Being a demigod meant uncertainty; each day was carefully valued, after all, one didn't know when a monster would show up, eagerly waiting to dig its claws into one's flesh, or when a new life-risking quest would be commissioned.

Living one more year was one big accomplishment, especially for Percy Jackson. The gods seemed keen on sending the boy on quest, after quest, year after year. Getting to close the year in the company of all his loved ones—the ones who hadn't suffered a tragic death, that was— was a privilege Percy sure did enjoy.

Especially because you were there. the son of Poseidon had already lost count of how many times you had saved one another's lives in the past twelve months. He could only be grateful you got to enjoy this moment.

Sally was hosting a small, but cheerful New Year's Eve party for Percy and some of his friends. There was wonderful food to eat, and great company for the night.

Percy watched as you talked to Annabeth, a smile in his face as he saw the way you smiled, and how your eyes lit up whenever you mentioned certain things. He really was lucky, wasn't he? Not only did he get to live one more year, but one more year beside you. He got to sneak you out of his cabin and into his again, he got to kiss you under the camp's lake again, he got to give you soul-crushing hugs when he came back from quests again.

“You're gonna have to kiss me in about fifteen seconds, it's a rule.” The nightly New York breeze played with his inky waves, sea green eyes focused on yours. Percy brought you closer, placing one hand on your waist, and the other cupping your cheeks. For a moment, you got lost in each other's eyes, seeking for that warmth that wasn't otherwise found.

Just as the clock hit 00:00, your lips met his. The sparkle of the fireworks matched the one in your chests, the feeling of complete affection that engulfed both of you. For a moment, in the small balcony, and in each other's arms, things were okay.