Finding Each Other

Prologue

Annabeth always hated not knowing. And waiting. It made her feel stupid and she couldn't concentrate because of her ADHD.

She thought about this as she looked at the ground biting her lip worriedly. Today was the day. The day they would find out if Percy got into the army or not.

That's where he was now. Going to find out if he was in or not. So that left Annabeth at their house in New Rome waiting.

She was meant to be working on some architectural designs, but she was too nervous for that.

Percy had said if he got in he would be gone for several years and didn't want Annabeth to have to wait for him.

Annabeth wanted him to be happy, and wanted him to get in. But at the same time she wanted Percy to stay with her. To settle down and get married. To live in their house in New Rome and have children together.

She was torn between what she wanted.

The only thing she wanted now was to know whether or not he was in.

Suddenly she heard the sound of keys rattling together and the sound of their front door opening.

Annabeth sprinted out of the study and into the hallway. She ran down the stairs, nearly tripping over, and ran to the front door to greet Percy.

Without saying a word, Percy pulled her into his arms and into a kiss. He poured all his emotion into the kiss and Annabeth returned.

When Percy pulled away he rested his forehead on hers, his arms still wrapped tightly around her. Annabeth had her arms around his neck and searched his eyes for an answer. Was he in? Or not?

"Annabeth," Percy started, and Annabeth noticed the sadness laced through his voice.

"Percy, did you or did you not get in? Please just tell me," Annabeth begged, and she could hear the worry throughout her voice.

"I-I..." Percy stammered, Annabeth looked at him, hopeful, "I got in," Percy looked towards the floor, dropping his arms from around Annabeth.

Annabeth felt all hope drain out of her. She raised a hand to her mouth and took a small step back, the tears gathering in her eyes.

"I'm sorry, Annabeth," Annabeth noticed Percy had tears of his own starting to pool in his eyes.

Annabeth dropped her hand and took a step closer to Percy, taking hold of his hands. And to her disappointment, he didn't even hold them back.

"What does this mean for us?" Annabeth whispered, the dread obvious in her voice.

"Annabeth," Percy started, and finally met eyes with Annabeth, "I don't want you to have to wait for me for years. And I might not even come back-"

"No," Annabeth cut him off, "NO! I-I...I don't care if I have to wait...fifty years, even my whole life. I would wait if it meant waiting for you because I love you. And isn't love something worth waiting for?" Annabeth tried. She tried to remain as hopeful as she could.

"Annabeth, I'm so sorry but-"

"NO!" Annabeth interrupted again, "Did you think about me and what I want in this situation? I don't care how long I have to wait. Waiting is better than losing th-the...love of your life Percy-"

"But is it," now it was Percy's turn to interrupt, "is it better?" Percy's voice was soft, making Annabeth feel even worse somehow.

"Percy," Annabeth felt the tears start falling down, splattering on her cheeks, "do you even love me? Because you're not even trying to make this work." Percy looked taken aback and offended. But his expression quickly turned to one of anger.