In Another Life

Hall Of The Sun

It wasn't very long after we had moved into New Rome that it happened. About a month really, when I started to get settled into my dorm and get used to my classes. 

I was standing when I remembered falling asleep in my dorm. I looked around. It had been a long time since I had been there. But it was the same. The copper floors and walls, the towering ceiling. It was all so familiar even though I had only been there once. 

I started walking and found myself by the living room before. It was in the same level of disarray. Light dust on the couches and loungetables. The fruit was slightly rippened. The throne however, was spotless. Shining in all its golden glory. 

I wondered how long I would have to wait before he arrived. 

I didn't have to wait long. 

"Hello," he said. 

I turned to see him standing in the middle of the hallway. He was still a teenager. With a Led Zepplin t-shirt and jeans. Warm brown eyes and curly hair. I couldn't help the smile that tugged my lips. My heart twinged a little. I walked over. He opened his arms, a little concerned. I walked into them and put my chin on his shoulder. I could see the leather necklace around his neck. I smiled a little at the sight. 

"Hi Apollo," I greeted. 

"I'm glad you're okay," he said. His hands bunched up my shirt. 

I pulled away. "You did come to me after I got back to Camp Half-Blood," I reminded. 

He nodded. "I know. I just... I'm glad you're okay." 

I couldn't help the smile on my lips. I couldn't help the thought that tugged at the corner of my mind though. At the same time, my heart was screaming at me to ignore my head. 

He seemed to notice something was going on. He walked over and slowly raised a hand. He cupped my face softly, his thumb against my ear and his fingernails scratching my scalp. "Is something wrong?" he asked. 

I nodded. 

He lowered his hand and threaded our fingers. His hands were marked with callouses and scratches from treating his horses. "Do you want to go to the balcony?" he questioned. 

I nodded. I loved that place. I loved that view. He first kissed me there. That place was special to me. He gave me a soft smile and led the way. Past the landing pad to the inclined floors. Then to the bright golden doors with the world engraved on it. 

He opened the doors. He raised my arm and spun me around like a ballerina. I couldn't help but laugh at that. 

I walked over to the railing and looked over Olympus. It was bright and shining. Marble and ivory and gold. I could see the silver of a shrine to Artemis and the elevator to the Empire State Building. Someone was playing a lyre one of the many parks and a Cyclops was sweeping the streets with a tree branch. 

He walked over and laid his arms on the railing. "What are you thinking?" he asked. 

I felt tears prick my eyes. "I'm gonna miss this view." 

He looked over to me. He nodded slowly and lowered his head. "You're... cutting this off. Aren't you?" 

I swallowed my tears. "I'm sorry," I said. "Apollo-" 

"It's okay," he told me. 

"Just... let me get this out," I pleaded. He nodded. "Don't think I don't care about you. Because I do. I care about you so much. You're my first. I won't forget that and I won't forget you. Because I..." I slowly, tentatively brushed my hand against his. He watched as I covered my hand with his. He flipped his palm and we intertwined our fingers again. "I can't forget about you. I just can't hold on to you when I'm trying to move on too. I can't keep meeting in my dreams. It doesn't feel real enough. And I can't follow you to Olympus either. You're a god, Apollo. And I care about you with everything I have. I'm not sure if it's love. I've never had anything like this. But I can't keep doing this." 

He brushed his thumb up and down my knuckle. He was silent for a long time. He turned our hands over so mine was pressed against the railing. 

"You surprised me," Apollo said. "When I first met you, you were dying from snake venom. You had fatal injuries. But you made it back. You fought your way back to health. I didn't think you would. I believed you to be dead. But you made it. When I became a mortal, you were the only one that didn't coddle me like a child. You were real and didn't put up with my whining. You showed me my flaws and made me admit them. You apologised as well for it. You were stern but fair. You surprised me again. I didn't expect you to be happy to see me after I became a god once more. I thought you might be angry I was away for so long. But you were genuinely happy. I will never forget that. I will never forget your strength or your kindness or... just you." 

He leaned forward and kissed my forehead. I closed my eyes and felt the tears roll down my face. 

"I'm sorry," I whispered. 

"It's okay," he whispered back. "I will never forget you, Elizabeth Parrish." 

I held his hand tight, my heart wanting to hold on to those last scraps until I woke up. Crying and empty and alone. 

I wasn't sure how long I laid there until the sun shone through my window onto my face. I looked over. 

He was still shining. Even if I had broke part of myself. It felt like a message. A way of saying it's okay. 

You'll be okay. 

I didn't smile. But my lips wanted to. 

This honestly hurt to write. I knew that their relationship wouldn't last long but my girl still loves with everything she has. I wanted to get this out as well. Hope you guys liked it. Until next time demigods.