The smell of cooking garlic floats through the kitchen and the sound of a knife slicing through onion and hitting a cutting bored rings out. They work in harmony, not a single word needs to be uttered for them to know exactly what to do. As Percy turns to place the chopped onions in the heated skillet, Annabeth moved to the counter, placing down the empty bowl, both of them quickly taking each other's places.
Percy stirs the contents of the pan as Annabeth prepares the aubergine (A/N- that's eggplant, aubergine sounded better). It's serene, having someone that knows you so well they can predict your every move. They may as well be fighting back to back with swords, slaying monsters with how well they work together.
It was pure coincidence, how they found each other. Percy Jackson, world renowned chef and cuisine expert. He can make a five star meal from almost anything. He was looking for an apprentice, and after his extensive interviews, he found no one worth a second thought. He searched for weeks in multiple different countries. It seemed hopeless, so he went for comfort food. Well, as close to comfort food as he could get. He doubted the food truck had blue pizza, but it did have the best pizza he'd ever had instead. It was ridiculous how someone in a small truck could produce something that good. It was prepared by none other than Annabeth Chase, chef in training. He explained his search and gave her an offer along with his card. A few days later, he got the call he had been hoping for. She was in.
It's been 5 months since then and Annabeth is one of the best Percy has ever seen. Her skills shine through in everything she cooks. He employed her at his restaurant and often, like tonight, they stay after closing and cook when it's just them. It's mostly for her practice but they have become very close friends. Best friends. Much to Percy's girlfriend's disapproval. She doesn't like Annabeth, she doesn't like how much time her and Percy spend together. She has never been a fan of Percy's female friends but Annabeth especially.
The food is finished so Percy tells Annabeth to plate it, presentation is everything after all. When she is finished, she looks nervously at Percy, waiting for his approval. He grimaces at it but then meets her eyes and grins.
"You did great Annabeth," he tells her, grabbing a fork and hands her own too.
She breaks out in a smile and grabs the fork from him. He puts the dish in the middle of the table and stands across from her, leaning his elbows on the table. He takes the fork and scoops up some of the aubergine and brings it to his mouth. Before he eats it, he looks from under his shaggy hair, partially covering his eyes and makes eye contact with Annabeth and smirks.
She hesitantly smiles, not sure of how to react. He looks really sexy like that. And goddamn, his smirk. She feels her knees wobble. She may have a little crush on him, but she can't act on it. She won't act in it. He has a girlfriend and it might ruin this opportunity. He finally eats the forkful and moans. He moans, that is so unfair. She can feel her face flush.
Percy looks up and Annabeth looks like a deer in headlights. He smiles at her, and scoops up more.
"Try some, it's delicious," he says.
She moves forward and takes some with her own fork and eats it. Her eyes flutter closed, and she smiles.
"We're a damn good team," she whispers.
He agrees and they quickly finish the plate, chatting and laughing as well.
"So my foot's totally in there right. I'm freaking out, the dog's having a seizure and I still got half a pie," Percy laughs.
Annabeth is about dying of laughter, and Percy is about to continue when his phone rings.
"One second," he says, answering the phone.
"Hey Rach," he says.
Annabeth can't make out the other side of the conversation but she hears screaming and Percy looks pained. It goes on for a few minutes before he whispers into the phone, "I'm coming home, don't worry," and hangs up.
He sighs and pockets the phone, rubbing his forward.
"I'm sorry, I have to go," he tell her.
She gives him a small smile and nods.
"I'll get the dishes," she says.
He looks guilty, "Let me do just a few," he says moving toward the sink with a few pans. He fills it with water and soap, grabbing a cloth.
"No it's fine, you need to leave," Annabeth tell him, pushing him out of the way of the sink playfully.
"Are you sure?" He asks, a questioning look in his eyes.
"Positive, see I ca-" she starts, reaching her hand into the sudsy water and immediately slicing her hand open on a knife.
She grimaces, taking her hand out immediately, "Oh, motherf-" she begins, stopping quickly.
"Oh god, let me help," Percy exclaims, dragging her over to the first aid kit and sitting her on a stool.
He opens the kit and pulls out alcohol wipes, antibiotic cream and gauze wrap. He immediately grands her hand and she feels butterflies erupt in her stomach.
He wipes the cut and surrounding area then gently applies the antibiotic. She cringes at the stinging and he does the sexy glance again. She squeezes her eyes shut, pushing away the thoughts. He quickly wraps her hand in the gauze and ties it off, sighing.
"There, all better," he tells her, smiling.
She doesn't realize how close they were until now. He is inches from her face, and she keeps staring at his lips and eyes. His eyes are the prettiest thing she has ever seen. They are sea green and sometimes they almost look gold. She could stare at them for hours if it weren't for his lips. They're soft looking and plump and she just wants to kiss them. So she does. And the most surprising thing happens, he kisses back. And before she know it, her hand is in his hair and he is holding her waist. His lips are softer than she thought and all she can think about is how even after all day in a kitchen he still smells like clean linen and sea water.
He pulls away abruptly, backing up, confusion and guilt on his face. Annabeth can feel tears well up in her eyes.
"I-I should go, Rachel will be wondering where I am," Percy whispers.