A Date?

Percy POV

The Greatest Show was very well received by audiences, which is why the school decided to add six more shows to the production schedule. This effectively added two more weeks of acting, singing, and dancing, but I didn't mind. I liked performing in the musical.

Today was the seventh time we were performing the show. It has been two weeks since opening day. The actual show was scheduled for tomorrow, but I had regionals this weekend, so the directors (Apollo, Mr. Bruner, and Miss Artemis) managed to move it to Thursday night. I was currently backstage behind some shutters changing into the ringmaster costume for the first number.

I had just pulled on my pants when I felt fingers against the small of my back. I felt goosebumps crawl over my body.

However, warmth and lust also spread through my body, telling me who the person was.

I turned around to face Annabeth's beautiful gray eyes. She was already changed into her pink dress (A Million Dreams outfit).

"Wise Girl," I breathed out before she kissed me suddenly.

My hands immediately found her waist as I pulled her closer to me. "Hey, someone's charged today," I said with a smirk.

She laughed before locking her gaze with me again. "Seaweed Brain, you want me to leave?"

"Definitely not, but I do have to get ready for the show that is starting very soon."

"We have 15 minutes till showtime," she said in a low whisper. She had a look in her stormy eyes, intimidating but so damn hot. Since when did storm clouds become sexy. I felt myself getting excited as I kissed her more deeply. I could get lost in her kisses. Each time I kissed her it was like the first time.

"Ugh, I wish we didn't have the show right now," I said as I hugged her tightly. She placed a small kiss on my neck before hugging back. This didn't help my desire to only be with her right now rather than the show.

The last two weeks were amazing. Wise Girl had gotten rid of the Luke problem. Turns out that there were cameras placed backstage, which Annabeth figured out. While they shouldn't be aimed towards the shutters where people change, the video caught Luke kicking my chest and abdominal area (exactly where I had my bruise) with the help of his goons. Obviously, they got in serious trouble, and they would be fools to come at us again.

As I regretfully pulled away to put the rest of my clothes on, she kissed me again. It was hot and passionate, and I simply became clay to be molded in her arms and kiss. Wise Girl just seemed to have power over me.

I kissed her back just as passionately. Somehow, I had managed to push her back and onto an old table nearby as our kissing intensified.

"Hey, Bro, Apollo's calling--OH."

I immediately pulled away from Annabeth. Both of our faces were red as we faced Jason who was at the entryway of the shutters.

Fun fact: none of our friends knew that Annabeth and I were together now. As far as I knew, my mom was the only person to know that Annabeth and I were a couple even though I hadn't even taken her out on an official date. My fault honestly, but there's so much going on right now.

I really didn't know why we didn't tell our friends. They'd be extremely happy for us.

"Uh, Apollo is calling you to get in position, Percy." His face was also red considering he walked in on us making out. He left awkwardly.

"That was so embarrassing," I said as I turned back to Annabeth. She gave me a quick kiss before letting out a laugh. Pretty soon, we were both laughing crazily and happily.

"I guess everyone knows now, huh, Seaweed Brain."

"Yeah, which is good because I want everyone to know that you are with me and only me." I must've said the right thing because she smiled brightly.

***

The conversation with all of our friends was awkward. Jason, of course, blabbed to everyone about what he saw. Everyone was happy for us. After all, everyone knew that we liked each other for months now. Some of them were mad that we didn't tell them sooner, but that wasn't a big deal.

It was actually Annabeth that told everyone that we were together. I had to leave for Regionals by third period Friday morning. I wouldn't return till late Sunday evening. So, Annabeth had to break the news to most of our friends.

I got some heat from my friends about not taking Annabeth out on an official date yet. Honestly, I was giving myself a hard time for not giving a proper date yet, which is why I planned out our first date for Sunday night. Annabeth didn't know about it.

I was tired from Regionals, but I didn't care. I hadn't seen her for a little over two days, and I was already missing her. Plus, regionals went very well, so I was in a really good mood.

Considering I had been dozens of miles away from home, I couldn't plan much. It was a simple date: a moonlit stroll and picnic in the park. It was easy and casual, but hopefully, Annabeth will think it's at least romantic.

It was early April, so it was only a little chilly.

I waited for Annabeth outside her door.

I still couldn't believe how naturally pretty Wise Girl was as she opened the door in nightclothes and a ponytail. I couldn't help but smile.

"Seaweed Brain, what are you doing here?" she asked as she came forward for a hug.

I happily embraced her, "I missed you, Wise Girl, and I came to take you on a date."

She chuckled. "It's been like two days, Percy. More importantly, A date? Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

"The first date should be a surprise, shouldn't it? Don't worry, it's nowhere fancy."

"Not exactly a winning line for a first date, Seaweed Brain," she said teasingly. "I'm gonna get changed real quick."

We drove to the city's biggest park. It was a popular hang-out spot, but considering it was nighttime, there were only a few people.

I took her hand in mine as we walked along the stone trail. I had practically memorized the feel of her hands by now. My other arm was carrying a blanket and a picnic basket that my mom had set up, but I picked the food though.

"How was Regionals?" she asked after a while of comfortable silence.

"I performed very well."

"You certainly seem much more satisfied this time around. So, where's the trophy?" she asked teasingly.

"If you really want my trophy, I'll happily give it to you, Wise Girl. I have plenty anyway."

"So modest, Seaweed Brain," she said laughing. "Anyway, why do you like swimming so much? You said your dad had something to do with it."

I paused. I wasn't expecting that question.

"You don't have to tell me if you don't want to," she said quickly. However, I fully trusted her, and I was comfortable with telling her anything and everything. I turned to face her directly.

"No, I want to tell you. My dad and I were very close when I was younger. He was a great swimmer, so he turned me to swimming as well. I remember very few memories of him, but the best ones always had to do with swimming." I sighed. "He left me and my mom when I was 9." Annabeth was rubbing my hands softly, making me feel so much better.

"Swimming is your only connection to him, now. That's why you like it so much."

"Annabeth, he abandoned us. I don't even want to be connected to him."

"But, that doesn't make the passion and love that you build up for swimming go away. Think of it this way, your father wasn't much of a father considering he left, but at least, he gave you something that you will always love and that will never leave you."

I never thought of my father like that. I smiled as my mind and emotions fell at ease because of Annabeth's words.

"Thanks, Wise Girl. That made me feel so much better."

We shared a sweet kiss before carrying on with our date. It was the best date I had ever been on despite how simple it was. The date was special.

No, Annabeth was what made it special.

As I watched her peacefully gazing at the stars, I decided on something. Swimming wasn't the only part of life that I will always love and that will never leave me.