They were alone in the heavy silence of the Labyrinth, the warm air humming as if the place itself were alive. Dust still floated in the air from the fight they’d just survived, and Percy tried to pretend his hands weren’t shaking as he lowered his shield.

Annabeth stepped closer. Slowly. No lecture. No “you should’ve planned better.” Not even a sigh.

Her silence felt different this time— heavier, sharper, like she was studying something she couldn’t quite name.

Percy noticed when she stopped too close. Close enough that the heat from her skin pushed against his. Close enough that he could see the tiny golden strands of hair stuck to her forehead from the heat of the Labyrinth.

Without saying a word, Annabeth lifted her hand and brushed a bit of dust off his cheek. The touch was brief, soft, but Percy felt it like a jolt straight through his ribs.

He opened his mouth to speak— nothing came out.

Annabeth watched him with that focused, calculating expression she got when she was trying to solve a puzzle no one else had the pieces for. And right then, Percy realized the puzzle… was him.

She didn’t say anything. Just leaned in a little. Her eyes steady, sure of themselves, but with a tiny flicker of hesitation—like she was asking permission without forming the words.

Percy swallowed hard, heart pounding loud enough to echo through the tunnel.

Annabeth tilted forward just a bit more. He felt her breath brush his jaw. Her nose nearly bumped his.

Percy froze entirely. He should move, or speak, or breathe—something—but his brain was gone. Completely gone. All he could think was:

Annabeth Chase is about to kiss me.

She was close enough that he felt the warmth of her cheek. Her eyelashes lowered for a slow, uncertain blink.

Percy’s heart stuttered.

And that was when the Labyrinth shook.

A deep rumble—like a giant slamming its fist against stone miles away. The cracks glowing above them flickered, and the metal groan of shifting walls echoed like a warning.

Annabeth jumped back instantly— not embarrassed, just reacting like a warrior. Her hand flashed to the hilt of her dagger, her stance snapping into alert focus.

Percy stayed where he was, face burning, heart still suspended in that almost moment.

Annabeth exhaled slowly, steadying herself.

She didn’t look at him for a long time.

And Percy… Percy couldn’t stop looking at her.

Because now he understood something he hadn’t dared consider before— there was something between them. Something real. Something that had almost—almost—happened right there in the shadows of the Labyrinth.