Imperfect Perfection

Chapter thirteen: Departing

Andy's P.O.V.

"WHAT?"

My eyes bug out, mouth agape, fear and terror across my face. I stand in my room in my shorts and a tank, with a fully dressed and packed Dan, a saddened Leo, and a neutral Percy and Nico.

"I'm sorry, Lemon drop, but I have to go save her." Dan says, regret obvious in his eyes.

He just came into my room along with Percy and Nico. Leo was already in here, and we were talking and joking around. He told me he has to go on a quest to save Annabeth and that's where you came in.

"But, I mean, ugh, No!" I shake my head at him and I see the regret grow. "I'm sorry, Andy. I have to." I look at Leo for some help, but he has his head hung low, near tears. I look at Percy, but he just gives me a sad look.

Then I turn to Nico. As soon as our eyes meet, his face softens. My nerves suddenly die down, making me relaxed. I sigh in defeat, hanging my head. The effects he has on me by just looking at me....gahhh

Tears start to fall from my face and I look up at Dan to see tears in his as well. "Promise me you'll come back."

His tears grow and he comes to me engulfing me into one of his hugs that I love so much. His chin rests on top of my head as we both silently cry together. "I can't promise you that, Lemon Drop. I can promise- *sniffle* that I will always be with you no matter what."

My tears grow as I realize he might not come back. "Can I join in?" I laugh, hiccuping, as Leo comes and joins in on the hug. "I love you guys so much."

I smile, "I love you more, Dan." After a while, a girl with dark hair and dark clothes comes in. "Guys, lets go."

Percy nods and starts to follow the girl. "Percy!" I run up behind him and as soon as he turns around my arms are wrapped around his waist. "Please be careful, okay?" Percy's arms slowly wrap around me and he puts his head on top of mine. "I will. Promise."

I give him one last squeeze, then let him go. I turn back to Dan and give him one last hug. "Why does it feel like this is the last time I will ever hug you?" He sighs, "I love you Andy. Just remember i'm always here with you in you heart, okay?"

I nod and Dan gives me one last squeeze, then jogs out of my room to follow the others leaving me alone with Leo and Nico. We stand in silence for a while as tears stream down my cheeks. Leo comes up to me and wipes away my tears.

"Hey, he'll be fine. This is Dan we're talking about. Plus, he's with Percy and Thalia, two children of the big three. He's smart, he knows what he's doing."

I puff and nod, wiping my new tears away. "Yeah, I know. He'll be fine. He always is." Leo smiles, "That's my girl." He hugs me then leaves to go to bed. "Love you Andy!" He yells down the hall. I giggle, "Love you too you big lump!"

"Hey! I'm not a lump or big!"

"It's a joke, Leo!"

*silence*

"Oooooooh. Okay. Well, Night!"

I laugh again, "Goodnight, Leo."

I hear the door close and I sigh. I look up at the ceiling. "If any of you can hear me, please be with them on the quest. Help them all come home safely."

(A/N: start listening to Battle scars by Guy Sebastion here) After a moment of silence, my shoulders slump down along with my head. My thoughts are scrambled and I can't think straight. "Ugh, stupid head."

Then a thought crosses my mind. Then do something to clear it.

My mind immediately wanders to my blade, but I shake my head as if I can shake the thought out. "No, no more blood. No more scars. No more cuts." I crouch down and put my head in my hands.