Loverboy (PERCABETH AU)

Chapter 2

Percy POV

Chapter 2 — Percy's POV

Mornings at the Jackson-Blofis apartment were usually a mix of chaos and coffee. Mom would already be up making pancakes, Paul would be reading the news on his tablet, and Estelle — my baby sister — would be in her highchair banging a spoon like she was training for a drum solo.

I rolled out of bed with the kind of groan that said, I'm definitely not ready for Monday. Pulled on a navy hoodie, black jeans, and my trusty pair of sneakers that had survived more mud puddles than I could count. I ran a hand through my hair, decided it was as good as it was going to get, and grabbed my backpack.

"Percy, eat something before you go!" Mom called from the kitchen.

I walked in to the smell of fresh pancakes — not just any pancakes, but blue pancakes. That's a thing in our house. Started as a joke years ago because my old stepdad, Gabe, once said food shouldn't be blue. Mom made it her personal mission to prove him wrong, and now it's tradition.

Mom, Sally Jackson, was the nicest human being alive. She'd been through more than anyone deserved, but somehow she still had this soft, warm smile that could calm you down instantly.

It hadn't always been like this.
When I was younger, she married Gabe Ugliano — a guy so nasty his personality could curdle milk. He was controlling, loud, and treated Mom like she didn't matter. Treated me worse. Every day in that apartment felt like holding your breath underwater for too long. But Gabe's gone now — jail has that effect on people — and Paul Blofis, my stepdad now, is the complete opposite. Supportive, patient, the kind of guy who actually listens when you talk.

I shoveled down the pancakes while Estelle giggled at the blue stains on my mouth. Mom kissed the top of my head, Paul reminded me not to forget my gym clothes, and I headed out.

By the time I got to school, the halls were already buzzing. Same crowd, same drama. Jason and Leo were across the room, but what caught my attention was the fact that in homeroom, the seat next to mine — usually empty — was suddenly taken.

Annabeth Chase.
Honey-blonde curls, stormy grey eyes, and a vibe that screamed she had already figured out your entire life before you even said hi.

And just like that, my Monday got... interesting.

I told myself to stop staring.

Didn't work.

Before I knew it, she was looking right at me.
"What are you looking at?" she asked, one eyebrow raised like she'd caught me red-handed.

"Uh—nothing," I said quickly, turning toward the window. My face felt warmer than it should've, and I was suddenly very interested in the parking lot outside.

Mr. Brunner started his lecture at the front of the room, and I tried my best to focus. Usually, having a seat by the window helped with my ADHD — there's something about having an easy escape for your eyes that makes it easier to sit still. But today, it wasn't the view outside that was distracting me.

It was her.

By the end of class, I had barely registered anything Mr. Brunner said. My notebook was blank, except for a random doodle of a trident in the corner. Smooth, Jackson. Real smooth.

When the bell rang, I stood up fast, almost knocking my chair over. Jason caught up to me in the hall, Leo trailing behind with some ridiculous story about his toaster catching fire this morning.

We were halfway to the locker rooms for PE when Drew Tanaka stepped in front of me, blocking the hall.

"Heyyy, Percy," she said in that overly sweet voice she used when she wanted something. Her long black hair was perfect as always, her makeup... way overdone. Some guys thought she was the hottest thing in the school. Personally, she reminded me of a Barbie — shiny, plastic, and not exactly my type.

She started running her hands down her sides in a way that I guess was supposed to be flirty, but I was already over it. I slapped her hands away.
"What do you want, Drew?"

Before she could answer, Piper appeared like some kind of guardian angel. Piper McLean had this way of making every situation less painful — she was like the supportive older sister I never had, even though she was younger than me. Jason was one lucky guy to find someone like Piper... and honestly, Piper was lucky to have found someone like my cousin Sparky (Jason). Those two were perfect for each other, they balance each other out.

"Hey, Perce, why aren't you in the gym yet? Coach Hedge is about to blow a gasket."

"Thanks, Pipes," I said, ducking past Drew and making a beeline for the gym.

When I got there, Coach Hedge was pacing like a maniac. "WHAT WERE YOU CUPCAKES THINKING?!" he shouted. At just under 5'5", he looked more like an angry gnome than an actual threat, but I still tried not to laugh.

"Sorry, Coach. Small... hallway situation," I said, forcing my face to stay serious.

We got sentenced to twenty laps. No problem — swimming has me in shape enough that running's not a big deal. By the time I finished, I was barely winded.

I grabbed my bag and was heading out when Drew ambushed me again. This time she didn't even waste time talking — she just pushed me against the wall and kissed me. And okay, yeah, I won't lie — it felt good for about three seconds.

Then I saw Annabeth walk by.
I pulled back instantly, my face going red. She didn't say anything, just kept walking, but I could practically feel the judgment radiating off her.

Thing is, Annabeth already thought I was a "player" who couldn't take anything seriously.
And that... wasn't entirely wrong.
But I didn't want her to think I was that guy.