Judgmental (a Percy Jackson AU)

Water Boy

     Percy was dipping glazed donuts in blue frosting when Circe's voice interrupted his thoughts. He couldn't make out the words she said, but something sounded a lot like "Water Boy." He frowned and set down the donuts he was holding on a tray. The blue frosting dropped onto the black tray and Percy was tempted to lick it off, but he knew that would be a violation of the health and safety code.

He turned around to face Circe. She snorted as she took in his untucked shirt and the blue frosting caking his disposable gloves. Her own uniform was fairly clean.

"A customer wants to speak with you specifically," she said, jerking her finger over towards the counter.

Percy nodded and walked over to the register. He recognized the beautiful, blonde woman he had seen a few weeks ago. She was dressed in a grey pencil dress and her red lipstick made her grey eyes stand out more.

      "I liked the donuts you gave me last time," the woman said.

    Percy's heart thumped.

    "I want to order another dozen for my daughter's birthday tomorrow," she said. "Would you do that?"

     "Of course," Percy said, smiling. "I'll need your name and a phone number."

      "Don't even think about calling me up to ask me out," the woman said.

     Percy mentally cussed like a sailor. That had been his plan.

     "I wouldn't do that, madam," he said.

      The woman stood up straighter. Even from the distance, Percy could smell the lemony scent from her hair. He wondered if she used some special kind of shampoo because her curls looked bouncy and soft.

       "Annabeth Chase," the woman said. "My number is ***-***-****."

      Percy wrote down her information.

      "What type of donuts do you want?" he asked.

     "A dozen glazed donuts with blue frosting," Annabeth said. "And I want freshly made ones — not your leftover ones."

     "Don't worry," Percy said. "You'll get fresh ones made by me."

     "They better be good, Seaweed Brain," Annabeth said.

      "Seaweed Brain?" Percy asked.

      "You decorated donuts with gummy sharks," Annabeth said. "You're obviously fascinated by the sea."

     Percy gaped at the woman. She seemed to know him better than Circe. He just hoped she didn't know that he was an ex-convict because that might ruin his chances with her. You have to be upfront with women, a voice in his head said. He was pretty sure that was something his mother had said at one point. She was probably right, but Percy was afraid he'd be stuck finding some dating app like Tinder for criminals just to get a girlfriend.

     "They better be ready by 10:00 A.M.," Annabeth continued, wrenching Percy out of his thoughts. "My daughter and I do not appreciate tardiness."

     "Yes, Wise Girl," Percy said as she turned on her heel and walked away.

     He sighed and looked down at the gummy shark-covered donuts in the display. If only life could be all candy and sweets and not include hardships like prison and waking up at 4:00 in the morning.