Percabeth Oneshots

Family Matters

By me.

Percy Jackson stood with his best friend, Grover Underwood, by the lake. The sounds of campers laughing and the distant thrum of music floated in the air, but Percy’s attention was elsewhere.

He was leaning against a tree, trying to look nonchalant while avoiding the overzealous water sprites that were making waves nearby.

Grover, ever the master of nudging Percy into uncomfortable territory, had a mischievous glint in his eye. "I know you like her."

Percy’s head whipped around as if he’d just been hit with a bolt of lightning. “Wha— Annabeth? No—she’s family—what are you—”

Grover crossed his arms, a smirk plastered across his face. “I didn’t say who.”

Percy’s brain was working overtime, scrambling for a logical explanation. “I still don’t like her! I mean, I care about her—like a sister. An annoying sister. A sister who could probably outsmart a hundred sphinxes and still have time to save my butt from a Hydra!”

Grover chuckled, clearly enjoying himself. “So, you’re saying you wouldn’t mind spending a little more time with her? Maybe taking her out on a date?”

“Grover, I can’t date Annabeth! She’s practically my partner in crime. She’s like the other half of my brain!” Percy exclaimed, flailing his arms dramatically, which earned him some curious glances from passing campers.

“Yeah, but if she’s your brain, you’re the brawn, right? It’s a classic hero-heroine combo,” Grover replied, now leaning closer as if sharing a deep, dark secret. “Besides, you two already fight monsters together. That’s like... an extreme bonding experience. I mean, what’s more romantic than dodging poison darts from a giant scorpion?”

Percy cringed at the mental image. “That’s not romantic, Grover. That’s—”

“—dangerously thrilling?” Grover interrupted, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “Percy, you’re just in denial.”

Percy threw his hands up in exasperation. “I am NOT in denial! I’m just stating facts. Annabeth is my best friend. Nothing more!”

“Except for the way you look at her when she’s not paying attention,” Grover teased, raising his eyebrows.

“Grover!” Percy protested, his cheeks beginning to redden.

Grover’s laughter filled the air, attracting the attention of nearby campers, including Annabeth herself, who was carrying a stack of books and looked very much like a warrior princess ready for battle.

“Hey, you two,” she called, her curiosity piqued. “What’s so funny?”

Percy’s mind raced. “Uh, just talking about how Grover is completely wrong about everything.”

“Yeah,” Grover chimed in, feigning innocence. “We were just debating the merits of monster fighting as a romantic date idea.”

Annabeth raised an eyebrow, her lips curving into a smirk. “And what were your conclusions?”

“That it’s a terrible idea!” Percy blurted out, shooting Grover a desperate look. “I mean, have you ever tried to eat dinner with a scorpion trying to stab you?”

Annabeth laughed, shaking her head. “I’m not sure you’ve ever had dinner without something trying to stab you.”

“Exactly!” Percy exclaimed, grateful for the sudden change in topic. “See? It’s all part of the hero life. No time for romance when there are monsters to slay.”

Grover nudged Percy with his elbow. “Right, because slaying monsters is way more important than, I don’t know, maybe taking Annabeth out for ice cream after a good fight?”

Percy gulped and glanced at Annabeth, who was watching him with a bemused expression. “Ice cream? You mean, like, together?”

“Sure!” Annabeth said, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “It’s way better than dodging giant scorpions. Unless, of course, we’re fighting a giant scorpion at the same time, in which case...”

Grover interjected, clearly enjoying the chaos he was causing. "It’s perfect! You could practice your heroic skills while trying to impress her with your ice cream-eating speed!”

Percy buried his face in his hands, but he could feel the warmth spreading across his cheeks. “Why is this my life?”

“Because, Percy,” Grover said with a grin, “you’re destined for greatness. And maybe a little romance along the way!”

Annabeth chuckled, shaking her head. “You guys are ridiculous. But I wouldn’t mind some ice cream.”

“Really? You’d go with me?” Percy’s heart raced at the thought.

Grover beamed. “See, it’s already happening! The destiny of the hero and his best friend blossoming into something—”

“Okay, okay, let’s not overdo it,” Percy interrupted, his face now a brilliant shade of red. “How about we just go before I have to deal with any more of your wild theories?”

As the three of them headed towards the dining pavilion, Percy couldn’t help but steal a glance at Annabeth. Maybe, just maybe, Grover was onto something.