Colors [Percabeth]

The Liar's Game// Chapter 9

Annabeth

"So I tried going over to your house yesterday." My neck craned to look over at the girl next to me. I was currently in first period working on the homework I hadn't gotten a chance to do yesterday for obvious reasons. Piper and Jason must be in another argument, so she decided to sit by me today this class period. Color-changing eyes stared back into my gray ones and I reminded myself of the rehearsed plan I made with Percy before first period. "Sorry, I was in study mode. I must've not heard the doorbell."

Piper's eyes seemed to linger on me for a bit longer than usual. "Oh, really? Nice dress. Where'd you get it?"

I couldn't help but let out a small sigh. It was like she was searching for something, just the tiniest clue that could be used to call me out. Though right now I couldn't tell if she was trying to play Nice Detective or Mean Detective. If it was an interrogation she wanted, I was going to give it to her.

"Dad's new girlfriend."

"The jacket too?"

I gritted my teeth. "Are you done, Sherlock Homes? Because I am."

She studied me for a split second before letting out a loud scoff. "I know you weren't home. You didn't answer the door and when I snuck in to talk to you, the house was empty. So I decided to wait for you but you never came. So I'm going to ask and I want an answer. Where were you?"

Two words. Uh oh.

Lying was all I seemed to do these days. It was as if the lies seemed to escape my mouth while the truth stayed behind and clogged up my throat. I lied to my dad about where I always was, I lied to Percy about Luke, I really didn't want to add Piper to the on-growing list. A sigh escaped my lips and I said, "At Percy's." She didn't really react as if she had figured as much. "Christ Annabeth, the whole night?" "I ended up falling asleep there, no big deal."

She hesitated for a moment. "Did you two..?"

"Gods, Piper! We're not you and Jason. It's not like that. We're not like that." My mind reminded me of how close our lips have been this past couple of hours. It really wasn't like that, was it?

She sighed with relief and slumped down in her chair. "Good. But you know better," her voice lowered, "you're the one who said you didn't want him involved in this mess." I groaned loudly with frustration and ran a hand through my hair. "I know, I know. It was just an innocent sleepover. Besides, you've done the same with plenty of other guys," I retorted harshly. Almost immediately I knew I crossed the line. Piper's eyebrows scrunched angrily. "You bitch. I was trying to look out for-"

"I've been looking out for myself for years. I know what I'm doing."

"Not you. Percy. I don't give a damn what you do, but he's innocent and I'm trying to keep it that way." She grabbed her bag and walked away to another empty seat.

***

We spent the whole day not talking to each other. Luckily, none of our friends brought it up. It was just one of those unspoken agreements that we'd talk when we were both done blowing off steam. From what I could tell, neither of us were done just yet.

During P.E I went to go play basketball with Percy instead. Other than our English project, we haven't really gotten to talk since the school day.

"Hey." He nodded towards me before glancing over to where Piper was sitting on the bleachers. "You're not here to ask me to pick sides, right?"

"Percy Jackson, do I seem like the kind of girl who would do that?"

He shrugged in response. "All girls seem innocent, Annabeth. And then they get into one little cat fight and the claws just stay out." He cracks a grin and we both start laughing. I could feel all the stress from earlier wash away like a wave. Though I was less tense, my heartbeat picked up every time Percy smiled.

Gods damn...

***

"Are you sure you don't want to stay over again?" Percy asked me once more as we neared the exits to the school. I rolled my eyes, but I couldn't help but laugh. "I'm sure, Seaweed Brain. I'll be just fine. I'm a tough girl."

He chuckled and nudged me. "Well, I'll give you that. But you know you're always welcome to stay." I smiled and he smiled back.

Damn that smile.

"Of course. Thanks, Perce.." Waving off, I walked in the direction of my house. As we parted ways, I stared at him for as long as I could before I had to turn around and leave. What was this boy doing to me? I haven't even known him that long, but he was driving me insane. Were Piper's words really true? Was I really putting Percy in danger?

My mind was too clogged up with questions that were to be answered later. Kicking the door open with one foot, I walked inside the house only to be greeted by blue eyes. I gritted my teeth and let out a frustrated sigh. "Luke." I dumped my backpack in a corner and glared at the boy sitting on my couch.

"Annabeth, let's have a little chit chat."

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A/N: Sorry, this chapter was too long so I have to cut it into thirds. The next chapter will be updated in a few hours, while the one after that may be tomorrow or in a few days. I'm sorry for the slow updates, I have finals tomorrow and some more tests coming up. I promise the updates will become faster when I get done with the tests. Also, thank you guys for 300 reads! I didn't think this book would get that much, woah. Comment and tell me what you thought on the chapter. 

-Alexa