lxvii. Holy Hera

It was summer now and Percy and Annabeth had graduated from Goode High School and after dealing the mess in the spring, they were ready to begin the next chapter of their lives together which was marriage. A little joke on Valentine's Day had turned into reality as Annabeth and his wedding was tomorrow. And he was nervous. The wedding was soon—too soon—for his liking, but he was excited to get married to Annabeth. It just felt perfect to married Annabeth because in the past months that they have been dating, Percy realized that she was the one for him.

It might have been late-night thinking, but Percy had found himself dreaming about the future of him and Annabeth. It wasn't wishful thinking like he thought, as it was happening—He was getting married to Annabeth. They were having an actual wedding, a teenage marriage.

"I can't believe that you're doing this, Kelp Head," Said Thalia, running a hand through her black, shoulder-length hair. "Are you sure that you want to do this?"

Thalia wore a tattered band-tee with her leather jacket and dark blue jeans. Her combat boots tapped against the floor of Diana's Moonstruck while her hands were wrapped around a cup of dark coffee. Her piercings and rings shimmered in the morning light.

"Of course," Nodded Percy. "I'm sure about this—I have been thinking about it every night."

"Well then, alright," Said Thalia, sighing. "I'm so tired. Annabeth and I went dress shopping yesterday and it was so hard with Helen peering over our shoulder."

"Did Helen suspect anything?" Frowned Percy, sitting upright. "Hmm?"

"Not really," Answered Thalia.

"That's good."

Percy picked up his coffee that was unfortunately not blue and sipped it, tasting the sweetness of it. He gazed around the cafe that he had grown fond of, where people were quietly chatting in the early hours of the morning. Percy's gaze drifted back to Thalia, who was staring at him intensely.

Her electric blue eyes were staring into his soul, and Percy's sea-green eyes widened. He shifted uncomfortably underneath Thalia's stern glare with her lips in a thin line like she was evaluating him. Percy glanced away and ran a hand through his black hair, not wanting to look at Thalia.

"I dislike you," Said Thalia, causing him to glance at her, then cocked her head to the side. "At first."

"Uhh, thank you for telling me?" Said Percy, glancing around. "Er—"

"Because I was somewhat mad that Annabeth didn't tell me that she was dating someone though I shouldn't be mad at you because of that," Explained Thalia. "Also, I was afraid that you were going to break her heart like he did."

Like he did. Percy bit his lips at Thalia's words and stared at the girl, not knowing how to respond. He didn't know the entire story about how Luke Castellan, the golden boy, had rejected Annabeth but Percy knew that it had deeply affected Annabeth and broke her heart. Literally.

"Thalia, I would never—" Said Percy, causing Thalia to put a finger up, stopping him.

"Let me finish, Kelp Head," Thalia interjected, "I was afraid that Annabeth would get her heart broken again by another idiot so I was a bit hostile toward you—Not to mention, we got off to a bad start."

Percy laughed, remembering how he met Thalia at his mom's workplace in November without knowing that it was Thalia, Annabeth's best friend. They had gotten into an argument about blue food, and his mom had to step in. He had thought that Thalia was a bit of a jerk. While Thalia thought of him as an idiot. Oh, how far they had come.

"Haha, I remember, it was about blue food," Chuckled Percy, then boldly added, "Blue food is still superior, Thalia."

Thalia furrowed her eyebrows, and she narrowed her electric blue eyes on Percy, causing him to move his chair back a bit. Then she sighed and shook her head, "I won't argue with you on that—"

A smirk formed on Percy's face, and Thalia glared at him—He quickly dropped his smirk and picked up his coffee cup. Though Percy knew that Thalia had a soft spot (aka Estelle), that didn't mean that the black-haired girl was still scary in his eyes.

"Anyways, the more time I spend in New York," Said Thalia, then slowly said, "I'm growing fond of you, Kelp Head."

"Huh," Said Percy though a small smile played at the corner of his lips. "You sure that you're not just fond of me because of Estelle?"

"That too," Said Thalia, cocking her head to the side. "But, no, you'll never hear these words ever again from me but I like you, Percy, and I know that you'll treat Annabeth like a princess."

"I will," Nodded Percy. "I will treat her like the princess she is, Thalia, don't worry."

Thalia didn't say anything to his response and sat upright, clasping her hands. She narrowed on Percy's, and he scooted his chair closer to the table with a neutral expression. Annabeth's grey and pink bracelet glistened in the light.

"Percy, I have known Annabeth ever since we're little so her happiness means a lot to me," Said Thalia sternly. "I know that you make her happy and that's why I gave you my approval today but—Why are you smiling?"

Something had softened in Percy's eyes, and a small smile formed on his face despite Thalia about to lecture him. The conversation was almost like Percy asking Annabeth's father for his blessings but wasn't really—It was like more asking Thalia for her blessing to marry Annabeth.

"No reason," Said Percy, shaking his head. "Continue on, Thalia."

Thalia narrowed her eyes on Percy and said, "So, if you ever break her heart or make her sad, I will not hesitate to break your rib cage and I'm not joking."

"Alright," Nodded Percy. "I will never break her heart—It's something I will never do."

"Alright," Said Thalia, glaring at Percy. "I'm going to hold you to your words, Percy Jackson, if I come back during fall and you guys are broken up—"

"Thalia Grace," Said Percy, amused, cocking an eyebrow. "Are you saying that Annabeth and I's marriage is going to last four months?!"

Thalia's eyes widened, and she quickly shook her head. She said, "No! I was just saying that if—"

"I'm teasing you," Laughed Percy, then added, "Yeah, alright, but, uh I'll never break Annabeth's heart."

"Mhm," Nodded Thalia.

Percy watched as Thalia picked up her coffee and sipped it, glancing at the windows. A small smile formed on Percy's face, knowing that he had gotten Thalia's blessings, which meant a lot to him as Thalia was very close to Annabeth.

He drank his coffee and placed it on the table. Percy looked at the window, watching as people passed by before his gaze drifted back to Thalia, who was twirling her cup of coffee in her hand.

She looked at him and said, "When's your friend coming? We have been sitting here for the past thirty minutes."

"She'll be here soon," reassured Percy, "She just had some errands to run."

"Alright," Thalia then sighed, "We might also have to hurry as Annabeth might be suspicious as I never wake up this morning. I had to come up with an excuse to leave the house without her and god, that took me forever."

Percy laughed, "What did you come up with?"

"I said I was going to visit Jason," Said Thalia sheepishly, looking away. "Yet, I'm here with you at eleven in the morning, about to go and get a—"

"I'm here!" Said Lucy sheepishly. "Sorry, it took me forever to get here!"

"It's alright, Lucy," Nodded Percy, getting up. "We better get going."

"Yes!" Exclaimed Lucy, clapping her hands. "Let's get a—"

"Ugh," Groaned Thalia, getting up from her chair, and looked at her empty cup of coffee. "Let me just get a new coffee then we'll go."

The mall was packed despite it being noon, and they had gone up the escalator to reach their destination. As they walked, Percy fidgeted with Annabeth's bracelet and Lucy, who noticed his nervousness, placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. 

"Is this a stupid idea?" Asked Percy. "Should I even be doing this?"

"Well, I think it's cute and adorable," Lucy laughed, "Annabeth is so lucky to have you, Percy."

"No," Percy shook his head. "I'm lucky to have her."

"Aw," Teased Lucy with a smile. "You're a adorable dork."

"Percy," Thalia looked at him and asked, "Why do you even want to do this?"

He sheepishly shrugged, "It just feels right to do, Thalia, doesn't everybody do that before they get married?"

"Yeah, that's how you get married," Thalia then smirked, "What? Proposing with a bracelet wasn't enough?"

Percy blushed and shook his head, remembering that day at Central Park, where he got down on one knee and just proposed to Annabeth with the sea-green bracelet that Estelle had made for Christmas.

"I—"

"I still think it's adorable how you had proposed to Annabeth with a bracelet," Gushed Lucy. "Ahh, that's so cute!"

Thalia snorted at Lucy, who blushed and said, "Lucy, how do you even know Percy? Hmm?"

"Well," Said Lucy. "I knew him since what? Freshman year? We had a bunch of classes together." 

"Oh, alright, cool," Thalia then asked with a smirk, "How was Percy like in freshman year?"

"Well, I feel like he's still the same though he only grew more handsome and kinder," laughed Lucy and Percy only bashfully smiled. 

"So, are we doing this today?" Said Lucy, bringing up his plan. 

"Yes," nodded Percy. "We can't do it tomorrow, the wedding is tomorrow, it'll be too cramped."

"Alright," Nodded Thalia. "When do you want to do it then?"

"During the sunset?" Suggested Lucy, raising an eyebrow. "I personally think it would be beautiful if we did it during that time."

"I think so too," Smiled Percy. "I want to do it at Central Park like I did last time but this time, there'll be an actual ring to propose with."

A small smile formed on Thalia's face and her electric blue eyes were softened while Lucy grinned and clasped her hands together in excitement. They turned around the corner in the mall and stopped outside of Juno's Blessings.

"Ladies," Said Percy, looking at Lucy and Thalia. "We're here."

"Time to get operation, find the perfect ring" Smirked Lucy. "Started."

Juno's Blessings had a variety of rings out on display, and Percy felt a bit awkward, roaming around the store with his two friends who quietly chatted. His sea-green eyes gazed over the rings, and he bit his lips, trying to find the one. But no luck.

Percy felt a bit out of place with shiny rings reflecting off the light and blinding him and his eyes widened at the expensive rings. Maybe this was why people didn't do teenage marriage.

Percy bit his lips, realizing that he wasn't looking for an actual engagement ring as that was expensive, and besides, he always thought of this wedding as more for Estelle. He hoped that in the future that he and Annabeth would have another, real wedding...!

"Hello, darling," Said a woman's voice, causing him to jump up. "How can I help you today?"

The women had long licorice black hair that fell down over their shoulders, large brown eyes that one could get lost in, a face of elegant and unapproachable beauty of a supermodel. She was dressed in a pencil skirt and white blouse with high heels.

"Uh, erm," Said Percy sheepishly, causing the woman to raise an eyebrow. "Um."

His face reddened as he stared at the women, who seemed to have cut his train of thoughts. The words were at the tip of his tongue, but it felt like the longer he stared at the women, he was forgetting things. His mind was blurred, and he couldn't seem to find the words.

"Uh," Stammered Percy. "Erm, I, um—"

"You're here to get an engagement ring, right?" Asked the women, amused. "Hmm?"

Percy blushed, and he nodded. He said, "I, um, I'm here to, uh, get an engagement ring for my, uh, girlfriend."

"Aw, wonderful," She smiled, "Well, my name is Hera and I'm here to assign you, what is your name, dear?"

Hera. The name sounded familiar yet blurred, and Percy didn't know where he had heard that name before. The mention of Hera made Percy feel drunk, and his mind felt empty. It was like he had woken up with amnesia.

"Hera," Said Percy nonchalantly.

"No, dear, that's my name," Hera said. "I was asking for yours."

Percy blinked, trying to search through his empty thoughts for a mention of Hera. His sea-green eyes flickered as he remembered Mr.D (His old history teacher that Percy didn't really like) assigned Annabeth and him, the Goddess of Marriage—Hera.

"Hera," Said Percy, looking at the women. "You're the Goddess of Marriage and the Queen of Olympus."

"That's me, dear," Smiled Hera proudly then said, "But I asked for your name, not my titles as Goddess."

"Uhh, my name is, uh, Percy," He answered, blinking.

"Good," Nodded Hera. "So, Percy, what can I help you with today? You said you were looking for an engagement ring for your girlfriend? Hmm?"

"Yeah," Nodded Percy. "That's right. Uh, actually, I'm more looking for a promise ring than an actual engagement ring though..."

"That's alright!" Exclaimed Hera. "We also sell promise rings here."

"Okay," Smiled Percy sheepishly. "Thank you."

"Of course," Said Hera softly. "Percy."

Percy watched as Hera grabbed a tray of rings from a display case and he called for Thalia and Lucy who walked over to him as Hera settled it onto the table.

"Here are some promise rings for you to look at, Percy," Hera offered, "I can always get more if you want."

"No, no, it's fine," Declined Percy, looking at rings. "Uh, can I touch the rings?"

"Of course." Nodded Hera. "Be careful though."

Percy nodded and studied the shimmering rings underneath the store's bright light. There were rings of different sizes, shapes, and colors and Percy felt overwhelmed, having to choose one for Annabeth.

He picked one of them up and carefully examined it. The Solitaire and Diamond Twisted Vine Ring shimmered underneath the light and Percy bit his lips at it. He nudged Thalia for a second opinion, but the girl was glaring at Hera. 

"Thalia," Whispered Percy. "Are you okay? Why are you staring at Hera?"

"I don't like Hera," Said Thalia quietly. "There's something about her that I don't like but I don't know what it is."

"Mhm, same," Percy eyed Hera then said, "Anyways, we still need to find the ring—Help me, does this look okay?"

"Err," Said Thalia, looking at the ring before picking up another, "How about this one? I feel like Annabeth will like this one more."

They examined the ring then quickly shook their heads no and soon, he, his friends, and Hera were looking around the store, trying to find a ring that Annabeth would like. 

"Percy, I think I found it!" Exclaimed Hera, causing them to rush over to the women. "It's a Solitaire Oval Opal ring and I think Annabeth will like it."

The shimmer from the opal gem and diamonds shimmered brightly in the light, and Percy fixated his gaze on it. He touched it and traced her fingers over the criss-cross band. It felt perfect for Annabeth. 

"I really like this one," Nodded Percy, looking back at Hera. "I think that this one is the one—Do you guys agree?"

Lucy and Thalia peered over his shoulder to see the ring and nodded. A faint smile formed on their faces and Percy looked back at a beaming Hera.

"How much does this cost?" Said Percy, carefully putting the ring down and taking out his wallet. "Hmm?"

"Seven hundred, sixty-four dollars," Said Hera, putting away the other rings, then winked at Percy. "But I'll give you a discount, Percy."

After paying for the ring, they said their goodbyes to Hera and headed to the supermarket to complete the rest of their plans for the perfect engagement party. 

It was like Apollo and Artemis had blessed them all with a gorgeous sunset for the upcoming proposing as the sky was streaked with pink, orange, yellow hues that made it look like a Lover sunset.

With the help of Thalia, Lucy, and Estelle, they had set up a mini-picnic in Sheep Meadow with shimmering fairy lights decorating the area. 

"Is this a bit too much?" Asked Percy nervously. "Lucy? Estelle?"

Lucy and Estelle shook their head, and Estelle exclaimed, "I think it's adorable that you're proposing to Annabeth again but with promise rings!"

"I know right," Gushed Lucy then pouted, "Don't you dare chicken out, Percy! I did not spend the entire day prepping this so you can chicken out!"

"I wouldn't!" Laughed Percy, touching his pocket for the box. He sighed, "I'm so glad that the ring is still there."

"Ooh, Percy!" Exclaimed Estelle, looking at her brother. "Can I see the ring? I just want to see it!"

"Of course," Nodded Percy, taking out the box. "It's pretty, right?"

The opal gem glistened brightly in the afterglow, and Estelle's eyes widened, amazed by the color and fixated by the shimmer.

"It's so pretty!" Exclaimed Estelle, "When I get married, I want my ring to be just like this!"

"Aw, that's adorable," Said Lucy, hugging Estelle. "You're adorable—I'm so glad that you're going to be the flower girl at the wedding."

"Me too!" Said Estelle, jumping up and down, "I can't wait to throw flowers around! I like flowers!"

A smile formed on Percy's face, listening to his little sister talk about the wedding, before watching the sunset. The colors streaked and blended into one another while they waited for Thalia and Annabeth. 

(Thalia had been tasked to bring Annabeth to Central Park so that Percy could propose to his Wise Girl.)

Lucy's phone dinged; Percy quickly glanced over to see Lucy's widened eyes and she exclaimed, "Okay! Okay! Thalia texted me that they're here right now! Let's go, Estelle!"

"Yay!" Cheered Estelle.

Lucy picked up Estelle and walked over to their secluded spot. The black-haired girl winked at Percy and chuckled, "She's going to say yes, Percy!"

Percy blushed and said, "I hope so."

That made Lucy laugh, and Percy anxiously waited, looking around for Annabeth and Thalia. 

"Seaweed Brain?!" Laughed Annabeth, causing him to turn around. "Thalia told me that you want to show me something...?"

His sea-green eyes widened, looking at Annabeth. She wore a light teal, flowy dress that fell above her knees, a pair of white mary-jane pumps, and her braided blonde hair snaked over her shoulder. Annabeth Chase looked like a Goddess in the afterglow.

"You look beautiful, Wise Girl," Said Percy softly, "Yes, I want to show you something."

Annabeth blushed and looked around her surroundings. A soft smile formed on her face, and she looked back at Percy, stepping closer to him, "Well, don't you look nice, Percy?"

Percy was dressed in black trousers and a white shirt with his messy black hair flowing around in the wind.

His cheeks reddene and Percy sheepishly said, "Uh, so, there's something thing I wanted to do before the wedding..."

"Oh?" Said Annabeth, curiously raising an eyebrow, "What is it, Seaweed Brain? Hmm?"

"Just be patient," Laughed Percy. "You're going to find out like right now. Close your eyes, Wise Girl."

A playful smirk formed on Percy's face, seeing the cheekily smile on Annabeth's face as she fluttered her eyes close. 

"I see you peeking, Wise Girl! Close your eyes or you're going to ruin the surprise!"

"I wasn't peeking," Laughed Annabeth, closing her eyes tightly, and exclaimed, "Just show me the surprise already, Seaweed Brain!"

Percy laughed. To make sure that Annabeth's eyes were fully closed, he kissed her cheeks and Annabeth yelped in surprise and blushed. 

Percy chuckled and got on one knee. The ring box felt sweaty in his hand and Percy quietly opened it and glanced up at Annabeth. 

"Open your eyes, Wise Girl."

 Annabeth's eyes flickered opened and she gasped before grinning. His name softly fell from her lips and Annabeth gazed at her with tears in her eyes. 

"I know I already proposed before with the bracelet," he explained nervously and sheepishly, "But I wanted to actually propose to you with a ring, so uh, Annabeth Diane Chase, will you marry me?"

"I..." beamed Annabeth, "Yes, Percy."

author's note! Hi! I know that this is very extreme for seventeen years old but hey, it's percabeth so who really cares—As long they're happy, right? Besides, I already wrote this chapter and I didn't felt like scraping it! Anyways, we have two more chapters till the end of act 4! I'm going to try and finish it over the weekend as I have school tomorrow! Updates are going back to normal so no updates till Friday/Saturday! I hope everyone has a good week! Thank you for reading and have a good day/night! I'll see you on Friday! Till, next time—Much Love, Lucinda! 💙