Percabeth Dirty One Shots and Drabbles

WIRKYIWK 10

Greenconverses ao3

He was late.

Annabeth drummed her fingers against her thigh, only barely listening to the chattering of the New Roman VIPs across from her as she scanned the forum's great hall for dark hair and green eyes. She hoped her impatience wasn't showing on her face; an hour and a half into her celebratory gala was far too early for her resting bitch face to make an appearance.

Apparently, it was still too early for a certain arrogant demigod to show up, too.

At first, she'd been too caught up in the pomp and circumstance of the evening to notice his absence. As soon as she'd stepped out and faced the gathered crowd at the city's forum, she'd been greeted with a wall of noise and sights: screams of delight and protest signs, camera flashes and shouted questions, everyone eager to have a piece of her. She'd stared at them all dumbly for a moment (could the forum truly hold this many people?) before Lacy had elbowed her in the back and hissed, " Move, Annabeth!"

Instinct took over, any remaining nerves or doubt quelled by determination and her pride. She'd ascended the forum steps like a conquering queen, head held high and adorned with jewels. A few weeks ago, she would have never believed a whole city would turn out for her - especially not this city. But here they were, New Romans ready to acknowledge a daughter of Athena at last, and she wanted them to know that she was worth their praise and then some.

This - this was what she deserved.

The last few hours had blurred together from there, a sensory overload on almost. Proclamations and speeches from officials of all levels; musical performance and dedications to keep the crowd entertained; as they moved inside, a toast from Frank to really kick things off and the beginning of a flurry of introductions, faces and names flashing in front of her so fast she could barely keep up with any semblance of grace.

It wasn't until the food and drink started being served in earnest that the eager crowds around her started to thin, and Annabeth at last had a moment to breathe and observe everyone else.

She'd searched for Jason and Piper first, and they were easy enough to spot. They'd come with the intent to lay low and out of the spotlight, they'd still attracted a crowd of their own. With this being Jason's first public appearance since the truth had come out, he'd been apprehensive about his reception and if it'd stir up some negative feelings. But judging by the reassuring wave Piper gave her when Annabeth caught her eyes, New Rome wasn't set on abandoning their beloved son of Zeus yet.

She'd spotted a few other familiar faces - Frank Zhang, who had been pulled from her side by an assistant a while ago, was now being hounded by a pair of slick looking men near a buffet table; Lacy, impossible to miss in a loud pink gown, roaring with laughter with some of her siblings; Dakota, Gwen, and some of the others from the sparring fields, shining bright in their ceremonial armor.

But with one quick glance, it'd become apparent that Percy Jackson wasn't one of the faces in the crowd. He wouldn't have been able to sidle in unnoticed nor remain that way for long, not with his infamous reputation. Perhaps everyone else was glad he hadn't shown up, but not Annabeth. His absence felt conspicuous to her - pointed, even. He'd told her he would be here.

Well.

He hadn't told her that explicitly, but the implication had been there the last time they'd talked. And what a conversation that had been.

"So, is teasing an opinion out of me all you wanted tonight? Or... is there something else on your mind?"

Annabeth blew out a breath, nervously picking at loose threads on her sweatshirt. She hadn't expected Percy to call her after she'd sent the photo; if she had, she might've kept the itchy lingerie on for a few more minutes, just to give her a little bit more bravado. She'd wanted to have this conversation over the impersonal safety of text messages, where she'd have the time to craft sexy and confident responses... where she wouldn't turn into a mess as soon as she heard the whiskey smooth sound of his voice on the line.