The Endless Highways/Annabeth POV's Slow Updates

Chapter 1, Why is this so awkward?(Annabeth)

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6/1/2016. I sighed as I looked at the times square commercials flicker pass every huge screen I passed by. "Visit the safari with Mowgli in, "The Jungle Book!"" "Watch the worldwide famous musical, "Hamilton!""  

In Times square, all I could see was bulletin after bulletin of new shows and movies. Really, is this all that people do? I walked by the Empire State building and couldn't help but to stop and take pictures. Maybe because I thought it was some amazing piece of work, or maybe I simply needed a few more design ideas. 

I ran up the stairs to the Architectural famous, "High Line." I immediately felt the familiar warmth of the brilliant structure. After work everyday, I would always take a walk on the High Line. It always cleared my mind and gave me some space for new ideas. I stuffed my hands into my short's pockets and started to walk while admiring its beauty. 

When I reached the old train station underneath the High Line, I leaned against the railing while looking out into the sunset. I got up quickly. Oh crap. It's sunset? I was supposed to be in my apartment by 5:00 today! I slipped back my long-sleeve shirt and held my watch up. 5:49.

I was staying in my brothers apartment for the meanwhile, while my own apartment was being renovated. Malcolm wasn't so sweet when it came to sharing big things, and so he warned me that if I was out longer then 5:00 then he would lock the door. I understood how he felt, I mean, I didn't like sharing big things either, and if my pesky little brother came up to my apartment to stay, I probably would've done the same. Though, maybe I would make an exception? My thoughts were interrupted when somebody walked up next to me.

"Hey, what are you doing here?" 

I looked up to see those familiar green eyes and messy black hair. 

"Hey Percy... I'm sorry, but I've got to run." Maybe Malcolm would let me in? I started to walk away before Percy gripped my hand suddenly. I looked back in confusion and he quickly pulled his hand back.

"Oh- I'm so sorry! That was uncalled for- right?" He looked at me with regret and a slight Poker face.

I smiled. "It's okay Percy." I began. I walked towards him, conscious of the time.  "I'm just kind of pissed off." 

He frowned. "Why? Did anyone hit you, poor baby Annabeth?" He teased.

I scowled in a friendly way and punched him lightly on the chest. "I could bring you down any day, Seaweed brain." I rolled my eyes. "And I'm staying at my brother Malcolm's place while my apartment is being renovated." I pursed my lips together. "Too bad he has a strict curfew that starts at 5." I looked at my watch again. Percy seemed to understand and he nodded slightly.

"Wow, that must suck. Where are you going to stay?" He seemed to tighten his jaw, or maybe I'm hallucinating.

"Well... I don't know yet. I guess I'll have to spend a night at a cheep hotel." I began. "It'll be fine though." Percy raised his left eyebrow. Dang it. I didn't want to feel week. I'm pretty sure we both knew that "cheep" hotels in NY were about $300 a night. I smiled awkwardly. Percy seemed to get uncomfortable as I shifted in my feet. 

"Well.." He started. " You could always stay in my place."

I looked up. 

"I mean, my roommate  probably won't mind. He's a couple years older than me and he could sleep on the couch." He finished.

I smiled gratefully but I shook my head. 

"No, thanks Percy but I can manage on my own." I looked at him and saw a bit of disappointment.

"Ar-are you su-" His voice cracked. Terribly. I started to giggle as his face flushed from embarrassment. 

"I-I'm sorry." He smiled crookedly. I couldn't contain myself any longer as I laughed loudly and he pulled me to the bench. We sat down and I grinned at him. He looked back at me and rolled his Sea-green eyes. 

"What I meant to say was, Are you su-" 

"Fine Seaweed brain. Just don't expect me to laugh at your jokes anymore." I said while folding my arms across my chest. His face lit up as he obviously fought the urge to hug me. I punched him playfully on his shoulder and he pushed me away and smiled.

"Great." He got up and held his hand up for me. He shook his head and sighed when I declined and stood up on my own.