Percy POV
I liked talking to Nat. She has always been like my overprotective older sister. I told her about what happened while making blue pancakes. I missed Annabeth but I tried not to think about it. To move on because that's what she would have wanted. But sometimes it is hard. But I had to do it for Bianca. I was glad Nat was here. I haven't seen her in a while and I have missed her.
Everything was great until he walked in. It was weird I had forgiven him long ago. I just didn't know how to tell him.
"Percy, I didn't know you were here."
"Barton, it's been a while. I am just here for the ride."
"Look, Percy I am really sorry about what happened-"
"Can we not discuss that right now? And I know it wasn't your fault. I am the now
who should be sorry. It wasn't your fault she died."
"It kinda was. I miss her, you know."
"Me too. Friends?"
"Friends."
"I have been waiting for this for years. Really Percy, it took you long enough. Now let's get serious. Percy, are you sure you don't need help with Bianca? You can't raise her alone. You look like you haven't slept in days. And I am pretty sure those pancakes are the only things you ate."
"I will be fine. I am taking care of it."
"Taking care of it, how? You are not yourself right now. Give yourself time to grieve. I can help. Fury can help. Why are you insisting on doing this alone?"
"Don't you get it. Everyone that gets close to me dies. I just can't take anyone else dying. I am the only one left of the Seven. Eliza (I just watched Hamilton again. My brain isn't working properly.) is dead. I can't go back to Camp without them."
"Percy, you have us. Why do you have to be so hard on yourself? You are only human after all."
"Demigod."
"Doesn't matter, you still have a limit."
"Nat, just drop it please."
"No, Percy, I won't drop it. You are like a brother to me. I won't just sit around and do nothing while you kill yourself."
"I don't care what happens to me. I haven't in a long time."
"I DO. I CARE ABOUT YOU. I LOST PEOPLE TOO AND I WILL NOT LOSE YOU BECAUSE YOU WERE TOO STUBBORN TO ASK FOR. HELP."
"I DON'T WANT YOU TO HELP ME. I CAN'T LOSE ANYONE ELSE BECAUSE THEY GOT CLOSE TO ME."
Everyone had gathered in the kitchen when they heard shouting. I had tears in my eyes. So did Nat.
"I'm sorry Tasha. I didn't mean to shout. I just-"
"I know, Perce but you gotta let people in."
"I won't risk anyone else."
"Percy I am willing to take the risk even if there isn't one."
