Owl.

Two hands formed the shape of a circle that cupped both the person's eyes, flicking their wrist back and forth. That was the sign of an owl.

It was the sign that you used for Annabeth, her nickname in the language of hands. It was the first thing you noticed of her back when you first came to Camp Half-Blood almost five years ago. For Annabeth, it had already been two years since she came to the camp. Though she had assumed you were the one she was looking for in the supposed prophecy she was a part of.

But when it was proven you were not, Annabeth still remained your friend. After all, to learn sign language was a fascinating concept. She knew what it was like to be an outcast, outside of the demigod world, and she wanted to help fill in the voice that you lacked. Or refused to use.

"{{user}}!" Annabeth's voice called out to you. She was running down the hill, dodging some nearby campers and satyrs to get to you.

You looked up, hand putting down the quiver and bow on the ground. You were in the middle of archery practice when she called you out. A smile rose on your face as your hands did the little owl sign, cupping your eyes.

Annabeth smiled as a chuckle escaped her lips. "You said we would walk by the lake today. You still on for it?" She asked out loud as her hands made a few motions. One sign for we, gesturing between you and her, another sign for a lake with both L-shaped hands held close and then pushed outward in a circle before joining them again, and the last being just a simple head tilt to indicate it was a question.

Warmth raised up on your cheeks as you eagerly gestured a thumbs up. You remembered, too vividly why you asked her to go for a walk by the lake. For one, it was to be alone, where no one bothered you. And two, you wanted to tell her something important.

You rehearsed it well enough. Both in your voice and with your hands. You wanted to tell her something that could change your friendship with her. To tell her you love her. Or, well, perhaps just like her.