The clock ticked. A stray bird chirped. Out the window, a light but distracting breeze flowed through the curtains inside, to where a certain couple were studying. When I say studying, I mean Annabeth focussing on history essays and architecture plans and Percy focussing on her strawberry scented hair.
"Percy, are you even listening to me?" Annabeth asked, slightly irritated.
"Yep," Percy lied. No way would he tell his beautiful girlfriend that he was thinking about their anniversary in a few weeks, instead of the detailed history he'd asked about a minute ago. "How about we take a break from studying?"
"Perce, you were the one mentioning exams!" Annabeth exclaimed, mock sighing. "And besides, they are coming up in a week."
"What kind of test would two demigods who helped defeat Gaia need?" Percy wondered. "And, you deserve a break."
A grin appeared on his face. "That's why I booked us a DATE!"
"Aw, thanks Seaweed Brain. Where are we going?"
"The classic," Percy announced. "For cheeseburgers!"
Something in Annabeth's heart melted, after hearing how thoughtful her boyfriend was. He was perfect.
"That's amazing," Annabeth laughed. "Especially since none of us are good cooks. I don't think I'll be able to taste either of our meals again."
Percy agreed. "Let's leave that to Chef Leo the Taco Expert."
"When is it?" Annabeth asked, flashing the cute smile that Percy loved. It had been too long since he last saw it.
"Anytime, my lady," he said, bowing. Unluckily, his laces were undone and Percy tripped and landed on the floor in a heap.
"Percy! Are you okay?"
"Yep," Percy said, grimacing. "We should get ready."
Fifteen minutes later, Percy finished combing his dark unruly hair. Fidgeting, as most ADHD demigods do, he wondered what would happen on their real anniversary. Percy wanted it to be special. He waited for a
To see his beautiful girlfriend was worth the wait.
Annabeth wore some ripped jeans, but not too ripped. Percy recognised them from the Argo II. For a top, she wore a peach crop top with lacy bits at the side. She didn't wear any jewellery, apart from some modest owl earrings. No make-up either. But, that didn't matter to Percy. All that mattered to him was her. Annabeth.
"You look beautiful, Wise Girl," Percy said.
"Aw, thanks, Seaweed Brain," Annabeth smiled. "Your hair looks great."
"Likewise," Percy replied. "Let's go!" He held his hand out and Annabeth took it gracefully.
As the door shut behind them, a page of the essay the daughter of Athena was working on floated to the floor, from the wind of the door shutting.
A waiter at In and Out Burgers greeted them.
"My name is Tobias. What would you like today, Mr Jackson and Miss Chase?" he asked politely.
"Two cheeseburgers," Percy told him before Annabeth could say a word. He knew her so well...
"And two blue slushies," She added. Percy smiled at her gratefully.
"Coming right up!" Sam said cheerfully. "Take a seat!" He whisked off to the kitchen.
"I didn't know In and Out had waiters," Annabeth said to Percy as they sat down.
"They didn't," the son of Poseidon replied sheepishly. "I kind of asked them if they could do something special for you. To make it a really cool date."
"Seaweed Brain!" Annabeth laughed. "That's so sweet." She leaned over and kissed him on the cheek, leaving a certain demigod bright red.
"You deserve it."
"Just wait until our anniversary, then you'll get a big surprise."
"Looks like someone's been busy," Percy commented.
She sighed. "I'm just overworking myself at this point. Like, planning the buildings at Olympus, Camp Half-Blood, Camp Jupiter. I also told Jason I would help him with the temples..." Her voice trailed off at the mention of their dear but dead friend.
"Oh," Percy realised. "You've got to do his work, too..."
"It is partly my fault," Annabeth admitted. "Reyna approached me and said that she would take care of it, as a final respect for Jason, to let me focus on college. But I said no."
"Annabeth..."
"No, it's fine. We've got a break from school anyways, I'll do it then. I think we should focus on what's happening now."
Sam arrived with two cheeseburgers and blue slushies.
"For the special couple," He said with a flourish.
"Thanks," the special couple said in unison.
"Let's eat!" Percy said happily, before taking a huge bite of his cheeseburger. "Oh man these are good."
"Exactly," Annabeth replied, sipping on a blue slushie. "Tastes just like raspberry."
In silence, but not awkward silence, the two ate contentedly. When they paid for their meal, (a tip for such good service) Percy treated Annabeth to a stroll in the nearby park.
"You deserve it," He repeated earnestly.
Their fingers intertwined, Percy and Annabeth walked along the tree-lined pavement.
"I love this," Annabeth said.
"What?"
She laughed quietly to herself. "Peace. Not fighting against crazy old monsters like Kronos or Gaia."
"Well, I know one thing I love, Wise Girl," Percy replied. This was going to be the sweetest thing his girlfriend had ever heard.
"You're gonna say it's me, right?" Annabeth predicted.
The son of Poseidon turned red. "Yep."
"I love you too."