Heroes of Olympus Series. Annabeth Chase X Male Reader Story

Battling For Center Stage

Percy's POV

Percy was tired of water. If he said that aloud, he would probably get kicked out of Poseidon's Junior Sea Scouts, but he didn't care. After barely surviving the nymphaeum, he wanted to go back to the surface. He wanted to be dry and sit in the warm sunshine for a long time—preferably with Zoe.

He only got half his wish. They had barely taken ten steps towards the way forward when they heard the rumblings of heavy, fast-paced footfalls echoing through the chamber. They all turned towards the entrance, preparing for another fight.

What came charging through the door was not only the one thing he wanted to see, but also the last thing he'd ever want to fight. Percy was pretty assured of his strength, but seeing Zoe descend the stairs, enraged, teeth bared and arrows ready, would have scared anyone.

He was sure Piper and Jason felt a similar shudder run down their spines when the guttural growl of a war cry exited her throat. Though he doubted it was for the same reason.

The moment she realized there was no danger, she rushed towards them, Percy's heart soared as she threw her bow over her shoulder and ran to him. He was stunned by what followed, almost more stunned than by the war-cry.

Before he could even greet her she had cleared the distance between them. Pulling him into an embrace, she peppered his face with a plethora of sudden quick kisses around his face. Before examining him for any injuries. "I was so worried, (Y/N) told me that-"

That was the exact moment it hit her, she made a face as if she had just swallowed a thumbtack, then looked over at Jason and Piper, as if just realizing they existed. "Apologies, I don't know what came over me." She blinked as a crimson red blush swelled from her cheeks.

"Oh...uh, no problem." Jason said, looking like he was debating whether to laugh of avert his eyes as Piper clapped a hand over her mouth. "Should we get going then?" He asked. Zoe cleared her throat. 

"Yes, of course, onward. I assume our enemies lie somewhere beyond?" As her ears burned brightly with a red hue, Percy recovered from the sudden rush of feelings and remembered that humans were supposed to breathe, and still unable to find words, nodded.

As they walked a funny thought entered his mind. It made him chuckle, despite the situation they found themselves in. He thought that was so out of character for her that if the Zoe Nightshade of a few years ago would have even considered it, she'd have eaten her quiver.

"What?" She said as he snorted, "What!" He just shook his head, taking her hand for a moment, "Nothing," He looked at her in the eyes and after considering that they were probably walking into a giant's den, he said, "Zoe, I'm glad I met you."

Their backup arrived shortly after that, (Y/N) appeared beside them as they were rounding a corner. Percy almost punched him on reflex, but luckily, he was getting used to (Y/N) doing that. The guy seemed out of breath.

"What happened to you?" "Nothing...running...got a stitch, before realizing that this would have been faster. What'd I miss?" He asked, holding his side, "Nothing much." Percy said, looking at Zoe, who frowned back, "We think the giants are that way."

(Y/N) grinned, "Well since Hedge isn't here, I guess I'll say it, what are we waiting for, lets go crack some giant skulls." He walked forward and noticed something. "Wait. McLean. Catch." He tossed Piper his dagger.

"Now I don't do that lightly, but we can't have you walking into a fight with giants armed only with a winning smile and a sweet voice. You'll be much more dangerous with this." She thanked him and he winked at her. "Look after it for me."  

"Great, now it's a two on five scenario, I like those odds." (Y/N) said eagerly "I don't." Jason responded, "Well then you'll be happy to know it'll be six on two once we free Nico." (Y/N) retorted, Percy didn't voice it, but he'd have welcomed extra backup too.