AN: Well… No excuses for being so late on this one. In case y'all hadn't noticed, this fic will not be updated on a regular schedule. I love writing it, I just… lack motivation a lot of times. Percy's own love of basketball is inspired by my own and with the NBA back, I've been extremely distracted by investing myself in that again. Apologies. Anyway, I hope you enjoy this one. I split it up into multiple parts to move the story a long. Just short snippets to develop character. Little bit of flirting, little bit of friendship, little bit of introducing other characters. Just a hopefully pretty wholesome and fun chapter. Enjoy!
T-Minus Four Weeks Until School: In Which Percy Realizes Annabeth Is A Nerd - Percy
Percy glanced at the clock. Three O'Clock. Against his wishes and desires, his heartbeat picked up and a small smile started crossing his face. Don't catch feelings. Don't catch fe— The blonde girl walked through the door, this time dressed in a long sleeve crop top and denim shorts. Of course she had to dress like that. He gritted his teeth a little, trying not to smile too much at her appearance.
Walking up to the counter, her face grew into a smile as she greeted him simply, "Hey." Percy's lips twitched when he heard her voice. Dang it, fool. You caught feelings.
With a bit of practiced ease, the humorous defense mechanism took over and he grinned, maybe a bit too widely, "Hey. Same old, same old?"
The blonde rolled her eyes a bit, "I do not see the point in changing a routine that is already perfect."
Percy's eyebrow slowly crept up his head, "So… yes?" Why does she have to say it
With a sigh, a smile, and a small nod, she accquiesed, "That would be a yes."
The repetitve actions of monetary exchange soon followed and Percy's eyes trailed after her as she found her table. Don't stare. You'll look like a creep. Don't be a creep. Creeps are bad. Bad is not good. She'll only like you if you're good. Don't stare. Spinning on his chair, Percy gritted his teeth and began working, hoping to clear the overthinking from his brain.
Medium cup, got it. Shot glasses. Pull the shots. Hot water over them into the shot glasses. Both shots into the cup. Syrup. Syrup snagged. Syrup pumped into the shots. Milk, got the milk. Into the steamer, not too much. Oh was that too much? Crap. Maybe a little. Steam the milk. Oh it really was too much. Pour the milk. Art time.
In honor of summer and the heat, Percy did his best to design a sun. In the middle was a circle of milk. Using a small toothpick, he dragged some of the foam out in each direction, hoping to replicate a sun. It turned out pretty decently and he was pretty happy with it.
"Same old, same old," he announced, a cheeky grin crossing his face as he placed the drink to the side of the girl's arm. He took a glance at her computer screen. It was covered in… before he could even think, he heard the question escaping his lips, "Are those… blueprints?"
OH GOSH YOU IDIOT! Why would you even start saying something like that? Now she thinks you're staring at her computer screen. She's gonna be so creeped out by that and never come back. His jaw clenched as his arm wormed its way into his pocket, touching the fidget spinner still there. The smooth, circular blades gave him a small semblance of calm, but nothing that truly helped his mind. Wait… is she actually answering?
The girl's face had spread into a massive grin and apparently she was ranting about something. "Yes they are! They are the blueprints of a building I am designing! I am huge into architecture and I just cannot wait to have the opportunity to actually build something substantial…" She continued on and on, rambling about details and specifications while Percy stood there, his eyes glazing over slightly at all the terms and phrases she used that were way outside his league. Like she is, in general. Everyone's outside your league, Jackson.
When she finished, the girl blushed a little and looked up into Percy's eyes. His almost immediately skipped away and he felt his own blush rising up in his cheeks from the gaze of… something… from the stormy-eyed blonde in front of him. Think of something to say, you idiot!
"Wow… That's… increidble," Percy rubbed the back of his head, "To be honest… I am almost completely lost, but I can see you're super into it. Keep it up!" He offered a double thumbs up before walking behind the counter. When he got back to the counter, he beelined for the kitchen that was out of view of the blonde girl. He immediately hit the wall with his forehead, groaning. That was so cheesy. What even. You're so dumb for that, Jackson. If she wasn't falling for you before, she definitely never will now. How could you be such an idiot? AGH!
That day, he waited for her to leave before he emerged from the back, under the pretense of cleaning. That was the excuse he gave himself. However, because he wasn't around, he failed to notice the small look of hope followed by hurt when the girl didn't see him on her way out.
T-Minus Three Weeks Until School: In Which They Finally Learn Names - Annabeth
"C'mon Annabeth! You have to try a different coffee shop besides Demeter's Drinks! I promise there are other coffee shops in this city."
Annabeth shook her head, "I'm sorry, Rachel. We are going to Demeter's."
Her redheaded friend groaned, "Ughhh… Why are you so effing stubborn?"
Rolling her eyes, Annabeth shrugged, "1. Not stubborn. I just know what I want. 2. I have told you before, if you are going to swear, just swear. Do not try to cover it up."
Rachel smirked, "And I've told you before, I don't swear. It's not ladylike."
Annabeth snorted. Her friend was not the definition of ladylike, not at all. On a good day, when Rachel wanted to dress up, she wore non-stained, non-ripped jeans and a clean hoodie. Those days were rare. Today was not one of those days. The redhead was currently dressed in very ripped and very paint splattered jeans with a formerly normal hoodie. Said hoodie had also been ripped.
"Rach, the day you are ladylike is the day I go goth. It is never going to happen."
Rachel stuck her tongue out, "Oh shut up. Beth."
"Okay you know what! I will take you right back home and you can talk to your father about how you got suspended from summer school."
"It was a misunderstanding!"
Annabeth rolled her eyes and continued driving the car to Demeter's Drinks. She found the barista boy to be pretty good at his job and she loved the way he made the Irish Cream latte. Normally she would not have brought Rachel to her private coffee shop, but iffy circumstances had arisen.
She did not know all the details, nor did she want to. All she knew was that, on her way to said coffee shop, she had gotten a call from Rachel to pick her up from the perpatory academy. Something about a janitor's closet, $200 dollars, and suspension. Annabeth chose not to ask questions.
When they arrived, Annabeth stepped out of the car quickly, grabbing her backpack out of the backseat. Then she practically marched double-step into the café. Rachel, not ready for the quickness from the methodical Annabeth, jogged after her, "Gosh, Annabeth! Why are you moving so…" Rachel trailed off.
Annabeth sighed, brushing a curl that had fallen onto her face back into the rest of them. Rachel had noticed the barista boy. Rachel apparently found said boy cute.
The barista boy tilted his head, a small smile crossing his lips when he noticed Annabeth, but obviously a little confused at the redhead who had joined her. Annabeth, for whatever reason, felt the compulsion to explain the presence of another person during their private time.
Not that it was like that! Annabeth had gotten used to a certain pattern and she hated her schedule being interrupted. She needed routine. She liked having the café to just herself and the quiet, sarcastic barista boy.
Walking up to the counter, she smiled, "My friend, Rachel. We decided on an impromptu girls' day."
Something crossed the boy's sea-green eyes. It was quick, but Annabeth picked up a small sign of… hurt? That cannot be right. But as quick as it was there, it was gone. Annabeth thought maybe she was projecting her own desire for the routine onto the boy.
The boy's lip twitched, but he nodded to Rachel, "Percy. Welcome to Demeter's Drinks. What can I do for you?"
Rachel smiled, "Hey Percy. Nice to meet you." Her eyes glanced up to the menu, slightly glazing over, "Uh… Why don't you ask Annabeth first? I'll just be a moment."
Annabeth's heart skipped a beat. Percy. It fits. Somehow. She smiled a little at the thought of his name before restructuring her face to her typical neutral expression. It skipped again when she heard the barista boy, no… Percy, respond.
"Don't need to. Irish Cream latte, medium. Half the syrup."
Annabeth was momentarily heartwarmed. That is when she noticed the look Rachel gave her. It was not just a look. It was The Look. Everyone knows the one. That looks that only friends can give. The one that just exposes any secrets or thoughts to the other friend. The Look.
Rachel looked back to Percy, "Okay then… I'll get the… Mocha frappuccino please?"
Percy nodded, glancing at the register momentarily, "Size?"
"Medium." He looked up, trailing off for a second. Annabeth noticed his hand twitching a little, inching towards his front left jean pocket. "Uh… together or separate?" Annabeth swore she saw his jaw clench, but she was distracted when she saw Rachel's hand flash forward.
"No, Rachel. Do not. I will pay."
"No, you drove me here. Least I can do."
"But it is my café. I suggested it."
"You're saving me from my dad's lecturing. Please."
"No! I got this."
"No I do!"
Back and forth, back and forth. Vaguely, as they fought, Annabeth registered movement in the corner of her eyes, but did not pay it mind. After about ten minutes, she and Rachel froze as they heard Percy's voice ring out.
"Hey so… I made the drinks."
The two girls, in sync, turned their heads towards the counter. Sure enough, one latte, one frappuccino.
Rachel blinked and rubbed her forehead, "How long were we…"
Percy raised an eyebrow and glanced at the clock on the wall, "Uh… a while. Suggestion? Just pay for each other's drink. They're the same price."
It was in this moment Annabeth knew. She was hooked. She hated that she was. But she was. It was clear when she was discussing the architecutre the week before that he was not the smartest in terms of books and education. Yet, he clearly had a practical intelligence that was good for problem solving. She would not admit she was hooked. But looking back, she knew this was the moment.
The two girls looked a little sheepish at the barista before paying for the drinks and sitting down, drinks in hand. Once they sat down though, Annabeth wished they had not. When she saw Rachel's expression, she remembered. The Look.
"Spill."
T-Minus Two Weeks Until School: In Which Percy Forgets To Breathe - Percy
Percy flipped a metal steamer in the air before catching the handle with one hand. Spinning, he closed his eyes and flipped it behind his back. Seconds later, a splash followed by a thunk of the metal steamer hitting the bottom of the sink echoed through the café. He opened his eyes and bowed.
"Showoff." Frank grunted from his seat at the table behind the counter.
"Talent." Percy smirked, momentarily wondering if he was actually an annoying showoff before shaking it off and walking over to the sink to clean and rinse the steamer. His feet bounced to the beat of the music playing quietly in the empty café. His heart slowly began picking up steam, like a semi truck at a stop light. Slow to start racing, but once it was moving, it would be a long time until it stopped again. It was close to Annabeth's arrival for the day and the anxiety, mixed with happiness, started building.
Frank, being Frank, took notice, "Breathe, Perce."
Percy, not realizing he had been holding his breath, gave Frank a sheepish look before taking a long, deep breath.
Well… he started to. But then the door opened and Annabeth walked in, breathtakingly beautiful in his mind. Literally. His breath caught and he suddenly found himself struggling to breathe, coughs racking his body. He squatted down, coughing into his arm whilst simultaneously trying to catch his breath. Smooth.
Cheeks flushing bright red, he looked up from his shoes and made the mistake of making direct eye contact with his orange soda. Get it? Cause crush? Wow… that was honestly terrible Jackson. Don't ever, ever, make that pun again. Annabeth's stormy grey eyes were filled with humor and a little concern.
Frank, being Frank, dashed over, as fast as a 6'9" 255lb 17 year old can dash, "Gosh dang it, Perce. I did say breathe!"
The rest of the day went decently well. Percy spent the rest of the summer beating himself over the head for the incident. Annabeth spent the rest of the summer thinking she would love to make Percy's face flush like that, but in a non-humiliated way.
T-Minus One Week Until School: In Which Percy Blushes. A Lot. - Percy
Percy handed the premade Irish Cream Latte to Annabeth the moment she stepped up to the counter. He did his best not to blush when he saw the way her eyes smiled, even if her lips didn't follow. "I knew you were coming in, plus work's slow as always this time of day. Figured I wouldn't make you wait." He shrugged nonchalantly, trying to be the cool player that he most definitely was 24/7.
Annabeth brought the cup to her lips and tasted it before responding, "Thank you." Her smile shone through her voice, again, not quite reaching her face, but everything else about her was smiling. "It is four dollars, right?" Annabeth reached into her purse, scrounging for some cash.
Percy shook his head, "No, it's okay. On me this time. End of summer gift." His mouth twitched into a smile as he felt his face heat up, heart racing like American Pharoah in 2015.
Annabeth looked down at the cup and then back up at Percy, "Again, thank you." Her eyes sparkled. It was weird to say that stormy grey eyes can sparkle, but hers did. It was like a sun shining down upon a dark raging sea. Oxymoronic, but devastantingly beautiful.
Percy's breath almost left him again. But, he had been doing breathing exercises over the last week. In an unhealthy way, he had obsessed over never choking on his own breath in front of Annabeth. Thank God for anxiety. No, don't. That's dumb. Anxiety sucks. Sigh. I'm an idiot.
Annabeth tilted her head, apparently noticing something in his demeanor. "Oh, speaking of summer ending, are you ready for school to begin?"
Percy's eyes widened and he dramatically backed up against the counter, "Oh no. God, no. Heck no. No."
Annabeth smirked, "Oh, I see. Do you hate school?"
Percy tapped the side of his temple, "Just not smart. Barely passing."
Annabeth gave him a small smile, "You know, I could help you out if you ever need it. Just let me know next time I see you in here, okay?"
She thinks you're an idiot. "Yo, seriously? Hey, that's awesome, thanks!" Percy's hand clenched around the fidget spinner. What if I humiliate myself in front of her? Can't ever actually ask for help. Pretend you got it together.
"Of course, no problem! I would hate not to see you here because you have to study too much." Raising her cup in a salute of good bye, Annabeth walked to her table and sat down to work. Percy's mind struggled to function properly after that last flirtatious comment.
An hour or so later, Annabeth threw her cup away before walking towards the door, "See you at school, Percy. Go Legion!"
Percy froze, "Wait… no… Go what now?"
Annabeth frowned, "Legion? That is our school nickname, right? The Legion? Like the Romans?"
Percy's eyes widened before he facepalmed, "Annabeth, you know, for a nerd, you're pretty unobservant sometimes." Noticing Annabeth's confused look, he continue on, "There's two schools. Ecclesia Prepatory Academy, the Legion, and Ecclesia Central, the Argonauts. I go to Central."
Annabeth's own eyes copied Percy's and she groaned, "I remember Rachel mentioning a second school… I just was not paying that much attention."
A beat.
Annabeth shrugged and her eyes looked up with a little bit of hope, "I will still see you around here though." It was more of a statement than a question.
Percy nodded, face flushing a little red again, "Y-yeah, of course. Always here."
Annabeth gave him a little wave and he tried not to watch her curls bounce around her head… too much. Hard not to watch them.
First Week of School: In Which Annabeth Is Uncharacteristically Dumb - Annabeth
BRRING! BRRING!
The final bell tolled throughout Ecclesia Prepatory Academy. Annabeth, normally a demure and quiet student, practically bolted from her chair. She blew right by Rachel calling out her name and headed for her car. She knew Percy worked in the afternoons on Wednesdays and she was in a rush to make sure she could catch him before he got off his shift.
Before she knew it, Annabeth had arrived in the parking lot of the café and quickly found a parking spot. She opened her door as she saw the now familiar sign of Demeter's Drinks. Against her better judgement, her mouth slowly grew into a small smile. Her normally neutral expression was replaced by one of small contentment and satisfaction. She blamed the barista boy entirely.
First, he made her drink way too well. She had tried ordering it at other coffee shops, but never had she found one as good as his. Secondly, he was just… charming and she slowly found herself becoming more and more intrigued by the boy. She did not want it to happen. She definitely never meant it to happen, but yet, she found herself looking forward more and more to her weekly visits to the café.
She could tell in the way the boy carried himself that he was at least familiar with, if not an active participant in, some sort of athletic activity. She did not know how, but there was this air about him that she recognized as a jock.
She knew her parents would never approve. She came from a strictly academic family. Additionally, she continually waited for him to make a move. His interest in her was… not subtle, to put it kindly. She caught his glances her way when he thought she could not see. She saw the way his hands would twitch whenever he was around her, clearly a sign of attraction and nerves. Yet, he never made a move.
She had an idea it was because of a possible anxiety disorder, but nothing of substance yet. He hid it well, she would give him that. Annabeth prided herself on being able to read people, even those who did their best to hide it. It was not a lot, but she would notice small things. Beneath that cocky jock attitude, there was a small hesitation in his movements, as if he were second guessing himself. She noticed the way his hand gravitated towards his pocket, playing with some sort of fidget toy to calm his nerves.
Then there were his eyes. They say the eyes are the windows to the soul. Annabeth noticed that there was almost a small speck of fear in his sea-green eyes. Again, he hid it beneath a cocky exterior, one of confidence and assuredness. But his eyes spoke volumes of his true personality. She did not quite know what they said, but they were not the eyes of a typical high school jock.
She thought of this all as she had drove on over to the café. When she arrived, she walked up to the door, a smile growing on her face in anticipation. But when she entered the café, the smile was immediately replaced by one of confusion.
Instead of her normal barista boy standing at the counter, a middle aged woman with dark brown hair and deep brown eyes stood in front of her. The woman smiled kindly, a slight southern accent noticeable in her words, "Hey there, sweetie. What can I do for you?"
Annabeth was momentarily at a loss for words and she tilted her head. It had been a while since she had to order a drink. Her barista boy normally just took care of it immediately, knowing what she wanted. "I'll uh… I'll take the Irish Cream latte. Medium please." What happened in response to her order was not something had expected, but considering the way the summer had been, she should have known to expect the unexpected.
The woman in front of her immediately lit up with a smile in front of her face, "Oh so you're the Irish Cream girl!"
Annabeth blinked. She blinked again. "I… Yes, I think so? What do you mean?"
The woman walked out from behind the counter and gave her a hug, "Sally mentioned that Percy was possibly in interested in someone!"
Annabeth, stuffed in a hug, did not quite known how to respond.
The woman released Annabeth and gave her a smile, "Sorry, sorry, dear. I'm Demeter, the owner of the café." She paused and winked, "I suppose you're here for Percy?"
Annabeth nodded her head slowly, "Nice to meet you." She felt her ears start to burn, "Yes. I am. Where is he?"
The now named Demeter tapped the side of her nose and winked again, "You go to the Prep school, right? Means you're a smart girl. Think about it."
Annabeth took exactly half a second before facepalming, "Oh I can be so dumb sometimes!" She pinched the bridge of her nose, "His schedule changed because work started, did it not?"
Demeter, failing at hiding a smirk, nodded, "There it is, sweetie. Now then, what's the next obvious question that you should ask his boss?" Demeter gestured to herself.
Annabeth grit her teeth to stop the blush that threatened to rise to her skin, "When does he work now?"
Demeter, very obviously smirking by this point, shrugged, "He just closes for me. Oh, and he works Saturdays." Then she gestured to a table by the window where a latte sat undisturbed, "Now then, Irish Cream girl, there's your latte. Do your homework. This one's on the house."
To say Annabeth's jaw dropped would be an understatement. "You… How'd you…" She trailed off, still in shock.
Demeter shrugged again, "I remember being your age. Now go drink that coffee before it gets cold. I'll be very offended if you need to come back up for a reheat."
The moment Annabeth sat down at her latte she resolved two things. 1. She would never get played by Demeter again. (She would fail, countless times, at this one.) 2. She would be returning on Saturday.
AN: Y'all should honestly probably thank my girlfriend for this chapter being up. If it wasn't for her, I would've give up and lost interest in this a long, long time ago xD Nut she motivates and encourages me and it's definitely worth it. I love this story and I hope y'all do too. Favorite, follow, drop a review, all that good stuff please. It really helps me remember there's other people out there who are becoming invested in this too. Catch y'all next time!
Side Note: with a chapter split up in a way this one is, there's bound to be slight inconsistencies, please forgive me of those. I did my best, but I can't pick up every error. If it's something major, PM me and I'll explain/correct it if possible. Thanks!