Into the Clouds | Percabeth| Mortal AU

Chapter Fifteen

"Oh honey, are you okay?" Thalia asked when Annabeth opened the front door. 

Annabeth felt her tears pounding on the back of her eyes but she forced them out. "Yeah, I'm good. Just... tired. It's been a long day."

"Long day is an understatement. No one would just you for breaking down." Thalia sighed and tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. "Let's get some food in you." She glanced over to Percy. "Will you be joining us tonight?"

Percy glanced at Annabeth who nodded, not very much, just enough so Percy saw her. "That would be lovely, Thalia. Thank you."

Thalia sighed and walked into the kitchen, leaving Annabeth and Percy alone in the foyer. Annabeth shifted from foot-to-foot, awkwardly leaning against the wall. Annabeth and Percy were just watching each other. Neither of them said anything, but the silence wasn't what made it uncomfortable. It was that Annabeth had never felt a silence that wasn't awkward. She had never felt the silence where both people are so content with the quietness. With Percy, she didn't feel like people were taking turns talking. 

It made her so uncomfortable. 

So uncomfortable that she walked to the kitchen because she didn't like getting comfortable with people. Shortly after, Percy followed her. 

"Annabeth is this your boyfriend?" Thalia's mother asked. 

Annabeth forced a laugh. "Ha, no, he's just a friend."

Thalia's mother eyebrows went up. "Hm." She turned back to making the salad. "Will your friend be staying for dinner?"

Thalia answered, saving the Annabeth the trouble of having to speak. "Yes, he will." She walked over to help her mother with the salad. "And be nice," she whispered harshly under her breath, but loud enough for Percy and Annabeth to hear. 

"Is there anything I can help with?" Percy asked. 

Thalia's dad walked into the room. "How about you and Annabeth get her brothers ready for bed. Annabeth knows their room and I'm sure she could use help. They ate a couple hours ago." 

;;;

Percy lingered at the edge of the room as Annabeth tucked her brother's into the large bed. 

"Is dad going to hurt Bobby again?" Matthew asked. 

Annabeth shook her head. "No. I won't ever let him near either of you again." She lowered her voice so Percy wouldn't hear her. "I will take care of you. I might need a little help, but we will get through it. I think with Thalia and Percy, I could get through anything."

What she didn't know was that Percy had heard every word.