Forever and Always

Happy birthday seaweed brain!

Happy birthday Percy!!

I stand in the kitchen, my heart fluttering with excitement, trying not to let the smell of the cinnamon rolls distract me too much. Percy's birthday is finally here, and I have a whole day planned for us—well, for him, really. I glance at the clock; it's almost noon.

"Okay, Annabeth, you've got this," I mutter to myself, straightening my hair one last time. Just then, the front door swings open, and Percy's voice rings out.

"Annie! I'm back!"

I can't help the grin that spreads across my face. "In the kitchen, birthday boy!"

He strides in, sunlight streaming in behind him. Percy still looks great in that faded blue t-shirt and jeans, the way he always does. "How did it go with my mom? Did she spoil Charlie again?"

"Just a little," I say, suppressing a laugh. "She couldn't help herself. But Charlie's with her until later."

"Good." He comes closer, wrapping his arms around my waist. "That means we have the whole house to ourselves, right?"

"Yep! Just you and me." I lean in, my forehead resting against his. "I hope you're ready for a surprise."

Percy raises an eyebrow, the corner of his mouth quirking up suspiciously. "A surprise? I didn't think you were the surprise type."

"Ha! You'd be surprised." I pull away, gesturing to the table set up with the cinnamon rolls, a couple of balloons, and the card I'd spent way too long trying to get just right. "First, we eat these."

"You made cinnamon rolls?" He looks genuinely astounded, and I try to suppress my pride. "What's the occasion?"

"It's your birthday, genius. Now, sit!" I usher him to the table, where I've decorated with all sorts of little trinkets: photos from last year's birthday, little mementos from our adventures—all reminders that our life is crazy but beautiful.

Percy takes his seat, looking around with wide eyes. "You really went all out. This is amazing, Annie."

I hand him a fork and smile. "Dig in! And don't forget to make a wish when you blow out your candles later."

His eyebrows furrow playfully. "You mean, I can't just wish for you to do all the cooking from now on?"

"Very funny." I roll my eyes, grinning at him. "Just be careful what you wish for. Remember my cooking skills are... questionable."

He chuckles, and for a moment, it's just us—filled with warmth, laughter, and love.

"I can't really think of a better way to spend my birthday than with you." He takes a bite, and the blissful look on his face makes me beam.

"But that's not all!" I add, trying to build the suspense. "After we finish, we're going out. Just you and me."

Percy looks intrigued. "Out where?"

"You'll see! It's a secret."

"But I'm terrible at surprises—"

"Not today! Just trust me. You'll love it."

Slowly, I watch as he finishes his cinnamon roll, his eyes twinkling with curiosity. "Are we going to face some mythical creature in a surprise battle?"

I laugh out loud. "Nope! No monsters today, I promise. Just a fun day to celebrate you as the world's best demigod!"

"Alright! I officially accept that title." He stands up and reaches for the birthday candles. "And I formally accept this birthday surprise role. Ready?"

"Ready!"

He blows out the candles, and I cheer, clapping my hands. "Yay! What did you wish for?"

"I can't tell you, or it won't come true." He grins, his eyes sparkling. "How about we finish this up so we can get to my birthday adventure?"

I grab his hand, pulling him toward the living room. "A wise choice, birthday boy. Spoiler alert: it may involve some unplanned activities."

"Unplanned? You know that's my middle name!"

"Careful. That may only apply if you're avoiding chores!"

As laughter fills the room, I can't help but think how lucky I am. Today isn't just a birthday; it's a mess of love, surprises, and the start of another beautiful year together.