Elysium(second book in Ambrosia)

The Sunrise After The Dark

"You're sure?" I asked, taking the ice cream.

He grinned, handing the money over to the cashier.

"Keep the change. And yeah," he replied, his own cone held in his hand,"I'm sure."

I stared at the ice cream, remembering the sound of laughter and times better spent.

"Should we sit by the beach? It's cold as hell but hey, it's not like we can't handle it," he laughed, a deep heartfelt sound that caused me to smile.

"The beach sounds good," I replied, licking the tip of my ice cream.

He smiled and we settled down on a bench, facing the ocean.

"What do you call something that never moves but is always running?" He asked, a mischievous grin one his lips.

"You?" I joked.

"You wouldn't be wrong there," he laughed,"But no. It's a river."

I laughed as he told another riddle, this one with an answer so obvious I couldn't believe I hadn't gotten it. We sat for hours, listening to riddle after riddle and joke after joke.

"Ok ok give me a really hard one now!" I laughed.

He grinned and nodded.

"'I can move heaven and earth, yet I can't move. I have the power to demolish whole countries, yet I have the power to heal even the deepest wound. What am I?'" He asked.

"Money?" I laughed, my ice cream almost finished.

He shook his head, his eyes shining a beautiful blue.

"Give up yet?" He questioned.

I nodded, laughing.

"Love," he said, smiling.

I stopped laughing, my smile falling.

"You ever been in love Ambrosia?" He asked, a child like look of wonder in his eyes.

I remembered the way Percy smiled, that familiar smirk almost annoying. I remembered his blue almost black eyes, his charming laugh. His smooth voice.

"I have," I said, a small smile tugging at my lips.

He watched me, a slight smile tugging at his lips.

I shook my head, remembering my harsh good bye.

"But that was a long time ago," I continued.

"What happened?" He asked, watching me with concern.

I looked away, suddenly shy.

"I...I got into a fight with someone," I replied, my injuries aching as I remembered Thomas' harsh words and Percy's desperate pleas.

"And they hit you?" He asked, looking at me with pity.

My jaw clenched and I looked away.

Pity was the last thing I needed.

"That's personal," I snapped, my words harsher than I had intended.

I immediately felt guilt build in my chest as his expression fell.

"I'm sorry...it's just...a lot has happened and I'd rather not relive it," I said.

I felt tears prick my eyes and looked down, expecting him to leave or tell me I was weak.

Instead I looked up in shock as his finger skimmed my cut.

"We'll have to clean that out," Lowell smiled, tilting his head slightly,"And then we'll see what we can do about you falling in love. Okay?"

My eyes widened and I nodded, tears of gratitude falling. "Okay."

I watched Lowell's chest rise and fall, his mouth slightly open.

He looked perfect with his one hand on his chest, the other behind his head.

We were on my couch; I was sitting up with his head resting in my lap.

He was fast asleep, even though he had brought me home to feel better.

"I love you," I murmured, bending down and kissing his forward.

He mumbled something inaudible, shifting slightly.

I leaned backwards, closing my eyes.

I fell asleep, a half smile on my lips, as I felt Lowell's hand squeeze mine reassuringly.

"I love you too Amb," he whispered, just before I slipped into a peaceful slumber.