"Excuse me, I just, are you okay?" The tall man asks as he looks worriedly down at the curly haired blonde that's crying and just ran into him.
"Um, yeah, I'm sorry for running into you," she mutters, not meeting his vibrant green eyes.
"I'm sorry to intrude, but you don't look okay, c-can I buy you a coffee?" He asks hopefully.
"Uh, s-sure, there is a-uh, coffee shop just a block that way," she tells him, pointing in the other direction.
He flashes a crooked grin at her and tells her to follow him. She trails behind him but he doesn't seem to mind because he continues to talk animatedly about gods know what. From the 3 minute walk she has learned his name is Percy, he's a senior in high school, on the swim team and loves blue foods. She has a small smile on her lips as she listens. He's a great distraction from the heartache she felt moments ago. His tales are interrupted with apologies and "excuse me" as he makes his way through the crowded New York streets. At some point he grabbed her hand and started pulling her along so she wouldn't get lost. He finally stops talking as they reach the door of the coffee shop and he pushes it open with the sound of a bell. Her cheeks flushed from cold finally start to return to normal. They stand in line, a very long line if she may add, and decide their drinks. They stand silently, awkwardness and tension filling the space around them as they wait. Finally Percy exclaims, "oh my gods! I don't even know your name. My mom would be turning in her grave. Never mind, she's not dead, but if she was, that sounds weird, I don't want her to be dead, I jus-"
She cuts him off, "Percy, it's fine, my name is Annabeth."
He smiles sheepishly and they finally step up to order their drinks. Annabeth orders just a coffee with milk and Percy orders the drink with possibly the most sugar on the menu. Annabeth goes to find a table as Percy waits for the drinks. She sits at a secluded table in the corner and watches him stand near the counter, rocking on his heels and drumming his fingers on his thigh. Her own foot is tapping impatiently as she sits. She waits silently, just thinking when suddenly he rushes over, both drinks in hand. He sits across from her and passes the drink over. She grips it tightly, trying to warm her fingers. They sit silently and awkwardly again, occasionally sipping their drinks when Percy speaks up, "So, what happened?"
Annabeth sighs and looks up at him, this time noticing how pretty his eyes really are. She flushes at her thoughts and tries to cover it up by talking, "My stepmother kicked me out again. I apparently am too expensive and take too much work and because I'm about to graduate, I should be able to afford a place on my own," she mumbles sadly.
Percy's brow furrows and his nose crinkles in thought. Annabeth thinks it's adorable, but would never admit it. He opens his mouth, then closes it, trying to figure out what to say. Eventually, he speaks, "Do you need a place to stay?"
She is a little shocked at his words, and she stares at him, bewildered. "No, I've slept on the street before," she stutters out.
He smiles at her warmly, "I'm not gonna let that happen, I'm sure my mom and stepdad won't mind. They are really nice, you can sleep on the couch, or in my bed. Not with me, I'd sleep on the couch then. Not that I would mind sleeping next to a pretty girl, but I don't want you to be uncomfortable, and-"
"Percy, you're rambling. I appreciate the offer, but I can't accept. I barely know you. You could be an axe murderer," Annabeth says, blushing again at his offer.
"I promise I'm not, and I insist, I can't let you sleep on the streets, especially when it's this cold, please?" He says, pouting.
Annabeth gives him a hesitant smile and nods, accepting. He grins widely and stands abruptly, "Great!" He says excitedly.
She stands too, and he immediately pulls her out the door of the coffee shop, their half empty coffees still sitting in the table. He pulls her hand along as he basically runs home. Annabeth is smiling more than she has smiled in a while. He is rambling again, but she doesn't care, she just likes the sound of his voice. She may be developing just a tiny itty bitty crush on him.
I may be an awful person that never updates, so sorry. Also, what do you guys think about me expanding this so its not just percabeth? I was thinking solangelo, caleo, etc. I'm also going to start taking requests for stories, (almost) any couple in the pjo/hoo series. Also, if you read my Reyna story, an update for that will be coming soon. Please review so I know your thoughts. Sorry again.