Annabeth's POV

It's the second day since our last informal encounter and I can say with full confidence that Percy and I have taken a few steps back. Just as quickly as our budding friendship bloomed it withered away and died. Sitting next to him in detention is not only a tad bit hurtful now but painfully awkward as well.

I felt trapped inside the poorly lighted classroom but suffocated with Percy sitting just a few feet away from me. I tried to keep my eyes focused on my book, but my eyeballs wouldn't cooperate with my brain as they continuously snuck glances as him. He remained in the same position he was since the last thirty seconds passed but for some reason my eyes felt the need to constantly make sure that didn't change. His hair was disheveled as usual yet even in his sleep he would twist and turn, finding ways to make it even messier.

He used his forearms to support his head as he slept like a baby. His lips were slightly parted and every time I turned a page too loudly he would take in this slow deep breath before letting it all out in a slow sigh.

While he napped peacefully, my heart was doing summersaults in my chest. How he could be so relaxed when sitting across from his cousin's unofficial ex-best friends was a mystery to me.

Was I the only one who felt the tension between us?

I focused back on my book, trying to push the boy sitting across me out of my mind. I succeeded for a few minutes before curiosity got the best of me. Two pages after I resolved to stop looking at him, I glance up from my book to sneak a quick peek.

I jump back when I see two sea green orbs staring back at me, fully awake. He woke up like some kind of ninja.

"You turn pages loudly when you read." He yawned still resting his chin on his forearms.

"You drool when you sleep."

He raised a perfectly shaped charcoal eyebrow at my comment while I shrugged nonchalantly before attempting to return to my book, which I didn't realize I was clutching to my chest. Through my peripheral view I could see him wiping the side of his mouth with his sleeve and it was only a matter of seconds before I felt his gaze burning through me.

A moment of silence passed between us as I pretended to concentrate on the history of the most well-known architects while Percy stared at me. It was weird knowing that someone was staring at you because it makes you think of all the possible ways you can appear in their eyes. Then it makes you want to change the way you look based on what you imagine them to be seeing and it's just a total doozy!

"What are you reading?" Percy finally asks.

"A book."

"Really?" He chuckled, before sarcastically adding "I had no idea."

I sneak a peak up to see him smiling at me and I fight the urge to smile back pressing my lips together. We're not friends anymore, I reminded myself.

"It's about famous architects and their works."

"Oh, interesting."

He was clearly uninterested, and I could tell by his tone that he was, mocking me. I rolled my eyes but returned my gaze to the book nonetheless. He laughed aloud and the proctor gave a harsh shush in our direction.

"What?" He asked me quietly, leaning in towards me from his seat. "I said it was interesting."

"You said it to annoy me." I pointed out, looking back up from my book. I was willing myself to not let off the tinniest smile that was itching to appear on my lips.

"No, I said it because I genuinely think dead architects and their works are interesting. Fascinating even!"

"Who said they were dead? Most of the people in this book are alive and well."

He gave me a look and I relented. "Okay, maybe not most but there are a few still living."

Percy chuckled again as he stretched out his limbs. I adverted my eyes back to my book. It felt wrong for us to be talking so informally when he'd been avoiding me like the plague for the past two days. Well, in all honesty it doesn't take much to avoid me. We only have one class together, plus lunch and come to think of it I haven't made any real effort to socialize with him either. But it still doesn't make sense on his part. He's had many opportunities throughout this whole Thalia fiasco to cut off our friendship, why did he now choose to avoid me? If I were him I would've done it a long time ago, starting when I flipped him off in the nurses office.

"I could see you in that book one day." Percy said quietly and I cocked my head.

"What?"

"I could see you, in that book. As a famous architect." He clarified and I outwardly scoffed as my heart swelled at his compliment.

"You've never even seen me draw." I retort.

"That doesn't matter."

"Yeah it does."

"No, it doesn't." He insists, and I look up from my book. "For everyone else maybe, but not when it comes to you. You're too good to settle for anything less than perfection and when that skyscraper or museum or whatever the hell you're gonna design is perfect, it'll be a damn masterpiece."

He said it nonchalantly as his eyes stared into mine, and my heart felt like it was going to explode. That had to be one of the nicest complements I've ever received. I knew I was blushing but couldn't find it within me to care as I replayed his words in my head again and again, each time leaving me utterly speechless.

"I mean you couldn't even be satisfied with a ninety-five." Percy continued laughing to himself and it was almost on impulse that I murmured,

"I just wanted to know-"

"Where the other five points went?" He finished before nodding his head. "Yeah, I know."

I smiled despite myself. Putting the book down I fiddled with the hem of my shirt underneath the table.

"Thank you." I smiled pushing that annoying curl out of my face again and behind my ear.

"No problem."

Silence settled on us once again, but it wasn't as uncomfortable as before. I knew after our conversation I wouldn't be able to focus again so I put the book away in my backpack. I took out my architecture binder instead and flipped through the pages. Stopping to stare at the Empire State building. I dreamed of building something that would live to become so well known.

Did people even notice its beauty as they walked passed such a masterpiece every single day? If I could see it up close and personal… God, that would be amazing.

"You know I never told you about New York." Percy blurted and I blinked, coming out of my stupor.

"Huh?"

He scratched his chin as if recalling a distant memory. "If I remember correctly, we made a deal not too long ago. We agreed that I would tell you all the fun facts about New York if you didn't go crazy on that girl in the hallway for shipping us."

I gave him an astonished look. "Shipping us?"

"Yeah." He shrugged. "It's when someone roots for a couple or wants them to be together-"

"I know what it means. I'm just surprised you do as well."

"I know a lot of things." He winked cockily, and I rolled my eyes. "Jason educated me on the topic…You know we have a ship name, right?"

"What's a ship name?" I asked, and he sighed dramatically.

"Do I have to explain everything to you? I thought you were supposed to be smart-Hey!" Percy yelped, as I retracted my foot from his side of the table.

His wide eyes danced with amusement as he rubbed his shin.

"No need to get so physical Chase." He chastised me purposely raising his voice, so everyone could hear. Luckily there were only a few people in the room, and most were sleeping. A person turned around and I quickly put my head down as Percy chuckled. Still the proctor shushed us. Us!As in Percy andI!

I didn't even do anything!

"God, Percy! You can't shout stuff out like that, people already think we're-"

"Our ship name is Percabeth."

I stared at him for a few seconds wondering if I could count the amount of brain cells he had on one hand. Percy nodded his head as he sunk in my blank expression.

"I know, pretty cool right? Has a nice ring to it. Now, don't get me wrong I'm against the whole rumor stuff, but you gotta admit that's a pretty dope name."

"Percabeth?"

"Your name and my name combined into one." He clarified, smirking at my expression. "High school may be full of idiots but whoever came up with that is a fucking genius-"

"Language! Can you stop cursing for one day? It's unnecessary." I reprimanded, shifting uncomfortably. I hated it when people swore or used foul language. It made me feel dirty for some reason, as if I was the one saying it. "You have such a potty mouth."

"Too much for your virgin ears to handle?" He taunted rocking back and forth on the edge of his chair. "You should try it someday. It's very relaxing."

"I'm never going to use bad language. My parents always taught me that a clean mouth made people respect you more."

"So, your parents have never cursed before?"

I remained silent and Percy smiled victoriously.

It was lopsided again which subsided some of the annoyance that began to form inside of me. Some would think of his smile as a flaw or an imperfection, but I couldn't see how. His lopsided grin added to his goofy, carefree attitude in a way that was perfectly designed for him. Based on his interactions with teachers I would see him give a 'regular' smile and feel slightly disappointed. I couldn't tell if the lopsided grin was something that appeared when its host was in its natural habitat or if it just came every now and then.

Either way, he's lucky he's attractive…I did not just think that.

"Hello? You okay Annabeth?" Percy asked his brilliant eyes suddenly much closer.

"Yeah." I blinked, pushing my body back on instinct. "I-I'm fine."

He continued to stare at me and I began to feel embarrassed. If he hadn't caught me staring at his lips like an idiot he wouldn't be looking at me like I was crazy.

Unable to bear the concerned look on his face any longer, I looked back down. Trying to suppress an embarrassed blush from coming onto my face I tried to refocus myself back to my binder. Fortunately for me the proctor's timer rang shortly after, signaling the end of detention. I quickly shoved my binder in my backpack and slung it over my shoulders. I felt obligated to wait for Percy, yet every fiber of my being wanted to put myself out of my misery and run home.

I glanced at Percy only to find him looking straight at me. Our eyes locked for what seemed to be the thousandth time today, but I was once again left too captivated to say anything. I think we both knew that as soon as we stepped out of this classroom things would go back to normal. Or at least our new normal. We would pretend that the other didn't exist as we sat through chemistry class, only acknowledging each other during an assignment. I would keep trying to convince myself that I made the right decision by not reconciling with Thalia as he walked to his next class sending nothing but a tight, lipped non-lopsided, smile my way.

Giving that same tight lipped smile, I tore my eyes away from him. It felt like a bucket of ice water had been dumped on whatever moment we shared as I walked out of the classroom. I felt cold. The moments Percy and I shared, couldn't change the fact that a week ago he knocked me unconscious and we hated each other's guts. It couldn't change the fact that I made myself vulnerable by opening up a little friendship center close enough to my heart that I felt the pain of no one being there. I essentially brought this all on myself because at the end of the day, it all comes down to a single fact.

Percy is Thalia's cousin.

His loyalties lie with her, as they should. Family comes first, and it was stupid of me to think that my relationship with Thalia couldn't possibly affect my relationship with Percy. I got so caught up in the moment and the excitement of having someone, other than Thalia, who wanted to see the real me and get to know me, that I forgot to use my head.

Everyone else seems to make friends so easily but me? I just can't. Feelings, like people, can be unpredictable. One minute I'm excited to leave this hell hole and find some quality people, and the next I'm scared out of my mind to let people get too close.

Dang. At this rate, how will I ever find my husband?

"Annabeth." I heard a voice call and I didn't have to turn around to know who it was.

Inwardly sighing I slowly turned around to see Percy making his way towards me. I looked around to see the hallway clear, which was good. God forbid if anymore people saw us together in this school.

Unable to hold it in any longer I decided to blurt it out. Rip the band aid right off so we could move on with our lives.

"I'm sorry." We both say at the same time. Percy cocked an eyebrow and I frowned.

"What?" We asked together, before looking at each other incredulously.

"Why are you sorry?" Percy asked as my hands got all fidgety. My stomach turned and flopped as that cold feeling I felt earlier and the warmth I was feeling now, clashed. My breath seemed to be stealing away from me as he looked at me expectantly. He was probably expecting some thought out answer, but my mind decided to malfunction in that moment.

Looking towards the ground, my nerves got the best of me. All of a sudden my voice decided to shut on and off like a switch, barely allowing me to make out a coherent sentence.

"I-I um, I was…I shouldn't have, I'm sorry-"

"Hey, calm down." He took a few steps towards me and I recoiled. I watched as hurt flittered through his eyes and knew that I was only making things worse.

"It's just me, Annabeth. You don't have to be so nervous."

"I'm not nervous." I argued unconvincingly. I couldn't meet his eyes and felt embarrassment rise in me as I tried not to think about how much I'd regret this encounter later. My eyes darted around us and I was relieved to see that no one was around to witness our little meeting.

"I'm sorry I, uh…Sorry." God, why was I so awkward?

I wanted the school floor to just open from underneath me and transport me elsewhere. Somewhere far away, where I didn't have to hear myself stumble and trip over my words like an idiot.

Percy took another step forward before placing my hand in his. I looked at him for a brief second before shifting my gaze to the school ground. Oh shitake mushrooms, he's holding my hand! Any day now floor. Just open up.

I could see our joined hands from my peripheral view. My heart was beating out of my chest as if it was trying to escape. I almost wanted it to, because then I'd be dead and not have to live through this torture.

"I should be the one apologizing. I was a complete di-"

"Please don't finish that sentence." I breathed, finally able to speak properly, but not looking up. Mortification was still running through my veins and I felt like he could see right through me.

"Fine. I'm sorry for acting like a douche bag these past couple days. It really wasn't my intention, I was just nervous about approaching you after the whole Thalia thing. I didn't know if you wanted to talk to me."

"S-Same." I cleared my throat. "I didn't know if you wanted to talk to me either. I didn't know if you still wanted…"

"To be friends?" He finished, and I looked up at him.

"Which I totally get, you know? If you don't want to be friends I, uh, understand." I said taking my hand out of his and awkwardly placing it by my side. "Family comes first, you know."

"But it's not like I have to choose. I avoided you because I thought you wanted nothing to do with me, not because I wanted nothing to do with you. I can't help who my cousin is, but you're the first friend I've made since moving here and despite popular opinion you're not too bad."

I let out a tiny smile at his last comment as some of my nerves began to fade away.

"Thanks."

"So, we good?" He asks, and I try not to nod too excitedly.

"Good." Percy smiles, a lopsided grin, and spreads his arms. "Bring it in. You know you want to."

I laugh at his antics but wrap my arms around him nonetheless. The second I did was the second I realized how out of character this all was for me. If someone told me last weekend that I would be hugging the boy whose head I swore to rip off I would've laughed in their face. But now I found myself sad to let go…Ok that's ridiculous.

When we broke apart we started a slow walk in the same direction. Percy nudged his shoulder with mine.

"When did you get so nervous around me?" He smiled teasingly and I shrugged.

"Since I considered you a friend I didn't want to lose. They're in pretty short supply, if you haven't noticed."

"Aw, has someone gotten attached?"

I bumped my shoulder against him as he laughed at my embarrassment. "Whatever." I muttered still smiling.

"I'm just kidding, you're stuck with me. Especially since you're coming over tonight."

Nearly chocking on my own saliva I stopped walking.

"W-What do you mean?" Butterfly's filled my stomach and my heart began to race. Goose bumps were starting to form on my skin as a feeling that I've never felt before washed over me.

Is he asking, what I think he's asking?

"It's our anniversary! A week ago today we met for the first time. I was thinking we could have a candle light dinner under the stars, with roses and romantic music playing in the background."

Neither of us said anything for a few seconds as I stood frozen, mouth slightly parted and face bright red. My mind was in over drive, trying to process everything. I didn't know what to say, but I could feel the panic start to drive my mouth.

"W-Wait, are you, did you j-just…You want to-"

I'm cut off by Percy's sudden outbreak of laughter and stop talking. I'm officially shook. I look at him for some kind of explanation, but he continues to laugh, leaving me speechless.

"If only you could've seen your face!" He cackles. "Y-You looked like you were about t-to piss your pants!"

Instant relief filled my body as I realized he was joking. "Oh, my goodness!" I sighed, holding my heart. The huge weight on it had been lifted, but in it another lingered.

He continued laughing as I got over my shock. "That wasn't very nice." I scowled.

Percy looked at me incredulously. "Iwasn't nice? Your reaction wasn't very nice. I was joking, but you looked terrified at the mere thought of going on a date with me-"

"I was not terrified! Just thrown off guard…" I trialed off knowing we were teetering on dangerous territory. My stomach felt weird as my whole body tingled. The type of tingly feeling that makes you feel…tingled. It was highly disturbing.

"But you are coming over tonight. Our families are having dinner."

"What?" I chocked, shocked but relieved at a change in subject.

"Yeah, you should know this. Apparently, you have one like every month, which is freakin nuts but to each their own. So, I'll see you tonight, but I'm still expecting an anniversary gift…"

And a whole lot of drama…

Oh yeah! A WHOLE lot of drama! I hope you're hungry for more! Next chapter picks up at dinner time, what do you think is going to happen? AWWW they're just so cute! Tell me what you guys think!

PERCABETH IS COOLITUDE!