Soon You'll Get Better

40.

40.

Beauty and the Beast

-⁛-

Annabeth POV

It was show night and I could tell Percy was really, really nervous. After his close breakdown yesterday, he had come to school with his head held high, laughing and joking around with his friends. Being a leader meant responsibility and you would have a reputation. Of course, Percy wouldn't let things bother him. But those close to him, would know what really was going on.

"Hey, Seaweed Brain," I greeted. "How are you doing?"

He gave me a look. "I'm fine."

"Are you excited for the show?"

"I guess."

He was in that hard cold shell again. Clearly something was bothering him.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing," he said, drumming his fingers on the table we were sitting at.

"Seaweed Brain, you can tell me anything."

"I know..." He sighed. "It's just... what if I mess up? I'm going to be the weird dude that can't even act properly." He snorted. "As if I haven't been acting my whole life."

I sighed. How could he think that? "Perseus Jackson, listen to me. You are brilliant, and special. Sure, you may not be as good as Piper who's been acting her whole life, but her dad is an actor. She has the experience. And maybe you're not as good as Silena, Silena was born to be an actress, okay? Don't second guess yourself."

He smiled and sighed. "It's just that in football, everyone expects me to be the best. And in swimming, I'm supposed to be the fastest. So what if there are more expectations for theater?"

"Percy, you need to chill. I know your life is full of expectations but take this time to be yourself. This is your first time. You are brilliant just the way you are."

I could see him thinking, so I pulled him into a kiss. "I love you, Percy Jackson. You're my Seaweed Brain and I don't care what you do tonight, make yourself happy."

He smiled. "I have something for you."

"Oh?"

He pulled out 4 boxes of chocolates. "I realized I haven't given you chocolates in a week. So I have to make it up to you."

"Oh!" I exclaimed. "You didn't have to."

"But I wanted to. What boyfriend do you take me for?"

"And amazing one," I said, reaching up to kiss him on the cheek.

"Okay, break it up, lovebirds," a voice announced. "Jackson, you going to the game tonight?"

We broke apart instantly and I blushed. It was Luke.

"Jackson?" Luke repeated. "You going to the football game today?"

Percy groaned and closed his eyes. "I'm so sorry. I completely forgot."

"Jackson! You're the best on our team!" Luke exclaimed. "I mean... after me of course."

I snorted, shaking my head.

"We need you!" Luke continued.

"I can't. I...I'm busy tonight."

"Jackson!" Luke whined. "We need you!"

Percy raised an eyebrow. "I thought you said you were better than me?"

"Well, that doesn't mean we don't need you," Luke countered.