Percabeth One-Shots

68. Footprints In The Snow

The snow drifted down in big flakes outside the windows of the greenhouse. The flakes that managed to hit the roof melted and rolled off to freeze on the ground below. Soft music played in the background as she hummed and drew the watering can over a row of plants. He looked up from the book he was writing in and smiled at her. "I love you," he said.

She looked up and stopped humming, smiling. "I love you too, Babe." She carried over the watering can and kissed him as she passed to rinse the can in the sink and put it back on the shelf. "Anything we forgot?"

"Nope." he replied. "Still want to walk to the pond after this?"

She smiled again. "Of course, Percy."

They stepped outside and the air seemed still and quiet. The subtle peace that came with a heavy snow had settled over the grounds. Their breath billowed out as they took off their masks outside and walked from the door to the sidewalk.

Percy stuck his head up to the sky and laughed as he tried to catch snowflakes in his mouth. Annabeth laughed but did the same, the cold already turning her nose red.

The snow had layered thick on the ground and was beginning to layer on the roads. There hadn't been traffic, or any cars for that matter, since the snow started the night before. And the snow wouldn't stop for another day. They had planned to go to the pond to take pictures of the snow and, as they walked up the street, Percy looked at Annabeth and smiled again. The snowflakes had stuck in her hair and made it sparkle.

Annabeth looked back at him and smiled too. His hair had snow in it too that seemed drastic yet beautiful against the black hair on his head.

Percy turned to the road and cast a glance behind them, grabbing her hand as he did. The snow was already a few inches deep on the sidewalk but only less than an inch on the road. He pulled a bit and let go as he walked into the street.

"Percy, what are you doing?" Annabeth asked, looking quickly behind them to see if any cars had decided to make their way up behind them. There was nothing.

"Walking in the road. The snow isn't as deep here and how often can we walk in the middle of the road?" He held his hand out. "Come on."

She took his hand and stepped into the road. They walked up the center of the one-way street. Only looking behind them to see the footprints they left get covered by new snow falling. She loved this little moment. Breaking a small rule at a moment when there was no one to notice was thrilling in a way. And so they left footprints in the snow in the road, laughing at the quietness of the world and the calmness and comfort that comes with the snow.