It was surprising how much her life changed in a day. She'd explored Central Park, had the best lunch of her life, and laughed more than she had in years.

And it was all because of one, Percy Jackson.

Which is why she didn't bother hesitating when he invited her home.

She trusted him, surprisingly, which was odd for her. There was something about him that just clicked, like a piece of the puzzle she'd been missing in New York.

She felt displaced the past few weeks, lost in a new culture and slew of faces.

It was hard to start over in a new city and build her life from the ground up.

She avoided that for the longest time, hiding herself in her apartment and workplace, trying to pretend that she still had some semblance of normalcy in her life.

She hadn't realized what a rut she was in until Percy took her hand, igniting every sense within her. She finally felt comfort in this new era of her life.
A sense of security, like somehow everything would be okay, that she could manage to begin again. Her worries quite literally melted away when she was with him.

As they walked up to Percy's apartment, the sounds of the city grew fainter, replaced by the hum of the building's elevator and the soft rustle of their coats

Annabeth fidgeted with her keys, her excitement growing with each step. She couldn't believe she was seeing Percy's home - it felt surreal, yet so normal.

Like it was a natural progression of their friendship. Percy, on the other hand, seemed perfectly at ease, his eyes sparkling with excitement as he led her through the worn hallway and faded apartment numbers.

"Don't be alarmed if there's an attack," he warned with a grin.

"So you live with your mom?" she asked.

"Mm," Percy shook his head, "Not exactly. I stay in the apartment above this one, but at her place more often than I'm at mine."

Annabeth smiled. That was something she admired about him. He was unabashedly loyal to his family.

"Also umm," she twiddled her fingers, cursing herself for not asking this earlier, "I... is it rude that I didn't bring anything? Like a housewarming gift?"

"Oh, gods, no," he chuckled, "She's probably just going to be excited that I brought a girl home."

Annabeth's brows shot up, "You never brought a girl home? A girlfriend or..." she asked, biting the corner of her lip, anticipating his answer with bated breath.

Why was her heart clutched in worry?

"Er... no," he replied awkwardly, turning to face the door, "Never had the time to date. Swimming took up a lot of time."

"Oh..." she suppressed a smile, trying to morph her features into any other emotion possible.

"You're single too, right? Assuming you aren't dating that ratface," he said, running a hand through his hair.

"Single and available," she smiled, cringing slightly.

He looked amused. "Let's... let's go in," she rushed, hoping to distract from her major failure.

Percy nodded, turning the key. When the door swung open, it turned out he wasn't lying.

As they opened the door, a flurry of white flakes enveloped them, followed by a fit of giggles.

"What the...?!" Percy exclaimed, shielding his face from the onslaught.

A child burst into the corridors, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "Surprise!" he shouted, brandishing a can of fake snow. In an instant, they were covered.

Annabeth laughed, trying to brush off the sticky flakes.

"You little scamp!" Percy teased, playfully ruffling Tyson's hair.

He chuckled, shaking his head. "Sorry about this. I guess someone got a little excited about the holiday season," he turned to her with apologetic eyes.

Annabeth grinned, her eyes sparkling. "It's okay, I love it. Reminds me of my brothers."

"You have brothers?" he asked.

She nodded, "Yup, they're twins. Matthew and Bobby."

"That's-" he began, only to once again be attacked by the persistent toddler

The flying toddler assaulted Percy's legs, squeezing them tight, "Brother" he exclaimed, "I missedddd youuuu."

He couldn't be older than four.

"I missed you too Ty," Percy laughed, ruffling the young one's hair. He stepped aside, waving her over, "This is Annabeth," he introduced.

He turned to her, "And this menace to society is my brother Tyson."

"So pretty!" the toddler remarked, peeking out from under his brother's legs.

Annabeth smiled. A voice called the child back in before she could respond. "Ty! It's time to wash up, baby!"

Percy faced her with an embarrassed smile, "Er... that's my mom," he explained.

His hand lightly grazed the small of her back as he ushered her inside. She could feel his touch radiating through her, despite the layers of clothing.

"Percy!" an older woman gushed as they walked in. Her blue eyes sparkled as she laid eyes on her son, lips twisting into a smile as warm as a quilt.

Annabeth smiled, watching the happy exchange between the family.

It was adorable.

"And who might you be, dear?" Percy's mother asked, turning towards Annabeth, trying to keep a grasp on her wriggling baby.

She glanced at her up and down, noting white sprinkles across their figures, "I take it you've met Tyson. I'm sorry, he's had quite a lot of sugar," she cast the toddler a stern yet loving look.

"My name's Annabeth," Annabeth replied, extending her arm to the woman

"Ah yes! He told me he was bringing someone special home," she cast Percy a knowing, sly look.

The pair blushed. "You're extremely pretty," she smiled, handing her baby to her husband, a man with salt and pepper hair.

"Did you know Percy's single?" she asked with a coy smirk.

Percy looked like he wanted to jump into a volcano. His face was red, cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
It was cute.

The only issue was, she wasn't sure she looked too different.

"Mrs. Jackson, I—"

"Oh no, call me Sally, dear," she smiled, "And you must stay for dinner! I insist!"

"Booo cookkiessss!" the toddler shrieked, grinning widely.

Annabeth could see a fresh set of teeth poking out his gums.

"Yes, Ty, blue cookies," Sally affirmed, ruffling Tyson's hair.

Everyone in the room brightened up with the prospect.

Annabeth turned to Percy as Sally was distracted, "Blue cookies again?" she mouthed

"Told you she's the inventor ," he whispered back, "You'll love 'em."

The room was silent for a few seconds, interrupted by a large, violent sneeze from Tyson.

"Oh! It's cold, isn't it?" Sally remarked, springing into action in an instant. She had multiple scarves in her arms before Annabeth could blink.

She bent down, wrapping one around the sniffling toddler before turning to Annabeth,

"This is for you, dear. I made it myself," she said, handing it over.

"Oh... thank you," Annabeth replied, touched at the gesture.

Beside her, Percy was beaming, tying his scarf.

"I... I really loved your book, Sally. It's one of my favourites," Annabeth said, all snug and cosy.

"Did you?" Sally gasped, absolutely beaming, "That's wonderful! I've never met someone who read my work before!"

"You're joking!" Annabeth exclaimed, "It's so good! I'm surprised it's not on the New York bestsellers list."

"That crap is rigged," Percy grumbled.

The women ignored him. "You're so sweet, dear," Sally tucked a strand of grey hair behind her ear, "Tell me, what are your plans for Thanksgiving?"

"Oh," Annabeth cooed, surprised at the sudden change of topic, "I'm not sure... my roommate is going to her boyfriend's house, so I'll probably work late and order takeout," she shrugged.

"Perfect," Sally grinned, which transformed her into her son's carbon copy, "Now I can insist you come over for the day. It's nothing grand, but Paul cooks the best turkey."

"Thank you, sweetheart," her husband replied, rocking his daughter.

"I... I wouldn't want to intrude," she stuttered, taken aback. "I insist," Sally insisted, "Besides, Percy needs more... friends. And I'm sure he would love for you to come, wouldn't you?" she faced her son.

"Oh umm," Percy blinked, "Yeah... I would... It would be really nice if you came," he paused, "Only... only if you don't have plans, of course! I wouldn't want you to cancel anything or feel forced to come."

Annabeth took a breath, "In that case, I'd love to come, Sally," she smiled.

"Perfect," the older woman smiled, "Now, why don't the both of you go wash up for dinner? The bathroom sink's broken, so use the one in the kitchen."

" But—" Paul began. "It's broken," Sally affirmed.

"Ah," her husband gave a solemn nod, returning his focus to his now half-asleep daughter.

Percy took her hand, gently leading her towards the kitchen. Sparks tingled across her skin, her face flushed as his fingers entwined with hers. It felt so natural.

Everything about him felt so natural. Like she was, in this city larger than life, meant to find him. Being by his side was the most titillating experience she'd had. It was surreal how much comfort and warmth this near stranger provided.

She didn't want to miss out on time with him. She truly enjoyed his company, in ways she never thought were possible before. She looked forward to Thanksgiving more than she realised.

"Er..." Percy stood by the door of the kitchen, refusing to step in.

"What's wrong?" she asked, watching his face burn as bright as flames.

"You're really nice, I...I don't want to creep you out," he said, biting his cheek.

She tilted her head, "What is it?"

What could have gotten him so worked up? He looked like he either wanted to jump from the Acropolis or just won a medal.

"Im sorry if my family freaked you out," he rubbed the nape of his neck," "Theyre really cool, they can be a little much sometimes I suppose."

Annabeth smiled, "I think they're perfect."

It was true. She'd yet to see a family this loving and welcoming. No wonder Percy was so amazing. A gentleman in a world of boys.

"Just like you huh? he chuckled, sucking in a breath before she replied.

"Also...one more thing.." he said slowly, running a hand across his face

"Okay, just...don't hate me, okay? I mean, you can if you want to, but like..."

"There's nothing that can make me hate you," she promised, taking a step closer to him.

She placed a hand on his shoulder, "Everything I've learned about you so far has made me like you more."

She meant every word. She truly found him remarkable. He was practically perfect in her eyes. He made her heart do things she never thought were possible.

Percy's eyes shone, "Same here." Annabeth smiled, stepping even closer, "You know, I never got to thank you for spending the day with me? I don't think I've had this fun in a long time."

"I should be thanking you," he chuckled, resting his head atop her hand, which remained on his shoulder.

" You know...I might need your tour guide services again soon.....if you're up for it, that is," she held her breath, watching his cheeks dip into dimples.

"I'm always at your service," he grinned. She let out a breath with a light laugh, "Whenever you need me."

"So, now tell me what you wanted to say," she asked.

"Oh," Percy blushed again, his eyes trailing towards the door frame.

She followed his gaze. A string of yarn hung behind the door, with a little heart doodle and a rather inconspicuous strand of mistletoe.

"Oh," it was her turn to blush.

"It was something Ty made over Christmas," he explained awkwardly, lifting his head towards it, "My mom loved it, so she kinda just left it up. It's like...a house rule kinda..."

"That's...sweet," she smiled, eyeing the bright decoration. Her heart did cartwheels in her chest.

"Yeah...it's mostly for her and Paul, I guess, but..."

"So it's a house rule?" she asked.

Percy nodded, "Yeah."

"Well then..." she paused, mustering up some courage, "Who are we to go against the rules?"

"Oh," he seemed shocked, "I...as long as you're fine...I don't want you to be uncomfortable or anything..."

"I'll be fine," she breathed, staring into his eyes with a smile, "Besides...think of it as a...tour guide fee."

Percy grinned as they both moved under the doorframe, bashful smiles playing on their lips.

"Then let me say one thing as your official tour guide."

"Hmm?"

"Welcome to New York," he whispered, placing a soft kiss on her cheek.

As Annabeth's cheek still tingled from the soft peck, she couldn't help but feel a thrill of excitement for what the future held. With Percy by her side, everything felt possible.

She finally felt at home.

..............................................................................

We've made it to the end of this one shot thingy! Thank you all so much for reading and making it this far <3

I wrote this to celebrate my first few days of boarding school and I finally feel used to this place. I'm also surprised I posted consistently for almost a week.

Check out my other fanfics if you're bored I think? Oh! And vote and comment if you like anything? I don't know honestly

Anyways, thank you again! I adore all of you!

(posted 23/8/24 - 12:02 am)

Tuning out!

—S