Finding The Way Back To You

Three: You Cannot Pretend There's No Dirt On Your Shirt

MattMcWise

Percy walked Annabeth down the stairs to face Luke with her. He loves her too much to let her do this alone. Annabeth couldn't help the swirling feeling she got when Percy was this close. His seafoam scent washes over her like a wave trying to bring her out to sea.

"Luke, is it okay if we talk for a minute?" Annabeth asked, placing a hand on Luke's shoulder.

"Yeah, baby, of course, you know I love you."

Percy walked with them to the front door, and held his head high. Annabeth recognized the protective look in his eye, he wasn't going to let anything happen to Annabeth.

"Luke...." Annabeth started, sighing.

"Oh, shit— Annie, my baby-girl, I have to run. I forgot I told some colleagues that I would meet up with them by nine."

"But it's Thanksgiving?"

"Emergency meeting?"

"You just said it was planned." Annabeth countered.

"I know— it's a scheduled emergency meeting." Luke kissed her lips and ran down the hall before anyone could ask anything.

"He didn't thank Sally and Paul." Annabeth muttered as she turned to face Percy, picking at her fingers, refusing to look at him.

"Why didn't you tell him before he left?" Percy pressed, not really caring about Luke being polite since he had no expectations for that anyway.

"Did he give me the chance?" Annabeth countered, not really asking.

"Yes. You could have told him when he kissed you. Or before he took off like a coward. Or—"

"Right, because he was clearly listening." Annabeth started towards the front door, done with Percy's nagging.

~

Annabeth seated herself next to Peyton, putting her legs in their lap.

"What happened to Professor Pervert?"

"He left."

"Oh, how unfortunate I was hoping to get to know him better." Paul said.

"No you weren't." Peyton laughed.

"I did have a few choice words however." Paul defended himself. "I don't see how he could possibly still have his teaching license, or a job after what he did."

Sally could only sigh, not letting the conversation continue. "Did everyone enjoy dinner?"

"Yes, tonight was amazing, Sally, thank you so much for inviting me, again." Annabeth smiled, and hugged Sally.

"I'll walk you out to your car, Beth." Percy said, standing up.

"I'll be fine." Annabeth made no attempts to move.

"You should let Percy walk you out dear, wouldn't want you getting hurt." Sally smiled sweetly.

"It's really fine, Sally. Truly, I'm a big girl, I can make it to my car."

"With the early Black Friday shoppers, it's not the worst idea." Paul noted.
~

When Annabeth decided to leave, after a cup of coffee and some last minute laughs; Percy followed her out, despite her constant protests; Percy kept in pace with Annabeth.

"I didn't need you to walk me." Annabeth scoffed, picking up her pace down the stairs,and Percy doing the same.

"Yeah, but then I wouldn't be able to do this." Percy pressed her against the wall and went in for a kiss. Annabeth couldn't help herself when it came to him. He was