Every human walks around with a certain kind of sadness. They may not wear it on their sleeves, but it's there if you look deep 

- Taraji P. Henson

__________________________

The night was young and the air seemed cool as Annabeth looked out the tiny windows of the pub she worked at. She was scrubbing tables, bent over to clean the beer stains and trying to ignore the old men staring at her. 

She was in her uncomfortable uniform that comes with a tight corset, a long skirt, and to make matters worse, it 'pushes up the goods,' as her friend, a fellow waitress name Piper teases. Apparently it causes men to buy more, thinking they might be able to take her home at the end of the night. 

She stood up to wipe her brow at stretch her back. Thankfully, when she bent back over, she noticed the men have gotten distracted. With what, she couldn't care less. She blew a frizzy strand of hair away from her eye, trying to concentrate on the table. Her boss would bitch if it wasn't clean enough.  It would be filthy by the end of the night anyhow.  But she ignored her own silent complaints and focused on scrubbing the wooden table.

XX

The sky has darkened and the pub was now filled. Piper and Annabeth were currently walking around, handing out jugs of beer and taking orders. Hazel, another waitress, wouldn't get on for another hour. She has a later shift. 

The blonde grabbed a tray filled with beer and wine to bring to a table filled with overweight men. Their beady eyes followed her, whistling and shooting out compliments. 

"She'd make a fine wife," a man laughed as if it was the funniest thing he's said. The others apparently agreed as they laughed alongside him. 

She set down the tray, put the drinks on the table, and left without a word. Annabeth learned how to ignore them. After years at the pub, she knew not to engage. That causes problems, and problems cause chaos. She can't have chaos. Her hand went out to touch her locket resting around her neck, thinking - No. She cannot get distracted. She needs to work. 

Out of the corner of her eye, she sees Piper chatting with a blond sailor while serving drinks. He was following her, talking about who knows what. She was shooting him smiles and flirty expressions. Annabeth shook her head, ah young love. Piper was only a few years younger than her, but did not know the pain of love - especially love to a sailor. Annabeth turned away from them, taking her tray to the next table.

XX

When her shift ended, Annabeth breathed a sigh of relief. She waved goodbye to Hazel and Piper before heading out the doors. The scent of the see hit her like a wall as soon as she stepped outside. Seagulls flew above and ships were in the distance. She began her silent walk home, closing her eyes and breathing. Just breathing. The sea always made her calm enough not to scream in frustration or anger. 

She passed by the library, aching to go in and borrow a book. They had a great collection of everything. She learned her second language from it. Greek. Though it may be old, as the books were crumbling already. She certainly couldn't speak it, but it made her feel closer to - Annabeth cut off the thought before it finished. 

Unfortunately, the library was closed for the night. Annabeth knew she couldn't go in there anyway, even if it was open. The owner didn't like her very much, claiming that women shouldn't be reading at all. She has to go when Chiron is working. He gives her old books the library doesn't lend out anymore. No matter, the night is late and she was tired. She will just have a cup of tea and go right to bed.

She stopped, looking out to the sea, her eyes misty. Her hand clutched the locket so hard one might fear the chain will break. It was shaped like an owl, silver as the stars. It was the nicest thing she owned. If she concentrated hard enough, she could see his ship in the distance, coming back for her. Her gaze snapped back to the present, and she wiped her eyes and continued her silent walk home.

XXXX

"Percy! Stop it!" Annabeth shrieked, her eyes brimming with tears. Percy just shook her head and tickled her sides harder.

"Not until you say it," his voice was calm, but Annabeth knew he wore a smile. She wished she could be able to turn around so she could see his crinkling eyes. They were on the cobblestone road next to the pier. Percy ambushed her on the way home from work, coming up behind her and tickling her. It was late and dark but the moon and stars gave them all the light they needed. 

Percy turned her around to face him, hands leaving her sides. She felt significantly colder. His eyes lit up with an idea and he held his hand out as if asking for a dance.

"May I accompany you, home madam?" He gave an extravagant bow, arm sweeping out behind him. She smiled at him but said nothing, just taking his hand. Percy understood she wasn't as silly as him and didn't care. He dragged her down the road, probably waking up the people who lived along with it with their laughter. When they finally reached her apartment complex, Percy pressed a finger to his lips, creating a shushing noise. Annabeth opened the door, creeping past the apartments until they reached her own.

As she turned around to open the door, Percy wrapped his arms around Annabeth. He placed a  kiss on her neck, before blowing on it loudly, causing her to laugh. When the key turned, and she opened the door, Percy leaned her so hard she stumbled into the apartment. He laughed and twirled her around, burying his head in her neck. His warm breath tickled her but she said nothing and pressed his head into her shoulder. Breathing in the sea scent that clung to him like a second skin. They stopped twirling, just standing in the middle of the living room. He stood tall and backed away, hand never leaving hers. He twirled her around again, only slow. Her skirt billowing out around her. He pulled her to him, putting his hand on her upper back. They just swayed together. Laughing at what the other said. Both filled with warmth and love, lighting up the whole room.

XXXX

Annabeth opened the door to her silent apartment. She changed as quickly as possible, exhaling as she took off the corset. She hung it up in her closet, thankful not to have to wear it until the next Monday night. She changed into more comfortable clothing, a tunic, and some soft pants. Her eyes felt heavy and she resisted the urge to yawn. Too tired to brush her hair or her teeth, she fell on her bed, instantly falling asleep.

Annabeth woke up with her mouth tasting like shit. The sun was blinding, coming through her window. She squinted at it, trying to determine what time it was. It was probably the middle of the morning. Pleased with actually getting up on time that day, she got up to make herself some tea before dressing and heading out to the market. Wearing pants preferably. Skirts make it hard for her to move. She was ready and out the door by late morning.

XX

Annabeth woke up to an arm pulling her tighter into its embrace. Percy's warm breath prickled the back of her neck. She gave a small smile before curling back up and sleeping for maybe..the rest of the day. Responsibilities be screwed. 

However, only a few moments later, Percy stirred. He groaned, sending shivers down her spine. The blonde turned over, facing a face of black hair. She combed her fingers through his hair, waiting for him to wake. But it's okay if he didn't. Percy looked so peaceful when he was sleeping. His soft hair fell across his forehead and his sharp expressions fell into something more..kind. It wasn't that Percy wasn't kind, but his expressions were always so sharp, so calculating. Now he was open, he was showing he had nothing to hide. To have him share that with Annabeth made her feel all warm inside.

He slowly opened his eyes, his sea-green eyes are filled with warmth and light. Annabeth thinks she could drown in them. Percy saw her, and a smile slowly grew across his face. Hers grew to match.

"Hey sleepyhead," she whispered, not wanting to break the peaceful atmosphere. He closed his eyes again, feigning sleep.

"I don't get a kiss to awake me?" He mumbled, puckering his lips. Annabeth pressed her finger against his lips,

"Shh. Don't ruin this.." She closed her eyes, melting into the mattress. Percy groaned, sitting up. She peeked, watching him stretch. The sun looks high in the sky through the window and she felt well-rested. Percy turned to face her, eyes twinkling. He grabbed her hand, pulling her up despite her groaning. He wrapped her up in his arms, peppering kisses around her face.

"Well, you get kisses to wake up," he insisted. Annabeth laughed, grabbing his face in her hands. She smiled at him before leaning in and kissing him on the nose. He sputtered, staring at her with wide eyes. She grinned before getting up and stretching, sending a wink at his red face. She turned back around, heading to the kitchen to make some tea before going to the market. Percy got up after her, leaning against the wall, watching her heat the water. A few minutes later, she handed him a cup and they drank in comfortable silence.

When they finally left the apartment, it was early afternoon, giggling all the way.