Percabeth Oneshots

Cousins & Crushes

By me.

Percy Jackson and Thalia Grace had always shared an unspoken bond, deeper than just being cousins. It was rooted in a mutual understanding of neglect and abandonment-both of them left to navigate the world without the guiding hand of their fathers, Poseidon and Zeus.

At school, they were untouchable. With their sharp looks, confidence, and the fact that they came from two of the most powerful families in New York, Percy and Thalia were known as the coolest and richest kids around. Everyone envied them, but very few truly knew them.

The halls echoed with whispers whenever they walked through together, Percy's effortless charm complemented by Thalia's edgy, rebellious persona. They had each other's backs through thick and thin.

No matter what, they were each other's constant, especially on days when the absence of their fathers weighed heavier than usual.

In many ways, Thalia had taken on the role of protector. She could see through the smirks and jokes Percy threw out into the world to hide his deeper pain.

After all, she had perfected the same act.

When she felt abandoned by Zeus, when she wondered if she would ever be enough in the eyes of her immortal father, Percy had been there to pull her out of her darker moments.

"I guess we're stuck with each other," Thalia would often joke, but there was always a glint of sadness in her eyes.

"And thank the gods for that," Percy would grin, always trying to lighten the mood.

Despite their shared burdens, Percy's world had recently become a lot more complicated. Not because of school or demigod life, but because of a certain blonde: Annabeth Chase.

Annabeth was one of Thalia's closest friends. She was brilliant, a little intimidating, and completely out of Percy's league-or so he thought. The problem was, whenever Percy saw her, his heart would race, his palms would sweat, and for the first time, he'd feel completely out of control.

Thalia, of course, had picked up on his crush almost immediately.

"Do you have to stare at her like a lovesick puppy every time she walks by?" Thalia teased one afternoon as they lounged in the school courtyard.

Percy flushed and immediately looked away from Annabeth, who was sitting across the yard with her books.

"I don't stare," Percy grumbled, but the sheepish smile on his face betrayed him.

Thalia rolled her eyes. "You're hopeless. Why don't you just talk to her?"

"I don't know, maybe because she's way too smart for me? And she's your friend-what if she thinks I'm just some dumb jock?"

Thalia smirked, nudging him playfully. "You are a dumb jock, but at least you're a rich, good-looking one. That's gotta count for something."

Percy groaned, leaning back against the tree they were sitting under. "Yeah, because that's what Annabeth looks for in a guy."

Thalia paused for a moment, her teasing expression softening. "Percy, she's not our dads. She won't just walk away and ignore you like they do."

He turned to her, surprised by the sudden sincerity in her voice. Thalia rarely spoke about their fathers, at least not like this. He could see in her eyes that she understood him in ways no one else could. They both felt the sting of neglect, the insecurity of never being enough for the gods they were supposed to call 'Dad.'

"You really think so?" Percy asked quietly.

Thalia nodded, her voice softer than usual. "You've got more to offer than you think. And she's not going to care about money or anything like that. Just... be yourself."

Percy smiled at her, the tension in his chest easing a little. Thalia always knew how to get through to him, even when he was being stubborn.

"Thanks," he muttered.

"Don't mention it," Thalia said, punching him lightly on the shoulder. "And if she turns you down, just remember-no matter what happens, you've still got me."

"Yeah, 'cause being stuck with you for the rest of my life sounds like a dream come true," Percy teased, laughing when Thalia shoved him in response.

As the two of them sat together, joking and laughing, Percy realized that no matter how complicated things got, Thalia would always be his anchor. They might have been neglected by their fathers, but they had each other. And that was more than enough.

A few feet away, Annabeth caught Percy's eye and smiled, and for the first time, he felt a flicker of hope. Maybe, just maybe, things would be okay.

-----

Due to lack of participants, I am stopping the mini quiz.