Hi! This is FandomQueen713 with another story! I swear, at random moments, I'll decide to write a bunch and update everything, and then weeks will go by without me doing anything. XD
Whatever, I don't need you all judging me XD. I am here with a new Percabeth Mortal AU. This will alternate between Annabeth and Percy's POV. Rated T for some language and abuse.
Enjoy!
Disclaimer: Even I'm not stupid enough to claim that I own any of these characters...
Annabeth's POV
It's not easy being the forgotten one. Annabeth Chase had always been cast aside, overlooked. Her mom, Minerva Pallas had left her as a baby, leaving Annabeth with Annabeth's dad, Frederick Chase. But he had never wanted her.
Within two years, Frederick had remarried and within 7 years, became a father of two twins. Annabeth hated her five year younger stepbrothers. Susan Chase, Annabeth's stepmom, and Frederick had completely ignored Annabeth, putting all the attention on the twins. And unlike it is with many older siblings, it wasn't just a phase.
Annabeth grew up independently, hating the idea of love and family, because of how unloved and rejected she was. She had never experienced a time in her life when she was needed or cared about by her family. Minerva Pallas became a multimillionaire architect, and owned several companies. From time to time, Minerva had talked to Annabeth, a phone call every three years or so..
But it wasn't enough for a child- a child needed so much more love, help, and support.
When Annabeth was 8, she had learned to close herself off from everyone; why should she want love, when love was the thing that tore everything apart, the thing that drove a wedge between Annabeth and everything else. Or more, the lack of it.
When Annabeth was 10, she found who she thought was her lifelong best friend- Thalia Grace. She was rebellious, yet Thalia seemed to accept Annabeth., especially considering both had family issues. They had a mutual understanding that neither should ask the other about family.
And it was enough for five years. Thalia made friends with others, threw parties, and caused lots of trouble, but always allowed Annabeth into everything that happened. Annabeth became invested in her studies and track, determined to prove to herself that she was something of worth, someone who could be great.
Yet when Annabeth became 17, Thalia had rose up into popularity, while Annabeth had sunk lower- she was unnoticed, rejected.
That is, until Percy Jackson.
Percy's POV
Percy Jackson seemed to be a carefree, happy guy. He was the star of the swim team, one of the most popular guys, and always cared about everyone. He shared laughter with nearly everyone he came across. Percy always made sure that all his friends and classmates saw him almost always relaxed and positive.
Yet on the inside, Percy thought of himself as broken. On the inside, Percy wanted to kill himself, wanted to end his life to stop the pain.
Percy was abused. Gabe Ugliano had married Sally Jackson, Percy's mom, when he was 10. And since the age of 12, when Sally Jackson had died, Percy had been abused by him. Scars covered Percy's back and a bit of his upper arms at the worst injuries. The ones where Gabe threw the glass bottle at him, or when he had been beat nearly unconscious by the belt.
Percy hid his inner pain well, and feigned clumsiness a lot, so none of his friends would ever suspect his secret. It was a strategy that worked on the outside.
But on the inside, Percy felt like he was dead. Some nights, Percy had to cry himself to sleep. Not because of the pain- he barely felt pain anymore, but because of the fear.
It's a strange feeling, to be afraid of going home, afraid to be looked at, for fear that you would become even more shattered.
So, Percy wasn't exactly the happiest guy. He had been through more than most seventeen year olds his age. It didn't affect him too much. Percy just had to learn to close off the side of him that had the sadness, depression, and the anger.
Few saw it. Percy's closest friends, Luke, Jason, and Grover, knew nothing of it. Not even Thalia, Luke's girlfriend, Jason's one year older sister, and Percy's cousin, could see anything was wrong with him. But some days, when Gabe was out 'working', Percy stood at the rickety kitchen, wondering if today was the day he would take the knife and end it. End everything.
The only thing that stopped him was the fact that in one year, Percy could move out and leave this life he called torture. He could use his rights as an adult and start a new life, leaving his past life behind him. Sure, his friends were amazing, but they would never want to deal with him if they knew about Percy's backstory.
Percy had everything planned out. Wait until he became 18, move out, and start over. Heal his broken self with time.
But sometimes, plans don't always end up working the way you think...
Annabeth's POV
Annabeth was used to being ignored. She rarely said much in classes, even though she knew all the answers, and was placed in AP classes, determined to get into a good college and prove everyone wrong. At lunch, she sat alone, back against a wall. And at home, well, at home her dad and stepmom rarely even noticed if she was around or not.
But the one time she didn't seem to fade into the background was at track meets. Annabeth was an incredibly fast runner, and she enjoyed running; it was nice to feel like she was choosing to leave everyone, rather than the other way around.
One day, Annabeth was stretching for a practice, when Perseus Jackson approached her. He was probably just here to support Jason's girlfriend, Piper.
"Hey, its Annabeth, right?" Percy asked, grinning down at her.
Annabeth straightened up and looked at him disinterestedly. "If you're here to do your 'I'm a nice guy' act, maybe you'll have better luck if you leave and find some other victim." She finished sarcastically.
To her surprise, he laughed. "Well then, I have made it my personal goal to have you lighten up, Annabeth. But I was just going to ask if Piper and Jason are here yet." He smirked at her, and for the first time, Annabeth felt like blushing.
"Whatever, and they should be behind the bleachers, making out behind the stands."
Percy snorted. "Who would've ever thought that Jason would do something like that?"
Annabeth gave a shrug, unsure why he was talking to her. "No one, but we all know Piper would. Even knowing that Coach Hedge would kill him if he finds out."Annabeth added, gesturing towards the track coach. Hedge thought that even a kiss would lead to sexual things, and was very... against most PDA.
Percy rolled his eyes. "Trust me, I know. He's the swim coach too, and you should've seen how much he freaked out when Luke pecked Thals for luck before the competition." Annabeth tried to keep a blank face at his words. Thalia and Annabeth had grown apart, and hadn't really done much since.
A whistle was suddenly sharply blown by Coach Hedge and Annabeth started to hear over. A warm hand clasped hers, handed over a ship of paper.
Percy spoke. "Here's my number."
Annabeth was startled, but kept a calm tone. "Not interested."
Percy gave another laugh, and Annabeth was confused. Was he laughing at her confusion? "Just because you're a pretty girl doesn't mean I'm asking you out. Did you already forget about my offer of making you my 'victim'?" Annabeth felt herself start to redden, so she turned away, jogging towards Coach Hedge. She chanced a glance at the paper, and did her best to memorize those numbers. She had never met someone who could leave her to end up blushing, someone who could actually outwit her. And why did Annabeth ever think Percy was asking her out? Annabeth was just that outsider, the random unknown girl, and Percy was a popular outgoing guy who was loved by everyone. There were even girls at the school who constantly threw themselves at him- Calypso Atlas, Rachel Dare, and their crew of girls.
There was no reason for Percy to like her.
But why did Annabeth's heart start to flutter at the thought of him?
Percy's POV
Percy had no idea why he had talked with Annabeth. He had noticed her stretching, aside from all the other girls, and her blonde hair was pulled back into a ponytail. Her gray eyes seemed to hold a fire within, so it wasn't surprising that she had so much sarcasm. Percy sat down in the bleachers next to Jason, watching Annabeth. He had thought he would regret agreeing to drive Jason here, but maybe something good had come from it. After all, Annabeth seemed cool enough. She seemed to understand that life was just a series of sadness. And Percy couldn't deny that her gorgeous blonde hair and long legs were distracting. No! Forget it! Percy told himself. There was no point thinking of things like that when he would have to leave this life behind in a year.
Annabeth sprinted past Piper in the last few seconds, over passing all her teammates as she crossed the finish line. Coach Hedge recorded her time, and then talked with her. Jason grinned at Piper, who was retying her brown hair into a braid. Percy stared at Annabeth as she nodded, then left to get her stuff and leave. Annabeth came out of the locker room, and started talking to Piper worriedly. Piper beckoned Percy and Jason to come.
"Perce, is it ok if Annabeth catches a ride with us? Her parents aren't able to get her and she doesn't have her car?" Piper looked towards Annabeth for confirmation, and after the blonde nodded, Piper looked towards Percy.
"Yeah, definitely. Come on, let's go."
The four left, and Piper and Jason instantly called the back seats, throwing this stuff into them back of the worn out car. Percy bit his lip.
"I know it's probably no where near as good of a car as you have, but it works great, and my..family can't afford a better one." Translation: Percy had to earn the money for this second hand car from their neighbor because Gabe certainly wouldn't get one for him. Annabeth shrugged.
"Well, it's better than my car: mainly because I don't have one. I use my dad's usually, but
he needed it today.." Annabeth avoided his questioning glance at her lie and she got in the car.
Percy, after a moment of hesitation, joined her, starting up the engine.
Annabeth was certainly different. But Percy liked that.
"Really, Piper? Already trying to swallow poor Jason? I thought you want him to survive long enough for you two to finally have-" Annabeth's joking response got cut off by Piper's punch in the arm, and Annabeth laughed. "Hey, you're the one who kept going on and on about how big you thought his-" Annabeth got punched harder this time, and she quieted. Percy looked in the mirror to see both Jason and Piper red with embarrassment, and then gave a quick glance to Annabeth who was smirking.
Yep, he definitely liked her. As a friend of course. But how had he never really noticed her before today?
Annabeth's POV
Annabeth pretended not to notice Percy's gaze at her. After dropping Piper and Jason off, Percy blushed. "Oh, I forgot to ask where to drop you off."
Annabeth hid a smile. "It's on Athens Lane. Just take a left in-"
Percy interrupted her. "Oh, I know where that is. You live by Luke Castellan, right?" Annabeth felt herself redden. Before Thalia and Luke started dating, she had had a small crush on Luke because he had been one of the few people to actually notice her. Within the last two years though, Thalia had slowly became closer to Luke than Annabeth, until the two were dating. She now felt a little pang in her heart every time she saw the two of them.
Percy noticed her silence, and swerved the cat into a parking lot. "Annabeth, what ever happened with you and Thals? I know that a year back at our family get together, you two were still supposedly really close and Thalia wouldn't stop talking about you. But this year she hasn't even mentioned you." Annabeth shrugged, acting indifferent.
Percy sighed. "Annabeth, my deal was to help you lighten up. The only way that can happen is if you talk to me. "
Annabeth stayed quiet, staring at the road. She could probably walk to her house from here, and sooner or later he'd forget about her. Everyone always did.
Percy let out another sigh, before starting up the engine. "Look, I'm not forcing you to tell me anything, but I know what it's like to go through something hard. That's pretty much been my whole life," Percy added angrily. "Look, just call me. It's not a good feeling to be alone with your problems... trust me." They reached her neighborhood, and Annabeth felt shocked. Percy had gone through something bad? It probably wasn't anywhere near as bad as her issue with being forgotten, but still; it was surprising to think Percy Jackson ever went through anything hard in his life. He was one of the most outgoing people in their school.
Annabeth got out, gave a quick thanks, and entered her house. No surprise, her dad and stepmom were home. That story she gave Piper about not being able to get picked up? A lie. Her parents just took both cars today, probably completely forgetting that she drove with it, and she had to walk to school.
Annabeth honestly had no idea why she asked for a ride. Maybe she wanted to know people were willing to be there for her. Maybe she was just desperate. Either way, she was surprised at how easily Percy agreed, and accepted her lie, because he definitely knew she was lying. Annabeth headed to the table where her stepmom was making food.
"Hey, Annabeth! How was school? Make any new friends?" She asked halfheartedly. Annabeth just shrugged.
What point is there in trying to be noticed when by tomorrow she would be forgotten again?
Annabeth snagged a banana, and trudged up to her room, lugging her track bag and backpack behind her. Once inside her small crowded room, she dumped the bags against the floor. Peeling the banana skin, Annabeth sat against her bed and sighed. Her coach had told her that Annabeth's running times were improving and that college scouts would be looking for her soon. Annabeth had been shocked that college scouts were thinking of giving her scholarships.
After all, why would a girl who was barely remembered by her family be anything special?
Percy's POV
If Percy was to be honest, he would have admitted that he had delayed getting home today by driving his friends anywhere. Today was a Wednesday, which for whatever reason, tended to be hectic at Gabe's mechanic shop. Which basically meant, Percy tended to be more hurt than usual on Wednesdays.
Percy hated Wednesday's.
He passed into his neighborhood, which admittedly wasn't far from Annabeth's and slowly parked his car. Trembling slightly, Percy pressed his hand into his pocket casually, and opened the door.
He was met with the scent of beer and sweat. Oh good, Gabe was on alcohol again. Percy thought sarcastically, attempting to quietly close the door. Of course, it wasn't enough. Gabe walked into the front room of their apartment and stumbled forward, glaring at Percy.
Percy slowly stepped forward, walking towards the steps, his shoulders tense. "Maybe today I'll be lucky. Maybe today I won't get hit."
He was not lucky. Later on, Percy drifted back into consciousness and found himself heavily bleeding, glass shards all over him. His face was dotted with tears.
He barely felt the pain anymore, the pain of knowing that coming home is like torture, the pain of knowing that this wouldn't have happened if his mom hadn't died, if his dad, whoever he was, took him in.
Percy washed off the glass, tried his best to stop the flow of blood, and did his best to figure out how to cover up any bruises or scars left behind.
But he could never cover up that hole in his heart, which had been hard since the age of twelve.
Annabeth's POV
Annabeth had to admit, when she texted Percy the next day, asking if he'd pick her up, she never expected him to actually do so. It was a temporary lapse of judgement, to text him, but for whatever reason, he responded almost instantly, telling her he was on his way.
Annabeth stood outside, her hands shoved inside her favorite coat's gray pockets, backpack slung over one shoulder. She was wearing ripped jeans, and black boots.
Percy arrived in his truck, and when he saw Annabeth, he gave a nod and she got in. Annabeth looked at him concerned. His body was tense, his skin blotted with some powder?, and he was avoiding her gaze.
As much as she wanted to ask what's wrong, she didn't want to make him feel as though he was forced to talk to her. No doubt he already regretted talking with her yesterday.
They neared the school in silence, Annabeth determined to gaze at the window. For whatever reason, she had thought a lot about Percy the night before. Percy, the only person who really noticed her, who didn't make her feel invisible. But of course he would never think of her. Never remember her.
Annabeth was that girl that always blended into the crowd. Her gray eyes were the only thing about her looks that stood out; other than that, she was just your normal athletic blonde- tall and lean yet strong.
Percy parked his car, and they walked into the school in silence. Annabeth swallowed, took a deep breath, and avoiding looking at whatever was on his face, she spoke.
"Thanks for the ride. I guess I'll see you around." Without waiting for an answer, Annabeth turned on her heel, prepared to leave. Percy stretched out and grabbed her shoulder.
"Hey, my deal still applies. I'm going to make you the most positive and happy person ever. Are you free Friday night?" Annabeth resisted her urge to blush, and gave a nod.
"I'll see you then, Percy."
He gave an unforced lopsided smile. And now that Annabeth thought about it, almost everything he had done that looked happy seemed forced. His smiles with his friends didn't always seemed to reach his eyes, his laughs sometimes half hearted.
Annabeth walked off, pondering. What could possibly have happened to Percy to have to pretend to be happy?
Percy's POV
After that display with Annabeth, Percy was teased by his friends for liking her. It was of course completely untrue, kind of, but he simply laughed. There was no point in causing drama with these friends who didn't realize how tortorous and pain filled life could be. And why tell them anything? Just because Percy might have started to feel something for Annabeth, it didn't meant anything. After he graduated, he was going to leave everyone anyways, so no point in acting upon his feelings.
Percy started to come to most of Annabeth's teach meets, and she, in return started coming to his swim practices. They now carpooled, and it was apparently common gossip that 'Percy Jackson was dating a nerdy loser?!' Which was untrue, he might add.
Thalia started jokingly shipping them, and Annabeth always reddened and seemed uncomfortable. She kept looking at Luke with embarrassment, and Percy was wondering what had happened there. He considered asking Luke or Thalia, but he knew that the best thing to do was wait until Annabeth finally opened up to him. She was pretty closed off, and he knew next to nothing about her, but Percy was determined to understand the Goode High School's track star and top student.
Annabeth's POV
If Annabeth were to be completely honest, she didn't hate Percy's company. Percy always seemed to be fine with her separation from others and her introverted personality. He didn't push for details, and Annabeth found herself spending more and more time with him. Yes, her parents forgot about her, but Percy didn't really, and that was enough.
Annabeth also had to stop herself from asking why Percy had so many bruises. He claimed to be clumsy, but Annabeth doubted that, seeing as his movements were always smooth and fluid.
But either way, the two became fairly close.
One Wednesday, Percy and Annabeth were both at her house. They had crowded onto the couch, playing a video game (which Annabeth was totally destroying him at), and Percy suddenly set aside his controller to stretch. The hem of his tshirt rid up his abdomen, and Annabeth caught sight of yet another scar on him. Percy noticed her gaze, and looked away, avoiding eye contact.
"Percy, why don't we ever hang out at your house?" Annabeth asked evenly. She had suspicions, but wanted to make sure before assuming anything.
Percy cleared his throat, attempting to seem natural. "Oh, my stepdad just doesn't.. like visitors... that's all." He was unconvincing, and visibly winced at his obvious lie.
Annabeth arched an eyebrow. She wasn't used to being the one to start conversations and such. She wasn't used to being the one who had to take action, the one who had to do something. So she did nothing.
But of course, it was a Wednesday.
And it's worst on Wednesday's.
Percy's POV
Percy had started spending more time with Annabeth than a lot of his other friends. Yeah, he still went to parties, and hung out with them when they invited him places, but it was now a common routine to hang out with Annabeth at lunch, and sometimes spend some time after schools with her. She had a really sarcastic attitude, and never seemed to push Percy into doing things, as if understanding that life was just a series of activities until death.
She also seemed so isolated from everyone else, unlike Percy who had thrust himself into everyone else's lives to hide any of his pain and to distract himself. Annabeth never had to pretend to be anyone else for someone- but because she didn't let anyone into her life.
Except for Percy.
Annabeth had seemed unfamiliar with it. Yes, she had friends, but not someone super close who she spent all her time with. As far as Percy could tell, he was the first, and he was honored.
Though she deserves someone far better than him.
"Seaweed Brain!" Annabeth yelled out, as Percy had to veer around another car. They were going to be late so Percy had thrown aside some driving courtesies, knowing Annabeth would kill him if she was late.
"Seaweed Brain?" Percy asked confused, as he sped up, desperate to overtake another car.
"Because you are so oblivious and you spend a lot of time in the water," Annabeth said hurriedly. "Now are you sure you got your license?"
Percy laughed. "Yeah, Wise Girl. No one would ever want you to be in a car driven by some lunatic who didn't know how to drive..."
Annabeth actually snorted at that. "And really? Wise Girl is the best insult you could think of?" She clicked her tongue.
Percy checked the time. 2 minutes until they had to be there. He veered around another car, barely making a yellow light before abruptly parking in a slot.
Together they grabbed their stuff, running. They barely managed to get to Greek on time, and Mr. Bruner raised an eyebrow at them as the bell rang. Percy slid into his back row seat, breathing heavily. Annabeth seemed to have already recovered being on the track team, and she was hurriedly taking out her notebook and pencil. Percy stared at the back of her head as Brunner talked. Her blonde hair bounced around, as she bent over her notebook, scrawling something down. Percy couldn't help but wonder why she always seemed to disappear with the crowd. In his eyes, she seemed to stand out, different, but in a good way.
Annabeth Chase was a mystery to him. A mystery he was going to find out.
The bell suddenly rang, and Percy shoved his stuff into his backpack, slinging it on a shoulder as he sauntered out. He turned last minute, noticing Annabeth as the last one to leave. She always was.
Annabeth absentmindedly rubbed her thigh, as though it was in pain, before she walked out. Percy stared after her, wondering what could have caused that.
Grover and Jason both joked with him during lunch , but Percy wasn't fully listening. He watched as Annabeth got some lunch and sat against a wall, alone. She pulled out some earbuds to listen to music while she ate.
Percy was so surprised by this. Annabeth always seemed to enjoy his company, yet she was always so alone. Percy had always thought of her as the girl who pushed everyone else away, but he was now wondering if maybe Annabeth thought everyone else pushed her away. Annabeth was always so isolated- did she think that no one wanted her company? That she didn't deserve that?
Percy was so lost in thought, he didn't even realize Luke had gotten to the table and sat down across from Thalia until Annabeth looked up, shooting a longing and hateful gaze at Thals.
Percy broke off from his daze then, getting up. He ignored Grover and Jason's surprised yelps as he got his stuff and headed towards Annabeth. Percy plopped down beside her, fixing a stare at her. "What is up with you and Thalia?" He asked, not even caring as she stated at him in surprise by the fact that he had just joined her.
Annabeth bit her lip, shrugging. She made her eyes almost emotionless, almost able to cover up any of her internal thoughts and feelings.
Almost.
Percy slunk his hand up to her chin, staring at her with such raw emotion, he could see her gulp. He didn't care what his other friends were thinking, about what must have been going through their heads as Percy had sat beside Annabeth.
Percy bent his head towards her. "Why do you hide yourself away from everyone? Why do you separate yourself from everyone? Wise Girl, I know what it's like to want to be away from everyone else. I've had that raw feeling of having to leave everyone eat me up inside, that sadness and anger boiling up inside me. Yet I've never tried to push them away. Why do you? Don't you know people want to be around you? Don't you know that?" Percy finished his rant boldly, leaning in so his head touched Annabeth's. He forgot that he would have to leave her in the end- have to leave everyone within one year. Percy moved closer, until he could feel Annabeth's breath on his lips.
He moved his hand to her cheek, as she stared at him with bold gray eyes, unmoving.
Before she closed the gap between them.
Annabeth's POV
Annabeth hadn't known Percy for very long. But in those moments, he had shared such care, been so honest and understanding.
In those few moments, Annabeth had realized she had liked him. But she was used to having unrequited live for someone. And heck, countless girls had liked him.
The moment Percy had placed his hand on her cheek, she realized that he had feelings for her too. Annabeth had realized that Percy Jackson, the popular boy who everyone loved, who has went through the pain of his mom dying, who had went through so much more than people knew, Percy Jackson had cared for Annabeth. He hadn't overlooked her. He had seen her for her, and Percy had stuck with her.
So Annabeth had let her emotions get the better of her as she leaned into kiss him, closing her eyes. His green eyes fluttered close against her face as their lips moved together. Annabeth forgot the sounds of people nearby eating lunch, talking, screaming. She felt her heart puns as she leaned closer, wanting to melt into this kiss.
Annabeth had been kissed before, but never like this. She had never understood that feeling of wanting to just dissolve from pure happiness by a kiss. Until now.
Annabeth finally pulled away, breathless. Gasping for hair, and no doubt heavily blushing, Annabeth looked around to see that no one had noticed. No one had seen what Percy and Annabeth had just shared with one another. The world was still spinning, time still went by. It was as if nothing had changed.
With one kiss, nothing had changed.
Annabeth looked back into Percy's sea green eyes, which were fixated on her in shock.
With one kiss, everything had changed.
Annabeth swallowed, still staring at Percy. What was he going to do now?
Percy stared back with care in his eyes. That is, until he suddenly stood up. "Why did I do that? I shouldn't have done that! What's wrong with me?" He muttered, pressing his hand against his face.
Annabeth froze. Percy didn't want to kiss me? She thought to herself, confused. She stood up, turning away and walking off.
" Of course he wouldn't want to kiss me. Why would he? I'm just that girl who never needs or deserves attention. There's a reason I don't stand out in a crowd. I don't deserve to..." Annabeth thought to herself as she headed to her next class. She didn't matter, this shouldn't bother her. Percy was just doing the smart thing and realizing that she was a waste of space, that Annabeth shouldn't deserve his affection.
Annabeth could learn to accept that. After all, she always did eventually.
The end.
I'm kidding! I'm kidding! Lol, sorry not sorry. I'm going to split this story into two or three parts... I've been working on it for a while, sorry if it's trash. If you have any suggestions on what you think should happen, I'd love a review! Please let me know what you thought of this chapter, and if you hated it, I would LOVE to know why. I love criticism, as long as its constructive!
Review, favorite, follow, whatever! (The more I get, the faster I finish the next chapter XD. Lol, I'm kidding, but it seriously makes my day to know what you guys thought.)
Oh and also, what do you think of the title? I was debating between "Wednesdays" and "The Abused and the Forgotten"... Let me know your thoughts since I'm unconfident and self conscious!
Anyways, byeeeeeeee for now! If you want to read other stories that are as bad as this one, I have plenty of other PJO ones... (more shameless self promoting...)
~FandomQueen713