "Will you allow me to live on Earth as a mortal and claim my soul when the Fates have decided it is my time to die?"

"I would, Percy," the god said, surprisingly gentle. "If the decision were mine, I would of course tell you to return to Earth to be with your love." For one brief moment, hope filled the young god's sea-green eyes as they flew to Annabeth. But his bright smile fell and he shook his head.

"Wait. What do you mean, if the decision were yours? Zeus said it would be up to you."

"That shows you how much my brother does not pay attention," Hades shot Zeus a glare. "And it proves that Zeus believes the gods control one's fate."

"But...oh." Percy's face fell and Hades nodded.

"Your thread of life is a complex one. Technically, as a god, it cannot be cut but your mortal thread, the thread that Clotho created on her spindle, has been cut. It was actually cut before we reached you, Percy Jackson." Annabeth gasped, her hands covering her mouth and Percy shook his head in disbelief.

"I wasn't...I didn't…"

"I had sent Thanatos to retrieve your soul, my boy. It was I who alerted your father, and he in turn went to Athena, to devise a plan to save you. Making you immortal was the only way to save even a part of you. It's that part that continues to travel between Olympus and Earth, to visit your love. It's also the part that makes you hunger for mortality and all that comes with it. I wish I could help you, Percy. I truly do." Percy's heart sank and his head hung.

"Can't we ask the Fates to just, you know, remake his thread of life," Hephestus asked, his hands twitching as if weaving something.

"That would upset the balance of life in a horrible way," Athena shook her head, her grey eyes resting on Percy. "I'm sorry, Percy. "

"So that is that," Zeus said solemnly.

"No, it isn't," Annabeth stepped into the circle and Percy's eyes widened. "I know you don't want to ask, Percy, but you know how much I love you. I don't care about being normal or whatever… you're all I need. If you ask me...I would leave my mortal life behind to be with you." Percy gaped as Aphrodite and a few other

goddesses released little breathy sighs. He glanced at them before moving toward her and taking her hands.

"You would do that?"

"I would do anything to keep you in my life," she said softly.

"Victory belongs to the most persevering," Nike chanted from the side. Athena nodded in agreement. Percy cleared his throat.

"Um, maybe we can go somewhere and talk-"

"Hang on. Now the punk is asking us to grant immortality to someone else?" Quite a few of the gods glared at Ares, who cocked his head. "Why should we grant these privileges to just a couple of kids?"

"My daughter is not "a kid"," Athena said angrily.

"Nor is my son," Posiedon crossed his arms. "He is, in fact, still a god."

"Whatever. Why should we make the girl a goddess, other than to make sure Jackson has a permanent bed mate?"

"Listen you piece of-" Annabeth grabbed Percy's arm to keep him from leaping at the war god. Ares's eyes flashed and flames danced in his eyes.

"Oh let him go, little girl. I'd love to see how quickly he can regenerate after I incinerate him."

"Ares, that's enough," Hera spat, shocking Percy and Annabeth. "As the Goddess of Marriage, Home, and Family, your taunting of these two lovers is getting on my nerves!"

"Sorry Mother," Ares muttered, looking furious at being called out by his mother.

"What do you think of this, Hera, my dear," Zeus gestured toward the couple.

"I think she would make a powerful goddess and they would make a powerful couple."

"We need not necessarily make her a goddess," Hypnos pointed out. "We could grant her immortality and she would simply exist."

"A child of Athena is too costly to just exist," Nike shook her head. "And this demigod has done much for the gods." There was a murmur of assent and Apollo huffed.

"Percy Jackson did much for the gods as well, and we made him immortal."

"Percy is a unique case," Hecate said delicately.

"And still here," Percy scowled. "As is Annabeth."

"We have made immortal wives before," Hebe gestured toward Ariadne, who silently stood by her husband's side. "Ariadne has no powers. She just exists." Dionysus scowled and clutched his wife's hand.

"Watch yourself. Ariadne does not just exist. She gives me great happiness."

"Lovely. But how is that useful to anyone?"

"Love is the only weapon we need," Aphrodite said, batting her eyes while Artemis rolled hers.

"We could very well make Annabeth his immortal wife, without making her a goddess."

"I agree that making my daughter immortal with no powers would be a foolish waste," Athena addressed her father.

"What could we possibly bestow upon her," Aphrodite said sassily. "You are already the Goddess of Wisdom."

"Among other things," Athena said through gritted teeth. "But if we do not grant her powers, Annabeth should remain mortal, so she may continue her great works."

"But… Lady Athena, I thought-"

"She has extraordinary talent, Percy. Surely you recognize that."

"Of course I do. But you're confusing me. You said you wanted me to make her my immortal wife. Now you have conditions?"

"I can understand what Athena is saying, Percy," Apollo mumbled. "Annabeth is powerful, in both strength and mind. She has a bright future ahead of her, that much is clear to anyone."

"So will the god of prophecy bestow some wisdom upon us," Ares rolled his eyes and inspected his filthy fingernails. "Tell us what reason we would have to welcome another goddess in our midst." Apollo's eyes darted from Percy to Annabeth, then to the ground.

"There isn't one," he said heavily, looking pained. "I'm sorry, Percy. But Annabeth is destined for some amazing things and that's only if she remains mortal."

"The all-knowing god of prophecy has spoken," Ares exclaimed mockingly, holding out his hands. "Now can we get back to our normal size? I have a sudden itch to stomp on some mortals."

"We should at least vote-" Hera started but Zeus stood up.

"Meeting adjourned except for Ares," he said thickly. Ares started to protest but Percy grabbed Annabeth's hand and yanked her toward the gardens. She heard thunder booming behind her and had a feeling he had just saved her from being incinerated.

A nymph bounded from a tree to a bush in front of them and he held her hand until they reached his father's garden. In the back corner was a statue of a trident, with a smaller trident beside it. Water trickled out of the statue, and there was a bench underneath it. A willow tree grew above, providing shade and making it a tranquil spot. Annabeth smiled weakly.

"I guess you like the garden that I designed for you."

"It's my thinking spot."

"Oh so you don't use it a lot then?" He narrowed his eyes and tugged her down onto his lap.

"I'm sorry you had to see all of that."

"How are you feeling?" Her hand went to his stomach and she searched for blood but found no trace. The wound had closed completely. He shrugged.

"I'm a fast healer now."

"I thought you were dying all over again." He pressed his forehead to hers and closed his eyes.

"I was. And I didn't want you to see it."

"Hestia came to me and said I could save you. She said it had to be my choice."

"She knew I wasn't going to ask you. I can't ask you to do that, Annabeth."

"Percy, Jason told me how you feel...about marriage. And I want you to know, I meant what I said. I would do anything to keep you. That being said, you have to know that this doesn't change anything. We will make it work, like we always have."

"Seven years, love. It's been seven years of 'making it work'. Aren't you tired-"

"No," she said sharply. "Don't you dare even think it. It has been seven years of wonder and love. Actually, it's been 11 years."

"Oh my gods, 11 years? No wonder Piper asked me what the hell I was waiting for."

"I can't be an immortal wife...but I could be a mortal one, if you are ok with that." He gazed up at her, admiration and respect and love swirling around in his eyes.

"Did you just propose to me?"

"No Seaweed Brain, I still expect an amazing proposal from you." He grinned and pulled her in for a kiss.

"Marry me, Annabeth Chase."

"You can do better than that, Percy. Besides, our best friends got engaged today. You're just-"

"Be my wife," he cut her off. "You've been watching over me since you nursed me back to health my first day at Camp Half-Blood. I need you to continue watching

over me to make sure I don't mess up."

"Well that's a full time job," she smirked.

"Give me a little girl who looks just like you. The same blonde hair and stormy eyes, a little princess I can dote on like Estelle. But you'll teach her how to kick ass."

"They'll have to create a cabin for you at Camp Half-Blood," she joked.

"We can train her at home. Together. I may not always be around but I will always come back to you. I will always come home to you. Your little apartment on Earth is more of a home than Mount Olympus could ever be, and it's because you're there waiting for me. You're my home, Annabeth."

"Now that's a proposal," she said quietly and he slid off the bench and knelt in front of her. He opened his hand and the most stunning blue jewel sparkled in his palm.

"Percy!"

"Will you become Mrs. Seaweed Brain?" She snorted and took his face in her hands.

"Remind me why I love you so much."

"The list is too long. Is that a yes?" She nodded frantically and held out her hand. He slid the ring onto her slender finger and pulled her hand to his lips. She held her hand out in front of her to admire the beautiful ring; A blue diamond wrapped around a string of smaller diamonds in the shape of a wave.

"I may have asked Hades to find me the rarest, most beautiful diamond of all."

"And where was it?"

"The bottom of the ocean. I retrieved this ages ago, but just didn't know how to ask you. You kept saying you wished we were normal and I realized that would never happen… so I just kept it in my pocket. When Jason asked me about proposing to Piper last night, it killed me. Cause I just wanted to run in there and ask you. And so this morning...it hurt even more, to hear that you didn't want me to try. I'm sorry I ran out like that."

"I understand why you did," she stroked his cheek, her hand remaining there. "Jason actually helped me understand a little bit. I don't ever want you to feel like you're not enough for me, ok?"

"Ok," his hand covered hers and he smiled. "Do you want to go back to my palace and celebrate?"

"Tonight we'll celebrate. Tomorrow we'll go around and give everyone our news. And you can explain to Jason why you stole his thunder."

No this isn't the end, we still have a few chapters to go :) Just wanna address a few things!

a LOT of you have been messaging asking why Percy doesn't just make her his immortal wife. Hopefully this chapter gives you an idea of what I was thinking. Who's to say what the gods would do? But here, they believe Annabeth is more useful as a demigod than another goddess. What has Uncle Rick taught us, it's that the gods are pretty much always thinking about themselves and how someone can be useful to them!

Secondly, when it comes to Ariadne, there are lot of different versions of her story. She is actually said to be the goddess of paths and labyrinths, but in the books, she is just an immortal wife, not an actual goddess. I hadn't even realized there was a difference until I started to do research, haha. But it makes sense, and worked well with the argument between the gods about what to do with Annabeth.

Obviously those who have read ToA are going "umm something's not right" and you would be correct. Since there are more books to come, however, I just pretended that Apollo served his time and is back with the gods. Since this is really about Percabeth, I sort of try to gloss over without leaving him out completely.

Hope you enjoyed this one- it's one of my favorites actually! Have a great weekend! :)