Living Arrangements | Percabeth

8.

      Percy almost thought about pulling away from the kiss. Almost.

      Instead, he shut his eyes and leaned in, wrapping his arms around Annabeth's waist. Her lips moved against his flawlessly, and Percy's heart exploded with butterflies when he felt her smile into the kiss.

      He suddenly felt so ridiculous. All week long, he'd been dreading this. He'd been dreading their temptation towards each other...but now, with Annabeth in his arms, Percy knew he had been all wrong. He was drunk off of her; off her kiss, her scent, her pleasing presence...

      This was them. This was who they were. Annabeth and Percy, against all odds.

      But then...

      He pulled away. The trance he was in was now gone. Annabeth frowned.

      "Percy-"

      "Beth..." he interrupted. "We- we shouldn't do this. You're drunk, aren't you?"

      She blinked. Hesitantly, Annabeth shook her head no. "I'm sober. I didn't drink anything tonight."

      Percy didn't know if his heart dropped to his stomach because that was the answer he most desired, or because it was the one he most feared.

      "I don't...I don't want there to be any awkwardness," he admitted. "We live together now, it's not like we can just ignore each other anymore."

      Annabeth's shoulders seemed to droop, along with her expression. "You don't want to kiss me?"

      Percy lifted her chin with his hand until she stared at him. "I wish it could be that simple, Beth."

      "Look, I'm not asking for a relationship, if that's what you're afraid of," Annabeth said. She took a step closer to Percy, her lips hovering on his. "I just...want things to be the way they were. Exciting."

      For a second, Percy considered leaning down and kissing her. That's what she wanted. That's what he wanted. So...why did he have a gut feeling that he shouldn't?

      He took a step back and grabbed her hands. "Annabeth, we live together. We can't risk dating each other. What if we were to break up, and-"

      "I told you we don't have to date."

      "You know what I mean."

      Annabeth backed further away from Percy, letting go of his hands. "So, what? We can't kiss? You think I can't handle some action without catching real feelings?"

      "That's not what I'm saying at all."

      "Then what are you saying?"

      Before he could stop himself, Percy said, "maybe I'm the one who wouldn't be able to handle it, Beth. And maybe I don't want you to suffer without a home because I care about you too much."

      Annabeth's breath hitched in shock, and they stared at each other in silence for a few moments.

      Dammit, Percy thought. He was sure he had ruined everything.

      Finally, she quietly said, "okay."

      "Okay?" Percy repeated.

      "I..." she shrugged. "I didn't ever think you cared about me that much. I'm sorry for making out with you."

      Percy laughed, happy that the tension was easing up. "It's okay. I definitely liked it."

      "I get your point, though," Annabeth said. "You're...you're a really great guy, Percy."

      He smiled. "I know."

      She rolled her eyes. "And humble, too."

      They laughed together as he extended his arms out for a hug. She happily obliged. Percy loved the feeling of Annabeth in his arms.

      When they separated, she looked up at him and asked, "friends? Just friends?"

      It was a bitter-sweet moment for Percy, but he knew this was for the best. He didn't want to put Annabeth in a situation where she had nowhere to go, and he knew how prideful she could be. This was the only way to keep her comfortable, even if it made him sad.

      He smiled. "Friends."

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY THO *throws roses and chocolates*
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