Demonology (a Percabeth AU)

Fallen Angel

Annabeth grabbed her stuff, stuffed then into her backpack, and slung it over her shoulders. Hazel gave her a sympathetic smile and a hug. "I'm sorry."

"No, Hazel," Annabeth said. "You told me the truth — even if I didn't want to hear it. You're a good friend."

Hazel smiled slightly and gave her phone number. Annabeth waved goodbye and left. She half-ran, half-walked to Percy's dorm building. The front doors were open, and Annabeth paced in front of them for a few minutes. It was early February and still cold outside, but the walk had warmed her up.

"Annabeth, do you need in?" Annabeth heard someone ask.

She turned to face Thalia's little brother, Jason. He was a junior studying astronomy and history. "Yeah," Annabeth said.

Jason used his ID card to swipe in and then again to swipe in when they reached the end of the lobby. "You have my number in case anything happens?" he asked.

Annabeth nodded, impatient to leave. As he headed to his own room, she reflected on how Jason always seemed so perfect. Something about him bothered her. Human beings were flawed designs; we were made to be perfectly imperfect.

      She marched up the stairs and to Percy's room. It was 1:45 A.M. when she knocked on his door. Percy opened the door.

     "You drool in your sleep," Annabeth said.

      Percy blinked at her. He was yawning and his hair was messy. "You woke me up to say that?"

     "No," Annabeth said, squaring her shoulders. "We need to talk."

    Percy gestured for her to come in. Annabeth obliged, but rather then sitting down beside Percy on his bed, she stood. "You need to be frank with me," Annabeth said. "No more lies."

     Percy looked up at her with his seal-like eyes. "I have been. Remember, I told you my secret?"

    Annabeth folded her arms. "You told me you were an angel."

     Percy nodded. "I am, technically. You see, demons are just fallen angels."

        "You were kicked out of Heaven?" Annabeth asked.

    Her mind was whirling. There was no rationality to this. Percy's lips thinned and hos eyes turned dark and brooding. "No," he said. "Actually, I've never been to Heaven. My parents have not been either."

      "What are you doing here?" Annabeth demanded. "Why are you on earth?"

     "I told you," Percy said. "I'm studying humans."

      Annabeth raised one eyebrow and narrowed her eyes. "And do most demons try to seduce humans in the name of academics?"

    Percy's face colored like the fires of his homeland. "Well, it depends."

      "On what?" Annabeth said, tapping her foot.

     "On our speciality," Percy said. "I was trained at the school of Asmodeus. Not all demons actually get to know humans, though, mostly only us."

    "Not all demons?" Annabeth snorted. "That sounds like a bad hashtag."

    Percy smirked. "Some of the most contentious hashtags have been started by Aeshma."

     "Percy, you used me," Annabeth said. "You played with my feelings. You acted liked to cared for me and now I learn that you flirted and kissed me not because you care, but because you wanted to corrupt me. This is might all be a joke to you, Seaweed Brain, but it isn't to me. We're over, Percy. May you spend eternity in Hell."