The Glory That Is Rome (a Percy Jackson AU)

Castaway

    Annabeth told herself that she wouldn't cry, but when she learned that Luke had finally remarried, she was unable to stop herself from breaking down. I brought this upon myself, Annabeth thought. The only human contact she had now was from those who reminded her of her sins. That's unfair, Annabeth thought; Lucius didn't decide who his father was. He never chose to be born. It was my choice and I made it not once, but twice.

    Anabeth's mother had told her to not blame others for her own mistakes, but Annabeth was doing just that. My own cleverness has been my downfall, Annabeth realized. She wiped the tears from her face and looked up to see Percy cradling Lucius tenderly in his arms. She swallowed the lump forming in her chest. 

    "Percy, I'm sorry for what I did," Annabeth said. "I toyed with you emotions. I used you for my own ploys and now both of us are being punished for it when I'm the one at fault."

    Percy laid one hand over her own. He gave her a smile and Annabeth remembered why she had risked it all. It wasn't just that she had wanted to please Luke; she had looked for affection outside of marriage.

    "Sounds like you're finally growing up," he said.

    "What do you mean?" Annabeth asked.

   "You're finally taking responsibility for your actions," Percy said. "I was young and reckless like you once."

    "You still are," Annabeth said with a snort.

    "Maybe," he said with a shrug, "but more so. I blew all of my denarii in popinas. I knew what I was doing was wrong and eventually my mistakes caught up with me. I ended up a slave and soon I'll die in the Colosseum."

    "Are you scared?" Annabeth asked.

    "I'm more scared for you and Lucius than for myself," Percy said. "I'll give Luke the show he wants."

    "You're more than you appear, Seaweed Brain," Annabeth said.

    "And you're more than just a clever mind," Percy said. 

     Annabeth frowned and said, "I like my cleverness."

     "Yes, but it is better to be dull-witted and kind than quick and cruel," Percy said. "Luckily, you are kind and witty."

   "Percy, how can you say that I am kind?" Annabeth asked. "I manipulated you; I was unfaithful to Luke."

   "Did Luke not do the same to you?" Percy asked. "Yes, you made mistakes, but we all do. All we can do is try our best to atone for  them."

   "But how can I ever do that" Annabeth asked. "My son will be killed. You will. We'll all be dead soon."

    "Don't let Luke kill your spirit before your heart stops beating," Percy said. "You have a son to fight for. When you face down death, use your courage. Wise Girl, I know you have it in you."

    "No amount of courage will save you, your foolish lover, or your bratty baby," one of Luke's guards sneered as he walked in the room. "Get up because it's time for you to meet your fate."