Why is Everything so Loud?! (Fem. Percy)

A Bun-Bun Appears

I groaned and shifted. The heat overtook my body, making every movement lethargic and half-hearted. Nothing more than sinking back into slumber would help, but it wasn't really an option I had. Dad, the source of warmth I had been taking advantage of and taking in a small amount of comfort, was gone. Chills pressed against me from that side, and I tugged the bunny a little closer to my chest, trying to conserve what little heat I could feel. 

 Where was Dad? The thought bounced around my head before being silenced. The barest edges of comfort, tendrils of his aura curling and twisting about me. My muscles relaxed, and I melted back into the mattress. It wasn't much. It wasn't. But it was enough, and I would take it, even if he never meant to offer it.

Despite the nausea and bile crawling up my throat, I sat up and piled the blankets and pillows together. And then I laid down, and I pressed myself against them, pretending with every ounce of my being that it was him. It wasn't a new thing. How many times had I done this before? Wishing I had a dad who cared about me, it never changed the truth, and yet a girl could dream. Even in the castle, it was wasted. I knew he had responsibilities, that I'm only a lowly demigod, but that didn't lessen the talons around my heart and chest. 

I pressed my face into the pillow. The door handle rattled, clicked, and the door hinges squeaked. 

"What are you doing?" snapped Amphitrite. "The council wants you."

"I'm well aware." Dad's voice washed over me. My teeth ground into my lip, the pain enough to keep me silent, to keep the whimper from slipping out. "I told them I would return in a few moments. With her powers acting up, it would be best if I kept her in a sleep until my meetings are over with."

"It would be best if she were not here at all. Tch. You've been shirking your duties, and for what? To spend time with a bastard child? We both know her existence is a mistake, and one you continue to compound. You simply need to admit it and get rid of her." I could imagine the expression on her face: vitriol, a cruel, twisted grin that was really more of a snarl. "Ship her back to her mother. Or Chiron. That's what the camps are for after all, taking care of mistakes." 

I sniffed and closed my eyes. She's right. She's right, she's right, she's right. Nothing but a mistake. I waited for Dad to say something, anything, but no. He didn't. Dad sighed. Peeking over the edge of a maroon blanket, my fingers curled into the stringy, soft fur of the rabbit. It was a short wait, but it felt like it took far too long for him to look at me. Our eyes locked, and mine darted to the side. Shame burned through me. 

Who was I to be taking him away from his duties? 

Dad took quick strides until he was in front of me. "Are you feeling any better?" he asked. His hand, rough and calloused, felt so gentle on my forehead. A whine slipped through my lips. My eyes fluttered shut. "Sh. It's okay."

I sat up, and I pressed my head against his chest. It wasn't okay. No reason existed for why he would know that. He didn't know I overheard that. Dad smoothed his hand over my hair. I nearly melted into a puddle. My feelings, my emotions, they were all washed over, replaced with calm. Soft breathes, closed eyes, everything stood peaceful. 

"Move over." He sat on the edge of the bed. I laid down, and covered my head with a pillow. A lecture was brewing. I could feel it much like a sailor could feel a storm. Without warning the pillow was yanked away. I groaned and tried to elbow Dad. His hand caught my arm before it could land, and he pinned it to the bed. Struggling and kicking, I couldn't help but notice the smile Dad had, or the way that his grip was loose. 

Giggling, the laughter sprinkling from my lips, and shrieking, I tried to escape him. We wrestled and tussled. At least we did until I went slack, all my strength leaving my body. Dad released me, sat back, and let his hands hover. Concern was written on his face. 

I was getting way too used to seeing that expression on people. 

"Did I hurt you?" he asked, checking my arms from bruises. "Was I too rough?" It was...embarrassing to have him fuss over me, but I wouldn't say a word against it. This was nice, maybe not the reason for why I was sick in the first place, but if it lead to Dad acting, because that's what it was, what it had to be, like this? I'd do it again. And again. And again. 

There was a slight give with his hands as I leaned my weight into them. Part of me wanted to curl up against him, another part wanted to be held. All of me knew that was stupid. That wouldn't happen, not after-- Warm arms gathered me up and guided me to rest against his side. Dad stroked my hair, and then he pressed a kiss to the top of my head. 

"I can stay for a little longer, but I need to get back to my duties," said Dad before tapping his fingers against my head. "And you need to rest a bit more."

His earlier words played back in my mind, and I tensed. My nails dug into my arms. I didn't-- "You're- You're not going to force me to, right?" Tears fell down my cheeks, and burning trails carved their ways across my arms. The bile I thought had gone returned. Acid scorched my throat.

Dad's brow creased. "There's no need to cry." He wiped at my face with the blanket. I sniffled and picked at the fur on the rabbit. "I don't--" he began before cutting off, eyes widening by the smallest margin. His shoulders dropped. "Little one," he breathed. "Percy, you are safe here. I promise you that. And I will be back once I finish up the matters at hand." Large hands cupped my cheeks. He kissed my forehead, wiry beard brushing my skin. He pulled away. I wanted to lean into him as he left, I wanted to chase the warmth. A soft, sharp whine pulled out of my chest.

It was met with a chuckle. The water pushed against my little bubble until I laid back. 

"Rest now. I won't be long."

I stared at the ceiling, languidly blinking. My foot jiggled, the energy thrumming through me attempting to work itself out. With every passing minute, the energy grew and grew until, at least, it fizzled out, extinguished like a jar covered candle. Sighing, I rolled on my side. I could pretend at least. He never came back, and so I could pretend, just like I always did. 

It is like 1 am, please enjoy

I have to finish writing an essay in the morning

See yah