The scene for Thaliabeth begins like this:
Annabeth has feelings for Thalia, they’re unwavering, untouched and untapped because of comphet and she’s decided that it’s better to ignore them than to address what she feels. She’s already lost Luke, and she doesn’t want to ruin Thalia, beside she’s technically older than her now anyways, since Thalia’s a hunter and forever 15.
And sure, she loves Percy, but she’d move continents if Thalia asked her to, she’d find a way. Thalia makes her bones bend and twist in a way that only she can, and Annabeth chalks it up to Thalia being like her sister, but she knows all too well.
Thalia’s a hunter and doesn’t get to see Annabeth much, but when they do it’s like the stars are aligning, they reminisce about the old days and talk about Luke in the present tense, like he’s still here with them.
The thing about Thalia is that she’d do anything that Annabeth asked her to, because she’s her responsibility and letting her down is just not an option, not after everything they’ve been through together.
One time Annabeth is babbling on about life, about how she loves Percy and how she’s so happy to go to college in New Rome and begin a life that isn’t defined by their parents, but there’s something in those eyes, a hint of pain, and it can’t be hidden.
Thalia pushes and asks what’s wrong, Annabeth just kind of starts crying, comes out and what not, and lets it slip that she had a crush on Thalia, but it’s gone now, because she’s a huntress and she’d never ask her to give that up.
But Thalia, it feels like she needs to give Annabeth what she’s wanted, because she can tell it’s still lurking. It’s so wrong in so many ways, because they’ve told each other they’re sisters for years, and she can’t find a bone in her body that cares, because Annabeth needs something, she needs love, and Thalia could never tell her no, not after everything they’ve been through together.
So Thalia kisses her to keep Annabeth’s lips off the liquor, feeling a rush of energy when Annabeth’s tongue slips into her own mouth.
And that’s how it begins, with two people who’d move continents for each other.
