"Annabeth, your turn."

The blonde blinked suddenly, sitting up straighter. All her friends were looking at her expectantly, but she just blinked again.

"Right, of course." She responded with a short nod, though she wasn't all sure what was going on.

"God, she wasn't even paying attention," Piper snickered, and Annabeth reached over, grabbed a pillow and tried to whack her best friend with it. Instead, the brunette just ducked out of the way and nestled deeper into her boyfriend Jason's embrace, laughing along.

"What are you guys doing now?" Annabeth stretched out her legs and put her book down, leaning back on the queen-sized bed.

She and her friends were at Piper's house that night for a sleepover (the boys would be leaving soon). As her best friend, Annabeth was obligated to come, even though she tended to avoid these more social events. Luckily, she knew everyone pretty well so it wasn't too awkward. There was, of course, Piper McLean, and then her boyfriend Jason Grace, and Jason's best friend Leo Valdez, who had brought his newest love interest, Callie Atlas. Rachel Dare, one of Annabeth and Piper's friends had also come, along with Frank Zhang (Jason's friend from football) and his girlfriend Hazel Levesque, who even though she was just two years younger than the rest, was just too sweet to resist inviting.

Hazel, who had been painting Annabeth's toes, just smiled while everyone else sighed at Annabeth. "It's Truth or Dare."

Annabeth rolled her eyes when Leo whooped loudly. Piper shushed him. "Shh," she chided. "Wren is going to bed soon."

"Who's going to get us dinner, then?" Leo asked. Wren was Piper's housekeeper - she'd been her nanny when she was younger after her mom left, but both Piper and her caretaker had become too attached to each other to let go when Piper grew older. Now, Wren was like a mother to Piper, and since Piper's dad was a millionaire actor, he could afford to provide both women with comfortable life-styles.

"That's so rude. She's not your servant, Leo," Piper said in disgust.

"I'm kind of hungry, too, though," Frank added guiltily, but just shrugged when Piper glared at him too.

"I'll order it - you guys can keep playing the game." Callie grabbed Piper's laptop. Annabeth suppressed a groan. She'd hoped that with all these hungry distractions, they'd forget about the game.

"Oh, yes," suddenly happy again, Piper clapped her hands. "Let's see…" She thought about it. "What should I dare you to do?" Her eyes glinted dangerously at her best friend.

"Shouldn't you ask her 'truth or dare' first?" Jason asked in confusion. Piper just smirked.

"Ah, naive little Jason." She patted her boyfriend's cheek lightly, and he grinned at her. "Annabeth would never say truth," she explained. "She's much too private, and besides, it'll be more fun to watch her do something embarrassing."

"Uh, do I not get a say in it?" Annabeth questioned with raised brows. "It is my turn, y'know?" She wiggled her painted toes and Hazel waved a hand to dry them.

Piper pursed her lips. "Fine. Truth or Dare."

Annabeth hadn't thought her best friend would actually let her decide. She blinked. "Uh… dare, I guess," she decided sheepishly.

Everyone laughed, and Piper smiled triumphantly.

"Give her something to do with romance, and boys," Hazel suggested helpfully. "Since she doesn't seem very interested at school." Annabeth shot her a half-hearted glare.

Piper nodded, but Annabeth made a noise of disagreement. "Um, that's because there are no decent guys at our school. No offense, Jason, Frank." Callie snorted when Annabeth didn't even glance at Leo. "But no good guys are available. What's the point?"

"The point is to practice," Rachel told her at the same time Leo exclaimed, "Uh, should I be taking offense?"

"Yes," Jason grinned.

"What type of pizza?" Callie suddenly broke in, looking up from Piper's laptop. She spun around once in Piper's desk chair, seeming as if she was enjoying herself. "Or, since Leo is here, should I say pizzas?"

There were different suggestions, like pepperoni, sausage, meat lover's, the works, and even vegetarian (which earned Piper some weird looks, to which she said, "What? I'm vegetarian!").

"Okay, I'll just get whatever," Callie finally interrupted.

"Shouldn't we be getting back to the game?" Hazel said, looking up from her own nails, which she was in the process of painting. Annabeth made a face at her, annoyed that now she would have to do her dare, but Hazel only giggled.

"Right," Piper agreed. "Uh…" She tapped a thoughtful finger against her chin.

"Wait." Callie interrupted again. "Any special descriptions or things to specify on?"

Frank and Jason shook their heads, while Leo bobbed his head quickly, but luckily before Leo could respond Piper exclaimed, "That's it!"

Jason looked at his girlfriend. "What?"

Piper's face had a bright smile, but Annabeth grimaced at the evil glint in her eye. "Annabeth has something to suggest," she told Reyna slyly. "Put this."

Callie held her fingers up to keyboard, a small smile quirking up her lips as Piper told her what to put. "Send cutest delivery boy," Piper said with a smile, and looked to Annabeth as Callie typed it in.

"Your dare," Piper instructed to Annabeth. "Is to answer the door when that delivery boy comes with the pizza, and -" Annabeth's eyes widened with horror. "No matter who he is, or what he looks like, you have to invite him in here. With us. And you have to try your best to make him stay." Piper gave a short little laugh - which, honestly, sounded like a cackle - as Annabeth buried her head in her hands.

Rachel immediately burst into laughter, with Callie's giggle to accompany her. Hazel looked sympathetically at Annabeth, but she couldn't hide a smile as Annabeth sighed. All the boys looked slightly impressed and slightly scared by Piper and her dare.

"I sent it," Callie announced.

"He's coming…" Rachel teased to Annabeth in a sign-song voice. She ducked when the blonde chucked a pillow at her.

"What are we going to do now? Annabeth hasn't done her turn." Frank asked.

Piper waved a hand dismissively. "Ah, it's fine. We'll just keep going and when he - or she, I guess -" she wiggled her eyebrows at Annabeth, who scowled. "...arrives. Then we'll pause the game and watch Annabeth do the dare."

"And trust me," Piper's bright eyes narrowed as she smiled. "She will do the dare."

(ooo)

"New order, Percy," Grover called to him as he hurried back into the pizza shop. The air was warm, steamy, and smelled of pizza, and the chatter was just loud enough to be distracting. Grover, Percy's best friend, was the one got the online orders, but Percy was the one who delivered them. Tonight was Saturday, so it was really busy. Percy wiped the sweat from his brow as he leaned against the doorway in the back of the pizza shop. He and Grover were sort of tucked away near the back of the kitchen, but the smell of pizza still made his stomach growl.

"Okay. Is it a big one?" Percy asked.

"Five," Grover told him as he punched some keys on his computer, so Percy started to turn around to get the pizza bags from the car to keep the food warm.

"I'll go get the bags."

A minute later, he hurried back into the store, and quickly stuffed the pizzas into the bags. His stomach rumbled, and Percy grimaced. No matter how much he wanted to, he couldn't touch the pizzas.

Not even just one pepperoni? His stomach complained, and Percy scowled as he zipped the last bag shut. No, he insisted, but his mouth watered at the thought. He'd been working since lunch, and as a growing teenage boy, he couldn't help but be hungry.

Luckily, Grover came and distracted Percy. He looked at the computer screen with a light smirk. "Oh, I forgot to tell you."

Percy frowned, inching over to see what was so amusing about an order for five pizzas. "What?"

"They specifically asked for you," he explained with a straight face, though Percy could tell something was funny. "Or, should I say 'the cutest delivery boy'." Grover couldn't contain his laughter anymore, and quickly burst into a peal of laughter that made Percy flush.

"Are you serious?" he asked, embarrassed. "What does that even mean? I can't be the guy who delivers it!"

"Why not?" Grover smirked. "If you asked Drew, who's right out there, by the way," he jerked a thumb towards the front door. "She'd say you were cutest one here." Grover winked teasingly, trying to hold in his laughter.

Percy shoved him (softly, of course - his best friend had recently broken his leg, and that was why he was stuck reading online orders in the back instead of delivering with Percy). "Shut up," he muttered. "... Is she really out there, though?" Percy questioned, inching towards the back door, even though Drew couldn't see him back here. Drew Tanaka was a girl from their school who always flirted with Percy, no matter how many times he politely brushed her off. If she was here, again…

Grover smiled. "Relax, man. Luckily, you have a delivery to do." He winked, but Percy just scowled.

"Why did they put that?" He mumbled. "I mean, who would do that?"

His best friend smiled. "Pretty sure it's just a joke, but be prepared." He smirked suggestively.

Percy shook his head. "Bye, dude," he grabbed the pizza bag and hurried out, dreading this delivery already.

(ooo)

Ring.

"Aw, man!" Leo complained as soon as the doorbell rang. He'd just dared Frank to act like different types of wild animals for the next five minutes.

Leo looked disappointed. Frank looked relieved.

Piper turned to Annabeth with a huge grin. The blonde paled.

"Do I have to?" she whined, but Piper just laughed.

"C'mon, guys, we can watch from the security room," Piper offered. Annabeth groaned as Rachel grabbed her hand and dragged her off the bed. The security room was a small room that contained screens that kept track of the cameras all around Piper's huge house. Since her father was so famous and rich, it was necessary to keep a record of who came and went around the house.

"How am I supposed to do this?" Annabeth complained as Callie and Rachel grabbed her hands and led her after Piper. Hazel followed closely behind, along with Jason, Leo, and Frank.

"You answer the door and try to convince the guy to come in. And you have to try. Believe me, I will know if you do not try," Piper warned, and Annabeth sighed.

They heard the doorbell ring again, and Rachel rolled her eyes.

"Delivery boy's impatient, isn't he?" she joked, but Piper shushed her as they passed Wren's closed door.

They reached the front room, and Piper cheerfully waved to a scowling Annabeth as she and the rest of their friends ducked into a side room to watch the whole encounter.

Annabeth was finally alone. She stared at the doorknob, wondering if maybe the delivery boy had just left - they had taken awhile to get down to the lower level. Maybe she wouldn't have to do the dare at all (wishful thinking, she knew - even if she didn't do this one, Piper would make her do another).

As if crushing her hopes like you would crush a bug, the doorbell rang again.

It was time to answer.

(ooo)

The whole drive to the mystery order's house was nerve wracking. Percy didn't know what he would do when he got there. Was it going to be awkward? Who was ordering? What if it was an older lady - like, not that old, but his mom's age? That would be just plain weird.

Or what if it was a guy who ordered the pizza? Percy had nothing against homosexuals, but he was straight. How awkward would that be?

Percy ran a hand through his hair jerkily as he turned onto the street of the delivery. This was his job. He'd had weirder orders before, right?

… Actually, no, he hadn't really, but it was fine. New experiences were good.

At least that's what he told himself.

As Percy unbuckled his seatbelt and hopped out, he stared at the surrounding houses in awe. They were all huge, like mansions, with extravagant gardens and exteriors. As a guy who lived with his mom in a tiny little rental house, Percy could only imagine what was inside.

He walked up to the steps slowly, his hands warmed by the steaming pizza bag. The night air was crisp and chilly. His stomach rumbled with hunger, but his heart pounded with nervousness, temporarily distracting him.

Percy could hear nothing especially loud inside the house. Only a couple muffled voices, and maybe the radio playing. The garden fountain - yes, there was a garden fountain - gurgled softly, and Percy breathed a sigh of relief. At least he wouldn't embarrass himself at some huge party.

He tugged on the edge of his shirt, suddenly unsure if he regretted not brushing his hair. Not that it would matter. His messy raven locks were hard to handle even on a good day.

Finally, he rang the doorbell. The muffled voices hushed slightly, and Percy waited for a few seconds. There was silence.

He rang it again after a few seconds, and waited a little longer. Maybe they wouldn't come.

One last time, Percy told himself. If they don't answer, I leave.

Almost as soon as he finger left the bell for a third time, the door swung open.

The bright light from inside surprised Percy a little (it was getting pretty dark), and he blinked, standing straighter.

In front of him was a blonde girl - probably around his age - staring back at him with a small smile. She was slim and muscular at the same time, standing defensively with her arms crossed. Her blonde curly hair was pulled up into a messy bun at the top of her head, and her clothing looked very relaxed - a sweatshirt and jeans.

Percy's eyes widened, realizing he was staring. He couldn't help it. This girl… she definitely wasn't what he was expecting. She was pretty, his age, and didn't look at all too pleased to see him either (that forced smile wasn't fooling him). Percy thought she looked a little familiar too, though he was pretty sure he would've remembered someone like her. Also, he didn't think anyone who lived in this neighborhood would go to his school. She probably went to some private school.

Percy's eyes flicked behind her, but he saw no one else. Was this some kind of prank? He glanced to the girl, whose bright grey eyes were narrowed.

Suddenly unfreezing, the girl pursed her lips and then smiled wider, though her arms were still crossed.

"Hi, I'm Annabeth," she said stiffly, and tried to relax her smile, although her eyes still looked both intimidating and vulnerable.

Percy stared for a second. It wasn't usual that someone introduced themselves when they got a pizza delivery. Then again, this wasn't a usual delivery.

"Percy," Percy introduced himself. He cleared his throat. "Here's your pizza."

(ooo)

"Here's your pizza."

Annabeth stared at the boy as he held out the pizza for her. She took it, setting it on a side table, and quickly grabbed a few crumpled tens out of her back pocket.

She didn't hand it out to him yet, and he didn't reach out to take the money. Instead, this 'Percy' rubbed the back of his neck, looking about as awkward as Annabeth felt.

"So, uh, what was that delivery thing you added?" he asked hesitantly, but his eyes were bright as he cocked his head slightly to one side.

He's bold, Annabeth deduced. If she'd been in his position, she would've hightailed it out of there as soon as she delivered the pizza. Sure, Percy looked awkward, but he managed to look curious and shy at the same time.

Annabeth forced a laugh. She was surprised this boy was trying to make small talk, when she was the one who made this awkward. She had to try to seem inviting and cool in order to make it seem believable to Piper that she was trying to make him want to stay - even if she hoped to God that he refused and went on his merry little way.

"Oh, um." Annabeth smiled awkwardly. "That was a dare, I guess." She shrugged, almost confused on why she was telling this guy - Percy - the truth.

"You guess?" Percy asked with a small smile, and Annabeth pursed her lips.

"I didn't think they'd actually follow the direction." Annabeth admitted, even though it was slight lie. She honestly hadn't known what they'd do.

The boy grinned. "So you think I'm cute?"

Annabeth felt her face warm, and she scowled, putting up a defense of anger as she usually did when she was embarrassed or flustered. "No!" she snapped. The boy raised his eyebrows, but didn't really look offended, only amused.

Annabeth sighed, trying to relax. She usually didn't really care when boys flirted, but this felt different. It was like he wasn't even trying to flirt with her, he was just curious. (And -okay- Annabeth did feel flustered because he was cute and nice so far and agh she always messed things up).

Her brain whirred into overdrive, thinking of what to do to seem cool, chill, and totally not awkward. She sighed. "Sorry, I mean…"

She pasted a slight smirk on her face (which made the boy's eyebrows raise even higher as he smiled wider), and made an obvious show of looking him up and down. She tried to hide a real smile when his grin widened.

Percy was attractive - she couldn't deny that. He was tall and lean, like a swimmer, and managed to look both confident and awkward at the same time. His hair was pitch black - even though it was pretty dark outside already - and unruly, like he'd just rolled out of bed. His skin was tan, and his cheeks were flushed from the cool night air.

Her eyes locked with his. They were the most clear green she had ever seen, although she could see specks of deep blue at the same time. His eyes were bright even in the dark, and had smile lines on the edges, showing this non-stop grinning was a usual thing.

Percy felt familiar, too, but Annabeth couldn't remember how. Maybe they were in the same school.

Annabeth shrugged. "The results were okay." She teased a little, trying her very hardest to play it off cool, while she secretly cursed Piper to infinity and beyond in her head.

It seemed to have worked, though. Percy laughed breezily. "Wow, thanks," he said sarcastically, but looked very relieved and a lot more comfortable than he had a minute ago.

There was pause in the conversation. Annabeth's eyes flicked to the small camera in the corner of the doorway (it was hard to see, but Annabeth had been to Piper's house enough times to know this place like the back of her palm). She could almost imagine her best friend screaming at her to complete her dare.

Annabeth sucked in a breath, regretting her words before she even uttered them.

"I know this is kinda forward." Annabeth blurted. "But, uh, part of the dare is asking you to come inside." Percy's eyebrows raised, and she winced, biting her lip. Maybe she shouldn't have gone for the honest route. "I mean, it wouldn't be just us," Annabeth added quickly. "I have a lot of other friends here… they're just…" she glanced behind her. "Oddly quiet," she finished.

Percy rubbed the back of his neck with a lopsided smile. "Do you actually want me to come in?" He asked.

Annabeth paused. She had to say yes, because that's what someone who was trying to make him stay would say. But at the same time, she didn't feel like a liar when she nodded. "As long as you're not some creepy stalker, then yeah."

Percy laughed. "Well if I am, that's your fault." He smiled. "You're the one who asked for the cutest delivery boy, right?" He winked at her, but Annabeth just rolled her eyes.

(ooo)

Percy smile hesitantly after a second, actually feeling disappointed. Why? He didn't really know. This was a complete stranger after all. "While I appreciate the offer, I do have to finish my shift for tonight."

Annabeth nodded, her smile remaining. Her expression didn't change, and Percy didn't know if that was bad or good.

"Of course," she said.

Percy nodded absentmindedly. This night had not gone how he had thought it would. As he reached out to take the money she offered, his hand brushed hers, and they locked eyes. In his head, Percy laughed to himself, because it was just like in the movies.

He didn't have many female friends, and he'd never had a girlfriend, but he had a gut feeling about this slightly aloof, blunt, but oddly endearing blonde girl in sweats.

So without thinking or planning (as was the nature of Percy Jackson), he blurted out what was on his mind: "But could I have your number?"

Annabeth blinked, and Percy immediately retracted his hands and backtracked on his words. "I mean, um, sorry, I think I got the wrong idea, sorry. It's just, you seem really nice and uh," he started backing away because her face was still completely blank and oh God he was such an idiot.

"...but it's fine," he rambled. ":ike obviously it was just a dare so I'll be going now-"

"Wait."

Percy froze and Annabeth cocked her head at him. Maybe it was his imagination, but she looked a little flushed too.

"I'll…" Annabeth cleared her throat. "I'll give you my number. I usually don't do this type of thing, but sure."

Percy gave her a relieved smile. "Neither do I," he admitted.

Annabeth's lips quirked up. "As long as you're not a creepy stalker or murderer, right?" she joked, and Percy laughed breathlessly.

"I think we already clarified that I'm not." He pulled out his phone and handed it to her so she could put her number in. There was a beat of awkward silence, before she anded him his phone and crossed her arms.

"You can keep the change," she offered, her lips quirking up slightly, and Percy could only respond with a breathless laugh. "It's a tip for, um, listening to the specified instructions." Her eyes twinkled and Percy felt warmth spread through his whole body.

"It was definitely worth it, thanks." They stared at each other for another moment.

"I'll… let you get back to your job now," Annabeth smiled. "You should probably leave ASAP, because my friends are watching right now."

Percy looked slightly alarmed. "Um, maybe you're the stalker," he teased, his eyes flicking around.

Annabeth bit her lip to hide a grin. "Uh, yeah, this is my friend's house and her dad is super famous so they need security… You know the cameras are hidden, right?" Annabeth laughed at him lightly.

Percy snapped out of his focus to spot the hidden cameras and rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "Right, sorry." He returned her grin and then glanced at his watch, cursing under his breath. "I should really get going."

"No, of course," Annabeth replied, suddenly very shy. "Thanks… for the pizza." She finished awkwardly.

"You too."

Percy blinked and then realized what he had said just as she burst out laughing. He cursed himself and felt his cheeks warm, before flashing her a bright grin and giving a two fingered salute. "Okay, later bye!"

He could still hear her amused laughter as he drove away.

A/N: at this point im just DUMPING all of my old fanfics onto this site after a year long hiatus. OOPS. AND they're almost all percabeth but what can i say? i love these two goofballs. :)