Hey demigods! How are you? →

Here's some fluff to help you this Monday <3

Enjoy!!

Annabeth woke up that morning with a sense of dread. She looked around, and at first glance, nothing was wrong. She got out of bed, freshened up, and went to breakfast.

And then it was clear as day.

Even from her spot at the Athena table, she could see the fake smile plastered on Percy’s face.

It wasn’t like him to pretend to be okay, usually he was straightforward with what he was feeling. If he was sad, he sulked. If he was happy, he smiled.

They’d only been dating for a week, but Annabeth had known him for four years, and it was very obvious to her when something was up. Lately she’d been trying to be a sensible girlfriend, watching herself, making sure they were always on good terms.

Annabeth finished breakfast with a frown, wondering if she should give him space, or confront him.

She didn’t consider herself great with people, but she was working on it. So her final decision, after a mental debate, was to find him and see what was wrong.

Percy was in the arena, training with the dummies, Mrs. O’Leary dancing around him as he slashed.

Annabeth didn’t miss the way each hit was halfhearted, and his eyes weren’t on the target. His mind was clearly somewhere else.

Annabeth unsheathed her dagger and stepped in, catching one of his swipes with the blade of her weapon.

Percy raised an eyebrow. “Hey, Wise Girl.”

Annabeth gasped suddenly, throwing off his focus. She disarmed him, Riptide clattering to the floor.

Annabeth slid her dagger into her belt. “You’re distracted, Percy. There’s something on your mind.”

Percy rubbed the back of his neck. “Can’t hide anything from you, can I?”

It seemed a genuine question to Annabeth. “As hard as you try, it’ll never work.” She grabbed his hand, ignoring the flutters of her stubborn heart, and led him out of the arena.

She didn’t speak. She wasn’t going to force him to talk, or open up to her. She’d sent out the invitation. It was her turn to wait and see if he accepted.

Percy’s grip on her hand tightened. “Honestly, Annabeth? I don’t know why I’m being like this today.”

Annabeth nodded. No jumping to conclusions, and no rushing him.

“I guess I’m just…worried?” Percy shook his head. “No. I’m afraid.”

Annabeth made sure her voice was gentle as she asked, “Of what?”

Percy looked around them, and Annabeth followed his gaze.

“We just won a war. And even though it was our victory, we did lose…more than I want to think about. I just have this feeling,” he paused to take a deep breath, “that we aren’t finished.”

Annabeth nodded for a while. Now that he’d mentioned it, it was a sure possibility in her mind. It was like it was just hitting her now, that it wasn’t going to be all sunshine and rainbows from here on out.

Just because they’d won one battle didn’t mean they’d won the war.

“You’re right,” she finally said. “I feel it too.”

Percy nodded silently.

“But,” Annabeth added, turning to face him, “don’t let it bother you. I mean, you were completely singled out in the prophecy, so you deserve a break, if even a little one. And…” She faced forward again. “If we aren’t finished yet, then I’ll be right there to finish with you. Okay? We’re in this together.”

Percy fell into a more paced step with her, the tight grip he had on her hand not wavering. “That feels amazing to know,” he assured her. “And same to you. I just can’t seem to get rid of the fear that clings with the reminder. I don’t want to lose anyone more. I don’t want to be in the center of that again, you know?”

They took a few steps in silence.

“I don’t know what to do,” Percy admitted.

Annabeth’s heart split a little. Because Percy wasn’t usually this vulnerable with her. In that moment, she was so determined to help him that she stopped abruptly, and spun to face him.

“You have every right in this gods darned world to feel that way. And after what you’ve done for everyone on the face of this earth, you shouldn’t have to.” Annabeth took his other hand. “I can’t tell you that we’re safe, that everything ahead is clear and set out. In fact, with the hobos we have running our world right now, it most definitely is not.”

She pulled him into a hug. “But I will tell you that you don’t always have to be brave. Especially about these things. I know I’m terrified.”

Percy wrapped his own arms around her.

“I’m right here, just for you, okay? We’re going to be just fine.”

Annabeth felt Percy bury his face in her hair.

After a few moments, she pulled away and looked up at him.

Not a word was said, but an understanding passed between them. Percy kissed her forehead.

“Thank you,” he whispered. “I needed that.”

Annabeth hugged him again, taking a deep breath. “Now, let’s go watch a movie. Today feels like more of a ‘stay inside and eat ice cream’ kinda day, huh?”

Percy laughed. “Definitely.”

Hope you enjoyed!

Peace out in demigodishness and all that,

~ Grace 💙🍪💙🍪💙🍪💙