Percy and Annabeth go on that date in The Battle of the Labyrinth. Very slightly OOC Percy, but it's just because he isn't as oblivious to his feelings. And I think Self-conscious!Percy Confident!Annabeth fanfictions are adorable.

Percy paced in his room. The light from his open window shined onto his floor, making the carpet warm under his bare feet. He had just gotten back from orientation, since apparently some kids went missing and they had to close down early.

As soon as he had gotten home, he'd taken a shower, grimacing at his lanky figure, and tried to find a decent shirt to wear. He didn't know why he was so nervous. It was only Annabeth.

Annabeth was his best friend, daughter of Athena, and his Wise Girl. She had honey blonde hair, though it had turned into a slightly more lemony color as she aged, and a petite, but athletic, build. Don't let that fool you, she was as vicious as a rattlesnake. Her grey eyes made it seem like she could stare straight through your soul. One look from her and you might as well be a puddle on the floor.

Percy had to admit, though his pride was slightly wounded, he thought she was pretty, once or twice. Very pretty. More than twice. Many, many times. Hey, who could blame him?

Pretty enough that Percy had gone back home and showered before meeting up with her. They were supposed to go see a movie, then she was going to crash at his place before they left for Camp Half-Blood the next day, since she very well couldn't have gone home to San Fransisco or Camp at, like, 6:00. There would be too many monsters out by then, attracted by her scent and the looming darkness. Yup, Percy wasn't about to let her do that.

He had just gotten out of the shower, wearing a pair of jeans and his undershirt. He had already picked out the pants before he'd showered. Glancing at the clouds that hovered above the skyline, he ran his fingers through his hair.

His stomach had erupted into a nervous mess, tossing his breakfast around and threatening to embarrass him with nausea. He figured it was because of his... Itsy bitsy... Teeny tiny... crush on Annabeth.

He was panicking slightly. Was this casual enough to wear a tee shirt? He glanced at his noodle arms. They were slightly more defined than before, from sword practice, but he was still the small, lanky, lovesick boy from the year before. He wondered if the three inches he had grown over the time he'd been away from Annabeth had made up for his shortness. You see, for years she was always taller than him, teasing him about it continuously. He swore that one day he'd tease her for being short.

Percy brought his mind back to the present and grabbed a shirt. It was white, with small blue waves around it. Yeah, that's a no-go. He wasn't about to embarrass himself with wearing that thing. He looked back at his drawer. Should he wear, like, a flannel? He pulled at his black hair.

"Hey, you ready to-" Paul stopped short, glancing at the boy in front of him who might be having a panic attack. "Are you okay, Perce?" He asked. Percy nodded, feeling embarrassed.

"Yeah, I just... Don't know what to wear..." He sounded so girly. Percy mentally slapped himself on the head. But to his surprise, Paul smiled, coming to stand beside his stepson.

"First date. I understand, it's a pretty big deal. You have every right to be nervous." Paul assured the boy. Percy's eyes widened.

"It's not a date!" He spluttered, the tips of his ears going red at the prospect. Paul grinned.

"Just put on a long sleeved shirt so your mom won't worry. You don't have to dress up for a movie." Then he left the shocked Son of Poseidon alone. Percy slowly turned, grabbing a long sleeved grey shirt with the two buttons at the top.

He rolled his sleeves up to his elbows, then rolled them back down again.

You're not even muscular like a man is supposed to be. How could she ever like you? His brain taunted him, but he pushed the thoughts out of his mind, running a comb through his hair. Afterwards, it was still just as messy. No wonder she still likes Luke.

He grabbed his wallet and Riptide, making his way outside where he was almost blinded by a flash of light. His mom had taken a picture...

"Mom! What are you doing?" He asked as she shook the Polaroid, practically jumping around the living room.

"My baby's first date!" She grinned. His entire face must've been so red.

"It's not a date, we're just going to see a movie!" Percy protested, rubbing his eyes and hurrying to the door. Paul shook his head as he made his way after the boy.

///

Paul dropped Percy off around the corner, not even asking if he wanted it that way. That's what Percy loved about having Paul as his stepdad. They already knew each other well.

So there Percy stood, rounding the building as he made his way to the theatre. His hands were sweaty and probably gross, and he suddenly felt the urge to fix his hair.

Calm down. It's not like it's a date.

But his breathing was erratic as he leaned against the building, waiting to calm down. He knew he was slightly early, but he also knew Annabeth would be there already. She was never late.

And so, taking one big breath, Percy kept walking. It was about five minutes before he could see the doors clearly through the crowded streets, but once he did, it was pretty easy to spot Annabeth.

She had a large circle of space around her, like people knew not to get too close. Only the really drunk ones did, and Percy realized with a jolt of anger that the catcalls he had heard while walking were most likely meant for the one and only Annabeth Chase.

She was fifteen now, skinny, had long legs, trust me, he'd noticed, blonde hair, tan skin, perfect face. What was there not to like? She was gorgeous, even at fifteen. She was wearing a flannel wrapped around her waist, her camp tee shirt, jeans, Percy noticed the holes in them. Those were probably accidental, but Percy liked them either way. Her Camp necklace was hanging from her neck as she leaned against the wall, her combat boot propped against the brick wall. Her curly hair was usually in a ponytail, but she had it down now.

One thing Percy Jackson loved about Annabeth Chase: She was beautiful

Percy blinked, realizing he'd been staring, probably with his mouth open, and kept walking. She noticed him and beamed, running up and giving him a hug.

Now remember how I'd said she hardly ever wears her hair down? Well, this was the first time Percy had hugged her with her hair down and he immediately noticed that she smelled like lemons. Lemon shampoo maybe? He'd noticed the scent before, but had never given much thought to it. His stomach calmed and he relaxed slightly, wrapping his arms around her. He tried to guess how tall she was, and could tell that he had grown enough to finally be taller than her.

She pulled away and smirked at him, for some reason. "Let's go get our seats, Seaweed Brain, and wipe that grin off your face." Oh, that's why.

///

They walked into the theatre, and Percy was immediately glad it was already dark. The only seats left were in the back, and he'd been in school long enough to know what that always implied.

Annabeth didn't seem fazed as they walked to the seats, him awkwardly fumbling with his box of M&M's as she calmly sat down and placed her own box of candy, Nerds by the way he'd teased her for that, on the armrest.

They traded stories of what happened during their absence of seeing each other. Percy started getting more comfortable, openly laughing and bantering with his friend.

Another thing Percy Jackson loved about Annabeth Chase: Her smile.

He felt someone tap his shoulder and saw a pretty, nervous looking pregnant woman standing next to him. She was wringing her hands and her husband beside her was looking slightly miffed.

"I'm so sorry, but it appears the cinema made a mistake. The only seat left is in the very back, so we don't have anywhere to sit. I was wondering if you could give up your seat for a pregnant woman?" She asked. Percy immediately stood, along with Annabeth as the woman sat, apparently relieved as her husband held her hand, still looking mad.

"Um, where do we go now?" He asked, looking back at the seat that was left. The lady was right, it was the absolute last seat.

"Just go sit down, the movie will start soon. Your girlfriend can sit on your lap or something." The guy said almost like it was rehearsed, pushing his sunglasses into place.

"I'm not his girlfriend!" Annabeth retorted immediately. Ouch. Percy shook his head, but the movie was starting and people were looking slightly upset at them.

"Maybe we should just wait to see the movie..." Percy said nervously, glancing around and trying not to let his blushing face show.

"Like Hades we are." And Annabeth grabbed his hand, towing him towards the back. He was stumbling over his own feet, and other people's feet, but she glided right to the seat. "Sit." She ordered. He was about to protest, but when Annabeth told you to do something, you'd better hike up your skirt and hurry.

He sat down, and just as he expected, she sat herself on his lap. Percy wasn't sure how red his face was, but he was pretty sure he'd long since passed fire hydrant. It wasn't like he didn't enjoy it, it was that this was the closest he'd ever been to a girl. He wondered if she could feel his heart beating out of his chest. She probably could, her back was pressed against his chest.

Percy hesitantly wrapped his arms around Annabeth's waist, putting his chin on her shoulder so he could see the movie. The girl was actually quite light.

The entire movie, he barely payed attention. His mind was slightly foggy from the smell of lemons and he couldn't help but notice how pretty she was even in the dim light.

His eyes got heavy, and his head flopped onto her shoulder, in the crook of her neck. They both froze, not moving a single muscle. Percy didn't even move his head, just sat there.

Annabeth relaxed soon and leaned back slightly. Percy noticed that her cheeks were slightly colored. She had clasped her hands in front of her, but now she placed them over Percy's own hands, almost subconsciously, and laced her fingers with his.

The rest of the movie went by quickly, and soon Annabeth stood and so did he. Out of the corner of his eye, he had noticed that the couple who'd made them move had disappeared. Obviously, Percy didn't bring that to Annabeth's attention.

As they weaved through the crowd, he boldly grabbed her hand and tugged her along. She turned red, but followed anyway.

Paul was supposed to pick them up at a pizza place, where they were obviously picking up a pizza for that night, so Percy halted at the door. He turned and looked Annabeth in the eye.

"Um, I'm sorry about that." He stuffed his hands in the pockets of his jeans. Annabeth didn't say anything, but continued to study the ground. "I mean, it wasn't like I didn't... I mean... You're extremely pretty and I wasn't really upset that that.... Wait, what?" Suddenly she started laughing at him, doubling over and holding her stomach.

And another thing Percy Jackson loved about Annabeth Chase: She didn't giggle, like other girls, she actually laughed.

Percy joined in, soon becoming breathless. They grinned at each other for a moment, eyes sparkling. Suddenly, she stiffened, glancing between them and Percy realized they'd moved an inch closer. If he just leaned over a bit, their lips would-

Suddenly, Annabeth whipped around, her knife out already, and pushed Percy against the wall. He saw something fly past them, barely missing where Annabeth had been standing moments ago. He uncapped Riptide and stood beside Annabeth as the tire came to a halt on the sidewalk, any remaining mortals fleeing quickly.

An odd clanking sound came from the left and Percy whirled around to see a girl with strange legs and a, not so, pretty face glaring at him.

Percy (1st Person)

"Emposai." Annabeth muttered, getting into a fighting stance. Suddenly, she shouted. "Oh my god! A terrorist!" And all mortals within a hundred yards scattered. The weird cheerleader was surprisingly fast and ran straight at Annabeth, but I intercepted her with Riptide, sword against teeth.

She stumbled backwards, touching her lip that I'd busted with the flat of my sword. She growled, swerving to the side and attempting to bite at my sword arm, but I saw her move and swiped with my sword.

I chanced a glance at Annabeth, and noticed she had another cheerleader attempting to bite her. She ducked and rolled, but even I knew that she was just stalling until she could come up with a plan. She didn't have an advantage in this fight, with only a knife, if she attacked she'd get hurt. I had to hurry.

The emposai I had been fighting went in for another attack. Apparently she hadn't been taught how to fight properly, because I easily fended her off, managing to break one of her long nails.

She wailed and charged, but I sidestepped and stabbed at her stomach. She easily glided away, glancing at her partner. The emposai looked back at her and quicker than I thought possible, she knocked Annabeth's knife out of her hand and bit.

Annabeth's scream still echoed in my ears as she grabbed for her knife, throwing the cheerleader off of her, but it was still feet away. I charged to help her, but the first Emposai grabbed Annabeth and held her arms, teeth aimed at her neck.

"One move and Kellie attacks." The other said, crossing her arms. I stayed still, glancing at Annabeth's face. She was pale, hurt, and extremely angry. Not a good combo.

Kellie apparently had a death grip, because even Annabeth, the strongest girl I knew, couldn't move a muscle. Her arms were almost completely white.

"What do you want?" I asked, keeping Riptide in my hand. The two 'ladies' glanced at each other and smiled.

"To deliver a message. Kronos will win and your best chance is to join him." She tapped her chin, like she was wondering whether or not she'd remembered to buy milk at the grocery store. "Oh, yeah! We also smelled Demigod blood!" And she charged at him.

He saw the other demon sink her teeth into Annabeth's flesh, but Percy couldn't help as the brunette one attacked. He easily stabbed her in her stomach, but not before her teeth scratched against the skin of his wrist, and the pipes under the street exploded. Kellie screeched, having been flipped by Annabeth, and was completely soaked. She fled just as Annabeth dropped to the ground panting.

The water around their feet was pinkish from blood and monster dust was leaking into the sewer. Percy splashed through the water towards where Annabeth was kneeling, one hand on her arm and the other on her neck. Blood seeped through her fingers.

"Annabeth!" I yelled involuntarily as she completely collapsed. My own arm ached from the cut the Emposai's teeth made, and I couldn't imagine how much pain Annabeth was in. But she still numbly tried to stand like the stubborn Daughter of Athena she is.

"I'm fine... Fine..." She held out her arms and attempted to push me away, but I gripped her jacket still and allowed her to try and stand. She was wobbly on her feet, and her eyes were unfocused, but she managed to stay up for about five seconds before collapsing.

I caught her, pulling her out of the water and towards the dry area by the pizzeria. Chunks of rock were littered everywhere from my show with the pipes, and so I lightly placed her on one of the larger ones. Her head lolled onto my arm and she grunted in distaste.

"I can... Let me get up..." But I placed both hands on her waist and stopped her from standing.

"Come on Annabeth, you aren't invincible." I winced when I pulled her hair away from her neck. She looked like she'd been bitten by a vampire. Blood still came from the wound. I tried to stem the blood flow, but nothing worked.

"Ambrosia... My backpack-" Annabeth glanced around, looking slightly panicked. I soon noticed the reason. Her backpack had been washed away somewhere, not to be seen.

"Oh crap... I have a couple pieces at my apartment. Gods..." Annabeth almost fell over, but I steadied her, grabbing her arm as she blinked a few times.

"Good, just wait for Paul and..." But she trailed off and I followed her gaze. The road had already been blocked off, the big cracks in the asphalt being too dangerous for travel. Paul would have to drive around the block, to the back of the shop, but by then... Annabeth had already lost a lot of blood...

Making a quick decision, I picked her up, ignoring her protests. She held onto my neck with one arm, but the other was limp at her side. I started walking towards my apartment, a quicker pace than normal. I would have taken her to the hospital, but I doubted they had a stock of ambrosia. Plus they'd probably think we were felons.

"Percy... You can't carry me two block-"

"Yes I can." I fired back, shifting so her head was pressed to my shoulder. She scrunched her eyebrows together, but stopped arguing. Her eyelids were becoming heavy.

After about ten minutes, she glanced back up at me, but I stayed focused on the sidewalk. It was late, and the last few streets had been evacuated because of a 'terrorist attack' so we were pretty safe. My arms ached, but I didn't tell her. I was lucky she was light.

"Aren't you tired?" She whispered, still staring up at me. Her face was pale from blood loss, and those few words made her look like she'd pass out.

"Why would I be tired if I'm carrying my only strength?" I answered boldly, starting towards the elevator. She went silent, then spoke as we neared my door, me breaking into a jog.

"I'm your only strength?" Her voice was soft, like she'd crumble if she spoke any louder.

"You always have been, just took me a while to notice." Annabeth was quiet and I glanced towards where she had gone limp in my arms.

Once I got her to my mom, she stated to look better. Her face regained its color and she woke up soon after,
looking embarrassed. My mom left to get the pizza, and Paul sat in the kitchen planning out his lessons, leaving Annabeth and I alone in the living room.

"Did you mean it?" She asked, watching my expressions. My face went red, but I nodded. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw her smile. "Good." And she kissed me.

There were many more moments after that, that were much the same, where I'd remind her that she was my only strength. It continued for years, and her title always changed.

Best friend, girlfriend, fiancée, wife, and soulmate. But always staying my Wise Girl.