Half-Blood High

Let's See How Far We've Come

Percy POV

**************

My ADHD was keeping me fidgeting. Of all the days in my entire life, I couldn't be more terrified for this one.

No, it wasn't my wedding, but I didn't look forward to that, either. I'd look forward to marrying Wise Girl, but I wouldn't exactly want to deal with any monsters on my wedding day.

I straightened my cap and looked in the mirror. I had changed so much since the day I first came to Camp Half-Blood when I was twelve.

My mother hugged my shoulders. "I can't believe you're graduating today, Percy."

"Mom, don't make me cry," I laughed lightly.

"I can't help it; my baby's all grown up."

I smiled when she kissed my forehead.

"Do you think Dad's gonna be there?" I asked.

"I sure hope so; you're his first son in millennia." Mom said.

I sighed. I understood that the gods could be kinda flaky with their children, but I was desperate that my dad would come to see me graduate high school. Six years ago, I never believed I'd even make it through high school.

Annabeth POV

****************

Before the ceremony began, I shuffled my notecards in my hands: my valedictorian speech.

Then, it started. The principal called me up for me to give my speech. My legs did not tremble as I walked to the podium.

"My fellow students," I said, "it is a great honor to have walked alongside you this year. When I was a kid, this was merely a fantasy for me. I didn't believe I'd make it to this day in my life."

As I scanned the crowd during my speech, my eyes passed over my dad, who was sitting next to my stepmom and another woman. The woman's eyes met mine, and I recognized her: Athena.

As I kept talking, I looked around for other deities: Poseidon, sitting next to Sally Jackson and Tyson; Ares, fidgeting in his seat; Hermes, itching not to touch his cellphone-caduceus. 

"And so, my friends, I wish you all luck in the world. I've seen it, and it's a terrifying place. But I know we can get through it." I finished.

The audience applauded, and I stepped off the stage and sat back in my seat. 

The ceremony seemed to drawl on as we each received other awards before our diplomas. Finally, that time came. My name came fairly early in the alphabet, so I stepped up, shook Ms. Laird's and other staff members' hands, and walked offstage.

A while after, Percy received his diploma. As he walked apprehensively, I flashed back to the first time I saw him staggering to camp holding a Minotaur horn in his hand before he passed out. I had said he was the chosen one, and he had also become my chosen one.

Percy POV

************

When the ceremony finally ended, we all gathered at Camp Half-Blood to celebrate. The gods sitting in the audience seemed to have disappeared, and I felt my heart fill with disappointment.

I felt a hand on my shoulder, hoping it was my dad's but I turned around and found Annabeth instead.

"I did see them here," she murmured to me.

"I know, I believe you." I tell her.

"Son, congratulations." A familiar voice told me. I turned around again and found Poseidon in his most human form in front of me

I wanted to reach out and hug him, but instead I composed myself and said, "Thank you so much for being here."

"Oh come now, surely you're more excited to see me." Poseidon stretched his arms out and wrapped them around me. He seemed to be toning down his godly strength so he didn't crush me, and I awkwardly hugged him back.

"Thank you so much," I felt myself starting to cry. He let me down on the ground.

"I am so proud of you. I've watched over you for years, Percy. I believed you could make it as far as you wanted, and here you are." Poseidon said. 

From behind Annabeth, a woman with the same stormy eyes approached: Athena.

"Annabeth, I'm very proud of you for overcoming your obstacles like a true child of mine," Athena said. 

She nodded meekly. I figured it should be common of Athena's children to graduate, but the goddess seemed sincere.

"Now come on, let's celebrate like true Greeks!" Poseidon announced.

I sat at the edge of the beach, letting the ocean lap over my bare feet. The ocean seemed empty since Poseidon was still at the party, like an entire piece of it was missing.

Someone sat next to me, and I found it was Annabeth.

"Well, we did it Seaweed Brain." She said. 

"Yeah, we really did." I nodded.

She slipped her hand into mine. "What comes next?"

"College, I guess. New Rome's offering us full-ride scholarships." I said.

"That'll be nice," Annabeth sighed. She leaned on my shoulder.

"I really didn't think I'd make it this far, I never really believed in myself. But I'm glad my dad did, even though he was never really right next to me." I admitted.

"You know, neither did I. Despite my pride, I knew I wouldn't be any smarter than kids in my grade. Plus my dyslexia was a bit of a challenge, having to find the textbooks in Ancient Greek to pass each class--Ancient Greek-to-French translation was a tricky one--but it's all over now, isn't it?" Annabeth smiled at me.

"Yeah, it's all over now. I'm ready for the next adventure, though, whatever it may be, as long as you're there with me." I agreed.

And with that, the sun set on our last day as high school students. 

Author's Note: Sorry the ending probably wasn't as good as you guys had hoped, I just didn't like how this fic was sitting around without me doing anything for the longest time. So I hope you guys enjoyed it, maybe I'll write a Solangelo fic later since I really want more of their interactions. Thanks so much for reading and commenting!