Forever and Always

A/N: I'm so sorry for not updating for so long! I have actually been quite busy with my other fic- Daughter Of Hera, so I haven't actually *uhhm* written much for this fic… to make up for that, I give you my dear readers, this chapter which I'm actually proud of myself! It is dedicated to 'allen r' who gave me the thought to write this chapter! I also thank anybody who reviewed but has not been mentioned because it's y'all who give me the motivation to keep writing!

Disclaimer: I don't own PJO; now can I get on with my story? Thank you very much.

Percy was giving himself a pep-talk. Now, it's not very often that the Hero of Olympus talks to himself so this was obviously quite important. He'd asked Annabeth out on a date and was in the process of getting ready. It wasn't like all the other times he'd taken her to watch a movie and kill some monsters after that, it was supposed to be special! He was going to pop the big question to her tonight.

Hey man, you slew a Minotaur when you were an untrained eleven year old and basically defeated Gaea single-handedly; surely you can manage to ask her to marry you?, he thought and answered himself. No, I can't; this is Annabeth, she can scare you all the way to Hades. He pushed those thoughts away. He was going to do this and he was going to do this right.

He'd booked a table at Del Posto, knowing how much she loved authentic Italian. He was glad he'd gotten a job as a marine biologist with a big environment-friendly corporation; it had helped him make a good home before he could ask her to marry him. Hades, he'd even had his car polished.

He looked at the clock: 6:50 pm. It was time to go if he wanted to reach on time. He locked up his apartment; a nice space in one of the best areas in New York. His father, Poseidon had gifted the deeds to him for his 21st birthday. It had a kitchen with top-of-the-range equipment, a living area with TV, couches, and large airy windows. His bedroom was well-decorated, not too masculine (he hoped to have Annabeth there soon) with an ensuite bathroom. He had an extra bedroom, not done up and a games room with pool table, darts, video game, dance floor and bar. In other words, he was living the good life. Even if it was only because he had a God for a father. He doubted he'd have made it this far otherwise.

He got into the car and revved up the engine. It was a sweet ride, an F12 Berlinetta, in an elegant silver color. He smoothly made his way to the hotel; thanking the Gods there was no traffic. He pulled up near the entrance and walked up to the front desk.

"Good evening, how can I help you?"

"Good evening, could you please call Miss Annabeth Chase for me? I think her room number is 406."

"Of course sir, please take a seat meanwhile."

He was looking at the painting opposite him when he heard the elevator ding and glanced over. His heart skipped a beat as his Annabeth stepped out.

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Annabeth was, for the hundredth time, wondering why Percy had called up out of the blue and asked to prepone their date to day. He'd sounded a little nervous on the phone and his voice had caught more than once. Suddenly, a bad thought struck her. Does he want to break up with me? But I've never done anything to make that happen; I've never been unfaithful, I've answered all his mails and calls, I LOVE him for Zeus' sake! How could this happen? Oh God, Oh God…

She finally got herself to calm down. Percy wouldn't do this to her. She was sure he loved her. She'd just have to be ready for anything now.

She quickly finished the designs for her latest building project at camp and started to get ready. She quickly took a shower and did her makeup, going for a smoky look; applying bronzer, silver eye shadow, mascara and lip-gloss. Now for the dress, she thought ruffling through her closet. Her eyes landed on the perfect dress. It was a stormy grey floor length dress, with a corset for the upper part and billowing skirt covered with silver gauze for the bottom. It brought out her eyes perfectly. She pulled it on and grabbed her silver satin clutch, putting in the date-night essentials. She pulled out a string of pearls, a gift from her mother and a pretty diamond bracelet. After all, Percy had said he had something important to say.

Her attention was diverted by a phone call from the front desk, saying that a young man was waiting for her. He was here. She grinned and made her way down. The lift doors opened to a wonderful sight: her Percy waiting for her in a handsome tux, his hair as untamable as ever and a bouquet of flowers in his hands.

He was smiling now, making his way to her.

"Good evening, madam. It's a pleasure to see you again. You look beautiful." He bowed and kissed her hand. She giggled and curtsied. She allowed him to guide her to the car and open the door for her.

"You're being a perfect gentleman today, Seaweed Brain. What's up?"

"Well, Wise Girl, that's for me to know and you to guess." He smirked and started driving to the restaurant.

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Percy pulled up at the entrance and gave the keys to the valet. He led Annabeth in.

"Table for two, Mr. Jackson."

"Ah! Si, signore, please come."The maitre d' gestured inside and took them to a table near the window, away from the others. He seated them and handed them each a menu.

"So, do you like it?"

"Percy, I love it! You must be spending a lot for dinner here. It's wonderful."

"I'm glad you liked it all."

A waiter came up. "Would you like to order? Perhaps something to drink? We have a good collection of wines."

Annabeth answered. "You can give us anything you think will complement the meal."

"Si, si… and for starters?"

Percy looked at Annabeth. She said,"We'll have the fettuccine rolls. Percy?"

"The antipasto platter and panzanella, please."

"Right away signore."

He walked away to place the orders.

"So, what was so urgent that you had to prepone our date to tonight?"

"You'll see soon. For now, let's enjoy." He grinned mysteriously.

The dinner flew by quickly, up to dessert. The waiter had come up again.

"The special, please." Percy requested the waiter who walked off to get it. "I hope you don't mind me ordering that." Annabeth shook her head.

They didn't have to wait long. The waiter was pushing a cart with a covered dish on it. He put it on the table and left. Percy turned to Annabeth.

"Annabeth, do you remember that night at the beach when you were having nightmares and neither of us could sleep? The night when I held you in my arms for the first time, when we had our first kiss?" She nodded. He continued, "I think about that night every moment of the day." He pulled off the cover of the dish, revealing a beautiful profiterole tower with an oyster shell on top. He took the shell, got up and walked over to her. "I realized recently that I want to fall asleep holding you in my arms every night and wake up to see your face." He got down on one knee and Annabeth gasped.

"So, Annabeth Chase, will you marry me?"

Annabeth stared at him for a second and then slapped him. Hard.

"OW! What was that for?" He said, holding his cheek.

"That, Seaweed Brain, was for making me so nervous; I thought you were breaking up with me!"

"Why would I break up with you, Annie? I love you! So, will you?"

"Yes, you idiot! Of course, I will!"

He grinned and slipped the ring onto her finger. It was a gold band with sea green stones set around a grey one. "I didn't know if you would like anything too fancy so I got this."

"It's wonderful Percy, really. I love you."

"I love you too. Always have, always will. Forever and always."

Then they both sat down and demolished the profiterole tower, hungry-demigod style.