You were sitting beside Annabeth on the steps of the Big House, pretending not to glare at Percy every time he opened his mouth.

He was smiling too much. Laughing too loudly. Leaning too close to her.

And Annabeth — your Annabeth, the one you grew up idolising — was actually smiling back.

You shifted, folding your arms tighter, eyes never leaving him. You didn’t trust him. Seaweed Brain. Disaster magnet. The reason Annabeth kept getting hurt on quests.

He said something stupid — obviously — and Annabeth shoved his shoulder, rolling her eyes.

Then Percy’s smile softened. And he leaned in.

You shot upright.

But they had already kissed.