SO sorry for the long wait, life's been hectic. Hope you enjoy this chapter! The next is already being written :)

Chapter 10

Annabeth

Annabeth was filled with so many thoughts as she ran along the waterfront. Her thoughts seemed to be consumed with Percy. Ever since the night they were snowed in, it's like his name has been engraved in her mind. She was constantly thinking about what he was up to, if could ever be together, if he has feelings for her. She knew by now her feelings for him were real and strong. Almost too strong, they scared her. How? She asked herself, skidding to a stop. It was cold enough to see her breath. It was only a few hours until Percy's father's Christmas gala, she had to calm her nerves and get moving. Looking at the Brooklyn skyline, she shook her head, how do I like him so much? Why? We spent one night together.

Whatever she was feeling, she's never felt this way with Luke. With Luke, it was a steady feeling. A comfortable feeling. What she was feeling for Percy was all consuming. It made her heart ache. She has to tear her eyes away from him and steady her breathe.

Her thoughts made her sick, she's never felt this way before and it just seemed way too much. She took her phone out and immediately called Thalia.

Ten minutes later, she had arrived at her apartment just as Silena and Thalia did. Thalia smirked at her, "lets turn you into a little blonde princess and talk about your feelings."

In an hour, Annabeth was showered and sitting a chair while Thalia blow dried her hair and Silena did her makeup.

"Okay, so tell me again," Silena demanded, almost giddy.

Annabeth groaned, "I told him I'm glad we're friends. But now… I think I want to be more than friends. I think I scared him away."

"Annabeth, why did you say that? But also, Percy would be insane to be scared away by that and not you having a literal boyfriend." She laughed.

Silena nodded, "she has great point. Now, though, he might want to respect the boundaries that you want him to cross." Silena applied a gloss to her lips.

Annabeth sighed and spoke through her pursed lips, "maybe this is for the best. I shouldn't jump into anything so quick after Luke."

Silena surveyed Annabeth's face, "you look so good. And, Annabeth, I think you should listen to your heart, not what you think is right. Now put on your dress."

A couple minutes later, Annabeth stared at herself in the mirror, a bit taken aback. Her makeup was light and natural, it made her look effortlessly beautiful (even though Silena took half an hour to do it). Her hair fell in soft curls past her shoulders and framed her face just right. Rachel actually sent her a link to this dress, an off the shoulder, forest green satin gown with a ruched detail and front hem slit that stopped mid thigh. It fit her just right.

Silena put a gold necklace around Annabeth's neck, "it'll show off your amazing collarbones."

Annabeth laughed while putting on small gold hoops, "is that a thing?"

"Men love a good clavicular," Thalia answered, nodding. "You look gorgeous, Annabeth. Percy is going to be head over heels."

Annabeth frowned, "do I want him to be head over heels? I don't know if this is a good idea."

Thalia and Silena groaned, "Girl, understand that Percy has been so into you since you've met. The amount of times I've heard him mention you to Charlie, the times he snuck a look at you while we were together, the look on his face every time Luke was an ass to you." Silena practically yelled.

Annabeth looked in the mirror again, suddenly very very nervous. "It just… I don't know. This is feels… intense. Like if this doesn't work out… I don't know if I'd be able to handle it.

Thalia grabbed her shoulders and gave her a light shake, "you are not the type to be afraid. Of anything, especially a man. Go with the flow. Trust your feelings, trust who you are."

In that moment, Annabeth's phone chimed. It was Percy, cars outside. cant wait for you to get here. also, sorry in advance for the car.

When she stepped outside, she didn't see an Uber or Taxi. She reached for her phone to dial Percy when she heard a "Miss Annabeth Chase?"

Annabeth laughed out loud in disbelief. There was a limo waiting for her. A sleek black fancy, Cadillac limo. She was led inside and could only shake her head. There was a bar loaded with expensive bottles of champagne, snacks, and water. Considering the bit of traffic they were going to hit, Annabeth poured herself a glass of champagne and got comfortable.

—-

When she arrived, she was three glasses in. Her nervousness got the slight better of her. The driver opened the door and led her to the several-stories-high hotel's doorman, who then led her into the elevator, to where the gala was being held.

At this point, Annabeth is very confused. She had no idea the party would be this extravagant. The elevator opened up to a huge ballroom. Soft music played while people chatted and clinked glasses. A couple people were dancing, twirling through the space. The chandeliers casted a soft glow on everyone. Annabeth recognized a few well known New York faces but her eyes looked for one particular face.

And she found him. Her eyes landed a dark haired guy wearing a dark grey suit. His tousled hair a little more kept than usual. His expression, usually amused, excited, or annoyingly relaxed, was nervous. His eyebrows were furrowed and he looked a bit uncomfortable. His hands were in his pockets and he occasionally looked at his watch. He started backing up, as if trying to disappear into the wall behind him, when his eyes flew to the door, where Annabeth stood. Instantly, his face lit up.

Annabeth's heart skipped a beat. She felt as if everything slowed down. The music playing sounded muffled. He made his way over to her, never breaking eye contact. A smile crept onto his face, making her grin. He got closer and she felt like the air was being sucked out of her lungs.

He finally reached her. He gingerly placed his hand on her right forearm, as if nervous to touch her. Even the small, innocent gesture shot lightening down her back. He leaned into her a bit, studying her face, his eyes never leaving hers and his smile never wavering.

"You're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen," he said softly. She felt her cheeks get warm and couldn't think of anything to say. He cleared his throat, seemingly embarrassed by the comment, and removed his hand from her forearm. She suddenly felt cold, like something was missing. "How was the ride here?"

She began to get her bearings back. "Fine," she breathed, her voice sounding a bit hoarse. She smiled at him, "you know how to treat a lady, I guess. A limo?"

He rubbed the back of his neck, grinning in a shy way, "it was my dad's idea, sorry about that."

"No, it's fine," she laughed.

The two just stared at each other, both unsure of what to say. All Annabeth could think was how much she wanted to wrap her arms around him, how much she just wanted to be in his embrace. She felt such a strong urge to hold his hand, to tell him all her deepest thoughts, to run her fingers through his messy hair.

Almost like he was reading her mind, he took her hand, making her take in a breath and wonder if he was actually reading her mind. "Let's get a drink," he said as he led her though the crowd, and she noticed several people snuck glances at him. Few people whispered.

"That's his son, from before he was married," she heard a voice say.

Percy seemed to hear it, too, he glanced over at whoever said it, and Annabeth couldn't read his expression. Was it shame? Embarrassment? Anger?

They stopped by the bartender and hors d'oeuvres table, and he cleared his throat. The look on his face cleared and he gave her an easy smile, it was enough to make her internally swoon.

"What would Annabeth like today?" He asked, grinning.

Annabeth laughed, "maybe a glass of Prosecco?"

"Perfect choice," he winked and ordered two glasses from the bartender, who happily poured them two glasses of what Annabeth knew was very expensive bubbly.

They stood quietly, watching people twirl with the music and laugh over drinks. It was comfortable, Annabeth decided, an easy and comfortable silence that they shared. A few feet away, an older woman tried to flirt with a busboy and immediately Annabeth and Percy looked at each other and laughed.

"Oh gods, is this what you do with your free time? Fancy parties, watch old ladies attempt to be cougars?" Annabeth laughed, sipping her drink.

Percy shook his head, smiling, "as riveting as all this is, I actually haven't been to one of my dad's events in years. I don't think these kind of people know what to think about my dad having a kid with someone like my mom. They make… assumptions about who she is, who I am. The circumstances of the situation. Many of the people here think we're a gold-digging pair of lowly New Yorkers. I try to stay away." He kept his smile, although his eyes a bit more downcast now as he scanned the room.

Annabeth didn't respond right away, but she knew what it felt like to not fit in. She spent most of her teen years running from her family.

"I'm proud of you," she said, finally. Percy glanced over at her with his sad sea green eyes and she couldn't help blush and look away, "it takes a lot to come here, face all these people. Knowing what they think and choosing to still be here for your dad."

He studied her for a few moments, then let out a breath, "you make me sound braver than I am," he muttered, taking a sip of his Prosecco, "if you weren't here, I wouldn't be here. If you weren't here, I'd probably be trying to get to wherever you are." Annabeth looked back at him, almost shocked at how casually he says these sort of things. Seeing how taken aback she was, he smiled again, "thanks for coming. I mean it."

She didn't get a chance to respond because the energy in the room shifted. Everyone gave a small round of applauds. The host arrived. He was a handsome older man, and Annabeth could definitely see the resemblance. He had his fathers eyes, and the same wind swept hair with curled ends. Although, his was a salt and pepper version of Percy's hair. He wore a white button up with a few buttons undone, and a black matching suit and pants. He looked as easy going as Percy usually did, and had deep smile wrinkles.

On his arm was a beautiful woman with long dark hair and pale skin, in a simple dark green gown. Behind them a younger man, maybe a few years older than Percy, he looked just like the woman next to his dad. Annabeth assumed this was Percy's step brother. They said a few hellos as they made their way to the front of the room, by the bar. A server handed the three of them glasses of champagne, and Percy's father cleared his throat for a speech.

"Thank you all for coming today, drink eat, dance, be merry. I'm so happy to have my closest friends and colleagues here to spend this holiday with. And, more than anything, I'm thankful that my family is here, together, at last," eyes shifted to Percy as his father held his arm out his way, inviting him to stand up with them. Percy seemed to freeze, unsure of what to do. Annabeth grabbed his hand and gave him a little squeeze, he seemed to relax. With a shallow breath, he made his way over to his father.

He put a hand on Percy's shoulder, "my son," he said, smiling. His step-mother smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes. The step-brother sipped his drink. His father turned back to the crowd, "happy holidays! Let's drink!"

Everyone cheered as the music was turned up. Annabeth couldn't help but smile and laugh, his father's energy was contagious. She watched the four of them interact curiously. The step brother said hello and promptly disappeared into the party. His step mother rubbed his shoulder, said a few words, and disappeared among the crowd.

Percy's dad gave him a big, long hug and then said a few words to him, keeping his hands on his shoulders. They spoke for a few minutes, then Percy seemed to get a bit shy at something his dad said. He smiled and his eyes met Annabeth's, who raised an eyebrow. He looked back at his dad and Annabeth read his lips, "yeah, I'll introduce you."

They walked over and Annabeth couldn't help but feel self conscious, has Percy told his father about her?

"Annabeth Chase," His father smiled, "it's nice to finally meet you. I'm so glad you decided to join us. Are you enjoying yourself?"

Annabeth smiled politely, "It's great to meet you, too. I'm having a great time, thank you."

He put a hand on her arm, "let me know if you need anything. You're the reason my son decided to grace us with his presence, I owe you one." With a wink, he lifted his glass at Annabeth and Percy, then headed into the crowd who gushed over him.

"He's very charming," Annabeth laughed, sneaking a look at Percy, who looked a bit embarrassed.

Percy shook his head, "I can't believe he called over me in front of everyone. I don't know what he was thinking."

"He's trying to prove to you that he cares about you. Claiming you in front of everyone, I thought it was nice," Annabeth took his hand and he immediately met her eyes, "I think you are worrying about this too much. He clearly seems like his loves you and wants everyone to know. Let's go with the flow and enjoy the party."

"Go with the flow?" He repeated, studying Annabeth's face.

"Mhm."

A smiled crept onto his face, "lets go with the flow and enjoy the party."

And they did. They got a few more drinks danced together. At some point Annabeth was dancing with his father and Percy managed to get a twirl out of his step-mother. His step brother tried to dance with Annabeth but Percy very quickly intercepted and kept her close.

Percy and Annabeth laughed over their shared dinner, they couldn't find a spot at a sit down table so they stood giggling over a high table that only had space for one plate. Annabeth was having such a great time with him. She loved his banter, the way she would spot something awkward happening on the dance floor and would look at him to tell him about it but he was already laughing and nodding, how he kept her close and never kept her out of a conversation.

He included her in everything and when he felt that she needed a break or wasn't feeling the conversation, he politely excused them. How he knew so much about her to do all this, she had no idea, but it made her even more crazy about him.

At some point, they were separated. Annabeth found herself talking to the VP of Design at a major NYC real estate company.

"We're in the midst demolishing but we hope to start construction by summertime,," the VP said, "you've impressed me, Annabeth. If you're looking to, ah, explore other opportunities, give me a call."

Annabeth gingerly took his business card, "thank you, absolutely."

Percy's fingers suddenly interlocked with hers, "can I borrow this incredibly intelligent, Head of Research of Development with over five years of experience, not to mention amazing consulting work for some of the top construction design companies in this wonderful city?" He smiled politely at the VP who gave both of them a knowing smile.

Annabeth's face burned as he shook both of their hands, "Lovely to meet you, Annabeth. Percy, its great to finally meet you as well. I hope we can chat again soon. Enjoy the party."

Annabeth turned to Percy with wide eyes, "this is amazing?"

He grinned at her, "you're amazing."

"How did you know my resume so well?" She poked him with her free hand while he held her other hand.

"I may have stalked your Linkedin like once or ten times," he shrugged.

Annabeth's jaw dropped, "you're insane. Who does that?"

"A man who's concerned about women who lie about their names," he said pointedly, "lets dance."

Annabeth laughed as he led her to the middle of the dance floor, where a slower Christmas song played. A bit shyly, she put her arms around his neck and his hands settled around her waist. Around them, couples moved back and fourth, but Annabeth only had eyes for Percy.

A slow, soft version of Last Christmas played. Annabeth rested her head on in the nook of Percy's shoulder and neck as they swayed, and hummed along with the song. Percy rested his chin lightly on her head and closed his eyes.

"This is nice," Annabeth, said softly, almost surprising herself.

"it is," Percy muttered against her hair.

Annabeth was scared to look up at him, afraid of what might happen. Afraid of what she'll do because she's not sure she's ready. She also knows she's been drinking so she couldn't trust her thoughts.

The music slowed to a stop, as did their dancing. She lifted her head and looked up at him, looking for some clue about what she should do in his sea green eyes. He gazed down at her, looking just as serious as she did. Her heart raced as he leaned down.

Then she pulled away. She took a step back, letting out a shaky breath, "the party's over?" Her voice was small, "I am pretty tired, actually."

She didn't dare look at Percy's face. Her eyes fixed on his father and his step mother who were the only other people left. They sat at a table, sipping champagne and smiling at each other, speaking in hushed tones.

"I'll ride home with you, it's late," Percy said quietly, giving her a small smile. He gave her arm a squeeze. "I'll tell my dad we're heading out."

Annabeth grabbed her coat. She couldn't face him, much less his dad, so she was grateful he was taking over. He was back a few minutes later and the two silently headed out. They stepped into the limo she took at the start of the evening.

They sat in a silence and the tension was thick. Then, there was the thing about New York City traffic on Christmas night. They would be there for a while

Annabeth sat a few feet from Percy and she was beginning to fall asleep. Her head drooped and Percy laughed, waking her up. "Just come over here, why are you over there?" He gestured for her to move over.

She smiled gratefully and moved to sit next to him. He put his arm around her and she leaned her head on him, closing her eyes. She was shocked at how cool he was being, but then again, she wasn't. She knows he's a great guy, a respectful down to earth guy who would never be upset with her for making a choice. As he rubbed her arm, which made her sleepier, she couldn't help but think "why didn't I kiss him?" She wanted to so badly all night then chickened out last minute.

"My dad really liked you," Percy muttered, leaning his head on Annabeth's. "He thinks you're brilliant. A few more conversations with executives in that room and they'll all be throwing their business cards at you.

Annabeth breathed out a laugh, "oh, gods, can you imagine? Working for any of those companies would be a dream."

"You could do it. You'd kill it."

She sighed, "it's scary. Interviewing, possibility of rejection. Possibility of failing. I don't know if I could put myself through it all and be okay with it being anything less than perfect." She found comfort in his steady heartbeat.

"You can't let the fear of imperfection keep you from living your life. I know anything you create will be amazing, perfect or not. And anyway, how will you know what you can achieve if you don't take risks?" Percy replied, a smile in his voice.

Annabeth took that in. How can she achieve anything, including happiness, if she doesn't take risks? She didn't respond to him, just nestled deeper into his chest and let his heartbeat put her to sleep.

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