Lock And Key

83 2 0
                                    

By me.

Percy Jackson leaned back against the porch railing of their cozy little home, a cheeky grin spreading across his face. His best friend, Grover Underwood, sat next to him, munching on some chips.

"Hey, Grover, I’ve got some news for you," Percy said, trying to sound dramatic.

Grover looked up, intrigued. "Good news or bad news?"

"Bad news first: Annabeth locked her keys inside her house."

Grover winced. "Ouch. That’s a classic move."

Percy continued, "But here’s the good news: We didn’t have to wait around for a locksmith."

Grover raised an eyebrow. "How’s that good news?"

"Bad news again: Annabeth finds it concerning that I know how to pick locks and tries to unlock my tragic backstory."

Grover chuckled, "You? Picking locks?"

Percy sighed, running a hand through his messy hair. "I was too embarrassed to admit that the reason I learned was because, at eleven, I figured that was the kind of skill that would impress cute girls."

Grover burst into laughter, nearly choking on a chip. "So, your master plan was to become a teenage locksmith?"

"Hey! It worked out in the end," Percy defended himself, a proud smile creeping onto his face. "I think it impressed Annabeth, because guess what? We’re dating now!"

Grover’s laughter faded, replaced by a warm smile. "Seriously? How did that happen?"

Percy took a deep breath, memories flooding back. "Well, it all started with that disastrous school dance. I was a mess—had no idea how to ask her. I figured I’d be brave and do something out of the ordinary."

He leaned forward, as if the very act of reliving the moment brought the excitement back.

"So, I had a plan. I snuck over to her house after school to surprise her. And when I got there, I realized she forgot to take her keys with her! The door was locked, and I could see her through the window, getting ready."

Grover’s eyes widened. "Did you pick the lock then?"

"Exactly! I felt like a superhero or a villain or something," Percy laughed, shaking his head. "So I went for it. A few minutes later, I heard the satisfying click. I opened the door and walked right in. Annabeth was startled at first, but when she realized it was me, she just burst out laughing."

Grover grinned. "That sounds like classic Annabeth."

"Right? So there I was, standing in the entryway, feeling pretty proud of myself. And she said, ‘You know, I should probably be mad at you for breaking into my house, but…’ and then she just smiled. It was one of those moments you never forget."

Percy’s expression softened, filled with warmth. "We ended up dancing right there in her living room, to a playlist of songs she made. We didn’t even need to go to the dance; it was perfect just the way it was."

"That’s really sweet, Percy," Grover said, genuinely moved. "So, did you ask her out then?"

Percy chuckled, scratching the back of his neck. "Well, not at that moment. It took me a while to get up the courage. But after a few months, I planned this huge date. I took her to the beach, where we first met. We built a sandcastle and everything."

"And then?" Grover urged, leaning closer.

"I told her about the lockpicking and how it all started—my embarrassing little secret. I confessed that I learned it for her. I wanted to impress her, but more than that, I wanted to show her that I could be there for her, no matter what."

Grover grinned widely. "That’s so you, Percy. Always trying to impress her."

"Yeah, and when I finally asked her to be my girlfriend, I had the most ridiculous ring. I’d found a seashell and shaped it into a makeshift ring. I was so nervous, but she just laughed and said yes."

"That’s amazing!" Grover exclaimed, eyes sparkling with joy. "And here you are now, happily dating."

Percy nodded, his gaze drifting off into the distance, a satisfied smile on his face. "Yeah. I guess sometimes the best things happen when you pick the right locks… and the right moments."

Grover smiled, nudging Percy with his shoulder. "And to think, it all started with a locked door."

Percy laughed, "And a teenage boy who thought picking locks would impress a girl."

With that, they both jumped to their feet, ready for the next adventure—lockpicking included.
_____________________

Don't forget to check out my new story 'Golden Trio Tales'.

Percabeth OneshotsWhere stories live. Discover now