Story Name: The Iris Network

Author: turquoiserainlilies

Disclaimer: Do not own Percy Jackson or anything related, just the plot (really, not even that original). THANKS RICK!

Summary: He's a gamer. She's the Queen Bee. Percy struggles with unwanted fame from his father. Annabeth can't forgive her best friend for falling in love. Living miles away doesn't stop two people's fate from meeting, after all, the best thing to fall in love with are someone's words. AU!AH.

Chapter: 5 out of 21

Characters introduced: Poseidon Jackson (appearance), Sally Jackson (appearance), Tyson Jackson (appearance), Bianca di Angelo (appearance), Maria di Angelo (mentioned), Drew Tanaka (appearance)

Note: Ain't Annabeth so sassy in the last one? Now we're back to Percy, which is awesome. Thank for you for the AMAZING reviews Wow!

greek3fire ii

new york city 12/07/13 8:33 utc-5

percy jackson

wisegirl6: You know what's the best thing about having an online friend?

greek3fire: Enlighten me Wise Girl

wisegirl6: It's not superficial, I've had guys coming up to me, asking me out for the entire week since I've been single

greek3fire: Absolutely horrid

wisegirl6: I just broke up with my boyfriend, you know

greek3fire: How is this relating to superficial again?

wisegirl6: They only like me because I'm one of the more popular girls in class, which I'm totally regretting being

greek3fire: You want guys to "like you for you?"

wisegirl6: Cliché, but you got the jest

greek3fire: Good thing I don't know what you look like. You could be a 40 year old pedophile lurking on teenage boys

wisegirl6: Or you could be the pedophile

greek3fire: That'd be news to me

Saturdays are for sleeping late and watching Phineas and Ferb, as Percy decided a long time ago, not for unwanted meetings and business talks. Yet here was Poseidon, with his business suit and blue tie, looking completely out of style with Percy's mom's worn down couch and peeling wall paper. Him and Sally were like the water and fire, Percy wasn't even sure why Sally kept Poseidon's last name after the divorce…

"Cookies?" She asked him. Sally was adorn in her usual apron and messy bun of hair, while Poseidon sniffed the air critically. Percy rolled his eyes at his father's pretentiousness. Their apartment was fine for years before he rolled back into their life…and brought Percy along a new brother.

"Yeah cookies!" Tyson Jackson clapped his hands and reached for the biggest, bluest one, Percy scowled. Tyson was an incredibly cute kid, and sweet as well, but that was his cookie. Poseidon declined politely, which only worsened his mood.

"What are you here for?" He asked, crossing his arm. He was about to unlock a new demigod (Princess Nightshade) in Greek Fire when their doorbell rang, and all of the sudden there are four people in the two people apartment. Percy really just wanted to get back to his games.

"A favor." Poseidon's voice solemn, "Tyson's usual babysitter is out for the day, I need you to keep him occupied for the afternoon."

Obviously, Percy thought, his dad never asked him for anything except for a favor, like maybe taking over the entire Trident Industries. Tyson had Down Syndrome, which made him apparently "unsuitable" for the job. Percy loved him to pieces especially, since Tyson was getting crumbs all over Poseidon's dress pants.

"I'm busy." Percy said without bother to make up an excuse.

"He'd be happy to." Sally said at the same time, glaring at him, "You guys barely spend any time outside of holiday visits, it's important for brothers to know one and other."

Half-brother, Percy corrected. The spite of the situation wasn't rested on the little guy, Percy wouldn't mind looking after Tyson for the day. It's just how Poseidon thinks that he can just barge in here and take over his entire day that make the angry.

"I'm spending the day with Grover and Bianca." He gestured vaguely, hoping that he's mom will get the point.

"They'd love to meet him." Sally continued, glaring at him pointedly, "You can take him Christmas shopping, we'll need to buy some gifts."

"It's December the 7th!" Percy complained, as Sally disappeared behind the door of the living room to her own bedroom, leaving just the Jackson boys behind. He coughed awkwardly, though secretly didn't care whether or not to diffuse the tension.

"I appreciate this Percy." Poseidon said calmly. Of all his faults, Percy expected another one to be calling him by his full name, Perseus, but thankfully Poseidon had enough tact not to do so. "It's tough to find a suitable babysitter."

"It's not like there's thousands of young adults free on a Saturday." Percy rolled his eyes, "Trained especially, without a job, trying to find money to live until next Tuesday?"

Poseidon blinked, "I am thankful that we do not have to go through it."

No, Percy thought, he doesn't understand, we did went through it. For the first twelve years of his life he's been left alone, if he thinks that a few presents and a façade of kindness is enough to erase a lifetime of bitterness?

Woah, Percy thought, he was getting a little too angst. He took a deep breath and smiled as pleasantly as he could muster. "Me too."

Tyson was pretty content with watching Phineas and Ferb for the entire day, but Sally insisted that they actually do go to the mall. Percy decided it was time for Plan B.

"Hey Bianca?" He called up his girl friend first. Things with Grover had been a little eff since that incident G-man had mistaken Percy's lateness as disrespect. Bianca was thankfully one of the only girls in his life that is uncomplicated. "You're free today? My mom wants me to go Christmas shopping."

What? It wasn't like he was going to take care of Tyson by himself, he had zero experience and can hardly be trusted in a house alone, as if a seven year old would be better.

"Maybe in a few hours." Bianca sighed, "My mom wants to talk to me about my brother, even though I specifically told her that I DO NOT want to visit him!"

Percy had to think for a moment to remember when did Bianca get a brother. Right, Nico di Angelo. He lived somewhere on the west coast after their parent's brutal divorce (if there is one thing Percy was grateful for out of his parent's relationship, other than himself, was that they are still somewhat friends) when Bianca was twelve, Nico was eleven. Bianca used to be super tight with Nico, up until the move, then she kept alienating him more and more. Percy wasn't sure why, it wasn't really his place to ask. He was just here as a sympathetic friend.

"Tough luck." He sighed, "You should climb out of your window and ditch her."

Bianca was probably rolling her eyes.

"Just because I'm your backup plan doesn't mean that I'm always going to be there." She said instead, "I'll meet you later. You and Grover have fun for now."

Dot, dot, dot, silence.

"What?"

"I haven't called Grover yet." Percy admitted.

Silence again.

"You better soon." Bianca's chipper voice taunted, "He's sort of upset, had a rough day on Friday. You now that pretty June girl he was going on about?"

"Juniper Green." Percy recalled, they called her June. "Sure?"

"Apparently she had a date to Drew's party, sucks right?"

"Totally." Percy sighed, "At least his problem is easily avoidable, I can't seem to get rid of Poseidon, or Reyna."

Bianca was silent for the third time.

"He'd love to be in your position, you know." Bianca said in her oh so wise voice. "A bountiful inheritance and a girl chasing after you? He's wondering why you're complaining."

"Actually?" Percy groaned, putting a hand to massage his head, "I'd gladly trade places with him any day."

A ping at his phone showed that he had another call. Maybe it was Poseidon telling him whatever meeting was otherwise occupying his day got cancelled. Or Tyson's babysitter miraculously healed the hip bone injury at the hospital. Or…

"Percy!" Reyna's voice rang loud and clear. Percy cursed again that he did not own caller ID, "Are you free today?"

"Got to babysit my younger brother." He was never so glad of something taking up his weekend, "Sorry."

She didn't sound disappointed or sad when she said, "Another day then!" And hung up. Percy was sure that didn't qualify as usual ex-girlfriend behavior, wouldn't they be sad if they were still hung up on their ex? Maybe this was a sign that Reyna was moving on, but then why would she call?

Girls are complicated, Percy decided, except for the few exception of Bianca, but that's just because they're family. Then there was Wise Girl…

She's different because she's on the other side of the country, Percy told herself. He doesn't even know why he was drawn to his computer every night, working the time difference between the two to hold a decent conversation. What's the point of electronic pen pals? He's just waiting for the day for her to either stop sending messages, or worse, meet in real life.

They can stay in their fantasy on the internet, but the real world is where the reality hits.

"I'm thinking of getting a reed pipe for my mom." Grover looked over the Christmas decoration at Pacific Mall, the closest shopping centre to Percy's apartment, and pretty cheap too. Of course, being a run-down mall meant that the Christmas tree was only ten feet tall with plastic baubles instead of glass, and the paint was chipped as well.

"Why?" Percy asked, "Does she have a fetish for woodwind music?"

"What's fetish?" Tyson wobbled beside Grover. He's been sort of jumpy, always two steps ahead and doing his own little thing. Percy didn't even realize that he was there until now.

Grover simply said, "I just thought it was a good idea."

Percy called him up a few minutes after he hung up on Reyna. Apparently Bianca was getting that talk with Maria di Angelo, because the call didn't go through. He left a voice mail with where he was going, and bravely dialed Grover's number. He picked up, arrange to meet Percy downstairs, without any mushy feelings that Bianca carefully laid out. They're guys, they're fine.

Still, Grover wasn't very enthusiastic today, even when Percy treated him to ice-cream. He shrugged it off, and continued to find something that would please his mom (while also looking for the most obnoxious sweater for his father).

"Awesome!" He called as he stopped in front of some store. The mannequin in the window had a brown holiday sweater with bright orange reindeers on it. He walked right past the doors and started searching in the piles.

"You're sure you want to buy him that?" Grover stared at the jumper warily, "It's so…bright."

"Exactly. My mom will force Poseidon to wear it, and it'll be a good joke." Percy decided. Unfortunately, luck wasn't on his side, they were out of stock.

"Darn." Tyson frowned. Percy found that he was grabbing for the ties on the shelf, but accidentally knocked over a stack of red and orange ones. He'll have to buy that for Poseidon instead (the holiday one with candy canes is dreadful enough).

"It's alright kid." He ruffled Tyson's light brown hair, "We'll just get it-"

Lucky was so not on his side. Rey-freaking-na strolled into the clothing store with a purpose, apparently she had her eye on that Christmas jumper as well.

"What did you say?" Tyson asked.

"He said fudge." Grover said quickly, "You like fudge right? We'll get you some later."

Tyson seemed satisfied with that answer, until he realized that Percy was crawling to hide behind the stack of dress pants. "What arr you doin' 'ercy?"

"Nothing." Percy comforted, "It's…umm…a game, hide and seek, you like that, right?"

Tyson tilted his head in confusion. "What's hide and seek?" Percy felt a pang of sadness, he's never heard of hide and seek? Sure he was homeschooled…and with a forty year old something nanny…all alone in that big house. So maybe it was better that Percy got to spend a childhood, no matter how crappy, from his dad.

"Okay buddy." He grabbed Tyson's hand and looked at him carefully, "You're going to…uh…count to ten, somewhere else, and I'll be hiding. Grover will help you." He looked over at the ashen faced teenager, "After that you'll have to come and find me, but be very quiet, because you don't want anyone else finding me."

Tyson's big green eyes blinked. They were the same as Poseidon's, as Percy's, and so big that they were almost one. Percy had to smile, no matter the situation.

"Okie-dokie!" He flashed a big grin. Percy flashed a thankful look at Grover as he led the little boy away to the blazer section, causing some stares, but at least they weren't making a commotion.

On the other hand, Percy realized that he could now hear what Reyna was saying, and she wasn't the only one in the conversation.

"You're going to buy that for him?" An obnoxious voice said. Percy hung on to the sliver of hope that they weren't talking about him.

"I don't know." Reyna's voice sad, "What could I possibly buy for the son of Poseidon, he's got everything!"

So they were talking about him.

"Probably not an ugly moose sweater." The girl said. Her voice was familiar, yet Percy can't quite place it.

"Shut up." Reyna snapped, "I should've came with Gwen, she'd be more helpful that you are."

"In case you forgive, Miss I-Like-Doing-Everything-By-Myself." The girl snuffed, "I'm helping you out at my Christmas party, remember?"

Reyna seemed to consider this, and finally gave in, "Fine, thanks."

"Thank who?"

She said this through gritted teeth, "Thank you Drew Tanaka, you're the best."

greek3fire: Ugh!

wisegirl6: Bad day?

greek3fire: Why are girls so complicated?

wisegirl6: Did your Rey-Rey give you trouble?

greek3fire: How do you know the name of my ex?

wisegirl6: You told me once, remember? Like one of our earlier chats.

greek3fire: Well…

greek3fire: Okay, you're right

wisegirl6: Aren't I always?

wisegirl6: So what's bothering you, Seaweed Brain?

greek3fire: Reyna, yes, she's been forming some sort of scheme to win me back.

wisegirl6: A stubborn girl determined to hunt you down so you can forgive them? I can relate.

greek3fire: Didn't know you swing that way Wise Girl, I was going to ask for your hand in marriage.

wisegirl6: Number one, I don't. Number two, no.

greek3fire: #Hurt

wisegirl6: #Don'tCare

greek3fire: Well, exes are worse than just some random girl on the street

wisegirl6: #Agreed. I can avoid Luke somewhat easily, but Thalia's harder. She's in almost all my classes, plus lunch!

greek3fire: Ouch for you. Reyna knows my entire schedule. It's kind of hard to miss her.

wisegirl6: I guess it's a blessing that Luke and I were never that close. Sounds like you and Rey-Rey were serious.

greek3fire: Maybe for her, I was a seriously big cash grab.

wisegirl6: Rich and famous? I knew I picked you for a reason.

greek3fire: Har-di-har-hard. Hardly famous, and hardly rich. I try not to talk about it. Family issues.

wisegirl6: Understandable.

greek3fire: Why can you relate to everything I'm saying?

wisegirl6: Guess we're soul mates.

greek3fire: Too bad you turned down the engagement offer.

greek3fire: Crazy, you're easy to talk to. My cousin (btw a girl) just tells me to suck up and face it.

wisegirl6: Really? My friend Silena tells me to face my fears and get closure.

greek3fire: Stop relating to me, it's creepy.

wisegirl6: I know one thing you can't relate too.

greek3fire: What?

wisegirl6: My friend's crush just turned her down for a visit, Silena's heartbroken.

greek3fire: …

wisegirl6: What?

greek3fire: My friend Grover just got turned down by his crush.

wisegirl6: Seriouslly!

greek3fire: Bad spelling's not a good color on you Wise Girl.

wisegirl6: Being wise is my job, get back to yours.

greek3fire: Which is…?

wisegirl6: Being a Seaweed Brain.

wisegirl6: Tell me about Grover and his girl?

greek3fire: June apparently got a date to this popular girl's party. We're all going (me unwillingly of course), and Grover was hoping to invite her…officially/

wisegirl6: Tough luck.

greek3fire: Now he's all angst and sad and moody, it's like having a girl best friend on their period.

wisegirl6: Oi! Watch it!

greek3fire: You're saying that you don't get emotional during periods?

wisegirl6: I'm saying that periods are part of being a girl, and you can't label someone being moody as 'oh they're just being girly'. That's sexist.

greek3fire: Look at you, justice warrior!

wisegirl6: I do what I can.

Next Update: December 13, 2013

Reviews are rewarded with a big virtual hug *sending* (Can we try for 25 this time?)