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Chapter Text

Annabeth

It was the first day of junior year at Goode high. 

As soon as Annabeth walked in the door, she knew that the coming school year would be far from boring — because that's when she first saw him. 

Goode wasn't a particularly interesting school. It was like any other high school you might find in New York City; fights broke out all the time. But this fight really had the crowd's attention. Students were gathered in the centre of the corridor, and at least half the school could've been there. The mass of students was too thick for Annabeth to even see through. But she could hear the fight, though it was drowned out quite significantly from all the  chanting.

Fight! 
Fight! 
Fight!

Annabeth glanced uneasily at her two friends. Piper rolled her eyes, and Annabeth understood the feeling. In the contrary, Hazel just looked concerned.

"First day of school? Really?" Piper grumbled as the trio pushed through the crowd, none of them all that interested in the commotion.

Annabeth heard a hard thump, suspiciously sounding like someone being slammed into a locker. Soon the three of them could no longer move, the corridor was too small for the amount of people, they were trapped in. With a look to her friends, Annabeth shrugged and stood up on her tiptoes. A few heads ahead, the crowd was parted, forming a circle around a struggling duo.

Her eyes narrowed. She knew one of the guys fighting — Luke Castellan. Sandy blonde hair, piercing blue eyes, and an absolute ass-hole. He was taller than most and had a thin white scar on the left side of his face. There were many speculations about that scar, many of which involved mafia leaders and Luke barely getting away alive. Annabeth had a hard time believing anyones theories.

Annabeth noticed Luke had a newly formed black eye. She smirked at that, Luke deserved it, he liked to spend his free time beating up kids. And of course, because his dad was rich and a sponsor of the school, he always got away with it. However, Luke wasn't the one who truly caught Annabeth's attention. 

The second kid was dodging another punch from Luke and a bemused smirk was plastered on his face. He wore a blue varsity jacket and his hair was dark and untamed. He was scruffy, Annabeth had never seen him before. 

"Who is that guy?" Annabeth asked Piper who just shrugged in return, she didn't seem to be paying much attention to the new kid. Annabeth followed Piper's gaze and realised that she was staring at Jason Grace. Goode high’s pretty boy. He was perfect in every way — blonde, tall, a football king... Piper had had a crush on him since 4th grade. Annabeth rolled her eyes and drew her attention back to the fight.

Annabeth kept her gaze on the messy-haired teen, she noticed the sparkle of mischief in his eyes as he dodged another punch from Luke.

Fight! 
Fight! 
Fight!

"Woah! Dude?! Why can't we just talk this out?" The new guy laughed as Luke glared him down. The guy's light and unworried tone only seemed to make Luke angrier. Luke lunged, and the new kid dodged again. Annabeth noted he was quick on his feet. He had an athletic build, but Luke was slightly taller and more brawny, which probably is what slowed him down.

The new kid laughed. He seemed to be enjoying putting the school bully in his place. That's when Luke winked at one of his friends who was standing in the crowd behind. Annabeth recognised him as Oscar, a lanky, strawberry blonde kid who was almost as much of an ass-hole as Luke was. Almost. Oscar jumped forward and pulled out the new kid's legs from under him. He hit the ground. Hard. The crowd booed. 

"Guys stop!" Hazel cried out, but her voice was drowned out by the noise. Hazel looked appalled. She was a year younger than Annabeth and Piper but she was clever so was put up a year. Annabeth admired Hazel's sympathy, but she herself kind of wanted to see how the fight would play out. Luke allowed the new kid to get to his feet, and his green eyes widened just as Lukes fist connected with his face. He stumbled back and in his moment of weakness Luke gripped him by the collar of his jacket and shoved him against the locker doors. He let out a grunt, then blinked, clearly dazed. The crowd hushed a little, everyone wincing in unison as Luke punched the kid in the face, blood dripping down his nose. Annabeth felt a tug in her stomach, she kind of felt bad for the new guy. But to be honest it looked like he was in his element. Despite the blood dripping from his nose, he grinned, his smile was lopsided.

"You made a bad decision coming here, Jackson" Luke sneered in his face, and the kid's smile faltered. Luke brought his knee to the so-called Jackson's stomach and he groaned. Luke let go and he sank to the floor, holding his stomach. 

"Don't interfere with my shit again or you'll get a lot more than a bloody nose," Luke said before stalking away into the crowd. Annabeth mentally rolled her eyes. Luke had no originality at all. His word choice made him sound immature more than anything.

There’s more where that came from! Annabeth mocked Luke in her head. Ugh. Boring.

Piper tugged her arm, pulling Annabeth out of her thoughts.

“We should go.” She said, the school bell ringing, signalling first period. Annabeth nodded.

The crowd dispersed and Jackson stumbled up to his feet. He scowled as he watched Luke walk away, jutting out a certain finger at Luke's back, and with impeccable timing, the first teacher arrived and started interrogating random students about the commotion. Annabeth, Hazel and Piper hurried away, keeping their heads down.

They made their way down the hall to their first class: Biology. Annabeth looked back at the guy named Jackson, who narrowly avoided the scowling teacher by pretending to unlock a random locker. After the teacher left, most of the students had dispersed from the area and Jackson stood alone, looking at a crumpled piece of paper Annabeth assumed was his timetable. He suddenly looked up and scanned the empty hall, before his eyes fell on Annabeth herself.

"Hey! Can you help me find my class?"

Percy

When Percy Jackson walked into Goode high-school for his first day in Junior year, he definitely didn't expect to find himself face to face with Luke Castellan. At first, Percy didn't even recognise him. But Luke clearly did, letting his very obvious anger issues take hold by shoving him up against the schools lockers at first sight.

Now, a few things about Percy. He was a dyslexic kid with ADHD, a shitty step-father and a track record for getting into trouble. He'd been kicked out of a couple of schools (None of which were usually his fault... usually) and he had a knack for stirring up trouble on the streets. He didn't try to. It just happened. Maybe it was just his annoying, sarcastic sense of humour that got him with so many enemies, but it's hard to tell.

It was easy to tell — that was one hundred percent the reason why.

Anyways, A couple of months ago, Percy was walking down the streets, he was taking a break from his smelly step-dad Gabe, who wouldn't shut up about how his mom Sally used to make him the best lasagne, (Percy had burnt it on accident in an attempt of making dinner).

Percy's mom died when he was five years old, so Gabe was all Percy had left. To say the least, it made his home life miserable. Gabe was a drunken duck who found himself stuck with another guy's kid — and he wasn't happy about it. But that’s all irrelevant, the point is, after burning the dinner and pretty much running out of the house, Percy was walking the streets alone, close to night-time. Not exactly the smartest idea.

He passed a dark alleyway and heard thumps and low voices coming from inside. He had stopped to peer in, hoping it was just a couple of cats having a brawl or something (odd sounding cats at that), but what he saw was something else entirely.

There were three guys, around his age, one with sandy blond hair and a scar down the left side of his face (three guesses who). They were beating up some poor kid, maybe around 13 years old, and the kid was crying his eyes out. The sandy blond one, who also happened to be the tallest, punched the kid again and then lent down to his face. Words were exchanged that Percy couldn't hear. The kid whimpered and one of the sidekicks kneed the kid in the gut. 

"Hey!" Percy had yelled, stepping into the dark alley. He realised a little too late that his actions may actually get him in trouble. But he mentally shrugged away his doubts quickly, that kid needed his help, he wasn't going to let these three bullies lay another hand on him.

"Three against one, not exactly a fair fight.” Percy said, his tone even and his eyes glistening with a need to get involved — as always.

"Get out of here man, Unless you want to meet the same fate as this wimp." Scar-head spat. 

"Listen, I may look like a ray of sunshine, but trust me I know how to punch, why don't you pick on someone your own size?" Percy retorted. Now — threatening a trio of brawny teens with battles scars may have been a shit idea, but Percy was full of shit ideas, and forty percent of the time they worked out, so he decided to push his luck, it wasn't like he wasn't already having a crappy day. What could possibly go wrong? How could it possibly get any worse?

His logical side had screamed - lots of things! Lots of things could go wrong! But he didn’t pay attention to his logical side all that much. In fact, he often blatantly ignored it.

"You asked for it," Scar-head growled and he stepped forward into a patch of light, his two companions on either side of him. Only then did Percy see the glint of metal shivs in their hands. Welp.

"On second thought, I might just head out, you know, got places to be, people to see - "

"What? You scared?" Scar-head interrupted, a smirk forming on his face. 

"Me? Scared? Nuh uh.” Percy grinned, keeping his cool despite taking a few steps back from the approaching gang.

"I'm SO gonna enjoy this.” Scar-head glared at him, and Percy actually laughed.

"What? Did you buy a bully handbook or something? Who actually says that -" Percy was interrupted when the scarred boy snarled and lunged. Percy took that as a sign to start running. He had a little head-start and he knew the streets well. And he also knew he was a fast runner. 

He ran and ran, not daring to look back. By the time he lost them, He was winded and gasping for air. After that, he went back to Gabe's apartment and could only hope the beat-up kid had gotten home safely in the New York night. 

Anyways, now he got the beating he first asked for from Scar-head, or rather Luke Castellan, and his whole new school had watched — mad embarrassing — but oh well, he expected he'd be kicked out of Goode before the end of the year, now that he knew he already had enemies.

So much for a new start!

----

"Hey, can you help me find my class?" Percy asked the closest person, which just so happened to be a girl with stormy grey eyes, her blonde, curly hair pulled back into a ponytail. She was wearing an orange t-shirt and faded jeans, a Yankees cap on her head. Percy preferred the Dodgers — though only because their name sounded cooler, he wasn’t a big fan of baseball.

She turned and told her friends to go on without her, then walked up to Percy and peered at his paper.

"Uhm…” He squinted at the paper, and the letters bounced around, making it hard to read. 

"Room 43, Chemistry,” The blonde girl read out. Percy nodded, he had no idea where that was. And he hated to ask, but he didn't want to look like an idiot when he showed up half an hour late with the excuse 'I got lost'.

The girl turned and started walking off. After a few moments, Percy realised he was supposed to follow and he jogged to catch up.

There was a moment of awkward silence as Percy tailed the blonde girl.

"You have blood on your face." She stated. Her voice condescending.

"Oh." Percy muttered, reaching his hand up to his nose to feel the dry blood. He was lucky his nose wasn’t broken. 

The girl stopped outside the boy's bathrooms and Percy raised an eyebrow. This didn't look like room 43.

"Well? Go clean yourself up." She said as if stating the obvious. This girl was kind of getting on Percy's nerves. Couldn’t she just  say so? He couldn’t read minds!! Percy couldn’t work out exactly what she was thinking, but it seemed he was some sort of inconvenience to her.

After Percy quickly washed the blood off his face and tried (but failed) to flatten his hair, the blonde girl took him to room 43.

"In there." She said. Percy nodded and then looked at the girl.

"Uhhh, thanks, Miss....."

"Annabeth Chase." The girl said, but she wasn't smiling. Percy had a feeling that Annabeth Chase was the wrong person to ask for help, she really did seem annoyed that her day was interrupted. 

"Thanks, Annabeth," Percy smiled awkwardly. 

"No problem." She replied shortly as she turned to leave.

"See you around," Percy called after her, watching her go. She didn’t look back. Percy sighed and entered Chemistry.

Annabeth

Annabeth Chase entered Bio ten minutes late after her encounter with the new boy, Jackson. Then she spent the whole first period not paying attention to Mr Pan as he explained the properties of different types of leaf cells. Which was very much unlike Annabeth. She was usually very good at schoolwork, but today, she was distracted. Piper and Hazel spent the whole period talking about Jackson and a lot of the class seemed to be curious about him too. By the time second period came around, Jackson was the talk of the school. Everyone knew about the fight and everyone saw the black eye Jackson had given Luke. Long story short, the kid was a hero. Also, turns out, his name wasn't actually Jackson. That was his last name. Perseus — or Percy apparently — was his first name. Perseus Jackson.

But Annabeth didn't care that he stood up to Luke. It was kind of idiotic. It's your first day of school and the first thing you decide to do is pick a fight? Way to go. Not. Percy Jackson made Annabeth uneasy. She didn't like how he grinned at Luke during their fight like he was egging him on or something. Annabeth wasn't sure. It seemed a little cocky. Was this guy just gonna be another Luke? Annabeth wasn’t too sure.

"I heard he was kicked out of three different schools before he came here." A girl named Silena whispered loudly, she was sitting just in front of Annabeth.
"Such a shame, I thought he was cute." said another girl.
Annabeth rolled her eyes at their gossip. Cute? Huh. No, the guy was a walking red flag. 

—————-

It was period three, and Annabeth had math. One of her strengths. She walked in and sat down near the back, she may have been good at math, but she hated the teacher, Mrs Kym. She was the worst. She screamed at you if you were late, she hated talkers and she only had two personalities: hates students or extremely hates students. 

Honestly, why be a teacher if you hate children so much?

Leo Valdez sat a space down from Annabeth, leaving a seat between them. She knew Leo well enough to know that he loved to crack jokes, so maybe math wouldn't be as bad as she thought with someone to keep her entertained.

That was before he walked in. With his blue varsity jacket and messy dark hair, he was still holding his crumpled piece of paper and he checked the number on the door twice before fully committing to coming inside. 

"Mr Jackson! So wonderful to be welcoming you, but you are late, hurry up and find a seat so we can get started." Mrs Kym glared at him and he scanned the class, rather bewildered. Annabeth looked around and realised that the seat next to hers was the last one free. Percy made his way to the back of the class, clearly not happy about being there. Whether that was because of the seating arrangements or because it was math, Annabeth didn't know. Maybe it was both.

"Sup, The names Valdez, Leo Valdez." Leo said to him with a sly grin, giving him his hand to shake. Percy glanced at Annabeth and then greeted Leo, which earned a shushing from Mrs Kym.

Mrs Kym started the lesson and Annabeth was trying to pay attention, but then;

"Psst…Pssst" Annabeth turned her attention to Percy, her eyes glaring. She was not about to let this boy get her in trouble.

"What?"

"Thanks for helping me find my class this morning, sorry for making you late." 

"It's fine, You were lost." She whispered back. And it was the truth, his first impression may have been questionable, but her heart wasn’t made entirely of stone. There was a moment of silence before Annabeth heard Percy and Leo start to talk. She stifled a groan. This year was going to be torture if she was stuck listening to them every math period. She may be good at math, but considering her minor dyslexia and ADHD, she found it hard to focus, especially with annoying classmates. One comedian was fine, but two?

"Who's talking back there?" Mrs Kym asked, raising her voice. She glared at Leo and he put his hands up in defence.

"Sorry Miss, just asking for a pen," Percy called out, a twinkle in his green eyes and Mrs Kym continued teaching.

"Annabeth Chase, Can you please tell me what the Pythagorean equation is?" Mrs Kym directed her attention to Annabeth.

Percy

"A squared plus B squared equals C squared." Annabeth Chase answered. Mrs Kym nodded and started to write an equation on the board. Percy looked at her again, She seemed smart, Leo however, Percy decided, wouldn't be much help, the kid seemed to have worse ADHD than even Percy, and was currently flinging bits of paper into the girl's hair in front of him. She turned and scowled at Leo who just grinned in return.

"Valdez! Cut it out." She growled.

"But Clarisse, It wasn't me," Leo whined,  winking at Percy. Percy fought down a laugh.

"Jackson!" Mrs Kym shouted, and suddenly all eyes were on him. He shrank down in his chair an inch. 

"Care to answer the question or are you too busy having a chat with Valdez." Mrs Kym spat. She then pointed at the board at a very complicated looking word equation - which involved triangles. 

"Sorry, umm..." Percy squinted at the board. The question was something about building an house and - fence plans? Percy found that the more he looked at the words, the more they moved and the less he could understand, he couldn't even read the question, let alone answer it. He silently cursed dyslexia. He could feel everyone's eyes on him and he was going to panic, he didn't like this much attention directed at him. 

"196 metres squared," Annabeth called out.

Mrs Kym glared daggers in her direction.

"Yes thank you, Mr Jackson." She said, her teeth gritted. Some of the class laughed. 

Percy realised he had a death grip on his desk and loosened it, then he glanced at Annabeth and shot her a glare. She mouthed back at him.

'What?' 

He stopped his eye roll and turned his attention back to the board. It's true, he wasn't good at math, or English, but there's nothing he hated more than people making him feel stupid. And Annabeth Chase just made him feel stupid. He would have gotten that question eventually. He may be dyslexic but given time, he was actually quite smart. Or so he’d been told. Annabeth made him look like an idiot in front of the whole class. 

He had a feeling Annabeth Chase was going to turn out to be a very annoying person to sit next to.

Chapter Text

Percy

Percy woke up to his alarm blaring. He reached his hand out from the covers and pressed every single button until finally, it shut off. Percy groaned. Yesterday was a disaster and Percy wanted nothing more than to stay in his bed, in the comfort of his sheets, and not have to spend another day at Goode high. He would be happy to drop out, but he couldn't do that, it's not what his mom would've wanted. And Percy had dreams of going to college someday. 

If he could just afford to get out of this hell hole. 

Twenty minutes passed, and Percy finally opened his eyes. Shit. He was going to be late. He scrambled out of bed and pulled on some random jeans, a shirt and his blue jacket. He grabbed his bag and knock-off sneakers and stumbled down the hall trying to pull them on. He had math first today, he didn't want to give Mrs Kym another reason to hate him. In his hurry, Percy tripped on his mother's rug and face planted. 

"Owww." Percy groaned. 

"WHAT'S ALL THAT NOISE?!" Percy heard his step-dad Gabe yell from the lounge. Percy, you moron. He should have been quieter. Gabe was not a morning person. 

"Sorry, late for school!" Percy yelled back, already feeling the heat rise in his cheeks from anger. Gabe had passed out on the couch last night after his poker game, and he was too heavy to move so he was still there. Percy hated Gabe, the pig could barely clean up after himself. He heard the sound of beer bottles clinking together and Gabe getting off the couch with a struggle. Percy picked himself up off the ground, slung his bag over one shoulder, and made for the door.

Gabe intercepted him. Percy nearly retched from the smell. He smelled like alcohol and sweet Thai chilli Doritos. 

"Got any money kid?" Gabe asked flashing his yellow teeth when he talked. 

"What about 'good morning Percy, have a fun day at school, learn heaps!' " Percy suggested, exasperated. Gabe gave him a look of warning and Percy patted down his pockets.

"Nope, sorry, got to go." Percy went to step around him but Gabe poked him back with a meaty finger. He raised an eyebrow and Percy sighed. 

He pulled out a couple of notes from his pocket and Gabe grinned. 

"You shouldn't lie boy. Now get out of here." Gabe stepped aside and shoved Percy through the door. 

"And don't come home empty-handed! I ran out of cigs." Gabe yelled before slamming the door. Percy sighed and ran for the subway.

Have a fun day Percy, learn heaps!

---------------------------

Annabeth

Annabeth walked down the stairs to the smell of coffee. She had her hair in a low bun and was wearing her normal school attire of jeans and a random shirt that happened to be at the top of her drawer. 

"Annabeth! Come help your brothers make their lunches!" Helen the step-monster called from below. Annabeth sighed and made her descent. Annabeth's real mother was out of the picture, so it was just her dad, and her stepmother, Helen. Annabeth's dad tried, but he was often away for work, leaving Annabeth alone with Helen constantly. And when her dad wasn't around... Helen wasn't exactly the nicest.

"Annabeth!" Helen called again, clearly agitated. 

"I'm coming!" Annabeth called back angrily. She stormed down the stairs, swinging her school bag over her shoulders. She walked into the kitchen and Helen stepped in front of her. 

"Your father works hard for you Annabeth, and I don't like your attitude, make your brothers their lunches and drop them at school, I'm going to be late for work." Helen huffed and left the room, leaving Annabeth and her two twin step-brothers alone. The urge to pull the finger at her was overwhelming, but she fought it off with Bobby and Matthew watching.

After making her brothers lunch and piling them into her car (An old Prius her dad had got cheap for her), Annabeth drove them down the road to their Elementary. They fought the whole way there and Annabeth nearly crashed the car on purpose. She hated Helen, but her kids weren't so bad, but they lived in a bubble, completely unaware of the emotional abuse Annabeth suffered from Helen almost every day. Annabeth bid them a good day at school and sped into town towards Goode High, she was going to be late at this rate, and she had math first. 

The thought of Mrs Kym giving her detention for being late made her angry. She hated Helen, and she wished her dad would open his eyes.

-----------------------

Percy

Percy was already having a shit morning, after falling flat on his face and waking smelly Gabe, he was riled up when he walked into school late. Then he ran straight into Annabeth Chase, dropping his school books in the process. 

"Shit, sorry," He said before he realised who it was. He glanced up into her grey eyes and sighed.

"Watch where you're going, moron!” She huffed, handing him his algebra book. He rolled his eyes and got up, making his way to math. He didn't want to get into an argument now, they were already ten minutes late and Mrs Kym was going to be livid. 

---

That day at lunchtime, after earning himself extra homework from Mrs Kym, Percy walked into the cafeteria. It was hectic. He scanned the room after grabbing his lunch, wondering where on earth to sit. He recognised Luke and his goons at one of the centre tables, they were hysteric while watching Luke take a younger kid's lunch money. Percy felt bad but he didn't want to get in another fight so he continued looking. His eyes found Annabeth, she was sitting with two girls he didn't remember the names of, he definitely didn't want to sit with her...

Suddenly a hand clapped him on the shoulder and Percy turned to see Leo Valdez, the funny kid from math, grinning at him. Next to him were two other guys Percy didn't recognise. 

"Come on, Perce, your sitting with us, this is Jason and Frank, they're my sidekicks," Leo said with a grin. The one named Jason rolled his eyes. 

"We're NOT his sidekicks." He said and Frank laughed. Frank was the same height as Percy, but more brawny, Percy guessed he was a football player and Jason, was blonde and tan, pretty much the definition of high school perfect.

"Nice to meet you, Percy, good job in that fight the other day, You got guts," Jason exclaimed, his eyes bright. 

"Lukes an asshole." Percy shrugged.

"Oh he's such a dick, in elementary, he shoved my head in the toilet," Leo explained. 

"Lovely.” Frank quipped. Eventually, they approached Annabeth's table and Percy's heart sank. Great. Just great. 

"You sit with them?" He asked Frank, trying not to show his hesitance. 

"Oh yeah, that's Piper, Hazel and Annabeth, don't worry they're nice," Frank reassured. But Percy knew better. Annabeth and nice didn't seem to go together. She called him a moron. 

He sat down between Piper and Leo, saying hi to her and Hazel and introducing himself. Frank sat opposite Hazel and stuttered out a hello. Somebody obviously had a crush.

-------------------

Annabeth

Percy sat down at their table along with the three boys, Jason, Leo and Frank. Just her luck. She couldn't seem to get away from him. This morning Percy bumped into her and dropped all his books. Like seriously, was it so hard to look where you're going? Piper looked at Jason and blushed.

"You signed up for football yet Frank?" Annabeth asked after taking a bite of an apple. Hazel and Piper began to make conversation and Frank glanced at Hazel when she laughed.

"Yep, Jason and I are in, trials are this weekend." He replied, he then turned to Percy.

"You play football, Percy?" He asked. Percy finished his mouthful of sandwich and shook his head.

"Never tried, I think I'm gonna join the swim team though." He said smiling. That just made Annabeth's nickname of 'seaweed brain' all the more relevant. She smirked.

"You're a swimmer? Are you any good?" She asked, semi passive-aggressively. Frank shot her a small glare, telling her not to be rude, but Annabeth didn't care. 

Percy shrugged.

"I'm alright." He replied. But he had a mischievous smile on his face. 

"Looks like you're more than alright," Leo spoke. Annabeth looked over at him to see him scrolling through the web on his phone. 

"Percy Jackson: Youngest record-breaker for under eighteens in the state of New York for 200 and 100-meter Freestyle " Leo read out, the group's eyes widened, including Annabeth's. 

"That was a year ago, I'm not as good anymore, I had to stop training while moving schools..." Percy explained, his face had gone red with embarrassment. 

"Dude, you are literally the best in the state for your age group," Jason said, his mouth open.

"That's so cool!" Hazel said, and Annabeth saw Frank's expression fall slightly. 

Percy closed his mouth and looked down, his ears red. But Annabeth could see the small smile plastered on his lips. The dude was SO cocky. Of course, he was a champion swimmer. Annabeth rolled her eyes at the others' expressions. It wasn't even that great, and he said he hadn't even been swimming while he'd been moving schools. 

Probably because he got kicked out of the swim team at his old school for stirring up trouble.

---------------------

For the rest of that day, Annabeth was in a bad mood. Percy was pissing her off. Perfect Percy with all his swimming glory. Soon it got around the school that Percy Jackson was actually mildly talented. Coach Hedge (Who is the coach of Goode's football team) even seemed to favour him in their Physical education class, and Coach Hedge favours no one, so that only peeved Annabeth off more. 

At the end of the day, Annabeth drove downtown to her house, Music blaring through the radio. At a traffic light, her phone rang, but it was sitting in the back seat and she couldn't reach it. Then when the light turned green, cars honked angrily and Annabeth sped off in a huff, leaving her phone ringing behind her, driving her head in. This day was really not going well. At all. 

She reached home and stormed into the house, dropping her stuff on her bedroom floor and flopping on her bed to stare at her ceiling. She let out a sigh, remembering the extra math homework Mrs Kym gave them after being late. 

An hour passed and Annabeth finished her homework, then she heard Helen's car drive into the driveway. Great. Another night when dad was away at work and she had to deal with Helen. She locked her door.

"Annabeth Chase!" The woman yelled from downstairs. Her voice was high and angry, as in angrier with Annabeth than she usually was. 

"What?!" Annabeth yelled back, still lying on her bed. Annabeth heard Helen stomping up the stairs. She saw the handle of her door wiggle.

"Let me in Annabeth. We need to talk." Annabeth could hear her voice shaking with rage and Annabeth thought about everything she could've possibly done wrong. Maybe she forgot to do the dishes, but then Annabeth remembered how she did them after making the boys lunch. Maybe the boys didn't like their lunch and that was why Helen was mad. Annabeth shook her head.

There was only one way to find out. 

Annabeth stood up and opened the door for her step-monster. She walked in slowly, her eyes hard and her face set in a permanent scowl. 

"Pick up your phone." She said calmly. Annabeth did. 

"Check your messages," She said and Annabeth did. There was one missed message from Helen. 

Pick the boys up at 2:45

Annabeth looked at the time, It was now 4 o'clock. 

"I'm sorry I didn't see it," Annabeth said. Which was true. She hadn't really had time to look at her phone all day. She never saw the message. Besides, pick up at 2:45? That was half an hour before Annabeth finished school.

"Liar." Helen sneered. Annabeth looked at her in confusion.

"I'm not lying-

"-You brat! You think just because they aren't your real brothers you can just not care about them? I got held up at work, I couldn't pick them up and I needed you Annabeth!" Helen genuinely looked hurt and Annabeth felt bad. Then she shook her head.

"You only texted once! I'm sorry I didn't see it, I didn't do it on purpose!" Annabeth replied, attempting and failing to keep the snark out of her voice. Helen huffed and put her hands on her hips.

"Excuses. I called you five times too!" She raised her voice.

"I was driving!" Annabeth objected and Helen scoffed. 

"Dad would believe me!" Annabeth carried on and Helen held up a finger. 

"Enough! I don't want to hear it. I had to pick up the boys after they'd been waiting at school for an hour.... Give me your keys." Helen held out her hand and looked at Annabeth expectantly. 

"W-what?" Annabeth stared at her step-mom.

"Give. me. your. car keys." Helen said, snapping her finger. 

"How am I supposed to get to school?" Annabeth asked, her voice shaking with anger.

"Catch the bus, walk, I don't care!" Helen yelled and Annabeth knew it was no use. She was the one who made the mistake and now she was suffering the consequences. She should've at least checked her phone. But this was so unfair. Annabeth wasn't even Helen's real daughter. Her dad was away so there was no one to back her up. And if she didn't listen to Helen, Helen would rat her out to her dad and she'd be sent to a boarding school and her car would be taken off of her for good.

Annabeth passed Helen her car keys. Helen smiled.

"Good girl Annabeth, your attitude is getting better," Helen said, before turning on her heel and walking out of the room. 

"Boys! Who wants to watch a movie?" She called out in a cheerful voice.

Annabeth kicked her bed and pummelled her mattress. She hated that cow. A lump formed in her throat and Annabeth choked it down. She wasn’t going to cry, she only had a few more years before she could be rid of Helen for good. Crying made her look weak, Annabeth hated how Helen so often made her feel that way. Anger was fizzing right beneath her skin. She was pacing, she couldn’t settle down, focus on her homework, she couldn’t even get into the book she was reading without being overly frustrated just by the authors cringy descriptions. She could hear the TV blaring downstairs and the loud chatter, and wished the boys would shut up. She mentally kicked herself for that thought, she didn’t have a problem with Matthew and Bobby, only their cow of a mother.

She needed fresh air.

Percy

That night after Percy's first swim training in months, Percy walked home with a spring in his step. He was over the moon. He loved swimming. And today when Leo discovered his talents, he was embarrassed, sure, but he had also smiled with pride. Swimming was Percy's safe haven, the roar of the water in your ears and the busy atmosphere of swim meets with your swimming mates made Percy the happiest he'd ever felt. He didn't even care if he won or lost. Okay maybe he cared a little, He had lost a lot of his speed during the months he had quit. That was because he couldn't afford to train in the local pools unless a school swim team sponsored him, and Gabe spent all the money on gambling and alcohol. But it didn't matter, he was just happy to be back in the pool again.

Percy was on the subway. It was late, around 9 ish at night. Not a great time for a kid to be out on the streets of New York alone. Especially around his neighbourhood. He got off at his stop and decided to take a longer route home. He didn't really want smelly Gabe to ruin his cheery mood. Even if that meant staying out later in the dangerous streets. It was dark and dodgy, especially at night. But Percy knew it well. He knew which houses to avoid. He knew which alleys the stoners and pervs hung out, and the dumpsters the local homeless guy liked to search. 

It was a cold and chilly night. Percy's hair was wet from the pool and it made his head cold. He wished he'd brought a hoodie or something to keep him warm. Percy turned with wide eyes when he heard a dog bark, but quickly realised it was coming from the next street over. He shook his head and continued walking. He turned a corner onto a street he didn't really go down that often. It was quiet except for a couple of stray cats fighting somewhere. Percy narrowed his eyes and kept walking, and nothing prepared him for what he was about to come across. 

Chapter Text

Annabeth

Without a car and a desperate need to get out of the house, Annabeth decided to ride the subway. It may not have been the best idea for a sixteen-year-old girl in New York City in the middle of the night but she was angry and couldn't stand the sound of Helen and her kids laughing along to a movie downstairs. Besides, what's the harm in a little late-night train ride? Turns out, There's a lot of harm that can come from such activities. She should've been smarter.

She was sitting there with her eyes closed, alone, letting the movements of the train calm her down. Suddenly she felt a pair of eyes boring into her. She opened her eyes to find a man sitting at the opposite end of the car that Annabeth could swear hadn't been there a second ago. He was older, but by no means did he look weak. He was bald and his eyes were extremely dark. They seemed to stare into her soul. She sat there for a while, trying not to make eye contact with the creepy guy and pulling her hoodie over her head. She got off at the next stop. He followed

She began to walk faster out of the subway station. Taking two steps at a time. The guy continued to follow. 

Annabeth found herself on a street she didn't know. She watched as a stray cat bounded across the street and she heard drunken yelling from some guy in some apartment nearby. The street was practically deserted and it looked like a dump with the amount of scaffolding and trash that appeared everywhere.

Annabeth continued walking and risked a glance behind her. The man was still there, but he seemed to be slowing down.

Eventually, Annabeth looked behind her and realised the creepy man was gone. She slowed her walking pace and her breathing. The guy must have given up, or she was being paranoid and he was never following in her in the first place.

The air was cold and Annabeth shivered. She debated whether to go back home or not and she was just about to turn around and head back to the subway when she heard a noise in the alley up in front of her. Her skin prickled and she stopped in her tracks. There the noise was again. It sounded like a whimper. Annabeth slowly walked towards it, her eyes wide. 

When she stepped out in front of the alley, somebody lunged at her and she screamed. Her heart hammered and she struggled to get out of the person's grasp. The guy hauled her into the darkness.

"Get off me!" She yelled out as the unknown person pinned her arms to her side. She panicked and thrashed around but the guy was obviously a lot older and a lot stronger than her. Then the original creepy man from the subway appeared from the street, his face semi-illuminated by the white streetlamp above. It cast shadows on his face and made him look even more terrifying. 

"Thought you lost me didn't you." The guy sneered, his voice gravelly, probably from smoking. 

"Let...me... go!" Annabeth struggled against the guy holding her, and she finally broke free. But there was nowhere to run. The alley exit was blocked by the two guys. One of them was the creepy trainman, and the other had long dark hair. Terror flashed in Annabeth's eyes.

"Time to go night night" The trainman sneered and she narrowed her eyes. She was scared but she needed to figure out a plan, and her mind went to work.

Annabeth turned around in a circle, searching for options. There was a fire escape behind her, she could run-up to the roof of the building to her left, but then where would she go? She shook her head, there must be another way. She spotted an abandoned crowbar on the ground in the shadows. A weapon. 

Annabeth was about to leap towards it when suddenly she heard a thump and a groan from behind her. Annabeth turned to see a kid with wet, dark, messy hair in the middle of a brawl with the long-haired one, it was a tangle of fists and limbs.

Then the creepy one recovered from the shock and attacked Annabeth.

"Arrggggg!" He shouted as he charged, but Annabeth was quicker and dodged him, which led him to charge headfirst into a brick wall, leaving him stunned and on the ground. Annabeth grabbed the crowbar and held it tightly in her hands, her senses on high alert. 

She looked frantically back at the unknown boy, who was still fighting the man. She admired his guts, since he looked to be around her age, but quickly Annabeth realised the long-haired one was a lot bigger than him, he was at least a foot taller and muscles bulged under his shirt. He was a mountain compared to the guy, There was no way he could beat him on his own. Then Annabeth suddenly caught a glimpse of the boys strained face. 

Percy Jackson.

That was when Percy has pushed away and the two stood separated. They glared at each other for a tense second, and Annabeth could swear Percy was about to attack again, a teenager against a giant. Then the giant pulled out a switchblade and smirked. 

"Percy-" Annabeth started uneasily, but Percy was already running, and grabbing Annabeth's wrist on the way past.

"Come on!" He yelled sternly, and they fled. 
"Yeah, that's the right kid! Teaches you not to mess with me!" The man roared.

Annabeth didn't think she'd ever run faster in her life. They couldn't hear the giant man behind them, but neither of them dared look back until they reached the subway.

Percy doubled over, clearly winded. And Annabeth couldn't stop shaking. She dropped the crowbar. 

She turned back to Percy and immediately her fear turned into anger.

"What the hell was that?!" She yelled at Percy, surprised at how strong her voice was. Percy straightened up and looked at her with a shocked expression.

"What was what? I just saved your life!" Percy said, raising his voice. Both of them were pumped with adrenaline, and Annabeth had daggers in her eyes. How dare Percy leap in and save the day like a big hero? She may be a girl, but she wasn't helpless, She'd had a plan.

"Saved my life? I was fine! I was about to escape until you arrived and made a scene!" Annabeth retorted. Percy opened and closed his mouth like a shocked fish out of water.

"Fi- FINE? Annabeth, those guys had every exit blocked, if I hadn't been there, you'd be dead!" Percy said exasperated. 

"I had it under control! You think just because I'm a girl I can't take care of myself" Annabeth lashed back. She hated guys. Percy stuttered with rage.

"W-what, no! NO! I never said that!" He said, flustered.

"But you thought it."

"Did not," 

"Did"

"Didn't"

They both glared at each other and a few moments passed.

"Why were you even out here in the first place? This isn't exactly a nice neighbourhood," Percy said, looking around, his tone uneasy. The street was empty but Annabeth wondered if or when the two creepy guys would show up again.

"I could ask you the same question." Annabeth shot back. But seriously, Why was a star athlete kid like him walking around in a neighbourhood like this? It made Annabeth suspicious.
"I live in that building." He said, pointing to an old, rundown brick apartment block. 
"oh." 
"Why are you here?" Percy repeated. 

"The guy followed me from the subway, I... needed to clear my head," Annabeth admitted stubbornly.

Percy gave her a look of concern. 

"So you rode the subway in the middle of the night to a dodge street in the middle of New York?" He asked, his face betraying how stupid he thought the idea was

"Yes I totally meant to end up here," Annabeth asked, her voice laced with mean sarcasm. Percy glared at her. 

"I should go." Annabeth realised. It was nearing midnight.
"You're going to catch the subway again? Alone?" Percy asked, his voice slightly concerned rather than angry.

Annabeth looked down the stairs of the subway and hesitated. But how else would she get home? Her face must have displayed her discomfort about the idea as the next thing Percy said was,

"Let me call an Uber for you... it's safer." He said gruffly, before pulling out his phone and tapping a bunch of buttons. When he was done he slipped his phone back into his jean pocket and glanced back up at her with those sea-green eyes. 

"I don't need an Uber, I can go by myself." Annabeth decided. She wasn't going to let Percy win. Yes, he had saved her (even though she didn't need saving), but the last thing Annabeth wanted was for Percy to think she was weak. She was a lot tougher than she looked. Percy grabbed her wrist to stop her from walking away.

"I've already called the Uber. Don't be so stubborn." He said sternly.
Annabeth yanked her hand back. 
"Stubborn?" She scoffed but she didn't argue against it. She knew she was stubborn, there was no denying it. And Percy knew that. Annabeth thought she saw a little smile creep onto Percy's face, but it disappeared quickly and Annabeth wasn't sure she'd seen it at all.
They waited in silence for the Uber to arrive.

Annabeth looked Percy over. His hair was damp and messed up, She assumed he came from swim training and fought the urge to roll her eyes. She looked him up and down, he was wearing the same clothes he'd worn at school, his school bag on his back. He looked a little cold, but other than that he didn't seem hurt. Annabeth asked anyway.

"Did you get hurt?" He gave her a confused look.

"Why would you care?" He practically spat the sentence out and Annabeth was a little taken aback.

"I don't. Forget I asked." She replied hastily. Gods. She only asked if he was hurt. 

There were another few moments of awkward silence. 

"...are you hurt." He asked her, his eyes peering into hers. They looked a darker shade of green in this light.

"...No." She replied bluntly. 

Soon the Uber arrived and Percy paid. He then looked at her one last time.
"No more late-night train rides," he said grudgingly and she glared back as she opened the door.

Percy
He blamed Annabeth for everything that happened next. The girl was stupid, coming to a place like this in the middle of the night. There was a reason there were no other kids on Percy's street. And Gabe was one of them. 
After the night's events, Percy went home, certain that Gabe would be asleep by now. Probably passed out on the couch, drunk and half dead.

Percy made his way to his door and let himself in with his key. He did his best to be quiet, but there was no point. Percy heard Gabe thunder down the hall as soon as he stepped inside. He sighed and wished he never came home. Then Gabe appeared. He was livid. His eyes were bloodshot. And he smelled strongly of alcohol. Percy peered into the living room to see an abandoned poker game and beer cans strewn everywhere.

"Are your mates over Gabe?" Percy asked with fake excitement. Percy being in a good mood always made Gabe angry. Gabe's lips went thin with anger.

"I had friends over, I thought you finished school hours ago. Why are you only coming home at 12? Hmm?" Percy could see Gabe was close to snapping. He was practically belching steam out of his ears. But Percy couldn't help the attitude.

"Since when did you care?" He muttered and that earned him a slap across the face. Percy's flesh burned hot.

"I ran out of beer," Gabe thundered and Percy flinched.

"You? Run out of beer? That's very unlike you Gabe." Percy mocked. He then picked Percy up by the collar of his jacket and shoved him against the front door.

Now, Gabe is a lot bigger than Percy, he's over double the body weight and taller than him by a lot. He's tubby, but underneath it, all his strength is greater than Percy's by a long shot. And especially after Percy's break from swimming, he felt weak in comparison. 

Gabe shoved him against the door again and Percy grunted. Then Gabe leaned in close so his face was right up against Percy. Percy could feel his hot breath against his cheeks.

"I asked you to get cigarettes this morning... Don't tell me you forgot." Gabe whispered and Percy mentally kicked himself. He forgot.

Gabe waited for a response. A few moments passed before Percy spoke again.

"You should really stop smoking. You'll get cancer and die." Percy smirked at the thought. That earned him another shove against the door.

"Ow-"

"-What like your mom? You want that don't you? You little prick! But guess what? She died and I got stuck with you so tough fucking luck!" Gabe's voice was low and shaking with rage. The smirk had disappeared from Percy's face.

No one talks about his mom like that.

That's when Percy snapped. He felt his anger rise up and he looked Gabe in the eyes. With Gabe's face so close it was easy for Percy to head butt him with an almighty WHACK.

Gabe stumbled back, blood pouring from his now broken nose.

"YOU LITTLE FUCKER!" Gabe roared and he lunged, but Percy was faster. He leapt over the couch and ran for his bedroom at the end of the hallway. He slammed the door shut and leaned on it with all his weight, his heart hammering. 

The impact came with such force that Percy could hardly hold the door. Sweat beaded on his forehead. 

"LET ME IN YOU BRAT!" Gabe shouted from the other side. Percy had dealt with this before. If he could just hold it long enough for Gabe to give up...

The door shuddered under Gabe's force as he repeatedly tried to get in. Percy could hear his heavy breathing on the other side. A few moments passed when Percy couldn't hear Gabe anymore. 

Two moments,

Four moments,

A full five minutes passed and Percy could hear nothing on the other side of the door. Slowly he stood up and sighed. But the moment he realised what was about to happen it was too late, his door barged open, swinging dangerously on its hinges and Percy backed away in terror. 

Percy yelped as Gabe stormed in. Immediately swinging a fist at Percy's head. Percy tried to dodge but Gabe caught the side of Percy's face and he was knocked to the side. His mind swimming and his hands shaking with a mix of rage and fear.

Percy stumbled up and the two of them faced each other. Gabes face was red.

"There's no escape." Gabe grinned. Percy considered his options. There was a window behind him with a fire escape route, but for the past few weeks, Percy hadn't been able to open it because it was jammed. Then there was the door, but Gabe was in the way and there was no way Percy could get around him, the room was much too small, it barely fit Percy's twin-sized bed.

There was nowhere to go.

Now, Percy was full of bad ideas... but this was one of his worst. Maybe he’d been hit in the head a little too hard, maybe it was just pure stupidity. Percy threw himself at Gabe with all his force and Gabe screamed out in anger. He lunged at Percy with his meaty arms outstretched and the two of them attacked each other. Percy got in a few punches at least, before Gabe got a hold of Percy's back and lifted him off of the ground, his arms pinned to his side. Percy thrashed his feet in a panic. 

"Let... go of me!" Percy roared. But Gabe did not let go. He threw Percy to the ground on his back and the wind was knocked out of Percy's lungs. Percy tried to suck in air but he couldn't breathe. 

"This will teach you to be more grateful for what I do for you, boy" Gabe snarled. He grasped Percy's shoulders with meaty fingers and slammed him against the floor; dazing him again. Percy groaned.

This was not going well. At all. 

Percy tried to catch his breath but every time his body was forced back down, the wind was knocked out of him. He coughed and squeezed his eyes shut. There was a kick to his side. Another body slam against the floor. 

—————

At some point, Gabe left. Percy was still on the floor, shaking uncontrollably. 

Don't cry. Don't cry.

And Percy didn't cry.

Very slowly and with pain, Percy pushed himself off the floor with a grunt. He took off his jacket, which was now stained with blood from Gabe's nose and kicked off his shoes. He climbed into bed and set his alarm for swim training in the morning. He lay there, staring at the ceiling, his mind reeling. He missed his mom. A lump formed in Percy's throat and he choked it down. He pushed the memories of his mom down into the back of his mind. 

Eventually, Percy closed his eyes and he succumbed to the darkness of a dream-filled sleep. 

------------

That night, Percy dreamt of a hospital. Immediately his heart started to thump. He hated hospitals, and for good reason. They reminded him of only pain and death. Suddenly his younger, five-year-old self walked past. Present Percy followed. A lump in his throat. He knew where this was going, and there was only one way this dream would end.

Percy watched himself enter the hospital, Gabe was there too. Young Percy reached for Gabe's hand but Gabe shook him off.  Present Percy balled his fist. The scene flicked to inside a hospital room and the sight made Present Percy want to throw up. His younger self sat beside his mother, his little hand holding her fingers. 

She was sick. Her skin was pale with a blue tint and she had bags under her eyes. She had no hair. Present Percy watched as his mom comforted his younger self, her voice was muffled as if the dream had bad reception.

Percy already knew what would happen next. The beeping monitor slowed down. Sally Jackson finished her last sentence to Percy.

"I love you" 

"I love you too mommy." Younger Percy was balling his eyes out now. Where was Gabe? Why wasn't he there comforting him? Where was he when Sally finally flat-lined and the light extinguished in her eyes? Young Percy screamed as the nurses tried to get him out of the room, then the scene shifted and Percy realised he's been screaming too, and his face was wet with salty hot tears. 

He woke with a start to his alarm blaring. It was 5 AM in the morning and the city was waking up. 

Chapter Text

Percy

The next week was dull. Percy loved swim training more than ever. Coach Phelps was one of the best coaches Percy had ever had. He pushed Percy to his limits. It was great. 

The morning after the day he saved Annabeth, Percy had never felt better after training. Swimming was a therapeutic sport for Percy. It required no physical contact and it made Percy's sore limbs feel new again. It loosened him up and by the end of it, he was invigorated. 

After training, Percy walked with a spring in his step into school. A beanie contained his unruly hair and he was wearing a hoodie, considering his jacket needed a wash. 

The first few lessons for the day went on smoothly. He even got some praise from Mrs Kym, which was a first. Annabeth had shot daggers at Percy, but he pretended to ignore her. 
The girl really needed to sort out her priorities. Why was she angry at him anyway? Shouldn’t she be angry at the messed up guys who initiated the attack? Shouldn’t she instead be greatful that she didn’t have to fight off grown men alone? Maybe it was girl thing? Percy always heard from boys in all the schools he’d been in that girls were ‘a different breed’ to boys. Percy only partially agreed. Most of the time they seemed like ordinary people. So why was Annabeth different? Why did she act like it was all Percys fault?

Afterwards in History (Percy's best subject), He got results back on a test he had done a few days ago. 97% marks. Percy had caught a glimpse and saw Annabeth had a 95. Honestly, he'd tried to contain his smile. Annabeth was obsessed with being top of the class. She was stubborn and competitive. So it felt incredibly good to beat her at her own game for once. She thought he was some dumb, sea-weed brain jock? Well, she was wrong. Mostly. Especially when it came to History. If Percy was anything, it was a slut for the Greeks and romans. (Not that he’d every say that sentence out loud of course).

Percy entered the cafeteria with Jason at his side. Percy watched with interest as Jason stared at Piper Mclean who was sitting at their table on the other side of the room, laughing. After the few weeks Percy had been at Goode High, he had learnt a few things. Piper was one of the most popular girls in school. Sure, she was pretty, She had long brown hair and perfect features. She was also very close with Annabeth and Hazel.

Jason clearly liked her. The way he stared at her made it obvious. He hadn't confessed his feelings yet, but Percy had made a bet with Leo that he would ask her out soon. Leo didn't think so. He refused to believe that Jason, his best friend, would ever get distracted by a girl. He was in denial about becoming a third wheel, Percy didn’t feel sympathy, he just bet him more money. (Evil? Perhaps).

"What?" Jason asked after looking at Percy's face. Percy realised he'd been grinning at Jason the whole time he'd been swooning over Piper. 

"Oh, nothing." He replied smugly, still grinning. He walked away towards their table, and Jason followed. 

They sat down and Annabeth shot Percy a glare as usual. He just grinned smugly at her. So far, that's what seemed to piss her off the most. 

"Are you guys coming to watch the game this Friday?" Frank asked the group, but clearly, his eyes were lingering on Hazel. Percy smiled and shot Leo a knowing glance. He rolled his eyes. Matchmaker Percy was on a roll today. 

"Oh my God! Frank? Are you asking me out?!" Leo said in his best girl mocking voice. He fanned his face with his hand and Frank shot him a glare. Percy cracked up. 

"Yes, Frank we'll be there, right guys?" Hazel said kindly ignoring Leo.

"Yeah, sure I'll come, got nothing better to do." Percy agreed.

Percy

That Friday, Percy went home after school. The game was at six, and with a few hours to kill, he had some homework he needed to catch up on. 

Boy, was that a bad idea. 

Percy unlocked the apartment with his key and peeked his head in. When he realised it was all clear he waltzed right in and got to his bedroom. 

Percy dumped his school stuff onto his floor, not caring about his messy room and began his science homework with a dramatic sigh. 

He finished all his work just in time. He needed to leave now or he was going to be late for Frank and Jason's game. He changed his clothes and slipped on his beanie, containing his hair, the sky was darkening and the air would for sure be cold.

That's when Percy heard heavy footsteps approaching down the hallway. He internally groaned. Not now.

Gabe poked his head in.
"Going somewhere?" He asked unhappily, his breath stinking up the room.
Seriously, had the guy ever brushed his teeth?

"Football game," Percy replied bluntly, 
"Since when did you play football?" Gabe asked. Percy hated when he did this. Gabe was bored, he came to Percy because he wanted something to entertain him. And Percy was Gabe's personal punching bag, whether Percy liked it or not.

"Nah, I'm supporting some friends," Percy replied casually, still in the middle of getting ready. Gabe let out a gross-sounding laugh and Percy shuddered. 
"Friends? You? Don't lie kid. You ain't got no friends." He grinned with his yellow teeth. Percy tried not to look directly at his face, that tended to aggravate him.

"Okay then. Can I go now?" Percy asked, deciding not to try and argue. He really didn't want to be late.

Gabe took a step forward and the breath hitched in Percy's throat. 
"What do I always tell you about that tone boy?" Gabe asked, his voice low. 

Percy looked at him and stopped what he was doing. His heart started to beat a little faster.

"I'm sorry." He replied. His voice small.
Gabe narrowed his eyes and stepped to the side, allowing passage through the doorway.
"On your way home get some beer," Gabe said and Percy couldn't believe his luck. 

Was Gabe seriously letting him go so easily?

He jinxed it. As soon as he walked past him, Gabe jabbed him in his gut with his fist. Percy let out a grunt, bending over.

"Don't forget the beer, or there's more where that came from," Gabe sneered and Percy nodded quickly, just happy to have gotten out without a fight. 

Percy wrote the word 'beer' on his hand. He didn't want to forget this time. 

———————-

Annabeth

Annabeth, Piper, Hazel, Leo and Percy sat in the stands to watch the Goode high football teams first game of the season. Luckily, Percy had sat as far away from Annabeth as possible and was talking to Leo, whilst Piper and Hazel were exchanging snacks.

The air was chilly and Annabeth could faintly see her breath in front of her, she wrapped her jacket more around her body and sighed. The stands were packed with people. Annabeth recognised Drew Tanaka and her team of stuck up cheerleaders. Annabeth loathed them, but not as much as Piper. Drew was talking loudly about Jason and how hot he was as a quarterback, the girls giggled and Annabeth watched as Piper looked on, a murderous look in her eyes. Drew was the high school, mean girl. She wasn't as bad as Luke when it came to bullying, but Drew definitely had a way with words, and could twist any story into a harmful rumour. 

It was lucky that not many people actually believed her, Piper was still what Annabeth considered the high school 'queen bee'. She had boys drooling after all, and for that, Drew hated her. 

The game started with Goode high on offence, and Annabeth spotted Jason receive the ball. Annabeth glanced at Piper, who was watching Jason intently. Piper had a major crush, it was obvious, Annabeth just wished she would admit it, she's been shipping the two of them for years...

—————————

Percy

Percy watched the game with Leo's bad commentary in his ear. He was pretty sure Leo didn't have a clue about how football actually worked since he kept saying random stuff like,

"And quarterly man, Jason Grace shoots... And he scores! another 10 points to Gryffindor!" 

People all around gave Leo weird looks as he swore at the opposing team when they got the ball, Percy couldn't stop laughing. Although it did kind of hurt his gut to laugh. 

Percy glanced over at Annabeth, she was wearing a Yankees cap over her blonde hair and she was deep into a conversation with Piper about some cute guy they'd seen at the hotdog stand. Percy rolled her eyes. Maybe girls were weird. 

That's when a commotion on the field snapped Percy back to attention. There was an uproar of protest from the Goode High students as the opposing team scored another goal. Percy watched in horror as Luke Castellan, who was taller than most kids, stood towering over Frank. His words could be heard over the whole field.

"What the hell was that Zhang?! You were supposed to be covering that side!" Luke roared. Percy couldn't hear what Frank replied but soon Jason was there, trying to calm down the situation. 

"Uh oh," Leo said and the girls all stopped their gossip and gasped at the scene on the field. 

The referee had a talk with the boys, and soon the game was resumed, the matter solved. 

But Percy knew better. Luke was the type to hold a grudge, so Percy's eyes followed him closely, worried at what he might do next.

Just before it happened, Percy managed to yell,
"Frank look out!" Before Luke barrelled straight into him, knocking him to the ground. Luke continued running, the ball in his hand and he scored, causing a cheer to erupt from the crowd. Frank lay stunned on his back. 

Leo's face was like thunder. Percy glanced uneasily at Hazel who looked worried out of her mind. They watched helplessly as Frank struggled to his feet, seeming fine.

"I'm gonna kill Luke for that," Leo growled, loud enough for the girls to hear as well.

"Leo don't you dare go picking a fight with Luke, he'd kill you," Piper said matter of factly and Leo replied.
"Gee thanks." 
"She's right though Leo, if we react, it's only giving Luke what he wants," Annabeth said and Percy nodded, pretending to agree. Although everything in him told him to do the exact opposite to what the girls were saying. Why should they stand back? Why should they let Luke get away with bullying people, beating people up, sabotaging them? Percy knew enough about Luke to agree with the girls that a fight was what he would want. But maybe it’s a fight he should get.

The girls began to talk amongst themselves yet again, obviously still concerned about Frank, who was now on the bench getting a lecture from Coach Hedge. 

Percy leaned toward Leo. 
"So, what are we gonna do?" Percy asked Leo, feeling a need to cause trouble.

Leo smiled mischievously.

"I got a plan."

———————-

Annabeth

It was half time and Frank and Jason were immersed in a team talk, Frank look flustered and Jason was obviously trying to calm him down. Luke sat to the side, receiving praise from Coach Hedge, who seemed oblivious to the foul play that had just occurred. 

Annabeth's attention was drawn back to Percy and Leo as they stood from their seats.

"We're just gonna go get some food, be right back," Leo said with a grin. But Annabeth knew that grin well, It definitely wasn't innocent. They were up to something. The two boys climbed over the seats and made their way down the steps. Annabeth turned to Piper and Hazel. 

"I'm just gonna go to the bathroom." She said and she made her way to follow them. Percy and Leo were laughing and talking in low voices as they walked right past the food truck and disappeared behind the stands towards the parking lot. Annabeth's suspicion only grew. 

She jogged a little to catch up and remained in the shadows behind some portable bathrooms, but when she peered out, Leo and Percy had disappeared. She huffed. Then something else caught her eye...

There in the shadows, underneath one of the big seating stands, were two guys. Annabeth peered in, hoping it was Leo and Percy, but when her eyes adjusted to the dark she gasped. It wasn't Percy and Leo. Annabeth recognised the loner kid, Nico D'Angelo. He had a mop of black silky hair on his head and he was pale, his eyes dark. 

Annabeth had seen him around school, but never really talked to him. He didn't seem to like other people. In face, When Annabeth thought about it, She had never really seen Nico talk to anyone.

Until now. He was locked in deep conversation with a taller guy in a light blue flannel shirt, his hair a bright blonde and he had perfect teeth. Annabeth recognised him as Will Solace. He was in Annabeth's biology class and was in the school band, but Annabeth didn't really know him that well. Annabeth watched with interest from her hiding spot as the two stepped closer to one another. She really should've walked away, leaving them to their privacy, but she didn't realise exactly what they were doing until too late.

Will pressed his lips to Nico's and the two of them dove into a lengthy kiss. She'd known for a while that Will Solace was gay, but she had no idea that Nico was. Suddenly Nico broke away from the kiss and his eyes widened. He was staring straight at Annabeth. 

Annabeth sighed and walked into the light in front of the two boys. Will turned and his smile dropped. 

"A-Annabeth! What are you doing here?" Will asked while nervously glancing at Nico, who looked terrified. 

"Sorry. I was just walking past. I won't tell. I swear." Annabeth said hastily, not making eye contact.

"You promise? If the school found out... especially Luke-" Nico's voice was shaky.

"-I won't tell, I swear on my life." Annabeth smiled in reassurance. She knew how mean kids could be these days. If Nico didn't want people knowing, she was fine with it. She wasn't going to tell a soul.

"Thanks, Annabeth," Will replied, his expression grateful. 

"Have fun you two." Annabeth winked, before turning and walking away in the direction of the game. 

---------------

Once the game was over Annabeth found Frank, Piper, Hazel, Jason, Leo and Percy all walking amongst the crowds to the carpark to get ready to go home. Percy and Leo were grinning and talking with Jason and Frank, who were talking about the events of the game and Piper and Hazel were listening. 

Suddenly the crowd thickened and people started whispering and gasping. 

"What's going on?" Hazel asked and Annabeth shrugged, standing on her tiptoes to get a look at what was causing the traffic jam. 

"WHO THE FUCK DID THIS TO MY CAR!" Screamed a very angry, very red-faced Luke Castellan. Annabeth looked past him and her eyes widened at the sight of his car. Luke drove a convertible Honda S2000, and it was said that the car was one of Lukes's most prized possessions. 

Well, Not anymore. On the side of the car was a huge scratch. It was as if Luke made enemies with wolverine. Luke looked absolutely livid. The scratch covered the whole length of the black car. It would be expensive to fix. Luke was trying (unsuccessfully) to rub it off, his friends trying to comfort him. 

"I'm gonna find whoever did this and kill them," Luke growled, his ears red. That's when people started to laugh. Everyone was enjoying watching Luke in his rage. Annabeth glanced over at Percy and Leo and saw them heaving with Laughter. Leo had tears coming from his eyes. When Annabeth looked back at Luke he was staring right at them. Percy seemed to notice too, and the smile was quickly wiped off his face. 

Knowing Luke, He probably wanted someone to blame, Annabeth thought. and who better to blame than Percy Jackson, the guy who'd picked a fight with Luke on his very first day? Percy did have a knack for getting on people's nerves, But Annabeth didn't think he'd go this far. She shook her head and pushed the thought away. It could've been anyone, she told herself. Luke had a lot of enemies.

Chapter Text

Percy

The next day, after Goode high won their first football game of the school year, Percy and the gang were invited to a house party. The guy hosting was named Dakota, Percy had never met him, but according to Jason, Frank and Leo, he could really throw a wild one. 

Leo and Percy hadn't told anyone about keying Lukes car, and they vowed to keep It that way. Percy had no regrets, (although he probably should have) but if Luke found out and decided to press charges...

Percy realised he put himself in a very bad situation.

Never mind, Luke wasn't going to find out. Percy hoped. Luke had looked at him weird after the game. But Percy knew Luke wouldn't be able to prove it, even if he did suspect it was them....

-------

They decided to arrive fashionable late. Percy walked up to Dakota's house with Jason at his side. When they opened the door, they were hit with the thumping noise of loud music and people laughing and gossiping. Percy and Jason pushed through the crowd. Percy noticed the keg in the kitchen, Dakota was laughing and doing shots, his eyes already bloodshot, he was wasted. They made their way past kissing couples and drunk teenagers until they found the living room where the rest of their friends were sitting. They were drinking out of red plastic cups and Leo passed one to Percy.

Percy looked at it sceptically. He knew what alcohol did to people. Gabe was a perfect example of why you shouldn't drink. But surely one night wouldn't hurt? It's not like a couple drinks could turn him into Gabe. Besides it wasn’t the first time he’d had a drink, Gabe had given him plenty at the encouragement of his gambling friends, Percy never finished them, beer, as it turns out, wasn’t really Percys cup of tea when he was eleven, but surely a few vodka based drinks wouldn’t hurt?

Fuck it. He took a hesitant sip and sat down beside Leo and opposite Annabeth. Annabeth's blond curly hair was in a ponytail and there were two strands framing her face. Was she wearing makeup? And a dress? Percy hadn't ever seen Annabeth without her Yankees cap and old jeans. This was different. Not a good different, because it was Annabeth, know it all Annabeth. But Percy couldn't admit to himself that it wasn't a bad different either. He realised he'd been staring and quickly glanced away and pretended like nothing happened.

He hoped Annabeth didn't notice the hint of red on his cheeks.

Annabeth

The house was loud and somebody had turned up the music to an even higher volume, making Annabeth need to shout to be able to talk to her friends. She watched Percy walk in. He was in his jeans and his blue varsity jacket, his scruffy long hair sticking up at random angles. He flashed his lopsided grin at the group before sitting down with a cup in hand. 

He looked scruffy, as always, with his messy hair, knock-off sneakers and uneven smile, Annabeth fought the urge to roll her eyes when he said a stupid joke to Leo, making him crack up. Annabeth's eyes swept the room until she spotted Luke having a conversation with Silena, But Annabeth noticed how his eyes kept darting to the back of Percy's head every few moments.

Weird.

-----------

Eventually, Annabeth needed to refill her drink and left her friends and made her way to the kitchen. A group of Lukes's goons and some of Dakota's friends were doing shots on the kitchen counter. People were chanting and Annabeth spotted Luke again, he was downing a beer, his frame leaned casually against the doorway, watching the entertainment. 

Annabeth squeezed through some people and refilled her beer, the cheap liquid sizzling in her cup. She was just about to leave when a tall guy stepped out in front of her, his large chest blocking her path. 

"Hey!" She yelped, bumping into him. She looked up and saw it was Luke himself, his bright blue eyes staring down at her with a smirk. 

"Hi Annabeth. How are you doing?" He asked, slurring his words. He was obviously tipsy and Annabeth tried to push past him, but he stood his ground. 

"Where are you going, missy?" Luke asked, his tone playful. Annabeth scowled. 

"Away from you, asshole, not get out of my way." She snapped, attempting to push past him again. He once again, stepped in front of her, blocking the doorway. 

"Not quite so fast. I've seen you and your pals, Percy, Luke, Jason and that big idiot Frank, I know what you guys did to my car." He said, his tone still playful but his eyes now hard and stern. Annabeth raised her eyebrows and blinked. 

"Huh? Frank and Jason were on the field and the rest of us were in the stands, I have no idea what you're talking about." Annabeth said honestly. Luke raised an eyebrow and scowled. 

"Don't lie, Annie, I know you know who it was. Just tell the truth and I'll deal with it... I've seen how you act around Percy, you're not fooling anyone, you hate him... I can sort him out for you." He whispered the last part in her ear and she stepped away, her eyes narrow. 

"Don't call me Annie." Annabeth spat. She hated nick-names, Especially that one. She then shoved Luke out of the way and stormed back into the lounge. Her thoughts racing.
What did Luke mean 'sort him out'?

Whatever it was, it didn't sound good.

------------

A few hours into the party, Annabeth and everyone else, were positively drunk. All thoughts of Luke were forgotten from Annabeth's mind and she was actually enjoying herself, dancing without a care in the world with her friends. 

Not a single person went without a drink and even Percy seemed to be in a good mood and they didn't argue for once. That was until someone suggested they play truth or dare. 

The seven were sitting in the lounge on the couches in a circle with some others, Reyna, Nico and Will. Nico avoided Annabeth's eye contact and Annabeth winked at Will, which earned her a knowing smirk. Annabeth approved, Nico was quiet, sure, and he was definitely brooding, but overall he seemed nice and Annabeth thought Will and Nico were perfect for each other.

Leo was filling everyone's drinks, and Percy declined, which raised a few eyebrows. Fun, big-headed jock Percy refusing a drink? Unheard of for his type, Annabeth thought. 

"Okay! Who's going first? No one? Okay, Frank! Truth or dare." Leo shouted, his voice loud over the crowd. 

"Dare!" He yelled back and everyone watched with wide eyes. Leo was known for his crazy ideas. This was probably gonna end badly. Annabeth felt sorry for Frank.

"I dare you... to kiss the prettiest person in this room! ... and you can't choose me, I may be pretty, but sorry Frank, you're not my type." Leo grinned and Frank went so red in the face, that he looked like a tomato. Quietly, Frank stood up and looked around. Annabeth knew what he was about to do. 

Frank walked over to Hazel and gave her a quick awkward peck on the lips, which made Hazel's eyes widen and cheeks redden. Everyone cheered.

"Truth or dare.... Piper." Frank said, his cheeks still red.

"Truth," Piper stated.

"Who's your biggest celebrity crush," Frank said, trying to be nice. 

"Orlando Bloom.” Piper said instantly with a laugh. Annabeth rolled her eyes at her friend playfully. Piper's middle school pirates phase still haunted her to this day. 

"Jason, Truth or dare," Piper asked and Jason thought for a moment before saying,

"Dare." 

Piper smiled innocently. 

"I dare you to..."

----------------

Percy

They were playing truth or dare in the lounge with the 10 of them, just as Jason was doing his dare, which was to eat a raw egg, Percy noticed Luke walk into the room and stand in the corner, a drink in his hand and one of his mates, Percy recognised him as Oscar, at his side. They weren't talking, but they were watching the game intently.

Percy's fourth drink was nearly finished and Percy looked at it in disgust. Before he arrived he had sworn he wouldn't drink too much, but now he felt a pant of regret in his gut.
What would his mom think of him now? Drinking just like Gabe?. He knew what alcohol did to people and didn't want to end up doing something he didn't want to do. As much as he was having a good time, he decided to tone it down a little, especially if he was going home that night, he didn’t want to fall over and wake Gabe or something. Percy declined his next drink, and focused back on the game, feeling content and bubbly, a laugh rising in his chest as Leo tripped and spilled his drink down his front, cursing like a sailor

So far, Jason had dared Reyna to snog Leo, which ended in Leo getting punched, Reyna then dared Will to spill his most embarrassing story, which Nico the quiet kid seemed very intent on listening to, he even laughed, which was a first. Then Will dared Hazel to do three shots. Percy shuddered as Hazel downed the last one, her eyes smiling. 

He turned his attention back to the game and laughed as Leo tried to balance a cup on his head. He failed and spilled his drink all over Frank who scowled at him, but then laughed. 

"Annabeth! Truth or dare!" Hazel said excitedly. 

"Truth!" She shouted over the noise coming from the rest of the house. And Hazel looked disappointed. Percy made a note not to say dare for Hazel, she looked like she had something up her sleeve. 

Hazel thought for a moment, deciding on what to ask.

"Who do you most dislike out of the people playing." She said, slightly slurring her words. Annabeth smirked at Percy and he rolled his eyes.

"Percy." She said without hesitation. Leo booed her and she rolled her eyes. Rude.

"Truth or dare Percy." She said, her grin wicked. Percy definitely didn't want to do any dare asked by Annabeth so he said Truth. Already dreading the worst. He had a lot of secrets that he wasn't willing to share, he just hoped the question wouldn't be too personal...

"What's your greatest fear?" Annabeth asked and Percy's heart sank. Gabe. Gabe was definitely one of his biggest fears. Hospitals. Another one. Hospitals reminded Percy of his moms death, he never wanted to go near one again, But Percy couldn't say either of those for obvious reasons. He thought for a moment and then answered as honestly as he could.

"Small spaces." He said, his mouth turned upward in a smile. But on the inside, he wasn't smiling at all. His fear of small spaces had developed after his mom died, thanks to Gabe. And he'd never really told anyone about it until now. He hated having such a stupid fear. What harm was a small space gonna do? It was pathetic. But Percy never forgot the fear that would rise in his throat every time he thought about it. 

"Your claustrophobic?" Leo asked with a laugh and Percy laughed along with him, understanding how ridiculous it really was.

"You, Percy, Are afraid of small spaces?" Annabeth asked, her voice laced with amusement. She found Percy's fear funny, and Percy began to wish he hadn't told anyone. 

"Hey! It's not that uncommon, stop being mean." He playfully grinned at his friends and they all laughed. Eventually, they all quieted down and continued playing the game, But Percy couldn't get it out of his head. He raked his hand through his hair and shot the unpleasant thoughts away. 

It was probably the alcohol that was making him feel closed in. 

Percy 

Percy staggered home after the party after an Uber dropped him on his street. It was in the early hours of the morning and the moon was obscured by dark clouds. The street was deserted, thankfully, and Percy walked up to his apartment. 
He'd been dreading coming home and a million things ran through Percy's head in that moment.
What if Gabe was up? What if he got caught?

As quietly as he could, he turned the handle on his door and tip-toed his way inside. 

Gabe was sprawled out on the couch, beer cans and garbage strewn about the floor and he was snoring loudly. Percy sighed with relief. At least he wouldn't have to deal with Gabe tonight. He had other things to worry about. In the back of his mind ever since he'd left the game of truth or dare, Percy had been thinking about his great fear. He tried to push it away, think of something else. But with his ADHD head, as soon as he told himself to stop thinking about it, he thought about it more.

He crashed onto his bed and kicked off his shoes. He was exhausted and the room was kind of spinning. He was never drinking again. Not if he could help it. As soon as Percy's head hit the pillow, he was swallowed in darkness, the echoes of his claustrophobic thoughts taunting his mind. 

-----------

That night, Percy dreamed. Now, For Percy, dreams were frequent. When he was little the dreams were stupid. They used to consist of Gabe as a giant Cyclops or Gabe trying to eat him with a snakes body, but as Percy got older, the dreams became more vivid, more terrifying, more real. 

This was one of those terrible, vivid nightmares, except it was more of a memory. One of many memories that Percy could never seem to forget, and the birthplace of some of his deepest fears...

Percy appeared in his living room. He looked around and noticed the place was a mess. Which wasn't unusual. Beer cans and bottles were everywhere. Gabes cigarette ashtray had spilled on the carpet and there was garbage littering the couch. 

On a table just outside the kitchen a game of Poker was taking place. Gabe sat at the head of the table, chewing on a cigerette and a beer in his hand. He was frowning at his hand of cards. There were three other grown men sitting around the table aswell, all with drinks, all just as beefy and disgusting as the next. They were laughing loudly, they're voices filling the room. 

Suddenly the door opened and Percy spun around, only to see... himself. A seven year old Percy walked into the small apartment, his eyes were wide as he looked around the place, his hands gripped tightly on the straps of a school bag that was almost bigger than him. He looked terrified. Present Percy watched in astonishment. He looked so... small. 

Percy had been a scrawny child for his age, but that suited Gabe. It made him easier to push around. It was only around freshmen year when Percy started to get taller and stronger. He lost his baby face and his jawline grew sharp, his shoulders grew the more he swam and he was over six feet tall now. The only thing that had never changed was the messy mop of black hair on his head.

Older Percy saw Gabe scowl at young Percy's sudden appearance.

"Sup kid, wanna play poker?" One of Gabes fat friends joked, his beady eyes were too small for his face. Both Percy's shuddered.
"Shut the fuck up Jack, the kid doesn't even know how to play Poker." Another man said and the third one snickered. 

"Percy! Just on time. Grab me another beer." Gabe demanded as he glared at his cards, as if willing them to become a better hand.

Young Percy dropped his bag on the floor and shuffled over to the kitchen.

"Fuck!" Gabe shouted, slamming his cards on the table.
"I fold." He said gruffly and the other three men laughed.
"Too easy!" One of them grinned, placing down his hand and winning the game. 

"Percy! Where the fuck is my beer?!" Gabe yelled and young Percy appeared, his eyes extra wide in terror. 

"T-there's none left" Young Percy said, his voice small. Gabe looked at him with fire in his eyes.

"I'll deal with you later, wait in the kitchen." He growled and he returned to his game.

Older Percy watched as Gabe lost more rounds of poker. Each time Gabes face got redder and redder as he lost more and more money. Money that should've been spent on food and bills.

Eventually, Gabes three friends left and Gabe flipped the table in a rage.

"FUCK!" He yelled. Having lost all his profit. 
"COME OUT YOU LITTLE SHIT!" Gabe yelled at the kitchen doorway and young Percy appeared. His face already wet with tears.

Angry Gabe was scary. Older Percy watched the situation unfold, unable to do anything, unable to move. 
He watched helplessly as Gabe advanced on his younger self.

"Leave him alone!" He screamed at him, but his voice seemed distant and Gabe either didn't care or didn't notice.

Younger Percy cried out as Gabe gripped his small wrist, causing a bruise.

"Stop your crying boy, or I'll give you something to cry about." Gabe sneered, shoving him to the ground. 

Immediately young Percy shut up. His crying turning into a faint whimper. Gabe scoffed and delivered young Percy a small kick to the stomach. Younger Percy groaned.

Present Percy's blood boiled. 

He's just a kid! He wanted to scream. But this wasn't happening in the present. It was a memory. The events he was witnessing had already happened. And there was no stopping it.

Gabe pulled Percy up by his shoulders and shoved him towards the hallway. Young Percy stumbled but managed to stay on his feet, his crying silent. As soon as young Percy realised he was free of Gabes grasp, he made a run for it. But the room was small and there was no where to go. Gabe simply took one step and intercepted young Percy's path, who cried out yet again.

"Oh now I'll give you something to cry about! You little fucker!" Gabe pinned Percy's small arms to his sides and hoisted him into the air. Young Percy thrashed and struggled, kicking his legs out, but his seven year old self was no match for a grown man like Gabe. 

Present Percy watched in horror as Gabe walked down the hall, still holding the terrified kid. But Percy's feet were stuck to the ground at the end of the small hallway, his eyes wide with terror and shock. 

"Stop!" Present Percy cried out but to no avail. He tried to run but it was like his body wasn't his own, he couldn't even close his eyes.
Gabe opened a door, revealing a cramped storage closet the size of half a school bathroom cubicle. It had cobwebs on the ceiling and the light bulb was broken, plunging the closet into shadows.

At one look at the closet Young Percy screamed and thrashed even harder. He'd been in the closet many times, and this wouldn't be the last. Gabe threw him inside and slapped his face for good measure. 

"Stay in there you brat." Gabe sneered before slamming the door on the crying kid and locking it with a soft click. He then waddled away to his own bedroom, closing the door behind him.

Older Percy could suddenly move his legs again and he stumbled to the closet door, his heart pounding and his face wet with salty tears he hadn't realised had been falling from his eyes.

It took Percy a while to get the door open, something was jamming the handle and the lock was broken, but what worried him most was that he could hear himself whimpering from inside.

Finally, the door gave way and Percy was inside. 

But... The closet was empty.

Young Percy was gone. Percy stepped inside without a second thought and scanned around frantically.

He couldn't have just dissapeared. Percy thought.

Then almost immediately, the door closed behind him, and he was plunged into darkness...

"No. NO!" Percy yelled and he thrashed at the door, but it was locked and wouldn't open, no matter how hard Percy tried. 
"Let me out!" Percy tried again but Gabe never came. Percy was about to lose it.

Percy's younger self was gone and he was alone in the suffocating darkness. All that was left was the stale, stuffy air and the four walls that were closing in on him. Percy tried to control his breathing.

It's just a dream.
It's just a dream.
It's just a dream.
It's just a dream. 
Percy told himself over and over, but the thing was, it felt real.

Too real. As if the walls that were suffocating Percy were real. As if he couldn't breath. That was when Percy's breaths became fast and shallow. He pounded his fist on the door.

"Get me out of here!" He roared. But no one came to help him.

He was all alone.

For what seemed like ages, Percy banged, shoved, and crashed against the door and it still never opened. Tears were streaming down his face and the lump in his throat was choking him. He slid down the door and onto the floor in a sobbing mess.

Percy curled up into a ball on the ground, his eyes squeezed tight. His breathing was fast and uneven, his mind racing and his heart beating rapidly. The walls pressed against Percy's body and soon it felt like he couldn't move. His body shook uncontrollably.

Then finally, he ran out of oxygen, and the look on Gabe's face burned into Percy's mind. He let out one last final breath as his heart stopped, and Percy succumbed to the black.

...

Percy woke up in a cold sweat. His chest was heaving. His mind racing. His body quivering. 

It was just a dream...

Chapter Text

Annabeth

The day was dark and rain poured by  the bucket. But despite the weather, Annabeth was in high spirits. Her dad was back from his work trip and hadn't really talked to her all that much, but on the bright side, Helen backed off and Annabeth could finally relax at home. 

School was better too, the football season was underway, Luke wasn’t bugging her for once, and she was getting good grades in all her subjects. 

Annabeth walked into school with a spring in her step and dropped the stuff she didn't need off into her locker. When she closed the door, she caught sight of a certain mop of messy dark hair and a Goode high swim team sweater. 

Percy was at his locker fifty or so steps away and his face was pale, his green eyes tired. 
Wonder what's up with him, Annabeth thought. Percy looked like he was on edge and he kept looking around as if he was worried someone might sneak up behind him. 

Annabeth smirked when she remembered the events of the party that weekend. It was fun seeing Percy Jackson admit to a weakness. Even if it was something as simple as claustrophobia. It gave Annabeth something to tease him about, the whole ‘seaweed brain’ thing wasn’t getting old, but it was nice to know that Annabeth had a little more to work with rather than the fact that he was an idiot jock with a knack for annoying her.

It made him seem more human, but Percy's cocky air was still around him and just looking at him made Annabeth's blood boil. She'd heard gossip, rumours that he'd been beating everyone in his swim training. That his times were faster than the Goode high swim team had ever recorded. Annabeth nearly scoffed at the thought. 
Who cares if he's a good swimmer? 
He prioritises training over school and honestly, everything else probably. And he lacked motivation in things that mattered in life. That much was obvious from the rumours about him being kicked out of previous schools for troublemaking, but again, those were just rumours, Annabeth didn't exactly have all the facts. 

Anyway, it didn't matter whether he got kicked out or not, Percy wasn't Annabeth's type of friend. Maybe it was best that she just kept her distance, otherwise, she might die from annoyance. 

So she made her way to class, hoping that nothing would happen in the next few hours that would ruin her day.

——————-

"Annabeth and Percy, you two work together." Mrs Kym said, her beady eyes peering down at the role in her hand. She smirked. Annabeth knew she did this on purpose. The hag.
Percy glanced at Annabeth and she looked away and rolled her eyes. Great. Just great.  
So much for wanting nothing to do with him. 

Now Annabeth was forced to work with him on a statistics project that determined thirty-five of their grade. Which is a lot. This means she had to take this seriously and would probably have to organise to do some outside of school, knowing how Percy liked to muck around in class so much with Leo.

Annabeth had a feeling that she would probably be doing most of the work. Annabeth glanced at Percy. He looked as miserable as she felt about the project. His eyes still seemed a little tired, but he didn't look as exhausted as he had this morning. Although, he did have a frown on his face that told her all she needed to know; Percy didn't want to work with Annabeth as much as she didn't want to work with him.

——————-

Percy

Great. Just fucking fantastic. Now he was working with Annabeth. Probably the last person Percy would've chosen to work with. She hated him. Ever since he first stepped into Goode high, she'd had that air of overconfident authority. She was a know-it-all who thought she knew Percy. She thought Percy was arrogant. Pfttt, She knew nothing.

And Percy fucking saved her from those thugs in his neighbourhood, and she never even thanked him for it, and he got fucking beat up because of it. That entire night was her fault.

Percy exhaled sharply and stared at his math book in front of him. What’s worse about this whole situation was this was a statistics project. Which meant most of it was words, something someone like Annabeth would easily use against him. He’d dealt with bullies before, teasers who thought they were better than everyone else, people who made fun of peoples struggles. Annabeth was on a whole other level. She was passive aggressive and mean when no one was around. She said things that he knew were ill intended, but to everyone else, she was an angel. She was a blonde beauty of the school who was desired by most guys, as rumours suggested, and Percy had even heard people go as far to say she was nice. It all gave him a headache, if he was honest. Percy stared back at his work book in front of him, focusing in on the words again; which were, as always, messing with his mind.

Speaking of 'messing with his mind', the dream. Percy was still shaken up. He'd woken up on Sunday morning after the party and spent the whole day wandering the city, going to his favourite 'secret spots' to clear his head. But his head never cleared and the thoughts of suffocating closing walls were still in the back of his mind. And it seemed to only grow with every memory he relived through his dreams.

The bell rang and Percy slammed his book shut with annoyance. He glanced at Annabeth and she didn't look any happier, her brow was creased in thought. She then caught Percy's eye and glared. Percy glared back, and there was a moment when they just glared at each other, thinking the same thing.

Percy broke the eye contact and left the room, shoving his books into his bag. 

————————

"Hey, Percy! Wait up!" 
Percy stopped in his tracks and turned; it was Annabeth. She was wearing her Yankees cap and ripped jeans again, and Percy fought to stop himself from rolling his eyes.

Annabeth caught up to him, she looked mad.
"Look, I hate this as much as you-" she started but Percy interrupted her.
"What makes you think that?" He asked with a hint of sarcasm and she glared at him.

"You've been avoiding me all day and the looks you gave me in class make it obvious," Annabeth said matter-of-factly and then Percy really did roll his eyes. Then Annabeth did something unexpected.

She gripped his shoulders and kneed him in the groin. 

Okay never mind, she didn't do that. But that's exactly what Percy thought she was going to do when she gripped his shoulders.

But no, instead, she shoved him into the nearest empty classroom and pinned him against the wall, her eyes blazing with anger.

"Look Seaweed brain, I'm sick of your cocky ass, I can’t afford to fail this, So we need to do this work well, and that's not going to happen unless you actually try, and stop being such a jerk," Annabeth said sternly and Percy nearly smirked. The way her hands were on his shoulders, pinning her to the wall... it was kinda... NO. Never mind. 

Percy narrowed his eyes.
"Look, wise girl, I’ll help you with your precious grades, But if I’m going to stick my neck out and do homework for once…” Percy shuddered and paused, looking down at her in the eyes. He was still blatantly aware of her hands on his shoulders, clasping his shirt. It made the room feel warm. “…The least you can do is not shove me into abandoned classrooms and pin me against walls," A smirk crept up on Percys lips, his voice dropping lower, more hushed. At that and Annabeth went a little red and let go of him, stepping back a step.

"What? Feeling a little claustrophobic?" Annabeth mocked and Percy felt heat rise in his cheeks. 
"Trust me if I was feeling claustrophobic, you'd know," Percy muttered, rolling his eyes. He knew he shouldn’t have told them that.

Percy rubbed his shoulders.

"Just don't fuck this up for me," Annabeth said, still glaring at him with those stormy grey eyes.
“Fine.” Percy shot back, narrowing his eyes.

There was a moment where they just stood and glared at each other, and then Percy turned and left the class, practically slamming the door behind him.

Annabeth

The next day was turning out to be a good day for once. Annabeths step-mother had left early for work and the boys had gone to school early. So Annabeth had the whole house that morning to herself. Her dad had left the night before for another work trip, which bummed Annabeth out, but she was secretly glad for the peace and quiet of the morning.

Also; Annabeth didn't have math today, so she wouldn't have to talk to Percy. Perfect.
Annabeth drove to school and found a good park, and smirked at Luke's keyed car, which still hadn't been fixed. It brought Annabeth great joy in knowing how angry Luke was at whoever did that to his precious car, and Annabeth was grateful to whoever did the crime. Whoever they were really put Luke in his place.

Annabeth walked to her locker and opened it up. She pulled her the books she needed out of her locker and neatly put them in her bag. She caught sight of Percy at his locker. He was stuffing his books into his old bag, the zip was broken and he dropped a bunch of pens. 
Clumsy, Annabeth thought to herself.

She peeled her eyes away and closed her locker. Annabeth tied her hair up and began to walk to her first class, wondering whether school was even worth her time. She never learnt anything anyways, so why go? She could probably learn all this stuff from reading alone.

She had only got so far before suddenly a cold hand gripped her wrist and pulled her roughly into a deserted side corridor. Annabeth gasped in surprise before looking up... straight into the eyes of Luke Castellan.

His face was made of thunder, but his lips were oddly curved into a smirk. The combination of expressions made him look kind of insane. Scary almost.

Annabeth ripped her hand out of his grasp.

"The hell do you want?" Annabeth asked, glaring up at him.

"Ooooh sassy." Luke mocked, his eyes twinkling. He stepped a little closer, and Annabeth stepped back.

"What do you want?" Annabeth repeated, annoyed that she would be late for class, again.

"I want you to confess that and your friends destroyed my car." Luke said bluntly and Annabeth rolled her eyes.
Not this again.

"Once again, I have no clue what you’re talking about. Now can you get out of my way so I can go to class?" Annabeth raised her eyebrows and gestured for him to move.

Instead, Luke stepped even closer and leaned in, his breath hot against Annabeths cheek.

"Quit acting dumb. You may be blonde but I know you’re not stupid. So admit it. You and your pal Jackson won't get away with it, it's better to just own up." Luke took another step and again, Annabeth stepped back. They glowered at each other for a moment.

"It wasn't me, or anyone I know." Annabeth said calmly. Luke didn't look convinced. And honestly, lately, neaither was Annabeth. She’d been thinking about it, and Percy was the exact type of guy to pull this kind of stunt. What else could have gotten him kicked out of multiple schools? Maybe beneath the popular jock façade was a guy with anger management issues or something, maybe not as bad as Lukes, but Annabeth wouldn’t put it past Percy to not have some kind of anger problem. It may be stereotypical of her to think that of him, and she’d been subjected to stereotypes her whole life, being blonde and all, but her hate for him left room for that kind of thinking. Luke pressed his lips together, his eyes hardening as he looked down menacingly at her.

"Liar" he sneered, his voice low. 

"I'm. Not. Lying." Annabeth glared back, her stormy grey eyes piercing his. But her attempt at intimidating him didn't seem to work, as he stepped closer once again. This time Annabeth had almost no room to step away any further, and she pressed her back against the wall.

Luke gripped Annabeths wrist and she tried to pull away, but his hand wouldn't budge.

"Not so fast. You admit it, or I'll make your life a living hell." Luke smirked and Annabeth glared at him. 

Quickly, Annabeth assessed her situation. She was alone in a hallway, Luke was gripping her arm and he was a lot stronger than she was. Annabeth began to form a plan...

"My life already is a living hell, you go to my school." She stated and Luke laughed.

"Trust me, I can make it so much worse." Luke grinned his perfect teeth at her and she grimaced.

"You don't have anything over me. How are you supposed to make my life hell Luke?" Annabeth questioned and he smiled.

"Oh your right I don't have anything over you persay... but your buddies Will and Nico? They have a big secret I'm willing to share." Luke grinned mischievously and Annabeths confidence faltered.

Will and Nico? If their secret got out, they would think it was her and never forgive her. Not to mention the endless shit they would get from Luke and his low life friends. Luke would out them, and it wasn’t his right. It wasn’t right in general, to out another person. It could ruin their lives, their relationship.

Annabeth couldn't let that happen, and Luke knew it.

Luke gripped Annabeths hand harder and she winced.
"Luke I'm serious-"
Annabeth started but she was interrupted by a disruption in her corridor. Then before she could even register who it was, Luke was shoved roughly away from her, releasing her arm in the process.

"Sup Luke. Harassing people again are we?" Percy asked, a twinkle in the sea green of his eyes. Annabeth felt her anger boil up in her blood.

Percy Jackson.

Once again, just like that night in Percy's neighbourhood, she'd been saved by some man. When she could stand up for herself just fine. It's not like Luke could've physically hurt her at school, but now he was for sure going to be pissed off at Percy's interference, FURTHERMORE, it enhanced Lukes idea that Percy and Annabeth were friends in this whole situation, which they most certainly were NOT. Luke would be even more certain of his accusation now.

"Jasckson!" Luke flashed a grin, his eyes twinkling with amusement at the sight of his enemy.
"What? You saving your girlfriend?"

Annabeth could've sworn Percy's face went a little red. But it was probably just anger.

"She’s not my girlfriend." Percy replied gruffly and Luke chuckled.

"Well, whatever you two are, I'm glad you've joined us Perce, you and Annie here have some confessing to do." Luke smiled again and he stepped toward Percy. Percy stood his ground.

"Look man, I don't want any trouble, just leave Annabeth alone. She didn't do anything." Percy reasoned and Annabeth rolled her eyes.

"I can speak for myself seaweed brain." She snapped. Then Annabeth turned to Luke.

"But he's right. We don't want trouble and we didn't key your goddamn car, so piss off." 

Percy nodded, and Annabeth didn't see the twinkle of amusement in his eyes.

Luke scowled and took a step back. There was a tense moment where the three of them just glared at each other, their eyes fierce.

"Fine. Whatever. I'll get you two to admit it eventually, mark my words." And with that, Luke sulked away down the hall. Percy watched him leave.

"Mark my words, pffft! seriously, the guy needs to get a grip-"

"What the hell was that?" Annabeth turned on Percy, her eyes stormy.

"What was what?" Percy asked innocently and Annabeth glared at him. How could he not know? Did he learn nothing from the last time? 

"You just can't help yourself can you?" Annabeth started to raise her voice and Percy's eyes widened. 

"Huh?" Percy's jaw was open slightly in shock at Annabeths outburst.

"You think you’re so tough!? You're such a jerk! you're just another cocky jock who thinks they're better than everyone else, who thinks girls are weak and need someone to save them every day. Well I AM NOT. I can take care of my fucking self!" Annabeth shouted the last part and Percy clenched his chiselled jaw, which only made Annabeth more angry. 

Annabeth was fuming. She was capable of being independent, of looking after herself. And Percy thought he could just barge in and save the day, and then what? Did he expect to be called a hero? 

"What? Annabeth, he was hurting you! What was I supposed to do?! What kind of person would I be if I walked away?" Percy was raising his voice, anger flaring in his eyes.

"You'd be someone who minds their own fucking business!" Annabeth shouted. Percy looked at her, the green in his eyes seeming to turn even brighter with anger.

"And he wasn't hurting me. I had it under control." Annabeth stated defiantly and Percy gestured to her arm.

"So that bruise Luke left you is nothing?" Percy looked at her expectantly and Annabeth quickly covered the bruise with her other hand. She rolled her eyes.

"Yes! It's nothing." Annabeth retorted and Percy scoffed.

"You're impossible!"

"You're insufferable!"

"You're late for class." Said a voice and Percy and Annabeth both turned to its source. 

Annabeth sighed. It was Nico di Angelo, his dark floppy hair almost covering his tired eyes. 

"Nico. Why aren't you in class?" Annabeth asked uneasily. She liked Nico, but after she discovered Luke knew of his and Wills secret... she didn't want to make anything worse.

Nico shrugged, his hands in his aviator jacket pockets.

"Didn't feel like going." He replied bluntly, 
There was a moment of awkward silence.

"I better get to class." Percy muttered gruffly, and he started to walk away, giving Nico an uneasy glance before disappearing around the corridor. Annabeth watched him go with annoyance. 

Percy was a grade A asshole. Annabeth was deep in her own thoughts, and she almost forget Nico was even there before he spoke again.

"What was that about?" He asked and Annabeth looked at him with a questioning expression. Annabeth had known Nico only a few years. But Annabeth had known him as a quiet loner. Someone who'd ignore two arguing people without a second thought, not walk right into one.

Annabeth figured it was Will Solace. Nico seemed a lot less sulky now that he and Will had got together.

"Hello?" Nico asked, his dark eyes peering into Annabeths with concern. Annabeth shook her head.

"It was nothing." She murmured, looking at her feet. Nico didn't push her. Then Annabeth remembered Luke's threat.

"Look Nico, I know it's not really my place to say, but I think you should tell people about you and Will." Annabeth confessed, looking up again at Nico’s shocked face.

"You're right. It's not your place." He replied. But he had no anger in his tone, he was completely level.

"Luke knows." Annabeth said softly and Nico looked up at her, but he didn't seem so shocked.

"You don't seem surprised, and I promise it wasn’t me-"

"-Don’t worry. I thought he saw us together, but I wasn’t sure, then he started giving Will and I looks all week… It wasn’t you." Nico said solemnly and Annabeth nodded.

"He threatened to out you guys. I-I just thought you'd want to tell people on your own terms, rather than giving Luke that control." Annabeth said and Nico nodded quickly.

"I'll talk to Will today. Your right." Nico looked around uneasily, as if he expected Luke to jump out at that moment. And Annabeth felt a pang of pity for the kid. Nico just wanted to be left alone. Why did Luke have to be such a jerk?

Annabeth nodded one last time and began to walk away before Nico spoke again,

"Hey Annabeth, thankyou... um, for telling me and stuff. Means a lot." Nico looked down at his black converse sheepishly and Annabeth smiled at him.

"Anytime." 

Percy

Percy walked away from Annabeth and Nico, his mind reeling and his anger slowly diminishing. Annabeth was such a bitch. Sure, the girl could clearly handle herself. She obviously didn't need any help and was about as fierce as a thunderstorm, But how could Percy ignore Luke harassing someone as he did? Even if it was someone Percy found unbearable?

Annabeth needed to sort out her attitude. She clearly had a problem with accepting help. Probably something to do with that enormous pride she held in her big head. Wise girl; An accurate name.

Percy walked into first-period science and got to work, already dreading the history class he had with Annabeth later that day. But at least in history, he could sit far away and have nothing to do with the snob, this could still turn out to be a good day after all.

Boy was he wrong.

Chapter Text

Percy

"Okay class, I need a few volunteers to go grab the Roman history books from the storage room. Anyone?" Mr Brunner asked the class and Percy looked around with boredom. The first hand to shoot up was Annabeth's. Of course. Percy rolled his eyes and set his head down on his arms that were folded over his desk. 

He'd been incredibly bored with this history lesson. He already knew about the rise of the Roman Empire from a project he did last year at his last school, so he was fighting to keep his eyes open. And failing.

He'd just closed his eyes and let his mind drift when he suddenly heard his name.

"Percy? How about you?" Mr Brunner asked, and Percy's head shot up. Some of the class snickered and Percy saw Annabeth roll her eyes.
"Sorry what?" Percy asked, his voice a little husky, and Mr Brunner looked at him with kind eyes.

"Can you please accompany Annabeth to retrieve the books? As you so clearly need something to keep you awake." Mr Brunner winked at him and Percy sighed. 
There go Percy's plans of avoiding her. 

He got up and followed Annabeth out of the door. As he left he passed Luke Castilian's desk and nearly tripped as he outstretched his leg onto Percy's path. Luke and his surrounding goons smirked and Percy shot him a glare. Just as he was leaving the room, Percy caught a glimpse of Luke winking at a few of his friends. 

Percy had an uneasy feeling in the pit of his stomach, and it wasn't because Annabeth was waiting for him in the hallway. It was because Luke was up to something. But Percy had no clue what. 

————

Together, Annabeth and Percy walked in silence towards the storage locker. Percy kept glancing at her. She seemed to be doing everything she could to avoid his gaze. The events of the morning hanging over their heads like a thick fog. Percy wondered about what Annabeth was thinking. Probably nothing kind about Percy.

Once they got there Annabeth opened the door and flicked the light switch. It was a small room, and the air was warm and musty. The shelves were lined with boxes of various study materials that looked like they hadn't been touched in years.

Percy stepped in after Annabeth and felt a shiver roll through his body, though the air suddenly seemed to become incredibly warm and muggy. He sighed shaking away the feeling and got to work searching through the multiple boxes for the Roman history books. He found a box and opened it up. There were no Roman books, but it was full of Greek stuff. Percy picked up a book and flicked through the chapters, each titled with different Greek myths. There were a bunch of monsters from the underworld and evil spirits. Percy rolled his eyes. The evil ones reminded him of Annabeth. He smirked at the thought.

"Hey, quit messing around and find the Roman ones." Annabeth scolded and Percy shut the book. What a killjoy. He placed the Greek box back on the dust-covered shelf. 

Suddenly Annabeth let out a sharp yelp and Percy turned hastily. Annabeth had dropped a box and the contents had spilled on the floor. They were Vietnam War papers.

"What's wrong?" Percy asked and Annabeth scowled. 

"Nothing. Just a spider." She muttered and Percy saw her shiver. He smiled.

"You're scared of spiders?" He asked with an amused expression. Annabeth shot him a stormy glare. Her grey eyes glinted in the low light of the room. 

"Shut up seaweed brain." She retorted before bending down and cleaning the mess. Percy snickered and earned another glare, which shut him up. 

They searched through a few more boxes before Annabeth finally found the Roman one. 

"Found it." She declared, lugging a huge box off of one of the shelves. Percy was going to offer to help, but then he remembered it might hurt Annabeth's pride and decided to leave her to it. He looked around one last time at the small space and took a deep breath.

"Okay, let's get out of here." He said uneasily, the air getting kind of stuffy. 

Suddenly the closet door slammed and the light flickered off.

Annabeth yelped in surprise and Percy felt his chest tighten.

"This will teach you to not fuck with me, Percy Jackson. I know what you and your buddy Valdez did! And I may not have proof but you just made your lives a lot harder for yourselves!" Luke's voice echoed from the other side of the door. 

Percy slammed his fist against the door, fighting against the panic rising in his chest. He tried the handle, but of course, it was locked.

"Luke! You better fucking open this door!" He yelled as his eyes adjusted to the shadows. He could see, but the lack of light made the shadows longer, the room smaller.

"Luke don't be a jerk," Annabeth shouted, whilst shoving Percy out of the way and trying the handle herself, but to no avail.

"Have fun you two, I'll let you out tomorrow... if I remember." Luke replied, amusement lacing his voice, and Percy heard footsteps as Luke walked away, leaving them there, locked in the storage closet, with only an hour until school ended. What if no one found them before then? What if they were stuck in there all night? Percy didn't think he could last that long. He could already feel his throat closing and his heart racing. 

"No," Percy muttered as he jiggled the handle again and hit the door with his fist.

"No no no.." Percy kept muttering. He slammed his shoulder against the door in an effort to open it, but it still didn't budge.
"Hey! Let us out!" He yelled, trying to stop his voice from shaking.

Annabeth flicked the switch.
"Looks like someone's cut the power or something." She stated, completely oblivious to Percy's rising panic.

It wasn't pitch black. The electricity may have blown out but there was a small line of light from under the door that illuminated the room to some extent. Percy could see Annabeth flicking the switch with frustration.

Percy's heartbeat started to echo in his head as he stepped back from the door. 
No. no, no... this can't be happening.

Percy was suddenly thrown back into his seven-year-old self. He was holding his knees to his chest in the small cupboard, tears streaking his cheeks as Gabe laughed from every direction.

Percy forced himself back into the present and willed himself not to think of the stuffy air and closing walls. But it was all he could think about. It was boiling hot. The air he was breathing felt like warm water in his lungs and he felt like he was drowning. Drowning in air. The walls were closing in, the space getting smaller and smaller. He had to get out. Or he was positive he was going to die. 

He slammed his body against the door with all his strength, his shoulder searing with pain at the impact, but he didn't care. 

"Come on!" He yelled in frustration.

"It's no use dummy, It's locked, we aren't getting out," Annabeth said, her voice sounding annoyed. She had no idea what was going on. This self-involved girl, who only ever thought of herself didn’t even realise, didn’t remember his confession. she wasn’t doing anything to get them out. She was standing there, annoyed at this inconvenience, while Percy was internally panicking and suffocating and dying. And if she was no help it meant Percy had to work a way out of this himself. But he couldn’t because his vision had gone black, he couldn’t breathe, he couldn’t see. He was deaf but seemed to hear every little breath that escaped Annabeths mouth, every footstep outside the door.

"No." Was all Percy managed to say out loud. His words failing him as his mind worked to fast for his mouth to catch up.

Annabeth sighed in exasperation, still oblivious. But Percy wasn't thinking about Annabeth anymore.

Gabe laughed from all directions, his voice echoing through Percy's head as his eight-year-old self-clawed at the door of the closet, begging to be let out. Nine years old. Eleven. Fifteen. Every single time Percy had been thrown in that closet flashed through Percy's mind now. And he pummelled the door. 

"Percy, what the fuck is wrong with you? Did you not hear me? Lukes gone! Give it a rest." Annabeth shouted and Percy turned on her. Anger flared in every corner of his eyes. 

"Shut up!" Percy snapped, his hands shaking now. He turned back to the door and tried the handle again. And again. His mind was going numb with fear and sweat was beading on his forehead. He wished he didn't leave his phone in the class. He wished he never keyed the damn car. He wished a lot of things could've been done to prevent this moment. 

Percy felt Annabeth grip his arm as she pulled him away from the door. 

"You're going to break it!" She yelled and Percy shook her off and turned away from her, squeezing his eyes shut, the walls starting to close in and suffocating him to death. Slowly and painfully, and him being dreadfully alone. 

"It's Just a dream."

"It's Just a dream." 

---------------

Annabeth

"Percy, what the fuck is wrong with you? Did you not hear me? Lukes gone! Give it a rest." Annabeth shouted and Percy turned on her. He looked... scary. His sea-green eyes were a shadowy pine. Dark.

"Shut up" He snapped at her and Annabeth took a step away from him, her eyes wide. He turned and tried the handle again and again. But Annabeth knew it wouldn't work. Why was that so hard for Percy to accept?

She gripped his arm and yanked him away from the door. 

"You're going to break it!" She yelled and Percy shook her off roughly. 

Annabeth turned around and scanned the room. Surely there was something in here she could use. A bobby pin maybe. Or a key even. Behind her, Percy was pacing. Annabeth continued her search, not caring about whatever Percy was doing. The guy was no help.

A few moments passed and Annabeth found nothing except cobwebs, which caused her to give up her search. 

Percy said something under his breath and Annabeth turned to him. Percy was pacing in front of the door. He kept running his hands through his hair and adjusting his shirt against his neck as if it was too tight and he couldn't breathe. He murmured under his breath again and Annabeth stepped closer to him. Her eyes widened with worry. This wasn't like Percy at all. 

"Percy?" Annabeth asked cautiously. No response, he was staring with wild eyes at the walls. 

"It's just a dream." He muttered to himself. He took his hands away from his face and looked around feverishly, his breaths coming short and fast. 

That's when Annabeth realised what was going on. The truth or dare game. Luke in the corner watching. Percy's confession of his fear. They are now in the small closet with a locked door...

Luke had locked Percy in a small closet for a reason. And this was it.

Percy was having a panic attack. He let out a quiet choke that Annabeth barely heard and continued pacing before Annabeth stepped in front of him. He paused, looking at her. His eyes were terrified and his chest was starting to heave now. 

"Percy listen, um... just focus on your breathing." Annabeth offered, feeling useless. Percy shook his head frantically and continued breathing heavily. He sunk to the floor and leaned against the shelf opposite the door. His forehead was wet with sweat and his breathing was uneven.

"Just a dream." Percy gasped and Annabeth shook her head. 

"You're not in a dream Percy. Just focus on my voice. Listen." Annabeth desperately said, kneeling in front of him. 

Percy squeezed his eyes shut and put his head in his hands. The air was stuffy and humid and Annabeth tried to think of what to do. There was no way to get the door open from the inside, but she couldn't just do nothing, She had to help somehow, Or what kind of person would she be?

It was like someone punched her in the gut. The realisation that Percy was only ever trying to help her hit her, and Annabeth felt guilt clawing at her insides. He had said the exact same thing not a few hours ago. 

She looked back at him. He was hyperventilating, gasping for air, his eyes full of terror. And she made a decision that would change everything. 

Annabeth bent down and planted her lips on his. She held him still by the shoulders as she kissed him, and the sound of his panicked breathing ceased. She pulled away and he looked at her with his sea-green eyes, sucking in a shaky breath of air.

"W-why did you do that?" He gasped between short breaths and Annabeth looked away sheepishly. 

"Um, I read somewhere that holding your breath can, you know, stop a panic attack. So…. when I kissed you... You held your breath." Annabeth glanced back at Percy who stared at her, then nodded, squeezing his eyes shut again. 

"Okay, Wise girl..." He whispered, his voice shaking. 

"Just focus on your breathing," Annabeth suggested before getting up and making her way to the door. She had to find a way out of here. 

"Hey! In here! Someone open the door!" She cried out, hoping against hope someone, anyone, would hear her. 

One moment passed. Two. Annabeth could hear Percys shaking breaths and muttering behind her. But at least he wasn't gasping for air now. 

Suddenly Annabeth heard multiple running footsteps approach.

"Hello!? Someone help!" Annabeth yelled.

"In there!" Annabeth heard the distinctive voice of Hazel and she exhaled in relief.

"Hazel! It's Annabeth, Open the door!" She yelled.

"Stand back from the door Annabeth, Franks gonna kick it down!" She heard Leo yell and she scrambled away, back to Percy, who had his eyes open wide and his chest heaving.

"Keep breathing seaweed brain," Annabeth said quietly to him, guilt still sitting like a rock at the bottom of her gut. 

She heard a crash as Frank attempted to break down the door. Then Annabeth heard Leo arguing with Frank and Jason and Piper telling them to hurry up. Finally, Annabeth heard the lock click. Percy scrambled up and shoved the door open, practically falling flat on his face as the door swung open with ease. 

"Hey man! Why'd you lock yourself in there?" Leo joked, but his smile immediately faded when he saw his state of Percy. Percy got to his feet, his breathing still shallow. 

"need... need to get o-outside." He said before pushing past Jason and Frank and jogging to the exit door. 

"What's his deal?" Leo asked and everyone looked at Annabeth with worried expressions.

"He wasn't kidding about that claustrophobia thing," Annabeth said grimly.

Everyone was about to follow him before Annabeth spoke up. 

"Don't crowd him, guys, give him space, Jason go, make sure he's okay, he'll listen to you," Annabeth said and Jason nodded and ran after Percy. Piper looked at Annabeth.

"Since when did you care about Percy?" She asked and the others looked at her expectantly. 

"I don't!" Annabeth said hastily and defensively. Leo raised an eyebrow, but they didn't ask any more questions. 

"How did you guys know where we were anyway?" Annabeth asked, changing the subject. 

"Hazel and I heard Oscar and some of Lukes's other friends talking about how they knew Percy and Leo keyed Luke's car. Then Oscar let it slip where you guys were and we got the others and came here as fast as we could." Frank explained, shooting Leo a stern glare.

"Wait... You and Percy actually keyed his car?" Annabeth asked, her mouth open in shock. How stupid were these guys?

Leo sighed in exasperation. 

"You people are acting like what we did was wrong! We were just getting revenge for Frank after Luke ruined his game the other day!" Leo said defiantly and Piper rolled her eyes.

"You guys have a death wish." She said and Leo threw his hands up in defeat.

"It doesn't matter now. Just don't confess to anyone else, unless you want to get sued by Luke's dad and cause more trouble for you and Percy" Annabeth said and Leo nodded quickly. 

"Yeah Yeah whatever." He said and there was a moment of silence. Annabeth looked at the door where Percy and Jason had disappeared outside. 

Percy
Percy stumbled out of that closet like his life depended on it, and it felt like it did. He doubled over, trying to calm his breaths. Leo said something but Percy couldn't make out, and he didn't bother to stop. He just needed some fresh air.

"Need... need to get o-outside." He muttered as he made his way quickly to the door. 

Finally he was outside, and Percy took a deep, long, shaky breath of the fresh, cold breeze. The images of Gabe fading from his mind, and his heart rate finally slowing down. 

Percy slumped against the brick wall and sat on the ground beside the door. He closed his eyes. He could've stayed there for hours. The breeze ruffling his already messy hair and kissing his face...

Kissing his face... Annabeth.
Percy thought about what had happened in that closet. Annabeth had kissed him. 

Like on the lips. 

Of course, she couldn't have meant it. She said it was to stop him breathing. Which to be honest sounds like the furthest from a loving kiss as you can get. 
But it had slowed his breathing, it had calmed him down in there. She had calmed him down. 

For a few moments, Percy had forgotten all about the closing walls and the suffocating air. Percy had a feeling it wasn't just because she had made him hold his breath, but surely it couldn't have been because of... well, that fact it was her. 

Of all people, how could Annabeth be the one that had got through to him?

Percy harshly ran a hand through his hair. No. Annabeth hated him. And he hated her. She was the one of the reasons he even got into that situation. So why did Percy feel like he owed her something?

Suddenly the door beside him opened and Percy flinched.

"Hey man." Jason said, noticing Percy on the ground and sitting down beside him.

"Hey man." Percy repeated back, his voice slightly strained. Jason smirked.

"Luke's an asshole." He said, stating the obvious and Percy scoffed and looked at his hands.

"No shit." 

Jason looked at Percy and Percy realised how much of a good friend he really was. His blue eyes weren't asking for him to explain. He wasn't trying to take pity on him, or coming up with a plan for revenge like Leo would have done. He was just there, letting him know he was his bro. His homie.

Percy smiled and finally the feeling of claustrophobia was gone. Percy could breath and him and Jason sat there in silence. 

Percy was glad Jason didn't ask questions. He had a dark reason for his freaking out that he didn't intend to share. Ever. It was a part of him he'd rather keep buried. No one needed to know the causalities of his panic in that closet. They wouldn't care and it would only make Percy seem weak.

The breeze ruffled Percy's hair and he pushed the thoughts out of his head. He felt exhausted and for once, he was looking forward to going home so he could crawl into his bed and give himself up to sleep.

Chapter Text

Percy

News of Percy and Annabeths incident spread throughout the whole school like wild fire. Luke spread the idea that Percy was a claustrophobic weakling to almost every student at Goode. Most didn't care, as most hated Luke as much as Percy did. But there was a decent amount of kids that thought it was either hilarious or just totally humiliating.

Percy went to swim training that morning. He had just finished the main set and was puffing. He leaned on the lane rope and poured cold water on his face from his bottle. It was refreshing and he sighed, contempt with the feeling of adrenaline pulsing through his veins after the tough training session.

"Hey Jackson" someone called and Percy turned in the water. Shoving his bottle back on the wall. The voice came from the next lane over, from a guy named Ares, next to him was another kid Percy didn't know the name of. 

"What's up Ares?" Percy asked, raising an eyebrow. Ares hardly spoke to him, except for when he was yelling at him to pull over when he tried to pass Percy in warm down a couple times. The guy was an asshole, thought he was top shit, and one of Lukes friends. He was constantly angry at one thing or the other, and he had that effect on other people too. The coach had split them up so they wouldn't argue, which worked out for Percy, as it meant he could be in the same lane as his best swimming friend Tyson.

Tyson was a year younger than Percy and was a tall guy for his age. He was lanky and his gaze was a bit too intense if you stared at it for too long. But he was super nice once you got to know him. 

"We heard about your little... episode yesterday. Is it true you passed out cause you got locked in a closet?" Ares asked, and his friend beside him sniggered.

Percy rolled his eyes.
"No Ares, not true." Percy said, more annoyed than anything else and he looked up at the session written on the whiteboard, trying to distract himself from Ares and his friends mocking gaze.

"Imagine being scared of being in a fucking closet. What a wimp." Percy heard Ares say to his friend. Ares made it obvious he knew it was loud enough for Percy to hear, and Percy felt anger boiling in his blood, just like Ares wanted.

"Fuck off Ares, you don't know shit." Percy glared at the two of them, and they only laughed more.

"Guys shut up. It's a rumour, leave him alone." Tyson declared, shooting the two of them dirty looks. They smirked.

"Piss off Tyson, you moron." The other kid laughed and Ares grinned wickedly. Coach Phelps was nowhere to be seen, probably in his office, expecting the swim team to be warming down after the hard training. 

"Tyson it's fine. Don't worry about it." Percy said to Tyson, wanting anything but to get into another fight. They always ended badly. Percy had the school records to prove it.

Tyson shook his head.
"They're jerks" he mumbled and Percy agreed. 

Ares smirked one last time at Percy before pushing off the wall to do some warm-down laps.

Percy quickly did his warm down and left the pools to go shower, most of the others having the liberty to go home before school. Percy would rather not, so he let the steam rise around him in the pools changing rooms. He let the hot water soothe his aching muscles, his anger diminishing as he tried to forget about Ares and his spiteful words. The thoughts kept going through his mind like the tide, his feelings of humiliation and anger rising and falling with a fierceness that Percy wished would go away. It was all everyone was saying; that he was an idiot who locked himself in, a coward who couldn’t handle his fears. He was pissed off at them all for thinking so.

Mainly because he agreed with them. He was a weakling. Percy hated being afraid. He hated feeling this way. He hated that closet. He hated Ares. He hated Luke. And he hated Gabe.

Unsurprisingly, Percy was in a hateful mood when he walked into the cafeteria that day for lunch. 

He walked past tables and tables of staring students. It felt like every eye was on him. He wanted to shrink down and disappear.

The others were already at the table, and the only seat left was opposite Annabeth. Great. Just great.

—————————-

Annabeth

Annabeth watched as Percy sat at their table. He looked around uneasily, and Annabeth noticed a few eyes watching his every move, as if he would suddenly snap and freak out all over again. Honestly, the rumours were increasingly exaggerated. Some even went so far as to say he had passed out, he’d gone to hospital, he’d had a heart attack. Annabeth restrained herself from scoffing at the thought. People were so shallow, so oblivious and fed into any piece of high school drama they possibly could, sinking their teeth in like their peers were pieces of meat in a lions den.

How the whole events recount got around the whole school, Annabeth didn't know. But Percy was obviously uncomfortable with all of the attention. You'd think a guy like him would love it, maybe use it to get more popular, But unlike your stereotypical arrogant, obnoxious jock, Percy looked like he just wanted to curl up and die. It was odd, that was all, not that Annabeth was trying to pay much attention to Percy, especially after what she did to help.

Annabeth still felt bad. She had to admit, she'd been a little hypocritical. Percy was trying to 'help' her, and while she may not have wanted that help, She couldn't exactly blame him, as she did the exact same thing to him by well... kissing him.

Gods was that something. She really let her impulsive thoughts win on that one. She regretted the way she was forced to help him, but at the same time it felt... well... good. No. Percy was panicking and she did what she thought might help. Nothing more.

Moving on.

Percy sat down and sighed. There were a couple moments of awkward silence where Percy kind of pushed around his food and stared into space, until Oscar yelled from a few tables away.

"Hey Jackson! How's it feel being a fucking pussy?" He laughed and Annabeth saw Luke smirk. Percy's eyes turned to thunder and he made a move to stand, before Frank grabbed his arm and sat him back down.

"Just ignore them dude, they're not worth it." He said and Percy clenched his jaw. Annabeth almost felt the same way. Her fists clenched as she shot daggers at the back of Oscars head and his friend.

"Oscar gets on my nerves." Percy said in a low voice. Leo smirked.

"The guys almost worse than Luke. He's his little worshipper. Like a sheep, doesn't leave Luke's side and thinks he's top shit."

Jason nudged Leo and Percy scowled in Oscars and Luke's direction.

"Nah. Lukes worse" He mumbled. He looked annoyed and Annabeth saw Piper and Hazel exchange concerned looks.

"Percy..." Piper started, and Percy looked up at her, frustration in his eyes.

"Luke's a total jerk and a liar, so just... don't give him the satisfaction of knowing he's got to you." Piper said and Percy nodded slowly. 

Piper kind of had that effect of persuasion. Annabeth recalled the many arguments she'd had with Leo over the years and seriously, Pipers convincing debating skills were top tier, but Percy didn't seem all that convinced. 

"He's already got that satisfaction Pipes, the whole school thinks I'm a wimp cause I freaked out in a fucking closet." Percy said matter of factly and Piper gave him a reassuring look. 

"Just because you have a fear doesn't make you a wimp. I'm terrified of a bunch of stuff." Hazel offered and Percy gave her an apprehensive look.

"And I'm horrified that one day I'll wake up without an amazing sense of humour." Leo supplied and Frank lightly shoved him.

"What Leo? Like you do every day?" Jason laughed and Leo fake scowled at him. 

"Ouch" He said before stealing Jason's apple from his tray.

"Point is-" Piper said, ignoring the boys.
"-You have nothing to be ashamed about, Luke's a jerk. End of story." Piper finished and Percy smiled.

"Thanks guys." He said.

There was another moment of silence and Annabeth caught Percy's eye. She glanced away quickly, still feeling a mix of annoying emotions about him including guilt, hatred and frustration.

"So, what actually happened in that closet?" Leo asked the question the table had clearly been dying to ask. Annabeth rolled her eyes.

"Nothing more than what we've already told you." Annabeth said and Leo frowned.

"Seriously? You were stuck in there for like half an hour and you guys didn't even talk?" Leo said, his eyes sparkling with mischief. Annabeth wished they had talked, it would've been better to say that than to say she'd kissed the only person in the world she truly disliked. Now that would raise a lot of questions.

"I was kind of busy suffocating Leo, not much time for talking." Percy said, but his tone was sarcastic and he was starting to smirk.

Percy clearly thought very little about the kiss, just as she did. 

Suddenly the bell rang to signal the end of their break. 

Annabeth

After a few days, the incident with the closet was a mere memory. Percy seemed to be busying himself with swimming every day and he was generally back to his old sarcastic kind of arrogant self. But Annabeth knew he hadn't forgotten.

She was sitting in math that day, Leo and Percy were practically wheezing at each other's jokes, which earned Leo detention with Mrs Kym.

"But Percy was doing it too!" He groaned and Percy looked like he was struggling to hold in his laughter.

"Silence! One more word from you and you'll be serving detention every night this week!" she shouted, and that shut them both up.

At the end of the lesson, Annabeth was packing her things, and she was interrupted by a soft cough behind her.

She turned to see Jackson himself.
"What do you want?" She asked, hoping he wasn't going to ask what she thought he was going to ask.

"Look, Imma hate this as much as you will, but we need to work on this project... outside of school, I can't fail this year." He said and Annabeth internally groaned. She’d totally forgotten about the project, what with all the drama the last couple of days.

"Yeah. Yeah okay. When?" She sighed, not caring that she didn't sound enthusiastic. She wasn't.

"After school today?" He suggested. Annabeth nodded slowly.

"Your house?" She asked and he shook his head.

"Nah, you've seen my neighbourhood, and it's Friday so the bars will be pretty full, what about your house?" He asked and Annabeth also shook her head.

She remembered back to that night when she'd been in Percy's neighbourhood and practically got jumped. She was kind of annoyed that Percy didn't want them going there, did he think she would get hurt? Or was too scared or traumatised to go there again? She wasn't weak, she thought she'd made that clear.

But also, they couldn't go to her house. If her step-monster saw Annabeth bring home a boy... it was best not to think about it.

"Coffee house, Midway street, 4pm, don't be late." Annabeth decided, before making her way out of the classroom. She was already dreading the afternoon when she'd have to meet up with Percy, and she really just hoped that she could get this project over and done with without Percy being too much of a pain in the neck to work with.

Of course she knew she wouldn't be so lucky.

——————-

Percy
Percy was not looking forward to catching up with Annabeth that evening. It was already awkward enough as it was with the kiss they shared in the closet, as well as the humiliation that was Percy's panic attack.

God. He felt so stupid after the whole thing. Annabeth probably thought he was some puny weakling who needed a shoulder to cry on every time someone bullied him. Well he most definitely was not. He'd suffered far worse than Luke's rath and so far, he was still kicking and breathing so everything was just fine.

Percy caught the subway to the street Annabeth had mentioned and walked until he came across the only coffee house. The outside was painted orange and had a painting of an owl on the window. The wind was chilly and Percy pulled his jacket closer to his body before stepping inside. 

Annabeth was already there, her laptop on the table and two cappuccinos already served and steaming. Her blonde hair was thrown loosely into a bun at the back of her head and she had a pencil behind her ear.

Percy swept his beanie off his head, noting the warmth of the busy room and ran a hand through his messy mop of hair before sliding into a seat opposite Annabeth. 

She barely looked up from her computer before sliding one of the cups towards him. 

"Coffee." She stated and her eyes swept across her maths book on her lap.

"Thanks." Percy said unenthusiastically before taking a sip. It was good coffee.

"So... I'll finish off  paragraphs on the analysis and you can do the inference and conclusion..." Annabeth trailed off when she looked up at Percy and he raised an eyebrow, sipping his coffee.

Her storm grey eyes peered at him.

"You were saying... Inference?... conclusion?..." Percy looked at her quizzingly and she seemed to come to her senses.

"Right. Yeah. Inference and conclusion." And with that, she buried herself in her work and Percy got started on his, occasionally asking each other for more information or numbers.

About an hour later, Annabeth spoke up again, she was on her second coffee, but she'd hardly touched it.

"Hey Jackson?" She asked and Percy looked up from his computer, his brow fixed in a frown, directed at his challenging math work. Statistics was never his strong suit.

Annabeth moved her computer to the side so Percy could see her properly, he did the same, glad to be able to take a break from math.

"What's up?" He asked, raising an eyebrow.

There were a few moments before Annabeth sighed and looked at her hands.

"I-I'm sorry about the other day. I was a real jerk and hypocritical." Annabeth blurted out and Percy sat back in surprise.

This was the last thing Percy expected Annabeth to say.

"You? You’re... you’re sorry?" He asked, his eyes a little wider than usual. She nodded and looked up at him, searching his expression. 

"What is your problem?" Percy asked Annabeth looked like she'd been slapped in the face.

"Excuse me?"

"One day you hate me for trying to help you against those thugs. Then you’re mad after I try to help you after Luke confronted you, next minute your kissing me! And now your apologising? Fucking decide Annabeth! Stop being so fucking fake and sort your own feelings out before you mess up mine anymore."

Percy raised his voice a little as he let out all his thoughts that had been brewing at the back of his mind for the whole day. 

Annabeth looked at him with shock, which then turned to anger.

"Your right! I do hate you! But unlike you, I know when I've been wrong and I'm trying to apologise! So accept it now because I will not be so kind again." Annabeth sneered and Percy looked at her, his eyes full of thunder.

"Be so kind? When have you ever been kind to me wise girl? Ever since I moved to this goddamn school you've hated me for no goddamn reason. I'm starting to think you have something against me." Percy said, quieting his voice into a harsh whisper as he realised coffee-shop-goers were starting to stare. 

Annabeth stood up and Percy leaned back a little as she leaned in.

"I do have something against you kelp head. Your arrogant. Selfish. And screw apologies. You're just another asshole who thinks their better than everyone else." She snapped and she shoved her math stuff into her bag.

"Well at least I'm not a stubborn self-centred bitch like you!" Percy retorted. He didn't feel bad when she stormed out of the coffee shop, her half-drunk cappuccino sitting on the table cold. 

What was her fucking problem? Who was she to  have opinions on who Percy was and who Percy wasn't? God she infuriated him! How could one girl hate him so much and be so incredibly stubborn, but then apologise like she was the bigger person? Bigger person his ass. Percy knew it was all an act. 

Chapter Text

Annabeth

"Guys I have a confession," Leo announced. They were all seated at their table in the cafeteria and Leos's eyes were bright with excitement. Annabeth glanced at Percy who was busying himself chomping down on an apple. God, could he chew any louder? He really needed to brush his messy hair out of his eyes, Annabeth suddenly felt the urge to tie up his hair with the hair tie on her wrist, but she figured he wouldn't appreciate that. She almost laughed at the thought.
Shit, He caught her staring. 

Annabeth brought her attention back to Leo.
"We're invited to a party," Leo said and Jason scoffed.
"Seriously dude? That's your confession?" He asked and Leo smirked.
"It's not just any party my dear daft friend. It's a college party." Leo said, rubbing his hands together in delight. 

Annabeth saw Hazel and Piper exchange looks.
"A college party? Who would invite seven high school Juniors to a college party?" Frank asked, blushing a little as he caught Hazel's gaze.

"I’ve got many many friends.” He said simply, leaning back in his chair. Percy burst out laughing. But the expression on Leo's face wasn't kidding, it was smug. Percy abruptly stopped laughing.

"You have real friends outside of this group?” He asked and Leo rolled his eyes.

"Is it that hard to believe I don’t have other friends apart from you guys?” He asked, a hand over his heart as he acted deeply offended.

"Yes.” Annabeth said bluntly, and Leo’s mouth dropped open in fake shock before closing as he shrugged.

“Ok fine, It’s my cousins and he owes me for not telling his mom about the weed I found at his house. Now are we going or not?” Leo grinned and Jason slapped him in the back.

“Of course!” Piper exclaimed, exchanging an excited look with Hazel and Annabeth, who grinned back at them, feeling a lot better after the very average morning.

Annabeth glanced over at Percy just as his eyes left her. Had he been staring? Annabeth noticed his eyes twinkling with what could be interpreted as mischief or excitement. Annabeth internally rolled her eyes. He better not try anything stupid like keying someone's car this time. That had got them in enough trouble as it was. Luke hadn't pressed charges thank god, due to lack of evidence. But the dude still gave their whole group dirty looks with every chance he got.

Annabeth began to relax a little as she listened intently to the guys cracking jokes and Piper and Hazel planning what on earth they were gonna wear. This party might be good for her, Annabeth concluded. And if she was lucky, she might even find some respectable college guy to keep her company...

——————

Percy

Percy walked into the mansion with his friends at his side, And Leo leading the way. The house was already alive. People were overflowing out of the front door and onto the garden. And Percy could see the led lights flashing inside along to the thumping music.

"Damn Leo. Your cousin rich or something?” Jason asked, gawking at the house. 
"You could say that, my uncle Hermes owns this huge as shipping company!” Leo shouted back, the noise getting louder as they neared the front steps.

Suddenly a guy wearing black jeans and a ratty grey beanie walked out. He looked stoned as hell and Jason and Percy exchanged amused looks.

"Everyone. Meet Peter!" Leo exclaimed, his grin wide as he performed a handshake with his cousin.
“Wassup Valdez. My main man.” The guys words dragged on a little as he guided the seven of them into the house.

"Ready to get wasted?" Jason asked mischievously and Piper lightly punched him in the arm.
"No getting wasted. I don't want to have to drive you home and have my car smell like vomit for a month." She scolded and Jason just winked at Percy. Percy felt his insides churn.

Percy spotted a couple of kids smoking in the corner of the kitchen and a bunch of kegs scattered around the place. One tall college guy was chugging along to the crowds chanting.

It will be fine. Percy thought to himself. And he grabbed a beer from a keg. He looked at it sceptically. The fuzzy liquid practically danced in his cup, beckoning him to have a fun time.

He chugged it down. Low key despising the taste but enjoying the buzzy feeling it would be sure to give him later.

——————

Percy was having the time of his life. There were girls everywhere. Frank and Hazel had disappeared to god knows where, and Leo was dancing with some girl (which was definitely not Leo's strong suit, but the girl seemed to be into it.) Jason, Piper and Percy were standing on the outskirts of the living room talking and laughing as Leo attempted to dance. Annabeth was nowhere to be seen.

"Nice moves Valdez!" Jason cheered and Leo gave him a thumbs up. Then suddenly the girl pulled Leo in by the collar and planted a kiss on his cheek before continuing dancing. Leo's eyes were stretched wide and he totally forgot about his friends as the girl continued to dance with him. Percy and Jason were shit-faced and were bent over forwards laughing.

"Need a refill?" Percy asked Jason and Piper, noticing their nearly empty cups. They both smiled gratefully and handed him their cups. 

"Thanks, Perce, We'll be on the dance floor," Piper said, a mischievous glint in her eye. And with that Piper grabbed Jason's arm and dragged him into the sea of people. Percy rolled his eyes but smiled all the same. They were good for each other. Piper was for sure a wild child, with her feathers braided in her hair and friendship with rebellious, stubborn Annabeth, and Jason was perfect for her. He had perfect grades and blonde hair, and he was great at football. If anyone could keep Piper in check, it was Jason. 

Percy walked into the kitchen and pushed through the crowd towards the closest keg. He finally made it and filled his cup. He took a gulp of the alcohol and grinned before filling the rest of the cups. Suddenly he saw a flash of blonde in the corner of his eye and he turned towards the hallway. Narrowing his eyes, Percy placed the cups on the bench and half walked, half got shoved towards where he saw her. Where was she going? Percy had hardly seen Annabeth all night. Not that he was complaining, he'd enjoyed not having her sending digs his way every five minutes.

He rounded the doorway and stopped in his tracks. Annabeth was being pinned against the far wall, and a guy with light brown hair was stroking a blonde curl from her face. Percy felt his anger rise, for a reason he didn't understand. He was about to advance on the guy. Then Percy stopped himself. His hands were on her hips, and he was leaning in, Percy couldn't see his face. Annabeth was smiling. Her perfect teeth showing and her stormy eyes sparkling. The brown-haired guy planted his lips on hers and they made out, right there in the corner of the hallway. Annabeth seemed to be... enjoying it.

Percy bit his lip, trying to contain his anger and stop himself from going over there and kicking the shit out of the brown-haired guy. Why the fuck did he feel like that? He didn't even like Annabeth! But the way the guy's hands were getting lower and lower, and the way Annabeth's fingers were intertwined in his hair...

He realised he'd been staring a little too long and turned to walk back into the kitchen, his face set in a scowl when suddenly he bumped straight into a redhead girl. She was wearing jeans and a revealing colourful knit top.

He muttered an apology before looking at her face. She had freckles and bright green eyes. She was also standing in his way.

"Hey! I don't think I've seen you before! What's your name!?" The girl yelled over the noise, she was slightly drunk and slurring her words. Percy narrowed his eyes and looked at her sceptically, the image of Annabeth and that college guy making out still fresh in the front of his mind. Although, this hippie-looking girl, with her messy orange hair and cool top,  was kind of cute.  He then had an idea. Stupid, but paired with alcohol, his impulsive thoughts always seemed to win. 

"Percy! And you?" He asked back and the redhead smiled.

"Rachel!" She yelled and Percy instinctively brushed his hand against hers, his eyes peering down at her, glinting with mischief. Rachel bit her lip and Percy could've sworn she glanced down at his lips. He tried to keep his eyes on her face, but it was proving to be a little bit of a challenge. 

"Eyes up here pretty boy," Rachel smirked and Percy rolled his eyes playfully. Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted a flash of blonde hair once again. Wise girl. and that was when Percy leant down and planted a slightly sloppy, drunken kiss on Rachel's lips. She smiled into the kiss and guided Percy's hands around her waist. Percy opened his eyes briefly and spotted Annabeth glaring at them from the doorway, the mouse-haired boy nowhere to be seen. Percy closed his eyes again and pretended not to notice, before pulling away from Rachel. He looked at the doorway once more, and Annabeth was nowhere to be seen. 

"Nice meeting you Percy," Rachel smirked, and with that, she walked away, glancing back and smirking. Percy's chest fluttered. But not because of Rachel. Annabeth had seen him kiss her. She'd glared and walked away. Revenge at its finest, although he didn't know what for. She could kiss whoever she liked and as far as he knew, so could he. There was no reason for Annabeth to be mad. Percy smiled and headed back to the main party, retrieving some new drinks along the way, as the cups he'd abandoned were gone. 

------------------

Annabeth

Percy was a prick. Her initial suspicions of him were true. He was a cocky jock who snogged pretty girls at parties and then left them high and dry. She wasn't surprised. She was however, very pissed off, and very drunk. She'd been in that closet when he had freaked out. She'd kissed him. It was moments like this, and others when he made snarly comments that Annabeth regretted helping him at all. She should have let him panic, maybe it would have scared some sense into him and helped him get over his fear. Annabeth knew that was partly the alcohol talking. She wasn’t like that. She didn’t think like that. She wasn’t a bad person. For the most part. But seriously, the guy was insufferable, and ever since the kiss he’d acted weird. Things had relatively returned to normal, but when they made eye contact, it was awkward, and they looked away as if it never happened. Apparently the awkwardness didn’t stop Percy from continuing to be a dick of a human being.

Annabeth downed a couple shots. Feeling her throat burn as the liquid swept down her throat. She then grabbed a beer and downed that too. She'd need it considering what she was about to get herself into.

Usually she was great at decision making. But seriously, the next thing she did was probably one of the least thought out things she'd ever done. She had no plan. She just knew she felt angry enough to go into the living room, yank Percy away from some blushing blondes and shove him into the closest empty bedroom, which luckily was only just down the hall. 

"What are you doing?” Annabeth snapped, glaring daggers at Percy as he instinctively took a step back, his eyes widened in shock. 

"Hey! I was having a good time out there!" He said, pissed off.

"Who's your girlfriend?" Annabeth asked, gritting her teeth and stepping up to him. She was finding it hard to hide the fact that she was pissed off. He could kiss whoever he liked. And she herself had kissed some random guys that night. So why the fuck was she being insecure about Percy kissing some random girl he'd never met?

Quickly he regained his composure and managed a smirk, which only made Annabeth angrier. 

"Oh! Do you mean that red-headed chick? She's not my girlfriend, she's pretty though, I should get her number..." Percy grinned lopsidedly, his drunken eyes locked with Annabeth's as he said each word. He was trying to piss her off on purpose. Annabeth rolled her eyes, and she didn't know what to say. Why was she even here? Why did she care?

"Am I not allowed to kiss other girls?" Percy asked, pretending to present a pouty face. Annabeth felt heat rise up her neck, though in the dark light, she doubted it was noticeable. She hoped it wasn’t.

"What? No! I don't give a crap who you kiss!" Annabeth raised her voice and Percy folded his arms in front of his chest. His lip curled upwards in a smirk. God, She hated that smirk.

"You so do!, your mad cause you kissed me and then I kissed Rachel." Percy retorted, a green fire in his eyes. Annabeth scoffed and slammed her hands on the wall either side of him, trapping him in, their faces close together. She could smell the alcohol on his breath and she looked into his drunk eyes. 

"First of all, I never should have kissed you, It was a mistake made in the moment when I thought it would help, which it did for your information. I should have left you to it, maybe it would’ve made you man up a little you idiotic piece of shit" She continued to glare at him, her grey eyes stormy. 

Percy looked hurt for a second before his eyes darkened in anger.
“I didn’t ask for your help! I could’ve taken care of myself. Do those words sound familiar? Hmm? Ringing any bells?” He raised an eyebrow and Annabeth was taken aback. Because he was right. She had said the same things, and she was being highly hypocritical right now. But that didn’t stop her from being angry with him. He was even more insufferable when he was drunk. It was like talking to Percy times three. And Annabeth anger was boiling higher and higher. And subconsciously, they were inching closer and closer...

"And whether that kiss was a mistake or not, whether you even intended to help or not... I know you enjoyed it." Percy said in a low voice. His expression turning smug, his anger dissipating as quickly as it appeared.

Annabeth gaped at him, appalled. 

"N-NO! Absolutely not!" Annabeth opened and closed her mouth like a fish out of water and Percys grin only got wider at her fluster. Annabeth felt her cheeks grow hot. 

"You're such a dick." She decided with a huff. 

"Don't be too jealous, Wise-girl, you'll sort your feelings out soon enough. And who knows, maybe someone will voluntarily kiss you, rather than being tricked.

“Oh so you think it was a trick. A ploy to get a kiss from the one and only Percy Jackson? How shallow you are.” Annabeth rolled her eyes dramatically.

There was silence as Percy stared at Annabeth, his expression brooding again. Annabeth then realised that her hands were still on the walls either side him, trapping him in. She felt her cheeks get hot a second time and she quickly removed her hands and stepped away from him, her gaze shifting away from his searching eyes.

"Don't trip on your way out." Annabeth snapped finally and Percy scoffed before turning the handle. 

Suddenly Annabeth heard loud shouting coming from the other side of the door. Percy froze and sent Annabeth a confused look. The shouting and screaming continued and Annabeth felt her pulse quicken. What the hell was going on out there?

He turned the handle and the door swung open, revealing absolute, and utter, chaos. People were running everywhere. The stereo had been tipped over and the lights turned on. It was bright, and Annabeth had to squint her eyes. She heard police sirens screaming outside the house and blue and red lights flashed through the windows, making the room rapidly change colour and causing Annabeth to feel dizzy. She shouldn't have drunk so much.

Percy didn't look any more sober than she felt and had a hand up to shield his eyes. 

They exchanged wild glances, completely forgetting about their recent squall. There were loud thumps as someone pounded on the door.

Percy

"This is the police open up!" 

Percy instinctively gripped Annabeth's arm and pulled her out of the room.

"We have to go!" He yelled at her, raising his voice over the sound of the door breaking down and drunk college kids running shouting.

"W-what? I don't understand-" Annabeth started but Percy was already out the door.

"Doesn't matter just run Annabeth!" Percy yelled and together they stormed into the backyard with multiple other fleeing teens. Percy noticed a kid standing still staring at the sky, a bong in his hand and another guy passed out on the ground next to him. Percy saw the small white tablets on the ground, all too familiar.

Crap. Drugs. That's why the cops were there. And whilst Percy and Annabeth may not have been doing any drugs, they definitely weren't old enough to be drinking. 

"OI! Get back here!" Percy heard a deep and loud voice shout from behind him. He risked a glance back. A tall beefy cop was advancing down the porch steps, gesturing to his partner to arrest the clueless stoners who looked like they were in another dimension. 

"Jump the fence!" Percy yelled, but Annabeth was way ahead of him. She vaulted over the fence and landed like a cat on the other side. Percy would be lying to say he wasn't slightly impressed. He leapt the fence himself and launched after Annabeth, who was a couple of strides ahead of him already.

Percy saw Annabeth glance back and saw her eyes widen. He followed her actions only to discover the cops were still hot on their tails, climbing the fence in pursuit. Shit. 

They were running with about five other kids, and Percy didn't know if they could outrun the cops or not. Luckily, Annabeth knew what she was doing.

"Come on! This way!" She yelled at him and she leapt over another picket fence and into another backyard. A dog barked and Percy followed her.

"Get off my garden!" An old woman's voice screeched and Percy couldn't help but laugh. Adrenaline and an absurd excitement powering his movements.

"Annabeth run before we get hit by a slipper!" He yelled and he saw Annabeth snicker. Adrenaline pumped through his veins as he ran with Annabeth at his side. The sound of cops yelling becoming further and further away.

They ran through the old lady's yard and out onto the front road. It was deserted. But Annabeth and Percy kept running until they reached a small park. 

Percy slowed down to a halt and checked behind him. No cops. No one was following.

"What the fuck was that about?" Annabeth questioned, her breathing heavy from the running.

"Someone must have snitched. There was more than alcohol in that house. Worse than just weed." Percy continued to scan their surroundings. He had no idea where he was, some small dog park in the middle of the suburbs; It wasn't exactly the place he usually hung out. 

"Did you see the others?" Annabeth asked, a slightly worried expression on her face. Percy shrugged.

"Nah. But it's them. They would've found a way to get out." Percy said, reassuring himself as much as he was reassuring Annabeth. He hoped they got out. He didn't have enough money on him to vouch for their bails otherwise.

"We should probably get home, the cops might still be looking," Percy suggested and Annabeth nodded. 

The autumn air was cold. The breeze made the hairs at the back of Percy's neck stand up on end. Annabeth was in nothing but a party dress. Percy internally rolled his eyes before stripping off his jacket and chucking it at her. She caught it in her hands, which were shaking.

"What's this for?" She asked, narrowing her eyes.

"I thought you were supposed to be wise? It's cold out, put it on." Percy said gruffly, looking away down the brightly lit street. Of course, she was going to be stubborn about it, but Percy needed her to put it on, his drunk mind kept getting distracted. That dress was tight in all the right places... 

"I don't need your pity." She responded, checking the jacket roughly back into Percy's hands. He rolled his eyes then and threw it back to her.

"Shut up and put the jacket on. Your lips are turning blue." Percy ordered and she reluctantly obeyed. As much as he disliked Annabeth's stubborn wise-girl attitude, he didn't want her to freeze to death, it was a cold night.

Percy ignored the breeze that was pricking his now bare arms and looked around at the empty street. 

"We better go, the cops might still be looking for stragglers," Annabeth said. Percy glanced at her in his jacket. It was a little bit big, the sleeves covered most of her hands in a kinda cute sort of way. She wrapped it around her torso, her lips slowly returning to their normal shade of soft pink.

Percy looked away.
"Let's go." He said gruffly before beginning to walk down the sidewalk.

"Wait! Where are you going?" Annabeth called, stumbling to catch up to him.

"To find the subway," Percy replied. He kept his eyes down in front of him and focused on walking straight.

"Do you even know where you're going?" She asked.

"Nope."

Annabeth huffed.

"So you're just going to wander around without a plan?" Annabeth asked, her tone condescending.
Percy rolled his eyes.

"You got a better plan? Wise girl?" Percy asked turning to look at her. The breeze was softly blowing her blonde curls away from her face and her cheeks kind of sparkled from whatever makeup she had on. 

She smirked and held up her phone.

"Yeah. I do." She said smugly and Percy scoffed and continued walking.

"You got any money on you, Jackson?" Annabeth asked after a while of tapping on her phone. Percy turned to look at her and shook her head. She cursed under her breath.

"Okay, never mind getting an Uber... I'll find out where the closest subway entrance is." She stated and Percy stayed quiet. They walked in awkward silence for a while, during which time Percy kept stealing small glances at Annabeth. He wondered if he'd ever get his jacket back. It was his favourite jacket...

—————————

Annabeth

Annabeth finally got maps up on her phone and located the closest subway, which luckily was only a couple of blocks away. They set off and Annabeth couldn't help but feel a little self-conscious. She wore a red tight-fitting short dress that night. Of course, she hadn't planned to be running around outside in the bitter wind, and she'd left her damn coat at the party, so when Percy insisted she put on his blue varsity jacket, she couldn't help but feel at least a little bit grateful. Not to mention his tone was commanding and she felt obliged to obey. She didn't usually like being bossed around, but for some reason, her stomach fluttered when he used that deep and commanding tone. She pushed away the thought. She was still tipsy.

He looked a little cold, his muscled arms riddled with goosebumps, but he wasn't shivering or anything, so she wrapped the jacket tighter around herself, enjoying the fact that Percy was probably trying not to look like he was freezing to death.

"I wonder who snitched to the cops." Annabeth wondered aloud and Percy shrugged.

"Probably some Karen neighbour or some shit." He said and Annabeth chuckled, the alcohol in her system making her a little jittery.
Percy sent her an amused glance.

"What?" Annabeth chucked and Percy smirked more.

"Nothing." He said, shaking his head and looking straight on, a glint in his eye.

"Come on seaweed brain tell me." Annabeth mused and she lightly shoved his shoulder. He chuckled and looked at her.

"Your laugh. It's funny." He stated his smile widening. Annabeths eyes widened.

"What do you mean?! In a good way or bad way?" She asked, her mouth open but her eyes twinkling.

Percy thought for a moment.
"I don't know, good I guess." He said and it was Annabeth's turn to send a smirk in his direction,

"Did you just give me a compliment Percy Jackson?" Annabeth asked mischievously and Percy rolled his eyes.

"I'll take it back." He said jokingly and they both laughed. Annabeth stumbled and let out a yelp and they both started laughing a little harder.

Finally, they reached the subway and made their way to the platform to await the next train. It was quiet, the station was deserted except for one stoned looking guy sitting against the wall. All Annabeth could hear was the faint sound of a dog barking in the distance up above. 

Soon Annabeth felt the floor vibrate and the headlights of a train illuminated the tracks in front of them. 

"Guess this is it. See you around Jacks-" 

"-oh no you don't, I'm coming with you:" Percy interrupted her and she raised an eyebrow at him.

"No you’re not I -"

"-can take care of yourself, yada yada, yeah I know. But you still have my jacket and it's past midnight, there are creepy stoners around and you're drunk I'm not letting you go home alone." Percy finished her sentence and she scoffed. He smirked. But she couldn't help but feel the slightest bit grateful that he wanted to go with her, the stoner guy was staring now and she didn't exactly feel comfortable enough in her revealing outfit to give back the jacket just yet.

"You're not going to let it go are you?" Annabeth said and Percy smirked more.

"Nope. I don't care about your pride. But as much as I dislike your company, I would never forgive myself if you were murdered or worse on my watch."

Annabeth felt small butterflies in her stomach but forced them down. He was just being nice and would for sure expect something in return later. That's what guys like him were like after all. But still...

The train arrived and they got on board, they had the carriage to themselves and Annabeth closed her eyes and tried not to focus on the movements of the train. Her mind kind of swimming. She noticed Percy was doing the same thing when she opened one eye to peek at him. He was sitting across the aisle from her, his shoes on the seat. His hair was messed up and she noticed it was getting a little long, it was almost covering his eyes.

Finally they came to her stop.
"We're here." She said and Percy's eyes opened, the sea-green peering up at her. 
He followed her onto the platform. Annabeth expected him to part ways with her then. But he clearly had other plans as he waited expectantly for her to go.

"Oh, so you're coming all the way to my house?" Annabeth asked a hint of amusement in her voice.

"Yep, you never know, these streets can be dodgy." He said with a shrug.

"Stalker much," Annabeth muttered and Percy rolled his eyes but didn't reply. Great. Now Percy would know where she lived. Annabeth just hoped her step-monster wasn't awake.

They walked up to the street where the fresh cool breeze hit them both in the core. Percy shivered a little and for the first time, Annabeth felt kind of bad that she'd taken up residence in his jacket. But the jacket was really fricken comfy. And it smelled really good too. Was this Percy's cologne? She shook her head and continued walking down her street until finally, her house loomed in front of her.

"Nice house," Percy stated, his eyes wide. Annabeth rolled her eyes, it was nothing special. Just a white painted, average two-story home. Annabeth sighed in relief as she realised no lights were on.

"How are you getting home?" Annabeth asked, suddenly aware that neither of them had the money for an Uber.

"Don't worry about me wise girl, I'll be fine." Percy smiled reassuringly and gestured for her to go inside. 

"Your gonna take the subway?" Annabeth asked and Percy nodded. 

"Seriously, I know like half the homeless guys that sleep in the carriages. I'll be fine." Percy joked but Annabeth gave him a sceptical look. She felt bad for leaving him to get home by himself, especially after he'd helped her.

"You're sure? I can steal my mom's car and drive you?" Annabeth said and Percy smirked and shook his head. 

"You’ve drunk tonight, it's fine, I'll be fine." He insisted and Annabeth rolled her eyes. 

"Okay, see you at school, don't get murdered or beat up," Annabeth said, smirking. Percy grinned back but the smile didn't seem to reach his eyes. 

"Okay princess, See you around," Percy smirked again at Annabeth's disgusted expression.

"Don't call me that!" She called back to him as he turned his back and walked away.

"Whatever princess!" He replied and Annabeth watched him go, his hands in his pockets and his messy black hair being rustled by the wind. She sighed and made her way inside as quietly as she could.

Annabeth managed to make it to her room without making a noise or stumbling on the stairs. She chugged some water and kicked off her shoes.

Chapter Text

Percy
Percy got on the subway with a slight buzz in his head. He'd left her with his jacket. He didn't know why, but she seemed to like it. And to be honest, it looked good on her. 

Percy sat on an empty seat in the carriage and closed his eyes. The movements of the train were making him queasy and all he wanted was to make it home in one piece.

He emerged from the underground onto his street, the air cold and the street was quiet, except for the odd whistle of the wind and drunken laughter from the bar down the road. Percy kind of wished Gabe would be there at that bar, then at least he wouldn't have to deal with him when he got home. But he knew not to get his hopes up, It was gambling night. If he had any luck, his friends would be gone and Gabe would be asleep already, but Percy doubted it.

He made his way up the apartment stairs. The elevator had been broken for years, and how he kind of wished it wasn't. Each step was fuzzy and he was struggling to maintain his balance. Memories of the night flashed through his mind like those police lights. Despite the fact the party got raided, it was a pretty sick night. And running away from the cops with Annabeth was a highlight. He was used to seeing her at school in her worn-out jeans and Yankees cap, but seeing a different side of Annabeth was definitely refreshing. She did look really cute in that dress...

Shut up Percy, that's the alcohol talking.

Percy finally made it to his door and pushed his way inside, stumbling a little. The apartment was hazy and smelled like alcohol and cigarette smoke. He coughed.

"Well well, look who we have here." Gabe slurred from his place standing in the kitchen doorway. Percy's eyes swept over the room and he saw the dining table was full of Gabe's gambling friends. It was after midnight, and they were all clearly wasted. He shivered at their menacing smiles as they beckoned him into the room. Percy felt his stomach tighten with apprehension. He felt very warm, the air thick and his forehead already beginning to sweat. Please, just let him go to his room. Just this once.

Percy noticed one particularly brawny man. Half his face was covered with a tattoo of a snake and there were shiny silver rings littering his fingers. Percy noticed the stack of money in front of him. Obviously, the guy was lucky at Poker. 

"What's your name kid?" The snake tatted guy asked, his voice was gravelly and deep from years of smoking. His eyes were glaring, and he seemed to be looking at Percy as if he was a prized cow. Percy raised a suspicious eyebrow at him.

"Percy." He replied bluntly. Trying to keep the sliver of fear creeping up his spine out of his voice. The guy looked like he could smash his skull with one punch, and Percy really didn't want to piss him off. Percy glanced at Gab. Gabe kept stealing slightly nervous glances at the menacing man. Or maybe he was excited for some action. Percy couldn't tell. Gabe didn’t look particulary comfortable, he had two beers in his hand, and he handed one to the snake tatted guy, watching him out of the corner of his eye as he sat down. Gabe never did shit for other people. He wasn’t pushed around easily, he snapped at his friends, his anger always on the surface. He never got up or put in any effort for anyone elses benefit, that was for sure. Seeing him get the snake man a drink… it was unusual, But Percy was too out of it to understand what it really meant. That Gabe was scared.

Gabe turned to Percy.

"What's got you home so late?" Gabe asked him gruffly, his eyes dark and brooding. His hand clenched around his beer bottle as if he were afraid he'd drop it.

"Was out with some friends," Percy replied quickly, hoping to escape the conversation without getting beaten up. But Gabe was the host. He had a reputation to uphold, and a particularly ruthless friend to look tough in front of. Percy's stomach practically dropped with dread. 
Please. He begged in his mind, but he knew it wouldn’t be any use. Begging had never got him anywhere, neither did staying silent, and neither did fighting back. If Gabe wanted to hurt him he would. It was the sad truth of it all, and Percy had accepted it long ago.

Gabe grunted as he stood up, shoving his chair back with a scratch to the floor boards. Percy didn't move, his muscles became rigid as Gabe approached him, his steps heavy with the weight of the anticipating stares behind him.

"Friends? You have no friends." Gabe sneered, how mouth twisting into an ugly, intimidating smile. 

"What, like you do? These guys just want your money, Gabe." Percy quipped, instantly regretting it. His drunk-self clearly had no filter, he suddenly regretted ever letting a cup touch his lips with every morsel of his being. Maybe then he would've made better decisions that didn't get him into this mess.

"What did you say, boy?" Gabe said lowly. He was only a few feet away now and Percy glanced at Gabe’s table of goons. Snake-face was watching intently, his lip curled up in a smirk. Percy lifted his chin and stood a little straighter. 

"I said... uhh-" 
*slap
Percy's face felt hot as pain flared up his jaw. He shook his head and blinked away the black spots, glaring at Gabe. Gabe bared his teeth in an ugly smile. They were yellow and his breath smelled like alcohol and it seemed he hadn't brushed in days. 

"You call that a punch?" One of Gabe's goons snickered, but Gabe kept his gaze on Percy, smirking evilly. 

"You should watch your mouth boy." He said before jabbing a fist straight into Percy's gut. Percy doubled over and saw stars. 

"And you should have a goddamn shower. You smell." He grunted out, knowing he’d be getting hurt either way, no matter what he said.

That earned him another jab in the gut that nearly made Percy throw up, the alcohol in his stomach wasn't sitting well with this.

"Don't be a pussy kid. Fight back!" Snake-face said, a little bored, and Gabe's expression dropped a little at his friend's desires. 

Percy was full of bad decisions. And full of alcohol that didn't exactly have him at his smartest. But what he did next was just plain dumb and Percy would definitely suffer for it later. There was a fine line between snarky comments and actually rebelling. Snarky comments did him no good, but not saying them wouldn’t change much. Giving Gabe a real taste of his own medicine however would have repercussions for days, an excuse for Gabe to keep coming back when he was angry, or just bored.

However, without even considering what might happen, Percy pulled back his fist and thrust it forward straight into Gabe's face. It hit him just above the eye and Gabe yelled and lunged, his eyes like thunder and swirling black with hatred. Percy felt adrenaline course through his body as Gabe slammed him into the wall and held him there by the collar of his shirt. Gabe's fist connected with Percy's stomach and Percy groaned. 

"Fight back kid!" Snake-face shouted with a new enthusiasm and the others followed his lead. They wanted a show. 

So let's give them a show. Percy watched as Gabe brought his fist back again in preparation for another hit. 

Percy brought his knee up and kneed Gabe in the stomach. He shoved Gabe off of him and met his fiery gaze as Gabe stumbled backward on his unbalanced feet. Gabe's gambling friends cheered and Percy glanced at Snake face. He was looking on with interest, his expression impressed. Percy felt sick. They were enjoying this. Enjoying watching a kid get beat up by a grown man who was supposed to act like a father. 

"You little shit." Gabe spat and he lunged again at Percy. Quickly, Percy dodged him and Gabe crashed into the wall. Percy actually laughed along with Gabe's friends. Gabe's face was red with embarrassment and anger.  This wasn't going as he had planned. Percy felt almost giddy. You’re psychotic, he thought to himself, but he couldn’t fight back the enjoyment Gabe’s frustration was giving him. Gabe stood up straight and Percy went in for the punch. Gabe tried to dodge but he was too slow and Percy's fist connected with Gabe's right ear, making him, if it was even possible, look even angrier. 

Uh oh.

Percy realised too late that he was standing a little close, and failed to get away in time. Gabe gripped him by the shoulders with his meaty hands and threw him with all his strength into the wall. Somehow Percy was still standing though he was a little dazed. And before Percy could recover, Gabe threw his full weight at Percy and slammed his shoulder into him. Percy was unprepared and suffered a dangerously hard blow to the chest. Winded, Percy sank to the floor and gasped for breath, his chest shuddering. He squeezed his eyes shut, the voices around him kind of merging into one and out again.

"Come on Gabe, Your twice his size! Foul Play!" One of the gamblers shouted, slurring his words.

Percy fell to his side on the ground. It hurt to breathe. He'd definitely broken a rib or two. He squinted again into the light, wanting to be prepared for another hit, one he knew he wouldn’t be able to defend himself from.

"Pffft, He's fine," Gabe said, smirking down at Percy. Percy let out a small squeaking sound as he attempted to breathe in once again. It hurt so much to breathe, it was like he was being stabbed with every inhale.

"What? You say something you little shit?" Gabe asked, leaning down so his face was right in front of Percys. Percy didn't say anything. Gabe's face was blurry, and he was feeling dizzy. 

There was silence while Gabe waited for Percy to respond. 

"Good." Gabe scoffed after not hearing another word. He stood up and turned back to his friends. 

"Nice one Gabe, You beat up a kid. Real classy tough guy." The skinny one husked and the guy next to him sniggered. 

"Brat deserved it," Gabe grumbled, walking into the kitchen and returning with another beer. Percy rolled over and tried to push himself up off the ground, trying to ignore the adult's laughs as he failed and fell back down again with a pained grunt. Percy lay there, with his face pressed into the floorboards, the wood cool against his searing hot cheek.

"He put up a pretty good fight though. I could use a kid like him." Percy heard Snake-face mutter.

"Not a bad idea, kids serve less time.” the skinny guy said matter-of-factly. Percy hardly heard them as he drifted in and out right there on the floor. He needed to move, he wanted his bed, he wanted it all to go away. “Get out of my sight boy before I do something worse to you.” Gabe’s voice sounded, a little far away. Percy was still focusing on his breathing, sucking the air into his lungs in short intervals. If he breathed in too deep, his chest hurt.

“Percy!” Gabe snapped and Percy jerked, hissing at the pain.
“Don’t make me come over there.” He warned, his friends muttering and laughing, glasses clinking.

Percy shoved himself up, steadying himself on his knees before slowly walking out, putting one foot in front of the other, afraid he’d fall and never get up again. He made it into the hallway before using the walls as support. He slid into his room, sighing and gently lowering himself onto his bed with a silent whimper.

He kicked off his shoes before burying himself under the covers, his ribs aching and a bruise already forming on his cheek. He shouldn't have fought back. He should've cowered while Gabe beat the shit out of him like he usually did. Now he was in deep shit. Gabe would definitely punish him later for embarrassing him in front of his friends. And what the fuck did Snake face mean about using him? There was no way Percy would ever let anyone use him for anything. 

After hours of laying stiff in his twin sized bed, Percy still couldn't sleep. He was uncomfortable and he felt sick. Twice in the night he threw up into his trash can. Gross. But he didn't want to leave his room, it was too risky facing Gabe again after he'd fought back. He smirked into his pillow at the look on Gabe’s face when Percy's knee connected with his stomach. But immediately his smile faded. He felt... good about it. It may have been small in comparison to what Gabe had done to him in the past, but he couldn't help but feel awful at the same time. Not awful about hurting him, but awful about feeling good about it. He was no better than Gabe. He'd enjoyed the pain in his face. He'd enjoyed getting revenge, even in only a few punches. Percy hated himself, He didn't want to be anything like Gabe, but that night had just proved that he was like him. A guy who enjoyed other people’s pain. Percy wanted anything but to be that kind of person. It terrified him and he tossed and turned in his sheets. 

Annabeth

Annabeth walked into the cafeteria, she hadn't seen Percy since that weekend. She wasn't going to lie, she was a little worried about whether he'd got home safely. But she ruled herself out as paranoid. Well, She had every reason to have worried, even if she did dislike his cocky attitude. He walked that Monday morning into the cafeteria in a hoodie and navy blue cargo pants, the hood up, casting a small shadow over his face and covering his tangle of messy soft hair. But the shadows didn't hide the fact that he had a dark bruise streaked across his cheek. 

"Percy, what the fuck happened to you?" Leo asked with amusement. Percy grinned at the group, his eyes light.

"Nothing, Just some jerks on my street. You know me, always getting into trouble" Percy replied casually, he looked at Annabeth then, smirking and winking. Annabeth rolled her eyes. Of course he got himself into trouble, again. Maybe it was that big mouth of his that did it.

Annabeth stood up and removed the hood from his head, revealing his mop of messy hair and the bruise on his cheek. It was dark purple and red, but luckily it wasn't too swollen. She grabbed his jaw and touched it with her finger and Percy flinched back. 

"Jeez Annabeth, watch it." He grumbled, but his tone wasn't mad, it was more amused. 

"Was this straight after the party?" Annabeth asked, not meeting his eyes and still pretending to inspect the bruise. He nodded. He was looking at her eyes now and her eyes made their way up his face and met with his. There was a small moment where Annabeths heart beat kind of picked up, but it was probably nothing. She cleared her throat.

"I knew I shouldn't have let you go alone, You're prone to trouble," Annabeth muttered under her breath. Percy smirked.

"I could say that same for you." He mumbled back and Annabeth felt heat rising in her cheeks.

She realised she still had her hand on his face and that Piper was staring at her with her eyebrow raised. Annabeth quickly sat down, her cheeks blushing a little bit. But no one else seemed to notice. 

"Well? Are you okay?" Hazel asked as Percy sat down next to Annabeth. She ignored it. He was oblivious, and he threw the hood back over his head.

"Uh, yeah, yeah I'm fine." He grumbled in reply. 

"What did you do to deserve it?" Leo asked, amused. The kid was low-key insane.

"It's not a big deal. This jerk who lives in my neighbourhood just wanted a light and I didn't have one so he and his buddy took the piss, S’okay though, I’ve pissed them off before and got away with it, It was bound to catch up to me." Percy shrugged and Frank looked concerned.

"Some people are just assholes." He stated.

"Yeah." was all Percy replied with. He didn't look so great. Annabeth noticed he looked a little pale and he was sitting as if he was uncomfortable. Annabeth was brought out of her thoughts when Leo spoke up.

"Anyways, now that we're all here, How'd you guys get away from the cops?" He asked with a grin and Jason and Piper exchanged glances. 

"Frank drove me home." Hazel said and she gave him a light hearted shove as his cheeks turned a little red. 

"So when are you two getting together?" Piper asked and both Frank and Hazels faces burned red. 

"Umm, We're kinda...

"Already together." Frank finished Hazels sentence and Leo scoffed. Frank raised an eyebrow as Leo handed over ten bucks to Jason, who was smirking like crazy. 

"Finally, took you guys long enough!" Jason said happily. His grin wide. Piper rolled her eyes and everyone congratulated the happy couple. Annabeth glanced at Piper and Jason who seemed to have moved closer together. But she decided against bringing anything up. 

"What about you Leo? Who was that girl you were with all night?” Percy asked and Leo smiled smugly. 

"The cops got us." He said and Jason nearly spat out his water he was drinking. 

"Huh? What happened?" He asked, his eyes wide. Leos grin got even wider, if that was possible. 

"We were making out -"

"TMI Leo," Frank interrupted and Leo rolled his eyes.

"-and the cops caught us but I managed to use my amazing skills as a comedian to convince them to let us go." Leo said and Annabeth rolled her eyes.

"They just let you go?" She asked and Leo shrugged. 

"Well, Callie – that’s her name - had a few tricks up her sleeves too." He said and made a money shuffling sign with his hand.

"She bribed the cop?!" Hazel asked, appalled. 

"Say that any louder why don't you." Leo shot back. He leant back in his chair and winked at Annabeth. She scoffed. 

"Typical." 

“Anyways, enough about me, How did you get away?" Leo directed the question at Piper and Jason. Pipers face went red.

"Pipes and I got out and hitched a ride with some other guys to my apartment." Jason said and Pipers blush deepened. 

"Really? Huh! And what did you two do at yours?" Leo asked mischievously. 

"Shut up Leo, What is this an interrogation?" Annabeth butt in, Piper sending her a grateful look.

"Don't spoil the fun Chase." Leo groaned, but he didn't return his gaze to Piper or Jason, instead he focused on Percy. 

"You Perce? What was your great escape." Percy looked up from under his hoodie and shrugged.

"Same as everyone else man, Just ran. Got to the subway." Percy replied, not even sending a glance Annabeths way. 

"Same as me." Annabeth said and Leo looked a little disappointed. As soon as Leos attention found something else Annabeth saw Percy give her a wink and she couldn't help but smile a little. 

As much as Annabeth thought she could take care of herself, She thought it was really nice of Percy to escort her home. With what happened to his face after, Annabeth didn't want to think of what could have happened if she'd been out there alone after midnight. New York was a dangerous place at that hour. And not to mention the drunken thoughts that were still following her around since that night. He had looked good, with his wild hair and glinting eyes as he'd gripped her arm and pulled her away from the cops. And when he gave her his jacket? She couldn't help but fixate on the fact that his arms and shoulders were incredibly muscley. Perks of being a champion swimmer, she suspected. She forced away those thoughts. 

This was Percy she was talking about. Cocky, arrogant Percy. Annabeth realised she still had his jacket in her room, draped over her chair. She reminded herself to give it back tomorrow, but she didn't mind having it a little longer. It was extremely comfortable and it smelled good. 

Gods, what was going on with her today? 

-------------------

Percy

Percy wandered into math. He hadn't really been paying attention in school lately, as he'd had multiple distractions. Let's just say Annabeth was one of them. He winced as he sat down and hoped no one noticed. His ribs still ached like crazy and his chest burned every time he moved. He hadn't been to swimming in a while either, so naturally he felt like shit. Annabeth however, looked like she could say the opposite. She walked into math, her blonde curls tied up into a ponytail with two strands framing her face. She was back in her faded jeans, Yankees cap and a 'Foo Fighters' T-shirt that Percy was kind of obsessed with. 

She sat down next to him and didn't even spare him a glance. For the rest of the lesson Mrs Kym droned on about trigonometry while Percy sat spinning his pencil around his fingers. With his ADHD brain and absolute lack of ability to not constantly multitask, he's gotten quite good at it. 

Percy felt Annabeth's eyes on hi, and he glanced up just in time to see her glance away. Damn. Why was she ignoring him? It was starting to annoy him. He'd tried to be nice by escorting her home, and to be totally frank, Percy didn't hate her as much anymore. Yes she was still slightly unbearable to be around but at least she didn't scream at him about how she could look after herself and didn't need his help. In fact, things had been different between them ever since that day in the closet. That day when Annabeth kissed him. 

"Hey, What do you want?" Annabeth whispered harshly at him and he came back to his senses only to realise he'd been staring. He shook his head. 

"Sorry, uh, I was just thinking about my jacket. Want to give it back any time soon?" Percy made up some bullshit excuse quickly to cover up the fact he'd totally just been thinking about that kiss. She rolled her eyes. 

"Nah, I'm thinking of keeping it. Blue looks kinda good on me don't you think?" She said mockingly and Percy smirked. She wasn't wrong. The jacket had looked cute on her, in an oversized sort of way. 

"Sure, but Imma need it back. It's kind of my favourite jacket." Percy whispered back, his voice low but his tone playful.

"Let’s go to your house after school so we can finish this damn pair assignment and maybe, maybe, I'll bring it with me." Annabeth smirked and set her attention back to the board. 

Chapter Text

Percy

With Annabeth inviting herself over after school, Percy had to rush home to get ready before she arrived. The last thing he wanted was for Annabeth to find his apartment as a pig sty, which it usually was, thanks to Gabe. Also, he was thankful for the seemingly perfect timing; Just that morning Gabe had announced that he'd won a three day trip to Atlantic City, So Percy was glad Annabeth wouldn't have to meet him and he could have the apartment to himself for three days. It was almost heaven. Almost. Except for, of course, the ginormous mess Gabe had left the apartment in.

Percy started by cleaning up the stray beer cans littering the floor and vacuuming up the dirt, grime and ash from Gabe's cigarettes. Then he did the dishes and even had time to quickly straighten up his room to some extent before he heard a knock at the door. 

That must be Annabeth. He looked around one last time.

It was an improvement, that's for sure, and for once in Percy's life, it didn't look like he lived with a raging alcoholic trash-pig.

Percy made his way to the door to let Annabeth in.

To be totally honest, he'd been kind of dreading her arrival. He’d never had anyone over before and was kind of terrified about what she might think of his living situation. He lived in a crappy neighbourhood in the ghetto, his building was rundown and his apartment was small. Compared with Annabeth's house, Percy might as well have lived in a dumpster. Not only that but Gabe never let him have friends over, so it was no surprise that Percy was a little nervous about a girl entering his home for the first time. Especially because it was Annabeth, with her huge modern house in the suburbs and condescending air of superiority.  

He opened his door with a click and tried to stop his jaw from hitting the floor at the sight of her. She was wearing Levi jeans, her 'Foo Fighters' Rock band T-shirt and her Yankees cap containing her curly blonde hair. But what stuck out to Percy was her jacket. His Jacket. And it looked fucking good on her. 

He subconsciously looked her up and down, his eyes resting on her shoes. The girl sure had taste. Percy cringed at his knock-off Nikes.

"Hey! Are you gonna invite me inside? Or are we doing our work out here?" Annabeth brought Percy back to the present and he cleared his throat and looked down at her short frame, her grey eyes peering up at him, flickering with amusement.

"Um, right, sorry. Come inside." He moved out of the doorway and felt his ears go a little red. It was lucky she didn't notice him check her out. That would've been super embarrassing. Annabeth smirked and strutted into his apartment. 

----------------

Annabeth

Annabeth walked into the apartment, feeling a little self-conscious as Percy's eyes followed her. As soon as he'd opened the door he'd looked her up and down, and she'd felt butterflies in her stomach. He was still wearing his hoodie and knock-off sneakers, and his hair was an un-tameable mess as usual, but his sea-green eyes were hypnotising, and Annabeth found it hard to look away. 

After a few awkward moments where they both kind of just looked at each other, Annabeth spoke up. 

"Hey! Are you gonna invite me inside? Or are we doing our work out here?" Annabeth asked, a hint of amusement in her tone, her gaze still fixated on his eyes. Percy looked down at her and his ears went a little red when he realised he'd been staring. 

"Um, right, sorry. Come inside." He stuttered out, moving to the side to let Annabeth in. She smirked and walked inside, her hands in her pockets. 

"Nice jacket," Percy said, sending her another glance. Annabeth looked down and smirked to herself. What could she say? It was a comfortable jacket. 

"Thanks, although it's a little big, I might sell it and get one my own size" Annabeth smirked mischievously at Percy and he rolled his eyes. 

"I think it fits you just fine." He replied and Annabeth blushed a little. Thankfully Percy didn't seem to notice.

"My rooms just through here," He said and Annabeth scanned her surroundings as she followed Percy to the room at the end of the hall. The walls were creamy white and the windows were grimy with views of the quiet street below. Through a doorway Annabeth could see the kitchen, along with a recycling bin pushed up against one wall. It was filled to the brim with beer cans, but Annabeth thought nothing of it, continuing to follow Percy to his room.

Annabeth was curious to say the least. She knew nothing about Percy, apart from the fact that he was often a douche and liked trouble. She knew he lived in a dodgy-ish street, hell, she’d experienced it first-hand, and it was interesting to see where he lived. For a brief moment, Annabeth felt a little hot and uncomfortable, as she realized she was in Percys home. Where he’d grown up, where he came back to after school. It almost felt personal, but Annabeth quickly gathered herself and acted unbothered by the lack of family photos, the dull-ness of the living room, the ashtray on the stained coffee table.

The two of them finally made it to Percy's room and he pushed the door open. It was small but comfortable. There was a twin-sized bed pushed into the corner and a window that led to a fire escape on the back wall. There was a desk to her left and posters of various bands and sports teams on the walls. It was as she would expect a boys room to appear, especially Percys; scruffy. Annabeth didn’t mind, her own room was a lot worse mess wise, at least Percy had room on his desk to work, unlike Annabeth who’s room was littered with building designs and paper plans.

Annabeth dropped her bag on his bed and sat down on the chair at his desk, still peering around the room.

"Make yourself at home." Percy murmured as Annabeth stared at a New York Yankees poster. She drew her attention to the desk in front of her, which was cleared save for a few school papers and a stack of old DVDs.

"Who's this?" Annabeth asked, picking up a framed photograph. It was a photo of a small, messy, black-haired boy and a beautiful woman standing over him. They both had the same colour hair and the exact same lop-sided grin, though the woman had brown eyes instead of sea-green.

"Uhm, that's my mom," Percy said sheepishly, his cheek blushing pink as Annabeth's lips pouted at the sight of his younger self.

"You were so cute! What the hell happened?" Annabeth wondered aloud and Percy scoffed. 

"Shut up Wise-girl, if anything, I've improved." Annabeth turned to look at him and he grinned. Annabeth rolled her eyes. Although, she agreed that he wasn't exactly wrong. The thought was only enhanced when Percy turned his back to Annabeth and pulled off his hoodie, a part of his shirt slid upwards along with it, exposing his tanned and muscled lower back. Annabeth quickly glanced away, ignoring the small missable flutter in her chest and went back to observing the framed photographs on Percy's desk. She heard him clear his throat and ruffle around some of his maths books behind her. 

"Your Moms really pretty," Annabeth noted, changing the subject.  Behind her, she heard Percy flop down on the bed and start flipping through his math books. 

"Yeah, she was," Percy replied casually and Annabeth felt her cheeks grow a little hot. Oh. The atmosphere seemed to drop a few degrees, and Annabeth wished she hadn't said anything.

Annabeth found another photo, although this one was considerably less happy than the last. There was Percy, sitting next to his mom, who was in a hospital gown and lying in a hospital bed. There were 'get well soon balloons floating above to the right, and although Percy's mom looked exhausted, she was still smiling broadly at her son, her hair gone and her eyes tired. Percy was holding her hand and smiling for the camera, his young, green eyes clueless.

Annabeth turned to Percy who was busying himself with pulling out his math workbooks. Annabeth couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness for him. She'd grown up without a mom as well. Her birth mother had left just after she was born and she'd instead grown up with her step-monster Helen. But at least she still had her dad, no matter how oblivious he was. It must be hard for him, she thought to herself.

"I'm sorry about your mom." Annabeth managed. It was extremely awkward but Percy just shrugged. 

"Shit happens, And It was a long time ago." He sent her a small smile that seemed to clear the air. 

Annabeth smiled back and got up to empty her bag on the floor. Her papers, books and about a million pencils all fell out and made a mess.

"Come on! I just cleaned this room!" Percy groaned jokingly and Annabeth smirked, happy that the awkwardness had diminished. 

"Whatever Sea-weed brain, let's get this project over and done with so we never have to do this again." Annabeth sighed and plopped herself on the ground. Percy rolled over to face her. 

"Come on Annie, Is my company really that bad?" He asked, his eyebrow raised. 

"Solely due to that fact you just called me 'Annie', I'm gonna go with yes," Annabeth said, rolling her eyes. Percy let out a 'humph.'

After a while of the two of them light-heartedly arguing over their math work, Percy finally got up to get them both a drink. Annabeth watched him go. But she, being the curious person she was, decided to take the chance to snoop around a bit.

She did feel guilty at first, but then she remembered this was Percy she was talking about. Arrogant popular boy Percy. Maybe having a little something to use as leverage for a later argument might not be so bad, and Annabeth was all for being prepared. It's just who she was.

Annabeth opened Percy's closet doors and peered inside. 

"What're we doing?"  Percy's voice appeared directly behind Annabeth and she practically jumped ten feet, letting out a yelp as she turned and clutched her hand to her chest.

"Fuck you, Percy! You just gave me a heart attack!" Annabeth gasped. Percy couldn't contain his laughter and was snickering.

"I forgot to grab the cup I left in here, but seriously what the hell do you think your gonna find in my closet?" Percy asked, his voice amused, he didn't seem angry.

Annabeth shrugged. 

"You never know. How do I know you're not a serial killer or something? Or a perv?" Annabeth asked, closing the closet doors and turning back to face him. 

Suddenly his face went dark and he glared at Annabeth with a brooding look of pure murder. SIKE. Annabeth burst out into laughter and Percy's face fell.

"What? Was my serial killer face that bad?" He fake pouted and Annabeth walked past him and collapsed on his chair.

"That bad? Dude, you looked like a constipated puppy."  Annabeth laughed harder and Percy smirked with his usual mischievous glint in his eye.

"Was it at least a cute constipated puppy?" Percy asked and Annabeth gave him her signature roll of the eyes.

"Shut up Jackson. Your insufferable." Annabeth said and Percy walked over to his desk and sifted through his DVDs.

"Your impossible." He replied with a sigh. Annabeth scoffed. 

"Hey, I’m bored as hell with this math stuff, want to watch a movie or something?" Percy asked, looking at Annabeth and gesturing to his stack of DVDs, most of which Annabeth noticed were Marvel.

Annabeth raised an eyebrow, but she had to admit, as much as she usually despised Percy's company, that afternoon hadn't been so bad, in fact, it had been kind of fun. And she wasn't exactly looking forward to going home and spending the rest of the night being yelled at by her step-monster step-mother.

“What about our assessment?” Annabeth asked, her mind drifting back to the reason why she was there in the first place. Percy shrugged.
“We’ve done most of it, we can finish it off at school.”

Annabeth sighed and closed her laptop, nodding. A movie did sound nice.

"Fine, but only if I get to choose the movie." Annabeth decided. Percy rolled his eyes and scoffed.
"Pick a good one" Percy said and he pushed the stack of DVDs towards her.

Annabeth sighed and grabbed the DVD closest to her. 

--------------

Percy

"Seriously? Indiana Jones? How old are you?" Annabeth asked, in a judgy tone. Percy was taken aback. He grabbed the DVD out of her hand and held it to his chest. 

"It's a classic! It's not my fault you have no taste in movies." Percy scowled and gently put it back on his desk while Annabeth rolled her eyes. 

Indiana Jones was iconic, Annabeth didn't know what she was talking about. Indiana Jones was everything Percy admired. It was about going on adventurous quests to discover the mysteries of the world, it was about freedom and curiosity and treasure. It hit close to home, was all Percy was saying. When he was twelve he made a vow that one day he would escape Gabe and go on adventures of his own. He was still waiting for an opportunity.

"Okay, here we go, Captain America: Civil War," Annabeth said, bringing Percy out of his thoughts. She chucked the case at Percy. He caught it with ease and raised an eyebrow. Interesting choice.

"Well, that depends, Are you Team Cap or Team Iron Man?" Percy asked, his voice a little suspicious. He glanced down at Annabeth with a twinkle in his sea-green eyes. 

Here we go. 

"Team Cap," Annabeth said confidently, and Percy couldn't help but roll his eyes dramatically.

"Great." He said unenthusiastically and Annabeth stood up from her seat in Percy's desk chair and stood to face him. Uh oh.

"You're team Iron man? I knew you were an ass but I didn't think you were that bad, But I can kind of see it. You're a bit like Tony yourself you know." Annabeth said and Percy raised an eyebrow.

"Really?" He asked suspiciously, confused by the compliment.

"Yep, Cocky and Arrogant," Annabeth said and Percy rolled his eyes. Annabeth grinned smugly at the burn. She may have thought him arrogant, but at least he wasn't an opinionated know-it-all.

"Tony was wrong at the start, but he owned up to his mistakes and chose to help until Cap betrayed him, and you're seriously gonna say Team Cap was better? After he betrayed a friend?" Percy asked, stepping a little closer, Annabeth seemed to miss the twinkle of amusement in Percy's eyes as he watched Annabeth's expression shift to annoyance. She folded her arms over her chest. 

"Team Iron Man was hardly put together, half of them betrayed him and the other half barely knew what they were fighting for." Annabeth scoffed, her eyes glaring straight into his. He smirked a little and rolled his eyes. There was a moment's pause before Percy spoke again.

"You're kinda cute when your mad," Percy said with a grin and Annabeth's mouth dropped open, her cheeks blushing slightly pink. 

Crap, Percy thought to himself.

Why did he say that? 

Did he just call her cute?

Fuck. 

Percy's face grew a little hot but Annabeth thankfully didn't seem to notice, as she was busy trying to contain her own blushing.

"T-that's far from the point!" Annabeth stuttered. She glared at him with thunderous eyes and Percy could have sworn he felt a tug in his stomach. Those eyes were something else. So grey. Like a storm.

Percy, what are you thinking? 

It's Annabeth for god's sake! Stop looking at her eyes!

"Sorry, what was the point of this argument again?" Percy asked and Annabeth clenched her teeth. 

"Team Cap is by far better than Team Iron man, end of discussion," Annabeth glared up at Percy, her eyes challenging him to say something. Her eyes challenging him to argue. Percy smirked and held up his hands in defence. 

"Whatever you say, wise girl. But obviously, we can't watch Civil War now. What about the third Thor movie?" Percy asked, his hand finding the movie on his desk without breaking his gaze with Annabeth. 

She tilted her head and considered it for a moment. 

"Fine, but if you say a single line before the actor says it I will murder you." Annabeth quipped, pushing past Percy and walking into the living room.

"Whatever you say, wise girl," Percy repeated, his tone laced with thick sarcasm.

And with that, he followed her to his living room, the DVD in his hand.

Annabeth

Annabeth flopped down on Percy's couch, kicking her shoes off in the process and pulling a woolly blanket over herself.  Percy crouched down in front of the Tv and inserted the DVD into the player. He banged the TV box a couple of times and the screen finally flickered to life. Annabeth tried not to watch him as he made his way into the kitchen to grab some snacks, and she focused on the Marvel Introduction that was playing. 

He re-entered the room and handed her a bowl of popcorn with a slight smirk. Annabeth mumbled a thank-you before Percy shoved her feet out of the way and sat down on the opposite end of the couch. She felt a tingling sensation when he touched her leg, but she ignored it as the movie started to play. 

Annabeth could feel Percy's eyes on her and she glanced at him. He looked away, his sea-green eyes fixated back on the screen as Thor came into view, his muscled arms wrapped in chains for the first scene of the movie. Thor was hot. There was no denying that. Chris Hemsworth could really make a girl swoon. 

Annabeth glanced back at Percy and chuckled to herself at his expression. He was watching the movie intently, a small smirk on his face as Thor said his lines. Chris Hemsworth could clearly make guys swoon as well.

Percy then noticed Annabeth's faint chuckles and turned to look at her. 

"What?" He asked and Annabeth covered her mouth in a bad attempt to contain her laughter. 

"Nothing." She said, her voice a little higher than usual. 

"No seriously, what's so funny?" Percy asked, a small smile creeping up onto his face now. Annabeth rolled her eyes. 

"Shush I'm trying to watch the movie." Annabeth scolded and Percy rolled his eyes, his gaze falling back onto the screen. 

"Oh, that's a crown... I thought it was a big eyebrow." Percy muttered in a pretty decent attempt at Thor's voice. Annabeth kicked him as Thor eventually said the line himself. 

"Hey!" Percy protested, his eyes gleaming as he smirked at Annabeth. 

"What did I say about saying the lines before they come on!" Annabeth asked, annoyed. This was going to be an extremely long movie If she had to hear every line twice. No matter how amusing and iconic the lines were.

"Cause that's... what heroes do," Percy said louder, and not one second later Thor repeated the line through the TV. Annabeth leant over and gave him a jab in the arm with her fist. He tried to dodge but failed and Annabeth ended up catching his rib. He faked a wince and rubbed the spot, his face creased in exaggerated pain. He even pretended to take a few pained breaths before he sat back and looked at Annabeth. At first, his expression was wide-eyed and shocked, but it changed to amusement within the second.

"Ouch, that one actually hurt!" He laughed, a little strained and Annabeth sent him a disapproving glance. 

"I will get up and leave right now Seaweed brain." Annabeth threatened, and that seemed to make its way into his thick skull. 

"Fine! I'll stop, Now quit hurting me" Percy laughed and Annabeth smirked. That ought to shut him up. Honestly, when the guy wanted to, he could be totally insufferable, How he got so close with her friends when he first entered Goode high, Annabeth didn't know.

Annabeth scooted down the couch a little and into a more comfortable position. Her leg brushed against Percys but she quickly moved away. He didn't seem to notice. Annabeth glanced at him and saw him mouthing the words of the movie. She rolled her eyes. He may be a champion swimmer and the only guy to stand up to Luke Castellan in the last decade, but deep down, Annabeth knew Percy was just a nerd for Marvel movies and rock bands. 

Not unlike Annabeth herself.

No. There were many differences between her and Percy. She prioritised school, whereas Percy obviously had a knack for getting into trouble. And of course, Annabeth wasn't an insufferable cocky jock who thought he was better than everyone. Who thought he could swoop in and save damsels in distress like a hero. Annabeth was in general more put together, whereas Percy was clearly a trouble maker, with his messy hair and knock-off sneakers. 

And his extremely comfortable Varsity jacket.

Annabeth pushed thoughts of Percy out of her head and tried to focus on the movie. Gods, even when he was barely talking and munching on pop-corn, his full attention on a movie, he still found a way to be totally insufferable...

Annabeth was suddenly aware of how close she and Percy were sitting. They'd both ended up a little closer after Annabeth light-heartedly hit him for being annoying. His leg was almost touching hers and their shoulders were mere inches apart. Annabeth's breath hitched and she coughed to clear her throat. Annabeth fixed her eyes on the screen, but her mind was on the space that separated her and Percy. A very small space. Percy's eyes flickered over to Annabeth. She looked at him. Their eyes met for a split second before Percy's eyes flicked back to the TV screen. Annabeth doubted whether the moment had ever occurred at all. 

----------------

Percy

Okay. He had to admit. When Annabeth punched him in the ribs for saying the lines of the movie. It hurt. Like really bad. Percy was ninety-eight per cent sure he'd broken a rib the other day when Gabe slammed him into that wall. So being hit in the ribs by a girl, even if it was a really weak and light-hearted hit, didn't feel good. It even made him feel a little dizzy, But he managed to cover it up well by laughing it off, even though it hurt to laugh. In fact, it had been hurting to even move this entire time. After all these years, Percy had just gotten really goof at hiding it. Usually, Gabe wasn’t so out there when it came to the beatings. He targeted areas that wouldn’t show. The hit to the face wasn’t a common thing, it only happened when Gabe got really angry.

Now, Percy was sitting extremely close to Annabeth. He bit his tongue back as the lines in the movie were spoken, in fear of being hit again. Gods, He'd watched the movie so many times he basically knew it off by heart. Annabeth clearly wasn't as cultured, but she did seem to be enjoying Chris Hemsworth every time he came up on screen shirtless... 

A particular scene came on when Thor entered the frame, his abs gleaming with sweat. Percy couldn't help but glance at Annabeth. She was watching intently, God knows what going through her head. Percy rolled his eyes. Girls.

She suddenly caught him staring at her and Percy literally saw her cheeks flush a little red, even in the dim light. 

"What?" She asked, her defences up. Percy burst out laughing.

"You're swooning," Percy said, grinning like crazy. Annabeth's blush deepened and Percy raised an eyebrow.

"I am not!" Annabeth cried and Percy clutched his ribs as he laughed.

"Oh yeah? Then why are you blushing like crazy?" Percy asked and Annabeth glared at him defiantly. 

"You're not funny." Annabeth declared and Percy rolled his eyes. 

"Princess, please, I'm hilarious." Percy grinned at her, showing off his straight white teeth. Her glare practically turned murderous. They were face to face, Annabeth's stormy grey eyes glaring into his.

"Don't... call me that." She said, her teeth clenched. Percy smirked. 

"Don't worry Princess, I'll get you to smile eventually, You'll see," Percy said his voice low on the last sentence. Annabeth rolled her eyes and looked into his. Percy could feel her breath on his face and suddenly realised how close they were. The movie was practically forgotten as they sat there, Percy smirking at a glaring Annabeth. Percy felt his ears grow warm and he cleared his throat, sitting back down on the couch and returning to watch the movie. But he couldn't focus. 

What the hell was that? 

He glanced at Annabeth to see her ignoring him, her eyes completely fixed on the movie. Whatever that was that just occurred between them, it was gone. Or maybe it never even happened. Maybe it was just his imagination.

Suddenly Percy felt extremely tired. He'd not been sleeping well, in between nightmares and late nights keeping up with impossible homework, Percy had barely got any shut-eye. He could feel his eyes drooping then and there. He silently thanked the gods Gabe wasn't home for three days. Maybe he could finally have some peace and quiet. Yes, peace and quiet sounded good. 

Percy closed his eyes for a couple of seconds. He heard Annabeth laugh at some joke from the movie. But he wasn't really paying attention anymore. Percy felt like passing out then and there. Maybe just a few minutes. But the longer Percy kept his eyes closed the harder it was to open them again. And eventually, after totally forgetting his surroundings and the noise around drowning out to a faint hum, Percy leant back onto the couch's armrest, and he drifted off.

——-

Annabeth

"Don't worry princess, I'll get you to smile eventually, you'll see"

Annabeth could barely pay attention for the next ten minutes after her and Percy's little... moment. Although, Annabeth wasn't even sure you could call that a moment considering Percy seemed to not have noticed the tension at all, his eyes glazed over a bit as he watched Thor beat up the hulk. 

Maybe it was just in Annabeth's imagination and the 'moment' had never occurred at all. Yes. That's probably the case. It wasn't like she'd felt his breath on her face or anything. Or they'd looked into the eyes of each other, even if only for a split second. No.

Annabeth pushed all thoughts of Percy out of her mind and watched the movie. 

About 45 minutes later, Annabeth turned her head to find Percy lying beside her with his eyes closed. Was he asleep? 

Annabeth grabbed the remote out of his lap and turned the movie down a few volumes. She looked at Percy again. His head was resting on the couches armrest, his head tilted back, giving Annabeth a pretty impressive angle of his jawline, which she realised was hanging open. And, he was drooling. 

Gross.

Annabeth smiled and quietly moved her legs off of the couch so that she was in a sitting up position. What was she supposed to do now? Waking him up would be awkward. And he'd looked pretty tired the whole afternoon. It was probably his swim training, Annabeth thought to herself. She sighed and looked at him again.

He looked so damn comfortable. His messy hair was ruffled and his skin was tanned despite the cold month. He looked so.. peaceful. So... well, not annoying. And his drooling was actually pretty funny, in a cute, scruffy sort of way. Wait, no. Not cute.

Annabeth sighed and whipped out her phone. She took a quick photo of his sleeping frame and smirked. Leo would love this. That was when Percy suddenly stirred in his sleep, mumbling something Annabeth couldn't quite make out. She thought it sounded like 'mmmfhagabe'. He closed his mouth and his brow furrowed into a cute little confused expression, his dream playing behind his eyes. Annabeth covered her mouth to stop herself from laughing and slowly got up off the couch, being careful not to wake him. 

She chucked the blanket over him. His body was still again and he was silent. That's a first, Annabeth thought.

She didn't know what it was, But she suddenly felt like she was intruding. Here she was, in Percy Jackson's apartment, practically alone, and Percy was asleep. They'd just watched a movie together! What would the others think if they saw them together right then? They'd probably get the wrong idea. They were studying, nothing more. But Annabeth couldn't deny the fact that she'd had fun, and Percy wasn't actually so bad. Yes, he had his insufferable moments, but now that she'd been to his place, seen his room, and watched a movie with him... he wasn't that different from herself.

Annabeth shook her head and pulled her bag over her shoulder. It was late, Helen her step-monster would probably be annoyed with her being late home. Annabeth made her way to the door but stopped herself just before she reached for the handle. Quickly and quietly, she shook off Percy's jacket and walked down the hall to dump it on his bed. Almost immediately she missed its warmth and softness. She told herself it was the jacket, and not the fact that it was Percys. She sighed and left Percy Jackson's apartment, making her way to her car and heading home.  

Chapter Text

Percy

Percy went to school the next day after that afternoon with Annabeth. He would've gone to swim training before hand, but in between his ribs hurting like crazy and the bruises on his chest from Gabe’s A+ parenting, Percy didn't really feel up to it. But it made him feel desperately annoyed; All he wanted was to get back in the water and do some laps, just at least to clear his head. But he couldn’t let anyone see the bruises, he couldn’t divulge his vulnerability like that. It was embarrassing. It was too difficult to explain. And the truth made him look weak. Also if his situation got out, Gabe would for sure kill him. Percy had seen murder in his eyes two times before, once when he dropped a case of beers when he was nine, effectively smashing every single one, and again when the two of them had gotten into an argument about Percys mother when he was thirteen. Sometimes, Percy could still feel Gabe’s hands around his throat, and would wake up from dreams gasping, relieved that he could breathe.

The truth was, Percy’s brief claim to fame over a year ago for swimming was exactly that; brief. Gabe never really knew or cared about what Percy did with his time, as long as he was around enough to fetch a beer or a cig. When he turned twelve, he spontaneously signed up for swimming, maybe not the best sport for a kid with frequent bruises and cuts, but at the time the older kids looked so cool, with their swim team jackets and muscles. Twelve year old Percy wanted to be strong like them, fast like them. Maybe deep down it was the desire to one day evade Gabe’s advances. As he grew up Percy realised that general abuse was one of the least of his worries, between Gabe’s gambling ‘friends’, dealers and the gun he kept in his bedside table, Percy was in a position where he had no choice but to stay.

Fast forward a few years and swimming became the ultimate distraction. He was in the pool morning, lunch and night. He trained with coaches from all different schools, he found a thrill in feeling powerful and strong. People said he was ‘dedicated’. They said he had ambition and drive to win. But the truth is, Percy just felt at peace with the rushing in his ears and nothing touching him but the water, not even the ground. Then Gabe broke his arm, bending it backwards until the shoulder snapped, tearing tendons and ending Percys competitive career, putting him out of commission for months. Those months were the worst in Percys life. There was nothing to distract him from how cruel life could be. He got into fights at school, angry and scorned. He got kicked out after a few terms and moved to Goode, his shoulder fully healed, where he had the chance to do what he loved, even if he could no longer compete.

Point is, Percy walked into school that morning, brushing his hand through his messy hair and looking around for his friends, feeling edgy before the day even hardly started. Suddenly he felt a small hand on his arm and he turned quickly to be staring into the eyes of a brown-haired girl. Her face was smooth, her lashes thick and black, she was wearing a short skirt and heels. She was hot, there was no denying it, but Percy jumped back nonetheless, her sudden appearance at his side scaring the shit out of him. She giggled and Percy raised an eyebrow at her.

"Hey, Percy! I know your new here and everything, but I've been thinking... maybe I could get your number or something?" The girl asked innocently, looking up at Percy through her long, fake lashes. Percy blinked and his expression turned to confusion.

"Uhh, sorry but what's your name again?" Percy asked, scratching the back of his neck. The girl's hand was still on his bicep and he was starting to feel a little uncomfortable. At his old schools, girls had practically fallen over him. Perks of being absolutely gorgeous, he supposed, But still, he despised the attention he got from girls whose only desire was to get him in bed.

"Oh my god! I'm so sorry! I'm such a dummy sometimes! I'm Drew Tanaka, I sit in front of you in Bio and I'm in your math class." She said loudly and Percy smiled at her. He didn't want to seem rude, although he was a little uneasy.

"Oh uhh, that's right," Percy said, pretending to remember. He hadn't even noticed her now. Drew smiled at that. She actually seemed really sweet, but Percy really wanted to find Jason. He'd known Annabeth for a while, and he kind of wanted to talk to him about last night.

He'd woken up on his couch, the sun streaming in and his alarm going off in his room down the hall. He'd gone into his room, red-faced from the embarrassment of falling asleep in front of Annabeth, and discovered that she'd left his jacket on his bed. He'd picked it up and pressed the fabric to his face (Don't ask why, he just missed the jacket, Or... that's what he told himself). It smelled like coconut. It smelled like Annabeth. 

Jason brought Percy back to the present as he called his name from down the hall. Drew looked a little annoyed. Percy, being the polite person he was, turned to Drew and gave her a small smile, which seemed to perk her up a little.

"Sorry Drew, gotta go." He said before swiftly turning and heading to Jason and the rest of his friends. Drew looked a little crest-fallen as she watched him walk away. He felt his ears go a little red. He felt a little bad about pushing Drew away, but dating was the last thing on his mind at the moment.

Sure, he'd had a few flings in the past, but never had he really allowed himself to get into a serious relationship. His life was too complicated, too messy. To be frank, he didn't want some poor innocent girl getting caught up with it.

Percy jogged up to Jason and gave him a low high five before the two of them made their way to class. He had English first. Great. But at least in English he could never focus anyway, which meant he could spend the whole lesson talking to Jason about the previous events of the night before. 

"Wait so.... huh?" Jason asked, his expression portraying pure confusion and his mouth hanging open slightly.

"And then we ended up watching the third Thor movie." Percy repeated, exasperated.
How many times was he going to have to repeat himself?

"Look dude. I've known Annabeth since middle school and you've known her for five minutes, and she's already been to your house? Watched a movie with you? Worn your jacket?" Jason rambled and Percy rolled his eyes. Percy suddenly realised how it looked from the outside. But Jason couldn't be far from the truth. Annabeth made Percy's neck hairs stand on end with anger. She caused him to feel stupid and senseless with her know-it-all Hermione Granger attitude. She was impossible.

"Ew. Just no. Annabeth's not my type. At all. I'm only telling you all this so you can agree with me on how annoying she is, even if you haven't noticed in the past five years." Percy scoffed and Jason smirked.

"You’re kidding right? She has the same music taste as you AND she's team Iron Man? She's a keeper bro" Jason's grin grew wider and Percy shoved him in the arm from his desk, causing their English teacher to give them a warning look.

"Anyways, then I fell asleep on the couch, right in front of her," Percy said, lowering his voice a little.

"You serious? You absolute douche. Missed opportunity man." Jason clicked his tongue and shook his head in disappointment.

"It's not a missed opportunity if I don't even like her."

"Yes, the fuck you do. I've seen the way you keep looking at her. It's so obvious." Jason said exasperated. Percy shook his head and Jason continued. 

"Do you know why little boys pull little girls pigtails? It's because they like them! And that's what you're doing! You're pulling Annabeth's pigtails!" Jason said and Percy frowned.

"Annabeth doesn't have pigtails." He muttered and Jason rolled his eyes.

"It's metaphorical, you'd know that if you listened in English," Jason said and Percy looked at him with a gleam in his eye.

"How am I supposed to listen in English if you keep talking to me about Annabeth, during English?" Percy asked and Jason sighed. 

"I'm just saying that I know this whole 'I hate her' thing is an act." He said. Percy was silent for a moment as he shook his head, annoyed at Jason for even suggesting stuff like that. 

"So what's going on with you and Pipes these days?" Percy asked, deciding to save himself some trouble and changing the subject. Inside however, his anger was building. He did not like Annabeth. He would never like Annabeth that way. Not ever. It simply wouldn’t make sense, him and her. He was perfectly normal, a nice guy with only slight anger issues but a softy at heart, and she was, well, a she-devil with a snake tongue.

"Don't try to change the subject. You should tell her how you really feel and stop giving her a hard time" Jason said and Percy's gaze was like thunder. 

Jason couldn't have been further from the truth. Then Percy’s thoughts began to analyse every interaction he’d had with her, wondering feverishly how Jason could even come up with this conclusion. Annabeth did have the same music taste like him. And sure, she was pretty. Shut up Percy, she's goddamn gorgeous, A voice in Percy's head said and he internally rolled his eyes at his stupid brain. Okay, fine, Annabeth was gorgeous. But that didn't excuse her crappy attitude that she seemed to only express towards him. And even if Percy did like Annabeth, he wouldn't stand a chance. She hated him as much as he hated her. And with Annabeth being as stubborn as she is, there would be no way to change her mind. But that would only be the case if Percy actually did like her, which he most certainly did not. 

Percy kept his eyes on the board in front of him, obviously not being able to read it anyway. And what did Jason mean about it being obvious? He'd thought he'd made it clear that he disliked Annabeth. But then again, Percy was often watching her every move. But Percy convinced himself that it was hatred that made him look at her. In reality, though, it was her blonde hair... her startling grey eyes...

Shut up Percy.

Jason was staring at him now. Probably smirking, thinking he'd won the argument. Percy tried not to scoff. 

He did not like Annabeth. Not a chance.

---

Annabeth

Annabeth was standing at her locker before school started when she witnessed Percy and Drews interaction. Drew Tanaka was a grade-A bitch. She was shorter than Percy but with long tanned legs and gorgeous, soft brown hair that always cascaded down her shoulders perfectly. She was wearing heels, as she did every day and her foundation was thick on her face, her lashes long and lush and fake. She'd been with almost every guy in the whole school, she was like a piranha, and of course, she'd try to sink her teeth into the mysterious, hot new guy. 

Wait what?

Percy Jackson was most definitely not hot. Sure, he saved her life a couple of times and was kind of cute in a scruffy sort of way, but he was not hot. And he was far from Annabeth's type.

So why did her blood boil when Drew touched his arm? Her fake nails practically dug into him. Annabeth looked away quickly and tried not to eavesdrop, Which was hard, considering how high-pitched and annoying Drew's voice was. She was talking to him in that fake way she does. Her voice was seductive and inviting. It was like listening to a dog asking to be fed, straight after being fed already. God. How do guys fall for that kind of thing? It was so incredibly obvious that all Drew wanted was to have sex with him. It's all she ever wanted to do. And then she'd dump the guy straight after. Or maybe hold onto him for a couple of months, until the guy decided he wanted to get more serious. It was sick. It made Annabeth sick. 

Annabeth slammed her locker door and walked to class. It didn't matter anyway. Percy could fuck whoever he wanted. She couldn't care less. 

------

"And he fell asleep?" Piper asked, her eyes wide at the gossip. Hazel was sitting on the other side of Annabeth, quiet as usual. They were in economics class together and the three of them were 

"Yep." Annabeth laughed, showing the both of them the photo she'd taken last night.

Piper grinned wildly and Hazel blushed a little as if the photo was private and she felt bad for looking. 

"I know right he's - "

"-So cute." Piper cut in and Annabeth's mouth hung open a little.

"I was gonna say he's drooling," Annabeth said in disgust and Piper grinned wider. 

"You're kidding, right? Look at his face! And his abs - you can see them through that shirt." Piper said and Annabeth rolled her eyes, her ears turning a little pink at the mention of Percy's abs that were undoubtedly visible under that tight shirt. 

"You have a boyfriend Pipes, you stop drooling." Annabeth scolded and Piper smirked. 

"I know, I'm just saying, He may be annoying and have a reckless dumbass attitude that can challenge even Leos, but you can't deny he has the looks," Piper exclaimed and Annabeth rolled her eyes once again. 

"Sure he’s gorgeous Pipes, but don't you remember when he keyed Lukes's car? The guy's too reckless for his own good." Hazel raised her brow at Piper and Annabeth nodded. 

"See what I mean? And he's cocky and obnoxious, and arrogant." Annabeth started listing things off her fingers and both Hazel and Piper were shaking their heads.

"I said he's reckless, but he's none of those other things. At least not that I've seen anyway..." Hazel said and Piper nodded.

"Yeah, see Annabeth? He acts all arrogant around you because he likes you. And you're the exact same." Piper said, leaning back in her chair and smirking. Annabeth scoffed.

"Absolutely not. Percy hates me."

"But you like him?" Hazel asked when Annabeth paused. She shook her head and glared at the two of them. Now even Hazel was smirking.

"Of course not. Have you not heard any of what I've said?" Annabeth asked, annoyed. Piper shrugged. 

"Whatever Annabeth, But my bets that you'll get together eventually, I have a sixth sense about these kinds of things." She shrugged and Annabeth rolled her eyes. 

Both of them were so wrong. How could she ever like Percy? The only reason they even hung out was to finish their damn math project. And yes, Percy was semi good-looking...

Well, he's fucking gorgeous, with his sea-green eyes and tanned skin and muscles...

Shut up brain.

Percy Jackson was just another shallow jock who would get with girls like Drew Tanaka without a second thought. Annabeth couldn't possibly like him less.

---

Later that day, after trying to push thoughts of Percy out of her mind, Annabeth eventually had to go to math, where she'd see him for the first time since last night. She walked in, first as usual and sat at the back in her usual seat. The class slowly filled up and eventually, Leo and Percy walked in, laughing loudly as they sat in their seats. Annabeth busied herself with getting her books out. 

Suddenly something thumped loudly on her desk and she snapped her head up. It was a math binder; Percy was smirking at her reaction. 

"My part of the project." He said bluntly before putting himself down two seats away from her. Thank god. At least she wouldn't have to talk to him this period. 

Annabeth piled her side of the math project into the binder and went up to Mrs Kym's desk to hand it in, along with the other binders. Mrs Kym looked up through her cat-eye glasses and regarded Annabeth before she sat down again. She hoped the project was good enough for an A. She didn't want to think about what Helen would do if she failed. 

Annabeth sighed and sat back down in her chair just as Mrs Kym started asking a few students to go up to the board and answer questions. 

The math session went on as usual. Annabeth did her work quietly, and secretly eavesdropping on Percy and Leo's conversation. He was going on about his and Drew's interaction that morning. Quietly though for once, because Drew herself was sitting on the other side of the room, twirling her hair and sending glances Percy's way, batting her eyelashes. 

"She's hot man, But unless you want scratch marks all over your back, I wouldn't go near her." Leo was saying. Annabeth agreed, at least one guy had a little bit of logic in him. It was just surprising that the one guy to see Drew's real intentions was Leo Valdez, who out of all of them had the worst game in the world. Once, Annabeth had the bad luck to actually see Leo flirting in the wild, she doesn’t even want to remember the awful pickup line he used that earned him a slap that turned his cheek pink for a week. And no, he did not get a date.

Percy glanced at Drew, who was watching him with a small seductive smile on her plump lips. Percy gave her a small smile back and Annabeth tried not to scoff. 

"Miss Chase, would you like to come up and answer this question for me please?" Mrs Kym asked and Annabeth fought her oncoming eye roll as she stood from her seat. She walked over to the board and took the chalk in hand, her eyes scanning over the equation. She was engrossed in her work when suddenly a tall someone appeared right next to her. Percy didn't even look down at her as he attempted to answer his equation on the other side of the board. Annabeth quickly finished writing her answer and was about to go back to her seat, when she noticed Percy staring at the equation in confusion. His eyes were narrowed and he was totally focused, but clearly, he was struggling. Annabeth sighed, realising her attempts at not talking to him were about to be thrown out the window. 

She looked around to check that Mrs Kym wasn't looking and quickly scanned her eyes over Percy's equation. It was simple algebra. Or at least, it was simple for an A-grade student. Annabeth reached over and quickly wrote the working and answer, to which he shot her a small light-hearted glare.

"I could've done that myself, wise girl." He whispered and Annabeth just rolled her eyes. 

"Whatever sea-weed brain and by the way... you drool when you sleep" Annabeth whispered back with a smirk, she was about to return to her seat before Percy spoke again. His ears were tinged red at her drool comment, but he tried to act cool about it. 

"You know, you should really try to be less of a know-it-all," He said and Annabeth scowled. 

"And you should try to be less of a prick." Annabeth retorted. Percy laughed and suddenly his eyes clouded with pain. He winced and his hand automatically went up to his ribs, only to fall back a moment later. He smirked as nothing happened and Annabeth raised an eyebrow.

"What's wrong?" She asked and Percy blinked.

"Nothing. Why?" He blew it off and Annabeth raised an eyebrow. 

"You look like you're in pain," Annabeth stated matter-of-factly and Percy rolled his eyes. 

"I'm fine Annabeth. Just had a hard swim session this morning." He replied and Annabeth immediately knew he was lying.

"Your hair wasn't wet this morning. In fact, I overheard Tyson talking about it and I know you haven't been at swimming all week. What's wrong?" Annabeth asked and Percy smirked.

"Oh, so you're checking in on me now?" He smiled mischievously and she rolled her eyes.

She looked around to see Mrs Kym helping a student and no one was looking their way. She reached over and lifted his shirt. Her eyes widened when she saw the bruise just above his hip. It was black and purple in contrast to Percys' tanned skin. Percy flinched away and hastily pulled his shirt down, his eyes widening as he looked around to make sure nobody saw.

"What the fuck are you doing?" He asked, his humour in his eyes faltering, replaced by a flare of anger.

"What happened? Is that from those jerks after the party?" Annabeth asked, her tone a little worried. Percy rolled his eyes.

"It doesn't matter." He said quickly before raising his pen to the board to start his next equation. Annabeth was watching him sceptically.

“It might matter if you want to stay in school, starting fights over cigarette lights is how you get expelled Percy, I’m sure you already know that.” Annabeth said nonchalantly. Percy raised an eyebrow at her, abandoning his equation once again.

“Are you saying you want me to stick around? Would you… miss me if I got expelled? Oh so caring you are Miss Chase” Percy’s voice was laced with thick sarcasm, his eye roll flavoured with about as much sass as Leo. Annabeth scoffed, keeping an eye on Mrs Kym.

“You wish Jackson. Maybe I should let you get into fights. Encourage it even, if that’s all it would take to make you go away.” Annabeth looked at Percy with her eyebrows raised, her eyes bright. Her words however, weren’t quite a true reflection of Annabeths thoughts, because as much as she would like Percy to just fuck the hell off, she didn’t really enjoy the sight of the bruise, or the image of Percy being beaten to the ground on some random new York street. Call her crazy, but she wasn’t completely heartless.

“I don’t believe random people would give you that over just a cig light, tell me what you really did.” Annabeth was more forceful now, she wasn’t just asking. Annabeth wished she didn’t care. But in general, curiosity makes it hard for her to just turn a blind eye.

Percy didn’t answer. He was exasperated, and  he looked uneasy, he was staring right at Annabeth, into her eyes, his gaze unwavering. He wasn’t telling the whole story, Annabeth knew. He was hiding something, and Annabeth was going to find out what.

“I have to go.” Percy said after a few moments, Annabeths narrowed eyes watching him as he asked Mrs Kym for a hall pass. She watched him go. Deep down Annabeth knew she probably shouldn’t pry. But she couldn’t help it.

Annabeth waited a couple of minutes so as to not seem suspicious, then she asked Mrs Kym if she could go to the bathroom as well. Mrs Kym waved her off with annoyance without even sparing her a second glance. 

Annabeth left the classroom and made her way to the nearest boys' bathroom, hoping Percy would be in there. Why had he held his ribs like that if the bruise was only by the hip? What was he hiding? She took a deep breath before entering slowly. 

Percy was standing in front of the mirror, splashing water from the sink onto his face and running a hand through his messed hair. Annabeth stepped into the room. He looked up and his eyes met with Annabeth's through the mirror for a split second before he turned to face her. 

"The hell are you doing in here?" He asked, his eyes glaring. Annabeth would've flinched, his gaze was so intimidating, but she managed to stand taller.

"Was it from those guys after the party?" Annabeth asked cautiously and Percy rolled his eyes. 

"Yes, Annabeth. That's what I told you guys, wasn't it?" Percy huffed, ripping a paper towel out of the dispenser and drying his hands. He then leaned against the sink and looked at Annabeth.

"I don't think anyone would just beat up another person over a cigarette light," Annabeth said again stubbornly, crossing her arms.

"Well, they did," Percy replied bluntly, but Annabeth didn't buy it. Then she remembered back to that day in the alley near his apartment. The one with the dodgy guys who attacked her. She raised an eyebrow and stepped closer. 

"So you being hurt has nothing to do with the ass-holes who live on your street, the ones who attacked us?" Annabeth asked, watching his expressions carefully. 

"What? No! Nothing like that! I'm telling the truth!" He blurted out and Annabeth frowned.

"You’re a shit liar Jackson, I can see right through you." She said and Percy scoffed.

"Come off it wise girl you don't know shit."

Annabeth then reached for his shirt, but Percy gripped her wrist with lightning reflexes. He wasn't gripping her hard, Annabeth could've easily pulled away, but she didn't. She knew he was lying and she wanted to prove it. 

"Show me," Annabeth said stubbornly and Percy shook his head, smiling. 

"You already saw." He said and Annabeth shook her head.

"I saw you wince when you laughed. Show me or I'll tell Mrs Kym I did most of the work." Annabeth threatened and Percy smirked. 

"You wouldn't," Percy said. Annabeth glared at him. 

"I would."

There was a moment of silence before Percy realised he was still holding her wrist. He sighed and let it go before jumping up and sitting on the bench next to the bathroom sink. Annabeth looked up at him, knowing she'd won. Her head was just in line with his shoulders and she carefully pulled up his shirt. 

First of all, Piper did have a point. 

The guy was ripped, his skin was golden tanned and honestly, he looked like a Greek god or something, his abs were defined and his chest was drool-worthy. Annabeth could feel her cheeks turning red. She hoped he didn't notice. 

Annabeth inspected the bruise on his hip and then looked at his ribs. There was a large purple bruise covering the left side. Annabeth touched it and Percy flinched a little. 

"It's pretty bad Percy," Annabeth admitted, her expression clouded with worry. She looked up into his eyes; as if asking permission. He just nodded, and then Annabeth touched the bruise, a little firmer this time. His skin was hot, and a little swelled around the area, he winced again as she felt him, his eyes squeezing shut for a moment.

She held her hand there for a moment. 

"I think you've got a few broken ribs." Annabeth said quietly and Percy nodded.

"Seems about right." He sighed. There was a moment when the both of them were still. Annabeth's hand was still on his ribs, it was hard for her to not look at him. He was built like an athlete, with the swimmer's shoulders and abs and tanned skin. Then Annabeth thought back to what Piper said about Annabeth liking him and she felt her cheeks grow hot once more. 

"Like what you see?" Percy teased and Annabeth hastily drew her hand away and pulled his shirt back down. She looked up at him with a glare and he just chuckled. 

"I'm joking." He said and Annabeth relaxed a little. 

"I still don't believe this happened just because you didn't give a guy a light. You provoked this." Annabeth said, looking at Percy with a disappointed expression. He just shrugged. 

"I might have deserved it. What do you care anyway?" Percy asked and Annabeth tilted her head and looked at him.

"I don't care. I just could tell you were lying." Annabeth said, but it was a complete lie. She had cared, just a little. Percy let out a 'hmph' at that. Annabeth started to head back towards the door, finally starting to feel a bit uncomfortable about being in the boy's bathroom. It was lucky no one had gone in while she had her hand on his chest, that would've been hard to explain.

"Also I know about the photo you took of me last night," Percy said. Annabeth raised an eyebrow and smirked to herself.

"Piper told Jason who told me. And you should delete it." Percy asked and Annabeth shook her head, causing him to send her an annoyed expression.

Chapter Text

Annabeth

Annabeth went home after school like normal that day. Except everything felt far from normal. Percy was invading Annabeth's thoughts like a virus and Annabeth simply couldn't get him out of her mind. When Annabeth realised he was hurt, she felt something. She wanted to ignore it, but she couldn't deny it was there. She was worried.

And she hated being worried. Being worried caused stress, and with the pressures of Helen's hateful words and Annabeth's desire to do well in school, she simply didn't have time for more stress. Percy was about as stressful as a person could be to handle. He was a trouble-maker, he enjoyed the thrills life had to offer, like getting beat up by ghetto gangs and saving girls like Annabeth from perverted assholes. 

He smiled through the pain but the mischief was ever-present in his sea-green eyes. It made Annabeth crazy how someone could act so reckless, Be so careless. 

But he isn't careless, is he Annabeth? He's the exact opposite. Annabeth's thoughts clouded her mind. Okay fine, he didn't not care. In fact, he'd proven he cared a lot. He'd saved her, more than once. And he cared about things that were important to him, that much was clear judging from the swimming trophies and medals in his room and his easy way of making friends. But seriously, the guy was just too dangerous for his own good. One day, he was gonna get himself killed.

Annabeth turned into the driveway and slammed her car door shut. She seriously needed to stop thinking about Percy. She had more important things to worry about. Like whether Helen was home or not. 

Annabeth quietly opened the door, so as to not alert Helen of her arrival. If Helen was home, Annabeth didn't want to have to deal with her.

But of course, you can't always get what you want, can you?

"Annabeth?!" Helens high pitched annoying voice rang from the kitchen. Annabeth sighed and closed the door behind her. 

"Coming!" Annabeth called back before dumping her school bag at the foot of the stairs. She then made her way to the kitchen to find something that made the hairs on Annabeth's neck stand up on end. It sent shivers down her spine and her eyes widened in horror. 

Helen was standing there, leaning against the kitchen island in a red skin-tight dress that went all the way down to her mid-calf. She was wearing high black high-heels and her makeup was done up to cover her scowl lines and evil squinted eyes. But that wasn’t what chilled Annabeth to the core. No, what horrified Annabeth was the man standing next to her and Helens bare ring finger. The ring that wasn’t there? Her father’s ring. Her wedding band and engagement ring. The unknown man was staring at Helen, practically licking his lips, his hand resting on her lower back, and it was getting lower and lower.

"Who's this?" Annabeth asked in a slightly shaky voice. Helen held a wine glass in her hand and she narrowed her eyes at Annabeth, almost accusatory, as if Annabeth was the one in the wrong for asking, rather than her cheating, hateful self.

"A fling my dearest Annie, a girl has her needs," Helen said, shrugging. The guy didn't look all too happy at being called a 'fling', but one look at Helen's extremely low cut dress and he quickly shut his mouth. 

"But-"

"-Hold on honey, I just want to have a chat with my daughter before we head off, sound good?" Helen interrupted Annabeth and looked up at her 'fling'.

He nodded and smiled. Also, since when had Helen ever called Annabeth her 'daughter'? The whole situation was so confusing. But mostly Annabeth felt hurt. Hurt that Helen could do this to her father. Deep down, Annabeth knew her father to be a kind, caring, nice guy, but he just had no backbone, Helen was clearly aware of this and had chosen to take advantage of it. And it made Annabeth feel sick. 

Helen led Annabeth into the living room, sending a stupid flirty smile back to her boyfriend. But once they were out of sight and out of earshot, Helen immediately turned sour. 

"You are NOT, to tell your father of this, or you can kiss your relationship with him goodbye." Helen sneered, an evil smile twinkling in her eyes.

"H-how? You can't do this to him. Please." Annabeth looked at Helen with sorrow. She hated Helen, but her father loved her, for reasons unknown. Annabeth knew her father would be distraught if he found out about this, especially since Annabeths real mom walked out of their lives. It wasn’t fair.

Helen grinned, flashing her paper white teeth. 

"I've been telling your father about your growing bad attitude for months. I've even suggested boarding school.” Helen scowled down at her, her false lashes thick, like spiders clinging to her eyes.

"Why do you think he barely comes home anymore? It’s because of you, Annabeth. You are his greatest mistake, the child that’s ruined his life. He only comes home for me and the boys, and then he pretends to pay attention to you because he feels bad. It’s pathetic really." Helen huffed and Annabeth stared at her in confusion. 

"Your wrong. He loves me, you can't take me away from him even if you tried." Annabeth said, her voice rising. Helen rolled her eyes.

"Don't you see you little brat? Your attitude has turned him against you. And if you tell him about my company, who do you think he will believe? His caring wife and mother of two of his children? Or his brat of a daughter, born from a skank?" Helen hissed, making a fake pouty face by pushing out her red lips. Annabeth felt a lump form in her throat. 

"My mother wasn't a skank." Annabeth replied shakily, though her quiver wasn’t from fear, but from rage. Helen shook her head.

"Then why did she run away after you were born? You were a mistake Annabeth. One she didn't want." Helen smiled and Annabeth felt her eyes begin to pool. 

"Listen to what I've said Annabeth. If you really want to be a snitch, know what your risking." Helen stood up straighter and held her head high, before strutting out of the door and returning to the guy in the kitchen. Annabeth stood there, unable to comprehend what the hell just happened. It was like her family had fallen apart in front of her eyes. The twins probably were unaware, and even if they were they were too little to understand. Annabeth wanted to tell her father, but deep down, she feared that Helen was right, that her father wouldn’t listen.

When Annabeth heard the front door slam and Helens car screech away, she slowly went up to her room, feeling numb, her thoughts whirring, a lump in her throat. She was angry. Angry at Helen for existing. Angry at her real mother for leaving. Angry at her father for always being away. 

But especially, she was angry at herself. Because she knew it was all true. Every word. Helen had turned Annabeths own father against her. It was obvious when Annabeth really thought about it. Annabeths dad had always been more distant once he married Helen. He paid less and less attention to her the more he was away. His trips were getting longer. His stays at home getting shorter and more time was being spent with Helen, rather than his own daughter. He barely even looked at her anymore.

Annabeth let out a sob as she grabbed her jacket and phone. She was alone in the house, her brothers were at a friend’s sleepover. But she didn't want to be there any longer. She didn't want to be in the house where'd she'd grown up, loving her dad when all along her dad thought of her as some kind of brat. An inconvenience, one that Helen, nor he thought was worth their time.

Deciding she really needed fresh air, and time to think, Annabeth found herself in the kitchen, searching through the draws. At the bottom of one coated in dust, Annabeth found what she was looking for. It was a simple blade, a switch knife. Annabeth knew she might find a use for it because of where she was about to go. 

She didn't want to be unprepared like last time. She needed to prove that she could look after herself. And she desperately needed some air. 

She let out a shaky breath, trying to clear her dark thoughts from her mind. She didn’t want to feel alone anymore, she didn’t want to feel alone in this warm house, one with family photos and decorations from years of living there. She felt like a stranger in her own home. A stranger in her father’s life. All she wanted was to catch a train and see where it would take her. She wanted to feel something else, literally anything else than what she was feeling right then. 

…

Annabeth made her way to the subway. It wasn't dark yet, as it was only six o'clock, but because winter was approaching she knew the light wouldn't last very long. She didn't care though, she just got on the train and headed further into the city, her knife gripped firmly in her jacket pocket along with her phone. 

She looked around a little uneasily at the people sitting in her train carriage. They were just average New Yorkers, most simply on their way home after a long day at work. Annabeth watched a mother play with her toddler on her lap. The toddler was laughing and the mother was smiling broadly at her daughter. Annabeth looked away and gazed out the window, only to see the darkness of the never ending underground tunnels. Graffiti flashed by in bright spray painted colours and Annabeth closed her eyes for a moment. She fished around her jean pockets and found her headphones. She plugged the wires in and turned on some random music that she wasn't really listening too. 

It was a while before the train was nearly empty. Most people had gotten off and there were only a few people left on board. There was guy sitting further down the carriage with ratty hair and small eyes. Annabeth was painfully reminded of that night those weeks ago when she'd been ambushed in that alley. Annabeth gripped her knife a little tighter inside her pocket and looked up at the poster on the window that showed the trains route. She decided she'd get off at the next stop. It was a couple blocks away where she got off last time, and as far as she knew it was another ghetto neighbourhood. But she didn't care. She probably wouldn't stay long anyway. She just wanted to have a look around, the train was starting to feel stuffy.

Annabeth hopped off the train at the next stop, as she had planned, and made her way to the stairs that lead to the streets above. She could hear the bustle of cars and the faint honks and yells of road rage and people already drunk at some nearby bar or restaurant. She pulled her jacket a little tighter around herself, before stepping out into the cold and walking down the chilly street. 

The sky was painted with an array of different oranges and reds from the setting sun and the clouds were scarce. It was a good evening, despite the nearing winter. But it was still cold.

Annabeth shivered a little in her coat and she pulled her Yankees cap down over her eyes so she didn't have to make eye contact with anybody as she walked down the street. Rock n Roll Suicide by David Bowie blasting in her ears.

Oh, no love, You’re not alone

You’re watching yourself but you’re too unfair

You’ve got your head all tangled up

But if I could only make you care

---------- 

Percy

"Finally. Kid, I need you to go to the store and get more cigs and beer. I'm running low." Gabe grumbled from his place on the couch. Percy had just walked in the door, his school bag hanging off his shoulder and earphones hanging out his left pocket. Gabe had come back from his little holiday just that morning, and the dude seemed miserable, most likely having lost most of Percys college fund at Atlantic City. 

"What? No hello Percy, How was your day?" Percy asked sarcastically and Gabe shot him a glare. 

"Careful boy." He growled before taking another swig of his beer can clutched in his meaty hand. 

"I need money." Percy grumbled and Gabe sucked on his lip.

"On the kitchen counter." He murmured, gesturing to the kitchen with his arm. 

Percy dropped his bag off in his room before grabbing a couple notes he found in the kitchen and shoving them in his pocket. 

Gabe didn't say anything else before Percy grabbed his old skateboard and left the apartment, sighing and plugging in his earphones. Harlem Shuffle by Bob and Earl played through his ears as he descended the stairs. 

He'd found the skateboard next to a dumpster on his block a couple years back and so far it had been a complete score. Although he did have a few scars from the many times he'd fallen off it, he was pretty decent at skating now if he did say so himself. Percy dropped the board and rolled leisurely down the road, listening to the songs on his playlist. 

The corner store was a few blocks away, and it was already getting dark out. He better be quick, he thought to himself. He didn't want to be left out here at night with all the creeps that liked to lurk the place. 

He jumped the curb expertly and used his foot to push himself forward. He gained a little speed as he skated down the path, dodging sign posts and fire hydrants. 

Finally Percy reached the street where the corner store sat and he crossed the road after kicking up his skateboard into his arm. The bell jingled as he walked inside and he gave a quick nod to the owner, Johnny. He was a friend of Gabe’s, so buying age restricted items was relatively easy, as long as his wife wasn’t there.

Percy grabbed a six pack from the fridge as well as a soda for himself and walked to the counter. He pulled out one earphone and gestured to the back wall.

"And a pack of your cheapest please." Percy muttered, dumping the contents of his pockets onto the counter. 

"Gabe up for poker this weekend kid?" Johnny asked, grabbing a pack of cigarettes from the shelf behind him. Percy shrugged. 

"Ask him yourself." Percy grumbled and Johnny smirked. 

"Soda? Really? Why don't you try some of the hard stuff?" Johnny laughed, his voice was raspy from years of smoking and he gestured to the cans of beer on the counter.

"Really shouldn't drink and drive." Percy replied coolly, holding up his skateboard so Johnny could see. He just shrugged and started piling the notes into the register, giving Percy a couple of coins change.

"See ya." Percy said, before making his way out of the store. The bell jingled once more and Percy walked down the street in the cool breeze. He put his hood up over his head and dropped his board, skating for a bit on the road as cars sped past. 

Percy turned a corner and almost crashed into a sign when he saw what was in front of him. Or rather, who. Just walking ahead of him, her hands in the pockets of her jacket, was a girl with curly blonde hair pulled back into a pony-tail. She had earphones in her ears and she was walking leisurely in the cold, the last scraps of red sunlight turning her hair into an almost flaming orange.

Annabeth?

No. There was no way Annabeth would be here. After all, Why would she come back to this side of town after what happened last time?

Percy kicked his board into his hand and kept pace behind her as he looked on in confusion. He then made the decision to speed up a little. Soon he was walking only a metre or so behind her.

Percy reached up his hand to touch her shoulder to see if it really was who he thought it was. But before he even managed to get close, the girl whipped around, gripping his wrist in her hand and pressing a small shiny blade to his throat with the other. Percy gasped as the cold metal touched his skin. Annabeth was glaring at him ferociously, her bright grey eyes intimidating and frightening in the darkening light. 

"Woah. Good thing I don't have a knife kink or we'd be in deep trouble." Percy smirked and Annabeths expression turned to that of recognition. 

"It’s you." She said, a little surprised. Percy pulled his hood off of his head. 

"Yeah, now do you mind lowering your weapon?" Percy asked, raising an eyebrow. Annabeths eyes widened and she hastily pulled the knife away from Percys neck. He sighed with relief. 

"You shouldn't have scared me like that. I could've stabbed you." Annabeths sighed, exasperated.

"I believe you princess, now what the hell are you doing around here again?" Percy asked.

"It’s none of your business." Annabeth snapped and Percy frowned. She was on edge, and for right reason. It was be dark soon, and this was no place for a kid to be out alone in when it was dark. Especially a girl. Especially a girl who looked even half as good as Annabeth did in those jeans. But Percy wasn’t going to say that to her, she was reactive enough as it was, even on a good day.

Briefly, Percy hand found his bruises on his ribs, he suddenly felt warm with the memory of Annabeths hand touching his bare skin, her cheeks tinged pink and her disappointed gaze. He dropped his hand, feeling ashamed and annoyed. Why was he thinking of her like that? She was a much of a pain in Percys side than the bruises were.

"Why do you have beer and cigarettes? You smoke?" Annabeth asked, her tone remaining edgy. 

"None of your business." Percy replied, cocking his head to the side, trying to shake thoughts of her hands on his chest from his mind. Annabeth sighed.

"My parents and I aren't really getting on well at the moment." Annabeth said, shoving her knife and her hands in her jacket pockets. Percy smirked a little. 

"What? Did you get a B+ instead of an A on one of your tests Princess?" Percy mocked, faking a pouty face. He regretted his mockery as quickly as it fell from his mouth. He didn’t know what as going on in her life, as much as she didn’t know what was going on in his. He was being unfair, to assume anything. But he knew that whatever was going on, he would trade his family situation for hers in an instant. Annabeth just glared at him, not seeming too affected.

"No! And don't call me princess, I don't want to have to remind you of the knife in my pocket right now." Annabeth retorted. Percy rolled his eyes. 

"So, why do you have that stuff?" Annabeth asked again, frowning at the plastic bag hanging from Percys hand. 

"Step-dad ran out. He's had a long day." Percy said casually, hoping that Annabeth wouldn't ask any more questions. It was normal for a bloke to want a beer and a smoke, wasn’t it? She wouldn’t get suspicious, surely.

"So they're not for you?" She asked and Percy frowned at her. 

"You seriously think that low of me?"

Annabeth was silent, and Percy honestly, felt a little hurt. Sure, he'd grown up in a shitty apartment, with a shitty step-dad. And sure he'd been beat up a couple times because of his sarcastic manner and he'd been kicked out of schools and gotten detention God knows how many times; but that didn't make him a bad person. Did it? 

What if it did?

"So how are you gonna get home? It’s getting a little late don't you think?" Percy asked, feeling a little uneasy all of the sudden. He didn't want to be ambushed like last time, and he definitely didn't want Annabeth getting caught up in more shit. Annabeth shrugged.

"Do you ever stop worrying about other people and just mind your own business?" Annabeth asked, raising her eyebrow. Percy smiled. 

"Sometimes, not often though." Percy replied and Annabeth scoffed. 

"I have money for an uber if I need." Annabeth finally said and Percy nodded, only slightly reassured. It wasn’t like Ubers were particularly safe around here either. They could kidnap her, or leave her stranded, or worse. But Percy didn’t know what to say, it wasn’t like Percy could accompany her home again, Gabe would kill him for being so late with his necessities. Percy could ask her to come with him whilst he dropped it off, but the risk was too great that Gabe would do something, making it clear that his injuries weren’t just from street rats. And what if Gabe saw her?

The two of them stood there for a couple of moments. Annabeths eyes flickered down the skateboard in Percys arm and then back up to his eyes. He looked at her face. Blonde curls had fallen out of her pony-tail and were framing her cheeks. Percy suddenly got the urge to reach out and tuck one behind her ear but he pushed the urge away, knowing she would think he's insane. 

“I should probably go.” Annabeth said, and Percy nodded, unwillingly. He wasn’t happy about this.

“Yeah, me too.” Percy replied, placing his board on the ground.

“See you at school.” Annabeth nodded at him, unsmiling. Annabeth turned and began to walk away.

“Hey Annabeth.” Percy called out to her, she looked back at him expectantly.

“Be careful, don’t get kidnapped.” Percy managed out, grinning a little. She smirked.

"Don't crash" Annabeth replied, her eyes were a little softer than they were before.

They both turned away, Percy still feeling uneasy, but it was probably nothing, she would be fine, it wasn’t like she was unarmed. Percy felt his throat, where Annabeth had pressed the blade to his skin. He smiled and continued on his way, back to his apartment, and back to Gabe.

Chapter Text

Annabeth

Annabeth walked with Piper towards their Biology class. Piper was wearing brown cargo pants with a cute knit top and her usual feather braided into her lush brown hair. She looked great and Annabeth knew exactly why. Over the past few days, Piper had been all over Jason, and Jason had been all over Piper. It was romantic really. The way they would steal glances at each other every time they hung out and how Jason would complement her and Piper would blush madly. They were really in love, it was a miracle the two of them hadn't confirmed it yet.

Frank and Hazel were smitten with each other as always. Annabeth wished she had someone, but then she needed to remind herself that she didn't need anyone. She was an independent person. She could keep to herself and have fun with her friends without needing anything else. But it was becoming hard to ignore the aching in her stomach every time Annabeths saw Piper and Jason together, or Frank and Hazel. And going home made the feeling of loneliness so much worse. She wished she could confide in someone, someone who wouldn’t judge her, or not believe her. Hazel and Piper knew about most of it of course. But the recent update of Helens deceitfulness and cheating activities are unbeknownst to all. Maybe one day she’ll tell someone, let herself be comforted, but for now she is quite content with letting herself imagine everything is hunky dory. Amazing. Splendid. Whatever fake adjective best describes the exact opposite of how she actually feels.

Annabeth sat down at her desk towards the back of the room with Piper at her side. Piper made eye contact with Jason who was sat at the front of the room and Annabeth internally rolled her eyes. Could they be any more obvious with each other? It was starting to get on Annabeths nerves, why waste time? Why wait?

"When are you two gonna actually get together?" Annabeth asked Piper under her breath. Piper sighed and looked at her. 

"Is it that obvious?" Piper said dreamily and then Annabeth actually did roll her eyes. 

"Yes! You two are basically a married couple." Annabeth said and Piper narrowed her eyes at her. 

"When are you and Percy going to get over your hate for each other and hook up?" Piper retorted and Annabeths eyes widened, completely taken aback. She regained composure quickly, but inside she was practically gagging at the thought. Then her brain decided to bring up the image of Percys tan yet bruised chest and ribs, his sharp jawline and Annabeths hand on his skin. She felt like stabbing something.

"Shut up pipes I've already told you that I hate the guy. He gets on my nerves. And stop trying to change the subject." Annabeth said and Piper smirked. 

"Whatever you say." Piper said and Annabeth huffed. She knew Piper didn't believe her but seriously, Annabeth did not have the energy to argue with her today. Piper could be extremely persuasive if she wanted to be and it was near impossible to change her mind once she started believing something. And she really did have a sixth sense about relationship situations, however this was the one time she was wrong. 

Annabeth hated Percy. End of story. 

Or did she?

Suddenly the sound of a door slamming echoed through the halls outside the Bio room. Then it was followed by loud yelling which sounded suspiciously like Coach Hedge. In fact, he sounded absolutely furious. Everyone in the class went silent and tuned in their ears to hear what was going on. Annabeth gave Piper an uneasy glance. 

"Hey Coach! What's wrong?" Percys unmistakable voice echoed through the hall and it was followed by Coach Hedges raging tone. 

"SOMEBODY HAS COMMITTED A CRIME! MY OFFICE, MY BEAUTIFUL OFFICE!" He screamed and Annabeth got up and ran out of the room to see what was going on, Piper on her tail. 

The scene wasn't exactly pretty. Just down the corridor, Coach Hedge was standing in the doorway of his office, at his feet were piled of silly string that was literally spewing from the office like a party had exploded. Leo and Percy were standing off to the side, looking surprised, but Annabeth could see right through them and knew straight away from the upturns of their lips that they were holding back guilty laughter. 

Behind them, Annabeths Bio class were starting to crowd and other classes were beginning to open to check out the commotion. 

Piper gasped and Annabeth followed her gaze to the small crowd standing behind Percy and Leo. Jason was standing there shaking his head at his two friends, and Franks face was tinged pink but he was struggling to hold in his laugh. 

"YOU! VALDEZ!" Coach Hedge yelled suddenly, spinning around and pointing a meaty index finger at Leo. 

"YOU WILL PAY FOR THIS." Coach yelled, his face was bright red with anger, and if Annabeth weren't in such a state of shock, she would have burst into laughter at the sight of him. Seriously, steam could've been coming out of his ears he was that angry. 

"It wasn't me! I swear!" Leo said, throwing his hands up in defence, but it was no use. Leo was full on grinning now, unable to keep his face serious and it was incredibly obvious he was lying. 

"Liar! You silly stringed my whole office! Principles office, NOW!" Coach Hedge shouted and Leo took a step back. He even looked a little fearful. Everyone knew how good the coach was with a bat. And no one would want to get on his bad side if it meant getting beaten up by Coach. 

"What proof do you have!?" Leo yelled back, exasperated. Percy watched on with interest, his eyes twinkling with amusement. Suddenly he made eye-contact with Annabeth and he winked at her. Annabeth rolled her eyes. Percy was clearly just as guilty as Leo, but he was enjoying watching Leo get thrown about by Hedge and clearly didn't care that Leo was taking the full blame. 

"There’s silly string in your hair Valdez! And don't make me remind you of the stunts you pulled last year, I could get you expelled!" Hedge yelled and Leo sniggered. 

"Can't expel me on a hunch Coach." He replied coolly and if it was possible, the coaches face seemed to get even redder. 

"Principles office NOW. And you too Jackson, I know you had a part in this. Your grinning like an idiot." Coach said lowly and Percys smile was wiped off his face. 

"What? But Coach I-"

"I don't want to hear it! Now get out of my sight before I make you do push-ups." Coach Hedge cut him off and both Leo and Percy scuttled away towards the principal’s office, gladly accepting high-fives from admiring students along the way. 

"Those douche-bags. Their gonna be stuck in detention for the rest of the year." Piper shook her head and Annabeth hummed in agreement. They'd be lucky if they're not suspended, but given the fact that cleaning silly string out of an office is achievable, they would probably only get a few weeks of detention tops.

———-

Later that day, when Annabeth was leaving the cafeteria, Percy ran up to her and fell into step beside her. Annabeth rolled her eyes. Great, now she'd have to talk to him.

"I can't believe you trashed the coach's office," Annabeth said, turning to Percy. He hummed and swung his bag onto his other shoulder casually. He was wearing a plain hoodie and cargo pants today, as well as his sneakers and a backwards baseball cap that would look stupid on anybody else, but somehow, Percy managed to pull it off.

"It was worth it though, did you see his face? Priceless." He laughed and grinned at her, his green eyes lighting up. 

"And you wonder why you get kicked out of schools." Annabeth mumbled and Percy shrugged in agreement.

"What can I say? I'm not a nerd like you princess, I like to do this thing called 'having fun'" 

"I can have fun. I just don't do it at the expense of others like your dumbass." Annabeth retorted.

"I don't believe you, you'll have to prove it." He said, his tone playful. She rolled my eyes and scoffed.

"I don't have to prove anything."

"Oh yes you do, after what you just said, you owe me a fun time." He nudged her shoulder and winked at her.

"Whatever." Annabeth replied, her cheeks turning a little red at his flirtatious tone. She quickly said goodbye  and turned to leave for her next class. He smirked and saluted her playfully before heading off in the opposite direction, and Annabeth was left staring after him, like an idiot.

Annabeth

Annabeth walked into school as usual a few days after Percy's little 'incident'.
She was feeling edgy because of Helen, who gave her a hard time that morning regarding her brothers and how Annabeth should be helping them with their homework. What Helen didn't seem to understand was that Annabeth had her own goddamn homework to take care of. And studying for her upcoming chemistry test was a lot more important in Annabeths books than teaching her step-brothers the two-times tables.

"Hey!" Annabeth yelped as someone shouldered her aside as they walked past. Annabeth turned to see Drew Tanaka smirking back at her as she walked past in her short skirt and heavy make-up. God, she was such a stuck up little bitch. Annabeth rolled her eyes and continued on to her locker.
"You should watch where you’re going dumb blonde!" Drew said obnoxiously, not even bothering to spare Annabeth as glance as she practically pranced a way like a peacock with fake pink feathers. Annabeths blood boiled. She hated being called that. It was a stereotype she couldn't seem to get away from.

Dumb blonde.

She was blonde yes, but she was far from stupid. She was a grade A student for God’s sake! Yet just because of her freaking hair colour, she was misjudged, she was looked down upon. Annabeth took a deep breath and continued walking, completely ignoring Drew as she knew she should, even though all she wanted to do was turn and punch the bitch in the face.

Drew didn't say anything more and Annabeth didn't turn back to look at her, assuming Drew was torturing some other innocent kid, maybe stealing lunch money, or forcing 8th graders to do her homework for her. It was embarrassing really, how Drew used her power to gain from others suffering. It made Annabeth sick.

Piper suddenly appeared at Annabeths side.

"Hey!" Piper said cheerfully, Annabeth smiled.
"Hey." Annabeth replied, a little less enthusiastically. 
"What's wrong?" Piper asked, raising an eyebrow. Annabeth frowned.
"Nothing, why would anything be wrong?" She asked innocently, but Piper could clearly see right through her.

"Your shoulders are tense and you look like your about to kill somebody." Piper said matter-of-factly. Annabeth sighed.

"It's nothing, just my step-mom giving me a hard time, and the usual Drew shit." Annabeth shrugged it off and Piper leant against the side of the locker next to Annabeths. She nodded solemnly.

"Drew has gotten worse since Percy got here, she's all over him and is practically beating up anyone who looks at him, Percy like all other boys is totally oblivious. It's kind of cute really." Piper rambled and Annabeth felt her cheeks redden a tiny bit at the mention of his name. He and Leo had been talk of the school since the incident with Coaches office. All the younger kids looked up to him, and they watched in awe as he walked through the halls.

It was kind of pathetic really, how influential he was on younger minds when his 'influences' weren't exactly good. The same went for Leo, except he wasn't as tall and good-looking, so he didn't turn as many heads.

"Hey? You with me?" Piper snapped her fingers in front of Annabeths eyes and she focused back on the conversation at hand. 

"Sorry what did you say?" Annabeth asked, opening her locker and shoving some books into her bag. 

"I was saying, that after school you should come with Jason and I on a study date. I think Leo is coming too, and maybe Frank and Hazel, but I haven't asked them yet... anyways, will you come? I need your help for that chemistry test!" Piper exclaimed rather excitedly. Annabeth suddenly realised just how hyper Piper was acting. It was like she had taken Leo's Adderall and her eyes were bright, her expression was laid back and easy. Like she was relaxed and happy. Annabeth wished she could feel the same way as her friend. Happiness looked good on people, and Annabeth craved it, although her growing hate for her step-monster made it near impossible. 

"Annabeth! What is going on with you? Why are you so... spacey?" Piper asked, snapping Annabeth out of her thoughts once again.

"Sorry, uhh yeah sure, sounds good, text me the details." Annabeth said, waving her away. Piper smiled brightly. 

"Oh my God yes! It's gonna be so much fun, Jason discovered this underground cafe thing and promised he'd take us all to check it out" Piper shut my locker and walked with me towards our Biology class.

Pipers eyes visibly lit up when she noticed Jason down at the other end of the hall. Realisation hit Annabeth like a truck. Why hadn't she realised before? 
"You really love Jason don't you?" Annabeth asked, nudging Pipers shoulder playfully. Piper scowled light-heartedly and Annabeth grinned. Love was a strong word. A feeling Annabeth felt deprived of. Yes she loved her friends, her father, when he was around. Yes she loved her brothers as annoying yet innocent as they were. But this was different. Both Jason and Pipes seemed so…. Bright. Like nothing in the world could tear them apart. So yes, love was a big word, but an accurate one and Piper didn't object, which only solidified Annabeths suspicions that the two were totally already together. 

"And your making official tonight aren't you? That's why you want us all to go! This isn't about studying! Of course! Leo would never agree to study outside of school if this wasn't some sort of important thing." Annabeth exclaimed excitedly and Pipers eyes widened.

"How did you work that out so fast? It was supposed to be a surprise! None of you were supposed to know!" Piper sighed, exasperated. 

Annabeth grinned.

"Girl, you and Jason being madly in love is as obvious as coach hedges love for baseball." Annabeth said and Piper rolled her eyes. 

"Whatever, just promise me you'll come tonight anyway, and act surprised? You know, cause why not?" Piper pleaded and Annabeth nodded.

"Yeah yeah, I'll be there." Annabeth sighed, slumping down into her seat at the back of the room. Piper sat down next to her.

"Oh, and Percy is coming." Piper whispered as the teacher started the lesson. Annabeths cheeks visibly reddened again at the mention of his name. 

Piper smirked knowingly and Annabeth glared at her.

"So what? I don't care:" she mumbled quickly before tilting her head and reading the white board obsessively. She began to take notes on the session, but she could feel Pipers prying glances burning into her face. 

Annabeth pushed all thoughts of Percy out of her mind, but her brain kept bringing up the conversation she'd had with him the other day, about Annabeth owing him a fun time. She most certainly did NOT owe him anything.

Especially after the incident with Leo and Coaches office, Annabeth didn't want to see anywhere near that trouble-maker.

If only she knew she would be seeing so much more of him, in the days and weeks to come...

Chapter Text

Annabeth

Annabeth walked into the underground speakeasy beside Piper and Leo. Jason had asked them to meet him there and it was an understatement to say the place was cool. Kingsley stables was what it was called and it wasn't exactly a bar, but not a restaurant either. Booths covered the walls and people of all kinds conversed in warm conversation. There was a fire place on the far wall with flames licking at large logs. In the centre of the large room the bar was tended to by a tall red-headed man with a ginger beard, his eyes were kind. 

There were a few teenagers and a few adults, and it wasn't too busy but had just enough people to feel comfortable and lively. Annabeth immediately felt better. There wasn’t anyone there they knew, and it was warm and lovely, a stark contrast to her home at the moment, with her step-mother prowling the halls.

But what interested Annabeth the most was of course, you guessed it, the architecture. The walls were made of a warm red coloured brick and archways covered one wall and the bar. Warm, yellow, low lights hung from the ceiling from rope wires and there was a huge feature wall covered in real greenery, which a waitress was watering on a ladder.

"Wow." Piper breathed and Leo whistled.

"This place is dope." He remarked and Annabeth could only nod. It was dope. It was the dopest speakeasy she'd ever been to.

Piper spotted Jason in a booth on the other side of the bar and they all walked over, Piper grinning like an idiot and Leo picking up a soda from the bar along the way. Next to Jason, Frank and Hazel were already sitting, their knees pressed up against each other and they were smiling at the new addition to the group warmly. The two of them really were cute together, Annabeth thought.

Annabeth slid in next to Piper who slid in next to Jason. Their shoulders were touching and they were giving each other small glances that were meant to be subtle, but in reality were extremely obvious. 

A waiter took their order for drinks and they chatted for a while, then finally, he walked in.

He was wearing a plain white shirt and faded blue jeans. He looked good, even his hair wasn't as messy as usual. But it was still pretty ruffled. He waved at them when he entered, his eyes lighting up and a grun stretching on his lips.

He slid into the booth next to Leo and winked at Annabeth before saying hi to everyone. She felt her cheeks flush a little and tried to ignore the small flutter in her stomach. She avoided eye-contact with him, even when he glanced back at her, his eyes boring into her as her cheeks seemed to get redder. She hoped no one noticed, and she hardened her face to make the flustered feeling go away, glancing back up at him again.

"What was that look?" Percy voiced and Annabeth looked up again to realise Percy was talking to her.

"What look?" She asked, raising an eyebrow. Percy stared at her questioningly. 

"That glare you just gave me! What did I do?" Percy asked, his voice loud over the noise of the place.

"I have no idea what you’re talking about." Annabeth scoffed peering down again at the drinks menu.

"You totally did, Leo you saw it right? She totally glared at me." Percy nudged Leo and Annabeth looked up again, rolling her eyes.

"I guess so." Leo said hesitantly and Annabeth sent him a thunderous look. Liar.

"I didn't glare at you or give you any look!" Annabeth raised her voice, her temper getting the better of her. Percy shrugged and put up his hands in defence.

"Okay fine, my mistake." He chuckled a little uneasily and Annabeth looked back down at the menu with her eyes narrowed. This night was going to be very long with Percy pissing her off every time he opened his mouth...

———

"But that's not my best prank, my best prank I pulled off was in 5th grade when I dumped flour all over Mrs Dodds, and the year after that I -" 

"-alright buddy, we get it, you like pranking people." Jason rolled his eyes at Leo's excitement. Leo shrugged and grinned, proud of his pranking past before Piper spoke up.

"Why did you guys do that stuff to Coach Hedge anyway? Don't you think you’re a little too old for that stuff now?" Her expression was disapproving and both Leo and Percy simultaneously replied with a brief:

"No."

"You do realise Coach has a baby on the way right? He's probably stressed enough as it is." Hazel said and Frank rubbed his thumb over her hand. Leo just shrugged. 

"Who cares? Making fun of coach is the best thing ever, I mean did you see his face?" Leo burst into laughter and Percy was grinning beside him.

"Poor guy practically had steam come out of his ears." Percy exclaimed and Annabeth glared at him then. He caught her eye and smirked at her disappointed expression. His smile then faded and he slowly drew his eyes away from Annabeth and back to Leo.

"But Hazels right Leo, we should really lay off of him, he needs a break" Percy said and Leo's laughter died.

That was weird. Why'd Percy switch up so quickly? And why did Annabeth have something to do with it?

"I still have no regrets." Leo mumbled and Percy patted his back. Soon our second round of drinks arrived (non-alcoholic of course) and Annabeth gripped her cold glass of lemonade in her hands.

Jason cleared his throat and glanced at Piper. Piper stopped sipping her straw and smiled at him. Annabeth knew what was about to happen and kicked Percy under the table to tell him to shut up, as he was giggling with Leo about some irrelevant joke. 

"Ow!" He yelped and glared at her and Annabeth gestured to the two lovers beside her.

"We have an announcement." Piper declared and Hazel and Frank looked away from each other’s eyes and focused on them.

"Oh my God it's finally happening." Leo breathed and Percy shoved him, spilling his drink in the process.

"Jerk." He muttered before focusing back on Piper and Jason.

"We are..." 

"-moving schools? Leaving me? Gods, Spit it out!" Leo cried and Annabeth rolled her eyes.

"We're uhm, we're together." Jason said awkwardly and there was a moment of silence. Suddenly Leo jumped up out of his seat and yelled out across the whole area.

"NOO!" He cried and Annabeth sunk down a little in her chair in embarrassment as people started to watch Leo's little melt down.

"Pay up Valdez" Frank said, putting his hand out along with Percy. Annabeth rolled her eyes yet again. Did they seriously bet on this?

"You bet on us?" Piper exclaimed, clearly a little offended. Percy shrugged.
"It was easy money, Leo's too in denial about being a third wheel for the rest of his life and it was obvious you two were gonna get together eventually." He explained and Annabeth scoffed.

"You guys are such boys. Congrats guys." She said, turning to Piper and Jason. Piper smiled back, but Jason’s gaze was fixed on Piper, he kissed her cheek and Leo made a retching noise.

"I'm gonna be alone forever." Leo wailed, over dramatically. He fished out two ten dollar bills from his pockets and slapped one in Franks and Percy's hands, who happily pocketed them.

“What about that girl from the party? She was into you wasn’t she?” Annabeth asked, feeling sympathetic.

"She broke it off, said I was too hyper active, whatever that means." Leo muttered and  Annabeth felt sorry for him all of the sudden. Percy was trying not to laugh. Insensitive? Maybe.

"It's okay Leo, you'll find somebody." Jason reassured and Leo shook his head miserably. 

"When Jason? Huh? Frank and Hazel are all over each other, now you and Pipes, next minute Percy will be confessing his feelings for Annabeth and I'll still be all alone!" He cried and Percy did a double take and choked on his drink.

"What did you just say?" He asked, his lips downturned into a frown.
Don't ask why Annabeth was looking at his lips.

"I said I'm gonna be all alone!" Leo said as he buried his head in his hands with Hazel comforting him.

"No Leo, before that. About me having..." Percy looked utterly disgusted and Leo looked up.

"You and Annabeth! You're clearly made for each other, both of you are stubborn as fuck and have chemistry that could rival Bill Nye the science guy!" Leo complained and Percy put his hands up in defence and shook his head rapidly, Annabeth kind of just stared in shock, not even glancing Percys way.

"I do NOT have feelings for Annabeth!" Percy exclaimed and Leo raised an eyebrow.

"Yeah Leo, have you been living under a rock? I HATE him!" Annabeth gestured to Percy and Leo looked at her with an expression that said 'do you though?'

"Wait what do you mean you hate me?" Percy asked, now looking at Annabeth.

"I mean you get on my nerves Jackson! Jesus you’re so oblivious and cocky it's insane!" Annabeth blurted out, suddenly feeling very defensive. Percy looked taken aback.

"Look your no princess either you know! Your whole stuck up 'I'm smarter than you' act pisses me off just as much!" He retorted and Annabeth leaned over the table and looked him in the eyes. Her temper rising. Here we go again.

"I'm not stuck up, I just know how to read and write! Can you say the same?" Annabeth snapped and she heard a gasp come from beside her.

"Annabeth!" Piper gasped but Annabeth didn't care how harsh she sounded. Percy looked at her with fire in his sea green eyes.

"At least I don't go looking for trouble like you do! Wondering the streets at night practically asking for danger." Percy scoffed and I rolled my eyes.

"Your one to talk! Pissing off Luke Castilian not once, but twice? Messing with Coaches office? Is that not 'looking for trouble' also?" Annabeth fought back and Percy scowled. 

"At least I had reasons! And I've served the consequences of my actions! You, however don't seem to realise that there are consequences to yours as well! You blamed me for trying to help you and made me look like the villain!  Typical of someone like you!, Always playing the victim, well guess what, some people live in the real world, some people have real problems." Percy spat and Annabeths mouth dropped open in shock. Everyone stared at Percy as silence fell over the table. She felt a lump form in her throat. Percys expression was the most serious Annabeth had ever seen it. He looked almost scary with the daggers in his eyes. His fist was clenched, his lips pressed together. However, it only took a few moments for his anger to transform into a look of shock, and then perhaps regret.

Was that really what he thought of her? Was that what everyone thought? That she was just some stuck up bitch who didn't care about the consequences of her own actions? An attention seeker who seeked out trouble and didn't care what it did to others?

He had saved her, multiple times and yet she still threw him in the dirt about it. But she had apologised, but when she'd done that he'd shut her down. But how could he say that? How could he be so harsh?

She stared at him, hardly seeing him. Percy stood up from the table and let out a harsh breath.

"Thanks for inviting me, sorry for ruining the mood." He mumbled before leaving a wad of crumpled notes on the table to pay for his drinks and then promptly leaving. Everyone watched him leave in silence and Annabeth wondered how the fuck everything could have gotten so messed up just because Leo had suggested they might have feelings for each other. She felt a lump in her throat and shoved it down. It was one mans opinion. Percys opinion of her. Why did she care so much? Why did that cut as deep as it did? It didn’t feel right. Usually, she found she often enjoyed bickering with him, and usually being right. But this? This was completely different. Everything he’d said had come from a place of true dislike. Everything he said was what he felt was true. And whats worse? Annabeths sort of agreed with his words, as much as she wanted to defend herself, she found she couldn’t.

He wasn’t perfect either, that was for sure, but Annabeth was a horrible person. Maybe her step-mother was right about her. Maybe she should just be sent away.

Annabeth sighed and got up herself.

"I think I should go as well. Thanks Jason for introducing the place, it's really nice. And congrats on making it official." Annabeth smiled warmly at her friends before leaving her share of cash, grabbing her jacket and walking out the door. Her emotions all over the place, and her thoughts wild. 

The lump still stuck in her throat that made her want to sob.

What was this boy doing to her

Chapter Text

Percy

Percy left the speakeasy fuming. Their row had been heated, more so than any of their previous bickering ever was. Annabeth really had no idea, did she? She acted all high and mighty, like she was better than everyone else, going out after dark, seeking trouble and then getting mad when Percy tried to stop her from getting killed. And then she had the audacity to bring up Percy's dyslexia and treat him like he was stupid. And the audacity to act like she hadn't done anything wrong either. Her apology the other week clearly meant nothing to her and she clearly didn't care what her actions caused for others. 

Gabe for example. 

Percy had tried to help, and all he got was a beating that could've been avoided if it wasn't for her. And she had no idea. No idea the pain she caused. No suggestion that Percy actually cared. 

God! What was this girl doing to him? Why did he feel so on edge when he was around her? And why did he care? He should've just let those goons in the alley get her, He should've let Luke use her, and he shouldn't have taken her home after their close run-in with the cops. 

Don't think like that Percy. Don't say that. You could never let that stuff happen. Suddenly Percy didn't care about Annabeth's hostile feelings towards him, he had no choice but to help her, If he hadn't helped, then what kind of man would he be? What kind of person? A horrible one, that's what. But it was still Annabeth's fault that he had been forced to help and then suffer the consequences. If she just hadn’t been so goddamn reckless.

Percy sighed and hasted down the street with his hood up. It was beginning to darken, the shadows lengthening as the sun sunk below the buildings. Luckily, the closest subway station wasn’t too far and the cart was empty. He sat there with his eyes closed, his head resting back against the window as the train jolted along the tracks, lights flashing behind Percys eyelids. It was soothing, riding the train. Despite where it was taking him. Gabe would be home, and he could do nothing but hope he wasn’t awake. Percy didn’t know if he could handle more fighting. He was so tired of it.

Percy walked home in the biting wind and trudged up his stairs to his apartment. He entered it to find it in a mess. Gabe was passed out on the couch, beer cans surrounding him and trash. Percy sighed. Typical. He'd probably have to clean that shit up later. Well, he would have to, unless he wanted to be forced to choose between being locked in the closet or live in a trash heap. Percy kicked off his shoes and pulled his shirt over his head, feeling hot and annoyed. He went to the bathroom to brush his teeth. He was shirtless and he glared at himself in the mirror for a few moments. The bruise around his ribs was still there, though it had calmed down quite a bit. The swelling was gone, and so was the redness. But it was an ugly purble and blue coloure. It still hurt, and it was possible the bones beneath his skin were cracked to some extent. But things like this had happened before and he’d been fine taking care of himself. It probably wasn’t broken anyway. Percy decided he'd go to training at some point this week, he'd already had enough time off. Swimming always made him feel better anyway. Percy's eyes fell onto a small scar that sat just above his v-line. It was a thin, white line that marked a time in his childhood when Gabe had pulled a knife on him. He peered at it for a few moments before carrying on brushing his teeth.

He thought about leaving. Running away and never coming back. The thing was, he would if he could, but he couldn't. He was trapped. Here with Gabe in this toxic household. He couldn't leave his mom. Her grave sitting a few blocks away in an old, vandalised graveyard. He hadn't visited her in years. He couldn't bear to. He could hardly bear to even think about her. It was too hard. He knew she would want him to leave, to be strong and run away. But he had no money, no car, no place to go, and Gabe had a lot of dodgy friends that he would never escape. If he left, he'd never truly be safe. There was just no way out. Percy's hope was draining with every passing day. He was just a teenager, how could he possibly survive Gabe and his ruthless friends if they decided to hunt him down? And worst of all, how could he ever have a family or loved ones, knowing that he was putting them at risk? It was a conversation he replayed with himself in his head constantly on quiet nights like these. The more he thought about it all, the more hopeless he became. He instead tried not to think at all. ADHD doesn’t really let one’s mind do that however.

Percy checked the time. It was 2.30am in the morning, and he hadn't slept one wink. And here's why: 

He was wrong. So incredibly wrong with what he'd said to Annabeth that afternoon. He'd been awful. She didn't know what she'd put him through, and she would never find out. And that's not her fault. Guilt had been building in Percy's gut for the past few hours, and now it was ready to burst. He was a horrible person. He said horrible things, and he couldn't get her out of his head. He had to do something, he had to make things right. His words were harsh, he knew they were. He’d regretted them as soon as they were spoken. But his mind had been spinning too fast for him to comprehend a way to make it better. Now, hours later in the middle of the night, whilst lying in bed, the answer came to him.

Percy leapt up from his bed and yanked on some pants and shoes. He found a random sweater on the floor and threw it over himself before grabbing his train card. He crept as fast as he dared out of his apartment, fear pulsing through his veins at waking Gabe at this ungodly hour. He didn't turn back as he made his way down the stairs and out of his building, his blood pumping in his ears as walked briskly down the deserted dark street. It was black, misty, and the air was chillingly cold, but he didn't care. He slid down the railing that led to the subway and ran as to not miss the next train. The station was littered with sleeping homeless drunks and creepy old men who liked to prowl at hours like this. But Percy ignored them. He had somewhere to be. And it couldn't wait. He didn't care if she was asleep, he didn't care if she didn't want to see him. He had to apologise. He had to make sure that she knew he didn't mean it.

He jumped onto the next train that led to her downtown neighbourhood. He didn't even sit down, he just stood fidgeting by the door, ready to jump off and go to her. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the doors opened at her station. Taking two steps at a time, Percy finally made it onto her road. He knew exactly where she lived, he could remember that night clearly, it was fresh in his mind. It didn’t pass through his mind how seemingly creepy and stalker-like he was being. He was guilty, and agitated, and he couldn’t sleep anyway. In fact, it didn’t matter if she was asleep, he would wake her, because he at least deserved to explain himself.

He slowed to a walk as he approached her driveway. The lights were off, the oak tree that grew over her front yard rustled  lightly in the breeze overhead. The street lights were dim and warm coloured. 

Something bolted past him, a blur of black. Percy stumbled, stifling a yelp as whatever it was scuttered into the neighbours bushes. His heart was hammering in his chest and he grumbled as he stood up. Muttering under his breath about cats and their silly desire to scare the shit out of people in the dead of night.

Once he got his breathing back under control and brushed himself off, he stood there for a moment, listening in. There was no-one in sight, yet he still felt like he wasn’t alone, like he wasn’t quite safe. He brushed the chilling feeling off. This wasn't his neighbourhood, this wasn't Gabes neighbourhood. This place was safe. It was quiet. It was Annabeth.

Percy walked around to the back of the white painted house and found himself standing right below a second story window. There were a few stickers on the window. Percy had to squint to make out what they were. One was a Yankees logo, which told Percy it was her room. All Percy could do was hope that Annabeth didn't have a Yankees obsessed sibling he didn't know about.

The light was off and the curtain was drawn. But she was in there. Percy assessed his situation. Lucky for him - and every dumb teenage rom-com movie ever - there was another thinner oak tree that rose from the ground and protruded a branch that reached its barked arms directly in front of the window. 

"Welp, here goes nothing." Percy mumbled under his breath, before placing his hands on the trunk of the tree and beginning to climb. He scaled the tree easily, his large hands gripping easily onto the branches and his 'swimmers shoulders' as it were, easily aiding him on the hoist up. 

At Annabeths window, Percy took a deep breath. What was he doing here? Maybe he shouldn't be doing this. This was some creepy stalker shit.

Percy shook the thoughts from his head. He needed to apologise. He needed to make things right. He couldn't bear to see her the next day at school and have her look at him with hatred and disgust. And he didn't want to lose his other friends over this either. They'd all heard what he'd said, and they'd all been friends with Annabeth a lot longer than he had.

And so, Percy gently tapped on the glass. He heard no movement inside. No lights switched on.

Tap, tap, tap.

"Annabeth!" Percy whisper shouted and he heard his blood pump in his ears. 

Never mind, maybe he should just go...

And then the curtains slid to the side.

—————

Annabeth was lying in bed, staring at the ceiling. She'd been lying there still for the past 4 hours, thinking. Just thinking. About Everything. Her fight with Percy had been a lot more heated than the last few they'd had. She didn’t like it. Not one bit. She felt no satisfaction from what she had said. She only felt guilt, and shame. He'd called her stuck-up. A princess who lived in a world with no consequences for her actions. A know-it-all brat. 

She may be blonde but she wasn't some girl who lived on the upper-east side whose only shallow dream was to one day make the front page of a magazine. All Annabeth wanted was to get away from the stereotype that seemed to follow her everywhere every time she left the house. But now... maybe she was fighting that stereotype a little too much. She didn't want to seem dumb, so she tried extra hard in school. That's what hurt Annabeth the most, that Percy was kind of right about her. She did act like a know-it-all sometimes. But hadn’t she been hypocritical?

The thought occurred to her with a sense of rocks falling in her stomach. She suddenly felt heavy with shame and disgust in herself. She had been. She had judged Percy before she even got to know him. But he has been cocky, and arrogant, Annabeths voice was in her head, but she shoved those thoughts away and tried to see the situation with a more logical perspective. When had he actually ever acted remotely cocky? When had he ever acted even slightly like a stereotypical jock, one who didn’t care, who bullied and took advantage of people?

Her whole life, Annabeth had been running from stereotypes, misogyny and judgement. Yet, since Percy had arrived, instead of running, she’d hurled her problems at him, treating him as if he was the problem. As if he was the reason she felt dumb, felt judged and hated. But if he wasn’t the reason, why did she feel so agitated around him? Why did she feel like she couldn’t breathe when he was near, like her body was on fire? Why did she feel so defensive?

No, no, no, no…

She did NOT have romantic feelings for him. She couldn’t have. She’d spent her entire time knowing him, hating his guts. But hadn’t novelists and poets always described love to be exactly that? A feeling that made one so frustrated, so senseless that nothing would be made clear until that feeling was acknowledged? From a logical perspective, it made sense.

Annabeth hated it.

Annabeth wanted to hate him. But maybe, maybe deep down she could never.

And what he had said about Annabeth not owning up for the consequences of her own actions... what the hell did that even mean? It was like he was implying he had suffered for the choices she made, but he didn't have to help her. He didn't have to swoop in and save her like a damn hero every time she got into trouble. In fact she'd specifically asked him not to, yet, he still did. Three times. Was it the fact that he ignored Annabeths request to leave her alone, or was it her undeniable feelings for him that made her so angry that he would put himself on the line to help her?

Annabeth sighed and rolled over.

But was him helping her really an issue? Or did she secretly like his company, his comfort and the small sense of security he offered when she was with him?

He didn't have to help her, yet he did anyway. No one had ever really stuck their neck out for her like that. No one. Not her father, definitely not Helen. He was the first person who seemed to actually care. People had pretended to before, pretended being the key word. Luke had. Years ago. He’d pretended to be her friend. Once, their friendship meant the world to her. And then he ruined it all. Few people knew that about Annabeth and Luke, their childhood friendship. Annabeth had made it so, her friendship with Luke, whilst sincere to her, was never to him. And it was something she’d buried deep in her mind until now. She hadn’t felt that sore spot in her past in years.

Annabeth turned in her bed and checked the time on her phone. 3:15 am. She'd been lying there for hours, but she didn't feel tired. She just felt confused. 

You should apologise; Annabeths mind told her. She shook her head and rolled over again. If she apologised that would be admitting that she was in the wrong. And she had always thought herself too stubborn for that. Maybe she should put her pride aside and do it anyway. 

Maybe apologising was the exact thing she needed to do. To prove him wrong. To show him that Annabeth Chase isn't just some stuck-up bitch who's too selfish and stubborn to admit when she's wrong.

Annabeth frowned. Yes. She needed to apologise. Today. When she went to school, she would apologise. Annabeth nodded and buried herself in her covers once again. 

Tap. Tap. Tap.

Annabeth rolled over again to face her window. She peered in the direction of the small but significant sound. She could hear nothing but the gentle rustle of leaves from the soft breeze outside.

Then she heard it again.

Tap, tap, tap.

Annabeth sat bolt upright in her bed. Glaring at her window. She definitely heard something. But it was probably just the wind making a few tree branches tap her window. Surely...

Tap. Tap. Tap.

Okay that's it. 

Annabeth climbed out of bed and went to her window. She drew her curtains and let out a yelp at the sight of him. He was perched on the oak tree branch that stretched outside. He looked at her with wide eyes and gave her a tiny smile. It was like she manifested his presence, and Annabeth scolded herself for being so irrational. Why was Percy Jackson at her window?

Annabeth looked at him and frowned, her heart beating hard from the fright.

He tapped the window again and Annabeth stared at him confused, her thoughts whirring in her head.

"Can you let me inside? It's hella cold out here." Percy said, his voice slightly muffled from the glass, and Annabeth snapped back to her senses. She lifted the window gingerly and Percy promptly fell inside as quietly as he could, which resulted in a loud sound of him accidentally slamming the window behind him. He cringed and Annabeth listened for any sound of Helen down the hall. 

Nothing.

"You’re not very stealthy."  Annabeth remarked in a whisper, putting her hands on her hips, Percy smirked.

"Sorry." He replied.

"Now, what the hell are you doing here?!" Annabeth asked in a whisper shout, her eyes dark, suddenly on edge. He couldn’t just barge in here. This was her house.

"Relax princess, I had to talk to you." Percy said, looking around the inside of her room. His eyes lingered on the architecture blue prints on her desk.

"Call me princess one more time and I'll push you out of that window." Annabeth replied, snatching up her unfinished blueprints and shoving them in her drawer. Percy watched with interest and Annabeth rolled her eyes.

"Why are you here Jackson? What's so important that you couldn't wait till morning?" Annabeth asked and Percy stepped towards her. She stepped back.

"I, um... I wanted to... apologise." Percy shrugged and looked her in the eye.

Gods he was tall. And even in the dark his eyes looked so bright. But Annabeth was still nervous about him being in her room. Her stomach was fluttering at the thought of him seeing her personal life, her space where she decorated the walls in her thoughts, her blueprints, her books. Everything she had was in this room, as if her personality was on display.

"You.... What?" Annabeth asked, kind of flustered from the fact that he was in her room, towering over her with his steely gaze, and only just realising that she was wearing a silk set of short shorts pyjamas. This was not proper at all.

"I'm sorry, I should have waited till we got to school... I should just go." Percy said, suddenly panicked as he gestured back to the window and began to back away. Annabeth grabbed his wrist and felt tingles shoot up her arm at the touch. He stopped in his tracks and looked back at her.

"I wanted to apologise too. I um, I said some horrible things back there that I didn't mean. And I'm sorry about... you know, making you save me all the time." Annabeth looked down and let go of Percy's wrist. He was silent. 

"And I guess... I guess I'm also sorry that you weren't wrong. I've been a total jerk to you over the past six months and I've been a total know-it-all and you have every right to call me a stuck-up princess and -"

"-You don't have anything to apologise for." Percy interrupted and Annabeth looked up. She was about to open her mouth to argue before he continued.

"I'm the one who's been a jerk. I've got into trouble, I've said things I didn't mean, and what you said about me being cocky and arrogant is true. And... and I want to change." Percy looked down into Annabeths eyes and she felt her heart stutter.

"...I want to change too." Annabeth said quietly, feeling overwhelmed. He shook his head and smiled.

"You don't need to. You’re not so bad. You’re pretty funny sometimes you know. Not to mention smart as hell.” Percy was smiling now, his eyes kind. Annabeth felt her chest tighten at that smile. She smiled back at him, feeling uplifted, and heavily confused. Where was all this coming from?

“You’re not so bad yourself.” Annabeth replied, a little sheepish. They stood there staring at each other, red climbing up their cheeks as they smiled. Percy was shy, she could tell, and so was she. It was unlike her to feel this way around other people. Usually she liked to fill silences, usually she was comfortable enough to have conversations with anyone, but with Percy, she felt at a loss for words. Maybe it was the fact that he was in her room. Maybe she just felt vulnerable. She hoped it wasn’t what she thought it could be.

“Look, I know we’ve had a rough start. We got off on the wrong foot maybe, I-I don’t know,” Percy was stuttering, his hand nervously kneading the back of his neck, “I just don’t want to be at each others throats all the time, I don’t even know why we are, honestly, I mean if I had it my way we’d be friends, W-we… I don’t know, I get that I’m an idiot sometimes, and I totally am a complete –“

Then Annabeth stepped forward. He stuttered some more throughout his rambling, his eyes widening as she stepped closer. She didn’t know what she was doing, or why. But he was being really annoying, chattering away like that, maybe if she just…

She stood up on her tippy toes, and silenced him. Their lips met. And you know that feeling that romance writers always seem to talk about feeling when your experiencing your first kiss? The one with the fireworks in your chest and the butterflies in your stomach? That’s how she felt, except better than she could have imagined. Her skin was buzzing. Her lips were moving her eyes were closed. Her hands were on his face, her thumbs outlining his sharp jaw and her fingers in his fluffy and messy hair. It wasn’t like their first kiss at all, the one they’d shared all that time ago in that closet, with Percys panting breathes and trembling body. This time, he was still, stunned, his breath stolen from his throat.

At first he froze. But he quickly melted under her touch. His shoulders physically untensed and his hands found Annabeths waist. He leaned forward, as if desperate, needy for it. He groaned a little into it, as if in relief, and Annabeth felt her heart jump at the sound. Before this, the notion that Percy was good-looking was an irrelevant factor. Now, now she relished in it. In his strong, slightly rough skinned hands on her hips, her pyjama top sliding up as she stood to expose bare skin. Skin Percys hands latched themselves to. They stilled, their lips still working together as if in harmony. It was tentative, soft. Another side of Percy Annabeth had never seen. The kiss only lasted for seconds, but it felt like minutes. 

Annabeth was almost out of air when Percy finally stepped back and stared at her for a while, his eyes wide and his mouth parted in shock.

Annabeth suddenly felt her cheeks grow hot and she took another step back, Percy's hands left her waist and hers left his shoulders, but she couldn't help longing for his touch.

Out of the blue, she felt self-conscious. Here she was in her silk short pyjamas, and kissing him without his permission or knowing if he even liked her. She knew nothing but the fact that she couldn't help herself. Not when he looked like that. He hadn’t always been kind, or polite, or her friend. He had his moments of insincerity, but he had always looked like this. He’d always been attractive. Even if Annabeth had tried to deny it. And whilst sometimes naiive and annoying, he had never ignored her. He had never shut her out. Not like Luke had. And Annabeth instinctively knew that Percy wasn’t pretending either.

Suddenly, all she could think about was how much he seemed to care. How he filled that hole in her chest that Helen dug out with her coldness. And her father neglected. In the end, he really was just a good person, and she'd been awful. And now she's kissed him, when he probably didn't even like her that way, or in any way for that matter. 

God, What the fuck did you just do? Annabeth thought frantically.

"I-I'm sorry, I shouldn't have done that, I should not have -" but he cut her off. Without hesitation  he closed the gap between them and his lips went crashing into hers. Annabeths hands automatically went around his neck and his went to her cheeks. He kissed her passionately and she found herself stumbling a little, but he steadied her with his strong arms.

Chapter Text

Percy

Percy opened his door quietly. It was still light outside, the afternoon sun slowly sinking but still relatively high in the sky. Clasped in his hand was another's. Annabeth. She smiled at him as he dragged her into his apartment. 

"Remember the last time we came here?" Percy asked and Annabeth laughed. 
"If you’re going to start lecturing me on your opinions on Marvel, don't." She smiled and Percy rolled his eyes.

"And how you drool when you sleep." Annabeth added and Percy's face flushed red.

"I do not." Percy mumbled and Annabeth stepped closer to him. Her eyes were stormy grey and her hair was tied loosely behind her ears. She looked effortlessly beautiful and Percy felt his stomach flutter as she looked up into his eyes.

"If you let me stay the night for once, I'd be able to prove it to you." Annabeth smiled and looked at Percy expectantly. His smile faltered.

"I told you, you can't. My step-dad will be home later and he's pretty strict when it comes to girls staying over, he’d kill me." Percy managed a smile and Annabeth rolled her eyes. He wished she would understand the truth behind his words. The meaning of the death threat he made out like a joke. It wasn’t a joke. That kind of thing had never been a joke for Percy. Because it was so true it made Percy sick to his stomach just thinking about it. The gun in Gabes bedside table was loaded. It would only take a few drinks, a few pills, a simple pull of a trigger. It would take very little to kill Percy Jackson, and whilst he smiled and laughed, and pretended, he knew it was within possibility that Gabe would do just that, if Percy messed up badly enough. Percy wasn't sure if bringing Annabeth over counted as ‘messing up badly enough’, but he sure as hell didn’t want to find out

"Who cares? What's he gonna do? Ground you?" Annabeth laughed and raised her eye-brows at Percy.

"Seriously? What do you have to lose? It's just one night" Annabeth reasoned and Percy averted his gaze from her. She had no idea. No idea about what Gabe was like. No idea about what Gabe would do if Percy disobeyed him, or made him angry. 

Why was she pressing so hard on the matter? He'd already said that she couldn't stay. Why did she have to be so stubborn? 

It's because she doesn't know, Percy reminded himself. As far as she knows, Gabe is just a little strict and having Annabeth stay the night would probably only get him grounded. Reality was so much crueler than she realized. Percy suddenly had the briefest of fears, the smallest inkling of thoughts that chilled his bones, made him feel sick. His death might be on the cards, but was hers? If Gabe got angry enough, could Annabeth truly be in danger?

"I'm sorry wise-girl, not tonight okay?" Percys tone was almost pleading and Annabeth sighed but smiled at him.

"Okay Seaweed brain, maybe some other time." She replied and Percy felt relief seep into his veins as she dropped the topic.

"Want to watch a movie?" Percy suggested and Annabeth nodded. The two teens got comfortable on the couch and Annabeth curled up close to Percy. Her head rested on his chest. His heart seeming to pick up the pace at how close she was. She didn't seem to notice. Percy flicked on a marvel movie and placed a hand on Annabeths head.

He stroked her blonde hair and she hummed with content. Melting into his touch. Percy relaxed completely. Everything was perfect, he was watching a marvel movie, Gabe was out, and the girl of his dreams was in his arms, her head on his chest and her hair in his hands. She was gorgeous. Percy couldn't help but almost feel sleepy. 

Percy was just drifting off to sleep when he heard the sound of keys jingling in his door. 

Then the panic set in and the blissful moments seemed to slip through his fingers, Percy unable to keep a hold of them.

"Annabeth! Get up." He whisper shouted, quickly shifting her up so that they were both off of the couch.

"Percy? What's wrong? Is that your step-dad?" Annabeth asked, her voice even and oblivious, she had no idea the danger she was in.

"Annabeth listen to me, go to my room, lock the door. Don't come out no matter what. Please, do as I say." Percy said urgently, his voice low. He was beginning to tremble, Annabeths hand was on his upper arm, he was sure she could feel it. Percy didn’t care if she heard the fear in his voice, there was good reason to be afraid, she needed to understand that. He heard the door creak open and before Annabeth could open her mouth again to question him, Percy directed her to the hallway and closed the door of his room behind her. All he could hope was that she'd stay in there. No matter what.

"Hey runt!" Gabe shouted from the living room. Percy made his way to him, his head hanging low. 

"Hey Gabe, how was your day?" Percy asked politely and Gabe grumbled on about some idiot drivers on their street. Then Percy did something stupid. Something totally avoidable. Something he didn't mean to do. On his way back into the living room from grabbing his step-father a glass of bourbon, his hands were shaking, his heart was pumping madly, his hands sweating. Percys stomach dropped with the glass. 

Glass shattered everywhere, bourbon spilled on the floor and Percy's eyes widened as panic set in. 

"You stupid kid!" Gabe shouted and Percy began to pick up the shards with haste.

“I-I’m sorry.” Percy was scrambling to pick up the glass now, his head kept down, maybe if he didn’t make eye contact, Gabe wouldn’t have reason to hurt him. Wishful thinking, he knew. He hissed as glass cut his fingers.

"You insolent little-" Gabe thundered over to Percy and shoved him hard, pushing past him into the kitchen, his steps shaking the floor. Glass stabbed into Percy's hands as he struggled to get out of the way. 

"You’re an idiot! A fool! Clean this up now." Gabe shouted, pouring himself another drink. Percy looked at his bloodied hands and his breath hitched in his throat. Was that it? Was it over? Was Gabe done with him? 

Then he felt the blow. Glass shattered on the back of Percy's head. He slumped to the ground, his eyes immediately squeezing shut as the dizziness took over. There was something wet seeping into his eye and he could taste blood. Shit shit shit. 

"That'll teach you to be more careful boy." Gabe grumbled and Percy shook his head before attempting to clamber back to his hands and knees. He was still conscious, which was a good thing, but he was dizzy and his hair and face were sticky with blood. Maybe it was okay, he had probably just busted an eye-brow, he could clean this up, he could hide this away, he still needed to clear the glass.

Percy heard Gabe thunder away to the living room and he finally managed to get up off the ground. 

"Percy?" A female voice sounded and Percy's head immediately snapped up to face the voice. Annabeth stood in the doorway, her expression one of fear,  shock, confusion. Her mouth was agape, her hand over her stomach as she looked at him. Percy had never felt so ashamed. 

Gabe’s eyes widened from the living room couch, which could be seen through the open door on the other side of the kitchen. 

"Annabeth get out of here." Percy managed to mutter out, before his mind whirled again and he nearly sank back to the floor. Annabeth rushed over and sank to her knees in front of him.

He told her to hide. Why didn't she stay put? Why did she have to come out? She was going to get herself killed. 

"Percy! What did he do? Are you okay? Your face..." Her eyes were wide with horror, as her voice shook. Percy gestured for Annabeth to go. To leave and never come back. To save herself, His voice failing him. But instead she helped him to his feet and reached for her phone.

"No don't-"

"If you dial that number, you nor your boyfriend will live to see the light of tomorrow." Gabe growled, and Percy heard the cock of a gun directly behind him. He slowly turned. And Annabeth dropped the phone in fear.

"What a pleasant surprise." Gabe smiled wickedly and Percy's blood ran cold. No, no, no, this wasn’t supposed to happen. Percy had been SO careful. He’d thought they were safe, even just for the afternoon. He never should have brought her here. He never should have been with her in the first place.

"Please, she won't talk just let her go." Percy said, his hands raised in the air defensively and his body placed in front of Annabeth in a weak form of protection.

"You've finally done it kid. You've done something stupid. You know I can't have people running around to the cops and spreading lies." Gabe said, stepping closer.

"Lies? About what? The fact you abuse kids? The state of Percy right now is proof enough that it's not a lie." Annabeth said bravely and a Percy just wished she would be quiet. She didn't want to make Gabe mad. And threatening him? Even worse. He probably looked worse than he felt, he was just a little dizzy and his head stung a little, though blood was wetting the side of his face, hot and sickly.

Gabe scoffed. 
"I discipline him. There's a difference. And he deserves it." Gabe growled, the gun in his hand still raised and pointed towards Percy's chest. 

"You’re a monster!" Annabeth yelled and she made the mistake of stepping out from behind Percy.

"Annabeth please, be quiet..." Percy pleaded but Annabeths horror in her eyes had been replaced with anger.

"He deserves it! And you know what I -"

BANG.

Percy flinched. Hard. He felt the blood drain from his face and he looked back, Annabeth looked as shocked as him, her mouth clenched shut. Behind her, there was a bullet hole in the wall. Gabe had missed, no one was dead. The relief was short lived. Annabeth was trembling whilst Gabe reloaded the gun.

“Gabe please, I promise, I won’t see her again, I’ll drop out of school, I’ll work for you, Please just let her go.” Percy was begging now, his body frozen in place. Gabe was smiling, enjoying the tremble in Percys voice, enjoying the fear in Annabeths eyes. How had everything fallen apart so quickly? How had Percy allowed this to happen? His begging, he knew, would likely make no difference. Gabe couldn’t let Annabeth go, the risk for him was too high. She could go straight to the cops. No matter how many promises he made, no matter the truth behind Annabeths vow of silence. But Percy had to try, he couldn’t do nothing.

“You’re pathetic, kid.” Gabe said quietly, he had no smile on his face now. His expression was neutral. Percy knew it was no good sign. He wasn’t joking around.

“Percy-“

Percy saw Gabe’s hand clench over the trigger before the bullet was released. His body moved as the bang rang out. Gabe was on the ground before Percy even heard the sharp exhale of breath from behind him. Percy drew back his arm and launched his fist into Gabes face as hard as his body would allow. Bone cracked, blood spurted from Gabes nose and Percys knuckles, which cracked on top of it all. He punched again. And again. And again. Percy, too afraid to look behind him. To scared to see the damage Gabe couldn’t take back, no matter the pain Percy inflicted on him. No matter the words Percy begged from his mouth. What’s done was done. It was a non-refundable payment. A bad hand dealt and time irreplaceable.

Gabe was limp under Percys hands. Percy was shivering, his stomach churning as he turned, ever so slowly back.

Annabeths face was pale as a ghost. Her eyes glazed and the stormy grey replaced with a film of tears that wouldn’t get the chance to fall. Her mouth was open as if in mid-sentence. She had released her last breath, a breath too early taken, and her body was still, blood pooling around her neck and shoulders from where it seeped out of her chest and soaked the carpet.

Percy's heart stopped. The world was quiet. And he felt nothing, yet everything all at once. No words could explain his rage, and his regret. No words could explain his guilt and remorse. He had no words left. Nothing at all, except pain. Blood was on his hands, hers and Gabe’s, and they would never be clean again.

———————

Percy awoke with a start. He was soaked in sweat. His chest heaving up and down with heavy breaths as he fought to regain oxygen. His face was wet with salty tears and it felt like his sheets were strangling him, his room closing in.

He rolled out of his bed and tried to open his window wide, it was still jammed shut and he still hadn't gotten it fixed. He let out a small whimper which he failed choked down and then sat down heavily on the floor, leaning against the wall. He took a shuddery breath and ran his hands through his hair. It wasn’t real. He told himself this over and over. Rocking back and forth as if he could rock away the fears that plagued his mind.

His head was throbbing and there was a lump in his throat that was making it hard to breath. The sky outside was brightening. The crappy New York street below was busy with life in the early morning. People were heading to work and school. Drunks were starting their first drinks, or finishing their lasts. 

To them it was a normal day. But all Percy could think about was his previous nightmare, and how much it had scared him.

Gabe had killed Annabeth. Percy knew of the very real gun he kept in his drawer. He knew of what Gabe could do if he really wanted to. Having that thing in the apartment alone was enough to make Percy realise something completely imperative to everything, something that he knew would have to be. There was no other way...

He couldn't be with Annabeth. He couldn't kiss her again. Ever. He hadn’t even had a chance yet. He hadn’t even gotten the opportunity to tell her how he felt, how he could feel about her. And that chance was stripped away within a few hours of sleep. A few seconds of realization that uprooted a fear so deep Percy couldn’t choke it down. Grief and mourning. That’s what Percy felt. For the life he could’ve led if Gabe wasn’t in his life. But he was. And it gave Percy no choice. He couldn’t, he just couldn’t put Annabeth in danger. He wouldn’t allow it. It was safest for her. It was a long-term solution. The only solution.

If he did... well, if he ever gave in to his desires and let Annabeth in, she would get hurt. And there was no way Percy was ever letting that happen. There was no way Percy would allow her to join him in this pathetic life of dictator. He just wouldn't allow it. Annabeth deserved better. 

What was he thinking? Of course it had to be this way. Percy didn't deserve her anyway. 
In fact, he didn't even like her. She's impossible remember? She's stubborn and high-strung and a lot of work and she looked really good in those short pyjamas. Gross Percy, real classy.
But she did look beautiful, even without a speck of make-up, even with bed-hair and pyjamas. She was gorgeous. She is gorgeous. And she's smart, stubborn, funny...

Maybe, just maybe... Percy had caught feelings.

Stop. What are you doing? You’re not allowed to feel that way. You’re not allowed to feel anything towards her. You'll get hurt. And she'll get hurt.

Percy then came to his conclusion. He would stay away from her. Make her hate him if he had to. But one thing was for certain... he couldn't be with her. Not now, probably not ever. Or Gabe would do something unforgivable. And Percy would never be able to forgive himself for letting her get hurt. 

And as hard as it would be to stay away from her, he had to do it. He had to do it... for her. Percy just hoped he was strong enough to resist.

Chapter Text

Annabeth

Annabeth didn't know what she did wrong. But for the following days after Percy's night-time adventure to her house, he had done nothing but avoid her. Every time she tried to meet his eyes, he was looking away. Every time she did manage to catch his eyes, he glanced away again so quickly it was almost as if he'd never seen her at all. 

Was the kiss really that bad? Had she made things too awkward and tense for him to bear? To her, it hadn't seemed bad at all. It had seemed... well, nice. Honestly, ‘nice’ was an understatement. Never before had she felt so alive. Her stomach had been fluttering with butterflies ever since, no matter how hard she tried to squash them down.

It was an odd feeling for her, not being sure of herself. Usually, she knew exactly what she wanted, she knew her emotions well. But when it came to Percy, ever since she had met him those several weeks ago, she felt lost and, for the first time in her life, undoubtably excited for the future unknown.

Annabeth walked into history class for the last lesson of the day, and there he was. Sitting in all his glory. His hair was a mess as usual, although she didn't mind it so much, it made him look scruffy, in a cute kind of way.

What the hell are you doing Annabeth? Feelings are just feelings. They’d go away soon enough, Annabeth was sure of it.

Maybe it was best that he stayed away. They had never really gotten along. They were both too stubborn for their own good. Maybe he had just come to the realization before she did. But something was nagging at her. Making her feel like this wasn’t what was supposed to happen. They couldn’t just leave it like this, could they? They couldn’t just kiss and then ignore each other without understanding the others stance in the situation.

Also, this was highly unusual for Percy. He wasn’t one to back away, if they were anything alike, which they undoubtably were, no matter how much Annabeth despised herself for admitting it, then he would want to clear the air too. He wouldn’t leave things complicated and messy like this unless he was truly stumped on what to do, or, unless something was in the way of him opening up.

Now Annabeth was curious. What if he was hiding something, what if he secretly regretted the kiss, the apologies, the moonlit adventures?

She was going to find out what was going through Percys head. She had to know. It was in her nature to be curious, but this was different, Percy was avoiding her and she needed to know why.

The perk, she found, of not knowing, was the satisfaction it would give her to know. That’s why she craved knowledge. That’s why she couldn’t stand staying curious for too long. Curiosity, as wonderous as it made her feel, made Annabeth anxious if it was divulged for too long. Suddenly it felt imperative that she know everything about Percy. From his past to his present, to what he wanted with his future. Even if she had extremely mixed feelings about him, She felt a need to learn every inch of him. Every strand of his thoughts. She wanted to know his feelings for her. She wanted him to say them aloud, she wanted him to tell the truth and leave out no detail. But Annabeths past experiences with him informed her that he was not an easy guy to get answers out of. It was clear he had secrets. Possibly very big ones. Especially regarding his past and the magnitude of schools he got kicked out of.

Annabeth had secrets too. Of course she did, she wouldn’t trust someone without secrets, people who let everyone see everything. Annabeth had never fully divulged the details of her home life. Of her step-mother and her neglectful father. She’d never told anyone of her falling out with Luke, those who’d known them to be friends back in the day were ignorant to the details. The notion that others had secrets too made her giddy with curiosity and anguish that she couldn’t know them all. Of course, she did have a sensible side of her, one that told her that she wouldn’t really want to know everyone’s secrets. That some secrets were best kept hidden. That prying into someone else’s life was intrusive and wrong. The rational side of her told her so, but the side that knew she couldn’t trust Percy without knowing more told her to ignore those thoughts.

A horrible person she was. Awful.

Annabeth jolted when the bell rang, signalling the end of the day. She’d been wrapped up in her own thoughts as always, and hadn’t got much school work done. On the other side of the class Percy had just walked out of the door into the hallway of massing people leaving school. Frantically, Annabeth shoved her things into her bag and ran after him. She had gone the whole day without talking to him, and she didn’t want to spend another night torturing herself with thoughts of him. She wanted to clear the awkward air, ask why he was avoiding her.

Percy

It was easy to hide in a crowd. He could hear Annabeth calling his name, but Percy just pushed through the people until he was finally outside, pretending he couldn’t hear her over the noise. He jogged down the school steps and glanced back to make sure she had given up her pursuit. Percy didn’t see her, so he relaxed a little, slowing his pace as he walked down the street towards the subway entrance with a handful of other students. He was just about to put his earphones in when a hand tapped him on the shoulder. He turned to see Annabeth, deflating on the inside at how beautiful she looked right then. She wasn’t wearing her Yankees cap, but had her hair cascading down her shoulders. Her lashes were long and she looked up at him through them now.

Percy knew it would be hard to stay away from her, He knew he made it awkward by doing it anyway. He knew they would probably have to talk at some point. Since last night, Percy had decided that he wouldn’t be able to handle her hating him, even if it was probably for the best. That meant that the best he could do was to keep her at a distance, but not cut her off completely. This, as it turns out, is even harder than just telling her to piss off. It’s so much harder trying to keep her friendship but resist her all at the same time. How would he survive this way? Seeing her every day and being able to do nothing? Say nothing? Keep his feverish thoughts to himself?

“Oh, hey.” Percy smiled at her, a genuine soft smile. She raised an eyebrow at him, questioning.

“You’ve been avoiding me.” She said, bluntly, nudging shoulders with him as they walked.

“No I haven’t.” Percy said quickly, looking ahead rather than at her accusing eyes, which were trained on him.

“Yes, you have.” She replied. Percy sighed.

“No, really, I’ve just been really tired, that’s all. Didn’t get much sleep last night.” Percy smirked then, hoping this would deter her. She smiled slightly and Percy couldn’t breathe for a moment. She had such a nice smile, soft. Percy recalled what her lips felt like on his, the memory pleasantly prickling his skin.

“Yeah, neither.” Annabeth replied, now looking down at her feet, her smile still on her lips, as if she was smiling to herself. She looked up again, to find Percy already staring at her. It took everything in him not to remain there, staring at her eyes, her lips, her face in general. But Percy looked away again, clearing his throat and adjusting his backpack on his shoulder.

They walked in silence for a few moments, Percy thinking frantically about what he could possibly say. How was he supposed to tell her that they couldn’t do this? How was he supposed to convince himself do so, when every part of him told him to just kiss her, and see what would happen? It was still highly likely that she didn’t even like him. And Percy wasn’t even sure about his own feelings. All he knew was that the further he fell the harder it would be to cut it off. The harder it would be to resist her charm.

Percy felt almost sick with nerves. Why did he feel this way? Why did he feel like his chest was tight whenever she was around? For as long as Percy had known her, the tight chest and annoyed feelings, the blushes and the quivering of hands had been from a place of dislike. He had disliked her. He had thought her stubborn and rude. Smart and beautiful. All at once. It was just so confusing, because now, he realised those were the same feelings, the blushes and tight chest, the quivering of hands and the heated thoughts, they were all the same feelings he’d had when their lips were locked together, when his hands were on her. Maybe hate and desire weren’t so different after all. Maybe all this time, he’d been attracted to her.

Percy hated to think he was so clueless about his own self. He hated to think what this could mean for her, mean for him. Now, he was more sure than ever that he must keep her away. Because he was so unwillingly head over heels for her. And he had been. Possibly all this time. He was hanging on the edge of a cliff, he was about to fall, he needed to pull himself up now. Before he plunged.

“Annabeth-“ He began, but Annabeth had opened her mouth at the same time.

“What are we doing Percy?” She asked, her smile gone, her eyes questioning. The street had cleared considerably, the subway was behind them now, Percy ignored it and continued walking. He wasn’t so keen on going home anyway.

“I don’t know.” He answered truthfully, his voice quiet as he stared straight ahead, then looked down at her.

“We can’t just ignore what happened.” Annabeth said.

“You’re right. We can’t.” Percy replied, his thoughts jumbled, he wished he could pull himself together. He wished she would tell him she didn’t like him, tell him she regretted the kiss, and leave him be. Maybe things could go back to normal. Maybe he could manage to love her from a distance. Maybe it was for the best.

“So why are you?” Annabeth asked, almost gently, but when Percy looked at her, she was looking at him with a firm stare, one that was stubborn, one that was questioning and piercing. Percy sighed, stopping in his tracks and running an anxious hand through his stubborn hair. He looked around before walking into a nearby alleyway, Annabeth close behind. Percy leaned against a bricked wall, his chest whirring with butterflies at the sight of her as she stood opposite him, hands in her pockets, At least here, they were sheltered from the wind and it wasn’t as loud.

Percy opened his mouth to begin.
“I-I just…” Percy shut it again, looking at his feet as he scuffed them along the ground.

“It’s complicated and I –“

Annabeths lips were suddenly on his. Warm and full of want. Full of need. The kiss wasn’t rough, nor tentative. Percys hands instinctively went to her hips, he leant into her, enjoying it, needing her closer than she already was. She was warm, a stark contrast to the chilled air around them. Percy pulled her closer, out of sight from the street where cars were driving past. They were close to school, anyone could have seen them, but Percy could think of nothing but the girl he had in his hands, the girl who had him wrapped around her finger. He was undoubtably infatuated by her.

Don’t do this to her. She doesn’t deserve this.

The voice in his head was insistent, and Percy pulled away, pressing his lips together and closing his eyes, his expression pained. 

“We can’t.” Percy managed out, Annabeth stepped away from him, out of his hands. Come back, another voice pleaded inside of him. Percy told it to shut up, already feeling the cold begin to replace the warmth. Percy opened his eyes to see her crossing her arms expectantly.

"Why not?" She asked boldly, and Percy looked down at his feet once more, feeling agitated and annoyed that this is where his miserable life has led him, right into a situation where the girl he wants, the girl he has unwillingly wanted since the start, is within his reach, yet his hands are on fire.

"We just can't, I'm insufferable remember?" Percy says, looking up with a weak smile.

"Feelings can change, people change." She whispered the last part. She looked almost conflicted, as if she was taking a risk. Percy knew what it was like to take risks. But whatever Annabeth was risking surely wasn’t life and death, and Percy couldn’t put that weight on her shoulders, he couldn’t risk her life without her even knowing. If they were going to do this, she would need to know. Which is why they couldn’t do this, because Annabeth would never find out. Not if Percy had anything to do with it. Therefore a possible relationship between them was unforeseeable. Maybe the reason Percy felt so strongly attracted to her was his own sense of rebellion. Rebellion against Gabe, and the choices Percys home life stripped him of.

"Not all people." Percy was compelled to say, thinking of Gabe, thinking of himself. He wouldn’t one day magically become fearless of his step-father. He wouldn’t just randomly become invincible and unafraid. He would remain the same, for as long as he would live. He’d known he’d always feel this way, the fear was one of those things that was a part of him. It’s what made him who he is, as if the fear ran in his veins, as if it was wired in his brain. He didn’t doubt the future he could see stretching out in front of him. Gabe also wouldn’t change. He’d also remain the same. Change was something that wasn’t on the cards for Percy. It never had been. And, he’d sort of made his peace with it. Yes, eventually he’d grow older and move out, maybe get a job. A family seemed unrealistic, because Gabe would grow old too, or he’d drink himself out of a job. Gabe didn’t have anyone else. Percy was his only family. Gabe couldn’t have always been like this, once upon a time, Sally Jackson had loved him. What would she say if Percy abandoned him? Gabe was his responsibility. No matter where he went in life, Percy knew he’d always be tied to Gabe.

"What are you so afraid of?" Annabeth was looking at him with wide confused eyes. She wasn’t annoyed, she didn’t seem mad or upset. Just curious and clueless.

"You getting hurt, that's what." Percy replied truthfully.

"I won't get hurt, why would I get hurt?” Annabeths expression and tone turned to exasperation. He was being vague and difficult, Percy knew. But when had he not been? Hadn’t he always been secretive? It was second nature by now. And difficult would be an understatement, he’d never really made life easy for himself, the way he sought out trouble to disguise the fact that deep down he was struggling to keep his head afloat, no matter how much he tried to swim. Saying you got into fights frequently for the greater good (Not that he didn’t but that’s beside the point) is a lot more courageous and endearing than admitting he’s being abused by his father figure to the point of no return. It’s better than admitting how afraid and alone he really is. Better than being victimised by everyone around him and treated as if he’s fragile.

“Because I’m not a good guy. I’m a selfish, cocky jock am I not? Haven’t you been saying that this whole time?” Percy could tell Annabeth was taken aback. Just because the things he said were untrue didn’t mean the things she said were lies as well. Whilst he may have been angry enough in the moment, never, never did he once have truth behind what he said. She wasn’t an insufferable know-it-all, she was smart and calculating, she was someone who didn’t want to be underestimated. Percy however, he knew he wasn’t always the kindest, yes he was no Luke, but he keyed his car, and often let his anger force him to say things he didn’t mean.

“How do you know I wouldn’t hurt you?” Percy continued, raising an eyebrow at Annabeth.

"Because I know you, your kind, and caring, and a little bit of a douche, and occasionally a total jerk. But you’re not capable of hurting the people you care about. I think it’s against your nature" Annabeths voice was soft, quiet. She said it with conviction, Percy could tell from her expression that she wasn’t lying. She meant what she said. And Percy wished she’d never said it all, but he couldn’t help the increased rate of his heart. Against his nature. Percy was pretty sure his nature was to hurt those around them His nature was to run, like prey from a hunter. Percy had a feeling Annabeths perception of his nature was very wrong indeed.

"How do you know I care about you?" He asked, unsmiling, unsure. Everything was silent as Percy awaited her answer. You’re not capable of hurting the people you care about. She was so blatantly wrong about him. He may care, but he wasn’t as amazing as she made him out to be. And hadn’t he tried? Hadn’t he tried to conceal his feelings? But then again, why would she ask that, if it wasn’t obvious to her? He clearly hadn’t done a good enough job, laying low on the whole relationships thing.

"I don't. But a girl can hope a guy feels the same way as them can't they? I care about you Percy. I have for a while. The trouble you get into… It’s not okay, I don’t like seeing you hurt.” Annabeth said so with a small exasperated sigh, as if she was frustrated by this revelation of hers. She cared about him, Percy realised, but she wasn’t happy about it, she wished she didn’t but she did, and Percy felt utterly hopeless. Both of them wanted this, both of them wished the tension, wished the spark wasn’t there. But it was. And it was getting harder and harder to ignore. Percy found himself stepping closer, She was busy looking at his eyes, her expression frustrated.

"You care about me? A douche, a total jerk?" Percys mouth was agape, like a fish out of water. He didn’t know what to say. He had too many thoughts, too many bad ideas. This wasn’t right. She wasn’t supposed to feel this way either. He wasn’t supposed to lead her on, he should never have flirted or teased, how did this happen?

“How can I not?”

That words hung in the air between them. Suspended as they both fell silent, Annabeth looking at him with a small curl of the lips, her eyes twinkling. Percy’s breath hitched in his throat. Why did she have to do this to him? Did he even hear her right? It wasn’t like she outright said she felt… romantic things for him. She implied it. God knows she implied it. With the stolen kisses and lasting glances. But experience made him defensive.

“Why? Why would you do that. Don’t do that.” Percy looked away, feeling sheepish as heat creeped up his neck. Annabeth cocked her head.

“Do what?” Her smile was fading, Percy wished he didn’t have to do this. He wished he could let himself feel it all. He wanted her to like him, and now that she was so obviously deciding to give him a chance, for whatever reason, he couldn’t take it. He just couldn’t. It wouldn’t be fair.

“Say that.” Percy replied, his voice quiet, it was beginning to get a little harder to breath. She was so close to him. He must have stepped forward again at some point, or maybe she had. He honestly didn’t know.

“What? That I might have feelings for you? Because I do. Maybe I don’t want them, maybe I’d prefer to hate you. But I’m sick of pretending Percy. I want to know what’s holding you back, I want to know what this is. What this means.”

She gestured between them as if ‘this’ could ever hold any meaning. Percy knew it couldn’t.

“It means nothing. I-I don’t have feelings for you. I don’t.” Percy blurted out. The blatant lie. It was the most untruthful thing Percy had ever said. And he didn’t regret it. He couldn’t. Even when it made Annabeth flinch. Even when she instinctively stepped back as if she had been shot, her eyes widening. Percy was in a frozen state. Body tense, jaw locked. She raised her hands – Percy flinched. She folded them in front of her chest. Her throat bobbing as she swallowed. It was several moments before she spoke, her expression one of hurt. It was worse than their most brutal fight. The guilt clawed at Percys inside. He kept his expression solemn, his lips pressed together into a thin line. This was for the best.

“That’s how you feel then?” Annabeth asked, her voice surprisingly steady. Percy only nodded, his eyes flicking to the wall behind her, then to the light street and the cars passing by. He didn’t want to see her face, her eyes and their silvery hatred for him that had just undoubtably returned, if it had ever been there at all to begin with.

“I-I’m sorry.” Percy dragged his gaze back to hers. She wasn’t looking at him, her sight far away, as if she was thinking about something else.

How did everything go to shit so quickly? So dramatically? How did they go from hating each other, to having irresistible feelings for one another, to ignorance, and now to betrayal and hatred again? It was overwhelming, and Percy felt way out of his depth. He was better off not getting close to anyone at all, ever. Maybe if he’d never apologised, continued to pretend to hate her, this would never have happened.

Percy opened his eyes, not even realising he’d shut them tight in frustration, to see only the brick wall in front of him, plastic bags and leaves blowing on the floor in place of where Annabeth had been, but was no longer.

Percy squeezed his eyes shut again, pursing his lips and banged the back of his head against the wall behind him, before sliding to the floor. He felt more alone than he’d ever felt before in his life. He felt numb.

It took ten minutes for Percy to recover enough to stand, sighing out a long breath before leaving the alley and heading home, where Gabe awaited to remind him of why this all had to be. Of why he had no other choice.

Chapter Text

Annabeth

Annabeth had made a mistake. How could she be so naïve? So ignorant to the bigger picture? Annabeth touched the pads of her fingers to her lips, remembering the warmth of Percys mouth on them. It did nothing to comfort her, it only made her feel cold, and stupid.

It means nothing. I don’t have feelings for you.

Then why did Percy feel the need to come into her home to apologise in the dead of night? Why did he kiss her back? Multiple times? If Annabeths thoughts and feelings weren’t jumbled before, they most certainly were now. Annabeth had been so silly, to think that a guy like Percy would ever like her back, to think that his apologies were sincere.

Annabeth was lying on the grass in a secluded spot in her local park. It was a weekend, the air still brisk but the sun was shining through the canopy of leaves above her. She had a few books beside her, and upon sitting down here she had made an effort to let them swallow her up, whisk her away from this world… her mind had other ideas unfortunately. Now her earphones were in, and Annabeth was lying on her back, eyes closed. Her books neglected.

People passing by might look at her and see a calm teenage girl having a nap under a tree. Maybe she was listening to her favourite music, or a calming podcast. No, she was far from calm. In fact, all Annabeth felt was indescribable frustration and anger. She wanted to go to his stupid apartment, in his stupid building, and scream at his stupid face. She wanted him to give her a good reason, she wanted to take back all she had said, all she had opened up to him. When they had kissed in the alley, Annabeth felt as if she could say anything. In that moment, she had known the feelings were mutual. After all, how could a girl be so mindlessly infatuated with someone after just a few kisses, and how could a guy be so needy, so passionate, express so much with just a few movements of his mouth on hers, and yet… not feel a thing?

It means nothing. I don’t have feelings for you.

He’d said it so bluntly. His expression glazed over, neutral. It was like there really was nothing there. Like someone had cut a wire between them, even a wire that only connected them with bickering and mutual dislike and an undeniable deep rooted attraction. Whatever they’d had that drew them together, Whatever caused them to always talk, always fight, whatever compelled them to kiss and worry about the other… it was gone. Annabeth didn’t understand how she could feel as if she had gaping hole in her chest, even if there wasn’t really anything there to begin with.

The anger surged again, Annabeth twitched, her eyes remaining closed.

She had bled out to him. Her suspected feelings, her pride. She’d spilled her secrets like she’d spilled her sins, like she was an upturned hand of cards. She felt so vulnerable, she should never have told him she might have feelings for him. She should never have opened her mouth.

Annabeth had opened up to someone she thought might understand, might be able to name the feelings she was experiencing. They had seemed so in sync, both fumbling in the dark, but together. She thought they were on the same page, she thought they would come to the same conclusion if they just talked. Unfortunately she had misread the entire situation. Badly. And all she had received was a shameful rejection. One that made her toes curl and stomach churn. Annabeth huffed, yanking out her earphones and sitting up. She gathered her things into her bag and stood, swaying a little after getting up too fast.

Never mind. She didn’t need him. The feelings she might have previously felt were no longer there. They had been washed away with Percys words and actions. She didn’t need him to feel anything toward her. She didn’t need anything, or anyone for that matter. She was perfectly fine on her own. It wouldn’t’ve worked out anyway. He was too stubborn to admit he cared about her. She had mistaken her dislike of him and general loneliness as possible feelings for him.  Really, what she’d said was a mistake. She’d liked the kiss, perhaps even just the attention, but she didn’t like him, perhaps only the idea of him. The idea of being with someone. It was Jason and Pipers fault, and Hazel and Frank, all their lovey dovey relationship stuff was getting to Annabeths head.

Annabeth felt a little bit better thinking this as she walked towards her car, parked on the side of the road by the park. She felt agitated sure, but at least she wasn’t thinking about… damn it.

The thought crossed her mind briefly, like a leaf blowing past in the wind. Annabeth instinctively caught it, wishing she hadn’t as soon as it settled in her mind. Lukes betrayal was a lot like this. Annabeth was frozen sitting in her car, looking out at the cars passing in her side mirror, her hand on her key in the ignition. She didn’t move, feeling strange and nostalgic.

“I don’t care Annabeth. You’re the one who rejected me, not the other way around. We were never really friends, were we?”

Those words had stung like soap in one’s eyes when Annabeth had first heard them. She remembered flinching at the indifference in his tone. She remembered tears filling her eyes as her best friend revealed his true feelings. It had happened years ago, but Annabeth believed that no matter how it ended, Hers and Lukes friendship had always meant something to her. She still thought about the video games she’d played at his house when she saw advertisements of them on billboards. She still saw the old Luke in the photos she’d never brought herself to delete on her phone. Now, when Annabeth looked at him, she saw nothing but a shell of the person he once was. Maybe he’d always been that way, and Annabeth had been to blind to see it.

The thing was, they were best friends, Luke revealed his desire for more, Annabeth simply… didn’t. It wasn’t that Luke was unattractive. He wasn’t not her type. He was just like a brother to her. He bandaged her knees when she’d first scraped them on the pavement whilst roller-skating outside her house at thirteen. He’d seen her room, listened to her rant about her dreams, goals. Helen.

Then he’d ruined it. Then he’d tried to kiss her. He’d tried to-

It didn’t matter. Annabeth hadn’t thought about any of it in years. She didn’t ever need to. Maybe it wasn’t good to force it all to the back of her mind, but she did it anyway. It was better that way. Safer. She didn’t think about it every time she saw Luke. He might as well be a stranger to her now. People with a small, unimportant history. Nothing more. Annabeth wondered now if her past with Luke was the reason for all that was happening now. All her guarded feelings, all her panic and shame when she finally opened the floodgates. All her mistrust in Percy. Percy wasn’t Luke. Annabeth had to remind herself.

She turned her car key and put the hand brake down, shifting the gears into drive.

Her thoughts were jumbled again, rattling around in her brain, mixing the two situations together. They were two separate people, Annabeth told herself. So why did it feel like she’d been punched when Percy had admitted he had no feelings for her? Luke had wanted too much. Percy wanted nothing to do with her at all. Luke had stomped his foot on their friendship in anger as Annabeth told him she never thought of him that way, Percy had seemed sincere, then he’d pretended as Luke had, only to reveal it was all a lie. Only to end up ignoring her and pretending she didn’t even exist. That’s what she knew awaited her the next day when she went back to school. She knew for a fact that it would be awkward, different between them. The others would notice. Piper and Hazel would ask questions and Annabeth would have to tell them how stupid she had been.

But Percy never asked for anything. Maybe Annabeth was just oblivious to simple acts of kindness.

It filled Annabeth with dread. Had living with Helen, her issues with her father, and her past relationships like her one with Luke, had they messed her up? Had they turned her cold and bitter? Perhaps she was unlovable and unable to love. 

Percy

The weighted guilt of Percys shameful lie was pressing down on Percys shoulders for the days following. It was like he couldn’t breathe when she was near. He couldn’t focus in class, his thoughts constantly drifting back to her like gravity. Percys mothers voice also plagued him. What would she think of him? She would’ve wanted him to treat Annabeth right, give her what she deserved, Sally Jackson would disapprove. She would hate him. What Percy had done was nothing like Gabes wrath, but if you care about someone, you should treat them that way. If someone cared about someone, they wouldn’t lie and ruin everything, they wouldn’t lead them on, act like they didn’t care, when really, he cared so much. Too much. So much so that it put her in danger.

Ever since he saw her, ever since Percy first helped her all those weeks ago, ever since she had first yelled at him, he had been infatuated. He didn’t realise it then, but now he realised. She hadn’t really left his mind since. Whatever they had was complicated, but Percy had relished in it. Adoring her snarky comments, Adoring the disapproving face she made when he teased her, even when it was wrong. He had enjoyed making her smile most of all, the humour in the centre of it all that much sweeter due to the constant bickering around it.

And now he’d gone and fucked it all up. He had to remind himself that he didn’t have a choice. It wasn’t his fault. But it sure as hell felt that way. The thing was, he could go apologise. He could go confess that he did care, that he’d made a mistake. But eventually he’d have to break it off again, before it got to close to anything like a relationship, and they would only end up in circles.

Everything just sucked.

Percy walked into school on a rainy Monday morning, feeling nervous, his stomach tied in knots. Why? Because he didn’t want to see Annabeth. He didn’t want to see the angered looks she was sure to send his way. He didn’t want to experience the awkwardness that had settled over them like a thick fog. Jason and Leo were standing at the other end of the hall, near Percys locker, when they spotted him, they must have seen Percys brooding expression, because Jason waved a little nervously, unsmiling.

Great, Percy had forgotten that the last time he saw his friends he had snapped at Annabeth and stormed out of the place. They had no idea of what had happened between that time and now, and despite the apologies and the late night talks, really, nothing much had changed. Things were still tense, if not even more so, between Annabeth and Percy.

Percy sighed and made his way over to his friends, keeping an eye out for a certain blonde headed girl among the many students milling around him. Drew caught his eye and waved at him, he didn’t wave back, feeling uncomfortable. Ignoring her look of hurt, Percy opened his locker, nodding at Jason and Leo.

“Hey.” He said, a little awkwardly. Why was this so hard? He knew that the rest of them had known Annabeth for years before him. He knew they were all really close, but he didn’t expect the realisation to hit him this hard. That Jason, Leo, Frank, well, all of them, might hate him as much as Annabeth did. What if Annabeth had already told them all about what happened? Percy wouldn’t be surprised if they all decided he was too much trouble. In fact, he probably deserved it, what he’d done to Annabeth was awful. It was mean.

“Hey.” Jason replied carefully, Leo kept glancing at Jason before giving Percy a small cautious smile.

“I’m going to get straight to the point.” Jason said, his mouth clamping shut as Percy looked at him. His gaze must’ve been harsher than he’d meant it to be, and he softened his eyes quickly. This was it, they were going to say they didn’t want him near them. Annabeth had said something, and Percy was going to be cast out. He tried to come to peace with it. It was fair enough, yes he had found friendship with these people. More so than he had in years. Jason, Frank, Piper, Hazel, Leo… All of them had been so nice, they’d become so close, or at least that’s how Percy felt. But he’d hurt Annabeth, he didn’t deserve their friendship. Annabeth hated him, and now so did the others. Percy hated himself, if he was in their position, he’d do the same thing.

“What happened between you and Annabeth? You two were at each other’s throats, more so than usual. What’s going on?” Jason asked, and Percy was brought out of his thoughts, his shoulders still tense.

“Uhm, well… wait, has Annabeth talked to you? Do you know about what happened that night after we left?”  Percy closed his locker, turning to the both of them. Leo raised an eyebrow as Jason glanced at him. They looked clueless, confused. Annabeth hadn’t said anything? Why not? Why wouldn’t she jump on the chance to get rid of him? If Percy were her, his words would have turned whatever she felt about him before into hatred. Maybe Percy was being unfair. Annabeth, whilst Percy could see her as somewhat vengeful, definitely wouldn’t turn everyone against him. It wasn’t really in her nature. She had a heart, she wasn’t some monster. Percy didn’t know why it surprised him that Jason and Leo didn’t know.

“No, what the hell happened? Did you make up? Make-out?” Leo asked, his eyebrows pretty much flew up to his hairline when he said that last part. Percy sputtered and instantly felt his cheeks turn red.

“Well…”

“No way.” Jason’s disapproving glare directed at Leo switched to pure surprise. Percy scratched the back of his head awkwardly, he didn’t exactly want people to know about it, but he was a terrible liar (most of the time, unless it involved life and death) and there wasn’t getting out of this.

“Right on dude.” Leo stuck out his fist for a fist bump, Percy looked at him with an ‘are you actually serious’ face. Leo lowered his hand slowly, sighing, before looking up again with a sceptical expression.

“That’s a good thing right? You made up? Everyone’s happy now? I’m the biggest third wheel in the world kind of happy?” Leo asked, his and Jason’s expressions falling as Percy shook his head, pressing his lips together and glancing around again, wondering if Annabeth was at school yet.

“Not exactly, or well… not at all.” He muttered.

Jason and Leo exchanged looks before grabbing Percys arms and beginning to walk, dragging Percy behind them. Percy flinched and began to resist before relaxing his muscles, realizing where they were taking him. They entered an empty classroom, Jason checking for teachers before closing the door.

“What happened.” Jason sighed, leaning on a desk and crossing his arms. Percy closed his eyes and sat down heavily at the teachers desk, screwing his eyes shut and puting his head in his hands, leaning his elbows on the desk. He couldn’t care less if a teacher walked in right now, he just felt frustrated and foolish.

Percy started with the midnight adventure story. How he’d gone to her house, how he’d knocked on her window, and how she had kissed him. He was just about to explain the part where he stupidly kissed her back when the door opened, and Frank walked in.

“I got your message and came as soon as I could.” He exclaimed, a little red in the face as he addressed Leo.

“Start from the top.” Leo said to Percy before grabbing a white board pen and beginning to draw on the board. Percy sighed and started over.

…

“She kissed me and then she was apologising and I just, I don’t know, I wanted her to stop saying sorry, so I kissed her again and that was that, I left her house, telling her I should probably go and then I had to go ahead and ruin everything.” Percy put his head back in his hands and groaned.

“What did you do?” Frank asked, looking disappointed in him already. Percy felt a little self-conscious around Frank at that moment. Frank would never have done this kind of thing to Hazel. Frank was one of the nicest people Percy had ever met. But Frank wasn’t exactly being abused by his father at home, putting anyone who got close to him at risk. Frank had no reason to treat Hazel the way Percy had treated Annabeth. Percy had very good reason, no matter how awful it made him feel. Maybe if things were different, he’d be kind like Frank.

“We talked after school, and sort of kissed again.” Percy mumbled, not looking at any of them, the only sound in the room the one of Leos marker on the board.

“How is that bad?” Leo asked, not looking at him, still engrossed in his drawing. Percy hoped it wasn’t anything inappropriate, but knowing Leo, it probably was.

“That’s not the bad part. I kind of told her none of it means anything. And that I don’t have feelings for her.” Percy said, huffing and scrubbing at his eyes in frustration, leaning back in the chair and looking up at the ceiling. There was silence. Leo had stopped drawing.

“Well… Do you have feelings for her?” Franks asked, cautious. Percy could feel his friends eyes burning into him. Why was this so hard? Why couldn’t he just say no, and put this all behind him. If he said no, if he lied through his teeth, maybe it would be easier to pretend he didn’t have feelings. If he said no now, maybe he’d be able to convince himself that he didn’t have feelings for Annabeth, and then this whole thing would become easy. Instead, Percy muttered;

“I don’t know, maybe.”

He looked at Frank then, then at Jason, then at Leo, disregarding the drawing of an overly muscled frog on the board. They all looked confused to say the very least. Jason’s eye brow was raised, and Leos head was cocked to the side, his expression calculating.

“You don’t know?” Leo asked.

“I don’t know!” Percy replied.

“You don’t know?” Frank said, still appearing to be mighty confused. Percy understood why, things had always been easy for him and Jason. They knew they liked their girlfriends from the start, things were different with Percy and Annabeth. They led such different lives and had spent the past weeks hating each other, only to pull a one eighty and fall for each other, before hitting a giant brick wall that Gabe of all people had been building around Percys life for years.

“I don’t know.” Percy stood up exasperated.

“Does she have feelings for you? Maybe you’re both just in denial, you’ve acted like you’ve hated each other for weeks,  and now you’re both confused on where you stand. You should just talk to her.” Jason made a valid point.

“If she had feelings for me before, she definitely doesn’t now.” Percy muttered in reply, slumping back down in the chair again, wishing the floor would just swallow him up whole.

“You don’t know that.” Franks said gently. Percy snorted.

“Have you met Annabeth? She’s the most stubborn person I have ever met. She wouldn’t put up with shit like that from anyone.” Percy realised that her stubbornness might actually be a good thing. If she lost feelings for him (which may have already happened) then Percy wouldn’t have to worry so much about restraining himself, because she wouldn’t give him the chance to begin with.

Suddenly the door swung open and a teacher Percy had never met waltzed in. His eye brows flew into his hairline at the sight of the obscene drawing on the board, and then his gaze flickered angrily to Percy, who had just realised whose desk he was sitting in. Jason cleared his throat and Percy glanced at the board again, then back to Leo, whose ‘holding in a hysterical laugh’ face was close to psychotic. Percy felt a laugh bubble up inside him, and it found its way out of him before he could stop it. He clamped a hand over his mouth.

“Detention, the both of you.” The teacher announced, his gaze sharper than Mrs Kyms. He glared daggers at Percy, and Percy scrambled out of the leather chair and out from behind the desk. Leo put down the whiteboard marker and withdrew, failing to hide the smile that had spread on his cheeks.

“Sorry sir.”

“Won’t happen again.” Percy and Leo chorused, backing slowly out of the classroom behind Frank and Jason, who were struggling to hold in their laughter as much as Leo and Percy were.

The bell then sounded to signal the beginning of the school day, and Percy and Leo began to wander off to their first class. The laughter was good for Percy, despite remaining utterly hopeless and wishful that all his problems would go away, he felt a little bit better.

Then he spotted Annabeth and the smile on his lips fell. She was as beautiful as ever. Percy felt his chest flutter and willed the butterflies to go away. She was looking at him, her expression unreadable. Percy could barely breath, the memory of her lips on his haunting his thoughts. She rolled her eyes, looking away, before entering a classroom and disappearing from sight. Percy watched her go, almost in awe, wishing against everything that he could just go over to her and explain why he said what he said. He wanted so badly to make it all right. But he couldn’t. Leo was several steps ahead of him now, and Percy turned to follow. The next few torturous days stretching out before him like a void. How was he going to do this?

He remembered his dream, Annabeths emotionless pale face, the smoke from the gun rising into the already hazy air. He would do this. He had to, even if it meant breaking his own heart in the process.

Chapter Text

Percy

As he knew it would be, staying away from Annabeth was difficult. Especially when ones newly discovered feelings for her were, well, only newly discovered. The thing was, Percy had never really looked at Annabeth in such a way before. He had been so caught up in hating her, yet wanting to keep her safe, yet still hating her, that he didn’t see the things about her that had been there all along. Annabeth Chase wanted to be an Architect. That much was clear, ever since that night Percy had had a moonlight adventure to her house.

He would rather not think about the kissing part, unless he wanted to become very hot and flustered in a way that only made him think about her ten times more, in ten different scenarios, each more rude than the next.

He had seen the pencil drawn diagrams, the measurements and blueprints of famous buildings like the Arc de triomphe, and the Louvre. He had seen the small wooden models on her desk. They were beautiful, like pieces of art, crafted by delicate hands and a mind wide open. Percy found it endearing, not once had he ever paid mind to what his dreams were, what he might wish for himself. After his discovery of Annabeths passion, he had wondered if he had any realistic passions of his own.

Yes, once he may have wished to be an Olympic swimmer. And once upon a time, it may have even seemed achievable. But that was a boat that had long since sailed. Apart from that, Percy had nothing. There was nothing he could think of that seemed realistic enough. College, out of the question. He’d never be able to afford it and he wasn’t smart enough to get a scholarship, and even if he could get into a community college Gabe would never let him, and Percy didn’t have the money to move away. Working? Well, Gabe had demanded the other night that Percy get a job, and since then Percy had applied to a few places, where he might earn at least minimum wage to afford the bills. Gabe worked, but his increasing lack of sobriety was proving it hard for him to show up. As far as Percy knew, the only reason Gabe even had the job was because his boss owed him a gambling debt, and was essentially paying it off, unable to fire him until it was repaid.

In terms of careers, Percy hadn’t a clue what he was interested in. It wasn’t like he could be a grocery store bag boy forever (If they will even accept his resumé to begin with). He could start a business perhaps, make enough money to leave New York and Gabe behind him. But Percy wouldn’t even know where to start.

So, among worrying about the Annabeth situation and the Gabe situation, Percys mind was also occupied with the ‘Percys future’ situation, which may have been the most daunting out of the three.

Back to Annabeth. Another thing Percy had noticed about her that he hadn’t noticed before was the small scar on her neck. It was a thin white line, hardly noticeable but there all the same. He had seen in math class when she had sat down, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear, revealing the scar. Then she noticed him staring and Percy had flushed redder than a tomato, but that’s besides the point. He spent that entire class wondering what it would feel like to put his lips on that scar, imagining touching it with his finger and asking where she had got it, and who he needed to punch. He imagined her turning towards him, smiling against his lips as she told him not to worry. That it was only an accident from her golden childhood, one that Percy never had.

Percy spent the entire day reminding himself not to think about her, while simultaneously thinking about her none-stop. He watched how she wrote things on the board, (her handwriting was perfect by the way, much neater than Percys own, which looked like chicken scratch), as well as how she laughed with Piper and Hazel at break, not even glancing Percys way even when they were sat at the same table.

The others thought it bizarre, that they could hate each other, then kiss, then ignore each other like nothing happened. Leo called him a lovesick puppy on one occasion, after catching Percy shamelessly watching her as she did push ups in gym class, her face creased with effort in a cute way that made Percy almost need a moment to himself. He had proceeded to hit Leo, and remind him that his feelings were neutral towards Annabeth, that he neither hated nor was he attracted to her.

As he had said that however, Annabeth had caught Luke also staring at her and had gone on to call him out and say he was disgusting, which scared Percy and made his feelings for her increase tenfold.

It turns out, she was never the insanely stubborn, insufferable, know it all that Percy had once limited her to being. Well, yes she was stubborn as hell, but she wasn’t those other things. She was headstrong and clever. She stood up for herself, and Percy found himself missing the bickering and spiteful comments she used to send his way. It was almost… attractive, the way she spoke about him, even if the things she were saying were negative and often straight up rude. But there was something about the way she would call him seaweed brain…

Stop.

Percy needed to stop thinking about it. He had feelings for her. Yes. He admitted it, no matter how much he wished it wasn’t true. He’d never had, well, feelings before, so he wasn’t even sure if they were feelings, or if he was just incredibly attracted to her. Was there even a difference? Either way, Percy was certain of one thing, he did want to kiss her again. And he did want her to yell at him again. Because, to put it simply, it turned him on. Call him odd, call him sexually deprived, it didn’t matter, Percy just wanted to be near her and he couldn’t be, no matter what excuse he came up with. It made his life very frustrating to say the least.

Very frustrating indeed.

Annabeth

Annabeth walked into school cautiously, peeking around the door before fully committing to coming inside. The last person she wanted to see was Percy Jackson. The last person she wanted to even think about was Percy Jackson. At first, she didn’t see him, and she quickly retreated behind her locker door in hopes that if he were to appear, he would not see her first.

Piper and Hazel appeared by her side, Pipers quizzical gaze boring into her. Annabeth ignored them. She was not in the mood for interrogations. The last time Annabeth had seen them was that evening at the speakeasy, that evening before everything went to shit. As far as they knew, Percy and Annabeth were at each other’s throats, in a bad way, not a good way.

Piper cleared her throat, forcing Annabeth to at least look at her before she sighed.

“What?” Annabeth asked, busying herself with gathering her books into her bag.

“The other night? At the speakeasy?” Hazel prompted, both of them staring at her expectantly, even when Annabeth didn’t have much of a clue what they were even asking.

“What about it?”

“What’s going on Annabeth? You’re acting all distant, just now you came into school like you were hiding from the devil. Is something going on between you and Percy? What did he say this time.” Piper closed Annabeths locker, and Annabeth turned to the two of them. Wishing she didn’t have to explain the shameful vulnerable situation Percy had put her in, and how he’d immediately shut her down after she expressed actual feelings for someone for the first time in years.

Annabeth began with the guilt she had felt, her desire to apologise and then the tapping on her window.

The rest came out easily after that, Annabeth getting more and more frustrated the further into the story she got, because the more she thought about it, the more she remembered the little details, like Percys fingers in her hair, his warm hands on her hips. How his thumb had sort of stroked her skin, and made her body tingle with a single touch. It enraged her.

“Why on earth would he say that, he’s clearly head over heels, it doesn’t make sense.” Piper declared, clearly as utterly stumped as Annabeth was that night, when she had relayed the events over in her head. The truth is, after a weekend to think about it, a weekend without seeing his face, Annabeth had grown hateful once more of Percy Jackson. He was an awful human being, who came to her house, kissed her, dipped, kissed her again and immediately told her he had no feelings as if it was all a joke, as if none of it meant anything. Annabeth had just decided on something, she had just decided that she found Percy slightly endearing, she had just admitted to herself that perhaps she felt attracted to him even, and he ripped it all away with a few words.

“I don’t know, you tell me.” Annabeth groaned, feeling annoyed that Percy was the only person in this school that Annabeths curiosity could not be satisfied. He was an endless pit of questions, of what ifs, of maybes. He had secrets, that was for sure, Annabeth had always known that, but this was different, Annabeth was hurt. Was she unlikeable? Did his apologies mean nothing? Or was he scared? Perhaps of commitment? Did he already have a girlfriend, a secret one from a previous school? It was a game of twenty questions that she never got the chance to play, and it made Annabeth hate him so much, more so than she had in the past.

Especially because he won’t get out of her fucking head.

The bell rang and Annabeths gaze suddenly caught the unmistakable sight of a messy black crop of hair and the other three boys exiting a classroom. Percy was laughing, his grin intoxicatingly charming. Annabeth wanted to vomit. How dare he? He had thrown and spit on her feelings, and now he was laughing? Maybe everything Annabeth had once thought about him was right. He really was a cocky jock, the stereotypical high school bully, who used girls like play things. A certified ass hole, that’s what he was. Annabeth hated him, it made her want to scream. And then drag him into a closet and kiss him all over. She really was all over the place.

Annabeth clenched her fist as Hazel and Piper looked at her with concern.

“Are you okay?” Hazel asked, her eyes following Annabeths line of sight to the back of Percys head.

“Yes, fucking terrific.” Annabeth mumbled back, relaxing her fingers before she cut her palms with her finger nails.

This was going to be a very frustrating few days.

…

Annabeth spent the rest of that day simply avoiding Percy at all costs. She did not look at him, she did not speak to him. And he didn’t either, despite the few thousand times Annabeth could feel his gaze boring into her. Lunch was most awkward, Jason and Leo did well to keep the conversation going, but neither Annabeth nor Percy were interested in actually conversing with one another. Percy had fewer jokes to tell, fewer smiles to give, and Annabeth only got increasingly angrier. What did he have to be upset about? He was the one to reject her. Although rejection seemed a word too big for the situation. He had been the one to make things tense, awkward as they were. None of this, was her fault, she had apologised, and she had admitted to her faults. She had admitted that her feelings for him had changed, that she had been wrong to hate him so outwardly. He was the one that kissed her, led her on, and then thrown whatever they had in the trash.

This wasn’t her fault.

And what made everything worse, was Helen. She hadn’t brought home any more men, which made it VERY hard for Annabeth to gather proof to show her father on Helens cheating activities, but she stayed out late,  and sometimes she’d come early in the morning, having spent the entire night god knows where. Annabeth couldn’t say anything without hard evidence, knowing the influence Helen had on her dads life, and Helen was very good at leaving no tracks. Her dad was a stubborn man, he wouldn’t believe that his lovely wife Helen would do such things, not on Annabeths word anyway. Annabeth resorted to mostly ignoring it all.

Helen used every opportunity she had to torment Annabeth. Including that day after school.

“Work?” Annabeth asked, confused. She had had summer jobs here and there, but usually during the term she hadn’t much time after school, what with the two extra classes she was taking and her growing piles of homework. Annabeth was an over achiever, she knew that much. She wanted more than anything to get into a good college, one where she could study architecture, one where she could learn to create amazing things that she could be remembered for. Her father would likely never pay for it, so Annabeth was relying on her smarts to get her a scholarship into a great school.

Now Helen was asking her to get a job? It wasn’t the worst thing in the world, yes Annabeth would probably end up having to give her earned pay to Helen to help pay for the designer bags and shoes Helen had grown an addiction for, but at least she could have something to take her mind off of Percy and his stupid smile and stupid thoughts of his hands on her hips.

“My friend has offered you employment at a coffee shop. It’s minimum wage, but at least it might teach you some discipline. It’s the least you could do.” Helen said to her, her expression bored, clearly she was fighting an eye roll. Annabeth didn’t want to imagine who the friend might be, and nodded obediently, knowing just doing what she was told would save her some trouble.

Annabeth started work the next day. It was a coffee shop a few blocks away from her, and the hours Helen offered her for were harsh, but Annabeth would deal with it, if it meant staying on Helens good side, if she even had one. The last thing she wanted was for Helen to have more reason to complain about her to her dad. If Helen was this annoying to her father as she was to Annabeth, she might even succeed in annoying him into putting her up for adoption. Honestly, Annabeth wouldn’t put Helen past it.

Annabeth sighed and went inside, the sun still below the horizon, morning twilight brightening the sky past darkness. It was freezing, snow was definitely on the way and Annabeth wrapped her coat closer to her chest, her exhales coming out in big white clouds.

The bell rang as Annabeth pushed her way inside the shop, it was warmer in here, but only slightly. There was a blonde girl behind the coffee machine, a brown paper bag in her hand as she filled the coffee dispenser with beans. Annabeth cleared her throat and the girl looked up, scowling.

“You’re the new girl?” She asked, and Annabeth was a little taken aback by her tone. Her face was caked in make-up, her lips plump and red. She had a waitress uniform on, the buttons on her blouse purposefully left undone at the top to show more.

“Uhm, yes. I’m Annabeth. Chase” She said, feeling uneasy around this girl. The girl nodded, chewing gum rather loudly, and beckoned Annabeth around the side, towards the coffee machine.

“I’m Kelly. You ever use a coffee machine before?” She asked, her eyes lazily giving Annabeth a once over. Annabeth shook her head, and Kelly began to give her a run down on how everything worked, how hot to prepare it, how to make different drinks, the works. She then gave Annabeth a quick tour of the place, showing her the small kitchen in the back which opened a little later, as well as how to open and close the shop if she was the only one there. Annabeth learnt quickly, and then Kelly took her further into the back where a locker room was. Annabeths one had a name sticker on it, and inside was a uniform identical to Kelly’s. A black cotton skirt, white blouse and black apron. The skirt was shorter than Annabeth would’ve thought appropriate for a coffee place, but she didn’t complain. She was instructed to wear any black shoes she wanted, Annabeth noticed Kelly was wearing heels, and decided her converse would do just fine.

Then the shop opened and Annabeth got to work, making coffees (which was easy once she got the hang of it) and serving anyone who sought refuge from the cold outside. There were a few people who Annabeth recognised from school, but no one she’d usually talk to, and soon her shift was over, and it was time for Annabeth to get ready for school, which was only half an hour away from starting.

“Hey Annie, here’s your key, don’t lose it, or we have to get new ones made, your next shift isn’t with me, so see you whenever I guess.” Kelly flicked her a small silver key, which Annabeth caught, before she retreated to the locker room, getting changed into more suitable clothes for school.

She was just about to reach for the handle of the back door that led to the staff car park when the door swung open, two people stepping through, rubbing their hands together as the cold air blasted in.

“Oh! Sorry, didn’t see you there.” One of them said, and Annabeths jaw almost dropped, it would have if it weren’t so cold, the air causing her to clench her teeth. The boy was around her age, tall and moderately good looking. He had dark brown eyes, and a crop of dark brown tightly curled hair. He flashed Annabeth a smile, his teeth straight and white. Still, He’s no Percy Jackson, Annabeth found herself thinking. She smiled back at him out of politeness. The man behind him was older, perhaps in his thirties, with a ginger coloured beard and blue eyes. These must be the kitchen hands Kelly had mentioned.

“What’s your name?” The first one asked, the ginger one moving around them to his locker, eyeing the two of them up.

“Annabeth, I’m new.”

“I see that.” The guy smiled again.

“And you?” Annabeth asked, aware that she was late for school, but she didn’t want to be rude, especially not on her first day.

“Grant.” He replied, opening the door behind him and moving out of the way to let Annabeth through.

“It was nice meeting you, Annabeth,” He smiled again, and Annabeth smiled back.

“And you.” She said stepping outside into the cool air. He winked at her, before pulling the door closed behind her. Annabeth stood there for a solid minute before coming to her senses and making her way to her car, feeling odd. He seemed nice, she thought to herself. Maybe too nice? Had he been flirting? Of course not, Annabeth told herself she was being delusional. He was just being friendly. Either way, it was likely Annabeth would see Grant again, so she was at least glad that she didn’t embarrass herself. Annabeth put it behind her, the dreadful feeling of having a full day of school ahead of her weighing her down. Despite how awake she felt. Maybe it was the early start she had.

She turned the key in her car and reversed out, on her way to school.
She wasn’t looking forward to it to say the least. Was it too much to hope Percy just wouldn’t show up? Was it too much to hope he was sick at home or something? Annabeth found it very exhausting to have to ignore him all the time. Often she found her tongue forming a snarky remark at something he had said, and she’d have to bite it down, reminding herself that she wasn’t talking to him. Reminding herself that her anger would probably cause her to full on snap at him unnecessarily, which she didn’t want.

It was also increasingly difficult to not glare at him when she knew he was staring at her. And why was he always staring? It honestly got on her nerves. Everything about Percy actually got on Annabeths nerves. Why did he have to look like that while Annabeth as actively trying to hate him? Why was his laugh so contagious, when the last thing she wanted to do was laugh with him? It was so frustrating how every time he spoke his deep voice did something to Annabeth, making her stomach tighten and her chest flutter. It was infuriating. And Annabeth couldn’t stop it. But she would try. Gods she would try. Because he had chosen this. He had chosen to treat her like shit, and she was going to do the same to him. He liked attention, that much was clear, so Annabeth vowed to give him none. After only a few days, this was clearly working. He was getting desperate to grab her attention, to get her to look at him.

Honestly, it gave Annabeth satisfaction that she could make him feel that way. It made her feel good when he was looking at her, and she was giving absolutely nothing in return. Annabeths mood picked up a bit. Whilst it was hard to ignore him, it was fun when she succeeded in doing so, so she’d continue at what she was best at, ignoring arrogant people.

And Percy was the most arrogant of them all.

Chapter Text

Percy

Whilst all of it was Percys fault and he felt deserving of every cold shoulder she gave him, Percy was getting more and more agitated with Annabeth and her plan to just ignore everything he did. For days, Percy found himself staring at her, perplexed by how beautiful she had become. Or rather, how beautiful she’d always been, and how blind Percy apparently was. It wasn’t until she couldn’t care less that he really noticed the little things. Like the soft spray of freckles on her nose, how her hair had lighter strands peppered through it, natural highlights that sometimes made her hair almost white. Before, Percy had failed to notice how delicate and soft her hands were. Her palms and a few of her fingers were a little rougher, probably from using wooden pencils for her designing work, but that made Percy love them more.

It was sickening how quickly and dramatically Percys feelings had changed. And it was even more sickening knowing that they had an opportunity, he had an opportunity, and he threw it away. Now she barely saw him, probably didn’t even realise he was there.

He hated it. To say the very least.

He’d made very little progress in getting her to notice him, once he realised what she was doing. He had made jokes in the cafeteria, more than usual, his friends always in stitches by the end, Leo and Percy feeding off of each other and bringing tears to each other’s eyes. But the furthest he’d gotten was a tiny upturn of the corner of her mouth. And as soon as she realised Percy was looking, the beginnings of the smile had all but disappeared and she had turned away to talk to Hazel. Percy was left wondering if it had ever been there in the first place.

It left aches in Percys chest, every time she walked past him, saying hello to Jason and Frank but not to Percy, as if he was invisible. Percy sometimes wished he could be invisible, so that he could stare at her all day without feeling ashamed, without feeling embarrassed that she never met his eyes. He stole glances at her, hoping no one could see how pathetic he had become. He looked at her when she spoke in class, openly looked at her because that was the only time it was less pathetic to do so.

God, he just wished she’d look at him. He wished she’d argue with him. Make snarky comments about him. Tease him. Be mean to him in that terribly cute way she always was. But now she didn’t want anything to do with him. She didn’t seem hurt, or upset. She didn’t glare or scowl or talk shit about him to any of their other friends. She just didn’t care. And Percy did not like it one bit.

He knew he was being hypocritical. After all, this was an ideal situation for him. Theoretically. This way, they had no chance of being together and that meant she was as far away from Percy and Gabe as possible. But Percy still hated it. It wasn’t lost on him that he was prone to trouble. Annabeth had made Percys job easy for him, his job being to stay away from her, but frankly, he’d much rather have a little bit of a challenge.

So Percy did the exact opposite of what he had vowed to do.

Percy was going to talk to her.

…

After a very long ten minutes of following her around secretly, Annabeth was finally alone. Now was his chance, just before break ended, while she was on the way to the library to return a book. He walked behind her, ducking into a side corridor when she looked like she was about to glance behind her. He peeked around the corner, she was further away now, the book clutched to her chest. Percy hadn’t been to this side of the school much. He wasn’t really one for reading, considering the whole dyslexia thing. This meant he was rather lost as to where they were going, and didn’t realise he was following Annabeth in the opposite direction to the library.

He rounded a corner, expecting Annabeth to be within sight. The corridor was empty and Percy spun around. It didn’t actually lead anywhere either, well, not to a library, or any library Percy had ever seen. In fact, at the end of the hall was a big sign that said music room, so Percy was almost a hundred percent sure he wasn’t in the right place, if Annabeth was even ever heading to the library in the first place.

Percy began to walk, looking into a few classrooms as he went, not seeming suspicious at all. One of them had a group of students in it, most likely a club, and they all glared up at Percy as he intruded on them. Apparently they were in the middle of something important. Percy grinned at them, apologising before a ball of paper was thrown at his head and he had to duck out again.

Where the hell did she even go? Percy had been right behind her…

Suddenly a door opened to Percys left and a hand reached out, snatching his wrist and yanking him inside. It was dark and Percy immediately tensed up. His chest constricting.

“Why are you following me?” A voice said, before a light switch was flicked and Annabeth came into view. They were in a janitors closet, shelves littered with buckets and cleaning supplies lining the back wall. Percy felt a little better with the light on, at least he could see, but the space was still smaller than he would have liked. Annabeth was between him and the door, which as far as he knew at least wasn’t locked. Overall, he wasn’t too freaked out enough to go into break down mode, but he was rather uncomfortable. Even more so with the close proximity of Annabeth. All Percy needed to do was take two steps forward and she’d be backed up against the wall.

“I wasn’t following you.” Percy immediately denied it, feeling a little put out that she totally knew he had been following her. She raised an eyebrow then, knowing full well how full of shit Percy was. He really was a terrible liar. Well, about most things.

“Yes you were. I saw you duck behind a trash can.” Annabeth looked at him with one of those piercing glares of hers. Once upon a time, her attitude may have deterred him, made him feel defensive, now it just turned him on, and he seriously wished he wasn’t in a secret cleaning closet with virtually no space between them. It really was small, but if it was the only place to have an audience with Annabeth, then so be it.

“Fine, I might have been following you. Surprised you noticed, I thought I was invisible.” Percy used his mocking voice, scowling a little but feeling himself blush at the eye roll she delivered him. It was really cute when she did that.

“It’s hard not to notice when you are the worst stalker in the history of stalkers.” Annabeth retorted, crossing her arms over her chest.

“I wasn’t stalking-“ Percy started.

“-You were trying to but failing miserably.” Annabeth corrected, Percy getting more agitated by the minute.

“I was going to say, I wasn’t stalking you, I just wanted to talk.” Percy sighed, annoyed that he felt like he couldn’t breathe, and annoyed that he couldn’t tell whether it was because of the small space or the VERY good-looking girl in front of him who made Percy feel things when she scowled.

“Well?” Annabeth asked, inviting Percy to talk. Yet, he didn’t really know what to say. He hadn’t thought ahead this far if he was being honest. What was he supposed to say? He couldn’t exactly tell her he didn’t mean it. He wanted her to believe what he’d said, for her safety if not anything else.

“I uhm, wanted to apologise?” Percy offered feeling a little stupid because he now realised he had no explanation at all to offer whatsoever that wouldn’t result in him telling Annabeth the exact same thing he’d told her all those days ago.

“For what this time?” Annabeth sighed, her gaze almost bored. She knew exactly what Percy was referring to, she just wanted him to say it out loud. He could see it in her eyes.

“For saying none of it mattered, and for being an asshole in general. You know, the usual stuff.” Percy attempted a smile, but it came out as more of a grimace at how stupid he sounded. Annabeth stared at him.

“You’re sorry for not having feelings for me, is that it?” Annabeth prompted, raising an eye brow almost accusingly. Percy looked at her for a moment, shrugging a little before avoiding her gaze. He should never have come here, now he was making it worse. There was a long moment where Annabeth just stared expectantly at Percy, while Percy struggled with figuring out what the hell to say to that. If he said yes he would look like a fool. If he said no he’d be admitting to lying and actually having feelings for her. Which would lead to her asking why they couldn’t do anything about it, which would lead to very tricky explanations. Percy opened his mouth and then closed it again.

“I-I, well…” He ended up stuttering, feeling hot and flustered as Annabeth scoffed.

“Look Percy, I really couldn’t care less about any of this. What I said that day? It was curiosity, nothing more, got it? ” Annabeth looked him dead in the eyes. Percy gulped and nodded.

“Yes, ma’am.” Percy said, feeling that it was totally fair, and not heartbroken at all that her ‘feelings’ she might have had before Percy ruined it all weren’t really real.

“But please. I really hate you ignoring me. I miss you being mean and degrading me on a daily basis.” Percy smiled then, Annabeth rolling her eyes for the third time.

“You’d rather I hate you than ignore you?”

“Yes.” Percy replied immediately. Anything was better then this. He would rather have her hate him than not have her at all. He’s pretty sure if she stabbed him, he’d be happy about it. Possibly even turned on, what with his new found knife kink from all those nights ago. Was it the knife or the fact it was Annabeth that got him going? He probably would never get to find out either way.

“I quite like ignoring you actually.” The corners of her lips turned upwards, she was enjoying Percys befallen expression that followed. She had a mischievous glint in her eye, teasing and relishing of the fact that Percy was quite literally begging her not to ignore him. Oh, how pathetic he had become. The heat in his cheeks and the fact that he was still in a very small closet was beginning to get to Percys head. Was he getting light headed?

The air seemed to thicken a little, Percys head spinning, he was beginning to feel a little dizzy. Had she agreed to stop ignoring him? He couldn’t remember. Was she still mad at him? He hoped she wasn’t, because he had sort of lost the energy to keep up with the conversation he was currently having, the topic of which had seemed to slip his mind. Why were they even in here? Couldn’t they have had this conversation outside? Everything seemed a little silly now, like why he had followed her in the first place if all it did was land him in another small room situation. That’s right, he’d come to apologise. Percy suddenly thought he was pathetic and weak for thinking she’d even accept his apology, after all, she had no obligation to. This was his punishment. She didn’t accept his apology and she was getting revenge. Why else would it be difficult to breathe? Difficult to talk? She had dragged him in here, she remained hating him, it was the only explanation.

The edges of Percys vision were fading in and out, he blinked, trying to make sense of where he was, and why his chest felt like it was being sat on. Were the lights flickering or was he going insane? Hallucinating? Annabeth looked a little distorted now, her smile gone, she was leaning forward, saying something.

Percy couldn’t hear what she was saying. What did she say?

He tried sucking in a breath of air, it was muggy, too muggy. The air didn’t fit right in his lungs. Breathe, just breathe. He seemed to have forgotten how.

“It’s alright. Gods, Percy I’m so sorry, I completely forgot.”

Then there was air. They were in the hallway, Annabeth had her hand on his shoulder, leaning him against the wall while his vision came back to him. His throat opened up, he could breathe again. He gasped quietly, looking down and then back up. Disorientated.

“Huh?” He asked, dumbly. What had just happened?

Annabeth sighed in front of him, genuinely looking concerned.

“I’m sorry Percy. I wasn’t thinking.” She said, looking down, clearly annoyed with herself. Percy cocked his head to the side. What had they been talking about? Oh right. She must have said something mean, why else would she be apologising?

“I should be the one apologising. Really, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to say the things I said. I mean, I meant them, but… oh god…” Percy shook his head, squeezing his eyes shut, still breathing rather heavily, “…I’m making things worse aren’t I? What I mean to say is, I like you Annabeth, I really do, b-but as friends. Am I making sense?”

Percy spoke in a bit of a rush, not realising how less tense he felt after exiting the closet. He looked behind Annabeth at the ajar door that led to the closet they were previously in. The space was small in there, darker than out here. He realised with a spike of shame what had happened. Oh. Claustrophobia. Got it. He’d had a panic attack. It wasn’t anything out of the ordinary, though they didn’t usually happen at school, unless he was put in small spaces apparently. He wasn’t too great at recognising them, obviously, considering he only just realised what had happened.

Annabeth looked at him blankly.

“Percy… Are you okay? I just accidently dragged you into a small space and- “ She shook her head, looking back at him as if she only just registered his words. Percy was about to open his mouth to apologise again, for freaking out a bit there, he was embarrassed, but then Annabeth interrupted.

“-Wait you what? Percy what are you on about?”

Percy looked at her, deciding to forget about it.

“…You said you had feelings for me. And I’m telling you that that’s lovely, but I can’t give you what you deserve.” Percy sighed once more, despondent that it was the cold, hard truth, but content with the knowledge that it would keep her safe, from him and Gabe. From his ugly life. His sinful existence. This way, she might even remain friends with him. She might understand.

Percy shouldn’t have underestimated Annabeth and her pride. Clearly, mentioning the whole ‘feelings’ thing wasn’t the right thing to do.

“Huh? What’s that supposed to mean?” Annabeth said, clearly taken aback.

“My having feelings for you is lovely? Percy what the fuck? Didn’t you retain anything I just said? I don’t have feelings for you. As I said, that was curiosity, your stupid mouth made me delusional, you can’t just kiss a girl and expect her to-“ Annabeth trailed off at the sight of Percys smug expression.

“-expect her to not think something of it.” She finished slowly, narrowing her eyes at him as if it was all his fault that she’d admitted to something she shouldn’t have. Together, they stood there staring at each other, Percy with a smug expression, elated that Annabeth was flustered, despite being able to do nothing about it, Annabeth with her lips pressed into a thin line, frustration etched into her very breath.

“You flatter yourself, is all I’m saying.” Annabeth mumbled after a moment, looking away. She looked gorgeous when she was mad, her eyes a little fiercer, her brows furrowed as she thought of something witty, something clever to say. Percy couldn’t stop staring at her.

“Why would I do that when I could flatter you instead?” Percy said impulsively, staring at her, completely entranced to say the least. He scolded himself, he had just friend zoned her and now he was flirting with her? Great plan. Just faultless.

“You’re really beautiful, you know that? And I hate you for it.” Percy confessed, deciding Annabeth had already seen so much of his little pathetic life that he might as well go all in.She had her arms crossed over her chest, she looked at him quizzingly, she was confused. What there was to be confused about, Percy didn’t know, all she’d have to do was look in a mirror and know what he was talking about. The thought that she might be oblivious to her own perfection was ridiculous.

Percy stepped closer, feeling drawn to her, as if she was the centre of his gravity. She didn’t step back,  Percy felt his chest expand at the realization of this. If she didn’t step back when he stepped forward, maybe he could just…

Percy reached up and tucked a strand of her blonde hair behind her ear, She looked up at him through her eyelashes, her brow furrowed. Her expression was one Percy couldn’t name. She didn’t look happy exactly, she seemed more angry than anything else. But she didn’t move away from him, nor did she say a word.

“I really am sorry. For everything. I panicked a bit the other day, back in the alley. It’s nothing to do with you, I promise. And I know you don’t feel anything for me anyway. It’s just… complicated. I didn’t mean to be such a…”

“…dick? Such a man?” Annabeth finished for him. Percy breathed out a short laugh.

“Yeah. Those things.” Percy lowered his hand, his laughter trailing away. He didn’t want her to hate him. He wanted her to be his friend, if nothing else. He didn’t care how many times he’d have to apologise or rephrase it, he just wanted her forgiveness.

“You’re odd, you know that?” Annabeth muttered, looking at her feet, as if she didn’t really want an answer.

“I guess I am. A little.” Percy smiled, genuinely. They were still standing considerably close to one another. Neither of them moved away.

“Do you forgive me? Will you stop ignoring me? It really is torture.” Percys tone was light, but he meant every word. Annabeth looked up at him, raising her eye brows and biting slightly at the corner of her lower lip as if in thought.

“Fine. You’re forgiven. I guess we’re even now, after I just dragged you into a small closet against your will.” Annabeth smirked up at him and he smiled back, glancing behind her back at the closet a little uneasily.

“Alright. Being even sounds good.” He muttered, feeling an immense relief, everything seemed to get a whole lot easier.

Maybe he’d be able to do this. Maybe friends was good. It was good, he told himself. It meant keeping her at arms distance. It meant possibly watching her fall in love with other people, like their other friends had. Even if it meant he’d be left behind. Even if it meant they could never be anything more.

This was good, Percy told himself. He wished ‘good’ didn’t feel so harrowing.

Chapter Text

Annabeth

Why would I do that when I could flatter you instead?

Why did his words have to be so endearing? It drove Annabeth mad. Another thing that drove Annabeth mad, was his complete inability to make a goddamn decision. Did he have feelings for her, or did he not? If he did, then why did he shy away? If he didn’t why did he say things like that, take those steps a little closer, look at her eyes as if he could see into her soul? Honestly, every time he looked at her, Annabeth could swear she felt the breath knocked out of her. His eyes were so green, so full of interest and thoughts. There was a kindness in them that Annabeth didn’t know was there when she first met him. She’d known him for weeks, and she’d never let herself see what was truly told within those eyes, like a story she skimmed over, but didn’t really read.

And his stupid story-telling eyes had turned her soft. She had gone ahead and forgiven him. Just like that. God, she was such a push over. She didn’t beat herself up too much about it though. Because being friends with him opened her up to an opportunity she denied herself of before. The opportunity to find out more. To satisfy her growing curiosity and annoyance that Percy was such a wild card. Obviously her eagerness to find out more came from her curious nature, definitely not any suspected feelings she might have had for him in the past. Definitely not from her deep down secret that she might actually care about him, more so than a friend might. It was a thought Annabeth herself didn’t allow herself to venture into.

For the time being however, Annabeths curiosity would have to wait. Her new job was making her days feel much longer, and she wasn’t exactly in the happiest of moods. Despite this, acting as a waitress and putting others needs before her own was very effective in getting Percy out of her head. It provided a much needed break from her constant nagging thoughts about him, and there was a relief that came with knowing he wasn’t involved in every aspect of her life.

Annabeth entered the café through the back door as usual, the sound of clanging plates and chatter emerging from the kitchen and the front of the shop. She rubbed her hands together in a feeble attempt to get the warmth back into her before throwing on her uniform and meeting Grant out at the front counter.

“I thought you were kitchen staff?” Annabeth questioned, taking over Grants job of making a frappe. Grant looked up, his expression visibly lighting up as he realised who she was. He flashed her a grin and shrugged.

“I am usually, but the last girl left early, urgent business apparently. Glad you could show up on time though, Harrys got his hands full in the back. You all good out here on your own?” He asked, wiping his hands and gesturing towards the kitchens. Annabeth smiled, taking note of Harrys name, who must be the ginger fella Annabeth had seen the other day.

“Yeah, sure, no I’ll be fine.” Annabeth waved him off, busying herself with pouring the milk like Kelly had shown her. Her attempted milk foam cat looked more like a blob, Annabeth told herself she’d work on it. Grant grinned again before disappearing into the kitchens, a red tinge to his cheeks that Annabeth didn’t pay mind to.

It was a busy afternoon, a cold one. Annabeths hands were constantly busy, her mind whirring as she delivered plates and took orders.

“Order up!” Grants voice was raised above the noise. Annabeth scurried over, taking the plate from his hands, his fingers brushing up against her skin. Annabeth thought nothing of it as he smiled shyly at her, winking as she turned away, her cheeks a little red from the effort of remaining on top of her work load.

By the time it started getting late, and the crowd began to thin, Annabeth realised she hadn’t even thought about Percy once. Perhaps this job was perfect for her current predicament. It had been hours since she last thought about him, last clenched her teeth in frustration. Which was a record at this point. Annabeth began wiping the benches down, making a few last minute drinks before she was forced to close the coffee machine.

Grant was on the floor, putting up chairs and sweeping the place, every customer having left. Grant cleared his throat to speak, and Annabeth looked up from counting the cash in the till.

“Are you working tomorrow, Annabeth?” He asked, on to mopping the floor now.

“Yes, in the afternoon.” Annabeth replied, raising an eyebrow as he continued mopping, not looking at her, but the red tinge to his cheeks was obvious. Annabeth felt that familiar flutter in her stomach, one she usually only got when Percy was around. But this wasn’t Percy, this was Grant. Grant who worked in a kitchen at a café. Grant who didn’t go to her school. Grant who seemed very nice and wasrather good looking. Grant who had stopped mopping now, and was looking right at her.

“Me too.” He said, clearly delighted. He cleared his throat and continued mopping the same area he’d already done three times. Annabeth paid no mind to it, smiling to herself slightly and wiping down the benches around the till.

“Would it- I mean, you can say no of course… I was just wondering if you’d maybe –“ Grant had stopped again and was shuffling on the spot, his eyes downcast –“if I could maybe get your number?” He offered her a shy smile. Annabeth was taken aback. Grant wanted her number? He was asking her now? When she was all sweaty and covered in café grime and spilled coffee? Annabeth mentally kicked herself, a cute guy was asking her for her number and she was hesitating. Why was she hesitating? The opportunity for the ultimate distraction was right there. And it wasn’t like she was ever with Percy to begin with. They weren’t exclusive, she could give her number to anyone she liked. And she liked Grant. He really was cute. With his shy smile and his flour covered hands, his neat mop of curly brown hair, unlike Percys, whose hair was always messy.

“Uhm, Sure!” Annabeth said, smiling at him politely, proud of herself for taking that step. She dug around in her pocket, pulling out her phone and tapping it a few times to bring up her contacts. Grant exhaled in relief and wandered over, stepping over his bucket of dirty water and taking her phone from her to put his number in. He then texted himself from Annabeths phone so the number would go through.

“Thanks, I’ll uhm, see you tomorrow.” Grant smiled again, his eyes twinkling. He looked sweet, sincere. Annabeth smiled back, feeling oddly like she was cheating, even though it was well within her right to like Grant. Perhaps even form a relationship with him. He really did seem awfully kind, despite Annabeth only knowing him for a couple of days. Suddenly Annabeth held an inkling of excitement for tomorrows work shift.

She smiled to herself behind the wheel all the way home, and as she was getting ready for bed. Maybe everything with Percy was finally over, and she’d finally get a break from all his trouble.

…

The next day, Annabeth was in the cafeteria with the others at their usual table, sipping on her water bottle when her phone buzzed, pinging with the classic text sound. Piper snatched her phone up before Annabeth had the chance to see who it was from, and it was rather unfortunate that she did, and that she read the text aloud, and that Percy was within hearing range.

“Excited to work tonight because of you. See you soon… smiley face emoji, from Grant… Annabeth,” Piper looked up at her from the phone, “Who the hell is Grant?”

Jason, Leo, Frank and Hazel were looking on with interest, Piper held a smirk on her face as Annabeth snatched the phone back from her, her cheeks reddening with every passing moment. She dared not to look at Percy. Annabeth cleared her throat.

“Uhm, just some guy at work.” She gave a little awkward smile, glancing at Percy briefly, her gaze flicking back to her phone. She shut if off without replying, the others still staring at her blankly. Hazel shared a look with Piper, before glancing at Percy, who looked completely indifferent about the whole thing. Annabeth didn’t know why, but him not caring seemed to get on her nerves.

“He cute?” Piper asked, leaning forward a little. Annabeth rolled her eyes at her before making a ‘so-so’ gesture with her hand, drinking from her bottle as an excuse not to elaborate.

“How old is he?” Piper was persistent, demanding more information about the oh so mysterious Grant. Honestly, why did they need to know so much? Annabeth herself barely knew anything about him.

“Yeah he’s cute, and I don’t know how old he is, I don’t think he goes to school though.” Annabeth said, remembering the first time she’d met him and how he was just starting work when she had to leave for school. He couldn’t have been older than eighteen though.

Piper hummed and took a bite of her apple, her eyes still trained suspiciously on Annabeth, who looked away. Piper had a sixth sense about things like this. Whatever she was thinking, Annabeth didn’t want to know. She was excited to see Grant, and that was that. She wasn’t thinking about Percy. She wasn’t thinking about how unusual it was for him to be so quiet. He was looking away, his gaze far off, when he looked up, Annabeth was no longer looking at him but at her phone. Staring at the message.

Why did she feel sort of nervous? Like Piper exposing this in front of Percy wasn’t the right thing to do, like it would hurt his feelings. Fuck his feelings, Annabeth told herself. What she did with her romantic life had nothing to do with Percys feelings. Not anymore anyway. Percy was a school… friend. Nothing more. He’d made it clear he couldn’t be, and Annabeth wasn’t going to wait for him to man up and… Annabeth unclenched her jaw. She’d been grinding her teeth again in annoyance. Even if Percy did eventually man up and change his mind, Annabeth still wouldn’t care, she didn’t have feelings for him, she never had, end of story. Or at least, that’s what she told herself.

Percy avoided Annabeths gaze for the rest of the day after that, and Annabeth didn’t stop him. Had he not begged her not to ignore him only yesterday? Had he not said was torture? Annabeth was once again stumped with what the hell was going through that boys head. He was a hypocrite, Annabeth knew, but his reasons were unknown.

Curiosity ate at her frayed edges, and Annabeth tried to shove thoughts of him out of her mind. She was unable to do so completely, as always.

Percy

Fucking Grant. That was all Percy had thought for the rest of that day. Who the actual fuck was this Grant guy? Why was he texting Annabeth? And who texts like that? ‘I’m excited to work tonight because of you. See you soon.’ Honestly, who talks like that? Who says that? And especially about Annabeth of all people. Yes, she was drop-dead gorgeous. Anyone could see it. It was obvious why this Grant guy was interested in her. But how did he get her number? Why did Annabeth give it to him? Why had she smiled when he’d texted her, as if she was excited also? Percy hadn’t even been able to look at her, afraid his anger would take control and he’d throw her phone across the room. He really would do it, if it weren’t such a temporary fix. No, she would see him at work, she’d hate Percy, she’d get a new phone, and Grant would still be the little weasel that he was.

Percy slammed his locker a little too hard, a random kid to his left giving him an odd look. Percy rolled his eyes and stalked away, telling himself to calm down. Had he not told her he wanted to stay friends? Had she not agreed to stop ignoring him? Just because his life was too fucked up to let her in didn’t mean she was off limits to anyone else. Even if Percy did have the liberty to be with her, he still shouldn’t have had an opinion on the matter. Annabeth could do what she liked. She could do who she liked. Even this Grant guy. Percy grimaced at the thought and continued walking towards the library. He’d found a map of the school and decided he’d learn exactly where it was, that way finding Annabeth might be easier. The girl had her nose in a book more often than Percy had his nose in her business.

He spent his free period browsing the shelves. Wondering what Annabeth liked to read, what she didn’t like to read. He wondered if she liked true crime, it sounded interesting to Percy. He didn’t pick anything out though, knowing he wouldn’t make it through the first page without his mind running out on him.

Eventually Percys fingers made their way over the spine of a familiar looking book. ‘Architecture: Wonders of the world’. It was the book Annabeth had in her hand when he’d been following her, before she pulled him into a cleaning closet. Percy pulled it out from between the other books on the shelf and scanned the back, flicking through the pages. It had lots of pictures. Percy decided to check it out, making his way to the front desk. The librarian was unrecognisable to Percy, for obvious reasons. He’d never been in here before. Surprisingly, it was a very nice place.

With his newly checked out book shoved into his backpack, Percy wondered upstairs to the second level. There was a floor to ceiling window displaying views of the school field where some students were playing soccer. It had a domed roof, the sky grey and cloudy. He realised he was in the restricted section, a sign saying the upper level was reserved for juniors and seniors only. Percy looked at a few of the books on the shelves, interested by the more gory topics of things like ancient Greek culture and world wars. Some had pictures he peered at, like men with goat legs and medusa with her snake hair. He slammed the books shut and put them back.

Towards the back of the room were couches and beanbags, a few students lying about here and there with their headphones in, either sleeping or doing homework. Percy no longer had to wonder why Annabeth spent so much time here. It was beautiful, the ceilings glass dome an obvious favourite feature of Annabeths, Percy didn’t doubt it. Not only that, but the place was peaceful, quiet. Percy could actually hear himself think. Not that he wanted to hear himself think at all. He'd rather stay ignorant to his growing hatred of the one called Grant, who no doubt wanted Annabeth in his arms as Percy did. He tried not to hate him, he hadn’t even met the guy, but Percy couldn’t help it. He felt pathetic, insecure. He knew he was being irrational, he couldn’t stop it. He couldn’t stop thinking about it. About some incredibly attractive guy leaning into kiss her as Percy had done. Imagining an ab model or something with his hands all over her, and Annabeth pulling him closer. Percy felt positively ill, and before he knew it, the bell was ringing again and Percy was shifting out of his place on a random beanbag, an unopened book about the animal kingdom on his lap. See? He knew he would never get past the first page of a book. His stupid brain is why. He didn’t know how Annabeth managed it.

Through his next class, Percy sat with his elbows on his desk, his chin in one hand. He was staring straight out the window, his thoughts far away from whatever lesson was being taught within the classroom. If you asked him right then what class he was even in, he wouldn’t be able to tell you. That’s how muddled his mind was. By the time the lesson was over and the end of day bell sounded, Percy had made up his mind. Going home was often a bad idea anyway, especially when he was still yet to be employed, Gabe was beginning to get impatient, his expenses majorly outgrowing his income. Honestly, if Percy didn’t get a job soon, they’d be out of a place to live, and Percy didn’t like the idea of living in a homeless shelter with Gabe in his neighbouring cot, or worse, going into a foster home and having to admit to all his friends that he was an orphan. Percy decided to put it all aside for one more day. His problems would still be there the next day, they weren’t going anywhere, that was for sure.

So Percy began his journey to Annabeths work, a café just a twenty minute train ride away. Percy was agitated, he knew what he was doing was wrong; keeping an eye on Annabeth, not letting her get too far. He didn’t trust this co-worker guy. He didn’t trust anyone when it came to Annabeth. She’d gotten herself into trouble too many times. She clearly didn’t have an eye for bad people with bad intentions. Percy just wanted to keep her safe, find out for himself what she was getting herself into. That was all. Nothing more.

Everything he did was just to keep her safe.

If he couldn’t keep himself out of harm’s way, he was damn sure he would try his best to do it for Annabeth instead.

…

“You really are a stalker.” Annabeth had her arms crossed as she glared down at him. Percy was sitting by the window, enjoying the view as it were. Seriously, that short skirt of hers did nothing to aid Percys mission in keeping his feelings in check. And the way her hair was braided? Kill him, just kill him. Or kiss him, Percy didn’t mind what Annabeth did to him either way.

“Am not. I had no idea you worked here.” Percy grinned up at her, completely lying through his teeth. Annabeth raised an eyebrow; once again not believing a word of what he said.

“I didn’t know you liked to read about Architecture.” Annabeth gestured to the library book he had pulled out of his bag, one he’d been pretending to read. He hadn’t looked to see which one he’d grabbed and now he was fully exposing himself in front of her. It was the one he’d impulsively checked out at school. The one Annabeth had read. Percy realised with a pang of regret how much he really did look like a stalker, but he decided to go along with it.

“Oh yeah, buildings, construction and what not… really pushes my buttons.”

“You’re stalking me.” Annabeth repeated, her expression blank.

“Love, you flatter yourself.” Percy smirked up at her, watching as her cheeks reddened. What? She said it first.

“Really, why are you here?” She sighed out the words as if she was fed up, looking back towards the kitchen as if almost longingly. Percy followed her gaze. There was only one person Percy could see, and he was at least thirty with orange hair and a speckled beard. Was that Grant? Percy thought, utterly horrified at the thought. Was he the one who’d been texting Annabeths phone? An old creepy ginger bloke?

In an attempt to mask his disgusted expression he forced another smirk onto his face as Annabeth turned back to him. He gestured to the man through the window;

“Is that Grant?” He asked, raising an eyebrow, praying to god that she’d say fuck no.

“What?” She turned back to see who Percy was talking about and then faced Percy again, visibly appalled.
“No!”

Percy let out a sigh of relief.

“Thank god, gingers are rumoured to have short tempers you know.” Percy said lightly, still tense on the inside. If that wasn’t Grant, then who the fuck was? And where was he? Percy kind of hoped he hadn’t shown up to work today and had stood Annabeth up on her little work date. If he had any luck, this Grant guy would prove he’s a horrible person to Annabeth all on his own, and Percy wouldn’t have to worry.

“That’s an offensive stereotype and you know it.” Annabeth scowled.
“And you’re one to talk.” Annabeth added, placing her hands on her hips. It was lucky the place wasn’t very busy, because it meant Annabeth didn’t have anywhere to rush off too, anyone to serve coffee to. Percy enjoyed talking to her, he was right before, her ignoring him was much worse than her berating him. In fact, he was having fun.

“Are you insinuating I have anger issues?” Percy asked, leaning back a little with his hand over his heart, acting wounded. He had to fight the smile that threatened to spill on his lips at her frustrated expression.

“Yes, that’s exactly what I’m insinuating. Now hurry up and order something so I can get back to work.” Annabeth rolled her eyes, looking over to the front door as some more customers filed in, rubbing their hands together from the cold.

“Fine, I’ll have a…” Percy looked to the back wall where the menu was written in chalk for some inspiration. He wasn’t much of a coffee drinker if he was being honest. But since Annabeth was now working at a coffee house and restaurant, he might have to start. “…A cappuccino please.” Percy smiled up at her as she rolled her eyes yet again, walking away.

Percy averted his gaze, knowing staring at Annabeth walking away was probably rude of him, especially when she was wearing that. Did all the girls that worked here have to wear such short skirts? With a small surge of annoyance Percy realised that this Grant guy probably saw her in that every day. He probably watched her walk away, he surely loved it. But also, he probably didn’t even know about Annabeths Yankees hat and the way her brow furrowed when she read. Those small facts made Percy feel better. He knew her better. He just had to keep it that way. If he could be discreet enough. Percy was yet to come up with a plan to do so though.

Ten or so minutes later, Annabeth came back with his coffee in hand. He thanked her and she smiled sweetly sarcastically, walking away without looking back or saying anything else. Percy looked down into the mug, it was a pure black coffee. No milk, nothing. Percy rolled her eyes at Annabeths antics, knowing she got the order wrong on purpose. He looked over to her by the coffee machine. She wasn’t looking at him. She was too busy talking to guy who had joined her there. One with curly mouse brown hair and tanned skin. His apron was greasy, he had dimples when he smiled. Annabeth was smiling too now, laughing at something he said. Percy had to set his coffee down carefully in fear that he’d throw it at the guy’s head. Goddamn Grant.

He looked positively atrocious. Why did he look like a literal ray of sunshine with his stupid wide smile and actually puppy eyed expressions? Percy felt his fist clench and went to pick up his coffee again, hoping it would distract him a little.

Annabeth caught his eye and smiled sweetly again as Percy brought the mug to his mouth, attempting to smile back but having to fight a grimace from the bitter taste. He lifted it to her in a cheers, kissing the tips of his fingers like the French do, hoping his expression didn’t betray his uneasiness about the Grant guys sudden appearance. He looked over at him then, Percy stared right back, unable to help himself.

Grant turned to Annabeth, gesturing to Percy, Annabeth waved him off, saying something Percy couldn’t hear. He wanted to know what she’d said. Grant smiled at him and Percy smiled back, though it was a lie. He’d rather pull the finger, but he’d rather not be in bad graces with Annabeth again.

This was a problem, Percy thought to himself.

A big one.

Chapter Text

Annabeth

Percy had left a rather large tip after he left the other evening. She hadn’t had the chance to argue with him about it, as he was already out the door, his hands in his jacket pockets as he walked down the street, assumably towards the subway station.

Annabeth wondered why he came. He was clearly jealous. That much seemed certain. But what on earth did he have to be jealous for? He had said himself that he had no feelings, that he couldn’t get into a relationship, that what they had between them wasn’t anything like that, that he wanted to just be friends. So why would Annabeth being with Grant be a problem? Annabeth decided she was being delusional. Percy just came in for coffee and to say hi, like people often do when they’re friends. And he’d smiled at Grant, so clearly he wasn’t threatened by him or anything, right? He wasn’t jealous, he had no reason to be.

It all just gave Annabeth more reason to be curious when it came to Percy Jackson.

Annabeth had a good time with Grant, he’d been just as kind as before, laughing with her, flirting with her. She’d flirted back, just a little, it was barely noticeable, but Grant seemed to lean into it. He seemed to really like her, but the more Annabeth thought about it, the more she just didn’t like him back. It made her feel awful almost, because all she could think about when she was with Grant was that this must be what Percy feels like around her. Nonchalant towards her. Unfeeling. She just couldn’t muster up any type of attraction for him, it was getting on her nerves.

Grant was a good looking guy, he was kind and sweet, he was funny. But Annabeth felt there was something missing. She just couldn’t place her finger on what. Annabeth knew even less about Grant than she did Percy, yet she wasn’t curious, which sort of surprised her. There was just something about Percy, Annabeth thought to herself. There was just something about him that made him endlessly interesting. He was mysterious. As far as Annabeth knew, Grant had no such secrets. He was an open book. He a year older than her, out of high school. He was an apprentice construction worker for his father and seemed happy learning his father’s trade. He worked as a chef for the café of course, to make a few extra bucks. He had no ambitions, no goals in life except to some day visit Hawaii and Europe, which wasn’t that uncommon or unique, all things considering. Annabeth assumed his end goal was to settle down, probably have a family, have a golden retriever for a pet and remain living in New York for the rest of his life.

Not that Annabeth had given it much thought, but the idea of settling down didn’t settle right with Annabeth. Maybe Grants homely atmosphere was what put her off. The way he smiled, his small harmless jokes and completely sincere and non-sarcastic manner made him seem like the exact type of guy to settle down and stay that way. But he seemed so nice, so kind. Other than that, there was no reason for Annabeth not to like him.

Percys surprise appearance didn’t help. Annabeth hadn’t been able to stop comparing the two. She hadn’t stopped thinking about his green eyed gaze boring into her the entire afternoon, even though he’d left quite early on, and when he had been there, he’d stared out the window for quite some time, seemingly uninterested or daydreaming. Annabeth hadn’t been able to get him out of her mind. As usual. It drove her nuts.

…

The next day at school Percy didn’t show up. At first, Annabeth was confused, had her inner thoughts become a reality? She had only thought last night that him just being present drove her nuts and that she wished he’d disappear, and now he was nowhere to be found. For the first half of the day, she assumed he must be sick at home, perhaps just taking the day off because he couldn’t be bothered coming in to school. For the most part, she didn’t think much of it at all. It wasn’t unusual for students to skip a day or two here and there. Especially in the last few years where things were a bit more stressful. It gave her a break honestly, she didn’t have to see him every corner she turned, she didn’t have to talk to him. Not that she much minded that stuff, since they were friends now, but it helped her think about other things a little more, like her school work.

It was lunch time that Annabeth felt an inkling of concern trickle in.

“Has anyone talked to Perce today?” Piper asked, taking a munch of her sandwich, talking with her mouth full, her hand covering her lips. Jason looked like a love sick puppy. Piper looked at him, raised an eyebrow and he snapped out of it, checking his phone. He frowned.

“Hm, that’s weird, he hasn’t replied to my text.” Jason shrugged putting his phone back down on the table and peering at Frank and Leo. Both of them were checking their phones now. Neither of them had heard anything either.

“He’s probably asleep, I would be if I was at home.” Leo shrugged, yawning. Annabeth smiled at him as he rubbed his eyes.

He was probably right, Percys phone was probably off or something.

She didn’t think anything of it for the rest of the day. Willing herself not to care about every single little thing Percy did. Otherwise one might think she was obsessed or something. No, she was her own person, with a separate life. And she was now reading in the library in her favourite chair under the glass dome, not thinking about him at all. Completely at ease with it all. For the most part.

…

Percy

After seeing Annabeth at the café and deciding she wasn’t in any immediate danger of getting kidnapped by Grant (whom he still didn’t like but that’s besides the point), Percy made his way home, hands in pockets, his breath billowing out of his mouth in small white clouds from the cold of the approaching night.

He spent a good while getting home, hoping as always that Gabe wouldn’t be awake. And he wasn’t there, thank god. Percy entered gingerly to find the place empty, some sort of sports game playing on the tv with no one there to watch it. Percy raised an eyebrow before shrugging and digging in the couch for the remote.

He turned the volume down, leaving it on so that Gabe didn’t yell at him later for turning his game off, even when he wasn’t even here to watch it. Yes, Percy had made that mistake before. Yes, it added to their electricity bill. Yes he’d been punished for it. No, he wouldn’t make the same mistake again. Percy learned quickly in this house. If he didn’t he’d be a pile of bones in the ground next to his mother.

Percy sighed and went into his room, shutting the door and shoving his headphones in his ears for a few hours of doing homework. He felt a heavy weight at the pit of his stomach when he turned the music off. He hated nights like these. Where it was dead silent, except for the sounds of cars racing down his streets. His mind whirring with no good thoughts to provide. The shadows in his room seemed to swallow him whole, making Percy feel awfully small as he yawned. It was cold too, the radiator in their apartment in need of fixing for the fourth night in a row. Percy was used sort of used to the chill in the air now, but he shivered none the less.

He sunk into his bed, feeling sad, for no particular reason. His eyes were fixed on his desk where the picture of his mother sat. He rolled over to stare at the wall instead. Then again onto his back, to stare at the ceiling. A lump came to his throat and he forced it down, not sure where these shitty feelings were coming from. Things with Annabeth were better than they’d been in days. They were friends, just as Percy wanted. No, the Annabeth situation wasn’t it. It was just one of those nights where things seemed more bleak than usual. More hopeless. Nights like these happened more often than not. Where Percy would lay awake for hours. Thinking about everything and nothing all at once. Anxiety creeping in. A lot of the time it was due to his absence at swimming. He’d quit a few weeks ago now. Unable to do it anymore with his growing pile of unfinished homework, oh and the cracked ribs that didn’t seem to heal right. They still ached every time Percy attempted to stretch his arms above his head. And eventually the people there would get suspicious of his bruises and cuts Gabe would inevitably give him. His coach had begged him to stay, emailing him, texting him. Percy ignored them, telling coach Phelps that his decision was final, he wasn’t coming back. He’d ignored Tyson’s smiles in the halls at school, until eventually, Tyson stopped smiling at him at all.

Now Percy lay in his bed, riddled with a numbness, some type of anguish he disguised well with jokes and loud laughter when he was at school. He was a different person when he got home, for sure. He hated who he was when he was here. He hated everything about it.

But maybe Percy should have appreciated the night a little more. Because at least he wasn’t being tormented. At least Gabe wasn’t home. He shouldn’t have taken it for granted, before everything went south. But the night was already jinxed. And Percy only had a few hours of peace left.

…

Deep in the hands of sleep, Percy didn’t hear the door slam open. He didn’t hear Gabes heavy footsteps as he returned to the apartment, smelling of sweat and alcohol, his mind gone. Where his mind went when he was like this, Percy couldn’t tell you. He couldn’t tell you when he was awake. He definitely couldn’t tell you when he was passed out asleep, drooling on his pillow as he dreamed. Percy didn’t hear Gabe curse under his breath as he searched the kitchen drawers and the couch cushions for a lighter so he could have a post-drink smoke.

He did hear however, Gabes thunderous voice as he shouted his name, loud and slurred, down the hall. Percy sat bolt upright in bed, he’d taken his shirt off at some point in the night, so he immediately felt the cold. There were thunderous footsteps, getting louder and louder. Was Percy still in his dream? What the hell was happening? His bedroom door slammed open, Percy flinched hard, nearly falling off the side of his bed. Catching himself from doing exactly that proved pointless, because Gabes meaty hands were wrapped around his ankles, yanking him out of bed and onto the floor, where he yelped, kicking out instinctively and shuffling away as quickly as he could.

“Where the fuck’iz my lighter you prick?” Gabes voice was shaky and slurred, his saliva flying out as he spoke, making his way toward Percy again, standing over him as Percy coward on his hard wooden floor. His heart was racing, he was sweating now, he could no longer feel the cold.

“I don’t have it!” Percy yelped, raising his hands up in defence as Gabe gripped his shoulders, pinning him to the ground. Percy groaned as Gabe rested his knee on his stomach, all of Gabes weight pressing down on him until he wanted to puke, the pressure on his stomach unbearable. He raised his knee and slammed it down, Percy gasped, unable to scream, it was like being winded.

“You do. You stole it. Give it back!” Gabe spat, his face close to Percys, his expression twisted with rage and insanity. His breath made Percy gag, it was sour with alcohol and smoke.

“Let… me… go, I don’t… have it!” Percy pleaded, his words forced out, he couldn’t breathe properly with Gabes knee pressing down on him, he felt like he was going to pass out. It hurt so much. He felt a sharp sting on his cheek. Gabe had slapped him.

“Give it to me!” He screamed, Percys ears ringing as he groaned, Gabe lifting him up and shoving him down again.

“If you don’t give it, you know what will happen.” Gabe sneered, his eyes manic. He wasn’t listening. Percy didn’t have the lighter. He didn’t know where it was. He couldn’t breathe. He couldn’t see, it was so dark, Gabe hadn’t turned on the lights. Percy began to breathe very heavily, panicking, Gabe was crushing him, slowly, he was crushing him. Somebody help. Anyone.

“You asked for it!” Gabe screamed into his face, spit flying, Percy blinking, sobbing. Why was this happening? He’d been asleep, dreaming, before waking up to a literal nightmare. The pressure on his stomach ceased, Percy gasped, trying to roll over and curl up, instinctively needing to protect his stomach and chest at all costs. Gabe wouldn’t allow it, he gripped Percy by the shoulders, his hands felt disgusting on his bare skin, oily and sweaty and rough. He picked him up, shoving him back down with as much force as he could muster. Percy wheezed, winded. Seeing stars. He honestly couldn’t even make sense of what was around him, the only thing Percy could focus on was getting air back into his lungs and hiding away, curling into himself as if he could sink through the floor boards and disappear.

“Gabe stop!” He pleaded, as Gabe stood up, backing away towards Percys legs, which he was drawing up to his body in preparation to kick. Gabe let out a howl of anger when his foot collided with his face.

“Stop please! I don’t-“ Percy sucked in a breath, “I don’t want to go back, please, please Gabe.” Tears were pricking his eyes, burning. Percy let them fall. He’d do anything to stop Gabe from doing what he intended to do. He’d do anything. Percy continued to kick. He thrashed when Gabe managed to grip his ankles. Percy tried to stop it, but Gabes grip was too strong. He began to walk backwards, dragging Percy with him. Percy could do nothing but struggle as hard as he could, his nails digging into into the floorboards, his hands wrapping around the leg of his bed. The bed frame began to slide a little now, as Gabe yanked and pulled.

“Let go you mutt!” Gabe yelled, pulling harder. Percys body was fully out of his door and into the hallway now, the bed unable to fit through, locking them in position as Percy held on for dear life. It felt like Percys torso would rip apart right then and there. This was notgoing well for him. At all.

“No!” Percy shouted back, his hands straining as he gripped the bed frame tighter. Something in his hand made a popping noise, pain spiked up his wrist from the odd angle it was bent. Percy ignored it, unable to let go. There was no way in hell he was letting go, he’d stay there forever, letting himself literally be stretched to oblivion by Gabe until he was nothing but dust, if it meant he didn’t have to go back into that closet. He’d had enough of the small spaces. He’d had enough for a life time. He couldn’t do it anymore. He’d no strength left in him. He couldn’t do it. He didn’t want to do it. Don’t make me do it. Percy didn’t realise he’d been chanting out loud. Pleading and pleading to no avail.

Gabe abruptly released Percys legs. Percy slumped, falling to the ground. He was quivering with exhaustion, but he pulled himself upwards anyways, shuffling backwards down the hall. It was so dark, Percy barely saw Gabe coming, his fist sailing through the air. At the last second Percy dropped fully to the ground, flattening himself to it. The fist went sailing over his head and into the wall behind him, leaving a gaping hole in the plaster. Gabe let out a hiss of pain, cursing profoundly, before plunging his hand down, his fingers spread over Percys face. Percy wreathed under him, Gabes knee trapping him there against the ground again by the stomach. Percy shot one hand up to push Gabes face away from him, grunting with the effort while he was in the midst of being crushed for the second time. Gabe snatched his wrist and slammed it to the ground, Percy gasped as it crunched, it was the same one he’d hurt gripping the bed frame.

Percys other hand was trying to shove Gabes hand away from his face, where it was pressing his head into the floor. Gabe pulled his arms together, slamming them down on either side of him.

Percy realised with panic that Gabe was no longer thinking about the lighter. It was long forgotten. His efforts were merely to cause any and all types of pain to Percy in any way he could. Percy could feel the tears streaking down his cheeks, he couldn’t see past the blur. His head was suddenly lifted and shoved down, banged against the floor, and for a second, everything went black. Blacker than just the sight of a shadowy room. It was like he lost all sight, all feeling, everything.

It came back to him quicker than it was welcomed, Percy could feel his legs lift as Gabe started to drag him by the ankles again. He was dazed, delusional, seeing stars, the panic growing but his body not catching up to his mind. He needed to stop this, he needed to fight back. Why couldn’t he move his arms,.

“Let me go…” Percy mumbled incoherently, his arms rising past his head as Percys body was dragged further down the hall.

The creak of a door.

The sound made Percys blood turn cold, his breath hitched, a shout of protest dying in his throat.

There were hands under his armpits, hoisting him up. His body was shoved inside, his legs pushed firmly in. Percy realised too late that he’d run out of time. He cried out in pain as he attempted to move, pushing his body up and cursing as his injured hand screamed at him. He fell against the door as it slammed shut, the click of a lock sealing his fate.

“Gabe! Gabe! Gabe!” Percy chanted, hysterical. Out of his mind. He scratched at the door, his nails bleeding, he punched at it, his knuckles splitting. The wood was strong, when Percy had first been able to punch through it, Gabe had replaced it with something stronger. It was the first and only time Gabe had ever fixed anything in the apartment. And it was solely so Percy could be effectively punished for his wrongs.

Percy hated him.

“Let me out! Let me out! Please, please please I can’t –” Percy couldn’t breathe. He really had forgotten how. He could no longer speak, the only thing coming out were great big gasps followed by throat ripping sobs. His face was hot with tears, or blood, Percy couldn’t tell the difference anymore.

He was transported back into his 7 year old self. A kid. Just a child. A child who couldn’t breathe. A child who wanted to die.

7 years old.

Percy wished the same now. He wished he’d die so that this would end. He wished he had died long ago.

Percy could think of nothing else but his desire for the abyss and the walls that threatened to squish him into jelly. The air was unbreathable, thick like soup, turning to goo in his lungs. He coughed and spluttered, his forehead banging against the door, hoping to either fall through it or pass out.

The darkness was closing in, the idea of roaches approaching in the shadows making Percy want to squirm, but he was too busy scratching at the door, yanking on the bolt above his head where the handle had once been, Percy had torn it off long ago.

He couldn’t. He couldn’t. He couldn’t. He couldn’t do this. He was going to die, he was sure of it. His head was pounding, blood rushing in his already ringing ears. He didn’t know which way was up and which way was down anymore, he was so disorienated, it was like he was in a whirlpool that was moving slowly, one he couldn’t move in, one he was trapped in. He’d lost energy, he was exhausted, his chest heaving as he fought to breathe, as he fought to live. He wanted to live, despite wishing he was dead. He wanted this to be over, but he didn’t want to die like this. He didn’t want to die not knowing where he was, suffocating in a hole where Gabe only knew where he was.

He was pounding on the door with his fist, weeping uncontrollably and moaning as his hand protested. He didn’t care that he was wrecking it more by pounding on the door. He could hardly feel it.

It was no use. No one was coming. Everyone was gone. He was alone and being laughed at for his stupidity to think he could fight it. For his idiocy in thinking he’d grow out of it. Grow out of this fear as if it’s not something that will stick with him forever. He’d gone through the ages. From a young boy to a young man, and nothing had changed. He still curled into a ball of acceptance. He still expected death to greet him, fish out his heart, even though it never did. He wept and wept, soaking the floor until he was drowning in it.

He was choking on his sobs.

Crushed, over and over again by the weight of a thousand oceans.

…

Percy had awakened shivering, trembling. His cheek was stuck to the floor, which was damp with salt water and blood. There was a sliver of light under the door, Percy was too in pain, too exhausted to move. His tears had dried hours ago, his throat was raw from endless crying, endless yelling and incoherent whimpers.

He was numb now, frozen in terror, in dread and anguish. It was completely dark, except for that little slither under the door. Percy stared at it, his throat constricting every time he closed his eyes, even just to blink. That slither was the only thing keeping him going. Not that he was ‘going’ anywhere. As far as he knew, it was the only thing keeping him going on with life. He’d passed out at some point and woken to it being there, he had no idea how much time had passed.

His stomach was a mangled mess of cramps and tensed muscle, courtesy of Gabes crushing tendencies. His fingers were stinging where he’d ripped his nails. One hand throbbing where the thumb muscle met the middle of the palm, he couldn’t move it without it seizing. He didn’t move it towards the light to get a better look. He was afraid that if he moved, the walls would start moving again, pressing him into the ground further. The back of his head ached, pulsing, he could hear the blood rushing in his ears, which were simultaneously ringing. He felt like he hadn’t ever known silence.

His breaths were shallow and laboured, his throat and chest too tight to take a single deep breath. He was locked in a state of panic he couldn’t escape from, except for when he blacked out, which never lasted long.

But when he did he did so willingly, grateful for the dark only when it numbed his mind with it.

…

Head throbbing, body aching, cramping.

A slither of light behind his eyes.

A shuddery breath before succumbing to the black once more.

…

Percy heard the lock click and light flooded the closet as the door swung lazily ajar. Gabes footsteps were getting quieter as he entered the living room, as if releasing Percy was something he only thought of as he was walking past from his bedroom. He didn’t even stop to see if he was alive.

For a second Percy was sure he wasn’t. His entire body shivering from the cold, his teeth clenched so hard he was surprised they hadn’t broken.

If being alive felt like this, then what the hell was even the point?

It took Percy a moment to realise he was free. He groaned and hissed but didn’t slow down to assess his injuries as he shoved himself towards the door, pushing it open fully with his body and falling into the hallway. He lay there breathing for several moments, a lump in his throat, but he was unable to cry, his mouth and eyes dry. It was bloody freezing, goosebumps appearing on Percys skin. He wondered if the snow had come yet, and then he wondered what time it was. What day it was. He felt like he’d been inside that closet for weeks. Why had no one come looking for him? Why had no one realised he was missing?

Because no one knows, or cares. If they knew they’d be in danger. If they knew they’d see him differently. If they knew he would die.

The thought was like acid in his throat, ice in his chest. The only person capable of saving him was dead.

Percy reluctantly drew himself up to a sitting position. He looked down at himself, his stomach was blue and black with bruises, but Percy knew they’d fade. He looked at his hands, one was a swollen mess, his thumb longer than it should be, the nails on both his hands coated in blood, the same with his knuckles which were covered in cuts. Percy heard Gabe cough in the other room and flinched violently, biting his lip as he stifled a groan at the sudden movement. He had to get to his room, unless he wanted Gabe to walk back through and kick him on his way past.

He used the wall as support on his way into a standing position. His legs shaking like Bambi as he took one step after the other, stretching his legs that had been curled to his chest for hours on end. He ignored the scratch marks in the wooden floor boards, where he’d scrambled for purchase and failed to keep hold. With a great big grunt of effort, Percy managed to push his bed back to its original position against the wall. He closed his door behind him before he lowered himself slowly into his covers, his abdomen protesting heavily the more he moved, his head throbbing madly, the ceiling above spinning. He couldn’t see the edges of his vision, almost everything blacked out.

Percy felt everything in him tense, his mouth filling with saliva as a clear sign before it happened. He rolled himself over, coughing and spluttering as he retched into his bedroom rubbish bin. His mouth tasted like iron, his spit dripping red and thick. Bright red. He had just hurled up blood. That’s not a great sign. Not a great sign at all. Percy shuddered as he tried to relax his limbs, his core, whimpering at the sharp stabs it send into him and up his chest. Gabe was heavy, he knew that much, he was a heavy set guy. Percy didn’t realise his entire weight of him and the slamming of his knee onto his stomach could cause this much pain, it was a new one, not an un foreign feeling, but unpleasant all the same.

Percy rolled back over, pretending none of it even happened, pretending the world wasn’t moving too fast, his eyes closed, when in reality he felt like he was rolling in and out on an endless tide. He allowed himself to drift away from consciousness. Into a fretful, uncomfortable, swirling, dizzying, painful sleep.

If death had visited, he would have welcomed it with open arms.

Chapter Text

Percy

“Why weren’t you here yesterday? You didn’t tell anyone where you were, we thought you were dead.” Leo asked as Percy approached their lunch table. He yawned, tired as hell, he hadn’t slept well, if you can count whatever he’d been doing as sleeping at all, it was more like nightmare whilst being partly awake, too on edge and jumpy to fully go under as he so desired. It was a miracle he even got up to his alarm, his phone had shattered from being thrown across the room in Gabes fit of rage. Percy didn’t even remember that happening, but he had been hit in the head and thrown into a closet so it wasn’t exactly a surprise. His phone barely worked now, slicing the pads of his fingers multiple times when Percy tried to turn the stupid sound off.

Getting up had been awful, as Percy knew it would be. His stomach was royally screwed, he suspected internal bleeding after he coughed up blood for the second time. Or maybe he’d just swallowed some at some point from the gash in his head, which luckily wasn’t visible through his black hair, and it couldn’t have been too bad, because it was no longer bleeding. His thumb had dislocated, he remembered it happening, the sickening pop and slicing pain one of his clearer memories. Popping it back into place had been a rough ordeal that morning, and now it was all purple and bruised. Hands were easy to make up cover stories for. He’d just say he’d fallen off his skateboard, no biggie. And he knew how to treat them to some extent, having his fair share of hand injuries in the past from actually falling of skateboards and punching people and what not.

The only thing that was keeping him from groaning through a pounding headache and crippling bruises were the pharmacy painkillers Percy was always stocked up on. Honestly, Tylenol should sponsor him at this point.

“Sorry, I was sick, and my phones broke. I feel better now though.” Percy forced a grin, dumping himself down into his chair next to Annabeth with a sigh after explaining his hand, which Annabeth rolled her eyes at, clearly thinking he was an idiot for falling off his skateboard. As if she could do any better, Percy thought, then he realised that Annabeth probably could skate better than him. She could literally do nothing wrong, she was so smart, she could probably figure out a cure for cancer if she put her mind to it.

At least he didn’t have to come up with excuses for peculiar bruising this time. None of it was visible. Percy knew after so many beatings, it would only be a matter of time before someone got suspicious, or worse, just completely figured his secrets out on their own. If anyone, Percy somehow knew it would be Annabeth, and it scared the living shit out of him. She was clever enough, too clever, and he was reminded yet again of another reason he had to keep her at a distance.

Percy looked down at his tray of food, utterly famished from not eating all of yesterday, what from being locked in a closet and all. And he hadn’t eaten that morning due to the absence of food in the apartment. Now his stomach was twisting in knots, from Gabes lovely A+ parenting or from crippling hunger Percy couldn’t really tell the difference.

“Bro, slow down, you’re gonna get a stomach ache.” Leo said, watching him with a fake expression of disgust as Percy wolfed down an apple and two sandwiches. Percy rolled his eyes and continued eating. He felt better. Minimally, but still better. Leo and Jason were talking. Piper was discussing something about politics with Frank and Hazel that Percy couldn’t be bothered focusing on. The only person still paying attention to him was Annabeth, who was watching him eat with a raised eyebrow. She gave him a pointed look and he suddenly felt a little self-conscious about his eating habits, then he remembered how hungry he was and took another enormous bite of his apple.

“What? I didn’t have breakfast.” Percy said, shrugging. It wasn’t abnormal, Percy rarely had breakfast, unless he was swimming and needed something to get through the day after a hard swim set. But now that he’d quit, now that swimming wasn’t a part of his life anymore, breakfast seemed less important. He missed swimming dearly, he’d grown up with it as his biggest distraction, his biggest relief. Gabe couldn’t reach him when he was in the water. If Gabe tried, Percy was certain he’d be able to win in a fight against him, Percy would fucking drown him. Now, after having to miss so many sessions, after getting beaten up more often than usual, his body more tired after years of it, Percy just couldn’t do it anymore. It wasn’t like he wanted to quit. It was just... he liked Goode, he liked his friends, if he continued going with new bruises and unexplainable injuries, people would get suspicious. Usually he’d have been kicked out of school by now, usually he’d have moved away before anyone got the chance to look a little closer.

He wanted to stay here. And to stay here meant to hide away.

Suddenly Percy felt a wave of nausea roll over him, he stopped eating, feeling his stomach churn just at the mere memory of the past day or so, the bruises and the blood he could still kind of taste in his mouth.

…

Percy didn’t make it to his next class without feeling the need to throw up. His stomach sore and his breath hitching in his throat from the pain. Honestly, he needed something a little stronger than Tylenol, just to keep the pain at bay, but to get a prescription meant to explain to a doctor where he got the bruising from, it meant questions and suspicion. Percy couldn’t afford to expose Gabe like that. He’d literally be shot dead if Gabe found out, and be sent to a foster home, broke and vulnerable, left for Gabes friends to find him and punish him for giving Gabe what he deserves. And if Gabe wasn’t caught? If there was even a single chance that Gabe wouldn’t be sentenced to life in prison, Percy wouldn’t be able to live his life without constantly looking over his shoulder. He couldn’t expose him. Not yet anyway. Maybe one day a proper opportunity would arise, or Gabe would die from overdose or liver failure. Percy didn’t feel bad for wishing it would happen sooner rather than later. It would be the easiest way.

No, for now he’d just have to stick it out. Which is what led to Percy leaning over the toilet bowl, retching as quietly as he could, effectively emptying the contents of his stomach that apparently included blood now. Was that normal? Maybe he’d heal up on his own. He hated how his mouth tasted all irony and acidy afterwards, and his forehead was coated in sweat.

The door slammed open and Percy froze in the middle of his panting. Holding his breath as the person walked in. Percy could see his shoes from under the stall door. He was wearing black converses, a skull drawn on one of them with a thick black marker. Percy cocked his head to the side to get a better look at the drawing before he felt his mouth fill with saliva yet again and leaned over to hurl once more. Breathing was difficult, he felt his nose block up and he swiped it with his hand.

The back of his hand came back red. Great. Just great. He hadn’t had a nose bleed for a few months, he was disappointed to end his streak, pulling at the toilet paper and clogging his nose, breathing heavily through his mouth and squeezing his eyes shut as he tried to stem the flow.

“Are… you alright?” A voice asked, sounding rather concerned.

“Fantastic.” Percy muttered, before the door to the stall swung open and Nico di Angelo stood before him. Percy flushed the toilet, raising an eyebrow at Nico as he leant his head back against the stall wall, his eyes probably red from tearing up a little at the hurling, his hand holding the piece of tissue against his nose as it bled freely. His throat felt raw.

“You don’t look fantastic to me.” Nico said, looking between Percy, his bleeding nose, and the toilet bowl he had one of his arms perched over.

“I’m fine Nico, really.” Percy murmured, waving him away. Percy leant his head back once more, closing his eyes and fully expecting Nico to leave him be, but the sound of his voice said otherwise.

“You’re supposed to lean your head forward.” Nico said, still standing there as if he didn’t get the hint to goddamn leave.

“What?” Percy asked, a little startled that Nico of all people was here giving him advice on how to handle a nose bleed. Of course he knew that already, he’d had enough nose bleeds in his life to know that. Percy leant his head forward anyway, glaring up at Nico, a little embarrassed that he’d caught him in this rather vulnerable position.

“How does the other guy look?” Nico asked, leaning against the door. He swept his hair out of his face with a pale finger, his eyes still trained on Percy.

“There’s no other guy.” Percy returned, still glaring. Could this kid go away now? He was kind of busy and what if he felt the need to throw up again? He didn’t want Nico asking why it was crimson red.

“There’s usually another guy. Or are you prone to nosebleeds and stomach bugs, because if so I’ll steer clear.” Nico took a step back with his hands up, Percy just rolled his eyes.

“I don’t get sick very often, and I’m not prone to nose bleeds, I just…” Percy trailed off, groaning as his small headache he’d been ignoring began to worsen.

“Uh huh, so you definitely didn’t go messing with Luke again? Because that didn’t work out so well for me last time.” Nico raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms over his chest. Percy suddenly remembered Nico’s involvement in his and Lukes little rivalry. Nico and Wills relationship had gone public a few weeks after Luke had locked him in that’s storage closet. It hadn’t been a big deal, Percy honestly couldn’t care less who or who wasn’t dating in his year level. Annabeth had told them about Lukes threats to out them, which Percy thought was ridiculous. Beating Percy up? Locking him in a closet? All were somewhat forgivable, but outing someone? Sharing something so personal with the world when it’s not on that persons terms? That wasn’t not okay. It was far from okay. But Luke never got the chance to go through with his threats. Nico and Will took it into their own hands. Percy was still furious, if it weren’t for Luke they may have decided not to come out at all, which would be well within their right, so Luke still influenced their decisions.

Percy would have liked to go straight to Luke, before his rational side kicked in and told him he had no right to get involved. They were handling it their own way. Percy wanted to respect that, especially because he didn’t know Will and Nico very well, he didn’t want Annabeth to think of him as someone who gets in everyone’s business. Just hers will do. That was one of the only times Percy actually listened to Annabeths chastising. If she hated him getting involved in her worries, then Nico and Will would probably be the same. Even if it meant Percy would miss out on feeling Lukes nose crunch under his fist.

“Yeah, I’m sorry about all that, Lukes a jerk.” Percy mumbled, his voice distorted with the tissue in his nose. And he did feel a little bit responsible for Nico’s trouble. It was Percy and Leo keying Lukes car that started it all in the first place.

“Yeah, he is.”

There was silence for a few moments as Percy closed his eyes, gradually feeling better, but not by much. Nico’s presence was slightly disconcerting, Percy could feel his peculiar gaze on him even with his eyes closed. He seemed nice, but more closed off than anyone else Percy had ever gotten to know. Percy pulled his shirt down self-consciously, worried Nico might catch the sight of the severe bruising underneath it. Nico seemed like the exact type of guy to get suspicious. Honestly he seemed suspicious by nature in general.

“Don’t you have a class to get to?” Percy asked, opening one eye to peer at him after a few minutes had passed. Nico shrugged.

“Chemistry is a waste of time.” He said blankly, still staring at Percy.

“So why are you here? Is there nothing better to do than watch me bleed out from my nose?” Percy asked, Nico shrugged again.

“I’ve been watching you.” He said, his expression remaining unreadable. Percys chest constricted, his breath hitching a little as he raised a concerned eyebrow.

“I’m flattered.” Percy said, remembering his conversation with Annabeth, hoping Nico hadn’t been looking too hard.

“Not like that.” Nico rolled his eyes and Percy tried to keep his expression neutral, remaining silent as he waited for Nico to elaborate.

“You’re weird, but Annabeth seems to like you enough, I like her, she was nice to me when others weren’t.” Nico started, averting his gaze as Percy cocked his head questioningly.

“What makes you think Annabeth likes me? I certainly wasn’t aware.” Percy asked, a snippet of amusement to his tone, but he was curious none the less. Nico seemed like an observant, intelligent person. He was quiet, he seemed to blend in with the shadows, you never saw him unless you were looking. Percy wanted to know what Annabeth and his complicated relationship looked like from an outside source.

“Well, she used to hate you.” Nico started, Percy nodded, shrugging. He knew this, he had hated her too after all. Still, Nico didn’t have to remind him, it wasn’t exactly something Percy liked to reflect on for fun.

“But she doesn’t anymore.” Nico said, looking directly at him now.

“How do you know that?” Percy asked, lowering his hand from his nose, which seemed to have ceased its bleeding for now.

“The way she looks at you. She… doesn’t really look at anyone else as much as she looks at you. I can tell you’re ignorant to it.” Nico shrugged as Percy looked at him with his mouth slightly agape.

“Trust me, if she was in any way interested, or even slightly curious about me, I’d know about it.” He mumbled.

“She has walls, she doesn’t let people see her true feelings, even you, even her closest friends.” Nico said, his hands in his pockets, speaking casually as if this conversation didn’t have Percys heart beating in his throat.

“How would you know that? I’ve seen you talk to her like once.” Percy said, unsure now whether Nico was being sincere or just taking the piss out of him. Percy did look like an idiot after all, sitting here on the bathroom stall floor next to the toilet with a bloody tissue and a pale, tired face.

“Because I’m the same.” Nico replied, looking directly at him with a gaze that wasn’t unlike Annabeths own. The grey in his eyes was slightly darker, but they were grey all the same.

“Why are you telling me this?” Percy asked.

“As I said, Annabeth was kind to Will and I when Luke was being a dickface. She doesn’t ignore me in the halls like people like you do. And you like her too, you suck at hiding it, I’m doing you a favour by telling you this, even if I’m only telling you the already obvious.” Nico said and Percy was slightly taken aback. Was he that easy to read?

“Wait, what do you mean ‘people like me’?” Percy asked, not knowing whether to be offended or not.

“Y’know, popular, pretty, dickhead jocks who don’t notice other people around them. Selfish people.” Nico said and Percy stared at him.

“Selfish? I-I don’t –” Percy spluttered, not sure what to say to that. It wasn’t exactly a lie. Percy had been selfish, he was selfish. He hurt the people around him by bringing them into his life. What could be more selfish than endangering his friends, than making friends when he knew no one could properly know him or get close to him? What could be more selfish than literally living a constant lie? Letting his friends believe him to be someone he’s not?

He wasn’t proud of the selfish side of him, the jerk. But the ‘pretty’ part Nico had mentioned… he could get used to that. Did Annabeth think he was pretty? Percy shook the thoughts from his head. He was getting off topic.

“You’re oblivious Jackson, and your always getting into trouble. I know it was you that keyed Lukes car, and you dragged Annabeth into Lukes payback he gave you.” Nico carried on and Percy jolted back to their conversation.

“I didn’t mean to get her involved.” Percy mumbled, practically under his breath. Nico heard him anyway.

“And even when you’re not beating up or getting into fights with Luke you’re getting into trouble outside of school. You’re hiding something.” Nico said, not breaking his gaze.

“What?” Percys heart was in his ears, thumping, thumping. Percy wondered if Nico could hear his heart slam against his ribs.

“You don’t play football, or any other kind of contact sport as far as I know, your nose is bleeding, you’re sick, I’ve seen you with bruises. You get into trouble Percy Jackson, and I want you to keep Annabeth out of it if you decide to listen to anything I’ve said and be lessignorant to what’s going on around you.” Nico looked at him pointedly.

Nico di Angelo was more observant than Percy gave him credit for. But at least he wasn’t asking any intrusive questions. He didn’t care about what Percy got up to in his free time. He was clearly just looking out for a friend. Percy was glad Annabeth had such good friends. Percys heartbeat slowed a little. He wondered what Nico would say if he knew Percys situation. He probably wouldn’t draw attention to Annabeths possible interest in him, which Percy remained doubtful of, even after Nico’s little analysis.

“Okay.” Percy replied, Nico nodding.

“I have to go, see you around Percy.” Nico then said, Percy waving him away.

“See you.”

Nico disappeared then, leaving Percy alone, sitting at the bottom of the bathroom stall with a bloody tissue and a pale face.

Nico was wrong about Annabeth, Percy thought to himself. She was closed off, yes, but she didn’t have any interest in Percy. They were friends now, nothing more, and Percy was determined to keep it that way, despite Nico’s obvious hints to be something more. Nico didn’t have all the facts, if he did he’d understand why Percy wasn’t opening himself up to her and letting her in, it was to keep her safe and happy, even if it seemed contradictory.

And Annabeth was happy with this Grant guy. The mention of him made Percy sick again, and he was left wondering why everything had to be so complicated and painful. Nico di Angelo was dangerous, Percy realised. If Percy didn’t do something with what Nico had told him, if he ignored Nico like he so needed to, to keep Annabeth safe, there was suddenly a risk that Nico would watch a little closer. Grow suspicious. Find out about Gabe, about Percys home life.

He couldn’t let that happen. Observant people were Percys biggest liability. And he was trapped between two of the most observant and curious people he’d ever met. If he got closer with Annabeth, apart from her being in danger, he would be at risk of her finding out about him. If he didn’t make a move, if he stayed away from her to any extent as he had been, Nico would zero in, and ask why Percy was hurting his friend.

Percy was in a room. And the walls were closing on every side.

…

Annabeth

The next day Annabeth had a morning shift. Her day started very rocky, Helen coming home just as Annabeth was leaving, demanding Annabeth get back inside and help her sort out the boys lunches for the day, which in turn made Annabeth fifteen minutes late for work. Then, on the way, she hit a massive pot hole in the road, causing her to swerve and nearly fucking die, which only rattled Annabeth further. And to add to her horrid luck, she was pretty sure a speed camera caught her speeding, which is just fucking fantastic.

Kelly scowled at her as she rushed in, and the first snippets of snow had begun to fall, leading to a busy morning of serving coffee for people on their way to school or work. She spilt coffee all over her apron, which was just a cherry on top of the pie. Honestly, she couldn’t have possibly had a worse morning. That thought effectively jinxed her, because after getting changed and making her way to her car, she noticed her back tyre was completely flat, therefore making her car rather undrivable, especially when the road was slick with ice and snow.

“Good morning!” A cheery voice sounded and Annabeth turned around slowly, fully prepared to shove her fist right through the face of whoever on earth thought this was anywhere close to a ‘good’ morning. Grant put his hands up in defence at Annabeths dark expression.

“I’m gonna take that as a no, this hasn’t been a good morning for you, what’s wrong?” He asked, his keys jingling in his fingers at his side, his cheeks flushed red from the cold.

Annabeth groaned, putting her face in her hands as she stood there. She emerged and smiled tiredly.
“Flat tyre, and me being the biggest idiot in the world doesn’t have a spare.” Annabeths shoulders slumped, somewhat defeated as Grant approached, peering at her tyre and back at her with some sort of sympathy.

“Oh dear.” He said, smiling and clicking his tongue.

“Guess I’m going to be late for work then.” He tutted, shaking his head but still smiling.

“And why is that?” Annabeth asked, still berating herself for not being organised enough to have a spare tyre in her car. Unaware of Grants growing amused smile.

“Because I’ll have to drive you.” Grant stated, utterly smug with himself, clearly. Annabeths shook her head, wrapping her arms around her against the cold.

“No, No, You’re not. I’m not going to make you drive me, Grant.” She said, rolling her eyes as he grinned at her, walking back towards his car.

“Well, I’m not going to let you walk to school in the snow, you’ll freeze to death, and my car is nice and warm,” He opened his car door and went to get inside before pausing. Annabeth hadn’t moved.

“You coming or what?” Grant asked, and Annabeth reluctantly followed.

…

The car ride to school was warm, Grants car was nothing too flashy, but it smelt like vanilla and had heated seats, which Annabeth couldn’t complain about. He asked her about her crappy morning, which she laid out to him in detail, smiling about it now, because it really had all just been a stroke of bad luck, and when she was with Grant, things just seemed to become more simple. She’d had a bad morning, it was better now. Grant didn’t want anything from her, he didn’t ask for anything in return for him giving her a ride, he was just kind. A good guy. Good guys were rare these days. Proper, uncomplicated ones. Ones that cared just for the sake of caring, not to benefit themselves or take advantage.

Annabeth wondered if she was giving Grant too much credit. She barely knew him after all. She was kind of suspicious of the small sense of security he offered, like he’d rip it away from her without a second thought if he saw fit. She knew it was just her trust issues talking, good people existed, they weren’t a figment of her imagination. Annabeth was sure Grant was one of them. He was just so easy to talk to, to smile with.

“Have a good day Annabeth, I hope it gets better for you.” Grant said as Annabeth climbed out of the car, tensing against the cold.

“It already has.” She replied with a grateful smile. Grant beamed at her before Annabeth was forced to close the door and turn away towards the front steps. Grant exited the carpark and Annabeth watched him go, her bag clutched to her chest.

…

Annabeths day in fact did not get better after that, but it didn’t get worse either, so she counted that as a win. It was mediocre at best, the lessons boring and the library (Her comfort place) wasn’t crowded, which was good, but somehow her favourite seat under the glass dome was still taken, which was less than unfortunate.

Piper had a conversation to her about possible colleges they’d be applying to next year, which had her rather wrapped up in her own thoughts throughout the day. Her dream had always been to study at MIT, the Massachusetts institute of technology, their architecture program was world class. The best in the US. It meant moving away from New York, her family, which didn’t bother her too much since she never saw her father anyway. Most of his work trips were to Boston anyway, so it would work out if she went there. She wouldn’t have to see Helen, she could have new beginnings, meeting new people from all over the world. She’d achieve her dreams and design great things. Permanent things that would stay in her life no matter what. That would remain for centuries.

The future excited her, and her mood increased considerably after talking about it with Piper, who nodded along encouragingly as Annabeth rambled. She was a great listener, Piper was. And great at giving advice. She had a way with words that Annabeth couldn’t comprehend. She was also rational. Which meant she had told Annabeth outright how hard she’d have to work to get into a school like MIT. Annabeth knew of course, she knew the acceptance rates were low. She was trying her hardest, Annabeth knew she was determined enough to make it. She was top of her class for gods sakes! She was one step ahead of her teachers almost at all times, she knew the library like the back of her hand. She saw everything coming when it came to exams, always prepared.

Which is why it surprised her when she was yanked into an empty classroom on her way back from the library after a free period. Her preparedness and observant nature was why Percy Jacksons very real jealousy caught her off guard.

“Why did Grant drop you off this morning?” He asked, his expression curious more than anything, but Annabeth could see him fidgeting, playing with his hands and unable to meet her eyes. He was agitated, and she didn’t get why.

“Why? Is he not allowed to?” Annabeth asked, putting her hands on her hips as her eyes flicked to the clock on the back wall. She’d be late to class, but she was so far ahead in Physics anyway that it hardly mattered.

“Well…” Percy looked away, his hand coming up to scratch the back of his neck in visible unease. He was struggling to answer and Annabeth made her conclusion quickly, taken aback a little that Percy was actually jealous of Grant. That he might not want him dropping her off, as if it was any of his business to begin with. Annabeth felt a surge of anger pierce her, she felt it bubble up into her words and spill out in a tone harsher than she anticipated.

“Why are you even asking? You’ve made it very clear that you don’t have feelings for me, that you don’t care about stuff like this-” Her gaze sharpened as he interrupted her.

“I do care about you that’s why I’m fucking concerned –“

“Concerned about what? That Grant might sweep me off my feet? That I might kiss him like you kissed me? Because it’s well within my right to do that if I wanted, you said –“ Annabeth was angry now, and she didn’t even know why. He really had no right to be jealous when it was him that chose to step on whatever they had. He was the one to originally say he had no feelings and that the kiss meant nothing. Percy was the one to make things complicated and awkward between them, Annabeth had been dragged along and she would be dragged no longer. She wouldn’t stand for it, not when she could be doing better things with her time.

“Annabeth! What are you even-“ Percy looked flustered and caught off guard by Annabeths sudden berating. His eyes had widened and he looked like he was close to anger as well, discomforted by the fact that Annabeth was calling him out.

“You have no right Perseus, none!” She said, annoyed that stupid boys thought they ever had any right to decide who a girl might spend her time with. It wasn’t like she was even planning on being with Grant romantically. She’d already decided she felt nothing there, that Grant was kind and sweet but would suit best as a friend and someone to talk to rather than someone else to need something from her. No, it wasn’t about Grant. It was about Percys constant need to be involved in Annabeths life even when they’d both agreed to be friends and keep a distance. If he was planning on dragging her into classrooms and coming to her work and stalking her, which was definitely not normal activities for people who remained as friends then she would go back to ignoring him and avoiding thoughts of him at all cost like he had begged her not to.

“Don’t call me that.” He said, visibly tensing up at the name ‘Perseus’.

“Why not? It’s your real name is it not?” Annabeth folded her arms over her chest and quirked up an eyebrow, her tone still sharp. She was missing class for this, she might as well enjoy it a little. Despite everything, she still enjoyed seeing Percy flustered like he was now.

“Because its making me think very unholy things and I think you should stop stepping closer to me.” Percy was staring directly at her eyes, not looking away as if to look away would be a sin. Annabeth didn’t realise she’d even been stepping closer, but the red tinge to his cheeks made her chest tighten and breath almost hitch. Her heart beat a little faster, the tension in the air was suddenly thick and heavy, like fog. Annabeth ignored the rising heat and smirked.

“What like this?” Annabeth asked, taking another step forwards, closing a bit of the space between them, unfolding her arms.

“Annabeth –“ He croaked, his breath a little faster than before as he looked away, unable to meet her gaze. For a moment, his eyes flickered towards her lips and away again, and Annabeth knew exactly what was going on in that jealous, dirty little mind of his. She bit her lip suggestively, enjoying this immensely. He shuffled on his feet.

“You want me to stop?” Annabeth asked, her voice softened as she looked up at him through her eyelashes. It was only when she was standing this close to him that she really noticed their height difference. From far away, when her head was held high and his was held low, they could’ve been the same height, but now? When she was mere inches from him, his chest right in front of her, almost inviting, he seemed so tall, like he could open his arms and consume her with a single hug. Like he could shield the beating sun with just his frame. Shield the wind and the rain. The snow. His shoulders were broad, strong, but he didn’t seem quite so strong now. Because Annabeth had him all flustered, she was unravelling him with just the tone of her voice and the seduction in her eyes. And she was enjoying it.

“Please.” He said quietly, Annabeth wasn’t so sure if he was asking her to stop, or keep going. His eyes told her he meant the latter.

“Why? You don’t like Grant, you didn’t like me ignoring you. You’re keeping tabs on me, practically stalking, what are you hiding? Why not just admit that you like it, that you like me? Perseus? You don’t really want to stay friends do you?” Annabeth was just taunting him now, she liked watching him squirm under her glare. She liked how flustered he looked, how tense he had gotten with her standing so close, practically whispering the words into his ear. His eyes were soft and wanting. He was leaning forward slightly, as if she were a drug he was trying to refrain himself from taking. He was lying to himself, Annabeth realised. He wanted this. She didn’t. She would never. But maybe if she just…

His eyes flickered down to her lips again, Annabeth licked them, knowing it had the desired effect as he twitched, unable to stay still. It was him to step forward now, him to place his hands either side of her and lean down slightly as she leant up.

At the last second, Annabeth veered to the side so that his lips barely brushed past her ear. She stepped back, her expression disappointed before she allowed a smirk to creep up onto her lips. How deceitful she was. How exhilarating it was to give someone like Percy a taste of his own medicine.

“You’re a horrible person, but I’ll allow it” Percy said lowly, looking at her pointedly. He knew exactly what she’d been doing, He knew she had him all figured out.

“Endearing, isn’t it?” Annabeth said, taking another step back as Percy stayed where he was, his hands slipping away from where his fingers were once rested at her arms. Annabeth ignored the absence of his touch, as if she couldn’t feel the cold air that replaced where his hands had been.

“See you in history, Perseus.” Annabeth said, before turning and exiting out to the hallway, on her way towards Physics, her heart beating wildly in her chest as a smile spread on her lips. He deserved every bit of that. Every taunt she had delivered. He’d asked for it, he’d asked for them to be friends, and she was just keeping him to his promise. She was just making it a little more challenging for him, a little more interesting.

Chapter Text

Percy

“Shut it, Perseus Jackson and come here.” Annabeth dragged him closer, reeling him in like a fishing line, her hands hooking around his neck as she gazed up at him, mischief dancing in her eyes. Percy brought his fingers to his own lips, pretending to zip them shut and hand her the key.

She took the imaginary key, smiling, not smirking, but genuinely smiling, as if he was someone she liked the sight of. As if she really wanted to be there with him, despite who he was, despite who he wasn’t. She put the key in her pocket and Percys hands found her waist, he was grinning too, his cheeks sore from smiling so much.

“Tell me you love me.” Annabeth whispered against his lips. Percy opened his mouth to reply, before shutting it and shaking his head, grinning. He had given her the key had he not? His voice was hers as long as she wanted it.

“Good boy.” Annabeth giggled, eyes creasing as she smiled.

She kissed him then, slow and deep, and Percy was happy to kiss her back. He didn’t need to say anything, he’d never say anything again if it meant he could be eternally stuck in this moment. She could keep his voice, his heart, his mind, his sanity. There was nothing she could do that Percy wouldn’t be on his knees for. Oh, he would get on his knees right this second, if that’s what she wanted.

Slowly, he squeezed her waist a little tighter, stepping her back until she was pressed against the wall of the alley way. She smiled into the kiss, her lips never leaving his as she brought up one of her legs around him. He slipped one of his hands under her thigh, holding her in place as they kissed and kissed and kissed.

Percys other hand that remained on Annabeths waist suddenly got very warm, very fast. He looked down to find it coated in crimson, hot and thick. Instinctively he pressed his hand to the source, which happened to be Annabeths torso. He stared at her in horror, dropping her leg and his jaw as he stared at her. Her expression hadn’t changed, it remained dazed and happy, a reflection of what Percy had felt before he’d realised Annabeth had been shot, and was now bleeding out into his hands.

Percy tried to talk, to say her name, but he found his mouth couldn’t move, couldn’t form the words. He wanted to cry out, terrified she would collapse any moment. But her cheeks remained flushed, her smile still plastered on her face as if that was all she knew how to do. With her hands she held Percys cheeks, and pulled him in until they were kissing again. Percy pulled her hands down, leaving red stains on her wrists.

“Don’t stop.” She whispered, kissing him again. When he pulled away for the second time, she scowled.

“What did I say?” She said, her temper flaring. Percy wouldn’t have wanted to stop, if it weren’t for the fact that her whole side was covered in blood, it was soaking her clothes, his hands. She didn’t even know it. She couldn’t even feel it. She was unaware that she was even in danger of dying right in his arms. She didn’t know. He had to tell her. But he couldn’t open his mouth, he’d zipped it shut and now he was paying the price. He tried to shout, his face not even twitching.

Annabeth just moved his hair back with her fingers, holding his cheek, smiling and just looking at him. Her eyes flicked to Percys frozen lips, and she kissed him again. He kissed her back, unable to do anything else, his body moving whilst his mind had no control. Annabeth was getting paler in the face, Percy could see it. The blood leaving her cheeks as it pooled at their feet, neither of them able to change the inevitable.

Annabeth was going to die, and it was Percys fault. He did all he could to tell her to move, to run, to get help. His body remained unresponsive, doing its own thing as if his brains commands were merely guidelines. Nothing to worry about.

He screamed at her. And she didn’t respond.

…

Going to school the next day was rather torturous. Mainly because he kept catching Annabeth looking in his direction. She would look, meet his eyes, remain there for a while before one of them gave in and looked away, cheeks red and hot. It was usually Percy to be the one to look away, he couldn’t look at her when she was looking at him like that. He was in danger of becoming a literal puddle as it was, just by the memory of the afternoon before. She’d been so close to him, his lips brushing against her ear as she dodged him, smirking as if it was the greatest thing in the world to see him so desperate.

And the thing was, Percy was trying his fucking hardest to not be desperate. He was trying to ignore her, trying to stay friends as he said they should. Trying to uphold promises to himself that he just couldn’t, all because she wouldn’t allow it. And the other thing was, he liked it. He liked that she was teasing him again, flirtatious even though she knew they were friends, like an inside joke shared between them. A little quirk they had together, that no one else knew of. Well, that’s what it was for her anyway.

But it was walking a fine line to encourage such acts. He was in danger of falling over and finding himself on the wrong side, the side where he’s desperately in love with her, and can’t stop it, and can’t protect her. His previous dream haunted him when he felt like he was close to falling over that line, when he felt like he’d been watching her for too long, thinking of her too much, and he was jerked back to reality. Where liking her was dangerous. The memory of her blood on her hands threatened to send him into spirals, he hated it. He hated going to sleep because of it. But his body needed rest, so he’d have to manage.

She certainly wasn’t making it easy to stay up right on that thin line, tipping him this way and that with her silver grey gaze. His name on her mouth as she walked past, greeting hello.

Perseus

Perseus

Perseus

He loved his name when it came out of her mouth. The way it rolled off her tongue. He was left wondering what else her tongue could do, and had to shake his head to rid himself of the thoughts. But at least thoughts of her tongue and her hands in her hair distracted him from thoughts of everything else. His ribs remained to ache from Gabes wrath those several weeks ago. The bruises may have faded but he was reminded of it every time he had to bend down, his chest aching. His torso was a little better, the bruises remaining prominent but at least he wasn’t coughing up blood anymore. Headaches were frequent, but Tylenol seemed to keep them at bay. His thumb was in a brace Percy kept in their medicinal cabinet next to the bandages. It did alright to keep his hand from moving too much, and it wasn’t his dominant hand, so it was easy to ignore, along with the rest of his aching body.

It all was easy to ignore when he’d lived his whole life feeling one ache or another, either from Gabe or swimming or both. But he had noticed it was getting harder to hide his grimaces as he stood up, his winces as he bent over or his head began to throb. It was probably becoming a problem, but as usual Percy decided to ignore it, pretend it didn’t exist.

Just like how he was pretending his feelings for Annabeth didn’t exist. Which was considerably harder to do.

Impossible in fact. Especially when Grant was an imminent threat, one Percy couldn’t ignore. She had never answered his question after all, of why the guy had dropped her off at school yesterday morning. She had just become defensive and argumentative. Which yes, did in fact do things to him that he’d never admit to, but it still meant Grant was a concern.

One that Percy was annoyed at, because he didn’t have any right to come between him and Annabeth, if that’s what would make Annabeth happy. But Percy had already established that he was a selfish person.

Besides, Grant was obviously dodgy. Percy didn’t have a good feeling about him. His gut told him to be suspicious. So suspicious he would be.

…

Annabeth

This was some of the greatest fun she’d had in a while. Acting around Percy the way she was. She had taken to staring at him blatantly, watchful as he entered her classrooms and every time she met his gaze. Their eyes would meet, they’d have an unspoken conversation, and then he would look away, cutting it off. He would get flustered, he would blush, and Annabeth would smirk, satisfied every time. This was a game to her, one where Percy was unable to hide any longer. He had been jealous of Grant, he’d been protective, he’d kissed her and tried to again… he had feelings for her despite his denials of this fact. Perhaps he didn’t even realise it himself. But either way, Annabeth was beyond amused. Simply because of how hard Percy was clearly trying to fight it.

He'd wanted to stay friends. His exact words were ‘I like you Annabeth, I really do, but as friends.’

And then he proceeded to do and say things that very loudly suggested he didn’t want to remain friends. Honestly, boys and their stupid feelings. Annabeth was just glad she didn’t have feelings for him. Wouldn’t that be something? She simply couldn’t imagine it.

Annabeth shook her head of her thoughts, a little annoyed that Percy had invaded her mind as usual with his stupidness. She needed to clear her head, She needed to stop thinking about him.

It was when those thoughts crossed her mind that he walked in to the café. Again.

His hands were in his pockets and his face and neck were flushed from the cold. He had bits of snow in his hair, he ruffled them out with his hands, his hair remaining fluffy and dry and tousled. He sat down in his usual chair by the window, looking at Annabeth and waving with a grin.

Annabeth had to bite the inside of her cheek to stop herself grinning back. He looked like an idiot doing so. Instead she rolled her eyes, which earned her an even wider grin. Annabeth finished the coffee she was making and delivered it to its table before approaching Percy reluctantly, her arms crossed as she sighed.

“The stalkers back.” She stated, rather annoyed that he was here, in all honesty. She had been trying to distract herself, and now he was here, preventing that from happening. He was like a thorn in her side, a dog following along nipping at her ankles. One she liked to turn around and step on occasionally, only for it to jump back up and continue on following her. It was annoying.

“Not a stalker, but yes he is.” Percy replied, leaning back in his chair a little. His gaze flickered to something behind her, and Annabeth turned to see Grant at the kitchen window, glancing at them and looking away so quickly it was debateable whether he had looked at all.

“Seriously, why are you here Percy, shouldn’t you be off stealing, or saying the wrong things to the wrong people?” Annabeth sighed.

“I’m glad you asked my dear wisey, I’m actually here because I love…” Percy looked around for a source of inspiration, landing on the closest thing he could get his hands on, “… the amazing condiments.”

“You’re here in this specific café because you love the condiments?” Annabeth asked bluntly, quite frankly not having time for this. Yes she amused herself in teasing Percy at school, she liked seeing him flustered by her. But him being everywhere she went was not helping her attempts of not thinking about him.

“…Yep.”

“Just order your coffee so I don’t have to keep talking to you” Annabeth sighed.

“Does it really matter what I order if you’re going to give me something entirely different anyway?” Percy asked, still smiling that stupid smile of his, the one with the dimples and the gorgeous teeth and the light that stretched to his eyes. His green eyes, which looked at her with fondness. Annabeth wished he wouldn’t look at her like that, it caused her heart to flutter in her chest, which was just ridiculous.

“You never know, I might be feeling generous.” Was what Annabeth replied with. Percy hummed and ordered a drink that Annabeth already knew she was going to completely ignore.

…

Annabeth tried to work normally with Percy in the corner of her eye. She tried to ignore it, his presence that drew her in. He drank the coffee Annabeth gave him with zero complaint, actually seeming to like it, and he was doing homework. When she went to take his empty cup, she caught a glance at his math work, and was gleeful to be able to point out all the mistakes he made. He said thank you, with sarcasm lacing his tone, and Annabeth had sweetly said he was welcome any time.

Now Annabeth was talking to Grant, rather distractedly.

“Who’s the friend?” Grant asked, raising an eyebrow. He wasn’t accusing her of anything, he was clearly just curious, but Annabeth couldn’t help but feel defensive.

“He’s no one, just a guy from school, I barely know him.” She said, which was sort of the truth in a way. Annabeth didn’t know Percy, not really.

“Oh, okay.” Grant replied, glancing uneasily at Percy, and that was that.

Annabeth bid Grant goodbye, glancing at Percy before exiting through the back for her five minute break. Percy had turned to watch their interaction, his expression unreadable.

Annabeth made her way outside. The afternoon sky was grey and darkening. Snow trickled lightly down, coating the ground in blotchy sheets of white. She breathed in the fresh air, grateful to be away from the loud and chaotic atmosphere, as well as Percys presence.

Then she heard footsteps behind her, and she sighed, knowing exactly who it was.

“You’re jealous.” Annabeth stated, without looking behind her. She knew he was. He clearly didn’t like Grant, it was obvious that was why he’d visited here twice, why he was angry that Grant had driven her to school. He was keeping tabs on her, invading her personal life as usual. At least now he wasn’t stepping in and fighting her battles for her like he had before. Not that there were any battles to fight, but still, it was clear that he was at least trying to keep a little bit of distance, he wasn’t succeeding though.

“Am not.” Percys voice sounded, and Annabeth turned around to see him standing there with his hands in his pockets, looking cold and sheepish. His black hair had white specks in it again, Annabeth suddenly felt the urge to ruffle the snow out with her hands, but she squashed the urge down quickly, berating herself for thinking such things.

“I-I’m not jealous.” Percy scoffed, kicking the snow around at his feet, not meeting her gaze.

“Then why are you here? Why did you pull me into that classroom?” Annabeth asked, folding her arms around herself and staring at him expectantly. He could at least give her an answer.

“I don’t know. I just… he’s creepy.” Percy shrugged and Annabeth scoffed, her expression showing only annoyance.

“Grant is probably the least creepy guy I’ve ever met.” Annabeth says, which clearly only angers Percy, because he obviously doesn’t like Annabeth talking nicely about him. Oh he’s so obvious. Annabeth wants to slap him for not seeing it himself. He looks down at his feet, uncomfortable and struggling for something to say. For a millisecond, Annabeth might even feel bad for him. But the feeling goes away quickly. He was being immature. He had no reason to be jealous, had he not heard a word of what she had said yesterday? He said himself that he didn’t do relationships, that there couldn’t be anything between them (not that Annabeth would want that anyway). He had said himself that he wanted to remain friends, so why was he here? Really, why was he so fixated on this? On hating Grant? Why did he feel so fucking entitled to her? It drove Annabeth mad. She felt like she was going around in circles. Percy not liking her but hating anyone that came close to her. It was nothing short of toxic, and Annabeth wanted nothing more than to just punch him in the face.

Instead of doing that however, Annabeth chose the more reasonable option, to tell Percy the truth, to settle his worries once and for all.

“If you must know, I have no interest in Grant.” Annabeth said slowly, annoyed that she had to tell him this to get him to back off. Despite finding the fact that he was jealous in the first place just a little bit attractive. It was the lying and the dishonesty that made her clench her teeth.

“Does he know that?” Percy asked, looking up at her and meeting her eyes, questioning, searching, trying to see if she was telling the truth.

“Not yet.” Annabeth admitted, which opened her up to a brand new problem. Grant liked her. And she didn’t like him back, not because of Percy, not through any fault of Grants own, no… she just didn’t. There was no reason, because Grant was an amazing guy. He was kind, good-looking, homey and sweet. But Annabeth couldn’t see herself with him, no matter how much she tried. Now she’d have to tell him that, and it was sure to be awkward.

“Then I still have reason to be jealous do I not?” Percy raised an eyebrow.

“I thought you had no feelings for me?” Annabeth replied, taking a step closer to him, reminding herself of how easy it was to fluster him, to get him to melt before her.

“I believe I corrected that previous statement by saying I don’t do relationships, not that I have zero feelings for you.” Percy countered, his lips turning up at the corners.

“Then what reason would you have to be jealous, just because you relish in being lonely doesn’t mean I have to be. I’m not the one afraid of relationships” Annabeth said coldly, and it was the truth. Percy clearly liked her, but he was afraid of being with her. Annabeth wanted to know why for one thing, and she didn’t want Percy to cover up that fact with some lame excuse about ‘not being ready’ or ‘not liking her as more than a friend’.

“Maybe jealous isn’t the right word, concerned fits better.” Percy muttered, looking down at her.

“You are still concerned.” Annabeth stated, not a question.

“yes.”

“For my well-being? How can you be concerned for my well-being if our relationship means nothing to you?” Annabeth asked, wishing for a real answer that Percy would never give her.

“Our relationship doesn’t mean nothing.” Percy is exasperated, huffing dramatically. They were standing close now, the gap between them a little smaller. Neither of them made an effort to largen the space. They stayed exactly where they were, Fire dancing in Annabeths eyes despite the cold, frustration written on Percys face. He wore his heart on his sleeve, and his heart was annoyed, Annabeth could tell.

“Then you were lying when you said it meant nothing, that you had no feelings for me.” Annabeth said, her temper flaring. Why couldn’t he be straight forward?

“No, I mean yes, I mean – oh for fucks sake just –“ In less than a second Percy closed the gap between them himself. Pulling her face towards him with his hands on her cheeks. Annabeth gasped in surprise, but didn’t move away, she didn’t want to. He kissed her almost feverishly, desperately, like he’d been restraining himself this entire time. Annabeth had her hands on his arms, reaching up to deepen the kiss that he so easily initiated. Everything else seemed to fall away for a split second. The staff parking lot they stood in seemed far away, the snow doing nothing to extinguish the heat between them. Annabeth was no longer cold, but warm, warmth spreading right from Percys lips into her very soul.

He pulled himself away, stepping back and taking his hands with him. He ran his hands through his hair, frustrated. What he had to be frustrated about, Annabeth didn’t care. How could she care when the ghost of his lips lingered on hers?

“You are… Impossible.” Percy stated loudly, looking her in the eyes, his expression one of annoyance, as if he wasn’t the one to kiss her in the first place.

“and you’re insufferable.” Annabeth shot back, mildly red in the cheeks and caught off guard.

“I-I don’t have feelings for you.” Percy stuttered, even though he’s said just before that he did. He did he did he did. He was such a terrible liar. But Annabeth let him have it. If that’s what he wanted to believe then so be it. She couldn’t care less.

“Good.” Annabeth breathed, stepping forward and connecting their lips once more at the same time as him, her movements against him rougher, needy, like she couldn’t get enough. Percy wasn’t much different, his brow furrowed as he leaned in further, nipping at her lower lip, gripping her hard by the waist as if someone would steal her away from him. As if she were his. Annabeth let him, allowing herself to be swallowed up and buried in whatever they had between them, in whatever this was. She didn’t like him. He was too much of a wild card, a variable when what she really needed was something constant. He held secrets and lies, he was a trouble maker, immature and unsure of himself, of what he wanted. He asked for trouble, got involved where he shouldn’t have. He did reckless things, like injuring himself on skateboards and picking fights with thugs.

There were countless things he kept to himself, like why he winced a little as she tugged him closer. Why he kissed her like he was starving, and continued to deny it ever meant anything to him. He had a wall in his mind, one Annabeth would be better off turning away from. But instead she was going to scale it. Instead she was going to break it down.

Chapter Text

Percy

Percy knew Gabe. He was a drunk, he was a bad father. He had a cigarette in his hand more often than not. He snored loudly when he slept, he didn’t like rebellion from Percy, or any type of attitude. He used his fists to send a message. He had bad friends, crooks. People who gambled and drank their lives away right there next to Gabe. Those were the more frequent visitors. The less frequent visitors came and went quickly, and very rarely. They were the men like the one with the snake tattoo. They were the men with tinted windows on their cars and an air of pure danger about them. And not in a good way. No, these people looked like they’d snap your neck just for looking their way.

Point is, Gabe wasn’t just involved with alcohol and weed. He did other things, if he could cough up the money to afford them. Things that made him more erratic. Things that made Percy wish Gabe would just stick to the booze, so that at least he’d be somewhat predictable. Gabe was in a constant state of anger on booze, but when it came to other substances, he acted… different. Sometimes he was calmer, dozing off more easily. Other times he was worse. So much worse.

Percy hadn’t ever seen him do drugs first hand, except smoke. Percy tended to avoid looking at him in general, if not because of his anger issues then because of his rancidness. And the more expensive and less legal substances weren’t always in supply. Until, that is, that night.

…

 “Have you got a job yet kid?”

“I start next week.” Percy replied, stepping into the apartment with his bag slung over his shoulder. Gabe was on the couch, as usual, a cigarette in hand but no drink. To be honest, Percy was sort of excited to have a job. After quitting swimming, time was something on Percys hands, and working was a lot better than coming home to this shithole, plus the added bonus of making money. Perhaps he’d even get away with keeping some for himself. As long as Gabe didn’t find out. He might even be able to put some in for savings, a small step towards some type of freedom. 

Gabe only grunted in response, taking a puff of his cigarette and letting the smoke rise and dissipate into the air. Percy backed into the kitchen, glad that Gabe seemed satisfied with his answer and didn’t seem to want to question him any further. He was hungry, he could do with some food, but his appetite proceeded to drop away at the sight of what was on the kitchen counter.

He stared at the small plastic zip lock bag, the white powder inside turning his blood to ice.

There was a reason Percy was required to get a job, it wasn’t just to pay the bills, pay for food that Gabe couldn’t provide. No, Percy was required to provide for Gabes addictions, his self-destruction.

Percy nearly jumped right out of his skin as he heard a throat clear behind him. He hadn’t realised he’d been frozen in place, his heart beating loudly in his ears as he stared at the baggy. Percy turned around now, Gabe was standing at the door. Tall and menacing. His cigarette was discarded, his hands were at his sides.

“There’s a reason I hide that shit from you boy.” Gabe muttered, his voice quiet for now. Percy noticed the dark circles under his eyes, the dilation of his pupils.

He wasn’t in his right mind.

Percy willed his hands to stop shaking, and he remained silent.

“You took some, didn’t you?” Gabe murmured, his eyes flicking up to Percy as Percys blood ran cold once more. The air had dropped about ten degrees, despite their fixed radiator since the first snow appeared. The tension was choking him, he was scared. Scared that anything could make Gabe snap.

“N-no Gabe. I swear I didn’t.” Percy frantically turned the pockets of his shorts inside out, proving to Gabe he was innocent. Please let him believe he was innocent. Percy wouldn’t even dream of stealing from Gabe, he had nothing that wasn’t incredibly destructive in his possession, so why would he bother?  

“You’re lying.” Gabe said, his voice low, grating, his eyes cast down.

He looked up, his expression morphing into something twisted, something of rage.

“You liar!” He yelled, spit flying from his mouth as Percy stumbled back as Gabe launched forward. The kitchen was small, there wasn’t much room for Percy to run. He didn’t even comprehend what was happening until Gabe had his meaty hands around his throat, squeezing, squeezing.

“I… swear, Gabe. Gabe!” Percy choked out, squirming and digging his nails into Gabes wrists, but it did nothing. Percy wasn’t even sure if Gabe would be able to feel the pain, not in this state.

“Mark my words boy, you’ll regret ever crossing me.” Gabe snarled, baring his teeth like a rabid dog. Percy was actually afraid he might bite, until he began to lift him, his hands still around his neck. Percy coughed and spluttered, trying to force air into his lungs. He managed it as best as he could, but it wasn’t working so well for him, he could already feel himself getting light headed.

“I didn’t!” Percy forced out, his voice high pitched and strained, his feet barely scuffing the ground. Percys eyes flicked to the bag of white power, wishing he’d never even walked in here. Wishing he’d never seen the damn thing.

Unfortunately Gabe saw him look. Unfortunately Gabe followed his gaze. Percy was unfortunate for a lot of reasons. This was just another thing to add to the list.

“Curiosity will get you killed boy. Mark my words. You want some don’t you? You want to see what it feels like?” Gabe sneered, his grip tightening just a little around his throat. Percy let out a weak whimper, gasping to no avail.

Suddenly Gabes grip loosened and Percy fell to the ground, his legs buckling beneath him as he sucked in a deep breath, holding his throat. Gabe promptly gripped his shirt and yanked him up again, shoving him towards the counter where the powder lay. Lone and white, stark against the grey counter tops. With a yelp, Percy felt Gabes hands tighten around his hair, pushing his face down onto the counter.

“Gabe, please…” Percy groaned. Miraculously, he was less worried about the pain, and more concerned about how he was going to cover up this new bruise that had surely formed around his neck. In the shape of Gabes hands no doubt. What a lovely reminder of this evening, Percy would be sure to avoid mirrors for the next few days until the marks faded.

Gabe didn’t answer to Percys pleads, pressing him down by the heat, his body bent over the bench with Gabe trapping him there, his other hand fiddling with the bag, opening it. Percy could see remnants of the powder on the counter, and Percy tried not to breath too harshly, afraid he’d breath them in. Instead he puffed out, trying to get the stuff away from him.

“You want a taste? You want to know don’t you? Trust me, once you have your first, you’ll never stop coming back for more.” Gabe growled in his air, bringing the bag to his nose. Percy stared at it in terror. He couldn’t move, he was trapped against the counter, Gabes foot against the back of his knee to keep him down. Gabes hand creeped around the front of Percys face, covering his mouth to stop him from breathing in. His hand was tight, suffocating and sweaty. Percy could do nothing as Gabe held the open bag over his nose.

Percy held his breath for a long time. Until he felt his lungs screaming. If he breathed in, he’d be a dead man, by Gabe and by whatever affects the powder awaited him if he dared breath in. Percy tried to push against Gabe, but his lack of oxygen was making him weak, Gabes elbow had his head pressed to the counter.

He couldn’t breathe. Not now. He refused to do it. He refused to give in. The edges of Percys vision turned blotchy, his head spinning with piercing pain. No air, he couldn’t think about anything else but the fact that he had no air.

Suddenly the bag was ripped away and Percy breathed. The pressure of Gabe against him fell away as he stepped back, leaving Percy to slump to the floor to his hands and knees, blinking the stars from his eyes as he gulped in the oxygen like he couldn’t get enough, like he was still choking.

Gabe didn’t accuse him again, seeming appeased and walking away.

Percy remained breathless and trembling for a long time after that.

…

Annabeth

 “Will you go out with me?”

Grants question hung in the air, sort of suspended in time as Annabeth tried to grasp at her whirring thoughts. She should have seen this coming. What was going on with her lately? She’d been so distracted, so unlike her usual sharp and prepared self. Why she felt surprised that Grant would ask was beyond her.

“Maybe to the movies? I was thinking dinner first…” Grant filled the silence hastily with more questions. His hand reaching the back of his head as he looked away in visible nervousness. Annabeth really needed to say something. She was making this a lot more awkward than need be. Because no, she wasn’t going to go out with Grant. Despite the fact that he was probably one of the best guys Annabeth had come across, potential wise anyway.

“I’m sorry Grant, but I can’t.” Annabeth settled on, not sure how or if she was supposed to explain. She needn’t worry though, because Grant guided her to it.

“It’s that guy isn’t it? The one who keeps coming here to see you. The one you give the wrong drinks on purpose.”

He looked a little stricken, disappointed. Annabeth felt a pang of guilt.

Grant was a perfectly reasonable guy. He was good looking, nice. Honestly, there shouldn’t have been any reason Annabeth wouldn’t go out with him. But there is. Percy Jackson. Annabeth had been more affected by him than she first realised. He was the reason for Annabeths distractions, the kiss yesterday proved it. The way he’d gotten frustrated and the way she kissed him back, unable to help herself. It was human impulse, nothing more, or at least that’s what she told herself. It was her body making decisions for her, because Percy was good-looking, and he was nearby. Oh come on, he’s so much more than good looking, you know that.

 Annabeth looked down at her feet, sheepish and guilty. Grant sighed.

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s alright, really. But if you ever change your mind…”

"I’ll let you know.” Annabeth replied, looking up and giving him a small smile, he returned it.

Then they went their separate ways, and Annabeth was left with muddled thoughts for the millionth time this week alone.

Why did Percy have such a grip on her emotions? Why did he have to look at her like he did, speak to her like he did, as if he didn’t even know it made it impossible to ignore him? Annabeth wanted to deny it all, she wanted to believe she knew herself better than she did. Because despite her wishes to not care, her desires to be near him… she couldn’t help but think of him as more than a friend. As someone whom she’d kissed in a closet, someone she’d watched Marvel movies with and watched drool on his couch. She couldn’t help but think of his as someone kind and hilarious, who got on well with her friends, and had secrets and mystery. He wasn’t ordinary. He wasn’t innocent. He’d done things, gotten into trouble with thugs and people like Luke and what not. He was possibility personified. And Annabeth didn’t know whether to hate him or love him for it.

…

Percy

Percy hadn’t had much time to think about the kiss Annabeth and he had shared outside of the coffee house. He’d been a little busy, shaking like a leaf at the mere memory of the incident with Gabe and how close he came with, well, whatever that powder would have done to him if he’d taken it.

He hadn’t exactly forgotten it, how could he? He could practically still feel it on his lips, in his hands, like a warm buzz that spread to the tips of his fingers. But he tried to. He tried to push it to the back of his mind. Because he knew the more he thought about it, the more he dwelled, the more he’d want to chase more of that feeling. It wasn’t really working out for him. Especially when he rounded a corridor corner at school after arriving late and seeing her alone, also late apparently.

The two of them locked eyes, and like a silent agreement, Annabeth turned away and Percy followed her.

He lost sight of her when she went through the back doors, out into the cold air, which didn’t deter him in the slightest, because all he wanted was to get to her. His chest was fluttering at the mere thought. They were near the field, the weather too wet and cold for gym classes to be out there at that time of year.

She stepped out from behind the bleachers, her arms wrapped around her, her cheeks flushed from the cold.

Percy approached.

“Aren’t you cold?” Percy asked, noticing that she had no jacket, only a sweater. She was shivering.

“No.” She replied, as Percy knew she would. Too bad for her, because his jacket was already off his shoulders. The blue varsity one that looked so good on her. He was putting it around her shoulders when her gaze caught his, silvery eyes looking up at him, her lips purple from the cold.

Percy knew just the way to warm them up.

Annabeth pulled him down by his scarf, the one he used to cover up the bruises left by Gabe. But he wasn’t thinking about Gabe, no. Right then, he was only thinking about Annabeth and her breath against his lips before she closed the gap between them. Him leaning down to kiss her more deeply, while she put her arms around his neck.

The cold seemed to be forgotten as they warmed each other up with their embrace. Percy pulled her closer by the jacket, pulling her in, even though they were as close as humanely possible. Still with her arms around his neck and his hands inside her jacket, he pulled back, looking at her, flustered, pleasured, and beyond confused.

“Why are we doing this?” Percy muttered, feeling guilty and vulnerable, but desperate to continue all the same.

“Why does there always have to be a why? Why can’t we just do this with no questions? That’s clearly what you want isn’t it.”

“Maybe.” Percy replied, because he wasn’t sure. Was that what he wanted? How did that saying go… all or nothing? Could he allow her to settle for halfway? Could he ensnare her yet not allow himself to give her what she deserved? It seemed unfair and selfish. But he was selfish. He’d be selfish if it meant allowing himself this one thing. One thing to separate himself from Gabe, a chance to pretend.

“So shut up and kiss me seaweed brain.” Annabeth murmured, letting him kiss her again.

His thoughts fell away. What had he been worried about again? Surely it was nothing as important to stop them from doing this.

He never really understood the addiction to kissing before he did it with Annabeth for the first time. Every kiss felt like sparks in his chest, sparks behind his eyes, sparks everywhere. It was like every kiss sent electric shocks through him. Invigorating and terrifying but addictive all the same. He couldn’t imagine doing this with anyone else. He couldn’t imagine anything coming close to how this was with Annabeth.

She began walking them back, Percy allowing her too, because as he mentioned once before, he would kneel for her if she asked him to.

Annabeth pushed him into one of the wooden beams holding up the bleachers, her hands on his stomach to do so. He winced, groaning into the kiss a little, he wasn’t sure if it was because of the pain or just the fact that it was Annabeth in his hands.

Annabeth stopped abruptly, her hands softening as she leaned back to look at him, her gaze questioning.

“What did you do to yourself this time?” Annabeth gave him a disappointed look. Percy only grinned back a little lopsidedly, quite content with getting the conversation over with so they could resume what they were doing.

“What are you talking about?” He asked, almost dazed, still smiling. He leaned down to kiss her again.

“You winced.” Annabeth said against his lips, breathing harshly as she looked at him once more.

Percy gripped her hard by the waist and turned her around so that it was she that was up against the beam. He kissed her again, shutting her up before she could pester him any further.

“What if I told you I was a vigilante? Perhaps spider-man? Bat-man?” Percy grinned into their next kiss, feeling jittery, his legs a little wobbly as she pulled him down towards her lips by the jaw. What were they doing? Was he dreaming? 

“You do like getting involved in crime.” Annabeth murmured back, laughing a little and tilting her head up for Percy to nip at her neck.

“Fighting crime.” Percy corrected. “I’d prefer you say I like to fight crime. You know, saving damsels in distress and all that.”

“Would you save me? Would you kiss me upside down like Mr Parker?” Annabeth asked, a little out of breath due to what Percy was doing. Percy hummed.

“Probably, as long as you wouldn’t expose me.”

“I wouldn’t expose you. You can be my little secret.” Annabeth breathed, her voice nothing more than a whisper at the last part.

Percy would be happy to be her secret. He wanted it more than anything. Gabe seemed like an issue far away. A distant worry. All he could think about was that he was actually living. He could keep secrets sure, but he’d always been a terrible liar, no wonder Annabeth had seen right through him.

 Gabe wasn’t here to take this away from him, and Percy wouldn’t allow him to. Percy was going to do what he wanted, he was going to be Annabeths secret, and he was going to do so willingly. Because fuck Gabe and everything he stood in the way of. Screw him. Maybe Percy was high on what Annabeth promised, the hope personified she was. Maybe he was being delusional. He decided not to think too hard, and instead enjoy it while it lasted.

And oh, how he would make it last.

Chapter Text

Percy  

As Gabe insisted, Percy started his job the next week. It was one he decided was a lot better than being a bag boy at a grocery store. The cinemas smelt like popcorn at all times, Percy could snag food there for free if he needed to. People filtered in and out by the masses, especially in the middle of winter, so it made for a great distraction from everything else going on in his eventful life.

His manager taught him the basics, but it all proved easy to learn, and Percy was happily keeping his hands busy fitting new posters into the frames on the walls. It was a busy day, the snow having turned to spitting rain and the world blanketed by grey clouds. Percy wondered if he could manage to steal one of the new Star Wars movie posters, but decided he’d rather not get fired on his first day.

Something he noticed within the masses of people, was the amount of couples. There were families with kids, young teenagers in love, there were even twelve year olds holding fucking hands, and Percy felt a pinch in his gut every time he caught a glimpse of any type of affection. His spiral of thoughts mainly started when he thought to bring Annabeth here for a date, then he remembered that he couldn’t, and why he couldn’t, and how cruel it would be to do so. Sneaking around was one thing, allowing himself to divulge in a few stolen moments, but taking her on dates, pretending like everything could be there’s when it couldn’t… it was cruel to her and to himself.

Percy wished with his entire being that he could just be open. He wished he didn’t have secrets that gnawed at his insides, that clouded his mind and dragged him away from others, from relationships. Secrets were lies in disguise. And he was living one. A lie that made him feel immense guilt, even though it was necessary. For so many reasons.

He wanted to claw his heart out and smash it, because it hurt. It hurt so bad, not being able to be free and unafraid like those he saw, kissing in the back of the theatres and holding hands and laughing together without a care in the world. Maybe he should have greater priorities, like being healthy, remaining unharmed and not hungry, but was it so much to just want this one thing? Was it too much to ask for love? He had yet to know what it really felt like, to receive it. But by the looks of things, it felt damn good, if the smiles on the faces of the couples that walked by were anything to judge on.

He hated himself for wanting it. For wanting something he couldn’t have and allowing his thing with Annabeth to happen anyway, as if he wasn’t aware that it couldn’t be permanent. They couldn’t go on like this. They weren’t sustainable in any way. He knew he’d be left in ruins, and most of all, he didn’t want her to be caught in the cross fire. But he couldn’t help it.

He could do nothing to stop his growing feelings. He should’ve. God knows he should’ve, but he was learning so much. He was learning what it was like to love someone, he was learning, and the more he learnt, the more he knew just how much he had that could be ripped away from him at the end of it all.

…

Christmas was approaching fast. Percy wasn’t happy about it, not in the slightest. Gabe was a menace around the holidays, his friends coming over more often, his drinking tendencies that much more erratic. Also, it was an ‘occasion’ to do the more ‘fun’ stuff. Like expensive liquors and other substances that Gabe probably couldn’t afford and probably weren’t legal. The bruises on Percys throat from Gabes last incident had faded somewhat, and his neck just looked more red than anything, barely noticeable. This was a good thing, because Percy fucking hated scarfs, they were too easy to be choked with, and they felt like hands around this throat at all times. Percy was glad to be rid of them.

Percy mainly hated the holidays because of the break from school. Unlike every other teenager ever, Percy liked being at school better than being at home. With the distractions and what not. He enjoyed learning, he liked hanging out with friends, he liked his teachers less so, but Mr Brunner wasn’t so bad, History was his favourite subject for a reason.

Now, he would be stuck at home, working and tending to Gabe who would probably die without him being there to look after him. It was also when Percy was at his guiltiest. Because he often thought about how easy it would be to let Gabe drown in his own puke, let him overdose and leave it at that. But Percy could never bring himself to let that happen. Not that Gabe came close very often, he’d been doing stuff like that for as long as Percy could remember, so he wasn’t half bad at handling himself. But there was the occasional time Percy would have to step in and make sure Gabe wasn’t about to kill himself, and those ‘occasions’ were more frequent around the holiday season, when he was more turbulent and inconsistent.

Point is, the holidays sucked. Every. Single. Year. He didn’t expect this year to be any different. But at least this year, he had friends, real friends, ones that he had let himself get close to, as much as it was unintentional. He didn’t mean to let this happen. He didn’t like getting close with people for obvious reasons. But all of them, Piper, Jason, Frank, Hazel, Leo and Annabeth, they all made it hard to not instantly love them all. He cared about them, as much as he wished he didn’t, because it meant refraining himself from opening up was that much harder, and hiding his personal life was that much riskier.

Percy caught the train down town to Jason’s apartment. When Jason said he lived in an apartment building down town, Percy honestly thought of something big, as in four bedrooms, maybe two bathrooms instead of one, perhaps a kitchen big enough for both an oven and a dishwasher. What he wasn’t expecting was a MASSIVE apartment on one of the highest floors of a very clean and very expensive looking building. Percy actually had to sign in at the front desk to be allowed inside, and Percy was left wondering if he should have worn his nicer shoes, combed his hair a little. Everything was decorated festive, and Percy felt queasy as the elevator climbed higher and higher. How far up was this place?

Jason’s apartment blew Percys mind away, Jason welcoming him in and chuckling nervously as Percys jaw dropped to the floor. Most of the others were already there, Piper lounging on the couch with her feet up as if she didn’t know that that couch probably cost more than Percys entire existence. Hazel looked less at home, her feet on the ground, her hands in her lap like she was trying to touch as little as possible, as if she was afraid she’d break something. Percy could relate.

Frank and Leo were already cracking open beer cans, and Percy decided right then and there that he would not be drinking tonight. Gabe had been drinking all day, and the mere smell of alcohol was making Percy feel ill, not to mention his fear of spilling something all over Jason’s pristine carpet. Jason was as humble as ever, giving him a quick tour of the place and playing it down a little, not that his words did much to reassure Percy that he wasn’t standing in the house of literal royalty.

And yes, they were very high up. If the clouds right outside the window were any proof of that. Jason quite literally lived in the sky, and Percy suddenly missed being on the ground, feeling way out of his depth and out of place in his shabby converses and varsity jacket.

Then the doorbell rang and the lift doors slid open. Jason went to greet Annabeth who caught eyes with Percy. Percy winked and waved, and she rolled her eyes at him as Jason turned to give her a tour.

For a while, Percy listened in on Leo and Franks conversation about the football game that afternoon, how they’d won quite spectacularly and Luke had actually managed to pass the ball for once, because apparently he was a ball hog. Leo was jittery about the whole thing, and Frank and Percy exchanged exasperated looks as Leo proceeded to describe the events of every single play even though Frank was literally the one playing and Percy had been there watching right next to Leo. Percy faked a plenty of gasps and a “what happened next?!” before Leo finally told them to shut up as Frank and Percy dissolved into laughter.

Christmas music was playing softly in the background, and Percy watched as all his friends proceeded to drink and have fun, Percy enjoying watching Leo progressively talk faster and faster throughout the night, if that was even possible. Percy could barely understand him, but Jason seemed to be able to, laughing and slurring his words when he replied.

Eventually the music was turned up and the girls and Leo got up to dance, Hazel finding a pilgrims hat somewhere and placing it gently on Franks head before pulling him onto the dancefloor. Leo stole it a second later, except the hat was too big and sunk over his eyes, blinding him as Piper and Annabeth joined together to twirl him around until he was collapsed on the couch with dizziness. Percy was in stitches to say the least, and decided that maybe the holidays weren’t so bad. Not if they were like this, with his friends, no parents present, so step-fathers yelling, no aggressive consequences of alcohol, only fits of laughter and flustered dancing as Percy twirled a flushed Annabeth around and around, her eyes creased at the corners as she grinned.

Yes, Percy had spent thanksgiving alone, and he would spend Christmas alone too, unless you counted Gabe as real company, but enjoying one weekend of the holidays with his friends was worth it all.

…

“What’re you doing all alone out here?” A voice asked, and Percy smiled, glancing behind him and then flicking his gaze back to the view of the city below. The cloud had lifted a little, meaning Percy could see the lights and the ground below. The cars on the streets looking like ants.

Annabeth appeared next to him, letting out a sigh as she leant against the glass barrier. Annabeths cheeks were flushed, her eyes wide and happy. Percy liked seeing her like this, not necessarily tipsy, but happy and care free. Percy was aware of how much pressure she put on herself to do well in school. He experienced her stress first hand when they’d done that math project all those weeks ago, and when she scowled at him showing her up in History. Being an architect wasn’t an easy pathway after all. It only made Percy admire her more for it. Her determination. Nothing deterred her or stood in her way of her dreams.

So yes, he liked seeing her like this. It was easier to make her smile this way, and as much as he adored her cute little scowl, he liked her smile more.

“Just… enjoying the view.” Percy said, glancing at Annabeth, and letting his lips turn up at the corners. Jason had a good view, sure, but Percys was better.

Annabeth hummed in agreement, leaning over the railing and peering down at the street, smiling. It made Percy feel slightly ill, to see her leaning over like that, her entire upper body hanging over the empty space beneath them. He couldn’t even imagine living somewhere like here. With the ground so far away, like reality was a distant concept. It wasn’t the nicest feeling, being so exposed to the air and the height of the balcony. Gabe would probably make him hang off the ledge by the fingers, and suddenly Percy didn’t really want to be outside anymore. But Annabeth was grinning again, and Percy felt a little better.  

“The clouds come down to here y’know. I saw them, when we got here, the clouds were lower.” Annabeth breathed, now looking up at the darkness above. They couldn’t see the clouds anymore, because it was night, but the obvious lack of stars meant they were certainly there, probably getting ready to drop snow on the city for another frosty morning the next day.

“I saw them too Wise girl, I got here before you.” Percy pointed out, smiling as Annabeth giggled, her eyes bright. Her laugh was music to his ears, and Percys grin broadened. He found himself questioning; how on earth did he not realise he had feelings for her before? How did he not fall head over heels for her the moment he heard that laugh? It seemed like a distant memory now that they had once hated each other. He admired how far they’d come, but hated it all the same. The further they travelled the further they had to fall. Percy looked over the edge once more. 

“What do you think it feels like? Standing in clouds.” She was looking right at him, her eyes questioning. Percy just shrugged, smiling as she stared up with wonder. She was so endearing, from the way she thought to the way her eyes spoke volumes of wonder.

“Ask Jason. He’s probably done it before.” He said quietly, looking through the window and smiling as he watched Jason twirl Piper around as Leo clapped, Hazel and Frank were nowhere to be seen.

There was a moment of silence as the both of them just watched their friends, contented, the muffled music barely reaching them outside, where the air was crisp and cold.

Annabeth turned back around, looking out over the city once more. Percy watched her, because she looked so… ethereal. The breeze was softly kissing her face, gently brushing her hair from her face. Her cheeks were flushed from being tipsy and the cold, her eyes were wide and thoughtful. She looked like a goddess, admiring her kingdom from above, the lights twinkling were merely a background to the view herself.

Annabeth glanced at him and Percy cleared his throat, looking away as he felt his cheeks blush.

Then Annabeth spoke,

“You’re weird, you know that?”

“Thanks, I try to be.” Percy quipped back, watching as she rolled her eyes.

“Not in a bad way, dingus.” She sighed,

“I just mean I’m curious about you, you’re not exactly that easy to read anymore.”

Percy turned to her, raising an eyebrow.

“…anymore?”

“You used to be a dumb jock who thought he could swoop in and save the day all the time, even when I could handle myself. You used to be a dick.” Annabeth stated, not looking at him, and Percy felt like he’d been slapped in the face.

“Wow, thanks.” Percy said dryly, and Annabeth gave him an incredulous look.

“Now, It’s like the longer I know you the more I don’t know you.” Annabeth confessed, looking very frustrated by this indeed. Honestly, Percy doubted she’d be saying any of this if she was sober, she wasn’t usually open about her thoughts about him, unless they were negative. As Nico had said, she had walls. What she was saying now, it wasn’t negative exactly, but it worried Percy. The last thing he wanted was Annabeth to be curious about him.

“Well, what do you want to know?” Percy asked, knowing he was playing a dangerous game, but giving her what she wanted anyway.

“I want to know your mysteries.” Annabeth said, leaning towards him and dragging out the last word.

“My mysteries? I don’t have any.” Percy replied with, he had secrets sure, but they weren’t interesting, or the ‘fun’ type of secrets, like an embarrassing middle name, or a secret long lost sibling. No, his secrets were about as cheerful as a muddy puddle. Annabeth gave him another incredulous look, completely disbelieving.

“Mystery is what makes people interesting, and you are very interesting Mr Jackson. Mark my words I will make a boring man out of you one day.” Annabeth grinned and Percy rolled his eyes.

“Oh yeah wise girl? It’s the mystery that does it for you? You’ve been sneaking around with me only to reveal my secrets?” Percy asked, amused as she nodded.

“Yup. Definitely no other reason.” She turned and leaned further out, her waist bending over the barrier once again. Her grip was loose and she was leaning further and further forward, smiling at him all the while, taunting him with her risks. Percys hands twitched, ready to pull her back to safety if need be. But she swung back again, smiling like an idiot.

“What’s doing it for me definitely has nothing to do with your handsome face.” Annabeth squinted her eyes and reached out a hand to pinch his cheek, like a grandmother might, and Percy was laughing, his cheeks reddening all the while.

“You think I’m handsome?” Percy asked, exhilarated. She shrugged, her smile bright.

“Sure, when you’re not being a prick. Cute too.”

Percy laughed, his chest hurting from the snort that followed. Annabeth cocked her head to the side and looked at him with wide eyes.

“What?” She asked, and Percy felt like he couldn’t breathe from how hilarious and bizarre this was. If you asked him a month ago, whether Annabeth even liked him as a person, let alone thought he was cute, Percy would’ve said absolutely not. ‘Cute’ didn’t really match Annabeths vocabulary, not if she was talking about him. A prick? Yes. Seaweed brain? Absolutely. Insufferable? That one he’s used to, but this? Cute? Handsome? No one had ever said anything of the sort before. And Annabeth used to be the last person Percy thought would use those words to describe him.

“Nothing, You’re just drunk.” Percy chuckled and Annabeth turned to him, stepping forward.

“Am not.”

“Are too.”

“Am not.”

“Yes, you are.” Percy had his hands on her elbows now, she had stepped closer, standing on her tip toes as if being closer to him would get make her argument more believable. It didn’t.

“m’not”

“You’re slurring you words.” Percy rolled his eyes as she stumbled, falling from her toes so that she was shortened considerably.  She laughed and it was infectious, Percys cheeks felt sore.

“You’re mysterious.” Annabeth stated, nodding like this was something she had just decided and thought was a very valid opinion. Percy just nodded, edging her towards the doors by the shoulders, noticing her shivering as the breeze picked up.

“Thanks, I try to be.” Percy replied, very serious indeed.

“Try less. What do you want to do with your life? Why did you have to move schools? Why-“

“Shhh, look Frank and Hazel are back.” Percy avoided the questions with a smile, hoping the mention of their friends would deter her from her need to discover his mysteries. Her questions that were a way too personal for him to be comfortable with. He should have known better, because drunk Annabeth was even more forward and determined than sober Annabeth, and she would not be ignored so easily.

“Don’t try to change the subject.” She interjected, completely uninterested in Frank and Hazel who were laughing as they sat down together on the couch, Hazel pecking him on the lips as Leo scoffed and went to get another drink.

“Get a room!” He yelled, tripping and groaning as he stubbed his toe on the counter.

“What subject? There’s no subject, look! They’re turning on a movie! I love the grinch don’t you?” Percy grabbed Annabeths hand and led her towards the couch, sitting himself down in the corner and giving his undivided attention to the screen, his face feeling hot with Annabeths glare burning into it.

“You’re insufferable.” She stated.

And… she’s back.

“What do you want to do Annabeth? Architecture, wasn’t it?” Percy turned to her, and she nodded slowly.

“Yes…” She looked down at her hands in her lap. Percy frowned.

“What’s wrong?” He asked, suddenly worried. Why did she seem so unenthusiastic?

“I’m not sure I’m smart enough.” She confessed, looking up at him with concern in her eyes. Percy softened up immediately. As the saying goes; drunk words are sober thoughts, and sometimes that was a good thing, like Percy finding out that Annabeth thought he was cute, other times it was less so. Percy didn’t want Annabeth thinking these things. He didn’t want her to have a single doubt in her mind that she would one day go so far in life, Percy would be a speck on the side walk, an ant in a car that can’t be seen from her mighty office building she was sure to have. Percy didn’t want her to have any doubts at all, not if it made her frown like she was now, despite how cute she looked doing so. No, If Percy couldn’t get out of this damn city, hell, even his damn neighbourhood because of fear, because of family ties, then he would make damn well sure that Annabeth did. And that she knew she could.

“Annabeth, you’re the smartest person I know. And the most stubborn, if you can’t make it in architecture than no one can.” Percy said, honestly, looking in her eyes with all seriousness.

“It’s one of the hardest degrees…” She began and Percy gave her a harsh look that caused her to clamp her mouth shut.

“You can do it.” He said firmly and she nodded.

“Thankyou.”

“Right, well, that was lovely. Can you lot shut up now so I can watch a movie?” Leos voice appeared behind them and Percy jumped. Leo then proceeded to climb over the back of the couch and wriggle himself in between them until Percy was squished up against the cushions, and Annabeth was squashed between Hazel and Leo. She was smiling to herself, but Percy was too busy wondering why Leo had to sit between them when there was another completely vacant and rather huge couch right next to them.

Percy sighed, reluctant to argue with a clearly wasted Leo, and settled down to watch the grinch steal Christmas.

…

Percy woke to find a head in his lap. The room was cast in shadows, only one warm lighted lamp on in the corner. Percys hand was in the persons hair, he’d been stroking their head, and his other arm was draped over their shoulder. Percy jerked his hands away, suddenly remembering Leo settling in between him and Annabeth. Had he just been cuddling with Leo?

His worries dissipated when he took a closer look and found the hair his hand was previously tangled with was not brown but a curly blonde. Percy relaxed, letting his arm curl back around her and his other hand brush the curls from her face, revealing her cheeks and closed, sleeping eye lids.

Percy felt all warm inside. Annabeth was on his lap, curled up close to him. She was breathing evenly, in and out, and Percy had never seen her look so peaceful. He intertwined his fingers back into her hair and began stroking out the tangles, sighing, contended. A patter of footsteps sounded and Percy craned his neck to see Hazel walking past, a glass of water in hand. She had a knowing smirk plastered on her face as she took a sip from her glass.

“And you don’t have feelings for her?” Hazel asked, her voice completely disbelieving as she turned her head to the side and looked at him with an expression that said ‘are you serious?’. Percy felt his cheeks get hot and resorted to rolling his eyes. Hazel hummed before walking away quietly.

Percy averted his gaze to the girl in his lap. She twitched in her sleep, and Percy tensed, worried she would wake up and the moment would be lost. If he could, he would stay in that moment forever. He’d remain in the moment where he was forgetful of all the shit in his life. A moment where he would only see Annabeth and the future she would have, and the small slither of her free life she would share with him, no matter how fleetingly short. He continued to run his fingers through her hair.

A snore erupted from a person in the corner of the room and Percys gaze flicked to Leo, who was sprawled out on the other couch, his head hanging off the edge with his legs over the cushions at an odd angle that surely wasn’t comfortable. He felt a laugh rise in his chest and choked it down to avoid waking Annabeth.

It was still early morning, and Percy was grateful for the few hours he had left in this moment.

It didn’t take long for him to fall asleep again, into a sleep that was dreamless, for the first time in weeks.

…

Annabeth

Annabeth woke feeling groggy. At first, the only thought on her mind was her parched throat and desire for a glass of water, then her bed shifted below her, and she reluctantly opened her eyes, squinting at the light that was filtering in through Jason’s floor to ceiling window. The sight was beautiful, the sky orange and red, free of cloud. New York sunrises were the best, Annabeth suddenly envied Jason, after all, who wouldn’t want to wake up to this?

Slowly, Annabeth became aware of her surroundings, only to discover, to her horror, that she was curled up to Percy, her head on his chest, his arm wrapped around her. She shifted her head up to see his own laid back, his throat completely exposed right in front of her, with his mouth hanging open, and he was very close to drooling.

Was that a bruise on his neck? Annabeth peered at it, before his body shifting startled her a little and she rapidly closed her eyes, pretending to be asleep. Maybe then, she could stay in this moment longer, warm against his broad chest. His arm tightened around her, his sleepful self subconsciously pulling her closer. Annabeth felt butterflies in her chest and her breath hitched.

She must have drifted off again, because the next time she became aware of her surroundings, Percy could be heard yawning, his arms shifting again as he moved his assumably stiff muscles. Annabeth didn’t want to move, too comfortable to even think of it. Why was he so comfortable to sleep on? Maybe it was just a symptom of being hungover.

Reluctantly, Annabeth flickered open her eyes, to see Percy grinning down at her like an idiot.

“Morning princess.” Percy whispered, Annabeths cheeks flushed scarlet.

“I will slap you.” Annabeth challenged, daring him to continue using that goddamn horrid nickname, that, in all honesty, did nothing but make her heart beat faster. Percy clearly knew better than to cross her, because he didn’t say anything more as Annabeth moved off of him, running her hand through her hair to get it out of her face. One glance back confirmed he was still watching her, grinning stupidly.

Annabeth ignored the warm feeling in her chest.

“Good sleep?” He asked, stretching his arms up above his head and sighing as his shoulders clicked. His shirt rose up, revealing his defined v-line and toned abdomen, before the shirt fell back down again and Annabeth realised with a start that she hadn’t answered.

Good because of you, she didn’t say.

“No.” She said instead, hoping against hope that Percy couldn’t see her reddening cheeks. Based on his current smug expression, she guessed he could.

“Arghhhhh.” Leos groan filled the air as he untwisted from his pretzel of a sleeping position, falling to the floor in a pile of limbs.

“Never let me drink again.” He moaned, his cheek pressed into the floor, his eyes squeezed tight to block out the light.

Annabeth sighed, walking off to the kitchen to get Leo and herself a glass of water. In reality, her departure was less about getting water, and more about getting away from Percy, because she remembered everything, and she was more than embarrassed by her behaviour. She was never drinking again. But worst of all, she felt… kinda good. Her sleep had been the best she’d had in weeks. Dreamless, relaxed. Maybe it was the alcohol. Gods, she wished she could believe it was the alcohol. No, Percys arm around her had been more of a comfort than Annabeth would ever like to admit. And his laugh, oh, the amount of times he smiled last night nearly had her melting at his feet. He had called her smart, and she… oh gods. She had called him handsome. And cute. All in the same conversation. Annabeth wanted to crawl into a hole and die.

But it wasn’t exactly a lie. He was handsome. And cute. And a lot of other things Annabeth would rather not admit to, along with not admitting that she fucking had feelings for him. Oh how she wished she could switch off her emotions. This was all so complicated. He made it clear he wasn’t ready for a relationship, despite what he feels. And here Annabeth was, falling for him anyway, and only realising it after a night of deep and buried thoughts vocalised. She liked him, fine, she’d admit. She’d admit to feeling attracted to him. But none of that changed the fact that Percy was still a secretive guy who didn’t want to confront his feelings.

Annabeth was reminded of the bruising she had seen on his neck. It was light, barely noticeable, but there all the same. She only saw it because of the direct sunlight that hit it and because of how close she had been to him. He’d been wearing a scarf previously, probably to hide it. Annabeth suddenly remembered pulling on that scarf to reel him in closer to her, under the bleachers in the snow at school. She remembered his lips on hers, his wince under his touch.

What if I told you I was a vigilante?

The thought of that was brief, because there was no way in hell Percy was being serious about that. No, it had to be something else. It had to be something to do with the bad people who’d once cornered her on his streets. It had to be something to do with Percys movement around the schools over the past few years. It had to be something to do with getting into fights, getting into trouble, like he had with Luke Castellan.

If there was one thing that wasn’t exactly a secret, it was Percys knack for trouble.

Annabeth shook her head, feeling much too tired for this type of thinking. The web of Percys life kept getting more complicated, and so did Annabeths feelings for him. She still resented him for his leading her on, and his continuation of it, even though she couldn’t resist it herself. She still found him insufferable. He was endearing and stubborn and it was driving her insane, because she simply couldn’t stay away. In all, he was kinder than most others she had met, he made friends quickly, he was funny and polite when he spoke to her. They had similar interests, he believed in her, and didn’t tell her her dreams of being an Architect were far-fetched like Helen had done.

Annabeth ran her hands through her hair, remembering the familiar feeling of Percy doing so last night. The memory ever so faint, like it was never there at all.

‘You can be my little secret’ Annabeth had said to him. And he had kissed her harder for it. Perhaps he was a wild card. Perhaps Annabeths constant curiosity revolving around him made her frustrated and worried beyond compare. Perhaps he had secrets and possibly dangerous lies, but Annabeth couldn’t stop it, she couldn’t save herself from it, because she had already fallen for everything he was. The tussled hair that never stayed down, the stupid jokes that made her want to die and laugh at the same time, the softness of his lips, his touch on her waist.

Annabeth was head over heels and she loathed not being in control.

She loathed the uncertainty.

Yet she adored it all the same.

Chapter Text

Annabeth

Annabeth loved Christmas because it meant her father wouldn’t be at work. Frederick Chase wasn’t exactly the most present of fathers. But when he was around, he was affectionate and loving. Well, more loving than Helen was ever capable of. Even despite the lies Helen liked to spread, Frederick wasn’t easily convinced of Annabeths misbehaviour, as it were. He told her to be nice to Helen, she’s his wife after all, and yes, it was likely he believed her attitude towards Helen to be less than appropriate, but at least he wasn’t at the stage where he would threaten to send her to boarding school, or wilderness camp. He hadn’t been that deterred… yet. Annabeth knew better than to underestimate Helens manipulative tendencies though, which is why she spent this particular holidays practically walking on egg shells.

“Annie dearest? Can you grab my phone for me? It’s on the counter in the kitchen.” Helen said, her voice an octave higher than usual when she was around Frederick, or Freddy as she liked to call him. Annabeth and her dad were similar in the way that they hated nicknames like that. ‘Wise girl’ had grown on her, ‘Princess’ practically made her knees buckle, but Annie? Annie was just awful. Only Luke and Helen had ever called her it, and she hated it. Helen blinked at her now, looking at her through fake eyelashes that looked more like spiders. Her smile was sickly sweet, and Annabeth would’ve gagged if her father hadn’t been sitting beside her on the couch. Instead, Annabeth smiled back, nodding.

“Sure.”

The phone was where Helen said it was, resting on the kitchen counter where Mathew and Bobby were licking their fingers, snatching their hands away from the Christmas cake Helen had made and left on the counter. There were finger prints in it, and Annabeth smirked at them, swiping her finger across the plate where some the icing had dripped and bringing it to her mouth, making a ‘shh’ gesture with her index finger as her step-brothers giggled. They ran off, and Annabeth felt Helens phone buzz in her hand. She turned it over and she sighed. The text was from a number she didn’t know. A few emojis put as the name, but the text made it clear what kind of relationship Helen had with this person.

Annabeth thought for the millionth time about telling her father, just laying it out to him, all in the open. The possibility that he wouldn’t believe her and just send her to her room without hearing her out was very high. The chances of him accepting the truth were near zero. But how could she do this to her father? Keep something like this from him when she knew. She knew how much of a horrible person Helen was. This was unfair to him. Another thing that nagged at her mind was the thought of Bobby and Matthew. On the off chance that her father would believe her, and Helen and he actually do split up, Annabeth would likely lose her relationship with the boys. And she loved them, despite their unfortunate situation of having a cow for a mother. If she were to do it, she’d gain a heartbroken father and lose two brothers. It wasn’t a choice that was easily made.

Annabeth pushed it to the back of her mind, walking out of the kitchen with a neutral expression and handing Helen her phone, holding eye contact with her for a few seconds after Helen checked it, her cheeks flushing red at the sight of the text on the screen. Frederick was oblivious to their little exchange in glares, and he wrapped his arm around Helen, contented. See? How could Annabeth take that away from him? Maybe it was selfish, but if his heart was broken he’d only throw himself into work even more. He’d see Annabeth even less, and she knew it wasn’t right for him not to know, but she loved her dad, and couldn’t bear the thought of him leaving any more than he already did. 

Annabeth settled on one of the sofa chairs on the other side of them, watching a Christmas movie that she couldn’t name. Helen was tapping at her phone, and when she glanced up to see Annabeth looking at her, she smiled sweetly and put her phone down, moving closer to Frederick. Annabeth felt sick, wishing Helen would stop practically shoving her lies in her face, taunting her. She knew Annabeth was stuck in a rut. Helen knew Annabeth wouldn’t say anything, in fear of breaking her father’s heart, losing her brothers, or having Frederick not believe her at all. Helen was clever, Annabeth would give her that. That didn’t make her any less of a cow.

It was when Frederick got up to put the boys to bed that Helen spoke to her, her smile gone, replaced with an expression of distaste.

“Don’t look at me like that, you have no right to judge me.” She said coldly, and Annabeth scoffed.

“I have every right to judge you, you’re fucking other men whilst married to my dad.” Annabeth stared at her icily, hating her with every inch of her being. Helen rolled her eyes, flicking her wrist.

“A woman has needs Annie. Your father is away so much, you know how hard it is on me.” Helen sighed, holding the bridge of her nose between two red nailed fingers. Annabeth wanted to slap her.

“And you don’t think it’s hard on me? Or him? How would he feel if he knew you were doing this?” Annabeth hissed, being careful not to raise her voice. She could hear the boys laughing upstairs, her dad trying to settle them down for bed. It was Christmas eve after all, they wanted to stay up to catch Santa.

Helen scoffed again.

“He would be heartbroken, which is why you can’t tell him.”

“But at least you’d be gone.” Annabeth said quietly, and Helens eyes flashed. Because it was well withing Annabeths ability to tell her father of Helens shameful acts. She could do it. She could manage to convince him, or at least make him suspicious and less trusting of his wife. Helen knew Annabeth had that power, she just didn’t think Annabeth was heartless enough to use it. Well, maybe Annabeth was heartless enough.

Who cares if her dad would be heartbroken if it meant getting Helen out of this house? Who cares if he’d be even less present in Annabeths life, if it meant he’d be safe from Helen and her deceit and manipulation?

“You won’t do it, don’t bore me with your empty threats.” Helen said after a minute, the flash in her eyes that Annabeth now recognised as fear vanishing.

“I could.” Annabeth said, Helens expression was unreadable. Was that anger? Fear? Did she really not believe Annabeth was capable of reducing her life to ash? Annabeth had doubts, but it would change things, telling her dad. He might not believe her but Annabeth could change that by providing proof.

“He wouldn’t believe you. You’d be sent to boarding school.”

“All I’d have to do is tell him to look at your phone.” Annabeth countered, leaning forward in her chair.

Fear. It was fear in her eyes.

Frederick could be heard walking down the steps, and Helen didn’t say another word. She just smiled as her husband returned to her, rubbing his arm and snuggling in close. She didn’t look back at Annabeth, didn’t ask after her sons, didn’t acknowledge the unease that was surely rolling in her stomach at the possibility that Annabeth could be heartless if she needed to be.

At some point during the movie, whilst Annabeth was in the dining room wrapping her gifts for Matthew and Bobby, Helen disappeared to the bathroom, her phone in hand. She didn’t glance Annabeths way, and quickly, quietly, knowing that what she was about to do could have severe consequences for everyone in her family, she darted into the living room and sat next to her father, turning down the tv.

“Hey my girl-”

“-I have to talk to you.”

Frederick shut his mouth and raised an eyebrow.

“What about?” He asked and Annabeth sighed, opening her mouth to begin.

She spoke quickly, worried that Helen would re-enter before Annabeth could get the message across. She spoke of that first night, when Helen brought in the mysterious man, how she’d said she had ‘needs’. She spoke of her late nights and early mornings arriving home, her texts in her phone, the message she’d seen that very evening. Fredericks frown deepened severely, he looked lost, like he couldn’t understand it. Annabeth didn’t blame him, he was oblivious to Helens lies, he loved her. He was in love with her. He had no reason to even question her love in return. Until now. Now, it was a matter of whether he would believe her or not. Whether Frederick would see through Helens manipulations and choose his daughter over anything else. His daughter who he loved.

“Please, you have to believe me.” Annabeth pleaded, her hands in his now, asking him to listen, to understand that the things Helen had said about her weren’t true. That Helen wasn’t the person Frederick thought she was.

“I-I… Beth why didn’t you tell me this before? If it was true you would’ve.” Frederick said, his voice dejected as he took his hands back from Annabeth. Annabeths stomach dropped. No no no. He didn’t believe her. He had to though. He had to know that Annabeth wouldn’t lie about this. Did he even know her at all?

“I was worried about you. I didn’t want to hurt you, and Matt and Bob…” Annabeth could feel the lump in her throat now, because she knew her argument wasn’t exactly strong. She was a forward person, her dad believed her to be headstrong and independent, so much so that she wouldn’t keep a secret like this. But now that she had, for months… he was sceptical and disbelieving.

“Just check her phone, please. If she doesn’t let you then you’ll know the truth.” Annabeth asked and her father nodded, looking at her like he was seeing a different person, someone who was exactly as Helen described. A trouble maker, a disappointment. All of the above in the bad daughter list.

Footsteps could be heard approaching and Annabeth stood, turning to face Helen who had stopped dead in her tracks in the door way.

“Helen,” Annabeth greeted, coldly. She might’ve smiled, but this wasn’t an achievement for her. This wasn’t what Annabeth wanted for her father, or for Helen for that matter. She wanted her father to be happy. She wanted Helen to be a good wife, not a cheating skank. But people don’t get what they want, that’s how the world works.

“Helen.” Frederick greeted, his expression unreadable as he stood up.

“Annabeth tells me that you’ve been… unfaithful.” He began, literally wincing as the words fell from his mouth. Helen was a good actress, her mouth dropped open in shock, her hand over her heart.
“W-what? I’d never! H-how, Annie? Why would you say that?” She looked at Annabeth as if in shock and heartbreak, Annabeth stared back, unwavering as she glared.

“And on Christmas eve?” She sniffed, Frederick looked at Annabeth and then back to Helen. Clearly fighting with himself.

Choose to believe me, dad. Please. Pick me.

“Helen, may I please look at your phone? If Annabeth is lying then you should have nothing to hide.” Frederick extended a hand and Helen huffed.

“You really believe this girl? After everything I’ve told you she’s done? Her attitude, her hate towards me and her brothers?” Helen didn’t look at Annabeth, her gaze fixed on Frederick. The tension in the air was suffocating, they were all standing, all accusing. Annabeths glare was fixed on her cow of a step-mother, unwavering.

Got you, you cow. Own up. Confess.

“I love my brothers, you’re not wrong about my hatred towards you though. I hate you Helen, now hand him the damn phone.” Annabeth snapped, not paying mind to Helens flinch at her tone.

“Fine, here, I have nothing to hide.” Helen said, her lips turning up at the corners in a spiteful smirk as she unlocked it and handed it to Annabeths father.

Why would she…

“There’s nothing here Annabeth.” Frederick said, looking at Annabeth with disappointment. Annabeth felt her confidence drain out of her like a plug being pulled from a bath tub.

“What?” Annabeth snatched the phone from her father’s hand frantically, searching through everything. Her messages, her calls, her photos, her facebook… everything had been wiped. Nothing was left. No evidence. Nothing to support her argument. Annabeth felt the familiar lump return to her throat once again.

“She deleted everything!” Annabeth announced, glaring at Helen as she looked at her with disappointment. Disapproval. She looked sad, like she was mourning the loss of missed potential. Missed potential for Annabeth to be a good step-daughter. An obedient one. Not one of defiance.

“There was nothing there to begin with Annie.” She said quietly.

“It’s time to end these lies.”

“No. Dad? Dad I swear. I swear I was telling the truth I-“

“Enough Annabeth. Stop.” Her father’s voice was harsh, he looked disappointed in her, but not angry.

“I swear…” Annabeths lip quivered. She hated feeling this weak, this powerless. He was choosing Helen over her. Annabeths own father. And there was nothing Annabeth could do about it.

“Go to your room. You’re done.” Frederick said, pointing to the door.

“B-but-“

“-Now!”

Annabeth knew that if she didn’t disappear quickly, she would burst into tears right then and there. All her frustration, all her fiery anger, it was all bubbling up in the form of tears. Unstoppable and embarrassing. She swept past Helen, who smirked at her triumphantly as Frederick rubbed the bridge of his nose, sighing. Annabeth slammed her door shut, locking it, kicking her bed frame and cursing as her foot stung.

This was so unfair. So not right. What kind of father abandoned his child? Believes his untrustworthy wife over his own blood relative? Maybe he thought he was to blame for Annabeths behaviour, maybe he felt guilty for being away so much and believed that he was the reason for Annabeths so called ‘lashing out’. It didn’t matter that he was never here. It mattered that he thought her so messed up that she would tear up their family for no reason. Helen was a cheater. A bad wife. And Frederick refused to believe his only daughter.

Annabeth climbed into bed, burying herself in the covers, letting her tears soak wet into her pillow. She tried to swallow her sobs down, and she was successful for the most part. She was good at hiding emotions like this. Good at forgetting about it and distracting herself with other things. Like thoughts of going back to school, thoughts of her newly discovered (or newly returned) feelings for a certain black haired boy. But she hated squashing down her feelings. It made her feel tight and anxious. Worked up to the point where the emotions would release later, in anger or tears or both. What she wanted most, was to talk to someone. But she couldn’t. Because the only person she found herself wanting to talk to had stupidly broken his phone, like the clumsy person he was.

So instead of helping herself deal with her feelings, Annabeth squashed them down and closed her eyes tightly. Wishing for sleep to come as her tears soaked her pillow and bathed her in salt.

…

Percy

Percy spent most of his Christmas break working. It was a good distraction, but mostly, it was just exhausting. He couldn’t stop, he couldn’t drop any shifts, because Gabe had gone to Atlantic city again for the weekend before Christmas, and lost practically everything. He’d been seething for days upon his return, and it was up to Percy to help earn them enough to pay their bills and get them enough food to eat. Gabe spent all his earnings on drinks and smokes, Percy knew better than to scold him for it. Well, now he knew that. Because when he did get worked up enough to snap at Gabe to get his shit together he earned himself a jab in the stomach, which still hurt from his beating all those weeks ago. He doubted he’d ever feel properly healthy ever again, and Percy couldn’t help but mourn the loss of any hope he had at returning to swimming.

Point is, he was exhausted, too exhausted to go home and deal with Gabe, who would probably be home later from the bar after celebrating Christmas eve. He could think of nothing worse than awaiting Gabes return home and being put at risk of another closet incident. The last one, where he’d been sleeping peacefully before Gabe yanked him out of bed, had Percy more paranoid than every about sleeping in that damn apartment. He couldn’t get himself to relax properly, no matter how much he tried. And if he did manage to fall asleep, he’d wake up to every sound, jerking out of sleep and ready to defend himself if he had to.

Percy didn’t want to go home. And his phone was still broke from that awful night, so he had no means to call any of his friends to see if they were willing to sneak out. He knew where Jason lived, so he could go there, but his fancy building probable wouldn’t let him in without an appointment, and Jason seemed like more the traditional type, to spend Christmas eve with his family. Percy didn’t want to disrupt, so that left Annabeth. He convinced himself that he wouldn’t stay long, the last thing he wanted was to be a burden, but he couldn’t help but feel the need to be in someone’s company. Christmas eve wasn’t meant to be spent alone, he doubted Annabeth would mind, considering her reaction to the last time he had shown up to her house unannounced.

Percy shoved his earphones in his ears, and his Santa hat he’d been wearing at work in his pocket. The subway was mostly empty, which Percy was grateful for, and he made it to Annabeths street with ease. It was dark out, and freezing. Snow wasn’t falling, but it had been slowly throughout the day, so the streets were covered in slushie snow and salt. Percy checked around for anyone lurking before walking up to Annabeths tree outside her window. It was winter bare, the leaves having fallen off long ago. The bark was harder to grip, because of the frost, and Percys hands were going numb, but he climbed anyway, his breathe billowing out in front of him in thick clouds.

He tapped on the window, hoping she was home. There were a couple lights on downstairs, where he could see a Christmas tree twinkling through the window, so he assumed she was in. He remembered the Santa hat in his pocket and put it on, letting it cover his cold ears. He grinned when the curtains were pulled apart, the window unlocked.

“Hey.” He said, smiling at her, because she looked so beautiful, her hair frazzled and her cheeks red and… had she been crying. His smile fell from his lips when she didn’t return it.

“Hey.” She said quietly, wiping her cheeks and attempting a smile.

“Geez Annabeth, what’s wrong?” Percy asked, concerned. It was Christmas eve, why had she been crying? He felt guilty, afraid it was his fault. He tended to have that effect on people. But he looked at her expectantly, waiting for her to explain so that he could make it better. In any way he could.

“Nothing. It’s nothing.” She murmured, moving out of the way so that Percy could climb through the window (a lot more gracefully this time, he might add). Once he was inside, Annabeth flew forward, wrapping her arms around him unexpectedly, burying her face in his chest. He hugged her back, holding her head to him and patting her back, shushing as she let out shuddery breaths.

“Please tell me what’s going on. And don’t say it’s nothing.” Percy muttered, worried as hell. Whoever was making her feel this way, he was going to kill them.

“My step-mom, and my dad…” She sniffed, pulling away from him and sitting on the edge of her unmade bed. He sat down next to her, looking at her.

“What did they do?” Percy asked, suddenly more afraid than ever for Annabeth. What if…?

“My step-mom cheats. A lot. And my dad is barely here so he didn’t know. An hour ago I told him, and he didn’t believe me. He chose to believe her and now he’s angry and he hates me and I can’t-“ Annabeth had to stop to take a breath, closing her eyes. Despite the shitty situation Annabeth was in, Percy couldn’t help but feel relieved for the situation she wasn’t in. Because forget about Gabe, about Luke, about anyone Percy had ever thought about hurting, Percy would become a murderer for Annabeth. He didn’t care if that made him insane. But emotional turmoil is still turmoil. Physically, Annabeth was fine, healthy as ever. Her skin clear and unbruised, un-cut. But the tears from her eyes sparked the same kind of reaction those things could conjure. How could they do this to her? How could her father be anything less than supportive, understanding? Percy was yet to meet parents who actually deserved the title. Maybe they didn’t exist. Percy was finding it harder to believe.

“Hey, it’s alright… do you want me to give advice? Or just… listen.” Percy suddenly realised he actually had no idea how to bring comfort to others. He’d been searching for it, for himself. He was in the pursuit of it, and would be for the rest of his life. But to give it to others? He’d never had the capabilities. How could a person so cold give comfort to a person so warm? Percy would try his best, but he was afraid his best would be fruitless.

Annabeth smiled, wiping her eyes once more and weaving her hand into his.

“Why don’t we get out of here? It’s Christmas eve, I have a car, we could go wherever we wanted, and you can hear my sop story on the way.” Annabeth stood up, bringing Percy to his feet along with her.

“Where would we go?” Percy asked, Annabeths hand drifting up to the Santa hat that was still perched on his head. She pulled it down so that it was over his eyes. He was blinded, and his sense of touch seemed to heighten. His fingers were around her elbows, making sure he knew where she was. Her hands were on his cheeks, warm and soft. His hands were never soft like hers. Gods, he loved her hands.

She pulled his face down towards her with them now, guiding his sightless lips to meet hers. The kiss was soft, the taste of salty tears on his tongue. It was wet, and sad, and everything Percy dreamed about when he wasn’t with her, as usual. He hated himself for enjoying it, but for now his endearment clouded whatever doubts and fears lay in his mind. For now, he let himself be swept away in a kiss so subtle, so sweet and tender the mistletoe couldn’t have evoked anything as melting and knee weakening.

The moment was over too soon, before Annabeth pulled the Santa hat from his head and chucked it onto her bed, putting on a sweater before tip toeing towards the window, sliding it opening quietly. She began to climb out, before stopping in her tracks and looking back.

“Are you coming or what?” She whispered, and Percy nodded. He was in a daze, his mind full of syrup as his legs moved for him. She got down to the ground with ease, dropping to the snow ridden ground and looking up to watch him close the window behind him, before following in her lead. He was much less graceful, to put it simply, and Annabeth had to ruffle snow from his hair after he landed.

“Won’t they notice you’re gone?” Percy asked, curious. He wasn’t too educated on the rules of your average American household, but sneaking out on Christmas eve night to go for a drive with your boyfriend seemed far into the list of ‘don’t dos’.

“They likely won’t notice, but on the off chance that they do, I couldn’t care less.” Annabeth shrugged, starting the car and adjusting the temp so that warm air would flow through. Percy hummed, hoping he wasn’t getting her in trouble. The last thing he wanted was to be the reason for more complications for her. Annabeth didn’t seem to mind sneaking out. In fact, she was a natural, totally at ease. They drove in silence for a while, Percy still unaware of where they were going. He wasn’t convinced Annabeth had a destination in mind either. He didn’t mind. He quite liked the idea of driving aimlessly, the radio station going, playing soft Christmas songs, with Annabeth behind the wheel humming along.

He knew he was staring at her, but he couldn’t help it. She glanced at him, smiling before returning her gaze to the road.

“The cheating started a month or so ago. I didn’t tell my dad because I was afraid he wouldn’t believe me, and send me off to boarding school…” Annabeth began, and Percy listened intently.

“Helen has been feeding him lies about me, about my attitude…” Annabeth made a face, clearly, this Helen woman wasn’t a very good mom. Or wife, for that matter.

“On the off chance he would believe me I knew he’d be heartbroken, and Helen would leave with my step-brothers, who I love, despite their cow of a mother.”

At that description, Percy couldn’t help but laugh, but he shut his mouth quickly, appalled at his own reaction.

“I-I’m sorry-“
“Don’t be,” Annabeth laughed, amused.

“It’s an accurate description. She really is a cow. Point is, she’s a manipulative cow, who deleted the evidence from her phone before I could convince my dad to open his fucking eyes. Now he thinks everything Helen has been saying about me is true, and I’m screwed.” Annabeth didn’t look at him, keeping her steely gaze on the road ahead.

“I had no idea. I’m so sorry Annabeth, that’s awful. Helen really does sound like a cow.” Percys kept his voice sincere, because he really was sorry. He knew what it was like to have a shitty parent, to feel neglected and misunderstood. To be mistreated and misjudged. He wished he knew what to say.

“No need to apologise. It is what it is. I just wish he’d trust me, y’know?” Annabeth sighed, sounding exhausted with the whole thing.

“Yeah, I get it.” Percy said quietly. He wished Gabe would be a lot of things. But Gabe was too far gone to change his ways, to make things right. Annabeths dad still had time, he still had the choice to choose his daughter over his cow of a wife. Percy wished he could shake the man’s shoulders and make him see the clever and beautiful daughter he had right in front of him. Someone irreplaceable.

“What about you? Why are you running away on Christmas eve?” Annabeth asked, glancing over at him curiously. Percy was slightly caught off guard for the question thrown at him. He hadn’t even realised that yes, technically he was running away. He was avoiding his problems, his home, his stepdad.

“Oh, Gabes out with some work friends, I didn’t want to spend Christmas eve alone.” Percy said, working his way around the big details. Technically, he hadn’t lied.

“It’s just you and him? No siblings? And I know your mom is…” Annabeth began, before trailing off.

“Yeah, It’s just me and him.” Percy said quickly, saving her from the awkward talk that often arrived around the topic of his mother. The dead were a difficult thing to talk about. Nothing but past grief and current voids, it wasn’t exactly a cheerful topic he wanted to get into. Besides, Annabeth knew what happened, she’d seen the hospital picture in his room.

“And what’s he like?” Annabeth asked. Her question was innocent but Percy couldn’t help but feel his blood run cold.

“Oh he’s alright. I’ve known him my whole life, so he’s a father more than my real dad ever was. He never remarried, I guess he never met anyone as good as my mum.” Percy gave her a smile, a fake expression to cover the lie that hung in his head like fog.

“And your real dad…?” Annabeth asked cautiously, and Percy just shrugged.

“Never met him, he left before I was born. Shame really, I’m really great once you get to know me.”

Annabeth let out a laugh, covering her mouth with one hand. Percy glowed inside.  

“Yeah, your alright.” She said, amusement lacing her tone.

“Gee thanks.” Percy replied dryly, earning himself another laugh from Annabeth, a sound which really did have the ability to turn Percy to literal jelly. Percy sat back and relaxed, as Annabeth turned the car into an empty gravel parking lot, the Brooklyn bridge and the harbour stretched out before them, the twinkling lights of the city reflecting on the water. Annabeth switched the car off before turning to him. Percy swallowed, suddenly feeling very warm.

“What are you going to do about your step-mom?” Percy asked, and Annabeth shrugged.

“Not much else to do. She’s good at covering her tracks, and unless I get proof my dad’s never gonna believe me. I just have to hope he doesn’t send me away.” Annabeth said, smiling, looking defeated. Percys heart lurched.

"He wouldn’t do that, would he?” Percy asked and Annabeth shrugged.

“He can try.” She said, her voice hardening, and then her expression turned to amusement.

“Why? Does that scare you Percy?” She smirked and Percy rolled his eyes.

“As much as I dislike your company, I’d miss you, Wise girl.” He said the first part sarcastically, before softening up like the big marshmallow he was. Why did she have to melt him like this? Why did she have to worry him as she did? Percy didn’t think he cared for anyone more deeply than he did for Annabeth. And it was the worst thing he’d ever let happen.

“I wouldn’t miss you.” She said softly, smiling cheekily. Percy rolled his eyes, the radio playing in the background with finally the first non-Christmas themed track.

He’s in for a heartbreak

It it’s all in blind faith

From my point of view

Baby

He’s got to be crazy

They were silent for a moment. Percy couldn’t stop his gaze from darting from her eyes to her lips. She caught it, doing the same before her cheeks turned a little red. She turned away, facing outwards and exhaling. Percy remained facing her, happy to just watch her. When she turned back to see Percy still watching her, she smiled.

“What?”

“Nothing, just you.”

Percy leaned forward, lifting his hand to her jaw to guide her lips towards him. She hovered close by, her eyes closed, her lips curling into a smile.

“I’d miss you.” She whispered, before allowing them to connect. The kiss was just as tender as the last, his hands coming up to intertwine with his hair. He caressed her jaw, closing his eyes and relishing in the moment.

He's got so much in his heart

But he doesn’t know what to do

All he wants is her

lying Inside his room

The kiss deepened, Annabeth pulled him closer, the centre console of the car only allowing so much movement. Gradually, they became more desperate, more needy. The air was hot and stuffy, the tension thick. Percy kissed the sensitive spot on her neck, earning himself a small sound of pleasure that he could’ve sworn would make stars collide and mountains collapse before them. He found his way back to her lips as she tugged on his hair.

With Annabeth guiding him, Percy didn’t ever want it to end. He wanted to stay like this forever.

But forever was never meant to last.

Chapter Text

Annabeth

Annabeth got lucky when she arrived home to find her parents asleep, completely ignorant of her disappearance. She’d lied when she implied that she was unafraid of her father sending her away. He can try, Annabeth had said, but it was common knowledge that once a father wanted something for his daughter, that thing was going to happen whether the daughter wanted it to or not. She knew she wouldn’t have much choice, should Frederick decide to agree to all of Helens ideas. Her only other option would be to run away, and that probably wouldn’t look good on her record if she wanted to get into MIT.

So naturally, Annabeth decided to pretend the whole argument never happened. And Frederick seemed to have decided the same. They acted as if everything was normal, leading up to the new year. Helen continued to cast Annabeth spiteful looks behind her husband’s back, and her husband’s behaviour only changed in the way that he became even more closed off. He spoke with Annabeth only briefly and only when necessary, seeming to walk on eggshells around her like she was doing with him. He avoided eye-contact and was more quiet than ever. With the boys however, he continued to be a good dad. He taught them to play catch, he helped them solve puzzles and bought them more gifts on boxing day. On New Year’s he took them to see the firework display on the Brooklyn bridge, leaving Annabeth alone as the clock struck twelve.

The only thing keeping her from snapping at he and Helen, or begging him to believe her about Helens lies, (which would only make things worse), was the memory of Christmas eve night which she spent with Percy. She hadn’t meant to, but she’d opened up to him like she’d never done before. In her quest to pull down his walls, get him to open up to her, she had instead fallen apart in front of him herself. Tears and all. She’d bled out her secrets, her sins, and he’d listened. She didn’t know what it was before, that made him so attractive, that made her heart flutter when she saw him. She thought it was his eyes, his piercing gaze and full, welcoming lips. She’d thought perhaps it was his jaw that could cut paper, or his air of danger, the challenge he presented. Truth is, Percy was easy to talk to. He was kind, he cared like no other before him. Luke never cared about anything besides Annabeths looks. Percy saw past that, saw past the stereotypical blonde and knew her for her.

It was so hard to resist the urge to have him, when he was everything Annabeth had ever missed. Their shared evening… was nothing but blissful. Was it wrong of her to want him again? Was it wrong of her to lead him on like this despite his declaration that he couldn’t, that he wasn’t ready? She still knew nothing about him, about his past. What if someone else had broken his heart, and he was still picking up the pieces? What if a relationship was the last thing he needed? It wasn’t her fault, Annabeth told herself. He’s the one pursuing this as much as she was. He’s the one who wanted this in the first place. He had the power to stop this if he wanted to. He was the one choosing not to stop this. And now Annabeth was a tangle of guilt, with no why to justify it. Should she feel guilty?, or should she assume he’d changed his mind?

Then there was the mess of her family situation. If her father sent her away, would any of this really matter? Would it make a difference,  the matter of who kissed who first, if he would never see her again either way? Annabeth would rather not think about it. But her brain was good at multitasking, switching between the memory of his hand resting on her thigh and the notion of her dad telling her to pack her bags.

Helens been whispering in his ear about Annabeths declining behaviour for months now. He was brainwashed, convinced that Annabeth was a bad daughter, a troubled teenager. He didn’t care that her GPA was the highest in her class. He didn’t care for any of the A grades she received. If Helen was being scorned, Annabeth was at fault and whomever scorned her would need discipline. Frederick was a shallow, easily convinced man. Ignorant and oblivious to the obvious.

Annabeth knew she really wasn’t one to talk, after all, had she not spent months hating Percy? Had she not denied her feelings at the mere suggestion of heart break? Had she not been oblivious to the person Percy had shown himself to be all along? She had been. And that’s what frightened her and gave her hope simultaneously. If she herself were so stubborn to deny her own feelings for months then what’s to say Frederick wouldn’t be just as stubborn? But if Annabeth could come around, eventually, that meant there was hope for her father to do the same.

Annabeth only hoped he’d open his eyes sooner rather than later.

…

Percy

Percy was on what he called an ‘Annabeth’ high for the days following the night of Christmas eve. That all came crashing down when he returned home the night of new years and discovered Gabe and his friends having another gambling night. Well, that was normal to him, what really darkened his mood was the topic of conversation he overheard from the next room over.

“I’m sick of him screwing us over. Doesn’t he owe you too Darren?” A thick and low voice mumbled. Percy figured Gabe must have gone to the kitchen to get another beer, because the next voice hummed in agreement and said;

“Gabes got to get his priorities sorted, just because Randal is more threatening doesn’t mean he can ignore our debts.”

Percy recognised the name Randal. He could match a face to that name with ease, a shiver running down his spine at the memory of him. He was the man with the snake face tattoo. He was the one who once insinuated Percy would be useful to him, considering he was young and would get less time should he be caught dealing. He hadn’t seen the guy in a while, but he knew Gabe being in debt to him was no good thing. Especially when Percys life was on the table. Gabe wouldn’t hesitate to sell Percy out if he needed to. But also, the threats of these guys were imminent too. Percy didn’t like the sound of Gabe being in debt to anyone. Especially people who knew where they lived, knew Percys face.

Later that night, after they had left and the countdown to midnight had long since passed, Percy was having trouble sleeping (once again, due to paranoia) and he heard snippets of Gabes mumbling as he made his way to bed.

“Fucking Darren… cheating liar of a man…he owes me.”

Percy turned over to face the wall upon hearing Gabes bedroom door slam. He sighed, wondering when this shit would end, when Percy wouldn’t be caught up in the mess of Gabes life. Despite the promise of hope that the new year was supposed to bring, Percy didn’t feel very hopeful that things would change. Not this year, not the year after, maybe never. Percy knew things would have to change, he couldn’t stay with Annabeth forever, he’d have to cut things off at some point, to stop her from getting too close and finding out about Gabe. The thought made him ill, so naturally, he shoved the problem to the back of his head with the rest of his issues.

He'd vowed to make it last didn’t he? He’d enjoy it while he could, every lasting moment until their time was up. Then the moments would turn to memories, and Percy would cherish them. For now, he would sleep, and forget about everything but the feeling of her lips on his, and her hands in his hair.

…

When school resumed, Percy and Annabeth spent every waking moment looking at each other. They’d done this before, the exchange of eye contact, the soft looks of ‘things only we know’. The only difference was, this time, Percy was shameless. He didn’t look away. He didn’t cower behind his feelings, he let them be seen. He let the moments last to their fullest. It was a new year’s resolution of his, and he was enjoying pretending everything was okay. He was enjoying watching her blush under his gaze, watching girls like Drew look on with jealousy.

Yes that’s right. This one is mine. She’s the only one that could bring this risk out of me. The only one to make me forget, no matter how briefly.

On his free period, Percy ventured to the library, wishing their free periods aligned, time-wise. He hated their mismatched schedule, he wanted to spend as much time with her as possible.

As if he manifested it with his own goddamn thinking, Percy found Annabeth sitting in her favourite couch under the glass dome on the upper level. Her back was to the entrance, so she didn’t see Percy coming, and was lazily flicking through a book, a pencil behind her ear. The sun was focused on the circle of chairs, and her being the only one there, looked simply ethereal. Like an angel. Percy smiled as he picked out a few books before joining her.

“What’s got you out of class?” Percy asked, and Annabeth looked up.

“Oh you know, boring teachers, assignments already done… I got told I could study somewhere if I liked, so here I am.” Annabeth smiled, looking very content in the sun with a stack of books to her side. Percy sat himself down on a chair opposite her, kicking his legs up and leaning back. Taking a nap sounded nice, he was exhausted today, he wasn’t sure why. And he was a little sore and creaky, it felt good to relax for a bit.

Percys eyes were closed when Annabeth spoke up again.

“You’re gonna use your free period to nap?” She asked, her voice not accusatory, just curious. Percy hummed.

“Was thinking about it, however I don’t think I’ll be able to with you being all productive right next to me.” Percy sighed, reluctantly sitting up and pretending to be frustrated. Annabeth rolled her eyes.

“Sleep if you’re tired, I won’t judge.” She said, flipping over another page.

“I’m not tired.” Percy stated quickly. He was, but she didn’t need to be worried about him. Sleeping at school was surely unusual, he didn’t want to cause suspicion. Annabeth glanced up at his tone, then shrugged.

“Ok, be productive then.” She flipped another page, and Percy pursed his lips before opening the first book in his small stack. It was something about Archaeology, something he’d picked out based solely on the fact it reminded him of Indiana Jones.

It took a while for his brain to get focused on the words, his gaze kept flicking to the pictures of ancient pyramids and relics, crosses and old cave art. The library was quiet, peaceful, the only sounds heard were the ones of Annabeth breathing and flicking pages. Was she skimming, or was she just a really fast reader? She seemed to be turning pages much faster than Percy was, that was for sure. Percy kept getting distracted by her presence, fighting the urge to look up every thirty seconds. He flicked to a page with a picture of an old Greek statue. It was Athena, and it was gorgeous, the stone perfectly carved to represent the goddess. Percy looked up at Annabeth then, her head bathed in sunlight so that it looked like her hair was glowing. She looked like a goddess, and Percy suddenly felt the urge to carve her out of stone so that she’d be a part of history forever.

Percy felt like Indiana Jones, finding a treasure such as her.

“What?” Annabeth asked, her gaze on his, he hadn’t realised he’d been staring.

“Archaeology.” Percy blurted out, rather stupidly. He shut his mouth, stopping his jaw from hanging open. Annabeth raised an eyebrow, confused.

“…What about it?” She asked, her eyes fixed, and Percy cleared his throat.

“Uhm, What do you think about it? It uhm,” Percy looked back down at the pages in his lap, “it seems interesting right? To study, after school I mean.” Percy explained awkwardly. Annabeth thought for a moment, glancing at the book in his lap, and then looked up, shrugging with a smile.

“Yeah. I think it’s interesting. I don’t think it would be like Indiana Jones though.” Annabeth tilted her head to the side, smiling. Percy blinked.

“Well… yeah. But still, imagine it, you could go all over the world.” Percy said, suddenly feeling warm inside.

Exploring the world. Didn’t that sound magnificent? Wasn’t it everything Percy wanted? A mix of discovery and a taste of greater unknowns? Suddenly the world seemed so much bigger, and Percy felt excited for his future for the first time in his life. His feeling of euphoria was abruptly shut down when a door slammed somewhere on the level below them, and Percy was forced to flinch. There were reasons having a future like that was impossible. It was a dream, nothing more. Gabe made it so. His whole past leading up to this moment made it so. He’d likely never see the world, and if he did ever get the chance to it would be with constant looking over his shoulder. It would be in constant fear.

“I think you should look into it, it sounds perfect for you.” Annabeth said, looking down at the page he was reading; the one with the Athena statue, intently. She hadn’t noticed Percy flinch, and she looked up at him as he shrugged.

“Uhm, yeah. It’s just an idea.” He felt his cheeks burn red as he closed the book, feeling embarrassed that he let himself hope so easily. Annabeth was doing things to him, making him soft and hopeful, bringing down his walls he’d spent years building to protect himself from the very frustration and pain he was feeling now. Grief of a future he’d never have the chance to pursue. He needed to keep himself in check, because the more he gained the more he had to lose at the end of it all. Gaining a dream for a life after high school was just another thing to lose, another wish to bury. Another part of him for Gabe to grip and strip away.

So he buried it before it could bloom, and he didn’t open the book again.

…

They’d spent a good hour reading under the sunlight, which had since turned into cloud as mid-morning rolled into afternoon. Percy was still thinking about Annabeth with the halo of sun around her head as he walked home, taking the long route from a few train stops back as to delay the inevitable meeting with Gabe after his long day at school. He noticed, that since his more recent incidents with Gabe, doing things was more difficult. He ran out of breath easier, which he assumed was to do with the attacks on his chest, stomach and throat. His hand had healed but still stung if he bent it back too far, which didn’t happen before. Maybe he hadn’t set it right? Either way, he was fatigued more than he’d ever been, even after long and hard swim sets with gruelling laps of butterfly or kick. Maybe quitting swimming was the issue? Maybe swimming helped invigorate him and this was just his natural state.

Percy didn’t think so, he probably just hadn’t healed all the way. This was annoying for him, because he was naturally an impatient person. He wanted to feel like himself again.

Percy turned a corner and began walking down a slightly narrower street, one with less cars. The sky above was grey and the pavement beneath his feet was dirty with brown slush from the recent snow. Up ahead, Percy could see the neon lights of one of the local bars blinking. He knew he’d be passing it, what he didn’t think about was the familiar faces he might see upon doing so. Gabe was a frequent customer there. Percy thought he recognised the tall man chilling outside, a ciggy resting lazily between two fingers as he puffed into the air. He looked his way, before disappearing back inside.

Percy felt a little uneasy, so he put his head down and sped up the pace, wanting to create distance between him and the place. However, as he approached, the door to it swung open again, spilling music onto the street and sounds of shouts and glasses clinking. The tall man stepped out, followed by three others, each looking rougher than the next. Some still had beers in their hands. The tall man pointed towards him and Percy slowed, his heart picking up the pace as they all turned their heads.

“Aren’t you Gabes kid?” One of them asked gruffly, loud enough to reach Percy who was standing only thirty or so feet away.

Percy glanced behind him, then pointed to himself,

“Who me?” He asked, deciding to play it dumb, maybe he could convince these bozos that he was just some random kid walking by himself. However he didn’t think that would go down well either. But admitting to being Gabes kid was dangerous, especially because of where he’d seen two of these blokes before. The tall one was Darren, the one who’d spoken smack against Gabe on New Year’s. Next to him was a bearded guy who’d also been there that night, agreeing with Darren about Gabes behaviour, Percy didn’t know his name, but he didn’t need to know his name to understand that these people were not to be messed with. Percy thought of them as different fonts of Gabe, but just as dangerous, just as easily provoked.

“Yes, you.” One Percy didn’t recognise sneered. He had a straggly goatee and his eyes were bloodshot.

“Uhm, no.” Percy lied. Not that it was really a lie per say. Gabe was as much a father to him as Indiana Jones was a goddamn fairy princess.

“Yes ye are. I’ve seen you, lurking in that apartment. You was there the other day” Darren stated, smirking as Percy winced. Shit, shit, shit. So Darren recognised him. Maybe this wasn’t such a bad thing? Maybe they just wanted to tell him his services were great as Gabe and his friends personal beer fetcher.

“Anything I can help you with? I’m afraid I don’t know when Gabe will next be hosting your beloved Poker nights but I can-“

“We’re not here to talk about that.” The bearded one said, stepping forward and looking father menacing with his dark facial expression.

“So what are you here for?” Percy asked, mindful of the fact that the four of them were inching forwards ever so subtly.

“We have some business to attend to.” Darren replied.

“What’s Gabe done now?” Percy asked, already knowing where this was going. He shuffled from foot to foot, feeling on edge, ready to run.

“Not what he’s done. But what he keeps doing. Y’know how it is.” And Percy did know how it was, Gabe never had been a man of his word, he was one of empty promises and fallen bargains and broken deals. Percy remembered their words on New Year’s, how Gabe owed them.

“So what do you want with me?” He asked, worry etched into his skin, but he was good at hiding things. He was good at acting brace, unafraid. He stood taller.

“Gabe owes me a hundred.” Darren murmured lowly.

“He owes me too.”

“He deserves a little lesson.”

“So? Don’t you all owe each other, I’ve seen the way you lot play poker, always making promises it’s clear none of you can keep, how is Gabes behaviour any different to yours?” Percy retorted, feeling sick with himself on the fact that he was standing up for his step-father. But it was necessary. Whatever Gabe did, it always had a way of falling back onto Percy. It was never just Gabe.

“Mhmm, he said you had an attitude.” The bearded one smirked, pressing his hands together, clicking his knuckles.

“He’d be good leverage, when we get there, we’d have something to trade.” The goatee one piped up. Percy had yet to hear from the other group member. He was silent, staring coldly at him. Percy wondered if he’d ever spoken at all, but quickly decided that worrying about a silent thug was the least of his worries. This thug cornering him and slaughtering him, that seemed like a more imminent issue.

“Look I don’t want any trouble…” Percy said, slowly putting his hands up in defence, they were stepping closer. Darren lurched forward and Percy flinched, scurrying back. They all laughed, except for the quiet one, whom remained stone faced.

“Look at him, backing away.”

“He’s afraid.”

“I don’t even mean anything to Gabe, using me will get you nothing.” Percy negotiated, finding it hard to keep the quiver from his voice, Darren had spooked him, and now they knew his tough act was a lie. They thought they had him, they thought him weak.

“He’s lying.” Goatee hissed.

“I know he is.” Darren continued to step forward as Percy stepped back, his face twisted into a nasty smile showing broken and yellowed teeth.

“You seem like a fun bunch but I really have to go.” Percy insisted, stepping back more and more.

Darren lunged forward once more, Percy twisting and stepping before being harshly yanked back by his backpack. Percy twisted, trying to get the back off his shoulders. He managed it, but was caught off guard by the fist flying at his face. He was too late to dodge it, and it collided with his eye, causing Percy to reel back.

“Fuck-“

“-Get him.”

Those words sent Percy spinning around and running, leaving his backpack on the ground and darting away before anyone else could lay a hand on him. He sprinted down back the way he’d come, hearing nothing but blood rushing in his ears and the thundering footfalls of four men twice his size chasing him down. One side of his face was wet and sticky, he knew instantly the feeling of blood, and he could smell the iron tang in his nostrils. He knew it would bruise and cursed whoever hit him, he hadn’t even seen who.

Percys breath ran out fairly quickly, his chest screaming at him to just STOP, but Percy couldn’t, because they were gaining. Percy willed his legs to go faster than they’d ever ran before, because if he so much as slowed even a little and they managed to catch him… he’d be dead fucking meat. They’d probably send his body back to Gabe in pieces, that was how fast he was running, how much adrenaline was pumping through him. His legs were on fire but he didn’t care, he didn’t care that he nearly got hit by a car twice, trying to cross the street to lose them.

The four men split up, one falling behind whilst the other three attempted to cut him off by taking short cuts. What they didn’t know, was that Percy knew these parts like the back of his hand. He grew up here. He’s skated on every sidewalk, hid from jerks in every alley. These guys were probably too sloshed or high most of the time to notice the name of the damn street they were on.

“Come back here you runt!” A voice yelled. Percy didn’t look back to see who was still behind him, he could hear that they were close enough. Up ahead, a car screeched around a corner, behind the wheel, Percy caught a glimpse of a familiar goatee and hard, beady eyes. He must have been the one to fall behind. He was smart, Percy could give him that, because there was no way Percy could outrun a damn car, even if it was a beaten and shitty one. Percy ducked into a side street, feet pounding on tarmac as he neared a subway entrance he’d been running to all along. The sound of screeching tyres forced Percy to look back. Two guys were careening down the street towards him, the third in the car just behind them, gaining and gaining, his foot to the floor no doubt. Percy didn’t see the fourth one, and he didn’t waste time looking as he plunged down the stairs, the cold stale air of the subway reaching his nostrils. He leapt the barricade to get through to the platform, that was more staircases downwards. Percy could hear them entering the underground, their harsh voices echoing off the walls.

It was too late that Percy realised this was a bad idea, coming here. Where he could be easily cornered, easily pushed onto train tracks. It was terribly lucky that a train was already there, having just stopped. People were filing on, it was a relatively busy part of the day, with work ending, so Percy had to push through a few people to get on. He had just ducked inside when the doors began to close, sliding shut slower than Percy needed them to, because Darren and the bearded man were sprinting towards him and the door between them.

Darren’s hand slapped onto the glass, the train starting to move as Percy locked eyes with him from the other side. His heartbeat drowning out all other sounds in his ears. Darren and the bearded man gave him pure looks of murder before the train disappeared into a tunnel, turning the windows black.

It was only then that Percy practically melted into a seat, his chest heaving as he bowed his head to get his breathing under control. He could hardly manage it, his breaths short and shallow as his chest ached. People were giving him odd looks, but he didn’t care. He leaned back, squeezing his eyes shut and holding a hand over his stomach that had cramped up with a stitch. He fucking hated running. It hurt to run. Why do you think he’d been swimming all these years? Percy brought up a finger to touch his eyebrow, it was wet and his fingers were painted red. He sighed, wiping his face with his sleeve. It didn’t hurt too bad now, and probably looked worse than it felt, split brows often did, he would know wouldn’t he? For fucks sake, he hated that he had yet another thing to explain. Another thing to create a cover story for. He knew it would bruise, he could feel it already.

Percy looked at the digital neon clock at the front of the carriage. It was getting late and would be dark outside. The sun left rapidly during the winter months, which also meant it would be cold. He didn’t have his bag, which luckily didn’t have much in it because he kept most of his shit in his locker at school. He still didn’t have a phone, so he couldn’t call anyone. He didn’t even know where this train was taking him. What he did know, was that he couldn’t go back to his apartment. Those guys back there had intended to go there to confront Gabe, they’d be going there regardless, and Percy wasn’t about to go running back to them after he’d just managed to lose them. Even if Percy got there after they visited, Gabe would certainly not be in high spirits. Percy could see no scenario where going back wouldn’t leave him hurt or worse. Percy didn’t get off at the next stop, nor the next, just in fear that someone would be waiting for him.

Eventually, with Percys heart finally slowed back to normal, his breathing in check and the adrenaline virtually gone, leaving him exhausted, the train began to slow. This was the final stop, and there were few people remaining on board. Percy got off with them and made his way up to the streets above, shoving his hands deep in his jacket pockets as the icy wind greeted him.

One look at the street signs told him where he was, and he nearly laughed at his change in luck. This was Jason’s street, this was downtown. Tall buildings rose up on all sides, the roads were forever busy with lights and sound. Percy caught sight of the massive apartment building just down the street, and set off walking. He didn’t know what he was going to say, he didn’t know how he was going to explain this, why he looked like shit, why he was empty handed and essentially homeless for the night. He didn’t really care either, because he’d make up some excuse, like always, and Jason was the kind of person to offer his home up to him first, and ask questions later. He’d be confused, sure, but Percy could handle it. He’d always handled it.

What Percy didn’t anticipate was the obstacle he met at the front desk. Right, he forgot Jason lived in posh ville, where they didn’t let in just anyone.

“Name and apartment number?” The desk lady asked, her voice incredibly monotoned, Percy wouldn’t put it past this place to have hired a robot in the place of a human.

“Uhm…”

“Percy?” Jason’s voice rang out and Percy nearly melted with relief. Thank the gods. Jason made his way towards him, taking him in with his eyes, which were full of nothing but concern. Percy smiled crookedly, hoping he’d done alright mopping up the blood on his face. He hid his bloodied sleeve behind his back.

“What are you doing here? H-how, What the fuck happened?” Jason was clearly in distress, despite Percys assumingly dashing smile. Percy shook his head.

“I’m fine, I just-“ He felt his cheeks going red, this was more embarrassing than he’d first realised.

“Can I stay the night? I’m sorry, you don’t have to, it’s totally fine if you-“ Percy was already stepping towards the door, where a security guard was watching him intently. Percy gulped.

“No, no, you’re staying. Of course you can stay.” Jason nodded to the desk lady and began guiding him towards the elevator.

“Thanks.” Percy breathed, leaning against the wall as the elevator doors shut and the box zoomed upwards. Percy forgot just how high up Jason lived, and suddenly he felt ill. It was another thing to add to the list, clearly, his fear of heights. Percy was relieved when the sensation of going up and up was over.

“You’re lucky, my parents aren’t home, I’ve got the place to myself.” Jason said, using his key to open the door. Percy didn’t say anything, still rather on edge, despite being safe here with Jason. Shit, what was he going to say? He couldn’t just barge in (very rudely mind you) and not give an explanation.

“Help yourself to anything in the kitchen, I’m just gonna go get a first aid kit.” Jason said, awkwardly gesturing to a hallway behind him.

“Alright.” Percy said, sort of put off. He wasn’t very hungry, after seeing the rot in Darren’s teeth, or with the smell of his own blood in his nose. Percy just got himself a glass of water and chugged it, and then another, before Jason re-appeared.

“Are you gonna tell me what the hell happened? You look like shit, no offense.” Jason asked, as Percy cleaned his face with a cloth Jason provided.

“None taken. And uhm, do I have to?” Percy asked hopefully, knowing that this would get him nowhere. Jason deserved an explanation. And he looked at him now with an ‘are you serious’ expression. Percy sighed, leaning back against the counter with the cloth pressed to the small cut above his eye to stem the blood flow.

Percy told Jason everything. Well, ‘everything’ is an exaggeration. He left out the part about the guys being his step-fathers friends, and that they targeted him as leverage. Instead he said he’d stolen from them before, months ago, before he moved to Goode. Percy already knew his reputation of being a street kid was high in the air, so he thought, why not lean into it? How else was he supposed to explain his bruised knuckles and cut face? He told Jason that he couldn’t go home, in fear of the bad guys waiting on his streets to watch for where he lived. In the midst of it all Jason asked a stumping question, one Percy knew would be difficult to get around, but he answered it none the less. He was a trained assassin when it came to pretending, to lying, to burying his secrets under false pretences.

“What about your step-dad? Does he know?”

“No,” Percy chuckled. “It would worry him too much, He knows I get into shit sometimes, it’s sort of why I move schools a bit, he thinks I get bullied.” Percy clicked his tongue, letting his eyes convey mischief as Jason shook his head. It was the perfect lie, the perfect cover story. What a lovely man Percy made Gabe out to be, for Jason to be suspicious would be silly.

“This is a lot more serious than high-school bullying.” Jason returned, not amused at all. Percy shrugged.

“I hit a rough patch is all. This is just old haunts coming back to bite me, besides, they wouldn’t seriously hurt me, they just like to shove people around is all.”

Percy had to admit, he was damn good at this. Maybe archaeology wasn’t the thing he’d be a good at, but fucking politics with the way he could lie. With the way he could twist the truth to cover up his most vulnerable aspects. It was like a dance, he knew where to step, where to not. He knew when to lie his face off or simply change the subject subtly. The only person so far that proved a little harder to deter was Annabeth, but even so, Percy had kept his secrets from her for this long, he must’ve been doing something right in the midst of his mistakes when it came to her.

“What are you gonna do now? What if they’re still waiting around tomorrow? And won’t your step-dad be worried about not knowing where you are?” Jason frowned as Percy put down the cloth, revealing the bruised eye beneath.

“Nah, they won’t wait around. They get bored easily. As for my step-dad, he’ll be fine with it, I’ll just make up some excuse, he’s chill.” Percy smiled reassuringly. Jason looked sceptical.

“Are you sure you don’t want to call him? You can borrow my phone.” Jason offered, and Percy shook his head, keeping his expression level.

“No really, it’s fine, he knows I can take care of myself.”

Jason shrugged, seeming to buy it. Percy knew most parents would be worried if their kid didn’t come home. Most parents actually cared, as much as it was foreign to Percy. Jason’s parents would probably freak out and call the cops if they thought their kid was in danger. Percy knew it wasn’t an air tight explanation on that front, but as long as Percy didn’t give any more reason for Jason to be suspicious of Gabes parenting, Percy could make sure Gabe passed as just an overly chill adult who trusted his kid.

Truth is, Gabe couldn’t give a single flying fuck whether Percy came home safe or not. Sure, he’d probably be pissed off enough to deliver a few bruises, and if he stayed away for more than a few days he’d probably seek him out himself. Percy had tried to run away before, the memory had been buried deep within his mind until now. Honestly, he didn’t even remember much of what happened, he just remembers being around the age of eleven or twelve, and packing a bag of (mostly) impractical things. He remembers shoving the picture of his mom inside, and making it to the street below, before Gabe saw him from the living room window and came thundering down the stairs to snatch him back inside. It’s a bit blurry after that, but Percy knew he was thrown in the closet, for how long he couldn’t tell you, but it had happened. He’d never tried to run away again after that.

For the first time that evening, Percy felt a trickle of worry creep up his spine at what Gabe would say or do upon his return, if, that is, he even noticed him gone. And those bar men had no doubt gone back to his apartment anyway, without needing Percy to voice their complaints. Percy briefly wondered if Gabe was alright, and then felt sick with himself for even caring. He didn’t care. Gabe was dead to him, he’d been dead to him since the first time he’d hit him, a time he didn’t even remember.

But still, there was no way Gabe would be happy with his poker partners ganging up on him to demand debts be owed, and knowing Gabe, the likelihood of him taking his rage out on Percy was high. Hopefully he’d calm down by the time Percy got home tomorrow. Otherwise he could expect a lot worse than a split brow and a black eye.

“Percy?” Jason asked, his voice cutting through Percys thoughts.

“Are you really alright? You kind of spaced there for a second.” Jason asked, still remaining concerned after Percys well-crafted lies to convince him he was fine. Maybe Jason was just like this, always making sure his friends were alright, cared for. Percy appreciated him, Jason was a good guy, better than most people Percy knew. Frank, Leo, Jason… they were all friends Percy had grown fond of, despite usually warding himself away from connections like that. But they all seemed to wriggle into his affections one way or another, and here Jason was now, wriggling in.

“Yup. I’m good. And uhm, thanks for everything, I know I kind of just barged in here…”

“It’s fine Percy, I’m not usually home alone anyway so I was kind of finding it creepy here by myself…” Jason trailed off, looking around the place. Percy couldn’t help but agree. It was modern and spacey, the curtains weren’t yet drawn and there must have been cloud right outside the window, because it was nothing but pitch black. No city lights could be seen.

Percy, for some reason, found a type of peace of it, being so far away from the world below. His apartment was always loud, either with Gabes heavy footsteps or the cars screaming down his neighbourhood streets. This was… a change. Percy was a little uneasy with it, like he was holding his breath, waiting for something to happen to disturb the silence. And the altitude they were at sort of made him queasy, so Percy had to refrain himself from thinking about it.

Jason looked back at him, clearing his throat.

“You can stay whenever you need alright? Or call, when you get your new phone. Even if my parents are home, they won’t mind.” Jason smiled, and Percy nodded, feeling a little warmer.

“Thanks man,” Percy said sincerely, slapping Jason on the shoulder. Because he really was thankful. Never before had Percy been offered a place to go if he needed it. He’d never really thought about it, he didn’t realise how good it made him feel, for someone to have his back. It was weird, Percy kind of wanted to tell him no.

No, really, it’s fine, you don’t need to offer your home up to me, in fact I’ll go home right now, it’s no problem.

Percy didn’t say that. Maybe he should have, but letting someone help him, letting something be a little easier for him, it was like a weight was lifted off his shoulders. It didn’t matter how small it was, it was a relief all the same, to have someone like Jason. Someone who took him into his home even when he had blood trickling down his face, his eye bruising around the edges.

“Let me get you some ice.” Jason said, wincing as Percy felt around his eye, recoiling a little at it’s ache.

So Jason got him some ice (from a very fancy dispenser mind you), and Percy forced himself to relax, shoving the thoughts of rancid Gabe clones and Gabes inevitable bad moods out of his head. He let himself be looked out for, even if only for a short time, and he appreciated it as exhaustion took over, eventually falling into a heavy dream-less sleep.

Chapter Text

Annabeth

The first thing Annabeth noticed upon walking into school was Percys black eye. She was late to school, because she had to wait in her room for her father to leave before going downstairs. This kind of awkward avoiding each other had been happening ever since Annabeths exposure of Helens sins, and nothing had been the same since, not even Helens snarky comments. Helen barely talked to her now, sending only icy glares and short remarks on what she needed done around the house. In all, Annabeth felt like a fucking maid, one looked at like dog shit on the sole of a red heeled shoe. It was disheartening and dehumanizing, but Annabeths schoolwork and constant reminders of Percy were keeping her very distracted.

Her quest to find out more about him hadn’t been discarded. She remained curious, which is what led her to reprimanding him in the middle of the school halls just as the bell rang.

“What the hell happened? And don’t say it’s from falling off your skateboard, I know a closed fisted punch to the face when I see one.” Annabeth fumed, angry for no apparent reason. Well, she did have a reason, and that reason was that she hated to see him hurt. Why the hell was he still getting hurt? Who the fuck was doing this? Annabeth felt the need to go punch someone. Percy was hers to tease, hers to bully, and hurting him was out of the question. For anyone. Honestly, if Luke was giving him trouble outside of school again, Annabeth swore on her life that she would-

“These guys I stole from. No worries though, I deserved it and in the end I got off easy.” Percy shrugged, his voice so light hearted and cheerful, Annabeth was almost convinced. Almost.

“What the hell? What the fuck did you steal and since when are you a thief!?” Annabeth asked, slightly appalled by his extracurriculars. Most people did volunteer work or football, Percy? Clearly his dream was to be fucking Robin Hood, and Annabeth wasn’t going to stand by and let him think getting beat up on a regular basis was okay. And stealing? That’s a fucking crime is it not? Annabeth was concerned, to say the least.

“A wallet and a pack of cigs, but I did it like two years ago, they’re just jerks who never got their revenge.” Percy shrugged again, closing his locker and beginning to walk, with Annabeth matching his stride.

“You don’t even smoke!” Annabeth said, aghast that Percy would be such a goddamn idiot.

“No I don’t, that was the fun part. You know how I like to keep drugs off the streets Annabeth. Crime fighting spider man and all.” Percy flashed her a charming grin that she couldn’t help get emotionally attached to. Their conversation about vigilantes wasn’t supposed to be literal, seriously, the more Annabeth got to know him, the more possible it became that he actually was a spider-man wannabe who fought crime by night and was a hot teenager by day.

The second bell to signal the start of class rang out and Percy turned to her.

“Point is, I’m totally fine, it’s ancient history, my debt is repaid blah blah blah, I’ve got to go-“ At that, Percy leant down and pecked her on the lips, right there in the middle of the hall where anyone could have turned around and seen them.

‘-See you!”

Stunned, Annabeth was left standing there with her mouth agape, her heart beating fast and her thoughts racing. For one thing, she was still worried for the state of his eye, and for another thing, she was additionally worried now about the state of his brain after the hit he’d clearly had to it. He’d just kissed her in front of everyone! Not that anyone had really seen them, too busy minding their own business, but still. Rumours flew fast and someone was bound to have caught a glimpse. He had clearly lost his mind. Annabeth thought he wanted to keep this secret, and they hadn’t even discussed what they had between them yet. Were they dating now? Was that what that meant? Were they just friends with benefits? Annabeth didn’t think so, it didn’t feel right. Oh gods, she really needed to talk with someone about this, anyone.

“Hey Chase!” Jason’s voice called and Annabeth turned around. The halls were empty now, Jason was jogging up to meet her.

“Hey Jason.” Annabeth sighed, feeling flustered and confused and downright annoyed that she couldn’t make sense of Percys mixed signals.

“We need to talk… it’s uhm, about Percy.” Jason rubbed the back of his neck anxiously and Annabeth felt curiosity and anxiety claw at her insides, dancing like old friends in her chest and making her feel insane.

“I have a free period now anyways, library?” Annabeth asked, and Jason nodded, falling into step beside her as they ventured across the school.

“Have you seen him today?” Jason asked and Annabeth nodded.

“Yes, and if this is about his damn black eye, he’s already told me that he was a thief and that he deserved it, which is probably true but still I will never condone violence and I’m sick of him getting into fights and acting like it’s normal-”

“-Did he tell you they were adults? Four grown men? And that he stayed at mine last night?” Jason cut in and Annabeth stopped walking, her mind reeling. Oh gods, she almost felt sick.

“What? He said they were just guys I didn’t realise they were-“

“-yeah. Which is why I wanted to talk to you about it.” Jason shoved his hands into his pocket as they resumed walking, Annabeths mouth still open. Percy had never said that they were grown men. Did that mean they were in their twenties? Or were they grown grown, like in their forties? Either way, Percy shouldn’t be picking fights with people twice his size, or any people at all for that matter, it didn’t make a difference how strong and fight-wise he was.

“They chased him and threatened him and he had to stay at mine in case they stayed around the area for him to come home. They wanted to find out where he lived Annabeth, and I know I probably shouldn’t be telling you this, it’s his privacy after all-“

“-It’s okay Jason, tell me.” Annabeth said, wanting Jason to leave nothing out. What if Percy was in real danger? Annabeths concern had reached new levels. This was New York, a single punch could escalate into something worse, something dangerous.

“He was scared. He seemed fine but I could tell. He was nervous and jittery and he wouldn’t have come all the way to my house if he didn’t really think he couldn’t go home. You know how he kind of keeps to himself in that regard.” Jason lowered his voice as they entered the library, making their way towards the upper level onto the restricted section.

“For fucks sake Percy…” Annabeth muttered under her breath and Jason continued.

“And he told me why he moved schools a lot before coming here.”

Annabeth stopped once more in her tracks, freezing up and holding her breath. Slowly, she lowered herself onto her favourite chair which was thankfully unoccupied and nodded for Jason to go on. Walls and scaling them, or a thought along those lines, Annabeth was too focused on Jason to think clearly.

“He said it was because of fights like this, injuries like his. His step-dad thinks he’s getting bullied, and it just got me thinking… he must get into a lot of trouble for his dad to think it’s that bad that he needs to be moving schools a lot.” Jason admitted in a low tone, his worry evident on his face. This was a good friend in front of her, Annabeth always knew Jason cared, more so than other friends.

“Oh gods, I’m a terrible friend, He would have wanted to tell you this stuff himself, I’m just worried is all. He doesn’t open up very often.” Jason covered his face with his hands and Annabeth patted his shoulder awkwardly.

“It’s fine Jason. You’re not a bad friend, I’m glad you told me, I’ve been trying to get him to talk to me.. but you’re right, he keeps to himself about that stuff.” Annabeth trailed off, not sure what else to say. Concern settled in the pit of her stomach, not for Jason and his horrible secret keeping, but for Percy, who was getting himself into trouble and getting hurt as always.

“He’s my friend Annabeth, I just want to make sure he’s alright. As I said, he doesn’t talk about himself very much, and he seems most comfortable around you… can you look out for him? Maybe convince him to stop being such an idiot?” Jason asked and Annabeth nodded.

“Of course, someone has to. The guy has no common sense, who steals cigarettes and a wallet from four grown men?” Annabeth shook her head. Jason let out a startled laugh.

“What? That’s what he stole?!” Jason shook his head.

“I didn’t even know he smoked.” He confessed and Annabeth sighed.

“He doesn’t apparently, he was practically asking to be beat up by stealing them from someone who does.”

Jason hummed in agreement.

“He said they were old haunts, and that he wasn’t doing stuff like that anymore, but I think it’s worth watching out for him, I’ve told him he can come to mine when he needs.” Jason said, leaning back in his own chair and sighing. Annabeth nodded.

“Thank you for doing that Jason, it means a lot.” And it was the truth. Despite any and all hatred or simple dislike she used to have for Percy, and despite his inability to express his feelings, his mixed signals… Annabeth cared about him, it was important to her that he was safe. And Jason’s friendship to him meant something to her, that she wasn’t the only one that had grown to care for a person so much in such a short time. Percy had that effect on people, and Jason caring the way he did made her feel that little bit less crazy.

“Of course, and tell me if he says anything to you yeah? Unless he says not to, I’m here to talk to if nothing else.”

Annabeth nodded, telling him she would, and Jason left to go to class. Annabeth didn’t get much done in her free period, how could she? With all the new things she had just learned? Percy moved schools because he convinced his step-dad that he was getting bullied instead of his tendency to seek out street fights? Annabeth knew Percy well enough to know that he liked to hide his pain. His bruised ribs that Annabeth had discovered all those weeks ago were proof of that. Did he not realise that he could be helped? But then again, it was clear he didn’t want help, that he was bringing this upon himself. Annabeth had the urge to call him hypocritical.

‘At least I don't go looking for trouble like you do! Wondering the streets at night practically asking for danger.’

That’s what he’d once said to her, back at the speakeasy when Piper and Jason had announced they were together. But what about him? Did he not look for trouble also? Did he not repeatedly do the same things he once reprimanded Annabeth for? Anger suddenly bubbled beneath the surface, threatening to spill out. Percy was a hypocrite and he’s the one who didn’t care about the consequences of his own actions.

‘You’re one to talk! Pissing off Luke Castilian not once, but twice? Messing with Coaches office? Is that not 'looking for trouble' also?’Annabeth had said.

‘At least I had reasons! And I've served the consequences of my actions! You, however don't seem to realise that there are consequences to yours as well! You blamed me for trying to help you and made me look like the villain!  Typical of someone like you!, Always playing the victim, well guess what, some people live in the real world, some people have real problems.’ He’d spat back.

The memory of that row was fresh in Annabeths mind now. Why would he say those things, knowing he was guilty of them himself? Why did he let her apologise for them, when he was doing the same?

“For fucks sake.” Annabeth mumbled beneath her breath, leaning her head back to stare at the glass dome above before closing her eyes in frustration. Why did he have to be so complicated and fucking pretty? Why did he have to be such a dick, a hypocritical and frustrating ARSE, but be so kind and gentle at the same time?

Annabeth knew he liked her. She knew he wanted her. Otherwise why would he kiss her? Why would he sneak her out from under her father’s nose on Christmas Eve, kissing her in the back of her car without a thought in the world except her? Or was that all a lie? Was he secretly just a manipulative male who was still punishing her for reasons she didn’t understand? Luke was similar, after Annabeth rejected him. Luke pinned it all on Annabeth, blaming her for his desires and blaming her for his mistakes, and the loss of their friendship.

Perhaps Percy saw himself in her, when she went wondering down his dodgy street for the first time, managing to get herself cornered by creepy guys. Maybe this wasn’t about her at all, but his own, personal issues with the need to get himself into trouble.

Annabeth wished her brain would shut up. She felt like she was going in circles, and knew, the only way to exit this goddamn whirlpool would be to just talk to him. She didn’t want to. She didn’t want to ruin whatever they had, because despite her swirling anger and frustration surrounding him, she still enjoyed his company, she didn’t want him to go away. Not yet. She didn’t want to lose what they had just because of her serious need to understand why he did the things he did, her need to decipher the past so she could move on, even if all it did was cause greater frustration and uprooted bigger unknowns.

But she couldn’t go on like this, she couldn’t go on unknowing. So she’d talk to him. And hopefully, just hopefully, he’d give her some peace of mind.

…

Percy

Percy felt caught. He felt confronted and confused. It was too early, for this to end. He didn’t want this to happen this soon, he wasn’t ready. He wasn’t. He didn’t want to do this. He didn’t want to explain. He wanted things to stay as they were, where they were unstable but standing all the same. What he wanted, was to make it last. He thought it would last longer than this, if he was being honest. He knew this would have to happen eventually, the moment she was ask to talk in that grave tone. The moment she would want to know what they are, as if Percy could ever really give her an answer. He knew this would happen, yet he was caught off guard by it all the same.

“What are we doing?” Percy thought all of that the moment those words left her lips, in replacement of the soft inhale she’d take before crashing them into his. Oh how he wished she’d just kiss him instead. They were standing outside school, around the back where the football fields were. They were standing by the bleachers in the student carpark, using them to block the cool wind. This was where Percy and Leo have keyed Lukes car. This is where Percy and Annabeth snuck away to make-out. This is where Percy was certain she was going to do one of two things. She’d either find out about his home life by asking too many personal questions, or she would tell him to fuck off for being weak and a coward. Percy felt like sinking through the ground beneath his feet. He didn’t want to have this conversation.

“What do you mean?” Percy asked, trying to play it cool, despite screaming on the inside. Annabeth exhaled and crossed her arms, looking agitated. No, Percy definitely didn’t like this. He didn’t like her being angry at him, not when it was like this. When it was cute, teasing anger, he enjoyed it even, but this? This was bad.

“I mean you kissed me, this morning, in front of everyone like we’re some couple.” Was that anger in her eyes? Frustration? Percy hadn’t exactly meant to kiss her in front of everyone. It kind of just… happened. Besides, he thought she liked that sort of thing, considering the multiple occasions she had willingly kissed him back, even in this very goddamn spot.

“Erm… yes, that caught me by surprise too, but… did you not like it?” Percy fished around for a hint at what the hell was going on inside her mind. She was so complicated, it was like he was staring at an unsolvable math equation. Which was a bad thing, because Percy fucking hated math when he didn’t get it. When he does get it however, he can work out the equation and feel satisfied and fulfilled. This clearly wasn’t one of those times.

“Did you?” She asked and Percy nodded.

“Yes.”

“Jason told me everything.” Annabeth said, looking into his eyes as his expression fell. He never exactly told Jason to keep his mouth shut, and it made sense that he would talk to Annabeth. Percy knew his story (no matter how true or false Percy made it) was not a light one. He knew it was unusual to pick fights like that, especially with people like that, and he knew it would cause concern. But it was the only story he had that could cover up the real one and be somewhat realistic, and it wasn’t completely a lie, Percy had a loud mouth, and considering where he lived, he got more negative attention than he wanted to anyways.

“Oh.” Was all Percy replied with, because he wasn’t mad at Jason, but he did regret not telling Jason to keep his mouth shut. Now Annabeth must have had the entire day to think about it and… considering Percys rotten luck, even become suspicious.

“You didn’t tell me they were adults, thugs.” Annabeth hissed, looking mad. Why was she mad? Why did even matter? He’d told Jason it was old haunts coming back to bite him. He made it clear he didn’t technically seek out trouble anymore (not that he ever actually did in the first place, but that’s not what he led Jason and Annabeth to believe).

“You didn’t ask, and why does it matter? They all slow as hell, makes ‘em easy to out run.” Percy smirked as Annabeth scowled, clearly not liking his uncaring attitude.

“Why does it matter? Gods Percy, how stupid are you?” Annabeth looked very frustrated now, her fingers pinching the bridge of her nose.

“Hey! It’s not my fault, I stole from them years ago, THEY are the ones holding grudges!”

“-They could have guns Percy! They aren’t just high school kids! Adults that willingly hit children are dangerous!” Annabeths voice rose and Percy clamped his mouth shut. Her words were ringing in his ears, he wanted to run away, that was what he wanted. He didn’t like how personal this was getting, how close to home she really was. Oh if only she knew. This was child’s play to him.

“I don’t understand why you’re so invested in this to begin with! It’s old news, let’s move on.” Percy tried frantically to get them out of this rut, stop them from discussing this, but Annabeth was always a stubborn one, she didn’t back down easily. Maybe Percy should’ve known that by now.

“Because I’m scared for you! These people… they’re hurting you! And you’re encouraging it! Don’t think I’ve forgotten about your ribs, and the bruises I saw on your neck at Jason’s party!” Annabeths tone was very serious now, anger pulsing behind her eyes. Maybe in another life, Percy would have softened up at that. Maybe he would have said; ‘oh, you care about me? That’s so sweet’ but this wasn’t that life, and Percy was an angry person by nature. He’d been raised that way. He hated it about himself, but he couldn’t help it.

“What –”

“-You’re a hypocrite Percy Jackson, all that shit you gave me last year, about me looking for trouble, about me not realising the consequences to my actions… well you can get fucked, because you’re doing the exact same things you hated me for!” Annabeth fumed and Percy stepped toward her, seething under the skin. Her gaze was a storm, but he wasn’t going to back down. His argument last year was the truth, how dare she even compare it to this? This that wasn’t even real?

She doesn’t know it’s a lie. What she’s saying makes sense, based on what you’ve told her.

Percy shut out the voice in his head, because this was so unfair. She wasn’t wrong, based on what she knew. But what she was saying was far from the truth. Percy had tangled a web of lies, and now he was stuck in it as much as her.

“You don’t know shit! The consequences you mention? You’re the one involving yourself, when in reality, all of this, has nothing to do with you!” Percy’s voice was raised, but Annabeth was defiantly standing taller.

“It has everything to do with me!”

“How?!” Percy shouted, unable to fathom why the fuck she couldn’t just leave this alone.

“Because I fucking love you! And you’re making it very difficult to do so without fucking murdering you!”

“Well, have you ever thought that I might love you too? That I might be doing this FOR you!” Percy retorted, regretting his words as soon as they fell out his mouth, his mind racing to keep up with what the fuck she just said. Oh, this was going wrong, so wrong.

“Then why don’t you fucking do something about it! And ‘for me’? What the fuck does that even mean?” Annabeth threw up her hands in exasperation.

“I-I…” Percy stuttered, turning away and pacing out of frustration. He stopped, there was a moment of silence as Percy tried to get his shit together.

“Do something about it.” Annabeth said quietly and Percy exhaled. The thing was, he wanted to do something about it. He wanted to go to her right now, and kiss her, even if it could stop his thoughts for just a single moment. He wanted to tell her he’d have her, he wanted to tell her they could do this, it was alright, he was ready now. He wanted to but…

“Please.” She said and Percy closed his eyes.

“I can’t” Percy choked out and he turned in time to see Annabeth visibly deflate.

“Why?

“It doesn’t matter, okay?” Percys words tone was sharper than he intended for it to be. He just wanted this to be over. She instinctively recoiled at it, stepping back. When Percy noticed her reaction to his anger, his eyes immediately softened with his throat constricted. No, no, no. He didn’t mean to get angry with her. He didn’t want her to hate him again.  Please, please, please, just don’t hate him again.

“A-Annabeth I’m sorry, I didn’t mean – ”

“ -Enough.” Annabeth said coldly, cutting him off.

“Enough with the lies and the fucking secrets. You act like you want me. You kiss me, treat me like I’m yours. You let me open up to you, and all you give in return is an ‘I can’t’? Why? And how could any of this be for me? Unless you mean you’re lying? That your lying for me? Just tell me the truth, Percy, I am begging you.” Annabeth looked at him, seeming tired all of the sudden.

“I haven’t been lying.” Percy defended himself weakly. He hated that Annabeth could see right through him, he hated that she acted like she knew him. He hated that she was right about him, even when she didn’t have the whole story. It drove him mad. It made him so much more in love.

“What are we doing?” Annabeth asked the question a second time. But really, what she meant was ‘what are you doing?’ Because it wasn’t Annabeth that was unsure of herself. It was Percy. Percy was the one who couldn’t follow through with this. Percy was the one who built a train of lies that got them here, to this final stop. He had to get off now, he knew that much. He had to stop the lies and he had to stop leading her nowhere. It didn’t matter that they’d just both said ‘I love you.’ It didn’t matter that they’d never say it again. Nothing mattered, because Percy didn’t exist. Shouldn’t exist in anyone’s life but his own. That way, those he loved might have a chance at being safe.

But…

Everything had been going so well before Annabeth had decided to talk to him. Everything had been going well before he got punched in the face. He’d wanted this to last. The only reason it couldn’t was because of Annabeth and her questions, her curiosity, her stubbornness.

Don’t blame it on her. Those are the things you love most about her.

Percy couldn’t help it. If she would just accept him as is, love him for his secrets and all. Stay where they were, with their stolen moments and secret kisses. With their ‘friendship’ that was unlike any other he’d had before. If they could do that, they could, not have everything, but still have something. Just something for them to hold on to. Percy hated himself for wanted that something. It was cruel and tasteless. But he was a selfish man. He was desperate to have her in any way he could.

“We aren’t doing anything, we’re going to forget this conversation ever happened.” Percy said quietly, not looking her in the eye. She shook her head.

“Percy I can’t just-“

“Yes you can,” Percy stepped forward, closing the gap between them and taking her hands in his.

“We can. We can keep doing this as friends. We don’t have to be anything more. Why can’t we just be us? Why can’t we have this? No matter what ‘this’ is? Why do things have to change?” Percy looked down into her eyes, pleadful. She looked almost, pitiful, she was taking her hands back.

“Percy I-“

“This is all I can give you. And if it’s not enough then go, but please, please don’t ask me for more, because I can’t.” Percy squeezed her hands tighter, before letting them go completely. His words were hanging in the air, the tension thick. Even the wind seemed to have stopped blowing.

This was all he had. His secrets, his false life. It was all he could give her and he knew it wouldn’t be enough to keep her forever. He knew that. But even if only for one more day. Just one more, it would be worth it. It would be worth putting their own grievances aside to have this for one more day wouldn’t it?

“I don’t know.” Annabeth whispered, biting her lip and looking away, her expression pained.

“Why can’t you just tell me what the hell-“

“I can’t, you need to accept that you can’t know everything about everyone you know.” Percy said gently and Annabeth scoffed.

“You are just being stubborn.” Annabeth said, and Percy shook his head.

“I’ve given you your options.” Percy mumbled, and he felt like stone. He felt cold and hard, his words harsh. All she wanted was honesty, all she wanted were reasons for his actions, but he couldn’t give them, because the secrets weren’t his to give. Gabe had that control; that power over him. Percy didn’t have a choice. Annabeth did though, she could let him go, or they could stay the same, remaining mysterious and false, but together at least to some extent.

Annabeth turned and left him standing there, without saying another word.

Chapter Text

Percy

“So you’re back, are you?” Gabes voice was gruff as Percy shut the apartment door behind him. He was still out of sorts from his fight with Annabeth. He had practically told her to have him as is, or not have him at all. She hadn’t given him an answer. Percy thought she might never talk to him again, he wouldn’t blame her. He was a selfish, hypocritical, horrible, horrible person. And now, just to add sprinkles to the fucking cake, he was forced to return home to Gabe and whatever aftermath Darren and his buddies left in their wake.

“…Yes.” Percy replied gingerly, already cringing just at the sound of Gabes voice. Please let me just go to my room. Please, please just leave me alone. Percy didn’t think Gabe would respect his wishes, so he wasn’t surprised when Gabe stood up from the couch with a grunt and gestured for Percy to come over.

Percys feet remained glued to the floor. He meant to move them, he meant to walk. If he didn’t, Gabe would just be more angry. But it was like he was frozen, his heart beating rapidly in his chest. Pounding in his ears.

“Now!” Gabe spat and Percy jolted into action, nearly stumbling over himself as he walked over to Gabe, stopping a few paces away from him. Gabe was taller than Percy, though not by too much. Only a few inches. But Percy seemed to shrink down when standing before him. When Percy was seven, Gabe was like a mountain, standing in his height. Percy might have grown since then, but his feelings hadn’t changed. He was still afraid of Gabe. More angry than he was at seven, but still scared and jumpy around him. He anticipated the slap, burning hot on his cheek, and he didn’t do anything to stop it, hoping it would be the worst of it. It never was.

“You knew they were coming.” Gabe said in a low voice. Percys blinked away the stinging in his eyes, his throat closed up. He felt like choking, he felt like crying. It made him feel so incredibly weak. It made him feel pathetic.

“Answer me.” Gabe yanked Percy forward by the shirt, the fabric balled in his fists as he held Percy in place, forcing him to make eye contact. Gabes breath was rancid, Percy cleared his throat before speaking.

“What was I supposed to do?” Percy asked, because what else did Gabe expect? How would Percy being here have helped in the slightest? It would have done nothing but give them another bargaining chip to hold over Gabe, or Gabe would have used him in some way or another to help plead his case.

“If you know something boy, you tell me about it. You knew.” Gabe sneered at him, baring his yellowed and broken teeth as he drew Percy in closer. Percy resisted the urge to wriggle free.

“I couldn’t have, I wouldn’t have gotten here in time! And they-” Gabe sent a fist into his gut and Percy doubled over as Gabe shoved him backwards, gasping a little. His stomach was still slightly sensitive, despite being healed to some extent. It didn’t stop Gabes blow from hurting like a bitch, Percy didn’t think he’d be able to withstand another beating.

“They think I owed them.” Gabe started, standing still as Percy supported his weight against the wall, taking deep breaths.

“They ganged up, forced me to pay em’ each a hundred, they’ve given me three days.” Gabe looked at him then, his gaze blazing. Percy felt around in his pockets, pulling out his wallet and chucking it at Gabe, who caught it.

“It won’t be enough.” Percy said as Gabe rifled through it, pulling out a few twenties and discarding the rest that wasn’t of any use to him. Percy sighed, that was the last of his cash. He wouldn’t get paid anymore for another week or so. Gabes eyes were like thunder.

“You’re hiding some.” Gabe said quietly, and Percy quickly turned all his pockets inside out, proving to Gabe he had nothing else.

“I swear I don’t. That’s it.” Percy instinctively took a step back as Gabe stepped forward.

“You liar.” Gabe grumbled, shoving the notes into his pocket and locking eyes with Percy. Gabe smelt like alcohol and sweat, his eyes were slightly bloodshot (not that they ever changed from that state) and Percy knew what was coming next. He knew the signs, the symptoms of an approaching attack like the back of his hand. Gabe was angry that he’d been confronted for his deceitful acts towards his mates. He was unhappy that he’d been stood up against, he hated retaliation, if nothing else. And Percy had lived with Gabe long enough to know that any anger Gabe had, it would eventually be taken out on Percy. Percy had been expecting this ever since Darren had first uttered that Gabe owed him. He saw this coming in the future like a fucking oracle, it’s why he stayed with Jason the night before, it’s why he was hesitant to come home. Or part of the reason at least.

Gabe advanced as Percy instinctively darted to the side, seeing Gabes fist flying from a mile away. Gabe grunted in frustration before reaching for Percy with meaty hands, grasping at his shirt and ripping. The fabric tearing did nothing to stop the collar of his shirt tightening around his throat. Percy coughed, rearing back as Gabe pulled him down, stepping to the side to shove him to the floor with a hand to the chest.

“Please-“ Gabe punched him in the face, in the exact same spot his last bruise was. Percy saw stars, blinking as his eye pounded with a headache so fierce Percy was sure he would pass out. He wasn’t given such a pleasure. Gabe lifted him by the shoulders, slamming him down again, and Percy was winded, gasping because his life depended on it, because it felt like it did. And every. Damn. Time. He was left disappointed. It was times like these his life seemed too much of an effort to keep preserving. But his body still fought, his breath still returning in time for Percy to roll to the side and scramble away before Gabe could wind him again. He wasn’t fast enough, obviously, Gabe gripping his ankles and dragging him backwards. Percy kicked out, his foot connecting with Gabe, Percy wasn’t sure where, but Gabe gasped and yelled out angrily, his grip briefly loosening enough for Percy to yank himself free.

Percy got himself to his hands and knees, feeling sick, his breaths shaky. Gabe was on him like a fucking vulture on roadkill. He hoisted Percy up to his feet, bending his arms back behind him, restraining him. Percy wriggled around but it was no use. His arms were locked. Gabe and he struggled in this position for a few breathless moments, both unable to overpower the other.

“STOP MOVING YOU RUNT!” Gabe roared in his ear and Percy whined, refusing to relent.

“Argggh!” Gabe hoisted Percy over, using his entire body weight to throw Percy down towards the dining table, where his hip connected with it and popped with a sickening sound. Percy couldn’t bite back the howl of pain as he crumpled down, Gabe bringing up his foot and slamming it down on Percys leg. His hip gave out for a second time, and Percy was left sprawled on the ground, refusing to move as his leg and hip pulsed with a powerful ache.

“Fuck you.” Percy mumbled, Gabe finally standing up and looking down at him like he was dogshit on his shoe. Percys head was rested on the floorboards, his head pounding, adrenaline fading as Gabe let out a huff and stomped away, his footsteps sending vibrations through the floor and right into Percys skull. He wasn’t gone for long, Percy heard him rummaging around in the kitchen before he reappeared, a small bottle of a golden brown liquid in his hand.

Percy winced as he pushed himself to a sitting position, leaning against the leg of the dining table as he rested his hands gingerly on his leg just below the hip. Gabe bent down, Percy flinching away, eyes wide. He didn’t want to provoke him again, he didn’t want to be hit with the bottle, but he knew it was coming, he knew he’d probably pass out from it, might even bleed out, and Percy wondered if it was maybe for the best.

Gabe handed him the scotch.

“Don’t tell anyone boy, you know what will happen if you do.” Gabe mumbled, looking – for the first time in Percys entire existence – as if he felt the slightest bit of guilt. Of shame in what he had done. Percy accepted the bottle, whether he was in shock or actually wanted it he didn’t know. He wasn’t one to drink, he’d seen what it did to people, but right now? Right now Percy could imagine it, how it would feel to truly let himself go and forget, for once, what this feeling was. This feeling that gnawed at his insides. A feeling that shouldn’t have been there, but was anyway. This feeling of shame. Of guilt. Guilt of his own. Gabe never asked to become a father. Percy wasn’t his blood. Percy was an angry person by nature too, like Gabe. Maybe people were born that way, maybe Gabe had no control over it.

His more rational side rejected this. Gabe made the choice long ago to hate Percy. He made the choice every day to continue that hatred, and never change. But Percy couldn’t help feeling the illness inside of him that was pity for a man like Gabe. His wife was dead, he was left with a kid he never wanted. He was sick, buried in substances that he claimed made his pain go away. But what pain did Gabe have in comparison to Percys? Percy was a child when his mother died, he had no good memories, only dreams of white hospital rooms and sterile smells. Percy was a child when Gabe pushed him to the ground for the first time, smiling when Percy cried. Percy was a child when Gabe shoved him in a small, dark closet, not even thinking about the life-long consequences of his actions. Percy still felt like a child. One that wanted nothing more than his mom who he couldn’t remember, a dad who hadn’t left and didn’t hit him, and the freedom to have a future and share it with someone he loved. And Percy was stuck. He didn’t have choice like Gabe did. Gabe could choose to change, he could try. He could turn his life around if he wanted to. He just… didn’t. And Percy hated and pitied him for it.

Percy was too shocked to not take the bottle, Gabe sniffing and walking away with no more words said after Percy did so. Percy stared at the bottle of scotch, wondering how long it would take for Gabe to demand it back, low on alcohol and unbothered or too broke to go get more. When Percy finally got to his feet with the support of the dining table, he limped his way into his room, grimacing and trying to stretch his leg to get some more movement. It only made it hurt worse and his head was throbbing like a bitch from Gabes hit. A quick check in the bathroom mirror confirmed that his black eye had gotten a whole lot worse, a little blacker, a little wider. Percy winced at the sight of his face, and hoped it would be better tomorrow.

Percy hid the scotch under his mattress, resting against the bed frame. He had no intention of ever opening it, but the thought of it there still made him a little uneasy. He didn’t like the stuff being anywhere near him, he didn’t want to look at it, let alone open the damn bottle. That didn’t stop him from keeping it. Maybe he’d need it, one day. Percy hoped not, or at least, hoped he’d only need it for breaking over Gabes stupid head.

After that, Percy sunk down onto his bed and let himself drift off, dreaming of Gabes past rude awakenings and the paranoias that followed, dreaming of the closet and the scars on his chest, the scars on his back. His whole body was scars, an artwork created by Gabe. Percy hated art. He dreamed of passing mirrors and seeing his younger self, clean, clear skinned and crying. Gabe standing behind him.

Percy awoke a few times that night, anxiety twisting his insides with crooked, cold knuckles. Percy lay his head back, wondering if he’d ever had a good dream, and if he ever would have, with the things he’d seen, the life he lived.

He thought not.

…

Percy was refilling the popcorn machine with buttered kernels when he caught a glimpse of her in the reflection of the glass. She looked as beautiful as every other day Percy had known her, and he swallowed down the nerves that threatened to consume him whole. It had been two days. Two days of avoidance, of no answer, of complete and utter torture. Percy had given her a choice. Either keep going as they were, his secrets somewhat safe and his heart less likely to break into a million pieces by the end, or; they stop, and end whatever they share. If Annabeth couldn’t go on like this, unable to continue whatever this was with Percy having nothing else to offer, Percy wouldn’t blame her.

But it was exactly what he was scared of. He didn’t want this to end. He wanted to put her in his pocket and keep her forever. It was selfish, but it was true. It wasn’t what either of them needed, but it was what Percy desired greatest of all. Just to have her in his arms again. Gods, this break they were having really had messed with his feelings. He was more pathetic and desperate than ever. He was basically itching for her to be close, he could feel his skin becoming hot and flustered, a blush creeping up his neck just from the thoughts flying through his mind.

“Hey.” Her voice sounded and Percy was forced to turn away from the popcorn towards the counter, where she leaned against. She was wearing low waisted jeans, her abdomen showing. Percy forced his eyes to remain on hers. Her tight shirt wasn’t doing much to help either, he felt like he was starving, he felt like screaming.

“Hi.” Percy said, a little awkwardly. They hadn’t talked in what felt like ages. Oh gods, she was here to tell him it was over, wasn’t she? She was going to tell him she’d made her choice. Percy’s heart began beating a little faster, though he wasn’t sure if it was from nerves about her rejecting him or because of the way she looked.

“We need to talk.” Annabeth stated evenly and Percy blew out a breath he hoped wasn’t too shuddery.

“Yeah, yeah sure, follow me.” Percy gave a look to his co-worker, a kid a year younger than him who looked bored out of his mind, and Percy led Annabeth down one of the corridors towards a staff only door. It wasn’t the best place to talk, but no one would disturb them in there, and it wasn’t as loud as outside.

The projector room was dark but large enough that Percy didn’t feel uncomfortable. There was a small window at the front of it, where the movie could be seen playing on the screen, the cinema seats cascading down in rows below it. Percy closed the sound proof door after Annabeth walked in, the room becoming silent with the soundproof walls. Lights were flashing from the movie screen as something in the Tom Cruise movie exploded, casting Annabeth in a golden light for a few seconds. Those few seconds were enough to send Percy over the edge. He was so pathetic. He already knew that, but this was low even for him.

He closed the gap between them, pulling her in by the waist, getting his hands on her bare skin just because he could, because she responded, she kissed him back just as passionately. It was like his daydreams when he had the time to zone out in class, it was like every waking thought had just come true. They hadn’t talked in two days, and it felt like forever, because here they were kissing like it was the very first time.

Annabeths arms curled around Percys neck, pulling him down towards her. Percy kissed her deeper willingly, his hip screaming at him from standing for too long, but his speciality was ignoring it. Especially when it came to this.

“This isn’t why I came here.” Annabeth gasped into his ear, his mouth latched to her throat. He just hummed.

“I figured as much.” And he did. She was here to end this. And he was here to remind her of why she shouldn’t. In that moment, it didn’t matter that he was being a selfish dick of a person. It didn’t matter what was best for the both of them if it meant they could do this more.

Percy busied her mouth before Annabeth could speak again. He didn’t want to talk. He didn’t even want to think. He just wanted to let out his pent up energy, he wanted to forget the pain –

“Ow!” Percy yelped, punching out a breath as he stumbled back after Annabeth leaned into him. His hip had spiked in pain, like it was burning, but the feeling faded quickly. Annabeth looked at him with worry and disappointment.

“Is this new?” She asked, and Percy wished the ground would swallow him up.

“It doesn’t matter.” was what he said, stepping forward gingerly to reach for her, wanting her back, wanting the space between them to be nil. She put a hand on his chest to stop him coming any closer. Percy stopped.

“Don’t, don’t shove it aside. Is this new?  Since the last time we spoke?” Annabeth asked, her voice stern. Percy felt like he was being scolded and stepped back, leaning against the desk where his hip ached a little less.

“No, Annabeth it’s not new, it happened the same day I got this-” Percy gestured to his black eye, which had calmed down a bit since the night before “-And I’m done talking about this, you made your point the other day. I made mine. There is nothing more to say.” Percy couldn’t help but glare at her, because his words were nothing but the truth. He was done. Finished. He wanted her so badly. He wanted everything to do with her. But he didn’t want to give himself to her like she was asking. He couldn’t. And she didn’t understand. She’d never understand for as long as they would know each other. Percy was made of secrets, it was etched into his very skin, written in scars beneath his shirt, and as much as he wanted her to love him for who he was, secrets and all, he had told her how this would go. She could put up with what he was offering, or she could leave. The latter probably being the safest of the two options, but clearly now, after all this time, it was the most difficult one to make. With all Percy had endured, everything he’d been put through in his life, he remained too much of a coward to make it for her. To do what was right by her. Because he wanted her so badly, he was mad for her.

“I thought it was just your eye, why did you hide this?” Annabeth asked, gesturing to hip and biting her lip in an attempt to stop the frowning. It didn’t help much. It only made him feel more drawn to her, more desperate for her.

“I didn’t want you to worry, it’s okay though, it’s alright, it doesn’t hurt.” Percy assured, lying through his teeth like the horrible person he was. But it was true, he didn’t want anyone to worry, he didn’t want to acknowledge his leg, he didn’t want to even think about it, how he’d probably never walk right again. He’d woken that morning to it being stiff and sore. He’d been unable to move it, or walk without limping. However, the more he used it and bit his lip through the pain, the more it became bearable. Not forgettable, but easier to managed. Still, it threatened to give out if he was standing or sitting for too long, or walking. In all, it sucked and Percy was worried about it, now even more so. Because it was harder to hide from someone who he knew was looking.

“You are so stupid, you know that? I’d rather worry than you hide this stuff from me. Now stop inching closer and talk, because we can’t just leave this like this. We can’t keep doing this Percy!” Annabeth said, exasperated. Percys heart sank. He didn’t want to talk. He wanted to kiss her until he had no breath left to give. He wanted to die on his knees before her, so that his last sight would be of her. He would do it, he would do it and he felt insane for knowing he would do it.

“What’s going on? Why does it have to be like this?” Annabeth asked quietly, looking at him with pleading eyes. Percy shook his head.

“I get… angry, sometimes Annabeth. Well, all the time. I’m angry all the time. I don’t-“ Percy sighed, scrubbing at his eyes in frustration. “I can’t –“ Annabeth took his hands in her own, turning his face so that he would look at her with his pained gaze.

“You think you’ll hurt me, is that it? You’re scared you’ll hurt my feelings? Well I’ll have you know I am not as pathetic as you think I am.” Annabeth said fiercely and Percy looked up, shaking his head.

“I don’t think you’re pathetic.” Percy replied, not knowing what else to say. Because she was right. He was afraid of hurting her. He was afraid of Gabe hurting her. He was afraid of a lot of things.

“One of the reasons.” He ended up admitting, because it was true. Percy was shielding Annabeth from himself just as much as he was shielding her from Gabe. After all, the abused becomes the abuser and all that, isn’t that how the saying goes? Percy doesn’t know if it’s true, doesn’t even know where he heard it from. All he knows is that he’s scared. Because his anger, his brutal thoughts to just lash back, his urge to grab the gun from Gabes cupboard and pull the trigger on him and feel good about it – it’s all a sign that Percy is no better. And he’s dangerous. And not good enough for someone like Annabeth. Hell, she deserved the world. And Percy couldn’t give her anything. Not even time.

“What’s the other reason?” She asked, looking up at him, searching for some type of closure – or something, something Percy couldn’t give her.

“I’m not good enough.” Percys voice broke and he sucked in a breath as Annabeth looked at him with what he could only describe as pity. He hated pity. He wanted her to stop looking at him that way. This is what he didn’t want to happen. This is what he was afraid of, other than Annabeth herself getting hurt. Allowing himself to be vulnerable. He was terrified of Annabeth seeing what he truly was. A wounded dog with nowhere to go.

“You’re good enough. You always have been.” Annabeth said harshly, her tone hard and stubborn. Percy wished he could hate her for it. But he could not. He wished he could hate her for trying to fight her way around this, as stubborn as she was, but he couldn’t.

“People have choice with how they use their emotions, I get angry too sometimes you know.” Annabeth admitted, stepping back and leaning against one of the desks. Percy watched her, cocking his head to the side in confusion and scoffing.

“Yeah, right.”

“I do.”

“Why?” Percy asked, because he didn’t wish for anyone to be angry. It was a horrible feeling, and it never ever went away. It was like energy, it was never destroyed, only transformed. Usually into something sadder, something heavier. He refused to let it transform, so he let it fester inside him like an ugly untreatable fungus. He didn’t think anything about Annabeth was ugly.

“Helen mostly, my dad too. When people don’t own their responsibilities, I get angry.”

Percy lowered his gaze in shame. His responsibility he’d put on himself all those months ago, was to keep her safe. Now look where he was. With her. Close with her. Allowing her in. Allowing her to get closer and closer to his personal life, which was only separated from his fake one with a thinning line. She was hurtling towards a cliff, and they’d fall together, him dragging her over the edge.

“I just don’t want you to get hurt.” He said quietly, knowing she would if she got what she wanted, if she managed to convince him. She wouldn’t, but Percy was afraid for her anyways.

“You couldn’t hurt me.” Annabeth said gently, such a contrast to whatever the hell Percy felt going on on the inside.

“Couldn’t I?”

Annabeth seemed to stop to think for a moment.

“The only way you could hurt me, is by pushing me away for a stupid reason.”

Well shit. Annabeth was really making this ‘not hurting her’ thing difficult. Because that is exactly what he was about to do.

‘Gabe please, I promise, I won’t see her again, I’ll drop out of school, I’ll work for you, Please just let her go’

The memory of the nightmare with Annabeths death was fresh in Percys mind in that moment. It’s what tipped him over the edge. It’s what solidified his decision. He knew this was the right thing to do. He knew there was no other way.

It was the only option that ever made sense. It was the only thing ever left to do. They were doomed, whatever they were. He was going to destroy them before they even truly began, to save them, and he knew right in that moment, that he had to do it now. He had to put an end to this, he had to finish it. They were a tragedy, they were wrong and out of time, they had been for a while, Percy was just in denial about it. He didn’t want to fathom it. The end. And clearly neither did Annabeth, because she was here now, demanding they find a way around this, and here he was, shooting her down.

“I am pretty stupid.” Percy said, giving Annabeth a sad smile. Her expression fell, though only for a split second.

“No you’re not.” Annabeth replied quickly, looking slightly alarmed. She stepped forward, Percy stood up and stepped to the side, away from her. She stopped, looking crestfallen.

“I can’t do this anymore Annabeth.” Percy said, feeling like he’d just swallowed a ton of rocks that now sat at the pit of his stomach. She opened her mouth to protest but Percy shook his head, her mouth clamping shut as she frowned at him.

“I can’t, alright? I know it’s hard to understand, and I know you don’t deserve it, but this is how it is now. We are just friends, nothing more.” The words fell heavily from his lips, like poison, like he wasn’t the one saying them at all.

“I don’t understand.” Annabeth said, her lip turning downwards but her eyes remaining dry.

“And you won’t be able to. Just know that I’m sorry. I didn’t mean for this to get out of hand this way.” Percy said, looking at his feet and his dirty, knock-off sneakers. When he looked up, Annabeth looked more angry than anything else. She didn’t look sad, she didn’t look annoyed or frustrated that this was coming to an end. She just seemed angry, giving Percy a glare that said everything with only the words of the eyes.

“Fine.” She said, her voice even and hard. Percy winced.

“Fine.” He whispered, and it took a long time for Percy to emerge from that projector room, even long after she left.  

Chapter Text

 Annabeth

Well. Annabeth had gone to Percys work in an attempt to figure out what the hell was going on, as well as apologise yet again (because yes, she did feel a little guilty about being so pushy, but she couldn’t help it). And it had backfired. Rather spectacularly. And now Annabeth was alone in her room, a few stray tears dried on her cheeks as she stared at her ceiling. She felt like there was a gaping crevice in her chest. Like an empty crater where her heart should be. It had hurt to breathe, before, when she’d first gotten home and stopped moving, stood still for a second. It took a while for it to sink in. The fact that Percy had… what? Broken up with her? It’s not like they were together in the first place. No, they never even got the chance to get that far. Percy made sure of that. Percy made sure of a lot of things. He made sure to give her hope, he made sure to take it away.

Annabeth was angry for a lot of reasons. Her home life was less than ideal, her father remaining to ignore her, Helen remaining to send her the dirtiest of looks. She’d opened up to Percy, she’d bled out before him, dropping herself at his feet for him to take. And what had he done? Nothing. He was a secretive, selfish, coward of a man who clearly couldn’t even confront his own feelings, let alone handle them. He was clearly stupid, with the way he got himself into danger, he didn’t care about anything, or anyone, clearly.

Oh, Annabeth was so angry. It was like a fire at the pit of her stomach, burning and burning whilst Annabeth lay there. Seething. It’s funny how things come full circle isn’t it? From haters to friends with benefits back to haters. He’d seemed guilty, he’d apologised for what he knew was a dick move, a coward move. But Annabeth wasn’t ignorant to the ways of men. Most were manipulative and self-centred. Annabeth thought Percy was different. Key word; she thought.

Annabeth didn’t know where to go from here. He had told her they were just friends, that they couldn’t be anything more. She understood that Percy would never open up, his secrets, they were buried deep. Deeper than any secrets Annabeth had ever known. Percy loved her, he had said so himself, and if love couldn’t bring those secrets to life, then nothing would. Annabeth had lost hope. She understood why this had to be, which was the worst thing. She could never truly feel right with him if she couldn’t wrap her head around why he did the things he did. They wouldn’t have been happy together if the secrets were kept buried. He knew that, obviously, it’s why he made the decision for her. It’s why the decision was there in the first place. Knowing why he said and did what he did didn’t make it hurt any less. If anything, it made it hurt worse. Because Annabeth knew neither of them wanted this. She certainly didn’t. They were simply caught up in a tug of war situation, both too stubborn to loosen their grip, both unable to drop it.

Percy friend zoning her did nothing to stop the  annoying nagging at the back of her head that Percy was hiding something big, something she wanted to know. But Percy was as stubborn as her when it came to this, he would never relent, Annabeth would just have to slowly go insane. Did she have a problem? Was it the uncertainty of her birth mother, the unknowing of Helens true intentions with her father, the misunderstandings between her and her father that caused her to be this way? Did it all contribute to the way her brain was wired, the obsessiveness, the compulsion to know, to consume knowledge like a leech? Was she too emotional? Too afraid to trust without knowing the full story? Annabeth thought all of the above applied. She hated herself for it. She loathed it all.

Annabeth slowly got up, her muscles aching a little from being still for so long. She didn’t want to see him. Not ever again. It was too much of a tease, to see what she had lost. Annabeth froze in thought, her heart beating faster just at the thought of him, and what she had really lost. Oh, she had fucked up so bad. If only she were able to put her stupid pride and trust issues aside and love him for everything he was despite his endless fucking secrets.

Annabeth groaned, burying her face in the palms of her hands as her eyes pricked once more.

She didn’t want to see him. She didn’t want to ever see him at all.

…

Percy barely talked all day at school for the following days. He didn’t even acknowledge Annabeth, didn’t even look at her, or anyone else for that matter. Not really anyway. Annabeth noticed it, because she noticed things. She also noticed it because she was aching inside, yearning for him when he wouldn’t even look at her. Oh, how pathetic she had become. It was obvious to their other friends that something had happened between them. Piper and Hazel asked her about it, to which she brushed them aside and said they both agreed to just be friends. Apparently Percy said the same thing to Jason, Frank and Leo, but Annabeth herself hadn’t heard him mention her again. He participated a little in group small talk, but his smiles at Leos foolery were hollow and didn’t reach his eyes. His hip, oh his hip, Annabeth knew it was bad. She noticed his limp in the halls, his sighs and winces as he went from standing to sitting for class. Annabeth wanted to talk to him more than anything.

She wanted to make sure he was alright. But then she had to remind herself that she hated him. That he was a dick, a coward. He had circles under his eyes, Annabeth couldn’t help but feel worried. And she wasn’t the only one who noticed.

“What happened, and don’t be vague, you said you’d help look out for him.” Jason said, looking up and down the empty hallway to make sure they were alone. Annabeth sighed, looking down at her feet in what? Shame? Should she feel shameful for breaking her promise to Jason? When it was Percy who was unaccepting of help, of trust?

“He’s the one who did it.” Annabeth muttered, unable to bring herself to meet Jason’s eyes.

“Did what? What the hell happened? One minute the two of you were all lovey dovey, now you’re not even talking and he looks like he’s not sleeping!” Jason was exasperated, and Annabeth knew he had every right to be. One of his best friends was going through shit. It was just a shame he wouldn’t let Annabeth in to help, wouldn’t trust her enough to let her know him. Or anyone else for that matter.

So Annabeth explained to Jason exactly what Percy had said, the choices he gave her, the decision he made in the end, the things he said, the things he didn’t. At the end of it all, Annabeth couldn’t see anything, her eyes blurry as tears stung them, the lump in her throat getting more and more impossible to choke down. No, no, no, please don’t cry here. Not here. Not at school.

“Oh fuck.” Jason said, pulling Annabeth in and wrapping her in a tight, friendly hug. Annabeth sniffled into his chest, the tears falling where she was unable to stop them. For a second, with the warmth of Jason’s heart in her ear, Annabeth thought she could imagine it was Percy she was clinging to. But when she drew back, it was Jason, still Jason. Percy wasn’t here. Percy didn’t want her anymore, wouldn’t allow himself to, for whatever reason. Honestly, it was all just too overwhelming, too confusing for her feeble brain.

Percy would do what Percy would do, and Annabeth had to pull herself together and move on. They never even had anything official, only stolen moments that they should never have divulged in. And look at her now, she was falling the fuck apart.

“It’s alright.” Jason said, handing her a tissue as he looked on with sympathy. Annabeth wiped her tears and her running nose, feeling foolish for feeling at all.

“No,” She scoffed, inhaling sharply “It’s not.”

“He pushed me away, so now we need to work together to make sure he doesn’t bloody get himself killed.” Annabeths hardened her gaze. She was sick of feeling this way, sick of feeling sorry for herself. There were more important things to worry about, like getting through the school year and making sure Percy was alright. Even if he wouldn’t tell any of them what was going on, there was still something going on and It had him worried. Worried enough to not trust Annabeth with whatever it was.

“You still want to look out for him, even after what he said?” Jason asked, raising an eye brow. Annabeth just nodded.

“He had his reasons. I care about him Jason.”

Jason just nodded.

“I’ll keep an eye out.”

“Me too.”

Annabeth sighed, wiping her eyes one more time and blinking. Hopefully it didn’t look like she’d been crying, the last thing she needed was for someone like Luke or Drew Tanaka to notice anything out of the ordinary. Not that anything was ordinary anymore, not since Percy had come into her life.

Gods, she felt different herself, like things would ever be normal again. How could they? With Percy remaining in her life and her thoughts?

Annabeth felt that ache in her chest, a feeling she figured she’d have to get used to, because they were over. They never began. She mourned what they could’ve had, wishing with all her heart, that she could go back and change something, anything, to make it right.

Percy

Percy leaned against the concrete ledge of his apartment buildings roof top. It was unusual for him to come up here, the building wasn’t very high in retrospect, nothing compared to Jason’s home at least, but Percy wasn’t a fan of heights. The view was rather shit, the street below trashy and empty most of the time. And occasionally his junky neighbours came up here, which Percy only knew from the discarded cigarette butts and the occasional used needle.

Percy let the wind kiss his cheeks, closing his eyes to feel something, anything.

“Mystery is what makes people interesting, and you are very interesting Mr Jackson. Mark my words I will make a boring man out of you one day.”

Percy thought back on those words Annabeth had uttered before Christmas. It was funny that he should be here now, atop another rooftop, alone, but at least not boring. Maybe not being boring was something to be proud of. But Percy figured being boring wasn’t so bad. In fact, he yearned for it. Being boring was being wrapped in bliss, it was comfort and familiarity. Oh, what he would give to not live a life so complicated. But then, he had nothing to give anyway, did he? No, what he did have, the best thing he’d ever had, he had already given away. He’d already let her go, and now here he was. On a junkies rooftop accompanied by only cigarette ash and nothing else. Ashes and ashes.

It had been a week since Percy did what he did. Said what he said. Destroyed what he destroyed. The hope of ever making things work with Annabeth around his goddamn issues was gone. For her, it was have all or nothing. In many ways, it’s what Percy loved most about her. But now, in that moment, it remained the worst, because Percy would always have nothing to give. Nothing at all. The goddamn term might as well be his middle name. Percy ‘nothing’ Jackson. It was fitting.

Percy sighed, pulling out a pack of cigarettes from his pocket. He hadn’t come up here to smoke. It wasn’t his intention. He’d barely even thought about it as he grabbed the pack and lighter from the dining table as he swept past and out the door. It was lucky Gabe wasn’t home to notice him do so. Percy remembered the last time Gabe had suspected Percy of thievery. Nicotine was nothing compared to whatever else Gabe had been doing that night.

Percy clicked the lighter, pausing for a second as he watched the fame flicker. He continued to flick it, igniting it with the simple roll of his thumb. It sort of stung after a while, the steel beneath the pads of his thumb burning. Percy let the flame die.

Carefully, he pulled a cigarette out of the pack, and placed it gently between his lips.

One more roll of the thumb, and he cupped his other hand around the end of the cigarette to let it light. He pulled in a drag, coughing as the smoke invaded his lungs in the place of New York air. It took a few tries, but eventually, Percy could breathe in the smoke with no trouble, letting it fill his chest and quiet his mind. He leant against the ledge once more, looking out as he sucked in a long drag, his mind hushing for the first time in forever. Immediately, Percy understood why so many people smoked. It was like his head was filled with a light static, too quiet to disturb him, but loud enough to numb everything else. He pulled in another drag, closing his eyes. He shifted his weight from leg to leg, resting awkwardly to stop the ache in his hip. It got sore when he stood for too long in one spot, but it sort of comforted him in a way. In a way, he felt he deserved it. He knew it as stupid to think so, and he didn’t really, but he liked pain when it distracted him from whatever the hell was going on in his head. His eye had calmed down considerably, the bruise barely noticeable now, his headaches a little less. His ribs only ached occasionally, unprompted, and his stomach still cramped up a few times a day. But nothing was crippling, so Percy endured it.

It was what he had always done anyway, wasn’t it? Endure, endure, endure. Physical pain, now this. It didn’t matter where it hurt, Percy sucked it up and endured as usual. He figured at least his mom would be proud. After all, he must have inherited his endurance from someone, no one lived with Gabe and didn’t be pushed to the limits of endurance. Percy wondered why on earth Sally Jackson had ever chosen Gabe anyway. Was he a different man before? Was he who he was as a result of Sally Jacksons death? Percy couldn’t imagine Gabe any other way, people don’t change that drastically, not even from good to bad. Was Sally as stuck as Percy was? Was Sally trapped and scorned, a woman with nowhere for herself and her child to go? For the first time ever, Percy thought about his birth father.

Where was he? Who was he? Percy didn’t even have a name. Gabe didn’t bother to remember it after Sally died. And he kept no files, no records. Percy suddenly hated his birth father. For not only leaving him here, but for leaving Sally, for not being there while she was on her death bed and Percy was left alone with Gabe. How fucked up do you have to be, to leave a kid in the hands of a monster? Perhaps he didn’t even know, but surely he knew of Sally’s death, surely he would’ve wanted to see if his kid was alright. It didn’t make sense to Percy, so he took another drag, and another, blocking it all out and focusing once again, on nothing, nothing at all.

…

When Percy emerged back to his hallway after leaving the roof, he noticed their apartment door was ajar. Had he left it that way? He didn’t exactly remember closing it, but he couldn’t think of a reason he wouldn’t have. Maybe it just slipped his mind on his way past. Either way, Percy didn’t think too hard about what else an open door could mean as he pushed it open and stepped inside. His head was a little fuzzy, and he felt tired. He looked at the cigarette box in his hand and hummed as his head cleared with each passing second. Someone cleared their throat, and Percy looked up with wide eyes, his breath hitching in his throat as he startled.

“Gabe, what are you-“ Percy stuttered, shoving the pack of cigs quickly in his pocket along with the lighter. If Gabe saw them, Percy had no idea what he’d do. Why was Gabe even home? Percy had been watching the street, he would have seen him come in, surely. Maybe he’d arrived on Percys way up? Either way, Gabe didn’t look happy. He didn’t look angry either, with his stone gaze as he sat in the corner of their living room, smoke surrounding him, making him seem hazy and unpredictable. Percy was glued to the floor.

Gabe held out a hand, the palm facing the ceiling. He remained silent, Percy could hear his own blood rushing in his ears. Gabe was glaring at him now, his gaze dark and shadowed through the haze. Percy sprang into action, quickly pulling the pack of cigs and the lighter from his pocket, taking a few steps forward and gingerly handing Gabe the objects, being careful not to get too close.

“Watch yourself boy,” Gabe muttered, looking up at him but not making a move to hit him. Percy stared at him quizzically, then Gabes eyes flicked to something behind him, and Percy heard the creak of a floor board.

Faster than Percy could voice his confusion, a figure had a hood over his head, plunging everything into darkness as Percy thrashed against muscled arms restraining him. Then his arms were pulled tightly behind his back and bound, and Percy began to panic. He thrashed and fought against it, pulling until his arms were taut.

“Ga-“ Percy started, but the word had barely left his mouth before fabric was being shoved in to gag him. Percys heart was pounding, his senses increased tremendously as he fought to regain composure, regain a sense of what in the fuck was happening. He couldn’t see, he couldn’t… he couldn’t…

Percy couldn’t breathe.

The gag was stretched tight across his mouth, over the hood which in turn covered his nose and eyes with musty fabric. He could hear muffled talking, but his blood was pounding too harshly in his ears for him to make sense of anything. He kicked out instinctively as someone touched him, pulling him forwards. There was a shout of protest as Percys foot connected with something, and Percy felt a familiar punch to the stomach that had him doubled over as he fought to get air into his lungs. He felt the lump in his throat, which was not helping in the slightest, and his eyes were open wide under the hood despite not being able to see.

He gasped as he was shoved forward once more, stumbling and about to fall before someone yanked him back to his feet. He yelled into the gag, throwing himself backwards unexpectedly in an attempt to get free. Maybe it would have been easier to just go willingly. But Percy was sure he was about to be carted off by some junkies to meet his death in a random alley way, so you can understand the panic that blinded any sense of logic. He fell backwards, landing on his back where he scooted backwards, kicking out madly, yelling incoherent insults at his kidnappers. Leave me alone! He was unable to say, I didn’t do anything wrong! He couldn’t pronounce.

“Fucking calm him down!” A voice roared, a hand pressing him down by the shoulder.

Percy kicked out one more time, his foot connecting with someone who in turn released an angered roar.

Then a fist met his face, and the darkness became infinite.

…

Percy woke again, with a white flashlight invading all senses. His ears were ringing, his head aching, his nose dripping. Percy knew it was blood. He could taste it on his lips, thick and metallic. He squinted, and soon his eyes became adjusted to the light, which he discovered was only a phones back flash. He was sat on the bottom of the back of a van, there was a man Percy didn’t recognise crouched in front of him, and he tucked his phone into his jacket pocket when he realised Percy was awake. Behind him, there was another, but Percy recognised this one. Darren. One of Gabes gambling friends who frequented their house, one of the men who chased Percy out of his neighbourhood, one of the men Gabe owed. Oh shit. No, no, no, no…

“Here’s how things are going to go.” Darren said, his voice low. Percy caught a glimpse of the gun tucked into his waistband, his eyes dark and cruel. Percy gulped.

“You know, kidnappings a fucking crime-“ Percy felt his cheek burn hot as the unfamiliar man slapped him. Percy hissed, leaning away before the man grabbed one of his shoulders and yanked him forwards again. Percy winced at the sudden movement, his stomach ached, his nose felt like it was a throbbing mess on his face, he didn’t even want to know what he looked like.

As if the stranger could read his mind, he produced a wipe from his back pocket, roughly wiping the blood from Percys nose as Percy tried to fight the tears pricking his eyes from the sting.

“Don’t smart ass me boy. I’m not your pathetic step-father. I won’t hesitate to kill you, and your little girlfriend if you mess this up.” Darren sneered, and Percy felt his blood turn to ice in his veins. It was like his chest imploded, his heart leaping into his throat, choking him, choking him, choking him.

“What?” Percy asked, his voice small. If Percy didn’t know what fear was before, he definitely knew it now. His hands were shaking, tied behind his back and sweating at the mere thought.

Darren held up Percys phone in a hand, a text notification displayed on the screen, clearly addressed from Annabeth. Percy had gotten a new phone only a few days ago. A crappy old used one he got for half price. He regretted it, because what good had it done? Everything he had sacrificed, everything he had done and said and severed to avoid her getting hurt. And it was all for nothing. If Annabeth or any or her family were to get hurt… or killed, it would be because of him, it would be his fault. Percy felt like throwing up, he felt like shaking Darren by the shoulders and screaming into his face. He felt like falling on his knees and begging. Everything he did… none of it made a difference. He should never have sat down at their table that first day. He should never have asked her to help him find his damn classroom. He should never have stayed at Goode, with so many amazing people willing to know him. He should never have let Annabeth be curious. He should have disappeared long ago.

Darren nodded to the unknown man and Percys wrists were untied. His hands fell limp at his sides. Before, he was scared, but something bad happening to him was miles away from something bad happening to Annabeth. Percy felt like wrong move could cause something catastrophic, and he didn’t want to risk anything.

Now that his hands were free, Darren handed him a navy blue backpack. Percy held it gingerly in his hands, afraid to open it. But at Darren’s nod, Percy unzipped it. Inside were several packs of white powder. Percy felt his stomach churn. There was at least four pounds of the stuff in the bag, Percy couldn’t even imagine what the hell Darren would want him to do with it. Who would trust him with such a job?

‘Kids serve less time, if they’re caught’ A voice from long ago ringed in his ears. Oh. Oh, oh no.

The van door slid open, Percy jolting and dropping the backpack of illegal substances on instinct. Gabe stuck his head in, glancing at Percy in disgust before turning to Darren.

“Time.” He stated lowly, looking uneasy. Percy looked between the three men surrounding him, wondering how in the fuck he got himself into this situation. Was he about to become a drug mule? Was he about to make an exchange of some sort? What if things went south?

Darren then turned to him, and started to explain what needed to be done. Percy listened with static in his ears, his heart hammering as he gulped down the lump in his throat. It was an exchange. Percy was to do nothing more than leave the backpack on a park bench, and then walk away. ‘Act casual’ Darren told him, but Percy couldn’t stop his hands from quivering.

“If you fuck this up, you’re dead.” Gabe said lowly into his ear as Percy exited the van, his knees feeling weak and his voice trapped in his throat. Percy nodded silently, feeling like his body was a separate entity from his mind, feeling overly conscious and like he was about to pass out at the same time. Percy watched as the van pulled away, and he was left alone on the street, two blocks away from the ‘drop point’ as Darren called it. Percy took a step forward, and then another, looking around in paranoia. Was there a camera that faced the park that might catch him? Were there undercover cops waiting for him? The feds? Were other dealers lurking, ready to jump him and take the bag for themselves? Percy felt like lying down. If he messed this up in any way, Annabeth would suffer for it. And Percy couldn’t let that happen. So Percy lifted his chin a little higher and tried to act less nervous, walking casually towards the park until the bench finally came into sight. There was someone sitting on it, Percy felt his breath hitch. What was he supposed to do if someone was sitting on it? They’d notice a discarded bag wouldn’t they? Or were they the buyer? Percy approached ever so slowly, pretending to be interested in watching an old man feed some pigeons who’d gathered nearby.

Percy kept walking, and with his breath sucked in and held, he placed the bag on the ground right by the metal leg of the bench, under shadow where people who weren’t observant wouldn’t look twice. The person sitting on the bench remained oblivious as Percy walked away, exhaling slowly. Was that it? Was it done? Percy felt relief. But it was short lived. Would this become a regular thing? A loan from Gabe to settle his debt to Darren? Would he always feel on edge with paranoia like this? Then the sound of a dog barking alerted him.

Percy turned his head, craning his neck to see where it was coming from. He sped up walking when he discovered the perpetrator. Police dog. Drug dog. In general a dog with good intentions, but not in Percys regard. Oh shit oh shit oh shit. It began to pull on its lead, the cop following him eagerly. Why was it here? They knew, they knew, they knew, they knew…

Percy put his head down and walked faster as the dog alerted the cop to the bag. It began to bark, sniffing the air. Percy wasn’t far enough away, and the dogs eyes snapped to look at him. The mutt became frantic, yanking at his leash, the cop searched the area for the criminal, his eyes landing on Percy and narrowing.

What he’d already seen was enough for Percy. He bolted, the dog barking and taking chase as the cop released him. Percys scent would have been all over that bag, Percy should’ve run sooner to get a better head start. Being chased by a police hound was a lot more high stakes and against his favour than being chased by a bunch of beer bellied men. Percys heart was pounding in his head, but he dared not look back, he could hear the shouts, the barks, the yelps of surprise as Percy bowled through a group of cyclists to get by. Fuck! This wasn’t how this was supposed to go! Percy hadn’t even thought about looking around for goddamn dogs. Darren hadn’t even mentioned the possibility. Percy ran harder, leaping out onto the foot path and suddenly exposed, away from the shadows of the canopy of trees the park provided.

Percy could hear sirens now, howling down the streets. Percy took the risk of glancing behind him. The dog was bearing down on him, Percy knew he wouldn’t be able to keep ahead of it for long, even running at the breakneck speed he was. His lungs were already burning, sharp pains shooting up his legs with every hard footed step he took. Percy was quick in deciding he needed to cross the street, he could escape within the winding roads of alleys and fire escapes. Dogs couldn’t climb, he knew that much about them. He wanted one once, knowing it would never be a possibility, he wasn’t so sure now, with this one baring it’s teeth, spit flying from its cheeks as its paws pounded the concrete beneath it. Percy darted between cars as they shot by, brakes screeching as one swerved sideways to avoid him. Percy didn’t stop running, the dog reaching the road and bounding through after him. Percy darted into the closest alleyway, it had a gate at the end, barbed wire in coils at the top of the mesh metal. Percy bounded onto a nearby trash bin, pulling himself up onto it with aching arms. Percy could hear the dog snapping it’s teeth, and he looked behind him to see it slobbering as it bounced up on two legs towards him.

“Ha! Catch me now you mangy mutt!” Percy shouted at it, gleeful as it scratched at the sides of the bins, unable to get up. Percys thrill was short-lived as cops appeared at the entrance to the alley, three of them. Percy made for the gate, leaping over and throwing himself over the side as the cops yelled for him to stop and stay still. Like hell, Percy thought. He wasn’t about to be caught, not with Annabeth on the line, not when she already was in trouble and Percy would need to be there to help her. The barbed wire snagged his skin, mutilating his arms as he fell to the ground on the other side in a heap.

He didn’t waste time before getting up and making a break for it. He could hear the clangs of metal as the cops attempted to climb over after him. Percy made it to the pick-up point in no time, and he wasn’t surprised to find the van had disappeared. With cops around, of course they wouldn’t stay. Percy was left to fend for himself.

And fend for himself he would.

Chapter Text

Percy

It didn’t take long for Percy to lose his pursuers. He was quick to discard his hoody in an attempt to create a diversion scent for the dog, if it ever came back, and the cops were slow and unfamiliar with these streets, where Percy wasn’t. The subway was his easy escape, and he got off close to his neighbourhood, his nose dripping with blood once more and his entire body aching from the pain of running once again.

It was then that the crippling dread began to replace the adrenaline. He had been told one thing; don’t fuck this up. But he’d gone and done exactly that anyway.

They were going to kill Annabeth for this, and then… then they were going to kill him.

Percy wasn’t sure exactly who would do it. He had never really thought Gabe capable, but perhaps under pressure from Darren and co… Percy hoped it wouldn’t be him. It wouldn’t be right, it would be the worst way to go. Death by someone who was supposed to be a father. Percy wondered whether Darren had the guts, or the stranger that had been with them in that van. Maybe they wouldn’t kill him right away, maybe they’d lock him in the closet to die and decay on his own. Maybe now was his only chance at getting away.

Percy seriously considered it. Running. Running and never stopping. Leaving everything behind. But running wasn’t sustainable, as his aching limbs now told him. Eventually your body gave out, eventually you could run no further. Eventually they’d catch up, find him, and he’d just be delaying the inevitable. And he couldn’t leave Annabeth to die. He couldn’t go to her now either. What would he even say?

‘Oh hey, by the way I got roped into selling drugs by my step-dad and sort of fucked it up so they’re coming for you now.’

She wouldn’t believe him for one thing. After the things he’d said, the way he’d cut things off between them with no reason, he’d be lucky if Annabeth didn’t kill him herself on sight. But most importantly, Percy felt like he was being watched. Every step felt like it was being recorded, paranoia eating at his insides like termites burrowing into his thoughts. Eating away at his scraps of sanity he so clinged to. If he was seen going to Annabeths, if he was followed, he’d be sealing her fate. At least now, they only knew her by a name. They didn’t know her address, they didn’t know where she lived. 

Percy kept walking, towards his street, drawn back home even knowing what was waiting for him. His legs kept walking, it was muscle memory to flinch at the thought, it was muscle memory to return.

Percy rounded the corner onto his street, his building appearing in view. The van was nowhere to be seen, Percy didn’t know whether to be alarmed or relieved. In all honesty, he’d rather not wait around, he’d rather get whatever punishment he was going to receive over and done with. Percy gingerly opened the front door, walking past the unused and broken elevator and making his way for the stairs. He took each step one at a time, his legs shaking, either from fear or exhaustion Percy didn’t know. His head was throbbing slightly, from being knocked out he supposed. The blood on his nose was crusted and dry, he didn’t bother wiping it away, knowing more blood would no doubt soon join it.

His steps felt heavy, his stomach empty, not in hunger, but like a void, heavy with the weight of cold nothing. Percy approached his floor, breathing out steadily. If he didn’t die, he’d move schools, he’d move cities with Gabe to avoid suspicion. Either way Percy was sure that after this, he’d never see his friends again, he’d probably never go to school again.

Percy pressed his ear to his door first. He heard nothing, and felt the dread double. Silence didn’t sit right with him, it never had. It was like the whistle before a bomb made landfall. It was like the slow-mo in an action movie before a car exploded into a burning pile of scrap metal. Percy pulled open the door and prepared himself.

…

It was quiet, which was honestly a surprise. Percy half expected to be shot in the head upon opening the door, or yanked inside and beat unconscious. No, instead, Percy saw no one. He cautiously entered, walking further in and listening intently for anything, the creak of a floor board, an exhale or whisper. Then he heard it, the clinking sound a glass made when it was set down on a counter. Percy made his way towards the kitchen, drawing in a breath when he saw Gabe, leaning against the counter. There was no one else, Percy had a feeling he wouldn’t see them tonight. They had sent Gabe to deal with his punishment. Or Gabe had willingly, excitedly offered to take up the task. Percy didn’t enter the kitchen, wary of the man that stood before him.

Gabe stepped around to face him, glass of whiskey in his hand, Percy glanced uneasily at it. Weapon. Then he glanced at his cheek, which was beginning to purple with a bruise. He could see the way Gabe was clearly favouring one leg, even if only ever so slightly. Percy didn’t draw attention to it. He didn’t speak at all, afraid that speaking would alert Gabe of his presence, even though Gabe was staring right at him. Percy felt like a deer caught in headlights.

Then Gabe began to speak,

“You didn’t get caught.” Gabe stated, not asking a question, but Percy felt compelled to answer. He nodded, his voice quiet as he said,

“No, I didn’t.”

Gabe hummed, swirling his drink around in his cup.

“Someone knew we were coming,” Gabe went on, his eyes looking past Percy, at nothing in particular.

“Someone told the pigs about the van, they came for us.” Gabe downed the rest of his drink, his eyes now latched onto Percy. He could see the red veins in the whites of his eyes, bloodshot, his pupils enlarged unnaturally with that familiar drunken daze. Percy tried to process Gabes words. The cops chased them too? Was that why Percy had lost them so easily? Were they onto Gabe? Onto Darren?

Gabes stare was piercing, accusing, angry, reserved. Percy couldn’t decipher what Gabe wanted from him. Gabe was being unpredictable, which did nothing but set Percy on edge. Percy looked at the bruise on his cheek, then into his eyes, then back to the cheek.

“You think it was me.” Percy breathed, confused and scared. If Percy had wanted, he could have turned and given himself in, he could have told the cops where the van was parked, who was involved, where to find them. He could have. But he didn’t. Why? Because of Annabeth. Because of himself. Because he was coward and he was afraid. Because he didn’t trust the police, they were the ones who left him with Gabe in the first place, they were the ones who did nothing to prevent the continuous crime in his street, his neighbourhood. They made things worse if anything. Going to them would have killed him. Killed Annabeth.

“They thought it was me.” Gabe said quietly, Percy was rigid. Unable to move. Unable to blink. Afraid. Afraid. Afraid.

Gabe gestured to his bruised cheek, where the skin was swollen. Percy felt his heart thumping in his chest.

“How did you all get away from the cops?” Percy asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

“I was the only one who did.” Gabe said, and Percy felt his heart drop. He didn’t know whether to take it as good news or bad, but either way he felt uneasy. If they let them out, if they were found not guilty, Gabe would be the first person they came for, then Percy. If they were sentenced, then Percy would never rest, he’d dread the day of their release, forever paranoid. He felt sick. He felt like throwing up.

“They have them on record, they won’t be getting out for a long time.” Gabe continued, as if he could read Percys worried thoughts. But his tone was less than reassuring.

“Darren’s not powerful on his own, but he knows people. People on the outside who will help him get what he wants. He thinks it was me kid. He thinks it was me, when it was really you.”

Gabe turned fully towards him, the tension between them thick as fog. Percy felt like the drop of a pin could cause an explosion. He didn’t dare reply. He didn’t dare breathe. But then the silence stretched on for too long, and Percy was forced to talk, forced to make Gabe understand before he snapped.

“It wasn’t me. I swear it wasn’t me. I swear it on my life.” Percys voice was quivering, his feet glued to the floor despite his desperate urge to back away. Gabes neck was beginning to redden, his brow creasing with the inklings of a brewing rage.

“You’ve always been a liar.” Gabe whispered, his hand clenching his glass so tight, Percy was sure it would break. Then it did, but not in Gabes hand. It shattered on the floor behind Percy, where it landed after being launched at Percys head. He would have died if it had hit him, Percy was sure. He breathed out, shuddery and fast, crouched on the floor and looking up at Gabe with fear lacing every inch of his expression.

Gabe stood there, his face red, his lips pressed thin.

“I’m the one burdened with the blame for what you’ve done!” Gabe shouted, his voice suddenly loud and bouncing off the walls, ringing in Percys ears.

“I knew nothing! I said nothing!” Percy yelled back, terror creeping up his throat and bursting out. Gabe only took his volume as a challenge, yelling louder.

“YOU DID THIS. IT’S ALWAYS BEEN YOU!” Gabe thundered, pointing a meaty finger at Percy as he raised his other hand towards the sink, where other glasses were piled to be washed.

Percy scrambled behind the doorway, diving into the living room as he heard the next glass smash against the floor, then the next. Percys skin was on fire with adrenaline already, his movements jerky as he tucked himself behind the couch, squeezing his eyes shut as the next glass smashed.

At least they only had limited glasses, and Percy felt stupid for trying to look on the bright side at a time like this. Fuck the bright side. There was nothing bright. There never really was. Not really. There was the illusion of positivity, given to him by temporary friends and his love of swimming. But illusion is not reality. This was reality. Percys hands turned to ribbons, the glass tearing at his skin as he crawled further away, Gabe stood at the entrance to the kitchen, hurtling glasses at the wall so the shards rebounded back towards him.

“Please!” Percy shouted above the noise of Gabes continuous shouts and smashing glass. He hated begging, hated to plead, but pleas were all he had to give.

“You should have died with your fucking mother! I should have shipped you off long ago!” Gabe said, his footsteps thundering towards him. Percy knew it would be over soon, surely it would. Perhaps it would end in his unconsciousness, and he’d wake later, worse for wear. Or he’d be shoved in the closet. Either way, Percy didn’t really comprehend that Gabes rage was different this time, more dangerous, if that was even possible, until he appeared around the corner of the couch, no more glasses in hand, but his fists clenched. Percy scrambled away, slicing his legs, his knees, as he leaped up and darted out of Gabes reach.

Gabe roared in protest, leaping with an unusually determined speed over the couch towards the front door, which Percy was already opening. The door was open, escape at his fingertips, perhaps he’d go back to Jason’s, and hope for the best that Gabe would have calmed down enough for his return. He didn’t get the chance to even get to the stairwell, Gabes hands wrapping around his neck and yanking him backwards, dragging him as he kicked, towards their apartment door. There were other doors across the hall, none of them opened. No-one who lived here cared, or noticed. Anyone close enough to hear their frequent fights ignored them. Percy hated them. He hated them all, especially as the door closed once more, and Percy was thrown onto his back, wind knocked out of his chest as Gabe pressed down on top of him, pinning him to the ground. 

“Darren said he’d kill you if you messed up, he was wrong… I will.” Gabes seethed, his breath rancid with the smell of smoke, alcohol and rot. Percy wreathed underneath Gabe, who snapped his head back with a quick jab to the face. There was a crack as Gabes fist connected with his nose. How it could be broken more than once, Percy wasn’t sure, but that’s what happened, he could see stars around the corners of his vision. Blood was streaming down the sides of his face, some of it dripping uncomfortably into his right ear. Percy couldn’t escape, despite how frantically he tried to shove Gabe off. Gabe leant his arm across Percys throat, slowly cutting off the air, slowly cutting off life.

His windpipe was being crushed, and Percy didn’t know what to do. He didn’t know how to get out of this one. He wasn’t sure he would, and for the first time in Percys entire life, he feared death. This wasn’t just a normal spat between them. This was unfathomable rage. Rage that clouded a mind normally too cowardly to go too far. This Gabe? This Gabe didn’t seem so cowardly.

Percy let himself go limp, not seeing any other way to stop this. Gabe kept pressing down on him as Percy attempted to suck air in through his burning and broken nose. It wasn’t working. His heart was going too fast. He needed to, he needed to…

With one last attempt, one last heave, Percy brought his knee up into Gabes groin. Gabe howled, releasing his hold over Percys neck. Adrenaline was the only thing keeping Percy conscious. The lack of air had made his head like iron, his throat like acid. He scrambled away as Gabe pursued, on his hands and knees. Percy kicked, connecting a foot to face. Gabe grunted, his mouth now crimson. He spat something solid onto the floor, Percy didn’t wait around to see what it was. He was already stumbling up and running. That was before Gabe latched onto his ankle and Percy came crashing down once more. More kicking, more thrashing to get away. Because it was life and death, was it not? That’s what it felt like. It felt like the man chasing him was not even present, he wasn’t a man but a demon sent from Hades, and Death was stood in the corner, watching. Waiting.

Percy kicked and kicked until Gabe was forced to let go, cursing and screaming at him as if Percy could hear past the ringing in his ears. Percy launched himself up once more, diving into the kitchen, getting his hands on anything, anything that could be used as weapon. His hand came into contact with his phone, which brandished a crack Percy hadn’t seen there before. Help. He needed help. This wasn’t normal, Gabe was going to kill him, he was sure of it.

Frantically, he began to tap.

He was even more sure of Gabe trying to kill him when he returned, a shard of glass from a broken cup in his hand, raised towards Percy.

“Phone. Down.” Gabe puffed, anger seeping from his stony glare, right into Percys soul.

Percy didn’t put it down. Forcing his shaking hands to press the right buttons. Gabe roared and advanced, taking a swipe at Percy that stung like hell, blood dribbling down his arm from the cut in his shoulder. Percy stumbled back, swinging a fist in defence and landing it nowhere. His breathes were hard and sharp, his throat still throbbing, his head woozy and unclear. The fear he felt was crippling, but Percy continued on anyway, fighting back. It didn’t take long for his hands and arms to be sliced by Gabes weapon, Percy couldn’t beat him without a weapon of his own.

He groped the countertop for something, but when Gabe recognised what he was doing he leapt at him, shoving him against the counter and kneeing him in the stomach until Percy sank to the ground, phone sliding across the floor. Gabe picked it up, looked at it, and grunted.

“What will your girlfriend say when the next time she sees you, she can’t even recognise you?” He asked, his voice sneering.

“If you hurt me, everyone will know. I won’t be able to keep it secret anymore, everything you do would be out in the open.” Percy voice was rising, because even now, all he had, all he ever will have, was his secrecy.

Gabe just shook his head.

“You’re never going back to that school. You’re staying here, to rot under my roof.” Gabe kicked him hard, Percy coughed up blood, the red splattering over Gabes shoes. Oh, he didn’t feel well. At all. He felt like he was going to pass out. Maybe he did at some point. Maybe he didn’t.

If I’m going to die anyway, why not bring him with me? Percys voice sounded in his head, Gabe slicing the glass along his cheek as Percy lay almost limp, his hands up to protect his face but not doing much. His movements lazy and slow with fatigue and general unmotivation to help himself. In some ways, he was sure he deserved what he got, for the time he’d spent wasted with his mother, for the things he’d done to Annabeth. For the truth he never told to anyone. The lie he was.

So what more could he do to me? He wouldn’t hurt Annabeth, he wouldn’t get a chance to with Percy dead, he’d never find her. What more did Percy have to lose?

Percy lunged forwards, adrenaline pumping through his veins, bowling Gabe over and kneeing him in the chest, pushing him down, pinning him. Percy felt re-energized, like he could do anything. With Gabe under him like this, Percy suddenly felt thrilled.

I’m sick of being afraid, Percy thought.

I’m sick of seeing you alive.

‘See how you like it you fucker!’ Percy didn’t yell, his throat closed up, his eyes blurry. He could barely see the reddening face beneath him as Percy cut of his airways. Squeezing, squeezing, squeezing.

Red was all Percy could see. Everything else was gone except for Gabes windpipe under his hands, his eyes popping out of his skull as he struggled to displace him. Gabe tried to knee him, but Percy slammed his leg back down with his own. He knew that trick. He invented that trick. Did Gabe really think he could get away?

Gabe lurched suddenly and Percy was displaced, Gabes size was never a match for him, not when he was seven, not now. He got his stance back in balance, but his displacement was long enough to allow Gabe to reach out and grope for more glass on the floor. He held it between his knuckles, slamming his fist into the side of Percys head with a whack that barely moved Percy. At first, it was like an electric shock to the side of the head, and he remained still and stoic. It was after a few seconds that the world began to close around him, floor shifting, mind reeling. As if in slow-motion, he fell to the side, his body falling limp to the floor.

Darkness.

 
…

Was that blood in his mouth? In his ears? His nose? It was everywhere, Percy was drowning in it. He blinked. Blinked again. Gabe was gone, he’d disappeared. The room was empty as Percy used his hands to push himself up. Glass cracked beneath his palms. Imbedding itself into his skin, his legs, his stomach. There was ringing in his ears. He touched his face, the shapes around him distorting themselves and discolouring. Coming back into place slowly, then swaying again. His fingers came back red and sticky, his face stinging where he’d been cut.

Percy attempted to push himself fully up into a sitting position. Gasping for air that never satisfied, he managed it, leaning with his back against the counter.

“Fuck.” Percy muttered almost incoherently, leaning his head back and hissing as he moved his shaking hands. He could feel the warmth soaking his hair on the side of his head, a severe pounding headache accompanying it like no other he’d ever had before. He couldn’t even string a solid thought together, it was no surprise when he blacked out again. Head slumping against his own shoulder.

Pounding footsteps sounded that shook the floor beneath him. His eyes fluttered open, he didn’t know how much time had passed, and he was unable to lift his heavy head in an attempt at regaining his senses. He didn’t need to in the end, Gabe was lifting it for him. He had his hand tangled in Percys hair, and he yanked his head backwards, jolting his neck. Percys jaw was slack and drooling, his eyes unable to focus. Why the fuck was this happening? He couldn’t even remember the reason. All he knew was that it hurt. Everything hurt. And he wanted to go to sleep.

Percy felt the cold metal against his throat before he saw it. And he knew it wasn’t a knife, not with the way Gabe was holding it, not with the way his eyes shone black with malice, the reflection of the gun shining in them. Percys previous desire to sleep was no longer welcomed, adrenaline coursing through his veins at the very possibility that the gun was loaded. The possibility that Gabe would have the guts to pull the trigger.

“What did I tell you?” Gabe sighed, Percy knew he wasn’t expecting an answer. Gabe had told him a lot of things in his life. Threats to end it all were not uncommon. Just now, they were real. Gabe still had Percys head tilted back, and he was sliding the cool barrel of the gun across his throat, over his face, his lips. He shoved it roughly into Percys mouth. He choked on it, whilst Gabe smiled in satisfaction.

Percy gasped when Gabe released him, letting him slump to the ground at Gabes feet. He was too weak to scramble back, too scared to even move. Then the hits came. Over and over and over again, Gabe kicked him, hit him, tried to cut him with whatever was left of the glass on the floor. He shoved his face down into it, taunting him with the gun. Percy couldn’t protect himself, he barely made a sound except for the soft grunts and hisses as Gabe hit him repeatedly. He didn’t know how long it lasted. Maybe it was a few minutes. Maybe it was hours. But Percy didn’t pass out. The one time he begged himself to do it, his brain wouldn’t let him. If he moved in any threatening way, Percy was sure he’d die. He couldn’t fight back. He wasn’t sure he wanted to. His mind too much of a mess to make sense of anything, to understand that this wasn’t right.

Annabeth appeared to him at some point through the red haze. Percy told her to run, told her to never look back. She lifted him by the shoulders, helping him up with a strength he didn’t know she had. She shushed and cooed him, like a new-born, and Percy smiled his bloodied lipped smile, content to see her face. Then his body slammed into the floor, and Annabeth was gone, along with his grin.

The red haze flickered to darkness and back again. Was Annabeth coming back? Percy wanted to know. He wanted to tell her to leave him be. He was fine. Just fine. Because finally, finally, the flickering darkness flickered no more, and the black flooded everything. 

Chapter Text

Annabeth

It had been a week or so since their ‘breakup’. And Percy hadn’t been at school that day, or the day before.

To say she was worried would be an understatement.

Everyone in their group knew of their situation and trials of their relationship, and whilst Piper and Hazel gave her looks every time he was mentioned, they didn’t talk much about it. Did they think her heart broken? Did they think her sensitive? Soft? Annabeth wanted nothing but for it all to be forgotten.

Well, she didn’t want to forget exactly, some of her memories with him were the best she had, however being free of the feelings that plagued her now would be more than ideal. That is, until Percy went missing. It wasn’t like it was unusual to skip school. People did it all the time. Percy had done it before. But he hadn’t texted or called. Annabeth knew he’d gotten a new phone, so he had no excuse this time. It was unnerving, yet she did nothing about it. In fact, she tried to put her thoughts of him completely out of her mind. She was sick of being worried about him, sick of being in love with him as she was. Because it was true, her feelings didn’t just disappear because of what happened. She couldn’t just turn them off with a bloody switch.

She cared about him, she wanted to know he was alright. But she was trying to do so, by being friends. The last thing she wanted was to be obsessive. She wanted to keep her distance, for her own sake, as much as his. She didn’t want to seem desperate. She texted him, of course she did. Just to make sure he wasn’t in trouble. She didn’t get a reply, and neither did any of the others. At first, this was concerning, and Annabeth felt that familiar consuming feeling of worry overwhelm her. Until Piper assured her that he’d probably lost or broken his phone again, the gods know how clumsy he is. The last time he went missing, he came back with a broken wrist from falling off of his skateboard for gods sake. Stupid.

Annabeth went to work after school, saying hi as usual to Grant, whom she remained friends with. He still smiled at her when she came in, he still conversed with her lightly. However, that day, Annabeth was distracted throughout her whole shift. Despite her intentions of keeping Percy out of her mind, she found her thoughts drifting to him constantly. Every coffee delivered to his usual chair by the window, every black haired customer walking through… it was like she was haunted by him. By the time her shift was over and the café was ready to be closed, Annabeth was sure she was going crazy.

Why did she feel so attached? Was she not independent enough? Did she need him around to simply function? She was more angry than anything else. Why wouldn’t he text her back? Was he ignoring her now? Was that what this was? Things between them for the past week had been awkward, sure. But they hadn’t been… hateful, or neglectful, they’d been friends. Or as close to friends as they could be as people with a small but meaningful and impactful history. Annabeth just didn’t understand why he wouldn’t talk to her. It was bizarre, and proved how inconsistent he was. It was something he proved about himself time and time again. And if anything, it reminded Annabeth of her father. Maybe all men in her life were destined to be inconsistent. Maybe something was wrong with her.

…

The very next day, Percy wasn’t in first period. Neither was he in second. Nor third. Annabeth was expecting it to be another day of his sickening absence, and that’s what it turned out to be. At break, they all sat at their usual table, one seat empty. They went around the table, no one had heard from him. Just like yesterday. Just like the day before. Annabeth sighed, somewhat defeated. He would show up when he would show up. It was out of Annabeths control, which whilst she didn’t like it, she couldn’t do anything about it. It was fine. She was fine.

“Did you know cats have thirty-two muscles in each ear?” Annabeth heard Leo mutter to Frank, filling the silence following their fruitless ‘Where’s Percy’ conversation. Everyone turned to look at Leo. Piper rolling her eyes, Frank just seemed exasperated.

It was then that Annabeths phone buzzed, and she picked it up with speed she didn’t know she was capable of.

She read it.

Then she read it again.

“What the fuck?” Annabeth narrowed her eyes, then widened them, then reread the message for the third time. Because seriously, what….

“What the fuck!?” Annabeth repeated, standing up out of her seat, staring at her phone.

“What? What’s happening?”
“Who texted?”
“Was it Percy?”

Annabeths mind was buzzing, her head like static. Because this wasn’t right. It was so so wrong. So wrong. Why would he just say that?

Why would he leave without saying goodbye?

With a shuddery, angry voice, Annabeth read out the message;

‘Hi, We’re moving to Chicago in a few days. My step-dad found a better school. Sorry I couldn’t say goodbye. It was a last minute decision. See you around.’

“See you around?! What the actual-“ Annabeth could feel her cheeks getting red with rage. Her hands were shaking. Oh shit, she was about to fucking cry! The others were looking between each other worriedly, confused and worried but mainly confused at why the fuck Percy would just leave.

“Annabeth, calm down a second, we need to figure this out.” Jason said, pulling on her arm to get her to sit down again. Annabeth did so reluctantly, she wanted to pace, but she could feel people staring, she could feel their eyes boring into her. The others were talking, their voices merging into noise as Annabeths mind whirred like a machine. Who did Percy think he was? Who was he to not make the effort to say goodbye? Who was he to say goodbye with nothing but a text? And he didn’t even send it to the others! Only to her… what did that even mean? Was he implying this was all her fault? That she was the reason for his moving? Or that she was the only one he cared about enough to inform of this new development of his? Was he really that careless? That much of a dick?

Annabeth could barely string together a single sensible thought through the rage that was thundering around her head like a static cloud. Oh she was so angry, the next time she would see him, she was gonna…

Oh.

Annabeth wasn’t going to see him again. He was moving. Moving away. Somewhere in Chicago, she didn’t know where. Chicago was a big place… what if he refused to give her his address? What if he never even spoke to her again, and Annabeth was to be left with nothing? No goodbye, no more hellos.

Oh no, oh no no no no…

She wasn’t ready for this. At least before, he was still there to talk to. He was still present, he was still there to be seen passing by, as a friend, if not anything more. Now? Now Annabeth was afraid he would be nothing but a memory, someone she wouldn’t get the chance to fix things with. Because that’s what she wanted. Annabeth was only realizing it now, in these few moments of disarrayed despair, that she wanted him to stay. Not only in New York, but in her life, and NOT as just a friend. Annabeth wanted all of him. She wanted all he could give. Suddenly she no longer cared about anything else.

“Annabeth?” Piper was shaking her shoulder, forcing her to focus back on their conversation.

“What?” Annabeth said dumbly, still out of sorts with shock and anger and a whole bunch of other things she couldn’t even begin to describe apart from absolute and unvanquished longing.

“I asked if that was all he said?” Piper asked again, and Annabeth gave Piper her phone, knowing there was nothing else, just a lonely, spontaneous text that ruined everything about this already cursed day.

“This is all my fault. Our fight…I practically told him to get fucked if he wasn’t going to tell the truth. Now he’s still lying, there’s no way they’re just moving. He’s leaving because of me.” Annabeth said, exasperated and frazzled. Because despite the furious truth to her words, she couldn’t help but feel wronged. She wanted them to sort this out. She wanted him. And she wanted him to want her too. Want her enough to not be afraid to open up to her and let her help him, let her know him fully. It didn’t make sense for him to leave, it didn’t make sense for him to just ignore her calls and not even consider their other friends. It didn’t sound like Percy at all. It was so out of character, so…

Unless…

Unless it wasn’t him at all. Annabeth suddenly reprimanded herself for not considering it before. The thugs… The people who targeted him outside of school for the shit he got himself into… the bruises, the broken ribs, the black eyes…

‘He must get into a lot of trouble for his dad to think it’s that bad that he needs to be moving schools a lot’ Jason’s words echoed in Annabeths ears.

How hurt would Percy have to be for his step-father to consider moving cities for him? To get away from the street fights, to get away from the bullies? How hurt would he have to be for his step-father to remove him from the city completely, not even allowing him back to school to say goodbye?

“Jason…?” Annabeths worry increased ten-fold, her heart hammering as she looked up at Jason with wide eyes. A wave of realization seemed to settle over his features.

“Oh shit…” He muttered, as the others looked on with confusion.

“We need to see if he’s alright. Somethings wrong…” Annabeths voice was weak. Her and Jason were the only ones who knew of Percys reasons for moving schools so often. Because Percys step-father is afraid he’s bullied, as silly as it sounds. But what would cause his step-father to think that? Physical signs of it, that’s what. Percy pretending his street fights were bullies at school, of course his stepfather would try to get him out if he thought it was best, if something happened. Something bad, like Percy getting hurt.

“He wouldn’t just leave, he hasn’t even cleared his locker.” Hazel added, uncertainly. His father wouldn’t let him come back to school if he was getting hurt so badly, he wouldn’t let him anywhere near the place. Annabeth knew her own father wouldn’t, if he believed Annabeth was getting hurt.

“We need to go see him, now.” Annabeth said suddenly, standing up once more.

This time it was Piper to pull her back down by the arm, shaking her head. Annabeth shot Jason a worried look. They needed to go now. Before Percy moved away. They needed to tell his step-dad that he wasn’t getting bullied, that this was all avoidable, he didn’t have to move, he just needed to stop asking for trouble. He just needed to let them help.

“We can’t leave until school ends, especially you” Piper lowered her voice a little bit before speaking the next part, “You don’t want to give your dad more reason to send you away.”

Annabeth felt agitated, her leg was bouncing up and down. She knew Piper was right, you couldn’t leave school early without your parents being notified, and she couldn’t afford to let her dad hate her more, despite how good she was at school.

“Okay, fine. But we’re leaving as soon as school ends.” Annabeth sighed, frustrated and worried. Just then the bell rang to signal the end of lunch, and Annabeth dreaded the hours of restless fidgeting ahead of her. There was nothing she could do, but hope he hadn’t left yet, and would still be there for her to convince to stay.

…

Percy

“Percy?”

“Percy?!”

“Perseus!”

“Percy!”

Percys eyes flew open, and it was like a thousand needles assaulting his eyes to do so.

“Percy, please wake up!” The voice persisted, frantically. It took a few moments for his vision to focus, for the swirling colours behind his eyes to lessen, and for the person in front of him to come into view.

“Annabeth?” Percy tried to speak, but his mouth was filled with fabric that tasted musty. It was a gag. He’d been gagged.

Um… excuse me? What the fuck?

Percy grunted as it pulled tighter around his face, digging into his cheeks, his came out words incoherent and quiet. Tears sprung to Annabeths eyes as she kneeled down to touch his face, stroke his hair, look into his tired eyes.

“Oh gods, what happened?” Annabeth asked, her voice quivering as Percy closed his eyes once more, suddenly feeling something beyond just exhaustion. It was like his eye-lids were weighted, his head full of static.

“…Please! Percy? Stay awake alright? You’re alright, you’re fine. Everything is gonna be fine.” Annabeth was crying now; Percy hadn’t realized he’d drifted off. Where even was he? How was Annabeth even here? How long had he been gone?

“What’s going on?” Percy mumbled, his voice failing him, disappearing into the gag in his mouth. He was in the closet, of course he was, but the door was wide open. Jason stood there looking down, his eyes full of concern, and Percy could hear Frank and Piper talking about something from somewhere he couldn’t see. Annabeth didn’t reply to his question, standing up instead, her hands disappearing from Percy’s own, cold flooding in once more.

‘Don’t go, please.’ Percy thought, beginning to shake. Oh, he was so cold, like his insides were made of ice, though his head was throbbing with heat, and he was sweating. Annabeth didn’t say anything more to him, standing in the doorway with Jason and talking. Percy could hear them clearly, but still somehow, could not make out a single word they were saying. It was like he’d forgotten how to speak english.

“Hello?” He said into the gag, words jumbled and wrong, he was panicking. He lifted himself up, he pulled himself over, trying to get to them. His whole body hurt, his hip was screaming at him, Percy grunting as he dragged himself towards them. Why weren’t they acknowledging him? Could they not see him? Did they not know he was there?

Percy was just about to cross the threshold of the door when a light switch seemed to be flipped, plunging everything into darkness. Percy fell against the door of the closet, which had seemed to appear out of thin air, groaning as he lay his head on the dusty floor. He breathed in the dust through his nose, because it felt no different to breathing in the horrid thick air.

“Annabeth?” Percy groaned against the door, hoping she could hear his mangled sounds from the other side, if not the words themselves. She didn’t speak to let him know she could. In fact, now, he couldn’t hear anything, besides the ringing in his ears.

‘Hello? Someone? Please… Please get me out of here. I can’t breathe’

Much to his horror, he began to cry, his throat closing up, tears spilling down his cheeks, soaking the fabric in his mouth as he realised with a suddenness all too cruel, that he was alone. 

…

Annabeth and his friends visited more times after that. Each time disappearing as the door closed. Each time touching him, only for him to feel nothing.

…

Annabeth

It had been a while since Annabeth last visited Percy’s neighbourhood. It was still a surprise to see how run down it was, and Annabeth could tell the others, especially Jason, were struggling not to wrinkle up their noses. Annabeth led the way, ignoring the discarded beer bottles and sleeping drunks on the street for Percy’s sake.

It had been a difficult decision about who would come on this expedition of theirs. At first Annabeth was hesitant, Percy was a private person, somehow Annabeth didn’t think he’d want everyone coming to his apartment. But in the end they couldn’t decide who to leave behind, and none of them wanted to stay behind, so they all crammed into Annabeth and Jason’s cars and made their way there together. The only thing they did agree on was that someone should stay outside to watch the cars don’t get broken into. Hazel and Frank volunteered to stay behind, although Annabeth knew Frank would probably be one of the better convincers.

“Charming.” Leo said sarcastically as he tried the elevator door upon entering Percy’s building. Piper gave him a dirty look before Annabeth started towards the stairs. On the way up, Annabeth suddenly realised she had no idea what I’m the fuck she was going to say.

How do you even go about convincing someone to stay, when really, in retrospect and in the eyes of Percy’s step-father, it is what’s best? How do you convince a father, that getting beat up regularly by bullies is fixable and doesn’t require moving cities, even when it’s clearly been going on for years? That is, if you could even call it bullying, and not straight up assault.

Then Annabeth was struck with a thought. What if moving away was really what was best for him? What if she was being selfish? By making an effort to stop it happening? Annabeth suddenly wasn’t so sure she’d be able to negotiate through this one. She could usually argue anything over, as long as she was sure she was correct, but this? This time she wasn’t so sure it was the better option. And it made her scared.

“This place is giving me the creeps.” Leo’s voice cut into Annabeths thoughts. They had made it to Percy’s landing, Annabeth knocked on the door as Jason said;

“Dude, this is Percy’s house, shut up.”

“Just sayin” Leo replied. Annabeth narrowed her eyes as no one came to answer the door. She knocked again.

“Hello? Percy its us!” Annabeth raised her voice, pressing her ear to the door only to be met with silence.

“Nothing?” Piper asked, and Annabeth shook her head.

He’d left already. They’d gone. They weren’t here. Annabeth was never going to see him again. Annabeth felt her chest tighten a little at the thought as she stepped away.

“They’re not home.” She said quietly, letting the silence settle between them like a scratchy blanket.

“They couldn’t have left already.” Piper insisted, but with each passing moment that the door didn’t open, Annabeth became more and more sure that that was exactly what they had done.

“What do we do now?” Leo asked, hands in pockets, a vacant, hopeless expression across his face. Annabeth knew it must be hard on him, Percy and he were like two peas in a pod when it came to idiocy and humour. She just didn’t get why Percy would throw it all away without saying good bye.

Jason and Piper both knocked for themselves before sighing in defeat and walking back towards the stairwell. Annabeth watched as Leo followed them. But she couldn’t bring herself to move her legs. There had to be something she could do.

Annabeth marched back up the door and tried the handle. The door swung open easily, creaking on its hinges. The sound made Piper, Jason and Leo come rushing back, hope returning to their eyes. That was before they saw the state in which the apartment was in.

Annabeth felt a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. Glass was everywhere, shards littering the whole floor. Tables overturned. But none of that was what concerned her. What worried her beyond sense, was the blood. Just by the couch, upon closer inspection as Annabeth entered the apartment, were specks and splatters of crimson.

There was some on the walls, all over the floor, dried on the shards of glass. The air was hazy, with the smell of tobacco and spilled alcohol. Annabeth was frozen, her feet glued to the floor, her eyes wide, darting around the place and seeing something new and equally awful the more time she spent standing there. Piper had a hand over her mouth and looked close to tears. Leo was standing stock still like Annabeth, his lips thin. Jason was fidgeting, wringing his hands.

“What the fuck happened here?” Leo whispered, all traces of a lifetime of humour vanished from his expression. Because this was no laughing matter, things had suddenly become so much more serious, grim. Annabeth was choking on it, the thought of… the idea that…

“It wasn’t like this the last time I was here.” Annabeth replied, which she knew was obvious to all, but she meant it. The last time there weren’t beer cans piled over the coffee table. There weren’t ashtrays on the dining table. There wasn’t weed and unrolled spliffs on the TV cabinet. This was like a different place entirely. Not just a shabby home with brown carpet and cream coloured walls, but the home of an addict, the home of an alcoholic, the home of a junkie.

“Are you sure this is his place?” Piper asked, her voice quiet. They were all on edge, it was like they’d walked into a crime scene.

“Yes,” Annabeth replied, just as reserved. At least, she thought it was his place. There were some things she recognised as his, like the worn through sneakers by the door, and the dusty swimming trophy neglected behind a stack of pizza boxes by the tv.

Annabeth walked deeper in, her heart in her throat. The kitchen was just as much a mess as the rest of the apartment. Honestly, it looked like someone had raided the place. The cupboard was open, not a single glass in sight. Annabeth assumed they were all broken on the floor, and wondered who would do such a thing.

Glass crunched beneath her feet, and Annabeth looked down to see more dried blood.

“Oh Percy, what’s going on?” She mumbled to herself, the others looking around the living room.

“Hello?!” Leo shouted, his voice echoing off hollow walls. He didn’t get a reply, and Annabeth had to assume no one was home. She left the kitchen to wander down the hallway, Jason behind her, the other two muttering about something in the other room. Jason flipped a switch, and the shadows from the lack of windows shortened.

“Percy?” Annabeth asked, her voice loud in the quiet hallway. No reply.

“Look at this.” Jason said, sticking his fist into a hole in the wall. It looked like someone had punched through the plaster, and Annabeth felt sick.

“That one is his room.” Annabeth said, pointing to one of the closed doors. Jason twisted the handle and pushed inside. His room was in considerably better shape in comparison to the rest of the apartment. His desk was messy, but it was a normal mess to be expected in a teenagers room. His bed wasn’t made, and Annabeth felt his sheets beneath her hand, which was quivering. It was cold, he hadn’t slept in it the night before. He probably hadn’t been here for a while.

“All his stuffs still here.” Jason stated, looking around with confusion, picking up the framed picture of Percy and his mother. He stared down quizzingly at it, before placing it down on the desk once more. Then Annabeth looked down. Were those… nail marks?

Annabeth crouched down and touched the floor, where scratches stretched across the floorboards. Jason was peering over her shoulder now, brow furrowed, eyes narrowed.

“What-?”

“What is this?” Annabeth said, numbly, her head loud and quiet all at the same time. What was going on? Where was Percy? If his things were still here, and he hadn’t moved yet, where could he be? Where could he have gone? And where was his step-father? What had happened here? Who had fought? Had the thugs found him? They must have. Where had they taken him?

Was he even alive?

Annabeth felt tears prick her eyes, then Piper and Leo appeared at the door, frowning and shaking their heads as Annabeth looked up. They had found nothing. There was silence for a moment as they all gathered there in Percys bedroom, solemn and quiet as they thought of what to do next.

Jason shifted on his feet. “Uhm… Has anyone actually ever seen his step-dad? Talked to him?” He asked, and Annabeth froze. When no one answered, Jason brought his hand up to the back of his head in visible distress.

“Oh.”

Annabeth remained silent, shaking her head. Because no, absolutely not. She knew what Jason was thinking, what they were all thinking. And she refused to let that thought, that idea, take shape in her mind. This hadn’t been Percys step-fathers doing. It couldn’t have been.

‘It’s just me and him.’ He had said.

‘Oh he’s alright. I’ve known him my whole life, so he’s a father more than my real dad ever was.’ He had said.

Had he been lying? Was this everything he’d been afraid of? Annabeth was about to be sick. She felt lightheaded, like she needed to lay down, but she stayed frozen there crouching on the ground, staring at the claw marks that showed a struggle she could only imagine.

“It would explain everything.” Piper said quietly and Annabeth shook her head again. Unable to fathom it.

“What are you talking about.” Annabeth muttered, even though she knew exactly what Piper was talking about.

“Annabeth… look around. This isn’t a family home. This isn’t a home at all. Even without the broken glass and stuff. You can see how people have been living here.” Pipers words were reasonable, Annabeth hated it.

“What? Are you insinuating he’s an alcoholic? He smokes? Does drugs like some stoner?” Annabeths voice was harsh as she stood up, her glare fierce, fixed on Piper. Jason gave her a warning look; Annabeth ignored it.

“Annabeth… I’m saying his father might.” Piper said gently.

“Step-father.” Jason corrected.

“Scum-father.” Leo muttered.

Annabeth drew in a shaky breath, closing her eyes, remembering the broken ribs, the black eyes, the limp, the bruises, the scars.

“Why don’t we just ask him to explain? We don’t know what’s going on here.” Annabeth said after a while, starting towards the door, wondering how in the hell they were going to find him.

We should probably call the hospital, Annabeths head reasoned, but she ignored it. No, he was fine. He was completely alright. He’d probably gone to swimming or something. He was probably at the police station with his step-dad, filing a report for a home break in. He was probably fine.

Annabeth followed Jason and Piper back down the hall, Leo following. Annabeths eyes were downcast, staring at the scratch marks littering the floor. They came across a closed door where the scratch marks began to climb the doorframe, and Annabeth ran her hands along them, heart pumping.

Then she heard something. The smallest of sounds, she was almost sure she imagined it.

Annabeth came to sudden halt in front of a door, Leo bumping into her from behind. He yelped and Annabeth shushed him quickly. Everyone fell silent, standing still. Jason and Piper turning back to see what she was up to. Annabeth held her breath, hoping to hear the sound again. And there it was. The faintest of sounds, a small, laboured inhale.

Annabeth reached for the door handle and tried it; it was locked. Everything was still, her friends behind her holding their breaths, waiting for something to happen. Ever so softly, she knocked on the door.

“Percy?” She asked gently, straining her ears once more.

Please, please, please, just say something.

A beat of silence. Two beats. Then, the faintest of groans could be heard, then the sound of movement. It was enough to convince her, and she tried the door again, to no avail.

“Find the key.” She said, voice hard and determined. Percy was in there, she knew it. Worry and apprehension was making her hands tremble. Leo darted off in one direction, Piper in the other. Jason shoved his shoulder against the door, but it wouldn’t budge. The hinges were iron and large, the wood new, and too sturdy to break through, unlike the other flimsy doors in the apartment. This one was manufactured for the purpose of not being broken into.

Or broken out of.

Fear trickled into Annabeths mind. It couldn’t be…

“Percy?” Jason called, but there was no reply this time. Annabeth felt a sick feeling crawl into her stomach, her throat constricting. Because this wasn’t right. This was very very wrong, Percy was in there, but he couldn’t talk, if he was capable, he would’ve called out, helped them open the door. He was trapped, locked in there like a dog. The pieces fit together, the hole in the wall like someone had punched through it, the scratch marks on the walls and floor, and Percys aversion to small spaces…

“Got it!” Leo called, emerging from what Annabeth assumed to be Percys stepfathers bedroom, brandishing a metal key. Annabeth took it from Leos hands, her own hands shaking as she forced it into the keyhole, turning it, and then hearing the click of the lock as the door was opened.

The door was pulled, light flooding in from the hallway, illuminating what was inside.

Illuminating Percy, hunched up in the corner, curled into himself. 

“Oh,” Annabeth let out a harsh sob. The others gasped, exclaimed, shouted, Annabeth didn’t really know. Her ears were ringing as she stumbled forward. Everything else was drowned out. Nothing could compare to Annabeths own utter and complete heartbreak. Annabeth was barely anble to stop herself from falling apart at the sight of him. She was trembling like she was imbedded in snow, whilst he… he was imbedded in blood.

Percy was still, his eyes closed. Between his lips was a black gag, stretched tight and bound behind his head. It looked painful, his cheeks red, his mouth stretched and forced open. His wrists were bound together, held tightly against his chest, dried blood covered the duct tape and streams of it had dried down his arms. His face… his face had a gash along it, stretching from the cheek, across the nose and onto the forehead, it had clearly been bleeding, Annabeth wasn’t sure there was an inch of him that wasn’t dirty with blood or grime.

“Percy?” Annabeth crouched next to him as his eyes fluttered open. There was no recognition passing over his features. No relief. It was like he wasn’t even there. Annabeth was crying, sobs wracking her chest and throat, tears blinding her. Blinding her, but all she could see was his bloodied face, his bound hands.

Annabeth reached up and took his face in her hands, stroking his hair and pulling him towards her, into her embrace. He seemed to melt into her, exhaling softly.

It took a while, with her trembling hands and blurry sight, to untie the gag at the back of his head.

“C-call an ambulance!” Annabeth choked out, wiping the fresh blood from Percys lips as he looked up at her, her own arms holding him close as he slumped towards her. He mumbled something, and Annabeth held her breath, forcing down the sobs to listen to what she couldn’t hear.

“Leave me alone.” He mumbled, turning frigid in her arms.

“What? Percy it’s okay, it’s me. No-one is going to hurt you.” Annabeth sucked in a shuddery breath, barely trusting herself to speak in this state. She brushed his limp and unwashed hair from his face with her fingers, revealing a sweaty, feverish forehead that she pressed her hand to. He was burning up, and shivering.

“Not…” Percy sighed, tears falling silently from his face, as if he’d already given all the sobs he had to give.

“…you’re not real.” He whispered, and Annabeth felt her heart drop. Jason was suddenly there beside them, helping Percy to lean back against the wall, his legs stretched straight, his chin resting on his chest, as if he were too tired to hold it up. Jason lifted it for him, holding his face up by the jaw.

“We’re real mate, we’re here.” He said, looking nothing short of distraught.

“No-”
“-Yes,” Annabeth said, forcing him to look into her eyes. She was real, she was here. Why didn’t he believe them? It was then that Percy lifted his bonded hands to his face, feeling his cheek, his mouth that was still red and bleeding from the gag and god knows what else. It was as if he was discovering then, for the first time, that the gag was no longer there. He met her eyes, his own were red and bloodshot.

“Huh.” Was all he said, before leaning back his head against the wall, and closing his eyes. They snapped open again within a second, fear suddenly lacing every inch of his expression. His body became stiff and still, his eyes were wide and searching.
“Where’s Gabe?” He breathed out, looking as if he was about to stand up, his palms placed firmly on the ground. Gabe? Gabe the step-father? The fear in Percys voice told Annabeth everything she needed to know. That it was him that did this. Him that did it all. Everything that caused Percy pain, all the bruises, all the cuts, all the blood, it was all because of him. Annabeth and Jason exchanged a look, anger bubbling beneath Annabeths skin. Judging by the manic look on Percys face, Annabeth decided not to tell him that they didn’t know. That he could be back any minute. All Annabeth cared about was keeping Percy safe, and calm.

“He’s gone.” Annabeth said quietly, Jason only nodded.

“He’s not here to hurt you anymore. He’s never going to hurt you again.” Annabeth continued, a fierce truth to her words, because she’d be damned if she ever let that shit of a man anywhere near Percy ever again.

Percy seemed to relax considerably at her words, his eyes drooping with exhaustion once more.

“Promise?” He asked, and Annabeth could only nod past the lump building in her throat. Percys eyes were shut again, his head falling to one side as he shivered and breathed shallow and shuddery.

“Piper? S-scissors, I need scissors.” Annabeths voice shook, her hands taking his. She knew they should move him, get him out of that horrid closet, get him somewhere where he could breathe. She needed to cut the tape first, so she and Jason could lift him out. It was then that Annabeth noticed how shallow his breaths were, how skinny he seemed, how grey his skin was. There were footsteps, and both Leo and Piper appeared, Piper handing her the scissors, which were bloody. Annabeth didn’t even want to know why that was.

“The ambo’s on its way, they said ten minutes.” Leo puffed, his hand was shaking where he was holding his phone. Piper was silent , her hand over her mouth, her cheeks were wet with tears as she gnawed at her nails.

Once Annabeth got Percys hands free, she nodded to Jason, who slung one of Percys arms around his own shoulder. Annabeth did the same. On the count of three, they hauled him upwards. Percy groaned, his voice weak and choked, his eyes scrunching up. He was lighter than Annabeth expected, and it frightened her. When was the last time he ate? Had water? Annabeth could feel the tears coming again, but she had to choke them down, she couldn’t break down. Not now, not here. Not when Percy was on the verge of unconsciousness, verge of death. There was a pounding of feet up the stairs, and Annabeth froze, for the first time remembering where they were, and who lived here, and who the fuck did this to him.

Oh she was going to strangle that man with her bare hands. She was going to kill him, rip his throat out, hit him with a bus. She was going to drag him around the streets of new York, tied to a dumpster truck, full on Hector and Achilles style. He was so dead. And Annabeth was so afraid.

The door to the apartment slammed open and Frank and Hazel were there. Puffing, cheeks flushed.

“Oh gods, Percy?” Hazel came forward as Annabeth and Jason lowered him onto the grimy couch. Percy groaned again, tears leaking from his eyes, his whole face scrunched up in pain. Annabeths heart broke in two for the millionth time.

“Ow.” He whispered, before his head lolled to the side and he passed out again.

“What the fu-“ Frank started, but then the sirens sounded and Percys eyes blinked open.

“Beth?” He muttered, looking at her as she crouched down to eye level.

“I’m right here.” Annabeth whispered.

“No hospital, I’m alright.” Percy mumbled and Annabeth shook her head, smiling a little despite the tears flooding her eyes.

“Yes you are, but we have to get you checked out okay? You’re a bit hurt alright? We got to… fix you up.” Annabeths voice was high pitched, strained. It was a lie. He was not alright. Annabeth was about to pass out herself at how shallow his breathing had become. He must have felt really afraid to make the effort to get those words out. He must have been terrified.

“No hospital…” Percy whispered again, trailing off as his eyes sunk shut.

…

Annabeth sat with him, just listening to him inhale and exhale, until the paramedics arrived. They lifted him onto a stretcher and took him to the truck outside, he was out cold. The police were there, Jason giving them a statement as they began to tape off the apartment. Annabeth had a high pitch buzzing in her ears the entire time. She rode to the hospital in the ambulance, never leaving Percys side, watching him, always watching.

How could she ever let him out of sight again, after this? How could she ever allow him to go home, or be alone, or do anything, with the man who did this still being out there? Why? Why would anyone do this to a child in the first place? How long had this been happening? Why had no one noticed before?

Because Percy was a secret keeper. He made sure no one found out. Gabe made sure no one found out, by making him move schools. Gabe kept him quiet; Gabe silenced him. Percy was trapped, and he was alone, and suddenly Annabeth understood everything.

He didn’t want me to get hurt. Annabeth thought to herself. Oh, Percy…

Annabeth watched with a tear-streaked face as the paramedics put the oxygen mask on his face. He didn’t wake up. Annabeth was afraid he never would. Maybe he wouldn’t want to. She shoved those thoughts from her mind. Because now he was here.

With her. He wasn’t going anywhere.

And everything would be okay.

Everything would be alright.

Annabeth only wished she could believe it.

Chapter Text

Percy

“…We just have to fix you up.”

“You’re a bit hurt, alright?”

“No hospital, I’m alright. I’m okay. Please, please…”

It hurt, a lot. Percy couldn’t hear out of one ear, a ringing so loud and high pitched it drowned out every other noise. His face hurt, he could feel the hot stickiness of his eyelid as he tried to open it. He couldn’t, didn’t really know if he even wanted to open his eyes. He couldn’t breathe. That was probably the main thing. Couldn’t breathe, couldn’t see, couldn’t feel anything that wasn’t sharp and horrible.Maybe he was in hell, this was how he’d always imagined it to be. Percy was delirious. He couldn’t think straight.

Lights flashing in his eyes. Sirens. No, no, no…

No hospital…

Please.

More words he couldn’t understand. Someone was touching him, lifting his head.

Then everything stopped, and Percy could feel nothing. Nothing at all. Not the surface beneath his body, not the throbbing in his head, not the sharpness of his skin. He couldn’t think any solid thoughts either. Not a single thought fully forming in his mind. Only distant feelings, distant emotions he couldn’t identify. Uncomfortable, fearful feelings, then softness, warmth perhaps. He was swaying with the tide, shapes and colours moving around in front of him. Everything was slow. Everything was dark.

…

“Percy?”  A voice asked quietly, and Percy could feel the mattress beneath him dip as someone sat down next to him. He shifted his head to the side, wanting nothing more than to stay in whatever slumber he was in. Because in all honesty, it felt so good. He was floating, the mattress beneath him softer than a fucking cloud. The air was cool and crisp and right. His brain inside his skull felt like candy floss, felt like it wasn’t there at all. Had they taken it out? Oh gods, did he not have a brain anymore?!

“Percy?” The voice said again, except this was a different one. He couldn’t tell how it was different, but he knew it was. He opened his eyes, rather against his will actually, his body kind of just did it for him.

Everything was bright and light and warm. The face in front of him was golden, like she was bathed in sunlight. They must be outside, Percy figured. Nothing else could explain how this person in front of him had sun beams around her head. Unless she actually did have sunbeams coming out of her head. Percy blinked slowly.

“What are you doing?” She asked, her voice the same one as the first he had heard upon waking from his slumber. Dream filled slumber. Though he couldn’t remember what those dreams were. Percy realized his hand was touching the sunbeams. It was soft, warm; but he let his hand drop, because it felt heavy. Then he discovered it was blue, a fact he thought was rather strange, as he held his arm up again, inspecting it.

“Hmm.” He hummed, feeling weird. The weirdest he’d ever felt.

“Are you alright?” Another voice asked, and Percy looked up to see other faces. Each shining a little, but never as bright as the first. They also didn’t have sunbeams around their heads, which Percy thought was rather unfortunate for them.

“Sublime.” Percy muttered, his other hand, which was thankfully not blue, scrunching up the white bed sheets beside him. He wiggled his toes, feeling sort of uncomfortable and stiff, he must have been sitting here for a long time.

“Oh, he’s so gone.” One of the boys muttered. Percy looked up at him, squinting. He was shorter than most of the others, he began to grin and wave a hand in front of Percys face, before a dark skinned girl slapped his hand away. Did they have more fingers than normal? Percy began to count them, but couldn’t keep track.

“Gone where?” Percy asked, his own voice like syrup in his throat. It didn’t sound like him. It didn’t even sound real. Maybe he hadn’t spoken at all, and just imagined it.

“Suns out.” He said, testing his voice again, his voice that still didn’t sound real. Then, he looked at sunbeam girl and grinned, because he felt like it, and because everything was weird, which he figured wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. A lot of the best things were weird, like this girl here, who looked like the sun. Percy even told her so;

“You look like the sun. Need my glasses.”

Sunbeam girl smiled and took his blue hand in hers.

“You don’t have any.” She said and Percy just scoffed.

“Bullshit.” He searched his pockets with his other hand. Where were his glasses? He muttered under his breathe, annoyed now that his glasses had seemingly disappeared.

“You didn’t bring them with you Perce, you left them at home.” One of the other girls assured, her hair in a dark braid over her shoulder. Percy sighed and shook his head.

“I’m so stupid.” He said, because he was. He should go home and get them, he should go home right now.

“Woah, woah, don’t get up, you’ll tear your stitches.”
“Sit down Percy.”
“You don’t need your glasses.”

Percy stilled himself, wiggling his toes again because he wanted to stand, but apparently couldn’t for whatever reason. He huffed,  but the others seemed to relax as his intentions of getting out of bed were extinguished.

“How are you feeling?” A blonde boy asked, his eyes as blue as Percys arm.

“Me?” Percy asked, pointing to himself. The blonde boy nodded, hiding a grin behind his hand. There were a few other snickers, Percy smiled brightly, happy to be laughing with them, even if he hadn’t a clue what they were laughing about.

“I don’t know. You?” Percy asked, before releasing a yawn that sent shivers down his spine. Tired, maybe he felt tired.

“We’re good mate, now that you’re here.” He said softly, and Percy beamed again.

“I feel weird.” Percy said tiredly, the room suddenly spinning. He tried to blink it away, but he had to close his eyes for it to calm down a bit. He lay his head back against the bed, exhaling. The sunbeam girl tightened her hand around his. He’d forgotten she was holding it.

“Just rest for a bit alright?” She said, her voice sounding awfully quiet as Percy hummed in agreement. He was very tired, very very tired, like he could sleep for a thousand years. Maybe he would, things were so weird already, it seemed possible.

He was just about to drift off again before he forced his eyes open, glad to find sunbeams still sitting there, holding his hand.

“Be here when I get back, Sunbeams?” Percy asked, worried and afraid of falling asleep, fearful that she’d disappear. Sunbeams smiled and nodded.

“I’ll be here. I promise.” She said and Percy was relieved. He let his eyelids close, he sunk down further into the bed, and quickly, like the lull of a wave; sleep swept over him once more.

…

Sirens. Bright lights. People shouting. Glass smashing. Everything hurt again. Pins sticking in every inch of his skin. Head spinning. Oh he was going to be sick…

Percy opened his eyes, having to force them open with how heavy they felt. It was bright in the room. Too bright. It stung his eyes, his ears were ringing. Then the whiteness came into focus, and Percy found himself bathed in it. White sheets, white chair, white door, white walls. The only thing that wasn’t white or light grey was the screen to his right, which was black but blinked green, and the very stark blue of the cast on his arm. The cast stopped just below his elbow, and on his finger was a clip, like one of the ones that read blood pressure, one of the ones his mother had when she was in hospital, all those years ago. Why did he have one? Where even was he? Percy blinked, searching around for someone to tell him what was going on, there was no one. Something close to him beeped, and Percy startled, his head throbbing intensely with a pounding headache, his chest hurt, his stomach hurt worse. Percy looked down, about to lift up his shirt to inspect the damage, then he realized he wasn’t wearing a shirt, but hospital scrubs…

Oh no…

No, no, no, no, NO.

Why was he here? Suddenly Percy felt very hot, his forehead beginning to sweat as he pulled the papery sheets to the side, placing his hands either side of him beside his hips in preparation for him to move.

It didn’t go well, to say the least. Percy pushed himself up, crying out as he did so, tears immediately springing to his eyes, a reaction beyond his control. He puffed out, closing his eyes, squeezing them shut, waiting for the pain in his hip and well, the rest of him, to fade away. It didn’t completely. He was breathing heavily, scared to move, anxious and agitated from being here in the first place.

He was cramping up sitting here like this, in a half up, half down position. He needed to either lie back down or sit up completely with his legs over the side of the bed. Percy opted for the second option, because he wanted to get out of here as soon as possible. And if he could convince the nurses and doctors and whoever else was here with him that he was fine, they might just…

Suddenly the door swung open, and Annabeth came in, jolting to a stop, nearly spilling the coffee in her hand. Percy froze just as he managed to get his legs over, wincing horribly, unable to bite back his gasp at the sharp aches. She stared at him in silence, frozen in her action of pushing open the door.

“Hi.” Annabeth said, her voice all breathy.

“Hi.” Percy replied after clearing his throat. His voice was weak and scratchy, he could feel the bruising around his throat, and it bothered him that he couldn’t remember being choked. His brain chose that exact moment to feed back all the memories of the night before, or however long ago it was depending on how long he’d been asleep. Percy sucked in a shaky breath as Annabeth entered the room, his mind reeling with every question imaginable. Where was Gabe now? Was he here? Did he know Percy was here? Who else knew?

“What are you doing?” Annabeth asked, seemingly recovered from her slight shock at seeing him awake, a familiar flare of anger flashing over her features. Percy shrugged, placing his hands either side of him on the mattress and staring down at the ground. What did she know? Did she know about Gabe? Did she know who did this? Who took him here in the first place anyway?

Accepting that Percy wasn’t going to answer her question (which he wasn’t, because he knew she’d yell at him for wanting to leave in this state), Annabeth sighed and walked over, sitting down on the bed next to him.

Percy suddenly felt very self-conscious. He was in a hospital gown, he was shivering, his hands unable to be kept still. He probably looked like shit, he could feel the sting of the cuts on his face, the pull of the stitches over his nose. He knew it was bad. But he probably looked worse than he felt.

Annabeth sniffed; Percy looked up to see her eyes wet. He still hadn’t said anything but a stiff hello. Percy wanted to pull her closer, wanted to hug her. He just didn’t know how anymore.

Because how can you comfort someone else when you’ve been living a lie? How could he tell her he was fine, when he’d told her that so many times before and let it be deceit?

How could he live with himself, after all he tried and failed to shield her from?

Percy didn’t know how he could lie his way out of this one. He wasn’t sure he could bare to, wasn’t sure he had the strength anymore, so he stayed silent. Body battered and bruised, hands fidgeting restlessly. As Annabeth cried next to him, empty of his comforts. Alone despite him being right there. He wanted to console her. He didn’t, he felt numb and stupid and useless. Always so useless.

Annabeth wiped her eyes and drew in a breath before speaking.

“I know what you’re going to say.” Annabeth began, Percy remained silent. No hospital, he said weakly in his mind. He didn’t want to be here; he didn’t want to die here. Because that’s what happened here. It’s all that happened. His mother died here, in a room almost identical to this one, a bed as small and hard and white as this one. The smell alone of this place threatened to choke him, threatened to poison him, fill him with death. Percy wished he’d stop breathing, just to be rid of the smell.

“I know you didn’t want to come here. But I-“ Annabeth had to pause to take a breath, neither of them meeting the others eyes.

“I thought you were going to die.” Annabeth said quietly, voice barely above a whisper. Percy felt a pang in his chest. He thought so to.

He remembered most of it. At least before Gabe started hitting his head. He remembered the gun, the feel of it being shoved to the back of his throat. He remembered the cutting with the glass, the kicks to his chest, breaking his bones. He remembered Gabe noticing the cries Percy released at the movements of his leg, he remembered Gabe targeting it, going for what would cause Percy the most pain. He remembered the snap of his hip as the bones were pulled out of place. He remembered. Until he didn’t. Until things went blank. Until Annabeth appeared to him over and over again and disappeared; over and over again. He remembered not knowing what reality was or imaginary, panic and hallucination, unconsciousness and over awareness that he was actively dying, unable to black out fully, unable to wake up.

 “You brought me here?” Percy questioned, realising the answer before Annabeth could reply.

“Yes.”

Percy turned to look at her. What did she know? What had happened in that foggy part of his memory, the part where nothing made sense? Had Annabeth coming to him been real? Maybe Gabe had dumped him in an alley somewhere, and Annabeth found him there. Did she know? Did she know about Gabe?

“What do you remember?” Annabeth asked gently, and Percy frowned. What was he supposed to say? The truth?

“Not much, care to fill me in?” He asked, a little nervous. Annabeth sighed. Did he say something wrong?

“You texted me, said you were moving away. We came to yours to… well, persuade you to stay. We thought your stepdad was moving you again because of bullying, we thought something might have happened…” Annabeth clenched her teeth, looking straight at Percy into his eyes, which were fixed on the wall in front of him.

Oh gods…

“…we found you in that cupboard Percy.”

Percy closed his eyes and took in a deep breath, bowing his head. Please stop talking.

“You were gagged and half unconscious. You said… you asked where Gabe was. We sort of put two and two together. Leo called the ambulance. The cops came-“

“-and where is he?” Percy burst out, looking up and meeting her eyes for the first time. Percy could’ve sworn he saw her flinch, but his mind had been deceitful lately, he wasn’t sure it happened at all.

“We don’t know, Percy. The cops have a warranty for his arrest. ‘Suspect of a case of child abuse’ they said.” Annabeth said, her expression laced with worry, concern, pity.

“Child abuse?” Percy asked weakly. His head not quite processing that. What did that even mean?

Well, he knew what it meant, but it sounded ridiculous coming from someone else’s mouth.

“Percy…” Annabeth began, but Percy cut her off.

“How long have I been here?” He asked, looking around for a clock, or a window. He didn’t even know what time of day it was. He felt muggy and slightly disoriented, he felt restless. He felt like moving, but it hurt to do so. He felt a lot of things, including the feeling of not feeling anything at all.

“Four days. You got out of surgery three days ago.”

Percy blinked. What? What did she just say?

“Surgery?” Percy stared at her blankly. Annabeth stood up, pressing a button on the wall before answering.

“You were hurt pretty bad, Percy.” Annabeth said, turning to him and stepping forward. She frowned as she stood in front of him, reaching a hand out to move his hair out of his eyes. Percy tried not to shy away, keeping his eyes wide as he stared up at her.

“How are you feeling?” She asked, her palm feeling his forehead, her thumb brushing gently over a bruise on his cheek.

“Fine.” Percy replied out of instinct, despite knowing the lies were over. The secrets released, everything blown apart like a goddamn atomic bomb. Everything was different now. Everything was ruined, changed, wrong.

No one was ever supposed to know.

‘You know what will happen should you tell, you runt.”

‘Remember the gun in my room? It has a bullet with your name on it.’

Percy closed his eyes, not answering, leaning his head against her instead, facing down. Annabeth accepted his lack of words and, brought her hands up to rest on the back of Percy’s head as the tears began to spring up.

‘Fine’

The thing was, he wasn’t actually fine. Not completely. In all honesty, he didn’t really know what fine was.

“How is your leg? You weren’t supposed to be sitting up yet.” Annabeth murmured, Percy’s eyes were closed, his head still against her stomach, face facing down.

“It doesn’t hurt.” Percy murmured back, a lie again.

“It’s alright if it does.” Annabeth said softly. Percy felt hot tears leaking out of his eye lids, he didn’t wipe them away. He didn’t want Annabeth to see him cry.

“It’s okay to not be fine.” She spoke. Percy didn’t say anything.

His body shook as he began to sob. He remained there against her. He didn’t want anyone to look at his face ever again.

Annabeth didn’t say anything more as she ran her fingers through his hair. She just stood there, listening to him silently cry as he poured everything out of him. As he let himself remember everything Gabe had ever done. As he blamed himself, hating himself for doing so but doing so all the same.

…

The nurse came shortly after Percy dried his tears. After Annabeth scolded him back into bed.

It was worse than Percy thought it was.

Annabeth stayed silent the entire time as the nurse explained the extent of his injuries. Annabeth had probably heard all this from someone before, and Percy felt guilty for not being awake to tell her it sounded worse than it felt.

His surgery was something they called a ‘Exploratory Laparotomy’ to fix internal bleeding in his stomach. Percy could feel the stitches in his abdomen, they were uncomfortable, and his stomach ached, but apparently, he’d been on strong pain killers for a few days that kept him asleep and helped him rest. Besides that, he had a dislocated hip with a bunch of torn ligaments, the nurse informed him it would take a while for it to heal, he’d need crutches, and then maybe a cane depending on how it healed, which Percy was not excited for. He did not need a cane, he would be perfectly fine to walk on his own, he just needed a few days. Then the nurse explained all the minor stuff, which Percy sort of drowned out, his ears ringing and mind reeling as she went on and on and on. A broken nose, something about a tympanic membrane in his ear, his broken arm, cuts and bruises and broken ribs and concussions and more bruises and more cuts and more injuries that Percy couldn’t even name and didn’t care to.

By the end of it, the nurse gave him more painkillers that felt like they did nothing but make him drowsy, and then she was gone, Annabeth sinking into the chair silently next to his bed.

“Had a rough week then.” Percy said, stifling a yawn. It was his attempt at lightening the mood, for her if no one else. He didn’t think his mood could ever be lightened again. Not with what awaited him, not with what was probably coming for him as he spoke. Gabe would probably run, Percy thought to himself. And Percy would be left to deal with his debts, his enemies, the people Darren would send, the men Gabe owed or scorned.

“A rough week? That’s all you have to say?” Annabeth asked. Percy looked over at her, sensing an argument coming, despite the soft delivery of her words.

“Why didn’t you tell anyone?” She asked, pain lacing her voice. Her eyes sorrow filled and confused. Percy just felt frustrated. And then he felt angry. And then he felt like he could bring the fucking ceilings down with his rage. Because no one understood. Annabeth didn’t fucking get it. No one could get it. Because no one knew, no one had lived in his situation. The rage at it all was boiling beneath his very skin. His scarred skin.

“What do you want me to say? Huh? Oh, sorry for not telling you my stepdad is a fucking abuser. Sorry for not running to you with my issues and crying at your goddamn feet. Sorry for allowing myself to get beat up every other fucking night and shoved in a fucking closetrepeatedly for years; because apparently, I DON’T KNOW ANY BETTER! I’m sorry for choosing to not tell anyone because it was the only thing keeping that gun from my head. I’m sorry for pushing you away because it was the only thing to stop him from finding out about you. I’m sorry he found out about you anyway and used that against me to sell drugs to pay off his goddamn debts! I’m sorry that it’s all my fault, and that I couldn’t fix it, and I was too much of a coward to do anything about any of it.”

Tears were streaming down Percys cheeks as he leant back, closing his eyes as he breathed in and out. He didn’t look at Annabeths expression, her reaction to everything he just admitted to. He didn’t say anything as she climbed onto the bed next to him, sliding an arm gently over his chest and nestling herself in close. His breaths were deep and shuddery as he willed himself to stop crying. As he willed the lump in his throat to piss off. He could feel her tears soaking his arm and the papery sheets, but he didn’t care.

“It’s not your fault.” Annabeth said quietly.

Percy wished he could believe that.

…

Annabeth

Percy fell asleep after a while; the drugs kicking in, doing their work. Annabeth was cuddled up next to him, staring into space; thinking, when there was a rap on the door. Annabeth carefully got up, wary of waking Percy, who looked peaceful in his sleep. The others had been visiting every day for as long as they could, but their parents and school requirements were demanding, none of them could stay over night. Annabeth probably wasn’t allowed either, but her father was out of town again for work, Helen couldn’t care less, and Annabeth couldn’t stand to leave him alone here, especially before he had woken up.

Annabeth was expecting one of their friends to be at the door. What she wasn’t expecting was Frank and Hazel accompanied by two police officers, and a nurse.

“We got here the same time as them. They want to ask him questions.” Frank explained quickly, his hand right around Hazel. They both looked tired, like they hadn’t been sleeping well with everything going on. Annabeth could only assume she looked worse. The hospital had few beds to spare, and she’d been sleeping on the floor with a pillow and blanket next to Percy’s bed, or not sleeping at all.

“No. Nope. Absolutely not.” Annabeth immediately said, stepping out of the room and closing the door behind her. She folded her arms over her chest defiantly.

“He just fell asleep, and your not waking him up.” She said, annoyance lacing her tone. She knew it wasn’t the fault of these specific cops, but the police in general were supposed to be protectors of the city and it’s people. Had Percy been protected all these years, living with that monster? Had he been safe? Felt safe at all? The short answer is no. The city failed him. His friends failed him. She failed him. And now here he was, his face barely recognisable, his mind in ribbons, his life turned sideways…

So yes, Annabeth was more than frustrated. She was angry.

“It’s necessary to question him to confirm our suspect and find of his whereabouts. We understand this is a very hard time for you all…” The female officer began, but Annabeth cut her off.

“He’s barely just woken up from surgery! He’s scared and alone and questioning him and making him revisit it all is…”

“-The longer we spend waiting for him to be ready the less likely it is that we will find Gabe Ugliano. The nurse has deemed him fit to talk and right of mind to answer our questions. It will not take long.” The officer said sternly, the nurse who had otherwise been silent nodding along. Annabeth sighed, rubbing her eyes.

“Annabeth, she’s right. Percy will thank you later when that son of a bitch is caught and thrown in goddamn prison.” Frank said, making a fair point.

“Where he can’t hurt him anymore.” Hazel added.

Annabeth turned and began opening the door.

“At least let me wake him.” She murmured, and the two officers nodded, allowing Annabeth to shut the door in their faces.

Annabeth approached the bed, gently taking Percy’s shoulder in her hand and shaking him. His eyes fluttered open, and recognition fell upon his features.

“How long have I been out?” He croaked, voice dry and quiet.

“Thirty minutes or so, here.” Annabeth handed him a glass of water as he leant forward to take it.

“Let me.” She muttered, bringing the glass to his lips before he began to drink greedily.

“Thanks.” He mumbled, wiping his mouth. Annabeth sighed.

“There’s some people here to see you. They just want to ask some questions about Gabe. They’re trying to find him.”

Percy visibly tensed at the mention of his step-father.

“Do I have to?” He asked weakly, Annabeth shook her head.

“You can say no. But if not now then they’ll come back later. It will only be five minutes.” Annabeth assured him and Percy sighed.

“Let them in.”

Annabeth nodded and got up to open the door. The officers came inside, and Annabeth was about to close the door behind them when the male officer held up a hand.

“Unfortunately you will have to wait outside. There are sensitive topics of the case we must discuss and because your not a relative, spouse or caregiver we cannot-.”

“That’s bullshit.” Annabeth exclaimed, glaring. She didn’t want Percy to be alone.

“Annabeth,” Percy cleared his throat. “-It’s alright.” He said and Annabeth sighed and eventually nodded.

“I’ll be nearby.” She assured him and he nodded, before she exited the room.

Frank and Hazel gave her worrying looks as she entered the corridor, shutting the door behind her, leaving Percy inside, pretty much alone to be forced to remember that horrid night, and everything about the man that caused it.

“You should really go home, when was the last time you slept well?” Frank asked and Annabeth shot him a look.

“When was the last time any of us slept well?” She retorted.

“Sorry.” She muttered afterwards. She was a little on edge is all.Then with one glance behind Hazel, that edginess increased tenfold.

“Beth? Where – w-who?” Frederick stuttered, waking up the corridor with his hand in his hair. He looked between her, Frank and Hazel, before glancing behind her at the door labelled ‘intensive care’ that she had previously emerged from. Percys room.

“We’ll see you later Annabeth.” Hazel said quickly to which Annabeth was thankful. Because what the…

“Where have you been? I’ve been looking all over for you! I got back two days ago!” Frederick exclaimed; worry etched into his frown. Annabeth would have explained right then and there, would have told her father about Percy and why she hadn’t come home in four nights, why she’d disappeared, ‘to Pipers’ as she’d stated in her vague text to him. She would have, if it weren’t for the overwhelming lump in her throat and the sob that ripped itself free. Tears sprouted up unannounced, and Frederick leapt forward, his arms open wide, bringing Annabeth to his chest as she balled. Her exhaustion, the stress of seeing Percy this way, the stress of loving him to the point where she was overwhelmingly angry… It was all too much for her to bear. And all she wanted was to cry into her father’s arms and disappear from the world.

“I didn’t know dad. He didn’t tell me, how was I supposed to know?” Annabeth sobbed into his shirt, soaking it in salt tears. His hand came up to the back of her head as he hushed her, soothing her in the only way he knew how, the way he’d done before Helen came along. The way he’d done when he was still the best father a girl could ask for.

“It’s okay Beth, it’s alright.” He mumbled. But it wasn’t alright. Annabeth was supposed to be the one to know things. She was supposed to have all the information. How could she have gone so long without realising any of this was happening? How could she go on knowing Percy, when she hadn’t seen him suffering right under her nose?

It took a while for Annabeth to wipe her tears and step back, breathing out unsteadily and not looking her father in the eyes.

“Why don’t we go for a walk.” Frederick asked, and Annabeth nodded, unable to speak in fear her voice would fail her. She felt so stupid. So weak.

They walked through the halls, her father leading the way. Annabeth didn’t want to be away from Percy too long, so they made their way to the hospital restaurant to get some food. Annabeth hadn’t realised how starving she was. She hadn’t eaten yet that day.

“I’m filing for a divorce.” Frederick stated. Annabeth nearly choked on her bite, looking up at him. For the first time she noticed her father looked weary. His hair had specks of grey in it, his face a little more weathered with dark circles under his eyes. Annabeth stopped eating, listening as he explained.

“I felt bad. For not speaking to you. I was going to take you out to dinner to make up for it but Helen didn’t want me to and I… I believe you Annabeth. Helen she… She’s awful to you isn’t she? When I’m not around? She treats you differently to your brothers?” Frederick asked and Annabeth nodded, her throat feeling constricted, she was afraid that if she spoke, she’d start bawling again.

“I, uhm…” He cleared his throat, “I found a shirt in my closet the other day. It wasn’t mine. And then I remembered what you said… the point is, I’m sorry Annabeth. For everything. I know I haven’t been a good father to you. I haven’t been here, I believed Helens lies, and you’ve been so… so brave. I love you, I want you to know that, and I’m done with Helen.” Her father took Annabeths hands in his, squeezing them tight. She felt tears well up in her eyes and sucked in a shuddery breath, exhaling again with what could only be relief. Because her father did it. He chose her. He believed her.

“I love you too dad.” Annabeth said, fighting the quiver in her lip. At this point, she didn’t even know what she was crying for. Everything, she assumed.

“Now are you going to tell me what’s troubling you? Why are you here? Where have you been?” Her father asked gently, already knowing this was clearly a sensitive topic.

Annabeth sighed and began to tell her father all about Perseus Jackson.

…

Percy

He missed the drugs. He no longer cared that they made him feel woozy and unprepared, and paranoid. He didn’t care that all they did was remind him of Gabe and that night with the powder, as well as the exchange that went all wrong. He wanted them back, because he’d never felt worse. Ten out of ten damage done by Gabe, that was for sure. It hurt to move. It hurt to speak. His head felt like it was filled with concrete, it was hard to lift. The cops had left. Every part of their questioning had been horrible. All he had wanted to do was go back to sleep. But he answered as best as he could, hoping against hope that Gabe would be caught. He didn’t think he’d ever feel safe again if he wasn’t.

Annabeth was still gone. Where was she? Percy was worried. She said she’d be back, and Percy trusted her. But what if something had happened? What if someone had snatched her while she was alone? What if she wasn’t safe?

Percy didn’t feel good. He didn’t feel good at all. He didn’t like this place, it made him uneasy. It made him restless. It hurt to move. But Percy did anyway. He pulled the thin white sheets to the side and stifled a groan as he shuffled over, wishing his body would just fucking co-operate rather than be a pain in the neck, or rather, a pain everywhere. His experience of this hadn’t gone so well before, but the renewed meds made it a lot easier. He did bite his tongue, tasting blood as he slowly moved his feet over the side of the bed. He managed to get his bare feet onto the ground, letting out a pained gasp before the door was yanked open and Frank appeared. Hazel behind him.

“Woah woah, where do you think you’re going?” Frank asked, setting down a tray of food at the end of the bed before darting over to help him as he stood. Percy cleared his throat before speaking.

“Annabeths gone.” He said, as if this validated him probably tearing his stitches to get out of bed.

“Relax. She’s fine, her dad came and she left with him, probably went to get coffee is all, I don’t think she’s eaten in a while.”

Percys concern only deepened. Her dad? But… her dad was awful to her. Her dad didn’t believe her about her step-mother, and she’s said she was worried about her dad taking her away, what if he had taken her away? What if he had forced her? What if Percy didn’t get to say good bye? No, no, no, this couldn’t be happening. She couldn’t leave him. Not now. Not in this place.

“Woah, calm down alright, get back into bed.” Frank instructed, laying a hand on him, trying to help. Percy cringed away from his touch, batting him away and shaking his head.

“No, no. Her dad isn’t nice alright. He threatened to take her to boarding school. We have to find her.” Percy said, his voice stronger. He hadn’t realised his breathing had become harsher, and harder to do. His chest felt tight. Like he couldn’t get enough air in. Frank stopped touching him, but he remained standing in the way, his hands up to calm Percy down. But Percy wasn’t calm. Annabeth needed his help. Her dad was going to take her away, he couldn’t let that happen.

“Percy I’m sure it’s fine, he’s just been worried, he probably wanted to know where she was is all! He won’t take her away; I’d like to see him try.” Hazel said quickly, sounding exasperated. Percy knew she was right, deep down. Annabeth could put up a good fight, that he was sure of. But that didn’t stop the nagging feeling that she wasn’t okay. That she needed help and Percy was helpless to help her. Percy just wanted to see her, to make sure she was okay.

“No.” Percy shook his head, not accepting that Annabeth was okay until he saw for himself. Maybe the drugs were stronger than he thought, making him delusional. Maybe it was paranoia, or just a gut feeling. His gut feelings tended to be right, so he wasn’t going to just lay back and rest like everyone insisted he do. He was sick of this room, this bed. He wanted out. He was leaving, and neither Frank nor Hazel was going to stop him.

“Percy, sit the fuck down, you’re not going anywhere, not like this.” Franks voice was stern now, he was getting frustrated with him, Percy could tell.

“Get out of my way.” Percy muttered, ready to shove him, if need be, depending on whether his arms would allow him to or not.

“No, you need to rest.” He said, his eyes commanding. Percy wasn’t scared of him in the least. Frank was smaller than Gabe, Frank wasn’t as strong or heavy. Percy could take him easily.

“What I need is for people to stop telling me what I need.” Percy said through clenched teeth, taking a few steps and wincing. Frank laughed, but not a funny laugh, more like a laugh that said he was being ridiculous. Hazel was gnawing her fingers, clearly unsure what to do.

“You can’t even walk Percy! And what makes you think you’ll get very far with a fucking IV in your arm? You’re not going anywhere.” Frank said, stepping in front of him yet again. Percy glared at him, then glanced at the IV in his arm before ripping it out. Frank was too slow to stop him.

“Percy!” He yelled, but Percy was already pushing past him.

“What the fu-“

Frank didn’t get to finish his sentence before the door opened once more and Annabeth appeared, her cheeks red and flushed from crying, her hair frazzled, dark circles under her eyes. To Percy, she couldn’t have looked more beautiful.

“Oh, thank the gods you’re here.” Hazel sighed, looking frazzled herself, as Frank did.

“What the hell are you doing out of bed?!” Annabeth scolded, stomping over and guiding him back. Percy was just overwhelmed with relief at seeing her.

“I-I..” Percy stuttered, before she interrupted him.

“Get back into bed.” She demanded and Percy did as he was told, sitting back down gingerly and slowly leaning back, tensing as his body protested all of his movement. He hissed and grunted but got there eventually. Honestly, the meds were doing wondrous work, his hip still hurt, but not at all as much as when he first woke up. Seriously, without them, he didn’t think he’d have been able to sit up let alone stand like he just did. He was paying the price for that action now, his entire body pulsing with pain.

“Are you alright?” Annabeth asked, once he was situated again. He nodded, his teeth and jaw clenched. What did alright entail anyway? He wasn’t crying or screaming, so he assumed he was alright enough.

“The others are on their way.” Frank said, a little awkwardly with Percy and Annabeth exchanging a long silent look. She was staring at the cut on his face, Percy knew. The nurse had told him it would scar, Percy hadn’t really thought about it too much until now. Would Annabeth still love him, with the scars he now had and the shameful past she now knew? Would she still love him, past the lies and secrecy, past this? Percy was suddenly very aware of everything that sat between them now. It was like they on either side of a canyon. Dig out by his deception, widened by his actions of pushing her away.

Where were they supposed to go from here? They wouldn’t be able to just pretend like nothing happened, Percy knew he was different now, he wasn’t going to be able to act like everything was fine, because now everyone knew they weren’t, and he had become transparent like glass; he’d become fragile and cracked and afraid.

“Are you alright?” Percy asked Annabeth a after a moment. Her father had been here, what had they talked about? He wasn’t sending her away, was he? Percy couldn’t imagine it. Despite wanting her to stay away and out of this for so long, he couldn’t think of anything worse than being left alone. Couldn’t think of anything worse than her leaving when he was vulnerable, falling apart and weak. He didn’t want her to see him weak, but she was the only thing holding him together. The only person he loved. She and his friends were all he really had, Percy realised with a pang.

“My father is getting a divorce.” She said gently, Percy’s eyes widened.

“That’s good right?” He asked, Hazel and Franks expressions revealing that this was the first they were hearing of this also.

“Yeah,” Annabeth replied, “It’s good.” She smiled then, and Percy recognised her expression as pure relief. Frederick Chase, from what Percy understood, was a coward of a man. This? Standing up for his daughter, especially when Percy was so clearly unable to (due to the ‘not actually being the boyfriend’ thing as much as his own issues) was brilliant for her. Percy was happy for her, he was relived too, to know that at least one of their own respective situations got better.

“That’s good wise girl.” Percy said, taking her hand in his.

“Really good.”

Annabeth gave him an appreciative smile, before the door opened and the others arrived. Jason, Piper, and Leo, looked each as equally eager to see Percy now that he had woken up. Or at least woken up fully, because apparently he’d woken before, and been so drug effected that Leo couldn’t help but revise every detail of it, turning Percys cheeks red with embarrassment.

Percy laughed along with the others, ignoring the sharp jabs every movement sent down his ribs and torso. The laugher ended with a fierce wince as Percy squeezed his eyes shut, breathing through it as the others settled into silence.

Eventually, Percy’s closed eyed quietness was interrupted by Annabeths voice. He opened them, knowing what was coming and dreading it all the same.

“Percy? I know you might not want to talk about it, but-“

“-you want to know what the cops asked? About… the case?” Percy cringed at the way he worded it. He hated how serious it made everything sound, how official everything had become. Annabeths lack of response told him he was right, and he sighed, leaning his head back as he prepared himself.

“Should I start from the beginning? Or just mention what the cops said?” Percy asked, looking only at Annabeth, his other friends sitting around the bed watching and listening. Percy felt frustrated, his fists continuously clenching and unclenching. He hated their prying eyes, he hated their curiosity, he hated everything about this, and he couldn’t help the anger that simmered beneath the aches of his bones.

“Whatever you’re comfortable with.” Annabeth said.

“Well  I’m not comfortable with anything? Am I? If I was comfortable with this don’t you think I would have told someone sooner?” Percy couldn’t keep the venom from his tone, feeling guilty about it immediately. Annabeth looked at him blankly, seemingly unaffected by his little outburst.

“Then you don’t have to say anything. We don’t need to know the whole story.” Annabeth replied cooly, shrugging.

“Isn’t that what all this has been about? Wasn’t that the whole reason behind everything – you not being able to cope without knowing the full story?” Percy had no idea where all this bitterness was coming from, but he couldn’t help it, it just kept coming:

“Things are different.” Annabeth said, her voice wavering.

“Oh are they? Things haven’t much changed for me, the truth about my shithead step father was still the truth back then as it is now. What you want to know hasn’t changed, only the specifics of it all.” Percy practically  spat the words. Everyone was silent.

“Well go in then! Ignore my sympathy and fucking tell me! Maybe for once in your life those around you might actually be able to help! Or are you too prideful to think you even need it?” Annabeth shot back. Someone gasped, Percy didn’t know who.

“I don’t want your damn sympathy.” Percy seethed.

“With sympathy or not we can still help you, all you have to do is ask.” Annabeths voice softened, Percy’s gaze remained glaring. He hadn’t meant to have an argument, but he didn’t know how exactly to… well, soften as she just did. How do you just switch emotions off? How does one diminish anger when it’s all he’s ever known he’s truly felt?

“Fine then. I guess it’s good you’re all here. It’ll save me having to share my absolutely golden childhood a million times.” Percys words were venom, spiteful. Maybe it was the hospital and the memories he shared with the walls. Maybe he was born this way. It took several moments of wondering where to start for Percy’s hands to loosen around his own sheets, which he’d unknowingly been gripping in anger.

And so his story began; with the marriage of Gabe to his mother, to her death, and then to Gabes rage. Rage Percy suffered through for years, with no way out, with no hope, no good options and no free will.

Percy went through the entire thing for the second time that day, staring at the white wall, begging for it to swallow him whole and stop him from spilling everything. He was spilling his guts, he was bleeding out before them. He was telling every sin he’d ever committed in Gabes name, every sin he caused Gabe to commit himself.

He heard sniffs, saw his friends wiping their eyes from the corners of his own, but he did nothing to reassure them, because they wouldn’t believe him if he tried. To them he was a mess. A pile of broken bones, concussions and stitches. He was a fountain of misery, of required pity he wanted nothing to do with.

It all sucked really, right down to the last moment when Percy described what the cops had told him.

He’d been in the closet for days, his demise happening that fateful night and Percy being subjected to the consequences of it for all the following days he was missing from school. Until they found him of course. Gabe had seemingly forgotten he was there, not caring to feed him. Not caring to give him water. Gabe had sent the text from a phone the cops traced to a bar. They didn’t find him there, only word that Gabe had run off upon seeing the police cars in his neighbourhood. He ran for the hills, guilty and guiltless. Percy had told them of his friends, of his debts and Darren. Gabe had all but disappeared apparently, right from under the detectives noses.

Percy knew he couldn’t pull something like that off alone. Dread was settled in his bones and wasn’t going anywhere any time soon.

By the end of it all, Percy’s voice was hoarse. His mind blank and exhausted. The others blinked.

“So there you have it.” He said quietly, unsure on how to continue after everything.

“Percy I-“ Annabeth began, but Percy lifted his hand, bringing her to a halt.

“It’s fine. Everything’s fine now right? I’m really tired, I think I-“ Percy was cut off by his own yawn. Annabeth only nodded, putting a hand on his upper arm.

“It’s alright. Get some rest.” She insisted, nodding to the others who began to stand. Percy closed his eyes; exhausted, but latched onto Annabeths hand anyways, pulling her back as she got up to follow the others out.

“Stay.” He whispered;

So, Annabeth did.

Chapter Text

With Percy still in hospital, Annabeth eventually had no choice but to go home. If not for a proper sleep, then at least to comfort her father, who admittedly and understandably, was a wreck. Frederick was much like Annabeth in many ways. He didn’t show his pain on the outside, he didn’t cry in front of others very often. He liked to bury everything down and pretend his feelings didn’t exist. The thing with cheaters, is that you don’t just stop loving them. Her father still loved Helen, Annabeth was sure of it. If he didn’t, he wouldn’t be grieving the loss of her so heavily. But Annabeth knew that it wasn’t the current Helen that he remained in love with. It wasn’t the new Helen he’d discovered, the malicious, the cheater, the woman who hurt his daughter. No, Frederick Chase was in love with the old Helen whom he believed still existed until only very recently.

Annabeth tried to understand that her father hadn’t known the Helen she knew. She had to understand, for his sake and her own. And much like Fredericks remaining love of his wife (or rather soon to be ex-wife), Annabeths resentment couldn’t be so easily squashed either. Resentment for her father, who was oblivious and disbelieving. Gullible and easy manipulated.

They had some things to work through, Annabeth had to admit.

When she arrived home, things were stiff. Frederick smiled and hugged her, she hugged back. But their conversation afterwards was only of the details of the divorce. Which all happened very quickly. Matthew and Bobby had moved to Washington with their mother within a few days whilst Annabeth was away. It was nearly a four hour drive. Annabeth and her dad would see them as often as they could, but Annabeth knew it would be awful. For everyone involved, except for maybe Helen. Annabeth could feel the hatred simmer inside of her every time she thought about the woman. But she said nothing, didn’t even mention her name, for her father’s sake.

The house felt empty without her brothers, and despite the chaos they often created as two twin young boys, Annabeth already missed it. She didn’t like this silence, this feeling that everything had changed. She didn’t like how the sight of her room made her stomach clench, as she remembered the nights Percy snuck in through her window, so ungracefully yet so enduringly. She was taken back to that night in the holidays, before school started again, before everything turned sour. Annabeth hated the way she felt like she was mourning him, even when he was just a drive away. She didn’t want to be at home, she didn’t want to sleep in her own bed, she didn’t think it was even possible to. She wanted to be by his side, making sure he was alright. Making sure he was safe. Gabe was still out there, what if he came to finish the job? What if he came to scar him more?

Piper and Hazel didn’t take long to arrive at Annabeths home. Annabeth was sitting on her bed, staring into space when they entered the room.

“I should be there.” Annabeth said, and Hazel shook her head, sighing.

“He’s in good hands. Frank and Jason are with him, I think Frank is staying the night. He’ll be okay.” Hazel reassured, but Annabeth didn’t like the bad feeling in her gut that he wasn’t okay.

“He hates hospitals, because of his mom…” Annabeth carried on, and her two friends sat down either side of her.

“He’ll be alright. It’s Percy we’re talking about. The guy can spend one night without you.” Piper said, and Annabeth looked up at her.
“But he shouldn’t have to.” she murmured, beginning to yawn.

“You need rest Beth, no offense, but you look like a corpse.” Piper touched her hair.
“And you should probably have a shower.” She stated, sighing. Annabeth yawned again, effectively proving her point.

Annabeth took a long shower. She hadn’t realised how dirty she felt, until leaving the hospital. She’d taken showers there, but still, the place constantly smelled like bleach, and everything reminded her of sickness and death. She could see why Percy hated it so much.

Annabeth let the water run over her skin, cleaning off the feeling of dread. She let the steam seep into her throat, soothing the dryness, the soreness from crying. She let everything negative wash down that drain, let it all go. Only clinging to one thing; the guilt. Oh how she wished she could just turn back time and make things all alright. See Percys struggles sooner. Fix them before it was too late. She couldn’t, Annabeth knew she’d have to accept that one day. She knew it might be irrational of her to blame herself. But for now it stuck with her. It would stick with her until the bruises on Percys face and body became memories. It would stick with her until the red gashes along his skin turned white and scarred. It would stick with her until he didn’t cry every time he was forced to move.

Annabeth turned off the shower and stepped out. It was cold.

When she got back to her room, all dressed in soft clothes and fluffy socks, Hazel and Piper were waiting for her.

“You don’t have to stay.” Annabeth said, but she knew her friends, and how stubborn they could be. They were like her in that regard. Piper more so. But she tried anyway, aware that she couldn’t hold up her façade for much longer.

“You shouldn’t be alone alright? You carry just as much stress and pain as him, just in a different form. It’s okay to not be okay.” Hazel said gently. Annabeth could recall saying the same thing to Percy… oh how long ago that felt. Annabeth only nodded and sighed, hiding her face behind her hands as everything welled up. Percy was okay, he would be okay. Everything was over, he wasn’t in danger anymore, which was the main thing. Everything would be all right, Annabeth just had to know that, believe it. After some time, things would be perfect and good and they would be together and happy. But the tears didn’t stop, not for Percy and everything he went through alone, not for her brothers that she’d only ever see half of the time because of the divorce, not for her dad, who was heartbroken and destroyed by everything Helen did. Not for the disarray in her life that seemed to follow her everywhere she went.

Hazel and Piper cradled her as she wept. Because they were good friends. And Annabeth cried for that too, because she had no other way to express her gratefulness to them. To have them. For their understanding.

Annabeth fell asleep like that. Curled in her own bed with Hazel and Piper sleeping either side of her. She was pretty sure it was the best spent sleep of her entire life, her only dreamless one for months. And for that in itself, she was forever in debt.

…

Percy

Percy was discharged from hospital a total of two weeks after Gabes original attack. And yes, that’s what they called it. An attack. Percy knew it wasn’t normal for a father figure to hit a child. (Not that he thought he counted as a child, but that’s a whole other argument Percy was far too tired to win.) He knew it was bad, he could have died. It’s the closest he’s ever come to it before. What Percy didn’t get was why everyone was making such a big deal out of it all. Yes, his secret was out and his entire life had essentially fallen apart at his feet, but in truth, on the very slim chance that he actually thought this would someday happen, he didn’t think it would go like this. He didn’t think he’d be this… angry.

Anger was something that came rather naturally to him. It was like a tumour in his head, and it had been growing since Percy was a boy, since Gabe first laid his hands on him. Now that Gabe was gone, now that the likelihood of ever being hurt by him again had slimmed down to near zero, that anger had nowhere to go. At first it was directed to those around him, to Annabeth and his friends, who would never understand but couldn’t help it. In fact, Percy was grateful they couldn’t understand. He’d never wish this wildly stupid situation of a life on anyone, not even Luke Castellan. But now, after the full truth had been revealed and the anger left with nowhere to go, Percy felt nothing but utterly lost and spent.

…

They gave him crutches for his messed up hip. They did little to stop the ache that seemed constant where the bones moved together, but at least Percy wasn’t stuck in a bed. He was happy to finally be moving, finally be doing stuff for himself, however, the doctors had told him he wasn’t allowed to be on his crutches for long periods of time, due to his broken and casted arm. Did he listen? Yes, but only because Annabeth made him, (Seriously, he would have been fine walking to Jason’s fathers car by himself, but Leo insisted he be escorted in a wheel chair, only so Leo could run him down the halls as Hazel yelled at the menace for speeding).

Jason’s father, Zeus (Yes, Percy thought it was a very weird name) turned out to be kinder than most. Or maybe Percys perception of middle aged men who were also fathers was slightly skewed, what with all his experience with them and all. Not to mention the fact the Percy thought all rich people sucked, because living in the ghetto all your life created stereotypes like that. Point is, Percy was glad to be wrong. Zeus offered to take him in as soon as Jason asked. They had a spare room in their sky high apartment, and it had a working elevator. Percy knew it was only temporary, a social worker had already visited him in hospital to discuss his options. It wasn’t looking good to say the least, but at least he was allowed to go to Jason’s for the remainder of his recovery. He chose not to even think about what would happen afterwards. Honestly, he hadn’t thought about anything that wasn’t more than a day in the future, he was barely getting by each hour.

“You’re sure you don’t need anything else?” Jason asked, his hand on the door handle ready to close it.

“I’m fine, really.” Percy said, leaning on one of his crutches as he sat on the bed.

“You’ve taken your pills?” Annabeth asked. She had offered to stay the night with him, which Percy was grateful for. He hadn’t wanted to ask. But the room was so big, everything was so… clean and nice. Since leaving his home it felt like everything had been quieted, like everything was eerily silenced. He didn’t like silence. The hospital was uncomfortable enough with its white walls and lack of chaos in that room. This wasn’t much different. He was used to street sounds of cars racing and hazy, smoky air. He was used to Gabes loud snores when he slept, loud TV shows playing as he drank on the couch. He was used to chaos and fights and well... loudness. Maybe he ought to be comforted by the change, but it was too unfamiliar. Too off-putting to think his life had changed so much. It felt like he was walking on thin ice, he kept expecting it to break.

“Yeah, I took em.” Percy murmured, giving Annabeth a soft reassuring smile. She was too good to him.

She didn’t deserve this.

“Alright, well, help yourself to anything. What’s mine is yours.” Jason said, to which Percy smiled gratefully, before Jason closed the door and left the two of them alone.

“Do you want to get into bed?” Annabeth asked quietly, Percy nodded, stifling a yawn. He was more exhausted than he admitted, sleep didn’t come easily at the hospital unless he was under drugs, but he didn’t want Annabeth to worry. Percy let his crutches lean against the wall next to the bed before moving to remove his shirt. He clenched his jaw, before Annabeth stepped in front of him, looking down and finding the hem of his shirt with her own hands.

“Let me.” She said. So Percy let her. He stifled a groan as he lifted his arms, Annabeth lifted the shirt up and over his head, his ribs and stomach hurting like crazy. The air was warm around him, but he could still feel goosebumps rise on his skin as Annabeths fingers brushed against his chest. She flung the shirt over a chair before bending down and helping Percy with his shoes. Hot shame crept up his neck at the vulnerability he felt. There were still stitches holding him together, as if he might fall apart at any moment. Most had been taken out, but many remained where Gabe had cut him too deep, or where they’d operated on him. There were cuts and bruises mottled over his body. His once tanned skin was now what he thought was grey. His ribcage poked out, along with his hip bones, from when Gabe had starved him, from when he’d wasted away in hospital. He looked frail, and weak, like a single kick would send him through a wall. He didn’t meet Annabeths eyes, suddenly hyperaware of the cut along his face. The red line that stretched over his now bent nose and lengthened over his cheek. Everything about him would remind him of Gabe for the rest of his life. Remind him of fear and how he was too much of a coward to cut Gabe down first.

He began to fumble with his belt, giving Annabeth a look to let her know he could take care of his pants himself. Both of their cheeks were tinged pink, Percy from both the shame of his appearance and the fact that Annabeth had to help him undress as if he couldn’t himself. Percy couldn’t help but breath out a small, nervous laugh.

“This isn’t how I imagined this would go.” Percy admitted as Annabeth dressed herself into pyjamas. Percy looked away. After she was done she pulled back the covers of the king sized bed and climbed in, leaving a space for Percy to fill. Which he did, only in his boxers.

He exhaled as he laid his head back on the soft pillow. The sheets were soft, the cover over him heavy and comforting, at least compared to the thin sheets he was used too. He could feel the tension seep out of his bones as Annabeth shifted to be closer to him. She propped herself up on her elbow and peered at him, looking into his eyes, searching.

“What?” Percy whispered, and Annabeth shook her head.

“Nothing.” Yet she continued to stare at him, as if memorizing the map of his face. Percy leant forward then, because he wanted her stop, and because they hadn’t kissed in what felt like so long. The kiss was soft and quiet, intimate, like everything could just melt away and leave them with nothing and neither of them would care or notice.

“I love you.” Percy murmured into her lips.

“I love you too.” Annabeth whispered back, their lips apart from each other once more and their foreheads resting together.

After that they cuddled close, and Percy matched his breathing to hers, doing his best to not think of the next day or the next, and only focus on the girl in his arms and the warmth in his chest.

…

“You don’t have to do this alone.” Annabeth told him, but Percy shook his head.

They were sitting in the car outside Percys old apartment, and Percy was hiding his hands inside his jacket pockets in an attempt to hide their shaking. Truth was, he needed to go back. When Jason and Piper suggested they go back to get his things, Percy knew immediately that he didn’t want to. But he also knew that he had to, if not for the sole purpose of getting his belongings, but for the purpose of closure. He remembered little of that night, nor did he desire to remember, but maybe going back would help him think about where Gabe could have gone. He couldn’t just forget about him. He couldn’t just do nothing when he should be doing all he could to find him. For the sake of his sanity if nothing else.

“Okay, I’m going.” Percy said, but he didn’t move. His heart was in his throat, his body wasn’t responding to him. Why wasn’t he going?

“Percy?” Piper asked, breaking the silence.

“Y-yeah, just give me a sec.” Percy exhaled, his hand on the door handle and his eyes fixed on that wretched building. A cop car had been stationed on their road for the past few weeks, so Gabe definitely wasn’t home, Percy was completely safe, so why couldn’t he find the damn courage just to get out of the car? He was being ridiculous. This was ridiculous.

“Percy?” Annabeth put a hand on his shoulder.

“I’m fine,” He said. The others were looking at each other worriedly. Percy cleared his throat and swallowed his cowardice.

Just go.

“I won’t be long.” He said, before opening the door and forcing himself out of the car. It had been a week and a half since he left hospital, and he no longer needed crutches. But they’d given him a cane for walking with, one which he hoped he wouldn’t need eventually, but the aches in his hip that continued to bug him suggested otherwise. Percy made his way over to the front doors and pushed himself inside, the familiar smell of dampness and mould entering his nose. He sighed as he began on the stairs, and was puffing by the time he reached the top.

Percy leant against the wall for a minute, catching his breath before digging in his pocket for the key.

One breath. Two. He pushed open the door, hands shaking.

“Gabe?” He said into the empty space, straining his ears for a reply. There was none, but that didn’t quench his unease. Percy walked into the apartment and took in his surroundings. The glass had been cleared from the floors, but Percy could still see the splatters of his blood on the walls. There was still an overflowing ashtray on the living room coffee table. There was still a lingering smell of weed and bitter alcohol in the air. It smelt like home. Percy was sickened by it. He was quick to pass down the hall, into his room. He didn’t glance at the closet or the pool of red that had dried on the floor by it. He didn’t glance into Gabes room on the way past. Once inside his room, his breath escaped him. It was trashed. School books were strewn about the place, a few with pages crumpled up. One of his bed legs had been kicked in, the mattress leaning off to one side. Posters on his walls had been ripped down, his desk chair was overturned. Percy sank to his knees in front of his desk, breathing out a shuddery breath as he bent down to pick up the CDs and DVDs Gabe had thrown around. Beneath them all was an empty frame, and Percy felt his breath hitch.

He found the photo that was supposed to be in it on the other side of the room. It had been ripped into three pieces. Percy scrambled around for a few moments searching for the tape, and eventually he managed to tape the thing back together. It was the only picture he had of his mom.

Percy couldn’t tell you how long he spent sitting with his back against his skewed bed, staring at that picture.

…

Once a bag was packed and dumped at the front door, Percy went back to his room and looked for what he’d assumed would have been taken already by Gabe after his ransack. The bottle of scotch given to him all those months ago remained under his mattress, and Percy cracked it open. He took a swig, and then entered Gabes room, hurling the glass at the wall above his bed, his anger making his hands shake. Why couldn’t that have been Gabes head? Why couldn’t Percy have killed Gabe when he had his throat under his hands? It would have been self-defence, he would have gotten away with it. Percy reprimanded himself for thinking such things, and exited the room.

He paused in front of the closet. There were scratch marks on the walls and floor, there was blood everywhere. Percy suddenly felt a pang of guilt for his friends, and the state they must have found him in when they came here. Did they notice the remains of white powder on the kitchen counters? Percy hadn’t told them everything about his past. He didn’t tell them about Gabe shoving his face into what he assumed was cocaine. He didn’t tell them of Darren’s threats and snake-faces insinuations.

“Percy?” A soft voice called and Percy startled. Annabeth was at the end of the hall walking towards him. He hadn’t realised he’d been standing there staring into his nightmares with tears running down his cheeks. He sniffed and wiped his face, then he cleared his throat.

“You were taking a while, I wanted to see if you were alright.” Annabeth said, and Percy felt self-conscious yet again of the state of his home, and how much of him she was seeing right then.

This is how I’ve lived, Percy said in his mind.

This is my home.

“Yeah, I’m fine.” Percy said, attempting a smile before Annabeths expression softened. She stepped forward and snaked her arms around him. He hugged her back, not knowing how to feel. Not knowing whether to cry or scream. He did neither.

When he left the apartment that day, he knew it would be the last time he ever went there. He knew he’d never see it again. There was nothing left in that place, except bad memories and the remains of a broken childhood.

He wouldn’t miss it.

Chapter Text

Annabeth

It had been just over a month since they’d found Percy. A month, and already things were back to normal. Well as normal as life could get after Annabeth discovered her boyfriend had been abused his whole life, and found him nearly dead in a closet, put there by his own father. As normal as life could get when it was her fault for not seeing what was going on. And discovering his own now-obvious efforts to not notice his own situation himself. Maybe Annabeth should correct herself; they were pretending things were back to normal.

Percy was going back to school.

The school year was coming to a close, and despite Annabeths own objections, Percy refused to miss it. Maybe he was pretending more than anyone else. Maybe he really was feeling better. Annabeth was worried either way. He was refusing to use his cane, as Annabeth knew he would. He had confessed a week or so ago that he hated it, that it made him feel like an old man. Annabeth had smiled and said he was anything but. He had a whole life ahead of him, she could see it in his eyes. His eyes that had somewhat returned that familiar sparkle of mischief. But she couldn’t help but notice the bags beneath them that never seemed to lighten. She couldn’t help but notice his flinch every time a car backfired, a door slammed, or heavy footsteps sounded. She couldn’t help but notice him turn rigid every time someone even only slightly resembling a certain ex step-father came into view.

She pretended not to notice, but she did.

He pretended he wasn’t afraid, but he was.

Annabeth didn’t want him to be afraid. She’d been thinking about it often, how he probably couldn’t remember a day in his life where he wasn’t scared. She hadn’t noticed or been able to help then, but maybe… just maybe she could help now. She just had to figure out how.

…

“You did the reading right? I told you it was set two days ago.” Annabeth raised an eyebrow at him. Percy just groaned.
“I did it alright? You really think it’s my goal to come back to school after ages off and be completely useless?”

“Hey! You’re the one who asked me to help you catch up, don’t hate on me for doing what you asked!” Annabeth rolled her eyes and turned away from him. Percy sighed and followed her up the front steps, at a slightly slower pace.

“I should just drop out.” Annabeth heard him grumble under his breath, but she knew it wasn’t sincere. They’d had a conversation about it the night before, and Annabeth knew well that Percys only wish was to finish the year and be able to graduate with them by the end of the following one. They all had agreed to help him catch up, Annabeth with history and math, Hazel with English, Jason with Biology… they weren’t going to leave him behind. Annabeth refused to.

However, Percys desire to pass the year still wasn’t quite enough to bring out any sort of enthusiasm about actually going to school.

And Annabeth didn’t like the idea of letting him out of her sight, especially when he had free period, which was his only block of the day that he wouldn’t have a friend with him. She knew she ought not to be worried. He could take care of himself, for the most part. Plus, he hated her being worried. But she couldn’t help it. What she could help was how she showed it.

Annabeth had come to the conclusion that if she showed him she wasn’t worried, he’d open up more. If she showed him she trusted him to be okay, and take care of himself, he wouldn’t keep things to himself. She and the rest of their friends were all he had to talk to, finding a good therapist and actually getting Percy to go was still a work in progress. As in he refused, but she was working on it.

Her casual ‘not worried’ façade was her reason for not waiting for him to get up the steps before she walked inside. He hated people waiting around for him, his healing injuries were another thing Annabeth didn’t like to ignore, but she was trying to; for his sake.

Oh how she wished she could just keep him hidden away forever, somewhere safe and warm, where he wouldn’t get hurt. Where Gabe could never find him. Again Annabeth felt that familiar anger in her gut. She shook it off and swept her hair into a ponytail. He’d be alright, she just had to trust that.

…

Percy

The thing about traumatic experiences, is they don’t just go away, even after they’re over. Even after a month of being safe, unharmed, and allowed to heal. First, it was in normal people walking down the street. He’d see him in them, see the way he walked, his throaty laugh and smokers voice. Then it got worse. Gabe was everywhere. He was in Jason’s hand when he felt it on his shoulder. He was in Mr Brunner’s footsteps as he passed down the hall. Gods, it was like Percy was going insane. Always tapping his fingers in gnawing anticipation. Always slightly rigid and never quite relaxed. Even when he was at home with Jason, he felt awkward and tense around his father, Zeus. Percy knew Jason had grown up well. He could see that in the way Jason presented himself, how he could give kindness as easily as Gabe had abused it.

Still, Zeus made Percy slightly uneasy, with his greying hair and tall frame. He could easily tackle Percy if he wanted to. Could easily wrap his fingers around his throat. Percy tried not to imagine it. Tried not to think about Gabe, and the fact that he was still out there. But it was hard. Especially when his body wasn’t cooperating with the things he was telling himself in his head. ‘Just because that man is smoking doesn’t mean he’s out to hurt you.’ ‘Just because he’s got a beer glass in his hand, doesn’t mean that guy over there is gonna throw it at you.’  Despite his own reassurances, he’d freeze up anyway, his legs itching to start running in the opposite direction.

It was bad with Annabeth around, though Percy would never admit that to her. But It was worse when she wasn’t. Paranoia for her safety, had become more than just a slight fear. Gabe knew who she was. And if he ever had plans for revenge, he’d go straight to her. She was the reason Gabe was on the run. She found Percy in that closet. Not to mention she was the most important person to him, which Gabe had to know, and if given the opportunity, Percy knew he’d exploit it.

She was the only person he had ever grown to love. Percy wanted to show that to her, now that he had a trickling chance, but the massive shadow in the corner of the room in the shape of Gabe that always seemed to follow him seemed to keep him reserved. It wasn’t easy to break out of old habits. Staying away and staying closed off was a personality trait of his at this point. So when she asked him how he was, when it was obvious she wanted him to talk… he got angry. He didn’t want to be that way towards her. Maybe he wasn’t even angry at her, but at everything else. That didn’t change the fact that she was the one who was suffering for it. She was the one always caught in the line of fire when everything got a bit too much.

He just wanted her to go away. Because he was angry, and he couldn’t stop it, and he hated it, and he hated that he couldn’t just go back to normal, and be happy, and forget everything.

Annabeth of course, didn’t seem to care for his outbursts. She yelled back even, telling him to stop being an idiot, telling him it wasn’t not his fault and that he was being stupid for thinking any of it was. Her stubbornness was probably the only thing keeping her around. And her care for him. But he’d never had anyone to care about him before, so it was a hard pill to swallow.

If she acted as Percy expected of people in general, she’d have abandoned him a long time ago. So would’ve all of his friends. But if this past year had taught him anything, it was that people were surprising. He never thought Gabe capable of what he did. He never thought he himself would live to this stage in his life, one where he was free of Gabe. He never thought he’d know people that actually cared about what happened to him. He never thought someone could be capable of loving him.

Percy sat down in math class, feeling agitated by the amount of stares he was receiving. Annabeth was glaring right back at them of course, but it didn’t stop the hot shame that crept up his neck. They know, they know, they know. Of course, none of them actually knew what happened. The police said it was confidential. Few people knew, and out of them no one was allowed to say anything unless Percy wished it. He didn’t. Obviously.

Still, the stares made it feel like everyone knew his deepest darkest secrets. The scars he now possessed couldn’t have come from nowhere, and staying at Jason’s was a clue to those observant enough.

Percy didn’t realise he was clicking and unclicking his pen repetitively until Annabeth gave him a look.  He stopped. This was going to be a long day. He already couldn’t wait for it to be over.

…

“What’s with your face?” A familiar voice cut through the crowd. It wasn’t totally full, but there were enough people left in the hallway for Luke to turn more than a few heads. Percy didn’t turn around and kept walking, feeling exposed and annoyed. It was between third and fourth period, and he was on the way to history. Alone. Annabeth was probably already there. The rest of his friends were nowhere to be seen. Percy heard quickened footsteps and closed his eyes, willing Luke to piss off. He didn’t.

“Hey! I asked you a question.” Luke pulled on one of Percys shoulders, stopping him in his tracks and turning him. Percy didn’t quite meet his eyes, uneasy, agitated, annoyed.

“Not today Luke.” Percy mumbled, feeling himself getting hot. So many people were watching. Were they staring at his scar? Were they wondering about his stepfather?

Did they know?

“You look like you got attacked by a bear.” Luke laughed, a friend of his smirking behind him, Percy wasn’t sure who it was, he was busy glancing between the floor and Luke. Suddenly Percy was reminded of his first day at Goode. When Luke had started a fight with him, and Percy had seen Annabeth for the first time. Oh how things had changed since then.

“Don’t you have anything better to do?” Percy drawled, acting bored with the whole interaction. At least he still possessed his talent for pretending.

“Where’ve you been anyways? We thought you dropped out. Decided you needed school did you? Realise you were too dumb to leave?” Luke shoved him by the shoulders, and Percy stepped back one, but held his ground.

“Nah, I was busy hanging out with your mother.” Percy quipped back, and Lukes face reddened. Suddenly Percy was being pushed back, Lukes hands fisting his shirt and heaving him by the shoulders. Percy stumbled into the locker behind. Was that déjà vu he was feeling? Why did this kind of thing keep happening to him? Percy could feel his heart beating harshly in his chest. His stitches had been taken out, but only just. He didn’t want to end up in hospital again. Percy shuddered just at the thought.

“Still got your big mouth I see.” Luke said, any hint of amusement gone from his expression. Percy smiled.

“Your still a dick I see.” Percy replied, Lukes fist already being drawn back.

It slammed into Percys stomach hard. Percy saw stars when he squeezed his eyes shut. The pain indescribable as he doubled over. The groan he released was quiet, but Percy could feel Lukes smirk boring into him. Oh how satisfying it must’ve been for him to hit him once more. Percy knew how satisfying it could be, of course he did. He knew how satisfying it was to hit Gabe. He wondered if Luke and he were not so different after all.

He blinked about a dozen times before his sight finally came back to him, and by then Luke had already smacked his face with the back of his hand. Percy gasped, unable to grasp what the hell was going on. He couldn’t see straight, he kept blinking. His stomach aching and his cheek hot where Luke had hit him. Once his senses were returned to him and Percy could see clearly, he straightened up, his hand on his cheek as he rolled out his jaw. Luke was standing still, looking him in the eye provocatively.

That was all it took really. Percy didn’t even realise he’d made the decision to hit him back until Luke was on the ground under him, his face under his fists. Luke wriggled and hit him back, shoving Percy off of him with a grunt.

“Oh fuck you Jackson.” Luke spat, before tackling him. They wrestled on the floor, Percys ears were ringing, his breaths hard and fast. And he was so so angry. Percy hit him again, forcing Luke to stumble back. Luke shouted something incoherent and leapt forwards again. Percys leg was kicked in and a stab of pain radiated from his hip, but he didn’t stop. He didn’t stop until Luke was under his fists once more, and Percy was giving him hell. There were shouts from other students, but Percy didn’t hear them. One of Lukes friends was trying to pull him back, but Percy was relentless. It wasn’t until his grip on him finally gave way that Luke landed a kick to his abdomen, just above the hip. Percy gasped and his leg gave way, giving Luke the perfect opportunity to have him pinned.

“I know this teaches you nothing, but damn does it feel good.” Luke sighed down at him. Percy just scoffed. Did the guy mean to sound so cringe? Or was the ‘bully starter pack’ vocabulary built into his system?

Luke hit his face, Percy could taste blood in his mouth. His lip was probably split.

“Hey Luke!” Percy heard Jason’s voice shout. Percy lifted his head at the same time Luke did. He kicked out and displaced Luke while he was distracted, scrambling up, but not before Jason had approached, pulled back a fist and punched Lukes face so suddenly, his head snapped back as his nose sprayed red.

“What the fuck!” Luke yelled, his hand flying up to stem the steady flow of blood. Percy didn’t know whether or not to feel guilty about his satisfaction at seeing Luke bested.

“Don’t you bloody well touch him!” Jason roared, anger in his eyes greater than Percy had ever seen it.

It didn’t take long for the lot of them to be escorted to the principal’s office.

…

Percy was called into the office after Luke, who gave him a thunderous glare before stalking back into the school halls, an icepack held to his nose. The nose which Jason had broken. Percy stood and awkwardly knocked on the door, before entering.
“Mr Jackson,” Mr Riordan greeted neutrally, not angry, but not exactly happy to see him either. Percy nodded in greeting and sat down, trying not to wince as his hip protested and his stomach churned.

“I’ve been informed of your… circumstances, Mr Jackson,” the principal said kindly, peering down at him from over his glasses, which were perched on his nose. Circumstances… Oh yeah, that. Percy hung his head, cheeks flushing. He hated that tone, that look of pity. But he could do nothing to escape it. He didn’t want people to look at him and only see a victim. Couldn’t he just suspend him and get it over with? His stomach still hurt like a bitch, and his cheek stung, there was no doubt in his mind that there would be a bruise there in a day. He just wanted to get out of the stuffy office.

“You understand that violence does not solve your problems, correct?” He asked, looking at him, seeming to stare into his mind. Percy nodded, though he didn’t believe that to be true. Violence was what got him out of that house. Violence had saved him in more than one occasion. Maybe there were better ways, but it was all he knew. Either that or cowardice and surrender. And it wasn’t like he was ever going to let Luke get away with tormenting him. He got enough of that at home. Or he used to, at least.

There was silence between them, and Percy didn’t meet his eyes.

Principal Riordan spoke again, “I want you to know that the school is here for you. For whatever you might need. Even if you just need someone to talk to, the counsellor is-“

“-Yeah, I got it. Thanks.” Percy said quickly, standing, feeling uncomfortable. Mr Riordan nodded, smiling gently.

“Take care, Percy, you may go.” He said. Percy stayed still.

“You’re not going to suspend me?” He asked. The man shook his head.
“Not today, unlike some, I think making you come to school is punishment enough.” Mr Riordan smiled warmly, amusement in his eyes. Percy just nodded and turned away, leaving quickly.

Thank fuck that was over.

…

Annabeth

“You said what?! My gods you are an idiot.” Annabeths jaw was hanging open, her expression one only of disdain as she held the icepack to his lip. Percy gently pushed her hand away, not meeting her eyes.

“And you broke his nose?” Piper asked, her voice calm as she raised an eyebrow. They were in Jasons apartment, in the living room, and Annabeth was beyond pissed off. More so at Luke than anyone else, as usual, because couldn’t anyone get a fucking break from that guy? But also at Percy and Jason, for being typical boys and so stupidly getting involved in something as silly as a school hallway fistfight. Especially after Percy had barely got his stitches out.

“Hey he deserved it! And he had Percy pinned down!” Jason had his hands up in defence.

“Oh Jason Grace I swear…” Piper shook her head, but Annabeth could see the smile creeping up her lips.
“I’m telling you he had it coming, if I had just got there a little earlier…” Piper put a finger on Jason’s lips.

“Just shut up okay? I’m not mad. In fact, I think it’s kind of… hot.” Piper grinned and Jason looked relieved.

Annabeth rolled her eyes again.

“Well I’m mad! That was reckless and idiotic and… you could’ve been suspended! Both of you!” Annabeth glared at Percy, who was looking up at her with big green eyes that she hated so much because they seemed to hypnotise the anger out of her. Honestly, she could’ve forgotten what she was mad about if she stared too long.
“And you two? Get a room! If you’re gonna be all turned on by the broken nose of Luke Castellan could you at least not do it in front of us?” Annabeth sighed, exasperated, because while she had been talking, Piper and Jason had locked lips and were currently smiling against each other like total idiots.

“You’re right Beth, sorry-“ Piper began.

“Thank-you!” Annabeth said exasperatedly.

“-We’ll get out of your way!” Piper continued, grinning cheekily and grabbing Jason’s hand, before dragging him away down the hall. Jason looked all too eager to follow her, like a goddamn puppy.

Annabeth sighed, and looked at Percy again, bringing her hand up again to ice a second bruise on his cheek.

He was staring at her, and despite her efforts, she couldn’t resist getting lost in his gaze, in the feel of his hand on her thigh.

“I’m still mad at you.” Annabeth murmured.

“I know.” Percy smiled back. There were a few moments of comfortable silence between them as Annabeth knelt on the couch next to him, holding the ice. He moved her hand away for a second time.
“You’re impossible sometimes, you know that?” Annabeth said, quite matter of factly.

“And you’re insufferable.” He replied, smile stretching into a rare grin.

Annabeth leant forward and kissed him. He kissed back. It was soft, subtle, just lips against lips. Percy tightened his hand on Annabeths thigh, and she felt her breath hitch just a little. When they broke apart, Percys eyes remained on her.
“You’re thinking something.” Percy said. Annabeth shook her head.
“No, just of you.” She kissed him again, shuffling closer and turning his head towards her with a finger on his jaw. He shook his head, parting them again.
“You are; I can tell.”

Annabeth sighed. Because he was right of course, she was thinking something, and she was trying to put it aside. But once she thought of something it was hard not to hyper fixate.

Percy was… angry. She knew that now more than ever. The small purple marks on his knuckles from hitting Luke told her that. He needed help. He needed someone who knew what they were doing. She knew he wouldn’t like it, which was why she didn’t want to say.

He looked at her with prying eyes. Annabeth shook her head.
“I don’t think now’s the time.” Annabeth murmured. Percy cocked his head and peered at her.
“Well it’s too late to back out now. Spill it.”

“I think you should reconsider therapy.” Annabeth said quietly, and she internally recoiled at Percys frustrated reaction. He closed his eyes and leant back his head, letting out a groan.
“I thought we already talked about this.” He said quietly. Annabeth shook her head, feeling guilty for pushing something he so clearly didn’t want to do. But they had only talked about it briefly once before, and he’d shut her down almost immediately. She just wanted him to see that it was for the best, that it would help and wouldn’t be so bad as it seemed. She wanted him to hear her out.

“Percy, I know that you’re fine, I know that. But it’s good for you to be able to get these feelings out, beating up people isn’t gonna make you feel better…”
“Gods, you sound like Mr Riordan.” Percy replied, rubbing at his eyes with his palms. Annabeth put aside the fact that he had just compared her with their principal.
“If you’d just give it a chance…”

“I don’t talk about feelings, Beth. And I am most definitely not talking to some stranger about my shitty step-dad, therapy is for wusses.” Percy grumbled.
“It’s not! Heaps of people go, everyday people. It’s not exclusive to anyone, it’s like… it’s like going to the gym!” Annabeth threw up her hands, not knowing how else to get him to see.

“…Therapy is like going to the gym, seriously?” Percy deadpanned, clearing fighting the urge to roll his eyes.

“Yes! Hell maybe I should go! It’s normal, everyone should be doing it.” Annabeth said, actually considering the idea.

“Maybe you should! You’re all into that ‘feelings’ crap, maybe it’d suit you, but it won’t me so leave me alone.” Percy grabbed the ice pack from the coffee table and put it up to his cheek again, glaring at her. ‘Feelings’ crap? Oh Percy was so out of line…

“You can’t just pretend you have no feelings!” Annabeth shouted, standing up, her temper rising. Percy looked up at her.
“Maybe I don’t!” He yelled, shouting back.

“Percy why the fuck won’t you listen?”
“No why won’t you listen?! I’m not fucking going, piss off.” Percy angrily set the ice pack down again and stood up, clearly too fast for his body to handle. He swayed and Annabeth jolted forwards to help him. He pushed her arms away.

“LEAVE IT. What did I just say!?” He yelled, anger flaring in his eyes, his cheeks reddening. Annabeth recoiled. He took a step, grimacing. A flash of guilt crossed his features, but the anger returned quickly. Annabeth wasn’t sure whether she imagined it. And ‘piss off’? Who the hell did he think he was talking to. Annabeth couldn’t fight the rising hurt in her throat.

There was a cough from the other side of the room, and Percy seemed to jump out of his skin. It was only Jason. Annabeth didn’t know how long he’d been standing there.

Jason froze, looking like a deer caught in headlights. He pointed to the fridge.
“Just getting a drink.” He cleared his throat awkwardly. Annabeth watched Percy watch him leave. Tension in his shoulders from being startled. Her chest ached for him. He was scared. He was paranoid. Annabeth saw him glance at the elevator door uneasily. What was he thinking? Was he afraid Gabe could show up? Annabeth realised that it must be all he thought about. His abuser was still out there. It was too bad paranoia and PTSD weren’t Annabeths specialties. It was too bad Percy was too stubborn to listen to her and consider getting help.

“You really want me to go?” Annabeth asked, her voice more shaky than she intended it to be. Was that an actual lump in her throat? Percy was just afraid, he didn’t really mean any of what he said. Did he?

“Yes, I do.” Percy said gruffly, eyes hard. They seemed to be staring right through her, to the wall behind. It felt like he wasn’t even looking.

“Fine.” Annabeth said, grabbing her jumper from its place draped over the back of the couch and holding it to her stomach, crossing her arms. She didn’t say another word as she walked away, entering the elevator and letting the door close without saying another word. Percy didn’t even move from where he was standing.

Despite the harshness of Percys words, she didn’t cry. She had no time. Because a plan was forming in her mind. A plan to help Percy and make everything better. She didn’t know if it would work, and she was damn sure he would disapprove, but she was doing it anyway. All she needed was a good night’s rest, and she’d finally get things to change. How? By taking shit into her own hands.

Chapter Text

Percy

Percy couldn’t see. Maybe that was the first thing that led him to the realisation that he was in a dream. He had his eyes wide open, and his room at Jason’s wasn’t this dark, in fact he didn’t think anywhere was this dark. He couldn’t even see his hand when he held it in front of his face. And usually, in the woken world, eyes adjusted. His eyes weren’t adjusting. Everything remained black and empty. Soundless except for the heart that beat in his ears. Somehow, he knew there was an infinity of space around him. But the pure darkness made that eternity feel awfully small. Suffocatingly small.

The silence ceased, as a distant voice began to sound. Percy couldn’t make out the words, but he knew exactly who it was. That voice had been shouting in his ears for as long as he could remember. That voice haunted his life awake, not to mention his life in his head, the one that only existed when he was asleep. He hated sleeping for this very reason. He had been trying to avoid it for a while now.

Obviously, he knew he had to sleep eventually. Nobody could survive without it. Not even Percy, who felt like he’d already survived everything. But he still put it off for as long as possible, lying in bed in exhaustion, yet not allowing himself to close his eyes. Sometimes even actively doing something to stop that slumber from pulling him in. But when he couldn’t fight it any longer. And sleep became inevitable, Percy could do nothing but watch it turn into this.

It wasn’t always complete darkness. Sometimes it was memories, or scenes created by his own mind to torture him. Sometimes it started nice, perhaps with the image of Annabeth, and then it would turn sour within seconds, whatever comfort it may have initially provided him with, ripped from his hands.

Percy heard the voice increase in volume. It was unsettling that it didn’t echo, it made the void seem even more endless. Or like Gabe was close by. Percy could feel himself being watched, the eyes boring into him as the voice continued. Shouting from far away, then whispering close to his ear. Percy flinched and stumbled away, hearing it again nearby, the voice husky and rough. It cackled nearby, laughing hoarsely like there was nothing funnier in the world than watching Percy stumble through the dark. Fear was coursing through him, the voice becoming more frequent, close by very suddenly, surrounding him, then far away, then a few steps away.

“Runt!” It barked into his ear, and Percy stumbled into a run, jogging then sprinting as the voice followed him.

The other thing about dreams; you can’t just run away. In real life, he could out run his step-father. In here? In here he was doomed. An ant under a boot. Or whatever analogy you’d rather use.

He was sprinting, running through the pitch black with no intention of slowing down. The sound of his breathing and the sound of his heartbeat didn’t drown out the voice, as he suspected. It was like they were on two different planes of reality, the voice so much more surface level than that of his body.

Something swiped out at his legs, pulling him off his feet. Immediately, he tensed himself for impact, expecting the ground to come up and meet him. The ground was gone, and Percy fell through. All sense of direction vanished as the world disappeared from beneath him.

…

Percy woke with a jump, twisted in his sheets. They were cold and wet, and Percy suddenly feared that he had pissed himself. No, it was only sweat. It dampened his face and his hair. He swiped a hand through it, holding his forehead as he waited for the shivering to stop. It didn’t. He tried levelling his breathing. In and out. In and out. Nothing was helping. Percy got out of his sheets and let his feet rest on the carpeted floor. The room in Jason’s apartment was large, big enough for him to have his own bathroom, and a floor to ceiling window. He opened the curtains, but could see nothing outside. Perhaps they were in a cloud. Sometimes, on a clear night, he could see the whole city of glittering lights. He’d grown used to the nauseating height, and even found comfort at staring at everything from above. No one could reach him up here. He was in his own little world.

Percy decided to take a shower, hot water running over him and washing away the memories of that horrid dream. They were getting more frequent. Almost every night now. Unless Annabeth was with him. When she was there, Percy dreamt little. Sometimes he’d get a few, like a slideshow through his head. But they were more memories than anything. And never very vivid. But these types of dreams? The ones where he could barely distinguish between real and false? They were the ones that had him shuddering for several minutes after, barely breathing, heart in throat.

Annabeth.

Percy had told her to piss off. Guilt clawed at his insides. He didn’t want her to piss off. It was the last thing he wanted. He wanted her to just be there, and… well Percy didn’t know what. He didn’t want to talk. He was never really good at it. Percy got out of the shower, wrapping a towel around his waist and leaning on the sink counter. He looked at his hands, then up to his reflection.

He startled, spinning around and feeling his heart thud. He thought he saw… never mind it was just a towel, hanging up on the hook by the door. The condensation on the glass made it look like… never mind.

Percy didn’t want to sit in silence with Annabeth either, if talking wasn’t on the table. He didn’t like the thought of being observed, or seen. Maybe Gabe hadn’t just cut his face. Maybe, when he was sliding that knife across his skin, he was opening a channel that allowed people to see into his thoughts. A storefront for people to see, observe, judge.

Percy fished some boxers out of a drawer and lay on a stripped bed, just the comforter beneath him. It wasn’t long until morning. All he had to do was wait now. Percy watched the window, hoping for the cloud to lift.

It never did.

…

Annabeth

“At this point in time, we have no leads, no relevant evidence, and no time. Crime doesn’t stop in this city miss, sometimes cases aren’t closed.”

“So you’re saying it’s gone cold? You’re just giving up? This man attempted murder! For years he abused a child- a child!”

“-Miss, I’m aware of what he’s done. But without any new leads…”

“You’re saying all you need is more evidence?”

“Well, yes, but you can’t seriously be thinking-“

“I’ve got to go.”

“Please, be careful, don’t go sticking your head where it doesn’t belong. This guy is dangerous- miss? Miss?”

Annabeth arrived at Percys old apartment building within ten minutes. The thing about seeking out a criminal, is you have to know how they think. She’d read enough true crime in her middle school years to know that much. Annabeth didn’t think there was a better place to start than that criminals previous home. Someone’s house was their life, their habits, a reflection of their feelings. It was her best bet.

She didn’t have her hopes high. How could she expect to be able to find something that the cities detectives couldn’t? But she had to start somewhere, so Annabeth used the key she stole from Percy, and went inside. Guilt free, for the most part, because this was helping him. Everything she did was to make him feel better. And make up for the shit she said, the pressure she put on him, the lack of understanding. Annabeth knew better than to tell Percy about her plans, he’d freak if he knew she was even here.

Annabeth observed her surroundings. It was Percys apartment now, the city put it under his name when Gabes warrant for his arrest was released. Percy had made it clear he wanted nothing to do with the place, and immediately pulled out of their lease. But it was his until the end of the month, so this was really Annabeths last chance to look around before the landlords rented it to someone else. Everything was still inside, the mess made by that night remaining like a moment preserved in time.

To say it made Annabeth uneasy was an understatement.

She wandered through, checked everything, every draw. She turned Gabes old room over, hoping to find some kind of clue. But all she found was a card that promoted some Atlantic city casino. It was a start, but not a very promising one.

After another half hour, Annabeth had found nothing more, and stood in the middle of the living room, sighing.

“Where are you?” She muttered to herself, thinking hard. She left the apartment and walked back to her car. Just as she was about to unlock it, she thought of something. Would someone like Gabe have had somewhere he visited frequently? He couldn’t have always been home. Did he have a job? Annabeth decided to take a walk. Maybe she’d find a local bar, or diner. People around must’ve known him. Maybe someone else would have some idea of where he was. Maybe the people he hung out with would prefer to talk to her than the cops. Annabeth figured half the people on this side of town must have committed some sort of crime.

It didn’t take long to find the local bar. It was only a few blocks over, and Annabeth could hear the muffled music coming from inside. She took a deep breath and entered, anxiously clenching and unclenching her fists. It wasn’t empty. There was a man behind the bar, pouring a beer. He glanced up as she entered, and raised an eyebrow, but didn’t say anything. There were several other men scattered across the place. One was sat at the bar alone, a big burly man with a single earring. He looked the most trashy out of her options, so Annabeth sat a seat away from him. He looked up briefly, but his gaze didn’t linger long.

“Do you know Gabe Ugliano?” Annabeth asked, getting to the point quickly and getting the big guys attention. Her skin was prickling, and she had already decided this was a bad idea, but it was too late now that she had opened her mouth. The man glanced at her, almost boredly, and made a so-so gesture with his glass in hand.

“I need to find him, do you know where he is?” Annabeth persisted, trying not to be put out by the guys silence, and the stares of a few others in the bar.

“You’re a bit young to be a pig now aren’t you?” The man said gruffly. Annabeth shook her head.
“I’m not a cop.” She said. This seemed to get the guys attention.

“Not a cop eh?” He asked, seeming intrigued. He leant forward in his seat towards her. Annabeth could smell the alcohol on his breath. She shook her head again.

“Then why would you want to find Gabe eh? Cause if he owes you somefin, you betta get in line.” He turned back towards the bar, and gestured for a refill. The bar man obliged.

“He doesn’t owe me anything. I just have a few questions.” Annabeth said. The guy laughed, a horsy, grating sound. Annabeth flinched as the man slapped the counter.

“Questions? What can someone do w’questions? Go to a library, school girl.” The man sucked his teeth and sniffed, taking a gulp of his cup.

“Do you know where he is or not?” Annabeth asked, annoyed, but not willing to show it in fear of pissing him off. The man just shook his head.

“Nah.” Was all he replied with. Clearly, he had nothing more to say, and Annabeth sighed. What was she supposed to do now? How could she find Gabe if even the locals whom he owed money to couldn’t find him? Suddenly someone cleared their throat nearby her, and Annabeth looked up to see the bar tender. He looked at her questioningly, and Annabeth rose to her feet.

“Sorry, I’m not staying.” She muttered, but the man shook his head, and slid a piece of paper across the bar counter discreetly.

“You should really buy something.” He muttered. Annabeth was still. She glanced between the paper and the bar man, wondering if it was a trap or something. She wouldn’t trust any of these people. Annabeth sat down again, trying to ignore the stares she could feel burning her back, and the prickle of her exposed skin on her arms. She wasn’t wearing anything particularly revealing, but she didn’t doubt she’d feel vulnerable here no matter what she wore. She was glad for the comfort the pocket knife in her pocket gave her.

“A cola please.” She murmured, and the bar man nodded. After a few glances around and glares shot at starers, Annabeth opened the note. It was an address, somewhere on the other side of town. Finally, Annabeth had a trickle of hope and anticipation.

The bar tender paid her no more attention, and Annabeth was left with her mind racing. Was she supposed to tell the cops? Or go herself?

Either way, it was nearing late-afternoon, and the last thing she wanted was to rush into something with no plan or further thought. She only had a few hours after all, and the bar was making her very wary of being alone. Annabeth wondered if she should tell Percy. No, of course not. He wasn’t in the right place to be investigating his step-father. Annabeth couldn’t imagine dragging him into this. Gabe needed to be handled quickly and without Percys knowledge, if he knew things were up in the air, it would only further stress him out. Annabeth wasn’t ignorant to the things that plagued his mind, the paranoia. She wasn’t about to help that fear fester, she was going to handle it. Oh, she was so going to handle it. Honestly, it took quite a bit of self-restraint to not rush out of that bar with no plan and sort Gabe out once and for all. Her knuckles were practically itching to punch that sucker in the face, and it might not have been like Annabeth to be violent, but it was true that atmosphere had every ability to alter ones perspective; and the atmosphere of the bar wasn’t exactly warm and welcoming.  

She downed her cup and left the bar, skin prickling as multiple eyes followed her out. She was glad to be out in fresh air. Disgusting. As Annabeth walked back to her car, a plan began to form in her mind. Perhaps she’d go to the address, just to scope it out. The last thing she wanted was to have this chance at closing this case (the case the cops had seemed to abandon, mind you) and have it slip through her fingers. What if Gabe was there now? What if he didn’t stay long? Her plan was shot down the moment her phone buzzed.

…

Percy

Percy didn’t want to do this anymore. He didn’t want to do any of it. Everything was just so… hard. All the time. He was sick of it. He was sick of everything, the nightmares, the constant fear, the scars that remained on his skin. He was sick of his hip bugging him, the cast restricting his arm, the stares he received. He wanted things to be okay, but it seemed like things weren’t ever going to be okay, so why bother? Why was he still trying? Why did he still think he could ever actually escape Gabe? Oh, he just wanted it to be over. He wanted the ground to swallow him whole, or to fall into a dreamless sleep and never wake.

Why the fuck was he doing this? Percy changed his goddam mind.

He didn’t want to do this anymore. Nope. No thanks.

All Percy could feel was an intense unease, and he hadn’t even gotten out of the car yet.

When he had texted Annabeth, telling her he thought he might want to give the therapy thing a try, he hadn’t been one hundred percent sure. The text was more of an ‘on impulse’ thing. But now here he was, regretting it immensely, and feeling like he couldn’t back out. They’d made a whole appointment after all, they’d scheduled a time. Annabeth said most were fully booked, but she’d made arrangements a while ago to get him a session at a moment’s notice. She knew him so well, to know he’d come around, and that if he were given time to overthink it, he’d back out in a heartbeat. But with a person in there waiting, expecting him, it was a little harder to just run away.

Nope. No it wasn’t. Screw this. Percy was going home.
“Let’s go.” He said weakly, and Annabeth didn’t move a muscle. She was scrolling on her phone, and had been for the past twenty minutes while he had been debating with himself.

“We’re late anyways, she probably has another appointment.” Percy buckled himself back in. Annabeth just shook her head, not looking away from her phone. Why was she staring at google earth anyway? Percy didn’t think looking around random street views was that interesting, but maybe she’d reached such a point of boredom with his indecisive behaviour.

“Actually, we’re still ten minutes early,” She looked up at him then, “You think I didn’t anticipate this second guessing of yours?” She raised an eyebrow, and Percy sank down in his seat. Oh, she knew him so well. It was annoying.

“Oh. Great.” Percy mumbled, closing his eyes. It didn’t take him long to open them again and begin talking. 

“Why can’t I just talk to you? Why do I have to spill my guts to some… some stranger?” Percy felt exasperated. He couldn’t just open up to some random person he’d never met, no matter how many times they ensured their confidentiality. No matter how qualified they were. In his mind, people who made a living out of hearing other people complain were just paid pushovers. They couldn’t help him. They couldn’t fix him. They couldn’t undo what had been fucked up inside of him. They were people, just like him, with their own problems, their own lives. They couldn’t just change the way Percy thought about himself and his life, and Percy didn’t trust anyone that thought they could.

Annabeth set down her phone.
“You can talk to me. But you don’t, we’ve talked about this.”

“I can start? I had a dream last night, it was weird and dark…see? I can talk to you!” Percy could feel his heartbeat rising, he was feeling panicky. He didn’t want to go. Please.

“A dream?” Annabeth looked worried for a second, before shaking her head.

“Even if you did start talking to me, I’d have no idea what to ask, or how to help… Perce, these people are trained, once you get used to it, you’ll feel so much better, I promise.” Annabeth tilted her head to the side as Percy remained silent.

“I feel fine.” He mumbled. It was one of the most blatant lies he’d ever told. Those few words had been thrown about like they meant nothing for years of Percys life. I feel fine I feel fine I feel fine. Did he ever feel fine? Did he feel fine then? No. No he didn’t.

Percy got out of the car.

“Do you want me to walk you?” Annabeth asked through the open door.