Chapter 4

Percy POV:

Annabeth excused herself to go the washroom and Thalia followed her in. Was it just me or did Annabeth seem a bit upset about my date with Rachel? It didn't mean anything serious to me, she asked me out and there was no reason for me to not go. And I wanted to see if I could enjoy myself out with a girl who wasn't Annabeth. I wanted to move on if I could.

She could never like me back. Could she? While all of this was going on in my head, Reyna banged her hand down in front of me. 'You fucking dumbass, why are you going on a date with someone who's not Annabeth?' she asked in a threatening whisper. Oh, I forgot to mention, Thalia and Reyna know about my little (huge) crush on Annabeth.

'It's not like she likes me back! I want to know if it's even possible for me to move on or if I'm going to pining after her forever.' I replied, in a whisper.

'You haven't even tried to ask her out. You don't even know if she likes you back or not. Maybe give it a try before jumping to conclusions. You know a little thing like you being in love with her could never come in between your friendship. You've been friends for 17 fucking years, Perce. You guys haven't known life without each other. Give her a chance, give yourself a chance, goddammit. Thalia and I have been clear with each other about every single emotion we've felt since we've been in a relationship, which is the only reason why we don't fight. At all. And we still have a healthy relationship. I know you guys have that potential relationship. Don't give it up for something as dumb as being nervous that she might not like you back. And trust me, the way she looks at you, That is a huge might.'

Reyna winked at me and went back into their kitchen. I was left a bit speechless, to be honest. Reyna and I have a different connection, she's always able to sort me out. And thank god for her, because I've made up my mind. I'm going to cancel on the date with Rachel and ask out Annabeth this weekend.

…

Annabeth POV:

As soon as I reached the washroom, I broke down. I heard the restroom door open and then close. Then I felt two arms envelope me. 'Shhh, it's okay babe, trust me, it's all going to sort out itself.'

I turned to her and tried to compose myself. I finally took a long breath and wiped away my tears. 'I'm so fucking stupid,' I whispered to myself. Thalia looked at me then grabbed my shoulders.

'Okay, look, you can't blame him for going on dates. You haven't confessed to him. It's not his fault for wanting to go out with people who aren't you. But you know what? You haven't tried to ask him out. The ball is so totally in your court. Also, if, by any chance, he doesn't return your feelings, there's no way that would affect your friendship. I mean, the bond formed by being best friends for 17 fucking years, Annabeth, is pretty fucking strong, There's no way it's going to be broken by you being in love with him. You literally have never lived without each other. You know how fucking close you are? I mean, the only reason Reyna and I have such a healthy relationship is because we talk about everything, even conflicting views have been solved amicably. You know what that results in? Not one fight in which we've felt like it's the end of our relationship. You know I see you and Percy like that. That couple, the couple whose communication game is so strong that they've never ever even questioned being together. So don't give that up, please. Not for something as dumb as being nervous about the fact that he might not like you back. Because judging by the way he looks at you, the only actual reason he's going on that date, is to try and get over you.'

Thalia winked at me and left through the door. I was kind of awestruck at how easily Thalia just said everything that made me feel better. I love her and I'm so grateful for her, because if Percy can't make it on Saturday, we're going on Sunday. And under our tree is where I will tell him I love him.