Title: Say Cheese (thank you to TheWritingRaven, who caught a dumb mistake I made)
Fandom: PJO/HoO
Warnings: murder, rare updates, evil author, major character death, yandere, OOC characters
Summary: A camera. It's hard to believe all these troubles started with a camera. A cursed camera, a lovesick fool, and a poor boy who only wanted to live his life. "A camera, you say?" "Yes, officer." The officer chuckled. "Give me proof that a camera of all things killed all these people." "Officer?" "Yes?" "Say cheese."
Characters: Percy Jackson, Frank Zhang, Leo Valdez, Reyna Avila Ramirez-Arellano, Hazel Levesque, Jason Grace, Annabeth Chase, Octavian Simmons, Rachel Elizabeth Dare, Thaila Grace, Luke Castellan, Bianca Di Angelo, Ethan Nakamura, Nico DiAngelo, Chiron, Selena Beauregard, Clarisse La Rue, Will Solace, Piper McLean, Calypso Nightshade, Zoe Nightshade, Triton
Parings: Annabeth Chase/Percy Jackson, Nico di Angelo/Will Solace, Rachel Elizabeth Dare/Triton
The Beginning of the End, Part One
Say Cheese
Chapter One
Percy Jackson was handsome. Very handsome. His sea-green eyes, like an ocean yearning to be set free, made him stand out from everybody. His hair was jet black, swept to the side by the wind, and he even managed to do the 'woke up like this' look every day as if his hair had never been combed. He was athletic too. Captain of the swim and basketball team and he even dabbled in the arts (hence his role in the drama club). Despite his looks, Percy was kind to everyone he met, never judging them by outward appearance. That was probably why his assortment of friends was so very varied.
Nico DiAngelo, a self-proclaimed loner, although Percy wouldn't let him be on his own. His eyes were such a dark shade of brown they looked black, and sleep rings decorated his eyes. His hair, black like Percy's, was generally neater than his, although it was still messy. He always wore black and sneered at everyone and everything that came within 5 feet of him. He was like a 2005 goth kid stuck in the present. He wasn't to blame for that. His sister had died at a young age, as well as his mother, and his father and step-mother never bothered with him, as if he were an ugly vase that couldn't be broken because everyone's least favorite aunt had given it to them and threatened to visit them every day if they got rid of it.
Drew Tanka was the complete opposite. When Percy and Drew had turned out to be friends, there was a great bit of shock in the school. Drew was always parading around the school as if she owned it, was a bit a bully, and kind of a bitch. The clothes she wore sometimes...most children would get a smack on the head for even thinking to wear them. A lot of people suspected blackmail in their friendship, but both Percy and Drew were quick to shut down those rumors. They did of course pop up from time to time but never escalated into something bigger. Drew wasn't one you would see playing sports unless it was cheerleading, and she was always cheering on her friends. Drew's pale skin was always covered in makeup, not too much, but not a little either. Her hair was black (which seemed like a trend going around in Percy's friends until Jason) was always down, cascading down her back like a waterfall.
To continue on the subject of Jason Grace, who was one of the only blondes in the friend group, aside from Will. Jason was Roman. Hypothetically, of course. The way he walked, talked, and even danced was always stiff and calculated. Percy joked around and always called him 'dad'. Jason had sky blue eyes (like his sister) and his hair was a cropped blonde. His glasses that sat on his face were a new development after he complained that he couldn't see the board from where he sat in the back of the class. Jason was the golden boy of the school, class valedictorian, hall monitor, and other boring stuff that no one cared about except maybe him. Jason was on the football team, which wasn't surprising. He had the build for it. Wide shoulders and a broad chest, and his biceps were no laughing matter.
Thaila Grace was her brother's polar opposite. She had black hair (yeesh) and her eyes were more of an electric blue. She had a lot of static in her, and she was notorious for sparking people, giving them a slight jolt. She was always smacking a piece of gum very loudly as if having gum made her special and she couldn't wait to showcase it. She wore different variations of killing beloved Disney characters, and today was a 'Death to Barbie' shirt. Thaila was the captain of the archery club, and had started a fraternity club outside of school that she called 'The Hunters of Artemis'.
Hazel Levesque was the oddball person of the group. She was the youngest in the group, for one thing, although age isn't a strange thing. Her eyes were gold, shining gold. Her hair was brown, curling down her back, although her hair was usually up in a ponytail. She had chocolate brown skin that made her stand out from her paler classmates. Hazel was a member of the riding club, and her horse Arion was famed for never letting anyone ride him, trying to buck them off. Well, everyone except Hazel. And Percy. Percy had always loved horses, but his horse was Blackjack, a handsome stallion who most people (read: Percy) suspected that he and Arion were secretly hooking up, and going to gay horse clubs. Annabeth wasn't sure if gay horse clubs really existed, but she did suspect the two horses were a little more than friends.
"Hey, Percy!" Annabeth turned from where she was quietly observing (stalking) Percy and his group of friends. She sneered as she recognized the voice. Rachel, the she-demon, and stealer of boyfriends. Annabeth resisted the urge to stalk up towards them and claw Rachel's eyes out.
Rachel Elizabeth Dare was a special case. Her red hair and green eyes contrasted each other. There was always a speck of paint on her from one of her many 'masterpiece sessions' where she made her next great art project. She was in the drama club with Percy, and in the art club with Hazel. She was always surrounded by people, either her friends or people trying to be her friend because of her dad's extensive wealth that she took for granted. Rachel was always talking about how much money her dad always spent, and that one house was enough. Annabeth wanted to roll her eyes and gag. If that wasn't proof the Miss. R.E.D (Rachel Elizabeth Dare, or could be read as a reference to her hair) was a spoiled brat, Annabeth didn't know what was.
Annabeth focused her gaze back on Rachel. She was whispering something in Percy's ear that made him smile. Annabeth fumed silently. She should be the one making him smile! Not Rachel, not anyone. No one but her. Annabeth slammed her book shut and shoved it into her bag. Her head was aching from the anger, and she didn't watch where she walked. She turned too quickly, and she hit a very solid wall. A talking wall.
"Oof!" The 'wall' said. Annabeth was starting to get mad. First, she had to watch Percy and Rachel being all lovey-dovey, and now some random loser in the hallway bumped into her. The rational side of Annabeth knew it probably wasn't this person's fault, but right now, Annabeth was running on primal instinct.
"Watch where you're-" Annabeth started, but she noticed who she was talking to. Percy Jackson. Great. How much worse could her day get?
"Uh," She managed to stammer out. Annabeth wanted to curse herself for her foolishness. So much for eloquence, Annabeth, she told herself.
"Annabeth, right?" He held a hand out for her. Annabeth stared at his hand for a while before grabbing it, using it to hoist herself to her feet. It felt soft under her hand, not at all what she had been expecting. Percy smelled like the beach and strawberries. An interesting combination, but a wonderful one nonetheless. She willed herself not to lean in and smell Percy's arm like a creep.
"Yeah." She said breathlessly. He flashed a smile at her. His teeth were perfect pearly whites, and the only imperfection Annabeth could see were the two crooked front teeth, but his smile was so blindingly wonderful, she hardly noticed. Annabeth ran her tongue over her own teeth. They felt crooked, and she knew her breath might not be the best, and her teeth weren't that white.
"Be more careful," He turned away from her, and Annabeth wanted to call out to him, but she didn't. She watched as he started to follow his friends into the cafeteria. Annabeth watched his back as he left. Her books lay scattered all around her feet, but she didn't notice. Her mind replayed their conversation as she slowly bent down to pick up her books from the floor.
He knew her name! Percy Jackson, the Percy Jackson knew her name!
...
"Someone's in love~!" Rachel teased as she sat next to Percy. Percy did not enjoy being teased by Rachel, but all the glares and threats he aimed at the redhead did nothing but fuel her desire to make him miserable. Percy glared at her now, hoping that there was a slim chance or that someone up above in the heavens loved him enough to get her to stop. The help from the Heavens did not come, and Rachel merely smirked at him.
"Please tell me more." Thaila insisted, stealing another fry from Percy's plate. Percy smacked her hand, and she withdrew it, rubbing the stinging hand. Thaila glared at Percy.
"Jeez," Thaila muttered under her breath. "Someone's being touchy,"
"It probably because he's thinking about his girlfriend," Hazel nodded solemnly. Jason bit back a laugh. Nico rolled his eyes.
"You know, every girl here like you. Just ask her out," he stated as if it were obvious. Which it was. Almost every girl did find Percy attractive or funny in some way, and he would have no problems getting a girlfriend.
"I can't do that!" Percy hissed. "That would make me seem like a jerk. 'Hey, go out with me because everyone likes me'." He mocked Nico's suggestion. "What kind of crazy person does that?" He paused when he looked at Drew. "No offense, Drewsie," He said sympathetically but Drew only shrugged.
"No offense taken. The method works well too. If they say yes, they're probably only going out with you because of your looks," Drew amended with him.
"You're lacking a bit in that department," Jason snorted. Drew reached across the table and smacked him. Rachel, ignoring the now brewing slap fight that was taking place, tapped on Percy's shoulder and pointed a few tables over. A few tables just happened to be the table Annabeth was sitting at. By herself, her head buried in a book.
"See, look, there she is! Just go ask her!" She insisted, nudging Percy in that direction with her shoulder. Percy had a constipated look on his face. His legs moved, but his mind wasn't in with the motions his body was performing. He turned back around to face Rachel; his mouth already open to protest.
"But-" Percy started to protest, but Rachel cut him off, waving her and by her neck in a "Nope" motion.
"No buts, no cuts, no coconuts," She stated firmly, tilting her chin upwards, acting superior.
"I hate coconuts and I'm not three," Percy told her pointedly. Rachel rolled her eyes at Percy's pathetic efforts to stall the conversation between him and Annabeth.
"Just go!" Rachel gave him one last final shove towards Annabeth. Percy stumbled a bit, then turned around to glare at her. Rachel shooed him away, and Percy slowly made his way over to Annabeth. Annabeth, whose head was completely absorbed in her book, didn't even notice Percy until he cleared his throat. She looked up at him, and shock crossed her face, probably wondering what Percy was doing talking to her. Percy was wondering the same thing. If he had his way, he might not talk to her until 3031. Or further.
"Hey, uh, Annabeth, right?" Percy wanted to smack himself. He had already gotten her name already from their brief encounter in the hall.
"Uh, yeah," She said nervously. What could Percy be talking to her for?
"I wanted to know if you wanted to, maybe sit with us at our table?" He pointed to the direction where he had come from, where all of Percy's friends were watching them unashamed. Percy blushed as he noticed his friends making kissy faces at them. He shot them the finger, then turned back towards Annabeth.
"Sorry about them," He said apologetically.
"It's okay. I'd love to sit with you guys," She flashed a smile at him and Percy brightened.
Annabeth grabbed her plate and walked over to the table. She suddenly realized that this was the first time she would be meeting all of them, even if she already knew so much about them.
"Hi," She said. Rachel was the first to speak at the table. Everyone else settled on staring at her intently. Annabeth shifted uncomfortably under their gaze. We managed a weak wave back at them before her arm snapped to the side of her body.
"Hey! I'm Rachel, this is Jason, that's Thaila, Mr. Dark Lord over there is Nico," Nico's face darkened even more, if possible, "That's Hazel, Percy, as you know, and Drew,"
"Of course, you would save the best for last," Drew tossed her hair.
"Su-ure," Rachel said, raising one eyebrow at Annabeth. "You going to sit down?" Annabeth smiled at her and accepted the seat next to her, but inside, she was fuming. How dare Rachel treat her like that?
Lunch was awkward at first to put things mildly, but with time, and many more shared lunches, Annabeth bonded with Percy's group. Except for Rachel. Sure, she acted nice in front of her, and never said anything bad about her, but the truth was, Annabeth loathed Rachel. She hated her with every fiber of her body. Sure, the hatred lessened when she found out that Rachel and Percy weren't dating, and that it was just a rumor, but Annabeth was still suspicious of Rachel.
As it turns out, you should not always believe what someone tells you. Even if that someone is your crush.
Annabeth arrived at school earlier than she usually did, hoping to catch up on homework. She found her math teachers class (or what she thought was her math class at the time; It turned out to be the janitor's closet, but the rooms were right next to each other, and it was an honest mistake) to see Percy and Rachel making out in the room. Their clothes were rumpled, and Percy's hand had disappeared under Rachel's shirt. Both of them turned to her, shocked to see her -or anyone- here at school this early.
"Shit!" Annabeth cursed, and she slammed the door behind her. Someone on the other side of the door was breathing rapidly. Annabeth felt her own heart in her throat, and tears threatened to spill over. Why would they lie and say that they weren't dating? Annabeth kept her hand clamped over her mouth to keep from screaming. As Annabeth took a step away from the door, Rachel and Percy rushed out the door, almost whacking Annabeth with it.
"You guys are- "Annabeth gawked at them as they tried to get their bearing together.
"Please don't tell Percy!" Rachel cried in desperation. Don't tell Percy? Then who exactly am I talking to?
"Your…not Percy?" Annabeth asked the Percy look alike. The boy blushed, and shook his head no. Annabeth was confused. Who was this strange man who looked just like Percy, claiming to not be Percy? His dad? But he and Rachel and been sucking each other's faces off.
"I'm Triton, Percy older brother," The man said, adjusting his shirt. It didn't do much to help his appearance. He still had a lipstick stain smeared on his face, and Rachel's hair was a rumpled, fizzy mess.
"Oh, okay," Annabeth said, a bit dazed, but then stop. "Wait, how old are you?"
"Uh," He shifted, looking at her uncomfortably. "24," He said finally.
Annabeth blinked. Well. No wonder Rachel didn't want Percy to know about this. Not only was it his brother, he was eight years older than her. And…Rachel was a minor. THIS WHOLE RELATIONSHIP WAS ILLEGAL! Annabeth felt the walls closing in. She looked at Rachel, ready to yell, run, sprint, scream, but the pleading look on Rachel face made her stop.
"I won't tell Percy," Annabeth said immediately, then regretted it. This was the perfect opportunity to get something out of Rachel, and she was letting it slip by. A slow smirk crept on Annabeth's face.
"I won't tell on one condition," Rachel's face of relief turned into worry.
"What kind of condition?" She asked.
...
"You're sure this will work?" Annabeth asked Rachel. Annabeth felt better about being around Rachel now that she knew Rachel didn't like Percy. Percy was hers and no one else's and it would stay that way.
"Pretty sure," Rachel told her, which didn't make her feel better about this plan at all. The plan. The plan that would (hopefully) finally land her a date with Percy Jackson. She had dressed in her best outfit (Rachel had helped her pick it out), she insisted not to wear makeup, but now she was regretting her choice a bit.
Her face must have shown her clear displeasure in Rachel's answer because Rachel stopped fussing with Annabeth's hair. "You'll be fine. I promise. Just go up to him, tell him you like him, and wait for him to say yes!" She said it as if she already knew Percy's answer.
"How do you know he'll say yes?" Annabeth asked suspiciously. "He could always say no,"
"Oh, honey, he'll say yes. Trust me," Rachel said firmly. "Although, try to get him in private,"
"In case he rejects me?"
"In case someone calls you a homewrecker," Rachel corrected. "Or in case someone admirer tries to attack you for laying eyes on her 'beloved'. You don't know how many death threats I have of girls threating me to break up with Percy," She sighed, shaking her head.
"Right," Annabeth realized. "Everyone thinks you're dating,"
"You did too, until two days ago," Annabeth blushed at the reminder of Rachel and Triton sucking faces. "Please don't remind me," She groaned. Rachel laughed.
"You'll be fine," She said again. She spun Annabeth in a full 360 degrees, taking in Annabeth's appearance. "Perfect," Rachel said, pleased at her work. "Now, go get your man," She gave Annabeth a playful shove.
"I'm going, I'm going," Annabeth grumbled. As nice and helpful as Rachel was being now, she still didn't appreciate how touchy feely the other girl was. Annabeth set out her day-to-day business. Go to class, look for Percy, go to class, look for Percy. Was there something she was missing? Oh yeah. Go to class and look for Percy.
She (finally) found Percy in the cafeteria, although he was looking a little down.
"Hey, Perce?" Annabeth asked him, waving a hand in front of his face. His eyes were cast down to his shoes, and his eyebrows were wrinkled in frustration. "Are you okay?" He blinked, having just now noticed that Annabeth was in front of him. His eyes lit up a bit, but his expression was still moody.
"Hey, sorry Annabeth. I'm just feeling a bit…out of it," He told her. Annabeth frowned.
"Anything you want to talk about?" Annabeth asked. As his future girlfriend, it was important that she acknowledge when her boyfriend was feeling down.
"My brother," Percy mumbled miserably. Annabeth sucked in a breath and tried to slow down how fast her heart was going bum-bum, bum-bum, bum-bum in her chest. Did Percy know about Rachel and Triton? As far as Annabeth knew, the two of them had been hiding it from their respective families.
"We used to be so close, but know it feels like he's ignoring me," Percy said, eyes cast down. Well. Annabeth supposed that made sense. His brother was hiding a secret relationship from him. That might make things...a bit more complicated, although Annabeth hadn't realized how close Percy and Triton were. Annabeth could only sympathize with how neglected Percy must have felt, considering the fact that her own parents treated her the same way, favoring her little brother instead.
"Tyson and I used to do everything together. But it's like it wants nothing to do with me," Percy finished, sighing dejectedly. Tyson? Did Percy have another brother?
"You have another brother?" Annabeth asked, then cursed herself for the slip-up. Annabeth had "never" met Triton. Thankfully for her, Percy didn't seem to notice the slip, and if he did, his face didn't indicate that he cared too much about it.
"I have a lot of brothers. Triton, Proteus, Pontus, and Oceanus," Percy said, counting his family members on his fingers. Annabeth must have been showing her surprise (or shock) at the…interesting names of Percy's many siblings, because Percy laughed in her face.
"Yeah, I know. My parents are mythology freaks. My full name is Perseus," Percy wrinkled his nose at the sound of his proper first name. "But I like Percy better,"
"Big family, huh?" Annabeth questioned. Eight people total, including Percy and his parents. Annabeth couldn't imagine what a family dinner must look like. And his poor mother. That many C sections couldn't be good for anyone. Annabeth had heard that they were very painful, and most mothers preferred to try to push the baby out before attempting to cut open the stomach and pull the baby out instead.
"Don't forget my sisters. Kymopoleia, Benthesikyme, and Rhode only exist to make my life a living hell," He chuckled, but the fond look in his eyes told Annabeth that he didn't mind all the pranks and jokes his siblings must have played on him.
"I can't imagine having so many relatives," Annabeth said, finally saying something after a long and painful silence. "I only have two younger brothers and- "She shrugged, "My parents like them more than me, I guess," Percy frowned.
"Your parents are treating you right, right?" The way his eyebrows scrunched in worry was just so adorable to Annabeth that she had to bite her lip from saying anything.
"I do not look adorable!" Percy protested with a pout. Oops. Annabeth supposed she wasn't as quiet as she thought she had been. She snorted when she saw the look on Percy's face.
"What are you, three?" Annabeth laughed. "No need to cry, wee ickle baby Percy," She said, channeling her inner Bellatrix. Percy huffed, but went back to looking sorry for himself. Annabeth frowned.
"Come. Follow me," she said, pulling Percy along.
"Where are we – "Percy's cries and protests were cut of by Annabeth turning around once to shush him. He clamped his mouth closed. Annabeth navigated her way to a very...familiar closet, and looked around to make sure the coast was clear, before pulling Percy inside.
"Hey, what-mpfh!" came Percy's alarmed cry, but Annabeth had pressed her lips up against his to silence him. Percy's arms wrapped around her, obviously having gotten over the initial shock of the sudden kiss. One arm was around her waist, the another running through her hair. Annabeth had her hands around his neck and was determined to never let go. Annabeth didn't have much (read: any) experience with kissing, but kissing Percy just felt…right. Natural. She pulled off him with a wet sound. Percy's eyes were dark and clouded with lust. His lips were swollen and he stared at her like she was the most beautiful girl on Earth.
"So, are you my boyfriend now?" she asked breathlessly. Percy chuckled.
"Do you want to be?" he asked hoarsely. Annabeth shivered at the sound of his voice.
"Yes," she said. "More than anything," Percy kissed her again.
"I guess we have class to get to," Annabeth said, after what felt like hours, reaching for the door, but Percy grabbed her hand and pulled her back.
"Nobody will miss us for a few more minutes," he said.
When both of them were seen again, their clothes were rumpled up and Annabeth's hair looked like a nesting place for rats. Annabeth lipstick was smudged and Percy's lips were kiss-swollen.
…
"I take it the plan went well?" Rachel asked jokingly as she sat next to Annabeth for Science. Annabeth blushed crimson. That was all Rachel needed to come up with an answer. Rachel's face morphed into a smirk, and she scooted closer towards Annabeth, making the other girl a bit uncomfortable.
"So," Rachel started. "Is he a good kisser?"
"Rachel!" Annabeth said, appalled. "I don't think this is proper science conversation,"
"Eh, no one is listening anyway," she waved a hand dismissively. "But you still haven't answered my question."
"Yes," Annabeth said begrudgingly. "He is a good kisser,"
"Ha!" Rachel slapped the table as she cried out, causing some of the surrounding students to stare at the quizzically. "I knew it, with the way he and Calypso were always lip-locked- "
"Wait, who?" Annabeth asked. "Whose Calypso?" she asked Rachel.
"His ex-girlfriend," Rachel answered. "But they broke up, like, two years ago,"
"He…dated before me?" Annabeth asked. She felt a little heartbroken. She had always imagined being Percy's first everything. First love, first crush, first girlfriend, first time…
"Oh, yeah," Rachel let a low sigh. "He kind of got around. First, there was Jason- "
"I'm sorry, what?" Annabeth interrupted, looking shocked.
"Oh, yeah, Percy bisexual, but- "
"Wow, I'm learning new things about him every day," Annabeth huffed out a breath. "I'm so glad he bothered to tell me," Rachel raised an eyebrow at her.
"Jealously isn't a good look for you, honey," Rachel sing-song-ed.
"Miss. Chase! Miss. Dare!" their teacher, Mrs. Gibbons said, drawing their attention towards her. She looked at them, eyebrows raised, a look of annoyance plastered onto her face. Her lips were pursed in a thin, straight line. Her eyes bulged a bit, making her look like a frog. Or someone who was permanently surprised.
"Please refrain from talking during my class in the future," They each mumbled weak apologizes.
"Hm," Mrs. Gibbons pursed her lips. "Since you seem so inclined to talk, perhaps everyone else feels this way," she turned her gaze away from them and turned to address the class. "Oral reports! I want a report from each of you about a different part of the cell system. Due Thursday," The class groaned.
"Mrs. Gibbons is harsh," Rachel complained as she and Annabeth made their way to the library. It was free period, the perfect time to loiter-sorry, study, for their next classes.
"Tell me more about Percy's past exploits," Annabeth demanded.
"'Exploits' is a harsh word to use. I would prefer 'past lovers.'"
"Well, Jason, as I said earlier. They dated for a while before breaking up-they were better off as friends, but I think they still hooked up after that-Calypso-" as Rachel rattled off all the names ( 4 {Jason, Calypso, Reyna, and some gender-fluid chick named Alex}), Annabeth realized she didn't know Percy as well as she thought she did. Maybe she didn't know him at all.
Throughout the day, Annabeth tried to forget about it, but one part of the conversation stuck with her.
I think they still hooked up after that.
What if Percy left her? Would she become a hook-up to him? Would he even care?
"Hey," Annabeth heard Percy before she saw him, and felt his arms wrap around her. His chin rested on her shoulder. "Ready to go?" he asked her.
"Go where?" she asked him, even if she had a hunch she already knew where. Percy smiled, showing the two crooked teeth that had always made him seem human, even if he always shined like a god.
"I'm taking you out on a date,"
…
Annabeth shivered as Percy walked her back home. They had gone to the park, which Annabeth didn't think was particularly romantic, but Percy somehow found a way to make it so. The had eaten from a food truck, wandered around the park, and then Percy had brought her to a clearing. The moon shone and vines hung low from trees, reminding Annabeth of the Little Mermaid "kiss the girl" scene, which was exactly what Percy did.
"Had fun?" Percy asked as the neared her house. Annabeth nodded and pulled her dress closer towards her. A weight appeared on her shoulders, and she was clutching Percy's own coat. He didn't appear to be cold, and Annabeth was enjoying the view that was under the jacket, too.
"Annabeth?" Percy had stopped walking. Annabeth stopped as well. She faced him in the dark, and his features were scrunched together. He was nervous, but Annabeth had no idea what about.
"Hm?" she asked him. She could see a light on in her house and knew her parents were still awake. She wanted some time to come up with a cover story when they grilled her- or maybe just tell the truth.
"I love you," Annabeth paused, staring at Percy. I love you too, she wanted to say, but she could only think about how many other people he had said that to, and wondered how much those words were really meant for her.
"I know I've said it before," he continued. "But, god, I've never loved anyone as much as I love you,"
"But you hardly know me," she protested weakly. Percy blushed, which Annabeth found pretty cute.
"I've kind of watched you for a while now. Not in a creepy stalker way," he said quickly. "And I just- "Annabeth cut him off with a kiss (which was starting to become a habit).
"I love you too," she smiled at him, and Percy beamed back at her.
When she walked into her house, her parents were already waiting for her. Her brothers were nowhere downstairs, so Annabeth assumed that they were asleep.
"Where have you been?" her mother, Pallas, demanded.
"I was- "Annabeth started, but her father began to speak before she could say anything.
"Annabeth, you know we love you. But you can't just run off without letting us know," her father, Fredrick told her gently.
"But, I- "Annabeth started to protest.
"But nothing, young lady!" her mother snapped. "I saw you outside, with that boy," she said it as if the word was poison. Funny, Annabeth thought, her father was also of the male variety, but there was nothing wrong with him, was there?
"I know his type," her mother continued. "He'll act like he loves you, and once he's had his fun with you, he'll leave you with a child we'll have to take care off!" Annabeth wanted to roll her eyes. This was the excuse every parent gave.
"How would you know?" Annabeth snapped suddenly, interrupting her mother from her seemingly never-ending rant. "It's not like you've banged anyone else but him," she pointed a ridged finger at her father who was evidently shocked out her outburst. Her mother however, twisted her face into a cruel smirk.
"You see?" Pallas said, turning to address Fredrick. "This boy has already begun to corrupt her!"
"Annabeth, I'm afraid I have to agree with your mother," You more than me old man, Annabeth thought. "I don't like this. You don't usually yell like that,"
"I've always been like this! You just never cared enough to notice!" Annabeth was furious.
"Annabeth! Do not wake your brothers up!" her mother screeched at her.
"Are they really my brother of you so clearly love them more than me? Why don't you just get rid of me?"
"Because your father wanted to keep the constant reminder of his unfaithfulness close!" her mother yelled at her. Annabeth panted, out of breath from yelling, but her mother had just said the strangest thing.
"I…you're not my mom?" Annabeth asked quietly.
"No," Pallas said. "You're not. Your mothers name was Athena,"
"Dad?" she asked turning to her father, but he wasn't looking at her. He was staring at her mom-if she could even call her that.
"Why would you tell her that?" her father demanded.
"She's living in a fantasy world where I actually care about her. She needs to know, Fredrick. She has to know," her mother-Pallas-insisted.
"No, she doesn't! We were fine before- "
"Before, she hated me and I hated her! There's nothing you can say or do to change my mind about it,"
They continued to argue as of she wasn't there. Annabeth sat, slouched on the couch, in shock. Her mom wasn't her mom? The open hatred wasn't imaged? Her father had hidden this from her?
Annabeth wandered into the kitchen and opened a cabinet. In a sort of daze, she made her way back to the living room where her parents were still arguing. They caught sight of her and paled.
"Annabeth," her father started, but Annabeth shook her head. "Don't. I don't want to hear you speak,"
When she finished downstairs, she made her way upstairs and slowly pushed open the door to her little brother's room.
"Annabeth?" her brother, Michael, asked, rubbing sleep from his eyes.
"Sh," Annabeth put a finger to her lips, shushing them. "It's time to sleep. It's time to sleep forever,"
She brought the knife down on them, the blood splattering against the wall.
Just so you know, Percy and Annabeth began dating in the span of THREE months. Sorry if that wasn't clear (which I know it wasn't)