Annabeth was nervous. It was Monday, and today she would have to face Thalia and Luke at school.

She was very nervous. She spent the majority of yesterday streaming Among us with her friends, trying desperately to distract herself from the impeding doom of today. Even her followers could notice something was wrong, as she nervously scanned chat, looking for any sign that they were watching. She knew that they were.

The only positive thing about today, is that Percy was planning on picking her up. He said he would arrive in five minutes, and she nervously tapped her foot where she stood outside her front door.

Her heart relaxed as she saw his car turn onto her street, coming at a careful stop next to her. He quickly shot out of the drivers seat and ran round the car, opening the door for her. He sent her a cheeky grin as she walked up to him.

'Morning gorgeous. You ready for today?'

Her eyes softened as she came to a stop in front of him, placing a hand on his cheek. She couldn't stop herself from stand on her tippy toes and pressing a kiss to his cheek, leaving him looking dazed.

'Never. Lets do this.'

She slid into the passenger seat, and about ten seconds later Percy sat into the drivers seat and the car began to move.

He held her hand as he drove, shooting nervous glances at her. She bit her lip nervously, staring out the window.

'I really don't want to see them Percy. I don't even know what i would say to them.'

He gave her hand a little squeeze before bringing it up to his lips, kissing it softly.

'Just remember, you owe them absolutely nothing Beth, okay? And i'll be by your side as much as i can. I promise.'

Annabeth relaxed and squeezed his hand. This boy.

They pulled into the parking lot, and surprisingly made it through the front door without issues. She saw Piper and Jason standing in front of her locker, and the pair walked towards them.

'Morning!' Piper yawned, giving both her and Percy a hug.

'Oh god, close your mouth Piper, i can see your breakfast.' The three of them laughed at Percys comment as Piper raised her eyebrows at him, wiggling her tongue in his direction. Jason gave Annabeth a side hug, and she smiled up at him gratefully.

His eyes locked onto something behind her, and then shot down worriedly to look at her. She saw Piper do the same, and closed her eyes, bracing for impact.

Her and Percy turned slightly, and Annabeth's blood boiled at the sight before her.

Thalia and Luke strolled into the hallway holding hands, looking as shocked to see her as she was them. Annabeth softened slightly seeing the guilty look in Thalia's eyes, but that disappeared as she squeezed Lukes hand for support.

Lukes eyes drifted down to see Percy's hand in Annabeth's and he gritted his teeth, frowning at the boy.

The bell rang, clearing the hallway, but the two couples did not move. She vaguely saw Piper and Jason go to class out the corner of her eye, but she was too focused on the pair in front of her.

She could faintly feel Percys thumb rubbing against her hand to show his support, but she couldn't concentrate on anything except Thalia and Luke.

Thalia stepped forward slightly, and on impulse Annabeth stepped back, causing Thalias eyes to fill with saddness.

'Annabeth please, just talk to us!' She spoke desperately, causing Annabeth to shake her head.

'I have nothing to say to you.'

' I made a mistake, okay! I should've told you I was seeing Luke! Its fucked up and im so sorry!'

Annabeth narrowed her eyes, heart beat echoing through her mind.

'No, what you should've done is not sleep with my boyfriend in the first place Thalia!'

She could see Thalia wince slightly, and Luke chose this moment to step forward.

'Don't act like you are so perfect Annabeth. Whats this then? Huh?' He asked, motioning to Annabeth and Percys joint hands. 'You we're probably doing it behind my back too. Get over yourself!'

Annabeth had just enough time to register Thalias angry look directed towards Luke before Percy took a step forward.

He looked mad.

'What the fuck is wrong with you man? Making up lies about Annabeth just so you can feel better about yourself for treating people like shit? Annabeth would never do something like that. But frankly, she should've, because you never even fucking deserved her.'

Annabeth gently pulled him back, but Luke took a step forward, ignoring Thalias feeble attempts to get him to stop. They were in each others faces.

Luke laughed in Percys face. 'You think you're so fucking cool don't you? Huh? You date a hot girl once and now you think you're hot shit. You're a fucking loser Percy. You know what, i don't even care. You can have my sloppy seconds. Shes just a slut anywa-'

He couldn't finish his sentence before Percys fist collided with his face. Annabeth winced as she heard a crunch, and as Percy pulled his hand back Annabeth could see blood dripping down Lukes face.

'You bastard! I'm going to kill you!' He took a step forward, but Thalia jumped in his path, shoving him backwards and grabbing his arm, pulling him away. She shot Annabeth a look that screamed sorry, but Annabeth continued frowning until they were out of her sight.

She spun round to face Percy, who was shaking with rage. His fist was red, and his expression hard as he glanced down the hallway.

She placed her hand on his cheek and watched as he softened under her touch, glancing down to look at her.

'Im sorry. I know I shouldn't have done that, but the way he was speaking about you i couldn-'

He was interrupted by Annabeth, who placed a long gentle kiss on his lips. He froze, staring down at the girl shocked, with love in his eyes.

'What was that for?' He asked softly, brushing a hair out of her face.

She moved closer to him and snuggled into his chest, to which he wrapped his arms around her instinctively.

'For standing up for me.'

She heard him sigh and place a kiss on top of her head. His grip got tighter, holding her in his arms like he was afraid she would break.

'It's what I'm here for Beth, and i always will be. I'll always protect you.'

She couldn't stop the tear that dripped down her face, and Percy cradled her head as she softly cried into his shoulder.

They stood in the hallway for a long time, clinging together like they were the only ones alive, soft cries echoing off the walls.

————————————————————-