Annabeth Pov

When I woke up the next morning after Drew's party I instantly got a rush of memories. At first it felt like I was remembering a dream that I had, but I knew it really happened. I don't think I could forget the shade of white Percys face was before he got some food into him. It was like I was seeing Superman when exposed to kryptonite, which had me wondering when the last time he actually consumed a full meal was. I was angry, angry at him for not asking anyone for help, and angry at myself for not putting the pieces together. I was usually great at reading people, and noticing when they were hurting, no matter the mask they put on. The skill I possessed was actually kind of scary, it was the reason that me and Thalia were so close. I was the only one that could see behind her mask. Percy was different however, maybe because I didn't know him for a long time, but I could not read him at all. Like yesterday, he seemed perfectly fine in the car, and even after when he was joking around with Thalia. He obviously wasn't fine.

My thoughts were swirling as I thought of a way to help. I gave him a blanket and a bag full of hangers for his clothes, but I still felt like it wasn't enough. I had issues with my family, everyone does, but I couldn't help to think that Percys dad just didn't love him. Yeah, it was nice that he gave him a place to stay, but I assume he was wealthy enough to at least put furniture in it. As I got in the shower I heard my phone buzz, no doubt it was either Jason or Thalia asking for details. I texted them last night saying I had to take Percy home because he got sick, which was the story I was sticking with. I assumed Percy was smart enough, or at least had the common sense, to stick with it too. After my short shower, I quickly put on a large plain tshirt and black sweatpants, I decided I was going grocery shopping.

-

I spent 300 at the grocery store. I got a bunch of frozen foods that should last awhile, assuming he wouldn't eat it all by the weekend. The way he ate last night I wouldn't be surprised if it even lasted that long. I also got some fruit and vegetables, because I'm responsible, and want him to eat a balanced diet. As I packed the car with the groceries I couldn't help to feel a little nervous. I didn't want him to think he was some kind of charity case, I just wanted to show him that people here cared about him. My thoughts then switched to Grover, he didn't even tell Grover, why was I surprised he didn't tell anyone else. A wave of pure fury waved over me, what was his problem! Who cares if people looked at him differently, they already did, why not ask for help. I knew for a fact that if he tried to make friends at the beginning of the year he would've already received help, whether he asked for it or not. Maybe that's why he didn't want to get close to anyone, he was trying to hide his struggles. This realization didn't shake my anger as I sped to his house. I aggressively opened the truck of my car to fit as many bags as I could into my arms, before stomping up the steps to his house. I checked to see if the door was locked, rolling my eyes, because of course it wasn't. I struggled to twist the knob with my hands full before I finally got it, using my foot to kick it open. I almost fell as the door flew open, I obviously kicked it to hard in my current mood. My violent thoughts left my body at the sight I saw when entering his, 'home'. He was curled up in the blanket I gave him, on his twin sized mattress in the center of the living room. I threw the bags down and closed the door before stepping closer. He looked so much younger when he was sleeping, more at peace anyway. He was even drooling a little bit, his soft breathing made my chest tighten up. He didn't deserve to be living like this, afraid to ask for help just because his dad wouldn't. I couldn't help to think of what his mom would say about this, if she knew how her son was actually living. She probably assumed his dad was paying for everything, that Percy was living like a king. She sent him here to live a better life, when it probably was worse then his original situation.

"Percy!" I yelled, gently kicking his mattress. "Wake up! It's almost noon!"

He jerked awake, reaching under his pillow, his face was scrunched up at the sudden noise. He sat up rubbing his eyes to adjust to the light, the blanket slipping off of him. My breathe caught in my throat, he wasn't wearing a shirt.

"Oh, Annabeth, it's you" he stood up, still rubbing his eyes. "What's with the wake up call". His voice was deeper than usually, and it made me feel warmer than the California sun. My eyes gazed over his shirtless body, not even giving myself time to admire his Greek god physique. I sucked in another sharp breathe. His body was covered in scars, some larger than the others. The thin white cuts stood out against his deep tan, there were even some circular ones. I couldn't figure what would make those, but I didn't think it was polite to ask. I finally pulled my eyes away from his body, trying to stop the blush that I knew was setting on my face, to look him in the eyes. Only he wasn't looking at me, he was looking past me, toward the front door.

"What's with all the bags?" His voice was suddenly small and shaken.

"Oh yeah", I turned toward the door, looking at the heap of groceries sitting there. "I went grocery shopping." He took a step toward me, he seemed to tower over me, even though I was 5'9". He was breathing deeply, almost if he was about to panic.

"Why would you do this for me", he whispered, still not looking at me.

I rolled my eyes, "probably because I actually care about your well being". He finally met my eyes and my heart almost shattered right then. He was crying, but not a type of cry where snots running down your face. No these tears were different, his face looked like it always did, but tears were streaming down his face. It was almost like they were unintentionally escaping his eyes. He took another step toward me, it was like he was lost for words, his mouth kept opening as if he was trying to remember how to speak. He stared at me, probably trying to read what my intentions were, before he wrapped his arms around me. I would've liked to say I hugged him back, but he was holding me so tight that I couldn't move my arms from their original position that was at the front of my chest. I felt him shudder, his silent sobs wracking his body, while simultaneously shaking mine. He held me for awhile, I stayed silent, not really sure what to say to him.

He finally pulled away. "I'll pay you back I swear." There it was, I thought to myself, the original anger I felt when I was making my way to his house suddenly rushed back to me.

"You idoit!" I yelled, slapping his bare chest. "I didn't do this for you to pay me back!" He just looked back at me confused.

"Annabeth I'm going to pay you back" his voice was deep again, like a growl.

"No you aren't." I said just as serious, "I will ask for a payment in another form however." His face morphed into one of confusion. No it wasn't cute, I thought to myself.

"What like sex?" He scratched the top of his head, while my face turned to one of horror. "I was thinking that would come up in a different way, but I mean". My face was hot with embarrassment.

"No! What do you mean!" I yelled, his face turned into one of confusion.

"What I just assumed when we had sex you know, I wouldn't be paying you back for groceries". He was looking at me like I was the idiot in this situation.

"Who the fuck said we were having sex!" I screamed, "all I wanted you to do is become more open with our friends!"

Finally it was his turn to blush, "Oh, umm yeah forget I said anything". He started rubbing his neck again, before giving me an uneasy smile. I rolled my eyes, planning to just ignore him. Although the teenage hormones made me imagine me and Percy engaging in that activity.

"Percy, I'm serious. You are sitting with us at lunch, and will actually have conversations with us that last longer than a minute." I said as I poked his chest.

He rolled his eyes, before walking to grab the groceries, I assume to put in the fridge. "Annabeth, I don't have lunch money. Obviously". As I walked over to help, I couldn't help but notice the scars on his back too.

"Percy", my voice grew quiet again. I reached out to trace one of the white lines that covered his back. I pulled my hand away at the last second as he bent down to pick up the bags on the floor. I was conflicted, was this too many sensitive topics, in a very little amount of time? Probably, but how did he get these, there were so many. He turned to meet my eyes, his beautiful green met my light grey ones. I felt myself becoming self conscious about asking to much from him. I didn't want to push his trust away just because I was curious. He looked at me for a little longer, before going to the kitchen. He was carrying the groceries with ease, which upset me a little bit about my own struggles.

"What is it Annabeth?" He asked, as he was piling the groceries into their respective place. I noticed that he would stare at them before he placed them into the cold. Almost as if he was trying to memorize each item.

I stepped closer to him, finally giving in to the urge to trace one of the many white lines that shone through his dark complexion. Some of them were raised, while others were indented into his skin. He shivered from the contact, standing up straight, and turning toward me. My hand stayed on his body as he turned, I began to trace a long line that went from his armpit area to his stomach. He must have finally realized that he was shirtless, I met his eyes and they were swirling with emotion. He took my hand away from his torso and wrapped his hand into mine, I could tell his mind was racing.

"Annabeth.." he spoke softly, as if he was afraid to startle me. "I'm really sorry, I just don't want you to feel like you have to look after me." He started rubbing my hand with his thumb, leaving warm tingles with every trace of contact. My eyebrows scrunched up, did he really think I was doing this because I thought he was below me. I placed my hand on his chest, giving him a poke with my finger.

"I don't pity you seaweed brain," I jabbed his chest more aggressively, "you just piss me off because you think people don't care about you enough to help." I shook my head, "I bet you Thalia would even offer you the world, that's just how we treat our friends."

He rolled his eyes, "Okay but that still doesn't mean I like asking for help. It's embarrassing." He smirked, "plus why would I want to give you the pleasure of helping me." He leaned in turning his head as if he was sharing a secret. "When I should be the one pleasuring you". My eyes closed as his breathe tickled my ear, I knew he was trying to avoid my questioning, and I've felt the tension between us before;but this was ridiculous.

My eyes snapped opened, "In your dreams" I smacked his shoulder. "And what happened to you. Why do you have so many scars." His eyes darkened.

"I'll tell you another time okay?" He closed his eyes, trying to figure out his next sentence. "There's just too much emotions I'm dealing with today."

I grew confused again, "Emotions?" Why would that be? Just because I saw his scars and asked about them? That's probably the most likely factor in his hesitation.

"Annabeth," he chuckled, I liked how he said my name. "This is the most food I've had at once all my life, even at my old house." He grabbed my shoulders, "that's why I was crying, we were always struggling for meals, and that's why I got caught stealing sometimes." He made sure to make eye contact with me. "You have no idea, how much this really means to me." His voice lowered again, sending shivers up my spine.

His eyes were swirling with passion, I'm glad that he finally understood that I was doing this out of care, and not out of blackmailing. I was too , caught up in emotions. Did I have a crush on him? Or was I just curious about his life, and why he is what he is. He was an enigma, quiet until you got to know him, but a loud on a football field. He was a breathe of fresh air, but different. His aura gave off a calmness before a storm, it was peaceful, but you never knew what was going to happen.

"Like I said," I tore my gaze away from his passionate eyes. My insecurities were suddenly coming forward, how much should I open up. Obviously this had to be a two way street. I suddenly scolded myself, was I really trying to compare my issues with his? I had so many positives to my life, I have to be less selfish. "Just remember to be more open, okay?" I patted his naked chest, I had to leave. There was too much dangerous tension between us. I wouldn't have our relationship change in anyway based on some groceries, even though I knew the principle was so much more.

"I will try", he gave me a pat on my head, "I'll talk to you later, okay?" I'm not surprised he picked up on my intentions of leaving. Sometimes it scared me how much we could read each other, only I was the one that failed to read his need for help.

I nodded, "I'll see you Monday, don't eat it all at once." I gave him a smile, before I left his warming presence. My emotions felt like a rollercoaster ride, I've never had someone make me irritated yet so comfortable.

Only one question was left in my head, would he finally give us a everyone a chance? It wouldn't only help him, but I think he could help us as well.