I love Reyna (she's actually my favorite character), but she's gotta be a snob for reasons.
I also published another story and I would appreciate if everyone would check it out! 3

Chapter Two

This wasn't how Annabeth had pictured her night going.

Originally, she had planned to stay in and study. Maybe do some homework that would be due the next week. She had even considered calling Callie or Rachel to see if one of them would want to meet up. But now? Her plans were out the window the minute Percy Jackson asked her to go out tonight.

Jason Grace, one of Percy's best friends, was sitting across from her and Percy with his girlfriend, and Percy's ex, Reyna Arellano.

Annabeth had always avoided Percy and his "crowd". Jason was the sweetest of them all, but even Annabeth is confused on why he would ask his best friends ex out on a date. She had seen Reyna from a distance and the girl has always looked intimidating, but sitting across from her and that glare? She wanted to run.

The girl is terrifying, and Annabeth Chase never runs.

Percy explained on the way that Jason had said he would want to do a double date with him and Annabeth. According to Percy, Reyna wasn't happy that Percy was dating Annabeth Chase. But, as Annabeth had said multiple times in the car, it's Reyna's fault for assuming that they were dating, and Percy's for saying they were.

When they very clearly aren't, and have never been, together.

Annabeth had also quickly learned that Percy is a terrible liar, and she's not sure how Reyna fell for it.

It was a few minutes into the "date" when Jason asked how the two started dating. Percy froze up and Annabeth rolled her eyes.

"We have Greek Mythology together and got paired up as partners. One thing led to another, and well..." she waved her hand at the table.

Jason had frowned, taking in her appearance. Her bright colors and light makeup compared to Reyna's dark clothes and makeup. Her hair was tied up with a bow. Pink, to match her shirt. He tilted his head to the side, eyes flicking to Percy. "But... you're so different. Don't get me wrong, you're really pretty!" that earned him a glare from both Reyna and Percy, "But you two are so different."

Percy frowned and continued to glare at his friend. Annabeth, keeping up her act as his girlfriend, reached over and grabbed Percy's hand. "Thanks. You know what they say, opposites attract."

Reyna hadn't stopped glaring.

Annabeth couldn't see a problem. Reyna is extremely pretty. Was the problem that Jason had called her pretty? Was it that she was here with Percy? It's dumb to be jealous or mad over something so small. Jason was doing his best to get to know Annabeth, and she was doing her best to answer and ask her own questions about him. He really wasn't that bad of a guy. Percy and Reyna though, continued glaring.

"So, Annabeth," Reyna started, interrupting Jason's sentence, "you're a cheerleader?"

Annabeth nodded, reaching for her glass of water, "Yep." she said, "I have been since freshman year."

Reyna hummed, leaning back and glancing at Percy. "Never thought I would see the day that Percy Jackson dates a cheerleader."

Percy narrowed his eyes, shrugging a shoulder. "There's nothing wrong with that."

Reyna raised an eyebrow, putting her elbow on the table and resting her chin in her hand. By the look on her face and the way Jason had slowly backed away, things were gonna get ugly. She focused her eyes on Percy, "You're right. But, since when do you give preps a chance? You hate most of them. What did she do to change your mind?"

Jason looked full on nervous now. She hadn't learned much about what went on between Percy and Reyna, only that the two fought. A lot. He had mentioned that it had gotten so bad and it was one of the main reasons they had broken up.

"I don't know why it's such a big deal, Reyna. It wouldn't matter if Annabeth was a geek, she's nice. She hasn't picked a single fight." Percy leaned forward, a smirk on his face. "You know what else? Tyson loves her. She gets along with him. Something you never did. And you know how much Tyson means to me."

Annabeth raised an eyebrow. She had met Tyson a handful of times, sure. But she hadn't thought Tyson actually liked her! Maybe it was a lie to strike a nerve in Reyna? If it was, it seemed to work. Reyna's glare was turned back to Annabeth, "It matters because she is not your type. She's so.." she waved a hand in Annabeth's direction, "She's not good for you, and I'm just trying to look out for you."

Percy rolled his eyes, "You don't know what's best for me. You certainly weren't. You lost the right to 'look out for me' when you started dating Jason."

Annabeth wasn't sure if she should say something or not. She decided on resting a hand on Percy's shoulder and giving it a reassuring squeeze. He looked grateful for a whole five seconds before the glare was back on his face. Annabeth looked at the couple across from them and gave Jason an apologetic smile, "I think that's enough for tonight. We should get going. Thank you, Jason, for wanting us here. And Reyna, it was a pleasure."

Percy got out of the booth first, holding his hand out for Annabeth. She took it, her smile falling when she caught Reyna's smirk. She leaned forward, resting both arms on the table, "So Percy Jackson can't even fight his own battles now? Since when do you run?"

Percy opened his mouth to reply but Annabeth beat him to it.

"He's fully capable." she started, "but when you're insulting me, it's my battle. Not his. And he's not running. He broke up with you for a reason, and your attitude is exactly why. Have a good night."

Percy fought a smile until Jason and Reyna were out of sight. He pulled her into a hug with a laugh, "You're full of surprises, aren't you?"

She smiled up at him, her arm slipping around his waist, "What do you mean?"

"You're spunky." Annabeth laughed, "No, I'm serious. I didn't expect that kind of fire from you. No one is brave enough to stand up against Reyna."

Percy opened the door to his car for her. He was a gentleman, that's for sure. He's better on a date than she thought he would be. He payed and everything, and she was pleasantly surprised. She pulled her phone out once she got in the car and sent a quick text to Piper. When he got in, Annabeth looked over at him, "I have to admit. I can see why Reyna fell for you. I thought it was going to be an awful night where you paid more attention to your ex and friend than me and -"

"Breathe, Chase." Percy's eyes were focused on the road, but Annabeth could see the blush on his face, "It was kind of bad. Reyna attacking you kind of ruined everything. Jason likes you, though."

"Jason seems nice. I could definitely live without seeing Reyna again."

Percy shrugged, pulling into her driveway. Annabeth was exhausted. She doesn't stay out late, usually. He gave her a smile, putting his car in park. "She's just.. something else."

"So, is it true? What she said? Do you 'hate' preps?"

He ran a hand through his hair. His eyes stayed on her house. Refusing to make eye contact is a bad sign, right? She knew what that meant right away. He doesn't even know her and he hates her. She wouldn't be able to explain why it hurt her the way it did. Before he could answer, she was glaring. "You don't know anything about 'preps'. You don't know anything about me. So what if we dress and act differently than you? That doesn't give you the right to hate someone without knowing them!"

"Preps are some of the most judgmental people I have ever met. Jason and Thalia are my cousins, keep in mind." Annabeth raised an eyebrow. She had no idea they were related. "Luke Castellan. He's the main reason I don't like... preps."

Luke Castellan. Annabeth knew the name all too well. Luke is her ex. They had dated for two years before breaking up for reasons she still doesn't know. It's only been a few months and you'd think she would know by now. He always tells her the cliche 'it's not you, it's me' line and she just goes along with. She turned her attention back to Percy. "What did Luke do?"

Percy sighed, leaning back in his seat. "We've known Luke since we were kids. Thatlia and Luke were always closer than the rest of us. It was two years ago or something, I think, Jason found out that Thalia and Luke were seeing each other. It wasn't a problem until Jason found out that Luke had a girlfriend and was cheating with Thalia. She knew, too. She did it anyways. Jason tried to stop her and told Luke to keep his distance, but... that didn't work."

Annabeth felt like her world came crashing down around her. Two years ago she was dating Luke, and he was cheating on her with Percy Jackson's cousin! That definitely explains the breakup and why he was so... weird and sketchy towards her now. He was hiding things. It all makes perfect sense now. Thalia is years three years older than Annabeth, and two older than Luke. How had she not caught on to what he was doing?

She felt like she was going to be sick.

Percy, either noticing her discomfort or not, continued on. "Luke ended up getting between Thalia and Jason. Luke started telling her how bad of an influence Jason and me were and to stay away from us. Her own family, can you believe that? That was before he got to know us. But Luke didn't even bother to try and get to know us. Thalia and Jason haven't talking in years thanks to him. He literally got between siblings and ruined their relationship. I can't stand the guy and just assume every 'prep' I meet is just like him. A lying asshole."

"Not... not all of us are like that."

Annabeth didn't realize she had tears in her eyes until Percy looked at her, his eyes going wide. He looked like he was going to reach over but thought better of it. He settled with just asking her if she was okay, instead.

She nodded before shaking her head. "I'm not like... Luke. I'm not like him in the slightest. I'm... I think I'm going to be sick."

"What?"

Annabeth was out of the car before Percy could say anything else. He got out of the car and followed after her. He couldn't let her just run off like that. He wouldn't be able to tell you why, but a part of him really hated seeing her upset in any way.

Percy grabbed her arm, turning her to face him. "Hey, what's wrong?"

"It's nothing. I just feel sick. I had a great night, Percy, really. But, I have to go."

Percy shook his head, bringing his hands to rest on her shoulders. "Come on, 'Beth. What is it?"

Annabeth shrugged, knocking his hands off her shoulders. She couldn't tell him about Luke. She couldn't tell him that she was the girlfriend that he was cheating on. That would make her look like an idiot. How could anyone not have known that they were getting cheated on? How could anyone have been so oblivious? Annabeth Chase is no idiot! She's always on the top of her game. She just let Luke distract her.

"It's just... you hate me. You don't even know me."

Percy was shaking his head. "I don't hate you, Annabeth. I mean, sure, I was a little skeptical about having you as a partner, but you aren't like I thought."

"You hated me before, though."

"No!" Annabeth was shocked. He had answered so fast and she wasn't expecting it. "I never hated you, 'Beth. A big part of me was always interested because..." he waved his hand at her and she cracked a smile, rolling her eyes. "But you're so damn intimidating, Chase."

Annabeth snorted, wiping at her eyes. "Me? Intimidating? I'm far from it."

He nodded, giving her a smile. "I see that now. You're fun to be around" he paused before continuing, "and if you tell anyone that I have a soft side and opened up, I'll never talk to you again.

Annabeth laughed then, gently hitting shoulder. She gave him a smile, "Thank you. And, your secret is safe with me. Promise." she looked at her watch, "It's almost midnight. You should get going. Drive safe and let me know when you get home.

"Have a good night, Chase"

Annabeth walked in her house, shutting the door before going up to her room. She peeked out her window, smiling. It had been a long and interesting night. She got to see a side of Percy that no one gets to see and that's something she'll never forget.

But now, she has an ex boyfriend to deal with.