A/N: takes place some time before they all go on the quest for the lightning theif, btw. I don't own PJO. R&R!

I was walking past the arena looking for Chiron, when I saw a dark-haired boy practicing with a punching bag. There was sweat rolling down his back, and his hair was jumping in all directions as if to say "LOOK AT ME!" I stopped, intrigued. He was mumbling something, so I decided to sneak closer. He stopped for a moment and poured a bottle of water over his head.

I carefully stepped down the stone stairs towards the new kid, Percy.

"Stupid Fates with their stupid yarn and their stupid socks and their stupid scissors," With each 'stupid', he punched the bag, making it swing. "Stupid Minotaur killing Mom, stupid gold dust, stupid blonde, curly-haired girls," I suppressed a snicker. "Stupid me, stupid, Stupid, STUPID!" he punched the bag so hard that it swung parallel to the ground for a moment, before coming back to smack him in the face.

"Styx!" he held his nose, which was gushing blood. I giggled at his misfortune, and he whirled around to see me laughing at him. His intense green eyes shocked me for a moment.

"What the hell are you doing here?" he snapped at me, his bleeding nose forgotten.

"Just watching you be... stupid," I replied, smirking.

He scowled at me. Somewhere in the back of my brain, I was sad to see his features contorted like that, but the more realistic part of me screamed, "You idiot, what are you thinking? You like Luke. Remember?"

"Just leave me alone," he said, turning back to the bag.

"Percy, maybe talking about it would help you loosen up."

"I don't want to talk about it," he snapped. "Especially not with you."

I felt hurt for a moment, but it came out as anger. "All of us have been through the same thing as you, Percy. What makes you think you're so special?" I glared at the back of his head and he flinched. He was in my face before I knew it, but I held my ground.

"My Mom was better than any other woman on the planet, she didn't deserve to die because of me. I should have been killed, not her." He looked away from me, and for a moment I just saw a little kid who wanted his Mom back, but it disappeared in an instant. "Now leave. Me. A. Lone!" he turned back to face the punching bag and continued hitting it.

I left without saying goodbye, and I was pissed. I thought it was at him, but looking back on it, I was mad at myself for not staying and comforting him. I suppose I made up for it later though.

After leaving the arena I stalked off in no particular direction, just wanting to get away from him. He was infuriating! Who did he think he was anyway? I fumed for a few minutes, and ended up at the camp store. I remembered that Percy had dumped all his water on his head and would probably be thirsty.

I grabbed a water bottle for him, intending to use the favor either as an apology (probably not) or blackmail for a favor in return whenever the time came for one (most likely). I was just turning away when I heard someone call my name.

"Annabeth!" I turned to see Luke jogging towards me. I could feel the skin on my cheeks heat up.

"Hey, Luke," I said, trying not to stammer.

"How's it goin'?"

"Same old, same old."

"So, what do you think of the new kid?" he asked.

"Percy?"

"Yeah, that's his name."

"He's okay I guess, kind of annoying."

Luke laughed. "You like him," he accused.

"I do not!" I said.

"S'okay, I won't tell." Luke winked at me.

"I told you, I don't like him! He's annoying, and insufferable, and completely stupid!"

"Whatever you say, Annabeth." I glared daggers at him.

"Even if I did, he would be too dense to notice."

"So you do like him!"

"I never said that!"

"It was implied." I punched him in the shoulder.

"Bye, Luke," I said, walking away.

"I won't tell a soul!" he said to my back. I turned my head and stuck my tongue out at him. I heard him bust a gut, as I walked back to the arena.

Percy was still there, angry as ever, but I could tell he was losing some of his steam. He was shirtless too. He wasn't as ripped as some of the guys here, but a few months of training would whip him into shape. I crept over to his discarded shirt behind him, and left the water bottle next to it.

I turned away, and jogged up the stairs quietly. I heard the punching stop a couple seconds later and a muttered, "How did this get here?"

I walked back to my cabin, but was stopped by a wall of orange. Percy had put his shirt (it was covered in dried blood) back on and was holding out the water bottle.

"Why did you give me this?" he asked.

"After harassing that punching bag, I figured you needed some water considering you dumped the other one on your head."

He looked surprised. "Why?"

The corner of my mouth twitched. "So I have a free favor whenever I want it."

"What?"

"Never mind, Stupid. Just drink the damn water, I'm sure you're thirsty." I maneuvered and left him in a stunned silence. I smiled to myself smugly.

Stupid Percy.

Sorry, we had a little OOCness in that chap. However, I enjoyed writing it.

Reviews with ideas or constructive critisism are eagerly welcomed!