Hey guys! What's going on? I'm awesome just in case you wondering. Fun Fact: I wrote half of this chapter and edited it all while eating the best pizza ever. Just FYI.
Enjoy the 21st chapter of Layers.
Sally came around the corner after hearing the bell on the door chime. She came to a stop when she saw her son and Annabeth.
"Hey guys! I don't have much work for you to do today so-."
She stopped talking when she saw Percy and Annabeth's linked fingers.
Her smile was even wider than Percy's, her eyes were almost closed.
"Finally, Percy! I was wondering when you were going to grow some balls and ask her out!"
Percy's smile immediately dropped into a loud groan.
"Mom seriously!"
Sally's face was nothing but innocent.
"What? You've been pining after her for weeks and I could tell she had been too. I just want you guys to be happy."
Percy's frown softened as he walked to hug her. "I know you want me happy mom, but could you please not bring up my lack of balls in front of my girlfriend?"
Sally gasped and clapped her hands. "Girlfriend?"
Both Annabeth and Percy nodded.
Sally let out a loud squeal and ran over to hug Annabeth.
"Welcome to the family, sweetheart!"
Percy felt himself crack a small smile and It only got bigger when he saw Annabeth's panicked expression.
"Mom can you let her go please," he said laughing.
Sally shot him a dark look from over Annabeth's shoulder.
"I could , but I'm not gonna."
Percy watched Annabeth flounder around and he finally decided to take pity on her.
"Ok," he said grabbing his mom's shoulders to tug her gently off of his girlfriend. "Time to stop smothering her. Oxygen is essential to remain alive, you know."
The small woman released Annabeth with a laugh.
"That's the kind of knowledge my tax payer dollars pay for huh?"
Percy just smiled that adorable grin that Annabeth loved.
Percy clapped his hands together and chuckled. "Well Mom, I know how much you love to see this handsome face of mine at all times, but sadly, we must depart. I need to bring your new favorite child home and then go raid our fridge."
Sally just narrowed her eyes at him for a few seconds and then pinched his cheek between her fingers, smiling.
"It's a good thing you're cute, Perce. And make no mistake, Annabeth being my favorite is not a new development."
Percy's jaw dropped, "What?! You only met her a few months ago!"
"And she became my favorite as soon as I met her," Sally said with a smile.
Annabeth giggled at Percy's expression and gave Sally another hug. "You're my favorite too."
Annabeth let Sally go and grabbed Percy's hand to drag him out the door while he sputtered like a fool.
"Traitors," he mumbled.
Annabeth brought him around to the passenger side of the truck and wrapped her hands around his neck.
"I should have clarified, Sally is my favorite adult, but you, my sweet boyfriend..." She pulled him close until their lips were less than an inch away from each other. "You are my favorite boy."
Percy smiled for a second, but then jerked his head back raising his eyebrow at her.
"Boy? I don't think so."
Annabeth sighed, "Sorry. You are my favorite man."
He grabbed her close and captured her lips with his.
"You're damn right I am," he growled sexily into her mouth.
Annabeth's breath was cut short when she gasped.
"Shit," she whimpered as goosebumps rose on her arms.
She heard Percy chuckle and she looked up to see him smirking with a sly look on his face.
She slapped at his chest.
He tricked her!
Motherfucker.
"Perseus Jackson! I'm taking you off of my favorites list!"
He laughed and grabbed her by the waist, turning her so that her back was flush with his front.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to tease." He buried his face into her hair and inhaled her lemony scent. "You just don't realize how satisfying it is to know that the person you care about reacts to your presence like this."
Annabeth was getting slightly lightheaded with Percy's warm body pressed against her, so she took a breath a stepped out of his arms.
She giggled and rubbed her thumb against his cheek when she saw his pout.
"I just needed some space before I jumped you in front of your mom's store. That would be uncomfortable for everyone, don't you think?"
Her breathing picked up slightly when she noticed Percy's darkened eyes in reaction to her confession.
Percy stared intensely into her eyes before he took a deep breath.
"Then I guess we need to get going. It appears we have some things to talk about."
Annabeth sucked in a quick breath.
"However, tonight is not the night. You have to get home and I...have to try and get the last few seconds out of my mind before I'm doomed to a permanent state of...awareness, if you know what I mean."
Annabeth blushed, but agreed and quickly got into the passenger side.
(...)
Slight time skip...
Thanksgiving break was starting tomorrow and Annabeth was grateful for the break. She was tired of school and ready to have an entire week of Percy time.
Plus, there was food, that's always fun.
Annabeth was actually pretty chipper when she got home after Thalia dropped her off at home.
"I'm home!" She called as she entered the living room.
"I'm in my office," her mother called. Annabeth paused because that usually meant that she needed Annabeth for something. Usually she just ignored her call.
Annabeth peeked into Athena's office hesitantly and knocked lightly.
"Come in."
She stepped in and stopped at her desk.
"You rang?"
"Yes, I need to discuss Thanksgiving with you." She said in a business-like manner.
Annabeth chuckled and crossed her arms, "What, are you actually going to try and cook it yourself this year?"
Anthena folded her hands together.
"No. I actually won't be here for Thanksgiving this year."
Annabeth didn't know if her hearing was just short circuiting due to lack of sleep or if her mother had really just told her that she wasn't going to be there for Thanksgiving.
"W-what? You've got to be kidding me!"
Athena just shrugged lightly, "I have a meeting in Seattle that I must attend."
"A meeting? You're a freakin doctor, why do you have a mandatory meeting on a holiday!" Annabeth fumed.
"It is was it is," her mom said condescendingly, "Don't worry though, the catering will still bring the food. I'll even order extra of that gravy you love so much."
Annabeth had to hold herself back from stomping her foot and screaming. "I don't care about the food! I care about the fact that the twins and I are going to be alone for Thanksgiving and you don't seem to care!"
Athena gave Annabeth a mildly interested look, "Of course I care. I just figured you were old enough to be in charge and be on your own." She sighed loudly, "Just this once Annabeth, can you cooperate?"
She just looked at her mother for a few seconds and decided it just wasn't worth it.
She sighed heavily. "Have fun in Seattle."
As soon as Annabeth made it up to her room she pulled out her phone to text Percy.
I NEED A DRINK. ALSO A NEW MOM. WANNA TRADE?~A
BABY, AS MUCH AS YOU AND MY MOM LOVE EACH OTHER...ISSA NO FROM ME. YOUR MOM IS KIND OF A BUZZKILL AND I HAVENT EVEN MET HER YET.~P
DAMN.~A
WHAT HAPPENED THIS TIME?~P
SHES LEAVING THE BOYS AND I DURING THANKSGIVING.~A
OH, OK. ITS ALL GOOD.~P
What? Did he read any of what she had just sent?
WHAT?~A
WHAT? I JUST TOLD MY MOM AND SHE'S ABOUT TO GO SHOPPING. ARE YOU ALLERGIC TO ANTHING?~P
Wait what? Percy wanted me to come to his house...
Annabeth immediately called him.
"Yello," he said with a chuckle.
"What do you mean you told your mom?" She said slightly panicked.
Percy was silent for a second. "Annabeth, did you seriously think I was going to let you and your brothers be alone during Thanksgiving? Hell no. If I hadn't taken initiative my mom sure as hell would have."
Annabeth sighed, "I-I just don't want to burden you guys."
"If the roles were reversed and I was going to be alone would I be a burden to you?"
"No," she mumbled.
"Then don't expect that from me."
"Ok fine. But one condition, I get to help Sally cook."
Percy's laugh was hard and loud on the other end of the phone.
"Baby, I don't think she will have a problem with that."
"Good. Ok, Bobby is the only one with allergies and he can't eat shellfish."
"Ok I'll tell Mom. Thanks for cooperating."
Annabeth rolled her eyes, "My mom said the same thing. She asked me to cooperate. Do I really not make things easy for people?" She said, feeling slightly guilty.
Percy sighed, "Yeah, Annabeth sometimes it's super hard to get you on board with the simplest things. Sometimes it's your pride, like today, don't think I didn't notice those things, and sometimes it's just you being stubborn."
Annabeth was quiet for a minute knowing that he was right and realizing that that trait of her's was probably really annoying.
"But," Percy continued, "I love that about you most of the time, I really do. I couldn't date someone that went along with everything I wanted. You're determined and strong willed and I love that about you."
"Well that certainly is me." She giggled.
"It is and I love it." He repeated.
There he goes again. He keeps saying the L word and Annabeth didn't know how she felt about that.
Only time would tell.
(...)
"You guys are adorable. It's almost sickening." Thalia said with a grimace.
"Thals, we aren't doing anything. We're eating," Annabeth said chuckling.
Thalia slurped some of her milkshake before responding. "You guys just give off a cuddling couple vibe. It's sickening."
"You've got to admit it, Beth," Percy said with his mouth full of burger, "We are pretty cute."
Annabeth looked at her boyfriend with a slightly disgusted expression.
"Thanks for your imput Mr. Seefood."
The 3 of them were currently in the middle of Five Guys enjoying the beginnings of their break. Thalia decided that she needed to get to know Percy just in case he tried something and she had to kill him.
Just watching out for her bestfriend.
"So, Percy," Thalia started as she wiped her hands, "I've called this meeting to discuss-."
"Thals, this isn't congress and this isn't a meeting." Annabeth interrupted.
Thalia just glared at her and clasped her hands together.
"As I was saying when I was so rudely interrupted, Percy. Is that I have called this meeting to discuss you and Annabeth's relationship and the guidelines of it."
Percy rose his brows, "Guidelines...of our relationship?"
"Yes. You know, the do's and the don'ts."
Annabeth was ready to intervene at this point to save her boyfriend from her crazy friend, but Percy's response was what stopped her.
"I'm listening." He said linking his fingers together.
"If you hurt her, I will scalp your testicles." She said in a calm voice.
Percy nodded, "Understood. Though I'm not so sure there will be anymore left after Annabeth is finished with me."
Thalia raised her eyebrow and tilted her head to the side. "Was that a sexual joke?"
Percy smirked and Annabeth blushed. "No, it wasn't."
"Good. Because rule number 2 is that you are not allowed to make dirty jokes in my presence."
She said wrinkling her nose.
Nico had told her enough of them in the few years they had dated to last a lifetime.
"Wel damn," Percy snapped his fingers, "I was hoping to woo you with my impeccable wit."
Thaila reluctantly smiled, "Sorry lover boy. Save that for your girlfriend, I'm sure she would rather hear that than me."
"If I must." Percy sighed.
Annabeth, who had been listening in on their brief conversation with bemusement, had noticed that both of the raven haired weirdos had resumed eating. Clearly there was an unannounced understanding that she had missed.
She stared at Thalia.
"That was it? This is what you called this 'meeting' for?"
Thaila looked up surprised, "Oh, yeah. I just needed to make sure that he knew my conditions, because trust me, I would hate skinning his fun bags more than he would."
Percy coughed, "I highly doubt that, Thals."
Thalia rolled her eyes, "Believe me, Jackson. I might be the only person in the tri state area that is not interested in seeing your chandeliers."
Annabeth merely rolled her eyes while Percy snickered.
"This could have been done over the phone on 3 way."
Thalia shrugged. "I was hungry."
"Of course you were."
They continued eating while Annabeth played with her fries.
She was not looking forward to Thanksgiving. It's not that she didn't want to spend time with Sally and Percy, it was just that her brothers were a lot to handle and she didn't want Sally to regret taking them in.
Annabeth was also irritated with her mother for missing one of the only times when they were actually act like a family. It's not like she was ever there emotionally, so Annabeth shouldn't have been surprised. Though, she was surprised that she wasn't feeling any hurt of her own, just for Matthew and Bobby, who had never really seen any other side of their mother than the cold hearted bitch.
But.
As much as she was questioning the upcoming holiday, she was glad that Percy felt strongly enough about her and their relationship that he wanted to share his Thanksgiving with her.
Speaking of... "Thalia, what are you and Jason doing for Thanksgiving?"
Thalia rolled her eyes, "The Jackass and his Trollop are going to her house for some shitty food. That asshat is leaving me alone knowing that Dad is going to be out of town." She shrugged, "I planned on asking you if I could tag along at dinner."
"Well, coincidentally, Athena is going to Seattle for a meeting. The twins were going to be alone, but Perce and his mom are letting us crash their Thanksgiving."
"You're very welcome to join us. No one should be alone for the holidays. And if not that, the food is pretty fucking awesome." Percy offered with a smile.
Annabeth smiled at her boyfriend's generosity and interlaced their fingers underneath the table.
"You know what, Green Eyes? I think I'll take you up on that offer. I get to eat some good food, provide entertainment, and I get to rub it in Jason's face that I'm spending time with Annie and her new beau." She said fluttering her eyelashes dramatically.
Percy growled under his breath, though this time, it didn't make Annabeth tingly.
Thalia held her hands up and laughed. "Hey lover boy stop being all territorial. We all know who's side I'm on."
Annabeth sighed and squeezed Percy's hand. "Guys there should be no sides. Him and Piper can go do their thing and we do ours okay? I'm obviously very happy right now so can we just let it go?"
"We can't just let it go, Beth." Percy interjected, "He hurt you and that is inexcusable. But...we will drop it because it's the holidays and we should surround ourselves with happiness."
She beamed up at him while he leaned down and met her lips with his.
"Ok. I think I want to add another rule. No kissing in my presence. Ever."
(...)
On the morning of Thanksgiving Annabeth, Thalia and the twins found themselves in the Jacksons' drive way. Annabeth walked her brothers down to the front door and bent at her waist to give them a last minute talking to.
"Okay boys. So what are we going to do today?"
"Be respectful and not rough house or break anything or run or throw food." They both said in a monotone voice. She had trained them well.
"Can we ask Percy if we can play with his video games?" Bobby asked.
"Yes you can," said a deep voice from behind them. Annabeth turned to see her handsome boyfriend behind her leaning against the door frame. She hadn't even heard the door open.
Annabeth stood to make introductions.
"Percy this is Bobby and Matthew. Bobby has freckles and Matt doesn't, that's how you tell them apart." She turned to the boys as Percy waved. "Boys this is Percy, he's my boyfriend."
"What happened to Jason?" Matthew asked leading Thalia to start snickering behind them.
Leave it to the boys to make her feel like a man collector.
Annabeth took a deep breath.
"We broke up."
The pair shared a glance and shrugged.
"Good," stated Matthew.
"He was an asshole anyway."
Annabeth gaped at the two of them while Thalia and Percy burst into loud laughter.
Sally must have heard the commotion because she came to the door.
"Annabeth! Boys! It's so nice to meet you. Come inside so I can get you some snacks," she spoke to the boys as she ushered them inside.
Annabeth buried her face into Percy's still shaking chest and sighed.
"Beth, I think I'm gonna like those two."
"Of course you are," she pulled away laughing.
She walked into the house while Percy and Thalia trailed behind her.
"Oh Annabeth! You didn't tell me you had such sweet brothers."
Sally said as she came from out of the kitchen to give her a hug.
"I don't, so that means that they have either been replaced with aliens or they want something." She smirked at the pair sitting at the table eating cookies.
Percy clapped his hands, "Ok. Annabeth and I are going to go to my room really quickly while Thals helps Mom with the food. I've heard she loves to cook." He said with a grin.
Thalia was staring daggers into the back of Percy's head while he dragged Annabeth away, but he didn't notice.
When they got to his room he immediately closed the door and locked it.
"Percy what are you doing? We can't leave them down there by themselves?" Poor Sally.
Percy just smiled at her. "I've been wanting to do something since you got here."
She chuckled, "You mean like 2 minutes ago?"
"Sue me," he said and then pulled her close in a deep kiss.
They pulled away breathlessly and Annabeth nodded.
"Okay. If you want to do that again just tell me. We can leave their asses downstairs."
Percy chuckle and hugged her, "I knew you would see it my way."
They went downstairs after that to rescue Thalia from Sally and her cooking. Annabeth spent the rest of the day helping Sally while the boys and Thalia were holed up in the living room playing video games. It was nice to see how well they all got along. Her bestfriend, boyfriend, and brothers. (A.N~ Because I'm a nerd I have to acknowledge that kick ass alliteration.)
As they sat down to eat once the day was beginning to end, Sally asked that everyone share what they are thankful for.
Thalia was thankful for Nico, Annabeth, her father, Jason (begrudgingly) and food.
Matthew was thankful for video games, Annabeth, and with some coaxing... He admitted he was thankful for Bobby too.
Bobby was thankful for Matthew, Annabeth, and books.
Sally was thankful for Percy, Percy finding Annabeth, her good health, and successful not burning the food.
Percy was thankful for Annabeth, His mom, his truck, his swimming abilities, and his good looks and charm.
He got slapped on the chest for that one.
And Annabeth was thankful for finding Percy, Thalia always being by her side, her two brothers, and her job at the bookstore.
Nobody mentioned that the Chase siblings had nothing to say about their mother.
(...)
Athena came back from Seattle two days after Thanksgiving.
As soon as she walked through the door she went straight to her office where she stayed until it was time for the twins to go to bed.
"Annabeth. Meet me in my office. We have some things to discuss."
Her mother said through Annabeth's bedroom door.
Annabeth stood in front of her mother's desk not speaking. She decided that a brief silent treatment was deserved.
"So," Athena started, "How was your holiday?"
"Good."
"How was the catering?"
"I wouldn't know."
"Well what did you eat?"
"Turkey."
"From where?" Athena asked, obviously getting annoyed at Annabeth's vagueness.
"From my boyfriend's mom who actually cooked it."
Athena looked surprised for a moment and ignored the slight jab.
"I thought Thalia's mother was in the hospital."
Annabeth sighed and decided that now was as good a time as any to spill the beans.
"I'm not talking about Jason, Mother. We broke up about a month ago."
Athena nodded and grimaced/smiled. "Good he wasn't good enough for you. But who is this new boyfriend? A month apart huh, should I be keeping count?"
Annabeth clinched her teeth and fought hard not to slap her own mother.
"His name is Percy," she said ignoring the rest of what her mother had said.
"Last name?" Her mother asked while writing something down on her notepad.
"Jackson."
Athena's eyes squinted slightly.
"What is his mother's name?"
"Sally Jackson."
"Break up with him," She said as her face darkened into a scowl.
"What?!"
Had her mother finally gone crazy.
"I said, break up with him. No child of mine will date a Jackson. They ruin everything they touch."
Annabeth gaped her Athena, not having seen her this emotional about something since her dad died.
"I-I don't understand. You dont even know Percy or Sally. They are both great and don't deserve your hatred!"
Athena slammed her hand down on the table making Annabeth jump. "I know enough Annabeth. Now since it's obvious that you won't heed my advice, I'm going to tell you this: I don't want him to step foot in his house. He's not welcome. Him nor his Mother."
Annabeth decided she needed to get out of there before she said something that would get her in trouble.
She immediately dialed the familiar number for Percy's Cell when she got to her room.
"Hey Baby, what's up?"
"How do our parents know each other?" She said getting straight to the chase.
"What? They don't. Well... my mom has never said anything about it."
"You need to talk to her. I just told Athena about us and when I told her Sally's name, she freaked out and told me that you weren't allowed in the house. She wanted me to break up with you."
"That makes no sense, Annabeth. I've never met your mom before."
Annabeth took a deep breath.
"I know. But ask your mom anyway. Maybe we can find a way to solve the problem or something."
"...Okay. I'll ask. I will call you when I find out ok? And until I do, don't go speak to your mom. We both know you and your temper can get you in trouble."
Annabeth chuckled lightly, "Ok. I'll talk to you in a few."
"Bye."
"Bye."
Annabeth layed back on her bed and tried to calm herself down.
Maybe Sally sold Athena a bad book. Or...cut her off at the grocery store. Or...flicked her off for just being...her.
She was trying to come up with the right answer, but she just couldn't calm her nerves.
Annabeth woke to the sound of her phone ringing. She looked at the clock to see that it was almost 12:30 in the morning. Shit! She had fallen asleep while waiting on Percy's phone call.
"Hello?" She said groggily.
She heard loud breathing on the other end.
"Come outside."
Percy said in a monotone voice and then the phone went dead.
Annabeth stumbled around her room half asleep looking for her shoes and slipped out of the door.
She went outside to see Percy's truck idling in front of her building.
She climbed into the passenger side and looked over at Percy.
"So? What did you find out?" She said nervously
Percy turned to her and she could see the tear marks down his cheek and she was immediately on edge.
She put her hand on his cheek. "What happened? Why are you crying?"
Percy's chuckle was rough and dark.
"I found out why your mom hates my family."
Annabeth's heart sped up, "W-why?"
Percy was quiet. He almost looked sad. Kind of like when he was talking about his dad a few months ago...
"Percy does this have to do with your dad?"
Percy's face darkened even more, which Annabeth wasn't sure was possible.
He nodded.
"Did they know each other?"
He nodded again.
Annabeth was slightly exasperated at this point with his short answers.
"Well were they friends or something?" She demanded.
Percy laughed, a loud menacing laugh that chilled Annabeth to the bone.
"No, they weren't friends. Although some may call it that."
Annabeth was utterly confused and slightly scared of her boyfriend at the moment.
"Then what was it, Perce? Why does she hate him?"
Percy looks into Annabeth's eyes for the first time since she got into the car and she could tell just by looking at them, that she was not going to like his answer.
Percy pulled her close and kissed her hair.
"I'm so sorry baby. I'm sorry that I have to tell you this."
She tried to free herself from his arms, but he resisted.
"Percy! What the hell are you talking about? You're scaring me."
"Baby, my dad and your mom weren't friends...your mom hates my dad because she was his fucking mistress."
*Drops bomb and runs away.*
I know you guys have something to say about this, so I will be waiting for the reviews the trickle in...
ALSO. FOR TWILIGHT FANS, I AM WRITING AN EDWARD/BELLA ONE SHOT THAT I WILL PROBABLY BE POSTING SOMETIME BETWEEN NOW AND WHEN I POST THE NEXT CHAPTER FOR LAYERS. (: