Soulmates (PJO/HOO AU)

Annabeth | V

I've given up on adding the pictures. My lazy ass can't afford to do it.

I was worried. Three days before, Percy and Thalia had called me about Grover, and he still hasn't shown. What really frustrated me was the fact I couldn't do anything. I could call the police, but they'd probably shrug it off and tell us to keep waiting. What other authority figures could I go to? None. My mom is long gone, my dad and stepmom are in San Francisco, and I'm not sure how to bring it up to Uncle Chiron.

So, to clear my mind, I go to the library during lunch on Friday. Being surrounded by books has always made me feel calm and I'm not feeling that hungry anyway. As I casually make my way through the shelves, someone taps me on the shoulder. I turn around.

It's Percy.

Perseus Jackson, captain of the swim team, and stepson of Mr. Blofis. I've known him for how long now? Six years, although I doubt he noticed me in the first few years. I think the only way we connected was because of Grover and Thalia, out mutual friends. I can't think of anything he'd want to talk to me about, except maybe Grover's disappearance.

"Hey, Annabeth," he starts. He seems flustered. "I'm sorry I might be bothering you but there's this science project I need a bit of help with."

"For marine biology? That's the elective you chose, right?"

Percy nods, his unruly hair bouncing slightly. "I know you might not be taking the elective, but I can't think of anyone else to ask."

"It's okay. We'll manage. So let's see what you've got." We sit down at a nearby table. There are a few other people scattered at the other tables, but it's mostly just me and Percy. He hands me a few loose sheets of paper with writing over them. "Where's your binder? Or notebook?"

He blushes and looks down at the papers. "I might've lost them."

"That's fine." I scan Percy's notes. It's a lot more organized than I would've thought. "Okay, you've got the main points down..." Before I know it, the bell for the end of lunch rings. 

"Thanks Wise Girl," Percy says while giving me that signature smirk that so many girls fall for. But not me. Definitely not me. "Is it okay if I go to your house for more help over the weekend? Thalia would make fun of me for asking her, I don't know Reyna as well as you, and I don't want to bother Paul."

"Is it okay if I go to yours instead? I haven't seen your mom in a while, too."

"Alright. I'll text you later about the times." We walk to our next class, our steps matching each others. Percy says, "Latin too?"

"Yeah."

After AP Latin with Mr. Brunner (Percy confided to me once that he was surprised to get into AP Latin, but to be honest, he quite excels at it), we split up to go to separate classes. I've decided to make it my goal to be closer friends with Percy. I've known him for six years, yet I don't know much about him.

Piper sidles up to me. "So..." I know her well enough to know what she's going to say.

I hold a hand up. "There's nothing between me and Percy."

She raises a skeptical eyebrow. "You sure?"

"Yes. Percy just needed some help with school so he came to me. That's it."

I can feel Piper roll her eyes. "Yeah, that's all it is." Her voice is draped with sarcasm. 

Nothing is said for a while as we go to the gym. P.E. at Goode mixes grades, so oftentimes Seniors like me are found with Juniors like Piper.

"Yoga today," I note as we walk in to see a circle of people stretching.

"Fantastic." Again, Piper talks with thick sarcasm.