𝑹𝒆𝒘𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒏 [𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐚𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐡 𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧]

EPILOGUE- THE ONE

Five years, thirteen months, and eighteen days later-

Annabeth looked at her reflection in the mirror, Piper and Reyna on either side of her. Her long, black dress folded her whole upper body from neck to waist tightly, revealing the back. Her long hair was tied into a loose, elegant bun and the tiara, soon to be replaced with a crown, rested on her head. Her make-up up made her eyes pop out and the deep red lipstick provided an excellent contrast to her dress.

"Why'd you pick black?" Hazel asked curiously, sitting near the doorway.

"Because I'm not like the other girls." Annabeth said, flipping around  dramatically, as the other girls laughed. "But in reality, I don't know, it just kind of fit the vibe."

"Whatever the colour," Hazel said. "You look gorgeous."

Annabeth beamed, and turned to the mirror, twisting her engagement ring on her finger nervously.

"Girl, you and Percy have been engaged for six years, you don't get to be nervous today." Thalia shook her shoulder.

"Relax, Thalia, she's allowed to be nervous, it's her wedding, but just remember, you ignore those assholes who call out your black dress, or comment about why you live your life the way you do, because you're you, Annabeth, and he loves because of that." Piper coaxed.

"Piper's right. Fuck Illéa and the stereotypical oldies, you do your thing." Reyna clapped her shoulder.

"I love you girls." Annabeth told her friends, as they left the room.

She followed them out, as they made their way, and she waited for her escort. Jason's strong arm was offered to her.

"I'm not sure I can do the walking down the aisle thing, Annabeth." He said.

"Would you calm down? You're the closest thing to a brother I ever had, Jason, and my dad can't be here-" a tear slipped down her face. Jason stopped midway. He wiped the tear of her face, and kissed her forehead.

"Even though I didn't know him, I'll know he'd be proud of you." Jason promsied, and Annabeth gave him a watery grin.

"Thank you, for everything." She said, and they stepped out into the sun. Annabeth's left hand struck out waving on instinct, as the people of Illéa cheered like crazy, but even so, she noticed a few sour faces.

She looked ahead, and even after all these years, her stomach did summersaults.

Percy wasn't wearing a suit, ironically, but just a plain white shirt and a black tie to compliment Annabeth's dress. Jason took her hand, and Annabeth leaned up to kiss his cheek. She looked at Percy, who offered his.

She put her hand in his, and the Illéan's cheered louder than ever. The two stood shoulder to shoulder, and Annabeth let herself be hypnotised by the familiar ocean scent.

"I make my perfume out of coral, I don't smell like the ocean just cause." He whispered.

"Inappropriate, but you need to make me one too." She whispered back.

"You two are getting married, could you please be serious for once." Piper hissed as the pastor went on. Annabeth resisted the urge to stick out her tongue. She caught Leo's eye in the crowd, and he winked at her, which she returned, she saw Calypso beaming next to him, and Nico standing the corner with Will, both of them grinning happily. Annabeth's gaze softened out of sympathy when it fell on Nico, but he shook his head, telling her this wasn't the time to mourn Bianca's death.

The blow had been hard for Leo aswell, who had split up with her far before her death, but Annabeth knew better than anyone about losing people who once meant everything to you. She felt Percy squeeze her hand.

"Are you okay?" He asked, and Annabeth nodded with a sigh.

"I now pronounce you; married." The pastor declared. Percy took her hands.

"Do you want an emotional speech filled with cringey dialogue? He asked.

"No, I only need the gist." Annabeth said, and kissed him. They pulled apart, and Annabeth laughed, their faces still centimeters apart.

"I love you, and only you, that's the gist. I love you against every odd, every challenge, because you are her. The one." Percy whispered, Annabeth kissed him, and tears streamed down both their faces. They pulled apart, and Annabeth stared straight into Percy's eyes.

"I love you too."