Greatest Love Story- A Percabeth AU [On Hold]

Chapter 14

Annabeth's POV:

While we were in the NICU, seeing baby Estelle for the first time, Percy's stepdad pulled me aside and asked me to take Percy home, since he was going to stay with Sally and see if there was more news about Estelle. Percy definitely needed to get home, though. He seemed to be in a daze. It's understandable, though, with everything that has happened today.

I expect Mr. Blofis to bring up the kiss he witnessed this afternoon, but he doesn't, and I'm glad, since I don't know how I would respond if he did. I need to talk to Percy, make sure we're on the same page about it, before I talk to anyone else. Even Piper, who, in just about any other circumstances, I would have immediately texted to tell her everything, can't know until Percy and I figure out what exactly happened and what to do about it.

When a nurse tells us that visiting hours are over and we need to leave, I guide Percy out to the parking lot where my car is parked. He still seems to be in a daze, amd at one point he mumbles "I have a sister."

"Yeah, you do," I tell him softly, patting his arm.

When we get to my car he seems to become a little more aware of what's going on, and he asks "why are you bringing me home? What about Paul?"

"He asked me to bring you home. He's staying in case there's any more update on Estelle," I explain as we both get into the car.

When I start the car, I look at the clock and see that it's already after the time I would normally get home. Not very long after, but I should tell my mom the situation, before she starts to worry. So, I send my mom a text as quickly as possible, telling her what's going on. Before I hit send, though, I think of something.

"Percy?" I say, and he looks at me, but I don't get more than an incomprehensible mumble in response. It's clear that he's exhausted from the stress of the day.  "Percy, I don't think you should be at home alone tonight. A lot has happened today, and I'm worried about you."

"Wise girl," Percy starts. He's more alert now, and looks a bit irritated. "I'm fine, you don't need to worry about me."

I let out a shaky sigh. "I know, but I worry about you, okay. I just need to know that you're okay."

"So, if you know I'm not alone, you won't worry?"

"Not as much," I say. "Just come spend the night at my house. My mom won't mind, and I'll feel a lot better knowing you're okay." I fix him with my best pleading look-- the one that I haven't used since I was a kid, but that, until my dad married my stepmother, could convince my dad to do almost anything.

He doesn't respond for a few minutes, but finally he says "Okay, fine, if it will stop you from worrying."

"Thank you," I tell him, typing one more sentence to my mother-- Is it okay if I bring him home, because I don't think he should be alone right now. I hit send and put my phone in the cup holder as we drive toward my house.

We sit in silence for a few minutes, and I start to think Percy fell asleep, but I suddenly hear "Wise girl?"

"Yeah?" I ask.

"What..." He hesitates for a second. "What are we, now."

"What do you mean?"

"You know what I mean." It's true. I know exactly what he's talking about, but I suddenly don't feel ready to talk about it.

Finally I'm able to force words out of my mouth. "We can't date. You know that." I pause again before whispering another sentence, so quietly I'm not sure if Percy can hear me. "But I wish we could."