Annabeth POV
A Secret Santa party without Percy just felt a little bit empty.
I could envision him joking around with everyone and having fun. Furthermore, Percy would make sure that everyone else was feeling good. It was one of his best qualities. However, Percy wasn't here to do that, and I guess I missed him.
The snowstorm was pretty bad. People were still able to drive around locally, but I can understand why the runway would be off-limits.
"Guys, are we gonna make eggnog?" Leo asked. Will nodded his head in excitement.
"We agreed to not have alcohol," Hazel scolded both of them.
"What kind of teen party doesn't have alcohol,"Will countered. You wouldn't think it, but Will is an avid party animal, just like Leo.
I rolled my eyes while placing more chips in the counter. We were in Piper's house because she usually always hosts the parties. House would be an understatement. Piper lived in a mansion, and she loved sharing it with all her friends. The fact that she wasn't a rich, snooty girl made her all the more likable.
The kitchen was directly connected to the huge family room, giving us a lot of room to hang out.
"This is ridiculous! What kind of party is this?" Leo and Will continued. I couldn't help but laugh.
Piper, however, didn't think it was funny. "Both of you just shut the hell up."
Piper grabbed Leo and Will by the ears and pulled them into the living room. At least, I was getting a nice show out of coming to the party. Thalia cheered for Piper to hurt them more, no surprise there. Leo and Will were massaging their ears while finally joined the friend circle on the ground.
It was time for Secret Santa. I really hoped whoever had me brought me a genuine good present. I hate having to pretend to like something.
For instance, I could've won an Oscar for my performance last year. I was so 'happy' when Leo got me an architecture book, one that I already had (note the sarcasm). I'm pretty sure Leo's even seen me reading it beforehand.
"All right, since Percy's not here, I'm just going to break the news and say that Jason won't be getting anything today," Piper explained.
Jason didn't seem to mind though. Knowing Percy, he would've already bought Jason a gift, regardless of Secret Santa. They were best friends and cousins after all.
Beyond that, Secret Santa was enjoyable.
Hazel brought me a nice gray sweater, which I thought was pretty for me. I appreciated her for buying me something I'd actually use. The funniest present came from Leo to Frank. Chinese Handcuffs. Frank ended up getting stuck in them, causing everyone to laugh at his embarrassed face. Eventually, I had to teach him how to escape from the handcuffs.
After Secret Santa, the party died down. Movies were playing in the background, but people were still chatting through them.
I was just finishing a conversation with Rachel. I'd say Rachel and Percy were back on speaking terms. There relationship was a little strained, but they'd be okay. When you're genuinely friends, you can get through some hard times together.
It's great that Rachel was able to set aside her emotions and stay supportive of Percy. She was a really good friend to have.
Rachel left to talk to Hazel about art club when Jason and Thalia approached.
"You're missing Percy, aren't you?" Jason asked quietly. Thalia listened for my answer as well.
I blushed. "What makes you say that?"
"You're quieter than usual, Annie," Thalia said. "We're missing our cousin too. You've gotten closer to Percy, so it's easy to assume."
"Umm...yeah, I guess," I murmured.
Jason and Thalia shared a glance and seemed to have a whole conversation like how some siblings do. It frustrated me that I couldn't figure out what they were thinking. Ugh, I hate not knowing things.
"What?" I asked abruptly.
"Nothing. We're just not opposed to you getting even closer to Percy. It's surprising that nothing happened yet between you two, especially considering the camping trip," Thalia smirked.
My cheeks burned as I stared at them. How did they know about Percy's and my moment. "Did Percy tell you?" I demanded a straight answer.
"No, genius. You both were gone for so long, and we came searching for you," Thalia said. Jason was smiling knowingly. "It was a whole hour. You guys were cuddling in each other's arms for a whole damn hour."
"It didn't feel that I long," I mumbled. "Also, we were just sharing a blanket."
"When are you going to share a bed?" Thalia asked, teasing me further.
My jaw dropped while Jason laughed. It was stupid how much he was enjoying my embarrassment. Besides, I'm not sharing a bed with Percy. We weren't like that. Neither of us admitted to having any feelings for each other.
"I- I don't-"
"It's time that you stop denying it and face the truth. Just be honest with yourself," Thalia said.
"HEY, that's the advice I gave Percy," Jason commented.
My mind raced with wonder for the rest of the weekend. Percy didn't leave my thoughts. They were suggesting that I like Percy, and that the feelings were mutual. But, I just couldn't believe it.
There's no way, right?
...
Whoever was ringing my doorbell has no patience. They kept pressing the button non-stop.
"WHAT IS YOUR PROBLEM?" I shouted, throwing the door open.
"Seaweed Brain," I said startled.
He was standing in gray sweats and a big blue jacket. It was snowing outside again, and it was evident that Percy was very cold. His arms were hugging his body as he shivered.
Another gust of cold air blew into my house. I quickly grabbed Percy's arm and pulled him inside.
"Sorry about ruining your doorbell so much," Percy's teeth chattered as he spoke. "I was just really cold. I came back from warm Florida just a few hours ago."
"You got a flight on Christmas Day?" I asked.
"Yeah, mom and I wanted to spend the holiday with Paul and Estelle. We can't NOT spend Christmas together," Percy expressed. He blew into his hands to warm himself up.
I took his hands and rubbed them with mine. Percy has big hands, but they still felt soft in between my fingers. It was really cold outside because of the snowstorm, and it didn't help that it was close to 9:30 on a windy night.
Percy's gaze locked on our intertwined hands; he was smiling at me.
"Gods, you're freezing," I commented. "Why'd you even come here so late?"
"I brought you a present from Florida," Percy said. For the first time, I noticed the bag he set down next to him. "I delivered Jason and Thalia's presents first, so that's why I'm running so late."
"What did you get me?"
Percy smiled while handing me the bag. I pulled the box out of the bag and held it in my hands. It was a cubical container that was about a foot in length on all sides. It was wrapped by cheap Christmas paper.
I pulled him closer to my dining room. I set the bag on the table first before unwrapping my present.
"You didn't have to get me anything," I said. I kinda felt bad because I didn't have anything for him.
"It's not a big deal. I saw it at the gift shop, and I thought you'd like it."
I grinned while my hands continued working against he wrapping. He had been thinking about me even thousands of miles away. "Congratulations on your performance at Winter Nationals by the way. I saw some of the highlights on tv."
"Thanks," Percy replied humbly.
I opened my present to find a glass container sitting on a wooden plaque. Inside the stand was a replica of the Cinderella Castle from magic kingdom. The model was almost an exact replica of the castle, and it looked beautiful, glistening under my house lights.
Looking at the key staple of Disney World remind me of my time there when I was younger. My mom and I had such a great time, and all those fond memories came rushing back.
I set the present on the table. Tears sparkled in my eyes while gazing at my gift.
"Oh no, you weren't supposed to cry," Percy said, concern in his voice and tone. "I just thought that you'd like a momento of better times with your mom. People are too quick to focus on the bad and forget the good. I thought you could remember the good times."
I shook my head and threw my arms around him. Percy staggered a step back in surprise, but I felt his hands tentatively wrap around me.
"I love it so much, Seaweed Brain," I wshispered. "Thank you."
I pulled back. His comforting hands were resting on my waist while his sea-green eyes locked onto mine. I could get lost in those eyes.
"Im glad you like it. The Cinderella Castle looks like it was made my magic, not physics. Since your a huge architecture geek, maybe you can walk me through the castle's design sometime..."
"That sounds like something you'd enjoy even though I probably won't understand a thing," Percy joked.
I couldn't take it anymore.
I couldn't take how sweet and adorable Percy was. He was just so amazing for me.
He creates such a good balance in my life. And, he always know how to make me feel better. I knew I needed Percy to be with me.
Percy was still talking, but I wasn't listening anymore.
Instead my face moved towards him before my lips captured his. It's hard to describe the best kiss of your life. Fireworks, butterfly, magic, you name it.
Percy hesitated at first, but then, I felt his mouth move against mine, deepening the kiss. Right then, something exploded in my mind, and I knew that I could kiss him for the rest of my life. I wanted to just stay with him, kiss home whenever I wanted, and be in his embrace.
His forehead rested against mine as we caught our breath, which was mixing in the small gap separating us. Heat spread between our bodies.
I smiled while looking into his gorgeous eyes. They were sparkling with life.
"Woah.." Percy whispered, melting my heart with a smile.
"Yeah, agreed," I breathed out.
...
Just so y'all know, I've been to Disney World once, and it truly is a magical place.
I love Disney.
Anyway, did y'all enjoy this romantic chapter?
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