Percy and Annabeth-Their future

A Ruthless Game Called Love

I walked into Thalia's new cafe. It was one of the most popular spots in town now, and I was really proud of her. 

"Hey Annabeth. The usual?" I smiled and nodded.

"Auntie Thalia?" Sophia asked.

"What's up kiddo?"

"Can I please have my usual too?" Thalia stifled a laugh.

"Sure things, Ms. Jackson." Thalia held up her hands for a high five. We went to sit at one of the tables and the door jingled. In walked a couple, probably in their late twenties or early thirties. The girl had long black hair in a bun and wore jeans and a form fitting furry parka. It was mid-November, so it was a usual. The boy had dark black hair and pale skin. He wore black skinny jeans and a black parka. I felt like I knew the boy, or maybe it was the girl... I wasn't sure. Not until she talked. 

"Hello, hon. I'd like to order a coffee with room for cream. What about you, sweetie?  You want the same, right?" The boy smiled, his eyes glazed over. 

"I'll have the same." The girl was Drew Tanaka, the once senior member of the Aphrodite Cabin, back when Percy was...missing. I gasped. I couldn't believe it.

"Let's sit down, sweetie." I eyed the boy carefully as he walked past. He almost looked like Hades....

"Nico Di Angelo." I muttered under my breath. With Drew? Not a match a would've picked out myself. I doubt Nico picked it out either.

"What, Mommy?" Sophie asked. 

"Oh, nothing, Soph. Just saw an old friend." She shrugged and went back to sipping her hot chocolate. It was almost 4:30. Thalia waited for the last customer to leave before putting up the closed sign.

"Was that guy... Nico?" Thalia whispered. Paige was showing Sophia how to make hot cocoa. 

"Yep. And the girl was Drew. You wouldn't know her. She can charmspeak. Piper hates her."

"Oh... well, anyway, back to Nico..."

"Thalia, are you-"

"No! I'm not in love with him!" She blushed and turned away.

"Thalia!" I grabbed her arm.

"I- I dunno. I feel like I know him. Like I was meant for him."

"Thalia, you're eight years older than him. That's almost gross, no offense." I stated calmly. I felt bad for saying what I'd said, but it was true.

"I know. But he's so cute!" Of course, Thalia still acted like an eighteen year old. 

"Thalia, you're a single mom with a fifteen year old daughter. You can't ruin Paige's social status, whatever it may be, because you are dating a guy who is almost ten years younger than you. Technically, it's a bit of a disgrace."

"Are you saying you disapprove?" Maybe? yes? no?

"I dunno."

"Annabeth, I am a thirty six year old woman. I believe I can make a decision for myself about my love life," Thalia managed. 

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 {That Night}

"Hey honey. I'm home." Percy leaned down and kissed my forehead.

"Hey Seaweed Brain. How was your day?" He sat on the bed next to me.

"Pretty good. Exhausting, but good."

"Tha's good."

"How 'bout you?" Percy turned to take out PJs.

"Guess who I saw today?" He turned to look at me.