As Percy stands waiting for the ceremony to begin, he can't help but look at the first row of seats on Annabeth's side of the aisle. She hates me, he hates me, she stole a year of my life, he's thinking as he goes down the row god by god.
"Stop looking over there," Grover whispers in his ear.
"I can't help it," Percy whispers back, "They all hate my guts."
"Doesn't matter what they think," Grover whispers back, "Look at the other side."
Percy follows his best man, rather satyr's, advice. Loves me, loves me, loves me, Lady Hestia! When he sees the last person in the row, she waves her fingers at him and smiles. He can't help himself. He waves back and gives her a big smile.
"Told you that side was better," Grover whispers.
"Thanks man," Percy says, as Rachel now starts up the aisle.
When Rachel gets about halfway up the aisle, Thalia starts up after her. Percy gives her a grin. She sticks her tongue out at him. He starts to chuckle, which prompts her dad to turn and look at her to see what's going on with his daughter. She sticks her tongue out at him too, but he doesn't laugh back at her.
By the time Annabeth is ready to start up the aisle on her father's arm, Percy is standing to one side of Aphrodite with Grover and Tyson beside him, while Thalia and Rachel are standing on the other side. All of them are smiling at Annabeth. She is so lost in Percy's smile that she doesn't even notice she's walking up the aisle. It isn't until her father kisses her cheek and says, "I love you baby," that she snaps back to reality. She takes Percy's hand and stands to face him.
"Dearest loved ones," Aphrodite starts, "Perseus and Annabeth have asked all of you here today to be a part of the celebration of their love. At this time, I am required to ask that if anyone here believes these two should not be married to speak up, but if you know what's good for you…" everyone is looking at Athena, but she waives her hand, so Aphrodite continues.
"Perseus and Annabeth, you have been through a lot in your young lives, but your love for each other has seen you through. What you share is special and should always be cherished. Never take for granted how lucky you are to be marrying the love of your life," she tells them, which prompts a few knowing snickers from the attendees. "You have written your own vowels. You may exchange them now."
Percy, holding Annabeth's hands, starts, "Annabeth Chase, from the day we meet, I knew you were special. It took me a while to figure out just how special…"
"You've got that right," Clarisse says, maybe a little louder than she intended since Chris shushes her.
Percy shoots Clarisse a look that says toilet water then continues. "Our lives have been woven together by fate and by love. In my heart, I know that the love is what has gotten us through everything, well your brains have helped a lot too," he says with a loving smile. Annabeth blushes a little.
"Today I take you for my wife. I promise to always love you, protect you, and respect you as my life partner," he says as he gives her hands a little squeeze.
"Perseus Jackson," Annabeth starts, "I wasn't sure about you when we first met. Since we were only twelve, there was no way I thinking about this happening someday, but I knew you were the very special person I had been waiting for, the person who would change my life. I couldn't have been more right. On this day, I take you as my husband. I promise to love you, protect you, and respect you as my life partner."
"Perseus, do you take Annabeth to be your lawfully wedded wife?" Aphrodite asks.
"I do," Percy says proudly.
"Annabeth, do you take Perseus to be your lawfully wedded husband?" Aphrodite asks her.
"I do," Annabeth says sweetly.
Aphrodite then waives her hand over their hands and their wedding bands now appear on their fingers. She then continues, "These rings will forever symbolize your love for and commitment to one another.
"Guess that doesn't apply to her," Zeus says with a chuckle only loud enough to be heard by those closest to him.
"Like you're one to talk," his wife says giving him a nasty look.
Aphrodite continues, unaware she's being made fun of, "By the power vested in me by the gods, I now bless your marriage and pronounce you husband and wife. Percy you may kiss your bride."
Percy gently kisses Annabeth while most of the wedding guests clap for them.