A Favor

She's in Love With You

Annabeth took Percy's hand, sending a little thrill up his arm. The diamond of her ring pressed into his hand and he unconsciously ran his middle finger over it. Percy held the door open for her as they were carried into the building on the tide of Annabeth's classmates. Music played through speakers in the back of the gym, the lights were dimmed, and Welcome Back Class of 2011 banners hung from the ceiling.

"Oh this should be good," Percy said.

They had few glances thrown their way, and Percy didn't blame them. Annabeth looked absolutely radiant despite the gym lighting.

"So! What do we do?" asked Percy.

"We mingle with as many people as possible." Annabeth caught sight of something across the the gym. "Hey there's Piper!" Annabeth pointed across the room at a beautiful dark-haired girl in a white and gold dress dancing with a blond guy.

"Piper was one of my better friends. And her date is Jason, her husband." A strange smile took over her face. "We actually used to be together. He was my prom date."

"Really?" Percy said. He took in Jason's close-cropped blond hair, sky blue eyes, and chiseled features. "I can see why."

"We used to study in the library together. We clicked really well. But we were too similar, you know? You can't be with someone who is interested in the same things you are."

Percy frowned. "Why not?"

"Because then everything's a competition."

"You make everything a competition."

"No I don't."

"Yeah? Then what am I doing here."

Annabeth glared at him. "C'mon," she said, dragging him behind her. "We're going to go talk to Piper."

Annabeth grabbed Piper and they went to the punch bowl to talk, leaving Percy and Jason alone.

Percy awkwardly smiled at him. "So you and Annabeth used to date?"

Jason shuffled a little uncomfortably. "Yeah. But it was years ago. Nothing really came of it." Jason's suit was light gray, and Percy noticed he was a couple inches taller than Percy.

"Look, I'm happy for you, man," Jason said, "I can tell Annabeth really likes you."

Percy felt his cheeks warm. "Thanks. I'm happy for you and Piper too."

"I'm serious. The way she looks at you? She never looked at me like that."

Percy gazed at Annabeth across the gym, she was laughing at something Piper said. "You really think so?"

Jason laughed, it was warm sound that didn't go with his icy looks. "Percy, she's obviously crazy about you. I'm not saying that just because she's going to marry you. Look how she's holding two cups. One of those is for you. I bet it doesn't have ice in it because she knows you don't like ice. She got you the blue punch instead instead of the red punch. Also it's the non-alcoholic kind because I'm betting she knows you don't love alcohol."

Percy throat felt dry. "You're very observant."

"I'm good at reading people. And Annabeth? She's in love with you."

Piper and Annabeth returned from the drinks, and Annabeth handed Percy his cup.

"Thought you looked a little thirsty," Annabeth said.

Percy downed the punch. It was actually delicious.

"C'mon, Percy. Let's go dance," Annabeth said as she pulled Percy out to the dance floor. Percy put his hand on Annabeth's waist and clasped her hand with his other one. Together twirled around each other, the music was slow but sweet and Annabeth's jasmine perfume wafted through the air. Percy hoped to god the punch hadn't stained his lips blue.

"Is everything going well so far?" Percy asked.

"Actually, I'm enjoying this more that I thought I would."

"Really? Why is that?"

Annabeth smiled. "It's actually good to be back. It reminds me of how far I've come."

Percy opened his arm for Annabeth twirl under. "Oh yeah?"

"Yeah. And it's everything. The music, the lights." Annabeth moved her hand from his bicep to his shoulder. "And of course you."

Percy swallowed nervously. "Me?"

"Yeah. You've been awesome tonight. Percy, I..." Annabeth trailed off. Her eyes suddenly intent on Percy's. Her eyes reminded Percy of all the good things in his life. His mom's chocolate chip cookies, breakfasts with Grover, Tyson's laugh.

And of course Annabeth, the time she got gum in her hair and Percy had to cut it out, the sparkle in her eyes when Percy tripped the first time coming into her apartment, that time they made breakfast together and left the bacon burning on the stove. Annabeth's eyes were home to Percy, and they way she was looking at him...

"I have to confess something," Annabeth said, "I didn't invite you to come with me just to make my class jealous."

Percy felt like his chest might burst. "Why did you invite me?" he said hoarsely.

"Because I like you, Percy, I've liked you for a really long time, and if-if tonight felt right I wanted to tell you. So I am. I'm in love with you," Annabeth said, carefully searching his face.

Percy's face split into a nervous grin and he held Annabeth closer. Her eyes dropped to his lips and they were close enough he could smell the punch on her breath.

"Can I kiss you?" he asked, barely daring to breathe.

Annabeth pulled him closer still.

"Absolutely."

And their lips met. Every one of Percy's senses went into overdrive, every point of contact with Annabeth sent pulses of electricity through him. Annabeth brought a hand up to cup the back of his neck and the room spun in lazy circles. When Annabeth finally pulled away, the shared a soft smile.

"You wanna get out of here?" Annabeth asked.

Another thrill ran up Percy's spine.

"Absolutely."