Chapter 74

Bianca gasps and release Percy's arm when she noticed the guy beside Annabeth.

"Malcolm." She mumbled.

Malcolm looks at her lovingly. "Hey, surprise."

As soon as Biana get back to her senses, she smiled so wide and run to Malcolm to give him a hug. Malcolm almost lost his balance from the impact of Bianca's body to him. Well, he never expected that but as soon as he realized what was happening, he tightens his hold to Bianca which makes the latter snuggle her face on the crook of his neck.

"I miss you." Malcolm murmurs that got Bianca smile.

"I miss you too." They stayed like that for a while.

Annabeth looking at them lovingly and while Percy momentarily forgot the guy in front of him until he made a rude comment that got him turning instantly.

"What did you say?!"

Ethan just looks at him dead in the eye. "It's none of your fucking business Jackson!"

Malcolm and Bianca immediately separated after that. Annabeth was quick to go to Percy's side just in time to prevent him from pouncing Ethan to the ground. Malcolm helps Annabeth to contain Percy while Bianca tells Ethan to leave.

"Come on Bianca. Please just talk to me." Ethan pleaded. "I'm sorry okay. Just let me make it up to you." He tries to hold her hand but she quickly dodges it. Malcolm was quick to pull her to him too.

"Just leave man." Malcolm spat at him.

Ethan and Malcolm look eye to eye, gauging each other. Bianca hugs Malcolm to calm him down, murmuring he's not worth it.

Annabeth released her hold to Percy as soon as the latter promised that he won't do anything. He faces Malcolm threateningly. "Just get out and never come back. Bianca will never ever get back to you. Get that to your thick head!"

Ethan looks at Bianca and he can see that hate and disgust on her face. He let out a big sigh. He knows it's a lost cause. She will never ever take him back especially when she is already in love with someone. As much as it pains him, he knows this Malcolm guy already holds Bianca's heart. He is not blind. He can see the look she's giving him because she used to look at him like that.

With heavy heart, he concedes. He apologized before he finally turns his back on them. Just as he reaches the door, he turns around and looks at Malcolm.

"Take care of her and give her the love that she deserved. Don't do the same mistake I did."

"You don't have to tell me because I know that she deserves everything and that I love her so much." Malcolm replied.

Ethan nods his head and then looks at Bianca one more time. He smiled at her before finally leaving.

"Wow that was intense." Annabeth tried to joke, earning an eye roll from her boyfriend. She hits him on the stomach that got Percy chuckling. He pulls her in for a hug as Annabeth reprimands him for his action a while ago. He just kissed her on the temple before mumbling an apology.

When they separated, they saw Malcolm and Bianca lost in their own little bubble. It takes a second try for Percy to clear his throat a little louder to get their attention.

"I take it that Bianca liked the surprise." Percy teases.

Bianca just rolls her eyes on him before she goes to Annabeth to give her a hug. Annabeth returns the hug as well as both girls compliments each other. When Bianca released her hold from Annabeth, she suddenly hits Percy on the back of his head. It's a bit comedic to see him hit Percy because of their height difference.

"Oh! What the hell is that for B?!"

"You tell me!"

"What?! Don't tell me you're mad about it? He's lucky I didn't punch him in the face."

"See, that's what I'm mad at. Why can't you handle it without wanting to physically hurt him?"

"Psshh.. As if you are handling it well. You're lucky we got here on time before he tries something." Percy grumbled as he plops down on the couch and asking Annabeth to join him.

Annabeth just shakes her head, teasing him. She and Malcolm are watching the cousins amusedly. Bianca went to stand in front of Percy as she crosses her arms and continue to scold him.

"I was totally handling it very well, excuse me, and then came you high and mighty wanting to deck him immediately. What's up with you guys that always wanting trouble, never wants to settle things peacefully." She's of course pertaining to Percy, Nico and Apollo. Because the last time the three encountered Ethan after the bad break up, it ended Ethan with a broken nose and a broken arm.

"Okay I'll stop you right there mother." Percy stands up to put his arm around his cousin. "Why don't we just forget what happened and I promise that I will not tell Nico and Apollo that Ethan just came here to bother you again?" He smiled sweetly.

Bianca huffs. She knows that it will be for the best because who knows what will happen when those two find out. "Okay, fine!"

"That's my girl." Percy teases as he kisses her head before finally going to Annabeth.

"So, can we go now?" He asks. "Because I am starving."

"When are you not?" Annabeth snorted.

Malcolm offers his hand to Bianca. She takes it and intertwines their fingers. They both have goofy smile on their faces.

Percy can't help but comments. "And he's afraid that Bianca won't like that he's here."

Annabeth chuckled. "Shut up and let them be."

Percy kisses her on the lips before putting his arm around her and soon followed the two outside.

FAST FORWARD TO APOLLO'S WEDDING

Percy has been watching quite a while now. His eyes were trained on Annabeth. He's been watching her every move while talking to the girls a few tables from where he is sitting. He got this look that one can easily describe as a look of pure love. He has this stupid smile on his face while watching her every reaction. Percy has tuned out from his surroundings. His attention is solely on Annabeth. He can't believe how lucky he is to have her in his life.

Unknown to Percy, his father, Poseidon, has been watching him too. Poseidon has been studying his son the moment his gaze falls on him. He's supposed to ignore his son, on why he is quietly sitting on his own while drinking a wine. But when he looks closely, it dawns to him that Percy is watching Annabeth from afar. He followed his gaze and from time to time he'll look at his son's reaction while he watches Annabeth. And then Poseidon smiled when realization hits him. He excused himself from his wife and brothers. They just waved him off because they were busy chatting of God knows what.

He approached his son and as expected, Percy didn't even acknowledge him. He's in too deep to even realized that someone sits beside him.

"So." Poseidon started, patting Percy's shoulder to get his son's attention. "When are you going to propose?"

Percy was startled, almost dropping the glass of wine he's holding. "W-What?" He stuttered as he faced his father.

Poseidon chuckled at his son's reaction. Percy asked what he just said to clarify. He's not sure if he heard his father right.

"I said." Poseidon emphasized. "When are you going to ask Annabeth to marry you?"

Percy turns beet red from the question. He slowly put the glass down and looks at his father silently asking him what he is talking about.

"Son, don't even try to deny it. I've been watching you and by the look on your face I definitely know what you are thinking of."

"But… How?" Percy replied incoherently.

"I've seen that look that you're giving her and believe me when I say that I've seen it a couple of times now and I'm pretty sure I am right that you are thinking of proposing to her already."

Percy let out a nervous laugh. "Am I that obvious Dad?"

Poseidon smiled at his son. "Obviously in love that is."

Percy glanced at Annabeth just in time for him to see her laugh again. He can't help but smile as he turns his attention back to his father. "That I am Dad and I can't wait to marry her someday."

"Let me ask you a question first?" Poseidon asks.

Percy nods his head telling him to go on.

"Are you sure that she is the one? And are you ready to settle down?"

Percy has never been sure in his life. So with confidence, he is answered his Dad, "Yes to both of your question. I've been thinking and planning our future for a while now. " He added too seriously.

"Wow." Poseidon teased. "I never thought this day will come, you being so mature." He chuckled.

Percy lightly punched him in the arm. "Dad." He whined.

Poseidon laughs. "Whatever your decision is, we will be there with every step and besides we love her. She is perfect for you. And we can't wait for her to be part of our family."

"Thanks Dad." Percy hugs his father briefly before turning his attention back to Annabeth. "But I'm scared Dad. What if she rejects me?" Just in time she met his gaze and she smiled sweetly at him.

"I don't know what you are scared of son. Have you seen the way she looks at you? The girl is in love with you Percy. And you both are working so hard to make your relationship work despite the distance and that alone is a proof that she wants a future with you."

"I guess you are right Dad."

"Of course I'm always right." Poseidon stated. "Just don't tell that to your mom."

Percy laughs wholeheartedly and soon his father joins him and that is the scene Sally and Kelsi found them. Kelsi asks what's it about but Percy just smiled at him waving her off that it is nothing. Kelsi just rolled her eyes on him before mumbling an idiot directing to her brother. Percy ignored her before he excused himself to go to his girl. He and his father shared a look of understanding before he finally leaves.

Okay for now I will cut it there. I'm not quite sure if I can prolong this story anymore. The next chapter maybe is the epilogue already. Let's just see what comes to my mind for the next chapter.

Sorry for making you wait longer. It's just work has been so difficult.

Let me know what you think. Thank you!