Percy and Annabeth-Their future

Half A Century

"Hey Wise Girl," Percy whispered in my ear. His arms slowly wrapped themselves around my waist, sending chills up my spine. My eyes were still filled with sleep, but a smile grew on my lips as Percy kissed my cheek. I opened my eyes to see his face above mine, hair tousled and eyes as green as ever. 

"Hey Seaweed Brain," I laughed, waiting for him to lay back down so I could curl up in his arms. He did, and laying there on his chest, hearing his heartbeat, I knew every single decision I'd ever made had been right because it led to me being here. His strong arms held me and for a second I felt like a little kid. 

"Happy Birthday," Percy whispered. He reached to his bedstand, and pulled out a little box. The velvet looked vaguely familiar, and I was sure I'd seen it someone important...

"Oh gods," I said, remembering as it came closer. "That's the same box my engagement ring was in. You kept it all these years?"

"Of course I did," He smiled, kissing my forehead. "Go ahead, open it,"

I ran my finger along the side of the box before opening it. From the corner of my eye, I could see Percy watching me anxiously and excitedly. The suspense was enough, even after only a second. I opened the box, feeling butterflies in my stomach.

Inside the box was a diamond ring. But the diamonds weren't what brought a smile to face and tears to my eyes- it was the infinity symbol on the ring with a small inscription on the other side that read, 'P & A Forever and Always'

I could help but kiss him. 

"So you like it?" Percy laughed, kissing me again. When he kissed me, it felt like our lips belonged together. 

"I love it, Percy," I smiled, putting the ring on my finger. "But I love you more,"

"These 38 years knowing you have definitely been the best of my whole life, Annabeth," Percy said, his expression turning faintly emotional. "I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you."

And in that moment, everything was perfect. But, unfortunately for me, all my perfect moments seem to result in disaster. Because at that very moment, laying in bed with the love of my life, an arrow flew through the open window and into Percy's side.

"Percy!" I screamed, his face twisting in pain. Out the window, I could see someone jumping off a tree branch and running. Fast. 

And it was one of those moments where I wondered if I was doing the right thing. Should I go after whoever did this? Or do I stay with Percy?

Opting for the second option, I put his arm around my shoulder, telling him that I would call Chiron and we'd get him help. That everything would be fine. We went to the bathroom, and I tried to run water over it. Water always healed Percy... but nothing happened.

"Annabeth..." Percy said weakly, trying to hide his pain. "I'm so sorry... It's your fiftieth birthday and... and I'm ruining it..."

I looked at him as if to say, Are you seriously thinking about that right now?

But his big green eyes were set on the arrow sticking out of his side. And no wonder. As I got Percy into the passenger seat, I saw just how bad it was. I knew that design- we used them at Camp. We always called it an 'inflatable arrow' because it opened up once it hit the target. There were probably sharp blades cutting at Percy's liver or stomach. And, oh joy, it was poisonous. 

I turned on the car while attempting an Iris message for Chiron. He appeared quickly, smiling. 

"Annabeth! Happy birthday!" He smiled, looking up. Then he saw Percy. "Oh gods, what happened?"