Aftermath-Percabeth

Chapter Eighteen

Annabeth's face turned bright red, clearly she was flustered. She keeps her widened eyes on the road, not daring to glance at Percy or she might change her mind. One small glance at Percy's adorable face might make her break down and cry.

"Annabeth?" Percy asked softly, clearly sensing she was upset. After another moment of silence he spoke. "You don't have to answer if you're uncomfortable."

She bit her lip before opening her mouth to speak. Suddenly she felt parched and if she hadn't drank water in a week. "No, you deserve an answer."

Percy waited, tapping his fingers on the steering wheel. They were far into New York now, and about at most half an hour drive back to their home.

"I don't want to pry, but we're almost home," Percy replied, "and I would like an answer. But it's okay if you changed your mind."

"You're right," Annabeth responded, wiping her face free of nonexistent tears. "Percy, I'm not ready yet."

Percy nodded, his face draining of color. "I-I understand."

He didn't. He really didn't.

"I know you don't," Annabeth said, calling him out on his lie. "Just let me explain-"

"There's no need to explain," Percy snapped. "You're just not ready."

Annabeth exhaled deeply. "I do need to explain. You don't understand. We've only been married for a year, Percy. Don't you want to spend some time, just us?"

"It's not like one of us will die when we have a kid," Percy explained. "I think our lives will both get better when we have a kid, but I guess that dream of mine is over."

"I didn't say that, Percy," Annabeth replied, her eyes pleading with his. "I will be ready someday, but that day is not today."

More silence. Both of them just staring at the road before them. Only the quiet sound of their breathing and the loud sounds of New York traffic filled their ears.

Percy swallowed hard before speaking. "I'm sad, but I guess I understand more. I mean, you will be ready someday. Right?"

Annabeth nodded. "Of course. It's just, I'm only twenty five. I'm still young."

"Yeah, and it'll happen someday," Percy reassured himself. "Now let's just....put this out of our minds. We're going to have dinner with our friends."

The rest of the ride was silent except for a few pitiful and forced conversations about the weather or lame stuff like that. When Percy parked the car and they climbed the stairs of their apartment, they met Piper and Jason waiting by the door.

"Hey guys! Nice trip?" Piper joked. "Did the van of death treat you well?"

Annabeth rolled her eyes. "No, actually. I had to listen to this one sing the whole time."

"Hey! I'm a good singer," Percy protested, sticking his tongue out at Annabeth.

"Sure you are," Annabeth replied with a snarky smile. "Why are you two waiting outside? Your keys do work, I hope you know."

Jason smiled. "We know. But we just got here, so we didn't have much time to open doors."

"Well, I'm starving, let's get going," Percy said eagerly, urging them to follow him down the stairs.

They decided against taking the van, even though it was cheaper. They decided on a plane old taxi to a nearby restaurant.

When they arrived they were placed in a cozy booth near the back. There they all sat, trying to talk over the noisy clatter of the restaurant.

Once they ordered they all relaxed and talked more.

"So, how was your trip back?" Annabeth asked casually.

Piper shrugged. "It was average. I'm guessing yours was awful by the van and the monster dust on you two."

Percy frowned and quickly wiped the dust off of himself. "Yeah, we saw an empousa in Vegas, but besides that it was actually pretty fun."

"We need to tell you guys something," Jason said, shifting in his seat so he was a bit taller. He wrapped his arm around Piper.

"What?" Annabeth asked wearily.

Piper flashed a smile before lifting her hand to reveal a ring. "We're engaged!"

"Oh my gods, congratulations!" Percy and Annabeth said in unison. They all hugged and after a few minutes of shock and congratulations, the table died down.

"So, how did it happen?" Percy asked.

Jason shrugged. "We has just landed and we decided to stroll around New York to look for some place to eat, and I just did it."

"And I said yes," Piper admitted with a blush. "Now we're engaged."

"Have you two picked a date?" Annabeth asked curiously.

"Actually, yes," Piper replied. "Next November."

Annabeth's eyes widened. "That's in a few months!"

"We know," Jason responded. "Just...neither of us wanted to wait."

Percy chuckled. "You poor innocent souls. You've never planned a wedding. It's awful, expensive, and tiring!"

"But worth it," Annabeth interjected. Percy nodded and kissed the top of Annabeth's head.

Piper shrugged. "We just want a simple ceremony inside some small restaurant or something. Nothing too big or fancy."

"That's what we wanted. Then everything changed," Annabeth explained. "You change your mind half way through, trust me."

"I'm sure we'll be fine," Jason assured them.

"Anyways," Piper said, clearing her throat, "Annabeth, I'd like you to be my maid of honor."

A smile appeared on Annabeth's face. "Really, Pipes? Thanks so much, I'd be honored!"

"Well, I can't have Leo do it," she joked. "And you're one of my longest friends. My first friend at camp and one of my most loyal ones."

"Who else is in the wedding party?" Percy asked curiously, growing a bit jealous.

Jason laughed. "Don't worry. I'd like you to be one of my groomsmen. Leo's my best man, as, well, he's my oldest friend."

"I understand," Percy replied. "Grover was mine, after all."

"Well, my bridesmaids are Hazel, Juniper, Calypso, and Lacy," Piper informed them with a wide grin. "We hope you guys can be there!"

Annabeth rolled her eyes. "Piper, we wouldn't miss it for the world."