After TLO.

Rachel, Thalia, Grover, and the rest of the old gang misses hanging out with each other like old times (preferably without the almost dying all the time part), so they decide to meet up in Manhattan to celebrate Rachel's birthday and catch up.

Everyone gets there early, Percy the last to arrive five minutes until the agreed time.

He's panting; it's obvious that he was running.

He turns to Rachel and presents her with a smile and a single yellow rose.

Catcalls and wolf-whistles are made; teases are directed at the both of them about breaking the rule of 'virgin oracle'. Annabeth joins in good-naturedly, asking Percy if he's cheating on her.

Percy really thought about this gift, though, and Rachel knows it.

A single rose in full bloom means "I love you" in the language of the flowers.

A yellow rose means friendship.

Rachel got the message crystal clear. So did Annabeth.

"I love you. As a friend."

Would this be a one-shot? I think it's too short. It still gave me warm fuzzies writing it, though.

Published 1/15/17.