Can We Talk?

Annabeth POV

"So, did you see him again?" asked Percy during a rehearsal break.

"This morning."

"Did that bastard try something again?"

"No, not after what I told him, Seaweed Brain."

Percy looked at me with intrigue. Clearly, he wanted to know what I did after interacting with Luke this morning. Honestly, I was so grateful to Percy for everything he did. My dad filled me in on Saturday when I woke up with a pounding headache. Percy had safely brought me home and put me into my family's care.

"Well, I told Luke that if he ever tried anything I'd cut off his limbs and feed it to the dogs whilst making him watch. Then, I'd kick him so he never felt any urge like that again."

He cringed a little before letting out a chuckle, "Wow, Wise Girl. Very graphic."

I laughed. "But, seriously, thanks again, Percy."

"Stop. Wise Girl, you'd do the same for me."

"Oh, of course, I'd definitely save you when someone starts to force themselves on you," I said teasingly.

"Only save me if I ask, Wise Girl," he said with a smirk, which earned a punch on the arm. It nagged me that he'd be okay with making out with another girl, but I didn't know why.

Friday night was a complete blur. The last thing I remembered was Percy throwing punches at Luke before coming over to me with worry in his eyes. However, I couldn't help but feel like stuff definitely happened that I didn't remember due to being intoxicated.

Before I could ask him about it, we were called back to rehearsal. All the cast members were split up into many groups so that we could practice multiple scenes at once. It was a long rehearsal, and I was tired by the end.

Yet, we haven't even started the dance routines. We would start rehearsing the dance numbers once we come back from winter break. I was actually excited for the holidays because my dad seemed more willing to spend time at home, and I wanted the time with him. This past week he had been different. In fact, he seemed interested in fixing our strained relationship by showing interest in my musical theatre experience.

"Alright, guys. Before we leave today, we agreed that we'd pick out our secret Santa assignments."

She had a bag of names, and we all picked out our assignments. Oddly enough, I got Percy's name, and my mind was reeling with all the presents (under 30 dollars) that I could get him.

***

"Hey Annie," a voice cooed behind me.

I sighed before turning around. Couldn't I go shopping with my friends on a Saturday in peace? I was at the mall with Piper, Thalia, and Hazel so that we could buy our Secret Santa gifts for our party next Thursday (ie Christmas Eve). While the rules dictated that we couldn't reveal our Secret Santa assignments, we could at least go to the mall together.

Besides, none of us got assigned to each other. Thalia was buying for Leo while Piper was buying for Juniper. I wasn't sure of Hazel's assignment. We weren't supposed to tell each other, but I managed to figure out Thalia and Piper's assignments based on the stuff they were looking into at the mall.

"Based on the things you wear, I didn't think you'd know what a mall is."

"Wow, Rachel. Is that the best you've got?"

Her smile disappeared. "I told you to stay away from him, yet I catch you doing the dirty," she said coming straight to the point. But, I had no clue what craziness she was talking about.

"First, I'm not gonna let you dictate who I'm friends with. And secondly, I have no clue what you're talking about."

For a second, Rachel looked surprised as she searched my face. Then, she just smirked. "So, you really don't know? Well, I guess that's fine for me, but insulting for you. Toodle-ooh."

She twirled on her feet and disappeared into Victoria's Secret, and I was left in confusion. And, I hated being confused and not knowing things.

***

The Christmas party was a lot of fun. We played games, we ate, we talked, and we did things that close groups of friends do at a private party. I loved it.

We were finally sitting down in front of the Christmas tree for pictures and presents. Each person would be receiving one present from their Secret Santa, and it was assumed that no one knew who their secret Santa was. Because the budget was only 30 dollars, the present was meant to be more heartfelt and meaningful rather than extravagant.

I received a very gorgeous grey sweater. I couldn't believe that someone managed to buy it for under 30 bucks. Finally, it was Percy's turn.

I could see his nervousness as he opened the box. I had gotten something that I really wasn't sure about. As a swimmer, he probably had many swim shorts and caps, but I liked this one as soon as I saw them.

I saw a smile grace his handsome face as he took out the swim attire. I felt a wave of relief as he excitedly scanned his present. "Wow, guys. I love it, and the best part is I'll indefinitely use it!"

He eagerly showed everyone the cap and shorts. It was a swim cap with the letter 'P" on the side. The shorts were more unique as it is one of a kind. It was a blue athletic swim short, but I had horizontally stitched his first name in a royal font on the left leg.

It was like a jersey, but it was directly on his swim gear and it was his first name. Swimmers couldn't take their letterman jackets into the pool, so now, he had a swim gear that was branded with his identity.

"Thanks so much whoever got this!" he said with a brilliant smile. His excitement emphasized his love for swimming and competition.

The rest of the night went by as happily as it started.

"Hey, Wise Girl. Can we talk?" Percy asked later when the activity calmed down and people were doing their own thing in separate groups. A Christmas movie was running as well.

"Yeah, sure," I said as we made our way to the secluded kitchen island.

I felt slightly flustered as he smiled at me. I've noticed that this has been happening a lot more recently. Percy would do something that would make me simultaneously excited and nervous.

"What's up, Seaweed Brain?"

"I got you a present."

"Really?" I asked shocked that he wanted to give me something despite not having to.

"Yeah, it's me," he said with a smirk.

I decided to play along with the joke. "Oh well, then I don't think I want it," I replied teasingly.

For a second, I saw his smile falter and a deep expression took over. But, he quickly recovered and put on a smile again. It happened very fast; however, I knew I saw it, but I didn't know what to make of it. I mean it was just a joke.

"No, seriously. It's here." He handed me an envelope, which piqued my curiosity.

I opened the envelope to find four tickets to the Greatest Showman, our musical. It was a ticket that would get you into the audience on our opening night.

"Percy, what are these for?"

"These are tickets that I convinced your dad to buy so that they could come to see you perform."

I stared at him in shock, but it made sense. Dad had been different to me since that night. He was more understanding and approving of my interests, and he was more present in my and my brothers' lives. It never occurred to me that Dad changed because Percy talked to him.

I felt my eyes water as I took the tickets. "Hey Wise Girl, do you not like it?" Percy reached forward and brushed a stray tear off my cheek.

"Are you kidding? Percy, I love it. You convinced my family to support me again. Thank you so much," I said as I threw my arms around him.

We stood there warmly hugging for a long time. Percy didn't want to pull away, and I didn't want to pull away. So, we didn't.