Loverboy (PERCABETH AU)

Chapter 1

Annabeth POV

The sun was barely up when I rolled out of bed, pulled on a striped T-shirt, a long skirt, and my favorite grey Converses. My curly hair was doing its usual chaos thing, so I just tied it into a messy ponytail and called it a day. Not worth the battle.

Downstairs, my dad, Frederick Chase, was already sipping his coffee with a stack of papers in front of him. College professor life. My stepmom, Helen, was setting out breakfast like she always does. My biological mom? She left when I was seven. Dad says I got my eyes from her, and apparently her love for architecture too, but I barely remember her face; but Helen's pretty great as well, she super nice to me. My stepbrothers, Bobby and Matthew — also known as the Twin Terrors — were busy arguing over a video game.

I grabbed my bag, shouted a quick "bye," and headed out the door. My grey Prius was waiting in the driveway, and a quick detour to Dunkin' Donuts got me a donut and coffee. Driving through New York in the morning never gets old — the skyline, the mix of old brick and sleek glass, the energy. Even for college, I don't think I could ever leave this place.

Goode High's parking lot was already packed when I pulled in. I spotted two very familiar figures heading my way.

Hazel Levesque is basically the definition of timeless beauty. She's a little shorter than me, with perfect golden-brown curls, warm honey skin, and big brown eyes that look like they belong in a painting. She's got this vintage style — soft cardigans, flowy skirts — and somehow never looks like she's trying too hard, she the mom of our little social group.

Next to her was my best friend, Piper McLean. Piper's the kind of girl who turns heads without even noticing. Warm tan skin, dark brown hair streaked naturally with caramel, and a smile that could talk you into anything, she doesn't like being the beauty queen though, she super nice and caring. She wears ripped jeans, layered necklaces, and combat boots like it's an art form. She's been my ride-or-die since freshman year, and she insists on calling me "Annie," no matter how many times I roll my eyes at it.

"Annie!" she called, jogging over and pulling me into a hug. Hazel followed with a warm smile.

"Hey Guys!," I said, smiling back.

A couple steps behind them came Frank Zhang — Hazel's boyfriend and probably the nicest guy at Goode. Built like a linebacker, broad shoulders, short black hair, and soft brown eyes. He's the kind of guy who would help you carry ten grocery bags without being asked.

Piper looped her arm through mine as we made our way toward the front doors.
"So, Annie," she started with that tone that meant trouble, "there's this guy in my Chem class — nice, smart, doesn't flirt with every girl in school. Want me to introduce you?"

I shot her a look. "No, thanks."

"Oh, come on. You can't keep holding out for Mister Perfect."

"I'm not holding out for Mister Perfect," I said defensively. "I just... have standards."

Piper raised an eyebrow. "Standards? Or a checklist?"

Hazel, walking on my other side, was already smiling. "Oh, this I have to hear."

I sighed, knowing there was no way out. "Fine. My ideal guy is... like a god — righteous, perfect in every way. Loyal, funny, smart enough to keep up with me, supportive of my goals, and not allergic to commitment. And he wouldn't even think about looking at another girl, not once."

Piper smirked. "So basically... you want a modern-day Romeo. Minus the tragic ending."

Hazel laughed. "And minus the part where he fell in love with someone else five minutes before Juliet."

I grinned. "Exactly."

We hadn't even made it to the doors when two more people appeared.

Jason Grace — tall, broad-shouldered, with perfectly styled blond hair and sky-blue eyes that basically scream "All-American quarterback." He's Piper's boyfriend and the human equivalent of a golden retriever.

And then... Percy Jackson.

Percy freaking Jackson. Captain of the swim team. Certified loverboy of Goode High. Tall, lean, tan, with just the right amount of muscle. Messy, windswept hair that refuses to behave. A stupidly perfect jawline. And his eyes — those ridiculous sea-green eyes — like they were stolen straight from the Mediterranean. He's the guy who could flirt with a brick wall and make it blush.

Piper ran to Jason, wrapping her arms around him, and he hugged her back like she was the only person in the world. Percy, of course, stood there poking Jason's shoulder.

"Jason, hurry up! We have to go!" Percy complained, looking like he'd rather be anywhere else than waiting for PDA to end.

"Why don't you just let them be, idiot," I muttered under my breath.

"Oh hey, Wise Girl!" Percy grinned. He knows I hate nicknames, but that one's... unfortunately growing on me.

I rolled my eyes.

"Oh, I know you love it," he said with that infuriating smirk.

Before I could fire back, the rest of our group caught up. That's everyone — me, Percy, Jason, Piper, Hazel, Frank, Leo with his girlfriend Calypso, and Thalia.

Thalia's Jason's sister and Percy's cousin, though you wouldn't guess it from looking at them. She's older, out of Goode now, touring with her band "The Hunters," but she pops into the city sometimes.

Piper loves teasing me about my "too high expectations" for a boyfriend. She might not be wrong. I want someone who makes me his world — the kind of guy who won't even think about looking at someone else. Everyone else in our group seems to have found their special someones. Everyone except me... and Percy.

As we headed toward homeroom, girls in the hallway couldn't stop staring at Percy. He tossed winks and nods like it was second nature, and some of them practically swooned on the spot. Bit much, if you ask me.

Mr. Brunner was already at the front of the class when we walked in. Everyone  in our group paired off with their significant others, which left exactly one empty seat — next to Percy.

Fantastic.

I walked over, ignoring the glares from the "Barbie Girls" in the back, and dropped my books onto the desk. Percy looked at me with that same spark in his eyes and smirked.

"Why hello, my dear Wise Girl," he said.

I rolled my eyes and started taking notes, trying very hard to ignore him. That's when I noticed he wasn't writing a single thing.

He was staring at me.

Bit of a short chapter to start with but should get interesting from here enjoy!