Re-written 7.18.13.

Chapter One: Awkward Dinners

Achieving Elysium

Teenage boys. What in the world would you say to a teenage boy? Paul Blofis was really starting to regret his choice to meet and greet with Percy Jackson, teenage delinquent extraordinaire. He'd met Sally Jackson at Starbucks, because where else would you meet an amazing woman? Coffee, WiFi, comfortable seating, and peace was just what Paul had wanted that day he'd bumped into Sally. Literally. She had been reviewing some notes, he not paying much attention, and the two had slammed into each other, making a mess of a latte and soggy papers. They had apologized, bought coffee again (Good for Starbucks. They made more money,) and sat down to chat. They'd agreed to meet, and slowly, the two adults dated and learned more about each other. And then Paul found out his awesome girlfriend had a fourteen-year old son. At the uttered words, he knew the relationship was going to go downhill. Mustering all the courage and regret he had, Paul reached up and rapped on the door. There was an exclaimed 'oh!' and a few 'I'll get it!'s. He tapped his foot waiting as the voices rose.

Finally someone else stepped in the heated argument. "Both of you, shut up. We don't want to give, uh, Mr. Blofis a headache before he even walks through the door. And I'll get the door." The blue door creaked open. A girl with blonde hair and startling grey eyes moved aside to let him in. She shut the door behind him and locked it, turning around to greet him with a firm handshake.

"You must be Mr. Blofis." She smiled. "I'm Annabeth Chase, one of Percy's... friends. " She said the word 'friends' like she was reconsidering being friends with the guy. There was a wolf-whistle behind her.

"Friends, Annabeth?" The voice was suggestive. Annabeth blushed but said nothing.

"Sorry for the inconvenience. We showed up at the last minute. " She sighed. We? Looking around, he almost groaned. More teenagers? One teenager, sure, but a whole group? He had been prepared for one teenager for a few hours. But now it would go down Goode-style... Sarcastic comments, fighting, language...

Crashed on the green living room couch were three more teens about the same age as Percy. There were two girls in total, Annabeth and another that looked like she could punch Paul across the room without breaking a sweat. Dressed in black, with spiky hair and blue eyes, she was as intimidating as the head of administrators on the school district board. She raised and introduced herself as Thalia. Annabeth was dressed in a baggy sweatshirt with an owl on the front and jeans. They both looked fit, and he guessed that if Annabeth were to walk into Goode, she would be pegged as 'girlfriend material.' Next came a boy with darker skin, curly hair, and plain brown eyes. A Rasta cap covered his hair, and he wore shoes in the apartment, as opposed to the rest, who were barefoot or in socks. He grinned and introduced himself as Grover. The last boy had messy black hair, pale skin, and was what his class would describe as emo. He simply said his name was Nico.

Annabeth spoke again. "Percy and, um, Mrs. Jackson are in the kitchen."

He nodded. "Thank you."

In the kitchen, two figures stood baking. One was Sally, looking as beautiful as ever, her navy blue T-shirt and jeans covered by a blue apron. Her hair was piled up into a messy bun, flour covering part of it. The boy next to her was just as tall, with long limbs and, Paul had to admit, some muscle. Shaggy black hair and tan skin told him that the boy was somewhat good-looking, and as he turned around, Paul admitted that Percy was. Green eyes, muscles, the ink-black hair, and tan skin would make any girl swoon. Paul offered a smile.

"Oh." Percy studied Paul and gave him a smile.

Paul outstretched his hand. "I'm Paul Blofis." Percy nodded and smiled again.

"I mean... I would shake your hand, but..." He waved his flour-covered hand. Sally turned around and grabbed a vial of blue stuff, mixing it in with the dough.

"Paul! Oh, I didn't notice you there. " She wiped her hands on a towel, as did Percy, and kissed him on the cheek. "Percy, grab the spoons, please."

Percy turned to follow his mother's orders. Sally glanced at the clock.

"You're early. Did you meet the kids?"

There was a loud, chorused,"YES!" from the living room. They chuckled at the younger generation's antics.

"I'm sorry, dinner will be right out. We just had to make some adjustments."

"Oh, no," he said. "It's quite alright." He decided to go back out to visit the teens. They were now discussing something before Thalia yelled and pointed at Nico. Everyone swiveled to look at the boy.

"Um, hi?" The girls whirled around to face him.

"Hello," Thalia said, obviously not knowing what to say.

"Did I interrupt something?" He gestured to the arguing people. Annabeth's shoulders slumped in relief and she grinned.

"We were just arguing about our favorite bands or artists."

"So who's the best?" This question wasn't the smartest thing he'd said all night. The others turned.

"Green Day."

"Coldplay."

"You idiot! Coldplay sucks. Green Day!"

"We all know the Beatles are the best."

"Ugh. Seriously, Nico? The Beatles were so forty years ago."

"Nuh-uh!"

"Obviously, Nico. But we all know that the members of Imagine Dragons are amazing."

"Screw Imagine Dragons. Go Hilary Duff!"

"Oh, hush. "

It turned into a full-out argument, which turned into a pillow fight, which resulted in a mob of yelling, disagreeing, and house-wrecking kids.

"Now, now, guys," a voice cut in smoothly. Percy stood in the doorway. "We all know B.o.B. is the best. Besides, it's time for dinner." Percy turned and looked at him like, If you're going to date my mom, annoying teens come with the package. Everyone miraculously got up and shuffled their way to the table, joking and pushing each other around.

"Sorry about that." Percy smiled apologetically. "My friends can get a little... heated."

"Oh, it's fine... I think." Percy laughed at that and gestured at the table.

"Better eat before the food's gone, Mr. Blofis." He winked and ran to join the mass of hungry people.

A smile tugged at his lips. Maybe dinner wouldn't be so awkward.

Paul and Percy is now a fanfiction about what Paul thinks of Percy and occurrences between them.

Achieving Elysium