Colors [Percabeth]

Bitter Sweet// Chapter 2

Annabeth

"Stupid jerk," I mumble for the millionth time as I stab my salad. My other hand was busy balancing a book as I attempted to read it while eating.

From my left, Thalia let out a loud sigh and rolled her eyes. "We get it. You're stuck with the new guy and you're pissed about it. You don't have to remind us, oh I don't know, every five damn seconds."

Tucking a lock of hair out of my face, I huffed quietly and groaned. "I'm used to solo. I like solo." "Careful, there. You're starting to sound just a tad bit like Luke."

I tensed at his name, as if someone had spilled cold water all over my face. Speaking of stupid jerks, Luke is someone who, unlike the new kid who had no choice but to be paired up with me, has no excuse for the shit he's done and better not be expecting an apology anytime soon. Though I tried to be angry a tug at my heart reminded me of how I couldn't hate him; the feeling that I've gotten so used to these past months.

I inhaled sharply and took another chomp at my salad. "I'm nothing like Luke," I spat and looked away. "I'm not a betrayer."

Thalía opened her mouth, but she was thankfully interrupted by Jason as he walked over and sat down. He was accompanied by Leo Valdez. Class clown by day, gun supplier by any other hour of day.

Jason's sister cocked an eyebrow. "So I'm guessing all went well and we've got allies?"

Leo shrugged. "It's not official yet, Piper has to decide what we'll do, but I think it's good for the most part. Unless Jason ruins it with his on-again-off-again relationship with her."

The blond let out a loud sigh and punched his shoulder. "Shut it, will ya?"

He held up his hands defensively. "Look I want to fight along side you guys, but I'm just saying. Piper calls the shots and from what I heard, you guys are as good as dead if we decide not to ally with you."

I could tell Thalia was getting nervous, for her New York accent was thick as she spoke her next sentence. "Speakin' of Piper, where is she anyway?"

"You called?"

This time, two new trays plopped down at our table and it only became more crowded. "Everyone, I'd like you to meet the new kid."

"Seaweed Brain," I muttered and raised an eyebrow.

"Wise Girl."

"What?"

"Yeah, you always look like you have something wise to say. You're Wise Girl now."

An almost smile played at my lips for the first time since I lost the guy I thought I loved. "It's Annabeth, actually."

"Well then its Percy, actually."

Our conversation ended there and I took notice of everyone's weird glances at us. "So, how about the math homework?"

Thalia flung a tomato at me and the previous tension was released as a whole new conversation started.

***

After school, I climbed the roof top of an abandoned building and found an awaiting Jason Grace.

"They're in. We have allies."

"Great. So now we have an actual chance at this war."

"If they start war. This is only precaution," he corrected me. I scoffed and rolled my eyes. "No doubt they will. Precaution or not, we can't start slackin' or they'll go from the weak spots and kick our asses all the way to the grave."

Deciding to ignore my pessimistic comment, he sat down on a box and raised an eyebrow. A grin appeared on his face and I was genuinely shocked. He hadn't smiled in so long, I had almost forgotten what it looked like. Come to think of it, none of us smile much anymore.

"You and Percy, huh?"

I scoffed and rolled my eyes. There it was. Jason was playing his role of the big brother I never had but secretly wished for. At times it was handy but definitely not like this. "You know I can't have any relationship with him. He's a good kid, I am not involving him in any of this criminal mess. No guns, violence, or police to worry about for him. Besides, I don't like him like that. I'm stuck with him for a project, that's all."

"Yeah, okay. Go before he thinks you stood him up."

I got up and waved goodbye as I started to climb back down. "Don't forget to tell Piper I say hi while she's moaning your name." I knew Jason like the back of my hand, his routine included. He was on his way to take advantage of the fact that Piper's dad was away filming a new movie and he trusted his daughter a little too much so it was just her alone for three weeks. Now he would say, 'We're just going to talk' but really, they'll barely be talking when their tongues are down each other's throats and they're making a mess all over the bedsheets.

"We're just going to talk!"

I laughed as I landed back on the ground and walked away from the building to go meet Percy. "Don't forget protection, Grace!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A/N: I have actually figured out a somewhat decent plot line for this book and that makes me happy. Also my other book (Solangelo) is getting so much love, thanks for that! Also apologies of all the spelling mistakes and stuff from the last chapter, I fixed it. Comment and tell me what you thought on this chapter. Much love!
-Alexa