Can Be Both (A Percabeth AU)

Chapter 4

The second he rings her doorbell, she's dragging him inside by the shirt collar. "He's going to be here in twenty minutes," Annabeth says, sounding mildly panicked. Percy squeezes her shoulder. "I can't do this. He said 'we need to talk'. That's what everyone says right before they—"

"Break up," Percy finishes. Annabeth nods. "Look, I really don't think he's going to end it with you. I think he's just…" He flounders for a word. "Confused. He's not sure why you're all distant. That's actually why he thought you were cheating on him."

She scoffs. "That's so ridiculous."

Percy shrugs. "Maybe, from our point of view. But…" He scratches the back of his head. "He said that you've been 'clinging' to me more, and not so much him, and he sounded really cut up about it. He really does care. Luke's a good guy." Annabeth's face falls, so Percy backtracks. "He is a good guy, but just because you aren't as into him anymore, that doesn't make you the bad guy."

Annabeth sighs, fidgeting with the hem of her shirt. Well, that might be Percy's shirt. She should probably change before Luke gets here. "I just don't know what to do."

Percy frowns and wishes he could take care of it for her. "Well, first, you should change your shirt. Luke already things we're, ah, doing things. You wearing my shirt probably won't help matters."

She groans, letting her head fall back. Percy snickers a little and heads for her room, choosing a shirt that's definitely hers. "Just change," he tells her, handing it over when she enters the room after him. "Don't give him more fuel for the fire, here."

He turns his back out of courtesy and habit, pulling out his phone to check and see if his mom's called; she hasn't. He hears the swishing sounds fabric, and presses his hand against his chest when his pulse speeds up the slightest bit. Weird, Percy thinks, smoothing his shirt. "I don't know how to break up with him," Annabeth says, voice muffled by a shirt. "We've always been together. How do you even start a conversation like this? You can turn around now."

Percy turns, tossing his phone onto her bed, and opens his arms for a hug. Annabeth hugs him. "I should probably leave before he decides to show up a little early," he says remorsefully, "but I know you'll do fine. Even if you don't do it today, you'll figure it out when the time is right. Just remember that it's not your fault."

Annabeth nods against his chest, curls that look just the same as they did years ago brushing at his chin. "Thank you."

"You're welcome," Percy replies, rubbing her back in hopes of transferring a little strength. "Just go with what feels right. You can come over after if you feel up to it."

Annabeth scoops up his phone of her comforter and shoves it in his pocket, thankfully, since his phone lying around might give Luke the wrong idea. Or support his wrong idea.

Percy leaves her house and sees Luke at a stoplight a few minutes out. He wishes he could stand beside Annabeth while they talk it through if only to play mediator. Maybe to give her the occasional supportive shoulder squeeze or help her out when she loses her words and he still knows what she means to say.

She's a big girl, though, and Percy knows that. He's more or less watched her grow up right before his eyes; has seen the math whiz and weirdly tall girl with ringlets turn into an intelligent woman with the very same curls. If anyone can handle something like this, it's her.