A/N: Anway, I know you guys don't like it when I write pre or after PJO, but this had to come out. I don't own PJO. R&R, and ideas help tons!
"Oh, my gods! Luke, look at those buildings! The structure-"
"Annabeth, if your jaw hangs any lower, you're going to start catching flies."
She scowled at him, but it was anything but real. Deep down, she loved it when Luke made fun of her. At least he was talking to her. Sometimes he just wouldn't talk to anyone, just go climb Thalia's tree and think.
He held her hand as they walked down the street. Her blush had long since faded, but there were still butterflies in her stomach, and her hand tingled where they touched.
Annabeth glanced at him. Sandy hair, and eyes like the sky. Face clear of any blemishes, no scars, no freckles. Perfect cheekbones, just barely casting a shadow over his tanned cheeks.
He looked the other way towards... somewhere.
"Shortcut!" he yelled, dragging her to the mouth of an alley. She gasped a little, but didn't stumble.
"Luke!"
"Listen!" She closed her mouth, and did as she was told. There was a faint rumbling sound. It grew steadily louder.
Suddenly without warning, the right side of the alley exploded. Luke instinctivley shielded Annabeth, and she clung to the arm that was wrapped around her.
A boy stumbled out of the gaping hole. His jet black hair stuck up in all directions, and his eyebrows were partially singed off. He was grinning like a maniac, and through the soot, Annabeth could see intense sea-green eyes. He gave the pair a jaunty wave, then ran like Hades was at his heels.
"What the hell?" Luke asked. "What just happened?"
"I don't know," she answered. "But I hear sirens. I don't want to be on television... again. They'll want witnesses, and people will ask questions."
"Right." Luke let go of her (disappointing), but held fast to her hand (not so bad). He sprinted out of the alley, and they barely escaped before the police and firetrucks arrived. They half a dozen blocks, then stopped, breathing hard.
"I wonder who that kid was," she said. Luke gave her a look.
"Dunno, but he's in big trouble. I mean, he blew up a building. I hope he can run fast." Annabeth nodded. "Well, that's none of our buisiness. So, where were we off to?"
so, yeah. n stuff. anyway, I hope you liked it. it was originally supposed to be a spider chapter, but it came out as a drabble instead. reviews with ideas and constructive critisism welcomed!
PS don't worry, y'all, I'll write more from betweeen the lost hero and TLO. you won't have to worry about old people or young people for the next couple chapters.