It was late in the evening when Annabeth finally found Percy near the edge of the camp, sitting on a log by the stables, his hands resting on his knees. He hadn't seen her approach, and for a moment, Annabeth hesitated, unsure how to begin. She had spent so much time trying to avoid this conversation, but now that she was here, there was no turning back.
"Percy," Annabeth said softly.
He looked up at her, a little startled, but smiled when he saw her. "Hey, Annabeth. What's up?"
She walked over to him, her heart beating fast in her chest. This was harder than any battle she'd ever faced. "We need to talk."
Percy nodded, his expression turning serious. "I figured that was coming."
Annabeth took a deep breath, sitting down beside him on the log. For a moment, neither of them said anything, just the soft rustle of leaves in the wind and the distant sounds of camp in the background.
Finally, Annabeth spoke. "I don't know how to say this, but I think... I think things between us have changed."
Percy's face softened, and he looked at her with a kind of understanding she hadn't expected. "I know," he said quietly. "I've known for a while."
Annabeth swallowed, her throat tight. "I never wanted to hurt you, Percy. You're one of the most important people in my life. But I don't think I'm in love with you anymore. Not the way I used to be."
There was a long pause, and for a moment, Annabeth feared she had said the wrong thing. But then Percy looked at her, his gaze steady, his voice calm. "I know. And it's okay, Annabeth. I've seen the way you look at Piper. I can tell something's changed."
Annabeth's heart sank, but she wasn't surprised by his words. Percy had always been perceptive, even when he didn't want to be.
"I never wanted to hurt you," Annabeth said again, her voice barely above a whisper.
Percy shook his head, his lips curving into a small, bittersweet smile. "You didn't. You're allowed to change, Annabeth. We both are."
There was no anger in his voice, no bitterness. Just acceptance.
For a moment, they sat together in silence, the weight of their history hanging between them, but somehow lighter now.
"I'll always care about you, Percy," Annabeth said, her voice thick with emotion. "But I think we need to go our separate ways."
Percy nodded. "Yeah. I think I get it now."
Annabeth didn't know what the future held, but she knew that this chapter had come to an end. And maybe, just maybe, another chapter—one with Piper—was just beginning.
