An Ending Worth Waiting For

Percy slid out the door and spotted Annabeth a little ways away leaning over the Argo II's rail. He walked toward her, noticing absent details like the fact  that her hair was out of its usual ponytail and blowing freely in the breeze.

"Hey," he said coming up behind her. "Why aren't you inside partying with all the others?"

Annabeth glanced over her shoulder and shrugged. Her hands fiddled with the beads on her necklace. "I don't know. Just needed to think I guess."

Percy shook his head. "We win a war and you want to sit out here and think." It was just so Annabeth.

She turned and punched him in the shoulder. "Shut up, Seaweed Brain."

He smiled and lifted one of her hands off her necklace, threading their fingers together. "Well I think the amazing Miss Chase deserves at least one victory dance of the night."

She stared at their twined hands. "You know, technically its morning."

Percy rolled his eyes. "We're dancing," he pulled her close. "Even if you don't want to."

Annabeth laughed and wrapped her arms around his neck. "I never said that."

They swayed back and forth, listening to the sounds of celebration coming from inside.

"We did it," Annabeth said softly.

Percy glanced down and noticed for the first time that he had to glance down to see her. She stared over his shoulder, her expression almost melancholic and as she did he couldn't help but notice how mature she looked. How beautiful. They had both grown up over the past few months; Percy was getting closer to 18 now instead of 17.

He tucked a strand of blonde hair behind her ear. "We did it," he agreed.

Annabeth looked up at him, a familiar smirk curling her lip. "Soooo," she drew the word out. "Where's the famous Percy Jackson, Hero of Olympus once again, going to go from here?"

Percy blushed slightly at the compliment. "I'm thinking of starting with Junior Prom," he admitted. "'Bout time we actually made it to one of those things."

"We have an annoying tendency to be preoccupied saving the world," Annabeth nodded.

"Yeah," He snorted. That was an understatement. "I'm hoping we'll get a longer break this time. Maybe enough to graduate high school."

"Don't push your luck," Annabeth warned.

He chuckled and kissed her forehead. "Never."

They danced in silence for a few moments, and Percy realized just how lucky he was that Annabeth was still here, warm in his arms after everything.

"And then," Annabeth said. "After that?"

Percy's heart began to pound. Something about her tone made him instantly nervous.

"Um, if I make it out of high school in one piece I'll probably go to college."

Annabeth waved her hand, like Go On.

Percy swallowed, his throat was suddenly as dry as the sahara. "And then, uh, in the future, I was thinking..."

"Does this future include anyone in particular?" Annabeth had her lips pressed together like she was trying not to smile.

"You're laughing at me!" Percy complained.

"I am not!"

"You are so not making this easy."

Annabeth laughed, her gray eyes sparkling like polished silver. "I never do," she told him matter-of-factly. "You should be used to it by now."

Percy twirled her around, and when she came back they were closer than before.

"I don't think I'll ever get used to you," he said softly.

Annabeth leaned in to kiss him but at the last second she pulled away. "Is that a promise then?" The smirk was back on her face. "Someday you will marry me?"

An embarrassed blush rose to his face at the word spoken aloud, Marry. But it also sent an excited thrill through him. He thought of Camp Jupiter, of the older demigods' families. He remembered the future he'd thought up of Annabeth and him. He wanted it more than anything.

"Absolutely, if, you know," Percy stumbled. "You want to marry me."

Annabeth's face seemed to glow as she inched closer to him. "I can't think of why I'd say no."

The sun peeked over the horizon and began brightening the Argo II. Their friends laughed and cheered inside, and they kissed knowing that at least, for now, everything was okay.