When Pirates Clash (Percy Jackson Pirate Au)

Chapter 21

They had done it.

They had won.

And now, Annabeth had to go home.

She knew the moment Sally had looked at her with a regretful expression that she couldn't stay long. Sally had explained it to her and Percy.

"Queen Athena has found out that Annabeth is here. She said we had three days to return her daughter or she would mount an attack here, on the capitol."

"Can't we explain that Annabeth's helping us?" Percy had asked his mother.

Sally shook her head sadly, "I'm afraid we've tried to explain, but Athena was very clear on the matter. She also said that Annabeth would never help Trishula."

Annabeth's face burned red. "My idiotic mother, everyone. Apparently knowing my thoughts better than I know myself."

Percy obviously wasn't paying attention to her words though, he was just looking at her with such a forlorn expression that he had Annabeth tearing up. (At least, more than she already was at the thought of leaving her only true friends.)

Queen Sally saw them and left the room, quietly shutting the door behind her.

Percy immediately wrapped her in his arms and whispered to her.

"You can't leave, Annabeth. I... you just can't."

"I have to, Percy. If I don't, then more of your people and mine will die."

Percy pulled away to study her face. "You can't, Annabeth."

"Why not, Percy?" Annabeth asked, seeing something in his perfect eyes.

"Because...well, because you're amazing, and kind, and brave, and the smartest person I've ever known, and you're perfect!"

Annabeth's breath caught, even as Percy continued.

"Your eyes light up whenever you have an idea, or whenever something's made you laugh. Or when the sun hits you just right, it looks like you're an angel, even though I'm pretty sure you just might actually be one. Annabeth-" Percy cut off, looking at her uncertainly.

"What, Percy?" Annabeth asked, hoping, and longing, to hear the words she desperately thought he wanted to say.

"Annabeth." He took a breath. "I love you."

Annabeth's breath caught for the second time as she looked into Percy's eyes, studied his hair, his face, his perfect lips.

Percy hesitated when she didn't answer right away. "I'm sorry. I didn't want to make you feel like-"

That was the last straw for Annabeth. She looped an arm around his neck, stood on her tiptoes, and brought his lips to hers.

Every sensation was alight in Annabeth and the only thought was Percy. 

Percy, who was so kind and loving to everyone he met, despite his reputation as the fearsome Captain Jackson. Percy, who was so brave and never gave up. Percy, who had wrapped one arm around her waist and placed another in between her neck and cheek.

Everything about this moment was perfect. Everywhere they touched was electrifying and magnifying. He tasted like the ocean, and he smelled like the beach. His lips were perfect as they moved against hers, and Annabeth hoped this moment would stretch on forever.

But, breathing mattered, so eventually, they pulled away.

Percy rested his forehead on hers, his eyes still closed. But all Annabeth wanted was for him to open his eyes, to see his thoughts and emotions and what was he thinking?

"Percy," Annabeth said gently. "I love you too."

His eyes opened and he smiled. "I wasn't too worried about that when you kissed me."

Annabeth, thought regretfully, spent the next couple hours saying her goodbyes. But mostly, she was thinking about Percy. And Sally.

Sally had said something to her before the battle. She had said, 'If you play your cards right, you could end this war.'

Annabeth now realized what she was saying. A marriage was the cause for this war, maybe a marriage could end it.

Annabeth felt giddy at the thought of spending the rest of her life with Percy, but she didn't want to bring something up that would scare him away. They had only just admitted how they felt to each other.

Annabeth looked at her friends surrounding her and decided that to end the war, she would do it. But how would she even tell her mother?

Annabeth could picture it now: 'Hey mom, this is Percy Jackson, heir to the throne of the Trishula kingdom. We're getting married to end the war. Okay byeee!'

But then she looked at Percy, and she felt like anything was possible. Annabeth had made up her mind, and she strode toward Percy with a purpose.

He saw her coming and smiled at her so brightly, she blushed.

"Percy. We need to talk."

Percy rubbed his neck nervously. "Those four words are never good."

Annabeth grabbed his hand and dragged him away from their friends.

"Wise girl, where are we going?"

Annabeth stopped and turned toward him once they were out of hearing distance. "I have a proposition for you."

Percy tilted his head and narrowed his eyes. "What kind of proposition?"

Annabeth took a deep breath. "Will you marry me?"

Percy's jaw dropped and Annabeth quickly explained the situation to him. About what his mother said, about her realization, everything.

"And I know marriage is probably the last thing on your mind right now after everything, and I know you want to be a pirate! But I figured, if it's to stop the war, we could announce our relationship, and go on being pirates! But I mean, eventually we would have to get married, you know, to make sure the war stops, but-"

Percy leaned forward and cut her off. She could feel his breath fanning her face, and she looked into his eyes, which kept skipping to her lips. "Annabeth, why wouldn't I want to spend my life with someone like you?"

And then he kissed her again.

She pulled away smiling. "Now all we have to do is tell everyone."

Percy winced. "That will be fun."