"Hey, 'Beth?"
"How many times do I have to tell you not to call me that?" Was her immediate reply as she rolled her eyes. She tapped her finger against the back of her phone case. A small smile was spreading across her face, as it usually did when her best friend called.
Percy laughed lightly. "I have news," he said excitedly, if a bit nervously, across the phone.
Annabeth leaned back in her chair. "Really?" she asked mockingly. She could almost imagine Percy stretched across his squeaky twin sized bed, covered in blue sheets. Most likely, there were random candy wrappers and an assortment of clothes on the floor around his entirely blue bed.
"I'm serious," the fourteen-year-old insisted. Annabeth was now listening.
"What is it?" she couldn't help but ask curiously. It was rare that Percy was ever able to - successfully - hide something from her, and rarely was he nervous or especially excited about something she didn't already know about.
"Now you're interested," Percy grumbled teasingly.
"Oh, shut up, Seaweed Brain." The age old nickname (from when they were kids and Percy had refused to eat sushi with her family) was still good for everyday use.
Annabeth could hear the smile in Percy's voice as he said, "I have a date tonight."
For a moment, Annabeth was silent. Her heart panged, but she ignored it. She clenched the phone next to her ear, not allowing herself to respond.
"Uh... Annabeth? You still there?" His confused voice was muffled on the other line. Annabeth took a deep breath. Of course her clueless best friend hadn't been taken her hints. Of course he didn't feel the same way.
So now she only had one question.
"Who?" She asked. It was lucky Percy couldn't see her, because she was scowling menacingly.
"It's a blind date," he said shyly. Annabeth frowned.
"Who the hell set you up on a blind date?" she accused.
"Just a friend."
Annabeth sighed. "Perce, we have the same friends."
"Swim team friend," Percy said hurriedly. He was avoiding the question. Annabeth knew a lot of his swim team friends, if not by name then by looks, and he knew it.
"But-"
"It doesn't matter. It's tonight and I need help."
Annabeth shut her mouth, ignoring the sinking feeling in her gut. Her best friend, who she also happened to have a crush on, was not only going a date, but now he was lying to her? What was going on?
"Weren't we going to the library to study for biology tonight?" Annabeth defended. "Are you ditching our Friday hangouts?"
"Of course not," her best friend said, his voice slightly panicked. "But... could you help me get ready?" He hesitated.
Annabeth sighed. "With what?"
"Like... getting ready. I dunno how. What do I wear? Or say?"
She squeezed her eyes shut. "I didn't know it was such a formal event," she snapped.
"Aw, don't be mad, Anna," Percy pleaded. "I'm sorry I changed plans on you," he apologized. "But I... really want you here."
Annabeth could just imagine the puppy dog eyes he was making, even if she couldn't see him. She sniffed and smiled weakly. "Well, first thing if you want to receive my forgiveness..." Percy chuckled. "...;stop calling me nicknames. My name's Annabeth."
"You call me nicknames all the time!"
"Because you earn them, Seaweed Brain," she teased. "But fine. I'll be over... what time?"
He laughed nervously across the phone. "Um... four or five? Wear something nice, okay?"
"...Because what I usually wear it trash?"
"That's not what I'm saying," Percy protested. "You always look nice!"
"Then why am I wearing something extra nice for your date?" She tried to ignore the blush spreading across her cheeks at his compliment by responding annoyed.
"My mom has work late tonight and I need someone to greet her with me."
"Wow, so I get to be your mom. Fun." Annabeth joked, but her heart felt like it was slowly cracking.
"You're definitely bossy enough to be one." Percy replied back.
She couldn't help but laugh. How did he always manage to make her smile? "Don't be a smartass."
"You mean like you?" Percy said innocently.
Annabeth resisted a smile. "Shut up."
"You don't want me to," he teased back.
Annabeth rolled her eyes again. Could anyone blame her for sometimes wishfully thinking their playful banter was actually flirting? Yeah, that wasn't happening anytime soon, she guessed. "I'll see you soon," the blonde said into her phone, glancing at her clock that read 3:34.
"Great," Percy sounded excited, and Annabeth leaned onto her desk. "I'll see you later! Wear something nice, okay?"
Annabeth rolled her eyes. "Right, Percy, right. You told me."
"Right." He still sounded excited. "See ya soon, love ya!"
"Love ya." Annabeth sighed as the phone clicked.
She stood up and flopped onto her bed which was, luckily, only a few feet away. She sighed loudly and closed her eyes. Approximately an hour to compose herself to help Percy prepare himself to not mess up a 'very important' first date.
She also had that time convince herself that, no, she was not mad about her best friend having a date. She certainly wasn't mad that she hadn't been aware of the supposed 'blind date' before hand.
And she absolutely positively was not mad that Percy Jackson's first date was not, in fact, with her.
___ ♪___
"Hey!" Percy swung open the door with a grin. Annabeth pursed her lips to hide a smile as he gestured her into the apartment.
"You look really pretty!" Percy said excitedly as he led her back into his room (though, with how many times Annabeth had been there, she practically called the place home), then blushed a little.
Annabeth smiled, trying to calm her quickly beating heart. She had, as he had told her, dressed up a little, and was now wearing a pretty blouse with leggings instead of her usual jeans and a tee shirt. Her hair was even down out of its usual ponytail, which was rare.
Recently, she'd noticed a slight change with her and her best friend. Since they'd been close since fourth grade, awkwardness when it came to their genders had never really been a problem - they had both been too clueless and happy to worry about it. Now that they were in their first year of high school, things were different. With puberty came crushes and hormones and flirting and puberty stuff. People assumed they were dating all the time, and though they brushed it off, there was a certain awkwardness that came with teenage hood that had never been there before.
"You're a mess," she commented honestly, which was true. Percy's hair was sticking up in all directions (though that wasn't new) and his shirt had a stain in it.
"Good thing you're here," Percy said with a nervous laugh. He ran a hand through his hair and sat on the bed. As usual, Annabeth was seated on his spinning desk chair and he sat across from her on his small twin bed.
"So what time is she coming?" She asked curiously. So far, she was fine. No sudden outbreaks of anger or sadness, and seeing Percy had only sped up her heart rate slightly.
"Five."
"What if I had come at five?" Annabeth wondered with raised eyebrows.
Percy shrugged. "I would've told them to come later."
Annabeth rolled her eyes. "Who's bringing her?"
"The friend who set us up."
"What's her name?" Annabeth said quickly.
Percy opened his mouth to respond and then shut it quickly, scowling at her. "Why so many questions?" He said, blushing.
Annabeth spun in the chair, an idea that had been brewing in her head wanting to be said. "Percy... are you setting me up with the friend who set you up? Is this some kind of deal?" She narrowed her eyes.
Percy's jaw dropped. "What? No!" His green eyes were wide.
"I've been thinking about it, and it doesn't make any sense why I have to be here," Annabeth said quickly, slightly embarrassed but still wanting to make her point. Now she felt stupid for overthinking. "I mean, it's a first date! And you asked me to dress up." She pointed out.
"Annabeth," Percy said seriously. "I honestly just wanted you here, okay? No strings attached. You're my best friend."
Annabeth stared down at her lap. "You're right, sorry." Now she felt guilty, sad, and angry at the same time? What was going on with her?
"It's okay. You have to help me get ready, though."
Annabeth sighed and smiled. "Well, you know I've always liked a challenge." She stood up and put her hands on her hips.
Percy scowled.
"Hey!"
___ ♪___
So, let's review."
Percy slouched.
Annabeth crossed her arms. "Hey, Perce. You asked for my help and you're gonna get it, alright?" As a way of distraction, Annabeth had dived headfirst into helping Percy 'prepare' for his date. Funnily enough, Percy seemed both surprised and amused by her enthusiasm.
Percy smiled reluctantly, his eyes crinkling in the edges. "Alright."
"So what do you do if you're sitting down at a table with the girl?"
"Pull out her chair for her," Percy said.
Annabeth nodded. "And how much do you compliment her?"
"Not too much to be creepy, but enough to make her feel pretty."
Annabeth nodded again. "Okay..."
Percy glanced at the clock. "It's almost five." He interrupted, his voice suddenly nervous.
Annabeth ignored the sinking feeling in her stomach. "Yep," she agreed quietly.
"I'm, um, I have to do something for my mom in the kitchen." Percy said suddenly.
Annabeth narrowed her eyes. "You've been back to the bathroom and the kitchen and the laundry room like, five times in the past thirty minutes."
Percy blushed. "It's a surprise I have for the date."
Annabeth swallowed thickly. "Oh, okay."
"Last thing and then we can hangout, 'kay?" Percy said eagerly. "I'm sorry for changing our plans on you."
Annabeth shook her head. "It's okay. We have plenty other Fridays, right?"
Percy nodded. "Of course." Hurriedly, he rushed out of the room, leaving her alone. Annabeth flopped onto his bed and grabbed his prized possession; a stuffed Nemo toy that he'd kept since he was ten. Only Annabeth and his mom knew about it.
She hugged it in her arms, unknowingly inhaling the scent of Percy's home and Percy himself; cookies and chlorine. An odd combination, but one she liked nonetheless.
God, she just hoped she was able to control herself when the girl came over.
Annabeth?"
A few minutes later, a voice outside Percy's door brought Annabeth out of her thoughts. She stood up and walked over to open the door.
"Percy?" She paused as she looked at him. "You changed," she noticed with surprise.
Her best friend grinned. Percy wore actual pants, and not shorts for once, and a clean long sleeve. He was also rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly, a habit he did when he was nervous. Annabeth narrowed her eyes. Had the date come and she hadn't realized?
"Come on."
"You're being really weird, Perce," she accused as he grabbed her by the hand and dragged her towards the kitchen and living room area. He didn't respond.
Annabeth's eyes widened as she entered the Jackson's kitchen. There was popcorn and skittles and fried chicken on the counter, with two bottles of Coke. The couch was covered in mountain of big blankets and pillows, and a dozen movies were laid out .
All in all, it looked like absolute heaven.
Unfortunately, this heaven wasn't for her.
"Is this the date?" Annabeth asked with surprise, her throat tightening. "God, Percy, this amazing!" She forced herself to be happy for him.
She had to.
Percy beamed. "Thank you! But..." he paused, suddenly looking nervous.
"I have a confession."
Annabeth frowned. "Wha-"
"I don't actually have a date tonight." Percy interrupted, and then frowned. "Well, I kinda do." He shook his head. "I mean, it's not a blind date. It's just... spontaneous."
Annabeth's heart was pounding as she put the pieces together. "Big word," she said quietly.
"You had to have taught me something, right?" Percy joked, but Annabeth couldn't laugh. She just stared at him.
He rubbed the back of his neck, his green eyes staring into hers. "This date... there's no girl, or setting up. No one's coming over." Percy sighed.
"And I know it's not fancy or anything, but this..." he gestured around him. "It's kinda for you." He rushed on. "I got all your favorite foods and movies, and I just..."
Percy sighed and stared down at his shoes. Annabeth resisted the urge to smile.
"This was the only way I could get the courage to tell you I liked you," he finally said quietly. "And if you don't feel the same way, I totally understand, but I just had to be honesty because you're really really nice and smart and pretty and I couldn't hide it anymore but I'm too scared to do anything and I don't want to ruin you being my best friend-"
"Percy," Annabeth cut him off from rambling. He raised his head to look at her.
"I like you too," she said simply. She took a couple steps forward so they were only few feet away from each other. Recently, Percy had grown a little taller than her, and she usually hated it, but now she liked everything about them.
"For once, you had more words than me, don't you?" She said. Finally, she let a gigantic grin spread across her face.
A lopsided smile slowly spread across Percy's face. "So... this is cool?" He was blushing.
Annabeth nodded. "This is very very cool," she confirmed. "What movies did you pick?"
"Your favorites."
Annabeth grinned. "So, our favorites?"
He shrugged, not breaking eye contact.
"The popcorn better be-"
"Lightly sweetened?" Percy nodded. "Isn't it always?"
Annabeth's cheeks hurt from smiling. "Y'know, I should be mad at you for tricking me."
"But you aren't," Percy pointed out.
Annabeth shook her head. "Only because you're best friend and I'm mostly just mad myself for not noticing sooner..."
"Hey, I did a good job at keeping it from you!"
"Secrets from me, Perce? I'm disappointed," Annabeth shook her head, teasing.
Percy was silent. He hadn't stopped looking at her. "I really wanna kiss you," Percy said softly. His green eyes were very very bright and very very familiar.
Annabeth's heart pounded as she swallowed. She couldn't stop smiling. "Me too."
Annabeth bit her lip. Percy stared at her.
"...You're taking an awfully long time to," Annabeth finally commented after a few seconds of just staring.
Percy let out a breathy laugh. "Did you really think I had a date and didn't tell you?" he asked curiously.
Annabeth scowled. "Oh, now you're just teasing me."
Percy leaned forward a little until his forehead touched hers. He laughed again. His breath smelled like chocolate chip cookies.
"You like it," he whispered. She rolled her eyes.
"Just kiss me already, Percy."
"If you insist."
___ ♪___
I know I've already posted a one-shot this week but this one is just so cute and I thought since this is the last week I'm posting before my exams start I could sneak in and extra one so there you are.
so I hope you likey
ily
bye