There is an extremely important author's note at the end, but for now, enjoy.
Dates with Annabeth were a rare thing. Between shocking amounts of homework, rebuilding Olympus, and helping at camp, both Percy and Annabeth found their schedules booked. Except for today.
Considering their luck, the date had gone well. It was a crisp fall day in the city. Percy had taken Annabeth to a small café for lunch. Miraculously, he had saved enough money to pay, which made him pretty proud of himself.
After lunch they had planned to go back to Percy's apartment to finish the Harry Potter marathon they had started weeks ago, but Annabeth had different plans.
"The library has the book I need on architecture; it's just two blocks down." Annabeth had already begun walking before Percy had time to say "sure". He had no choice but to follow.
"So," Percy weaved through the crowd behind his girlfriend, "Why do you need-excuse me- a book from here? Isn't it," he paused and said in a softer tone, "on Olympus?"
"They don't have a copy! Can you believe it? A book shop owner said he'd give me a free translation in Greek if I could get him a copy." Annabeth stopped at an intersection, and Percy grabbed her hand so he wouldn't lose her in the crowd. "Apparently no one else will do it for a cheap price, and he is very self conscious about his looks. He doesn't like coming down from Olympus."
"What's wrong with how he looks?" Percy asked.
"…he has tusks." Annabeth replied.
"Oh," Percy said shortly. The walking sign lit up, and the mob of people crossed the street.
Soon they reached the library. Annabeth kept up the brisk pace as she walked inside and to a counter. The sign above the desk looked like it said NOFRT SEKD to Percy.
"Hello, could you help me find Aegean Art and Architecture?" Annabeth asked a woman who was a duty behind the desk. She looked like a stereotypical old librarian.
The woman looked up and sent her a glare. "Lower your voice; you're in a library, girl. And if you need to find a book the computers are that way." The librarian waved her hand in a vague direction and went back to her computer.
Annabeth looked insulted. Before she could start her angry rant, a different voice called.
"I can help you look for a book," A girl about the same age as Percy came around one of the book shelves. She had a lanyard that said "teen volunteer". Her black hair was cut in a pixie cut and she had a petite frame.
The librarian looked disdainfully at the girl, who walked up to Percy and Annabeth. "Mrs. Fowler is good at reading and organizing books, just not at helping people find them. I try to come as fast as I can when I hear or see someone ask for help and the desk, 'cause you saw how helpful Mrs. Fowler is." The girl led them through a maze of shelves to the back of the library. "She also is prejudice against pretty blondes, but I can't blame her, most blondes who come in here are looking for 17 or Teen Vogue." Before Annabeth could retort, the girl pulled a book off a shelf. "Here we go, Aegean Art and Architecture."
She handed the book to Percy, "My name is Catalina, but you can call me Cat."
Percy handed the book to Annabeth who had come to stand beside him. "Um, thanks for your help Cat."
She smiled, "No problem. So what school do you go to?" She directed this question to Percy more than Annabeth.
"Um, I go to Goode-"
"Oh, Percy, look at the time! We should get back to your place soon, nice meeting you Cat!" Annabeth said this all very rushed. She hooked her arm in Percy's and almost dragged him to the exit.
When they were out of the library she walked at such a fast pace Percy couldn't keep up with her. She arrived at the apartment building first and was standing outside his door, arms crossed.
Percy immediately started panicking. His mom had basically taught him Dating 101 when he announced his relationship with Annabeth. Crossed arms meant "angry Annabeth". It meant he did something wrong, but he couldn't figure out what as he unlocked the door and held it open for Annabeth. He chose to remain quiet. One wrong step could result in his doom.
"Sorry,"
"What?" Percy was so absorbed in his own thoughts that he jumped at the sound of Annabeth's voice.
"I shouldn't be mad, but this is the first time a girl was crushing on you in front of me-"
"Wait, crushing?" Percy had never felt so confused.
"Seaweed Brain," She kicked off her shoes, put her bag down and crashed on the couch.
"I don't understand." Percy sat down next to her.
"It's nothing,"
"It's obviously something if you look this worried about it,"
Annabeth sighed; Percy was usually a good boyfriend, sometimes too good. "I was- am- upset that other girls flirt with you and have an interest in you. To put it simply I'm becoming a possessive girlfriend. I guess this is what normal girls get to worry about."
Percy was silent for a second. "Does being bothered by girls flirting with me make you possessive? 'Cause if that's true then I might be, I don't know, what's worse than possessive? Obsessive?"
Annabeth smiled. "Is it silly that we've been dating for such a short time and we are already possessive?"
"I think I was possessive before we started dating,"
"So, is that a bad thing? That we are so attached?"
"Not really, it's not like I'm planning to marry you, not that I don't want to! I mean I don't. Wait, no, I meant I don't want to marry you now. I don't mean that it's certain that we are going to get married but-"
"Percy, I get what you mean." Annabeth pressed her lips against his for a second.
The kiss was meant to be short, but it turned heated. Their lips crashed together. The kiss was fiery and hungry, unlike the sweet and short ones they usually shared. The question of dating etiquette was forgotten.
A blinding flash startled them and a second a later a BOOM shook the apartment. They hit heads and broke apart cursing. Outside gray clouds started pouring rain.
"What do you think is making Zeus so angry?" Annabeth rubbed her head.
"Don't know, really don't care," Percy mumbled. "Maybe Athena made him startle us. Want some ice?"
"I'm fine," Annabeth straightened her shirt. "Let's just start the movie,"
Percy thought the movies were ok, but Annabeth obviously didn't. Every few minutes she would feel the need to pause and explain what actually happened in the book. It was supposed to help Percy understand the story, but it just made him more confused.
As the screen faded to black and the credits started, Percy stretched and yawned. "What time is it?"
Beside him Annabeth rubbed her eyes. She checked her watch. "6:30. I should get going,"
"You sure? My mom and Paul should be back from their friend's house soon. You can stay for dinner."
Annabeth shook her head. "I have some studying to do, Olympus to build, and sleep to catch up on," She got up and retrieved her bag and jacket, which had been discarded on the floor. "But thanks for offering,"
Outside the rain was still coming down in buckets. Percy grabbed an umbrella and followed Annabeth out.
"I'll call a cab," Percy held the umbrella for both of them. "And about the whole dating thing, I don't think we should worry," A taxi made its way over to the couple.
"You know what's funny? Looking back, she might not have even been flirting with you." Annabeth snorted. "I'm such an idiot. Anyway, thanks for setting up this date, it was… normal. Which is good." Annabeth quickly kissed Percy and then hopped into the taxi. Percy watched it drive off, a smile as large and bright as the sun on his face.
Was that a long time? Yes. Am I sorry? Obviously.
Will it happen again? I hope not.
EXTREMELY IMPORTANT I NEED YOU GUYS TO READ THIS PLEASE!
I am going to rewrite the story. My writing has improved greatly, and I cringe every time I see my old work.
The main reason, however, is because my writing conflicts with much of the canon and it's hard to write certain stuff, you know?
Rewriting will give me opportunity to improve my skills, which I greatly need.
I'm sorry if something that you enjoyed gets cut out. If that happens, feels free to send a polite message and I can whip up a piece for you!
I have a new idea for a long story, so stay tuned!
Until next time!