Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Annabeth saw him.

It’s been years but she could still recognize those green eyes anywhere. They’re still as beautiful and charming as ever and that jet black hair that seemed too untamed like the vast sea.

With a tight chest, she slowly inched closer to him. Her whole body trembled at the thought that she had finally found him. She had always believed he’d be back. He’d always be back. He promised after all.

She stopped in front of him and she noticed his smile was still the same, if not more captivating than what she remembered. Probably years of being apart had somehow multiplied the feelings she had for him and everything about him.

“Hi?”

Annabeth’s heart stopped. His voice was different. It’s deeper than she last heard.

“H-Hi” Annabeth swallowed.

A million questions crammed in her mind.

How are you?

Where have you been?

Are you okay?

Why didn’t you come back?

Did you miss me? Did you miss us?

What are you doing here?

I miss you

I think I still love you

Annabeth didn’t know what to ask or say first nor was she able to formulate any sentence. It was like the words were stuck in her throat and all she could utter was the name she was holding dearly for years. The name she was hoping she would be able to call again.

“Percy?” She said, her voice was barely there but the expectation was obvious.

The next thing he said basically crushed every question and expectations she had.

“Oh,” He said, tilting his head and pointing at his name tag. “Peter, actually. Not Percy.”

Annabeth’s face fell.

“Annabeth!” Grover limped over, his crutches practically bouncing over with how fast he was going.

Annabeth looked over her book “Grover, you’re going to trip yourself.”

“Nevermind about that!”

Annabeth raised her eyebrow at him. Grover grabbed a chair and pushed it on her table.

“I met the new student!” He said with a grin

“New student?” Annabeth said “This time of the year?”

“Yeah, I don’t know the whole story but I heard he was expelled from his old school”

“Great. Why do troublemakers always find our school?” Annabeth spared a glance at Clarisse’s direction, who was busy throwing crumpled papers at other students. (Technically, she was throwing them at Chris but he was dodging them)

“You know, I don’t think—” Grover started but the school bell rang.

Their homeroom teacher, Mr. Chiron Brunner, walked in with a scrawny looking boy behind him, clutching his backpack like his life depended on it. His sea green eyes were fixed on the floor and his thick jet black hair pointed everywhere.

“That’s him!” Grover excitedly whispered to her before going back to his seat.

There were murmurs amongst the other students. Some nice, some straight up judgemental and Annabeth swears she heard Clarisse say she’s going to test the newbie.

“Settle down,” Mr. Brunner said.

When all the other students have taken their seats, he placed a hand on the boy’s back and urged him forward.

“As you all can see, we have a new student!” Mr. Brunner said. He turned to the boy who looked really uncomfortable being in the spotlight “Percy, would you introduce yourself?”

The boy gave a very forced smile and waved “Hi, I’m Percy Jackson” and said nothing more.

There was a moment of silence

“That’s it?” Clarisse said

Percy shrugged “Yeah. That’s it”

Some of the other students snickered. Annabeth just shook her head. With the way Clarisse narrowed his eyes at him, Annabeth could already tell Percy was going to be her new target of bullying. She just hoped they wouldn’t drag the whole class in it. Better avoid him for now—

“Annabeth,” Mr. Brunner’s voice snapped her out of her thoughts

“Yes, sir?”

“I’ll be assigning you as Percy’s school guide. Show him around and try to get him accustomed to class”

…Great. Just great.

Annabeth found Percy…annoying. To say the least.

During their break, Annabeth gave him a tour around the campus. It wasn’t a big school, seeing that they’re practically on the remote side of Long Island. But that didn’t make it easier for her. It was like Percy wasn’t interested in anything. Still, Annabeth tried her best to show him around and tell him what area was which and what leads to where. Percy would nod along but he clearly wasn’t listening for the most part nor even looking at what she was showing him. His eyes kept darting all over the place.

When she asked him Do you remember the way back to class?, he would reply with “Uh-huh”.
When she asked him Do you need any more help?, he would absentmindedly reply “Yeah, okay”.
When she told him, there are clubs open for registration for transferees like him, he just gave her a thumbs up. That really annoyed Annabeth.

She asked a bunch more questions and said a lot of information that she knows he’ll definitely need but all she got were short and vague responses.

Still, she tried to be civil.

Last straw for her patient twelve year old self was when she tried to make small talk by asking Where are you from?

“Uh, just here and there” Percy replied, shrugging and looking around. Did he really expect her to know where here and there was? He still got a deathly grip on his backpack like he was about to make trouble and then run for it.

Annabeth could feel herself boiling over. Not only did she put up with his attitude when he’s clearly uninterested, she had to waste this time showing him around instead of reading the book she planned on finishing by the end of the day.

“You know, I’ve been trying to help you since you’re new here but if you’re not listening, let’s end this here. I don’t really want to waste time” Annabeth said.

For the first time, Percy directly looked at her. She wanted to scoff at how stunned he looked. Before Percy could say anything, Annabeth turned away. Leaving him standing in the hallway.

He’s definitely someone she didn't want to associate further.

Percy didn’t mean to waste her time. He was just not in the right headspace with how things turned for the past months. And most girls generally made him uncomfortable so being told the fiercest, competitive looking girl with princess-like blonde hair was going to show him around, well, let’s just say, he instantly wanted to just hole up in a corner somewhere. It didn’t help that her eyes were gray and stormy and extra intimidating whenever she looked in his direction.

Annabeth would ask him something and more often than not, they didn’t register to him right away. He just blurted out a response he hoped was appropriate.

Apparently they were not because Annabeth looked annoyed. Not the kind of annoyed expression he saw with his old bullies from his previous school but like someone who was actually just annoyed. It’s difficult to explain but Percy could tell the difference.

He stood in the hallway, staring at her back as she walked away. For his first day, he already messed up. Percy wondered how many more mistakes he will make in this new school and how long before they’d kick him out too.

“She’s not angry at you, don’t worry”

Percy flinched, internally spluttering when another boy’s voice came behind him. He recognized him as that guy he accidentally bumped into before the class started. He wasn’t able to get his name but Percy was sure he was also in the same class as him.

“Sorry!” The boy nervously grinned “I thought you heard me with how loud I always walk…or limp”

He stomped one of his crutches to prove a point.

“It’s okay” Percy said, giving him a reluctant smile “I zoned out”

“I’m Grover Underwood, by the way” Grover tucked his crutch on his armpit and held out a hand “Thank you for your help earlier”

“Percy Jackson” He said, shaking Grover’s hand “It’s no problem. It’s my fault for not looking where I was walking anyway”

Percy glanced at the direction the blonde girl had been. He felt bad remembering her words but Grover patted his shoulder.

“That’s Annabeth. Annabeth Chase.” Grover said, following his gaze “She’s not usually that rigid” He paused “Or maybe she is…but not that much. She was just excited to read her new book today and um…”

“I came” Percy finished

“Technically yes but” Grover chewed his lips “One thing you got to know about Annabeth is that she really doesn’t like it when things don’t go according to her plans. That doesn’t mean she automatically doesn’t like you, you know”

“It’s fine. I’m used to being that person” Percy nonchalantly shrugged. He was used to it but that didn’t mean he’s okay with it.

Grover looked at him confused. “That person?”

“Like the type people can’t stand to be around”

“I’m sure that’s not true”

Percy tried to see if Grover was lying but something in his gut tells him that the other boy was being genuine.

“If it’s alright with you, can I join you for lunch?” Grover said

“Huh? Why—” Would you want to join me? Percy wanted to ask. He stopped himself because maybe, just maybe, he was holding out hope that Grover could be his friend. He’s never had one before.

Grover’s ears turned red. “Um, I usually eat with Annabeth but she doesn’t really want anyone bothering her when she’s reading or studying and I’m kind of…talkative. Plus you seemed like a good person”

Good person…First time anyone's said that about him. It kinda caught him off guard.

“Oh,” Percy smiled, “I don’t mind”

“Great! Don’t worry, I’ll continue what Annabeth started and show around” He grinned

Percy didn’t bother saying no need. He already found a couple of places that he’d definitely be staying to be away from other students but he didn’t have the heart to refuse Grover. The guy was smiling brightly and despite his limp, Percy could see the excitement in his steps.

Grover was fun to be around.

He liked the same thing he liked, except maybe when it came to food. Grover was a vegetarian while Percy loved meat lover’s pizza and blue food.

“Why blue?” Grover asked

“Something my mom and I bond over” Percy said “What turned you vegetarian?”

“I guess I just love my veggies. And I saw a video of a slaughterhouse…” Grover shuddered at the memory.

“Oh” Percy lowered his fork with a piece of sausage in it. He suddenly felt awkward eating meat in front of Grover

“Don’t worry! I don’t force people to be the same” He said, probably sensing Percy’s discomfort.

Percy was about to say something when he caught the blonde—Annabeth entered the school cafeteria in the corner of his eyes. He couldn’t quite see her face since she was still buried deep in her book. All he could see was her hair tied in a high ponytail, swaying back and forth as she walked by and her eyebrows furrowed deeply in concentration. He wondered how she could even walk while reading.

He wanted to apologize for the way he behaved before.

Percy gave Grover an apologetic glance and when the other boy noticed what he was trying to do, he gave him a smile that Percy read as Go ahead. Percy stood up, about to walk over and talk to her.

However, his nerves got the better of him when Annabeth sat down in front of another girl. Older, with short black hair, wearing a leather jacket and obnoxiously chewing gum. She stared at Percy as if deciding whether to chain him to her hypothetical motorbike and ride to sunset or throw him off to a pack of hyenas. Either way, Percy sank back down to his chair and just picked at his food.

“Geez, Thalia” Grover muttered under his breath.

Percy noticed he was looking at the girl and shaking his head. “You know her too?”

“Thalia Grace. Don’t mind her. Despite her appearance, she’s actually a softie.” Grover said, a little proud. Then he frowned “But don’t tell her I said that. She hates being told she’s soft or kind or other compliments”

“She’s still glaring at me” Percy said, risking a brief glance at the girl’s table “Why?”

“She’s one of Annabeth and my best friends. There’s also Luke but he graduated last year so we only see him after school” Grover said “She’s, um, kind of overprotective of me and Annabeth. I usually sit with them during break. If she’s glaring at you, that’s my fault.”

“I–I don’t actually mind sitting alone, you know” Percy fidgeted under the table. “I didn’t mean for you to sit apart from your friends”

“Hey, it’s cool, I’m sitting here because I want to. Not because you’re forcing me.”

“Then can you atleast tell her to stop sending death glares in my direction?”

Grover chuckled.

Percy thought about how…unique their friend group was. One was a herbivore with crutches, one was a bibliophile princess and one looked like a rebel. Grover said they have another friend, Luke. Percy wondered what he looked like. He imagined a random guy wearing Darth Vader’s helmet and a t-shirt that says “Luke, I am your father. I AM Luke”.

Just when Percy thought things couldn't get any worse, he made a fool out of himself and possibly gained an enemy or…three.

It's the end of the day and Percy was anxious. He really didn't want to end his first day at his new school with a misunderstanding.

He had noticed Annabeth during class and she definitely was the student every teacher liked. Smart, focused and involved in almost everything school related. Percy tried to find a good time to approach her but she was either helping out others or burying herself in this big book that has a picture of a building. How she found that interesting, Percy has no idea.

He wasn't comfortable talking to her when others were around but if he went to her while she's reading, she looked rather murderous at anyone who disturbed her. She had actually thrown a pencil case at Grover for trying, which the other boy nimbly dodged.

The longer he waited the more impatient he became. That was why he was grateful when classes ended. Surely this meant Annabeth was free to talk to now, right? WRONG!

As soon as classes ended, Annabeth went with a crowd of students before he could even stand up from his seat. And when he thought he found a chance, she vanished from his sight. It’s like she’s got some kind of invisibility item with her.

“If you’re looking for Annabeth—” Grover said behind him and Percy jumped again.

“Man, you gotta stop doing that!” Percy grumbled but Grover just sheepishly grinned an apology “You know where she is?”

“School fountain” Grover continued “We usually wait for Luke there. He picks us up.”

“Oh, okay” Good. At least he could stop this ridiculous hide and seek.

When Percy, accompanied by Grover, arrived by the school fountain(which looked like a smaller Trevi Fountain but the statues were kids and animals), he found Annabeth sitting on the other side, flipping pages of her big book.

It’s a weird thing to get eager about but Percy just wanted to get it over with. So he sprinted to her. His backpack jiggled on his back as he waved and called out her name.

“Annabeth!” Percy yelled. Annabeth turned in his direction. At least she didn’t look annoyed with him now. Emphasis on now.

As he got within an arm’s reach of her, a foot stuck out in front of him, causing Percy to trip and… well, push Annabeth into the fountain when he instinctively reached for support. It was a total accident but his eyes widened in fear when he saw her drenched. Head to toe, bag and book and all.

Percy sharply turned to see whose foot it was and saw Clara? Claritine? snickering at him.

“Clarisse!” Grover yelled “What did you do?!”

“It’s not my fault your new friend is clumsy, goat boy!” Clarisse laughed

In his previous school, Percy would have tried to retaliate at Clarisse but horror settled in his bones as Annabeth started frantically screaming “No, no, no, no, NO!”

“Anna—” He tried

“Oh gods, the book” Annabeth cried.

She was soaking wet but Percy swore there were tears in her eyes. She was shaking. Grover approached her. He seemed genuinely concerned.

“Grover,” Her voice trembled “oh gods, my dad’s going to kill me! He didn’t even know I have this” She sobbed “What am I going to do?”

Grover tried to calm her down but she was extremely troubled. “W-We can have it cleaned. Dried or–or try to have it restored”

Annabeth’s lower lip trembled “He’ll notice. He’ll definitely notice. I’m going to be in so much trouble”

“Um,” Percy said. Maybe because he was constantly in trouble that he didn’t see the big deal of having a book wet. He’s more concerned by the fact that she’s still in the fountain and her bag was floating in the water. “I’m sorry, If you want I can tell your dad it’s all my fault”

Annabeth glared at him and he flinched. Then the short haired girl from earlier, Thalia, arrived. Clarisse chose this time to silently slip away but Percy definitely noticed her. Thalia’s presence must’ve intimidated her.

“Annabeth, what the hell happened?!” Thalia screeched.

“Thalia, it’s not—” Grover said

Annabeth ignored them both. Instead, she walked towards Percy and sharply jabbed a finger in his chest. “My dad doesn’t know I have this! I was planning on returning this before he even noticed and now, because of you, he’s definitely going to get mad at me!”

“What?” Thalia glared at him too “You did this?”

“Let’s all just calm down—” Grover said

“I’m sorry—” Percy tried to apologize again but the fresh, angry tears in her gray eyes told him it was better if he shut up.

“Do me a favor,” Annabeth snapped, furiously wiping her tears. Percy, for a miniscule of a second, thought that was a positive sign. Then she said “Stay away from me!”

With that, Annabeth grabbed her bag and made her way out of the fountain. She pushed past them and walked away. Grover followed her but Thalia hovered near him for a bit. Percy thought she was going to sock him.

“You better make this the last time you mess with her or else” Thalia scowled at him before walking away too.

For a while, Percy stood there feeling awful. First day of his new school and he already had a bully, two people who hated him and the one classmate he thought could be his friend, might not even want to be in the foreseeable future.

Why did this always happen to him?

Percy belly flopped in his bed.

He buried his face on his pillow and groaned at how disastrous his day was.

So much for new life in a new place.

“Percy?” His mom poked her head on his bedroom door “Everything alright?”

No but without looking up, he answered “Yeah”

He heard his door creak and his bed dip. Sally sat beside him and he felt her hand on his hair. He lifted his head up in her direction and his mom’s expression says that she already knew something was wrong even if he lied but she’s not going to push it if he didn’t want to.

Percy sighed “I screwed up…” He rested his head back on the pillow. “again”

“Want to tell me what happened?” His mom’s voice was as soothing as ever

“I made a girl cry. I pushed her to the fountain” Percy said

“Percy…” Sally said

“It was an accident, mom, I swear” Percy sat up “I tripped because…” of Clarisse. But he stopped himself. His mom already has enough things to worry about and him getting picked on should not be one of them. “I-I didn’t see where I was going. Anyway, I apologized but she’s extremely mad at me and so are her friends. I–I don’t think I’m going to last in this school. It’s my first day and people already hate me.”

“Percy, hate is a strong word” His mom’s voice turned a little stern “You can try again tomorrow. Just give them time. I always told you, the bright days will come. It's just a tiny storm.”

Percy fiddled with the fabric of his pillow case. “I don’t know what to do, mom. It took us a lot of effort to be where we are now. I-I don’t want to mess things up for us again”

“You did not mess anything up, Percy” Sally kissed his forehead “We’re just riding our own flow. They usually tell us where we should be, don’t they? And if here isn't where we're supposed to be, we can always do something about it then.”

Percy nodded. His mom was like a sage. Full of little encouragement like that. “I want to do something. I kinda ruined something important to her. I want to at least show her how sorry I am. That I didn't mean it.”

“Okay,” His mom nodded “How about we bake cookies? An apology with a little effort is always a nice gesture.”

“Yeah—” a little effort. A lightbulb lit up in his head. “Yeah, um, mom, before that, can I go out for a bit?”

Percy abruptly stood up, much to his mom's confusion.

“Where are you going?” Sally asked

Percy grabbed his wallet and keys then walked to the door. Before he went out, he turned to his mom and smiled “Making an effort!”