This ALSO got messed up. Oh well.
Three days had passed since Christmas. Sally was still in New York. She would be staying until New Years, then go back to Ohio. Poseidon stared at himself in his bathroom mirror.
"You gotta ask at some point," he muttered. Poseidon considered his options. New Years was a few days away, but Zeus was hosting the annual party this year, so that wasn't an option. A dinner date was out of the question. They had never gone on a date before, just a one night fling. Poseidon sighed. The only good idea was to just ask here. Unfortunately, Sally was out shopping. Poseidon's phone buzzed.
Get to HQ now. It was from Zeus. Poseidon sighed. He left the bathroom and went downstairs. Percy was watching Captain America: Civil War with Jason, Leo, Frank, and Nico.
"Boys, I have to go. Percy, your mother will be back within an hour or so. Try not to destroy the building while I'm gone,"
"Got it, Dad," Percy said absently.
"Sure thing, Uncle." Jason said and munched on a candy bar. Leo slurped his chocolate milk and gave a thumbs up.
"I'll keep them under control," Frank assured Poseidon.
"If they do anything remotely dangerous, I'll kill them," Nico muttered. Everyone stared at him in horror.
"Uh, okay," Poseidon stammered. He boarded the elevator and headed to his car.
A few minutes later, Poseidon arrived at Olympus Office. The towering skyscraper was a few floors shorter than the Empire State Building. Tinted glass went from near black, to green, to blue. The colors represented the three areas of Olympus Transportation. Air, sea, and ground. Poseidon got out and walked in, flashing his I.D. to Hercules, the door security guard. Poseidon's secretary, Brittany, walked up to him.
"Mr. Poseidon, your brothers are in the office." Poseidon nodded in thanks. He walked up the stairs to the main office. When he entered, a voice called him out.
"Can you be any earlier?" Zeus asked. The youngest of the Olympiad brothers was also the most intimidating. His blond hair was accented with black stripes. His beard was shot with white that seemed like lightning. A crisp pinstripe suit screamed "Boss".
"Oh, no, no, Zeusy. Poseidon runs on his own time," a sneering voice said. Hades lounged in a chair, his feet kicked up on the coffee table they were gathered around. Hades wore a three piece black suit. His tie seemed to be made of ghastly faces. His clean shaven face was in a sneer. "He's much to good for us."
"Says the goth," Poseidon retorted. Hades stood.
"For the last time, I am not goth!"
"Really? The black suit betrays you." Poseidon noted.
"Enough! We have a much bigger problem than petty ego clashes!" Zeus thundered. Poseidon stuck his tongue out at Hades, then sat in a green chair.
"What's this about, Zeus?" he asked.
"Nothing good." Zeus sighed. Poseidon frowned.
"Southwest had a Thunderbolt malfunction? I think it's the turbines-"
"No, the Thunderbolts are fine. He's talking about something else," Hades said.
"I'm confused. If it's not a product, what is it? A strike?" said Poseidon.
"Yes," Zeus said. Poseidon blinked in disbelief.
"Are you serious?" he asked. Hades nodded.
"All the workers in Frisco are on strike," he said. "Nothing has been getting done. A skeleton staff is maintaining what they can, but they're getting tied up. And it's not just grunts. Everyone is striking." Poseidon couldn't believe it.
"Why?" he asked.
"Apparently, we aren't paying them enough. And some of them want promoted," Zeus said, annoyed. Poseidon frowned.
"Why don't we just raise their pay? Lord knows we have the money to spare,"
"If we raise the Frisco pay, we have to raise the New York pay," Hades said.
"What? No, we don't. Everyone here is already paid more than out there," Hades furrowed his brow. Why hadn't he thought of that?
"You're right," he said. "Zeus, we should go out there,"
"Why?"
"We need to. All they want is a raise," Poseidon said calmly. Zeus shook his head.
"They want more,"
"Like what?"
"Wouldn't say. But I just got a message from their leader asking to meet with upper management in two weeks," Hades said. He held up his phone. Poseidon read it.
I would like to sit down with the uppers on Monday in two weeks.
"We have to go," he said. His green eyes met the blue and dark gray of his brothers. "We have to keep this company up. It's taken so much work to get here," Zeus and Hades nodded. The brothers began discussing what to do.
-scenechangelinebreak-
A few miles away, Annabeth was brooding. She stared at her desk, brow furrowed in concentration. Malcolm walked in, studied her, and knew immediately what was up.
"You're thinking," he said. Annabeth nodded. "What're you thinking about?"
"Mom. How her pride and rules won't let me see my friends,"
"Are you gonna talk to her?" Malcolm asked.
"Most likely. I can't be alone. They're my friends," The siblings heard a door shut. Athena was home. Annabeth glanced at Malcolm, who nodded in encouragement. Annabeth went to her mother.
"Mom, can we discuss something?" Athena set her bags down.
"Sure, honey. What is it?"
"It's about my friends. I haven't been around them that much. You want me to succeed in life, but I can't. Not if I don't have a social life," Annabeth said. She went on to explain to Athena why being around her friends was likely more beneficial than being alone. She didn't tell her the real reason for this. She missed Percy. They were best friends, and probably the closest. If Annabeth had to stay with someone, she would chose Percy. There were no romantic feelings between them, just a near sibling relationship. Annabeth finished explaining and watched her mother. Athena finally nodded.
"Fine. You may hang out with your friends. But no getting involved with that Jackson boy, do you understand me?
"Yes, ma'am," Annabeth said. She grabbed her room key and dashed out.
"Where are you going?" Athena yelled.
"Percy's. Everyone is there!"
Little did she know that she was correct. The whole group was gathered in Percy's living room, watching The Lion King. Percy looked around. Frank had his arm around Hazel, who was resting her head on the big guy's chest. Reyna and Leo sat next to each other, having a conversation in Spanish, Nico and Thalia were making a list of how certain celebrities should die. Jason was asleep and Piper was staring at him. Percy nudged her shoulder.
"You're staring at him again," Piper glared playfully at Percy.
"I am not,"
"You totally are." Piper slugged his shoulder.
"Asshole,"
"I know," The doorbell rang. Percy got up and everyone craned their necks to see who it was, except for Jason. Percy opened the door to see… Annabeth.
"What're you doing here?" he asked, stepping aside to let her in. She noticed everyone actually was here.
"I wanted to hang out with you guys." she slipped off her shoes and walked in. When the group saw Annabeth, they all smiled.
"Hey, Annabeth," Thalia said, giving her friend a hug. Annabeth sat on the couch and Percy frowned.
"Uh, that's my seat," he said. His friend glanced around.
"Well, I don't see you sitting in it," she said pointedly. Piper moved over, closer to Jason, making room for Percy. He plopped down and resumed the movie. Annabeth glanced over. Percy's attention was fully on the television. She scooted closer. Alerted by the movement, Percy looked over. Annabeth met his gaze.
"What're you doing?" he asked. Thinking quickly, Annabeth came up with a response.
"I'm cold. And you're always warm,"
"Huh. Alright," Percy said. He pulled her close. She rested her head on his shoulder. Percy put his arm around her shoulders. Annabeth sighed contentedly. She was with Percy again. Piper looked over at the two. Percy caught her eye and gave a thumbs up. Piper returned it, then looked back at Jason. She sighed. Would her and Jason ever get like that? Jason stirred. He blinked awake, sat up, and yawned. When he noticed Piper sitting next to him, he gave a small smile.
"Hey, Pipes,"
"Rise and shine, Jace," Piper replied. She rubbed her hand on his back. Jason sighed and his back relaxed. He took her hand. Piper stared and Jason quickly let go.
"Uh, sorry," he said awkwardly. "I, uh, I shouldn't have done that," Piper sighed softly. She wanted to kiss him so badly, but they were in Percy's apartment. She felt someone staring at her. It was Leo, his brow slightly furrowed. He jerked his head slightly towards the front of the apartment. Then he stood.
"Hey, Piper! I need to talk t'you!" he said loudly and Piper shook her head at his antics. She got up and followed Leo. He led her to the foyer.
"What's going on between you and Jason?" he asked quietly. Piper buried her face in her hands.
"I don't know, Leo," she said, sniffling. "I still love him, but I don't know if he loves me back." Leo pulled her hands away. She looked at her best friend.
"Pipes, Jason does love you. I've seen the way he looks at you. You guys were forced apart and I'll be damned if you don't get back together." Leo put his hand on Piper's shoulder. "Don't worry about him." Piper nodded and hugged her best friend.
"Thanks, Leo,"
"No prob," Piper returned to Jason. When she sat next to him, he frowned.
"What'd you guys talk about?"
"Not much," Piper put her arms around Jason's midsection and rested her head on his shoulder. Jason pulled her in.
The movie finished and Percy stood up.
"Alrighty, what do you guys wanna do now?"
"Oh, I know!" Leo yelled and stood up. He grinned evilly. "Let's play… Truth or Dare!" A pillow slammed into his face and knocked him down.
"No!" Percy said. "God, no." An idea formed. He sent a text to Grover, asking him to come up. He agreed. A few minutes later, Leo and Grover set up Grover's Switch to Percy's television. Grover brought a few extra controllers.
"Alrighty, peeps. Smash tournament. Everyone plays." He tossed a controller to Jason, who grinned. Leo, Percy, Grover, and Jason sat down in front of the screen and chose their characters. Everyone else called out support.
"Have you ever played?" Jason asked Percy, who shook his head. Jason patted his back. "Good luck, then. Leo's gonna take you out first, I bet." Someone tapped Percy's shoulder. He turned. Annabeth leaned down.
"Good luck," she whispered and planted a small kiss on Percy's cheek. She smiled and sat next to Piper. Percy looked around. Leo seemed to be the only one that noticed. He nodded and gave a thumbs up.
They began the game. As expected, Percy was the first to go, followed by Nico. Leo ended up winning. They handed controllers off to the girls. Annabeth took it from Percy. She tried for a smile, but was obviously somewhat nervous. They began the fight, the boys yelling tips and tricks. Somehow, Hazel managed to win. The sudden sound of the front door shutting sent them into silence. Percy got up to see who it was. Sally, laden with bags from her trip, walked into the apartment.
"Hello, Per-" When she saw all of Percy's friends, she stopped. "I didn't know you were having friends over."
"Yeah, sorry I didn't tell you." Percy said, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Hey, Jackson, you gonna introduce us?" Leo yelled.
"Oh, right. Um, Mom, these are my friends. Guys, this is my mom." Sally waved.
"What are all of your names?" she asked. The teens went around and said their name. When Annabeth said hers, Sally smiled. She looked at Percy.
"I like this one." Turning her attention back to Annabeth, she winked. "Keep him in line, will you?" Annabeth laughed.
"Of course, Ms. Jackson,"
"You can call me Sally. That goes for all of you." She began gathering her stuff when Jason, Percy, and Annabeth went over to help. Sally thanked them, though they didn't have to do this. The three were adamant and followed Percy's mom upstairs. They dropped their stuff in her room. Annabeth began talking to Sally. Jason pulled Percy outside.
"What's going on with you and Annabeth?" he asked. Percy sighed.
"I dunno, man. Right now, we're just friends. Nothing more. What happened in the past, it seems fake. Both of want to forget, but we just can't. Thing is, I really like her. I don't know if she likes me back,"
"Dude, she does. I can tell," Jason reassured. Percy raised an eyebrow.
"Have you been around Piper a lot?" he asked.
"No, why?"
"Because that's totally a Piper thing to say." Jason rolled his eyes as Annabeth and Sally walked out. Sally was dressed in a green and blue dress.
"Percy, your father is going to take me to dinner in a bit. I would think your friends need to go." Percy nodded.
"When will you be back?"
"Probably later tonight. Just try to go to sleep at a decent hour, would you?" Sally asked. Mother and son went downstairs. Percy's friends got the message and began leaving except Annabeth, who was asleep on the couch. Percy stared at his friend. Her blond curls were splayed out on the arm rest. Her face was relaxed and she snored softly. Sally watched her son. She could tell he had a crush. When Poseidon came back to pick her up, she dragged him out before he could talk to his son.
Percy tentatively reached out and combed Annabeth's hair. She stirred and Percy jerked his hand back. She woke up and frowned.
"What's happening?"
"Oh, uh, everyone left. You were still asleep," he said. Annabeth couldn't detect any lies, so she sat up. Percy was still standing, so Annabeth grabbed his hand and pulled him down to sit next to her.
"How long ago did they leave?" she asked.
"Not very," Percy answered. "Do you have to go?" Slight sadness laced its way through his tone. Annabeth heard it.
"Probably, but it's fine. I just wanna hang out with you,"
"Won't your mom wonder where you are?" Percy asked. He didn't want Athena mad at him. Annabeth pulled out her phone and sent a quick text to her mom.
"There. Now she won't wonder." Annabeth set the phone on the coffee table.
"Now what?" Percy asked.
"Secrets," Annabeth replied. Percy looked confused.
"What?"
"We tell each other secrets,"
"Oh, okay. Uh, I'm scared of thunderstorms," he said.
"I used to want to be an owl,"
"I had a teddy bear named Mr. Tickles. He lasted all the way until eighth grade."
"I had exactly one Barbie doll. I burned it."
"Once, I ate some seaweed at the beach and liked it," Percy said. Annabeth blinked.
"Seaweed Brain," she muttered.
"What? Percy asked.
"You're such a Seaweed Brain," she said.
"Oh, yeah? Well, you're, uh, a Wise Girl!" Percy seemed satisfied with that name. Annabeth rolled her eyes.
"That's not remotely insulting," she said. Percy shrugged.
"Eh, it's the best I could think of." They were quiet for a moment. Percy whispered something Annabeth couldn't hear.
"Sorry, what?"
"I said, can I tell you my deepest secret?" he said quietly. Annabeth tilted her head.
"Sure, what is it?" Percy mumbled something. "I didn't hear you, Seaweed Brain. Quit mumbling."
"I was abused," he said.
"You've already told me that, remember." Annabeth still couldn't believe that.
"I know, but I want to show you how badly," Percy said. Determination burned in his eyes, as though he wouldn't take no for an answer. Annabeth nodded.
"Show me," she whispered. Percy lifted his shirt over his head. Annabeth gasped.
White scars wrapped around Percy's body. His chest, abdomen, sides, back, and even on his arms were marred by knobbly tissue. Annabeth ran her hands across them, shivering in slight revulsion. She saw the 'X' he told her about. No words were spoken. She hugged Percy tight. Her hands brushed something on his wrists. She looked down. Two old slash marks on each wrist.
"Percy, you didn't," she whispered in disbelief. Percy nodded, his eyes threatening to spill.
"It got so bad. I wanted out. But I realized I would be leaving my mother alone and I couldn't do that." His voice was shaky. "It was so bad, Annabeth. The pain… it was like anything I've ever experienced. Be glad this didn't happen to you." He sniffled. Annabeth wrapped her arms around Percy's warm body. Her hands rubbed his back. His muscles shifted as he returned the hug. Annabeth pulled away. Her forehead rested on his. The sea green seemed dimmed, as though an ocean were sad. The tips of their noses brushed and she pulled back quickly. As she did, her phone buzzed. It was her mom calling. Annabeth answered.
"Hello?"
"Come home now. Dinner," Athena hung up and Annabeth sighed.
"I have to go," Percy nodded and pulled his shirt back on. Annabeth found herself wishing he hadn't. Because she wanted to be warm. Obviously. She walked to the door and hugged Percy again.
"Thanks for that," Percy said into her hair.
"Anytime, Seaweed Brain," Annabeth replied into Percy's chest. The elevator chimed, signaling Annabeth to let go and get on. The doors closed and Percy wanted her back.
Have I said how much I hate writing during this time period? Because I hate it. It feels off because its spring and warm and the story is in January/December. But I digress. A fair amount of reviews have asked/wanted the Pipercy thing to continue. So what I wanna do is write a fic that's basically this, but with Pipercy instead of Percabeth. I'm gonna put a poll up so y'all can vote. R&R! -RFA