She had been silent for a long time. Realistically it had probably only been a few seconds; but when you're waiting on such an important answer a second seemed like an hour. I could see the gears turning in her head. I have to admit it hurt a little that she had to think about so long. I mean that's how she approaches every decision. But I would still hope she wouldn't have to think so hard about this decision in particular.

She finally looked up at me and took my hand. "No." I exhaled the breath I had been holding, "Oh it's so good to... wait. You said No?" She squeezed my hand, "Percy, believe me, I want to more than anything,but we're too young." I stopped the boat about half a mile from the docks, and I didn't plan on moving again until she said yes. "Too young? Well we were too young to do a lot of things. Hunting monsters, going on quests, we've literally gone through hell ! We deserve to be happy damit! I'll be eighteen in a few months, I'll be a legal adult, we can do this, I promise."

She sighed, I could tell she wanted it, her walls were starting to break. She wanted to say yes, she was just over thinking everything. "Percy, do you really think now is the time?"

"Of course! Now is a perfect time ! We're here, we're together, there's no wars currently going on, at least not yet. Please just say yes. I could make you so happy, I promise, Annabeth I want this more than anything." She looked down, and I cupped her cheek with my hand.

"Ok, but only on one condition. No one can know, at least not yet. I want to keep it a secret until things calm down. I don't really want to add the stress of planning a wedding on top of helping Luke."

I tackled her with a huge hug. I pulled back to kiss her on the forehead, then her cheek, then her nose, then finally her lips. "I love you more than anything else in this world."

We walked back to my cabin, the whole time holding hands. I just couldn't wait to get her alone to myself. Tonight should be celebrated. Right before we got to the door I swept her off her feet and carried her over the threshold. "That's supposed to happen after the wedding seaweed brain." I laughed, "Just practicing." I laid her down on the bed and we started to make out.

We were getting really into it when we heard someone clear their throat. Annabeth shoved me off of her and onto the floor. She was so strong for such a small girl. After I rubbed my head where it hit the floor I looked up and there I saw sitting in an empty bunk, Aphrodite. "Aphrodite? What are you doing here?" Annabeth rolled her eyes, "Isn't it obvious? Goddess of love?" My look of confusion annoyed both of them.

"I'm the Goddess of love Perceus, and there has been some developments in the particular love story." Aphrodite winked at me. Oh gods she knew, and if she knew that means the rest of them probably know too. I was about to slightly panic but she cut me off, "Relax, you have my discretion. I come bearing gifts, every newly engaged couple deserves and engagement present. I have been betting on you two for a long time. I'm just so thrilled you're almost official."

She took out a very old looking, leather book. I looked at it curiously, "So basically it's a gift for Annabeth? I mean not that I don't like books, but I'm more of a movie person." Annabeth smacked me in the back of the head, "Be polite."

That made Aphrodite laugh, "Patience Percy, for this book holds the answer to most of your upcoming problems. But before I go I will give you one bit of advice. In regards to your wedding, the sooner the better." And with that she disappeared.

Annabeth immediately opened the book and began reading, shocker there right. I guess our celebrating was coming to a close, she was back in her research bubble. So I did what any good boyfriend, I mean fiance, would do. I turned the laptop on brought her a notebook with pens, pencils, and highlighters, and set out some snacks like grapes, crackers, and juice.

I kissed her on top of the head and headed off to bed. "Feel free to join me at any time babe. Good luck on the reading."

I swear I was only asleep for maybe an hour. But when I woke up the sun was just peaking into my windows, and Annabeth was sitting on top of me poking me. "Finally! You're awake! I figured out how to fix Luke!"

She hopped down from the bed and grabbed the old leather book which she had naturally already read and more than likley memorized. She ran back to my side and pointed to a couple highlighted lines.

---

To separate a living being from a God, spirit, or diety.
A. Find a tree struck by lighting
B. Soak a branch in sea water for twenty four hours
C. Sharpen the point into a spear with the bone of a fallen hero.
D. Dip the edge into the blood of the innocent
E. Stab the person who is unfortunately possessed