The Surgery

Annabeth POV

Strong arms wrapped around my waist and stomach from behind. I felt his lips press into my cheek as his grip tightened around me.

"Hey, Wise Girl," Percy whispered huskily into my ear. It was hot and sensual.

I turned around slowly and met his lips with mine. "Seaweed Brain, you said that you wouldn't come today," I said.

"I know. I thought that the chemo side effects would hit, but they really haven't yet. So, I thought I'd come and join you," he said with a smile.

The month of May marked the last chemo cycle that Percy hopefully would ever have to take. While I was nervous about the surgery that was being planned for June, I was so happy that Percy could finally be free of his cancer.

"All right, let's go into the theater, Seaweed Brain," I said laughing.

As we got settled into our seats, I noticed that there were very few people in the theater. Besides my group of friends, there were only about ten more individuals here. I always checked the reviews of the movie, and this one had good reviews, but people were saying that it was slow.

It was one of those emotional movies, but it was slow-moving.

I had to admit that the reviews were correct. I often found myself bored, and I noticed that Percy wasn't even paying attention.

His fingers were softly playing with my right hand the whole time. Not that I minded.

"That was a good movie, right guys?" Hazel asked excitedly as we walked out of the movie theater.

Everyone kind of just shrugged or evaded the question.

It made sense that Hazel would like the movie. She was really interested in movies that took place in the past. Specifically, those that took place in the 1900s.

"Hazel, I'm sorry to say this, but your taste sucks," Leo exclaimed.

Everyone laughed along. Leo was honest and accurate, at least. Hazel's face reddened as we all assured her that it was fine.

The gang (the seven of us) were heading to a restaurant for dinner now.

Percy put his arm around my shoulders as we walked towards the car. "It honestly wasn't a horrible movie," he said.

"Seaweed Brain, you weren't even watching it."

"I know. I was watching and touching you the whole time. That's what made it so good," Percy said with a smile and chuckle.

"Well, I can't say the same," I said teasingly.

Percy made a pouting baby seal face that I found so cute. I couldn't stop myself from kissing him on the lips. Of course, he quickly kissed back.

"Okay, lovebirds, break it up. We have a single fellow here," Leo said as he physically came in between us.

Leo was now walking in between me and Percy. I immediately missed his warmth, but I was still laughing along with my friends.

Things were really looking bright right now.

***

"Hi, sweetie, can I talk to you real quick?"

"Of course, dad," I said as I ushered my father into my room. He had to go on a business trip this week for a job that he couldn't do virtually. I assumed he was just going to talk about that.

He sat down on my bed as I pushed my homework aside and turned to him.

"I know that I already talked to Percy a few times and met him as well. However, don't you think that I should have an official meeting with your boyfriend," he said firmly.

My face reddened a little.

"Dad," I exclaimed. "You already know Percy."

He smiled earnestly. "I still haven't officially met him, Annabeth."

I nodded with a smile. I loved how much my dad cared. All the family problems that I had a few months ago were gone after my dad became more present in our lives.

"Okay, I'll bring him for dinner sometime, dad," I said firmly.

"Will he be okay with it?" my dad asked.

"Of course, Percy will be fine. Actually, Percy is very good with people," I said. I didn't doubt my words one bit. Seaweed Brain was really good at handling people while remaining genuine.

My dad chuckled softly before gazing at me again.

"So, how is Percy?" he asked seriously.

"Percy's hanging in there. His hopefully last chemo cycle just ended. Percy, his family, and the medical team are busy planning and preparing for his surgery," I said.

"This surgery will fully cure his cancer?" my dad asked curiously.

"That's what they're saying, dad. The chemotherapy had effectively shrunk the osteosarcoma and opened up relatively clean margins. The doctors hope to remove the rest of his cancer, and replace some of the damaged bone with artificial/metal parts," I explained.

I did a lot of research into this topic and asked a lot of questions as well.

My father nodded with a smile. "That's good news, Annabeth. It's very good news."

"Yeah, Percy has one more hurdle left with regards to his cancer, and it starts as soon as school ends in a few weeks," I said absentmindedly.

"How are you doing with all this, Annabeth?" my father asked softly.

"I'm fine, dad. I actually love Percy, so I can't wait for him to be safe and healthy."

My dad embraced me before kissing my forehead. "He'll be fine soon, Annabeth, and you two will be happy."

I nodded smiling.

"We're already very happy together. Thanks, Dad," I said earnestly.

***

Percy walked out of the hospital bathroom still trying to fix his hospital gown. He cursed tensely as the hospital gown came loose on the back, and he had to tie it again.

Yup, it was surgery day. Hopefully, the day that Percy's cancer would die.

"Seaweed Brain, can you stop fussing over your gown?" I asked with a chuckle.

"It keeps coming loose, Wise Girl," he said in frustration.

"Who cares? You have a cute butt," I said as he laid back down on his hospital bed.

Percy laughed before slyly giving me an "I know" comment.

I chuckled as I went forward and gently took his hand. I noticed Sally and Paul coming back into the room. Both of them were smiling as they gazed at us before taking a seat on the couch near the window. I turned back towards Percy and gazed at him.

"Percy, you don't have to be nervous," I said softly.

"I can't help it," he murmured. "What if something goes wrong? What if they don't get all of my cancer? Or-"

"Percy, you're going to do great," I said softly.

"Wise Girl, you heard all the complications that could happen. What if I went through all this only so that cancer still remains in my system?"

"That's not going to happen, Seaweed Brain," I whispered as I rubbed his hand.

"Wise Girl, you're really smart, but even you cannot guarantee this."

I stared at Percy's conflicted face before reaching forward. My hand grazed his cheek and turned it so that he was facing me. Our gazes locked on each other. His sea-green eyes were so emotional and vulnerable right now. Percy had been nervous and tense all week, and all of it was finally coming out today.

I kissed his hand softly. "We are going to be great, Seaweed Brain."

Percy smiled softly before kissing my hand back.

The nurses walked into the room and started preparing Percy for transport to the operating room. His surgery was gonna happen now.

"I love you, Wise Girl," Percy said as I gave him a soft kiss.

"I love you, too, Seaweed Brain. See you soon," I whispered.

Then, Percy talked with Sally and Paul for a while. I watched as he hugged his step-father, and embraced his mother. His mom gave him a good luck kiss on the forehead.

I watched with conflicted emotions as Percy rolled away for his life-changing surgery.

Gods, please let this be good.