Before I Die (Split Souls part 1)

4: Dammit! Things Kinda Make Sense

Percy PoV

Food.

I wake up and all I can really think about is the gurgling and grumbling of my stomache.

Annabeth stirs on my chest. My stomache grumbles again, loudly. She turns her head to me, and opens one eye to glare  at me.

I give her a small sheepish smile. She grumbles incoherently. She pushes herself into a sitting position and rubs her eyes.

I reach and pull her back to me. She turns to look at me questioningly.

I brush my fingers through her hair, tucking it behind her ear. I continue to play with it as I let my thoughts run.

My Mom and stepfather have been abducted. I know. They wouldn't have just up and left.

I don't know what kind of monster would have been able to sneak up on Mom, let alone leave the house looking so undisterbed.

I don't know why any mortals would want to take her. I mean, sure she's an author, but not like super famous.

I can't find any reason why a demigod would either. There's not really anything to gain.

"Hey," Annabeth says softly. "We'll find them."

"I just don't know why anyone would..."

"We'll figure it out. We will."

I give her a small smile. She leans in, and once the kiss begins, it doesn't end quickly. I let my thought and worry fade to the back of my mind and take comfort in Annabeth.

When we pull away, Annabeth rests her forehead against my chest, and my chin on her head. Our peace is disturbed when my stomache growls again.

"Come on, let's get some food in you." She says, standing and collecting her clothes and chucking mine at me.

"Only if you eat too." I bargain as I tug on my clothes. She hasn't been eating very much since the war ended.

At her nod, I open the door for her and sling an arm over her shoulders, and guide her toward the kitchen.

As we pass the living room, I notice both Steve and Tony on the couches.

Steve looks relieved, though awkward. Tony, however looks like he's having a hard time restraining laughter.

"Good afternoon." I say.

"Good afternoon." Steve says.

"Have a good nap?" Tony asks, not managing to hide his laughter.

"I actually got some sleep." I say, smirking.

"Nice. Why didn't you get any last night?" Tony asks.

I hesitate. I look to Annabeth. She rolls her eyes, but she bites the inside of her lip. It's a simple, really small movement, and really hard to spot, but I've gotten familiar with Annabeth's small gestures.

I put a finger on her lip. "Stop biting your lip. You'll chew a hole through it if you keep doing that."

She doesn't answer me, instead turning to Tony. "New enviornment, and he has sleeping issues. We both do."

"I can get you two medicine- " Tony says.

"It's not something medicine can help." Annabeth politely informs him.

"Oh." Tony says.

My stomache grumbles.

"Come on, we've got sandwich stuff." Tony laughs.