When We Were 'Us'

All We See Is Sky - Percy POV

"Are you sure this is a good idea?" I frowned and took Annabeth's hand.

She shrugged, sighing. "Regardless of whether it's a good idea or not, I kind of have to. It'll only be a week, Percy."

"And there's no way I can come?"

Annabeth shook her head. "I'm not allowed to bring anyone. Which is kind of stupid but I can't exactly change that."

"No, I guess it's better this way." I gently pulled Annabeth close and kissed the top of her head. "I attract a lot of monsters, if I'm not with you'll hopefully have a little bit of quiet."

"Disruptions are worth being around you, Seaweed Brain." Annabeth shook her head and rested her hands on my shoulders, standing on tiptoes to kiss me quickly. "When I get back we can cuddle and do all the things we'd like to do outside camp together if we could."

I chuckled. "Sounds good to me.... do you want help packing?"

"Yes please."

We walked to the Athena cabin, hand in hand. A couple kids were in the room, but hardly any of them paid us any attention.

"So there are some more formal parts of the visit, then more casual. The one I'm most concerned about is the gala that everyone's supposed to attend." Annabeth explained as she began to pack her bag. I noted with a smile that she packed two shirts and a hoodie that all belonged to me.

"Why are you worried about it, Wise Girl? You'll probably be the smartest person there." I chuckled.

"You never know." Annabeth shrugged. "That's the annoying part of being a child of Athena, our minds tend to latch onto something and study that specifically. It can be really unhelpful."

"Well I believe in you regardless." I wrapped her in a hug, kissing her head softly. "And I love you."

She chuckled and leaned against me. "Thanks, Seaweed Brain. And I love you too."

I smiled and brushed her hair back. "Hey. You're gonna get this scholarship, no problem. I know you will."

"Thanks, Seaweed Brain."

"No problem, Wise Girl. Now I wanna see the dress you're going to crush everyone else's hopes and dreams in."

Annabeth laughed and pushed me away. "Close your eyes."

I did as I was told, humming a random song under my breath. A heavy cloth hit my head, making me stumble.

"Hey! My eyes were closed!"

"Had to make sure." Annabeth teased. "You can open them now."

I pulled the sweatshirt she'd thrown at me off of my head.

"Well aren't you just the belle of the ball."

Annabeth laughed lightly. "Do you like it?"

"I love it!" I walked over and took her hands, looking her up and down. The dress was simple enough, but elegant and gorgeous at the same time. Quarter-length sleeves that flared at the elbow, and a high lace-edged neckline. The skirt stopped at her ankles, following her hips and then following the same pattern of the sleeves just below her knees. The whole thing was silver, but I could see some blue underneath the lace.

"Really?" Annabeth smiled and kissed me quickly. "You know, Chiron has been talking about letting us have a dance...."

"If you wore this, you'd make me the happiest man alive." I promised.

She laughed. "If it happens, I'll think about it. Now shoo, I have to change again and finish packing."

"Alright, alright. Meet at our usual spot after dinner?"

"I wouldn't miss it for the world, Seaweed Brain. Now get out!"

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"I brought hot chocolate."

I looked up and grinned. "You're amazing. An actual angel."

Annabeth laughed and sat next to me, offering me an empty cup and then unscrewing the lid of the thermos she was carrying. I let her pour me my drink, then wrapped my free arm around her waist as she poured her own.

"The sky is so beautiful." She murmured, leaning her head against my shoulder.

"It is. I can see the Huntress." We both looked up at the familiar constellation. A streak of light flew across it and I smiled.

"She says hello." Annabeth murmured. I waved up at the sky.

"Do you think, somewhere up there, she's still alive?"

"What do you mean?" Annabeth looked at me curiously.

"Well, Ouranos is still up there somewhere, right?" I shrugged. "He's the sky, he has to exist forever. Sometimes I think that maybe, Artemis somehow made Zoë immortal up there."

"Like, Ouranos still holds court?" Annabeth suggested. "And all the constellations meet with him?"

"Yeah, something like that. She'd get along well with the Herdsman, I think, even if he is a man."

"I guess we'll probably never know." Annabeth looked up at the sky again. "It's a nice thought though. Imagining her up there, shooting arrows at Apollo whenever he passes her in the sky. She probably hits him too."

I laughed. "If anyone could, it would be her."

We sat there together, talking and joking (and kissing a little), until the sun was almost gone.

"Will I see you in the morning?" I asked as I walked her back to her cabin.

She shook her head. "I don't think so.... I promise I'll find you first after I come back, okay?"

"Sounds like a plan." I hugged her and kissed her forehead. "Goodnight, Wise Girl."

"Goodnight, Seaweed Brain."