the biggest of thank you's to everyshadedsilver who beta read this for me.
Summary
Annabeth Chase is just a 25 year old waitress trying desperately to pay her next bill and take proper care of her 13 year old younger brother. Life for her is simple, and as much as she tries to convince her otherwise, she doesn't like it that way.
Perseus "Percy" Jackson is a prominent 27 year old businessman who will do anything to inherit what was promised to him. But getting that inheritance has proved to be a lot more difficult than he'd anticipated.
With the deadline looming over his horizon, how far is he willing to go to get what's his? And how far is Annabeth willing to go to provide her brother the childhood he deserves?
An engagement contract seems a simple enough answer to their problems, but is it?
Annabeth
Usually it's her alarm clock that wakes her. But it didn't go off today, and so the soothing darkness of early morning gently coaxes her out of her sleep instead.
Annabeth yawns a bit as she sits up, attempting to rub the remaining fatigue from her eyes. The bright red numbers on the alarm clock off to her left blink on and off repeatedly, reading 6:05 am.
From what she can see in the darkness, the bit of sky that's visible through her window is still a heavy shade of onyx. But based on both the sight of the few silver tipped clouds that drift along and her own personal experiences, she knows that the sun will rise at any moment, bathing the arches in rows of fuschias and the tainted shades of blood oranges.
She tries to slip out of bed with as much silence as she can muster, knowing that Harley needed his rest. Her bare feet press lightly into the floorboards.
But the higher powers do not oblige to her inner wish, and the wooden floors creak louder than ever before. Their high pitched groans echo throughout the apartment, traveling through the darkness.
She lets loose a grimace as she winces, continuing to ease out of bed. The mattress sags as she slowly shifts her weight into the balls of her feet, each creak and groan eliciting another flinch. The moment she's finally out of bed doesn't come soon enough.
Annabeth quickly shuffles to the bathroom and starts up a shower, breathing in deeply as the sound of water kissing tile fills her ears. As she waits for the water to warm, she strips then sits down on the toilet seat cover. An undefined amount of time passes before a soft knock comes from the other side of the door.
"Anna? What are you doing up so early?" Harley's words are laced with fatigue, and she can hear the distinct sound of his yawning as well.
Shit.
"Do you need to brush your teeth?" She answers him, dodging his question. Annabeth rapidly wraps the towel around her naked form.
He doesn't respond. Instead, the door creaks open and he pops his head in. His messy curls are the same shade of ink, flopping over his deep brown eyes that search her up and down in confusion. His hair is flat against the side of his head.
Annabeth momentarily forgets about the rushing water behind her and beckons her younger brother further into the bathroom. "You didn't answer my question," she reminds him hypocritically.
He stands fully and slowly shuffles forward, rubbing his eyes tiredly as he pushes the door to its full openness. "A, why are you awake this early? It's only 6:15. I don't need to be at the center for another hour or whatever."
By now a heated fog has crept over the bathroom, and so she motions for him to turn around. Annabeth hangs the towel on a nearby rack, and soon as she steps into the shower a low shudder of relief passes through her lips.
All praise the existence of hot water.
"The diner is opening earlier today. Silena wants me to go open up today instead of her younger sister Piper. I have no idea why, though."
"Oh," Is his groggy response.
The room is silent for a ten second count that she spends relishing the feel of each heated water droplet that rolls over her skin.
Finally, she pokes her head out of the shower and waves her hands, gesturing him to get out. "Go back to sleep, Harley. I'll wake you up after I get dressed and take you down to the community center before school so you don't have to wait here all alone until 8."
He nods sleepily and leaves the bathroom. "M'kay."
She smiles a little at that and turns back to the shower.
. .
30 minutes later, Annabeth's dressed in her diner uniform. She throws her black aviator's jacket over the ensemble to keep warm and go to Harley's room to wake him up.
Surprisingly, however, his bedroom light is already illuminated. Did he ever go back to sleep? She knocks on his door softly, wanting the answers as soon as possible.
"Harley? You awake?" Annabeth presses her ear against the wood.
"Come in!" His voice is muffled.
She eases open the door and leans against the doorway, a chuckle immediately bubbling out of her chest. Harley is seated crisscross applesauce on the surface of his wrinkled duvet. A thick book is currently taking residence in his lap, and she gazes at him.
She gazes at his furrowed eyebrows that crinkle every other second. She gazes at his brownish eyes that flicker over the pages at what seems to be the speed of light. She gazes at his fingers that tap his knees hurriedly, as if he cannot wait to turn the page and delve further into the adventure that he has immersed himself into.
He's already dressed as well, sporting a comfortable pair of jeans, not-so-authentic black Timberlands (because there was no way she would ever attempt to conjure up the money for a label when that money could go towards her bills), a black hoodie, and an army print denim jacket.
"Hey there, Harley. I see you're already ready." Annabeth raises a devilish eyebrow.
Her younger brother jolts abruptly, his head snapping upwards as his soft eyes meet hers. For a brief moment, his facial features reflect nothing but panic before they relax. Harley's cheeks would probably flush crimson if his skin was light enough. He scratches the back of his neck sheepishly. "Yeah, I only meant to read one chapter... but Collins sort of sucked me in." He then snickers under his breath at his wording, as if congratulating himself for being so clever.
She snorts, pushing herself off the doorway and stepping further into the small room. "You freak. Isn't that your fifth time reading Catching Fire?"
Harley sticks his tongue out at her in response before flashing the cover. "Actually, you Philistine, this is book three- Mockingkay. And it's my fourth time."
Her hands raise in mock surrender as she rolls her eyes. "Whatever. You understood what I meant."
"No, I didn't."
"Then how did you correct me? You obviously understood me enough to point out my mistake."
He remains silent at that before giving way to an exasperated eye roll. Harley then hops off his bed, making sure that he marks his place in his book.
"Exactly." She jeers as he brushes past her with a brisk flair, dodging into the bathroom two steps down the hall.
"Whatever, Anna. Lemme go brush my teeth and grab an apple."
"Sounds like a plan, kid."
She flicks off his bedroom lights before moving towards the kitchen. Annabeth collapses dramatically into a folding chair and re-ties her shoelaces, tugging at the ends with a force that will ensure their survival until she clocks out.
(Because she simply doesn't have the time throughout the day to stop and tie her shoes when there are orders that demand to be taken and food that opts to be served at every moment.)
The sound of Harley's footsteps grow louder as he nears the kitchen. The moment he reappears from the bathroom, she tosses him a Red Delicious.
He stares down at it in disgust before peering at his older sister through thick lashes. His eyes crackle with intelligence. Dramatically and loudly, her younger brother clears his throat. "Excuse me? But I believe you're forgetting something." He blinks rapidly.
Now it's her turn to blush. Annabeth quickly apologizes. "Sorry, Harley. I grabbed the first apple I saw- it just slipped my mind."
He nods in good humor as he throws the apple back at her with a flourish. Then the 13 year old adds a shrug for good measure. "Not my fault I'm allergic to the monstrosity that is the Red Delicious."
"Yeah, yeah. Whatever. I know it isn't your fault. Just accept my apology with this Granny Smith."
Harley walks over to the sink to rinse the green fruit that she had just handed him. "Thanks, Anna."
"No problem, Bud. Now, let's bounce. I'm supposed to be at the diner in 30."
"Let's roll, then." He agrees, slipping his book inside his backpack. His teeth sink into the apple in his grasp.
Annabeth drops her keys into the polka dotted messenger bag that hangs on a thumb tack on the wall before slinging said bag over her shoulder.
"Alright, Harley, let's go." She looks over at him.
He pulls the door open and steps into the hallway. I locks the door behind them.
. .
Harley trails silently behind as they approach the front desk of the community center. The permanent scent of watercolor paint and fresh paper does much to bring a sense of tranquility to Annabeth's chest. A young woman is seated behind the desk, with hair that screams the shade of caramel and light brown eyes that look up at us with a smile befitting a goddess.
"Hey there, Harley," she greets. Her ponytail is high and tight enough to make Ariana Grande think twice.
Annabeth can practically hear his well mannered wave behind her as he responds. "Hey, Angel." He then sidles up beside her.
"You know where to go. I'll see you in 10." She gestures to a door a few ways down the hallway.
Harley nods and gives his older sister a hug, snaking his arm around her waist and leaning his head against her shoulder. "I'll see you later, Anna."
She pats the top of his head with a smile, making sure that she doesn't ruffle any of his meticulously styled hairs. "See you later, kid."
He pulls away and lifts a hand in salute. Soon after, Harley disappears into the room that Angel had previously pointed him to.
Annabeth leans against the desk, turning towards the blonde in front of her. "Is there a bus that takes the kids to any local middle schools?"
Angel nods, reaching under the desk and taking out a folder. "Yes, there is. Though it only goes to Frederick Douglass and James Monroe Middle School."
She breathes a sigh of relief internally before sending her a small smile. "Okay, good. Harley goes to JMMS."
Angel nods again. "Okay. Would you like the bus to drop him off back here after school too?"
"Yeah, I'd like that. Please tell him that though, I don't want him to wait outside by himself just in case I don't show." Her cheeks warm slightly at that admission.
If Angel reacts to it, she does an amazing job of hiding her judgment. Instead, she smiles again and places the folder back in the drawer. When she speaks, a slight Southern drawl enters her words. "Alright. Have a nice day, and thanks for stopping by."
Annabeth waves to her slightly and smiles back. "No problem. I guess I'll see you later."
Angel bows her head a little in response to show her agreement and she's on her way.
Annabeth glances at the analog clock by the entrance and lets loose a curse under her breath upon reading the time that it shows. It's 7:10, leaving her 20 minutes to get to the diner.
Meaning she would have to speed walk, or wait around for the bus.
After quickly running through the bus schedule in her head, she realizes that the wait would be too long. With a heavy sigh of resignation and fatigue, she pushes through the entrance doors and prepares herself for the rapid walk that is ahead of her.
. .
Miraculously, she arrives at the diner by 7:25. The odds are definitely working in her favor today. For now. Her fingers are already reaching into her bag and fishing around for her set of keys, wanting to enter the building as soon as possible with the little time she has to spare.
Soon enough, they brush against a cold, metallic edge that lowers her anxiety a degree.
Annabeth tries inserting it into the lock several times before realizing with a flair of embarrassment that they're the wrong keys.
(Big yikes.)
A bus roars last, and instinctively she glances at the time that is displayed across its side.
7:27.
Shit.
Annabeth pulls out what she hopes is the correct keys and moves to unlock the door. Thankfully, the door opens gently after she tries a push and she slips inside.
A light is already on, coming from the bathrooms adjacent to the kitchen. The rest of the diner is dark. Annabeth tries to shake the numerous negative thoughts that take a rise within her as she gets to work.
She flicks on the light, revealing the familiar slate tiles and pale red walls. The soft light gray booths and black marble tables outlined in shiny aluminum catches her attention.
Or well, one of them does.
On one of the tables sits a brown leather purse. Hermès.
It's Piper's purse.
Annabeth turns towards the bathrooms, where the light is still on. What the hell is Piper doing here? "Pipes? Are you there?" She takes a cautionary step forward.
Her only response is the air conditioner blowing steadily through the vents.
Annabeth starts for the bathrooms, not caring that she's supposed to be setting out table mats and ketchup bottles and salt n' pepper shakers. She passes through the swinging door that separates the dining area and the staff section.
The bathrooms are adjacent through the kitchen. As stealthily as she can, Annabeth tiptoes through the kitchen. The sound of rushing water, although muffled, reaches her ears. She can tell that it's coming from the bathrooms.
She enters the women's bathroom and closes the door behind her. Then she turns, prepared to call out for her coworker again before her blood runs cold and her words die in her throat.
Piper was definitely there. But she's curled into a ball on the ground next to a bottle of... Merlot?
One of the faucets is still running, and an opened bottle of Advil is sitting next to it. Annabeth rushes to turn off the water and kneels beside Piper's crumpled body.
Relief rushes through her veins as the sound of Piper's snores fill the air. So she's just asleep. Not unconscious or drugged.
But the relief is cut off short when Annabeth recognizes the black skinny jeans and pale gray blouse. She's wearing her waitress uniform.
Meaning she was here all damn night.
Annabeth tries to keep the annoyance from her voice as she shakes her friend's shoulders. "Pie! Piper! Wake up, damn it!"
Piper's snoring stops for a moment before she pauses and snorts. She then rolls over to reveal a huge knot on her forehead.
Annabeth's heart leaps into her throat and her reflexes take over. Before she can stop herself, she's slapping her coworker in the face.
Piper sits up with a scream, wide awake. She pushes Annabeth away first before attacking. "What the fuck?"
Annabeth tackles her body to the ground and pins her arms to her side after a few moments of scuffling. She clamps her hand over Piper's mouth.
Her coworker's surgically-altered-ever-changing eyes widen and Annabeth feels her open her mouth to bite her hand.
"Fuck!" She cries out, tearing her hand away from Piper's lips.
The bit sits up, her dark hair veiling her face from eyesight. Her chest heaves..
"What the hell was that for, Piper? I was trying to help, you idiot!" Annabeth hisses, cradling her hand in her lap. The center of her palm is already turning red, and the bite marks are already becoming visible.
Piper sighs and burps (disgusting, much?) being her fingers through her hair. "I'm sorry, Annabeth! I really am, I just panicked." She massages her temples.
Annabeth's anger was already receding, but it fully dies down as she stares at her friend a bit longer. "What are you doing here anyways? You're supposed to be opening today, not me."
Piper groans and hugs her knees to her chest. "Last night, after Silena left me to close up, Drew and Octavia came over and invited a few of their friends. I remember having a mini alcohol party in the back and getting drunk as hell on... wine and vodka...? Maybe beer?" She pauses to cough before continuing. "Whatever. Anyways, I think I passed out after making out with one of Drew's friends in here. Then around 3 AM I popped an aspirin from the kitchen cabinet and fell back asleep. And here I am, with the biggest fucking hangover in the world and a huge migraine. How was your morning?"
Annabeth knows Drew; she's Piper's fraternal twin sister. The only thing she really knows of her is that she's a major party lover and teaches dance classes at the community center.
She's about to answer Piper, but the soft and clear voice of Silena McBeauregard interrupts her.
"Annabeth? Are you here?" She calls out.
Piper's head shoots up at the sound of her older sister's voice. She gazes at Annabeth with fearful eyes and quickly shakes her head no.
Annabeth mouths an apology that really isn't apologetic and stands up. Silena was bound to find out anyways. "I'm in the bathroom!" She answers.
The clacking of her combat boots sounding against the tile floors fills Annabeth's ears as Silena makes her way towards the women's bathroom.
Then she appears in the doorway, her dark hair pulled away from her flawless face in a high ponytail. Her clear blue eyes widen when they fall on Piper, who's now rocking on her butt and staring at the wall.
"Pipes? What are you doing here?" Silena's head cocks to the side.
Piper ignores her.
Silena turns to Annabeth. "Why is she here?"
She quickly glances at Piper and looks back at her older sister before shrugging. "I don't know. When I came in she was already here. I found her like this when I came in here." She gestures to Piper's position. "I was just trying to figure out what was wrong with her when you showed up." Her heart skips a beat at her lie.
Through her peripheral vision she catches Piper sending a grateful glance.
Annabeth gave a nod that she hopes is barely noticeable while still keeping her gaze on Silena, who's pulling on her belt loops thoughtfully as she bites her lips.
Eventually her shoulders sag and she leans against the doorway while crossing her arms. "Okay, Annabeth. Whatever you say. But, you'll have to take over Piper's job today, because there is no way she's serving looking like that." Her nostrils flare with reproach as she sends a pointed glare towards her sister.
Annabeth nods. "Alright, I'm fine with that, just as long as I get what she would've gotten had she worked today."
"Of course." Silena stoops and helps her younger sister up. She coils Piper's arm around her shoulders and sets her own hand around her waist. When she catches sight of the knot on her forehead, she pales visibly. Then her eyes fell on the bottle of Aleve on the counter and she tutts while shaking her head. "Let's go, Piper. I'll let you sleep off... whatever the hell is going on with you in the lounge."
Piper nods and yawns a tad dramatically. "Thanks, Silly."
Silena snorts before rolling her eyes."Yeah, yeah, whatever. You just better hope I never find out what happened here."
Piper laughs dryly. "Oh, I'm hoping. Don't worry about that."
"What would you do without me?"
"Continue to sleep."
"Shut up, Piper."
"Gladly."
Then they stumble out of the bathroom and limp towards the lounge.
Silena calls out to Annabeth. "Anna, can you set up and flip the open-closed sign for me? Thanks! I'll be right with you in 5."
She nods. "Sure thing, Sil. Hope you feel better, Pipes!"
The younger sister of her boss just groans in response, "So do I!"
Annabeth laughs and goes to the front to set up.
.
.
Author's Note-
Um... hi? Hehe. I really am unsure of what to say other than THANK YOU FOR READING THIS.
This is my first fanfic, so try not to criticize it TOO harshly. It's been beta read, so all of the horrible stuff have already been edited and all that. Hopefully you'll stick around?
love, April!