Shattered to Pieces |Percabeth Story |

13

Annabeth

I wanted to repeat the words back to him. But I just couldn't bring myself to do it. Instead I settled for writing 'U 2' on his hand. Maybe it's because I'm scared; scared that if I admit how I feel then he will disappear, like everyone I've ever loved.

I'll tell him one day, I think to myself. I promise.

"We need to get out of here," I croak, shifting to try and get to my feet. I wince at the pain the small movement causes my back.

"No. We're staying until you have healed."

"What? We can't stay for that long! The cops will find us. They'll take me away. Please, we have to run," I beg.

Percy looks at me sadly and shakes his head. "I'm not risking your health. We're staying. You just have to be careful and let me take care of you and we'll be out of here in no time at all."

"It could take weeks. I may as well hand myself in," I say.

"We'll stay for a week and then go," Percy replies.

"No. Four days."

He narrows his eyes at me. "Five days. My last offer. Otherwise you go on your own."

I gulp. He knows I'm too scared to go on my own. He knows I want him to stay with me. I scowl at him and slump against the bed, turning my face the other way so I'm not looking at him.

He cares more about my health. I care more about our safety. He's such a Seaweed Brain. I'd rather be dead than have the police catch us. But he's won this fight. We're staying for five days.

I'm angry; angry that he knows my weakness, angry that he used it against me, angry that he won the fight. I'm afraid to be alone and he knows it. If Percy hadn't been there when all hell broke lose then I don't know what I would've done. Maybe I would have handed myself in or maybe I would have done something worse, like take my own life.

I wouldn't have run on my own because that's what I'm most scared of; being on my own, feeling unwanted and unloved. Tears fill my eyes once again. I don't fight them. They flow freely down my face as I close off my mind, put my racing thoughts at rest.

Percy starts to run his fingers gently through my hair. I feel his chest against my side. I want to turn and look into his loving, green eyes but I don't think I have enough strength to move an inch. I have to lay this way for five whole days to insure that I recover as quick as possible; doing nothing. I'll surely lose my mind, go crazy.

"I'm sorry," Percy whispers. "I shouldn't have used that to make you stay."

"You know me well. You shouldn't have said it, but you did. You got what you wanted," I mutter almost bitterly. I don't mean to be spiteful towards him. I'm beating myself up because of how weak I am.

"Please, don't stay angry with me," Percy pleas, pressing his lips to my hair.

I finally force myself to turn my face. His face is close to mine, my nose touching his. "I could never stay angry with you. You're the only person in the world that I have left."

"I wish you would realise how many people care for you; me, my mom, our neighbours, teachers and other people at school that you don't even notice. You would've had so many to confide in if you'd have given people the chance."

"I was so scared, Percy. I still am."

"You don't have to be scared anymore. I'm here to take care of you for as long as you want me," he says.

"I want you forever," I admit quietly.

"That's how long you'll have me for, then."

He slowly closes the gap between us, giving me enough time to stop him if I wanted to, but I don't. My eyes flutter closed and all I feel is his warm breath on my lips before his mouth meets mine. I stay frozen as he moves his mouth against mine, not sure what I should do.

He pulls away and I open my eyes to meet his. He curls his lips and i force a smile in return before this time I lean forward and kiss him. His tongue parts my lips and moves against mine in a slow dance. This is so different to what I'm used to. I've never kissed anyone like this.

A hot fire ignites in my stomach, stirring pleasantly before the raging flames take over, making me crave for something more, a hunger that won't be satisfied... not today, anyway. And probably not for a while.

Percy stokes my cheek with the back of his hand as he gently sucks on my bottom lip. He nibbles it slightly before releasing it and leaning away from my face to check that I'm okay.

"I'm fine," I say before he can ask. He nods, a goofy smile taking over his face.

"I've wanted to do that for a very long time," he admits.

"You should have done it sooner."

"I would have if I knew you'd react this well," he says.

I smile as I close my eyes, feeling as exhausted as I did a few hours ago.

"You should sleep," I mumble.

"I'm fine."

"Liar. Sleep, even if it's only for a little while. You need to rest, too."

"I want to keep my eyes on you," he says.

"I'm not going anywhere," I reply and link my fingers through his.

"I know. I trust you."