If Percy Jackson said 'yes'

6376

I was awake when Annabeth opened her eyes.  They were more grey than I remembered.
   "Percy?"  She whispered.  Her voice sounded like it hadn't been used in millenniums.  I hated that it reminded me of how old I really was.
   "Yeah."  I answered and smiled down at her.
   "Did I really die, or was that a dream."  She croaked.  She tried to sit up but winced from pain, so I helped her.
   "You did.  I'm sorry.  I made a deal with Hades to bring you back to life when I was..."  I let my voice trail off.  No way was I letting Annabeth know how long she'd been dead, or that now there was a Percy cabin at Camp Half-Blood.  I was no slut, so there were only four kids in there, and all of them either had black heir and grey eyes, or blonde hair and green eyes.  I never forgot Annabeth.  I never will.
   "I love you Seaweed Brain."  She whispered.  The nickname defrosted my heart turned ice cold from centuries of loss.
   "I love you too Wise Girl."  I grabbed her face and pulled her into a kiss. Remembering she was only seventeen, I let go softly after a few seconds.
   "How long was I dead?"  She cleared her throat.  "Please tell me.  You know I don't like being kept in the dark."  I hesitated, then warned her,
   "If I tell you that, then you'll know how old I am.  I don't think you want to know that."  She bit her lip, considering the consequences, then responded,
   "I don't, but I really want to at the same time."  She studied my face like she was looking for age in my eyes, and I have to admit that she would probably find it.
   "If I tell you, you have to promise not to freak out.  Don't act like things are different, because they aren't.  I still love you."  I was just trying to scare her out of asking now, and I knew she knew it.
   "That bad, huh?"  She kidded, "Tell me anyway.  I won't freak out."  I licked my lips and told her the stats.
   "The year is 6,376.  You've been dead for 4,362 years, and I am 4,378 years old.  Please don't freak out!"  I said quickly, and her face paled with every number.
   "Can you take me to Camp?"  She asked after a few deep breaths.  I didn't want her to meet the Percy kids and look at me all funny, but she would find her way anyway eventually.
   "Sure."  I answered.  "Turn around and close your eyes.  Do not under any circumstances open your eyes until I tell you to.  I don't want to hurt you."  She nodded and I held her hand.  I turned her face and made sure her eyes were closed, then made a bubble of water around our hands so I wouldn't burn her too bad.  I quickly transformed into my immortal form and transported us as fast as I could to Camp Half-Blood while my magical water barrier sizzled around our hands and began to evaporate.