Hey! Crazy end last chapter right? Don't worry it's going to pick up soon ;).
There are some review responses ahead (thanks to all who reviewed). Also, a personal backstory I wanted to share about why I decided to create "Just Friends" at the very end.
Review Responses:
imasurvivor1: If life were ideal, I would post every day! Unfortunately, I can't :(
But it seems like you're excited about the direction of this story. And I thank you!
Lobous26: Yeah, admittedly, Rachel on this website does get demonized quite often, which I'm not a big fan of. She has such a great, interesting character in the book and to just tear that apart doesn't feel right. I'm really glad you liked my execution and handling of Perachel's relationship.
Percabeth824: I already sent a PM but I want to say this again. You're so amazing girl! You're definitely one of my favorite followers. I always anticipate your lovely reviews whenever I upload and I'm so happy that you think this story is amazing.
Virtual high five!
EmmaBloomFan12: Yep, the plot is picking up soon. Buckle up!
Sorry if the story seems like a slow-burn. But I wanted Percabeth's relationship to be as close to real life as possible. A friendship first that, slowly, through little moments Annabeth and Percy share, leads to them have deeper feelings for one another. And then love.
But really happy you love the story and continue to stick with it!
green vines: Thanks. Stoked that the story made your day again!
Wow, I didn't know how much responding to your review meant so much to you that you showed it to your friends. I am NOT worthy of that sort of attention at all. I'm literally just a dude that writes this for fun. I'm so happy you and your friends love this story. You're great!
greasysnivellus: Lol. You're kinda right; sometimes you need a little insane in life, eh? But you're not insane. You're awesome. Continue to do you, man!
paintball331: Thanks, man and I appreciate it. As said before in the PM, I would upload every day if I can. If I could do this for a living, I would be SO happy.
A random reader: Appreciate the compliment and the way you thought I handled Perachel. Perachel is ok but its all Percabeth for me!
Another Seaweed Brain: Glad you liked it! Thanks for the recent follow and fav as well! Hope you continue reading and reviewing in the future!
Olivia:
Thank you so much! I'm glad you thought the last chapter was inspiring. I think it's testimony to how strong Percabeth's relationship is that even Rachel acknowledges it and wants the two to be together. Also, it sucks that you only got 1 inch of snow :(
But hey, at least your warmer than me :)
Can I also just say your chapter 4 comment a while back really stood out to me even now. To know that people's days are brightened because of this story is wonderful to know. It's reviews like yours that gives me motivation and purpose to write.
Also, to answer your questions; How do I find time to write fanfic? Well, staying up late helps, which I don't recommend at all. Also, when I'm passionate about something, I try to do it quickly and with a 100% effort. I'm a little weird; when I care about something like fanfic, I'll do it with all my heart. But if I don't care about something (like dressing myself up each and every day), I'll put minimal effort.
Did I say I'm weird? Yeah, I did.
Fyre:
Again, thanks! Really touching this story helps you with what's happening in your life. You're earlier comments also kept me motivated to write and I have nothing but gratitude.
Elland05 : :P :P :P
I love how enthusiastic you are about the story! Thanks so freaking much!
greekdemigodwannabe:
I sent a PM but I want to say thanks again! Your reviews are always freaking awesome and weirdly well-timed right before I have exams :). Hope you're ready for the next Chapter 15, which will be awesome.
IrisAraciaRose:
I sent a PM but I wanted to add that there might be some more flashbacks of baby Percy and Annabeth later in the story. I know, THEY'RE SO ADORABLE :)
On with the story now!
A/N: Forgive for any typos, grammatical errors, sentence structure errors.
Chapter 14 - That Special Girl
Make a Move (Gavin DeGraw reference btw)
(Percy POV)
Annabeth loves you, Percy. I know she does.
Rachel's words kept replaying in my head over and over as I was on the way back home from Five Guys. I had wanted to finish my burger (they're really good) but my appetite and mood were spoiled.
Tonight had been absolutely crazy. First, Luke had accused Annabeth of cheating on him, aided by Miss Asshole aka Drew. He had then proceeded to shout and insult Annabeth, all while she stood by in hurt.
Luke had then almost broken up with Annabeth.
The whole time I was stunned, not believing what I was witnessing; I could feel Annabeth's hurt the entire time. It pained me to see her that way. She was too awesome of a girl to experience a break-up, especially in that manner.
I had decided, for better or worse, to admit that I had a crush on her. Though I semi-lied about it. Gods, I could still remember Annabeth's expression so vividly, the stunned look she had on her face. I didn't meet her eyes the entire time, though I suspected they were stormy in confusion.
Who would be if they learned that their best friend was in love with them?
Finally, my girlfriend Rachel broke up with me.
At my favorite burger chain.
So not a great night overall...
Did breaking up with Rachel hurt? Yeah, it did. Rachel was a great girl and I did enjoy the time I was with her.
But I felt even more hurt by the fact that I couldn't stop thinking about Annabeth for all this time. Still. By what Rachel told me before she left, all of which were painfully true.
You have feelings for Annabeth. Just admit it.
Rachel was right. It was no use to keep denying it. I always loved Annabeth a lot. Even while dating Rachel, that persistent yearning for her never left.
It grew stronger.
The entire night I felt bad for Rachel, who had been caught in the middle of this whole mess. Yet, Rachel was extremely emphatic, which made me surprised; however, it was clear she knew how strongly I felt for Annabeth. She had comforted me and given some advice, saying that I should just tell Annabeth these feelings I had for her. She told me that Annabeth considered me very important to her as well.
How she also loved me.
I really wanted that last part to be true. I've always wanted to tell Annabeth these feelings.
Even more so now...
But I wanted to know for sure that she loved me back. I needed that reassurance. Without it, I wasn't going to make a move.
It was now Tuesday, just a few days removed from the incident. As I approached my subway station, I was greeted by the sight of Grover, standing by the entrance. He was looking around, seemingly for me.
"Grover?" I called out, a look of surprise on my face.
"Percy! Hey dude!" he exclaimed as he went towards me.
"What..what are you doing here?"
"Hey, haven't seen you since last week! Aren't you curious about how my Pan-event went?" he asked, flashing me a little grin.
"Oh yeah. Fair point," I replied, giving a small smile back. "So, how was it? Did you green-yourself out with Juniper?" I joked.
"Ba-ha-ha! Very funny. No, Pan was extremely inspiring. Man, it's crazy how polluted our environment is becoming! Are you aware of how much CO2 levels have risen in the past few years?"
"No, not really. But that's ... interesting to hear..."
"Gods, of course, you wouldn't know! Humans are always ignorant about their contributions to climate change!" Grover mumbled which made me chuckle. Grover ended up smiling as well. However, it quickly faded. In a now serious voice, he asked.
"Um, I ... I also heard what happened that Wednesday when you guys went out bowling Percy." he slowly started.
"Oh..." I responded my facial expression dampening.
"Grover, don't. ... don't worry dude. It..it wasn't bad at all!"
"Wasn't bad!" he exclaimed, looking at me in shock. "My goodness, the words that I heard Luke use against Annabeth! What the fuck! And also, Drew? DREW! You should've heard the things Piper and Silena called her when I was talking to them. All the lying, instigating shit, starting gossip! Drew is such a fucking.."
"Hey come on," I interjected as I put my hand on Grover's back, trying to calm him down. "Drew's a piece of shit. I know that. But it happened already! And I...I really don't want to talk about that night again now." I feebly stated.
Grover noticed my change of tone. He then sighed. In a soft but affirmative tone, Grover proceeded.
"You haven't told Annabeth, didn't you?" he began.
I winced as I heard the mention of her name. Ever since Wednesday night, I haven't had a chance to fully speak with Annabeth about the incident.
Or our feelings.
"I..I did tell her that I used to have a crush on her." I began, though that was a weak excuse. Grover, of course, caught it.
"Used to? You know you're lying to yourself when you say that."
I sighed. His words were sounding SO much like Rachel's. After some hesitation, I finally continued. "No, I didn't tell her yet Grover. I didn't..." my expression flat, which caused Grover to exhale in frustration.
"Come on Percy. Why not! Gods, after how Luke treated her?"
"Hey, Annabeth's still with him!" I countered.
"Because she's confused, dude! Unsure. Look, she won't tell you this but I know Annabeth needs you as much as you need her in your life. You two are inseparable! Only the both of you would ditch a fucking New Year's party together!"
"I ... I guess." I managed as I thought back to that night. "But I have to know if Annabeth returns my feelings to her Grover. I..I need to know for sure,"
"Well, how are you going to know if you don't ask?" Grover responded, looking me straight in the eyes. "If you never man up and make the move?"
I got defensive with what Grover was telling me.
"Hey! Are you calling me weak Grover?"
"Percy, I'm not! Look, I don't know much about love shit but I do know that it is hard to reveal to someone your feelings to them. Especially strong ones. I have that problem with Juniper at times. But if you don't ask, how are you going to know?"
"You said the same exact thing before," I muttered as I began to remember my conversation with Grover at the start of junior year.
"Yeah, and that advice still rings true. Valentine's Day Dance is coming up Percy. I can't think of a better day to tell Annabeth."
I gave a little sigh as I thought about it. Just a week before, I had been super excited to go to the Valentine's Day Dance with Rachel. There would be great food. Awesome music. All my friends would be there.
Annabeth.
Now, I didn't have a date. Nor the will to go.
It seemed ... unlikely.
"M..maybe," I said, uncertainty present in my voice
Grover stared at me for a while. Eventually, he sighed again.
"Alright, come on, let's head in Percy," he told me as we headed down the stairs. "Between, I heard you and Annabeth were bowling each other out Wednesday. Was quite the show from what Jason told me."
I gave a little smile as I thought back to that. That was really fun. "Yeah, the both of us got competitive,"
"A bit is an understatement. You two are SO fucking competitive! I would know; you kicked my ass in basketball before,"
"And I will do it again you know," I mentioned.
"Just proved my freaking point, Percy... " Grover mumbled as I laugh.
Yeah, Annabeth and I do have a lot in common.
That's why I'm in love with that girl.
(Annabeth POV)
I was in love with Percy.
That simple yet consequential statement engulfed me for the next days as I kept repeating it to myself.
I was in love with Percy. I had feelings for him.
Even more, I've ... I've always felt this way. The same feeling. Not only at the start of junior year, but even when we were younger. In middle school.
I tried to tell myself repeatedly this feeling went away. That this crush faded.
I wanted it to.
But it didn't.
Gods and this love for Percy now felt SO different. And stronger. I don't think I've felt this type of love for anyone else..ever. For Luke. My own dad. It was overwhelming like I was under Circe's spell. Painful, in the sense that I couldn't stop thinking about Percy. Worrying.
Longing.
But, I ... I had a boyfriend! I like Luke. I can't pursue these feelings all of a sudden!
I didn't want to.
Luke, in the meantime, had been trying his best to act like a better boyfriend. He still felt guilty about the way he behaved. And I still felt hurt by how harshly he acted, the choice of words he used.
How he almost left me.
Here's the thing about Luke; he can be sweet but when his harsh side comes out, it is ugly to see. It's almost like I'm interacting with another person like his body has been taken over by something.
However, Thursday night, Luke had taken me out to Lombardi's in Little Italy for a date. He also started spending some more time with me in lunch, after school, for the latter of the week. Over the weekend, Luke had taken me on a surprise stroll through Prospect Park. Clearly, Percy's words struck a nerve with Luke. And I was appreciative of his efforts to change himself.
But this newfound love for Percy still waned. A part of me kept wishing that Percy was there instead of Luke. It was almost like I was..lovesick for him.
Oh man.
It had now been a week since the incident. I hadn't spoken to Percy much of all since. We did exchange the occasional texts. The light conversation here or there in lunch and writing class. But never the important one.
Our feelings for each other.
A conversation I didn't want to have.
"Hey, Annabeth!" Luke called out to me Tuesday morning as I was getting my ancient Greek textbook from my locker.
"Oh, hey." I softly replied, taking a glance at Luke, mind still occupied with Percy.
"Are..are you okay?" he asked as Luke put a hand on me.
"Yeah, I'm..I'm fine Luke." I lied.
"Annabeth, don't lie to me, please. I can tell if something is bugging you."
"Nothing's bothering.." I started. But Luke continued to stare at me. He was clearly not buying my excuse. After a while, I let out a sigh.
"It's just, I have that..argument we had in my mind still Luke. Everything that happened that night." I then told him, being semi-truthful to my boyfriend.
Luke gave a soft nod. "It's okay Annabeth. I understand that. I..I was acting like a dick to you."
"Um, yeah, you..you kind of were," I awkwardly replied. Some silence ensued for a while. Eventually, one of Luke's friends called out to him from down the hallway.
"Shoot. It's Tim! He's probably going to want to talk about the basketball season. Fuck, I need to leave now. I'm sorry Annabeth. But I am trying to change myself! I really want to!"
(A/N: I know b-ball season starts around late November/early December in high school. But I don't care tbh. Just fits my story timeline :PP)
"I know Lu,e." I replied. "I'm glad you're trying to change. And I'm thankful for that."
"Annabeth, please, if something is bothering you about me, just say it. Be honest about it, okay?
Honest. Ugh, that word makes me shudder. However, I forced a smile. "Okay." Luke continued to look at me for a while, unsure how to leave. Eventually, he gave a sly grin.
"You know Annabeth, we still got that Valentine's Day Dance a week from now!" Luke exclaimed.
"Oh..oh yeah," I mused completely forgetting about it. Man, just last week, I had been SO excited about the dance.
Now, less so.
Not with these new feelings for Percy I had.
"It's going to be great Annabeth. With me, you'll definitely be Valentine's Queen for the junior class!"
I gave a little laugh, though it was forced. "Yeah, m..maybe," Luke then left, leaving me at my locker to muse over my own thoughts. I was about to head to class, trying to clear my head. However, out of the corner of my eye, I saw my friend Grover walking towards me.
Alongside Percy.
Oh great.
I caught myself staring at Percy, again, for the entire time he was walking, my mind blocking out my nearby surroundings. Goodness, he looked amazing. I mean, when we were younger, I always begrudgingly accepted that Percy was a good-looking guy. He was always kind of cute.
Even handsome at times.
But now, more than ever, Percy looked handsome at every moment. So..good-looking. That aura of his infectious and incredible. I wanted to look away but it was as if the Mist was altering my vision, allowing me to see nothing but Percy straight ahead at every turn.
Ugh, I'm really attracted to Seaweed Brain...
Grover then took notice of me.
"Annabeth, hey!" he called out.
"Grover! Hey, how are you? And, um, Percy.."
At the mention of his name, Percy turned to look at me. His sea-green eyes and my gray eyes momentarily locked with one another, staring. There was some hesitation. Apprehension.
Mixed emotions.
"Annabeth. Um, hey.." Percy awkwardly replied coming up to me. We continued to look at each other. I wasn't sure whether or not I should go up and hug him like I always do or just stay there.
Is hugging a guy you have feelings for ok? What are you saying Annabeth. He's your friend!
Eventually, Percy noted the awkwardness. "Um, we're..we're not going to hug Wise Girl?" Percy joked, giving a little grin though half-hearted.
"Oh, yeah, of..of course we were Seaweed Brain!" I said, giving a little smile and a punch, though it was weak. We then hugged each other.
Percy's hug, as always, felt super warm and nice. Butterflies began to churn in my stomach. My mood brightened.
But now I felt something different. Something I..I haven't felt in a long time. I felt..safe. Safe in Percy's embrace. At peace. It was as if all of life's worries began to dissipate at that very moment. Those tangle of emotions I felt from before, gone momentarily, replaced with an assurance that Percy was there.
He was with me.
Oh no..is this what it feels like to be in love with someone? Oh, gods...
"So, how..how are you?" Percy asked.
"Um, I'm..I'm alright," I replied, feeling the lingering effects of his hug.
"That's..that's good" he slowly replied. This meaningless conversation continued for a bit. It was pretty clear though that both of us were trying to dodge the obvious topic in question.
And frankly, I was okay with it.
It was Grover, though, who brought the bowling incident into light.
"Annabeth, gods, are you ok? I heard what happened to you and Luke Wednesday! I was so worried."
"Oh." I replied, my mood getting down as I was reminded of the night. "Don't worry Grover, I'm..I'm okay," I lied. "It was a misunderstanding between Luke and I. That's all."
"Misunderstanding? Annabeth, goodness, you can't let Luke treat you like that! You're better than it!"
"I know. Drew was the one who instigated these..rumors about Percy and me." However, I felt weird now using that term rumors.
They weren't rumors. I did love Percy.
"Man fuck her," Grover muttered. "Just..just completely fuck her!"
"Don't agree with the harsh language but yes," I responded, which got laughs from the three of us. Grover then went up and put a hand on my shoulder.
"Annabeth, look, as a friend, I really want you to be with someone that cares for you. I really do. I..I don't want this type of Luke-shit to keep happening over and over! Please." Grover exclaimed. He then shot some glances at Percy, who had been looking off, seemingly trying to not be involved in this conversation.
"Thanks, Grover. It means a lot when you say that." I replied. My eyes also inevitably glanced at Percy.
After a while, Percy interjected into our conversation.
"So, um, Annabeth, I ..I won that bowling match that Wednesday, right?"
I was surprised at first at Percy's seemingly random question. But, I couldn't help but roll my eyes.
Of course, Seaweed Brain would bring that up.
"Well, I won that match Seaweed Brain to clarify, thank you very much!" I retorted.
"Yeah, because you cheated Miss Push-Gate!" he shot back.
"Hey, that wasn't cheating! That was just..working cleverly out of the regular realms of the rules!"
"Mmm. Just a fancy way of saying you cheated Wise Girl."
"You just don't want to admit you lost!"
"Or you don't want to admit that Seaweed Brain would've won through fair competition,"
"Oh shut up!" I said as I gave Percy a nudge. However, we couldn't help but smile and laugh about it. Grover, as well, was smiling the entire time.
However, after, we then continued to look at each other. The same apprehension took over. Percy looked like he wanted to say something to me.
I wanted to say something.
Eventually, Percy, clearing his throat, finally spoke.
"Annabeth, look." he finally said, giving a big exhale. "I..I need to, explain, you know.."
"Percy, it's..it's okay. You don't need to explain." I softly replied as I put a hand on him.
"No, I need to. I'm..I'm sorry if you feel weird about what I said before on Wednesday Annabeth. About that..that crush I had on you. I just, seeing Luke scream at you, I felt a need to go and tell him that. I couldn't bear to see you like that."
"I appreciate that Percy. I really do,"
"Again, it..it was a long time ago Annabeth! I'm..I'm TOTALLY over this crush okay! I don't have any feelings for you anymore." Percy said, giving a little grin. I noticed though this grin looked a bit more forced.
"Yeah, o..okay," I replied in a low voice. Some silence pursued for a while. Eventually, I tried to break this tension.
"You..you're going to act all weird and stuff around me now Seaweed Brain?" I asked, giving a smirk.
Percy laughed. "Yeah, of course, Wise Girl! I'm going to act all awe-struck, shy, giddy.."
I rolled my eyes. "Oh, haha, very funny!" I commented giving him a nudge again.. Grover was laughing too, though it looked reserved. It seemed as though he was disappointed in what Percy told me.
Eventually, the bell rang, signaling that 1st period had started.
"Oh shoot, I'm going to be late for class!" I remarked.
"Yeah, uh, me too," Percy replied. We then looked at one another again, that same awkwardness setting in, neither of us unsure of how to leave the other.
"I'll..I'll see you around I guess?" I then managed to say after a while.
"Yeah, see..see you later Wise Girl" he responded as we then gave each other a little hug. Percy went off with Grover, who still had a disappointed look on his face, down the hallway in the opposite direction. I was about to go as well but something kept bothering me.
Had been for years.
"Um, Percy," I then stated out loud as he and Grover were nearing the end of the hallway.
"Yeah Annabeth?" Percy responded, turning around
Just tell him Annabeth. Tell Percy you love him. Tell him you have feelings for him too my mind began telling me.
I wanted to SO badly. After the concert. Christmas. New Years.
Many times before.
But I..I suppressed it. All my emotions. Like with my dad. With my boyfriend. I couldn't bring myself to say what needed to be said.
"I..I want to say bye, that's all." I ended up saying, forcing a smile at Percy.
"O..okay." he said, giving a little soft grin as he left.
As soon as Percy left my sights, I let out a big scream to myself.
Ugh, why does love have to be so..real! Why can't I just say I love him!
Why can't I say to those that I love I love them?
Guilt
(Annabeth POV)
Next Tuesday then came. A day before the Valentine's Day Dance.
For the time being, Percy and I were able to get back into our goofy, playful routine, which I was happy for. I could still sense some weirdness between the two of us, Percy uneasy about revealing that former crush he had on me.
But, it..it was okay. And of course, I did tease Percy numerous times about that crush to his bemoaning.
However, I kept replying to myself earlier, in the hallway, when I was so reluctant to tell Percy that I had feelings for him.
Ugh, why does this always happen to me when I'm about to tell reveal my feelings!
6th period then came, P.E class. As usual, I went straight to the locker room to change into my gym clothes; some grey shorts and a shirt. However, as I exited, I was greeted by the sight of a packed, full gym with kids standing around, on the bleachers.
What the..
"Whoa, what's..what's happening?" I asked out loud as I looked around.
"Oh, they're just combining the later gym classes together Annabeth!" Silena told me as she went beside me. "They're preparing for the Valentine's Day Dance tomorrow."
"You..you serious?" I asked.
"I mean, it is a pretty big event Annabeth for all the non-seniors." she pointed out. "The student union pushed for the school to have more PSA funding. Also, more attention and planning to it. You were a part of that right?"
"Yeah, I was." I replied. "But I didn't think they would take our complaints seriously!"
"Well, Dionysus was the head of school planning events somehow before he got, um, booted. So it makes sense they would be trying to improve the dance for all the students,"
"Now that makes PERFECT sense." I commented as we both laughed. Silena then looked over at me, her eyes wide, face expression bright
"So, you excited for your first Valentine's Day Dance girl?" she asked, clapping her hands.
"Um, kind of," I started. "I mean, it's..it's not like the senior prom or anything Silena! So my excitement should be limited."
"Oh come on Annabeth. Lighten up! It's a dance after all. And you of all people LOVE dance raves."
I gave a little smile. "That's true." I managed.
Silena continued. "Besides, everyone will be voting for Valentine's Day King and Queen! Which is the second biggest thing in CHB High School apart from senior prom king and queen."
"Second," I pointed out, which got Silena to roll her eyes. "And I know. Luke has been making a BIG deal of it for the past week."
"As he should. I love you Annabeth but Charlie and I WILL win that crown thank you very much!" Silena stated out loud, giving a big grin.
I smiled and chuckled. "We'll see," I said. I then looked around and saw an open basketball court on the side.
"You wanna play some basketball now Silena? If I'm already in my shorts, I guess I'll just shoot some hoops for the time being"
"No, that's ok Annabeth. I'm..busy..." Silena quickly said.
"Oh, don't want to ruin your manicure for the Valentine's Day crown, huh?" I joked.
"Annabeth! That's not, what are you..ugh what the heck!" Silena groaned as I laughed. She then proceeded to head into the stands, shaking her head and mumbling to herself.
Ah, Silena. I love that girl! Ugh, why can't I just be as honest with my love for Percy as with Silena...
I then grabbed a ball from a nearby rack and proceeded to start shooting a bit. Okay, I'm pretty okay with basketball. I'm not as good as Luke or Frank. But I can definitely shoot and make some shots, unlike Drew. And I've kicked Percy's ass multiple times in one-on-one games.
And, really, that's all the basketball skills I ever need in life.
As I was shooting some free throws, a voice from behind called out to me.
"Mind if I join you Annabeth?"
I then looked up to be met with a pair of green eyes and crazy red frizzy hair.
My friend Rachel.
"Oh, hey Rachel! What..what are you doing here?" I asked giving a wave.
"They switched my gym period. So I'm here now. Were you busy?"
"No, just practicing some free-throws. You?"
"No as well. I was about to go talk to the girls but Silena looked like she was in a bad mood,"
I chuckled. "Yeah, I may or may not have had a role in that." I admitted as Rachel laughed.
"Well, since I'm here, I guess we'll get a game started Annabeth. 1 v 1?"
"Oh definitely. You can go first!" Rachel and I then lined up with each other in the half court line. I checked the ball to her.
Rachel slowly went up to me as I covered her, dribbling the ball. She first faked a move to the right. However, she quickly cut back to the left, the classic deke. Rachel then ran hard towards the net, about to go up for the lay-up.
However, I quickly recovered from my rather poor defense. I sprinted after Rachel. As she was about to attempt the lay-up, I came up and blocked the ball.
I had denied Rachel. (Gods I sound like Luke now when he's watching the Celtics game)
"Whoa.." she said out loud.
I then gained possession of the ball and made my way back towards the half-court line. Rachel recovered quickly though. As I was about to charge to the net, Rachel was on my heels.
"Alright Annabeth, that was good but let's see what you got!" Rachel was now playing some hard man-to-man defense, staying close to me, trying to strip the ball away.
I looked towards the left and right, trying to find an opening. But Rachel was very nimble and agile.
Just need some separation.
I first faked a move to the left as if I would charge there. However, quickly, I went to the right.
Rachel, as I expected, reacted accordingly, mirroring my moves. However, I didn't head right. Instead, I took a step back
Rachel, momentarily, lost her focus, fooled by what I did. For a split second, I had an opening to attempt a three-point.
Gotta go for it!
I took the shot.
It was all net.
"Wow, you're..you're good Annabeth!" Rachel commented, whistling and looking impressed as I went to go get the ball.
"Well, I'm..I'm alright Rachel.." I said, giving a little shrug. "I'm just competitive, that's all,".
"Damn right you're competitive! Gods you and Percy are so fucking competitive it's annoying."
I gave a little chuckle. "I've..I've been told that numerous times," I said. "So, um, anyways you..you excited for tomorrow Rachel? The Valentine's Day Dance?" I asked, trying to stir up some conversation with her.
Rachel's smile dipped a bit when I asked that question. "Oh, um, yeah, Annabeth. I'm going. Obviously!"
"That's good. With Percy, right?" I asked.
"Actually, no I'm not. I'm just going to go with my friends. Kayla. The girls,"
I looked at her, a puzzled look on my face. "Why not? Percy didn't ask you to go or something?"
"No it's.." Rachel began, taking in a deep breath. "I broke up with Percy Annabeth. A week ago. That Wednesday, after we bowled together."
As I continued to look at Rachel, a shocked look formed on my face.
"Oh..oh my gods..Rachel, you..you did?" I asked, my voice assuming worry.
"Yeah, we did Annabeth. Don't worry about it though! It..it wasn't on bad terms," Rachel continued "It was ..Percy and I came to a mutual understanding of certain..things. And we decided to break-up,"
"Oh my goodness. Rachel! I'm .. I'm so sorry!" I responded as I put my arm around her shoulders, trying to comfort her. Admittedly, I wasn't always on board with Rachel and Percy dating. I wasn't cool with it.
I had some feelings for Percy.
But I didn't want them to break up! No! That was the last thing I wanted! I couldn't do that to Rachel.
Or Percy.
"Annabeth.." she continued. "Again, it wasn't on bad terms! Don't get too sad. I'm still friends with Percy! I still help him out in Science, although he is very inattentive at times admittedly." Rachel joked.
"But Rachel I..I can't imagine.." I started, not sure what to say. However, in my mind, one thing began to replay.
I used to have a crush on Annabeth.
"Rachel, did..did you break up with Percy when he said that he..he had a crush on me before?" I then asked.
Rachel shook her head. "Annabeth, no, it wasn't that! It..it was.."
"Rachel, you're misinterpreting that statement!" I exclaimed. "Percy's crush on me was from a LONG time ago. For sure. I don't love..he doesn't have feelings for me anymore Rachel! None!"
Rachel was looking at me the entire time as I spoke to her. Eventually, she shook her head and gave a big sigh.
"Percy told you that, huh?" she began.
"Um, what?"
"Percy said to you that he didn't have a crush on you anymore, right?"
"Yeah...he..he did. And, it's..it's true!" I responded, not sure where she was going with this.
"Gods, you and Percy are the same." I could hear Rachel mumble to herself. Eventually, she let out a big exhale and looked at me.
"Look Annabeth. I don't want to reveal too much about what I told Percy. Or what he told me. But I didn't break up with him because of what he said about his crush on you. I..I came to an understanding that he liked this.. certain girl more."
"Um..w..what?" I asked. My eyes widened.
"Percy likes this girl Annabeth. Loves actually. He always had. He considers this girl super special. Very important. I could really tell how much this girl means to Percy by the way he reacts whenever he speaks about her."
"He..he does?"
"Yeah, you..this girl means that much to him. And I saw that very clearly. Numerous times. And I was touched by it a lot. By how strong their connection was and still is. The care and..and love. That's why I broke up with Percy Annabeth." Rachel then exhaled and continued. She got weirdly close to me, hands on both sides of my shoulder.
"I can't tell you who this girl is Annabeth. It's.. not my place to do so. But I need to tell you something. Tomorrow is Valentine's Day Annabeth; go and tell those you love that you love them. Please don't try to put it off or ignore. Percy's been doing that. And it really sucks to see." she said as she headed off, leaving me to muse over her words.
And this girl.
What is Love
(Annabeth POV)
8th period came, my writing class.
I still had Rachel's words on my mind as I walked in and sat next to Percy.
"Hey Wise Girl." Percy began, giving me a smirk.
"Hey..hey Percy." I softly replied as I sat next to him.
"Man can I just say I'm like SO nervous around you now?" he teased, faking timidness.
"Haha, very funny Seaweed Brain!" I replied laughing at Percy's joke, though it was subdued.
That special girl to Percy. Who..who is it?
"Alright, class!" Miss Thompson then called out as she went to the front of the room.
"Tomorrow is Valentine's Day, one of my personal favorite holidays of the year! Hope you all have fun at the dance if you're going. Today, I thought it would be cool if you would all write down what you feel love is. It will be a nice segway to our section on how to write relationships in fiction stories and I thought it would be interesting if I get a general gist of what the class views love as."
"Oh really?" one of the guys in the class moaned out loud, to the snickering of the girls.
"Hey!" Miss Thompson responded out loud. "This is a writing class! Besides, I think love is one of the most misunderstood, hard to explain feelings. You may think you know what love is but it's different for everyone who feels it. So try writing it down." With that, the writing teacher left us to be, some of the guys groaning about why they choose writing class as an elective in the first place.
"Alright, this is going to be fun," Percy grumbled. "Explain what love is."
"Yeah, it...it is," I responded, thinking about it for a bit.
What is love?
Admittedly, I was stumped. Miss Thompson was right. Love was a hard thing to explain. To grasp.
To maintain.
Unconsciously, my eyes began to look over at Percy, who was looking down, writing intently (for once). Man, he looked great today. Same beautiful hair. Piercing sea-green eyes. Sarcastic, amazing smile he flashed every now and then. Percy was pretty focused on his writing, which made him look really cute.
I started smiling as I thought about Percy.
Why am I in love with him in the first place? Why do I have feelings for Percy?
I then started to write.
Midway, Percy looked at me and made a joke.
"You want to hear what I wrote Annabeth?" he asked like a little kid.
"Alright. Humor me, Seaweed Brain." I replied as I looked at Percy.
"Okay. Love is something you feel when you feel giddy around a person. You start acting funny and shy."
"Oh very funny Seaweed Brain," I commented, rolling my eyes. "You feel that way when you're around a girl?"
"I mean, that's what I feel when I'm around you now," he said, continuing to push the joke.
I sighed. "Ugh, you're SO aggravating at times!" I exclaimed, which got Percy to laugh.
"Alright then! What did you write Wise Girl?" he asked as he took a look at my paper. However, I quickly snatched it away from his view.
"No I...I don't want to show it!" I quickly exclaimed.
"Come on! It can't be THAT bad," he stated as he went closer to me.
"Percy, no it's..it's not good!" I cried out.
"Annabeth, come on..."
"No, I.."
"Too late." Percy finally said as he snatched my paper from my hand to my horror.
"Percy!"
Clearing his throat, he then read aloud what I wrote.
"Love is a special, hard to explain feeling. It's something that only the two people involved can feel and understand. When you're with the person you love, you feel extremely happy. Safe. At bliss. You forget all of life's problems. You would do anything for that person because you know that other person would do the same for you. That they care and love you a lot. That they'll continue to be there no matter what."
As I heard my own written words spoken by Percy, I started to get emotional.
That's what I wanted in love. From my dad. My boyfriend.
My..my mom I never knew.
I never truly felt this love in my life.
Ever.
As he continued to read more of what I wrote, Percy's grin faded more and more. He started to assume a more serious look. His expression became softer.
"Oh," he finally said after he read my whole paper.
"Give...give me that Seaweed Brain!" I yelled out loud as I snatched my paper. I was looking away from Percy, not looking at him. Percy continued to look on, almost in a daze, thinking over my words. Eventually, he looked over at me.
"Annabeth.."
"W..what!" I snapped.
"I..I didn't know you felt that strongly about..love," he continued.
"Hey, I just.." I began, assuming a weirdly defensive tone. Eventually, though, I let out a sigh.
"I..I do. I just..that's what I feel when I love someone a lot, like my..my dad, significant other. My..my mom. I want to feel that I'm cared for. That they love me back. That...that they'll continue to be with me. I don't think you..you really love someone unless you feel all those things. I..I don't."
Percy gave a soft nod. He then got close to me and put an arm around my body. I started to feel instantly snug and my body exploding.
"That's..that's really beautiful to see Annabeth. I..everyone would want that too," he said, voice trailing off in the end. Percy continued to put his arm around me for a while. Afterward, I asked Percy.
"Percy, is it true. Did...did you break up with Rachel?" I slowly began.
Percy, for a while, was taken aback by my abrupt question. However, he gave a little exhale, closing his eyes.
"Yeah. The break up was mutual Annabeth. Rachel and I had some differences on..things. And Rachel thought it was time to call it an end to our relationship,"
I nodded slowly and sympathetically. "I'm sorry Percy. I know Rachel was a pretty cool and awesome girl." I told him as I was the one now who put my arm around Percy.
"It's ok Annabeth..." he slowly replied as I continued to comfort him.
I thought back to what Rachel told me about Percy, telling her of this girl he still had strong feelings for. It reminded me of my conversation with Percy when we went out to eat at Emmett'. I had teased and asked Percy about any girls that interested him. He had been reticent. Extremely guarded despite my repeated inquisitions. The only thing he mentioned was that there was a special girl in his life that he knew from before that he loved a lot.
That was important to her.
The way he talked and reacted when speaking about this girl was warming. Touching. For a split-second, I thought about asking Percy about who this girl was outright. I began to think about my own feelings for Percy.
Maybe..maybe that girl is me. I want this girl to be me my mind began to say.
But I thought better of it. I .. I didn't think it was appropriate to ask.
Or what to do if it was true.
"Percy," I then managed as I looked at him. "You'll find another girl eventually. Maybe Rachel wasn't the right one. You'll know when you find someone you love. I know you will."
"Maybe." Percy didn't meet my eyes. There was clear doubt in his voice.
"Look, tomorrow is Valentine's Day, right? We told each other in New Years that we'll start to be more honest with each other. With those around us. And that starts with admitting things. Such admitting to those you love you love them." I continued, thinking about my own admittance that I loved Percy.
"I know Annabeth. I know. We did say that. But I...I don't know." He stopped for a while as if he was unsure if he wanted to bring up what he was about to say.
However, slowly and cautiously, he continued, "There's this ... person I love Annabeth. A..girl. I...I feel really strongly about her," he started.
I nodded slowly. "I can tell."
"Yeah. But I don't know if you...um...this girl returns my love. I really want to say I love her but I don't know if she feels the same way. I'm...I'm scared to find out," he said, his voice in pain. He still didn't meet my eyes the entire time.
I then went close to Percy. "I know what you feel Percy. I really do" I said as I continued to comfort him. The way Percy looked and felt was the same as I experienced when I refused to admit my own love for Percy.
It really is hard to admit.
But I cared for Percy. Maybe more than myself. And he needed to say to this girl that he loved her.
Whoever it was.
"Percy, you..you gotta do it. You just have to! If you don't ask, how will you ever know if she loves you? If she returned your .. your feelings? Valentine's Day only comes once a year Percy. You need to make the most of it" I finally said, echoing Rachel's advice.
Slowly but surely, Percy began to take in my words. He then looked up from the ground and towards my face. His eyes slowly began to meet mine.
"Are..are you sure about it?
"Yes, I'm absolutely sure," I told Percy, confidence in my voice beaming.
"O..okay," he then said as I smiled at him. I then looked up at the time. It was around a minute till class ended.
"So are..are you coming to the Valentine's Day Dance tomorrow?" I asked.
"I know you don't have a date or anything but I just..I really want you to come to Percy," I stated, being honest about the last part. Percy looked at me for a while, his mind pondering. Eventually, he gave a big smile.
"Yeah, I..I think I will Wise Girl."
Reveal
(Percy POV)
I was on the way home, on the subway, taking some deep breaths.
I need to do this. I HAVE to do this. I've been meaning to do it for so long.
I began to replay my conversation with Annabeth in my head over and over, like a broken record player. The advice she gave me.
If you don't ask, how will you ever know if she loved you? If she returned your your .. your feelings?
I especially thought long and hard about Annabeth's words. The way she viewed love. What she felt someone should feel when they were in love with another person.
When you're with the person you love, you feel extremely happy. Safe. At bliss. You forget all of life's problems. You would do anything for that person because you know that other person would do the same for you. That they care and love you a lot. That they'll continue to be there no matter.
I felt that with Annabeth. She was the only person I truly felt all those emotions for. The only person I think I truly ever loved. A lot.
And will continue.
The Valentine's Day Dance.
I didn't know how I would go about doing this. What I would say. Do.
What I needed to reveal.
Heck, I didn't even know what clothes I would be wearing tomorrow (hope Piper is really good with men's fashion) And I still felt some overarching apprehension of not knowing how Annabeth would react.
But I was going to tell Annabeth I loved her.
Sorry if the chapter felt short and timeline abrupt. But the important takeaway: Percy will tell Annabeth his feelings for her. On Valentine's Day. It only took Annabeth's own words coincidentally to convince him.
How ironic...
Also, how does Annabeth still not get that the special girl Percy is mentioning is her?
D-E-N-I-A-L.
Anyways, the next chapter will be the Valentine's Day Dance! I'm so freaking excited! Little spoiler; Annabeth in a dress and Percy in a suit.
If anyone wants to see any particular songs for the next chapter for the dance, by all means, PM or post! I will gladly try to include it if I can and I'll put a little shoutout to you (little incentive I know :) )
Anyways, as always, review, fav, and follow at your command! As stated, below is a backstory I included for why I made "Just Friends" in the first place.
Enjoy your day and stay awesome and warm everyone!
-FrictionFiction108
Backstory on why I decided to write "Just Friends"
Let me just say something first; I don't really consider myself a love, drama, or emotional writer. I don't. I'm a humorous, sarcastic, self-deprecating dude. I like to read some love stories but I've never really ACTUALLY written one before.
However, Percabeth was the first ever OTP from any novel/book/tv show that truly inspired and made me go "wow, that's what love should be!" That's part of many reasons why they're my all-time top pairing.
Actually, a few months back, I hadn't read PJO in quite a while since around 8th/9th grade. It was during one summer day while I was cleaning up my still messy as heck room I stumbled across The Last Olympian.
I started to get nostalgic as I looked at it, my childhood calling out to me. I began to remember how fucking awesome that whole series was. The Greek mythology, storyline, characters.
Annabeth and Percy's relationship.
I skipped ahead to reread their underwater kiss scene which I still remembered. Let me tell you; that scene is absolutely PERFECT. I was smiling. The scene was so beautiful and awesome. Their whole relationship in the series is amazing. Made me SO jealous I couldn't have a relationship as great as that in my own life.
Sigh. #ForeverAlone
Clearing Throat. Anyways, it stirred me to reread the whole series again all the way to The Blood of Olympus in HOO. All the great Percabeth moments. My 2017 summer was consisted of PJO binge reading on my tablet whether at home, on the subway. I was really sad when HOO ended and it left off with saying that Annabeth and Percy were going to college in New Rome. That just felt so..emptyish, if you know what I mean? I felt like there was so much more that could've been explored with the two.
Probably like most of you, I needed to cure my ever so strong Percabeth hangover. So I went to seek fanfic. First ever one I stumbled across was Dreams by Another Wise Girl xx (great story! Definitely check her out though I'm willing to bet you have already). That led me to create a fanfiction account a little over 3 months ago.
They are some really great fanfics written by talented writers that I have read. But I always wanted a Percabeth story that was..personable. That related to me. That could relate to a lot of people and life in general. To not only be about love but about friendship, growing up. One of greasysnivellus's (by the way your freaking awesome dude!) comments really touched a nerve with me when he said this story reminded him so much of a girl he used to know and unknowingly friend zoned in the past.
It's really touching to see this story touch affect (effect?) people on such a personal level.
The story concept happened to pop up in my head one day. I started to type it down. I uploaded my first chapter around two or three am on a Sunday night (really shouldn't have done that in hindsight. NO ONE reads at that time. Or is up. Except for me lol)
I was hesitant and nervous at first since it was my first Percabeth fanfic romance story. I really wasn't expecting much. However, slowly but surely, more and more people were interested, to my surprise. I received some awesome reviews, follows, and favs.
And I kept writing and uploading.
And, here we are. Fanfic has officially become part of my life thanks to you guys! And I'm really REALLY happy for that. I really am stunned at the amount of positivity this story is getting, considering this is my first love one. You don't know how thankful and grateful I am for all of it!