Chapter 17

-Annabeth-

[11:35a] Piper: Hey, you finish your test?

[11:35a] Annabeth: Yes I'm finished. You're not going to ask for answers are you?

[11:35a] Piper: no. I've learned from last time :P

[11:36a] Annabeth: I'm sure you have.

[11:36a] Piper: So what are your plans after this? The girls and I are going Christmas shopping

[11:36a] Annabeth: I promised Percy I'd go shopping with him and I don't think he could handle you or the others so don't think about making me drag him along

[11:36a] Piper: aww you're no fun lol.

[11:37a] Annabeth: I try :P

[11:37a] Piper: alright girl, don't have too much fun with Percy ;)

[11:37a] Annabeth: you're hilarious...

[11:36a] Piper: I know I am.

...

As soon as the clock hits 11:50, the final bell rings, signaling the end of school and the end of the first semester. Annabeth was reading a book up until then so she packs it in her bag and leaves the classroom. As she walks down the hallway, she sees someone approaching her from her right. She doesn't pay much attention to them, thinking they're just going to pass her, but instead they put their hand on her shoulder and have her stop walking. She whirls around to see Luke standing behind her, his smile seeming kind at first glance, but she sees something more in his eyes.

"Annabeth, hey! Do you have plans today?" he asks.

"I do, actually," she replies as she shakes his hand off her shoulder.

"With Percy?" he asks her then. His smile wavers and his tone changes slightly.

"What if it is?"

Annoyance flashes in his eyes but he keeps up the nice guy act, at least for her.

"Come on, you can do better than him," Luke says. "Don't you remember two years ago?"

She shudders a bit from the memory and she takes a step back, away from Luke, but she keeps her voice steady. "Unfortunately, yes and that is why I don't want you near me."

On the outside, Luke seemed to really care for her - to really get to know her. But she figured out pretty quick that he just wanted her. Not who she is as an individual, but as a Chase. She could see in his eyes that he also wanted her body and that was something she knew she wouldn't stand for, no matter how attractive he was.

His smile seems genuine enough, but he still has that hungry look in his eyes.

"You don't mean that," he says, stepping closer to her and closing the distance between them.

By now all the other students are gone, either hanging out in the commons area or leaving the school until next semester. She and Luke are alone in the hallway.

She steps away from him again and pushes his hand away when he reaches out to her again. "No I really do mean it."

"We can just be friends, you know?"

She doesn't like the way he said friends.

"Don't you have enough friends already?"

Luke rolls his eyes. "They're alright, but I want someone that really interests me."

"What's going to stop you from just casting me aside like your other flings?" She raises her eyebrow at him and crosses her arms. She just wants to get out of there but she has to stand up for herself this time.

"You're different than they are. You're better. Come on, Beth, just one day?"

"Don't call me that," she warns him, her eyes glaring daggers at him.

"Why not? Jackson calls you Beth all the time," Luke points out.

"Because Percy is my boyfriend and he's earned that right," Annabeth explains. "I'm not interested in you or whatever you have to offer me. Just leave me alone and don't talk to me."

With that, she turns and walks down the hallway, ignoring Luke calling out to her. She hears him rushing after her and she prepares herself for more talk when she bumps into someone in front of her.

She mutters and apology, but when she looks up, the first thing she sees are concerned sea green eyes.

"Percy," she sighs.

"What's going on?" he asks, eyeing Luke warily.

"Nothing," she says, grabbing Percy's hand. "Let's get out of here."

Percy squeezes her hand in response and seems willing to follow, but Luke has other ideas. He gets between him and Annabeth, breaking their hold on each other.

"What the fuck are you doing?" Percy shouts, his eyes are locked on to Luke.

"I'm not done talking to her," Luke growls. "Now piss off, Jackson."

Annabeth tries to reach Percy again, but Luke cuts her off.

"I said I'm not done," Luke says again.

"I say we are," Annabeth growls.

"What are you going to do this time, Beth?" Luke spats. "You don't have an army to protect you this time!"

"She doesn't need an army," Percy warns him. "I beat you once before, Luke. I can do it again."

"Maybe with a sword, but I doubt you have the same finesse with your fists," Luke challenges as he shoves Percy into a wall.

"Luke stop it!" Annabeth cries.

"Or what? Will you go out with me instead of him?"

"Why don't you fuck your other girls instead, Luke," Percy snarls, his voice is full of venom.

"I'd rather have your girl. She's much prettier than the others," Luke says as he grabs Annabeth by the waist with one hand, pulling her close to him.

Annabeth isn't having any of it. Her suspicions him and her instincts were right about him after all. He really is nothing but a creep. She elbows him in the gut, making him lose his grip on her, and she pushes herself away from Luke and towards Percy - who looks like he's about ready to fight.

Luke coughs a few times and glares at Annabeth, but before he can say anything, Annabeth starts talking to him.

"I swear if you don't leave me alone, I will make sure my family ruins you. Someone like you should know what can happen," she warns him. It's more of a bluff than anything since she hates using her family name in threats. Hell, she hates making threats in general, but she's anxious to get out of the building and get on with her plans with Percy.

Luke snarls at her and Percy. "You just don't know what's good for you. One day, Chase, I'll have you one way or another."

Annabeth ignores him and drags Percy towards the front doors. This time, Luke doesn't stop them.

...

"I hate him," Percy grumbles as they drive to the mall.

Percy's behind the wheel, one hand on the steering wheel and the other in Annabeth's hand. She squeezes his hand as they talk.

"I'd never go out with him, you know that, right?" she asks him.

"I know you wouldn't. But I don't understand why he's so obsessed with you."

"He courted me two years ago, or at least tried to, but I made my parents break it off. As far as I know, my mother still likes him and I doubt she'd care if she knew what he really wanted from me," she explains, her voice taking a bitter tone. "But I don't know for sure since I haven't seen or heard from him since then."

"Speaking of, when are they going to be in New York?"

Annabeth frowns. "My father said they'd be at the house by tomorrow. He likes to be on time and he expects me to be there then by noon."

"Would you be able to do Christmas with me still?" he asks her, though there's a hint of doubt in his voice.

Annabeth purses her lips. "Honestly, I don't know. They've never really cared much for me this time of year unless it gave them a good image for the public so maybe whenever they don't need me there I can join you."

Percy smiles softly and squeezes her hand gently. "Don't worry if you miss Christmas at my place. I can always get your presents delivered to your apartment."

"Or you could be so kind to give them to me yourself afterwards," Annabeth suggests. "And I could get you your presents while you're with me."

"What makes you think I won't deliver them personally?" he asks her as he turns into the mall parking lot.

Annabeth rolls her eyes, but smiles. Dummy.

Percy parks the car as close as he can to the mall without risking a ticket or a tow truck and together, he and Annabeth walk through the freezing cold air and into the welcoming arms of the heated indoors. Percy unzips his coat and lets it hang open while Annabeth leaves hers closed for the time being. She'll make Percy carry it later anyway so there's no rush to remove it.

"Do you know what you want to get for your mom?" she asks him as they walk down the spacious hallway, various shops and restaurants lining the sides.

The mall is full of shoppers, hoping to get their last minute Christmas shopping finished for their families.

"I don't know exactly, but she has been talking about a particular store," he replies. "I forget the name, but I'll know it when I see it."

"Are you going to get something for me, then?"

Percy smiles. "I already have your gift, Beth. If you make it to my apartment when my family's Christmas happens, you'll get it there. Otherwise, I'll see you at your apartment."

"Alright then. But what about everyone else? Jason, Piper, Thalia? Just to name a few," Annabeth asks him, smiling up at him.

"I don't have gifts for everyone, yet," he replies with a shrug. "I figured we can get that done today, too. Should I have to worry about your family? I mean, get them something, too?"

Annabeth laughs. "Don't take this the wrong way, Percy, but I don't think there's anything you could get them."

Percy exaggerates a grasp to his chest, like he's been stabbed. He staggers to the wall and leans against it. "You've killed me, Chase," he jests, a grin helplessly forming on his face.

Annabeth laughs and rolls her eyes, grasping his hand and pulling him back towards her. She wraps her arm around his waist and anchors herself to him as they continue walking.

"You're dumb," she teases, making Percy laugh. "Besides, I don't want them to know about you just yet, remember? Getting them something kind of defeats that purpose."

Annabeth slides her arm from around Percy's waist and grabs his hand, lacing her fingers between his, so they can navigate the busy hallway. There's multiple groups of shoppers waiting to get into stores and with other people also being forced to navigate around them, it creates a huge mess in the traffic. She and Percy manage to get through the crowd and continue their search for whatever store Percy is looking for.

Suddenly, Percy tugs on her hand so she looks over at him. All the chatter around them makes it hard to talk, but he's pointing with his free hand towards a particular store. She can make out the words "over there" on his lips and she nods, letting him take the lead. He guides her out of the crowd and into the less busy store.

...

"You sure you don't want me to pay you back even half of it?"

Percy had found what his mom was talking about, but it was pretty expensive for him. Annabeth had been insisting on paying for half of it, but Percy keeps telling her not to worry about it.

"Yes, I'm sure," he says, kissing the top of her head to shut her up.

She smiles at that and leans against him as they walk. She really enjoys the small bits of affection Percy gives her, whether it's a simple kiss on the head, or the feeling of his hand on her back when they walk through a crowd. Any worries that fill her mind seem to fade when she's with him and today those worries were about her family. She didn't expect them to come to New York this year and she's certain it's not because she's there. They've never paid much attention to her before and now they're suddenly going to travel across the country for her? There had to be a reason for it.

"What are you thinking about?" Percy asks her, his voice slicing through her thoughts.

"My family. There has to be a reason they're coming here for Christmas," she replies. She squeezes his hand a bit, looking for assurance.

"Maybe they actually miss you," he says simply and she laughs in disbelief.

"I highly doubt that. But they're not expected to arrive until tomorrow so for now I'm going to stay with you for as long as I can."

Percy smiles. "As long as you can, huh? And how long should I expect you to be here?"

"As long as you'll have me," she says, looking up into his eyes.

"That could be a while, Chase. What if I want you to stay the night with me?"

Annabeth's face reddens. "With you?"

"Well, I mean, in my apartment," he stammers. "Not actually with me."

She laughs again, this time it's genuine. "I know what you mean, Seaweed Brain."

He's dumb.

No, she tells herself. He's actually pretty smart when he wants to be.

"We'll have to see about tonight, then. I'll be sold if you make dinner again, though."

Percy sighs and whines. "But that's so much work, you know?"

"Too bad. Life is all about work, don't you know that?"

"Yes, I know. I'm just messing," he says, laughing.

"And," she adds, "you wouldn't want to disappoint your girlfriend, would you?"

His smile brightens and his eyes seem to shine. "I wouldn't dream of it."

"Good. Now, back to shopping. You got your gift for your mom, are we getting stuff for everyone else?" she asks.

Percy hums in thought. "Well, Paul will be with us this year so I should get something for him, too. I don't know what he'd want, though."

"What does he like?"

"He told me once he did Shakespeare when he was in college. Maybe something related to that could work?"

"Perhaps. What else?"

He thinks for a moment and lists a couple other things that he knows Paul likes. Annabeth looks around and spots a Barnes and Noble just down the hall.

"Maybe we can find a book about him in there?" she suggests.

"If he already doesn't have one, but maybe," Percy says. He takes her hand and they walk into the bookstore.

"I was just in here a couple weeks ago with Piper," Annabeth says after a minute. "I found this really good book about architecture but I didn't want to get it right then. Maybe I should find it and get it today?"

"Beth, we're here for other people, not for ourselves," Percy chuckles. Annabeth smacks his arm.

"That doesn't mean I can't get myself something, too, dummy."

"Can't that wait just a little longer? I'd hate to lose you in here."

Annabeth sighs. "Fine, but I will be getting that book someday."

Percy smiles and nods. "Someday."

They look around the bookstore and Annabeth picks out a book to show to Percy. "Would this work?"

He looks it over and reads the cover. It's about everything anyone knows about Shakespeare's life and work. A sort of biography, if you will.

A smile forms on his face again and he nods. "I guess this could work. I just hope he doesn't already have one of these."

"Anything else we could get from here?"

"Not that I know of. Is there another store to look through or are we done? My arms are getting tired from carrying everything."

Annabeth looks at the shopping bags hanging from his right arm, her coat draped over his shoulder, and the book for Paul in his right hand.

"I guess we're done for now," she says.

Percy hisses a 'yes!' in celebration, making Annabeth shake her head and smile.

"Dummy," she mutters as she takes his free arm. "Come on, let's get home."

They go to the checkout and stand in the line. It's not too busy, but Annabeth already knows this wait could last a little while.

"Will you let me pay for this one, then?" she asks him.

Percy lets out a laugh. "No. Mom has a membership here I can use to get discounts. This book won't be a problem compared to mom's gift."

Annabeth fakes a sulk and pouts. "Fine. I guess I won't do anything nice for you anymore."

He laughs for real and hands her the book. She looks up at him and he nods at her. "Really?"

He nods. "Yeah sure. Go ahead."

"You know I wasn't actually upset, right?"

"Yeah, I know," he replies with a stupid grin, making her roll her eyes.

"You're dumb."

Soon they finally reach the checkout and Annabeth pays for the book after Percy applies the member discount. When they turn to go, Annabeth freezes and grips Percy's arm. He stops and looks at her, concern forming on his face when he sees hers. It's full of shock and fear.

"What's wrong?" Percy asks.

"We should go... right now," she says quietly and quickly, trying to usher Percy to the doors.

"We were already going, but what's the rush?"

"Not right now, Percy. I'll tell you when we-"

"ANNABETH!"

She freezes and her blood turns cold. What is she doing here already? They're not supposed to be here until tomorrow!

Breathe, Annabeth... she can already hear Percy's voice, though his lips aren't moving. His eyes are locked on hers - full of confusion and concern.

She feels a hand on her shoulder and she's spun around and pulled into a hug. The familiar scent of designer perfume fills her nose, the embrace feeling warm, but when she looks up, she sees nothing but cold, grey eyes.

"Mother..." she breathes. She buries her emotions and acts natural. "What are you doing here? I thought everyone was coming tomorrow."

"We just got here not too long ago, dear," her mother says sweetly. "How has school been?"

"Oh, it's been good. I've got straight A's as always. The teachers are great and the students are cool."

"Yes, I've heard it's a decent school... for being a poor man's school," she says, her tone slightly bitter.

Annabeth's pulse spikes a bit. "What do you mean?"

"Annabeth, do you really think I didn't know about Goode? You probably thought I didn't know about your father paying the tuition, but I assure you I knew from the beginning."

"But... why? You hated schools like that so if you knew, why didn't you try and stop me like all the other times?"

"I didn't like the idea of you going to a typical high school full of nobodies, but I heard that Luke was attending so I thought it was a perfect opportunity to see him again."

"Mother, you know I don't like Luke," Annabeth begins in protest, but Christine Chase doesn't want to hear it. "I didn't even know he was attending until after I started."

"He's a decent young man, Annabeth, and his family has some public notice to their name so they're not entirely useless."

"Decent?" Annabeth exclaims. "You can't honestly believe that!"

She can't be having this argument here and now. Not in the middle of a store.

"My dear, shall we go outside and discuss this?"

"I thought you loved public attention," she fumes, but she and her mother can agree on one thing: negative public attention isn't good.

"Positive attention, yes. But this discussion should be between us and not the world." She looks around and her gaze catches Percy's. "Who is this?"

Annabeth looks towards Percy, who is just standing nearby, waiting patiently. "Um... mother..." She steps away from her and stands next to Percy. "This is Percy. I met him at Goode. Percy, this is my mother, Christine Chase."

"Pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Chase," he says confidently, reaching out to shake her hand.

Christine stares at his hand like it's been dipped in a pot of grease. She doesn't return the gesture so Percy awkwardly lowers his hand. "Percy. What is your last name?"

"Jackson, ma'am. Percy Jackson."

"She's never mentioned anything about you before," she says, eyeing at Annabeth.

"Mother, my apologies, but I haven't spoken to you or father all semester. School had kept me busy," Annabeth says.

"Uh huh," she replies, unconvinced. "So tell me about yourself, Percy Jackson."

Annabeth desperately wants to take his hand or arm, but she doesn't want her mother getting the idea that they're dating, even though they certainly are. She can't risk her mother doing something to hurt him.

"There's not much for me to tell, I'm afraid," he replies. "I like swimming and world history, but I don't do a whole lot worth mentioning."

How is he talking so formally so easily? Annabeth wonders. She can't recall him ever being formal like this, but it suits him. His body language and the way he's speaking is...

He's trying to give a good impression on Christine. That's good, but trying to make yourself do it isn't. She could always tell when people were trying.

"If they really were your friends they wouldn't have to try, they just do. I hate it when people act different just because they're talking to someone like us. They're fakers if they do that." Her mother had said that to Annabeth once, but it didn't seem fair to her.

"Oh? So you don't have anything accomplished with your life?"

Percy just smiles, though his eyes show a hint of anger. "I'm just a student, ma'am. There's not a lot for me to do in high school."

Christine seems to be studying him: his demeanor, his tone, everything. She walks around him as if she's inspecting the finest horse right before an important race. Because of his coat, there's not a lot of him she can see except for the front where his coat is unzipped.

"So what's your relation with my daughter?" she asks then.

Fear fills Annabeth's stomach and her heartbeat races, but she doesn't break her character and once again buries those feelings deep inside her chest. Before Percy could answer, she spoke up.

"He's just a friend from school, mother. We were just finishing shopping for Christmas gifts for his family when you arrived," she explains quickly, fighting to keep her voice smooth. She glances at Percy and silently tells him to play along for now, assuming her mother doesn't press further on the topic.

"And your coat?" She gestures to Annabeth's coat currently draped over Percy's shoulder.

"I got too warm and he was kind enough to carry it for me," she explains easily. It's true though. He did say he would carry it when she took off her coat, even though she was going to make him do it anyway. "He's a good guy, mother."

"He could be acting. Faking this."

"I'm terrible at acting, actually," Percy says, which Annabeth knows is also true. He can't play pretend if his life depended on it. His fight with Luke back in October was pretending, but Percy didn't have to rehearse the actual fight. While the battle itself was fake, the outcome and how it happens was natural - Percy didn't need to act anything out. He could be himself. If there was a predetermined winner of the battle, with the fight choreographed, Percy would've... struggled, to put it lightly. Annabeth could figure that he hates when people be fake to impress others just as much, if not more, as her mother.

"Is that so?" Christine asks him, her calm voice still screaming that she doesn't trust him.

"He's telling the truth, mother. Plus, he's been nothing but kind to me these past few months," Annabeth says, defending him.

"Have you considered that he may just be using you for your looks, my dear?"

That wasn't the right thing to say, especially right in front of Percy.

"With all due respect, ma'am," he begins, his voice has changed from cheery and friendly, to darker and defensive. "I would never, ever, use anybody for my own goals. I wouldn't turn my back on my friends, I wouldn't trick them into doing something for me, much less even with me, especially if I know it isn't right."

"Don't take that tone with me, young man," Christine warns.

"Mother, if anybody would be using me for my body it's Luke," Annabeth interrupts. "Maybe he's decent in front of you, but he's everything that you think Percy is. You don't know Percy or Luke like I do."

Her mother clearly isn't happy to hear any of this, much less be talked back to, though Annabeth had done that behind closed doors all the time.

"That's enough!" she snaps. "We will discuss this later. Tomorrow at dinner. I do not want to see him there." She glares at Percy and he just stares back at her, unwavering, confident. Annabeth glances at his eyes. Determined green eyes.

"I already told him he couldn't come, mother," Annabeth says. "Now, if you will excuse me, we will be leaving now. I will see you tomorrow."

She takes Percy's arm and leads him away. It's dangerous taking his arm in front of her mother, but right now she just needs to separate those two.