Before I Die (Split Souls part 1)

46: We Get Armor And Code Names Like Cool People

PERCY POV

After a while, I had decided that I'd left Uncle T in suspense long enough. He'd be dying to know how it all went, and everyone else probably knew something was up. That's if he hasn't already spilled the beans.

"Hey, JARVIS?" I hesitantly call out to the AI.

"Yes, Perseus?" He politely responds.

"What's everybody doing?" I ask. Annabeth raises an eyebrow at me inquiringly.

"Dinner was announced twelve minutes ago. The tower occupants are in the communal area, or on their way." JARVIS replies. 

"Thanks." 

"Should I pass on a message?" JARVIS inquires.

"Nah, that's okay." I tell him. Looking down at Annabeth, I explain. "I kind of told Uncle T about the ring. I was freaking out. Just a little bit. So, he probably knows something's up." I cringe a little at myself.

Annabeth laughs. "So, he probably thinks we're-"

"Yes. That." I say, sushing her before my face gets too red. "Or that it went horribly wrong and I've run away, and you're hiding."

"We shouldn't let him assume things." Annabeth says.

"Nah. That's always a bad thing. He thought I was cheating on you with Thalia." I shiver at the thought.

"What?" Annabeth splutters.

"When I left, I ran into Thalia. Didn't make it back here until dawn, and we passed out on the couch." I share.

"Oh, how pissed was Thalia?" She wonders.

I think for a second. "I don't think she knows."

"Oh." Annabeth laughs. "Your uncle is one lucky man."

I kiss the ring on her finger. "You know, so am I."

"Yes, you are." She giggles, before sighing. "So I missed Thalia?"

"Oh! Nope, she's staying here. Sheesh, when was the last time you left this room?" I scolded.

She shrugged, which was... Expected. "I've been busy."

"Okay. How about we go get some dinner?" I suggest.

"How much do you think Thalia's gonna freak?" Annabeth smiled at me as she sat up.

Remembering her scolding me at the beach, I really have no clue. I shrug, and follow her to the door. I wrap my arm around her waist as she tucks into my right side. Annabeth laughs at me when jump. It's her fault, she put her hand in my butt pocket. 

"So..." Annabeth voices. "How do we wanna announce this?"

My inner Stoll and Barton camaraderie flares. "Assuming that my Uncle hasn't spilled to the others, I suggest that we play it off as if everything's normal. Eventually he'll explode or something."

"You're so mean!" Annabeth chides, trying to hide her smile.

"But you're still gonna marry me." 

She kisses my cheek. "Yes, I am. What if they all know?"

"We'll wing it. Or you'll come up with a plan." I return a kiss to her temple. She nods.

We hear the ruckus coming from the 'communal area'. I mean, how could you expect it to be quiet or peaceful with the Avengers and demigods in the same space?

Annabeth gives me a look. I return it, and we brave the noise. We round the corner, and see our friends. Natasha and Nico notice us at the same time. They look at us inquiringly from where they were talking.