A Different Reality (Percy Jackson Fanfiction)

Chp 161 - Annabeth's POV

MONDAY, 6th February

"Hi."

The voice behind her, while she searched for Annie's emergency USB stick in their locker, scared her half to death. Turning around, it took her a moment to get over her surprise, and answer.

"Nico, hi. How are you?"

He looked around uncomfortably. She didn't know if he was worried about someone thinking something about them talk or if he just wasn't comfortable around her.

"I'm... I'm fine. And I... I could use your... help."

"Okay...?"

Wow. Did you treat this kid that badly?

I didn't treat him badly. Things were just... complicated.

Annabeth, it looks like he'd rather swim in acid than talk to you.

Without saying anything, he thrust his phone in her hands. Picking it up, she saw a picture of a white kitten. Zooming in, she saw that despite being clean, the poor creature looked pitiful.

"He looks sick, did you find him on the street?"

He shook his head, still avoiding looking her in the eyes.

"No, not me. Anyway, I gave her food, but she didn't eat much."

"Is it a female?"

He shrugged, accepting back the phone when she handed it.

"It's what Google says."

"What do you need my help with?"

She thought he would just give up and bolt, but he mumbled an answer she was barely able to understand.

"... Percy mentioned that you now have a cat."

"Oscar, yes."

It surprised him enough to look her in the eyes, confusion in his expression.

"That's... an odd name for a cat."

"Annie chose it, not me. So, what about Oscar?"

He cast his eyes down again.

"How did you do it? I mean, how do I help her?"

Smiling more openly now that she knew what kind of help he wanted, she answered.

"First thing is to take her to a vet. I found one for Oscar who's quite good and not that expensive. I can call to set an appointment. As long as it is during my free time, I would gladly accompany you there."

As expected, he didn't respond immediately and she could see the battle raging inside him. In the end, he just sighed and slumped his shoulders forward, nodding in agreement.

"Thanks, that's good. I mean, that would be good. Nice."

The bell rang.

"I don't have time now, but I'll call before the next class and text you the details, ok?"

He answered her wave with one of his small and rare smiles.

"Yeah, thanks."

Just one question.

Yes?

Does your boyfriend babble about our life to anyone?

***

She cornered Percy the first opportunity she had, not bothering with skirting around the subject.